CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Fifty-Eighth Annual Report 1988

St. George Printing Works Ltd., . Tel: 217033 Contents

Page

Officers for 1989 3 Chairmans Report 4 Treasurers Report 8 Editorial and Review of the Year 10 Contributors 17 Species List for 1988 19 Exotica 125 B.B.R.C. Decisions 125 1988 Wilson's Triangle Report 126 The Aquatic Warbler in 132 and the Isles of Stilly Willow Warblers with orange bare parts 135 Ringing Report 1988 136 Systematic List 139 A study of acrocephalus warblers at 141 Marsh 1988 The Society's Rules 143 Officers 1989 - 90

President Sir Alan Dalton, C.B.E., D.L., . Chairman L.A. Smith, 21 Vicarage Meadows, . Vice Chairman N.R. Phillips, 8 The Warren, St Ives. General Secretary A.R. Pay, 13 Tregellas Road, Mullion. Treasurer and Registrar A.F. Reynolds, 33 Treworder Road, Truro. Field Meetings Officer D.L. Thomas, Mirador, Whitecross, . Conservation Officer A.R. Pay, 13 Tregellas Road, Mullion. Asst. Conservation Officer Vacant. Newsletter Editor F.M. Couch, 29 Roman Drive, Officer for Youth and Education Alma C. Hathway, Langurra, Meadow End, Green Lane, , Newquay. Recorder and Editor 'Birds in Cornwall' Stanley M. Christophers, 5 Newquay Road, . Asst. Editor E. J. Cook, 7 Tretheway Way, Newquay. Joint Secretary, Recorders and Editors ' Bird Report' W. H. Wagstaff, 16 Ennor Close, Old Town, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly. and M.J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, , St Ives. Committee Members R. Butts (Mullion) and B.T. Craven (Launceston) retire 1990; J.A. Jane (Truro), J.E. Millett (), D. Penwarden (Truro), G.P. Sutton () and B.C. Wotton (Newquay) retire 1991; D.G. Conway (Bodmin) and S.C. Hutchings (Penryn) retire 1992. (The positions of Minutes Secretary and Public Relations Officer remain vacant).

3 CHAIRMANS REPORT 1989

Having given over 50 years of service to the Society, Dr Franklin Coombs has decided to retire as President.

To pay tribute in full to his enormous contribution would need several pages of this report, but it is important to record that Dr Coombs has been President since 1972, prior to which he was Chairman. He is a past council member of the British Trust for Ornithology, and past Chairman of the Committee for Coastal Conservation in the South West. He is a founder member together with Sir Peter Scott, of the Society of Wildlife Artists. Throughout the years he has contributed numerous articles and illustrations to various publications and to learned societies, and is the author of "The Crows" a standard work. Always a charming companion, he has unhesitatingly given his time and experience to the study of ornithology, and to the passing on of this knowledge to his fellow birdwatchers, from the youngest to the more elderly. To many Franklin is the C.B.W.P.S. and I am sure that he will still be ready and willing to give us the advantage of his wisdom for many years to come.

In recognition of his life long contribution, Dr Coombs has been unanimously elected an Honorary Member of the Society.

Sir Alan Dalton, C.B.E., D.L. has been elected President, he is a long standing member, and a keen birder when time allows. He is Deputy Lieutenant of the County and has a keen interest in conservation.

As the accounts show, the Society is financially sound, and membership level is being maintained. This shows we have a loyal following. Today there is a proliferation of conservation bodies all competing for membership. We are the oldest society solely dedicated to the preservation and study of birds in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Immediately preceding the last A.G.M. we were informed by the farmer on whose land our Tregunna hide stood on the south bank of the Camel, that it would have to be moved forthwith. This was a blow, but as I reported, we were hoping that an alternative site could be found. It gives me great pleasure to report that the hide has been re-sited, thanks to the co-operation of Cornwall County Council and the countryside ranger, Dave Lewis, assisted by Dick Lobb, Adrian Langdon and two committee members, Dave Thomas and Francis Couch. This was achieved at no cost to the Society, but with a lot of effort by all concerned. It was decided as an experiment to leave the hide open so that it could be used by all users of the Camel Trail. There has been some mindless vandalism, our record book was burned, and other minor nuisances caused, but we are watching the situation very carefully and we hope that our faith is justified.

A new hide has been ordered from the Duchy Woodlands, and it is at present awaiting erection on site at near the "Golden Lion". This will provide additional viewing in a most interesting area. It is hoped that Dave Thomas and others will once again provide the muscle power. We rely heavily on voluntary work, which is greatly appreciated.

On the subject of hides, a new one at Drift has been agreed, and planning 4 permission approved. The hide is on order, and it follows similar dimensions to the Stithians hide.

The Committee have spent considerable time discussing the Walmsely Sanctuary, and the problems concerned with the retention of water to maintain a wetland habitat, during the winter months. It was finally resolved to commission a formal drainage report from A.D.A.S. On receipt of which the Committee has authorised up to £3,000 to be set aside for improvements, and estimates are being sought. The Committee have appointed a small sub-committee comprising Andy Pay, Francis Couch, Bruce Wotton and Alma Hathway to progress.

In view of these developments it was agreed to defer the erection of a hide for which planning permission was received.

During the year the Society was represented at the Royal Cornwall Show, the C.T.N.C. Country Fair, and the Truro Green Fair. These gave an opportunity to make our work known and to meet old friends and make new ones.

The Society donated £150 towards the cost of a new hide situated at St Johns Lake. Steve Madge has provided details of access, together with a map which are set out in the Spring 1989 Newsletter.

During the year the Restormal Borough Council granted a long lease for the development of a caravan site at Par. This was despite considerable local opposition. The Society made representations to ensure that the reed beds and pond would be protected. Although it is understood that development will not reach the ponds and beds, and that the public will still have access, it is expected that as developments take place, increased disturbance is inevitable.

Our two youngest Committee members, James Millett and Jonathon Jane are currently pursuing their University Courses. During the summer vacation they spent considerable time and effort at Stithians to improve the habitat in the vicinity of the existing hides. Subsequently James produced a detailed report setting out proposals which were considered by the Committee. A sum of up to £1,000 was approved to effect improvements which cannot be achieved by human effort alone, however dedicated.

The Privatisation of Water Authorities and the probable detrimental affects for Conservation and access concerned the Committee, and letters are being drafted to South West M.P.'s expressing the Society's fears and requesting their assistance in maintaining adequate safeguards. I would recommend members who are concerned to write both to their M.P.'s and S.W.W. for assurances.

Mrs S. Johns who retired as the Society's Officer for Youth and Education, after long service, has returned to the Society six volumes of British Birds. Alma Hathway has taken custody of the books which are available to all members on request.

The Society is watching with interest the development at , and we sincerely hope that this renowned, and nationally known area is preserved for future generations of bird watchers. Representation to the local M.P. has been made on behalf of the Society.

Ruth and Dick Poynton have been organising the Joint CBWPS/RSPB evening programmes of meetings for many years, and have at last decided to retire. They 5 have done a first class job and we are most grateful for their work. Alma Hathway and Dave Thomas have agreed to take on the job.

Since the death of our late Honorary Secretary, Bill Woodward, his widow Joan has been responsible for the despatch of literature and reports, etc., to members. This is a most onerous task, which she has continued to undertake until now, and she has regrettably decided that the last sack of mail has left her door.

We are most grateful for the service which you have continued to give, most efficiently. Don Penwarden has agreed to step into the breach.

At the time of writting this report, I have received a letter from Dave Flumm resigning from the post of Conservation Officer. He has carried out this job with skill and dedication, and has represented the Society on many occasions. With the other work in which he is involved, he feels that he is not able to give this level of service. He has been a most loyal Committee Member, who always presents a balanced, and rational approach to conservation in the current most disturbing climate.

Thanks to all Committee members for their support during the year and especially to the recorders for collating and producing the excellent reports which are the hallmark of the Society.

Finally thanks to our members for their continuing support, without which there would be no C.B.W.P.S.

Leslie Smith

6 7 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1988

1987 1988 £ £ P £ P INCOME

3,567 Annual Membership 3,602.00 _ Life membership 150 542 Tax refund on covenanted subscriptions 1987 .. 616

4,109 4,368 221 Donations 406 350 Rent, Walmsley Sanctuary 350 32 31 52 Cornwall County Council Bonds - 1,734 1,648 390 643 28 16

2,236 2,338 Other Income 1,067 Sale of Annual Reports — Scilly 1,491 369 — Mainland 333 158 Other Sales and income 129 1,594 1,953

8,510 9,415 Less: EXPENDITURE Annual Reports, 1987: 1,760 Mainland 2,120 1,410 Scilly 1,454 280 News Letters 304 271 Other Printing and Stationery 396 711 Postages and Telephone 834 200 Rents, Licences and Insurance 264 67 Hire of rooms for meetings 55 19 Hide expenses 138 Subscriptions and donations 128 to Societies 74 12 Goods for resale 77 378 Stithians improvements - New Hide, Stithians 897 400 Miscellaneous 264

5^636 6,877 2,874 2,538 Less: Contributions and Donations 250 CTNC Bird Surveys 100 120 Royal Institution Bird Exhibits — 370 100 £2,504 EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE £2,438

8 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1988

1986 £ £ P £ P INVESTMENTS £902.24 3i°/o War Loan at market price at 339 31st December, 1988 354 18,530 NSB Investment Account 11,577

118,869 11,931 148 DEBTORS 332 335 STOCK at cost 281 BANK BALANCES 3,000 Charities Deposit Fund 12,700 152 Bank Deposit Account - 155 Current Account 558 - Cash in Hand - 3,307 13,258

22,659 25,802 Less: LIABILITIES 379 Subscriptions received in advance 254 8 Sundry Creditors 823

387 1,077

£22,272 NET ASSETS £24,725 ACCUMULATED FUNDS Balance at 31st December, 1987 22,272 Add: Excess of Income over Expenditure for year 2,438

24,710 Add: Increase in Market Value of War Loan 15

£22,272 £24,725

NOTE: The Society also owns land at Trethias Island and Walmsley Sanctuary in addition to the assets shown in this Balance Sheet.

REPORT OF THE AUDITORS TO CORNWALL BIRDWATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY

We have audited the above Balance Sheet and attached Income and Expenditure Account in accordance with approved auditing standards. In our opinion, the above Balance Sheet and attached Income and Expenditure Account give a true and fair view of the state of the Society's affairs at 31st December 1988, and of its surplus Income over Expenditure for the year then ended. Whitaker, Redfearn, Pappin & Co.

9 EDITORIAL and REVIEW of the YEAR

285 species and 15 distinctive sub-species or races were reported during 1988 and found to be acceptable.

About 270 observers (easily surpassing the record set in 1987) submitted an absolute welter of records, the vast majority of which were of a very high standard. Particularly gratifying was the number of instances in which acceptable descriptions were appended to claims of county rarities. Hopefully this is a trend which will continue to develop. Remember, without accompanying detail your records will not be published.

Crag Martin was added to the British List and Radde's Warbler and Blackpoll Warbler were added to the county mainland list.

Black - browed Albatross and Ross's Gull were noted for the second time, White- billed Diver and Black Stork for the third and Marsh Warbler, Northern Parula and Black Stork (again) for the fourth.

Reports of several other major rarities, notably Herald Petrel, Red-throated Pipit, Desert Wheatear, Great Reed Warbler and Gray Catbird have all been notified to BBRC but no decision has yet been notified. Other highlights of the year included a sparkling diversity in the brightest April for years and a fine array of raptors during May. Autumn was characterized by excellent seawatching and record passages of many passerines.

On the debit side no Chough was reported this year and Grey Partridge and Corn Bunting which occupy the same habitat on the North coast were both drastically reduced and causing grave concern.

Cetti's Warblers apparently failed to breed at Marazion, no Dartford Warbler was found after early March and no Woodlarks were seen at traditional sites during the breeding season. Cirl Bunting, Puffin, Nightjar and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker all teeter on the brink of local extirpation. There was much improved coverage of Barn Owls this year but the species remains constantly at risk. Pied Flycatcher numbers were down at , but there does now appear to be small flourishing pockets of birds elsewhere in the Bodmin area and more thorough coverage of the wooded upper reaches of the Fowey, Camel and Allen rivers might reveal a burgeoning population.

After a series of disastrous years Stonechats have fought back well and should recover even further in 1989. Canada Geese continued their inexorable colonisation of the waters of East Cornwall and Great Crested Grebes bred on both of the Tamar Lakes.

Finally, after many years of reporting a declining Yellowhammer population there was a quite dramatic and unexpected upswing in the species' fortunes this year.

1988 opened where 1987 had left off. Severe gales 'wrecked' many seabirds, including the latest ever Leach's Petrel, many Great Skuas and Little Auks and associated pelagic species. Regrettably, numerous Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Guillemots were badly oiled. 10 Overwintering birds included a few unusual wildfowl, a Marsh Harrier, two Ring-billed Gulls and a Richard's Pipit.

Apart from one night of frost in mid month which brought in a Bittern, a Ruddy Duck and half a dozen Smew it was a very mild and largely uneventful month. A Black Guillemot at St Ives on 9th had probably been displaced by the earlier gales. The first major rarity of the year was a Bonaparte's Gull located at on 31st and remaining into February but attracting very little attention.

Other gull passage was very interesting with several Glaucous, Iceland and Mediterranean gulls plus the initial build up of what was to prove an impressive migration of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Notable passerines included small numbers of Black Redstart, Chiffchaff, Firecrest and Siskin, up to twenty Snow Bunting, and Lapland Buntings at four North coast sites. Conversely there was only one report of Brambling, whilst winter thrush flocks, particularly Redwings, were predictably small.

The climate was so mild that several butterfly species, including Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Painted Lady were influenced to emerge many weeks earlier than normal.

The mild weather continued for the first three weeks of February before we experienced a second brief and uneventful cold spell. Very few new birds arrived during the month. There was the expected passage of gulls including a few each of Mediterranean, Ring-billed and Glaucous.

A splendid White-billed Diver was located in on 8th and remained for two weeks. During its stay it was frequently accompanied by Great Northern Divers allowing direct comparison between these similar species. Not surprisingly other good birds including Black Guillemot and Little Auk were found in the bay.

Also found during the month was the only other Bittern of the first winter period; this one at the seemingly unlikely location of Reservoir; and a gaggle of six Barnacle Geese which flew over Bude and later found refuge at Colliford Reservoir.

March is normally one of the less eventful bird months, but not so this year. Although, (at the risk of sounding boring), the weather remained generally mild and damp with mainly westerly to northerly winds there was several days of bright sunshine.

The month produced what would have been the star bird of the spring, (had it not been for a certain raptor in May), in the shape of a magical Ross's Gull. After the St Ives fly-past by an adult in 1977, it seemed that the species would never again grace the county. However this year's bird was seen by hundreds at Poldhu Cove before moving to Swanpool for a brief sojourn on its journey to Plymouth (Amazingly, another has occurred early in 1989!). Another exceptional bird was a White Stork at Camel Est. on 9th - the earliest ever county mainland record. Lesser Black-backed Gull numbers continued to rise with an impressive maximum of 1246 at Camel Est. on 13th. Otherwise mid March was fairly quiet; most winter species having departed and few summer visitors having arrived. After Sandwich Tern on 12th, the next to put in an appearance were the hirundines - House Martin on 15th, Sand Martin on 19th and Swallow on 20th. Chiffchaff and Wheatear were about two weeks later than normal with first arrivals on 24th and 25th respectively.

The only Great Grey Shrike of the year was reported on 19th, there was a Garganey at Tamar Lake on 24th, a very early Kentish Plover at Swanpool on 27th and the first of nine spring Hoopoes at the same spot on 28th. The first two of five spring Red Kites soared over on 29th. 11 April was a splendid month both weather-wise and bird-wise. Temperature may not have been especially high but it was a dry, bright and sunny month with winds from a predominantly easterly quarter. Early in the month there were 'falls' of Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler plus the first Ring Ouzel and early Redstart and Sedge Warbler. Three Spoonbills noted inland in the Draynes Valley on 2nd peregrinated around the East of the county, dropping in indiscriminately at such diverse habitats as Colliford Reservoir and Fowey Estuary.

A good count of 25 Great Northern Divers had assembled at Bay but it was the summer birds which grabbed the headlines.

Other very early arrivals included an Alpine Swift at and a Cuckoo at - both on 4th, a brilliant male Golden Oriole at -in-Pydar on 7th, a Whitethroat at and Yellow Wagtail at Par on 9th and a Hobby at Dunmere on 10th. Another notable arrival was the second Bonaparte's Gull of the year; this one at Hayle Est. on 6th.

Spring passage started in earnest from 15th with new arrivals almost daily. There was a Wryneck at Rumford on 15th, Tree Pipit at Upper Fowey Valley on 16th, Goshawk at on 17th, the first of a good spring passage of Grasshopper Warblers and the first of up to seven Little Egrets on 18th. There was a brief respite before gale force easterlies dumped an array of migrants including Tawny Pipit, Dotterel, Lesse Whitethroat and Wood Warbler at on 23rd.

The legacy of this gale became obvious over the ensuing few days as Purple Heron at , Little Bittern at Nanquidno, White Stork near Nanquidno, Montagu's Harrier at St Johns Lake and Subalpine Warbler at were all reported.

Generally dry and settled weather accompanied by brilliant sunshine and temperatures soaring into the 70's persisted for much of May but towards the end of the month prevailing south westerlies returned with a subsequent paucity of new migrants.

The selection of species was even better than April with raptors in the vanguard. Four Marsh Harries, four Ospreys, a Montagu's Harrier, a Honey Buzzard and eight Hobby provided perfect back-up for the star bird of spring - a most obliging female Red-footed Falcon which enthralled hundreds during its two week stay at Goonhilly.

Garganey is normally the rarest duck to be encountered in May but a drake Blue- winged Teal at on 17th and at Marazion from 19th was totally unexpected.

In a very poor year for Quail (only three) the first was at on 18th whilst a Corncrake lingered for two weeks at Zelah.

Wader species were scarce but an incredible recent series of Black-winged Stilts was maintained by one at Hayle Est. on 3rd. Rare passerines included a well-watched Savi's Warbler at Par from 4th, Woodchat Shrikes at on 6th and 14th and Kenidjack on 13th, a Serin at Porthgwarra on 8th, a Subalpine Warbler at Lizard on 13th, a flashy Ashy-headed Wagtail at Marazion on 15th and a jaunty Red-backed Shrike at on 17th. June was typical of recent years with cold northerly winds on many days and a dearth of new arrivals. Nonetheless the county's third ever Black Stork soared over Porthgwarra and a first for Britain, a Crag Martin was well described during its brief stay at on 22nd. A Woodchat Shrike was located near Porthtowan and the first five of an excellent autumn passage of Crossbills were seen at Croft Pascoe. July was an exceptionally quiet bird month and an abysmal month weatherwise. Most interesting reports concerned seabirds displaced by gales and of particular interest were a few Sooty Shearwaters and Storm Petrels early in the month and Cory's, Great and Sooty shearwaters late in the month.

12 August, normally the sunniest of the summer months was again punctuated by unsettled weather. Heavy rain on several days ensured that reservoir water levels remained high precluding feeding by many waders.

Bird movement was light early in the month although an adult Sabine's Gull on 2nd was the forerunner of another excellent autumn passage of this scintillating gull. Birds started to arrive from the Continent from about 9th when a Spotted Crake was spotted at Marazion. There was an Aquatic Warbler at the same site on 10th and a White-winged Black Tern at Bude. Marazion was definitely the place to watch at this time with an early Bittern from 11th, another Spotted Crake on 12th, a Marsh Warbler on 17th and another Aquatic Warbler on 24th. A quiet spell towards the end of the month was broken by the county's second ever Black- browed Albatross which circled the Runnelstone off Porthgwarra for long enough to be identified on 30th. Unusual waders started to appear and included Pectoral Sandpipers at Stithians and and a Temminck's Stint at Marsh.

Gales at the beginning of September provided a fair sea-passage off the North coast on 2nd. Prominent off St Ives were a Great Shearwater, 119 Sooty Shearwater, seven Leach's Petrel, two Long-tailed Skua and fourteen Sabine's Gulls. This gale undoubtedly accounted for the Baird's Sandpipers at Stithians Reservoir on 4th. Birds from the east were also beginning to show and included a Barred Warbler and the first of a record passage of 27 Wrynecks. Passerine migration started to get into full swing from 7th and there was a true 'purple patch' for several days. Single Tawny Pipit, Ring Ouzel and Bluethroat plus two each of Melodious Warbler and Nightingale were noted. Also prominent was the first of the autumn's eight Ortolan Buntings, the first of a record-breaking passage of Siskin and the now customary early September record of Lapland Buntings.

The only American Golden Plover of the year was a fine adult at Camel Est Sept 10th. Notable sea-watches continued with excellent numbers of unusual species on 12th, 13th and 23rd but culminating in an amazing day total of 705 Sooty Shearwaters off Pendeen on 28th. Also much in evidence were 22 Leach's Petrels, eleven Great Shearwaters and fifteen Sabine's Gulls and another potential first for the Western Palearctic in the shape of a Herald Petrel. Interspersed with the sea-watches, several Nearctic waders were located and a Blue-winged Teal was identified at Stithians Reservoir. Maer Lake proved the most magnetic site for the waders inducing not only two Pectoral Sandpipers but also single Semipalmated Sandpiper and Wilson's Phalarope. A Pectoral Sandpiper also appeared at Hayle Est, another Semipalmated Sandpiper was well-watched at and the enigmatic Buff-breasted Sandpiper was represented, once again, by a solitary specimen near Kynance. From the east came two Serins on 17th, two very early Yellow-browed Warblers on 18th and single Richard's Pipit and Red-breasted Flycatcher on 20th. The 20th also provided the second Black Stork of the year and a grounded Saker at Porthgwarra which eventually flew to reveal the accoutrements of its' captive origin.

One of the features of the autumn to date had been the generally small flocks of most water species, but one exception was Bar-tailed Godwit which had been present in above average numbers and which peaked at a county record flock of 470 at Camel Est. on 18th.

After the gale of 28th the first of an extraordinary passage of Snow Buntings was noted and the following day a Red-eyed Vireo showed at Porthgwarra.

October, with its changing weather pattern provided the anticipated feast of bird watching associated with that month.

Although starting rather quietly, sea-watching was the order of the day on 5th, 13 6th, 7th and 9th. Of the many species seen in high numbers the most notable were four Red-necked Phalaropes off Pendeen on 7th and 40 Leach's Petrels there on 9th, whilst at St Ives on 7th there was 74 Grey Phalaropes, 98 Pomarine Skuas, three Long-tailed Skuas and 18 Sabine's Gulls.

One fortunate observer who did not sea-watch on 9th, located a superb female Northern Parula in .

Probably the most significant day of the whole autumn was Oct 11th - a day of east to south easterly winds and a deluge of rain. Intrepid early morning visitors to Cot, in search of the Parula, soon became aware of a substantial fall of small passerines. This scenario was repeated at Nanquidno, Porthgwarra, Lizard and and to a lesser extent at Rame Head. Amongst hundreds of Blackcaps, including 250 at Porthgwarra alone, there were numerous Chiffchaffs and Goldcrests, at least thirteen Yellow-browed Warblers, four Red-breasted Flycatchers and record numbers of Firecrests. The following day most birds had moved on but were being replaced by larger fare, including a Pink-footed Goose at Lizard, at least seven White-fronted Geese at Widemouth and Treyarnon bays and four Barnacle Geese at Porthgwarra.

A Marsh Harrier at Nanquidno on 13th was the first of a parcel of good raptors which included a long-staying Red Kite at Siblyback, another at Kennack Sands, a Marsh Harrier at Stithians Res., a Goshawk at Siblyback and a Honey Buzzard at Nanquidno. Stithians continued its excellent autumn form with an American Wigeon from 19th and a Richard's Pipit on 25th. However, Porthgwarra dominated throughout October, with two firsts for the county mainland - a Blackpoll Warbler on 14th and a Radde's Warbler from 17th. Neither was totally unexpected, nor was a Pallas's Warbler there on 28th.

Five Pink-footed Geese flying up the Tamar Est. was a most unusual occurrence, as was the presence of up to ten Hawflinches late in the month. At about this time a flock of seventeen Twite was reported near St Just and a county record flock of 60 Snow Buntings were seen flying over Porth Mear. Other rarities included at least two Spoonbills, four Red-rumped Swallows, single Red-backed Shrike and Rose-coloured Starling, a very late Grasshopper Warbler and yet another potential U.K. first; a reported Gray Catbird at Cot Valley on 28th.

The first week of November continued in much the same vein. The first of the largest influx of Long-tailed Ducks since 1937/8 was noted, a Corncrake was flushed at Lizard on 2nd, a fast-disappearing Desert Wheatear was reported from on 5th, a Pallas's Warbler graced Swanpool on 9th and an exceptionally late Reed Warbler was at Smith the same day.

Mid-month was mainly wet and windy, but from 18th colder air from the north brought in the first noticeable influx of wildfowl including better than average numbers of Eider.

Elsewhere in many parts of the U.K. Waxwings had been present in their best numbers for years and their arrival in Cornwall was eagerly anticipated. Unfortunately we were to be disappointed; very few penetrated the West Country and there was only one reliable report from Cornwall - one at on 27th.

December was again unseasonably mild and largely uneventful. A storm on 6th brought in the county's latest ever Cory's Shearwater off Newquay but there was precious little else to enthuse over. Christmas Eve produced a dead Long-eared Owl at Newquay but apart from five Ring-billed Gulls and the year's third Bonaparte's Gull, 1988 ended on a quiet note.

Thanks To all who made a contribution to this Report, but especially: 14 John Cook for assistance with recording the section Red-legged Partridge to House Martin.

Bob Salmon for the Ringing Report, Dave Flumm for Wildfowl Counts, drawings and his article, Peter Harrison and Bernard Pattenden for articles, John Walters, James Millett, Ashleigh Fisher, James Smith and Steve Bird for drawings.

Adrian Langdon and Paul Hopkins for photographs.

Dave Flumm, Ted Griffiths, Roger Smaldon, Victor Tucker and Steve Madge for considerable advice and decisions on county rarities and contentious records.

Rarities Reports of national rarities must be accompanied by a full description, preferably notes 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 possible, be submitted on the appropriate form obtainable from the Recorder or from the Secretary to B.B.R.C., M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, Cornwall, TR26 3AZ.

Reports of county rarities must be accompanied by a full field description - too often it is necessary to disregard records not substantiated by field notes.

County rarities requiring field notes include:

Red-necked Grebe Ring-billed Gull Black-necked Grebe Iceland Gull Leach's Petrel Glaucous Gull Cory's Shearwater Roseate Tern Great Shearwater Arctic Tern Bittern Black Guillemot Purple Heron Little Auk White Stork Long-eared Owl Garganey Woodlark Velvet Scoter Richard's Pipit Ruddy Duck Tawny Pipit All grey geese Water Pipit Snow Goose Variants of Yellow Wagtail Honey Buzzard Nightingale Red Kite Bluethroat Marsh Harrier Cetti's Warbler Montagu's Harrier Savi's Warbler Goshawk Aquatic Warbler Hobby Barred Warbler Spotted Crake Icterine Warbler Corncrake Melodious Warbler Crane Yellow-browed Warbler Little Ringed Plover Wood Warbler Kentish Plover Red-breasted Flycatcher Dotterel Willow Tit Temminck's Stint Golden Oriole Pectoral Sandpiper Chough Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tree Sparrow Red-necked Phalarope Serin Pomarine Skua Scarlet Rosefinch Long-tailed Skua Lapland Bunting Mediterranean Gull Ortolan Bunting Sabine's Gull Cirl Bunting

15 Additionally, the Recorder may at any time request full details of an unusual occurrence.

Records should follow the order shown in this Report; not in alphabetical order or diary form. Adherence to these basic guidelines will greatly facilitate the extraction of information from your notes.

Records for 1989 should be sent to the Recorder by 15th January 1990 at the very latest. However to assist in the early publication of the Report I would be pleased to receive the bulk of records at any time during the current year.

Finally, I apologise for any errors or omissions which are attributable to me. I welcome any constructive criticism or idea which might improve the Report.

Stanley Christophers

WILDFOWL COUNTS

Under a number of wildfowl species the reader will note the inclusion of tables of monthly counts for the winter period 1988/89.

It will become apparent whilst comparing the figures in the tables with maximum counts under the main entry for the species that there is frequently a considerable anomaly in the counts. This is a problem which seems insurmountable in that the wildfowl counts are conducted on just one day per month, and that may not necessarily be the 'best' day. Nevertheless the counts provide a very valuable source of regular data for a number of important sites.

The counts in Cornwall are organised by D.S. Flumm of 52 Porthia Road, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2JB.

27 sites were covered during 1988/89. No counts were received for Carrick Roads, Fowey Est., Gannel Est., or Drift Res.

Apart from the last named locality where coverage has been arranged for next winter, help is still needed for these other important wetland sites. If you feel that you can assist please contact me at the above address. The Wildfowl Counts are organised by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and are made on a set Sunday, once a month only and provide an invaluable source of data for our wildfowl populations which are currently under considerable threat from various development proposals.

Areas covered and their counters for 1988/89 are as follows: Lynher Est. - B. Chugg; St Johns Lake - S.C. Madge; Siblyback Res. and Est. - J.H. Finch; Colliford Res. and - D. Conway; Crowdy Res. - B.T. Craven; Camel Est. - M. Lawson; Porth Res. - R.H. Poynton; Par Pools - P. Searle; and Truro Rivers - P.S. Christie; Argal and College Res. - D.J. Lidstone; Stithians Res. - A. Langford; Swanpool, Restronguet and Helford Est. - L.A.H. Sari; Loe Pool and Park Lake - J.S. Gilbert; Pendarves and Cargenwen Res. - A. Rowe; Clowance Pond and Hayle Millpond - E.J. Thomas; Hayle Est. and - D.S. Flumm; - T.K. Plummer.

In the tables - n.c. = no count - as none recorded

16 Contributors

Hathway, R.F. Alexander, P.W. Darke, T.O. Aley, P.H. Davey, A.M.J. Hawkey, J. Allen, Mrs B. Dawson, Mr & Mrs P. Hebdidge, S.J. Anderson, B. (BAn) Deal, H.A. Hicks, J.J. Andrew, R. De Schutter, B.J. Higson, P. (PHi) Anon (). Devine, G. Holden, D.W. Bailey, M.R.A. Dickens, H. Honeychurch, F.H. Barker, D.J. & Mrs D.C. Dingle, T.J. Hopkins, P. (PHo) Barnard, C.C. Dobinson, F. Horsnell, F. & J. Beddard, R. (RBd) Dustow, J. Ironside, Mrs J. Bellamy, G. Dutton, K.A. Jackson, A. & E. Blatchford, M. Dwyer, P.J. & Mrs M. Jackson, G.C. Bleakin, N. Eldret, Mrs L. James, J.W. Bond,A. Elliott, P. James, R.M.R. & G.F. Boon, J.A. Ellis, Mrs R. Jane, J.A. Bottomley, J.B. & Mrs S. Evans, L.G.R. Jerram, Miss R.M. Bowden, N.A.G. & Excell, L.F. John, A.W.G. Mrs P.N. Exelby, N.B. Johnson, D.L. Box, T.A. Field, B.R. Jones, Miss M.J. Broom, A. Fisher, E. Kendall, F.H.C. Brown, V.C. Fisher, E.A. Kendall, I. Bryden, J.D. Flumm, D.S. Kenefick, M. Burridge, R. (RBu) Ford, R.W. Kent, P.W. Bury, S. Fossey, Mrs M. King, M.L. Butts, R. Fox, Miss CM. Knight, R. Cabbie, N.J. Frost, M.P. Knott, H.A. Cadby, B.E. Gilbert, D.C. Kristianson, L. Carter, E. Gilbert, J.S. Lane, R. (RL) Cave, B. Glover, Dr P.W. Langdon, A. Chambers, J.D. Golley, M.A. Large, S. Chanther, P.J.& J. Gould, R.W. Lawman, R. Charles, P. Grace, E. (EGe) Lawson, M. Chell, D. Grant, D.M. Lever, N. Chown, D.J. Grant, I. Lewis, D. (DL) Christmas, S.G. Greenwood, R.G. Lewis, Lt. G.D. & Mrs S.E. Christophers, B.T.S. Griffiths, E. Lord, D. Christophers, Miss H.M. Grogan, Mr & Mrs G.P. Lord, N.A.G. Christophers, S.M. & Gwilliams, Mrs P. Love, D.M. & L.F.L. Mrs A.D. Gynn, G.G. & Mrs E.G. Lowe, R.J. Clatworthy, J.M. &P.M Haines, W. Lowndes, R.E. & Mrs L.M. Cockroft, A. Hamley, Mrs P.A. Lucas, J. Colliver, N.A. Hammon, V. McCartney, P. Conway, D.A. & Hammond, Dr F.K. & McNeill, Dr S. Mrs I.M.E. Mrs J. Madge, S.C. Conway, G.J. Hanham, Mrs M. Maker, P.A. Cook, A.S. Hanlon, V.J. Marchant, J. Cook, E.J. Hannaford, R. Marr, B.A.E. Cooper, Mrs G. Hardy, Mrs E.H. Marris, Mr & Mrs A.J. Couch, F.M. Harper, Mrs S.R. Martin, M.J.P. Courtnell, D.R. Harris, A. Masters, C. Cox, Dr A.F.J. Harrison, P. (PH) Mellow, B.K. Cox, S.J. Harrop, A.H.J. Middleton, R. Craven, B.T. Hathway, A.C. Miles, H. 17 Miller, J.A. d'E. Randall, J.M. Thomas, D.L. Millett, J.E. Rayment, M.D. Thomas, G.H. Morgan, N. Reay, P. Thornett, R. Moss, N. & I. Roberts, M. Todd, A.H. Neil, A. & Mrs C. Roberts, Mrs T.D. Tonking, C.N. Nicholls, J.C. Rogers, M.J. , S. Noble, K. Rosier, A.B. Tout, Mrs M.C. Norman, T.E. Rowe, S.G. Truscott, L.A.C. Odell, D.J. Rundle, B.G. Tucker, V.R. Overy, M. Rundle, P. Turner, J. Parslow, J.L.F. Runnell, J. Visick, Mrs M.P. Paton, V.S. & Mrs J. Rutter, P.A. Wallis, H.W. Pay, A.R. Salmon, R.J. Walters, M.J. Payne, A.A. Sarle, L.A.H. Warman, S. Payne, S.G. Sawle, A.C. Webb, Mrs. D. Pearman, Mrs S.J. Sillifant, P.T. Webb, L. Pearson, M.J. Smaldon, R. White, G.R. & Mrs M. Pellow, K. Smallshire, D. White J. Penhallurick, R.D. Smart, J.R. Whitehouse, I.C. Perkins, R.J. Smith, A. Wicks, S. Perry, A. Smith, A.D. Williams, G. Pett, J.C. Smith, D.F. Williams, L.P. Pilkington, G. Smith, L.A. & Mrs F. Wilmott, B. Poulding, R.H. Smith, J.P. Wilson, D. Powell, Mrs P.C. Smith, R.E. Wilson, J.H. Powell, L.S. & Mrs E.M. Southam, M. Wotton, B.C. Poynton, Mr & Mrs R.H. Speak, P.W. Wright, J. Quail, J. Sutton, G.P. Yelland, D.M. Randall, C.

North Cornwall Barn Owl Conservation Project. Cornwall Trust for Nature Conservation. British Trust for Ornithology. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Field and Natural History Club.

Apologies for any omissions.

18 Species List for 1988

The following species are in the order shown in 'The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic'.

Please note the following definitions: (a) 'Porthgwarra' includes the area south of a line drawn from Cam Les Boel to St Levan. (b) 'Mounts Bay' refers only to that part of the bay between and Marazion. (c) '' refers to the bay east off Looe and not the bay of a similar name at Sennen. (d) '' includes Par Bay. (e) 'Pentire Point' - north of . (f) 'Porth Mear' - and not the cove of a similar name near St Ives.

All species noted on the Cornish mainland during the year and found to be acceptable are included in this report. Where a record has been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC), this fact is stated.

Under the majority of species, sightings are listed in date order, i.e. localities with January sightings are placed first and those with December sightings are placed last. This avoids dividing the county into geographical or topographical regions which can cause considerable confusion when extracting data from reports. References:

Penhallurick, R.D. 'Birds of the Cornish Coast' Truro 1969. Penhallurick, R.D. 'The Birds of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly', 1976. Rodd, E.H. 'The Birds of Cornwall', London 1880. Ryves, B.H. 'Bird Life in Cornwall', London 1948. Cornwall Birdwatching and Preservation Society Reports 1931 - 1987.

RED-THROATED DIVER - Gavia stellata

Uncommon winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although widely scattered along the more sheltered south coast, recent observations have discovered large concentrations along the north coast particularly between and , in the early part of the year. Whilst these numbers are high for Cornwall they are much smaller than the flocks of several hundred that are reported from Hartland Point, North . In 1988 there were reports from 30 localities, 17 on the south coast and 13 on the north coast. Single birds overwintered from 1987 at Newquay and St Austell Bay. Very few were reported for January but there was a small arrival in mid February. Most had moved on again within a few days but a few lingered to the end of March. Regular reports from: St Austell Bay: noted until May 15th with max of three Apr 17th. Newquay: noted until Mar 16th with max of 29 Mar 1st but no more than four on any other date. Bude: noted until Mar 16th with a max of eleven flying south Feb 10th and nine Mar 11th. Most other reports concerned ones and twos but there was 16 off Trevose Head Feb 15th and three flew south at Widemouth Bay Mar 3rd. In addition to the St Austell birds of Apr/May, spring passage was evident from Apr 11th to May 22nd. c.20 birds were reported - all singles except two west at Rame Head May 4th. The last was at Killigerran Head. 19 The first in autumn were four flying west off Pendeen Sept 23rd. These were followed by several reports of birds seen on sea watches at Pendeen, St Ives, Newquay and Rumps Point over the succeeding two weeks. There was then a lull until another small passage from Nov 6th on. Regular reports from: Pendeen: a total of eleven flew west between Sept 23rd and Oct 7th. St Ives: a total of 16 flew west between Sept 27th and Dec 6th with max of five last date. Newquay: a total of six flew west between Sept 28th and Dec 19th. St Austell Bay: noted Sept 19th to the end of year with max five Nov 23rd. Elsewhere there was three at Bude Nov 6th, three flew west at Trevose Head Nov 18th and two at Carrick Roads from Nov 24th. Apparently overwintering birds included the two at Carrick Roads, one or two in St Austell Bay and one at Camel Est. BLACK - THROATED DIVER - Gavia arctica Winter visitor. Passage migrant Predominantly a bird of the sheltered south coast with large concentrations regularly occurring in the to Carrick Roads area. / Bay attracts perhaps as much as 5% of the total U.K. winter total but the species is surprisingly scarce in nearby St Austell Bay. Occasionally occurs in reasonable numbers at other localities, notably Mounts Bay and St Ives Bay, particularly in Spring. During 1988 there were reports from 24 localities, 16 on the south coast, seven on the north coast and one inland The main wintering flock was generally small throughout December 1987 and January 1988 but gradually built up to a combined Gerrans/Veryan Bay peak of 87 Mar 8th. Elsewhere numbers were fairly low. There were regular reports from: Veryan Bay: noted until May 8th with max of twelve Jan 16th, 70 Feb 19th, 62 Mar 8th, 40 Apr 7th and 15 May 8th. Gerrans Bay: noted until May 4th with max of 24 Jan 17th, 23 Feb 17th, 25 Mar 8th and 40 Apr 7th. St Austell Bay: noted until Apr 30th with max of only four Jan 11th. Mounts Bay: noted Jan 7th to Apr 21st with max of seven Mar 2nd and eleven Apr 2nd. Falmouth Bay: one to three regular Jan 12th to Mar 19th. St Ives Bay: noted Feb 12th to Mar 27th with max of five last date. : noted Mar 5th to May 17th with max of twelve Apr 8th. Most other sightings involved one to three birds but five in Whitsand Bay Apr 10th may have been part of the Portwrinkle flock. Last in spring was one at May 25th. First in autumn flew west at Newquay Sept 28th. Unlike Red-throated, very few were noted on seawatches and there was no noticeable influx until late October, after which there were some quite impressive gatherings. Regular reports from: St Ives: two Oct 5th, seven Dec 6th and one Dec 15th - all west. Pendeen: singles Oct 7th and 9th, ten Dec 14th - all west. Gerrans Bay: noted from Oct 27th with max of 17 Nov 27th and 24 Dec 6th but only eight Dec 31st. Veryan Bay: noted from Oct 28th with max of 30 Dec 1st and 40 Dec 30th. St Austell Bay: noted from Nov 9th with a very high count of 31 Nov 14th. All other reports were of ones and twos. Inland there was one at Siblyback Res. Nov 12th MPF.JAdEM. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - Gavia immer Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although the most widespread of the divers in Cornwall, most birds remain very solitary and rarely form anything other than small 'rafts*, unlike the more gregarious Red and Black-throated divers. Recent observations have shown St Austell to be the prime site for this species with regular good numbers in Veryan, Gerrans, Mounts and St Ives bays. There was 20 little variation from this overall summary in 1988. Reports were received from a total of 38 sites during the year, 23 on the south coast and 15 on the north coast. Very good numbers overwintered from 1987, there were peaks in mid February and early March and a light spring passage with two birds lingering into June. First winter and spring regular reports from: St Austell Bay: noted to Jun 8th with max of 16 Jan 7th, 22 Feb 11th, 34 Mar 2nd and 35 Apr 3rd. St Ives Bay: noted to Mar 27th with max of 15 Feb 13th. Newquay: twelve west Jan 3rd, two west Jan 4th and one Feb 3rd to 11th. Camel Est: up to three to Mar 11th. Mounts Bay: noted to May 8th with max of eight Feb 14th. Looe: up to four to Feb 13th. : noted to May 26th with max of nine Jan 6th. Falmouth Bay: one or two to Mar 19th but four Feb 6th. Veryan Bay: noted to May 14th with max of twelve Feb 18th and ten Apr 10th. Gerrans Bay: noted to May 17th with max of ten Feb 15th and 17 Mar 18th. Carrick Roads: noted to Mar 29th with max of six Feb 15th. Helford Est: noted Jan 5th to Mar 31st with max of seven Feb 14th. Seaton: noted Feb 13th to Apr 9th with max of six Mar 5th. Portwrinkle: noted Feb 28th to May 27th with max of ten Apr 21st. Pentewan: twelve Apr 27th. Elsewhere there was no more than four together. The first in autumn was a bird at Veryan Bay Oct 3rd. Birds were slow to arrive with very few until mid November but a larger influx in December. Regular reports from: Veryan Bay: from Oct 3rd with max of eight Nov 23rd and Dec 10th. St Ives: one west Oct 5th and a total of 17 west in December. St Austell Bay: from Oct 12th with max of 15 Nov 23rd, 21 Dec 11th and eight Dec 31st. Gerrans Bay: from Oct 27th with max of six Dec 27th. Mounts Bay: from Dec 4th with max of six Dec 26th. Elsewhere there was again no more than four together at any site.

WHITE-BILLED DIVER - Gavia adamsii

Very rare vagrant. St Ives Bay: one Feb 8th to at least 22nd. BAn. et al. The third county mainland record - previous records in 1985 and 1967. Accepted by B.B.R.C.

LITTLE GREBE - Tachybaptus ruficollis

Scarce resident. Breeds in very low numbers. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. The only regular breeding site in recent years has been Stithians Res. where breeding or attempted breeding has occurred in every year since 1981. This year a single nest was built and one young may have been reared. EJC.JEM et al. Near JMW observed an adult with a juvenile, which was presumably locally bred, on a woodland pond. At Res. SB watched a pair of displaying but failed to prove breeding. Single birds were present at Crowdy Res May 5th and Pool May 23rd to Jun 7th but again there was no proof of breeding. A juvenile accompanying an adult at Clay Pit Sept 4th were probably migrants. In the first winter period birds were widespread, but due to the mild weather were present in extremely low numbers. There was a small influx after the cold 'snap* in mid January but the majority moved on again by early March. The largest groups were seven at Jan 15th, eight at Hayle Est. Feb 25th and eight at Camel Est. Mar 6th. There was four each at Lynher Est., Tresillian and Helford Est. but no more than three at any other locality. 21 Singles at Tregathenan Res. Apr 7th to 27th and Par Beach Pool Apr 17th were the only spring migrants reported. In autumn the first arrivals were four at Loe Pool Aug 4th, but these may have been locally bred, because the next was not noted until Sept 11th at Camel Est. Very few arrived until mid November but there followed a sizeable influx with wintering flocks up to three times the size of those in the first winter period. Maximum numbers included ten at Loe Pool Oct 8th, twelve at Percuil Nov 14th, seven at Porth Res. Nov 18th into 1989, 14 at Hayle Est. Nov 23rd increasing to 20 Dec 13th to 21st, 14 at Lynher Est Nov 27th, 18 at Camel Est. Nov 29th to Dec 13th, 14 at Fowey Est Nov 30th and 16 at St Johns Lake Dec 18th to 20th. Four were present at Helford Est, and with lesser numbers elsewhere.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE - Podiceps cristatus

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Breeds. Bred successfully at Tamar Lake in 1930 but did not breed again until 1985 when a pair nested unsuccessfully at College Res. In 1986 a pair were again unsuccessful in the same area but a pair reared one young at Lower Tamar Lake. This success was repeated in 1987 and again this year. In addition a pair also reared one young on Upper Tamar Res. KS. As the British population continues to expand the possibility of pairs breeding at other sites should not be overlooked. Apart from a good number on the Lynher Est., first winter and spring birds were the lowest for many years. There were reports from only nine localities. The last in spring was at Pentewan May 5th and the first return bird at Lynher Est. Aug 28th. In September there were singles at Stithians Res on 9th and Dozmary Pool on 18th. Only four arrived in October and although more passed through in November it was a poor passage with few remaining to winter. Regular reports from: Lynher Est: noted to Apr 24th with max of ten Jan 19th to Feb 17th, 15 Feb 20th, 14 Mar 10th and from Aug 28th with max of seven Dec 10th and four wintering. St Austell Bay: singles Jan 3rd to 7th, Mar 5th to 7th and 14th but two Mar 9th to 11th. Also singles Oct 8th and Nov 25th. Siblyback Res: one Jan 11th to Mar 2nd, two Nov 7th and one Nov 13th to 1989. Carrick Roads: two Mar 3rd and singles Mar 4th and Oct 12th. Veryan Bay: singles Mar 10th and Nov 21st. Elsewhere in the first winter period and spring, two flew west at Mevagissey Jan 14th and there was one at Mounts Bay Mar 26th. In autumn and the second winter there was one at Porth Res Oct 21st to 25th, two at Nov 12th with one at nearby Loe Bar Nov 26th, five at Hayle Est Nov 23rd and one at St Johns Lake Dec 11th.

