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SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for January - April 1990

Winter Visitors - Some species including Whooper Swans, Pinkfeet and Fieldfares appeared to migrate northwards earlier than in some years. Bewlck's Swan 4 with WhoOpers and Mutes between 27 Jan and 29 Mar at Easter . Also 7 at Vane Farm, 6 Jan. Whooper Swan 12 on Mill Dam 14 Jan despite nearby noise from drilling machine. Variable numbers on winter barley and floodwater at Easter Rhynd between December and mid April. Max number 112 birds and max Jun 7. On Lindores Loch 23 Feb 84 Inc 5 Juvs., and flock of 42 Mute Swans was present. Several other siahtlngs - last record 13 Apr. Several ringed birds sighted - three of which had been rlnÿed in Iceland (!K) Pink-footed Geese Flocks of severo! hundred in Threapmulr, , and areas. In a flock of 2,500 in Bankfoot/:area 25 Feb a Brown Hare running around caused some dlsturbance (CD&ES) Spring peaks of 8,300 late April. Major departures nights of 29 & 30th April (MVB) On 30 Apr flocks of 80/400 over in twilight and 200 over Balllnlulg (WM) Greenland Whltefronted Goose - 6 Jan with Pinkfeet, Threapmulr. Greylag Geese - Various reports inc c500 North of late Jan., 1,500 Dalpatrick 8 Feb,, 1,800 Drummond Pond 1 Apr., peak of 5,040 in Strathearn 3 Mar. Last report 1,000 Port Allen 22 Apr. Snow Goose I Apr (SRH) - had apparently been observed since January. Irregularly recorded in Perthshire. Barnacle Geese - several slghtlngs with Pinkfeet, 18 Tibbermore 10 Feb., Brent Goose - "Pale bellied" form with Pinkfeet near I0 Feb.

Goldeneye - Numerous records, regular on R Tay to R Almond approx 20, and on Stormont Loch average 14.

Fieldfares - 200 at Foss 3 Jan and "several hundred" in grassfleld at Leetown 5 Jan. 260 Muir of Orchll 11 March, Seemed fairly widespread from all reports. Redwings - Smallish numbers - max 70 nr Comrle 3 Mar. Bramblln5 - I male 14 Feb., Crleff.

Summer Visitors - Earliest 1990 dates reported for ;- ÿ 15 Apt (JK) Common Sandpiper ÿ3 Apt, Upper Glenalmond (S&MES)., 24th (DHH)., 29th B1airBowrle ÿSRH). Cuckoo - 30tn April, nr Biairÿowÿle ÿSRH), Uppe,- Glenalmond (S&MES). Sand Martin IBth March - White Moss Loch (MVB); 23rd - R Tay, Kercock (per ghillie via SRH) 24th Loch Balloch (MVB) 5th April, Blairgowrle area

Buzzard - Reports from several areas over period, Two pairs nested in Lower Tay area. Black Grouse - 19th Feb - 10 in Sma' Glen (8 males 2 females). Grey Partridge - Jan., 13 Maddery/Crieff Road., 14 Scone, 14 Newton of Bamff, A1yth, 11E Drimmie, B1airgowrle, 5 Glen Quaich. Oystercatcher - lOth Feb - 500 Scone Palace shingle; 25th Feb - 50 Stair Dam; 4th Mar - 250+ at Kinkell Bridge. Ringed Plover - 6th Apr, 2 at Kercock. Golden Plover - 19th Apt, pair - 4 eggs in nest., 3rd Mar 150 Dalreoch Bridge, 27th Apr - 78 nr Bridge of Cally. Lapwing - (gaelic ADHARCAN), peewlt or green plover! llth Feb - 190 Tulliemet, , 3rd Mar - 310 Logleralt, 4th Mar - 160 beside flood pools at west end of Loch Freuchie. Snipe and Woodcock - singles in B1airgowrie area, Woodcock roding, Scone 11th Mar and at North Inch Ist Apr. Black-tailed Godwlt - 24th Mar, North Kinke11 - a rare bird in Perthshire. Curlew - 30 on Scone Palace shlngle 14th Jan, and 110 on lOth Feb., 120 Glen Quaich 24th Mar. The long bubbling trill in spring must be one of the most beautiful sounds of nature in Britain. Redshank - 25th Feb, 3 North Kinke11, 11th Apr - 6 Calrnleith Moss.

Common Gull - 23rd Feb, 250 on flood water Logleralt. Lesser Black- backed Gull - 6th Apr, 2 at Kercock. Stock Dove - 25th Feb - 14 nr Trinity Gask, 5th Apr 2 at Pitroddle and 3 BalcrÿIg, Scone on the 7th. Tawny Owl - Aprll- 4 pairs in Blairgowrle area hatched 11 young in nestboxes. Short-eared Owl - 27th Apt - pair nr Blalrgowrle, and one at Dalnacardoch on 29th. "not many about?" (EDC). Kingfisher - 15th Apr, R Earn nr Comrie. Green Woodpecker - Reports from Kinfauns area (2/3), Pitroddie, Scone, S of Turleum, Glen Tarken, Nr Foulford Inn and Buchanty area. Great Spotted Woodpecker - Reports from Scone, Loch Clunie, Kihloch Rannoch. Grey Wagtail - 2 at North Inch and 5 Deil's Caldron, Glen Lednock. Dipper - by end of April 2 pairs had fledged young on R Ericht. Stonechat - 28th Jan, . Goldcrest - 12/13 Jan - Errol. Treecreeper - 17th Jan, Errol, 12th Mar Glen Tarken. - 25th Feb, nr , Dunkeld. Raven - 14th Jan, - 15 Glen Qualch. Goldfinch - 7th Jan, 17 Glen Qualch - "more numerous this winter" (WM) 21st Jan, 20 at Blackford. Smaller nos in 4 other locations. Sisklns - 13th Jan, 60 nr Aberfeldy and 60 Cluniemore, , 16th Apr. At gardens in Auchterarder, Crleff and Scone up to 4 present. Linnet - 22nd Jan, 70 nr Aberfeldy, 3rd Mar clO0 Blalrgowrle. Twlte - 6/28th Jan, 500 nr Braco, plus 200 Blackford on 13th. Flocks of up to 80 elsewhere. Redpoll - 3rd Jan - 40/50 Blalrgowrie, 7th, 30 Cluny, Aberfeldy, lOth Mar - 50 Dalcrue Br, A1mondbank. Snow Bunting - 28th /an, 30 nr Braco and 8 Greenloaning. Feb - 2 at Errol with mixed finch flocks. Reed Bunting - Jan/Mar, 20+ on farm hedgerows at Errol.

Contributions; Dr M V Bell, E D Cameron, Miss S R Hacker, D H Howle, J Kirk, S Lalng, Mrs W Mattlngiey, M McElroy, Mr & Mrs Pattullo, Miss M g Piper. C D & Mrs E , S & Mrs M E Shlmeld, Mrs E Symon.

The following records of Mammals have been kindly contributed by Euan Cameron;- Grey Squirrel, ist Apt, one at Quarry and one on 2nd scent marking on garden fence. (Wild) Goat - 13th Apr - 3 nannies and 2 kids on Schlehalllon - 4 escapees from Glengoulandie Deer Parkl Blue Hare - 14th Apr 6 by Loch Turret, Fallow Deer - lOth March 5 at Hillocks of Gourdle, Blalrgowrle, four were dark and the other golden - possible out of usual area? Roe Deer - one at Tummel Bridge 28 Apt and 2 Dalnacardoch 29 Apr. 'ÿ

Under our new constitution we can extend our interests to other wildlife so further contributions would be welcome. Records for May, June, July and August please to C D Scotland, Gruinart, Tu111bardine Cresc, Auchterarder, Perthshire PH43 ILY.

Secretary - Miss Esther Taylor, 23 Verena Terrace, Perth has kindly agreed to be our new secretary, and is already Involved in arranging our winter programme of lectures. The first meeting will be our Open Meeting on Friday 19th October 1990, when Martin Robinson, from Killlekrankle RSPB reserve will give us a talk.

Summer Outings. Some good outings still to come, - see last bulletin for detÿiis.

PSNS Weekend visit to the Ken-Dee and Solway area, 23/25th March 1990.

The omens for the weather were not good (but then what do the BBC know about the weather in Scotland?) and despite Steve's best endeavours not to turn up (My car failed its MOT today .... ), 8 hardy souls intent on a weekends birding gathered at the Ken Mure Arms Hotel in New on the Friday evening. The party consisted of 7 PSNS members and Sheila Hor{burgh, from RSPB , who was made an Honorary Member for the weekend, but will require special vetting if she is ever to become a full member of this august Society (BIll and Ben indeed!). It did appear however that at least one PSNS member seemed probably more interest in looking at daffodils than birds .... ! Joan Howle, Stewartry SOC secretary, gathered us all together on Saturday morning and led us out into the KirkcudbrIghtshlre countryside. We soon found ourselves in Sitka spruce forests around C1atteringshaws Loch, where due to the stiff breeze we were unable to locate the expected Sisklns and Crossbills, but were eventually rewarded with good views of Peregrines mobbing a Raven. We had hoped to take advantage of the 'good' weather while it lasted., before scuttling back to Loch Ken. This proved a wise decision

From the road on the west slde at the southern end of the Loch we notched up Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Great Crested Grebe, Oÿideneye, Coot and a few Pintail. Numbers were apparently down, as some wintering birds had moved out, but there was a good variety, Picnlclng further along the road, we found a couple of flocks of Greenland Whlte-fronted Geese with Oreylags - it later turned out the Mary, clearly a keen celtic supporter, was under the mis-apprehension that there were "Green and White fronted Geese" in the vicinity.

Ray Hawley, the RSPB warden of the Ken/Dee Marshes Reserve, met us and escorted us into the Reserve. This consists of areas of mixed oak woodland, marshland and open water some of which Is specially managed to maintain a high water table insplte of the artificially fluctuating water levels of Loch Ken. The main woodland area was most intriguing with large mature oak interspersed with birch, hawthorn, blackthorn and elder scrub, and looked well worth a visit in early summer. The hide overlooked the managed marshland and open water area, as well as some mixed scrub. Ray had had Bittern from the hide a few days earlier, and Barn Owl is apparently fairly frequent. Unfortunately, for both species it was a case of once 'bittern' twice shy (groan), but a Willow Tit made a brief appearance, and Ray, after several previous fruitless attempts managed to read the number on the ring of a colour ringed Cormorant from the Solway colony. Not for the last time on the weekend we looked in vain for Snipe.

On the way back to New Galloway we stopped off for a brief look for Barn Owls in suitable habitat

The evening, it was a case of totting up the day's records; naturally the non-ornithologists, trounced the opposition (the SOC/RSPB ladles), having to deduct from their score records such as "Gannet"ÿ(stuffed birds spotted in Bryan Nelson's window!) and Hedge Sparrow

The final stop was Caerlaverock for those who didn't have to hurry home, again wildfowl numbers were down and we failed to find Gadwall and the 3 Light-be111ed Brents, but there were large flocks of Pink-feet and Barnacle geese, as well as Golden Plover on the fields and Whooper Swans feeding in front of the main hide. But where had all the Snipe gone? ,ÿ

Present;- Tom and Mary 'Daffodil' Binny; Lily and Nan

Very special thanks are due to Sylvia for arranging accommodation and visits, and getting us up early; to Joan for spending so much time showing us round; to Ray for letting us see his Reserve; Steve's Mum for letting him borrow her car.

Another weekend outing is to be planned for October 1990, so lets hope we have an equally successfull time, anyone interested can contact Sylvia Lalng, /' PERTSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE.

| ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION. Bulletin for May - August 1990.

An interesting selection of bird and animal records has been

received from some Members, but further contributions would help to make future Bulletins more comprehensive• Keep a note of what you see, and send

it in - all records are of interest. It may be that cold, wet weather has had an adverse effect on

breeding - as reported by Dr. M.V.Bell concerning Wigeon, Mallard and

Shoveler in Strathallan. Sÿ VISITORS. : Earliest May 1990 dates reported, (see last Bulletin for other species), for :- Swift, 2nd, Perth (W.A.M•); 6th, 15 at Drummond Pond, (M.V.B);Pitlochry, (E.D•C.); lOth, Crieff,(S.&M.E.S); 14th, "lots" at Scone. House Martin, 5th, Glen Errochty,(E.D.C.); 17th, Blairgowrie,(S.R.H.), Auch- retarder, (C.D.&E.S.). Grasshopÿ,er WArbler, 4th, Greenloaning,(M.V.B.), "a better year for this species",(W.A.M.). Sedge Warbler, 4th, "influx" at Blairgowrie, (S.R.H.); 18th, Tay Lodge,Errol,(D.H.H.). Whitethroat, 9th, Blalrr ,(S.R.H.). Garden Warbler, 10th, (subsequently bred), Blairgowrie,(S.R.H.)• Spotted Flycatcher, 11th, Cluny, Aberfeldy,(W.A.M.); 12th, Calvine,(E.D.C.ÿ. ÿ SELECTED SPECIES RECORDS. Black-throated Diver: three pairs known to have bred on separate lochs. Two pairs at another loch in May. Little Grebe: present at seven

different lochs, including 7 at Drumore in August, and an adult with juveniles

at Monk Myre, 22 Aug. Great Crested Grebe: 8th June, 7 at Marlee L.; 15th June,

one pair plus two young, Hare Myre; 2rid July, 7 Loch of the Lowes; 11th Aug, 6 adults, I juv., L. Clunie, ( low numbers of juveniles ? W.A.M.). Mute Swan, 2nd May, pair, Cowden L and pair with fÿve cygnets on St. Serf's I.; pair with five cygnets on White Moss L. on 27th June; 29th June, pair with four cygnets; 52, mostly adults, Loch of Lindores, 27 (21 aÿults, 6 cygnets), R. Tay near Earn mouth; "very poor season Strathallan - 8 pairs only fledged 6 young" (MVB). PinM-footed Goose: 2nd May, 120 flying North ever Strathtay and 50 North through Glengoulandie; 7th May, 50 flying North in Blairgowrie area• Greylaÿ Goose : 12th May,3 L. Freuchie; feral b£rds at following locations:- 26th May,25 near Kinloch Rannech; 16th June, 20 flying towards Dunalastair / L. Rannoch, and on 25 August, ci00 on stubble near Blairgowrie with c150 Canada Geese: Wigeon: 5rd June, female + 10 young on hill loch, Strathtay; 22nd Aug, 5 at Stormont L. Gadwall; let July,a pair, and on 27th Aug, 10 , on small loch. Shoveler; 19th May, female and five ducklings on another loch; 29th July, four females or - 2 -

juveniles (in eclipse). Pochard; pair bred at Haremyre, but young decreased from four to one. Goosander : pair nested near Blairgowrie. Ruddy Duck:bred at two

sites - total five pairs. (See note at end). Hen Harrier: several sightings in central Perthshire.

Buzzard: five repÿts of breeding; 19th Aug, birds soaring near Aberfeldy. 1

Osprey: 3 young reared successfully at one site. Kestrel: regular sightings.

Merlin: poorer breeding season in West and Central Perthshire (W.A.M.). Peregrine: several Kightings, including one swooping at a Curlew flock. Red Grouse:

"more birds seen, appeared to have a good breeding season" (W.A.M.). Black Grouse: 6th May, 27 aÿ lek site near (E.D.C.) - quite a sight for a birdwatcher! Grey Partridge: 30th July,14 near Blairgowrie. Rinÿed Plover: 11th August, pair plus two young at Kercock.

Golden Plover: bred near Blairgowrÿe, Glen Turret, Dalnacardoch, Glen Garry. Lapwing: 8th July, 600 flocked in Strathallan, but quickly departed. Breeding good in Blairgowrie area, buÿ not at upper River Almond. Dunlin: 9th June, one, Loch

Broom; 23rd August, 3, North Murie. Snipe: 3]st July, two chicks near Braco. Woodcock: Ist May, one at Butterstone, Dunkeld. Whimbrel: (passagÿ migrants), 18th July, one, SW Strathallan; ]9th May, one near Blackford. Curlew: 19th August,

100+ at Burnside, Momorgan. Greenshank: Ist August, Kercock; 18th Aug, 4, Port Allen. ( These waders have a very distinctive high-pitched, repeatedcall; Members Jÿ who went on the Montrose Basin Outing had good views). Green Sandpiper: 29th Aug,

two, Greenloaning, ( passage migrants). Wood Sandpÿper: 19th May, near Blackford, ( rare passage migrant). ommon Tern: Ist June, fishing at Annaty Burn inflow,

R. Tay, Perth. Tawnÿ 0wl: four pairs bred in nest boxes near Blairgowrie.

Long-eared 0wl: 18th June, juvenile flying at midday, Lansdowne Golf Course, Blairgowrie.Short-eared ÿwl: 29th June, family of 8 fledglings near Aberfeldy.

Green Woodpecker: 30th June, Glen Lyon. Great Spotted Woodpecker:18ÿhJune, in

woods, Lansdcwne G.C.; 3rd July, Trinafour. Swallow: 194 young fledged, Blairgowrie area - a good year. Redstart: pair nested in garden tree, Rannoch; other sightinge Blairgowrie ( mist netted), Glen Artney, Drumore L. Whinchat: pair bred near Blairgowrie; 5th May, several in Glen Errochty. Stonechat: pair bred near Blairgowrie; also near Trinafour; 5 pairs Central Perthshire - growing number of pairs found in suitable habitat (W.A.M.). Ring Ouzel: 3rd August, 12+ feeding on blaeberries, L. Ericht. Nistle Thrush: 27th July, 12+ round about farm, Errol, for ÿ - 3 weeks (D.HE). Chiffchaff: three records in May - Upper Glenalmond, near Strathtay, and Glen Lyon. Willow Warbler: 1st May, 2 in garden at Errol; 13th Aug, Auchterarder Golf Course;end August, 30 mist netted, Blairgowrie. Tit___ÿs: "Quite a good year, with some large broods fledged" (S.R.H.). Long-tailed Tit: Ist July, fiÿ flock of 32, Tummel Bridge. Starling: 14th July, to Logiealmond, "I,000s in / -3- in flocks of ci0 up to several hundred, feeding on grassy hillsides.Tree Sparrow: 151 young fledged at Blairgowrie; 11th August, 10+ at Murthly. Siskin: 17th May,

Sma' Glen; 24th August, 100 at Cluny, Aberfeldy. Twite: "Good numbers found in \ suitable habitats during breeding season" (W.A.M.). Crossbill: 13th June, small flock, Strathtay valley -"first birds heard after 'invasion' began. Many flocks around in plantations, rest of June, July and August" (W.A.M); 29th June, Milton of Drimmie. Hawfinch:8th June, Scone, and family party of four, 24th August. Reed Bunting: 18th May, Taÿ Lodge, Errol. Contributions: Dr. M.V.Bell, E.D.Cameron, Miss S.R.Hacker, D.H.Howie, J.Kirk,

Mrs. W.A.Mattingley, C.D. & Mrs. E.Scotland, S. & Mrs. M.E. Shimeld.

MAMMAL REPORT. The following combined records have been kindly contributed by Euan

CamerOn, Sandra Hacker and David Howie. They make interesting reading. Hedgehog: road casualities are all too comÿJon, and wide-spread over our area. The fartherest North of thÿse was reported from Calvine, which raises the question of how far North up the A9 the creatures go - t% Drumochter and beyond ? Livlng animals were recordeÿ from Bridge of Cally and Blairgowrÿe. Common Shrew also seems to be recorded mainly as "body" , around Blairgowrie.Lonÿ-eared Bat' • two were seen at Blairgowrie on18th August, and one rescued from a shop store there was later released unharmed. Pipistrelle:the mÿst commonly seen bat; several roosts are known in the Blairgowrie area. Blue Hare; four were seen on

Cochrage Moor, Blairgowrie, on 6th June, and several on the North side of Loch Errochty on 10th July. Brown Hare: seen regularly on the flat farmland between and Coshieville; also in the Blairgowrie to Bridge of Cally area. Red Squirrel: 8th March, one seen gathering strips of bark for its drey, at

Blairgowrie; other records from this area, Logiealmond Lodge and 01d Scone; this last being a road casualty. Grey Squirrel: one at on 28th June is thÿ only record. Vol__ÿe: A 'plague' of Field Voles reported from North Murie garden, which they enter from near-by "set-aside" land, over which Kestrels, Buzzards and Tawny Owls hunt regularly. Wood Mouse; one found dead in gear-box of N.R.Hÿs boss's car! ( Beware of buying a second-hand Peugeot!). Stoat: 19th April, five dead on keeper's gibbet, Coohrage Moor;

3rd July, one watched hunting alomg a dyke at Trinafour. Weasel: 17th July, one at Drimmie, Blairgowrie, the only report° ( Rarer than Stoat, or just harder to see ?). Fallow Deer: 8th March, 8 at Kercock. Roe Deer: widespread, on open moorland as well as woodland and woodland edgw; at N. Murie, does reared twin young each side of the A85 - let's hope they never try to cross it! Not Mammals, but recorded, were an Adder , on the South side of

Schiehallion, and Common Lizard.One Lizard was seen on the lower slopes of Schiehallion, but not on the same day as the Adder! One ran (?) ÿ it seemed to flow - across the South Loch Rannoch road on Ist August. Finally, one was seen

on Cochrage Moor on 9th July. -4- OUTING. I Members interested in a proposed outing to Endrick Mouth, ,

( famed for wildfowl etc.ÿ, please contact Miss S. Laing - Almondbank, 83418. FRIDAYt 19th OCTOBER. The first meeting, which is open to all members of thd P.S.N.S., will have a lecture by Mr. Martin Robinson, R.S.P.B.,ÿon " Through the Yearÿ Bring along any friends who may be interested in becoming a Member. SUBSCRIPTIONS. Subscriptions are now due : Adults £5, Juniors 50p, including sub. to parent body. RUDDY DUCK. Appeal for information. Social Interactions of North AmericanRudd/ Ducks. After only 30 years of feral breeding in Great Britain, there are now nearly 3,000 North American Ruddy Ducks in the country. As the population continues to expand, competition between Ruddy Ducks and native British waterbirds may become a serious threat 1o the stability of this ecosystem. Already Ruddy Ducks have bred on the continental nainland, where hybridisation and competition with

White-headed Ducks is now a real possibility. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has witnessed aggression betw@en Ruddy Ducks and any other species, including, if possible, the following

details'• ÿef I. The other species involved in the interaction.

2. The initiator.

3- The victor. 4. The short-term results of the interaction; for example, desertion of a

nest or evacuation of the site by the loser. 5. The long-term effects of the interaction; for example, a decline in

numbers of a species or a decline in breeding success. It is equally important ÿo include details of interactions in which Ruddy Ducks are

not the initiators or the victors. The information will be included in my Ph.D. thesis on the ecology and

behaviour of the Ruddy Duck in Great Britain, and anyone who sends information will ÿ

be personally acknowledged. I will also supply a summary sheet of the information

received from the appeal.

Barry Hughes, The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucester GL2 7BT. BIRD &Fÿ!ÿMAL RECORDS. Notes for September to December, please, to C.D.Scotland,

tGruinart', Crescent, Auchterarder, P@rthshire, IÿH3 ILY. ( Keep those binoculars polished and ready! Ed.). PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION. \ Bulletin foÿ September - December 1990.

BIRD REPORT. Reading through the Report shows that there are records of a wide variety of species. Large numbera of wildfowl have appeared this winter, and the inclusion of Loch Leven observations has covered a wider area than normal in the Bulletin. / Departure of Sÿmmer Visitors. The latest records were as follows:- Swallow - one at Crieff, 17th Oct i

two, North 22nd Oct ouse artin - several with

Swallows, Auohterarder Golf Course, 21st Sept (C.D.S.), three near Bridge of Cally, 24th Sept (S.R.H.). Wheatear - one at Blackford, 30th Sept (M.V.B.). Chiffchaff - one at scone, 23rd Sept (E.D.C.). Willow Warbler - one at Blairgowrie, 1st 0or

Spotted Flycatcher - three on 10th and two on 13th Sept, Blairgowrie (S.R.H.). NTER ARRIVALS : Bewlck's Swan - 50 at L. Leven on 4th Nov (M.V.B.), 4 at Balhepburn,

23rd Nov, and two there on 24th Dec (J.K.).( Bewick's Swans are not seen in great numbers in Scotland, and 50 is a significant figure. Whooper Swan - 18 sightings, the earliest being one bird at Monk Myre on 12th Oct. 51 at ÿ. Leven, 4th Nov and 33 ( including pair with four juveniles) at Drumore Loch on 10th Nov. Other sitÿs were Balhepburn, Rannoch, R. Tay at Perth, Dunalastair, Stormont L., Nelgle, Rhynd, Carsebreck and L. Freuchie. Pinkfeet - first arrivals noted were 1,000 at a roosting loch on 16th Sept. There was a huge influx from 20th - 23rd Sept, with many thousands at L. Leven, Strathearn and Strathallan. By 7th Oct, massive flocks were in evidence. White-fronted Goose - one at Drummond Pond on 14th Oct and two of the Greenland race in Strathallan on 22nd Dec. Greylag - earliest records 7th Oct, including c600 at L. Clunie; maxlmum 3,600, Drummond Pond on 11th Oct (S.&M.E.S); " c3,500 Strathearn from late October to year's end. Another.poor Autumn

Strathallan, with 1,240 on Ist Dec the maximum'.' (M.V.B.). Snow Goose - two at Pinkfoot roost, 7th Oct, considered to be Greater Snow Geese. Further record of

Snow Goose with Pinkfeet, L. Leven, 4th Nov. Barnacle Goose - 22 Strathallan on

27th Oct was Autumn peak. Goldeneye - 15 records, including 218 L. Levenon 27th Oct, 130, R. Earn mouth, 18th Dec,Dunalastair ( 63 ), R. Tay at Newburgh (35), Stormont L. (1,0), Marlee L. (51), -Almondmouth (38), Drummond Pond (14), Lindores L. (10). Waxwin5 - flock of c30, Crieff, 10th Nov; 14 vislted Crieff garden for several days from 15th Nov, stripping pink berries from a Vilmorin rowan tree (S.& M.E.S.); 18 on tree in Crieff, 28th Nov (M.McE.); six passed through Errol garden on 18th Nov (D.H.B.H.); 9 in hawthorn hedge near Perth on

2nd Dec (M.V.B.); 40, 0akbank Estate, Perth,roosting and preening, on 91h Dec (K.R.); plus other records. ( Only one record for the same period in 1989 ). - 2 -

Fieldfare - many reports, including some large numbers. Earliest , near Aberfeldy on 25th Sept, (normally 7 - 10 days later). 60 near Aberfeldy on 12th Oct; 1,500 at Dunning, 400 at , 400 at Aberfeldy and 300 at Dunalastair on 28th Oct. D.H.B.H. reported that he " had never seen so many Fieldfares and Redwings. Every hedge and ditch moving with them, and sitting out in flelds," - Errol, 31st 0or. Redwinÿ - (see above), earliest were 6 at Cluny, Aberfeldy, on 27th Sept, earlier than normal; 50 at Kercock, 4th 0or; 100+ at Kinlooh with 100 Fieldfares and a few Mistle Thrushes, 17ÿh 0ct; 150 at Dunalastair, 28th 0or.

Other Species: Little Grebe - 11 reports, including 18 at Drumore L. i 13th Sept; 7, L. Faskally, 13th 0ct; 4, Perth Bridge to Almondmouth, 16th Dec. Great Crested Grebe - a large number at L. Leven - 212 on 27th Oct (M.V.B.); 20 at Marlee L. on 13th Sept; 8 at L. Clunie on 15th Sept and 6 at L. of Lowes on

26th Dec. Slavonian Grebe - one at L. Leven, 16ÿh Sept and 3rd Oct, and one near

Blairgowrie, 10th Oct, (S.R.H. - a regular Slavonian Grebe spotterS). Black- necked Grebe - one at L. Leven, 16th Sept, and two on 3rd & 14th 0or. Cormorant -

28, L. Clunie, 14th Oct; 293 at L. Leven, 4th Nov; 41 at North Inch, perched on trees, 16th Dec; 20 at L. of Lowes, 26th Dec. Mute Swan - various records, including, Monk Myre - 47 adults, 27 juveniles, 151h Nov, ( Bird with blue ring from Northumberland); 63 at Carsebreck, 24th Nov; 31 adults with 8 juvenlles at White Moss L., 18th Nov. Canada Goose - 60 a% Blairgowrie, flying towards Ker cock, 7th Sept; 9 going West over Myreside, 17th Sept; 50+ at L. of Craiglush, 7th Oct; 45 at Stormont L., 12th Oct; 64 at Crieff, 22nd Dec. Shelduck - 16 at L. Leven, 16th Sept. Mandarin - two between Perth Bridge and Almondmouth, 16th Sept & 16th Dec. Wigeon - 1,155 at L. Leven, 16th Sept; 100 at L. Freuchie, 7th Oct; 328 at Carsebreck, 27th Oct; 120 at Drumore L.,31st 0ct; 260 at L. Freuohie, Ist Dec. Gadwall - 258 at L. Leven, 3rd Oct; two pairs at Stormont L. in Nov; 30 at White Moss L., 2nd Nov. Teal - 476 at Carsebreck, 27th Oct; 200 at L. Freuchie, 25th Nov; 200 on another loch, 18th Dec. Mallard - large numbers

reported, including 1,927 at L. Leven, 3rd Oct; 403, Drumÿond Pond, 11th Nov; 1,140, Carsebreck, 15th Dec; 1,108, Perth Bridge to Almondmouth, 16th Dec, (highest count in this area); 700 on loch, 18th Dec. Pintail - 92 on L. Leven, 3rd Oct. Shoveler - 540. L. Leven, 3rd 0or; 5, %ÿ%ite ÿoss L., 18th Nov. Pochard - 14, Fingask Loch, 12th Oct; 18, L. Clunie,and 51 Drummond Pond, 14th Oct; 152, Carsebreck,and 956, L. Leven, 271h Oct. Tufted Duck - at Carsebreck, " lower numbers than usual in

October and November; 134 on 31st Dec." (M.V.B.); 2,825 at L. Leven, 27th Oct, (L. Leven has the largest breeding population of this species in Brltain ); 64 at

Drummond Pond, 18th Nov; 215, Perth Bridge to Almondmouth, 16th Dec, (lochs frozen over). Goosander - 94 at L. Leven, 3rd Oct; 22, Perth Bridge to Almondmouth, f6th Dec;

54, Stormont L., 29th Dec. Ruddy Duck - 4, Hare Fÿre, females or juveniles, 13th Sept;

one, ditto, Carsebreck, 29th Sept. -3-

Hen Harrier - one in glen, hunting and being mobbed by crows, mid-Nov. Sÿarrowhawk - a female took a Blackbird in the Public Park, beside the main road, in Scone, 3rd 0c1; one over tha Annaty Burn, beside the Tay, 14th Oct. Buzzard - 11 records from the area, %otalÿing 22 birds. Kestrel - three hunting Inchcoonans "set-asmde", 23rd Sept; two at Blairgowrie, "female with dead Blackbird in talons, male following", 12th Dec (S.R.H.). Merlin - one in Sept and Oct. Peregrine -

three records.

Black Grouse - ÿwo males, Dalnacardoch, 10th Nov. ÿed-legÿed Partridge -

13, Blairgowrie, 14th Dec. Grey Partridge - coveys of 10, 11 & 14 birds, Zercock, 4th Oct; 15, Glen Qualch, 24th Nov; 12 near Innerpeffray, 10th Dec; 16 Spittalfi%Id, 26th Dec and 25, Loglerait on 31st. Water Rail - one at Tay Lodge, Errol, 25th Nov. Coot - 1,515, L. Leven, 3rd Oct; c150, Honk Myre, 12th Oct; 273, Drummond Pond, 11th Nov, and 140, L. of Lowes, 26t]ÿ Dec. Golden Plover - 50 - 60 wlth Lapwings on field at North Murme, 23rd Sept; 218, L. Leven, 27th Oct. Grey Plover - 6, L. Leven, 3rd Oct. Lapwing - 800 - 1,000, Crieff Rosd, Perth, 4th Oct; c200 Blairgowrie, 5th Oct, seÿn regularly; 2,470, L. Leven,27th Oct; 140, Scone Palace 8hingle,16th Dec. Little Stint 9 three at L. Leven, 3rd 0c1. Dunlin - 200, L.Leven, 16th Sept. Ruff -

26, L. Leven, 16th Sept; one, Greenloaning, 28th Oct. Snipe - two, Fingask L., Blairgowrie, 7th Sept; 7, Blairgowrie, 5th Dec; other occasional sightings.

Woodcock - 5 , Amulree, 15th Dec; ÿ0 shot in two day's shooting in December, atÿ Blairgowrie; otherwise regular slghtings. Black-tailed Godwit - 4, L. Leven, 16th Sept.

Curlew - 3 at Kercock on 4th Oct. Spotted Redshank - three, L. Leven, 3rd Oct.

Greenshank - 7, L. Leven, 16th Sept. Herring Gull - 22, L. Faskally, and 5 Great Black-backed Gulls, L. of

Lowes, 26th Dec. Collared Dove - 37, B1airgowrie, 5th Dec. Long-eared 0wl - two hunting "set-aside" at Inchcoonans for weeks at dusk in September. Short-eared 0wl -

dead bird at Inchooonans, (hit power lines in high winds, D.H.B.H.).Kingfisher - two at Marlee L., 21st Oct & 11th Nov. Green Woodpecker - two adults and three young in Woods on 17th Sept. Great Spotted Woodpecker - regular sightings in Blairgowrie: one in gÿrden, Kinloch, Blairgowrie, 17th Oct; one, North Inch, Perth, 16th Dec. Meadow Pipit - "passage Strathallan late July to mid-October, peak early to mid-September",(M.V.B.); "lots", Scone to Pitroddie, mov±ng South towards

Tay, 8th Sept,(E.D.C.); 27, L. Freuchie, 24th Nov. Pied Waÿ%ail - 30, Glen Quaich, 15th Sept. Grey Wagtai! - two, Errol, 23rd Sept; two, L. Faskally, 13th Oct; slngle birds Blairgowrie, North Inch, Perth. Stonechat - s pair at Crieff, 23 - 26th Sept. (S.& H.E.S.). Song Thrush - one at Crieff, 12th Dec, the only one noted! Blackcap -

one male mist-netted, Blairgowrie, 9th Sept, a female there on 15th; " female in Scone in December, on and off blrd table" (J.K.).Long-tailed Tit - 14 in garden at Crieff, 3rd Oct; 27, Blairgowrle, 17th Oct; 20, L. Freuchie, 11th Nov; up to 14 at

bird table, Scone, Nov - Ded. - 4 -

Marie - one near Gleneagles Hotel, 29th Sept. Jackdaw & Rook -mixedÿ flock of approximately 3,000 birds going to roost, Crieff Knock, 5th Dec and otÿer nights. Carrion Crow - 40 nest Trinafour, 10th Nov; 16, Scones Lethendy, 11th hbv. Raven - three, Tummel area, 10th 0or. Tree Sparrow - two near MadSerty, Ist Dec; o50, Blairgowrie, Dec, in mixed flock of finches. Chaffinch - 500 near Gleneagles Farm, 24th Nov; 300, Acharn, 8th Dec; 600 Strathbraan, 9th and 800, 9allinluig, 26th Dec. Brambling - one near Braco, 151h Dec. Greenfinch - 5 in garden, Auchter- arder, 28th Dec. Goldfinch - small parties up river bank, Perth Bridge to Almond- J mouth, 16th Sept; 40 - 50 & 10, Kercock, 4th Oct. Siskin - 70, Cluny, Aberfeldy, 16th A 17th Sep; 50, Dunalastair, 28th Oct; ci00, Glen Errochty, lOth Nov; 13 at L. Clunie, 9th Dec; 120, Strowan, near Crieff, 22nd; 50, L. of Lowes, 26th, Dec.{-

Linnet - c50, Woody Is., Perth, 16th Sept; 050, Forneth, Blairgowrie, 21st Oct; 500 near Gleneagles Farm, 24th Nov. Twite - 55, Glenquaich, 24th Nov; 630, Braco, 31st Dec. Redpoll - I00, L. Rannoch, Ist Sept; c60, Scone, 8th Oct; 15, North Inch, 16th Dec. Crossbill - "in conifer plantations all over thee county" (E.D.C.); up to 20, Braco area; 15 Gleneagles Golf Course; 59 in 1½ sq. km. of Murray's Hill plantation, above Fowlis Wester on 11th Nov (}ÿ.V.B.).

Contributors to the above, in some cases acknowledged by thelr

initials, were:-D.Allan, Dr.M.V.Bell,(assisted at L. Leven by P.Moore & S.New%on),

E.D.Cameron, Miss S.R.Hacker, D.H.B.Howie, J.Kirk, ÿrs. W.A.Mattingley, Maureen e MoElroy, K.Ringland, C.D. & Mrs. E.Scotland, S. & Mrs.N.E.Shimeld.

iAÿL REPORT. The following records have been contributed by Dr. M.V.BelI,

E.D.Cameron, Miss S.R.Hacker, D.H.B.Howie,K.Rlngland and C.D. & Mrs. E.Scotland.

Once again it is interesting 1o know the distribution of mammals in the area:-

Hedgehqg - more road casualties, unfortunately, including ones at Blairgowrie,

12th Sept, Almondbank and Dalorue, 30th Sept. However, live ones were at Blairgowrie, two on 15th Nov, and Kirkton of Lethendy on 21st Oct. Brown Hare - ÿlalrgowrme,

19th Sept. Red Squirrel - 16 records altogether, which is enoouraglng. Two near and ÿtwo in Muirward Wood, Scone; singles, Muirton of Ardblalr, Braco and Findogask in Sept. Singles, Rosemount, (pulling beechnuts off %ree),in Blairgowrie,

Eae L., Marlee House, Findogask, L. Faskally, Snaigow ÿd near Caputh in 0c1. Some of you may have read recently that it has been proved, after a ten year research

project, that Grey do no_ÿ% drive away Red Squirrels. Apparently it ms llnked to food Ohoices and dlgestion - Reds cannot dlgest acorns as well as the Grey species.

(Somebody has been feeding us with the wrong information in the pastÿ). Squirrel - seen regularly at Balhomie, near Blairgowrie; singles at Crieff, Kirkton of Lethendy and Scone Den; and some elsewhere. Short-tailed Vole - one dead, r±ver-

side path by North Mulrton, Perth, 14th Oct. Wood Mouse - one dead in oak wood at

Blairgowrie, 29th Sept. -5-

Red Fox - near Bridge of Cally, 24th Sept. Stoat - eleven indlvidual reports, including roadside verges - sometimes at rabbit carcases. One Ermine on

Evelick Hill, 21st Nov; another, Monk Myre, 20th Dec. Weasel - one in Glenshee, and also a Wild Cat, kmlled in road accident, mid-Nov. Common Seal - one off Scone

Palace fishing station, R. Tay, 14th Oct. Red Deer - 90 in Glen Artney, 5rd Nov. Roe Deer - I to 4 animals, Kinkell, near Methven, Murray's Rill, Pitroddie,

Snaigow, Dalnacardoch, North Murie, Blamrgowrie. Up to ten observed in Megginch

Woods; approximaiely 20, }ÿill Dam, 7th Oct, and 25 near Braco, !st Dec. L

The following is a note from ÿr. John Kirk, Presmdent of P.S.N.S. and a rÿ member of the Ornithological Section Committee. The proposed Reserve was discussdd briefly at our last Committee Meeting, and it was agreed that knoÿ details be published, in order to give Section Members the opportunity, should they so wish,

of supÿortlng i1. Tay Esiuary Local Nature Reserve. For a number of years, thought has been given 1o

the development of such a reserve, so that the rich birdlife and vegetation can be preserved. There ms general agreement in the and Perth and Councils,

the N.C.C., S.W.T., R.S.P.B., S.0.C. and Tay Ringing Group, on the desirability of the scheme. Opposmtion eentres strongly from local wildfowling opinion. This isÿ disappointing, in view of the amicable situation now existing at the Eden and the

Mon%rose ]Basin ÿeserves, between wildfowlers and Conservation groups. A working party from local conservatmon and Council

represeniatives is belng convened in %he hope of furtherlng the Reserve development, and Section Members may wish 1o "lobby" their local Councillor by writing in

support of the plan. A copy of the suggested Reserve boundaries will be ava±lable

at Section meetlngs. J.Kirk.

New EDITOR. Having now been involved with the Bulletin for over three years, the

time has come for a change' The Committee is pleased therefore, that Mm. John Duncan

has agreed 1o become Editor. Future contributions should be sent to him at :-

Parkhill, Arnbathie, Scone, Perth. The next 9ul]etin will cover January to April, 1991, inclusive. May I take this opportunity to thank all of you who have made contributions, or helped in other ways to ensure that Members received the 9ulle%in, Cecil Scotland. /

P S N S ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION SUMMER PROGRAMME /, lq o

All outings leave from the Museum Car Park

Leader

/ Wed April 10th 6.30pm Vane Farm Nature Reserve Warden I Sun April 21st 9.30am Baron's Haugh Motherwell Warden ÿ,-

Wed May Ist 6.30pm Abernethy Glen Ranger

Wed May 29th 6.30pm Haugh of Kercock C Scotland

Wed June 12th 6.30pm Loch Kinnordy Warden

Wed June 26th 6.30pm Loch Freuchie J Kirk

Sun Oct 27th 9.30am Lochs Cameron & Lindores S Laing ÿ Eden Estuary, Ness

* R S P B members should remember to take membership cards with them to nature Reserves.

Any further information about the cuttings can be obtained from the secretary, Miss Esther Taylor, Telephone Perth 21986. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF WATPRAL SCIENCE

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

BULLETIN FOR JAN - APRIL 1991

During January and February the weather was colder, with more snow than during the past few years. This was followed by a spell of wet weather during March and early April.

SPECIES RECORDS

Both Red and Black Throated Divers were seen on Loch Rannoch during April (EC, DH) . Three Little Grebes were reported on Loch Faskally on 13/1, two more noted on the Tay above Perth, throughout Jan, Feb and March, while a pair were seen on Monksmyre 13/3, and on Stare Dam 17/3 and 30/4, (AG,EC,SH,IMcK). Three Great Crested Grebes were seen on Marlee Loch on 12/1 and seven were present on 13/3. Other reports during Feb to April came from Port Allan, Lowes, Drummond Pond, White Moss Loch and Stare Dam.

A Slavonian Grebe was seen in the Blairgowrie Area on 27/4. ( SH) . Coraorant - reports from many parts of the County, the largest number counted was 144 on the at Perth on 20/1. GREY HERON three at Loch Faskally 13/1 and three at Carsebreck 15/1 (AG). There were several reports of Mute Swan, including 60 at Rhynd 31/1, 50 at Monksmyre from 1,2 /'I to 18/2, 60 on Stormont Loch from 28/3, while Drummond Pond held 20 on 13/1, 2 on 17/2 and 9 on 17/3. (AG,EC,SH,CS,SS) . Whopper Swans were seen on Loch Clunie, Carsebeck, Drumore Loch, Loch Dochart and Loch Kinordochy, while 60 including juveniles observed at Rhynd on 31/1 showed a complete disregard for bird scarers. Records of Pint Footed Geese included 300 at Inchaffrey on 6/1, 300 at Tibbermore on 24/4 , 200 at Blairgowrie on 25/4 and 150 Blackford on 26/4, (SH, CS & SS). 200 Greylag Geese were seen at Lochalour Crieff on 19/1, 400 at Bonnybeg on 17/2, 300 Kercock 24/3 & 365 on 17/4, 450 at Bonha r d 3/4 and 145 Port Allan 25/4. One Snow Goose was seen on Marlee Loch in the company of Greylags during Jan and on 24th & 25th Feb. (EC & SH). 90 Canada Geese were reported from Loch Clunie on 12/1 and 100 from Blairgowrie area on 15/2. Smaller numbers were seen on Carsebreck, Bonnybeg, Kercock and Loch Freuchie. Two reports of Shelduck on the River Tay at Port Allan were 10 on 17/3 and 50 on 2 5/4. (EC & DH) One pair of Mandarin were seen on the River Tay at Perth throughout the period and on 17/2 four birds were reported. (AG, EC, IMcK). Big numbers of Wigeon were noted, 350 on Stormont Loch 6/1 and on 17/4 200 males and 5 females; 188 on Drummond Pond on 13/1 and 25 on 17/2, 150 on MonksMyre on 18/2, while on the River Tay above Perth 125 were counted on 13/1, 93 on 20/1 and 90 on 10/2 (AG,EC,SH,CS & SS). A female Gadwall was seen on Marlee Loch on 6/1 and 12/1 (SH) Records for Teal from Loch Faskally, Carsebreck, Drummond Pond and Loch Clunie were all in January and first half of February. The greatest number was 6>0 on Faskally on 13/1. -2-

Most of the Mallard reports are for the Tay above Perth, 970 cjn 13/1 being the largest number. , Pintail - 2 males on Stormont Loch on 6/1. (SH). Five Shovelers were seen on Stormont Loch on 17/4 and 19/4. (SH & CS),. Drummond Pond held 5 Pochard on 13/1, 6 on 17/2 and 8 on 17/3, and two were seen at Perth Harbour on 17/3. (SS & CS). Counts for Tufted Duclc on Drummond Pond were 22 on 13/1, 20 on 17/2 and 107 on 17/3, other reports were from Carsebreck, Monks Myre and Perth Harbour. One male, 2 sub-adult males and 6 female Scatip were reported from Perth Harbour on 11/3. (AG). Three Common Scoter were back on loch in breeding area on 27/4. (EC). Goldeneye - many reports including 75 on R.Tay between & Perth 20/1, also from Stormont Loch, Drummond Pond, Loch Freuchie, Loch Rannoch and the Tay Estuary. A male Smew was reported from Loch Faskally on 13/1 and again on 9/2. (AG & I McK) Pairs of Red Breasted Merganser were seen on the R.Tay above Perth on 20/1 and 30/3, at Kercock on 17/4 and Loch Rannoch on 27/4 (AG,DH & CS). Goosanders - were reported from Loch Rannoch, Blairgowrie Lochs, Drummond Pond, Port Allan and up to 58 on the R.Tay above Perth from Jan to March. Up to four Ruddy Pnck were present on Haremyre Loch during March and April(SH). There were two sightings of Red Kite from south Perthshire on 15/1 and 12/2. (AG, CS). A male Hen Harrier was seen being mobbed by a buzzard, on 2/3 a female lifted a blackbird in the Blairgowrie area and another female was seen in central Perthshire. Sparrow Hawk - Sightings at Port-na-Craig on 13/1, Luncarty on 20 /1 , and iTady Mary's Walk, Crieff on 22/1 (AG & IMcK). EC watched 2 females talons locked, pulling each other around on the ground on mossy area in birch scrub o.n * Rannoch/Glen Lyon footpath. The birds were observed for about 30 seconds before they disengaged and flew into the forest. Being readily observed when flying and with numbers in the area increasing there are many sightings of Buzzards from the to West Perthshire. At Carsebreck 4 were seen diving at finches,and as many as eight were seen near Amulree on 24/3 and 9 in the Blairgowrie area on 11/3. A Golden Eagle was seen in the eastern Grampians on 6/1. (AgTT Therewere several sightings of Ospreys in Perthshire from 14/4. (DH & IMcK). Most reports of Kes trels come from the area between Perth & Glenalmond. (SH) observed one catch a blackbird in the Blairgowrie area. A Mer 1 in was seen in the Perth area on 2/3 (IMcK). There were five reports of Peregrine, and (S & MES) watched a pair harassing 2 kestrels in aerial combat. Near Gleneagles - two Red tlrouse were calling on 15/1

Oyatercatcher return inland early in the season, a single bird was seen on the snow covered North Inch Golf Course on 13/1, Cotnrie grovel pits on 3/2, and big numbers were seen during Feb .^and March throughout the County. 358 were counted beside the Tay between Perth and Luncarty on 30/3. Ringed Plovers were reported from Kercock on 24/3 and 17/4, North Inch on 30/3 and Inchcoonans on 11/4. (AG,DH & CS). Fourteen Golden Plover were present at Fingask Loch on 1/3, 2 pairs were back on breeding ground in north Perthshire by 10/3 and 15 were seen on grass fields at Rannoch on 17/4. (DH & SH). First report of Lapwing was 70 near Scone on 30/1, 800 were roosting on ice on Fingask Loch on 1/3 and 500 were seen at the west end of Loch Freuchie on 17/3. (AG, EC, SH). A Little Stint was noted at Inchcoonans on 11/4. (DH). The only reports of Snipe were 2 at Carsebreck on 15/1 and single birds present in Blairgowrie area during the period. (AG,SH). Woodcock sightings consist of 4 birds at Rannoch 13/1, one at Almondmouth 20/1, and roding birds at Meikleour on 25/3 and Blairgowrie during April. (AG, IMcK, & SH). 50 Cnrlew were present at Scone Palace on 13/1 and 55 on 10/2, 165 at the west end of Loch Freuchie on 17/3 (EC). Nine Redshank were counted on the R.Tay above Perth on 30/3, and pairs were reported from Glen Quaich, Lit'tle Glenshee and Kercock from 17/3 onwards. (EC,IMcK,CS,SS) . Co«ion Sandpipers were seen on Loch Rannoch, Lowes and Benacha1liebetween24/4 and 27/4 (DH,SH) 33 Black Headed Cnlls were present on R.Tay at Perth on 30/3 and several at Kercock 17/4. There were several reports of Comion Gulls at Perth during March and April and there were 400 at Inchmichael, Errol on 8/3. Single numbers of Lesser Black Backed Gnlls were reported from Perth, Crieff, Kercock and Rait. Three juvenile Herring Gulls were observed on the Tay at Perth on 30/3, and two Greater iBlack Backed Golls at Carsebreck on 15/1 and a single bir"d at Kercock on 17/4. (AG CS). The only record of the Cuckoo wa's one heard at Butterstone on 30/4 (IMcK). Two Long-eared Owls were present at a Blairgowrie roost during March and one was seen in Muirward Wood, Scone on 24/3. (EC,SH), while a pair of Short- Eared Owls was seen in the Aberfeldy area on 24/4. (DH) . A Kingfisher was seen on three occasions on the R.Tay at Perth. (Ag7ec,CS) . Green Woodpeckers were reported throughout the period from Kinnoull Hill, Murrayshall Hill, Butterstone, Crieff and Pitlochry and there were many sightings of Great Spotted Woodpeckers from the Perth & Scone Area, Glen Quaich, Rannoch and Trinafour. One frequented the garden at North Murie, Errol during Feb and March. Six Skylarks were counted between Luncarty and Perth on 30/3 (AG). The first Sand Martin was seen at Kercock on 5/4, followed by sightings at Blairgowrie, Perth & Bridge of Guar during the following ten days. The first Swallow was reported from Muircroft, Perth on 16/4, followed by 5 at Kercock on 17/4, then sightings at Comrie, Blairgowrie and Bridge of Gaur . A House Martin was seen at Loch Benachallie on 25/4. (SH). Several Tree Pipit were noted at Rannoch on 27/4 and two at Butterstone on 30/4. (DH,IMcK). A single Meadow Pipit was seen in Little Glenshee on 6/1, while 5 were at Carsebeck on 15/1 and 23 at Kinnaird on 12/2. (AG,IMcK). -4-

A Grey Wagtail at Dunkeld on 8/1 was the earliest record11, several were observed beside the Tay at Perth during Feb and March, and a pair on Kinnoull Hill on 9/4. (AG, EC, IMcK) . A juvenile Pied Wagtail was seen at Blackford Sewege Works ori 15/1. (AG). The only report of Waxwings during the period came from E.Smith, who saw 30 in Muircroft Drive on 28/2. Records of Dipper were from Blackford, Glen Lednock, at Comrie and Den of all between 15/1 and 21/2. (AG). The Wren was noted in the Auchterarder area throughout the period (CS) . Pairs of Stonechats were seen at Rannoch on 13/1 and Little Glenshee on30/3, while a male was seen near Bridge of Gaur on 13/4. (EC,DH,IMcK), Three Wheateara were seen in Little Glenshee on 30/3, followed by single birds in Tipper Glenalmond, Dalnacardoch and Ben Vrackie. (AG,IMcK & SS). A Ring Ouzel was displaying on Ben Vrackie on 14/4 (AG). There were many reports of Fieldfares from Feb to April with 200 near Scone on 7/4 being the largest number. There were no records of Redwings. Song Thrush - singing birds were noted from 21/2, and a pair were nesting in a Crieff Garden on 20/3. (AG,EC & SS). Mistle Thrush was observed at Lady Mary's Walk, Cr,ieff on 12 7l and Luncarty 27/1, while young had left the rest by 17/4 at Rannoch (AG, S S & DH). A male Blackcap was seen in a garden in Abernethy on 6/3 (N Campbell) and one was seen on the Section Outing to Abernethy on 1/5. The first Chiffchaff was heard near Dunkeld on 1/4. (AG), and the first Willow Warblers were seen near Blairgowrie on 22/4 and from most parts of the County during the next few days. A pair of Long-Tailed Tits were nest building near River Lednock on 5/4 and near Pitlochry on 14/4. (AG). A pair of Treecreepers were seen in Deji of Alyth on 20/2 and a single bird at Auchterarder on 18/3 and 30/4. (AG & CS) Four Jays were observed on Kinnoull Hill on .22/1 and five on 15/4 (AG), while two Magpies were seen near Auchterarder on 12/2 and one at Pathstruie on 13/4. (AG & CS) 63 Jackdaws were seen in the company of Oystercatchers, feeding on fields near Scone on 30/3 and 25 Carrion Crows were feeding on stubble in Scone area on 3/1. Single Ravens were reported from Glen Lednock, Craig a Barns and Ben Vrackie while 3 were present in Little Glenshee on 30/3. (AG & IMcK). 40 Tree Sparrows were seen in the Crieff area on 23/1, others were reported from Luncarty, New Fowlis and Abernethy. (AG & SS). Chaffinch, singing birds reported from Luncarty on 18/1, and Woody Island, Perth on 10/2, a flock of 50 was seen in Den of Alyth on 12/2 (AG & EC). Greenfinch more common in the Auchterarder area throughout the period and 22 w_ere rated at Abernethy on 10/4,. (AG & CS). Goldfinch, four were seen at Little Glenshee on 6/1, a single bird at Amulree on 12/1 looked out of place, there were four at Carsebreck on 15/1 and five at Abernethy on 10/4. (AG & EC). There were many reports from throughout the County of Siskins, several birds coming to bird tables. Largest number was 250 seen at Craig a Barns. Six Linnets were seen in the Crieff area on 23/1 and 18 at Abernethy on 10/4. (AG & SS). There were many reports of Crossbills from Errol in the east to Rannoch in the west. Most sightings of Bnllfinch were in the area stretching from Perth to Comrie, largest number was 15 in Fairies Road, in Perth on 29/1(AG,EC,IMcK,CS) 2 Hawfinches were seen in the Scone Arka on 10/2 (IMcK), 74 Yellowhaamerg were counted in Den of Alyth on 30/1 along with finches (AG) and 15 Reed Banting were seen at Kercock on 10/2 (IMcK).

MAMMALS

Species Records

A Common Lizard was spotted close to the A9 at Dalnacardoch on 307"3 (EC) . Hedgehogs were seen in the Blairgowrie area, sometimes as road casualties. (SH) Up to 20 Pipistrelle and Long Eared Bats reported from Blairgowrie on 1/4 (SH) . E.G. suggests that Rabbits are going higher up the hillsides e.g. 1500ft near Dalnaspidal. Blue Hares were seen in Glen Quaich and north of Calvine. (EC & CS). Brown Hares were reported from Blairgowrie area, Carse of Gowrie, Bankfoot and , while on 3/4, eight were counted at Haughs of Kercock. (EC & SH). A Red Squirrel was seen in Auchterarder Park on 22/3 and Grey Squirrels were observed in Murrayshall area, and feeding on nuts in a Scone Garden. (CS & EC). A headless Short- Tailed Vole was found in a Tawny Owls' nest near Dalrulzion on 30/4, (SH). A dead Fox was found at Stormont Loch on 10/3, two were seen north of Blairgowrie on 22/4 and members had a good view of one at Vane farm at the Section outing on 10/4. Stoats were seen near Snaigow on 27/1 and Dalcapon, Pitlochry on 24/2 - both in ermine, while "brown" ones were reported from Murrayshall, 'Rait and Port Allan. It is surprising that stoats don't increase in numbers when there are so many rabbits, there must be a reason other than persecution. 13 Fallow Deer were observed near Butterstone on 16/3 and three alongside the A9 north of Birnam on 8/4 (EC). During hard weather of 13th - 16th Jan when the temperature was -11 C there were hundreds of Red Deer on the foothills of Rannoch. (DH). There were many sightings of Roe Deer from Blairgowrie, Butterstone, Tummel area. Scone and Rhynd. (EC,SH & CS). Contributors to this bulletin, ackowledged by their initials were:- A.Godfrey, E.Cameron, D.Howie, Miss S. Hacker, Mrs I. McKinnie, Mr & Mrs C Scotland and Mr & Mrs S Shimeld.

RECORDS for May, June, July and August as soon as possible after 31st August please to J.M. DUNCAN, CRUACHAN, 59 VIEWLANDS ROAD, PERTH. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

BULLETIN FOR MAY - AUGUST 1991

During the first part of this period the weather was wetter and colder than normal for the time of year, while during the latter part of 3uly and August, the weather was dry and warm.

