Officers 1975-76

President : Dr. C. J. F. Coombs, Greenwith Place, Perranwell, Chairman : Mrs. M. P. Visick, Trendain, Perranwell Station, Truro General Secretary : W. J. A. Woodward, Lewidden, Penrose, St. Ervan, Treasurer & Registrar : A. F. Reynolds, 33, Treworder Road, Truro Assistant Treasurer 6v Registrar : P. J. Dwyer, 27, Road, Field Meetings : F. M. Couch, Old , Wadebridge Conservation : G. Jackson, Treweege Barton, , Truro Editor : N. R. Phillips, Cucurrian Mill, , Secretary for the : Miss II. M. Quick, Priglis, St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly

Joint Editors—Isles of Scilly Journal : H. P. K. Robinson, D. B. Hunt, 14, Regent Terrace, The Blockhouse, Tresco, Penzance Isles of Scilly Officer for Youth & Education : Mrs. S. D. Johns, 25, Hillcrest Avenue, Truro

Committee Members : S. D. Gunn (St. Columb), D. R. Carter (), R. J. Salmon (), Mrs. K. West (Falmouth), retire 1976. B. N. Boothby (Newquay), J. E. Beckerlegge (), Mrs. E. Davies (St. Tudy), A. C. Hosking (Penzance), retire 1977. Mrs. A. II. Jeffreys (Wadebridge), Mrs. A. Robinson (Truro), Mrs. R. P. Weeks (Wadebridge), J. B. Bottomley (St. Ives), R. J. Beswetherick (), J. Hawkey (Newquay), B. Wilson (), retire 1978. and the Officers ex-officio. BIRD-WACHING AND

PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Fourty-Third ANNUAL REPORT

1974

St. George Printing Works Ltd., Camborne Secretary's Report for 1974

The Membership total shows a decline of approximately 100 (from 1100 to 1000) due to our Treasurer finding that the bulk of these Members were in arrears with subscriptions of from 2-3 years. Also quite a number were only paying 50p a year. After several requests for arrears to be made up, the Treasurer reluctantly removed their names from our active list. Financially we are unaffected. We held two General Meetings and four Executive Committee Meetings during the year. At the A.G.M. on May 4th, 1974, our Treasurer, Mr. P. R. G. Marriott, announced his departure from Cornwall to take up a new post in Dorset. He gave details of another successful financial year with a surplus of £162 but also stressed the problems ahead due to rising costs in printing and postage. He thanked Members for their generous donations to the Stithians Hide Fund. Two new Officers posts were proposed : Officer for Youth and Education and Officers for Joint Editors for the Scilly Isles. These were agreed unanimously and Mrs. Johns was elected for Youth and Education and Messrs. H. P. K. Robinson and D. Hunt as Scilly Isles Editors. We also elected unanimously, Rev. J. E. Beckerlegge as an Honorary Member of the Society. Rev. Beckerlegge in thanking the Members for this honour, said he was slowly returning to normal health and would soon be giving more time to Society affairs. At the end of the Meeting we were shown two R.S.P.B. Films entitled " SEA SWALLOWS " and " AVOCETS RETURN." At the Autumn General Meeting Mr. Phillips asked for Members' support in condemning the shooting of Oyster Catchers on the Lancashire coast. Support was unanimous and many signed the petition. Dr. Coombs described his talks with the S.W. Water Authority on the use and control of reservoirs in Cornwall, in particular the Crowdy site. A good understanding had been established with the officials who were prepared to assist with the provision of Hides. Dr. Coombs also gave details of his recent visit to Scotland to study the effects on Bird & Plant Life in areas where oil is being brought ashore. He found that considerable thought was being given to Conservation problems. Members were advised that at the present rate of rising administrative costs the subscriptions might have to be increased in 1976. At the end of the Meeting one of our Members Commander Ted Stokes gave a talk entitled " The Families of Sailors' Birds " illustrated by impromptu black and white drawings. Under Mrs. Johns* leadership Junior Members were increasing in numbers and enjoying her programmes of Field Days and Lectures. Mr. N. R. Phillips' work on the Annual Report was much appreciated and the earlier circulation of our two Journals had been welcomed. We congratulate Mr. Phillips on being made a Bard of Cornwall last year. A good programme of Field Days had been arranged by Mr. F. Couch and these were well attended all over the County.

2 Mr. Jackson's work on improving the Walmsley Sanctuary had shown good results in increased bird population at the site. Mrs. J. B. Bax, Mr. T. O. Darke and Capt. E. C. Roper retire from the Committee after three years service, and the Society thanks them for their valuable help. We were sorry to learn of the death of Dr. Ludwig Koch, M.B.E., one of our Honorary Members who was so well known throughout the world for his valuable work on the subject of recording Bird Song. It was also with deep regret we record the loss of one of our outstanding Members, Mr. C. J. Stevens, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., who passed away late in 1974. Cecil (as he was known to us all) built up a host of friends through his lectures and Field Days. He also contributed to the knowledge of Bird Life in Cornwall in his own happy and friendly way. We plan to create a memorial to his memory in the near future. W. J. A. Woodward, Hon. Gen. Sec. Treasurer's Report The surplus for the year, £460, is £298 more than that for the previous year. This arises because the 1973 accounts included a net amount of £242 for the provision of the Stithians hide and because of an increase in subscription income which was enhanced by a drive on arrears, which were eliminated by the end of the year. These factors, together with increased interest earned, more than covered an increase of £180 in the ordinary running expenses. The year was also noteworthy in that after ten years our debt to the Water Authority for the River Amble improvement at the sanctuary was finally cleared, which leaves an additional £100 a year available for other purposes. The treasurer of any voluntary society at the present time must, however, be more concerned with the future than the past, with postage and other costs rising at an unprecedented rate. Present indications (April, 1975), however, are that provided no heavy unexpected expenditure arises between now and the end of the year, and that the membership stays at around its present level, we should end 1975 with a surplus which will be sufficient to avoid the need to increase subscriptions in 1976. I would like to end this report with a personal plea. I have put in a considerable amount of time and effort to achieve the results for 1974 and 1975, and may I in return ask all members to do their part to help by making sure that they pay their subscriptions in January each year (preferably by bankers order if possible). In each of the past two years I have had to devote a disproportionate amount of time and Society money in sending reminders to almost 20 per cent of the membership! REMEMBER — SUBSCRIPTIONS DUE 1st JANUARY ARE YOU PROPERLY EQUIPPED? You may obtain from the Hon. Treasurer (address on Inside Front Cover.) Society Ties (Puffin emblem) in green, maroon, blue or black for £1.10. Society Badge (Puffin again) for 35p. Keys to Stithians Hide (two needed) for £1 the pair. Key to Hide for 50p. These prices are still the same as last year's, but with the increase in postage charges it would help the Society if members ordering by post would also enclose a stamp for postage.

3 CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st December, 1974

Expenditure Income

Printing, Stationery and Postages : £ P £ p £ p £ p Subscriptions : Annual reports, 1973 501.88 Annual Membership : Other printing and stationery 94.82 current 845.55 Typing and duplicating 39.37 arrears 83.75 Postages 171.36 Life membership 20.00 807.43 Tax refunds on covenanted Subscriptions to Societies : subscriptions 125.00 Royal Institution of Cornwall 6.30 1,074.30 British Trust for Ornithology 3.50 Donations 27.75 Wildfowl Trust 1.05 Rent, Walmsley Sanctuary 52.00 Royal Society for the Protection Interest: of Birds 2.10 War Loan 31.56 12.95 Cornwall County Council Mortgage Walmsley Sanctuary : Loans 192.90 South West Water Authority — Bank deposit account 66.71 final payment 124.19 291.17 Work to drainage channels 40.70 Other Income : 164.89 Sale of annual reports 121.62 Stithians Hide — trees for screening 19.80 Sale of Hide Keys 77.00 Other expenses: Sale of Society badges and ties 12.18 Hire of rooms, projector, films, Film Show 28.45 lecture fee, etc. 48.90 Surplus on Slimbridge trip 28.15 Insurance 12.50 Miscellaneous 2.81 Keys, Stithians Hide 106.52 270.21 Presentations, Miss Quick and Mr. Marriott 49.14 Part cost of crockery 10.80 Notices, 7.70 Miscellaneous 14.54 250.10 Excess of Income over Expenditure 460.26

£1,715.43 £1,715.43 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1974

Liabilities & Fund Balances Assets £ p £ P £ p £ p Accumulated Fund : Investments : Balance at 31.12.73 2,117.47 £902.24 3.5%War Loan at market Legacies Fund at 31.12.73 1,214.10 price at 31.12.74 185.00 8.75% Cornwall County Council 3,331.57 Mortgage Loan 2,000.00 Add: Excess of Income over 13% Mortgage Loan 750.00 Expenditure for the year 460.26 2,935.00 Debtors : 251.00 3,791.83 Bank Balances : Deduct: Depreciation on War Deposit account 532.18 Loan 67.63 Current account 37.45 3,724.20 569.63 Creditors : 10.00 Postage stamps in hand 8.07 Subscriptions paid in advance 29.50

£3,763.70 £3,763.70 Editorial

1974 will long be remembered as The Year Of The Rains, and for the cold dry spell in spring. The hay crop was poor, the corn worse, with hundreds of acres left rotting in the fields. Rhododendrons drowned and bees starved. It was a bad year for butterflies, insects generally, and for all who fed upon them.

Small passerines were badly affected, most arrived late and fared badly in the breeding season. All the " warm climate" birds such as Nightjars and Montagus Harriers either did not arrive or arrived in very small numbers and cleared off again. These facts will be read as a recurring theme throughout this report.

Once again, many thanks are due to the observers who sent records, and the standards of these was generally very high, few were late, and few records have been rejected because the editors considered there had been a mistake in identity. For remarks on the submission of records see the report for 1973. Final date for acceptance is January 30th.

6 List of Contributors

Airey, A. F. Gilbert, J. S. Phillips, N. J. Allen, Mrs. P. Giles, A. S. Phillips, N. R. Allen, R. Goater, B. Phillips, Miss R. M. Allen, R. W. Grace, E. Pinfield, T. Banks, S. Griffiths, E. Plummer, T. K. Barker, D. J. & D. C. Haddy, D. G. Polglaze, T. R. Bone, R. W. Harvey, H. J. Powell, Mrs. E. M. Borlase, H. M. Hawkey, J. H. Powell, L. S. Bottomley, Hawkins, A. D. Rabjohns, R. C. J. B. & S. B. Hosking, A. C. Robinson, H. P. K. Box, E. S. Hull, F. Roper, Capt. E. G. Butts, R. Ireson, G. Round, P. D. Camden, E. J. Isaacs, P. J. Sage, J. Cave, B. Jenkins, D. Sawle, A. C. Christophers, S. M. Jones, M. J. Sharp, R. V. G. Colins, B. Juleff, C. Smaldon, R. Cook, C. Kay, B. M. Steele, M. Cooper, F. Kendall, F. H. C. Stokes, E. H. G. Cooper, M. D. Lawry, F. J. Stowe T. Culwick, E. Lye, B. M. Stratton V. Curber, R. M. Madge, S. C. Swan, J. H. Darke, T. O. Maker, P. A. Thomas, W. G. K. Deal, H. A. May, A. H. Tomlin, A. D. & E. Dingle, T. J. May, G. P. Truscott, P. Dormer, G. McCartney, P. Tucker, V. R. Dwyer, P. J. Mellor, B. K. Wake, R. Elwood, D. Morgan, C. W. Wilkinson, A. Evenden, B. G. Munday, J. Williams, L. P. Exelby, N. Oddie, W. E. Williams, R. F. V. Flumm, D. S. Pearce, P. Yates, Dr. J. N. Gay, G. S. Penhallurick, R. D.

Some of the above are non-members The Systematic List of Cornish Birds, 1974

Abstracted from observers notes by D. J. Barker, Divers to Hawks. L. P. Williams, Pheasants to Auks.. N. R. Phillips, Doves to Sparrows. Sea-bird passage at St. Ives by H.P.K.R.

