CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING & PRESERVATION SOCIETY

SEVENTIETH

ANNUAL REPORT

2000

Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) The emblem of The Bird-watching & Preservation Society OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 2001/02

President Steve Madge, Seawinds, Lower Trerieve, , , PL 15 3LZ

Chairman Stuart Hutchings, 24 Road, Penryn, TRIO 8NT

Vice-Chairman Graham Sutton, Harcombe, West Park Road, , EX23 8PB

General Secretary Steve Rogers, Roseland, Cyril Road, , TR1 3TA

Treasurer Keith Harris, Lowina Cottage, , , , TR12 7PY

Membership Secretary Sara McMahon, 72 Underwood Road, Plympton, PL7.

Recorder Kester Wilson, 1 Tol-Pedn House, School Hill Road, , TR19 6LP

Editor 'Birds in Cornwall Ian Wilson, 3 Hunters Close, Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire, LEI7 6LG

Conservation Officer Brian Craven, 15 Compass West, Tregadillett, Launceston, PL 15 7EA

Newsletter Editor Darrell Clegg, 55 Lower Fore Street, , PL12 6JQ

Field Meetings Officer John Chappie, 28 Carclew Street, Truro, TR1 2EZ

Public Relations Officer Tony Langford, Miango, Trewirgie Road, , TR15 2SX

Committee Members: Francis Couch (), Pete Fraser Truro), Andy Pay (Helston) Martin Rule (Helston), Mark Tunmore (The ).

Records Committee: Mashuq Ahmad, Greg Conway, Pete Fraser, Steve Madge, Graham Sutton & Laurie Williams

Photographs Front Page: Chiffchaff, Helston Sewage Works, January 2000 - Gary Cokill Back Page: (Upper) Tristris Type Chiffchaff, Helston Sewage Works, January 2000 - Gary Cokill (Lower) Abietinus Chiffchaff, Helston Sewage Works, January 2000 - Gary Cokill

2 CONTENTS Page

Review of the Year 2000 Kester & Ian Wilson 4

Editorial Ian Wilson 10

Acknowledgements 10

Submission of Records 11

Submission of Rarity Reports 13

Systematic List for 2000 Kester & Ian Wilson 15

Records for which details are still required 140

First and Last Dates of Summer Migrants 140

Contributors 141

Photographers 142

Gazetteer 143

Ringing Report 2000 Greg Conway 150

Society purchases Windmill Farm as third nature reserve Martin Rule 157

Birds in a Truro Garden 1991 - 2000 Sylvia D. Johns & 160

Nicholas Picozzi

Chairman's Report Graham Sutton 165

Conservation Officer's Report Brian Craven 166

2000 Balance Sheet and Accounts 168

The Society's Rules 171

Printed by B. J. Press Ltd., Unit 29 Ind Estate, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9LD Copyright Cornwall Bird-watching & Preservation Society 2001

3 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2000

Two hundred and eighty-three species were reported on the Cornish mainland during the year, including the first records of Canvasback, Blue Rock Thrush, Iberian Chiffchaff and Spanish Sparrow.

Records of wintering birds were lower than usual in both the first and last quarter of the year and the numbers of late migrants was also exceptionally low. It is assumed that this was the result of the generally mild and wet weather, and the lack of any prolonged cold spells to drive birds south.

JANUARY The first day of the year was clear and sunny, but this was not a portent for the future as the new century continued with wet and windy weather as a succession of deep depressions came in from the west and temperatures were generally above normal for the time of year. Several rarities remained from last year - a Lesser Scaup at Drift Reservoir - Black Ducks at and Colliford Reservoirs - an American Wigeon on the Estuary - a Green-winged Teal at Maer Lake - wintering adult Ring-billed Gulls were still present at Par Beach Pool and the . Spoonbills were on the Hayle and Lynher Estuaries, and there was also a Great Bittern at .

A good find on 2nd was a female King Eider near St Michael's Mount in Mount's Bay, and people working nearby advised that a bird fitting that description had been in the harbour for some time. It remained in the bay until 6th April, moving west to Penzance during the last few days of its stay. A Great Bittern was seen at Pool on 2nd, presumably last year's returning bird. A Water Pipit was at Maer Lake on 3rd and last year's Green-winged Teal returned to Colliford Res on 4th.

The weather became more settled but colder in mid-month as a large area of high pressure covered the country. The onset of this colder weather coincided with the annual arrival of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls, the first of both species being found at on 7th. The 9th saw a Long-tailed Duck at Porthluney, an oiled Little Auk at and a Black Guillemot in . There was a Long-tailed Duck at Stithians Res on 12th. A second Iceland Gull was seen at Newlyn on 13th and there were numerous Mediterranean Gulls in the County. Nineteen Woodlarks were found at Reskadinnick on 14th.

On 16th there were six thousand Herring Gulls feeding around boats in the bay at St Ives and thirty- two Black-necked Grebes in the Carrick Roads. European Golden Plovers were on the Camel Estuary in large numbers on 17th when three thousand six hundred were seen. A Long-tailed Duck and a Little Auk were in Bay on 19th, and a Green-winged Teal was on Loe Pool on 20th. On 23 rd a Serin appeared at Trewellard, and one hundred Black-tailed God wits were on Truro on 25th. There was a Green-winged Teal at Stithians on 27th that may well have been last year's November individual. The month ended with a Black Guillemot off and thirty Shovellers at Walmsley Sanctuary.

FEBRUARY The weather continued as it had ended in January, unsettled but mild for the time of year, and there was still a good mix of gulls to be seen. Two hundred and fifty-eight Common Shelduck were found on 1 st on the Lower Tamar Estuary. A good count on 10th was one hundred and twenty Chiffchaffs at Sewage Works. On 13th there was a Long-tailed Duck on Looe Bay, and the discovery of two Dartford Warblers at cheered up what could otherwise have been a slow day. Two Western Yellow-legged Gulls were found at Hayle on 14th, and there were twenty Red- throated Divers at Seaton/Downderry on 16th. The wintering Water Pipits at Walmsley Sane had

4 increased to three by 18th, there were three Velvet Scoters in Carrick Roads on 19th and one hundred and nineteen Red-breasted Mergansers were seen roosting at Turnaware Point on 21st. A Red Kite was at on 22nd and on 27th there were two Little Gulls at Drift Reservoir.

MARCH The star bird of the month was a Gyr Falcon. It was initially seen on 3rd at Traboe Cross and then ranged widely along the coast before eventually becoming more settled in the area. Helston Sewage Works had a Yellow-browed Warbler on 4th and 12th, presumably a wintering bird, and there was a Green-winged Teal at Drift on 7th.

Migrating Sand Martins and Chiffchaffs started to arrive on 11th when a Bonaparte's Gull also made a brief appearance at Drift Reservoir and a Kumlien's Gull was at Siblyback Res. On 12th there were one hundred and twenty-five Black-throated Divers at , fifty-one Slavonian Grebes at Porthpean and a Red Kite at St Jidgey. A Green-winged Teal was at on 14th. Wheatears were starting to appear with seven at Caerthillian on 16th, and there were thirteen Garganeys on Eastern Green Beach. A Spotted Crake was at Skewjack on 17th. The 18th saw seven Garganeys at Hayle Kimbro, twenty-two Common Eiders off Rumps Point, one hundred Black-throated Divers in Veryan Bay, forty Great Northern Divers in and twelve Red-necked Grebes at . There were also two Garganeys at Skewjack on 21st following a blast of winds from the southeast, and migrants on 22nd included the first Willow Warblers. On 23rd Hayle was visited by a Kumlein's Gull for a two-day stay and twelve Black Redstarts were newly arrived at Land's End. A quiet period of weather moved in and lasted until the end of the month when a Red Kite was seen at .

APRIL The month had periods of favourable winds to encourage the arrival of birds into the county from the south and the east, but few overshoots of migrating birds were recorded. South-easterly winds on 2nd brought notable numbers of Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers, a Little Ringed Plover on Ryan's Field and a Great White Egret at Drift Reservoir. There was (for the extreme south-west) an unusual movement of Song Thrushes on 7th when up to thirty were seen at various sites around Land's End. A Little Ringed Plover was on Kynance Downs on 8th. There were also a number of Ring Ouzels in the Land's End and Porthgwarra area, and Ryan's Field had a Scandinavian Rock Pipit in summer plumage. The first Osprey of the year appeared at Hayle on 9th. There was a Redstart at Land's End, a Little Ringed Plover on the Camel Estuary and a Sedge Warbler at on 11th.

Another wave of migrants arrived on 14th - 15th, including a Serin at Porthgwarra. An area of low pressure passed through on 19th and produced a first for the county in the form of a Canvasback on Par Beach Pool. A Ring-necked Duck was on on 20th, and was seen with a pair on 21st - 29th Apr. A pair was also seen at Siblyback Res on 21st - 22nd Apr. Southerly winds on 22nd produced a Richard's Pipit at Porthgwarra. A thousand Sand Martins were at Colliford Reservoir on 23rd and a Black Tern was at Par on 24th. The wind moved round to a south-easterly direction on 26th and a large number of migrants were seen, including many Sedge Warblers and a Hawfinch at Land's End on 27th. On 28th two hundred and twenty-five Whimbrels moved through Mount's Bay. Hoopoes were seen at St Levan and Kynance on 29th and a Garganey was at Marazion.

Scandinavian Rock Pipit (Kester Wilson)

5 MAY An air-stream from the continent brought hot, sunny weather and a number of rarities at the start of the month. Two Subalpine Warblers were found at Land's End on 1st, and a female was also ringed at . A Hobby and a Turtle Dove were also recorded, and a Hoopoe was seen at . A Red-rumped Swallow paid a brief visit to Marazion on 2nd, and a Golden Oriole and a Redpoll were at Nanjizal. A female Montagu's Harrier was seen briefly at Hayle on 3rd, quartering fields before heading east.

The wind had turned, cooled and was coming from the north-east on 4th when ten Greenshanks were seen coming in off the sea at Land's End. Common Swifts were also arriving. There was a new moon and a notable arrival on the cliffs opposite Land's End Lighthouse on 5th, six Whinchats, nine Spotted Flycatchers, two Redstarts and a Wood Warbler being seen. A Kentish Plover was at Marazion on 6th and a Nightingale was ringed at Lizard Village. A flock of ninety Collared Doves was at Sennen on 7th and another Nightingale was found on 10th at Redruth.

The wind had moved to a more southerly direction on 12th when an Iberian Chiffchaff was found singing in Dunmere Wood on , another first record for the county mainland. A Quail was also seen sitting on the beach road at Marazion. A Montagu's Harrier was seen on 12th at . There was fog and a stiff south-easterly wind on the south coast on 14th, but a move to on the north coast to avoid the frustration of the fog was rewarded with the sight of a female Blue Rock Thrush. Quails were seen at on 14th, and and Common on 19th. Golden Orioles were found on on 13th and on 14th. The fog cleared on 15th with a further three Golden Orioles appearing at Land's End and one at Nanjizal. Things became quieter and the next reports were of two Hobby at on 20th and a dark phase Fulmar at St Ives. Maer Lake had a nice twosome on 25th and 26th with a bird showing characteristics of Black-headed Wagtail and a Blue-headed Wagtail. On 26th there were sightings of a Black-headed Bunting at Nanjizal and a Serin at Land's End, and a Tree Sparrow was at on 28th. There was a Black Duck at Hannafore on 29th and the month ended with a small movement of Spotted Flycatchers around Land's End.

JUNE The month started with one thousand one hundred and ninety-three Canada Geese at Colliford Reservoir. The 4th produced the first unusual sights of the month, a male Red-backed Shrike at Porthgwarra and a Hobby that appeared to summer in the area. A Green-winged Teal appeared on 5th at Colliford Reservoir. A westerly air stream then set in. The breeding season was well advanced with Long-tailed Tits and Whitethroats appearing to fare well. A Spoonbill was at Restronguet on 8th, and Black Ducks were seen at Stithians Reservoir on 10th (until the end of the year) and Butter's Tor Marsh on 11th and 22nd. A Long-eared Owl was seen in a possible breeding area, and a Ring- necked Duck was at Colliford Res on 17th. Sea watching was unproductive during the month. Two returning Ospreys were at Siblyback and a Yellow-legged Gull was at Hayle on 25th, and two Turtle Doves were at Nanjizal on 26th.

JULY The month started with the return of three Purple Sandpipers to Godrevy, and the number of Mediterranean Gulls at St John's Lake peaked at thirty-one. The 4th saw the first arrival of large shearwaters, one Great Shearwater and five Cory's Shearwaters at Porthgwarra, followed the next day by twenty-eight Cory's Shearwaters, five Pomarine Skuas and nine Balearic Shearwaters. Breeding Long-eared Owls were found in West Cornwall. A Kingfisher was noted passing through Nanjizal on 7th, and there continued to be sightings of different birds of this species through to

6 October. Increased Common Swift numbers were an indication that the autumn migration was gaining momentum, a Montagu's Harrier was found in West on 15th, and one hundred and forty-five Sand Martins stopped briefly at Nanjizal on 20th. A Spoonbill appeared on 16th at Marsh. The 21st saw a Black Kite over Nanjizal where there was also a Pintail. The first returning waders were recorded at Hayle on 23rd when a Little Stint and eight Greenshanks were seen; there were one hundred and fifty-five Sanderlings at Mount's Bay and two hundred and twenty- nine on Loe Pool. A Pied Flycatcher was seen on 24th at Lands End, and the first Tree Pipit of the autumn migration was recorded on 29th.

AUGUST Tape luring at Porthgwarra on 5th resulted in two hundred and thirty European Storm Petrels being ringed. On 5th the first American wader of the autumn, a Pectoral Sandpiper, was found at Land's End. On 6th there were fifty-seven Mute Swans on the Camel Estuary. Migrating passerines were much in evidence in West Penwith on 8th when forty Sedge Warblers were at Nanjizal, and an Aquatic Warbler was at Marazion on 9th. On 12th there were at least twelve Mediterranean Gulls in Mount's Bay, increasing to fourteen two days later. That day saw a small weather front move through from the west and, on 15th, sixty-two Cory's Shearwaters and three Great Shearwaters passed Porthgwarra. A Woodchat Shrike was also found at Godrevy. On 17th there were five hundred and thirty-five Oystercatchers on the Camel Estuary, and another Aquatic Warbler was found at Marazion on 18th.

South-easterly winds on 22nd produced a Nightingale and a Redstart at Caer Bran, and five Black Terns were seen in Mount's Bay. An Ortolan Bunting was at Trevose Head on 23rd when there were eighty Great Ringed Plovers on the Gannel Estuary. Winds moved round and blew from the east, producing a Wryneck at on 24th, a Dotterel at , and an Ortolan Bunting at . On 25th there was a good count of twelve Little Terns on Porth Kidney Beach. Maer Lake was host to a Pectoral Sandpiper on 23rd, and a Wryneck arrived at on 25th. There were four Wood Sandpipers at Maer Lake on 28th. A small area of low pressure moved through on 29th and produced six hundred Cory's Shearwaters and thirty-one Great Shearwaters past Porthgwarra, with a further forty Cory's Shearwaters past Cape Cornwall. Away from the sea on 29th an adult Spotted Crake was at Maer Lake. On 30th a Red-backed Shrike was at , a Wryneck was at Gillan and Ring-necked Ducks arrived at both Loe Pool and Stithians Reservoirs. On the last day of the month a first calendar Spotted Crake appeared at Maer Lake and an Osprey was at Hayle Estuary.

SEPTEMBER Westerly winds on 1st pushed twenty-two Cory's Shearwaters, two Great Shearwaters and a Pomarine Skua near to the shore at Pendeen, and there were eighty-one Little Egrets on the Upper Tamar Estuary. There were also forty Greenshanks and two hundred and fifty Redshanks at Kingsmill Lake. The first of the migrants from the east were seen on 2nd when a Common Rosefinch appeared at Nanjizal. The 3rd saw two Lapland Longspurs and four Whinchats at St Levan, and a Dotterel at Trevose Head. Ospreys were at their peak on 4th when there was a wing-tagged bird at , two birds at and another at : A Dotterel appeared at on 5th, a Long-tailed Skua passed Killigerran Head and a Black Kite was seen at Drift. A Wryneck was seen at Porthgwarra on 6th, seven hundred and thirty-six Eurasian Curlews were on the Camel Estuary and a Black Duck was at Colliford Reservoir. A Spotted Crake was at Walmsley Sanctuary on 7th, and a Temminck's Stint at Crowdy Reservoir/Davidstow Airfield was a good find.

A Buff-breasted Sandpiper and a Pectoral Sandpiper were found at Stithians Reservoir on 8th. A Red-backed Shrike arrived at Kenidjack on 9th and Wrynecks were at Polgigga and Kenidjack. The

7 10th saw a Melodious Warbler at Rame and a Common Rosefinch at Land's Ends. There was a Tawny Pipit at Skewjack on 12th and on 13th a Spoonbill appeared on Hayle Estuary. Another Spoonbill appeared on the Camel Estuary on 15th. The occurrence of scarce migrants continued on 16th with a Woodchat Shrike at Drift Reservoir, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Crowdy Reservoir/Davidstow Airfield and a Lapland Longspur at Porthgwarra. There were also two hundred and thirty Coots at Stithians Reservoir. On 17th a Tawny Pipit appeared at Rame Head and, on 18th, a Pectoral Sandpiper was at Hayle.

A day of wind and rain from the south-east on 19th brought good numbers of common migrants to West Penwith, and there were eighty Little Egrets on the Camel Estuary. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper appeared in a ploughed field at Sennen on 17th, and was for a time accompanied by five Dotterels. Another Dotterel was at Treen and received a visit from a Spoonbill on 18th. Two Buff- breasted Sandpipers stopped briefly at St Just Airfield on 22nd. Having changed direction, the wind again turned and came from the south-east on 23rd when two Great White Egrets were seen at Hayle and a Lesser Yellowlegs arrived at Loe Pool.

A Barred Warbler started an extended stay at on 24th, a Honey Buzzard was at , a Pectoral Sandpiper was at Drift Reservoir and a Temminck's Stint at Hayle Kimbro. That day also saw a Greenish Warbler in Kenidjack, only the second record for mainland Cornwall. Less rare migrants included an Osprey at Nanjizal and two Marsh Harriers at Nanquidno. The 26th saw the first of six daily sightings of Honey Buzzard at Marazion. Incoming weather fronts became more frequent and vigorous, and the first of four Red-eyed Vireos arrived on 27th at Porthgwarra, ahead of a band of heavy rain. When the rain cleared on 28th, a Red- eyed Vireo was found at Kenidjack. A Pectoral Sandpiper was at Stithians Reservoir on the last day of the month and a Lesser Yellowlegs was at Hayle. Red-Eyed Vireo (Mark Wallace)

OCTOBER Low-pressure systems continued to move in at the beginning of the month, with winds battering the coastline and countryside, but there was a 'window' in the weather on 1 st enabling numerous migrants to move including a Radde's Warbler to Land's End. There was a Red-eyed Vireo and a Yellow- browed Warbler at Nanquidno, two Wrynecks at Porthgwarra and a Red Kite at Polgigga. An American Golden Plover, a Dotterel and two Lapland Longspurs joined a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Sennen. There was also a Honey Buzzard at on , and a different bird of this species was also seen at this site on 2nd. Trevose Head had five Pomarine Skuas, two Sabine's Gulls and nine Black Terns on 2nd, Pendeen had twelve Balearic Shearwaters, and twenty-five Arctic Skuas passed St Ives. On 4th there was a Barred Warbler at Church Cove and a Honey Buzzard at . Thirteen Balearic Shearwaters passed St Ives and four Sabine's Gulls passed Pendeen on 5th. A windless morning on 6th revealed good numbers of diurnal migrants at Nanjizal where there were one hundred and sixty Siskins, sixty Chaffinches, and a Hobby. There was also a Wryneck at Nanquidno, a Ruddy Duck at Crowdy Reservoir, a female Black Duck at Colliford Reservoir and a Yellow-browed Warbler at Cot.

A Red-backed Shrike was at Trewellard on 7th, there was a Rustic Bunting on the cliff path at St Levan, and twenty-four Little Grebes were on Stithians Reservoir. St Levan further enhanced its reputation for attracting rarities when westerly winds produced a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. A Snow

8 Goose was at Maer Lake on 10th, as were nine White-fronted Geese. On 13th there was a Yellow- browed Warbler at Porthgwarra. A Radde's Warbler was discovered at St Levan on 15th after the wind dropped overnight, two Common Rosefinches were at Rame, nineteen Whooper Swans at Par Beach Pool, a Red-eyed Vireo in , a Dusky Warbler at Treen, a White-rumped Sandpiper and six Spoonbills at Hayle, and there were Yellow-browed Warblers in both and . A Wryneck was at Lamorna on 16th, and Nanjizal had a good morning on 17th with a Radde's Warbler, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, an eastern race of Lesser Whitethroat, and good numbers of common migrants. One thousand Lesser Black-backed Gulls were at Crowdy Reservoir on 17th, and a Pectoral Sandpiper was at Hayle on 18th. There were thirty Grey Partridges at Carnanton on 18th, and a Short-toed Lark was on Reskajeage Downs. The weather then deteriorated and became consistently poor with a mixture of wind and rain, remaining so to the end of the year: Most migrant birds had moved on, and only the occasional Yellow- browed Warbler was found. On 22nd there were seventy-one Great Crested Grebes on the Lynher Estuary, and a Spoonbill returned to the same site for the winter. A Little Auk was at Pendeen on 23rd and an unseasonable adult male Red-backed Shrike appeared at on 24th. Three Pomarine Skuas, three Grey Phalaropes and two Sabine's Gulls passed Pendeen on 25th with five thousand and eighteen Gannets, and an American Golden Plover was at Crows-an-Wra on 26th. A Green-winged Teal was on Loe Pool on 28th. Sea watching on 30th produced twelve Grey Phalaropes, a Little Auk and a Sabine's Gull at St. Ives. The following day St Ives had ten Leach's Petrels, three Little Auks and one hundred and twenty-one Common Scoters.

NOVEMBER On the first day of the month there were one hundred Black-tailed Godwits at Kingsmill Lake. The wet westerly winds briefly changed direction and came from the south-east on 5th when the year's highest count of eight hundred Redwings was made in Bay. A Dusky Warbler was found at Porthgwarra on 6th together with a Dartford Warbler and a Yellow-browed Warbler. A Green- winged Teal was found at Hayle on 6th and a Rosy Starling was at on 7th. On 9th there was a Great Bittern at Marazion and a Greenland Redpoll was seen feeding on a bird table at . There were good numbers of Firecrests around the county. On 11th there were three Barnacle Geese at Land's End and eighteen Greenland White-fronted Geese at Trethewey. St Just was the site of a very rare bird for the Cornish mainland on 12th, an Olive-backed Pipit, and Rame recorded another great rarity when a male Spanish Sparrow paid an unfortunately brief visit. The only Pink-footed Goose of the year was on the Camel Estuary on 15th, and a Green-winged Teal was at Maer Lake on 16th. In a poor year the highest count of Eurasian Wigeon was on 19th when there were one thousand two hundred and fifty at Hayle. On 20th there were seventy-eight Ruddy Turnstones at St John's Lake. The only highlight of the rest of the month was a Great Shearwater at St Ives on 26th.

DECEMBER Three hundred Great Black-backed Gulls were on St Clements Isle, on 5th and a Curlew Sandpiper was at Maer Lake on 6th. There was a good seawatch at St Ives on 14th with a Leach's Petrel, ten Little Gulls, 12,589 Kittiwakes and two Little Auks. The highest count of Avocets in the year was on 17th when there were two hundred and forty-three on the Upper Tamar Estuary. Six thousand one hundred Black-headed Gulls were on the Camel Estuary on 18th. On 19th there were fifty-six Purple Sandpipers on the Jubilee Pool in Penzance and four Velvet Scoters were in Mounts Bay on 26th. There was a cold snap towards the end of the month with ice and snow even being seen in the far west of the county. A Great Bittern was at Loe Pool and a Ruddy Duck at Par on 28th, three hundred Fieldfares were at Lanteglose on 29th, and three Water Pipits were at Walmsley Sanctuary on the last day of the year.

9 EDITORIAL

I will start with the most important part of this editorial, which is to thank everyone who helped with the production of this report.

I am happy to advise that we received reports on most of the more rare species, although some chasing was necessary. Please keep submitting those records, and please remember that the Records Committee have to base their decisions on the information submitted. If important identification features are not mentioned, they are not able to assume that they have been seen.

Please ensure that Ordnance Survey map grid references are provided for less well-known sites (e.g. farm names, and 'local' names for sites or parts of larger sites) if they are not already included in the Gazetteer.

The number of tables, headed 'Approximate monthly totals' and showing the maximum number of birds recorded on the county mainland during each month, has been increased. The purpose of doing so is to illustrate the spread of records throughout the year and, whilst coverage will vary, the basis of recording the information will remain fairly constant and the tables should provide an indication of changes in numbers over the years.

This report includes information obtained from 'Seabird 2000', a project that provided details of the number and distribution of breeding seabirds in the county. Should any members wish to obtain this information at one or more of these sites/areas, in June on an annual basis, it would help to build a picture of fluctuations in breeding populations.

Please split distinctive races of species (e.g. Brent Geese and White-fronted Geese) when submitting records.

In last year's report we started using the term 'first year', as a shortened version of 'first calendar year', in an attempt to eliminate any confusion about the age of birds. Unfortunately, the term 'first year' also appears to have caused confusion. We have, therefore, decided to use the terms 'first cal', 'second cal' etc as shortened versions of 'first calendar year' etc.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To: Everyone who submitted records to the County Recorder. To: Dave Conway, Greg Conway and Steve Kolodziejski for entering records into COBRA. To: Dave Conway for WeBS count data. To: Steve Madge for providing details of Field & Natural History Club records. To: Mashuq Ahmad and Pete Fraser for providing details of sightings reported to Birding South West. To: Everyone who provided information for Seabird 2000, and to the RSPB who collated the information and allowed us to use it in this report. To: Paul McCartney who provided a summary of the information received for the Cornish Bird Atlas, and to the people who provided him with that information. To: Sylvia D. Johns and Nicholas Picozzi, and Martin Rule for articles. To: Mashuq Ahmad, Greg Conway, Pete Fraser, Steve Madge, Graham Sutton and Laurie Williams for their assessment of county rarity reports. To: All ringers who have provided details of their ringing activities. To: The photographers who allowed their pictures to be used in this report. To: Martin Elliot, Mark Wallace and Kester Wilson for providing drawings. To: Laurie Williams for proof-reading the report. To: Emma White and Pete Fraser for their assistance with the computer.

10 SUBMISSION OF RECORDS

All records for the year 2001, including descriptions where appropriate, should, be submitted to the County Recorder by 31st January 2002 to guarantee inclusion in "Birds in Cornwall 2001".

The entry of records into the database is a huge task and needs to be spread over the whole year. If the submission of reports is left until the year-end, the result is late completion of the annual report. If you submit more than just a few records please submit them on a quarterly basis.

Please ensure that your name and address, together with the year to which the records apply, are shown clearly on the front page.

All records are of use. Whilst not every report is included in '', they are all entered in the Society's database where they are available for research. They will also be used to assist with the compilation of a Cornish Bird Atlas, a long-term project for which data will be required over several years.

Information required for county and national rarities is shown under "Rarities". All other records, to be of greatest value, should contain as much of the following information as possible:

Species - English name, new or old Date - 5.10, 5/10, or 5 Oct are all acceptable Location - as accurate as possible, using names appearing on the current 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps. Please include grid references for less well-known sites (if not already in Gazetteer) Number - individuals, pairs, singing males, etc. Age - adult, first cal (calendar year), second cal, etc. Sex - male or female Direction - (flying) N, S, E, W, NW, NE, etc.

All records are worthwhile, but those included in the following categories are particularly useful: <> First and last dates for summer migrants o Scarce and rare species o Counts of migrants (e.g. finches, wildfowl, gulls, thrushes, waders, seabirds, etc.) o Breeding records (April to August, with six figure grid references e.g. SX123456) of singing males, or pairs, or nests, for the following species: Common Kestrel Green Woodpecker Cetti's Warbler Peregrine L. S. Woodpecker Sedge Warbler Grey Partridge Wood Lark Reed Warbler Common Quail Skylark Dartford Warbler Moorhen Sand Martin Lesser Whitethroat Oystercatcher Tree Pipit Spotted Flycatcher Northern Lapwing Meadow Pipit Pied flycatcher Grey Wagtail Willow Tit Common Curlew Dipper House Sparrow 'colonial' Seabirds Common Redstart Linnet Stock Dove Whinchat Common Redpoll Turtle Dove Common Stonechat Bullfinch

11 Barn Owl Northern Wheatear Yellowhammer Little Owl Song Thrush Cirl Bunting European Nightjar Mistle Thrush Reed Bunting Common Kingfisher Grasshopper Warbler Corn Bunting oWinter records (November to February including a six figure grid reference) of flocks of the following species: European Golden Plover Fieldfare Yellowhammer Northern Lapwing Redwing Cirl Bunting Barn Owl (individuals) House Sparrow Reed Bunting Woodlark Goldfinch Corn Bunting Skylark (flocks over 50) Linnet oRoost Records (all year including a six figure grid reference) for the species and groups listed below: Great Cormorant All Gulls (200 + birds) All Corvids Little Egret All Terns Common Starling Hen Harrier Sand Martin All Finches Merlin Barn Swallow All Buntings All Waders Pied Wagtail

Guidelines for submission of computer generated records Records should ideally be submitted to the Recorder on a 'comma-separated variable' (.CSV) file which can easily be made using most proprietary spreadsheet packages. Files with the same format, with the text (.TXT) suffix, can also be made using the same packages (e.g. MS Works, Excel). Word processed files are seldom any more use than hand written notes, although sometimes easier to read! Please send your file to the Recorder by post or (better) by email to: [email protected] Please do not: forget to include a header record with the names of each column (e.g. species, site, etc.) save your spreadsheet in its own format. The Recorder may not have the same spreadsheet as you, or may not have the same version. That is why the .CSV/.TXT format is so useful - it is easily read by other software. - include more than one year's records in one file.

Sample submission style: SPECIES,SITE,DATE,NO,AGE,AGENO,SEX,SEXNO,NOTES Purple Heron, ,25/04/99,l,AD,l,„flew in from W at 1400 Whooper Swan, Long Rock Pool,02/03/99,4„,„1430 and 1530 Brent Goose, Marazion Beach,30/01/99,1,,,,,

WILDFOWL and WADER COUNTS The organising and collating of these important counts is the responsibility of D. A. Conway, Tregenna, Cooksland, Bodmin, PL31 2AR. County volunteers are always required and anyone interested is asked to contact Dave at the above address.

12 SUBMISSION OF RARITY REPORTS

National Rarities Descriptions of national rarities should be sent to the County Recorder who will then forward them to the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) for appraisal. These descriptions should follow the criteria listed below or can be submitted on special BBRC forms that are available from the County Recorder or the Secretary of the BBRC, Mr. M. J. Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, , St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 3AZ. Please enclose copies of field notes and photographs, where possible.

County Rarities The identification of the majority of county rarities is quite easy for experienced observers and, consequently, the following list of 'Group A' species requiring a full description is relatively small. Many of the species requiring a full description in the past are now included in 'Group B\ Descriptions are not required for sightings of 'Group B' species unless specifically requested by the County Recorder, and provided the bird or birds have been seen by three, experienced observers who are known to the Rarities Committee - the names of the observers should be included when details of sightings are submitted. These arrangements have been introduced to eliminate the need for unnecessary descriptions of 'easy' rarities, without compromising the integrity of the county records.

Group A - Species requiring a full description

Bean Goose Long-tailed Skua Marsh Warbler Surf Scoter Caspian Gull Twite European Honey Buzzard Kumlein's Gull Mealy Redpoll Montagu's Harrier Roseate Tern Little Bunting Northern Goshawk Richard's Pipit Any unusual subspecies Rough-legged Buzzard Tawny Pipit

Group B - Species not normally requiring a description, provided the bird(s) has been seen by at least three experienced observers who are known to the Rarities Committee - please submit names of observers with the record details.

Purple Heron Red-necked Phalarope Barred Warbler White Stork Ring-billed Gull Icterine Warbler Pink-footed Goose Western Yellow-legged Melodious Warbler Snow Goose Gull European Serin Green-winged Teal Sabine's Gull Red-breasted Flycatcher Ring-necked Duck Long-eared Owl Woodchat Shrike Corn Crake European Bee-eater Red-billed Chough Common Crane Short-toed Lark L. S. Woodpecker Kentish Plover Horned Lark Common Rosefinch Stone Curlew Bluethroat Ortolan Bunting Temminck's Stint 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit Cirl Bunting Pectoral Sandpiper Rufous Nightingale Plus any uncommon races Buff-breasted Sandpiper Aquatic Warbler

13 Criteria for national and county rarity descriptions All descriptions, no matter how brief, are of great value so do not be put off by the list below. This list is for guidance to show what information should ideally be included in a description. Always include as much information as possible; even the smallest or obvious features should be included as these are often invaluable when records are assessed. Make notes and sketches in the field, and before you refer to any textbooks.

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

14 SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR 2000

Sightings are mainly listed in the alphabetical order of localities to facilitate easier reading of the report. All the records included in this report, together with many other sightings, are included in the Society's computerised records from which data can be extracted in alternative formats with relative ease.

The tables headed 'Approximate monthly totals' illustrate the maximum number of birds recorded on the county mainland during each month, after (as far as possible, and where possible) allowing for the movement of birds during the month.

A review of historical data has been undertaken for many species and, from this, the 'Approximate monthly totals (historic)' have been calculated. Whenever possible the figures have been adjusted to take account of birds wandering from site to site. In respect of BBRC rarities, only birds that have been reported to and accepted by the Rarities Committee have been included.

The 'Regular reports and maximum numbers' tables give maximum day counts at selected sites for each month.

The term ' first cal' is used as a shortened version of 'first calendar year' (i.e. a bird hatched in June of year one will enter its second calendar year on the following 1 st January) and the same use is made of'second year' etc.

Abbreviations used within the report include the following:

BBRC - British Birds Rarities Committee BTO - British Trust for Ornithology CP - Country Park Est. - Estuary Res. - Reservoir RSPB - Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Sane. - Sanctuary Tetrad - 2km x 2km grid square

The symbol 4 - ' in various tables indicates that either no birds were present or that no count was received for that particular period.

References Penhallurick, R.D. The Birds of the Cornish Coast, Truro, 1969. Penhallurick, R.D. The Birds of Cornwall and the , Penzance, 1978. Cornwall Bird -watching and Preservation Society Reports 1931-1999 Caradon Field and Natural History Club Report 2000. British Birds Vol. 93. Birding World Vol. 13.

15 RED-THROATED DIVER - Gavia stellata Winter visitor and passage migrant. Thinly distributed along the entire coastline with concentrations of spring migrants regularly occurring along the north coast off headlands between and , and off the south coast between Seaton and Downderry. Numbers were particularly low in 2000, with few birds reported from the north coast where the Trevose Head count was very low. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 27 28 9 9 3 2 - - - 9 5 13 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bay 1 ------Land's EndVSennen - - 1 - - - - - 2 1 2 Mount's Bay 2 1 1 - 1 - - - - - 2 1 /Holywell 3 2 ------Porthgwarra - 1 ------1 - 2 Seaton/Downderry 12 20 5 7 1 1 - - - - - 2 St Austell Bay 4 1 - 1 - 1 - - - 1 - 2 1 2 2 ------4 2 1 Trevose/ Bay 4 1 ------1 Other reports include: Bude: One on 17th May. Cape Cornwall: Two on 21st Oct. : One on 28th Dec. Pendeen Watch: One on 24th Jan.

BLACK-THROATED DIVER - Gavia arctica

Winter visitor and passage migrant. Mainly a bird of the more sheltered south coast, with large gatherings regularly occurring between and Falmouth Bay. Veryan and Gerran's Bay regularly hold five percent of the UK wintering population. Modest flocks can occur in St. Austell Bay, Mount's Bay and St. Ives Bay. Numbers were exceptionally high in March when there were very large flocks of 125 in Gerrans Bay and 100 in Veryan Bay, but the counts were very low in the latter part of the year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 92 52 278 32 - 1 - - - 8 2 5 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Falmouth Bay 3 1 20 - Gerrans Bay 10 27 125 20 - Mount's Bay 8 7 6 3 ----- 6 - 1 St. Austell Bay - 15 20 6 ----- 1 - 1 St. Ives Bay 1 - - _ Veryan Bay 70 - 100 2 ------ - 1 3 1 _ i ..... Other reports include: Camel Est: One on 3rd Nov. Coverack: One on 28th Dec.

16 Kennack Sands: Four on 18th Mar: One on 27th Mar. Polhawn Cove: One on 17th Feb. Porthgwarra: One on 28th Oct. Porthpean: One on the birds seen in February was white/leucistic. Sennen Cove: One on 28th Nov and 2nd Dec. Siblyback Res: An oiled bird on 9th Dec.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - Gavia immer Winter visitor and passage migrant. Although the most widespread of the diver species, they tend to be more solitary and rarely form more than small "rafts". Concerted survey work in the past has confirmed the significance of the stretch of coast from St. Austell Bay to the where, although thinly distributed, internationally important numbers up to fifty have been located. St. Ives Bay and Mount's Bay hold good wintering populations. There appears to have been an increase in numbers during the latter part of the last decade when higher reports were received from Seaton/Downderry, and the year 2000 was in line with recent years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 114 59 109 47 48 16 3 1 2 28 51 77 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr M ay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 1 1 ------4 Carrick Roads 5 8 1 ------10 Gerran's Bay 13 17 1 3 ------Hayle Est. 1 ------1 5 Mount's Bay 13 6 9 2 4 - 1 - 1 1 9 5 Porthgwarra 4 - 2 - 8 7 - 1 - 1 1 5 Rame Head 2 1 - 2 ------1 Seaton/Downderry 8 8 30 10 5 3 - - - 1 4 7 Sennen Cove - 1 - - 3 - - - - 2 2 1 St. Austell Bay 28 12 40 18 12 6 2 - 1 12 - 8 St Ives Bay 4 - 24 ------2 24 10 St John's/Millbrook ------1 3 Veryan Bay 18 2 - 10 12 ------

LITTLE GREBE - Tachybaptus ruficollis Scarce resident that occasionally breeds. Passage migrant and winter visitor. The number of birds recorded is always low in April to June but, whilst this will in part be due to some migration of birds out of the county, it probably also reflects the skulking nature of this species during the breeding season when other than single birds are rarely seen. Recorded numbers have increased steadily in the 1990's, with the exception of November when numbers have remained fairly stable. However, whilst numbers in January were similar to recent years, they were well below average in February and during the last quarter of the year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 155 99 86 15 10 15 45 67 62 80 63 60 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 7 3 ------

17 Camel Est. 16 16 11 - - 1 2 6 3 8 - 4 Colliford Res. - - - 2 - 1 3 7 4 2 - 1 Drift Res. 8 7 6 1 - - - 3 2 6 9 10 Hayle Est. 3 14 14 ------2 12 7 Helford River 13 3 8 ------Loe Pool 20 3 - - 1 2 6 13 5 5 3 5 Lynher Est. 2 1 2 ------3 2 Marazion Marsh 4 3 3 2 4 1 1 4 1 - 2 1 Millbrook 17 10 3 2 - - 1 2 7 8 11 10 Par Beach Pool 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 - - St. John's Lake 5 3 ------4 9 2 10 Siblyback Res. 2 2 1 - - - - 1 3 - 6 4 Stithians Res. 20 12 16 - 2 4 16 21 22 24 5 - Swanpool 3 - 5 3 - 3 3 3 2 7 - - River 10 9 5 - - - 1 2 6 - 7 - Breeding was reported from Bake, Boscundle, Camel Est, Colliford Res, Saltash, Stithians Res, Tregathenan Res and Walmsley Sanctuary.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE - Podiceps cristatus Rare breeding resident, scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. There has been an increase in wintering birds during the latter part of the last decade, including flocks of forty plus on the Lynher Estuary during the last three years. Summer numbers are also increasing at Colliford and Stithians Reservoirs. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 61 42 23 17 12 33 21 19 51 81 33 49 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford Res. - 1 2 6 5 17 12 10 4 2 1 - Crowdy Res. - - - - - 2 2 2 1 1 - - Lynher Est. 18 12 8 - 2 - - - 43 71 7 21 Millbrook 1 1 - 1 ------4 1 Siblyback Res. - - 2 3 1 2 - 1 1 1 - - St. Austell Bay 10 12 4 - - 2 - - - - - 7 St. John's Lake 5 6 2 ------5 13 6 Stithians Res. 1 1 3 7 4 10 6 3 1 - - - Tamar Est. 10 8 2 - - - - - 1 - 6 9 Breeding was reported at Colliford Res, but several attempts at Stithians Res failed owing to falling water levels and predation.

RED-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps grisegena Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. The majority of wintering birds are seen on the south coast between St. Austell Bay and the Helford River and, although they are regularly encountered on the north coast at St Ives and Hayle, there was only one north coast report this year. Numbers since 1995 have been appreciably higher than in the first part of the 1990's, although records were lower this year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14 5 17 1 1 - - - 2 3 1 4

18 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 1 ------Carrick Roads - 1 ------Crowdy Res. - - - - 1 ------Gerrans Bay 2 3 3 - - - - - 2 - 1 - Bay - - 1 ------St. Austell Bay 2 - - 1 - - - - - 1 - 1 St. Ives Bay ------1 Veryan Bay 8 1 12 ------1 - - Whitesand Bay 1 - 1 ------1

SLAVONIAN GREBE - Podiceps auritus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Largest parties occur along the south coast in Gerrans, Whitesand and St. Austell Bays, with smaller numbers regularly frequenting the Camel Estuary on the north coast. First quarter numbers during the last four years have been appreciably higher than during the earlier part of the 1990's. The count of fifty-one birds between Portscatho and Porthpean on 12th March was particularly high. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 56 46 74 1 - - - - - 1 4 14 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 7 4 ------3 Falmouth Bay 4 2 ------Gerrans Bay 6 14 9 ------Looe 4 2 ------2 2 Mount's Bay 1 2 4 ------2 Seaton/Downderry 14 7 10 ------St. Austell Bay 12 12 51 1 - - - - - 1 - 4 No more than two birds were seen at any of the other ten sites from which reports were received.

BLACK-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps nigricollis Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. This species occurs mainly off the south coast between St. Austell Bay and Falmouth, but is more likely to be encountered on freshwater sites than the Slavonian Grebe. Numbers increased appreciably from 1995 onwards, doubtless reflecting a doubling of the UK breeding population over the last two decades. However, there were fewer birds in the first quarter following low numbers at the end of last year, and birds were slow in returning at the end of the year when numbers were again low. Approximate monthly totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 62 24 11 2 - - - 2 1 1 - 23 Reports include: Carrick Roads: The wintering flock stood at twenty-six on 1st Jan, but increased to thirty-two on 16th Jan. It had reduced to eleven by 19th Feb, and the last sighting of a single bird was on 25th Mar. Sixteen birds had returned on 17th Dec, but only thirteen were seen on 24th Dec. Colliford Res: An adult on 19th - 20th Aug. Drift Res: One on 4th - 8th Aug: One on 5th Sep.

19 Gerrans Bay: Seven on 5th Mar. Hannafore: One on 4th Dec. Loe Beach: Three on 8th Jan. Twenty on 30th Jan. Lynher Estuary: One on 10th Jan - possibly one of the St John's Lake birds. Millbrook Lake: Two on 15th Jan - 20th Feb were probably two of the St John's Lake birds. Polhawn Cove: One on 15th Jan. : One on 10th Dec. St Johns Lake: Six on 1st - 8th Jan: Two on 19th Feb and 14th Mar: One on 24th Sep - 1st Oct and 22nd-31st Dec. Stithians Res: Two on 8th Apr. Swanpool: Three on 3rd Jan. Torpoint: Three on 8th Jan: One on 23rd Dec: Four on 27th Dec. Trevorrian Pool: One on 23rd Mar. Turnaware Point: Nine on 21st Feb.

NORTHERN FULMAR - Fulmarus glacialis Breeding resident and passage migrant. Most adults leave British waters to moult during September and October. This species first bred in Cornwall in 1944 and has subsequently colonised the entire coastline in significant and ever increasing numbers. The data produced for Seabird 2000 shows that two thousand one hundred and sixty-one pairs were located on and around the coast. Breeding success is best assessed in July/August when adults vacate their ledges to moult, leaving their well grown young in the nests. Reports include: Charlestown: Forty-two on 25th Feb. Housel Bay: Sixteen pairs on 19th Dec. Pendeen Watch: 250 on 24th Jan. Porthgwarra: 100 on 26th Aug: 156 on 28th Aug. St Austell Bay: 120 on 5th Dec. St Ives: A dark phase bird on 21st May. Trevose Head: A blue phase bird on 29th Feb.

Seabird 2000 - Breeding was noted as follows:

Baulk Head to Mullion: Twenty-two pairs. Mousehole West to St Ives: 217 pairs. Bedruthen to Treyarnon: Forty-one pairs. Mullion to Predannack: Four pairs. to Helford River: Fifteen pairs. New to : 157 pairs. Chapel Porth to Perranporth: Seventy-one pairs. Perran Bay: Fifty-six pairs. Dinas Head to Steppe Point: Twenty pairs. Old Dane to : Sixty pairs. Falmouth to : 257 pairs. Park Head to Porth Mear: Fifteen pairs. Hayle Towans to Chapel Point 273 pairs. Penally to Carnahey: Fifty-four pairs. Hoe Point to : Forty-five pairs. Pentire Point East: Twenty-three pairs. Kelsey Head: Fourteen pairs. Perranporth to St Agnes: Thirty-four pairs. Downs to : Forty-five pairs. St Agnes to Chapel Porth: Thirty-six pairs. Kynance to Cadgwith: Thirty-one pairs. : Sixteen pairs. Ligger Point to Porth: 196 pairs. Stem Point to : Forty-three pairs. Looe Island: Five pairs. to Merope: 224 pairs. Lusty Glaze: Twelve pairs. Trevelgue Head to Mory Island: Twenty-six pairs. Mawgan Porth to Digg: Sixteen pairs. Trevose Head to Treyarnon Pt: Twenty-two pairs. Mory Island to Watergate Bay: 106. Wills Rock to Treyarnon: Six pairs.

20 CORY'S SHEARWATER - Calonectris diomedea Scarce pelagic visitor, mainly in mid-June to early September but with occasional years when large numbers are seen. Mainland records commenced in 1964 when five were reported. Small numbers of up to three per annum were then seen, with several blank years, until 1980 when two thousand seven hundred and thirty-two were reported. Records have been annual since with regular reports from the main sea- watching points in the west of the county. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------37 753 158 1 - - Cape Cornwall: Forty on 29th Aug MTE. Land's End: One on 1st Aug: One on 1st Sep: 122 on 29th Sep RAw. Newquay: One on 10th Jul SMC. Pendeen Watch: One on 10th Aug: Twenty-two on 1st Sep: One on 28th Sep. DE, PAF et al Porthgwarra: Five on 4th Jul: Twenty-eight on 5th Jul: Three on 27th Jul: One on 2nd Aug: One on 10th Aug: Two on 12th Aug: Four on 14th Aug: Sixty-two on 15th Aug: Two on 16th Aug: Twenty-three on 17th Aug: One on 18th Aug: Two on 22nd Aug: One on 26th Aug: Four on 27th Aug: Two on 28th Aug: 600 on 29th Aug: Five on 30th Aug: One on 31st Aug: Three on 22nd Sep. PAF, KAW, BKM, DSF, SML et al St Ives Island: Nine on 1st Sep: One on 5th Oct. SGR, BKM, SMC 1999: Porthgwarra: 261 on 8th Sep PAF. The county mainland total advances by 949 to c. 19,444 since 1964. This would have been considered a good year in the past, but it falls a considerable way short of the numbers recorded in 1998 and 1999. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 3 6 285 2500 9939 6695 10 3 2

GREAT SHEARWATER - Puffinus gravis Scarce pelagic visitor, mainly seen in mid-July to early September but with occasional years when large numbers are seen. The first mainland record was reported in 1948, with only occasional sightings in the following years to 1975 when one hundred and twenty-eight were reported. The first very large count was in 1991 when two thousand three hundred and twenty-six were reported, and the best ever year was in 1999 when two thousand eight hundred and twenty-five were reported. Whilst the year's total of seventy may seem disappointing by comparison with last year, it is perhaps only a return to normality. If one excludes the exceptional years of 1991 and 1999, the average number of birds seen over the previous twenty years is eighty-eight per annum. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 36 28 4 1 - Cape Cornwall: Three on 26th Sep: Two on 28th Sep. MTE Lizard Point: One on 11th Oct IS. Pendeen Watch: Two on 1st Sep: Twelve on 28th Sep: Four on 29th Sep: One on 5th Oct. DEB, PMW, SMC, GSG et al Porthgwarra: One on 4th Jul: Three on 15th Aug: One on 17th Aug: One on 22nd Aug: Thirty-one on 29th Aug: Three on 25th Sep: One on 26th Sep. PAF, KAW, SML et al

21 St Ives Island: One on 1st Sep: One on 5th Oct: One on 26th Nov. SGR, BKM Trevose Head: One on 10th Oct SMC. The county mainland total is now c. 7130 since 1948. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 1 4 101 3170 3812 36 3 -

SOOTY SHEARWATER - Puffinus griseus Pelagic visitor, seen mainly mid-August to mid-September. There have been reports of a global decline of this widespread seabird, and we are perhaps starting to see a reflection of this in the number of records seen in recent years. However, we should perhaps not take this as a definite reflection of the global situation as differing weather conditions are also a major factor affecting the number of birds passing our shores. It will be interesting to see if there is a continuing trend of lower numbers. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 - - - - 4 8 41 290 50 3 5 Reports include: Cape Cornwall: 195 on 28th Sep. Pendeen Watch: Eleven on 1st Sep. Porthgwarra: Ten on 28th Aug. St Ives Island: Fourteen on 1 st Sep. Trevose Head: Thirteen on 6th Sep.