SPECIES RECORDS

Black Throated Divers were noted on two lochs in north Perthshire. Little Grebes were found breeding at Loch Meallbrodden 1 6/6 and Stare Dam 25/6. (SS & IM) . Grey Heron - single birds were seen at Greenloaning 9/5, Almondmouth 26/9 and B/8 and 2 flying near Dalnacardoch 23/6 (AG & EC). Mute Swan 1 pair on River Tay, North Inch and 26 on Tay between Luncarty and Almondmouth 31/5, 9 between Almondmouth & Perth Bridge 31/8, pair with 2 young Upper Rhynd, Carsebreck and 2k adults 7/7 (AD & CS). SH reports poor breeding in Blairgowrie area and suggests predation by mink. Two flocks of Pink Footed Geese numbering C90 and C1 kU were observed heading north through the Gaick Pass- on 5/5 and CI 50 flying north over Perth 6/5 (EC), 1 feral bird on R.Tay at Perth 31/B (AG). One Greylag Goose was present at Kercock 23/5 and 11 feral birds in Blairgowrie area 6/8 and same number on R.Tay above Perth 31/B (EC, AG, CS). Breeding Canada Geese were reported from Kercock, Loch Freuchie, L.Meallbrodden, L.Tummel and Mill Dam, Dunkeld and C1 BO we,re seen flying S.U. from Blairgowrie on 29/B. (EC,AG,SH,CS & SS)* Mandarin - a male was seen at Perth on 14/5 and 31/5 and two were present on R.Tay at Perth on 8/8. (AG). A pair of tiligegn were reported from Upper Glenalmond on 14/5, 12 were seen on Mill Dam, Dunkeld on 4/B and 7 were present there on H/B. (AG & CS) . Mallard - nesting at Fort Law, Abernethy 1/5, duck with 10 young at Dalcrue 12/5f and ducks with young on L. Meallbrodden 16/6. Big numbers were present on the R.Tay between Perth Bridge and Shochiemouth during the period with peak number of 1240 on 31/B (AG & SS) . A female Pochard with 7 young was seen on Stormont Loch on 12/7, 3 males on L.Meallbrodden on 21/7 and 1 on R.Tay above Almondmouth 31/8 (AG,SH,SS). Adult Tufted Ducks with young were present on L .Meallbrodden on 21/7 and Loch na Craige 4/8 and 1 adult on R.Tay at Perth 31/8. (AG & SS). 1 pair of Common Scoter present on breeding loch 18/5 (EC). Red Breasted Merganser with 5 young near R.Tay at Caputh 17.6, 11 young on R.Tay above Perth B/8, 3 downy young on R.Tummel at Ballinluig 17/8, and 10 juveniles with 13 adults on R.Tay above Almondmouth 31/8 (EC,AG,IM). Up to 32 adult Gocseanders were seen on R.Tay between Perth & Luncarty throughout the period, 2 males were seen at Kercock on 23/5, an adult with young Upper Glenalmond 10/6, 1 female Little Glenshee /I 2/6, 2 females Glenalmond College 16/6, B on R.Earn near Crieff 10/7 and 6 on 17/7. (EC , AG, IM , CS , SS) . 4 pairs of Ruddy Duck with 10 young were reported in Duly/Aug by EC & SH. -2-

Sparroui Hatiik - single juveniles reported from Abernethy Glen 11 /B, Kinnoull Hill 1 3/B and Culcrieff 11/B, An adult was present in Almondmouth area on 31/B. (AG). There were many sightings of Buzzards from Abernethy to Crieff, 3 were seen in' Glen Errochty on 25/7 and k at Ballinluig on 17/B (EC,AG,GS,55) Golden Eagle - 2 reports of single birds from West Perthshire (55) . A pair of Dspreys at Loch of Lowes reared 2 young this year. Wet weather in late Spring early Summer may have been responsible for failure of some birds to rear young. Kestrels were observed in Abernethy Glen 1/5, Gorthy Wood 19/5, Almondbank 29/6, Rannoch 25/B, 2 adults & 2 juveniles near Dunkeld 21/7 and 6 in Glendevon 21/B. (AG,IM,CS,55). Peregrine - single birds near Perth 29/6, Crieff 6/B and Rannoch 25/B, (AG & IM). 11 Blackcock were present at a Rannoch Lek on 19/5 and 1 k on 2/6, and near Schiehallion 7 were seen on 25/5 and 3 on 8/6. 1 bird was seen in Black Wood of Rannoch on 25/8. (EG & AG). Grey Partridge - Pairs with young L .Nleallbrodden 16/6 and near Auchterarder with 12 young 27/7. Covey of 14 Buckie Braes 13/B (AG CS & SS) . Water Rail was reported from Fingask Loch 6/B & B/B and Mill Dam 11/B (EC,SH & CS). Moorhen' were observed on the R.Tay above Perth throughout the period with 5 adult & 3 juvenile seen above Almondmouth and 3 adult & k juvenile above Perth Bridge on 31/B. (AG). Coot bred on L.Meallbrodden (SS). SH reported reduced breeding success on Blairgowrie lochs due to mink. ystercatcher counts between Perth bridge and Almondmouth were 76 on 31/5, 233 on 22/6, kU on B/B and 2B on 31/B, 2 juveniles were spotted on the roadside near Fowlis Wester 30/6. (AG). Ringed Plover 1 on R.Tay at Kercock - 23/5 and 1 above Almondmouth 31/B (AG & CS). A single Golden Plover was seen near Dalnacardoch 5/5 and 2 pairs north of Blairgowrie in Dune (EC & SH). A flock of C5DD Lapwing was noted on a newly harvested field of peas at Coupar Grange 30/7, adult with k young near Braco 9/5 and small numbers present beside R.Tay from Shochiemouth to Almondmouth from June to end of August. Both Lapwing and Oystercatcher had a successful breeding season in the Blairgowrie area. (EC,AG,SH). Only reports of Snipe are from Blairgowrie area where birds were seen regularly and near Fulford 11/6 and 16/6 (SH & SS). Woodcock bred in the Blairgowrie area (SH), One Curlew was seen near Almondmouth on 29/6 (AG). A juvenile Redshank was seen in Little Glenshee on 12/6 and an adult at L. Meallbrodden on 16/6. (SS). One Greenshank was observed in Rannoch area 11/5 (EC). Common Sandpiper - 2 pairs and 1 pair Glack Dam on 12/5, T pair on Loch na Craige and 1 pair on L.Kennard 26/5, 2 at Burleigh Sands 21/5, 1 on R.Tay at Kercock 23/5. Up to 10 counted on Tay between Perth Bridge & Shochiemouth end of May to end of August, 1 on R.Earn near Crieff 17/7 and 1 on R. Tummel at Ballinluig 17/8 (EC,AG,IM,CS) . Many young Black Headed Gulls were reared at Haremyre Colony. 190 were counted on Tay between Perth & Luncarty 31/5, 21 adults & 3 juveniles between Perth & Almondmouth 29/6, and in same area 26k mostly juvenile on B/B, and 104 on 31/8. (AG & SH). Common Gull - 7 North Inch area 31/5, 1 Almondmouth 31/B (AG). -3-

23 Lesser Black Backed Gulls mere seen on the R.Tay above Perth on 29/6, TS on 8/8 and 52. on 31/8, 2 at Alomndbank 13/7 and 1 on 16/8 (AG, CS). 2 Herring Gulls North Inch 29/6 (AG) Greater Black Backed Gull - 1 on R.Tay above Almondmouth and 2 at Perth Bridge 31/B (AG) . 2 Common Tern were seen on R.Tay at Perth on 31/5, and single birds above Almondmouth 31/5, 29/6 and B/B. One was present on R.Isla, 30/7 (AG,EC). As reported in the last Bulletin a Cuckoo was heard at Butterstone on 30/4, other reports are Upper Glenalmond 7/5, Blairgowrie 8/5, several in Rannoch area 11/5, Glen Lednock 17/5 and Cloan Glen 19/5. A male was still calling in Rannoch on B/7. (EC,AG,SH,CS,55). Tawny Owl was reported from Kinnoull Hill 14/5, 3 juvenile Upper Glenalmond 18/6 and 8 young in Blairgowrie area. (AG,SH,SS). Short-eared Owls were seen in Glen Cochil, Sma Glen, Gorthy Wood and Little Glenshee in May & Dune. (IM,SS). Swift - S.H. reported hearing the first ones at Blairgowrie on 15/5 and on 25/B before departure. Several were noted at Perth on 16/5 and at Scone on 17/5, 85 were counted in North Inch area on 31/5 (EC & AG). Green Uoodpecker reported from Pitmeddon Forest, Abernethy Glen, Kinnoull Hill, Murrayshall Hill, Stormont Loch, Strathbran, Rotmell and Hatton, Dunkeld. (EC,AG,IM,CS) . Reports of Great Spotted Uoodpecker come from Kinnoull Hill, Luncarty, Dunkeld & Crieff. This species now appears to be less common than the green in the area. (AG,IM). Sand Martin - C25 on R.Tay at Kercock 23/5, C100 counted on R.Tay between Perth & Shochiemouth, 2 flying south over moors at Dalnacardoch 1/7, and several on R.Almond at Almondbank 13/7. (EC,AG,C5). House Martin - First arrivals Murrayshall 12/5 and Scone 16/5, 17 counted at North Inch on 31/5. (EC,AG). As reported in the last Bulletin this species was seen at Loch Bennachallie on 25/4. Swallow - fewer nests in Blairgowrie area but most were successful CSH). Five male Tree Pipits Craig y Barns - Rotmell area 7/5, present in Rannoch 11/5 and 3 at The Knock, Crieff. (EC,AG,IM). Meadow Pipit - 1 singing at Fort Law, Abernethy 2/7 (AG). Adult Grey Waqtai1 with young Glenalmond College 16/6, 6 adult and 4 juveniles. R.Tay between Almondmouth & Shochiemouth 29/6, 5 R.Tay, North Inch 31/8, 2 R..Almond 13/7, 12 Glen Devon 21/8 and 15 adult & juveniles Loch Rannoch. (AG,IM,CS,SS) . Pied UJagtail - nest with young Den of Alyth 29/5; 154 feeding on North Inch 31/8. (AG) Dipper - nest at Greenloaning 9/5, 2 fledglings R.Turret 9/5, juveniles at Almondbank 12/5, single birds at Coulshill 21/8, Glen Devon 1 6/8 and R.Tay. Almondbank 31/8. (AG,CS) Juvenile liJrens, Allt na Bogair walk Rannoch 25/B (AG) and Robin with young Den of Alyth 7/5, Crieff 2/7, R.Turret 17/7 and Strowan 17/7 (AG). Redstart - first record Newton Bridge 9/5, followed by sightings at Rannoch 11/5, 3 at Rotmell, Dunkeld 12/5 and 2 males at Glen Lednock 17/5 (EC,AG,IM). Whinchat singing male Cochrege, Blairgowrie 8/5, Rannoch 18/5 2 pairs Loch Kennard 26/5, 5 pairs Deuchary Hill 4/6, 1 in Little Glenshee 12/6 and 1 pair Loch Monaghan 1/8. (EC,SH,IM,SS) . Stonechat - pair with three fledged young, Rannoch 2/6, male with one fledged young Schiehallion 8/6.(EC). A pair of Ring Ouzeles were seen at Loch Turret on 6/8 (IM). Mistle Thrush - Flock of 28 on Grassland at Loch Rannoch 8/7. (EC) . Sedge Warbler- SH reported an influx in Blairgowrie area on 18/5, 7 were heard singing by R.Almond between A9 and River mouth 23/5, 3 by R.Tay above Perth 31/5 and 1 by R.Almond 29/6 (AG & IM). -k-

Whitethroat 3 males R.fllmond, near mouth 23/5, 2 males at Alyth 29/7 and one singing at The Knock Crieff 31/5. Fewer birds were seen in Blairgowrie area this year. (AG, SH, IM) . Garden Uarblers were reported from Laggan, Crieff 9/5, Butterstone iTT/5, Blairgowrie 19/5, Glen Almond 23/5. (AC,AG,SH,IM,55) Black Cap were seen in Abernethy Glen on 1/5, Almond Bank 12/5, Scone 23/5 and one frequented a Blairgowrie garden for a week from 6/7. (AC,AG,SS) Wood Warbler first reported in Rannoch 11/5, Almondbank 12/5, six singing males in Birnam Glen on 19/5 (Ec,AG,IM) ChiffChaff were heard at Cally Loch 28/*f and 16/6, Crieff Hydro 2/5, Crieff Golf Course 27/5 and Glen Lednock 17/5 (AG,IM,CS). Uilloui tdarbler were reported at Abernethy Den 1/5 and Murrayshall 2/5 (AG) Spotted Flycatcher - seen at The Knock Crieff 31/5 and Dunkeld 4/8 (AG) 25 Long Tailed Tits passed through a Scone garden on 7/7 (EC) Both Bluetits and Great Tits has a successful breeding season in the Blairgowrie boxes, some broods 1ÿ+, apair of great tits were feeding young on Kinnoull Hill on 14/5 and a nest box at 1 Ritchie Place had eight young. (AG,SH,SS) A pair of Jays were nest building in Klnnoul Hill on 14/5 single birds were observed at Gorthy Wood. Den of Alyth and Cloan Glen. (AG,CS,SS). A Magpie was seen at Couls Hill, Auchterarder and also at Castle Hill Resevoir 21/B (AG). The Blairgowrie Tree Sparrows did not rear 3rd Broods this year, but first two broods were successful. 3 Pairs nested in house martins nests at Parkhill Scone (SH,IID). Goldfinches were reported from Crieff 17/5 7 at Quarrymill Perth 27/6 and an adult with two juveniles near Perth Bridge 31/B (AG,IM,SS) A pair of Siskins fed on peanuts in a Scone Garden on 7/5 (EC) Linnets were seen at Kinnoull Hill 14/5 and Abernethy 2/7 while a pair bred near L.Meallbrodden 21.7 (AG,SS) Twite - flock of 22 at Loch Turrett 6/B party of 12 at Loch Turrett 14/7^ ; Family Party on Schihallian 5/7 and a mixed flock of twite & sisken feeding together on edge of hay field. (EC,IM,SS) Crossbill - Family party Gorthy Wood 9/5, C30 at Scone 19/5, 14 Methven wood 12/5 Flock at Butterstone 14/5, 6 adult and 7 juveniles at the Hermitage 19/5, 36 Kinnoull Hill 27/6 and 12 at Abernethy 2/7 (EC, AG, IM, SS) 1 juvenile Bullfinch was seen in Den of Alyth 29/7 and a pair were present in garden at Uiewlands Road, mid 3une to 12/7 (AG,3D) Yellowhammer - 4 males singing beside R.Almond near A9 on 23/5 and 1 male with food for young at the Buckie Braes 1 3/8 (AG IM) .

MAMMALS & REPTILES

Young Hedgehogs were seen at Scone 13/8 and 17/B (EC) several dead Pipistrelles have been handed into SH. recently and she wonders if this represents an increase mortality or because people are taking more interests in bats. Blue Hares were reported from Dalnarardoch and Brown Hares from Kinloch Rannoch, Erase of Foss and Edradyaete Strathtay during May (EC) .

/ 1 A -5-

Red Squirrels mere seen at Auchterarder Deuchney Woods, Beech Hedge Meikleour, Kinnoull Hill, while Grey Squirrels mere seen at Deuchney and Beech Hedge. (EC,AG,CS).A Woodmouse was observed in a Scone Garden 16/6 (EC). Stoat was on the Blackford to Muthil Road 9/5 and 2 at North Busby Farm Methven, 15/B (AG). Both Fallow and roe Dear have been observed frequently in the Dunkeld and Blairgowrie Areas and Roe have been observed running circles in uncut oats. (EC,SH,CS) . A Common Lizard was found lying on a rock near Tirnfour 2/6, and 2 near Melvilles Monument, Glen Lednock 16/7. On both these sightings the lizards were lethargic - due to cold weather? (EC & AG). An adult and 3 juveniles Slow Idorms were seen at Dunkeld on k/B (AG).

Contributions to this bulletin acknowledged by their initials were; E.D. Cameron, A.Godfrey, Miss S.R. Hacker, Mrs I.McKinnie,Mr & Mrs C.D. Scotland and Mr & Mrs S. Shimeld.

Their contribution is much appreciated. Records for September to December as soon as possible after the 31st December to Mr D.M. Duncan, Cruachan, 59 Uiewlands Road, Perth PH1 11\ID PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for September to December 1991

SPECIES RECORDS LITTLE GREBE - many reports from the River Tay, Perth to Almondmouth, Blairgowrie lochs, Mill Dam, Drummond Pond, Crieff and Loch Faskally. 6 seen on Faskally on 15/12 is the largest number reported. (EC, AG, SH, IM, SS ) Most of the reports of GREAT CRESTED GREBE are from the Blairgowrie lochs, with 37 on Marlee on 15/9 being the highest number seen. Single birds were noted on River Tay at Perth and on Loch Freuchie . While most of the sightings were In September and October, 2 birds were present at Marlee Loch and 3 on Fingask Loch on 14/12 (EC &SH) Two SLAVONIAN GREBES were seen on Loch Leven on 20/9.(AG) CORMORANT were reported on Drummond Pond during the period, one on Bennybeg on 18/11 and two on 1/12. Up to 50 roosted at Loch'Clunie and up to 17 on Marlee Loch on 13/9 while 3 was the maximum number seen on the river Tay above Perth. GREY HERONS were seen on Drummond pond , Mill Dam, Loch Clunie, CarsebrecM standing in a field at on 19/10, 6 at Loch Faskally on 19/11 and 4 at Loch Rannoch on 8/11 (EC.AG.DH.SS.ET) MUTE SWANS were present throughout the period on Drummond Pond , 54 on 15/12 being the greatest number. Similarly on Monksmyre where 45 on 17/11 was the peak . This included one ringed in Angus 1990 and one ringed in East Lothiamn 1982 as an adult female. Uf) to 18 were seen on the River Tay between Perth Bridge and Almondmouth.in September, while in Dec. 2 pairs + 1 juvenile were present. On 15/9 2 adults + 8 juveniles were seen on the R Earn at . At Carsebreck there were 19 adults + 2 juveniles on 25/9, 33 adult + 1 juv. on 9/11, 46 adult + 3 juv. on 8/12 and 61 on 23/12. 4 adult + 5 juv. were seen on White Moss Loch on 28/10 and 11 adult + 5 juv. on 29/12. (EC.JD.AG.SH.CS.SS.ET) Small numbers of WHOOPER SWANS were reported from Kinkell, Loch Freuchie, Loch Clunie, Strathtay, Loch Maraig , Moulinearn, Pitlochry and Mill Dam Dunkeld during Oct- Nov, while up to 57 including 14 juv were present at Blacklunans in Nov. PINK - FOOTED GEESE 45 flying over the North Inch on 15/9 were the first of the season. Some 300 were seen flying over Auchterarder on 20/9, and around 1000 were at Carsebreck on the same date. On 23/9 several hundred flew SW over Perth , on 28/9 some 2000 were seen at Tibbermore and several thousand at on 29/9. (EC,JD,AG,CS,SS) 200 GREYLAG GEESE were present at Marlee Loch on 13/9 and 4 on Drummond Pond on 15/9; 50 were observed aflying west over Errol on 17/9 and a large skein flew south over Perth on 18/9 . Birds were present in the Crieff area during Oct-Dec with peak counts on Drummond Pond of 1000 on 13/10 and 1840 on 10/11. 100 were seen at Balloch Loch , Crieff on 10/11 and the highest count on Loch Clunie was 1260 on 10/11. 2 BAR- HEADED GEESE were reported from Marlee Loch between 13/9 and 1 14/10, while a SNOWGOOSE and a blue phase snowgoose were seen in the company of pinkfeet at Carsebreck on25/9. (EC,JD,SH) CANADA GEESE - 300 on Marlee Loch on 14/9, 10 on Drummond Pond on 15/9 and 8 there on 13/10, 9 on Loch Freuchie on 2/10, 85 on Loch of Lowes on 6/10 and 45 on Loch Craiglush on IS/IO^EC.JD.SS) 2 BARNACLE GEESE were seen at Tibbermore along with pinkfeet on 28/9, 14 at Loch Dochart on 15/10, 1 at Drummond Pond with greylag and Canada geese on 13/10, 1 at Marlee with greylag on 6/10 and 2 at Methven Moss on 3/11. Up to 3 MANDARIN DUCK were seen on the R. Tay by North Inch during Nov and Dec. (EC,AG,IM) Many reports of WIGEON from Blairgowie , Crieff areas, Loch Faskally , Loch Freuchie and R Tay above Perth throughout the period. Big counts were : 130 on Drumore on 14/10, 114 on Drummond pond on 15/12, 140 on Loch Freuchie on 20/10,166 on R Tay on 30/11, 131 on 8/12, and 167 on 30/12, 107 on Mill Dam on 12/10, and 56 on 26/10 and 456 on Carsebreck on 23/12. (EC.AG.SH.IM.CS.SS) A female GADWALL was seen on Carsebreck on 23/12 and there were 9 on White Moss Loch on 29/12. (AG,CS) Loch Clunie held 13 TEAL on 14/9, and 34 were present on Mill Dam on 12/10 and 20 on 27/12 there were 33 on Loch Faskally on 9/11 and 40 there on 15/12, 12 at Bennybeg on10/11, 30 at Loch Freuchie on 1/12, 28 at Drummond pond on 15/12 and 288 on Carsebreck on 23/12.(EC>AG,SH,SS) MALLARD - many reports from throughout the county including,R.Tay, Blairgowrie, and Dunkeld Lochs, R. Earn, Carsebreck, Crieff area and Loch Faskally. 1127 were counted on the Tay on 30/12 580 on Drummond Pond on 15/12 and 374 on Clunie on 14/12 (EC,AG.SH,SS) 1 male PINTAIL was present on Stormont Loch on 7/11 and a pair were seen on Faskally on 9/11. A female SHOVELER was reported from White moss on 29/12 . (EC.SH.CS) POCHARD were present throughout the period on Drummond Pond, with 14 on 13/10, 3 on Loch Freuchie on 20/10, 15 on Loch Faskally on 9/11 and 20 on 15/123, 30 on Fingask on 14/12, small numbers on Loch Clunie and Mo*raig and^OO on Carsebreck on 24/10. (EC.JD,AG, SH,SS) 92 TUFTED DUCK were present on Drummond pond on 15/9 wifh much smaller numbers during Oct-Dec. Highest count on Loch Clunie was 41 on 13/10 , there were 40 on Monksmyre on 14/12, 42 on Loch Faskally on 9/11 and 44 present on 15/12, Carsebreck held 109 on 23/12 . 2 male SCAUP were observed on Stormont loch on 14/12. (SH) COMMON SCOTER - one in company of Wigeon in Pitlochry area 22/11. (DH) First reports of GOLDEN EYE were on Drummond Pond and Loch Faskally on 13/10. The largest numbers were seen on thr R. Tay above Perth - 28 on30/11,17 on 8/12, 26 on 14/12, and 35 on 30/12. !9 were present on Loch Faskally on 9/11 and 26 on 15/12. Smaller numbers were reported from Carsebreck , the Blairgowrie areas and Loch na Craige. (EC.AG.DH.IM.SH.SS) A male SMEW was seen on Loch Faskally on 15/12 and a female on 23/12. (AG) RED- BREASTED MERGANSER - 6 present on R Tay between Perth Bridge and Almondbank on 15/9, 1 male above Almondmouth on 30/11 and a female on 30/12. (EC.AG) There were 11 GOOSANDER on the Tay above Perth on 15/9 and this number rose to 62 on 30/11. 13 were seen on Loch Clunie on 10/11 and 40 on the Tay Estuary off Port Allan on 8/12.(EC,AG,SH) RUDDY DUCK - 6 females on Monksmyre on 13/9 and 1 juv. or female on Haremyre on 14/10. (SH) RED KITE - individuals were seen in the Crieff area on 9/12 and in East Perthshire in Nov. and Dec. HEN HARRIERS were reported from Glen Quaich on 2/10 , Glenalmond on 19/11 and a female in Glen Lednock on 20/11. A SPARROWHAWK was seen hunting over a Crieff garden on 28/10 nd 31/12, one flew through Viewlands Road Perth on 23/11. One can be seen hedge hopping in the Balcraig - Murrayshall area most days.(TD,SS) BUZZARD - Many reports from Sidlaws, Pitroddie Glen, Carsebreck, Glen Lednock, Comrie, Balnagowan, Craig a Barns, Little Glenshee and 12 in Glen Quaich on 2/10.(EC,AG,IM,08,88) A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen in the Crieff area on 14/11 .(AG) A KESTREL was seen in Glen Quaich area On 1/11, 5 near Kinross on 29/12, and 2 in combat near North Murie on 25/11. A male can be seen in the Viewlands Reservoir Park , Perth , most days. (TD.DH.SS) During Sept a PEREGRINE harried a mixed flock of golden plover and peewits in the Carse of Gowrie and was seen making 3 kills . 3 other reports throughout the period were from the Crieff area. (JD, DH,SS) 50 RED GROUSE were seen in Glen Lednock on 20/11, and 3 PTARMIGAN on Schiehallion on 8/9. BLACK GROUSE - 2 groups of 8 and 11 were seen in Glen Quaich on 20/10, 4 on Bimam hill on 3/11, 2 in the Strathbraan area on 15/10, and 12 on a stable field in Logiealmond on 26/11.(ECISS,JW) 2 CAPERCAILLI E cocks were reported from the Gask area on 24/10 and one near Dunkeld on 23/12. A hen picked up injured near Gask and later died may have been struck by a car or flown into a deerfence. Radiological exam, for leadshot was negative. A RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE was seen feeding in a field of winter wheat at from 6-8/12 (Angus Patullo) 8 GREY PARTRIDGE were observed in Glen Quaich on 1/11, 6 at Chapelhill on 3/11 and 6 at Laggan , Crieff on 14/11,(AG,SS) 12 MOORHEN were present at Monksmyre on 13/9, 15 on Loch Clunie on 14/9, and 12 on R Tay between Perth Bridge and Almondmouth on 15/9 and 10 there on 30/12. Up to 8'birds were seen on Bennybeg , Drummond Pond and Mill Dam throughout the period (EC.AG, SH SS) COOT - On Loch Clunie numbers reached their maximum at 47 on 14/9, Drummond Pond held good numbers throughout, reaching 177 on 13/10 and 295 on 15/12. Carsebreck had c 100 on 15/9 and 178 on 23/12.(EC,JD,AG,SS) The only sighting of an OYSTERCATCHER reported was one at Auchterarder on 1/9 (CS) There were some 30 GOLDEN PLOVER near Errol on 17/9 and by the end of Sep numbers had risen to 300+ (DH) There were 25 at Rhynd orj 3/11 (CS) LAPWING - 170 were on Scone Palace shingle on 13/10 , 120'in North Inch area on 30/11, 170 on 1^/12 and 190on 30/12. 22 were observed near Blairgowie on 14/10 and 160 at Chapelhill on 3/11 .(EC,AG,SH,SS) 6 - DUNLIN were reported from the Carse of Gowrie on 17/9. (DH) and 9 RUFF AT Burleigh Sands on 20/9 (AG) SNIPE - 3 at Carsebreck on 20/9 , 1 at Mill Dam on 12/10 and 1 at North Inch on 13/10. (EC.AG) 5 WOODCOCK were seen in birch woods at Killichonan on 8/11 and 1 at Cally Loch on 17/12. (AG,DH) 33 CURLEW were present on Scone Palace shingle on 12/10 and 17 there on 8/12.(EC,IM) and a REDSHANK by the R Tay near Almondmouth on 28/12 (JD) BLACK- HEADED GULLS - 159 were counted betwepn Perth Bridge and Almondmouth On 30/11, and 150 on 30/12 while there were 200 COMMON GULLS at Carsebreck on 23/12,(AG) 80 LESSER BLACK BACKED GULLS were in a field near Crieff on 8/10 (SS) 11 adult + 4 juv GREAT BLACK BACKED GULLS between Perth Bridge and Almondmouth on 30/11, 8 juv present on 30/12 and 4 on Goddens Pond Pitroddy on 8/12. (EC,AG) SANDWICH TERN (or terns) heard after dusk at Scone, heading west 1/9 (EC) Several hundred WOODPIGEONS reported from area on 10/11, this species is so common it is not reported very often. COLLARED DOVE - usually between 15 and 30 present on telegraph wires in Glenearn Rd Perth with a maximum count of 38 on 9/10. 11 were seen at Almondbank on 26/9 and the same number at Kirkton of Mailer .(AG.ET)..A TAWNY OWL was seen at Carsebreck on 9/11 and a dead one was found by the roadside near Crieff on 28/11. One in poor condition was found in Murrayshall golf course being attacked by crows on 7/12. Although fed for 10 days this bird eventally died. SHORTEARED OWLS - were seen in Glen Quaich on 20/10 and at Megginch during Nov-Dec .(DH.SS) A KINGFISHER was seen on the R lay at Perth Bridge on 13/9 and at Norie Miller Walk Perth on 3/12 also sightings on R Ericht near Blairgowrie on 3/10 and Loch Faskally on 9/11. (EC.AG.JW) GREEN WOODPECKERS were reported from Moncrieffe Hill (2), Gorthy Wood , Methven , Forneth Blairgowrie, Craig a Barns Dunkeld and present on Murrayshall Hill throughout the period Oct-Dec^EC.JD.AG) GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER were observed at the Knock , Crieff, Loch Faskally, Luncarty, Blairgowrie and Scone. (EC.AG.IM).. SAND MARTINS in the Blairgowrie area were last seen on 6/9. (SH) More than 200 SWALLOWS were seen congregating near Glencarse on 5/9 . At Murrayshall they were last seen on 25/9 and at Blairgowrie on 30/9,(JQ,SH,ET). 12 HOUSE MARTINS were still in Auchterarder area on 27/9.(CS) There were 20 MEADOW PIPITS on the summit of Schiehallion on 8/9.(AG) GREY WAGTAILS were seen in Scone (2) on 15/11 and Auchterarder on 4/12 .,{EC,CS) A pair of PIED WAGTAILS were seen on Schiehallion on 8/9 and 28 forming a pre- roost gathering at Drumore on 13/9. A single bird was seen on the Tay at perth on 31/12.^0,8^. There were many reports of WAXWINGS both from the county and Perth. 12 were seen at Tullymet on 20/11 , and Rannoch mid-Nov. On 1/12 5 were seen at St Madoes and 30 were seen in Prestos car park , Perth.(Mrs H Cruickshank ), 6 in Crieff on 11/12 and up to 9 in Fairies Rd Perth from 21/12 to 23/12. 28 were seen in Viewlands Rd Park on 31/12. (DH,IM,JD,ET,JW)..DJPPERS were seen in Glen Lednock on 20/11, Loch Faskally on 15/12 and 2 on R: Tay . between Alfnondmouth and Luncarty on 30/12. (JD,AG) WREN - seen at Faskally , Carsebreck, Rotmell Farm, and Rofmell Loch. (AG) FIELDFARE - 20 at Forneth on 15/10 and 70 at St Madoes on 31/10 were the first records received . One was observed at close quarters perched on a post in Glen Quaich 1/11 and 75 were seen at Port Allen on 8/12. (EC,IM,SS) The first REDWINGS - were reported by Wendy Mattingley on 28/9, hundreds were seen at Mill dam , Dunkeld on 12/10, after dark passage taking place on 12, 13 ,14 Oct. and at Auchterarder on 10/10 and 11/10. 100 were seen at Forneth on 15/10 and smaller numbers at Murrayshall and Viewlands Park ,^Perth and at Crieff, where they fed on Cotoneaster berrries . (EC.IM.JD.CS.SS)' MISTLE THRUSH - 30 at North Murie on 19/9 (IM) The only report of SEDGEWARBLER was on woody Island , Perth on 15/9.(EC) and a WHITETHROAT was still feeding young at Myreside, Carse of Gowrie on 31/8.(DH)

BLACKCAP - a female on 8/9 and males on 13/9 and 15/9 were all seen in the Blairgowrie area .(SH) WILLOW WARBLERS - were still in Carse of Gowrie and Blairgowrie on 24 and 25/9. (DH,SH) SPOTTED FLYCATCHER- 3 at Blairgowrie on 13/9 and 1 on 19/9, 2 at Rannoch on 15/9. (JD,SH) Widespread reports of LONG- TAILED TITS - from Auchterarder, crieff, Callerfountain Perth, Kinnoull hill, Murrayshall; some where they fed on spiral feeders , Luncarty, Blairgowrie and Loch Faskally. 90 COAL TITS - were seen at Dunkeld on 17/9 (IM), while TREE CREEPERS were seen at Loch Faskally , Rotmell, Waulkmill and Viewlands Rd Perth on 26/12. (JD,AG) JAYS were seen near Polney Loch and north of Craig a Barns, Crieff, Carsebreck, Faskally and the west end of Loch Rannoch. (AG.DH.IM) A MAGPIE was seen on Gleneagles- Blackford Road on 10/10.(EC) JACKDAW- 1300 at Crieff roost on 12/12 (AG) ROOK - one was observed hanging 'lit- like" from an ash tree feeding on seed- cases in Blairgowrie area , while another attacked peanut bags in an Auchterarder garden.(SH,CS) RAVENS - fair numbers were seen on Ben Vorlich 17/9, Sma Glen 24/9, Craig a Bams 8/12 and 7 at Loch Freuchie on 11/12.(JD,AG,JO). TREE SPARROW - 3 were seen at Tinkers Loan Perth on 14/11 and 3 at Luncarty on 30/11.(AG) 100 CHAFFINCHES were seen at Rotmell Farm on 27/12 and 300 , all males, in Glen Quaich on 28/12 . (AG,SS) 3 BRAWIBLINGS were observed near Glenalmond College on 12/10 and one male at Den of Alyth on 21/10.(AG,IM) GREENFINCH - 103 perched on a power line at Dalcrue .Methven on 17/11 (BC) GOLDFINCHES seem to have been more numerous this Autumn , 11 were seen at Blairgowrie on 1/9 , 8 at Bonhard and 20 at Balthayock on 12/9, 6 at Viewlands Park on 26/9, 4 at on 22/11 and 5 at Murrayshall on S/^^EC.JD.SH) SISKIN - 75 at Mill Dam , Dunkeld on 17/9 , clOO feeding in birch trees at Scone on 13/10, 15 in Viewlands Rd Perth on 24/10 and 7 at St Madoes on 26/11.(EC,JD,AG,IM and Angus Patullo) 3 - REDPOLLS were seen feeding on hypericum seeds in a garden in Fairies Rd Perth on 28/12 . (JO)5 - CROSSBILLS were seen at Loch Rannoch on 15/9 and 15 on Birnam Hill on S/H.fEC.JD) Up to 12 BULLFINCHES were present on Murrayshall Hill during Dec . 3 pairs were seen at Callerfountain Hill on 30/11 and 1 pair at Auchterarder on 1/12.(JD,CS,ET) There were 40 YELLOWHAMMERS at Rotmell Farm on 27/12 and 34 at Dron on 29/12.(AG,IM) One pair of REEDBUNTINGS were seen at Carsebreck on 20/9.AG)

MAMMAL REPORT i A P1PISTRELLE BAT was seen in flight near Cally Loch 27/12. A BLUE HARE was seen on Stuc a Chroin on 17/9 and c50 in Glen Lednock , a third in winter coat on 20/11.(JD,AG) BROWN HARE - one at Ardvorlich House on 17/9 .(AG) RED SQUIRRELS were reported from Fowlis Wester, , Stobhall, Deuchney Wood(2), Den of Alyth and Pitlochry (EC,AG,SS) while GREY SQUIRRELS were present at Crieff, Murrayshall, Almondbank, Lethendy and Scone (2) . (EC,JG,AG) WOODMOUSE - 3 at Blairgowrie during Nov (SH) A RED FOX was seen in Dowally Glen and a dead one found on the A9 near Dunkeld both on 12/10, individuals also reported from Carse of Gowrie and Rannoch.(EC,DH) STOATS have been seen at Collace , Murrayshall, Pitroddie, Glenalmond College; 2 at Carsebreck one in ermine on 23/12 and 2 in Glen Quaich again one in ermine on 28/12. ROE DEER - 4 at Murrayshall on 17/10, 3 nar Loch Moraig on 9/11, up to 7 near Megginch and 3 at Craig a Barns on 27/12. (EC,JD,AG,DH)

Contributors to this bulletin acknowledged by their initials were ED Cameron, John Duncan, A Godfrey, Miss SR Hacker, DHB Howie, Mrs I McKinnie, JG Ogilvy, CD and Mrs E Scotland, S and Mrs ME Shimeid, Miss E Taylo' and JD Wallace.

Records for January to April to J M Duncan , Cruachan, 59 Viewlands Rd , Perth PH1 1ND as soon as possible after 30th April 1992 . PSNS ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION SUMMER OUTINGS PROGRAMME All outings leave from the Museum car park

Wed April 22nd 6.30pm Carsebreck Leadert John Wallace Wed May 13th 6.30pm Almondmouth Irene McKinnie Wed May 20th 6.30pm Loch Kinnordy Warden Wed June 3rd 6.30pm Auchterarder Alistair Godfiey Sun Aug 30th 10 am Montrose basin Warden Sun Sep 13th 10 am Eden estuary Warden and Fife Ness

RSPB members should carry membership cards when visiting Loch Kinnordy.

i PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for January to April 1992 FIRST ARRIVALS

COMMON SANDPIPER R. Earn at Crieff and Glen Almond 22/4, L Rannoch 26/4 CUCKOO Blairgowrie and Rannoch 29/4 SAND MARTIN R. Tay 11/4, Loch of Lowes and Stormont Loch 12/4 SWALLOW Strathbraan 12/4, Loch of Lowes 14/4 HOUSE MARTIN Murrayshall 18/4, Blairgowrie 29/4 WHEATEAR Upper Glen Almond 8/4, 5 Glen Derby 16/4 WHITETHROAT Errol 30/4 BLACKCAP Com he 23/4, Scone 26/4 WOOD WARBLER Rannoch 26/4 CHIFF CHAFF Crieff 11/4, Strathbraan 12/4 WILLOW WARBLER Crieff 22/4, Blairgowrie 24/4

SPECIES RECORDS

RED THROATED DIVER 2 on Loch Rannoch 16/3 and 1 on 1/4 BLACK THROATED DIVER one on Loch Rannoch on 1/3 LITTLE GREBE 2 on Loch Clunie 11/1, singles present 15/2 and 4/4. 1 on R. Tay above Perth 12/1 and 5 there on 26/1 ; GREAT CRESTED GREBE 7 on Loch of the Lowes 4/1, 2 Loch of Craiglush 23/2 4 Loch Marlee and 6 Fingask Loch 12/3, 3 Loch Clunie 14/3 and 4/4. SLAVONIAN GREBE 1 on Lindores Loch 21/4 BLACK- NECKED GREBE 1 on loch, North Perthshire 22/4 CORMORANT 41 on Loch Clunie on 11/1, 30 on 8/3, 27 on 15/3 and 18 on 4/4. 14 Drummond Pond 15/3 GREY HERON 4 Bennybeg Pond 16/2 MUTE SWAN 38 Drummond Pond 12/1, 41 on 16/2 and 22 on 15/3. 4 on R.Tay above Perth on 12/1, Son 26/1, 16 at Rhynd on 18/1. 3 at Loch Clunie 15/2 BEWICK'S SWAN 2 adult and 3 juv. Loch Maud 16/3 - 30/3. WHOOPER SWAN 1 Carsebreck 11/1, 6 Dalreoch 11/1, 6 at Rosemount 1/2. 41 at Rhynd 18/1 and good numbers present throughout March. 7 flew over Loch Clunie 8/3. PINK-FOOTED GOOSE 675 at Tibbermore 4/1, c300 Carsebreck 9/1, 30 Kercock26/3I 1000+ at Auchterarder 5/4. GREYLAG GOOSE 1000+ Flawcraig, Carse of gowrie 3/1. 714 R.Tay at Scone Palace 12/1, 320 Drummond pond 12/1, 700 Crieff area 16/1, and 350 on 22/1, 200 Auchterarder and 400 Drummond Pond 28/1, 750 Loch Clunie 8/3, up to 50 Rannoch and c450 on fields beside Dunalastair Water during March, 240 at Corsiehill 21/3, 272 Balloch Loch 25/3 and 200 at Kercock 26/3 SNOW GOOSE 2 Marlee Jan/Feb CANADA GOOSE 22 Loch Freuchie 1/1, 10 Loch Clunie 11/1, 97 Loch of Lowes 6/2, 50 on 23/2 and 39 on 12/4, 3 Drummond Pond 16/2,and 5 on 15/3, 8 Loch Tummel 2/3, 10 Rotmell 17/3, 14 Kercock 35 Inchtuthill 26/3. BARNACLE GOOSE 4 at Tibbermore 4/1, 1 Carsebreck 9/1, 1 at Rannoch 1/3 and 1/4. SHELDUCK 40+ Port Allen , many in pairs 28/3, 1 Stormont Loch April. MANDARIN 1 male R. Tay, Perth 14/1, 2 present on 29/2 and 3 on 15/3, 1 pair on 4/4. WIGEON 100 R. Tay above Perth 12/1 and 46 on 26/1,14 Loch Tummel 2/3, 102 Drummond Pond 12/1 and 290 on 16/2, 17 Loch Clunie 15/2, 50 Goddens Pond 22/3 , 19 North Kinkell 30/3 AMERICAN WIGEON 1 male Loch Leven 11/1 GADWALL 1 pair White Moss Loch 11/1 TEAL 30 Drummond Pond 12/1 and 10 on 15/3 MALLARD 714 onR.Tay between Perth and Luncarty on 12/1,1184 on26/1 279 on 16/2 and 223 on 15/3. 464 on Loch Clunie 11/1,151 on 15/2 and 31 on 14/3, 58 on Drummond Pbnd 12/1, 47 on 16/2, 42 on 15/3. 100+ Kilspindie Bog 27/1. One was observed diving and swimming underwater at a Blairgowrie pond. PINTAIL 1 male Loch Leven 11/1, 1 female Woody Island 16/2. SHOVELER 2 Marlee 9/1, 3 on Stormont 15/2 and 12/3,1 male North Kinkell 30/3, 1pair Carsebreck 22/4. POCHARD 6 on Loch Clunie 11/1, 22 Drummond Pond 12/1, 24 on 16/2 and 21 on 15/3, 11 Loch Kinardochy 16/3.^ TUFTED DUCK 50 on Loch Clunie 11/1, 31 on 15/2 and 35 on 14/3, 96 Monks Myre 9/1, 88 Drummond Pond 12/1, 88 on 16/2 and 141 on 15/3, 12 on R. Tay above Perth 26/1, 16 Mill Dam 17/3 and 9 Goddens Pond 22/3. COMMON SCOTER 1 male Rannoch 9/4 and 2 pairs present at another site. GOLDEN EYE 8 Drummond pond 12/1, 11 on 16/2,12 on 15/3, 4 on Monks Myre, 15 Stormont Loch , 7 Fingask Loch and 7 Marlee 15/2 14 Loch Clunie 4/4. SMEW 1 redhead Carsebreck 11/1. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 6 on Tay above Perth 26/1,2 males Rotmell Loch 17/3, 3 Kercock 26/3, 3 males and 1 female Loch Rannoch 10/4 and male and female on 26/4. GOOSANDER 13 on R. Tay between Perth and Luncarty on 12/1, 24 on 26/1 and 25 on 4/4. 2 male and 1 female Mill Dam 17/3 3 at Inchtuthill 26/3, 2 female R. Earn, Crieff 17/3, 3 pairs Upper Glen Almond 8/4 ,1 pair Glen Quaich 13/4. RUDDY DUCK 1 female Loch of Lowes 1/4. RED KITE 1 North Perthshire 9/1. MARSH HARRIER 1 male 23-26/4. HEN HARRIER 1 female Loch Freuchie 31/1. SPARROW HAWK Individuals reported from Errol where a male took a blackbird from a birdtable, Carse of Gowrie, Scone, Perth, Tibbermore, Kinclaven, Pitlochry and Rumbling Bridge. BUZZARD 4 at Birnam 2/2, 5 Glen Garr 21/4, single birds or pairs reported throughout the county. GOLDEN EAGLE 2 reports from West Perthshire in Jan KESTREL frequent sightings in Perth to Crieff areas. MERLIN 1 female near Pitroddie 10/2. PEREGRINE 1 West Perthshire 19/1. BLACK GROUSE 9 Blair 16/1,2 Glen Artney 19/1,8 Killiecrankie 8/3, 5 Rannoch 16/3, individuals at Amulree, Murrays Hill and Schiehallion CAPERCAILLIE 1 pair Rannoch 3/1, 1 pair Methven 15/2, 4 females Murrays Hill 11/4, 1 Dunkeld 12/4. GREY PARTRIDGE 4 near Scone and 17 10/1,6 Kirkton Hill 28/1, 7 pairs recorded around Perth, 2 pairs lower Strathbraan. MOORHEN 2 Drummond Pond 15/3, 2 Bennybeg 15/3. COOT 137 on Fingask Loch 9/1 and 99 on 12/3, 380 Drummond Pond 12/1,161 on 16/2, 75 on 15/3,16 on R. Tay between Perth and Almondmouth 26/1 OYSTERCATCHER 4 on South Inch 25/1, 2 Luncarty 26/1, and 653 between Perth and Luncarty 29/2,13 on shingle ,Scone Palace 12/1 and 250+ from 16/2, 90 Stare Dam 1/3, 8 at Rannoch 1/4. RINGED PLOVER 10 Scone shingle 29/2, 8 at Rannoch 1/4. GOLDEN PLOVER 30 at Myreside, Carse of Gowrie 15/3, 102 Camghouran, Rannoch 1/4, c220 Muthill and Auchterarder 5/4 LAPWING 120 Scone Palace shingie 12/1, 55 Viewlands Park 26/1, 25 Luncarty 15/2, 90 between Perth Bridge and Almondmouth 29/2 , c200 Loch Clunie 15/2, c40 Tofthill, Glencarse 22/2. WOODCOCK 1 Kinnoull Hill 3/3, 1 Murrayshall 19/1 CURLEW 57 Scone Palace shingle 12/1, 20 on 26/21,126 on 16/2 and c200 on 15/3, 129 between Perth Bridge and Shochie mouth 29/2. REDSHANK 1 Almondmouth 26/1, 8 Kercock 26/3, 2 Loch Clunie 4/4. COMMON SANDPIPER 3 on R. Earn , Crieff and Upper Glenalmond 22/4. BLACK-HEADED GULLc800 Scone Palace shingle roost 16/2. COMMON GULL c500 Loch of Lowes 4/1,300 Rotmell Farm 17/3, 200 Kercock 26/3 LESSER BLACK-HEADED GULL 1 Scone Palace pond- unusual visitor on 22/4. ICELAND GULL 1 juv. Scone shingle 26/1 COLLARED DOVE a pale individual, pale cream, primaries and collar paler than normal was seen at Crieff 5/4. CUCKOO Rannoch and Blairgowrie 29/4 SHORT-EARED OWL 1 near Comrie 11/1,1 Little Glenshee 19/4. GREEN WOODPECKER Reports from Killiecrankie, Pitlochry, , Dunkeld, Comrie, Crieff, Methven, Scone, Pitroddie, Moncrieffe Hill. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Reported from Rannoch, Glen Lednock, Glen Artney, Woody Island, Perth and Scone. SKYLARK c50 roosting on turnip field Logiealmond 26/1, 40 or 50 on stubble field Blairgowrie 26/1 , 2 Leetown 4/3. SAND MARTIN R.Tay 11/4, Loch of Lowes and Stormont 12/4, Lindores Loch 21/4, Carsebreck 22/4 SWALLOW Strathbraan 12/4, Loch of Lowes 14/4, 30 -40 Carsebreck 22/4, Blairgowrie 23/4, Scone and 5 at Cloan Glen, Auchterarder 26/4. HOUSE MARTIN 1 Murrayshall 18/4, Blairgowrie 29/4 TREE PIPIT Present Rannoch 26/4 MEADOW PIPIT 1 Logiealmond Lodge 26/1 GREY WAGTAIL 1 29/1, 1 Queens Bridge, Perth 10/2, pair at 20/3, 2 South Inch Burn 26/3, Darnhall Burn 30/3, 3 at Loch Clunie and 10 Almondmouth to Friarton 4/4 PIED WAGTAIL 1 pair Murrayshall 20/3, 14 Perth Bridge to Almondmouth 4/4 WAXWING 3 at Rannoch 3/1,17 Viewlands Road, Perth 4/1 and 12/1 STONECHAT 1 pair Little Glenshee 23/2, 1 male Schiehallion 8/4, 1 pair Glen Derby 16/4 WHEATEAR First arrived Upper Glen Almond 8/4, 1 male Calvine 6/4, 5 Glen Derby 16/4, 8 Little Glenshee 19/4, 4 Glen Garr 21/4. RING OUZEL Heard in Glen Almond 8/4. FIELDFARE c50 on stubble field at Arnbathie 1/1 and 31/3, 10 Viewlands Park 9/1, 20 at Muirhall, Perth 17/2, 7 at Letter, Lowes 23/2, c50 at Daleally, Errol 28/3, c50 at Essendy 4/4,150 East Tulchan , Glen Almond 11/4, c90 at Scone 13/4 and 17/4, single present on 30/4, up to 70 in a field at Leetown, Glencarse during Jan and Feb , c100 at Blackford 17/3 , 30 Rotmell Farm 17/3. SONG THRUSH Singing in Viewlands Park 9/1 and Scone 6/2. REDWING 10 Viewlands Park 3/1, 50 Lowes 4/1, c 12 Murrayshall Hill 22/2. 70 Kinnoull Hill 19/2, 10 at Letter, Lowes 23/2. MISTLE THRUSH 20 at Rotmell Farm 17/3 WHITETHROAT Errol 30/4 BLACKCAP Comrie 23/4, Scone 26/4, Luncarty 27/4, R. Turret 28/4. WOOD WARBLER Rannoch 26/4 ; CHIFFCHAFF Crieff 11/4, Strathbraan 12/4, Errol and Corsiehill 16/4 Auchterarder 20/4 WILLOW WARBLER Crieff 22/4, Blairgowrie 24/4, Tummel 25/4, Auchterarder, Rannoch and several at Scone 26/4 LONG-TAILED TITS at Rohallion 15/1, 15 Glen Tilt 16/1,9 Kinnoull Hill 16/1, and 12 on 29/1, 6 Carsebreck 18/1, 10 Abernethy Den 13/2, and 9 North Inch 16/2. A pair at Blairgowrie took nuts from a tit basket during March. TREE CREEPER 1 Craigie, Perth 16/2, 3 singing near Almondmouth 29/2, 1 Kinnoull Hill 11/3, and 1 in a Crieff garden 18/2. JAY 3 at Murrayshall Golf Course 22/1 and 4 on 24/1. MAGPIE 1 at Blairadam 14/3. JACKDAW 300+ at Lady Mary's Walk , Crieff 2/3. ROOK c4000 jackdaw/rook roost Battleby 11/1 RAVEN 1 Loch na Craige 13/1,4 Little Glenshee 23/2 and 5 19/4, 2 at Blacklunans 24/4. TREE SPARROW 2 at Murrayshall 13/1, 20-25 at Loch Clunie 15/2, 4 at Kinnoull Hill on 8/3 and 9/3,1 pair present thereafter. 2 at Bonhard 4/4. CHAFFINCH 500+ flock of chaffinch, greenfinch, brambling and twite in Glen Quaich 1/1,160 Muirhall Farm,Perth 4/2. GOLDFINCH 22 at Blairgowrie 1/1, 24 Woodend, 6/2, 6 Glenartney 19/1,2 Leetown, Glencarse 13/2, 6 Murrayshall Golf course 17/2 3 Moncrieffe hill 21/3, 16 Culcrieff Nature Trail 19/4. SISKIN Small numbers present in Errol and Craigie , Burghmuir and and Kinnoull districts of Perth during the period. 20 at Barnhill Perth 14/4 and c10 Crieff garden 11/4. BULLFINCH 3 pairs feeding on Prunus and Hawthorn buds in Kinnoull garden during Feb and Mar, 6 Kinnoull Hill 4/2,11 Fort Law, Abernethy 5/2. HAWFINCH 2 Scone Den 12/1 REDPOLL 1 female Viewlands Road, Perth 8/2. YELLOWHAMMER 46 Corsiehill 10/2, 10 Rotmell Farm 17/3 REED BUNTING 2 males Almondmouth 4/4 MAMMAL REPORT BLUE HARE 1 Little Glenshee 12/1, several dozen Logiealmond Lodge 26/1, 35 Glen Quaich 31/1 BROWN HARE Frequent sightings from lowland areas . 1 pair courting Bankfoot 15/4. RED SQUIRREL 1 Loch Clunie 11/1, 1 Loch Craiglush 28/1, 1 Tullymet 14/4. A dead one was found on the road at Meikleour 8/3. GREY SQUIRREL 1 in garden at Bridgend, Perth 16/2, and 1 at Balcraig 5/4. WOOD MOUSE 1 found in grass field , Blairgowrie 29/4. RED FOX Rohallion 15/1,2 dead Tullymet 14/4. ; STOAT 1 in partial ermine , Kilspindie Marsh and another at Pictstonhill Scone 17/2. WEASEL 1 near Scone Aerodrome 5/4 FALLOW DEER 8 at edge of moor, Essendy, Blairgowrie 23/2.54 Glen Derby 16/4 ROE DEER Widespread in woodlands and also on hill ground. 3 were seen at 2000 feet above on 16/1,4 in Little Glenshee close to a herd of red deer on 15/3 and 3 on Schiehallion on 8/4. FROG Spawn found near Perth 3/3, Crieff 24/3, Glen Derby 16/4. PALMATE NEWT 1 at Crieff 24/3.

Contributors to this bulletin were E. D. Cameron, J.M.Duncan, A. Godfrey, Miss S. R. Hacker, D. H. B. Howie, Mrs I. McKinnie, Miss A. Mathers, C. D. and Mrs E. Scotland, S. and Mrs M. E. Shimeld and Miss E. Taylor.

Records for May to August to J. M. Duncan, Cruachan, 59 Viewlands Road, Perth, PH1 1ND as soon as possible after 31st August. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for May to August 1992 UNUSUAL SPECIES WHITE STORK One was present in Strathtay on 4th, 5th May and presumably the same one turned up at Bankfoot on 6th May and spent 20 minutes picking up worms from a newly rotovated field. SPOTTED SANDPIPER a North American species, was present in Tummel / Rannoch area during the second half of May. GREAT GREY SHRIKE Apparently one was present near the Foulford Hotel in May and was observed by a number of visiting bird watchers. SPECIES RECORDS RED THROATED DIVER 1 found dead at Marlee Loch in breeding plumage 18/5 BLACK THROATED DIVER 1 pair on loch in Central Perthshire 18/5 LITTLE GREBE 1 Loch Ordie 30/7 GREAT CRESTED GREBE pair on Loch of the Lowes 30/5 and Haremyre. BLACK-NECKED GREBE 1 on Loch Leven 10/6 CORMORANT 4 on Loch of the Lowes 30/5 GREY HERON single birds in Glen Tilt on 19/5 and 10/8, Auchterarder 30/5, Dunning 30/5, Comrie 8/6, while 2 were noted at Loch of the Lowes on 23/5 and 5 ar Luncarty on 20/6. MUTE SWAN 19 at Luncarty on 10/6, 34 including juveniles at Carsebreck and 5 cygnets on Upper Rhynd 28/7. WHOOPER SWAN 1 flew over Muirward Wood , Scone, in the company of 2 mutes 8/5, 1 juvenile was seen at Scone shingle on 31/5 and at Luncarty on 10/6, 1 on Tay at Seaside, Errol 14/8. PINK-FOOTED GOOSE 1 at Scone shingle on 4/8 and 1 at Bennybeg on 11/8. GREYLAG GOOSE 12 below Almondmouth 3/5, 17 at Rannoch 24/5, 10 at Scone shingle 4/8 and 6 at Bennybeg 11/8. CANADA GOOSE 10 at Loch of the Lowes 30/5, 30 on Loch Freuchie 6/8, 38 at Kercock with a hybrid ( Canada x Greylag ?) 10/8 and 42 at Bennybeg 11/8. SHELDUCK 3 on Stormont Loch 17/5 MANDARIN 2 at Almondmouth 4/8 WIGEON 1 pair at Lochan A' Mhulinn 17/5 with 1 pair-of Teal, 3 at Loch of Lowes 30/5 and 3 at Mill Dam 30/5. MALLARD 122 between Shochie mouth and Perth Bridge on 3/5, 464 on 31/5, 662 on 29/6 and 648 on 4/8 TUFTED DUCK 1 pair Lochan A' Mhulinn 17/5 COMMON SCOTER 2 pairs + 2 males and 1 female North Perthshire 30/5, and 1 duck with well grown young 13/8 GOLDEN EYE 2 on R. Tay above Perth 3/5 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 10 on Tay between Luncarty and Perth 3/5 8 on 29/6, female with 10 juveniles Luncarty 4/8, 1 male and 2 females Upper Glenalmond 5/5 and 2 females Loch Errochty 17/5 GOOSANDER 4 pairs on Stanners Island , Perth and 8 on Tay between Luncarty and Perth 3/5, 11 on 31/5, 6 on 29/6 and 18 on 4/8. 1 pair Upper Glenalmond 5/5, 1 female Loch Kinnordy 24/5 and several on R. Tay at Dunkeld on 30/5 RUDDY DUCK Bred on Haremyre and Monksmyre. SPARROWHAWK Sightings at Upper Glenalmond 20/5, Friarton 4/6, Ritchie Place, Crieff 22/7 and Ferntower, Crieff 18/8, Methven 22/7, Deuchney Wood 5/8 and 3 on Kinnoull Hill 6/8. BUZZARD 4 at Loch Turret 14/5, 1 at Bennybeg 11/8 and 1 at Turleum 14/8, 3 over Ketllour Wood 9/8 and 3 over Marlee 29/8. GOLDEN EAGLE 1 west Perthshire 5/5 KESTREL Single birds at Luncarty 1/5, Inveralmond and 19/5, 21/5, Scone 31/5, Huntingtower 30/5, Glen Devon 3/6, 2 on Kinnoull Hill 10/7, Buchanty 10/8 and Turleum 14/8. MERLIN 1 mobbing Peregrine , Aberfeldy area 4/8. PEREGRINE 1 Glenalmond 14/5, 1 pair Blair Atholl 19/5 BLACK GROUSE Observed at Dalnacardoch, Braes of Foss, Loch Tummel, Schiehallion , near Foulford Inn, Glenalmond, Murrays Hill plantation and 19 cocks at lek 30/5. CAPERCAILLIE Cock at Rannoch 8/5 RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE 1 in garden at Tulliebardine Cres. , Auchterarder 23/5. GREY PARTRIDGE Pairs present at Murrayshall Farm, Muirend, Murrayshall, Madderty, St Davids and New Fowlis on 9/5, 7 pairs at Luncarty 10/5, pairs at Auchterarder 30/5 and Balgowan 8/6. MOORHEN 5 at Almondmouth on 20/7 and 9 between Almondmouth and Perth Bridge on 4/8. On 28/6, 2 Carrion Crows carried away 5 eggs from a nest under a rhododendron bush on Murrayshall Golf Course in the space of 3 minutes. OYSTERCATCHER 80 between Almondmouth and Perth Bridge on 3/5, 85 present on 31/5, 1 fledgling at Auchterarder and 1 at Luncarty on 30/5. RINGED PLOVER On nest, North Muirton 13/5. GOLDEN PLOVER 3 near Finnart, Rannoch 3/5 and 3 or 4 pairs near Dalnacardoch 23/5. LAPWING First young at Blairgowrie 5/5, 100 at Turfhills, Kinross 9/7 and 100 Almondmouth - Perth Bridge 4/8. WOODCOCK 1 at Callerfountain Wood 10/7 and 1 Kinnoull Hill 23/7 CURLEW 29 in post - breeding flock near Blairgowrie on 29/6. REDSHANK 1 at Loch Kinnordy 16/5 GREENSHANK 2 at Kercock 10/8 and 1 Glen Errochty 13/8 COMMON SANDPIPER First report from Blairgowrie on 1/5 and last seen on 19/8:15 counted between Shochie mouth and Perth Bridgeon 3/5, 11 on 31/5 and 23 on 29/6 ; 3 at Kercock on 10/8 and single birds in Glen Errochty 13/8 and R. Tummel , Ballinluig 23/8 LITTLE GULL 1 juvenile Scone shingle 31/5 BLACK-HEADED GULL 247 between Luncarty and Perth Bridge 31/5 COMMON GULL 1 at Loch Kennard on 4/8 giving alarm calls , thought to have nest. LESSER BLACK-HEADED GULL 3 at Dunalastair 10/5, 27 from Almondmouth to Perth Bridge COMMON TERN 3 between Perth Bridge and Almondmouth 31/5, 1 at Thistle Bridge, Stanley 5/6. CUCKOO Reported from Upper Glenalmond and Murrayshall Hill on 5/5, Glen Lednock 11/5, Loch Kinardochy 16/5, Buchanty and Crieff 18/5 Glen Devon 3/6, Strathbraan 20/6 and Bridge of Cally 26/6 TAWNY OWL 1 at Ritchie Place , Crieff on 11 /6 SHORT-EARED OWL 2 Glen Ochil 10/6, 4 at Glen Quaich and 1 Glen Fender 6/8 1 Errol Airfield 14/8. SWIFT Observed at Luncarty , Comrie and Perth 11/5, arrived Blairgowrie 12/5 and departed 20/8 ; 98 counted between Luncarty and Perth on 31/5, 14 at Luncarty 6/7 and 30 on 7/8, 3 at Almondmouth 3/8, several at Auchterarder 7/8 and Killin 13/8. KINGFISHER Sightings at Kercock 10/7, R. Almond by West Huntingtower 17/7 and Almondbank 20/7. GREEN WOODPECKER individuals at Muirward Wood, Scone and Kinnoull Hill 8/5, 2 at Almondbank 17/7 and 3 on 20/7 and 1 on 4/8, 1 at Fort Law Abernethy. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Single birds at Muirward Wood 8/5, Culcrieff 4/7, juvenile at Almondbank 20/7 and 1 at Fort Law 5/8. Nested in Callerfountain Wood, feeding young from 8/6 to 16/6. SAND MARTIN 194 on R. Tay from Luncarty to Almondmouth 3/5 SWALLOW 42, mostly juvenile near Methven 16/7 , 150 on 29/7. S.H. reports that 169 were ringed at Blairgowrie. - > HOUSE MARTIN Reported from Murrayshall, Scone on 4/5 and Loch Turret 30/8 TREE PIPIT 2 in Glen Lednock 11/5, single birds at Crieff Knock11/5, Kinnoull Hill 14/5, 5 Glen Tilt 17/6 and singles at Moulin 18/6, St Fillans 23/6 and Abernethy 23/6 GREY WAGTAIL 18 between Shochiemouth and Perth Bridge 31/5 PIED WAGTAIL 15 between Shochiemouth and Perth Bridge 31/5 , 5 at Castlehill Reservoir, Glen Devon 3/6 and 4 at Almondb'ank 20/7. They had a successful breeding season at Blairgowrie. REDSTART Pair at Loch Rannoch 3/5, 1 Upper GLenalmond 5/5, 2 Crieff Knock Hill 10/5, 3 Glen Lednock 11/5, 1 Strathbraan 16/5, 2 GlenTilt 17/6, pair at Turleum 14/8 , female and juvenile at Blairgowrie 20/7 and 6/8 WHINCHAT 2 at Blairgowrie on 9/5, and Schiehallion on 10/5, 1 Strathbraan 14/5. Family parties were seen near Crieff on 2/8 and at Turleum on 14/8. STONECHAT 4 pairs with fledged young seen on different areas of Schiehallion on 3/5, 16/5, 13/6 and 27/6 and a pair with young at Turleum 14/8. RING OUSEL 1 at Loch Turret 14/5 and a pair in Glen Tilt 19/5. MISTLE THRUSH Singles and pairs present in Strathbraan 16/5, Gleneagles 3/6, Deuchney Wood 10/6, Kinnoull Hill 21/6. 15 in Glen Tilt 17/6 and 20 at Loch Kennard 4/8. SEDGE WARBLER 10 between Almondmouth and Muirton on 31/5 is our first report for 92. 1 at Glen Devon 3/6. WHITETHROAT Reported from Luncarty 10/5, Almondmouth 13/5, Trinafour 17/5, Blairgowrie 17/5, The Knock, Crieff 8/6, Colony Farm, Crieff 12/6 and Turleum 14/8. GARDEN WARBLER Blairgowrie on 5/5 is the first report for this year, also Gask 10/5, Glen Lednock 11/5, Auchterarder 30/5 and 3 at R. Earn/Turret junction on 3/6. BLACKCAP 1 pair and 2 males at Almondmouth and single birds at Luncarty 6/5; Kinnoull Hill 8/5, R. Earn/Turret 22/6, Dunning 23/6. WOOD WARBLER First report 2 Kinnoull Hill on 8/5 and 6 Glen Lednock 11/5, followed by reports from Crieff, Auchterarder, several at Rannoch by 24/5, Glen Tilt and St Fillans. CH1FFCHAFF 2 at Muirward Wood , Scone 8/5 and Crieff Knock 10/5. WILLOW WARBLER Many reported in Spring bulletin . Observed on Section outing to Almondmouth 13/5. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Reports from Blairgowrie on 15/5 and 20/5, Strathbraan 23/5 followed by many records from Earn valley and around Perth. LONG-TAILED TIT Pairs were seen on Kinnoull Hill 8/5, Luncarty 10/5 and 4 fledglings being fed at Auchterarder 30/5. A group of 16 were seen at Dalvreck, Crieff on 8/6 and several large groups on Callerfountain Hill throughout August. TREECREEPER 3 at Luncarty on 25/6, 1 in Cloan Glen 28/6 and 1 found dead in Crieff street on 11/8. JAY 2 at Crieff Knock 10/5 and 3 at Turleum 14/8. ROOK Single bird seen heading north between Dalnacardoch and Dalnaspidal 2/5 and 3 feeding near Old School, Dalnacardoch, a long way from nearest known rookery at Blair Atholl 23/5. CARRION/HOODED CROW 32 feeding together south side ot Loch Rannoch 3/5. RAVEN Single birds flying over Schiehallion area 16/5 and 13/7. 1 seen near Blairgowrie 13/6. TREE SPARROW Still plentiful in Blairgowrie area where 92 were ringed ; a pair nested in a hole in a wall at Muirend, Murrayshall. SISKIN 1 male at Croft Mill, Crieff on 17/5, several males displaying in birches and alders by Camghouran Burn , Rannoch on 6/6. One was released from garden net, Craigie , Perth on 15/7. LINNET Flock of 20 at Kercock on 10/8. TWITE 1 pair Upper Glen Almond on 20/5. REED BUNTING 1 at Castlehill Reservoir, Glen Devon on 3/6 and 2 between Shochiemouth and Perth Bridge on 29/6. MAMMAL REPORT COMMON SHREW a dead one beside Lochan Oisinneach Mor, Tullymet 30/7. WATER SHREW a dead one found at Loon Braes, Blairgowrie 28/6. BROWN HARE 1 Kinkell Bridge 10/5, 2 at Luncarty 10/5, 2 near Auchterarder 30/5 and 1 Tulliebardine 3/6. RED SQUIRREL 4 at Muirward Wood, Scone 8/5, 2 Kinnoull Hill 20/5, 1 Loch of the Lowes area 23/5, 1 Glen Tarken, St Fillans 23/6 and 1 by A9 4 miles north of Dunkeld 29/8. GREY SQIRREL 2 at Muirward Wood on 8/5, 1 near Murthly 23/5 1 at St Fillans 23/6 and 2 Almondbank 20/7. RED FOX 1 Glen Tilt on 19/5. STOAT individuals seen at Muirward Wood 8/5, Deuchney Wood 11/6, Carsebreck 29/7, Crieff Knock 30/7, 2 were hunting together at Muirend , Murrayshall 29/7 and 1 dragged a rabbit into cover at Murrayshall Golf Course on 5/8. On 6/8, 2 were hunting near the west end of Loch Freuchie and 1 was seen near Kinkell Bridge 30/8. WEASEL 1 was seen by roadside Loch Freuchie 6/8 OTTER sighting near Loch Clunie 30/6. ROE DEER several reports from around Perth and Scone , Strathbraan and Crieff during May and June. COMMON FROG 3 found at 650 metres above Glen Tilt on 19/5 , also spawn.

