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CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY SIXTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT 1994

St George Printing Works Ltd • • Tel: (01209) 217033 Contents

Page

Officers for 1995/6 Inside front cover

Chairman's Report - R.J.Hooton 2

Conservation Officer's Report - A.R.Pay 3

Editorial and Review of the Year - S.M.Christophers 4

Contributors 11

Gazetteer 13

Species List for 1994 - S.M.Christophers 15

Exotica 144

British Birds Rarities Committee Decisions 144

Wild Birds Handled by the RSPCA 145

Ringing Report - G. J. Conway 146

Pentire Farm Common Bird Census 155

Glaucous and Iceland Gulls in Cornwall, 1954-1993 - J. Ryan 157

CBWPS Stonechat Survey: 1993 - D. Lord 161

- 1 - Officers 1995/6

President Steve Madge, 2 Church Row, , , PL 11 3EH

Chairman and Membership Secretary Richard Hooton, 17 Hawkens Way, , TR9 6SS (01637 880350) Vice-Chairman Graham Sutton, Westering, Elm Drive, , EX23 8EZ

General Secretary Mike Lord, "Gue Gassel", The , TR12 7PH (01326 290981) Treasurer Roger Jones, 25 Road, , PL25 5JW (01726 72177) Recorder and Editor "Birds in Cornwall" vacant

Assistant Recorder vacant

Conservation Officer Andy Pay, Salena Cottage, , , TR13 0EA

Assistant Conservation Officer Derek Julian, 9 Keraow Close, , PL27 7XB

Research Officer and Field Meetings Greg Conway, Tregenna, Cooksland, , PL31 2AR

> Newsletter Editor Dave Thomas, Mirador, Whitecross, , TR8 4LW (01726 861093) Editor " Bird Report" Peter Robinson, Riviera House, Parade, St Mary's, IoS

Recorder (Isles of Scilly) Will WagstafY, 42 Sally Port, St Mary's, IoS

Honorary Solicitor Greg Adams, Penryn

Committee Members : Stuart Hutchings (Penryn), Vic Simpson () - retire 1996 Gilbert Thomas (), Peter Williams (Sticker) - retire 1997 F. M. Couch (Bodmin), S. Rogers (Truro), and Dr. J. F. Ryan () - retire 1998.

Trustees Francis Couch, Stan Christophers Viv Stratton, Dave Thomas

Cover Photograph Barn Owl Graham Riddell Chairman's Report 1995

Welcome to the 1994 Report - yet another superb effort by all those involved. I am sure you will all enjoy the read.

Where is the Society going ? - a frequently asked question. CBWPS caters for all birders, those in an armchair or those in the field before sun-up. However, what does this actually achieve for the birds of Cornwall ?. Derek Lords' paper (at the end of this report) on his work at Pentire Farm highlighting the plight of farmland birds shows how the Society can achieve something for our birds. So please continue to help us in our surveys, or if you want to, do some of your own fieldwork.

Also, don't forget to recruit those new members - greater membership means better services for all of our members.

Happy birding 1995 Richard Hooton

-2- Conservation Officer's Report The Society's two reserves, at Walmsley Sanctuary, near Wadebridge, and Maer Lake, Bude, (the latter owned jointly with ) have continued to provide havens for plenty of birds and a sprinkling of rarities for plenty of birders. Walmsley is actually under-watched, mainly because the majority of birds on the reserve cannot easily be seen from the existing watchpoints, but it is certainly fulfilling its purpose of providing safe habitat for wildfowl and waders. Plans are afoot for an additional hide and for a new scrape to be created, as well as further juncus control.

New fencing, ditches and sluices are to be provided at Maer Lake thanks to generous funding by the Blanchminster Trust and the National Rivers Authority. As well as huge numbers and variety of wintering birds, the lake has supported breeding Black-headed Gull and Water Rails. Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Temminck's Stint, Eurasian Spoonbill and Marsh Harrier have ensured a steady flow of visiting birders.

At the time of writing we await details of South West Water's proposals for Lower Tamar Lake. An excellent bird haunt in former days, lack of management has led to a general impoverishment of the habitat. We would like to see the dam repaired and the water-level raised, but the cheaper option of lowering the levels and reducing the lake to a fraction of it's former size is likely to be forthcoming.

We continue to be consulted by various bodies and agencies regarding various matters directly affecting bird conservation within the county. In recent months we have passed our comments to the National Rivers Authority on their draft catchment management plans and made representations regarding the Estuary management plan and the voluntary marine conservation area. We have also expressed to English Nature our concern that some inter-tidal zones may be excluded from the new Special Protection Areas and passed on our dismay at the burgeoning harvest of peeler crabs on the Camel Estuary. We are most grateful to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds for supporting the Chi Bunting study in 1995 although the early signs are extremely discouraging. Thanks are especially due to Derek Julian, Peter Robinson and Graham Sutton for their hard work on the conservation front this year. Andy Pay Conservation officer

- 3 - Editorial and Review of the Year

A total of 274 species was reported during the year and found to be acceptable. Over 400 observers submitted records for consideration and as usual the vast majority were of a high standard. Unfortunately there is still a nucleus of birders who are either not aware of the necessity to submit field data for selected species or are too lazy to do so. Pacific Golden Plover was added to the county mainland list, but Olivaceous Warbler has been deleted following a review of all old records by BBRC. Both Desert Wheatear and Arctic Warbler occurred for the fourth time and Franklin's Gull recorded its fifth appearance. Other highlights included increasingly large numbers of Little Egret (but still no proof of breeding), good numbers of Garganey and Wood Lark and a European Roller. The weather of January continued in the same vein as the end of 1993. The mild, wet and windy conditions ensured that there were no influxes of wildfowl or winter thrushes. Overwintering birds included the Pied-billed Grebe at , ten Black- necked Grebes, 77 Little Egrets, two Eurasian Spoonbills, single Tundra and Whooper Swan, 25 White-fronted Geese, the resident drake Ring-necked Duck, four Long-tailed Ducks, a drake Smew, a Little Stint, 14 Wood Larks, 13 Water Pipits and a Rosy Starling.

Rarely has a first winter period produced so few birds of note. Nine Little Auks were identified during the month including one which stayed in St. Ives Bay for six weeks. Two Common Redpolls at Par on 2nd was the sole record for the first winter period whilst an elusive Great Grey Shrike remained at Treslea Downs for three months, but was the only representative of the species for the year. A Long-eared Owl was identified in car headlights at and 33 White-fronted Geese arrived at Upper Tamar Reservoir.

A huge gathering of finches on stubble fields at included 1000 Chaffinch, 500 Greenfinch, 600 Goldfinch and 500 Linnet, whilst at least 500 Brambling fed on linseed at Trebursey. A redhead Smew was found at Loe Pool on 25th and a flock of 25 Wood Larks were located at Rame the following day. By the end of the month the flock had moved to nearby Maker and had increased to 31 birds.

With the exception of 14th and 21st, when snow fell, the month of February was again mild, wet and windy. There were considerable accumulations of snow in some areas of the U.K. but local falls dispersed rapidly. A record 260 Avocets were counted at Tamar Est. and 32 Goldeneye were a new site record at Stithians Res. 23 Common Crossbills were at Halvana on 5th and six more were at on 15th. The honour of the first summer migrant this year was bestowed upon an exceptionally early Swallow at Penzance on February 22nd but this was closely followed by a Northern Wheatear at Looe on 26th. A Black Guillemot at Falmouth on 23rd continued the recent near annual appearance of this former rarity. March weather was changeable. There were wet and windy days interspersed with warm spring like days but strong west or north-west gales at the end of the month. The first of an excellent spring passage of Sand Martins was at on 3rd and the only Hoopoe of the month arrived at the following day. Other assorted migrants noted during the month included an unseasonal Mediterranean Shearwater off

-4- St. Ives, and a Pink-footed Goose at . Two European Serins were found at on 19th, whilst an exceptionally early Reed Warbler was at Marazion and a Hooded Crow arrived at Lands End the following day. Sandwich Tern, Ring Ouzel, Willow Warbler and House Martin all made landfall before the end of the month. The unsettled climatic conditions continued during the first ten days of April before a change to cold northerlies signalled a temporary halt to incoming migrants. The winds were strong and the cold intense - resulting in substantial damage to emergent vegetation. Common migrants were generally late with only Whimbrel, Tree Pipit, Common Tern and Grasshopper Warbler obvious in the first half of the month. Less predictable were a Rosy Starling and a Hoopoe, both at , a Richards Pipit at Lands End Airfield and a European Serin at . The succeeding week proved a barren spell before Common Cuckoo, Common Redstart, Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Pied Flycatcher all arrived simultaneously on 17th. A swing to south to south-east winds by 22nd heralded a significant improvement with Hobby, Arctic Tern, Black Tern, Turtle Dove, Common Swift, Yellow Wagtail, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and Wood Warbler all evident before the month end. Single Purple Herons were found at Poldhu on 29th and Tregembo on 30th and a Red Kite spent two days feeding at a deer farm near . Golden Orioles were to prove numerous this spring with the first at on 29th and another 14 during May, including an atypically confiding male at . North to north-east winds pevailed throughout much of the first half of May and there was particularly heavy rainfall on 2 0th/ 21st. The last third of the month was again changeable.

A wide variety of waders arrived early in the month and included good numbers of Ruff at several sites, three Little Ringed Plovers, Wood Sandpipers at Marazion and , a Dotterel at Trevose and Kentish Plover at Hayle Est. Four Marsh Harriers, a Montagu's Harrier and an Osprey moved through during the first week and there were Woodchat Shrikes at Porthgwarra and Lands End, a Wryneck at and Subalpine Warblers at and Lands End.

An early Long-tailed Skua flew past Porthgwarra on 6th and a good selection of terns in Mounts Bay included both Roseate and Arctic. Star bird however was a radiant summer-plumage Bonaparte's Gull at Mounts Bay for a week. The first of four Hoopoes during the month was found at Lands End Airfield and there was a Tawny Pipit at Porthgwarra on 12th.

Drift Res. attracted a Squacco Heron, thus maintaining the recent upsurge in observations of this elusive heron, and a Purple Heron. A singing Rufous Nightingale was a meritorious spring find at on 13th whilst the increasingly rare Red- backed Shrike was represented by a male at the same day. Conversely, Black Kites have become almost annual in recent years and therefore one at Catchall was not totally unexpected. Other rare raptors continued to move through to the month end with two Montagu's Harrier, a Honey-Buzzard and an Osprey all reported.

The most exciting discovery of the spring was a European Roller at Penlee Point on 29th - if it had sojourned a little longer it would surely have attracted the largest audience of the year.

After a gale with accompanying heavy rain on the 3rd, June was characterized by dry sunny weather. Rainfall was less than 50% of the long-term average and sunshine hours were above the norm. Rare birds during the month included a male Red-footed Falcon at Downs, two Red Kites flying over and an adult Rosy Starling at Sennen. Tape-

-5- luring for European Storm-petrels at Rumps Point produced the first of 82 birds to be trapped and ringed, whilst Cory's Shearwater passage got underway with the first off Porthgwarra on 26th.

Many species appeared to have suffered in the changeable weather of late May. Pied Flycatcher had a disastrous season, as did Grey Partridge and Little Owl, whilst Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were increasingly scarce and the enigmatic Chi Bunting continued to give cause for concern.

Three pairs of Great Crested Grebes were successful, Canada Geese bred at eight sites and six pairs of Dartford Warblers were located at the main colony. Siskins continued to colonise new areas and Common Crossbills were noted at four sites. Most intriguing however was the discovery of three hybrid Pied-billed/Little Grebe fledglings at . July was a generally hot, dry and humid month with daytime temperatures up to six degrees Farenheit above the norm. Bird movement was limited but small numbers of waders including Little Ringed Plover and Wood Sandpiper moved through the county and the first of 20 autumn Garganey arrived at Stithians. Perhaps the most beguiling sighting of the year concerned two male Common Rosefinch in the Upper Fowey Valley July 12th. The observer commented that the presence of adult males during summer is usually indicative of breeding nearby.

Five Common Quail were heard calling during the month and an early returning Osprey was at Drift Res. on 26th. Late summer sea-watching off Porthgwarra was less apparent this year but 15 Cory's Shearwaters passed there Aug 1st.

August proved to be a most unsettled month throughout with almost daily precipitation. Consequently it proved a most interesting month for migrant birds. Marazion proved attractive with up to seven Spotted Crakes and six Aquatic Warblers to the fore. Elsewhere, raptors included two Ospreys and a Marsh Harrier whilst waders were represented by exceptionally early Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Stithians on 12th, Pectoral Sandpiper at Crowdy on 16th and the county's first Pacific Golden Plover at Hayle on 26th. This last bird was identified only as a result of punctilious note-taking. A Red-backed Shrike was at Nanquidno on 11th and passerine migration was well under way with Pied Flycatcher at Lizard, a Melodious Warbler at Cot, a Rufous Nightingale at Penlee and the first of a comparatively poor (by recent standards) autumn movement of Siskin. Sea-watching improved towards the end of the month with a Long-tailed Skua off Porthgwarra on 21st and two Sabine's Gulls off Pendeen on 26th.

September was characteristically unsettled. A westerly air stream predominated bringing with it torrential rain on several occasions and low temperatures. A brief spell of north- easterlies 21st - 23rd produced a scattering of unusual migrants. The first half of the month revolved mainly around waders and seabirds. Wilson's Phalarope at Lower Tamar Lake and a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Sennen were both found on 4th, while up to four of the latter, a Dotterel and a Pectoral Sandpiper haunted the Kynance area mid-month. Another Pectoral Sandpiper was at Lands End and a Long-billed Dowitcher was identified at Airfield.

Prime sea-watching conditions on 9th produced good numbers of Sooty Shearwaters, a Leach's Storm-petrel and up to eight Sabine's Gulls off the north coast, with a Great Shearwater off St. Agnes the following day. This gale was also responsible for depositing the autumn's most sought after bird, a Red-necked Phalarope which provided crippling views for several days at Perranporth Boating Lake. Raptors included a Marsh Harrier at Crowdy Res, a Honey Buzzard at and a Montagu's Harrier at Kynance - completing a purple patch for this underwatched area.

-6- The last Common Cuckoo of the year and an Ortolan Bunting were logged at Porthgwarra on the 6th. The plight of the Corn Crake has been well-documented and breeding has not been suspected in Cornwall for 20 years, thus the finding of a migrant is a red-letter day. The fortunate observer of one at Lands End on 18th, also located an Ortolan Bunting there the same day.

The last ten days of September yielded the usual array of summer and winter visitors. The presence of a Saker Falcon at Lynher Est. on 20th caused panic amongst flocks of feeding waders, but will doubtless ruffle few feathers with BBRC. Two species whose occurrence has multiplied rapidly over the last 15 years are the Yellow-browed Warbler and Lapland Longspur. This year they arrived concomitantly on 22nd but were to enjoy different fortunes. Yellow-browed Warblers were again numerous with up to 21 birds reported, conversely Lapland Longspur suffered its poorest passage since 1983. A Red- billed Chough on a remote stretch of coastline near Duckpool was an excellent reward for coastal path-walkers and a wandering Glossy Ibis was noted at .

Notable wildfowl included two Ruddy Ducks at Crowdy and a gaggle of six of the increasingly regular Pink-footed Goose. Exceptional counts of Grey Heron were made in September with up to 45 at Tamar Est. and 43 each at St. Johns Lake and Camel Est. The first half of October was dry, sunny, warm and settled with winds from a predominantly easterly quarter but there was a return to unsettled conditions from 18th. As a result passage of most migrants went unimpeded and few rarities were reported. Two species which did flourish were Little Egret which peaked at 172 individuals in the county and Richard's Pipit which occurred in unprecedented numbers in the last quarter of the year.

Perhaps the most twitched birds of the autumn were the party of six Ruddy Shelduck at Drift Res. and Hayle Est. This species origin is always suspect but after a significant incursion into Western Europe this autumn many observers believe that these were from genuine wild stock.

A European Serin at Lizard was a good find on 4th, lingering long enough for many observers to catch up with this elusive species. Four Red-breasted Flycatchers were found and juvenile Rosy Starlings frequented gardens at and Langore. A Eurasian Spoonbill had returned to Lynher Est. by 7th and six Pink-footed Geese visited the Camel Estuary the same day. A Hawfinch flew over Lands End on 11th, whilst an interesting variety of birds the following day included single Honey-buzzard at Holmbush, Osprey at Lynher Est, Barred Warbler at Lands End and Arctic Warbler at Kenidjack. Despite becoming regular passage migrants on the east coast of the U.K. both Red- throated Pipit and Pallas's Leaf Warbler remain much sought-after rarities in Cornwall. Unfortunately, single pipits at Sennen on 14th and Pentire on 18th were both brief stayers, but two of the three warblers between October 24th and November 6th were well-watched. Snow Buntings again proved scarce but the second Corn Crake of the autumn was flushed at Pentire on 19th.

Rare seabirds included a Great Shearwater off Porthgwarra on 17th, an adult Franklin's Gull at Hayle Est. on 22nd and a pristine adult Long-tailed Skua at Newquay sewage outfall on 25th. Horned Lark and Tawny Pipit at and an obliging Hawfinch at Bodmin completed a generally disappointing month.

Although November was a damp month temperatures regularly reached the mid- 60's °F., ensuring the mildest November since 1659. Strong north-easterly winds on 2nd drifted many thousands of Fieldfare, Redwing and Chaffinch across the county and three days later the first major movement of Wood Pigeon of the autumn. Four extremely late Common Swift were noted during the month

-7- including one at on 29th, and flocks of 16 and ten Wood Larks were found at Maker and respectively. Richard's Pipits continued to pop up with a maximum of five at on 17th. The county's fourth Desert Wheatear on 27th was typically late and lingered well into December before it or another was relocated at Hayle just before Christmas. Five Ruddy Shelduck were a surprise find at Tamar Est. on 28th, but were they the Hayle birds on a day trip?

The first ten days and the last week of December were wet and windy with storms at the end of the year. Sandwiched between was a short spell of colder dry weather. Early attention focused on excellent late sea-watching. Newquay fared well with a flock of 12 adult Little Gulls on 4th plus single Leach's Storm-petrel and Grey Phalarope on 8th. Most unusual were a Northern Gannet flying over Holm bush on 4th, a Black Guillemot at Helford on 7th and an Arctic Skua at Tamar Est. on 8th. A Garganey at Mawgan Porth from 7th was most unseasonal and the last Richard's Pipit was at Bay on 12th.

Hen Harrier roost watchers found a Long-eared Owl at Tregonetha on 16th, whilst unusual wildfowl included a Ruddy Duck at Loe Pool, Long-tailed Duck at Fowey Est. and the sole record of Velvet Scoter of the year, off . The storms at the end of the year produced exhilarating sea-watching with Leach's Storm-petrel, up to 150 Great Skua, 12 Pomarine Skua, Arctic Skua and Little Auk all logged.

Overwintering birds into 1995 included the resident Pied-billed Grebe, 15 Black-necked Grebes, 127 Little Egrets, a Eurasian Spoonbill, the resident drake Ring-necked Duck and up to 250 Avocets. Thanks To everyone who submitted records for inclusion in this report. To John Cook for extracting data for the section Red-legged Partridge to House Martin. To Dave Conway for NWC and BOEE counts. To Steve Madge for information from the CFNHC file. To Franko Maroevic for information from the Birding Southwest file. To Greg Conway for the ringing report. To John Hawkey, Graham Riddell, Graham Sutton and Pete Walsh for photographs. To Terry Hales, Ren Hathway, John Holmes, Richard James, Phil Rutter, Mike Thomas and John Walters for sketches. To Rex Harper, Derek Lord and John Ryan for articles. To Dave Flumm, Ted Griffiths, Steve Madge, Andy Pay, John Ryan, Roger Smaldon and Victor Tucker for advice and decisions concerning county rarities and contentious records. To Angela Downton for the typing of this report, and for her patience in deciphering my notes and dictation.

-8- WILDFOWL and WADER COUNTS Responsibility for organising and collating these important counts has now passed to D. A. Conway, Tregenna, Cooksland, Bodmin, PL31 2AR. Volunteer counters are always required and anyone interested is asked to contact Dave at the address above.

RARITIES National rarities Reports of national rarities must be accompanied by a full field description, preferably made in the field. Sketches and photographs can be of great assistance but are not normally returnable. These descriptions should be submitted to the Recorder as soon as possible after the occurrence, and should wherever practicable be written on the appropriate form available from the Recorder or from the Secretary to BBRC, M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, St. Ives, Cornwall, TR26 3AZ.

County rarities Owing to the sheer welter of work undertaken voluntarily by members of BBRC the species considered by them is constantly under review. From time to time species establish a regular and frequent pattern of occurrence in the U.K. At such times these species may be removed from the list of National Rarities, whereupon they are automatically installed into the framework of the list of County rarities. The latter list is also constantly under review and changes are regularly made.

Three species (Ring-necked Duck, Short-toed Lark and Litde Bunting) were removed from the BBRC list in 1993 and are now incorporated in the County Rarities list. In addition, in an attempt to alleviate some of the paperwork encountered by conscientious observers, the amount of detail required for a number of county rarities has been re-appraised. SUBMISSION OF RECORDS Records should follow the order shown in this Report; not alphabetical order or diary form. Adherence to these basic guide-lines greatly facilitates the extraction of information from observers' notes. Records for 1995 should be sent to the Recorder by 15th January 1996 at the latest. However, to assist with the early publication of the Report I would be pleased to receive the bulk of the records at any time during the year. Finally, I apologise for any errors or omissions which are attributable to me. I also welcome any constructive criticism or idea which might improve the Report. Stanley Christophers County rarities requiring a full description are marked with an asterisk. Those requiring fewer notes, but still sufficient to justify the identification, remain unmarked.

Red-necked Grebe Sabine's Gull Black-necked Grebe * Ring-billed Gull * Leach's Storm-petrel Iceland Gull Cory's Shearwater * Glaucous Gull Great Shearwater * Roseate Tern Great Bittern Arctic Tern Little Egret Black Guillemot Purple Heron * Long-eared Owl White Stork * European Bee-eater * Bean Goose * Short-toed Lark * Pink-footed Goose Wood Lark White-fronted Goose (juvenille) Horned Lark * Greylag Goose Richard's Pipit * Snow Goose * Tawny Pipit Ruddy Shelduck * Water Pipit Garganey * Yellow Wagtail (all variants) Red-crested Pochard Bohemian Waxwing Ring-necked Duck * Rufous Nightingale * Ferruginous Duck * Bluethroat * Greater Scaup Cetti's Warbler Surf Scoter * Savi's Warbler * Velvet Scoter * Aquatic Warbler * Smew Marsh Warbler * Ruddy Duck * Icterine Warbler * Honey-buzzard * Melodious Warbler * Red Kite * Barred Warbler * Marsh Harrier * Pallas's Leaf Warbler * Montagu's Harrier * Yellow-browed Warbler Northern Goshawk * Red-breasted Flycatcher * Rough-legged Buzzard * Bearded Tit Osprey Willow Tit * Hobby Golden Oriole Spotted Crake Red-backed Shrike Corn Crake * Great Grey Shrike Common Crane * Woodchat Shrike * Stone-curlew * Red-billed Chough Little Ringed Plover Tree Sparrow Kentish Plover European Serin * Dotterel Twite * Temminck's Stint * Common Rosefinch * Pectoral Sandpiper * Hawfinch Buff-breasted Sandpiper * Lapland Longspur Red-necked Phalarope * Little Bunting * Pomarine Skua Ortolan Bunting * Long-tailed Skua * Cirl Bunting In addition, the Recorder may at any time request full details of an unusual occurence.

Records of listed species which are not accompanied by adequate detail will not be included in "Birds of Cornwall".

- 10- Contributors Abbott, R Clegg, D Gunn, S D & Mrs V Abrams, C Collinge, D T Gynn, GG&DrEG Ahmad, M Colliver, N A Haes, E C M Akers, P G Combridge, M C , P & Hale, T S Aley, P H Mrs S M Hall, Ms M C Allen, K Conway, D A & Hallam, N J Andrew, R Mrs I M E Halliday, S Archer, G Conway, G J Hanby, DrAM Archer, M Cook, E J Hando, N Archer, Mrs N Cotton, D J Harper, Miss M Archer, S Couch, F M Harper, R & Mrs J Ashby, S Courtnell, D R Harris, J Ashmore, Mrs F Cox, B Harvey, DrHJ Aston, A E C Cox, S J Hathway, Mrs A C Barker, D J & Mis D C Craven, B T Hawken, B J Barron, S T Critchlow, M A Hawker, B Batty, C Crowdy Res Hide Log Hawkes, M Beck, Mrs S Darke, N Hawkey, J Bedford, R J Dibble, CF.K&D , J Beer, C Dickson, J & Mrs B P Healan, M J Beer, M Disley, A S Heather, S M J Beesley, C & Mrs C Downton, Mrs A M Henry, R E Bennallick, J Drake, C Heron Cottage Bird Log Bennett, C R K Dunstan, R Hickman, A Berry, I Dursley Birders Hillman, R A Bingham, C L Edmonds, P Hobday, Mrs P Bird, S J Edwards, S B Hobin, G Birding South West Elliott, P Hollins, M Birkett, W E Ellis, Mrs R Holmes, J S (JSH) Birkin, M J Ellis, Mrs S Honeychurch, F H Blatchford, M Eva, D Hooper, R W Blonden, A & P Eyre, C Hormbrey, N F Blowers, B D Fair bank, R J Hosking, W H Boland, P Fleming, K Humphries, M Bond,A J Ford, R W Hurst, J S Bond, S J Flumm, D S Hutchings, S C Bousfield, Mrs P Rynn, J Hutchins, F Bowman, F Foster, Mr & Mrs J Huxley, G H Bray, D Fox, Mrs M Irving, R Brierley, P & Mrs P Fray, R Jackson, D Bryden, J D Frost, M P Jackson, G C Bryne,B N Gask, J Jackson-Cox, M W Buggins, J George, C & M James, E C Butler, N M Gibbon, D James, J W Butts, R Gilbert, J S James, P Field and Gilmour, J & Mrs C James, R C Natural History Club Glaves, D James, R M R Carne, T M & Miss E J Glue, D Jayne, A Carson, Mr & Mrs J Gould, F Johnson, D L Chown, D J Gould, R W Johnson, R Christmas, S G Grace, E Johnstone, E Christophers, B T S Grand, Mrs Johnstone, N Christophers, E M Grant, I & G Jonas, H Christophers, S M , Gray,J Jones, C Mrs A D & Miss H M Greenstreet, P Jones, Mrs K Chugg,B Greenwood, R Jones, P G Churchill, D & S Griffiths, E Jones, R A Clarke, Mrs A Grundon, A Joyner, A & Mrs A

- 11 - Julian, D I Pattenden, B Stockhausen, B & J Kay, T R Pawluck, M Stone, Mrs G Kemp, R Pay, A R & Mrs H C Stone, Mr & Mrs P Kendall, I Payne, D H Stuart-Smith, J King, H Peard, J Sutcliffe, A Kingston, P Pearman, Mrs S J Sutton, G P Kinley, I Pease, A R Tamar Estuary Group Knight, D Pellow, K Tamblin, G J Kolodziejski, S Penhallurick, R D Taylor, S Lane, R Perkins, R J Tetley, Air Vice Langford, T Perry, A Marshall J F H Langley, B Phillips, Mr & Mrs A Thexton, D Large, S Phillips, J Thomas, D L & Lawman, J M Phillips, N J & V E Mrs SB Lawson, M Phillips, N R Thomas, G H Lee, R J Phillips, Miss R M Thomas, M Leggatt, M Phillips, Mr & Mrs T F Thompson, K Lewis, A E Piercy, M I Tite, Ms C Lewis, D Pilbeam, S Todd, D M Lewis, G D Pilkington, G Todd, P Ley, W & G Potts, F Toohig, T J Lingard, D Powell, L S & E M Tout, Mrs M C Lister, S C Prophet, A I Tremewan, G Lock,L Randall, J M Tremewan, P Lord, D Reay, P J Triggs, F Lord, M & Mrs A Reddicliffe, Mrs C M Trollope, C Lord, N G Reed, P Truscott, LAC Mackonochie, A G Renals, F & A E Tucker, V R & Mrs S R McMahon, S Rhodes, P Turpitt, L W McVey, P J Ridell, G Tyzzer, J G Madge, S C Riddle, T Vaughan, G A Madge, S G Riley, R D Visick, Mrs M P Maker, P A Rogers, M J Wake, R E & Mrs J A Mander, Rev & Mrs Rogers, S Wakelin, P A Mann, H Rosier, A B Walmsley Sanctuary Hide Marchant, J Rowe, S G Log Maroevic, F Rule, M J Walsh, P Marsh, C Rutter, P A & Mrs J Walters, J M Marshall, R Ryan, Dr J F Watts, R Matter, A J St Pierre, P A Webb, B L Mason, C Sari, L A H Weight, C Masters, C F Sawle, A C Wightman, M K Matta, C & Mrs C Scammel, P West S Mellow, B K Seddon, M F Whillock, J & N Meredith, Miss H Semmens, Mrs S White, C Miles, H G Shaw, M White, G R & Mrs M Mitchell, P Sillifant, P T White, R W Moncaster, C Simms, I White, W J Morrison, D G Smaldon, R Whitworth, Dr C Mortemore, J Smith, L A & Mrs F M Wicks, S C Mountain, S Smith, M Williams, C Musgrove, A J Smith, R L Williams, E H Nash, P Solomon, K S Williams, L P Newell, M A Sparks, C J Williams, P Nicolai, B Spear, L Wills, K B Northcott, W C Spiller, H A Wilson, D Odell, D J Spong, P Wilson, E J O'Shea, P Standi van, I Wilson, J H W Page, Mrs H Stephenson, G C Wilson, M G Park, A J & Mrs S A Stewart, W Wolfenden, W A R & M Parodi, Miss L Stithians Hide Log Wooding, D & Mrs S

- 12 - Wotton, B C Yelland, D M R.A.F.O.S. Wright, J B.T.O. R.S.P.B. Yapp, M Gazetteer This list covers some of the more obscure place names mentioned in the Systematic List. It is by no means exhaustive.

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

Advent SX 1082 Golitha SX 2268 Antony House SX 4156 Goonzion Downs SX 1767 Bastreet SX 2476 Great Grogley SX 0167 Bearah Tor SX 2574 Gribbin Head SX0949 SX 2775 Gulval SW4831 Bochym SW 6820 Gunver Head SW 8977 Bonython SW 6920 SW6620 Bosistow SW 3623 Halvana SX 2178 SX 0689 Harlyn Bay SW 8775 Boswednack SW4437 Hawkstor Clay Pit SX 1474 SW 3632 Hayle Kimbro Pool SW 6916 Bounds Cliff SX 0281 SX 0661 SX 1882 SX2160 SX 3374 SX 3057 SX 0561 Holmbush SX0452 Brew SW 3625 Hustyn SX 0069 Bussow SW 5039 Kea SW 8142 SW 7214 SW 7660 Caerthillian SW 6912 SW 3730 Carluddon SX 0155 Kenidjack SW 3532 Carnanton SW 8864 Kennack Sands SW 7316 Cam Galver SW 4236 Killigerran Head SW 8732 Catchall SW 4327 SX 4350 Cleave Camp SS 2012 SW 8950 Clowance SW 6234 Lamelgate SX 2170 Comm Head SW 9480 Lamorna SW 4524 Constantine SW 7329 SX 3760 SW 8574 SX 4361 Coombe Valley SS 2011 SX 2283 Cot SW 3630 SX 1751 SX 4268 SS 2606 SX 3654 SX 1356 SW 7861 SW 9172 Crean SW 3924 Loe Bar SW6424 Croft Pascoe SW 7319 SW 7434 SW 7857 Long Island SX0790 SX 0382 Loveney SX 1875 Deadmans Cove SW 6143 Lye Rock SX0689 SW 7938 SW 7829 Dodman SX 0039 Maer Lake SS 2007 SX 3253 Maker SX 4351 Dowran SW 3830 SX 1051 Duckpool SS 2011 SX 2962 Dunmere SX 0468 SX 2653 Eagles Nest SW 4638 Minions SX 2671 Foage SW 4637 Mouls SW 9381 Froe Creek SW 8633 Mount Edgcumbe SX 4552

- 13- Nanjizal SW 3523 St Bury an SW 4025 Nanquidno SW 3629 SW 8970 SX0366 SW 7921 Nare Head SW9137 SW 3822 Ninestones Bridge SX 2173 St Loy SW 4233 North Hill SX 2776 Seaton SX 3054 Notter Bridge SX 3860 Short Island SX 0790 Otterham SX 1589 Sithney SW 6329 SX 2054 Smallacombe SX 2275 Penberth SW 4022 Stannon Clay Pit SX 1280 Pendarves SW 6437 SW 9178 Pendower SW 9038 Bay SX 2251 SX 0147 Tehidy SW6443 Pentire SW 9280 The Sisters SX 1093 SW 8534 Towednack SW 4838 SW 7738 SX 2677 Perranuthnoe SW 5429 Trebursey SX 3083 SX 3664 Treen SW 3922 SX 2580 Trefusis SW8133 Point SW 8138 Tregadillet SX 2983 Polbathic SX 3457 Tregantle SX 3852 SX 0169 Tregardock SX 0483 Poldhu SW 6619 Tregaseal SW 3731 SW 3723 Tregathenan SW 6530 Polhawn SX 4149 Tregavethan SW 7747 Polridmouth SX 1050 Tregonetha Downs SW9662 SW 7215 Trelowarren SW 7125 SW 8572 SW 4430 Portgaverme SX 0080 Lake SW 8160 SW 9541 Tresemple Pool SW 8544 SW8021 Tresungers Point SX 0081 Porth Joke SW 7760 Trethurgy SX 0455 Porth Mear SW 8471 SW 4740 Porthmissen SW 8976 Trevorrian SW 3726 Portloe SW 9339 SW 8975 Porth Navas SW 7527 Common SW 4636 Port Quin SW 9780 Treyarnon Bay SW 8574 SX 3553 Troon SW 6638 Predannack SW 6816 Trythall SW 4433 SW 5527 SW 7441 SX 3164 Upton Towans SW 5739 Ranie Point SX 0281 Varley Head SW 9881 Respryn SX 0963 Walmsley Sanctuary SW 9974 SW 4236 Wendron SW 6731 Rosenannon SW9566 SW 7761 Ruan Major SW 7016 Wiggle SX 4250 Rumps Point SW 9381 Winnards Perch SW9266 St Antony Head SW 8430 SW 9965

- 14 - SPECIES LIST FOR 1994 a) Species are listed in the order shown in 'The British Birds List of Western Paleartic Birds' published in 1993 and obtainable from 'British Birdshop', Subbuteo Books, Treuddyn, Mold, Clywd, CH7 4LN, priced £1. b) The new list takes account of many proposed and/or necessary name changes. These names are incorporated into this Report and where appropriate the former name is acknowledged. No doubt the changes will have caused some confusion, but observers are requested to continue using the new names when submitting records. c) Under the majority of species sightings are listed in date order, ie localities with Jan. records are placed first, and those with Dec. last. This avoids dividing the County into geographical or topographical regions which can lead to confusion when extracting data from reports. d) The table marked 'Approximate Monthly County Total' illustrates the maximum possible number of birds present in the County per month. Mobility of individual birds is taken into account and mis should help to explain any anomaly between this table and the next section. e) The 'Regular reports and maximum numbers' table replaces in many instances, the BOEE and NWC counts used in previous reports. The new figures represent the maximum count in each month, unlike the tables they supersede which were often ambiguous when compared with other published data. f) For many species, a complete review of historical data has been undertaken and from these the 'Monthly breakdown' and 'Top sites' have been calculated. Wherever possible due regard has been given to rare birds wandering from site to site but with several species, notably seabirds, this has proved impractical. g) Abbreviations are kept to an absolute minimum, but two which are regularly implemented are 'Est' for estuary, and 'Res' for reservoir. The symbol'-' in the various tables indicates that either no birds were present or that no count was received for that particular month. h) Please note the following name definitions : i) Porthgwarra includes the area south of the line drawn from Cam Les Boel to St Levan. ii) Mounts Bay refers only to that part of the bay between and Marazion. iii) refers to the Bay East of Looe, and not the Bay of the same name at Sennen. iv) includes Par Bay. v) Pentire Point refers to the headland north of , unless otherwise stated. vi) Penlee Point refers to the headland south of Torpoint, not the point near Mousehole. vii) Porth Mear - the valley near Porthcothan, not the cove of a similar name near . References Penhallurick, R.D. 'Birds of the Cornish Coast' Truro 1969. Penhallurick, R.D. 'The Birds of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly', Penzance 1978. Rodd, E.H. 'The Birds of Cornwall' London 1880. Ryves, B.H. 'Birdlife in Cornwall' London 1948 Cornwall Bird watching and Preservation Society Reports 1931-1993. Caradon Field and Natural History Club Report 1994. Chown, D.J. & Akers, P.G. 'A Survey of the Breeding Birds of ' 1984.

- 15- RED-THROATED DIVER - Gavia stellata Uncommon winter visitor. Passage migrant. Widely distributed in small numbers along the sheltered south coast but more numerous along the north coast particularly between Perranporth and in spring. Whilst these flocks are large for Cornwall they are considerably smaller than the parties of several hundreds reported almost annually off Hartland Point, North . During 1994 there were records of this species at 26 sites, 14 on the south coast and 12 on the north coast. Birds were more numerous in the first half of the year and there was a light spring passage from early March to early May. The last were singles off Looe and Porthgwarra May 6th. Autumn passage commenced with one west at St. Agnes Sept 10th - the earliest since 1986. The next was a single at Carasew Pool Oct 20th but few were noted until the end of the year. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 49 26 53 15 2 - - - 1 7 7 1 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head 4 2 - 6 3 3 Seaton 20 12 4 1 Looe 10 - - 1 1 Mounts Bay 3 1 1 St Ives/ Bay 4 3 5 1 3 - 1 Newquay 6 - 27 2 4 Trevose Head/ Harlyn 8 5 10 1 1 4 - All other reports concerned just one or two birds. The peak counts at Seaton and Newquay were record counts there whilst the peak count at Looe was the highest there since 1982. BLACK-THROATED DIVER - Gavia artica Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Predominantly a bird of the more sheltered south coast with large gatherings in the to Carrick Roads area. / Bay regularly attracts up to five per cent of the UK winter total. Reasonable numbers are also reported from St. Austell Bay and occasionally Mounts and St. Ives Bays. Birds were reported from 29 sites during the year, 20 on the south coast, eight on the north coast and one inland. Unfortunately, observations in the main wintering area in January/February were incomplete and therefore those totals are again below the recent norm. Spring passage was notable from mid March to mid May with the last at Gerrans Bay May 17th. One was again noted in Gerrans Bay Jul 15th - 29th but there was no more until two in Oct 22nd. The end of year total was above the recent average. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 43 33 94 56 14 - 1 - - 3 35 138 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head 1 2 1 11 7 3 26 Seaton 4 1 1 Veryan Bay 5 35 11 16 2 Gerrans Bay 8 9 18 12 5 - 1 - - - 13 22 Falmouth Bay 1 4 7 15 2 68 Mounts Bay 5 5 3 1 1 St Ives/Carbis Bay 3 2 21 4 - - - - - 2 - - The peak count at Falmouth was a new record for that site and the highest anywhere in Cornwall since 1989, whilst 21 flying west at St. Ives Mar 13th was a most unusual

- 16- north coast spring record and the highest count at that locality since 1977. Off Rame Head, 24 moved west Dec 24th and was another site record. Elsewhere there were flocks of six at Helford Est. Jan 1st - 7th, five at Jan 4th, four at Looe Jan 24th, four at Mar 19th, seven at Maenporth Dec 6th and ten at Dec 15th. All other reports concerned one or two birds. The only inland bird was reported from Drift Res. Jan 11th. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - Gavia immer Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although the most widespread of the diver species, most birds tend to be solitary and rarely form anything more than small "rafts", unlike the more gregarious Red and Black- throated Divers. Recent observations have illustrated the importance of St. Austell Bay for this species with good numbers also occurring in Very an, Gerrans, Mounts and St. Ives Bays. Birds were reported from 33 sites during the year, 23 on the south coast, nine on the north coast and one inland. Despite good numbers passing in the gales of December 1993, the number which overwintered was only average. Several new birds arrived during February and there was a light spring passage which ended with one flying west at Rame Head May 30th A singleton was noted at Carrie k Roads Jul 16th and Aug 30th but the first autumn migrant flew west off Newquay Sep 15th. The next was one west at Rame Head Oct 15th. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 50 64 64 33 32 - 1 1 1 13 21 71 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St Johns Lake 2 2 1 3 Rame Head 2 1 7 5 6 - - - - 2 - 6 Seaton 2 5 5 Looe 2 12 2 6 St Austell Bay 6 4 4 3 4 4 8 Very an Bay - 7 7 3 3 Gerrans Bay 2 9 4 9 1 4 11 Falmouth/Carrick Roads 4 4 4 1 - - 1 1 - - 2 3 Helford Est 2 2 3 3 4 Mounts Bay 2 5 2 2 2 - - - - 1 4 1 5 4 6 6 2 15 Hayle Est 5 3 2 1 1 Newquay 11 1 1 - 6 Elsewhere there were peaks of five at Pentewan Mar 17th, five at Portwrinkle Mar 19th, a total of 14 west at Porthgwarra between May 1st - 12th, four at Camel Est. Dec 13th and four at Maenporth Dec 14th. No other site attracted more than three at any time. Unusual were singles flying inland at Camel Est. Jan 3rd and Mounts Bay May 12th and one flying west over Holmbush May 22nd. Diver sp. A total of seven were noted off Rame Head between Jan 8th and May 14th, three were off Seaton Mar 5th, and two flew west at Zennor Nov 1st. PIED-BILLED GREBE - Podylimbus podiceps Rare vagrant. The bird from 1992 remained at Stithians Res. throughout the year and into 1995. This was despite the appearance of a Pied-billed Grebe at Tresco Pool, Scilly in October and the apparent disappearance of the Stithians bird at the same time. Many observers speculated that the Stithians bird had moved on and this may have resulted from a combination of rising water level and general disinterest in the Stithians bird. However,

- 17- regular and patient observers were rewarded with glimpses of the Cornish bird. Quite remarkably, it was heard calling on the cut-off during May and June and mated with a Little Grebe. The Pied-billed Grebe, which was later proved to be a male, was seen carrying small fish to three hybrid offspring during early July. As water levels dropped the Pied-billed Grebe and its mate transferred to the main reservoir where a second nest was built in front of the hide. However, this nest was abandoned as the water receded leaving the nest high and dry. At least two of the hybrid young remained until December 3rd but only one was noted early in 1995.

Pied-billed x Little Grebes hybrid young Richard James LITTLE GREBE - Tachybaptus mficollis Scarce resident. Occasionally breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding was proved only at Stithians Reservoir and Sunwell Ponds, Antony. At Stithians one pair raised two broods of four and three young. A second pair built a nest but failed to raise any offspring. At Sunwell Ponds a pair raised two broods. Other breeding season records included one at Swanpool in May, one at Walmsley Sane. May 20th, two at Jun 4th and one at Loe Pool Jun 23rd. The first return bird in autumn was at Swanpool Jul 29th. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec % 97 67 16 5 6 10 25 45 100 121 127 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb ]Ma r Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St Johns Lake 6 5 3 - - - - 2 4 11 16 12 Lynher Est 6 8 3 1 3 7 12 Siblyback Res 2 2 2 3 2 5 Looe Est 5 4 1 - 2 3 Fowey Est 4 2 ------2 - - Par 2 2 2 2 2 - 4 10 9 7 - - - - 5 6 9 9 10

- 18- Swanpool 5 3 5 1 1 1 1 2 14 8 5 Argal Res 2 4 1 - - - - 1 1 - 5 - Stithians Res 3 1 2 2 1 2 5 5 7 9 4 5 Helford Est 2 8 5 1 2 13 9 Loe Pool 7 6 6 2 - 1 - 7 5 10 4 4 Marazion/ 1 - 1 - - - - 1 1 5 3 2 Drift Res 7 8 10 2 - - - - 1 6 12 14 Hayle Est 14 11 6 4 8 14 16 Harlyn Bay Pools 2 3 1 2 3 5 Camel Est 8 8 6 3 4 7 15 Five were at St. Just in Rose land in February and four frequented Pendarves Lake in September but all other reports concerned three or less birds. GREAT CRESTED GREBE - Podiceps cristatus Rare resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred successfully at Lower Tamar Lake in 1930 but no further attempts made until 1985. The following table illustrates recent events: figures represent number of young fledged; n = nest unsuccessful; p = present but not known to have bred. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Lower Tamar Lake 2 2 2 3 1 1 1 Crowdy Res 1 2 P 3 - 2 - Colliford Res n p 1 p - - - P - - - - At Colliford, pairs were present during June and a nest containing three eggs was predated. At Dozmary Pool a pair with a juvenile were present Jun 25th but were thought to have bred elsewhere. A juvenile on a small pond at Inny Vale, Davidstow on Aug 26th died there the next day. Its origin was not known.

Approximate monthly county total (Away from breeding sites): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 29 22 10 4 4 5 2 4 9 13 15 28 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 St Johns Lake 4 4 1 _ 2 4 Lynher Est 13 14 8 2 2 - 2 - 5 9 10 14 Siblyback Res 1 1 1 - - Dozmary Pool - - 1 1 - 3 - Colliford Res - - 2 3 3 4 - _ 1 _ _ Crowdy Res - - 2 3 2 3 3 2 - - - - Lower Tamar Lake 3 4 9 2 2 2 4 4 2 4 4 4 Elsewhere there were three at Helford Est. Jan 15th and one or two at 15 other sites. The first autumn migrants were a single at Drift Res. Aug 13th followed by two at Argal Res. the next day. Unusual reports included singles west at Porthgwarra Sep 18th and Oct 5th and one west at Newquay Dec 29th.

RED-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps grisegna Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. The majority are reported from the sheltered bays of the south coast between Par and Falmouth but regular north coast sites include St. Ives Bay, Hayle Est. and Camel Est. Only one overwintered from 1994, two arrived Jan 1st and several were located early in February. The last in spring was one which lingered at Falmouth until Apr 4th and the first return bird was off St. Ives Oct 23rd.

- 19- Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 11 7 1 - - - - - 1 3 17 Hayle Est: one from 1994 to Feb 7th RAJ LPW et al. Falmouth: one or two Jan 1st - Apr 4th TSH MT et al One or two Dec 6th into 1995 CLB. et al. Mounts Bay: singles Jan 1st - 9th and Mar 26th. BKM. JH. et al. St Ives: one flew west Feb 5th. NJP. One Oct 23rd. NJH. NJP. VEP. et al. Three Dec 31st DSF. Veryan Bay: three Feb 9th and Mar 19th SMC. GJC. Two Dec 15th GJC. Gerrans Bay: one Feb 9th - Mar 19th SMC. et al. Six Dec 16th GJC. Helford Est: two Feb 9th with one to 18th RCJ LAHS. One Nov 11th into 1995 but three Dec 19th LAHS. et al. Tamar Est: one Feb 17th SCM. St Austell Bay: one Nov 25th - 27th RAJ. PAW. Mevagissey: one Nov 29th GJC. Newquay: one flew west close inshore Dec 7th SMC.

SLAVONIAN GREBE - Podiceps auritus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Largest parties occur along the south coast between Par and Falmouth but small numbers regularly frequent several north coast sites, notably St. Ives Bay, Hayle Est. and Camel Est. Whilst the preceding species has become more numerous in recent years, the Slavonian Grebe has become increasingly less obvious. At least 15 overwintered from 1993. There were few new arrivals during January. Like the Red-necked Grebe several new birds were located early in February and many of these remained until mid-March. The last in spring were four at Gerrans Bay Apr 5th and the first return bird was a single at Lynher Est. Oct 9th. Most wintering birds arrived late in November and there were several good counts during December. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 25 35 29 6 - - - - - 2 13 38 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St Johns Lake 2 1 1 - Lynher Est - 2 2 1 2 - 1 Seaton 2 1 6 Looe 3 4 4 1 2 4 St Austell Bay 2 2 2 5 Veryan Bay - 4 4 Gerrans Bay 1 8 5 4 4 14 Falmouth/Carrick Roads 4 7 5 1 7 Mounts Bay 3 2 1 1 - St Ives Bay - - 1 ------1 Camel Est 5 5 2 1 5 Elsewhere there were singles at Harlyn Bay Jan 1st, Carnsew Pool Nov 11th - 20th, Mevagissey Nov 29th and Helford Est. Nov 30th - Dec 13th.

BLACK-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps nigricollis Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. The rarest of the grebes in Cornwall, occurring like the others, mainly off the south coast between Par and Falmouth. More likely to be encountered on freshwater sites than the Slavonian Grebe.

-20- Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 11 1 1 - - - - - 2 1 15 Carrick Roads: ten overwintered from 1993 and were noted until Feb 9th. One remained to Apr 2nd TMC. SMC AIP. et al. One returned Dec 18th but 15 were present Dec 24th and these remained until 1995 RCJ. GJC. DE. et al. Tamar Est: one off Jan 16th - 22nd SMC. SM. Camel Est: one Jan 17th REW. Lynher Est: singles Feb 19th - 24th and Oct 1st EHW EJW. et al. Drift Res: a well-watched individual Oct 17th - Nov 29th GH. et al. Several other reports lacked adequate documentation. In the best year since 1988 the 20 new birds take the county mainland total to c.583 since 1930. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 176 109 48 22 2 - - 7 18 16 62 123 Top sites: Carrick Roads - 230, Mounts Bay - 69, Lynher Est - 29, St. Ives - 26 and Camel Est - 24.

YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS - Diomedea chlororhynchos Exceptionally rare vagrant. 1985 Record The record of the bird seen 80km south of Lizard on 29th April 1985 has been considered by the BOURC and they are of the opinion that the identification has not been established beyond doubt, though the bird was clearly an albatross ( Diomedea sp.)

NORTHERN FULMAR - Fulmaris glacialis Resident. Breeds. Most leave British waters to moult during September and October. Passage migrant. First bred in Cornwall in 1944 and has subsequently colonised the entire coastline. Breeding success can best be gauged in late summer when adults have left the breeding ledges to moult, leaving well-grown young to fend for themselves. Breeding in 1993 was reported from the following localities (with comparative data for 1989 - 1992). Figures represent maximum numbers of pairs on ledges or chicks (c) counted; p = present, not counted. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Treganhawke P - - 3 - - Looe Island 5 - - - - - Plaidy, Looe 3 - - - - - 3 2 6 6 - 7 Swanpool 2c 8 5 2 - - Housel Bay 16 + - - - - - Godrevy/Derrick Cove 102 71 76 - - 67 Samphire/Porthcadjack 5 2 9 - - 5 Ralphs Cupboard 14 15 12 - - 10 Western Cove 104 105 119 - - 106 Kelsey Head 5c - - - - - Porth Joke 6c - - - 5 3 Crantock 5c 2c 10c 5c 4c p lc 3c 6c 3c 2c p Trevose/Ranie Point 320 242 269 334 349 304 Despite the sample of breeding sites being limited the count remains relatively consistent. Passage was light throughout much of the year but particularly large numbers were reported off the north coast in westerly gales Apr 1st and during the storms of late December.