RED-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps grisegna

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Most are noted in the sheltered bays of the south coast between Par and Falmouth. The most regular sites on the north coast are St Ives Bay and Camel Est. Due mainly to the sterling work of RL, on the south coast over the last 4/5 years, this species has been shown to be more common than previously thought. (An account of these observations appears in 'Birds in Cornwall 1987' pps. 122-125). This year the first winter and spring total was above average and the autumn and second winter period excellent. Carrick Roads: singles Jan 10th, Mar 8th, Nov 26th and Dec 17th. PAM.RL. St Ives Bay: one Jan 13th to Mar 22nd. CCB.DSF.et al. Helford Est. singles Jan 16th to Feb 28th and Mar 27th. MS.GRW.MW. et al. Veryan Bay: one or two regular Jan 16th to Mar 10th but three Feb 25th to Mar 5th and five Mar 8th. Singles Sept 30th and Oct 28th to Nov 9th, two Nov 18th to 21st, five Nov 27th to Dec 1st and six Dec 7th to the end of the year. RL.PAM. Caerhays: three Jan 17th RL 22 Gerrans Bay: one or two regular Jan 17th to Mar 6th but four Mar 8th and one Apr 1st. AHJH.PAM.RL. Singles regular Oct 27th to Dec 17th but three Dec 10th. PAM.RL. Falmouth Bay: singles Feb 7th and 27th. SB.GRW.MW. Two Dec 8th into 1989. BC. et al. St Austell Bay: singles Feb 13th to 24th and on the extremely late date of Jun 18th. MB.RL. One Sept 27th, one or two regular Oct 28th to the end of the year but three Dec 1st to 7th. RL Long Rock Pool: singles Feb 14th RL and Oct 20th to 28th. JLFP.BP. et al. Newquay Bay: one Nov 5th SMC. Loe Pool: one Nov 6th to Dec 1st. JSG et al. Lynher Est: one Nov 26th EG. Stithians Res: one Dec 11th into 1989. CCB et al. Camel Est: one Dec 21st. DML.LFCL.

1987 record Tamar Est: two Feb 1st. DRC

SLAVONIAN GREBE - Podiceps auritus

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. During 1988 reports were received from a total of 22 localities, 15 on the south coast, five on the north coast and two inland. Birds overwintering from 1987 included singles at Camel Est., Lynher Est. and St Austell Bay. The birds reported inland in December 1987 both remained; the one at Stithians Res until Jan 10th and the Crowdy Res. bird to Jan 26th. There was a small influx Jan 7th when ten were noted at Gerrans Bay and six in St Austell Bay. Lesser numbers arrived at other sites. The cold 'snap' in mid January resulted in a larger more widespread influx, many of which remained into February before yet another peak in the middle of that month. Subsequently there was a gradual diminution throughout March with very few in April. The largest parties included seven at Carrick Roads and seven at Veryan Bay Jan 16th, 17 at Gerrans Bay Jan 17th increasing to 21 March 8th, four at Looe Jan 24th, ten at St Austell Bay Feb 20th to Mar 17th and ten at Falmouth Feb 19th. Last was one at St Austell Bay Apr 30th. The first return bird was at Mevagissey Sept 16th but there were no more until singles at St Austell Bay Oct 24th and Loe Pool Oct 29th - the only October records. Above average numbers of this species occurred simultaneously with the good passage of other grebes in November and December. Maximum numbers included four at Carrick Roads Nov 13th and Dec 17th, 14 at Gerrans Bay Nov 23rd, 12 at St Austell Bay Dec 13th, five at Camel Est Dec 18th, five at Veryan Bay and four at Mounts Bay Dec 30th. Many of these overwintered into 1989. BLACK-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps nigricollis Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Like the other grebes and divers, most appear off the south coast with the main wintering area between Dodman Point and Carrick Roads. Inland records in most years. Mounts Bay: one from 1987 to Apr 19th DL. et al. One Nov 12th into 1989. CCB et al. Carrick Roads: three Jan 7th, five Jan 17th, then two or three until five again Feb 20th. PAM. et al. Five Nov 27th increasing to nine Dec 17th. PAM. St Austell Bay: one Jan 14th. Two Nov 27th increasing to three Dec 5th but only two again Dec 7th. RL. Gerrans Bay: one Apr 7th RL. Dozmary Pool: one Aug 7th to 20th BTC.AHJH. (The fourth autumn in a row here). Upper Tamar Res: one Oct 29th DMG Veryan Bay: two Nov 9th to 13th, five Dec 1st with two to 17th, five again 30th. RL.PAM. 23 Lynher Est: three Nov 19th and one Dec 2nd. RWG.SCM. et al. Loe Pool: one Nov 27th EGe.

BLACK - BROWED ALBATROSS - Diomedea melanophris

Very rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: one Aug 30th. DSF.KAD.MJP. et al. The second county mainland record. The previous record was off St Ives on 5th October 1982 and was accepted by BBRC.

NORTHERN FULMAR - Fulmaris glacialis

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. First bred in Cornwall in 1944 and has subsequently colonised the entire coast of the county. The best time to census breeding success is at the end of the summer after 24 adults have left the breeding ledges to moult, leaving well grown young to fend for themselves. For recent breeding records see 'Breeding Seabirds Survey Results 1987' (Birds in Cornwall 1987 pps. 113-121) and 'Breeding Seabird Survey 1985' (Birds in Cornwall 1985 pps. 125-145). Breeding was widely reported along the north coast during the year but none on the south coast. Of particular interest were the following: Tresunger to Ranie Point: four colonies containing 11, 30, 36 and two nests. ML Tresungers Point: 153 nests. ML : 77 nests. ML Western Cove, : 126 nests. (143 in 1987, 90 in 1985). RJP - Derrick Cove: 100 nests (126 in 1987, 60 in 1986). RJP. Passage during the first winter period and spring was better reported this year and included many in the gales of early January. Off Newquay 140 were noted Jan 1st, 650 on 3rd, 350 on 4th but very few then until 1680 west in two hours Feb 2nd. 150 passed west off Looe Jan 2nd and 140 in 2 l/i hours off Mevagissey Jan 14th. By far the heaviest spring movement was 2780 west past Godrevy Mar 16th. Autumn passage was also more pronounced this year, commencing with 400 of Newquay Jul 25th. 100 were noted off Pendeen Aug 24th but the largest movement was noted Sept 2nd when 390 moved west at Newquay, 350 off St Ives and 300 off Gurnards Head. Small parties continued to pass to the end of the month and in the gales of early October. Records at this time of year are uncommon; the vast majority of birds having left U.K. waters to moult. Two were noted off Pentewan Oct 4th and one off St Ives on 5th. The following day two off Newquay and St Ives may have involved the same birds. The spectacular seabird passage of 7th produced 51 off St Ives and presumably 20 of the same off Pendeen. The first post-moult birds were not noted until Nov 18th - at Bude and Trevose Head. So-called 'blue' phase bird are reported most years in small numbers. This year there were more than usual: Newquay: two Jan 3rd (one double dark and one single dark morph), two Jan 30th (one double dark and one single dark morph) and one Dec 6th (single dark morph. SMC.PAM.GJC. et al. Portwrinkle: one flew east May 11th. SCM.

St Ives: one west Dec 6th DSF.JH. (Presumably the same as the Newquay bird).

CORY'S SHEARWATER - Calonectris diomedea

Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn) with occasional good years. Bass Point: one west Jul 24th. ARP. Porthgwarra: singles Jul 24th, 25th and 30th, Aug 9th and 12th but two Aug 30th. SB.MS.PH.JH.RBd.DSF.BJD. RMV Scillonian pelagic: three Jul 31st RBd.LGRE. Pendeen: two Aug 25th, one Sept 23rd. DS.RA.PH. St Ives: two Sept 12th HWW Newquay: one Dec 6th JH et al.

The Newquay record is the latest ever county mainland record.

1987 record Rame Head: one west Apr 19th per CFNHC Report 1987. Observers are reminded of the need to submit full field data for this species. Inexperienced observers are reminded of the very real problem of differentiating between this species and Northern Fulmar, particularly distant birds. GREAT SHEARWATER - Puffinus gravis Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). There are two spring records for Cornwall. Porthgwarra: singles Jul 27th and 31st and Oct 11th. PH.CCB.MAG.EAF. JPS. St Ives: one Sept 2nd. six Sept 28th. RB.DSF.LGRE.SGR.DJO.VRT. et al. 25 Pendeen: singles Aug 20th, Sept 2nd and 13th, three Sept 23rd, eleven Sept 28th and one Oct 9th. MRAB.PHA.SJC.RA.PH.DCG. The best year since 1983. Other reports received lacking sufficient description.

SOOTY SHEARWATER - Puffinus griseus

Passage migrant (mainly late summer and autumn). Occasional 'good' years. Yet another record-breaking year, easily surpassing the 1985 and 1983 totals. Passage was regular throughout July, August and September with still fair numbers moving in early October. All previous single day totals were smashed by an amazing movement Sept 28th. One small note of advice for potential Sooty Shearwater watchers - you will have to be in position at your chosen sea watch site very early; the vast majority of birds, particularly on the best days, move through within the first hour or two after dawn. Porthgwarra: A total of 331 birds (202 in July, 102 in August, 25 in September and two in October) flew west between Jul 5th and Oct 4th. Best day totals were 38 Jul 24th, 60 Jul 31st, 30 Aug 13th and 30th. Bass Point, Lizard: singles Jul 12th and 26th, 13 Jul 28th, two Aug 14th and 21st, one Sept 1st. Pendeen: A total of 1339 birds (one in July, 105 in August, 1088 in September and 145 in October) flew west between Jul 24th and Oct 9th. Best day totals were 45 Aug 24th, 106 Sept 2nd, 177 Sept 23rd, 705 Sept 28th, 98 Oct 5th and 32 Oct 7th. PH. et al. Newquay: A total of thirty birds west between Jul 24th and Oct 6th with max of ten Sept 28th. Godrevy: A total of 45 between Jul 26th and Sept 12th with max of 19 Aug 24th and 16 Sept 2nd. Trevose Head: seven Jul 28th.

26 Rosemullion Head: two Jul 28th. RMV Scillonian: 16 Jul 31st. St Ives: A total of 1224 (137 in August, 971 in September and 116 in October) flew west between Aug 12th and Oct 7th. Best day totals were 56 Aug 20th, 110 Sept 2nd, 120 Sept 12th, 83 Sept 23rd, 601 Sept 28th and 101 Oct 5th. DSF.KN. et al. Rame Head: three Aug 28th, two Sept 1st and one Sept 25th. Rumps Point: two Sept 9th, 16 Sept 12th and one Sept 23d. Of interest was a bird off Pendeen Sept 28th which showed wholly greyish underwings, suggesting Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris). PH. (Anything was possible in an autumn which also saw claims of Cape Gannet and Matsudaira's Petrel on the MV 'Chalice' pelagics and a Herald Petrel off Pendeen Sept 28th. Obviously all of these records are with BBRC and will then pass to BOURC for acceptance to the British list). All were first seen by PH).

MANX SHEARWATER - Puffinus puffinus

Passage migrant (mainly March to October). Feeding parties in summer presumably from breeding colonies on the islands off the coast of South Wales. There were no first winter records and spring arrivals were later this year - the first was a single of Mevagissey Mar 22nd. Spring movements, particularly off the south coast were very light. The exceptions were 100 per hour west at Rumps Point May 25th, 250 off Rame Head Apr 30th, 230 off Mevagissey May 2nd and 180 at Pentewan Jun 4th. Much higher numbers were reported during July but few in August. Not surprisingly there was very heavy passage on several days in September and reasonable numbers in the October gales. Max. no's. St Ives: 6000 west in 4 hours Jul 4th, 1500 Aug 2nd, 5000+ Sept 2nd, 1120 Sept 12th, 5000 Sept 23rd and 350 Oct 7th. Newquay: 1700 Jul 25th, 1400 Sept 2nd. Trevose Head: 425 Jul 28th. Porthgwarra: 900 Jul 30th. Rumps Point: 1100 per hour west Aug 19th. Pendeen: 1000 Aug 24th, 5000 Sept 2nd, 1000 Aug 28th, 200 Oct 5th and 7th. Godrevy: 3000 per hour west at dawn Sept 2nd. VRT rightly observes that counts per hour are basically useless unless accompanied by qualifying data. (I.e: over what period of time was the count maintained and was there any variation in numbers?)

Late birds were two off Trevose Head Nov 18th and two off St Ives Dec 6th.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER - Puffinus puffinus mauretanicus Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn but often quite late in year). The Western Mediterranean race of Manx Shearwater. Status is currently under review and it seems likely to be regarded as a full species in the near future. Newquay: one west Jan 3rd SMC.JH.PAM et al and singles Jul 25th and 28th, Aug 20th and Oct 6th. St Ives: one west Jan 3rd RRL.ADS. et al and a total of 65 in autumn between Aug 12th and Oct 7th with max of ten Sept 2nd and 21 Oct 7th. Porthgwarra: a total of 20 west between Jul 24th and Sept 20th. Rame Head: a total of 14 west between Jul 24th and Sept 1st. Bass Point: seven west between Jul 24th and Aug 14th. Rosemullion Head: one Jul 28th. Pendeen: a total of 39 west between Aug 20th and Oct 9th with max of 15 Oct 7th. Godrevy: two west Aug 20th and Sept 2nd. This race of Manx Shearwater is easily differentiated but birds of the Eastern Mediterranean race 'P.p. yelkouan' (Levantine Shearwater) are intermediate in plumage and apparently not so easily detected. Nevertheless four birds showing characteristics of this race were noted off Pendeen Oct 7th. DJB.PH. 27 WILSON'S PETREL - Oceanites oceanicus

Very rare vagrant to the Cornish mainland but occurs in small numbers in the Western Approaches. In addition to those reported in Peter Harrison's 'Wilson's Triangle Report 1988' (see pps. 126-130) one was seen on the R.M.V. 'Scillonian' pelagic trip on Jul 31st RBd.LGRE.

STORM PETREL - Hydrobates pelagicus

Uncommon passage migrant. Small feeding parties in the summer (mainly north coast). Breeding has not been proved in the county for at least twenty years. Rame Head: one May 22nd, two May 28th, four Jul 3rd and four Sept 1st. St Ives: a total of 372 west between Jul 1st and Oct 7th with max 90 Jul 1st, 50 Jul 13th, 150 Sept 2nd and 37 Oct 7th. Newquay: a total of 70 west between Jul 1st and Oct 7th with max of 40 Jul 1st and 26 Sept 2nd. Porthgwarra: a total of 318 west between Jul 5th and Oct 8th with max of 61 Jul 5th, 54 Jul 12th, 75 Sept 1st and 50 Oct 8th. Bay: one Jul 5th, 15 Jul 10th, three Jul 11th. Killigerran Head: 12 Jul 12th, 12 Aug 31st and 12 Oct 11th. Rosemullion Head: one Jul 28th, four Oct 11th. Bass Point: one Jul 28th. RMV Scillonian: 250 Jul 31st. Rumps Point: three Aug 14th. Pendeen: eight Aug 20th, 39 Sept 2nd, ten Sept 28th, one Oct 5th and six Oct 9th. Godrevy: five Sept 1st.

Gurnards Head: one Sept 2nd, three Sept 12th.

1987 record

Rame Head: two west Aug 2nd per CFNHC Report 1987.

LEACH'S PETREL - Oceanodroma leucorhoa Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn) and generally occurring a little later than Storm Petrel. After the New Years Eve 1987 bird at Newquay, the latest ever record was broken again, first by one at Lynher Est Jan 2nd RWG.SCM. and then by one off Newquay Jan 3rd. SMC.JH.PAM. et al. Autumn passage commenced earlier than usual and was fairly pronounced this year. Surprisingly, none was noted after Oct 11th. St Ives: In September - two on 1st, seven on 2nd, 17 on 13th, two on 23rd, eight on 28th and nine on 29th. In October - 15 on 5th, one on 6th and nine on 7th. Total - 70. DSF.VRT.SGR.RB. et al. Newquay: two Sept 2nd, four Sept 28th, three Oct 6th and six Oct 7th. MB.PAM.SMC.RL. Pendeen: In September - seven on 2nd, two on 13th and 22 on 28th. In October - 13 on 5th, seven on 7th and 40 on 9th. PHA.SJC.DS.PH.AHJH. et al. Porthgwarra: one Oct 4th and two Oct 8th. DSF.BRF. Porthpean: two Oct 8th RL : one Oct 9th RL Killigerran Head: one Oct 11th PAM. NORTHERN GANNET - Sula bassana

Passage migrant. Bred on Gulland Island, off until 1478 but the nearest present day colony is situated on Grassholm, Pembrokeshire. Noted off both coasts during the year but very poorly reported between mid March and September and again Nov/Dec. 28 Passage was generally light in first part of the year but several days of heavy movement in the autumn gales. Maximum numbers: Newquay: 450 Jan 3rd. 2640 Feb 2nd. 700 Sept 2nd. 1735 Sept 28th. 700 (10V2 hours) Oct 6th. St Ives: 600 Jan 3rd, 1000 Sept 2nd. 2802 (111/2 hours) Oct 5th, 5952 (11V4 hours) Oct 7th. Portscatho: 1000 west Feb 3rd. Portreath: 407 Sept 2nd. Pendeen: 1000 Sept 28th. 380 Oct 9th.

CORMORANT - Phalacrocorax carbo

Resident. Breeds at a number of sites on both coasts. Occurs on all reservoirs and most other large freshwater pools at one time or another. Breeding was reported this year at The Moules (but no counts made), Hells Mouth (six pairs), Lands End (one nest) and Gull Rock, Nare Head (twelve nests). For comparative detail see 'Breeding Seabirds Survey Results 1987' (Birds in Corrrwall 1987 pps. 113-121) and 'Breeding Seabirds Survey 1985' (Birds in Cornwall 1985 pps. 125-145). After last years record counts there was a return to normal this year. By far the maximum was 71 at Camel Est Oct 3rd and 41 at Tamar Est Dec 7th. A roost at Turnaware held a maximum of 65 Mar 4th. Inland there were reports from most of the reservoirs with peak counts of twelve at Colliford Res. Jan 2nd and 27 there Dec 18th, 13 at Upper Tamar Res. Jan 25th and ten at Pools Oct 21st. A few white-headed birds, possibly of the Continental race 'P. c. sinensis' were reported. They included several in a flock of 22 Cormorants which flew north inland at Marazion Apr 30th.

SHAG - Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Resident. Breeds on both coasts. Passage migrant. Very rare inland. Breeding was reported this year from; Long Stone, (fifteen nests), Gull Rock, Nare Head (up to 72 nests), Armed Knight, Lands End (ten), Navax to Derrick Point (25 pairs), Western Cove (14), Crane Island to Western Cove (16 prs), Godrevy (41 occupied nests), Rumps Point (present but not counted) and Tregudda Gorge (five nests). For previous breeding records see references under 'Cormorant'. There were the usual reports of large 'rafts', particularly in autumn: Godrevy: 307 Jan 3rd. 227 Oct 7th. Portscatho: 98 Sept 19th. 200 east Nov 13th. Falmouth: 310 Nov 23rd. DSF appears to have opened the floodgates with his records of birds showing characteristics of the Mediterranean race 'P. a. desmarestii' in 1986 and 1987. This year similar birds were reported from St Anthony Head Feb 8th JD, St Ives Aug 21st DSF and Porthgwarra Sep 30th AH. A possible was noted flying west off Mevagissey Jan 12th RL. JD relates an amusing encounter between a Shag and a large jellyfish in the sea off Nare Head Oct 21st. The Shag was seen to dive several times apparently to inspect and swim around the jellyfish. It was obvious that the Shag could not eat it because the jellyfish was about five or six times the size of the bird, so perhaps it was taking a detailed field description!

BITTERN - Botaurus stellaris

A rare winter visitor occurring mainly between late November and early March. Occasional passage migrant. Most occurrences relate to birds displaced by severe weather in western and central Europe and farther north in the U.K. Records since 1981 have been much more numerous than in the previous twenty years. 29 Porth Res: one Jan 10th LW Crafthole Res: one Feb 15th G.G. per SCM Long Rock Pool/Marazion: one Aug 11th to Sept 14th. BJD.BP.DL. et al The last bird is a particular early autumn arrival.

LITTLE BITTERN - Ixobrychus minutus

Rare vagrant (mainly spring). Very much a speciality of area. A recount of previous records plus the one below takes the county mainland total to 26. Nine of these have occurred in the Helston/Lizard area plus a further four at Swanpool/Falmouth. Apart from one at Stithians in 1979 this is the first away from those areas since 1965. Nanquidno: one Apr 25th PJD.EGe.JW. There have now been nine arrivals in April and eight in May. Accepted by B.B.R.C.

LITTLE EGRET - Egretta garzetta

Rare passage migrant. Overwintered 1980/81 and 1943/44. The impetus of recent years has again been maintained and there has now been records in every year since 1980. The possibility of breeding, whilst remote, should not be overlooked. Systematic checking of heronries, particularly on the south coast could prove rewarding. Marazion: one Apr 18th PWA.MS. Trevail: one flew south Apr 22nd. DSF.VAS. Maer Lake: one Apr 22nd to 26th. GPS.FHCK et al. Crowdy Res: one Apr 30th and May 5th. BTC.JJH. Gannel Est: adult May 1st to 4th. DLT.SMC.BTSC. Camel Est: one May 7th to 12th. DLJ.SMC.MB. et al. Percuil: one May 13th PR Landulph Marsh: one Jul 20th to Aug 4th. JAB.GDL. et al. No doubt some duplication of birds as they move from site to site. All records have been re-listed and assuming that all of the above, plus all previous occurrences involved different birds, the county mainland total moves to c.66. In reality the total is much lower, possibly in the region of 40 to 50 birds. Peak months have proved to be April with 24 arrivals and May with 14. Peak autumn month is September with five. Most frequently visited sites are Hayle - ten, Camel - seven, Marazion - seven and - four. All accepted by B.B.R.C.

GREY HERON - Ardea cinerea

Resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Breeding was reported from the following heronries (with comparative numbers of nests for 1983-87). Note: n.c. = no count; p. = present but not counted.

1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 East Looe River 12/13 6 8/9 1 n.c. 8 , Fowey Est. P 1 + 6 n.c. 8 9 Percuil 7 9 2 5 n.c. 3 Trewince, Percuil 11 Is this a new heronry? Borlase Wood, 8 6 3 6 n.c. n.c. Pill Wood, Trelissick 2/3 The first here since 1940? St Just in Roseland 1 1 - - - - , Helford 11 10 + n.c. 3 + n.c. n.c. Marazion Marsh 6 + 7 6 6 1/2 3 30 Camel Est. p. p. 14 10/12 p. 9/10 Sladesbridge 4 n.c. n.c. n.c. n.c. 6/8

In addition a new heronry has been reported to SCM. Situated at Shillingham Creek on the Lynher Est., it is well hidden and has not yet been accurately counted. Nevertheless it has been occupied for many years and many birds were noted in trees there in Spring 1988. The largest 'sieges' reported during the year included the following: Helford Est: 27 Feb 20th. 28 Apr 19th, 51 Jul 18th and 24 Sept 13th. Fowey Est: 21 Feb 27th. Trelissick: 22 Apr 23rd. Camel Est: 30 Sept 11th. St Johns Lake: 21 Oct 1st and 26 Dec 24th. Few obvious migrants were reported but may have included singles at Lands End Jun 13th, Porthgwarra Jun 14th and eight flying west at Oct 14th.

PURPLE HERON - Ardea purpurea

Vagrant (mainly spring). Gunwalloe: one Apr 24th ARP.TAB. Two other reports received lacked sufficient detail. The county mainland total has been re-counted and now stands at 18, but some may have been involved in more than one sighting. Eight have arrived in April, five in May, two in September and one each in March and October with one undated.

BLACK STORK - Ciconia nigra

Very rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: one Jun 14th DSF et al. : one flew east Sept 20th KH.JH. Mr and Mrs PD There are two previous county mainland records - in 1977 and 1831. Both accepted by B.B.R.C.

31 WHITE STORK - Ciconia ciconia

Vagrant (mainly spring) Camel Est: one Mar 9th. LFE Nanquidno: one Apr 24th EGe Following a complete re-listing the county mainland total now stands at 19. The Camel Est. bird is the earliest ever and the fourth in all for that month. Others have occurred in April - two, May - five, June - two, August - one, September - three, October and November - one each. Top site is Camel Est. with four.

SPOONBILL - Platalea leucorodia

Rare passage migrant. Occasionally overwinters, especially on the Lynher Estuary. Draynes, Upper Fowey Valley: three Apr 2nd. Mr and Mrs Butcher. (They were also at Colliford Res. at about this time. N. Masters). Fowey Est: three Apr 3rd with one to 6th. JDC.PG. Camel Est: one Apr 9th. MCT. Hayle Est: two Jun 13th to 15th MF. et al juvenile Oct 30th to Nov 18th. EJC.MJJ.MS et al. Crowdy Res: two Jun 18th to 20th BTC.AMJD. A thoroughly intriguing set of records. Possibly as few as three birds involved in the spring/summer sightings, but probably five. Inland records in Cornwall are exceptionally rare. It is of interest that two, sometimes three birds have been virtually resident in the Taw/Torridge Est. area of North Devon for the last twelve months.

MUTE SWAN - Cygnus olor

Resident. Breeds. Moulting herds in autumn. Winter visitor. There has been evidence of a general decline in recent years and a change in moulting area. Formerly the largest moulting herd occurred at St Johns Lake but this does not now appear to be the case. Looe and Restronguet now attract the bulk of moulting birds. In 1988 successful breeding was reported from: (with number of young in brackets). Tamar Est (two), Par Pool (five), Par River (seven), Pentewan (six), St Just in Roseland (five), Ruan Lanihorne (three), (five), Tresillian (two), Mylor (six), Stithians Res. (two pairs - six and five), Gweek (two), Camel Est. (three) and Bude (one). The origin of a juvenile at Trelissick Jun 18th is not known. Nests were built at Swanpool and but success not known. None bred at Loe Pool or Long Rock. Maximum numbers reported during the year: Camel Est: 16 Jan 7th, 15 Jun 8th to Oct 2nd, 20 Oct 19th and 19 into 1989. Loe Pool: eight Jan 9th. 13 Jun 17th, 25 Aug 13th (a record total here. JSG). Looe: 37 Jan 21st, 27 Mar 6th. 35 Oct 16th, 25 Dec 13th. Hayle Est: 18 May 13th to Jun 11th. nine Sept 11th, seven Nov 10th. St Johns Lake: 27 Oct 1st, but then in very small numbers to the end of the year. Restronguet: 39 Nov 13th with 35 to Dec 11th. Fowey Est: 30 Nov 30th. (Could this have been the Looe/St Johns Lake herd?) Unusual was one at Carludden Clay Pit, Stenalees Mar 27th to May 6th, four at Newquay Harbour Oct 13th and up to four at Porth Res Oct 23rd into 1989.

Monthly wildfowl counts at principal localities - winter 1988/89 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar County total 103 117 110 119 101 101 61 Hayle/Copperhouse 9 12 6 3 6 14 - Loe Pool 2 18 11 4 11 4 2 32 Restronguet 1 39 35 5 8 3 Camel Est. 5 12 n.c. 13 13 12 7 Looe 32 35 16 25 28 32 14 St Johns Lake 27 9 3 6 7 6 8

With a more or less steady wintering population of just over one hundred birds, the 1988/89 winter paralleled that of 1987/8 at county level with Looe again proving the most favoured site. The decrease there in Nov/Dec corresponded with an increase at Restronguet suggesting a movement between the two sites.

BEWICK'S SWAN - Cygnus columbianus

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Maer Lake: the adult from 1987 remained until Mar 10th GPS.IK. et al. Hayle Est: two Nov 26th JWt. Another poor year. The last good year was 1983.

WHOOPER SWAN - Cygnus cygnus

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Loe Pool: the adult from 1987 remained until Feb 20th. GRW.MW. et al. Helston Boating Lake: same bird Feb 22nd. JSG. Maer Lake: adult Feb 22nd to Mar 10th IK.TJD. Lizard: two Nov 16th BC A poor year.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE - Anser brachyrhynchus

Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Lizard: one Oct 12th BC.JH. Tamar Est: five Oct 18th. EG. Trevail: one flew east Oct 30th DSF. Loe Pool: one Nov 5th into 1989. JSG et al. These eight take the county mainland total to c.44 birds involved in only fourteen occurrences. The five at Tamar Est. is the second largest gaggle ever in Cornwall - beaten only by twenty at 16th Sept 1954.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - Anser albifrons

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Most birds occurring in Cornwall are of the Eurasian race 'A. a. albifrons' but small numbers of the rare Greenland race 'A. a. flavirostris' occasionally occur. The species was formerly more common with a regular wintering flock at Walmsley Sanctuary from 1935 to 1973. The size of the flock peaked at an average of c.100 in the 1960's but since 1973 bird have become very irregular here with none since 1982 (Stop press; birds present in 1989!) Ironically, a gaggle of 84 on 17th Jan 1982 was the largest for many years. The reasons for this local decline are not fully understood and have not been properly investigated. A number of factors are probably involved but the two most popular theories are probably the two most relevant. The first relates to the series of mild winters in the 1970's and early 1980's which resulted in fewer White-fronts being forced into the far south west with a subsequent loss of homing instinct. The second, probably more valid theory, concerns the change in the botanical make-up of the Sanctuary and adjacent Amble Marshes as a result of the damming and straightening of the River Amble. Initially the effect was minimal but persistent dredging of the river bed has resulted in a substantial lowering of the water table. There has thus been a gradual drying up of the Sanctuary which has been further compounded by a lack of flooding by saltwater in recent years. Sluice gates installed in ditches were originally opened at regular intervals in order to maintain a degree of salinity in the marshes but the recent lack of salt water invasion has resulted in an apparently

33 irrevocable change in the ecology of the Sanctuary. Some remedial work has already been completed, but there is much to be done. In any case it seems highly unlikely that the White-fronted Goose will ever regularly winter here in good numbers again. Maer Lake: the four from 1987 remained until Jan 4th. GPS.IK. Eight (six adults and two juveniles) Nov 4th GPS. Widemouth Bay: seven flew north Oct 12th TJD Treyarnon Bay: seven (two adults) Oct 12th GW Trevose Head: six (two adults) Oct 13th GW Marazion: one 'flavirostris' Nov 4th/5th CCB.DSF Upper Tamar Res: twelve (eight adults) Nov 4th. juv. 'flavirostris' Dec 31st GPS.RMRJ. Crowdy Res: juv 'flavirostris' Nov 23rd to Dec 12th BTC et al Goonhilly: ten (two adults) Dec 28th RB.RLn.ARP. The best year since 1982.

GREYLAG GOOSE - Anser Anser

Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Many birds are undoubtedly feral escapes or wanderers. Most records are of the western race 'A. a. anser' but the eastern race 'A. a. rubirostris' also occurs occasionally. Near Kynance: eight flew north Jul 5th. ADS. Camel Est: one Oct 17th FMC. The best year since 1981. The Kynance gaggle is the largest in the county since 1939, but were obviously feral birds.

CANADA GOOSE - Branta canadensis

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Prior to 1983, apart from odd migrants, the species was almost exclusively confined to south east Cornwall, and prior to 1973 there was an annual average of just one bird per year. The species first bred on in 1983, since when there has been an alarming increase which will almost certainly result in the population reaching near-plague levels, as it has done in many other counties. There is much interchange between the waters of East and and it seems only a matter of time before it becomes established farther west. In 1988 the species bred at Crowdy Res. (three pairs raised four, five and six young respectively), Colliford Res (five young) and Fleardon Farm, near Launceston (four young). A pair bred at Coads Green but success is unknown and a nest was built at Notter Bridge. Regular reports and max. no's. Upper Tamar Res: 70 from 1987 increased to a peak of 76 Jan 25th followed by a rapid decrease to 42 the next day and 14 Mar 8th. None were noted until 27 Aug 2nd (probably from Crowdy) and then a rapid build up to 63 Aug 14th, 94 Sept 29th, 103 Oct 28th, 118 Dec 1st and 144 Dec 31st. Crowdy Res: 43 Jan 20th decreasing to 12 Mar 2nd. 84 Jul 7th but down to 33 Jul 24th (note the corresponding arrivals at Upper Tamar Res. and Lynher Est.) 67 Nov 23rd, 74 Dec 1st to 4th but down to 44 by the end of the year. (Again note the Upper Tamar Res. increase at this time). Colliford Res: ten Feb 19th and twelve Mar 2nd. Three Nov 13th into 1989. Elsewhere on Bodmin Moor there was a single st Siblyback Res. and Hawkstor Clay Pit Feb 10th. Lynher Est: nine from 1987 remained to Feb 17th with eight to March. None were present until 21 arrived Jul 26th. 39 were noted Dec 12th. Elsewhere birds were very mobile in spring and early summer with sightings at ten localities. Birds were regular at Lanivet Pools Mar 9th to May 1st with a maximum of ten Apr 17th. All other reports were single day sightings but included gaggles of seven at Hatt Mar 2nd, eight flying west at Tregonetha Mar 20th, six at Marazion Apr 24th, ten at Hayle Est. Jun 8th, twelve flying west at Jun 12th and nine at Percuil Jun 17th.

34 In autumn birds were far less mobile but there were some notable congregations. At there was 43 Sept 3rd and at nearby Boscastle one Oct 30th. At Tamar Est. 75 were noted Sept 29th with 70 Oct 27th and Nov 14th but only 39 Nov 22nd. These were presumably the Lynher Est. birds of December.

BARNACLE GOOSE - Branta leucopsis

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Most of the recent Cornish records probably refer to feral birds or birds which have escaped from wildfowl collections. Upper Tamar Res: two from 1987 remained to Jan 20th. SMC.BTSC.TJD. Bude: six flew south Feb 18th IK Colliford Res: six Feb 21st to 28th. EJC.AHJH. Skewjack: one tame bird May 16th DSF.PH. Crowdy Res: one Aug 14th and Sept 9th AHJH.GPS. Another Dec 12th ML Porthgwarra: three Oct 10th, four Oct 11th and two Oct 12th. EAF.EF.JPS.RS.VRT.SMC. Lizard: one flew west Oct 12th PJD.EGe. The Bude and Colliford birds are undoubtedly the same. The October birds occurred at the same time as other goose species and were presumably wild birds. The best year since 1981.

BRENT GOOSE - Branta bernicla

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Both dark-bellied (B. b. bernicla) and light-bellied (B. b. hrota) races have been recorded in increasing numbers since 1981. In 1988 the only record of light-bellied birds was three at Truro Apr 5th. Dark-bellied birds were noted as follows: St Johns Lake: one Jan 19th. 18 Apr 10th. six Oct 22nd. Tamar Est: five Mar 29th, one Oct 26th. 20 Nov 22nd. Carrick Roads: six Apr 3rd. Restronguet: six Apr 3rd. (same as Carrick birds), two Nov 5th. St Austell/Par bays: one May 12th. singles Oct 15th to 17th, Oct 25th to 29th. Two Nov 15th/16th and Dec 14th. Swanpool: two flew west Oct 13th. Mounts Bay: three Oct 16th to 22nd, with one to 25th. Seven Nov 17th to 26th. Hayle Est: one Oct 16th to 30th. Colliford Res: one Oct 18th. (Very rare inland). Camel Est: eleven Oct 19th. one Nov 28th and three Oct 30th to Dec 24th. Gribbin Head: one Oct 20th. Reskajeage: one flew north Nov 6th. Looe: two Nov 7th to 9th. Lynher Est: one Nov 12th/13th. Rame Head: two Nov 12th. Polurrian Cove: one Nov 23rd.

Note the good arrival in October simultaneous with other goose species.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE - Alopechen aegyptiacus

Rare visitor. Feral escape or wanderer This Category 'C species occurs as a feral species in the U.K., mainly in East Anglia but with small populations elsewhere including East Devon. Camel Est: one from 1987 throughout the year. SMC.AL.ML. et al. Innis Fish Farm, : one Sept 15th into 1989. GRW.MW.HAD. A total of eleven birds were recorded in Cornwall between 1841 and 1878 but there was no further published record until 1981. There was one in that year, one in 1982, two in 1984, one in 1985 and five in 1987. (Apart from the 1987 birds, all have been listed under 'Exotica' in their respective Reports). 35 Goose sp. Mullion: ten flew north Mar 13th NBE.

Lizard: one Oct 30th BC (Either Greylag or Pink-footed Goose).

RUDDY SHELDUCK - Tadorna ferruginea Vagrant, but most if not all, are escapes from wildfowl collections or wanderers from a feral population in The Netherlands. Ruan Lanihorne: one Nov 17th GCJ Restronguet: one sporadically Nov 26th to Dec 29th. MCT.JHW. Presumably only one bird involved, taking the county mainland total to 16. SHELDUCK - Tadorna tadorna

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding reports were received from: (with number of young in parenthesis). Colliford Res. (eleven), Ruan Lanihorne (ten), Tresillian (ten), Hayle Est. (broods of twelve, ten and eight), (nine) and Camel Est (24). A pair bred at Upper Tamar Res but detail not known and a juvenile was seen at Gweek - but no adults! Maximum numbers reported during the year: Truro River/Tresillian: 104 Jan., 122 Feb., 137 March. 68 Dec 31st. Camel Est: 140 Jan 7th, 136 Feb 18th, 140 Mar 24th. 60 Nov 30th, 92 Dec 17th. Percuil: 80 Jan 15th, 79 Mar 4th. St Johns Lake: 315 Jan 19th, 487 Feb 15th, 131 Mar 6th. 121 Nov 20th, 245 Dec 18th, 340 Dec 31st. Restronguet: 51 Feb 21st. 64 Dec 31st. Lynher Est: 105 Mar 27th. Ruan Lanihorne: 136 Apr 13th, 90 May 16th. Elsewhere in the first winter period there was 42 at Helford Est. Mar 22nd and 22 at Tamar Est. Apr 26th but no more than 20 at any other site.

Monthly wildfowl counts at principal localities - winter 1988/89 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar County total 43 45 129 464 618 579 559 Hayle/Copperhouse 14 19 19 47 55 64 47 Restronguet 2 - 3 33 45 41 33 Truro River 15 16 49 48 57 46 42 Camel Est. - 7 n.c. 92 156 117 98 St Johns lake 12 3 55 213 257 216 231 Lynher Est. n.c. n.c. 3 24 32 59 75

The peak of 618 in the county in January compares with 491 in March the previous winter. St Johns Lake again held the majority of birds. Neither winter produced many birds before December but the March counts for 1988 and 1989 at 491 and 484 respectively would indicate little change in status at county level.

AMERICAN WOOD DUCK - Aix sponsa

Escapee. Feral release A Category 'D' species. Lake, Newquay: the drake from 1987 remained until at least August. BTSC. Fowey Est: drake May 1st to 14th. LAS.FS. Crowdy Res: duck Oct 20th and Dec 27th. BTC.ML.

MANDARIN DUCK - Aix galericulata

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Feral release. Escapee. A Category 'G' species. Most Cornish birds probably derive from the small feral population on the Plym Est., South Devon.

36 Lynher Est: duck Feb 8th to 11th. SCM. Trenance Lake, Newquay: drake Oct 9th to 1989. SMC.BTSC. et al. Fowey Est: drake Oct 31st. RL. Caerhays Lake: drake Dec 1st. RL. Swanpool: drake Dec 27th to end of year. SB et al. The first since 1985 and the best year since 1983.

WIGEON - Anas penelope

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Mild weather in both winter periods ensured that flock size was generally small. There was little evidence of any invasion of birds displaced by the January snap, but there was an influx in mid to late November with most moving quickly through. Last in spring were two birds which lingered at Hayle Est until July 8th and the first in autumn were two at Loe Pool Aug 21st. Maximum numbers: Hayle Est: the flock of 1000 in December 1987 had decreased to 500 Jan 10th but there was a small increase to 660 Jan 24th. In autumn there was a rapid build up from 100 Sept 20th to 470 Oct 10th, 650 Oct 29th and 1000 Nov 15th to 20th. There was a report of 2000 Nov 26th but only 1319 Dec 13th. Ruan Lanihorne: 300 Jan 5th. 100 Nov 23rd. Camel Est: 185 Jan 9th, 110 Feb 18th. 340 Nov 28th. Stithians Res: 202 Jan 11th, 140 Mar 3rd. 175 Dec 24th. Truro River: 140 Jan 14th. Colliford Res: 154 Jan 17th, 218 Dec 18th. Lynher Est: 193 Jan 19th, 320 Feb 20th. 120 Nov 19th. Maer Lake: 125 Jan 20th. Ill Dec 21st. St Johns Lake: 450 Feb 27th. 142 Dec 18th.

Monthly wildfowl counts at principal localities - winter 1988/89 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar County total 199 706 1693 2172 1719 919 84 Hayle/Copperhouse 31 608 1079 1319 886 354 9 Stithians Res. 5 36 110 191 146 119 36 Camel Est. 2 21 n.c. 197 139 258 - Colliford Res. - - 139 218 306 145 10 St Johns Lake 20 - 56 112 4 - - Lynher Est. n.c. n.c. 264 46 123 26 29

As in 1987/88 the winter peak occurred in December with 2172 in 1988 compared with 1547 in 1987. Hayle/Copperhouse was again the most favoured site.

AMERICAN WIGEON - Anas americana

Rare vagrant. Stithians Res: one Oct 19th to Nov 4th. JH.ADS. et al.

1986/7 The Hayle Est. bird accepted by BBRC.

GADWALL - Anas strepera

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. A potential breeding species. Several overwintered from 1987 but few remained after mid February. The exception was Marazion where there was a peak in early March. Last in spring was a pair at Loe Pool Jun 11th and the first return bird was at Hayle Est. Aug 3rd. 37 Very few noted before mid November and second winter flocks small. Regular reports in both winter periods from: Par: drake throughout the year, but five or six regular Nov 9th into 1989 with birds frequently commuting between the Beach Pool and St Andrews Pool. Colliford Res: six from 1987 to Jan 17th but only four Jan 24th and one Feb 14th. Noted Oct 20th to Dec 10th with max of four Nov 13th. Loe Pool: five from 1987 increased to six Jan 1st but then lesser numbers until four Jan 24th. Noted Oct 8th into 1989 with max of 19 Dec 1st and 14 Dec 17th. Marazion/Long Rock Pool: 14 from 1987 decreased to four Jan 3rd but numbers fluctuated thereafter with peaks of 15 Feb 16th and 20 Mar 3rd. Noted Oct 3rd to Dec 1st with max of 16 Nov 24th and 12 Dec 1st. Hayle Est: four Jan 3rd, five Jan 24th and three Feb 14th. Singles Aug 3rd and Oct 7th to 10th, four Dec 10th into 1989. Maer Lake: one from 1987 to Feb 16th. Three Oct 30th to Nov 10th, two to Nov 30th and singles throughout December. Elsewhere in the first winter period there was a maximum of seven at Upper Tamar Res. Jan 20th and six at Restronguet Jan 3rd. In autumn and the second winter period there were sporadic records at Stithians Res. with a maximum of three Nov 24th and Dec 24th, two at Fowey Est. Oct 31st, two at Treskilling Clay Pit Nov 19th, one at Camel Est Nov 30th with two there Dec 30th, four at Lower Tamar Lake Dec 1st and four at Drift Res. Dec 17th.

TEAL - Anas crecca

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Breeding has been reported only very sporadically over the last twenty years and all records, apart from one at Lamorran in 1970, have derived from Bodmin Moor, with Crowdy Res. the most regular site. Once again birds were noted here during the breeding season in 1988. A maximum of four birds was present Jun 20th but there was no proof of breeding. Despite the mild weather at both ends of the year there were several flocks in excess of 100. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Hayle Est: 455 in December 1987 had decreased to 300 Jan 2nd and 200 Feb 16th. 140 had returned by Sept 25th and increased to 280 Nov 3rd and 413 Dec 13th. Loe Pool: 150 from Dec 1987 had increased to 180 Jan 2nd but the flock gradually dwindled to 67 Mar 12th. 100 Nov 6th. Maer Lake: 165 overwintered from 1987 to Jan 13th but the flock decreased thereafter. 136 Oct 27th, 271 Nov 30th. Lynher Est: 180 in Dec 1987 had decreased to 135 Jan 19th and only 55 Feb 20th. 120 Dec 20th. Colliford Res: 60 in December 1987 had increased to 138 Jan 17th and 103 remained to Feb 21st. 123 Nov 13th, 105 Dec 18th. Truro River: 117 in December 1987 increased to 213 Jan 17th and 270 Feb 29th. 190 Nov 20th, 140 Dec 31st. Restronguet: 120 on December 1987 had decreased to 110 Feb 8th. 200 Nov 27th, 88 Dec 11th. Elsewhere in the first winter period there was 140 at Ruan Lanihorne Jan 18th, 150 at Stithians Res. Jan 21st, 100 at Tresillian Jan 31st, 100 at Upper Tamar Res. Mar 3rd and lesser numbers at several other localities. Elsewhere in the second winter period there was 100 at Camel Est. Oct 21st, 140 at Lower Tamar Lake Dec 1st, 214 at Crowdy Res. Dec 2nd and 107 at Porth Res. Dec 21st with lesser numbers at other sites.

Monthly wildfowl counts at principal localities - winter 1988/89 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar County total 166 299 775 974 1053 730 129 Hayle/Copperhouse 47 90 216 413 124 42 7 Loe Pool 16 28 57 38 16 4 - 38 Stithians Res. 29 38 36 95 108 65 _ Truro River 4 93 140 36 257 150 77 Colliford Res. 57 42 123 105 91 31 31 St Johns Lake 2 4 45 55 68 58 4

The peak of 1053 in January 1989 compares with the 1987/88 winter peak in December 1987 of 1424.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL - Anas crecca carolinensis

Vagrant. The distinctive North American race of Teal. Colliford Res: drake from 1987 to Jan 17th. RWG et al. Drake Dec 18th into 1989 AHJH et al. Other reports received lacking in documentation. Accepted by B.B.R.C.

MALLARD - Anas platyrhynchos

Resident. Breeds. Winter visitor. Breeding was reported from many sites, mainly in the mid, south and west of the county. Maximum numbers reported during the year: Loe Pool: 150 Jan 2nd. 184 Sept 11th, 200 Nov 19th, 120 Dec 13th. Camel Est: 97 Jan 9th. 129 Aug 17th. 104 Dec 19th. Colliford Res: 151 Jan 17th. 275 Sept 18th. 89 Dec 18th. Par: 96 Jan 17th. 110 Aug 18th, 124 Sept, 129 Dec. Lynher Est: 181 Jan 19th. 140 Nov 19th and Dec 25th. Crowdy Res: 180 Jan 20th. 122 Sept 13th, 107 Oct 20th, 130 Nov 27th, 99 Dec 30th. Upper Tamar Res: 64 Jan 20th. 112 Dec 1st. Tresillian: 60 Jan 31st. 120 Sept 22nd. There was no report of the large flock of 270 on the Tamar Est in December 1987. Other maximum numbers included 52 at Hayle Est Aug 11th, 84 at Porth Mear Sept 30th, 112 at Porth Res. Oct 31st, 60 at Ruan Lanihorne Oct 31st and 95 at Caerhays Nov 30th.

Monthly wildfowl counts at principal localities - winter 1988/89 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar County total 1117 926 911 985 852 469 240 Loe Pool 184 160 105 120 53 24 4 Stithians Res. 60 83 12 43 15 14 5 Camel Est. 101 72 n.c. 104 74 56 8 Par Pools 124 106 113 129 113 71 64 Crowdy Res. 122 107 130 68 137 20 7 Colliford Res. 225 134 121 89 102 23 52 Lynher Est. n.c. n.c. 132 63 74 48 3

As in the previous winter the peak for this species was in September, 1117 this year compared with 814 in 1987. Most had dispersed by March with 320 in 1988 compared with 237 in 1989.