Michael Taylor of Perth Museum and Art Gallery is collecting records of mammals and amphibians and requests that members submitting mammal records give grid references for the sightings if they possibly can. He hopes to use this information to produce local atlases for mammals and amphibians

Contributors to this bulletin were E.D. Cameron, J.M. Duncan, A. Godfrey, Miss S.R. Hacker, C. D. and Mrs E. Scotland, S. and iClrs M. E. Shimeld and Miss E. Taylor.

Records for September to December, please, to J. M. Duncan, Cruachan, 59 Viewlands Road, Perth PHI 1ND as soon as possible after 31st December. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for September to December 1992

SPECIES RECORDS

LITTLE GREBE 3 on Drummond Loch 13/9, 1 on Loch Moraig and 7 on Loch Faskally 18/10,1 on R. Tay at Almondmouth 13/12 and 2 on Loch Clunie 19/12. GREAT CRESTED GREBE 1 present on Loch Clunie on 17/10 ,14/11 and 28/11 CORMORANT 1 on Drummond Loch 13/9 and 11 present on 18/10,1 on Loch Hoil 11/10,15 present on Loch Clunie on 17/10 and 4/11, 38 there on 28/11 and 23 on 19/12. GREY HERON 1 at Drummond Loch on 13/9,1 near Inchyra on 8/10, 2 at Glenfarg Reservoir 20/12 and 1 on Tay near Almondmouth 26/12 MUTE SWAN Drummond Loch held 35 on 13/9 , 31 on 18/10 , 35 on 15/1 land 62 on 13/12. There were 2 at Be'nnybeg on 18/10. C 50 on R. Tay above Mugdrum Island on 26/9, 2 on Loch Clunie on 14/11 and 19/12. WHOOPER SWAN 3 adults on Loch Moraig 18/10,2 adults and 5 juv. on Loch Freuchie 31/10, 49 adults and 7 juv. on Dry more Loch 13/11. PINK-FOOTED GOOSE first reports were c90 flying over Scone and 1 at Drummond Loch on 13/9 ; there were 3000 at Drummond Loch on 18/10. GREYLAG GOOSE Most of the reports centre on Crieff area . 3 were present on Drummond Loch on 13/9, 2400 there on 18/10 and 2040 on 23/11, several large skeins totalling a few hundred were seen heading south over Glen Errochty on 11/10, there were 500 at Lochlane Crieff on 10/11 and 500 at Ballaig between Crieff and Comrie on 12/12. SNOWGOOSE 1 with a big flock of Pinkfeet on Methven Moss 8/11. CANADA GOOSE Drummond Loch held 190 on 13/9, 2 on 18/10, 65 on 15/11 and 38 on 13/12, Loch Freuchie had 16 on 14/11 and 33 on 12/12. BARNACLE GOOSE 1 at Port Allen on 26/9 and 3 with Pinkfeet near Murthly 13/12 W1GEON Counts at Drummond Loch were 8 on 13/9,108 on 18/10, 70 on 15/11 and 407 on 13/12, c70 on R. Tay at Port Allen on 26/9, 10 on Mill Dam 25/10, 16 on Loch Moraig and 13 on Loch Faskally on 18/10 and c80 feeding on vegetation brought to the surface by Whoopers on Drumore Loch 13/11. TEAL 41 on Loch Faskally and 1 on Bennybeg on 18/10, 16 on Mill Dam Dunkeld 25/10 and 19 on Loch Clunie 17/11. MALLARD 239 on Drummond Loch on 13/9, 143 on 18/10 , 30 on 15/11 and 183 on 13/12 ; 90 on Bennybeg 18/10, c200 Drumore Loch 13/11, 275 om Loch Clunie 14/11 and 159 on 12/12. SHOVELER 1 male on Monks Myre 5/10 POCHARD 43 on Loch Faskally 18/10, counts on Drummond Loch were 7 on 13/9, 10 on 18/10, 2 on 15/11 and 25 on 13/12. TUFTED DUCK Drummond Loch had 96 on 13/9, 32 on 18/10, 29 on 15/11 and 70 on 13/12 ; Loch Clunie had 26 on 17/10, 37 on 14/11 and 60 on 12/12 GOLDENEYE 1 on Drummond Loch 13/9, 6 there on 15/11 and 13 on 13/12, 4 on Bennybeg 18/10 , 8 on Loch Clunie on 14/11 and 7 on 12/12 GOOSANDER Drummond Loch held 2 on 13/9, 6 there on 15/11 and 13 on 13/12 3 pairs on R. Tay at Errol on 22/9, 4 on lay at Perth Bridge 6/11, 2 females Drumore Loch 13/11 and 1 on Loch Clunie 14/11 and 12/12. RUDDY DUCK 1 on Loch Clunie 12/12 SPARROWHAWK has been widely reported during the period from Scone Racecourse , Murrayshall, Almondmouth, Crieff and Guildtown. One hunts regularly in Viewlands area, Perth. Although typically low level attack birds, sparrowhawks frequently fly at 200- 300 ft and can at first glance resemble a kestrel. BUZZARD Many reports from all parts of the county. Up to 3 birds seen together on numerous occasions and 6 in Clunie area on 12/12. KESTREL no reports, getting scarce or too common to report ? PEREGRINE 1 near Dunkeld on 20/12. ' BLACK GROUSE 12 in Glen Errochty on 11/10, 2 Little Glenshee 25/10, 16 Glen Quaich on 27/10 and 31/10, on the latter Occasion 5 were feeding on berries ; and 1 male near Gorthy Wood on 28/12. CAPERCAILLIE 2 males were observed in Dupplin area in October. RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE 1 at Byres of Murthly on 18/9. GREY PARTRIDGE 10 near Glencarse on 4/11. MOORHEN ' Bennybeg had 2 on 13/9, 3 on 16/11 and 3 on 13/12. COOT Counts on Drummond Loch were 262 on 13/9, 180 on 18/10, 329 on 15/11, 296 on 13/12 and on Loch Clunie 65 on 14/11 and 62 on 12/12. LAPWING flock of c700 at Benchil,Stanley on 18/9 and 30 near Almondmouth on 13/12. SNIPE 3 at Monks Myre and 2 at Drimmie, Blairgowrie on 5/10, 1 at Little Glenshee 25/10. WOODCOCK 1 at Murrayshall, Scone on 27/10. CURLEW 3 at Kercock 13/12 and 50 on bank of Tay at Scone Palace 14/12 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL 30 on mudbank on Tay at Errol 22/9. COLLARED DOVE 28 on telephone wires at Murthly 13/12. TAWNY OWL 1 at Crieff Knock 16/9. LONG-EARED OWL 1 report from Blairgowrie on 2/9. SHORT-EARED OWL sightings from Loch Hoil area 11/10, Forneth 17/10 and Glencarse on 19/10. GREEN WOODPECKER reported from Murrayshall, Scone on 14/9 and 22/12, Drimmie 5/10, Binn Tower, Perth 21/11, Forneth 19/12, Gorthy Wood 28/12 and 31/12. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER 1 near Hatton, Dunkeld on 25/10 and reported as widespread by EDC. SKYLARK 10 on a stubble field near Methven 8/11. SWALLOW the only reports were 2 at Collace on 25/9, 1 at Murrayshall Farm 26/9 and 1 roosting in a shed at Almondbank on 8/10. MEADOW PIPIT 6 were noted at Glenfarg Reservoir on 20/12. GREY WAGTAIL 1 beside the R. Ericht on 20/10. DIPPER individuals reported from R. Tay at Stenton 29/10, Glen Lednock 1/12 and R. Tay near Almondmouth 26/12. FIELDFARE 500+ near Mill Dam, Dunkeld on 25/10, several hundreds with small numbers of redwings observed in Sma Glen/ Glen Quaich area 31/10, both groups in Rowan trees , 30 at Killiecrankie on 1/11 and 50 at Errol Station on 31/12. MISTLE THRUSH 10 at Monks Myre and 5 at Drimmie on 5/10, 9 feeding on stubble field at Ballinluig on 18/10, 40 in Rowan trees at Mill Dam on 25/10, 1/2 at Crieff on 2/12, 11/12 and 22/12. BLACKCAP 1 female in Crieff garden 4/12 CHIFFCHAFF 1 at Scone on 1/10 WILLOW WARBLER 1 on Birnam Hill 5/9 and 1 at Crieff 29/9 LONG-TAILED TIT 10 in Black Spout Wood 13/10,12 Little Glenshee 25/10, 10 Killiecrankie 1 /11, d 5 Viewlands Road , Perth from 27/10 to 16/11, 10 at Crieff Knock 24/12 and 20 Gorthy Wood 28/12. TREECREEPER 1 in Craigie , Perth 8/11 and 1 near Almondrpouth 26/12 JAY 2 at Dunkeld Golf Course 18/9, 8 Lady Mary's Walk, Crieff 10/11 MAGPIE 1 near Blacklunans feeding on grass among sheep 21/11, 2 at Glen farg Reservoir 20/12 RAVEN 9 in Little Glenshee 30/11 and 13 in Glen Quaich 1/12 . TREE SPARROW 20 at Chapelhill , Trinity Gask 24/10 and 30-40 at 13/12 GOLDFINCH , 2 Viewlands Res. Park, Perth 18/9, 12 Oakbank Inn , Crieff 10/11, 12 Glen Quaich 31/10, 30 feeding on burdock , Moncrieffe Hill 12/12 and 6 at Glenfarg Res. 20/12 SISKIN 10 at Lady Mary's Walk, Crieff 10/11, 20 at Loch Clunie on 14/11 and single birds in Scone garden in Dec. TWITE 2 near Loch Turret on 10/10 and 2 in Glen Errochty on 11/10 REDPOLL 15 in Viewlands Res. Park 20/9, 35 in silver birch trees at Letham House Hotel, Perth 11/12, 2 at Crieff 19/12 and 4 in garden at Fairies Rd., Perth on 26/12. BULLFINCH up to 8 seen in Crieff garden during Nov/Dec and small numbers in Dunkeld, Crieff and Perth. REED BUNTING 1 female at Glenfarg Res. on 20/12.

IMyyAL REPORT

HEDGEHOG 1 was seen between and on 5/9 and 1 dead on road at Murrayshall, Scone 8/11. BROWN HARE Of 5 single animals reported in Oct-Nov, 4 were dead on roads : 3 were seen at Trinity Gask on 8/11 and 3 at Kercock on 13/12. RED SQUIRREL 1 in Murie Wood , Errol 8/11 GREY SQUIRREL 2 at Buckie Braes, Perth 14/9, single animal at Port Allen 20/9, Viewlands Rd, Perth 21/9, Bonhard House, Scone 13/10, Almondbank 15/10, Scone garden at peanuts 1/11, Gask 3/11, St Madoes 10/12, Leetown 15/12, Toll House, Dundee Road, Perth 16/12 , Ardchoille, Perth 19/12, Scone Race Course 31/12 and 2 in Glen Lednock 1/12. BROWN RAT 1 near Scones of Lethendy, Perth 12/12 RED FOX individuals seen in broad daylight at Glencarse 9/9 and Kinnoull Hill 17/12:1 dead on A85 near Walnut Grove in Oct. STOAT single animals reported from Drimmie, Blairgowrie 5/10, Little Glenshee 25/10, Gask 3/11 and Forneth 14/11. WILD CAT 1 found dead at Corrymuckloch, Amulree 31/10 ROE DEER 3 at Dalnacardoch 7/10, 11 near Loch Moraig 18/10, 3 on Kinnoull Hill and 3 on Moncrieffe Hill in Oct, 4 Kindallachan 1/11 and 2 near Loch Clunie 12/12.

Contributors to this bulletin were E.D. Cameron, J.M. Duncan, Mrs I. McKinnie, J.G. Ogilvy, S. and Mrs M. E. Shimeld and Miss E. Taylor.

Records for January to April to J. M. Duncan , Cruachan, 59 Viewlands Road, Perth PH1 1ND please as soon as possible after 30th April 1993. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for January to April 1993

FDRST ARRIVAL

COMMON SANDPIPER 1 pair Upper Glenalmond 14/4 CUCKOO none in period, 1 reported in Glen Lednock 1/4. SAND MARTIN River lay at Meiklour 1/4 SWALLOW 4 Braco Road, near Carsebreck 1/4 HOUSE MARTIN 1 R. Tay , North Inch 12/4 WHEATEAR 3 Upper Glen almond 25/3 CHIFFCHAFF 1 Old Scone Wood 7/4, 2 Cally Loch 11/4 WILLOW WARBLER several in Glen Errochty 14/4, 1 Errol 15/4

RED THROATED DIVER 1 on Loch Rannoch 4/3 BLACK THROATED DIVER 1 on Loch Rannoch 4/3, pairs reported from two other lochs from 6/4 LITTLE GREBE 2 at Kercock 30/1, single birds reported fijom Bennybeg pond 14/2, White Moss Loch 1/4 , Stare Dam 11/4 and Loch na Craige 13/4. GREAT CRESTED GREBE all reports are,from the Blairgowrie lochs , 9 at Marlee 13/2, pair displaying on Fingask loch 6/3, 5 on Loch Clunie 14/3 and 7 present on 21/3

CORMORANT 3 on Drummond Pond 18/1 and 14/2, 1 R. Tay , Scone Palace 24/1, 35 Loch Clunie 13/2 and 6 there on 14/3. MUTE SWAN many more reports than from the same period last year: 39 on Drummond Pond 18/1 and 56 there on 14/2, 2 at Bennybeg Pond on 18/1 and 14/2, 26 at Rhynd 27/1, 50 including 14 juv. on Old Pond 27/1, 4 at Islabank, C. Angus 31/1, 12 on Stormont Loch 13/2 18 beside Monks Myre 14/2, 5 Loch Clunie 21/3 and 20 including 7 juv on Loch Meallbrodden 10/4.

WHOOPER SWAN 1 on Loch of the Lowes 2/1, 36 including 8 juv. Rhynd 27/1, 4 at Dalreoch 27/1, 3 adult and 1 juv. R. Tay at Errol 7/2,38 including 4 juv Drumore 10/2, 13 on flooded stubble field near Monks Myre 13/2 5 Drummond Pond 14/2, 7 Lochan a Mhuillin 9/3, 28 Dunalastair 18- 28/3, 6 on Loch Kinnordy 18/3, 13 on Loch Dochart 22/3 and 16 Loch Eigheach 31/3. PINK-FOOTED GOOSE 560 Bankfoot area 7/2, 240 Carsebreck 9/3 and c750 there on 23/4 GREYLAG GOOSE 20 on Drummond Pond 18/1 and 6 on 14/2, 100 Glen Quaich 30/1 and 41 there 4/2, 558 Drummondernoch , Comrie 31/1, 100 near Bankfoot 7/2, c120 Haugh of Ballechin 9/2 and 400+ Trinity Gask 1/4

CANADA GOOSE 40 Glen Quaich30/1 and 25 on 2/2, 54 at Kercock 30/1, 2 Bennybeg 14/2 and 4 on Loch Meallbrodden 10/4. BARNACLE GOOSE 6 in Glen Quaich 30/1 and 7 there on 4/2 along with greylags and Canada. SHELDUCK 21+ Port Allen 7/2, 1 on Goddens Pond , Pitroddie 20/2 and 1 was seen flying up Pitroddie Glen 14/3 MANDARIN 1 pair on R. Tay at North inch 13/1 WIGEON 85 on banks of R. tay , Scone Palace 13/1, 30-40 N. Inch Golf Course 24/1 , 58 on Drummond Pond 18/1 and 175 on 14/2, 55 Stormont Loch 13/2 and 106 on 12/3, 76 Monks Myre 13/2 and 1 Carsebreck 9/3 TEAL 6 at Kercock 30/1, 6 on Drummond Pond 14/2, 14 Mill Dam 15/2, 6 Goddens Pond 20/2, 64 Carsebreck 9/3 and 20 present on 1/4 MALLARD c 260 Almond mouth 8/1,124 Drummond pond 18/1 and 132 on 14/2 c 700 Stormont loch 4/3.

SHOVELER 1 male Stormont Loch 13/2 and 3 male on 4/3. POCHARD 15 on Drummond Pond 18/1 and 20 on 14/2, 13 on Stormont 18/1, 13 Hare Myre 13/2 and 29 on Monks Myre 12/3 TUFTED DUCK 56 on Drummond pond 18/1 and 113 on 14/2, 30 on Clunie 13/2 and 37 there on 14/3, 27 Monks Myre 13/2 and 11 on Loch Meallbrodden 10/4 / LONG-TAILED DUCK 1 male Carsebreck Loch 14/3

COMMON SCOTER 2 pairs on North Perthshire loch on 29/4

GOLDENEYE 13 on Stormont loch 18/1 and 39 on 12/3, 25 on Rae Loch 18/1 and 7 on 12/3, 2 on Drummond Pond 18/1 and 32 on 14/2 , 37 on R. Tay, North Inch 24/1 and 30 at Kercock 30/1, 14 Loch Clunie 14/2 and 12 on 13/3, 8 Loch Faskally 31/3. SMEW 1 male Loch Faskally 31/3

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 1 male Loch Rannoch 18/3 and 1 pair on R. Tay North Inch 12/4

GOOSANDER 6 on Loch of the Lowes 2/1,13 R. Tay , North Inch 24/1, 3 R. Tay Kercock 30/1, 2 males Drummond Fish Farm , Crieff 9/2, 2 females R. Tummel, Ballinluig 12/2, 2 pairs Upper Glen Almond 2/4 and 14/4, 1 pair Castlehill Reservoir 12/4 HEN HARRIER 1 female Strathbraan 4/2, male bird Carse of Gowrie 14/2 and a male displaying North Perthshire 29/4 SPARROWHAWK a female took starlings on 5 occasions in a Crieff garden between 24/1 and 10/3, while another individual made a habit of taking blue tits from the garden at North Murie, Errol. a female found injured at Crieff on 1/2 later died. Individuals reported from Pitroddie Den, Murrayshall, Carsebreck and Glen Tilt. BUZZARD Widespread in lowland areas : Pitcairngreen, Moneydie, Kercock, Scone, , Collace, Pitroddie, Glencarse, Port Allen, Carsebreck and Madderty. 3 were seen at Callum's Hill, Crieff 1/1, 5 at Deuchary Hill 4/1, 4 in Glen Quaich on 2/2 and 3 on 3/1, 6 near Bridge of Cally 10/3 and 4 Upper Glen Almond 14/4.

GOLDEN EAGLE 1 report from West Perthshire 2/2 and an immature seen North Perthshire 29/4.

OSPREY 1 seen over R. Tay , Meikleour 6/4 and a pair West Perthshire 13/4 KESTREL single birds reported from Crieff, Glen Fender, Stobhall, Viewlands Park, Perth, Forteviot, Glenfarg, and Carsebreck. A pair attempted to take over a Jackdaw's nest at Megginch, Errol and a pair were seen at Loch na Craige.

MERLIN 2 sightings in Rannoch area 21/4 and 29/4. PEREGRINE birds seen Aberfeldy area on 9/2 and 13/4. One found injured near , recovered with treatment and was released at the same spot. BLACK GROUSE 8 cocks at Balnaguard 9/2 and 10 in Glen Quaich 9/3, 2 hens near Butterstone 20/4 and from several sites jn Rannoch. CAPERCAILLIE 4 females Gorthy Wood 21/3. GREY PARTRIDGE 14 near Toma knock, Crieff 3/1, 11 Kirkton Hill 1/2, one which flew into Blairgowrie Co-op-supermarket on 12/2 was released unharmed.

COOT 526 on Drummond Pond 18/1 and 135 on 14/2, c 120 on Fingask Loch 13/2 , 25 on flooded stubble field near Monks Myre 13/2, 40 on Monks Myre, 39 on Loch Clunie 14/2.

OYSTERCATCHER c30 Islabank, Co. Angus 31/1, 60 on Drummond Pond 14/2, c50 North Inch 28/2, 500 Carsebreck 9/3, 65 Kinkell 9/3 and 100+ Scone Palace shingle 30/3. RINGED PLOVER 2 floodwater Kinkell 9/3. GOLDEN PLOVER 2 Meadowmore, Logiealmond with 3 redshank and lapwings. LAPWING 40 on back of R. Tay, Scone Palace 13/1, c80 Huntingtower 24/1, c 130 Kercock 30/1, c110 Luncarty 9/2, c2000 at Carsebreck on 9/3 most had moved by 14/3, 2 nests with young Blairgowrie area 30/4 SNIPE 2 at Tomaknock 10/1,2 Glen Garr 4/2 and 2 Little Glenshee 21/2 WOODCOCK reported from Pitroddie Den, Muirward Wood, Scone where 2 were roding on 26/3, Glen Artney 7/2, Murrayshall 20/2, Rannoch 18/3, Glen Tilt 26/3 and Marlee 10/4. CURLEW c75 R. Tay , Scone Palace 13/1 and c35 on 24/1, first heard in Blairgowrie area 13/2, c280 Carsebreck 9/3 REDSHANK 3 Meadowmore , Logiealmond 21/3, 1 pair Carsebreck 1/4 COMMONSANDPIPER pair Upper Glen Almond 14/4, 1 Rannoch 21/4 and 2 pairs 29/4. LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL 1 R. Tay, Scone Palace 24/1, 2 in Crieff garden 20/3, 1 perched on house roof, Scone 13/4, 2 Upper Glen Almond 17/4. HERRING GULL c600 R. Tay , Scone Palace 24/1 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL 12 R. Tay , Scone Palace 24/1 STOCK DOVE 4 at Loch Clunie 14/3 CUCKOO Glen Lednock 2/5 LONG-EARED OWL female found with broken wing at Megginch, Errol on 19/3, taken to Camperdown Wildlife Park for treatment. 1 heard calling in Wood., Scone 26/3 SHORT-EARED OWL individuals observed Little Glenshee 21/3, near Braco 23/4, and Glen Cochill 24/4 KINGFISHER 1 Loch Faskally 31/3 GREEN WOODPECKER single birds reported from Pitroddie Den 1/1, and 21/3, Muirward Wood, Murrayshall Hill, Cally Loch 11/4, Mill Dam 4/3 and a pair at Butterstone 20/4 GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER 1 fed at peanuts at North murie during the period, and a pair also visited Muirend, Murrayshall. 1 was seen in Glen Artney 7/2 and 2 Murrayshall Hill 2/4 SAND MARTIN R. Tay , Meikleour 1/4, several R. Tay , North Inch 12/4 and Stormont Loch 21/4 SWALLOW 4 Braco Road near Carsebreck 1/4, single birds Blairgowrie 14/4, and Loch Rannoch 14/4, Rossie Priory 18/4 and 29/4

GREY WAGTAIL 1 North Murie 16/3, 3 pairs Loch Faskally 31/3, 1 pair Glen Devon 12/4 , PIED WAGTAIL 15 Arnbathie , Scone 20/2, 40 Loch Tay at Killin 12/4. DIPPER 1 Buckie Braes , Perth 16/1,1 9/2, 3 on R. Ericht 20/2, pair Loch Faskally 31/3, 2 Upper Glen Almond 2/4 and 1 Glen Devon 12/4 STONECHAT 1 pair Deuchary Hill 7/2, 3 Little Glenshee 17/2 and female on 22/4, pair Kinloch Rannoch 7/3, and 3 Little Glenshee 21/3. WHEATEAR 3 Upper Glen Almond 25/3 and 2 pairs on 2/4 male at Dalnacardoch 4/4. RING OUSEL 2 males Upper Glen Almond 21/4 BLACKBIRD singing at Scone on 6/2 FIELDFARE c100 Pitroddie Den 1/1, c150 Keillour, Methven 10/1, c100 flying NW over Blairgowrie 11/4 and 130 Trochry 13/4 REDWING 6 in Crieff garden 1/1, 14 Viewlands Park, Perth 2/1, 14 S. Inch 10/1, 30 Trochry 13/4 MISTLE THRUSH individual birds at Tomaknock, Crieff 3/1, Mill Dam 4/1 and 7 bird Glen Quaich 2/2 BLACKCAP male at St. Madoes 6/1, male frequented Blairgowrie garden Jan- Apr , one was a regular visitor to a Crieff garden from 14/1 - 24/3, and on 22/1 two were seen , 2 females visited a Craigie garden from Jan to Feb and a male present in Kinnoull 31/1 to 2/2, 2 were seen in Pitroddie Den 24/4 CHIFFCHAFF first record of the season Old Scone Wood 7/4, 2 there on 5/5, 2 at Cally Loch 11/4 and 1 Muirward Wood, Scone 7/5 WILLOW WARBLER several singingin Glen Errochty 14/4, 1 Errol 15/4, and Blairgowrie area 20/4. LONG-TAILED TIT 15 Pitroddie Den 2/1, 8 Stormont Loch 13/2, 13muirward Wood 17/1, also visited gardens in Crieff and Craigie, Perth. GREAT TIT 12 in Craigie garden 27/2, queueing up for nuts. TREECREEPER 3 with tit flock Moneydie 24/1, singles at Auchterarder on 8/2 and 13/2, pair at Murrayshall 15/3 onwards - nest prospecting. JAY 1 Glen Artney 7/2, 4 on golf course, Rosemount 23/4. MAGPIE reported from Gleneagles area, 1 on 9/3 and 14/3, 2 on 1/4. CARRION CROW c40 North Inch and Woody Island 24/1, gathering to roost. RAVEN 3 in Glen Quaich 3/1 and 2 on 2/2, 1 Rumbling Bridge 31/1, 2 Glen Garr 4/2 and 3/4, 4 Glen Cochill 4/2, 2 Murray's Hill , Fowlis Wester 14/2, 6 Little Glenshee 17/2 and 5/3 and 1 at Carsebreck 14/3. TREE SPARROW pairs present in Kinnoull and Murrayshall, c10 at East Bonhard , Scone 3/4 and pair at Abernethy 13/4. CHAFFINCH singing at Scone 4/2, c80 Glen Quaich feeding on stubble. BRAMBLING 3 at Tomaknock 3/1, 2 on 8/1 and 4 on 24/1, 1 at Palace Road , Blairgowrie 13/2, several in mixed finch flocks at Lawmuir, Methven on 14/2 and c100 at Dalcrue 14/2. GREENFINCH c 200 at Kercock 30/1 GOLDFINCH 15 Dalbeattie, Dunkeld 19/1, 20 Glen Artney 7/2 and pair at Faskally 31/3 SISKIN marked increase in the number of reports for this species. Frequent visitor to gardens in Perth, Crieff, Auchterarde/, Blairgowrie, Glencarse and Rannoch. 30 were seen at Loch Craiglush 2/1, 25 Mill Dam 2/1, 16 Buckie Braes 29/1, 50 Loch Ordie 9/3 and 40 Bridge of Cally 10/3. / TWITE c 200 Crieff area 8/1, c30 Little Glenshee 21/2 and c20 Upper Glen Almond 2/4 REDPOLL 6 at Anderson Drive , Perth 25/1, c30 Glen Garr 4/2, c40 Bridge of Cally 10/3. CROSSBILL 6 Murrayshill, Fowlis Wester 14/2. BULLFINCH 5 Keillour Wood, Methven 10/1, 10 Murrayshall 26/1, 14 Birnam Hill 27/1, 14 Sketewan 9/2, pair St Madoes 26/2 YELLOW HAMMER c 40 Sketewan 9/2, 70 at Blairgowrie 25/2. REED BUNTING male at Carsebreck 14/3 and one at White Moss Loch 1/4, 2 males Loch Tay, Killin 12/4.

REPORT

HEDGEHOG 2 Blairgowrie area 18/3, both dead and 1 in same area 23/4, - road casualty BROWN HARE 1 Balnaguard Glen 23/2, 2 Pictstonhill, Scone 19/3, 2 Blairgowrie area 18/4, 1 Camghouran , Rannoch 25/2. RED SQUIRREL 1 in Perth High School grounds on 28/1, 1 Balnaguard 23/2, 2 Deuchney Wood 25/2, 1 Moncrieffe Hill 28/3 GREY SQUIRREL 5 in woods near Errol during the period , singles at Dupplin 31/1, Pitroddie Den 21/3, Murrayshall Golf Course 24/4

STOAT 1 in ermine , Balthayock 14/1, 1 dead on road Glendoick 2/2 and 1 at Glendoick 4/4. WEASEL 1 seen crossing A85 near Perth 2/2, 1 dead in Fen Trap Blairgowrie 21/4 MINK 1 reported in Craigie area , Perth 19/3 ROE DEER numerous Carse of Gowrie , Blairgowrie etc

Ttichael Taytor of Perth ^Museum and, Art frailery is collecting records of mammals and amphibians and requests that members submitting mammal records give grtct referencesfor the sightings if they possiMy can. Jte hopes to use this information to produce local atCases for mammals and amphibians.

Contributors to this bulletin were E.D. Cameron, J.M. Duncan, Miss SR Hacker, Mrs I. McKinnie, Miss BA Mathers, A Patullo, Miss ES Ritchie , CD and Mrs E Scotland, S. and Mrs M. E. Shimeld, Mrs E Smith and Miss E. Taylor.

Records for May to August to J. M. Duncan , Cruachan, 59 Viewlands Road, Perth PH1 1ND please as soon as possible after 31st August 1993. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION Bulletin for May to August 1993

SPECIES RECORDS

RED THROATED DIVER 2 pairs north west of County 19/5 BLACK THROATED DIVER reported from north and west of County, at least one young raised. LITTLE GREBE single birds on Gorthy Wood Loch 5/6 and Drummond Pond 4/8, pair with one young Loch Meallbroden 15/ 5 on Drumore Loch 9/8. GREAT CRESTED GREBE 8 adult and 3 young Loch Clunie and 6 adult and 1 young Marlee Loch 9/8 SLAVONIAN GREBE 1 on Stormont Loch 1/5 BLACK NECKED GREBE 3 present in Blairgowrie area during May - July CORMORANT 1 on Drummond Pond 4/8 and 16 at tree roost Loch Clunie 9/8 GREY HERON 5 were seen flying south over Scone 27/6, 2 at Drummond Pond 4/8 MUTE SWAN 51 adult and 3 juvenile Drummond Pond 4/8, 3 at North Inch 5/8, 16 on Marlee Loch, 3 on Rae Loch and 3 on Fingask Loch 9/8. Sandra Hacker reports breeding numbers down this year. CANADA GOOSE 17 on R. Tay at Inchtuthill 1/6, 4 on L. Clunie and 61 on Marlee Loch 9/8. ; MANDARIN 1 male on R, Tay at Perth on 7/5. WIGEON 24 at Kilspindie Marsh 11/7, 14 on Drummond Pond 4/8 MALLARD 100+ Kilspindie Marsh 11/7, 136 on Drummond Pond and 100 on Bennybeg 4/8, 54 on L. Clunie and 20 on Marlee L. 9/8, c20 on R. Garry near Struan 13/8. PINTAIL 1 pair Stormont Loch 1/5. POCHARD duck with 4 young Haremyre 7/6, 4 Drummond Pond 4/8. TUFTED DUCK 28 on Drummond Pond 4/8, 30 on Clunie and 27 on Marlee 9/8. COMMON SCOTER 2 pairs present on their usual loch but no young GREY PARTRIDGE family party in Glen Quaich 12/7 and 8 at Callerfountain, Perth 28/7 MOORHEN 1 pair with young at Kilspindie Marsh 11/7, 1 at Bennybeg 4/8, 6 on Rae Loch 9/8 and 2 pairs produced 14 young at Scone Pond COOT 2 pairs Kilspindie Marsh 11/7, 53 on Drummond Pond 4/8, 50 on L Clunie, 22 on Rae Loch and 42 on Fingask Loch 9/8. RINGED PLOVER 1 pair beside R. Tay at Inchtuthill 1/6 GOLDEN PLOVER 1 heard calling Cochrage Moor 2/5 SNIPE 5 Upper Glen Almond 3/6, 1 Loch Meallbroden 28/6 and 3 pairs Kilspindie Marsh 11/7 WOODCOCK 1 flushed at Murrayshall, Scone 19/5 REDSHANK 2 Little Glenshee 16/5 and 2 at Mill Dam, Dunkeld 13/6 COMMON SANDPIPER 1 Glen Artney 5/5 and 2 by R. Tay, North Inch 5/8 Both a juvenile BLACK-HEADED GULL and a COMMON GULL visited a Crieff garden on 23/7 and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at there on 6/8. 3 of the latter species were seen at Auchnafree , Glen Almond on 8/5. COMMON TERN 12 by R. Tay at Inchtuthill 1/6 and 2 at Marlee Loch 9/8 COLLARED DOVE 3 in Crieff garden 11/7 CUCKOO reported from Glen Lednock 1/5 and 2/5, Cochrage Moor 2/5, 2 at Newton Bridge 6/5, 2 at Riechip, Dunkeld 9/5 and a young one was observed being fed by meadow pipit in Little Glenshee 13/7 BARN OWL a pair reared 2 young, fledged late August, Carse of Gowrie LONG-EARED OWL 2 young reared, fledged early June, Carse of Gowrie SHORT-EARED OWL 1 Little Glenshee 13/7 SWIFT first report of the year is from Blairgowrie 7/5 ; Scone and Perth 11/5 and Rannoch 23/5 GREEN WOODPECKER pair at Bamhill, Perth 20/5, also at Muirward Scone and Pitroddie Den GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER reports from Laggan Hill, Crieff 2/5, Sketewen 23/5, Killiecrankie 30/5, Deuchney 14/6 and Rotmell, Dunkeld 7/7 SWALLOW c100 at Cottown, Glencarse 17/8, 100 young ringed Blairgowrie area HOUSE MARTIN several in Glen Lednock 2/5 and Bridge of Cally 18/5 TREE PIPIT 2 at Butterstone and 3 near Riechip 9/5, 1 Gorthy Wood 5/6 GREY WAGTAIL Glen Artney 5/5, pair at Mill Dam 19/7 REDSTART 1 Glen Artney 5/5, 3 males at Butterstone 9/5, 3 males Black Wood of Rannoch 21/5, 1 at Camghouran, Rannoch 23/5 and 1 near Crieff 26/8 WHINCHAT 1 Glen Artney 5/5, several at Trinafour 15/5, 1 pair at Loch Monaghan 23/5, 1 in clear fell wood at Gorthy 30/5 and 5/6, 2 adults and 3 juveniles Little Glenshee 6/7 and 2 adults + 2 juv. Mill Dam 7/7 STONECHAT 1 near Riechip 9/5, 1 pair near Schiehallion and pairs at Dalnacardoch , Glen Garr and Little Glenshee bred successsfully WHEATEAR 2 adults and 3 juv. Little Glenshee 6/7 RING OUZEL 1 pair Glen Lednock 2/5, 4 males Upper Glen Almond 8/5, 2 males Glen Turret and 4 males Loch Turret 13/6 SONG THRUSH 12 Glen Lednock 2/5, pair bred in Crieff garden,June MISTLE THRUSH 6 at Loch Meallbroden 28/6 SEDGE WARBLER 6 singing males at Almondmouth 15/5 WHITE THROAT 3 singing males Almondmouth 15/5, 1 female Viewiands Reservoir Park 19/5, 1 male Barnhill 20/5, 1 Crieff 25/5 and Gorthy Wood 5/6 GARDEN WARBLER single birds Pitroddie Den 16/5 and Kelty Burn, Monzie 15/6, 5 young were ringed Blairgowrie area in June BLACKCAP singing males at Almondmouth 15/5, Kinloch Rannoch 20/5, 1 at Blairgowrie 14/8 and 2 on 28/8 WOOD WARBLER single birds at Riechip 9/5, Rannoch 19/5, Barnhill 20/5, Loch Laidon 22/5, Birnam Glen 26/5, Mill Dam 13/6 and Monzie 15/6 CHIFFCHAFF 2 at Old Scone 5/5 and 1 at Muirward Wood 7/5 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER 2 Drimmie, Blairgowrie 18/5, 2 pairs Kilvrecht Rannoch 19 and 20/5, 1 pair Loch Laidon 22/5 and 1 at Crieff 26/5 LONG-TAILED TIT pair feeding young at Rannoch 20/5 and family parties at Crieff 12/6 and Kinnoull, Perth 17/7 TREE CREEPER 1 in wood beside Perth Quarry 29/6 and fledgling at Kinnoull 21/7 JAY 1 at Barnhill 25/5, family of 6 at Loch Rannoch 21/7 RAVEN 1 in Little Glenshee 16/5, 9 on 6/7 and 1 on 13/7 TREE SPARROW 78 young were ringed around Blairgowrie GREENFINCH bred in orchard at Glencarse and family .pdrty of 8 in Crieff garden 8/6 GOLDFINCH 1 at Glencarse 20/5, 4 at Crieff 25/5, 1 Viewiands Park 27/7 and 2 present on 3/8 SISKIN 1 male singing in birch tree, Crieff garden 9/7 LINNET c20 Little Glenshee 10/8 TWITE 8 little glenshee6/7, 15 by Loch Errochty 20/7, pair ay Camghouran, Rannoch 10/8 REDPOLL c30 Glen Artney 5/5, pair Viewiands Park 19/5 CROSSBILL 13 including 5 juv. Black Wood of Rannoch 21/5 REED BUNTING 2 Almondmouth 15/8

MAMMAL REPORT HEDGEHOG 2 adults visited a Craigie garden throughout the period,for supper, joined by 1 juv. in August. One - juv. at Balcraig, Scone 29/8 COMMON SHREW 1 at Blairgowrie 13/6 and 2 there on 3/7, 3 dead at Callerfountain 25/6 PYGMY SHREW 1 dead Callerfountain 6/8 BROWN HARE 3 at Drimmie, Blairgowrie 18/5 and singles in Blairgowrie area on 2/6, 7/6 and 28/6 BLUE HARE 2 pairs near Loch Errochty 20/7 RED SQUIRREL 1 Deuchney Wood on 1/5 and 24/7, 2 at Rosemount 3/5, 1 Kinnoull Hill 7/7 and 1 Stormont 9/8 GREY SQIRREL 1 Viewlands Road, Perth 7/8 VOLE 1 at Glenrock 7/6, 1 dead Callerfountain 7/7 and 1 dead Craigie Knowes 31/8 STOAT singles Blairgowrie area on 13/6, 28/6 (dead) and 9/8, and 1 Murrayshall, Perth 28/7 WEASEL 1 at Craiganour, Rannoch 13/8 PINE MARTIN 1 seen on shore at Loch Rannoch OTTER 1 near Finnart Farm, Rannoch 23/5 and one visited a garden pond near Errol COMMON LIZARD 1 sunning on rock near Loch Ordie 5/8 COMMON FROG 1 in Craigie garden 5/7

Contributors to this bulletin were : ED Cameron, JM Duncan, Miss SR Hacker, DHB Howie, Mrs I McKinnie, Miss BA Mathers, JW Ogilvie, S and Mrs ME Shimeld, Mrs E Smith and Miss E Taylor.

Please send records for September to December to JM Duncan, Cruachan, 59 Viewlands Road, Perth PH1 1ND as soon as possible after 31 st December 1993. If possible please send y6ur list of species noted in the order (VOOUS) in which they occur in Field Guides and with the dates in chronological order, as this makes it much easier to prepare the bulletin. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for September to December 1993

This period saw more severe weather than usual, with snow arriving on 21st November followed by severe frost. These conditions prevailed until the end of the year, making life difficult for most birds and extremely hazardous for some species.

SPEGQES RECORDS BLACK-THROATED DIVER single bird central Perthshire 7/9 LITTLE GREBE Drumore Loch had 10 on 5/9, 6 on 15/9 and 3 on 14/10, single birds seen on Drummond Pond 19/9, Bennybeg 17/10 and R. lay at North Inch 23/10 while 4 were present on Loch Faskally 8/10 and 6 on 17/12, there were 7 on Rhynd Loch 14/10 and 2 on Stare Dam 23/10. GREAT CRESTED GREBEMarlee Loch held 9 on 17/9, 2 on 10/11 and 4 on 10/12, Fingask Loch had 5 on 17/9 and 1 on 10/11. There were 4 adults and 3 young on Loch Clunie 18/9 but none during Oct to Dec CORMORANT single bird Drummond Pond 19/9, 5 there on 17/10 and 2 on 12/12 Loch Clunie had 21 on 28/9, 35 on 16/10, 46 on 13/11 and 55on 12/12 , 5 on R. Tay above Perth 16/12 GREY HERON 1 was seen at Scone Park Pond 26/9 and another frequented a garden at Fairies Road, Perth during December. Single birds were also reported from Loch Rannoch 20/10 and Bennybeg12/12, there were 7 at Stormont Loch 5/10, at Carsebreck 1 was seen 19/10, 1 adult and 2 juv 11/11 and 5 on 16/12 MUTE SWAN Drummond Pond had 53 on 19/9, 24 on 17/10, 43;on 14/11 and 46 on 12/12, 2 were present on Bennybeg 17/10 and 3 on 12/12, 8 onLoch Meallbroden 25/9 and 6 there 12/12, 25 present at River Earn mouth 13/10, 6 flew over Loch Clunie 16/10, 30 on Carsebreck 19/10 Old England Pond held 57 adult and 2 juv 20/10, 82 on 29/10 including 3 ringed at Montrose Basin and Forfar Loch and 82 adults and 16 juv Stare Dam 23/10,10 adults and 4 juv on R Tay at Perth 28/11 WHOOPER SWAN 2 near Bridge of Earn 13/10, 5 at Carsebreck/Rhynd Loch on 14/10 and11/11 4 there 16/12, Drumore Loch held 16 on 14/10, 56 on 10/12 including one ringed Iceland 8/91 and another ringed Caerlaverock 1/93, 74 adults and 1 juv 12/11 , 76 adults and 5 juv 17/11, 5 on Loch Kmardochy 19/11,10 flew over Myreside, Carse of Gowrie1/12, 63 at Trinity Gask 24/10 and 35 on 16/12, 28 Old England Pond 30/12 PINK-FOOTED GOOSE first reports were of birds flying over Scone/Perth on 25/9, 60 at Auchterarder 26/9 with 500+ there 5/10, c2500 Tibbermore 6/10 and 10/10 including 1 leuciste specimen, 2550 at D rummond Pond 17/10, 1000+ Dunning 9/11 and c600 at Carsebreck 11/11 GREYLAG GOOSE50 on Loch Clunie 18/9 and 54 on 16/10 were presumed to be feral birds 2 were seen at Auchterarder 10/10, 4000 at Drummond Pond 17/10, 1300 on 14/11 and 19 on 12/12; 500 at East Banchory, Coupar Angus 31/10,150 near Highlandman Loan 30/11 and 500 on 5/12, c 700 Kmclaven 30/12 CANADA GOOSE Loch Clunie held 215 on 18/9 and 3 on 11/12, Bennybeg 140 on 19/9 and Drummond Pond 2 on 17/11 and 1 On 12/12 BARNACLE GOOSE2 at Tibbermore 10/10 in Pmkfoot flock, 11 flew over Rhynd Loch 14/10 MANDARIN 2drakesR Tay above Perth 7/10 WIG EON 20 Loch Meallbroden 25/9, c100 Monks Myre and 82 Stormont Loch 5/10, 20 Carsebreck 13/10 and 50 on 11/11, Drummond Pond had 115 on 17/10, 213 on 14/11 and 174 on 12/12 , 6 on R Tay at North Inch 23/10 , 42 Mill Dam , Dunkeld 22/10,103 Drumore Loch 23/10 and c200 on 12/11, 6 Lochan an Daim 11/1 and 52 Loch Clunie 11/12 TEAL 12 Loch Clunie 18/9, 26 Loch Faskally 8/10 and 52 on 28/10, Carsebreck held 30 on 13/10 and 11/11, c150 on 16/12, 33 Mill Dam22/10and 12 Drummond Pond 12/12. MALLARD Bennybeg had 50 on 19/9, 17 on 17/10 , 10 on 14/11 and 18 on 12/12, Drummond Pond held 26 on 17/10, 28 on 14/11 and 93 on 12/12, Loch of Clume counts were 120 on 18/9,125 on 16/10, 122 on 13/11 and192 on 11/12, there were 4-500 on Loch Meallbroden 25/9 and 162 there on 12/12 when three quarters of the loch was covered with ice, Carsebreck held 100 on 13/10 , 30 on 11/11, 50 + 50 on Rhynd Loch 16/12, c300 Old England Pond 20/10. SHOVELER11 on Carsebreck 13/10,10 on Rhynd Loch 14/10 and 1 at Stormont Loch 14/10 POCHARD Loch Faskally held 6 on 8/10, 8 on 28/10 and 12 on 17/12, c150 Carsebreck 13/10, 4 on Loch Clunie 16/10, 2 on 13/11 and 3 on 11/12. Counts on Drummond Pond were 9 on 17/10, 8 on 14/11 and 6 on 12/12. 3 on Loch Kinardochy 11/11 TUFTED DUCK Loch Clunie held 8 on 18/9, 71 on 16/10, 52 on 13/11 and 54 on 11/12, Carsebreck had c150 on 13/10, Drummond Pond 69 on 17/10, 70 on 14/11 and 89 on 12/12 while Bennybeg had 3 on 17/10 and Loch Faskally 16 on 28/10. GOLDENEYE first report 1 female on Marlee Loch 14/10 followed by 4 on Loch of Clunie 16/10 then 8 on 13/11 and 4 on 11/12, 2 on Drummond Pond 17/10, 12 on 14/11 and 13 on 12/12, 1 Loch Rannoch 20/10 and 4 on 9/11, 5 on R lay at Perth 23/10, 8 Loch Faskally 28/10 and 12 on 17/12, there were 6 on Rae Loch, 3 on Marlee, 1 on Monks Myre, 1 on Fmgask and 16 on Stormont all on 10/11, 6 on Rae , 11 on Marlee, 2 on Monks Myre , 6 on Fmgask, 15 on Stormont on 10/12,12 on R. Tay above Perth 25/11. SMEW 1 drake on Loch Faskally 5/11 and 17/12 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER2 on Tay above Perth 25/11. GOOSANDER 12 on R. Tay at Perth 23/10, 7 on 6/11, and 6 on 25/11, 4 on Drummond Pond 14/11 RUDDY DUCK 2 ducks on Stormont Loch 17/9and 1 drake 14/10 RED KITE 1 in Crieff area 12/10 HEN HARRIER male Rannoch 11/11 SPARROWHAWK 2 observed soaring together Blairgowrie 16/10, and single birds at Tullymet, Rannoch, Gothy Wood, Gask Kmnoull Hill, Scone and Kmclaven. BUZZARD individuals reported from Auchterarder, Almondbank, Little C^lenshee, Rannoch, Dunkeld, Butterstone and Blairgowrie 3 at Carsebreck on 13/10, 19/10 and 16/12, 3 at Forneth, 5 Murray's Hill, 4 at Crieff and 7 circlmgtogetherat Pitroddie. KESTREL 3 at Callerfountam Hill 7/11, 2 at North Mune, Carse of Gowrie 16/10, 2 at Trinity Gask 11/11, and single birds at Tullymet and Windyedge, Perth MERLIN one landed on verge of A9 near Luncarty 29/10 PEREGRINE single birds seen at Crieff 12/10, Abernethy 13/10, Carsebreck 11/11 and 2 chasing a carrion crow Carse of Gowrie 1/12 BLACK GROUSE 6 cocks near Loch Tummel 28/9, 5 cocks Tullymet 5/10 RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE 1 at Over Forneth 13/11 GREY PARTRIDGE 14 Glen Quaich 27/9 and 6 on 12/10, 9 near Stormont Loch 5/10, 8 Tibbermore 10/10, 7 at Tullyneddy and 7 at Over Forneth 13/11, 5 at Kirkton Hill, Perth 11/11, covey of 7 and 4 east of Crieff and 19 at Luncarty 27/12 MOORHEN 3 downy young at Blairgowrie Boating Pond 8/9, up to 8 frequent Scone Park Pond and 1 at Bennybeg Pond 14/11 COOT 73 at Marlee Loch 17/9, countson Loch Clunie were 63 on'18/9, 31 on 16/10, 29 on 13/11 and 16 on 11/12, Drummond Pond held 291 on 17/10, 210 on 14/11 and 372 on 12/12 OYSTERCATCHER 6 present on North Inch 23/10 GOLDEN PLOVER 20+ in flight, North Mune 16/10, 18 at Oliverburn, Pitroddie 19/11 and 70 near 16/12 LAPWING c100 at Klnfauns 7/11, c150 Carsebreck 11/11 and 6 on 16/12, 9 with golden plovers at Oliverburn 19/11 SNIPE 3 at Carsebreck 13/10 and 5 on 11/11, 20-25 at flood meadows Kilspindie 22/10,1 at Turleum 30/10 WOODCOCK 2 at Rannoch 20/10,1 sometimes 2 seen during period at Muirend, Murrayshall, 1 Muirward Wood, Scone 28/11 and 22 reported shot at Blairgowrie Estate 14/12 CURLEW 20 by R tay above Perth 25/11 REDSHANK 1 heard calling while flying over Scone after dark 10/9,1 Carsebreck 1/11 COMMON SANDPIPER 1 llymg over Scone 10/9 TAWNY OWL 2 Kmoull Hill 10/11 and 1 frequented a Crieff garden from 1/11 to Dec. SHORT-EARED OWL 1 hunting at Paddockmuir, Glencarse 23/9 and 1 found with broken wmg near 8/12 GREEN WOODPECKER 2 present in Pitroddie Den and sightings in Gorthy Wood and Pitmedden Forest, Abernethy GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER 1 at RannochS/IO, 1 at North Mune throughout the period, 2 fed on nuts at Muirend, Murrayshall 23/11 to 31/12 , also reported from Forneth, Glendams, Faskally, Linn of Tummel and Clumemore An injured juvenile which came to nuts at North Mune late Dec died SKYLARK numerous on setaside at Meggmch till mid-Nov. SWALLOW c40 on wires at Callerfountam, Perth 27/9, 20 at Leetown, Glencarse 2/10, 2 at both Viewlands and Murrayshall 3/10 HOUSE MARTIN reported from Bridge of Cally 17/9 and Auchterarder 3/10 GREY WAGTAIL 3 at Loch of clunie 18/9, and 1 on 16/10,1 at Carsebreck 11/11 PIED WAGTAIL up to 6 in Scone area up to end of Dec. STONECHAT 1 pair Loch Errochty4/10, 2 at Tullymet 5/10,1 pair Little Glenshee 24/10 BLACKBIRD c20 frequented a Blairgowrie garden during Dec , with a maximum of 40 on 17/12 FIELDFARE c30 at Murrayshall 9/10, c150 Viewlands Res. Park 14/10, several in Loch Clunie area 16/10, 100+ Tullymet 23/10, 200+ Stanley 31/10, 100+ Newton Bridge 4/11, 200 Dunning 9/11, c500 Gask 11/11, 18 in Crieff garden 21/11 and 60 Highlandman Loan 30/11 SONG THRUSH 3 near west end of Loch Errochty 4/10,1 at Crieff 21/11 and 1 at Scone 26/11 REDWING first report is of a flock in Glen Quaich 27/9, followed by a substantial number at Rannoch 5/10, birds heard flying over Scone on night of 8/10, c70 Gorthy Wood 10/10, 50 at Stanley 31/10, 20 at Dunning 9/11 and 50 Lady Mary's Walk, Crieff28/11 MISTLE THRUSH 7atTrinafour4/10,1 at Crieff 17/10,1 at Scone 18/12 WHITETHROAT 1 mist netted at Blairgowrie 4/9 BLACKCAP 2 in garden at Muirend, Perth from 29/11 to 31/12,1 at Blairgowrie 10/12 and male at Kmnoull 25-31 Dec. WILLOW WARBLER at least 2 in Gorthy Wood12/9 GOLDCREST 1 in Crieff garden 3/11, 2 at North Murie 31/12 LONG-TAILED TIT several in garden Fairies Rd, Perth 6/10, 3 at Crieff 8/10, 8 Cherrybank, Perth 27/10, and 25 Butterstone Glen 18/11 TREECREEPER reported from Glen Quaich 27/9, Glen Ample 13/10, Luncarty 27/12 and North Murie 31/12 JAY 6 at Almondbank 26/9, feeding at pheasant feeder and 3 at Murrayfield, Moneydie 4/12 feedign on dung heap MAGPIE reported from Gleneagles area on 14/10 and 19/10 CARRION CROW one was observed dropping a mouse from a height near North Murie 16/10, c120 Loch Faskally 5/12, gathered on a sandbank at dusk 2 Carrion/hooded Crow hybrids near Blacklunans 15/9 RAVEN 1 at Murrays' Hill on 12/9 and 25/9, 2 there 12/12, 2 at Loch Tummel 28/9, 2 at Tullymet 5/10, 1 at Castlelaw, Abernethy 13/10,1 Glen Cochill19/12 and 2 at Newtyle Hill 21/12 TREE SPARROW 2 pairs in Kmnoull garden, Perth from 20/11, 20 Glen Cochill 19/12 and 6 on stubble near Scone 30/12 CHAFFINCH a 3/4 albino individual present at Meggmch BR AMBLING 6 at Highlandman Loan 30/11, 200+ near Blairgowrie 16/12, and present in large mixed finch flocks at Stormont 10/12, Abernyte 16/12 and 29/12 and Kinclaven 30/12 GREENFINCH c50 at Tullyneddy, Blairgowrie 13/11 and c200 on 11 /12 GOLDFINCH c25 at Almondbank 26/9, 4 Glen Quaich 27/9, c30 Murrayshall 13/10, 8 at Bridge of Earn 26/10 and up to 11 present in Carse of Gowne throughout the period SISKIN big flock at Rannoch 20/10, with 300+ present on 9/11,15 Mill Dam 22/10, 30 Craig a' Barns 23/10, 30 near R Isla , Easter Banchory 31/10 They have also been present in gardens at Auchterarder, Crieff, Perth, Scone, usually in Dec. LINNET 5 at Stormont Loch 5/10, 40-50 at Myreside, Carse of gowrie 17/10 on rape stubble. REDPOLL several present in large siskin flock at Rannoch 9/11, c70 Little Glenshee 10/11 A few in a Kmnoull garden 4+5 Dec BULLFINCH 9 Blackwood, Rannoch 15/10, 4 Mill Dam 22/10 , pairTurleum 30/10, 2 at Rannoch 9/11 and 1 in garden Muirend, Perth 30/12 YELLOWHAMMER 4 present at Myreside, Carse of Gowrie throughout the period REED BUNTING 2 at Myreside 31/12 MAMMAL REPORT

HEDGEHOG 5 individuals seen in Scone area between 21/9 and 27/10, one of them foraged the length of Glebe School football pitch at 4pm on 22/10. There were 5 road casualties at Blairgowrie between 8/9 and 20/10 ; 1 was still active at Kmnoull on 20/10. PIGMY SHREW 1 found dead at Callerfountain Hill 26/10 BROWN HARE 3 road casualties at Scone , Guildtown and Blairgowrie , 1 live near Blairgowrie 10/11, numbers depleted in Carse of Gowrie due to poaching RED SQUIRREL reports from Glen Tilt 11/9, a juvenile at Hare Myrel6/9; Murrayshall Golf Course 18/9 and 19/11, Loch Faskally 5/12, Blairgowrie 10/12 and 2 there on 20/12 GREY SQUIRREL 1 in Murray Place, Perth 23/9, Gorthy Wood 12/9,3 dead on roads near Scone on 14/9,18/9 and 5/10,3 at Almondbank 24/9 and 3 near Hare Myre 5/10, reports also from Collace, Barnhill, Kinnoull Hill, Gask, Birnam Hill, Butterstone, North Murie Farm and Perth and Scone gardens. BROWN RAT 1 on A94 at Doocot Park, Perth 13/11 and 1 dead in Little Glenshee 4/12 WOOD MOUSE 3 in Blairgowrie area HARVEST MOUSE 1 seen in Glencarse to errol road on 23/9 FOX 1 near Dunning 9/11,1 dead on M90 near Glenfarg - ; STOAT individuals seen at Tnnafour, Murrayshall, Dumra and Mill dam during October; Newton Bridge 4/11, at Scones of Lethendy one chased a rabbit across a snow covered field 28/11, at Carsebreck 1 climbed 5 feet up an old birch tree to investigate a hole 16/12 and 1 near Kmclaven on 30/12 may have been the dead one in trap on 19/1/94. WEASEL 1 seen on M90 sliproad near Craigend 23/10 ROE DEER twos and threes reported from Moneydie, Little Glenshee, Loch Errochty , Errol, Scones Lethendy, Almondbank, Methven Wood, Logiealmond, Gorthy Wood, Carsebreck and Murrayshall Golf Course 5 were present at North Murie and a doe with 2 young was seen in Calleriountam woods between 15/11 and 23/11 COMMON FROG 1 at c450 metres above sea level Glen Errochty 30/10

Contributors to the bulletin were E D. Cameron, JM Duncan, MissSR Hacker, D.H B. Howie, Mrs I McKmme, Miss B A Mathers, J W Ogilvie, C D. and E Scotland , S. and M E Shimeld, Mrs E Smith, and Miss E Taylor

The editor wishes to thank all contributors for submitting lists of species in Voous order.