-21 - Peak counts: Rame Head: 657 east and 1775 west in 148 hours during the year included a maximum of 87 east and 181 west Apr 16th. St Ives: 500 west Mar 13th but no counts of note in autumn. Godrevy: 1440 west Apr 1st. Newquay: a total of 17897 noted flying west on just 22 dates during the year. Counts ranged from 7070 in seven hours Jan 4th, 1170 in two hours Apr 11th, 1702 in two hours Dec 29th and 4214 in four hours Dec 30th to just three Oct 25th and four Oct 30th. These high counts included the two highest aggregates ever at the site and the third and fourth highest ever in the county. Porthgwarra: 1271 west on 12 dates between May 3rd and Sep 18th with max of 245 Aug 18th. Rumps Point: 7500 Dec 30th (the second highest count ever in the county). Other October reports included singles at St. Ives on 3rd and 23rd, one off Lands End on 20th and 16 off Trevose Head on 26th. Unusual were ten sightings over Holmbush, St. Austell between May 19th and August 25th and an apparent albino off Porthgwarra Aug 27th. Blue phase birds were noted as follows: Godrevy: one Mar 7th. St Ives: two Mar 13th. Porthgwarra: singles Apr 6th and Aug 18th. Newquay: singles Jun 3rd and Dec 30th.

CORY'S SHEARWATER - Calonectris diomedea

Scarce passage migrant (mainly late July to early September) with occasional good years. Pre-1959 data is sketchy, although noted by Ryves (1948) as occurring around Wolf Rock. Since 1980 records have proved annual with regular reports from the main sea- watch points in the west of the county. Porthgwarra: 28 west between Jun 26th and Sep 7th ( one in June, four in July, 22 in August and one in September). All were singles except three Jul 31st, 15 Aug 1st and two Aug 23rd JH JML et al. Pendeen: four Aug 24th and singles Aug 25th and 28th, and Sep 10th DSF. et al. Rumps Point: one Sep 15th ML. Despite the poor passage this was nonetheless the seventh best year on record. The county mainland total advances to c.8468 since 1959. The first Porthgwarra bird is the earliest ever in autumn. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Nov Dec 1 2 6 1792 6561 3 2 2 (77%) Point bird is the first ever at that locality. Top sites: Porthgwarra - 7935 (94%), Pendeen - 208, RMV Scillonian - 100, - 94.

GREAT SHEARWATER - Puffinus gravis Scarce passage migrant (mainly mid-August to late September) with occasional good years. St Agnes: one Sep 10th BKM. Pendeen: one Sep 10th RDR. Porthgwarra: two Sep 10th, one Oct 17th BSW SMC. The poorest year since the blank of 1984. The county mainland total advances two c. 4135 since 1930. The St. Agnes bird flew west particularly close to shore and the last Porthgwarra bird spent some time dallying off Head.

- 22 - Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 2 79 536 3413 101 2 (83%) Top sites: Porthgwarra - 3030 (73%), RMV Scillonian - 637, Pendeen - 246, St. Ives - 115. Large shearwater sp. Porthgwarra: singles Aug 18th, 26th and 30th. Pendeen: one Sep 9th.

SOOTY SHEARWATER - Puffinus griseus

Passage migrant (mainly late June to mid-September). Rame Head: five Jun 20th, one Sep 4th. Porthgwarra: 142 west between Jun 20th and Oct 22nd (five in Jun, three in July, 67 in August, 64 in September and three in October) with max of 26 Sep 7th. Pendeen: 301 west between Aug 17th and Oct 23rd (174 in August, 126 in September and one in October) with max of 50 Aug 28th and 64 Sep 9th. Newquay: 28 west between Aug 17th and Sep 10th with max 12 last date. Trevose Head: 14 Aug 26th, 11 Aug 27th and one Sep 15th. St. Agnes: four Aug 28th, 30 Sep 10th. St. Ives: singles Sep 15th, Oct 3rd and Dec 30th. Elsewhere there were six at Jul 29th, singles at Lizard Aug 11th and Sep 18th, one at Rumps Point Aug 19th and three off Gurnards Head Sep 9th. The St. Ives total was the lowest there since 1958 and reflects the relative disinterest in sea-watching at this premier site in recent years. The December bird there was the fourth latest ever county record. The county mainland total advances two c. 16302 since 1930. Top sites: St. Ives - 6152 (38%), Pendeen - 4728, Porthgwarra - 3251, Cape Cornwall - 452, Newquay - 341.

MANX SHEARWATER - Puffinus puffinus Passage migrant (mainly late March to October). Feeding parties off-shore in summer, presumably from breeding colonies on the islands off the coast of South Wales. In another generally poor year for the species there were several unseasonal reports. In the first winter period six were observed off Jan 9th and one was off Godrevy Jan 14th but more unusual were two in Gerrans Bay Feb 6th. The first in spring were 14 off St. Ives Mar 13th. Heavy passage was noted off the north coast Apr 1st and early in June. Autumn passage was protracted and exceptionally light with regular reports to the end of October. Good numbers were noted Sep 9th/10th and there were ten birds in each of November and December. The last were singles off Newquay and St. Ives Dec 30th. Regular counts and maximum numbers: Rame Head: 97 east and 567 west in 148 hours sea-watching between Mar 31st and Sep 10th with max of two east and 165 west Jun 25th. St. Ives: 4000 Apr 1st. Godrevy: 1434 in three hours Apr 1st. Newquay: 7914 west on 24 dates between Mar 31st and Dec 30th with max of 2776 Jun 3rd and 2000 Jun 4th. Trevose Head: 1464 Apr 29th. Porthgwarra: 2063 west on 31 dates between Apr 24th and Oct 30th. Usually less than 50 birds but a peak of 906 May 6th. Pendeen: 3731 west between Aug 16th and Nov 1st with max of 2500 Sep 9th. St. Agnes: 1000 west in three and a half hours Sep 10th. Of particular interest were records submitted by GJC who mist-netted for European Storm-petrels at night at Rumps Point between Jun 25th and Jul 17th. During that period he recorded a total of 32 Manx Shearwaters heard calling at night. None were

-23- seen on the ground but two were trapped. These observations raise the possibility that the species may be breeding locally.

MEDITERRANEAN SHEARWATER - Puffinus yelkouan Uncommon passage migrant (mainly late July to late October). Another excellent year produced the second and sixth earliest ever in spring, two in April, two in June, 309 in autumn between Jul 7th and Nov 1st and two late birds in December. St Ives: 14 between Mar 13th and Dec 20th with max of four Sep 15th. Rame Head: 13 between Apr 23rd and Sep 26th with max of four Sep 4th. Porthgwarra: 143 between Apr 24th and Oct 22nd with max of 16 Aug 20th and 21 Aug 28th. Newquay: 25 between Jul 7th and Dec 7th with max of 7 Sep 10th. Pendeen: 69 between Aug 16th and Nov 1st with max of 16 Aug 20th and 18 Sep 10th. Trevose Head: 29 between Aug 18th and Sep 28th with max of 6 Aug 27th. St Agnes: three Sep 9th and one Sep 18th. Lizard: four Jul 29th, one Aug 11th, and two Aug 13th. Single day occurrences included eight at Mevagissey Aug 2nd, two off RMV Scillonian Aug 27th, two off Rumps Point Oct 21st and one off Godrevy Oct 24th. The county mainland total advances to c.5729 since 1956 prior to which data is incomplete. Porthgwarra, Pendeen, Newquay and Trevose Head totals were all high but once again the St. Ives aggregate was the lowest since 1969. Top sites: St Ives - 2562 (45%), Porthgwarra - 1210, Lizard - 574, Pendeen - 500.

WILSON'S STORM-PETREL - Oceanites oceanicus Rare vagrant to Cornish coastal waters. Once again none noted from the Cornish mainland but up to 12 were seen on four pelagic trips to the Western Approaches during autumn.

EUROPEAN STORM-PETREL - Hydrobates pelagicus (Formerly Storm Petrel or British Storm Petrel) Uncommon passage migrant (mainly mid-May to mid-September). Small feeding parties in summer months (mainly north coast). Breeding was last proven in 1968, but may occur undetected on islands off the north coast. Exceptionally rare inland. An average year with good numbers off Porthgwarra on several dates from late July to late August but apart from a late bird at , autumn passage again petered out early. St Ives: seven Jul 3rd, 21 Jun 4th, two Aug 9th. Newquay: 127 west between Jun 3rd and 21st including 41 on 4th and 62 on 21st, plus three Aug 17th. St Agnes: eight Jun 4th. Looe: three Jun 4th. Rame Head: 15 west between Jun 4th and Jul 30th with max of five last date. Rumps Point: a total of 82 birds were lured by tape at night between Jun 25th and Jul 29th. Of these, 51 were trapped and ringed GJC. The possibility of local breeding, perhaps on the Mouls, Gulland or Newland islands should not be overlooked. Falmouth: singles Jul 7th and Aug 20th. Porthgwarra: 407 west between Jul 8th and Sep 25th with max of 100 Jul 25th, 107 Aug 18th and 120 Aug 20th. Eddystone: three Jul 11th. Mevagissey: ten Aug 2nd. Newlyn: on the night of Oct 20th during rain and strong south-easterly winds a 'black bird with a white rump' fell out of the sky onto the pavement in front of Mr. Carlon Williams. Mr. Williams took the bird home but it died during the night. I saw the corpse on Oct 25th and although apparently in good health it was rather skinny DSF.

-24- LEACH'S STORM-PETREL - Oceanodroma leuccorhoa (Formerly Leach's Petrel)

Scarce passage migrant (mainly early September to late October and generally a little later than European Storm-petrel). Rare inland. Pendeen: one Sep 9th. RDR. Newquay: singles Dec 8th and 30th SMC. MT. TMC. The poorest year since 1972. The county mainland total advances to c.2097. The latter Newquay bird is the fifth latest bird ever.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 1 3 2 4 27 1145 542 215 155 (55%) (26%) Top sites: St. Ives - 1441 (69%), Newquay - 246, Pendeen - 132, Godrevy - 63, Bude - 48. Storm-petrel sp. Rame Head: one east Jul 24th.

NORTHERN G AN NET - Moras bassanus Passage migrant throughout the year. Bred on Gulland Island, until 1478 but the nearest current colony is on Grassholm Island, Pembrokeshire. Apart from good passage off Newquay Jan 4th and Feb 1st the species was generally scarce during the first eight months of the year. Autumn passage remained light until October but there was a notable movement during the late December gales. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Rame Head: 2737 east and 6469 west in 148 hours sea-watching during the year with max of 852 east and 165 west Jun 3rd. Newquay: 4000 Jan 4th and a total of 15926 west on 22 dates between Jun 3rd and Dec 30th with max of 798 Sep 18th, 1000 Oct 31st and 8630 Dec 27th. The last count is a record here. Portreath: 1000 per hour Feb 1st and 400 per hour Oct 31st. Porthgwarra: 5164 west on 21 dates between May 3rd and Nov 4th with max of 716 May 6th and 610 Oct 17th. Trevose Head: 3372 west on 11 dates between Aug 1st and Nov 14th with max of 1290 Oct 26th and 666 Nov 1st. St Ives: 1000 Dec 29th. Unusual was one flying inland at Holmbush, St. Austell Dec 5th. RL.

GREAT CORMORANT - Phalacrocorax carbo (Formerly Cormorant) Widespread resident. Breeds in low numbers on all coasts. Occurs inland on all reservoirs and most other freshwater localities from time to time. Breeding reports were received from five colonies and illustrate a considerable increase at Looe Island and the Mouls. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Looe Island 35 11 P 15 b b Gull Rock, Nare Head few - b - - Hells Mouth 7 5 8 6 6 7 Quies 1 - 1 - - - The Mouls 20 7 P P 6 6 Approximate monthly county total : (away from breeding sites) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 151 195 114 90 104 119 135 185 199 249 197 201

-25 - Monthly maxima at regular sites Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head 15 11 23 50 58 65 49 7 69 25 19 18 Tamar Est 39 79 29 14 24 38 39 57 39 66 65 56 St Johns Lake 11 12 19 13 13 10 13 19 26 14 27 19 Lynher Est 11 7 7 7 12 12 12 16 15 21 27 16 Siblyback Res 8 1 4 4 3 1 4 4 10 15 11 11 Colliford Res 10 7 10 5 17 14 15 17 18 19 19 23 Fowey Est 5 7 3 9 15 15 Stithians Res 3 2 1 1 6 - 9 6 11 7 3 6 Helford Est 5 4 4 6 3 7 3 7 2 10 10 13 Loe Pool 18 5 7 4 1 3 4 9 14 4 4 4 Hayle Est 3 23 _ 5 2 4 2 3 8 1 8 7 Porth Res _ _ _ 3 3 2 1 5 12 5 5 5 Camel Est 6 13 11 10 6 18 13 13 13 24 29 13 The only other counts in excess of ten involved 15 flying south at Marazion Oct 4th and 14 flying west at Kenidjack Oct 11th.

SHAG - Phalacrocorax aristotelis Widespread resident, breeding in small colonies on all coasts. Passage migrant. Forms large "rafts" at favoured feeding sites in winter. Rare inland. Breeding data was received from the following localities (with comparative data for 1989 - 1993). Figures represent number of pairs/nests; p = present not counted. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Looe Island 29 24 P 10 P P Gull Rock, Nare P P P P P P Godrevy Island 41 P 53 P 33 40 Navax/Derrick Cove 17 14 25 P P 17 Crane Island/Western Cove 14 10 16 P P 8 St Agnes/Trevaunance 15 20 20 - 15 - 10 - - - Trevose/Stepper Point 12 6 + 19 12 - B The Mouls 30 9 P P 5 P Reported in good numbers throughout the year with regular observations of migrants on autumn sea watches. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Rame Head: 669 east and 2711 west in 148 hours watching during the year with max of 200 Aug 29th, 159 Oct 1st, 118 Dec 9th. Looe: 63 Jan 1st, 100 May 1st and 86 Nov 27th. Falmouth: 88 Jan 28th, 237 Dec 7th. Gerrans Bay: 160 Feb 9th. Newquay: 50 Apr 1st and 235 west on 12 dates between Aug 28th and Dec 30th with max of 42 Dec 8th. Veryan Bay: 218 Jul 24th. Porthgwarra: 65 Sep 18th. Gribben Head: 128 Nov 28th, 146 Dec 14th. Zone Point: 95 Nov 30th, 119 Dec 19th. Maenporth: 245 Dec 19th.

LITTLE BITTERN - Ixobrychus minutus Rare vagrant (mainly spring). 1993 Record The bird was last noted May 19th DSF.

-26- NIGHT HERON - Nycticorax nycticorax Rare vagrant (mainly spring). 1993 Record Portgaverne: one Apr 8th. D. Wilson. Accepted by BBRC. The county mainland total advances to c.32. Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 7 6 9 - 1 - 1 2 - - 6 - Top sites: Hayle - three and six localities with two each. SQUACCO HERON - Ardeola ralloides Rare vagrant. Drift Res: a first summer bird May 11th - 29th GH. et al. Near Towednack: same bird Jun 6th - 10th. MJR. Often elusive and feeding in dense cover this bird eventually rewarded all patient observers. Presumably the same bird was involved in various sightings near St. Ives before and after these dates. The 23rd county mainland record and the first at this particular location. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 4 12 1 O (57%) Top sites: Lands End - four, St. Keverne - three, Penzance and Tamar Est - two each.

LITTLE EGRET - Egretta garzetta Formerly a rare vagrant but now an increasingly common passage migrant and winter visitor. A few birds may be resident and breeding seems imminent. Approximately 77 birds overwintered from 1993 and despite an apparent reduction in February this was almost certainly related to the lack of a roost count from Lynher Est. There was an increase in March and a general reduction throughout spring and early summer. Newly-arrived spring migrants are difficult to identify but may have included singles at Drift Res. Apr 16th, Mara/ion Apr 22nd, Loe Pool Apr 23rd and Par May 16th. Nine sites held birds in June with a distinct possibility that breeding occurred at one locality. The first in autumn appeared to be four at Camel Est. Jul 21st followed by one at Maer Lake Jul 23rd and six at Tamar Est. Jul 24th. There were further influxes during August and September before a general diminution to the end of the year. Nevertheless the end of year total was again almost double that for the previous winter. New peak counts were reported on Camel Est., Tamar Est., Helford Est., Looe Est., Fowey Est., St. Johns Lake and , but the Lynher Est. roost had become fragmented and was not as well attended as in 1993. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 77 53 93 49 31 14 51 95 172 168 146 127 Regular counts and monthly maxima Jan ]Fe b ]Ma r i \pr N lay ,Ju n Jul ,\u g Sep Oct ]Mo v Dec Tamar Est 4 3 4 2 1 1 6 7 16 11 11 12 St Johns Lake. 3 4 4 2 1 1 2 2 4 3 8 5 Lynher Est 27 6' 30 6 8 - 18 25 40 23 42 36 Looe Est 4 6 5 6 1 - 1 - 10 2 10 6 Fowey Est 8 8 13 1 - - 2 - 1 20 14 15 2 2 2 2 2 - 4 3 3 2 2 2 Ruan Lanihorne 2 4 3 - 1 4 12 13 13 4 2 Tresillian 3 2 1 1 3- 5 2 3 2 4 2 2

-27- Truro River 2 4 5 5 4 2 Penryn River 2 1 1 1 - - - 1 1 1 1 - Stithians Res 3 1 2 9 - /Helford Est 2 2 3 4 3 1 1 3 25 26 12 9 Loe Pool - - - 1 - 1 - 8 - - - - Marazion - - - 1 - 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 Drift Res _ _ - 1 - - 1 2 1 1 - - Hayle Est 8 5 7 5 5 2 1 3 4 7 8 9 Gannel Est 4 3 4 2 - - - - 3 3 3 2 Camel Est 7 6 16 14 6 1 4 15 26 27 23 21 Maer Lake 1 - 1 2 - - Elsewhere in the first winter period there were singles at Porth Joke, Portwnnkle, Daubruz Moors, Devoran and Harlyn Bay and in the second winter period at Pendarves, Nanquidno, Argal Res, Port Quin, Casde Beach (Falmouth) and Maenporth. At St. Ives ten flew over Sep 28th while at Rame Head four flew east Oct 28th and another passed Nov 4th.

Little Egrets Richard James

GREY HERON - Ardea cinerea Resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Breeding was reported from the following heronries during 1994 (with comparative data for 1987 - 1993). Figures represent number of occupied nests; p = present, not counted; nc = no count. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 Shillingham, Lynher Est 18 23 19 24 16 16 17 - Newbridge 3 5 5 nc 3 6 5 5 Trenant Point, Looe 7 8 9 7 9 11 13 6 , Fowey Est 4 7 8 6 8 13 13 14 , Fowey Est ? 1 - - 2 1 - - Pelyn, Percuil 7 5 4 7 6 7 7 9 Pill Farm, Fal. Est 1 5 6 4 nc 6 5 - Kea Wood, Malpas 5 9 7 10 12 10 13 13 Borlase Wood, 7 6 5 4 4 5 9 6 Devoran 2 1 1 - - - -

-28- , Helford Est 11 12 13 12 11 10 11 11 3 3 3 2 3 4 6 7 Pinkson Creek, Camel Est 12 13 14 18 14 16 14 17 Bear Wood, Cardinham 6 7 6 _ _ _ Stonaford, North Hill 2 - - - - _ _ The Stonaford heronry has apparendy not previously been documented although a heronry was noted at nearby Trebartha during the 1920's and 1930's. The total of 90 occupied nests is the lowest since 1986. The traditional heronry at Sladesbridge has disappeared as a result of tree-felling and no new site has been located in the Camel Valley. Some observers believe that cold weather and high winds in spring had a deleterious effect this year. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est 25 9 3 9 13 17 16 17 45 34 23 24 St Johns Lake 14 17 2 1 6 10 13 26 43 11 22 11 Lynher Est 6 6 5 4 15 10 12 15 12 14 14 20 Looe 12 13 11 17 15 15 9 9 7 6 2 1 Fowey Est 9 6 5 12 12 12 12 12 12 5 6 10 Tresillian 6 6 3 2 2 4 4 6 2 11 5 5 Truro River 4 4 18 3 14 11 15 11 14 4 6 10 Devoran 2 3 _ 1 1 5 5 9 3 7 10 10 Stithians Res 1 1 3 1 _ 1 13 6 2 3 Helford Est 6 17 15 14 12 22 20 8 5 _ _ _ Loe Pool 1 2 1 1 2 3 3 11 5 1 _ 2 Marazion 8 - 3 4 2 2 7 7 13 8 2 1 Drift Res 11 5 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 3 4 6 Hayle Est 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 4 5 1 5 Porta Res - 2 - 3 3 9 6 10 6 _ _ Camel Est 4 12 5 4 6 20 38 38 43 36 23 25

The 45 at Tamar Estuary in September and 43 at Camel Estuary September 29th were both new site records while 14 at Stithians Res. was a high count there - no doubt attracted by the low water level offering optimum fishing conditions. The only obvious spring migrant flew in off the sea at Porthgwarra May 2nd. In autumn three flew west at Trewey Common Sep 14th, singles flew west at Rame Head Sep 24th and Oct 1st, singles flew west at Pentire and Kenidjack Oct 11th, one was at Porthgwarra Oct 14th and one flew north-east at Nanquidno Oct 19th.

PURPLE HERON - Ardea purpurea Vagrant. Poldhu: one Apr 29th - May 3rd ARP DE et al. Tregembo Pool, - one Apr 30th GHT. Ninestones Bridge, Fowey Valley - one May 7th RAJ. PW. Drift Res. - one May 12th - 16th CW. et al. Four in one year is a record and formed part of a mini invasion into the which involved perhaps 40 or more birds. The county mainland total advances to c.26. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D - - 2 10 10 - - - 2 1 - - 1 Top sites: - three, Gunwalloe, Tamar Est and Perranporth - two each.

-29- GLOSSY IBIS - Plegadis falcinellus Rare vagrant. Buryas Bridge: one flew east Sep 27th DSF. Accepted by BBRC. An earlier report of one at Hayle Est. and then on Scilly Sep 23rd probably involved the same individual but no details received. This is the first since the record influx of 1986. The county mainland total advances to c.36. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 4 14 13 3 1 1 Top sites: Mara/ion -11, Hayle Est - seven, Lands End and Tamar Lake - three each.

EURASIAN SPOONBILL - Platalea leucorodia

Rare passage migrant. Occasionally overwinters, particularly on the Lynher Estuary. Lynher Est: The adult and first winter from 1993 were both noted until Feb 27th with the immature remaining until Mar 24th. An adult returned Oct 7th and was still present into 1995 BC. SCM. GRW. MW. EJW. et al. The county mainland total advances to c.179 this century.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 6 10 17 15 12 3 1 17 46 35 10 Top sites: Ruan Lanihorne - 29, Tamar Est - 24, Camel Est - 22, Hayle Est - 21, Marazion - 20, Lynher Est - 16.

MUTE SWAN - Cygnus olor Resident. Breeds. Moulting herds in autumn. Winter visitor. After a period of decline during the 1970's and 1980's, there has been a distinct improvement over the last five years. It had been suggested that considerable mortality was caused by the ingestion of lead from weights discarded or lost by fishermen. It may be relevant to note that the improvement in numbers has coincided with a decision to replace these items with non-toxic weights. Successful breeding was reported from the following localities (with comparative data from 1988 - 1992). Figures represent number of young; n = nest unsuccessful or success not known. More than one figure indicates more than one nest. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Cargreen n ------Forder, Saltash 2 - 2 - - - - Trevol, Torpoint 7 4 8 - - - - Polbathic 8 5 4 4 n - - Looe n - - 5 - - n Fowey Est 2 - 5/n - - - - Polridmouth 6 5 3 - - 4 - Par Beach Pool 6 5 3 _ _ 4 _ St Andrews, Par 4 6 - - 7 _ Ruan Lanihorne 3 7/6 4 _ 5 5 3 Tresemple Pool 3 4 - - - - 2 Swanpool 5 5 4 7 1 n n College Res 2 (first here since 1986) Argal Res 4 6 - - - - - Froe Creek 5 3 6 n - - - Stithians Res 3 5 2/n 4 7 5 6/5 Pendarves 7 4 - - - - - Clowance Lake 5 . _ _ 3 _ Helston Lake 1 5 6 8 - 6 -

-30- Marazion 1 n 6 5 - - - Tehidy 4 9 - - - - - Trenance Lake 7 1 6 - - - - Camel Est 6/5/n 8/5/5 5/4/1 5/5/4 1 n 3 Harlyn Bay 6 n - - - - - Unsuccessful nests were reported from St. Johns Ford, MiUbrook Lake, St. Just m Roseland and Lower Tamar Lake. The last named was the first at this site since 1980. Approximate monthly county total:

The totals illustrate the gradual increase throughout the year with many months showmg a 50% growth over 1993 values. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est 3 6 2 4 7 12 1 12 6 10 4 7 St Johns Lake 13 12 11 6 9 17 2 10 8 10 17 13 Lynher Est 6 6 4 4 10 6 4 6 7 10 7 8 Looe Est 23 21 21 20 15 27 30 30 28 19 17 22 Fowey Est 27 32 35 _ _ _ 4 - - 32 19 21 Par 10 8 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Tresillian _ _ 4 12 7 1 2 - 5 - 2 2 Devoran 11 19 26 30 28 29 31 32 30 30 41 44 Falmouth 11 5 29 2 2 2 2 8 3 12 12 12 Helford Est 12 12 16 10 14 14 12 10 13 12 10 10 Loe Pool 7 _ 1 4 2 11 19 23 23 9 9 - Hayle Est 32 40 16 15 21 18 14 7 7 23 21 16 Camel Est 37 36 35 32 25 23 38 28 35 41 44 45 A full count of the Fal estuary complex in October revealed a total of 72 adults and nine juvenile birds MLo ALo. However there remains considerable concern over the welfare of the birds on the estuary, ailing individuals continue to be found there.

TUNDRA SWAN - Cygnus columbianus (Formerly Bewick's Swan) Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Annual since 1959. Trewey Common: one from 1993 noted intermittently until Feb 16th GH. et al. Drift Res: one (same as above) on six dates between Jan 6th and 20th. GA. GH. Camel Est: one (same as above) Jan 16th, 21st - 22nd, Feb 17th SMC. REW. With no new birds reported during the year Cornwall drew its first blank since 1958. The county mainland total remains at c.472 since 1930. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 119 48 33 6 27 134 105 Top sites: Camel Est - 64, Dozmary Pool - 59, Hayle Kimbro Pool - 56, Tamar Lakes - 46, Hayle Est - 33.

WHOOPER SWAN - Cygnus cygnus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Annual since 1971. Trewey Common: one in company with the Tundra Swan from 1993 was noted intermittently to Feb 16th GH. et al. Drift Res: one (same as above) on six dates Jan 6th - 20th GA. GH. Camel Est: one (same as above) Jan 16th, 21st - 22nd and Feb 17th SMC. REW. Crowdy Res: two juveniles Oct 19th AJB. The county mainland total advances to c. 449 since 1930, prior to which data is incomplete.

-31 - Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 90 21 14 1 1 56 167 99 The Crowdy birds are the first there since 1984. Top sites: Camel Est - 76, Tamar Lakes - 46, Hayle Est - 37, Marazion - 36, Hayle Kimbro Pool - 23. Swan sp. Nanquidno: one on sea Feb 24th.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE - Anser brachyrhyncus

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Ruan Lanihorne: one Mar 17th SMC. AMD. Hayle Est.: six Sept 30th - Oct 7th JH et al Camel Est.: six Oct 7th MB The Hayle and Camel birds may have been the same. The county mainland total advances to c.65. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Oct Nov Dec 4 3 1 1 20 3 5

Top sites : Mawgan Porth - 20, Camel Est - 15, Tamar Lakes and Hayle Est. - six each.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - Anser albifrons Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Most Cornish records relate to birds of the Eurasian race "Anser albifrons albifrons" but small parties of the rare Greenland race "Anser albifrons flavirostris" occasionally occur. The species was formerly more numerous in the county with a regular wintering flock at Walmsley Sanctuary from 1935 - 1973. The size of this flock peaked at an average of 146 birds between 1961 and 1965 (excluding a huge influx during the arctic weather of 1963), but since 1973 birds have wintered there with less regularity with none between 1982 and 1988 and again 1990/91. Reasons for this decline are not fully understood but probably relate to ecological and botanical changes caused by the damming and straightening of the River Amble. This appears to have been compounded by persistent dredging of the river-bed and a lack of salt-water inundation. Walmsley Sane: eight from 1993 regularly reported until Feb 24th but ten were present Jan 6th and nine Jan 15th and Feb 13th SMC. et al. Colliford Res: 17 remained from 1993 to Jan 23rd EJC. JSH. et al. Upper Tamar Res: 33 Jan 8th, 32 Feb 7th, 30 Feb 8th. STB. GPS. Maer Lake: 30 Feb 7th. GPS. and singles Oct 10th and Oct 24th - 28th GPS. PTS. Tamar Est: one Feb 14th. EG.

GREYLAG GOOSE - Anser anser Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Many records undoubtedly refer to feral escapes and wanderers. Annual since 1973. Lynher Est: two from 1993 remained until Jan 17th SCM. GRW. MW. Two Sep 27th AB. PB. Four Dec 1st with two to Dec 29th EJW. et al. Tamar Lakes: one from 1993 to Feb 8th, singles Sep 5th and Oct 14th STB. SMC. et al. Ruan Lanihorne: singles Jan 29th and Feb 27th. GCJ. Crowdy Res: one May 30th, two Aug 23rd. STB. JH. Colliford Res: one Jun 11th, two Jun 18th - Oct 9th. DAC. et al. Maer Lake: one Sep 15th. GPS. Near Kynance: two flew south Oct 18th. KBW. GHH. Loe Pool: two Oct 20th. NRP. Many of the above reports will undoubtedly refer to just two feral birds which move from site to site with the Canada Goose flock.

-32- The county mainland total advances to c. 187 since 1930. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 13 10 8 6 4 1 10 2 7 43 59 23 1

Top sites: Camel Est. - 54, Near Kynance - 33, Stithians Res.- 16, Tamar Lakes -13. Grey goose sp. : four flew over Jan 20th RB.

SNOW GOOSE - Anser caerulescens Vagrant. Feral escape or wanderer. Upper Tamar Res: one Jan 3rd/4th and Sep 21st. GPS. DJB. DC. Crowdy Res: one Jun 11th - 25th. STB. Maer Lake: one Sep 15th - Oct 3rd. GPS. Lynher Est: one Sep 27th. AB. PB. All records refer to blue phase birds. The first three reports presumably relate to just one bird. The Lynher bird arrived with a large influx of Canada geese plus two greylags suggesting feral origins.

BAR-HEADED GOOSE - Anser indicus Rare but increasingly feral release or escape. Admitted to Category D4 of the British and Irish List in 1993. Lynher Est: one from 1993 to Jan 16th. SCM. SMC. EJW Bude Canal: one Jan 3rd. RAJ. Tamar Est: singles Mar 13th and December. BS. JS. EG. Colliford Res: one May 15th - Jul 10th. SMC. DAC. et al.

CANADA GOOSE - Branta canadensis Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Prior to 1983, apart from occasional migrants, this species was almost exclusively confined to the far south-east of the county. Between 1968 and 1975 there was an average of just one bird per annum and apart from a small influx in the arctic weather conditions of 1962/3, a total of only nine birds was reported before 1968.

Away from the Lynher Estuary, where a small feral population has existed for many years, breeding was first confirmed in 1983. Subsequently there has been a steady increase and it appears likely that the species population could eventually reach plague­ like proportions as it has done in many other areas. Recent research reveals that the U.K. population has trebled since 1976. Despite this, it remains a scarce wanderer to the west of the county. In 1994 breeding was reported from the following localities (with comparative data for 1987-1993). Figures represent number of young; B = bred, success not known; n = nest, success not known; p = present during breeding season: 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 Crowdy Res 11 11 9 2 6 21 15 6 Colliford Res 30 3 9 2 P P 5 5 Lynher Est P P B B P 6 St. Germans 5 Rosedale, Polbathic B 6 Siblyback Res 5 Millbrook 1 Trehunsey B The Colliford total probably includes the hybrid young referred to below.

- 33 - Approximate monthly county maxima: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 482 328 126 75 251 600 625 328 548 750 386 470 Regular reports and maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr 1Ma y Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est 14 40 15 8 6 - 8 - - 84 50 70 Lynher Est 75 42 12 4 12 2 23 88 285 38 69 143 Siblyback Res 8 8 6 5 - 6 7 - - 13 6 85 Colliford Res 101 108 42 32 78 274 280 107 20 94 133 160 Camel Est 32 1 3 9 2 - 25 52 5 17 - Crowdy Res 53 82 32 8 143 296 306 102 120 68 13 12 Maer Lake - 2 6 41 40 - - Upper Tamar Res 186 40 26 353 - -

The peak counts at Tamar Lakes, Siblyback Res. and Lynher Est. are all new maxima. Other good counts include 16 at Long Rock Jun 10th and 55 at Dannonchapel Oct 15th. Spring migrants included two at Long Rock Apr 6th with one there Apr 16th/17th, one at Tregathenan Res. Apr 13th (JWJ's first ever here), seven at Retallack May 1st - 19th and two at Ruan Lanihorne May 16th - 18th.

•CACKLING GOOSE" - Branta canadensis minima

Rare vagrant. Retallack: one very small bird with six of one of the larger races May 1st - 19th showed all the characteristics of the race " minima" SMC The only previous county record of this race concerns six birds which overwintered on the Lynher Estuary from 1983 - 1984.

"HUTCHINSON'S" GOOSE - Branta canadensis hutchinsii Lynher Est: one small bird Dec 23rd showed some characteristics of this race. EJW.

BARNACLE GOOSE - Branta leucopsis Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Feral escape. St. Johns Lake: a full-winged tame bird from 1993 was noted until mid May. SCM. et al. Upper Tamar Res: five from 1993 to Feb 6th with four to Feb 8th DJB. et al. Maer Lake: four Jan 3rd, singles May 14th and Sep 15th, two Sep 17th GPS. et al. Colliford Res: one May 15th - Aug 7th SMC. DAC. et al. Trenance Lake/Porth Res: two feral birds Aug 21st - Sep 14th with one into 1995 TSH. et al. Lynher Est: one Nov 27th - Dec 11th SMC. JH. et al. Crowdy Res: one Dec 14th - 24th. ACS. et al. It is possible that all new records relate to feral birds, but the last two (or was it the same?) are treated as wild. The county mainland total advances to c.242 (plus at least 40 feral individuals). Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 26 17 33 86 54 16 Top sites: Tamar Est.- 30, Godrevy/Gwithian and Porthgwarra - 24 each, Camel Est.- 19, St. Ives - 14.

BRENT GOOSE - Branta bemicla Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Both dark-bellied (B.b.bernicla) and pale-bellied (B.b.hrota) races have been recorded in increased numbers in recent years. Despite this the county still does not attract a regular wintering flock. Only nine in the first winter period and a poor spring passage involving nine birds between mid March and mid May. Autumn passage commenced with three in Mounts

- 34 - Bay Sep 25th. Several small parties were noted Oct 16th - 22nd and there was another small influx Nov 22nd - 30th. Very few over-wintered into 1995. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 1 6 3 1 - - - 5 62 23 40

Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. Johns Lake 7 1 1 Mounts Bay 1 1 6 - 1 - - - 3 4 - 5 Gannel Est 1 1 Hayle Est - 1 9 8 9 Camel Est 8 2 7 Bude/Maer Lake 1 4 7 Elsewhere there were singles at Loe Pool Apr 2nd - 10th, Godrevy Apr 15th, Trevose Oct 8th - 10th and Ruan Lanihorne Nov 20th. Two were at Par Sep 28th, Mevagissey Nov 29th and Tamar Est. Dec 17th. 14 flew west off St. Ives Oct 17th with another eight west there Oct 23rd, there were four at nearby Porthkidney Oct 17th, six at Porthgwarra then Sennen the same day, three west at Pentire Oct 18th, four at Falmouth Oct 19th and five flew south east at Whitsand Bay Nov 27th.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE - Alopechen aegyptiacus Rare visitor. Feral escape or wanderer. This category "C" species occurs as a feral species in the U.K., mainly East Anglia, but with small populations elsewhere, including East Devon. Camel Est: one first noted 1987 was present all year. Lynher Est: one Jan 16th DC. : one Jun 14th. CFNHC. St. Ives: one flew west Oct 4th. IS. The Lynher and Gunnislake observations presumably relate to a bird sporadically reported on the Tamar Estuary since 1988. The St. Ives bird was quite extraordinary The county mainland total advances to c.26.

MUSCOVY DUCK - Carina moschata Feral escape or wanderer. This species has recentiy been added to Category D4 of the British List as a result of a small breeding population in Cambridgeshire. However small numbers can appear almost anywhere from time to time and observers are invited to submit records of birds which have obviously become feral. Farmyard sightings are not required! Keveral Farm, Seaton: two Jun 5th. EJW. Harlyn Bay: one Nov 16th and Dec 12th. SMC. Lerryn: eight Dec 2nd. EJW.

River Fowey near : two Dec 12th. CB. CB.

RUDDY SHELDUCK -Tadorna ferruginea Vagrant, but the majority, if not all are presumed escapes from wildfowl collections or wanderers from feral populations in The Netherlands. Drift Res: six Oct 3rd, five Nov 25th. GH. Hayle Est: six Oct 3rd - 26th, five Nov 1st - Dec 14th with one to the 20th. RB. DJC. et al. Marazion: five Nov 15th DSF. Tamar Est: five Nov 28th. PJRe. The first three records certainly relate to the same wandering individuals but could the Tamar Est. birds have been the Hayle birds taking a day trip? In view of later records of odd birds in Devon they are treated here as different. There has been considerable speculation as to the origin of these birds, which appear to be part of a much larger influx into the U.K. in autumn. Some erudite pundits speculate that these were genuinely wild birds (A paper by Keith Vinnicombe discussing the phenomenon is in preparation

- 35 - for British Birds magazine). The county mainland total advances to c.30. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 1 1 3 1 6 2 2 6 7 1

The six in October first noted at Drift are assigned to that site. Top sites: Camel Est.- 7, Drift - 6, Tamar Est.- 5, Upper Tamar Res.- 3.

COMMON SHELDUCK - Tadorna tadorna (Formerly Shelduck) Resident. Breeds in low numbers on most of the main estuaries. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding reports for 1994 received from the following localities (with comparative data for 1988 - 1993). Figures represent maximum number of duckling; figures followed by 'b' indicates the number of broods seen: 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Tamar Est 5 13 16 22 11 18 - St. Johns Lake 13 7 _ - 4b 7 - Lynher Est 34 9 22 9 3b - - Looe 5 - - - b - - Fowey Est 1 - - - - 13 - Ruan Lanihorne 34 15 23 26 37 24 10 Truro River 8 - 36 - - - - Hayle Est 18 7 12 8 + 34 18 30 Camel Est 6 14 63 23 24 3 24 Pentire 3 ------The Lynher Est. and Ruan Lanihorne reports were the highest for many years but Camel Estuary birds had a disastrous breeding season. The Fowey Est. juvenile was the first there since 1989. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aue Sep Oct Nov Dec 1268 1118 975 755 686 345 221 109 58 145 319 709 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est 140 93 95 84 59 23 9 14 5 16 41 101 St. Johns Lake 324 461 170 58 35 39 22 12 7 28 80 158 Lynher Est 404 232 248 131 135 101 40 18 15 76 100 200 Fowey Est - 10 22 33 - - 12 - - - - 10 Ruan Lanihorne 8 8 86 63 79 50 49 25 10 7 26 13 Tresillian 25 30 36 64 37 33 17 5 6 - 30 40 Truro River 120 80 73 107 70 26 15 11 4 - 12 32 Devoran 13 38 55 27 39 5 Helford Est 8 24 19 6 10 6 4 Hayle Est 28 15 40 48 45 31 22 11 8 9 10 20 Camel Est 157 124 117 116 105 29 27 2 2 7 19 24

MANDARIN DUCK - Aix galericulata Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Feral release and escapee. A Category "C" species. The majority of Cornish birds probably derive from a small feral population in the Plym Estuary area of South Devon. Tehidy: drake Apr 15th - May 20th MJH DE. Swanpool: drake Apr 19th BLW. Hayle Millpond: eclipse drake Aug 12th. RB. St. Johns Lake: free-flying drake Sep 9th - 23rd SCM. Seaton: free-flying drake Nov 5th into 1995 SCM. et al.

- 36 - There was also an undated report of a drake at Loe Pool. EGG. GGG. The county mainland total advances to c.55 - all since 1973. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 3 1 6 4 - - - 7 6 6 16 4 2

The Tehidy bird was presumably the same as the 1993 bird and may account for the Hayle and Loe Pool birds. Top sites: Lynher Est.- nine, Camel Est.- eight, Retallack - six, Fowey Est/Lerryn and St. Johns Lake/Millbrook - six each.

EURASIAN WIGEON - Anas penelope (Formerly Wigeon) Abundant winter visitor. Passage migrant. Occurs in very large numbers in cold weather. Despite the mild weather in both winter periods, flock size was approximately 25% up on 1993. The last in spring were a female at Maer Lake May 25th and a drake at Colliford Res. May 29th, whilst a female summered at Walmsley Sanctuary. The first in autumn were two at Aug 29th. There was a small, widespread arrival in mid-September and further influxes in mid-October and November.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2621 2009 585 11 8 1 1 4 732 1521 3076 4108 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est 130 15 39 160 Lynher Est 328 293 119 170 360 828 059 Colliford Res 79 23 1 1 1 - - - - 10 23 58 Ruan Lanihorne 411 400 70 _ 1 _ _ _ 43 254 250 Stithians Res 45 155 38 14 35 100 249 Hayle Est 771 189 187 6 2 2 420 850 1357 1400 Gannel Est 67 46 4 15 13 57 Camel Est 430 452 85 3 3 1 1 1 44 81 275 473 Maer Lake 163 184 82 1 1 - - 1 45 60 142 312 There was no more than 100 at any other site in either winter period.

GADWALL - Anas strepera Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although numbers fluctuate from year to year depending on the severity of winter weather, the species has become more regular at several localities over the last fifteen years. Top sites are Marazion Marsh, Loe Pool, Par Beach Pool and Maer Lake, although Drift Res. holds the record single day count. Good numbers overwintered from 1993 at Par and Camel Estuary but elsewhere first winter flocks were the smallest since 1990. Two birds lingered at Loe Pool into June and the resident male again remained throughout the year at Par. The first in autumn were six at Stithians Sep 13th and 12 more arrived Sep 23rd - 27th. The second winter flocks were also the smallest since 1990. None was noted at Tamar Lakes for the second successive year - a far cry from the 1970's when 15-20 birds were regularly present in winter. Approximate monthly county-total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 48 47 25 9 8 3 1 1 18 19 11 48 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Lake - 3

-37- Par 16 11 3 2 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 13 Carluddon Claypit 3 7 Stithians Res 5 4 4 4 - - - - 6 1 - 5 Loe Pool 5 - 2 - 2 2 - - - 2 - 5 Marazion 2 2 4 2 - - - - 2 6 8 7 Drift Res ? 3 2 1 Gannel Est 1 ------3 Camel Est 14 15 7 1 3 - - - 2 2 2 11 Elsewhere in the first winter period there were two at Porth Res. in February and a drake at Loe Pool Mar 18th. Two spring migrants were at St. Johns Lake May 8th - 15th. Autumn/second winter produced four at Argal Res. Sep 27th, six at Hayle Est. and one at Maer Lake in October and three at Colliford Res. Dec 30th.

COMMON TEAL - Anas crecca (Formerly Teal) Abundant winter visitor. Passage migrant. Breeding has been confirmed only sporadically over the last twenty years. All such records have emanated from Bodmin Moor with Crowdy Reservoir the most popular site. Breeding was not proven anywhere this year although at least two birds summered at Colliford Res. A large increase was noted in January with a record count at Maer Lake and the highest count at Colliford Res. since 1986. Numbers were halved by mid-February and very few remained in March. The last in spring were two at Walmsley Sane. May 23rd and the first return bird was at Marazion Jun 29th. There was a minor incursion in late September and a larger increase in December. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2546 1399 178 41 6 3 24 135 836 1130 1297 2003 Regular reports and maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est 131 152 55 1 7 18 89 St. Johns Lake 87 49 10 1 2 _ 38 Lynher Est 208 376 44 3 - - - - 96 125 141 204 Colliford Res 386 171 9 8 2 2 12 1 16 42 115 103 Ruan Lanihorne 10 99 175 87 - Truro River 170 40 - - - - - . 6 - - 9 Devoran 187 47 85 25 290 Stithians Res 37 61 2 - - 9 14 44 30 40 58 Marazion - - 9 2 - 1 - 7 19 27 18 68 Hayle Est 230 18 10 80 190 175 377 Mawgan Porth 75 12 40 75 Camel Est 220 280 15 12 2 - 2 12 36 69 75 230 Crowdy Res 142 40 13 4 2 - - 32 49 20 64 64 Maer Lake 480 146 - 12 - - 1 24 305 302 305 324 Elsewhere there were max of 63 at Carluddon Clay Pit Jan 18th, 65 at St. Columb Porth in November and 76 at Upper Tamar Res. the same month.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL - Anas crecca carolinensis Vagrant. The North American race of Common Teal. Loe Pool: drake intermittently Oct 27th - Dec 24th. ARP. et al. The county mainland total advances to c.38 occurrences involving c.30 birds. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 4 3 3 1 - - - - 8 5 8 Top sites: Hayle Est.- nine, Stithians Res.- six, Marazion and Lynher - four each.

- 38 - MALLARD - Anas platyrhyncos Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Feral release for wildfowling purposes at many sites. Breeding was reported from 16 sites throughout the county with probable breeding at many other locations. Birds were widely distributed on all suitable sites throughout the year, with increased numbers on 1993 in all months except March. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1241 891 415 410 518 685 887 1314 1653 1767 1671 1515 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est 89 66 31 10 37 45 54 43 180 114 127 167 St. Johns Lake 63 54 42 31 35 38 48 32 48 50 55 52 Lynher Est 165 132 64 22 55 49 62 179 145 192 200 224 Looe Est 35 32 12 17 24 35 22 19 44 56 44 42 Siblyback Res 36 23 22 - 1 - - 50 50 52 35 35 Colliford Res 93 27 6 9 47 39 35 101 139 34 104 63 Fowey Est 29 53 8 8 8 - - - - 83 30 4 Par 105 82 66 116 115 117 Tresillian 5 22 9 18 6 15 9 12 22 120 40 27 Truro River 47 32 30 15 21 22 25 35 18 36 33 61 Devoran 47 8 6 - 4 4 4 - 8 28 37 54 Stithians Res 6 10 5 5 16 42 119 69 67 95 4 38 Swanpool 37 35 27 34 24 38 96 43 78 40 41 33 Loe Pool 35 21 14 12 36 41 18 80 72 60 48 42 Marazion 12 5 13 12 16 67 47 51 59 63 50 33 Hayle Est - - - 3 - 9 16 41 55 64 4 - Tehidy Lake 63 59 47 53 50 69 50 99 63 _ _ _ Gannel Est - - - 33 33 58 51 95 105 110 Ill 85 Camel Est 68 22 15 16 15 24 52 100 105 95 56 75 Crowdy Res 120 100 50 70 16 5 15 37 76 89 100 100 Maer Lake _ _ _ 10 6 12 20 46 37 37 60 78 Tamar Lakes 8 ------89 - - There was no more than 50 at any other locality at any time.

NORTHERN PINTAIL - Anas acuta Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Apart from feral birds the species has only bred once in Cornwall - in 1978. Despite the arrival of ten new birds in January the total in the first winter period remained low. Most had departed by the end of February but single spring migrants were noted at Colliford Mar 5th and Hayle Kimbro Mar 2/th. Two flew east at Rame Head Apr 22nd and a late female was at Walmsley Sane. May 20th. The first return bird was a female at the same site Sep 3rd. Autumn passage was the best since 1990 and included a record count of 34 at Hayle Est. Nov 4th. Typically, the Lynher Estuary was the only site supporting more than five in the second winter period. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 37 29 3 2 1 - - - 10 47 67 42 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lynher Est 34 27 1 4 9 23 29 Loe Pool 1 1 Marazion ------7 - - Hayle Est 2 26 34 5 Camel Est 2 1 - - 1 - - - T - 5 3 Maer Lake 3 2 1 -

-39- Elsewhere in the first winter period there were singles at Tresillian Jan 28th and Ruan Lanihorne Feb 12th whilst supplementary autumn and second winter reports included one flying north at St. Levan Oct 19th, singles at Stithians Sep 21st and Nov 20th, two at Dozmary Pool Nov 5th, one at Crowdy Res. Nov 6th and three at Siblyback Res. in December.

GARGANEY - Anas querquedula

Scarce passage migrant, (mainly spring) with numbers fluctuating from year to year. Has bred on at least six occasions including three successive years 1981-3. Marazion: drake May 6th - 8th. Female Oct 20th - Nov 20th. DSF. et al. Skewjack: drake May 10th. AMH. GCS. Hayle Kimbro Pool: drake May 13th. ARP. Maer Lake: female May 18th, one Jul 30th, eclipse drake Sep 10th - 22nd, drake Oct 14th and female Oct 19th -22nd. GPS. JH. SMC. et al. Walmsley Sane: drake May 20th. DU. GPS. and female Jul 28th. SMC. Stithians Res: two Jul 2nd increasing to three Jul 8th - Aug 11th. JH. FHH. et al. Loe Pool: nine Aug 9th decreasing to five by 11th and one on 13th. JSG. et al. Crowdy Res: eclipse drake Sep 13th. JH. Porth Mear: female/immature Sep 22nd. SMC. Hayle Est: eclipse drake Oct 2nd - 22nd. ST. et al. Mawgan Porth: female Dec 7th - 16th. SMC. et al. The best year since 1973. The county mainland total advances to c.695 since 1930. The presence of nine birds together at Loe Pool in early August strongly suggests a family party, possibly locally bred. The Mawgan Porth bird is the third latest ever - beaten only by two at Clowance Dec 28th 1973.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Oct Nov Dec 0 2 236 76 11 36 106 20 1 3 (34%) Surprisingly the Hayle Kimbro bird is the first there since 1984. Crowdy Res. and Porth Mear are both "new" sites. Top sites: Marazion - 253 (36%), Stithians Res.- 84, Par - 38, Hayle Kimbro Pool - 37.

NORTHERN SHOVELER - Anas clypeata (Formerly Shoveler) Winter visitor. Scarce passage migrant. Not quite as productive as 1993, it was nonetheless the second best year of the last decade for this species. Last in spring was a drake at Maer Lake Apr 2nd and the first return was a female at Stithians Res. Jul 20th. Autumn passage was light with most moving through in mid- October. Aooroximate monthlv countv total :

Jan Feb Mar Af May Jun Jul Aug Oct Nov Dec 2 80 17 1 9 50 39 112 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep ( )ct Nov Dec Lynher Est 8 12 3 - - - - 5 2 2 5 14 Siblyback Res 1 - - 1 ------1 5 Loe Pool/Helston Lake 9 8 15 5 26 Marazion Marsh 10 8 1 _ _ _ _ 1 5 7 6 16 Hayle Est ------1 - 12 - 3 Camel Est 24 30 7 3 4 12 14 Crowdy Res 1 8

-40- Maer Lake 14 3 10 One to three birds were noted at Tamar Est, Rame Head, Dozmary Pool, Colliford Res, Par, Drift Res, Tehidy Lake and Harlyn Bay Ponds whilst five were at St. Johns Lake Aug 21st.