PINTAIL - Anas acuta

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Apart from feral releases the species has bred only once in Cornwall - in 1978. There has been a substantial decrease in the number of birds wintering in the county 39 in recent years. This was particularly evident 1987/8 with records from only three sites. There was a surprisingly widespread arrival in autumn, notably Nov 6th when birds were noted at seven localities. Most however did not stay and birds remaining to the end of the year were thin on the ground. Regular reports in both winter periods were received from: Lynher Est: twelve overwintered from 1987 and increased to a maximum of 14 Jan 19th. Last was on Mar 5th. Two Oct 1st then regular Nov 12th to the end of the year with max ten Nov 13th and seven into 1989. St Johns Lake: two Jan 19th, three Feb 27th. Singles Oct 1st and Nov 6th, nine Nov 11th and two Dec 18th. Crowan Res: singles Jan 25th and Nov 12th. No others were reported for the first half of the year but the following in autumn and the second winter: Loe Pool: regular Sept 26th to Dec 17th with max of six Dec 10th to 17th. Maer Lake: regular Oct 4th to Nov 12th with max of three Oct 19th. Camel Est: up to three regular Oct 19th to Dec 29th. Hayle Est: one Oct 22nd, five Oct 30th. Marazion: regular Oct 28th to Dec 1st with max of six Nov 20th. Restronguet: one to three regular Nov 26th to end of year. Elsewhere there were two at Par, Dozmary Pool and Colliford and singles at Ruan Lanihorne, Stithians Res., Porth Res. and . All were observed between Oct 17th and Nov 12th. GARGANEY - Anas querquedula Scarce passage migrant with numbers fluctuating from year to year. Has bred on at least six occasions, including three successive years 1981/3. Tamar Lake: drake Mar 24th TJD St Andrews Pool, Par: duck Mar 30th and Apr 5th. RL Marazion: drake Apr 12th to 15th, two drakes Apr 16th were joined by a duck on 17th. Pair Apr 19th/20th but only one drake Apr 24th. Pair May 19th/20th. PWA.BP.AFJC.JH. et al. Lizard: drake Apr 15th BC Stithians Res; one Sept 28th JAJ and an eclipse or immature drake Oct 23rd BC BLUE-WINGED TEAL - Anas discors. Rare vagrant. : drake May 17th. PJD.MCD.VSP.JP. Marazion: drake May 19th to 21st. CCB.RB.JH.LPW. et al. Stithians Res: duck Sept 14th to Oct 23rd. FHH.JEM.ADS.MCT.JW. et al. The spring records may refer to the same bird, but assuming that they are different, the county mainland total moves to 18 - all since 1976. The two May records are the first in spring. September, with 13 birds has accounted for most (72%) arrivals. Stithians • ^es. with four, is the top site. SHOVELER - Anas clypeata Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Like Pintail, there has been a decline in the number of birds wintering in the county in recent years. Only at Loe Pool and Marazion did birds overwinter from 1987 but there was a small influx in mid January. There was the usual miniscule spring passage but a better autumn and second winter. Regular reports at both ends of the year from: Loe Pool: up to eleven until Jan 9th. Three Jul 30th and regular from Oct 27th to end of year with max of 14 Nov 6th. Marazion: regular to Mar 19th with max of 21 Jan 1st and ten Mar 3rd to 8th. Noted Oct 28th to Nov 23rd with max of 17 Nov 12th. Par: five Jan 17th with lesser numbers to Mar 20th. One Nov 26th and four Dec 17th. 40 Camel Est: five Jan 17th. one Nov 29th. Maer Lake: regular Jan 20th to Mar 10th with max of nine Jan 20th. Three Oct 27th and 15 Dec 1st. Colliford Res: one Mar 30th, two Nov 6th and four Nov 13th. Hayle Est: two Apr 24th, one Aug 18th to 27th and one to three Oct 16th to Nov 10th. Skewjack: two Apr 30th to May 4th and one Oct 21st. There were no other first winter/spring records but regular autumn/second winter records from: Stithians Res: one or two Aug 15th to Sept 14th. one Dec 11th into 1989. Upper Tamar Res: four Oct 28th and three Dec 31st. Restronguet: five Nov 26th and three Dec 1st. Single birds were observed at Porth Res., Dozmary Pool and Caerhays Lake but three were at Lower Tamar Lake Dec 1st. POCHARD - Aythya ferina Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Fair numbers overwintered from 1987 and there was a small arrival in mid January. Birds summered at Loe Pool and Par but there was no suggestion of breeding. The first autumn arrival was at Stithians Res. Sept 10th but birds were scarce until late October. Second winter flocks were predictably small in the mild weather. Maximum numbers: Loe Pool: 90 Jan 2nd. 67 Oct 27th, 82 Nov 13th, 63 Dec 17th. Stithians Res: 75 Jan 11th, 55 Feb 14th to Mar 3rd. 20 Dec 11th. Colliford Res: 144 Jan 17th, 157 Feb 21st. 91 Dec 18th. Upper Tamar Res: 55 Jan 20th. 80 Oct 28th, 61 Dec 1st. Par: 22 Jan 3fst. 19 Dec 8th. Dozmary Pool: 29 Nov 13th. There were no other reports of more than fifteen together. Monthly wildfowl counts at principal localities - winter 1988/89 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar County total 33 79 225 231 212 138 32 Loe Pool 18 29 82 63 35 39 12 College/Argal Res. 1 2 27 14 20 8 1 Colliford Res: 4 28 40 91 108 62 1

This years peak of 231 in December 1988 compares with a 1987/8 peak of 335 in January 1988 and a mean wintering population of 337 over the period 1959/60 to 1983/4. Interestingly Loe Pool peaked at 82 in both recent winters. RING-NECKED DUCK - Aythya collaris Vagrant. Loe Pool: the drake from 1987 remained until at least Jan 24th. JSG.ARP. et al. Drake Nov 6th into 1989. JSG et al. Drift Res: drake Feb 6th to 15th SGR et al. Stithians Res: drake Mar 6th to Apr 24th RLL.LML.AN.CN. et al. One Oct 9th/10th PAM.SMC.JDB. Assuming that the first winter records relate to the same peregrinating individual, the two in the second half of the year take the county mainland total to c.28 - all since 1976. Pool bird could of course be the same bird returning. TUFTED DUCK - Aythya fuligula Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Breeds almost annually at Crowdy Res. but very rarely elsewhere. This year a pair were noted at Crowdy Res. May 5th but not for the remainder of the summer. A pair summered at Par, two males were observed at Colliford Res. Jun 4th and up to ten remained at Stithians throughout June. Maximum numbers were again low, particularly in the second winter period: 41 Loe Pool: 51 from 1987 increased to 103 Jan 2nd but only 58 stayed to Feb 14th. 101 Oct 8th, 111 Nov 13th, 85 Dec 13th. Swanpool: 22 Jan 2nd, 48 Feb 9th, 36 Mar 3rd. 22 Dec 13th. Upper Tamar Res: 53 Jan 2nd, 40 Feb 23rd. 41 Oct 28th, 52 Dec 1st. Stithians Res: 52 Jan 11th, 55 Mar 3rd. 36 Sept 10th, 50 Dec 11th. Colliford Res: 50 Jan 13th. 10 Nov 13th. Argal Res: 33 Jan/Feb. Porth Res: 28 Jan 17th. 39 Nov 26th. No other site attracted more than 15 in either winter period.

Monthly wildfowl counts at principal localities - winter 1988/89 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar County total 87 107 215 256 197 289 137 Loe Pool 40 51 111 85 47 65 40 Argal Res 2 12 24 29 26 40 40 Stithians Res. 22 23 11 27 9 25 17 Porth Res. 5 11 15 30 25 23 n.c. Swanpool n.c. n.c. 1 22 35 34 1

The mid-winter peak of 256 in December this winter compares with 272 in January last winter and is significantly below the average of 389 birds for the period 1959/60 to 1983/4.

SCAUP - Aythya marila

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Numbers fluctuate from year to year. None had overwintered from 1987 but four arrived in mid January. There was one new bird in March and one in May making it the poorest first half to a year since 1983. c.22 birds were observed in autumn and the second winter period including an amazing flock of nine females on newly flooded pools at Lanivet. Only Loe pool attracted birds in both winter periods. There were two females here Jan 16th to Feb 28th and up to three from Sept 7th to the end of the year. Also in the first winter period there was a female at Stithians Res. Jan 11th and Feb 27th with a male there Mar 12th. There were singles at Par and Drift Res. A drake at Portwrinkle May 5th constituted the sole spring record. The Lanivet birds previously mentioned arrived Oct 18th and left the following day but there was another female there Nov 27th to Dec 26th. MB Elsewhere there were singles at Maer Lake, Bude Marshes, Colliford Res and Millbrook. At Upper Tamar Res. two were seen Oct 29th to Dec 1st with one remaining into 1989, whilst there was a male at St Johns Lake Nov 26th and a female Dec 18th to the end of the year.

EIDER - Somateria mollissima

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. A few 'summer'. As anticipated very few overwintered from 1987. In January there was a maximum of three at Gerrans Bay with singles at Porthleven, Carrick Roads and Penlee Point. Three females were present in St Ives Bay Feb 20th and three males at nearby Godrevy Feb 26th to Mar 5th. In summer four flew east at Carlyon Bay Jun 14th and seven flew west off Porthgwarra Jul 30th. No more were reported until a female arrived in Carlyon Bay Oct 5th and then another lull until four off Pentewan Nov 6th. After the sparsity of records in the first winter period there was a marked influx involving c. 51 birds in November with a few remaining into 1989. Regular sightings were reported from: 42 Porthleven: Nov 6th into 1989 with max of ten Nov 20th but only three overwintering. Newquay: drake Nov 10th and two drakes Dec 6th. Veryan Bay: two Nov 13th to Dec 12th. Bay: female Nov 19th to 27th. Mounts Bay: Nov 25th into 1989 with max of twelve Dec 17th to end of year. St Ives: one Dec 4th, two Dec 6th. Elsewhere there was a drake at Godrevy Nov 12th, 13 flew west at Trevose Head Nov 18th, five flew south off Bude the same day, one at Whitsand Bay Nov 20th, one at Bay Nov 21st, two at Helford Est Dec 7th and one at Camel Est Dec 29th.

LONG-TAILED DUCK - Clangula hyemalis

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. One overwintered from 1987, six arrived in January, there was one in spring and only the third June record ever. Autumn passage commenced with an early bird at St Ives and there was at least 17 in the second winter period: Portwrinkle: one from 1987 moved to Looe where it stayed until Feb 13th. SCM.RWG. Newquay: two flew west Jan 3rd. SMC.JH.PAM. Bay: two Jan 6th PAM Stithians Res: drake Jan 10th to Apr 19th CNT et al. One Nov 19th to 27th PAM.CNT. et al Whitsand Bay: male Apr 4th to 9th. SCM.RWG.MDR. female Nov 27th RWG Long Rock Pool: female Jun 7th to 9th. DSF.DL. et al. St Ives: one flew west Aug 25th SGR. Carnsew Pool: one Nov 2nd to 19th DSF et al. Poldhu: singles Nov 10th NBE and Dec 9th to 22nd. ARP.RB Lynher Est: two females Nov 12th and one Nov 26th. RWG.PHA. Loe Pool: female Nov 13th ABR. Carrick Roads: two Nov 19th. CCB Pentewan: one Nov 22nd RL : one Nov 22nd. PAM Lower Tamar Lake: one Nov 25th FD moved to Upper Tamar Res Dec 1st and stayed into 1989. Gerrans Bay: one Nov 26th to Dec 27th CCB.PAM. Penzance: one Dec 2nd into 1989. RB.SL. et al. St Austell Bay: singles Dec 5th and 31st. RL. Probably the best year since 1937/8. COMMON SCOTER - Melanitta nigra Winter visitor. Passage migrant. A few 'summer'. In the first winter period there were records from 16 sites, eleven on the south coast and five on the north coast. In the second winter period there were records from 32 sites, 18 on the south coast and 14 on the north coast. Good-sized overwintering flocks from 1987 were noted at St Austell Bay and Gerrans Bay but elsewhere numbers were generally low, but better than 1987. The St Austell birds moved on in mid January and probably accounted for an increase at Gerrans Bay at about this time. In autumn there were several good counts in July but very few in August. There was a paucity in the October gales but a widespread arrival, co-incidental with Eider and Long-tailed Duck, in mid November. Many of these moved rapidly through but good numbers remained to winter. Regular reports in both winter periods: St Austell Bay: noted in every month with max. of 75 Jan 6th, 43 Jun 27th and 115 Nov 11th to27th. 45 at the end of the year. Gerrans Bay: 22 Jan 7th, 80 Jan 17th, 40 Feb 18th and Nov 20th to Dec 1st. 35 at the end of the year. 43 Elsewhere in the first winter and spring the maximum included 24 at Perranporth Jan 3rd, 30 at Mounts Bay Feb 6th, 25 at Dodman Feb 18th and 29 at Polhawn Cove Apr 30th with lesser numbers at the remainder of sites. In autumn and second winter regular reports with maximum numbers came from: Helford Est: Jul 10th to Nov 3rd max 24 Jul 18th and 25 Nov 3rd. Porthgwarra: 87 west between Jul 12th and Oct 4th with max of 41 first date. St Ives: 252 west between Jul 13th and Dec 6th with max of 47 Sept 2nd, 60 Oct 5th and 30 Oct 7th and Dec 6th. Godrevy: 53 Sept 1st, 42 Sept 2nd and one Sept 27th. Pendeen: 35 Sept 8th, 40 Sept 29th, 33 Oct 5th and 17 Oct 7th. Whitsand Bay: Sept 12th to Dec 11th with max of 48 Nov 19th. Mounts Bay: Oct 2nd to the end of the year with max of 58 Dec 7th. Mevagissey: Oct 25th to Dec 18th with max of 20 Dec 11th. Porthleven: Nov 22nd to Dec 11th with max of 70 last date. Veryan Bay: Nov 25th to Dec 12th with max of 35 Dec 7th. Other single day maxima included 21 at Rosemullion Head Jul 28th and 21 west at Trevose Head Oct 27th.

VELVET SCOTER - Melanitta fusca

Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Newquay: the drake from 1987 remained until Jan 10th. SMC.BTSC.JH.DMY et ai. Perranporth: two flew west Jan 3rd. DFS. Carrick Roads: drake Feb 27th to Mar 12th JMW. et al. Drake Dec 17th PAM. : drake Mar 9th JMW. Rame Head: one Sept 12th RWG Looe: drake flew west Dec 21st GDL.

GOLDENEYE - Bucephela clangula

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Very poor numbers in the first winter period. A small arrival early in February but most wintering birds had departed before mid March. Last in spring were four at Stithians Res Apr 25th. The first in autumn were three at Loe Pool and one at Tamar Est. Oct 14th. Very few arrived before mid November and numbers remained low to the end of the year. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Carrick Roads: noted until Mar 29th and from Nov 24th with max 14 Feb 6th and nine Dec 17th. Hayle Est: noted until Mar 13th and from Nov 3rd with max of seven Feb 21st and four Nov 23rd. Camel Est: noted until Mar 24th and from Nov 21st with max of eleven Feb 18th and 14 Dec 6th. Stithians Res: noted until Apr 24th and from Nov 11th with max of 15 Feb 21st, 16 Mar 12th, 14 Apr 3rd and eight Dec 24th. Upper Tamar Res: noted until Apr 9th and from Oct 28th with max of ten Jan 20th to Mar 8th and seven Dec 31st. The only other flocks in excess of four were ten at Colliford Res. Feb 21st, ten at Loe Pool Nov 5th, five at Restronguet Nov 22nd and six at Ruan Lanihorne Nov 23rd. Unusual was one at Tregathenan Res: Jan 5th - JWJ's first record here.

SMEW - Mergus albellus

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. The moorland reservoirs at Siblyback and Colliford are the most regular sites and together with Dozmary Pool form a very important wintering area in the south west, with birds moving from one water to another as conditions dictate. Colliford Res: one overwintered from 1987 and remained to Feb 28th. A second bird was present Jan 10th to 31st and a third Jan 17th. DAC.GJC. et al. 44 Siblyback Res: two Jan 2nd increased to four Jan 7th, five Jan 10th and six Jan 31st to Feb 29th. Last were five Mar 2nd. MPF. et al. Dozmary Pool: one Jan 7th and 17th. AHJH.VRT. Annual since 1974 after a seven year gap.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER - Mergus serrator

Winter visitor. Uncommon passage migrant. At least two thirds of the annual county total is reported from Carrick Roads. Birds gather to roost in the Roads off Turnaware Point and Loe Beach and disperse during the day to feed throughout the Fal Est. complex. In 1988 there were reports from 14 sites in the first winter and spring period and from eleven sites in autumn and the second winter period. Very few overwintered from 1987 but there was a small influx Feb 13th to 20th but a decrease thereafter. Last in spring was one at Gannel Est Jul 3rd and probably the same at Camel Est. on the exceptionally late date of Jul 22nd. The first in autumn were two at Par Oct 15th but apart from Carrick Roads, where the flock was average, birds were generally scarce. Regular reports in both winter periods with max no's: Carrick Roads: noted until Mar 16th and from Nov 13th with max of 36 Jan 10th, 40 Feb 20th and 46 Mar 8th. 42 Nov 24th and 59 Dec 17th. The largest flocks elsewhere on the Fal complex included 15 at St Just in Roseland Feb 14th, 14 at Percuil Feb 20th, with nine there Dec 7th, and five at Tresillian Mar 13th. Lynher Est: noted until Apr 6th with max of seven Feb 13th. Two Dec 10th to 12th. St Johns Lake: two noted sporadically until Apr 6th and up to four Nov 19th into 1989. Camel Est: noted until Mar 24th and from Oct 19th with max of six Feb 18th and four Nov 6th. Hayle Est: singles Jan 1st to 12th and Nov 12th to 19th but three Nov 13th. Elsewhere there was five at Helford Est Feb 20th but no more than two at any other site.

GOOSANDER - Mergus merganser

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. The species has become increasingly common in Cornwall in recent years and is a potential breeding species, particularly since odd pairs now nest in Devon. None had overwintered from 1987, but a few arrived in the January cold spell. None were noted after Mar 9th. Second winter number were up on 1987 and included a fair-sized flock of roosting birds. Siblyback Res: four Jan 7th to 17th, but only three Jan 24th and one Feb 14th. AHJH et al. One Nov 21st increasing to two Dec 12th, five Dec 21st, seven on 27th and ten on 31st. ML.RWG.AMJD et al. Crowdy Res: one Jan 10th, six Jan 19th and Feb 22nd with one to three between dates and one Mar 3rd to 9th. BTC. et al. Two Nov 20th, three Nov 21st to 27th and four Dec 27th. SW.ML. et al. Dozmary Pool: three Jan 17th RS.VRT. Upper Tamar Res: one Jan 20th to Feb 19th, pair Feb 27th to Mar 6th and four Mar 8th. SMC.BTSC et al. Pair Nov 14th to 16th, one Nov 23rd. TJD.FD. Gannel Est: one Jan 29th to Feb 1st. SMC. Near Bodmin: pair Mar 5th to 9th JAdEM. (Also present near here in spring 1987 and again spring 1989). Bude: two flew in off sea Oct 30th IK. St Johns Lake: one Nov 20th to Dec 18th. BW.SCM. Colliford Res: one Nov 21st. Eleven Dec 31st. ML et al. Helford Est: one Dec 7th. 45 RUDDY DUCK - Oxyura jamaicensis

Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Stithians Res: female Jan 10th to 21st. CNT et al. Porth Res: fem./imm. Oct 25th LW.MH.SMC. Annual since 1977, but this is the poorest year since 1980. These two take the county mainland total to c.83. Top sites are Stithians Res. with 22, Loe Pool with 18 and Drift Res. with seven. Monthly breakdown reveals that 34 (41%) have arrived in January and 17 each in February and November.

HONEY BUZZARD - Pernis apivorus

Rare passage migrant. Breeding has occurred annually in Devon since at least 1979 and could conceivably occur in Cornwall in the future. Hayle Est: one May 27th DSF. Rame Head: juvenile Oct 2nd. SGC.RWG.VRT. Nanquidno: immature Oct 28th JH. Full details of these birds received, which unfortunately was not the case with other reports and as a result they have been omitted. These three take the county mainland total to c.55. May has proved to be the main spring month with ten records, whilst in autumn September and October have thirteen each. The Hayle area is the most consistently visited site with seven records followed by Porthgwarra and Rame Head with five each.

RED KITE - Milvus migrans

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. There are various claims of breeding in Cornwall but none is considered to be fully authenticated. Rumours persist of birds summering in suitable breeding habitat in the county and the possibility of future breeding should not be overlooked. Threemilestone, near Truro: two Mar 29th. PHo Temple Tor, Bodmin Moor: one Apr 4th. DMY Lizard: one early April EC Pentire: singles Apr 11th and Nov 3rd GB. D.Lord. Siblyback: one Jul 11th into 1989. J.H Finch.RWG.SCM et al. Kennack Sands: one Oct 26th. LE et al. Crowdy Res: one Nov 16th. BTC JAdEM. The best year since at least 1952 - prior to which data is sketchy. These nine take the county mainland total to c.58 since 1952. Birds have been reported in every month, but October with 18 and March with ten are the peak months.

The top sites are Porthgwarra - six, and Nanquidno - three.

MARSH HARRIER - Circus aeruginosis

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. /Gunwalloe: the 1987 bird remained until at least Jan 26th. ARP. Poldhu: presumed the same bird Mar 13th SJC.ACH.RFH.BCW. Gunwalloe: probably different female Apr 22nd ARP. Pentire: first year female May 1st. DML.LFCL. Marazion: first year female May 2nd SB.MS. Another female or immature May 7th/8th. CCB. et al. Skewjack: female May 7th CCB Nanquidno: female Oct 13th DSF.MJH. Stithians: female Oct 25th JH.EGG.GGG.IK.ADS. An exceptional year involving as many as eight birds. The county mainland total stands at c.70 since 1930. 46 Top sites are Marazion with 17, Porthgwarra with seven and Skewjack with five. The peak spring month is May with 16 and in autumn September with 13 and October with 12.

HEN HARRIER - Circus cyaneus

Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. There are four main wintering areas in the county. On the mid Cornwall and moors the roost sites are well known and documented, but the Lizard peninsula and Bodmin Moor roost sites have received less attention. The number of birds noted at both ends of the year was similar to 1987.

Bodmin Moor: The two ringtails at Crowdy Res. in December 1987 were not reported together again but singles were observed at Crowdy Jan 2nd, Colliford Jan 7th and Siblyback Jan 24th. A male at Dozmary Pool Feb 21st was a new bird and a ringtail at Garrow Tor Apr 24th was presumably a spring migrant. In autumn a ringtail at Colliford Oct 5th and 15th probably moved through, for the only other record was of a single ringtail regularly at Crowdy Res. Nov 27th into 1989 and possibly a different bird at Smallacombe Dec 11th.

Mid Cornwall moors: The four (two males) noted at the roost in late December 1987 had been joined by two more ringtails Jan 5th. These six were noted sporadically until Apr 2nd. However a third male was present Feb 22nd; thus at least seven birds were involved in the sightings. Away from the roost, single ringtails were noted only at Jan 12th and Porth Mear Feb 11th. The first bird to return to the roost in autumn was a male Oct 29th. Two ringtails returned Nov 6th and a second male Nov 9th. One of the ringtails apparently disappeared and was replaced by a third male Nov 27th. All four overwintered into 1989. A ringtail at Porth Mear Oct 31st was migrating north, but a male at Nov 1st was probably the bird from the roost, as was a ringtail at Rumford Dec 8th.

West Penwith moors: The ringtail from December 1987 remained and was joined by another Jan 24th. These were noted in a number of sightings at , and Ding Dong to Feb 20th but only one thereafter at Bodriggy Mar 22nd and Trevail Apr 2nd. In autumn a ringtail was seen at Kenidjack Oct 12th and 19th and a male at Porthgwarra Oct 29th. Two ringtails at Porthgwarra Oct 29th were probably the same as those at Kenidjack Oct 30th with one moving to Trevail the same day. A ringtail at may have moved straight through Nov 6th because all other sightings concerned a ringtail in the Boswednack/ Common/Ding Dong area Oct 31st to the end of the year.

Lizard peninsula: The male noted in December 1987 was not reported again. In fact there was none in the first half of the year. In autumn, ringtails were at Loe Bar Oct 1st and Lizard Oct 12th. These presumably moved on because all other reports were in November. A ringtail was sighted in the Lizard/Soap Cove/Kynance area Nov 6th to 8th and possibly a different bird at Croft Pascoe Nov 22nd.

Elsewhere in the first winter there was a ringtail at Sandymouth Feb 17th and in spring one at Apr 25th. Autumn migrants were more obvious this year; males were observed at Portscatho Oct 12th and Pentire Oct 30th whilst ringtails were reported from Oct 28th, Sandymouth Oct 31st, Lower Tamar Lake Nov 1st and Trevose Head Nov 25th.

MONTAGU'S HARRIER - Circus pygargus

Rare passage migrant. Has bred, but not since 1979. A small recent increase in the U.K. breeding population may augur well for the future, locally. 47 St Johns Lake: male Apr 23rd. PHA.AR. Croft Pascoe: ringtail May 5th and 15th. JMW.GRW.MW. et al.

Harrier sp. Birds not specifically identified as to species were noted as follows: Crowdy Res: male Apr 30th BTC. Downs: one May 13th, probably Montagu's. AMJD. Reskajeage: one May 16th. FHH. Philleigh: ringtail Oct 28th JJH

GOSHAWK - Accipiter gentilis

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. May breed in very low numbers. Porthgwarra: male Apr 17th. MB.MS. Hayle Kimbro: one Aug 24th RB Siblyback: male Oct 27th. MPF.VRT. Additionally, females (or the same bird) were seen at two sites in the county. The two sites are no great distance apart and one was seen in May, the other in July. Full details are known to the original observer, the Recorder and a small number of discreet observers who will be following up the information in 1989. To avoid embarrassment to and unnecessary enquiries of him, I have omitted the observers initials. This species is particularly difficult to describe adequately because of its retiring habit, resulting in normally only very brief views and the difficulty of separating it from large female Sparrowhawks. A number of other reports are omitted each year because of one or a combination of these factors - and this year was no exception. It is to the credit of the observers concerned that they are honest enough to admit that the views were too brief etc.

1987 record Mount Edgcumbe: one seen on four occasions Jan 1st to Apr 4th per CFNHC Report 1987. The county mainland total now stands at c.49. Peak months are September and October with eight records apiece and April with seven. Top sites are Porthgwarra with ten and Crowdy Res. with four.

SPARROWHAWK - Accipiter nisus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. After last years' pessimism there was a slight improvement in the number of sightings with birds reported from 67 localities. Whether this a true reflection of an increasing population or observer's reaction to my comments is not known. At least 25 sites held birds in the breeding season but there was no instance of confirmed breeding. The species is described as 'frequent' at Saltash, 'widespread and reasonably common' in North Cornwall and 'widespread' in South Cornwall. West of Truro, the species is less common, particularly on the Lands End peninsula where many records relate to passage migrants. There was the usual increase is autumn from mid September, indicative of a light passage, but most migrants are difficult to differentiate from resident birds.

BUZZARD - Buteo buteo

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. There were no reports of any change in status with records from at least 75 areas involving hundreds of birds. RL found it very common and recorded 475 bird days during the year. A pair at Predannack Wollas May 19th was NBE's first there for many years. The largest soaring party was 23 at Siblyjack Jan 31st. Fifteen were noted there Oct 20th and sixteen were over Launceston Nov 4th. A creamy white bird with pale brown wings was noted at Whitecross, near Newquay during March.

48 OSPREY - Pandion haliaetus

Scarce passage migrant. Hayle Est: one May 4th. CCB. Nanquidno: one May 7th. SB.MS. Redruth: one flew over May 27th. PTS. Tresillian: one May 29th. MLK.

The worst year since 1983 and the first since 1964 without an autumn record.

KESTREL - Falco tinnunuclus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Although very little recent comparative detail is available this is a species which appears to have decreased quite markedly in the last three or four years. The cause is unknown but may be related to the succession of severe winters. My comments last year prompted several general observations, none of which reported an increase. JD. RL. and ARP. all consider the population to be stable but BP reports that it is getting scarce and JJH, whilst not making any specific counts, has noted a decline in Cornwall, but has not noted a corresponding decrease in south east . Birds were reported from 45 specifically named sites but the only inland records came from Hatt, , Launceston, St Clement, Blackrock, Troon and Stithians. Of interest was a pair catching butterflies at Forrabury Jul 24th BTC and a female two miles off Lands End Oct 13th, travelling towards Cornwall. DJB. RED-FOOTED FALCON - Falco vespertinus

Rare vagrant. Croft Pascoe, Goonhilly: a female May 13th to 28th. BC. et al. The star bird of the spring. Accepted by BBRC. The eighth county mainland record and the fourth in the last eight years.

MERLIN - Falco columbarius

Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Has bred only once - at Perranporth in 1954. Of the birds noted in December 1987 the only ones to overwinter were two at Tregonetha. They were joined by a second male Jan 30th and one to three were regular to Mar 20th. Other first winter (Jan to Mar 21st) records came from Trevose Head, Sandymouth, Winnards Perch, Bodmin, , Colliford, , Camel Est. and Sennen. 49 Apart from a female at Sandymouth Jan 14th to Feb 20th all were single bird/single day sightings. At Ding Dong a female was noted Feb 20th and a male Mar 21st. Spring passage was easy to discern because of the simultaneous arrival of many passerine species. Singles were noted at Lizard, , Trevose Head, Godrevy and Stithians - all between Apr 3rd and 20th. Autumn passage commenced with a female at Marazion Sept 26th followed by singles at Porthgwarra, Nanquidno and Porthcurno Oct 1st. c.40 birds were reported from 30 localities. Of these, one arrived in September, 22 in October and 17 in November. There were no obvious influxes and the scatter of birds was distributed throughout the county. The vast majority were single bird/single day sightings but there were ten day-sightings at Porthgwarra Oct 1st to Nov 1st and eight day-sightings at Lizard Oct 12th to Nov 16th. Two were at Winnards Perch Oct 14th and at Trevose Head there was a male Oct 17th and a female Nov 1st to 5th. In December singles were reported from Trevose Head, St Ives, Road, Tamar Est. and near Mullion.

HOBBY - Falco subbuteo

Scarce passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. During the breeding season there was a number of reports from possible breeding areas. Specific details are not included here but they include a single at one site Jun 7th and 16th, one at another site Jun 7th, a pair hawking insects at another site Jun 16th and one seen on eight occasions at another site between Jul 18th and Aug 30th. Migrants were reported as follows: Dunmere: one Apr 10th. GJC. Holmbush: one Apr 27th RL Trevose Head: one May 6th PAM Goonhilly: a first summer May 13th to 16th and an adult May 14th/ 15th. BC.RBJMW. et al. St Hilary: one May 14th. JBB.SB. Skewjack: one May 16th DSF.PH. Par: singles May 19th PHo and 28th SMC.RL. St Just: one May 22nd BC Treskilling Clay Pit: one May 26th RL Pentire: one Jun 10th CR : one Jun 28th RT Near : one Jul 8th JD.PAM. Ruan Lanihorne: one Jul 24th GCJ Hayle Est: one Aug 7th DSF.ML. St Jidgey: one Aug 7th SMC.BTSC. Porthgwarra: one Sept 14th PH and Sept 20th. SMC.MB. Lands End: one Sept 15th DSF. As always, several other reports omitted owing to lack of, or inconclusive documentation.

SAKER - Falco cherrug

Very rare vagrant? Escapee? Porthgwarra: one wearing bells Sept 20th SMC.MB. This Category D species has been reported on at least four occasions previously and none has been accepted as anything other than an escape.

PEREGRINE FALCON - Falco peregrinus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. As always, one of the best reported species with records from c.88 localities during the year. Once again the only inland eyrie in the county was unoccupied and success appears to have been limited at coastal sites. Please continue to send in detail of breeding success, which will be treated with complete discretion. 50 Most reports were of ones and twos but three were noted moving north at Trevose Head Sept 16th. Several interesting chases were reported, including the following: Hayle Est: Apr 27th, one made two unsuccessful stoops at a Greenfinch and followed up with six unsuccessful swoops at a fish in the main river channel, without once touching the water. DL. Hayle Est: Apr 29th, one made repeated attacks on a flock of seven Common Sandpipers which evaded capture by apparently diving and swimming under water for short distances. DL. Pendeen: Aug 25th, one chased a Manx Shearwater which dived into the sea to escape. DS. Pendeen: Sept 29th, one was chased by a Pomarine Skua! DS RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE - Alectoris rufa Feral release. Scarce resident. Breeds. Hundreds, if not thousands of hand-reared birds have been released in various parts of the county over the last decade. Particularly large numbers have been released in the Newquay - St Columb Major - area, but very few remain. The reason for the species' failure to colonise is not fully understood but one popular theory relates to the fact that because it is a less aerial species than Grey Partridge, the heavy soils of Cornwall clog up the species' feet thus rendering it more vulnerable to predators. Rumford: one from 1987 to Mar 1st SMC. Tregair, East: one Jan 16th PJD. : two Mar 10th. TJD Gillhouse, Colliford: one Mar 27th JAdEM St Just in Roseland: one Apr 9th. LSP.EMP. GREY PARTRIDGE - Perdix perdix Declining resident. Breeds. The decline of this species continues at an alarming and accelerating rate. Possible causes were given in the 1987 Report and there seems little room for optimism. In 1988 there were reports from only 24 sites with breeding proved at none! Needless to say some coveys late in summer were undoubtedly family parties, but the size of these coveys gives considerable cause for alarm. Only three double-figure coveys were reported for the whole year, all in the south east of the county and all late in the year. In the Caradon district as a whole there were reports from nine localities, mostly late in the year with maxima of twelve at St Germans Nov 27th, 14 at Dec 18th and 18 at Dec 20th. In the south of the county there were no reports between Bay and the Lizard peninsula except in the Gerrans area where up to four were observed on three occasions. On the Lizard peninsula a pair probably bred at Soap Cove and there were single day sightings at Goonhilly and Croft Pascoe. Quite astonishingly there was no other record west of Perranporth. Even in the former stronghold along the north coast between Perranporth and Tintagel pitifully few were noted. Birds were reported from a mere nine sites along the coastal belt with one sighting inland at Bodmin. Most reports concerned one to four birds but six were at St Mawgan Aug 29th, up to nine at Trevose and six at Porth Mear Oct 27th. In the far north TJD reports a decrease, an opinion corroborated by only one report from the whole area. These were two birds at Sandymouth in January. QUAIL - Coturnix coturnix Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor. Occasionally breeds. Numbers fluctuate from year to year. Coombe Valley, Kilkhampton: one calling May 18th TJD. , near Newquay: one dead on road Jun 9th. SMC Porthgwarra: one Sept 10th CCB

51 PHEASANT - Phasianus colchicus

Feral release. Resident. Breeds. Aberrant birds, notably melanistic, leucistic and albinistic birds are not at all unusual. With hundreds, if not thousands released annually in many parts of the county populations remain consistently high and widespread in most districts. After no records from the Lands End peninsula in 1987, a report of two at Boswednack May 5th and one to three at Porthgwarra Oct 12th to 18th were of interest. The species is probably more common in this district than records suggest. Maximum numbers included 130 at Caerhays Sept 30th, 40 at Oct 20th and 30 at Dec 5th.

WATER RAIL - Rallus aquaticus

Rare resident. Breeds in very low numbers. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding was proved at Marazion (four pairs) and probable at Gunwalloe. One or two were noted through the breeding season at Tresillian and one was at Mullion May 25th. Owing to the exceptionally mild weather at the end of 1987 and beginning of this year birds were very scarce with reports of only five singles at various sites, five at Bude Marshes and up to seven at Newton Moor, Troon. The only evidence of possible spring migration were singles at Mullion and Gwithian in March. The first autumn migrant was one at Par Sept 4th followed by one at Bude Marshes Sept 6th. Only three more were noted during September but at least twenty were observed in October. There was a small number at Porthgwarra throughout the month with a peak of three mid month. Six were at Oct 23rd and at least two had returned to Newton Moor by the end of the month, but all the others were singles. Despite the weather remaining unseasonably mild to the end of the year, birds were noted at twenty sites in Nov/Dec; double the total for the same season in 1987. ARP reported a large winter population at Gunwalloe and BP noted good numbers at Marazion. Elsewhere there was a maximum of eight at Newton Moor and up to seven at Bude Marshes and Tamar Lake, but no more than three at any other locality.

SPOTTED CRAKE - Porzana porzana

Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Very rare winter visitor. Bred in 1860,1862 and 1874! Long Rock reedbed/Marazion Marsh: juvenile trapped and ringed Aug 9th BP one Aug 12th. CCB A very poor year. The county mainland total now stands at c.74 since 1930. Top site is Marazion/Long Rock reedbed with 39 (54%) followed by seven in the Sennen area and three each at Porthgwarra and Par. Monthly breakdown reveals that 33 (45%) have arrived in September and 25 (34%) in August.

CORNCRAKE - Crex crex

Rare passage migrant. Formerly bred and has overwintered. Breeding has not been proved in the county since 1967 and there has been no breeding season record since 1977, although this years report from Zelah is very interesting. Some measure of this species decline locally can be gauged from the fact that no less than fourteen birds were reported in the county in 1968, but a total of only twenty birds since. Zelah: One heard by my brother-in-law and his wife for two weeks to May 17th. Identification confirmed by playing them a tape. Mr and Mrs G. Gunn per I)JB. The Lizard: one Nov 2nd. BC Other reports received lacking description. 52 MOORHEN - Gallinula chloropus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. With the loss of suitable habitat in recent years there appears to have been a substantial reduction in breeding numbers. As in 1987 breeding was confirmed at only fourteen sites, but birds were noted at a number of other localities and breeding may have occurred. JAdEM located a nest containing seven eggs on the - his first breeding record on any of the Bodmin Moor rivers. Numbers in both winter periods were about average with max: Maer Lake: 24 from 1987 remained until Jan 21st. 50 Nov 25th. Marazion: 35 Feb 16th to 26th. Caerhays: 20 Mar 8th. 40 Dec 9th to 12th. Par: 15 Mar 14th. 30 Dec 3rd. Helston: 32 Dec 2nd.

COOT - Fulica atra

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Rare on salt water. Breeds annually at Stithians Res. but only occasionally at other sites. Only two pairs bred at Stithians rearing five young, but a bumper year at Long Rock resulted in at least ten pairs breeding. The latter may have been too successful because BP observed young being killed on two occasions. One young was drowned by an adult and one drowned by a larger juvenile. Elsewhere, at least two pairs bred successfully at Swanpool, a pair reared five young at Crowan Res. and a juvenile was seen at Crowdy Res. Aug 10th. The species was widespread in generally low numbers in the first winter period but most had left by Mar 4th. In the second winter period the species was very scarce except for a large congregation at Loe Pool in November - at 240, the largest flock in the county since 1982. Maximum numbers: Stithians Res: 30 Jan 10th to Mar 30th. 28 Aug 15th. Loe Pool: 44 Jan 17th. 170 Oct 27th, 240 Nov 24th. Argal Res: 112 Jan 17th, 97 Feb 21st. 51 Dec 13th. Siblyback Res: 62 Jan 18th, 67 Feb 19th. 72 Oct 16th. Colliford Res: 59 Jan 17th. 65 Dec 18th. Marazion/Long Rock: 36 Jan 18th, 32 Feb 21st. Tamar Lakes: 28 Jan 20th. 22 Dec 1st. Swanpool: 36 Feb 4th. 34 Dec 14th. No other site held more than twenty in either winter period. Unusual were nine at Hayle Est. January to March.

Monthly wildfowl counts at principal localities - winter 1988/89 Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar County total 156 260 349 394 289 345 112 Loe Pool 63 110 121 125 23 95 18 Argal Res. 4 14 33 51 59 54 14 Swanpool n.c. n.c. 28 34 44 29 32 Colliford Res. 35 34 56 65 50 53 12 Siblyback Res. 32 72 65 55 65 68 15

OYSTERCATCHER - Haematopus ostralegus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. The only reports of possible breeding concerned a bird brooding eggs at Short Island, a pair at The Moules and two pairs at . Maximum numbers were lower than normal: Camel Est: 250 Jan 7th and Mar 24th. 406 Aug 2nd, 420 Oct 2nd and 380 Dec 24th. 53 Par: 100 Feb 1st. 125 Sept 25th. Ruan Lanihorne: 150 Aug 13th. St Johns Lake: 266 Aug 23rd. Carrick Roads: 200 Aug 28th. Gwithian: 104 Sept 13th. Maer Lake: 234 Sept 28th. Inland records are rare, so that 14 at Stithians Res Aug 13th and 22 there Aug 28th was quite exceptional. The only other inland report was of one flying over in March.

BLACK-WINGED STILT - Himantopus himantopus

Rare vagrant. Hayle Est: adult May 3rd. DSF. et al. Accepted by B.B.R.C. The county mainland total moves to c.18. A review of previous records has revealed that two in 1979 and one in 1980 were never accepted by the BBRC.

AVOCET - Recurvirostra avosetta

Scarce winter visitor. Rare passage migrant. The species has wintered annually on the Tamar Est. since 1947/48 but only occasionally elsewhere. Tamar Est: noted until Feb 27th with max. of 105 Jan 10th and from Oct 26th with max of 107 Nov 22nd. Lynher Est: noted Jan 16th to Feb 17th with max of 13 first date and 11 last date. Also two Apr 10th to 17th. Camel Est: one Jul 4th/5th. Hayle Est: one Oct 18th/19th. Ruan Lanihorne: one Oct 21st to 28th.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius dubius

Uncommon passage migrant. Marazion: singles Mar 29th, Apr 25th and May 7th. Two May 21st. PH.CCB.DSF.VRT. Hayle Est: singles Apr 24th and Jul 24th DSF.CCB.JH.PTS. Stithians Res: one to three regular Aug 17th to Sept 11th MO

RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius hiaticula

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Formerly a very scarce breeding species but has not been confirmed since 1972. It is unlikely to breed again owing to vastly increased coastal disturbance even in the most remote districts. As usual first winter numbers were ver£ low. Even at Camel Est. where 250 had been counted 20th December 1987 there was a big decrease to only 90 Jan 7th. The only other flocks in excess of 20 were 50 at Hayle Est. Jan 16th and 21 at Portscatho Jan 28th. There was evidence of a light spring passage from late March to mid June. Peak counts included 40 at Marazion May 17th and 51 at Hayle Est. Jun 7th. Autumn passage apparently commenced early in July but flocks remained small until mid August. Most moved through quickly because very few were noted in September. There were small influxes in late October and mid November. Maximum numbers: Camel Est: 140 Aug 8th, 120 Oct 18th, 115 Nov 14th but only 30 Dec 26th. 54 Hayle Est: 89 Aug 18th, 106 Nov 13th and 73 Dec 2nd. Gwithian: 53 Aug 30th. Par: 52 Sept 25th. Marazion: 63 Dec 1st. St Johns Lake: 40 Dec 18th. There were fewer inland records this year, probably due to high water levels on the reservoirs. Stithians was the only reservoir to attract birds, with a maximum of seven Sept 25th. Elsewhere there was 28 at Davidstow Airfield Aug 24th and 33 near Kynance Sept 9th.

KENTISH PLOVER - Charadrius alexandrinus

Rare passage migrant. Swanpool: one Mar 27th GRW.MW.DMY. Marazion: one Apr 30th to May 4th. DSF.NAGL.SB.SGR. et al. Par: one May 23rd. RL. After a complete review of all mainland records these three take the county mainland total to 37. The Swanpool bird is the second earliest ever. A monthly breakdown reveals that 14 (42%) have arrived in May and seven each in April and August with lesser numbers in other months. It is curious that there has not been an autumn record since 1965. I am of the opinion that some published records prior to that date would not now be accepted on the detail submitted. Top site is Marazion/Penzance with 17 (46%), followed by Camel Est. with six and Par with five.

DOTTEREL - Charadrius morinellus

Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Prior to 1968 there was only two county mainland records, but since there has been records in every year. Trevose Head: three Apr 23rd PAM 55 Boswens Commen, Pendeen: one Aug 23rd DS The Lizard: juvenile flew south Sept 7th BC Godrevy: three Sept 7th/8th with two to 9th. PAR Portwrinkle: one Sept 8th SCM Sennen: one Sept 11th to 17th. RA.PH.DSF. (Probably the same at Poligigga Sept 11th and Nanjizal Sept 18th). Porthgwarra: Possibly the Nanjizal bird Sept 18th. RA.SB.PH.MS. but two Sept 21st/22nd CCB.PH. and one flying over Oct 9th. SB.MS. The Portwrinkle bird is the first ever for the Caradon district. Note the arrival in early September at a time when many passerines moved through.

AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER - Pluvialis dominica

Vagrant. Formerly known as Lesser Golden Plover and considered conspecific with another distinctive race now re-named Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva). Camel Est: adult Sept 10th. PAM The county mainland total now stands at c.35 - all since 1968. Accepted by B.B.R.C.

GOLDEN PLOVER - Pluvialus apricaria

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding has never been proved in Cornwall although a few pairs still nest in Devon and odd birds are seen in suitable habitat on Bodmin Moor from time to time. The relatively small flocks recorded at the end of 1987 increased very rapidly in January to the highest first winter totals for many years. Many remained into February but flocks dwindled in size until very few lingered into March. Last in spring was one at Hayle Kimbro Jun 24th and the first in autumn was at the same site Aug 8th. Birds were very scarce until a widespread influx in the last ten days of October followed by a large incursion in mid November. Maximum numbers: Camel Est: 1000 in Dec 1987 increased to 1400 Jan 7th and 2500 Jan 15th. 700 stayed to Feb 18th but none thereafter. 900 Nov 14th but only 650 at the end of the year. Hayle Est: 300 in Dec 1987 increased to 1500 Jan 3rd to 10th but then decreasing to 1000 Jan 31st and 700 Feb 21st to Mar 9th. 160 Oct 30th and 500 Nov 30th. Ruan Lanihorne: 86 in Dec 1987 had increased to 500 Jan 2nd with another leap to 700 Feb 17th. 250 Dec 12th. (The most here since 1976). Stithians Res: 600 Jan 21st. 465 Oct 10th, 1200 Nov 18th and 2000 Dec 13th but only 400 Dec 28th. (The 2000 is the largest flock here since 1981). Tamar Est: 550 Jan 29th. Treyarnon Bay: 500 Feb 5th. Colliford Res: 1000 Feb 21st. 700 Nov 19th. Crowdy Res: 700 Mar 8th, 500 Mar 20th. Near Kynanace: 200 Mar 20th. 149 Oct 23rd. Siblyback Res: 700 Oct 22nd, 1100 Nov 6th. Near : 900 Nov 7th. Probus: 400 Nov 21st. Sennen: 300 December.

GREY PLOVER - Pluvialus squatarola

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. After very low numbers in Dec 1987 there was a minimal increase in January this year but birds were scarce away from the four main sites. 56 Spring passage was equally poor with the last at Hayle Est. Jun 9th. Autumn passage commenced with 40 west at Godrevy Sept 2nd and twelve west at St Ives the same day. It was a very thin passage until mid October. Second winter flocks were larger than 1987. Maximum numbers: Camel Est: 50 from 1987 increased to 60 Jan 7th but gradually decreased thereafter. 40 Oct 19th, 60 Nov 6th, 150 Nov 28th but only 49 Dec 24th. Hayle Est: 31 from 1987 increased to 40 Jan 1st and 58 Feb 17th but decreasing thereafter. 37 Nov 13th and 71 Dec 2nd but only 45 Dec 16th. St Johns Lake: 40 Feb 18th. 40 Oct 14th, 66 Nov 18th and 170 Dec 11th. (The last count is SCM's highest ever at this site). Lynher Est: 50 Mar 6th. Ruan Lanihorne: 30 Oct 24th. There was a surprising number of inland records, particularly in mid September: Davidstow Airfield: singles May 1st, Sept 14th, Sept 24th and Oct 2nd but five Oct 10th and two Dec 12th. Colliford Res: two Sept 15th with one to 18th. Near Kynance: six Oct 23rd. Maer Lake: two Dec 24th into 1989.