MANX SHEARWATER - Puffinus puffinus Summer visitor, mainly from late March to October. Numbers are increased by non-breeders in late summer. Feeding parties are seen offshore in summer, and a few are seen during winter months. Breeding at the last known mainland colony, at Kellan Head, is believed to have ceased in 1936. Numerous corpses have subsequently been recovered on a regular basis from north coast headlands where there are numerous rabbit burrows and an apparently suitable breeding habitat. There was a general impression among regular observers that there were fewer birds around the Cornish coastline during the summer months, and this is supported by the fact that recorded numbers were very low with only five reports involving more than five hundred birds. Reports include: Bass Point: 700 on 17th May. Pendeen Watch: 1500 on 10th Jul: 600 on 14th Jul. Porthgwarra: 690 on 28th Aug. St Ives Island: 2000 on 1st Sep.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER - Puffinus yelkouan

Uncommon passage migrant, seen mainly in late July to late October. Recorded numbers were the lowest since 1990. Records of all the Shearwater species have been low during the year, and one assumes that this reflects a low food supply in the waters surrounding the county mainland.

22 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - - 1 - - 26 71 29 64 15 10 Reports include: Pendeen Watch: Twelve on 2nd Oct: Ten on 25th Oct. Porthgwarra: Nine on 5th Jul: Ten on 17th Aug. St Ives Island: Thirteen on 5th October. There were an estimated 218 birds during the year, taking the county mainland total to c. 7,240 since 1971.

LITTLE SHEARWATER - Puffinus assimilis Very rare visitor from the southwest approaches. 1999: The two records in this year were the fourth and fifth for the County mainland as the records included in the 1982 report were not accepted by the BBRC. Additionally, although not mentioned in the 1967 report, there was an accepted record at St Ives. The county mainland total is c. 5 since 1967. The records were at St Ives on 28th October 1967, at Land's End on 11th Sep 1975, at Porthgwarra on 13th August 1999 and at Trevose Head on 9th and 30th September 1999. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 3 1 -

EUROPEAN STORM-PETREL - Hydrobates pelagicus Common summer visitor, seen mainly May to September. This species normally remains well out to sea during daylight hours unless driven inshore by storms and, consequently, occasional sightings from the shore do not give an accurate indication of the number of birds present offshore. Evidence of breeding was last found in 1997 when two old eggs were discovered on The . Inland sightings are exceptionally rare. Reports include: Cot: Twenty on 8th Aug. Lizard Point: Twenty on 23rd May. Newquay: 132 on 18th May: Seventy-one on 19th May: Twelve on 1st Jun: Nineteen on 21st Jun: Forty-two on 22nd Jun. Pendeen Watch: Sixteen on 10th Jul: Twenty-seven on 7th Aug. Porthgwarra: 230 ringed on 5th Aug: Fifty on 6th Aug: Thirty on 7th Aug: Twenty-five on 10th Aug: Seventeen on 17th Aug. St Ives Island: Ten on 31st Oct. St John's Lake: Fifteen on 30th Oct.

Towan Head: Thirty on 17th May: Twenty-four on 18th May.

LEACH'S STORM-PETREL - Oceanodroma leucorhoa Scarce passage migrant, mainly early September to early November. Rarely seen inland. Godrevy Point: One on 30th Oct BSW. Pendeen Watch: One on 2nd Sep: One on 2nd Oct BSW. Porthpean: Two on 13th Dec RL. Rumps Point, Pentire: Two on 31st Oct SMC.

23 St Ives Island: Five on 15th Sep BKM: Two on 10th Oct BKM: Two on 11th Oct BKM: One on 12th Oct SMC: Ten on 31st Oct BKM: One on 14th Dec SMC. The county mainland total advances to c. 2,669 since 1948. St Ives has had the largest number of reports. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 65 - 1 3 2 6 1 184 1252 747 247 161

WILSON'S STORM-PETREL - Oceanites oceanicus Scarce summer visitor to offshore waters. Very few sightings in Cornish coastal waters. Pendeen Watch: One on 17th Aug WSn. The mainland total is now c. 9 since 1967. Apart from one record at in 1998, all other records were at St Ives in 1967, 1970, 1978, 1983, 1986(two) and 1995. Wilson's Storm Petrel (Kester Wilson)

Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------3 4 2 - -

NORTHERN GANNET - Morus bassanus Present offshore throughout the year. Large numbers winter around our shores. Bred on Gulland Island, until 1478 but the nearest colony is now on Grassholm Island, Pembrokeshire. Reports include: Cape Cornwall: 3000 on 11th Oct. Downderry: 1000 on 6th Jun. Hannafore: 630 on 27th Oct. Pendeen Watch: 4200 on 24th Jan: 3132 on 23rd Oct: 5018 on 25th Oct. Porthgwarra: 400 on 2nd Jan: 513 on 23rd Aug: 565 on 26th Aug: 625 on 27th Aug: 935 on 28th Aug: 750 on 29th Aug: 1150 on 24th Oct: 3209 on 27th Oct: 1679 on 28th Oct.

GREAT CORMORANT - Phalacrocorax carbo Resident. Breeds in low numbers on all coasts. Migrant and winter visitor. Occurs inland on reservoirs and other freshwater localities. A species that appears to be quite mobile during the non-breeding season, appearing anywhere where there is a good food source. Overall numbers were similar to last year. The Seabird 2000 information, included below, provides a picture of numbers during the breeding season. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 175 122 231 78 91 126 217 188 209 241 142 115

24 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. - - - - 1 3 1 - - - - - Camel Est. 13 9 12 6 9 23 25 18 36 22 11 4 Carrick Roads 20 - 4 ------Colliford Res. 6 6 4 3 3 12 9 15 9 16 11 15 Crowdy Res. 2 - - - - 4 - 5 1 1 - - Drift Res. 4 1 2 2 2 3 4 3 10 4 2 3 Est. - - - 4 - 1 1 1 2 - - - Hayle Est. 5 2 1 5 6 1 3 1 8 20 14 3 Helford River - - - 1 1 1 1 2 2 - - - Helston Boat Lake - - - - 1 - 2 2 2 - - - Loe Pool 38 43 - - 3 5 13 15 16 34 - 29 Looe Est. - - - 2 5 11 4 - 3 10 37 1 Lynher Est. 9 3 10 6 4 10 12 7 9 9 9 13 Millbrook Lake 5 - - - - - 13 9 6 5 6 - Mount's Bay 4 2 2 - 1 1 1 2 20 6 - 1 Par 3 - 1 4 3 4 4 3 2 1 - 2 Porth Res. - - - 3 3 - - 4 3 - - - Ruan Lanihorne 3 1 3 5 2 1 6 3 - 1 - 1 Siblyback Res. 7 - 4 4 2 5 6 10 8 - 6 2 St. John's Lake ------9 12 10 6 6 - Stithians Res. - 1 - 1 - 5 - 2 - 4 - - Tamar Est. - Lower 14 28 13 2 10 10 22 21 16 11 12 10 Tamar Est. - Upper 41 26 26 27 31 19 43 41 40 36 25 31 Tresillian River 1 - 2 1 3 6 4 7 1 - - - - - - 2 - 1 2 4 5 - - - Other reports include: Gull Rock to Nare Head: Twenty-six pairs on 16th Mar. Nare Head: Forty-five on 5th Mar.

Seabird 2000 - Breeding was noted as follows: Cadgwith to Helford River: Twenty-one pairs. Looe Island: Thirty-five pairs. Chapel Porth to Perranporth: One pair. Mullion to Predannack: Sixty-nine pairs. Falmouth to Cremyll: Twenty-seven pairs. to Boscastle: Twenty-two pairs. Hayle Towans to Chapel Porth: Nine pairs. Penally to Carnakey: Twenty-one pairs. Hell's Mouth: Ten pairs.

SHAG - Phalacrocorax aristotelis Widespread resident. Breeds in small colonies on all coasts. First year birds disperse widely. Large "rafts" are seen at favoured feeding sites in winter. Rarely seen inland. The information received from Seabird 2000 provides a good picture of the numbers and spread of this species, and is included below. Reports include: Godrevy Island: Thirty-five pairs on 5th Jul. Gull Rock, Nare Head: Seventy nests on 16th Mar. Porthleven: Forty-nine pairs on 22nd May. Seaton: Seventy-five on 27th Dec.

25 Seabird 2000 - Breeding was noted as follows:

Baulk Head to Mullion: Nine pairs. Looe Island: Twenty-nine pairs. : Twelve pairs. : 200 pairs. Bedruthen to Treyarnon: Eighteen pairs. Morgan Porth Cove to Digg: Twenty-five pairs. Cadgwith to Helford River: Twelve pairs. Minnow Island: Six pairs. Carricknath Point: Six pairs. Mousehole West to St Ives: 179 pairs. Chapel Porth: Nineteen pairs. Mullion to Predannack: 101 pairs. Dinas Head to Steppe Point: pairs. New Polzeath to Boscastle: Sixty-nine pairs. Falmouth - Cremyll: 289 pairs. Park Head to Porth Mear: Six pairs. Gull Rocks, Point: Seventy-four pairs. Penally to Carnakey: Nineteen pairs. Harlyn Bay: Sixty pairs. St Anthony Head: Thirteen pairs. Hayle Towans to Chapel Point: 189 pairs. Trevelgue Head to Merope: Forty-four pairs. Hoe Point to Rinsey: Forty-nine pairs. West Lizard: Fourteen pairs. Ligger Point to Porth: Seventy-seven pairs. Will's Rock to Treyarnon: Six pairs.

GREAT BITTERN - Botaurus stellaris Occasional passage migrant and winter visitor, occurring mainly between late October and early March. Loe Pool: One on 28th December SFE. Marazion Marsh and Long Rock Pool: One on 2nd - 3rd Jan: One on 9th - 13th November per DSF. Stithians Reservoir: One on 1 st Jan MK. There were sightings at Marazion in March and September last year, and it is likely that the same bird is the source of this year's sightings. A similar situation applies at Stithians Reservoir where one was seen the previous winter. The county mainland total is now c. 139 since 1930. Most records are at Marazion, and Par also has a good number with several before 1980. Loe Pool had its first record in 1979, and then had birds annually from 1982 to 1985. Whilst two birds were certainly involved on 12th January 1985 when they were seen together, it is possible that all or some of the other reports during this period related to one returning bird. Two birds were also seen at Loe in 1997. A "returning bird" question also arises at Marazion where Great Bitterns were recorded annually between 1965 and 1972 (when only two birds were recorded elsewhere in the county) and between 1979 and 1985. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 47 29 10 1 - - 1 1 5 4 15 25 *One undated.

LITTLE EGRET - Egretta garzetta Scarce resident. Bred for the first time in 1997. Passage migrant and winter visitor. The level of winter records appears to be tapering off after the rapid expansion in the last half of the 1990's, but numbers have continued to expand in August and September over the last five years. Record numbers were seen on both the Camel and Tamar Estuaries. Eleven chicks were produced from four nests at one site. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 89 66 107 84 39 69 218 324 309 155 80 91

26 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 12 8 18 6 5 25 64 79 80 28 14 6 Carrick Roads 6 6 6 4 2 3 19 27 6 3 - 8 Fowey Est. 7 - 7 15 1 1 22 17 25 - - 2 Gannel Est. - - - 2 - 2 5 5 3 5 4 2 Hayle Est. 7 6 12 9 6 3 11 16 14 16 7 7 Helford River 6 4 7 12 10 19 31 46 20 - - 2 Looe Est. 4 4 - 6 2 - 3 1 6 9 9 4 Lynher Est. 26 15 32 8 9 2 8 29 50 30 16 26 Millbrook Lake - - 2 1 - - 1 2 3 5 5 - St John's Lake 4 3 4 - 2 - 3 40 8 18 9 6 Tamar Est Upper 8 11 16 12 - 3 35 49 81 27 18 12 Tresillian River 2 3 2 3 2 5 6 4 4 - 9 2 Truro River - - - 3 - 5 10 30 5 10 - 10

GREAT WHITE EGRET - Egretta Alba Very rare vagrant. Drift Res: One on 2nd - 5th Apr GH et al. Hayle Est: Two on 23rd Sep LPW et al. The mainland total is now c. 10 since 1948. Previous records were at Loe Pool in 1948, at Godrevy Marsh in 1951, on the Fal Estuary in 1989, the Lynher Great White Egrets (Kester Wilson) Estuary in 1991, Argal Reservoir in 1996, and individuals at Nanjizal and Penberth in 1998 Approximate monthly totals (historic)*:

GREY HERON - Ardea cinerea Breeding resident, dispersing widely after breeding, and is also a passage migrant. Breeding was reported from the following heronries during 2000; figures represent number of occupied nests. 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 Bear Wood 3 2 - - 5 5 6 7 6 Borlase Wood, - 4 4 5 3 3 7 6 5 Kea Wood, Malpas 8 7 9 9 6 7 5 9 7 Marazion Marsh 3 3 5 3 2 4 3 3 3 Newbridge, 1 - - 1 1 6 3 5 5 Place Wood, River 2 1 2 1 7 6 7 5 4 Creek, Fowey Est. - 4 - 4 2 4 2 1 - Pill Farm, Feock 7 7 3 5 4 6 1 5 6 Pinkson Creek, Camel Est. 15 17 14 20 12 13 12 13 14 Creek, Helford 10 12 12 11 11 11 11 12 13 Restronguet Creek 5 5 7 4 5 4 2 1 1 Shillingham Creek, Lynher Est. 16 16 11 15 13 15 18 23 19 Trenant Wood, Looe 12 10 _8 _9 _8 _9 _1 _8 _9 TOTAL 82 88 75 87 79 93 84 98 92

27 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. - - - 2 - 1 - 2 1 - - - Camel Est. 5 6 23 12 16 23 28 29 23 4 - 2 Carrick Roads 10 1 5 4 2 4 3 3 3 1 - 1 College Res. - - - - 1 1 - 1 2 - - - Crowdy Res. - - - 1 3 1 - 6 2 - - - Drift Res. 5 3 3 2 4 7 6 7 6 3 3 2 Fowey Est. - - - - 1 2 5 1 8 - - - Gannel Est. ------6 4 5 - - - Hayle Est. 5 2 1 - 7 6 5 2 1 8 6 - Helford River 3 - 2 21 18 15 14 2 12 - - - Loe Pool 5 2 - - 3 4 5 6 3 4 - - Looe Est. 12 19 - 3 10 7 12 - 3 2 4 1 Lynher Est. 18 1 8 - 3 8 1 3 7 9 4 15 Maer Lake - - - 1 - - 9 2 1 - - - Marazion Marsh 6 10 9 7 4 4 17 9 9 9 5 5 Par Beach Pool 2 - - 1 1 1 2 1 1 - - 1 Stithians Res. - - - - 1 3 - 12 1 2 - - Tamar Est. - Lower 5 - 11 - 4 - 6 23 21 7 24 6 Tamar Est. - Upper 8 8 8 6 8 7 6 6 21 7 1 7 Tresillian River 1 - 3 2 1 7 7 4 6 - - - Truro River - - - 11 14 22 27 8 10 - - -

EURASIAN SPOONBILL - Platalea leucorodia Rare passage migrant that occasionally over-winters. Camel Estuary: One on 15th - 24th Sep SMC, DIJ. Gweek, Helford River: One on 18th Sep SK. Hayle Estuary: 1st Jan - 28th April DSF, MCH, DIJ et al: One on 13th Sep - 12th Oct SFE, DSF: Six on 15th Oct SFE, DSF. Landulph Marsh, Tamar: One on 16th Jul BSW. Loe Pool: One on 10th Sep RCL. Lynher Estuary: Last year's bird until 13th Feb, and presumably the same bird returning on 22nd Oct - 20th Dec SCM, GSG et al. Marazion: One on 26th Sep, presumably the Hayle bird on a day trip BSW. Restronguet Creek: One on 8th - 10th Jun BSW. The bird at Hayle, considered to one of nine first cal birds seen on 2nd October 1997, completed a stay of thirty-one months on 28th April. The Lynher bird is presumed to be the long returning individual. The county mainland total is now c. 167 since 1935. Spoonbills have been reported in the county during every year since 1978, and increasingly so during that time. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 5 11 11 16 13 6 1 17 44 19 15 *one undated

MUTE SWAN - Cygnus olor Breeding resident and winter visitor. Moulting herds in autumn After a period of decline during the 1970's and 1980's there was a distinct improvement in the 1990's. Death by lead poisoning (through the ingestion of discarded lead fishing weights) is considered to

28 have been a major factor in that decline, and the increase in numbers coincided with the use of alternative materials for the manufacture these items. However, numbers have tailed off again during the last two years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 147 113 111 143 140 163 150 161 135 170 132 160 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 41 27 23 29 18 41 27 57 32 23 12 31 College Res. ------2 1 1 - 3 Drift Res. 32 33 33 23 23 4 4 4 8 5 7 8 Fowey Est. - - - 2 5 2 - - - 9 4 — Hayle Est. 18 13 6 15 26 21 16 13 12 38 31 19 Helford River - - - 8 4 3 2 2 8 8 2 5 Helston Boat Lake - - 6 - 2 5 2 3 4 4 4 4 Loe Pool - - - - 12 19 40 31 13 - - - Looe Est. 17 8 - 2 3 6 8 - - 13 23 5 Lynher Est. 5 3 4 2 4 4 4 4 8 8 6 6 Marazion Marsh 5 6 5 4 6 11 11 12 10 8 3 6 Millbrook Lake 4 4 5 2 2 5 4 4 3 3 3 2 Par 5 - 5 14 6 15 12 10 10 6 4 6 Ruan Lanihorne 2 - 3 4 5 4 - - 6 - - 4 St John's Lake - - - - 2 4 - 4 4 2 3 6 Swanpool 4 - 2 1 2 2 2 - 2 6 4 4 Tamar Est. - Upper - 6 8 22 12 8 2 4 12 12 20 10 Torpoint/Saltash 6 13 ------14 - - Tresillian River 2 - 2 3 2 2 - - 2 - 4 37 Truro River - - - 1 2 - 4 _ 2 2 2

TUNDRA SWAN - Cygnus columbianus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Annual from 1959 to 1999, but none in 2000. None reported.

WHOOPER SWAN - Cygnus cygnus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Annual since 1971. Caer Bran: Two on 24th Dec. Camel Est: One on 17 - 27th Apr: Ten on 14th - 15th Oct, with one to 31st Oct: One on 5th - 30th Dec. College Res: One on 5th, 9th and 18th Dec. Crowdy Res: Eighteen on 28th Oct. Crows-an-Wra: Five on 11th Nov. Drift Res: One on 22nd - 23rd Sep: Two on 10th Nov. Hayle Est: Two on 24th Jan: One on 16th - 22nd Nov. Loe Pool: Six on 18th Oct. Maer Lake: Nineteen on 17th Oct with one to 26th Oct. Mawgan Porth: An adult on 15th Oct: A first cal on 10th - 27th Nov when joined by an adult bird. Two adults 11th - 15th Dec. Par Beach Pool: Nineteen on 15 - 16th Oct. Trevorrian Pool: Two adults on 30th Dec. Trevose Head: Three adults on 16th Oct.

29 Walmsley: One on 26th April: One on 15th Dec: Two on 25th - 31st Dec, probably the Camel birds with the exception of the second in December. It would be a large coincidence if there were flocks of nineteen birds on both the north and the south coasts at the same time and, as there is no overlap if one assumes that part of the flock flew from the Camel Estuary to Par during the day of 17th, it has been assumed that there was only one flock. The county mainland total advances to c. 537 since 1930. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 105 22 14 2 - - - - 2 91 180 121

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE - Anser brachyrhynchus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Camel Estuary: One on 15th Nov SMC. The county mainland total is now c. 77 since 1930. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 2 1 - 1 - - - 28 29 4 9

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - Anser albifrons Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Most Cornish records relate to birds of the Eurasian race A.a.albifrons but small parties of the rarer Greenland race A.a.flavirostris (which migrates a little earlier) occasionally occur. Approximate monthly totals - Eurasian albifrons race: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 ------15 5 4 Church Cove: Two on 13th Nov. Colliford Res: Last years three birds from 1st - 27th Jan, with two to 30th Jan. Lynher Estuary: One on 16th Dec. Maer Lake: One on 15th Jan: Fifteen on 12th Oct. : Three on 12th Nov. Siblyback: One on 20th Dec. St Germans: One on 16th - 28th Dec. Approximate monthly totals - Greenland flavirostris race: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 1 - - - 1 1 22 Camel Estuary: Three on 15th Nov. Colliford Res: One on 29th May - 19th Aug. Crowdy Res: One on 17th Nov. Nanjizal: One on 13th Oct: Fifteen on 9th Nov, part of the Trethewey flock. Retallack One on 25th Apr. Siblyback: One on 9th - 22nd Sep. Treen: Sixteen on 9th Nov with seventeen on 12th Nov, part of the Trethewey flock. Trethewey: Eighteen on 11th Nov.

30 GREYLAG GOOSE - Anser Anser Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Many records undoubtedly relate to feral escapes. Annual since 1973. Numbers remain at a low level. Whilst feral birds are breeding widely and in increasing numbers in many parts of , this has not yet happened in the county. Many old records relate to small number of feral birds moving around the county, making it difficult to identify genuinely wild birds, and the same situation continues today. Colliford Res: One on 17th Jun - 1st Jul: Two on 3rd - 16th Jul. Halton Quay: One on 13th Feb. Hayle Est: Two on 7th Apr. Land's End: One on 26th Mar. Maer Lake: Singles on 15th Jan, 30th Mar and 18th Apr. Mawgan Porth: One on 28th Mar. Polgreen Farm: One on 22nd Mar. Retallack: Two on 8th April: One on 10th - 18 Apr. Siblyback Res: One on 15th - 17th Jan and 3rd - 27th Sep. St Germans: One on 26th Oct, 19th Nov and 9th Dec. Trevose Head: Two on 28th Mar. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 8th and 10th Jan. Walmsley Sane: One on 17 - 18 Feb and 29th Mar - 6th Apr.

SNOW GOOSE - Anser caerulescens Rare vagrant and escapee. Maer Lake: One on 10th Oct and 2nd Nov GPS. The county mainland total increases to c. 7 since 1986. Although the provenance of these birds is uncertain, the credibility of this bird is improved by its time of arrival. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 ------1 3 2 -

CANADA GOOSE - Branta canadensis Breeding resident. Some dispersal in winter. This species is undergoing a population explosion, with numbers trebling in the UK in the 20 years from 1976. County numbers have steadily increased although very few are recorded in the western half of the county. At the present rate of increase it may not be long before numbers reach problem proportions, as in some other parts of the country. Large numbers move to the moorland reservoirs to moult between June and August. The birds are flightless at this time and require the protection from predators provided by large areas of water. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 179 517 176 137 365 1472 1400 965 723 741 1301 1101 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 21 17 20 18 18 7 519 240 259 167 5 Colliford Res. 565 226 72 50 278 1193 1170 90 24 168 388 504 Crowdy Res. 17 - - 10 4 206 - - - 55 82 21 Hayle Est. - 1 - 4 ------

31 Lynher Est. 70 99 13 6 4 - 4 190 52 84 263 189 Maer Lake - - - 1 - - - 90 198 80 298 215 Millbrook Lake 10 7 6 10 4 8 4 15 - 24 10 10 Ruan Lanihorne - - - 7 - - - 6 6 13 - - Siblyback Res. 260 122 35 17 19 46 206 37 198 11 93 150 Stithians Res. 2 ------3 2 - - - Tamar Est. - Upper - 41 21 1 31 1 - 15 - 24 - 2 Upper Tamar Lake 252

BARNACLE GOOSE - Branta leucopsis Uncommon drift migrant. Winter visitor. Feral escapee. Many old records relate to a small number of feral birds moving around the county, making it difficult to identify Barnacle Goose and "Greenland" White-fronted Geese genuinely wild birds, and the (Kester Wilson) same situation continues today. Reports include: Colliford Res: One on 1st Jan - 31st Dec. Kenidjack: Eight on 18th Oct. Land's End: Three on 11th Oct. Lynher Estuary: One on 9th Dec. Siblyback: One on 22nd Sep. Treen/Trethewey: One on 9th - 12th Nov arrived with Greenland White-fronted Geese

BRENT GOOSE - Branta bernicla Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Both dark-bellied B.b.bernicla (Western Siberia) and pale-bellied B.b.hrota (Arctic Canada and Greenland) races occur. No regular wintering flocks exists despite increasing numbers of both races in recent years. Birds of Pale - bellied hrota race reports include: Camel Est: One on 23rd Sep: Two on 4th - 6th Oct: Five on 15th - 18th Oct. Davidstow Airfield: Thirty-five on 23rd Sep. Harlyn Bay: One on 26th Dec. Hayle Est: Ten on 17th Sep: Five on 12th Oct: One on 11th Nov. Killigerran Head: Fourteen on 21st Sep: Thirteen on 24th Sep. Marazion: Various numbers 9th Sep - 21st Oct with maximum twenty-six on 27th Sep. Par: Various numbers 19th Sep - 7th Oct with maximum thirty-one on 21st Sep. Pendeen Watch: Sixteen on 18th Sep: One on 29th Sep. Porthleven Sands: One on 10th Sep. Siblyback Res: One on 16th Aug, 17th Sep and 22nd Sep. St John's Lake: Thirteen on 24th Sep: Two on 28th Dec. Truro River: One on 8th May. Approximate monthly totals of Pale-bellied: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 5 - - 1 138 58 1 2

32 Birds of Dark-bellied bernicla race reports included: Bass Point: One on 24th Mar. Dennis Head: One on 14th Jan. Gannel Est: One on 16th Jan: One on 19th Sep. Hayle Est/: One on 14th Jan: Two on 7th Nov, 20th Dec and 23rd Dec: Seven on 26th Dec: Four on 28th - 29th Dec: Seven on 30th Dec: Eight on 31st Dec. Maer Lake: Three on 10th Dec. Newlyn Harbour: One on 19th Mar. St John's: Singles on 22nd Jan, 1st Mar and 20th Nov. Torpoint: One on 29th Jan. Approximate monthly totals of Dark-bellied: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 - 2 - - - - - 1 - 3 11

EGYPTIAN GOOSE - Alopochen aegyptiacus Feral wanderer and escapee. This category "C" species occurs as a feral species in the UK, mainly East Anglia, but with small populations elsewhere, including East . Camel Estuary: The bird first noted in 1987 was present throughout the year. The county mainland total remains at c. 13 since 1987. There were eleven old reports in the 1800's. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 1 2 5 1 2 1

COMMON SHELDUCK - Tadorna tadorna Resident. Breeds in low numbers on most of the main estuaries. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. This species is a common sight on most estuaries, with numbers normally increasing around the start of the year. After the breeding season the majority of birds move to regular moulting grounds, returning at the end of October. The nearest moulting site is Bridgwater Bay. Numbers were lower this year, largely because the usual January increase did not occur, perhaps because of the mild weather. There were fewer birds than last year in the latter few months, back to the levels seen in the mid-1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 732 630 787 658 645 454 199 83 55 127 423 764 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 113 75 175 85 126 88 47 4 - 9 62 93 Fowey Est. 27 - - 21 14 15 4 - - - 21 19 Hayle Est. 45 47 82 91 74 50 7 3 - 4 13 36 Helford River 2 - - 7 9 14 10 8 - - 2 22 Looe Est. 2 2 - 9 6 11 2 - 6 - - - Lynher Est. 135 110 120 97 104 37 18 - 4 45 54 117 Ruan Lanihorne 25 25 71 116 82 113 16 18 13 5 - 36 Tamar Est - Lower 154 258 127 15 5 4 10 5 6 8 119 185 Tamar Est - Upper 77 113 112 78 118 53 32 14 9 41 50 75 Tresillian River 120 - 72 31 30 21 17 2 2 6 41 58 Truro River - - - 90 62 45 36 29 7 9 61 83

33 MANDARIN DUCK - Aix galericulata Rare visitor. Feral wanderer and escapee. A category "C" species. Some Cornish records possibly originate from the small feral population in Devon but most are probably escapes. East Looe River: Last year's male all year. Helston Boating Lake: Male on 8th and 16th Dec. Par Beach Pool: One on 24th Jan. Seaton: Male on 2nd - 16th Jan, 20th Apr - 14th May, 2nd Jul and 3rd Aug. Tehidy Country Park: A fern on 15th Nov. West Looe River: Male on 1 st Jan. It is considered that only the Helston and Tehidy Country Park records were possible new birds, and that the others are most likely to be one of last year's birds. The county mainland total is now c. 65, all since 1973. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 2 8 5 5 - - 6 4 5 18 6 *one undated

EURASIAN WIGEON - Anas penelope Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Occurs in very large numbers in cold weather. Numbers were low with peak counts at all sites being a good deal lower than the average for the last decade. The only consolation was that it was marginally easier to pick out the American stranger on Hayle Estuary. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1594 675 578 22 - - - 5 293 1433 1884 1844 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 264 107 85 5 - - - 2 5 45 170 52 Colliford Res. 30 13 7 ------5 9 6 Drift Res. 3 3 ------7 - 5 2 Gannel Est. 16 - 2 - - - - - 5 - 13 13 Hayle Est. 500 141 205 5 - - - 2 210 970 1250 850 Kingsmill Lake 12 26 45 - - - - - 8 58 40 81 Lynher Est. 176 222 88 - - - - - 17 177 152 333 Maer Lake 155 74 3 1 - - - 1 9 22 103 139 Ruan Lanihorne 150 44 143 - - - - - 13 50 - 115 Stithians Res. 151 13 - 1 - - - - 3 37 15 24 St John's Lake 40 28 ------3 60 93 150 Truro River 59 ------30 70

AMERICAN WIGEON - Anas americana Rare vagrant. Hayle Est: Male 1st Jan - 23rd Mar per DSF. Last years male remained at Hayle until March, presumably always there but not always easy to find when with the Wigeon down one of the many channels in the expanse of the estuary. This is the ninth record for Hayle. The county mainland total remains at c. 17, all since 1981.

34 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 1 - - - 6 4 4 1

GADWALL - Anas strepera Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although numbers fluctuate from year to year depending on the severity of winter weather, the species has become more regular since 1980. Numbers were substantially reduced this year, the lowest during the last decade. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 20 4 3 2 2 1 - 3 8 1 6 18 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - 1 - - - - - 1 - 1 Drift Res. 4 4 ------2 2 Hayle Est. ------6 Loe Pool 14 ------2 8 - 2 7 Maer Lake - - - - 2 1 - - - - - Marazion Marsh - - 2 2 ------Par Beach Pool 2 - _ - - - 1 2 2

EURASIAN TEAL - Anas crecca Abundant winter visitor. Passage migrant. Breeding has been confirmed only sporadically since 1975. Numbers were lower than for most of the 1990's with flocks at Hayle only half the size of those seen in 1995 - 1997. There was breeding at Butter's Tor Marsh. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 891 635 191 64 4 30 34 132 622 923 953 1594 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 117 14 17 - - - - 4 26 2 - 54 Colliford Res. 220 22 13 6 4 9 27 55 66 98 188 346 Crowdy Res. 35 - - 4 16 - 11 10 8 30 - Drift Res. 40 8 6 - - - - - 10 - 20 60 Hayle Est. 500 84 - - - - - 12 142 187 111 150 Loe Pool 30 ------51 - 19 28 Lynher Est. 138 82 2 - - - - - 17 177 152 333 Maer Lake 415 315 105 42 - 5 - 44 228 305 310 260 Marazion Marsh 60 40 5 6 - - 1 1 10 14 30 50 Mawgan Porth 16 ------40 70 Millbrook Lake 38 29 8 ------4 - 16 Siblyback Res. - - 2 - - - - - 2 5 - 7 Skewjack - - 20 ------35 - 13 Stithians Res. - 3 - - - - 3 2 23 34 - - Tamar Est. - Upper 42 28 ------2 26 104 Truro River 150 ------1 19 20

35 GREEN-WINGED TEAL - Anas carolinensis Regular vagrant. Colliford Res: Last year's bird on 4th Jan and presumably the same on 5th Jun - 3rd Jul SMC. Drift Reservoir: One on 7th - 9th Mar GH. Hayle Estuary: A first cal on 6th - 7th Nov and a different first cal on 19th - 30th Dec ME, KAW. Loe Pool: Last year's bird on 20th Jan 19th Feb, and presumably the same on 28th Oct and 30th Dec SK, RCL, RK, DW, SFE. Maer Lake: Last year's on 1st - 14th Jan, and presumably the same on 16th and 19th Nov and 17th Dec GPS. Skewjack: One on 14th Mar KAW. Stithians: Last year's bird on 27th Jan DSF. 1999: Siblyback Res: The September record is no longer included in the county mainland total. Green-winged Teal is now considered to be a separate species from Eurasian Teal. The county mainland total is c. 40 since 1962. The Hayle records are the fifth and sixth at that site. The Lynher Estuary and Stithians Reservoir have four each. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 4 5 2 1 - - - - 4 9 8

MALLARD - Anas platyrhynchos Abundant resident. Breeds. Passage migrant and winter visitor. Release for wildfowling purposes at many sites. Numbers were substantially lower in the first quarter of the year, but were at a similar level to 1998 and 1999 for the rest of the year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 810 321 320 379 420 517 805 1256 1090 1287 1127 1181 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 56 22 23 17 7 59 55 121 53 18 - 37 Colliford Res. 55 14 16 6 - 55 80 92 45 107 95 100 Crowdy Res. 58 - - 7 3 4 - 40 46 25 22 - Drift Res. 17 14 9 10 10 13 18 11 14 9 19 11 Fowey Est. - - - 8 12 11 - - 8 80 69 30 Hayle Est. 7 4 - 4 5 2 10 43 46 35 4 - Helford River - - - 3 4 5 1 2 24 40 21 26 Helston Boat Lake - - 39 - 32 26 41 42 27 14 22 28 Loe Pool 40 - - - 70 51 229 206 163 26 41 43 Looe Est. - 16 - 19 24 25 14 45 11 43 28 55 Lynher Est. 92 53 47 67 22 15 7 35 100 146 167 114 Maer Lake - - - 12 18 10 22 32 40 44 42 54 Marazion Marsh 15 5 9 12 12 14 30 10 32 30 26 20 Millbrook Lake 32 33 20 25 27 25 39 65 58 50 42 32 Par 47 40 11 32 26 40 45 50 60 60 60 50 Porth Res. - - - 16 10 - - 52 26 - 9 62 Ruan Lanihorne 34 - 2 - - - - - 3 15 - 15 Seaton 67 - - - - - 52 80 - - - - Siblyback Res. 32 - 14 10 35 36 45 47 23 28 29 27 Stithians Res 24 4 - 9 7 6 52 72 41 72 9 -

36 St John's Lake 12 8 12 - 3 16 - 4 60 58 41 19 Swanpool 19 - 40 47 32 35 27 80 50 53 28 55 Tamar Est. - Upper 79 108 59 40 32 31 15 73 100 147 183 139 Tresillian River 53 - 6 7 11 14 10 30 22 101 79 128 Truro River - - - 8 4 3 13 8 16 80 55 63

AMERICAN BLACK DUCK - Anas rubripes Rare vagrant Butter's Tor Marsh: Male on 11th and 22nd Jun SMC. Colliford Res: Male on 1st Jan - 7th Feb, and presumably the same intermittently 24th Jun - 31st Dec SMC, LL et al. Female 6th - 7th Oct SMC. Hannafore: A male on 29th May - 6th Jun DCg et al. Loe Pool: One on 1st Sep DW. Stithians Res: A male 1st Jan - 19th Feb: Male 10th Jun - 31st Dec DE, SMC, MCH, SML, SFE et al. Last year's male remained at Colliford into this year, and reappeared later in the year at both Colliford and Butter's Tor Marsh. The female at Colliford was also presumed to be last year's bird. Although seen on only two days, that is perhaps not surprising in view of its plumage and the vast expanse of the reservoir. It is unfortunate that the male did not find and pair with the female, rather than travelling the two or three miles to Butter's Tor Marsh and fathering some hybrid young with a female . The Hannafore bird is assumed to be the one seen in May to July last year. Last years male remained at Stithians until 19th February and, presumably the same, returned until the year-end. 1999 Butter's Tor Marsh: The Colliford male on 4th - 17th May DJC, LL, SG. Assuming that all records but that at Loe Pool relate to returning birds from last year, the mainland total increases to c. 8. Previous new records are of one at Crowdy Reservoir in 1984, two at Walmsley Sanctuary and one at Stithians Reservoir in 1998, and two at Colliford Reservoir and one at Hannafore in 1999. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - - 1 - - - 1 2 1 2

AMERICAN BLACK DUCK X MALLARD HYBRID Butter's Tor Marsh: The Colliford Black Duck and a Mallard were seen with small young on 11th Jun SMC. Colliford Res: Two on 2nd and 4th Nov: One on 14th and 30th Nov and 30th Dec SMC. Par Beach Pool: A bird resembling an American Black Duck/Mallard hybrid on 27th Jan, 1st Feb and 20th Mar RL, SG.

NORTHERN PINTAIL - Anas acuta Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant There was a second successive year of low numbers, perhaps reflecting a mild winter and no shortage of water elsewhere in the UK. Apart from birds on the Hayle and Lynher Estuaries, and eighteen at St Ives on 31 st October, there were only ten records of single birds elsewhere in the county.

37 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 15 4 1 - - 1 1 - 20 9 15

Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hayle Est. 3 3 3 1 - - - - - 1 - 1 Lynher Est. 16 12 ------5 14

GARGANEY - Anas querquedula Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring) with numbers fluctuating from year to year. Has bred on at last six occasions including three successive years 1981-83. Camel Estuary: One on 24th Aug: One on 16th Sep DIJ, SMC, MLw. Eastern Green Beach, Penzance: Thirteen on 16th Mar JFR, MKA. Gunwalloe: One on 19th Mar ARP. Hayle Kimbro: Seven (four males and three females) on 18th - 19th, 24th and 27th Mar: Six on 2nd Apr: Two on 8th Apr: Two on 22nd Apr: Singles on 6th, 15th and 21st May and 28th Aug SK, MT, ARP, DE. Maer Lake: Singles on 7th May, 9th and 17th Sep GPS. Marazion Marsh: One on 29th Apr - 2nd May, with three on 30th Apr: Two on 9th Aug LL, PAF, SFE, DSF, LJP, BD. Par Beach Pool: One on 20th Aug REA. Skewjack: Two on 21st Mar KAW. Walmsley Sane: One on 7th Sep SMC. Forty-nine is the highest number of records in any one year, the previous highest being in 1973 when there were forty-four birds. The county mainland total is now c. 849 since 1930. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 2 281 198 98 14 41 131 55 24 1 3

NORTHERN SHOVELER - Anas clypeata Winter visitor. Scarce passage migrant. The first confirmed attempt at breeding in 1997 was unsuccessful. A year of low numbers, the only high count being of thirty birds at Walmsley Sanctuary on 28th Jan. The Hayle Estuary numbers in December compare poorly with forty-two in 1995, and sixty-one in 1996. A pair bred on the Walmsley Sanctuary. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 49 9 10 4 2 1 9 10 18 5 29 44 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 30 8 5 1 2 1 1 1 2 - 9 5 Colliford Res. ------2 2 - - 2 - Drift Res. - - 2 ------8 4 Hayle Est. - - - 1 - - 1 4 - - 1 - Kingsmill Lake ------5 6 Loe Pool 3 - - 2 - - 5 2 12 - - 8 Maer Lake 3 1 - - - - - 1 - - 3 3 Mount's Bay ------9 Stithians Res. 10 ------3 1 -

38 COMMON POCHARD - Aythya ferina Winter visitor and passage migrant. Numbers were only half of the levels seen during the last five years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 209 127 32 2 3 - 7 6 21 65 138 147 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford/Dozmary 42 38 16 - - - 3 6 11 19 21 17 Drift Res. 6 1 ------3 5 1 Loe Pool 50 - - - 2 - 1 - 9 28 38 66 Millbrook Lake 3 4 2 ------2 3 Par 8 2 3 2 - - - - - 2 23 4 Siblyback Res. 41 46 3 - - - - - 1 6 39 42 St Andrews Pool 10 12 4 ------2 - 12 Stithians Res. 51 24 - - 1 - 1 - - 5 6 -

CANVASBACK - Aythya valisineria Very rare vagrant Par Beach Pool: A male on 19th Apr SMC. The record is the first for the county mainland. First records always come as a surprise although, in view of the number of American ducks that have been found in the county in years past, the arrival of this species became a distinct possibility as soon as it had been recorded elsewhere in the UK. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1

RING-NECKED DUCK - Aythya collaris Rare vagrant Colliford Res: Female on 17th Jun - 28th Aug SMC, DIJ, DAC, RSn, LL et al. Dozmary Pool: Male on 20th Apr, with a pair and a male 21st - 29th Apr SMC, WS, ABS, DC, et al. Loe Pool: Female on 30th Aug - 4th Sep SFE et al. Siblyback Res: A pair on 21st - 22nd Apr DC, SMC et al. Stithians Res: Female on 30th Aug - 9th Oct DE et al. Whilst Siblyback Reservoir is close to Colliford Reservoir, there was an overlap of dates in April indicating the presence of two females. The same applies to Pool and Stithians Reservoir females in August and September. The big question is whether two of four birds were involved - there was a two-day gap between the last sighting of the Colliford female and the arrival of birds at Loe and Stithians, so a south-westerly movement of the two birds is possible. However, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the assumption has been made that four females were involved. The situation with the males is somewhat easier as there were two on Dozmary Pool for two days when there was also one at Siblyback Reservoir.

Ring-necked Ducks (Kester Wilson)

39 Assuming that there were seven new birds, the mainland total is now c. 45. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 1 1 7 - - - 2 4 10 5 4

TUFTED DUCK - Aythya fuligula Winter visitor and passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. Records indicate the lowest numbers for the last decade, lower than normal numbers being reported at all the usual sites. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 249 158 96 126 29 25 105 142 143 159 178 275 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 36 48 - 7 ------13 32 Colliford/Dozmary 32 20 16 15 6 15 68 72 55 25 32 26 Drift Res. 34 34 3 3 - - - 2 1 9 19 19 Helston Boat Lake - - 18 - - - 8 - 5 9 2 8 Loe Pool 25 - - 28 4 2 27 51 51 38 22 40 Par 10 3 3 4 2 - - - 2 3 8 4 Siblyback Res. 33 17 30 19 6 - - - 13 26 45 75 Stithians Res. 33 35 - 20 6 2 - 9 10 24 17 13 Swanpool 41 - 25 12 2 - - - 4 15 15 35

TUFTED DUCK/POCHARD - Aythya hybrid Colliford Res: The Dozmary Pool bird on 28th Aug and 31st Dec. Dozmary Pool: One on 4th Jan - 11th Mar and 22nd Sep - 17th Dec.

GREATER SCAUP - Aythya marila Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. A few more birds than usual were reported at the start of the year, and a few less in the last quarter, to give an overall average year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 13 7 8 4 1 1 1 4 2 4 4 6 Caerhays: One on 17th Jan. Camel Estuary: One on 2nd - 31st Dec. Carrick Roads: Three on 21st Jan. Charlestown: Two on 28th Dec. Colliford Res: Three on 19th Aug, with two on 20th Aug. Crowdy Res: One on 24th Dec. Drift Res: Five on 1st - 10th Jan, then no more than four to 21st Mar with only one remaining on 9th Apr: One on 22nd Nov. Loe Pool: Singles on 20th Jan, 1st - 15th Mar, 17th Sep and 21st Oct - 2nd Nov. Millbrook Lake: The aberrant female all year - first reported October 1990. Penryn River: One on 1 st Mar. Porthluney Cove: One on 9th Jan - 19th Feb. St John's Lake: One on 21st Oct.

40 Stithians Res: One on 1st Jan - 23rd April, with occasionally two in March and April: One on 16th Oct-31st Dec.

LESSER SCAUP • Aythya affinis Rare Vagrant Drift Reservoir: Last year's male to 21st Mar GH. Reports of this formerly very rare species in Britain have been received annually since the identification criteria became much better known, and it has been recorded in the county in each year since the first records of a first cal male at Stithians Reservoir and a female at Drift Reservoir in 1996. Subsequent records of new birds were a male and a female at Loe Pool in 1997, two females at Argal Reservoir in 1998, and a first calendar year male in 1999. The county mainland total remains at c. 7. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 2 - - - 1 2 2

COMMON EIDER - Somateria mollissima Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. A few summer. There are only eight documented records pre-1900, and only eight records between 1931 and 1951, but the species has been annual since 1952. An average year when compared with the 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 15 27 24 5 - - - - 1 - 12 5 Camel Est: Singles on 14th Jan - 18th Mar, and 18th Sep. Carrick Roads: Four on 21st Jan and 5th Feb: Three on 19th Feb and two on 24th Dec. Bay: One on 15th Apr. Cot: One on 9th Apr. Downderry: One on 14th Feb. Gerrans Bay: Fifteen on 5th Feb. Godrevy Point: Up to five on 1st - 15th Jan. Hayle Est: One on 17th - 23rd Dec. Helford River: One on 12th Nov. Newquay: Up to two on 1st Jan - 18th Feb. Par: Two on 9th - 30th Dec. : One on 9th April. Porth Res: One on 27th Feb. Porthluney: One on 19th Nov. Rumps Point: Twenty-two on 18th Mar. Sennen Cove: One on 12th - 17th Nov. St Ives Bay: Singles on 16th - 27th Jan and 1st Mar: Three on 5th Nov and nine on 16th Nov. The Mouls: One on 21st Apr. Towan Head: Two on 9th Jan and one on 17th Jan. Turnaware Point: Three on 8th Feb.

KING EIDER - Somateria spectabilis Very rare vagrant. Mount's Bay: A second cal female on 2nd Jan - 6th Apr SMC et al.

41 The bird was found near St Michael's Mount and people working on the Mount advised that a bird fitting the description had been appearing in the harbour for some time. It led a solitary existence, spending most of its time in the area of the Mount but moving west to Penzance for the last few days of its stay. This is only the second mainland record, the first also being of a female at Portscatho on 17th January to 16th March 1986. Both birds were found in January and stayed for several weeks. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 ------

LONG-TAILED DUCK - Clangula hyemalis Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasionally encountered on freshwater sites. Carrick Roads: One at 20th Feb, one on 21st Feb, and one at Turnaware Point on 23rd Feb. Drift reservoir: One on 1st Nov - 31st Dec. Hayle Estuary: One on 7th - 8th Nov. Looe Bay: One on 13th Feb - 12th Mar. Marazion 13th - 16th Oct. Newlyn: One on 7th Nov, presumably the Marazion bird. Porthluney: One on 9th Jan and 1st - 2nd Feb. Stithians Res: One intermittently 12th Jan - 30th Apr. Bay: One on 12th Oct. Veryan Bay: One at Caerhays on 17th Jan: One at Hemmick Beach on 4th Mar. The county mainland total is c. 476 since 1930. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 55 40 78 17 4 3 1 1 1 57 107 112

COMMON SCOTER - Melanitta nigra Winter visitor. Passage migrant (mainly late June to mid-October). A few summer. Significant wintering flocks regularly occur in Gerran's, St. Austell and Whitesand Bays. This was an average year overall. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 140 61 45 35 18 187 150 60 79 269 23 122 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gerrans Bay 1 29 ------1 Lizard/Bass Points - - 5 - 15 - 18 - - - - - Mount's Bay 8 6 5 3 - 30 26 8 - 1 6 70 Pendeen ------6 11 36 - - Porthgwarra - - - - - 57 13 25 - 3 - - Rame Head - - - - - 20 - - 22 2 - - St. Austell Bay 94 24 15 14 - 30 60 - 29 45 - 40 St. Ives Bay 1 ------13 121 8 - Veryan Bay 1 - 20 4 - - - - 1 1 - - Whitesand Bay - 2 - 14 - 50 20 15 1 4 - 8

42 Other reports include: Cape Cornwall: Forty-eight on 3rd Oct. Crooklets Beach: Twenty-eight on 15th Jan.

VELVET SCOTER - Melanitta fusca Rare passage migrant and winter visitor (mainly November to February). Carrick Roads: Three on 19th Feb SMC. Gerrans Bay: Three on 5th Feb BSW. Mount's Bay: Four on 26th Dec SFE, LPW. The county mainland total advances to c. 460 since 1930. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 59 91 27 16 2 - - 1 2 48 110 104

COMMON GOLDENEYE - Bucephala clangula Winter visitor and passage migrant. Numbers were a little below average during the first half year, and less than fifty per cent of average during the latter part of the year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 57 71 25 8 3 - - - - - 11 22 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 3 6 7 1 - _ - 4 Camel Est. 7 5 5 - - - - Carrick Roads 15 6 1 - - - - - Colliford /Dozmary 3 7 10 7 2 - 5 6 Drift Res. 2 28 1 - - - 1 3 Loe Pool 2 2 - - - - - 4 Siblyback Res. 10 - 1 - - _ - 2 Stithians Res. 11 16 - - - - 2 2

SMEW - Mergellus albellus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. No records have been received this year. The last years without any Smew were 1981 and 1989. The county mainland total remains at c. 339 since 1947. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 164 95 21 2 1 1 - - - 2 13 40

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER - Mergus serrator Winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant. Rarely seen inland. The majority of birds occurring in the county are found in the Carrick Roads where they gather to roost offTurnaware Point. There was a steady increase in numbers during the 1990's but, whilst numbers were maintained during the first part of the year, there were only about half the normal number of birds during the latter part of the year.