COMMON POCHARD - Aythya ferina (Formerly Pochard) Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Probably bred at Crowdy Reservoir in 1977. Apart from Pool flock in January which was the largest anywhere in the county since 1985, first winter congregations were the smallest since 1974. Three birds summered at Loe Pool and one or two were at Stithians Res. and Colliford Res. in May and July. Returning birds were noted from late July with the majority arriving from mid-October. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 310 117 68 6 5 3 22 35 53 161 220 309 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr ^ 4ay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Siblyback Res 12 10 3 - - - - 4 - 29 53 58 Dozmary Pool 13 17 5 - - - 5 - 21 21 35 41 Colliford Res 4 7 7 - 1 - 2 - - 22 44 30 Par/St. Andrews Pool 20 24 9 2 22 Stithians Res 36 18 19 2 1 - 1 - - 7 9 - Loe Pool 189 110 6 4 3 3 14 30 31 71 63 120 No other site attracted more than 20 at any time. Unusual was one flying west off Porthgwarra Aug 14th.

RING-NECKED DUCK - Aythya collaris Annual vagrant with some individuals becoming resident. Loe Pool: drake Jan 22nd and Mar 28th - Nov 20th. JSG. et al. Drift Res: drake Feb 9th - Mar 5th. GH. et al. Long Rock Pool: drake Feb 25th/26th. RB. SMC. and Dec 3rd into 1995. GH. et al. Stithians Res: drake Apr 22nd. ARP. All records apparently relate to the drake first noted in 1991.

TUFTED DUCK - Aythya fuligula Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. Breeding season reports received from the following localities during 1994 (with comparative data for 1989 - 1993). B = breeding confirmed; p = present, success not known. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Colliford Res 2B B P P P P Dozmary Pool P - P - - - Argal Res P P - - - - Stithians Res P P - - - - Loe Pool P P P - P - Tehidy Lake P - - - - - Crowdy Res P P P P P P

() P - - - P - At Colliford Reservoir two nests were built and six eggs laid in each, but both were predated GJC. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 369 317 216 114 40 32 61 89 203 295 302 383

-41 - A much better year with the highest first winter count since 1987 and the highest second winter counts since 1971. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Siblyback Res 30 38 9 4 1 _ 1 33 54 81 62 Dozmary Pool 3 11 9 6 2 9 - 45 18 17 31 Colliford Res 11 15 25 14 12 8 13 20 17 52 17 31 Swanpool 55 48 10 8 17 30 51 Argal Res 22 58 45 1 _ _ _ 1 _ _ 48 63 Stithians Res 104 58 57 40 4 4 7 6 25 42 26 37 Loe Pool 106 57 41 37 4 6 37 56 68 98 60 60 Helston Lake 5 8 6 6 4 2 1 4 4 6 6 30 No more than 15 were noted at any other site at any one time. The peak counts at Stithians and Siblyback were both new site records. Unusual were two flying east at Rame Head Oct 20th and a drake flying west at Newquay Nov 14th.

GREATER SCAUP - Aythya marila (Formerly Scaup) Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers fluctuate from year to year with highest counts in severe weather. Another poor year with only four new birds in the first winter period, one in spring, 11 in autumn and seven in the second winter period. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 11 3 3 2 1 1 4 1 6 4 8 St. Johns Lake: a female first observed in 1992 was again noted intermittently throughout the year SCM. et al. Stithians Res: a first winter drake and a duck overwintered from 1993. The duck was last noted Mar 20th and the drake remained until Apr 11th RB. SR. et al. A juvenile Aug 11th - 13th. RCJ. Female Oct 4th to the end of the year and a drake Dec 3rd to the end of the year MJH. et al. Loe Pool: four from 1993 increased to six (two drakes) Jan 15th - Feb 15th. A drake Apr 30th - May 6th, two Aug 6th - 20th and a duck Oct 6th - Dec 17th. JSG. GH. REW. et al. Siblyback Res: female Feb 5th. CFNHC. Colliford Res: drake Feb 17th. SMC. Crowdy Res: female Oct 14th. SMC. RAFOS. AJB. Camel Est: female Oct 14th. ML. Hayle Est: immature drake Oct 23rd. GHH. KBW. Trevose Head: three females flew west Nov 1st. SMC. Argal Res: one female Dec 23rd, two Dec 26th and three Dec 30th. RCJ. et al.

COMMON EIDER - Somateria mollissima Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. A few summer. There are only eight documented records pre-1900 and only eight years between 1931 and 1951 with sightings. However, since 1952 the species has proved annual. 47 birds overwintered from 1993, with many remaining for several months. There may have been some movement between the Camel Estuary and Newquay areas where numbers fluctuated until September. Conversely only two birds were noted in the second winter period. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 47 35 34 25 18 12 15 17 6 2 2 3 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mounts Bay 1 2 1 1

-42 - Par 9 9 9 9 8 1 1 1 1 _ _ Carrick Roads 17 14 St. Ives Bay 4 4 2 2 Camel Est 9 10 9 5 5 5 5 5 - - - 1 Newquay 6 6 8 7 10 6 1 - 6 2 2 1 Elsewhere there were singles at Tregragon Mar 2nd, Bay Mar 3rd with two there Mar 12th - Apr 26th and Portgaverne/Port Quin Mar 7th - 28th. At Pentire there were two May 30th and nine Jul 30th, whilst 11 were at Watergate Bay Aug 3rd. Finally one flew west at Rame Head Dec 1st.

LONG-TAILED DUCK - Clangula hyemalis Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Frequently encountered on freshwater sites. Numbers fluctuate from year to year. Four overwintered from 1993 and there was one new arrival in February. An early return bird was noted off Nanjizal in October but only three additional birds arrived before the end of the year.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 5 4 2 - - - - - 1 2 1 St. Johns Lake: a drake from 1993 to Mar 19th. DC. et al. Stithians Res: female from 1993 to Apr 26th. DE. FHH. et al. Carnsew Pool: two from 1993 to Feb 14th with one until Apr 10th. GA. LPW. et al. Siblyback Res: female Feb 5th to Mar 20th. SMC. RS. et al. (No sign of the immature drake from the end of 1993). Nanjizal: drake Oct 8th. LL. RWW. Loe Pool: one Nov 3rd into 1995 but two Nov 19th. RK. JSG. Fowey Est: female Dec 24th into 1995. AIP.

COMMON SCOTER - Melanitta nigra Winter visitor. Passage migrant (mainly late June to mid-October). A few summer. Small parties may be encountered almost anywhere along the Cornish coast but larger numbers regularly frequent Whitsand Bay, St. Austell Bay, Gerrans Bay, Veryan Bay and Mounts Bay. A better year than 1993 with good numbers moving east in April and a strong summer passage in July. Numbers reported on all coast seawatches in autumn were again low and few were noted after early December. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 30 44 42 165 137 41 609 118 354 182 260 168 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head 1 4 20 163 79 21 367 5 30 11 9 21 Whitsand Bay - - _ - 20 - _ 10 6 39 10 St. Austell Bay 6 1 1 1 1 - 4 - - - 77 76 Gerrans Bay 1 18 3 1 2 43 40 Lizard 80 3 - - - - Mounts Bay - 6 2 - 20 50 1 Porthgwarra - - - - 9 - 155 13 21 69 - - Pendeen 4 52 18 1 - Newquay 67 7 3 6 Trevose Head - - 39 43 8 10 3 No more than 20 were recorded at any time at any other locality. Unusual was a female inland at Argal Res. Feb 9th. RCJ.

-43 - VELVET SCOTER - Melanitta fusca Rare passage migrant and winter visitor (mainly November to February). Rame Head: five flew west Dec 24th. EJW. Another poor year with the only record very late in the year. The county mainland total advances to c.384 all since 1930. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 45 78 24 12 2 - - 1 2 40 102 78 Top sites: St. Ives - 82, Falmouth/Carrick Roads - 42, Mounts Bay - 36, Whitsand Bay/Rame Head - 30.

COMMON GOLDENEYE - Bucephala clangula (Formerly Goldeneye) Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Low numbers appear at all of the county's estuaries and freshwater sites at one time or another. There has been a notable diminution in the number of birds visiting the county in recent years. This reduction has been particularly obvious at Carrick Roads where the wintering flock is 60% below the average of the 1970's and early 1980's. Good counts at Stithians Res. and the Camel Est. plus a double figure flock at Carrick Roads boosted the early year total to more than double the December 1993 aggregate. The last in spring were a female at Loe Pool Jun 9th and one east at Rame Head Jun 10th. The first return bird was a drake at Drift Res. Oct 12th. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 77 84 66 10 1 2 - - - 4 21 33 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. Johns Lake 3 3 1 Lynher Est 2 1 1 Colliford Res 7 4 10 4 4 4 Carrick Roads 14 12 1 5 Argal Res 1 12 16 2 6 Stithians Res 25 32 25 4 1 - - - - 2 10 9 Loe Pool 6 _ _ _ 1 _ - - - 1 2 Drift Res 5 5 3 ------1 - - Hayle Est 3 1 1 - 1 Camel Est 9 8 8 2 1 1 The peak counts at Stithians and Argal Res. in February and March respectively were both site records. Elsewhere there were reports of one to three birds at Siblyback Res, Dozmary Pool, Tresillian, College Res, Harlyn Bay and Upper Tamar Res. in the first winter and at Dozmary Pool, Harlyn Bay and Crowdy Res in the second winter period.

SMEW - Mergus albellus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Stithians Res: the drake from 1993 was last noted Mar 26th. FHH. et al. Loe Pool: "redhead" Jan 25th. ALo. MLo. The county mainland total advances to. c.302 since 1930. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 139 92 20 2 1 - - - - 2 13 33 (46%) (31%) This is the first at Loe Pool since 1986. Top sites: Siblyback Res:- 78, Camel Est.- 30, Colliford Res.- 28, Tamar Est.- 26, Loe Pool - 14.

-44- Smew and Goldeneye Richard James RED-BREASTED MERGANSER - Mergus serrator Winter visitor. Uncommon passage migrant. Rare inland. Approximately 60% of the county total is recorded annually at Carrick Roads where birds gather to roost off Turnaware Point and Loe Beach. At dawn they disperse to feed throughout the Fal Estuary complex. The best year for more than a decade. The peak count at Carrick Roads is the highest there since 1979 and the third best ever. Average numbers also on the Tamar/Lynher Estuary complex but very few at Camel Estuary. The last in spring was a female at this locality Apr 22nd and the first return bird was at St. Johns Lake Sep 25th.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 88 46 68 10 - - - - 1 10 17 65 Regular reports and maximum numbers :

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est 2 2 2 - - - - 9 St. Johns Lake 8 4 4 3 1 2 9 9 Lynher Est 10 8 11 ------12 Carrick Roads 74 35 50 6 51 Ruan Lanihorne 1 4 1 Percuil 8 7 13 Penryn River 12 5 1 10 Hayle Est 2 2 5 4 - Camel Est 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 Elsewhere there was one at Mounts Bay Jan 20th, two flew east at Rame Head Mar 6th and again Mar 12th, a female flew west at St. Ives Mar 3rd, two were at Devoran in October, three were noted at St. Just In Roseland and one at Helford Est. in November and 13 were at Froe Creek Dec 12th.

GOOSANDER - Mergus merganser

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Probably breeds annually on the Cornwall/Devon border. Average numbers in the first winter period with the usual small parties at moorland sites and Stithians/Argal Reservoirs. The last in spring was a female at Stithians Mar 30th

-45 - and the first return bird was a redhead at Hayle Sep 28th. However, there was no more until a female arrived at Tresillian Nov 20th. The second winter total was low, a reflection of below average numbers at wintering sites in neighbouring Devon.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 29 34 18 - - - - - 1 - 5 16 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Siblyback Res 7 5 4 3 Colliford Res 7 1 Crowdy Res 5 7 5 4 Stithians Res - 2 5 2 Argal Res 6 7 5 3 Drift Res 4 2 2 1 Boscathnoe Res ? 1 Hayle Est 3 3 1 - - - - - 1 - - - Elsewhere there were two females at Mounts Bay Jan 22nd, seven females at Upper Tamar Res. Feb 19th and single redheads at Camel Est. Dec 8th and Fowey Est. Dec 24th.

The county mainland total advances to c.967.

JaMonthln Fey breakdowb Mar n Ap: r May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 389 104 78 15 3 - - 3 1 18 140 216 (40%) Top sites: Crowdy Res.- 123, Siblyback Res.- 92, Drift Res.- 75, Argal Res.- 65, Hayle Est.- 64, Camel Est.- 63, Stithians Res.- 60.

RUDDY DUCK - Oxyura jamaicensis Crowdy Res: two ( one drake) Sep 28th, female again Sep 29th. AJB. SJB. WJW. Loe Pool: female Dec 17th into 1995. JSG. GHT. et al. The county mainland total advances to. c.99 - all since 1977.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 39 19 2 - - - 1 - 5 14 17 2 Top sites: Loe Pool - 25, Stithians Res.- 22, Drift Res.- 7.

HONEY-BUZZARD - Pernis apivorus

Rare passage migrant. A potential breeding species (cf. annual breeding in Devon since 1979). Drift Res: one May 22nd. SGR. et al. : juvenile Aug 7th. CBa. Boswednack: one Sep 7th. EGG. Holmbush: one flew southwest Oct 1st. RL. (Another probable flew west Oct 12th). Several other reports received lacked description. The county mainland total advances to c.87 - all but nine since 1972. The recent average of four birds per year is maintained. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 6 17 5 4 7 21 21 1 5 Top sites: Hayle and Porthgwarra/St. Levan - nine each, Rame Head - seven.

-46 - BLACK KITE - Milvus migrans

Rare vagrant. Catchall: one May 18th. GH. Tremethick Cross: one May 22nd. RB. Probably the same bird involved in both sightings. A record year for the species nationally with over 50 observations. The ninth county mainland record. Accepted by BBRC. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 5 - - - 1 2 - - RED KITE - Milvus milvus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. There are various ancient claims of breeding in Cornwall but none is considered fully authentic. Rumours persist of birds occasionally summering in apparently suitable breeding habitat in the county and the possibility of successful nesting should not be overlooked. Cardinham: one Apr 30th - May 1st. DAC. IMEC. et al. Perranporth: two flew north Jun 13th. RHa. The county mainland total advances to c.90 since 1952 - prior to which data is fragmented. None was reported to CBWPS between 1930 and 1952 but there are twelve 19th century records.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 4 12 7 6 4 4 1 7 21 10 6 Top sites: Porthgwarra - eight, Nanquidno - four, Siblyback and Lizard three each.

MARSH HARRIER - Circus aeruginosus

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. : female May 1st. ARP. Marazion: male May 2nd - 4th. RA. DSF. GH. et al. Camel Est: female May 3rd. DLL Maer Lake: female May 11th. GPS. St. Bury an: female Aug 6th and 14th. JML. Nanquidno: female Aug 8th. JM. PT. Crowdy Res: female/immature Sep 2nd73rd. AJB. BNB. Kynance: female Oct 18th. GHH. KBW. : male Oct 21st, female Oct 22nd. ACH. BCW. Several other reports received lacked accompanying description. The county mainland total advances to c.117 since 1930.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 2 14 15 26 2 1 6 18 22 4 4 Top sites: Marazion - 27, Sennen - ten, Lizard Downs - nine, Porthgwarra and Gunwalloe - seven each.

-47- HEN HARRIER - Circus cyaneus

Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Forms communal roosts in winter. Traditional roosts on mid-Cornwall moors and the moors are well documented but sites on Bodmin Moor and Lizard Downs have received less attention.

Bodmin Moor A male overwintered from 1993 and was sighted regularly in the Colliford/Dozmary Pool area until Jan 28th. Single ringtails were noted at Ninestones Bridge Jan 22nd and Hawks Tor Feb 13th. At least two ringtails were believed to have moved through in October with reports from Crowdy on 5th, 14th and 25th, Smallacombe on 9th and Colliford on the 10th. Another ringtail was noted at Smallacombe and Colliford Dec 24th. Mid-Cornwall Moors Two males from 1993 were again observed at the Tregonetha roost Jan 7th but only one was noted subsequently. It was last noted Mar 17th. The first returning bird was a first winter male Nov 6th. An adult male appeared Nov 15th and a female Nov 17th. All three remained into 1995. Elsewhere, a male was at Walmsley Sanctuary Feb 17th and a spring passage female noted there Apr 25th. Two birds were regularly reported hunting a kale field at Coswarth by a farmer during March and a ringtail was noted at Wadebridge Dec 13th. West Penwith Moors A single male was noted at Sennen and Sheffield during January and at Bone Valley in late February. A ringtail roosted at Ding Dong Feb 10th and another was at Boswednack Mar 11th. At Sancreed, a female was observed Mar 26th and a male was noted on four dates between Apr 2nd and 11th. The same male may have been at Apr 2nd and Towednack Apr 16th, while a ringtail was at Boswednack Apr 10th and 16th. At Porthgwarra a female lingered May 12/13th and another moved through on the late date of May 30th (the sixth latest ever). In autumn a ringtail was at Nanquidno Sep 21st (fourth earliest ever). Another early ringtail was at Porthgwarra Oct 4th. Additional females/ringtails were observed at Cape Cornwall Oct 17th, Porthgwarra Oct 18th, Sancreed Oct 21st/22nd, Oct 25th, Nov 1st (different to Morvah bird), Zennor Nov 4th and Sennen Nov 21st - Dec 14th. Finally a male was at Penberth Dec 23rd. Lizard Peninsula Another poor year with none overwintering from 1993. A female was noted near Kynance Apr 29th and May 7th and a male was there Nov 26th/27th. Elsewhere

A ringtail was at Jan 10th and two were at RAF Portreath Nov 2nd.

MONTAGU'S HARRIER - Circus pygargus Rare passage migrant. Former regular breeding species but not since 1975. Near Kynance: male May 7th, juvenile Sep 17th. SP. Porthgwarra: second year female May 10th. AMH. GCS. Mullion: ringtail May 11th. ARP. Otter ham: ringtail May 23rd. AJB. Lizard Downs: female May 29th. VRT. SRT. Other reports received lacked sufficient detail for acceptance. There are 91 published records since 1930. Non-specific observations appeared in Cornwall Bird Report between 1936 and 1964. JaMonthln Fey breakdowb Mar n Ap: r May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 19 39 4 2 14 9 2 1 Top sites: Porthgwarra - 16, Lizard Downs/Goonhilly/Kynance - 14, St. Just - 6.

-48 - NORTHERN GOSHAWK - Accipter gentilis (Formerly Goshawk) Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn) and winter visitor. A few pairs breed annually in Devon and isolated pairs may breed unnoticed or unrecorded in Cornwall. Polbathic: female Feb 12th. per CFNHC Alex Tor: female Feb 24th. GJC. Polurrian: male Apr 6th. ARP. East Cornwall: one displaying May 1st, pair May 16th. Observers identity withheld. Holm bush: two flew west May 22nd, male Aug 5th and female Aug 6th. RL. Another exceptional year. RL's observations result from hundreds of hours looking skywards observing raptor movements. The county mainland total advances to c.86.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 6 4 10 9 1 2 12 13 17 6 2 Top sites: Porthgwarra -12, East Cornwall - 8, Crowdy Res.- 5.

EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK - Accipter nisus Common and widespread resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Reported from 90 localities throughout the county during the year. At least 49 areas held birds during the breeding season and breeding was proven at Nanquidno, in the Tremorebridge/Mulberry Pit/ area where three pairs were successful and the Stokeclimsland district where four pairs raised young. Apart from four birds in the North Hill area Apr 30th, three at Porthgwarra May 2nd and three at St. Ives Oct 4th all observations concerned one or two birds. Spring passage migrants may have included one coming in off the sea at Falmouth Mar 3rd, one at Rame Head Apr 2nd, one at St. Levan May 1st, three at Porthgwarra May 2nd and singles at Skewjack May 8th and Cot May 11th. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Porthgwarra Aug 16th and ended with one at Nov 4th. Small numbers were observed in all of the Penwith valleys and there were a dozen sightings in area. Prey items included ruff, wood pigeon, black redstart and chaffinch.

COMMON BUZZARD - Bute© buteo Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. This ubiquitous species' resurgence in numbers shows no sign of abating. There were sightings throughout the county with maxima as follows: Camel Est: 18 following a plough Apr 10th. Lands End: 15 May 7th. Hayle: nine Jun 25th. Upper Fowey Valley: eight Jun 25th. : 11 Oct 5th. Elsewhere there were many observations of five to seven birds. In the Ruthernbridge area DLI located three breeding pairs, whilst at Kit Hill BS found two breeding pairs with another two pairs just off the hill. BS also located four pairs holding territory at Lamelgate and proved breeding by two of these pairs. Single pairs were noted breeding at many sites whilst NRP reported a successful year in the Penwith district with young seen in most areas. On Oct 29th NRP reports hearing a lot of loud calling from three buzzards, with two apparently fighting near a field hedge at Zennor, and a young bird calling. All three flew off after five minutes with the largest bird being pursued by the other two. After walking up to Foage and back he was surprised to see one of the birds back at the same spot feeding on a large rabbit. Another bird, a juvenile by its calls, was waiting in attendance. When the first bird was replete, with a bulging crop, it ceded the carcass to the juvenile bird which proceeded to eat. After a few minutes NRP left them and after a further ten minutes he saw two buzzards perched on a nearby hedge. This is some

-49- indication of how long young buzzards are provided for by the parents. He could not be certain that both buzzards were not killing the rabbit together but they appeared to be fighting, with one on its back. The first feeding bird was noticeably larger than the juvenile, indicating that it was the female, which he thought was the bird chased off. NRP's observation of the incident was at times obscured by vegetation. He witnessed a similar fight between two buzzards at Nancledra some years ago when they were driven off the carcass by 16 magpies. In todays incident there were only two magpies present and these were easily kept at bay by the buzzards.

OSPREY - Pandion haliaetus Scarce passage migrant. Hayle Est: one May 7th. JML. Pendarves: one the second week in May. RHo. Crowan Res: one May 14th. NJ. Fowey Est: one May 27th - 29th. RHa. Drift Res: one Jul 20th. GH. Tamar Est: one Aug 6th - Sep 4th. PE. et al. Lynher Est: singles Aug 14th. JMR and Oct 12th. MLeg. The county mainland total advances to c.185. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 21 31 6 10 48 52 12 1 Top sites: Camel Est.- 31, Ruan Lanihorne - 21, Tamar Est.- 17, Hayle Est.- 12, Lynher Est.- 10.

LESSER KESTREL - Falco naumanni Very rare vagrant. 1969 Record All sight records of Lesser Kestrel since 1958 have been the subject of a review by BBRC. This review is now complete and a number of records are now deemed to have been unsafe. One such record is that of a bird at Porthgwarra Oct 11th 1969. This record is therefore deleted from the county mainland total.

The record of a photographed first winter bird at Treveal on May 30th 1968 remains fully acceptable.

COMMON KESTREL - Falco tinnunculus Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Considerably more reports this year with records from 104 localities. JWJ describes it as "less frequent" at Tregathenan, otherwise the population appears well distributed and stable. Breeding was confirmed only at Kit Hill, Samphire Island and Saltash but this does not reflect the true situation. At the last named site a pair nested in the roof space of an occupied house but deserted their eggs after well-intentioned disturbance by the home owner, per CFNHC. Possible migrants in autumn were reported from late September to mid October and included five at Lizard Sep 28th, seven between Marsland Mouth and Duckpool Sep 29th and ten at Porthgwarra Oct 12th.

RED-FOOTED FALCON - Falco vespertinus Rare vagrant. : a first year male Jun 7th - 12th. AG. CFM. SMC. ADC. RWF. et al. Accepted by BBRC. The county mainland total advances to c.17.

-50- Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 8 5 - - 1 1 2 - Top site: Goonhilly Downs/Croft Pascoe - 4.

MERLIN - Falco columbarius Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 4 7 7 3 - - - 2 19 9 9 In the poorest year for the species since 1988, the vast majority of observations concern single bird/single day sightings. A mere 18 birds were noted in the first winter period to March 6th. Spring passage commenced with singles at Godrevy and Trevose Head Mar 20th and ended with a late bird at Nanquidno May 20th. The first return bird was at Crowdy Sep 25th with one at Otterham the following day. Autumn passage was the leanest for 15 years with only 26 birds reported. Regular sightings of up to two birds were noted at Lands End and Porthgwarra during October and two different birds were seen at Crowdy Res. Nine singles were noted during December.

HOBBY - Falco subbuteo Scarce passage migrant (increasing). Rare breeding species in East Cornwall. Breeding was confirmed at two sites in the east of the county. At the regular site one young was reared while the second site produced two young. GJC. EM. et al. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 4 16 7 6 12 9 1 : one Apr 20th. NRP. Bearah Tor: one Apr 21st. RAJ. St. Levan: one Apr 30th - May 1st. AMH. GCS. Kit Hill: one May 1st. JD. Newquay: one May 4th. SGR. St. Johns Lake: one May 16th. KP. Catchall: one May 18th. GH. Nanquidno: one May 19th. EGG. GGG. Bonython Est: one May 20th. PG. Marazion: singles May 22nd and Aug 8th. DSF. GH. JM. PT. : pair May 25th and one Aug 16th - Sep 28th. JHa. Candra, St. Breward: one Jun 9th. GJC. Wadebridge: one Jun 16th. DIJ. Upper Fowey Valley: two Jun 18th and 25th. TSH. MT. et al. Holmbush: one flew north. Jun 22nd. RL. Smallacombe: one Jul 1st. SMC. Dupath, Callington: one Jul 2nd. DC. Towednack: one Jul 11th. MJR. Colliford: one Jul 31st - Aug 7th and one Aug 24th. EJW. et al. St. Mawgan: one Aug 3rd. SMC. Sheviock: singles Aug 6th and 12th. SCM. Tregantle: juvenile Aug 12th. BTC. Washaway: one flew south Aug 13th. DIJ. Porthgwarra: one Aug 22nd. DJO. Gwithian: one Aug 23rd. PTS. Lynher Est: one Aug 27th and Sep 2nd. EG. Near Kynance: singles Sep 4th, 17th and 25th. SP. DC. EG. Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield: two immatures Sep 11th, one until 17th EG JH RJL.

-51 - Racecourse Downs: one flew north Sep 25th. SMC. Polhawn: juvenile Sep 25th. RS. : one Sep 25th. SCM. Poltesco: one Sep 26th. SK. Loe Pool: one Oct 14th. EGG. GGG. Another record-breaking year with 24 different birds noted. The county mainland total advances to c.459 since 1930. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 36 125 68 42 63 84 41 Top sites: Porthgwarra - 47, Goonhilly - 26, Marazion - 19, Lizard - 15.

SAKER FALCON - Falco cherrug Rare vagrant or falconer's escape. Lynher Est; one Sep 20th chasing wood pigeons. SCM. There are six previous county mainland records - none of which has ever been accepted by BBRC. Co-incidentally the last observation was on Sep 20th 1988.

PEREGRINE FALCON - Falco peregrinus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Ubiquitous outwith the breeding season with birds again reported from at least 130 localities and successful breeding at a minimum of 14 eyries. Pairs were present at numerous other traditional or potential breeding sites. Three inland sites were used and young successfully reared at two of these. At the third site, two eggs were laid but were later deserted. Once again two coastal quarry eyries were successful. However, one experienced peregrine watcher reported a drastic year on one six mile stretch of coastline with no young raised at three traditional eyries. Prey items included common teal, dunlin, black-headed gull, lesser black-backed gull, kittiwake, various pigeons and doves and Eurasian jackdaw.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE - Alectoris rufa Feral release. Resident. Breeds. Thousands of hand-reared birds have been released for shooting purposes in various parts of the county over the last twenty years. Particularly large numbers have been released in mid and east Cornwall but few remain. The reason for the species' failure to colonise is not fully understood, but may be related to its preference for lighter, sandier soils. Gribbin Head: ten Jan 25th, one Apr 17th. Halveor, St. Columb: pair Apr 29th. Redgate, Golitha: one May 13th. , St. Columb: pair May 16th. Blunts: five Oct 3rd. St. Germans: one Nov 12th. The poorest year since 1988.

GREY PARTRIDGE - Perdix perdix Feral release. Scarce resident. Breeds. The Grey Partridge has been declining nationally for many years, but this decrease has accelerated over the last decade. Locally this decline is probably related to increased usage of herbicides and insecticides which destroy the species' primary food sources, coupled with a lack of unploughed 'headlands' used for breeding around field edges and a lack of fallow land suitable for feeding birds in winter. Whether or not the introduction of "set-a-side" into modern agricultural policy will prove beneficial, remains to be seen. If there are no benefits then without continuing releases of feral birds the species will almost certainly become extinct in Cornwall before the end of the century.

-52- Maker Heights: three Jan 1st and Feb 22nd, one Mar 19th. Rumford: pair Feb 2nd. St. Eval: two Apr 6th - 9th. Pentire Point: noted from Apr 11th - Nov 29th with max of eight May 21st and Oct 18th. Rame Head: one Apr 30th. Trevose Head: pair May 12th and one Sep 22nd. Ashton/Breage: one May 12th. , St. Columb: pair Jun 2nd. Gummows Shop, : pair Jun 2nd. Talskiddy, St. Columb: one dead in the road Jun 25th. : a pair plus ten young Jun 25th. Menheniot: 15 Aug 25th. Tregantle: four Aug 30th, ten Nov 5th. Winnards Perch: six Sep 3rd, five Dec 8th. Duloe: six Oct 5th. Nanquidno: one Oct 13th. Port Quin: 12 Nov 8th. Stepper Point: two Dec 13th. A similar picture to 1993 with the two strongholds in the Liskeard/Rame Head and St. Columb/Camel Estuary areas.

COMMON QUAIL - Coturnix coturnix (Formerly Quail) Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor. Occasionally breeds. Numbers fluctuate from year to year. Has overwintered. Annual since 1975. Bosistow: one calling May 12th. AMH. Bear Downs, St. Eval: one May 27th - Jun 30th, another Jun 12th. SMC. MT. et al. : one Jun 17th. CFNHC. Whitecross, Newquay: one calling Jun 18th - 29th. DLT. SBT. et al. St. Germans: two Jul 10th, one Jul 29th. CFNHC. EHW. St. Keverne: one Jul 20th. ARP. Amy Tree Cross: two late July. DC. The county mainland total advances to c.256 (plus 63 young) since 1930. Monthly breakdown :

Jan Feb Mar Af May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 66 104 43 24 8 4 2 Top sites: Camel Est.- 24, Lizard - 21, Winnards Perch - 16, Newlyn East - 14.

COMMON PHEASANT - Phasianus colchicus (Formerly Pheasant) Resident. Breeds. Thousands released annually for sporting purposes, thus ensuring that populations are maintained at a high level. As usual few observations received but no change in status reported. Many hundreds were noted at Carnanton during the year and 17 were at Porth Mear Oct 26th. A melanistic male was noted at Carnanton Nov 17th and a white bird was at Mevagissey Dec 4th.

WATER RAIL - Rallus aquaticus Rare resident. Breeds in low numbers. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding season information was received from the following sites (with comparative data for 1988 - 1993). Figures represent number of young seen; p = present, success not known.

-53- 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Marazion/ Long Rock P P 2 P P P 4 Salter Creek, Tamar Est. P P 3 3 - 2 - Croft Pascoe Pool 2 - - - - - Maer Lake 1 ------Mild weather in both winter periods ensured low numbers, but good survival. The last in spring were two at Camel Estuary in early May and the first return bird was at Penryn Aug 25th. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 40 14 6 1 7 3 1 10 8 34 48 32 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan ]Fe b Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 5 2 2 1 1 2 2 3 Par 4 2 1 St. Andrews Pool 1 _ 1 1 _ 1 1 Tresillian 3 2 1 _ - _ _ _ 1 _ - Swanpool 4 3 1 2 2 3 Maenporth - 1 1 2 Loe Pool 3 3 1 2 3 2 3 Marazion 6 - _ 1 - - - 6 2 4 5 1 Porthgwarra 1 2 3 1 - Drift Res. 1 - 1 2 4 2 St. Columb Porth 2 6 _ Porthcothan Bay 3 2 - Harlyn Bay 2 2 2 Camel Est. - - - - 2 - - - - 1 3 4 Bude Marsh 3 1 _ 3 Maer Lake 1 2 - - - 2 - 1 - 2 4 4 No more than two were reported from any other locality.

SPOTTED CRAKE - Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant (mainly mid-August to late September). Rare winter visitor. Bred in 1860 1862 and 1874. Marazion Marsh: a minimum of seven birds between Aug 8th - Sep 9th with a maximum of five Aug 14th. DSF. et al. Lower Tamar Lake: one Aug 29th - Sep 7th, another Sep 4th - 7th. DC. RM. GPS. et al. The county mainland total advances to c.97 since 1930. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 3 1 2 1 - 3 40 39 7 1 - (41%) (40%) Top sites: Marazion/ Long Rock - 52 (53%), Sennen - 7, Tamar Lakes - 6.

CORN CRAKE - Crex crex

Rare passage migrant. Last bred in 1967, but possibly did so in 1977. Has overwintered. Lands End: one Sep 18th. RA. Pentire, Polzeath: one Oct 19th. GJC. The first since 1991. The county mainland total advances to c.139 since 1930.

-54- Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 1 - - 11 30 21 12 15 19 14 2 - 14 Top sites: St. Mawgan, , Callington and Saltash - all six (but with records from 76 localities this species could turn up anywhere!).

MOORHEN - Gallinula chloropus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. After a period of apparent decline during the 1970's and 1980's, due mainly to habitat loss, a more enlightened attitude to habitat conservation and creation in the last few years has enabled the Moorhen to regain some lost ground. Breeding was reported from 26 sites and pairs were present in suitable habitat in many other areas. The most heavily populated areas were Bonython Estate (nine pairs), Camel Est. (eight pairs), Tehidy (several pairs) and Maer Lake (23 young). Counts throughout the year were at their highest levels since 1986.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 213 175 168 112 66 95 171 193 165 173 179 198 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb ]Ma r Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 42 15 5 4 3 6 10 4 3 1 1 9 Par 10 10 8 5 6 5 9 Swanpool 20 12 15 6 3 5 9 6 7 15 16 13 Stithians Res. - - 3 - - _ 32 35 8 20 7 5 Loe Pool 4 6 4 4 3 4 8 12 17 12 10 10 Marazion 3 7 4 6 4 3 5 25 25 37 43 3 Drift Res. 8 12 10 6 1 - 3 7 8 18 14 18 Pendarves Lake 8 9 4 7 4 12 12 14 8 7 10 9 Tehidy Lake 21 20 23 16 13 14 14 29 32 - - - Mawgan Porth . _ 6 - _ _ _ - _ _ 16 27 Walmsley Sane. 12 11 10 16 6 16 30 7 6 14 3 22 Maer Lake 49 46 42 22 12 14 21 24 25 17 36 46 The only other high count was of 24 at Caerhays Lake in March.

COMMON COOT - Fulica atra (Formerly Coot) Resident. Breeds annually at Marazion Marsh, Swanpool and Stithians Reservoir, but only sporadically elsewhere. Passage migrant. Common winter visitor. Successful breeding was reported from the following sites during 1994 (with comparative data for 1988 - 1993). Figures represent number of pairs; p = present, success not known. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Swanpool 3 6 3 1 1 2 2 Par Beach Pool 2 3 1 - P - - Harlyn Bay Fishponds 3 3 2 1 - - Stithians Res. 13 P 2 5 P 1 2 Argal Res. 1 - - - - Walmsley Sane. 2 ------Birds were also present at Crowdy Res., Helston Boating Lake, Marazion Marsh, Dozmary Pool, Colliford Res., Cargenwen Res., Loe Pool, Pendarves Lake and Trenance Lake during the breeding season but success not known. Flocks in both winter periods were at least 20% up on the same period in 1993.

-55- Approximate monthly county total : Jan tcb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 483 374 272 152 131 170 252 306 386 454 460 496

Jan Feb Mar Apr I 4ay Jun Jul Aug Oct Nov Dec Siblyback Res. 72 56 31 4 - - - 14 39 49 70 Dozmary Pool 6 3 5 3 2 2 9 19 24 16 7 4 Colliford Res. 12 11 8 15 15 18 23 22 57 70 22 62 Par 26 24 8 10 10 10 22 Cargenwen Res. 24 10 15 8 5 6 7 6 7 5 7 7 Stithians Res. 106 72 85 19 8 38 87 66 29 _ _ 3 Argal Res. 37 26 13 4 2 1 3 5 23 31 63 74 Swanpool 59 57 54 51 44 45 60 49 59 53 57 70 Loe Pool 50 35 11 10 15 24 28 70 76 183 170 94 Marazion 15 23 11 11 20 16 12 29 40 35 40 48 No more than 20 were reported from any other site.

OYSTERCATCHER - Haematopus ostralegus Resident. Breeds in low numbers (mainly north coast). Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeding season records were received from the following locations (with comparative data for 1988 - 1993). B = bred successfully; p = present, success not known; figures = number of pairs.

1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Port Quiii P B 2B P P Tresungers Point P P P Rumps Point/ P 2p The Mouls P B B P P P Varley Head P P p p Merope Rocks P B _ _ Fishing Cove, Godrevy B _ B _ _ _ Trevose Head 2p - _ _ _ _ 2B Pepper Hole p _ _ _ _ Looe Island P ------Apart from January/February, monthly figures were well above the recent average. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1021 669 705 450 363 338 537 1248 1676 1634 1276 1105 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 1% 161 110 41 53 70 63 231 259 303 230 272 Lynher Est. 23 19 28 5 1 - 1 21 30 24 30 29 Rame Head 80 41 54 20 11 14 13 _ 143 147 117 104 Looe 31 9 90 6 - - - 7 15 25 36 45 Par 4 - - 8 - 110 40 106 226 _ _ Ruan Lanihorne 11 8 10 - - - 6 102 98 94 35 18 Truro River 29 30 25 24 23 _ _ 58 42 33 60 30 Devoran 4 14 4 8 8 - 16 28 30 4 12 16 Hayle Est. 55 12 14 31 45 24 40 89 100 66 16 18 Godrevy 98 78 64 62 40 36 27 81 130 121 118 94 Camel Est. 380 250 320 210 145 140 250 511 449 337 269 240 Constantine Bay 43 67 - The peak counts at Par and Constantine Bay were both she records. Inland there were singles at Tamar Lake in July and Drift Res. Sep 24th.

-56- AVOCET - Recurvirostra avosetta

Rare passage migrant. Has wintered annually at Tamar Estuary since 1947/8 bu only occasionally elsewhere. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 280 272 139 ------9 169 275 Tamar Est: noted until Mar 13th and from Oct 18th with monthly max of 259 in January, 260 in February, 137 in March, nine in October, 136 in November and 150 in December. Lynher Est: noted until Feb 28th and from Nov 28th with monthly max of 36 in January, nine in February, 30 in November and 14 in December. St. Johns Lake: one Jan 26th - Feb 9th, another Feb 8th. Tresillian: one Jan 5th - Mar 26th, three Dec 13th. Ruan Lanihorne: one Feb 12th - Mar 10th. Hayle Est: two Nov 28th - Dec 3rd. Looe: six Dec 30th. Once again record numbers on the Tamar Estuary and regular reports from the Lynher Estuary. The Looe birds were apparently the first ever there.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius dubius Uncommon passage migrant. Hayle Est: one Apr 30th - May 4th, another May 3rd. RAJ. et al. St. Johns Lake: one May 8th. SCM. Stithians Res: juvenile Jul 20th - Aug 6th, adult Jul 21st - 23rd. NJ. ARP. DE. et al. Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield: single juvenile Aug 6th - 16th and Sep 20th - Oct 3rd. GDL. AJB. SJB. STB. et al. Tamar Lake: juvenile Aug 11th - Sep 4th. JH. GPS. Siblyback Res: juvenile Aug 18th. EG. The county mainland total advances to c. 186 - all but one since 1956. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D - - 3 46 34 5 17 46 29 4 1 - 1 Top sites: Marazion - 35, Stithians Res. and Hayle/ - 33, Drift Res. and Tamar Lake - 12.

GREAT RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius hiaticula (Formerly Ringed Plover) Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Formerly a scarce breeding species, but this has not been confirmed since 1972. The species is unlikely to breed again on the Cornish mainland owing to vastly increased disturbance at potential sites even in the most remote districts. The first winter total was about the average of recent years. Spring passage apparently commenced with four at Hayle Apr 6th and ended with one near Kynance May 28th. There was a light movement involving c.60 birds, over half of which were noted May 19th - 23rd. The first return bird was at Camel Est. Jun 29th. Passage was less pronounced than 1993 but was still above the average. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 189 144 15 16 48 1 66 452 374 102 131 118

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. Johns Lake 24 35 1 - 2 - - 8 22 4 5 17

-57- Looe 16 13 1 2 _ _ 8 3 15 9 Par 20 1 - - - 4 30 45 16 - - Near Kynance _ 1 7 _ _ 61 1 - 1 Mounts Bay 38 10 4 20 - 9 100 25 28 23 29 Hayle Est. 17 22 4 6 - 40 100 20 30 17 34 Camel Est. 46 40 12 1 8 1 8 150 42 17 55 24 Inland there were the usual records in autumn between Jul 17th and Sep 24th. Peak counts included 18 at Stithians Aug 29th, 50 at Davidstow Airfield Sep 24th and 30 at nearby Crowdy Res. Sep 26th. No more than 20 was noted at any other locality.

KENTISH PLOVER - Charadrius alexandrinus Rare passage migrant. Hayle Est: one May 2nd. SMC. ADC. PP. Marazion: one May 12th/13th. DE. MY. RB. et al. The county mainland total advances to c.50. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 11 21 1 - 8 6 - - - Top sites: Marazion - 19, Par - seven, Camel Est. and Hayle Est.- six each.

DOTTEREL - Charadrius morinellus Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Trevose Head: one May 2nd. PAM. Near Kynance: juvenile Sep 11th. ARP. SP. SK. Nanquidno: one flew east Sep 23rd and 24th. GJC. Sancreed: juvenile Sep 27th - Oct 5th. ACH. BCW. et al. Other reports were received but lacked description. The county mainland total advances to c.222.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ 1 9 32 21 - _ 21 95 36 6 1 (43%) Top sites: Porthgwarra - 67, Lands End AirfieldVSennen - 41, Davidstow Airfield - 28, Lizard/Kynance - 20, Towednack and Trevose Head - 11 each.

PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER - Pluvialis fulva Rare vagrant. Hayle Est: adult moulting from summer plumage Aug 26th. A. S. Disley, C. Batty. Size and shape The size was obviously smaller than three Redshank which were feeding alongside when the bird was hunched but only slightly bigger than a juvenile female Ruff which was also alongside in the same hunched posture, briefly, showing how small it was. The shape was very different when hunched compared to when the bird briefly appeared alert and stretched its neck. When hunched, it appeared compact and not tapered or attenuated at the rear, it was also rather plump and roundish looking, when hunched and fluffed up. When alert the body shape changed to a remarkably shm elegant shape with the rear of the bird looking more tapered/attenuated now. It also accentuated the bill and leg length, giving it a leggy long billed jizz totally unlike any European Golden Plover and was semi-reminiscent of a Wood Sands, elegant jizz. Head and neck The striking feature of the head was the very obvious white supercilium which started on the forehead and continued over the eye, where it broadened slightly behind the eye before continuing round behind ear coverts and continued down the side of the neck, where it broadened on lower neck and upper breast side. The face/ear coverts/throat

-58- and possibly lower forehead were black with a whitish grey patch below eye and on ear coverts, which made a black eye stripe stand out slightly. The crown and nape were spangled golden yellow/black with there being more black than yellow. Upper parts The mantle and scapulars were spangled golden yellow /black with the golden yellow being similar in appearance to European Golden Plover and there was more yellow than black. This contrasted with the wing coverts which were paler, being caused by lack of golden yellow and so appearing whitish and black. This was apparent all the time but occasionally when the bird turned or preened its coverts, they were obviously whitish. The greater coverts and tertials appeared to be midway between the mantle/scapulars and median/lesser wing coverts in brightness of yellow, but otherwise were notched black. We could not see any obvious primaries beyond the tertials and so were unable to say how many did project. Underparts The breast and belly were black with a few whitish feathers mixed in (not many). The flanks were white which was a continuation of the supercilium, but were barred with some blackish feathers. The vent and undertail were white with some blackish marks mainly on vent, it was hard to see for sure if there were any on undertail coverts. Bare parts The eye, bill and legs appeared black. The bill and legs appeared very long looking compared to a European Golden Plover (which was not alongside for comparison). It was the bill that first aroused my suspicion that the bird may be a Lesser Golden Plover, when I first saw it bathing in the water and was not able to see the legs for several minutes. Then when the bird did walk out of the water it was immediately clear that it was a Lesser Golden Plover, as the tibia was much more obvious than on European Golden, and thus the knee joint was further away from the belly, giving the bird a "leggy" look. In flight We observed the bird fly off in an easterly direction when we were able to see the brownish grey underwings and axillaries. The wings appeared longish and slim (again noticeably different from European Golden). Also the body shape in flight was not as fat/pot bellied as E.G.P. A pale upperwing bar was also noted.

Call Just before I located the bird we (Chris Batty and myself) heard a "choowi/chewit" call come from the right of the hide which I had just scanned revealing 30 Dunlin, Whimbrel, Redshank, Black-headed Gull and Ruff, but no Spotted Redshank which is what I thought had made the call, but it didn't sound as definite as a Spotted Redshank. Chris thought it may have been a Ringed Plover (a bird which we did not see on the estuary the evening in question), so I had another scan of the area and was slightly surprised to see a Golden Plover - the bird in question bathing. Additional information The bird was watched from the hide at Hayle estuary for 20 - 27 minutes approx. of which 7 + minutes were of the bird bathing (when I was the only observer, I told the other observers that the bird had a longish bill but no-one looked at the bird until I swore when I saw the legs come out of the water. Also I had two or three glimpses of the grey underwing when the bird was bathing before it walked out onto the mud). A further 25 seconds were seen of the bird in flight before it was lost to view after gaining height in low cloud/drizzle! (I was amazed to see it depart in the conditions as every other wader/gull seemed to go to roost on the grass to the left of the hide as the rising tide pushed birds further up the estuary, which is the only reason I think forced the bird to fly). Three lucky observers were the only people to see the bird, all of which are active birders. I have been birding now for eight years and birdwatching for two years before that. The three observers were Chris Batty, Phil Rhodes and myself. I observed the bird through the following optics:- A Nikon EDO Angled Scope with 30 x wide angled eyepiece. I didn't need to look at the bird through my binoculars as I followed the bird in flight also through my scope.

-59- I found the bird and voiced the opinion that the bird was a Pacific Golden Plover very probably. Luckily we had the'Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identification' and Lars Jonsons'Field Guide to the Birds of Europe' in the car, so after Phil mentioned this he went off to get them quickly, so we had the opportunity to read and look at the illustrations while the bird was in front of us. I was of the opinion the bird was a very probable Pacific before we consulted the books, this now only reinforced this belief. My previous experience of Pacific is of two birds in similar, almost identical plumage to this individual:- Tetney Lock, Lincolnshire July 1986 and Pilling, Lancashire July 1990. I have also seen 20+ birds in the Seychelles in October 1991 in Victoria Harbour, Mahe. The Pilling individual especially, resembled the Hayle bird in plumage, having the same whitish patch on the face/cheeks and the same contrast between mantle/scapulars and wing coverts and adopting the same very slim gait when walking/feeding. I only have experience of one American Golden Plover at Spurn Point in May 1988. I regularly see many European Golden Plover living in upland Lancashire, with autumn migrants regularly passing through my local patch with some staying to winter, as well as many other thousands seen over the years all over the country. Chris Batty will be submitting a description, but Phillip Rhodes will not be as he didn't see the bird for as long as Chris and I did due to various reasons, but he is totally happy that it was a Lesser Golden Plover. I would estimate that the bird was 100 - 130 yards away. The weather at the time of observation was overcast/low cloud with fine drizzle. The light was not ideal but if it had been better maybe we could have seen the primary projection more clearly. We had no trouble in picking out an adult Mediterranean Gull which was further away in a large flock of gulls and facing us. I am now 100% confident that the bird was a Pacific Golden Plover and it never once made me think of American due to the pale overall appearance of upperparts, white flank line, vent and undertail, and the very leggy long billed look combined with very slim look when alert, opposed to compact roundish look of hunched bird. Also the unobvious primaries which we did not see at rest, and call if it was the bird which I think it was (although various authors describe both Lesser goldies as calling like Spotted Redshank). The contrast between coverts and scapulars also seems to be a pointer. Also when we consulted Lars Jonson guide in the hide, the bird out on the estuary bore an amazing similarity to the female portrayed at the top of page 208. Antony S. Disley The first Cornish record of this species which was formally considered conspecific with American Golden Plover. This species breeds in Northern Siberia and Western Alaska and winters through Southern Asia to Australia. It has become an annual autumn vagrant to the U.K., mainly to the East coast. The Cornish bird accepted by BBRC. ("Lesser" Golden Plovers at Trevorrian in 1971 and Stithians Res. in 1975 were thought by some observers to be this species and these are currently under review.) EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER - Charadrius apricaria (Formerly Golden Plover) Common passage migrant. Abundant winter visitor. Breeding has never been proved in Cornwall, although a few pairs still nest on and single birds are occasionally seen in suitable nesting habitat on Bodmin Moor. Average numbers in the first winter period but a small influx during cold weather in February. Spring passage was light between Mar 5th and May 15th when there were singles at St. Just, Colliford and Maer Lake. First return was a bird at Colliford Jul 24th followed by two at Crowdy a week later. Larger flocks started to arrive in late September and built up to the highest second winter total for many years. The usual caveat regarding interchange between sites in response to changing weather conditions, applies as always.

-60- Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 13772 14772 549 29 31 - 2 13 1743 7018 14291 20405 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr I Vfay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lynher Est. 87 450 5 1800 Ruan Lanihorne 720 800 65 250 250 Near Kynance 41 800 91 1 3 - - - 40 550 _ 1050 Hayle Est. 3000 3000 - - 1 - - - 30 100 2500 3000 Camel Est. 4750 200 3 340 1000 1850 5500 Davidstow/ Crowdy 3156 2264 200 _ - 2 1 25 2500 3000 3325 Colliford Res. 88 3500 - - 1 - 1 - 1000 750 3000 1100 Siblyback Res. 650 291 570 2000 1750 The peak count at Camel Estuary is apparently the third highest ever in the county. Elsewhere there were max of 600 at Penzance Jan 29th, 2000 at Casehill Downs Feb 24th, 500 at Sennen Oct 24th, 1000 flying west at Marazion Nov 17th, 1300 at Dec 1st and 610 at Maer Lake Dec 20th. GREY PLOVER - Charadrius squatarola Passage migrant. Winter visitor. There were large increases at St. Johns Lake, Hayle and Camel estuaries during January and further influxes at the two latter sites in February. Spring passage apparently commenced with one at Par Mar 7th and ended with one at Loe Bar Jun 18th although two may have summered at Lynher Est. The first return bird was at Hayle Est. Aug 14th. Autumn passage was exceptionally light with no double figure count until 13 at Camel Est. Oct 6th. Most wintering birds arrived from early November. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 371 381 142 59 40 5 2 4 28 65 172 233 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. Johns Lake 160 55 40 20 10 1 1 l 50 57 Lynher Est. 50 70 52 23 12 3 2 2 6 29 50 80 Looe 2 10 6 4 2 2 Ruan Lanihorne 11 22 4 - 1 _ - _ 2 - 2 - Hayle Est. 70 100 26 7 6 - 1 7 14 22 50 Constantine Bay - 14 1 7 32 Camel Est. 61 100 13 3 3 - - - 4 13 40 11 The peak counts at Hayle Est. and St. Johns Lake were the highest there since 1986 and 1988 respectively. There was never more than 15 at any other site. Inland records Tamar Lake: one Apr 24th. Crowdy Res/Davidstow: one Aug 14th, two Sep 20th with one to 25th. Trevorrian Pool: one Sep 18th. Stithians Res: one Sep 25th, two Oct 28th. Predannack: singles Oct 30th and Dec 3rd/4th. Of 115 inland records, 42 have occurred at Stithians, 34 at Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield, 11 at Predannack and up to seven at eight other localities.