Please send records for January to April to J M Duncan, Cruachan, 59 Viewlands Road, Perth, PH3 1 ND as soon as possible after 30 th April 1994 PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for January to April 1994

SPECIES RECORDS Black throated Diver reported from Rannoch 19/4 Little Grebe widespread, reported from R Tay at Perth and lochs in Blairgowrie , Crieff, Dunkeid, and Pitlochry / Rannoch areas from 3/1 onwards. Great Crested Grebe first records from lochs Clunie and Marlee on 12/3 , followed by 3 pairs on Lowes 22/3 and 1 on Drummond Pond 10/4. Cormorant numbers peaked at 48 on Loch Clunie 13/2, 3 there on 12/3 and 21 on 10/4,9 on Marlee 12/3. Drummond Pond held 11 on 13/2 and 1 on 10/4, while 10 were counted on a tree in R. Tay 10/4. Grey Heron reprted from Carsebreck, Drummond Pond and Errol. 19 were present at Stormont Loch 13/2 and 6 Hare Myre 12/3. Mute Swan 16 present on Monk Myre 12/1 and 29 on 15/4, there w^fere 38 on Stormont Loch 30/1. Drummond Pond held 64 on 16/1, 17 on 13/2 and 15 on 10/4, there were 65 on Old England Pond 19/1,10 at Kinkell 17/1 and 8/3, 21 at Daireoch, Dunning 19/3 and 35 at Loch Meallbroden 13/3. Whooper Swan there were 50 on Drumpark Loch on 13/2, 22 on Drumpark and 20 on Drumore Loch 12/3 and 22on Drumore 25/3, 8 at Trinity Gask 17/1 and 14 including 4 juv tliere on 8/3, 3 on Lochan an Daim 1/2 with 8 there 10/3, Loch Dochart held 25 on 27/3 and 12 were seen flying down Loch Tummel / Tay Valley on 27/3. Pink-looted Goose c400 near Gleneagles on 8/2, c500 Bankfoot area 25/2 and c450 there on 26/3, 200 at Daireoch 19/3, 60 at Auchtrarder 10/4 and 2000-2500 on Tay Estuary, Errol 10/4. Graylag Goose c500 at Dalmamock25/2, c450 Pictstonhill, Scone 3/3, c600 Daireoch 19/3 and c550 Marlee 6/4. There were 100 at Fowlis Wester and 8 in Carse of Gowrie on 29/4. Canada Goose 50 were seen flying over Callum's Hill, Crieff 2/2, largest count on Loch Clunie was 7 on 12/3, 2 were present on Stormont Loch 9/4 and 2 on Stare Dam 10/4. Barnacle Goose 1 with pinkfeet near Gleneagles on8/2 Shelduck 1 pair at Kilspmdie during April and birds were present on Tay Estuary throughout the period. Wigeon Drummond Pond held 235 on 16/1 and 350 on 13/2, there were 80 on Rhynd Loch on 17/1 and 30 on Carsebreck 21/2, c100 Monk Myre 23/1 and c120 there on 13/2, Loch Meallbroden had 100 on 13/2 and 85 on 13/3, there were 20 Kilspindie Bog 6/2 and 20 on Drumore Loch 25/3. Gadwall 1 pair Loch Meallbroden 13/3. Teal Carsebreck held 85 on 21/2 and 15 on 14/4 There were 50 on Kilspindie Bog 6/2 , 6 on Drummond Pond 13/2 and 6 on Loch Faskally 14/2. , Mallard counts of 180 on Loch Clunie on 15/1 and 133on Loch Meallbroden 16/1 were the highest on these lochs during the period Drummond Pond held 83 on 16/1 and 76 on 13/2, Carsebreck and Rhynd Lochs had 225 on 17/1 , 200 on 21/2 and 12 on 14/4 ; 260 on Old English Pond 19/1 and 100 at Kilspindie Bog on 6/2. There was a brood of 10 ducklings on the Tay at Perth on 30/4 Shoveler 3 on Hare Myre on 9/4. Pochard Drummond Pond held 16 on 16/1 and 32 on 13/2, there were 70 on Rhynd Loch on 17/1,8 on Stormont loch 12/3 and 12 there on 9/4. Tufted Duck 50 on Drummond Pond 16/1 and 133 there on 13/2, Rhynd and Carsebreck had 95 on 17/1, 30 on 21/2 and 40 on 14/4 , Loch Clunie had 50 on 13/2, Monk myre 45 on 12/3 and Loch Meallbroden 36 on 13/3. Common Scoter 2 breeding on loch 23/4. Goldeneye 8 on R. Tummel, Ballinluig 9/1,13 on Drummond Pond 16/1,19 on 13/2 and 31 on 10/4. Loch Clunie held 21 on 13/2 and 10/4, Stormont Loch 20 on 12/3 and 6/4. Smew 1 male L. Faskally 9/3 and L. Ordie 11/4. Red-breasted Merganser 1 male Loch Kinardochy 6/4 and 12/4 and 2 Loch Rannoch 21/4. Goosander 2 on R. Almond , Almondbank 2/1,12 on R. Tay, N. Inch 3/1, and 4 on 13/2,3 on R. Tummel, Ballmluig 9/1,10 on Marlee 15/1,2 on Drummond Pond 13/2, 2 pairs L. Kinardochy6/4,1 Upper Glenalmond 20/4 and 2 Lochan an Daim 21/4. Ruddy Duck 1 on L. Glume 15/1,4 male and 2 female Hare Myre 6/4. Marsh Harrier 1 male observed 6/4. Hen Harrier 1 female near Loch Meallbroden 10/2. Sparrowhawk most reports are of birds visiting gardens in Crieff, Errol and Perth. Buzzard many records from all parts of the county with 6 seen together in Crieff area, 6 in Carse of Gowrie and up to 5 in the Sidiaws. Osprey 1 at Mill Dam on 10/4. kestrel a few reports from Auchterarder, Cneff and Errol areas. Merlin 1 near Loch Tummel 19/4. Peregrine 1 in Sma' Glen 10/1 and Carse of Gowrie 6/2. Red Grouse 1 pair present on Murrayshall Hill during Feb and March. Grey Partridge? at Redgorton 9/1,16 at Monk Myre area 23/1,10 Glen Quaich 10/2 and 2 pairs near Errol during April. Moorhen 6 at L. Clunie and 5 at Hare Myre 12/3, up to 8 present at Scone Park Pond . Coot 14 on R. lay at N. Inch 3/1,350 on Drummond Pond 16/1, 213 there on 13/2 and 17 on 10/4 ; 20 on L. Clunie13/2, 35 on Monk Myre 12/3 and 36 on L. Meallbroden 13/1. Oystercatcher first report - many pairs passing over Scone on 5/2, 200 on Scone Palace Shingle 13/2 and 140 there on 28/3,20 at Drummond Pond 13/2 and 12 at Dalreoch 13/2. Ringed Plover 1 near Guay 3/4 and 1 at Kercock 24/4. Golden Plover 1 at Port Allen 2/1,10 at Trinity Gask 8/3 and c45 Glen Quaich 9/4. Lapwing 5 on ice Fingask Loch 12/1 and 65 standing on ice Carsebreck 17/1, d 50 Glen Quaich 9/3 and 40 on 9/4. Snipe 10 at Kilspindie 10/2,4 flying by R. Tay at Aberfeldy 9/3,1 at Port Allen 2/4,1 near Schiehallion 12/4 and 2 at Calvine 24/4. Woodcock 2 at Riemore 1/1, single birds at Pitroddie 5/3, Callerfountain 23/3 and roding near Banchory, Coupar Angus 15/4. Curlew 25 at Hill of Errol 10/4 and 80 beside the Tay at Scone 13/2. Redshank 6 at Kilspindie 10/2 ,4 on fioodwater at Guay 3/4,4 at /I. Clunie10/4,1 at L. Ordie 11/4 and 2 at Carsebreck 14/4. Greenshank 1 pair on small lochan23/4. Common Sandpiper 1 Blairgowrie 25/4 and 4 Upper Glen Almond 27/4. ; Black-headed Gull 180 at Drummond Pond 13/2 and 50 at Kilspindie , April. Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 on N. Inch 3/1 and 38 at Carsebreck 14/4. Great Black-backed Gull c80 N. Inch 3/1. Barn Owl 2 were seen in eastern part of the county. Tawny Owl 1 in Viewlands Road, Perth 23/4. Short-eared Owl individuals near Errol during the period, Glen Quaich 9/4 and Madderty 8/3. Green Woodpecker reports from Pitroddie, Murrayshall, Scone , and Fowlis Wester. Great Spotted Woodpecker reports from Errol, Murrayshall, Scone and Rannoch. Sand Martin first record from Blairgowrie on 6/4 and 2 at Rhynd Loch 14/4. Swallow 9 seen at L. Rannoch on 21/4 is first report. House Martin c12 at Scone 21/4. Meadow Pipit3 near L. Meallbroden 22/1. Grey Wagtail 1 in Mill Street, Perth 16/1,1 at Murrayshall farm 1/4, pair at Drummond Pond 9/4 and pair at L. Ordie 11/4. Dipper individuals at Perth Bridge , R. Tay 9/1, Craigie Burn, Perth 2/2 and L. Rannoch 21/4. Wheatear 1 at errol 30/3, 2 at Tnnafour and Rannoch 9/4, 2 Glen Turret 10/4, 6 Braes of Tullymet 11/4, and 1 Upper Glenalmond 20/4. Ring Ouzel 1 pair at Bridge of Gaur 6/4 and 1 at Trinafour 9/4. Fieldfare 20 at Crieff 30/1, 60-70 at Port Allen 2/4 and c250 flying NE over Murrayshall 18/4. Song Thrush 1 or 2 present in Crieff during Jan., started singing 31/1 and in Viewlands, Perth 5/2. Redwing 15 at Port Allen 2/1,1 at Murray's Hill 16/1, several small parties Blairgowrie 29/1 ,6 in Crieff garden 20/2 and 1 present 18/3. Blackcap 1 male present in garden Anderson Drive, Perth from the beginmg of the year till 18/4 and a female seen on 23/3,1 female present at Blairgowrie 12/1 and 30/4. Wood Warbler 3 at Paddockmuir 29/4. Chiffchaff 1 at Cally loch 10/4,4 present 17/4. Willow Warbler reports from upper glenalmond 13/4, Scone 22/4, Auchterarder 24/4, Pitroddie Den 24/4 and Blairgowrie 25/4. Goldcrest 2 found dead in the Craigie district of Perth in mid Jan. Presumed to have died from the severe weather. Long-tailed Tit 10 at Port Allen 2/1, 12 at Loch Faskally 11/1, 20 at Callerfountam Wood 13/1, c20 Kmnoull hill 23/1, up to 8 visited a Craigie garden from Jan - March. Nuthatch a possible sighting at Rait 20/3. Treecreeper individuals at Craigie Hill Golf Course 30/1, Murrayshall 12/2, Callerfountam 12/2 and 17/3, 2 beside Loch Rannoch 10/3 and 4 around perimeter of Loch Clunie 10/4. Magpie 1 on Braco Road, near Carsebreck 6/1 and 2 on 14/4, 1 near Errol 2/4. Raven 1 seen flying over Loch Clunie '12/3. Tree Sparrow up to 8 in a Kinnoull garden during the period, 38 at Tibbermore 9/1 and 20 at Gilmerton Road , Crieff 30/1. Brambling 6 or 7 at Fowlis Wester 22/1, single birds Glen Quaich and Cally Loch 17/4, in chaffinch flocks. Greenfinch 350 + near Trinity Gask 8/3. Goldfinch 11 in garden in Craigie 1/1 and 2/1,16 Moncrieffe Hill 7/1, c452 Faskally 11/1, c30 Pitroddie Glen 30/1,18 near Balhomish Farm, Birnam 5/2, c20 Blairgowrie area March and 15 Hill of Errol 10/4. Siskin visited birdtables at Errol, Auchterarder, Perth and Crieff Flocks of 60 and 25 Logierait Wood 9/1, c60 Craigvinean Forest 31/1 and c20 Callerfountain 5/2. Linnet c12 at Myreside , Carse of Gowrie throughout the period. Twite 13 Murray's Hill 13/2. Redpoll 25 Tummel Shingle, Ballinluig 9/1,5 Mill Dam 30/1, 8 Viewlands Park 20/4. Crossbill 25 Craigvinean 19/1 and 17 on 31/1, unspecified numbers at Linn of Tummael 14/2 and Dalnacardoch Wood 19/3,12 Logierait Wood 27/3,4 at Mill Dam 10/4 and 3 in Glen Mor, Schiehalhon 12/4. Bullfinch 8 at Riemore, Dunkeld 1/2 and present in gardens in Auchterarder, Crieff and Perth. Hawfinch single bird Scone 26/2 and 15/4. Snow Bunting 1 female Loch Tummal 9/3. Yellow Hammer 4-6 at Myreside, 4 at Scone second part of Feb., 10 Glencarse 24/2 and 20 at Crieff 20/3 . Reed Bunting 2 resident at Myreside.

yAMMAL REPORT

Hedgehog 1 in Queen's Road, Scone on 9/2 and 1 at Blairgowrie 29/4,4 dead ones reported from Glen Almond and Blairgowrie districts in April. Brown Hare 4 at Trochry 6/3,3 at Tullymet 19/3,3 Glen Quaich 9/4,3 at Dull 12/4 and 2 Blairgowrie area . Single hares seen at Loch Meallbroden, Port Allen, Ballmluig, Guay, Methven, Glen Almond.m Bankfoot, Keillour and Guildtown. Few sightings on intensively farmed land ! Blue Hare small numbers at Dalnacardoch, Dalnamein, Schiehallion, Glen Lednock and Glen Quaich. Red Squirrel 2 Moncrieffe Hill 7/1,1 at Scone 26/2,1 visited an Auchterarder garden on 4/4 and 22/4, 2 Deuchney Wood 21/4/ Grey Squirrel individuals seen at Murrayshall Golf Course 12/1, Barnhill, Perth 29/3, Glencarse 2/4, 2 Kinnoull 22/4 and one visits the bird table at a 4th floor flat in Crieff. Short-tailed Vole dead vole in Tawny Owl nest box nearCoupar Angus 15/4 and 2 dead Loon Braes, Blairgowrie 27/3. Brown Rat 6f at a farm dump of potatoes and grain near Errol. Woodmouse 1 at Scone 26/3, 2 near Coupar Angus 15/4. Stoat 1 part ermine near Errol2/1, other individuals at Murrayshall Golf Course 12/1, Oliverburn Farm 24/1, Stormont Loch and Kynballoch 4/2, a brown one near Deuchney Wood 13/2. On 1/2 a brown stoat killed a rabbit near Murrayshall Hill. Mink 1 at Cargill's Leap, River Encht 9/3. Otter 1 dead on bank of the near Ballinluig 9/1, and spraints and tracks in the snow by lochside near Blairgowrie 29/1. Red Deer c200 by roadside Glen Quaich 9/4. RoeDeer several reports , especially from around Perth and Blairgowrie.

Contributors to the bulletin were : E.D. Cameron, J M Duncan, Miss S.R. Hacker, D.H.B. Howie, Mrs I McKinnie, I. McLachlan, Miss B A Mathers, C.D. and E. Scotland, S. and M.E. Shimeld and Miss E. Taylor

The editor wishes to thank all contributors for continuing to submit lists of species in vous order.

Please send records for May to August to J.M. Duncan, Cruachan, 59 Viewlands Road, Perth PH1 1ND as soon as possible after 30th August 1994.

Information on illegal poisoning of wildlife is enclosed.

; e

Illegal poisoning of wildlife

Illegal poisoning threatens many kinds of wildlife including birds, mammals and

insects such as honeybees, as well as companion animals such as cats and dogs.

Protected wildlife species are sometimes the intended victims of poisoned baits or the

victims of baits aimed at killing crows, magpies or foxes which are often perceived as

pests by farmers and gamekeepers. The laying of poisoned baits such as rabbit

carcasses and injected eggs also threatens the lives of humans who enjoy the

countryside; one gamekeeper has died as a result of this practice

Birds of prey are among the most vulnerable species. During the period 1979 to 1990,

380 wild birds of prey were found poisoned. Carrion eating buzzards are particularly

at risk and illegal poisoning is thought to limit the eastern spread of this species in the

UK. Illegal poisoning has also affected the red kite, a globally threatened species,

with 25 found poisoned between 1979-90. Since then, at least nine more have been

found poisoned, with the most recent one being found in Bedfordshire in April this

year.

In 1991, the Government launched a campaign, with the support of other concerned

organisations, to raise awareness and encourage reporting of illegal poisoning

incidents. A range of publicity material, targeted at both the general public and

farmers and gamekeepers, has been produced and there is a free-telephone hotline on

which anyone can report a suspected incident.

Maximum publicity is sought from successful prosecutions in order to raise public

awareness and to deter others. However cases which make the courts represent the tip

of the iceberg. Collection of sufficient evidence is difficult and dependent upon immediate reporting of any suspected incidents. It is therefore essential that anyone who discovers a suspected incident is aware of what to do and who to call: everyone who regularly visits the countryside should keep a note of the freephone number handy (e.g. in a field notebook).

What should you do if you discover a suspected poisoning incident?

1. Note the location, number and species involved and any evidence of baits.

Photographs would be useful but DO NOT TOUCH any baits or carcasses.

2. If possible, cover the bait or carcass to make it safe.

3. Report the incident immediately on freephone 0800 321 600

(Remember though that a dead animal by a roadside has probably not died as a result of poisoning and that you should not interfere with legal predator control operations e.g. using Larsen traps)

Campaign posters, stickers and postcards are available free from DoE, 2 Marsham St,

London SW1P 3EB. Leaflets, also free, are available from MAFF publications,

London SEy9 7TP. A campaign video, priced £7+VAT explains how to identify and report suspected cases and can be obtained from MAFF Publicity Video Unit, Block

D, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surrey KT6 7NF.

John Holmes, Vertebrate Ecology & Conservation Branch, Joint Nature Conservation

Committee 6 May 1993 PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for May to August 1994

SPEGDES RECORDS

Black-throated Diver one young was reared on a loch in Central Perthshire Little Grebe single birds reported from Bennybeg 15/5, Drummond Pond 15/5 and 4 there on 21/8, Lochan an Daim 28/5 and 16 present on Drumore loch on 29/8. Breeding occured on 3 lochs in Blairgowrie area. Great Crested Grebe Drummond Pond had 1 on 15/5, 3 on 19/6 and 2 on 10/7. Present on Loch Clunie with a maximum of 4 pairs on 10/6, 1 juvenile was seen on 9/7, also bred on Haremyre. 12 present on Marlee Loch on 8/6. Slavonian and Black-neck Grebe 1 pair of both these rarer grebes were seen during July. Cormorant 3 on Drummond Pond 15/5, 2 on 19/6 and 21/8. 13 on Loch Clunie 16/5,4 on 10/6 and 5 on 9/7. Night Heron juvenile present at Kercock for a week in early August. Grey Heron single birds reported from Glen Quaich , Drummond and Bennybeg Ponds ; 5 on Monks My re 8/7 and 3 on 11/8, 6 on Stormont Loch 8/6 Mute Swan Drummond Pond had 8 on 15/5, 28 on 19/6, 47 on 10/7 and 48 on 21/8, there were 14 on Loch Meallbroden 29/5. Breeding reported at Stare Dam - 8 cygnets, Snaigow - 5 cygnets, Methven Loch - 4 cygnets, River Isla, Islabridge - 4 cygnets, Monk Myre - 3 cygnets, Whitemyre Loch - 4 cygnets, Upper Rhynd- 6 cygnets and at Stormont, Fmgask and Rae Lochs. Pink-footed Goose 2 at Auchterarder 6/5 Greylag Goose 2 at Bankfoot 1/5, 4 injured birds at Bennybeg Pond 31/7, 17 at Fingask Loch 15/8 Canada Goose 3 at Stare Dam 1/5, 6 on Drummond Pond 15/5, 2 on 19/6, 5 on 10/7 and 152 on 21/8, 1 pair at Pitcairngreen 25/5, pairs with young on Loch Meallbroden 29/5 and Hare Myre 4/7 ; 5 on Loch Clunie 9/7, 40 at Kercock 19/7 and 26 there on 5/8,16 at Bennybeg Pond 31/7. Shelduck 28 at Port Allen 24/5 and 20 on 9/6 Wigeon 10 on Carsebreck 23/6 Teal 8 on Carsebreck 23/6 and c300 there on 26/8. 3 on Loch Clunie 9/7, 3 on Loch Mullion , Little Glenshee 18/7, and 7 at Tummel on 2/8 may have been a fledged brood. Mallard Loch Clunie held 24 on 16/5, 48 on 10/6 and 9/7 and 143 on 20/8, 53 on Drumore Loch 26/7 and c123 on Monk Myre 11/8. Drummond Pond had 86 on 19/6, 98 on 10/7 and 262 on 21/8, Carsebreck had 10 on 21/5, 30 on 23/6 and c130 on 26/8, there were 100+ on Bennybeg Pond 31/7. Shoveler reported from Hare Myre and Pitcairngreen 17/7. Pochard duck with 8 young on Stormont Loch 29/6 and 2 on Loch Clunie 20/8 Tufted Duck Drummond Pond held 8 on 15/5, 9 on 19/6, 47 on 21/8, Loch Clunie held 10 on 16/5, 27 on 10/6, 38 on 9/7 and 40 on 20/8. Carsebreck held 35 on 21/5, c45 on 23/6 and c30 on 26/8. There were 20 on Drumore Loch 26/7 and 36 on Upper Rhynd Loch 3/7 Common Scoter 3.5 pairs present on 1/5 .1 male only on 19/6, loch in North Perthshire. Goldeneye 4 on Drummond Pond 15/5, 6 immature males Loch Clunie 16/5,1 female Loch Klnnordy 27/5 Red-breasted Merganser 1 pair on Drummond Pond 15/5, 2 pairs Loch Turret 22/5, 2 Upper Glen Almond 31/5 and 4 female Kercock 19/7 Goosander 1 female and 18 juvenile on River Tay , 21/7,2 on Drummond Pond 21/8 Ruddy Duck single male Stormont Loch 4/7 and up to 10 adults on Hare Myre with 2 pairs breeding Sparrowhawk 1 at Murrayshall 23/6 and young birds in Blairgowrie area 11/8 Buzzard 2 at Carsebreck 23/6 and 3 on 26/8, seen regularly from A9 north of Perth , 4 over Callum's Hill, Crieff 29/7 - family party and 2 or sometimes 3 over Murrayshall July - August Peregrine 1 Upper Glen Almond 31/5 Capercaillie female near Fowlis Wester 11/5 Moorhen 2 on Loch Clunie 10/6 and 9/7 and 17 mostly juveniles on 20/8; 1 on Bennybeg Pond 19/6 and 2 on 21/8, 2 on Drummond Pond 21/8 Coot 3 or 4 pairs bred on Loch Clunie and by 20/8 there were 55 present the majority being adults ; 10 on Drumore Loch 26/7, 54 on Drummond Pond 21/8 and 25 on Carsebreck 26/8. Oystercatcher 25 at Loch Clunie 10/6 and 70 on 9/7, c55 at Mains of Logierait 28/5 and c80 Little Glenshee on 18/7. Ringed Plover 1 pair Glen Lednock on 2/5 and 18/6. Golden Plover 2 near Crieff on 1/5, and pair near Calvine 14/5 Lapwing c60 Balthayock Moor 19/6, c60 on field near G. A. headquarters 23/6 and 45 at Carsebreck 23/6, flock of 100 in Little Glenshee 18/7, c150 at Kercock 5/8 and 115 at Loch Clunie on 20/8 Ruff 3 male and 1 female at Carsebreck 26/8 Snipe reports from Loch Kinardochy, Dalnacardoch, Glen Turret and Carsebreck. Woodcock roding birds at Fowlis Wester on11/5 Whimbrel 1 at Kercock on 19/7 Redshank 2 at Loch Clunie 16/5 and 10/6,5 at Carsebreck 23/6, 2 at Kercock 19/7 Greenshank 1 at Loch Rannoch 21/5 and 2 at Kercock 19/7 and 5/8 Common Sandpiper several in Upper Glen Almond 22/6 and 2 at Carsebreck 26/8 Lesser Black-backed Gull 30 on Carsebreck 23/6 and 4 on 26/8, 7 at Kercock 19/7 Great Black-backed Gull 8 on Carsebreck 23/6 Sandwich Tern 3 at Port Allen 9/6 Common Tern 2 at Loch Clunie on 16/5 and 2 in Blairgowrie area 9/7, 8 adults and 3 juveniles at Kercock 19/7 Arctic Tern present at Stormont Loch on 29/6 Collared Dove a leucistic bird was courted by a normal plumaged male in Scone Public Park on 2/7; a pair frequented a Crieff garden during August Cuckoo 1 at Riechip on 8/5 and 3 near Deuchary Hill on 10/5 are the only early records. 2 fledged young were seen in Glen Turret on 7/7. Tawny Owl moderate success from nest boxes reported from Blairgowrie area Long-eared Owl 2 juveniles near Blair Atholl on 2/8 Short-eared Owl individuals reported from Trinafour, Loch Kinnardochy, Amulree, Glen Turret and Fowlis Wester . > Swift first records Auchterarder and Blairgowrie 7/5, Scone and Crieff 12/5. Last records Scone 11/8, Blairgowrie 17/8. Green Woodpecker reports from Murrayshall, Barnhill, Blairgowrie and Murrayshall Golf Course. Sand Martin 12 at Drummond Pond on 15/5 House Martin reported at Glen Turret Dam on 7/7 and 14/7 - several nests. Meadow Pipit c40 Carsebreck 26/8 Grey Wagtail pair with young at Loch Meallbroden 29/5 and 1 in Glen Almond 22/6 Dipper pair with young Upper Glen Almond 22/6 Redstart first report from Butterstone of 2 male singing 8/5 and Rannoch 21/5, young birds seen Newton Bridge 22/6 and Glen Tilt 31/7 Whinchat 1 near Loch Errochty 1/5, 2 male Riemore 8/5 and pair at Loch Kennard 22/5. Pair with fledged young at Lochan an Daim 28/5 Stonechat pair Deuchary Hill 10/5 and pair with young by Kinloch Rannoch road at Schiehallion 28/5 Wheatear 3 at Rannoch 19/5 and several Upper Glen Almond 22/6 Ring Ouzel pairs with young at Rannoch, Glen Turret and Glen Lednock Mistle Thrush 6 in Glen Tilt 2/6,35 near Mill Dam, Dunkeld 10/8, 9 at Murray's Hill 12/8 and c25 at Killiecrankie 1/9 Grasshopper Warbler heard at Blairgowrie 13/5 Whitethroat 3 at North Murie on 1/5, first seen at Blairgowrie on 7/5 and at Scone 12/5 Garden Warblerheard near Blairgowrie 13/5 Blackcap 1 at Loch Clunie 16/5 Wood Warbler males heard singing Glen Lednock 2/5 and Butterstone 8/5 Spotted Flycatcher 1 Upper Glen Almond 16/5, 3 Loch Kennard 19/5, Dalnacardoch 4/6 and 2 families Glen Tilt 31/7 Coal, Blue and Great Tits were reported to have had successful breeding seasons in both Perth and Blairgowrie areas. Raven 12 playing in thermals Little Glenshee 18/7 - Tree Sparrow 9 nesting boxes used in Blairgowrie area , 68 young ringed Goldfinch 9 at Port Allen 9/6, 2 at Crieff 1/8 Siskin a pair visited a Scone bird table till end of June, then with 2 young till mid- July. 1 in Glen Quaich 8/5,1 in Crieff garden 7/8 and 3 there on 15/8. Twite pairs by Loch Turret 22/5 and Glen Errochty 19/6, several in Glen Turret 7/7 Crossbill 2 m Glen Errochty 29/5, several heardon Murray's Hill 12/6, 11 Craigvinean Forest 22/8 Reed Bunting male singing at Loch an Daim 21/5, 4 male at Port Allen 9/6

S. and M.E. Shimeld have found that the late and cold Spring this year has affected the breeding success in Upper Glen Almond. Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Snipe, Goosander Dipper and Curlew all showed declines. Common Sandpiper, Grey wagtail and Lapwing maintained status quo. Oystercatcher was the only species to show an increase.

MAMMAL REPORT

Hedgehog 2 live individuals were seen near Blairgowrie in August, road casualties reported from Blairgowrie and Redgorton areas. Common Shrew reports from Clunes, Glen Garry 14/5, Struan 22/7, a dead one near Fowhs Wester 12/8, and one found drowned in a water trough near Blairgowrie 10/8 Brown Hare several records from Blairgowrie, Scone, Perth, Methven, Aberfeldy areas and Glen Garry. Blue Hare reported from Dalnacardoch, Clunes, Glen Errochty, Glen Fender, Glen Turret and Glen Lednock. Red Squirrel individuals seen at Hare Myre 4/7, Methven Wood 10/7, Kinjiodll Hill 29/7 and Murrayshall 27/8 Grey Squirrel 1 at Murrayshall 9/8 and 11/9 ; 1 dead on road near Methven. ' Bank Vole 1 found dead in a Crieff garden July, body now in museum. Field Vole 1 seen crossing road near Glen Turret Distillery 22/5 and 1 in Glen Errochty 30/7 Brown Rat prey item in tawny owl nest box Blairgowrie 18/8 Wood Mouse 1 dead near Blairgowrie 18/8 Stoat individuals reported from Methven, Crieff, Sma Glen, Kercock , Scone and Blairgowrie areas American Mink seen regularly on River Eright near Blairgowrie Roe Deer frequently seen both on low ground and on heather moors. At Hare Myre one was observed feeding on leaves of bog bean 4/7 and on Murray's Hill two bucks were each running a doe 12/8. Common Lizard 2 Blairgowrie area 5/8

Contributors to the bulletin were : E. D. Cameron, J. M. Duncan, Miss S. R. Hacker, D. H. B Howie, Mrs I. McKinnie, C.D. and E. Scotland, S. and M. E. Shimeld and Mrs E. Smith.

Please send records for September to December to J. M. Duncan, Cruachan, 59 View lands Road, Perth PHI 1ND as soon as possible after 31st Decembaer 1994. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION Bulletin for September to December 1994 SPECIES RECORDS

Little Grebes were reported from the Crieff, Dunkeld, Blairgowrie and Auchterarder lochs from Sep. to Nov. One Great Crested Grebe was present on Drummond pond on 11/9, all other sightings were from Loch Clunie and Marlee during Sep. and early Oct. with a maximum of 9 on each loch, while a single bird was reported from Clunie on 3/12 Cormorant records are from Drummond Pond, Marlee and Clunie where 47 on 11/10 was the highest count. A Grey heron at Drummond Pond on 11/9 is the only report, it is surprising that this species is not noted more often. Mute Swans were seen on Loch Clunie, Monks Myre and White Loch, Blairgowrie where a pair had a downy cygnet on 8/10, on Drummond Pond there were up to 29 and numbers on Carsebreck/Rhynd Loch peaked at 85on 29/11. First Whooper report was 3 on Marlee loch on 11/10, followed by sightings at Drumore Loch where numbers reached 59 (including 3 ringed in Iceland) on 2/12, birds were also seen on Carsebreck, Lochan an Daim, Dunalastair, Loch Freuchie and flying over Perth. First Pinkfeetwere 35 flying over Auchterarder 12/9 followed by dOOO feeding on stubble near Windyedge, Perth17/9, some 2000 were seen there on 23/9 and between 8000 - 10000 were present on 26/9, c2500 at Meikle Obney 29/9, 2250 at Drummond Pond 9/tO and 2500 at Gask on 10/10 complete the large numbers reported. First report of Greylag was 1000 on Marlee Loch on 8/10 followed by 800 on Drummond Pond 9/10, numbers peaked at the last site at 3429 on 13/11. On 13/12 c1450 were seen at Trinity Gask, an area usually associated with pinkfeet. The greylags were accompanied by 24 Barnacle Geese. Smaller numbers of barnacles were seen with pmkfeetin this area on two occasions. There were 104 Canada Geese on Loch Clunie and 54 on Drummond Pond on 11/9. OneShelduck was observed at Carsebreck on 13/12 Highest Wig eon counts during the period were c100 Loch Meallbroden 5/11, c70 Drumore Loch 11/11, c475 Carsebreck/Rhynd 24/11,110 Loch Clunie 3/12 and 110 Drummond Pond 4/12. Small numbers of Teal were noted at Stormpnt Loch, Hare Myre, Mill Dam Dunkeld, Drummond Pond and Carsebreck/Rhynd where the highest count was c200 on 24/11. Good numbers of Mallard were reported from all the lochs recorded with c40p present at Loch Meallbroden 5/11, where grain had been dumped for feed. There were 5 Shoveler on Carsebreck 26/10 ; Pochard were present in small numbers on Stormont Loch, loch Clunie, Loch Faskally, Drummond Pond and Rhynd. There were 22 Tufted Duck on Loch Faskally 3/10, numbers peaked at 37 onLoch Clunie 8/10, 79 on Drummond Pond 6/11 , 42 on Rhynd 13/12 , 36 on Monks Myre and 35 on Rae Loch 2/12 as well as small numbers on Bennybeg and Mill Dam. First record of Golden Eye was 3 on Stormont 8/10, while later 12 were on Drummond Pond, 14 on Clunie, 8 on River Bright below Blairgowrie and 7 on Mill Dam. 2 Red - breasted Merganserwere seen on River Tay at Perth on 26/10 along with 10 Goosanders which were also reported from Stormont loch, River Eright at Blairgowrie, River Tay at Dunkeld, Drummond Pond and 12 were seen on River Earn at Crieff. One Ruddy Duck was reported from Hare Myre on 8/10 Female Hen Harriers were seen at Crieff 28/10 and Carsebreck 31/12, while a male was present at Meiklour in late Dec. Sparrowhawks were reported from Little Glenshee, Rosecraig plantation where the hawk appeared to be hunting fieldfare and redwings and a male surveyed the bird tabl regularly from the top of a telegraph pole at Viewlands Road, Perth. Both Buzzards and Kestrels are now regularly seen throughout Perthshire. Wandering immature Golden Eagles were reported from the foothills of the Grampians, an Osprey was observed at Drummond Pond on 11/9 and a Peregrine was seen on 25/12. Only 2 Blackcock were reported, one in Little Glenshee 25/9 and one at Wester Campsie, Glenalmond 14/11 ; there were no records of Grey Partridges. Moorhens were seen on Loch Clunie -13 on 4/9, 7 on Rae Loch 8/10, 6 on Hare Myre 8/10 and one at Bennybeg on 11/9, while Coot numbers reached 167 on Loch Clunie 8/10, 423 on Drummond Pond 5/11 and 33 on Rhynd 24/11. This bulletin's star bird is a Crane which was present in the Blairgowrie area from 28/11 for about a month where it fed on stubble and potato fields. (SRH) There were 3 Oystercatchers at Carsebreck 24/11, and 1 flew over Blairgowrie 30/11 ; 300 Lapwings were present near Bankfoot and 150 near Stanley on 2/9, flocks of 300 at Dunning and 100 at Dupplin 9/10, c250 at Clathy and 2 separate flocks of 100 near Balgowan Sawmill 14/10 and numbers at Carsebreck increased throughout the period from 150 on 23/9 to c380 on .13/12. Four Dunlin visited Carsebreck on 23/9 when 1 Snipe was also seen and 4 on 13/12. Woodcock were reported from Scone in Sep , Murrayshall and Rannoch in Nov. and Drummond Woods in Dec. 55 Curlewwere seen by River lay at Scone Palace 26/10 and one at Kercock 3/11 ; a single Redshank was at Carsebreck 23/9 and 2 late sightings of Common Sandpipers were at Marlee Loch 8/10 and River Tay, Scone Palace 26/10. There were 20 Black - headed gulls at Carsebreck 24/11 along with c80 Common Gulls , c270 of the latter were seen at Wester Tuilyneddy, Clunie. Individual Lesser Black Backed Gulls were seen at North Inch, Little Glenshee, Loch Meallbroden and Carsebreck while single Great Black Backed Gulls were seen at North Inch, Meadowmore Logieaimond, Loch Meallbroden and Carsebreck. A Barn Owl was seen near Crieff on 27/11 and Tawny Owls were reported from Deuchny Wood, Craigie Knowes, Perth, Craigvinean Dunkeld and Tullybelton Green Woodpeckers were noted at Muirward Wood, Pitroddie, Old Scone and Gorthy Wood, while Great Spotted were present at Rotmell, Drumore and Gorthy Wood. The last Swallow sightings were 15 at Pitroddie 7/10 and 8 at Marlee Loch 8/10 and the last record of House Martin is one of 12 at Hatton, Dunkeld 6/10. A flock of c50 Meadow Pipits was present in Little Glenshee 25/9 and c65 were seen near Fowlis Wester. A male Stonechat was spottedin Little Glenshee 25/9 and a pair on 25/12, 2 were reported from Rannoch 29/11 ; Blackbird numbers peaked at 40 in Viewlands Park 13/11; Fieldfares were first reported from Murrayshall on 22/9 and thereafter widespread, c30 Redwings were seen on Rowan trees at Auchterarder on 16/9 with very few further records. A Song Thrush was seen in a Crieff garden on 4/12,7 Mistle Thrushes were seen at Mill Dam 6/10,2 at St Fillans 12/10,4 at Burghmuir Perth 16/11 and one was singing at Blairgowrie on 10/12. The only Spotted Flycatcher record was Blairgowrie on 7/9. Flocks of Long - tailed Tits were seen at Clunie, Dunning, Gleneagles and Crieff, 24 in one flock in Crieff Hydro woods 26/12, interestingly these tits now feed at peanut dispensers at Viewlands, Perth. Treecreepers visited gardens in Auchterarder, Burghmuir and Craigie Perth, 2 were seen at Rumbling Bridge 4/12 and 2 at Crieff Hydro 24/12. Three Jays were seen near Gask 23/9 and 5 were collecting acorns by Faskally House 3/10, several sightmgsof Magpies from the Gleneagles area and an individual at Craigie Perth on 1/12. c850 Jackdaws were seen assembling to roost near Crieff Golf Course 24/12 and some 3000 Rooks and Crows were reported at Moncrieffe Hill 13/11, 1 Carrion Crow was feeding with some difficulty on rowan berries at Scone 14/10. Ravens were reported from Pitcairngreen, Fowlis Wester, Little Glenshee and Dunkeld with a maximum of 9 being seen together. Several Tree Sparrows were seen in a mixed finch flock near Methven 4/1^, Goldfinches were seen at Viewlands Park, Carsebreck and Lady Mary's Walk, Crieff and a pair of Siskins visited a Crieff garden during Oct. - Nov. 4 Crossbills were seen at Newtyle Hill, Dunkeld 27/11; 5 Bullfinches were present near Methven 13/11, a male fed on honeysuckle berries in a Crieff garden and 8 were present at the Knock, Crieff 24/12 2 Reed Buntings were seen at Carsebreck on 26/10. MAMMAL REPORT

Hedgehog 12 including young were feeding at dusk at Forneth on 4/9, an adult at Scone 11/9 and a young one rescued in Blairgowrie area 16/11. During Oct. there were road casualties at Pitroddie, Dunning, Loch Clunie and Gask. A dead Mole was found on Murray's Hill 23/10. Single Brown Hares were recorded at Broxden Farm, Perth13/11 and near Blairgowrie 17/12; 7 Red Squirrels were seen in Muirward Wood on 17/9,2 at Loch Faskally 3/10, single animals near Broadgreen, Rae Loch, Monks Myre and Drumore loch. An adult was seen carrying young in its mouth near Blairgowrie in Nov and feeding on peanuts in a garden. 2 Grey Squirrels were seen at Balcraig 13/11. Stoats were seen at Muirward Wood 18/9, hunting along the loch shore at Clunie 11/10 and at Old Scone 11/12. An Otter was watched swimming and diving at Loch of Lowes 17/9.

Contributors to the bulletin were : E D Cameron, J M Duncan, Miss S R Hacker, Mrs I McKinnie, C D & E Scotland, S & M E Shimeld , Miss E Taylor, J H Wallace.

Please send records for January to April to J M Duncan, Cruachan, 59 Viewlands Road, Perth PH1 2ND as soon as possible after 30th April. The A.G.M. of the Ornithological section will be held on Wednesday 8th March. We intend having slides shown by members on the section outing to the Isle of May, Austria and Venezuela. Two committee members are due to retire at the A. G. M. If you have any suggestions for replacements, please let the committee know PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for January to April 1995

SPECIES REQORDS

Both Red-throated and Black-throated Divershad returned to Loch Rannoch by 19/3 and a pair were observed on 30/4 Little Grebes were reported from Marlee Loch, Rae Loch, Stormont Loch, Hare Myre, Stare Dam, Loch Kmnordy, a pair displaying on Lochan an Daim 25/3 and 7 on Loch Faska!ly2/2 Great Crested Grebe was back on Loch Glume by 21/1, where 9 were present from 9/4 , 8 on Marlee 18/3 and pairs on Stormont and Hare Myre 16/4, 1 present Drummond Pond25/3 There were 47 Cormorants at Glume on28/1, Marlee had 9 on 18/3 and 1 was seen standing with outstretched wings at Bridge of Gaur 19/4 There were 3 Grey Herons at Carsebreck lochs 24/1, 1 at Bennybeg 5/2 and 4 in lower Glen Turret 9/2 Mute Swan - 8 on Monks Myre 21/1, 25 including 7 juveniles at Carsebreck 24/1, 47 including 23 juveniles at Loch Meallbroden 19/2, 13 including 9 juveniles at Klnkell 3/3 and nesting pairs at Bennybeg, Stormont, Monks Myre and Kmgswood Pond Whoopers were present in small numbers at Lochan Laing Cheile 10/1, Marlee 28/1, Monks Myre 21/1, Loch Kmnardochy and Dunalastair Reservoir 25/3, Glen Quaich 2/4, 15 on Loch Dochart 7/2 and 29 on Drumore Loch 1/4 Pink-footed Goose- c40 were flying over Blairgowrie 1/4 and c25 on 27/4, 500 at Tibbermore 2/1 and 450 there on 3/3, c2000 Carsebreck 12/4 Marlee held d 120 and Clume 800 Greylag Geese on 28/1, c200 were counted at Muirhall, Perth 22/2, c500 at Luncarty 3/3, 200 at Kinkell 19/3 and 2500 Tay Estuary 23/4 A Snow Goose was seen at Tibbermore on2/1, along with pmkfeet There were 40 Canada Geese in Glen Quaich 2/2 and small numbers at Meallbroden, Stormont, Hare Myre, Monks Myre and Bennybeg Wigeon- 130 at Monks Myre and 62 Stormont Loch 21/1, 120 on Meallbroden 19/2, 180 Stormont 8/3, highest count on Carsebreck was 290 on 24/1, 7 on Mill Dam 24/2 and 4 on 26/4 Pairs of Gadwall were seen on Hare Myre and White Moss Loch 16/4 Carsebreck had 170 Teal on 24/1, there were 86 on River Earn floodwater near Kinkell 3/3, 5 on Mill Dam 24/2, S there on 26/4 and 7 Clunie9/4 Mallard - highest count at Carsebreck was 135 on 24/1, 62 at Drumore Loch 18/2, c500 at Meallbroden on 19/2 were feeding on dumped gram, Clume had 61 on 16/4 » Hare Myre held 3 Shoveleron 16/4 Pochard- 75 on Carsebreck 14/2, 17 on Stormont Loch 18/3, 11 on Klnnordy 25/3 and 2/4 and 5 on Hare Myre 16/4 Monk Myre held 57 Tufted Duck 21/1, 52 on Clume 18/2, 44 on Stormont Loch and 43 on Hare Myre 16/4, 93 on Carsebreck14/3 and 9 on White Moss 16/4 3 Common Scoter were seen on 13/4 Golden Eye- 4 on Bennybeg 5/2 and 3 at Dalreoch 15/2, 24 on Clume 18/2, 17 on River Tay at Perth 28/1 and 10 on 14/3, 12 on Loch Rannoch 19/3, also 3 Red - breasted Mergansers on Rannoch 19/3 Craiglush Loch held 9 Goosanders on 25/2, 2 on Stare Dam 25/2, 3 on River Tay near Dunkeld 28/2, 14 on Tay at Perth 24/3 and 12 on Drummond pond 25/3 Ruddy Duck 2 female Stormont Loch 18/3, 8 female and 4 male Hare Myre 16/4 2 Marsh Harriers were observed in East Perthshire 7/4 There were no Hen Harrier reports Sparrow Hawks were reported from Scone, Kmrossie, Blairgowrie area, Crieff and Dalnacardoch Buzzards are to be observed soaring and heard calling throughout Perthshire 9 were seen in the air together at Carsebreck on 14/2 An immature Golden Eagle was seen in Little Glenshee on 25/3 and a pair of adults reported on 14/4 Ospreys have returned in force and in the days after their return could sometimes be seen soaring in the company of buzzards Kestrels - 3 in Glen Quaich 19/1,3 near Trinity Gask 24/1 and 14/2, a female was observed picking up and eating an earthworm at Barnhill Black Grouse appear scarer still this year, several near Riechip 5/3, 2 in Glen Quaich 2/4 and 8 cocks there on 26/4, 9 cocks lekkmg at Tnnafour 13/4, 2 near Loch Ordie 20/4 and 6 in Glen Lednock 29/4 Grey Partridge 6 Kirkton Hill, Perth 11/1, 25 Glen Quaich 19/1, 2 pairs at Pitroddie 13/2 and 9 at WestTofts , Stanley 14/2 A Water Rail was spotted at Daleally, Errol 6/1 Moorhen-1 in Pitroddie burn 31/3 and 5 Loch Clume 9/4 - an under reported species n certainly compared with the Coot- 40 on Fmgask Loch , 67 Marlee and 19 Clume on 21/1, 32 Carsebreck 24/1, 24 Meallbroden19/2, 25 White Loch , Blairgowrie 18/3 and 27 Monk Myre 18/3 First Oystercatcher reports were from Perth and Blairgowrie on 4/2, c110 at Kercock 12/2, 70 at Carsebreck 14/2, 370 on Tay shingle bed near Almondmouth 18/2,10 at Rannoch 27/2 Many other reports during late February and early March There were 48 Golden Plover at Tibbermore and 90 at Madderty on 3/3 First Lapwing reported were between 50 and 60 at Kercock 12/2 , c700 Carsebreck 14/2, 90 Luncarty and 142 at Waterloo 25/2 Woodcock were seen in Pitroddie Den, Murrayshall, Moncneffe Hill, Rannoch and Schiehallion The last bird flushed on open moorland 1 km from trees There were 45 Curlew at Carsebreck 14/3, a leucistic bird was seen in Litle Glenshee on 19/3 A Redshankwas sen on floodwater at Daleally 23/3, 1 was present at Carsebreck 14/3 and 10 there 14/4 A Greenshank was seen in north Perthshire on 30/4 and the first Common Sandpiper at Loch Clume 9/4 350 Black- headed Gulls at Cowgask, Madderty was the largest number reported , there were 140 Common Gulls and 25 Lesser Black- backed Gulls at Carsebreck on 14/3 and single birds at Marlee 18/3 and Scone Pond 4/4 Carsebreck had 6 Great Black-backed Gulls,on 24/1 and4on14/2 Wood Pigeon dOOO at Coupar Grange on 21/1, c900 at Kercock 12/2, 1000+ at North Mune, Errol 6/3 and c800 at Scone 11/3 The only report of a cuckoo is from Glen Errochty on 18/4 2 Tawny Owls-very light coloured birds were seen in Pitroddie Den on 31/3, single Short- eared Owls were seen at Haugh of Kercock 12/1 and Dupplm 4/2, a pair in Little Glenshee on 25/3 and 3 in Glen Lednock on 29/4 Reports of Green Woodpecker were from Blairgowrie, Dunkeld, Dunning, Moncneffe Hill and Viewlands Park Great Spotted Woodpecker was recorded at Deuchney 31/1, Kmnoull Hill 12/3, Cally Lopch, Dunkeld 1/4, feeding on peanuts at North Mune 7/4 and Forneth Wood 9/4 Skylarks were noted singing at Haugh of Kercock 12/2, 4 at Carsebreck 14/2 and 6 at Inchcoonans, Errol 4/3 There were c40Sand Martins at Orchill quarry 12/4, Swallows were sighted at Almondmouth 9/4, Errol 19/4 and Blairgowrie 21/4 Two House Martins were seen at Scone on 4/4 Three male Tree Pipits were singing near Riechip 30/4 and 2 Meadow Pipits in Glen Lednock 22/1 One Grey Wagtail was seen at Almondmouth 18/2 and a pair at Rossie Mill Dam on 26/4, Pied Wagtailwere nesting at North Mune by 7/4 Pairs of Stonechatswere reported from Little Glenshee on 20/2, 19/3,and 25/3, 2 males in Glen Turret on 13/4 Thefirst Wheatearswere seen in Glen turret and Glen Errochty on 13/4, , Loch Tay 14/4, Dalnacardoch 20/4 and Blairgowrie 23/4 Fieldfare c60 at Hametfield 24/2, 8 at Rotmell 25/2, 50+ North Mune 6/3 followed by bigger flocks later -100+ Daleally 23/3, c80 Balgarvie, Scone 4/4, c100 Fowlis Wester 9/4, c100 Dalcrue 9/4 and c200 at Murrayshall 10/4 First reports of Song Thrush were Kmrossie 29/1', and Luncarty 31/1 There were several Redwings at Port Allen 6/1, 3 at Rotmell Farm 25/2 and 12 Viewlands Park 2/3 - 12/3,3 Mistle Thrush were seen at Rotmell on 25/2 and 2 at Rannoch on 19/4 A Blackcap was present at Blairgowrie on 25/4, Chiffchaffs were heard at Cally Loch as early as 1/4 and at Scone and Blairgowrie 14/4 There were Willow Warblers at Tnnafouronl 3/4, Faskally 16/4, Comne 18/4 and Rannoch 20/4 A flock of 9 Long- tailed Tits was noted at Seaside, Errol on 6/1,19 at Callerfountam 21/1, 6 at Fmgask Loch 18/2, small numbers at peanuts in a Craigie garden from January to April, pairs nesting at North Mune and Daleally 23/3 10Coal, 4 Blueand 6 Great Titswere observed at Inver on 28/2, 2 Coal tits came to nuts daily at Craigie, fewer visited a Scone birdtable this winter Treecreepers were reported at Deuchny 31/1, Pitroddie Den 4/2 and Kmnoull Hill 5/4 Raven several reports from Little Glenshee with maximum of 20, 9 Glen Lednock 22/1 while at Dalnacardoch a pair reared 4 young 20+ Tree Sparrows were seen at Myreside, Glencarse 10/4 A flock of c300 Chaffinches were present at Bankfoot on 15/1 Siskins were scarce at birdtables for the first two months of the year, small numbers appearing in Scone, Perth and Auchterarder later A flock of 62 Linnets was present in Viewlands Park from 13/1 to 20/2, c120 were seen near Dunning on 4/2, 15 at Haugh of Kercock 12/2 and 5 were observed bathing in a burn at Monk Myre on 16/4 Twite c30 in Little Glenshee 20/2, seen at dusk, making to roost in heather There were12 Redpolls at Haugh of Kercock on 12/2, c70 at Muirend, Murrayshall 17/3 and a large mixed flock of siskins and redpolls at Rannoch on 19/4 Crossbill 7 at Mill Dam 23/3 and 3 at Loch Kennard 14/4 Bullfinch 11 at Moncneffe Hill 5/1, 4 at Port Allen 6/1,15 feeding on heather Murrayshall Hill 25/1 and 9 males at Gorthy Wood 5/2 Hawfinch 2 at Scone 15/3 8 Yellowhammers were seen at Scone on 4/1 with a flock of chaffinches, 8 at Monk Myre 18/3 and 3 at Glencarse 22/3 Reed Bunting onemaleat Carsebreck 14/2 and a pair there on 12/4, males seen at Clunie and Monk Myre 16/4 and a female at Mill Dam on 26/4 f

mimmil report -

Hedgehog found at Rannoch on 19/4, wrapped in dead grass, while on 21/1 an individual was seen crossing Craigie Knowes Road , Perth A Common Shrew was found dead near the pitch and put course , Perth on 29/4 Blue Hare 1 at Dalnacardoch 12/3 and a dead one there on 22/4, 50+ Glen Quaich hills 26/4 Up to 2 Brown Hares were seen at Kercock, Kilspmdie, St Madoes, Rannoch, Blairgowrie, Methven, Keillour and Broxden, Perth while 6 were present at Woodhead, Perth on 10/3 and an adult was observed fending off a buzzard attacking a leveret in Carse of Gowne Red Squirrel were observed at Rohallion 26/1, Cloan Glen 9/4, Tnnafour 13/4 where 3 feed at a birdtable, 4 at Stormont / Hare Myre area 16/4 and several sightings at Rosemount Golf Course Grey Squirrrel single animals at Murray Royal Hospital 8/1, Balcraig 30/1 and 10/4, Pitroddie Den 4/2 and near Loch Glume 18/2 Stoat several sightings from Murrayshall, Arnbathie, Pitroddie, Little Glenshee Glen Quaich, Glen Lednock and Clume In Glen Lednock the stoat was observed killing a large rabbit and near Carsebreck a stoat was briefly chased by a rabbit Weasel the only record is from the Loch Glume area 9/4 Roe Deer are frequently seen both in woodland and on the heather slopes Four were present in Little Glenshee 3/3, 8 on Murrayshall Hill 22/3 and 4 or 5 Glen Goulandie 25/3

Contributors to the bulletin were E D Cameron, J M Duncan, Miss S R Hacker, D H B Howie, Mrs I McKmme, C D & E Scotland and Miss E Taylor

Please send records for May to August to J M Duncan, Cruachan, 59 Viewlands Road, Perth PH1 1ND as soon as possible after 30th August

Please also remember that if you know of any nesting house martins , the number and location should be sent to Miss E Taylor, 23 Verena Terrace, Perth

i PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for May to August 1995

The summer of 1995 was a memorable one because of the long spell of warm sunny weather Many species found this to their liking , red admiral butterflies have been specially numerous , many plants have produced big crops of seeds, fruit and berries and hopefully it helped breeding birds overcome the setback of a cool spell of wet weather in May SPEGDES iRECOHDS Black-throated Divers were reported on 3 lochs and at least 3 young were seen , Little Grebes bred on Glendams and Monk Myre, Blairgowrie where 2 pairseach reared 2 young On Bennybeg Pond , 3 adults and 3 juveniles were seen 25/6 and on 12/8 an adult was observed feeding 2 young Numbers peaked on Drummond Pond 13/8 when 4 adults and 1 juvenile were noted 14 Great Crested Grebes were present on Marlee Loch 11/5, 1 pair on Loch Ordie 15/5, while 4 pairs and 10 young were observed on Loch Glume 14/8, Drummond Pond had 6 including 1 juv 25/6 Slavonian Grebe - single birds were seen in May and June on the Crieff and Blairgowne ponds and 2 on Loch of Lowes Numbers of Cormorants on Loch Clume peaked at 9 on 12/5 and 14/8, 2 were present on Drummond Pond 13/8 and 2 at Kercock 22/8 Grey Herons were seen at Drummond Pond throughout the period with a maximum of 4 on 13/8, when 1 was also present on Bennybeg, 2 were seen on Monk Myre 14/7 and 4 on 5/8 and there were 2 at Kercock 21/8 Mute Swans bred on Rae Loch , Monk Myre (2 pairs), Kmgswood Pond, River Isla above Isla Bridge, Bennybeg and Upper Rhynd On Drummond Pond numbers peaked at 53 on 13/8 C1000 Pink-footed Geese were observed at Carsebreck 9/5, while a single bird was seen on Drummond Pond 25/6 and on Bennybeg 22/8 Many Greylag Geese stayed throughout the summer - 5 or 6 present on Drummond Pond and Bennybeg, 60 on Loch Maraig 26/7 and 31 on Loch Glume 14/8 Canada Geese were seen on Drummond Pond throughout the period with 20 present on 25/6, more than 50 were present on Bennybeg 12/8, 15 were seen on Locn Tummel and 74 on Loch Craiglush 29/7, 11 on Loch Meallbroden 2/8, 8 on Loch Clunie14/8 and 43 at Kercock 21/8 , ; A female Mandarin with 2 young were seen on River lay above Perth 13/8 Wigeon-2on Loch Glume 12/5, a pair on Loch Ordie 15/5, 25 on Mill Dam 3/8 and 189 there'on 8/8 and a single on Drummond Pond 13/8 Teal -1 pair in Little Glenshee 16/5, 12 present on Carsebreck 26/7and 5 on Mill Dam 3/8 Mallard were present on Bennybeg and Drummond Ponds throughout the period with maximum counts of 110 and 250 respectively on 13/8, 174 on Loch Clume and 140 on Monk Myre 14/8 and 49 on Fmgask and White Lochs on 14/7 were the highest counts, Carsebreck held c100 on 26/7 Pochard - 3 on Loch Kinardochy 31/7, 2 males Monk Myre 5/8 and 1 male on R lay near Almondmouth 31/8 Tufted Duckwere present on Drummond Pond during the period with maximum of 41 on 25/6 Carsebreck had 30 on 26/7, Loch Clume 62 and Monk Myre 55 on 14/8, Stormont Loch 31 and Hare Myre 6 on 14/7 and Marlee 16 on 17/7 6 pairs of Common Scoter were seen in June but no evidence of breeding was seen Pairs of Goldeneye were present on Marlee Loch 11/5 and Drummond Pond 14/5, 3 individuals on Loch Ordie 15/5 3 were seen on Marlee 11/8 and may have bred ?? Red-breasted Merganser-1 pair was seen on the River Tay at Invert 7/5,1 adult and 12 young were seen on the River Almond near Newton Bridge30/6 and probably were the same same adult and juveniles seen there on 29/7 2 male and 1 female Goosanders were also seen at Inver, on the 17/5 section outing, a pair were noted in Upper Glenalmond 22/5 and an adult and 5 grown young at Kercock 21/8, 11 male and 7 female Ruddy Ducks were observed at Stormont Loch 11/5 and broods of 1, 5, 5, 10 were seen on Stormont/Hare Myre/Monk Myre Single males were seen on Lairds Loch 28/6 and White Moss Loch 4/7 A Sparrowhawk was seen in a Crieff garden 28/6 and on Kincardine Walk , Crieff 25/8 another in Anderson Drive, Perth 16/8 was mobbed by gulls and on 25/8 was seen taking a bluetit Individuals wewre also seen near Aberfeldy 31/7 and Moncneffe Hill 24/8, while a pair bred successfully near Blairgowrie Buzzard sightings are numerous and widespread, 8 seen near Scone 23/8 and 8 over Bruar Visitor Centre 26/8 would include young birds 5 Ospreys were seen circling together near Mill Dam 15/5, 1 was seen over the River Tay at Perth 29/7 and 3 at Kercock 22/8 There were very few reports of falcons, though Kestrels were said to have had a good breeding season while Merlins and G

Peregrines fared less well Peregrines were seen flying in Perth and Blairgowrie areas Red Grouse were not reported, but numbers appear to be low 6 Ptarmigan were seen on Creag Leacach, Glen Shee 3/7 and 8 on Ben Chonzie 26/8 In both instances these birds were near the summits, blending perfectly with the rocks and lichens Black Grouse were seen in Little Glenshee, Glen Quaich, Glen Lednock and Glen Errochty, but only in small numbers A grey hen and 4 young were seen near Dalnamem 17/7 A female Capercailliewith 2 young was seen in Gorthy Wood 11/6 August was a good month for Grey Partridges, a covey of 20 was seen near Blairgowrie on 14/8, one of 15 at Caputh 20/8, 10 at Kirkton Hill and 17 at Kercock 21/8 and 24 in 3 coveys at Kercock 22/8 Moorhen - 6 present at Loch Clume 12/5 and 10 there 14/8, Hare Myre had 4 on 14/7, single birds were seen at Bennybeg and Drummond Ponds Coot numbers peaked at 45 including 18 juveniles on Drummond and 5 on Bennybeg 25/6, .while on 14/8 Loch Glume held 55, Monk Myre 32 and White Loch 20 3 Oystercatchers present at Drummond Pond 14/5 and 26/5, 25 at Monk myre 14/7, 65 at Loch Glume 17/7 and 18 at Loch Maraig and 40 at Garsebreck on 26/7 One Golden Plover was seen on the moor south of Invervack, Blair Atholl 15/7 and ons was heard near Kmloch Rannoch Lapwing -100 at Garsebreck 26/7, 100 at Monk Myre and 80 at Loch Glume 14/8 12 Dunlin were seen on Errol Airfield at high tide on 11/8 and a single bird was present at Garsebreck 27/8 All Snipe records are from the Blairgowrie area, 3 on 30/6, 5 at Monk Myre 14/7 were probably a family, 3 at Fmgask Loch 28/8 2 rodmg Woodcock were seen at Craigvmean 17/5 and one at Loch Glume 12/5, Black-tailed Godwit - a single bird at Garsebreck 27/8 and a Whimbrel on the lay near Errol 11 /8 are interesting reports for this area 16 Curlews were seen at Loch Maraig 26/7,12 at Garsebreck 26/7 and 10 at Kercock 21/8 Redshank-3 at Garsebreck 9/5 and 2 there on 26/7, 2 at Drummond Pond 14/5 and single birds at Little Glenshee 16/5, Glen Quaich 20/5 and Little Ballo 9/7 Greenshank were reported at Kercock 22/8 and Garsebreck 27/8 Common Sandpiper- single bird at Garsebreck 9/5, 3 by the lay at Dun keld 17/5 and 8 Upper Glen Almond 29 and 30/6 The first Cuckoo record was at Tnnafour 14/5, followed by Upper Glen Almond 15/5 and 3 in Glen Artney 8/6 Short- eared Owls were observed at Dalnacardoch 7/5, Little Glenshee 16/5 and Glen Cochill 4/7 Swifts were first and last seen in the Blairgowrie area on 3/5 and 19/8, more than 20 were present in the Craigie district of Perth during July and a colony nested in the attic ofone house Other reports were 12 at Mill Dam 3/8, 5 still at Scone on 5/8 and several over Drummond Pond 13/8 Green Woodpecker were recorded at Kmnoull Hill Scone and Blairgowrie where they bred Great spotted Woodpecker were seen at £cone, Gorthy Wood , Meikleour Wood and an adult and 2 juveniles at Laggan, Crieff on 1/7 A single Sand Martin was seen in the company of House Martins at Loch Kmardochy 3/7 and between 40 and 50 were observed at Monk Myre 14/7 Grey Wagtail -2 on North Inch 9/7, 2 by Craigie Burn 22/8 and 3 at Kenmore 20/8 and 29 Pied Wagtails were seen on North Inch 23/7 A pair of Dippers was seen at the mouth of the Braan on the 17/5 outing and 1 in Glen Devon 27/8 Redstart - first record, 2 Upper Glen Almond 15/5,1 male near Haughead, Dunkeld 23/5, 2 males Rannoch 7/6 and 1 male near Blairgowrie in August There were only 2 reports of Whinchats- m Glen Quaich 21/5 and Rannoch 7/6 and a single record of Stonechat in Little Glenshee 9/8 A Ring 'Ouzel wasseen by a stream on Meall Gorm, Glen Shee on 3/7 Unfortunately Song Thrushes appear to be decreasing locally as well as nationally and sightings in a Crieff garden and Glen Quaich in May are the only reports 2 adult Mistle Thrushes were seen feeding 4 juveniles at Blair Atholl 15/7 and 2 adults were seen at St Fillans 20/5 A single Sedge Warbler at Monk Myre on 8/5 was the only report Whitethroats were seen at East Banchory .Coupar Angus 8/5, Viewlands Park, Perth 13/5, Drummond Pond 14/5 and 3 near Errol 15/7 Garden Warblers appeared at Blairgowrie 5/5, Loch Glume 12/5 and Kmnoull Hill 4/6 A male Blackcap was seen on a bridge in Kmloch Rannoch 31/5 Wood Warbler - 2 were present at Inver 17/5, 3 at Rannoch School, 31/5 and 2 Glen Artney 8/6 Chiffchaff were noted at Trmafour 10/6, Gorthy Wood 11/6 and 2 adults and 2 young at Scone mid July Spotted Flycatcher - a pair in Glen Lednock 21 /5, singles near Blairgowrie and Rannoch School 31/5, Glen Almond 30/6 and a family party of 6 in Glen Tiit 14/7 A male Pied Flycatcher was seen in Glen Almond in May and early June Family groups of Long- tailed Tits numbering 8 and 12 were seen in Callerfountam Wood on 15/7 Treecreeper -2 near Inver 17/5 and 1 at Callerfountam in July Raven - up to 4 in Little Glenshee on several dates, 7 on Creag Leacach, Glen shee 3/7 and 1 at Loch Maraig 26/7 A pure white House Sparrow was seen in a Craigie garden on 10/6 Goldfinch - 2 feeding in a Crieff garden 14/5, 2 in an Auchterarder garden 30/5 and 20 feeding on thistle seeds at Kercock 22/8 Siskins were still coming to peanuts at Anderson Drive, Perth and at Scone from May-July A flock of 20 Linnets - adults and fledged young

i was seen in Little Glenshee 9/8 Twite - 4 Upper Glen Almond 15/5, 1 near Kmloch Rannoch 31/7 and 20 - 25 Loch Turret 26/8 Redpoll - 4 in Viewlands Park 8/6 and 4 near Loch Kennard 15/7 One Hawfinch at Scone 14/6 is the only report Reed Buntings were seen at Carsebreck 9/5, Glen Quaich 21/5 and 4 by the River lay, Errol 15/7

The following summary of the House Martin survey has been compiled by Esther Taylor

1995 HOUSE MARTIN SURVEY

Many more sites have been found this year and generally more found in known sites

SITE 1994 1995

Perth - Craigie 6 9

Loch Turret 18 29

Lawers 8 16

Dunning 14 ?