LAPWING - Vanellus vanellus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. No successful breeding reported this year. A pair was noted displaying at Croft Pascoe in May and birds were noted at two sites in the Upper Fowey Valley. Single pairs were at East Moor and Minzies Downs in June. Although some observers thought that first winter flocks were small, there was evidence of an increase in the January cold spell with good numbers remaining into February. Apart from a large flock at Davidstow in March spring passage went virtually un-noticed. The first post-breeding birds were noted at several sites in June with the earliest at Marazion on 6th. As in 1987 autumn passage was incredibly lean until late October, but large flocks arrived in November and December. Maximum numbers: Camel Est: 1000 in Dec 1987 increased to 1750 Jan 7th but down to 1000 Feb 5th and 700 Feb 20th. 700 Nov 14th increasing to 1000 Dec 2nd and 3000 Dec 13th. Hayle Est: 1600 in Dec 1987 had decreased to 1000 Jan 3rd but up to 2000 Jan 10th and 2500 Jan 28th. 1000 Nov 27th. Near Kynance: 740 in Dec 1987 increased to 820 Jan 23rd. Davidstow: 200 Jan 2nd and 1500 Mar 8th. 2200 Dec 1st, 2000 Dec 27th. Ruan Lanihorne: 600 Jan 2nd increasing to 650 Jan 18th and 950 Feb 15th. 400 Dec 26th. Stithians Res: 350 Jan 10th. 1500 Feb 19th. 1000 Dec 13th. Colliford Res: 450 Jan 13th. Truro River: 750 Jan 14th. 320 Nov 13th. Maer Lake: 400 Feb 6th. 230 Dec 14th. Fowey Est: 388 Nov 30th. Tamar Est: 298 Dec 7th.

KNOT - Calidris canutus

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Formerly occurred in much larger numbers particularly at St Johns Lake. 1988 proved to be another poor year with records from 17 sites. In the first winter period birds were noted only at Millbrook where there was a maximum of 16 Jan 5th and Hayle Est. where there was two Jan 1st. At Lynher Est. there was five Mar 5th and two Mar 24th but these probably derived from Millbrook. 57 Spring passage consisted of singles at Camel Est., Mounts Bay and Par in May and one at Hayle Est. in June. Autumn passage commenced with five at Camel Est. Aug 8th. It was a better migration than 1987 with maxima as follows: Camel Est: five Aug 8th then regular Sept 9th to Oct 19th with max of 50 Sept 18th and 35 Oct 2nd. Millbrook/St Johns Lake: eight Aug 14th, two Aug 23rd then regular Oct 1st to the end of the year with max of 61 Oct 14th and 25 Dec 18th. Hayle Est: noted Aug 18th to Oct 21st with max of 18 Sept 8th. St Ives: ten west Aug 24th, ten west Sept 2nd and one west Sept 24th. Elsewhere there was eight at Tamar Est. Sept 14th, eleven flew west at Newquay Sept 24th and 17 at Lynher Est Dec 25th. One at Bude Dec 12th was the only other second winter record. Inland there was one at Stithians Res. Aug 19th to Sept 14th and two there Oct 21st.

SANDERLING - Calidris alba

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Mounts Bay is undoubtedly the most important site for the species in Cornwall, but other localities which regularly attract parties of migrants include Hayle Est/Porthkidney Sands, Camel Est. and Par Beach. Mounts Bay: 50 from Dec 1987 had increased to 80 Feb 6th but only four remained Mar 15th. In spring there was 17 May 19th and 30 May 20th. 80 arrived Aug 10th but then few until 50 Nov 25th and 88 Dec 1st. Par: one Jan 1st. Spring passage from Apr 15th to May 28th with max of 18 May 22nd. 15 Jul 29th, then regular in fluctuating numbers Aug 21st to the end of the year with max of 20 Sept 8th and 27th. Three Dec 30th. Hayle Est/Porthkidney: two Apr 24th. Regular Jul 18th to Oct 3rd with max of 18 Jul 21st, 23 Aug 14th and 18 Sept 7th. Camel Est: up to four May 17th to 22nd. Regular Jul 27th to Sept 17th with max of 45 Aug 8th and 13 Sept 7th. Elsewhere there was four at Looe May 5th, two at Ruan Lanihorne Aug 2nd, six at Portholland Sept 2nd and two near Kynance Sept 7th.

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER - Calidris semipalmatus

Very rare vagrant. Maer Lake: juvenile Sept 25th to 28th. GPS.BTC. St Johns Lake: juvenile Oct 1st to 15th. SCM. et al. The fourth and fifth county mainland records - previous records were in 1984, 1980 and 1978. Both accepted by BBRC.

LITTLE STINT - Calidris minuta

Scarce passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. None overwintered from 1987, but the first spring records since 1982 and another poor autumn passage, although a little better than last year. Trevose Head: one in summer plumage May 21st. PAM. Camel Est: one in summer plumage May 22nd. JH. Singles Aug 20th to 28th and Sept 13th to 19th but two Oct 19th. SMC.AL. et al. Hayle Est: juvenile Jul 19th, one Aug 24th to 26th, three Sept 7th, one Oct 9th and six Oct 16th. JH.DJB.DSF. et al. Crowdy Res: one Aug 6th BTC and one at Davidstow Airfield Sept 24th to 30th. AH.AHJH Par: one Aug 31st to Sept 2nd. RL. et al. Stithians res: singles daily Aug 31st to Sept 25th but three Sept 3rd, two on 4th and 21st. EJC.JEM.ADS.MCT.CNT. et al. 58 St Johns Lake: two Sept 3rd. JMR. Mounts Bay: four Sept 9th to 20th but only two Sept 27th. DSF.JH.BP. et al. Maer Lake: one Sept 9th, two Sept 11th and 18th. Colliford Res: three Sept 15th AHJH Loe Bar: two Sept 17th JSG.ARP. The Hayle bird of Jul 19th is the earliest ever in autumn and JH observes that it is even more unusual when one considers that juveniles normally remain on breeding grounds until August (B.W.P. Vol 3) with adults leaving in July.

TEMMINCK'S STINT - Calidris temminckii

Rare passage migrant. Landulph Marsh: adult winter plumage Aug 31st GDL (Probably present since 27th). After a complete review of all records the county mainland total now stands at 24. Top sites are Marazion with five birds and Stithians and Falmouth/Swanpool with four each.

Peaks months for new arrivals are September with six and August with five.

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER - Calidris bairdii

Rare vagrant. Stithians Res: juvenile Sept 4th to 15th. ADS. et al. After a complete review of all previous published records the county mainland total stands at eleven. (Birds at Crowdy Res. in 1984 and Marazion Marsh in 1965 were both rejected by BBRC). Nine (82% of the eleven have arrived in September with one each in August and October. Accepted by B.B.R.C. PECTORAL SANDPIPER - Calidris melanotos

Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Davidstow Airfield: one Aug 30th TJD. Stithians Res: juvenile Aug 31st to Sept 19th. JEM. et al. Hayle Est: juvenile Sept 24th to 27th. DSF.KN.JD. et al. Maer Lake: juvenile Sept 27th to Oct 1st and another Sept 30th to Oct 6th. GPS.FHCK. et al. An average year.

CURLEW SANDPIPER - Calidris ferruginea

Uncommon passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. None in spring but a widespread autumn passage involving c.255 birds commenced Aug 27th and ended Nov 14th. Good number arrived in mid September, several good sized flocks in October and nine into November. Regular reports and maximum numbers as follows: Hayle Est: Noted Aug 19th to Sept 8th with max of 17 Sept 7th. Also one Sept 24th to Oct 16th. (19+ birds). Davidstow Airfield: Noted Aug 27th to Oct 23rd with max of six Aug 30th and eleven Sept 25th. (22+ birds). Camel Est: Noted Aug 28th to Nov 14th with max of 18 Sept 11th, 25 Sept 20th, 16 Oct 1st and eleven Oct 19th. (c.46 birds). Stithians Res: up to six regular Sept 3rd to 29th but 20 Sept 16th. (c.30 birds). St Johns Lake: Noted Sept 6th to Nov 6th with max of 20 Oct 4th. (c.30 birds). Maer Lake: up to three regular Sept 9th to Oct 19th. (six birds). Mounts Bay noted Sept 10th to 17th with max of 36 on 21st. (c.40 birds). Truro River: Noted Sept 12th to Oct 21st with max of 18 Sept 23rd. (c.20 birds). Tamar Est: singles Aug 29th to Oct 26th but seven Sept 24th. (c.nine birds). Ruan Lanihorne: six Oct 26th. No more than four at any other site. 59 PURPLE SANDPIPER - Calidris maritima

Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. In the first winter period and spring there were reports from 13 sites and in autumn and the second winter period from 16 sites. After high counts at Penzance and Sennen in 1987 numbers were considerably reduced this year. Regular sites at Penzance, Looe and Newquay again attracted the largest concentrations. Last in spring were two at Swanpool May 23rd and first return birds were six at Sennen Sept 27th. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Penzance: noted until Mar 17th with max of 42 last date and from Nov 3rd with max of 48 Dec 22nd. Looe: noted until Mar 1st with max of 18 Jan 9th. Ten Dec 22nd. Newquay: noted until Apr 24th with max of ten Jan 1st but only one or two Oct 4th to the end of the year. Par: noted until May 11th with max of six Mar 6th and from Nov 11th with max of six Nov 19th. Elsewhere in the first half of the year there was seven at Marazion Jan 16th, five at St Ives Feb 15th, five at Bude Mar 3rd, four at Swanpool Mar 13th and three at Portwrinkle May 5th but no more than two at any other locality. In the second half of the year there was five at Swanpool Nov 23rd and six at St Ives but again no more than two at any other site. Unusual was one at Helford Est. Nov 14th.

DUNLIN - Calidris alpina

Passage migrant. Abundant winter visitor. Breeding occasionally occurs on Bodmin Moor but there was no information from this area in 1988. First winter flocks were small and spring passage was light. Autumn passage commenced early in July and was particularly pronounced at the end of that month. JH points out that overnight fog and rain Jul 20th/21st with the fog persisting into 21st was responsible for grounding many Dunlin at Hayle Est. Subsequently passage was light until the main influx of winter visitors in mid November. Maximum numbers: Hayle Est: 500 Jan 2nd, 450 Feb 21st. 371 Jul 23rd, 750 Jul 28th. 548 Nov 13th 1200 Dec 16th. Camel Est: 1000 Jan 7th, 800 Feb 18th. 190 May 17th. 250 Aug 17th. 1100 Nov 14th, 755 Dec 24th. St Johns Lake: 2000 Feb 15th. 300 Jul 30th. 1800 Nov 18th, 4000 Dec 18th. Ruan Lanihorne: 400 Feb 17th, 500 Mar 1st. 200 Nov 23rd. Truro River: 550 Feb 29th. 400 Dec 1st. Elsewhere in the first winter period there was maxima of 300 at Portscatho Feb 3rd and 310 at Mylor Mar 4th but no more than 250 at any other site. In spring 171 were counted at Mounts Bay but in the autumn and second winter period there was again no other site with more than 250. Inland records were many fewer this year with more on grassland than the over-full reservoirs. By far the largest flocks were 35 at Davidstow Airfield Aug 24th and 58 at Stithians Res. Sept 15th.

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER - Tryngites subruficollis

Vagrant. Near Kynance: one Sept 17th to 19th. EGe.ARP.JW. et al. A typical date at the most popular site. 60 The county mainland total now stands at c.68 - all but two since 1968. Of this total, three have arrived in August, 57 (84%) in September, six in October and one in November. In fact apart from the November bird in 1978, all have arrived between Aug 26th and Oct 7th. Top sites are; near Kynance - 21, Davidstow Airfield - 18, Stithians - 8, Porthgwarra and St Just Airfield - five each.

RUFF - Philomachus pugnax

Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. In 1980 a male and two females were noted at a potential breeding site in July but there has been no repetition. None overwintered from 1987, but there was a small influx of four birds (two at Maer Lake and singles at Gwithian and Lizard) late in February. Spring passage involved a mere five birds (two each at and Kynance and a single at Marazion) between Apr 9th and May 19th. Autumn passage was an improvement on 1987 but still rather poor, consisting of c.96 birds between Aug 2nd and Nov 12th, most of which moved through during the first two weeks of September. In the second winter period there was one at Ruan Lanihorne Dec 12th to 26th and an incredible flock of 26 at Tamar Est. Dec 12th EG. Regular reports and autumn maxima: Hayle Est: c.12 between Aug 2nd and Nov 5th with max of nine Sept 7th. Stithians Res: c. 15 between Aug 16th and Oct 29th with max of six Aug 28th and Sept 17th to 21st. Camel Est: c.12 between Aug 16th and Oct 23rd with max of seven Sept 3rd. Ruan Lanihorne: three Aug 29th and four Oct 24th. Maer Lake: c.12 between Sept 7th and Oct 6th with max of seven Sept 28th. Other maxima included four at Sennen Sept 9th, five near Kynance Sept 17th but no more than two at any other site.

JACK SNIPE - Lymnocryptes minimus

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Another poor year with a maximum of twelve in the first winter period, one in spring, nine in autumn and seven in the second winter period. Of those reported in December 1987 the Upper Fowey Valley bird overwintered as did the one at Stithians Res. The latter bird was joined by two others Jan 10th. The three at Copperhouse in December 1987 were not reported again. Elsewhere there were singles at Allet Jan 2nd to Feb 22nd, but two there Jan 11th, Lynher Est. Jan 12th, Moor Feb 20th, St Just in Roseland Feb 22nd, Truro River Feb 24th, Tamar Lake Mar 3rd, Maer Lake Mar 8th and Lizard Downs Apr 8th. In the second half of the year singles were reported from Lizard Downs Oct 12th and Nov 26th, Hayl Kimbro Oct 16th and Nov 3rd, Skewjack Oct 21st and Dec 23rd, Gwithian Oct 25th, Reskajeage Nov 15th, Lanner Nov 17th, St Eval Dec 6th and Crowan Res Dec 13th. At Maer Lake there was two Nov 18th but three Dec 11th to the end of the year.

SNIPE - Gallinago gallinago

Resident. Breeds in small numbers. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. c.5() pairs were estimated breeding on Bodmin Moor in 1984 but subsequent coverage of the area has been very poor. Breeding was not proved anywhere this year but the species was present during the summer at Laneast Downs and one was at Stithians Res Jun 30th to Jul 10th. Apart from a huge concentration at Maer Lake (now, easily the most important site in the county for the species), and a good number at Stithians, first winter flocks were small. Last in spring was one at Upper Fowey Valley Apr 28th and first returning birds were two at Hayle Est. Aug 3rd. 61 Autumn passage was very light and second winter flocks small. Maximum numbers: Maer Lake: 400 from 1987 had increased to 530 Jan 5th. 500 remained Jan 18th but only 170 Feb 11th and ten Mar 11th. 200 Dec 1st to 14th. Stithians Res: 200 Jan 9th. 75 Dec 9th. Tamar Est: 80 Jan 10th. 115 Dec 2nd. Colliford Res: 60 Jan 17th. Gunwalloe: 40 Feb 11th. Par: 80 Nov 30th. Lower Tamar Lake: 130 Dec 1st. Ruan Lanihorne: 50 Dec 10th to 31st. Crowdy Res: 55 Dec 30th.

WOODCOCK - Scolopax rusticola

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding has been proved on very few occasions but there has not been the slightest suspicion of breeding for at least twenty years. After very few birds had been reported at the end of 1987 it was not surprising that only fifteen birds were reported from eleven sites in the first winter period. All were singles except two at Allet and St Columb and three at Newton Moor, Troon. Last in spring was one at Mar 12th and the first in autumn was one at Rame Head Oct 16th followed by singles at Cot Valley, Truro and Antony Oct 18th. Although the total of c.39 birds was low it was the most widespread scatter of autumn and second winter birds since at least 1983. The vast majority were single bird/single day sightings but there was two at each of Goonhilly Oct 29th, Gurnards Head Nov 2nd, Boscastle Nov 3rd, Newton Moor Nov 23rd to 30th and three at Drift Res. Dec 24th. Only eleven birds were observed during the whole of December.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa limosa

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. There has been a substantial decline in the number of birds wintering in the county over the last twenty years. At St Johns Lake c.200 was the regular winter peak from 1969 to 1978 but the flock slumped to a new low of 58 in 1987. There was a slight improvement here in 1988 and numbers were above average on the Fal Est. complex. Spring passage was noted Mar 17th to May 17th but involved only sixteen birds, eleven of which occurred at Camel Est. First return birds were five at Ruan Lanihorne Jun 29th. Most flocks peaked in late October and early November with a small decrease during December. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Truro River: 58 in December 1987 had increased to 63 Jan 17th, 71 Jan 31st and 78 Mar 4th. 37 Sept 11th, 45 Dec 31st. Restronguet: 76 in December 1987 had decreased to 72 Jan 17th, 52 Feb 21st and 50 Apr 10th. 33 Oct 15th, 67 Nov 20th, 65 Dec 13th. Ruan Lanihorne: singles in the first winter period but 60 Aug 13th, 100 Oct 24th, 144 Oct 29th but only 28 Dec 22nd. With small numbers also at Tresillian the total population on the Fal complex is probably in the region of 150 birds. It appears that autumn birds favour the Ruan Lanihorne area but the flock later divides with near equal numbers moving to Restronguet and Truro/Tresillian. Tamar Est: the 40 noted in December 1987 were not reported again but 16 were present Mar 6th. 70 Oct 27th was quite exceptional because no more than eight was reported on any other date in the second half of the year. Millbrook: The 70 at Tamar Est. October 27th probably moved to this site because 60 were here Nov 5th. 44 Dec 18th. Lynher Est: only one in the first winter but 22 Nov 27th and 14 in December. Hayle Est: up to three Apr 14th to May 3rd and up to eight Jul 1st to Nov 20th. 62 Camel Est: eleven May 17th and noted Sept 9th to the end of the year with max of 22 Oct 10th and 20 Dec 31st. Very few elsewhere but inland there were singles at Croft Pascoe Pool Apr 3rd, Drift Res. Jul 24th, Crowdy Res. Aug 6th and Stithians Res. Aug 11th to 21st, but four here Aug 27th to 29th.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa lapponica

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. As in 1987 very few overwintered and spring passage was very light with only c.41 birds noted between Apr 2nd and May 26th. Autumn passage commenced with one at Par Jul 17th and continued into November. There was a small influx in late August and early September followed by a considerable invasion in mid September, which included a county record - sized flock at Camel Est. Although most had departed before the end of October there was still good numbers at Camel Est., St Johns Lake and Hayle Est. in December. Maximum numbers: Camel Est: nine in January. 45 Aug 30th, 150 Sept 3rd, 340 Sept 13th, 470 Sept 18th, 420 Oct 2nd, 160 December. Hayle Est: twelve Jan 9th. 43 Aug 31st, 150 Sept 23rd, 110 Oct 10th. 20 Dec 6th. Fowey Est: 21 Aug 8th. St Ives: a total of 154 flew west between Aug 25th and Oct 6th including 122 Sept 2nd. Stithians Res: 24 flew south Sept 7th. St Johns Lake: 30 Sept 21st. 62 Oct 22nd. 70 Dec 11th. Par: 24 Sept 28th. Mounts Bay: 50 Sept 27th. Bude: 30 Oct 12th Devoran: 30 Nov 5th.

WHIMBREL - Numenius phaeopus

Passage migrant (mainly spring). A few 4winter'. The only January records concerned singles at Poldhu and Millbrook, but in February there was two at Lansallos and one at Carrick Roads. A second bird was at Poldhu and Carrick Roads during March and there was also one at Gerrans. Spring passage commenced with two at Par Apr 9th followed by regular arrivals from Apr 13th. Flocks were small but widespread with most moving through Apr 29th to May 3rd. Autumn passage apparently lasted from early July to Oct 22nd with the last at Camel Est. In the second winter period there was two at Millbrook Nov 19th with one to the end of the year and two at Portscatho Dec 6th with one to the end of the year. Maximum numbers: St Austell Bay: 40 Apr 17th. 21 May 1st. Marazion: 31 Apr 21st. Trevose Head: 31 Apr 30th. St Johns Lake: 27 May 1st. 35 Aug 6th. Lanivet: 38 May 14th. Camel Est: 25 Jul 27th. Stithians Res: 24 Aug 6th. St Ives: 25 flew west Sept 2nd.

CURLEW - Numenius arquata

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Another wader species which has declined as a breeding species in recent years. Information from Bodmin Moor this year was very scant; at least two pairs may have bred in the Upper Fowey Valley but no data from any other part of the Moor. 63 Elsewhere, two pairs were noted at Croft Pascoe, a pair at Goss Moor and two birds were present on rough pasture at Tregoning Hill throughout the summer. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Maer Lake: 291 Jan 4th. 295 Dec 9th. Camel Est: 400 Jan 7th. 450 Mar 24th. 462 Jul 4th. 660 Aug 8th. 500 Oct 19th. 221 Dec 24th. Gannel Est: 280 Jan 23rd. Hayle Est: 300 Feb 17th. 500 Oct 23rd. Tresillian: 230 Feb 17th. 256 Jul 13th. 200 Oct 15th. Ruan Lanihorne: 500 Feb 18th. 200 Jul 17th to Aug 13th. 400 Sept 11th. Truro River: 214 Feb 21st. 280 Sept 11th. Carrick Roads: 420 Feb 21st. 425 Aug 14th. 450 Dec 11th. The total population of the Fal Est. complex in mid February was probably in excess of 1500 and in September, in excess of 1200. Lynher Est: 350 Jul 31st. 480 Aug 6th. Tamar Est: 250 Aug 29th. 147 Dec 24th. St Johns Lake: 210 Dec 31st.

SPOTTED REDSHANK - Tringa erythropus

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. As usual the largest winter flock was reported from the Lynher Est. Twelve had overwintered from 1987 and these remained until Jan 19th. A thirteenth was present Jan 13th. The flock gradually dwindled until the last four Mar 6th. There was no news of the three from December at Tamar Est, but the Tresillian bird was joined by another Jan 16th and four more Jan 19th. Numbers fluctuated until Mar 1st when there was a peak of eight. One or two at Ruan Lanihorne Mar 2nd to 8th probably derived from Tresillian. Last was one at Tresillian Mar 24th and there was none on spring passage. The first in autumn was at Ruan Lanihorne Jul 8th and although it was a more pronounced passage than 1987 or 1986, birds were concentrated at just fourteen localities. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Lynher Est: noted from Jul 27th with max of nine first date and 20 Oct 26th. Ruan Lanihorne: one to three regular but 20 Aug 8th (The biggest number here since 1983). Tresillian: noted from Sept 22nd with max of 15 Oct 9th and 13 Oct 30th. Camel Est: five Oct 10th. Tamar Est: one or two regular but three Oct 10th. Inland one or two were regular at Stithians Res Aug 21st to Sept 29th. Elsewhere there was no more than two together at any site. In December there was eleven at Lynher Est., five at Tamar Est., two at Ruan Lanihorne and Stithians Res. and singles at St Johns Lake and Truro River.

REDSHANK - Tringa totanus

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding has occurred only twice - in 1904 and 1980, but was also probable in 1968. First winter flocks were very small and spring passage negligible. Last was one at Hayle Est Jun 8th, but five had already returned there Jun 17th. Autumn passage was average but second winter flocks small. Maximum numbers: Ruan Lanihorne: 140 Feb 17th. 100 Jul 27th to Aug 13th. 140 Oct 29th. 200 Oct 30th to Nov 23rd. Trelissick: 103 Feb 21st. 100 Dec 11th. Truro River: 91 Feb 21st. 85 Jul 16th. 65 Oct 21st. 70 Dec 31st. (The total for the whole of the Fal Est. complex was probably in excess of 500 in mid February). Hayle Est: 64 Feb 21st. 73 Aug 3rd. 91 Sept 11th. 68 Nov 15th. St Johns Lake: 150 Feb 27th. 150 Aug 23rd to Sept 21st. 195 Nov 18th. 64 Devoran: 70 Mar 1st. 150 Nov 5th. Camel Est: 80 Mar 13th. 130 Aug 17th. 105 Oct 2nd. 90 Nov 6th. Tamar Est: 200 Aug 4th. 325 Sept 8th. 222 Sept 28th. 93 Nov 13th. The only inland sites attracting birds were Stithians Res. where there was two Jun 19th and Jul 15th and Croft Pascoe Pool where one was seen Jun 20th.

GREENSHANK - Tringa nebularia

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Reports received of small numbers on all of the county's estuaries in both winter periods. Spring passage was very light, lasting from mid April to mid June with the last, five at Tamar Est. Jun 16th. Single birds apparently summered at Camel Est. and Hayle Est. and return passage commenced with four at Truro Jul 16th. Away from the major estuaries it was a thin passage with fewer than normal inland.. Maximum numbers: Camel Est: eight January, six Apr 3rd. 25 Aug 17th. 30 Oct 10th. eight Dec 31st. St Johns Lake: five Jan 7th. six Feb 27th. 19 Aug 23rd. 21 Nov 16th. 11 Dec 26th. Percuil: five Jan 3rd. four Sept 10th. Fowey Est: six Jan 27th. five Nov 30th. Devoran: five Mar 4th. eight Nov 5th. Tamar Est: five Jun 16th. eight Sept 3rd. Hayle Est: seven Aug 20th to Oct 3rd. Inland the max were four at Stithians Res Aug 18th and three at Hayle Kimbro Pool Sept 11th.

GREEN SANDPIPER - Tringa ochropus

Passage migrant. A few 'winter' Two had overwintered at Hayle and they were briefly joined by a third Jan 1st. Thereafter only one was observed until Apr 12th with a second bird Jan 24th. The Camel Est bird was not reported again but one at Mar 5th to Apr 10th may be relevant. Elsewhere in the first winter there were singles at Tamar Est. and Sconner, Polbathic Jan 7th and two at Goonhilly Jan 10th. Spring passage consisted of four singles at Lanivet, Stithians, Par and Loe Pool between Apr 16th and May 7th. Autumn passage commenced with two at Stithians Jun 26th and continued to late October. It was the eighth poor autumn in succession with only c.80 birds reported. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Stithians Res: noted Jun 26th to Oct 9th with max of 20 Aug 20th. Trelissick: four Aug 2nd. Near Kynance: three Aug 3rd. Hayle Est: noted Aug 9th to Oct 9th with max of six Aug 14th. Camel Est: noted Aug 17th to Oct 23rd with max of four last date. Landulph Marsh: four Aug 30th. Ones and twos were reported from 21 other localities. In the second winter period there was two at Drift Res. Nov 17th and singles at Goonhilly Nov 26th, Stithians Nov 23rd to Dec 13th, Tamar Est. and Hayle to the end of the year and two at Trethurgy Dec 26th.

WOOD SANDPIPER - Tringa glareola

Uncommon passage migrant. (Mainly autumn). Marazion Marsh: singles Jul 22nd, Aug 3rd and Sept 8th. Ruan Lanihorne: one Aug 2nd. Hayle Est: singles Aug 5th and Sept 17th. Stithians Res: one or two regular Aug 10th to Sept 6th but three Aug 22nd. No reason to suspect that more than three birds were involved. 65 Drift Res: one Aug 20th. Sennen: one Sept 10th. Gwithian: one Sept 14th to 17th. The third year in succession with no spring record. The total of no more than twelve in autumn is the lowest since 1979.

COMMON SANDPIPER - Actitis hypoleucos

Passage migrant. A few winter. Breeding has not been proved in the county since 1910 but two very anxious birds observed by AHJH in suitable habitat on Jun 16th this year may be indicative of local breeding on Bodmin Moor. The only bird overwintering from 1987 was at Hayle. Elsewhere during January there were singles at East Looe and Truro. All apparently moved on; the Truro bird to Tresillian perhaps, where one was noted Feb 17th. Others in February were at and Mylor. The first in spring were singles at Lanivet Mar 20th and Hayle Est Mar 27th, but no more until Apr 11th when main migration commenced, c.60 birds were reported from all parts of the county, but apart from 18 at Ruan Lanihorne Apr 13th and seven at Hayle Apr 29th numbers were very small until passage ceased May 23rd. Autumn passage commenced Jun 16th with four at Tamar Est. and one at Landulph. It was a thin passage, but as with so many other less-estuarine wader species, high water levels on the reservoirs ensured that there was few suitable inland stopover sites. c.191 birds were reported with maximum numbers as follows: Hayle Est: 12 Jul 13th. 16 Sept 29th. c.42 birds in total. Stithians Res: 16 Jul 15th. c.30 birds in total. Camel Est: 12 Jul 18th. 14 Aug 16th. Ruan Lanihorne: 18 Jul 24th. Drift Res: eight Jul 24th. Crowdy Res: 13 Aug 9th. In the second winter period there was three at Truro Nov 19th and singles at St Mawes Nov 26th, Ruan Lanihorne Dec 10th and Camel Est. and Tamar Est. to the end of the year.

TURNSTONE - Arenaria interpres.

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A few summer. First winter records were again sparse but there was a reasonable spring passage from mid March to late May. A few remained into June and the first returning birds appeared Jul 23rd. Flocks remained small until late September. Maximum numbers: Portscatho: 35 Jan 26th, 29 Feb 18th and 40 Mar 14th. Camel Est: 66 Feb., 40 Mar 24th and 120 Dec 1st. Feock: 65 Mar 1st. Par: 100 Apr 17th and Sept 25th. Looe: 100 Sept 25th. Marazion: 54 Dec 1st. Inland: Near Kynance: 26 Jan 9th and 40 Jan 23rd. Stithians Res: one Jul 29th, two Aug 19th and one Sept 5th. Upper Tamar Res: one Aug 14th. Davidstow Airfield: two Aug 21st to 24th and four Aug 27th. Colliford Res: 20 Aug 24th.

WILSON'S PHALAROPE - Phalaropus tricolor

Rare vagrant. Maer Lake, Bude: one Sept 30th and Oct 1st. TJD.FHCK.JCP. The 19th county mainland record - all since 1961. 66 Ten of the 19 have arrived in September, five in August, three in October and one in June.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE - Phalaropus lobatus

Rare vagrant. Pendeen: four flew west Oct 7th. PH.RA.DJB.AD. Were they overlooked at St Ives the same day? The first records since 1983. These four take the county mainland total to a mere 24 since 1930, prior to which there is a paucity of information.

GREY PHALAROPE - Phalaropus fulicarius

Uncommon passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. Two in the first winter period and the best autumn passage since 1984. Mevagissy: two west Jan 12th RL. RMV Scillonian: one Jul 31st. RBd. LGRE. St Ives: 114 west between Aug 20th and Nov 20th. Eight in August, 15 in September, 85 in October and six in November with max of eight Sept 2nd, five Oct 5th, six Oct 6th, 74 Oct 7th and six Nov 20th. SGR.DSF.JEM et al. Hayle Est: juvenile Aug 26th to 29th. DSF.FHH.SGR. Pendeen: 55 west between Sept 2nd and Oct 9th. 26 in September and 29 in October with max of ten Sept 13th, nine Sept 28th, seven Oct 5th, 13 Oct 7th and seven Oct 9th. PHA.SJC.PH.MS. et al. Newquay: two Sept 2nd, one Sept 12th and four Oct 6th. SMC.PAM.EJC. et al. Godrevy: four Sept 12th SB Tamar Est. Juvenile Oct 10th. Killigerran Head: four Oct 11th PAM Rosemullion Head: three Oct 11th. BC.PMcC. Sennen Cove: one Oct 12th. PAM

POMARINE SKUA - Stercorarius pomarinus

Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. A feature of recent springs has been the previously little documented passage of this species off the south coast of Cornwall. c.47 were reported in spring this year between Apr 19th (the earliest since 1970) and May 29th. All were off the south coast except one seen from RMV Scillonian. Autumn passage was truly phenomenal and included a record count at Stives Oct 7th, a day now coloquially known as 'Pom Friday'. Rame Head: six Apr 19th, three Apr 20th, two May 1st, ten May 2nd, two Aug 28th RS.PHA.AHJH.RWG. 67 Gribbin Head: pale adult May 1st. GJC Killigerran Head: seven May 1st. PAM. six Oct 11th PAM Mevagissey: ten May 2nd. RL Portwrinkle: six May 2nd SCM one May 29th. RWG. RMV Scillonian: adult May 22nd. DJO. one Oct 13th DJB.DCB. Godrevy: two Aug 20th DJB.DCB. singles Sept 1st and 2nd. JAM.MS. Pendeen: one Aug 24th, four Sept 23rd, one Sept 24th, ten Sept 28th, seven Sept 29th, 13 Oct 5th, 75 Oct 7th and three Oct 9th. DS.PH. et al St Ives: one Aug 25th, six Sept 2nd, singles Sept 13th and 25th, two Sept 26th, 18 Sept 28th, eight Sept 29th, 19 Oct 5th, five Oct 6th, 98 Oct 7th, four Dec 4th and one Dec 6th. DSF.VRT.EG.JH.SMC.ASC.CCB. et al. Newquay: singles Aug 26th and Sept 23rd, twelve Sept 28th, two Oct 6th, three Oct 7th, one Dec 4th. SMC.RL.JH. et al. Lands End: one Sept 19th PH Rosemullion: seven Oct 11th BC. Mullion: juvenile Nov 3rd. ARP

ARCTIC SKUA - Stercorarius parasiticus

Passage migrant (mainly autumn) Spring passage commenced with two off Porthgwarra Apr 17th and ended with one seen from RMV Scillonian Jun 1st. Between dates a total of c.39 birds was reported. 25 of these moved through Apr 29th to May 3rd and apart from singles off Trevose Head Apr 30th and May 7th all reports came from the south coast. At Rame Head a total of 15 moved east, there was three at Pentewan, Charlestown and Par but no more than two at any other site. Autumn passage was reported from Jul 5th to Oct 21st. Birds were observed at 19 localities with peak passage occurring in the gales of Sept 2nd, 12th/13th, 28th/29th, Oct 5th to 7th and 11th. The largest single day counts were 291 Sept 2nd, 112 Sept 28th and 138 Oct 7th. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Porthgwarra: a total of thirty west between Jul 8th and Oct 9th with max of eleven Aug 30th. Killigerran Head: five west between Jul 26th and 31st, plus 26 Oct 11th. St Ives: a total of 407 west between Jul 28th and Oct 7th with max of 112 Sept 2nd, 26 Sept 12th, 21 Sept 13th, 44 Sept 28th, 31 Oct 5th and 77 Oct 7th. Pendeen: 238 west between Aug 20th and Oct 9th with max of 51 Sept 2nd, 27 Sept 13th, 31 Sept 28th and 52 Oct 7th. Newquay: 112 west between Aug 20th and Oct 7th with max of 52 Sept 2nd and 37 Sept 28th. Other large counts included 64 at Godrevy Sept 2nd, eleven at Gurnards Head the same day and 22 off Rosemullion Oct 11th. There was no more than three at any other locality and the last was one off Mevagissey Oct 21st.

LONG-TAILED SKUA - Stercorarius longicaudus

Rare passage migrant. St Ives: two juveniles Sept 2nd RB.ASC.SGR.VRT. one Sept 12th HWW, one adult and one immature Sept 13th JH, at least two adults Sept 23rd. DSF.SGR.ARP, two Sept 24th EG.EGG.JH.SGR., juvenile Sept 26th RB, one adult and one immature Oct 6th DSF.JH., three sub-adults Oct 7th. SMC.EG.JH.VRT. et al. Newquay: adult Sept 2nd. PAM.MB.SMC. Pendeen: eleven Sept 13th PH, one Sept 28th PH, one Sept 29th DS, three Oct 7th. AD.DJB.PH. et al. Porthgwarra: two Sept 26th PH. A record breaking year involving at least thirty birds (allowing for some duplication at St Ives and Pendeen). The county mainland total since 1930 now stands at c.91. Of these, 78 (86%) have occurred since 1981. 68 GREAT SKUA - Catharacta skua

Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. More than usual were noted during January including excellent numbers on 2nd. There was a light spring passage involving c.22 birds, exclusively off the south coast and a good autumn passage which included high counts during the gales of Sept 2nd and 28th and Oct 5th and 7th. Very few were reported in November or December. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Newquay: In January there was two on 2nd, 40 on 3rd and two on 4th. 27 moved west between Aug 26th and Oct 7th with max of ten Sept 2nd and nine Oct 6th. Two Dec 4th. St Ives: one Jan 2nd, 47 Jan 3rd and one Feb 5th to 9th. A total of c.341 west between Jul 13th and Oct 7th including 67 Sept 2nd, 26 Sept 28th, 39 Oct 5th and 119 Oct 7th. One Nov 20th, three Dec 4th and one Dec 6th. Rame Head: six in spring between Apr 10th and May 29th and seven in autumn between Jul 30th and Sept 25th. Porthgwarra: 93 west between Jul 12th and Oct 11th with max of eleven Aug 14th and Aug 30th, 20 Sept 1st and eleven Oct 4th. Bass Point: two Jul 24th, six Aug 14th and nine Sept 1st. Pendeen: 298 west between Aug 20th and Oct 9th with max of 49 Sept 2nd, 27 Sept 13th, 22 Sept 23rd, 44 Sept 28th, 29 Oct 5th and 94 Oct 7th. Elsewhere there was maxima of six at Killigerran Head May 2nd and five there Oct 11th, four at Mevagissey May 2nd, 32 off Godrevy Sept 2nd, seven at Gurnards Head the same day with eleven there Sept 12th, ten off Rosemullion Head Oct 11th but no more than three in a day at any other locality.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL - Larus melanocephalus

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Bude: the adult from 1987 remained to Jan 23rd. Second adult Jan 16th to 18th. First winters Feb 4th to Mar 3rd and Nov 18th to Dec 3rd. Second winter Dec 17th and an adult Nov 15th to Dec 9th. IK.TJD. Swanpool/Falmouth Bay: adult Jan 1st to Feb 28th was joined by another Jan 21st to Feb 27th. Second winter Jan 12th to 16th. First winter Feb 23rd to Mar 19th PAM.JMW.BC. et al. Two first winters Sept 14th with one to 26th and another Dec 10th. Adult Nov 24th. Second winter Dec 10th. DS.AH.JMW. et al. East Looe River: first winter and second winter Jan 10th AHJH. First winter Dec 26th. SCM. Stithians Res: adults Jan 16th SB.MS.ADS., Oct 8th to 13th and Nov 23rd/24th. PAM.DSF. et al. First winter Oct 26th. BC. Mounts Bay: adult sporadically Jan 21st to Mar 3rd CCB. Adults Sept 11th to 27th, and Dec 10th-31st with two Dec 18th. BRF.CCB. et al. First winter Oct 10th SJC. et al. Argal Res: adult Feb 14th JMW. First winter and second winter Dec 27th/28th. Also an adult Dec 28th. SB.MS. Camel Est: adult s.p. Jul 18th SMC, adult w.p. Aug 8th and Oct 9th SMC.PAM. First winter Sept 17th JH St Ives: juvenile Aug 3rd to 5th and Sept 12th to 16th SGR.DS. First winter Sept 12th to Oct 4th SGR et al and Nov 20th CCB. Hayle Est: juvenile Aug 3rd to 5th and Sept 12th to 16th SGR.DS. First winter Sept 12th to Oct 4th SGR et al and Nov 20th CCB. Hayle Est: juvenile Aug 15th to Oct 11th BJ.DCS. et al. First winter Sept 25th to Nov 18th CCB et al. Second winter Oct 26th DSF. Third winter/adult Oct 26th to Nov 10th DSF.JH. et al and a different adult at Copperhouse Nov 12th and 25th. CCB.JH. Rame Head: first winters Aug 18th and Sept 25th. AHJH. Newquay: two juveniles Aug 24th to Sept 28th with one to Oct 21st and a third Sept 12th. SMC.PAM et al. Adult Oct 21st to 31st. SMC. Drift Res: two adults and a juvenile Sept 8th DSF. Adult Nov 18th CCB Porthleven: two first winters Sept 15th with one to 17th. JSG 69 Devoran: adult Sept 25th. JHW Sennen Cove: first winter Sept 27th. AH Porthcurno: first winter Sept 30th PH Par: first winters Oct 13th to Dec 24th and Oct 15th to Dec 4th. RL. Porth Joke: adult and first winter Oct 14th. PJD.EGe Pendeen: adult and first winter Oct 15th. DS Millbrook: adult Oct 18th, first winter Dec 26th and a second winter the same day RWG Ruan Lanihorne: one Dec 12th GCJ A quite remarkable year - the species goes from strength to strength. A possible maximum of 68 birds, but allowing for duplication of wandering birds the actual total is many fewer. LITTLE GULL - Larus minutus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. One had overwintered at Bude and remained until Mar 3rd. Elsewhere in the first winter period there were singles at Newquay, Hayle Est., Gunwalloe, Loe Pool and Camel Est but two at Boscastle Jan 13th to Feb 8th and a total of three at Falmouth between Jan 12th and Mar 19th. Spring passage was noted Mar 6th to May 2nd. Only eleven birds were reported; all singles except two at Newquay and two different at Marazion. Autumn passage commenced with one at Loe Pool Aug 14th followed by one at Falmouth Aug 15th and ended with a single at Ruan Lanihorne Nov 14th. c. 73 birds were reported from 18 sites but apart from fair numbers on sea-watches off Pendeen and St Ives it was a very thin passage. Regular reports from: Falmouth: singles Aug 15th and Sept 26th, two Oct 11th - all first winters. Hayle Est: singles Aug 18th, Sept 3rd and Sept 28th, four first winters Oct 5th. St Ives: a total of 29 west between Aug 21st and Oct 7th with max of eight Sept 13th, four Sept 23rd, seven Oct 5th and four Oct 7th. Pendeen: a total of twelve west between Sept 23rd and Oct 9th with max of five Oct 5th. Four flew west past Killigerran Head Oct 11th but no more than two was noted at any other site. In December there were singles at Porth Res., Loe Pool and Newquay. SABINE'S GULL - Larus sabini Scarce passage migrant.

Another excellent year including good numbers in the autumn gales. Obviously considerable duplication as birds passed first one and then another north coast headland. As always a few strongly disputed birds omitted through lack of conclusive detail. Newquay: adult Aug 2nd, eight Sept 2nd, juvenile Sept 12th, two juveniles Sept 28th, four juveniles Oct 6th and three juveniles Oct 7th. PAM.SMC.MB. et al. St Ives: a total of 89 passed west on fourteen dates between Sept 2nd and Oct 13th with max of 14 Sept 2nd, four Sept 12th, nine Sept 13th, ten Sept 23d, eight Sept 28th, 18 Oct 5th, ten Oct 7th and five Oct 13th. DSF.VRT.DJO.SJCADC. et al. 70 Hells Mouth: juvenile Aug 31st DSF Godrevy: three adults Sept 2nd JEM.MS and five Sept 12th. SGR Pumps Point: adult Sept 2nd, juveniles Sept 12th. ML Pendeen: a total of 59 passed west on nine dates between Sept 2nd and Oct 9th with max of nine Sept 2nd, four Sept 13th, five Sept 23rd, 15 Sept 28th, 14 Oct 5th and nine Oct 7th. PHA.PH.DS. et al. : 12 Sept 28th SL Killigerran Head: first winter Oct 11th PAM Rosemullion Head: first winter Oct 11th BC.PMcC.

BONAPARTE'S GULL - Larus philadelphus

Rare vagrant. Portscatho: first winter Jan 31st and Feb 6th PAM.RL. Hayle Est: first winter Apr 6th. DSF. Gwithian: adult Dec 29th to 31st RJL.PAR. Assuming that all three were different, the county mainland total now stands at 18, half of them in the last ten years. January and March with five a piece are the main arrival months. Mounts Bay with five and St Ives with four (although a series of records 1968 to 1971 probably referred to the same bird), are the mot visited sites. All accepted by B.B.R.C.

BLACK-HEADED GULL - Larus ridibundus

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Bred annually at Crowdy Res 1979 to 1987, but no information this year. Previously breeding was reported only at Dozmary Pool in 1959 and Stithians Res. 1967-69. First winter flocks were about average and spring passage was obvious until the beginning of March. Subsequently very few were noted until first signs of returning birds Jun 8th. Autumn passage was generally poor and second winter flocks smaller than normal. Maximum numbers: Camel Est: 9000 Jan 9th. 1660 Jul 15th, 3500 Aug 8th, 2719 Sept 14th. Helford Est: 1200 Jan 7th and Mar 4th. 700 Dec 10th. Bude: 5000 Jan 15th to Feb 2nd. 3000 Dec 4th. Par: 2200 Jan 22nd. 4000 Aug 8th. 1200 Oct 29th. Devoran: 3500 Feb 2nd. Swanpool: 2000 Feb 27th.

Leucistic birds were reported from Hayle Est., Bude and Lynher Est.