43 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 139 165 45 10 1 2 - - 1 - 16 67 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 5 - 3 - - - - - 1 - - 2 Carrick Roads 70 119 24 4 ------35 Gerrans Bay - 33 ------Kingsmill Lake 2 6 2 ------1 - Loe Beach 20 ------Lynher Est. 20 5 9 1 ------9 15 Millbrook Lake 9 ------2 - Ruan Lanihorne 8 - 5 2 ------4 St. Johns Lake 1 1 ------2 6

GOOSANDER - Mergus merganser Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Probably breeds annually on the Cornwall/Devon border. Birds are typically found on reservoirs. Numbers can vary widely from year to year, and this was the poorest year in the last decade. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 32 21 12 ------4 6 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 5 8 6 ------1 Crowdy Res. 3 ------2 - Siblyback Res. 8 9 5 ------2 Stithians Res. 4 3 1 ------Tamar Est. - Lower 8 1 ------

RUDDY DUCK - Oxyura jamaicensis Scarce winter visitor. Crowdy Res: One on 6th Oct SMC. Par: One on 28th Dec SGR. The county mainland total is now c. 129 since 1977. This is the fourth record at Crowdy Reservoir and the sixth at Par. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 45 16 2 - 1 - 2 - 16 21 18 8

EUROPEAN HONEY-BUZZARD - Pernis apivorus Rare passage migrant. There was a huge influx of several hundred Honey Buzzards into the UK in September, pushed by strong easterly winds (coming off an area of high pressure) and wet weather to the south, and several reached the county a few days later. Unfortunately, descriptions were not received for several birds. Church Cove, Lizard: An adult on 1st Oct MT: A dark first cal on 2nd Oct MT.

44 Marazion Marsh: An adult on 26th Sep DSF: A light first cal on 30th Sep PAF. A dark first cal on 1st Oct PAF. Penlee Point: A dark first cal on 26th Sep AECA, VRT. Ruan Lanihorne: A dark first cal on 24th Sep SMC. St. Keverne: A rufous first cal on 4th Oct KAW. The county mainland total advances to c. 105 since 1972. Although this was a good year for the species, relatively few of the influx reached the county and higher numbers were recorded in both 1981 and 1989. Common Buzzard and Honey Buzzard (Kester Wilson) Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 6 19 6 6 9 33 26 - -

BLACK KITE - Milvus migrans Rare vagrant - mainly spring overshoots. Drift Reservoir: One on 5th Sep: One on 7th Sep AJ, GH. Nanjizal: One on 21st Jul KAW, JS et al. Skewjack/Treen/Trethewey: One on 24th - 25th Aug KAW et al. The July bird had no missing tail feathers, nor a transmitter on the central tail feather, so was not a bird that escaped from captivity in Hampshire in May. The August and September bird was seen to have a metal ring on one of its legs. Although the ring appeared to be of an old fashioned type which may still be used to ring wild birds in a few countries, it does raise doubt concerning its origin and it has not been included in the county mainland total. It is probable that only c 13 birds have visited the county mainland. Singles were at Porthgwarra in 1975, Porthgwarra and Hayle in 1983, and one moved widely around the west of the county in 1989. One was at in 1990 and a bird visited St Columb Minor in 1991, and another was at Marazion in 1991. Others were at Porthgwarra in 1993, Catchall near in 1994, Land's End in 1995, Trevose Head and near Newbridge in 1996, and two in the Sancreed/Land's End/Nanjizal area in 1998. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 8 1 2 1

RED KITE - Milvus milvus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Increasing records from reintroduction schemes. The possibility of successful breeding should not be discounted, especially in view of the success of the national reintroduction scheme. Heamoor: One on 31 st Mar BSW. Polgigga: One on 1st Oct BSW. St Jidgey: One on 12th Mar DIJ. Treskinnick Cross: One on 22nd Feb PK.

45 The county mainland total is now c. 124 since 1966. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 6 19 8 14 5 5 2 9 24 14 8

EURASIAN MARSH HARRIER - Circus aeruginosus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. An increase in records in the 1990's is no doubt related to an expanding UK breeding population. Badger's Cross: One on 14th Aug BSW. Camel Est: One on 29th - 30th Apr DIJ. Land's End: One on 14th May RA. Marazion Marsh: One on 28th Apr - 2nd May: Two on 20th Sep DEB, PMW, LJP, PAF, DSF, LL, SK, BD. Nanjizal: One on 25th Aug KAW. Nanquidno: Two on 24th Sep DSF, SK. Newbridge, Penzance: One on 24th Sep SGR. Polgigga: One on 24th Aug SML. Porthgwarra: One on 30th Apr LL, DSF. Skewjack: One on 24th - 26th Aug, the Polgigga bird JDS. St John's Lake: One on 4th May RS. Trevorrian Common: One on 26th Aug, the Polgigga bird SK. Walmsley Sane: One on 29th - 30th Apr SMC. The county mainland total advances to c. 205 since 1930. There has been a small increase in numbers over the last six years. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 3 16 30 48 6 4 22 35 26 4 6

HEN HARRIER - Circus cyaneus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Forms communal roosts in winter. Most reports are received from West Penwith where there is a concentration of observers. There were a similar number of reports to last year. Members are invited to work out how many birds were involved, and then to compare answers to see if any two agree! Bodmin Moor Bodmin: Male on 15th Jan. Colliford Res: Singles on 12th Mar, 23rd Oct, 4th and 12th Nov, 10th and 23rd - 30th Dec. Mid-Cornwall Moors : Singles on 6th Jan and 30th Dec. Tregonetha Downs: Two on 23rd Jan: Singles on 14th Jan, 26th Feb, 17th Dec, 21st - 23rd and 29th Dec. Lizard Peninsula Croft Pascoe: One on 20th Jun. Goonhilly Downs: Singles on 4th Mar, 1st Apr, 3rd and 9th Oct. Kynance Downs: Singles on 13th Feb and 23rd Sep: One on 30th Dec. Lizard Downs: A male on 13th - 31 st Jan: A male on 24th - 30th Sep: A male on 21 st Nov - 5th Dec. Predannack: Singles on 21st Apr, 30th Apr, 6th and 13th May, 15th Aug and 30th Sep: One on 3rd Oct. Windmill Farm: One on 22nd Apr.

46 West Penwith Caer Bran: A fern on 13th and 15th Apr: A male on 4th Nov: A fern on 30th Dec. : One on 17th Nov. Ding Dong: One on 6th Jan - 5th Feb. Drift Res: One on 1st, 9th, 17th, 25th and 30th Jan. Kenidjack: One on 22nd Jan. Land's End: Singles on 1st Jan - 2nd Feb and 12th Mar. : One on 16th Feb and 1st Mar. Nanjizal: At least three individuals up to 7th Mar. St Buryan: One on 2nd and 14th Feb. St Just: One on 19th Dec. Tater-du: One on 9th Feb. Towednack: One on 27th Jan. Common: Two on 18th Mar. Woon Gumpus Common: One on 25th Feb. Other reports Higher Lampetho Farm: One on 24th Jan. : One on 3rd May.

Rame Head: Singles on 3rd May and 23rd - 24th Sep.

MONTAGU'S HARRIER - Circus pygargus Rare passage migrant. Formerly a breeding species - last confirmed in 1979. As with all rare raptors it is important that plumage details are noted, the primary spacing on the open wing being an essential detail. A report that relies solely on the fact that a bird was long winged and slim bodied is unlikely to be considered as proven. Hayle: Second cal fern 3rd May KAW. Narkurs: An adult female on 12th May AECA, SCM, EHW. West Penwith Moors: A second cal male on 15th - 20th Jul DSF, LL. The county mainland total is now 58 since 1979 when the last confirmed breeding took place. This was a good year for this species in the UK, with warm spring winds from the south causing more birds than usual to overshoot. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 10 31 5 1 4 5 1 - -

HARRIER Sp. Porth Joke: One on 24th Apr. Predannack: One on 13th May.

EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK - Accipter nisus Common and widespread breeding resident. Passage migrant. There were reports of birds from seventy localities, three less than last year, the lowest since 1991 and a drop of more than fifty per cent on the 1997 figure. It is assumed that most observers do not submit records of single sightings of this common raptor. There is an increase in numbers in autumn as a result of dispersal and migration. Migration has recently been evidenced by a bird which was ringed in Norway and recovered at Nanjizal, and a bird which was ringed at Nanjizal and recovered in Guernsey.

47 Reports include: Nanjizal: Eight on 17th Oct.

COMMON BUZZARD - Buteo buteo

Abundant breeding resident. Some dispersal. There were reports of birds at eighty-eight localities, nine more than last year. A survey in West Penwith identified forty-four territories. Reports include: Bolepa: Thirteen on 20th Feb. Gormain Farm, Redgate: Eighteen on 11th Mar. Lamelgate: Sixteen on 4th May. Marazion: Fourteen on 6th Oct. Rosemullion Head: Fourteen on 13th Mar. Treloquithack: Ten on 12th Mar.

OSPREY - Pandion haliaetus Scarce passage migrant. Camborne: One on 4th Sep BSW. Camel Est: One on 17th May SMC: One on 1st Jun DIJ. , Tamar Est: One on 29th Aug DMY. Creek: A first cal on 7th Sep GHT. Drift: One on 26th - 30th Jun: One on 9th Sep: One on 23rd Sep GH et al. Hayle Estuary: One on 9th Apr DSF: One on 7th Aug RCL, RK: A first cal on 31 st Aug - 23rd Sep DSF et al: Two on 28th Sep DSF. Helford River: One on 19th Sep: One at Gweek on 22nd Oct SK. Kenidjack: One on 24th Aug BSW. Lamorna: A wing-tagged bird on 4th Sep: One at Tater-du on 30th Sep DSF. Land's End: One on 1st Oct JDS, PAF. Nanjizal: A first cal on 24th Sep KAW. : One on 16th Aug SMC. Restronguet Creek: Two on 4th Sep: One on 9th Sep BSW. Ruan Lanihorne: Singles on 25th May, 30th Jul, 27th, 29th and 31st August, 5th Sep and 29th and 31st Sep: Two on 29th Aug GHT, SMC et al. Siblyback Res: Two on 25th Jun JDM, KOM. Tamar Est: One on 2nd - 3rd Sep PE. Truro River: One on 2nd May REW. A radio-tagged bird (tag TO3 - ring number 1367837) was released at Rutland Water on 1st August and remained until 23rd August. It roosted at Porthcawl on 24th August, and at Land's End on 25th August, and it seems probable that it was the bird seen at Kenidjack on 24th August. It then went to Gijon on the northern coast of Spain and then to the north-west of Leon on 26th August, was over the river Douro and thirty kilometres south of on 27th August, and was at Cadiz on 23rd September. By 11th December the bird was south-east of Tangier in Morocco, was at Fes on 12th December and had moved on to Marrakesh on 13th December. The next day it was flying over the Moroccan Sahara and crossed into the Western Sahara on 15th December, arriving in Mauritania on 16th December.

48 The county mainland total is now c. 338. The numbers recorded show a significant increasing trend in the 1990's, and the year 2000 had a higher number of sightings than any previous year, reflecting the burgeoning population of breeding birds in the UK. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 6 34 48 17 15 73 108 30 7 -

COMMON KESTREL - Falco tinnunculus Breeding resident and migrant. Reports were received of birds at ninety-eight localities, more than twice as many as last year's total (the latter most certainly affected by under-recording of single birds) but still substantially below the number of localities in 1996 and 1997. There was the usual movement of birds in September and October. We should obtain a clearer picture of their distribution from work on the Cornish Bird Atlas over the coming years - initial work, mainly in West Cornwall, has resulted in few sightings. Reports include: Hendersick Farm: Eight on 11th Aug. Lamelgate: Two pairs on 11th Jun. Men-An-Tol: Five on 15th and 30th Jul. Nanquidno: Seven on 24th Sep. Porthgwarra: Six on 29th Sep and 15th Oct. Porth Joke: Four on 27th Apr.

MERLIN - Falco columbarius Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasionally roosts communally, often associating with Hen Harriers. Records of this species are normally only of single birds, and it is important that details of all sightings are reported. Reports were about average for much of the year, but the number of migrating birds in October/November was below average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 6 10 7 1 - - - 5 22 5 11 Reports include: Land's End: Two on 19th Oct PHA. Marazion Marsh: Three on 5th Apr DSF. Porthgwarra: Three on 23rd Oct MKW. Tregonetha Downs: Two on 14th Jan DIJ. : Two on 21st Dec DC.

EURASIAN HOBBY - Falco subbuteo Scarce passage migrant. Rare breeding species in east Cornwall. This species has occurred with increasing regularity throughout the county since 1975. This trend looks set to continue given the steady increase of the UK breeding population. Records during the year 2000 were in line with numbers in recent years, with reports received from 38 sites. A number of birds remained through summer and established territories. There were three instances of suspected breeding, and one pair bred at a north coast site for the fourth successive year. The last bird of the year was seen on the late date of 15th November at Marazion, chasing Starlings at their roost.

49 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 4 13 13 8 8 6 6 1 -

GYR FALCON - Falco rusticolus Very rare vagrant. Traboe Cross,The Lizard: One on 3rd March, was also seen along the north coast between Cape Cornwall and Pentire Point up to 24th March ME et al. After first being seen on The Lizard, the bird travelled widely around the west coast. It eventually centred its stay in the Cam Gloose/Cape Cornwall area where it was often to be seen sitting on the cliffs as it digested its early morning meal. The bird was very obliging, giving close views down to as little as twenty yards. If this record is accepted, the county mainland total will increase to c. 6. Previous records were at Portquin in 1961, Marazion in 1965, Penlee Point in 1986, in 1996 and Rame Head in 1998. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 2 2 - - - - - 1 - -

PEREGRINE FALCON - Falco peregrinus Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Records were received from eighty-five localities, twelve more than last year but still well below the average for the 1990's. An interesting prey on 2nd October was a Parakeet sp. that was taken at Croft Pascoe. Breeding ; reports: Site 1 Two eggs - one chick died in poor weather. Site 2 Three eggs - one male fledged. Site 3 Five eggs - three fledged. Site 4 Three eggs - a male and a female fledged. Site 5 Three eggs - a male and a female fledged. Site 6 Two eggs - one fledged. Site 7 Three eggs - two males and a female fledged. Site 8 Four eggs - one female and two males fledged - one chick died. Site 9 Three eggs - Two females and a male fledged. Site 10 Did not breed.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE - Alectoris rufa Uncommon breeding resident. Many hundreds of hand-reared birds were released for shooting purposes in the 1970's and 1980's, particularly in mid and east Cornwall. However, the breeding success of these feral birds was poor, doubtless owing to the impact of modern intensive farming practices. Few birds are seen today, as evidenced by the reports received this year. Bedruthen Steps: One on 13th May. Caerhay's Estate: Twelve captive birds on 12th Sep. Camel estuary: Two on 12th Mar. Crows-an-Wra: One on 19th Mar. Gribbin Head: Six on 15th Mar.

50 : One on 26th Nov. Penlee Point, Rame: One on 18th Mar. : Two on 24th Apr. St Mawes: One on 11th Mar. : One on 6th Oct. Tumaware Point: One on 21st Feb.

GREY PARTRIDGE - Perdix perdix Scarce breeding resident. In 1944 there were "several coveys at St Eval", they were "very plentiful at " in 1946 and were a common bird in many parts of the county. However, the Grey Partridge has been declining nationally for many years, this decrease accelerating since the 1980's owing to the impact of modern intensive farming practices. Figures produced by the Game Conservancy Trust indicate that the UK population was over one million pairs before the First World War, had reduced to one hundred and forty-five thousand pairs at the start of the 1990's, and was only half that number by the end of the century. Reported numbers in the county in 2000 were higher than for several years, owing to the relatively large flock at Carnanton, but were still very few in numbers. Sightings of this species are now quite rare, and all should be reported. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 1 6 - - - 31 - 10 Camanton: Thirty on 18th Oct REW. : Six on 20th Dec SAP, AJD. Lizard Village: Two on 28th Apr PLS. Polgreen Farm: One on 2nd May REW. St Columb Minor: Five on 5th Jun SMC. : One on 6th Oct IRS. : One on 25th Jun DIJ. : Four on 31st Dec REW.

COMMON QUAIL - Coturnix coturnix Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor. Occasionally breeds and has over-wintered. Clodgy Point: One on 11th Jun BSW. Cubert Common: One on 19th Jun SMC. Marazion: One sitting on a road on 12th May PAF, DSF: One on 21st Aug BD. , Rock: One on 30th Jul DIJ. Predannack: One on 30th Sep ARP. St Eval: One on 14th May SMC. StNewlyn East: One on 19th May SMC. Trerethern Farm, Padstow: One dead on road on 26th Aug DIJ. This was another quiet year with only nine records. The county total is now c. 320 (plus 37 young) since 1931. The last confirmed breeding was in 1982. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 1 5 93 117 54 26 17 3 2 - * one undated

51 COMMON PHEASANT - Phasianus colchicus Breeding resident. Thousands released annually for sporting purposes.

WATER RAIL - Rallus aquaticus Resident that breeds in small numbers, passage migrant and winter visitor. It is difficult to estimate numbers of this secretive species, particularly during migration when there is a regular turnover of birds. Reported numbers were substantially lower than during the previous four years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 32 5 9 1 1 - 1 6 13 35 33 17 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bude Marshes 4 ------2 - - - Drift Res. 2 1 1 ------1 2 1 Harlyn Bay 1 - - 1 - - - - - 2 - - Loe Pool 1 ------4 1 4 Maer Lake 3 1 - - - - - 1 2 1 2 1 Marazion Marsh 4 - 1 - 1 - 1 3 6 7 18 3 Nanjizal 1 - 1 - - - - 2 2 7 4 - Par Beach Pool 1 - 1 - - - - - 1 1 - 5 Skewjack 3 ------3 - 3

SPOTTED CRAKE - Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant (mainly mid-August to late September) and rare winter visitor. Bred in 1860, 1862 and 1874. Maer Lake: An adult on 29th Aug GPS: A first cal on 31 st Aug GPS. Skewjack: One on 17th Mar JFB. Walmsley Sane: One on 7th Sep SMC. 1999 correction: The Cargreen and Landulph Marsh reports were incorrectly included and have been deleted from the records. The county mainland total advances to c. 144 since 1947. Unusually, there were no records at Marazion where there have been a total of eighty reports in past years. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 4 3 2 1 - 4 67 50 12 1 -

MOORHEN - Gallinula chloropus Breeding resident, scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. After a period of apparent decline during the 1970's and 1980's, due mainly to habitat loss, a more enlightened attitude toward habitat conservation and creation in the 1990's enabled the Moorhen to regain some lost ground. The new century commenced with recorded numbers a little lower than during the previous four years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 158 95 107 59 58 70 88 163 166 144 77 88

52 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bude 32 34 ------Camel Est. 3 3 12 6 - 2 4 14 11 - - 3 College Res. ------1 - 4 2 3 Drift Res. 6 6 5 4 1 3 6 9 6 6 3 5 Helston Boat Lake - - 5 - 12 12 16 12 18 13 14 10 Loe Pool - - - - 8 14 22 26 32 18 17 12 Maer Lake 18 25 21 14 8 12 16 22 22 14 18 23 Marazion Marsh 14 - 14 8 5 9 3 7 37 37 3 11 Mawgan Porth 22 ------Millbrook Lake 4 ------1 3 5 6 6 Par Beach Pool 30 - 7 12 6 4 8 15 12 20 6 4 Porth Res. ------7 3 - - 1 St Andrew's Pool 15 - - - 4 ------Stithians Res. - - - - - 2 - 15 2 5 - - Swanpool 4 - 35 2 2 2 3 27 9 5 3 5 Tamar Est. ------2 2 7 5 2 2 Tresillian River 2 - 4 4 2 5 4 5 2 5 1 3

COMMON COOT - Fulica atra Breeding resident, passage migrant and common winter visitor. Numbers were below average by comparison with the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 360 133 152 106 113 194 309 486 610 422 288 374 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 14 13 - - 2 - - - - - 1 2 Camel Est. 11 9 9 10 - 4 4 13 9 - - 7 College Res. 37 ------6 20 12 Colliford/Dozm 4 1 - 6 7 38 33 33 23 37 32 27 Drift Res. 12 11 6 2 - 1 4 4 - 7 11 7 Helston Lake - - 42 - 22 24 23 8 8 44 51 58 Loe Pool 30 - - - 41 55 89 158 200 49 41 33 Marazion Marsh 5 2 3 6 3 2 - - 5 2 1 5 Par Beach Pool 70 38 20 8 5 15 23 17 30 46 28 36 Porth Res. ------1 5 - 5 9 Siblyback Res. 56 51 34 4 1 4 3 50 54 8 56 63 Stithians Res. 65 8 - 29 11 28 118 151 230 182 12 54 Swanpool 53 - 35 41 21 15 12 50 36 34 25 40

EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER - Haematopus ostralegus Resident, common passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeds in low numbers, mainly on the north coast. A better year than last year, with numbers back up to the levels seen for the previous several years. There were reports of eight breeding pairs. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1292 507 298 278 228 251 381 999 979 1239 535 938

53 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 261 91 112 76 67 128 137 535 509 477 141 203 Fowey Est. 19 21 - 4 - - - - 6 8 3 - Gannel Est. - - - 2 - 1 1 13 9 8 12 12 Harlyn Bay 58 - - 17 - - - - - 5 - - Hayle Est. 53 44 8 21 17 10 100 59 65 58 44 42 Helford River 16 - - 1 - - - 5 10 7 3 27 Looe Est. 28 33 - - - 2 2 - 17 13 37 30 Lynher Est. 84 69 39 21 - - 3 17 26 15 78 63 Maer Lake 1 - - - 6 38 - - 123 297 28 4 Mount's Bay 36 41 13 23 31 - - - 10 - - 300 Ruan Lanihome 30 20 - 9 - - 31 8 5 24 - 33 St Austell Bay 282 83 20 35 75 40 6 30 30 60 - 60 Truro River - - - 17 1 - 6 92 51 37 59 22 Tamar Est. - Lower 77 54 38 10 12 20 72 126 76 132 79 70 Tamar Est. - Upper 65 23 16 8 7 4 2 36 26 23 43 5=

(PIED) AVOCET - Recurvirostra avosetta Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Records mainly involve the same birds moving around the Lynher and Tamar Estuaries. There were only three reports of birds in Cornwall prior to 1948, the year when there was a first sighting of two birds on the Tamar. Numbers gradually rose in the area until the latter part of 1986 when a count of one hundred was obtained, and then more than doubled by early 1991 when there was a maximum count of two hundred and fifty five. Numbers have exceeded two hundred every year since, with maximum counts of three hundred and forty six in January 1996 and five hundred and ninety three in December 1997. This year's figures were not dissimilar to the previous two years. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Carrick Roads 2 2 ------1 Lynher Est. 110 14 ------17 80 Tamar Est. - Upper 234 105 1 ------100 243 Elsewhere: Hannafore: One on 27th May. Hayle Est: One on 1st - 26th Jan.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius dubius Uncommon passage migrant. Bude: One on 11th Apr GPS. Camel Est: One on 11th Apr SMC. Crowdy Res: A first cal on 19th - 20th Aug SMC. Drift Res: One on 20th Aug GH. Hayle Est: One on 2nd - 3rd Apr: One on 11th Apr DSF. Kynance Downs: One on 8th Apr PG. Land's End: A first cal on 14th Jul RA. Loe Bar: One on 23rd Jul SFE. Maer Lake: One on 12th Mar LL: One on 7th Apr, two on 9th Apr and one on 23rd - 24th Aug GPS The county total is now c. 288. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 10 69 51 6 28 72 47 4 1 -

54 GREAT RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius hiaticula Passage migrant and winter visitor. Formerly a scarce breeding species, but none recorded since 1972. Breeding now appears to be unlikely as even the most remote potential breeding sites are subject to disturbance. Although numbers were higher than usual in January, overall numbers were below average during the rest of the year Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 304 66 6 27 130 5 47 350 285 99 90 128 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 52 18 - 5 6 - - 98 6 3 41 17 Gannel Est. ------6 80 34 - - - Hannafore - 3 - - - - - 8 5 - 2 3 Hayle/Copperhouse 67 - 3 - 5 3 1 32 18 47 31 52 Maer Lake - - 1 2 20 - - 4 - - - - Mount's Bay 120 20 2 9 30 - 30 40 32 8 - 5 Predannack - - - - 3 - - - 10 9 - - St Austell Bay 20 25 - 4 10 - - - 15 14 - 15 St John's Lake 15 - - - - - 2 4 16 - - 12 Stithians Res. - - - - 4 12 - - - Elsewhere: Bude: Twenty-four on 7th May. Davidstow Airfield: Fifty on 23rd Sep. Lynher Est: Thirteen on 19th Nov. Portscatho: Twenty on 31st Jan.

KENTISH PLOVER - Charadrius alexandrinus Rare drift migrant. Marazion: A probable adult female on 6th May PAF et al. The county mainland total is now c. 54 since 1946. This is the nineteenth record in the Marazion area. Hayle has had nine records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 4 11 22 2 - 5 9 1 - -

EURASIAN DOTTEREL - Charadrius morinellus Scarce passage migrant. Davidstow Airfield: A first cal on 5th - 10th Sep AMJD et al. Kelsey Head: A first year on 24th Aug SGR. Sennen: Five on 17th - 18th Sep GH: One on 1st Oct DEB, PMW. St Buryan: One on 24th Sep JL. The Lizard: A first cal on 21st and 26th Jul ARP. Treen: One on 17th - 21st Sep DSF. Treverven: One on 24th Sep JFR. Trevose Head: One on 3rd Sep SMC. The county mainland total now moves to c. 263 since 1931. This is the twenty-ninth record at Davidstow Airfield, St Just Airfield has had twenty-one, Sennen fourteen and Porthgwarra seventy-four.

55 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 14 32 16 - - 29 115 44 9 2

AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER - Pluvialis dominica Rare vagrant. Crows-an Wra: A first cal on 26 - 29 Oct SMC, BKM. Sennen: A first call on 1st Oct DEB, PMW. The county mainland total is now c. 49 since 1969. This is the ninth record at Sennen, Stithians Reservoir has had twelve, and there have been eleven at Davidstow Airfield/Crowdy Reservoir. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - 2 - - - 2 16 23 4 1

EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER - Pluvialis apricaria Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeding has never been proven in Cornwall, although a few pairs breed on Dartmoor and single birds are occasionally seen in suitable nesting habitat on Bodmin Moor. Numbers fluctuate considerably from year to year, doubtless reflecting the severity of winters to the north. The year 2000 saw below average flocks at all the usual sites, with only two hundred and twenty at Crowdy/Davidstow rather than the usual thousands. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10418 2510 1002 283 4 1 - 5 63 1952 4797 8867 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 2585 ------1500 800 Colliford /Dozmary 1200 500 ------52 800 1600 500 Harlyn Bay 2000 ------30 Hayle Est. 75 ------63 200 200 Lynher Est. ------156 600 Maer Lake 810 1210 220 - - 1 - - - 327 700 2106 Predannack Airfield - - - - 1 - - - 1 550 490 600 Other reports include: Bonython: 1000 on 28th Jan. St Just: 750 on 30th Dec. : 1000 on 25th Jan.

56 GREY PLOVER - Pluvialis squatarola Passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers were well below the average recorded during the 1990's, particularly during the latter part of the year when few birds were seen. There were poor counts on both St John's Lake and the Camel Estuary. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 260 161 101 13 34 - - - 7 8 13 66 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 49 70 80 1 - - - 1 4 1 2 Hayle Est. 52 14 3 8 7 - - - 4 3 11 19 Lynher Est. 39 67 ------Mount's Bay 50 6 16 1 5 - - - - - • - 10 St. Johns Lake 30 _ 2 ------35

NORTHERN LAPWING - Vanellus vanellus Scarce resident and winter visitor. Breeds in low numbers. Although numbers in January were higher than the previous three years, they were appreciably less than in 1995 and 1996. Thereafter, numbers during the rest of the year were well below the average for the 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 15186 2648 59 22 7 32 68 15 30 703 2045 4321 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 3600 - 15 - - 11 1 - 231 586 1405 Colliford Res. - 500 1 - 24 45 14 30 58 317 150 Crowdy/Davids'w 2500 - 4 6 4 4 - - 60 - - Drift Res. 200 152 ------55 31 Hayle Est. 750 9 - - - 4 - 52 252 270 Kingsmill Lake 180 150 - - 1 4 10 6 27 30 110 Lynher Est. 32 70 40 - 1 - - 1 - - Maer Lake 1850 760 9 - 1 7 - - 242 510 1728 Ruan Lanihorne 250 300 ------63 Stithians Res. 200 - _ - 1 - - 50 100 - Other reports include: Harlyn Bay: 3000 on 15th Jan. Trewoman: 750 on 12th Feb.

RED KNOT - Calidris canutus Scarce passage migrant and uncommon winter visitor. Small flocks of this species are normally seen on the Camel and Lynher estuaries, but this year they both had flocks of less than ten. Overall numbers were below average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 10 5 25 29 - 3 16 58 4 6 36

57 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 2 1 3 - - - 2 1 1 - - - Hayle Est. 1 - 1 17 6 - - 3 9 4 1 20 Lynher Est. 2 9 - 8 ------Maer Lake ------2 3 - - - Mount's Bay - - 1 - 5 - 1 - 1 - 5 5 Par - - - - 4 - - 3 2 - - - St John's Lake ------2 3 - - -

SANDERLING - Calidris alba Passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Mounts Bay is the key site for this species, supporting the main wintering flock and also the largest numbers of migrants. Overall numbers were a little below the average for recent years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 41 2 62 1 93 19 193 59 57 2 1 50 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - - - 1 - - 5 4 - - 2 Hayle Est. - - - - 1 4 6 3 10 1 1 - Loe Bar ------27 10 - - - - Mount's Bay 40 - 62 1 65 - 155 20 15 1 - 47 St Austell Bay 1 - - - 10 15 4 - 2 - - -

LITTLE STINT - Calidris minuta Scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Numbers were a little below average with no flocks containing more than five birds. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------4 3 27 1 1 - Camel Est: One on 25th Aug: Three on 16th - 18th Sep: Four on 24th Sep. Crowdy: One on 16th - 17th Sep: Three on 22nd Sep. Davidstow Airfield: One on 9th Sep: One on 21st - 23rd Sep. Devoran river: One on 23rd Aug. Hayle Est: An adult on 23rd - 24th Jul: Two on 2nd Jul: One on 4th Sep: Four on 5th Sep: Two on 20th Sep: One on 21st Sep: One on 3rd Oct. Hayle Kimbro Pool: One on 6th Sep. Maer Lake: Five on 2nd Sep: One on 8th Sep: Two on 17th Sep: One on 20th Sep. Marazion: One on 23rd Jul: An adult on 26th Jul: One on 12th Sep: One on 23rd Nov. Par: An adult on 25th Jul: Two on 20th Aug. Predannack Airfield: One on 22nd Sep. Stithians Res: A first cal on 13th - 14th Sep.

TEMMINCK'S STINT - Calidris temminckii Rare drift migrant. Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield: A first cal on 7th - 22nd Sep SMC et al. Hayle Kimbro, The Lizard: A first cal on 24th - 27th Sep ARP et al.

58 The mainland total is now c 24 since 1955. This is the first record for both Crowdy Reservoir and Davidstow Airfield, but Hayle Kimbro had a record in 1973. Stithians Reservoir has the highest number of records with four, the remainder being well spread. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 2 5 2 - 4 10 - - -

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER - Calidris fuscicollis Rare vagrant. Hayle Estuary: One on 15th - 26th Oct SFE et al. This bird commuted between the main estuary and Ryan's Field, depending on the state of the tide. The mainland total is now c. 13 since 1955. Hayle Estuary is the most frequently visited site with four records, Marazion has three and Stithians Reservoir two. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------4 6 3 -

PECTORAL SANDPIPER - Calidris melanotos Regular vagrant. Arden-Sawah: one on 8th - 11th Aug, presumed to be the Land's End Bird MDW et al. Drift Res: A first cal on 24th - 26th Sep GH et al. Hayle Est: One on 18th - 19th Oct SFE et al. Land's End: An adult on 5th - 6th Aug RA, CA. Maer Lake: An adult on 23rd - 29th Aug GPS et al: A first cal on 30th Sep GPS. Stithians Res: One on 8th - 14th Sep SFE et al: One on 30th Sep DE et al. The mainland total is now c. 224 since 1948. Stithians Reservoir has had forty records, Drift Reservoir thirty-one, Hayle Estuary sixteen, Land's End three and Maer Lake 8 Approximate monthly totals (historic) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 2 2 - 33 142 40 4 -

CURLEW SANDPIPER - Calidris ferruginea Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Another good year for records, although not quite as high as last year Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------25 54 2 - 1 Arden-Sawah: Two on 26th - 28th Aug. Camel Est: Five on 24th Aug, and one on 29th Aug. Davidstow Airfield: Two on 5th Sep, one 6th - 8th Sep, two on 9th Sep and one on 10th Sep: Two on 16th Sep and one on 17th - 18th Sep: Two on 21st Sep and one on 23rd Sep. Drift Res: One on 2nd and 5th Sep. Gannel Est: Two on 23rd Aug: One on 27th Sep. Hannafore: One on 16th Aug. Hayle Est: Singles on 7th, 13th and 23rd Aug: Four on 30th Aug and one on 31st Aug: Three on 2 - 3rd Sep, four on 4th Sep, three on 8th Sep, nine on 9th Sep and one on 10th Sep: Three on 21st Sep and seven on 22nd Sep.

59 Kingsmill Lake: Two on 5th Sep and three on 7th Sep. Maer Lake: One on 27th - 28th Aug: Four on 31st Aug: One on 14th Sep: Three on 23rd Sep: One on 6th Dec. Nanjizal: Two on 22nd Aug. : One on 24th Sep. Porthgwarra: One on 28th Sep. Predannack Airfield: Two on 28th Sep and one on 29th Sep. Stithians Res: One on 30th Aug: Two on 9th - 10th Sep, one on 11th and 13th Sep: One on 23rd Sep. Tresillian River: Two on 22nd Oct.

PURPLE SANDPIPER - Calidris maritima Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers were higher than the previous two years, but not back to the high figures of 1996 and 1997. Work on the Jubilee Pool at Penzance undoubtedly affected the Mount's Bay counts, and it is pleasing to see an increase now that the work has been completed - flocks have been reported in Mount's Bay since the Society's first report in 1931, and it would have been extremely disappointing if the work had forced them to find a new place to roost. However, it would appear that Godrevy Point is no longer a site where large flocks can be seen as no significant numbers have been reported since 1996. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 87 38 58 29 20 - 3 3 - 27 69 69 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bude - - 6 - 15 ------Camel Est. 1 4 ------ 18 ------Lamorna Cove - - - 1 - - - - - 11 - - Mount's Bay 49 33 52 28 5 - - 3 - - 50 56 Sennen Cove 11 ------13 18 8 St Ives Bay ------2 1 -

DUNLIN - Calidris alpina Passage migrant and winter visitor. Small numbers have occasionally bred on Bodmin Moor, and are the most southerly breeding Dunlin in the world. Numbers were even lower than last year's low level, and well below half of what was seen in the rest of the 1990's. The Hayle Estuary had a maximum count of only two hundred and eighty birds in December, whereas the site's average for that month is over one thousand. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4106 1593 38 93 750 34 558 723 700 90 1068 2612 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1000 280 - 1 7 12 3 311 34 26 37 140 Colliford Res. 2 - - - - - 1 5 5 - 4 1 Crowdy Res. 60 ------12 10 - - - Drift Res. - - - - 12 - 5 - 2 - 2 - Gannel Est. - - - - 5 - 7 18 30 - 1 1 Hayle Est. 220 80 8 15 42 11 80 49 18 22 58 280 Helford River _ _ _ 4 1 1 - - -

60 Kingsmill/Salter 14 5 6 - - - 100 8 6 - - 6 Loe Pool ------2 14 4 - - - Lynher Est. 25 256 4 - - - - 5 2 2 406 200 Maer Lake 69 32 14 29 86 2 2 40 18 4 24 32 Mount's Bay 250 120 6 14 250 - 100 12 85 20 4 14 Nanjizal - - - - 10 - 2 2 1 - 1 - Predannack Airfield - - - 7 - - 1 2 - - - Ruan Lanihorne - - - - 45 - 20 - 3 - - - St Austell Bay 70 70 - 4 52 2 3 4 20 - - 4 St. Johns Lake 2000 750 - - 4 - 7 18 40 - 500 1800

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER - Tryngites subruficollis Regular vagrant. Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield: A first cal on 16th - 30th Sep LL, SMC et al. Loe Bar: A first cal on 10th Sep RCL. Nanjizal: One on 21st Sep was probably the Sennen bird KAW. Predannack Airfield: One on 19th Sep MT. Sennen: A first cal on 17th - 20th Sep GH et al: A first cal on 1st - 6th Oct DEB, PMW. St Just Airfield: Two on 22nd Sep MPS. Stithians Res: One on 8th - 11th Sep SK, SFE et al. The county mainland total advances to 102 since 1968. Crowdy Reservoir/Davidstow Airfield have most records with twenty-four. Predannack Airfield has had twenty, Stithians Reservoir eleven, St Jusl Airfield seven and Sennen six. Approximate monthly totals (historic) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 1 - 4 85 11 1 -

RUFF - Philomachus pugnax Passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Few birds were seen on spring migration, but numbers in autumn were higher than the average for the 1990's. Maer Lake was a popular stopping off place but, as can be seen from the extended table below, sightings are widely spread from large-salt water estuaries to very small 'fresh' water pools. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 1 6 2 1 5 99 66 5 - 2 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Arden-Sawah ------8 - - - - Camel Est. ------5 2 - - - Colliford Res. ------2 3 7 - - - Croft Pascoe - - - 3 ------Crowdy/Davidstow ------8 2 - - - Devoran River ------1 - - - - Drift Res. ------3 6 - - - Gannel Est. ------1 1 - - - Hayle Est. - - - - 1 - - 3 5 1 - - Hayle Kimbro Pool - - - 2 - - - 2 1 - - - Kingsmill Lake ------1 - - - - Land's End ------1 - - - - Lynher Est. 1 - 1 ------

61 Maer Lake 1 1 1 1 25 6 1 1 Nanjizal 2 1 Predannack - - - 3 1 Sennen Cove 1 - Stithians Res. 2 3 7 Truro River 1 1

JACK SNIPE - Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Relatively few records are received every year, and there were even fewer reports than usual this year, but this species is reportedly often shot on Bodmin Moor in the winter months and is probably commoner than the records would suggest. The lack of records undoubtedly results from a combination of this bird's camouflage and the fact that they normally do not flush until they are virtually under someone's foot. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 6 1 - - - - - 1 4 5 4 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Drift Res. 1 1 ------1 1 2 2 Hayle Est. 4 3 ------Maer Lake - 2 ------1 1

COMMON SNIPE - Gallinago gallinago Resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeds in low numbers on Bodmin Moor. Maer Lake holds the largest concentrations of wintering birds but numbers at the site were well below the levels recorded during the previous three years, as was the case across the county. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 806 347 310 16 - 1 13 34 51 156 373 517 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 10 7 2 - - - - 2 3 - - 20 Colliford Res. - 40 - - - - - 21 10 18 120 8 Crowdy Res ------6 8 Drift Res. 6 ------1 1 12 3 Hayle Est. 40 33 2 1 - - 1 - - 2 25 6 Maer Lake/Bude 490 238 305 - - - 1 3 20 128 198 322 Marazion Marsh 27 3 - - - - - 1 3 3 3 - Par Beach Pool 47 - - 12 - - 6 - - 1 - 10 Stithians Res. 20 ------3 1 - - - Tresillian River 3 10 ------4 1 Other reports include: Harlyn Bay: Fifty-eight on 26th Dec. Portmellon: Forty on 2nd Jan: Forty on 2nd Dec. St Columb Porth: Twenty-five on 27th Dec. Victoria: One hundred on 7th Jan.

62 EURASIAN WOODCOCK - Scolopax rusticola Passage migrant and winter visitor. Has not bred since the 1960's. Few reports are received for this skulking species. Although well spread, this year's numbers were well below normal. We received no reports from shoots, the source of most large counts in the past. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 3 7 ------4 8 4 : One on 7th Jan. Drift Res: One on 17th Dec. Goonhilly downs: One on 4th Mar. Goss Moor: One on 4th Mar. Kenidjack: One on 13th Nov. Lamorna Valley: Three on 14th Jan. Loe Pool: Two on 17th Dec. : Two on 3rd Feb. Marazion Marsh: Singles on 9th Feb and 13th Dec. Mawgan: Three on 6th Mar. Nanjizal: Two on 22nd Oct: Four on 10th Nov: Two on 23rd Nov. Porthgwarra: Three on 22nd Jan: One on 26th Oct: Two on 8th Nov: One on 23rd Nov. Reskadinnick: One on 27th Jan. St Buryan: One on 5th Nov. Threemilestone: One on 12th Mar. Tollgate, : One on 18th Mar. : Singles on 30th Oct and 6th Nov. Trembath: One on 14th Jan.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa limosa Passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers were lower than during the previous three years, and back to the levels seen during the earlier part of the 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 229 70 77 41 3 20 32 113 116 121 241 179 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 4 - 6 8 1 4 2 5 4 3 1 - Hayle Est. - 4 2 2 1 - 6 3 10 4 16 2 Kingsmill Lake 40 2 - - - - 8 6 13 58 100 87 Lynher Est. 8 2 11 9 - - - - 10 - - - Maer Lake - - 17 1 1 - 5 20 7 1 2 - Millbrook Lake 17 7 3 ------40 - Ruan Lanihorne - 10 - - - - - 1 4 2 - 3 Tresillian River 40 31 15 11 - - - 1 2 9 6 10 Truro River 100 - 20 _ - - 5 19 30 40 76 76

63 BAR-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa lapponica Passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers were poor throughout the county. There were even fewer birds than during the last poor years of 1993 and 1994. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 17 31 17 106 8 9 16 113 84 37 30 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 - - - 1 - - - 47 10 3 2 Gannel Est. - - 1 - 5 - - - 8 - - - Hayle Est. 10 6 3 6 11 3 3 10 7 10 13 8 Kingsmill Lake - - - - 4 - 5 3 7 - - - Maer Lake - - 9 5 1 - - - 2 4 1 - Mount's Bay - - - 4 17 - - - 6 47 - - Par - - - 1 7 1 - - 1 - - - St. Johns Lake 10 7 - - 17 - - - 2 1 9 17

WHIMBREL - Numenius phaeopus Passage migrant. A few have over-wintered. This was a better year than last. There were two large counts in April, one of one hundred and sixty- five and another of two hundred and twenty-five, at St Austell Bay and Mount's Bay respectively. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 17 34 991 409 20 153 62 107 4 1 2 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - - 2 37 4 22 7 7 - - - Drift Res. - - - 2 14 - 1 1 1 - - - Hayle Est. - - - 53 14 3 10 3 5 1 - Kingsmill Lake - - - - 30 - 8 - - - - - Lamorna 1 2 2 1 2 - - 1 - 1 - - Lynher Est. - - - - 9 1 - - 1 1 1 - Maer Lake - - - 32 42 - - 1 1 - - - Millbrook Lake - 1 8 6 2 ------Mount's Bay - - - 225 25 - - 1 1 - - - St. Johns Lake - 1 - - 9 - 40 4 - - - - St Austell Bay - - - 165 11 - - 1 5 - - - Other reports include: Godrevy Point: Fifty on 28th Apr. Loe Pool: Fifty-five on 26th Apr. Looe Island: Forty on 21 st Apr.

EURASIAN CURLEW - Numenius arquata Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. The first half of the year saw numbers well below the average for the 1990's, not unexpected following the poor second half of last year. However, numbers were nearer to the norm during the latter half of the year.

64 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1456 1399 844 163 74 666 1997 2518 2707 2122 2085 2695 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 190 46 303 28 30 176 576 725 736 611 413 398 Devoran River ------_ 243 _ _ _ _ Drift Res. 9 9 28 2 - 14 _ 100 9 _ 1 120 Fowey Est. - - - 13 1 15 91 86 65 65 51 50 Gannel Est. - 170 120 - - 50 12 18 200 30 320 300 Hayle Est. 55 164 46 21 9 77 180 120 219 220 146 443 Helford River 1 - - - 1 40 30 181 66 130 107 235 Lamorna 6 21 - - - - _ 30 _ 47 _ _ Looe Est. 30 - - - 1 33 37 _ _ 32 2 2 Lynher Est. 46 137 40 29 5 90 110 165 248 153 86 124 Maer Lake 205 215 80 - - 13 - - 120 132 162 215 Mount's Bay 31 - 1 1 - - 20 60 80 94 _ 94 Penryn River - - 80 - - - _ 11 _ _ _ _ Restronguet Creek - - - 28 13 - 100 6 38 _ _ _ Ruan Lanihorne 200 200 19 2 - - 200 200 126 14 _ 23 St Austell Bay 18 85 - - 1 - 1 _ _ _ _ _ St Ives Bay 116 ------_ 20 _ 40 90 St. Johns Lake ------30 80 110 60 173 80 Stithians Res. 100 - - - - - 35 4 7 9 _ 47 Tamar Est. - Lower 102 89 27 - - 12 31 80 110 61 180 80 Tamar Est. - Upper 112 49 59 15 - 22 137 85 241 144 99 92 Tresillian River 153 173 40 8 5 46 145 185 184 220 175 200 Truro River - - - 11 4 62 85 129 128 90 124 85

SPOTTED REDSHANK - Tringa erythropus Passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Numbers were below average when compared with the 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 16 12 1 - - 1 12 11 15 14 16 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 - - - - _ _ 1 _ 1 _ _ Hayle Est. 1 1 - - - _ _ 1 1 1 _ _ Helford River 1 - - - ______1 Kingsmill Lake 3 3 3 - - - 1 2 3 7 6 5 Lynher Est. 3 2 - - - - - _ 1 _ 5 1 Maer Lake - - - _ _ _ _ 3 2 _ _ Millbrook Lake 2 2 1 1 ______1 Tresillian River 9 5 - - _ _ _ 1 3 5 3 3 Truro River ------1 _ 4

COMMON REDSHANK - Tringa totanus Passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers in the first half-year were lower than they have been since 1992. In the second half-year they were about average for the latter half of the 1990's, but down on the early 1990's.

65 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 747 552 366 96 23 86 461 679 750 806 835 716 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 64 11 14 70 1 22 96 97 60 37 43 65 Devoran River ------55 - - - - Fowey Est. 30 - 19 ------18 2 17 Gannel Est. 5 3 - - - - 1 6 1 1 2 1 Hayle Est. 27 49 21 8 3 10 25 25 6 48 52 9 Helford River - - - - - 6 30 31 32 36 40 38 Kingsmill Lake 185 136 Ill 4 4 1 100 150 250 236 247 191 Looe Est. 17 3 ------2 - 6 1 Lynher Est. 194 162 86 - - - 5 43 135 102 168 92 Maer Lake - 1 - 1 6 - 8 - - 2 1 - Millbrook Lake 47 55 21 - - 9 24 37 58 53 45 18 Mount's Bay 40 - - - 1 - 2 - 1 - - - Par 2 6 4 2 2 - - - 4 4 - 5 Penryn River - - 25 - - - - 15 - - - - Restronguet Creek - - - 10 5 - 23 2 8 - - - Ruan Lanihorne 40 40 6 - - - 6 - 1 11 11 34 St. Johns Lake 31 43 29 - - - 15 25 - 30 36 25 Tresillian River 60 43 30 - - - 18 97 86 135 115 88 Truro River 3 - - - - 37 105 88 101 93 67 124

COMMON GREENSHANK - Tringa nebularia Passage migrant. A few over-winter. The mix of migrant birds with wintering birds makes it difficult to calculate their numbers. The number of wintering birds was below average at both the start and the end of the year, but the autumn migration was slightly above average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 35 29 42 49 33 6 102 260 231 93 49 63 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 - 1 2 1 1 5 17 21 4 3 5 Crowdy Res. ------2 2 - - - Devoran River - - - - 3 - - 19 - - - - Drift Res. - - - - 1 - 2 8 13 - - - Fowey Est. 1 - 1 3 - - - - - 2 - 2 Gannel Est. - - - 1 - - 3 13 - - 1 - Hayle Est. 4 3 4 3 3 1 9 6 11 4 2 2 Hayle Kimbro - - - - 5 - 1 5 1 - - - Helford River - - 1 4 1 - 3 3 8 5 5 4 Kingsmill Lake 3 4 5 1 - 1 18 31 40 13 9 10 Lynher Est. 7 9 9 7 - - 2 8 6 11 10 9 Maer Lake - - - - 3 1 3 7 1 - - - Millbrook Lake 6 5 8 6 - - 5 18 30 13 5 8 Nanjizal - - - - 10 - 1 5 1 - - - Restronguet Creek - - 1 14 2 - - 6 3 - - - Ruan Lanihorne - 2 - - 4 - - 3 1 - 1 St. Johns Lake 2 1 - - - - 4 8 6 6 1 -

66 Salter Mill 2 1 3 1 2 2 4 2 2 Tresillian River 5 2 6 2 - 1 3 10 12 5 4 Truro River 3 5 6 H 6 5 LESSER YELLOWLEGS - Tringa flavipes Rare Vagrant. Hayle Estuary: A first cal on 30th Sep - 3rd Oct LPW et al. Loe Pool: A first cal on 23rd - 28th Sep RCL, RK, et al. The county mainland total is now c. 27 since 1936. This is only the third record at Hayle, the previous records being in 1997 and 1989. History indicates that Drift Reservoir, with five records, is the best place to go in the hope of finding this species. There have been four records at Stithians Reservoir, three on the Camel Estuary, and the rest are well spread. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------5 13 7 2

GREEN SANDPIPER - Tringa ochropus Passage migrant. A few over-winter. This was a better than average year, with higher than usual numbers in January and July. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14 - 1 2 2 3 62 47 23 12 4 5 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 - - - 1 - - 1 1 - - - Drift Res. 1 - - - - - 5 5 2 1 2 1 Hayle Est. ------1 3 - - - Hayle Kimbro ------4 3 1 - - - Looe Est. 2 ------2 2 1 - - Maer Lake 1 - - - - 1 7 5 - 1 - - Nanjizal ------2 2 1 2 - 1 Stithians Res. 1 - - - - - 5 7 3 - - - Terras Bridge 2 ------2 2 2 - - Other reports include: St Buryan: Six on 23rd Jul.