BLACK-THROATED DIVER Passage migrant. Winter resident ? A large number of records from in both winter periods. In the first part of 1974 noted on almost every day until May 15th, when a single bird was seen, with a maximum of 28 on March 16th (EG) •— more than 10 were observed on a number of occasions. At the end of the year, the first record was of 3 on November 7th, and the species was still in the area on December 31st, the highest numbers being 16 on December 8th and 15th (GSG). (This area has quite definitely been " underwatched " in the past but has now been watched regularly over the last two years). Also in the first winter period recorded from Mount's Bay (max. 3), (max. 3), — including Swanpool and — (max. 7), (2), Seaton (14 on February 23rd) and Rock (2). 5 flew east at on March 24th. On spring passage, 3 flew west off on May 12th and, at The , 5 were noted flying west off on May 12th and one west off Lizard Point on May 17th. On autumn passage, noted only flying west off St. Ives Island. In the second winter period (i.e. November and December), noted at St. Ives Bay (3), Mount's Bay (one in Penzance Harbour on December 28th), Helford River (2), Falmouth Bay (max. 9 at Swanpool on November 23rd), Looe (2) and the Camel Estuary (1). St. Ives Island 1 west on 17th Feb., 3 west on 3rd Sept., 2 west on 22nd Sept., 1 west on 24th Sept., 1 west on 2nd Oct., 1 west on 9th Nov., 1 west with 2 offshore on 23rd Nov., one west on 29th Dec.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Passage migrant and fairly common winter visiter. First winter period records : Most records came from St. Ives Bay and Mount's Bay where the largest numbers were 15 in St. Ives Bay on January 12th and 8 in Mount's Bay on January 19th. 17 were present at Looe on January 13th and 9 at Seaton on February 17th. Also noted in smaller numbers at Cove, , Helford River, Falmouth Bay (inc. Carrick Roads), Gerrans Bay, Freathy, , Tamar River, Bay, Rock and Carnsew Pool. In Carrick Roads on March 5th, 2 were heard calling to each other (TJSP) — the call note is rarely heard in Cornwall, the species being generally silent in winter.

8 Latest records were singles in St. Ives Bay on May 22nd and June 10th, Gerrans Bay on May 15th, and at , Lizard on June 5th. 5 flew west off Bass Point, Lizard, on May 12th. On autumn passage mainly single flying west past St. Ives Island on a number of dates from September 22nd, but 17 on November 28th. 2 flew west off Navax Point (near ) on November 1st. Second winter period records :

Numbers were much lower than usual presumably because of the extremely mild weather. Singles were noted at Carnsew Pool, , St. John's Lake, Rock and Newquay. At Looe recorded from November 5th to the end of the year with a max. of 6 on November 14th and there were at least 4 on the Helford River in December and in Gerrans Bay from October 20th (max. 4).

St. Ives Bay — up to 2 in November and December. Mount's Bay — 7 on October 13th but thereafter mainly singles until 5 on December 23rd. St. Ives Island (Spring) 2 west on 13th Jan., 2 west on 22nd Jan., 1 west on 23rd Feb., 3 west on 19th March.

RED-THROATED DIVER Passage migrant, Uncommon. Winter visitor ? The following records refer to single birds unless stated otherwise :— St. Ives Bay : March 16th, May 11th and June 10th (in winter plumage). Mount's Bay : February 21st, March 8th, November 18th and December 11th. Falmouth Bay and Carrick Roads : January 13th, February 10th-22nd, and 2 on December 15th. Helford River : January 5th and 12th. Gerrans Bay : April — 4 on 6th, 2 on 11th and one on 15th, December 27th. Looe : 2 on January 21st. December — one on 22nd and 3 on 26th. Spit, Par : October 28th. Porthilly : 2 on January 24th. Rock : January 17th. , Newquay : One west on September 25th. St. Ives Island 1 west on 17th Feb., 1 offshore 16th March, 1 east on 1st May, 1 offshore 10th June, 2 west on 24th Sept., 1 west on 28th Sept., 1 west on 29th Sept., 4 west on 7th Oct., 1 west on 19th Oct., 4 west on 20th Oct., 3 west on 21st Oct., 1 offshore 21st Oct., 2 west on 27th Oct., 1 west on 4th Nov., 1 west on 12th Nov., 3 west on 23rd Nov., 2 west on 24th Nov. and 1 west on 26th Dec. 9 GREAT CRESTED GREBE Uncommon. Mainly a winter visitor.

All records refer to single birds : Carnsew Pool : August 31st — September 6th (TJSP, BKM, JB & SB). Loe Pool : December 9th-31st (E. Grace, TRP, JSG, HPKR). : August llth-24th (JH, BKM) — (a particularly early date — Ed.). Carrick Roads : January 19th — February 23rd (BKM, DJB. PAM et al). December 7th-31st (BKM, PAM, RB, CJ). Gerrans Bay : December 27th (GSG). St. Austell Bay : October 29th (JHS). : Tanuary 13th — February 3rd (EG, BGE, JHS) and probably the same bird at St. John's Lake on Januarv 13th (VRT).

RED-NECKED GREBE Uncommon winter visitor. With three exceptions, all records were of single birds : St. Ives : 1 January 8th (BC). 1 West Nov. 12th (JH). : February 22nd (JB & SB). Mount's Bay : October 6th — November 2nd (BKM, AW, MO, WRH et al) but 2 noted on October 15th (GED). : January 13th — 20th (TKP, HPKR, DJB, TJSP, RB et al). Loe Pool : December 29th (HPKR). Helford River (Mouth): January 26th (TRP, BC), Februarv 11th (TJSP) and 2 on lanuary 5th (BKM, PAM). Gillan Creek : January 12th (HPKR). Off Swanpool : November 23rd ((TRP). Gerrans Bay : February 23rd (GSG), 2 on November 17th (PAM, GSG). Rame Head : March 27th in summer plumage (SCM).

SLAVONIAN GREBE Winter visitor. In the first winter period in small numbers at St. Ives Bay (max. 5), Mount's Bay (max. 4), Carnsew Pool (max. 5), Helford Mouth (max. 6), Gillan Creek (max. 7), Swanpool (max. 5), Carrick Roads (max. 8), , Loe Pool, River Gerrans Bay, Porthilley, , River Lynher, St. John's Lake, Looe and Rock.

10 Last record in spring : one on Carnsew Pool on April 27th in summer plumage. In the second winter period in very low numbers at St. Ives Bay, Mount's Bay, Carnsew Pool, Stithians Reservoir, Helford River, Carrick Roads, Turnaware, St. Just-in-Roseland, Gerrans Bay, Porthilley, Camel Estuary and Rock. The largest number was 5 in Gerrans Bay on November 17th.

BLACK-NECKED GREBE Scarce winter visitor. Recorded at 6 localities : Rock : One from January 12th-20th (TOP, TISP) and one on December 15th (EG, VRT). St. John's Lake : One on January 20th (JHS). Mount's Bay : One on March 24th (BC). Gerrans Bay : 4 on March 26th (GSG). Swanpool : One on December 8th (TJSP). A number of records from Carrick Roads — 2 or 3 from February 15th until March 10th (RB, JH, BC, TRP, et al) with 5 on February 16th (EG) and also 2 on December 15th (GSG, BKM).

LITTLE GREBE Resident. Breeds. Winter visitor. Breeding reports received from only two localities : September 15th : A pair with 2 young at Loe Pool. August 11th : A pair with 3 young at Stithians Reservoir (only 2 young seen on August 26th). In winter noted at 20 localities, the largest numbers being 15 on the , 12 on the Porthcuel River, 12 on the River Lynher and 8 at Gill an Creek.

FULMAR Summer resident. Passage migrant offshore. Breeding noted at Sandymouth — Duckpool, , Efford Ditch (6 pairs), Tea Cavern Cove, Newquay, (4 nests only at Cligga Head — a decrease from 1973), (a recent colony of 5 or 6 pairs), Head and area from Mullion to Kennack. One observed a mile inland near Godrevy on April 8th (TRP) and a single bird at Turnaware () on August 25th was unusually fai up-river (BKM). At Bass Point, Lizard on June 2nd about 200 flew west during an 8 hour watch and at Navax Point (near Godrevy) on June 6th 140 an hour were recorded flying west. St. Ives Island Monthlv totals : I F M A M J J A S O N D 102 176 361 98 429 95 80 108 139 3 23 64 Peaks of 122 west on 11th May in 2 hours (WSW5). 200 west on 23rd May in 4 hours (NNW6).

11 MANX SHEARWATER Passage migrant. Four winter records : one west oft Hayle Towans on January 31st, at Porthgwarra one west on February 9th and 3 west on 10th, one west off Clodgy on December 26th. First spring records : off St. Ives Island 89 west on March 16th and 36 on 17th, off Navax Point (near Godrevy) 15 west on March 18th. Noted in autumn off Bude, Navax Point, St. Ives Island and Porthgwarra. At Navax Point hourly rates of 850 on May 1st, 1215 on May 22nd and 1,338 on June 6th were recorded (TRP). Off Lizard Point the largest numbers were 158 on May 17th, 534 on May 12th and 1096 on June 2nd all flying west. Large numbers were also noted at: Bude : 200+ on June 27th and 29th. Port Isaac : c.300 feeding offshore on June 29th. Porthgwarra : c.400 feeding offshore on June 1st. Newquay : 250 west on June 6th and c.1000 in six rafts spread across the bay on June 23rd. Lye Rock : 1000+ feeding offshore on June 29th. Navax Point: 705 west on July 1st. St. Ives Island Monthly totals : J F M A M J J A S O N D — 171 933 1189 2696 7189 1197 635 43 3 1 First recorded on 15th March. Peak of 5840 west on 3rd July in 6V2 hours (NW5). Last: 1 on 26th Dec.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER (Mauretanicus) At Porthgwarra. 2 on May 10th and August 9th, and one on September 15th all flying west. One west off Navax Point on July 1st. One fed off Porthminster Beach, St. Ives from July 25th to August 3rd. Off St. Ives Island autumn passage began with 3 west on July 24th and ended with one west on October 27th. Monthly totals : July 6 August 7 September 44 October 7 Also one west off St. Ives Island on May 11th. Peak Number 26 on September 23rd.

SOOTY SHEARWATER Passage migrant. Uncommon. Recorded from four localities : Porthkidney : One flying east on July 27th (WRH). Porthgwarra : Singles west on July 22nd and August 13th (HPKR), 2 west on September 2nd (BKM, RB) and one west on September 22nd (DSF).

12 St. Ives Island : July : singles on 16th and 24th (GSG, EC). August : 14 on 10th and 3 on 26th (LPW, EC, GI, J.H., WRH). September : one on 1st, 10 on 2nd, 3 on 3rd, 2 on 6th, 4 on 7th, 3 on 8th, 19 on 21st, 3 on 23rd and one on 29th (BKM, PAM, TJSP, HPKR, et al). October : singles on 7th and 20th (NJP, GED, LPW). R.M.V. : One on July 27th (JB & SB), 3 on August 31st (PAM, PMC), 2 on September 1st (TRP), 3 on September 21st (RB), 1 on October 2nd (RW).

CORY'S SHEARWATER July 27th : One about half distance from St. Mary's (JB & SB). August 30th : One approximately 12 miles east of St. Mary's (GI).

STORM PETREL Passage migrant. Breeds ? Mount's Bay : 4 on April 15th. Porthgwarra : One on May 8th, 4 on August 9th, 2 on September 2nd and one on 7th — all flying west. Falmouth Bay : 3 moving east on May 24th. Bass Point, Lizard : Singles west on June 1st and 2nd. Newquay Headland : 3 west on June 6th. One was found dead on the Wharf at St. Ives on July 10th (EC). Flying west off St. Ives Island : One on May 23rd, 15 on June 6th, 8 on August 10th. September — 10 on 3rd, one on 4th, 5 on 7th, 24 on 8th, 6 on 11th, 8 on 22nd, 12 on 23rd, 8 on 24th, 6 on 25th and 2 on 26th.

LEACH'S PETREL Passage migrant. Uncommon (apart from 1974). Navax Point (near Godrevy). 42 west in ninety minutes on September 24th (TRP). Pentire Head, Newquay. One west on September 25th (JH). West off St. Ives Island : 3 on 8th September, 11 on 22nd and an incredible 4004- on 24th (many observers counted at least 400 but as it was obvious that birds were passing both extremely close to the Island and some two or three miles out the actual number involved in the passage was almost certainly much higher), 32 on 25th, 3 on 26th, 3 on 28th and 2 on 29th. October : One on 2nd, 3 on 7th, 3 on 20th, 3 on 21st and one on 28th. November : Singles on 23rd and 28th (LPW, HPKR, WRH, JH).

13 GANNET Passage migrant. Not as many records as usual : West off Porthgwarra : 1205 on February 10th in 2 hours, good numbers throughout September, 1000+ fishing in the bay on October 6th. Lizard : 361 west on May 12th in 4 hours. : 300 feeding on November 30th. Navax Point (near Godrevy) : 180 an hour rate on June 6th flying west. Also recorded in lower numbers from Navax Point, Bude, Sharrow Point, Falmouth and St. Mawes where a few were observed in December following fishing boats into the harbour. St. Ives Island Monthly totals : J F M A M J I A S O N D 470 2535 679 36 376 88 359 590 2213 4575 573 497 Peak of 3750 west on 20th Oct. in 10 hours (NNW7).

CORMORANT Resident. Unusual reports : June 24th : 8 flew west at Stenalees. September 22nd : One flew up the Fowey Valley near Bodmin Road Station. April 29th and September 10th : A single bird flying over Camborne towards Stithians from the North Coast (also noted during the year flying over heading north-west — probably the return journey from Stithians).