NEW SITES 1995

Glen Tilt 21

Bruar Centre 6

Abernethy 8

St Madoes 2

Aberfeldy 11

Kmgoodie 11

Glenalmond 65 I

Contributors - L Duncan, I McKmme, N Campbell, J Gale, R Calligan, E Taylor, S Mcintosh, E Smith

MAMMAL REPORT Hedgehog - many reports throughout the county, unfortunately a high proportion are road casualties 3 baby hedgehogs found wandering in the Blairgowrie area in broad daylight were thought to be suffering from the drought and were taken to the SSPCA Middlebank Rehabilitation Unit Common shrew - one was found dead on a path near Kmloch Rannoch 31/7 Blue Hare -good numbers reported from Glen Lednock, Errochty and Dalnacardoch areas 8 on Creag Leacach 3/7 Brown Hares - individuals seen near Rannoch, Aberfeldy, Ballmluig, Glen Shee, Gorthy Wood, Errol and Abernyte 4 at Broxden, Perth 10/5 Red Squirrel - several sightings around Scone and in a Scone garden , also at Dowally and Trmafour Grey Squirrel - seen at Balcraig and Quarrymill, Perth but not so many about ? Stoat reported from Dowa lly, Glen Quaich and Scone area Mink -1 seen hunting rabbits on the verge of the old A9 near Dalnacardoch 17/7

Contributors to the bulletin were E D Cameron, J M Duncan, Miss S R Hacker, Mrs I McKmme, J Ogilvy, C D &E Scotland, S & M Shimeld, and Miss E Taylor Euan Cameron has kindly agreed to edit the bulletin once again, so would you please send records for September to December to 3 Stormont Place , Scone, Perth PH2 6SR as soon as possible after 31 st December

I would like to thank all members who have supplied their records and also pay tribute to the important part played by Moira Hutchison in the production of the bulletin J M Duncan

On behalf of all the members of the Ornithological Section, I would like to thank John for all the time he has spent editing the bulletin and assure him that it has been much appreciated by us We welcome Euan back to the post and hope you will all continue sending in your reports E M G H

i PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY" OF NATURAL SCIENCE

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION

Bulletin for September to December 1995

A Happy New Year to all Members, and Good Bird-watching in 1996. We- begin this Bulletin with John Kirk1s observations on

Whooper Swans. The first arrivals in the Glenshee area were four adults at Drumore on 18.10.95 Nineteen had arrived there on 20/10, including four cygnets in three families, (2,2 and 1). One of the Whoopers still retained its yellow neck-collar and number, 2J15, a bird that was ringed in Iceland on 9.8.94, and had been seen at Drumore, Lintrathen and Cookston Farm, near Glamis, by a number of observers through last

Winter. It was seen in Iceland again on 19.8.95. On 31/10, Whoopers on Drumore had increased to 54, with 12 cygnets, (3,3,2,2,1 and 1). In addition to 2J15, 2J97 and 2J17, (the latter having lost its neck-collar since last Winter), were there; and a leg-ringed swan, LYB, also a visitor noted last Winter, but new with a mate and single cygnet. Nearby Drumfork seems to share its feeding for the swans and accompanying

Wigeon with Drumore. The first three Whoopers were seen on Drumfork on 1.11.95. 2J97 and 2J17 were there with 20 swans on 14/11, and there were 37 on 10/12, a day when none were found on the extensively frozen Drumore. . ; Another loch in upper Glenshee also holds Whooper Swans in Autumn and Spring, (90 had gathered there on 1.4.95). Eleven adults were there on 31.10.95, and again on 6/11. A loch near Bridge of Cally is yet another small "Whooper Loch" - an incredible 80 were there briefly in November '94. Ten swans had arrived on 28.10.95, with three cygnets, and numbers rose to 34, with nine cygnets, (4,3 and2), on 25/11. Neck-collared 3J01 and leg-ringed VCF were both present. 3J01 had not been seen before - a swan ringed in Iceland On 10.8.94. VCF had been ringed at Martin Mere as a cygnet on 4.12.91, and had been seen at Bridge of Cally on 20.12.94 and again on 20.3.95, and at Drumore on 1.4.95. Sadly, a Whooper cygnet was killed by flying into overhead wires near Dalrulzion in early November, and an adult with a very severe leg injury - also a telegraph or power wire injury — found close to Drumfork, did not survive, in spite of veterinary advice. On 25.11.95, 40 swans were seen flying down Glenshee, undoudtedly disturbed from Drumore by a large pheasant shoot between Drumore and Drumfork. The deep freeze over the Christmas period caused the Whoopers to move out of mid and upper

Glenshee. Hopefully they will return in early Spring. Near/ Near Bridge of Earn, 18 Whoopers, including seven cygnets, had arrived by 24/11. A family with six cygnets was notable. Numbers have slowly increased to 50 on 31/12. Thirteen cygnets, (6,5 and 2), are present, and one of the adults has a yellow neck-collar, 3J41, a bird last seen at Lintrathen on 6.1.95, and now paired.

The swans feed heavily on oil-seed rape, as in recent years. One Whooper adult was killed by flying into local National Grid wires. h *

SPECIES RECORDS. Little Grebes were reported from twelve different waters. The largest number from Drumore L., where there were 10 on 3/9, probably from successful breeding, but only two on 20/10. Monk Myre still had five on 9/9. Away from possible breeding lochs, there were three on the Tay at Haugh of Kercock on 10/11, and one off the North Inch on 12/11. L. Clunie held 8 adult and 9 juvenile, (from five broods, probably). Great Crested Grebes on 9/9, falling to a single on 10/12; Marlee L. had 13 on 9/9 and 10/10; Loch of the Lowes had 5 on 26/10 and two on 25/11. Dawn goose counts at L. Clunie on 15/10 and 25/11 revealed silhouettes of 44 and 60 roosting Cormorants on the island's trees, with a maximum of 39 there otherwise; 8 were present on the Tay stretch between Perth Bridge and Almondmouth on both 12/11 and 9/12 - trees on an island where the Annaty Bum enters the river being a favoured resting place; numbers on Drummond Pond rose from one on 10/9 to five on 10/12. Also seen on L. Earn on 28/10. Maximum number of Grey Herons at any one site was 11 at Backwater Res. (Angus) on 19/11, followed fciy 8 at Stormont L. on 13/9. In Perth, two were seen fishing in garden ponds in Craigie, in November, and one was spotted on three occassions, perched on a roof in Mountview Road^ in the same month; and another, or the same, on a roof in Linton Terrace on the last day of the year. Reports of 1 - 3 birds came from thirteen other sites. Mate Swans on Drummond Pond peaked at 52 on 10/9,falling to 36 by 5/12. At Bridge of Earn, numbers rose from 50, (9 cygnets), on 30/11 to 75, (18 cygnets) by 31/12. At Carsebreck, 17 on 8/9 included 6 cygnets, rising to 36, including , fxitr 14 cygnets, on 5/12. There were 14 on Monk Myre on 9/10, including a resident^with a family of seven still intact. Nine were on L. Clunie on 9/9, 15 on L. Meallbrodden on 2/11, and 12 on Lindores L. (Fife) on 22/11. A small loch in Glenshee recorded its first Mute Swan on 10/10, followed by four adults and four cygnets on 25/11, all eight staying until the loch froze over in late December. Apart from those detailed in J.Kls article, Whooper Swans were 17 on Stormont L. on 28/10, 24 on Lintrathen L. (Angus) on 19/11, 3 on Carsebreck on 5/12, and 3 on Drummond Pond on 10/12. It seems that Whoopers have, in recent years, become more concentrated in fewer sites in the County - Correct ? The first Pink-footed Geese of the Winter were 70 recorded passing over Auchterarder/ Auchterarder on 18/9, followed by 80 over Scone and three at Bridge of Earn the next day; with c5,000 at Carsebreck on 26/9. L. Clunie, not known as a Pinkfoot roost, held 40, along with c800 Greylag at the dawn count of 15/10. The first definite immigrant Greylags reported were those at Clunie and 950 on Druiranond Pond on the same date; 77 on Marlee L. on 9/9 were probably some of the County's feral

population. The Greylags on Marlee often have an all-white "friend", capable of flight. A similar bird is also seen at times with feral Greylag on L. Tummel - is this the same white goose ? If so, it could help to trace the movements of these Greylags from loch to loch. Reports of any sightings of Greylags accompanied by a white goose would be appreciated. Fourteen Canada Geese appeared on Marlee L. on 9/9; 95 on Drummond Pond on 10/9; 3 on L. Clunie on 9/10. Fifteen flew over Dowally L., heading towards L. Ordie, on 11/10; 32 were on L. Freuchie on 31/10; and 85 on L. on 14/12. There were three reports of Barnacle Geese - 9 at Carsebreck on 16/10, and singles at Monzievaird and Bridge of Earn on 14/12. The only report of Mandarin was a single female, with Mallard, on the Tay by Upper Springland on 17/10. Wigeon numbers at Carsebreck increased from 50 on 8/9 to 740 on 5/12. The only other water to approach this number was Drummond Pond, with 200 on 12/11. L. Freuchie had 63 on 31/10, Drumore L. 40 on 25/10, L. Clunie 90 on 10/12, L. Meallbrodden 75 on 12/12; there were 49 grazing the bank of the Tay in front of Scone Palace on 9/12. Five Gadwall were reported from Blairgowrie - a drake on Fingask L. on 9/9 and two pairs on Stormont L. on 27/10. Carsebreck was the place for Teal, with 280 on 16/10; Stormont L. with 22 on 27/10 and Mill Dam, Dunkeld, with 21 on 11/10, were poor runners-upl Maxima for Mallard on counted waters were: L. Clunie, 229 on 11/11; R. Tay, Perth Bridge - Almondmouth, 650 on 15/11; Drumore L., 250 on 19/11; Carsebreck, 230 on 5/12; Drummond Pond, 182 on 10/12; and L. Meallbrodden, where feed is supplied, 130 on 12/12. Records of Shoveler came from Carsebreck, a single female on 16/10, and L. of Kinnordy (Angus) two males on 19/11. Surprisingly, Pochard were reported from only three lochs - Carsebreck again had easily the largest gathering, with 44 on 16/10; Drummond Pond peaked at 25 on 10/12; and L. Clunie at only 7, on 11/11. Tufted Duck: were more widespread. Drummond Pond's peak was 101 on 10/9; Carsebreck's 46 on 5/12; Clunie's 58 on 10/12. Other counts were 52 on Marlee on 9/9; 24 on Monk Myre on 9/10; 17 on Fingask on 9/9; and, as a result of the big freeze rendering local lochs inhospitable, clOO at Perth Lower Harbour on Christmas Day. There were single records, at Carse¬ breck, on 5/12, of a drake Scaup and a duck Eider. First Goldeneye of the Winter were five on Drummond Pond on 8/10, increasing to 20 on 10/12. There was a drake just below Perth Bridge on 12/10, and by 12/11, 22 were feeding between the Bridge and Almondmouth. 20 were on the Earn at on 30/10 and 14 at Carsebreck on 5/12, with lesser numbers at Lowes, Clunie, Marlee and Stotmont Lochs. Highest Goosander numbers were on the Tay, between Perth Bridge and Almondmouth, on 12/11 and L. Lowes on 16/12, with 38 present on both occassions. Other reports were: 8 on Marlee on 5/10, 4/ 4 on the Tay at Murthly on 26/10, L. Meallbrodden on 2/11, a single female on a Glenshee hill loch on 6/11, and 22 on Stormont L. on 24/11. Only one Ruddy Duck was spotted in this period, on L. Clunie on 9/10 & 11/11 - presumed to be the same individual.

There were few records of raptors, apart from Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel,

the species which are most common and which make themselves most obvious. A "ringtail Hen Harrier was flying up Little Glenshee on 17/12; and Sparrowhawks were reported from Drumore, Wester Kinloch, Blairgowrie, Dunkeld Mill Dam, Logierait Wood, the Sma' Glen at Dallick, Carsebreck, Scone, Murrayshall and Kilspindie. The bird at

Drumore was chasing a Swallow, unsuccessfully, in, out and around the fish-rearing cages anchored in the loch. The one at Blairgowrie was twice watched trying to flush House Sparrows from a tangle of honeysuckle in which they had taken refuge when the

hawk raided the feeding-station - but no feeding for the Sparrowhawk 1 Buzzards were seen all over the place, right to the outskirts of /%rth at Bamhill and Kirkton Hill

! -ten with two or more together. Late Ospreys were seen at Monk Myre and Fingask L., posssibly the same individual, on 9/9; at Carsebreck on 16/10, when it was harassed by four crows; and one at Blairgowrie, carrying a fish, on 20/10. Kestrels are said

to be "numerous" along the A90, and records are widespread, including one at Moncreiffe Hill on 19/9 being mobbed by 40 - 50 Swallows. A Merlin was seen near L. Meallbrodden on 12/12, and a Peregrine over Pepperknowes, Glencarse, on 24/10. Five Red Grouse appeared on Murrayshall Hill in late September, and a pack of ten by the Ben Chonzie track from Glen Lednock, was the largest seen by the reporter

for several years; also recorded from Auchnafree Hill, Glenalmond, along with Ptarmigan on 26/11. A single Blackcock was flushed in Gorthy Wood, Methven, on 6/9, and three were feeding on rowan berries at the roadside by Head of Moulin, Little Glenshee, on 21/10. One of these was walking along a power-line which passes through ( le branches, pausing to peck off berries within reach. A pack of 10 was feeding on rough grassland at the east end of L. Freuchie on 22/10. A single cock Capercaillie was flushed close to the Blackcock in Gorthy Wood. The only Red-legged Partridges reported were two at Dalguise on 14/12. There were still reasonably -sized coveys of Grey Partridge around, with ;23 on the gravel-spit in the Tay by Scone Palace on 17/10 18 on Kirkton Hill on 24/10; 11 in Glen Quaich on 12/12; tens at Upper Obney, North Muirton and Broxden; nine at. Glendevon Farm; and eights at Kinclaven and Kinfauns.

Pheasants are seldom remarked on, so we should record one visiting' a Crieff garden

on 29/12. Moorhens are also surely under-recorded - through over-familiarity ? However, we have word of up to 8 on Scone Park pond, obviously, like the assorted ducks, gaining much of their food from the benevolent public. Five on Bennybeg Pond on 10/9, five on Monk Myre and four at L. Clunie on 9/10; and three juveniles crossing the road - not the A90 -in Glen Carse on 7/12. Coot numbers at Drummond Pond peaked at 323 on 10/12, though only 22 werpresent on 12/11. L. Clunie had 94 on 9/10 but/ but only 13 on 10/12, (gone to Crieff ?). Carsebreck's peak was 80 on 16/10, and Fingask L. & White L. had 47 between them on 9/9. On 12/11, the banks of the Tay in front of Scone Palace held 13 Oystercatchers cl40 Lapwings and 75 Curlews; on 9/12, the numbers had dropped to 1, 78 and 21 respectively. There were 150 Lapwing at Garsebreck on 8/9 and 230 on 5/12. There was a single Dunlin there on 8/9, and two, one of them still showing some summer plumage, on 22/10. Records of several Snipe together were of 4 at Carsebreck on 1/9; and 7 on 8/9; 5 on Dalreichmoor on 29/10. One was found dead under power-lines at

North Murie, Errol. Woodcock were seen on three occasions in Muirward Wood, Scone - singles on 16 & 21/11, and two together on 23/11; singles were also seen on Murray^- hall Hill on 9/11 and 31/12. The only Redshank report is of one at Carsebreck on 8/9.

A very late Cannon Sandpiper was heard, then seen, by two Members at Haugh of Kercock on 10/11 - later, too latej, another ornithologist suggested that it might have been a passage Spotted Sandpiper on that date! Lingering Lesser Black-backed Gulls were two at Carsebreck on 16/10 and one on the Tay at Perth on 12/11. Great Black-backeds patrol our river systems all Winter, but 45 had gathered at Loch of the Lowes on 16/12. Up to six Collared Doves

were regular visitors to a Perth Garden. A Bam Owl crossed the road in front of a

Member's car near Tibbermore at 10.15.p m on 20/10. Tawny Owls were reported from

Butterstone, Polney L., and Deuchny Wood, and the only Short-eared Owl from Glen Cochill on 12/10. Green Woodpeckers were recorded from Blairgowrie, Dunkeld Mill Dam, Scone (Murrayshall & Muirward), Pitroddie and Murray's Hill (Fowlis Wester).

Great Spotted were at Blairgowrie, feeding on peanuts, L. Tummel, Lowes, Dalcrue, Scone and Murrayshall. A flock of 50 - 60 Skylarks moved eastwards over Woody Is. , Perth, on 9/12. The last Sand Martin record was a single at Blairgowrie on 9/9. Late Swallows were one at Upper Obney, Bankfoot, on 8/10; three heading South over Dowally L. on 11/10; and, finally, five at Blairgowrie on 16/10. Blairgowrie also recorded the latest House Martins, on 8/9. Meadow Pipit flocks reported were of clOO on the Braes of Tullymet on 20/9; 50 - 60 in Little Glenshee on 21/10; and 40 near L. Meallbrodden on 12/12. There was a Grey Wagtail at Monk Myre on 13/9, and a winter bird at the North Inch on 9/12. Also at Monk Myre on 13/9 were 20 Pied Wagtails, while, not too far away, on 5/10, c35 were feeding on a cultivated field which had recently been treated with pig slurry. Up to six frequented Scone Park until the end of the year. A pair of Stonechats was in the L. Ordie area on 25/11. A Wheatear was seen at Scone Aerodrome on 9/9, and a late female in Glen Lochay on 26/10. Fieldfares arrived for the Winter on 31/10 in Rannoch, and early November elsewhere: ten at Dalnaspidal on 4th, 8 at Mill Dam on 6th, and on 7th, several flocks of 50 or so flew to roost in the woods at Faskally. By mid-month they were widespread, with

the biggest flock reported being a Fieldfare/Redwing/Mistle Thrush mixture of about/ about 150 by Dunkeld House Hotel on 19th. Fieldfares were recorded from several gardens in December, apples being the attraction; Redwings seemed to prefer holly and cotoneaster berries. The first Redwings were not recorded until 13/10, when numbers were heard passing over Scone and Perth after dark, with large numbers newly arrived in Rannoch on 30th. At least three hung on during the worst of the

December weather, being seen in Viewlands Road, Perth, on 29/12. Apart from those mentioned above, Mistle Thrush reports were of a flock of 7 at Dowally L. onll/10, and a "regular", sometimes with a second bird, in a Crieff garden until the end of the year. Two wintering Blackcaps appeared in Blairgowrie; a male in an abandoned orchard on 10/12, and a female at the bird-table in a nearby garden on 13/12. The Chiffchaff was last heard in Scone on 18/9, whilst a late Willow Warbler passed through Blairgowrie on 12/9. Goldcrests appeared in gardens in Crieff and in Craigie, Perth, while ten were counted near L. Ordie on 20/9. Long-tailed Tits seem to have had a good breeding season, with flocks of 9 - 25 birds being reported, with the largest at Bamhill on 7/12, and 21 in Deuchny Wood on 3/11. Long-tails feed at nut-bags regularly now - three together, peaceably, at the same time in a Crieff garden. In the same garden, a Coal Tit took to admiring itself in the car's wing- mirrors. One was singing in Scone Park, as were two Great Tits, on 31/12, when the weather turned considerably milder than previously. Twosomes of Jays were reported

from Gask, Tullymet and L. of Lowes. Magpies were seen by the Braco road at Glen- eagles on 8/9 and 5/12, and two at Carsebreck on 26/9. More unusually, one was seen several times in October and November in the Craigieknowe's area of Perth. About 400 Jackdaws were heading to roost on The Knock, Crieff, on 30/12. Two

Hooded Crows, outwith their usual range, were seen at Carsebreck on 26/9. Two Ravens were seen in Glen Quaich on 12/12. , Six Tree Sparrows were spotted in Crieff on 29/10, and a Brairibling the same day; twelve of the latter were at Pitlowie Hill on 29/12. A flock of 85 Greenfinches were feeding on stubble outside Scone on 17/9. Most reports of Goldfinch flocks were for November and December; the largest was of c30 feeding on thistles near Bridge of Cally on 15/11. A single bird in a Viewlands garden on 17/12 was feeding on ox- eye daisy seeds. Other reports were from Abemethy Den, Glendevon Farm, North Muirton, Scone, Haugh of Kercock and Blairgowrie. Siskins have been regular visitors to Cedar Place, Perth, with flocks at Blairgowrie and at Pitlowie Hill. There were only single reports of Linnet - 10 at Monk Myre on 13/9 - and Twite - two at Upper Obney on 8/10.Redpoll flocks of 20+ were seen at Tummel, Bridge of Cally, Blairgowrie, Perth and Bridge of Earn, usually on birches. Small flocks of Bullfinches were six at Fometh on 27/11, 8 at Mill Dam on 26/12, and 5 in Scone Park on 31/12. One Hawfinch obligingly perched at the top of a conifer outside the reporter's window in Scone on 14/12, and one flew over towards the Palace on 30/12. Single Snow Buntings were seen on the Drumochter Hills on 3/12 ("miserable day, miserable- looking/ looking birdi") and, much lower, on Murrayshall Hill. Yellcnrtiamners are becoming scarce; records are two at Crie&^on 29/10, one at BridgdfcaS' Earn, two at Luncarty and six, with five Reed Buntings, at Glendevon Farm on 29/12.

Waxwinqs are with us again! First reported from Errol on 2nd January, then from Rattray, Blairgowrie (possibly the same flock), Perth, Crieff, Abemethy and

St. Madoes. Keep your eyes and ears open! Eyes and ears open too, for Spring migrants to record for the next Bulletin; and try to note when you last saw any of our Winter visitors - including Waxwings.

MAMMAL REPORT. A dead Mole was found on the track through Gorthy Wood. Hedgehogs were reported from Glencarse, L. Clunie, Kinclaven, Almondbank, and a late individual in a Perth garden on 30/11. A Long-eared Bat and a Pipistrelle both got netted at Blairgowrie on 1/9. There were no reports of Blue Hare in this period, and only two of Brown - at Redgorton on 19/11 and Comrie on 30/11. "there were over twenty reports of Red Squirrels, and about as many of Grey .Two ^eds together were seen at Snaigow, Murthly and Kinnoull Hill. Three Greys were running around together in the snow in Deuchney Wood on 7/12. Two Faxes came to grief on roacJs; one on the A90 at Inchyra in November, and the other on the A9 at Kingswood, Murthly, in December.

Stoats were recorded from Kirkton Hill, Murrayshall, Carsebreck, where one was attacking a "myxi" Rabbit, and two in ermine on Pitlowie Hill on 29/12. Four Roe Deer were seen at Tullymet on 20/9, and three at Bamhill on 7/12.

Contributers to this Bulletin were:- E.D.Cameron, Miss L.Duncan, J.M.Duncan,

Miss S.R.Hacker, D.B.Howie, Miss L.Jacobs, J.Kirk, C.D. & Mrs. E.Scotland,

S. & Mrs. M.E.Shimeld, Mr. & Mrs. J.Shirra, Mrs.E.Smith,. Mi as E. "Ta.^lc r,

f-Q , Cx , 3 Sl~ormorvT Plc^c-e. 1 S c_ov-ie x P

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION.

Bulletin for January to April 1996. Winter Visitors. Latest dates for Whooper Swans were in April, with two on L. an Daim, Foss, on3rd., and 13 on L. Craiglush on 16th. Geese were seen flying North in late March, but there were 45 Pinkfeet at Carsebreck on 17/4, and clOO over Drimmie, Blairgowrie, on 30th. 250 Greylag at Murthly on 29/3 and 140 at L.Clunie on31st. were the latest noted, though, surely, some were around after this. A drake Scaup was on Stormont L. from 18 - 22/2, and a drake Long-tailed Duck graced Methven L. from, at least, 21 - 28/1. April Goldeneye were 21 at Lowes on 2nd,3 on Carsebreck on 17th, 10 on Marlee L. on 20th, and five on the Tay by Perth on 21st. There is at least one record for May. Two drake Smev appeared on Stormont L. on 18 & 19/2, and a single on 20/4. Waxwings were back in numbers. The largest flock, or flocks, was in the Glencarse area, varying, according to observer and date, from 60-70 on 29/1 to 32 on 2/2. First recorded were from Crieff, where up to 20 visited a garden from 6-12/1, feeding on berries of cotoneaster and sorbus vilmorinii specially planted for them eighteen years agoJrA flock of nine appeared in Blairgowrie on 5/1, and seemed to have stayed a while. Abemethy had about 18 on 8/1. In February, there were five at Bankfoot on 1st, some at Almondbank on 6th, three at Picstonhill, Scone, on 7th, and possibly the same three in the Stormont Park area next day, 14 in Viewlands, Perth, on 23rd. Favoured foods were cotoneaster, rowan and rose¬ hip. One rowan, probably vilmorinii, in Scone, held 14 birds on 13/2 and 8 on 2/3, but none was seen in the intervening days. The last recorded were in Cedar Drive, Perth, on 6/4. Fieldfare & Redwing were seen throughout the period, witlmpril parties including a mixed flock singing in trees at Buchanty on 7/4, and another of about 50 of each species at Dalnacardoch on 13th. The only sizable flock of Redwings earlier was 17 at Viewlands on 19/3. Notable Fieldfare flockswere 260 at Dunning and 200 at Port Allen on 9/1, c450 at Carsebreck tfye next day, 180-200 at Bridge of Cally on 22/1, and 40 at Kinnaird on 1/2. On 10/1, 28 were noted feeding unconcernedly alongside a Buzzard in a field at Blairgowrie, Wintering Blackcaps were in Perth, where a male fed on peanuts in ViewlandsRoad in January and early February; a female was found dead on the road in Craigie on 18/3; and a female visited a nearby garden for nuts on 2/4. Two fed in a garden in Abemethy from January on, whilst two hardy souls at St,Madoes were seen bathing on 27/1. There was also one in Crieff on 16/1. Bramblings were recorded in small numbers, 1-3, from gardens in three areas of Perth and in Crieff. The only reports from "the wild" were ten at Lady Mary's Walk, Crieff, on 25/1 and six at Craigvinean forest on 2/4.

Sumner Visitors. The first Cannon Sandpipers were five counted on the Tay at Perth on 21/4. There was a pair at Ardvorlich, L.Earn, on 25th, and three on the Ardle at Kindrogan on 28th. There was an influx of Lesser Black-backed Gulls on 10-11/3, with six at Drummond Pond and 57 at Carsebreck. A single Conmon Tern was fishing the Tay by Upper Springland on 21/4. Sand Martins appeared on the Tay on 7/4, and there were hundreds between Perth Bridge and Almondmouth on 21st. Reports also came from Carsehead for 17th, lowes, 18th, and Blairgowrie 20th. Swallows were slightly later, 13 counted at Huntingtowerfield on 13/4, followed by reportd from Blairgowrie and Scone on 19th, and L.Earn on 25th. First House Martins were among the Sand Martins on 7/4, then Murrayshall on 15th, Scone on 26th, and Kenmore on 30th. The only Tree Pipit report was of at least two at Clunes Lodge, Calvine, on 28/4. A male Redstart on the bank of the Tay north of Quarrymill on 21/4 was a surprise for the Wildfowl Counter. There were two on Drummond Hill on 24th, and a pair at Lowes on 27th. Earliest Wheatears were at Camghouran, L.Rannoch, on 3/4, and Dalnacardoch, two on 8th. There were two on the floodbank at North Muirton on 21/4; three males feeding together at Dalnamein on 28/4 were presumably on/ on passage further North. The only Ring Ouzels noted were three together at Camghouran on 5/4.A Garden Warbler was singing on the Woody Is., Perth, on 21/4. and a Blackcap at Blairgowrie on 25/4. Chiffchaffs seem to be coinmoner this Spring- first heard at Scone on 2/4, there were at least five singing around the village by 11th. Two or three were heard at Blairgowrie on 4/4, and two at Crieff on 20/4. The first Willow Warbler was at Scone on 17/4, with several there by 19th, when there was an influx noted at Blairgowrie, with three at Crieff the next day. There was a male Pied Flycatcher at Lowes on 27/4. Obviously there were still migrants to come in May, but not a record of Osprey nor Cuckoo in April!

Selected Species Records. A Red-throated Diver appeared on the Tay off the Almond on 11/2, and one was closer to the breeding area, on L.Rannoch on 3/4. A Black-throated was seen on the Tay above Dunkeld for about ten days from 26/3. There were one or two Little Grebes on the Tay at Perth from January to March; four were on Drummond Pond on 11/3, and three on L.Meallbrodden the same day. Other reports came from L.Earn, Bennybeg Pond, Lowes and Fingask Loch. A wintering Great Crested Grebe was seen on Carsebreck on 10/1 & 13/2, and one was on the Tay, fishing in the narrow creek alongside the North Inch path by the Golf Course - it swam under the viewer as he stood on the footbridge - on 18/2. Drummond Pond held 4 on 10/3, Lowes, 7 on 2/4, Marlee L., 11 on 20/4, and L.Clunie, four pairs and a single on the same day. There were five sightings of Slavonian Grebe in the period - all single birds: Starmont on 10/1 & 1/4, on the Tay above Woody Is. onl8/2, clunie on 19/2, and L.Earn on 25/2. A Black-necked Grebe, in breeding plumage, was seen on the Tay by the North Inch on 21/4. With a possible Red-necked Grebe record off Port Allen under consideration, the Tay may have hosted all five grebe species in this period! The Cormorant roost at L.Clunie held 60 & 33 at dawn counts on 21/1 & 31/3 respectively. Drummond Pond had a maximum of five on 21/1, whilst Monk Myre on 12/1, and Methven L. on 28/1, each held three. The maximum for the Perth Bridge to Almondmouth stretch of the Tay was 10, on 11/2. fie Blairgowrie area held a large number of Grey Herons in February, with>22 at Stormont on 3rd, 19 at Monk Myre on 15th, and 35, at Stormont again, on 22nd. Next biggest gathering was three at Drummond Pond on 18/2. An odd place' for this species to be seen was on the verge of the A93 just East of Cargill, on 12/1. Carsebreck held 28 adult and 20 juvenile Mute Swans on 10/1, falling to 6 and 3 by 17/4. There were 10 on Drummond and five on Bennybeg on 18/2, with 16 on Drummond on 10/3. L.Meallbrodden now seems to be the species' stronghold in Strathearn, with 43 on 11/3. Seven were at Kinkell Bridge on 4/2, and a pair was on the lochan in Gorthy Wood on 16/1, but didn't stay. There were few records of Whooper Swans, with a maximum 9 at Carsebreck on 13/2 and 10 at Trinity Gask on 3/3. L. a Mhuilinn, Glen Quaich, seldom visited in Winter, held three on 28/2. Maximum numbers of Pirikfeet were cl,000 on New Farm/ Errol Airfield on 9/1, and c250 grazing the rough grassland south-west of L.Mullion on 14/1. 900 Greylag at Muirmouth, Madderty, on 1/2 was much the biggest flock recorded, then 376 at Drummond Pond on 19/3, and 250 at Murthly on 29/3. Canads were the only other geese recorded - the largest flocks in Glen Quaich, with 28 &t the East end of L.Freuchieon 28/2 & 3/3. Smaller flocks were 16 on Drummond Pond on 18/2, 14 at Butterstone on 3/3, and 14 at Kercock on 30/3. Eight Shelduck at Port Allen on 9/1 were not unusual, but one inland on Stormont L. on 22/1, was. Largest numbers of Wigeon were at Carsebreck, with 761 on 10/1, rising to a maximum of 1,220 on 13/2, then falling to only 30 on 17/4; 200 on Monk Myre on 18/2, 160 on L.Meallbrodden on 11/3, and 105 on , Marlee L. on 21/1 were the other large flocks reported. A pair of Gadwall was on L.Meallbrodden on 23/3. Carsebreck was also the place for Teal, wiyh a maximum of 320 on 10/1. L.Faskally had 105 on 6/1. Maxima of Mallard were 496 on the Tay from Perth Bridge to Almondmouth on 21/1 and 445 at Carsebreck on 13/2. 52 flew from the Gorthy Wood lochan on 16/1. The Pochard maximum was 20 on Drummond pond on 21/1, with other records from Carsebreck, White L. (Blairgowrie), Stormont ., Monk Myre and L.Kinardochy. Carsebreck beat Drummond for Tufted Duck, with 170 on 11/3 against 67 on 10/3; there were also some around Perth Harbour in Feb. The/ The only Red-breasted Mergansers reported were six on the Tay at Perth on 16/3, and a pair at Kercock on 30th. Goosander records were more numerous; the largest flock was 19 on Methven L. on 28/1, when a female, surfacing with a large fish, was set upon by five or six of her flock-mates and robbed of her catch. Stormont held 13 on 12/1, and the Tay at Perth, 15 on 18/2, with 10 still there on 21/4; and six were at Kercock on 30/3. Hare Myre was, and is, the stronghold for Ruddy Duck, with seven males and six females counted on 20/4; the first of the year there being two males on 31/3. January records were singles on Monk Myre on 12th, and Fingask L. on 21st. A Red Kite was allegedly seen in Glen Errochty on 22/4. A male Hen Harrier was hunting the reedbeds by Caimie Pier on 30/1; other records come from possible breeding areas. A Sparrowhawk was seen regularly in the Viewlands area, and two males were sparring over a female in Muirward Wood on 19/4; other records from Crieff and Murrayshall. Buzzard records were widespread, including four at Murrayshall on 7/1 & 22/2; three at Birnamon 18/2; and three at Evelick, Rait, on 4/3. One flying across Glen Errochty on 27/4 appeared to be carrying an adder. The only Golden Eagle report is of an immature in Little Glen Shee on 3/4, Kestrels were seen in many areas, and Merlins on their moorland breeding sites. Away from breeding areas, Peregrines were spotted at Crieff on 4/2 and Murrayshall on 20/2. Thirty-onerRed Grouse, in pairs and singles, were counted in Glen Quaich on 28/2. Blade Grouse records came from: Little Glen Shee, a pack of ten, mostly Greyhen, on 7/1; Glen Quaich, several sightings, with a maximum of ten cocks on 28/2; between Amulree and Kinloch, where about twenty were feeding in birches on 23/3; Fowlis Wester, with four cocks on 7/4; and near Trinafour, six on 27/4. Largest coveys of Grey Partridge were 12 at North Muirton on 11/2, and 13 at Monk Myre on 18/2; pairs were evident in April in Little Glen Shee and at Kirkmichael. Peak Coot numbers were 161 on Drummond Pond on 4/1, down to 34 on 10/3, and 190 on Carsebreck on 10/1, down to 23 on 11/3. 51 on Fingask L. and 28 on the adjacent White L. on 19/2, with other waters holding 25 or fewer. On 21/1, 59 Oystercatchers were counted on the shingle bank below Scone Palace, rising to 108 on 18/2, with about 500 altogether in that general area on 16/3. The other records of flocks were in March, with the birds moving to inland breeding areas. There were six Ringed Plover accompanying 180 Golden Plover at Camghouran on 27/3. Two each of Ringed were at Kercock and Carsebreck on 30/3; and 30 Golden on rough grass behind Murray's Hill Plantation on 7/4. There were 128 Lapwing at Carsebreck on 10/1. Conmon Snipe records came from the Tay at Perth, Caimie Pier, the Almond, Scone and Monk Myre. Woodcock: were flushed at Murrayshall Hill on 3/1, Methven Wood on 28/1, and Glen Artney on 6/4. Roding birds were reported from Rosemount on 19/4 and Drummond Hill on 24/4. The Scone Palace Winter Curlew flock hovered around the 40 mark, and there were six at Carsehead on 11/3. Also here, on 17/4, were five Redshank, About 600 Black-headed Gulls were at Drummond Pond on 10/3, and 260 Conmon Gulls at Carsebreck on 11/3. Four or five Short-eared Owls were spot£ed along the length of Glen Cochill on 23/3; one at Tullymurdoch, Alyth, on 29/4; and two in Glen Quaich on 40/4. There were more reports of Green Woodpecker than of Great Spotted - are Green actually commoner, or just more conspicuous/ easily heard ? The only Winter record of Grey Wagtail was one at Almondmouth on 10/1, with most from mid-March, including one in the Asda car-park on 15/3, "cleaning up after Grammer School lunch"I A Song Thrush visited a Crieff bird-table on 14/1, and one was singing in the area on 29/2. Eight at Ardvorlich on 25/2 were presumably early Spring arrivals; also two in Viewlands Park on 19/2. Three Mistle Thrushes called in at the Crieff garden on 26/1, five were seen at Stanley on 2/2, and two at Ardvorlich on 25/2. One in Scone Park defended a berried rowan against all comers for about a week from 3/1. A flock of seven Long-tailed Tits regularly visited a Craigie garden to feed on peanuts; ten passed through gardens in Scone on 16/1, and, in the Dunkeld area, there were flocks of 8 at Craigvinean on 16/1, 10 at Cally car-park and 22 at Graig a Barns on 3/2. Twelve Coal Tits were also seen at Craigvinean. On 15/4, four Jays werejiisplaying in Muirward Wood, and on 17th, five were seen/ - _ seen in another part of the wood. Visiting Magpies were a single in the Craigie of Perth in January and February, and a pair in Kinnoull at the end of February - perhaps the Craigie bird had found a mate? But no further sightings. Four Rooks visited a Crieff garden for food on 23/4, and regular callers to- an AlmondbanJc garden became quite a nuisance, scoffing grub intended for smaller birds. Raven reports came from Carsebreck, Glen Artney, L.Meall- brodden, Gorthy Wood, Little Glen Shee and L.Skiach. A pair nested on a Hydro¬ electric dam. Goldfinches were seen regularly alongside the Tay by the North Inch and north Muirton, with a maximum of seven on 2/1. There was a flock of 15 at Drimmie on 28/2, and four at Waulkmill on 9/3, but only one seen at Auchterarder where "normally fairly common". Several Members commented on the scarcity of Siskins at nut-feeders, though they were reported as "regular" at one site. However, in "the wild", there were flocks of 30 at Blairgowrie on 5/1, ten at L.Faskally on 5/1, 40 at Almondbank on 11/2, and 30 at Craigvinean on 2/4. Two large flocks of Linnets were 80 - 100 at Kercock on 2/2 and 98 at Bankfoot on 3/2. 'Also smaller flocks at Perth on 2/1, Stormontfield on 4/1, and Kinnoull, where four fed on hypericum seeds. The only Twite were recorded from L.Mullion, wher' e there were 15 on 7/1, and a singleton on 4/2. . Redpolls were regular visitors to the birches in a Viewlands garden in Jan. and Feb. There was aflock of c50 at Auchterarderon 10/1,, and of 38 at Comrie on 25/2. The only Crossbills seen were at Craigvinean - 24 on 16/1 and 12 on 2/4. Bullfinches are not usually seen at bird-tables, but a male in Craigie visited daily for aweek in March, "chasing all other birds away". Small flocks are the norm, but 25 at Craigvinean on 16/1, and at least 48, feeding on heather blown clear of snow, on Murrayshall Hill on 31/1 were exceptional. Yellowhanmer is a declining species, so it is good to get as many reports as follow: 5 by the Tay at Perth on 2/1, 23 around a Pheasant feeder at Forneth on 21/1, c20 gleaning in hay fed to sheep at Almond- bank on 28/1, 20 at Kirkton, trinity Gask, on 4/2, 6, all males feeding in a Scone garden, in heavy snow on 6/2, whilst "in profusion" on Dunkeld Golf Course is encouraging, though vague. Reed Buntings were recorded from Lowes, Almondmouth, Perth, Kercock, and a male feeding during heavy snow in a Blairgowrie garden.

Mammal Report The only Hedgehog reported was dead on A93 On 30/4. A Cannon Shrew was found dead on a forest ride near Fowlis Wester. 52 Blue Hares were counted in Glen Quaich on 28/2. Brown Hares were seen at Bennybeg, Fowlis Wester, broxden, Kercock, Stormont L, Meikleour and Battleby (3). The two Hare species are the subjects of Perth Museum's 1996 Mammal Survey, so records will be especially welcome. Red Squirrels were seen on Kinnoull, Moncrieffe and Murrayshall Hills, in Meikeour and Muirward Woods, and at Blairgowrie. Unfortunately, reports of Grey outnumber those of Red, though they can be seen together at Kinnoull, Muirward and Murrayshall. Grey reports also came from Crieff, Chapelhill,Blair¬ gowrie and several Perth suburbs. A Fox was dead on A90 near Glencarse on 18/1, and a live one seen on Binn Hill on 4/1. Stoats in ermine, into March, were recorded from Glendoick, Murrayshall and Glen Quaich; with others at Auchterarder, Trinity Gask and Muirward Wood. A Weasel appeared at the correspondent's back door in Crieff on 15/2. Otters were seen in the Earn near Comrie on 28/1, and playing around fish-cages in an un-named loch on 10/3. The Glen Quaich hills yielded herds of 52, 96 and 25 Red Deer on 28/2. Murrayshall Hill had two records of seven Roe Deer together, on 15/2 and 9/3; there were four near Gilmerton on 8/3, and trios at Meikleour Wood, Scone Wood and Errol.

Contributors to this Bulletin were;-T.&M. Binny, E.D.Cameron, Mrs. N.Campbell, J.M.Duncan, Miss S.R.Hacker, Mrs.S.Laing, Mrs. I.M.McKinnie, Miss B.A.Mathers, A.Patullo, C.D.&E. Scotland, S.&M.E. Shimeld, Miss E.Taylor, Miss A.Wilson. Records for May to August to E.D.Cameron, 3, Stormont Place, Scone, Perth, PH2 6SR as soon as possible after 31st August, please. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATORAL SCIENCE.

QHNITHaLOGICKL SECTIGN.

Bulletin for May to August 1996. Winter Vlaltora. A few Winter Visitors stayed on into May. Seven Pink-footed Qwo were on Drunxnond Pond on the 19th, along with two Ooldansye. Other OoldensyeBwere one on L.Errochty on 13th, one on Marlee L. on 19th, and one on L.Faskally on24th. These late aecords raise the possibilities of breeding in the areas concerned, as does one on Carsebreclc on 7th August. SunmBT Visitors. Many "first dates" appeared in the previous Bulletin, but, of course, seme Sumner Visitors don't appear until May. Two Caanon Tarns were fishing Monk Myre on 3/5. The first Cuckoo was reported from Killiecrankie on 5/5, followed by Blairgowrie on 21st and Balnaguard on 24th. A single Swift was hawking over fields at Coupar Grange on 3/5, and several were over Blairgowrie on 19/5. Whinchats were first reported from the Braes of Tullimet on 8/5, and several pairs were present in the Schiehallion area by 23/5. There was a single Sedge Warbler at Monk Myre on 3/5, and they were widespread by 19th.A Hhitethroat was singing at Scone on 8/5, and on 23/5, one was singing in a garden in the middle of a housing estate there - it didn't stay! Further records were from Blairgowrie on 8/5, Woody Is. on 11/5, and Monk Myre on 14/5. A male Blackcap was singing by Stormont L. on 7/5, and there was a female at the Almondmouth on 22/5. There were two Hood fferblors on Drummond Hill on 17/5, and two at Balnaguard on 24th. Spotted FlycBtcdian were seen at Kindrogan (a pair) and Woody Is. on 19/5, and a pair at Castle Manziea, Weem, on 2/6, Selected Species Beoorda. Blade-throated Divers wetre reported from three lochs, but breeding success seems to have been poor. One snail loch, where no breeding had taken place, held three adults on 14/7, Little Qrefees were reported breeding on several waters, but not on some regular sites. There were five on Druwnond Pond on 18/8, and numbers on L.Moraig rose from 4 on 8/4 to 10 on 18/8. There were two feeding in the pool below the Hide at Kercock on 29/8. At least four pairs of Great Crested Grebes raised young on L. Clunie, with seven stripey young still present on 19/8; one Pair bred on Hare Myre, with two young still to be seen on 29/8. Maximum numbers elsewhere were 12 on Marlee L. on 17/8 and 6 cm Stormont L. on 16/6. Two Black-necked grebes appeared in June, and there were three in July, but no proof of breeding was obtained. There were 22 Oornorants roosting at L.Clunie on 19/5, but numbers declined thereafter; maximum at Carsebreck was eight on 17/8. Gray Heron reports came from several lodhs and R.Tay. There were four standing in a grass field by Tombuie, Aberfeldy, on 24/7, and five at Stonnont L, on 18/8. Note Suva numbers on Drunsnond Pond rose from 19 an 19/5 to 38 as 18/8, and Marlee L. numbers from three to twelve between the same dates. Breeding occured on Monk Myre (two pairs), Stormont L., R.Xsla, L.Clunie, Stare Dam and R.Tay by the North Inch - any missed? Greylag Geese appeared in ones and twos here and there, but there were 32 on L.Moraig on 14/5, rising to 84 on 19/7, while 135 appeared at Marlee L. on 17/8. A pair bred at the latter water, but the male of the pair may have been a white "farmyard" goose. There were fewer reports of Canada Geese than for the earns penbod last year; a pair reared three young on Hare Myre; there were four on Bennybeg Pond on 18/8; and Druanand Pond numbers peaked at SSSon the same day. '¦ Eight Shaldudc appeared inland on Carsebreck, on 18/5, with a singleton there on 12/6. There were two broods,of Wigeon, of two and four young, on L.Ualne, Glen Turret, on 27/6; with small numbers, of adults, on various other lochs. A pair of Gadwall wes seen on Whitcmoss L. on 7/5. CarBebreck again held large numbers of faal - 105 on 6/0 and 254 On 17/8. ^tobnont L. had 12 on 18/8 and L.Faskally 12 on 24/8. Pairs were seen on L.Ertochty and Monk Myre, but no breeding was recorded. Maxima for Mallard were 334 on Caksebreck on 17/8, 289 On the Tay/ / „ t,'

/ - 2 -

Tay between Perth Bridge and Almondmouth on 25/8, 207 on L.Clunie on 19/8, and 196 on Druomanq Pond on 18/8. Stomant L. held two pair8,pplus one male, Shovalar on 7/5, and McKflc Myre a single male on 2/6* a male was on a pond near Methven on 6/5. There wer« no records of Pochard breeding, but up to nine were present on Stormont L. in May, with other records from L.Clunie, Marlee L., Fingask L., Monk Myre, Methven l>\ and Drummond Pond in July and August.Breeding reports of Tufted Duck weret 31 ycftjng in five broods on Monk Myre, eight families of 4 - 8 young on Dunalastair Res., one female with eight young on L. na Craige, Aberfeldy, and, surprisingly, a brood of six on the Tay by the Scone Palace fishing station. Maximum numbers were in August, with 94 on Drumtnond Pond, 70 on Monk Myre, and 69 on (tparse- breck. Coranon Scoters returned to their usual haunt, with three pairs and three unpaired males on 13/5; a female with five young was seen on two date* in July. There were three pairs and a single male Red-breasted Merganser bon L.Errochty on 13/5, three cm the Tay off the North Inch cm 19/5, and a female with five young on L.Eam on 17/7. Eight Gooaanders wre on the Tay between Perth Bridge and Htadpdieuthn 19/5, with 35, which included four families of 8,8,7 &4, seen on the same stretch on 25/8. There were nine on L.Faskally on 1/8 and twelve at Kercock on 29/8. White Moss L. held a pair of Ruddy Dock on 7/5, and a pool near Methven a single male on 6/5; Monk Myre held two pairs throughbut the period and Stonnont/Hare Myre tltalled 21 on 4/6, though no young were seen, (one solitary youngster was seen on Monk Myre on 13/9).' Ben Harrier breeding numbers were low, and at least three broods "disappeared! Two observers were convinced they spotted a Goshawk tear Bridge of Cally on 16/7. Sparrovhawka with young were reported from Scone, Craiglush and Blairgowrie. The Viewlands bird was seen again. Buzzards still seem to be on the increase, and spreading into lowland krable grpund; several reports of 3 - 5 birds suggest family parties. One was released from a crow-trap on 9/6.Kestrels had a poor breeding season, as did Merlin, with many regular pairs not being found on territory. The only Bed Grouep report is of a female disturbed brooding nine small chicks at Dalnacardoch on 1/7. Two Ptarmigan on Ben Chonzieon 15/5 was also an only report. A BlactacocSc was seen on the verge of the A9, with two Greyhen on the opppsite verge, about 50 metres beyond, on 4/5, near Clunes Lodge, Calvine. A local keeper later informed the observwr that a cock and two hens had been killed on hhe road at j that spot, a few days after. This had been a traditional lek site before the new road was built.. Three were recorded in Glen Errochty on 9/7. Two Bad-legged Partridge near Bridge of Cally on 1/5 are the first reported for some time. Coveys of Grey | Partridge were of 22 at Blairgowrie on 25/8, with 13 seen later in the same area perhaps a remnant of the twenty-two; 18 at North Muirton, Perth, on 13/8, aad six in Glen Quaich on 16/8 .AA Hater Rail was heard at Monk Myre cm 19/8. There were only two Coot on Carsebreck, and none on Stonnont L. at the mid-August Wildfowl Count, when other lochs recorded their maximal L.Clunie 31, Marlee L. 24, Fingask L 57, Monk Myre 67, and Drunsnond Pond 113. There were several reports of parties of up to 30 Oystercatciiers fet various lochs, with 170 along the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Scone Palace shingle spit cm 30/6, and 72 at Murthly on 8/7. There were two Ringed Plover on said spit on 11/5, one at L.Lednock a week later, two at Carsebreck on 12/6, and a pair with four tiny young in the Camghouran area of L.Rannoch, along with another three adults, cm 11/7. Lapwing flocks were: 240 at carsebreck cm 11/7, with 270 on 17/8, 100 at Stonnont L. on 20/7, and 150 at L.Clunie on 19/8. Two Dunlin were found at Carsebreck on 18/5, and two at L.Rannoch on 24/7. Four Gannon Snipe flushed together at Monk Myre on 30/7 were, perhaps, a family party. A Woodcock was roding over Balnaguard on 24/5, and one flew over Scone on 26/6. A solitary Whimbrel was heard and seen flying "inland" from the Tay Estuary at Powgavie on 23/8. Ten Redshank were counted at L.Moraig on 14/5, increasing to 12 on 11/6, then down to one by 18/8; there were six at Carsebreck on 12/6. 56 Lesser Black-backed Guile rested on Methven L. on 21/7. A similar number of mixed Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls regularly used Monk Myre as a Resting/bathing/

preening - 3 - preening site, probably attracted by the feeding awliable at a new outdoor piggery venture adjacent! There were seven Oonmon Terns at Kercock on 12/6, and seven# including two downy juveniles# cm the Scons Palace shingle spit cm 30/6; one flew up the Isla below Coupar Angus on 5/7# and two were fishing the Tay by the North Inch an 21/7. A fledged young Cuckoo was watched as it was fed by Maadow Pipit« by the track to L.Mea1Ibrodden on 12/8 - anybody spotted a later Cuckoo than this? A pair of Lang-eared Owls was disturbed from willows by Monk Myre on 2/6# but not seen thereafter. Two Short-oved Ovla were displaying near Dalnacardoch on 4/5 - they appeared to be two males disputing territory. Reports of this species also came from Corrymuckloch and upper Glen Quaich. The last Swift over Blairgowrie was seen on 14/8. A Kingfisher at the mouth of the Almond on 3/8 is a good record to get# but surely it must have been around before and since? A Gram Woodpedoer family was reported from Almondbank# and records of Great Spotted came from L.of the Lowes# Blairgowrie# Rosemount# Scone and Kinnoull Hill. The number of Swallows breeding around Blairgowrie was low# and smaller clutches were being laid. Two rural bus-shelters each supported a pair# each rearing two broods. Tree Pipit seports were for Black Spout Wood# Pitlochry, Glendams and Blair¬ gowrie# with the latest on 26/8. A Perth Robin sang its first winter song on 26/8. Stonechata bred successfully in Little Glen Shea and at Trinafour - but these were the only records of a species that was making a come-back to Perthshire. Flocks of Mistle Thrushes included 22 in Glen Goulandie on 24/7# 16 at Buchanty on 16/8# and 22 at Murrayshall on 20/8. Several pairs of Sedge Vfarblers occupied the North Muirton steetch of the Tay anti thai area around the Almond mouth# with Whitethroat and Blac&cap also present .Garden Watblers were seen on Drummond Hill on 17/5# and the latest record is of two at Blairgowrie on 24/8. In the same Blairgowrie area# a female Blackcap was watched feeding its youngster on whole raspberries - quits a mouthful1 This species was also seen afcfcWeem and Blade Spout Woods.A Wood Warblcur flew into a kitchen in Anderson Drive# Perth, on 18/8 - obviously off-course for migration, but an opportunity to examine one at close quarters. Further Chiffciiaff records come from Branklyn Gardens, Coldwells (near ), Gorthy Wood, Balnaguard and Black Spout Wood. At least three of the reported Scone area birds bred, and one was heard singing again on 27/8 .Willow Warblers visited an Anderson Drive garden as usual, but "none ever visit in Spring". The Woody Is. Spotted Flycatchers were seen with two or three fledgelings on 27/7.Further Pied Flyoatctar records cams frtha the Birks of Aberfeldy on 17/5 and Blade Spout Wood on 15/6. Blue and Great Tits had "not too bad" a breeding season around Blairgowrie, but some chicks died in the nest# probably from starvation. A Htagple , possibly one of those previously reported from Kinnoull# appeared at the head of Scone Den on 5/8. A pair of Rarvens nested successfully on the face of a BydroElectric dam. Tree Sparrows in the Blairgowrie study area had a poor year# producing only 51 young# (79 last feme). Goldfindiflocks were: 10 at Middlebank, Errol# on 1/5# 15 at North Muirton on 19/5# and 14 at Seaside# Errol# on 27/7. The only flock of Linnets reported, of twenty birds# was associated with the North Muirton Goldfinches. Redpolls also had only one flock reported# 11 at Glendams on 19/5. Yellowhammers seem to be holding their own in upland areas. On 12/7 a Bsed Bunting was singing from well within a field of oilseed rape by Monk Myre,

House Martin Nests. Craigie# Perth 11 nests# ( 9 in 1995). Kingoodie 10 ll Lavers area# L.Tay 25 16 St.Madoes 1 2 Aberfeldy 17 11 Glengoulandie 6 Glen Turret Dam 17 29 Dalnacardoch 1 Three/ - A -

Three adults were found dead at Old Lawers. Three of the Aberfeldy pairs were reported as having second broods. Any outstanding counts of House Martin nests to Esther Taylor# please.