WOOD SANDPIPER - Tringa glareola Uncommon passage migrant. This was an average year, but with good numbers in August. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 - 4 28 7 - - - : Singles on 13th - 20th Aug SMC and 3rd Sep SCM, DC. Davidstow Airfield: One on 17th - 18th Sep AMJD, PAF. Drift Reservoir: Singles on 19th Jul, 2nd Aug and 27th Aug: Two on 28th - 30th Aug GH. Hayle Est: One on 8th Aug. Hayle Kimbro: One on 2nd - 3rd Sep: One on 10th - 11th Sep: One on 24th - 26th Sep ARP, SK, PAF.

67 Land's End: Singles on 22nd Jul and 16th - 18th Aug: Two on 20th Aug and one on 21st Aug RA. Maer Lake: Singles on 9th May and on 14th, 18th and 20th Aug: Two on 22nd Aug: Three on 25th - 27th Aug: Four on 28th - 29th Aug: Three on 31st Aug: Two on 2nd and 6th Sep, with one on 7th Sep: Two on 14th - 15th Sep GPS. Marazion Marsh: One on 18th Aug DSF. Nanjizal: Singles on 22nd Jul and 23rd - 25th Aug KAW. Newlyn: One on 4th Aug. Siblyback Res: One on 20th Apr J&RS: One on 20th and 28th Aug MPF, GDL, SCM. Stithians Res: Singles on 26th Jul and 6th - 9th Aug, with two on 8th Aug: Up to on 12th - 19th Aug: Nine on 22nd Aug, with two on 23rd Aug and one on 24th and 30th Aug DE, SFE, SK, GHT, BKM, ARP. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 7th Aug.

COMMON SANDPIPER - Actitis hypoleucos Passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Bred in 1910 and 1989. Numbers were average when compared with the 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 4 5 31 17 6 94 120 67 12 4 3 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 - - 4 1 23 5 1 1 - - Colliford Res. - - - 2 - - 4 7 2 - - - Drift Res. - - - 3 3 1 5 5 6 - - - Hayle Est. 1 - - 1 1 - 8 8 15 1 - - Helford River 2 - 2 - 1 - 3 5 2 1 - - Loe Pool - - - 1 - - 4 4 3 - - - Lynher Est. 1 2 1 1 1 - 3 4 3 - 2 2 Maer Lake - - - 2 - - 1 4 - - - - Mount's Bay - - - 1 2 - - 1 3 1 - - Siblyback Res. - - - 6 - 1 - 2 2 - - - Stithians Res. ------3 6 1 1 - - Tamar Est. - Upper 2 2 1 1 - - 5 1 5 4 1 1 Tresillian River ------2 5 - 1 - Other reports include: Gannel Est: Nine on 1st - 28th Aug. Hannafore: Eleven on 3rd Aug.

RUDDY TURNSTONE - Arenaria interpres Passage migrant, winter visitor and a few summer. Rare inland. Numbers of this species have reduced during recent years, and reports for this year show a continuation of that trend. The records for 2000 indicate that numbers have halved by comparison with 1994, 1995 and 1996. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 199 96 61 44 8 12 39 92 36 89 161 134

68 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 13 11 7 5 - - 20 4 8 14 - 9 Hannafore 11 ------3 15 - 45 20 Hayle Est. - - - 1 - - - 2 - 1 11 - Helford River 4 ------10 18 Looe Est. ------6 5 - Lynher Est. ------12 - - 4 Mount's Bay 19 16 12 25 2 12 12 44 - 4 11 50 St Austell Bay 26 25 15 6 4 - 6 10 - 15 - 20 St John's Lake 42 26 14 ------30 78 12 Other reports include: Constantine Bay: Fifteen on 3rd Jan. Portscatho: Twenty on 10th Jan. Rosemullion Head: Thirteen on 13th Mar.

GREY PHALAROPE - Phalaropus fulicarius Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Cape Cornwall: Singles on 15th Sep, 28th Sep and 31st Oct MTE. Drift Res: One on 6th Nov GH. Godrevy Point: Three on 30th Oct BSW. Hayle Est: One on 19th Sep LPW: One on 8th Nov LPW. Newlyn Harbour: One on 14th - 15th Dec MTE. Pendeen Watch: One on 2nd Sep DW: One on 2nd Oct PAF: Two on 5th Oct: One on 11th Oct: Three on 23rd and 25th Oct SMC, JL, MKW: Five on 30th Oct: One on 31st Oct JL. Pentire Point: Two on 31st Oct SG. Penzance: One on 13th - 15th Oct BSW. Porthgwarra: One on 17th Oct: One on 5th Dec JL. Ruan Lanihorne: One on 21st Sep SMC. Rumps Point: Two on 31st Oct SMC. Scillonian: One on sea off Land's End 29th Sep BD. Sennen Cove: One on 5th Oct: One on 5th Dec: One on 10th Dec BKM: One on 21st Dec JL. St Ives Island: One on 15th Sep BKM: Ten on 5th Oct SMC, BKM: Two on 10th Oct SFE: Three on 11th Oct BKM, SFE: Two on 25th Oct SGR, BKM: Twelve on 30th Oct BKM: Nine on 31st Oct BKM: One on 26th Nov BKM: One on 14th Dec SMC. Trevose Head: One on 30th Sep SMC: Two on 10th and 30th Oct SMC. The county mainland total advances to c. 4,157 since 1930. The best year since 1996 and before that 1989, but well below the five hundred and fourteen recorded in 1984. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 46 14 3 1 - - 1 65 1,186 2,114 583 144

POMARINE SKUA - Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. This was a below average year, with records representing only fifty-two per cent of the average for the previous twenty years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - 1 7 3 7 39 5 2

69 Cape Cornwall: Singles on 1st and 11th Nov MTE. Charlestown: Three third cal on 11th Jun RL. Killigerran Head: Single first cals on 5th and 21st Sep SMC: Five on 2nd Oct SMC: An adult on 10th Oct SMC: Two adults on 30th Oct SMC. Newquay: Two on 31st Oct SMC. Par: An adult on 21st Apr SMC. Pendeen Watch: One on 1st Sep: Two on 2nd Sep, including a first cal DW: One on 16th Sep DSF: A first cal on 2nd Oct PAF: One on 5th Oct: An adult on 9th Oct DSF: Two on 23rd Oct MKW, SMC: Three on 25th Oct MKW, SMC: Five on 30th Oct including a first cal JL: One on 13th Dec: One on 14th Dec PAF. Porthgwarra: Five on 5th Jul: One on 20th Jul JL: One on 28th Jul GH: One on 2nd Aug: One on 13th Aug DSF: One on 31st Aug BKM: An adult on 23rd Oct MKW, SMC: One on 28th Oct MKW, SMC: One on 7th Nov. St Agnes Head: Two first cal on 26th Nov DC. St Ives Island: An adult on 1st Sep SGR, BKM: Three on 2nd Oct: One on 10th Oct: Two on 25th Oct SGR, BKM: One on 30th Oct BKM: Five on 31st Oct BKM. : Two on 10th Oct ARP. The county mainland total is now c. 2,912. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 10 2 58 389 71 148 236 435 1017 470 66

ARCTIC SKUA - Stercorarius parasiticus Passage migrant and rare winter visitor. An average year, except for September when numbers were well below average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 6 3 2 7 34 31 106 4 1 Cape Cornwall: Four on 10th Oct. Charlestown: Singles on 21st Apr and 10th Jul. Downderry: Two on 1 st Jun. Mount's Bay: One on 12th May: Two on 13th May. Pendeen Watch: Two on 3rd Aug: Ten on 27th Aug: Two on 1st Sep: Six on 2nd Sep: Nine on 5th Sep: Six on 6th Sep: Fifteen on 2nd Oct: Four on 10th Oct: Five on 31st Oct: One on 13th Dec. : Two on 20th Apr: One on 22nd Apr. Porthgwarra: Two on 16th Apr: Two on 27th Jul: : Four on 22nd Aug: Nine on 28th Aug. Sennen Cove: One on 12th Nov. St Ives Island: Six on 1st Sep: Twenty-five on 2nd Oct: Five on 5th Oct: Four on 10th Oct: Thirteen on 11th Oct: Four on 30th Oct: Seventeen on 31st Oct: One on 7th Nov: Two on 26th Nov. Towan Head: One on 3rd Aug. Whitesand Bay: Three on 7th Oct.

LONG-TAILED SKUA - Stercorarius longicaudus Rare passage migrant. Killigerran Head: A first cal on 5th Sep SMC. St Ives: Two first cal on 3rd Oct VRT, VAS. The county mainland total increases to c. 180 since 1961.

70 Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - _ - 4 4 2 20 99 45 6 -

GREAT SKUA - Catharacta skua Passage migrant, and seen in winter during westerly gales. Numbers fluctuate greatly from year to year and this was one of the years with low numbers. Only October saw large numbers including eighty at Pendeen on 2nd October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 1 - 3 3 - 4 63 61 279 36 12 Regular reports & monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Cape Cornwall ------3 5 1 3 Pendeen Watch ------1 4 28 154 - 8 Porthgwarra - - - 2 - - 3 59 4 5 - St. Ives Island 2 1 ------22 107 35 1

MEDITERRANEAN GULL - Larus melanocephalus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Birds are constantly passing through and it is difficult to calculate total numbers - observers at the main sites have to use differences in plumage and colour rings to identify individuals. It would be helpful if observers could estimate and advise the numbers of different birds involved in sightings at regularly watched sites on a monthly basis. Numbers increased steadily during the 1990's, and the year 2000 produced the best figures to date. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 51 43 16 4 2 6 61 49 37 57 34 63 Regular reports & monthly numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 5 - 1 - - 3 16 10 5 4 - 2 Carrick Roads 5 17 ------1 - - 6 Drift Res. 2 4 3 ------1 6 6 Gannel Est. - - 2 - - 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 Hayle Est. 5 2 2 2 1 1 4 7 9 15 6 5 Loe Pool 3 2 1 - - - 1 - 1 1 1 4 Mount's Bay 2 1 3 - - - 4 15 5 9 4 19 Newquay 8 4 1 ------1 - 1 St Johns/Millbrook - Adult 8 4 - - - - 28 10 10 17 11 6 - Second cal 2 1 - - - - 1 - 1 - - - - First cal _ - - 2 - - 1 1 1 A bird was seen at Hayle from 25th August onwards which was ringed at Antwerpen in Belgium. Two birds at Hayle on 8th September wore Darvic rings, one white and one green. 1999 correction: St John's/Millbrook: The figure for July was twenty-six, not nineteen.

71 HYBRID MEDITERRANEAN GULL x BLACK-HEADED GULL Millbrook Lake: An adult on 2nd Nov RS. Par Beach: A first cal on 29th Nov RL. Porthpean: An adult on 10th Nov - 4th Dec RL.

LAUGHING GULL - Larus atrichia Rare vagrant. 1996: Maer Lake: One on 23rd Sep GPS. The county mainland total increases to c. 7. Previous records were at St Ives in December 1977, at Copperhouse in June 1980, and at and Mounts Bay in May 1990. Subsequent records were at Drift in April 1997, an adult at Drift and Maer Lake in December 1997, and a second year at Maenporth in December 1997. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 1 1 - - 1 - 3

LITTLE GULL - Larus minutus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. The year was better than average overall owing to good counts in January and December. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 7 3 1 - 1 - 2 3 5 3 28 Basset's Cove: One on 30th Dec. Camel Est: An adult on 4th Apr. Colliford Res: A first cal on 11th Jun. Drift Res: A second cal on 31st Jan and 12th Feb: Up to two first cal intermittently on 15th to 29th Feb: An adult on 19th Feb: Two adults on 27th Feb and 2nd Mar: A second cal on 1st - 21st Mar: An adult on 21 st Dec. Godrevy Point: One on 28th Nov. Hannafore: A first cal on 5th Sep: Three on 13th Dec. Hayle Est: A second cal on 20th Jan: One on 8th Aug: One on 7th Nov: An adult on 21st Dec. Helston Boating Lake: A first cal on 22nd Dec. Killigerran Head: A first cal on 22nd Aug. Loe Pool: An adult on 14th Jan: A second cal on 19th - 20th Jan: A second cal on 15th Mar: A first cal on 28th Dec. Mount's Bay: A second cal on 30th Jan: Two second cal on 26th: Feb A second cal on 16th - 20th Mar: A first cal on 12th and 14th Nov: One on 26th Dec. : A second cal on 9th Jan. Pendeen Watch: Two adults on 4th Dec: An adult and a second cal on 13th Dec. Porth Res: An adult on 27th Dec. Ruan Lanihorne: Two first cal on 21st Sep. Sancreed: A second cal on 20th - 21 st Mar. Southground Point: A second cal on 25th Feb. St Ives Bay: A first cal on 25th Jan: Three adults on 31st Oct: Ten adults on 14th Dec: An adult, a first cal and a second cal on 16th Dec: A first cal on 30th Dec. Trethewey: A second cal on 27th Jan. Trevose Head: An adult on 10th Jan: A second cal on 15th Jan: A first cal on 2nd Oct: A first cal on 10th Oct.

72 SABINE'S GULL - Larus sabini Scarce passage migrant. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------28 - - Camel Est: A first cal on 18th Oct DLL Cape Cornwall: A first cal on 10th Oct MTE. Godrevy Point: A first cal on 25th Oct: One on 30th Oct DE. Pendeen Watch: Four on 5th Oct including a first cal SMC: An adult and two first cal on 10th Oct DSF: Two first cal on 25th Oct SMC: A first cal on 31st Oct JL. St Ives Island: One on 2nd Oct: One on 5th Oct PTS, SMC: Three on 10th Oct including two first cal BKM, MPM: A first cal on 11th Oct BKM: Two first cal on 25th Oct SGR, BKM: A first cal on 30th Oct BKM. Trevose Head: Two on 2nd and 10th Oct and one on 11th Oct SMC. The county mainland total is now c. 1,205 since 1951. This was an unusual year in that all the records were in October. Numbers were below average for the last twenty years, but that calculation does include two very good years in 1983 and 1988 - if those years are excluded, this year was slightly above average.

BONAPARTE'S GULL - Larus Philadelphia Rare vagrant. Drift Reservoir: One on 11th - 13th Mar GH, BD. The county mainland total is now c. 33 since 1967. Bonaparte's Gulls have been seen at Drift in every year since 1996, and there were two previous records in 1986, making seven in all. Mount's Bay has had eight records, St Ives has had four, but no other site has had more than three. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7 4 10 2 1 1 - - - 2 3 3

BLACK-HEADED GULL - Larus ridibundus Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeds in relatively small numbers at some reservoirs. Large numbers of this species pass through the county, making it very difficult to calculate total numbers. Numbers fluctuate greatly from year to year - January was about average, but February and March were low - the next seven were also about average, but the last two months were lower than average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 15319 7419 1908 1302 214 1863 7190 7591 8224 12009 7256 14690 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. ------2 25 7 15 3 48 Camel Est. 1208 37 146 11 17 218 1607 1686 1792 1535 690 6100 College Res. ------5 42 72 Colliford /Butt.Tor - - - 650 - 192 ------Crowdy Res. 42 - - 14 6 44 - 8 - 4 - - Drift Res. 450 520 420 5 3 - 7 4 94 254 450 462

73 Fowey Est. - - - 33 - 25 198 84 242 400 137 10 Gannel Est. - - - 1 - 6 42 100 160 90 670 280 Hayle Est. 1 - 41 44 17 81 232 85 301 820 500 180 Helford River - - - 2 - 16 247 266 197 320 327 890 Helston Boat Lake - - 9 - - - - 31 29 127 28 86 Loe Pool 3000 700 - - - - 43 118 32 12 63 181 Looe Est. - - - 2 - 2 174 - 50 330 224 708 Lynher Est. 441 270 239 17 - 364 521 338 1252 856 133 818 Maer Lake 550 1260 - 4 - - 1 2 28 80 760 1050 Mounts Bay 100 1 32 1 - 3 15 - 25 - - 180 Pentewan 1500 - - - - 1 ------Porth Res. - - - - - 18 37 - 200 220 Ruan Lanihorne 320 600 4 - - 18 315 310 369 175 - 47 Siblyback Res. - - 450 112 1 - 15 10 29 - 2 62 Stithians Res. ------37 101 235 5 19 St Austell Bay 1200 1 17 3 11 12 150 147 30 1000 60 70 Tamar E. - Lower 2972 2728 243 96 52 150 1051 868 1000 974 1030 1346 Tamar E. - Upper 375 802 222 114 104 261 1156 1901 1138 1113 939 783 Tresillian River 513 - 12 - - 46 810 750 420 135 355 475 Truro River 14 - - 5 - 100 604 755 868 368 560 418 Other reports include: Butter's Tor Marsh: 512 were on the breeding grounds on 1st Jun. Porth Kidney Beach: 3,000 at the entry to Hayle Estuary on 22nd Oct - only 265 recorded in the estuary on that day. Turnaware Point, Carrick Roads: 2,000 on 21st Jan.

RING-BILLED GULL - Larus delawarensis Vagrant Some birds return annually to over-winter. This species has been seen in increasing numbers since it was first recorded in mainland Cornwall in 1979, with several birds returning annually. This increase in numbers, coupled with the fact that they move around the county during their often prolonged stays, make it impossible to estimate the number of new birds involved e.g. birds move between Mount's Bay and Drift Reservoir, and probably the Hayle Estuary, and are also seen in feeding flocks in nearby areas of West Cornwall. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 - 10 Boscawen Pond: A first cal on 19th Dec RL. Cape Cornwall: A first cal on 10th Oct MTE. Catchall: A first cal on 16th Dec was presumably the Mount's Bay bird KAW. Copperhouse Creek/Hayle Estuary: Adult on 1st Jan - 7th Mar: A second cal on 15th Jan - 17th Mar: A third cal on 5th Feb: A second cal on 3rd May - 11th Aug: An adult on 6th - 31st Dec. LPW, BD, MCH, SML, DE, JWt, DIJ, DSF Drift Res: A second cal on 20th Mar - the Mount's Bay bird: A first cal on 3rd - 16th Dec, with two on 5th and 6th Dec and three on 14th Dec. GH, KAW, MKA Helston Boating Lake: A second cal on 7th - 9th Jan: A first cal on 13th - 25th Dec. ARP et al Mount's Bay: A second cal on 20th and 22nd Jan - different from the Hayle bird: A second cal on 17th - 23rd Mar: A first cal on 16th, 21st and 23rd Dec. PAF Par: Adult on 1st Jan - 21st Mar: A second adult on 25th Jan, intermittently to 5th Mar: A second cal on 1st and 3rd Mar: An adult on 18th - 30th Dec: A first cal on 23rd - 28th Dec. DIJ, RL, WS, LL, REA, IRS

74 Sennen Cove: A second cal on 10th Apr MTE. Truro River: A first cal on 8th - 28th Dec PAF et al.

COMMON GULL - Larus canus Passage migrant and winter visitor. A few summer. This was a year of very low numbers (only twenty per cent of the average for the last eight years) with no large flocks anywhere in the county, the largest being one of one hundred and forty-three on the Camel Estuary. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 343 143 41 9 1 - 5 11 2 92 155 342 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 87 - 1 - - - 5 9 2 67 16 143 Drift Res. 26 27 6 1 - - - - 1 5 6 Hayle Est. 10 - - 4 - - - - 2 21 40 Lynher Est. 5 - - 2 1 - - - 5 - 30 Mount's Bay 6 - 4 1 ------Par 35 - - 1 - - - - - 2 6 Tamar Est. - Lower 100 112 26 - - - - 1 6 2 36 Other reports include: Siblyback Res: 108 on 1 st Nov.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus fuscus Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeds in low numbers. Numbers were very low, presumably owing to the mild wet winter with no prolonged cold spells to push wintering flocks into the south-west. There was only one four-figure flock, at Crowdy Reservoir in October. The low numbers in the latter part of 1999 continued into 2000 and, although there was some increase towards the end of the year, they were still a good deal lower than might be expected. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 232 644 1271 216 104 139 45 432 313 1583 651 1328 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 82 401 802 15 3 1 1 14 19 24 128 310 Colliford Res. ------24 3 52 39 22 Crowdy Res. 44 - - - 4 - - 37 198 1000 30 500 Drift Res. 27 133 35 30 22 28 12 60 16 27 39 26 Gannel Est. - - - 12 - - 1 16 2 8 6 10 Hayle Est. - 23 310 140 37 12 10 150 24 49 53 77 Loe Pool 10 - - - 1 - - - - 119 15 52 Lynher Est. 1 39 19 - - - - 1 4 61 4 52 Mount's Bay 1 1 1 - - 8 3 - 10 - - - Siblyback Res. 54 13 47 9 3 - 1 26 28 23 106 180 St Austell Bay - 30 1 3 24 2 3 4 2 100 4 3 Tamar Est. - Lower 2 1 27 - - 1 10 4 - 21 1 45 Other reports include: : 220 on 25th Nov.

75 Seabird 2000 - Breeding was noted as follows:

Chapel Porth: Six pairs. Mousehole: One pair. Chapel Porth to St Agnes: One pair. New Polzeath to Boscastle: Two pairs. Diggory's Island: Six Pairs. Newlyn: Four pairs. Falmouth to Cremyll: One pair. Par: Twelve pairs. Hayle: Two pairs. Penzance: Four pairs. Hayle To wans to Chapel Porth: Two pairs. St Agnes to Cligga Head: Five pairs. Hoe Point to Rinsey Head: Five pairs. St Ives: Two pairs. to Porthleven: Five pairs. The Goose, Pentire Pt: One pair. Ligger Point to Porth: Two pairs. The Chick, Kelsey Head: One pair. Mawgan Porth Cove. Trevelgue Head to Merope Rocks: Seven pairs.

HERRING GULL - Larus argentatus Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. There were low numbers in February, March and November, and average numbers during the remainder of the year. The count of breeding Herring Gulls, as part of Seabird 2000, produced a total of five thousand and ninety seven pairs spread around the coast and on buildings in the county during June. The breeding birds have not been included in the approximate monthly total for June, as they have been collated in a different manner from normal counts and their inclusion would distort historical comparisons. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 7435 559 1096 3014 1932 2108 1663 2548 3421 3651 1798 5970 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. - - - 29 36 3 8 37 11 23 42 1 Camel Est. 321 260 133 229 80 156 280 399 729 437 112 274 Colliford Res. - - - 7 - - - 2 - - 1 Crowdy Res 220 - - 11 157 78 - 84 300 117 7 25 Drift Res. 380 190 264 440 281 1000 258 700 680 440 550 614 Fowey Est. - - - 106 48 3 47 61 114 80 35 43 Gannel Est. - - - 124 40 60 90 70 90 540 76 240 Hayle Est. 1 - 127 739 303 142 173 340 102 557 85 235 Helford River - - - 186 39 44 21 35 33 192 97 141 Helston Boat Lake - - 9 - 22 30 66 14 43 24 41 71 Loe Pool 100 - - - 41 24 49 8 4 152 51 16 Looe Est. - - - 481 447 124 452 - 500 373 412 818 Lynher Est. 3 13 6 7 4 6 6 9 5 10 8 8 Maer Lake 11 - - 6 - - - - 4 - 8 28 Mount's Bay 50 1 20 - 2 122 5 - 50 - - 2000 Penryn River - - 60 45 - - - 60 - - - Porth Res. - - - 5 2 - - 2 1 - 4 13 Ruan Lanihorne 61 40 30 37 23 1 21 2 70 400 - 80 St Austell Bay 87 - 96 137 20 30 35 131 4 33 8 28 St Ives Bay 6000 - - - 160 - - - - - 600 Siblyback Res. - - - 14 20 - 20 2 1 - 3 - Stithians Res. - 22 - 84 110 21 - 13 - 54 24 9 Swanpool 1 - 35 23 28 21 14 40 9 10 33 114 Tamar Est. - Lower 15 20 5 4 13 4 14 1 13 4 6 12 Tamar Est. - Upper 3 13 6 7 4 6 6 9 5 10 8 8 Tresillian River 11 - 25 14 5 12 9 21 7 27 64 14 Truro River - - - 130 142 49 90 98 115 33 102 133

76 Seabird 2000 - Breeding was noted as follows: Baulk Head to Mullion: Nine pairs. Mousehole west to St Ives: 268 pairs. Bedruthan to Treyarnon: 169 pairs. Mullion: Fifteen pairs. Cadgwith to Helford river: Sixty-six pairs. Mullion to Predannack: Sixty-four pairs. Chapel Porth to Perranporth: 233 pairs. New Polzeath to Boscastle: 460 pairs. Cligga Head to St Agnes: 185 pairs. Newlyn: 114 pairs. Coverack: Five pairs. Newquay Police Station: Thirty-three pairs : One pair. Old Dane to Lusty Glaze: Three pairs. Diggory's Island: Eighty-seven pairs. Par: Twelve pairs. Diggory's Island to Park Head: Forty-eight pairs. Park Head to Porth Mear: Sixty-four pairs. Dinas Head to : 122 pairs. Paul: One pair. Downderry: Fifteen pairs. Penally to Carnakey: 253 pairs. East and West Looe: 158 pairs. Penlee Point, Mousehole: Two pairs. Falmouth to Cremyll: 895 pairs. Penryn: Thirteen pairs. Gull Rocks, Penhale Point: 160 pairs. Pentire Point East: Three pairs. : eight pairs. Penzance: 287 pairs. HMS Raleigh: Ten pairs. Perran Bay (north end) to Holywell Valley: Thirty-nine Hayle: 125 pairs. pairs. Hayle Towans to Chapel Porth: 343 pairs. Polperro: Fifty-six pairs. Hoe Point to Rinsey Head: Ninety-three pairs. : Ten pairs. Kelsey Head: Four pairs. Quarry: Seven pairs. Kenneggy Downs to Porthleven: Ninety-three pairs. : Eight pairs. Kynance to Cadgwith: Thirty-nine pairs. Seaton: One pair. : Eight pairs. Sheffield, Mousehole: One pair. Ligger Point to Porth: 253 pairs. St Agnes to Chapel Porth: Fifty-four pairs. Long Rock: Eighteen pairs. St Austell: Eleven pairs. Looe Island: Forty-three pairs. : Two pairs. Lusty Glaze: Two pairs. St Ives: 155 pairs. Marazion: Sixty-one pairs. Stem Point to Mawgan Porth: Nine pairs. Mawgan Porth cove to Diggory's Island: Sixty-eight The Chick, Kelsey Head: Thirty pairs. pairs. The Goose, Pentire Point: Six pairs. Mevagissey: Thirty-five pairs. Towan Head: One pair. : Fifty-six pairs. Trevelgue Head to Merope Rock: 415 pairs. Minnow's Island: Twenty-four pairs. Trevelgue Head to Mory Island: Nine pairs. Mory Island to Watergate Bay: Sixty-two pairs. Trevose Head to Treyarnon Head: Forty-nine pairs. Mory Island: Ten pairs. West Lizard: Forty-nine pairs. Mousehole: Forty-two pairs. Will's Rock to Treyarnon Head: Thirty-three pairs.

Birds showing characteristics of the Scandinavian form L. a. argentatus were noted as follows: Camel Estuary: An adult on 12th - 18th Feb: A fourth cal on 8th - 25th Mar SMC. Colliford Res: An adult on 19th - 20th Aug SMC. Hayle Estuary: Singles on 17th Jan, 3rd Mar, 22nd Mar, 29th Mar, 14th Mar, 23rd Dec and 30th Dec LPW. Par Beach: An adult on 23rd Feb RL.

WESTERN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL - Larus michahellis Scarce visitor. Increased observer awareness has increased sightings of this species in Cornwall. However, the identification of this species is not straightforward, and the assessment of submitted records is one of the Records Committee's most difficult tasks. It is necessary to consider summer plumage L. a. argentatus, hybrid Lesser Black-backed/Herring Gull and light coloured Lesser Black-backed Gull

77 when looking at a yellow-legged gull. Consequently, only records accompanied by acceptable descriptions, or of birds seen by three experienced observers known to the committee, will be included in the report. Camel Est: An adult on 22nd Jan and 12th Feb: Two on 16th Feb: A fourth cal on 18th Mar and 4th Apr. SMC Colliford Res: An adult 26th Jun - 3rd Jul: A second cal on 30th Jun - 1 st Jul: An adult on 16th - 22nd Jul: A first cal on 16th Jul: A second cal on 22nd Jul: An adult on 17th - 19th Aug: A third cal on 3rd Sep: An adult and a third cal on 8th - 10th Dec SMC, DC, DAC, IK. Cot Valley: Two on 15th Sep MTE. Crowdy Res: An adult on 26th Aug SMC: Two adults on 3rd Sep SMC: One on 17th Sep BTC. Davidstow Airfield: An adult on 1st Oct SMC, SK. Drift Res: An adult on 7th - 8th Jun GH. Gannel Est: An adult on 29th Feb SMC. Hayle Est: An adult on 21st Jan LPW: A second cal on 31st Jan: An adult and a 2nd cal on 2nd Feb; An adult on 13th - 15th Feb: Two adults on 14th Feb: An adult on 24th Feb - 3rd Mar: A third cal on 11th Mar: An adult on 23rd - 31st Mar: An adult on 11th May: A third cal on 25th - 26th Jun: An adult on 2nd Aug: A first cal on 16th Oct: One on 16th Nov. BD, LPW, BKM, GH, ARP, SMC, KAW, DSF, IK, PAR : Two adults on 13th Oct JS, RS. Sennen Cove: A first cal on 11th Sep MTE. Stithians Res: A third cal on 22nd - 23rd Jul DE, SMC. All records have been since 1983, although there were reports of birds with bright yellow legs in 1944 and 1950 when the identification criteria were less well known. The species has been seen in increasing numbers since it was first recorded in mainland Cornwall, and that increase, coupled with the fact that they move through and around quite quickly, make it impossible to estimate the number of new birds involved from year to year.

Western Yellow-legged Gull (Martin Elliot)

78 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 6 4 1 1 4 4 3 7 4 - 2

ICELAND GULL - Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor and rare passage migrant. Estimating the number of individual birds can be extremely difficult when they spend several weeks or months in an area, move extensively around the area and return to sites periodically. Only by making detailed notes of plumage details can observers identify individuals, keep track of their movements and calculate how many birds are involved in the sightings. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 4 6 1 2 ------1 Camel Est: A second cal on 17th - 18 Mar SMC, DIJ. Cape Cornwall/Carn Gloose: A second cal on 23rd Mar - different from the Mount's Bay and Tater-du birds PHA. Crowdy Res: One on 7th May BTC. Drift Res: A second cal on 23rd Jan - 4th Feb, 18th - 20th Mar and 12th April, presumably one of the Mount's Bay/Nanjizal birds: A second cal on 12th Jun. GH, BD Godrevy Point and : A second cal on 20th - 21st Feb, presumably the Hayle bird SMC. Hayle Est: A second cal on 10th Jan - 26th Mar with another second cal on 10th Jan - 10th Feb and with a third second cal (all seen together) on 15th Jan and with a different (fourth) 2nd cal on 23rd Jan, 10th Mar, 13th Mar, and 15th Mar LPW, BKM, GDL, SMC. Helford River: A second cal on 24th Jan. Land's End: A second cal on 8th Jan: Two second cal on 7th Apr, presumably the Mounts Bay/Nanjizal birds. RAw , nr Marazion: One on 20th Dec DSF. Maer Lake: A second cal on 10th Jan and 19th Feb GPS. Mount's Bay/Newlyn Harbour: A second cal on 7th Jan, 12th - 13th Jan, 26th Feb, 23rd Apr, with two second cal on 13th - 15th Jan BD, BKM, DE, SGR, SK, SMC, DIJ: A fourth cal on 17th Feb. Nanjizal: A second cal intermittently 23rd Jan - 2nd May, with two second cal on 23rd Jan and 30th Mar KAW. Newquay: A second cal on 25th Mar SMC. Penberth: A second cal on 19th Feb, presumably one of the Nanjizal birds JL. Porthgwarra: A second cal on 25th - 29th Apr, presumably one of the Nanjizal birds KAW. Sancreed: One on 20th Apr, presumably one of the Mount's Bay birds. Sennen: A second cal on 1st Apr, 23rd Apr, 27th Apr and 7th May, presumably one of the Nanjizal birds JL, JDS, DSF. Siblyback Res: A second cal on 12th Mar SMC. St Ives Bay: A second cal on 16th Jan and 27th Feb, presumably the Hayle bird. St Just: A second cal on 7th Feb and 22nd Mar JDS. St Loy: One on 8th May, presumably the Nanjizal bird BSW. Tater-du: A second cal on 8th May JDS. Trevilley: Two on 8th April, presumably the Nanjizal birds. Trevose Head: A second cal on 23rd Mar SMC. Treyarnon Bay: A second cal on 25th Mar, presumably the Trevose Head bird SMC.

79 Birds showing characteristics of the form known as Kumlien's Gull L. g. kumlienii were noted as follows: Hayle Estuary: An adult on 23rd - 24th Mar LPW, BD, BKM. Siblyback Res: A fourth cal on 11th Mar SMC. 1998 Camel Est: One on 21st Feb - 1st Mar SMC et al. Hayle Est: One on 7th - 26th Feb LPW et al. The county mainland record total is now c. 7 since 1979. Previous records were of adults in Mount's Bay in 1979, at Newquay in 1996, on the Hayle Estuary and the Camel Estuary in 1998 and at Drift reservoir in 1999. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 4 1 ------

GLAUCOUS GULL - Larus hyperboreus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Estimating the number of individual birds can be extremely difficult when they spend several weeks or months in an area, move extensively around the area and return to sites periodically. Only by making detailed notes of plumage details can observers identify individuals, keep track of their movements and calculate how many birds are involved in the sightings. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 3 4 3 1 2 1 - - - - 1 Camel Estuary: A second cal on 15th Mar, presumably the Harlyn Bay bird SMC. Cot Valley: One on 5th Jun. Drift Res: A second cal on 10th Jan, 2nd - 3rd Feb, 12th Feb, 15th Feb, 27th and 29th Feb GH. Harlyn Bay: A second cal on 29th Feb, 4th and 14th Mar SMC. Hayle Est: A second cal on 18th Feb, 13th - 15th Mar and 11th - 17th Apr LPW: A first cal on 15th Dec LPW. Lamorna Valley: A first cal on 29th Aug - presumably the Newlyn bird BDB. : A second cal on 14th Jan SG. Mount's Bay/Newlyn Harbour: A second cal on 7th Jan - 23rd Jul BD, DE, SMC, PAF, DIJ. Nanjizal: A second cal on 23rd Jan, presumably the Mount's Bay bird KAW. Par Docks: A second cal on 24th Apr RL. Portquin: An adult on 11th Mar BSW. Sancreed: A second cal on 20th Jan, presumably the Mount's Bay bird DSF. St Agnes Head: A second cal on 17th Jan DC. St Buryan: A second cal on 7th Mar, presumably the Mount's Bay bird JL. St Ives Bay: A second cal on 16th Jan, presumably the Mount's Bay bird SMC.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus marinus Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers were well below average during the first half of the year, but back nearer to average in the second half. The count of breeding Great Black-backed Gulls, as part of Seabird 2000, produced a total of three hundred and eighty-two pairs spread around the coast in the county during June. The breeding birds have not been included in the approximate monthly total for June, as they have been collated in a different manner from normal counts and their inclusion would distort historical comparisons.

80 • King Eider, Marazion, February 2000 - • Subalpine Warbler, Land's End, May 2000 - Ian Wilson Paul Hopkins

• Gyr Falcon, , March 2000 - Ian Wilson • Black Kite, Trethewey, August 2000 - Ian Wilson Eastern form of Lesser Whitethroat, Nanjizal, October 2000 - Ian Wilson

Radde's Warbler, St. Leven, October 2000 - Gary Cockill Yellow-billed Cuckoo, St. Levari, October 2000 - Ian Wilson

Temminck's Stint, Davidstow Airfield, September 2000 - Peter Leigh • Blue Rock Thrush, Geevor, May 2000 - • Black-headed Wagtail / melanogrisea, Paul Hopkins Maer Lake, May 2000 - Graham Sutton

• Barred Warbler, Nanquidno Valley, A Red-eyed Vireo, Cot Valley, October 2000 - October 2000 - Dave Nye Dave Nye Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 355 306 229 205 102 146 239 113 603 719 282 809 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 98 149 106 56 5 40 54 69 36 104 97 143 Drift Res. 12 14 6 5 3 6 2 5 7 10 21 18 Fowey Est. - - - 3 - 1 - - 1 - 1 1 Gannel Est. - - - 2 12 18 9 2 2 4 2 5 Hayle Est. - 22 22 35 18 8 12 4 8 84 23 5 Helford River - - - 5 4 3 1 2 2 6 5 5 Loe Pool 50 - - - 1 2 1 2 - 8 22 6 Looe Est. - - - 73 21 20 100 - 100 131 80 191 Lynher Est. 1 5 4 1 3 5 2 5 16 28 10 11 Mount's Bay 10 1 15 - - - - - 25 - - 300 Par 32 1 3 4 2 - 1 2 2 2 Ruan Lanihorne 16 82 11 7 8 17 33 4 6 135 - 40 Tamar Est. - Lower 15 20 5 4 13 4 14 1 13 4 6 12 Tamar Est. - Upper 3 13 6 7 4 6 6 9 5 10 8 8 Other reports include: Downderry: Eighty on 11th Sep. Gerrans Bay: Fifty-five on 17th Dec. Gull Rock, Nare Head: Fifty-five on 19th Jan: Forty-five on 5th Mar. Hannafore: Fifty-five on 7th Jan. Lizard Point: 190 on 11th Oct. Pentewan: 100 on 26th Sep.

Seabird 2000 - Breeding was noted as follows: Bedruthan to Treyarnon: Two pairs. Long Rock: One pair. Cadgwith to Helford River: Eight pairs. Looe Island: Sixty-five pairs. Chapel Porth to Perranporth: Eight pairs. Minnow's Island: Two pairs. Cligga Head: Four pairs. Mousehole: One pair. Falmouth to Cremyll: Fifty-six pairs. Mousehole west to St Ives: Thirty-five pairs. Godrevy Island: Twenty-five pairs. Mullion to Predannack: Forty-nine pairs. : One pair. New Polzeath to Boscastle: Twenty-three pairs. Gull Rocks, Penhale Point: Seventeen pairs. Newlyn: Six pairs. Gulval: Two pairs. Perran Bay to Holywell: One pair. Hayle Towans to Chapel Porth: Twenty-four pairs. Penzance: Nine pairs. Hoe Point to Rinsey: Two pairs. St Agnes to Chapel Porth: Four pairs. Kenneggy Downs: Two pairs. St Ives: Five pairs. Kynance to Cadgwith: Ten pairs. Trevelgue Head to Merope Rock: Two pairs. Ligger Point to Porth: Eighteen pairs. West Lizard: Two pairs.

KITTIWAKE - Rissa tridactyla Breeding summer visitor, abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. The count of breeding Kittiwakes, as part of Seabird 2000, produced a total of one thousand nine hundred and fifty-six apparently occupied nests spread around the coast during June - a breakdown is shown below. The count of 12,589 at St Ives on 14th December is the largest since the report of 25,000 past Rumps Point on 30th December 1994. Reports include: Camel Est: Two on 25th Mar: Six on 1st Jun: Two on 4th Jun: One on 6th Aug.

81 Cape Cornwall: 6,000 on 6th Dec. Chapel Point: One on 4th Jan. Drift Res: One on 15th Nov. : Eight on 29th Apr. Hannafore: Fifty on 31st Dec. Harlyn Bay: One on 15th Jan. Hayle Est: One on 9th Dec. Lizard point: One on 23rd May. Maer Lake: One on 15th Feb. Mount's Bay: Four on 13th Jan: Two on 12th May: Two on 10th Sep: New Polzeath, Boscastle: Seventy-six on 1st Jun. Pendeen Watch: 3,850 on 24th Jan: Eighteen on 26th Mar. One on 15th May: 744 on 23rd Oct: 1,091 on 25th Oct: 500 on 14th Dec. Pentewan: 500 on 5th Jan: Twenty on 20th Apr: Thirty on 21st Apr: Ten on 12th May. Pentire Point: 100 on 31st Oct. Porthgwarra: 128 on 2nd Jan: Ninety-seven on 23rd Aug: Eight on 24th Aug: Twelve on 25th Aug: Nine on 26th Aug: Three on 27th Aug: Eleven on 28th Aug: One on 29th Aug: 212 on 24th Oct: 516 on 27th Oct: 334 on 28th Oct: 100 on 7th Nov. Rumps Point, Pentire: One on 18th Mar. St Agnes Head: Eighty on 29th Jan: 840 on 2nd Nov: 140 on 26th Nov. St Austell Bay: 200 on 5th Jan: 100 on 7th Jan: One on 11th Feb: Twelve on 3rd Mar: Six on 23rd May: Ten on 18th May: One on 1st Jun: Ten on 3rd Jun: Five on 9th Jun: One on 26th Oct: Fifty on 5th Dec. St Ives Island: One on 1st Jan: 150 on 18th Jan: Ten on 11th Jul: 165 on 10th Oct: 213 on 12th Oct: 158 on 13th Oct: 12,589 on 14th Dec. Towan Head: 1,350 on 5th Jan. Trevose Head: 200 on 15th Jan: Twenty-five on 23rd Apr: One on 26th Apr: Twenty on 2nd May.

Seabird 2000 - Apparently occupied nests were reported as follows: Dinas Head to Stepper Point: Seventy-two. Marble Cliffs: Fifty. Hayle Towans to Chapel Porth: Eleven. Mousehole west to St Ives: 377. Hoe Point to Rinsey: Ninety-one. Mullion to Predannack: 100. Kenneggy Downs to Porthleven: Ninety-one. Towan Head: 1,164.

SANDWICH TERN - Sterna sandvicensis Common passage migrant and rare winter visitor. The autumn passage appeared to finish earlier with few birds being seen in October. The last two years have produced less numbers than 1997 and 1998, being closer to the average for the earlier part of the 1990's. The Camel and Hayle Estuaries appear to be regular stopping off places for this species. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 40 221 150 43 165 779 512 38 5 - Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - 2 7 4 6 47 78 27 - - - Hayle Est. - - - 21 3 - 4 80 58 3 - - Mounts Bay - - 10 8 7 1 5 30 9 2 1 - Par - - 7 5 31 - 6 18 8 3 - - St. Ives Bay ------10 61 3 1 -

82 St John's Lake - - - - 6 - 12 30 10 - - - Trevose Head - - - 2 - - - - 78 - - -

COMMON TERN - Sterna hirundo Passage migrant. Numbers fluctuate greatly from year to year, and this was one of the quieter years with no large flocks anywhere in the county. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 93 2 4 31 241 24 13 1 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hayle Est. ------2 8 - 2 - - Mount's Bay - - - - 1 - - 30 9 - 1 - Par - - - 2 12 - - 7 - - - - St. Ives Bay ------16 30 - 1 - - St John's Lake ------3 15 - - - - Other reports include: Bude Breakwater: Fifty-two on 30th Apr. Porthgwarra: Seventy-three on 28th Aug.

ARCTIC TERN - Sterna paradisaea Uncommon passage migrant. Few birds were recorded, and this must rate as one of the poorest years in recent times. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 12 4 - 3 7 10 2 - Cape Cornwall: One on 1st Nov. Crowdy Res: A first cal on 22nd Sep. Downderry: Four on 8th Jun. Hayle Est: Six on 22nd Sep. Loe Pool: One on 20th Aug. Marazion Marsh: One on 6th May. Par Beach: Eleven on 11th May. Pendeen Watch: Ten on 2nd Oct. Porthgwarra: One on 22nd Aug. St John's Lake: One on 30th Aug. Towan Head: One on 1st Nov.

FORSTER'S TERN - Sterna forsteri Very rare vagrant. 1998 Devoran: A first cal on 5th Nov MM, CDRH. The mainland total is now c. 5 since 1980. Previous records were at Swanpool in January 1980 (the first British record), on the Lynher Estuary in October 1982, at Hayle/St Ives in January 1987 and at Par in October 1990.

83 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 ------2 1 -

LITTLE TERN - Sterna albifrons Uncommon passage migrant. Although the spring migration was poor with only one bird recorded, the autumn passage was about average for recent years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 - 9 14 - 2 - - Camel Est: A first cal on 26th - 27th Aug. Hayle Est: Five on 23rd - 24th July: Twelve on 25th Aug. Mount's Bay: Four on 23rd Jul. Par Beach: One on 10th May. Towan Head: One on 3rd Aug. Trevose Head: One on 2nd Oct: One on 10th Oct.

WHISKERED TERN - Chlidonias hybridus Very rare vagrant. 1999: Hayle: A first cal on 21st Oct IK et al. No report was submitted on this bird at the time, but it has now been accepted by the BBRC. The county mainland total is now c. 9. Previous records were on the Amble River in May 1958, at Marazion in May 1964, at Marazion in June 1965, at Ruan Lanihorne in April 1968, at Sennen in May 1983, at Stithians Reservoir in Jul 1987, at Hayle Estuary in June 1989 and at Tregunna in May 1995. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 4 2 1 - - 1 - -

BLACK TERN - Chlidonias niger Uncommon passage migrant. An average year by comparison with the 1990's. As with Little Terns, the spring passage was very quiet with only one record. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - - - 66 6 12 - - Camel Est: Four on 22nd - 23rd Aug. Drift Res: One on 28th Sep. Gannel Est: Two on 27th Sep. Hayle Est: Four on 23rd Aug: Two on 25th Aug: Two on 25th Sep. Killigerran Head: An adult on 22nd Aug. Loe Pool: Twenty-five on 23rd Aug. Maer Lake: A first cal on 23rd Aug: An adult and a first cal on 24th Aug: A first cal on 25th - 26th Sep. Mount's Bay: Five on 23rd Aug. Par: An adult on 24th Apr. Pendeen Watch: Three on 28th Aug.

84 Porthgwarra: Eight on 23rd Aug: Three on 28th Aug: One on 31st Aug. St Ives Bay: One on 5th Oct: Two on 10th - 11th Oct. St Levan: Four on 24th Aug. Stithians Res: Four on 22nd Aug. Trevose Head: Nine on 2nd Oct.

COMMON GUILLEMOT - Uria aalge Breeding summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. There were no records of more than one hundred birds, other than those produced by Seabird 2000 and shown below. Reports include: Lamorna: Forty-five on 3rd Oct. Lizard point: Eighty-eight on 11th Oct.

Seabird 2000 - Breeding was reported as follows: Cats Cove: Thirty-six birds on ledges. Mousehole west to St Ives: Thirty-five birds on Chapel Porth to Perranporth: 146 birds on ledges. ledges. Dinas Head: Forty-five birds on ledges. Mullion to Predannack: Eight birds on ledges. Falmouth to Cremyll: 148 birds on ledges. New Polzeath to Boscastle: 492 birds on ledges. Gull Rock, Nare Head: 160 birds on ledges. Penally to Carnakey: Seventy-five birds on ledges. Hayle Towans to Chapel Point: 486 birds on ledges. St Agnes to Chapel Porth: Sixty birds on ledges.

RAZORBILL - Alca torda Breeding summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. There were only three counts of over one hundred birds, including those produced by Seabird 2000 and shown below, and numbers were below normal. Reports include: : 120 on 18th Jan. Loe Bar: Fifty-six on 19th Jan. The Brisons: 100 on 31st May.

Seabird 2000 - Breeding was reported as follows:

Bawden Rocks: Fifty-two birds on ledges. Mousehole west to St Ives: Fifty-one birds on ledges. Cat's Cove: Thirty-five birds on ledges. Mullion to Predannack: Two birds on ledges. Chapel Porth to Perranporth: Sixty-four birds on New Polzeath to Boscastle: Seventy-eight birds on ledges. ledges. Dinas Head to Stepper Point: Nine birds on ledges. Perran Bay to Holywell Valley: Six birds on ledges. Falmouth to Cremyll: One bird on ledge. Penally to Carnakey: Forty-four birds on ledges. Hayle Towans to Chapel Porth: 177 birds on ledges. St Agnes to Chapel Porth: Twelve birds on ledges. Ligger Point to Porth: Six birds on ledges.

AUK sp. (Common Guillemot or ) Reports include: Pendeen Watch: 1,600 on 24th Jan. Porthgwarra: 3,850 on 2nd Jan: 1000 on 14th Dec. Rumps Point, Pentire: 32,870 on 31st Oct. St Ives Island: 21354 on 14th Dec. Trevose Head: 2,000 on 15th Jan.

