CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY Fifty-Eighth Annual Report 1988 St. George Printing Works Ltd., Redruth. 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 Cornwall 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 Marazion Marsh 1988 The Society's Rules 143 Officers 1989 - 90 President Sir Alan Dalton, C.B.E., D.L., Truro. Chairman L.A. Smith, 21 Vicarage Meadows, Fowey. 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, Newquay. Conservation Officer A.R. Pay, 13 Tregellas Road, Mullion. Asst. Conservation Officer Vacant. Newsletter Editor F.M. Couch, 29 Roman Drive, Bodmin Officer for Youth and Education Alma C. Hathway, Langurra, Meadow End, Green Lane, Crantock, Newquay. Recorder and Editor 'Birds in Cornwall' Stanley M. Christophers, 5 Newquay Road, St Columb Major. Asst. Editor E. J. Cook, 7 Tretheway Way, Newquay. Joint Secretary, Recorders and Editors 'Isles of Scilly Bird Report' W. H. Wagstaff, 16 Ennor Close, Old Town, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly. and M.J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, St Ives. Committee Members R. Butts (Mullion) and B.T. Craven (Launceston) retire 1990; J.A. Jane (Truro), J.E. Millett (Chacewater), D. Penwarden (Truro), G.P. Sutton (Bude) 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 Stithians 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 Hayle, 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.