RING-BILLED GULL - Larus delawarensis

Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. First recorded in Cornwall in 1979 and apart from 1980 has been noted annually since. Copperhouse: The two from 1987 remained; the second year bird to at least Feb 28th and the adult to at least Apr 16th. Presumably the same adult Aug 15th and regularly from Nov 15th into 1989. The second winter returned, now in third winter plumage Nov 23rd and remained into 1989. DSF.JH.CCB.BRF.AHJH. et al. Millbrook/St Johns Lake: adult Jan 2nd to 17th DMG et al and single first winters Apr 19th to May 4th RS. et al and Dec 31st MDR. Truro River: first winter Jan 21st. SMC.BTSC. Helston: sub adult Feb 8th. EGe. Trenance Lake, Newquay: first winter Feb 10th/11th. SMC Tamar Est: adult Feb 23rd to 26th. EG Mounts Bay: first winter Mar 1st to Apr 16th CCB et al. Par: first winter Mar 4th to May 5th RL.SMC. et al. First winter Dec 19th, second winter Dec 22nd and another first winter Dec 23rd. All three into 1989. RL.HAK. et al. 71 Porthleven: first winter Mar 12th JH Swanpool: first winter Mar 19th to 31st JMW.BC. Another Apr 23rd. JMW. Stithians Res. second winter Sept 1st. MAG Camel Est: adult Oct 10th to 19th. PJD.ML. As usual a number of claims omitted owing to a lack of conclusive detail. COMMON GULL - Larus canus Passage migrant. Winter visitor. A few summer. Very under-reported during 1988. First winter flocks were much smaller than last year with particularly low numbers after mid February. Last in spring were singles at Hayle Est. and Millbrook May 1st. A second summer bird was noted at Par Jun 9th to 24th and the first returning individual was an adult at Camel Est. Jul 3rd. There was no more than ten at any location until mid September and second winter concentrations were again small. Maximum numbers: Porthpean: 400 Jan 2nd. Camel Est: 450 Jan 9th, 240 Feb 18th. 150 Nov 14th, 206 Dec 24th. Crowan Res: 200 January. Bude: 150 Jan 16th. 120 Dec 24th. Par: 320 Jan 24th. 100 December. Devoran: 120 Feb 8th. Fowey Est: 220 Nov 30th. Stithians Res: 126 Dec 25th. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus fuscus Resident. Breeds in small numbers. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. The only breeding report was of a pair at Western Cove, North Cliffs. None was located at Hells Mouth where the species nested in 1985 and 1986. RJP. Spring passage commenced early as usual with several very high counts during January 29th to Mar 13th. A few remained at Hayle Est., Camel Est. and Ruan Lanihorne throughout the summer but the first returning migrants were 15 off Porthgwarra Jul 12th. Apart from the annual autumn congregation at Colliford Res., flocks were small to the year end. Maximum numbers: Hayle Est: 740 Jan 29th, 1070 Feb 25th, 1000 Mar 6th. Camel Est: 180 January, 1100 Feb 28th, 1246 Mar 13th, 350 Apr 2nd. 71 Dec 24th. Ruan Lanihorne: 150 January. 120 September. Devoran: 500 Feb 8th. Colliford Res: 150 Aug 7th. 550 Oct 26th, 150 Nov 13th. Near St Columb Major: 220 Sept 25th. Langstone Down, Bodmin Moor: 110 Nov 13th. Birds showing characteristics of the North Scandinavian race 'L. f. fuscus were restricted to one this year; an adult at Par Marr 26th RL. Birds showing characteristics of the South Scandinavian race 'L. f. intermedius' were more numerous: East Looe River: 90 Jan 9th SCM. Mevagissey: one Mar 14th RL. Porthpean: two Mar 29th RL. Swanpool: adult Dec 2nd BC. HERRING GULL - Larus argentatus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. As suggested in last years' Report there has been a noticeable decrease in the population of this species not only locally but also nationally. Peak counts at many sites were little more than 20% of five to ten years ago. There seems to be no tangible reason for this decline in Cornwall. Breeding was reported from many parts of the coast but roof-nesting currently appears to be less popular. 72

A pair nested successfully on the roof of 'Sharpes' Malpas Road, Truro, two pairs nested on rooves in Saltash and a pair used a new site on a bungalow at Crafthole. A few pairs used the flat rooves of Newquay Police Station and adjacent Magistrates Courts and about twenty pairs nested on the rooves of drying sheds at . Maximum numbers: Hayle Est: 330 Feb 21st. Helford: 300 Apr 19th. Camel Est: 433 Apr 22nd, 549 Jul 25th and 788 Sept 9th. Reskajeage: 500 Nov 26th. Birds showing characteristics of the Scandinavian race 'L. a. argentatus' are now recorded annually in small numbers and with better appreciation of identification criteria, will continue to be reported with increasing frequency. This year there were single adults at Gannel Est. Jan 5th SMC and East Looe River Jan 7th AHJH. AHJH also reports that it is regular in small numbers at Colliford. YELLOW-LEGGED HERRING GULL Vagrant. The same comments with regard to 'L. a. argentatus' above apply here. Birds showing characteristics of one or other of the yellow-legged races of Herring Gull (which must surely be separated in the near future), were reported as follows: Looe: first winter Mar 6th SCM Poldhu Cove: third winter Mar 9th. SMC.MB.MAG. Landulph: adult Aug 3rd. EG Millbrook: adult showing characteristics of 'L. a. michahellis' Oct 23rd AHJH Colliford: adult Oct 26th IK Siblyback Res: adult Nov 13th RWG.AHJH.VRT. ICELAND GULL - Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. A fair influx in the first winter period but only two in the second winter period. Falmouth/Swanpool: at least five birds involved in numerous sightings Jan 1st to Apr 18th. A first winter was noted Feb 19th to Mar 29th PAM.JMW.BC. et al., a second winter Feb 23rd to Mar 31st JMW.BC.IK. et al, a third winter Jan 21st to Mar 5th CCB et al, and an adult Jan 1st to Mar 9th BC.SMC. et al. A second adult may have been present Mar 9th MAG. Rame Head: a first winter Jan 5th MDR. Millbrook: a first winter Jan 23rd RWG. Mounts Bay: a third winter Jan 24th BRF and an adult Feb 10th to 14th. DSF.MS. St Ives: adult Feb 9th to 12th. CCB.BTC. Poldhu: a first winter Mar 13th. RFH.ACH.BCW. Camel Est: a first winter Mar 24th SMC.MB. Hayle Est: a first summer Apr 10th and May 9th. DSF Drift Res: a first winter Dec 25th CCB. Reskajeage: a first winter Dec 30th. DSF.BAEM. GLAUCOUS GULL - Larus hyperboreus Uncommmon winter visitor and passage migrant. Like Iceland Gull, a good influx in the first winter period, but none at the end of the year. Perranporth: a first winter Jan 3rd. DFS Newquay: a first winter flew east Jan 3rd. SMC.JH.DLT. et al. Camel Est: a first winter, oiled and injured Jan 7th SMC. Mevagissey: a first winter Jan 12th and a second/third year flew west Mar 22nd. RL. Falmouth: one or two first winters Jan 12th BC and a first winter Mar 13th SJC. Loe Bar: a first winter Jan 17th ARP Mounts Bay: a first winter Jan 21st to 24th. CCB.BRF.DL.MS. Hayle Est: single first winters Jan 24th to 29th CCB.BRF.DL and Mar 19th CCB St Ives/: a first winter/summer Jan 31st to Feb 13th CCB.DL. et al, 73 another (?) Mar 1st PH and a second winter/summer Jan 30th to Feb 14th DSF.JH. et al. Rubbish Tip, Redruth: a first winter Feb 9th. DL. Par: single first winters Feb 10th AHJH and Apr 28th RL. Sennen Cove: a third summer Apr 23rd. DSF.BKM. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus marinus Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding was very poorly reported. GCJ considered that increased breeding numbers in 1987 in the Roseland district had been maintained in 1988. Elsewhere the only report was of a pair at Green Island, (Porthcothan?). For recent breeding records see the Breeding Seabirds Surveys in Birds in Cornwall 1985 and 1987. Spring passage was noted from mid January to mid March but numbers in the latter half of the year were exceptionally low. Maximum numbers: Ruan Lanihorne: 230 Jan 18th. Hayle Est: 110 Feb 21st. Camel Est: 290 Mar 29th and 122 Aug 11th'. ROSS'S GULL - Rhodostethia rosea Very rare vagrant. Poldhu: first winter Mar 8th to 12th ARP et al On the last date it moved to Swanpool where it was seen by many observers before moving on to the Plym Estuary, Devon. It may have been present at Swanpool since Feb 24th before moving to Poldhu. The second county mainland record. Accepted by B.B.R.C.

KITTIWAKE - Rissa tridactyla Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Breeding records were received for; Ralphs Cupboard - 344 nests (an increase form 74 301 in 1987, 215 in 1986 and 122 in 1985), Gull Rock, Nare Head - 150 nests, Portloe - 50 nests. PMcC has supplied some additional information concerning the Head colony which is generally accepted as having been in evidence since 1965. Whilst corresponding with Mike Harris of I.T.E. and John Gibb he received the following comments from Mr Gibb. "In my day there was a small colony in a gulley on Rinsey Head (SW 591 269) immediately west of the National Trust boundary. I think that this colony was started during the war (and that I was the first to bring it to attention) but I never saw it with as many as 100 nests". In view of the fact that Mr Gibbs conducted his Rock Pipit study around the late 1940's and early 1950's it is quite clear that the colony is twenty or more years older than previously thought. Maximum numbers noted during the year: Newquay: 4500 west in eight hours Jan 3rd. 1200 Jan 4th. 3600 west in two hours Feb 2nd. St Ives: 1000 west Jan 3rd. 5400 west in 1172 hours Oct 5th. 2454 west in 113/4 hours Oct 7th. Rosemullion Head: 760 west in three hours Jan 12th. 980 west in four hours Oct 11th.

SANDWICH TERN - Sterna sandvicensis

Passage migrant. An excellent year with some very high counts in autumn. First was one at Falmouth Mar 12th followed by singles at Camel Est. and Looe Mar 13th. Regular reports and maximum numbers were reported as follows: St Austell/Par Bay: 23 Mar 22nd. 40 Apr 15th. 75 Apr 17th. 50 May 1st. 53 Aug 8th and 25 Sept 7th. Hayle Est./Porthkidney Sands: 15 Apr 14th. 60 Sept 2nd. 65 Sept 24th. St Ives: few in spring but a total of 543 west in autumn betwixt Jun 24th and Oct 27th with max of 46 Aug 20th, 75 Sept 2nd, 70 Sept 13th, 150 Sept 26th and 32 Oct 5th and 7th. Newquay: none in spring but a total of 238 west between Jul 28th and Oct 6th with max of 120 Sept 2nd and 29 Oct 6th. Camel Est. 31 Jul 25th and 30 Aug 17th. Other maxima included 30 at Portwrinkle Apr 10th, 43 at Falmouth Apr 15th and 36 west at Pendeen Sept 13th. Last was one at Long Rock Nov 20th.

ROSEATE TERN - Sterna dougallii

Scarce passage migrant. St Austell Bay/Par: one May 1st and two May 26th. RL.GRW.MW. Hayle Est./Porthkidney: noted Jun 117th to Aug 6th, usually singles but four Jul 10th and two Jul 24th. Probably only the four birds involved. DSF.GDL.JH. et al. St Ives: three juveniles west Sept 2nd and single adults west Oct 5th and 7th. VRT.SMC.DJB.CCB. Newquay: juvenile west Sept 28th. SMC

COMMON TERN - Sterna hirundo

Passage migrant. A most peculiar year. The first two were at Par Apr 13th - the latest arrival date since 1980. Birds were regular at Par throughout spring but there were reports from only five other sites until June. Autumn passage apparently commenced with two at Par and one at Hayle Jul 8th and continued until late October with the last at Camel Est. Oct 31st. Early autumn reports were restricted to half a dozen sites but later the species was much more 75 widespread, including large numbers off the north coast Sept 2nd and off the south coast Sept 7th. Regular reports and max no's: Par: noted Apr 13th to Jun 20th and from Jul 8th to Sept 7th with max of 30 Apr 18th and 34 May 28th. Hayle Est./Porthkidney: eight Apr 18th and noted Jul 8th to Oct 27th with max of 33 Jul 23rd, 40 Aug 10th, 49 Aug 12th and 37 Aug 18th. St Ives: a total of 1102 west between Jul 13th and Oct 19th with max of 800 Sept 2nd, 50 Sept 13th, 46 Oct 5th and 42 Oct 7th. Newquay: a total of 228 west between Jul 22nd and Oct 7th with max of 171 Sept 2nd. Gurnards Head: 30 west Sept 2nd. Tamar Est: 180 Sept 7th. Porthwrinkle: 160/200 Sept 7th. Possibly the same as the Tamar Est. flock because they were in a single tight flock which flew out from inland, swooped down over the golf course and went out to sea. SCM has never experienced such a movement as this in South East Cornwall before. In the spring period there was also eight at Trevose Head May 7th and nine at Marazion May 18th but no more than five at any other site in autumn. The huge passage off St Ives Sept 2nd is second only to a vast movement involving some 3000 birds off St Ives on 17th October 1961.

ARCTIC TERN - Sterna paradisaea

Uncommon passage migrant. Spring passage commenced with two at Mounts Bay Apr 15th and ended with birds at three sites May 28th. Autumn passage was very protracted. It commenced with one at Hayle Jul 19th and ended with four off St Ives Oct 12th. Between dates good numbers were reported from many sites including an excellent movement simultaneous with Common Tern Sept 2nd and many in the October gales. Mount Bay: two Apr 15th. Hayle Est/Porthkidney: one Apr 18th and noted Jul 19th to Oct 4th with max of five Jul 27th. c. eight birds involved. Bude: four Apr 23rd. St Austell Bay/Par: noted May 1st to 28th with max of four May 4th and singles Jul 29th/30th and Sept 1st. Port wrinkle: one May 1st and seven May 28th. Rame Head: one May 2nd. Looe: six May 28th. St Ives: a total of 259 west between Aug 20th and Oct 12th with max of 200 Sept 2nd and 20 Oct 7th. Newquay: a total of 116 west between Aug 24th and Oct 6th with max of 104 Sept 2nd. Godrevy: one Aug 28th and six Sept 12th. Tamar Est: 30 Sept 7th Pendeen: a total of 19 west between Sept 28th and Oct 9th with max of ten Oct 5th. Killigerran Head: five Oct 11th. Unusual was one at St Johns Lake Jul 23rd to Aug 29th in 'portlandica' type plumage RWG.SCM.

LITTLE TERN - Sterna albif rons

Uncommon passage migrant. A very poor year with only c.20 in spring and c.18 in autumn. Par: noted regularly Apr 17th to May 1st with max of nine Apr 18th. Also one May 26th and two Aug 21st. SMC.RL.GRW.MW. Mounts Bay: noted Apr 17th to May 6th with max of four Apr 29th SB.MS.DL.DSF et al. 76 Bude: two Apr 23rd IK Hayle Est./Porthkidney: one Jul 21st, five Jul 24th and six Jul 27th. JH.SB.MS. St Ives: one Jul 28th, two Sept 13th. SGR Camel Est: juvenile Aug 8th SMC Rumps Point: two Aug 14th and one Sept 12th ML Lynher Est: three Sept 11th SCM.JW.

BLACK TERN - Chlidonias niger

Uncommon passage migrant. Marazion: one Apr 23rd, two Apr 24th. DSF.SGR. et al. Looe: one May 22nd RWG Trevose Head: one May 22nd PAM Landulph Marsh: one Aug 2nd GDL Tamar Lakes: two Aug 11th GPS et al Par: one Aug 18th RL Hayle Est: two Aug 18th, one Aug 19th and three Sept 23rd. DSF.PTS.EGG.GGG. Pendeen: one Aug 20th MRAB.PH. Camel Est: one Sept 10th DRC St Ives: one Sept 12th. ARP. SGR. Stithians Res: one Sept 14th BC.JEM.MS. Loe Pool: one Sept 17th JSG. Rosemullion Head: one Oct 11th BC Gwithian: one Oct 14th NB

The poorest autumn passage for at least twenty years.

WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN - Chlidonias leucopterus

Rare vagrant: Bude: juvenile Aug 10th. Moved to Upper Tamar Res. Aug 11th to 14th. GPS. et al. The 16th county mainland record but the first from the far north of the county. Top site is Hayle with three followed by Stithians, Porth and Crowdy reservoirs and Sennen with two each. Accepted by BBRC. GUILLEMOT - Uria aalge

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding season records were received for (with number of birds on ledges in parenthesis): Tintagel to Boscastle (60 pairs), Port Isaac (seven), Pentireglaze (60), Com Head (32), The Moules (four), Porthmissen (eight), Cats Cove, Trevose (at least one), Navax to Hudder Cove (59), Hudder Cove to Samphire Island (12), Gull Rock, Nare Head (60). Very few birds were reported outside the breeding season. By far the maximum were 2000 west in two hours Feb 2nd off Newquay. The species is evidently much scarcer inshore in winter than Razorbill and of those observed many are found to be oiled. In 1988 one at Portwrinkle was identified as a bird of the 'bridled' variety. SCM.

RAZORBILL - Alca torda

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding season records were received for (with number of birds on ledges in parentheses): Boscastle (c.30), The Moules (four), Porthmission (15), Trevose Head (six), Navax to Deadmans Cove (27), Samphire Island to Western Cove (five), Gull Rock, Nare Head (ten). Better reported than Guillemot outside the breeding season, but all of the highest counts were noted in the gales early in the year: 77 St Ives: 1000 west Jan 2nd, 1500 west Jan 3rd. Trevose Head: 2200 west in one hour Jan 22nd. Newquay: 1000 west in two hours Feb 2nd.

Auk sp. Passage of auks (Guillemot/Razorbill) not specifically identified was reported from: St Ives: 10000+ in 11V2 hours Oct 7th. Trevose Head: 2223 west in two hours Nov 18th.

BLACK GUILLEMOT - Cepphus grylle

Rare winter visitor and passage migrant. St Ives: singles Jan 9th PAM, Feb 12th BTC and Sept 13th CCB.SGR. These three take the county mainland total to c.36, twelve of which have occurred at St Ives.

LITTLE AUK - Alle alle

Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasional * wrecks'. Newquay: singles west Jan 3rd and 4th, four Jan 30th (two of which were killed by Great Black-backed Gulls). SMC.PAM.JH. St Ives: singles Jan 3rd, Jan 30th, Feb 10th and Feb 12th. DSF.RLL.LML.CCB. et al. Perranporth: one west Jan 3rd. DFS. Porthpean: one Jan 5th. PAM Trevose Head: singles west Jan 6th and 22nd. PAM.SMC. : one found alive Jan 7th GPS. Mounts Bay: one Jan 7th to 12th. CCB.SB.BL.MS. Sennen Cove: one found dead Jan 8th DSF Par: one found dead Jan 10th. RDP. St Columb Major: one hit by car Feb 1st. SMC. Padstow: one Feb 11th. PWG.DR. Fowey: one Feb 12th MJPM. Bude: one found dead Mar 7th IK : one found dying in a garden Mar 17th RDP Porthgwarra: one Mar 22nd. PH Pendeen: one west Oct 9th AHJH King Harry Ferry: one for two days in mid December per JD A substantial movement in the gales of the first winter period with several 'wrecked' birds inland. The bird at St Columb was described as 'one of a flock which flew across the road in front of a car'. Whether or not the other birds were Little Auks is not known.

PUFFIN - Fratercula arctica

Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. There has been a substantial decrease in the number of breeding pairs in the county over the last three decades. At Lye Rock for instance, 3000 or more could be seen in the 1940's, 600 were not unusual in the 1960's and even in 1970 60/70 were still present here. There are now none at this site and other former colonies at Holywell Bay and Gull Rock, Nare Head now appear to be deserted. The few small colonies that do still exist appear to have a relatively stable population at present, but soil erosion and predation by larger gulls will almost certainly take their toll in the future and the species seems destined to become extinct as a breeding species in Cornwall. Breeding season records this year came from: Long and Short Islands, Tintagel: Present from May 1st with an estimated thirty pairs breeding. TJD. NJC counted five pairs on the landward side of Short Island 78 and six pairs on the landward side of Long Island but was unable to make the necessary sea voyage to check the seaward sides of the two islands. The Moules: noted May 11th to Jul 24th with a maximum of seven birds Jul 6th, but no proof of breeding. Passage birds were noted as follows: Rame Head: one west Jan 5th, two east Apr 30th and one east May 22nd. Porthgwarra: four Mar 22nd, four Apr 1st and two Apr 11th. In July a total of 46 flew west with a maximum of 22 on 25th. One Aug 8th. Mevagissey: eight west May 2nd and one west May 3rd. Lands End: one May 19th, three Jun 13th. St Just-in-Roseland: one Jun 25th. St Ives: singles Jul 13th and Oct 5th. Bass Point: two west Jul 28th. Godrevy: three west Sept 2nd. Pendeen: ten Oct 9th.

FERAL ROCK DOVE - Columba livia

Resident. Breeds. Pure Rock Doves may still survive in small numbers on some of the more remote parts of the North coast but they would probably prove indistinguishable from feral stock. Very few records received for 1988 and a noticeable drop in the size of the largest flocks reported. The maximum were 36 at Lundy Bay Sept 13th and 32 at Trebarwith Strand Sept 30th.

STOCK DOVE - Columba oenas

Scarce resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Apparently another very poor year particularly in mid Cornwall where the species has become very scarce SMC. However, at Falmouth PMcC found it breeding at several sites, notably in the quarries west of Mabe and considered that it was at least maintaining its numbers, if not increasing. The only other reports of confirmed breeding emanated from Coldrose, Truro and in the Upper Fowey Valley. GHT.JAdEM. Very few reports were received for the first half of the year and SCM did not see any in south east Cornwall until early April. He wonders where they spend the winter? Autumn passage was the lightest for at least a decade with only very small parties noted with Woodpigeons. Max no's. Sandymouth: 20 Feb 6th. Porthgwarra: 20 Oct 30th and ten Nov 1st. Trevail: eleven flew south Oct 30th. Drift Res: 25 Dec 26th.

WOODPIGEON - Columba palumbus

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. As always, very poorly reported but no reason to suspect any change in status. No large flocks were reported in the first winter period but 120 at Whitecross, Newquay Mar 19th and 250 at Gerrans Mar 250 were indicative of a small spring passage. Autumn passage apparently commenced with 100 at Trevose Head Oct 13th but flocks throughout the remainder of that month and the first half of November remained very small. There was a larger influx from Nov 18th to Dec 15th but few overwintering. Max. no's: Polhawn: 250 Nov 18th. Ruan Lanihorne: 1000 feeding on stubbles Nov 20th. North Wayton: 300 Dec 10th. : 350 Dec 15th. 79 COLLARED DOVE - Streptopelia decaocto

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The species was first noted on the Cornish mainland in 1959 and populations built up to a peak in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Subsequently there has been a levelling off in numbers and a noticeable decrease in many areas. The reasons for this decrease do not appear to be fully understood but does coincide with the species' removal from the list of birds protected by law. No increase has been reported anywhere in the county since 1984! The downward trend continued in 1988. JD considered it scarcer in mid Cornwall and JAdEM found none breeding, probably due to shooting. In the Marazion/ area BP still encounters 'good numbers' but considers that Magpies are a menace to Collared Doves. In North Cornwall, TJD found it still widespread but no big colonies found; most groups being of ten or less. Spring migration consisted of two at Trevose Head Apr 27th and two at Blackrock Apr 29th. Only two post-breeding flocks of any size were reported - 40 at Antony Jul 30th (this compares with 153 there in 1982 and 110 in Oct 1981) and 24 at in August (compares with 58 in Oct 1985 and 52 in 1984). The only evidence of autumn migration was two flying west at Porthgwarra Sept 20th.

TURTLE DOVE - Streptopelia turtur

Passage migrant. Bred in 1981 and probably in 1978 and 1977. Summering birds are not unusual but winter records are rare. The bird noted at Lizard in November 1987 remained into January this year. Spring passage commenced with two at Allet Apr 16th and continued to Jun 12th when one was a Lizard. It was a more productive spring than 1987 and 1986, with a total of c.56 birds reported from twelve sites. Approximately one half arrived May 21st to 25th and all moved quickly through. Most reports concerned one to three birds with larger parties as follows: Harlyn Bay: at least four Apr 30th. Lands End: 14 May 21st (the largest flock anywhere in the county since 1979). Skewjack: seven May 23rd. Gwithian: five May 25th. Autumn passage was almost non-existent. It apparently commenced with one at Probus Jul 21st followed by two at Saltash Jul 28th. Only one bird was reported in August, seven in September and three in October. The total of fourteen was probably the lowest since 1975. All were singles except the Saltash birds, two at Sennen Sept 10th and a total of three at Lizard. The last was one at Nanquidno Oct 28th.

CUCKOO - Cuculus canorus

Summer resident (declining?). Breeds. Passage migrant. Reported from all parts of the county. Few general comments received but PMcC reports an excellent year at Falmouth with more than usual in the west of the area to the south and west of Stithians. The first in spring was a single at Nanquidno Apr 4th followed by one at Upper Fowey Valley Apr 13th and a general arrival from Apr 19th. Virtually all reports concerned one or two birds but four were at Upper Fowey Valley Apr 24th, four at Crowan Res. May 5th and six at Trevail May 21st. Very few reports of successful breeding were received and most adult birds had evidently departed the county by the end of June. There were no reports in July and autumn passage consisted of seven birds between Aug 1st and Sept 18th. The last were singles at Rame Head and Trevose Head. Of interest were the following: 80 Marazion: one in June was thought to be a female and was only the second bird in 17 years threatening the Reed Warblers there. BP. Stithians: A juvenile being attended by Meadow Pipits Aug 1st which were agitated and felt threatened by the approach of JH! Skewjack: hepatic bird May 21st. CCB

BARN OWL - Tyto alba

Resident. Breeds. Loss of breeding sites, loss of hunting habitat, pesticides, increased road traffic and the series of cold winters have all taken their toll of this highly vulnerable species. This decline has been particularly well publicised and this may account for much better coverage this year. Records were received from 103 sites with breeding proved in at least 25 cases. This total contains at least nine instances of confirmed breeding in North Cornwall where the North Cornwall Barn Owl Conservation Project has carried out extensive and intensive surveys of literally hundreds of farms and has erected numerous nest boxes in suitable locations. With the N.C.B.O.C.P. now disbanded one wonders if the same amount of information will be forthcoming from this district for 1989. In district six pairs were confirmed breeding, in Carrick four pairs and in at least three pairs. In the Penwith district, where a captive release scheme has been recently initiated only one breeding pair was reported. In Caradon the species is still widespread but no breeding was reported.

LITTLE OWL - Athene noctua

Widespread but scarce resident. Breeds. Despite vastly increased observer coverage there has been a relatively steep decline in the number of Little Owl sightings in Cornwall. Certainly, it is much less common than twenty to thirty years ago. That said, there was another slight improvement this year, but this is thought to be due to greater observer awareness. Breeding was confirmed only at , Perranporth and Pentire but probable also at Mullion and Blackrock. Trevose Head: one Jan 6th. Bodmin bypass: one Feb 15th. Bedruthan Steps: singles Mar 8th, Jun 10th and Nov 5th. , Camborne: singles Apr 19th and Jul 29th. Higher , Troon: one Jul 1st to 31st. Maiden well, : one Jul 6th. : one Jul 27th. : one Jul 27th where bred in 1986 , Helston: two regular Jul 31st to Dec 31st. Near , Fowey: one Aug 7th. Clicker, Sheviock: one Sept 11th. , Rock: one Dec 14th.

TAWNY OWL - Strix aluco

Resident. Breeds. A vast increase in the amount of information received, but still only eight instances of confirmed breeding. Once again there was no report from the Lands End peninsula; the most westerly birds being a single in the reedbed at Long Rock and frequent records in the /Rospeath area. MJJ heard one at Feb 15th but reports that it is declining there. More information was forthcoming for the Lizard peninsula where there is obviously a very small population in the Mullion/ area. Singles were also noted on the peninsula at Coverack Jun 8th and Kennack Sands Aug 6th. Throughout the remainder of the county the species continues to be widespread and even common in places. Rather curiously all records from the Caradon district were dated after Oct 29th.

81 LONG-EARED OWL - Asio otus

Rare passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. Bred in 1985, 1934, 1927 and 1924. Probably bred in 1976 in the Upper Fowey following a large influx into the U.K. the previous autumn. , Newquay: one found dead in road Dec 24th. per DLT This one takes the county mainland total since 1930 to c.44 (19 of which occurred in 1976.)

SHORT-EARED OWL - Asio flammeus

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Has bred sporadically. Numbers fluctuate from year to year but some areas are regularly used by wintering birds. Bred in several years in the 1930's and 1940's and almost certainly near Foxhole in 1983. 1988 proved to be the poorest year in Cornwall since 1972. As anticipated, after the poor autumn passage of 1987, none overwintered. Only one spring migrant was noted, a mere eleven in autumn and another blank in the second winter period! Menadarva: one Mar 8th. Porthwrinkle: one Sept 15th. Trevose Head: one Oct 15th. Lizard: singles Oct 17th and 30th. Porthgwarra: two Oct 29th, four Oct 30th and one Nov 1st. Marazion: one Oct 30th. Bostraze Common, Goon Wumpus: one Nov 1st. Tregonetha: one Nov 9th.

NIGHTJAR - Caprimulgus europaeus

Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Formerly more widespread and more common as a breeding species but range has contracted and is now confined to five main areas. West Penwith: noted Jun 13th to Sept 14th. Possibly five males churring. This compares with four males/sites in each of the last four years. CCB.SGR.MJR. Near Bodmin: a single male Jun 2nd and 4th but inclement weather deterred observers from checking again. A single pair was present in 1984-7 and this site is likely to be lost due to habitat emergence - i.e. conifer growth. SMC.ADC.HMC.ML. et al. Near : a single female Jun 11th. This is a decrease here. One pair has certainly been present annually since 1982 and a second male 1984/5/6. EJC. Lizard: noted Jun 5th to Aug 12th with a maximum of three males and two females Aug 7th. An apparent increase at this site where three males were also present in 1987, but only one or two pairs previously since 1982. JMW.PHo.ADS.ARP.BC. Bodmin Moor: a single male Jun 22nd to Aug 10th. The future of the species at this site is obviously in doubt; in 1986 up to three males were present and in 1984, four males. BTC.

SWIFT - Apus apus.

Summer resident. Passage migrant. Breed. The first in spring was a single at Pool Apr 17th, followed by one at Trevail Apr 20th. Small numbers continued to pass through to the end of the month but most arrived after May 4th. Maximum numbers in spring included 80 at Drift Res. May 9th, 250 flying east at Falmouth May 13th and 200 at St Austell May 29th. 800 at Colliford Jun 4th was the largest single congregation in the county since 1981. Reports of breeding success were sparse and BP considered the species scarcer at Marazion this year. At Falmouth, PMcC has conducted a survey of a colony in the town since 1978. 82 This year he found that July numbers were very low but the August total suggests that breeding may have been more successful than first suggested.

Counts of flying birds over a Falmouth colony 1978-1988 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Mean max 1978--1982 - 40 41 88 38 - 1983--1987 1 26 48 80 52 -

Max/Min 1978--1982 0/0 31/47 31/52 70/110 15/73 0/0 1983--1987 0/3 15/48 37/59 66/90 36/79 0/1 Max 1988 0 19 46 39 79 -

There was no news of the Godrevy/Navax Point cliff-nesting colony this year. Autumn departure appeared to be a little earlier this year. This was certainly the case at St Columb where all had disappeared Aug 4th - above five to seven days earlier than normal. 700 at St Anthony Jul 31st and 100 at St Austell Aug 7th were the only large numbers reported. Very few were reported after mid August and only five in September, with the last at Marazion on 11th.

ALPINE SWIFT - Apus melba

Rare vagrant. Lansallos: one Apr 4th. PHA.SJC. At sea, 12 miles northwest of Lands End: one May 17th. GDL Both accepted by BBRC. These two bring the county mainland total to 13, five of which have arrived in the last four years.

The Lansallos bird is the earliest ever and the fourth for April.

KINGFISHER - Alcedo atthis Scarce resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). After the series of cold winters local populations had reached a very low level by 1987. However the mild weather of winter of 1987/8 obviously proved beneficial resulting in sightings at 19 localities during the first winter period. Most were singles but three were at Siblyback Res. Jan 21st and two at Tamar Est. Mar 6th. There were breeding season records from Loe Pool, Trelissick, Ruan Lanihorne, Sladesbridge and Grogley/Polbrock. Only at the last site was breeding confirmed when an adult was seen feeding a juvenile in early July. It is of interest that the species is rarely recorded west of Truro in the breeding season. In recent years there has been records from Gweek in 1984 and 1983, Loe Pool in 1983, Trelissick in 1982 and Carne Creek, in 1981. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Par Jul 7th. Birds were noted at all the usual localities - all ones and twos except three at Tamar Lakes Aug 13th. c.35 birds were reported from 27 sites. Birds apparently overwintering were noted at 17 sites - a big improvement on the five sites in December 1987. Of particular interest were five at Camel Est. Nov 14th and two each at Tamar Lakes, Hayle Est., Drift Res. and Fowey Est.

HOOPOE - Upupa epops

Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring). Bred in 1901, 1905, 1962, 1968 and 1969. An average spring passage but a record number in autumn. Swanpool: one Mar 28th DMY. Ruan Lanihorne: one Apr 3rd per Mr Taylor. Philleigh: one Apr 11th to 15th. BGR. Lizard: singles Apr lOth/llth SW.EL.RFH.ACH.BCW., Apr 23rd ST and May 12th BC

83 Coverack: one Apr 12th EGe Sennen Cove: one Apr 18th to 27th DSF.PH.BKM. Boswednack: one May 10th. GGG.EGG. Wheal Rodney, Marazion: one Jul 19th BP. Tregony: one Aug 18th to 26th per EGe Loe Bar: one flew south Oct 12th JSG Carnsew Pool: one Oct 15th per DSF. Marazion: one Oct 19th and 28th and Nov 5th. BP.DL. Gunwalloe: one Nov 2nd to 9th. EGe. Mullion Golf Course: one Nov 16th per EGe (presumably the Gunwalloe bird). Rame Head: one Nov 16th. JW. It is difficult to make a true assessment of the actual number of birds involved because of the conspicuousness of the species and observers' predilection towards reporting it. Assuming that as many as sixteen birds were involved in this year's sightings, the county mainland total moves on to c.349 since 1930 - prior to which data is very sketchy. The best years to date have been 1968 with 24, 1984 with 21 and 1977 with 20. Top month is April with 157 (46%) new arrivals, followed by May with 56 and March with 52. The best autumn month is September with 24. This year's November records at Mullion and Rame Head are the third latest county mainland records ever.

WRYNECK - Jynx torquilla

Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn) There is no fully authentic record of the species having bred in Cornwall and in view of the recent, rapid contraction in range in the U.K. any future breeding seems highly unlikely. Paradoxically, there has been an upsurge in the number of birds reaching Cornwall on migration in the last few years. This increase reached a new peak in 1988 when one was reported in spring and an incredible 27 in autumn; easily superseding the previous record of 21 in 1985. Lewidden, Rumford: singles Apr 15th to 19th and Sept 9th/10th. Mr & Mrs GPG.SMC. Mevagissey: one Aug 13th. BA. Porthgwarra: singles Sept 4th. AB. Oct 1st to 4th and Oct 20th to Nov 1st. MO. 84 Caerthillian, Lizard: two Sept 8th with one to 10th and another Oct 18th. RB.ARP.SB.MS.JMW. Lizard: two Sept 8th and 9th, one Oct 1st. ARP.BC.PHo.JMW. Nanjizal: one Sept 9th PH Trewinnick, Rumford: one Sept 9th/10th GC.SMC.AL. et al. (Different to Lewidden bird) Near Kynance: one Sept lOth/llth ARP.JSG.JAJ.JEM. Nanquidno: one Sept lOth/llth CCB.PH.GRW.MW. Sennen: one Sept 11th PH , Lands End: one Sept 11th PH Holmbush, St Austell: one Sept 11th RL Goonhilly: one Sept 12th PJD.SRH.SJH. Pendeen: one Sept 14th PH Rame Head: one Sept 18th RWG.AHJH. Tregantle: one Sept 18th RWG. Bude: two Oct 1st PTS Navax Point: one Oct 3rd PAR Camel Est: one Oct 9th SRH.SJH. Crantock: one Oct 15th to 20th. RFH.BCW. Note the arrival of Sept 8th to 11th. Since 1930 c. 159 birds have been reported. 94 (59%) have arrived during September, 31 in October, 17 in August and two in November. In spring there has been ten in April, four in May and one in June. The most visited site has been Porthgwarra with 33 birds followed by Lizard/Caerthillian with 19 and St Ives with nine.

1987 record

Torpoint: one Aug 31st per CFHNHC Report 1987.

GREEN WOODPECKER - Picus viridus

Resident. Breeds. Much better reported this year with records from c.65 localities including twenty two where birds were present during the breeding season. Most reports came from the area to the west of Fowey/Polzeath. In North Cornwall TJD occasionally saw birds but it is definitely not a common bird there, whilst LSP & EMP found it in short supply in the St Just in Roseland district. A similar situation exists around and JEM but it is common in the nearby Lanner and area ADS. Elsewhere ML and JEM described it as common at Camel Est. and Stithians respectively.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos major.

Resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. It appears that the population and distribution of this species reached a peak in the late 1970's and early 1980's after the onslaught of Dutch Elm disease. The initial affect of the disease evidently provided an abundant food source which was temporarily exploited, but which has subsequently dissipated as trees have decayed and become sterile. In 1988 birds were reported from 51 areas but only twelve of them contained birds in the breeding season. Breeding was proved only at Helford, and Upper Fowey Valley. The species is evidently widespread over much of the county but scarcer in the west. On the Lizard peninsula singles were reported from Mullion in June, near Kynance Aug 11th to Sept 10th and at Lizard Sept 24th. On the Lands End peninsula there was one at Sennen Jun 4th and singles at Porthgwarra, Nanquidno and in autumn - all of which are suspected of being local birds. SL points out that when he was resident in the St Buryan area a few years ago he regularly saw single pairs in many of the valleys in the district. 85 LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos minor

Scarce resident. Breeding has not been proved in the county since 1980 but undoubtedly occurs unnoticed. Since 1977 the species has been noted in 42 different localities in the county, mainly east of Truro but there are occasional sightings at Trelissick and in the Penzance area. 1988 proved to be an appalling year in Cornwall. : male Mar 6th AHJH St John: one Mar 6th SCM Trelissick: one Apr 12th, 13th and 24th. JD.PMcC. Turnaware: one Nov 24th RL. Cotehele is the most regular site in the county with sightings here in six of the last ten years. At Trelissick the species has been noted in four of the last seven years but the Turnaware bird is the first report from that site since 1980.

1987 record

Antony: two males Feb 17th and one Mar 13th per CFNHC Report 1987

WOODLARK - Lullula arborea Rare resident and passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. This premier songster was formerly much more common and widespread with breeding records from many parts of the county until about 1968. Subsequently there has been a gradual contraction in' range with no breeding season records away from the east of the county since 1981. Breeding has been proved in the county only twice in the last twenty years - at St Germans in 1983 and at Treveneague in 1968. This years' records offer no cause for optimism. There were no breeding season records, but this may in part be due to the departure of PSC to the other side of the Tamar, rather than a complete absence of birds. It was he, who regularly recorded birds in the area over the last few years. Three were at Feb 21st AHJH and this has proved the most regular area with almost annual occurrences since 1980. There is clearly considerable scope for co-ordinated fieldwork in and around the Tamar Valley to establish an accurate picture of the species status here. Seven birds were noted on autumn migration: T^revose Head: one Oct 26th DJB.DCB. Porthgwarra: two flew south Oct 29th and four flew south Nov 1st. DSF.SB.MS. Since 1967 a total of c.83 migrants have been reported. Of these, 40 (49%) have been noted at Porthgwarra. 45 (54%) have occurred in October, 26 in November and lesser numbers in other months.

SKYLARK - Alauda arvensis

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. First winter flocks were larger this year and included several reports of 100/150 birds. Larger concentrations were 300 at Camel Est. Jan 9th, 200 at Mount Joy Jan 16th, 400 at Sandymouth Jan 16th increasing to 500 Feb 6th and 280 at Trevose Head Feb 15th. There was no evidence of spring passage this year. Adverse comment was received concerning the breeding season from BP and PMcC. BP considers the species very scarce in the St Hilary and Treveneague area where a lot of the preferred habitat has been ruined due to broccoli and new potato culture - the latter under plastic. PMcC has recorded a marked decline in the Falmouth area. It has fallen from being the eleventh most widespread species during 1981-85 to only twentieth most widespread during 1986-88. Autumn passage apparently commenced with 70 at Trevose Head Sept 29th and continued until late November. It proved to be a heavy passage with maximum of: Reskajeage: 830 Oct 16th. 500 Oct 26th and Nov 23rd. 86 Roseland peninsula: 300 flew south Oct 20th. Pentire: 1000 Oct 30th EG Trevose Head: 350 Nov 1st. : 300 Nov 13th. Rame Head: 300 Nov 20th. (The 1000 at Pentire equals previous largest autumn flock at Trevose in November 1983 and Porthgwarra in October 1976). In December there were 200 at Pentire, 250 at North Wayton and 200 at Reskajeage.

SAND MARTIN - Riparia riparia

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Small numbers roost with Swallows at traditional sites in autumn. There has been a well documented 'crash' in population levels nationally over the last twenty years. This reduction, of up to 90% in many areas, is related to drought in the wintering areas in Africa. However, heavy rains in the last two or three years should prove beneficial and there is some evidence of a slight improvement on the rock bottom figures of 1984 and 1985. The first in spring was one at Par Mar 19th followed by two at Sennen and one at Swanpool the next day. Small parties continued to arrive to the end of the month, but there was a noticeable arrival with other migrants Apr lst/2nd. Spring passage proved to be the best since 1981 with birds continuing to pass through until mid May. The maximum included 131 at Marazion Apr 1st, 100 there the next day and 70 Apr 25th. 130 were noted passing through Trevose Head Apr 10th, 110 were at Skewjack Apr 19th and 150 at Drift Res. May 9th. Several breeding sites were visited with results as follows: Treskilling Clay Pit: 27 occupied holes (25/30 in 1987). Gwithian: 28 holes ('small colony' in 1987). Gunwalloe: 35 holes (15 pairs in 1987). : eight nests. Poldhu: only one bird present May 22nd (eight or nine pairs in 1987). Poison, Launceston: birds noted after a two year absence but no nest found. , Camel Est: colony deserted. : none located. Loe Bar: none located. Autumn passage apparently commenced with five at Tamar Lake Aug 14th. It was a diabolical passage involving a mere 22 birds. By far the maximum were eight at Lizard Sept 19th.

The last was one at Porthgwarra Oct 14th.

CRAG MARTIN - Ptyonoprogne rupestris Exceptionally rare vagrant. Stithians Res: one Jun 22nd. PHi. The first record for Britain and . Another was reported from Beachy Head, East Sussex about three weeks later. Accepted by B.B.R.C. and B.O.U.R.C.

SWALLOW - Hirundo rustica

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms large roosts at traditional sites in autumn. A few remain into December most years and birds occasionally overwinter into the New Year. The first in spring were three at Portscatho and one at Mar 20th. Small numbers continued to arrive and the species was fairly widespread by Apr 10th when there was an influx of 130 at Trevail. There was then a lull until the end of the month when 500 at Upper Tamar Res. on 28th proved the largest spring gathering in the county since 1982. There was also 100 at Trevose Head Apr 30th and in May 300 at Gurnards Head on 5th, 100 at Trevail on 7th and 200 per hour 87 flying north at Pentire on 11th. All in all, after a slow start, spring passage proved more pronounced than usual. This was reflected in breeding season comments. BP reported a bumper season and LSP.EMP. an exceptionally good year. The only adverse remark came from JD who considered it much scarcer in the breeding season. A very interesting nest site was noted on the iron river bridge at ; it contained three young Jun 18th PJD. Whilst on the subject of unusual nest sites - does anyone have any recent information on the various mineshaft nest sites reported at Cligga Head and Godolphin in the late 1970's and early 1980*8? Autumn passage was apparent from Aug 3rd. The two main roosts at Marazion and Par were very densely occupied this year. Both reached a peak in the first ten days of September, with 4000/5000 at Marazion on 3rd and 3500 at Par on 8th. There was no news of the Bude, Harlyn Bay or roosts this year - but presumably all were used. Elsewhere, 600 flew west at Trevose Head Sept 8th and several hundred were noted at Lizard Sept 18th but otherwise migrating parties were small. Mass departure was earlier this year with very few in November and none in December. The last was at Falmouth Nov 30th.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW - Hirundo daurica

Rare vagrant. Gwithian: three Oct 24th PAR and presumably two of the same at Ventonleague, Hayle Oct 26th. PAR. Kenidjack: one Oct 24th. DJB. These four bring the county mainland total to 20 - all but three since 1980. October is the most productive month with ten, followed by November with five May with four and Apr one.

1987 record Trevail: two Oct 25th SGR (These two take the 1987 total to eight). All accepted by BBRC.

HOUSE MARTIN - Delichon urbica

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. A few remain into December most years, but there are only two records of birds remaining into the New Year - both in 1975. The first in spring was one at Par Mar 15th but there was no more until 30 arrived at Hayle Apr 3rd. The same day three were at Wadebridge and a single at Skewjack. Passage was light throughout April and the first few days of May. The majority arrived from May 7th with maxima of 300 flying north at Trevose Head May 7th, 250 at Drift May 9th and 300 at Pontsmill May 29th. The species was apparently scarcer in several areas in the breeding season. BP and JD both noted reduced numbers whilst LSP.EMP. noted that a previously flourishing colony at St Just in Roseland was down to only two nests, although compensated to some degree by a new colony at St Mawes Garage. BH reported a thriving colony at Wearde, Saltash and AMJD described it as common at Launceston. The largest colonies reported were 20 nests at Trewassick, Colan and 17 at . Cliff-nesting was noted but not counted at Bossinney and Pine Haven. 10+ pairs in a quarry at Tintagel were of particular interest but what of the cliff-nesting birds at Portreath, Lizard, Crinnis, Carlyon Bay and Rumps Point? Do any of these, or the small colony at Polkirt, Mevagissey (reported in the 1970's) still exist? Commencement of autumn passage is difficult to detect but may have started in late August when 200 were at Pentewan on 23rd and 100 at St Austell the same day. In September there was a generally thin passage but 400 west at Portwrinkle on 8th and 400 at Caerhays on 16th are amongst the largest flocks reported in the county over the last fifteen years or so. A similar situation prevailed in October -

88 apart from 300 at Rame Head on 4th and 220 at St Austell on 17th, the majority of reports concerned single figure numbers. A total of 55 was reported in November and five in December - the last being singles at Landulph on 7th, Saltash on 8th and Crafthole 26th/27th. RICHARD'S PIPIT - Anthus novaeseelandiae Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Singles unless stated otherwise. Perranporth: one from 1987 stayed to Jan 3rd. DFS. Porthgwarra: singles Sept 20th and Oct 3rd, three Oct 2nd, one Oct 18th and 19th and another Oct 19th to 24th. SMC.MB.PH. et al. Rame Head: Sept 21st. MDR. Hayle Kimbro: Sept 25th EG Porth Mear: Sept 30th SMC Kynance: Oct 4th SB Carnsew, Hayle: Oct 20th DSF Stithians Res: Oct 25th JRS Gwithian: Nov 1st PAR Padstow: Nov 1st TJD : two Nov 5th PAM Trevose Head: Nov 12th PAM These 17 birds bring the county mainland total to about 180. Only one year, 1985 with 20 birds, has proved more productive. Of the 180, 70 (39%) have occurred in the Porthgwarra area. A monthly breakdown shows that 43 have arrived in September, 104 (58%) in October and 18 in November. The January record above is the third for the county - two were shot at Budock on 12th January 1869! 1987 Porthgwarra: delete the bird of Sept 20th (see Tawny Pipit). 1985 Rame Head: one Oct 13th. R. Burridge. TAWNY PIPIT - Anthus campestris Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn but occasionally occurs as a Spring overshoot from the south). Trevose Head: adult Apr 23rd PAM Porthgwarra: singles Sept 7th RES. Oct 2nd PH and Oct 30th to Nov 5th CCB.SB.ABR.MS. et al. Annual since 1979. These four bring the county mainland total to about 78. Of these, 35 (45%) have occurred at Porthgwarra. A monthly breakdown reveals that 45 have arrived in September and 18 in October. There are two previous November records - in 1984 and 1979. There are six previous records in spring and the Trevose bird is the second earliest ever, beaten only by one at Porthgwarra on 19th April 1983. 1987 record Porthwarra: one Sept 20th AHJH. TREE PIPIT - Anthus trivialis Breeds. Summer resident. Passage migrant. Main centres of breeding populations are found on heaths and in young conifer plantations in the mid and east of the county particularly Bodmin Moor, Helman Tor and surrounding heaths, Goss Moor and Summercourt/Ladock areas. There have no breeding season records west of Truro since two at Stithians in 1970. This year the species was reported as very scarce in the breeding season especially in the Upper Fowey Valley where only three singing males were located compared with the norm of eight or nine. A total of 28 birds were noted in Halvana plantation May

89 17th and a few were reported from the usual sites around Bodmin and Summercourt. Less usual was a pair which probably bred near Tregony. The first in Spring was one at Upper Fowey Valley Apr 16th. Passage was the poorest for many years with a meagre total of seven birds noted. Autumn passage apparently commenced with 17 at Lizard Aug 16th and ended with one at Nanquidno Oct 24th - the third latest ever record. As in spring, passage was very thin with only 67 birds noted at 14 sites. Apart from the 17 at Lizard the only other double-figure number was 10 at Sheviock Sept 8th. Of the 67 birds reported, 21 moved through Aug 16th/17th and another 21 Sept 7th/8th. MEADOW PIPIT - Anthus pratensis Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Winter flocks in excess of fifty are rare but substantial cold weather movements sometimes occur. The species was exceptionally scarce in the first winter and spring period with the largest flock by far 35 at Porth Mear Feb 11th. Breeding was poorly reported but PMcC in a survey of the area to the west of Falmouth found many more than he had encountered previously. He found singing males and birds carrying food to young on the few remaining heathlands (e.g. and Rame Common) as well as on rough grazing areas. Autumn passage commenced Sept 3rd and apparently ended in mid November. The largest numbers moved through a few days earlier than normal and passage was generally heavy. Sites with regular passage and maximum numbers were reported as follows: Lizard: Sept 3rd to Nov 22nd. A total of c.580 birds. Trevose Head: Sept 8th to Oct 17th. A total of c.595. Rame Head: Sept 14th to Oct 1st. A total of c.700. Lands End: Sept 15th to 20th. A total of c.2120. Porthgwarra: Sept 20th to Oct 18th. A total of c.860. By far the largest single day movement was c.1400 south at Lands End Sept 15th - also the largest single autumn day total on record. 800 which flew west at Tregantle the same day and 420 south at Porthgwarra Sept 20th were also exceptional. Apart from 60 to Landulph Nov 22nd, second winter flocks were small. ROCK PIPIT - Anthus petrosus Resident. Breeds. Very rare inland. Although always under-reported the species is nonetheless well distributed along all suitable stretches of the county coastline. Six pairs at , Newquay and four pairs between Gurnards Head and during the breeding season were noteworthy. The largest flocks reported were 14 at Trevose Head Feb 15th and 12 at Porth Mear Feb 11th. Passage migrants are occasionally identified and in recent years these have included individuals of the distinctive Scandinavian race 'Anthus spinoletta littoralis'. Critical examination of Rock Pipits, particularly those encountered inland, will doubtless reveal further examples. SCANDINAVIAN ROCK PIPIT Marazion Marsh: one Mar 13th. CCB The eighth county mainland record. (Two each in 1987 and 1984 and singles in each of 1975, 1969 and 1877.) WATER PIPIT - Anthus spinoletta Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Formerly regarded as a sub-species of Rock Pipit, but since 1986 accepted as a full species. Small numbers are reported annually from traditional sites in winter but migrants turn up almost anywhere. Maer Lake, Bude: one from 1987 was last noted Mar 3rd. Singles Jan 13th to 16th and Nov 5th into 1989. IK et al. 90 Gannei Est.: one Jan 5th to Mar 2nd. SMC.EJC.LW. Landulph Marsh: two Jan 10th, one Feb 20th/21st, three Mar 6th and one Oct 27th. AHJH.RWG et al. Marazion Marsh: two Feb 8th and Mar 14th with one to Apr 21st. CCB.DSF. et al. Maenporth: one Nov 19th to 21st JMW.PHo. Hannafore, Looe: one Dec 3rd. SCM. Camel Est: one Dec 30th. SMC.EJC.LW. The Marazion bird of Apr 21st is apparently the latest spring bird on record. The most regular sites over the last eleven years have been Marazion Marsh (records in each year), Camel Est. and Landulph Marsh (six years each).