SHAG Resident. Largest numbers reported : January 12th : 180 offshore at Gillan Creek. February 2nd : 90 west off St. Ives Island. February 9th : 120 off Porthgwarra. December 8th : 90+ in Falmouth Bay. At there were 200+ on January 25th and on August 5th one was seen with white upper wing coverts (EC).

GREY HERON Resident. Records of occupied nests : Gillan Creek (2), Malpas (8), Marazion Marsh (?), Trenant Point (East Looe) (6).

14 At Porthgwarra 15 flew down the valley on September 17th but altogether there were 20 in the vicinity on that day. Off St. Ives Island on September 1st 7 were moving along the coast at dusk at a height of 1000 feet.

PURPLE HERON Vagrant. A second year sub-adult at Porthgwarra on April 19th (R. W. Allen, IIPKR). (Accepted by the Rarities Committee).

SPOONBILL Occasional visitor. Sometimes winters. River Lynher : An adult from January 15th until late April (BGE, JHS, EG, SCM, et al). An immature from October 13th until the end of the year (JHS, BGE, CS, RWB, ESB, et al). This bird stayed well into January, 1975. Ardevora () : An adult on June 3rd (GSG). Porthgwarra :

One flew over on September 14th (PAM, BKM, TJSP, AHM, GPM).

MALLARD Resident. Winter visitor. Breeding reported from five localities. Maximum numbers : Loe Pool : 116 on January 12th, 146 on October 29th. Stithians Reservoir : 62 on October 16th. St. Clements (Truro) : 56 on October 25th. Ardevora (Ruan Lanihorne) : 381 on September 14th. Porth Reservoir : 68 on January 17th, 120+ on August 23rd and December 15th. Sibleyback : 90 on December 20th. River Lynher : 110 on September 15th. St. John's Lake : 70 on November 17th. Tamar Lake : 44 on January 11th, 50 on October 15th. A less usual record was 32 in Gerrans Bay on December 15th. There was an almost all white bird at Loe Pool on June 8th and a melanisric pair on the East Looe River on November 10. 15 TEAL Winter resident. Maximum numbers : Marazion Marsh : 110 on January 6th, 30 on December 7th. Loe Pool: 200 on January 19th, 100 on December 29th. Stithians Reservoir : 102 on January 18th, 93 on November 3rd. Marsh : 100 on March 30th. Lambe Creek (Truro R.) : 187 on January 26th. Ardevora (Ruan R.): 77 on January 16th, 300 on November 2nd. Porth Reservoir : 50 on August 26th. Camel Estuary : 70 on October 23rd. Crowdy Reservoir : 160 on November 10th. Sibleyback : 50 on November 14th — December 31st. River Lynher : 152 on January 1st, 60 on November 30th. St. John's Lake : 65 on January 13th, 88 on December 15th. Tamar Lake : 60 on December 14th. Recorded from Stithians Reservoir in every month in 1974. 9 Hew west off on December 3rd.

GARGANEY Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring). Occasionally Breeds. After the influx of 1973, recorded from only five areas : Gunwalloe Marsh : A drake on April 12th. Marazion Marsh : 2 pairs from April 13th-15th and one pair until April 20th. Hayle Kimbro Pool : 3 (1 drake) on April 21st. Mullion : 3 flying east on May 17th. On autumn passage, only at Stithians Reservoir from July 23rd until September 20th. The maximum number was 2 pairs from August 24th until September 1st.

GADWALL Uncommon winter visitor. First winter period : A pair flew east at Nare Head on January 1st. 2 drakes at Stithians Reservoir on January 20th. 8 at Loe Pool on January 19th and 20th. A drake flew east oft Spit, Par on January 21st. 3 (2 drakes) at Treweege Barton Pools on February 15th.

16 In spring, singles at Gunwalloe and Loe Pool on March 30th, and also at Gunwalloe a pair from April 12th-15th and one on 21st. Autumn and second winter period : Stithians Reservoir : 2 on September 4th increasing to 5 by 19th and by 6 by 29th. Last noted — one on October 24th. Marazion Marsh : Singles on September 14th and 27th but no further records until a pair on October 10th. Noted from then until December 8th (a drake) the maximum being 4 in the first nine days of November. Tarnar Lake : Noted from October 13th to the end of the year with a maximum of 15. Par Pool : One on October 27th. Crowdy Reservoir : A drake on November 10th.

WIGEON Common winter visitor. Last spring record — a drake at Hayle Kimbro Pool on May 17th. First autumn record — 20 at on August 14th. 5 females flying west over the sea at Porthgwarra on October 6th was an unusual record (GED) —. in fact the first Wigeon record in this area since regular observations began there in 1966 (DJB). In Carrick Roads 2 on March 9th and 19 on December 15th were also in localities where they are not normally seen. Maximum numbers : Hayle Estuary : 300 on November 16th. Stithians Reservoir : 203 on January 18th. Ruan Lanihorne : 700-800 on January 13th, 240 on December 14th. Walmsley Sanctuary and Camel Estuary : 1000 on February 18th, 400 on October 25th. River Lynher : 300 on January 19th, 2,000 on December 15th. St. John's Lake : 2,200 on December 8th.

PINTAIL Scarce winter visitor. For a number of years the stronghold of this species in Cornwall has been the Camel Estuary. This year noted there until April 4th, with a maximum of 24 on February 21st, and from November 21st, the largest number being 11 on December 23rd. Also in the first winter period and spring, at Marazion Marsh from January 6th until March 25th (max. 6), a pair at Sibleyback on February 3rd, 3 on the River Lynher on February 16th, a drake at on March 17th, and 3 at Hayle Kimbro Pool on March 30th. In autumn : September 10th-13th : An eclipse drake at Creek (Truro R).

17 September 14th-21st: An immature female at Marazion Marsh. October 13th : A female at Stithians Reservoir. In the second winter period, 4 on the Tamar Lake on November 17th and 10 at Maer Marsh, Bude on December 9th.

SHOVELER Winter visitor. Fairly common. Maximum numbers : Marazion Marsh : 48 on January 19th, 50 on December 8th. Loe Pool : 85 on January 19th. Gunwalloe Marsh : 30 on March 30th. Ardevora (Ruan Lanihorne) : 19 on January 15th, 11 on December 15th. Also noted in single figures at Drift Reservoir, Hayle Estuary, Tehidy Pond, Stithians Reservoir, Par Pool, Camel Estuary, Crowdy Reservoir, Bude and Tamar Lake. Unusual reports : A drake at Godrevy on March 28th. 3 west off St. Ives Island on October 8th. Latest record in spring : A drake at Loe Pool on May 6th. Earliest record in autumn : 2 at Stithians Reservoir on July 21st.

MANDARIN DUCK Vagrant ? Escape ? A female at Milltown, , from October 25th-30th (the second winter in succession) (SMC, HAD).

RED-CRESTED POCHARD Vagrant ? Escape ? 2 drakes at Stithians Reservoir on April 1st (any significance in the date ?) were thought to be genuine vagrants (HPKR, TJSP).

SCAUP Scarce winter visitor and Passage migrant. In the first winter period, a female at Loe Pool on January 8th, a female at Drift Reservoir from January 20th—February 17th and (the same bird ?) from March 3rd-9th, 3 females at Crowdy Reservoir on February 2nd and 3rd, a female at Par on February 16th, and* at Stithians Reservoir 2 drakes on March 11th and a female on March 27th. Spring passage : Camel Estuary : A female from May 5th-19th. Marazion Marsh : A pair from May 19th-26th and a female until 31st, a pair on June 26th. (Spring or Autumn migrants ?).

18 In the second winter period, a female at Porth Reservoir from October 23rd until November 3rd, a pair on the Camel Estuary on November 21st, one at Sibleyback on December 12th, and at Stithians Reservoir one on December 14th increasing to 3 by 29th but only 2 on 30th. Oil St. Ives Island : A drake west on September 24th. An immature female west on October 8th.

TUFTED DUCK Winter visitor. Summer resident in small numbers. Maximum numbers : Marazion Marsh : 30 on December 11th. Loe Pool : 56 on April 12th, 97 on November 16th. Argal Reservoir : 27 on December 22nd. Stithians Reservoir : 34 on April 15th, 90 on December 14th. Swanpool : 46 on January 2nd. Porth Reservoir : 37 on February 8th, 40 on December 31st.

38 on March 16th, 18 on October 15th. Also noted in lower numbers at Par Pool, Pool, Sibleyback, Crowdy Reservoir and Cargenwen Reservoir. Summer records : at Stithians Reservoir one on June 13th and a pair on July 13th, at Loe Pool 2 drakes on July 13th, at Swanpool 2 (immatures or eclipse adults) on July 17th. At Ferrv 2 flew downriver on March 30th — " very unusual here." (SCM).

POCHARD Winter visitor. Fairly common. Maximum numbers : Marazion Marsh : 25 on December 11th. Loe Pool : 45 on January 19th, 19 on October 29th. Swanpool : 17 on December 1st. Stithians Reservoir : 25 on December 29th. Par Pool : 20 on January 6th. Porth Reservoir : 57 on January 17th. 50 by December 31st. Crowdy Reservoir : 21 on November 10th. : 19 on November 1st. Tamar Lake : 20 on February 22nd. 18 in November and December.

19 Also noted in lower numbers at Drift Reservoir, Argal Reservoir, Tresemple Pool (), Sibleyback and Cargenwen Reservoir. Late records : A drake at Loe Pool on July 6th. At Stithians Reservoir a female on May 16th and July 15th. The first autumn record was one at Stithians Reservoir on August 17th.

GOLDENEYE Winter visitor. Has become more common in recent years. In the first winter period, noted at Hayle Estuary (max. 8), Loe Pool (max. 6), Carrick Roads (75-80 on February 23rd), Camel Estuary (max. 11), Rock (max. 6), Porthilly (9), Percuil River (9) and in lower numbers at Stithians Reservoir, Swanpool, Helford Mouth, Tresillian, Par Pool, Porth Reservoir, Sibleyback, Looe River and River Lynher. In the second winter period, recorded from Marazion Marsh (max. 5), Loe Pool (max. 5), Carrick Roads (max. 26), Camel Estuary (max. 7), Tamar Lake (max. 5) and in lower numbers from Drift Reservoir, Carnsew Pool, Stithians Reservoir, Porth Reservoir, Crowdy Reservoir and Sibleyback. One flew west off St. Ives Island on November 24th. Last record in spring — 2 at Loe Pool on May 27th. First record in autumn — one at Loe Pool on September 7th.

LONG-TAILED DUCK Scarce winter visitor. : 2 on January 5th (JH, RB), one on February 9th (DJB). St. John's Lake : An adult female on January 13th (VRT) and probably the same bird on the River Lynher on February 25th (BGE). Mount's Bay : One from February 9th until April 10th (TRP, JH, BKM, PAM, et al). One from November 6th until December 14th (PR, LPW, WRH, et al). West Looe : An immature on March 17th (VRT).

VELVET SCOTER Scarce winter visitor. Sennen Cove : A female on January 5th (JH). : 4 on April 13th. (RMC). Bass Point, Lizard : 2 flying west on May 12th (BC, PxMcC). St. Ives Island : A pair flying west on November 26th (WRH). Gerrans Bay : 5 on November 30th (GSG).

20 COMMON SCOTER Passage migrant. Some winter ? Generally noted in low numbers at the usual coastal localities in winter, the largest number being 15 in Mount's Bay on November 30th. The only inland record was an adult drake at Drift Reservoir on March 25th. Winter records from Mount's Bay, St. Ives Bay, Swanpool, Carrick Roads, , Gerrans Bay, Tamar Lake, Trevose Head and (Newquay). In spring, at Drift Reservoir, Mount's Bay, Rame Head, Whitesands Bay, Port Isaac and Gerrans Bay, the maximum being 10 in Gerrans Bay on March 26th. On autumn passage : St. Anthony Head : 19 on August 24th. Porthgwarra : 13 west on September 22nd, 2 on October 6th and 30th, and one west on November 23rd. Navax Point (near Godrevy) : September — 18 west on 24th and 37 west on 26th. Pentire Head : 2 west on September 25th. At St. Ives Island the first record was 6 on July 3rd and the last was 23 on November 30th. A total of 432 birds were recorded, the highest daily total being 98 on September 24th. 32 west off Bass Point, Lizard on June 2nd were possibly non-breeding birds.

EIDER Uncommon winter visitor. Mainly records for the first winter period :— One or two remained in Mount's Bay from the beginning of the year until April 12th. January 13th : 2 immatures at West Looe. January 27th : 2 females at Sennen Cove. February 9th-21st : A pair at Gillan Creek. March 9th and 10th : 2 immature drakes in Carrick Roads. In spring, 4 at Rame Head on April 4th, 3 in Whitesands Bay on April 6th, 3 females in Mount's Bay on April 18th and 2 females in on April 21st. In autumn, 2 immatures at Sharrow Point on September 8th. Only one record in the second winter period — one in Carrick Roads from late November until the end of the year.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Uncommon winter visitor. Once again the largest numbers were in Carrick Roads where there was a peak of 55 on February 24th in the first winter period and 39 in mid-December in the second.