-61 - NORTHERN LAPWING - Vanellus vanellus (Formerly Lapwing) Scarce resident. Breeds in low numbers on Bodmin Moor and Lizard Downs. Common passage migrant. Abundant winter visitor. Breeding season reports were received from the following localities during 1994 (with comparative data for 1988 - 1993). B = bred; p = present, success not known; figures represent number of territorial pairs.

1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Crowdy Res. P B 6+p 2B - P - Colliford Res. 4B P 2B 3B IP - Brockabarrow Comm P - - - - Fox Tor B ------Predannack/ Hayle Kimbro 3p 4p P IB P IB - Cadgwith P ------C.5000 birds arrived in the county in January with the largest increases at Lynher Est, Helston and Penzance. Many moved rapidly through and few remained after the end of February. The last in spring was at Marazion Apr 30th and the first return in autumn were four at Tamar Est. Jun 12th, although one summered at Hayle Est. As usual, numbers remained low until mid-October with most arriving in late November. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 16123 11361 37 7 11 33 724 691 475 2403 7849 13044 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 200 20 - - - 4 12 1 - 22 77 1000 Lynher Est. 829 367 24 37 95 700 Ruan Lanihorne 570 700 90 10 Predannack 850 510 19 - - - 8 - - 230 41 550 Marazion 820 150 _ 1 - - 13 _ - 38 50 210 Sennen 800 - 35 200 - - Hayle Est. 1300 200 - 1 1 1 5 1 3 100 460 1466 Camel Est. 25001500 - - - - 37 51 250 320 4000 3500 Crowdy Res. 19233914 17 4 2 2 321 400 70 350 1000 2514 Colliford Res. 1090 603 1 - 5 25 250 200 36 300 430 540 Siblyback Res. 364 260 10 300 75 300 Elsewhere there were 1200 at Penzance, 1090 at Tregadillett, 1000 at Helston - all in January, 1800 at Casehill Downs in February, 1000 at Tamar Lake in November and 1048 at Maer Lake plus 500 each at Pelynt and Loe Pool - all in December. RED KNOT - Calidris canutus (Formerly Knot) Scarce passage migrant. Uncommon winter visitor. Flocks in both winter periods were typically small with the Tamar/Lynher Est. complex and Camel Est. supporting the only double figure counts, as usual. Spring passage consisted of an early bird at Lamorna Mar 5th and 11 between Apr 12th and May 19th. The first return birds were 55 west off Newquay Aug 3rd. A total of c.128 was reported with the last at Hayle Est. Nov 1st. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 51 77 36 26 9 - - 72 64 4 2 27 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 1 6 - - 17 St. Johns Lake 15 1 4 10 - - - 2 10 1 - 1

-62- Lynher Est. 20 54 28 12 2 - - 2 2 - - 5 Hayle Est. - - - 1 4 - - 1 3 1 1 - Godrevy 1 1 1 1 1 Camel Est. 15 20 2 - 2 - - 7 7 1 1 4 Elsewhere there were five at Ruan Lanihorne and three at Tresillian Sep 19th, 13 at Davidstow Airfield Sep 20th and five flew west at Pendeen Sep 25th.

Inland, apart from the Davidstow birds, there were two at Tamar Lake Aug 29th and one at Predannack Sep 25th. Up to three birds were reported from an additional seven sites. Since 1960 there have been records of 159 birds at inland sites. The most popular localities have been Stithians - 57, Davidstow AirfieldVCrowdy Res. - 40, Predannack Airfield - 21 and Drift Res.- 12. SANDERLING - Calidris alba Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. Mounts Bay remains the primary site for the species in Cornwall, supporting not only the largest migratory parties but also the only regular wintering flock. Yet another poor year but an improvement in the Mounts Bay wintering flock. Few wintering birds were noted after mid-March and a spring passage of c.97 birds was noted between May 3rd and 29th. First return were nine at St. Johns Lake Jul 17th. Another 20 were reported before the end of the month but the autumn total of just 100 birds was low. Wintering birds at Mounts Bay started to arrive during November. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 78 66 22 7 97 - 29 23 40 8 66 51 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Par 3 4 2 - 10 - 10 6 - - - Mounts Bay 72 60 20 7 52 _ - 1 1 6 53 50 Hayle Est. - - - - 10 - 6 1 2 2 12 - Camel Est. 3 2 - - 15 - - 21 3 - 1 1 Elsewhere there were max of four at Harlyn Aug 25th, 19 at Gwithian Sep 2nd and seven at Predannack Airfield Sep 11th - 17th with one or two at seven additional localities. Apart from Predannack Airfield inland reports involved two at Davidstow Airfield May 21st and one at Colliford Res. Sep 10th. Of the total of 100 birds reported inland since 1930, 23 have appeared at Stithians, 22 at Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield and 14 at Predannack with up to ten at 11 additional sites. LITTLE STINT - Calidris minuta Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. One which overwintered at Hayle Estuary from 1993 was last noted Mar 15th. LPW. DE. DSF. et al. In spring one was noted at Hayle Est. May 14th/15th. DC. TSH. JH. - only the 19th spring record since 1950. Autumn passage commenced with one at Stithians Jul 20th and ended with an unexpected record of six at Hayle Est. Nov 6th. It was an average movement involving c.47 birds, 25% of which arrived Sep 15th - 22nd. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1 1 1 - 5 9 20 6 6 - Records additional to those mentioned above: Hayle Est: three Jul 30th with two Aug 2nd and singles Sep 17th/18th and Oct 10th - 14th. Stithians Res: one Aug 25th.

-63 - Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield: c.ll between Jul 31st and Sep 21st with max of foui Aug 17th and Sep 20th. Tamar Est: singles Aug 11th and Sep 13th. Marazion: singles Sep 3rd - 6th and 22nd, but two Sep 23rd/24th. Siblyback Res: one Sep 12th. Loe Pool: two Sep 15th and Oct 6th. Predannack: c.six between Sep 17th and 25th with max of six on 18th. Maer I^ike: singles Sep 17th - 22nd and Oct 3rd. Camel Est: singles Sep 22nd and Oct 29th. Par: one Sep 23rd - 25th. Lands End: one Oct 10th.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER - Calidris melanotos Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield: singles Aug 16th - Sep 10th and Sep 7th - 21st. BTC GDL. GPS. et al. Lands End: singles Sep 17th/18th and Sep 27th. RA. DSF. PGA. DJC. NGL. Near Kynance: one Sep 17th. SP. With over 70 nationally, the total of five in Cornwall was disappointing. After a re-assessment of 1973 records, the county mainland total advances to c.203. The first at Crowdy is the third earliest in autumn. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 2 2 - 25 137 32 3 - (67%) Top sites: Stithians Res.- 38, Drift Res.- 25, Marazion - 24, Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield - 17, Hayle Est.- 16. CURLEW SANDPIPER - Calidris ferruginea Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. Singles at Polridmouth Apr 30th - May 1st. LAS. FMS. and Marazion May 14th - 16th. MO. were the first spring records since 1990. Autumn passage commenced with one at Stithians Res. Aug 6th and ended with two at Hayle Est. Nov 6th. It was a light movement involving c.55 birds, 24 (44%) of which arrived Sep 8th - 11th. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 2 - - 3 43 7 3 - Stithians Res: c.nine between Aug 6th and Oct 18th with max of seven Sep 10th. Camel Est: five between Aug 9th and Sep 29th with max of three Sep 22nd. Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield: 11 between Sep 4th and Sep 27th with max of ten on 8th. Near Kynance: six between Sep 4th and 17th with max of five on 10th. Hayle Est: c.eight between Sep 11th and Nov 6th with max of four Oct 28th. Tamar Est: one or two Sep 15th - 24th. St. Johns Lake: five between Sep 15th and 23rd with max of five last date. Short-stayers consisted of two at Gannel Est. Sep 6th, one at Lynher Est. Sep 11th - 22nd, two at Truro Sep 21st - 24th and singles at Marazion Sep 24th, Maer Lake Oct 1st and Par Oct 7th. PURPLE SANDPIPER - Calidris maritima Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 85 86 78 73 50 - 2 2 11 32 96 132

-64- The last in spring were three at Godrevy May 27th and the first return were two there Jul 22nd. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb ]Ma r Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. Johns Lake 1 4 Looe 2 2 4 Par 2 1 2 1 8 Mounts Bay 22 30 18 27 20 - _ 1 9 27 St. Ives _ 9 _ _ _ _ _ 1 4 5 18 Godrevy 52 52 49 35 30 2 2 10 15 55 69 Newquay 2 _ _ 6 _ _ _ _ _ 4 7 2 Constantine Bay 1 19 - Bude 1 - 4 ------Elsewhere there were two at Lynher Est. Jan 7th, one at Camel Est. Jan 20th, one at Mevagissey Jan 28th and eight at Pendeen Oct 23rd. Extensive renovation of Jubilee Swimming Pool at Penzance has resulted in considerable disturbance to the regular wintering flock there. Consequently numbers there were the lowest since 1983. Conversely, the peak count at Godrevy was a new record - 69 Dec 22nd. At St. Ives the peak count was the highest there since 1984 and the flock at Constantine Bay in November was a record there. The species was formerly more numerous at both Looe and Par where human disturbance may be the cause of the decline. DUNLIN - Calidris alpina Passage migrant. Abundant winter visitor. Small numbers which occasionally breed on Bodmin Moor are the most southerly breeding Dunlin in the world. There was no indication of breeding this year despite a single remaining at Crowdy Res. until May 21st and one at Colliford Jun 9th and Jul 2nd. Good numbers overwintered from 1993 with a large increase at Hayle Est. Most remained into February but very few into March. A light spring movement was apparent from Apr 20th - Jun 4th and the first return birds were two at Hayle Est. Jun 23rd. Good numbers moved through in August but second winter flocks were very slow to build up. About 62% of the December total were counted in one flock at St. Johns Lake. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9393 8573 1365 113 442 25 289 1491 624 1486 2318 6635 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 12 32 1 - 1 - 7 300 49 10 112 210 Lynher Est. 1000 980 135 7 35 3 18 95 35 75 350 700 St. Johns Lake 2600 4352 61 15 46 19 60 50 231 1400 1540 4103 Ruan Lanihorne 219 459 1 _ _ - _ 4 - Devoran 220 195 - - - 6 46 - - 35 15 Penryn River 220 223 215 _ - - 1 - 1 - 12 76 Mounts Bay 320 350 - 54 30 - 8 40 5 4 141 Hayle Est. 2050 500 830 25 150 2 100 445 51 35 125 750 Camel Est. 1600 2000 32 1 50 - 42 400 95 12 260 1000 There was never more than 200 at any other locality. Inland records included max of 45 at Crowdy Res. Jan 14th with 49 there Sep 16th, 34 at Tamar Lake Aug 23rd, 25 at Stithians Res. Aug 25th and 37 near Kynance Sep 24th. BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER - Tryngites subruficollis Vagrant. Stithians Res: one Aug 12th. JH.

-65 - Sennen: juvenile Sep 4th - 7th. SMC. EJC. RJL. et al. Near Kynance: two Sep 10th/l 1th increasing to three Sep 17th and four Sep 18th, one Oct 8th/9th. SP. ARP. SK. MLo. ALo. The best year since 1989. Approximately 35 were noted nationally. The county mainland total advances to c.87, two in the nineteenth century and the remainder since 1968. The Stithians bird is the earliest ever in autumn and the last Kynance bird is the second latest ever. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 75 7 1 - (86%) There are four previous records of flocks of four (in 1970, 1973, 1977 and 1989) and one of five (near Kynance in 1977). Top sites: near Kynance - 32, Davidstow Airfield - 19, Stithians Res.- 9. RUFF - Philomachus pugnax Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. An excellent year including the best spring passage since 1987 and the third best autumn movement of the last 20 years. Spring passage commenced with one at Hayle Mar 23rd and ended with one at Camel Est. May 20th. C. 139 passed through with c. 112 (81 %) arriving on south-easterly winds May 1st - 3rd. Autumn passage commenced with one at Hayle Est. Jul 6th and ended with one at Maer Lake Nov 7th. It was a typically protracted movement with approximately one third arriving Sep 2nd - 8th. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 1 1 7 133 - 5 15 65 12 3 2 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec St. Johns Lake ------2 - 1 - - - Siblyback Res. 1 1 ------2 - - - Colliford Res. - - - - 3 - - - - 2 1 - Stithians Res. 1 2 18 3 - - Near Kynance - - - - 1 - - - 2 - - - Marazion - - - 1 23 - - 1 - - - - Sennen - - - _ 16 _ _ - 12 1 - Hayle Est. - - 1 1 28 - 1 2 4 1 - - Camel Est. 1 - - - 38 - - 4 1 1 1 - Crowdy/Davidstow 1 13 2 - 1 Maer Lake - - - - 5 - - - 3 1 1 1 Tamar Lakes 1 3 8 1 - - Elsewhere there were 11 at Lizard, seven at Cadgwith and one at St. Just Airfield May 2nd, and singles at Loe Pool Aug 8th/9th, Ruan Lanihorne Sep 10th - 22nd and Tamar Est. Sep 11th - 18th. The peak count at Camel Est. was the highest there since 1969.

JACK SNIPE - Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Another good year with 19 in the first winter (the most since 1984), one in spring, ten in autumn and nine in the second winter. The last in spring was at Drift Res. Mar 9th and the first return bird was at Stithians Sep 26th. Regular wintering localities over the last ten years include this years' prime site at Hayle Est/Copperhouse, Bude marshes, Maer Lake, Drift Res. and the recently discovered site at St. Columb Porth. Formerly regular sites at Lynher Est, Camel Est. and Marazion Marsh now appear to be of lesser importance.

-66- Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 13 13 1 - - - - - 1 8 9 7 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Stithians Res. 1 2 - - Drift Res. - - 1 ------2 2 1 Hayle Est. 8 7 1 1 St. Columb Porth 5 2 2 Bude Marshes - 1 1 1 - Maer Lake - 3 2 2 Singles were also reported from Gwithian Feb 2nd, Kit Hill Feb 10th, Marazion Oct 4th and 13th, Lands End Oct 11th - 13th, Tamar Lake Oct 14th, Kynance Nov 1st and Bodmin Dec 24th. The peak Hayle count is the highest in the county since 1976. COMMON SNIPE - Gallinago gallinago Resident. Breeds in low numbers on Bodmin Moor. Passage migrant. Common winter visitor. The highest counts again derived from the far north of the county with over half of the winter total at Maer Lake and Tamar Lake. The first winter total was slightly up on 1993 but most moved out early with very few remaining in March. A light spring passage involving c.30 birds was noted Mar 20th - May 9th with the last at Lands End. One or two displaying birds were noted at Bastreet May 4th. BTC. and one was flushed from an old breeding site near Maiden well Jul 1st. SMC. The first return birds were two at Maer Lake Jul 18th with another 35 arriving before the end of the month. Passage birds continued to arrive and move through to mid October. Subsequently, second winter flocks built up to a high total in December. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 917 575 53 10 12 38 74 177 179 429 1315 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Stithians Res. 40 19 - - - - 8 20 25 30 30 200 Marazion 45 70 1 1 - - - 4 4 8 18 3 Hayle/Copperhouse 49 5 1 22 Harlyn Bay 75 - 56 62 Camel Est. 35 8 - 1 - - 7 13 100 20 40 34 Maer Lake 250 50 - - - - 6 - - 7 142 400 Tamar Lakes 60 350 - - - - - 6 - 27 - Other peak counts included 53 at Sennen Jan 1st, 75 at Mawgan Porth Jan 5th, 70 at Bodmin Radio Station and 550 at Bude Marshes Dec 10th. The Stithians peak was the highest there since 1988.

LONG-BILLED DOWTTCHER - Limnodromus scolopaceus Rare vagrant. Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield: one Sep 17th - 23rd. AB. PB. et al. The county mainland total advances to c.23. This is the first since 1990 and the second earliest ever. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 - 1 - - 1 4 15 1 - (63%) Top sites: Crowdy/Davidstow - six, Stithians Res, Marazion and Hayle Est.- three each.

-67- WOODCOCK - Scolopax rusticola Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Has bred on few occasions and not for at least twenty years. The number of birds reported annually never accurately reflects the true total present. BTSC. EMC. and RWF. all report "good numbers" in both winter periods in Cornwall, including 30 at in December. The last in spring was one at St. Columb Minor Mar 14th and the first return bird was at Porthgwarra Oct 18th. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 15 1 ------2 24 37 Virtually all reports concerned one or two birds but there were also five at Feb 6th, four at Porthgwarra Nov 6th and three at Lamorna Nov 7th. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa limosa Passage migrant. Winter visitor, almost exclusively to south coast estuaries. Wintering flocks were again about the average of recent years but the Devoran congregation was severely reduced - a direct result of the Wheal Jane pollution incident? The last in spring was at Hayle Jun 17th and the first return bird was at Lynher Estuary Jun 29th. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 244 116 12 29 21 7 26 83 105 162 217 191 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 93 19 1 3 1 - 1 - 4 63 43 45 St. Johns Lake 30 16 1 6 - - - - 3 5 43 1 Lynher Est. 1 13 4 1 3 1 6 7 18 16 28 60 Ruan Lanihorne 38 19 - _ - - 11 32 50 20 - - Tresillian 12 20 1 8 18 - 4 Truro River 60 5 - - 2 - - 12 3 17 84 79 Devoran _ 20 _ - 1 - - - 1 - 3 - Hayle Est. 2 3 6 6 5 4 1 2 10 9 16 2 Camel Est. 2 - - 9 2 1 6 - 1 12 - - 13 flew east at Godrevy Aug 11th and one or two were noted at Marazion, Loe Pool and Constantine Bay. Inland there were singles at Sennen Jan 15th and Colliford Res. Jun 9th, one or two at Tamar Lakes Aug 6th - 16th and up to four at Stithians Sep 17th - 26th.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa lapponica Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Low numbers in the first winter period and a light spring passage Mar 15th - Jun 12th. The first in autumn was at Camel Est. Jul 24th but numbers were exceptionally low until early September. Good numbers moved through Sep 9th/10th with several notable counts on sea watches. Second winter flocks were about the recent average. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 46 34 26 27 94 5 3 11 213 100 49 104 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 3 16 - 32 St. Johns Lake 18 15 8 5 2 1 - - 10 - 26 20 Lynher Est. 9 4 8 3 5 2 - 2 20 13 3 34 Par 10 1 - 1 - - - 1 1 - - Hayle Est. 4 4 7 11 10 1 2- 6 16 11 10 10

-68 - Gannel Est. _ _ 1 22 - - 1 5 3 - - Camel Est. 3 3 2 2 30 1 1 2 24 50 8 6 Other peak counts included 14 flying west at Gurnards Head Sep 9th, 65 west at Pendeen and 40 west at Newquay - both Sep 10th and eight at Devoran Sep 21st. Inland there were eight at Colliford Sep 10th and one at Stithians the same day. WHIMBREL - Numenius phaeopus

Passage migrant (mainly spring). A few overwinter. Three birds overwintered from 1993 at St. Johns Lake, two were at Tresillian Feb 15th and there were singles at Camel Est, Gerrans Bay and Godrevy. The first in spring were two at Mounts Bay and one at Rame Head Apr ?2th. Passage was lighter than normal with peak counts Apr 19th - 24th and May 3rd - 7th. Immigration ceased May 30th with the first return birds at Hayle Jun 2nd. Most autumn birds had moved on before the end of August with few notable counts in September. In December there were singles at St. Johns Lake, Lynher Est, Gerrans Bay and Falmouth. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 7 2 479 289 22 206 172 124 9 7 4 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb I /far Apr 1Ma y Jun Jul ,\ug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 17 29 12 1 St. Johns Lake 1 3 1 32 23 3 26 50 10 1 4 1 Lynher Est. - - - 15 47 12 10 20 4 - - 1 Par - - - 70 4 - 2 1 - 1 - - Mounts Bay - 77 44 _ 10 24 21 _ - - Hayle Est. - - - 9 28 4 53 13 2 2 - - Camel Est. - 1 1 24 26 - 55 5 3 - 1 - Other single day max included 26 at Apr 22nd, 26 at Rosemullion Head Apr 23rd, 47 west at Rame Head May 7th, 30 at Fowey Est. Jul 24th and 60 west at Drift Sep 9th. EURASIAN CURLEW - Numenius arquata (Formerly Curlew) Scarce resident. Breeds (decreasing). Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeding season reports were received from the following localities (with comparative data for 1989 - 1992). B = bred, p = present, success not known; figures represent number of displaying males. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Upper Fowey Valley 2p 2p 2p P P - Colliford/Dozmary B P 2p B - Brockabarrow Common p - - - - - Draynes Common P - - - - - Goonhilly Downs B P P - - 2P At Colliford, three pairs were present and two young were seen Jun 18th. DAC. Good numbers in both winter periods but incomplete counts from the primary site at Gannel Est. Spring passage was typically light but a notable autumn movement from late June to late September. Approximate monthly county- total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2962 2903 471 90 163 557 3260 3327 3197 2495 2664 2670 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 230 120 23 6 25 14 244 122 257 143 186 278

-69- St. Johns Lake 114 229 44 3 20 120 150 100 36 87 106 186 Lynher Est. 157 211 60 15 11 104 502 838 723 322 185 358 Looe Est. 167 63 10 2 - 52 61 84 64 - 3 - Fowey Est. 12 26 3 - - - 70 - - 59 38 60 Par 200 - 8 - - - 110 50 10 - - - Ruan Lanihorne 30 96 6 - 4 - 149 125 303 56 20 20 Tresillian 70 42 10 5 1 13 93 60 224 193 80 200 Truro River 170 87 24 2 1 2 127 100 206 234 80 114 Devoran 145 150 135 25 14 20 290 302 138 179 124 164 Penryn River 80 120 40 2 - 11 17 40 40 100 40 80 Helford Est. 27 84 12 - - 1 130 100 8 150 120 12 Hayle Est. 941 900 24 12 30 34 200 230 400 300 250 308 Godrevy 136 89 24 - - 7 50 40 116 172 203 86 Gannel Est. 511 120 60 16 230 325 Camel Est. 280 420 41 16 41 14 530 862 450 296 198 340 Maer Lake - 210 - - 1 2 - 26 52 100 190 228 Other site max included 60 at St. Just in Roseland Jun 29th, 143 at Argal Res. Aug 20th and 167 at St. Merryn Nov 15th.

SPOTTED REDSHANK - Tringa erythropus Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor, almost exclusively to south coast estuaries. The first winter total was the highest since 1983 but may have included duplication from the Tamar/Lynher complex whilst the second winter total was the highest since 1982, but the same caveat applies. Spring passage consisted of singles at Devoran Mar 6th - Apr 9th and Hayle Est. Mar 19th. The last in spring was the Devoran bird and the first return was at Tamar Est. Jul 31st - a late re-appearance. Another abysmal movement comprising c.18 birds ended with one at Hayle Est. Nov 13th. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 35 25 20 1 1 8 34 35 25 33 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 8 6 4 - - - 1 1 13 8 2 7 St. Johns Lake 4 ------2 - - 1 Lynher Est. 14 14 10 - - - - 1 3 8 10 15 Ruan Lanihorne - 1 2 1 Tresillian 4 4 4 10 9 10 8 Hayle Est. - - 1 - - - - 1 1 5 1 - Camel Est. 4 4 - -

Spotted Redshanks Richard James

-70- Elsewhere in the first half of the year there were three at Truro River Jan 3rd and in the latter half of the year there were singles at Helford Est, Lands End, Par and Fowey Est. Inland, singles were noted at Colliford Res. Aug 14th, Tamar Lake Aug 29th - 31st and Stithians Res. Sep 26th.

COMMON REDSHANK - Tringa totanus

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. The first winter total was about the average of recent years but most moved out early during February and very few were present after mid-March. The last in spring was one at Camel Est. May 20th and the first return was at Colliford Res. Jun 11th. Autumn passage was generally late and about 30% down on 1993 totals. However the December total was high, 50% up on last years winter total.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 985 762 518 65 12 29 745 942 968 1143 1199 1232 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 186 191 138 1 3 5 61 207 125 281 400 402 St. Johns Lake 100 76 106 20 - - 130 152 260 180 247 186 Lynher Est. 176 110 61 4 2 130 160 109 102 125 238 Looe Est. 32 20 11 6 - - 19 37 18 31 19 19 Fowey Est. 27 8 16 - - - 27 - - 27 23 28 Ruan Lanihorne 78 80 6 - - - 3 39 25 50 62 19 Tresillian 57 40 19 - - 18 100 120 113 118 45 70 Truro River 30 37 2 7 29 40 20 Devoran 52 67 13 4 - - 110 81 104 100 35 46 Penryn River 45 45 25 - - 1 29 40 42 40 25 30 Helford Est. 12 11 10 1 - 1 7 15 13 13 14 Hayle Est. 123 17 14 12 4 2- 22 40 54 59 55 28 Camel Est. 124 51 23 2 1 2 125 56 62 100 108 127 Elsewhere there were 30 at Percuil Jan 17th and 20 at Par Sep 10th but no more than ten at any other site. Inland, there were singles at Colliford Jun 11th and Jul 9th, Crowdy Res. Jul 31st and Argal Res. Oct 15th. At Stithians Res. up to three were regular Jul 2nd - Sep 27th and a single was there Dec 20th - 24th, while Crowdy Res. hosted three Sep 9th.

COMMON GREENSHANK - Tringa nebularia Passage migrant (mainly autumn). A few overwinter. Wintering numbers were about the average of recent years with Lynher Est., St. Johns Lake and Camel Est. again supporting the largest flocks. First winter birds moved out early and spring passage was light with the last at Tamar Est. May 15th. The first return birds were two at Percuil Jun 30th but there were few elsewhere until mid-July. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 57 32 42 20 21 3 87 149 171 107 79 78 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 2 2 2 1 3 1 6 30 23 14 10 3 St. Johns Lake 11 9 9 11 4 - 17 22 26 30 15 27 Lynher Est. 15 5 6 3 - - 10 13 25 8 14 10 Fowey Est. 2 - 2 - - - 3 - - - 2 4 Ruan Lanihorne 2 6 5 Tresillian 4 3 3 - - - 3 11 9 6 4 3 Truro River 2 1 1 1 - - 2 14 - 1 1 Devoran 2 2 3 - - - 14 6 24 6 3 8

-71 - Helford Est. 2 1 2 - - - 6 2 4 11 2 2 Hayle Est. 3 2 2 1 8 - 3 2 8 8 5 3 Camel Est. 7 2 10 - 1 - 21 27 28 17 11 6 Up to three were noted at all the other estuaries at some time during the year. There was the usual scatter of inland records in autumn with one to three birds at Siblyback Res., Colliford Res., Crowdy Res. and Drift Res., five at Stithians Res. Aug 7th - 15th and 11 at Tamar Lakes on Aug 23rd.

GREEN SANDPIPER - Tringa ochropus Passage migrant (mainly autumn). A few overwinter. Overall, the best year since 1987. In the first winter period there were two at Lynher Estuary and Bonython Estate plus singles at Tamar Est. and Camel Est.- the lowest total since 1984. Spring passage consisted of seven birds between Apr 1st and May 7th with the last at Skewjack. The first return bird was at Sancreed Jul 2nd with another 36 before the end of that month. It was a much improved passage involving c. 100 birds which ended with a late individual at Marazion Nov 15th. The second winter produced three at Drift Res., two at Lynher Est. and singles at Tamar Est., Loe Pool, Gannel Est., Camel Est., Colliford Res., and Helston. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 4 3 7 1 - 37 75 27 15 9 9 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct f •Jov Dec Tamar Est. 1 1 4 2 2 2 1 Lynher Est. 2 2 2 1 - 1 3 3 3 2 2 Stithians Res. 11 19 2 1 - - Marazion 4 2 1 - 1 - Drift Res. 4 8 3 1 2 3 Hayle Est. - - - 1 - - 1 3 1 - - - Gannel Est. 1 2 1 1 Camel Est. 1 5 4 5 - - 1 Tamar Lakes 1 9 - - - - Five were noted at Sennen Sep 18th and one or two were at an additional 24 localities during the year. WOOD SANDPIPER - Tringa glareola Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Four in spring and 26 in autumn constituted the best year since 1984. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 1 7 14 4 Marazion: one May 1st - 5th, another May 2nd - 6th. DSF. et al. Hayle Est: one May 3rd, two Aug 8th/9th with one to the 20th, another Sep 28th. NRP. DSF. LPW. et al. Maer Lake: singles May 13th/14th and Jul 18th - 22nd. GPS. Stithians Res: c.ll between Jun 26th and Aug 27th with max of six Jul 27th and five Aug 5th. DE. JH. SK. et al. Colliford Res: one Jul 22nd. GDL. Sancreed: one flew over Aug 10th. ACH. BCW. Tamar Lake: one Aug 14th - 23rd. GPS. JH. Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield: c.five between Aug 14th and Sep 22nd with max of three first date. JH. et al. Camel Est: one Aug 20th - 30th. SMC. et al. Helford Est: one Aug 28th. HK. Siblyback Res: one Sep 14th/15th. WJW. EHW.

-72- The county mainland total advances to c.917. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec • • 7 14 48 32 95 511 189 19 2 - (56%) (21%]1 Top sites: Stithians Res.- 193, Marazion -116, Hayle Est.- 95, Crowan Res.- 73, Camel Est.- 60.

COMMON SANDPIPER - Actitis hypoleucos Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. Bred in 1989, probably in 1988, but not previously since 1910. Breeding may have occurred in the Stannon Clay Pit area of Bodmin Moor, where two adults and two juveniles were noted Jul 31st. DTC. GPS. The first winter period produced two at Tamar Est., St. Johns Lake and Tresillian with singles at Lynher Est., Fowey Est., Manaccan, Loe Pool, Hayle Est., Gannel Est. and Camel Est. Spring passage commenced with two at Tamar Est. Apr 10th, involved c.50 birds and ended with a single at Camel Est. May 20th. The first return were two at Camel Est. Jun 30th. Autumn passage proved the heaviest since 1986 with several double figure counts including a site record of 35 at Tamar Est. in July. In December there were three at Tamar Est. and singles at Loe Pool, Gannel Est. and Camel Est. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 8 4 35 21 2 179 155 55 12 11 6 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 2 1 - 2 1 - 35 12 5 4 4 3 St Johns Lake 2 2 2 1 2 _ 4 1 5 _ 1 _ Lynher Est. 1 1 - - 2 - 12 14 5 - - - Looe Est. - - _ 4 1 _ 2 2 4 _ _ _ Colliford Res. 2 6 2 - _ - Ruan Lanihorne 9 3 5 _ _ _ Tresillian 1 2 1 1 - - 3 1 2 1 2 - Stithians Res. - - 1 _ _ 12 15 3 1 - - Loe Pool 1 1 1 7 2 2 2 3 2 1 1 1 Mounts Bay - - 2 1 2 2 _ _ _ Drift Res. - - - 2 1 - 9 5 3 - 1 - Hayle Est. 1 - _ 2 1 _ 10 18 1 1 _ _ Gannel Est. 1 - - 3 2 - 3 2 1 1 Camel Est. 1 - - _ 1 2 9 13 3 3 1 1 Crowdy Res. - - - 3 - - 6 10 3 - - - Bude/Maer Lake - - - 2 2 - 12 2 _ - - _ Tamar Lakes 12 1 2 - - - Up to five birds were reported from an additional 20 sites. TURNSTONE - Arenaria interpres Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A few summer. Rare inland. Average numbers in both winter periods. Spring passage was typically light with the last, an unusual inland record at Crowdy Res. May 28th. The first return were six at Godrevy Jun 25th. Early autumn passage was less pronounced than 1993 but the peak in October was greater than last year. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 404 282 247 284 44 6 67 125 227 393 345 359

-73 - Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 22 2 19 36 - - - - 18 15 35 37 St. Johns Lake 54 20 52 6 12 - 3 40 60 55 75 70 Looe 79 58 10 21 4 - - - 32 39 50 75 Par 30 - 33 10 3 - 7 1 - 47 - - Devoran 16 22 - - - - 1 - 10 19 - - Mounts Bay 32 - 39 88 10 - - 1 1 35 - 39 Hayle Est. 14 3 19 4 5 - 20 1 3 6 9 4 Godrevy 32 22 14 22 9 6 25 29 42 54 30 18 Newquay 11 - 8 3 - - - 5 21 20 - 20 Camel Est. 64 130 28 50 - - 1 35 23 56 76 54 27 were at Constantine Bay Nov 25th but no more than 20 were noted at any other locality during the year. Inland Records Near Kynance: singles Jan 16th, Mar 5th and Dec 4th, two Sep 10uV 11th and Sep 25th. Colliford Res: one May 28th. Stithians: singles Jul 23rd and 30th, and Aug 29th but four Jul 25th. Crowdy Res: one Jul 23rd.

WILSON'S PHALAROPE - Phalaropus tricolor Rare vagrant. Lower Tamar Lake: juvenile Sep 4th - 6th. DCh. JH. et al There were three others in the U.K. this autumn, but this was our first since 1990. The county mainland total advances to c.23. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 1 - 6 13 3 - - Top sites: Hayle Est., Camel Est., and Stithians Res.- three each. RED-NECKED PHALAROPE - Phalaropus lobatus Rare vagrant. Perranporth: juvenile Sep 14th - 18th. SMC. et al. This bird came to light only as a result of a lady's telephone call to a Radio Cornwall 'phone in on Sep 14th. She had discovered the bird several days previously and had been told that it was a Grey Phalarope. Fortunately the identity was checked and found to be incorrect! The county mainland total advances to c.30 since 1930, prior to which data is incomplete. This is the second earliest ever in autumn. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 - - - - - 1 11 8 3 5 Top sites: St. Ives and Pendeen - seven each, Mounts Bay - five, Newquay - two.

GREY PHALAROPE - Phalaropus fulicarius Uncommon passage migrant, (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. Marazion: one Sep 10th. JSG. Newquay: two Sep 10th, and singles Sep 15th and Dec 8th. SMC. EJC. MT. TSH. Siblyback Res: one Sep llth/12th. GDL. EJW. Godrevy: two Sep 12th. TSH. MT. St. Ives: two Sep 20th, one Sep 26th and two Oct 25th. SMC. NJP. MT. TSH. Trevose Head: one west Sep 26th. SMC. The poorest year since 1973. The county mainland total advances to c.3810 since 1930.

-74- Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 32 10 3 1 _ - 1 54 1055 1970 553 131 (28%) (52%) Top sites: St. Ives - 2717 (71 %), Pendeen - 245, Newquay - 218, Mounts Bay - 153. Correction to 1993 Report The St. Germans record in July was incorrectly reported. The observation related to the Lynher Estuary August bird. POMARINE SKUA - Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon passage migrant (chiefly autumn but with a recently discovered south coast spring movement). Rare winter visitor. Another good year, including several very early and late records. St. Ives: two Apr 2nd. JH, 19 west between Sep 15th and Oct 25th including 13 on the first date, four Dec 30th and one Dec 31st. DC. SMC. NRP. et al. Newquay: adult Apr 10th. SMC, singles Oct 24th and Dec 29th and three Dec 30th. SMC. TMC. GJC. et al. Rame Head: one Apr 22nd, two Apr 23rd, and singles Apr 24th, Jun 10th and Aug 28th. EJW. GDL. et al. Falmouth: one May 2nd. RCJ. Mullion: one May 3rd. ALo. Porthgwarra: 26 west between May 6th and Oct 18th. (ten in May, two in June, nine in July, four in Sep and one in Oct) with max of four first date and Jul 20th. AMH. JML. JH. RG. SMC. et al. Lizard: one Aug 12th. SML. Marazion: one Aug 13th. DC. DSF. Pendeen: 21 west between Aug 17th and Nov 1st (four in Aug, four in Sep, ten in Oct, three in Nov) with max of nine Oct 23rd. DJO. SML. MCH. RDR. JH. et al. Godrevy: two Sep 12th. TSH. MT. Trevose Head: singles Sep 15th and Oct 26th. SMC. Rumps Point: three Dec 30th. EG. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sc7 Oct Nov Dec - - - 6 13 2 9 7 2 5 18 3 12 The county mainland total advances to c.2327. The first St. Ives birds are the earliest ever in spring and the Newquay bird is the fourth earliest ever. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 5 39 321 51 93 187 373 847 379 35 (36%) Top sites: St. Ives - 987 (42%), Pendeen - 368, Porthgwarra - 294, Rame Head - 150. ARCTIC SKUA - Stercorarius parasiticus Passage migrant (mainly August/September). Rare winter visitor. Spring passage commenced with one at St. Ives Apr 1st followed by two there the next day. 29 birds were reported with the last three at Rame Head Jun 18th. The first in autumn was off Porthgwarra Jul 9th but few were noted until late August. Of the 356 birds reported, 251 (71 %) moved through Sep 9th - 20th. 19 were observed in October and despite a lack of sightings in November there were three very late birds in December, including the latest ever off Newquay Dec 30th. Others were at Tamar Est. and Mevagissey on the 8th and 15th respectively. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 17 4 8 4 74 256 19 - 3

-75- Additional records Rame Head: 23 between Apr 22nd and Jul 10th with max of eight Apr 23rd. Porthgwarra: 37 between May 6th and Oct 22nd with max of 15 Sep 18th. Newquay: 50 between Aug 7th and Dec 30th with max of eight Sep 10th and 17 Sep 15th. Pendeen: 111 between Aug 16th and Oct 23rd with max of 15 Aug 27th, 24 Sep 10th and 38 Sep 15th. St. Ives: 92 between Aug 19th and Oct 23rd with max of 70 Sep 15th. Trevose Head: 18 between Aug 26th and Sep 15th with max of 13 last date. St. Agnes: 11 between Aug 28th and Sep 10th with eight last date. Godrevy: nine Sep 9th and ten Sep 12th. One to three birds were noted at Par, Bude, Mounts Bay, Gurnards Head, Rumps Point, Cot, Kenidjack, Nanquidno and Sennen Cove, whilst four passed Mevagissey Aug 2nd. Unusual were singles at Tamar Lake Aug 16th and Siblyback Res. Oct 15th - the seventh and eighth Cornish inland records. LONG-TAILED SKUA - Stercorarius longicaudus Rare passage migrant (mainly mid-August to mid-October). Porthgwarra: adult May 6th. AMH. and one Aug 21st. SR. Pendeen: adult and juvenile Sep 20th GJC. RLS. and one Oct 3rd. GGG. EGG. Newquay: adult Oct 25th. SMC. The county mainland total advances to c. 150. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - _ _ 4 5 2 20 82 33 4 - (55%) Top sites: Pendeen - 55 (36%), St. Ives - 54 (36%), Newquay - eight, Porthgwarra - seven. Skua sp. Rumps Point: one Sep 20th. Kennack Sands: one Oct 2nd. Porthgwarra: two Oct 22nd. GREAT SKUA - Catharacta skua Passage migrant (mainly late August to late October). Uncommon winter visitor. In the best year since 1988 there were two in the first winter period and c.51 in spring between Mar 13th and Jun 17th. Autumn passage commenced with three on Porthgwarra Jul 26th and continued to Nov 14th when two were off Newquay. Passage was light during July and August but there was a notable movement Sep 9th - 15th with good numbers daily off the major seawatch points at Newquay, Porthgwarra, Pendeen and St. Ives. December records are not unusual, but the numbers involved in the severe gales at the end of the year were unprecedented. Passage peaked Dec 30th when 150 passed St. Ives, 72 passed Rumps Point and 54 were of? Newquay. At St. Ives and Newquay these were the highest single day totals since 1953, and at Rumps Point the highest day count ever. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 3 46 1 1 7 64 191 13 3 340 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head 1 - - 9 - 1 - 2 7 1 - 1 St. Ives - 1 2 28 - - - 1 52 2 - 200 Newquay - - - 8 - - - 3 10 - 2 66 Rumps Point - - - 1 - - - 1 3 - - 72 Porthgwarra - - - - 1 - 7 39 25 3 - - Pendeen 12 51 2 2 - Trevose Head 3 13 3 - -

-76- Other peak counts included four off St. Agnes Sep 10th and 19 off Gurnards Head Sep 15th. Up to three birds were noted at Lizard Point, Godrevy, Porth Joke and Lands End. One at Newquay Apr 4th was seen to kill a Lesser Black- backed Gull. MT. MEDITERRANEAN GULL - Larus melanocephalus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor (increasing). Another excellent year with c.100 birds reported. Most of the birds recorded in December 1993 overwintered but surprisingly none of the three at Camel Est. were reported again. Late spring passage involved singles at St. Ives May 2nd and Colliford May 7th and the first return bird was at St. Johns Lake Jul 5th. There was a gradual build-up through the autumn to a record end of year total. Of special note were the scatter of transient birds in mid-October and the large congregations at Falmouth, Mounts Bay, Drift Res. and Hayle Est. at the end of the year. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 15 6 - 2 - 13 25 21 30 45 48 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mounts Bay adult 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2nd year 1 1st year 1 1 1 6 juvenile 1 Drift Res. adult 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 2nd year 2 - 1st year 1 1 4 10 8 St. Ives Bay adult - 1 1 1 1 1 - 1st year 1 - Hayle Est. adult 1 1 3 - - - 2 1 2 1 1 2 2nd year 1 1 2 1st year 2 1 2 1 3 1 1 Loe Pool adult 1 1 1 1st year 1 - 1 Camel Est. adult 4 6 3 7 2 2 2nd year 1 1st year 1 1 1 Newquay adult 1 2 1st year 1 1 1 Falmouth adult 1 1 1 6 6 1st year 2 2 Par adult 1 1 - - - - 1 - - - 1 1 1st year 1 - St. Johns Lake adult 1 *2 1 - - - 4 4 4 4 3 3 2nd year 3 3 1 1 1 1st year - 1 - - - - 1 1 1 - 1 - Lynher Est. adult 2 1 2 1 - 1

- 77 - Elsewhere there was an adult at Reskajeage Feb 7th, one at Fowey Feb 12th, an adult at Looe Feb 27th, a second winter at Rame Head Mar 12th, a first summer at Colliford May 7th, two adults at Stithian Res. Aug 5th with another adult there Oct 14th - 18th, single adults at Argal Res. Aug 14th and Dec 23rd - 26th, with a first winter there Dec 23rd, a second winter at Sennen Oct 9th, a first winter at Tresillian Oct 12th, a first winter at Bude Oct 18th, a first winter at Ptedannack Oct 22nd, an adult at Porthgwarra Oct 23rd, an adult at Mawgan Porth Nov 27th, a second winter and a first winter at Helston Dec 13th with the latter to 15th.

LITTLE GULL - Lams minutus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. None overwintered from 1993 but one was noted in Mounts Bay during January. Probably the same bird was present until Feb 13th. Spring passage commenced with a first winter at Newquay Mar 31st, consisted of 12 birds and ended with one at Colliford May 28th. Autumn passage was again disappointing with only 28 birds reported between Aug 15th and Nov 9th but the second winter total of 17 birds was the highest since 1977. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1 6 6 - - 2 11 12 5 17 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Mounts Bay 1 1 1 1 1 Newquay 1 3 1 1 14 St. Ives 1 2 1 Lynher Est. 1 1 Porthgwarra 1 1 Par 3 1 1 St. Johns Lake 1 1 Pendeen 2 1 Other reports concerned singles at Colliford May 16th, Cadgwith Sep 17th, Drift Res. Oct 9th and Nov 20th, Tresillian Oct 14th, Sennen Nov 4th, Camel Est. Dec 4th with three at Rame Head Oct 21st. The December aggregate at Newquay included a tight flock of 12 adults feeding at the sewage outfall Dec 4th. SMC.

Utile Gull Terry Hales

FRANKLIN'S GULL - Larus pipixcan Rare vagrant. Hayle Est: adult in winter plumage Oct 21st. PC. MCC. TSH. SML. MT. et al. The fifth county mainland record - all since 1982. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 1 1 1 Accepted by BBRC.

-78- Dark back really stood out, almost as dark as Lesser Black-backed Gull

October 22nd 1994

Slightly smaller than Black-headed Gull but more robust looking. Was quite aggressive towards Black-headed Gulls.

Franklin's Gull Mike Thomas

-79- SABINE'S GULL - Larus sabini

Scarce passage migrant (mainly September/October). The best year since 1988 despite another poor total off St. Ives.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 20 2 Porthgwarra: singles Aug 20th, Aug 27th, Sep 3rd and Oct 18th. SML. et al. Pendeen: two Aug 26th, one Aug 28th, six Sep 9th and four Sep 10th. RA. DU. DSF. RDR. et al. St. Agnes: one Aug 28th and four Sep 10th. BKM. Newquay: singles Sep 9th/10th and Oct 23rd. TMC. SMC. EJC. TSH. Gurnards Head: one Sep 9th. GGG. EGG. St. Ives: one Sep 10th and two Sep 15th. RAJ. RDR. The county mainland total advances to c.932. Top sites: St. Ives - 545 (58%), Pendeen - 155, Newquay - 94, Godrevy and Cape Cornwall - 18 each.

BONAPARTE'S GULL - Larus Philadelphia

Rare vagrant. Mounts Bay: adult in summer plumage May 3rd - 11th. DSF. et al. The county mainland total advances to c.30.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 4 10 3 2 - - - - 2 1 1 Top sites: Mounts Bay - ten, St. Ives and Falmouth - four each. Some records probably relate to birds returning to one site in successive years, notably an adult to St. Ives 1968 - 71.

BLACK-HEADED GULL - Larus ridibundus

Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred at Stithians Reservoir from 1967 to 1969. Has bred at Crowdy Reservoir since 1976 and at Colli ford Reservoir since 1990. Breeding season information was received from the two traditional sites, (with comparative data for 1989 - 1994). Figures represent maximum number of pairs (and young) seen: p = present, not counted.

1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Crowdy Res. 100(?) 100(150) 36(27) 100(3) P Colliford Res. 65(94) 40(6) 60(82) 100(103) 100(20)

Lower than average numbers in the first winter period and a very light spring passage until mid-May. First returning flocks appeared in early July and autumn passage peaked in August with subsequent aggregations smaller until the arrival of wintering flocks in late November.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14934 13661 4362 2076 1366 1016 7241 18258 14550 13494 15156 20211

Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 2048 1473 681 899 76 47 1714 3122 3053 1751 2272 2678 St. Johns Lake 2914 5000 1611 300 400 92 1160 4794 6000 1546 1803 5271 Lynher Est. 1016 1167 305 168 190 202 1116 2270 1007 1217 1517 1000 Looe 1150 610 65 1 20 110 190 54 196 109

-80- Fowey Est. 588 708 38 695 749 941 Ruan Lanihorne 114 500 - - 2 - 198 330 738 650 727 600 Tresillian 613 232 16 9 1 - 310 1025 103 150 338 314 Truro River 360 475 8 7 - - 325 575 450 550 350 500 Devoran 600 400 85 93 22 70 450 400 450 400 500 550 Drift Res. 320 240 170 - - - 20 150 280 350 830 500 Hayle Est. 3000 1700 219 22 35 27 337 509 1005 961 952 541 Gwithian 204 211 88 3 3 2 46 47 24 270 385 613 Gannel Est. 7 27 2C0 350 377 650 850 Camel Est. 300 260 718 - - 51 953 4000 350 1338 2742 2000 Maer Lake 18 - - 45 3 - - 3 2 1200 1050 1500 Elsewhere there were max of 1000 at Par Jan 19th and 1200 at Loe Beach Dec 30th but no more than 500 at any other site.

RING-BILLED GULL - Larus delawarensis Formerly rare vagrant, now uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. The species appears to be returning to its former extreme rarity status. Only two new birds were reported in the first half of the year but five arrived during November/December - the poorest year since 1987. The last in spring was at Copperhouse May 12th and the first documented return bird was at Helston Nov 23rd. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 3 4 1 1 5 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hayle Est. adult 2 2 2 1 1 1 LPW. DSF. et al 2nd winter 1 Par adult 1 1 1 1 DJ. GRW. MW. et al Helston Lake 1st winter - 1 2 ARP. et al Elsewhere: St. Johns Lake: adult Mar 19th. EJW. Rame Head: 1st summer flew east Apr 16th. EJW. Several other reports received lacked descriptive detail. Some were not even aged! The county mainland total advances to c.212 - all since 1979, but this figure is distorted by individual birds habitually returning to favourite wintering stations. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 40 34 45 19 6 1 2 2 7 18 38 Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year - 109, 2nd year - 32, 3rd year - eight, adult - 63. Top sites: Hayle Est/Copperhouse - 47, Mounts Bay - 30, Par - 28, Falmouth - 20, St. Johns Lake - 17.

COMMON GULL - Larus canus

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A few summer. Low numbers in both winter periods and autumn, but a typical spring passage from late January to early March. The last in spring was at Par Apr 21st and the first return bird was at St. Johns Lake Jul 2nd. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1064 1563 268 15 - - 10 41 58 56 383 892

-81 - Reeular reports and maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TamarEst. 10 70 3 9 - - 1 4 - 6 40 St. Johns Lake 174 500 168 1 _ _ 5 15 20 2 75 108 LynherEst. 218 229 25 9 _ _ _ 1 12 3 50 74 Rame Head 84 374 62 4 5 47 262 Looe 120 91 6 50 75 Camel Est. 80 140 - - - 3 21 8 35 118 86 There was never more than 80 at any other site.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus fuscus Resident. Breeds in low numbers. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeding reported only from Samphire Island where two pairs each raised two young and Godrevy Island where a pair eventually abandoned their nest. MJH. PAR. The number overwintering from December 1993 into January had halved due mainly to large reductions at Par and Camel Est. Spring passage was evident from late January to mid-March with most peak counts in mid-February. In autumn the usual bathing and loafing flocks at Colliford and Crowdy boosted monthly totals to their highest levels since 1990. Indeed regular accurate counts at dusk at these two sites dictate the monthly totals. Second winter congregations were typical of recent years. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1298 3792 2829 341 84 56 161 1578 1092 1554 3263 2013 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 2 40 53 3 - - - 4 2 4 300 15 St. Johns Lake 40 120 36 12 3 J* 4 3 6 11 42 35 Lynher Est. 13 184 172 84 _ _ 1 3 3 47 124 45 Looe 58 228 98 2 - - - - 67 4 70 75 Par 60 120 50 _ _ _ 1 - - - - Hayle Est. 719 1060 1401 82 5 20 10 70 200 40 130 106 Gannel Est. 125 582 408 _ 2 7 1 1 _ - Camel Est. 110 400 240 _ _ 1 - 11 - 30 75 400 Crowdy Res. _ 1 _ 8 _ 5 52 270 500 700 89 12 Colliford Res. 72 400 2 5 - 21 1000 71 223 1740 809 Siblyback Res. - 2 - 5 - - - 60 61 532 194 120 Other high counts include*125 0 at St. Ives Feb 27th, 500 at Plusha Nov 2nd (no doubt bound for one of the moorland reservoirs) and 210 at Loe Pool Nov 20th. Birds showing characteristics of the south Scandinavian race (L. f. intermedius) were reported from: Camel Est: one Jan 15th, 20 Feb 19th. Par: 15 Feb 17th. Hayle Est: one Oct 15th. Crowdy Res: two Dec 12th. An aberrant adult with back and wings largely white was identified at Stithians Res. Aug 2nd by SML. MCH. and an adult was paired with a Herring Gull at Pednavounder for the third consecutive year. NRP.