YELLOW WAGTAIL -Motacilla flava

Passage migrant. Uncommon in spring but forms roosts in autumn at Marazion, Par Beach, Loe Pool and occasionally elsewhere. Bred almost annually 1956 to 1965, occasionally prior to that but not since. A few variants, notably Blue-headed occur annually. Spring passage commenced with a male at Par Apr 9th. The total of 32 birds at 13 sites was above average. 16 of these arrived Apr 19th to 25th and included four at Par Apr 23rd and three at Marazion Apr 22nd. All other reports were of two or less. Unusual were two at Marazion Jun 6th and a juvenile there Jul 16th (suggestive perhaps of breeding locally?) There was also a single at Lizard Jun 18th. Autumn passage commenced with one at Boswednack Aug 16th and ended with one at the same locality Oct 30th. A total of about 148 birds was reported from 25 localities, making it the poorest autumn passage for many years. Apart from 12 near Kynance Sept 10th, 15 at Portwrinkle Sept 15th, 30 at Par Sept 29th and 22 at Porthcurno Oct 1st there were no other double-figure counts. The maximum at the Marazion roost was nine Sept 5th and at Loe Bar the maximum was three Sept 17th.

BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL - Motacilla flava flava

Males of the nominate race which breeds over much of North and Central Europe are recorded annually in spring and occasionally in autumn but the less conspicuous female goes largely undetected. May have bred at Copperhouse in 1981. Marazion Marsh: male Apr 24th BC. After an average of seven per annum 1976 to 1985 there has been only singles in each of the last three years.

ASHY-HEADED WAGTAIL - Motacilla flava cinereocapilla.

Vagrant - breeds over much of Italy and Sicily. Marazion: single males May 15th to 21st and Jul 16th. PHA.CCB.JH. et al. Assuming that these were different birds the county mainland total moves to twelve - all but one in spring. Nine of the twelve have occurred at Marazion. One wonders if there is any significance in the simultaneous arrival of the July bird with the juvenile 'Yellow' above.

GREY WAGTAIL - Motacilla cinerea

Resident on most suitable streams and rivers in mid, north and east of the county. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). Very small roosts are reported from time to time, usually associated with Pied Wagtail roosts. As usual few reports were received for the first half of the year but there was no cause to suspect any change in status. Breeding may have occurred at Newton Moor, Troon and a pair were present at 91 Predannack Jun 19th but with these exceptions there were no breeding season records west of Camborne. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Lands End Aug 15th and continued to late October. About 140 birds were reported, most of which moved through in mid to late September. The largest parties included ten at Lands End Sept 15th, 13 at Cot Valley Sept 20th and seven at Lizard Sept 24th. At Porthgwarra passage was regular Aug 23rd to Oct 18th and involved c.25 birds. Very few migrants were reported from the east of the county and six at Lostwithiel Oct 24th were probably locally bred birds.

PIED WAGTAIL - Motacilla alba yarrellii

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Forms roosts, some of which are well established, in autumn and winter. Main roosts appear to be Par Beach, Marazion/Long Rock Reedbed, Helston and Copperhouse. Many more roosts than normally were reported this year. This information is greatly appreciated and hopefully will form the basis for further research. King Harry Ferry: 15 roosting on the gantries of M.V. 'The Methane Princess' Jan 15th. St Columb Sewage Works: 35 Jan 16th. Par Beach: 26 Jan 24th. 48 Aug 8th. 60 Sept 8th. 90 Sept 25th and 100 Nov/Dec. Truro: 42+ entering a Caeanothus bush beside Courts furniture store Feb 12th. Penpol Creek, Fal Est: 100+ on an old barge Feb 8th. Launceston Police Station: 150+ Mar 29th. Long Rock Reedbed: 150 Sept. 200 Nov 2nd and 300 Nov 5th. Pentewan: 100 Nov/Dec. Lostwithiel: 100 Nov/Dec. There were no reports of migrants in spring. Autumn passage apparently commenced Aug 8th and continued until at least Nov 5th. Few were reported, the maximum being 200 at Davidstow Airfield Sept 8th, 90 at Predannack Sept 18th and 98 at Gwithian Oct 3rd. A flock of 120 were watched feeding on sandflies blown onto the car park at Swanpool Beach Oct 25th JMW.

WHITE WAGTAIL - Motacilla alba alba

The nominate form of 'Motacilla alba' breeding over much of Europe and occurring as a passage migrant in Cornwall. Spring passage commenced with two at Par Mar 30th and involved c.45 birds at nine sites - the best spring arrival since 1982. However, of these, 25 were noted at Marazion Apr 24th and no more than three together were noted elsewhere. One which remained at Hayle Est. from June to Sept 16th was most unusual. DSF. In autumn c.204 birds were identified at six sites with the last at Porthgwarra Oct 4th. With the exception of the Porthgwarra bird and one at Stithians Res. Aug 31st, all passed through in September with peaks of 65 near Kynance Sept 4th, 20 at Lizard Sept 9th and 80 at Marazion Sept 26th.

WAXWING - Bombycilla garrulus.

An irruptive species which occurs in Cornwall as a very rare winter visitor and passage migrant. There has been only two significant arrivals in Cornwall - in 1961, 22 birds were noted and in 1965 when 19 were reported. In 1988 large numbers occurred along the East coast of the U.K. in Oct/Nov with some flocks in excess of 500 birds. Although these dispersed westwards in a very reluctant manner it was a major disappointment to discover that only one confirmed individual reached Cornwall. Near Saltash: one Nov 27th PAH. This appears to be the first record from the Saltash district and brings the county mainland total to c.71. A monthly breakdown reveals that November and December 92 are the main months for the species in Cornwall with 54 (76%) first noted in those months.

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 birds centred on Bodmin. Coverage of potential and known breeding sites in this area has been comparatively complete in recent years but there has been scant information from further east. However, late in 1988 AWGJ et al made an exploratory examination of three rivers with some interesting results: : checked Nov 18th. 23 sites visited, three with birds present. Nine birds seen. Five recent nests. /St Neot: checked Dec 2nd. 14 sites visited, eight with birds present. 17 birds seen. Three recent nests. River Inny: checked Dec 30th. 14 sites visited, three with birds present. 12 birds seen. Three recent nests. Breeding was proved at 13 sites this year and was probable at one other. Birds were noted at an additional 13 localities during the breeding season and breeding may have occurred at any of these. This summary does not include the main area around - Bodmin - for which no information has been forthcoming. Despite this apparently healthy population there is no room for complacency - the species is at risk from vastly increased pollution of our rivers and loss of breeding sites. Apart from reports from regular areas there were singles at Stithians Jan 25th, Mouth and Apr 24th and one killed by cat at Higher Spargo, near Argal Dam in December. Of the breeding records, probably the most interesting were reports from Seaton and Lowertown, Helston.

WREN - Troglodytes troglodytes

Abundant resident. Breeds. Populations can be severely reduced after prolonged cold winters. This was especially evident in 1963, but in 1986 and 1987 these decreases were more localised. After a couple of adverse comments in 1987 reports were much more optimistic this year. Generally the species was reported as very common and BP reported a bumper breeding season at Marazion after the mild weather. PMcC found no change in the Falmouth town area but noted a marked decrease to the west of the town, since winter 1984/5, where there appears to have been a contraction in range to sub-optimal habitats because of a population fall. Small numbers were reported from many sites but 30+ at Landulph Nov 27th was quite exceptional.

DUNNOCK - Prunella modularis

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. After last years decrease at Long Rock, BP reports a slight improvement this year. Elsewhere the species was described as common, even prolific. Few migrants were identified but four flew in high off the sea at Lands End Sept 19th and 50 at Portgwarra Oct 12th undoubtedly included some new arrivals after the previous days deluge of rain.

ROBIN - Erithacus rubecula

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn). No change in status was reported this year despite BP not seeing any young at either Long Rock or Wheal Rodney. Apart from rather obscure references to 'a small influx' at Zennor Sept 3rd, 'a large influx' at Lizard Sept 10th and 'an obvious influx' at Lizard Oct 24th very few migrants were reported. 93 At Porthgwarra there was 40 Oct 3rd and 50 after the rain on 12th. Singles were noted on rocks whilst seawatching at Newquay Oct 6th and St Ives Oct 7th and there was six newly arrived birds at Rame Head Nov 20th.

NIGHTINGALE - Luscinia megarhyncos

Rare passage migrant. Although there is a small breeding population annually in East Devon this species has only once been proved to breed in Cornwall, and that was in 1940. In 1978 a male was heard singing for six weeks at a site in West Cornwall and in 1984 a male was heard singing for three days in mid June at a site near Bude. Porthgwarra: one Sept 8th RES. Kenidjack: one Sept 10th RES. Full details supplied by an observer familiar with the species in his home county. These two bring the county mainland total to 30 (14 in spring and 16 in autumn). The Porthgwarra record is the sixth at that site and the Kenidjack bird the second at that site.

BLUETHROAT - Luscinia svecica

Rare passage migrant (mainly autumn). Par: a first winter male of the race 'L. s. svecica' (red-spotted form) trapped and ringed Sept 8th remained in the area to 10th. BTSC.SMC.MB.ADC. et al. The first county record since 1984 and the first ever at this locality. The seventeenth county mainland record, all but one of* which have arrived in autumn and all since 1965 (Two 19th century records are not fully authenticated). A monthly breakdown reveals: May - one, Aug - two, Sept - 13, Oct - one. Six have occurred at Marazion/Long Rock Reedbed, three each at Kynance and Porthgwarra, two at Colliford Res. and one each at Newquay, St Ives and now Par.

BLACK REDSTART - Phoenicurus ochruros

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Bred sporadically in the 1940's and the 1950's in the Perranporth area. In 1986 a pair with three full grown young were seen at Perranporth but there was no evidence that they were locally bred. In 1987 a juvenile was seen at Colliford Jul 12th and there was much speculation as to its origins. A male at Blackpool China Clay Pit in July 1977 was in suitable breeding habitat as was a male seen carrying a small brown moth near Holywell Bay on Jul 26th this year. A total of sixteen was reported for the first winter period Jan-Mar 3rd. Most reports were of single day/single bird sightings, but there was two at Castle Beach, Falmouth Jan 29th to Feb 17th, two at Millook Jan 31st and two at Kynance Feb 7th. Spring passage commenced with one at Mount Joy Apr 4th and consisted of eight singles, the last at Trevose Head May 6th. Autumn passage was heavy, second only to the record passage of 1982. c.203 birds were reported from 71 localities. The first was at Culdrose on the early date of Sept 12th (only one at Perranporth 9th Sept 1986 is earlier) and the last - all singles at Porth Joke, Crantock, Crinnis, Porthpean and Zennor Nov 27th. The vast majority moved through Oct 20th-Nov 5th with highest single day counts of 32 Oct 23rd, 27 Oct 28th and 26 Oct 30th. Regular reports and maximum numbers: Culdrose: noted Sept 12th to Nov 18th, max ten Oct 28th. (12 birds) Rame Head: noted Oct 10th to Nov 20th, max six Oct 23rd. (11 birds) Lizard: noted Oct 12th to Nov 11th, max. 15 Oct 23rd. (21 birds) Cot Valley: noted Oct 22nd to Nov 5th, max 12 Oct 30th. (15 birds) Cam Marth: seven Oct 28th. Porth Loe Beach: six Oct 29th. Saltash: five Nov 18th. After such an impressive autumn passage, second winter birds were exceedingly 94 scarce. In December singles were noted only at Falmouth, Hemmick Beach, Kelsey Head, Charlestown and .

REDSTART - Phoenicurus phoenicurus

Uncommon summer resident, almost exclusively restricted to Bodmin Moor and the broad leaved woodlands around Bodmin. Breeds. Passage migrant. Breeding was very poorly reported this year. From Bodmin Moor birds were reported in five areas with a possible maximum of a mere 16 breeding pairs. This compares with an estimated 250 pairs in 1985 and 61 pairs in 1984. Elsewhere the only report concerned up to two singing males at Dunmere Woods in May. Spring passage commenced with an early arrival at Sennen Apr 1st followed by two at Lands End Apr 3rd. A total of 24 moved through, mainly singles but also two males at Rame Head Apr 10th, two males at Lizard Apr 19th, eight at Trevose Head Apr 23rd and five more there Apr 30th. Autumn passage involved c.43 birds and was the second best of the last twelve years, beaten only by the record passage of 1986. The first were three at Kynance Sept 10th and one at Porthgwarra the same day. Although passage was fairly evenly spread between dates, 32 of the total moved through in October. Apart from single day/single bird sightings three were noted at Porthgwarra Sept 21st, two at Lizard the same day, two at Trevail Oct 1st and three at Rame Head Oct 4th. Last was one at Coverack Nov 5th - the seventh county mainland record for November.

WHINCHAT - Saxicola rubetra

Uncommon summer resident. Breeds exclusively on Bodmin Moor. Passage migrant. 180 pairs were located on Bodmin Moor in the 1984 breeding season but there has been a substantial and obvious decline since. This year breeding was proved only at Colliford and Hawkstor. In the Upper Fowey Valley two previously regular territories were deserted. As pointed out in the 1987 Report this is a difficult species to census unless one is prepared to visit the more remote and inaccessible parts of the Moor but any information would be most welcome. Spring passage was poor - only 16 birds were reported with the first, singles at Gwithian and St Agnes Apr 22nd. All were singles except two at Porthgwarra May 17th. Autumn passage was about the average of the last ten years (1986 excepted), c.88 birds were reported with the first two at Gwithian Aug 9th and the last at Kynance Nov 1st. The vast majority moved through in mid September with maxima of 17 at Lizard Sept 9th, twelve at Kynance Sept 10th and six at Caerthillian Sept 17th. No more than four was noted at any other site.

STONECHAT - Saxicola torquata

Resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Suffers severe losses in prolonged cold winters. Following the depletion of breeding populations in winters 1984/5 and 1985/6 there was a slight recovery in 1987 and a more significant improvement in 1988. The exceptionally mild winter of 1987/8 was undoubtedly of great assistance in this recovery and one can only hope that the record-breaking mildness of winter 1988/9 will improve the position to near normal levels. In 1988 records were received for all stretches of suitable coastline but encroachment inland was slow, c.62 pairs were reported during the breeding season and from the large number of reports in autumn and the second winter periods it appears that most pairs bred successfully. Inland, a pair bred at Laneast for the first time in three years whilst a male at 95 Trethurgy was the first there for three years. Nine pairs were located on The Lizard peninsula after a virtual wipe out in 1986. The largest groups reported were 25 at Porthtowan Sept 10th and 13 at Godrevy Sept 19th.

NORTHERN WHEATEAR - Oenanthe oenanthe

Summer resident. Breeds, mainly on Bodmin Moor but single pairs breed almost anywhere along the North coast and on the Lizard peninsula. South coast and other inland sites are seldom exploited. Breeding season information this year was exceptionally sparse. From Bodmin Moor there were reports of single pairs at Laneast and Roughtor with two pairs at Hill Tor. Elsewhere, a pair summered and may have bred at Bude, a pair bred at Trebarwith, a pair held territory at Predannack, single males held territory at Gunwalloe, Vellan Head, Hayle Towans and Park Head and a female was seen in June at Gwithian. Spring passage commenced about two weeks later than normal with one at Newquay Mar 25th the first. Despite the late arrival numbers were about average with c.301 birds reported and passage continuing to May 25th. The largest parties included 25 at Gerrans and 30 at Trevose Head Apr 2nd, 21 at Porthgwarra Apr 10th, 35 at Trevose Apr 23rd, 20 at St Just Airfield May 2nd and another 20 at Trevose May 7th. In autumn, two were noted at Pentire Jul 20th but the main passage commenced with four at Porthgwarra Aug 2nd. c.325 birds were noted with main movements in mid September. Highest single day totals were 50 Sept 9th and 34 on 20th. None arrived with the torrential rain Oct 11th but several birds already present remained to the end of the month and there were seven November records including very late birds at Kelsey Head on 20th and one which arrived on 23rd remaining into 1989 at Bude. This is the latest ever county mainland record and the first overwintering individual. It was, no doubt, influenced to stay by the mild winter weather. Maximum numbers reported included: Near Kynance: 15 Aug 16th. 20 Sept 10th to 18th. Trevose Head: 15 Sept 8th. Davidstow Airfield: 30 Sept 8th. Porthgwarra: 18 Sept 20th. Black Hed: 18 Oct 16th.

GREENLAND WHEATEAR Small numbers of this large, distinctive race are identified in Cornwall annually. Near Kynance: singles May 14th, May 21st and Oct 22nd. Godrevy: two May 22nd Porthgwarra: three Oct 18th.

RING OUZEL - Turdus torquatus

Scarce passage migrant. Last bred in 1970. Birds turn up in suitable breeding habitat most years but breeding has not been suspected since 1976 and not proved since 1970. Another exceptional year with thirteen in spring and a record autumn passage involving c.80 birds at 26 localities. The first in spring were singles at Lands End and Porthgwarra Apr 3rd. Another single was at Porthgwarra Apr 10th and others were at Holmans Moors, St Ives the same day, Skewjack Apr 11th and Trevail Apr 24th. At Trevose Head a total of six moved through Apr 4th to 24th including a maximum of three Apr 9th. Autumn passage commenced with two at Colliford Sept 7th followed by one at Sennen Sept 14th. There were no more until one at Trevail Oct 1st and another lull before six birds appeared Oct 12th - another product of the wet 11th! Birds were then noted regularly until the last at Lizard Nov 7th. Peak single day counts were 22 Oct 16th and eleven Oct 23 rd. Regular reports and maximum numbers:

96 Trevail: noted Oct 1st to 30th (five birds involved). Lizard: noted Oct 12th to Nov 7th. (12+ birds including six Oct 26th to Nov 2nd). Penlee/Rame Head: two Oct 12th. 15 Oct 16th. Treganhawke, Whitsand Bay: one Oct 12th. four Oct 16th. : six Oct 23rd. Three were noted at Porth Joke Oct 23rd and Gwithian Nov 1st. All other records were of ones and twos.

BLACKBIRD - Turdus merula

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant (mainly autumn, but also in winter as a result of cold weather). Despite its habit of forming roosts, particularly in winter, this aspect is very seldom reported. Small numbers of pied birds are reported annually. Few records were received for the first half of the year and there was no apparent change in status. Autumn passage, which commenced with ten at Trevose Head Sept 10th, was generally light with most moving through Oct 12th to 17th. Maximum numbers included 35 at Porthgwarra Oct 13th, 34 at Nanquidno Oct 14th, 50 at Polhawn Oct 16th and 45 at Camel Est. Nov 18th.

FIELDFARE - Turdus pilaris

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Peak numbers normally occur in mid winter as a result of severe weather and in mid November at the height of the autumn migration. Several good-sized flocks were noted in the first winter period particularly following the brief cold snap in mid January. 1000 were seen at Goss Moor Jan 16th and 500 at St Buryan Jan 18th. 290, perhaps part of the Goss Moor flock, were at Winnards Perch Jan 24th and 200 were at Colliford. Most had departed by the end of the month but 200 remained at Trewey Common until Feb 12th and the Colliford flock had increased to 400 by 21st. Several flocks containing 100/250 birds moved through Mar 5th to 10th and 350 at Colliford Mar 21st included some new birds. In April there were singles at Sennen and Colliford, five at and 120 at Nanstallon. Last were the Ellenglaze and Colliford birds on 6th. There was no repeat of last years' summer record from the Upper Fowey Valley area. Autumn passage commenced with one at Coverack Oct 7th and continued into late November. Most flocks were very small in October and early November but a fair passage took place Nov 13th/14th. Maximum numbers: Holmbush: A total of 6500 noted flying northeast between Oct 15th and Dec 12th with a peak of 5500 Oct 29th. Camel Est: 850 west Nov 14th. Siblyback: 600 Nov 13th. In December the only flocks of consequence were 200 at Stithians Res. on 24th and 100 at Black Rock on 25th.

SONG THRUSH - Turdus philomelos

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. This species appears to have been declining as a breeding species locally, over a number of years, and is now described as scarce in many areas. The only optimistic report this year was of a slight increase in the Upper Fowey Valley. J Ad EM. Records in the first half of the year were sparse but 20 at Porth Joke Jan 16th were associated with a cold-weather thrush movement. A juvenile at Truro Mar 22nd was exceptionally early. RDP. Autumn passage commenced with six at Trevose Head Sept 17th and continued until late November. Numbers were low with the exception of 40 at Polhawn Oct 16th and 250 at Sennen Oct 29th. 97 19 at Reskajeage were considered to be of the continental race 'T. p. philomelos'. Very few reported during December, but the mild winter should prove beneficial.

REDWING - Turdus iliacus

Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Like Fieldfare peak numbers normally occur in mid winter as a result of severe weather and in mid November at the height of the autumn migration. Roosts are occasionally reported but are poorly documented. Redwings were much less common than Fieldfare in the first winter period with 100 at St Clement Jan 31st the sole triple-figure congregation. Very few were reported during February but, like Fieldfare, there was a light passage through the county Mar 6th to 10th. 200 were seen at Trelissick Mar 6th and 20 at the same day. There was only one record after the middle of the month - one at Kynance Apr 3rd. Autumn arrivals were late with none reported until the rainy Oct 11th when flocks of 80 were at Porthgwarra and Cot Valley, 50 flew over Lizard and three were seen at Rame Head. There followed a thin passage until the end of the month with peak passage Oct 28th to 31st. With mild weather persisting the species remained scarce throughout November and to the end of the year. Maximum numbers: Holmbush: a total of 6500 flew north east between Oct 15th and Nov 27th with peaks of 600 Oct 21st and 4000 Oct 29th. Long Rock: 600 Oct 29th was part of the best autumn passage here for many years. BP. Trelissick: 600 Oct 31st. Camel Est. 250 Nov 14th. Roosts were noted at Kings Wood (Pentewan), Lostwithiel, Turnaware and but no details of their size was received.

MISTLE THRUSH - Turdus viscivorus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Like Song Thrush a species which has apparently been in decline locally for a number of years. Following a period of increase in the county in the mid to late 1970's, signs of local decreases were first reported in 1983. Subsequently there have been reports of a steady decrease in most parts of Cornwall. Although the species is never particularly evident as a cold weather migrant in the county with much reduced population may well be associated with the series of recent cold winters. Spring migrants are rarely reported. Family parties band together to form small flocks in late summer and early autumn. Penh all u rick's statement (1976) that 40 or 50 a day are noted once or twice each year in autumn is not borne out by recent observations - passage now being very light. Roosts are only rarely reported. In 1988 a very interesting report was received of up to 30 birds regularly roosting on masts at Bodmin Radio Station from June to October. ML. Very few were reported in the first half of the year and the only post-breeding flock was 30 at Hustyn Aug 3rd. Autumn passage apparently commenced with eight at Loe Pool and continued to Nov 14th when one flew west at Camel Est. A total of c.51 birds was reported with maxima of nine at Saltash Oct 26th and 20 at Oct 30th. In November there was a flock of eleven at Cotehele on 21st and in December ten at Porth Joke on 17th and six at Clapper Bridge on 31st.

CETTI'S 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. 98 Colonisation was initially slow but by 1978 birds were reported from six sites including the first proof of breeding at Marazion. Subsequently, breeding has been proved here in most years and was probable in others. The only other site where breeding has been confirmed was at in 1981 and 1982 but sadly the site has been destroyed. These breeding successes of the early '80's probably accounted for the continued increase and dispersal through the county. By 1984 birds were noted at eleven sites and in 1985, despite a reversal in the number of sites, at least 36 birds were located with a speculative estimate of 100 bird at Marazion alone. More recently, severe winter weather has caused a reduction in many parts of the U.K. including a virtual wipe out in the species' stronghold, Kent.

f HIM &<*^4«l<&kM^ -

Locally, the total number of birds reported was halved from 1985 to 1986 and was again reduced in 1987, however the milder winter of 1987/8 undoubtedly proved beneficial, for, although the total of birds was only slightly up, the widespread scatter was very encouraging. Breeding was not confirmed at any site but was probable at Marazion and possible at Par. A review of site fidelity since the first record in 1972 reveals that the species has occurred in 14 years at Marazion, eight years at Calstock, seven years at Skewjack and Gunwalloe and five years at Bude, Poldhu and Porthgwarra. Twenty seven other sites have attracted the species on three or less occasions. Marazion: Noted throughout the year with a maximum of seven males in song May 7th. None were trapped this year and only one was noted in Nov/Dec. BP et al. Bude: male from 1987 noted to May and from Dec 28th into 1989. IK. et al. Maenporth: male from 1987 to May 25th. BC.JMW. Gunwalloe: male in song Feb 26th ARP Lizard Downs: male in song in May and September. BC. Par Beach Pool: Male Apr 22nd. Female Sept 9th. Another male Sept 10th. All three remaining into 1989. SMC.BTSC.RL et al. Calstock: male Apr 26th and May 20th SCM. (A second bird was present on the Devon side of the river). Cotehele: male singing on the Devon side of the river Apr 26th. AHJH Holywell Bay: male in song May 13th MCT. Pentewan: male in song Jun 17th RL. 99 Porthgwarra: one Oct 18th EAF.EF.JPS. Porth Mear: one Oct 31st. SMC.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - Locustella naevia

Summer resident. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant (mainly spring). In one of the best spring passages for many years the first was heard at St Ives and Pentire Apr 18th followed by a widespread arrival over the next week or so. c.42 'reeling' males were reported before the end of the month and another 22 during May. As always most reports were of ones and twos but seven were at Lizard Apr 19th to May 10th, three at Apr 20th, three at Crowan Res. May 5th and six at Goss Moor May 6th. Breeding season records were received from many areas including the West Penwith moors where CCB reported the species still present in good numbers on coastal slopes. Rather more than normal were reported in autumn although one at Salters Mill, Tamar Est. may still have been on breeding territory. Elsewhere singles were noted at Predannack, Breney Common, Colliford, Lizard and Caerthillian Cove with two at Hayle Kimbro Pool - all between Aug 4th and Sept 17th. Last was one at Duckpool Oct 27th - the second latest ever county record and beaten only by one at Eddystone Light 30th October 1910.

SAVI'S WARBLER - Locustella luscinoides

Vagrant. Par: male 'reeling' May 4th to 24th. SMC.MB.GRW.MW. et al. The tenth county mainland record - all in spring and all since 1975. Three have occurred at Marazion, two at Gunwalloe and Par and singles at Skewjack, Tamar Lake and St Levan.

1987 correction South Cornwall: should read Apr 22nd to May 19th. ARP.SB.

AQUATIC WARBLER - Acrocephalus paludicola

Rare passage migrant (autumn). (See The Aquatic Warbler in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly' by Bernard Pattenden - pages 132-134) Marazion/Long Rock reedbed: single juveniles Aug 10th to 18th, Aug 24th and Sept 4th. JH.CCB.BP. et al. Hayle Kimbro Pool: one in full song Aug 27th/28th. RB.JT. Lizard: singles Sept 8th and Oct 22nd. ARP.BC. Six is the average of the last ten years. These bring the county mainland total to c.150. Of these, 106 (71%) have occurred at Marazion. The first Marazion record this year equals the second earliest ever and the last Marazion record is the second latest ever. SEDGE WARBLER - Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. This species has declined quite dramatically nationally and this is reflected in a much reduced population in Cornwall. Spring passage commenced with one at Sennen Apr 2nd/3rd - the earliest ever county mainland arrival and was followed by an 'influx' at the same site Apr 9th. PH. This early arrival was associated with good numbers of other migrants, notably Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs. Elsewhere, the next were birds at Upper Fowey Valley, Par, Swanpool and Marazion Apr 18th. Passage was poor with the most pronounced arrival Apr 21st to 25th. Most reports concerned three or less birds but larger numbers included six at Par Apr 18th, six at Gunwalloe Apr 19th, eight at Apr 29th and nine at St 100 Eval Airfield May 20th. The majority of these apparently moved through quickly, because breeding season information from the same sites was very limited. Ten males were noted singing at Marazion and six in the Upper Fowey Valley, but none could be found at , Padstow where there is normally 2/4 pairs. VJH. In autumn there was ten at Camel Est. Jul 27th which were probably locally bred but only a very poor passage at Par and Marazion. At the last named site BP ringed 91 birds, his poorest autumn total for many years. Elsewhere a mere ten birds were reported from eight localities. In October singles were noted at Lands End on 1st and Skewjack on 10th.

MARSH WARBLER - Acrocephalus palustris

Vagrant. This is a very rare and apparently declining breeding species in the U.K. Long Rock reedbed; one trapped and ringed Aug 17th BP. The fourth county mainland record Previously there have been singles at Kynance (1970) and Tamar Lake (1962). A third record is less well documented and appears to have been overlooked.

1968 Porthgwarra: one trapped and ringed Sept 14th. (See; 'Porthgwarra 1966-1977' by D. J. Barker in 'Birds in Cornwall 1978' pps. 97-113.)

REED WARBLER - Acrocephalus scirpaceus

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The Reed Warbler was formerly only a very rare visitor to Cornwall - so much so that one at Camel Est. on 1st September 1951 was considered sufficiently unusual as to include it in the Introduction to that years Report. It bred only sporadically but has subsequently colonised most, if not all, of the county's Phragmites reedbeds. Unlike many other warblers the Reed Warbler was not early in its first arrival this year. The first was at Marazion Apr 17th followed by two at Gunwalloe on 19th. One at Gribbin Head Apr 27th was the only report away from breeding areas. Few records were received for the breeding season but numbers appeared to be down. Five males were noted at Swanpool (cf. 6+ in 1987 and a peak of 21 in 1984), three pairs were at Bude Marshes and a male at Mawgan Porth where the habitat has been almost completely obliterated. Birds were present at Par and Marazion but no indication of this years' population has been notified. Autumn passage commenced with one at Rame Head Jul 23rd and ended with the two latest ever county mainland records - singles at Porth Joke Nov 4th and Nov 9th. PAM.JMW. Between dates a dismal total of c.20 birds was noted.

ICTERINE WARBLER - Hippolais icterina Occasional passage migrant (autumn). Nanquidno: one Aug 12th to Sept 4th SB et al. Recorded annually sine 1982. This one brings the county mainland total to c.35. Of these, 16 (44%) have occurred at Porthgwarra. The Lizard with five is the only other site to attract more than two. This is the earliest record to date. There have been eleven arrivals in August, 20 in September and four in October.

MELODIOUS WARBLER - Hippolais polyglotta

Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn) Lizard: one Sept 8th/9th. ARP.BC. Nanquidno: one Sept 10th. RA.PH. 101 Porthgwarra: one Oct llth-19th. NAGL et al. The county mainland total progresses to 75 - all since 1965. Of the 75, (37) 49% have occured at Porthgwarra, seven at Nanquidno and six at Cot Valley. The months of August and September have accounted for 62 (82%) of all arrivals. As always a number of other reports are omitted due to inconclusive descriptions.

DARTFORD WARBLER - Sylvia undata

Status uncertain. It has perhaps reverted to its former status of rare passage migrant. Bird have been present in the breeding season in every year since 1980. In that year breeding was proved for the first time since 1940. At this site in S.E. Cornwall three or four pairs bred annually until 1985 when there was a peak of at least six pairs. Subsequently there has been a decrease, related no doubt to the succession of cold winters. Only three territories were identified in 1986 and none in 1987, although three single sightings were reported late in the year. The eventual fate of these birds is not known but, despite repeated, diligent searching in the 1988 breeding season not a single bird could be found here. Elsewhere breeding was proved at The Lizard in 1982 (3 + pairs), but with no reports of success in 1983, followed by the destruction of the habitat, there were no sightings on the peninsula until 1987. At Lansallos, singles were noted twice, at either end of the breeding season, in 1983 and a pair may have bred in 1987. At Tregantle single birds, probably from Rame Head, were reported in the breeding season in 1983 and 1985. In the latter year singles were also noted at and Downderry whilst two were at Finnygook, near Crafthole. In 1988 the only record was of a male singing on the southeast coast in early March RMB. Many follow-up visits were made without success.

SUBALPINE WARBLER - Sylvia cantillans

Rare vagrant. St Levan: male Apr 25th RE. Lizard: male May 13th. BC. The sixth and seventh county mainland records. Both accepted by B.B.R.C. The first was in 1975 and others have followed in 1984, 1985 and 1987 (two). All have arrived between Apr 18th and May 18th. Three have occurred at Porthgwarra/St Levan, two at Lizard and one each at Kenidjack and Skewjack.

BARRED WARBLER - Sylvia nisoria

Rare passage migrant (autumn). Porthgwarra: one Sept 4th. SB.MS. Cot Valley: one Oct 1st. RB.RLL.LML. Pendeen: one Oct 2nd. AB. The county mainland total now stands at 26 - all west of St Ives/Penzance. Site-wise, 19 (73%) have occurred at Porthgwarra, three in the St Just valleys, and singles at Lands End, Drift Res. St Ives, and Pendeen. Two have arrived in August, 12 in September and ten in October.

LESSER WHITETHROAT - Sylvia curruca

Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Formerly a very rare summer visitor and passage migrant with only two instances of proven breeding prior to 1977. In that year a pair nested successfully at Saltash. Since then there has been a dramatic increase in the number of occurrences and breeding has been annual since 1981. 1988 proved to be another record-breaking year - to such an extent that for the 102 first time ever sightings have had to be summarised as opposed to being individually itemised. The first in spring was a male at Trevose Head Apr 23rd followed by singles at Lundy Bay and Lizard Apr 24th. c.30 birds were reported from mainly coastal sites. The majority were singing males which moved quickly through. Apart from singles there was two at Gannel Est. May 10th and three at Coverack in May. Inland records included singles at (Perranporth), Ventonleague (Hayle), Stithians and Bodmin. Although breeding was not proved this year, it was probable at Camel Est. where at least two males were present, and possible at Gwithian, Marazion, Pentire and where males were noted throughout the breeding season. Additional males were noted at Crantock (two) and Loe Pool. Autumn passage commenced with one at Tregantle Aug 6th and ended with a very late bird at Trevose Head Oct 30th PAM. Apart from Lizard where there were singles Sept 10th and 30th, and Porthgwarra where there were singles Sept 20th and Oct 20th, no site attracted more than one. A total of eleven birds was reported.

WHITETHROAT - Sylvia communis

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Formerly much more common, this species has never fully recovered from the population crash of the late 1960's and numbers now fluctuate annually around a comparatively low base. Many observers commented on the fact that the species seemed more common this year whilst PMcC considered it the best in recent years and probably the best since the late 1960's. The first in spring was at Rame Head Apr 9th but there were no more until singles at Skewjack and Rame Head Apr 19th. Small numbers were widespread by the end of the month but the main influx occurred after Apr 30th. The maximum were six at Lizard Apr 22nd, ten at Rame Head Apr 24th, twelve at Trevail May 7th, 20 at Porthgwarra May 10th, 15 near Kynance May 14th, ten at Lansallos May 15th, twelve at Camel Est May 17th, nine at St Eval May 20th and seven at St Ives May 28th. Although these counts represent a good widespread arrival, the actual maxima do not compare too favourably with those of five and more years ago. Strangely, after the good spring, autumn passage went virtually un-noticed. With only c.31 birds reported it was the poorest passage since 1980. The first was one at Nanquidno Aug 1st and the last at Nanquidno Nov 3rd - yet another latest-ever record. DSF.JH.JL. (There is a record of a bird wintering in a wood near Bude in Jan/Feb 1952). Most reports were of singles but site totals included nine at Lizard, seven at Porthgwarra and four at Rame Head.

GARDEN WARBLER - Sylvia borin

Summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Well distributed in suitable habitat east of Truro. There are also now regular reports from several sites in the west of the county, notably around Camborne, Helston, Falmouth and the Lands End peninsula where it was previously much less common. PMcC reports the best year he has ever known in the Falmouth area and adds that since 1985 the species has become an established summer visitor in small numbers. He had noted singing males as widespread along the edge of the granite-based uplands, but usually with only one to each valley. Spring passage commenced with one at Trevose Head Apr 23rd and ended in mid May. All were singles except two at Wadebridge and Penberth and three at Constantine. Elsewhere in the breeding season four pairs were noted at Goss Moor, three pairs at Keveral Wood, Seaton and up to three males holding territory at Helston and Upper Fowey Valley. One or two pairs were recorded at several other sites. 103 Autumn passage commenced with one at St Columb Jul 29th and continued to one at Helston Oct 29th. c.29 birds were reported from 17 sites. Most were single day sightings but more regular reports came from: Rame Head/Penlee: singles Aug 28th and Oct llth/12th. Lizard: singles Sept 8th/10th and 21st, Oct 2nd and 11th to 18th. Nanquidno: four Sept 10th and one Oct 1st. Trevail: two Sept 10th, three Sept 19th, one Oct 1st. Lands End: two Sept 20th. Porthgwarra: singles Aug 16th, Sept 20th, Oct 3rd and 11th, three Oct 12th and one to 18th.

BLACKCAP - Sylvia atricapilla

Summer visitor. Breeds. Passage migrant. A few 'winter*. In the first winter period a total of 16 birds was reported, ten in January, four in February and two in March. All of the January birds moved on before the end of the month except two at Holmbush which stayed until Apr 1st. Apart from this duo there were two at Redruth, Lelant and Mullion with all others being singles. The departure date of the Holmbush birds is interesting insofar as the first spring migrant was noted the following day - a male at Nanstallon. Once again it was a very poor spring passage with only c.35 birds noted away from traditional breeding sites. The maximum included 'several' at Camel Est Apr 13th, 'several' at Fir Hill Wood, Colan Apr 17th, eight at Trevose Head Apr 23rd and five at Blowinghouse, Perranporth May 5th. Breeding was widespread particularly in mid and south Cornwall, whilst at Falmouth PMcC described it as 'the best this decade'. Had it not been for the torrential rain of Oct 11th, autumn passage would have proved quite unremarkable. Passage had commenced with a small fall Sept 4th, comprising eight at Trevail, three at Nanquidno and Cot and one at Lizard. No more were reported until Sept 17th and passage remained very thin throughout the remainder of the month and the first ten days of October. However, on 11th, the main legacy of the deluge associated with south-easterly winds was an unprecedented 'fall' of Blackcaps. Early morning visitors to Cot Valley (in search of the Northern Parula) soon became aware of a large fall of birds, notably this species, moving up the valley, c.60 were counted here and later checks at Nanquidno and Porthgwarra revealed c.30 and c.250 respectively. At Porthgwarra most of the birds were observed moving south down the valley and then heading east along the coast towards St Levan. SMC.EG.ABR.RS. et al. This immediate departure was confirmed the following day when only 40 were located in the valley at Porthgwarra and by 13th a mere six remained. At Cot the total had dwindled to two by 15th and at Nanquidno there were no more reports until 30th. Elsewhere on 11th there was 50 at Lizard, 40 at St Anthony Head and five at Rame Head. Similarly, these moved quickly through because only 23 remained at Lizard on 12th. After this incursion, passage was light, but with a small arrival Oct 27th to Nov 1st. The maximum included four at Duckpool Oct 27th, nine at Cot and five at Kenidjack Nov 1st. The autumn migration total was c.550 birds (5l/2 times greater than 1987). In the second winter period there were two in late November and only seven in December. All were singles except a male and a female at Holmbush.

PALLAS'S WARBLER - Phylloscopus proregulus

Rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: one Oct 28th. RBd. DSF. Swanpool: one Nov 9th. BC. The ninth and tenth county mainland records - all since 1975. Both accepted by B.B.R.C. 104 Six of the ten have occured in the Porthgwarra/St Levan area, three at Lizard and one at Swanpool. The Swanpool bird is the latest on record.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER - Phylloscopus inornatus

Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Nanquidno: one Sept 18th RA.PH.SB.MS. three Oct 11th, two to 12th and one to 14th. EG.RS. et al. Cot Valley: one Sept 18th CCB. seven Oct 11th, two remaining to 28th and one to Nov 2nd. SMC.CF.EG.ABR.RS. et al. Porthcurno: singles Sept 21st and Oct 4th. PH.DSF. Porthgwarra: one Oct 4th DSF. four Oct 11th, two remaining to 18th and one Oct 23rd to 28th. SMC.CF.EG.ABR.RS. et al. St Anthony Head: one Oct 11th PAM Lizard : one Oct 11th, two Oct 12th to 19th. BC.RB.JH.JMW. et al Caerthillian, Lizard: one Oct 12th RB.JMW. Kynance: one Oct 12th. PJD.EGe St Levan: one Oct 12th CCB. Kenidjack: two Oct 12th. SMC.CF.ABR.JDB. : one Oct 15th JMW. Sennen: one Oct 15th/16th DSF.SMC.MB. et al. Trevail: one Oct 19th, two Oct 20th. DSF. Porth Res: one Oct 25th SMC.LW. Porth Joke: one Oct 29th PAM Yet another record-breaking year for this species which had been recorded on only c.40 occasions before 1983. In the last five years there has been c.99 and the county mainland total stands at c. 139.

The three September records this year are the second to fourth earliest ever arrivals. 105 The Oct 11th birds arrived with the Blackcap invasion. The seven at Cot on 11th is the largest single number at any site and the four at Porthgwarra the same day equals the previous best. The Porth Res. record is only the second ever away from the coast. The most frequently visited localities have been Porthgwarra (32), Cot Valley (22) and Nanquidno (17). A total of 100 (67%) has occurred on the Lands End peninsula west of St Ives/Penzance and a total of 19 has been noted on Lizard peninsula.

RADDE'S WARBLER - Phylloscopus schwarzi

Very rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: one Oct 17th to 19th. EAF.EF.JPS.NM. et al. The first county mainland record. Accepted by B.B.R.C

WOOD WARBLER - Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Uncommon summer resident. Occasionally breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Most breeding season records derive from the broadleaved woodlands around Bodmin and in the valleys of the Rivers Fowey, Camel, Lynher and Tamar. Breeding has not been proved since 1976 and the number of males on territory fluctuates from year to year. Spring passage was surprisingly good this year but the breeding season was poorly documented. Autumn passage consisted of two singles. Cot Valley: singles Apr 23rd/24th DSF.SGR. and May 5th JH. Trevose Head: two Apr 23d PAM. Kenidjack: one Apr 24th SGR Porthgwarra: one Apr 30th SGR. one Sept 10th RES Pentire: one Apr 30th DML.LFCL. Dunmere Wood: Male in song May 1st to at least 15th MS.SMC.MB. et al. Loe Pool: male in song May 7th JSG. Nanquidno: one May 7th CCB Coombe Valley, near Bude: male in song May 18th TJD. Lizard: one Sept 21st to 24th JMW.RB.PHo.

CHIFFCHAFF - Phylloscopus collybita

Common summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Small numbers 'winter'. c.47 birds were noted in the first winter period, January to mid March. 28 were present in January, seven 'new' birds in February and 17 in March. Most reports were of singles or up to three but larger concentrations included four at Looe, 12 at Helston, eight a Marazion and nine at Swanpool. Spring passage apparently commenced Mar 24th when there was an influx at Caerhays. A 'large fall' was noted at Goonhilly Mar 30th but the majority arrived Apr 2nd/3rd and Apr 10th. Virtually no information was forthcoming regarding the size of the breeding population but there was no reason to suspect any change in status. Autumn passage apparently commenced with one at Holmbush Aug 11th and continued to mid November. Although passage was generally light it was more pronounced than 1987. Surprisingly, very few arrived with the 'fall' of other species Oct 11th. Maximum numbers: Lizard: c.55 birds noted Aug 16th to Nov 11th with max 15 Sept 10th and 17 Oct 12th. Cot Valley: c.55 birds noted Aug 28th to Nov 5th with max 15 Aug 28th and Oct 28th. Porthgwarra: c.75 birds noted Sept 10th to Nov 1st with max 35 Sept 20th and 20 Oct 11th. Mullion: 12 Sept 17th. 106 The improved autumn passage was reflected in the highest December total since 1984. 34 birds were reported from 13 sites - mostly ones and twos but seven at Helston Dec 5th and ten at St Columb sewage works Dec 27th. Many reports of birds of one or other of the eastern races 'tristis/abietinus', were received.