85 BLACK GUILLEMOT - Cepphus grylle Rare visitor, sometimes over-wintering. Carrick Roads/St Mawes: One on 4th Jan, 9th Jan, 13th Feb and 4th Mar WS, SMC, BKM, DE, GHT. Hannafore/Looe: An adult on 29th Jan EJW, GDL. Lizard Point: A first cal on 11th Oct IS. Pendeen Watch: One on 29th Sep JL. Two on 8th Oct PBT. The mainland total now stands at c. 63 since 1930. St Ives Bay remains the most popular site with fourteen records. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 13 6 3 7 2 2 - - 4 8 8 10

LITTLE AUK - Alle alle Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Caerhays// Bay/Charlestown: One on 17th - 21st Jan RL. Cape Cornwall: One on 7th Nov: Three on 5th - 6th Dec: Four on 14th Dec MTE. Liskeard: One taken into veterinary surgery on 12th Nov AECA. Pendeen Watch: One on 23rd Oct SMC. Porthgwarra: One on 10th Dec BKM. Sennen Cove: Three on 9th - 10th Dec. with one on 11th Dec JL. St Ives Island: One on 30th Oct BKM: Three on 31st Oct BKM: Two on 14th Dec SMC. St Mawes: An oiled bird on 9th Jan SMC. The county mainland total increases to c. 1377 since 1943. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 117 133 39 3 - 1 - - 4 113 462 528

PUFFIN - Fratercula arctica Scarce breeding summer resident, uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Reports include: Pendeen Watch: One on 10th Jul: One on 3rd Aug: One on 25th Oct. Pentire Point: One on 30th Apr: Three on 4th Jun. Porthgwarra: One on 12th Mar: Three on 13th Apr: Eight on 4th Jun: One on 2nd Jul: One on 29th Jul: One on 27th Aug: Three on 23rd Oct. Rumps Point, Pentire: Six on 30th Apr: Six on 7th Jun. Seaton: One on 12th Mar.

Seabird 2000 - Breeding was reported as follows: Bawden Rocks: Two birds on ledges. New Polzeath to Boscastle: Twenty-five birds on Chapel Porth to Perranporth: Two birds on ledges. ledges. Mousehole west to St Ives: Six birds on ledges.

86 FERAL PIGEON / ROCK DOVE - Columba livia Breeding resident. Pure Rock Doves are unlikely to have survived inter-breeding with feral pigeons. Reports include: Camel Estuary: Fifty-three on 16th Jun: Forty-seven on 4th Aug: Fifty-three on 11th Sep. Saltash: Sixty-five on 9th Dec. Stithians Res: Seventy-two on 11th Oct.

STOCK DOVE - Columba oenas Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. The number of records received has dropped by eighty-eight per cent when compared with last year. The main reduction is in winter months and presumably reflects the effect of mild weather on the size of the wintering population. Approximate monthly totals - 2000: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 90 70 59 20 6 10 3 14 7 68 21 9 Approximate monthly totals - 1999: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 518 450 168 15 27 46 23 78 20 296 1559 30 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 3 - 3 5 2 3 3 14 7 4 - 2 Drift Res. 28 2 - 1 2 - - - - - 3 - Other reports include: Higher Lampetho Farm: Forty on 28th Feb: Forty-five on 1st - 6th Mar. Lamorna Valley: 200 on 16th Jan and 20th Feb.

WOOD PIGEON - Columba palumbus Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Comparison of this year's records with those of last year indicates a huge reduction in the number of winter visitors this autumn. Whilst one assumes that there was more than one Wood Pigeon in the county in July and December, only one was reported. Approximate monthly totals - 2000: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 685 243 313 13 2 9 1 7 12 237 130 1 Approximate monthly totals - 1999: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 151 88 222 40 49 98 5 189 9 125 13612 498 Reports include: Drift Res: 150 on 1st - 31st Jan: 160 on 27th Feb: 150 on 4th Mar. St Jidgey: 400 on 9th Jan.

COLLARED DOVE - Streptopelia decaocto Resident breeder with some dispersal in spring and autumn. This species continues to flourish in the county with some quite large flocks now being seen on an annual basis. Groups are often seen in spring as they search for new territories.

87 Reports include: Higher Lampetho Farm: Fifteen on 6th Jan. Newlyn: Seventeen on 11th Nov. Polgigga: Forty-five on 27th Oct. Sancreed: Seventeen on 25th Apr. Sennen: Ninety on 7th May. Tregrehan: Twenty-three on 19th Oct.

TURTLE DOVE - Streptopelia turtur Passage migrant and occasional summer resident. Probably bred in 1981, 1978 and 1977. Numbers were very similar to last year, but with three late birds in October. Figures produced by a Nature Conservancy Trust census in 2000 indicated a seventy per cent reduction in the UK population during the previous thirty years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 13 4 - 1 7 3 - - Camel Est: One on 24th Sep. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 12th May. Downderry: One on 3rd June. Kenidjack: One on 2nd May. Kynance Downs: One on 13th May. Land's End: One on 4th May and two on 5th May: One on 13th May: One on 8th Jun: One on 22nd Sep. Lizard Village: One on 11th May. Nanjizal: One on 1st May: One on 4th May: Two on 26th Jun: One on 23rd Aug: Two on 23rd Sep: One on 21 st Oct. Penlee Point, Rame Head: One on 11th Sep Polgigga: One on 19th - 22nd Oct, possibly the same bird as Nanjizal. Porthgwarra: One on 6th May. Raftra Farm: One on 27th May. Sancreed: One on 29th Sep. Sennen: One on 30th Apr - 1st May: One on 7th May: One on 14th May: One on 1st Sep: One on 1st Oct. Skewjack: One on 29th Apr - 1st May: One on 25th Aug.

COMMON CUCKOO - Cuculus canorus Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. The first birds of the year arrived on 22nd April, with numbers peaking in May. The latest report was of a bird on 16th Sep. Reports were received for thirty-four sites. The number of birds reported in April was similar to last year, but there were only half as many birds in May and less than a fifth in June. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 17 28 7 1 1 1 - - - Reports include: : One on 27th Apr and 2nd May, with two on 15th May. Cam Brea, Camborne: Two on 11th Jun. Colliford Res: Singles on 16th May and 16th Sep.

88 Hayle Kimbro Pool: One on 22nd Apr. : Six on 1st Jun. Ninestones Bridge: Two on 28th May. Porthgwarra: Two on 22nd Apr: Singles on 28th Apr and 29th - 30th May. Predannack: One on 29th Apr and two on 30th Apr. Clay Pit: Two on 2nd May.

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO - Coccyzus americanus Very rare vagrant. St Levan: An adult on 12th - 13th Oct GNS, LH, AC et al. This attractive American was quite elusive on the first day of its stay as it moved up down and around the valley, but the following day it settled in the upper part of the western side of the valley, adjacent to the small stream. Then, although still occasionally elusive, it provided some excellent views on a nice sunny day. Unfortunately, the weather deteriorated and it was not to be found thereafter. The county mainland total is now c. 6 since 1938. Previous records were at on 7th October 1938 (of which the report said "unfortunately shot, though it had little hope of making the return flight"), at St Mawes on 4th - 7th Nov 1971, at Penzance on 9th October 1980, a dead bird picked up at Pendeen on 13th October 1985, and last years bird at Cot on 10th October. Apart from the St Mawes bird, all have been found between 7th and 14th October. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------5 1 -

BARN OWL - Tyto alba Scarce breeding resident with some dispersal. Loss of breeding sites, the destruction of habitat and increased road traffic has a detrimental effect on this vulnerable species. There were reports from fifty-nine locations, fourteen less than last year, and breeding was reported at six sites. All of the reports were of single birds apart from the following: Duloe: Two on 1st Jun. : Two on 8th Jul. Lantundle: Two on 1st Jun. Polgreen Farm: Two on 23rd Oct. Portmellon: Two on 2nd Jul. Rosecraddock: Two on 5th Dec. Sheffield (Mousehole): Two on 5th Jul. : Two on 5th Oct. St Clement: Two on 13th Jul. : Two on 22nd Feb. : Two on 1st Jun.

LITTLE OWL - Athene noctua Very scarce breeding resident. The 1937 report mentions that this species was 'black listed' by , Devon and Cornwall County Councils for up to five years on unscientific evidence (there was even a theory that they killed birds and mammals in order to later enjoy a feast of carrion beetles at the corpse) and that it had become a rare bird in Cornwall. This species remains a rare sight in the county today.

89 Little Owl (Kester Wilson)

Blackpool Pit: One on 3rd Jun WS, ABS. : One seen on several occasions through the year, with two on 26th Jan BKM, SMC, WS, ABS, DE, MKW. Heligan, Mevagissey: One on 10th Aug BH. Minions: One on 30th Jul DE. Pentire Farm: One on 2nd Apr and 28th Sep SMC. Porth Joke: One on 1st Jun - 29th Jul SGR. Portmellon: Two on 2nd Jul BO. Portwrinkle: One on 1st Jan WDL. Rame Head: One on 22nd Mar and 23rd Apr PE, VRT. Stithians: One on 7th May SFE: Two on 1st - 12th Jul GHT.

TAWNY OWL - Strix aluco Widespread breeding resident. Found in suitable habitat across the county, and the most widespread of the owl family. Birds were reported at thirty-nine locations. Most reports were of one or two birds. Figures produced by a Nature Conservancy Trust census in 2000 indicated a thirty-three per cent increase in the UK population, following a fifteen per cent decline over the previous twenty-five years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 2 3 11 9 6 10 7 4 7 1 3 Reports include: : Four on 24th Apr. Prideaux Wood: Three on 8th Jul.

LONG-EARED OWL - Asio otus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasionally breeds. Breeding was confirmed at a new site in the west of the county, making two sites where breeding has been confirmed. There is a further site where breeding is suspected. Trevose Head: One on 1st Oct LW. 1999 correction: Rame Head: The report on 28th Sep is no longer included in the records. The county mainland total advances to c. 109 since 1933. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 10 8 7 2 5 - 10 3 20 14 18 * three undated

90 SHORT-EARED OWL - Asio flammeus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. There were reports from only twelve locations this year, compared with twenty-one last year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 4 3 2 1 - - - - 5 6 1 Bartinney Downs: Two on 11th - 12th Mar. Caer Bran: Four on 1st Jan: One on 2nd May: Three on 16th Nov. : One on 11th Dec. Kynance Downs: One on 13th Feb. Lizard Village: One on 17th Nov. Marazion Marsh: One on 4th Oct. Penlee Point, Rame Head: One on 22nd Oct and 14th Nov. Porthgwarra: One on 20th Oct and 7th Nov. Predannack Airfield: One on 29th - 30th Mar and 2nd Apr. St Ives Island: One on 13th Oct. Tregonetha Downs: Two on 26th Feb. Trevose Head: Singles on 8th Apr and 17th Oct.

NIGHTJAR - Caprimulgus europaeus Scarce breeding summer visitor and rare passage migrant. The Nightjar was formerly a more common breeding species in the county, but is now restricted to a small number of sites. There appears to have been an increase in numbers during recent years. Breeding season information was received from the following areas. Figures represent maximum number of 'churring' males. 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 Bodmin Moor 3 5 4 1 3 3 3 Lizard - Site 1 3 2 2 1 1 2 1 Site 2 - 2 3 2 - - - Newquay 2 2 - 1 - - - St. Austell - Site 1 2 - 1 2 1 1 2 Site 2 1 Site 3 2 Site 4 1 Site 5 1 West Penwith - Site 1 3 2 2 2 3 4 3 Site 2 2 2 2 1 2 3 2

Total 20 15 14 10 10 13 11

91 COMMON SWIFT - Apus apus Passage migrant and breeding summer visitor. The number of birds reported this year was less than half of last years total. The first report was at Trevose Head on 24th Apr, and the last of a late bird on 13th October at Penlee Point, Rame Head. Numbers of this species are dropping in the U.K. and additional counts would be appreciated e.g. in a town or specific area on summer evenings. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 11 1001 655 647 261 2 1 - - Reports include: Camel Est: 148 on 21st Jul. Colliford Res: 150 on 11th Jun. Land's End: 200 on 3rd Jul. Malpas: 100 on 28th May. Pentewan: 150 on 12th Jun. St Austell Sewage Works: 100 on 8th May: 200 on 12th May: 150 on 26th May: 100 on 2nd Jun: 100 on 12th Jun Trewithen: 100 on 28th May.

COMMON KINGFISHER - Alcedo atthis Scarce breeding resident, migrant, some dispersal and winter visitor. There were reports from sixty-two localities, two more than last year. The majority of records were of single birds, with a few of two birds, and only five of three birds. Larger numbers moved through Nanjizal in Autumn than have been seen in previous years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 15 3 6 7 3 7 12 30 37 26 11 16 Reports include: Camel Est: Three on 18th Sep. Lynher Est: Three on 20th Aug. Nanjizal: Three on 12th Aug. St Germans: Three on 20th Aug. Tamar Est: Three on 22nd Oct.

HOOPOE - Upupa epops Scarce drift migrant. Coverack: One on 28th Sep DW. : One on 27th Apr MFJ. Predannack: One on 29th Apr SFE, DW et al. Sennen Cove: One on 1st May BSW. St Levari: One on 29th Apr BSW. The county mainland total is now c. 494 since 1932. With only five records, one less than last year and well below the average for the last twenty years, this was the worst year since 1975. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 7 92 216 71 16 7 14 34 23 11 - *three undated

92 WRYNECK - Jynx torquilla Scarce passage migrant. Bude: One on 24th - 25th Sep picked up exhausted GPS, JCP. Camanton: One on 26th Apr SMC. Drift Res: One on 2nd Oct BSW. Gillan: One on 30th Aug per KAW. Kenidjack: One on 9th - 11th Sep DBn. Kynance Downs: One on 9th - 10th Sep DE, PLS. Lamorna: One on 16th Oct per KAW. Land's End: One on 2nd Oct RA. Lizard Village: One on 5th Sep MT. Maer Lake: One on 25th Sep GPS. Marazion Marsh: One on 9th Nov DSF. Mullion: One on 19th Sep MT. Nanquidno: One on 6th - 8th Oct GH, DE, DIJ. Porthgwarra: One on 6th - 20th Sep: Two on 1st Oct and one on 2nd Oct. BKM Rame Head: One on 25th - 28th Aug EJW, MB, GDL, GJT, AECA. Tregoss: One on 24th Aug per KAW. Trevose Head: One on 26th - 31st Aug SMC. 1999: : One on 25th Aug JCP. The county mainland total is now c. 350 since 1946. This was the best year since 1993 which had one more report and was the highest annual total ever recorded. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 2 18 11 1 1 37 208 66 5 -

GREEN WOODPECKER - Picus viridus Breeding resident. This species appears to be in decline in many parts of Britain. There were reports from fifty-nine localities, four more than last year. Most reports were of single birds, with a few of two birds, and only three of more than two birds. Reports include: Lamelgate: Eight on 1st Jun. : Three on 8th Sep. Trembath: Three on 8th Apr.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos major Breeding resident, with some dispersal. The most widespread of the family in Cornwall but there were reports from only fifty-six localities, three less than Green Woodpecker. Most reports were of single birds, with a few of two birds, and only three of more than two birds. Reports include: Boscundle: Three on 1st Jul. Lamelgate: Six on 1st Jun. Respryn: Three on 12th Jan.

93 LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos minor Rare resident. Only one documented report this year, the lowest since 1994 and 1995 when there were three and two reports respectively. It has been reported that there has been a seventy-two per cent decline in the national population and, as Cornwall is on the fringe of its normal range, its future in the county must be in doubt. Ferry Farm, : One heard in Mar and Apr JH.

SHORT-TOED LARK - Calandrella brachydactyla Rare vagrant. Reskajeage Downs: One on 18th - 19th Oct LL, DSF. The mainland total increases to c. 26 since 1959. This is the third record for Reskajeage, the first being on 7th November 1985 and the second on 8th - 10th November 1987. Sennen has had six records and Porthgwarra four. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 3 - - 1 7 10 2 -

WOOD LARK - Lullula arborea Rare resident that occasionally breeds. Some dispersal with possibility of migrants. This species was formerly widespread in the county with breeding records from many areas until 1968. There was then a gradual contraction in range, and breeding was last confirmed in 1983. However, the national population has been expanding recently and, with birds breeding over the border in Devon, a re-colonisation is not impossible. Last years wintering birds remained at Reskajeage into 2000 and were joined by additional birds elsewhere in the county. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 45 2 ------5 3 1 Madron: Five on 1st Jan, reducing to two by 19th Feb MS. Marazion Marsh: One on 3rd Nov DSF: Three on 4th Nov: One on 4th Dec DSF. Porthgwarra: Four on 22nd Oct: Two on 26th Oct. MKW, SMC Reskadinnick: Seven on 1st Jan DIJ, SMC: Thirteen on 6th Jan SMC: Nineteen on 14th Jan SMC: Fourteen on 27th Jan LL: Fourteen on 30th Jan SFE. Reskajeage Downs: Fifteen on 1st Jan: Fourteen on 24th Jan. DSF Sennen: One on 6th Oct GH. Tregavarras: Two on 31st Jan BD: Whitecross: Four on 1st - 9th Jan MS.

SKY LARK - Alauda avensis Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. The decline of this species in Britain is well documented. There were many more Skylarks in January than there were last year, but they are early breeders and numbers were much reduced by February. It is thought that the low numbers in the summer months reflect some under-recording whilst the birds are widespread over suitable breeding habitat, rather

94 than being in more easily counted flocks. There was a large increase in numbers in October as birds gathered into flocks and migrants arrived to winter. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1503 70 55 21 56 42 10 9 29 1314 534 274 Reports include: Bonython: Fifty on 27th Jan. Dodman Point: 200 on 6th Jan: Sixty on 18th Jan. Garvinack Farm: 200 on 2nd Jan. Higher Lampetho Farm: Fifty on 27th Jan and 5th Dec. Kit Hill: Seventeen pairs. Lamelgate: Nineteen pairs. Madron: Fifty on 22nd Mar. Nanjizal: 120 on 4th Nov and eighty on 6th Nov. North Cliffs: 600 on 24th Oct. Penlee Point, Rame Head: 100 on 16th and 26th Oct: Ninety on 14th Nov. Porthgwarra: 210 on 22nd Oct. : Eighty on 20th Dec. Reskajeage Downs: 250 on 17th Oct and 4th Nov. St Anthony Head: 150 on 16th Jan. St Just: Sixty-four on 8th Jan. St Levan: Fifty on 22nd Oct. St Mawes: Sixty on 12th Jan. Tehidy Country Park: 200 on 27th Jan. Treen: 112 on 23rd Jan. Trenow/Boat Cove: Fifty on 9th Jan. Trevose Farm: Fifty on 22nd Oct. Whitecross: 128 on 9th Jan.

SAND MARTIN - Riparia riparia Passage migrant and breeding summer visitor. A typical year with the spring migration commencing in March and with the biggest movements in April - one feels sorry for these early migrants when the wind inevitably turns northerly and cold. Records were lower than last year during most months in which birds were present. The autumn migration goes largely unreported in the south-west as birds normally head south quickly on a more easterly route. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1465 4116 701 203 346 38 64 1 - - Reports include: Camel Estuary: 170 on 17th Mar: 140 on 25th Apr. Colliford Est: 1000 on 23rd Apr. Maer Lake: 400 on 11th Mar: 220 on 20th Apr. Marazion Marsh: Three on 5th Mar: 110 on 1st May: 100 on 3rd and 4th May: 125 on 12th May. Morwenstow: Two on 5th Mar. Nanjizal: 100 on 26th Apr and 300 on 27th Apr: 145 on 20th Jul. Penlee Point, Rame Head: One on 13th Oct. Siblyback Res: 120 on 25th Apr.

95 Spit Point: One on 16th Jan. St Austell Sewage Works: 100 on 11th, 15th, 18th, 20th and 25th Apr. Trekelvesteps: Nine pairs. Walmsley Sane: One on 28th Feb. Breeding season records were received for the following colonies. Figures represent number of occupied nest holes: P = present but not counted. 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Carluddon Clay Pits 20 Gunwalloe 50 Lamelgate 9 4 6 8 - - - - Loe Bar - 20 P 20 24 10 - - 10 53 20 P 12 15 - - P Treskilling Clay Pit 20 30 75 46 77 40 30 40

BARN SWALLOW - Hirundo rustica Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Forms large roosts in early autumn. Spring movements were about average for the last few years, but autumn was very poor with the largest reported flock being one of only three hundred birds. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 15 3896 1120 645 439 1707 657 249 65 11 Reports include: Camel Est: 240 on 25th Aug. Cape Cornwall Golf Course: 250 on 27th Apr. Charlestown: 100 on 12th May. Chyenhal: 100 on 19th Aug. Colliford Res: 150 on 24th Apr: 115 on 25th Apr: 120 on 24th Jun: 130 on 19th Aug. Drift Res: 100 on 12th Sep. Harewood: 200 on 6th Aug. Lamelgate: Twenty-four pairs. Lamorna Valley: One on 22nd Jan. Marazion Marsh: 160 on 12th May: 100 on 12th Aug: 200 on 19th Sep: One on 24th Dec. Nanjizal: 100 on 26th Apr: 300 on 27th Apr: 180 on 29th May: 300 on 1st Jul. Par Beach Pool: 100 on 18th Apr. Sancreed: 100 on 26th Apr. Siblyback Res: 180 on 25th Apr. St Austell Sewage Works: 100 on 18th Apr: 150 on 19th Apr: 200 on 20th Apr: 120 on 21 st Apr: 150 on 24th Apr: 250 on 25th Apr: 100 on 3rd May. Tollgate, Wadebridge: 300 on 6th Aug. Wicca: 115 on 8th Apr.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW - Hirundo daurica Very rare vagrant. Marazion: One on 2nd May PAF, AP. The mainland total is now c. 27 since 1977. This is the fifth record at Marazion, there having been three on 5th - 7th November 1987 when there was a small influx into the county, and one on 14th April 1991.

96 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 5 4 - - - - 10 6 -

HOUSE MARTIN - Delichon urbica Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Spring passage numbers were higher than last year, but relatively few birds were reported in autumn. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 8 485 1283 550 120 371 229 32 3 - Reports include: Crowdy Res: 160 on 19th Sep. Lizard Village: 100 on 1st Aug. Pont's Mill: Two on 5th Mar. Rame Head: Two on 14th Nov. St Austell Sewage Works: 100 on 25th Apr: 150 on 3rd May: 200 on 4th May: 150 on 12th May: 200 on 24th May: 150 On 26th May: 100 on 30th May: 150 on 31st May: 200 on 2nd Jun: 100 on 12th Jun.

RICHARD'S PIPIT - Anthus novaseelandiae Vagrant, mainly in autumn, and possible passage migrant. Annual since 1974. Allet: One on 6th Jan DSF. Porthgwarra: One on 22nd Apr DSF: One on 21st - 24th Oct JDB, SMC et al. : One on 20th Dec BKM. The county mainland total is now c. 349 since 1947. There are large fluctuations in the annual numbers of this species. Four is at the bottom end of the range, with an average of thirteen during the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 - 4 13 1 - - - 61 201 54 12

TAWNY PIPIT - Anthus campestris Vagrant, mainly in autumn. Rame Head: A first cal on 17th Sep GSG, GDL. Skewjack: One on 12th Sep - MDW. The county mainland total is now c. 115 since 1949. There have been previous records at Rame Head in 1983 and 1994, but none at Skewjack. Porthgwarra has had forty-one records, Sennen seven, and Land's End and Nanquidno six each. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 4 6 - 3 5 64 31 2 -

LARGE PIPIT Sp. St. Levan: One on 7th Oct.

97 OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT - Anthus hodgsoni Very rare vagrant. St Just: One on 12th - 13th Nov MTE. This is the third county mainland record, and the first recorded in November. Previous records were at Sennen in 1991, and Nanjizal in 1993 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------2 1 -

Olive-backed Pipit (Martin Elliot)

TREE PIPIT - Anthus trivialis Passage migrant in small numbers. Breeds in small numbers in east Cornwall. This was a below average year with numbers much lower than last year. Breeding was reported at seven sites. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 4 5 19 1 26 23 4 - - Reports include: Bastreet: Two on 1 st Jun. Breney Common: Two on 25th May. Caerloggas Downs: Two on 30th Apr. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 5th Oct. Dunmere: One on 19th May. Goonzion Downs: One on 19th May. Kit Hill: Five pairs. Lamelgate: One pair. Nanjizal: One on 29th Jul: Four on 21st Aug: Two on 22nd Aug: One on 24th Aug: Two on 29th Aug: Fifteen on 30th Aug: Four on 3rd Sep: Two on 4th Sep: One on 10th - 11th Sep: One on 1st Oct. Ninestones Bridge: One on 3rd Jun. Porthgwarra: Four on 3rd Sep: Six on 10th Sep: Four on 17th Sep: One on 15th Oct: One on 19th Aug. Predannack: One on 2nd Sep. Rame Head: One on 18th Oct.

98 Rock: Two on 1 st May. Rospannel: One on 12th Sep. Sancreed: One on 31st Aug. Smallacombe Plantation: Two on 1st Jun. : Two on 1st Jun. Trevose Head: Two on 7th Apr.

MEADOW PIPIT - Anthus pratensis Breeding summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Reported numbers were better than last year, both in the first and the second halves of the year, but still well below the levels seen in the mid 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 675 727 182 62 16 109 18 7 564 2369 179 220 Reports include: Bosistow: Fifty-nine on 24th Oct. : Fifty-five on 1 st Jan. Chapel Point: Fifty on 27th Jan. Dodman Point: Fifty on 22nd Mar. Kit Hill: Thirty-five pairs. Lamelgate: Sixteen pairs. Madron: Eighty-one on 4th Jan: Eighty on 20th Oct. Marazion Marsh: Sixty on 19th Sep: Eighty-five on 4th Oct: 123 on 6th Oct: 200 on 7th Oct. Nanjizal: 300 on 17th Oct: 100 on 19th Oct: Sixty on 8th Nov. Nanquidno: Sixty-three on 2nd Feb. New Mill: Sixty on 6th Feb. Pendavey: Fifty on 2nd Jan. Penlee Point, Rame Head: Seventy- five on 22nd Mar: 700 on 8th Oct. Perranuthnoe: Fifty-four on 22nd Jan. Porthcurno: Sixty on 18th Oct. Porthgwarra: Eighty on 22nd Oct: Seventy on 24th Oct. Predannack: Sixty-six on 13th Feb: 200 on 10th Sep. St Austell Sewage Works: Fifty-five on 4th Feb: Sixty on 7th - 9th Oct: Eighty on 10th Feb: 110 on 12th Feb: 120 on 15th - 17th Feb: Eighty on 29th Dec. St Levan: Sixty on 14th Oct. Tregonetha Downs: 100 on 26th Feb. Trenarren: 150 on 6th Oct. Whitecross: Sixty nine on 22nd Feb.

ROCK PIPIT - Anthus petrosus Breeding resident with some dispersal. Rarely seen inland. This species is a common sight, with pairs breeding in suitable habitat around the Cornish coastline. Reports include: Chapel Point: Twenty on 4th Jan. Creek Stephen, Gerrans Bay: Twenty on 4th Dec. Cudden Point: Forty on 27th Jan. Hannafore Point: Twenty on 23rd Dec.

99 Lamorna Valley: Eleven on 6th Jan. Pentire Point: Seventeen on 21st Oct. Porth Joke: Ten on 5th Mar. Towan Beach: Sixteen on 20th Jan. A bird showing characteristics of the form known as Scandinavian Rock Pipit A. s. littoralis was noted as follows: Ryan's Field, Hayle: One in summer plumage on 9th Apr KAW. The county mainland total is now c. 23 since 1969. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 4 11 4 ------1 1

WATER PIPIT - Anthus spinoletta Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Numbers were in line with recent years, but below the levels of the mid 1990's. Bude Marshes: One on 17th Nov SMC. Camel Est: Singles on 14th Jan, 25th Feb and 10th Mar DIJ. Colliford Res: Last years bird to 11th Mar SMC. Gwithian: One on 8th Jan DE. Maer Lake: One on 3rd Jan - 2nd Mar GPS, LL: Two on 5th Nov, one on 17th Nov and one on 2nd Dec SMC, GPS. Porthpean: One on 5th - 9th Feb and 12th - 15th Feb RL. Retallack: One on 24th - 31st Mar SMC. Walmsley Sanc: Varying numbers between one and three recorded intermittently on 2nd Jan - 23rd Apr, and again on 10th Nov - 31st Dec SMC. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 8 6 ------5 5

YELLOW WAGTAIL - Motacilla flava Passage migrant, uncommon in spring, but forms roosts in autumn. Bred almost annually from 1956 to 1965 but not since. There were few birds in spring, like last year, and a reasonable autumn movement which did not reach last year's level. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 11 4 2 - 124 73 4 - - Reports include: Cot Valley: One on 9th Apr. Dozmary Pool: Two on 28th Oct. Kynance Downs: Seven on 25th Aug: Twelve on 4th Sep. Land's End: Fifteen on 29th Aug: Eleven on 4th Sep. Nanjizal: Nineteen on 24th Aug: Fifteen on 30th Aug. Porth Joke: Twenty on 24th Aug. Predannack: Nine on 25th Aug.

100 Individuals of the race M / flava, known as Blue-headed Wagtail, were noted as follows: Lizard Village: One on 6th May PLS. Maer Lake: One on 29th Apr: One on 26th May GPS, SMC. Predannack: A male on 26th Aug ARP. Rosemullion Head: One on 1st May PMcC. Walmsley Sane: One on 26th - 30th May SMC. An individual showing characteristics of the race M. f. feldegg 'melanogrisea', known as Black- headed Wagtail, and still to be considered by the BBRC, was noted as follows: Maer Lake: One on 25th - 28th May GPS.

GREY WAGTAIL - Motacilla cinerea Breeding resident and winter visitor. Some dispersal, particularly in autumn. Present on suitable sites throughout the county, but with normally only small numbers at any one site and is probably under-recorded as a result. There were reports from sixty-eight locations. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 31 10 12 3 7 18 10 18 39 60 9 12 Reports include. Hayle Est: Five on 22nd Oct. Marazion Marsh: Eight on 13th Sep and seven on 20th - 21st Sep. Nanjizal: Seven on 19th Sep. Penberth: Five on 26th Oct.

PIED WAGTAIL - Motacilla alba Common breeding resident and passage migrant. Forms roosts in autumn and winter. Most reports were of roosting flocks in the winter months, which started to disperse in March, and most birds had gone by May. Numbers started to increase again in Aug, and sizeable flocks were reported in December. Approximate monthly totals (M. a. yarrellii): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 745 314 163 75 9 12 2 107 48 206 10 588 Reports include: Davidstow Airfield: 100 on 22nd Jan. Lamelgate: Five pairs. Liskeard: Seventy on 2nd Dec. Par Beach Pool: 200 on 6th Dec. : 527 on 11th Jan. St Austell Sewage Works: 100 on 9th Jan: 150 on 16th Jan: 100 on 4th - 6th Feb: 150 on 9th - 17th Feb: 100 on 20th - 21st Feb and 1st - 2nd Mar: 200 on 3rd Dec: 300 on 29th Dec. Treliske Hospital: 150 on 17th Feb. Birds of the nominate Continental race M. a. alba, known as White Wagtail, which occur as a regular passage migrant in the county, were noted in good numbers as follows: Catchall: Eight on 17th Sep. Davidstow Airfield: Twenty on 9th Sep: One on 18th Sep: Eighty on 6th Sep: Five on 4th Oct. Drift Res: Nine on 19th Sep. Kynance Downs: Thirty on 10th Sep.

101 Maer Lake: Three on 22nd Apr: Five on 23rd Apr: Eight on 25th Apr: Five on 29th Apr. Marazion: Two on 20th Mar: Five on 6th Apr: Eight on 7th Apr: Five on 8th Apr: One on 9th - 10th Apr: Two on 26th Apr: Eighteen on 9th Sep: Two on 10th Sep: One on 19th Sep: Nine on 7th Oct. Nanjizal: Two on 20th Mar: One on 4th Apr: Three on 8th Apr: One on 9th Apr: Four on 2nd May: One on 22nd Jul: Twenty-five on 30th Aug: Twelve on 3rd Sep: Ten on 4th Sep: Fifteen on 10th Sep: Thirty on 13th Sep: Ten on 19th Sep. Par: One on 17th Mar: One on 15th Apr: One on 12th Nov. Porth Joke: One on 15th Apr. Predannack: Two on 28th Aug: Fifty on 3rd Sep. Sennen: Twelve on 17th Sep: Eight on 22nd Sep: Fifteen on 24th Sep: Five on 6th Oct. Siblyback Res: Three on 21st - 22nd Apr. Skewjack: Two on 24th Mar: One on 7th May. St Just airfield: Fifty on 24th Sep. Separating alba and yarrellii in early autumn flocks can be difficult, with many flocks likely to contain some first calendar yarrellii birds Numbers vary considerably from year to year, and this was one of the better years. Approximate monthly totals (M. a. alba): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 7 52 5 - 1 27 381 19 1 -

BOHEMIAN WAXWING - Bombycilla garrulus Rare winter visitor. No records this year. The mainland total remains at c. 72 since 1951. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 25 6 - 1 - - - - 2 26 7

DIPPER - Cinclus cinclus Scarce breeding resident. Pairs are present on most suitable stretches of the Camel and Fowey, with the majority of breeding pairs centred on the extremities of Bodmin Moor and with small populations in the middle and west of the county. Almost all reports are of one or two birds. Breeding was reported from six sites.

WREN - Troglodytes troglodytes

Breeding resident. Populations may be severely reduced after prolonged cold winters. It is difficult to comment on this species owing to a lack of information. Comparative data showing singing males at individual sites over several years, as is received for Lamelgate and Kit Hill, is of particular interest. Reports include: Drift Reservoir: Eight territories on 1 st Jun. Godrevy Point: Five males on 2nd Jun. Illogan Wood: Twenty-six on 12th Mar. Kenidjack: Eight on 24th Oct. Kit Hill: Forty territories. Labour-in-Vain: Twenty-one on 24th Mar.

102 Lamelgate: Sixty-five territories. Marazion Marsh: Nine males on 5th Mar and 5th Apr. Nare Head: Seven on 27th Jan. St Austell Sewage Works: Fifteen on 29th Dec. St Levan: Eight on 22nd Oct. Terras: Ten on 28th Jan.

HEDGE ACCENTOR - Prunella modularis Breeding resident and rare passage migrant. As with Wren, the records received do not provide much of a picture. Figures produced by a Nature Conservancy Trust census in 2000 indicated a ten per cent increase in the UK population, following a forty-four per cent decline over the previous twenty years. Reports include: Argal Res: Ten on 30th Aug. Drift Res: Eight territories on 1st Jun. Illogan Wood: Eight on 12th Mar. Kit Hill: Twenty-four territories. Labour-in-Vain: Eight on 13th Mar. Lamelgate: Nine territories. Marazion Marsh: Five males on 26th Apr. Nanjizal: Six males on 6th Jun. Pelynt: Five on 12th Feb. Porthgwarra: Five on 21st Oct. St Austell Sewage Works: Twelve on 29th Dec. Swanpool: Nineteen on 29th Aug.

EUROPEAN ROBIN - Erithacus rubecula Breeding resident and passage migrant. The Nanjizal record is normal for that time of the year when young birds are dispersing. Reports include: Argal Res: Eight on 30th Aug. Bosistow: Sixteen on 24th Oct. Illogan Wood: Twenty-five on 25th Feb. Kit Hill: Fourteen territories. Labour-in-Vain: Eighteen on 1st Jan. Lamelgate: Sixty-one territories. Nanjizal: Ten ringed on 2nd Sep. Nanquidno: Seven on 23rd Oct. Nare Head: Seven on 27th Jan. Porth Joke: Twenty-five on 21st Oct. Porthgwarra: Eight on 21st Oct. St Just in Roseland: Thirteen on 30th Jan. Swanpool: Nine on 29th Aug. Terras: Twenty-one on 9th Jan and thirty-seven on 28th Jan.

103 COMMON NIGHTINGALE - Luscinia megarhynchos Rare passage migrant. Bred in 1940 and summered in 1978 and 1989. Caer Bran: One on 21st Aug BCW, AH. Lizard village: One ringed on 6th May PLS. Redruth: A male on 10th May BKM et al. The mainland total is now c. 47 since 1945. This species makes a welcome return after two blank years. Records are well spread in the main, but Porthgwarra makes its usual appearance with nine reports. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 6 16 3 - 7 12 3 - -

BLACK REDSTART - Phoenicurus ochruros Passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred sporadically in the Perranporth area in the 1940's and 1950's. Most records were of one or two birds. This was a below average year with few birds wintering from last year, and relatively small numbers during the last quarter. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 16 49 5 2 - - - - 35 38 47 Reports include: Gribbin Head: Five on 27th Dec. Helston: Three on 31st Oct. Land's End: Twelve on 23rd Mar. Looe: Three on 12th Feb. Marazion: Three on 20th Dec: Five on 30th Dec. Pendeen: Five on 13th Nov. Rame Head: Three on 21st Oct. Trethewey: Three on 12th Nov.

COMMON REDSTART - Phoenicurus phoenicurus Summer visitor, which breeds almost exclusively in the Bodmin Moor area, and scarce passage migrant. Found during the breeding season in most wooded valleys and farmsteads on Bodmin Moor. However, as this species is widely but thinly spread with most sightings being of single birds, it tends to be under-reported. The 1999 Bodmin Moor Breeding Birds Survey (conducted by the RSPB) recorded ninety-nine birds, a sixty-three per cent increase over the 1984 survey. The first spring sighting was at Caerthillian on 5th April. Land's End had most spring records with five birds. All autumn records were of single birds, with the first migrant at Dobwalls on 26th August. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 6 5 6 2 4 5 3 - - Reports include: Bastreet: Four males on territories on 1 st Jun. Lamelgate: Four pairs.

104 WHINCHAT - Saxicola rubetra Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. The first bird of the year was seen on 27th Apr, and the last on 4th Nov. Few breeding records were received. The 1999 Bodmin Moor Breeding Birds Survey (conducted by the RSPB) recorded ninety- seven birds, a forty-six per cent reduction on the 1984 survey Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 24 17 3 19 50 13 2 - Reports include: Gwithian: One on 27th Apr. Colliford Res: Ten pairs. Lamorna Valley: Two on 4th Nov. Land's End: Six on 5th May. Predannack: Six on 26th Aug.

COMMON STONECHAT - Saxicola torquata Breeding resident with some dispersal. Suffers heavy mortality in prolonged cold weather. Reports include: Colliford Res: Six on 21st Oct: Seven on 17th Dec. Croft Pascoe: Thirteen on 25th Jun. Kit Hill: Fifteen pairs. Mill Bay, Nanjizal: Fourteen on 24th Aug. Porthgwarra: Thirteen on 13th Oct. Predannack: Fourteen on 28th Aug. Rumps Point: Seven on 18th Mar. St Agnes Head: Seven on 1st Jul. Watergate Bay: Eight on 6th Jun.

NORTHERN WHEATEAR - Oenanthe oenanthe Summer visitor and passage migrant. Breeds primarily on Bodmin Moor, but with single pairs likely to be found on any suitable habitat. The spring migration commenced on 12th March when birds were recorded in three areas. There were few breeding reports. The end of the autumn passage was in October, with the exception of one very late bird on 3rd - 8th December. Numbers were below average in both spring and autumn. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 119 239 93 13 5 65 301 37 - 1 Reports include: Alex Tor: Two on 24th Jul may have bred. Bude: Two on territory on 17th May. Caerthillian: Twenty-five on 12th Sep. Clodgy Point: Three on 12th Mar. Cudden Point: Two breeding on 28th Jun. Godrevy Point: Two on 12th Mar. Gwithian: Eleven on 27th Apr: Two bred producing four young: One on 3rd - 8th Dec. Kelsey Head: Eighteen on 24th Aug: Twelve on 10th Sep. Kit Hill: Two pairs on territory 1st Jun.

105 : Three on 12th Mar: A pair nesting on 28th May: An adult carrying food on 4th Jun. Kynance Downs: One on 12th Mar: Ten on 22nd Mar. Mill Bay, Nanjizal: Seventeen on 18th Mar: Thirty-two on 12th Apr: Twenty-one on 3rd May: One pair bred 3rd Jul. Perranporth: Thirty on 28th Apr. Predannack Airfield: Fourteen on 9th Apr: Twenty on 19th Aug: Fifteen on 3rd Sep: Thirteen on 15th Sep: Ten on 19th Sep. Sennen: Twelve on 23rd Sep: Forty on 24th Sep: Thirteen on 1st Oct. St Just Airfield: Twenty-four on 20th Sep: Twelve on 22nd Sep: Forty on 24th Sep. Trevose Head: Eleven on 29th Apr: Forty-seven on 2nd May. Birds showing characteristics of the Greenland race O. o. leucorhoa were reported as follows: Narkurs: One on 13th May SCM, AECA. Trevose Head: One on 5th May SMC.

BLUE ROCK THRUSH - Monticola solitarius Extremely rare vagrant. Geevor, Pendeen: A second calendar year female on 14th - 17th May MS et al. This is the first record for the county mainland. The finder was doing counts for Seabird 2000 when he found this bird. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 ------

RING OUZEL - Turdus torquatus Scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Bred in 1970 and 1996. Whilst the spring passage was about average, the autumn migration was very poor. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 17 - - - - 1 6 - - Kit Hill: A male on 28th Apr SMC, AECA. Kynance Cove: One on 5th Oct: A first cal female on 13th Oct MT. Land's End: Three on 18th Apr BKM. Nanjizal: Single males on 10th Apr, 12th Apr and 15th Apr: One on 23rd Sep: Two on 26th Oct KAW Porth Kidney: One on 10th Apr DSF. Porthgwarra: Two on 8th Apr KAW: A male on 1st Oct BKM. Sennen Cove: Two on 9th Apr BSW. The Lizard: A first cal on 6th Oct ARP. Trevose Head: A female on 22nd Mar: Two females on 8th Apr: A male on 9th - 10th Apr: A male on 15th Apr: A male on 30th Apr. SMC

BLACKBIRD - Turdus merula Common breeding resident, and passage migrant. Although this species does not flock to the extent of some other thrushes, small numbers sometimes gather together during the winter months. These flocks usually disperse by the end of February. Few migrating birds arrived in autumn. Figures produced by a Nature Conservancy Trust census in 2000

106 indicated a six per cent increase in the UK population, following a twenty-three per cent decline over the previous twenty-five years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 131 4 17 22 7 76 1 19 5 101 42 2 Reports include: Drift Res: Eighteen pairs on 1st Jun. Illogan Wood: Twenty-four on 26th Jan. Kenidjack: Ten on 24th Oct. Kit Hill: Twenty-four pairs. Labour-in-Vain: Fifty-one on 1st Jan. Lamelgate: Forty-one pairs (increased from seventeen in 1993). Nanjizal: Twenty-five on 8th Nov: Thirty on 9th Nov: Forty on 10th Nov. Par Beach Pool: Twenty on 21st Oct. Porth Joke: Fifteen on 21st Oct. Porthgwarra: Twenty-one on 21 st Oct. Swanpool: Ten on 29th Aug. Terras: Nineteen on 28th Jan.

FIELDFARE - Turdus pilaris Passage migrant and winter visitor. Summered in Upper Fowey Valley in 1987. This was a year of very low numbers, as is shown by the comparison with 1999 which was only an average year. Approximate monthly totals 2000: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 825 260 82 40 1 - - - - 29 103 517 Approximate monthly totals 1999: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1406 851 580 - - - - - 10 1177 2998 425 Reports include: Bosloe: Fifty on 22nd Jan. Woods: Seventy-one on 30th Dec. Colliford Res: 170 on 4th Jan: 200 on 5th Feb. Lamelgate: 100 on 4th Jan. Lanteglose: 300 on 29th Dec. : Fifty on 3rd Feb. Tregonetha Downs: Seventy-nine on 14th Jan. :100 on 10th Jan. Trobus Farm, Ladock: 120 on 4th Jan

SONG THRUSH - Turdus philomelos Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. The decline of this species in Britain is well documented. More records were submitted this year than last, but only four were received for August and none for September! Most sightings are of one or two birds, and it is suspected that many birds go unreported for that reason. There was a large arrival of birds on 7th April that was exceptional for West Cornwall. Autumn movements were very low. Figures produced by a Nature Conservancy Trust census in 2000

107 indicated a seventeen per cent increase in the UK population, following a fifty-four per cent decline since 1974. Approximate monthly totals 2000: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 129 17 25 161 24 34 11 4 - 63 43 43 Approximate monthly totals 1999: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 33 12 8 11 47 3 3 2 4 287 130 12 Reports include: Cardinham Woods: Six on 30th Dec. Cudden Point: Twenty-four on 27th Jan. Drift Res: Three pairs: 1st Jun. Illogan Wood: Six on 11th Feb. Labour-in-Vain: Seven on 7th Jan. Lamelgate: Thirteen pairs (increased from three in 1993). Land's End: Twenty-five on 8th Apr. Nanjizal: Thirty on 7th Apr: Four males on 30th May: Twenty on 18th Oct: Thirty on 9th Nov. Nare Head: Thirteen on 27th Jan. Porth Joke: Ten on 21st Oct. Porthgwarra: Fifteen on 8th Apr: Seven on 21 st Oct. Rame Head: Twelve on 14th Nov. Rosudgeon to Marazion: Fifty on 9th Jan. Sennen: Thirty on 7th Apr. Skewjack: Twenty on 30th Dec. The Lizard: Twenty on 7th Apr. Trevose Head: Ten on 22nd Jan. Wicca: Fifteen on 8th Apr.

REDWING - Turdus iliacus Passage migrant and winter visitor. Peak numbers occur in late October at the height of autumn migration, and in mid-winter as a result of birds displaced by cold weather. This was a year of very low numbers, as is shown by the comparison with 1999 which was in itself a below average year. Approximate monthly totals 2000: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 631 326 59 20 - - - - 12 172 923 283 Approximate monthly totals 1999: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1243 521 107 1 - - - - - 3303 1818 202 Reports include: Carbis Bay: 800 on 5th Nov. Chiverton Farm: 100 on 28th Jan. Drift Res: Eighty on 9th Jan: Sixty on 21st Dec. Fairy Cross: Fifty on 16th Jan. Kilmarth: Fifty on 21st Jan. Lamorna Valley: 100 on 31st Oct. Loe Pool: Fifty on 26th Dec. Tregavarras: 158 to 12th Feb.

108 Tregonetha Downs: Fifty on 26th Feb. Trewidden: 126 on 4th Dec.

MISTLE THRUSH - Turdus viscivorus Breeding resident, scarce migrant and winter visitor. The first half-year saw average numbers, but records in the second half were well below average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 42 11 17 14 14 11 11 8 22 23 1 7 Reports include: Boscundle: Eight on 28th May. Camel Est: Seven on 15th Sep. , Chasewater: Thirteen on 15th Oct. Lamelgate: Five pairs. Par Moor: Eight on 3rd Sep. Restronguet Creek: Thirteen on 11th Jan. Stithians Res: Five on 2nd Jul. Tollgate, Wadebridge: Six on 28th Aug. Weir Point, Mylor: Twelve on 21 st Jan.

CETTI'S WARBLER - Cettia cetti Scarce breeding resident, with some dispersal in autumn. This recent colonist was first noted in the UK in 1961 and reached Cornwall in 1973. The population has fluctuated since as the species is prone to losses during severe winters. Thirty-two males were found at twenty-six sites during a survey in 1996. That figure represented 5%- 6% of the national population. Ringing at Nanjizal appears to indicate that birds disperse in late October and November, particularly females. There were reports from seventeen sites, compared with fourteen last year. The following table shows numbers of singing males at regular sites (a dash = no count received) 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 Marazion Marsh 10 7 4 10 10 11 11 Gunwalloe - 6 3 3 7 - 1 Par Beach Pool 2 3 2 5 6 6 4 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 1 15 25 12 7 2 1 3 8 5 3 : One on 26th Apr. Bude Marshes: One on 1st Jan - 1st Mar: One on 6th Sep and 17th Oct - 31st Dec. Calstock: One on 17th Apr - 12th Jun. Cargreen: One on 15th Apr - 11th Jun. Church Cove, Lizard: Two on 24th Apr. : One on 26th Dec. Harlyn Pools: One on 18th Oct. Marazion Marsh: Present all year. Mawgan Porth: One on 29th Nov and 20th Dec. Nanjizal: Three on 1st Jan - 4th Mar and one on 16th Oct. Nanquidno: One on 8th Oct.

109 Par Beach Pool: Present from Mar to Nov. Cove: Four on 24th Apr. Polpey Marsh: One on 11th May. Bay: Singles on 24th Jan, 15th May and 7th Jun. Salter Mill: One on 29th Apr. Wicca: One on 8th and 28th Apr. 1999: Cargreen: One on 19th Dec.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - Locustella naevia Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Unobtrusive in autumn. There were reports from thirty-seven locations. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 37 13 14 4 2 - - - - Reports include: Goss Moor: Three on 6th May. Gurnard's Head: Three on 25th Jul. Nanjizal: Four on 26th Apr. Polgreen Farm: Four on 22nd Apr. Porthgwarra: Four on 29th - 30th Apr. St Levan: Three on 22nd Apr.

AQUATIC WARBLER - Acrocephalus paludicola Rare drift migrant in autumn. Almost annual at Marazion Marsh. Marazion Marsh: One on 9th - 11th Aug: One on 18th Aug PAF, FJH, BD, JHH, KAW. The county mainland total increases to c 230 since 1951. Marazion is by far the best site with some 171 records, many being found in the years when ringing took place at the site. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------135 78 16 - - * one undated

SEDGE WARBLER - Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. The first report of the year was on 1 st Apr, with most arrivals in late April/early May. August was as usual the peak migration month, but numbers were low, and the last record was on 4th Oct. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 190 212 51 12 144 17 2 - - Reports include: Bude Marshes: Twelve on 22nd Apr. Drift Res: Twelve on 6th May: Nine males on territory on 1st Jun: One on 4th Oct. Gwithian: Twelve males on 27th Apr. Marazion Marsh: Twenty-eight on 28th Apr: Twenty-five on 30th Aug. Nanjizal: Forty on 26th Apr: Fifty-five on 28th Apr: Sixty on 16th - 17th Jul: Forty on 8th and 11th Aug: One on 3rd Oct.