HERRING GULL - Larus argentatus

Common resident (but apparently decreasing). Breeds. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Many more breeding records were received this year with several observers motivated by the British Trust for Ornithology's survey of roof nesting gulls. In south-east Cornwall single pairs were successful at Crafthole, Torpoint, Liskeard and Seaton. Three pairs nested at Portwrinkle, five pairs at Plaidy and Downderry, ten - 15 pairs were estimated at , ten pairs nested on flat roofs at HMS Raleigh and 20 - 50 were thought to be nesting on rooftops at . At Clicker Tor Quarry, near

-82- Menheniot up to 35 occupied nests were counted on the disused quarry face. Elsewhere there were 35 occupied nests at Looe Island, dozens of pairs bred on roofs of houses and factories at Penryn, 130 pairs were counted between Godrevy Point and Ralphs Cupboard, 35 young were noted at St. Agnes, three pairs nested on roofs at Porth Veor, Newquay, 249 nests were located between Trevone and Bounds Cliff and 200 nests were estimated on The Mouls. Widespread coverage of the majority of prime sites provided a more complete picture of the Herring Gull status this year. Excellent numbers in both winter periods with a 50% increase in summer. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8100 4372 4684 4454 38% 3177 3737 3408 5214 5804 7909 9791

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 74 67 163 468 135 156 115 169 159 89 97 210 St. Johns Lake 240 586 221 475 490 317 600 1067 1000 292 597 750 Lynher Est. 50 106 79 170 123 149 81 165 58 181 136 186 Rame Head 2851 1404 1826 1010 153 754 1019 34 1382 1643 3614 4264 Looe 1500 730 475 300 110 160 110 210 240 292 597 750 Fowey Est. 24 230 38 236 346 322 Ruan Lanihorne 20 63 101 96 24 - 63 120 240 180 520 260 Truro River 37 77 87 250 58 125 52 80 60 48 73 110 Helford Est. 63 104 171 114 98 103 121 32 75 80 65 36 Drift Res. 159 105 50 160 50 50 200 100 160 200 480 300 Hayle Est. 825 348 231 505 521 246 350 525 400 850 415 370 Godrevy/Gwithian 372 493 728 411 363 355 286 373 377 652 331 395 Gannel Est. 700 - - - 225 114 170 190 220 363 380 450 Camel Est. 350 - 219 - - 247 214 39 - 188 456 934 Crowdy Res. 1 - 5 18 - 10 82 100 500 - - - Elsewhere there were max of 610 at Harlyn Bay Jan 24th, 250 at Tresillian in May, 500 at Par May 20th and 230 east at Porthgwarra Oct 17th. The peak count at St. Johns Lake was apparently a new record there whilst at Camel Estuary and Crowdy Res. they were the highest since 1985 and 1979 respectively.

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL - Larus cachinanns Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Hayle Est: adult from 1993 to Jan 2nd. LPW. Adult Oct 22nd - 24th. DSF. RCJ. TSH. Lynher Est: adult Jan 2nd. GDL. St. Johns Lake: adult Nov 13th. SCM. Camel Est: adult Dec 18th. GJC. Par: adult Dec 26th. AIP. Several additional reports received lacked conclusive detail. The county mainland total advances to c.61 - all but two since 1983. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14 5 4 1 4 - 1 4 5 8 6 9 Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year - nine, 2nd year - five, 3rd year - four, 4th year/adult - 43.

Top sites: St. Johns Lake - ten, Looe - nine, Par, Colliford and Camel Est.- five each.

ICELAND GULL - Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor. Rare passage migrant (mainly spring). None overwintered from 1993 but up to five appeared in the first winter and up to seven more were noted in spring between Mar 16th and May 23rd. However, many reports may have related to mobile birds between different sites, notably Hayle/St. Ives/Mounts Bay and Newquay/Par. Two early return birds were noted in November and another arrived in December.

-83-

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 3 3 3 2 - - - - - 2 1 Par: 1st winter Jan 9th. KP. and 1st summer May 20th. SMC. Camel Est: 2nd winter Jan 15th. GJC. Seaton: 1st winter Feb 6th. RJL. Mounts Bay: 1st winter Feb 13th. DSF, 2nd winter Apr 24th and May 2nd. BKM. DE. Looe: 1st winter Feb 26th. EJW, 1st winter Nov 6th. CFNHC. Hayle Est: 1st winter/summer Mar 15th - 27th. SMC. et al, another 1st summer Mar 26th - 31st. LPW. et al, 2nd winter/summer Mar 16th - 27th. SK. LPW. et al. St. Ives: 2nd year Apr 1st. BKM. Newquay: 2nd winter Apr 8th - 10th. EJC. TSH. PJM. MT, 1st summer May 5th - 23rd. SMC. et al. Drift Res: adult Nov 8th - 11th. DSF. et al. Tamar Est: 1st winter Dec 3rd. DC, NT. et al. Conflicting views were expressed over the exact age of some of these birds. With the younger individuals it is important to note bare part-colouration, particularly bill markings and iris colour. At least we appear to have moved away from the inadequate reports of "immature" birds. The county mainland total advances to c.299. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 82 68 56 43 14 1 - - - 3 3 29 Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year - 148 (49%), 2nd year - 74, 3rd year - 18, 4th year/adult - 47, "immature" - eight, not aged - four.

Top sites: Mounts Bay - 63, Falmouth - 49, Hayle - 39, St. Ives - 20, Looe - 16.

GLAUCOUS GULL - Larus hyperboreus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant (mainly spring). None overwintered from 1993 but up to seven moved through in the first winter/spring period. Unusually there were none in April/May. Three in the second winter period was above the average of the last decade. The caveat regarding mobile birds between sites may apply to the St. Ives/Mounts Bay/Lands End records and the Millbrook/Looe/Lynher records. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 4 1 2 1 St. Ives Bay: 1st winter Jan 10th and Feb 5th. DSF. NRP. Lands End: 1st winter Jan 26th. DSF. Millbrook: 1st winter Jan 29th. PE. EG. EJW. Looe: 1st winters Feb 6th and 20th. BC. SM. RJB. Mounts Bay: 1st winter Feb 11th. DSF. 2nd winter Nov 18th. GH. Par: 2nd winter Feb 19th. GJC. Lynher Est: 1st winter Mar 13th. BC. Rame Head: 1st winter Nov 4th. EJW. Camel Est: 1st winter Dec 8th. SMC. MT.

The county mainland total advances to c.425 since 1930.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 138 97 52 25 14 3 1 3 5 14 30 43 (32%) (22%) Age breakdown on first arrival: 1st year - 208 (49%), 2nd year - 89, 3rd year - 23, 4th year/adult - 49, "immature" - 23, not aged - 33. Top sites: Mounts Bay - 102, Hayle - 58, Falmouth - 49, St. Ives - 45, Newquay and Camel Est.- 14 each.

-84- Despite the regular presence of small numbers in the Plymouth area each winter this species remains a very scarce visitor to the St. Johns Lake/Millbrook district.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus marinus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. The following breeding season reports were received. Looe Island: 65 occupied nests (45 in 1993, four in 1985). BS. Hells Mouth: one pair (same as 1993 and 1985). RJP. Bawden Rocks: one pair (two pairs in 1985, three in 1976). CW. Cligga Head: one pair. CW. The Mouls: 20 nests (four in 1992, ten in 1985, five in 1976). ML. Two birds were regular at Colliford Res. throughout the summer, where a pair bred in 1988. The largest Cornish colony at Mullion has not been counted for many years. Although individual peak counts were slightly below those for 1993 the overall monthly total was higher in every month. The near daily counts of birds moving off Rame Head accounted for much of the increase. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1367 2318 1150 537 256 289 353 484 1088 1177 1165 1521 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Tamar Est. 23 19 22 16 4 6 7 17 21 14 26 30 St. Johns Lake 18 22 11 35 26 16 20 40 28 18 7 28 Lynher Est. 25 70 18 29 13 5 7 9 11 31 20 52 Rame Head 517 465 314 231 132 106 122 57 654 814 841 977 Looe 180 360 230 66 4 51 - _ 10 50 20 120 Ruan Lanihorne 6 372 18 10 12 _ 12 12 55 65 59 64 Hayle Est. 113 145 111 17 11 15 51 83 60 30 13 8 Gwithian/ Godrevy 70 57 57 38 30 29 43 149 140 45 33 34 Newquay 6 - - - 3 13 40 22 4 5 5 19 Camel Est. 253 600 200 2 2 24 38 70 76 20 44 120

KTiTIWAKE - Rissa tridactyla Common summer resident. Breeds. Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeding season reports were received from the following localities (with comparative data for 1989 - 1993). Figures represent maximum number of pairs/nests counted; p = present, not counted. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 P 150 - 200 200 - Portloe 24 40 P 20 100 50 Head 40 (80 pairs in 1985) Dollar Cove, Lands End 495 - - - p 108 Ralphs Cupboard 118 176 192 - 287 Newquay 1000+ 1000+ P P 500+ P Trevose Head/Stepper Point 140 142 50/80 - Polzeath/Ranie Point 89 75 P 220 365 231 LAS. FMS. report that the numbers at the Gorran Haven colony appear to be reduced. SMC. counted only one of the two colonies at Portloe where LSP. EMP. observed that the two colonies were at full strength. Very few reports for the first seven months of the year but good counts during late October/early November and an exceptional north coast movement in storms Dec 30th.

Regular reports and maximum numbers : Rame Head: 2502 noted during the year with max of 476 east Feb 27th. Newquay: 19258 west on 17 dates between Apr 2nd and Dec 30th with max of 2650 Oct 25th, 3000 Oct 31st and 6440 Dec 30th. Porthgwarra: 1855 west on ten dates between May 6th and Oct 22nd with max of 509

-85- Oct 19th. Trevose Head: 2486 west in three hours Oct 26th, 3696 west in two hours Nov 1st. Rumps Point: 25000 west in five hours Dec 30th. St. Ives: 1200 per hour west Dec 30th

SANDWICH TERN - Sterna sandvicensis Common passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. First in spring was at Falmouth Mar 14th followed by two at St. Mawes Mar 20th. Peak passage occurred in April and ended with two off Porthgwarra Jun 2nd. The first return birds were two off Rame Head Jun 17th and low numbers were reported throughout July and the first half of August. Heavy passage was noted on several dates in mid-September and there was an exceptional movement of 307 off St. Ives Oct 3rd - the second highest day count ever in the county. IS.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 48 215 84 20 124 190 493 327 3 - Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul ,Au g Sep Oct Nov Dec St. Johns Lake - - - 3 - - 6 17 12 20 - - Rame Head - - 4 8 9 2 33 - 25 3 - Par _ - 6 15 6 - 17 12 5 - - - Gerrans Bay - - - 17 3 - - 8 - - - - Porthgwarra - - - 20 16 2 9 3 5 - - - Mounts Bay - - 13 10 22 - - - 6 - 1 - St. Ives - - 6 10 - 1 - - 158 312 - - Hayle Est. - - 9 26 - - 15 55 26 12 - Newquay 8 84 - 2 - Camel Est. - - 3 1 20 9 33 55 58 - - - Apart from 100 at Pendeen Sep 9th there was no more than 20 at any other site. The last in autumn was a very late bird at Mounts Bay Nov 27th.

ROSEATE TERN - Sterna dougallii Scarce passage migrant. Mounts Bay: one May 6th/7th. SK. et al. Hayle Est: adult and juvenile Sep 4th. SMC. EJC. RJL. St. Johns Lake: adult Sep 11th - 21st, juvenile Sep 14th - 21st. GDL. SJC. SCM. et al. Other reports received lacked descriptive detail. The county mainland total advances to c.774 - all but two since 1951. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D - - - 32 119 33 125 145 279 40 - - 1 (36%) Top sites: St. Ives - 399 (59%), Hayle/Porthkidney Sands - 199 (26%), Newquay - 28, Par - 26, Mounts Bay - 24.

COMMON TERN - Sterna hirundo

Passage migrant. Bred at Newlyn in 1864. The first in spring were six at Par Apr 12th but there were no more until one off Killigerran Head Apr 22nd. A light movement ensued with the majority noted May 16th - 20th and the last at Rame Head Jun 10th. Autumn passage commenced with two at Hayle Est. Jul 17th and ended with one at the same site Oct 17th. Passage was again light, but with good numbers Sep 14th - 19th.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 18 64 6 26 75 101 11 -

-86- Regular reports and maximum numbers : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rame Head - - - - - 4 - 4 - - - St. Johns Lake 1 23 12 - - - Par - _ 13 14 _ - 10 _ - Porthgwarra - - - - 1 - - 7 4 - - - Hayle Est. - - - 1 - - 21 13 - 1 - - Newquay - - - - 1 2 - 17 34 - - - Camel Est. - - - - 18 - 2 21 1 4 - - Peak counts at the above sites included 13 at Hayle Jul 30th, 22 at St. Johns Lake Aug 8th, 20 at Camel Est. Aug 23rd and 23 at Newquay Sep 15th. Elsewhere there were max of five of Nanquidno. Aug 14th and ten at St. Ives Sep 20th. Inland there were singles at Drift Res. Aug 10th/11th, Tamar Lake Sep 21st and Trevorrian Pool Sep 27th plus two at Siblyback Res. in September.

ARCTIC TERN - Sterna paradisaea Uncommon passage migrant. The first in spring were singles at Camel Estuary and Killigerran Head Apr 22nd but there was no more until May 7th. It proved a light passage involving 14 birds with the last, five at Newquay Jun 3rd. Autumn passage commenced with one at Rame Head Jul 30th, consisted of c.28 birds and ended with one at Trevose Head Nov 1st. Overall it was the poorest year since 1989 with St. Ives returning its lowest aggregate since 1974. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 7 5 1 2 24 - 1 - Regular reports and maximum numbers : Camel Est: one Apr 22nd, three May 16th - 20th. Mounts Bay: two May 7th with one to May 8th and one Sep 13th. Rame Head: singles May 30th, Jul 30th, Sep 4th, two Sep 10th. Newquay: five Jun 3rd, then one to three regular Sep 1st - 20th. Trevose Head: singles Sep 15th and Nov 1st. Singles were also noted at Porthgwarra Aug 9th, Nanquidno Aug 14th, St. Johns Lake Sep 18th - 19th and Lynher Est. Sep 19th, whilst two were at Par Sep 10th and St. Ives Sep 15th. Inland there was one at Tamar Lake Sep 6th/7th with two there Sep 17th and singles at Stithians Res. Sep 9th and Siblyback Res. Sep 12th.

LITTLE TERN - Sterna albifrons Uncommon passage migrant. The fifth poor year in succession with the annual total less than half that of the previous decade, and 50% of this years aggregate occurring in two small flocks. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 10 - 8 4 3 - - -

-87- BLACK TERN - Chlidonias niger Uncommon passage migrant. The poorest year since 1988 with only four in spring and 22 in autumn. The November record from Tresillian is the sixth latest ever. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 2 - - 7 12 3 1 - Maer Lake: singles Apr 23rd - 29th and Aug 16th. GPS. IK. Bude: one Apr 24th (different to the Maer Lake bird). GPS. Lynher Est: two May 21st. EJW. Rame Head: one Aug 7th. GDL. Porthgwarra: one Aug 13th. SML. MCH. Crowdy Res: two Aug 16th. GDL. Tamar Lake: one Aug 16th. GPS. Loe Pool: one Aug 25th. JSG. RMRJ. St. Johns Lake: two Sep 3rd. EJW. Newquay: singles Sep 8th, 9th and 15th. TMC. SMC. EJC. PJMcV. Pendeen: singles Sep 9th, 12th and 15th. RDR. et al. St. Agnes: one Sep 10th. BKM. St. Ives: one Sep 10th, three Oct 3rd. RAJ. IS. Hayle Est: one Sep 11th. DSF. Gannel Est: one Sep 14th. SMC. Tresillian: one Nov 3rd. RDP.

COMMON GUILLEMOT - Uria aalge Summer resident. Breeds (mainly north coast). Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding season information was received for the following localities (with comparative data for 1989 - 1993). Figures represent maximum number of nests (n), pairs (p), or birds (b) present: 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Long and Short Islands 30b 50b 160b 21b 75b 50b Bounds Cliff P 5n 4b p 1 In Tresungers Point P - - 17n - Comm Head lb 28n - - 25n - The Mouls 45b _ 60b _ _ 76b Gunver Head 10b - - - - 8b Porthmissen 10b 20b 40b _ _ 10b Trevose Head 4p 10b 26b 9b - IP Bawden Rocks 80b _ 80b _ Trevaunance Cove 35b - 50b _ - Samphire Island 15p 15p 17p - - Hudder Cove/Navax 74b 55p 60p - - 63p Gull Rock, Nare Head 30n 30n 40n 60n 40n 30n Few reports outside the breeding season but small numbers were regularly recorded off Rame Head throughout the year where a total of 835 was counted and included 298 Jan 29th. Elsewhere there were 300 off St. Ives Apr 2nd, 420 there Oct 2nd and 3000 west at Godrevy in two hours Nov 12th.

RAZORBILL - Alca torda

Summer resident. Breeds (mainly north coast). Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding season information was received from the following localities (with comparative data for 1989 - 1993). Figures represent maximum number of nests (n), pairs (p) or birds (b) present:

1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Long and Short Islands 2b 60b 30b 65b Bounds Cliff 13b P P P 17n P

-88- Tresungers Point 36b P P P 17n P The Mouls/Carnweather 37b P P P P P Gunver Head 10b P 14b P P 8b Porthmissen 10b 32b 12b 14b 12b Cats Cove, Trevose 2b - 6b - - - Trevose Head 8b 4b 6p 10b - 6b Bawden Rocks 61b - 80b - - - Trevaunance Cove 80b - 50b - - - Samphire Island/Western Cove 7p 3p 9p 2 - - P Deadmans Cove/Navax 10b 15p 22p - - 21p Few auks were specifically identified as Razorbill outside the breeding season but regular observations at Rame Head revealed a total of 593 flying past during the year with maximum of 114 Jan 29th. Elsewhere there were counts of 600 in Car bis Bay Jan 10th, 176 west off Newquay Feb 16th, 3000 flying west at St. Ives Apr 2nd and 1062 west there Oct 3rd.

Auk sp. (Common Guillemot/Razorbill). Rame Head: 1505 during the year with maximum of 147 Mar 11th. Newquay: 1000 per hour Apr 1st, 3060 in two hours Oct 25th. Porthgwarra: 815 west in one hour May 8th. St. Ives: 2000 west Oct 3rd and 1500 west Oct 4th. Trevose Head: 4078 west in three hours Oct 26th and 8968 west in two hours Nov 1st. Rumps Point: 6000 west in five hours Dec 30th.

Little Auk Terry Hales

-89- LITTLE AUK - Alle alle Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. A good first winter total but only three in the second winter. The lack of sightings in the excellent sea watch of Dec 30th is puzzling. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 1 1 2 St. Ives Bay: one Jan 1st - Feb 13th. RAJ. et al, one Dec 31st. NRP. Perranporth: one Jan 2nd. CD. Rame Head: two west Jan 2nd. EJW. Newquay: singles Jan 3rd. TMC. SMC. and Nov 25th. PJMcV. Godrevy: two Jan 14th. PAR. Looe: one Jan 14th. GDL. Mounts Bay: one Jan 16th. PG. BKM. JW. Gerrans Bay: one Dec 16th. GJC.

The county mainland total advances to c.l 167 since 1930.

JaMonthln yFe breakdowb Mar n : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 85 123 32 2 - 1 - - 3 62 357 502 (31%) (43%)

Top sites: St. Ives - 536 (46%), Porthgwarra - 217, Falmouth - 76, Mullion/Loe Pool - 44, Newquay - 41.

BLACK GUILLEMOT - Cepphus grylle Rare passage migrant and winter visitor Falmouth Bay: one Feb 23rd/24th and Mar 9th/10th. RCJ. Helford Est: one Dec 7th into 1995. RCJ. GJC. The county mainland total advances to c.44. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 7 5 4 5 - 2 - 3 4 4 6 4 Top sites: St. Ives - 13, Falmouth Bay - ten, Sennen and Trevose Head - two each.

PUFFIN - Fratercula artica

Scarce summer resident (north coast). Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. There has been a substantial reduction in the breeding population in Cornwall during the last thirty years. At Lye Rock for instance, 3000 or more birds could be seen in the 1940's and 600 or more was not uncommon in the 1960's. As recently as 1970, 60/70 birds were still present there, but now there are none. Other former breeding sites at Trevone and Gull Rock, Nare Head are similarly deserted. Recent figures suggest that the remaining population is just viable. Breeding season records were received from the following locations (with comparative data for 1989 - 1993). Figures represent maximum number of single birds seen at or near the colony. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Long and Short Islands 2 16 15 15 13 17 The Mouls 20 25 30 17 12 6 Bawden Rocks 3 - 4 - - -

-90- Porthgwarra: 39 west between May 6th and Sep 4th (14 in May, six in June, 16 in July, two in August, one in September) with max of 11 Jul 25th. Rame Head: one May 15th. Lamorna: one May 26th. Pendeen: two Aug 16th. Newquay: one Dec 27th. Since 1964 a total of c.2266 have been reported away from breeding colonies. Top sites: Porthgwarra - 1370 (60%), Lizard - 253, St. Ives - 244, Rame Head - 95.

ROCK DOVE/FERAL PIGEON - Columba livia

Resident. Breeds. Pure Rock Doves may still survive on some of the more remote parts of the north coast but they would probably prove indistinguishable from feral stock. Widespread in small numbers throughout the county. Largest flocks included up to 60 at Trevose Head and up to 50 at Saltash Bridge throughout the year, 45 at Rame Head Jul 30th and 70 at Portgaverne Dec 31st.

STOCK DOVE - Columba oenas Scarce resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Several double figure and one triple figure count were noted in the first winter period. By far the largest concentration was 250 associating with finches in stubble at Otterham Jan 14th. 80 were at Looe Jan 1st, 16 at Hatt Jan 16th and 33 at Loe Pool Jan 22nd with lower counts at many other sites. Spring migration was typically light but included nine at Sennen Apr 11th, 12 at Wendron Apr 13th and ten at Marazion May 2nd. Breeding season records derived from Lynher Estuary, , Tehidy, Upper Fowey Valley, Luxulyan Quarry (three/five pairs) and Kit Hill. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Marazion Sep 12th and ended with 30 at Drift Nov 30th. Very few were noted until early November and even then flocks were considerably smaller than 1993. Peak counts included 42 flying west at Sancreed Nov 5th with another 34 there Nov 17th, 50 west in half an hour at Maker Nov 6th, 30 at Newmill the same day and 100 west at Marazion Nov 17th. A large flock of 700 had reappeared at Otterham by Dec 12th and 100 were at Loe Pool Dec 23rd.

The Otterham count is the second highest concentration ever in Cornwall.

WOOD PIGEON - Columba palumbus Abundant Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. There was no improvement on numbers reported at the end of 1993 with 60 at Tehidy in January the sole record of consequence. Spring passage was negligible although 135 at Lynher Est. May 8th was a significant record. Breeding was sparsely reported but there was no reason to suspect any change in status. Autumn passage apparently commenced with ten at Nanquidno Sep 18th and ended with 32 at Pentire Nov 28th. Early movements during September/October were small but from Nov 5th - 17th there was an exceptional emigration with most birds moving west or south-west. Peak counts included 3450 at Sancreed Nov 5th with another 3300 there Nov 17th, 1879 west in two and a half hours at Maker Nov 6th, 1000 at Drift the same day, 300 at Nanquidno the same day, 1000 at Rame Head Nov 11th, 300 at Bonython Estate Nov 14th and 300 at Holmbush Nov 15th. The Sancreed counts are the third and fourth highest ever in Cornwall. Second winter counts were unexpectedly low with 170 at Tamar Est. Dec 17th the only triple figure count for the month. COLLARED DOVE - Streptopelia decaocto Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Most observers now report that populations have stabilised or may be increasing with

-91 - daily sightings in many areas. There was the usual scatter of double figure counts during both winter periods. Spring passage apparently commenced with three at Trevose Apr 29th and ended with 12 at , Lizard May 22nd. It was a generally light immigration involving c.120 birds, with most in the Lands End area. Autumn passage was more difficult to discern but probably commenced with 21 at Marazion Sep 18th and ended with 30 at Kenidjack Oct 11th. Maximum numbers Mounts Bay: 17 Jan 16th, 20 Apr 12th, 21 Sep 18th. Fowey: 20 Apr 1st. Porthgwarra: 54 May 1st with lower numbers to May 14th. Lands End: 23 May 6th. Nanquidno: 20 Sep 18th. Kenidjack: 30 Oct 11th. Maer Lake: 22 Nov 3rd. 10/19 were noted at St. Columb Minor, Shillamill, Pelynt, Bude, Illogan, Sheviock, Penryn and .

Wood Pigeon John M Walters

TURTLE DOVE - Streptopelia turtur Scarce passage migrant. Bred in 1981 and probably in 1978 and 1977. Occasional summer resident. Rare winter visitor. Spring passage commenced with one at Penzance Apr 28th - the only report for the

-92 - month. C.59 birds were reported with the last at Morvah Jun 12th. All but three moved through during May and it was the best immigration since 1989. Conversely, autumn passage which commenced with one at Rame Sep 11th and ended with one at Tolgus Oct 18th, consisted of a meagre eight birds and was the lightest in living memory.

Approximate monthl—j y count— y total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 56 2 - - 3 5 - - Regular reports and maximum numbers : Lizard: singles regular during May/June but three May 15th. Porthgwarra: one or two regular in May and four May 15th. St. Levan: singles May 2nd and 12th, three May 13th and one Oct 14th. Lands End: singles May 9th and 11th and Oct 1st - 7th. There were also two at Polgigga May 7th, two at Catchall May 18th and three at Gwithian May 23rd plus singles at 30 other sites.

ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET - Psittacula krameri (Formerly Ring-Necked Parakeet)

Vagrant. Feral release and escapee. A Category "C" species. Lamorna Cove: one Aug 7th. PJ. The county mainland total advances to nine.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 1 - 2 - - - 1 3 - - -

No doubt all Cornish records relate to local escapes, as opposed to wanderers from the feral population in south east .

COMMON CUCKOO - Cuculus canorus

Summer resident (declining). Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly spring). The first in spring was at Lizard Apr 17th followed by singles at Trethurgy and Towednack Apr 20th. Although initially slow to arrive, it eventually proved to be an improved spring movement with a pronounced incursion during the second and third weeks of May.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 23 76 33 1 3 2 - - - Highest counts included four at Treveal May 1st, four at Porthgwarra May 2nd and 15th, six at Kit Hill May 6th, nine at Sennen May 9th and four at Crowdy Res. May 21st. Several good counts were received for the breeding season including four at Kynance Jun 11th, five in the Helman Tor/Breney Common area, four at and three at Trewey Common - all Jun 13th. DD located 16 calling males in the Ruthernbridge area but was unable to prove breeding. Breeding was proven at Kit Hill where a juvenile was being fed by meadow pipits. BS noted three breeding territories at Lamelgate but GCJ failed to see or hear a single bird at Portscatho. Only five were noted in autumn - all singles, at Porthgwarra Aug 10th and Sep 6th, Looe Aug 20th, Sancreed Aug 25th and Lands End Sep 5th.

BARN OWL - Tyto alba

Resident (mainly east of Truro). Breeds. Loss of breeding sites, destruction of hunting habitat, pesticides, increased road traffic and inclement weather have all conspired to take a heavy toll on this highly vulnerable species. Despite this, Cornwall has remained a major stronghold for the Barn Owl in the U.K. but one wonders for how much longer?

-93- Observers apparently made a conscious effort to report all observations this year. With sightings from c.120 localities it was the most complete record since 1991. At least 20 pairs were known to have bred and sightings were made at an additional 20 potential breeding sites. Caradon - Birds were reported from 28 areas (cf 21 in 1993 and 37 in 1992). Breeding was proven at Crafthole and Bethany and probable at Crows Nest and Trenant Cross. Casualties included singles hit by cars at Trebrownbridge and and one storm casualty at Sheviock in February. - The population remained fairly stable with observations from most traditional sites. There were reports from 23 areas (cf 20 in 1993 and 21 in 1992). Breeding was proven at St. Columb, St. Mawgan and Trebelsue and probable at St. Columb Porth and Chapel. Breeding success was low however with only seven young raised by the three pairs. - This huge area contributed most to this years' total. There were reports from 29 sites (cf 21 in 1993 and 1992). Breeding was proved at St. Eval, Nomansland (St. Issey), Pentire, and Croan. Four eggs were laid at Cooksland but the nest was abandoned whilst potential breeding sites included North Hill and Morwenstow. One was found dead in the road at Five Lanes Sep 15th. Carrick - The only district to suffer apparent reversal this year with observations from 14 areas compared with 18 in 1993 and 17 in 1992. Breeding was proved at St. Just In Roseland and Penair (Truro) and probable at St. Michael Penkevil and Kea Church. A dead bird was found in the road at Zelah Oct 17th, but a live individual was noted nearby three days later. - A more concerted effort this year detected birds in 12 districts with breeding confirmed at , Wendron, St. Keverne (two sites), Grochall and Penboa. The Wendron pair nested in an old mine engine house. Outside the breeding season there were resident birds at Tehidy and and singles at Helston, , Praze-an- beeble and Bassets Cove. Pen with - Birds were noted at 14 localities. Most were single bird/single day sightings but a pair bred at St. Bury an and one or two were regular at another site Jul 21st - Aug 4th. One was at Newbridge during spring and one was at Heamoor from late summer into October. One was found dead at Zennor in late September.

LITTLE OWL - Athene noctua Widespread but scarce resident (mainly coastal). Breeds. Despite vastly increased observer coverage there has been a substantial diminution relatively, in the number of birds recorded annually. After a 50% reduction between 1983 and 1986 there was a slight improvement up to 1990 but the pitiful selection of records since 1991 signal the near complete collapse of the species population in Cornwall. North Hill: a pair bred and reared at least one young. BTC. Trerulefoot: a pair laid three eggs but success not known. FL. Carnmenellis, Stithians: one or two present throughout the year. BKM. RAJ. et al. Park Pit, St. Neot: pair present throughout the year. SMC. Dannonchapel: singles Apr 11th and Nov 24th - Dec 22nd. DL. Rame Head: two Aug 20th, one Sep 3rd - Oct 4th. DRC. EHW. WJW.

TAWNY OWL - Strix aluco Widespread resident. Breeds. Caradon - Reports from only six areas do not reflect the true status of the species in this area where it is described as a widespread resident by SCM. Breeding was proved at Lamelgate, where a second pair was also present. Restormel - Equally under-recorded in this district with records from only nine sites. A nestbox at Kings Wood, St. Austell was occupied and two eggs laid. However, the nest was abandoned probably through disturbance. GHT.

-94- North Cornwall - Bred at Porth Mear where two fledged juveniles were seen Jul 3rd and probably at . 12 calling males were heard in the Ruthernbridge/ /Mulberry district, three were heard at Dunmere May 22nd and there were one or two at five additional sites. Carrick - GHT found breeding pairs at Penmount, Coldrose and Jolly's Bottom which raised a total of six owlets. Four other sites held one or two pairs throughout the year and single day records derived from another seven locations. Kerrier - DE located two young in an old Common Buzzard's nest at Argal Res. and ARP proved breeding at Wendron. Several were reported as resident at Penventon by PTS and other resident birds were at Tregathenan and Bonython throughout the year. One or two were noted at Devichoys, Croft Pascoe and Constantine whilst one at Lizard Church Cove in October may have been a migrant. Penwith - There were no reports of successful breeding but records from , St. Bury an, Bury as Bridge, St. Loy, Lamorna, Skewjack and Marazion indicate a small resident population. Singles at Nanquidno Aug 28th and Sep 30th and Porthgwarra Sep 6th and Oct 7th may have been migrants.

LONG-EARED OWL - Asio otus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasionally breeds. Sithney: one Jan 5th. PG. Chun Quoit: one Oct 16th. SJP. Tregonetha: one Dec 16th. BS. Other reports received lacked descriptive detail. The county mainland total advances to c.82 since 1930. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 8 7 5 6 2 5 - 6 3 14 7 16 3 Top sites: Porthgwarra - ten, Stithians - six, Fowey Valley, Cot and Sticker - four each.

SHORT-EARED OWL - Asio flammeus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers fluctuate from year to year but several areas are regularly frequented. Bred on a number of occasions in the 1930's and 1940's, and probably did so in 1983. The December 1993 bird at Tregonetha did not overwinter and the sole new arrival at the beginning of the year was at Colliford Jan 6th. BKM. The only spring record came from the same site May 21st. SMC. Autumn passage commenced with singles at Lands End and Sancreed Sep 27th. RA. ACH. ECW. Another ten were noted with the last at Tregonetha Nov 6th. SMC. Apart from singles at Gwithian, Drift and Bude in October MA. GH. GGS. there were two at Sancreed Oct 14th - Nov 1st, two at Porthgwarra Oct 12th and another there Nov 1st. ACH. BCW. SMC. TMC. RWW. RAFOS. et al. Four were identified in the second winter period - one at Otterham Nov 23rd AJB, two at Tregonetha Nov 27th SMC. EJC. and one at Pendeen Dec 23rd NRP.

EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR - Caprimulgus europaeus Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Formerly more common as a breeding species in Cornwall but recent records indicate a marked contraction in range with breeding information restricted to small, isolated areas. Breeding season reports from 1994 were received for the following areas (with comparative data for 1989 - 1993). Figures represent maximum number of "churring" males: 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 West Penwith site 1 3 7 5 3 6 3 site 2 2 1 2 (see total for site 1) Lizard 1 3 3 1 2 2/3

-95- Near Coverack 2 2 (last noted here in 1982) Bodmin Moor 3 4 4 4/5 4-1- 4/5 Near St. Austell 2 2 2 1 1 - Near Trethurgy 1 - - - - - The number of males at main sites was low but two new areas offer some degree of optimism. The first in spring was at Lizard May 30th and the last was at Bodmin Moor Jul 23rd. Also of interest was one picked up injured in a road at . It was taken to a local veterinary surgery and eventually passed to Newquay Zoo. RAH.

COMMON SWIFT - Apus apus Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The first in spring were two at St. Germans Apr 25th followed by one at Crantock Apr 26th. Small numbers arrived at several sites Apr 29th/30th but the first main influx was May 7th - 9th with another more widespread incursion May 21st - 27th. Breeding season data was again sparse. GCJ. saw it infrequently but NRP reported a good year in the Penwith area. There was the usual scatter of large feeding flocks in July before emigration commenced in early August. Departure dates included Aug 9th at Helston, 11th at St. Columb, 12th at Redruth and 15th at Penzance. Very few were subsequently observed although there were four in September. Exceptional were four November records; at Reskejeage, Lizard, Newquay and Godrevy - the last on 29th being the latest ever county mainland record. Largest counts included 200 at Holmbush May 26th, 150 at Colliford May 28th, 700 at Antony Jul 10th, 510 at Bude Jul 22nd, 100 at Trewidden Jul 30th and 168 at Marazion Aug 9th.

COMMON KINGFISHER - Alcedo atthis Scarce resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Winter visitor. After an exceptionally low total in December 1993 there was a 50% increase in January this year but few birds stayed any length of time. Most had moved out by the end of February. Most reports concerned singles but there were two each at Stithians Res, Lynher Est, and Looe and three at Tamar Est. The last in spring away from potential breeding sites was one at Hayle Est. Apr 15th. Breeding season records derived from the following localities (with comparative data for 1988 - 1993). B = breeding confirmed; p = present in suitable habitat, success not known. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul 1Au g Sep Oct Nov Dec 22 13 7 5 3 - 8 16 23 3 22 17 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Tamar Valley P - B Lynher Est. B B B Pillaton B - P West Looe River P P - Lamelgate B P P Lerryn P - P Respryn P - P , Truro P - P Polbrock/Grogley B B Pp B The number of young reared at Lamelgate was not reported but the Grogley, Pillaton and Lynher pairs reared three, two and one respectively. The first return birds were singles at Stithians Res. Jul 3rd and Camel Est. Jul 11th. Passage was typically protracted ending in late October and involving c.70 birds. Apart from singles there were two each at Stithians Res, Hayle Est, Tamar Lake, Tresillian and Drift Res, three at Argal Res. and Camel Est. and six at Tamar Est. Numbers gradually diminished to another poor December total which included two at Drift Res. and Lerryn and three at Looe and St. Johns Lake.

-96- European Roller John Holmes

-97- EUROPEAN ROLLER - Coracius garrulus

Rare vagrant

Penlee point: one May 29th.RJB. JSH. The first since 1976 and only the third this century (although an unreported bird apparently summered at The Lizard about five years ago). The county mainland total advances to 11.

Monthly breakdown: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D - - - - 1 2 1 - 1 4 - - 2 Accepted by BBRC

HOOPOE - Upupa epops

Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring). Bred in 1969, 1968, 1962, 1905, 1901. Lamorna: one Mar 4th - 8th. BDB. Penberth: one Apr 8th. RE. College Res: one Apr 11th. KPo. BKM. Lizard: one Apr 11th. SP. MNH. Porthgwarra: one Apr 18th. JML. Lands End Airfield: one May 8th. GA. GH. SL. et al. Poldhu: one May 13th. EJ. Stithians: one May 16th. ARP. Near St. Keverne: one May 18th. MLo. ALo. Saltash: one Sep 13th. HP. EG.

The county mainland total advances to c.441 since 1930, prior to which data is incomplete.

Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 74 197 68 17 7 13 26 24 10 • 2 (45%)

WRYNECK - Jynx torquilla

Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Has overwintered twice. There is no fully authenticated record of the species having bred in Cornwall and in view of the recent, rapid contraction in range in the U.K. any future attempt seems remote. Curiously, the number of migrants reported in Cornwall in recent years has increased dramatically.

Nanquidno: one May 2nd - 7th. RLS. et al. Porthgwarra: one May 15th. BKM. JH. DJO. Penlee Point: singles Aug 23rd and Sep 4th. GDL. EHW. Sennen: one Aug 29th. RE. Pentire: one Aug 31st. CT. Lands End: one Sep 5th. RA. Near Kynance: one Sep 18th. SK. ARP. SP. Seaton: one Sep 24th. SCM. Other reports received lacked descriptive detail. The poorest year since 1985.

The county mainland total advances to c.252 since 1930.

MonthlJan y Febreakdowb Manr : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 _ 2 14 9 1 _ 23 154 46 2 _ (61%)

-98- Top sites: Porthgwarra - 43, Lizard Church Cove/Caerthillian - 28, Sennen/Lands End - 11, St. Ives - ten.

GREEN WOODPECKER - Picus viridus

Resident. Breeds. There appears to have been a reduction in population particularly in peripheral areas such as coastal valleys which were occupied by birds in the 1970*8 and 1980's.

Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 13 17 21 22 25 22 21 13 18 11 12

Despite birds being seen or heard regularly at many sites throughout the county, there were no reports of any increase. The species was notably inconspicuous outside the breeding season. BKM described it as very much scarcer and JWJ reported it as rarely seen at Tregathenan. Breeding was proven at Porthgwarra, Helston, Marazion, Truro, Penryn and Maer Lake. At Lamelgate BS found three pairs on territory, only one of which definitely bred. Additional breeding season records derived from at least 35 other areas including such diverse habitat as the China Clay area at Bugle, conifer plantation at Halvana, wet heathland at Goss Moor and coastal valley at Porthgwarra. All reports concern one or two birds except three at Loe Pool Nov 27th.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos major Resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. It appears that the population and distribution of this species reached its zenith in the late 1970's and early 1980's after the onslaught of Dutch Elm disease. The initial effect of the disease provided an abundant food source which was temporarily exploited but which subsequently dissipated as trees decayed and became sterile. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar A PJ May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 10 7 7 16 23 13 11 11 22 13 10 After a poor year in 1993 there was a slight improvement this year with records from c.70 widely scattered sites throughout the county. Breeding was confirmed at St. Clement, Carwynen, Mellanvrane (Newquay) and Coldrose (Truro). A minimum of 29 additional sites were occupied during the breeding season including five in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/Mulberry district. There was the usual increase in observations in October with many sightings emanating from coastal valleys. Of particular interest were singles at Nanquidno, Lands End, Porthgwarra, Sennen, Treveal and Boswednack between Oct 1st and 12th.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos minor

Scarce resident (mainly east of Truro). Breeding rarely reported. Draynes Wood: female Jan 13th. KJ. Constantine: one Mar 20th. HJ. Calstock: one heard Mar 30th and seen during April/May. JHa. The decline continues. 1994 would appear to be one of the worst years ever for this species. The most productive sites for the species over the last 15 years have proved to be Cotehele (seven years), Carnanton and Trelissick (five years) and Lanhydrock/Respryn (four years).

WOOD LARK - Lullula arborea

Rare resident and passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. This premier songster was formerly widespread in tie county with breeding records from many areas until 1968. Subsequently there has been a gradual contraction in range with

-99- no breeding season observations away from the east of the county since 1981. Breeding has been confirmed only twice in the last 25 years - at St. Germans in 1983 and at Treveneage in 1968. There were no breeding records for the fourth consecutive year but two large flocks overwintered from 1993 and one flock had returned in the second winter period. Autumn passage continued the more pronounced theme of recent years and consisted of c.27 birds between Oct 10th and Nov 12th. Tremethick Cross: 14 remained from 1993 and were last noted Jan 23rd. GH. Rame Church/Penlee: 25 Jan 26th decreasing to 16 by the 30th. WJW. et al. Maker: 37 Jan 31st reducing to 28 Feb 3rd and then a gradual diminution until eight remained Feb 28th. EG. SM. RS. et al. 16 had returned Nov 6th but only 12 remained Dec 28th and five Dec 1st (the second winter in this area). EG. RS. et al. Porthgwarra: singles Oct 10th and 11th, two Oct 12th and one Nov 4th. SMC. CJS. MKW. IK. et al. Lands End Airfield: ten Oct 10th. TSH. MT. et al. Nanquidno: one Oct 18th. MCC. PC. SML. Trannack, Heamoor: ten Nov 5th. NRP. Gwithian: one Nov 12th. PTS.

SKY LARK - Alauda arvensis Abundant resident. Breeds. Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Very few were reported in January but there was a small arrival Jan 30th - Feb 2nd when the maximum included 220 at Rumford, 200 at Maker, 130 at Rame Head and 127 at Pelynt. There was no evidence of spring immigration and breeding season data was scanty. LSP. EMP. report that the species maintained a somewhat precarious presence in the Nare Head and St. Anthony area whilst MJH reports that 30 pairs at Tehidy met with disaster due to silage cutting. BS found 31 territories on 150 hectares at Lamelgate and 26 territories at Kit Hill whilst DD identified 31 singing males in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/Mulberry area. Autumn passage apparently commenced with nine at Marazion Oct 1st and ended with 120 at Porth Mear Nov 25th. Once again counts were low throughout autumn with proportionately few in December. Autumn/second winter max. Rame Head/Penlee: noted Oct 5th - Nov 6th with max of 250 Oct 23rd and Nov 6th. Porthgwarra: c.197 between Oct 7th - Nov 4th with max of 40 Oct 15th. Trevose Head: noted Oct 10th - Nov 1st with max of 350 last date. Sancreed: c.350 between Oct 24th - Nov 17th with max of 180 Nov 5th. Porth Joke: 150 Nov 11th. Mawgan Porth: 100 Nov 17th.

HORNED LARK - Eremophila alpestris (formerly Shore Lark) Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Trevose Head: one Oct 25th. AP. This remains a true rarity in Cornwall. The county mainland total advances to c. 11. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 2 4 Top sites: Trevose Head - three, Porthgwarra and Cape Cornwall - two. SAND MARTIN - Riparia riparia

Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Small numbers roost with Barn Swallows at traditional sites in autumn. There was a well documented "crash" in population levels nationally from 1968 - 1979.

- 100- This reduction was related to prolonged drought in the Sahel region of Africa. Subsequently, numbers fluctuated around a low base, apparently reaching rock-bottom in 1984 and 1985. More recently there has been a slight improvement in breeding numbers in Cornwall. 1994 breeding season records were received for the following colonies (with comparative data for 1988 - 1992). Figures represent number of occupied holes; p = present, not counted. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Maidenwell Clay Pit 28 Clay Pit 30 40+ 45 + 30 30+ 66+ 27 Stannon Clay Pit 58 6 30 Gwithian 10/12 P 7 5 28 + & Poldhu 15 + P The Maidenwell colony was last documented in 1983 when 20 pairs were counted and the Poldhu site was last reported in 1988 when just one bird was seen. None was found at Gunwalloe this year where there were 80 occupied holes as recently as 1980 and there were no reports from Perranuthnoe. Spring passage commenced with an exceptionally early bird at Marazion Mar 3rd followed by two at Stithians Res. the next day and an impressive arrival from 10th. It was easily the best spring passage since 1977 with particularly good numbers Mar 29th - Apr 4th. The last was a straggler at Marazion Jun 8th and the first in autumn were six at Porth Res. Jul 22nd. A typically light autumn movement involving c.72 birds ended with one at Porthgwarra Oct 10th. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Marazion: noted Mar 3rd - Jun 8th with max of 100 Mar 29th, 170 Apr 7th and 200 Apr 14th. Stithians Res: noted Mar 4th - Apr 15th with max of 150 Mar 30th, 300 Apr 1st and 200 Apr 6th - 15th. Loe Pool: noted Mar 5th - May 5th with max of 100 Apr 2nd. Maer Lake: noted Mar 8th - Apr 24th with max of 65 Apr 18th. Camel Est: noted Mar 9th - May 4th with max of 65 Apr 10th and 60 Apr 25th. Harlyn Bay: noted Mar 26th - Apr 18th with max of 90 last date. Colliford Res: 100 May 14th. BARN SWALLOW - Hirundo rustica (Formerly Swallow) Common summer resident. Breeds. Abundant passage migrant, forming large roosts at traditional sites in autumn. A few remain into December most years and birds occasionally overwinter into the New Year. Spring passage commenced with one at Penzance Feb 22nd but there was no more until one at Stithians Mar 3rd. Despite these early arrivals only seven more appeared before the end of March. It was an exceptionally light movement with peak counts Apr 10th, Apr 24th/25th and May 6th - 8th. The last were 14 at The Lizard May 28th. Peak counts included 35 at Harlyn Bay Apr 10th, 45 at Maer Lake Apr 18th, 80 at Bude Apr 24th, 100 at Camel Est. Apr 25th, 556 at Porthgwarra May 6th with another 300 there May 8th and 100 at Sennen the same day. Most unusual was a spring roost reported from Skewjack where 450 were present Apr 30th, 200 May 7th and 600 May 9th. AMH. Once again breeding information was sparse. Mr. Thomas at Messack Farm, St. Just In Roseland reported seeing more this year than for many years but this appeared to be the exception rather than the rule. BS found ten occupied nests at Lamelgate where there were 19 in 1993 and CLB noted that old nest sites at Penryn were not used this year. DLJ found 62 nests around farmsteads and other buildings in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/Mulberry area but had no previous quantitative data to compare with. Autumn passage apparently commenced with a build-up of the Par beach roost where 50 had gathered by July 21st. This roost was used until Sep 23rd and peaked at 2000 Aug 11th.

- 101 - The Marazion roost was occupied this year but attracted a maximum of only 500 Aug 15th. The mixed hirundine roost at Gwithian was occupied from Jul 18th - Sep 19th and contained 1500 birds Sep 3rd. Elsewhere passage was generally light but there was a mass exodus Sep 21st - 23rd which included 2500 west at Holm bush in a quarter of an hour Sep 21st, 200 at Rame Sep 22nd, 350 at Par and 300 at Loe Pool Sep 23rd, whilst SCM reported heavy passage east along Whitsand Bay the same day. Small numbers were reported daily until Oct 25th but 500 flying south at Lizard Oct 2nd was exceptional. Eight lingered into November including one at Falmouth Nov 13th and one hardy soul was seen at Lizard on New Years Eve. Unusual was a complete albino in the Drift/Sancreed/Marazion area from Jul 7th - Sep 14th. BDB. DSF. DU. et al.

HOUSE MARTIN - Delichon urbica Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. A few remain into December most years but there are only two instances of overwintering. The first in spring were 12 at Cot Valley Mar 29th but there was no further report until seven arrived at Rame Head Apr 12th. It was the poorest spring movement for many years with only 61 birds reported for the whole of April and the majority arriving en masse very late from May 21st - 28th. Peak counts included 200 at Colliford Res. and 150 at Crowdy Res. May 21st, 100 at Loe Pool May 25th and 400 at Rame Head May 28th. Breeding reports were universally pessimistic. At Inny Vale, Davidstow RJ found no nests where there were six only two years ago, PMcV found breeding numbers 50% down on the early 1980's in the Newquay//Summercourt area and GCJ counted only three nests on his house at Portscatho where he annually expects eight. LSP. EMP. observe the species decline is becoming more marked with no nests again in any of the usual sites at St. Just In Roseland, whilst the St. Columb home of RWF which held up to 16 occupied nests five years ago attracted only four pairs this year. BS noted fewer nesting at St. Cleer this year and BP described it as very scarce at Marazion. On a more positive note, the Doyden Castle colony had 49 breeding pairs plus seven unoccupied nests this year. This compares with 40 in 1992. DL. Cliff nesting was reported from Varley Head where there were eight nests ML and Bossiney where DL reported "many". Autumn passage apparently commenced with three at Trevose Head Aug 20th and ended with one at Marazion Nov 11th. Comcomitant with Barn Swallow, passage outside Sep 21st - 23rd was very light and only 14 birds were noted after mid-October. Maximum numbers included 73 at Trevose Head Sep 13th, 140 at Maer Lake Sep 21st and 100 at Walmsley Sane. Sep 23rd. Unusual was a flock of 200/300 at Calstock Sep 6th which were swooping and diving over the river. Many fell into the river and were rescued by participants in a river trip organised by Tamar Canoe Expeditions J Ha.

RICHARD'S PIPIT - Anthus novaseelandiae Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Annual since 1974. Lands End Airfield: one Apr 11th - 18th. GH. et al. Lands End/Sennen: one north Oct 5th, one south Oct 9th, six Oct 11th, with one or two to Oct 14th. PHA. SJC. LL. PASP. RWW. Porthgwarra/St. Levan: one Oct 8th, seven Oct 9th, with one or two regular to Oct 23rd. EG. BKM. et al. Treen: one Oct 12th/13th. JDB. et al. Nanquidno: one Oct 12th - 14th, with another Oct 13th. DC. GJC. et al. RAF Portreath: two Oct 18th. BKM. Marazion: one Oct 18th. GH. Swanpool: one Oct 19th. RCJ. Pentire: one Oct 19th. GJC.