Manmal Report Hadgahog reports were widespread, with# as usual, many road casualties. As last year# several youngsters had to be taken into care, having had difficulty in finding sufficient food in the dry conditions. A dead Mole was found in Scone Wood on 12/6. Blue Hares from lower Glen Lednock/Ben Chonzie totalled 48 on 15/5, with 14 seen in the L.Lednock area on 18/5, and 13 on 9/6. Other records came from Dalnacardoch, L.Errochty, Dalnamein, Schiehallion, and Glen Turret (3). Brown Bares werereported fromDrimmia, Leetown (Glencarse),Bachilton (Methven),(2), Keillour (3), Glen Lednock (5), (5), South Buchanty (t), Dalnamein, Bankfoot (5), Ooupar Angus, Trochry, Moneydie, Blairgowrie# Lassintullich (Rannoch)# Rannoch School, Errol (2), and Scone. Very widespread, but note how many of these records come from more upland# leas intensively cultivated areas. Bad Squirrels were seen regularly around Blairgowrie, including six in the woods around Stormont Loch,in two areas at Scone, and on Kinnoull Hill. Also at Rumbling Bridge (Dunkeld) on 2/6, in Strathbraan on 9/6, Glen Tilt am 13/6aand near Meikleour on 23/7. GREY SQOIKHELS were also regular in the Scone area and on Kinnoull Hill. Other repokts came from Viewlands Road, Perth, on 8/6 and Almondbank. A Short-tailed Vole ran across the road by L.Clunie on 19/7.A Wood House was watched carrying away sunflower seed put out for the birds at Scone, and two were spotted at Muirton of Ardblair, Blairgowrie, in mid-August. A Brown Rat ran across the slipway just above Perth Bridge on 30/6. A House Mouse was found dead on a farm track at Balboughty on 21/8. A Pox was seen on the old airfield at Errol on 27/7, and yet another died on the A90, at Kinfiauns this time, in August.Stoat records came from Murrayshall Golf Course, Miurward Wood# Muirhall Road (Bridgend)#Scone (dead on Cross Street),Glen Quaioh# Corrymuckloch, Dallick (ana* Glen), Blairgowrie and Monk Myre.Weasels were seen in Strathbraan and Glen Fernate. A Mink was hunting along the bank of the Tay just above Annaty mouth on 21/7. Otter spraints were found on the Ericht below Bridge of Cally on 1/5 and on the old Errol sewer outfall on 27/7. Several people had good views of a Pine Martfcn chasing a rabbit on the bank of the Tay above Dunkeld on 1/7. j Thirteen Red Deer were spotted on Ben Chonzie on 15/5, and in the Blair Atholl area in i: 9 stags in Glen Tilt# 9 stags# 111 hinds and one calf in Gleann Mhairc, and 150 hinds and one calf in Gleann Diridh. Ten (4,1,2 & 3) ROe Dear were seen on a short stretch of moorland on the North side of Glen Grrochty on 4/5» twin fawns were disturbed at Clunea on 31/7. Feral Goats should perhaps be included in our Bulletins - a group ) originating from the Glen Goulandie Deer Park has been wandering in Gleann Mor, on the South side of Schiehallion, for several years. When first seen outwith the Park, ther- were nine, but on 4/7# only five were seen.HHas anyone seen other groups or individuals, elsewhere ? Other Animals. Two Adders were seen in Glen Mor, about 50 metre apart, on 23/5, and sloughed skins found near Trinafour and by L. an Daim, Foss. Coranon Lizards were reported from L.Uaine (Glen Turret) and Dunkeld. A Slcnnom was watched on a grassy bank by the old A9 north of Clunes on 26/5# and an injured one on the Calvine to Trinafour road on 14/7. It has been another good Sumner for butterflies, with Orange Tips in May/ June, and Painted Ladies widespread. Bed Mtadrals appeared in good numbers later.

Members contributing to this Bulletin were: E.D.Cameron, J.M.Duncan, Miss S.R.Hacker, Mrs. I.M.McKinnie, Miss E.Taylor. Records for September to December toE.D.Cameron# 3 Stormont Place, Scone# Perth PH2 6SR, as soon as you have recovered from Ne'erday celebrations, please. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE.

ORNITOOLOGICAL SECTION.

Bulletin for September to December 1996. A Happy New Year to all Members, and Good Bird-Watching in 1997. We hope that your New Year's Resolutions included a determination to sukxnit more records for publication in the Bulletin! Sumner Visitors. Summer seems a long time ago, but Summer Visitors (avian!) do hang around into this period, though few records have been submitted. Lesser Black-backed Gulls included seven at Carsebreck on 18/9, with three still there on 7/10. No "latest dates" forward for Ccmnon Sandpiper nor Swift. A good many Sand Martins and Swallows were hawking over Drumore Loch on 12/9, with no Sand Martin reported later; but Swallows were two at Glencarse on 28/9, two at Buchanty on 5/10, six at Craigieknowes on 7/10, and the last, a singleton, over Scone on 9/10, bravely mobbing a Sparrrowhawk. House Martins were still around Glencarse in September, and the last reported were six in Scone on 5/10. No reports of Summer thrushes. A VJhitethroat was at Woody Is., Perth, on 12/9. A male Blackcap fed on apples in Blairgowrie - seen on three occassions between 24/10 and 28/12 - though, of course, it's possible three different birds were involved. Another male was in scrub by the lade at West Huntingtower on 16/12. A Chiffchaff was heard in Muirward Wood, Scon^e6fie had sung in springtime, on 6/9. Winter''Visitors. Whooper Swans were first noted on 9/11, when nine were flying up-Tay over Kercock. Tfqis is much later than J.Kirk's records of last Winter. Very few were noted on Drumore L., the maximum, a pair with four cygnets, on 17/11 - and they moved on almost immediately. 26 v^re feeding on a field of rape west of Meikleour on 23/11, with numbers increasing to 41, (31 adult, 10 cygnets), by 8/12. On 14/12, collared 3J01 was present - noted near Bridge of Cally on 25/11/95. Numbers 6n this field rose to 50 in early '97, but the first cold spell of the year saw 'them depart, probably only as far as Old England Loch, where 3J0i was re-located. Four at Carsebreck (2 cygnets) on 12/12, and a solitary cygnet on Monk Myre from 23/11 - 14/12, found dead in January, were the only other Whoopers reported. Pink-footed Geese first appeared over Scone on 15/9 - five very early birds, wifh the next skeins on 29th and 30th. Skeins of 50 - 100 were passing over Burghmuir towards Dupplin, between 26/9 and 2/10, and counts in early October were cl 200 at Logiealmond, cl 500 at Windyedge, and 2 500 at Carsebreck. The firdt immigrant Greylags are difficult to pinpoint; 195 at L.Clunie on 12/10, and 61 at Loch of the Lowes next day, may well have been resident birds, as might have been the 51 on L. Broom on 29/10, though 1 150 on Marlee L. on 12/10 must have included, and may have been entirely^ Winter migrants. Four Barnacle Geese were with Pinkfeet at Windyedge on 7/10, with a single there on 21/10; there was a flock of eleven at Marlee L. on 12/10, and two on L. Clunie on 11/11 - these last flew off separately, with small parties of Greylag. The first Goldeneye were two on Lowes on 13/10, and there were 18 on the Tay at Kercock towards dusk on 9/11; ten were counted on Rae L. on 14/11. Numbers on Marlee peaked at nine on 14/12, and at Clunie, twelve on the same day, with five at Monk Myre. There were 20 on the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Almond the next day. Two Waxwings in Scone on 28/11 flew off as they were spotted, not to be seen again! Fieldfares and Redwings passed over Murrayshall, heading SouthEast, all morning on 23/10 - c600 in total. There had been an influx of both species to Blairgowrie the previous day; there were some Fieldfares, with many more Redwings, at Dupplin, on 20/10. November records of Fieldfare were of 54 on Kinnoull Hill on 1st, 32 at Viewlands Res. on 3rd, and 36 flying over Anderson Drive on 5th. Redwings were first heard passing over Scone after dark on 14/10, and 38 were seen feeding on yew berries in Dunkeld Cathedral grounds on 19/10. The only Braniblings reported were c50 at Murrayshall from 5-9/11, and again on 16/12. Selected/ - 2 - Selected Species Records. Little Grebes were seen on Marlee L, Monk Myre and L Meall- brodden in September; Five at Drumore L. on 3/10 rose to 9 on 17/10; also seen on L. Clunie and the Tay above Perth in December. 14 Great Crested Grebes on L. Clunie on 14/9 included seven still dependent young; numbers here dwindled to zero by mid- November. Eleven on Marlee L on 12/9 dropped to eight by 12/10, but a single stayed on until 14/12. The Cormorant roost at L. Clunie peaked at 70 on 14/12; there were eleven on the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Almond on 15/12. A Grey Heron, chased by a gull, was sussing out the ornamental ponds in Craigie again. Four were standing around on a stubble field by the R. Ericht near Coupar Grange on 11/9, and three were at L. Clunie on 14/9 and 12/10. A visit to Drumore L. on 15/12 found it completely frozen, with one Heron the only bird to be seen. On the same day, a pair of Mute Swans; with their single gosling, was still surviving on the near-by, and equally frozen, Drumfork L. This pair evidently hatched three, and this seems to be the first recorded breeding here, (the three still present on 19/1/97). Loch of Craiglush, a pair with one cygnet on 13/10, and Whitemyre, a pair with three cygnets on 6/11, were also omitted from the list of breeding sites in the last Bulletin. There were five on L. Meallbrodden on 23/9; numbers or^Harsebreck built up from 16 on 18/9 to 27 on 6/11, but fell to just six on 12/12. 32 seen at the Almondmouth on 29/9 was a big number for that site. The largest flock of Canada Geese was 189 on Marlee L. on 12/9. Others were 14 on Clunie on 14/9, 89 on Lowes on 13/10, 31 at Kercock on 9/11, with 42 nearby on 8/12, and 35 in Glen Quaich on 22/12. In September, 85 Wigeon were counted on Carsebreck on 18th, and 28 on Meallbrodden on 23rd. October 7th saw an increase to 95 on Carsebreck, falling to 30 on 6/11, and only a pair on 12/12. L. Clunie held 61 on 23/11, falling to 20 on 14/121-with 59 on the Tay by Scone Palace on 15/12. Carsebreck again held lots of Teal, peaking at 490 on 12/12. L. Clunie, with an unprecedented 49, and Monk Myre with 15, both on 23/11, were the only other lochs to hold more than half-a-dozen. Peak counts of Mallard were 426 on Clunie on 23/11, 66 on Monk Myre on 14/12, 440 on the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Almond on 15/12, and 171 on Carsebreck on 7/10. There was a pair of Shoveler on Carsebreck on 7/10. The biggest count of Pochard to be recorded for many a year was 96 on L. Broom on 29/10 - 13 on Fingask L. on 12/10 and 10 on Lowes on 13/10 being th^bnly other numbers of note'. There were also 45 Tufted Duck on L. Broom, but other waters held similar numbers of this species, though later in the season - 48 on Clunie and 54 on Monk Myre on 14/12, and 47 on Carsebreck on 12/12. The only Red-breasted Merganser noted was also on L. Broom on 29/10. This loch obviously merits more attention in Autumn. Most Gooosanders were seen on the Perth Bridge to Almond stretch of the Tay, with a maximum of 35 on 13/10. 26 flew over Blairgowrie on 14/9, and there were 17 on the Ericht by Coupar Grange on 25/9. L of the Lowes held 12 on 29/10, with one to six on other waters. A late Ruddy Duck duckling was pottering around Monk Myre on its own on 13/9; four adults appeared on L. Clunie on 23/11. Sparrowhawks were seen at Scone, Murrayshall, Kinnoull, Viewlands and Gask. Reports of several Buzzards together were of three at Murrayshall on 18/9, eight over Moncreiffe Hill on 23/9, four over Stormont Wood on 28/9, four over Glen Shee Hill on 1/10, and six at Windyedge on 17/10. One watched in upper Little Glen Shee was mantling a prey item and holding off two Ravens; one Windyedge bird held off four Carrion Crows for the thirty minutes of observation. A Red-tailed Hawk, an escaped falconer's bird, was seen at Parkfield, Scone, on 10/10. Kestrel sightings were wide-spread, with three by Little Glen Shee Farm on 1/10. The only Peregrine reported was at Parkfield on 30/12. A covey of seven Red Grouse rose from the track to L. Meallbrodden on 23/9; 18 were seen in Little Glen Shee on 1/10, ten by the farm and eight sxfc Auchmore; and four on Murrayshall Hill on 6/10. There were three Blackcock between Murray's Hill and South Buchanty on 23/9; seven in Glen Quaich on 10/10; and one at Buchanty on 22/12. Sizeable coveys of Grey Partridge were 15 at Islabank, Coupar Angus, on 28/9; 21 at North Muirton on 14/10; 10, 5 and 9 in Glen Quaich on 22/11; 8, 12, 12, 11 and 7 in fields around Monk Myre on 23/11; and 8 and 7 at Coupar Grange on 14/12. Two Water Rails were heard at Monk Myre on 13/9; initially about fifty metres apart, the sounds moved closer together, and the two birds eventually joined up and fell silent. Six Moorhen were counted on a two kilometre stretch of the Ericht/ - 3 -

Ericht below Blairgowrie on 11/9, and five there on 25/9. Six were on the Tay around the Annaty confluence on 15/9 & 15/12. Maxima on lochs were 13 on Clunie on 14/9 and six on Monk Myre on 11/10. Coot numbers on Monk Myre fell from 60 on 13/9 to two on 23/11, and none on the largel$^och on 14/12. l. Clunie held a maximum of 130, on 23/11, and still 99 on 14/12, being much less affected by ice. There were 40 on Fingask l. on 12/10 and 20 on Carsebreck on 6/11. A single Oystercatcher on the fields at Little Glen Shee Farm on 30/9 was out of place for the time of year. There were 60 Golden Plover at Windyedge on 17/10, and about 300 on 21/10. About 250 Lapwing were counted at Upper Cairney on 18/9, and about 300 frequented Windyedge for several days in October. Twenty were at Marlee on 12/10, and 14 on the Scone Palace shingle on 15/12. Three Ccnman Snipe were flushed from the banks of Monk Myre on 13/9, and one at Carsebreck on 7/10. The only Woodcock reported were from Murrayshall - one on 7/11 and two on 29/12. Three Curlew were seen, and more heard, at Scone Palace on 15/12, and three Redshank seen at Carsebreck on 18/9. Rather surprisingly, as the habitat doesn't appear suitable, three Greenshank were located on the Ericht below Blairgowrie on 11/9, and again on 25/9. A singleton flushed at near-by Monk Myre on 13/9 was perhaps one of the trio. Up to seven Collared Doves fed in a Kinnoull garden in December. The previous Bulletin had a report of a Kingfisher at the mouth of the Almond in August, so a sighting of one downstream, off the Golf Course,, suggests it may be resident. Another was seen on the Ericht by Grange of Aberbothrie on 25/9, and one at Marlee L. on 12/10. The only Green Woodpecker record is from Murrayshall Hill on 8/10. Great Spotted records come from Tullymet, Blairgowrie (two areas), L of the Lowes, Meikleour, Drumore L, Scone (two areas), Deuchny Wood, and Muirend, Murrayshall, where one fed on peanuts in December. A flock of 35 Meadow Pipits was noted at Little Glen Shee Farm on 1/10. Single Grey Wagtails were at Marlee Land White L on 11/11. Pied Wagtails hung on in the Perth area throughout the worst of the weather. A family' party of six Stcmechats was found in Little Glen Shee on 1/10. A Song Thrush was singing early on the morning of 12/10 at L Clunie, and a Mistle Thrush gave several short bursts osf sona at Scone on 10/12. Two big flocks of Mistle were 23 at Acharn on 10/10 and 26 at Dunkeld on 19/10. A flock of 15 Long-tailed Tits was seen at the Old Almond Bridge, A9, on 14/10, and 25 at Murrayshall on 30/10. Treecreepers appeared in gardens in Craigie and Viewlands. Four Jays were seen in Muirward Wood on 27/10. A Magpie was seen by the Logiealiuond - Little Glen Shee road on 1st and 7th October, by different observers; and the Craigie bird was seen intermittently through Autumn. At Carsebreck, one was seen on 7/10 and two on 6/11. The species is said to be increasing and spreading in the Blackford - Auchterarder area, so look out for it. Ravens were reported From Little Glen Shee, 7 on 1/16,and L Broom, 6 on 29/10. Only House Sparrows fed in a Kinnoull garden until the end of Afovember, when they were joined by a single TreeSparrov , and on 4/12, there were seven Treepresent. There were 50 Brambling with c200 Chaffinch at Murrayshall in early November, and again (or still ?) on 16/12. A flock of 20 Goldfinches was found by North Muirton on 15/9, and 16 in the same area on 13/10. 13 were counted at Killichangie, Pitlochry, on 10/10, and in December, there were 15 along the Logiealmond - Little Glen Shee road on 8th, 4 at Murrayshall on 16th, and two at Viewlands Road on 25th. No Siskins were reported from gardens, but flocks, sometimes with Redpolls, seen in birches and alders, as well as conifers, at several places. A flock of 20 Linnets was beside, but not mixing with, the Goldfinches at North Muirton on 15/9, and c40 were enjoying the sunshine from the tree-tops on Woody Is. on 15/12. Twelve Twite were seen at Little Glen Shee Farm on 1/10, and five or six in the same area on 8/12. Bullfinch flocks of 11 and 12 were seen at Murrayshall on 30/10 and 29/12, respectively. Eight Yellow- hanmers were seen by Stormont L on 28/9; two near Woody Is on 14/10; and 11+ around a Pheasant feeder at Coupar Grange on 14/1. - 4 - House tfart-TTi Riirwy, 1996. A more successful year, with three new reporters and a total of thirteen new sites found - the best at Bumfoot, with 33 nests counted, 20 of these found inside open cattle reeds. Unfortunately sane sites are omitted this year: a) no vehicular access to Glen Tilt, so no count; b) Glenalmond site (60 nests) being re-built. However, the grand total of 176 nests found is quite an improvement on 1995, which had 102 - if we ignore the Glenalmond site. As our Society is the only one reporting from Scotland, I hope we keep on increasing our results. E.Taylor. Manmal Report. Hedgehog reports included numerous road casualties, and two youngsters found drowned in a garden pond at Blairgowrie, though an escape ramp was in place - perhaps they were just too weak to swim around and clamber out. Three or four young fpund wandering during the day, and under-weight for successful hibernation, were transported by S.S.P.C.A. to Middlebank Rescue Centre to be cared for over Winter. Other "live" records included one in Craigie which was out "in bitter cold" on 8/11- not a good sign, when it should have been deep in hibernation. The only Blue Hare reoorted was one above Little Glen Shee on 30/9. Brown Hares were seen at Buchanty, Logiealmond - Little Glen Shee, Tibbermore, Scone and Leetown, Glencarse. Red Squirrels were all of singles, except for a trio in Muirward Wood on 27/10. The singles were at Glen Lyon, Snaigow, Blairgowrie, Scone, Murrayshall and Kinnoull Hill. Greys were reported from Lady Mary's Walk, Crieff, where seven were seen, Gask Ridge road (2), Almondbahk, Murthly (6), Murrayshall, Balcraig (2), Scone, L Clunie (3), Kinfauns (waiting to cross A90!), Bridgend (at nuts regularly), Viewlands Road and Buckie Braes. Both species are regularly seen in proximity in Muirward Wood. An otherwise mundane dawn Wildfowl Count at L Clunie on 14/12 was enlivened by the sight of two Otters swimming playfully between island and West bank. The only Stoat reported in ermine was at Muirend, Murrayshall, on 27/12. Otherwise, one was crossing the A9 dual carriageway just South of Pitlochry on 2/11. and others were seen in Little Glen Shee, at Old Almond Bridge (A9), and on the flood bank at North Muirton, at Laigbwood, Dunkeld, Balboughty, Scone, and Oliverburn, Rait. About 130 Red Deer, stags, hinds and calves, were seen on Findowie Hill, Little Glen Shee, on 1/10. There were six Roe seen on Murrayshall Hill on 19/12, and three togetherat Murthly on 23/12; otherwise reports were of singles.

Other Animals. An AHri<=»r was seen in Little Glen Shee on 16/9. Red Admiral and Painted Lady Butterflies were still around in September; the latest Red Admiral was in the Black Spout Wood car park, Pitlochry, on 10/10, settled on the coloured tax-disc on a car windscreen, obviously mistaking it for a flower. A late Small Tdrtoiseshell was flitting about the flood-bank by the Tay at North Muirton on 13/10. Also late were two Severn-spot Ladybirds active at Muirward Wood on 5/11. A male Emerald Damselfly was identified near Blairgowrie on 6/9. This species had been recorded previously from the particular 10k Square, but was a "first ever" for the reporter.

Members contributing to this Bulletin were: E.D.Cameron, J.M.Duncan, Miss S.R.Hacker, Mrs.I.M.McKinnie, Miss B.A.Mathers and Miss E.Taylor, to all of whom, many thanks.

Records for January to April, 1997, to E.D.Cameron, 3 Stormont Place, Scone, Perth PH2 6SR, as soon as you have freshened up in the May Day morning dew, please. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE.

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION.

Bulletin for January to April 1997.

Winter Visitors. There were few reports of Whooper Swans; ten adults with five cygnets at Trinity Gask on 27/1; five at Carsebreck on 14/2; nine at Kinkell on 9/3; six on L. a'Mhuillin on 19/3; 25 on L.Broom on 28/3; and the last, nine on L.Lednock, with 19 flying North, on 8/4. Flocks of over 1 000 Pink-footed Geese were in the Gorthy and Windyedge areas in January and February; there were c700 at Carsebreck on 14/2, and about the same in Little Glen Shee on 30/3. 150 or so were seen heading North through the Gaick Pass on 12/4. About 500 Greylag fed in the Gannochy area throughout the period; c200 were near Dalguise on 31/1, and rather more at Tullybelton on 28/2. 34 at Dunalastair on 1/4 and five at Fometh on 25/4 were probably resident birds. An immature Scaup was found on the little pond at Kinkell on 9/3. L.Clunie held 20+ Goldeneye from February to April; there were five on L. na Craige on 3/3, and 10 on Fingask L. on 8/3; the only April record was of 14 on the Tay at Perth on 6th. A single drake Smew made a fleeting appearance on Stormont L. on 13/2. The only Waxwing reports came from Scone, where nine were feeding on pink Sorbus sp. berries on 4/2, thirteen were sunning themselves at the top of tall birches on 19/3. Many flocks of Fieldfare were seen - the largest, c250 at Murrayshall on 15/1, was reduced to c40 by 23/4; cl50 were,feeding on a favoured South-facing grass field at Ferns of Cloquhat, Drimmie, on 19/1;90 - 100"at Meadowmore, Logiealmond, on 9/2; 50 at Camghouran, Rannoch, on 23/3; 44 in Little Glen Shee on 12/4; 30 at Dalnacardoch on 20/4; c40 at Tullymurdoch, Alyth, on 25/4; and three, or more, by Glen Quaich Lodge on 30/4. Three near on 9/4 were feeding amidst the debris left by the flooding R.Earn. There was only one report of Redwing in the period - 30 with the Fieldfare at Camghouran. There were about thirty Brambling on Drummond Hill on 31/1, and a block of larch in Dalnamein Wood was "buzzing" with them on 12/4, with possibly up to a hundred busily feeding on the cones. Wintering Blackcap, one or two, were seen at; Blairgowrie, feeding on apples on 24 & 25/1, and successfully fighting off a Robin at the bird-table on 22/3.

Sumner Visitors. Reports of Summer migrants were rather few - though whether this reflects a lack of birds or of Members out and about to report them, is open to question. Ccnman Sandpipers were seen at L.Clunie on 25/4, and L. a'Mhuillin on 30/4. Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Monk Myre on 7/4, and two were perched on a bungalow roof in Scone on 8/4. No Ccmnan Terns reported. First Sand Martins were two over the Tay at Perth on 6/4, with about ten at Rotmell and three over the Earn at Forgandenny on 9/4. There were about 20 at a Blairgowrie colony on 13/4. Swallows appeared first at Blairgowrie, on 10/4, with one far up Little Glen Shee on 12/4, and the first Perth bird at Viewlands on 25/4. No House Martins were recorded in April. A Tree Pipit was singing in Blackcraig Forest, Bridge of Cally, on 27/4. There was a male Redstart in Glen Errochty, also on 27/4. The first Wheatear was seen at Schiehallion on 1/4; Drimmie had one on 10/4; there were several in Little Glen Shee and at Dalnamein onl2/4. A Ring Ouzel was seen in Glen Quaich on 19/3; the next being reported from Dalnamein on 12/4. A TUarricrap singing at Blairgowrie on 10/4, and two at Almondbank on 14/4; also two briefly visiting a Craigie, Perth, garden on 16/4, were all likely to be Summer migrants, rather than late over-wintering individuals. Chiffchaffs were heard singing around Scone from 14/3, with seven on territory by 18/4. They were also heard in Blairgowrie on 29/3, Cally Loch, Dunkeld on 5/4, and in Dunkeld on 9/4. The first Willow Warbler was heard by the Hide at Kercock on 10/4, with the next reports from Dunkeld and Blairgowrie on 16/4, and Scone on 17th, and "many" at Murrayshall at the end of the month.

Selected/ Selected Species Records. A pair of Black-throated Divers was on L.Kinardochy on 17/4 - it seems most reluctant to use the breeding raft provided! Single Little Grebes were seen on the Tay at. Perth and at Kercock; two were back on Drumore L. on 8/3. A Great Crested Grebe was on the Tay, off the North Inch, on 16/1; by 8/3, eight were back on Marlee L. and six on L.Clunie, which held three definite pairs plus six others on 7/4. A Slavonian Grebe appeared inland on 19/4, but has, so far, failed to attract a mate. The L.Clunie Cormorant roost peaked at 91 on 12/1; on 22/4 there were ten birds present in a tight little group on the water as two Ospreys perched on the island trees! Numbers on the Tay at Perth reached nine on 9/3. Unprecedented numbers of Grey Herons appeared at Stormont L., with a maximum of 56 on 8/2, and 35 on 13/2. Other record tended to be of single birds, including one at the mainly frozen Drumore L. on 8/2, when it was the only water-bird present. Mate Swan numbers at Carsebreck fell from 19 on 27/1, to 2 on 29/3. Eighteen on L.Meallbrodden on 15/1 included five cygnets. The family on Drumfork L. wete still present into March, and two appeared on Drumore L. on 8/3; five adults and five cygnets were on the pond at Kinkell on 9/3. There was a pair of Shelduck at Carsebreck on 29/3, and a single on Goddens Pool, Rait, on 16/4. Wigeon peaked at 160 on Monk Myre on 12/1, and at 146 on Carsebreck on 14/2. A pair of Gadwall was seen on Stormont L. on 4/3. Teal at Carsebreck declined from c250 on 27/1 to 27 on 29/3; Stormont 1. held c50 on 13/2. Peak counts of Mallard were all in January, with 371 on L.Clunite, 237 on Carsebreck, and 363 on the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Almond. A pair on Drumore L. on 29/1 were the only birds on the completely frozen loch. At Stormont L., Pintail were present from 4/3, when there was a single drake; onon 14th, there were two pairs; and on 16th, three pairs. There were also two drakes and a duck on Carsebreck on 29/3. L.Broom had the largest concentration of Pochard, 45, on 28/3, whilst Stormont/Hare Myre combinrd held 33 on 14/3; Monk Myre held 16 in February and March. L.Clunie held up to 27 Tufted Duck , Monk Myre, 47, in March; and Carsebreck 18. Red-breasted Mergansers were seen at various locations on the Tay, with four pairs at Kercock on 10/4. Parties of Goosander were 13 on the Tay at Perth on 16/1, 11 on the Almond on 29/1, 10 on Mill Dam on 15/2, and 13 on Stare Dam on 23/2. Paired birds were atCarsebreck on 27/1, and on the Braan on 14/2. Hare Myre held most of the Ruddy Dock recorded, with three drakes and seven ducks on 18/4; Stormont L. held single drakes on 8 & 14/3, which, of course, may have originated from the Hare Myre group. A male Hen Harrier was hunting the reedbed at Port Allen on 10/1. Sparrowhawk reports came from Carsebreck, Viewlands, Balnaguard, Waulkmill and Stormont L. Multiple Buzzard sightings were , 4 over Murrayshall Hill on 4/3, 3 near Forteviot Bridge on 9/4 and 4 over Craigieknowes on 17/4. Immature Golden Eagles were seen in Glen Turret and in Glen Lednock. The only Osprey record is from the Tay at Cargill on 1/4, (should have been under "Summer Visitors", sorry!). Kestrels were widespread, as usaul, and Peregrine reports came from potential breeding areas. A covey of Red Grouse in Glen Turret on 6/1 included a very bold bird which pecked the observer's boots and legs.; 37 seen in Glen Quaich on 19/3 were mostly in pairs; 17 were seen in Glen Lednock on 8/4. One Ptarmigan on Ben Chonzie on 6/1 was the only record. There were 17 Blackcock in Glen Quaich on 19/3, and 8 - 10 on 30/4; two at L.Broom on 28/3, and a pair at Tullymurdoch, Alyth, on 11/4. Two hen Capercaillie were seen in Allean Forest, Tummel, on 22/1 and 5/3, and a cock in the Black Wood of Rannoch on 1/4. A covey of eight Red-legged Partridge was seen at Saddlebank, Logiealmond, on 20/1, and a pair nearby on 9/3. There was also a pair at Forneth on 25/4. No big coveys of Grey Partridge were reported - four at Islabank, Coupar Angus on 7/1, ten at L.Meallbrodden on 15/1, eight at Balgarvie, Scone, on 24/1, ten at Kercock on 7/2, six at Woodhead of Mailer on 13/2, and a pair at Kilspindie on 4/3. A Water Rail in the reedbed near Errol was seen taking a short flight. Nine Moorhen were on Monk Myreon 8/3, and Coot numbers here peaked at 66 on 8/2; on Clunie at 111 on 12/1. There were nine Oystercatchers on the Scone Palace Shingle on 16/1, rising to 215 on 9/2. 186 were on floodwater at Logierait on 3/3, and 99 at Forteviot Bridge on 9/4. A leucistic individual was seen near Raiton 20/4. A pair of Ringed Plover was seen at L.Lednock on 8/4. About 30 Golden Plover flew into Little Glen Shee on 9/3; apair vas In Glen Quaich on 19/3, and seven at Camghouran, Rannoch, on 22/3.

Largest/ - 3 - Largest Lapwing flocks reported were c500 at Carsebreck on 27/1 and 700 there onl4/2. An early breeder was incubating two eggs at Blairgowrie on 5/3, but the outcome of this nest was unknown. A Cannon Snipe was seen in Glen Lednock on 8/4, and one by the ford in Little Glen Shee on 12/4; also one at Mill Dam on 16/4. Two Woodcock were flushed on Murrayshall Hill on 24/1,one in Muirward Wood on 26/3, and one at Stormont L. in March. There were 30+ Curlew on the Scone Palace Shingle on 16/1, with similar numbers through to March? 14 were at Marlee L. on 8/3; 15 near Kinkell on 9/3; 38 were feeding together on a grass field at Drimmie on 8/4. Three Redshank were on floodwater near Kinkell on 9/3; two at Carsebreck on 29/3; two at Mill Dam the next day; four with a small flock of Lapwing in Little Glen Shee on 30/3; and six in the Kercock area on 10/4. A pair of Greensharik was seen in Glen Lednock on 8/4. The Carnnon Gull colony at Kercock seems to be expanding, but that on the Tay by Rotmell seems to have been abandoned. A Stock Dove at Scone on 29/4 was the first seen by the observer for some time. Short-eared Owls were seen at Corriemuckloch and by Glen Quaich Lodge on 30/4. A Kingfisher was on the Almond at Huntingtowerfield on 29/4. Green Woodpecker reports came from Mill Dam, Bridge of Cally, Craig y Bams, Forneth, Blairgowrie and Scone; Great Spotted from Allean Forest, Forneth, Almondbank, Scone, and, feeding on peanuts, at Muirend, Murrayshall. Skylarks were singing around St.Madoes from March; also recorded from Little Glen Shee, Kercock and Inveralmond. Grey Wagtails were singles by Perth Bridge on8/2, and Scone Park on 19/4. Robins at Blairgowrie built their nest in the side of a bale of hay. Two pairs of Stonechats were in Little Glen Shee on 6/3, and one pair located there on 12/4. A Blackbird was singing" in Scone on 6/2, and a Song Thrush at Blairgowrie next day, with several around Almondbank on 9/2. About 70 Coal Tits were seen in Craigvinean Forest On 10/1. Long-tailed Tit flocks reported all seemed to be of five birds! -At Craigie, Perth, on 1 & 3/2, the Birks of Aberfeldy on 3/3, and Waulkmill on 15 & 16/3. A Treecreeper visited the Craigie garden on 11/2 & 26/3. Jays were reported from Bridge of Cally, Craigvinean and Stormont L. Magpies re-appeared in the Craigie area - one in January and two on 28/3, but not seen thereafter; two were at Carsebreck on 14/2. Ravens were seen on Ben Chonzie, in Glens Quaich, Lednock and Little Shee. Goldfinches were seen in many areas, the largest flock being on stubble by North Muirton, Perth, on 9/2. Siskins have paid few visits to bird-tables, but there seem to be plenty around in the forests. A flock of 35 Linnets was at Kercock on 16/3, and 50+ were regular from 21/3, though down to ten or so, on 25/4, feeding on stubbles at Blairgowrie. Six Twite were seen at the top of Necessity Brae, Perth, on 20/1, and another six by L.Mullion on 26/1. Redpolls were often associated with Siskins. Crossbills were reported from Craigvivean, three on 10/1; L.Meallbrodden Wood on 15/1;Allean Forest, where flocks of 20, 30 & 60 wre seen on 22/1; Drumore, where up to ten were present on 19/1 & 18/3; Black Wood of Rannoch, four on 1/4; Trinafour, 8 - 10 on 27/4; and Bridge of Cally, also 27th. (More, and more widespread, reports than usual, possibly reflecting a bumper cone-crop). Murrayshall Hill again had a large flock of Bullfinches - 35 on 15/1; a flock of nine in Gorthy Wood on 2/1 was next best; seven were seen regularly in Scone Park. Three Hawfinches were spotted in the treetops in Scone Palace policies on 23/3. Small flocks of Yellow- hanraers were seen at Scone (8), Fometh (7), and North Muirton (6). A single male Rgfri Bunting was foraging far up Little Glen Shee on 6/3, and one was singing on Cochrage Moor on 23/3. Mammal Report. As usual, several Hedgehogs have been reported as road casualities, particularly on A9 and A90. One was watched trotting around, presumably feeding, far from cover on a newly sown and rolled field by Scone Aerodrome on 20/4. On 19/3, over 100 Blue Hares were counted in Glen Quaich, and on 8/4, 23 in Glen Lednock. Reports also came from Glen Cochill, Glen Turret, Ben Chonzie and Dalnamein. Brown Hares were not seen in such numbers, but four at Woodhead of Mailer on 15/3, and seven there on 29/4, are note-worthy. Others, mostly singles, were seen at Leetown, Pitroddie, Necessity Brae, Scone, Gorthy, Keillour, Kercock, Meikleour, Blairgowrie, Fometh, Hills of Bendochy (Coupar Angus), Dalrulzion, Drummick (Sma1 Glen), and Dalchosnie (Rannoch). Red Squirrels were seen regularly in Blairgowrie and Scone.Records also come from Stormont Wood, Cally L. (Dunkeld) and Tullybelton. Greys raided bird- tables for peanuts at Viewlands Road, Perth, and at Scone. They were also seen at Dalcrue, Crieff, Glen Turret, Glen Lednock, Carsie and L.Clunie. A Short-tailed Vole was seen at L.Clunie, and one scurried across the old A9 near Dalnacardoch on 12/4. A dead Wood Mouse, probably victim of a neighbour's cat, was found at Scone on 21/1, and another corpse at Monk Myre on 7/4. A Brown Rat crossed^the A93 by Guildtown on 3/3. A dead Fox was seen at the roadside at Bamhill, Perth, on 11/1. Stoats in ermine were seen four times at Murrayshall - twice killing rabbits and once carrying a mouse; at Banchory (Coupar Angus), and at Drumore L. - this last still completely white on 8/3. "Brown" individuals were seen at Kinclaven and Gorthy Wood (Methven). The only report of a Weasel is from Glen Turret on 6/1. Otter spraints were spotted on Cochrage Moor, Blairgowrie Seventeen Red Deer stags and 129 hinds and followers were counted on the hills South of L.Tummel on 29/1; and parties of 47, 59 and 43 in Glen Quaich on 19/3. Groups of Roe Deer were wide-spread. A field of oil-seed rape adjacent to Muirward Wood, Scone, seemed particularly attractive to feeding Roe, with four on 23/1, nine on 4/2, and seven next day. Murrayshall had thrae on 19/1 and four on 26/1; Moncreiffe Hill, three on 12/3, and Tulliemet, three on 28/3. "Twos" were reported from Methven Wood, Bimam Hill, Drumore, Dalnamein and Schiehallion. Two Feral Goats each with a kid, were found on the banks of the Allt Mor, Schiehallion, on 17/4.

Other Animals. Two Adders were seen in April, both in the Dalnamein area. One was basking in the Spring sunshine on 12th; the other, unfortunately, had been run over on the road, and died of its injuries. amn Tortoiseshells were the first butterflies to be out and about, though the first, on 5/3, was inside, at Almondbank. On 9/3, one was fluttering about the bank of the Tay above Dunkeld. April brough records from as far North as Dalnaxnein, where two were seen well up the hill. The other species recorded in April was .qman White. Look out now for Orange Tips, Red Admirals and Painted Ladies.

Members contributing to this Bulletin were: E.D.Cameron, J.M.Duncan, Miss S.R.Hacker, Mrs.I.M.McKinnie, and Miss E.Taylor. To this faithful band of recorders, again; many thanks. But what about all you others in the Ornithological Section? The Section boasts fifty-odd Members on its list - why not let others know what you 1 have seen? Records for May to August, 1997, to E.D.Cameron, 3 Stormont Place, Scone, Perth, PH2 6SR, at the begining of September, please. PERTOSHIKE SOCIEIY OF NATURAL SCIENCE.

ORNTEHOLOGICAL SECTIC^.

Bulletin for May to August 1997. Winter Visitors. No reports of any wintering species into May, but a record of twenty Waxwings in the Viewlands area of Perth was omitted from the last Bulletin. Sumner Visitors. A Comcrake was heard calling in June, from a set-aside field in East Perthshire; apparently the second consecutive Summer it has been present in this field. Conman Sandpipers continued arriving into May, with one at Bridge of Cally on 4th and a pair at Drumore L. on 14th. Six Ccmaon Terns were around the Scone Palace stretch of the Tay on 12/5, and, on 22/6, three birds appeared to be incubating on the shingle there.. Later, adults were observed feeding young in the area. Cuckoos were first heard on 5/5 in Glen Artney, 11th at Balnaguard and Dalnamein, and 17th at Murrayshall. Swifts first appeared, as they often do, at Blairgowrie on 4/5, followed by Perth on 6th, and L.of the Lowes on 16th. They were reported as "gone" from Blairgowrie by 20/8 - just over three months in residence! House Martins were first reported from Blairgowrie on 4/5, then Leetown, Glencarse, on 14th and Glen Artney on 16th - later than usual. The only Whinchat date is of a male near Calvine on 11/5. Sedge Warblers were heard and seen at Blairgowrie on 4/5 and,Monk Myre on 9th and at Kingoodie on 13th. A Whitethroat was seen at Blairgowrie on 3/5 and two at Scone on 6/5. Garden Warblers at Blairgowrie on 4/5 were the only ones noted. Two Wood Warblers were singing at Balnaguard, and several at Clunes, on 11/5. Two Spotted Flycatchers were at Blairgowrie on 14/5, and one by the Garry above Clunes on 17th. The first male Pied Flycatcher appeared at a nest-box in Glen Artney on 20/4, and was defending it against another on 6/5; however a female duly arrived, and one piar bred successfully, as did a oair at L. of the Lowes.

Selected Species Records, ; Black-throated Divers were reported from three lochs, but only one site had young. Little Grebes bred at Hare Myre, White L., King's Myre and Drumore L. Great Crested bred at Marlee L. and Stormont L. The former held totals of 17 on 20/7 and 26 on 23/8, including seven large young - "best year for a number of years"; but only one youngster was seen on L.Clunie, where five pairs had been present. The single Slavonian Grebe of 19/4 was seen again on 15/6, but left the loch soon after. Cormorant numbers at L.Clunie rose to 29 on 22/8, and there were nine at roost at the Annaty Burn mouth on 12/5. Grey Herons were recorded from various lochs and rivers, with the largest parties at Monk Myre - 14 on 17/6 and 18 on 18/7. There were still 27 Mute Swans at Rhynd on 12/5, down from a maximum of 103 in March; with 24 at Carsebreck on 22/7 and 27 there on 22/8. The Drumfork Loch pair hatched eight cygnets on 8/5, one of them disappearing soon after. The Drumore L. pair remain, but are probably too immature to attempt breeding. Mutes also bred on Fingask L., Stormont L, and King's Myre, but many pairs seem to have failed, or not attempted. Greylag Geese with four goslings on L. an Daim on 24/6 is the only breeding report. There were 14 in the Rannoch area on 4/6 and c230 roosting on Marlee L. on 20/7. A pair of Canada Geese hatched seven young at Hare Myre, then walked them across the Golf Course to Black L., where five fledged successfully. There were 17 in Glen Quaich on 15/5, and 19 on the Tay at Kercock on 10/7. A Shelduck appeared inland on Carsebreck on 22/8. A single female Mandarin was spotted on the Tay near the Almond confluence on 22/6 and 24/8 - rumour has it there is a drake around too. Two Wigeon at Carsebreck on 22/8 is the only record. A drake Gadwall on Hare Myre o 17/5 may have been from the pair seen on Stormont in March. Teal at Carsebreck increased from 21 on 22/7 to 120 on 22/8. Mallard here increased from 56 to 187 over the same period; counts on the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Almond produced monthly figures of 64, 195, 204 and 239. L. Clunie peaked at _ 186 in August. At Monk Myre, one female was seen leading a procession of sixteen fluf y youngsters/ - 2 - youngsterson 9/5. A Pintail duck with two young was found on a hill lochan on 17/5. Shoveler were reported from Hare Myre and Carsebreck (2). Pochard bred at Stormont L., two ducklings seen on 5/6, and were seen on Carsebreck and L.Clunie. Tufted Duck seem to have had a poor breeding season; biggest flocks were 59 on Monk Myre, 17/6, 49, L.Clunie, 20/8, and 48 on Carsebreck, 22/8. No young Ccnmcm Scoter were reported, though two pairs were present on 22/5, and five adults on 5/7. Pairs of Red-hreasted Merganser were reported from the Tay and its tributaries, and from several lochs, but young only from the Scone Palace stretch and Kercock. Goosander records came mainly from the Tay, with several parties of young birds in the Almondmouth to Perth Bridge stretch, though these may well have drifted down from further up-stream. Maxima on this stretch were 62, all adults, on 12/5, and 37, mainly young, on 20/7. The Ruddy Duck population on Hare Myre on 8/6 consisted of one pair with six young, four males, and two females; on 13/6, there was a pair with five young, another pair, four males and four females; on 11/7, one pair with two downy young, (not survivors of any previous brood), four males, and one large young. Our reporter comments, "no Ruddy young make it to fledging; don't seem to survive much beyond downy young stage. Pike? Mink?" A single female appeared on L.Clunie on 10/5, but was not seen on subsequent Wildfowl Counts. The Monk Myre saga read: 13/6, single male; 14/7, one displaying pair; 18/7, two males, one female - no display; 26/7, single male; 22/8, one female with single doyjny youngster. Marsh Harriers were spotted over the Tay reedbeds on 10/8, and Hen Barriers in Glen Garry several times. Sparrowhavks were regularly seen in Viewlands Road, Perth, and Scone; breeding was proved at the latter, and at Blairgowrie. Buzzard records were widespread; at least four pairs bred successfully in the Blairgowrie area, and one pair at Murrayshall, in lowland Perthshire.; four together over Carse¬ breck on 22/8 suggests a family, too. Golden Eagles had a poor breeding season, particularly in western areas, but Ospreys did well - including two successful nests on electricity pylons. Kestrels were evident all over. On 24/6, at Meall a' Bhobuir, Rannoch, a Merlin was watched as it "mobbed a Golden Eagle for fifteen minutes, continually stooping at the big bird. Eagle gradually soared higher until lost in cloud1.' Merlins had a patchy breeding season, with some traditional sites not being occupied. Eighteen Blackcock; were counted in Glen Quaich on 1^5/5, andthere were twelve near Trinafour on31/5; also three by L. an Daim, Foss, on 4/6. Red Grouse were seen in the Sma' Glen and Glen Quaich. Two Red-legged Partridges at Coul, Auchterarder, on 11/5, was the only record. Grey Partridges were seen in Glen Quaich, at Dalrulzion and at Stare Dam. Moorhens seem to be overlooked, or, anyway, under-reported; two pairs nested on Scone Park pond, with the last two tiny young appearing at the end of September. Very few young Coots were seen on the lochs this year: Maxima, adults plus independent young, were 23 on Monk Myre on 18/7 and 46 on L.Clunie on 22/8. A Ringed Plover was seen on the north shore of L.Errochty on 22/5, and one on the Scone Palace shingle spit on 22/6. Golden Plover were; a pair at Tullyraurdoch, Alyth, on 15/5, three in Glen Quaich on the same day, and one heard in Glen Fincastle on 27/7. Four Lapwing chicks hatched near Dalnamein on 3/5 survived a day of torrential rain on 4th, and several wintry nights following, to have two reach the flying stage. There was a flock of clOO at Monk Myre onl8/7. This loch hosted three Snipe on 26/7. Woodcock were seen regularly by Stormont L. and in Glen Artney; one was roding over Scone on 4/6, and one was seen at Moncreiffe Hill on 30/8. A Whimbrel was flying around over a highland loch, calling repeatedly, on 24/6, but was not seen/heard on 18/7. A pair of Greenshank in the same area on 18/7 obviously had young, as did a pair not far off, on 4/6; a single bird was reported on 22/5 from another regular breeding area. Thirteen T^gsaar- Black—backed Gulls were at Carsebreck on22/8. The CV mm hi Gull colony at Kercock flourished, and a few Black-headed bred. A Wbodpigeon singing in the trees at L.Con on 22/5 seemed a little out of place! Seven pairs of "tewny Owls hatched 19 young in Blairgowrie nest-boxes. A Long-eared Owl laid four eggs in an old Crow 'nest in the same Scots pine as a Carrion Crow was also nesting - the Crow raised two young, but the owl eggs disappeared!? Short-eared bred in Glen Artney and Glen Garry, and were seen in Glen Lednock. Green Woodpecker records came from Keltneyburn, Blair¬ gowrie, Scone, Murrayshall and Barnhill. Great Spotted bred at Blairgowrie, and were seen at Camghouran (Rannoch), Tummel Bridge, Logierait, Glen Errochty and L.Clunie. Skylarks sang in the Glencarse area, and four visited a Craigie garden on 16/8. Around Blairgowrie/ - 3 - Blairgowrie, 14 pairs of Swallows reared 96 young, but numbers are still down generally, and many pairs raised only a single brrod. A pair nested successfully in a small shed housing a diesel engine, and another used a 1995 nest which had been appropriated by a pair of Wrens in 1996; this year, the mossy superstructure remained, and the Swallows had to "shoulder" their way in to brood. A pair in Glen Artney fought a pair of Pied Wagtails for possession of their old nest in a garage, but the earlier established Wagtails won the day. Three pairs of House Martins built on the generating station at the head of L.Lednock, where there used to be up to a dozen nests, but none for the last few years. Tree Pipits were singing on L.Tayside and at Keltneyburn. Breeding Grey Wagtails were reported from Dunlceld, Keltneybum, Dalnamein and Hunting- towerfield. A pair of Pied Wagtails successfully raised a family from a nest built on a car engine; only discovered after the eggs had hatched, the nest was transfered to a bush close to where the car was normally parked, and family life continued! Dippers were evident on various rivers and bums. Wrens foraged on a garden compost-heap. Robins were singing winter songs by 10/8. A pair of Redstarts bred at L. of the Lowes; there was one at Taymouth Castle on 6/5, and a female hunting from fence posts by the A9 near Calvine on 11/5, was presumably still on passage, as the habitat was not suitable for breeding. A female Whinchat was watched feeding young in Rannoch on 24/6, and Stonechats were seen in Glen Cochill, at Kiltyrie (L.Tay), whilst fledged young were seen at Trinafour. Family parties of Wheatears were seen in Rannoch, Glen Errochty and Glen Fincastle. A Sang Hrrush visited a Craigie feeding- site, with the reporter's comment, "now rare visitor to bird table". A Grasshopper Warbler was heard reeling near Coupar Angus on 29/6. A passage Garden Warbler visited a Perth garden on 2/8, and two Willow Warblers another garden in the later half of August. Chiffchaffs bred at Scone, and one was still singing by Murthly Castle on 6/7. Spotted Flycatcher^families were seen near Duhkeld. Flocks of Long-tailed Tits were 12 at Camghouran, Rannoch, on 24/6 and 16, plus c20 Coal Tits, at Blairgowrie on 30/6. From a nest-box scheme around Blairgowrie, 14 pairs of Blue Tits fledged 127 young, including one brood of 15 and one of 12; 8 young from a garden box in Viewlands was good going. Nine pairs of Great Tits fledged 68 young at Blairgowrie. A Magpie was seen in Glen Artney in mid-July, and "the" Craigie bird on 31st;two were at Carsebreck on 22/7 and one on 28/8; one was seen between Little Glen Shee and Logiealmond, date uncertain• Two Ravens flew over Glen Lednock on 28/6, and seven were seen at L. an Daim on 4/7. i Five or six pairs of Tree Sparrows fledged 55 young from Blairgowrie nest- boxes; a flock of six was seen at Monk Myre on 18/7, and three at Port Allen on 10/8. Greenfinches were still feeding on peanuts in a Perth garden on 8/5, and one at Lawers, L.Tay, was the first seen there. Goldfinch records came from Glen Fincastle (18), Balnaguard, and Viewlands Park. Flocks of Siskins were; 30 at Blackcraigs, Bridge of Cally on 6/7, c50 at L.Kennard on 19/7, 20 at Blairgowrie on 8/8, 25 at Scone on 11/8, c30 at Monk Myre on 13/8, 6, all juveniles, at Anderson Drive, Perth, on 18/8 and c45 in Viewlands Road, Perth, on 23/8 - apparently there had been a big fall of migrant Goldcrests, Siskins and Crossbills at St.Abbs in mid-August ~ 3flock of twelve T.i nnf»i--cj at Monk Myre on 18/7. Two flocks of Redpolls , 8 and 18, were seen by Loch Kennard on 8/7, with "many ones and twos also". Crossbills were heard regularly in pinewoods at Blairgowrie and Scone, and were also recorded from Dalnacardoch,* Dalnamein, Tummel Bridge, Black Wood of Rannoch. A pair of Yellowhamners joined the feeding birds in a Blairgowrie garden on 14/6.

House Martin Nests. Craigie, Perth 13 nests. (11 :in 1996). Kingoodie 12 10 Lawers area 19 25 ('97 one fell-3 dead young) Aberfeldy 11 16 L. Turret 27 23 Dalnacardoch nil 1 Bruar 1 10 Grandtully School 6 8 " Farm 9 nil Glencarse 1 34 ('97 three built,2 failed). Glenlyon 11 8 Glen Artney Church 5 — " , Milntuim 1 - - 4 - Early results seemed poor, perhaps owing to the late cold spell. Some sites had no luck at all, (three at Lawers, for instance), but, with the exception of the Glencarse area, the House Martins appear to be holding their own, with quite a few second broods reported. E. Taylor. Sandy Hill, to whom Esther passes the House Martin information gleaned from Members, has just been awarded a B.T.O. Research Grant to 11 support nationwide monitoring of breeding numbers of House Martins", so please keep the counts going. Any further information for 1997 will be welcome. One Man's Patch. or, a few notes on the bird life in Glen Artney and around upper Stratheam - May to August, 1997. A contribution from Bob Fryer, to whom, many thanks. Increasing the number of nest-boxes on my property this year - I now have fourteen - seems to have paid off, particularly with the Pied Flycatchers. At least two, and possibly a third were used by this species. Five were used by Great Tits, and one by Blue Tits. Some others, up the hill, I'm not certain of - perhaps the winter "redd- out" will show signs of use. The half-open boxes, (three of them), aimed at Robins and Redstarts, do not seem to have met with favour - apart from one used by a Great Tit! Another Great Tit pair took up residence in a box I thought I had designed for Woodpeckers! Other birds breeding successfully around the garded included two pairs of Robins, (fledglings seen May 17th), with one pair nesting on the ground under ivy. Two pairs Chaffinches, one in honeysuckle against the wall of the house had three eggs on June 8th, and reared them successfully. Two pairs of Blackbirds, two pairs of Blue Tits, two pairs of Wrens, two pairs of Hbodpigeons and, rather more surprisingly, two pairs of Pheasants and a Mallard! The latter nested under an escallonia bush, and went off with her brood (number unknown) around June 6th, leaving one addled egg behind. The first Pheasant nest had nine eggs and the other fourteen; the first had eggs of two colours, and the other, eggs of three colours, showing that there must be a lot of laying in each other's nests, since I believe, any one female only lays eggs of a particular hue. The first lot hatched out on May 25th, whilst the hen must have been off the nest, as we had little Pheasants running all over the drive, cheeping and looking for Mummy - she eventually came back, rounded up seme of the strays and hatched out the others, but there had already been losses. (I find here that, despite the large clutches, by the time two or three weeks have passed, a hen Pheasant will usually only have two or three chicks still with her). A nesting success just outside the garden area in my little birch wood was a delightful, and quite unafraid group of seven or eight newly-fledged I/mg-tailed Tits on May 16th., and a surprise was a Pintail duck with two ducklings on my little mill- loch on May 17th. Willow Warblers, Garden Warblers, Tree Pipits, Song Thrushes, Grey Wagtails, Woodcock, Dipper and Snipe have all been around, but I have no idea of their nesting success. I know the Bays and the Buzzards have been successful, since I have seen the family parties, and I think the Kestrels might have done quite well, judging by the number seen. Peregrines occasionally fly over, and I saw a pair of Hen Harriers on June 28th. A dead Red Kite was found in the glen by one of the shepherds - cause of death unknown. Crows and Jackdaws are around in large numbers, despite the efforts of the keepers. The shepherd mentioned above also told me of the successful breeding of a Short-eared Owl up the glen, which is encouraging, since the pair seen so often on the Langside Road over to Braco seem both to have been killed at the roadside by speeding motorists. Bob Fryer. tfcmmai Report, withheld until next Bulletin.

Members contributing to this Bulletin were: E.DCameron, J.M.Duncan, R.Fryer, Miss S.R.Hacker, J.Kirk, E. & L.McCabe, Mrs. I.M.McKinnie, Miss E.Taylor, Miss A.Wilson. Thank you all!

Records for September to December - first Whoopers, Fieldfares, Redwings, Bramblings etc. - to E.D.Cameron, 3 Stormont Place, Scone, Perth PH2 6SR, as soon as possible in 1998, please. PERTHSHCRE SOCIETY OF NATDRAL SCIENCE.

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION.

Bulletin for September to December 1997.