21 First winter period : one on January 13th and February 19th at Carnsew Pool, a drake on the on January 27th and a pair on February 14th, at St. John's Lake 2 on January 20th, one on 27th and 4 on February 24th. In the second winter period, singles at Bude, River Lynher, Hannafore and Mount's Bay, up to 2 at St. John's Lake, Sibleyback, Rock, Camel Estuary and Carnsew Pool, and 3 at Millbrook. Other records : A late bird at St. John's Lake on May 18th. : One flew north on September 29th. Porthgwarra : 2 flying north high over the cliffs on October 3rd. St. Ives Island : 3 flying west on October 27th.

GOOSANDER Scarce winter visitor. Loe Pool and Park Lake : A brownhead from January 1st to March 16th (BC, E. Grace, SB, et al). llayle Estuary (and surrounds) : 5 brownheads from the beginning of the year until January 5th, decreasing to 3 until March 5th and then 2 until March 17th (CBWPS). Tamar Lake : One from January 12th—March 16th (TJD, EG). Crowdy Reservoir : 2 brownheads on February 3rd (BKM, PAM). One brownhead on November 10th (PAM, BKM, GSG, et al). Camel Estuary : A brownhead from March 29th—April 16th (HAD, ESB, PJI, et al). Dozmary Pool : A brownhead on November 1st (CJ). The Helston Park Lake and Hayle Estuary records relate to birds recorded at the end of 1973.

SMEW Occasional. A brownhead at Sibleyback on December 10th (HAD). (The first since 1967).

SHELDUCK Summer resident and winter visitor. Breeding records : May 30th : 55 (incl. 11 ducklings) on Camel Estuary. June 5th : 2 adults and 7 or 8 young on main road near . June 10th : 9 ducklings on Hayle Estuary (11 on July 7th). June 19th : 3 separate broods (4, 9 & 16 young) on the Tresillian River. June 22nd : 8 adults and 10 young at Milltown, River Fowey.

22 June 28th : 42 young and 320 adults at Ardevora. Largest numbers in winter : Tresillian : 297 on April 1st. Ruan Lanihorne : 86 on March 17th, 152 on December 15th. Camel Estuary : 146 on January 15th, 53 on December 13th. River Lynher : 266on March 17th, 205 on December 31st. St. John's Lake : 101 on January 13th, 38 on December 12th. Also in much small numbers at Bude, , Milltown, Percuil River, St. Just Creek, and Hayle Estuary. Unusual occurrences : One at Stithians Reservoir on January 20th, 2 in Carrick Roads on March 9th, a pair at Steps Pond, E. Looe River on March 26th (" unusual in Looe area' — SCM), one at Gunwalloe Marsh on April 12th, 5 flying over Godrevy on April 30th.

SUNDRY GEESE October 20th : 11 grey geese at Porthgwarra flew towards Scillies believed to be Grey Lags (10 Grey Lag Geese arrived on Scillies on October 21st) (JH, TJSP). October 22nd : 2 flew north oft St. Ives Island (NJP). October 23rd : 7 flew across Carrick Roads at St. Mawes — thought to be Branta. (PJD). November 1st : 4 grey geese oft Porthgwarra (BKM, RB).

GREY LAG GOOSE Occasional passage migrant, but possibility of " escapes " from feral stock. Only one record — a single bird (without rings) of the western race at Marazion Marsh April 12th-19th. (HPKR, JH).

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Winter resident at the first two localities below. Occasional elsewhere. Walmsley Sanctuary and the Camel Estuary. Recorded in the first winter period until 17 on March 3rd, the maximum number being 19 on January 12th and February 17th. No records here for the second winter period. Other records : Bude : One sat in a puddle at Scadghill Farm on March 8th for 24 hours (TJD). St. Winnow (R. Fowey) : 3 flew off towards River on October 25th (HAD). Crowdy Reservoir : One from November 10th-16th (BKM, PAM, GSG, TJSP, et al).

23 Ardevora : 3 (1 immature) on November 16th (BKM, PAM, GSG). Stithians Reservoir : 6 (2 adults, 2 sub-adults and 2 juveniles) on November 22nd of the Greenland race (TRP).

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Very scarce winter visitor or passage migrant. 2 on October 13th on rocks at St. Michael's Mount with 2 Brent Geese — flew off after a few minutes. (JH).

BRENT GOOSE Scarce winter visitor. St. Ives : A dark-breasted bird in the harbour from January 5th-8th (EC, NJP, LPW) and almost certainlv the same bird off the Island on Januarv 13th. (HPKR). Rock : 2 light-breasted birds from March 5th-7th (HAD, PJI). Off : In October 2 on 11th and 12th (1 light, 1 dark), 4 on 13th (3 light, 1 dark) and a dark-breasted bird on 14th and 15th. (LPW, DJB, GED, FH, et al). Camel Estuary : One from October 16th to 30th. (RW). Gerrans Bay : 5 on the sea on December 22nd were of the light-breasted race. (GSG).

BARNACLE GOOSE Occasional winter visitor. The bird recorded on the Walmsley Sanctuary at the end of 1973 remained until March 3rd. (HPKR, DJB, LPW, TRP, EG, et al). On October 3rd one circled Marazion Marsh. (NJP). At Sibleyback one on October 8th (grazing with 60 Mallard) remained for over a week. (PJI, HAD).

CANADA GOOSE Occasional visitor. The bird referred to in the 1973 Report as having been recorded at St. John's Lake in late October in fact stayed there throughout the rest of that year and until late March, 1974. (JHS). (The bird recorded at Stithians Reservoir by many observers was merely a visitor from a nearby farm).

MUTE SWAN Resident. Bred at the following localities — numbers of cygnets hatched are shown in parenthesis : Marazion Marsh (3), Loe Pool (6 but none reared), Swanpool (3),

24 Stithians Reservoir (7-2 pairs), Furniss Island, Truro (1) and Tamar Lake (4). Breeding attempted but unsuccessful at Porth Navas and Tresemple Pool (Tresillian). Maximum Numbers : Marazion Marsh : 13 on October 13th. Loe Pool : 22 on September 8th. Havle Estuary : 16 on April 14th. Penryn River : 24 on February 16th. St. John's Lake : 66 on December 8th. 2 adults on the sea off Tregantle on September 21st were the first seen by SCM on the coast at that locality.

WHOOPER SWAN Scarce winter visitor. The only records during the first winter period appear to relate to the same birds a party of 3 adults and 3 immatures. They were reported first from Porth Reservoir in January on the 13th (PJD) and 17th (JH) and later flying in the Porth Valley area on January 22nd (PJD) and February 20th (PJD). On February 24th they turned up near the Hide on the Camel Estuary and remained in that area until March 21st. (EGR, RW, CS, PJI, et al). Other records : Porthgwarra : 3 in the bay on October 2nd. (WEO). Marazion Marsh : 3 on October 20th. (WRH). Cucurrian Mill : 2 flying south on October 25th. (NJP). Creek : 2 adults on November 2nd. (LPW). Drift Reservoir : 2 on November 10th. (CJ).

BEWICK'S SWAN Scarce winter visitor. Only two records : 2 adults in the vicinity of the Hide on the Camel Estuary from January 24th until March 21st. (SMC, PAM, EGR, EG, et al). At Stithians Reservoir one from November 22nd until the end of the year. (TRP, TKP, CJ, RB, et al). (Addendum to 1973 Report : in November 1973 an injured juvenile was found near Pendower Cliffs, Porthgwarra. It was taken to Mousehole Bird Hospital and eventuallv sent to Slimbridge where it recovered — per DJB).

25 BUZZARD Resident (and passage migrant ?) Apparently no change in breeding status. Reports of large numbers : February 16th : 11 soaring at St. Clements (Truro). September 16th : 7 soaring together at Porthgwarra were not local birds.

SPARROWHAWK Resident. Winter visitor. Well distributed in the county throughout the breeding season — this species seems to be on the increase : " Now common in East Cornwall — at least a pair in every valley." (EG). " Big increase in Roseland district in the last twelve months." (GSG). " Over 50 individual sightings — a general increase in the County." (BKM). On two occasions a female was seen to use the cockerel on the topmost spire of Truro Cathedral as a hunting perch. (BKM).

GOSHAWK Occasional. One flying west along the cliffs at Porthgwarra on November 16th. (WRH).

HEN HARRIER Scarce winter resident. On the moors of the Lands End Peninsula, at least 3 ringtails in the first winter period (the last record was one on April 7th (LPW)) and in the second winter period at least 4 — one male, 3 ringtails — (the earliest record was a ringtail at Treveal on October 4th (NJP)). Other records : Crowdy Reservoir : A ringtail on Januarv 26th. (PAM). 2 ringtails on November 10th. (BKM, PAM, GSG). ' St. Breock Downs : A ringtail on February 15th. (RW). Porthgwarra : October — a female on 5th and a ringtail on 23rd. (JH). Downderry : A female on the cliff tops on December 29th. (EG).

MONTAGUS HARRIER Scarce summer resident. No positive breeding records for the second consecutive year. Records have been received from three likely breeding areas : 1. A pair on territory on May 25th but deserted the area after 3 or 4 weeks. 2. A female quartering in June. 3. A pair sighted (the male only once but the female on three occasions). Only one other record : A female near Mousehole on May 25th. (JB & SB).

20 OSPREY Scarce passage migrant (mainly autumn). Whacker (R. Lynher) : One on April 18th being mobbed by Shelduck. (RS). Camel Estuary : One from August 12th until September 11th. (SMC, HAD, ESB, et al). (R. Helford): One on August 24th and 28th. (PMcC, TRP, RB). King Harry Ferry (R. Fal) : One on September 8th. (RB).

HOBBY Scarce passage migrant. Marazion Marsh : One on May 26th. (BKM, PAM, AHM, GPM). Porthgwarra : One on Mav 26th. (HPKR). A juvenile in the general area from September 29th until October 29th. (LPW, NJP). : One on July 23rd. (EC). Hayle Estuary : One on October 6th. (JH).

PEREGRINE Passage migrant. Scarce winter resident. All records refer to singles : In spring at Porthgwarra on April 7th (CJ) and near St. Minver on April 15th. (BGE). A female in the Crowdy Reservoir area on July 26th. (GSG). In autumn recorded from Porthgwarra, Clodgy, Hayle Estuary, Copperhouse Creek, Trispen, Ruan Lanihorne, Camel Estuary and Head (Newquay), 8 sightings between August 23rd and November 2nd. Winter records from Porthgwarra, , Hayle Estuary, Percuil River, Camel Estuary, Sibleyback, Lye Rock and Widemouth Bay, (10 sightings).

MERLIN Passage migrant and winter resident. A number of records from 18 localities. Not noted in June, July or August. Only two spring records : April 28th : A female at Hayle Kimbro Pool. May 17th : One at Porthgwarra. In autumn, 6 reports all from West Cornwall apart from Porthgwarra where there were numerous sightings between September 7th and November 16th. It is thought unlikely that only one bird was involved. In autumn, 6 reports all from West Cornwall apart from Porthgwarra winter period from seven. Two birds were seen together at Trewey on November 1st and 2nd, but all other records during the year were of singles.

27 RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Status ? March 18th one (other in flight probably of this species), September 30th, 5, Godrevy. March 29th, one, Porthgwarra.

PARTRIDGE Resident. Declining in the Roseland District. Very small numbers recorded elsewhere. Maximum : October 3rd, 13, Porthilley Rock.

WATER-RAIL Winter Visitor. Last Recorded : May 1st, one, Swanpool. First Recorded : September 14th, two, Porthgwarra. October 6th, one, caught by a cat, unharmed, Lesingey, Penzance.

MOORHEN Resident. Winter visitor. Breeding records from Boscawen Park, Swanpool, Loe Pool, Mill Pond (Hayle), Lammorran Pool. Attempted breeding at Porthgwarra. Maximum numbers January 19th, 35, Marazion Marsh.

COOT Winter resident. Passage migrant. Scarce Breeder. Two broods at Loe Pool, September 10th. Bred at Perranporth, Swanpool, Stithians, Porth Reservoir. Largest numbers recorded: January 13th, c.110 Porth Reservoir. February 2nd, 80, Drift, February 17th, 120, Marazion Marsh, Februarv 9th, 300, Sibleyback Reservoir, March 4th, 300, Stithians, September 10th, 120, Loe Pool.