110 Par Beach Pool: One on 6th Apr: Twenty on 24th Jul. Polgreen Farm: Ten on 3rd May. Porth Joke: Fourteen on 27th Apr. St Levan: Twelve on 24th Apr. Westerlake Farm: One on 1st Apr.

EURASIAN REED WARBLER - Acrocephalus scirpaceus Breeding passage migrant and summer visitor. Forty years ago this species was such a rare visitor to Cornwall that the presence of one on the Camel Estuary on 1st September 1951 warranted a special mention in the introduction to that year's bird report! At that time the species was seen only sporadically, but it has since become a regular breeder in the county's reed-beds. The first migrant was seen on 17th April, followed by an influx on 26th April. No autumn moves of any size were noted. The last bird was recorded on 6th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 27 20 17 23 5 14 7 - - Reports include: Harlyn Bay: Six on 7th Jun. Loe Pool: Ten on 1st Jul. Marazion Marsh: Ten on 28th Apr and 10th Sep. Nanjizal: Five on 5th Oct. Nanquidno: One on 6th Oct. Par Beach Pool: One on 17th Apr: Ten on 24th Jul.

MELODIOUS WARBLER - Hippolais polyglotta Scarce drift migrant, mainly in autumn. Penlee Point, Rame Head: One on 10th Sep DC, MJW, LACT, AECA. Porthgwarra: One on 12th Sep JL, JDS. The county mainland total is now c. Ill since 1931. This is the fourth record at Rame Head where there were records in 1984, 1990 and 1995, but most records have been at Porthgwarra where forty- three have been located. There have been eleven at Nanquidno. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 - 1 32 58 18 1 -

DARTFORD WARBLER - Sylvia undata Rare breeding resident with some dispersal. There were thirteen reports of this species prior to 1980, including one of confirmed breeding in 1943. Breeding was again proven on the southeast coast of the county in 1980 through to 1985, but there was a subsequent decline in the area with only sporadic sightings outside the breeding season. Breeding was confirmed on the Lizard in the early 1980's but that population also disappeared. In the early 1990's a small but viable population became established in the Callington area and in 1996 birds were again discovered on the Lizard. Reports away from breeding sites were: Bodigga Cliff: One on 10th Apr. Drift Res: One on 15th Jan.

Ill Longstone: One on 24th Jan. Porthcurno: A second cal on 12th Mar. Porthgwarra: Two on 13th Feb: One on 23rd Oct. One on 6th Nov. Seaton: One on 27th Jan - 17th Feb. Tregonetha Downs: One on 16th Jan. Trevose Head: One on 15th Mar. The county total of birds at sites not known to hold breeding birds is now c. 85. Approximate monthly totals (historic): (away from breeding sites): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 4 11 9 6 - - 5 4 23 11 2

SUBALPINE WARBLER - Sylvia cantillans Rare vagrant - mainly spring overshoots. Land's End: A male on 1st May: A female in the same bush on 1st - 3rd May PAM. Nanjizal: A female ringed on 1st May KAW. The fact that one of the female birds was ringed means that there is no doubt that three birds were involved, the most recorded in any one year to date. The county mainland total has now increased to c. 25 since 1975. Three birds have been recorded at Land's End, and four at Nanjizal. The first record was at Porthgwarra in 1975 and thirteen birds have now been seen in the triangle between Land's End, Porthgwarra and Treen. A further six have been located on The Lizard. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 6 15 - - - 1 1 - -

BARRED WARBLER - Sylvia nisoria Rare drift migrant in autumn. Young Barred Warblers disperse widely before heading to their wintering grounds, and this is thought to be the reason why they are seen so regularly on the east coast of Britain. However, they remain a relatively infrequent visitor to the Cornish mainland. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 4th Oct MT. Nanquidno: One on 24th Sep - 4th Oct BSW (photographed by DN). The county mainland total is now c. 53 since 1963. This is the second record at Church Cove, the first being in 1996. Nanquidno has three previous records in 1989 (two) and 1995. The highest number of records have been at Porthgwarra with twenty-five, but most of those were prior to 1981 and only two were recorded in the 1990's. Approximate monthly totals (historic) : Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------2 28 22 1 -

LESSER WHITETHROAT - Sylvia curruca Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. The national population of this species crashed between 1994 and 1997 (BTO News No.218). Fewer birds passed through than in spring last year, but autumn saw similar numbers.

112 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 12 2 2 3 1 5 - - Breney Common: One on 17th Jun Camel Est: Two males on 31st May: Single males on 4th, 14th and 16th Jun. Harlyn Bay: A male on 3rd - 8th May. Hayle Est: One on 16th Aug. Hendersick: One on 2nd - 4th May. Kenidjack: One on 14th Oct. Labour-in-Vain: A male on 27th Apr: Singles on 12th and 24th Aug. Land's End: One on 10th - 13th Oct. Lizard Point: One on 27th and 30th Oct. Marazion Marsh: One on 26th Apr - 12th May. Millendreath: A male on 30th Apr. Mount, Penhale: One on 14th May. Nanjizal: One showing characteristics of one of the eastern desert forms was ringed on 17th Oct. Penlee Point, Rame Head: One on 17th - 28th May. Rame Head: One on 15th - 19th Oct. Southdown: One on 1st May. Tregunna: A male on 4th - 16th May. Trevose Head: Singles on 5th May and 23rd Sep. : A male on 5th May. : A male on 2nd Jul. Wadebridge Sewage Works: A male on 20th May. Walmsley Sane: A male on 2nd Jun

COMMON WHITETHROAT - Sylvia communis Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Over-wintered in 1952/53. Numbers are under-reported after the initial spring influx. It appears to have been a good breeding season. Reports include: Drift Res: Seven pairs bred with average broods of five. Lizard Village: 26th Apr. Nanjizal: Ten on 24th Apr: Fifteen pairs on 6th Jun. Penlee Point: Thirty on 1 st May. Porthgwarra: Thirty on 30th Apr - 1st May. Rumps Point, Pentire: Thirty on 30th Jun. St Levan: Ten on 24th Apr. Talland Bay to Hannafore: Fifteen males on 2nd May.

GARDEN WARBLER - Sylvia borin Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Widely distributed in suitable habitat east of Truro. It was formerly scarce in the west of the county, but there are now regular breeding season reports from several areas including Camborne, Falmouth, Helston and the Land's End peninsula. There were reports from thirty-six sites, mainly of single birds. The first arrival was on 10th April, and the last report on 14th November. Breeding numbers were reduced at some West Penwith sites.

113 Reports include: Church Cove: One on 10th Apr. Goss Moor: Eleven on 6th May. Labour-in-Vain: Three on 30th Aug. Lamelgate: Six pairs. St Germans: One on 14th Nov. Trevose Head: Three on 5th May.

BLACKCAP - Sylvia atricapilla Breeding summer visitor, passage migrant and winter visitor. This species tends to be under-recorded in the summer months, but catches the attention in winte Autumn numbers were very poor. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 51 16 18 72 38 49 12 19 31 35 43 32 Records include: Argal Res: Nine on 30th Aug. Drift Res: Six on 12th May: Three pairs bred . Goss Moor: Six on 6th May. Kenidjack: Six on 12th Nov. Lamelgate: Ten pairs. Nanjizal: Five on 13th Sep: Six on 1st Oct. St Austell Sewage Works: Six on 1st Jan.

GREENISH WARBLER - Phylloscopus trochiloides Very rare vagrant. Kenidjack: A first cal on 24th Sep JD, JDS. This bird was often elusive as it spent much of its time high in the canopy of the trees in a small copse part way down the valley, but it was well worth the wait. This was only the second county mainland record. The previous bird was seen in the adjoining valley, Nanquidno, on 30th Sep - 1st October 1984. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------2 - - -

Greenish Warbler (Kester Wilson)

114 YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER - Phylloscopus inornatus Scarce vagrant in autumn that has wintered. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 18th and 21st Oct ARP, AL, ML, MT. Cot Valley: One on 6th Oct BSW: One on 22nd - 26th Oct DB. Helston Sewage Works: One on 4th - 12th March BD, SMC, BKM, DIJ: One on 22nd Dec DE. Nanquidno: One on 1st - 4th Oct PMW, DEB. Penberth: One on 15th - 24th Oct DJR, RJ. Porthcurno: One on 15th Oct BSW. Porthgwarra: One on 6th Oct BSW: One on 13th Oct SMC: One on 23rd Oct JDB, SMC, BKM: One on 6th Nov MDW. Stithians Res: One on 8th Oct MPM. The county total is now c. 391 since 1950. Numbers were below average by comparison with the previous fifteen years. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 - 1 - - - - - 22 323 33 9

RADDE'S WARBLER - Phylloscopus schwarzi Rare vagrant. Land's End: One on 1 st Oct GS, RJW. Nanjizal: One on 17th - 18th Oct KAW. St Levan: One on 15th Oct GS, KS et al. The St Levan bird was found in the upper/western part of the valley, very close to where the Yellow- billed Cuckoo was last seen on 13th October, and was found by birders looking for the cuckoo. It eventually settled in an area of scrub and long grass and, with patience, good views were obtained. These were the sixth, seventh and eighth records for the county. All have been found in the far west between the 9th and the 19th of October. Porthgwarra had birds in 1988 and 1995, there were singles at Nanjizal in 1989 and Little in 1999, and there was a previous bird at St Levan in 1997. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8

DUSKY WARBLER - Phylloscopus fuscatus Rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: One on 6th Nov MDW. Treen: One on 15th Oct NH, LL, PASP et al. These were the ninth and tenth records for the county. Previous records have been at Cot in 1985, Kenidjack and Harlyn Bay in 1992, Bude Marshes and Kenidjack in 1995, Porthgwarra in 1996, Sennen in 1998 and Nanjizal in 1999. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 ------5 3 1

115 WOOD WARBLER - Phylloscopus sibilatrix Rare breeding summer visitor and scarce passage migrant. The majority of breeding season records have come from the broad-leaved woodlands around Bodmin and the valleys of the rivers Fowey, Camel, Lynher and Tamar. The number of singing males fluctuates, site fidelity is not assured from year to year, and only one singing male was recorded at the usual two sites. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 5 ------Breeding season reports, with comparative figures for previous years, are shown below. Figures represent singing males. B = bred: 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Site 1 1 3 - 1 1 2 1 1 Site 2 - - - 1 2 1 2 4 Other reports: Land's End: One on 5th May RA. Okeltor: One on 5th May AECA.

COMMON CHIFFCHAFF - Phylloscopus collybita Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Small numbers over-winter. St Austell Sewage Works again recorded the highest winter gatherings with one hundred and twenty in January and February, and one hundred in December. Wintering birds started to move, and spring migrants started to arrive and pass through in mid-March. The main passage was in April. Breeding records were well spread, with Bunny's Hill Bridge recording the highest number of singing males. The autumn migration took place from September through to November, and the number of wintering birds started to build towards the end of December. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 195 138 391 320 87 43 41 49 95 80 36 251 Reports include: Argal Res: Ten on 7th Apr: Ten on 2nd May. Boscundle: Ten on 7th Apr. Breney Common: Ten males on 27th Apr and 2nd May. Bunny's Hill Bridge: Fifteen males on 13th May. Camel Est: Eight on 2nd Jul. Dodman Point: Eight on 22nd Mar. Drift Res: Eight on 20th Mar and 8th Apr. Gribbin Head to Helford: Twenty-three on 15th Mar. Harlyn Pools: Fourteen on 26th Apr. Helston Sewage works: Twenty on 8th Jan: Thirty on 5th Mar: Twenty on 14th Dec. Jericho Valley: Twenty-one on 21st Apr: Fifteen on 10th Sep. Loe Pool: Twelve on 15th Mar: Twenty-nine on 26th Dec. Valley: Twenty on 10th Apr. Marazion Marsh: Eleven on 1st Jan: Ten on 6th Apr. Nanjizal: Ten on 14th Mar: Sixteen on 8th Apr: Ten on 26th Jun: Twelve on 14th Jul: Fifteen on 3rd Sep: Eight on 21st Oct: Eight on 10th Nov. Par Beach Pool: Twenty on 4th Apr.

116 Pentewan: Ten on 21st Mar: Twenty on 6th Apr. : Ten on 8th Apr. Porthgwarra: Eleven on 26th Oct. Rame Head: Eight on 22nd Mar. Rospannel: Twenty on 12th Sep. Skewjack: Ten on 30th Mar and 10th Apr. St Agnes Head: Twenty-one on 21st Apr. St Andrews Pool: Ten on 18th Mar. St Austell Sewage works: 120 on 9th Jan: 120 on 10th Feb: 100 on 4th Mar: 100 on 29th Dec. : Ten on 19th Mar. Swanpool: Ten on 29th Aug. : Ten on 22nd Mar: Twenty on 9th Apr. Trenarren: Ten on 21st Mar: Twelve on 24th Oct. Treskilling Clay Pit: Ten males on 2nd May. Wheal Eliza, Bethel: Ten on 21st Mar. Birds showing characteristics of the Siberian race P. c. tristis/abietinus (some clines between P. c. tristris and the eastern race P c. abietinus are similar in look and call, so identifying such individuals is safer when done in the hand) were reported as follows: Labour-in-Vain: One on 20th - 26th Oct MJH. Marazion Marsh: One on 16th Nov: Two on 30th Nov - 1st Dec: One on 8th Dec. DSF Nanjizal: One on 23rd Nov KAW. Sancreed: One on 25th Nov DSF. St Austell Sewage Works: One on 31st Mar RL: Four on 15th Dec RL: Three on 23rd Dec GJC.

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF - Phylloscopus brehmii Very rare vagrant. Dunmere Wood, Bodmin Wood: One on 12th May - 5th Jun DAC, SMC et al. The first record for the Cornish mainland, the first British record having been at Brent Reservoir in 1972. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1

WILLOW WARBLER - Phylloscopus trochilus Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. The first migrant was seen on 5th March, and a few more birds trickled through during the month, with the usual peak passage in April. Breeding was reported from many sites, with an impressive fifty- four males on territories at Lamelgate. Migration was noted from early July to early August. The last very late bird was seen at Stithians Reservoir on 2nd December. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 17 682 146 140 88 53 7 2 - 1 Reports include: Breney Common: Twenty males on 27th Apr and 2nd May. Carbis Moor: Ten males on 10th May. : Ten on 15th Apr. Drift Res: Eleven on 23rd Apr: Ten on 7th May: Twenty-four on 1st Jun: Sixteen on 27th Jul: Sixteen on 5th Aug.

117 Goss Moor: Fourteen on 6th May. Hayle Kimbro Pool: Ten on 22nd Apr. Helman Tor: Ten on 27th Apr. Kit Hill: Twenty-nine males on territories. Lamelgate: Fifty-four males on territories. Lizard Village: Ten on 5th May. Luxulyan Quarry: Ten on 27th Apr. Marazion Marsh: One on 5th Mar. Nanjizal: Fifty on 26th Apr: Seventeen on 14th Jul. Penhale: Ten on 28th Apr. Penwithick: Twenty on 30th Apr. Porth Joke: Fifteen on 27th Apr: Twenty on 24th Aug. Porthgwarra Ten on 2nd Apr. Sancreed: Ten on 23rd Apr. Skewjack: Fifty on 10th Apr. St Austell Sewage Works: Ten on 22nd Apr. St Levan: Twelve on 22nd Apr. Stithians Res: One on 2nd Dec. Tregoss Moor: Twelve on 28th May. Treskilling Clay Pit: Fifteen on 2nd May. Trevose Head: Sixteen on 26th Apr.

GOLDCREST - Regulus regulus Common breeding resident and passage migrant. There were good numbers of wintering birds at the start of the year, with the highest count of one hundred and twenty at St Austell Sewage Works in January. Counts remained high until the second week in March when birds started to depart, with a few remaining until April. There were few reports during the summer months. The autumn influx was under way by the second week in October and, as usual, that month saw the highest number of records. St Austell again had the highest count in the second winter period. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 169 147 144 19 1 8 1 6 11 324 61 155 Reports include: Boscundle: Thirty on 16th Mar: Ten on 30th Oct. Bosistow: Twenty-seven on 24th Oct. Dodman Point: Fifteen on 22nd Mar. Illogan Wood: Ten on 26th Jan - 5th Mar: Ten on 15th Oct. Kenidjack: Fifteen on 24th Oct. Labour-in-Vain: Eleven on 1st Nov. Marazion Marsh: Ten on 1st Jan: Ten on 20th Dec. Nanjizal: Fifty ringed on 19th Oct: Twenty ringed on 10th Nov. Penberth: Twenty on 17th Oct. Pentewan: Ten on 7th Feb. Ponts Mill: Ten on 13th Feb. Porth Joke: Twelve on 21st Oct. Porthgwarra: Eighteen on 23rd Oct. Rosudgeon: Ten on 21st Oct.

118 Skewjack: Twenty-three on 26th Oct. St Austell Sewage Work: 120 on 18th Jan: 100 on 2nd Feb: Sixty on 4th Mar: Ten on 5th Oct: 120 on 29th Dec. St Blazey: Ten on 2nd Feb. St Levan: Fifteen on 22nd Oct. Trenarren: Twenty on 31st Oct and 1st Dec. Trevose Head: Ten on 22nd Oct.

FIRECREST - Regulus ignicapillus Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn, and winter visitor. A very good year, only eclipsed in recent years by 1996 when there was a much larger influx in October and November. Ringing records suggest that birds pass through quickly during peak migration, with only late birds settling in the area as winter approaches. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 44 15 13 1 - - - - 8 55 49 34 Reports include: Carbis Bay: Three on 24th Dec. Church Cove Lizard: Three on 6th Nov. Copperhouse Creek: Three on 1st Jan - 25th Feb: Three on 1st Nov - 26th Dec. Degibna: three on 26th Dec. Helston Amenity Area: Three on 10th Mar. Illogan Wood: Four on 22nd Nov. Lamorna Valley: Three on 22nd Oct and 3rd Nov. Loe Pool: Four on 26th Dec. Long Rock Pool: Three on 8th Jan. Marazion Marsh: Three on 1st Jan: Three on 30th Nov. Nanjizal: Six on 19th Oct: Three on 21st - 26th Oct: Three on 10th - 13th Nov. Penberth: Four on 17th Oct: Three on 12th Nov. Porthgwarra: Three on 8th Oct: Four on 15th Oct. Rame Head: Four on 15th Oct. St Austell Sewage Works: Four on 11th Jan: Three on 29th Dec. St Levan: Four on 21st Oct.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER - Muscicapa striata Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. There has been a significant overall decrease in the number of pairs breeding in the county since the early 1970's. This has been a better year for records with reports from forty sites. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 36 23 39 42 18 2 - - Reports include: Arallas: Two males on 11th Jun. Bonython: Three pairs bred. Camel Est: Present from 6th Jun to 30th Jul, with four on 25th Jun. Chiverton Farm: Four on 9th Sep. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 13th and 17th Sep and 4th Oct.

119 Cot Valley: Four on 26th Aug and one on 5th Sep. Croft Pascoe Plantation: One on 10th Jun and two on 2nd Sep. Drift Res: Present from 15th May. Bred. Five on 25th Jul - 30th Aug. Dunmere Wood: Two on 19th May and 3rd Jun. Ferry Farm, Calstock: Two pairs bred. Road: One pair bred. Heligan, Mevagissey: Fourteen on 14th Aug. Kenidjack: One on 26th Apr: Two on 25th Aug and 16th Sep. Kynance Downs: Two on 31st May. Lamelgate: Five pairs. Land's End: Nine on 5th May: Six on 20th Aug. Loe Pool: Five on 25th Jul. Porth Joke: Four on 24th Aug. Porthgwarra: Fifteen on 2nd Jul.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula parva Scarce drift migrant/vagrant in autumn. Annual since 1980. Nanjizal: One ringed on 17th - 18th Oct KAW et al. A ringed bird was found on the Isles of Scilly on 19th October, and one wonders if it was the same bird. The county mainland total moves to c. 123 since 1949. This was a poor year and only the second time in the last twenty years that there has only been a single bird. This was the first record at Nanjizal. Porthgwarra has had thirty-four records, many more than any other site. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - - - 2 29 84 7 -

PIED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula hypoleuca Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. First bred at Lanhydrock in 1966. There were only six more confirmed instances in the county up to 1980. Subsequently, small populations became established at Lanhydrock and in the Camel Valley, and more recently in the Upper Fowey Valley. These populations have fluctuated markedly from year to year due to variable breeding success, but there has been a steady decline since 1993. Most records involved one or two birds, but the Trevose Head record was exceptional. This was a better year than last. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 14 2 2 49 32 1 - - Reports include: Kenidjack: Five on 25th Aug: Three on 3rd Sep. Land's End: Six on 6th May: Two on 3rd and 9th Sep. Nanjizal: Three on 24th Aug. Trevose Head: Twenty-three on 23rd Aug.

LONG-TAILED TIT - Aegithalos caudatus Breeding resident that disperses in good breeding seasons. As can be seen from the extensive list below, this species is well spread over the county. Reports were received from sixty-one sites. Numbers have increased for the second year in succession. The Rospannel record is exceptional.

120 Reports include: Boscundle: Twenty-five on 8th Jul. Camel Est: Present all year. Nine on 1st Jan: Eleven on 2nd and 21st Jul: Fourteen on 6th Aug: Eighteen on 26th Sep: Twenty-two on 17th Oct: Sixteen on 3rd Nov: Six on 1st Dec. Carlyon Bay: Ten on 23rd Oct. Chiverton Farm: Fifteen on 27th Oct. Cot Valley: Fourteen on 20th Oct. Cudden Point: Twelve on 21 st Oct. Drift Res: Sixteen on 16th Jul and 17th Oct. Empacombe: Twenty-three on 5th Jan. Heamoor: Seventeen on 11th Jun. Helston Boating Lake: Thirteen on 16th Dec. Holmbush: Ten on 28th Jun: Fifteen on 23rd Sep: Twenty on 12th Oct: Fifteen on 17th Dec. Land's End: Twelve on 21st Oct: Fifteen on 6th Nov - 22nd Dec. Loe Pool: Fifteen on 25th Oct: Twenty-one on 26th Dec. : Twelve on 27th Jun. Marazion: Twelve on 26th Apr and 9th Sep: Thirty-five on 29th Nov: Twelve on 6th Dec. Nanjizal: Eleven on 29th May: Twenty-nine ringed on 21st Oct. Par: Ten on 30th Sep. Penberth: Twenty on 21st Oct. Pentewan: Ten on 21st Jul. Ponts Mill: Twenty on 8th Jan: Twelve on 20th Jul: Ten on 3rd Sep and 19th Oct. Porth Joke: Thirteen on 21st Oct. Porthgwarra: Fourteen on 21st - 26th Oct. Porthpean: Ten on 15th Dec. : Twenty on 5th Mar. Respryn: Seventeen on 12th Jan. Rospannel: 300 on 12th Sep. Sancreed: Twenty-one on 13th Oct. Skewjack: Ten on 26th Oct. St Austell Sewage Works: Eighty on 23rd Jan: Eighty on 10th Feb: Forty on 8th Mar: Forty on 15th Dec. St Blazey: Ten on 2nd Feb. St Ives Bay: Twelve on 20th Oct. Treesmill: Ten on 7th Oct and Twenty on 1st Dec. Trembath: Sixteen on 5th Dec. Trenarren: Twenty on 19th Oct and 2nd Dec. Tresemple Pool: Ten on 18th Oct.

MARSH TIT - Parus palustris Breeding resident. Reported from twenty-six sites, two more than last year, but none were reported at Lamelgate. Reports include: Boscundle: Three on 1st Jul. Draynes/Golitha Wood: Four on 28th Dec. Goss Moor: Six on 20th Feb. Loe Pool: Three on 15th Mar. London Apprentice: Three on 27th Jun.

121 Respryn: Five on 12th Jan. St Austell Sewage Works: Five on 9th Jan. Tresillian River: Three on 5th Feb.

WILLOW TIT - Parus montanus Scarce breeding resident. The Willow Tit has a patchy distribution in Cornwall, occurring in damp and scrubby woodland to the east and north of , with population centres historically at Goss Moor, Redmoor, St. Austell, Upper Fowey Valley and Tamar Lakes. The species has contracted in range and observations of birds are rare in the west of the county. Reports were received from only twelve sites. Reports include: Goss Moor: Four adults on 1st Jun. Lower Tamar Lake: Two on 1st Mar and 1st Oct. Toad Hole: Two on 31st Jul. Tregoss Moor: Two on 25th Aug.

COAL TIT - Parus ater Breeding resident with some dispersal in good breeding seasons. Particularly common and widespread in coniferous woodland in the east of the county, and a regular visitor to garden nut feeders. Numbers have increased as conifer plantations have been expanded. Birds disperse after good breeding seasons, and these will be the birds involved in most autumn sightings. Birds were reported from thirty-two sites. Reports include: Lamelgate: Ten pairs. Loe Pool: Eight on 26th Dec. Portmellon: Five on 2nd Jul. Respryn: Twenty on 12th Jan. St Austell Sewage Works: Five on 2nd Feb. Terras: Seven on 9th Jan. Trenarren: Five on 1st Dec.

BLUE TIT - Parus caeruleus Breeding resident and rare migrant. Reports were received from only forty-seven sites, but this is a numerous species that is very much under-recorded.. Reports include: Boscundle: Twenty on 8th Jul. Dunmere: Forty-one on 19th May. Lamelgate: Seventeen pairs. Marazion Marsh: Thirty-one on 26th Sep. Rospannel: Eighty on 12th Sep. Terras: Twenty-five on 28th Jan.

GREAT TIT - Parus major Breeding resident and rare migrant. There were reports from only thirty-eight sites, but this is a numerous species that is very much under-

122 recorded. Reports include: Lamelgate: Sixteen pairs. Rospannel: Seventy on 12th Sep.

NUTHATCH - Sitta europaea Breeding resident. There were reports from twenty-eight sites. The species is found in most suitable deciduous woodland. Reports include: Argal Res: Three on 7th Apr. Boscundle: Three on 8th Jul. : Three on 20th Feb. Coronation Park, Wadebridge: Four on 2nd Jan. Golitha Falls: Four on 20th Feb. Grogley Halt: Three on 16th Jan. Lamelgate: Five pairs. Lanhydrock: Four on 28th Jan and two on 25th Feb. Loe Pool: Three on 26th Dec. Respryn: Four on 12th Jan.

EURASIAN TREECREEPER - Certhia familiaris Breeding resident with some dispersal. Reports were received from only sixteen sites, the majority of which were of single birds, but this species is undoubtedly under-reported like most of the woodland species. Reports include: Illogan Wood: Two on 23rd Mar. Lamelgate: Five pairs. : Two on 18th Apr.

GOLDEN ORIOLE - Oriolus oriolus Scarce passage migrant, mainly spring overshoots from continental Europe. Annual since 1971. Goonhilly Downs: One on 13th May SFE. Land's End: Three on 15th May RA, CA. Nanjizal: One on 2nd May KAW: One on 15th May KAW. Penlee Point, Rame Head: One on 14th May AECA. Rame Head: One on 6th - 7th May PSC. Sancreed: One on 14th May DSF. The county total is now c. 191 since 1931. Numbers fluctuate greatly from year to year, and this was an average year. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 28 131 19 4 3 2 3 - -

123 RED-BACKED SHRIKE - Lanius collurio Uncommon drift migrant, mainly in autumn. Last bred in the county in 1960. Kenidjack: A first cal on 9th - 11th Sep BSW. Polgigga: A first cal on 30th Aug - 4th Sep MDW et al. Porthgwarra: One on 4th Jun BKM, RW et al. St Just Airfield: A first cal on 26th Oct BSW. Trewellard: A first cal on 7th - 17th Oct PP et al. Varfell: An adult male on 24th - 27th Oct BSW. The county mainland total is now c. 108 since 1940. Porthgwarra has had most records with twenty- three. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 - 9 11 - 14 43 27 3 -

GREAT GREY SHRIKE - Lanius excubitor Scarce drift migrant. Occasional winter visitor. St Just in Roseland: One on 3rd Dec GSG. The county mainland total now stands at c. 62 since 1940. This is a first record for St Just in Roseland. Records are quite well spread, but there have been five at Porthgwarra and six on Goss Moor. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 8 10 7 1 - - - - 11 7 10

WOODCHAT SHRIKE - Lanius senator Rare drift migrant. Annual since 1979. Drift Res: A first cal on 16th Sep - 5th Oct GH, JL et al. Godrevy/Gwithian: A first cal on 15th - 18th Aug PAR, DE et al. Land's End: A first cal on 22nd - 23rd Sep RA, CA. The mainland total is now c. 76 since 1949. The record at Drift was the first at that site, whereas there was a record at Godrevy in 1974 and one nearby at Gwithian in 1989. Land's End has had six previous records, but still has some way to go before it catches up with Porthgwarra where there have been sixteen. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 9 32 8 2 11 8 5 1 -

EURASIAN JAY - Garrulus glandarius Breeding resident with occasional irruptions. A common but under-recorded species, usually seen as single birds or pairs. Reports include: Boscundle: Four on 5th Oct. Heamoor: Four on 18th Aug. Lamelgate: Two pairs. Lamorna Valley: Four on 14th Apr. Terras: Five on 9th Jan.

124 MAGPIE - Pica pica Breeding resident. Forms small roosts outside the breeding season. This is a species that is increasing on a national basis. The only ongoing breeding information came from Lamelgate where four pairs bred in 1994, nine pairs in 1995, and again nine pairs after a cull in 1996. Reports include: Camel Est: Sixteen on 12th Mar. Dodman Point: Sixteen on 6th Jan. Labour-in-Vain: Twenty-seven on 20th Jun. Lamelgate: Nineteen on 19th Feb: Nine pairs. Marazion Marsh: Thirty-two on 4th Jan: Forty-five on 21st Dec. Pelynt: Twelve on 8th Jun. : Thirty-eight on 20th Feb. St Cleer: Twelve on 25th Sep. : Eighteen on 16th Dec. Treesmill: Twelve on 1st Dec. West Penwith Moors: Twenty-two on 15th Jul.

EURASIAN JACKDAW - Corvus monedula

Breeding resident. Forms roosts outside the breeding season. The most widespread of the county's Corvids that are often seen in large, noisy flocks in winter months. Reports include: Bosistow: 130 on 24th Oct. Camel Est: Seventy-three on 15th Aug. Dodman Point: 300 on 6th Jan. Duloe: 200 on 9th Dec. Gannel Est: 300 on 14th Dec. Goldsithney: 760 on 21st Dec. Higher Lampetho Farm: 200 on 5th Dec. Marazion Marsh: 760 on 21st Dec. Par: 200 on 24th Oct. Porthcurno: 320 on 22nd Aug. Porthgwarra: Eighty-six on 21st Oct. Skewjack: 700 on 30th Dec. Trenarren: 200 on 25th Oct. Trethewey: 200 on 12th Jul.

ROOK - Corvus frugilegus Breeding resident. Forms large roosts outside the breeding season. Of the common members of the family Corvus, only the Rook has been reducing in numbers on a national basis, most likely owing to changes in the way farmland is worked. Wider recording of this species, or annual studies on breeding success, would be of interest. Reports include: Argal Res: 100 on 30th Aug. : Twenty-five nests on 22nd Apr. Church Cove, Lizard: Eighty on 10th Apr.

125 Cot Valley: Six nests on 11th May. Dinham Woods: Thirty-four nests on 19th Apr. Dobwalls: Fifteen nests on 25th Apr. Duloe: 300 on 9th Dec. Goldsithney: Thirty-four nests on 11th May. Gwinear Church: Thirty-three nests on 11th May. Harlyn Bay: Twenty nests on 8th Jun. Higher Lampetho Farm: 300 on 5th Dec. Lamelgate: Thirteen nests on 25th Apr. Land's End: Sixty-five on 15th Oct. : Six nests on 5th Apr. Pendeen: Fifteen nests on 11th May. Penryn River: Ten nests on 30th Mar. Relubbus: Eight nests on 11th May. Sancreed: Forty-two nests on 11th May. St Cleer Church: Twenty-four nests. St Erth: Sixty-eight nests at two sites on 11th May. St Just: Thirty-two nests on 11th May. Swanpool: Ten nests on 19th Mar. Tideford: Fifteen nests on 5th Apr. Townshend: Six nests on 11th May. Tregathenan: Twenty nests on 24th Apr. Trethewey: 320 on 10th Jul. Trewidden: Eleven nests on 10th May.

CARRION CROW - Corvus corone Breeding resident. Exceptional movements of this bird are difficult to detect in the southwest because there is a good resident population that moves around in family parties. Large concentrations do occur, mainly at estuaries where there are good feeding areas. Records include: Camel Est: Eighty-five on 18th Jun. Hayle Est: Thirty-six on 4th Jun. Liskeard: Twenty on 26th Dec. Par Beach: Seventy-three on 12th Oct. Penberth: Thirty-two on 26th Oct. St Austell Sewage works: Eighty on 30th Jan and 21st Feb. Birds of the Northern/Eastern European race C. c. comix known as Hooded Crow, a rare visitor to the county, were seen as follows: Goonhilly Downs: One on 26th Apr RH. Merry Maidens: One on 6th Mar was presumably the bird seen later at Porthgwarra. Porthgwarra: One on 29th Mar and 16th Apr JL, BKM. The county mainland total now stands at c. 51 since 1941. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 7 3 9 3 2 1 3 1 4 6 7

126 COMMON RAVEN - Corvus corvax Breeding resident. Occasionally forms larger groups. Reports were received from eighty-eight sites, four more than last year. Many sightings are of pairs calling to each other as they fly overhead, but they also gather in flocks. The flocks at Loveny and Park Clay Pit were exceptionally large in a year when there was an increase in reported numbers. Reports include: Camel Est: Seven on 22nd Mar. Cape Cornwall: Seven on 11th Mar. Colliford Res: Thirty-eight on 16th Sep: Twenty-three on 12th Oct. Crowdy Res: Fifteen on 24th Jan. Davidstow Airfield: Twenty on 18th Dec. Dodman Point: Seven on 12th Sep. Drift Res: Nine on 11th Feb. Gwithian: Fifteen on 24th Mar. Lamelgate: Twenty-five on 9th Apr. Land's End: Forty-seven on 16th Sep. Loveny: Eighty on 13th Oct. Marazion Marsh: Eleven on 24th Sep. Park Clay Pit: Ninety-two on 1st - 28th Sep. St Jidgey: Fourteen on 12th Mar. Stithians Res: Eight on 8th Jul. Trago Mills: Twenty on 13th Sep. Vean: Sixteen on 18th Jul.

COMMON STARLING - Sturnus vulgaris Breeding resident and winter visitor. Forms huge roosts in winter. Although reports show that the species is still present in quite large numbers in January, it is under- recorded at that time of the year owing to reduced observer coverage. Most winter visitors have left the county by the end of February. Breeding takes place across the county, but information during the summer months is very limited. Numbers started to increase again in October, with the main arrival in November, but were less than last year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 30,470 730 165 14 2 24 41 1,001 97 31,005 434,401 1 Reports include: Carracawn Cross: 200 on 8th Jan. Chiverton Farm: 4,000 on 20th Nov. Crowdy Res: 300,000 on 12th Nov. Looe Est: 200 on 28th Oct. Looe Island: 700 on 14th Feb. Marazion Marsh: 15,000 on 24th Oct: 29,500 on 25th Oct: 130,000 on 12th Nov. Nanjizal: 1,000 on 7th Aug. Pelynt: 300 on 26th Nov. Rame Head: 200 on 14th Nov. St Michael's Mount: 22,970 on 27th Jan. Towan Head: 6,000 on 5th Jan.

127 ROSY STARLING - Sturnus roseus Regular vagrant. Pelynt: A first cal on 7th Nov - 14th Dec J&AG, C&CB et al. The county mainland total is now c. 33 since 1965. Records are well spread, with the highest numbers being seen at Davidstow Airfield and Porthgwarra with three each. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ - - _ 6 3 1 10 11 2 -

HOUSE SPARROW - Passer domesticus Breeding resident. This species has suffered a dramatic reduction in numbers across the UK, and it is thought that this situation is also reflected in the county. Reports include: : Twenty on 9th Feb. Bude: Forty-one on 23rd Aug: Sixty-five at on 27th Aug. Cawsand: 100 on 12th Nov. Demain Farm: Twenty on 4th Feb. Dob walls: Twenty-eight on 20th Aug. Gun Point: Fifty on 3rd Sep. Land's End: Twenty-four on 16th Oct. Lundynant Caravan Park: 120 on 24th Aug. Nanjizal: Fifteen on 1st Jan: Thirty on 3rd Oct. Newlyn Coombe: Fourteen on 10th Jul: Twenty-eight on 28th Aug. Pelynt: Forty-one on 21st Sep, an increase of sixteen from last year. Redruth: Twenty on 5th Aug. Reskajeage Downs: Twenty-five on 27th Aug. Terras: Thirty-eight on 28th Jan. Treen: Twenty-five on 27th Aug: Forty on 17th Sep. : Twenty on 27th Aug. Watergate Bay: Sixty on 3rd Sep.

SPANISH SPARROW - Passer hispaniolensis Regular vagrant. Cawsand: A male on 12th November DC, SCM. This great rarity spent only a few hours in the area of Hat Lane, in the company a flock of House Sparrows. It was elusive during its short stay, and had moved on by the time the news became generally known. This is the first record for the county mainland, and the seventh for Britain. House Sparrow and Spanish Sparrow (Kester Wilson)

128 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 -

EURASIAN TREE SPARROW - Passer montanus Occasional sightings of dispersing birds. Bred at Land's End in 1990 and 1999. It is known that most sightings are likely to be of dispersing birds, with the peak in May likely to be birds searching for new nesting sites. Trevose Head: One on 28th May LW. One on 14th Oct SMC. The county mainland total is now c. 207 since 1945. These are the fifth and sixth records for Trevose Head, there having previously been two in 1985 and singles in 1990 and 1997. Porthgwarra is the most frequently visited site with seventeen reports of sixty-nine birds. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 6 5 6 76 8 5 6 3 45 19 14 * nine undated

RED-EYED VIREO - Vireo olivaceus Rare vagrant. Cot Valley: One on 15th - 20th Oct. (In the absence of a description from the finder a photograph, taken by IMW, was submitted to the BBRC to obtain acceptance of the record.) Kenidjack: One on 28th Sep - 1st Oct MW et al. Nanquidno: One on 1st - 5th Oct DEB, PMW et al. Porthgwarra: One on 27th - 30th Sep MDW et al. The mainland total is now c. 22 since 1982. This is the fourth record for Cot, the first for Kenidjack and the second for Nanquidno. The Porthgwarra record is its fifth, or the sixth if one includes the 1995 record on the Scillonian off Head. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------9 12 1 -

CHAFFINCH - Fringella coelebs Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. A poor year with very few large flocks, and a maximum count of five hundred and eight at St Levan in October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1938 749 144 52 24 70 21 116 91 1326 768 805 Reports include: Chiverton Farm: 250 on 28th Jan. Demain Farm: 100 on 4th Feb. Dodman Point: 200 on 6th Jan. Lamelgate: Fifty pairs. Lamorna Valley: 100 on 20th Feb. Madron: Ninety-two on 9th Jan. Marazion Marsh: 150 on 6th Nov. Nanjizal: 350 on 17th Oct and 4th Nov.

129 Nansavallan Wood: 100 on 30th Dec. Penarrow Point: 150 on 11th Jan. Pencalenick: 100 on 19th Dec. Penjerrick: 200 on 10th Jan. Porthgwarra: 363 on 22nd Oct: 157 on 26th Oct. Ruan Lanihorne: 100 on 31st Jan. St Levan: 508 on 22nd Oct. Tregavarras: 200 on 1st Feb. Tubb's Mill: 100 on 17th Jan. Whitecross: 115 on 6th Dec.

BRAMBLING - Fringella montifringella Winter visitor and passage migrant. An exceptionally poor year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 44 33 28 24 - - - - - 9 2 3 Bake: Six on 1st Feb. Higher Lampetho Farm: Ten on 21st Jan. Holmbush: Present 2nd Jan - 26th Apr with maximum ten in Jan, twenty-five in Feb and Mar, and twenty-two in Apr. Lanhydrock: Ten on 28th Jan. Mylor Creek: Four on 9th Jan. Pentewan: Six on 23rd Jan.

EUROPEAN SERIN - Serinus serinus Rare drift migrant and occasional winter visitor. Land's End: One on 26th Apr RA. Porthgwarra: A female on 14th Apr JL: A female on 28th Apr DSF. Treverven: A male on 24th Apr JFR. Trewellard: A second cal female on 23rd Jan - 8th March PP, JDS. The county total now advances to c. 106 since 1967. These are the first records at Treverven and Trewellard, and there have now been twenty-six at Porthgwarra. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 9 9 15 16 1 - - 5 29 18 4

GREENFINCH - Carduelis chloris Breeding resident that disperses widely. This species wanders widely and has become well adapted to a suburban lifestyle, feeding on garden bird feeders. The BTO report that this is one of the few finches for which national numbers have increased quite substantially, and they are recorded widely in the county throughout the year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 69 152 85 15 8 18 9 50 29 728 44 118

130 Reports include: Duloe: Sixty on 6th Dec. Higher Lampetho Farm: Fifty on 19th Feb. Holmbush: Twenty on 26th Feb and 1st Mar. Marazion: Thirty-five on 23rd Mar: Twelve on 19th Sep: Thirty on 23rd Nov. : Fifty on 3rd Feb. Nanjizal: Twenty on 17th Oct. Par Beach Pool: Thirty on 23rd Dec. Porthgwarra/Bosistow/St Levan: 637 on 22nd Oct. Sancreed: Forty on 1st - 28th Aug. St Austell Sewage Works: Twenty on 21st Dec. St Levan: Forty-five on 22nd Oct. Trevose Head: Twenty on 22nd Oct.

GOLDFINCH - Carduelis carduelis Breeding resident, summer visitor, passage migrant and winter visitor. There were some large flocks in January that started to disperse in February and had gone by March. Breeding birds are widespread from April onwards and include birds that have been wintering on continental Europe. Larger flocks start to gather in September. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2262 205 36 52 1 8 23 4 650 829 461 83 Reports include: Allet: 200 on 6th Jan. Breney Common: Twenty on 28th Sep and 8th Oct. Carlyon Bay: Thirty on 20th Sep. Chiverton Farm: Fifty on 10th Sep: 100 on 19th Nov. Colliford Res: 250 on 12th and 16th Sep. Cremyll: Eighty on 9th Feb. Heamoor: Seventy on 19th Nov. Higher Lampetho Farm: Fifty on 24th Jan. Holmbush: Twenty on 17th Oct. Kelynack: Fifty-five on 25th Oct. Lamorna Valley: Fifty on 20th Feb: Thirty on 7th Oct. Liskeard: 100 on 7th Sep. Madron: Thirty-four on 15th Jan. Marazion: Fifty-five on 8th Feb: Twenty-five on 10th Sep. /Creek: 720 on 9th Jan. Penarrow Point: 400 on 11th Jan and 300 on 21st Jan. Penlee Battery: Fifty on 30th Sep. Pentewan: 750 on 23rd Jan. Porth Joke: Twenty-six on 2nd Oct. Porthgwarra: Twenty-two on 22nd Oct. Porthpean: Twenty-five on 13th Oct. Rame Head: 440 on 18th Oct: 250 on 14th Nov. Reskajeage Downs: Sixty on 17th Oct. Skewjack: Twenty-eight on 26th Oct. St Agnes Head: Thirty-five on 23rd Sep.

131 St Andrews Pool: Twenty on 4th Jan and thirty on 15th Dec. St Levan: Twenty-six on 22nd Oct. Treesmill: Twenty on 5th Apr. Trengwainton: Thirty-one on 21st Jan. Trevose Head: Twenty on 5th Jan.

SISKIN - Carduelis spinus Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Prior to 1970, Siskins were only rarely reported in winter. Subsequently, winter numbers increased almost annually. The species has become established as a regular breeding species since the mid- 1980's, partly due to the increase in coniferous plantations on Bodmin Moor. The passage of migrants in autumn was poor. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 166 55 29 14 18 14 - 4 1 374 196 69 Reports include: Calstock: Twenty on 7th Dec. Downderry: Forty-four on 6th Oct. Grogley Halt: Twelve on 16th Oct. Helston Boating Lake: Fifteen on 21st Oct. Illogan Wood: Sixteen on 25th Feb. Nanjizal: 160 on 6th Oct: Ninety on 17th Oct: Eighty on 4th Nov. Nanquidno: Fifteen on 13th Oct. Pencalenick: Thirty on 19th Dec. : Fifty-three on 2nd Jan. Porthgwarra: Twenty on 26th Oct. Raftra Farm: Forty on 21st Oct. Respryn: Forty on 7th Jan. St Andrew's Pool: 120 on 4th Jan. St Austell Sewage Works: Twenty on 6th Feb.

LINNET - Carduelis cannabina Breeding resident, summer visitor and passage migrant. Unlike many farmland species, there has not been a dramatic reduction in the Linnet population and they can be seen on most open areas of coastal gorse during summer. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2481 307 700 303 13 104 102 1020 1274 1432 238 580 Reports include: Asia Mia: 110 on 26th Nov. Bass Point: 200 on 26th Aug. Colliford Res: 120 on 19th Aug. Davidstow Airfield: 110 on 6th Sep. Gurnard's Head: 136 on 17th Sep. Halwyn, Padstow: 300 on 16th Jan. Higher Lampetho Farm: 500 on 24th Jan: 200 on 3rd Feb. 100 on 1st Mar and 21st Oct. Kelynack: 300 on 5th Jan.

132 Lamorna Valley: 400 on 16th Sep: 100 on 8th Oct. Lizard Village: 200 on 23rd Sep. Maker Heights: 240 on 5th Jan. : 600 on 27th Aug. Nansavallan Wood: 400 on 30th Dec. Penlee Point, Rame Head: 180 on 18th Oct: 200 on 14th Nov. Porthgwarra: 161 on 22nd Oct. Rosudgeon: 100 on 16th Jul. Sennen: 200 on 28th Oct: 115 on 3rd Dec. St Agnes Head: 170 on 14th Apr: 200 on 9th Sep. St Just Pool: 150 on 21st Jan. Tamar Lakes: 300 on 7th Jan. The Lizard: 500 on 6th Oct. Winnard's Perch: 160 on 14th Mar.

LESSER REDPOLL - Carduelis cabaret Scarce resident, uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 - - 3 14 12 - - 3 5 7 1 Boys House: Three on 5th Jun. Brew, Sennen: One on 10th Nov. Butter's Tor Marsh: One on 26th Jun. Cape Cornwall Golf Club: One on 9th Oct. Colliford Res: Singles on 22nd Sep and 4th Nov. Cooksland: One on 23rd Dec. Crowdy Res: Two on 22nd Sep. Halvana Plantation: Six on 29th May and 26th Jun. Marazion Marsh: One on 6th Oct. Nanjizal: One on 2nd May. Ninestones: One on 1st and 29th May. Par Beach Pool: One on 9th Nov. Pendeen Watch: One on 2nd Oct. Siblyback Res: One on 23rd Nov. Skewjack: One on 1st May. Smallacombe Plantation: Four on 29th May and two on 17th Jun. St Andrew's Pool: Five on 21st Jan. St Austell Sewage Works: One on 1st Jan. St Levan: One on 22nd Oct. Trevose Head: Singles on 26th Apr, 15th May and 22nd Oct. Trewellard: Two on 11th Apr. Walmsley Sane: One on 10th Nov.

MEALY REDPOLL - Carduelis flammea Rare winter visitor Trethewey: One of the race C. / rostrata on 9th Nov KAW, MDW. This is the second record of the larger Greenland/Iceland race, the only previous report being of a bird at Sheviock in 1985.

133 COMMON CROSSBILL - Loxia curvirostra Winter visitor. An irruptive species, recorded annually since 1979. Has bred. A poor year with only twelve records, but not unusual for this species as numbers vary considerably from year to year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 - 1 - - - 4 2 - 2 - - Camel Est: One on 21st Aug DIJ. East Looe: Four on 16th Jul SCM. Goss Moor: Three on 6th Jan SMC. Nanjizal: One on 12th Aug KAW. Siblyback Res: One on 11th Mar SMC: Two on 24th Oct RMB.

COMMON ROSEFINCH - Carpodacus erythrinus Regular vagrant, mainly in autumn. Drift Res: A first cal on 23rd Sep LL et al. Land's End: A first cal on 10th Sep RA, CA. Nanjizal: A first cal on 2nd Sep KAW. Rame: Two first cal on 15th Oct KP: A first cal on 17th Oct DC. The county mainland total increases to c. 30 since 1945, with all but two since 1984. Five records in one year is the highest number to date. This species has been found much more frequently in recent years, twenty-five having been reported in the last ten years. These are the first records at Drift Reservoir, Land's End and Rame Head, but Nanjizal had previous records in 1996 and 1998. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - - 2 3 1 - 10 12 1 -

BULLFINCH - Pyrrhula pyrrhula Breeding resident with some dispersal. This timid species tends to move around in pairs or small family groups and, consequently, has often not been fully recorded in the past. Ringing activities indicate that there is a continuous small turnover of birds after the breeding season, further increasing the difficulty of compiling accurate information. Records have been received from sixty-six sites this year, compared with only forty-five last year. Reports include: Camel Est: Seven on 5th Jul. Church Cove, Lizard: Ten on 13th Nov. Lamorna Valley: Six on 20th Jul. Launceston: Six on 6th Jan. Loe Pool: Six on 26th Dec. Newlyn: Six on 8th Jan. Polkerris: Eight on 25th Feb.

HAWFINCH - Coccothraustes coccothraustes Occasional visitor. Has bred in Devon as far west as the county border, but is not known to have bred in Cornwall. Land's End: One on 27th Apr BD, LP.