Ornithological Section 1997. After a very interesting Winter season, with average attendance at meetings, although membership numbers dropped a little, our Summer outings, as usual, met with mixed fortunes. Our first time out, in April, took us to Loch Freuchie, where we enjoyed a pleasant evening, and saw quite a few Black Grouse and still almost-white Hares to add to our list for the evening. The day at Inversnaid is perhaps best forgotten. However, we managed about two hours on the hill besise Loch Lomond; had our lunch; and heard our first Cuckoo of the year, before the heavens opened. A lot of wet bird-watchers arrived back at the cars for a non-stop downpour all the way back to Perth. To make up for that, our visit to Loch Turret presented us with the most beautiful evening one could wish for. Among our sightings we found the Ring Ouzels we especially wanted to see, as well as the colony of House Martins nesting at the dam buildings. It was dull and misty on our evening trip to Lochpf Kinnordy, and not many birds were found there, but we provided a fine meal for the mosquitoes. The highlight of the Summer was definitely our day at Bay when twelve Members had a lovely ramble round the coast and saw just about every species we hoped to see. On the way home, we stopped at the lagoons at Musselburgh and added to our list there. I'm not sure if the Seal swimming beside the wall was watching us, we certainly were watching it. E.Taylor. Summer Visitors. There were no reports of Sand Martins in this period, but final dates for Swallows and House Martins were later than last year. There was a mixed flock of about half-a-dozen of each species over Almondbank on 7/10, though the last House Martins in Blairgowrie were seen on 15/9. The local Swallpws left the New Fowlis area on 10/9, but there two at Laighwood, Dunkeld, on 11/10, and still a flock of 14 mobbing a Kestrel over Blairgowrie on 18/10. Two Wheatears in Glen Errochty on 7/9 were the only thrush family reported, and only two warblers - a Chiffchaff on 7/10 and a Willow Warbler passing through the garden on 6/9, both at Scone. Winter Visitors. Arrivals are always more obvious than departures, bird-wise, so more records are generated. The first Whooper Swans were five flying over Scone on 9/10; then 18 on L.Moraig on 12th. There were 42 in the Blacklunans/ Bridge of Cally area on 25th, with 20 on Lintrathen L. on the same date. Thereafter, records came from L.Kinardochy, Dunkeld Mill Dam (17 for most of December), L.Clunie, Old England L., Trinity Gask, Carsebreck, The Tay at Upper Springland7a single, possibly hurt, bird - and off Errol. Collared birds noted were: 2J97 near Bridge of Cally on 21/11 and on 7/12; 2J75 and 3J01 at Lintrathen, 2J97 and 2J03, plus leg-ringed VCF at Bridge of Cally, all also on 7/12. The earliest Pink-footed Geese were two at Carsebreck on 9/9, but the main arrival began on 13th and 14th. On 1/10, there were cl 500 at Carsebreck and 1 000 at Windyedge, with 3 500 - 4 000 on stubble there on 10/10. Greylags in September are probably local residents, (e.g. 200 on Marlee L.on 17th), but 34 reported flying over Perth on 14th is puzzling. About 700 on L.Clunie on 19/10 and c250 in Glen Quaich on 9/11 were presumably genuine visitors, as would be 2 000 feeding by Loaning Farm, Forneth, on 8/11. The only other geese reported were two Barnacles, among the Pinkfeet at Carsebreck on 1/10. The first Goldeneye was a female on L. of the Lowes on 11/10, with seven on L.Clunie on 19/10, rising to 19 on 8/11, but numbers then falling. There were 14 on Stormont L. on 1/11; 8 on Monk Myre on 13/12; 17 on L.Moraig and 29 on L.Faskally on 20/12. There seems to be a regular gathering at the Earn/Tay confluence with 100 present on 29/12. A mixed/ - 2 - A mixed flock of Fieldfares and Redwings was feeding on a hawthorn hedge at Crossford, Scone, on 13/10, and flocks of Fieldfares were seen at Blairgowrie, c50, on 15th and Battleby, 22, on 16th, with "small flocks passing for most of the week" reported from this date. Two were feeding on apples in a Craigie garden on 24/10. Two flocks, each of 10 - 12 Redwings appeared in Glen Artney on 9/9 - "the earliest I have ever seen them", leading to speculation that they might have been families bred in Scotland. A single bird spent 3rd and 4th October in a Viewlands garden. The mild weather has encouraged both species to hang around in small numbers, right through into the New Year. There have been few records of Brambling, and only in December - one feeding below the nut-bags in a Scone garden on 20th (not seen again), one among Chaffinches at Methven on 21st, and about ten in a big (500+) Chaffinch flock feeding amongst "outdoor" pigs at Rosemount on 29th. Selected Species Records. Ten Little Grebes on Drumore L. on 6/9 consisted of two pairs with four and two young; but only one remained by 25/10. Fingask L. and White L. each held four on 7/9, and King's Mire had five the following day, whilst numbers rose to seven on Marlee L. on 12/11. Great Crested Grebes gathered on Marlee, with 21 on 17/9, gradually decreasing, but still 11 on 13/12; 11 on L.Clunie on 20/9 included one still downy youngster. The L.Clunie Connorant roost held 69 birds at dawn on 12/10, rising to 84 on 21/12; there were four at Monk Myre on 20/9 and at L.Moraig on|20/12; three or four were regular on the Earn near Carpow Ferry. Up to 200 Mute Swans were recorded on Old England L., and up to 100 on the Tay around Cairnie Pier - a considerable population for the County. Smaller herds were at Carsebreck, 39 on 9/9, 49 on 1/10 and 33 on 19/12, and Findo Cask, 13 on 31/12. The Drumfork L. family stayed together into November, then left, but the adults had returned by mid-January, as had the pair from Drumore L. Thirty Canada Geese were feeding on a stubble field outside Blairgowrie on 17/9; 49 were on L.Clunie on 20/9; 102 were counted on L. of the Lowes early on 11/10, with c75 later in the day on L. of Craiglush, though these may have been part of the Lowes count; 15 were on Mill Dam on 2/11; and 52 on L.Freuchie on 24/12. Shelduck appeared again on Carsebreck, five on 19/12. Up to five Mandarin have been seen on the Tay at Perth, though only one female was noted. The only September Wigeon were 25 on Drumore L; October records ;were 10 on L.Clunie and 22 on the Tay by Scone Palace; November saw c50 on King's 'Mire; December had the largest number - 67 on Monk Myre and c350 on Carsebreck. This last also held the most Teal -cl80 on 19/12; there were over 100 near Methven on 21/12, 82 on Stormont L.on 12/11, and 68 on L.Faskally on 20/12. Peak Mallard counts were: 200 on Carsebreck on 19/12, 166 on the Tay between R.Almond and Denmarkfield on 30/11, 464 between Perth Bridge and Almond on 14/12, 160 on Drumore L. on 18/10, and 300 on L.Clunie on 19/10. The largest Podhard count was 21 on Stormont L. on 12/11, followed by 14 (all drakes) on L.Moraig on 20/12. Smaller parties were on L.Faskally, Clunie, Marlee and Monk Myre. Peak Tufted Dude numbers were lower than last year, with 35 on L.Clunie on 19/10 and 55 on Monk Myre on 13/12. The only Red-breasted Merganser was on the Tay at Scone Palace on 21/9, but there were many Goosander about: a duck with four young only about one-third grown, was at Kercock on 8/9; there were six on the Almond at Huntingtower- field on 6/9; the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Almond peaked at 41 on 21/9, between Almond and Denmarkfield there were 18 (only two males) on 30/11; parties of 6 and7 were on the Ericht below Blairgowrie on 25/9; and 12 were on Stare Dam on 25/12. The only Ruddy Duck seen was one on Monk Myre on 18/10 - where do these elusive birds go after breeding ? A "ringtail" Hen Harrier was hunting the slopes of Little Glen Shee on 27/9; a female was seen at Backwater Res. on 25/10; another by L.Freuchie on 21/12; a third hunting the reedbed at Tay Lodge, Errol, on the last day of the year. Sparrow- hawk records came from Dowally, Blairgowrie, Burrelton, Scone and Kinkell Bridge. Buzzard sightings were widespread, with "multiples" - five in Glen Isla, three over Stormont L., four over Moncreiffe Hill, six over Binn Wood, Glenfarg. One was strolling around Rosemount Golf Course on 22/12, presumably seeking worms. Two Golden Eagles were seen in Glen Quaich on 24/12, and one over Kenmore on 26/12. Kestrels were commonly seen, but only two Merlins - one in the Lawers area on 8/9 and one over farmland near Elcho on 31/10. On 30/9, a Peregrine was watched contesting with a Kestrel and a Carrion Crow over some unseen prey, by one of the pools at Vane Farm; all^ - 3 - all three "got fed up" and dispersed after a few minutes. Another Peregrine, perched in a tree at Monk Myre on 18/10, was the centre of attention of a noisy flock of Rooks and Jackdaws. When the corvids eventjoily flew off, the Peregrine started harassing a Buzzard, innocently spectatin g from a neighbouring tree. Two Peregrines were about $he Kinnoull Hill cliffs on 14/11, and one in Little Glen Shee on 28/12. Two Red Grouse were seen on Murrayshall hill on Christmas Day. Three Blaclc Grouse seen in Glen Errochty on 7/9 all seemed to be young birds; there were four cocks seen in Glen Quaich on 26/10, and one cock and five hens there on 21/12. Three Capercai-llie, cock and two hens, were flushed in Allean Forest on 10/9. A single Sed-legged Partridge was seen near Craiglush on 4/9, a covey of seven or more high in the hills above Rossie Ochill on 4/10, and one of fifteen at Upper Forneth on 8/11. Coveys of Grey Partridge were of ten at Kercock on 8/9, six at Stormontfield on 30/10, eleven at Woodhead, Perth, on 31/10 and again on 31/12, and ten in Glen Quaich on 21/12. Several smaller coveys were also reported. Two young Moorhens hatched at Scone Park pond around 27/9, but they didn't survive long. Highest Coot numbers were 112 on L.Clunie on 19/10, 148 on Fingask L. on 13/12, and clOO on Carsebreck on 19/12. A single Oystercatcher was on the Scone Palace shingle on 14/12, along with 35 Lapwings. There were cl50 of the latter at Carsebreck on 1/10, and a singleton on a water-logged, harvested, carrot field at Blairgowrie on 29/12. Only two Woodcock were reported; one at Glack, Dunkeld, on 2/11, and one on the garden lawn in Glen Artney on 9/12. There were 50+ Curlews on the Scone Palace shingle on 19/10, and one only on 19/12, at Carsebreck, where a Greenshank was present on 8/9. Two Green Sandpipers were discovered on the Ericht below Blairgowrie on 23/10. An influx of Collared Doves to a Craigie garden saw eight feeding, instead of the normal three or four. A Short-eared Owl was seen near L.Freuchie on 21/12. Three reports of Kingfishers came from the Tay - two, possibly the same bird, off the North Inch Golf Course on 21/9 and 14/12, the third from the Stakis Hotel stretch at Dunkeld on 26/12. One was also seen on the Errochty at Old Struan on 9/10, and another on the Ericht on 23/10, where one was seen in September '96. A Hoopoe spent ten days or more at Glencarse in late October. Green Woodpecker records came from Drumore, Blairgowrie, Scone, Glenfarg and Abernethy Den. Great Spotted from Clunes (Calvine), Allean Forest, Logierait, Blairgowrie, Monk Myre, King's Myre, Woody Is., and several areas around Scone. Twenty-one Skylarks were seen regularly on stubbles at Blairgowrie. Single Grey Wagtails were seen at Quarrymill on 13/9, at a garden pond in Anderson Drive, Perth, on 30/9, and at L.Clunie on 8/11. About 150 Pied Wagtails had congregated, prior to roosting, on the car park at House of Bruar on 7/9, and about 30 were in Davie Park, Blairgowrie, on 1/9. A Dipper was serenading^h^s mate at Turret Bridge, Crieff, on 22/11. Two Wrens were regular in a Scone garden, buiT^recorded as taking food offered. Four Stonechats were seen at Mill Dam, Dunkeld, on 23/9. A "fall" of 24 Blackbirds, plus five Song Thrushes, was recorded, bathing and feeding in that Anderson Drive garden - the pond seems to be a big attraction! Blackbirds were reported as singing in December, one on the roof of Boots' building in Perth on 20th, and one, more conventionally, in Scone Park the next day. Single winter Song Thrushes were recorded from Meikleour and Monk Myre on 13/12, and Scone on 15th. There was a flock of 15 Mistle Thrushes in Scone Park on 30/9, with nine on 14/10. In the same area, up to four, singly, were defending berried trees against all-comers. One was heard singing in Blairgowrie on 7/12. Tits appear to have had a good breeding season, with Long-tailed in parties of 8 in Craigie, 9 on Callerfountain Hill -perching briefly on electricity cables - 9 at North Muirton, 11 in Faskally Wood, 15 near Denmarkfield, and 18 in young trees at the B & Q stores in Perth on 29/12. About twenty mixed Coal and Blue were accompanied by three Treecreepers at Denmarkfield on 20/12. Jays were seen regularly at Rosemount and around Scone; with records also from Allean Forest (3), Five-Mile Wood, Luncarty, Cally L.(4), and Kynballoch, Blairgowrie, (5). Two Magpies were seen at Wester Doldy, Glen Isla, on 3/9, and two at Carsebreck on 9/9, whilst the Craigie bird appeared at the Knowes on 17/11 - where does it go between times? A single Raven was heard, then seen, very high over Rosemount on 2/10, heading North while being mobbed by a Sparrowhawk (I think!); also seen in Glen Quaich in December. Away from the Blairgowrie nest-box area. Tree Sparrpws were seen at Monk Myre, six plus on 18/10 and two at Bonhard, Scone, on 14/12. A flock of c500 Chaffinches was feeding amongst out-door pigs at Rosemount in October, and c300 were on/ - 4 - on stubble nearby, on 17/12. Nine or ten Greenfinches, instead of the usual three or four, were feeding in a Craigie garden on 24/10; between 70 and 80 were garnering seeds below a Lawson's cypress in Scone Park on 29/11, and about 100 fed on stubble by North Muirton on 14/12. At Muirend, Murrayshall, about 35 Goldfinches on 30/9, rising to more than 60 on 6/10, were feeding on ragwort seed; 25 at Monk Myre on 18/10 were on thistles; and 9 at Kercock on 25/12 selected tansy seed. There were about 45 Siskins in the Viewlands Road area of Perth on 6/9, and 24+ in Scone on 2/1/98; other flocks were reported from birch and conifer woods - very few fed on peanuts in gardens. A flock of twenty Linnets was feeding at Little Glen Shee Farm on 27/9; 15 - 20 frequented the wasie ground around a burgeoning housing estate at Rosemount throughout the period; 80 were on stubble at Kynballoch, Blairgowrie, on 30/10; and 40 on a turnip field near Blair' on 23/12. The only Redpolls reported were ten seen near Calvine on 11/9. Crossbills were heard and seen regularly at Rosemount, at Scone, and in the Black Wood of Rannoch; there were 25 in Allean Forest on 10/9, and a single male at Murrayshall on 8/10. Small flocks, or family parties, of Bullfinches were: 7 in Allean on 10/9, 3 at Killichangie on 14/9, 4 in Muirward Wood on 10/10, 8 at King's Myre on 9/11, 5 scoffing prunus buds in Viewlands Road on Christmas Day, and 8 on Murrayshall Hill on 29/12. A flock of c60 Snow Buntings was found at the summit of Ben Vorlich on 23/10. Small parties of Yellotdianmers were seen in late December - 5 at Kercock on 25th, 7, with Chaffinches, at Moneydie on 28fh., and 8 on Murrayshall Hill on 29th.

Hie House Martin Survey (helping with a national count), still continues. This year, owing to the cold Spring, the nesting season began badly, but generally the birds had about average success. If anyone knows of any colony, the Secretary would be very pleased to have information for the report. It is not too latei E.Taylor.

Mammal Report, May to August. As usual, Hedgehogs were recorded dead and alive{ "Dead" particularly on A9, A90 and A85; "live" from St.Madoes, Murrayshall, Craigie, Blairgowrie, Cargill, Guildtown and Scone - many of these on verges or crossing roads. One or two Blue Hares were seen regularly on Dalnamein Estate; two were seen by L.Errochty on 22/5, and, in Glen Lednock, ten on 25/5 and on 28/6. A Brown Hare was seen several times in a mature block of beech woodland in Muirward Wood, and tiro on the aerodrome on 16/5. There were seven in a grass field at Woodhead of Mailer, Perth, on 25/7. Other reports came from Blairgowrie, Monk Myre, Cargill (dead on A93), Rhyrid and Keillour. A Conmon Shrew was spotted in Blairgowrie on 14/8, and dead specimens found in Muirward Wood on 8/7 and at Kercock on 10/7. A Mole was found dead on a woodland ride at Banchory, Coupar Angus. Both species of Squirrel were regularly seen in Muirward Wood, but were not as obvious as earlier in the year. Red were seen in Glen Lyon (beech trees), L. of the Lowes (birch), the Black Wood of Rannoch and Kinnoull Hill. Records of Grey came from L.Clunie, Glencarse, Murrayshall G.C. (on a fairway), Balcraig House, Scone (beech), Kinnoull and Barnhill (mixed woodland), by the Rodney Pavilion (cross¬ ing the roadjt and Craigie (destroying bird-feeders in the garden).Three very young Voles were found in rough grassland at Muirend, Murrayshall, on 15/8. One was seen at Blairgowrie on 24/7, and one found dead at Balboughty on 26/6. Two Wood Mice were seen in Scone - one scavenging fallen crumbs below a nut-bag on 9/6, the other dead in a wood. A Brown Rat was seen crossing the road near Bridge of Earn on 30/8. A young House Mouse was seen ir^ wood near Scone, far from any house, on 13/5, and one was taken by a cat at Kinloch, Blairgowrie, on 16/6. A Red Fox was spotted on farmland near Rhynd on 12/5, and one in a plantation near L.Kennard on 19/7. Stoats were seen at Muirend, Arnbathie and Murrays¬ hall G.C., all sites in the same area, on various dates; also at Logierait, and one dead at the roadside in Strathbraan. At Innernytie, Stanley, an adult Weasel carrying one youngster by the scruff, with two others accompanying her, was watched crossing the road. Otter spraints were found by a loch outlet near Blairgowrie. One lucky lady had a close, and very clear view of a Pine Marten at the foot of Murrayshall Hill on 23/6 - worth keeping your eyes peeled for this rare beast, now spreading slowly across Scotland. Forty-two Red Deer hinds were counted in Glen Quaich on 15/5, and about 130 stags and hinds, plus six small calves, at Finnart, L.Rannoch, on 24/6. Three buck

Roe/ - 5 - Roe were seen in Glen Quaich on 15/5; a doe and her fawn were browsing on the A9 verge above Bankfoot on 25/6; and, on the hot afternoon of 18/7, two were standing up to their "knees" in the R.Ericht below Blairgowrie.

Mammal Report, September to December. One dead Hedgehog on the Crieff road at West Huntingtower on 18/9 is the only report - surely not all into hibernation by this date? No Blue Bares at all were recorded. But Brown were seen at L.Clunie and between Burrelton and Salbeggie - both dead on the-road; live were seen between Logiealmond and Little Glen Shee, two at Aberbothrie (Myth), two west of Meikleour, one at Kercock, and one several times in the usual area of Muirward Wood. Red Squirrels were spotted at Glenfarg, Gask, Dupplin, Kinnoull Hill, Deuchny Wood (a pair chasing each other on 22/10), Scone, Meikleour, Rosemount, Blairgowrie, Hare Myre, L.Clunie and King's Myre Wood and Gannochy Green. Grey records were less widespread, mainly around Perth; gardens in Viewlands Road and in Scone were visited regularly; also seen in Muirward Wood, at Balcraig, on Murrays- hall G.C., Bonhard, Kinnoull Hill and Bowerswell. Farther out, reports came from Gask, Dupplin, Bertha Park, between Bankfoot and Moneydie, and Meikleour - on reflection, pretty widespread! And many places mentioned twice I Two Wood Mice were seen in rough grassland at Auchavan, Glen Isla, on 2/9. A sickly-looking (poisoned?) Brown Rat was crossing the road at Pitroddie Farm on 22/11. On 25/12 an Otter was disturbed from its Christmas Lunch of a fine Salmon, close to the Marsland Hide at Kercock. On the way hone, about an hour later, it was obvious that the Otter had bravely returned to finish its meal in the interval Stoats were seen twice, crossing the road at Arnbathie, as well as by Murrayshall Golf Course. One was found dead on the Arnbathie Farm road on 16/11, but one, very much alive, near-by on 22/11, another in Glen of Rait on 24/10. On 27/9, two were running together by the ford at Little Glen Shee; and one was hunting the river bank at the North Inch on 14/12. A successful hunter was seen carrying a mouse in Glen Artney. Other records were from Gorthy Wood, Strathbraan ^nd Glen Quaich. The elusive Weasel was recorded only from Newmill Farm, Bankfoot, on 17/11. R.F. reports that he caught three Polecat Ferrets in a cage trap in Glen Artney,' one of them with colouring almost indistinguishable from the true Western Polecat. Local gamekeepers believe someone may be releasing them, or they could be breeding in the area, though, apparently, releases/escapes normally don't succeed in establishing in the wild. Multiple sightings of Roe Deer included two at Drumore, two at King's Myre, three at Hare Myre, entering the wood from the Golf Course, three in a conifer plantation at Gask, and four in the heather on Murrayshall Hill

Hiarik you to those Members who stuck to that Resolution to submit records for the Bulletin. Contribyter numbers are increasing, slowly; to this issue, they were E.D.Cameron, J.M.Duncan, R.Fryer, Miss S.R.Hacker, Miss L.Jacobs, J.Kirk, E.&L.McCabe, Mrs.I.M.McKinnie, Miss M.Piper, Mrs.E.Symon, Miss E.Taylor.

Records for January to April to E.D.Cameron, 3 Stormont Place, Scone, Perth PH2 6SR, early in May, please. \

PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE.

ORNITHQLOGICAL SECTION.

Bulletin for January to April 1998. Winter Visitors: Only small parties of Whooper Swans were reported - the largest 15 on Dunalaister Res. on 9/2. Seven on L na Craige on 13/2 included collared 2J69; the latest were five on the lochan near L na Craige on 12/4. The largest flock of Pink-footed Geese recorded was also the latest - cl 000 at Carsebreck on 30/4. There were 500 at Woodhead, Perth, on 3/3 and 550 near Balbeggie on 7/4. Eighty were seen heading North through the Gaick Pass on 19/4. Largest Greylag flocks were 250 at Muirhall, Perth, on 6/1, and 600 near Blairgowrie on 31/1, with 1 100 near Scone on 3/4. Several skeins were seen heading North over Glen Errochty on 18/4. Over fifty Goldeneye were counted on the Blairgowrie Lochs on 14/3; numbers dwindled thereafter, with the latest being four on L. Clunie on 27/4. No Smear were recorded this year, nor Waxwing. Reports of Fieldfares increased from one in January, of 200 near Guildtown, to half-a-dozen in April, including 200 at Kinrossie on 7th, 90 at Tullymurdoch, Alyth, on 19th, and 50 - 60 in Glen Lednock on 26th - the latest. Up to six Redwing frequented Scone Park in January, and two or three again on 13/3. There were four at Forteviot on 12/3, and a mixed flock of Fieldfare and Redwing, about thirty in all, at Drimmie on 11/4. No Winter Blackcaps were recorded, and few Braniblings - six in a flock of Chaffinches feeding on stubble at Blairgowrie throughout February and March; eight near Madderty on 15/2; and 12 at Rosemount on 26/4, both parties also with Chaffinches. The Rosemount flock was feeding amid outdoor pigs, where they had been reported in December '97. A single Brambling paid a fleeting visit to a Craigie garden on 20/2.

Summer Visitors: The first CYmmn Sandpipers were two in Wester Glenalmond on 29/3, but then none reported until 22/4, when four were at KercocK,; with others at L.Lednock on 26th and L.Faskally on 27th. The only Cuckoo was heard at Dowally Loch on 26/4. Sand Martins appeared on the Tay at Perth on 29/3, then at Stormont L. on 31/3, with further records in early April. The first Swallows were hawking over White Moss L. on 4/4, but the next records were not until 23/4, at Blairgowrie and Dalnamein. House Martins were not seen until 25/4, at Scone, and 26/4 in Glen Lednock. There was only one report of Redstart, three singing at L. of the Lowes on 28/4. There were several Wheatears on the hill at Dalnamein by 5/4, but surely they were around further South before this? There were 10 - 15 in the L.Ordie - Deuchary Hill area by 15/4. Only records of Ring Ouzel were of singing males at Dalnamein on 19/4 and in Glen Lednock on 26/4. A Blackcap was reported at Blairgowrie on 20/4. Chiffchaff was heard here on 29/3 (same date as last year), at Scone on 31st, and Buckie Braes, Perth, on 27/4. First Willow Warblers wdfe in Quarrymill Den, Scone, on 5/4, followed by Blairgowrie on 7th and L. of the Lowes on 19th. One in a Scone garden on 23/4 spent a lot of time feeding on the lawn - possibly on nut fragments from the containers above ? The first male Pied Flycatcher appeared in Glen Artney on 28/4, and lost no time^n inspecting the nest-boxes available.

Selected Species Records. ~ Three Red-throated Divers were on L.Rannoch on 21/3 and one on the Tay at Perth on29/3. Blade-throated were back on their breeding loch by 18/4. The Blairgowrie lochs held one or two Little Grebes each over the period, with a pair displaying on Rae L. on 29/3. There were two on the Tay at perth on 18/2, one in breeding plumage onDrumore L. on 5/3, and a pair on L. an Daim on 31/3. Great Crested Grebes seem to have stayed on ihland waters over the mild Winter, with nine on Marlee L. in January, increasing to 19 by 14/3. Over the same period, numbers on L.Clunie increased from a singleton to four pairs. A pair was displaying on L. of the Lowes on 29/4. Cormorant numbers at L.Clunie roost peaked at 48 on 15/3, rather fewer than in the last period (84 on 25/12); there were twelve on the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Almond on 21/1 and eight at Monk Myre on 14/2.

Grey Herons/ - 2 -

Grey Herons were noted on main-road verges near Methven on 30/1 and near Bankfoot on 9/3. Several Scone residents complained of losing fish from garden ponds, presumably to the one Heron,which spent "digesting time" on local roofs; "bne was taking frogs from a Viewlands garden pond on 23/4. There was a gathering of 33 Mute Swans, mostly immatures, on StormontL. on 1/3, which probably moved to Monk Myre, where 31 (including 13 cygnets) were feeding on Winter wheat next to the loch on 11/4, with 33 counted on 25/4, but none on 6/5 - they had not returned to Stormont.Eighteen adults and ten immatures were on Carsebreck on 7/1, but only a nesting pair on 30/4. Surprisingly, a pair accompanied by five of last year's young appeared on L.Clunie on 14/2. The pair at Drumore L. were nesting, first time here, by9/4, and the pair was back on Drumfork L. Twelve Greylag on L.Moraig on 14/3 were possibly residents. About forty Canada Geese frequented L.Freuchie at the end of January; two pairs at Kercock on 1/4 were escorting six and four goslings by late May. A pair of Mandarin was seen flying down the Tay off the North Inch on 21/1; two ducks flew up-Tay and into the Almond, where they settled, on 15/3; a drake was on the Tay at Stormontfield on 17/4; and a inake at Bridgend was paired with a Mallard duck on 4/5. Wigeon numbers at Carsebreck fell from 350 on 7/1 to 45 on 22/3; largest counts elsewhere were 40 on Monk Myre on 14/2 and the same on the Tay at Scone Palace on 21/1. Five (no sex noted) on L. na Leathain, in Allean Forest, were on a probable breeding site. Teal numbers on Carsebreck were 128 and 55 for the same dates as Wigeon; Monk Myre held 25 on 18/1, and L.Faskally 15 on New Year's Day. Carsebreck held 440 Mallard on 7/1, dropping to 25 on 23/3; the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Almond held 390 on 21/1, and still 153 on 15/3; maximum at L.Clunie was only 78, on 14/2, a drake Shoveler on Carsebreck on 30/4 was the only record. Carsebreck failed to hold the largest number of Pochard - only three, on 7/1 - whilst L.Broom held 6 onl6/l, L.Freuchie 7 on 25/1, Monk Myre 7 on 15/3 and Hare Myre 9 on 9/4. Back to Carsebreck for Tufted Duck, though; 70 on 7/1, rising to 105 by 23/3; next best was Monk Myre with 47 on 18/1, then Drumore L. with 27 on 15/3. Two pairs of Mergansers wer^pn Carsebreck on 23/3; four drakes and three ducks on the pool in front of the Hide at Kercock on 15/4; and a duck on the Tay at Denmarkfield on 17/4. Seven Goosanders were on Carsebreck on 7/1, down to one pair on 23/3; four were on Rae L.and four on Marlee L. on 17/1; there were 17 on the Tay, Perth Bridge to Almond, on 21st, with 20 on the same stretch on 18/2. Upstream, between Almond and Luncarty, there were four pairs on 17/4. L. na Craige had two on 13/2, and Drumore L. five on the next day. The Ruddy Duck story is:- 1 drake, Marlee on 14/3, one pair. Hare Myre on22/3, 2 drakes, Stormont onl/4, 3 drakes, Hare Myre on 9/4. (Of course, Hare Myre and Stormont birds can easily interchange). A Red Rite put in an appearance in Glen Artney on 24/2. Hen Harrier records came from potential breeding areas. Sparrowhawks were reported from Tulliemet, Luncarty, L.Clunie, Blairgowrie, Scone, Woodhead and Fowlis Wester. Buzzard sightings were wide-spread, including eight over Murrayshall on 24/1, five at Ballintuim on 27/1, and nine circling high over Viewlands on 3/3. Three mobbed a juvenile Golden Eagle at Tulliemet on 18/3, and another Eagle was seen in Glen Artney on 2/4. Kestrel reports were from a' the airts. A female Merlin appeared at Tully- murdoch, Alyth. Four Red Grouse were seen on Murrayshall Hill on 24/1 - surely a relict population, this! Other Winter packs were 28 in Glen Quaich on 26/1, and the same number nearby in Glen Lochan on 24/3. Seven Blackcock were in Glen Quaich on both these dates, and five on 18/4; two Greyhens flew over the ford at Little Glen Shee on 20/3. Red-legged Partridges appeared at Little Glen Shee fanrjpn 14/4, and at Waterloo on 18th. A dozen Grey Partridges "exploded from an open-fronted shed on a very cold day", 30/1, at Fowlis Wester. Other coveys were of seven in Glen Quaich on 26/1; six feeding among out-door pigs near Coupar Angus on 18/1. Paired birds were recorded later from Luncarty and Kercock. A ma-vimiim of three Moorhen was reported from any one water. There were 45 Coot at Carsebreck on 7/1 and 96 on Fingask L. on 14/2. There was only one on Monk Myre on 18/1, but 27 by 15/3. Qystercatchers appeared inland at Blairgowrie on 9/2, and there were 50+ at Marlee L. onl4th, when L.Clunie hosted 32; by 18th, the Scone/ - 3 - ' Scone Palace shingles held about 300, and the first arrived at Leetown; Stare Dam had 350 on 9/3, and arrival in Glen Artney was on 14th. There were four Ringed Plover by Scone Palace on 15/3. 3J15 Lapwing were counted at Carsebreck on 7/1, but only 28 on 23/3; 54 had reached L.Moraig on 14/3, and about 200 the Glen Artney area by 18th. A pair of Golden Plover was on breeding ground above Glen Errochty on 18/4. Three Ccnmon Snipe were seen at Monk Myre on 18/1, two on 14/2, and five on 11/4; one was "chipping" by Little Glen Shee Farm on 5/2, and a pair was present there on 20/4, with others at three locations in the glen. One was seen at Tulliemet on 18/3. January Woodcock wer6 reported from Allean Forest, Muirward Wood and Glenfarg. In March and April, roding birds were reported from Bertha L., near Coupar Angus and Dalnamein. About 150 Curlew were roosting on the Scone Palace Shingle on 18/1, and six reached Glen Artney on 24th; there were 84 at L.Moraig on 14/3. A single Redshank was back at Kercock on 16/3; others were near Amulree, at Rotmell L. and at Mill Dam in March. One Greensharik was observed in a Highland area on 18/4. A Blade-headed Gull on the North Inch on 21/1 had a complete "black" head; over 200 had congregated at their Amulree breeding colony by 29/3. Over 150 Ccmnon Gulls were on site near Comrie by 31/3. There were twelve Lesser Black-backed at Carsebreck on 22/3 and four in the Little Glen Shee area on 16/4. Nine Great Black-backed were at Carsebreck on 7/1. Biggest flock of Wbodpigeons was 7-800 flighting off Scone Race Course on 18/2. Whence came a possible Eagle Owl spotted in Glen Artney on 6/3 ? T&wny Owls have not had a good breeding season. Short-eared were seen at Monk Myre, where one rose from the reeds, on 18/1, and in Little Glen Shee on 20/3 and 20/4. Green Woodpeckers were heard or seen in Deuchny Wood, Gorthy Wood, Bertha Wood, by Dunkeld House Hotel, Moncreiffe Hill and at Woodhead. Great Spotted at Weem Wood, L.Tummel, Craighall Gorge, Near Dunkeld, Murrayshall and Woodhead. One was feeding on the ground, possibly on fat, in a Scone garden on 25/1. Fifteen wintering Meadow Pipits were found at Carsebreck on 7/1, and a flock of 18 - 20 on Mailer Hill, Perth, on 2/2. Grey Wagtails were reported from Little Glen Shee, Huntingtowerfield and the North Inch; Dippers from Little Glen Shee, carrying food on 20/4, and the Ericht at Blairgowrie. Up to 30 Blackbirds fed regularly through January in a Blairgowrie garden, and a Song Thrush was singing there on 31/1, and one at Drumore on 14/2. Two Mistle Thrushes were singing in Scone Park on 10/1. ¦ ; A flock of ten Long-tailed Tits at Scone on 5/1 was the only report. Coal, Blue and Great Tits were all heard singing during a mild spell in January. Treecreeper reports came from Allean Forest, Murrayshall, Kinnoull Hill and Barnhill. A Magpie was seen in Glen Quaich on 25/1; singles were seen at Gleneagles on 7/1 and 30/4; the Craigie bird appeared on Glendevon Road on 9/3; the keeper at Dalnamein reported one in his garden on 16/4, (he says it flew offI). Two large flocks of corvids were recorded on New Year's Day - 1 000 at Moneydie and 600 at Kindallachan. Glen Quaich and Little Glen Shee produced Ravens, as usual; also Tulliemet, Allean Forest, the Rannoch area and Comrie. Tree Sparrows were recorded at the electricity sub-station at Scone on 28/4 (they appear to nest somewhere in the convolutions of piping etc). Siggish Chaffinch flocks, containing the reported Bramblings, were at Rosemount and Madderty. Flocks of Goldfinches were fifteen at Picstonhill, Scone, on 15/1; eleven at Little Glen Shee Farm on 5/2; c50 on stubble at North Muirton on 15/3; while c200 mixed finches, mainly Goldfinch and Linnets, frequented an oil-seed rape stubble by Monk Myre from March into May. One or two Sisikins fed on nuts in a Craigie garden from the end of February until mid-May, with a similar story from Viewlands Road; and a flock of ten or so in "the wild" in Scone Park in January and February. Several have been found dead from unknown causes. Small flocks of Twite were seen in Little Glen Shee on 5/2 and 20/4. Twenty-three Redpolls at Wbodhead were feeding on birch seed, about seventy frequented stubbles around Madderty Kirk in February, and a Redpoll/ Linnet mix, raspberry fields at Blairgowrie. A flock of 10 - 15 Crossbills was seen at Drumore on 24/1 and again on 14/2, and about the same number at Trinafour on 29/3. Sixteen Bullfinches were in a flock at Murrayshall on 16/1, and four to six regular in Scone in January and February. Two Hawfinches flew from Scone Park on 14/2. Yellowhanmers were seen in different areas of the Carse, and a flock of ten or more around outdoor pigs near Rosemount. The only Reed Bunting recorded was a male at Carsebreck on 22/3. J - 4 - Mammal Report.

The only report of Hedgehog in the period is of a road casua I ty on A93 at Old Scone on 27/4. There were many observations in the Press of Hedgehogs being out and about very early this Spring, but apparently not in our area] Blue Hares were seen in numbers in the Glen Quaich area - 10 on 26/1 and 53 on24/3; in Glen Turret, 60 - 70 either side of the loch on 28/3; and 18 in Glen Lednock on 26/4. Five Btown Hares were feeding together on a grass field at Shianbank, Scone, on 7/4; three were together on grass at Tibbermore on 17/2; and three at Carsie on 15/4. Otherwise ones and twos at Woodhead, Mailer Hill, Callerfountain, Leetown, Coupar Angus, Meikleour, Bankfoot, Kercock and Little Glen Shee. Red Squirrels were noted regularly on Kinnoull Hill and in Muirward Wood; with records also from Murrayshall, King's Myre, Tulliemet and the Black Wood of Rannoch. Grey weraalso regular in Muirward Wood and in a Scone Garden. Three were seen in a wood near Bridge of Cally on 23/1, and singles at Craigie, Corsiehill, Inchyra, Murrayshall, Redgortan and Forneth. Single dead Voles were found at Callerfountain and Craigie Knowes, both in early May. A dead Wood Mouse was found on Dalnamein Estate, far from any "wood", on 19/4. Another dead Fox on the A90 near Inchyra; a live one on Callerfountain Hill on 25/1. Stoats in ermine were seen in Glen Quaich on 25/1, near Buchanty Spout on 5/3, and at Pitlowie on 13/3. "Brown" beasts were seen near Carsebreck and at Stormont L. in April. The only Weasel reported was seen carrying ayole at Woodhead on 25/4. An Otter appeared briefly at L.Broom on 16/1, and spraints were found at Stormont L. Four Roe together were seen by Muirward Wood on several occasions, and four in Scone Woods, too. Three were on Murrayshall Hill on 24/1, and parties of threejand eight were seen at Tulliemet on 18/3. Also seen ^t Glenearn, Kinnoull Hill, Bridge of Earn, Methven, Coupar Angus, Blairgowrie and Dowally.

Mamnal Atlas Project: Perth Museum is launching a Mammal Atlas Project, to gather data on all mammal species found in the County, so please make a note of what you see, where you see it, and when. Furthermore, remember to submit your records, either to the Bulletin Editor or directly to the Museum.

Memb ers contributing to this Bulletin were: E.D.Cameron, J.M.Duncan, R.Fryer, Miss S.R.Hacker, Mrs.S.Laing, Mrs.I.M.McKinnie, J.M.Ogilvy, T.Smith, Miss E.Taylor. Many thanks to these Members; please keep your records coming, and what about some of you others? Records for May to August, please, to E.D.Cameron, 3 Stormont Place, Scone, Perth PH2 6SR,

The Editor apologises for the belated appearance of this Bulletin, but he missed yhe school-holiday deadline for duplicating, so it had to wait for the new Session to begin. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATORAL SCIENCE.

ORNIIHOLOGICAL SECTION. Bulletin for May to August 1998.

Winter Visitors: Two Goldeneye lingered on Drummond Pond until at least 14/6, and three were back on Carsebreck by 9/8. The latter water also held six Pink-footed Geese on the same date - very early arrivals.

Summer Visitors: Summer Visitors making their first appearances in May included Osprey, one over Perth on 22nd, carrying a fish and mobbed by two Crows;a "possible" Quail , heard in a barley field at Blairgowrie; Swift, at Blairgowrie on 9th, (they were last seen here on 20/8, and at Scone on 21st, with, also, two at Ballinluig on the latter date); three Ccnmon Terns at Kercock on 25th; many Tree Pipits singing in Glen Garry on 23rd; Whinchats, at Trinafour on 3rd; Sedge Warbler at Rait on 15th; two Whitethroats at Scone and one at Moncreiffe Hill car park on 1st, one at Viewlands on 9th, then in several areas around Perth; Garden Warbler at Blairgowrie on 5th and L. of the Lowes on 13th; five Blackcaps singing at Paddockmuir on 9th; many Wood Warblers in Glen Garry on 23rd, and three near St.Fillans on 24th;further Pied Flycatchers at Lowes on 20th, and Tynrioch, St.Fillans, on 24th; Spotted Flycatchers at L.Clunie on 13th and Blairgowrie on 24th; Chiffchaff, Buckie Braes, Perth, onlSth, several around Scone later, and one singing at Trinafour on 4/7. Birds of Passage: A Black Tern was watched for a couple of hours on 14/5, as it fed over Monk Myre, occasionally resting on one of the straw-bales floating at the surface to discourage algal formation. The tern had moved on by next day. A Whimbrel was heard , heading North over Scone, on 26/6. Also at Monk Myre, a Green Sandpiper appeared on 11/7. Selected Species Records: Two Black-throated Divers were seen on L.Kinardochy on 4/7 - it is a pity they can't get peace to breed on the raft provided here. Two pairs each' reared one young elsewhere. Little Grebes bred on Lochan Uaine, Glen Turret, and White L., Blairgowrie; probably on Monk Myre and Drumore L. Young Great Crested Grebes were recorded on Marlee L. and L.Clunie, though numbers were down from last year. There were 13 adults on Marlee on 12/7 and 10 on Clunie on 19/6. One on L.Turret on 25/6 was very unusual. Cormorant numbers at the L.Clunie roost peaked at only ten, in both May and August. One adult and three juvenile Herons were at L.Uaine on 25/6; there were six at/over Monk Myre on 18/6; six at Methven L. on 12/7; and ten at Stormont L. on 9/8. Mute Swans bred for the first time on Drumore L., but the cygnets did not last long; the nearby Drumfork L. pair had only three young this year. Also bred on Mill Dam (Dunkeld), Marlee L., Fingask L. and th£ Tay above Perth - surely more pairs than this around? Flocks of 22 on Carsebreck and 21 on Drummond Pond on 9/8. Drummond had a Black Swan present in August and September. Twenty feral Greylag at Marlee were accompanied by several large young, onl2/7. Two pairs of Canada Geese hatched young on Hare Myre, whence one brood was walked across the Golf Course to the Black L., where they remained until fledging. Two pairs had young at Kercock, and a single pair had six young at Mill Dam. Flocks noted were 16 on 4/6 and 19 on 9/8 on Drummond Pond. An Egyptian Goose spent the first half of June on the Tay by Scone Palace, and rumour has it that it then moved to Marlee L. There was only one report of Young Wigeon - a brood of at least four on L.Uaine on 25/6 - and few of adults - a pair on L.Uaine and apair plus a female on L.Turret on 10/5, six on Carsebreck on 9/8, and two on Drumore L. on26/8. One or two Teal were seen on Hare Myre, and 75 on Carsebreck on 9/8. Main flocks of Mallard were 291 on the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Almond on 13/7, 155 on Carsebreck on 9/8, and 150 on Marlee on 8/8. Pochard were recorded from Methven L., 2 onl2/7, Stormont, 6 on 14/6, and Monk Myre. Tufted Duck bred on the usual lochs, but many fewer ducklings than last year were evident. Flocks of 20 - 40 were recorded from Drumore, Monk Myre, Clunie, Marlee, Fingask, Stormont and Carsebreck. The usual Ccnmon Scoter breeding loch held one pair, plus single duck and drake - not behaving iS a pair, on 1/6, but no young were seen later. On 25/5, there were three pairs, plus an extra drake, Red-hreasted Mergansers on the Tay at Kercock; on 7/7, there were five ducks present, but no young; on 12/8, there was a single duck escorting thirteen young, of at least two different ages. Goosander numbers on the Perth Bridge to Almond stretch of the Tay rose from seven on 14/6, to 29, including large young, on 13/7. Three pairs of Ruddy Duck were seen regularly on Hare Myre from May until July, but none appeared to breed. There were eight on Stormont on 15/5, possibly commuters from Hare Myre, and three on 14/6. There were two on Druxnmond Pond on 17/5, and one on Monk Myre on 18/6. Hen Harrier breeding numbers were still low, but productivity was good, aided by high Vole populations in the East of the County. Sparrowhawk young were located at two sites near Blairgowrie, at Scone, on Barnhill, at Annaty Burn mouth, and by Scone Race Course. On 26/8, four Crows were alternately pestering a Sparrow- hawk and a young Osprey at Drumore L. The hawk occasionally turned on its tormentors, singling out one and pursuing it for a few seconds; the Osprey, perched at the very top of a larch, merely ducked its head and raised its wings slightly as it was dive-bombed. Buzzards bred across the County. Golden Eagles did not do well in the West - only two chicks were known to fledge from ten home ranges occupied - but a bit better in the East. Ospreys did well again, with new territories occupied; four nests were built on electricity pylons. Kestrels fared better in the East than in the West, where Vole numbers were not particularly high. Seventeen pairs of^ Merlin monitored reared about fifty young.To buck the trend, Peregrines did slightly better in the West. Records of single Black Grouse came from Tullymurdoch (Alyth), Clunes and Rannoch. Also, three cocks near Trinafour on 1/6, and two young birds by Loch Errochty on 4/7. Three Red-legged Partridges were seen near Greenloaning on 21/5, and two at the car-park in Little Glen Shee on 28/8. On 8/8, one Red-legged and seven Grey Partridges ran together in front of the car, along the Over Fometh road. Coveys of 12+ Greys were seen in the Blairgowrie area, and one of six at Leetown on 23/8. Two pairs of Moorhens on Scone Park pond produced five broods of young between them. Pairs also nested on two ponds on Murrayshall Golf Course. A nest found under a tiny willow bush on the shingle at Kercockhad one egg on 6/6. On 16/6, it contained two Moorhen eggs and one of Tufted Duck. These were still present and warm on 26/6, but had disappeared by 7/7. An intriguing but inconclusive tale! There was a scarcity of young Coot on the Blairgowrie lochs. Maximum count of full-grown was 60, on Druxnmond Pond on 9/8. There was a pair of Ringed Plovers at Kercock on 25/5, but not seen on visits in July and August; also a pair at L.Errochty on 8/7. A pair of Golden Plover, plus a group of three close by, was seen in Glen Garry on 10/5; two in Glen Quaich on 27/5; and three pairs in Glen Almond on 12/6. Lapwing chicks were reported from Glen Garry, Blairgowrie and Woodhead, Perth. Two Dunlin were seen at separate sites in Glen Almond on 12/6. A Snipe was killed when it flew into wires at Blairgowrie. One observer located two pairs of Redshank in Glen Quaich on 25/5, whilst another found three pairs on 27/5. One was at Monk Myre on 14/5, one at Rait on 15/5, and three at Kercock on 25/5 and 7/7. A pair of mildly agitated Greenshank at a usual breeding site on 5/7, probably had young in the area. Three pairs of Ccnmon Tern lost their first clutches at Kercock, and then seemed to leave the area, hopefully to try again elsewhere; four pairs were apparently incubating on the Scone Palace shingle on 14/6, and on 13/7, two large, downy young were visible, along with nine adults. A Collared Dove was watched in Blairgowrie, having a shower whilst it was raining - lying on its side and lifting its wings. A Long-eared Owl was spotted at Murrayshall on 13/8. Short-eared bred at Tullymurdoch, and one was seen in Glen Quaich on 27/5.Kingfishers were seen on the Tay at Kercock on 25/5 and at Perth on 14/6, and on the Almond at Huntingtowerfield on 7/7 and 9/8.Green Woodpeckers were seen at ST.Fillans, Struan, Den of , Stormont L., Moncreiffe Hill and Deuchny Hill. Great Spotted also at Struan and Invermay, as well as several areas around Perth and Blairgowrie.. Swallows were reported to have had a good breeding season in the Blairgowrie area, with an increase in pairs having double broods. House Martins , too, had a better year - see report below. A flock of twenty Pied Wagtails was seen on a grass park in Blairgowrie on 21/8. A Wren visited (inside) a house in Craigie on 27/6; pairs at Scone and Blairgowrie appropriated Swallow nests in which to/ - 3 - to raise successful broods. Redstarts with young were seen an Rannoch in July, and a juvenile visited a Blairgowrie garden on 26/8; three males were singing at Tynrioch/ St.FiHans, on 24/5. Stonechats were reported from Glen Turret - one pair on 10/5 and 25/6, and Little Glen Shee - one pair with three fledged young on 27/7 and three birds on 28/8. A Ring Ouzel was seen in Glen Turret on 10/5; two were singing in Glen Garry the same day; a pair was carrying food in Glen Lednock on 27/6, with another pair also seen; a female was at Leagag, Rannoch, on 15/7. Also in Rannoch, on the same date, a flock of eleven Mistle Umishes; another flock of, co-incidentally eleven, was seen at Dalnamein Wood on 2/8. A dead Goldcresfc was found in a garden in Brompton Terrace, Perth, - it is seldom that the corpse of such a tiny bird is noticed. On 13/7, a party of seven Long-tailed Tits ventured the crossing of the Tay near the Scone Palace fishing-hut. Blue and Great Tits had a poor breeding season, due to inclement weather, with many young dying in nest-boxes. Two Jays on Kinnoull Hill on 6/5 were mobbing a roosting Tawny Owl. The Craigie Magpie was spotted only once in this period, on 24/8. A flock of 22 Rooks was feeding around Rosecraig, at the top of Little Glen Shee, on 27/7. Ravens were seen here, in Glen Quaich and Glen Garry. The Blairgowrie Tree Sparrows had a better breeding season this year. Goldfinches were numerous again, with a flock of 40 ~^50 still frequenting rape stubble at Monk Myre on 6/5. Two fed on cornflower seeds in a Perth garden on 22/6; a pair of Bullfinches spent much of June feasting on forget-me- not seeds in the same garden, whilst in a Blairgowrie garden, honeysuckle berries were favoured. A Hawfinch was seen in a Scone garden on 5/5. YelloWhanmers were recorded near Crieff and at Rait in May. Little Glen Shee held Reed Bunting on 27/7 and 28/8.

(Reading through the contributions to the Bulletin, one notices the absence of any records of, or comments on, such "common" species as Skylark and Starling, to name but two; but Members are motivated to report seeing individuals of such "common" species as Lapwing and Yellowhamner, yet all are farmland species about which B.T.O., R.S.P.B. etc are worried. Are we recording the latter pair because we are noticing their growing rarity, and ignoring the former because they are, to us in Perthshire, still "common" ? Or why ? Answers on a postcard Ed)

House martin Survey 1998. In spite of the weather, the House Martins seem to have been more successful than usual, many even having second broods. Quite a few new sites were found, (mostly in North Perthshire, reported by Mrs. Gale), bringing the total , so far, to 122 nests, against last year's grand total of 121. Quite a rise!

396 1997 1998 Perth (CraigieO i i" 13 16' Lawers 25 19 27 Blair Atholl 10 1 12 Glencarse 34 1 2 Aberfeldy area 23 11 41 * Grandtully 8 15 * 14 Glen Lyon 8 20 20 L. Tummel area 2 14 * Ballinluig _ — 6 Acharn (L.Tay) — 10 23 Kingoodie 10 12 13 Millearne, Crieff — 2 4 * Includes ; new site. it /-o t? E.Taylor. - 4 - Mammal Report. Hedgehog reports include the usual road casualties, many expressed in general terms, e g "five road casualties seen", "not so many casualties this year"/ A small specimen was in a Craigie garden on 3/7. On 7/6, one was found in a mossy nest alongside a deer-track through heather, at about 1 000 ft a s 1, above Glen Garry. A dead Cannon Shrew was found on a track on Kinnoull Hill on 10/8. A Mole was an uneaten prey item at a Kestrel nest at Dalnamein on 5/7. Road casualties were seen at Blairgowrie, 9/7, and Moneydie, 16/7. Blue Hares were seen regularly at Dalnamein, including a leveret on 7/6. The upper part of Glen Quaich produced a total of 36 at six different localities on the hill on 27/5. Browi Hare records came from highlands and lowlands: three at Woodhead, Perth, on5/5; one on the verge where the road runs through conifer plantations at Braes of Foss on 9/5; one on the Trinafour - Tummel Bridge road, again in woodland, on 28/6; two at East Lamberkin and one at Broxden, Perth, on 10/7;one at Edradynate, Strathtay, and one at Carie, Rannoch, on 15/7; another Rannoch individual on 24/7, at Lassintullich; and one near L.Kinardochy (same beast as on 9/5 ? ) on 24/7; a leveret at Blairgowrie on 20/8. Red and Grey Squirrels are still seen in close proximity in Muirward Wood, Scone, and on Kinnoull Hill. Reds were seen regularly at Blairgowrie. Also seen at Mill Dam on 28/5 and Murrayshall on 30/7. Only one Grey record came from Blairgowrie, one from Viewlands Park, one at Craigie and one at Clunie Kirk. Two Greys appeared together in a Scone garden on 7/5, and a single Red in a near-by garden on 29/7. These two gardens also harbour Wood Mice , with one seen feeding on a hanging nut-dispenser on 8/6. On 6/5, one was hopping around, in broad daylight, on grazed grassland, at least 5m from the nearest cover, by Monk Myre. Stoats were recorded from Murrayshall, 12/7; Meikleour, 24/7; Little Glen Shee,27/7; one adult and oneyoung crossing the road at Murrayshall, 5/8. Two errant Ferrets were spotted hunting verges; one near Weem on 23/7, the other on the slip- road to Redgorton from the A9, on 15/8. Three Otters were watched playing in Loch Clunie on 9/7. Fifty Red Deer were seen in Glen Goulandie (outwith the Deer Park), and 100 in Glen Mor, Schiehallion, on 9/5. There were at least 250 on the slopes east of Glen Garry, north of Calvine, on 17/5. On 27/5, there were herds of 120, 196 and 39 in upper Glen Quaich. Twelve hinds with three calves were seen at Leagag, Rannoch, on 15/7. Twin Roe Deer fawns were seen at Murrayshall on 17/8; a singleton was disturbed in a barley field at Bonhard, Scone, on 13/7. Two adults together were seen in Deuchny Wood, Muirward Wood and at Drumore. Records of singles came from many areas. A buck was watched running a doe around a young plantation in Glen Errochty on 24/5, with an uninterested yearling grazing near-by.

Members contributung to this Bulletin were:E.D.Cameron, J.M.Duncan, Miss S.R.Hacker, Mr.& Mrs.E.McCabe, Mrs. I.M.McKinnie, C.E.MacPherson, J.G.Ogilvy, Miss E.Taylor. Many thanks to these folk. Please keep your records coming in, without them there would be no Bulletin. Perhaps you could try to persuade some of your Member-friends to put pen to paper as well ? Records for September to December early in 1999, please, to: E.D.Cameron, 3 Stormont Place, Scone, Perth, PH2 6SR. Thank you. PERTHSHIRE SOCTETT OF NATURAL SCIENCE.

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION.

Bulletin for September to December 1998. Sumner Visitors. One Ccmnon Sandpiper was reported in this period - at the North Inch on 6/9. All the Swallows left Fowlis Wester on 21/9, but one remained at Leetown until 5/10. Eight were at Pictstonhill, Scone, on 29/9, and still about thirty over fields at Rosemount on 4/10, with two laggards there on 9/10. There were three House Martin nests with unfledged young, and attendant adults, at Dunkeld on 19/9; latest record was from Blairgowrie - about thirty on 7/10. A juvenile Wbinchat was seen far up Little Glen Shee on 14/9. A Willow Warbler passed through a Viewlands garden on 12/8. Winfeeg-Visifeefs. There were few reports of Whopper Swans, none until 11/11, when 96 were counted at Haugh of Aberuthven, where they remained until 1/12; (a similar number could be seen at Castleton of Eassie, just into Angus, around the same period). Three cygnets flew over the Kercock area on 16/11; four adults and six cygnets were at Kinkell Bridge on 30/12. The first Pink-footed Geese were spotted flying South over Blair Atholl on 14/9, with subsequent sightings over Mbncreiffe Hill on 14/9, over Murrayshall on 21/9 and Blairgowrie on 24/9. Later on, large flocks were: 600 at Windyedge, Perth, and 600 at Carsebreck on 14/10; 1 000 at Madderty on 20/10; 1 000 at West Cultmalundie on 13/11; 1 500 - 2 000 at Kercock on 16/11 and 13/12; and 1 000 at Crathies Bridge, Meigle, on 28/11. Greylag reported from Madderty on the very early date of 4/8 were probably feral birds. Forty or so at L.Clunie on 10/10 may also have been ferals, as with 90 on L of the Lowes on 30/10; the Carsebreck report of 41 on 14/10 were most likely to be the first immigrants, with 740 on a dawn count at L.Clunie on 17/10 perhaps being a mixture. Other reports were: 280 at Ballinluig, 200 at Dunalastair Res. and 150 at Weem, all on 13/11. The November dawn count totalled about 2 000 on Marlee L. and 1 500 - 2 000 on L.Clunie, on 21st. One Barnacle Goose was discovered among the Pinkfeet at Windyedge on 14/10. The only Goldeneye recorded in October were three on L.Clunie on 10th. In November, 5 were on Marlee and 8 on Fingask L. on 6th; 2 on Monk Myre on 7th; 7 on the Tay at Kercock on 16th and 18 between Upper Springland and the Almond on 5 th. The first Fieldfares and Redwings were in mixed flocks found at Drumore, Blacklunans, on 9/10 and Drimmie on 17/10, though Redwings were heard overflying Blairgowrie on the night of 13/10. Mixed flocks were then recorded in Glen Quaich on 30/10, Upper Strathbraan, c250, on 13/11, and Woodhead, Perth, on 27/12. 280 Fieldfares were with Starlings at Tibbermore on 15/12, and 80 at East Bonhard, Scone, on 27/12. Redwings were at Torlum Hill, Crieff, on 23/10, Carsebreck on 11/11, and a singleton already feeding in an Auchterarder garden on 15/11. Numerous small parties of Fieldfare, Redwing and Mistle Thrush were reported feeding in rowans in Glen Artney in November. A male Blackcap, feeding from a fat-filled , suspended half-coconut in a Blairgowrie garden betwee 4 & 10/12, has to be classed as a Winter Visitor. Only one Brambling was reported, near L.Clunie on 29/11. Selected Species Records. There were 14 Little Grebes on Carsebreck on 25/9, but only one on 11/11; seven were on White L., Blairgowrie, on 16/11, and one on the boating pond there on 13/12; on the Tay above Perth, there was one on 8/11 and two on 13/12; two on L.Clunie on 6/12. Great Crested Grebe numbers were concentrated on Marlee L., with 14 on 4/9, 12 on 10/10, down to 4 on 6/11; there were four on Clunie on 4/9, but none seen later; a singleton was on Lowes on 2/11. Connorant numbers at L.Clunie roost were: 55 on 4/9, 35 on 10/10, 60 on 17/10 (dawn count); the Tay, between the tree roost at Annaty Mouth and the Scone Palace shingle spit, held 10 on 11/10, 13 on 8/11 and 9 on 13/12, whilst at Kercock, the maximum was 5 on 16/11 - the two present on 19/12 were decorating the very tops of the dead trees on the island before you reach the Hide. There were 10 at the Lowes on 30/10. The only multiple sighting of Grey Heron was of four on a stubble field alongside A9 by Aberuthven on 25/9. Reports of singles came from Drumore L, L.Clunie, the Lowes, Little Glen Shee - where one rose from the burn, by Auchmore, carrying a large fish, on 14/9 - Logierait, Birnam, Luncarty, Fowlis Wester, Glencarse, and Perth, where one flew in to join the ducks on the Norie Miller pond on 6/9. Largest/ ' - 2 - Largest Mute Swan gatherings were 11 on Carsebreck on 25/9, 10 on R.Isla floodwaters below Crathies Bridge, Meigle, on 28/11 and 22 on L.Meallbrodden on 9/12. There were 8 on the Tay at Kercock on 19/11; L.Clunie had 6 on 4/9, and again on 6/12 - - but at least four of these, a pair with two cygnets, were not present on the former date. The unsuccessful breeding pair on Drumore L. stayed till November, arid the pair with three cygnets on Dromfork L. into December. Other pairs with young were on the Tay at Perth (throughout the period), Mill Dam (Dunkeld) in October and Goddens Pond, Rait, on 14/11. There were 24 Canada Geese on L.Clunie on 4/9, c200 on Marlee 1. on 10/10, with 22 on 21/11? 45 on Craiglush L. on 11/10; 13 with the Egyptian Goose at Kercock on 19/11, and 22 with the "foreigner" on 19/12; 61 on L.Freuchie on 2/12. The Egyptian was seen around the Marlee L. area throughout the Summer with Greylags, but now seems to be attached to the Canadas. Mandarin are still present, though elusive, on the Tay - a drake by the Annaty mouth on 6/9, and two drakes and a duck above Almond mouth on 11/10. A drake appeared on White L. on 10/10. There were few reports of Wigeon , with Carsebreck, as usual, having the bulk - 233 on 11/11; then 100+ on L.Meallbrodden on 9/12. There were 26 on Marlee on 6/11, 40 on Clunie on 17/12 and 45 on Lowes on 29/12. Teal reached 280 on Carsebreck on 25/9, with 115 on 11/11. Otherwise 40 on Monk Myre (largely frozen over) on 6/12, and 17 on Clunie the same day, were the only flocks in double figures. Mallard numbers at Carsebreck rose from 60 on 25/9 to 246 on 11/11; on the Tay, between Perth Bridge and Almond, they peaked at 472 on 8/11 - though many may have been missed here, with access difficult due to flood prevention work - and 319 between Almond and Shochie. L. Clunie peaked at 173 on 6/12; elsewhere maxima were less than fifty - except for the tiny Gannochy Pond, with 57 on 20/11. Nowadays, Pochard seem to winter in very small numbers - four at Carsebreck on 25/9, two each on Clunie and Monk Myre on 6/12, one on Stare Dam on 12/12. Carsebreck held only 14 Tufted Dude, compared to maxima of 39 on Clunie, with Marlee, Rae, Fingask, Monk Myre, Mill Dam and Drumore all at 15+. Goosander numbers on the Tay, Perth Bridge-Almond, reached 33 on 6/9, and Almond-Shochie 70 on 11/10, with 19 at Stanley on 12/10. There were 7+ on the Ericht near Coupar Grange on 13/9. A possible Red Kite was spotted flying across M9 by Milnathort on 6/9. A Hen Harrier was hunting by L.Freuchie on 31/8, and one (the same ?) in Glen Quaich on 2/12; a "ringtail" was seen in Glen Artney on 6/10. Sparrowhawks appeared in gardens in Perth (Fairies Rd), Scone and Blairgowrie. Also in Blairgowrie, near the town centre, one flew under the canopy of a petrol station. Others seen at Buchanty, Tibbermore, Murrayshall, and at Monk Myre, where one was mobbed by four Rooks. Buzzards were seen "a1 place"! Groups seen were three at Moncreiffe on 17/9, six at Murrayshall Hill on 28/10, five at Carsebreck on 11/11, four at Pitlowie on 10/12, and six in two road¬ side fields between Bankfoot and Stewart Tower on 23/12, feeding on small prey items. Other records came from Blairgowrie, Killiecrankie, Dunfallandy, Kindallachan, Meikleour, Murthly, Forteviot and Leetown, where one apparently spent several days sitting in a field. A Golden Eagle was seen in Glen Quaich on 2/12. On the same date, two Peregrines interacted with the Hen Harrier already mentioned: "Female Hen Harrier and juvenile Peregrine flying at same time. When they came close together, the Harrier swooped at the Peregrine on several occassions. Adult male Peregrine then appeared and made several stoops at the juvenile, which turned over on its back at each stoop1.' An Osprey was seen at Drummond Hill on 31/8, and an adult and one youngster at Drumore on 2/9, More reports of Ptarmigan than for many a year - a Member Munro-bagging? - most in Angus, or on the County Boundary:3 on Driesh, 20-25 on Mayar (Angus) on 1 & 11/11 respectively, one on Glas Maol on 24/11, 3 on Meall Garbh, Lawers, on 3/12, three on Geal Cha^n (Highland) on 9/12, one above Jock's Road (Angus) on 17/12, one on Ben Chonzie on 6/12, but, same place, same day as last, another Member saw three! About 60 Red Grouse were counted in Glen Quaich on 2/12, with three Blackcock also seen, but lucky Merribers saw 25 in a roadside field there on 18/10. Two Greyhens were in Glen Artney on 6/10. Two Red-legged Partridges raced along the Little Glen Shee road by Head of Moulin on 14/9; there were coveys of 10 at Fungarth, Dunkeld, on 2/11; 11 at Over Forneth on 21/11; and 3+ at Stormontfield on 13/12. Grey Partridge coveys were: 7 at Fowlis Wester on 11/10, 6 at near-by Newbigging on 4/11, 9 at Leetown and 25-30 at Murthly on 8/11, 7,6 & 2 at Kercock on 21/11, 6 at Kinloch on 29/11, 9 in Glen Quaich on 2/12, 5 at Amulree on 3/12 and 6 at Flawcraig, Rait, on 13/12. A white

Pheasant/ - 3 -

Pheasant was noticed at Pittensorn, Murthly, on 11/10, and another by Kinclaven Kirk on New Year's Day. The Moorhen population on Rattray Boating Pond peaked at thirteen, and that at Scone Park pond at eight; otherwise singles recorded, except for three at Monk Myre on 9/9. Peak Coot numbers were all in November - 29 at Carsebreck, 95 at Clunie, 80 at Fingask. About 200 Lapwing were feeding by Palace Road, Blairgowrie on 24/9, and over 100 at Aldie, Methven, on 10/10. There were about 190 at Carsebreck on 14/10 and about 150 on 11/11, with 25 on the Scone Palace shingle onl3/12. A single Dunlin was feeding at the water's edge downstream of the Hide at Kercock on 8/10. Two Snipe were flushed at Carsebreck on 25/9, and one near Old Scone on 27/12. Woodcock were reported from Fungarth on 2/11, Murrayshall on 10/11,12/12 and 23/12, and Old Scone on 27/12. Eight Curlev were on a potato field at Kercock on 8/10, and 65 by the Tay in front of Scone Palace on 13/12. A Redshank was at Kercock on the unusual date of 19/12- A dead Dunlin was found at St.Paul's Church, Perth, on 10/11. A pair of Woodpigeons was courting and copulating at Milntuim, Glen Artney on 31/12 - love knows no seasons! Ten Collared Doves were counted in one tree at Scone on 22/11, and up to six are daily visitors to a Perth garden. Kingfishers were seen on the Tay - at Kercock on 8/10, upstream of the Almond and just downstream, both on 11/10 and possibly the same bird, and at Milntuim Dam in Glen Artney on 29/10. The only Green Woodpecker recorded was from Murrayshall, in Novernber and December, as was a Great Spotted there. Other Great Spotteds were at Glen Lyon, Rumbling Bridge, Monk Myre, Stormont Wood and Glen Artney. A flock of 18-20 Skylarks was heading South over Scone, after snow and frost, on 5/12. Kercock was alive with Meadow Pipits on 8/10, and six were feeding in the heather of Little Glen Shee on 30/11 .Wintering Grey ffegtails were on the North Muirton stretch of the Tay on 21/11 and on 13/12, and at Huntingtowerfield on 31/12. Two flocks of Pied Wagtails were recorded: 17 at Woodhead on 24/9, feeding on a newly-sprouted oilseed rape field, and 20 at Blairgowrie in October, on newly-sown grass; in both cases, presumably attracted by the invertebrate prey on bare, or almost bare, ground. A cock Stonechat was seen in Glen Errochty on 13/11, and one in Little Glen Shee on 14/9 and 25/12. Song Hirushes were spotted at Old Scone, in a conifer nursery, on 5/12, in a Scone garden on 10/12, and near Murthly, with c200 Starlings on wires, with three Mistle Thrushes also present. A Mistle was singing at Forneth on 6/12, and one in Scone on 10/12; there were four among the Scandinavian visitors at Woodhead on 27/12. Eight Goldcrests foraged together in birches at Rumbling Bridge on 20/12, and at least six accompanied a tit flock at Ballinluig on 28th. One appeared ina Fairies Road garden on 31/12, along with a Treecreeper and up to ten Long-tailed Tits. The Ballinluig tit flock included at least seven Long-tailed and ten or more Coal. Other suburban Long-tails were six in Anderson Drive on 31/8 and 20/12, ten in Viewlands Road on 23/12, and three in Athollbank Drive, at feeders, on 28/12 - one wonders if this is the same flock circulating Viewlands? Long-tails also feed regularly at a fat-filled half coconut shell suspended in a Blairgowrie gardenn and once, so far, at nuts in Craigie. Country flocks were of 15 or 16 on Kinnoull Hill on 20/9, about 25 near Mill Dam on 30/10, and c30 at Woodhead the next day. All these reports would seem to bear out a Member's suggestion that there has been an increase in the populations of this species and Treecreeper. A party of six, plus one pair, of Bearded Tits were seen in the reedbed at Errol on 12/12. Jays were reported from Gask and Rumbling Bridge; Magpies from the Blackford road at Gleneagles, three on 14/10, and singles from Kinkell on 30/7 and Abercairney on 15/8. (Has the Craigie bird disappeared?). About 1 000 Jackdaws were settling to roost in trees by Moneydie House on 20/12. Three Carrion Crows ina flock at Blair¬ gowrie showed varying degrees of albinism - the extreme having primaries and second¬ aries white on both wings. A Hooded Crow was at the Dunkeld junction of A9 on 20/12, (one seen in this area in previous Winters). Ravens were seen in Glen Quaich, three on30.10 and two on 2/12; one on Creag Leacath, Glen Shee, on 24/11. "Great flocks" of Starlings were flying over Auchincarroch, Fowlis Wester, on 25/11 - heading for roost? - 200 were feeding near Murthly on Christmas Day. A small mixed Chaffinch/Greenfinch flock included a single Tree Sparrow, and there were several in another flock, plus Goldfinches/ [

t - 4 - aldfinches, by the PADS kennels at Forteviot on 29/11. Another mixed flock, about 200 strong, fed on rough ground at Blairgowrie in October. Single species flocks included: 90 Chaffinches at Murthly, on rape, on 8/11, and 200 at Balhary, Alyth, on grassland, on 20/12; Nine Goldfinches at Gask on 14/10, ten at Murrayshall on 2/11, c30 there, feeding on ragwort seed, on 29/11, 20 at Muirton on 6/12, and 30 elsewhere at Blair¬ gowrie on 30/12, and one in a Scone garden on 7/12 - but not taking supplied food; 30 Siskins on birch and alder at Ballinluig on 28/12 (none at nuts?); 45 Linnets on cereal stubble at Kynballoch, Blairgowrie, on 25/11, 20-30 at Kinloch on 29/11, and c200 on stubble above Dunning on 29/11 also; 15 Twite at Carsebreck on 25/9 and 31 on 14/10, feeding on meadowsweet; a single Crossbill in Pitmedden Forest, Abernethy, on 29/11; 6 Bullfinches near Carsebreck on 14/10, 6 at Murrayshall and 4 at Viewlands Road in November, 6 feeding on rowan berries at Fungarth on 2/11, 8 in Scone Park on 21/12, and 3 by Clunie Kirk on 29/12. Finally, Buntings. Four or five Snow Buntings were flitting around on Glas Maol on 24/11. A flock of ten Yellawhanmers was at Muirton on 2/12, and of about 20, with Chaffinches and Greenfinches, at Scone from 30/12 into the New Year. Two Seed Buntings were seen at Luncarty on 23/10, and 15-20 counted in the reedbed by Errol on 12/12.