OYSTER-CATCHER Winter resident. Passage migrant. Scarce Breeder. Only one breeding record, a nest with one egg at " " in May. Inland records : August 5th, two, August 18th, one, Stithians. September 30th, 4, October 9th—November 25th, one, Culdrose. Maximum numbers : September 28th, 207, Boscawen Park. November 3rd, 200+ , St. John's Lake. November 23rd, 70, Percuil River. December 27th, 75/100, Maer Lake.

LAPWING Resident. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Largest numbers seen : February 17th, c.5,000, Camel Estuary. February 17th, c.400, Ruan Lanihorne. November 16th, 1,453, Ardevora Veor. November 28th, c. 1,000, Dozmary Pool. Early Flocking : June 30th, 280, Stithians Reservoir. No breeding records received.

28 RINGED PLOVER Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Inland Records : Stithians : First recorded August 2nd, when four were present until September 4th, when four were present. Maximum numbers : August 6th, 13, on August 5th, 17 Hew east. Porth Reservoir : July 23rd, one.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Scarce passage migrant. May 27th, one, Loe Pool. HPKR. August 3rd, one. (JV) Copperhouse Creek. LPW. September 14th, one, flying high moving east over Marazion Marsh. DSF.

GREY PLOVER Winter visitor. Passage migrant. St. John's Lake : January 6th, 90. Camel Estuary : February 21st, c.100. April 2nd, 75. Hayle Estuary : November 17th, 25. Last recorded in spring • May 21st, two, Camel Estuary. First recorded in Autumn : June 28th, two, Hayle Estuary (one in summer plumage). Inland Records : November 17th. two, Stithians. November 19th. one, .

GOLDEN PLOVER Winter visitor. Maximum numbers : Camel Estuary : February 16th/17th, c. 1,000. March 1st, c.1,000. October 3rd, 1,000 + December 6th/7th, c.1,000. : November 10th, 1,000 + Sibleyback : December 31st, 1,000. Stithians : October 4th, 1,000 + Hayle Estuary : November 22nd, 2,000 Culdrose : October 7th, c.1,000. First record for Autumn : Stithians, August 12th, 30 (5 in summer plumage).

29 DOTTEREL Scarce Autumn passage migrant. Porthgwarra : August 31st — September 22nd, maximum of 4 on August 31st, September 5th/7th/14th. St. Just Airfield : September 14th, one.

TURNSTONE Winter resident. Summer Records : Godrevy Head: May 17th, 10, May 27th, 14, June 27th, 4, July 5th, 14. Largest numbers : April 6th, 100, St. Johns Lake. June 16th, 50, Spit Beach, Par. Inland Records : Predannack Airfield : May 12th, 4. Stithians : August llth/17th/18th, one.

SNIPE Winter resident. Possible breeder. May 27th — A pair displaying at , Lizard. Bird " Ticking " on a post. June 9th — One, Fowey Valley. First recorded : July 21st, one, Stithians. Maximum numbers : March 1st, 75, Marazion Marsh. October 1st, 83. Sibleyback Reservoir.

JACK SNIPE Scarce winter resident. Porthgwarra : March 2nd, one. Ilayle Kimbro : April 20th, one. Marazion Marsh : October 5th, one, November 10th, one. Crowdy Marsh : November 10th, one.

WOODCOCK Winter resident. Very small numbers scattered throughout the county. First autumn record: October 11th, one, Curcurrian Mill, Nancledra. Two or more until end of year.

30 WHIMBREL Chiefly passage migrant. In First Winter Period : January 26th/27, one, Nare Head. March 17th, one, Calenick Creek. First Arrivals : March 27th, 4, Rame Head. A I leavy Movement in May : May 4th, 19, Porthleven. May 5th, 15, Bude. 42, Hustyn. May 6th, 17, Loe Bar. May 11th, 14, Rayle Bottoms, . May 14th, 75, St. Breock Downs. No noticeable autumn migration. No second winter records.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Passage migrant and winter resident. Maximum Numbers : Tresillian River : January 19th, 130/140. October 20th, 184. Ardevora Veor : November 16th, 197. December 29th, 205. River Lynher : October 12th, 130. Millbrook : October 13th, 96. Last recorded : May 5th, 2, Camel Estuary. First recorded : June 27th, 21, Camel Estuary. Inland Record : August 4th — August 24th, — October 1st, 3/4. maximum of 6, August 15th, Stithians Reservoir.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT Winter resident. Passage migrant. Largest Numbers Recorded : lanuary 31st, c.50, Camel Estuary. October 5th, 100, St. John's Lake. Recorded in every month on the Camel Estuary. Inland Record : September 14th, one, Stithians.

GREEN SANDPIPER Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. First Winter Records : January 27th, one, . Recorded in Spring : March 24th/31st — April 14th/ 15th, one, Ryan's Field, Hayle. June 7th, two, Stithians. First Record for Autumn : June 26th, one, Stithians.

31 A very heavy passage at Stithians from June 26th to September 19th, with a maximum of 22 on August 11th. Recorded throughout the county in autumn in varying numbers. Second Winter Records : November 18th, one, Antony House. December 1st, two, Camel Estuary. December 1st, two,Stithians Reservoir. December 14th, 2/3, Hayle Estuary.

WOOD SANDPIPER Scarce passage migrant. Only one Spring Record : May 4/5th, one, Marazion Marsh. A very good autumn passage. Stithians Reservoir : June 24th — October 4th. Recorded nearlv every day, maximum numbers : August 6th, 6, August 17/18th, 8+ Copperhouse Creek : August 16th — October 12th. Usually a single bird but on August 20th, 6 stayed for only a few minutes. Camel Estuary : August 18th, September 1st, one. Drift Reservoir : August 21st — August 30th, two. Marazion Marsh : August 31st — October 20th, two different birds involved. St. Ives Island : September 6th, one, flying west with Common Sandpiper.

COMMON SANDPIPER Passage migrant. Scarce winter resident. In First Winter Period : January 12th, one, Gillan Creek. January 13th, one, Marazion Marsh. January 14th-19th, February 2nd-20th, one/two, Tresillian. January 27th, one, Camel Estuary. February 28th, one, Perran-ar-Wortlial. First Spring Records : April 16th, 5, St. Anthony Creek. April 18th, 12, Hayle Estuary On Autumn Passage, Maximum Numbers : August 16th, 20, Ardevora Veor. August 18th, 16, Camel Estuary. In Second Winter Period : November 3rd-16th, one, Truro. November 9th — December 31st, 4/2, Tresillian. November I4th, one, Sibleyback Reservoir. November 23 — December 17th, one, Looe River. November 30th — December 7th, one, Copperhouse Creek/Hayle Estuary. November 30th, one, The Moors, Lostwithiel.

32 REDSHANK Passage migrant. Winter resident. Present through the winter on all the . Last recorded in Spring, June 4th, one, Ruan Lanihorne. First Autumn Records : June 15th, 4, Hayle Estuary. Maximum Numbers : January 5th, 120, Camel Estuary. June 29th, 130, . October 12th, 300 + , Millbrook. November 16th, 516, Ardevora Veor. December 14th, 226, Ardevora Veor.

SPOTTED REDSHANK Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. In First Winter Period : January 1st, February 16th, 6, Tresillian. January 13th, March 9th, 3, River Lynher. February 2nd, one, Ruan Lanihorne. February 17th, 2, Ardevora Veor. On Spring Passage Recorded From : Tresillian (6), March 16/31st, 14, April 17th. River Lynher (4), March 20th. On Autumn Passage recorded in small numbers from most of the Estuaries and Reservoirs in Cornwall. Maximum Numbers : Ardevora Veor : July 2nd, 31 (all summer plumage). September 14th, 36. December 14th, 15. Burniere Point: October 11th, 21. Tresillian : November 9th, 16. In second winter period recorded from Tresillian (7), Ruan River (4), Carrick Roads (one), River Lynher (one), Ardevora Veor (15).

GREENSHANK Passage migrant. Winter resident. In the first winter period, recorded from St. Anthony Creek (1), Harbour (1), Carne Creek (1), River Fowey (1), Loe Beach (1), Millbrook Lake (2), Camel Estuary (1). On Spring Passage recorded from : Porth Navas (1), St. Clement (1), Gweek (2), Truro-Tresillian (7), Camel Estuary (2). Recorded at all the Estuaries in Cornwall. Maximum Numbers : Ruan Lanihorne, 24, August 24th. Camel Estuary, 12, August 29th. In second winter period recorded on Gillan Creek (1), Camel Estuary (1), Ruan River (1), Tresillian (1), Ardevora Veor (15).

LESSER YELLOWLEGS Rare vagrant. , November 1st, one. RB, GSG, BKM, TJSP.

33 KNOT Passage migrant, winter visitor. Largest Numbers Recorded : River Lynher : 240, February 23rd. St. John's Lake : ' c.200, January 20th. c.200, November 3rd.

Inland Records, Stithians Reservoir, August 29th—September 6th, 1/2. Late Spring Records : June 22nd, one, (winter plumage\ Hayle Estuary. No early Autumn Records received, or any noticable passage.

PURPLE SANDPIPER Winter visitor. In the First Winter Recorded from : West Looe : January 21st, 10. March 17th, 30. Newlyn : February 24th, 18. April 22nd, 24. Treveal Cove : May 3rd, 8. Bude : May 8th, 18. Late Spring Records : May 17th, 3, Bude. Early Autumn Records : September 21st, 2, Porthgwarra. September 28th,4, St. Ives Island. In the Second Winter Recorded from : Treveal Cove : November 11th, 25. Looe : November 15th, 24. Penzance : December 8th, 16. St. Ives Island : Up to 6 offshore both winters. 21 west on 29th Sept., with 10 west on 20th Oct.

LITTLE STINT: Scarce passage migrant. First Winter Records : Camel Estuary : January 1st — February 4th, one/two. Hayle Estuary : January 6th — March 9th, one. Marazion Marsh : February 19th, one. Spring Records : Camel Estuary : March 2nd - March 23rd, two. Marazion Marsh : March 2nd - March 31st, one.

34 Autumn Records : Stithians Reservoir : July 29th — September 16th. One or two birds only, but 4 on August 3rd. Marazion Marsh : September 1st, two, September 2nd, 8, September 14th, 4, September 16th, two, September 27th, one. Camel Estuary : September 2nd, one, October 21st/22nd, one, November 21st — December 23rd, two. Porth Reservoir : August 26th/27th, one. Calenick Creek : September 10th (4), 16th (8), 27th (2). Coppernouse Creek : September llth-27th (4). Davidstow Aerodrome : September 16th (4).

TEMMINCK'S STINT Vagrant. August 29th — September 1st, one, Stithians Reservoir. JH, MJJ, BKM, PAM, TJSP.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER Occasional. September 9th- 17th two, Stithians Reservoir. October 18th-28th, two, Marazion Marsh. All four birds observed by many people but no one submitted any field notes at all.

DUNLIN Passage migrant. Winter resident. Formerly bred. Maximum Numbers Recorded : Camel Estuary : March 7th, 1,000+. St. John's Lake : January 20th, c.2,000. November 10th, 1,800+. River Lynher : January 2nd, 200+ . March 20th, 600. December 31st, 500+ . Lake : February 2nd, c.800. Ardevora Veor : November 16th, 800. December 12th, 1,078. Tresillian : December 26th, 250+ . Inland Records : Stithians Reservoir : January 20th (2), June 26th (20 + ), July 14th (4), July 25th (21), July 29th (15 + ), July 30th (25), August 6th (c.20), August 7th (60), August 11th (39), August 18th (30), August 24th (52), August 29th (24), September 1st (14), September 14th (26), November 3rd (4). Culdrose : November 4th (15), November 14th (c.40), November 18th (43), November 22nd (c.150), November 25th (47), November 27th (57), December 4th (25), on ploughland near airfield.

35 CURLEW SANDPIPER Uncommon passage migrant. Only One Spring Record : May 30th, June 1st, June 28th, one in summer plumage, Hayle Estuary. Autumn Records : August 11th, two, in summer plumage, Ardevora Veor. August 17th, one, August 18th, one, August 30th, one, September 6th/ 8th/9th, one, September 19th, one, October 8th, one, Stithians Reservoir. As can be seen by the few records above, this was one of the worst autumns on record.

SANDERLING Winter resident. Passage Migrant. Last recorded — June 9th, one, Hayle Kimbro. Maxmium Number : April 8th, 140, Marazion Beach. November 2nd, c.80, Marazion Marsh.

RUFF Passage Migrant. Winter visitor. No records in first winter period. On Spring Migration : Marazion Marsh : March 3rd, one, March 9th, 3. March 14th, 4, March 16th, two, March 24th, one, April 5th, one. Stithians Reservoir : March 11th, one. Copperhouse Creek : April 13th/15th, one. Godrevy : May 17th, 3 Reeves, llayle Estuary : June 25th, two. On Autumn Migration : Stithians : July 18th — October 9th, recorded nearly daily. Some maximum numbers : August 5th (20), September 10th (35), September 12th (20 + ), September 29th (16). Davidstow : August 21st (3). Hayle Kimbro : August 24th (1). Maer Marsh : September 7th(4). Porthgwarra : September 16th (2). St. Just Airfield : September 22nd (2). Havle Estuary : September 29th (1). Looe : September 30th (2), (Reeves). Ardevora Veor : November 16th (5). Second Winter : December 30th (2), Stithians Reservoir.