134 Nanjizal: One on 26th Apr KAW. The county total is now c. 90 since 1933. This is the second record at Land's End, the first being in 1994. Nanjizal had previous records in 1993 (4), 1996 and 1997. Porthgwarra has had six records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 4 8 8 3 6 7 - 4 31 7 6

LAPLAND LONGSPUR - Calcarius lapponicus Scarce drift migrant in autumn, and rare winter visitor. Very rare inland. An average year for this species which occasionally has very good years when numbers are more than twice the average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 ------6 30 10 - Bodmin Beacon: One on 9th Sep VRT. Land's End: Singles on 5th Sep, 10th Sep and 1st Oct: Six on 7th Oct: One on 12th Nov. RA Nanjizal: Two on 1st - 3rd Oct: One on 8th Oct: Two on 14th Oct: One on 10th Nov. KAW Nanquidno: One on 19th Oct IK. North Cliffs: Two on 24th Oct BKM. Pendeen Watch: Three on 1st Oct BSW. Porthgwarra: One on 3rd Sep BKM: One on 16th - 18th Sep FJH, GH, BKM: Three on 1st Oct BKM: One on 15th Oct BSW. Reskajeage Downs: Three on 17th Oct DSF and two on 18th Oct LL: Four on 4th Nov DSF: Four on 14th Nov LL. Sennen: Two on 1st Oct: One on 3rd Oct: Four on 5th Oct DIJ: One on 6th Oct JDS. St Just: One on 23rd Nov BSW. St Levan: Two on 3rd Sep BSW.

Trevose Head: One on 10th Jan: One on 14th Oct. SMC

SNOW BUNTING - Plectrophenax nivalis Uncommon drift migrant, mainly in autumn, and rare winter visitor. This was a poor year, at the bottom end of the scale, with few birds being seen. ApproximatJan Feb e monthlMar y totalsApr : May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 - 2 ------9 4 1 Brew, Sennen: One on 21st Nov. Godrevy Point: A male on 30th Jan. Gwithian: Four on 1st Jan: Two on 16th Jan: One on 23rd Oct. Helston: One on 10th Jan. Kynance: One on 28th Nov. Maer Lake: One on 5th Nov. Nanquidno: One on 4th Oct. Penhalt: One on 26th Oct. Pentire Point: One on 13th Mar. Porthgwarra: One on 20th Oct. Rame Head: One on 7th - 11th Nov. Reskajeage Downs: Two on 11th Jan: One on 27th Jan.

135 Sandy Mouth, Bude: Two on 20th Oct. St Ives: A female on 12th Oct: One on 25th Oct. Tehidy Country Park: One on 27th Jan. Trevose Head: Singles on 13th Mar and 4th and 14th Oct: Two on 17th Oct: One on 28th Dec.

YELLOWHAMMER - Emberiza citrinella Breeding resident with some dispersal. Like all members of the Emberiza family, the Yellowhammer is becoming a less and less common sight in the British countryside. Its numbers have reduced more quickly than any other farmland species, and one wonders if it is following the same path as the Corn Bunting. Fieldwork carried out for the Cornish Bird Atlas, mainly in west Cornwall, indicated that members of this species are few and far between. Reports were received from fifty-eight sites and seventy males were seen on territories. Reports include: Little Busullow: Ten on 29th Dec. Pelynt: Maximum numbers: Sixteen in Jan, twenty-four in Feb, eighteen in Mar, ten in Apr, six in May, eight in Jun, one in Jul, two in Nov and eight in Dec. Rame Head: Sixteen on 15th Jan. : Ten on 23rd Jan. Reskadinnick: Fifteen on 1 st Jan. Reskajeage Downs: Fifteen on 1st Jan. Rock: Twenty-two on 15th Feb. Sancreed: Maximum numbers: Six in Jan, thirteen in Feb, four in Mar, four in Apr, four in May, three in Jun, two in Jul, four in Aug, one in Sep and two in Dec. South Petherwin: Eight on 27th Jun.

CIRL BUNTING - Emberiza cirlus Rare breeding resident up to 1999, but not recorded in 2000. There has been a protracted decline over the last twenty years of this once common and widespread farmland species. Up to 15 pairs were located in the south east of the county in 1967 and birds were still present at fifteen sites in 1975. The UK population is almost exclusively restricted to south Devon but a recent increase in that population has not been reflected in Cornwall where this species now maintains only the most tenuous of footholds. Indeed, the Cirl Bunting has become so rare in Cornwall that we wish to receive descriptions for any sightings (unless covered by the 'three observer' rule). The RSPB are very keen to receive information about sightings so that, if it is established that birds frequent a particular area, they can make efforts to introduce special land management schemes. Pentire Farm: A male on 30th Jun CE. One to two birds at another site during the year GSG.

ORTOLAN BUNTING - Emberiza hortulana Scarce drift migrant, mainly in autumn. Bass Point/Lizard Village: An adult and a first cal on 24th Aug AL, Ml et al. Trevose Head: One on 23rd Aug SMC. The county mainland total is now c.135 since 1956. These may be the twelfth and thirteenth records for Lizard Village/Bass Point, but there is uncertainty because some of the old reports are unclear on

136 whether they refer to the 'Point' or the peninsula. There have been twelve previous records at Trevose Head. Most records have been at Porthgwarra where there have been twenty-one reports. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 3 - - 10 95 24 1 -

RUSTIC BUNTING - Emberiza rustica Very rare vagrant. St Levan: One on 7th Oct MDW. This is the fifth county mainland record. Previous records were at Land's End in 1990, Sennen in 1991, Bosistow (Nanjizal) in 1992, and Nanjizal in 1996. All have been within about four miles of each other, and all have been found between the 7th and 17th October.

Rustic Bunting (Mark Wallace) Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------5 - -

REED BUNTING - Emberiza schoeniclus Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Reports were received from fifty sites during the year, and forty-seven males were seen on territories, but it may well be that many sightings of males on territories go unrecorded. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 62 6 27 21 20 27 10 11 5 8 16 38 Reports include: Boswarthen: Twenty-one on 29th Dec. Bonython: Twenty-three on 27th Jan. Bude marshes: Six on 10th Jan. Land's End: Seven on 1st Jan. Madron: Thirteen on 1st Jan. Reskadinnick: Nine on 18th Dec. St Just: Nine on 1 st Jan. Wimalford Farm: Six on 12th Mar

BLACK-HEADED BUNTING - Emberiza melanocephala Very rare vagrant. Nanjizal: A male on 26th May KAW. The mainland total is now c. 5. The first record was at Porth Mear in 1985, followed by one at Gwithian in 1992, and then there were birds at Rame Head and in 1993. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 4 - - - - - 1 - -

137 CORN BUNTING - Emberiza calandra Uncommon breeding resident. The main foothold of this species is along a narrow coastal strip on the north side of the county, between Rumps Point and Godrevy Point, where the prevailing weather conditions have meant that farming practices have not changed as dramatically as in many other parts of the county. This is yet another farmland species undergoing a continuing national decline. Ashill: One on 27th Apr. Booby's Bay: One on 16th Apr. : A male on 11th - 17th Jun. Camel Est: One on 20th Aug. Carlean Wood: A male on 27th Apr and 17th Jun. Carnevas: One on 1st Jul. Cataclews Point: Two on 16th Apr. Coombe, Tehidy: Two males on 12th Jun. : One on 1st Jul. Dinnaboad: One on 31st Jul. Efflins: Two males on 25th Jul. Harlyn Bay: One on 7th Apr. Lellizzick: One on 1st Jul. North Cliffs: A male on 14th May. Two males 17th Jun: One on 24th Oct. Pentire Farm: Two on 19th Mar. Pentire Point: Two on 11th Mar and three on 19th Mar: One on 4th Jun: Five on 8th Jun. Porthcothan: Singles on 20th Mar, 7th Jun, 1st Jul, 25th Jul and 27th Jul. Porthmissen Bridge: Two on 1st Jul. Portreath: A male on 25th Jun. Rame Head: One on 16th Mar - 10th Sep. Reskadinnick: One on 1st Jan: Seventeen on 24th Jan: Four on 27th Jan: Five on 18th Dec. Reskajeage Downs: Five on 26th Apr: Two males on 12th Jun: Six on 17th Oct: Two on 27th Oct: Three on 4th Nov. Rumps Point, Pentire: Five on 18th Mar: Two on 30th Apr. Trebelsue: Four males on 25th Jul. Trethias Island to Pepper Cove: One on 16th Apr: One on 1st Jul. : Two on 4th May: Five males on 28th Jun: One on 1st Jul. Trevose Head: Maximum numbers: Six in Apr, six in May, twelve in Jun and one in Jul. Treyarnon: Twenty-five on 16th Apr: Three on 1st Jul. Zacry's Island: Two on 6th Jun.

138 EXOTICA BLACK SWAN Boscundle: Two nesting on 27th Apr: One on 11th Jul. Camel Est: One on 11th, 13th and 23rd Jun. Copperhouse Creek/Hayle Est: One on 18th Oct - 14th Dec. Drift Res: Six on 13th Mar: One on 19th Sep - 1st Nov. Loe Pool: One on 15th Jul - 8th Sep. Millbrook Lake: 12th Feb - 3rd May: One 26th Aug - 6th Sep. Par: One on 15th Mar and 25th Jun. Pentewan: One on 19th Jan. St John's Lake: One on 1st Mar.

BAR-HEADED GOOSE Bude Marshes: One on 12th Nov - 6th Dec. Camel Est: One on 20th Aug - 15th Oct. Crowdy Res: One on 18th Jun - 30th Jul, with two on 26th Jun. Newquay: One on 14th Feb and 8th Sep.

RINGED TEAL Lake: One on 23rd Aug.

MUSCOVY DUCK Argal Res: One on 17th Sep. College Res: One on 19th Feb: One on 19th Aug. Drift Res: One on 27th Apr, 12th May, 22nd - 31st Jul: 1st - 22nd Oct and 6th Nov - 31st Dec. Goss Moor: Two on 6th Jan and 20th Feb. Gweek/Helford River: One on 8th Jun, 25th Jun and 23rd Dec. Kennall Vale: Two on 15th May. Millbrook Lake: One on 5th April. Millbrook Pond: One on 5th Jan, 17th Feb and 4th Mar. Par Beach Pool: Between one and four birds present all year. Porth Res: One on 1st Jan - 30th Dec, with two on 9th - 24th Mar. Ruan Lanihorne: Two on 3rd Jan. Sancreed: One on 25th Apr. Stithians Res: One on 21st Dec. Swanpool: Three on 16th Mar.

WOOD DUCK East Looe River: Last year's bird all year. Helston Boating Lake: Female on 1st and 19th Jan, 2nd Feb and 12th Dec. West Looe River; Male on 1st Jan.

LANNER FALCON Land's End: One on 8th April.

YELLOW-BILLED (CHINESE) GROSBEAK Redgate: One on 17th Sep.

139 RECORDS FOR WHICH DETAILS STILL REQUIRED

All the 2000 records listed below require documentation, no descriptions having been submitted by observers. If you saw and can confirm any of these birds, please forward a description to the County Recorder. 'Continental' Great Cormorant: One at Porth Res 27th Mar. 'Black Brant' One at Maer Lake on 30th Dec. European Honey Buzzard: One at Hayle Est 5th Oct: One at Kenidjack 23rd Sep: One at Nanquidno 26th Sep: One at Porthgwarra 30th Sep and 1st Oct: Three at Porthcurno on 1st Oct: One at St Buryan 6th Oct: Three at St Levan 1 st Oct: One at Marazion on 5th Oct. Black Kite: One at St Earth Praze on 4th Jun: One at St Austell on 5th Jun: One at Caerthillian Cove on 16th Sep. Red-footed Falcon: One at Porthgwarra 17th Jun. Ring-billed Gull: One at Stithians Res on 21st Dec. Long-tailed Skua: A first cal at St Ives on 1st Sep: One at St Ives on 2nd Oct: A first cal at St Ives on 30th Oct. Roseate Tern: One at Mount's Bay 25th Aug: One at Mount's Bay 12th May: One at Newquay 12th Sep. Rose-ringed Parakeet: Two at 25th Jan. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: One at Boscundle on 23rd Jun: One at Dunmere Wood on 26th May. Red-throated Pipit: One at Nanjizal 6th Oct: One at Pendeen 6th Oct: One at Porthgwarra 1st Oct. American Robin: One at Carbis Bay 4th Nov. Melodious Warbler: One at Nanquidno 21st Oct. Pallas's Warbler: One at Restronguet Creek on 5th Oct. Red-breasted Flycatcher: One at St Levan 7th Oct.

FIRST & LAST DATES OF SUMMER MIGRANTS (Excluding wintering individuals)

Species Arrival Site Departure Site

European Storm Petrel 16th May Pendeen Watch 7th Nov Cape Cornwall Garganey 16th Mar Eastern Green Beach 17th Sep Maer Lake Hobby 28th Apr Portreath 15th Nov Marazion Marsh Little Ringed Plover 12th Mar Maer Lake 24th Aug Maer Lake Whimbrel 17th Mar Towan Beach 10th Oct Hayle Est Wood Sandpiper 9th May Siblyback Res. 26th Sep Hayle Kimbro Pool Sandwich Tern 18th Mar Porthpean 29th Nov Hayle Est. Common Tern 24th Apr Par Bay 12th Nov Penzance Arctic Tern 6th May Marazion 1 st Nov Cape Cornwall Little Tern 10th Apr Par Beach 27th Aug Camel Est. Puffin 12th Mar Porthgwarra 25th Oct Pendeen Watch Turtle Dove 29th Apr Skewjack 22nd Oct Polgigga Cuckoo 22nd Apr Hayle Kimbro Pool 16th Sep Colliford Res. Nightjar 19th May Newquay 25th Aug St Austell Swift 24th Apr Trevose Head 13th Oct Penlee Point, Rame Sand Martin 16th Jan Spit Point 13th Oct Penlee Point, Rame Swallow 22nd Jan Lamorna Valley 24th Dec Marazion Marsh House Martin 5th Mar Pont's Mill 14th Nov Rame Head

140 Tree Pipit 7th Apr Trevose Head 18th Oct Rame Head Yellow Wagtail 9th Apr Cot Valley 28th Oct Dozmary Pool Alba White Wagtail 17th Mar Par 12th Nov Par Redstart 22nd Mar Dodman Point 22nd Oct Porthgwarra Whinchat 27th Apr Gwithian 4th Nov Lamorna Valley Wheatear 12th Mar Clodgy Point 8th Dec Gwithian Ring Ouzel 22nd Mar Trevose Head 26th Oct Nanjizal Grasshopper Warbler 8th Apr Trevose Head 25th Aug Tregoss Moor Sedge Warbler 1 st Apr Westerlake Farm 4th Oct Drift Res. Reed Warbler 17th Apr Par Beach Pool 6th Oct Nanquidno Lesser Whitethroat 27th Apr Labour-in-Vain 30th Oct Lizard Point Common Whitethroat 16th Apr Penlee Point, Rame 7th Oct Nanquidno Garden Warbler 10th Apr Church Cove, Lizard 14th Nov St Germans Wood Warbler 22nd Apr Golitha/Draynes Wood 29th May Liskeard Willow Warbler 5th Mar Marazion Marsh 2nd Dec Stithians Res. Spotted Flycatcher 26th Apr Kenidjack 4th Oct Church Cove, Lizard Pied Flycatcher 28th Apr Lands End 4th Oct Church Cove, Lizard

CONTRIBUTORS R. C. S. Abbott (RCA) S. M. Christophers (SMC) M. P. Frost (MPF) B. Adcott (BAt) B. Chugg (BCh) R. M. Frost (RMF) M. K. Ahmad (MKA) D. Clegg (DCg) S. Gamester (SaG P. H. Aley (PHA) G. Cockill (GC) G. S. Gay (GSGy) R. E. Allen (REA) A. Clifton (AC) S. Geary (SG) K. Allsop (KA1) D.A. Conway (DAC) R. Gendell (RG) R. Andrews (RA) G. J. Conway (GJC) G. Goddard (GGd) C. Andrews (CA) C. Coombes (CC) R. W. Gould (RWG) A. E. C. Aston (AECA) B. R. Cox (BRC) G. S. Grant (GSG) K. Ballard (KB) B .T. Craven (BTC) P. Greenstreet (PG) B. E. Balmer (BEB) A. Crawford (ACr) J. & A. Griffiths (J&AG) M. E. Barker (MEBa) S. Crummay (SCr) S. D. Gunn (SDG) P. Bedford (PB) D. Curtis (DCs) V. Gunn (VG) C. Beer (CB) P. Daltry (PD) E.G. Gynn (EGG) M. Beer (MB) A. M. J. Davey (AMJD) T. S. Hale (TSH) C. & C. Beesley (C&CB) I. Davis (IDa) M. C. Hall (MCH) R. M. Belringer (RMB) T. J. Dingle (TJD) R. Harper (RHa) G. S. Bilbao (GSB) B. Dodd (BD) B. Harris (BH) C. L. Bingham (CLB) C.Doughty (CD) J. Harris (JH) Birding South West (BSW) J. & D. Duffy (J&DD) P. J. Harrison (PJH) A. Blonden (AB) P.A. Dukes (PAD) H. J. Harvey (HJH) P. Blonden (PB) J. Dustow (JD) T. Hassall (TH) B. D. Blowers (BDB) M. Eaton (ME) A. Hathaway (AH) A. Boyt (ABo) P. Edmonds (PE) J. H. Hawkey (JHH) P. Bright-Thomas (PBT) M. T. Elliot (MTE) M. J. Healan (MJH) D. Brown (DBn) S.F. Elton (SFE) C. D. R. Heard (CDRH) J.D. Bryden (JDB) D. Eva (DE) S. M. J. Heather (SMJH) J. Button (JoB) L. G. R. Evans (LGRE) N. Hewitt (NH) S. Bury (SB) C. Eyre (CE) G. Hobin (GH) C. Cadbury (CCy) D.S. Flumm (DSF) L. Hopkins (LH) K. Cairns (KC) H. C. Flumm (HCF) P. Hoskin (PnH) T. M. Carne (TMC) A. Ford (AF) F. J. Hull (FJH) P. S. C Chesbrough (PSC) W. Francis (WF) D. Jackins (DJ) J. Chesher (JCr) P.A. Fraser (PAF) G. C. Jackson (GCJ) D. J. Chown (DJC) P. French (PF) E. C. James (ECJ)

141 J. W. James (JWJ) W. C. Northcott (WCN) M. E. Stewart (MES) R. M. R. James (RMJ) M. Ochard (MO) W. Stewart (WS) A. Jayne (AJ) B. O'field (BO) J. Stockhausen (JS) M. F. John (MFJ) H. Page (HP) R. Stockhausen (RS) D. Johnson (DJ) A. J. Park (AJP) V. A. Stratton (VAS) D. L. Johnson (DLJ) S. A. Park (SAP) P. L. Stubbs (PLS) R. Johnson (RJn) A. Parks (AP) G. P. Sutton (GPS) R. A. Jones (RAJ) A. R. Pay (ARP) J.D. Swan (JDS) D. I. Julian (DIJ) S. J. Pearman (SJP) G. J. Tamblin (GJT) R. Kemp (RK) K. Pellow (KP) J. Tarr (JT) I. C. H. Kendall (IK) R.D. Penhallurick (RDP) J. Taylor (JT) P. Kennedy (PK) J.C. Pert (JCP) D. L. Thomas (DLT) Mr. Kensey (MK) R. M. Phillips (RMP) G. H. Thomas (GHT) S. Kolodziejski (SK) M. Pitham (MP) D. Tripplett (DaT) W. D. Lambden (WDL) T. K. Plummer (TKP) L. A. C. Truscott (LACT) R. Lane (RL) D.A. Polgrean (DAP) V. R. Tucker (VRT) A. A. Langford (AAL) L. J. Proctor (LJP) M. Tunmore (MT) M. Langham (MLa) P. Prowse (PPe) R. E. Wake (REW) J. Lawman (JL) T. Riddle (TR) P.A. Wakelin (PAW) M. Lawson (MLw) D. J. Rigby (DJR) M. D. Wallace (MDW) G. D. Lewis (GDL) R.D. Riley (RDR) M. Wallen (MWn) S. M. Lister (SML) J. Ritchie (JeR) D. Watson (DW) R. C. Loader (RCL) S. G. Rowe (SGR) R. J. Watts (RJW) L. Lock (LL) M. J. Rule (MJRe) L. Webb (LW) A. Lord (AL) C. Ruse (ChR) R. West (RWe) D. Lord (DL) PA. Rutter (PAR) C. Whitworth (CW) M. Lord (ML) M. P. Semmens (MPS) M. K. Wightman (MKW) S.C. Madge (SCM) P. T. Sillifant (PTS) R. Wilkins (RW) P. A. Maker (PAM) W. Simpson (WSn) E. H. Williams (EHW) B. Makin (BiM) R. Smaldon (RSn) L.P. Williams (LPW) S. F. Marshall (SFM) G. N. Smith (GNS) E. J. Wilson (EJW) J. Martin (JM) M. Southam (MS) I. M. Wilson (IMW) C. Mason (CM) W. H. Sowerby (WHS) K. A. Wilson (KAW) P. McCartney PMcC) C. J. Sparks (CJS) P. M. Wilson (PMW) B. K. Mellow (BKM) H. A. Spiller (HAS) M. J. Witherall (MJW) H. Mollard (HM) J. Spiller (JS) D. Wood (DW) M. P. Moody (MPM) J. Spiller (JSr) K. Wood (KW) B. Morris (BM) G. Spinks (GS) J. Wright (JWt) J. D. Mortemore (JDMe) I. Standivan (IS) D. M. (DMY) K. O. Mortimore (KOM) A. B. Stewart (ABS) C. Mucklow (CMu) I. R. Stewart (IRS) J. F. Murray (JFM) J. J. Stewart (JJS)

PHOTOGRAPHERS Copies of some photographs used in this report may be obtained direct from the following photographers who have kindly allowed us to use their work: Peter & Carol Leigh, 43 Jupes Close, Exminster, Devon, EX6 8BP: Tel. no. 01392 824990. Dave Nye, 2 Aran Drive, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8UR: Tel. no. 01263 821023.

142 GAZETTEER

This list contains most of the place names mentioned in the Systematic List.

Grid references refer to the four-figure square in which the site (or the majority of it) lies. All sites are marked on the 1:25 000 or 1:50 000 Ordnance Survey maps (Landranger series), sheets 190, 200,201, 203 and 204.

Alex Tor SX1178 Bodmin SX0666 Bude Marshes SS2005 Allen Valley SX0476 Bodmin Moor SX1876 Bugle SX0159 Allet SW7948 Bodmin Parkway Stn SX1164 Bunning's Park SX1872 SX2281 Bodmin Sewage Works SX0566 SW9873 Amble Confluence SW9774 Downs SX1163 Burniere Point SW9874 Amble Marshes SW9874 Bogee Farm SW9069 SW6734 Amy Down SX3666 Bois House SX1774 Buryas Bridge SW4429 Anderton SX4352 Marsh SW7653 Bury Down SX1959 Angarrack SW5838 SX1876 Bush SS2307 Antony SX3954 Bone Valley SW4632 Butter's Tor Marsh SX1678 SX4157 Bonython SW6920 Butterwell, SW0267 Arallas SW8544 Booby's Bay SW8575 Cadgwith SW7214 Arden-Sawah SW2722 Downs SW6633 Cadsonbury SX3467 Argal Reservoir SW7632 Borlase Wood SW8540 Caer Bran SW4029 Ashill SW6142 Bosanketh SW3826 Caerhays SW9741 Ashton SW6028 SW6631 Caerloggas SW9557 Badger's Cross SW4833 Boscastle SX0990 Caerthillian Cove SW6913 Bake SX3258 Boscawen Park, Truro SW8343 Creek SW8343 Baldhu SW7742 Boscathnoe Reservoir SW4531 Callington SX3669 Barras Nose SX0589 Boscawen Park SW8343 Calstock SX4368 Bartinney Downs SW3929 Boscawen Pond SW8245 Camborne SW6540 Basset's Cove SW6344 SX0253 Camel Estuary SW9374 Bass Point SW7111 Boscundle SX0453 Camel Quarry SW9537 Bastreet SX2476 Bosigran SW4236 Camel River SX0267 SW4729 Bosistow SW3623 SX1083 Baulk Head SW6522 SW4125 Cape Cornwall SW3531 Bawden Rocks SW6545 Boskenwyn SW6927 Carbis Bay SW5239 Beagles Point SW7616 Bosloe SW7727 Carbis Moor SX0255 Bear Wood SX1164 SW7931 Cardinham SX1268 Bear's Downs SW8968 SX0761 Cardinham Woods SX1067 Bearah Tor SX2574 SW4336 Cargenwen/CrowanRes.SW6535 Bedruthan Steps SW8469 SX0689 Cargloth SX3354 Cliff SX1092 Boswarthen SW3433 Cargreen SX4362 Berry Down SX3755 Boswednack SW4437 SW8453 Bethel SX0352 SW6934 Carlean Wood SW6042 Bishops Quay SW7225 Boswinger SW9941 Downs SX0256 Bishops Wood SX0070 Botallack SW3632 Carluddon SX0155 Black Head, Coverack SW7716 Boxheater SW8253 Carluddon Mica Dam SX0054 Black Head, St. Austell SX0447 Boyton SX3292 CarlyonBay SX0551 Black Rock SW6634 Bradford SX1175 Carminowe Creek SW6524 Blackacre SW9461 Bray's Cot Pool SW7218 Cam Brea, Camborne SW6840 Blackcombe Wood SX2874 Brea SW6640 Cam Brea, St. Just SW3828 Blackcross By-pass SW9060 Breage SW6228 Cam Galver SW4236 Blackpool Clay Pit SW9854 SW9277 CarnGloose SW3531 Blacktor Downs SX1573 Breney Common SX0561 Camanton SW8764 Blue Hills, St Agnes SW7252 Brew, Sennen SW3625 Came Creek SW7725 Boat (Trenow) Cove SW5329 Brill SW7229 Camevas SW8672 Bochym SW6820 Brockabarrow Common SX1574 Cammenellis SW6936 Moor Ponds SX0555 Brocton SX0168 Camon Downs SW8040 Bodgara SX2686 Bucklawren SX2655 Carnpalla SW9754 SW9973 Bude SS2106 CamsewPool SW5537 Bodigga Cliff SX2754 Bude Bay SS1607 Camweather Point SW9580 IBodinnic k SX1352 Bude Breakwater SS2005 SW3733

143 Carracawn Cross SX3257 Crean SW3824 Farm, St Breock Carricknath Point SW8432 Cremyll SX4553 SW9872 Carrick Roads SW8335 CreneyFarm SX0761 SX0351 Carthew farm, SW9571 Croft Pascoe SW7220 Durgan SW7727 Carnvannel Downs SW6444 Croft Pascoe Pltn SW7219 East Colliford SX1870 Carworgie SW9060 Croft Pascoe Pool SW7319 East Looe SX2553 Castle Beach SW8131 Crooklets Beach SS2007 East Looe River SX2554 Castle-an-Dinas (East) SW9462 Cross Lanes SW6921 East Moor SX2177 Castle Gate SW4934 Crousa Downs SW7618 SX 1863 Castle Horneck SW4530 SW6434 Eastern Green Beach SW4830 Cataclews Point SW8776 Crowan Reservoir SW6535 Edmonton SW9672 Cat's Cove SW8576 Crowan Beacon SW6635 Efflins SW8570 Catchall SW4327 Crowdy Reservoir SX1483 SX0072 Catchfrench SX3059 Crowlas SW5133 Empacombe SX4452 Cawsand SX4350 Crows-an-Wra SW3927 SW9659 SX4450 Crugmeer SW9076 Ennisworgey SW9361 SW9975 Cubert SW7857 Epphaven Cove SW9679 Chapel Point SX0243 Cubert Common SW7859 Fairy Cross SX1262 Chapel Porth SW6949 Cudden Point SW5427 Falmouth SW8032 Charlestown SX0351 Culdrose SW6626 Falmouth Bay SW8130 SX2572 Culdrose Airfield SW6725 Falmouth Docks SW8132 SW7446 Curgurrell Beach SW8837 Fenteroon Bridge SX1082 Chiverton Farm SW5429 SW6721 Feock SW8238 Church Cove, GunwalloeSW6620 Cutcrew Mill SX3386 Ferry Farm, Calstock SX4569 Church Cove, Lizard SW7112 Bridge SX3260 Fiddlers Green SW8254 Chyenhal SW4528 Dairyland SW9658 Fishing Cove SW5942 Chyauster SW4734 Danescombe Valley SX4269 Flushing Sw7825 ClarrickWood SX4351 SX0382 Foage SW4637 Cleave Camp SS2012 Daubuz Moor, Truro SW8245 Forder SX4250 Clift SX4055 Davidstow Airfield SX1485 SW6838 Clifton SX4264 Davidstow Woods SX1484 Fowey SX1251 Cligga Head SW7353 SW9277 Fowey Estuary SX1254 Clitters SX3772 Degibna Wood SW6525 Foxhole SW9654 Clodgy Point SW5041 Delabole SX0683 SX9158 Coads Green SX2976 De Lank Water Works SX 1376 SX3952 Cober Valley, SW6731 Demain Farm SW9042 Friendship Wood SW5431 Colan SW8661 Dennis Cove SW9274 Froe SW8633 Coldrose Farm, Truro SW8248 Dennis Head SW7825 Froe Creek SW8633 SW9858 Denzill Mill SW8956 SW7640 College Reservoir SW7633 Devoran SW7939 Gannel Estuary SW7961 CollifordDam SX1771 Deweymeads SX 1772 SW7023 Colliford Downs SX1871 Diggory's Island SW8467 Garvinack Farm SW7748 Colliford Lake Park SX1773 Dinas Head SW8476 Geonamarth Farm SW9855 Colliford Reservoir SX1772 Dinham Woods SW9774 Gerrans SW8735 Colquite SX0570 Ding Dong SW4334 Gerrans Bay SW9037 Com Head SW9480 Dinham Bridge SX0373 Gerrans Point SX0348 Common Moor SX2469 Dinnaboad SX0481 Gillan SW7824 Constantine SW7329 Dobwalls SX2164 Gillan Creek SW7725 Constantine Bay SW8574 Dodman Point SX0039 Gillan Harbour SW7825 Cooksland SX0867 Dollar Cove SW3425 Gillhill Wood SX2257 Coombe SS2111 SX1965 Gillhouse SX1873 Coombe, St Austell SW9552 Downderry SX3253 Glebe Cliff SX0488 Coombe, Tehidy SW6242 Doyden Point SW9680 Glendurgan SW7727 Copperhouse Creek SW5637 Dozmary Pool SX1974 Godolphin Cross SW6131 Cornwall College, CambSW6641 Draynes SX2169 Godolphin Wood SW6032 Coronation Park, Wadeb SW9871 Draynes Bridge SX2268 Godrevy Island SW5743 Cot Valley SW3630 Draynes/Golitha Wood SW2268 Godrevy Point SW5743 SX4268 Drift SW4328 Godrevy Towans SW5842 Cotehele Woods SX4268 Drift Reservoir SW4329 SX1254 Cotton Wood SX0167 Duckpool SS2011 Goldsithney SW5430 Coverack SW7818 Duloe SX2358 Golitha/Draynes Wood SX2268 Crafthole SX3654 Dunmere SX0467 Golitha Falls SX2268 SW7860 Dunmere Wood SX0468 Goonhavera SW7853

144 Goonhilly Downs SW7219 Hawkstor Clay Pit SX1474 Kennack Sands SW7316 Goon Husband SW6625 SX4166 SX2883 Goonzion Downs SX1767 Hayle SW5637 Kenneggy Downs SW5629 Gorran Haven SX0141 Hayle Bay, Camel Est. SW9379 Kensey Valley SX3285 Goss Moor SW9459 Hayle Estuary SW5537 Kerley Downs SW7643 Grampound SW9348 Hayle Kimbro Pool SW6916 Kemick Wood SX0871 SW4133 Hayle Mill Pond SW5536 SS2511 Great Grogley Downs SX0167 Hayle River SW5436 Killigerran Head SW8732 Great Hogus SW5130 Hayle Towans SW5638 Kilmarth SX0952 Great Keiro Moor SW9675 Heamoor SW4631 Kilmar Town SX2574 Great Wood, SX1256 Helford SW7526 Kings Wood SX0048 Greeb Point, Veryan BaySW9740 SW7626 SX4350 Greeb Point, Portscatho SW8733 Helford River SW7726 Kingsmill Lake SX4261 Greenaway SW9278 Heligan SW9946 Kit Hill SX3771 Gribbin Head SX0949 Hell's Mouth SW6042 SW7216 Grochall SW6914 Helman Tor SX0661 Kynance Cliff SW6713 Grogley Halt SX0168 Helston SW6627 Kynance Cove, Godrevy SW5843 SW4029 Helston Amenity Area SW6526 Kynance Cove, Lizard SW6813 Gull Rock, Boscastle SX1193 Helston Boating Lake SW6527 Kynance Downs SW6814 Gull Rock, Nare Head SW9236 Helston Sewage Works SW6526 Kynance Farm SW6714 Gull Rock, Portreath SW6445 SX0881 Labour-in-Vain SW6744 Gull Rocks, Penhale Pt SW7559 Hemmick Beach SW9940 Ladock SW8951 Gulland Rock SW8778 Hendersick Farm SX2352 Ladock Wood SW8851 Gulval SW4831 Hendra, Manhay SW6931 Lady Downs, Penwith SW4736 SX4371 Hepwell SX3064 SW7631 Gun Point SW9176 SX2160 Lamb Creek SW8442 Gunver Head SW8977 , Looe SX3057 Lamelgate SX2170 Gunwalloe SW6522 High Cliff SX1294 Lamoma SW4424 Gunwalloe Marsh SW6621 Higher Bostraze SW3931 Lamoma Cove SW4524 Gurnard's Head SW4338 Higher Crill Farm SW7783 Landrake SX3860 SW5231 Higher Kenneggy SW5628 Land's End SW3425 SW7113 Higher Lampetho Farm SX1052 Landrake SX3760 Gweek SW7026 Higher Tregiffian SW3627 Landulph SX4361 Gweek Woods SW7025 Highgate SW9259 Landulph Marsh SX4261 Gwendreath SW7316 HMS Raleigh SX4254 SX2283 SW3621 Hoe Point SW5727 Laneast Downs SX2384 SW7417 Holman's Moors SW4839 SX0855 Gwenver SW3627 Holmbush SX0352 Langdon SX2092 Gwinear SW5937 Holywell Bay SW7659 Lanhainsworth SW9264 Gwithian SW5841 Housel Bay SW7011 Lanhydrock SX0863 Gwithian Towans SW5841 Hudder Down SW6042 SX0364 Halamanning SW5530 Hustyn Downs SX0067 Lanreath SX1856 Halfway House, St Jidgey Hustyn Wood SX0069 SX1751 SW9469 Idless SW8247 Lanteglose SX0882 Halloon SW9159 Illogan SW6744 Lantundle SX2158 Hall worthy SX1887 Illogan Wood SW6643 Farm, Madron SW4234 Hals Grave SW9571 Indian Queens SW9158 Larrigan Rocks SW4629 SW5038 Industry SX2377 Latchbrook SX4059 Halton Quay SX4165 Innis Downs SX0262 SX4073 Halvana Plantation SX2077 Innis Fish Farm SX0357 Launceston SX3384 Halwyn SW9374 Jamaica Inn SX1876 Lelant SW5437 Halzephron Cove SW6521 Jericho Farm SW3931 Lellizzick SW9077 Hannafore SX2552 Jericho Valley SW6951 SX1357 Hannafore Point SX2552 Jolly's Bottom SW7544 Leswidden Farm SW3930 Hannibal's Cam SW4336 Jubilee Pool, Penzance SW4729 Levant SW3734 Harewood SX4469 Jupiter Point SX4156 SX2780 Harlyn SW8775 Kea Wood SW8442 Ligger Point SW7558 Harlyn Bay SW8775 SX3671 Liskeard SX2564 Harlyn Pools SW8775 Kelsey Head SW7660 Little Busullow SW4234 SX4070 Kelynack SW3730 SX3580 Harrowbridge SX2074 Kemyll SW4625 Little Gribbib SX0950 Hawker's Cove SW9177 Kenidjack SW3632 Little London SW5230 Hawk's Tor, Temple SX1475 Kenidjack Castle SW3532 SW9172

145 Little Petherick Creek SW9273 Merope Rocks SW8676 New Pool, Polmorla SW9871 Lizard Downs SW6913 Merry Maidens SW4324 Newquay SW8161 Lizard Point SW6911 SX2766 Newquay Bay SW8162 Lizard Village SW7012 SX0874 Newton Moor SW6738 Loe Bar SW6424 Messack Point SW8435 Nine Maidens SW4335 Loe Beach SW8238 Meudon SW7828 Ninestones SX2174 Loe Pool SW6424 Mevagissey SX0144 Ninestones Bridge SX2373 Loe Valley SW6526 Mevagissey Bay SX0245 Ninestones Farm SX2174 SW5739 Middle Taphouse SX1763 No Mans Land, Looe SX2756 London Apprentice SX0050 Military Road, Penlee SX4349 North Bowda SX2477 Long Island SX0790 Milladon Pond SX3315 North Cliffs SW6243 Long Rock SW4931 Mill Bay, Nanjizal SW3523 North Country SW6943 Long Rock Pool SW5031 Millbrook SX4252 Northcott Mouth SS2008 SW7434 Millbrook Lake SX4352 N otter Bridge SX3860 Longstone SX0673 Millendreath SX2653 Okeltor SX4468 Looe SX2553 Milltown SX1057 Old Dane SW8162 Looe Bay SX2652 Milltown, St Neot SX1867 Church SW8441 Looe Estuary SX2553 Minions SX2671 Oldtown Cove SW9373 Looe Island SX2551 Minnows Islands SW8572 SX1690 SX1059 Moditonham Quay SX4161 Otterham Down SX1590 Loveny SX1868 Molenick SX3361 Outer Retallick SW9266 SW3734 Moresk SW8245 Padstow SW9274 Lower Brynn SW9862 Morvah SW4035 Par SX0753 T'ment Wk Morval SX2556 Par Bay SX0852 SX1283 Morwenstow SS2115 Par Beach SX0853 Lower Predannack DownSW6814 Mory Island SW8263 Par Beach Pool SX0853 Lower Tamar Lake SS2911 Mother Ivey's Bay SW8676 Par Docks SX0752 Lowerton SW6529 Mount Araret SX4064 Par Moor SX0552 Lowland Point SW8020 Mount Charles SX0252 Par Pools SX0854 Luckett Woods SX3972 Mount Edgecumbe CP SX4552 Par River SX0753 Ludgvan SW5033 SW7147 Park Clay Pit SX1970 Lundy Bay SW9579 Mount Pleasant SX0062 Park Head SW8470 Lundynant Caravan ParkSW9479 Mount's Bay SW4930 Paul SW4627 Lusty Glaze SW8262 Mousehole SW4726 Pawton SW9570 SX0558 Mullion SW6718 Pednvadon SW8835 Lwrkemyll SW4625 SW6617 Pelynt SX2054 Lye Rock SX0689 Mullion Golf Course SW6620 Pemboa SW6826 Lynher Estuary SX3955 Mullion Island SW6617 Penally SX0991 Madron SW4531 Murrayton SX2854 Penarrow Point SW8234 Maenease Point SX0141 SW8036 Penberth SW3923 Maenporth SW7829 Mylor Churchtown SW8235 Pencalenick SW8545 Maer Lake SS2007 SW6332 Pencarrow, Bodmin SX0471 Maker Heights SX4351 Nancothan SW4429 Pencarrow Head SX1550 Malpas SW8442 Nanjizal SW3523 Pendarves SW6437 SW7625 Nanquidno SW3629 Pendavey SX0071 Manare Point SW9338 Nansavallan Wood SW8143 Pen Enys Point SW4841 SW8050 Nanstallon SX0366 Pendeen SW3834 Marazion Beach SW5031 Nare Head SW9137 Pendeen Watch SW3735 Marazion Marsh SW5031 Nare Point SW8025 Pendennis Point/Castle SW8231 Marble Cliffs SW8976 Narkurs SX3256 Pendoggett SX0279 Marshgate SX1591 Navax Point SW5943 Pendower Beach SW8938 Maudlin, Liskeard SX2664 Neal Point SX4361 Penhale, St John SX4153 Mawgan SW7024 Nether Bridge SX3486 Penhale Creek SX4254 Mawgan Porth SW8467 New Mill SW4534 SW7756 Mawnan SW7827 Newbridge, Callington SX3467 SW7651 Mayon Pit, Sennen SW3625 Newbridge, Penzance SW4231 Penhalt SSI900 Meachard SX0991 Newland SW9181 Penhole Farm SX1861 Men-An-Tol SW4234 Newlyn SW4628 Penjerrick SW7730 Menabilly SX1051 Newlyn Beach SW4629 Penlee Battery SX4349 Menabilly Barton SX0951 Newlyn Coombe SW4529 Penlee Point, Mousehole SW4726 SW6141 Newlyn East SW8256 Penlee Point, Rame Hd. SX4448 Menadue Marsh SX0358 Newlyn Harbour SW4628 Penlee Quarry, Newlyn SW4627 Menheniot SX2962 New Polzeath SW9379 Penlee Reserve SX4349

146 Penlee Woods SX4449 Polmarkyn SX3335 Probus SW8947 Penmarth SW7035 Polmear SX0853 Prussia Cove SW5527 Penmillard, Rame SX4249 Polmorla SW9871 Quintrell Downs SW8559 Pen Olver SW7111 Polperro SX2050 Quoit Farm SW9261 Penpol Creek, Feock SW8138 Polquick Farm, Truro SW8246 Racecourse Downs SX0969 Penpoll Creek, Fowey SX1354 Polridmouth Cove SX1050 RAF Portreath SW6746 Penrice SX0249 Polruan SX1250 RAF St. Mawgan SW8664 Penrose, Loe Pool SW6425 Polscoe SX1160 Raftra Farm SW2722 Penryn SW7834 Poison SX3584 Ralph's Cupboard SW6445 Penryn River SW7934 SW7215 Rame Barton SX4249 SX2969 Polurrian Cove SW6618 Rame Church SX4249 Pentargon SX1091 Polwheveral Creek SW7328 Rame Head SX4148 Pentewan SX0147 Polzeath SW9378 Rame, Rame Head SX4249 Pentewan Beach SX0247 Ponsanooth SW7537 Rame, Stithians SW7233 Pentire, Newquay SW7961 Pont SX1452 Redgate SX2268 Pentire Farm SW9380 Ponts Mill SX0756 Redhill Downs SX1671 Pentire Point SW9280 Porcupine SX0755 Redmoor SX0762 Pentire Point East SW7861 Popesmill SX2763 Redruth SW6942 Pentire Point West SW7761 Porkellis SW6933 SW7955 Beach SW6912 Porkellis Moor SW6832 SW6633 Penweathers SW7944 SW9679 Relubbus SW5631 Penwithick SX0256 Portgaverne SX0080 Rescassa SX0842 Penzance SW4730 SW7923 Reskadinnick SW6341 Penzance Heliport SW4831 Porth-cadjack Cove SW6444 Reskajeage Downs SW6343 Penzance Railway Stn. SW4730 Porthcothan SW8571 Respryn SX0963 Perbargus Point SW9541 Porthcurno SW3822 Castle SX1061 Percuil SW8534 Porthguarnon SW4123 Restronguet Creek SW8038 Perran Bay SW7555 Porthgwarra SW3621 Retallack SW9366 SW5530 SW9375 Rialton Barton SW8461 Perran Sands SW5429 Porth Joke SW7760 SX2973 Perranporth SW7554 Porthkerris SW8022 Rinsey Head SW5826 Perranporth Airfield SW7352 Porth Kidney Beach SW5438 SX0476 Perranporth Dunes SW7554 Porth leven SW6225 SW8440 Perranuthnoe SW5329 Porthleven Sands SW6324 River SW8046 Perranuthnoe Cliffs SW5428 Porthluney Cove SW9741 River Neet SS2208 Perranwell SW7752 Porth Mear, Park Head SW8471 Roche SW9860 Petherwin SX2889 Porthmellin Head SW8632 Rock SW9375 Picklecombe SX4550 Beach SW5140 Rocksea Farm SX0274 Piece SW6739 Porthmeor, Zennor SW4337 SX0789 Pier Cellars SX4449 Porthminster Point SW5239 Ropehaven SX0349 Pigshill SX4351 Porthmissen SW8976 Rosecraddock SX2667 Pill Creek SW8339 Porth Nanven SW3530 Rosehill SW4530 Pinkson Creek SW9473 Porth, Newquay SW8362 Roseland Peninsula SW8637 Pinnockshill SX1874 Portholland SW9541 Rosemelling Pool SX0457 Pipers Pool SX2684 Porthoustock SW8021 SW4136 Pityme SW9576 Porthpean SX0350 Rosemullion Head SW7927 Place Manor, St Mawes SW8532 Porth Reservoir SW8662 SW9566 Place Wood SW8633 SW6948 SW9567 Plaidy SX2653 Port Isaac SW9980 Roseny Valley Wood SX0559 SX2580 Portloe SW9339 Rosewarne SW6441 Polbathic SX3456 Portmellon SX0143 Rosewastis SW9161 Polbathic Creek SX3557 Portnadler Bay SX2451 Roseworthy SW6139 Polbrock SX0169 Portquin SW9780 Rosken Farm SW8972 Polcrebo Downs SW6433 Portreath SW6545 Rospannel SW3926 Poldhu SW6620 Portscatho SW8735 Rosudgeon SW5529 Poldhu Cove SW6619 Portwrinkle SX3553 SX1481 Poldhu Marsh SW6720 Poughill SS2208 Rough Tor Farm SX1382 Polgigga SW3723 SW5828 Roughtor Moors SX1480 Polgreen Farm SW8666 Predannack SW6816 SW9039 Polhawn Cove SX4149 Predannack Airfield SW6816 Ruan Lanihorne SW8841 Polhawn Fort SX4249 Predannack Downs SW6915 Ruan Major SW7016 Polkerris SX0952 Prideaux Wood SX0655 Rumford SW8970 Polly Joke SW7760 Priory Park Bodmin SX0766 Rumps Point SW9381

147 Buoy SW3620 SW9163 Swanpool SW8031 Ryan's Field SW5436 St Columb Minor SW8462 Swanpool Beach SW8031 Sally's Bottom SW6746 St Columb Porth SW8362 Swanvale SW7931 Saltash SX4258 St Columb Road SW9159 Talland SX2251 Salter Mill SX4363 St Columb Sewage Works Talland Bay SX2251 Saltmill Creek SX4259 SW9063 Tamar Estuary SX4359 Samphire Island SW6344 St Dominick SX4067 Tamar Lakes SS2811 Sancreed SW4129 St Dominick Church SX3967 Tater-du SW4423 Sandy Mouth SS2009 St Elvin SW6427 Tehidy Country Park SW6443 Sconner Creek SX3656 St Enodoc SW9377 Temple SX1473 Scorrier SW7244 St Enodoc Golf Course SW9376 Temple New Bridge SX1574 Scribble Downs SX1477 St Erth SW5535 Temple Tor Pools SX1373 Sea Mills SW9273 St Erth Pools SW5435 Terras SW9353 Seaton SX3054 SW5735 Terras Bridge SX2455 Seaton Valley SX3055 St Eval SW8868 The Brisons SW3431 Sennen SW3626 St Eval Airfield SW8768 The Chick SW7661 Sennen Cove SW3526 SW9746 The Goose SW7861 Sharp Tor SX2673 St Germans SX3657 The Kelsey's SW7769 Sheffield, Mousehole SW4526 , Penryn SW7834 The Lizard SW7020 Shell Woods SX0872 St Hilary SW5531 The Mouls SW9381 Shepherds SX8154 StIssey SW9271 The Sisters SX0689 Sheviock SX3655 St Ives SW5140 Three Holes Cross SX0173 Sheviock Wood SX3656 St Ives Bay SW5439 Threemilestone SW7844 Shillingham Creek SX4057 St Ives Island SW5241 Tideford SX3459 Short Island SX0790 St Jidgey SW9469 SX0588 Siblyback Farm SX2372 St John SX4153 Toad Hole SW9659 Siblyback Reservoir SX2371 St John Ford SX4153 Beach, Penzce SW4628 SW7548 St John's Lake SX4254 Tolgus SW6944 SW6328 St Just SW3631 Tollgate, Wadebridge SW9772 Skewjack SW3624 St Just Airfield SW3728 Toll Point SW7826 Skinham Point SX4360 St Just Pool SW8435 Tolpetherwin SX2782 Sladebridge SX0171 St Just in Roseland SW8535 Tolvaddon SW6040 SX1085 St Keverne SW7821 SX1154 Smallacombe Pltn SX2275 SX0276 Torpoint SX4354 Soap Cove SW6714 St Kew Highway SX0375 Towan Beach SW8732 Southdown SX4352 St Levan SW3722 Towan Head SW7962 Southground Point SX1050 St Loy SW4223 Towednack SW4838 Southithdown SX4252 SX0373 Townshend SW5932 South Petherwin SX3081 St Martin SX2455 Trago Mills SX1864 Spit Beach SX0752 St Mawes SW8433 Trannock Downs SW6630 Spit Point SX0752 SW8765 Trebah SX7627 St Agnes SW7250 SX3865 Woodlands SX2577 St Agnes Head SW6951 SW8873 Trebehor SW3724 St Andrew's Pool SX0754 St Merryn Airfield SW8871 Trebellan SW7856 St. Anthony, Helford SW7825 St Michael's Mount SW5129 Trebelsue SW8463 St Anthony, St. Mawes SW8532 SW9677 SW9278 St Anthony Head SW8431 St Nectan's Glen SX0888 Trebetherick Point SW9277 St Austell SX0252 St Neot SX1867 Trebownbridge SX2959 St Austell Bay SX0651 St Newlyn East SW8256 Tredavoe SW4528 St Austell Golf Course SX0050 St Stephens SX3285 Tredrossel SX3555 St Austell Sew. Works SX0150 St Winnow SX1157 Treen, Boswednack SW4337 St Blazey SX0654 Stannon Clay Pit SX1280 Treen, Porthcurno SW3922 St Blazey Lakes SX0555 Stem Pioint SW8467 Treesmill SX0855 St Breock SW9771 Stenalees SX0157 Trefusis Point SW8133 St Breock Downs SW9668 Stepper Point SW9178 Tregadillet SX2983 SX0976 Sticker SW9750 SW9264 St Buryan SW4025 Stithians SW7336 Tregaminion, Porthallow SW7922 St Cadoc Farm, Harlyn SW8875 Stithians Reservoir SW7136 Tregaminion, Restormel SX0951 St Cleer SX2468 SX3674 Tregantle Beach SX3852 St Cleer Downs SX2467 Stonaford SX2577 Tregantle Fort SX3853 St Clement SW8543 Stratton SS2206 Tregare Barton Wood SW8636 St Clement Woods SW8248 SW8856 Tregaswith SW8983 St Clements Isle SW4726 Summerleaze Beach SS2006 Tregathenan SW6530

148 Tregavarrah SW4429 Woods SW9773 Victoria SW9861 Tregavarras SX0841 Trevarno SW6430 Wacker Quay SX3855 Tregembo SW5731 SW8566 Wadebridge SW9872 Tregenna SW9440 Trevaunance Point SW7252 Wadebridge Sew. Wks SW9817 SW3732 Trevaylor Woods SW4632 SX 1895 Tregonetha Downs SW9562 Treveal SW4740 Walmsley Sanctuary SW9974 Tregony SW9244 Trevean Cove SW5428 Washaway SX0369 SX1183 Trevean Farm SW5428 Watch Croft SW4235 Tregoss SW9660 Trevear SW4740 Watergate, Looe SX2354 Tregoss Moor SW9760 Treveddo SW8061 Watergate Bay SW8364 Tregotha Farm SW5936 Trevelgue SW8463 Wearde Quay SX4257 Tregrehan SX0553 Trevellas SW7352 Weir Point SW8136 SX0453 Farm SW9574 Wendron SW6731 Tregunna SW9673 SW6829 Werrington SX3287 Trekelvesteps SX2269 Treverbyn SX2067 West Looe SX2553 SW9062 Treverva SW7531 West Looe River SX2454 Trelay Farm SX2054 Treverven SW4323 SW7760 Trelew SW8135 Trevescan SW3524 West Penwith Moors SW3929 Trelights SW9979 Trevia SX0983 West Taphouse SX1563 Treliske Hospital, Truro SW7945 Trevilley SW3524 Westerlake Farm SX2171 Trelissick SW8339 Trevisquite Manor SX0474 Wheal Eliza SX0353 SW9865 Trevol SX4155 Wherry Down SW4729 Treloquithack SW6929 Trevone SW8975 Western Cove SW6445 Trelow Downs SW9268 Trevone Bay SW8876 Wherry Town SW4729 Trelowarren SW7124 Trevorrian SW3726 Whitebarrow Downs SX1970 Trematon SX4057 Trevorrian Pool SW3726 Whitecross, Ludgvan SW5234 Tremayne Quay SW7225 Trevose Farm SW8675 Whitecross, Wadebridge SW9672 Trembath SW4528 Trevose Head SW8576 WhitesandBay SX3851 Tremethick Cross SW4430 Treweatha SX2267 Whitesand Bay, Sennen SW3527 TrenanceLake SW8160 SW9777 Wicca SW4739 Trenance Point SW8468 Trewellard SW3733 SX2857 Trenant, New Polzeath SW9479 SW6728 Widemouth Bay SS2002 Trenant, St Neot SX2168 Trewey Common SW4636 Wiggle SX4250 SX2455 Trewey Downs SW4537 SX4356 Trenant Point SX2553 Trewidden SW4429 Windmill Farm SW6915 Trenant Wood SX2454 SX2180 Winnard's Perch SW9266 Trenarren SX0348 Trewithen SW9147 Witheybrook Marsh SX2572 Trengwainton S W4431 Trewithian SW8837 Wolf Rock SW2611 Trenow (Boat) Cove SW5329 Trewornan Bridge SW9874 Woon Gumpus Common SW3933 Treraven Woods SW0070 Tor SW8839 Zacry's Island SW8363 Trereife SW4529 Treyarnon SW8673 Zelah SW8151 Trerethern Farm,Padstow SW9173 Treyarnon Bay SW8574 Zennor SW4538 TrerewWood SW8158 Trezibbett Farm SX2075 SX2760 Trerulefoot SX3358 Triffle SX3354 SW7539 Trispen SW8450 Tresemple Pool SW8544 Trobus Farm SW8850 Tresillian SW8646 Truro SW8245 Tresillian River SW8444 Truro River SW8342 Treskilling SX0357 Trythall SW4433 Treskilling Clay Pit SX0357 Turnaware Point SW8338 Treskilling Downs SX0357 Two Bridges, St Columb SW9163 Treskinnick Cross SX2198 Marsh SX0854 Treswigga SX1274 United Downs SW7441 Trethern SW8536 Upper Fowey Valley SX2173 Trethewell SW8535 Upper Tamar Lake SS2812 Trethewey SW3823 SX2872 Trethias Island SW8573 Upton Towans SW5739 Trethill SX3754 SX0982 SX0355 Varfell SW5032 SX0890 Vault Bay/Beach SX0140 Trevail SW4740 Ventonleague SW5738 Trevanson SW9772 Veryan SW9139 Trevanson Farm SW9773 Veryan Bay SW9638

149 RINGING REPORT - 2000

During the year a total of 2678 birds were ringed, consisting of 2582 full grown and 97 pulli. Rufous Nightingale was ringed for the first time, with the second Subalpine Warbler, third Red-breasted Flycatcher, fourth Moorhen, sixth Common Cuckoo and seventh European Nightjar.