- 102- Pendeen: one Oct 20th. RI. FG. DT. IKi. Kynance: two Oct 21st. ARP. Drift: one Oct 24th. DSF. Housel Bay: three Oct 25th. MLo. ALo. Colliford Res: one Nov 5th/6th. SMC. EG. Towednack: one Nov 5th. MJR. Antony: one Nov 6th. EG. Porth Joke: one Nov 7th, two Nov 14th and one Dec 3rd. SMC. EG. RS. et al. Mawgan Porth: five Nov 17th. SMC. St. Columb Porth: one Nov 21st. SMC. Walmsley Sane: one Nov 30th. SMC. Reskajeage: two Dec 1st. MJH. Harlyn Bay: one Dec 12th. SMC. With record numbers arriving in the UK during September/October, one in spring and 39 in autumn constituted easily the highest ever year total in Cornwall. Once again the records prove very difficult to assess but the Porthgwarra/Sennen/Lands End observations undoubtedly return to a highly mobile group of about eight birds. Of particular interest were the groups at Porthgwarra, Sennen, Housel Bay and Mawgan Porth and the inland records at Colliford Res. and Antony. The county mainland total advances to c.262 - all but nine since 1960. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 3 9 - - - - 52 153 33 10 Top sites: Porthgwarra - 83, Lizard - 18, Trevose Head - 12. TAWNY PIPIT - Anthus campestris Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Annual since 1979. Porthgwarra: singles May 12th. SMC. et al. and Oct 8th/9th. JH. et al. Penlee Point: one Sep 4th. DC. GDL. Near Kynance: adult Sep 17th. EGe. ARP. SP. Lands End: two adults Sep 18th. RA. DSF. Nanquidno: singles Sep 21st and Oct 1st. GJC. Rame Head: one Sep 28th. RS. Trevose Head: adult Oct 26th. SMC. The second best year ever, bettered only by 12 in 1983. The county mainland total advances to c. 108 - all but three since 1960. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 4 7 - 3 3 62 27 2 - (57%) Top sites: Porthgwarra - 39, (36%), Lands End / Sennen - 10, Rame Head / Penlee Point - 8. TREE PIPIT - Anthus trivial is Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The majority of breeding pairs are found around the heaths and conifer plantations in mid and East Cornwall, notably Bodmin Moor, Redmoor/Helman Tor/Breney Common and Goss Moor. No breeding season records have been reported west of Truro since 1970, whilst the species remains scarce or under-recorded north and east of . Corresponding with a substantial decrease in national population levels there has been a noticeable diminution locally over the last five years. Two pairs bred at ,single pairs bred at Lamelgate, Credacott and Pilsamor, whilst six pairs were successful at Kit Hill. At this last site, three additional pairs possibly bred. Elsewhere five males held territory at Helman Tor/Breney Common (the most here since

- 103 - 1991), three males were noted at Smallacombe, two were at Rosenannon Downs and Mulberry Pit and single males were reported from Halvana, Tregonetha, Crowdy Res, Ruthernbridge, East Colliford and St. Bel 1 arm ins Tor. None was found at Goss Moor and there were no records west of Roche. Spring passage was the poorest on record with singles only at Tehidy Apr 6th, Portreath Apr 20th and Rock May 15th. Autumn passage was equally abysmal with a total of only 24 birds reported between Aug 13th and Oct 19th. This is less than 25% of an average autumn movement. Seven of these moved through Aug 13th - 15th with another six Sep 18th - 23rd, otherwise birds were noted sporadically. There were three at Porthgwarra Aug 14th, two at Boswednack Sep 18th, and two at Falmouth Oct 19th with all remaining reports of singles. MEADOW PIPIT - Anthus pratensis Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Winter flocks in excess of fifty are unusual but substantial cold-weather movements are occasionally reported. Very few reports received for the first half of the year. In the first winter period the maximum were 26 at Siblyback and 20 at Jan 7th. 20 at Pentire Mar 20th may have included some spring migrants whilst 42 at Predannack May 28th were presumably locally breeding birds. The species certainly appears to be well distributed in suitable habitat during the breeding season and NRP describes it as widespread in Penwith district whilst BS found 42 males holding territory at Kit Hill, and ten males on 150 hectares at Lamelgate. DIJ. identified 19 territories in the Ruthernbridge area. Autumn passage apparendy commenced with two at Marazion Aug 4th and ended with 30 at Porth Joke Nov 5th. It was the lightest passage for at least 20 years with peak counts only 40% of the norm.

Regular reports and maximum numbers : Rame Head: c.360 between Sep 4th and Nov 6th with max of 150 Oct 15th. Porthgwarra: c.702 between Sep 24th and Nov 4th with max of 160 Oct 9th - 11th. 200 were at Gorran Haven Oct 23rd, and 100/120 were counted at Treen, near Kynance, Lizard, Morvah, Pentire and Porth Joke. In the second winter period the highest count were 50 roosting at Tregonetha Nov 27th, and 100 at Gunwalloe Dec 16th. RED-THROATED PIPIT - Anthus cervinus Very rare vagrant. Sennen: one Oct 14th. PHA. PASP. RWW. Pentire: one Oct 18th. GJC. Both accepted by BBRC. The county mainland total advances to 7, all since 1983. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 5 ROCK PIPIT - Anthus petrosus Resident. Breeds. Well distributed on all suitable coastline. Rare inland. Widely reported from suitable habitats throughout the county. ML. found a total of 27 territories between Trevose Head and Ranie Point. This is more than double his estimate for the previous two years and included 14 pairs between Trevose Head and Stepper Point. The largest flocks included 24 at Hayle Jan 14th, 18 at Trevose Head Oct 26th, 12 at Looe Nov 19th, 25 at Gannel Est. Nov 22nd, 16 at Mevagissey Nov 29th and 14 at Falmouth Dec 21st. Flocks of ten were noted at Par, Pentire, St. Ives, Lands End and Porth Joke. None was identified inland for the fifth year in succession.

- 104 - Only one leucistic bird was reported this year. It was noted at Kynance and was described as predominantly white with a white head and tail, grey-brown on the back and breast. The legs were described as pale pink and the bill as pinkish-yellow. It was apparently not the bird noted here in 1993. Scandinavian Rock Pipit A bird showing characteristics of the race 'Anthus petrosus littoralis' was reported from Looe Jan 1st. SCM. This distinctive race (in summer plumage at least) had been recorded on only three occasions prior to 1984 but there have now been 19 occurrences. WATER PIPIT - Anthus spinoletta Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Small numbers winter at traditional sites such as Landulph, Marazion Marsh, Copperhouse and Camel Estuary. With extensive flooding on coastal meadows the high number noted at the end of 1993 overwintered and there were new arrivals at several sites but no obvious spring migrants. In the second half of the year there were two migrants in late October and wintering birds started to arrive in November. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 17 9 3 ------2 7 8 Looe: one from 1993 - Feb 6th. DC. et al. Gannel Est: two from 1993 - Feb 10th. TSH. MT. Mawgan Porth: four from 1993 increased to six Jan 5th with one or two regular to Mar 10th. Three Nov 17th into 1995. SMC. et al. Walmsley Sane: one from 1993 increased to three Jan 1st with one remaining to Jan 29th. Three Nov 30th into 1995. SMC. GJC. DD. et al. Hayle Est/Copperhouse: one Jan lst-Feb 6th. TSH. MT. et al. Marazion: singles Jan 6th and 26th, Feb 5th - 16th, Mar 16th - 23rd, and Oct 31st. DSF. DJO. JW. et al. : one Jan 12th - 24th. DIJ. SMC. St. Columb Sewage Works: one Jan 23rd. SMC. Siblyback Res: one Jan 25th. BS. Landulph: one Feb 19th. CFNHC. Par: singles Feb 20th - 24th and Nov 4th into 1995. GJC. AIP. et al. Porthgwarra: one Oct 29th. DSF. Castle Beach, Falmouth: one Dec 18th - 21st. RCJ. YELLOW WAGTAIL - Motacilla flava Passage migrant, uncommon in spring but forms roosts in autumn at Par Beach Pool, Loe Pool, Marazion Marsh, and sporadically elsewhere. Bred almost annually 1956-65, sporadically prior to that, but not since. A few variants, notably Blue- headed, occur annually. The first in spring was at Maer Lake Apr 20th - the latest arrival since 1986. A total of 31 birds passed through with the last near Kynance May 30th. Most were singles but at least nine were noted at Marazion including six Apr 30th, seven were noted at Porthgwarra including three May 6th and two were at Sennen May 8th. Parallel with many other passerines, autumn passage was exceptionally light. C. 112 were reported from only nine sites - the lowest total for at least 15 years. The first were eight at Rame Head Aug 27th and the last was at the same site Oct 12th. There was a small arrival of 41 birds Sep 4th - 6th and 15 in October. The maximum included 30 at Sennen Sep 4th, eight at Porthgwarra Sep 6th, six near Kynance Sep 18th, five at Treen Sep 23rd, six at Lands End Sep 27th and eight at the Royal Cornwall Showground Oct 8th. Blue-headed Wagtail - Motacilla flava flava Marazion: two May 3rd - 8th. DSF. PG. et al. Sennen: female May 8th. SMC. EJC. RJL. Porthgwarra: one Sep 24th. JDB. SMC.

- 105 - The county mainland total advances to c. 187. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 44 78 11 6 10 35 1 - - Top sites: Marazion - 109 (58%), Par - 15, Hayle - 13, Sennen - 10. GREY WAGTAIL - Motacilla cinerea Resident. Breeds on most suitable rivers and streams east of Redruth. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Small numbers occasionally roost with Pied Wagtails. Widespread in small numbers in both winter periods and spring, with no reports of change in status. Breeding pairs were reported from many suitable areas in the mid and east of the county. There were no breeding records from the Lizard peninsula, but SL. noted a breeding pair at Chyandour, Penzance and a pair was resident at Gulval. Autumn passage apparently commenced with two at Stithians Res. Aug 11th and ended with one at Porthgwarra Nov 4th. The total of c. 159 birds was about the average of the last ten years. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Marazion: 11 between Aug 27th and Oct 31st with max of four Sep 17th. Porthgwarra: 19 between Aug 27th and Nov 4th with max of nine Oct 11th. Nanquidno: 22 between Aug 28th and Oct 19th with max of seven Sep 14th. Rame Head: 24 between Aug 28th and Oct 23rd with max of 19 Sep 9th. Hayle: 12 between Sep 11th and Oct 14th with max of five Sep 25th. Trevose Head: 11 between Sep 13th and Nov 1st with max of eight Sep 22nd. Constantine Bay: eight Oct 8th.

PIED WAGTAIL - Motacilla alba Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms roosts, mainly in autumn and winter. Well established roosts include Par Beach Pool, Marazion Marsh, Gwithian and several sites at Truro. No change in status reported. Birds were widely distributed and numerous in both winter periods. Breeding was reported from many areas. On 140 hectares at Lamelgate BS located four pairs (cf three pairs in 1993), whilst DIJ found four breeding pairs on farms in the Ruthernbridge area. Spring passage was light. Seven at Looe Mar 19th may have been new arrivals whilst 30 at Walmsley Sane. Apr 24th coincided with good numbers of waders. Autumn passage commenced with one at Trevose Head Aug 22nd and ended with two at Porthgwarra Nov 4th. It was a light movement with peaks of 50 at Davidstow Airfield Aug 28th, 50 at Long Rock Sep 10th and 150 at Predannack Sep 20th. At Porthgwarra birds were noted from Oct 4th to Nov 4th with a max of 34 Oct 10th. Roosts :'roost' Jan 19th and 100 during December. Par: 60 Mar 7th, 200 Jul 30th, 300 Oct 15th and 120 Dec 11th. Gwithian: monthly max of 59 during July, 130 August, 89 September,77 October, 33 November, and 11 December. Pool: 100 Sep 30th. Calstock: 60 Oct 22nd. Trafalgar, Truro: 150/200 Dec 18th. Neither the Pool nor the Calstock roost appears to have been reported previously. White Wagtail Passage migrant. The nominate race (Motacilla alba alba) of Pied Wagtail breeding throughout mainland Europe. Spring passage apparently commenced with one at Par Mar 19th, followed by one at Marazion tie next day and ended with two at Porthgwarra May 27th.

- 106- A total of 33 passed through including 19 at Marazion. There were also two at Par, Rame Head, Looe, Sennen, and Porthgwarra plus singles at Gulval, Stithians, St. Levan and Skewjack. Autumn passage commenced with three at Rame Head Sep 2nd and ended with two at Marazion Oct 11th. The miserly passage of c.126 birds reflected the poor movement of many other passerines. 46 of the total were noted at Sennen between Sep 4th - 21st whilst other max included ten at Davidstow Sep 5th, seven at Stithians Sep 13th, 31 at Polgigga Sep 14th and ten at Sep 16th. DIPPER - Cinclus cinclus Scarce resident (mainly mid and east Cornwall). Breeds. Pairs are present on most suitable stretches of the Rivers Camel and Fowey with the nucleus of breeding pairs centred on the Bodmin area. Recent coverage of potential sites in the east of the county has revealed a healthy population on the Rivers Lynher, Neet and Inny. Despite this apparently optimistic situation there can be little room for complacency - the species remains at risk from vastly increased pollution of our rivers plus loss of, and disturbance at, breeding sites. Another good year with records from 45 localities. 21 pairs are known to have bred, two others probably did so and 15 additional sites attracted birds during the breeding season. Rivers Tamar/Lynher/Inny A pair bred at Pillatonmill with probable breeding at Clapper Bridge and Callington New Bridge. Breeding season records also derived from Cotehele, , Plusha and Bicton. There were no records from the where there are numerous suitable breeding sites.

River Fowey and tributaries Breeding was confirmed at Cardinham, Woods, Respryn/Lanhydrock (two pairs), Lamelgate, Golitha, Ninestones Bridge and Bridge. A pair was present at Draynes Bridge and a single was at Jun 18th. River Looe and tributaries One was at West Looe Sep 17th and a pair was in evidence at Churchbridge in November/December. The East and West Looe Rivers definitely appear to be worthy of further investigation. and tributaries Bred at Merrymeeting, , Cotton woods, Butterwell and (St. Wenn). Singles were at Grogley in March and Dunmere in April and probably indicates the presence of breeding pairs whilst a single at Wadebridge Dec 23rd was a typical local winter wanderer to the coast.

Rivers and Allen, Truro. A pair reared two broods at and a pair bred at Polquick for the first time in many years. Singles were noted in and around the city during the year. Bred at Lowertown and a single was noted at during June and July. Penwith A pair bred near Drift - the first breeding record from the area for many years. This success probably accounted for records from Lamoraa Aug 19th - Oct 12th, Kenidjack Sep 3rd and Oct 6th - 19th and Cot Sep 25th and Oct 10th. Five young were successfully reared at and Twobridges. Probably also bred in the Carnanton/St. Mawgan area where there were odd sightings throughout the year. River Valency A pair bred about a mile inland from .

- 107- Elsewhere A pair bred at Kennal Vale, and a pair were noted on a stream at , St. Austell Mar 18th, whilst a single was sighted at Constantine Jun 25th and Sep 6th. WREN - Troglodytes troglodytes Abundant resident. Breeds. Populations may be severely reduced after prolonged cold winters. LSP. EMP. continue to report low numbers at St. Just in Roseland commenting that "it is unusual to see one". Elsewhere there was no apparent change in status. Influenced, no doubt, by the recent series of mild winters, breeding populations are at a very high level. In the Ruthernbridge area near Bodmin DIJ located a phenomenal 521 territories whilst MJH found 139 singing birds in Tehidy woods in May. BS located 44 territories on 148 hectares at Lamelgate and 102 pairs at Kit Hill. Other breeding reports included 13 pairs at Mawgan Porth, 13 pairs at Porth Mear, six pairs at Pentire, and three pairs at . 40 birds were counted singing at Loe Pool Apr 10th and 35 were heard at Predannack May 28th. Few autumn counts were received but RAFOS reported ten at Kelynack Oct 11th and nine at Porthgwarra Oct 11th - 13th. An unusual observation concerned one with black belly feathers at Nanquidno May 8th. SL.

HEDGE ACCENTOR - Prunella modularis (Formerly Dunnock) Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (autumn). Another ubiquitous resident whose status remains unaltered. DIJ located 90 pairs in the Ruthernbridge area whilst MJH found 25 singing males at Tehidy in March. BS identified seven territories at Lamelgate and 40 pairs at Kit Hill. Other breeding counts included 14 pairs at Mawgan Porth, eight pairs at Porth Mear and Predannack, two pairs at Pentire and Trevarrian. The only possible evidence of autumn passage involved birds at Porthgwarra where there was 30 Oct 7th, 22 Oct 11th and 19 Oct 12th. ROBIN - Erithacus rubecula Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Status maintained, if not increasing in many areas. At Lamelgate BS reports an increase from 46 pairs in 1993 to 70 pairs this year. At Kit Hill the same observer located 75 territories. DIJ found 220 territories in his Ruthernbridge study area whilst MJH located 134 birds at Tehidy in March. The first evidence of autumn passage involved 13 at Nanquidno Sep 18th. There was an influx at Towednack Sep 20th and 19 at Trevose Head Sep 22nd. Other maxima included 20 at Porthgwarra Sep 23rd with 30 there Oct 7th, 53 at Gwitihan Sep 28th, 40 at Rame Head Oct 7th and 34 near Kynance Oct 23rd. The only significant second winter count was 24 at Illogan Dec 14th. RUFOUS NIGHTINGALE - Luscinia megarhynchos Rare passage migrant. Although there is a small breeding population in East Devon this species has only once been proved to breed in Cornwall and that was in 1940. Gwithian: a male in song May 13th - 15th. PAR Penlee Point: one Aug 23rd. WJW. The county mainland total advances to c.40. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 5 10 4 6 9 3 3 Top sites - Porthgwarra - 9, Penlee Point - 3.

- 108 - BLACK REDSTART - Phoenicurus ochrurous Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. Bred sporadically in the Perranporth area during the 1940's and 1950's. Recent breeding season observations have raised hopes of re-colonisation but to date these have not come to fruition. 21 birds overwintered from 1993 - all singles except three at Castle Beach Falmouth,and two each at Hayle and West Looe. Birds were scattered around the coast from Torpoint to Pentire and there were singles inland at Troon Feb 11th and Sancreed Feb 28th. Spring passage was the lightest since 1974 involving only four birds. There were singles at Sennen, Park Head and Pentire in mid March and a late female at Porthgwarra May 9th. Autumn passage commenced with one at St. Ives Oct 4th followed by one at Sennen Oct 1st. It proved to be the heaviest passage since the record-breaking movement of 1982. There were numerous reports of one or two throughout October but the main arrival was from November 4th. C.94 (42% of the autumn total of c.223) arrived over the three days Nov 4th - 6th. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14 11 7 - 1 - - - - 53 162 76 Regular reports and maximum numbers : Porthgwarra: c.21 between Oct 7th and Nov 27th with max of eight Nov 4th. Lizard: c.49 between Oct 14th and Nov 27th with max of 38 Nov 4th. Sancreed: c.16 between Oct 19th and Nov 22nd with max of five Nov 6th. Drift: c.7 between Oct 20th and Nov 7th with max of six Nov 4th. Other max included five at Porth Mear Nov 4th, eight Caerthillian Nov 5th and eight at Eastern Green Nov 24th. There were many inland observations including two at Otter ham Oct 21st, four at Bonython Estate Nov 4th, two around Truro Cathedral Oct 25th to Nov 7th and three at Nov 5th. Not surprisingly in view of this excellent movement and unseasonal mild weather unprecedented numbers remained to the end of the year. C.76 birds were reported from 36 sites with the largest concentrations being eight between Port Isaac and Trebarwith Dec 16th, six each at Seaton and Downderry Dec 21st, seven at Castle Beach Dec 25th, four at Lizard throughout and three at Portwrinkle Dec 31st. COMMON REDSTART - Phoenicurus phoenicurus Uncommon summer resident. Breeds. Almost exclusively confined to Bodmin Moor and the broadleaved woodlands around Bodmin. Scarce passage migrant. Spring passage commenced with 12 at Rame Head and single males at and Gun wall oe Apr 17th. Another was at Gribbin Head next day and there were further singles at Lizard, Church Cove, Kenidjack, Walmsley Sane, and Bosistow before May 6th. Last was a female at Porthgwarra May 22nd. Breeding season reports derived from the following areas (with comparative data for 1989 - 1993). Figures represent number of singing males. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 BearahTor 3 4 3 4 3 1 Industry 2 4 6 1 - - Bastreet 2 - - 1 1 1 1 - 1 - - - Harrowbridge 1 1 1 1 1 1 Lamelgate 3 2 - - - - East Colliford 1 - - - 1 - Fox Tor 2 - - - - - Lewannick 1 - - - - - Breeding was proven at Bearah Tor, Bastreet and Lamelgate. Autumn passage apparently commenced with two at Crowdy Sep 2nd and ended with one at Pentire Oct 20th. It was the lightest passage since 1984 with only 16 birds identified (cf 40 Richard's Pipits!) Only six were reported in September with the remainder in

- 109- October. All -vere singles except two at Lizard Sep 29th and all were coastal except a male at St. Columb Oct 7th. WHINCHAT - Saxicola rubetra Uncommon summer resident. Breeds exclusively on Bodmin Moor. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). The first in spring was a male on territory at Ninestones Bridge Apr 30th. Only three coastal migrants were reported, singles at Towednack May 1st, Lands End May 3rd and Downas May 15th - the poorest spring movement since 1976. A little more effort was expended on locating breeding birds this year but even then there were reports of birds in only eight areas. Apart from the Ninestones Bridge bird, three pairs bred at Colliford, single pairs bred at Bastreet and Lamelgate and a pair was noted with seven young at Smallacombe. Elsewhere there were single males on territory at Westerlake and St. Bellarmins Tor and two pairs were on territory at Temple New Bridge. Autumn passage commenced very early with three at Caerthillian Jul 16th. The next were singles at Rame and Porthgwarra Aug 6th and 7th respectively. A total of c.135 birds was reported with the last at Lands End Oct 23rd. Only ten were noted in August and ten more in the first half of September. Almost 50% (65) arrived Sep 22nd - 25th and the majority moved rapidly through. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Porthgwarra: c.26 between Aug 6th and Oct 20th with max of 18 Sep 24th. Kynance: c.l 1 Sep 18th - Oct 8th with max of seven Sep 28th. Nanquidno: c.10 Sep 18th - Oct 1st with max of seven Sep 22nd. Sennen: 12 Sep 23rd. St. Just Airfield: 18 Sep 24th. Lands End: c.10 Sep 27th - Oct 23rd with max of five Oct 2nd. COMMON STONECHAT - Saxicola torquata (Formerly Stonechat) Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Suffers heavy mortality in prolonged cold weather. Significant increases were noted in many areas this year. At Kit Hill BS located 14 territories and proved breeding by six pairs. This compares with six pairs in 1993, three in 1992 and only one in 1989. This followed a complete wipe-out in this area in the two severe winters of 1984/5 and 1985/6. Elsewhere there were at least ten pairs between Trevose Head and Bounds Cliff, five pairs between Loe Bar and Rinsey Head, five pairs at Pencarrow Head and three pairs each at Porth Joke and Porth Mear. Odd pairs continue to re-colonise Bodmin Moor and other inland sites. One at Labour-In-Vain, Dlogan, was notable as MJH's first there in four years. Autumn passage was evident from Sep 24th - Oct 23rd and the largest parties included 12 between Nanquidno and Lands End Sep 27th, 23 between Bassett Cove and Godrevy the same day, 19 between Duckpool and Widemouth Bay Sep 30th, 23 between Widemouth Bay and Oct 1st and 14 at Rame Head Oct 7th. Small numbers were widespread in the second winter period. Large numbers included five pairs between Reskajeage and Navax and 18 between Trebarwith and Port Isaac Dec 16th. A male with a white rump at Treveal during October was reported by some observers as a Siberian Stonechat. However, close examination revealed that the rump was lightly streaked and all other characteristics conformed to Saxicola torquata rubicola. SMC. NORTHERN WHEATEAR - Oenanthe oenanthe Summer resident. Breeds, primarily on Bodmin Moor but with single pairs almost anywhere along the north coast and on the Lizard peninsula. South coast and other inland sites are seldom exploited. Passage migrant. Spring passage commenced with an early male at Looe Feb 26th. EJW. (the third February arrival in the last four years). Next was a male at Gwithian Mar 2nd but then no more until Mar 10th. A total of c.380 birds was reported with a notable influx of 139 birds Apr 17th/ 18th.

- 110- Main passage ended May 13th but a late straggler was at St. Eval Jun 8th. Regular reports and regular numbers : Near Kynance: c.27 Mar 12th - May 22nd with max of 19 May 7th. Rame Head: c.44 Mar 26th - May 2nd with max of 40 Apr 17th. Porthgwarra: c.28 Apr 11th - May 29th with max of 18 May 1st. Cam Brea: 20 Apr 17th. Sennen: c.40 Apr 17th - May 12th with max of 19 May 7th. Trevose Head: c.84 Apr 18th - May 12th with max of 48 Apr 18th and 21 Apr 19th. Breeding season information derived from the following sites (with comparative data for 1989 - 1993). Figures represent pairs/singing males. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 Bodmin Moor 24 16 - 18 7 7 Kynance 2 - 1 - 1 2 Park Head 1 - - - - Pentire 1 - - 1 1 - Barretts Zawn 1 - 1 - - - Rock 1 - - - - - Kenidjack 2 - 1 - - - Porthgwarra 1 - - - 1 - BS described the species as quite widespread on Bodmin Moor but with 15 of the 24 pairs in the Bastreet to Fox Tor area the remainder were obviously well scattered. Certainly this was the situation on Dartmoor where RS described it as "very thin on the ground". By comparison PGA and DJC located 526 pairs in their survey of the moor in 1984. Autumn passage apparendy commenced with one at Goonhilly Jul 27th and ended with one at Marazion Nov 9th. The total of c.527 birds was the highest since 1989. There were two notable falls of 123 birds Aug 13th/14th and 113 birds Sep 22nd - 25th but few during October. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Davidstow: c.22 Jul 30th - Sep 21st with max of ten Aug 20th. Porthgwarra: c.l 17 Aug 1st - Oct 20th with max of 50 Aug 14th. Rame Head: c.36 Aug 6th - Oct 12th with max of 22 Aug 14th. Lands End: c.61 Aug 14th - Oct 19th with max of 45 Aug 14th. Trevose Head: c.34 Aug 20th - Oct 10th with max of 20 Sep 2nd. Kynance: c.120 Aug 28th - Oct 23rd with max of 60 Sep 18th and 50 Sep 24th. DESERT WHEATEAR - Oenanthe deserti Rare vagrant. Torpoint: female Nov 27th - Dec 16th (probably present since Nov 22nd) SGC. et al. Hayle: female Dec 21st - 24th. PAR. JR. LPW. Presumably the two reports refer to the same bird. SCM observes that the grey tone of the nape and mantle of the Torpoint bird suggested the race "Oenanthe deserti atrogularis" which breeds from the Caspian Desert east to Mongolia. The fourth county mainland record.

JaMonthln yFe breakdowb Mar n : Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 - - 2 1

- Ill - Desert Wheatear phil Rimer

- 112 - RING OUZEL - Turdus torquatus

Scarce passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. Breeding was last suspected in 197( and last confirmed in 1970. Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 4 1 - - - 35 3 - Spring passage consisted of singles at Rinsey Head Mar 26th, St. Just Apr 14th, Cot Apr 18th, Stepper Point Apr 23rd, Lamelgate Apr 29th and Lizard Church Cove May 2nd. The 36 in autumn was below the recent average. 24 (67%) arrived Oct 18th - 23rd and only three were noted in November. Kenidjack: one Oct 3rd, two Oct 23rd. Lands End: one Oct 4th, two Oct 5th, one Oct 19th. Rame HeadVPenlee: singles Oct 5th and 12th and Nov 6th, three Oct 23rd. Cot: one Oct 9th/10th, two Oct 18th with one to the 19th. Porthgwarra: up to three daily Oct 10th - 23rd. Pentire: singles Oct 18th and Nov 2nd. Lizard Church Cove: two Oct 19th - 22nd. Nanquidno: two Oct 19th with three on 20th/21st. Kynance: four Oct 21st and one Nov 1st and 4th. Singles were also noted at St. Levan, Nanjizal, Zennor, Lundy Bay, Soap Cove and Towednack. BLACKBIRD - Turdus merula

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn but also in winter as a result of severe weather). Forms roosts in winter but these are rarely reported. Small numbers of "pied"birds are reported annually. Status maintained throughout the year with a good breeding season. DIJ located 172 territories in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/Mulberry Pit area and BS found 53 singing males/breeding pairs at Kit Hill. The same observer plotted 22 territories on 150 hectares at Lamelgate (cf 17 in 1993). Elsewhere there were nine pairs in the valley at Porth Mear and five pairs in three quarters of a linear mile at Mawgan Porth. Few counts were received for the first winter period but 85 at Tehidy in January were notable. Autumn passage commenced with ten at Nanquidno Sep 14th. It was a comparatively light but protracted movement which ended with 23 flying west at Sancreed Nov 5th. Peak counts included 20 Porthewarra Oct 11th, 20 at Lands End Oct 19th, 70 at Rame Head Oct 23rd and 33 at Gwithian Nov 2nd. The species was especially numerous in the second winter period with maxima of 60 at Whitecross Dec 23rd and 30 at Hlogan Dec 24th. FIELDFARE - Turdus pilaris Winter visitor. Passage migrant with peak numbers normally in mid-November at the height of autumn migration and in winter as a result of cold weather. Forms roosts in winter. Has summered once, in 1987, but no hint of breeding. First winter flocks were again small, though slightly larger than the two previous years. The largest concentrations included 200 at Kit Hill Jan 4th - 28th, 300 at Colliford Jan 15th, 150 at Ninestones Bridge Jan 25th, 150 at Siblyback Feb 12th and 140 at Tregonetha Feb 19th. There were only two reports for March, a single at Loe Pool on the 5th and 30 at Dabruz Moor on the 20th. Last was an injured bird which lingered at Bonython until Apr 25th. Autumn passage commenced with one at Porthgwarra Oct 4th. Small numbers arrived throughout October but the only significant count was 120 at Drift on 20th. The first major influx occurred Nov 2nd when many thousands arrived in the county. In the Pen with area NRP described birds moving over on a broad front in all areas visited. With 50 per minute passing overhead at Zennor alone at 0900 hours a total number is

- 113 - incalculable. Hundreds were noted all along the north coast but few stopped off. Other large autumn counts included 220 at Nov 6th and 205 at Royal Cornwall Showground Nov 8th. In the second winter period the maximum included 200 at Newmill Nov 28th, 150 at Colliford Dec 11th and 350 at Tregonetha Dec 18th.

SONG THRUSH - Turdus philomelos Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A decline in local populations in recent years is probably related to increased usage of molluscicides. GCJ at Gerrans and CLB at Penryn both describe the species as more frequent, whilst ECJ recorded 53 sightings this year compared with 19 in 1993. NRP noted nest-building at the end of February but still found it scarce as a breeding bird at Penzance. DIJ located 26 territories in his Ruthernbridge study area and BS noted a 100% increase from three to six pairs at Lamelgate. The same observer found ten territories at Kit Hill and MJH also identified ten territories at Tehidy. Early in the year a roost at Loe Pool attracted 100 birds Jan 22nd. Autumn passage apparently commenced with three at Trevose Head Sep 22nd and ended with ten at Nanquidno Nov 7th. Migration throughout October was light but there was an increase associated with other thrushes early in November. Peak counts included 23 at Gwithian Oct 28th, 50 at Zennor Nov 2nd, 30 at Pentire the same day, 20 at Boswednack Nov 4th and 17 west at Sanereed Nov 5th.

REDWING - Turdus iliacus Passage migrant. Abundant winter visitor. Peak numbers occur in mid winter as a result of birds displaced by bad weather, and in mid-November at the height of the autumn migration. Habitually forms large roosts in winter but these are poorly documented. First winter flocks were the best since 1991. Several hundred were noted at Wendron during January and there were reports of 200 at Tresillian, Kit Hill and Stithians during the month. Severe weather in mid-February introduced many new arrivals to the county including several hundred at Morvah on 14th, 300 at Boswednack on 15th and 750 roosting at Halvana on 17th. Like Fieldfare most left before the end of February and the only reports after mid-March concerned 30 at Portscatho Mar 17th and one at Sheviock Mar 25th. The first in autumn were three at Towednack and one at Pool Oct 6th. Small numbers arrived daily to the end of the month before a major incursion in early November. Many thousands moved through on a broad front on the 2nd with lesser numbers to the 9th. There was another small arrival late in the month. It proved the best autumn/second winter for the species since 1989. Highest estimates included 400 at Calstock Oct 22nd, 700 flying north-east at Camel Est. Nov 2nd, 500 flying north-east at Bodmin the same day, 200 flying north-east at both Lundy Bay and Pentire the same day, 500 at Camelford Nov 23rd, 350 at Loe Pool Nov 27th, 300 at Newmill Nov 28th and 200 at Sancreed Dec 29th - 31st.

MISTLE THRUSH - Turdus viscivorus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. After declining numbers m 1993 JWJ reports a complete absence at Tregathenan this year, whilst CLB describes it as scarce at Penryn. Elsewhere BS noted a decrease from five pairs in 1993 to three pairs this year at Lamelgate. DD found 15 pairs in the Ruthernbridge area and there were many observations of single breeding pairs. The species was widespread in small numbers in both winter periods and there was no evidence of any cold weather movement. The maximum in the first winter was nine at Pelynt Jan 19th and in spring 11 at St. Keveme May 6th. Late summer concentrations included 13 at Wendron Jul 8th and nine at Mulberry Pit. Autumn passage apparently commenced with five at Crows-an-wra Sep 13th and ended with one at Boswednack Nov 21st. Peak counts included ten at Tehidy Dec 13th, 12 at Daubruz Moor Sep 20th, 36 at Loe Pool Oct 8th and seven at Vean Nov 12th. Approximately 100 birds were reported but very few were noted at traditional migration watch points in the Lands End Peninsula.

- 114- CETTFS WARBLER - Cettia cetti Scarce resident. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant. This recent colonist was first noted in the U.K. in 1961 but did not reach Cornwall until 1973. Colonisation was initially slow but by 1978 birds were reported from six localities and included the first proof of breeding at Marazion Marsh. Subsequently, breeding has been proved in most years and was probable in others. Prior to 1990 the only other site where breeding had been confirmed was at in 1981 and 1982, but sadly the habitat was destroyed for road and industrial development, although sporadic reports from nearby Phillack may indicate a small remnant population. These successes of the early 1980's probably accounted for the continued increase and dispersal throughout the county, although some immigration may also have occurred. By 1984 birds were noted at eleven localities, whilst in 1985, despite a reduction in the number of sites, at least 36 birds were located and there was a speculative estimate of 100 birds at Marazion Marsh alone. More recently, severe winter weather caused a substantial reduction in many parts of the U.K. including a virtual eradication in the species' former stronghold in Kent. The Cornish population was apparently halved from 1985 to 1986 and was further reduced in 1987 but there has been a slight improvement annually since. In 1994 singing males were reported from the following areas (with comparative data for 1987 - 1993). Figures represent number of singing males. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 Marazion Marsh 11 13 12 7 8 5 7 8 Par 4 5 4 3 2 2 2 - St. Erth 6 3 1 1 3 - - - Gunwalloe 1 5 2 6 3 - 1 - Perranporth 2 1 1 - 1 - - - Halton Quay 1 ------_ The Gunwalloe count is disappointing but may result from incomplete coverage. The Halton Quay site is a new one whilst tie Perranporth total is the most there since 1977. The only other record concerned the overwintering bird at Mawgan Porth which was last noted Jan 5th. SMC. Site fidelity since the first record in 1973 reveals that birds have been noted at Marazion in 20 years, Calstock and Gunwalloe 12 each and Par nine years. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - Locustella naevia Summer resident widely distributed in suitable habitat. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant (mainly spring). Spring passage commenced with one at Gwithian Apr 12th with the next at Skewjack Apr 17th. A total of 25 birds were noted "reeling" before the end of the month and another 30 were identified during May. The vast majority of reports concerned single birds. There were two each at Porthgwarra, Ninestones Bridge, St. Levan and Mulberry, four at Kynance Apr 24th and seven in the Rosewarrick/Lakeview area of . Generally speaking there was a paucity of birds on traditional breeding areas. Halvana produced only one male compared with six in 1993, whilst an area of Goss Moor which held five males in 1993 attracted only one this year. Autumn passage consisted of singles at Sancreed Sep 24th, Hudder Down Sep 27th, Marazion Oct 1st and Lands End Oct 12th.

AQUATIC WARBLER - Acrocephalus paludicola

Rare passage migrant (autumn). Annual at Marazion Marsh. Marazion Marsh: six different birds noted between Aug 8th and Oct 10th. Noted on 13 dates but no more than two per day. Five in August and one in October. DSF. FM. et al. The county mainland total advances to c.216.

MonthlJan yFe breakdowb Mar n :Ap r May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 124 77 14 - - 1 (57%) (36%)

- 115- Top sites: Marazion - 165 (76%), Stithians - 25 and Gunwalloe - 9.

SEDGE WARBLER - Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Summer resident widespread in suitable habitat. Breeds. Passage migrant. The first spring arrivals were singles at Par, Bude, Tamar Lake and Marazion Apr 21st - the latest spring arrival since 1986. The first influx was noted Apr 30th when peak counts included 16 at Perranporth and seven at Caerthillian. Birds continued to arrive until late May but unlike 1993 it proved a disappointing breeding season. Several favoured sites, notably Skewjack (25 singing males), Perranporth (25), Mawgan Porth (22), Par (11) and St. Column Porth (11) were heavily populated but elsewhere numbers were definitely down. Autumn passage was again light. At Marazion birds were noticed Aug 6th to Oct 10th with a max of 20 Aug 13th but elsewhere there were singles only at Crowdy Aug 27th, Porthgwarra Sep 18th and Lands End Oct 2nd.

REED WARBLER - Acrocephalus scirpaceus Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forty years ago this species was such a rare visitor to Cornwall that the presence of one at Camel Estuary on 1st September 1951 warranted a mention in the Introduction to that years' bird report! At that time the species bred only sporadically but it has since colonised most, if not all of the county's reedbeds. The first in spring was one at Marazion Mar 20th - the earliest ever county mainland record. RB. Presumably this bird moved quickly on because the next was one at the same site Apr 2nd. Small numbers continued to arrive at breeding sites and by the end of the month the Marazion population had built up to 15 singing males. There were no records from coastal migration sites. Some breeding sites were not checked this year but at those where censuses were carried out numbers were well up to recent average. Breeding season reports were received from the following localities (with comparative data for 1988 - 1993). Figures represent numbers of pairs/singing males; B = bred; p = present, numbers/success not known; 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Tamar Est reedbeds 12+ 2 P 16 P P P Par Beach Pool 14 19 3 5 B p p St. Andrews, Par 2 - - 1 - Swanpool 5 6 7 7 B - 5 Maenporth 4 2 - - - - - Poldhu 3 p 2 4 B - - Gunwalloe 1 7 P 5 - B - Loe Pool 12 2 2 2 B _ Marazion/Long Rock 27 + 10+ 31 6 B B P Skewjack 2 1 - - - - St. Erth reedbeds 25 ------Perranporth 5 4 P 3 11 - - Mawgan Porth 2 2 1 - - - 1 Porth Mear 1 1 - - - - - Harlyn Bay 3 2 3 3 1 - - Walmsley Sane. 1 1 - - - - - Gaff, River Camel 1 1 1 - - - - Bude P 1 - - - - 3 Lower Tamar Lake P 2 2 - - B - The presence of 25 singing males along the St. Erth river was notable but once again breeding success was probably affected by early reed-cutting. Autumn passage apparently commenced with four at Marazion Aug 6th and ended with one at Porth Joke Nov 14th. The total of c.30 birds was about tie average of recent years. Nine birds were noted during October but the Porth Joke individual is the latest ever in Cornwall. It was a pale bird and showed characteristics of the eastern race "Acrocephalus scirpaceus fuscus" which breeds in the Caspian and Middle East regions.

- 116- Curiously, three of the latest four records of this species have derived from Porth Joke; in 1988, 1993, and 1994. OLIVACEOUS WARBLER - Hippolais pallida Very rare vagrant. After a seemingly interminable review of all report by BBRC the record of a bird trapped and ringed at Porthgwarra 14th September 1968 has now been rejected on various grounds including the yellow underparts, the apparently all-dark bill and the length of the tenth primary which strongly suggested Melodious Warbler. Therefore this species is deleted from the county mainland list. MELODIOUS WARBLER - Hippolais polyglotta Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Cot: singles Aug 22nd723rd. RMRJ. and Sep 18th - 20th. SR. et al. Rame Head: one Sep 30th. KP. The county mainland total advances to c.97 - all but one since 1966. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ _ _ 3 _ 1 30 47 15 1 - (31%) (48%) Top sites: Porthgwarra - 42 (43%), Nanquidno - 15, Cot - 8. Hippo la is warbler sp. Pendower: one Oct 9th. RAJ. Illogan: one Oct 16th. MJH. Descriptions submitted but inconclusive as to species.

DARTFORD WARBLER - Sylvia undata Rare resident. Occasionally breeds. Rare passage migrant. Birds have been present in the county annually since 1980, in which year the species bred here for the first time since 1940. Breeding was then proved on the south-east coast of the county in each year 1980/85 but there has been a subsequent decline in this area with only sporadic sightings outside the breeding season. Breeding was also confirmed at Lizard in the early part of the last decade but this population too, has apparently dissipated. Other isolated successes have been reported but despite a booming population nationally the species appears to be unable to firmly establish itself in Cornwall. Kit Hill: six pairs located, five pairs bred and one possibly bred. BS. JS. et al. Lizard Downs: male Mar 20th. ARP. Tregantle: male Apr 16th. DGM. Falmouth: female frequented a patch of gorse on the Est. Oct 6th - Nov 13th. RCJ. Nanquidno: one Oct 19th. MCC. PC. SMCo. Porthgwarra: male Oct 21st. MCH. SML. Another good year and after the mildest winter in riving memory the breeding population seems set to explode. Nationally, numbers are at their highest ever level. Apart from the Kit Hill records all others are considered migrants. There have been 36 migrants in the county since 1930. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 3 2 - 1 - 2 4 15 6 1 Top sites: Lizard Downs - seven, Porthgwarra - five, Rame Head - four. SUB ALPINE WARBLER - Sylvia cantillans Rare vagrant. Nanjizal: male May 2nd. RA. SGR. Lands End: female May 4th. AMH. GCS.

- 117- Both accepted by BBRC. The county mainland total advances to 15 - one in 1975 and the remainder since 1984. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 5 6 - - - 1 1 - - Ten of the 15 have been located west of Treen - Kenidjack, and the other five have occurred on the Lizard peninsula.

BARRED WARBLER - Sylvia nisoria Rare passage migrant (autumn). Kenidjack: one Sep 30th. PGA. DJC. JH. NGL. Lands End: juvenile Oct 12th. AJ. LL. PASP. et al. The county mainland total advances to c.36 - all west of St. Ives/Penzance. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 2 16 16 1 - 1 (44%) (44%) Top sites: Porthgwarra - 20 (56%), St. Just Valleys - 9.

LESSER WHITETHROAT - Sylvia curruca Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant (mainly spring). Spring passage commenced with singles at Apr 26th and Gwithian Apr 27th. Additional singles were noted at Marazion and Poldhu before the end of the month and 19 new singing males were located during May. June produced seven more new males and July another four. This constituted the highest ever annual total. Birds were noted at Skewjack (2), Rissick, Kennack Sands, Trevose Head, Padstow, Edmonton, Walmsley Sane, Rame Head, Porth Joke (2), Tregoss Moor, Par Beach, Par Stadium, Drift Res, Mullion, Crows-an-Wra, Polhawn, Treveal, Cawsand/Kingsand, Tolgus, Herman Tor, Gannel Est., Mawgan Porth (3), Landulph, St. Mawgan, Looe and Downderry. The birds at Marazion, Skewjack, Kennack Sands, Tregoss, Cawsand, Treveal and Helman Tor all held territory and may have bred. Breeding was proven at Mawgan Porth where SMC located a pair with at least three young Jun 27th. Remarkably, two additional males held territory within half a mile. Autumn passage consisted of eight singles between Aug 23rd and Oct 21st. At Porthgwarra there were singles Aug 23rd, Oct 3rd - 7th, and Oct 20th/21st. Others were noted at Crows-an-Wra Sep 7th, Sennen Oct 1st, Lizard Church Cove Oct 7th - 12th and Nanquidno Oct 19th.

COMMON WHITETHROAT - Sylvia communis Common summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Overwintered in 1952/3. Spring passage commenced with one at Gerrans Apr 17th followed by singles at Rame, Polhawn, Treganhawke, Tregantle and Caerthillian Apr 23rd. Birds were generally scarce until Apr 29th, after which there was a widespread arrival. Highest counts included 30 in the Rame Head area Apr 30th, 20 at Treveal May 1st, 12 at Lamorna the same day and ten each at Nanquidno, Cot and Kenidjack May 2nd, 12 at Porth Joke May 7th, and 30 at Porthgwarra May 8th. By May 15th 41 singing males between Polhawn Cove and Penlee Point. Breeding season counts were reasonable. BS failed to find any at Lamelgate but on his Kit Hill study area he located six pairs. 25 pairs were found in the Ruthernbridge area, 15 males held territory at Helman Tor/Breney Common, ten territories were identified at Carwynen and there were eight pairs between Swanpool and Maenporth. ML reported an increase from 18 to 22 singing males on his regular coastal survey area between Trevose Head and Ranie Point, but LSP reported that the species was not present in its usual number in the Roseland area. Autumn passage apparently commenced with two at Nanquidno Aug 13th and ended with one at Rame Head Oct 15th. The total of c.65 birds was about the recent average. Most were singles but there were 25 at Penlee Point Aug 27th, four at Trevose Head Sep 2nd,

- 118 - three at Porth Joke Sep 3rd, 12 at Nanquidno Sep 4th and seven at Porthgwarra Sep 5th.

GARDEN WARBLER - Sylvia borin Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Widely distributed in suitable habitat east of Truro. In the west of the county, where it was formerly scarce, there are now regular breeding season reports from several areas, notably around Camborne, Falmouth, Helston and the Lands End peninsula. Spring passage commenced with one which arrived with a small fall of common redstarts at Rame Head Apr 17th - the earliest since 1973. No further reports were received until Apr 30th when singles arrived at Caerthillian, Relubbus and Landulph. C.15 birds were noted from migration sites including five at Skewjack May 7th and two at Drift Res. May 14th - 17th. Breeding season reports were received from more sites this year. There were 12 pairs in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/Mulberry area, six singing males at Respryn, at least five pairs at Goss Moor, four males at Ninestones Bridge, Kit Hill and Carwynen, three pairs at Lamelgate and one or two pairs each at , Bastreet, Golitha, Keveral, Breney Common, Lower Tamar Lake, East Colliford and Salters Mill. Unlike most recent years there were no breeding reports in the west of the county. Autumn passage apparently commenced with two at Porthgwarra Aug 13th followed by one at Nanquidno next day. C.22 birds were reported with the last at Talland Bay Oct 29th. The majority moved through in October and all were singles except two at Cot Sep 18th and two at Rame Head Oct 3rd.

BLACKCAP - Sylvia atricapilla Common summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. A few overwinter. A record total of c.72 birds was reported in the first winter period. 55 had overwintered and another 13 new birds were found in February. Four in early March were considered to have overwintered. Not only was the number of birds exceptional but the widespread distribution at 42 localities was unprecedented. All observations concerned one or two birds except five at Newquay Harbour Jan 1st - 23rd, ten at Quarry Car Park, Falmouth Jan 28th and three at Portwrinkle Feb 10th. The first definite spring migrant was a male at Lizard Church Cove Apr 8th. Small numbers continued to appear throughout April and the first half of May but there were no significant falls. Indeed the species was generally scarce throughout the breeding season with many traditional sites unoccupied. Peak counts in spring included four at Bonython Apr 21st, three at Marazion, four at Skewjack and five between Maker and Cawsand all May 1st, six between Polhawn and Penlee May 15th and 15 at Tehidy in May. The most heavily populated breeding area was in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/ Mulberry Pit area where DIJ identified 56 territories. There were five pairs at Carwynen, six singing males along a one mile long valley at St. Columb Porth, five singing males in one and a half miles between Truro and Coldrose Farm and four breeding pairs at Tehidy. At Lamelgate BS could find only one pair this year compared with four in 1993. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Crows-an-Wra Sep 7th and ended with singles at Cot and Kenidjack Nov 12th. The total of c. 147 birds was the lowest since 1989. There were no noticeable influxes and almost 25% of the total was noted at Cot Valley. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Nanquidno: c.10 Sep 14th - Nov 12th with max of four Sep 18th. Cot: c.31 Sep 18th - Nov 12th with max of 20 Oct 19th. Rame Head: c. 14 Sep 30th - Nov 5th with max of seven Oct 5th. 38 birds were noted in the second winter period - a surprisingly high percentage of the autumn migration. Most were no doubt induced to stay by the mild weather. There were four each at Hayle, Saltash, St. Germans, and one or two at 19 other localities.

- 119- ARCTIC WARBLER - Phylloscopus borealis Rare vagrant. Kenidjack: one Oct 12th - 15th. JFR. NMB. NOP. Accepted by BBRC. 1993 Record The record at Porthgwarra on Sep 8th 1993 has attracted some controversy, at least one astute observer believing that the bird was a Greenish Warbler. The record has not been submitted to BBRC and under the circumstances is deleted from the Cornish total. The 1994 bird thus becomes the fourth county mainland record. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 3 - - PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER - Phylloscopus proregulus Rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: one Oct 24th/25th. perBSW. Lizard Church Cove: one Nov 4th. RB. ALo. MLo. ARP. Porth Joke: one Nov 5th/6th. SGR. et al. The first since 1989 but not totally unexpected in an autumn which produced almost 200 nationally. The county mainland total advances to c.14. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 5 Top sites: Porthgwarra - seven, Lizard - four. YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER - Phylloscopus inornatus Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Rare winter visitor. Housel Bay: one Sep 22nd. SK. ARP. Cot: singles Sep 29th and Oct 12th/13th. JH. CA. ewt al. Kenidjack: singles Oct 2nd - 4th and llth/12th. ST. et al. Lizard Church Cove: singles Oct 4th/5th and 9th. CJ. RCJ. ARP. Porthcurno: singles Oct 4th and 20th. SJC. SMC. TMC. et al. Porthgwarra: singles Oct 4th, 9th - 11th and 24th/25th. SJC. JDB. MKW. RAFOS. et al. Lands End: one Oct 4th and 9th. PHA. SJC. et al. Rame Head: one Oct 8th. KP. : one Oct 12th - 14th. BTC. GPS. et al. Marsland Mouth: one Oct 13th. GP. Nanquidno: two Oct 13th with one to the 16th. GJC. et al. Porth Joke: one Nov 5th/7th. SGR. et al. Another exceptional year with a notable arrival of four birds Oct 4th. Also noteworthy were the north coast records from Trevelga and Marsland Mouth and the bird at Porth Joke in the same trees as a Pallas's Leaf Warbler. The county mainland total advances to c.240. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 18 206 9 4 (86%) Top sites: Porthgwarra - 34, Cot/Kelynack - 33, Nanquidno - 27, Lizard - 16. 1993 Record Nanquidno: two birds were involved in the sightings Oct 11th - 13th. TJH. IK. et al.