36 AVOCET Winter Resident on the Tamar. Occasional elsewhere. TAMAR In the first winter period recorded as follows : January 20th (38), January 25th (35), March 23rd (7). In the Second Winter Period Recorded as follows :— October 20th (3), October 30th (5), November 11th (36), December 14th (19). Kingsmill Lake : January 27th, three. Ardevora Veor • November 17th, one, for two days. Once again, more records from the " Tavy " rather than the " Tamar."

GREY PHALAROPE Uncommon passage migrant. First Winter Records : St. Ives Island : January 7th/8th, February 17th, Single Birds only. : January 14th, one, on Flooded Meadows. On Aumtumn Migration : St. Ives Island : September 3rd (1), September 4th (2), September 6th-8th (2), September 24th (8), September 25th (1), September 28th/29th (1), October 2nd (1), October 7th (1), October 22nd (1), December 24th (1), December 27th (1). Marazion Marsh : September 6th-8th (2).

GREAT SKUA Passage Migrant. Navax Point : Januarv 7th (3), moving west, Mav 1st (1), September 24th (1). Rock : January 17th (1). Portlicothan Bay : January 18th (1), eating Razorbill. Porthgwarra : February 10th (3), May 11th (1), July 2nd (2), September 23rd (1). Bass Point, Lizard : May 2nd, 2 moving west, May 12th, 3 moving wrest, June 1st, one moving west. Rosemullion : June 25th, one, moving south, one, moving north, June 26th, one, moving south, July 2nd, one, moving south. : July 8th, one, resting on sea. Pentire Head : September 25th, three, moving west. II.M.V. Scillonian : April 10th, one, September 21st, one, October 2nd, one, October 9th, six, October 21st, two. St. Ives Island : 1 west on 6th Jan., 4 west on 7th Jan., 2 west on 8th Jan., 7 west on 2nd Feb., 4 west on 6th Feb., 146 west between 9th Aug. and 23rd Nov. Peak of 41 west on 25th Sept. (NWS).

37 POMARINE SKUA Scarce passage migrant. Lizard Point : May 12th, 5, moving west, 2 adults, pale phase, 1 adult, dark phase, 2 sub-adults, pale phase. BC, PMcC. Porthgwarra : July 2nd, 3, moving west, HPKR. September 2nd, two. BKM. St. Ives Island : 1 west on 8th Jan., (EC, NJP), 1 west on 1st Sept. (JH), 2 west on 3rd Sept. (JH, BN, GI), 1 west on 4th Sept. (GI, BM), 1 west on 7th Sept. (JH, DJ, BM, LPW), 2 west on 8th Sept. (JH, BM), 2 west on 24th Sept. (JH, BM, LPW), 1 west on 25th Sept. (JH, NRP, HPKR).

ARCTIC SKUA Passage migrant. Widemouth Bay : January 20th, one. Porthgwarra : February 10th, three, May 11th, one, May 12th, one, May 31st, one, June 1st, three, June 2nd, two, August 9th, one, September 2nd, five. Rosemullion : May 2nd, five, June 25th, two, August 14th, two. Lizard Point : May 8th, one, May 12th, 16, June 1st, two, June 2nd, 6. Long Rock : June 1st, one. Navax Point: June 1st, 2 west, September 24th, 5 moving west. Pentire Head : September 25th — 10 moving west. St. Ives Island : 1MM west on 2nd Feb. (EG, HPKR, LPW), 1 west on 6th June. In autumn 1 east with 237 west between 10th Aug. and 27th Oct. Peak of 52 west on 8th Sept. in 5J/2 hours (WNW5). Included 166 dark, 48 pale, 6 intermediates and 2 immatures.

LONG TAILED SKUA Vagrant. St. Ives Island : September 7th, one, moving west. JH, BKM, LPW.

GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL Resident. One, ringed as " Pullus " on Annet, Isles of Scilly, July 4th '67. Found dead at Lizard Head on September 26th, '74. Maximum Number : November 24th, 125, Ardevora Veor.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Passage migrant. Winter resident. Scare summer resident. Recorded in small numbers throughout the county in both winter periods. Maximum Numbers : Havle Estuary : February 2nd c.120/150, March 9th, 160, November 3rd, 26.

38 Porthgwarra : September 14th, 100+. Godrevy Head : October 12th, 146. Birds of the Race " Fuscus": June 2nd, three, . August 25th, one, River Gannel.

HERRING GULL Common resident. At least 50 nests on Hanger Roofs, Culdrose.

COMMON GULL Winter resident. Passage migrant. January 12th, c.150, Wendron, March 23rd, 100+ Loe Bar, December 144th, 173, Ardevora Veor.

GLAUCOUS GULL Scarce winter visitor. Newlyn : January 6th, two, the resident bird, plus an immature. February 23rd/24th, two, " Resident" and an adult. March 2nd — March 31st, three or possibly four, one adult, one 2/3rd year, one 2nd year, one 1st winter. Marazion Marsh : February 10th — April 2nd, two, an adult, 3rd year. St. Ives Island : January 19th, one, 2nd winter, February 2nd — March 10th, 5 or possibly 7, 2 adults, 2, 3rd winter, one sub-adult, one 2nd winter, one 1st winter. Ilayle Estuary : March 2nd/3rd — March 16th, one, 3rd year. Trewey Common : February 17th, one, 2nd winter. Swanpool : Februarv 16th, 22nd, March 31st, April 1st, one, 1st winter. Par : Februarv 16th, one, an adult. Bude : January 20th — March 2nd, one, 2nd year. : February 12th, one, 1st winter. April 13th, one, sub-adult. Kingsmill Lake : Januarv 27th, one, 2nd year. Drift : March 17th-25th, one, 1st winter, April 10th, one, 2nd year. Port Isaac : February 5th — March 29th, two, 2nd year, March 24th, one, 1st year. Falmouth Doeks/Carrick Roads : March 23rd — April 15th, one, 1st year. Loe Bar : January 19th — March 22nd, three, one adult, one 2nd year, one 1st winter.

39 Marsh : January 27th, one, 2nd winter. Bay : March 8th, one, 2nd year. Rosemullion Head : May 8th, one, 1st summer moving south. West Looe : February 17th, one, 2nd year, the very small size was remarked upon by the observer. Porthleven : January 12th, one, 2nd winter. Watergate Bay : March 5th, 2nd year. Only 4 records in the second winter period. St. Ives Island : October 29th, one, " immature." Bay : December 29th, one, 1st winter. Falmouth Bay : December 19th, one, 1st winter. Swanpool : December 30th, one, an adult. The influx in the first winter period was the largest on record involving some 35 individuals or possibly even more. However some duplication was probable with the birds moving over large areas, and, the non critical examination of some birds by some observers.

ICELAND GULL Scarce winter visitor. Sandymouth : January 27th — Februarv 9th, one, TJD. St. Ives Island : February 10th, one (sub-adult), moving east. HPKR. Porthleven : February 16th/19th, one, 1st winter. BC. Pentire Head/Towan Head : February 27th — March 23rd, one, 1st year. JH. Marazion/Eastern Green Beach : March 15th, 23rd, 30th, June 13th, one, 2nd winter. RWA, BC, EG, LPW. Drift Reservoir : March 17th, one, 2nd year. JH. One, 3rd year. EG, HPKR. River Lynher : April 7th, one, 2nd/3rd winter. EG. Hayle Estuary ; April 12th, one, 1st winter. NRP. April 14th, one, 2nd winter. LPW7. Swanpool : March 31st, one, an adult. BC. Loe Bar : April 19th, one, 2nd/3rd winter. BC. Bass Point : May 1st, one, 2nd winter. BC. Copperhouse Creek : May 1st, one, 2nd winter. LPW. December 29th, one, 1st winter. LPW.

40 MEDITERRANEAN GULL Uncommon visitor. Marazion/Eastern Green : January 1st — March loth, two, one adult, one 2nd winter. RB, BC, PMcC, EG, TJSP. Hayle Estuary : January 12th — March 10th, one, an adult, finallv in summer plumage. HPKR, LPW. St. Ives Island : March 1st/2nd, one, adult in summer plumage. HPKR, LPW. Drift : February 17th, one, 1st winter, HPKR. Loe Pool : January 12th, an adult. HPKR. January 12th — February 16th, one, second winter. BC. Calenick Creek : March 16th, one. BKM. Stithians : October 22nd, one, 2nd winter. TRP. Newlyn : January 27th, one, Adult. JH, RH.

LITTLE GULL Uncommon passage migrant. Winter visitor. In the First Winter Period : Maer Lake : January 5th, February 24/25th, March 3rd, one. Porthgwarra : February 10th, one, adult. Marazion Marsh : January 19th, one, adult. St. Ives : January 7th, one, immature. Februarv 6th, two, adults. Februarv 10th, 3 adults. Penzance : February 3rd, one, February 16th, one. Porthleven : February 16th, one, immature. Porthkidney : February 23rd, one. Hayle Estuary : February 24th, one, adult, April 2nd, three. Spring Passage : Marazion Marsh : February 17th — March 30th, many records of varying numbers, maximum of 7 on March 2nd, and March 30th, single bird on April 6th. Autumn Records : Carrick Roads : August 24th/26th, one, immature. Loe Pool : September 8th one, September 15th, three. Camel Estuary : September 19th, one.

41 Stithians : September 22nd, one, an adult. St. Ives Island : September 24th, one, immature, September 29th, one, immature1, October 20th, 27th, one. Penzance : September 29th, one, October 2nd, one. Marazion Marsh : October 2nd/3rd/4th, one, immature.

BLACK-HEADED GULL Abundant both on passage and winter visitor. Maximum numbers : October 13th, c.500, Hayle Estuary, November 16th, 750, Drift, November 16th, 1,496, Ardevora Veor. First Juvenile Records : June 16th, Carrick Roads.

SABINE'S GULL Scarce passage migrant. St. Ives Island : July 24th, an adult moving west was in summer plumage. EC. September 1st, one, immature. JH, PM, BM. September 3rd, one, immature. EG, GI. September 4th, one, immature. GI, BM. September 8th, 3, immatures. EG. September 24th, 3, immatures. DJB, MJJ, PAM, LPW. Penzance : September 21st, one, immature, with Black-Headed Gulls. RB. September 25th, one, immature. JH.

KITTIWAKE Summer resident. Passage migrant. Breeding Records : June 12th, 55 nests, Pigeon Ogo, Kynance. July 26th, c.150, including 80 immatures. At least 500 pairs St. Agnes—St. Agnes Head, 25 pairs Huer's Hut, Newquay. St. Ies Island Monthly totals : J F M A M J J A S O N D 2141 2535 65 23 285 356 1060 162 78 12324 4860 900 Peaks of 11,000 west on 20th October in 10 hours (NNW7), with 2,200 west on 12th November in 5 hours.

BLACK TERN Uncommon passage migrant. One Spring Record : Loe Pool, May 4th, one. Autumn Passage : Carrick Roads : August 8th — August 24th, one. Porthkidney : August 9th, one. September 15th, five.

42 Tamar Lake : August lOlh, one, September 1st, 25, September 7th, 4, September 15th, 5. : September 1st, one. Marazion Marsh : September 5th/6th, 3/2, September 7th — October 16th, one, with a maximum or four on September 14th. Gweek : September 12th, one. Camel Estuary : September 20th, one, October 8th, two. Sibleyback : October 1st, one. Newlyn : October 15th, one. Hayle Estuary : September 6th, six. Marazion Beach : September 14th, four. Porth Reservoir : September 5th, 10. St. Ies Island 15 west on 1st September, 7 west on 3rd September, 14 west on 14th September, 3 west on 24th September.

COMMON TERN Passage Migrant. First Spring Record : April 13th, 3 off Rock. Maximum Spring Numbers : June 1st, c.80, off Porthgwarra. Late Records : October 28th, one, St. Ives. November 19th, one, St. Mawes. November 22nd, one, . November 23rd, one, St. Just-in-Roseland.

ARCTIC TERN Passage migrant. Hayle Estuary : February 17th, one. Eastern Green : April 18th, one. Porthkidney : April 22nd, one, April 27th, one, April 28th, three, May 11th, three. Porthilley : April 25th, one. Long Rock : May 4th, three. Porthgwarra : May 10th, six, west. Autumn Passage : Porthkidney : July 20th, two, August 24th, three, September 9th, one. Camel Estuary : August 29th, three.