TABLE 1: CONSTRIBUTORS

Contributor Full Pulli Site

G. J. Conway 402 14 Mid and West Cornwall F. M. Couch 2 51 Bodmin/Truro F. H. C. Kendall 1 29 Bude B. R. Pattenden 105 - Marazion D. Riley 62 - Rospannel P. L. Stubbs 330 - Lizard K. A. Wilson 1,679 3 Nanjizal

TABLE 2: SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RINGED

Ringing Totals 2000 1979-2000

Full Grown Pulli Total Full grown Pulli Total

Northern Fulmar 4 4 Manx Sheerwater 20 20 European Storm Petrel 341 341 3,377 3,377 Shag 86 86 2 2 Mute Swan 117 117 Common Shelduck 8 8 Common Teal 3 3 Mallard 1 1 Garganey 1 1 Common Scoter 1 1 Eurasian Sparrowhawk 5 5 2 41 Common Buzzard 39 15 15 Common Kestrel 22 23 Water Rail 1 14 50 Spotted Crake 36 4 Moorhen 1 1 4 4 Oystercatcher 4 7 665 Great Ringed Plover 658 345 Northern Lapwing 345 3 27 Red Knot 24 6 Sanderling 6 23 Little Stint 23 1 Curlew Sandpiper 1 8 Dunlin 1 1 8 1,494 Jack Snipe 1,494 3 Common Snipe 3 19 Woodcock 19 5 Black-tailed Godwit 5 8 Bar-tailed Godwit 8 1 1 150 Whimbrel - - - 5 - 5 Eurasian Curlew - - - 124 - 124 Spotted Redshank - - - 7 - 7 Common Redshank - - - 297 - 297 Common Greenshank - - - 49 - 49 Turnstone - - - 57 - 57 Black-headed Gull - 9 9 36 72 108 Common Gull - - - 2 - 2 Herring Gull 2 - 2 20 - 20 Kittiwake - - - 1 - 1 Common Guillemot - - - 24 10 34 Razorbill - - - 2 10 12 Little Auk - - - 1 - 1 Stock Dove - - - - 3 3 Wood Pigeon 2 - 2 17 8 25 Collared Dove - - - 11 4 15 Turtle Dove - - - 2 - 2 Common Cuckoo 1 - 1 3 3 6 Barn Owl 2 12 14 30 255 285 Little Owl - - - 1 2 3 Tawny Owl 1 5 6 17 61 78 Long-eared Owl - - - 2 - 2 Short-eared Owl - - - 1 - 1 European Nightjar 1 - 1 3 - 3 Common Swift - - - 4 - 4 Common Kingfisher 5 - 5 28 - 28 Green Woodpecker - - - 5 - 5 Great Spotted Woodpecker - - - 11 - 11 Skylark - - - - 6 6 Sand Martin 7 - 7 216 - 216 Barn Swallow 25 - 25 5,972 590 6,562 House Martin - - - 127 3 130 Tree Pipit 1 - 1 16 14 30 Meadow Pipit - - - 62 15 77 Rock Pipit - - - 2 9 11 Water Pipit - - - 1 - 1 Yellow Wagtail - - - 40 - 40 Grey Wagtail - 3 3 41 53 94 Pied Wagtail 2 - 2 188 70 258 Dipper - 3 3 165 417 582 Wren 132 - 132 1,954 24 1,978 Hedge Accentor 57 - 57 1,368 15 1,383 Robin 109 - 109 2,040 61 2,101 Common Nightingale 1 - 1 1 - 1 Bluethroat - - - 1 - 1 Black Redstart - - - 9 - 9 Common Redstart - - - 19 22 41 Whinchat - - - 13 - 13 Common Stonechat 1 - 1 54 10 64 Northern Wheatear 1 - 1 199 182 381 Ring Ouzel - - - 1 - 1 Blackbird 110 - 110 1,688 112 1,800 Fieldfare - - - 5 - 5 Song Thrush 50 - 50 687 35 722 Redwing 3 - 3 341 - 341

151 Mistle Thrush - - - 5 12 17 Cetti's Warbler 3 - 3 200 - 200 Grasshopper Warbler 1 - 1 29 - 29 Aquatic Warbler - - - 45 - 45 Sedge Warbler 214 2 216 5,098 9 5,107 Marsh Warbler - - - 2 - 2 Reed Warbler 54 1 55 4,121 6 4,127 Paddyfield Warbler - - - 1 - 1 Icterine Warbler - - - 2 - 2 Melodious Warbler - - - 4 - 4 Subalpine Warbler 1 - 1 2 - 2 Lesser Whitethroat 1 - 1 24 - 24 Common Whitethroat 85 - 85 723 - 723 Garden Warbler 17 - 17 267 - 267 Blackcap 103 - 103 1,141 - 1,141 Pallas's Leaf Warbler - - - 4 - 4 Yellow-browed Warbler - - - 5 - 5 Dusky Warbler - - - 1 - 1 Wood Warbler - - - 3 - 3 Chiffchaff 248 - 248 2,560 10 2,570 Willow Warbler 274 - 274 2,777 100 2,877 Goldcrest 180 - 180 2,044 - 2,044 Firecrest 12 - 12 145 - 145 Spotted Flycatcher 6 - 6 60 68 128 Red-breasted flycatcher 1 - 1 3 - 3 Pied Flycatcher 7 - 7 65 432 497 Long-tailed Tit 104 - 104 1,026 - 1,026 Marsh Tit - - - 128 53 181 Willow Tit - - - 120 14 134 Tit 1 - 1 198 53 251 Blue Tit 145 30 175 5,757 2,298 8,055 Great Tit 80 27 107 1,591 520 2,111 European Nuthatch - 5 5 32 140 172 Eurasian Treecreeper - - - 84 6 90 Red-backed Shrike - - - 1 - 1 Woodchat Shrike - - - 1 - 1 Eurasian Jay 1 - 1 13 - 13 Magpie 3 - 3 27 32 59 Eurasian Jackdaw 1 - 1 80 12 92 Rook 2 - 2 12 - 12 Carrion Crow - - - 4 23 27 Common Starling - - - 1,822 - 1,822 House Sparrow 23 - 23 547 1 548 Red-eyed Vireo - - - 1 - 1 Chaffinch 86 - 86 1,973 27 2,000 Brambling - - - 31 - 31 Greenfinch 34 - 34 2,983 20 3,003 Goldfinch 16 - 16 175 12 187 Siskin - - - 58 - 58 Linnet 2 - 2 177 13 190 Common Redpoll - - - 6 - 6 Bullfinch 13 - 13 694 3 697 Hawfinch - - - 1 - 1 Yellowhammer - - - 150 7 157 Cirl Bunting - - - - 3 3

152 Little Bunting - 1-1 Reed Bunting 3 - 3 604 5 609 Corn Bunting - 9 21 30

TOTALS 2,582 97 2,679 59,819 6,115 65,934

TABLE 3: SELECTED LONGEVITY RECORDS

Species Ring No. Ringed Recovered Y.M.D.#

Shag 1049141 18.1.67 15.1.89 21.11.28 Mute Swan Z46912 28.11.81 10.3.95 14.03.17 Common Buzzard GM18944 9.6.74 30.9.85 11.03.21 Oystercatcher SS95351 16.8.72 30.8.93 21.00.14 Great Ringed Plover - 11.8.72 26.8.80 8.00.15 Dunlin BA99271 22.9.66 4.12.74 8.02.20 Common Redshank DR43516 28.8.77 3.8.85 7.11.06 Eurasian Curlew FV42925 8.8.78 1.9.93 15.00.24 Black-headed Gull 3102129 28.5.67 25.11.84 17.05.28 Great Black-backed Gull HU17936 5.6.70 31.7.84 14.01.05 Tawny Owl GP57273 7.6.75 22.10.93 18.04.14 Collared Dove EC77498 21.11.65 28.7.79 13.08.06 Dipper CP58458 14.5.70 25.9.78 8.04.11 Song Thrush RX31113 20.7.84 1.7.90 5.00.12 Redwing BV13494 6.11.74 12.1.82 7.02.06 Cetti's Warbler HI77740 1.9.91 28.7.95 3.10.27 Sedge Warbler - 21.8.77 9.8.92 4.11.19 Reed Warbler JS49967 7.5.74 16.5.82 8.00.09 Willow Warbler 8B4086 7.6.80 1.7.84 4.00.24 Pied Flycatcher E153965 4.6.87 8.6.93 6.00.04 Blue Tit B329459 3.9.81 13.6.87 5.09.10 Great Tit - 13.7.76 31.7.82 6.00.18 Magpie EH89906 4.6.85 7.4.93 7.10.03 Common Starling XX15131 31.12.74 31.1.82 8.01.00 # Elapse time in Years, Months and Days between ringing and finding.

LIST OF RECOVERIES AND CONTROLS

This list contains details of birds controlled (i.e. caught and released by a ringer) or recovered (i.e. found dead) in Cornwall in 2000 and previous years.

Column 1 shows ring numbers, or abbreviations used to identify foreign ringing schemes as follows: BLB Brussels Belgium CIJ Jersey Channel Islands FRP Paris France HGB Budapest Hungary NLA Arnhem Netherlands NOS Stavanger Norway POL Cempa Portugal SFH Helsinki Finland SVS Stockholm Sweden USA Washington United States of America

153 Column 2 shows the EURING code for the age of the bird when ringed (note figures are not in years), the sex when known, and the code for the manner of recovery, as follows: 1 pullus (nestling or chick) 2 full-grown, year of hatching unknown 3J hatched during calendar year of ringing, (juvenile plumage) 4 hatched before calendar year of ringing, but exact year unknown 5 hatched during previous calendar year 6 hatched before previous calendar year, but exact year unknown M male F female X found dead or dying R caught and released by ringer + shot or killed by man FR field record, ring number or colour marks determined in field

Column 3 shows the date of ringing, control or recovery.

Column 4 shows the place where the bird was ringed, controlled or recovered.

Column 5 shows the distance travelled.

Column 6 shows the number of days elapsed between ringing and control or recovery.

European Storm Petrel CIJ 4 7.6.98 Burhou, Alderney, Channel Islands P11101 R 10.7.99 Rumps Point 212km 398 days

2100994 4 7.7.97 Gwennap Head R 30.7.00 Isle of May, Fife, Scotland 714km 1,119 days

2245413 4 11.7.80 Sanda Island, Strathclyde, Scotland R 25.7.98 Gwennap Head 583km 6,588 days

2455080 4 8.7.97 Pendeen Watch R 16.7.00 Burhou, Alderney, Channel Islands 249km 1,104 days

2475836 4 28.6.00 near Deadman's Cove, Camborne R 16.7.00 Great Saltee, Wexford, Eire 228km 18 days

2500135 4 11.7.97 Gwennap Head R 24.6.00 Plemont, Jersey, Channel Islands 262km 1,079 days

2500410 4 1.7.98 Gwennap Head R 22.7.98 Banneg Island, Finistere, France 186km 21 days

2512686 4 10.7.99 Rumps Point R 24.6.00 Plemont, Jersey, Channel Islands 241km 350 days

2515956 4 26.7.00 Wooltack Point, Dyfed, R 8.8.00 Porth Nanven 182km 13 days

2527157 4 13.7.99 Pendeen Watch R 6.8.00 Sanda Island, Strathclyde, Scotland 569km 390 days The above are a selection of rapid and long distance movements during the year and others from previous years. 154 Turnstone USA 4F 21.7.99 Alert, Ellesmere Island, Canada 131359407 V 7-8.5.00 Fossvogur, Iceland V 10.10.00 St Ives Quite a remarkable record of a bird ringed on its breeding grounds, sighted on return migration the following spring and finally heading back south, through Cornwall, during autumn.

Black-headed Gull ES72116 6 1.11.95 Par Beach VV 13.3.00 Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands 703km 1,594 days

Lesser Black-backed Gull GA31803 3J 24.6.00 Ribble Estuary NNR, Lancashire FR 21.8.00 Hayle Estuary 429km 58 days

GA31556 3J 24.6.00 Ribble Estuary NNR, Lancashire FR 22.8.00 Hayle Estuary 429km 59 days

GA31953 3J 24.6.00 Ribble Estuary NNR, Lancashire FR 7.9.00 Hayle Estuary 429km 75 days

Y372 3.1 23.7.99 Colour ringed Gardaholt, Iceland FR 25.10.00 Hayle Estuary 459 days

GA33453 3J 8.7.00 South Walney, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria FR 1.12.00 Hayle Estuary 456km 146 days

Sandwich Turn Col. Ring 1 1.7.00 Forvie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland VV 28.9.00 Porthpean

Barn Owl GF41947 1 17.7.98 , St Kew X 21.12.00 St Minver 5km 888 days

GF41948 1 17.7.98 Trewornan X 15.12.00 Goss Moor 16km 882 days

GF62415 1 9.7.00 St Kew X 30.9.00 near Wadebridge 4km 83 days

Wren 1M5775 5F 4.6.98 near Bron Bannog, Clwyd, Wales X 4.12.99 St Kew, Bodmin 294km 183 days

5Z8563 3 3.11.99 Nanjizal X 18.3.00 Brane, Sancreed 9km 136 days The Welsh bird constitutes one of the longest movements made by a British individual.

Blackbird RK64925 5M 11.4.94 Pentire Farm X 28.1.00 Polzeath 2km 2,118 days

155 Redwing SFH 1 5.6.97 Ilmajoki, Vaasa, Finland P313652 X 15.11.98 2,142km 528 days

Sedge Warbler N740860 3 31.7.99 Chew Valley Lake, Avon R 2.5.00 Nanjizal 258km 276 days

N390314 3 21.8.99 Isle of Grain, Kent 11.5.00 Nanjizal 476km 254 days

Willow Warbler 2L5362 3J 25.6.99 near Llangloffan, Fishguard, Dyfed, Wales R 29.4.00 Nanjizal 214km 309 days

Goldcrest 6G7586 2M 29.9.98 Long Rock X 11.2.00 Marazion Marsh 1km 500 days

1M3527 5F 20.3.00 Bardsey Island, Gwynedd, Wales R 8.10.00 Nanjizal 306km 202 days

5Z8599 3M 8.11.99 Nanjizal X 18.3.00 Trwyn Cilan, Gwynedd, Wales 315km 131 days

Reed Bunting K402998 3J 3.8.96 Par Beach X 24.12.00 St Blazey 2km 1,604 days

Ringed birds All records of ringed or colour-marked birds are of immense value, so please report them to the relevant person, see below, and the County Recorder. If you find a ringed bird, please note the ring number and ringing scheme address, species, location, date of finding and cause of death if known, and forward details to the BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU.

Colour marked birds Many colour-marking schemes are currently operating in Britain and Europe. Sightings such birds should be notified to the co-ordinators shown below: Great Cormorant - Jenny Kent, 8 Manor Road, Collingham, Newark, Notts. NG23 7PL. Waders - Stephen Browne & Harriet Mead, Wader Study Group, c/o The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU. Large Gulls - Peter Rock, 59 Concorde Drive, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 6PX. Small Gulls - Kjeld Pederson, Daglykkevej 7, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark. Wildfowl - Rich Hearn, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucester, GL2 7BT. Other species - BTO (address as above).

156 Acknowledgements To all ringers who submitted totals and details of their recoveries, and the following for providing details of additional recoveries: Daniel Eva and Nik Ward. References

Ringing Report 1999, Clark, J.A., et al., Ringing and Migration, 20(3), pp239-288.

Greg Conway

SOCIETY PURCHASES WINDMILL FARM AS THIRD NATURE RESERVE

Late in 2000 an exciting, significant event in the Society's history occurred, with the purchase of our third freehold nature reserve Windmill Farm on The Lizard.

As joint owners with we now own a whole farm! With significant help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Lewis Frost Memorial Fund and a fundraising campaign by CWT, our £15,000 became part of a £135,000 package which included purchase and some initial survey and fencing costs which makes excellent value for money for the Society.

Description of the property The Windmill Farm reserve covers 75ha (185 acres) 1.5km north of Lizard Village on the west side of the main Helston to Lizard road. A key landmark, which gives the property its name, is the disused windmill, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This can be seen from some distance on this side of the peninsula.

South of Mullion, most of The Lizard is underlain by ultra-basic (neutral) serpentine rock, which is low in major plant nutrients but high in certain trace elements, notably magnesium. This, combined with the extreme southerly and coastal location of the area which brings warm temperatures, few frosts, many

157 gales and frequent summer droughts, has resulted in a range of vegetation communities of international as well as national conservation importance. Lowland heathland is of particular significance.

These habitats are well represented on Windmill Farm, with 20ha of the farm listed as candidate Special Area of Conservation under the European Union Species and Habitats Directive, and 27ha forming part of the West Lizard Site of Special Scientific Interest under UK legislation. Other parts of the site are designated as County Wildlife Site by CWT.

West Lizard SSSI is designated to protect its significant amounts of lowland heath vegetation. The three major heathland communities found on the Lizard occur at Windmill Farm, namely tall heath, short heath and mixed heath. Tall heath occurs on wetter ground with shallower soils where the influence of the neutral serpentine bedrock results in black bog-rush and Cornish heath dominating the vegetation. In short heath communities, soil is deeper due to a covering of wind-blown glacial sand. This material is more acidic and masks the influence of the serpentine. It results in a more 'typical' heathland vegetation with species such as common heather, bell heather, purple moor grass and western gorse dominant in the sward. Mixed heath occurs generally as a result of human cultivation, where the two soil types have become mixed. As might be expected, plant species from both tall and short heath communities occur, but there are less obvious dominants.

These heathland areas lie mainly around the northern, western and southern boundaries of the property, forming part of a much larger area of heathland running to the coast through Lizard Downs, Kynance and Lower Predannack Downs. The rest of the property consists of a range of pasture fields showing various degrees of agricultural improvement, interspersed with patches of willow scrub and hedgerows. Many of these fields were created from heathland in the decades following World War II.

The whole property is of national landscape value, lying within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In addition to the old windmill, other significant archaeological remains occur, namely Bronze Age barrows and various World War II remains such as a pillbox and structures associated with the nearby Predannack Airfield.

Existing bird interest Due to the fact that the land was privately owned until recently and had no public access, very little bird recording had taken place. Andy Pay has carried out a wintering survey and a breeding bird survey, which has illustrated how valuable the site already is for birdlife even before we make any improvements.

Wintering birds include: hen harrier, merlin, peregrine, water rail, snipe, woodcock, and redwing as well as a wide range of smaller passerines.

Breeding birds include: mallard, cuckoo, skylark, meadow pipit, linnet, reed bunting and bullfinch. Particularly good numbers of song thrush were found nesting in overgrown hedgerows and Andy was pleased to record nine species of warbler namely: willow warbler, chiffchaff, whitethroat, lesser whitethroat (prob), sedge warbler, reed warbler, grasshopper warbler, blackcap and garden warbler.

Barn owl and Dartford warbler nest close to the property and lapwing and corn bunting last bred on The Lizard in very close proximity not that many years ago.

As many of you will appreciate, a number of these species are listed as being of conservation concern by the RSPB and others. Much publicity has been given recently to the decline of songbirds, especially on farmland.

158 The Future The Windmill Farm project will bring exciting, long-term benefits to bird life in the area, to birdwatchers, and to the Society. Both our committee and the Wildlife Trust see this project as a flagship for our conservation work in Cornwall. Despite the well-publicised impacts on farmland wildlife and habitats, very few Trusts have purchased a farm to enable them to restore some of the balance. The project will complement our activities in at Maer Lake and Walmsley and will provide a facility for our members in the west of the county.

Windmill Farm has many features of conservation importance. These need to be thoroughly assessed before any physical changes are carried out. Most of 2001 will therefore be spent carrying out detailed plant, insect, mammal and bird surveys as well as an archaeological assessment. This will be collated into a management plan which will propose a number of options to consider for the future. Without wishing to pre-empt the findings of the report, ideas we are hoping to develop include:

• Establish some cereal growing to provide winter stubbles • Pond and scrape creation • Heathland creation, especially where it can link existing fragments • Convert silage fields to hay and encourage gradual reversion to a more botanically diverse sward • Develop projects with adjacent landowners, such as National Trust and English Nature, to bring even greater benefits to local wildlife

At the moment the site is not easily geared-up to receive visitors, but there is much potential to develop sensitive access routes. One of the (disused!) Predannack Airfield runways crosses the site and would make an ideal wheelchair access path.

We hope to develop a 'Lewis Frost Memorial Trail', with interpretation, on part of the site to provide a sustainable memorial to one of the important Lizard botanists. A fund was established following Lewis' recent death and the fund trustees generously assisted towards the purchase of the farm.

These future projects will obviously require funding. Most of this should be possible via the Countryside Stewardship Scheme or English Nature's Wildlife Enhancement Scheme. We are also in discussion with a local farmer who is developing an organic farming business and wants to be involved with grazing the property. This will be an essential factor in habitat management, as much of the site will still require a degree of grazing even though the primary function of the site is now a nature reserve.

We will organise an open day event and will publicise progress on the site, especially regarding visitor access, via Society newsletters. I feel sure that if you are able to visit the site you will not be disappointed whatever the season.

Martin Rule Assistant Conservation Officer (West Cornwall)

159 Birds in a Truro garden 1991 - 2000

Sylvia D Johns and ^Nicholas Picozzi

Introduction In January 1991, SDJ began making daily observations of the birds visiting her garden in Hillcrest Avenue, Truro (SW 8125 4515). This was not part of any particular garden bird scheme. Apart from a few short breaks, observations continued for 10 years (a total of 3605 days out of a potential 3653 days) and show what can be found out about our common birds on the modest scale of a small suburban garden. The garden The garden is approximately 16m long by 14m wide and has a north-westerly aspect. The north end backs on to a steep slope leading down to the River Kenwyn. This slope is partially wooded with mixed hardwoods, mainly mature oaks, and the remainder is a field which was used until the 1960s as overnight grazing for cattle destined for the market next day. With the cessation of this practice (cattle since being transported directly by lorry), the field has been invaded by gorse, blackthorn, bracken and brambles. The layout of the garden has changed little over the period. A lawn takes up the central portion and accounts for about 70% of the garden. It is surrounded by a narrow path and a border of vegetables and flowers chosen to provide a source of seed in winter. In the NE corner are a large, mature sessile oak (the canopy of which covers that corner and has doubled over the 10 years), an ash tree and a smaller Prunus sp. Along the west side is an evergreen hedge of laurel, yew and privet between 2 and 4m tall. The east side is bounded from the neighbouring garden by wooden fencing. A shallow 1x2m pond on the northern boundary is now sheltered by the oak canopy, and there is a small bird bath set into the lawn.

Methods Observations from 1991 were made on a casual basis during the day from a conservatory overlooking the garden and all species observed were recorded daily. Two feeders, one with peanuts at the north end of the lawn and the other with mixed bird seed at the south end nearer the house were set out every year on October 1st until there was no longer evidence of use, usually by mid April, when they were removed. Food, including suitable household scraps, was provided ad lib. during this period. Problems with grey squirrels were overcome by passing the pole to which the feeders were attached through a large plastic bottle with the base cut out. The bottle was fixed in place half way up the pole and provided a barrier that the squirrels were unable to circumnavigate. At the end of each month, a table of the daily sightings and accompanying behavioural and weather notes was sent to NP. This method of recording differed from that of the BTO/CJ Garden Bird Watch Survey which began four years later in 1995. In that survey, counts are recorded on a weekly basis in four categories for each of 10 prescribed common species, together with casual sightings of all other species.

As SDJ's observations were made daily, the data could be broken down by week, month, quarter or year. We summarised the observations as follows: the number of days a species was seen in the garden each month was expressed as a percentage of the total number of days that observations were made in that month (with few exceptions, this was the whole month). These monthly percentage data by species and month were recorded on an Excel spreadsheet with species across the first row and months/years down the first column.

To obtain an indication of the most to the least frequently seen birds, we ranked species in decreasing order by the total number of days each was seen each year. The most often recorded (highest ranking) species scored 1, the next scored 2 etc. There were slight differences in the annual ranking order and not all species were seen every year, so the rank scores for the 10 years were averaged for each of the 23 species seen every year and a final ranking order based on their average score was assigned to them.

160 Results and Discussion A total of 45 species was seen over the 10 years (Table 1). The order of most to least often recorded, based on the average of the annual ranks for the 23 species seen every year, differs slightly from that which would have been produced from ranking by the 10-year total number of days each species was seen. However, it is more valid as it takes account of variations in the number of sightings from year to year (though not from season to season). While this list is of some general interest, and could be further broken down by season, it is much as might be expected for the common species. A better understanding of seasonal and annual variations was obtained by charting the percentage of days each of the 45 species was seen each month over the 10 years. Eight species have been selected in Figures 1 and 2 to illustrate the main features. All species display seasonality to a greater or lesser extent. Even for the most commonly recorded, there tends to be a decrease in sightings during the summer, presumably because nesting birds are foraging more widely. The charts for the two most often recorded species, Blackbird and Blue Tit, make this point (Fig. 1). Other species we usually think of as regular garden birds show marked seasonality - the Great tit and Chaffinch (Fig. 1) are two good examples as are Dunnock, and Greenfinch which also peak in the winter months. It is possible that Chaffinch and Greenfinch numbers are increased by over-wintering continental birds.

There has been recent concern about a national decrease in Song Thrush and House Sparrow (see Flumm 2000). The Song Thrush has never been a common visitor to the garden but the decrease in records since 1997 (Fig. 2) may reflect the national trend; rather alarmingly, none were recorded in 2000. However, sightings of House Sparrow seem to have increased in recent years. Collared Doves became scarce visitors from 1998 but sightings of Wood Pigeons have increased since 1996 (Fig. 2). We can think of no local factors which may have resulted in conditions more favourable to the pigeon than the dove in the garden other than perhaps the increased canopy cover provided by the oak tree which might favour the pigeon which likes to drink at the pond beneath the canopy.

Infrequent visitors have been Blackcap in most winters, a Firecrest in October 1994 and February 2000 and occasional Redwing and Brambling in hard weather. A Sparrowhawk passes through the garden and was almost certainly under-recorded.

It is all too easy to make anecdotal remarks, such as there seem to be less than or more of a particular species now than there used to be, but long-term datasets with supporting evidence are less easily obtained. The data we present here show what can be done by simply recording daily presence or absence of our common species in a garden. SDJ put out feeders over the same period each year. These no doubt attracted birds in the winter and it could be argued that this may have accounted for the marked seasonality of some species. While this may be true to some extent, we suggest that the provision of food merely served to emphasise the relative abundance of such species in the neighbourhood in winter. The feeders were not removed until such time as the birds no longer showed any interest in them. NP's experience in NE Scotland, where he leaves feeders out all year, is that summering birds very seldom visit them, preferring to feed their young on naturally occurring food, especially arthropods. The most marked difference between our two feeding stations at opposite ends of the country is the abundance of Siskins all winter in NE Scotland. They were first recorded at SDJ's feeders in March and April 1994. Since then, they have been seen there in February 1995, March 1996 and 1997, January, February and March 1998, and March 1999 and 2000. The preponderance of sightings at the Truro feeders in March may indicate a return movement of continental birds. This contrasts with Blackcap sightings for which there is no clearly favoured winter month indicating that the birds seen were (scarce) winter visitors rather than passage birds.

Conclusions Although counts of each species visiting the garden were not made in this study, interesting long-term information was nonetheless obtained from daily presence/absence data. In particular, the seasonality

161 of occurrence showed clearly. Overall, the pattern of attendance of the main species over the 10 years was consistent and few indicated any obvious change. The recording appears to have detected a recent increase in Wood Pigeon and decrease in Collared Dove and Song Thrush. As there have been no major changes to the garden or the immediate surroundings, there is a likelihood that these reflect real local, perhaps more widespread, effects. The presence of Siskins at the feeders in late winter in recent years also indicates a change in the behaviour of that species locally. We hope that more people may be encouraged to keep daily notes or participate in the Garden Bird Watch Survey (details from the BTO at Thetford) - they will find it a rewarding exercise.

Reference

Flumm D S (2000). Cornwall's farmland birds. Cornwall Bird Report 1999.

Addresses Mrs. S D Johns, 25 Hillcrest Avenue, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3NE N Picozzi, Talsarn, Arbeadie Terrace, Banchory, Kincardineshire, Scotland AB31 5TN (*corresponding author). Table 1. Mean rank ( ± standard deviation) over 10 years (see text) for 23 species seen in every year from 1991-2000 and number of years and days that a further 22 species were seen ranked first by number of years, then total number of days seen.

Seen every year Seen in 5 - 9 years Mean rank s.d. No. days No. years No. days Blackbird 1.4 0.5 2926 Song Thrush 9 263 Blue Tit 2.1 1.1 2678 Pied Wagtail 8 91 Robin 2.9 0.9 2363 Herring Gull 8 27 Dunnock 5.2 1.9 1866 Redwing 7 80 Greenfinch 6.2 2.1 1627 Great Spotted Woodpecker 7 48 Chaffinch 7.0 2.4 1577 Black-headed Gull 7 24 Magpie 7.6 2.5 1456 Nuthatch 6 79 Jackdaw 8.0 3.2 1382 Brambling 5 80 Great Tit 9.1 2.7 1290 Siskin 5 68 Coal Tit 9.9 2.9 1165 Sparrowhawk 5 30 House Sparrow 11.1 2.8 916 Whitethroat 5 15 Collared Dove 12.8 5.8 772 Green Woodpecker 5 13 Wren 13.7 2.3 624 Marsh Tit 14.0 2.7 552 Seen in 1 - 4 years Bullfinch 14.4 2.0 495 Garden Warbler 4 10 Wood Pigeon 16.4 5.6 552 Grey Wagtail 3 6 Long-tailed Tit 16.5 2.2 296 Mistle Thrush 3 3 Crow 18.8 2.5 179 Chiffchaff 2 37 Starling 18.9 2.3 162 Meadow Pipit 2 5 Jay 19.2 3.2 160 Spotted Flycatcher 2 5 Rook 19.5 2.0 111 Firecrest 2 2 Goldfinch 20.0 2.7 129 Treecreeper 2 2 Blackcap 21.3 1.3 61 Fieldfare 1 1 Goldcrest 1 1

162 163 164 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Having served as Chairman for the past four years, I write with regret, but certainly a little relief, my final report. The high standards that we set in this Society do mean an ever-increasing work load.

The on-going management work at Maer Lake, and the fund raising to pay for it never seems too much trouble. The complicated purchase of Windmill Farm on The Lizard, however, I found much more difficult to deal with on a voluntary basis from my Bude base, especially having found it necessary to visit the site on more than one occasion to satisfy myself on boundary issues raised in the contract search. The potential of this reserve is truly outstanding, and I look forward to watching its development with interest over the coming years.

With the mainland report progressing well and meeting publication deadlines, thanks to the expertise and hard work of Ian and Kester Wilson, we had hoped that our publication problems were behind us. However events on the Isles of Scilly proved that this was far from the case. The Society has been involved on Scilly since 1931, providing a separate report for members and general sale since 1970. With the increased interest in birdwatching, and more birdwatchers actually residing on Scilly, it was often discussed by members that the time would come when, with due and proper notice, production of the Report would be handed over to a properly constituted group on the Islands. This would seem a natural progression, acknowledging changing times and circumstances, and this was the view of the committee. Instead, for the past twelve months the committee have had to deal with a great number of difficulties on Scilly, in the main caused by people refusing to work together for the common good. These events culminated in the committee passing a unanimous vote of no confidence in Paul Stancliffe our Recorder on Scilly. The committee did everything they possibly could within the Rules of the Society and the Charity Commission guidelines that we operate under to find a compromise solution. The minuted comments made at the 2000 AGM about cooperation and working together will surely be noted in the Society's history.

The completion of the Windmill Farm purchase was a real team effort spread over many years, and different committees. Greg Adams our Hon. Solicitor of Randle Thomas was involved with the vendors. The Society is therefore extremely grateful to member Tim Pinfield of Nalders for representing the Society; he did a superb job on a very complex purchase. With the Walmsley Sanctuary and Maer Lake flourishing in the north of the County, I am hopeful that the emphasis for new reserves will now focus on south east Cornwall and the Lands End Peninsula.

It seems strange to report that one committee meeting had to be cancelled because of a fuel shortage! The Society also closely monitored the dreadful foot and mouth outbreak, and closed our Reserves and suspended the field meetings programme as the situation deteriorated.

The Society is in a very sound and strong financial position, and I am sure that the excellent team that we have will take the Society forward in a positive manner, whatever problems arise in the future. My grateful thanks to all the committee for their support over the past four years, but especially this year to Secretary Steve Rogers and Treasurer Keith Harris, who do such a tremendous amount of unrecognised work to keep the Society running smoothly.

Graham Sutton Chairman 2000

165 CONSERVATION OFFICER'S REPORT

2000 was a successful year on many conservation fronts, the highlight of which was the joint purchase of a new reserve on the Lizard.

DRIFT RESERVOIR A non-angling sanctuary for wildlife is being sought at the north-west arm of the reservoir. The recently planted reed bed is slowly establishing. Interpretation panels are proposed.

LOVENEY RESERVE - COLLIFORD RESERVOIR A good breeding year. A Black-headed Gull colony has established along with breeding wildfowl and Great crested Grebes.

WALMSLEY SANCTUARY A great deal of work was carried out during the summer by Adrian Langdon and his invaluable volunteers. Fencing, hide screening and juncus cutting were the main achievements. The tower hide (which was opened by Bill Oddie on 11th December 1999) has been voted a big success. The views over the reserve and surrounding countryside are excellent. The new open areas of water outside this hide, formed by the Environmental Agency are starting to get the necessary vegetation so attracting birds. The reserve held plenty of water, which benefited breeding birds. Shovellers bred for the first time. Little Grebes double brooded along with Mute Swans and Canada Geese. Barn Owls continue to be seen. Hopefully Kestrels may breed soon. The list of birds visiting the reserve for feeding and roosting purposes has been impressive, including a regular Marsh Harrier.

STITHIANS RESERVOIR South West Lakes Trust are proposing various alterations to encourage more water activities on the reservoir. We are consulting with them to ensure that the valuable areas for wildlife are safeguarded and enhanced.

MAER LAKE Graham Sutton has kept Maer Lake in excellent condition. Ditch and flag iris clearance has again been necessary. Water levels have been maintained. Large numbers of birds have used the reserve despite a mild start to the winter. Parking on the private access road is a problem with only a very short hardened passing/ parking area. Please park on the nearby public roads or the seafront car park.

WINDMILL FARM - THE LIZARD The reserve was jointly purchased with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust in September 2000. A small management team has been formed. This reserve has incredible potential. Surveys of the flora and fauna are being carried out before future management decisions are made. Soon it is hoped an open day for members can be arranged. A detailed article on this reserve can be found elsewhere in this report.

CORNWALL BIRD ATLAS Good progress is being made with the survey. More volunteers and records please.

166 WeBS MUTE SWAN SURVEY I have been trying to sort out sensible "random squares" with the WWT for the survey, which is due to be carried out next year.

BODMIN MOOR One of the most important areas for the counties scarce breeding birds including Snipe, Lapwing, Curlew and possibly Dunlin. Very large numbers of Lapwing and Golden Plover winter. We have assisted the RSPB with ideas for a scheme to invite the moors landowners to a Bodmin Moor Farm Open Day to try and get them and their children to take more interest in bird conservation

ROADFORD BIRD FAIR - DEVON The society had a stall at the September 2000, South West Bird Fair. Several new members joined and funds were raised with a raffle etc. Thanks to my helpers. Unfortunately this could be the last bird fair held at Roadford.

Other varied matters I have been involved with have included Peregrines, bird diseases, Golden Plover information for the RSPB for possible wider protection status, supporting extra protection status for Marazion Marsh, objections to the retention of works at Gweek Quay.

Andy Pay acted as Cornwall's co-ordinator for the national Honey Buzzard survey. Darrell Clegg and others assisted the RSPB with their coastal seabird survey, with much of the survey being carried out from small boats.

Work has commenced on the production of an information pack for new members. This is due out late 2001.

I would like to say a big thank you to all our reserve wardens and their helpers. Finally many thanks to Martin Rule who does an excellent job for us on Conservation, especially in the western half of the county.

Brian Craven Conservation Officer

167 INCOME and EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT for Year ended 31 December 2000

2000 1999 £ £ £ £ Incoming Resources Subscriptions - Annual Membership 8,704 8,301 Life Membership 235 235 Tax refund on covenanted subscriptions 1,128 10,067 1.291 9,827

Donations and Grants - Unrestricted 1,589 353 Restricted 1,870 3,459 1,944 2,297 Rents - unrestricted 526 500 Interest - Unrestricted 2,316 2,306 Restricted 18 2,334 12 2,318 Sale of Reports - Isles of Scilly 3,212 1,412 'Birds in Cornwall' 284 3,496 182 1,594 Sale of Goods 157 176 Other Income - unrestricted 629 282

Total Incoming Resources 20.668 16.994

Resources Expended Direct Charitable Expenditure - Hide & Reserve Expenses 385 382 Maer Lake 1,011 993 Walmsley 807 1,564 Drift 305 3,493 Other 336 2,844 409 6,841 Futidtaismg & Publicity - Annual Reports - Isles of Scilly 2,992 3,547 - Birds in Cornwall 3,150 2,485 Newsletters 1,370 1,346 Goods for resale - 7,512 150 7,528

168 Management & Administration Printing & Stationery 370 212 Postage 2,902 979 Telephone 144 116 Travel 358 75 Insurance 378 368 Meetings 140 107 Computer Software 40 126 Sundries 32 4,364 84 2,067 Depreciation 1,552 1,226

Total Resources Expended 16.272 17.662

Net Incoming (Outgoing) Resources For the Year - Unrestricted funds 5,138 4,409 - Restricted Funds (742) 4,396 (5.077) (668)

Balances brought forward at 1 January - Unrestricted Funds 51,526 47,117 - Restricted Funds 12,043 63,569 17.120 64,237

Balances carried forward at 31 December - Unrestricted Funds - Restricted Funds £67,965 £63,569

169 BALANCE SHEET as at 31 DECEMBER 2000

2000 1999 £ £ £ £ Tangible Fixed Assets Freehold Property 28,500 13,500 General Equipment 1,713 1,201 Computer Equipment 2,160 1,070 Hides 7.407 7.869 39,780 23,640

Investments 11,599 11.058 51,379 34,698

Current Assets Stock 350 350 Debtors 275 1,329 Coif Deposit Account 16,000 35,000 Bank Current Account 2,401 1,972 19,026 38,651

Liabilities: amounts falling due within 1 year

Subscriptions in Advance 2,329 2,745 Creditors 111 7,036 2,440 9,781

Net Current Assets 16,586 28,870

Total Assets less Current Liabilities £67,965 £63,568

Funds Unrestricted as at 1 January 1999 51,526 47,117 Add: Surplus for the year 5.138 4.408 56,664 51,525

Restricted - Walmsley Sanctuary 2069 2,098 Environmental Agency 643 692 Walmsley Hide 853 1,136 Maer Lake Wetland Appeal 946 928 Walmsley Hide - Capitalised 6,790 11,301 7,189 12.043 £67,965 £63,568

170 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT

In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:

which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act), and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act, have not been met; or

to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Whitaker Redfearn Pappin Chartered Accountants Newquay

20 April 2001

171 THE SOCIETY'S RULES (current from April 2001) (words in italics denote changes to Society Rules)

Rule 1. (Name) The Society shall be called "The Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society".

Rule 2 (Objects) The objects of the Society shall be: a) to further the study of birds in the field; and b) to assist in their preservation and conservation Rule 3 (Membership) Membership shall be open to anyone who supports the objects of the Society. Classes of membership shall be as follows: Ordinary members - any person over the age of 18 yrs Life members - any ordinary member who has paid the prescribed life membership subscription. Junior members - any person under the age of 18 yrs. Honorary members - any person, whether otherwise a member or not, who is elected an Honorary member by a General meeting on a recommendation of the Executive Committee in recognition of outstanding service to the objects of the Society. Group members - School or similar groups. All members shall be entitled to participate in all activities of the Society (except that Junior members shall not be eligible to serve as Honorary officers or as members of the Executive Committee) and shall be entitled to vote at General meetings (Group members shall be entitled to one vote only on behalf of that body). The Executive Committee shall have the authority to exclude from membership, or cancel the membership of, any person if it considers that person to have contravened any requirements contained in these rules or any legislation relating to bird protection or the countryside, or for any other matter which the Executive Committee considers offends the well-being, aims or objectives of the Society.

Rule 4 (Subscriptions) Subscription rates shall be approved from time to time by the Society in General meeting on a recommendation from the Executive Committee. Subscriptions shall be payable on joining and on the 1st of January thereafter, but any member paying a first subscription after the 30th of September in any year shall not be liable to pay a further subscription until after the close of the following year. A member whose subscription is three months in arrears shall, after being reminded, cease to receive the Society's publications, and when six months in arrears shall cease to be a member.

Rule 5 (Officers) The following Honorary Officers shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be eligible for re-election: President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer, Field Meetings Officer, Honorary Solicitor, Conservation Officer, Assistant Conservation Officer, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations Officer, County Recorder & Editor, Assistant Editor, two joint editors for the Isles of Scilly. Any member, with the exception of junior members, shall be eligible for election as an Honorary Officer. In the event of a vacancy arising at any time of the year, the Executive Committee shall be empowered to appoint a member to fill that vacancy and such appointment shall be reported to the next General meeting for approval or election as appropriate.

172 Rule 6 (Meetings) An annual general meeting shall be held in each year. The quorum shall be 20. A Special General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee, or at the request of 20 members by application to the Chairman and the General Secretary, such applications to be accompanied by details of the motion or motions to be moved.

Rule 7 (Management) The Annual General Meeting shall elect an Executive Committee to deal with all business of the Society, and any obligation undertaken by the Executive Committee shall be an obligation of the Society. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Honorary Officers and nine other members. The Chairman, General Secretary and Treasurer shall serve for a maximum of four consecutive years. At the end of that period, at least one year must elapse before that person shall be eligible for re-election to the same office. Non-officer members shall be elected for a period of three years and shall not on the expiry of that period be eligible for re-election until a year after the termination of that period of three years. Nominations for posts as Honorary Officers and for vacancies on the Executive Committee shall be made in writing to the General Secretary over the signatures of the proposer and seconder and must reach the General Secretary at least ten days before the date of the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee shall meet as often as is necessary and shall be convened by the General Secretary in consultation with the Chairman. The quorum for the Executive Committee shall be eight members. The Executive Committee shall have the powers to appoint such sub-committees as it considers desirable and shall determine the membership and powers of such sub-committees, whose proceedings will be reported to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall not delegate to any sub-committee the power to commit the Society to any expenditure. The Executive Committee shall delegate to the Management Team (comprising Chairman, Vice- Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Conservation Officer) power to take decisions on urgent matters which cannot await the next meeting of the Committee. Decisions of the Management Team must be unanimous and shall be reported to the next meeting of the Executive Committee.

Rule 8 (Accounts)

The annual accounts of the Society shall be checked independently.

Rule 9 (Trustees)

Land of the Society shall vest in the Official Custodian of Charities.

Rule 10 (Dissolution etc.) This Society shall neither be dissolved, nor amalgamated with, nor subordinated to any other body without the consent of two-thirds of the members, at a General Meeting where the business is transacted, and in respect of which dissolution, amalgamation or subordination, prior notice must be given under rule 11. For the purpose of this Rule, Members may vote by post. Rule 11 (Alteration of rules) An alteration of the Rules of the Society may be made at any General Meeting, provided that the precise alteration has been set out in full on the agenda sent to members and that the proposed alteration is passed by at least two-thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting.

173 174 WHERE THE REGION'S NEWS BREAKS

Constantly updated news from Cornwall, Devon, , Hampshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset & Silly.

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