- 120- WOOD WARBLER - Phylloscopus sibilatrix Uncommon summer resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. The majority of breeding season records derive from the broadleaved woodlands around Bodmin and the valleys of the rivers Fowey, Camel, Lynher and Tamar. The number of singing males fluctuates and site fidelity from year to year is not assured. Only two spring migrants were reported - at Tehidy Apr 29th - May 2nd MJH and Sennen May 15th. JH. BKM. DJO. Breeding season reports were recieved from the following localities (with comparative data for 1988 - 1992). Figures represent maximum numbers of singing males; B = bred. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Golitha Woods 1 1 2 • 2 - B - Dunmere Wood 2 4 B 1 3 4 1 Lanhydrock 1 1 - - 1 - - Gunnislake 1 2 - - - - - Bag Mill Wood, Sheviock 1 - - 1 - - - North Hill 2 ------At Golitha, there were two singing males May 1st - 2nd but only one thereafter. The Halvana site occupied in three previous years was lost through tree-felling. Singles at Nanquidno Aug 14th RF and Kenidjack Sep 3rd JH were the only autumn migrants. CHIFFCHAFF - Phylloscopus collybita Common summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Small numbers overwinter. The number noted at the end of 1993 doubled early in 1994. C. 175 birds were reported during January/February with records from 39 sites. Peak counts included 17 at Helston Sewage Works Jan 2nd increasing to 50 there Feb 19th, 20 at St. Austell Sewage Works Jan 7th, six at Loe Pool Jan 11th, six at Ponsanooth Sewage Works Jan 6th, six at Tresillian Jan 21st, 12 at St. Columb Sewage Works Jan 23rd, six at Penryn Jan 23rd, six at Mylor Jan 29th, 17 at Tresemble Vean Feb 5th and eight at Marazion Feb 7th. The vast majority had disappeared by early March but there was some overlap with spring migration. The first probable spring migrant was a singing bird at Towednack Mar 2nd with the next at Pentire Mar 13th. Immigration was slow with low numbers until a small fall Apr 10th/11th and a major incursion Apr 16th - 18th. The maxima included six at Par Apr 4th, 12 at Rame Head Apr 10th with another 20 there Apr 17th, eight at Porthgwarra Apr 11th, six at Perranporth Apr 16th, 75 at Skewjack Apr 17th BKM and 25 at Argal Res. Apr 18th. The species was widespread during the breeding season. D1J described it as the commonest warbler in his Ruthernbridge study area. 12 pairs were located at Carwynen, there were seven pairs at Lanhydrock and five each at Lamelgate (three in 1993), Kit Hill and Porth Mear. Four pairs were at Mawgan Porth, Tehidy and Loe Pool with lower numbers elsewhere. Autumn passage apparently commenced with four at Cot Aug 23rd and ended with three at Porth Joke Nov 15th. Passage was relatively light with regular reports and maximum numbers as follows: Rame Head: c.80 Aug 27th - Nov 5th with max of 50 Aug 27th and 20 Oct 1st. Nanquidno: c.59 Aug 28th - Nov 12th with max of 21 Oct 12th. Porthgwarra: c.45 Sep 4th - Nov 16th with max of 12 Nov 6th. Elsewhere there was ten at Loe Pool Sep 11th, six at Gannel Est. the same day, six at Duckpool Oct 18th, ten at Kenidjack Nov 4th and six at Lizard Church Cove the same day. C.64 lingered into the second winter period. Most records involved up to four at typical sites but there were also five St John and at Swanpool, and six at Talland Bay. The only definite record of a bird showing characteristics of the eastern race "Phylloscopus collybita tristis" was identified from its plumage and the piping call, and was at Mawgan Porth Nov 17th - 27th. SMC. JH.

- 121 - WILLOW WARBLER - Phylloscopus trochilus Abundant summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Various claims of birds overwintering in the county have been made but none is considered fully authentic. The first in spring was at St. John Mar 26th and only two more arrived before the end of the month - singles at Padstow and Towednack on the 29th. A few were noted Apr 6th and there was a general influx Apr 10th - 12th. Another arrival, associated with other passerine migrants, was identified Apr 16th - 18th. Subsequent immigration virtually tailed off with the last birds arriving in mid May. Peak counts included 100 at Rame Head Apr 12th RS, with another 70 there Apr 17th GJC, 40 at Skewjack the same day, 30 at Nanquidno the same day, 12 at Stithians Apr 25th and 20 at Ninestones Bridge Apr 27th. The breeding season was grossly under-recorded. BS calculated 81 territories at Kit Hill and 27 pairs in 150 hectares at Lamelgate (30 in 1993). 53 singing males/territories were found in the Ruthernbridge area and MJ located 16 singing males at Carwynen. CLB described it as scarce at Penryn but MLo. ALo. found it well represented in the Lizard area with singing birds in every likely spot. Autumn passage apparently commenced with five at Porthgwarra Aug 7th and ended with singles at Sennen and Tehidy Oct 23rd. A mere 79 birds were recorded mostly in mid August. Very few passed through in September but there were at least 11 in October. Apart from ones and twos there were 32 at Lizard Aug 12th, 12 at Porthgwarra Aug 13th and three at Penberth Sep 28th. Unusual was one at St. Levan Oct 19th with Redshank-orange coloured legs and feet. SMC. TMC.

GOLDCREST - Regulus regulus Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Suffers severe losses in prolonged cold weather. The succession of cold winters 1984/86 undoubtedly had a deleterious effect on this species but milder winters to 1990 assisted an almost complete recovery. Arctic conditions in February 1991 reversed the trend and there was a catastrophic diminution of up to 99% in some areas. However, ensuing mild weather in subsequent winters has again enabled good numbers to survive and breed. Few reports received for the first winter period but 20 at Trendeal Jan 7th and ten at St. Austell Sewage Works Mar 6th were noteworthy. Spring passage was typically light with Trevose Head hosting one Apr 18th and two May 2nd whilst a single was at Porthgwarra May 12th. Surprisingly, both DIJ and BS found it scarce during the breeding season with only 13 and 2 pairs at Ruthernbridge and Lamelgate, respectively. Single pairs were noted at many sites and MJH proved breeding by four pairs at Tehidy. Meanwhile casual visits to moorland conifer plantations illustrated the species abundance in typical habitat. Autumn passage apparently commenced with two at Crows-an-Wra Sep 3rd and a single at Trevose Head die same day and ended with ten at Porth Joke Nov 24th. Early passage was light but a steady movement was noted throughout October. Maximum numbers included 30 at Cot Oct 10th, 24 at PorthgwaiTa Oct 12th, 40 at Nanquidno Oct 14th, 23 at College Res. Oct 15th and 25 at Rame Head Oct 15th and 23rd. Second winter congregations were the largest for many years. 100 at Loe Pool Nov 27th was the highest count anywhere since 1990. Elsewhere there were 25 at St. Columb Porth Nov 21st, 50 at Siblyback Dec 11th and 70 at Pentewan Dec 13th. An interesting observation involved one feeding on peanut pieces at Holm bush. RL. This is a recent phenomenon involving the species. FIRECREST - Regulus ignicapillus Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn) and winter visitor. A potential breeding species (cf. probable breeding in Devon since 1985). Approximate monthly county total : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 6 11 4 37 20 8 None of the birds reported at the end of 1993 was reported again this year. In fact only

- 122- 12 birds were noted up to the beginning of March. There were singles at Tresemble Vean, Maenporth, Landulph, St. Columb, Eglarooze and Sheviock with two at St. Austell Sewage Works, Carbis Bay and Marazion. Spring passage apparently commenced with one at Loe Pool Mar 5th. There were two at Maenporth and Treveal Mar 6th and singles at Tamar Lake, Tehidy and Jupiter Point - the last on Mar 20th. This constituted the most in spring since 1984. Autumn passage commenced with one at Nanquidno Sep 24th, followed by singles at Porthgwarra, St. Levan and Millbrook the next day. Despite the large number of bird watchers in the county the species was relatively difficult to find. A total of c.55 birds was reported with the last at Mawgan Porth Nov 17th. Apart from ones and twos there were three at Rame Head Oct 2nd, five at Porthgwarra Oct 11th, three at Treveal Oct 15th, three at St. Levan Oct 19th, three at Illogan Oct 24th and three at Cawsand Nov 13th. The second winter haul was correspondingly low with only 12 reported - well below the recent average. There were two at Par and singles at Illogan, Saltash, Angarrack, Truro, St. Mawes, Talland Bay, Holmbush, , Tregantle and St. Germans. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER - Muscicapa striata Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. There has been a significant decrease in the number of pairs breeding in the county in recent years. A similar decline was noted in the mid 1970's but there was an improvement later in that decade and in the early 1980's. These fluctuations are undoubtedly connected with drought in the species' wintering area in Africa. Spring passage was delayed with the first at Bosistow May 7th - the tardiest arrival since 1987. Within two days however the species was widespread with many individuals returning to breeding territories. Birds continued to arrive until the end of May and the total of 42 birds at non-breeding sites was about the recent average. Notable occurrences included eight at Trevose Head May 14th, four at Nanquidno May 22nd and four at Porthgwarra May 29th. There were no reports of any change in breeding status, in fact, there may have been a degree of stabilisation after several years of decline. DIJ commented that all suitable sites were utilised in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore Bridge/Mulberry area where he found 35 pairs. BS found four pairs at Lamelgate, whilst five pairs were found at nearby Draynes. Other good counts included five pairs at Trevidden and four pairs at Lanhydrock. West of Truro there were single pairs at Loe Pool, St. Just, Budock, Maenporth, Restronguet, Porthoustock and Bonython Estate. Autumn passage apparently commenced with eight at St. Bury an Aug 6th and ended with one at Lizard Oct 11th. A total of c.101 birds was reported with peak passage Aug 13th/14th, Aug 27th - Sep 2nd and Sep 24th/25th. Highest counts included 12 at Porthgwarra Aug 14th with ten there Sep 24th, ten at Drift Aug 27th, four at Rame Head Sep 2nd and four at Bonython the same day, three at St. Levan Sep 25th and three at Zennor Sep 27th.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula parva Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Annual since 1980. Cot: one Oct 8th - 10th. AIP. et al. Kenidjack: juvenile Oct 10th. JW. Lands End: juvenile Oct 1 lth/12th. Boswednack: juvenile trapped and ringed Oct 15th. EGG. GGG. Four typical records, although perhaps only two birds involved. The county mainland total advances to c. 104 - over 50% of which have occurred in the last ten years. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 25 72 4 (69%) Top sites: Porthgwarra - 32, Lizard - 11, Cot/Kelynack - 11, Nanquidno - ten. PIED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula hypoleuca

Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. First bred at Lanhydrock in 1966 but there were only six more confirmed instances in the county up to 1980. At Lanhydrock there was a gradual build up to a peak in 1986 but thereafter there was a decrease which continued until 1991. 1992 proved a much better year but there was a further decline in 1993 and the 1994 breeding season proved disastrous. At Lanhydrock three nest boxes were occupied but not a single young fledged. Broods of seven and six hatched but died and a clutch of four eggs did not hatch. FMC. At Lamelgate three males were heard singing Apr 29th with one remaining until May 9th but none thereafter. At Golitha three pairs built nests, one of which failed. There was no information from Wareham and 1993 sites at Advent, Trebartha and Gunnislake appear to have been deserted. (Hearsay reports suggest a similar depletion in Devon this year). Breeding season reports for 1994 were received from the following localities with comparative data from 1988 - 1992. Figures represent the number of singing males/pairs (plus number of young where known); p = present but success not known. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Lanhydrock 5(0) 9(33) 9(58) 4(20) 6(22) 7(44) (33) Golitha 3(12) 6(14) 1(4) 3(15) 3(12) - - Dunmere 2 4 2 4 2 P 4 Spring passage consisted of two males at Rame Head, two at Lansallos and one near Bude all Apr 17th, a female at Caerthillian Apr 30th and a male at Lizard Church Cove May 2nd. Autumn passage commenced with one at Porthgwarra Aug 10th and ended with one at Treveal Oct 9th. Of the 44 birds reported, ten moved through Aug 22nd - 27th and another 17 departed Sep 2nd - 6th. It was the lightest autumn passage since 1982 with only three during October. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Porthgwarra: c.ten Aug 10th - Oct 4th with max of three Aug 14th and Sep 2nd. Cot: c.seven Aug 22nd - Sep 14th with max of four Aug 22nd. Drift: c.six Aug 26th - Sep 7th with max of three Sep 3rd. Bonython Est: four Sep 2nd. LONG-TAILED TIT - Aegithalos caudatus Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Suffers heavy mortality in severe weather. Widespread in small parties in both winter periods. In the first winter period the largest groups mcluded 12 at Ladock Jan 7th and 15 at St. Columb Jan 23rd. Few breeding season records received. BS found only single pairs in his survey areas of Lamelgate and Kit Hill whilst DIJ identified 27 nests in the Ruthernbridge area. MJH found two pairs at Tehidy, although up to 27 birds were present during May, and NJ proved breeding at Carwynen. Family groups were obvious from mid-June and included 18 at Loe Pool Jun 10th, 16 at Goss Moor Jun 13th, 16 at Trethurgy Jun 18th, 15 at Tamar Lake Jun 26th and 16 at Penryn Jul 3rd. Autumn passage was apparent from Sep 23rd - Nov 9th. There were several reports of five to ten birds plus 20 at Towednack Oct 8th, 20 at Kelynack Oct 19th and 15 at Kennack Sands Oct 25th. Later in the second winter period the largest groups were 25 at Mawgan Porth Nov 17th, 19 at St.Columb Porth Nov 21st, 24 at Camelford Nov 23rd, 40 at Loe Pool Nov 27th. MARSH TIT - Paras palustris Resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Fairly common in most suitable habitat east of Truro, but less common in the west, notably the Lands End peninsula which produces few records.

- 124- No change in status reported. BS reflected last years comments in the Caradon district by describing it as "fairly common", although he found only one pair in 150 hectares at Lamelgate. DIJ found six pairs in the Ruthernbridge area and three pairs were located at Lanhydrock. STB who describes it as "rare" at Camelford, found a successful pair which raised eight young in a nest box at Enfield Park. In the west of the county a single pair bred at Tehidy and birds were noted at three different sites at St Keverne. There were also two at Constantine Jan 2nd, one at Wendron Jan 23rd and Mar 5th, and one at Maenporth Sep 23rd. There were no records from the Lands End peninsula this year. WILLOW TIT - Parus montanus Scarce resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant ? The Willow Tit has a patchy distribution m Cornwall, occurring in damp, scrubby woodland to the east and north of and with the nucleii of the population in the Goss Moor, Redmoor/Helman Tor/Breney Common, Upper Fowey Valley and Tamar Lakes areas. Fully authenticated observations of birds farther west are exceptionally rare. The species undoubtedly suffered as a result of the succession of cold winters in the mid 1980's, but has also contracted in range due to extensive habitat loss and fragmentation. Goss Moor Present in small numbers throughout the year. A party of six Jun 13th probably included some juveniles. SMC. Redmoor/Helman Tor/Breney Common A pair was noted carrying food at Redmoor May 22nd and a pair with two young was seen at Breney Common Jul 9th. RAJ. Upper Fowey Valley Singles at Trezibbett Jan 1st and Westerlake Nov 17th. EJW. BS. At least one pair was regular throughout the year in the Ninestones Bridge area EJC. RJL. et al. Elsewhere on Bodmin Moor there were two at Treslea Downs Jan 15th and Feb 16th. DAC. and at Laneast Mar 13th. BNB. This compares with a total of 16 pairs found by PGA. and DJC. on the moor in 1984 and 20 pairs in the Upper Fowey Valley alone in 1976. Tamar Lakes Up to three regularly recorded with nest building noted in April. DJB. SMC. et al.

Elsewhere Singles were reported from Landulph Jul 2nd. DC. SM. JMR. and the in October NRP. COAL TIT - Parus ater Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Particularly common and widespread in coniferous woodland in the east of the county and a regular visitor to garden nut feeders. 20 at Golitha Jan 10th and Dunmere Feb 9th are good counts from deciduous woodlands early in the year. There was no evidence of any spring migration. Few breeding records received. DIJ found 15 territories around Ruthernbridge whilst BS found four and two pairs at Lamelgate and Kit Hill respectively. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Lizard Sep 24th and ended with one at Kennack Sands Oct 25th. Like 1993 it was a light movement with only c.37 birds reported. Peak counts included three at Rame Head Oct 7th, three at Towednack Oct 9th, eight at Porthgwarra the same day, six at Nanquidno Oct 12th and four at Carbis Bay Oct 14th.

BLUE TIT - Parus caeruleus Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. This species has suffered a noticeable decrease in numbers in the last five years.

- 125- Although there is little quantitative data it is suspected that the decline is related to poor breeding success as a result of prolonged cold and damp spells during recent late spring/early summer. At Tregadillett, BTC reports an extraordinary total of 72 birds in his garden Jan 9th, whilst 16 were at Dinhambridge in February and 38 at Tehidy in March. Of 18 nest boxes erected at Enfield Park, Camelford, five were occupied by the species. However, with only 21 young reared the brood size was small. STB. At Lanhydrock, of 31 nest boxes checked, 14 contained Blue Tits. However, young fledged from only six, with seven of the remainder containing dead young and the last box containing deserted eggs. FMC. DIJ found it the commonest tit species in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/ Mulberry area with 72 identified territories, whilst BS found 15 and five pairs at Lamelgate and Kit Hill respectively. There was no evidence of any spring passage and litde information for the second half of the year. 20 were at Stithians Sep 3rd and Porthgwarra hosted eight on Oct 11th with seven there Oct 15th but whether any of these were migrants is open to speculation. At Penzance NRP recorded the species feeding on the nectar of 'Mahonia bealii' for the third consecutive winter.

GREAT TIT - Parus major Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Probably the least reported resident species this year. CLB describes it as very common at Penryn, but as not numerous as 1993. At Enfield Park, Camelford STB's 18 nest boxes attracted three pairs of Great Tits which successfully reared 18 young, a much higher success rate than Blue Tit. 26 pairs frequented the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/Mulberry area and BS found five and four pairs at Lamelgate and Kit Hill respectively. SMC found four pairs in the coastal valley at Porth Mear, whilst one or two pairs were noted at various other sites. Autumn passage was again almost non-existent although five at Porthgwarra Aug 9th may have been migrants. EUROPEAN NUTHATCH - Sitta europaea (Formerly Nuthatch or Wood Nuthatch) Resident. Breeds. Common in suitable habitat in most areas of the county but scarce on the Lands End Peninsula west of Drift and the Lizard Peninsula south of Culdrose. Reported from 26 areas throughout the county but this does not reflect the species true status. Described as very abundant in the wooded areas in Caradon by BS. At Lamelgate he found four pairs, compared with three in 1993. In the Ruthernbridge area DIJ identified 29 territories whilst MJH recorded up to nine regularly at Tehidy. Nine were also noted at Lanhydrock Apr 18th and there were four at Golitha Falls Jan 10th. On the Lizard peninsula there was one at Glendurgan Apr 23rd whilst the Pen with district produced breeding pairs at Newlyn and Heamoor, three at Trevaylor Woods Oct 22nd and singles at Penzance, Lamorna and Trengwainton.

EURASIAN TREECREEPER - Certhia familiaris (Formerly Treecreeper) Resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Common and widespread in suitable habitat throughout the county as far west as Loe Pool and Penzance. Reported from 24 areas throughout the county but under-recorded as always. DIJ located 19 pairs in the Ruthernbridge area, whilst BS confirmed breeding by two pairs at Lamelgate. Up to 11 birds were regularly noted at Tehidy and one pair certainly bred. MJH. Multiple occurrences included six at Ladock Jan 7th, four at Golitha Jan 10th, four at Lanhydrock Apr 18th and ten at St. Columb Porth Nov 20th. None was reported from the Lizard and three at Trevaylor Feb 27th was the only record from the Lands End peninsula.

- 126- PENDULINE TIT - Remiz pendulums Rare vagrant. 1993 Record Lands End: four, probably five Oct 12th, at least. (Updates previous total). D. J. Holm an per BBRC. GOLDEN ORIOLE - Oriolus oriolus Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring). Annual since 1971. Towednack: male flew east Apr 29th, two males May 1st. MJR. Nanquidno: first year male May 2nd, female May 7th. DAC. DC. EG. et al. St. Germans: male May 2nd AB. PB. Sennen: male May 6th - 9th, female May 6th. AMH. GCS. et al. St. Levan: male May 9th. AMH. GCS. Lizard Church Cove: female May 10th. MLo. ALo. Sancreed: one May 13th. DSF. Trematon, Saltash: female May 15th. EG. Drift Res: first year male May 19th. SMC. : male May 22nd. PK. Poltesco, Lizard: female May 22nd. SK. Kenidjack: immature male Oct 1st - 4th. DAC. JH. GH. RLS. et al. The second best year ever beaten only by 21 in 1984. The male at Sennen was quite exceptional, showing well for long periods in an open area. The Kenidjack bird is the second latest bird ever. The county mainland total advances to c.138 since 1930. Of these, 74 have been identified as males, 43 as females and 21 not specifically sexed. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 26 93 8 4 3 2 2 - - (67%) Top sites: Skewjack - 16, Porthgwarra - 11, Kenidjack - 10.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE - Lanius collurio Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Last bred in the county in 1960. Perranuthnoe: male May 13th. JGT. Sancreed: male May 31st. ACH. BCW. Nanquidno: juvenile Aug 11th/12th. BSW. The county mainland total advances to c.81 since 1930. The Perranuthnoe bird is the second earliest ever. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 8 8 3 11 31 19 1 - (38%) Top sites: Porthgwarra - 19, St. Just valleys - 8, Morwenstow - 4.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE - Lanius excubitor Scarce passage migrant. Occasional winter visitor. Treslea Downs, Cardinham: one Jan 4th - Mar 29th. DAC. DMY. et al. A typical date and location for a bird which proved extremely elusive at times. The county mainland total advances to c.65. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 9 8 10 8 - 1 - - - 11 6 8 4 Top sites: Bodmin Moor (south of A30) - 14, Goss Moor - 6, Porthgwarra - 5, Tamar

- 127- Lakes and Bodmin Moor (north of A30) - four each. WOODCHAT SHRIKE - Lanius senator Rare passage migrant. Annual since 1979. Porthgwarra: female May lst/2nd and 6th - 8th. RB BKM. et al. Lands End/Sennen: female May 3rd - 7th (different to the Porthgwarra bird). AMH. GS Mullion: male May 3rd/4th. ARP. SK. The county mainland total advances to c.55. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ~ 6 23 6 2 9 5 4 ~ (44%) Top sites: Porthgwarra -16, Lizard - nine, Lands End/Sennen - five, Mara/ion - three. EURASIAN JAY - Garmlus glandarius (Formerly Jay) Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant with occasional irruptions, (eg. 1972, 1979, 1981 and 1983). No change in status reported. Heavily persecuted in areas where game birds are reared and this may account for the rather thin representation in some districts. DIJ noted only five pairs in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/Mulberry district whilst BS recorded only single pairs at Kit Hill and Lamelgate (two in 1993). Five were heard at Respryn Jun 27th and two pairs bred at Tehidy where the maximum number of calling birds was 18 during February. Other good counts included six at Penryn Oct 1st, five at College Res. Oct 15th and five at Maenporth Nov 6th. An unusual spring record involved a bird at Towednack May 1st, whilst autumn passage consisted of c.ten birds between Sep 23rd and Oct 14th. Single flyovers and obvious migrants included one south at Trewey Common Oct 7th and one east at Nanquidno Oct 12th. Unusual were singles at Holmbush May 21st - 30th and Jun 22nd, where RL had never previously recorded the species outside the month of October.

MAGPIE - Pica pica Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms small roosts outside the breeding season. Increasingly common despite intensive culling, particularly in gamebird rearing districts. No roosts were reported this year and peak counts were again reduced. The use of Larssen traps continues to have a deleterious effect in many gamebird rearing areas. Maximum numbers Penryn: 12/15 regular but 25 Sep 22nd and Nov 22nd. Rock: up to 20 daily. Loe Pool: 17 March 5th. Near Kynance: ten May 28th. Tregantle to Rame Head: 21 Jun 11th. Pelynt: ten Aug 21st. Zennor: 16 Oct 4th. Rame Head: 13 Oct 15th. Breeding season reports include 13 nests in the Ruthernbridge area, nine pairs at Kit Hill, six pairs at Mawgan Porth and four pairs at Lamelgate and Porth Mear. Unusual was a near complete albino at Redruth Cattle Market in early February per RDP and possibly the same at Helston Jun 20th - 23rd. MH. The latter observer described the bird as all white apart from one black feather in the tail. Amusing was an observation from ECJ who described one chasing a grey squirrel and pulling its tail, at Helston.

- 128 - RED-BELLED CHOUGH - Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax (Formerly Chough) Vagrant. Last bred in 1947. Since the last proof of breeding in 1947 few have been reported with the last endemic bird at Stem Cove in Jun 1973. Most recent reports involve escapes or birds which have been deliberately released. A captive breeding programme, with a view to eventual controlled release, continues. Duckpool: one Sep 25th. KF. CT. The first since 1991. EURASIAN JACKDAW - Corvus monedula (Formerly Jackdaw) Abundant Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms roosts outside the breeding season but these are poorly documented. "Pied" birds are not uncommon. The species continues to flourish. LSP. EMP describe it as ubiquitous in the Roseland district whilst CLB noted it as very common with plenty of pairs breeding at Penryn. A good colony nests in the cliff face at Swanpool and 12 pans were found nesting in the valley and around buildings at Mawgan Porth. Elsewhere, only nine pairs were identified at Ruthernbridge/Tremore/Mulberry and nine pairs were found by DL at Pentire. Kit Hill supported two pairs, as did Lamelgate and four pairs bred at Tehidy. There was no evidence of spring migration and unlike 1993, precious few in autumn. Maximum numbers included up to 60 daily at Rock, 60 at Pelvnt Feb 16th, 138 near Kynance Mar 27th, 100 at Landulph Jul 3rd, 200 at Looe Aug 21st, 600 at Harlyn Bay Aug 22nd, 68 at Porthgwarra Oct 12th, 35 at Lands End Oct 13th, 100 west at Holmbush Nov 5th and 100 west there the following day.

ROOK - Corvus frugilegus Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms large roosts outside the breeding season but these are rarely reported. The following rookeries were reported during the year (with selected changes in the number of nests since 1975). For additional information see "B.T.O. National Census of Rookeries - the Cornish Results" by P.S.D. Jones and R. D. Penhallurick in "Birds in Cornwall 1976" pps 87 -102. (It would also greatly assist the Recorder if six-figure map references are used to identify rookeries in order that comparison can be made with previously published information). St. Dominick: 39 nests (15 in 1975). Tregadillett: 53 (26 in 1991). St. Nuns Church, Pelynt: eight (nine in 1975). Church: 14 (12 in 1984, 18 in 1975). Church: present, not counted (44 in 1975). Polyphant Green: 21 (eight in 1975) Trebartha: six (12 in 1975). : eight plus (13 in 1975). Idless: 17 (15 in 1975). Penryn: ten (seven in 1973, ten in 1992). Tregathenan: 25 (25 in 1993, 14 in 1991, ten in 1989). Church: 40 (18 1986, five in 1983, 26 in 1975). Lamorna: 12 (82+ in 1993, 54 in 1975). Lamelgate: 47 (49 in 1993). : 13 (five in 1975). Porth Veor, Newquay: 14 (ten in 1993). Tremorebridge: 60 (57 in 1975). Little Petherick: 28 + five (12 in 1975). St. Issey Church: 20 (18 in 1992, five in 1989, 20 in 1975). Gonvena, Wadebridge: 85 (100 in 1993, 120 in 1990, 166 in 1986, 100 in 1975). Coronation Park, Wadebridge; 42 (37 in 1993 and 1990, five in 1989). St. Breock Church: 24 (41 in 1992).

- 129- Prideaux Place, Padstow: 15 (22 in 1989, 81 in 1975). St. Minver: 34 (48 in 1975). Rookeries for which no previous data can be traced included Woburn Road, Launceston (ten nests), Two Bridges, Polyphant (17), Callington (six), (eight), Fleardon Farm (31), Jubilee Inn, Pelynt (six), (20), Coads Green South (13), Coads Green North (three), Polquick, Truro (12), Carwynen (21 in three rookeries), (nine), (11), Barton Lane, (ten). Quoit, St. Columb (seven), Irons Foundry, Wadebridge (55), Metrepole Hotel, Padstow (24). Six small rookeries were located in the woods at Tehidy and a small rookery was found at Argal. Largest flocks reported were 150 at Falmouth Jan 17th, 200 near Kynance May 22nd and 320 at Harlyn Bay Aug 22nd.

CARRION CROW - Corvus corone Abundant resident. Breeds. No reports of any change in status. 15 nests were found in the Ruthernbridge area and there were seven pairs at Kit Hill and Pentire. Three nests were located at Lamelgate, where there was only two in 1993. Large gatherings included 25 at Penryn Mar 2nd, 150 near Kynance Mar 20th, 75 at Lynher Est. Oct 2nd, 50 at Hayle Oct 7th and 49 at Tamar Est. Dec 24th. A pied bird frequented the Gannel Estuary throughout the year PMcV and five were watched feeding in a small rock pool which was swarming with maggots at Castle Beach, Falmouth, Nov 15th. RCJ.

HOODED CROW - Corvus corone comix Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. The northern race of Carrion Crow. Lands End: one Mar 20th. RA. The county mainland total advances to c.49 since 1930. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 6 2 9 5 3 1 3 1 5 6 6 Top sites: Camel Est. and Lands End/Sennen - five each, Porthgwarra - four, Lizard - three.

COMMON RAVEN - Corvns corax Resident. Breeds. Roosts have been reported in the past but recent information is sadly lacking. No reports of any change in status but the number of confirmed breeding pairs reported was down on 1993. Successful nests along the north coast were noted at Pentire, Bounds Cliff, Camel Est., Crantock, Morvah, Botallack and Nanquidno. On the south coast young were reared at Porthgwarra, Marazion to Prussia Cove (two pairs), Kynance and Lizard. Inland pairs with young were noted at Lamelgate and Longdowns. A nest at Lewanick Cove, Newquay, was destroyed by north-westerly gales early in the year, partly rebuilt but then deserted. Likewise a nest at Halvana was deserted. There were undoubtedly many more breeding pairs with birds reported throughout the county during the spring and summer months. Largest parties included 12 at Brown Willy Feb 6th, nine at Ninestones Bridge Mar 20th, eight at Porth Mear Sep 22nd and 12 at Siblyback Dec 23rd. The Lamelgate pair plus young were seen feeding on a dead fox Feb 9th. BS. COMMON STARLING - Sturnus vulgaris Common resident. Breeds. Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Forms huge roosts, particularly in moorland conifer plantations in winter. Roosts

- 130- Crowdy Res./: A huge increase from 100,000 in December 1993 to an estimated two million Jan 22nd. Most remained for several weeks but departing birds reduced the roost to 500,000 Mar 9th, 100,000 Mar 16th and only 100 Mar 20th. First evidence of an autumn roost was 500 Jul 7th. There was a slow build-up throughout August/September and 47,500 were counted approaching on a narrow front from the north-east Oct 14th. There were no subsequent estimates. : pre-roost gathering of 500 in January. Presumably these are birds which form part of the plague which descends to roost in Plymouth City Centre each winter evening. Par: noted only in autumn. 200 Aug 7th had increased to 500 from the 10th. Newquay: the Towan Head roost was used in both winter periods. No estimates but probably several thousand in attendance. Pinkson Creek, Camel Est: 50 roosting in scrub Aug 25th. Maer Lake: 110 at roost Oct 7th increased to 2500 Oct 15th but only 260 remained Oct 22nd. Not reported thereafter. Marazion: 100,000 Nov 3rd - 15th included six partial albinos. With reference to this roost NRP makes the comment that the observation re: 100,000 birds here in 1980 - 1982 and again in 1993 is quite absurd. The numbers in the flock were, and are huge. He estimates over one million by the following equation." Say there were 20 large flocks ie 100 yds x 50 yds with birds spaced at 6ins. apart in a single (two dimensional) plane = 600 x 300 birds per flock — 180,000 birds per large flock. Say there were 20 such flocks = 3,600,000, or ten such flocks = 1,800,000.1 have not yet counted the flocks, but I should think there are two million birds roosting there. I would like some idea of how to count such vast numbers". On Nov 27th, NRP watched the starlings coming in from just after 1600 hours. They first settled in the reeds by Long Rock Pool and did not go over to the main reedbed south of the railway until it was quite dark, 1700 hours. They went over the road in a narrow stream, sometimes two streams, of say ten birds in the circumference, and took 20 minutes to cross the road. Hundreds were injured by striking the overhead electricity cables and falling to drown in the marsh. After a request by NRP and others, SWEB have promised to place more effective markers or reflectors on the wires. Pendeen: many of the Marazion birds had transferred to the Pendeen roost by December 23rd. Woolley Plantation: birds did not overwinter at roost into 1994. Tree-planting disturbance moved them out to a new roost at Brimaford Bridge, Devon. Few breeding reports received. 11 pairs were located in the Ruthernbridge district but there was only a single pair at Kit Hill and none at Lamelgate. ROSY STARLING - Sturnus roseus (Formerly Rose-coloured Starling) Vagrant Mullion: the juvenile from 1993 remained until Feb 18th. ARP. HCP. Penberth: adult Apr 7th. RE. Sennen/Porthgwarra: adult Jun 19th/20th. JFR. et al. Liskeard: juvenile Oct 8th/9th. AP. DP. Lang ore, Launceston: juvenile Oct 16th - Dec 6th. Re v. and Mrs. Mander. LL. et al. This species is prone to occasional eruptions from its normal breeding areas. This year there was a large westward movement in spring with birds arriving to breed in many East European countries, notably Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia. Record numbers also reached the United Kingdom. The Liskeard and Langore observations may relate to the same individual but are treated differently. The county mainland total advances to c.46. The Penberth bird is the earliest ever.

- 131 - Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D - - - 1 - 7 1 7 8 15 1 - 6 Top sites: Lands End - seven, Porthgwarra - four, Davidstow Airfield - three.

HOUSE SPARROW - Passer domesticus Common resident. Breeds. Cornish populations were inadequately documented prior to 1980. Subsequently, decreases were noted in many areas until 1985, but there has been a welcome increase in numbers since then. This type of fluctuation has been noted in the county previously (see Penhallurick 1976 pps. 326/8). Described as ubiquitous in the Roseland district by LSP. EMP. and very common in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/Mulberry Pit area where DIJ found a total of 95 pairs. DL located 12 pairs at Pentire and BS found three pairs at Lamelgate where there was only one pair in 1993. MJH counted at least 20 young reared by four pairs at , Redruth. Several large flocks were reported including at least 300 bathing in a small puddle at Sep 22nd. STB. (The largest congregation reported in the county since 1908!). Elsewhere there were max of 34 at Carwynen Jul 8th, 45 at Mount Edgcumbe Sep 23rd, 30 at Penryn Sep 29th and 55 at Holmbush Nov 3rd. A complete albino was seen at Lizard DW. SW. SP. whilst a pair was seen tearing leaves from growing Catmint and taking them to a nest site under house eaves at Heamoor May 3rd. NRP. CHAFFINCH - Fringilla coelebs Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Forms roosts in winter. Of the large flocks noted in December 1993 only the Otter ham gathering apparently overwintered peaking at 1000 Jan 8th - 19th. Elsewhere there were max of 300 at Sennen Jan 1st, 250 at Jan 2nd, 200 at Carwynen Jan 4th, 250 at Lanhydrock Jan 15th, 350 at Penryn Jan 23rd, 200 at Trevaylor the same day, 350 at Rumford Feb 2nd and 250 at Tamar Lake in February. All wintering flocks dissipated before the end of February and there was no evidence of spring passage. Several good breeding counts were received; DD found it the commonest finch at Ruthernbridge/Tremore Bridge/Mulberry Pit with 87 pairs whilst BS located 19 pairs at Kit Hill and 95 pairs on 150 hectares at Lamelgate. Elsewhere SMC found seven and six pairs at Porth Mear and Mawgan Porth respectively whilst MJH proved three pairs breeding at Tehidy. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Rame Head Oct 1st and ended with 100 at Trevarnan Nov 17th. Early passage was generally light but there was widespread movement Nov 4th/5th. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Porthgwarra: c.1064 Oct 7th - Nov 4th with max of 286 Oct 12th and 240 Nov 4th. Bodmin: 1500 flew east Oct 5th. Sancreed: c.440 Oct 24th - Nov 5th with max of 260 last date. Marazion: 700 Oct 23rd. Boswednack: big movement Nov 4th involving flocks of 30/50 every three to five minutes up to 1100 hours. The only large flock reported in December was 1500 at Coombe Valley, near Bude Dec 3rd. TREE SPARROW - Passer montanus Scarce passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. Bred at Lands End in 1990. Lands End: one May 9th. AMH. GCS. Rame Head: one May 18th. JSH. The county mainland total advances to c.289.

- 132 - Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 6 5 6 60 16 5 10 3 123 28 22 (43%) Top sites: Porthgwarra - 150 (52%), Wadebridge - 23, Sennen/Lands End - 16, Nanquidno - 14, Rame Head - 11. 1993 record Correction: should read Forder, Saltash, not Forder, Cawsand.

Tree Sparrow John Holmes BRAMBLING - Fringilla montifringilla

Winter visitor. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Numbers fluctuate from year to year. Approximate monthly county total : J ~ --—— Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 651 108 46 2 1 - - - 19 172 87 A total of c.705 birds was reported during the first winter period. This included the huge flock of over 500 feeding on linseed at Trebursey, 70 which overwintered at Bodmin and 50 at nearby Lanhydrock. In addition there were ten at Swanpool Jan 29th, 12 at Holmbush Feb 27th, ten at Tamar Lakes in February, six at Polbathic Mar 5th and ten at Truro Mar 20th, with up to five birds at fifteen other localities. One of the Holmbush birds lingered until Apr 20th and the last in spring (the latest ever) was a migrant female at Gwithian May 10th. Autumn passage commenced with one at Bonython Oct 3rd and ended with one at

- 133- Nov 25th. A total of 191 birds was reported, with over 50% (108) moving through Nov 4th - 6th. Regular reports and maximum numbers included a total of 32 at Lizard Church Cove Oct 7th - Nov 6th with max of 18 Nov 5th, ten at Caerthillian Nov 4th, 20 at Maker, ten at Porth Joke and ten at Nanquidno - all Nov 6th, and 17 at Upper Tamar Res. Nov 10th. From late November to the end of the year a total of c. 104 birds was reported. The total included 17 still at Upper Tamar Res, 18 at Coombe Valley, Bude Dec 3rd, 20 at Otterham Dec 7th, 20 at Bray Shop Dec 29th and 20 at Tresillian Dec 30th. EUROPEAN SERIN - Serinus serinus (Formerly Serin) Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. A potential breeding species. Phillack: two Mar 19th. LPW. Porthgwarra: male Apr 11th. TSH. MT. Fowey: male in song May 1st. DG. Lizard: male Oct 4th - 21st. ARP. MLo. ALo. The county mainland total advances to c.82. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 9 10 1 6 16 19 8 Top sites: Porthgwarra - 19, Marazion - ten, - eight, Phillack - five. GREENFINCH - Carduelis chloris Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Forms roosts in winter. Although relatively poorly documented in the past this is a species which has increased quite dramatically in Cornwall in recent years probably as a result of the vast number of artificial feeding stations provided during the winter months. First winter flocks were sparsely distributed. The Otterham flock built up to a peak of 500 Jan 14th becoming the largest first winter flock in the county since 1975. Elsewhere there were 50 at Redgates Jan 15th and 60 at Carwynen Jan 17th but no more than 25 at any other site. Vast numbers continued to visit garden feeding stations and in this county at least the greenfinch is possibly the most frequent garden visitor. Spring passage was light but included 30 at Trevose Head Mar 19th plus 20 at Porthgwarra and ten at Cot Mar 29th. Breeding was poorly reported. BS noted an increase at Lamelgate from two pairs in 1993 to six pairs this year, whilst DIJ found 26 pairs in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore/Mulberry area. Several pairs bred at St. Clement, there were five pairs at Kit Hill and Mawgan Porth and one or two at many other sites. Autumn passage apparently commenced with 35 at Rame Head Aug 27th and ended with 350 feeding on linseed at Trevarrian Nov 7th. There was a generally light passage with peaks of 40 at Rame Head Oct 8th, 100 at Porthgwarra Oct 12th and 31 at Sancreed Nov 5th. The only significant report for the second winter period concerned 29 at Marazion Nov 27th.

GOLDFINCH - Carduelis carduelis Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The huge congregation of 1000 at Otterham in late 1993 had reduced to 600 by Jan 8th, whilst the charm on weedy fields at Heamoor in December 1993 was not reported again. Elsewhere there were max of 20 at Par Jan 2nd, 35 at Gulval Feb 4th and 20 at Trendeal Mar 6th. Spring passage commenced with 21 at Wendron Mar 19th and ended with 20 at Cot May 3rd. It was a typically light immigration with 12 at Porthgwarra Mar 29th the only other double-figure count. The species was well represented in the Ruthernbridge area with 38 pairs located but apparently scarce elsewhere. BS identified four territories at Lamelgate but none at Kit Hill. Autumn passage apparently commenced with 20 at Polridmouth Aug 16th and ended with

- 134- 35 at Porthgwarra Nov 4th. Regular reports and maximum numbers included 50 at Argal Res. Aug 23rd increasing to 235 Oct 15th, 120 at Porth Joke Sep 23rd, 200 at Rame Head Sep 28th, 75 at Colliford Oct 1st, 300 at Crowdy Res. Oct 2nd, 70 at Trevose Head Oct 8th and 300 at Lizard Oct 23rd. Few reports were received for late November/December but 300 at Bray Shop Dec 12th was notable. Unusual, but an increasingly common piece of behaviour, was RL's observation of one feeding on peanuts from a holder in his Holmbush garden Apr 2nd.

SISKIN - Carduelis spinus Scarce resident (increasing). Breeds. Passage .migrant. Winter visitor. Prior to 1970 Siskins were only rarely reported in winter, but the species can now be looked for with some confidence at several sites and is becoming increasingly familiar as a garden visitor to the ultra-attractive red peanut bags. After the best ever autumn passage in 1993, it was not too surprising that many birds were induced to overwinter mto 1994 and the total of c.392 birds spread across 50 sites was the second highest first winter total ever. There were many double figure counts from conifer plantations in the east of the county including 32 at Cardinham in January, 80 at Dunmere Feb 9th, 20 at Duchy Woodland, Lostwithiel, 20 at Hessenford Feb 2/th and 20 Largin Wood Mar 21st. Garden visiting parties were smaller but included 16 at Gwendroc, Truro Jan 9th and 21 at Lostwithiel Mar 8th. Birds attracted to alders included 17 at Par Jan 1st, 12 at Ladock Jan 7th, 37 at Saltash Jan 15th and 12 at Daubruz, Truro Feb 21st. West of Truro the species remains scarce, but there were up to eight at Swanpool, six at Tehidy, four at Loe Pool, one at Treluswell and three different birds at Penzance. Spring passage consisted of singles at Marazion Apr 20th, Towednack Apr 30th - May 12th and Nanquidno May 8th. Breeding was not suspected in Cornwall until 1970 and not confirmed until 1984. Reports this year emanated from an ever-expanding area with observations from the following localities (with comparative data for 1988 - 1992). B = breeding confirmed; b = probably bred; figures represent highest number of birds seen during breeding season; p = present, not counted. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Smallacombe 29 2 B B p b B Halvana 20 7 15 10 P b b Ninestones Bridge 2 10 - - P - - Dunmere/Pencarrow 2B P 3 3 B B - Hustyn Downs 3 1 4 - - - - Davidstow Airfield P P P 3 - - - Temple 1 - - - - Inny Vale, Davidstow P ------Callington P ------Clapper Bridge P ------At Halvana 20 were noted Apr 17th but only one May 1st and continued tree-felling has certainly reduced suitable breeding habitat. Other mid-summer sightings perhaps indicative of local breeding included a male in a St. Columb garden in June and a male at Truro Jul 6th. Autumn passage apparently commenced with three at Nanquidno Aug 13th, followed by two at Sheviock Aug 20th. There were no reports until singles at St. Columb Porth and Kenidjack Sep 17th. Small parties were reported over the next week but after several years of increasing passage this autumn's total of c.615 was a sharp reversal and a reminder of previous movements. Almost 40% moved through Oct 9th - 15th and there was a small incursion Nov 4th - 6th, otherwise it was a thin movement which ended with two at St. Columb Porth Nov 21st. Regular reports and maximum numbers : Nanquidno: 79 between Aug 13th - Oct 19th with max of 26 Oct 1st.

- 135 - Porthgwarra: 133 between Sep 17th - Oct 15th with max of 45 Oct 10th and 40 Oct 12th. Rame Head: 51 between Sep 25th - Oct 23rd with max of 16 Oct 5th. Porth Joke: 41 between Oct 8th - Nov 9th with max of 18 Nov 6th. Sancreed: 61 between Oct 11th - Nov 5th with max of 26 last date. Elsewhere there were peaks of 20 at Cot Sep 18th, 25 at Penberth Sep 28th, and 40 at Dodman Oct 15th. In the second winter period an unexpectedly high total of c.102 birds was reported. However, more than three quarters of these were noted at just four sites. The maxima included 16 at Tresillian Nov 20th, 12 at Helston Dec 3rd, 34 at Keveral Dec 18th and 15 at Saltash Dec 23rd. Up to five birds were noted at nine other traditional sites.

LINNET - Acanthis cannabina Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Following a period of decline during the 1970's and 1980's populations now appear to have levelled out and there have been encouraging increases in some areas. The mild weather ensured another excellent first winter period for this species. At Otterham, the flock increased to 500 Jan 8th and these remained until early March before disappearing. Elsewhere there were 300 at West Looe Jan 1st, 250 at Connor Downs the following day, 100 at Loe Pool Jan 22nd, 300 at Rumford Feb 2nd and 200 at Lizard Mar 4th. The last may have included spring migrants, as did 300 at Pentire Mar 20th and 300 at Trevose Head Mar 26th. This species is undoubtedly numerous where suitable habitat exists. Evidence of this includes a total of 111 pairs located by DIJ in the Ruthernbridge/Tremore /Mulberry district, BS's estimate of 81 territories at Kit Hill, SMC's count of 17 singing males at Porth Mear and eight pairs found by DL at Pentire. At Lamelgate however, BS recorded a sharp reversal where the number of territories reduced from 11 in 1993 to four this year. Autumn passage apparently commenced with 40 at Camel Est. Aug 20th and ended with ten at Porthgwarra Nov 4th. Two exceptionally large flocks were reported, otherwise it was a lighter than average movement. Highest counts included 700 at Rame Head Sep 21st with 500 regular there to Oct 15th, 200 at Lizard Sep 25th - Oct 25th, 216 at Porthgwarra Oct 10th, 180 at Tamar Lake Oct 14th, 150 at Duckpool Oct 18th, 700 at Pentire Oct 21st and 180 at Antony Oct 22nd. In the second winter period there were 450 at Trevarrian Nov 17th but only small flocks during December.

COMMON REDPOLL - Carduelis flammea Scarce resident. Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. The sole first winter report concerned two at Par Jan 2nd. RAJ and the only spring migrant flew over Drift Res. May 15th. IK. Breeding was first confirmed in Cornwall in 1968 and numbers have fluctuated annually ever since. Most records derive from the coniferous plantations on Bodmin Moor and similar habitat in the Bude and Bodmin/Wadebridge districts. Systematic checking of plantations in the Ladock and Truro areas has produced odd sightings. This year there were breeding season reports from the following locations (with comparative data for 1988 - 1993). Figures represent maximum number of birds seen; B = breeding confirmed; p = present, not counted. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Smallacombe 22 1 5 5 p p p Halvana 8 10 20 20 P P 4/8 Colliford B - - - Hustyn 4 - 5 4 P P B The 22 at Smallacombe Jul 1st undoubtedly included some young SMC and four young were noted amongst 18 birds at Colliford Aug 7th. EJW. DAC. BS. Other August sightings were at Sheviock on the 4th and Crowdy 21st. Autumn passage commenced with two at Nanjizal Oct 1st and ended with one at Porth Joke Nov 15th. The total of c.20 birds was the highest since 1991, ten (50%) of these moved through Oct 14th - 18th. In addition to those already mentioned were singles at Sennen,

- 136 - Kenidjack, Nanquidno, Marazion, Padstow and Wacker Quay. There were two singles at Rame Head and a party of six at Upper Tamar Res. Oct 14th. At Porth Joke, there were two Nov 6th with singles Nov 7th and 15th. In December there was one at Landulph on 12th and three at Bude on 14th. SCM. GPS. 'MEALY' REDPOLL - Carduelis flammea rostrata One of the six birds at Upper Tamar Res. Oct 14th showed characteristics of this race which has not been reported in the county since 1985. This is only the 17th record in total. SMC. JDB. CJS. MKW. RAFOS. et al. COMMON CROSSBILL - Loxia curvirostra An irruptive species which is not recorded annually in Cornwall. Bred in 1985, 1991 and 1992. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Another good year with breeding likely at two or possibly three sites, but none in the autumn. Halvana: 23 Feb 5th, two Feb 17th and one May 16th. DAC. GJC. et al. Lostwithiel: six Feb 15th. BKM. Dunmere: 30 Apr 17th. PAW. Croft Pascoe: two males May 13th. DSF. Smallacombe: one Jun 15th, eight Jul 1st. LACT. SMC. Crowdy; six Jul 23rd increasing to 30 Jul 24th, five Aug 21st, two Sep 25th and a male Oct 8th. AJB. JDB. SMC. et al. Recent breeding season data is summarised as follows: B = breeding confirmed; b = breeding probable; p = present, success not known. 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Halvana P P B B P P Smallacombe P P P P P Crowdy Res. P - COMMON ROSEFINCH - Carpodacus erythrinus (Formerly Scarlet Rosefinch) Vagrant (mainly autumn). Upper Fowey Valley: two adult males Jul 12th. BN. perMGW. A quite incredible record which might have been treated with great scepticism had it derived from a lesser luminary. BN comments that the presence of adult males in summer months usually indicates breeding nearby. The county mainland total advances to c. 17 - all but two since 1985. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 2 2 5 Top sites: Porthgwarra - four, Cot and Upper Fowey Valley - two. BULLFINCH - Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Winter visitor. There was a definite improvement in the quantity of information received this year with reports from 56 localities throughout the county. No large flocks were reported but there were six on the Camel Trail Jul 6th, six at Porth Joke Nov 5th, seven males at Maenporth Nov 19th and up to ten at Tehidy throughout the year. Breeding season observations emanated from many localities and 23 pairs were found in the Ruthernbridge area. At Kit Hill, six territories were identified and at Lamelgate there were two pairs compared with one in 1993. Autumn passage apparently commenced with two at Lizard Church Cove Sep 17th and ended with an unusual observation of a female flying in off the sea with other finches at Trebarwith Strand Nov 2nd. RS. Passage was again poor with only 20 birds recorded.

- 137 - All were one's and two's except four at Kenidjack Oct 13th and four at Lizard Church Cove Oct 23rd. Unusual was a male feeding at a nut feeder at Tolpetherwin Feb 15th. BTC.

Bullfinch John M Walters HAWFINCH - Coccothraustes coccothraustes Occasional visitor with records in all months. Has bred in Devon as far west as the county border but is not known to have done so in Cornwall. Lands End: one Oct 11th. PHA. SJC. LL. PASP. RWW. Bodmin: one Oct 27th - 29th. RLS. et al. The county mainland total advances to c.87 (not including reports of "several" in 1829 and "family party" in 1958). Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec N/D 5 4 13 2 2 4 7 - 34 7 7 2 Top sites: Porthgwarra/Nanjizal, St. Levan and Perranwell - all five.

- 138 - LAPLAND LONGSPUR - Calcarius lapponicus (Formerly Lapland Bunting) Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Rare winter visitor. Very rare inland. The worst year since 1983. Trevose Head: singles Sep 22nd, Oct 10th and Nov 1st. SMC. RS. Nanquidno: one Sep 22nd. GJC. Sancreed : one Sep 28th. ACH. BCW. Lands End: one Oct 4th - 10th, two Oct 23rd. RA. PHA. SJC. et al. Porthgwarra: three Oct 9th with one remaining until Oct 21st. EG. et al. St. Just Airfield: one Oct 10th / Oct 11th. SMC. RAFOS. et al. Reskajeage: two Nov 26th. DE.