43 Hayle Estuary : September 3rd, one. Marazion Marsh : September 5th, 6. West Pentire Head : September 25th, one.

ROSEATE TERN Scarce passage migrant. On Spring Passage : Bass Point (Lizard) : May 8th, two, moving west, May 10th, one, May 12th, one, moving west. Porthgwarra : May 10th, two, moving west, May 11th, one, moving west. Hayle Estuary : June 25th, one. On Autumn Passage : Porthkidney : August 10th, one. Hayle Estuary : September 3rd, three. St. Ives Island 1 west on 11th May, 2 west on 3rd July, 1 offshore on 15th July, 2 offshore on 20th August, 54 west on 3rd September, 17 west on 4th September, 25 west on 8th September, 4 west on 25th September, 1 west on 2nd October.

"COMIC" TERN First, 1 offshore on 28th April. No spring passage recorded. In autumn from 3rd July to 20th October, total of 2,104 flew west. Peaks of 1,200 west on 1st September in 6 hours and 500 west on 6th September in 5 hours. Also 120 offshore on 26th August.

LITTLE TERN Uncommon passage migrant. Spring Records : April 13th, one, Long Rock. April 14th, one, Mount's Bay, one, Par. April 17th, seven, Ponsandane. April 22nd, five, Porthkidney. April 28th, three, Porthkidney. May 1st, five, Marazion Beach. May 3rd, one, Camel Estuary. May 4th, one, Hayle Estuary. June 1st, one, Mount's Bay. Autumn Records : July 30th, one, August 6th, 9, Porthkidney. August 10th, one, Clodgy Point. August 11th, two, August 15th, one, Hayle Estuary. September 8th, two, Newlyn. September 20th, one, Camel Estuary. St. Ives Island 1 west on 10th August, 1 offshore on 26th August, 4 west on 4th September, 2 west on 7th September, 1 west on 14th September.

44 SANDWICH TERN Passage migrant. First Spring Records : January 13th, one, Carrick Roads. February 3rd, two, oft St. Ives. March 23rd, one, Hayle Estuary. St. Ives Island First in spring, 2 on 19th March. In spring, 11 east with 15 west to June. In autumn through to 26th October, a total of 5 east with 444 west. Peak of 150 west on 3rd September. A very scattered spring migration with no large numbers anywhere. Maximum numbers on Autumn Migration : September 15th, 154, Porthkidney.

AUKS SP Off Godrevy Head : January 7th, 364 West in one hour. January 11th, 280 west in xk hour. May 1st, 528 west in one hour. St. Ives Island J F M A M J J A S O N D 1819 14675 83 23 60 173 115 2 319 25083 5808 930 Peaks 12,000 west on 2nd February in 3 hours (WNW5), 20,000 west on 20th October in 10 horus (NNW7).

RAZORBILL Passage migrant. Resident. Breeding Season Records : Housel Bay : April 17th, 5. The Rumps : May 6th, 16, May 31st, c.5(), June 18th, 2. Pentire Head : June 7th, c.50. Lye Rock : June 13th, 10+. Short and Long Island : July 1st, 24.

LITTLE AUK Scarce winter visitor. February 10th, one, west Porthgwarra. HPKR. March 21st, two, Gerrans Bay, possibly seen again on April 30th. GSG. December 8th/9th, one, Castle Beach, Falmouth. RB, TJSP.

GUILLEMOT Resident. Passage migrant. Breeding Season Records : Short Island : April 5th, 2, July 1st, 30.

45 Lye Rock : April 18th, 80, Tune 13th, 20 + . Gull Rock : June 9th, 6. The Mouls : June 15th, 30.

BLACK GUILLEMOT Occasional winter visitor. January 20th/21st and 27th, one, Carrick Roads. DJB, BKM, PAM, HPKR.

PUFFIN Summer resident. Breeding Season Records : Lye Rock : April 18th, 22, June 29th, 10 + . Pentire Head : June 7th, three. The Rumps : May 6th-31st, six. Short and Long Island : July 1st, 30. July 6th, c.40. Passage Birds : St. Ives Island January 13th, one, February 2nd, one. June 15th, two. July 3rd, one. Porthgwarra : April 30th, live, May 9th, five, May 12th, one, June 2nd, two, July 2nd, one, July 5th, one, September 22nd, one, September 23rd, eight. Bass Point (Lizard) : May 4th, two, May 8th, two, May 12th, seven, June 1st, eight, June 2nd, 29, July 7th, one. All birds moving west.

STOCK DOVE. Status? Few breeding season records received and no proof of breeding. Seen at Gerrans Bay, Trewarvas (Near Porthleven), Kynance and Porthgwarra. The roost at Marazion again occupied in winter, c.40 on November 2nd. PDR.

COLLARED DOVE. Continues to increase. Resident and passage migrant. Over sixty seen waiting for feeding time at a chicken run in . , April 3rd, Albino, all white except for black line on nape, band on inner under-tail coverts, and buff-brown primaries. JHH.

TURTLE DOVE. Passage migrant. (? breeding). First seen May 3rd, Helston (E. Grace) at the Lizard, May 4th, and St. Breock Down on the 5th. About a dozen records through May, mainly singles, but three at Kynance on the 18th and four, The Lizard on 17th.

46 Several widespread June records, but no proof of breeding. None recorded July. At Porthgwarra, two present from May 12th until June 20th, when three seen. Last seen Porthgwarra, October 23rd. One. NJP. Apart from Porthgwarra, onlv one autumn record, St. Enodoc, September 16th, one. RW.

CUCKOO. Summer resident. First Perranporth, April 16th. BKM. At Antony House on the 17th and Bugle on 18th. Widespread by 22nd. Last seen August 30th, . HAD. Young birds being fed by Rock Pipits at Porthcothan, Julv 24th-Aug. 5th. TOD.

BARN OWL. Resident. Recorded during the breeding season at Ardevora, Porth res., Park Head, The Lizard, Trewennock (Falmouth/Helston), Stithians, Ruan Lanihorne, Rialton, , Gossmoor, Blackwater, St. Minver, Antony House, , Metherel, , Perranporth (Breeding proven), , Roche, Bodmin Jail, Whitecross (Newquay). Widespread in winter.

TAWNY OWL. Resident. Few records received, but is still well distributed throughout the county.

LITTLE OWL. Resident. After asking for all records of this species for 1974 in the last report, breeding season occurences were recorded only at Stithians (Bred), Wilcove (Bred but no young reared), Porthgwarra, Rame, , Newmill, Pentire, Looe, .

SCOPS OWL. Vagrant. One picked up alive and kept for a week before it died at , was found by Mr. Peter Williams at 22.00 hrs. on 18/5/74, at Winston Beacon, Nr. Saltash, Cornwall. It was evidently standing in the middle of the lane as his car drove over it and dragged it along in his slipstream. It was taken to Mr. Sharp, M.R.C.V.S., 34 Home Park Road, Saltash. Weight: 2.75 ozs. Fed moderately well on mice for six days, though both legs were apparently paralysed. It had also sustained extensive abdominal injuries as was revealed at autopsy. The specimen was shown to Mr. Derek Goodwin at the Natural History Museum (Ornithological Section) Tring, Hertfordshire. He was able to confirm that the bird was of the European race and therefore unlikely to be one of the many imported individuals (mostly bakkomoena).

SHORT-EARED OWL. Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Trewey Common/Lady Downs in the first winter one or two present up to March. Three on February 3rd and March 17th. Seen again on November 2nd (four) and one or more present until the end of the year. Bartinney Down, one on February 3rd. Ruan Lanihorne, one, Jan. 13th. St. Eval, one, March 9th. Stithians, one, April 17th. , one May 13th-16th. Marazion, one, October 27th. St. Kew, one Nov. 23rd.

47 Hayle Towans, one November 1st. West Pentire, one, October 11th. Porthgwarra. Recorded from October 11th, one, to October 30th, two, maximum five on the 12th. Some of the above records for single occurences in winter may have been of birds which spent considerably longer in the areas concerned for this species sits tight like a snipe during the day.

NIGHTJAR. Now reduced to rare summer resident. Two records for the breeding season. Maximum of four birds at a site in the south of the country on June 26th. One singing near the north coast June 13th. A dry summer might see an increase.

SWIFT. Summer resident. Passage migrant. First record April 4th, near Lands End. T. Stowe. Very early. No evidence of identification. Next April 24th Porthgwarra. HPKR. April 27th Nr. St. Ives. JB & SB. Several over May 4th and 5th, widespread by 8th, 9th and 10th, several records of flocks of 2/400 late May and early June. Last seen September 19th, Porthgwarra, three, DSF. The Lizard, one, E. Grace.

KINGFISHER. Scarce summer resident. Winter visitor. Pairs present in the breeding season on the Fowey River, Froe Creek, Respryn, East Looe, Tresillian, . First Autumn Record Aug. 4th, two at Drift. In small numbers (ones and twos) throughout the Coimty during the winter months on all major estuaries and inland waters with occasional records elsewhere, such as one at Godrevy on September 19th.

HOOPOE. Scarce migrant. Several in the county this year the first at Glendurgan (Per RDP) on April 1st. Two more on the 3rd, one at Kynance (RB, TP) and one at Cucurrian Mill (MRP, NRP, NJP, JAP, VRP, WLP, AQP, et al P) both of which stayed until the 6th. One at Porthgwarra from April 21st to 23rd. (GSG, HPKR, BC). One at from May 1st to 11th (Per RB, GD). And it or another at Church Cove on the 13th, where there were two from May 16th to at least the 21st. (RB, TP). During the Autumn single birds seen at Bude, September 20th, St. Just Airfield, September 22nd and Stithians Reservoir on September 28th/29th. SCM, RW.

BEE EATER. Vagrant. Porthgwarra, September 14th, one. LPW, DB, TJSP, PAM, BKM.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Resident. Scarce in the west. One about Porthgwarra/ area from September 11th to 15th, and one at Rosvise, Gerrans, September 21st, may have been immigrants.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Scare resident. Recorded in the breeding season at Lanhydrock, St. Winnow, Antony House (seen throughout year), Loe Pool, in the Truro area at Malabar and Kenwin (where said to have bred for many years. Per RDP) and one at Treveneague on February 24th.

48 WRYNECK. Scarce passage migrant. Porthgwarra. Two on September 12th, then two or three present until a further influx on or about the 18th when at least five and up to ten. (DSF) were in the Nanjizal/Porthgwarra/St. Levan area. One still present on October 18th. Cawsand, . One in a garden from September 14th to 16th. CWM.

WOODLARK. Scarce summer resident. The only record was of one singing at the crossroads between Parkwalls and Roughlor on May 6th. No sign of it on subsequent visits. RDP.

SWALLOW. Summer resident. Passage migrant. The first at Rialton, April 2nd (PJD). Marazion, April 6th widespread from April 9th/12th. Appeared to be less common during the summer, with few young birds about, but this was possibly due to the wet weather. Over 1,000 roosting Marazion, September 10th. The exceptionally mild autumn and winter either inhibited migration for many swallows or enabled the lingering individuals to survive longer, for there were many records for late October and the species was still numerous throughout November. In December they were recorded at Gweek until the 11th, Mullion on the 8th, Rialton and Looe on the 12th, Falmouth on the 14th and St. Ives until 26th. In the Marazion/Penzance area at least two on December 7th, and one stayed about Marazion Marsh until well into the new year. (Last seen early March, 1975).

HOUSE MARTIN. Summer resident. Passage migrant. First record Perranporth, April 10th (BKM). Next, April 15th, Pentire. Main arrival after the 20th. Many records for November (see Swallow). During December recorded at Portscathoe on 2nd and 3rd. Helford until the 28th (Two). One at Truro until the 30th. Up to six at Falmouth, with two remaining till the end of the year.

SAND MARTIN. Summer resident. Passage migrant. First on March 23rd, Marazion. (MJJ, HPKR, LPW). No breeding season records received. (Tut Tut). Last recorded at Marazion, where one was still present until the end of the year, although there were few other late records, and no others for December.

GOLDEN ORIOLE. Scarce or occasional passage migrant. Porthgwarra, May 18th. One, described by some as a male, and by others as a female, with no evidence supplied eitherway. Bright females are very like dull males in the first summer. (JHH, AH & GBM, PAM, BKM, GSG). Near Cadgwith, May 11th, one female. Near Church Cove (The Lizard), May 14th, one male.

49 RAVEN. Resident. Still widespread as a breeding resident with most if not all of the ancestral sites remaining occupied. The early start to their breeding season renders them free from disturbance from holiday makers at the critical time of nest building and incubation. Records of twelve sites received this year. Fourteen together near Bude on August 14th. TJD (Possibly two family Parties of five young and two parents. Ed).

CARRION CROW. Resident. Flock of sixty recorded at Loe Bar, October 12th. JSC. Flock varying from forty to sixty at Wilcove from November 12th to December 24th. JHS. Hooded Crow. One record of this winter visitor (a sub-species of Carrion Crow) at Rame Head on October 12th. EG.