Apology. An apology is due to Esther Taylor for my very poor arithmetic in the last Bulletin article, "House Martin Survey 1998" "The total of nests reported in 1998 was 192, not 122, as printed , making it really "quite a rise" over the 1997 figure.

There must be a near-record number of Members contributing to this Bulletin! Thank you all, and please keep it up - even a single interesting observation is well worth sending in. Contributers : E.D.Cameron, Mrs.N.Campbell, J.M.Duncan, R.N.Fryer, Miss S.R.Hacker, Mr.&Mrs.E.McCabe, Mrs.I.M.McKinnie, C.E.MacPherson, J.G.Ogilvy, T.M.Smith, Ms.R.Sterry, Miss E.Taylor, J.H.Wallace, Miss A.Wilson.

Records for January to April 1999, please, to E.D.cameron, 3 Stormont Place, Scone, Perth, PH2 6SR. Thank you in anticipation! V-

- 5 ~

inal Report. Hedgehogs must have hibernated early - only one record submitted for the period - a road casualty on A93 between Blairgowrie and Bridge of Cally. Rabbits are not usually reported, but the fact that myxomatosis is still around might be worth noting. Blue Hares were not recorded until December, then six in Glen Quaich on 2nd, and a group of nine in full white pelage on Ben Chonzie on 6th, ("LOTS", says the other Member - see under Ptarmigan). Two were seen on Meall Garbh, Lawers, on 3rd, and "lots" (again) on Monamenach, Glen Isla, on 13th. Brown Hare sightings were more spread out: three in a stubble field at Coupar Grange on 9/9; one at Invervar, Glen Lyon, on 7/10; one in Cedar Place, Perth, on 5/12; and two at Old Scone on 27/12. There were four separate sightings, October to December, in the Madderty/Fowlis Wester area, and at Kercock, with two together at the latter site on 19/12. Two Red Squirrels were seen at Hare Myre on 28/9, and singles in Stormont Wood on 11 & 24/12, would be in the same area. One was seen near Gask House on 25/9, and two on 14/10; two at Fungarth, Dunkeld, on 2/11; one at Rosemount was watched running along fence rails between two ares of woodland, on 4/11; one in Deuchny Wood on 5/11. Greys were seen crossing B8062 at Innerpeffray on 10 & 24/10;one was seen on the North Inch on 11/10; one at Balcraig House twice in November; one in Viewlands Road on 7/11; one at the former Murthly Hospital on 8/11; two at Murrayshall G.C. entrance on 21/11; and one crossing A94 outside Scone, from grass feild to grass field, surprisingly, on 21/11. No Rats, Mice nor Voles reported. A Red Fox was seen at Upper Kinfauns on 21/9; a large one was walking down a stubble field at Madderty, in the evening of 28/9; one was dead on the road at Barnhill Perth, in November; on 30/11, an unseen vixen was squalling from the hillside in Little Glen Shee as darkness was falling; one crossed the track into the reedbed at Errol on 6/12. On 8/10, from the Hide at Kercock, a Stoat was watched hunting a rabbit through the willows of the island - outcome not known! Another Stoat/Rabbit affair by L.Turret Dam saw the Stoat making off without its intended prey. Other Stoats were seen at Murrayshahh, 25/9; on the Gask road by Dupplin L. 25/9; crossing the road at Drumore L. on 9/10 & 15/11; on Murrayshall G.C., 13/10;crossing the road at Parkfield House, 27/10; wonder how many go unseen, when so many records read "on road"/"crossing road" ? One watched in an Auchterarder garden on Christmas Day, wore its normal brown coat, as did one hunting in farm buildings near Old Scone on 27/12, but a December individual at Blairgowrie was in ermine. The only Weaselreport came from Buchanty, on 17/10 - on the road! An Otter was killed on A93 at Carsie, probably when crossing from Black L. to White L., or vice versa. There were five hundred or more Red Deer, mainly in two large herds, on the hillside north of A9 between Calvine and Dalnacardoch on 20/9. Fifty, half 'n half each sex, were seen in Glen Quaich area on 2/12. Roe Deer records were widespread, from Calvine to Auchterarder to Meigle, with several of three or four together: 4 at Leetown on 18/9; 3 at Murrayshall on 27/10; 4 at Windyedge on 13/11; 3 at Rosemount on 18/11; a 4 and a 3 at Old Scone on 5/12; a trio at Murrayshall

MMfffiL ATLAS PROJECT. This year Perth Museum is launching its Mammal Atles Project, to gather as many mammal records as possible, in the period 1999 to 2001, with the intention of publishing an atlas of the results in December 2001. This will be the first comprehensive account of local mammals since Harvie-Brown's "A Fauna of the Tay Basin and Strathmore" in 1906. The Museum will need lots of help, so please make a point of noting whatever mammals you see. A survey leaflet will soon be available; recording forms as always, are obtainable from the reception desk. There will be an open evening for anyone interested in helping, in the Museum lecture hall on Tuesday, 16th March, at 7.30 p.m. This will be an opportunity to raise any questions about the project, find out what data we have at present, and discover how you can become more involved. Please help! PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE.

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION. Bulletin for January to April 1999.

Winter Visitors. Two large herds of Whooper Svans were reported - one of c60 at Haugh of Aberuthven on 28/1, and the other of c50 at Rhynd on 21/3. In between were 21, . including six cygnets, near Kinkell Bridge, on 21/1, and 14, including three cygnets, at Cask Pool on 18/2 - possibly a remnant of the previous. There were nine by the Baiglie Straight on 23/1, increasing to 12 on 31st. Nine visited Monk Myre on 21/3. In the Tummel/Rannoch area, four were on L. na Leathain (Allean Forest) and three on Dunalastair Reson 6/3, four on L.Kinardochy on 24/3, and two there on 1/4. Latest report was of three on the lochan between Kenmore and Glen Quaich on 11/4. Pink-footed Goose records were: 500 at Carsebreck on 7/4, c80 heading North over Blairgowrie on 23/4, 120 rising from L.Mullion and heading for L.Tullybelton on 24/4, and, finally, 38 flying North over Kercock on 30/4. Flocks of 200+ Greylag were reported from Kinloch Rannoch, Dunalastair, Logierait, Blairgowrie, Murthly and Scone, with the largest, c500, in the Scone Palace area on 14/3. A Bar-headed Goose was with Greylags at Vane Farm on 14/2. Goldeneye records came from the usual sites, with maxima of 19 at Kercock, 22 on Rae L., and 25 on Stormont L. on 1/1, 24 on the Tay at Perth on 7/2, 11 on Marlee L. on 19/2, 10 on Stare Dam on 21/2 and 17 on L. Clunie on 21/4. Two Sinews, drake and duck, were seen at Vane Farm on 14/2. Flocks of Fieldfares were recorded from Woodhead, Perth, where about 80 fed on an oil-seed rape field, with Redwings, Lapwings and Starlings, from the end of January into March. There were 100 at Muirend on 4/2, 28 at North Muirton on 7/2, and the latest record, clOO at Logiealmond on 5/3. Maximum of Redwings in that Woodhead flock was ten, on 6/2; a flock of 20 was spotted between Rait and Kilspindie on 17/1. Final Winter Visitor to report is Blackcap. A male wintered in and around a Blairgowrie garden; on 9/4, one was singing in this garden > - the "winterer" saying farewell, or the first "Summerer" saying, "Helloi" ? A Cherrybank garden had a male visiting from 10 - 15th January, then two males from 16 - 20th, then a single again on 5th and 7th February. A Craigie garden bird table was visited by a male and a female on 21 & 22/2 and on 8/3. Sumner Visitors. First records of Ocomon Sandpiper were on the Tay at Waulkmill, on 18/4 and Luncarty on 19th. Then Little Glen Shee on 24th and L.Faskally on 30th. Apparently the only Cuckoo heard was at Kenmore on 2/5. The first Sand Martins were over the Tay at Perth on 30/3; then Blairgowrie on 2/4, Kercock on 3/4, and Orchill Quarry, Braco, on 7/4. A single early Svalloir was seen at Blacklunans on 27/3, with the next sighting, of two at Annaty Bridge, Scone, on 9/4, thenStrathbraan on 17/4 and Luncarty on 19/4. Only one Redstart report - three at L.of the Lowes on 27/4. Wheatear appeared from 1/4, when there were two or three in the Schiehallion area; then 11/4 on Ben Vrackie and 20/4 in Glen Quaich. A Ring Ouzel was singing at Dalnacardoch on 4/4, and three vying musically in Little Glen Shee on 8/4, with four by the roadside in "big" Glen Shee on 11/4. The first genuine summer Blackcaps were several in the Almondbank area on 24/4. No Garden Warblers nor Whitethroats in this period. Four Wood Warblers were heard at Killiecrankie on 30/4 - the NTS Ranger reported they had arrived the previous day. First Chiffchaff was heard at Scone on 2/4, with at least five in the area later; then on 4/4 at Woodhead and Cally L.; Murrayshall on 6th and Blairgowrie on 7th. 'There were several Willov Warblers singing in a young plantation at Tullybelton on 18/4, several at Monk Myre on 19th, and many in the Perth area on 20th. Selected Species Records. A Little Grebe wintered on the Boating Pond at Rattray. Three were counted on Fingask L. on 1/1, five on L.Faskally on 3/2, two on L. an Daim, Foss, on/ - 2 -

on 24/3, with apair displaying there on 1/4. Two were on L. na Leathain, a likely breeding site, on 18/4. Great Crested Grebes were back on the Blairgowrie lochs by New Year's Day - three on Marlee; with the maximum there 19 on 18/3, though most of than would move on. L.Clunie had three or four pairs by 16/4; three were on Stormont on 18/3, and one on Fingask L. on 19/2. The Connarant roost at L.Clunie held 34 on 3/1, falling to 15 on 16/4. The Kercock area held up to four, and there was a trio of eights - Dunkeld Mill Dam on 6/1, Fingask L on 1/1, and Stormont L. on 5/2. No concentrations of Grey Herons were reported, though four were resting fairly close together in willows upstream of Annaty Bum mouth on 3/1 and on 21/2. One was stalking around a grass field at South Persie, Bridge of Cally, on 2/1, and, although Drumore L. was totally ice-covered on 30/1, two were present. Gatherings of taxte Swans were: at least fifteen in the Kercock area on 1/1, nine on Gask Pond on 18/2, with 18 (including 10 cygnets) there on 17/4. Families were seen on Carsebreck, Stare Dam, and Dunkeld Mill Dam. Twenty-two Canada Geese at Kercock on 17 & 24/1 were accompanied by a single Egyptian Goose , as on 19-12-98. There were 38 Canadas on L.Freuchie on 20/2, and 17 on Stare Dam on 14/3. The Egyptian was also seen, alone, at Kercock on 3/4, on a field near Craiglush L., with Canadas, on 11/4, and at Monk Myre in May. (Obviously wandering for more than the regulation forty days and forty nights!). It's good to keep on receiving records of Mandarin , though maximum seen together was only one pair. A drake at Almondmouth on 2/2, a pair there on 1/3, a duck on 14/3 and a drake on 24/4, both on the Tay downstream. Away from the Tay, though not far, a pair was feeding in a muddy puddle outside Scone on 9/4. Carsebreck again held the bulk of Wigeofl, with 320 on 28/1; most other sizeable gatherings were also in January - 64 on Stormont L and 33 on Marlee L on 1st, 65 on the Tay at Scone Palace on 3rd, clOO on Stormont on 8th, and clOO on aerial manoeuvres over Kercock on 24th. Later, pairs were seen on L na Leathain (2), L. Kinardochy, L.Ordie, L.Uaine, Glen Turret (4), and Drumore L. - all potential breeding sites.Carsebreck held c360 Teal, also on 28/1 - next best was l.Clunie with 23 on 16/4, then Kingswood Pond with 12 on 3/1. A drake on the Tay near Luncarty was seen accompanying a Mallard duck on two occasions. Maximum counts of Mallard were; 322 on the Tay, Perth Bridge to Almondmouth on 3/1, 210 at Carsebreck on 28/1, 95 on L.Clunie on 19/2, 45 on Monk Myre on 18/2, and 42 on Fingask L. on 1/1. Most Pochard were found on Stormont L, with a maximum of 24 on 21/2, with up to four at Fingask L, carsebreck and L.Freuchie. Carsebreck held 55 Tufted Duck on 28/1, falling to 35 by 7/4; Fingask L. with 41 on New Year's Day and Monk Myre, 38 on 18/2, were the only other waters to record more than 30. Earliest of Red-breasted Merganser was of two pairs on the Tay at Perth on 24/2; later probably five pairs between Almond and Schochie on 26/4. There was a trio on L.Ordie on 16/4, two pairs on L.Errochty on 17/4, and a pair on L.Turret on 23/4. Stare Dam was the rather surprising site for 17 Goosander on 3/1, and 19 on 21/2, with ten on the Tay at Perth, on 7/2, being the next largest party seen. Others were on Stormont L, Hare Myre, Rae L, L.Clunie, Kercock, L.Kinardochy, Little Glen Shee and by Lady Mary's Walk, Crieff. Only two Ruddy Ducks were seen, on Stormont L. on 1/1. Male Tfen Harriers were seen in Rannoch and near Dunkeld. Sparrowhavks hunted in three areas of Perth - Viewlands, Pitheavlis and North Muirton - as well as various more rural areas. Buzzard reports were well-scattered, with seven over Carsebreck on 7/4 being the maximum gathering. Away from nesting sites, Golden Eagles were seen in Little Glen Shee, immature on 26/1, and over Drummond Hill, two on 16/2. On 20/4, an Osprey was sitting on a nest, the rim of which was covered in snow. (An incubating Mute Swan by the same loch was almost invisible against the snow-cover). Kestrel records were widespread, but not numerous. A female Merlin was spotted at Rosemount on 4/1, abd one in Little Glen Shee on 24/4. A Peregrine and a Kestrel were interacting over Little Glen Shee on 1/3.There was a Peregrine at Murthly on 7/2, two at Vane Farm on 14/2 and one in Glen Quaich on 17/3. Twenty-five Red Grouse were counted in upper Glen Quaich on 17/3. All Black Grouse records, bar one, were of males. Cocks were in Glen Artney, 6 on 8/2, Glen Quaich, 2 on 6/2, 12 on 6/3, 9 on 17/3; 10 east of Schiehallion on 1/4, 9 near Trinafour on 17/4, and one at South Buchanty on 20/4. The Greyhens were two feeding in a damp field by the Logiealinond - Little Glen Shee road on 18/4. There was a covey/ - 3 -

covey of eight Red-legged Partridges at Fometh on 6/1, 12 on stubble at St. Martins on 11/1, four between Rait and Kilspindie on 17/1, five at Glenalmond House on 8/2, two on the A9 verge near Birnam on 4/4 and two by Little Glen Shee Farm on 24/4. Biggest Grey Partridge coveys were seen at Kercock - 10 on New Year's Day and 24 on 24/1. There were nine at West Keillour, Methven, on 10/1, seven at Rattray on 2/1. Pairs were reported from several areas, from as early as 11/1. There were few records of Moorhen, four on Stormont L. on 18/3 being the maximum for any one water. Fingask L. held the largest concentration of Coot, with 142 on 1/1, falling to 27 by 18/3; Carsebreck held c80 on 28/1; L.Clunie 51 on 19/2; Marlee L. 42 on 1/1; Monk Myre 31 on 18/2 and Stormont L. 30 on 18/3. The Scone Palace shingle held Oystercatchers from the begining of the year, with a maximum of 410 on 21/3. Other large counts in the area were 242 on 24/2 and 155 on 1/3, by Almondmouth, which probably involved birds from the shingle. A flock of Golden Plover in the Blairgowrie area numbered 50 on 6/3 and 40 on 11/4,though two separate flocks was a possibility. About 50 were at Camghouran, L.Rannoch, on 8/3. There were at least two pairs on Auchnafree Hill, Glen Almond, on 23/4. There were varying numbers of Lapwings around Perth from 3/1, but "inland", the first reported were 30 at Blairgowrie on 7/2 and eleven at Tulliemet on 8/2. On 1/3, 223 were counted at Meadowmore, Logiealmond, and 250 at Tullybelton on 8/3. There were at least five Snipe "chipping" in little Glen Shee on 27/3; three flew in to rest on a ploughed field at Woodhead on 19/4. A Woodcock was seen regularly from 22/1 to 12/3 at Murrayshall; one in Glenfarg on 24/2 and one at Huntingtowerfield on 22/3. One was roding over Scone on 3/4. On 8/4, one was flushed from from heather/dead bracken far up Little Glen Shee, and again, or a different bird, from the same habitat, lower down the glen, a couple of hours later. There were 68 Curlew by Scone Palace on 3/1, cllO on 2/2 and only 15 by 21/3. The single Redshank; reported at Kercock in December was also seen in each month of this period. Two were foraging in a puddle at Madderty on 17/4, one was at Dunkeld Mill Dam on 16/4 and one among free-range pigs at Monk Myre on 19/4. Twenty-one Great Black-backed Gulls were counted at Kercock on 1/1. 85 Cannon Gulls were resting on a very choppy L.Errochty, close to the dam, on 10/4. A flock of 300 Woodpigeons at Blairgowrie on 6/3 was the only record.A Long-eared Owl was found nesting in Little Glen Shee on 27/3, and another ntear Rait on 18/4. A Short- eared was seen regularly hunting in the Tullymurdoch, Alyth, area, and in Little Glen Shee on two dates, with two, widely separate, on 24/4. Also seen in April in Glen Quaich and by the Comrie - Braco road. Green Woodpedcers wrre heard/seen at Dunkeld, Gorthy Wood and Pitcairngreen. Great Spotted at L.Rannoch, Rumbling Bridge, Cally L, Murrayshall, Bertha L, and Abemethy Den. Two Skylarks taking up territory at Leetown on 8/3 were two weeks earlier than last year (global wanning?_. Wintering Grey ffegtails were seen in Quarrymill on 7/1, on the Tay at Luncarty, 15/1, and "puddling" at Merriness, Tibbermore, on 21/1. A pair was feeding in the marsh, rather than on the burn, in Black Spout Wood, Pitlochry, on 14/3. A single female Stcraedhat was found in Little Glen Shee on 18/2, there was a pair on 27/3, and three separate males on 8/4 - hopefully the females would be incubating. A male was reported in Glen Quaich on 6/2. Several Song Thrushes were about the Blairgowrie area by 10/2; some were singing in the lower reaches of Glen Lednock on 11/2, and one at Woodhead on 12/2. A Mistle Thrush was singing at Scone on 10/1, five were at Glendoick on 14/1, four at Woodhead on 29/1, and several with Fieldfares and Redwings at Kercock on 7/2. A Goldcrest fed on "fat-cake" in a Viewlands garden on 25/1, and the male of a pair there on 12/2 was singing. Long-tailed Tits were regular feeders on peanuts and fat in a Blairgowrie garden over winter, and 2-8 visited a Cherrybank garden regularly; in a Craigie garden, this species was only seen at the nuts twice, in February, which was deemed unusual. No flock larger than eight was reported. Coal Tits were regular at the Craigie feeding, but a maximum of three at any one time. Treecreepers were reported only from Murrayshall and Almondbank. Over five hundred mixed oorvids were counted at Logierait on 20/2. One or two Jays fed at a Murrayshall birdtable. No word of the Craigie Magpie, but two were feeding among sheep by the east end of L.of the Lowes on 3/1/ and two were seen near Blairgowrie on several dates in March. The bulk of records came from the south-west/ - 4 -

south-west of our area - three at Carsebreck on 28/1 and 7/4, two at Upper Coul, Auchterarder, on 11/2, one at Abercairney, Crieff, on 14/3, and two on Dunning Golf Course on 27/4. Ravens appeared as usual in Glen Quaich and Little Glen Shee; also around Schiehallion, in Glen Errochty and at Dalnacardoch. A flock of about a hundred Starlings was regular in fields at Woodhead during February and March. Chaffinch flocks reported were clOO at Logiealxnond (disturbed by a marauding Sparrowhawk) on 6/2, 50+ in Glen Quaich on 20/2 and 40+ at Almondmouth on 24/2 On 1/1, 25 Goldfinches were feeding on ragwort seeds at Murrayshall, and on 9/1, two stripped seedheads from dwarf lavender in a Cherrybank garden, and, unusually for this species, fed from a peanut feeder there on 23/4. Other reports were ten at Kercock on 7/2, 25 at Drumore on 18/2, which seemed to be heading to roost ina yew. Siskins were not about garden feeders in any great number this Winter though gardens in Viewlands, Craigie, Cherrybank, Scone and Murrayshall were visited. Flocks seen were 40 - 50 in Laggan Wood, Dunkeld, on 21/1, 8 at Huntingtower on 18/1 and 10 in Perth on 17/2. Linnets at Kercock numbered 20 on 1/1 and 50 - 60 on 7/2, with 12 at Upper Obney, Bankfoot, on 16/3. Six Twite were seen in Glen Quaich on 20/4. Three Redpoll fed on hypericum seeds in a Viewlands garden on at least two days in February, whilst a flock of 18 was counted in another garden in the area on 8/1. Crossbills were seen in the woods at L.Kennard and at Trinafour. A flock of nine Bullfinches in Scone Park on 5/1 increased in number to 17 on 25/1, declining thereafter, but still six on 13/4. These appeared to be feeding on the fallen seeds of ornamental acers. Six on Kinnoull Hill on 18/2 were feeding on blackthorn blossom. Two flocks of eight were seen, one at Murrayshall on 1/1, the other at Mill Dam, Dunkeld, on 6/1. The elusive Hawfinch was tracked'rdown at Scone Palace - five being seen on 21/2. YellOHhamner flocks were of six at Murrayshall on 7/1, 15 by Stormont L. on 8/1, c30 near Scone on 15/1 and twelve at Almondmouth on 24/2. Fifteen Reed Buntings were counted in the reedbed at Errol on 30/1. House Martin Survey. Sandy Hill, who has been running this survey since 1994, has decided to discontinue it, mainly because of the relatively few observers contributing. Also the amount of work involved. This Summer there will be no need to go out counting nests, unless for your own satisfaction, thanks to all who sent in reports over the last five years. According to the results sent in, there has been very little change in the numbers of House Martins over the period of the survey - perhaps a 5% decline, from 3 799 to 3 610 active nests. Esther Taylor.

Mamnal Report. What has happened to our Hedgehogs? No reports, not even of road casualitiesl Few records of Blue Hares, but most are of several together, e.g. 16 at Dalnamein on 14/3, 10 and 26 in two areas of Glen Quaich on 17/3, 6 in Little Glen Shee on 24/4. Large congregations of Brown Hares were eleven, quietly feeding, scattered across an extensive field of winter cereal at Hillocks of Gourdie, Clunie, on 16/4, and eight, spread across three big fields at Kercock on 30/4. Two were on stubble at Woodhead on 9/1, and three there on oilseed rape on 20/3. Three on set-aside near Blairgowrie on 3/3 were very actively chasing each other.Five were seen on grass at Fowlis Wester on 16/4 and four at Gorthy on 20/4. Other reports from Glen Quaich, South Buchanty, Meikleour, Guildtown and the outskirts of Perth. Red Squirrels "seem to be winning" on Kinnoull Hill, with fourteen sightings, compared to only two of Grey. Reds were also seen at Trinafour, Allean Forest, Faskally, Strathtay, Murthly, Rosemount and Scone. Apart from the comment above, fewer (3reys were recorded from fewer sites - Lethendy, Murrayshall, Muirward Wood, Hunting- tower field, (two - the only multiple sighting), Viewlands and Abercairney. An albino Red Squirrel - actually very pale pink - was seen by Marlee L. on 1/1. (No! The observer was completely sober!). A Wood ffouse fed regularly below a bird-table in Viewlands Road in April, and one was seen occasionally at Scone, also scrounging from the birds. A big dog Fox was/ - 5 - was seen on the hill above Glen Quaich on 17/3. Two casualities were reported - one snared in Glenalmond and one killed on A85 west of Methven on 2/4. Stoats were seen in Little Glen Shee in April - one was hunting a tumbledown dyke, the other the road verge. Otter spraints were noted on several dates on the riverside at Kercock. A Wild Cat hybrid was killed on the road near Blairgowrie on 1/1. A Conmon Seal was sporting in the Tay by the Scone Palace shingle on 21/2. On 10/3, herds of Red Deer counted in Rannoch were cll5 (mainly hinds), cl50 (all stags) and c 60 hinds. On 17/3, Glen Quaich had a herd of 120 hinds and one of twelve stags. In Little Glen Shee, on 27/3, there was aherd of 120 - 150 on Findowie Hill, and another fifty or so on the opposite side, on Glen Shee Hill. Two Roe Deer visited a Craigie garden on 2/4; otherwise seen "in the wild", including thirteen in the Scone Race Course area on 26/1. At Murrayshall, a buck and three does were seen on 16/2, and another doe had joined the party by 25/3. The feral Goats of Glen Goulandie/Schiehallion seem to be reduced to two young nannies, seen on 1/4. tfairmi Atlas Project. The project has been slow to start, but please keep recording mammal sightings - all are put on the data-base foe future use.

Members contributing to this Bulletin were: E.D.Cameron, J.M.Duncan, Miss S.R.Hacker, Mrs.S.Laing, E.& L.McCabe, J.M.Ogilvy, Miss R.Seath, T.M.Snith, Miss E.Taylor and

J.H.Wallace - many thanks to all of you. Records for May to August, please, to E.D.Cameron, 3 Stormont Place, Scone, Perth PH2 6SR. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE.

ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION.

Bulletin for May to August 1999. Winter Visitors. A single Whooper Swan on L an Daim, Foss, on 25/6, was the only remaining winter visitor recorded. A Goldeneye on Carsebreck on the early date of 21/8 is interesting. Sumner Visitors. A Quail was heard in rough set-aside outside Blairgowrie on 17/7. (There was one not far away in May last year). A Cannon Sandpiper was seen at Kercock on 15/8 - will this be the last date for the year? Four raucous Comnon Terns spent some time on the morning of 13/5 apparently flying back and forth between Lochs Clunie and Marlee, and one was fishing the former on 28/6. Four pairs bred at Kercock, but, unfortunately, two sets of wings + legs only, were found, suggesting predation by some raptor; one pair was seen with a juvenile on the Tummel Shingle Islands on 1/8. One reporter laments, "I haHen't heard a single Cuckoo this year", and in fact, only two records have been submitted - one heard at Dalnacardoch on 8/5, and a juvenile seen at Kercock on 25/7.(Note one at Kenmore on 2/5, in previous Bulletin). Swifts appeared over Blairgowrie on 5/5, Lowes and Rosemount on 11/5 and Cherrybank, Perth, on 13/5. They were last seen at Scone on 6/8 and Blairgowrie on 16/8. Swallows didn't reach Leetown until 2/5 -"seems very late" and Glen Artney until 4/5 - "Late. Few in number". However, they had a good year around Blairgowrie - "with birds returning to sites which had been deserted". The only report of House Martin arrival was of several at Dalnacardoch on 8/5. There were 24 occupied nests at Chapelton. Glen Fincastle, observed on 7/8. Two Tree Pipits were singing at Talla Bheith, Rannoch, on 16/5, as were six Redstarts - though earlier Redstarts were at Lowes, a pair on 4/5, and Blairgowrie on 8/5. A male Whinchat was at Dalnacardoch on 8/5, with other reports being three pairs in Rannoch on 25/6 and several families in Little Glen Shee on 30/6. A Wheatear at Dowie's Hole, Meikleour, on 8/8 was presumably on its way South. First Sedge Warblers were reported from Blairgowrie on 2/5 and nearby Monk Myre on 3/5, with two at Lowes on 11/5. Two Seed Warblers were mist-netted in the Tay reedbeds on 13/8, but whether summer visitors or passage migrants it is impossible to say. Several Whitethroats were singing in the Scone area on 3/5, and 14/5 at Blairgowrie, where an adult was watched feeding two young on 28/8. Garden Warblers were heard at Blairgowrie on 2/5, Meikleour House on 9/5, and Lowes on 11/5. Further Blackcap records came from Abernethy Den and Quarrymill .Wood Warblers were heard at Clunes and Pitlochry, and Chiff chaff al: Abernethy. Spotted Flycatcher was recorded from Scone on 14/5; a pair was nest-building in Talla Bheith Wood on 16th; and a pair reared two broods at Rosemount. One was seen near Luncarty on 14/6, and four at Muirend, Scone, on 5/8. A male Pied Flycatcher was investigating a nest-box in Glen Artney on 23/4, five days earlier than last year. Selected Species Records. Of two pairs of Black-throated Divers reported, one had two chicks on 28/6, the other did not breed. Little Grebes bred on several lochs around Blairgowrie, and probably on L an Daim, Foss, and L na Leithain, Tummel Forest. There were 23 on Carsebreck on 21/8. Great Crested Grebes bred on the Blairgowrie Lochs - there was a pre-breeding^pount of 20 on Marlee L on 16/5. Two Black—necked Grebes appeared on one of these lochs on 30/5, but didn't stay. The L Clunie Cormorant roost peaked at 14 in May. . Pairs of Mute Swans with cygnets were recorded froiKDrumore and ftrumfork Lochs, Blacklunans, Rae L, Hare Myre, Monk Myre, Goddens Pond, BSlthayock L and Upper Rhynd L (Carsebreck). Unsuccessful pairs were present on other waters. The only parties recorded were of five, on 18/7, then severipn 13/8, on Marlee L. Feral Greylag Geese were counted on Marlee L, 80 on 13/8, and L Clunie, 120 on 15/8, the latter possibly include seme, or all, of the former; ones and twos appeared elsewhere. Small flocks of rswiaria Geese were noted here and there, with breeding reported from Hare Myre and Milntuim, Glen Artney. Flocks of up to 22 were seen around Kercock, and 30 flew over/ - 2 - over Blairgowrie on 24/8. A duck Mandarin visited Hare Myre on at least 16/5, and one joined Mallards, feeding on bread, on the Tay at Stanners Island on 4th and 14/7. Nobody reported Wigeon, but cl30 Teal were back on Carsebreck on 17/8 along wifh 110 Mallard, l Clunie Mallard peaked at 200 and Marlee L at 80, both in August. The only Shoveler seen was one on 16/5 on Stormont L, where the only Pochard were - seen, in each month, peaking at 10 in August. There was a noticeable decline in the number of Tufted Duck broods, (also Mallard), but good to get a record of a brood of four on seldom-visited L na Leithain. Maxima on some waters: Stormont L, 108 in June, Carsebreck 55, L Clunie 43, and Drumore L 30, all in August. Up to four Pairs of Ccnmon Scoters were seen in the breeding area in May, but only two ducks in July, with no young. Red-breasted Merganser bred on L Turret and at Kercock, but not as many here as in previous years. A female Goosander on the Tay at Luncarty had eleven young on 25/6, reduced to seven by 23/8. There were up to nine Ruddy Dude on the Hare Myre/Stormont L complex, but no sign of breeding. One stayed on Methven L from mid-April to mid-June. A Red Kite was soaring over Auchnafree Hill, Glen Almond, on 28/6. Single Marsh Harriers were seen hunting the Tay reedbeds in July and August. Miserable weather contributed to poor nesting success for Golden Eagle, Osprey, Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine. Young Sparrowhawks were heard around Blairgowrie, as were Buzzards - one pair raised three young in a nest low in a Scots pine, and very obvious from a well-used path through a "dog-walk" wood. A party of eight - two families? - was seen over Muirend, Murrayshall, on 17/8, and up to six seen regularly in Glen Artney. Golden Eagles were reported from Glen Artney, Glen Lednock and L Garry, where one was being mobbed by a Kestrel. Almost half the Perthshire Osprey nests failed, mainly due to the poor weather; one nest, on electricity poles, was struck by lightning. Foursomes of Kestrels were seen at Muirend and Blairgowrie, where they were hunting over a recently cut set-aside field. A Peregrine flew over Viewlands Road on 17/8. One pair of Ptarmigan was seen at the top of Ben Chonzie on 24/6. Six Blackcock were lekking by L Errochty on 15/5, and others were seen at Clunes and Dalnacardoch. There was a single Red-legged Partridge at Monk Myre on 8/6, but a covey of twenty on the track to Kercock on 8/8, had surely been recently released. An adult Grey Partridge escorting eight young was seen in Glen Tilt on 14/7; a covey of six at Kercock on 20/8; and one of eleven near Kilspindie on 30/8. On 15/8, six fledged young Moorhens were fossicking around below the Kercock Hide. Few young Coot were to be found. Maximum counts of full-grown were 38 and 31 in August on Lochs Clunie and Stormont respectively. Flocks of Oystercatchers in June and July suggest that many pairs failed, or didn't try to breed at all. Pairs of Ringed Plover were seen at L Errochty, L Lednock and Kercock, but no young observed. A family party of five Golden Plover was seen near Dalrulzion on 10/5, and a pair in Glen Errochty. There was a flock of 48 Lapwings at Monk Myre on 20/7 and c370 at Carsebreck on 17/8, with three Dunlin there too. Four Snipe were flying around together by L Errochty on 12/6; nine were at Carsebreck on 17/8, along with three Black-tailed Godwit, two of them still in summer plumage. Woodcock were recorded from Glen Lednock, 15/5, and Stormont Wood, 16/8. A Redshank was seen in Glen Garr on 7/6. A pair of Greensharik was at the usual breeding site on 2/5 and 24/7, but showed no sign of having young. Two were present at Kercock on 20/8. A young Cannon Sandpiper was watched being fed by its parent on L Rannoch-side on 13/7. The large Black-headed Gull colon^fet Hare Myre had a poor breeding season. A Lesser Black-backed was sitting among Conmon Gulls on the shore of Loch Lednock on 30/5, but it didn't seem to have a nest. There were nine at Carsebreck on 17/8. Two pairs of Herring Gulls nested among the Ccranans at Kercock, one nest being predated at the egg stage, the other fledging two chicks. Twelve Collared Doves were feeding together near Grange, Errol, on 27/8. Five occupied Tawny Owl boxes at Blairgowrie was down on last year. A pair of Short-eared Ovls was watched displaying in Glen Lednock on 16/5, and one seen in the same area on 11/7. A Kingfisher spent about fifteen minutes preening on a low branch over the Tay by Stakis Dunkeld Hotel on 16/6; another was on the Tay at Kercock on 8/8; and, on the same date, one on-the Almond at Huntingtowerfield. Only one Green Woodpecker Record, from/ - 3 - from Blacklunans on 9/7. A family of five Great Spotted was watched for some time in Killiecrankie Reserve on 27/6. Other reports from Blacklunans, Monk Myre, Rosemonut and Scone. Grey Wagtail families were reported from Clunes, Dunkeld (2), Luncarty and Blairgowrie; also pairs at L Ordie, near Pitlochry, Little Glen Shee and Huntingtower- field. Robins were reported to have stayed and bred in Anderson Drive gardens, and Winter song began a week earlier there this year. Stonechats reared two broods at Dalnamein and one, at least, in each of Glen Errochty, Glen Lednock and Little Glen Shee, where fledged young were seen. Also reported were one male in Glen Garr and two in Glen Turret, both in June, so may well have been breeding, too. Song Uirushes raised at least three broods in the Anderson Drive area. Parties of five and six Mistle TOirushes at Camghouran, Rannoch, 25/6, and Muirend, 31/7, suggest families. At least ten Long-tailed Tits were seen in Glen Garr on 7/6. Blue and Great Tits had a better year in the Blairgowrie nest-box scheme, with many more broods surviving and more young fledged. Parents of both species quickly brought their families to nut-feeders in a Craigie garden. A Treecreeper was found roosting in a hollow in a sequoiadendron giganteum in Dunkeld Cathedral grounds on 29/8. On 7/8, seventeen Jays were counted in Edintian Wood, Fincastle - "As we drew nearer doing a survey in the area, they flew up from the ground in twos and threes into the wood, with much noise". (One wonders what the attraction was, at that time of year?). Savens bred successfully again on an HE dam, and two pairs reared young in a glen where none had been recorded for many years; but one nest, with four half-grown young, was washed off a cliff by heavy rain. Blairgowrie Tree Sparrofr young were down a little on last year. A pair of Goldfinches was seen feeding young in Fairies Road garden on 4/6. A single male Siskin was seen in Glen Artney on 5/5. Seven Linnets were at Little Glen Shee Farm on 10/5, and some at Balhomish and Upper Obney, Glen Garr, on 7/6. Two Redpoll were seen in Little Glen Shee on 10/5, and a flock of 15 near Clunes on 18/7. Two, possibly three, pairs bred at Kercock. Three small flocks, each of 6 - 8, of Crossbills were seen in the Black Wood of Rannoch on 13/7. Two Yellowhanners were seen on Corsiehill on 4/5, and at least three pairs bred at Kercock.

P.S. Anyone lost a "parrot" ? Red head, blue body; hiding in trees; being given fruit etc. Callerfountain, Perth, in June.

Apology. I have to apologise to Irene McKinnie for omitting her name from the list of contributers to the last Bulletin. So-r-txj, Xt-^L „ ^ ¦

contributing to this Bulletin were:E.D.Cameron, J.M.Duncan, R.Fryer, Miss S.R.Hacker, E.&L.McCabe, Mrs.I.M.McKinnie, J.G.Ogilvy, Miss E.Taylor. Thank you for all the information provided. Hopefully, the next Bulletin will appear early in the much-heralded, over-hyped "New Millenium" - Records for September to December 1999, please to E.D.Cameron, 3 Stormont Place, Scone, Perth, PH2 6SR. - 4 - Mamnal Report. Hedgehccr records are fairly evenly divided between "alive" and "dead on road". "Alive" included two in Perth - on Viewlands Road and Verena Terrace; one small at Ardchoille, Bridgend, one large and one small in Glen Artney, two together at Kercock, singles at Muirend and Blairgowrie. Nine road casualties were recorded on A9, A90 and roads up to Kinnoull Hill; the Blairgowrie area also seems to be unhealthy for Hedgehogs! A Oomnnn Shrew was found drowned in a plastic container near Dalnacardoch, and another on a forest track near Blairgowrie. About twenty Blue Bares were counted in the upper part of Glen Lednock on 1/5, and at least seven, including one leveret, at Dalnamein on 18/7. Four of the Brown Bare records were of road casualities, but the majority were alive. There were singles at Clunie, Blairgowrie, Alyth, Scone, East Bonhard and Leetown. There were three at Woodhead, Perth, on 23/5, two at Methven on 30/5 and three at Kercock on 18/6. Our Glen Artney reporter writes, "population greatly increased over last four years". Good! Red Squirrels were spotted seven times in the period, on Kinnoull Hill, with a maximum of two at once. Five together were visiting a nut-feeder in the early morning at Blair Atholl. Sightings havdljbeen regular in Glen Artney, the Rosemount area and around Scone. Greys were seen mainly in July on Kinnoull Hill - eight times. "Seen occasionally; population may be declining", in Glen Artney. (Don't think I should quote reason given for decline!). Also seen Crieff, Pitcairngreen, Craigie, Deuchny Wood and Scone. A Wood Mouse was watched to-ing and fro-ing (collecting seeds?) in a Kinloch, Blairgowrie, garden on 8/7. On 1/8, one was disturbed from an old bird's nest in a broom bush at Kercock - the startIfid beast jumping straight to the grass beneath, from a height of at least a metre. Three Red Fox road casualitie^were reported: on A90 at Seggieden, the A94 outside Scone, and a cub on the Scone - Pitroddie road. Stoats and Weasels were seen frequently in Glen Artney, but otherwise, there no records of Weasel and five of Stoats, all on verges - A9 twice, A90, A94, and one dead near Blairgowrie. In spite of all the walking in the Dunkeld area. Fallow Dear seldom get a mention in the Bulletin - too commonly seen ? Anyway, two in a plantation at Dalrulzion, Glen Shee, were well away from the core area, and worth noting. About 200 Red Deer, in three herds, were counted at Dalnacardoch on 8/5, and about fifty, mixed stags and hinds, in Rannoch on 25/6. Small parties of hinds with calves were reported from Rannoch and Glen Errochty. A buck and two doe Roe frequented the Muirend area throughout the period. A pair was watched courting and copulating in Glen Artney on 2/8. One was found dead on the road at Barnhill, while two on the verge of the dual carriageway near Birnam on 6/6 appeared none too safe! A doe and her fawn were seen at Dalnacardoch.. Other sightings came from Meikleour, Guildtown, Paddockmuir, Deuchny, Kinnoull Hill and Craigie.

Other Beasts Adders wereseen at Trinafour, 15/5, Glen Garr, 7/6, and Dalnamein, 18/7. fyMmwi Lizards were disturbed at Clunes, 23/5, Glen Lednock, 2 on 30/5 and one on 11/7, Ben Vrackie, 21/6, and Camghouran, Rannoch, 22/7. On 1/8, our Craigie correspondent found one large Frog dead, and one lively half-sized one, in her garden. It has been a very poor year for Dragonflies, Butterflies and Ladybirds; presumably the weather to blame. Any comments ? PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE.

ORNITHO:OGICAL SECTION. Bulletin for September to December 1999. Sumner Visitors. Two Ospreys just made it into this period, with an adult and a youngster still around their North Perthshire eyrie on 1/9. A Ccmnon Sandpip er was seen at the Earn mouth on 17/9. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Carsebreck on 28/9 and four on the shingle by Scone Palace on 17/10. The latest Swallows reported were at St.Madoes on 29/9, and House Martins at Blairgowrie on 6/10. A female Wheatear was at Kercock on 7/9, and a family of five Ring Ouzels in Glen Shee on 1/9. The Member who saw male Blackcaps at Almondmouth on 17/9 and Luncarty on 29/9 wondered if only the one bird was involved, but this seems unlikely. Chiffchaffs were heard and seen at Rosemount on 22/9 and in Scone Park on 25/9 and 5/10. Winter Visitors. First Whooper Swans reported were seven on Carsebreck on 3/10. Seven at Dowie's Hole, Meikleour, on 2/11, behaved as if newly arrived; and on 5/11, two parties of seven were seen heading in a westerly direction over the Perth area. For a change from seven, five flew over Leetown on 5/12. There was a large mixed flock of all three swan species near on 18/12, when the Vane Farm count registered 22 Bewick's. Earliest Pirik-footed Geese were spotted heading South over Pitmedden Forest on 20/9, but the main influx began a few days later, with birds heard after dark on 26th, and about 1 800 on fields at Windyedge the next morning. Skeins were coming in over Blairgowrie and Scone all day 28th. Greylag arrival was less well documented, with 1 500 on Marlee L. at the 9/10 Dawn Count being the earliest - though some of these may have been the local ferals, 220 having been counted on stubble at near-by Wester Kinloch on 2/9. About 150 seen between Crieff and Comrie were thought to be farther West than usual for this species. There seems to have been two small parties of Barnacle Geeseearound; one of six in the Windyedge/Cultmalundie area, seen from 26/9 to 2/10, and one of seven at Carsebreck on 27/10. Both were with Pinkfeet. A female Long-tailed Duck appeared on Stormont L. on 13/12. By far the earliest Goldeneye was one at Carsebreck on 7/9, followed by three there on 26/10. Elsewhere, they were not recorded until November, with a massive 300 on the Earn/Tay confluence on 21/11. Wildfowl Counts on 27 & 28/11 totalled 75 on the Blairgowrie Lochs. Fieldfares and Redwings were reported from 10/10, often in mixed flocks, as by L.Kinardochy, 10/10, Little Glen Shee, 12/10, and Braes of Foss, 16/10. Fieldfares only were recorded at Blairgowrie from 15/10, Murrayshall (20) on 19/10 and Errol, (40 & 150) on 25/10. Purely Redwing flocks were 20 at Drimmie and about the same, briefly, in Anderson Drive, Perth, on 15/10. A male and a female Bladkcap visited an Almondbank bird-table during the last week of the year. (Probably wrong to call them "a pair" at this season). A few Bramblings have appeared - one at Lowes on 5/11 and several in a mixed finch flock at Bridge of Earn on 10/12. Selected Species Records. A (the same ?) Little Grebe has returned to winter on the boating pond at Blairgowrie. Lochs holding the largest numbers were Drumore, with 14 on 9/9, and still 7 on 8/10, and White L. with 8 on 28/11. Glendams and Monk Myre each held five in September. Other records came from L.Kinardochy, Dowally L, Carsebreck, and three areas on the Tay, at Kercock, Luncarty and Perth. Young Great Crested Grebes were reared on L.Clunie and Marlee, with ten adults on the latter loch. A juvenile was seen on the Tay near Luncarty on 6/9. A Member awaiting a homeward bound plane from London's Canary Wharf airport was pleased to see two on the once highly polluted Thames. The L.Clunie Cormorant roost peaked at 88 on Christmas Day. Apart from two flying over Madderty Church, Grey Herons were reported from rather odd spots - one at Scone Park pond on 14/9, one walking along the road in Glen Carse on 1/11, and one on the verge at the Meikleour House lodge by the Beech Hedge on 18/12. Long-legged star of the period was the White Stork which frequented the Inveralmond/ Ruthvenfield area, apparently for three months or so - "apparently" because, first seen over Gannochy on 1/10, the other records submitted were for 7/10, 10/11, and, third-hand, 5/1/00 - was it present, unrecorded, right through? Or did it come and go, and come and go £ Largest/ - 2 - Largest gathering of Mute Swans was on Carsebreck, where the resident family was joined by fifteen adults In October. There were eleven on floodwater at Madderty on 7/11, and six flew over Scone on Boxing Day.A colour-ringed bird on Mill Dam has been identified as a male ringed at Montrose in March 1996. The Dawn Count at L.Clunie on 9/10 included 149 Canada Geese, and there were 55 at Kercock on 25/9. Smaller flocks were reported from Monk Myre and Earnmouth. Of the "odd" geese around, the Egyptian has been seen regularly at Kercock, a Bar-headed at Kinloch in September and at Monk Myre on 11/10, two Lesser Whitefronts, each accompanying a white-with-grey specimen, at L.Clunie on 9/10; on each occasion these odd-bods were associated with Canada Geese. Three Sheldudlc were early back to the Tay by Earnmouth, and displaying, on 27/12. A pair of Mandarin frequented a pond at Scone from the beginning of October until mid-November, and three males with one female were at Almondmouth on 22/10. Wigean numbers at Carsebreck rose from 30 on 7/9 to 330 on 26/10, and on the Tay above Perth from 32 on 7/10 to 51 on 27/12. About 300 Teal were counted in the Earnmouth area on 17/9, and Carsebreck peaked at 650 on 26/10. Counts of 16 at Mill Dam and 12 each at L.Clunie and Monk Myre seem trivial in comparison. Mallard numbers reached 210 at Carsebreck on 26/10, 86 on Monk Myre on 27/11, 238 on L.Clunie on 27/11, 464 on the Tay between Perth Bridge and the Almond on 27/12, and 24 flew into the mill-pond at Newbigging, Fowlis Wester, on 12/10. Carsebreck held the largest numbers of both Pochard, 55 on 26/10, and Tufted Duck, 154 on 28/9, with Monk Myre holding 38 on 27/11 (the most for many years) and 77 on 27/11, respectively. Drumore L. had 25 Tufted on 1/9, Fingask L. 40 on 9/10 and L.Clunie 72 on 25/12. A single female Scaup was identified at Earnmouth on 24/10. A flock of seven Goosander was on the Ericht near Coupar Grange on 23/9, six on Carsebreck on 28/8, and six on Dowally L. on 7/10, with 52 scattered along the Perth Bridge to Almond stretch of the Tay on 17/10. A single Ruddy Duck was seen on L.Clunie on 27/11. Red Kites have been seen in two areas near Perth - worth checking out those distant "Buzzards": SparroWhawk reports come from Kercock, Scone, Anderson Drive and Abercairney. Buzzards in quantity were four over Moncreiffe Hill on 23/9, four at Carsebreck the next day, at least nine in Little Glen Shee, from the ford to Rosecraig, on 12/10, three at Lowes on 24/10 and three over the Knock, Crieff, on 19/11. Two were hunting on foot in young rape near Dunning on 16/11. A late Merlin was seen near the Ben Lawers Centre on 29/10. Only two areas reported Kestrels. A Peregrine at Carsebreck on 26/10 "put up 500 Lapwing en masse, but it didn't appear to be hunting". On 2/11, one was spotted sitting on the shingle at Kercock; it soon flew off upstream. One was in the L.Meallbrodden area on29/ll. About 20 Red Grouse were flushed on Meall Gorm, Glen Shee, on 1/9, and two pairs of Ptarmigan on Creag Leacach the same day. Six Blackcock were seen in Glen Quaich on 13/9, and nine there on 25/9. There were two in Little Glen Shee on 25/10. Red-legged Partridge were released at Kercock, with 23 running along the track on 25/9. Grey Partridge coveys were reported from Dalrulzion (6), Amulree (c20), Darkfaulds (11), Kercock(6,6 &6), Inveralmond (12) and Leetown (9 & 5). A Water Rail family was glimpsed at Earnmouth on 22/7, and three there on9/ll'. The Moorhen population in Scone Park was still ten at the year's end. Goot numbers peaked at 81 on L.Clunie on 12/9, 55 at Carsebreck on 26/10 and 105 on Fingask L. on 28/11. Oystercatchers hung on inland, though only just, with a single at Kercock on 9/11 and four on the Scone Palace shingle on 27/12. A single Golden Plover was with Lapwings at Carsebreck on 26/10. Other Lapwing flocks were 150 at Kercock, on a potato field on 7/9 and on the shingle on 9/11; 300 near Monk Myre on 9/10, and 60 near Meikleour on 8/11. Three Snipe were flushed from the riverside at Kercock on 18/12, and one was at Bertha Farm, Inveralmond, on 20/12. Single Woodcock were seen at Glenfarg 8/11, Kercock, 6/12, and Dowally, 18/12. The Scone Palace shingle/parkland held 33 Curlews on 17/10, but only one was seen on 27/12. As last Winter, a single Redsihank appeared at Kercock, seen on 18/12 and in January 00. Late Greenshaiiks were; one at Carsebreck on 7/9, two, possibly three, at Kercock the same day, one there on 25/9, and one on 23/10, which chased off a Dipper feeding in the same area. On 3/10, a Green Sandpiper flew onto the mud in front of the Hide, gave itself a very quick preen, then abruptly flew off downstream. A Stock Dove in Glen Artney on 15/10 is the first record received for a long time. Two Bam Owls , casualties in the Bridge of Earn area, were reported, one from/ - 3 - zrom each end of the year. Two Short-eared Owls were seen hunting near Scotlandwell on 18/12. Green Woodpecker records come from Dalrulzion, Rosemount, Murrayshall and Glenfarg: Great Spotted from Faskally, Rosemount, Murrayshall (visiting peanut feeder). Scone and Glen Artney. A flock of c30 Skylarks frequented stubble at Kercock in November and December. There was also a flock of 50 - 60 Meadow Pipits there on 3/10, and two, in the company of five Died Wagtails on 18/12. Twenty-five pipits were seen at Carse- breck on 28/9 and 26/10, and twenty at Rosecraig on 12/10. There were two Grey Wagtails at Carsebreck on 28/9, one at Huntingtowerfield on 17/10, one at Luncarty on 23/10 and one at Woody Islands on 27/12. Six Wrens were regularly roosting in a tit nest-box in a Blairgowrie garden. Stonechats in Little Glen Shee were reported as a pair on 12/10, and a pair plus two males on 25/10. Four were seen at Killiecrankie on 22/11. There was a flock of 16 Mistle Thrushes by the A93 at Persie, Bridge of Cally, on 29/9, and twos at Braes of Foss and Strathbraan on 16/10. Two Members comment on Goldcrests feeding in Leylandii hedging - in Scone and in Viewlands Road, with a garden pond being used for bathing at the latter site. Many flocks of Long-tailed Tits were recorded, several of these visiting peanut feeders. Largest flocks were:- 22 at Lowes on 24/10, 14 at North Muirton on 29/11, 12 in Viewlands on 2/10 and Moncreiffe Hill on 23/9. There was a "large flock" of Coal Tits in a Scots pine wood at Meikleour on 23/9. Jays were seen regularly at Rosemount, where, on one occasion, an individual was heard to imitate a Buzzard; five appeared in a Glen Artney garden on 31/12. Up to four Magpies were seen in the Carsebreck area; three records, from Abercairney, Inchaffray Abbey (2) and Madderty Station could involve the same birds. Large flocks of Rooks and Jackdaws were regularly observed over Blairgowrie, flying to and from roost. About 1 000 Starlings flew high over Marlee L. early on 8/11, presumably also from a roost some¬ where. A feeding flock of over 400 was seen near Murthly School on 20/11. A flock of 40 - 50 Tree Sparrows was feeding on stubble at Madderty on 2/10 - an unremarkable sight not so long ago. About the same number of Tree Sparrows was feeding near Bankfoot on 10/12. No large flock of Chaffinches was reported, though comment was made on an increase in the garden after snowfall. The largest Goldfinch flock was 50 near Luncarty on 17/9, with 30 at Kercock on 3/10, and 10 at Trinity Gask on 26/10. A singleton fed on knapweed seeds in a Scone garden. More Siskin records from gardens for this Bulletin, from Almondbank, Anderson Drive, and Craigie. Linnet numbers on Kercock stubble increased to cl50 in December, then the field was ploughedi About 120 were feeding in a turnip field at Oliverburn on 18/12. Flocks of Redpoll were 20 at Lowes on 5/11 and 15 at Murrayshall on 21/12; and three fed regularly in silver birches in Anderson Drive. Two Crossbills were observed trying to drink from a frozen puddle at Rosemount on 19/12, and flocks of about a dozen were seen in Muirward Wood on 29/10 and 3/12. Two Bullfinches fed on hypericum seed at Viewlands, and up to eight on maple seed in Scone Park - at least, they spent much time pecking around on the grass under a line of (exotic) maples1 Other reports came from Weem Wood, Rumbling Bridge, Lowes and Glenfarg. A Yellowhamner flock by Stormont L. peaked at c70 on 19/12. Four Reed Buntings were seen near Bridge of Earn on 10/12 and seven near Scotlandwell on 18/12.

Contributing to this Bulletin were: T.Binny, E.D.Cameron, J.M.Duncan, R.Fryer, Miss S.R.Hacker, E & L.McCabe, Mrs.I.M.McKinnie, R.L.McMillan, C.E.MacPherson, J.G.Ogilvy, T.M.Smith, Miss E.Taylor, J.H.Wallace.

A Happy New Bird-watching Miileftftiuift- Year to all Members, and please keep the records coming in, for January to April 2000 to E.D.Cameron, 3 Stormont Place, Scone, Perth, PH2 6SR, early in May, please. - 4 - Mammal Report. A young, underweight Hedgehog found at Murrayshall on 19/10 was taken into care, but died ten days later. Also too light was one found on Viewlands Road on 8/11. A "very small" beast seen in Craigie, Perth, with its head in an empty sweet packet on the very frosty night of 19/11, also seems highly unlikely to have survived. Eleven out of thirteen records, mostly in the Perth to Blairgowrie stretch, were of road casualties. A dead Ccnnion Shrew was found on the track at Kercock on 18/10. Moles were active at Fowl is Wester and in the old churchyard at Madderty. A large Bat hunting the loch/forest edge at Faskally in the early afternoon of 14/10 was tentatively identified as a Noctule, but Mark Simmons, of Perth Museum, is a bit sceptical - apparently the nearest known Noctule colony is is Wigtownshire! Seven Blue Hares in Glen Shee is the only record. Six Browns on stubble at Windyedge on 27/9 was the only multiple sighting. Singles were seen at Alyth, Kinclaven, Kercock, Broxden and Logiealmond. An albino Red Squirrel was recorded at Forneth in December - remember one was seen by Marlee L. on 1/1/99 ? Four inexpert youngsters were watched scrambling over and around their drey in a Scots pine in a Blairgowrie wood on 14/9. Adults were seen at Faskally, Rosemount, Scone, Kinnoull, Barrihill and Glenfarg. A Grey was a regular (unwelcome) visitor to nut feeders in a Scone garden. Two were seen in trees on Murrayshall Golf Course, and others at Balcraig, Muirward Wood, Kinnoull, Barnhill, on the North Inch, across the Tay in Scone Palace parkland, near Guildtown, Kirkton of Lethendy and Fowlis Wester. A Short-tailed Vole was seen at Kercock on 23/10. A Brown Rat was killed on the A85 at Kinloch, Blairgowrie. The only live Red Fox record comes from the woods in Glenfarg on 8/11; the only dead one on A90 (againI) near Old Kinfauns. Stoat reports are in short supply - one crossing the road at Windyedge on 21/10, and one at Muirend, Murrayshall, on 16 & 21/12, still in brown pelage. A Weasel found dead ina garden at Madderty was thought to have been the victim of a cat. A Ferret was watched hunting along the verge of the Logiealmond to Little Glen Shee road on 12/10. Otter tracks were found in deep snow around a pond in Glen Artney on 5/12. The only Red Deer reported were 24 young stags and hinds in Glen Shee on 1/9. Two Roe were seen on stubble at Windyedge on 27/9, with three in that area on 2/10. Four were at Muirend on 20/10, and five by Scone Race Course on 19/12. Other records came from Blacklunans, Bridge of Cally, Kirkton of Lethendy, Scone and Abercairney.

Other Beasts. Few records, but amn Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White and Red Admiral butterflies were all flying in September; as were Black Darter dragonflies, seen in two localities near Blairgowrie. A single Seven-spot'Ladybird wad found on stubble at Kercock on 25/9.