WILLOW WARBLER - Phylloscopus trochilus

Abundant summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. There have been various claims of birds wintering in the county but none is considered fully authenticated. Spring passage commenced with two at Sennen Apr 1st and one at Mendarva the same day. There was a widespread arrival Apr 2nd/3rd but then very few until 10th. There followed a paucity of new arrivals before another small influx after 18th. The largest numbers were noted mainly in the west of the county and included 100 at Lands End Apr 3rd and 20 at Porthgwarra the same day. 20 were at Rame Head Apr 10th whilst Trevose Head attracted 70 Apr 23rd and 30 Apr 30th. Conflicting reports were received for the breeding season. EGe noted it as much more numerous than for many years, PMcC considered that its' range was at least stable, if not increasing and JAdEM found the population in the Upper Fowey Valley slightly up on 1986/87 but not as high as 1984/85. On the debit side LSP.EMP found it unaccountably rare with no sightings in the Roseland district whilst RL reported it as less common at Breney. Autumn passage commenced with a large fall of 100 at Menadarva Jul 31st and ended with one at Nanquidno Oct 29th. Between dates c.50 birds were reported - a very poor passage with 20 at Porthgwarra Sept 10th the maximum. Singles at Nanquidno Oct 20th to 29th, Cot Valley Oct 28th and Trevail Oct 30th all showed plumage characteristics of an apparently undescribed race or morph. (See: 'Willow Warblers with orange bare parts' by D. S. Flumm on pps. 135-136)

GOLDCREST - Regulus regulus

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The succession of cold winters 1984/6 undoubtedly had a deletorious effect on this species but the mild winter of 1987/8 has helped to redress the situation somewhat. Certainly many more were induced to overwinter and RL reported that numbers were at least 10% up. One at Trevose Head Apr 13th was the only spring migrant reported. Very little information regarding autumn passage was published during the 1970's, but there has been a welcome upsurge in interest over the last ten years or so. Autumn passage this year was again excellent, equalling if not surpassing 1987. The first was at Lizard Sept 9th and the last were six at Rame Head Nov 26th. Four main waves of migrants were reported - Sept 18th to 21st, Sept 30th to Oct 4th, Oct 11th and Oct 30th to Nov 1st. Maximum numbers: Lizard: c.75 birds noted Sept 9th to Oct 19th with max 23 Sept 20th. Trevose Head: c.65 birds noted Sept 16th to Nov 1st with max 35 Sept 30th. Porthgwarra: c.100 birds noted Sept 20th to Oct 29th with max 50 Oct 11th. Cot Valley: c.75 bird noted Sept 20th to Oct 29th with max 30 Oct 11th. There was also 25 at Porth Mear Sept 30th, 20 at Pentire Sept 30th, 20 at Nanquidno Oct 1st, 30 at Rame Head Oct 4th and 40 at , Zennor Oct 31st.

FIRECREST - Regulus ignicapillus

Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. A potential breeding species (C.f. probable breeding in Devon 1985) In the best first winter period since 1983 a total of c.20 birds were reported January to mid March. Most were singles but two were at Swanpool Jan 1st to Mar 13th, 107 Coverack in Jan/Feb, Portholland in Jan, St Anthony Mar 5th and Pentewan Mar 10th. The only spring migrants were singles at Portwrinkle Apr 14th to 17th and Porthgwarra Apr 24th. Autumn passage was excellent. The first were singles at Trevose Head and Camel Est. Sept 20th followed by a small influx Oct 1st to 3rd and a major incursion in the rain of the 11th. Lesser numbers were noted over the next few days as most moved on but there was another small 'fall Oct 29th to 31st. The total of c. 157 was the second best on record - beaten only by 200 in 1982. There were regular reports and maximum numbers as follows: Porthgwarra: one Oct 1st. 35 Oct 11th and lower numbers to Nov 13th with no evidence of any new arrivals. Cot Valley: total of nine between Oct 3rd and Nov 4th with max of five Oct 18th. St Levan: 12 Oct 12th. Lizard: total of c.25 between Oct 1st and Nov 6th with max of 16 Oct 12th and ten Oct 19th. This good autumn passage was reflected in an above average total for December. 15 birds were reported - singles at Porth Res., Holmbush and Saltash, two at Falmouth and St Columb and eight at Loe Pool on 31st. A review of site fidelity in winter reveals that birds have been recorded at Loe Pool in each of the last ten years, at Lelant in seven, Marazion, Copperhouse, Camel Est. and Swanpool in six and Penlee Point in five.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER - Muscicapa striata

Summer visitor. Breeds. Passage migrant. There appears to have been a significant decrease in the number of pairs breeding in the county over the last few years. A similar decline was noted in the mid 1970's but there was an improvement later in the decade and in the early 1980's. Spring passage was the latest since 1983 with none reported until two at Pentire Apr 30th and the next May 8th. Once again passage was poor with only 37 reported for the whole of May. A total of ten passed through Trevose Head and five were at Sennen May 17th, but elsewhere no more than two were noted. Only a handful of breeding reports were received, mostly from mid Cornwall. TJD saw birds in most wooded valleys in North Cornwall but had no positive proof of breeding. JEM reported it a fairly common in the Cusgarne area but JD considered it scarce with hardly any records on the west side of the Fal Est. Autumn passage commenced with one at Crean Aug 7th and ended with one at Lizard Oct 24th. It was a light passage involving a mere 71 birds, the vast majority of which moved through in September. There were regular reports and maximum numbers as follows: Lizard: c.12 between Aug 12th and Oct 24th including five Sept 9th. Porthgwarra: c.18 between Aug 16th and Oct 16th including five Aug 16th and eight Oct 11th. Crowdy Res: five Aug 17th. Cot Valley: six Oct 20th.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula parva

Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Annual since 1980 Lizard Church Cove: singles Sept 20th/21st RB.ARP.JMW. Oct 1st BC.JMW. Oct 12th RB.BC.EGe.JMW. and Oct 29th to Nov 2nd. ARP Pentire, Polzeath: one Sept 30th DML.LFCL. Porthgwarra: at least four Oct 11th. JDB.SMC.CF.EG.ABR.RS. et al with two to 12th. St Levan: one Oct 12th CCB Cot Valley: singles Oct 13th CCB.EAF.EF.JH.JPS. Oct 28th to 30th JH et al and Nov 4th JH. 108 Near Cadgwith: one Oct 15th RB The highest year total on record. These 13 take the county mainland total to c.77. Of the 77, 27 (35%) have occurred at Porthgwarra and eight each at Nanquidno and Cot. A monthly breakdown reveals one record for January, two for August, 18 for September, 54 (70%) for October and two in November. The Cot Valley record of Nov 4th is the second latest ever.

PIED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula hypoleuca

Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. One of the success stories of the 1980's. First bred at Lanhydrock in 1966 but there were only six more instances of proven breeding up to 1980. Subsequently there has been a gradual increase with successful breeding also occurring in the Dunmere/Boscarne/Washaway area, north of Bodmin. There can be little doubt that this increase is directly attributable to the provision of increasing numbers of nestboxes in suitable habitat coupled with an overspill from the equally burgeoning Devon-bred population. This year the species appears to have been less successful at Lanhydrock with only 33 young ringed compared with a peak of 65 in 1986 and 60 last year. However it is not known if this data is complete. At Boscarne a pair reared six young and a second male was singing nearby. At Dunmere at least five males were heard in song in May and four pairs are thought to have bred. Two males were present at Pencarrow Wood and a female accompanying a juvenile was noted in the Glynn Valley Jun 26th. FMC.GJC.SMC. et al. Other sites where birds have been recorded in the breeding season in recent years include North Bowda, Bodmin Moor (1984), Luckett (1984), (1984), Golitha Falls (1985) and near Bude (1986) - but no information was forthcoming from any of these localities this year. Spring passage commenced with a male at Porth Mear Apr 18th and ended with a male at Egloshayle May 2nd. Between dates there was a male at Apr 20th, two at Upper Fowey Valley the same day and two at Trevose Head Apr 23rd plus another there Apr 30th. A light autumn movement involving c.55 birds commenced with two at Crowdy Res. Aug 17th and ended with one at Porthgwarra Oct 28th. Apart from a few Oct 11th there were no obvious influxes. Regular reports were received from: Lizard: c.8 birds between Aug 18th and Oct 24th with max of five Sept 21st. Cot Valley: c.9 birds between Sept 4th and Oct 19th. Porthgwarra: c.12 birds between Sept 8th and Oct 28th with max five Oct 11th. All others were singles except six at Trevose Head Sept 7th and two at St Anthony Head Oct 11th.

LONG-TAILED TIT - Aegithalos caudatus

Common resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Very well reported this year, particularly in autumn when there was the largest movement through the county for many years. In the first winter period the largest flock was 35 at Pentewan Jan 1st. Ten were noted at Pontsmill and Cardinham. In June there were flocks of ten at Treskilling, Par, Respryn and Breney - indicative of a healthy population in mid Cornwall. Large post-breeding flocks included 18 at St Just in Roseland Jul 6th and 22 at Mevagissey Aug 29th. Autumn passage commenced with seven at Lizard Sept 30th and continued to the end of October. Good numbers were noted throughout the month and included parties of thirty at Rame Head Oct 10th, Breage Oct 16th and Restormel Oct 23rd. There were also 28 at Trevail Oct 30th and 25 at St Columb Oct 24th. 20/24 graced another six sites. In November flocks of twenty were recorded at Par and Lostwithiel and at the end of the year 32 were seen at Clapper Bridge, Callington. 109 MARSH TIT - Parus palustris

Resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant? Fairly common, occurring in most suitable habitat east of Truro but less common in the west, notably the Lands End peninsula which produces very few records. As always very few reports received but no reason to suspect any change in status. At Trelissick it is described as common in the breeding season by JD. In the Penwith district the only report referred to Trencrom in June. Singles at Gribbin Head and Nare Head Oct 20th and 21st respectively may have been migrants.

WILLOW TIT - Parus montanus

Scarce resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Occurs in damp scrubby woodland to the east and north of . Fully authenticated records of birds farther west are exceptionally rare. The species has undoubtedly suffered as a result of the succession' of cold winters, but loss of habitat has also accounted for a number of former breeding territories. Peak numbers appear to have been noted in the mid 1970's. During the breeding season this year, three pairs were noted in the Upper Fowey Valley and two pairs probably bred at Treskilling. The species was reported as breeding at Redmoor, Breney Common and , near Launceston. JAdEM.GRW.MW.SMC.RL.BTC. Other reports received: Siblyback: one Jan 21st ADS Goss Moor: two Feb 21st and May 31st. ADS.SMC. Redtye, Lanivet: two Mar 21st and Apr 4th, singles Apr 21st to 24th, Nov 22nd and Dec 28th. MB. Tamar Lakes: throughout the year with max three Sept 15th. SMC.BTSC.FD. et al. Boscastle: one Apr 5th LFE. : singles May 2nd and Aug 17th EJC.SMC. Polpuff, Roche: one Aug 3rd. DMY. Trethurgy: two in December. GRW.MW. Bodmin Radio Station: one Dec 28th. ML. Of greater interest were one found dead at Grampound Road Jun 19th PAM and one at Wacker Mill Creek, Lynher Est Aug 27th. SCM. There may be a small breeding population in the Ladock/Tresillian valley (c.f. records in 1968 and 1971) which could account for the Grampound Road bird but the Lynher Est. bird is more enigmatic - there appears to be only one previous record from this area - at Jupiter Point in December 1964.

COAL TIT - Parus ater

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Very little information received for the first nine months of the year but obviously well distributed where suitable habitat exists with no change in status. In autumn, migrants were rather scarce - the total of c.19 being the lowest since 1984. All occurred between Oct 2nd and 27th, mostly in ones and twos but a total of three at Porthgwarra, three at Lizard Oct 12th and three at Gribbin Head Oct 20th.

BLUE TIT - Parus caeruleus

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. No change in status reported. Several reports in autumn suggested a light autumn migration. On Sept 4th 14 were seen at Kynance and another 13 at Soap Cove, Lizard. In October eight were counted at Porthcurno on 2nd, 15 at Jericho Valley on 8th and a flock of twenty flew west at Long Rock on 10th. Small numbers were noted 110 throughout the Lizard peninsula during October. Most occurred in mixed flocks of tits with a maximum of c.40 on 18th. However the largest flock of the autumn was 46 at Cot Valley Oct 21st.

GREAT TIT - Parus major

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Few records received but no reason to suspect any change in status. Autumn migrants may have included four at Mullion Sept 19th, two at Lizard Sept 30th and three at Porthcurno Oct 2nd. Three unusual reports received: Trelissick: a normal-plumaged bird apart from an all-black chest and grey cheeks. JD. St Columb: one trapped Jan 25th had a deformed bill. The upper mandible measured 15mm and was decurved along its distal V3 over the lower mandible which measured 9mm. SMC. RL noted that during the post-breeding, butterfly season (Aug/Sept) virtually every flowering buddleia bush known to him had a resident Great Tit feeding on butterflies as large as Red Admiral, and other insects. Although other tit species and warblers were frequently present, Great Tit was the main culprit.

NUTHATCH - Sitta europaea

Resident. Breeds. Common and widespread in suitable habitat in most parts of the county but rare on the Lands End peninsula west of Drift and on the Lizard peninsula south of Culdrose. As always the species was grossly under-recorded with most sightings from the east and south of the county. None was noted from Lands End area this year but in the Kerrier district there was two at Loe Pool Jan 17th and two at Helford in March. Unusual was one moving along the cliffs at Portwrinkle, with tits Sept 15th SCM.

TREEC REEPER - Certhia familiaris

Resident. Breeds. Rare passage migrant. Well reported to the north and east of Truro but less common in the west. At St Just in Roseland LSP.EMP report no evidence of breeding for several years but one was seen Aug 29th. At Cusgarne JEM reports a slow recovery after a near wipeout in the winters of 1985/86/87. Singles were noted at Trelissick in January and February but farther west the only records appear to relate to migrants or partial migrants - singles were at Caerthillian Aug 15th, Trevail Oct 1st and Cot Valley Nov 1st. Other probable migrants included one at Trevose Head Sept 30th (the first record here?) and one at Nare Head Oct 21st. Assuming that they were all migrants, this was a record passage! The previous best was three in 1985!! BUT were any of them Short-toed Treecreepers? (One did arrive in Kent in October 1988).

GOLDEN ORIOLE - Oriolus oriolus

Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring). This species may have been encountered much more commonly in the nineteenth century. Some evidence of this is provided by Penhallurick (1976) who lists a number of occurrences including a mind-boggling flock of 40 at Trevethoe, Lelant in late April 1870! Early twentieth century records are more sporadic but may be due to a lack of documentation rather than a lack of birds. Records have been annual since 1971. This year there was only one; St Mawgan: a male Apr 7th AB.

11l The second earliest ever - beaten only by one at Nanjizal Apr 2nd 1972. The county mainland total since 1930 moves to c.77 (44 of which have been identified as males, 19 as females and 14 not sexed). Monthly breakdown reveals that 24 have occurred in April, 42 in May, three in each of June and July, two in each of August and September and one in October.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE - Lanius collurio

Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn) Has bred sporadically in Cornwall but not since 1968. There are unpublished records of birds on territory on Bodmin Moor in the 1970's and in 1981 a male was noted for three days in June in the Upper Fowey Valley. Despite a catastrophic decline as a breeding species in the U.K. there has been an upsurge in records of birds passing through Cornwall in recent years. Skewjack: male May 17th DSF Nanquidno: first winter Sept 30th DS Towednack: first winter male Oct 30th/31st. MJR. The county mainland total since 1930 now stands at c.63. The Skewjack bird is the second earliest ever - beaten only by one at Par May 12th 1986. Monthly breakdown reveals that four have occurred in May, seven in June, three in July, nine in August, 22 in September, 17 in October and one in November.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE - Lanius excubitor

Scarce passage migrant. Occasional winter visitor. Annual since 1975 but none has overwintered in the county since 1979/80. St Ives: one flew northeast Mar 19th CCB The county mainland total stands at c.58.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE - Lanius senator

Vagrant. Annual since 1978. Lizard: singles May 6th and 15th. The first was seen flying in off the sea and headed inland. EGe. The second was a male. ARP. Kenidjack: one May 14th/15th per BBRC Porthtowan: one Jun 14th. VCB.LK.SMcN. et al. Assuming that all birds were different the county mainland total moves on to 37, over half of which have occurred in the last ten years.

112 Top sites have proved to be Porthgwarra with 12 (43%) of all records and Lizard with seven. Monthly breakdown reveals that three have occurred in April, 17 in May, four in June, one in July, eight in August and two in each of September and October.

JAY - Garrulus glandarius

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Influxes occurred in 1972, 1979 and 1981. A well documented invasion involving many thousands of birds occurred in 1983. (See 'Birds in Cornwall 1983' pps 100-105.) Few records received for 1988 but no reason to suspect any change in status. Described as common in most areas but apparently scarce at Lanner. Only two possible migrants were noted this year; singles at Trevail Apr 24th and Porthgwarra Oct 24th.

MAGPIE - Pica pica

Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms small roosts outside the breeding season. Once again JD failed to record the species at Trelissick but otherwise it was ubiquitous. Several large flocks were reported including 56 at Rame Barton Jan 16th and 50 + at Nanquidno Oct 14th. 20/30 were noted at Golitha Falls, Sandymouth, Allet, , Trevose Head, Tehidy and Menadarva. RL located roosts at and Lostwithiel and SMC found a roost of at least 30 birds at St Eval Airfield in December.

CHOUGH. - Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax.

Vagrant.

None this year after so much optimism in 1986 and 1987.

JACKDAW - Corvus monedula Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Forms large roosts outside the breeding season, but these are poorly documented. Very little information received for 1988. The Ladock roost of corvids again totalled c 10000, 90% of which were estimated to be this species. The only other roost reported was 900 at Lanner Oct 20th. Elsewhere the largest flocks were 400 at Sandymouth Jan 14th and 100 at Gannel Est. Jul 3rd. Birds with varying amounts of white in their plumage were reported from Marazion (two), St Austell and Cligga Head.

ROOK - Corvus frugilegus

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Basically it seems that whilst numbers of nests at individual rookeries fluctuate from year to year, the overall trend is of a fairly stable population with birds mobile and moving between local rookeries as conditions dictate. The following rookeries were reported during the year (with selected changes in the number of nests since 1975). For further information see the 'B.T.O. National Census of Rookeries 1975-76 - 'The Cornish Results' by R.D. Penhallurick in 'Birds in Cornwall 1976' pages 87-102. Fosters Melliars, Bude: five nests (ten 1975). Penally Hill, Boscastle: 14 nests. (10 in 1975). - Boscastle Road: 30 nests, (new site?) Penquean, Camel Est.: seven nests. (30 in 1975) Prideaux, Padstow: twenty nests. (81 in 1975).

113 Gonvena, Wadebridge: 106 nests. (166 in 1986, 100 in 1975). Higher Harlyn: 16 nests. (51 in 1975). Porthcothan Mill: 29 nests. (Established 1986 TOD). Colan: 24 nests. (55 in 1983, 79 in 1975). Stippy Stappy, St Agnes: 50 nests. (63 in 1975). Tehidy Park: total of 120 in four rookeries. (31 in 1975). Nansmellyn, Mullion: four nests (new site NBE). Trenance, Mullion: 15 nests. (24 in 1986, seven 1975). Meres Valley, Mullion: 15 nests. (30 in 1986, 21 in 1975). Tremenheere Old Orchard, Mullion: two nests, (twelve in 1987, 16 in 1986). Penhale, Mullion: 15 nests. (20 in 1987, five in 1985). Trenance Vean, Mullion: 39 nests. (Is this the same rookery as the Trenance site above?) Vicarage: 25 nests. Trelissick: 60+ nests - count incomplete. (96 in 1987, 110 in 1986, 86 in 1975). Perranwell Station: 50/60 nests. (50/60 in 1987, 60/70 in 1986). Upper , Gerrans: 15 nests. (28 in 1987, eleven 1975). Lower Rosevine, Gerrans: 24 nests. (25 in 1987, 44 in 1986). , Gerrans: seven nests. (20 in 1987). Percuil: five nests. Treloan, Gerrans: 20 nests. (28 in 1987), 43 in 1986, 48 in 1975). Lambe Creek, Malpas: 68 nests.

St Columb Minor: rookery destroyed - Elm trees felled for safety reasons. PJD.

CARRION CROW - Corvus corone

Abundant resident. Breeds. Very little information received but no cause to suspect any change in status. The maximum reported included 30 at Reskajeage Apr 1st, 25 at Camel Est Jul 3rd, 45 at Trevose Head Oct 17th and up to 75 at Par Beach. Pied birds were reported from Par and Marazion. One at Par Beach was seen to chase an adult Black-headed Gull which attempted to hide under rocks, but failed to evade the Crow which struck it on the head with its bill, killing it. RL. HOODED CROW - Corvus corone cornix

Scare passage migrant and winter visitor. The Northern race of Carricon Crow, Pentire: one Apr 15th. GB. D.Lord. Lizard: one Jun 12th to 15th. SB.ARP.MS.JMW. Hayle Est.: one Jul 10th to Oct 7th. DSF et al. The first since 1984. These three bring the county mainland total to c.45 since 1930 - prior to which details are sparse. The July arrival is the first for that month and there has now been records in every month of the year. The Hayle Est. bird is the longest-stayer on record. At 89 days it beats the previous best of 77 days at Lelant in 1957/8. Top sites are Camel Est. with five, Porthgwarra with four and Lizard with three.

RAVEN - Corvus corax Resident. Breeds. Roosts have been located in the past but recent documentation is sadly lacking. The largest congregations during the first three months of the year were 15 near Allet Feb 18th and 30 at Newlyn East Downs Mar 5th. Reports were received from 29 sites for the breeding season, but breeding was confirmed at only seven. At the remainder, pairs were in evidence at most and breeding probably occurred at the majority. There was the usual increase in autumn, suggesting some degree of local dispersal. 114 These included 13 at De Lank Sept 13th, 12 flying north at Watergate Bay Sept 15th, two at Porth Res. Sept 16th and two at Penberth Sept 17th. In November, 80 were seen flying over Langstone Downs, Cheesewring on 13th with 56 there on 16th. EG.JH. These are the highest county totals for many years and derive from an area which attracted a large roost of up to 170 in 1955.

STARLING - Sturnus vulgaris

Common resident. Breeds. Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Populations in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia have undoubtedly declined in recent years and this may account for a noticeable deterioration in the size of Cornish roosts. Traditional roosts at Crowdy, Par, Stithians and Marazion all appear to attract fewer birds. BP also reports a decrease in breeding birds this year and the largest flock noted in the first winter period was 100 at Black Rock Jan 24th! Autumn passage went unreported apart from 600 at St Agnes Head Oct 22nd and little information was received for the second winter period. Maximum numbers included 20000 flying north over Wadebridge Dec 12th, 10000 flying east at Camel Est Dec 16th and 10000 at Portreath Dec 31st. A leucistic bird, generally pale fawn with whitish primaries was noted at Trewey Common Feb 13th DJB (It had been reported as a Rose-coloured Starling). At the Marazion roost in November, DSF and SB identified a total of nine aberrantly plumaged birds. One had single white outer tail feathers, two had mainly white outer feathers, one had most of the tail centre white, one had an all-white tail, one had a white tail and rump, one was fawn coloured with paler flight feathrs and two were leucistic, almost white birds.

ROSE-COLOURED STARLING - Sturnus roseus

Vagrant.

Falmouth: juvenile Oct 30th to Nov 8th. Mrs D. Webb. Accepted by B.B.R.C.

1986 record Davidstow Airfield: juvenile Sept 21st NJC Accepted by BBRC. These two take the county mainland total to 33. Falmouth and Davidstow join five other localities which have attracted the species twice, but Lands End leads with five. October with eight arrivals has proved the most productive month.

HOUSE SPARROW - Passer domesticus

Common resident. Breeds. Local populations were very poorly documented prior to 1980. In many areas decreases were reported in the early 1980's but there appears to have been a welcome upsurge in numbers in the last two or three years. This type of fluctuation has been noted in the county previously (see Penhallurick 1976 pps 326-328). This increase is reflected in reports received for 1988. BP who reported a decrease last year, observed it in good numbers this year. PWS. and AMJD. describe it as common and widespread whilst RL found it scarce in towns but flocks of up to 30 were attracted to innumerable farms along the south coast. The increase was obvious in the size of flocks reported; 150 at Hawkers Cove, Padstow and 131 at Gwithian Aug 16th were the largest congregations since 1974. There was also 80 at Gerrans Bay Sept 16th, 75 at Killigerran Head Sept 25th and 100 at Kelsey Head Oct 14th. TREE SPARROW - Passer montanus Scarce passage migrant. Rare winter visitor. For a species which occasionally breeds in Devon this is a surprisingly rare bird in 115 Cornwall. It has never been proved to breed in the county and is unlikely to do so owing to a substantial contraction in range in the U.K. Records have been published for only 27 years but pre-1945 data is sketchy. Sennen: one Sept 26th/27th. ICW. Helston: one Occt 29th JSG Hingston Down, near Kit Hill: two with finch flock Nov 13th EG. These four take the county mainland total to c.270 (c.l 19 in 1976 alone). Of the total, 146 (54%) have occurred at Porthgwarra and 23 at Wadebridge. There has been records in every month but surprisingly the September record this year is only the third for that month. Conversely, the October bird is the 119th for that month.

RED-EYED VIREO - Vireo olivaceus

Rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: one Sept 29th to Oct 7th. A. Harris. EGG.GGG. et al. The eighth county mainland record - all since 1982. Accepted by BBRC.

CHAFFINCH - Fringilla coelebs

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Forms roosts in winter. In the first winter period flocks were about average in size with maxima of 250 at Rame Head Jan 5th, 400 at St Columb Jan 10th, 600 at Sandymouth Jan 14th, 600 at Marazion Jan 24th and 300 at Feb 2nd. The large flocks at Ludgvan and Par in December 1987 were not reported again. There was no evidence of spring passage this year. Autumn passage apparently commenced relatively early with 12 at Holmans Moors Sept 7th and 50 at Rame Head the following day. Heaviest passage was noted late in October with max of: Porthgwarra: total of c.4945 between Sept 20th and Oct 29th with max 1680 flew south Oct 28th and 2310 flew south Oct 29th. Penlee Point: 450 Oct 22nd. Marazion: 350 Oct 27th. Trevail: 750 flew east Oct 30th. Kit Hill: 800 Nov 13th, 810 Nov 19th. Flocks of 300 were noted at Rame Head, Gribbin Head, St Agnes Head, Ladock and Gorran. In December there was 300 at Gorran on 2nd, 500 at Colan on 5th, 600 at Grampound Road on 15th, 300 at Viverdon Downs, on 18th and 450 Clapper Bridge on 31st.

BRAMBLING - Fringilla montif ringilla

Winter visitor. Passage migrant. No's fluctuate from year to year. With no records in December 1987 it was not surprising that the only report for the first winter period was of two at Jan 5th with one there Feb 5th and 8th. DLJ Spring migrants were observed at Lizard Apr 17th/18th and Callington Apr 20th to 27th. The latter bird is the second latest ever in spring. Autumn passage commenced very early with one flying north at Porthgwarra Oct 3rd. Passage was regular until Nov 13th but with a distinct peak Oct 28th to 31st. c.162 birds were reported from 27 sites. Max no's included: Porthgwarra: total of c.93 birds between Oct 3rd and Nov 11th with max 29 Oct 28th and 50 Oct 29th. Trevose Head: twelve Oct 17th, one Nov 1st. Trevail: six Oct 30th. Troon: five Nov 5th. There was no more than three at any other locality. In late November and through December the total of c.284 birds guaranteed the best second winter period since 1975.

116 EG located 100 at Clapper Bridge, Callington Dec 31st, 70 at Dec 18th, 50 near St Germans Dec 17th and 30 near Callington Dec 17th. The largest flock however was 100/120 accompanying Chaffinches at Hingston Down, Kit Hill Nov 19th. Elsewhere there was ten at St Just in Roseland but no more than seven at any other site.

SERIN - Serinus serinus

Vagrant. A potential breeding species (particularly in view of recent successes in Devon). Porthgwarra: female May 8th SB. Rame Head: two (female and juvenile) Sept 17th RWG.LACT. The county mainland total moves to 51 birds involved in 31 occurrences. Surprisingly these are the first records for both May and September. Of the total to date, 17 have arrived in November, nine in October, seven in December and February, five in March, two in April and September and one in May and June. The best year was 1967 with 18. There have been ten at Porthgwarra, eight at Marazion and seven at Lelant but no more than four anywhere else.

GREENFINCH - Carduelis chloris

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Forms roosts in winter. Although poorly reported this is a species which has increased quite dramatically in recent years probably as a result of the vast number of artificial feeding stations provided in the county. Numbers reported in December 1987 had been low so it was rather surprising that several large flocks were located during January. Of these the largest were 400+ at St Columb on 10th (the largest first winter flock in the county since 1975), 100 at Sandymouth on 14th and 150 at Pendower on 30th. Breeding season reports were non-existent but there was no reason to suspect any change in status. Autumn passage apparently commenced with nine at Holmans Moors Sept 7th and continued to late November. It was a good movement with excellent numbers noted. Regular passage and max no's from: Porthgwarra: total of 746 birds between Oct 3rd and 29 with max 188 flying south Oct 28th and 405 flying south Oct 29th. Ladock: 100 Oct 16th. Marazion: 200 flying west Nov 6th. Par: 200 Nov 23rd. : 100 Nov 26th. The last flock may have included many wintering birds. After such an impressive passage, flocks were unexpectedly small in the second winter period. In December the maximum were 60 at and 50 at Gorran and Par.

GOLDFINCH - Carduelis carduelis

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. After suggesting in the 1987 Report that the succession of cold winters had had a deletorious effect on the breeding status of this species, several observers countered with interesting comments. RL described it as 'surprisingly common' along the south coast whilst AMJD claimed that it is common around country lanes and gardens in the Launceston area during the summer months. PMcC observes that after an apparent decline in 1986 and 1987 the range seems to have recovered in 1988. Certainly the mild first winter period induced more to stay in the county. The largest flocks were 20 at Pentewan Feb 4th and 20 at Marazion Feb 26th. There was evidence of a light spring passage involving c.37 birds. Of these 14 were at Gerrans Apr 7th and 20 at Trelissick May 4th. 117 Autumn passage commenced with eight at St Just in Roseland and lasted into November. Peak numbers were noted Sept 18th to 25th and Oct 12th to 27th. The maximum included 70 at West Pentire Sept 18th, 50 at Stithians Sept 25th, 60 at Rame Head Oct 12th, 90 at Trevose Head Oct 17th, 70 at Porthgwarra Oct 18th and 75 at Marazion Oct 27th.

The only flock of consequence in December was 30 at Camel Est. on 29th.

SISKIN - Carduelis spinus Scarce summer resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Breeding was not suspected in Cornwall until 1970 and not proved until 1984. Breeding is now annual at Smallacombe and probably so at Halvana and other plantations on Bodmin Moor. Range expansion seems likely and breeding could conceivably occur in plantations in the Tamar Valley, Wadebridge/Bodmin area and near Ladock. Prior to 1970 the Siskin was reported only rarely in winter but it can now be looked for with some confidence at several regular sites, and is becoming more frequent as a garden visitor to the ultra-attractive red peanut bags. After none in December 1987, eight fed daily in a Lostwithiel garden Jan to Mar and twenty were seen at Tregrehan Jan 30th. In February small numbers were observed at Holmbush, Porthilly, Smallacombe and Trelissick - giving a first winter total of c.36 birds. One at Portwrinkle Jun 23rd was unusual - was it a late migrant, breeding locally or just plain lost? Autumn passage was unprecedented, eclipsing other exceptional autumns such as 1985 and 1975. It commenced with one at Stithians Sept 5th and continued unabated until late November. A total of c.2492 birds was reported from 61 sites. There were three main movements through the county; Sept 14th to 21st, Oct 22nd to 24th and Oct 27th to 31st. Peak single day totals were 323 Sept 20th, 104 Oct 23rd, 305 Oct 27th and 333 Oct 29th. Maximum numbers: Trevail: total of 106 birds between Sept 10th and Oct 30th. max 43 last date. Lizard: total of 220 between Sept 15th and Nov 7th. max. 100 Sept 20th and 50 Oct 9th. Sennen: total of 168 between Sept 15th and Oct 29th. max 100 last date. Nanquidno: total of 123 between Sept 17th and Nov 1st max 60 first date. Boswednack: total of 118 between Sept 17th and Nov 2nd max 100 Oct 27th. Porthwarra: total of 431 between Sept 20th and Nov 6th. max of 166 Sept 20th and 79 Oct 27th. Cot Valley: total of 147 between Sept 20th and Nov 3rd. max 40 Oct 22nd. Marazion: total of 129 between Sept 21st and Nov 18th. max 50 Oct 27th. Pentire: 60 Oct 30th. Lostwithiel: 70 Oct 31st. Gwithian: 52 Oct 27th. In December there were reports from twelve sites involving c.242 birds, indicating that many of the autumn passage birds had found suitable food. The maximum were 35 at Upper Fowey Valley Dec 4th, 70 at Pentewan Dec 29th and 100 at Dec 31st.

LINNET - Carduelis cannabina

Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. The species is in decline nationally and this is reflected in generally smaller flocks being reported in Cornwall. PMcC however considers that it has stayed reasonably abundant in recent years with a possible increase in the Falmouth area. In the first winter period 250 were noted at St Columb Jan 10th, 60 at Par Jan 25th, 100 at Treyarnon Bay Feb 5th and 300 at Boswednack Feb 16th. Spring passage commenced with 85 at Pentewan Mar 31st. This flock increased to 90 Apr 9th but elsewhere a total of only 41 birds was reported.

118 Very few breeding reports received but 30 pairs in the Bolingey - Perranwell area Apr 13th were of note. Although VRT felt that autumn passage was much reduced with mainly small parties of short-stay birds, this was not borne out by other reports received. The first post-breeding flock was 30 at Jul 3rd but migration proper commenced with 150 at Rame Head Sept 8th and ended with 35 at Trevose Head Nov 18th. Maximum numbers: Nare Head: 275 Sept 11th. 500 Sept 25th. Dodman: 260 Sept 14th. Rame Head: 300 Sept 15th. 500 Oct 2nd. 400 Oct 11th. Lands End: 250 Sept 19th. Lizard area: 1000+ in small flocks Sept 30th. St Ives: 300 Oct 13th. Reskajeage: 300 Oct 11th. In December flocks had thinned out and only 40 at West Pentire on 10th and 80 at Camel Est. on 29th were noteworthy.

TWITE - Carduelis flavirostris

Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Precise detail is lacking but a very reliable report was received by DSF of a flock of 17 flying in off the sea near St Just Nov 2nd. JL. A similar number were well watched on the salt marsh at Hayle Est. for a couple of days thereafter and may have involved the same birds. A quite extraordinary record - but one wonders how many go undetected by observers unfamiliar with the species, particularly the call. The county mainland record moves to c.42 birds involved in 14 occurrences.

REDPOLL - Carduelis flammea

Scarce resident. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeding was first confirmed in Cornwall in 1968 and numbers have fluctuated annually ever since. Most breeding season records derive from the conifer plantations of Bodmin Moor and similar habitat near Bude and at Hustyn and Great Grogley Downs, near Wadebridge. After three successive first winter periods with no records, two at Lanhydrock Jan 17th PJD and three at Bodmin Feb 11th GJC were a pleasant surprise. One at Sennen Apr 4th was the sole spring record. PH. Breeding season records came from Smallacombe (but no indication of population), Halvana (four to eight pairs) and Upper Fowey Valley - all Bodmin Moor. 20+ at Shallow Water Common GJC, a juvenile at Colliford Aug 7th AHJH and two at Crowdy Res. Aug 17th BTC may have been locally bred. One on territory at Great Grogley Downs Jun 4th SMC.ADC.HMC. was the only breeding season sighting away from the Moor. Autumn passage was more pronounced than usual. It commenced with 19 at Colliford Sept 10th, ended with one at Loe Pool Nov 16th and involved c.56 birds. Porthgwarra: 12 Oct 3rd. two Oct 13th, one Oct 15th. three Oct 28th and one Oct 30th. Cot Valley: one Nov 3rd to 5th. St Columb: one Nov 13th to 15th. Elsewhere there were single day sightings at; Stithians Sept 17th, Hayle Est Oct 3rd, Trevose Head - three Oct 15th, Par Oct 20th, Long Rock - two Nov 5th, Swanpool - two Nov 11th and Saltash - two Nov 12th. In December there was two at Pentewan Dec 11th GRW.MW. and three at St Columb the same day with one the next day. SMC.

CROSSBILL - Loxia curvirostra

An irruptive species which is not recorded annually in Cornwall. Bred in the county in 1985 and probably did so in 1987. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. 119 None in the first winter period but one was noted at Smallacombe Apr 11th JAdEM and eight at Halvana Apr 12th GJC. Autumn passage and second winter movement was much more pronounced this year after very few in 1987. The total of c.93 birds at nine sites ranks third to 1985 and 1972. Croft Pascoe: five Jun 12th. twelve Sept 21st. five Oct 31st and Nov 2nd. ARP.BC.SL. Swanpool: male Jun 13th JMW Carminowe, Bodmin: 40 Jul 26th. seven Aug 4th GJC. Davidstow: two Aug 28th. MPF. Boswens Common, Pendeen: six Sept 5th. two Sept 20th. DS Restormel Castle: female Oct 23rd/24th. RL Siblyback Res: five Nov 12th JAdEM Upper Fowey Valley: six Nov 27th. PHA Bonython Est. Lizard: five Dec 12th. JWt. The Carminowe flock is the second largest ever reported in Cornwall - beaten only by 42 at Carbis Bay 9th Jul 1962.

BULLFINCH - Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Common resident. Breeds. Scarce passage migrant. Winter visitor. Very few reports received for the first half of the year but no reason to suspect any change in status. In autumn, migrants were noted Oct 3rd to 31st. They included twenty at Penlee Point Oct 9th, 15 at St Anthony Head Oct 20th, six in off the sea Oct 27th, six at Chapel Porth Oct 30th and six at Jericho Valley Oct 31st. Ten at Dec 28th was by far the largest flock in the second winter period.

HAWFINCH - Coccothraustes coccothraustes Occasional visitor with records at all times of the year. Has bred in Devon as far west as the county boundary, but is not known to have done so in Cornwall. Cot Valley: one Oct 22nd. BRF Nanquidno: female Oct 27th. SB.JH.MS. Porthcurno: one Oct 29th. ABR Porthgwarra: two (one male) Oct 29th SB.DSF.MS. Boswednack: one Oct 31st GGG.EGG. Upper Fowey Valley: four late Oct/early Nov. per RS. The best year ever, with most arriving simultaneous with heavy passage of other finches. (It is of note that a flock of over 40 wintered near Doddiscombleigh, Devon). These ten take the county mainland total to c.68 (not including reports of 'several' in 1829 and a family party' in 1958). No single site has monopolized the records but the peak months for arrivals have been October with 16, March with 13 and July, November and December with seven each.

NORTHERN PARULA - Parula americana Very rare vagrant. Cot Valley: a female first noted on the cliff path towards Cape Cornwall Oct 9th, eventually settled at the top of the valley where it performed superbly until Oct 19th. NL.CCB. et al. The fourth county mainland record. Previous occurrences in 1987, 1985 and 1967. Accepted by BBRC. BLACKPOLL WARBLER - Dendroica striata

Very rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: one Oct 14th (but possibly since 12th) BRF.PJC.JRC.ABR.CF.JH. DSF.RLL.LML. The first county mainland record; but long overdue! Accepted by BBRC. 120 LAPLAND BUNTING - Calcarius lapponicus

Scarce passage migrant (autumn). Rare winter visitor. Another exceptional year with twenty in the first winter period a record, and undoubtedly a legacy of last autumns' unprecedented passage. Camel Est: one Jan 9th SMC. Sandymouth: noted Jan 14th to Feb 20th with max of ten Feb 6th and 15 Feb 17th. IK. Northcott Mouth: one Jan 14th. IK Maer Down, Bude: three Jan 16th IK In autumn c.99 birds were reported between Sept 9th (equals previous earliest ever) and Dec 6th. It was the third heaviest autumn passage on record - beaten by 180 in 1987 and 129 in 1985. Lizard: two Sept 9th and Oct 1st. one Oct 11th. four Oct 12th with two to 22nd and one to 31st. BC.ARP. Predannack: one Sept 10th ARP. Sennen: three Sept 15th and singles Sept 20th and Oct 28th. PH.ABR. Porthgwarra: one Oct 12th. two Oct 28th/29th. SMC.RBd.CCB. Trevose Head: noted Oct 13th to Nov 6th with max eleven Oct 17th and 14 Nov 1st. SMC.RS.VRT.PAM. Nanquidno: one Oct 15th DSF Reskajeage: noted Oct 16th to Dec 8th with max 15 Nov 2nd and 20 Nov 23rd. DSF.MS.CNT. Navax Point: one Oct 29th CNT Pentire: ten Oct 30th EG Davidstow Airfield: two Nov 1st TJD Winnards Perch: one Nov 5th SMC. Kelsey Head: one Nov 5th PAM Coombe, Bude: two Nov 7th. one Nov 19th IK Rame Head: one Nov 20th VRT Maer Down, Bude: one Nov 27th. IK. The county mainland total moves on to c.714 - all since 1960. Of these, a staggering 491 (69%) have occurred in the last four years. Most-visited sites have been Porthgwarra - 17 years, West Pentire/Kelsey Head - ten years, Trevose Head - nine years and Reskajeage - eight years. Curiously, the species has apparently never been recorded on the south coast between Port wrinkle and Lizard.

SNOW BUNTING - Plectrophenax nivalis

Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn). Rare winter visitor. An even better first winter period than 1987 and an extraordinary autumn passage. First winter records: Gwithian: 19 from 1987 remained into the New Year decreasing to 14 Jan 31st and twelve Feb 4th to Mar 5th. Last were three Mar 29th. GRW.MW.RLL.LML.PAR. Sandymouth: one Jan 24th and Feb 6th. IK Trevose Head: one Feb 15th. SMC Autumn passage commenced Sept 28th and continued until Nov 23rd. c.226 birds at 26 sites were reported, including the largest single flock ever in the county at Porth Mear and the fourth largest ever at Pentire. Pendeen: male Sept 28th PH and Oct 5th JMW Boswens Common, Pendeen: three Sept 29th. one Oct 6th DS. St Ives: singles Sept 29th and Oct 5th. two Oct 8th and one Oct 19th. DSF.JH. et al. Godrevy: one Sept 29th to Oct 10th. PAR Porthgwarra: noted Oct 2nd to Nov 6th with max five Oct 20th. Cam Marth: one Oct 5th ADS Crackington Haven: two Oct 8th. BTC Newquay: two Oct 9th. PJD.JWt. Porth Mear: one Oct 9th. 60 flew west Oct 31st. SMC.ABR. 121 Trevose Head: noted Oct 10th to Nov 18th with max ten Oct 13th. GW.RS.VRT.SMC.PAM. Navax Point: noted Oct 11th to Nov 20th with max 14 Oct 11th. CNT.PAR et al. Reskajeage: noted Oct 13th to Nov 23rd with max 12 Oct 26th and 13 Nov 23rd. MS.DSF.PTS. et al. Nanquidno: one Oct 15th. DSF. Boswednack: one Oct 16th GGG.EGG. Sennen: one Oct 18th. SMC.MB. West Pentire: 18 Oct 20th. RFH.ACH.BCW. Nare Head: one Oct 21st. JD. Pentire: 24 Oct 22nd. 45 + Oct 30th. EG.SMC. Trevail: one Oct 30th. DSF. Sandymouth: singles Oct 31st and Nov 19th IK Cot Valley: one Nov 3rd. JH East Pentire, Newquay: one Nov 7th SMC Mevagissey: one Nov 10th. BA Stithians Res: three Nov 19th PAM Kelsey Head: one Nov 20th MJD Gwithian: two Nov 21st DL The only second winter report concerned three at Bude Dec 1st IK. YELLOWHAMMER - Emberiza citrinella Common resident. Breeds. Passage migrants After my pessimistic comments of the last few years, there was a quite unexpected and almost dramatic upswing in the species' fortunes in 1988. PMcC agrees that there was a significant decrease in the early 1980's but there was some recovery this year at Falmouth. RL describes it as common and widespread in its chosen environs, whilst AMJD found it common in the county lanes around Launceston in the summer months. PJD considered it had a good year in the Colan area and BP noted normal numbers at Marazion. Despite these positive improvements both EGe and ARP found it elusive on the Lizard peninsula. The encouraging overall situation was reflected in the number of good sized flocks reported this year - undoubtedly the best of this decade. In the first winter period the largest assemblage was 100 at Sandymouth Jan 14th but 40 at Camel Est Jan 9th and 30 at Rame Head Jan 10th were also of note. Groups of 20 were noted at Caerhays, Polridmouth and Bos winger. Few breeding season records were received but twenty singing males on the cliff path at Lansallos May 15th was noteworthy. Autumn passage is always difficult to discern but probably commenced Sept 17th and ended Oct 31st. Slightly lower numbers than last year were reported but nevertheless included twenty at Trevail Sept 17th, 25 at Portwrinkle Sept 18th, 25 at Rame Head Oct 10th, 25 at Ladock Oct 16th, 20 at St Anthony Head Oct 20th and 40 at Polridmouth the same day. From mid November to the end of the year several largish flocks were located accompanying finch flocks, more especially in the east of the county. They included 20/25 at Hingston Down, Gorran High Lanes, St Ives and Sandymouth - all in November, but 55 at Trerulefoot Dec 18th, 26 near St Mellion Dec 18th, 30 at Morwenstow Dec 30th and 75 at Clapper Bridge, Callington Dec 31st. One can only hope that the species will continue to be monitored and reported in such an inspired manner. CIRL BUNTING - Emberiza cirlus Rare resident. Breeds. Uncommon passage migrant. Formerly much more common, there has a been a protracted decline over the last twenty years. In 1967, up to 15 pairs were located on breeding sites in the southeast of the county alone and despite poor coverage in subsequent years birds were still present at 15 sites in the county in 1975. This local decrease is part of a general contraction in range in the U.K. and it appears that it will continue to move 122 inexorably towards extinction as a breeding species in Cornwall. It is perhaps surprising that the nucleus in south east Cornwall has virtually disappeared whilst formal peripheral pockets of birds continue to maintain a tenuous toehold near Perranporth and Falmouth. Perranporth: male from 1987 was again noted Jan 3rd DFS. At a second site a pair were present early in the breeding season but no proof of breeding. RH. Near Falmouth: Noted throughout the year and may have bred. A maximum of five, two males (one of which was attended by two females) May 13th and Nov 6th/7th. PAM.SMC.JHWW. et al. Rame Head: male in song May 14th EG. female/immature Sept 18th PHA Maenporth: male mid Oct to the end of the year. BC Gerrans: pair Dec 7th, male Dec 23rd. PR

ORTOLAN BUNTING - Emberiza hortulana

Uncommon passage migrant (mainly autumn).

Lizard: singles Sept 7th BC and Sept 21st ARP Navax Point: one Sept 9th PAR Sennen: one Sept 11th RA.PH. Nanquidno: one Sept 11th RA.PH. Porthgwarra: singles Oct 2nd and 11th CCB.EAF.JPS. Pendeen: adult Oct 2nd AB. 123 Assuming that all were different these eight take the county mainland total to 59. 34 (57%) of which have occurred in the last five years. Only 1986 with thirteen proved a better year. 39 (67%) have arrived in September, 15 in October, three in August and one each in April and May. Most regular sites have been Sennen and Porthgwarra with ten each, Nanquidno with six and Lizard/Caerthillian with five.