The county mainland total advances to c. 1042 - all since 1960. Top sites: Porthgwarra - records in 23 different years, Trevose Head - 16 years, West Pentire/Kelsey Head - 15 years, Reskajeage - 14 years. SNOW BUNTING - Plectrophenax nivalis

Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. None in either winter period for the second consecutive year and only 11 in autumn. Nanquidno: one Oct 16th. DSF. BKM. Cape Cornwall: one Oct 21st. SML. MCH. Newquay: one Oct 24th. SMC. Towednack: two Oct 30th - Nov 5th. SGR. et al. Trewey Common: one Oct 31st/ Nov 1st. HM. Trevose Head: one Nov 1st, two Nov 4th. SMC. ML. Stepper Point: one Nov 6th. AJo. Porth Joke: two Nov 13th with one to 14th. SR. RLS. The poorest year since 1979. YELLOWHAMMER - Emberiza citrinella

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. From comments received it is obvious that the species is considerably more numerous and widespread in the eastern half, than the western half of the County. NRP noted the species at several sites in the Penwith area but described it as scarce, whilst JGT found scattered singing males in the Rosudgeon/St. Hilary/Perranuthnoe district. ML reports that it is abundant in the St. Minver - Polzeath area and DIJ found it common on high ground and farmland around Ruthernbridge. CB and CB considered it common at Pelynt but LSP and EMP note that it has become almost a rarity in the Roseland area despite evidence of a slow recovery. The huge congregation at Cooksland in December 1993 had reduced to 50 by Jan 18th and the only other double figure flocks were 21 at Wendron Jan 7th and ten at Sconner Jan 22nd. Good breeding season counts included ten singing males between Treen and Porthgwarra, eight singing males at Bear Downs, St. Eval, seven males between Swanpool and Maenporth and seven males between Cawsand and Maker. Six pairs were on territory at Kit Hill and there were seven singing males in the valley at Porth Mear. Sites holding one to four pairs were numerous. Autumn passage apparently commenced with three at Kenidjack Oct 3rd and ended with one at Porthgwarra Oct 19th. Passage was exceptionally light with max of six at Nanquidno Oct 8th - 10th, six at Cot Oct 18th and five at Morwenstow the same day. Second winter counts were low with max of 15 at Tregonetha Nov 27th and 16 at Maker Nov 28th.

- 139- CIRL BUNTING - Emberiza cirlus

Rare resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Formerly more common and widespread, there has been a protracted decline over the last twenty years. In 1967 up to 15 pairs were located in the southeast of the county and

Cirl Bunting Richard James

- 140- despite poor coverage in later years, birds were still present on fifteen sites in the county in 1975. This reduction is part of a general contraction in range throughout the UK and it appears that the species will move inexorably towards extinction as a breeding bird in Cornwall. That said, small pockets of birds continue to maintain a tenuous toehold along the south coast.

Near Falmouth: site one: pair bred. At least one young. Second male present Apr 17th - May 8th. Third male nearby Mar 29th. ARP. et al. Site two: singing male Apr 16th. RCJ. Site three: singing male. LSP. Site four: singing male Jun 20th. ARP. St. Keverne area: pair bred. Four plus young from two broods. Second singing male during breeding season. Five (two males) at feeding station during December. ARP. Keveral, Seaton: male late April. ISi. Lamorna: male Apr 29th - May 1st. RB. Porthgwarra: male May 1st and 14th. AMH. GCS. RS. Goldsithney: male Oct 2nd. IS. Lizard: female Nov 6th. ARP. The best scatter of records for several years. Recent data can be summarised thus: 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 Number of sites 10 6 3 9 2 4 2 Maximum possible number of pairs 7 3 3 11 2 4 3

ORTOLAN BUNTING - Emberiza hortulana Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Porthgwarra: immature Sep 6th. JH. Lands End: immature Sep 18th. RA. DSF. The county mainland total advances to c.91. Monthly breakdown : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 3 - - 7 62 18 - - (68%) Top sites: Sennen/Lands End - 14, Porthgwarra - 13, Lizard/Caerthillian - ten, Nanquidno - nine, Trevose Head - seven.

LITTLE BUNTING - Emberiza pusilla Rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: one Oct 16th. BRC. JF. RW. Accepted by BBRC. The county mainland total advances to 11.

JaMonthln yFe breakdowb Mar n : May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1 3 1

Top sites: Porthgwarra and Sennen/Skewjack - three each.

REED BUNTING - Emberiza schoeniclus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Another poor year with low numbers throughout but no reports of any change in status. Highest counts in the first winter period included ten at Sennen Jan 1st, 18 at Bonython Feb 16th and 25 found at Treslea Downs by Great Grey Shrike-seekers. Few breeding season observations were received. Among the more interesting were three pairs at Lamelgate where there were only two in 1993, four pairs at Perranporth, five singing males at Marazion and six males holding territory along a one mile stretch of

- 141 - moorland at Temple, Bodmin Moor. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Nanquidno Sep 22nd and ended with three at Porthgwarra Nov 4th. A mere 55 birds were reported, the lightest movement since 1985. All but nine moved through in the fortnight Sep 27th - Oct 12th and peak counts included seven at Boswednack Sep 30th, six at Porthgwarra Oct 8th and six at Tamar Lake Oct 14th. 15 at Colliford Nov 5th was the sole double figure count for the second winter period.

CORN BUNTING - Emberiza calandra Resident. Breeds. Flocks outside the breeding season Cornwall remains the stronghold for this species in the south west with the majority found along a narrow coastal strip in the north of the county between Rumps Point and Godrevy. A reduction of at least 45 % nationally over the last two decades is reflected in continually diminishing numbers in Cornwall. This trend, related to changes in agriculture and land use appears to be irreversible and is particularly unfortunate because until recently the local population has proved stable.

Lizard Peninsula One Jun 2nd was the first record from the area since 1989. DJB. DCB. Lands End The species retains a tenuous foothold here. Two males were noted May 1st - 8th with one to 15th. The recent series of spring records strongly suggest that these may be migrants rather than resident birds. North Cliffs DL reports a big decrease possibly due to a loss of breeding habitat, i.e. a combination of set-aside and the failure of autumn sown corn crop. However, ten males were noted in the Gwithian area Mar 29th and a total of 18 singing males were noted between Bartney Corner and Porthtowan in June. The largest autumn flock was 21 during October -50% down on 1993. An interesting inland record concerned a territorial male at Tehidy from April to June. Perranporth - Porth Joke Once again there were no records from the former stronghold at Airfield and none in the Holywell Bay area. The sole pair at Porth Joke were noted carrying food to a nest Jun 27th. Newquay to Padstow As in 1993, a total of 32 singing males was noted during the breeding season but the distribution was slightly different. Trevose Head retained its position as the premier site although changes in farming practice here reduced the population from 18 to 14 males. Elsewhere there were three males at , three males at Porth Mear and three males between Watergate Bay and Trevarrian plus one or two males at several other sites. An inland pair was noted on rough ground at Trevilledor, St. Eval at the end of April but there was again no record from the disused airfield. A large roost of 40 was found in reeds at Mawgan Porth Jan 5th and there were several good counts in the autumn including nine at Watergate Bay Aug 3rd, 53 at Trevose Head Sep 22nd and nine at Crugmeer Dec 22nd. North of Padstow A complete survey of the Pentire Farm, Polzeath area by DL revealed a maximum of seven singing males Apr 11th and Jun 22nd but with a speculative total of eight pairs. Nine birds were found on stubble Oct 18th. A roost at Bray Hill, attracted 44 Feb 6th and nine Nov 30th. A single bird here in May/June and August may have been on territory.

LAZULI BUNTING - Passerina amoena Exceptionally rare vagrant. 1990 record The identification of the bird at Murrayton from 15th - 26th September 1990 was

- 142- established beyond doubt but following an earlier review of the species BOURC again considered that it was an unlikely species to occur naturally in Britain. Lazuli Buntings were regularly imported prior to 1982 and although there are believed to be fewer in captivity now, the species was still being advertised in 1990. BOURC concluded that the species was an unlikely vagrant and a very likely escape from captivity. Accordingly it has not been admitted to any category of the British List.

- 143 - Exotica Black Swan Siblyback : one Jan 10th. TSH. MT. Polbathic : one Feb 5th. AB. PB. Chiloe Wigeon Swanpool : two Jan 1st and 7th, Feb 23rd and Aug 2nd-23rd. RCJ. BLW et al Indian Peafowl Pelynt : female Jul 16th-20th. CB Red-faced Conure Newquay : two Feb/Apr. TSH Cockatiel Cardinham : one May 1st. RLS Budgerigar Sancreed : one Aug 28th. DSF Wadebridge : blue bird Oct 10th. DIJ Azure-winged Magpie Mabe : one Jun 21st. AS Bugle : one Jun/early Jul. Mrs Stone Zebra Finch Daubruz Moor, Truro : Male Apr 11th. RDP Penzance : female Dec 6th. SL White-eared Sibia Cremyll : one mid-Sep. into 1995. SCM. et al.

BBRC Decisions The following records which have not appeared in "Birds in Cornwall" have been rejected by BBRC. 1994 Little Shearwater Porthgwarra Aug 4th Night Heron Kennack Sands May 30th 1980 Common Scoter (of the American race "Melanitta nigra americana") - a sight record of three at Stithians Res. Sep. 16th was considered not proven by BOURC.

- 144 - Wild Birds Handled by RSPCA at Perranporth During 1994 Northern Fulmar 5 Great Black-backed Gull 2 Manx Shearwater 3 Kittiwake 1 European Storm-petrel 2 Common Guillemot 233 Northern Gannet 14 Razorbill 17 Great Cormorant 4 Little Auk 2 Shag 9 Puffin 1 Grey Heron 1 Wood Pigeon 19 Mute Swan 48 Collared Dove 26 Ruddy Shelduck 2 Barn Owl 15 Common Shelduck 12 Tawny Owl 14 Mandarin Duck 1 Green Woodpecker 1 Mallard 45 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Tufted Duck 1 Pied Wagtail 1 Hen Harrier 1 Wren 1 Eurasian Sparrowhawk 6 Robin 4 Common Buzzard 15 Blackbird 21 Common Kestrel 16 Song Thrush 4 Peregrine Falcon 1 Redwing 1 Red-legged Partridge 1 Great Tit 1 Common Pheasant 2 Eurasian Jay 2 Golden Pheasant 2 Magpie 11 Lady Amherst's Pheasant Eurasian Jackdaw 32 Water Rail 1 Rook 10 Common Coot 1 Carrion Crow 30 Great Ringed Plover 1 Common Starling 5 European Golden Plover 1 House Sparrow 2 Woodcock 2 Chaffinch 3 Turnstone 1 Greenfinch 3 Black-headed Gull 8 Goldfinch 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Bullfinch 1 Herring Gull 101 TOTAL :764 Rex Harper.

- 145 - Ringing Report - 1994 A total of 1615 birds of 55 species were ringed in the county in 1994. This total is smaller than in the previous year, due mainly to far fewer waders being trapped. No new species were trapped but the second Red-breasted Flycatcher was ringed since 1977.

During the early autumn good numbers of Reed and Sedge Warblers and Barn Swallow were trapped, providing more useful information on movements. September was extremely poor for common migrants, resulting in few birds being trapped. But October proved better with good numbers of Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs ringed.

The Devon and Cornwall Wader Ringing Group again visited the Camel Estuary for a week in the autumn. Good numbers of Dunlin and Oystercatcher were trapped but total numbers were very much down on the previous years exceptional catches However, a good number of waders were re-trapped and controlled, further confirming the importance of the Camel Estuary to such species.

Preliminary ringing studies of European Storm-petrel and Black-headed Gull commenced this year, significantly boosting the number of individuals ringed in the county. The former study has already yielded some interesting movements.

Table 1 Contributors

Contributor Full Pulli Site grown S.M. Christophers 21 St. Columb G.J.Conway 711 69 Mid Cornwall/Nanquidno F.M. Couch 35 47 Bodmin/Truro G.G. Gynn 127 Boswednack/Treveal A.W.G. John 16 9 East Cornwall/Cubert F.H.C. Kendall 81 Lower Tamar Lake B. Pattenden 239 Mara/ion D. Riley 61 Rospannel Devon & Cornwall Wader 199 Camel Estuary Ringing Group

Table 2. Systematic list of species ringed.

Ringing Totals 1994 1979-1993 Full Pulli Total Full Pulli Total grown grown Northern Fulmar - - - 4 - 4 Manx Shearwater 2 - . 2 4 - 4 European Storm-petrel 51 - - 54 - 54 Northern Gannet _ - 2 _ 2 Mute Swan - - - 66 - 66 Common Shelduck - - . - 8 - 8 Mallard - - - 1 - 1 Common Scoter - - - 1 _ 1 Eurasian Sparrowhawk 1 - - 21 2 23 Common Buzzard - 5 21 26 Common Kestrel - - - 4 30 34 Water Rail 1 _ 1 19 _ 19 Spotted Crake - - - 4 - 4 Oystercatcher 72 - 72 657 7 664 Great Ringed Plover 3 - 3 323 - 323

- 146 - Northern Lapwing - - - 24 3 27 Red Knot - - - 6 - 6 Sander ling - - - 23 - 23 Curlew Sandpiper - - - 8 - 8 Dunlin 121 - 121 1482 - 1482 Jack Snipe - - - 1 - 1 Common Snipe 2 - 2 14 - 14 Woodcock - - - 1 - 1 Black-tailed Godwit _ _ 8 _ 8 Bar-tailed Godwit - - - 1 1 Whimbrel _ _ 5 _ 5 Eurasian Curlew 3 - 3 124 - 124 Spotted Redshank - - - 7 - 7 Common Redshank - - - 297 - 297 Common Greenshank - _ 49 _ 49 Turnstone - - 53 _ 53 Black-headed Gull 9 49 58 28 49 77 Herring Gull - - - 14 - 14 Kittiwake - - - 1 - 1 Common Guillemot - - - 24 - 24 Razorbill _ _ 1 1 Little Auk - - - 1 - 1 Stock Dove - - - _ 4 4 Wood Pigeon - - 7 10 17 Collared Dove _ - 21 4 25 Common Cuckoo - - - 2 3 5 Barn Owl - 6 6 22 187 209 Litde Owl - - - 1 2 3 Tawny Owl - 6 6 16 51 67 Long-eared Owl - - - 1 - 1 Short-eared Owl - - - 1 - 1 European Nightjar - - - 2 - 2 Common Swift - - - 4 _ 4 Common Kingfisher - - - 11 - 11 Green Woodpecker - - 5 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 - 1 8 - 8 Sky Lark - - - - 6 6 Sand Martin 4 - 4 116 - 116 Barn Swallow 183 4 187 5045 625 5670 House Martin - l€- - 37 25 62 Tree Pipit - - - 8 7 15 Meadow Pipit 3 - 3 78 15 93 Rock Pipit - - - - 5 5 Water Pipit - - - 1 - 1 Yellow Wagtail - - - 40 - 40 Grey Wagtail - - - 22 47 69 Pied Wagtail - 4 4 171 69 240 Dipper 26 25 51 172 385 557 Wren 52 - 52 1236 24 1260 Hedge Accentor 31 - 31 965 15 980 Robin 55 _ 55 1323 62 1385 Bluethroat - - - 1 - 1 Black Redstart _ 2 _ 2 Common Redstart - - - 12 25 37 Whinchat _ _ _ 12 _ 12 Common Stonechat 5 - 5 53 10 63 Northern Wheatear 9 9 18 331 315 646 Blackbird 22 4 26 988 115 1103 Fieldfare _ _ _ 4 _ 4 Song Thrush 8 - 8 319 30 349 Redwing 1 - 1 128 - 128

- 147- Mistle Thrush _ - - 6 12 18 Cetti's Warbler 4 - 4 106 - 106 Grasshopper Warbler - - - 28 - 28 Aquatic Warbler - - - 30 - 30 Sedge Warbler 125 - 125 3200 - 3200 Marsh Warbler - - - 2 - 2 Reed Warbler 132 - 132 3225 4 3229 Icterine Warbler - - - 1 - 1 Melodious Warbler - - - 1 - 1 Lesser Whitethroat 1 - 1 16 - 16 Common Whitethroat 19 - 19 293 - 293 Garden Warbler 4 - 4 164 - 164 Blackcap 14 - 14 670 - 670 Pallas's Leaf Warbler - - - 1 - 1 Yellow-browed Warbler - - - 2 - 2 Chiffchaff 67 - 67 1100 8 1108 Willow Warbler 37 37 1643 108 1751 Goldcrest 78 - 78 1057 - 1057 Firecrest 2 - 2 79 - 79 Spotted Flycatcher - - - 35 69 104 Red-breasted Flycatcher 1 - 1 2 - 2 Pied Flycatcher 7 12 19 59 534 593 Bearded Tit - - - 1 - 1 Long-tailed Tit 18 - 18 698 1 699 Marsh Tit 3 5 8 134 52 186 Willow Tit 2 - 2 123 - 123 Coal Tit 13 _ 13 199 38 237 Blue Tit 92 3 95 5162 2316 7478 Great Tit 33 7 40 1347 462 1809 European Nuthatch 3 12 15 27 105 132 Eurasian Treecreeper 2 - 2 95 6 101 Eurasian Jay - - - 9 - 9 Magpie - - - 20 32 52 Eurasian Jackdaw - - 40 12 52 Rook - - - 12 - 12 Carrion Crow - - - 4 25 29 Common Starling 10 - 10 1340 - 1340 House Sparrow 5 - 5 449 1 450 Red-eyed Vireo - - - 1 - 1 Chaffinch 31 - 31 1446 32 1478 Brambling - - - 30 - 30 Greenfinch 53 - 53 3072 32 3104 Goldfinch 4 - 4 100 12 112 Siskin - - - 58 - 58 Linnet - - - 177 18 195 Common Redpoll - - - 5 - 5 Bullfinch 20 - 20 569 3 572 Hawfinch - - - 1 - 1 Yellowhammer 9 _ 9 166 7 173 CM Bunting - - - - 3 3 Little Bunting - - - 1 - 1 Reed Bunting 15 - 15 535 4 539 Corn Bunting - - - 1 21 22 Totals 1469 146 1615 42062 6060 48122 Table 3 : Selected county longevity records.

Species Ring No. Ringed Recovered Y.M.D. Shag 1049141 18.01.67 15.01.89 21.11.28 Mute Swan Z46881 03.08.81 27.09.92 11.01.24 Common Buzzard GM18944 09.06.74 30.09.85 11.03.21

- 148- Oystercatcher SS95351 16.08.72 30.08.93 21.00.14 Great Ringed Plover - 11.08.72 26.08.80 8.00.15 Dunlin BA99271 22.09.66 04.12.74 8.02.20 Common Redshank DR43516 28.08.77 03.08.85 7.11.06 Eurasian Curlew FV42925 08.08.78 01.09.93 15.00.24 Black-headed Gull 3102129 28.05.67 25.11.84 17.05.28 Lesser Black-backed Gull 3075249 09.08.59 25.06.87 27.10.17 Great Black-backed Gull HU17936 05.06.70 31.07.84 14.01.05 Tawny Owl GP57273 07.06.75 22.10.93 18.04.14 Collared Dove EC77498 21.11.65 28.07.79 13.08.06 Dipper CP58458 14.05.70 25.09.78 8.04.11 Song Thrush RX31113 20.07.84 01.07.90 5.00.12 Redwing BV13494 06.11.74 12.01.82 7.02.06 Willow Warbler 8B4086 07.06.80 01.07.84 4.00.24 Pied Flycatcher E153965 04.06.87 08.06.92 6.00.04 Blue Tit B329459 03.09.81 13.06.87 5.09.10 Great Tit _ 13.07.76 31.07.82 6.00.18 Magpie EH89906 04.06.85 07.04.93 7.10.03 Common Starling XX15131 31.12.74 31.01.82 8.01.00

* Elapsed time in Years, Months and Days between ringing and finding. List of Recoveries and Controls This list contains details of birds controlled (ie caught and released by a ringer) or recovered (ie found dead) in Cornwall in 1994 and in previous years.

EURING code for age of bird when ringed (Note figures are not in years) 1 pullus (nestling or chick) 2 full grown, year of hatching unknown 3J hatched during calendar year of ringing 4 hatched before calendar year of ringing, but exact year unknown 5 hatched during previous calendar year 6 hatched before previous calendar year, but exact year unknown Sex M - Male F - Female Code for manner of recovery X found dead or dying R caught and released by ringer + shot or killed by man FR field record, ring number or colour marks determined in field

Abbreviations used for foreign ringing schemes NLA Arnhem Netherlands SUE Matsalu Estonia DFH Heligoland Germany European Storm-petrel 2329569 4 06.08.93 Skomer, Wales R 12.07.94 Rumps Point, Pentire (GJC) 131km SSE 340 days 2295254 4 01.07.94 Strumble Head, Dyfed, Wales R 17.07.94 Rumps Point, Pentire (GJC) 161km S 16 days 2295295 4 02.07.94 Strumble Point, Dyfed, Wales R 17.07.94 Rumps Point, Pentire (GJC) 161km S 15 days 2431547 4 17.07.94 Rumps Point, Pentire (GJC) R 29.07.94 Power Head, Cork, Eire 263km WNW 12 days

- 149- An intriguing set of movements of presumed non-breeding individuals. The three Welsh birds are moving south while at the same time 2431547 is going north; the two birds from Strumble Head appear to be moving together.

Great Cormorant 5174416 1 06.05.93 Great Mewstone, Wembury, Devon X 01.07.93 Drift Res. 108km WSW 56 days Shag 1302516 1 19.05.92 Great Mewstone, Wembury, Devon X 11.07.93 Smith 75km WSW 418 days 1302579 1 06.05.93 Great Mewstone, Wembury, Devon + 20.10.93 Lantivet Bay, Fowey 33km W 167 days Oystercatcher SS95351 3J 16.08.72 Camel Est. (DCWRG) R 30.08.93 Camel Est. (DCWRG) 0km 7684 days FV39074 1 22.06.78 Eday, Orkney, Scotland R 30.08.93 Camel Est. (DCWRG) 969km S 5548 days FV6108 4 20.08.79 Camel Est. (DCWRG) R 24.01.93 Ogwen Est., Gwynedd, Wales 303km N 4906 days

FV891110 5 15.08.81 Camel Estuary (DCWRG) X 19.01.94 Padstow 6km W 4540 days FC10303 3 02.08.86 Peninevine Rocks, S. Uist, Scodand R 30.08.93 Camel Estuary (DCWRG) 768km SSE 2585 days In 1994 33 birds were re-trapped from previous visits to the Camel, of these 28 were from 1993. This information illustrates how site-faithful these birds are to the Camel Estuary. At over 21 years SS95351 is a new longevity record. Dunlin NS28409 3 31.08.93 Camel Estuary (DCWRG) X 06.09.93 Figueira da Foza, Biera Litoral, Portugal 1194km SSW 6 days NS28315 3 31.08.93 Camel Estuary (DCWRG) R 09.09.93 Sebutal, Baixo, Aleutejo, Portugal 1416km SSW 9 days

NB53041 3 22.08.94 Camel Estuary (DCWRG) R 20.09.94 Mexilhoeira Grande, Faro, Algarve,Portugal. 1516km SSW 29 days

Col.Ring 3J -.08.93 Gdansk, Poland FR 30.10.93 Camel Estuary (DIJ) The three individuals noted in Portugal are good examples of rapid long distance movements for these small waders. The Polish Dunlin is the first to be recorded from the east shore of the Baltic Sea.

Eursian Curlew FV42925 4 08.08.78 Camel Estuary (DCWRG) R 01.09.93 Camel Estuary (DCWRG) 0km 5502 days At over 15 years this is another excellent longevity record for this species. Interestingly, two other birds which were caught on 1 Sept. 1993 had been ringed on the Camel the day after FV32925 in 1978.

- 150- Mediterranean Gull (NLA) 1 14.06.90 Zeeland, Netherlands. (White 56A) 3449717 FR 19.08.94 Camel Estuary (GJC) (NLA) 1 24.06.93 Zeeland, Netherlands. (Whtie 29J) 34471720 FR 27.03.94 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, France. FR 29.11.94 Copperhouse Creek, Hayle Est. (JH). These are the second and third Dutch ringed birds recorded in the county. The population in the Netherlands is expanding rapidly and will probably result in more marked birds occurring on our shores.

Black-headed Gull (SUE) 1 17.06.89 Plira, Laane-viru, Estonia, USSR. U454786 FR 09.09.92 Par Beach Pool FR 18.01.94 Par Beach Pool FR 04.12.94 Par Beach Pool (GJC) 2213km WSW 1994 days EP97484 1 14.06.89 Garnham Island, Essex FR 09.09.92 Par Beach Pool FR 04.12.94 Par Beach Pool (GJC) 447km WSW 1997days Two more examples of fidelity to wintering grounds of individuals from very different natal sites. Lesser Black-backed Gull GF42013 1 03.07.94 Llyn, Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd, Wales (Red52A) X 22.08.94 Camel Estuary (PB) 271km SSW 50 days Herring Gull

GF370908 1 20.06.94 Prawle Point, Devon FR 13.02.95 Par Beach Pool (GJC) 72km WNW 238 days GF4129- 1 03.07.94 , Isles of Scilly FR 20.02.95 Par Beach Pool (GJC) 128km ENE 232 days These records constitute the third from Devon and the first from Scilly.

Common Guillemot XI7901 1 20.06.92 Great Saltee Island, Wexford, Eire X 12.03.94 Breakwater, Bude (FHCK) 204km SE 630 days

Barn Owl GH45484 1 25.07.93 Cooksland, Bodmin (FMC) X 02.01.94 Blackwater, Truro 40km SW 161 days GF32002 1 02.07.94 Pentireglaze (FMC) X 04.02.95 , Wadebridge 7km ESE 217 days GF32003 1 02.07.94 Pentireglaze (FMC) X 18.01.95 14km ENE 200 days Both birds ringed at Pentireglaze were from the same nest and both perished on the roads. These three recoveries graphically illustrate the high mortality faced by this declining species. (DFH) 1 07.06.90 Wietzen, Hanover, Germany 4142916 S 03.01.91 Mousehole, nr Penzance 1054km WSW 210 days This is only the fifth foreign ringed Barn Owl to be recovered in Britain. Common Kingfisher SB58928 3J 14.08.93 Slapton Ley, Devon X 04.09.93 Truro 103km W 21 days

- 151 - Barn Swallow J471915 3J 11.08.94 Par Beach (GJC) R 20.08.94 Poole Harbour, Dorset 133km ENE 9 days J251306 4 15.08.93 Slapton Ley, Devon R 04.09.93 Farm, Wadebridge 89km WNW 20 (FMC) Hedge Accentor F478260 3J 09.10.90 Long Rock, Marazion (BP) X 10.03.93 Long Rock. 0km - 883 days

Robin F478435 3J 31.07.92 Long Rock (BP) X 28.06.93 Long Rock. 0km - 360 days

Blackbird RH61464 4 23.10.93 Treveal, St Ives (GG) X 17.07.94 Meden, Arnsberg, Germany. 946km E 267 This indicates the likely origins of migrants encountered in the autumn. Sedge Warbler E188105 3J 16.08.88 Long Rock, Marazion (BP). X 05.08.90 Youghal, Cork, Eire 261km - 355 days E188339 3J 02.08.89 Long Rock (BP) R 06.08.89 Etang de Trenvel, France - - 4 days F478648 3J 01.08.93 Long Rock (BP) R 06.08.93 Poole Harbour, Dorset. 249km - 5 days J330819 1 22.06.94 Pennington Hash, Leigh, Greater Manchester R 12.08.94 Par Beach (GJC) 378km SSW 51 days H766125 4M 23.07.94 Nr Youghal, Cork, Eire R 05.08.94 Par Beach (GJC) 284km SE 13 days The movements involving individuals from Eire and Manchester further confirm th< importance of the counties' reed beds for birds migrating to and from North Wes European breeding grounds. Reed Warbler F478417 3J 27.07.92 Long Rock, Marazion (BP). R 20.08.92 Llangloffan, Wales 202km-26 days F478532 3J 07.09.92 Long Rock, (BP) R 26.09.92 Vale Marais, Guernsey. 224km - 19 days H765517 3J 03.08.93 Nr Youghal, Cork, Eire R 01.07.94 Long Rock, Marazion (BP). 261km - 332 F478417 is an example of reverse migration which occurs most often in young, inexperienced individuals. This results in a bird migrating in completely the opposite direction. Blackcap J492010 3M 03.11.93 Boswednack, Zennor (GGG) R 13.11.93 Ingol, Preston, Lancashire. 443km NNE 10 days A rapid movement and another example of reverse migration.

- 152- F73442 4F 31.10.92 St Martins, Isles of Scilly X 08.01.93 , Fowey. 127km ENE 69 days Firecrest 4X7480 3M 26.10.93 St Martins, Isles of Scilly R 04.11.93 Treveal, St Ives (GGG). 60km ENE 9 days An interesting movement of a bird which returned to the mainland rather than make a long sea crossing to the continent Pied Flycatcher F225692 5M 08.05.89 Lundy Island, Devon. R 10.06.92 Lanhydrock (FMC). 81km S 1129 days

F307366 KM) 09.06.90 Grenofen Wood, Tavistock, Devon (AWGJ) R 08.06.92 Golitha Wood. R 03.06.93 Golitha Wood. R 09.06.94 Golitha Wood.(GJC) 27km SW 1461 days H499011 1 07.06.92 Purlogue, nr Clun, Shropshire. R(F) 03.06.93 Golitha Wood (FMC) 234km SSW 361 days Common Starling RB67337 3M 22.10.90 St Agnes, Isles of Scilly (SVRG) X 18.07.94 , Sennen 53km NE 1136 days Specialised ringing projects The study of Pied Flycatchers is still in operation, however an abysmal breeding season has resulted in few young raised and consequently ringed. Good numbers of nestling and adult Dippers were again ringed in the East of the county revealing a number of interesting local movements. As previously mentioned the Devon and Cornwall Wader Ringing Group were again active in the county. Another week of wader catching is anticipated for 1995 to further consolidate the data gained during the last two years. A new study aimed at investigating the movements of European Storm-petrels off the Cornwall coast was started in 1994 and proved very productive. Birds were lured by taped calls at night and trapped in mist nets as they flew in to investigate. Further trapping is planned for 1993 complementing other work being carried out at other sites around the UK.

The other new study concerns Black-headed Gulls breeding in the county. Aspects of breeding biology will be investigated in conjunction with the ringing of nestlings to determine the movements of this relatively recent coloniser. Request for Information All records of ringed or colour-marked birds are of immense value so please report them to the relevant person, see below, or the County Recorder.

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

Colour-marked birds Many colour-marking schemes are currently operating in Britain and Europe. Sightings of such birds should be notified to the co-ordinators below : Great Cormorant - Robin Sellers, Rose Cottage, Ragnall Lane, Walkley Wood,

- 153- Nailsworth, Gloucester. GL6 ORU. Waders - Jane Marchant, Wader Study Group. PO Box 247, Tring, Herts. HP23 5SN. Large Gulls- Peter Rock, 32 Kersteman Road, Redland, Bristol. BS6 7BX. Hen Harrier - Brian Etheridge, RSPB, Etive House, Beechwood Park, Inverness, Scodand. IV2 3BW. Wildfowl - Carl Mitchell, Wildfowl and Wedands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucester. GL2 7BT. Other species - Kevin Baker, BTO (address as above).

Acknowledgements To all the ringers who have kindly supplied ringing totals and details of recoveries in 1994. To Peter Burston, Devon and Cornwall Wader Ringing Group (per Roger and Barbara Swinfen), Severn Vale Ringing Group (per Gordon Avery), J.Healan and Derek Julian for providing details of additional recoveries. References Devon Bird Report 1993 DBWPS Report on Bird ringing in Britain and Ireland for 1993 Ringing and Migration, Voll6 (1) April 1995

G.J.Conway. Tregenna, Cooksland, Bodmin, Cornwall. PL31 2AR.

- 154 - Pentire Farm Common Birds Census (Plot 94.20f) Abstract 1. A new CBC farmland plot has been set up at Pentire Farm. 2. 22 species were found breeding in the area. 3. Three species of nationally declining arable farmland birds were found in reasonable numbers. 4. More CBC plots are desperately needed in Cornwall. Introduction With the release of the BTO's new Atlas of Breeding Birds (Gibbons et al 1993), it is now apparent that arable farm bird species, such as Corn Bunting, Skylark and Grey Partridge, have fallen into sharp decline over the last 20 years. Unfortunately Cornwall is sparsely monitored by CBC methods, and is therefore poorly represented in the work of the Adas. In 1993 there was only one CBC plot in the whole of the County.

Pentire Farm has been managed over the last two years under a special agreement between the owners, the National Trust, and the tenant farmer, Mr Colin James. The headlands of the arable fields are not sprayed with herbicides, leaving a "picture frame" of headland supporting an arable weed ecosystem. For this reason, it was decided to start up a new CBC plot at Pentire. Pentire Farm is situated on the north coast of Cornwall - just east of Polzeath, and is farmed as a single unit with Pentireglaze Farm. It is predominantly arable farmland with some pasture, cliffs and clifftop scrub.

Methods The methods used were as outlined in the BTO's Common Birds Census Instructions (Marchant 1983), The field visits were carried out by Derek Lord, Dave Clarke and Patrick Roberts. Species maps were compiled by Robert Sanders, Tamara Trodd and Sarah McDonald (National Trust staff and volunteers). The analysis was carried out by Andrew Wilson (BTO staff).

Results Species Estimated no.of Species Estimated no.of pairs breeding pairs breeding Buzzard 1 Robin 2 Kestrel 2 Stonechat 3 Grey Partridge 2 Blackbird 1 Pheasant 2 Whitethroat 5 Feral Pigeon 2 Magpie 2 Woodpigeon 2 Jackdaw 9 Skylark 21 Carrion Crow 7 Swallow 7 Starling Breeding in small nos. Rock Pipit 1 House Sparrow 12 Wren 6 Linnet 8 Dunnock 2 Corn Bunting 8 Discussion The area monitored shows good populations of breeding birds. It is of particular interest that species which are in decline nationally are reasonably well represented. These include Skylark (21), Corn Bunting (8) and Grey Partridge (2). In addition, outside the plot area on the same farm are at least one further pair of Partridge, two more territory- holding male Corn Buntings and a good number of Skylarks (nb. Corn Buntings are polygamous). Pentire Farm must, therefore, be one of the more important areas for these declining species in Cornwall. The non-spraying of headlands is probably an

- 155- important factor in this situation because the invertebrates produced in such arable weed habitats are important as a food source for young birds of these species (Marchant et al 1990). Lank growth of vegetation, trapped between hedges and Cornish hedgebanks at Pentire are a very useful source of nesting cover for Grey Partridge, the fences having been erected during the period 1988-1990. These electric fences possibly provide protection from foxes for sitting birds, either directly when switched on or by "bluffing" when off. Fox predation has been cited as responsible for many Grey Partridge losses during the breeding season (Marchant et al 1990). Winter stubbles are another important factor for the survival of such species providing a source of food during hard weather. In this CBC area during the 1989/89 winter, 65 Snow Buntings were hosted on "neglected" stubbles during a change in farm tenants at Pentire, proving the importance of such habitat (CBWPS 1990). In the winter preceding the CBC work, some linseed stubble was left during the winter months. In retrospect, it is unfortunate that a CBC at Pentire has not been in operation for a number of years as this would give us a clearer picture of the situation during the years in which these birds communities fell into decline. Clearly more CBC's are desperately needed within the County if we are to effectively monitor and ultimately conserve Cornwall's bird life.

References CBWPS 1990 Annual Report Gibbons DW, Reid JB and Chapman RA, 1993 The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland, 1988-91 T and AD Poyser, London Marchant JH, 1983 BTO Common Birds Census Instructions Marchant JH, Hudson R, Carter SP and Whittington P, 1990 Population trends in British Breeding Birds, British Trust for Ornithology

Derek Lord Research Officer, CBWPS (and NT Warden, Pentire) 16.11.94

- 156- Glaucous and Iceland Gulls in Cornwall 1954-1993 To detect an Iceland or Glaucous Gull is an exciting event for any birdwatcher, whether he be an avid searcher of gull flocks or a more casual observer. Nowadays, both of these arctic gulls are regular but scarce visitors to Cornwall. This, however, has not always been the case. Credit must go to the county recorders past and present for the clear and precise way the records of both these species have been presented in Birds in Cornwall. This made it possible to analyse virtually all the records of both species by age since 1954 (40 years). The interpretation of which birds are new and which are wandering individuals is, to a degree, subjective, however I suspect that the general trends and patterns of occurrence are fairly reliable.

Figure 1. Iceland Gulls in Cornwall 1954 - 1993.

Figure 2. Glaucous Gulls in Cornwall 1954 - 1993. Both species have shown a startling change of status over the past forty years (figs 1 & 2). Although Glaucous Gull has always been a fairly regular visitor it only occurred in small numbers until the early 1970's. Iceland Gull used to be something of a rarity,

- 157- with only eight records in the 17 years between 1954 and 1970. The change of status in the seventies is most likely due to the huge increase in birdwatching activity and especially gull-watching since then. There is of course one very obvious feature in the Iceland Gull graph and that was the huge influx in 1984 (about sixty birds). This was thought to be associated with severe north-westerly gales during January 1984, but if this were the case why was there a steady increase in numbers in the three years preceding 1984?

Glaucous Gull Ren Hathway Perhaps the most interesting feature of the graph is that influxes of Glaucous Gulls correlate quite well with influxes (relative or otherwise) of Iceland Gulls. This would suggest that the origin of our Iceland and Glaucous Gulls is the same, especially if Iceland Gull influxes are related to weather as has been suggested, i.e. westerly or north-westerly gales.

Iceland Gulls of the race glaucoides have a rather limited breeding range on the east and west coasts of south Greenland (not Iceland). Glaucous Gulls on the other hand have a circumpolar arctic breeding distribution with populations as close as Iceland and north­ eastern Scandinavia. The Icelandic population hybridises heavily with Herring Gulls with up to 8% of breeding adults being hybrids (Ingolfsson 1970)! I would agree with Vic Tucker (Tucker 1985) that the origin of the majority of Cornish Glaucous Gulls is most likely Greenland or arctic North America rather than the closer Icelandic population. Not only do they tend to arrive with Iceland Gulls but the Greenland population of Glaucous Gulls is migratory whereas the Icelandic population is less so or even sedentary. Also Glaucous x Herring Gull hybrids are a rarity in Cornwall, whereas if the Cornish Glaucous Gulls were mainly from Iceland presumably they would arrive with a significant number of hybrids.

Another feature of the graph is the overall steady increase in Iceland Gull records since 1985 and the overall slight decline in Glaucous Gull records over the same period. This pattern is clouded somewhat by some minor influxes but is significant. Has there been a decline in Glaucous Gulls in Greenland?

- 158- Figure 3. Weekly occurrence of Iceland Gulls in Cornwall 1954 - 1993 Although Glaucous Gulls tend to arrive and reach a peak earlier than Iceland Gulls the overall pattern of occurrence is quite similar with both species being mainly late winter and early spring visitors (figs 3 and 4). There was no significant differences in the distribution through the year of the different ages. Assuming that 1) the whole population moves south, so that the relative proportions of ages in the Cornish sample mirrors the species population as a whole, and 2) that the Cornish birds have been aged correctly in the field (both assumptions may be wrong) then it is possible to gauge a yearly mortality. Of the 264 aged Iceland and 375 aged Glaucous Gulls it was deduced that Iceland Gulls have a % % mortality before reaching their fourth year (with a first year mortality of 49%) and Glaucous Gulls have a 94% mortality before reaching their fourth year (with a first year mortality of 53%).

Figure 4. Weekly occurrence of Glaucous Gulls in Cornwall 1954 - 1993 Fig 5. Iceland Gulls by age. Fig 6. Glaucous Gulls by age Furthermore it may be possible to estimate the maximum lifespan of the species by dividing the number of 4th year birds into the number of adults (this of course takes no account of mortality rates - which are incalculable for adults). For Iceland Gull it is 12.2 years and for Glaucous Gull 6.8 years. Based on the known longevity of some site faithful Iceland Gulls up to the date of their disappearance, the estimate for Iceland Gull may not be too far out, however the estimate for Glaucous Gull is probably much too low. The reason for this is likely to be that the first of the two assumptions is wrong. This is supported by the fact that the figures for second and third year mortality of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls are higher than for first years (it would be expected that they would be lower as the older bird is, the more experienced and "streetwise" it would be). Certainly the distances wandered by Kittiwakes varies greatly depending on age, with second and third year birds wandering further from their natal colonies than adults or first years (Alerstam 1982).

John Ryan References: Alerstam, T. 1982. Bird Migration Birds in Cornwall 1954 to 1993. Ingolfsson, A. 1970. Hybridisation of Glaucous and Herring Gulls in Iceland. Ibis 112: 340-362. Tucker, V. 1985. Origin of British Glaucous Gulls. Brit. Birds 78: 355-356

- 160- C.B.W.P.S. Stonechat Survey: June 1993 INTRODUCTION

Although relatively common in Cornwall, the Stonechat, Saxicola torquata. has suffered a widespread decline. In particular, there has been a dramatic reduction in the east of Britain (Callion, 1993). On a world scale, the species has also declined and the Stonechat is defined as a "Red Data Bird Candidate Species" (BWP, 1988) (Batten et al, 1990).

Stonechats are susceptible to cold winters but more sustained declines are usually due to habitat loss (Magee, 1967). This survey set out to obtain some baseline information, particularly on the size of the Cornish coastal population. It was also hoped to follow this up with an estimate of Cornwall's total population. In addition, information on the bird's nesting habitat was collected. METHODS A team of 31 volunteers were asked to take on sections of the coast and other areas. The whole of the coast was theoretically covered but, in the event, some stretches were not surveyed. A standard proforma was used to standardise the information collected. These forms asked the location of the pairs, the six figure grid reference, the nest scrub type, the nest scrub height and a brief description of the immediate habitat. An example of what was required was given on each form. Surveyors were asked to visit their sections on at least one occasion during June 1993. The survey only asked for a minimum effort over a comparatively long time period to maximise the chance of full coverage. The month of June was chosen to ensure that the birds would be noisy and hence easy to locate. Akers and Chown (1984) had problems locating birds until at least the second week of May. There was no risk of missing the breeding season because stonechats regularly produce 3 broods, breeding continuing well into August (BWP, 1988).

RESULTS Number of Pairs The results, figs I-ffl below, represent territory holding pairs; breeding success was not part of this survey (although many workers did record this). For this survey coastal pairs have been defined as those within 1 km of the shore line. As fig I shows, West Pen with held the densest population. If 'inland' sites were added to this, the number would almost double. Matt Southam found 66 pairs in this area. The number of coastal pairs for the sections surveyed totalled 232, the mean was 0.74 per km for the 314 kms of coast surveyed.

Nesting Habitat Figs IV-V show the results of the habitat survey, the height ranges chosen by the birds and the nest vegetation types chosen. Original Raw Data The original collected data holds more information than is shown here. It is necessary to keep this report as condensed and concise as possible to enable its publication in the CBWPS's Annual Report. The raw data will be made available for further analysis/reference at the Cornwall Biological Records Unit.

- 161 - FIG I: RESULTS FOR COASTAL SURVEY (within 1 km of the sea)

Coastal Area/Section No. of Approx. Pairs per possible linear km pairs distance 1. Marsland Mouth to Bude 10 11km 0.90 2. Bude to Cleave Strand N/S 12km - 3. Cleave Strand to Boscastle 10 14km 0.71 4. Boscastle to Trebarwith Strand 8 11km 0.73 5. Trebarwith Strand to Port Quin 20 13km 1.54 6. Port Quin to Rock 10 13km 0.77 7. Padstow to Park Head 18 19km 0.95 8. Park Head to Newquay 8 15km 0.53 9. Newquay to Perranporth 5 14km 0.53 10. Perranporth to Porthtowan 15 14km 1.10 11. Porthtowan to Hells Mouth 10 14km 0.71 12. Hells Mouth to St Ives 6 13km 0.46 13. St Ives to Pendeen 35 18km 1.94 14. Pendeen to Cape Cornwall 3 5km 0.60 15. Cape Cornwall to Newlyn N/S 30km - 16. Newlyn to Porthleven 2 21km 0.09 17. Porthleven to 11 11km 1.00 18. Mullion Cove to Landewednack 16 15km 1.07 19. Landewednack to St Anthony Head N/S 25km - 20. Rosemullion Head to Falmouth 0 10km 0 21. Zone Point to Nare Head 5 14km 0.36 22. Nare Head to Dodman Head 15 12km 1.25 23. Dodman Point to Fowey 11 26km 0.42 24. Polruan to Looe N/S 17km - 25. Looe to Battern Cliff 3 10km 0.30 26. Battern Cliff to Port Wrinkle N/S 5km - 27. Portwrinkle to Polhawn Cove 5 10km 0.50 28. Polhawn Cove to Cremyll 6 11km 0.54 N/S = Not surveyed. Total distance surveyed = 314 km Total distance for estimate = 403 km Total number of coastal pairs = 232 % not surveyed = 22 % Mean pairs per km = 0./4 % surveyed = 78%

FIG H: MISCELLANEOUS INLAND RESULTS

Area No of Pairs Area No of Pairs Penwith Moors 31 Bodmin Moor 20 Kit Hill 5 (N.B. Bodmin not fully surveyed) Airfield 4 Cadsonbury 1 Helman Tor 1 Clay Pits 1 Newlyn East Downs 1 Loe Pool 1 Prcdannack Airfield 1 Bodmin Radio Station 0 Rosenannon Downs 0 Gwenny Moor 0 (Total = 66)

FIG III: ISLES OF SCILLY RESULTS Area No of Pairs Area No of Pairs 3 St Helens 1 St Martins 3 St Marys 5 Tresco 8 St Agnes 3 (Total = 23) N.B. A survey in 1974 found 36 pairs on 5 islands, the total estimate for all islands was 80 pairs. (Penhallurick, 1978)

- 162 - FIG IV: NEST SITE, VEGETATION SPECIES CHOSEN Nest Scrub Type Cornwall Devon Mainly Home NB. Where two 1993 1975 counties species are given % of total % of total Ayrshire and it was not clear Channel Isles which species was used 1977 % of total Gorse 160 52.8% 35.5% Gorse/Bramble 29 9.6% Bramble 19 6.3% Blackthorn 14 4.6% Gorse/Heather 12 4.0% Bracken 11 3.6% 10.3% Gorse/Blackthorn 11 3.6% Bramble/bracken 9 3.0% Gorse/Bracken 9 3.0% Mixed scrub (?) 9 3.0% Bramble/Blackthorn 7 2.3% Tall herbs/Long grass 4 1.3% 21.6% Heather/Bracken 3 0.9% Heather 2 0.6% 20.8 Bramble/Heather 2 0.6% Broom 1 0.3% Hawthorn 1 0.3% Gorse/Privet 1 0.3%

TOTAL GORSE RELATED 222 76% 66% TOTAL BRAMBLE RELATED 66 22% 23% TOTAL NO.OF PAIRS 303 310 523

FIG V: NEST SCRUB HEIGHT

DISCUSSION Number of Pairs If the unsurveyed coastal sections are multiplied by the mean of the surveyed sections, then added to the coastal survey total, an estimate for Cornwall's coastal population is obtained. This figure, for June 1993, works out at 298 pairs. To estimate a figure for the whole county, it is necessary to bring in past surveys. In 1984 Akers and Chown found 211 pairs on Bodmin Moor, whilst Cave, Lawman and McCartney found 56 pairs in the Lizard district in 1982 (Cave, 1985). The inland results from this survey (minus Bodmin Moor) can also be added along with a 'guessed' 50 pair for miscellaneous unfound pairs. This brings an estimated total, in a good/reasonable season, to 660 pairs for mainland Cornwall.

- 163- It is interesting to compare this figure with that estimate for Devon in the late '70s of 600-800 pairs (Davies, 1988). The latest estimate for the whole of Britain is 8,500- 21,500 pairs (Callion, 1993). Hence, Cornwall holds an estimated 3% - 8% of the British population. Population levels are obviously going to fluctuate from year to year, particularly after a severe winter. In fact, in the month prior to the survey, we suffered heavy cloudbursts which may have affected the results. However, at least we now have a baseline estimate for future monitoring and some idea of Cornwall's importance, for this bird, on a national level. The information listed in fig I can be used as a baseline for monitoring sample sections of the coastal population.

Habitat (figs IV-\0 The type of nesting vegetation chosen by the stonechats in this study shows a major difference to that chosen in the study by Fuller and Glue, 1977. Open grass is much less used in Cornwall as is heather (although much of the Lizard, which is heather-rich, was not surveyed). Gorse and bramble proved more important in Cornwall. This becomes more apparent if all the gorse and bramble associated habitats are added together. These new figures give 76 % gorse associated, 22 % bramble associated. Since the Devon study refers to gorse and bramble associated habitats, I have compared those results with these new figures. As fig IV shows, these are very similar for the 2 counties. Habitat choice seems obviously linked to regional availability. The favoured heights of scrub, shown in fig V, underline the need for careful but active management of gorse and other scrub by cutting and burning. They probably relate to vegetation density, hence 'concealability', for nesting and perch height. Perches are important to stonechats, both as song posts and as launching platforms for catching food (BWP, 1988).

SUMMARY A. A total of 314 kms of Cornwall's coast and a number of inland areas were surveyed for numbers of pairs and nesting habitat. The Isles of Scilly were also surveyed. B. Cornwall's coastal population was estimated at 298 pairs. A total of 23 pairs was found on the Isles of Scilly. C. A total of 660 pairs, 3% - 8% of the British population, was estimated for mainland Cornwall.

D. Gorse and bramble were found to be particularly important in Cornwall for nesting stonechats.

DEREK LORD C.B.W.P.S. RESEARCH OFFICER

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Society is indebted to the following who carried out the field work for this survey: I Berry, D Brown, S Bury, G Campion, P Christie, S Christophers, D Conway, B Craven, T Dingle, S Ford, G Hobin, D Julian, S Large, M Lawson, M Lee, D Lewis, D Lord, I Mathews, R Moule, A Pay, A Philips, P Roberts, G Sabran, P Spong, G Thomas, V Tomlinson, W Wagstaff, M and R Wilsher, R Wilson, W Youle. Special thanks to Matt Southham who covered a particularly large area. Thanks to D Balmer (BTO), J Waldon (RSPB), J Stewart (EN), S Christophers (CBWPS) and the CBRU for references. Thanks are also due to D Attwell (NCDC) for

- 164- information on Bodmin Moor, P McCartney (CWT) for habitat information and M Hosegood (NT) for typing this report. REFERENCES AKERS, P and CHOWN D 1984. The Breeding Birds of Bodmin Moor, pages 55-56. Cornwall Trust for Nature Conservation Report.

BATTEN, BIBBY, CLEMENT, ELLIOTT and PORTER 1990. The Red Data Book Pub: TandAPoyser. CALLION, J 1993. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds, pages 8-9 Pub: TandAPoyser B.W.P. 1988. Birds of the Western Paleartic, Volume V, pages 737-751. OUP CAVE, BS, LAWMAN, JM and McCARTNEY 1985. Lizard Project, pages 49-50. Bristol University. DA VIES, S G F 1988. Tetrad Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Devon, pages 190-191 Pub: Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society FULLER R J and GLUE D E. The Breeding Biology of the Stonechat and Whine hat. Bird Study 24, pages 215-228.

MAGEE, J D 1965. The Breeding Distribution of the Stonechat in Britain and the Causes of its Decline. Bird Study 12, pages 83-89.

PENHALLURICK, R 1978. The Birds of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Headland Printers.

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