REED BUNTING - Emberiza schoeniclus

Resident. Breeds. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Better reported this year. RL found it common in willow carr woodland in mid Cornwall but BP considers that it is becoming scarce at Marazion where he located only three pairs. There was no information from the main breeding areas on Bodmin Moor but fourteen pairs were seen at Goss Moor May 31st. Like so many other finches and buntings, more than usual stayed in the county in the first winter period. Flock size was generally small but this was compensated for by the wide scatter of records. Up to seven were observed at most localities but there was a maximum of 20 at Sandymouth Jan 14th and 20 at Upper Tamar Res. Apr 12th. Autumn passage apparently commenced with three at Lizard Sept 11th and ended in early November, c.176 birds were reported with the majority moving through Oct 12th to 17th and 28th to 30th. Virtually all reports concerned single figure numbers but at Porthgwarra a total of at least 45 moved through including 16 Oct 12th and 25 Oct 28th. Elsewhere there was maxima of 50 at Laneast Oct 14th and 18 at Croft Pascoe Oct 23rd. In December the largest flocks were 15 at Loe Pool on 7th and 20 at Camel Est on 24th.

CORN BUNTING - Miliaria calandra

Resident. Breeds. Flocks outside of the breeding season. Cornwall is the stronghold of this species in the south west. Most birds are found along a narrow coastal strip in the north of the county between Rumps Point and Godrevy Head. A very steep decline in the national population is reflected in continually reducing numbers in Cornwall. This is unfortunate because until very recently the local population had appeared to be stable. On the Lizard peninsula the species has been declining since 1982, but after none in 1987 there were singles at Kynance Jun 5th PTS and Lizard Jun 12th JMW this year. On the Lands End peninsula 22 singing males were located in 1971 and 15 pairs were reported as breeding as recently as 1985, but this year there was only one sighting; two males in song at Crows-an-wra Apr 21st JH. Along the north coast a maximum of 35 pairs/singing males were noted between Rumps Point and Navax Point. There were also two at St Eval Airfield, one at Denzell Downs, St Eval and Wadebridge. This total compares with an estimated 80+ pairs a mere ten years ago, on the coast between Newquay and Rumps alone. The main colonies now appear to be in the West Pentire/Kelsey Head and Trevose Head areas. The largest flocks reported during the year were 35 at West Pentire Jan 24th, 28 at Trevose Head Nov 1st and 50 at Reskajeage Nov 23rd. At the last named site up to two leucistic birds were regularly sighted.

124 Exotica BLACK SWAN Looe: one Mar 5th and 6th. RWG.SCM. BAR-HEADED GOOSE Bude: one Mar 29th PTS. WHITE-CHEEKED (BAHAMA) PINTAIL

Trenance Lake, Newquay: one from 1987 remained to 1989. BTSC Loe Pool: one Nov 6th to Dec 15th. JSG.CCB. Par: one Dec 15th into 1989. RL. et al.

SCARLET MACAW

Hayle Est: one May 18th VJH COCKATIEL

Bodmin: one Jul 23rd. GJC CHESTNUT-SIDED WHITE EYE Lizard: one Oct 19th BC.ARP. YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY Grampound: male December. TT.SMC.PAM.MB.

B.B.R.C. Decisions 1987 Little Bittern Lizard Accepted Little Egret Camel Est. Accepted Marazion Accepted Truro River Accepted Spotted Sandpiper Upper Tamar Res. Accepted Forster's Tern Hayle Est. Accepted Swainson's Thrush Cot Valley Accepted

The following records which did not appear in ' Birds in Cornwall 1987' were all rejected: Spotted Sandpiper Stithians Res. Aug 19th Ring-billed Gull East Looe River Jan 18th Red-throated Pipit Near Tintagel May 19th Alpine Swift Porthgwarra Aug 19th

The following record which did not appear in 'Birds in Cornwall 1987' has been pended:

Gyrfalcon Bodmin Moor Feb 3rd

1986/7

American Wigeon Hayle Est. Accepted

1982 Madeiran Petrel St Ives All rejected

125 1988 "Wilson's Triangle" Report

INTRODUCTION 1988 was the fourth consecutive year that pelagic voyages were run from the Cornish coast aboard the motor yacht "Chalice" skippered by Keith Roberts. It proved to be the most successful year to date with 101 sightings of Wilson's Storm Petrels and two new birds to be added to the British list: Matsudaira's Storm Petrel and Cape Gannet.

Fifteen voyages were organised beginning with V4. which departed on July 29th at 1900 hours and ending with V19 which docked on August 31st at 2030 hours. VI6, our Continental Shelf voyage, despite being sold out, was unfortunately cancelled due to "certain quay-side problems". Our apologies to all concerned. Three extra voyages, VI7, VI8 and V19 were added to compensate for the same "quay-side problems".

SUMMARY There were both high points and low points aboard the "CHALICE" this year. By our standards the season began poorly with just 3 Wilson's Storm Petrels and 3 Great Shearwaters on the V4, 30th July tally. Thereafter the number of both Wilson's Storm Petrels and Great Shearwaters improved with ten plus Wilson's on five voyages and Great Shearwaters topping 140 on two occasions.

Despite these figures it should be said that both Wilson's Storm Petrels and Great Shearwaters were much harder "to find" this season than last. The reason for this was probably due to the generally poor weather conditions, which tended to move birds through the area faster, preventing any significant build up around feeding stations (longliners), in slack wind conditions.

No voyage stands out as being the best. V6, for instance recorded a Matsudaira's Storm Petrel and 10 Wilson's Storm Petrels but only 1 Great Shearwater was seen and other birds generally were scarce. Perhaps the best all round voyage ws V17, with Cape Gannet, 19 Great Shearwaters, 6 Wilson's Storm Petrels, 6 Long-tailed Skuas and a remarkable 36 Sabine's Gulls. From a personal viewpoint V8 and V9 were the most enjoyable due to a mixture of good weather, enthusiastic, likeable voyagers and a good selection of birds which included both Great and Cory's Shearwaters, Wilson's Storm Petrels and Sabine's Gulls.

For pathos and humour V15, was without equal. The weather was atrocious, a force 7-8 north-westerly gale, waves 15-20 feet high and the "Chalice" rolling between 30 and 53 degrees, due to the malfunction of her stabilizers. Conditions at best were poor for Wilson's Storm Petrels (some said impossible), but perservance won through, when at 1630 hours on the 24th August 2 were seen over the "chum"; 1 down to "yellow webs".

The galley that evening lost 15 out of 16 dinners in one memorable 53° roll, which catapulted a sordid mess of broken plates and food onto the galley floor. (I was holding the unscathed dinner). To Steve Lane goes the 1988 Triangle Showman Award. Steve, who was caught standing up with his plate laden with meatballs, butter beans and mashed potatoes did not succumb easily. It was, however, an unequal contest from the outset, simply a matter of time as Steve was thrown from one side of the saloon to the other during eight successive 50° rolls. At times his six meatballs were hurled into the air but with the aplomb of a circus performer Steve always seemed to be ahead of them and caught all six meatballs squarely on his plate. His undoing was a particularly malevolent wave during which he lost his footing and crashed to the floor, his butter beans, falling like snow flakes around him. Alas his mashed potatoes and all but one of his meatballs ended up sliding slowly but inexorably down the saloon window. I have seen nothing like it during my 20 years at sea!

126 On the down side, V18, (on which we dipped on Wilson's Storm Petrels), ended a memorable run of 15 voyages which amassed 132 Wilson's Storm Petrels, averaging 8.8 Wilson's Storm Petrels per voyage. On VI8 we simply could not get one to the chum. It felt a bit like Liverpool losing to Wimbledon and was only the second time in 25 voyages that a Wilson's Storm Petrel had not been seen. There were compensations in 141 Great Shearwaters and 5 Long-tailed Skuas but, in reality, a "Wilsonless" voyage is a bad one.

Our commiserations to all those on VI8, especially when one considers that the very first chumming operation of V19 brought in 3! - Perhaps that is what makes birding so appealing - the hunt, nothing is guaranteed!! Nevertheless over the four years of operation a Wilson's or Great Shearwater has been seen on every voyage.

The 1988 season ended with V19 and the "Chalice" running for cover back to Newlyn ahead of a force 9 SE gale having spent just 2 hours in the "Triangle", a sea mount somewhere west or south of Lands End. Even so V19 amassed a very respectable tally of THE BIG 5: Cory's, Great, Wilson's, Long-tailed and Sabine's - a fitting end to the season and a promise for 1989. Species Accounts

The notes below refer to "target" and "surprise" species seen on the 1988 WILSON'S TRIANGLE PELAGICS.

CORY'S SHEARWATER. - Calonectris diomedea.

A poor year, only 8 sightings, maximum per voyage 2 (V4). Most sightings gave views down to less than 50 yards. It was hoped that our earlier voyages V4-V12 would coincide with a possible Cory's passage off the SW approaches. These striking birds however proved as elusive as ever and, along with Balearic Shearwater, are the "Triangle's" rarest, regular visitor.

GREAT SHEARWATER - Puffinus gravis

Seen on all but two of this year's voyages, 511 sightings, maximum per voyage 149. Most were seen down to a few yards and occasionally even hand fed from the stern of the "Chalice". Largest flock of 54 was on V18. Rather more difficult to locate due to lack of large flocks in the unsettled weather of this year's so called Summer; last year for instance one flock of over 300 birds recorded. Nevertheless this remains the "Triangle's" commonest Shearwater.

SOOTY SHEARWATER - Puffinus qriseus.

Seen on all but one voyage; 329 sightings, maximum 34 (VI4). More numerous than last year, an habitual wake follower seen down to just a few yards.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER - Puffinus mauretanicus

Only seen on four voyages; 6 sightings, maximum 2. More numerous than last year, ranks with Cory's Shearwater as the "Triangle's" rarest Shearwater.

BRITISH STORM PETREL - Hydrobates pelagicus

Seen on all voyages; 18,182 sightings. Maximum 5,025 (V4). The "Triangle's" commonest bird with flocks around the Spanish longliners up to 3,000 strong (V4).

WILSON'S STORM PETREL - Oceanites oceanicus.

Seen on all but one voyage; 101 sightings, average number per voyage 6.7. Maximum 127 16 (V9). Wilson's were certainly less evident this year, but, on most voyages, were seen before 10am allowing both participants and the organiser to relax. Over 75% were seen "down to yellow webs". Most were brought into the chum slick; others were around longliners, crossing the bow or in the wake. Our commiserations to participants of VI8 who broke a 15 voyage 132 Wilson's Storm Petrel run. As mentioned earlier, it was like Liverpool losing the cup.

GREAT SKUA - Catharacta skua

Seen every voyage; 479 sightings, maximum 44 (V8), average per voyage 31.9. The "Triangle's" commonest skua.

LONG-TAILED SKUA - Stercorarius longicaudus

A good year, but movement south began later than last year, the first being seen on the 22nd August (VI4). Seen on five voyages, 22 sightings, maximum 7 (V17). All except one were juveniles with a single adult, minus tail streamers. Views generally good, some down to 20 yards.

POMARINE SKUA - Stercorarius pomarinus

A poor year, just 4 sightings on two voyages, a reflection perhaps of the poor breeding season in the Arctic this year.

ARCTIC SKUA - Stercorarius parasiticus

A poor year, with later than expected movement south, numbers much lower than last year over the same period. Seen on all but one voyage, 68 sightings, maximum 14 (VI2). Mostly adults, a few juveniles.

SABINE'S GULL - Larus sabini

A good year, seen on nine voyages, surpassing all expectations with our first ever juveniles from the decks of the "Chalice". 68 sightings,.maximum 36 (VI7). During the "big day" numbers observed moving in small flocks of up to 9 birds and successfully enticed into the wake down to 10 feet. Many were "chummed in", sitting on the water at ranges of just 15 feet - a fitting quarry for the on board photographers.

GREY PHALAROPE - Phalaropus fulicarius.

Only nine sightings, well down on last year's totals. Maximum 3 (V7, VI1).

Surprise Species

MATSUDAIRA'S STORM PETREL - Oceanodroma matsudairae

Certainly in the class of "surprise" species, this Pacific Storm Petrel, at first thought to be a Tristram's, was a long way from home. When accepted by the British Rarities Committee it will be a first for Britain. Its identification in the field (in the understandable panic)! was by no means easy.

It was first seen on 3rd August at 400 yards range, skirting the stern of a French trawler, 40 miles south of the "Triangle". At this range it looked like a Bulwer's i.e. a large, all dark petrel, (at least twice the size of a British Storm Petrel), with prominent pale upperwing bars. At this point it was seen independently by John Hall, Wally Wallis and myself, from different positions on the "Chalice", and unanimously declared a Bulwer's Petrel. This enforces the need for care in seabird "flyby" records. 128 Fortunately the bird reappeared five minutes later in our wake at 1805 and was brought to the "chum" at ranges down to 20 yards. Thanks to the photographs of John Hall, aided by his wife Pam, (who passed the various cameras), identification was only clinched as Matsudaira's when I was able to examine the photographs on September 1st 1988.

At the time of observation size ruled out any thoughts of a dark rumped Leach's Petrel Oceanodroma leuchora, or for that matter Swinhoe' Petrel Oceanodroma monorhis. All other options however bizarre were Pacific petrels. The broad sweeping upperwing bar, reaching to the bend of the wing ruled out the Black Storm Petrel of the NE Pacific. The apparent absence of white at the base of the primaries ruled out Matsudaira's (or so we thought!). This left Markham's from the west coast of South America and Tristram's Petrel. I know Markham's well, it was not thai: species. (Shallow tail fork, more prominent upperwing bar, grey underwing etc). This left Tristram's, a species I know from only eight sight records. Even so the tail fork seemed shallow and not quite right, the plumage being too brown. This, however, seemed the most like candidate.

The National papers took up the story (Sometimes a little incorrectly!) and the "Wilson's Triangle" became national news, reaching the pages of that bastion of journalism, "The Daily Telegraph". The best headline was "ALL ABOARD THE PETREL PATROL" from the Sunday Mail, somewhat overshadowed by the adjacent and bolder headline "VICAR FINED £250 FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE" (It is nice to know one's place in the greater scheme of things).

The photographs by John Hall, proved to be of the utmost importance. None were brilliant, most were dark, somewhat blurred, in fact, exactly as you would expect from a man surrounded by a dozen hysterical birders all crowding to the stern of the "Chalice" (of less than 2 square metres in area). John and Pam deserve full credit for this identification. Their photographs showed what we, as twelve observers looked for and failed to see, the white outer primary shafts, the Matsudaira's Storm Petrel's diagnostic and inarguable feature.

One can only speculate at the route this bird took to arrive south of the "Triangle". It breeds in the north Pacific on the Volcano Islands south of Japan and then migrates on an east - west axis through the Molucass Straits to the Indian Ocean. It seems likely that this individual kept going westward, rounded the Cape of Good Hope and then flew north in the Atlantic.

It has since come to our attention via regular "Chalice" voyager Steve Gantlett that a group of researchers on the Salvages, Canary Islands, heard a strange call from a burrow in the summer of 1988. Upon investigation they eventually found an extremely large Storm Petrel and tentatively identified it as Matsudaira's Storm Petrel. It may be a coincidence but the position of the Salvages 30 N is roughly the same as it's breeding islands in the North Pacific. Without doubt this has to be the same individual, a chance in a million. For those involved on V6, you were lucky birders indeed.

CAPE GANNET - Sula capensis

Another species in the "Surprise" bracket. It was observed on V17 at 1936 hours on the 27th August, when an adult "Gannet", with wholly black secondaries and tail was seen ahead of the "Chalice" at about 100 yards range. There was no sign of immaturity whatsoever in this bird's plumage. It swung in front of the "Chalice" and then flew directly over the "sun deck" at about 50 feet range. It flew to the wake before flying broadside and then doubled back flying off towards a distant French trawler. If accepted this will be the first British record.

CETACEANS

Most voyages recorded Common Dolphins, at times riding the bow wave. Pilot

129 Whales were also seen on one occasion. The cetacean show stealer was on the Cape Gannet V17 voyage however, when three Killer Whales accompanied us for a short distance. A large turtle, about 5 feet in length, possibly a Leatherback was also seen off the Runnelstone buoy, Gwennap Head on three voyages. 1989 WILSON'S TRIANGLE PELEGICS STANDARD VOYAGES £148 CONTINENTAL SHELF VOYAGE £345 Due to other commitments only six regular Wilson's Triangle voyages will be organised next year beginning on the 18th August 1989, sailing from Newlyn at 1830 hours. The complete schedule will be as follows. STANDARD WILSON'S TRIANGLE VOYAGES VI. Departs Friday 18th August 6.30 p.m. Returns Sunday 20th Aug 6 a.m. V2. Departs Sunday 20th August 6.30 p.m. Returns Tuesday 22nd Aug 6 a.m. V3. Departs Tuesday 22nd August 6.30 p.m. Returns Thursday 24th Aug 6 a.m. V4. Departs Friday 25th August 6.30 p.m. Returns Sunday 27th Aug 6 a.m. V5. Departs Sunday 27th August 6.30 p.m. Returns Tuesday 29th Aug 6 a.m. CONTINENTAL SHELF VOYAGE V6. Departs Tuesday 29th August midnight. Returns Friday 1st Sept 4 p.m. LATE STANDARD WILSON'S TRIANGLE VOYAGE V7. Departs Friday 15th Sept 6.30 p.m. Returns Sunday 17th Sept 6 a.m.

130

The Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Of all the streaked acrocephalus warblers the Aquatic Warbler is by far the most attractive with black and sandy tiger stripes. This article gives a brief summary of all published records for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to the end of 1988. These are listed under locations working from east to west across the county. Records have been extracted from the relevant Cornwall Bird Reports up to 1959, from the Reports on Rare Birds in Britain from 1960 to 1982 inclusive and from 'Birds in Cornwall' and The Isles of Scilly Bird Reports 1983-88 inclusive.

CORNWALL Eddystone Lighthouse The first Cornish record in 1907. Landulph Marsh one 7th September 1979 Upper Tamar Reservoir one 9th- 17th September 1984 Colliford Reservoir singles 21st and 22nd-23rd August 1984 Camel Estuary one 23rd September 1965 Stithians Reservoir A total of twenty four. (19 in 1976, one in 1977 and two in each of 1982 and 1983). Eight have been trapped. Eighteen have occurred in August and six in September with the earliest 18th August (1976) and the latest 6th September (1983). College Reservoir one 24th August 1984 singles 16th August 1976 and 26th September 1970 Hayle Kimbro Pool singles 27th August 1988 and 26th September 1986 Predannack singles 10th September 1977 and 22nd September 1980 Lizard singles 8th September and 22nd October 1988 St Ives one 15th-20th September 1975 Marazion/Long Rock Reedbed A total of 106. 58 have occurred in August, 39 in September and nine in October. 42 have been trapped. Up to three have been noted on single dates in August/September and it is very likely that many more birds were involved. The earliest arrival date is 6th August (1987) and the latest departure 25th October (1976). Drift Reservoir one 15th September 1979 St Levan one 5th October 1985 Porthgwarra one 13th September 1976 Skewjack one 28th August 1982

ISLES OF SCILLY St Mary's A total of six singles. 22nd-27th September 1971, 8th October 1972, 26th/27th September 1975, lst-9th October 1979, 12th October 1981 and 20th August 1986. St Agnes A total of eight. At least five between 27th August and 18th September 1959. Singles 9th October 1960, 30th September - 5th October 1966 and 14th September 1974. Tresco A total of five singles. 19th August 1967, 9th September 1968, 13th October 1971, 30th September-2nd October 1976 and 1st October 1976.

132 DISCUSSION Aquatic Warblers are very skulking in their habits and therefore the totals of 150 birds on the mainland and 19 birds in the Isles of Scilly is probably not a very accurate reflection of the actual number of birds passing through the county each autumn. For example, at Marazion Marsh the species had never been recorded on the adjacent Long Rock reedbed until trapping for ringing commenced in 1971. Since then a total of 34 have been trapped in this reedbed.

Similar information comes from Radipole reedbeds in . I quote from 'Radipole 1. 'Aquatic Warblers at Radipole 1972" - 'between the 12th August and 20th September twenty two Aquatic Warblers were trapped and there were no positive sight records of any in the field'. If this is what occurs in any one year then the numbers in Britain generally must be considerably higher than records show.

Aquatic Warblers regularly breed in central Europe and as close to Britain as Poland, Hungary and East Germany. They migrate south to Africa where apart from a single record from the Niger Inundation Zone the winter quarters are unknown. It appears, that to use an American term, the is a 'flyway' for the species in autumn. They are recorded from suitable reedbeds and sedge/rush sites along the south coast of the U.K. west to the Isles of Scilly and in similar habitats in the Channel Isles, the west coast of France and in Portugal. The only Spring record in the U.K. is of a bird in in May 1963 and it is thus probable that the species returns to its breeding sites by a more easterly route.

Like all birds moving south in autumn the number of Aquatic Warblers fluctuate considerably from year to year. In some years none are seen, in other years a couple or so, but in 1976 - the year of the drought in the U.K., the species was a star attraction with almost 40 birds found in Cornwall. This 'fall' was unprecedented in Cornwall and other south coast sites and my trapping records for that time show that north and north east winds from a strong anticyclone over Europe was the undoubted cause.

The very strong winds which lasted from 25th July well into August enhanced the drought and pushed above average numbers of Aquatic Warblers well to the west of their normal migration route.

Only six of the records for the Cornish mainland have involved adult birds. They are singles at Marazion Marsh on 3rd October 1964, 5th September 1973 and 24th August 1976 but two 17th August 1973. There was also one at Stithians Reservoir 26th August 1976.

The high percentage of juveniles is not surprising given that adults of other species, such as Barred Warblers and Red-brested Flycatchers which also breed in Central Europe, are equally scarce in autumn.

It is possible that juvenile warblers, being less experienced than adults tend to wander more - the adults travelling south by a more direct route.

I now give some weights of acrocephalus warblers trapped at Long Rock reedbed, Marazion Marsh.

It is a well known fact that some Sedge Warblers and a few Reed Warblers double their weight in British reedbeds before attempting a possible 'non-stop' flight to the Sahel zone of Africa. My weights for the heaviest birds of each species is as follows:-

Sedge Warier; juvenile trapped at 0700hrs 20th September 1977 - 19.1 grams. Reed Warbler; juvenile trapped at 0700hrs 4th August 1979 - 20.5 grams. Aquatic Warbler; juvenile trapped at 0700hrs 1st October 1979 - 13.2 grams. The normal average weight of these warblers is 11.5 grams.

133 It appears that Aquatic Warblers do not stay to put on weight in autumn but possibly pause at other suitable sites in France, Portugal and perhaps Morocco. This apparently short stay by Aquatic Warblers is further highlighted by the fact that Reed and Sedge Warblers are frequently re-trapped on the morning of capture and on subsequent days but this has never happened with Aquatics. Some birds have been reported as staying at favoured sites for days, sometimes weeks, but can we be sure that they are the same birds. Rather like Blue Tits visiting a garden feeding station, numbers can be deceptive - when you ring them there are more than you anticipated.

The timing of capture of Aquatic Warblers is of interest. Of the 33 birds trapped and ringed from 1971 to 1988 inclusive, 13 have been caught before 0600 hours, 16 between 0600 and 0700 hours and four between 0700 and 0800 hours. Only one has ever been trapped during the afternoon or evening despite extensive ringing during these hours, particularly in August and September. This corresponds with data from other ringing sites along the south coast. (The exception was an adult caught at 1500 hours on 24th August 1976 and weighing 14.2 grams).

Extreme dates of autumn passage through Cornwall extend from 6th August to 25th October but over the years a peak of occurrence is noted on 24th August with a less pronounced arrival on 5th September.

Apart from the main sites at Stithians Reservoir and Marazion Marsh the majority of birds at other sites were noted in September and most on the Isles of Scilly appearing later still.

A perusal of the localities where Aquatic Warblers have been found is of interest. Several sites which one would have thought suitable have not apparently been visited by the species. Of particular note is the Goss Moor where there is extensive tracts of sedge and rush and although not a coastal site the habitat appears to be suitable to attract migrant.

Other sites, though mainly pure reedbed are Gunwalloe, Poldhu, Swanpool, Loe Pool and Par Beach Pool.

There has now been a total of 400 Aquatic Warblers ringed nationally but we still await the first recovery. Its breeding areas in Europe have been inaccessible until recently and on passage it is one of the earliest autumn migrants often arriving in August with its equally elusive reedbed skulker, the Spotted Crake.

Finally, what is the future for the Aquatic Warbler. There is concern at the present time about the 'greenhouse' effect warming the Earth's atmosphere, melting the polar ice caps and resulting in the raising of sea levels. The prime passage sites in the U.K. are all coastal and some breeding areas likewise. If the scientists ae proven right then all of the reedbed warblers, not just Aquatics could be in trouble. That would be a disaster for this mysterious little bird.

References Moreau, R. E., 'The Palearctic African Bird Migration System'. 1971. Cornwall Bird Reports 1952-59 and 1983-1988 British Birds Rarities Committee reports on rare birds in the U.K. 1960-1982. Radipole Ringing Group acrocephalus study result in Radipole one and two. Acrocephalus Study Group Reports 1969-75.

Acknowledgements Thanks to Stan Christophers for suggesting this article and revising the first draft.

Bernard Pattenden 17 Wheal Rodney, Gwallon, Marazion, Cornwall

134 Willow Warblers With Orange Bare Parts

In October 1988 there were three Willow Warblers in western Cornwall which showed a bare part coloration not described in the literature. Some observers were not even convinced that they were of this species and this, coupled with their very late occurrence and rather odd behaviour prompts me to write this note.

The first of these, I located in the willows at Nanquidno on 20th October and my initial glimpses of a bright orange bill peering through the foliage suggested Melodious Warbler, H. polyglotta - although a broad, yellow supercilium put it in the genus Phylloscopus. It soon appeared in full view and I was astonished to see that the lower leg, rear leg and feet were also a very bright orange reminding me of Arctic Warbler, P.borealis.

Returning home to Williamson (1962) expecting to confirm that I had seen an 'eastern' Willow, perhaps P. t. acredula or P. t. yakutensis, I was disappointed to read that no known race of Willow shows this bright bare part coloration. However, nominate P. t. trochilus didn't fit either with the bill described as "brown, base of lower mandible paler" and the legs, "usually pale brown, but not infrequently dark brown, in some almost as dark as Chiffchaff". Whilst this does not fit some spring Willows which have paler bare colours than Williamson describes, I wasn't happy to accept that the bird may have been an exceptionally worn adult female Arctic Warbler, the only Phylloscopus which he describes as showing the "pale bill and feet" combination as a useful field character.

I returned to Nanquidno the following day but couldn't relocate the bird. Three days later B. K. Mellow informed me that he had seen "a very strange Willow Warbler in Nanquidno valley!". I saw it subsequently and on the final day, 29th October, took R. J. Johns, P. Milford et al to see it. Although we all agreed it was just an odd Willow nobody had seen anything like it before. More surprisingly, I learned that during this time there was also an identical bird in Cot valley, 1.5km away. Whilst I did manage to see this bird, on 30th October at Porthmeor valley, Zennor (10 km N.E. of Nanquidno) I was confronted with another Willow Warbler with bright orange bare parts! This third individual had gone the next day however, following a clear night.

I sent my descriptions to C. D. R. Heard of BBRC who replied "...perhaps surprisingly, I think I know exactly what your birds looked like because I've seen a few like this myself, always in late autumn on Scilly e.g. 1st Nov. 1984 and 3rd Nov. 1986. All were a rich 'oily' olive on the upperparts (almost Radde's colour) with the bright bare part coloration you describe. I'm not sure what they represent...as you will know, there are no references to such birds in the literature. I do not think that they accord with P. t. yakutensis. A bird of the latter type which H. P. K. Robinson and myself saw on Scilly in October 1987 had very pale plumage and...it agreed very well with D. I. M. Wallace's description of such a bird at Flamborough (Brit. Birds 79:437). I believe the darker "olive morphs" are virtually unknown in this race...so I have concluded that they are just worn nominates."

My notes of the Nanquidno individual appear below.

"Bare parts: Lower mandible wholly bright orange, upper similar but with a dark culmen ridge. Tip pale. At any view the bill looks bright orange. The bill looks rather long for a Willow, longer than the two Chiffchaffs alongside but still very fine. Possibly the paleness of the bill made it appear longer than it actually was. Gape orange. Legs a pale fleshy-brown with distal portion orange. Feet were a very bright orange especially on soles. Claws pale grey, looking whitish. Both the feet and the legs looked sturdy but there were evidently some undertail feathers missing and some belly feathers so this could have attributed to the long-legged

135 appearance. Some of the orange colour continued up the back of the legs. Head showed a broad yellow supercilium which combined with a dark line below from bill through the eye gave it a rather bold facial appearance. Supercilium not as long as Greenish or Arctic Warbler and eye-stripe recalled Willow of nominate race. Forehead, crown and nape greyer than rest of upperparts (grey-olive on Zennor bird). Upperparts: Mantle with a greener cast than head, rump and lower back slightly paler. Primaries extended beyond uppertail coverts to fairly well down the tail but judged to be less than exposed tertials in their projection. Tertials, secondaries and the primaries narrowly edged pale green-grey so not so much a panel-effect but more the whole wing. Otherwise these feathers were dark, especially the closed primaries which almost appeared black on a rear view. Black alula and yellow at the bend of the wing. No wing bars. Underparts: Willow Warbler yellow on throat and breast especially at centre with yellow "streaks" to sides fading to white vent and undertail coverts. Tail: Notched; all feathers dark grey-brown and all except central pair edged green-grey. Not heard to call."

Both the Zennor and Nanquidno birds were behaving in a rather xm-Phylloscopus manner, being rather sluggish in their movements, reminding me more of a hippo or sylvia in actions. It became clear however that the latter was sick and on 28th it was continuously gaping. Both birds looked a little larger than nearby Chiffchaffs but had their body feathers 'puffed-out' adding to the effect. Both spent a considerable time sitting still with occasional lunges out to pick flies off nearby leaves and this together with their habit of hopping along the stems again suggested Hippolais rather than Phylloscopus warbler. Wings were often flicked, as was the tail although the pumping action of the latter was less marked than in Chiffchaff. Both birds were adults. D. S. Hi mm 52 Porthia Road, St. Ives Cornwall

Reference Williamson, K. 1962. Identification for Ringers: The Genus Phylloscopus.

Ringing Report 1988 Compiled by R. J. Salmon

2653 birds of 61 species were reported as ringed in Cornwall during 1988. Of these, 2318 were full grown (but not necessarily adult) and 335 were pulli (nestlings). Despite much unfavourable weather and the loss of three ringers, the total of birds ringed was about average. The influx of passerines in October did not feature prominently in the returns. Little Auk, Bluethroat and Marsh Warbler appear in the systematic list for the first time. The compiler thanks all ringers for their prompt submissions.

Contributors

S. M. Christophers 1100 birds of 31 species at Par and St Columb Major. F. M. Couch 641 birds of 29 species at various sites in mid Cornwall. G. G. Gynn 378 birds of 29 species at Boswednack and Trevail. A. W. G. John 43 birds of two species in East Cornwall F. H. C. Kendall 1 bird at Morwenstow D. M. & L. F. C. Love 57 birds of 18 species at B. Pattenden 404 birds of 25 species at Long Rock R. J. Salmon 29 birds of 4 species at Lanivet and Redmoor N. R.

136 Recoveries, controls and ring sightings

Sparrowhawk Ring no DA 47040 ringed as a first year male at Trebetherick on 23rd December 1984 was found dead on the beach near Rock on 25th September 1988.

Black-headed Gull The following were all noted at Millbrook by Keith Pellow, who read the ring numbers in the field. Ring no 3404756 ringed as a nestling at Rozenburg, Holland on 20th May 1986 was observed on 5th April 1987. Ring no 6134005 ringed as a nestling at Halandsvatnet, Norway on 27th June 1986 was observed on 28th December 1987. Ring no EN 51758 inged as a nestling in Norfolk on 26th May 1986 was observed on 25th May 1987. Ring no EP 40670 ringed as a nestling in Cambridgeshire on 31st May 1987 was observed on 23rd October 1987. Ring no EP 18864 ringed as a nestling in Essex on 10th June 1987 was observed on 17th August 1987. Ring no EJ 68984 ringed as a nestling in Derbyshire on 19th June 1987 was observed on 17th August 1987. Ring no EP 57732 ringed as a nestling in Norfolk on 14th June 1987 was observed at Bodmin on 24th January 1988.

Great Black-backed Gull Ring no HW 36653 ringed as a nestling at Mullion Island on 15th June 1975 was found dead on the beach at Penzance on 30th April 1988. Ring no HW 36678 ringed as a nestling at Mullion Island on 28th June 1975 was found washed up after a storm at Portscatho on 1st November 1988.

Barn Owl Ring no GH 33387 ringed as a nestling at St Mawgan in Pydar on 28th June 1988 was found moribund, road casualty at on 12th September 1988. Yet another example of this endangered species' vulnerability to road traffic.

Swallow Ring no E 275489 ringed as a juvenile at Par Beach on 15th September 1987 was found alive and released at Carnon Downs on 6th July 1988.

Dipper Ring no RA 00119 ringed as a nestling at Tavistock, Devon on 13th May 1986 was caught at roost at Two Bridges, River Inney on 30th December 1988. Ring no XK 05112 ringed as a nestling at Tavistock on 29th April 1985 was caught at roost at Bathpool, River Lynher on 27th December 1988. Despite nitrate run-off, silage spillage and organic leakage from land-fill refuse sites, 69 birds were ringed in mid and east Cornwall during 1988.

Mistle Thrush Ring no RA 51585 ringed as a first year female at Trebetherick on 7th May 1985 was taken by a predatory bird at Rock on 17th April 1988.

Willow Warbler Ring no 756440 ringed as an adult female at Long Rock on 12th June 1987 was found dead at Haverfordwest, Wales on 24th April 1988.

Long-tailed Tit Ring no 942552 ringed as a first year bird at Trebetherick on 31st September 1984 was found dead at Yelverton, Devon on 7th May 1986. 137 Starling Ring no XC 73985 ringed as a first year female at Mullion on 27th February 1986 was found shot at St Samson de la Rocque, France on 15th January 1987.

Chaffinch Ring no C 952565 ringed as a second year female at St Columb Major on 16th January 1986 was found dead having hit a glass conservatory at Hellandbridge, near Bodmin on 2nd January 1989.

Greenfinch Ring no VC 04357 ringed as a second year male at Willingale, Ongar, Essex on 20th March 1988 was controlled at St Columb Major on 31st October 1988. Ring no VC 71389 ringed as a second year male Landguard Point, Suffolk on 1st April 1988 was controlled at St Columb Major on 21st December 1988. Ring no VC 23185 ringed as a second year female at St Columb Major on 8th January 1988 was found dead, road casualty near Bocking Churchstreet, Essex on 10th August 1988. Further evidence of birds from the Home Counties and East Anglia spending the winter in milder Cornwall.

138 Systematic List of Species Ringed in Cornwall 1988

1988Cumulative totals 1979-88 F.G. Pulli Total F.G. Pulli Total Fulmar - - - 3 - 3 Manx Shearwater - - 2 - 2 Storm Petrel 2 - 2 3 - 3 Gannet - - - 2 - 2 Mute Swan - - - 66 _ 66 Shelduck - - - 8 - 8 Mallard - - - 1 - 1 Common Scoter - - - 1 _ 1 Sparrowhawk - - - 14 2 16 Buzzard - 2 2 - 21 21 Kestrel 1 - 1 1 24 25 Water Rail 1 - 1 17 - 17 Spotted Crake 1 - 1 4 - 4 Oystercatcher - - - 409 6 415 Ringed Plover - - - 203 203 Lapwing - - - 24 -3 27 Knot - - - 4 - 4 Sanderling - - - 22 - 22 Curlew Sandpiper - - - 1 1 Dunlin 1 - 1 993 - 993 Jack Snipe - - - 1 - 1 Snipe 2 - 2 11 - 11 Woodcock - - - 1 _ 1 Black-tailed Godwit - - - 1 1 Bar-tailed Godwit - - - 1 _ 1 Whimbrel - - - 5 _ 5 Curlew - - - 73 _ 73 Spotted Redshank - - - 7 7 Redshank - - - 297 - 297 Greenshank - - - 48 _ 48 Turnstone - - - 45 _ 45 Black-headed Gull - - - 17 _ 17 Herring Gull 1 - 1 13 - 13 Guillemot - - - 24 - 24 Razorbill - - - 1 _ 1 Little Auk 1 - 1 1 - 1 Stock Dove - 1 1 4 4 Woodpigeon 1 3 4 5 10 15 Collared Dove - - - 11 4 15 Cuckoo - 1 2 3 Barn Owl 1-1 14 25- 21 144 165 Tawny Owl - 7 7 13 19 32 Short-eared Owl - - - 1 _ 1 Long-eared Owl - - - 1 - 1 Little Owl - 1 2 3 Swift _- _ _- 4 _ 4 Kingfisher 2 - 2 8 - 8 Green Woodpecker - - - 3 - 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker - - 4 - 4 Skylark - - - - 6 6 139 Swallow 467 60 527 3919 488 4407 Sand Martin 1 1 44 44 House Martin 1 -3 4 36 25- 61 Tree Pipit - - - 7 7 14 Meadow Pipit 1 - 1 36 15 51 Water Pipit 1 - 1 Rock Pipit - - - 5 5 Yellow Wagtail - - - 3-9 39 Grey Wagtail 2- - 2- 20 44- 64 Pied Wagtail 5 - 5 166 49 215 Dipper 41 28- 69 69 237 306 Wren 63 63 897 24 921 Dunnock 25 - 25 730 15 745 Robin 42 -5 47 994 62 1056 Bluethroat 1 1 1 1 Black Redstart - 2 2 Redstart - - - 9 1-5 24 Whinchat - - - 11 11 Stonechat - - - 43 1-0 53 Wheatear - - - 322 306 628 Blackbird 46- - 46- 760 104 864 Fieldfare - 4 4 Song Thrush 1-1 - 1-1 247 3-0 277 Redwing 2 - 2 120 120 Mistle Thrush - - 5 -9 14 Cetti's Warbler 3 - 3- 65 65 Grasshopper Warbler - - 28 28 Aquatic Warbler 2 2- 18 - 18 Sedge Warbler 113 - 113 2598 - 2598 Marsh Warbler 1 - 1 1 - 1 Reed Warbler 172 - 172 2514 4- 2518 Icterine Warbler - 1 1 Melodious Warbler - - - 1 - 1 Lesser Whitethroat -1 - -1 13 -_ 13 Whitethroat 20 - 20 226 226 Garden Warbler 3 - 3 149 - 149 Blackcap 51 - 51 490 - 490 Yellow-browed Warbler - 2 - 2 Chiffchaff 5-6 56- 791 -8 799 Pallas's Warbler - 1 1 Willow Warbler 27- 11- 38- 1523 108- 1631 Goldcrest 75 - 75 671 671 Firecrest 4 4 53 - 53 Spotted Flycatcher - 31 60- 91 Pied Flycatcher 2- 33 35- 21 273 294 Long-tailed Tit 39 39 521 1 522 Marsh Tit 1 1-0 11 121 39 160 Willow Tit - 121 121 Coal Tit 11 - 1-1 143 38- 181 Blue Tit 376 13-4 510 4098 2022 6120 Great Tit 52 10 62 1031 358 1389 Nuthatch 1 5 6 17 49 66 Treecreeper 1 - 1 89 6 95 Jay - - - 9 - 9 Magpie 3 - 3 14 32 46 Jackdaw 3 - 3 32 12 44 Rook 2 - 2 12 - 12 Carrion Crow - - - 3 25 28 Starling 45 - 45 1184 - 1184 House Sparrow 43 - 43 368 1 369 140 Red-eyed Vireo 1 1 Chaffinch 49- - 49 1203 3-2 1235 Brambling 30 30 Greenfinch 383- - 383 1697 3-2 1729 Goldfinch 3 3 69 12 81 Siskin 1 1 50 50 Linnet 8 8 165 18- 183 Redpoll 5 5 Bullfinch 27- - 27 450 -3 453 Yellowhammer 1 1 76 7 83 Cirl Bunting 3 3 Reed Bunting 1-6 - 16 368- 4 372 Corn Bunting - - 1 21 22 2318 32 \5 2653 31647 4363 36010

A Study of Acrocephalus Warblers at Marazion Marsh 1988

LONG ROCK REEDBED 50° 08N, 5° 30'W

Birds ringed

Sedge Warbler Returned from Jul Aug Sept Oct Total previous years Adults 2 1 9 2 Juveniles 5 61 16 82

Reed Warbler Adults 9 7 16 12 Juveniles 44 72 28 1 145

The first Reed Warbler in spring was noted Apr 17th but birds were very slow to arrive and there was no real build up until late May.

Sedge Warblers started to arrive from Apr 18th but remained very scarce throughout the summer.

No ringing was attempted to spring owing to the unsuitable weather, notably, high winds in May. Autumn was little better, with eleven days missed in August, the peak month, because of either rain or gales.

Autumn nights were often clear and many migrants must have passed through without stopping to fatten up. In fact, for the first time ever, no 'falls' of Sedge Warblers could be detected. The usual prey for these birds is reed aphids but again this year I was unable to find any.

Sedge Warbler totals were the lowest since 1973; very few were seen even in general birdwatching. The total of five juveniles trapped in July suggests that perhaps only one nest was successful in the whole of the Long Rock reedbed.

Reed Warblers had a less then average year. More young were reared than in 1986, but less than 1987.

Twelve Reed Warblers were trapped from previous years ringing. The oldest was over five years.

Two Sedge Warblers were retrapped from previous years ringing. The older was over three years and the other one year old. 141 Neither of the oldest birds retrapped had been caught in the intervening years.

Juvenile Aquatic Warblers were trapped on Aug 22nd and Sept 4th.

RECOVERIES

Reed Warbler A juvenile ringed 7th Sept 1986 was controlled at Kenfig Pool, Glamorgan, Wales on 12th July 1987. (197 kms. 308 days.)

A juvenile ringed 13th Aug 1987 was killed by a cat at Mousehole Bird Hospital 20th Aug 1987. (7 kms. 7 days).

A juvenile ringed 18th Jul 1988 was killed by a cat at St Austell 24th Aug 1988. (54 kms. 37 days).

A juvenile ringed 10th Aug 1987 was controlled at Strang Korz, He d'Ouessant, Finistere, France 27th Jul 1988. (188 kms. 352 days).

An adult ringed 29th Aug 1987 was controlled at St Louis, Haute Rhin & Belfort, France 26th Aug 1988. (996 kms. 363 days).

(This recovery is very unusual in that the recovery site is adjacent to the France/Switzerland border on the River Rhine and only three kilometress from Basle. Adult warblers normally return to the area where they hatched, so therefore this birds' origins may not have been Marazion Marsh. It is also remarkable to get recoveries from the extreme east and west of France, of birds ringed the previous August.)

The ringing of Acrocephalus warblers commenced at Long Rock reedbed on 12th July 1971.

Since that date 2996 Reed Warblers have been ringed, of which 28 have been recovered. In addition, three from other ringers' activities have been recovered. 2992 Sedge Warblers have been ringed, but only twelve recovered. Eleven birds ringed by others have been controlled.

No further proof is required that Marazion Marsh is a major breeding site for these species in summer and as a feeding habitat for them on migration through Cornwall. It is the only site in Cornwall which is of national importance in the migration context.

At the present time there is increasing interest in Europe in the movements of the reedbed warblers and it is my intention to continue this study as part of the larger scheme for the foreseeable future.

Grateful thanks to Lord St Levan for permission to trap and ring birds at Marazion Marsh.

Bernard Pattenden

142 THE SOCIETY'S RULES

(Current from 14th April, 1984)

Rule 1. (Name)

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

Rule 2. (Objects) The objects of the Society shall be:- (a) To further the study of birds in the field. (b) To assist in their preservation. Rule 3. (Membership) The Society shall consist of the following Honorary Officers; President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Meetings Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar, Field Meetings Officer, Conservation Officer, Assistant Conservation Officer, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations Officers, Solicitor, County Recorder and Editor, Assistant Editor, Officer for Youth and Education, General Secretary for the Isles of Scilly and two joint Recorders and Editors for the Isles of Scilly, who shall be fully paid up members of the Society. Any persons under the age of 18 years shall be eligible for Junior Membership, and any person who has attained his or her 18th birthday for Full Membership. Junior members shall be entitled to participate in the activities of the Society but shall be ineligible for election to the Executive Committee or Officers of the Society. Life Members may be elected on a single payment of £75.00. With a view to recognition of useful service to the aims of the Society, a General Meeting may, upon the proposition and seconding by any members, elect any person to be a Honorary Member of the Society without regard to the actual membership or non-membership of such person, who is deemed worthy of such election. Any Honorary Member so elected shall enjoy the right of Full Membership without payment of any subscription being require. The Officers shall be elected annually at the first General Meeting of the year (which Meeting shall be named the Annual Meeting) and shall be eligible for re­ election. New Members may be elected at any General or Executive Committee meeting provided they have paid the subscription as required under Rule 4. The Executive Committee shall have authority to exclude or cancel membership to any person if it considers that person has contravened any requirements contained in these Rules or legislation relating to bird protection or the countryside, or any other matter which the Executive Committee consider offends the well-being, aims or objectives of the Society.

Rule 4 (Subscription) The Subscription shall be £5 for Full Members: £2.50 for each additional member of the same family sharing the same literature: and £1 for Junior Members, payable on election and thereafter on the 1st January. But any member who pays the first subscription after 39th September in any year, shall not be liable to pay a Full Members subscription until after the close of the current year. A member whose subscription is three months in arrears shall, after being reminded, cease to receive the Society's publications and when six months in arrears shall be deleted from the list of members.

Rule 5. (Management) The Secretaries shall keep minutes of the meetings and prepare such literature as will keep members informed of the Society's activities. The Treasurer shall present a Statement of Accounts at the Annual Meeting each year. There shall be an Executive Committee consisting of the Officers and nine ordinary members. A nomination in writing containing the name and address of the member proposed for election to the Executive Committee together with the names and 143 addresses of a proposer and seconder must have been received by a Secretary at least 10 days before the Annual Meeting. This Committee shall be elected annually at the Annual Meeting and shall deal with all business and any obligation undertaken by the Executive Committee on behalf of the Society shall be an obligation of the Society. The Executive Committee shall have power to add to this number subject to confirmation at the next Annual Meeting. No ordinary member shall serve on this Committee for more than three consecutive years. The Executive Committee shall delegate five Officers - Chairman, Vice Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Conservation Officer to be known as the Management Team - to be responsible for the day to day decisions on the Society's affairs. Those delegated should agree unanimously on their decisions and report to the next Executive Committee for confirmation of their actions.

Rule 6. (Meetings) General Meetings shall be held as often as necessary but not less than twice a year, one of which shall be the Annual Meeting. The Executive Committee shall meet when necessary for the transaction of routine business. All meetings shall be convened in consultation with the President and Chairman. A special general meeting may also be called at the request of the Executive Committee or any fifteen members by application to the General Secretary, such application to be accompanied by details of the motion or motions to be moved.

Rule 7. (Alteration of Rules) An alteration of Rules may be made at any General Meeting, provided that the precise alteration has been shown in advance on the Agenda, and that the alteration be passed by a two-thirds majority of those present.

Rule 8. This Society shall neither be dissolved, nor amalgamated with, nor subordinated to any other body without the consent of two-thirds of the Members, at a General Meeting at which business is transacted, and in respect of which dissolution, amalgamation or subordination, prior notice must have been given under Rule 7. For the purpose of the Rule, Members may vote by post.

Rule 9. The property and effects of the Society shall be vested in not less than four members as Trustees to be appointed at a General Meeting. They shall have power to invest money and adopt such measures as may appear to them necessary in the interests of the Society, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Each Trustee shall remain in office until death, registration or removal and replacement by a General Meeting. In the event of the death, resignation or removal by any of the Trustees, the Executive Committee shall if necessary fill the vacancy subject to confirmation at the next General Meeting.

144