ROOK. Resident. A random sample of 46 Rookeries in mid-March produced an average of 22 nests per Rookery. The largest, at Malpas, held 105 nests — all were in Pinus radiata (Syn Insignis) which is undoubtedly the most commorjy used conifer in the County. Larger rookeries can be expected in the South-East, an area not looked at by the writer, and the results of the 1975 National census will be of value if full coverage of the County can be assured. R. D. Penhallurick.

MAGPIE. Common resident. " Can Birds be mentally retarded ? One young bird stayed with its parents until August, and drove them (and us) distracted by its importuning for food, even though flying strongly, and its constant calling and shrieking. B. M. Lye." The length and intensity of post nestling dependency is still unknown for most species. Ed.

JAY. Resident. No large influxes reported but a single bird at the Lizard on October 9th/10th/11th may have been a migrant.

CHOUGH. Status ? One unconfirmed report of the bird at Stem Cove being seen, received second hand. Two birds, whose origin is uncertain, were recorded on a western cliff from late September to the end of the year (still present March 75) and appear to be thriving. If, they are a true pair there is a possibility of breeding, but, that is speculation.

BLUE TIT. Common resident. October 15th, The Lizard, 19 (2 & 10 & 4 & 3) seen to come in from the sea. E. Grace.

COAL TIT. Common resident. Two, considered to be of the continental form seen at Swanpool, December 8th. VRT. Once again appeared at our bird table at , on November 29th, but was only seen for a few days. JB & SB.

50 MARSH TIT. Resident. Status ? Probably breeding at Penrose (seen carrying food), Luxullian Valley, Rialton, Carraton Wood, Respryn, Tresillian, Gweek, , Polwheveral, Tamar Lake, Coombe Valley, Scadghill. One at Porthgwarra, October 5th (SMC) may have been a migrant.

WILLOW TIT. Resident. Status ? The only records were of single birds Clapper Bridge July 6th. Luckett near July 3rd. " Good numbers in upper Fowey Valley". EG. Still present Tamar Lake.

LONG TAILED TIT. Resident. Now more common than for some years, at least in west Cornwall, presumably due to the succession of mild winters. There is some evidence of considerable movement within the county, it not of actual immigration from the continent, for instance at Porthgwarra there were six on the 10th, over forty on or about the 15th, twenty on the 19th, and ten on the 23rd, while coinciding with these were c.twenty in off the sea at Kynance on October 16th. Exceptional were a flock of over 100 near Helston on September 29th (E. Grace) and seven feeding among the outermost rocks of St. Ives Island on December 23rd. (PAM). A Party of six at Rialton on August 26th (Not recorded by P. J. Dwyer. See 1972 report).

DIPPER. Scarce resident. Rare in the west, and away from its restricted habitat. Truro. Since the reconstruction of the River Tunnel and the destruction of the nest site (vide 1971 report), the Dipper has not been seen so often within the city limits. My only sighting is of one on October 22nd near the tunnel entrance, not far from the Victoria Gardens but others reported it in the vicinity for about a monthly previously. RDP. A male was occupying territory at Newmill, near Penzance, for several weeks in the spring, but no female was seen. Possibly the same bird as seen at Nancledra in December 1973. Exceptional so far west. The usual stretches of streams were occupied.

BEARDED TIT. Previously Vagrant, but see 72 & 73 reports. Marazion Marsh. Up to ten (Feb. 3rd) present until the end of March. Last record two on the 28th. A few returned in October, 3/4 on the 19th and two on the 31st were the only records received, but they stayed on into 1975. Tamar Lake. Known to have been present in the second winter period but the only record received was of one or two brought into the open by tape recordings on November 24th. TJD.

MISTLE THRUSH. Resident. Now seems to be commoner than it was before the decimation of the 1963 winter, though it took ten years to fully recover in most of the country. Further evidence of autumn immigration at Porthgwarra, where there is now a pair resident.

51 Porthgwarra. September 16th, one/two, 19th, eight, 20th, four 21st, four, 28th, six. October 9th, c.fifty, 10th, fourteen plus, 12th, forty plus. Antony House. September 8th, twenty one, 11th, twenty five, 20th, twenty five. October 31st, twenty five. November 5th, fifteen 28th, twenty. St. Just-in-Roseland. September 25th, thirty. . July 11th, thirty five plus.

FIELDFARE. Winter Resident. Passage migrant. Last seen April 20th. One at Nanjizal. RB. One at Porthgwarra. LPW, HPKR. Possibly the same bird. First arrivals October 4th, Porthgwarra, one. JB & SB. Nancledra, several heard. NJP. Antony House, three. JHS. Widespread arrivals on and about the tenth, largest influxes about the 30th. The only records of large flocks were 450 at Crowdy, November 10th, and 3/4 hundred at Davidstow on the same date, probably associated with the major influx.

REDWING. Winter resident. Passage migrant. Last seen April 27th, one at Nanjizal. PMcC, TRP. First on October 2nd, one at Wilcove. JHS. Several over the next few days, widespread by the 10th. Peak migration late October early November. Only reports of large flocks were 4/5 hundred Crowdy Marsh, December 14th and over 1,000, Callington, December 6th.

RING OUZEL. Scarce passage migrant. Rare summer resident ? More than average seen in spring. First at Porthgwarra, March 20th, one or two recorded there until May 12th, with three on April 19th. Associated with these were one male and four females at Nanjizal on April 20th and a male at on April 24th. Pairs were seen at Bude on April 23rd/27th and at Bedruthan Steps on April 2nd/3rd. No records in the summer. Possibly no longer breeding. Autumn records only from Porthgwarra, where they were present in ones and twos from September 14th to October 20th. Maximum, five on October 12th.

BLACKBIRD. Resident. June 22nd, Housel Bay, one seen feeding on half grown Slow Worm. RMP. Evidence of immigration at Porthgwarra with the arrival of 30/50 on October 12th. C. 30 still present on 17th. Fourteen in off the sea at The Lizard on October 30th. E. Grace. Port Navas. Resident Cock appeared, dragging one leg. Attached to his claw was a small mollusc. He was easily caught, the shellfish less easily removed. This bird died in November, aged more than ten vears. B. Kay.

SONG THRUSH. Resident. Porthgwarra, October 12th, arrival in similar nos. to Blackbird, c.35 present October 17th. NJP. , December 30th, 5.10 a.m. in still, clear moonlight, one in full song. MJJ.

52 WHEATEAR. Passage migrant. Scarce summer resident. First record March 3rd, St. Enodoc, one. RW. Main arrival began March 23rd, recorded at Porthgwarra, and Marazion. Widespread over next three days. A " Fall" at the Lizard in thick mist on May 4th. GD. Few records in the breeding season, but displaying males seen on the Lizard Peninsula on April 9th (still a bit early) , April 11th and a pair, Park Head, May 17th. Also recorded near DeLank, July 25th. No proof of breeding submitted. Migrants were numerous during August, after the first at Stithians on the 9th, and widespread in smaller numbers through September. One at the Lizard, October 16th. Porthgwarra, lower twenty's first fortnight September, thirty four on the 18th, five on the 21st. One remaining until October 17th.

STONECHAT. Resident. Remains numerous following the successive mild winters. September 28th, Porthgwarra, 15 in one field. RS. October 20th, Rame Head, over twenty, 75% juvs. EG. Many of these probably migrants.

WHINCHAT. Summer resident, uncommon. Passage migrant. First April 4th, Lands End. TS. One at Porthgwarra, April 21st to 28th, two on May 4th, one on 26th. Rame Head, two, April 27th. No breeding season records. (What are you people LIKE ?). Return migration began July 6th, one female Cligga Head. July 25th, female, Head. August 31st, St. Just, two. September records from Amble Dam and WTilcove, involving only six birds. Evidently overlooked away from Porthgwarra where recorded as present from August 19th to October 17th (NJP) mainly in ones and twos but an influx on about September 14th (twenty five) increased to seventy two (counted by DSF) on the 18th. Only five the following day (HPKR) indicating a marked exodus. These figures are the largest so far recorded for Cornwall, but the species is often seen in much greater numbers on the East Coast. It is interesting that the Amble Dam records were at the same time as this influx, and that the last record at the Lizard was on October 16th.

REDSTART. Passage Migrant. Breeding? First recorded April 13th, Porthcothan, one male. PJI SCM. Porthgwarra, one male. LPW, HPKR. (Present until 27th). Male Rame Head, April 27th. May 4th, male and female Porthgwarra, three males one female, The Lizard. No breeding season records. September 19th, one, Kynance. Porthgwarra, present from September 14th (one) to October 10th (one). Two on September 18th, four, October 5th.

BLACK REDSTART. Passage Migrant. Scarce winter resident. Birds which had wintered in the Penzance/Newlyn area last seen February 24th and March 3rd, Newlyn, and until the end of January, Penzance. January records also from Nare Head, January 1st, Swanpool, 13th to 31st, Par 21st, E. Looe 29th. One at Porthgwarra, March 24th, and a male in full summer plumage at Perranporth in April were the only spring migrants. First for Autumn, Porthgwarra, October 13th. The usual scattering of records in October and mainly of single birds with no marked immigration. Records of December birds from fifteen localities, many being seen on several dates, indicating the likelihood of overwintering, but six of these first recorded on and about the eighth which was probably the arrival date of wintering, as opposed to passage, birds.

ROBIN. Resident. Porthgwara, arrival of 50 plus, September 14th, possibly continental migrants. DB.

NIGHTINGALE. Occasional. April 27th, one at Rame Head. EG. September 18th, one at Marazion Marsh. JB & SB. This species is now being recorded almost annually.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. Summer resident. First on April 16th, Towednack. JB & SB. Main arrival from the 21st. Generally considered to have had a poor breeding season due to the cold wet spring and summer. Last recorded Porthgwarra, September 17th. DSF.

REED WARBLER. Uncommon summer resident. (Restricted habitat). First seen (IE, heard, as with many warblers). April 17th Marazion. BKM. This one may have been a little early, main arrival at other localities about May 4th. This species now seems to have occupied all the reed beds in the county. Yes ? No ? Last seen Porthgwarra, September 15th. DSF.

SEDGE WARBLER. Summer resident. First at Marazion, April 13th. HPKR. Few records received, seems to have had a poor breeding season. Last seen Marazion, September 29th. TP.

AQUATIC WARBLER. Scarce or occasional migrant. Marazion Marsh. One recorded on various dates from October 3rd (NJP) to October 21st. Possibly more than one individual involved.

MELODIOUS WARBLER. Scarce Passage Migrant. Porthgwarra, August 16th, one. EC. At least one present from September 12th to 17th. Two seen on 13th and 16th. JIIII, HPKR, LPW, GSG, DSF, RB, NRP etc.

ICTERINE WARBLER. Scarce or occasional passage migrant. Porthgwarra, recorded from August 31st to September 15th. At least three present on the 12th and 15th, et al.

54 BLACKCAP. Summer resident. Passage migrant. Scarce winter visitor. Recorded in the first winter at Gulval, Lelant, Hayle, Falmouth, Porthilly, , all in January, and at Truro during February (May have been unrecorded earlier). Some observers considered numbers below normal in the breeding season, but the poor weather was probably responsible. First arrivals April 27th, Porthgwarra. Widespread in small numbers during October and November. December records from Truro, probably several birds, Tresillian, St. Just-in-Roseland, Copperhouse, and . One came aboard RMS Scillonian on October 9th. RW.

GARDEN WARBLER. Summer resident. Passage migrant. First seen Porthgwarra, April 27th. FH et al. Very few records for the breeding season (not that this signifies very much) but present at Constantine, Gweek, Ruan Major, and surely elsewhere. Autumn migrants present at Porthgwarra in small numbers from August 31st to October 23rd. Maximum five, September 14th. Last seen Copperhouse, November 10th. LPW. and Marazion November 18th. HAD. Both very late dates, but many species were late in leaving during the very mild autumn.

WHITETHROAT. Summer resident. Passage migrant. First seen Rame Head, one April 20th. JHS. Main arrival from April 27th. Seems to be making a very slow recovery from the population " crash " but breeding records from some twenty localities. The bad weather of 1974 did not help. Still very scarce in . Forty six singing males recorded from Tregantle Fort to Penlee, including Rame Head, on May 5th. JHS. (many of these may have been passage birds at this date. Ed.). Last seen Porthgwarra, September 22nd. DSF.

LESSER WHITETHROAT. Occasional passage migrant. Scarce breeder in the East ? Spring records only. March 26th, Marazion Marsh, singing male, E. Grace. April 21st, Porthgwarra, one. May 5th, The Lizard, one, Penlee Point (Rame) singing male, also on the 26th. May 14th, Porthcothan, one.

[DARTFORD WARBLER.] Vagrant. One bird reported seen, but no description supplied, Kennack Sands, February 3rd. The species has increased on it's southern counties breeding grounds, and the successive mild winters might cause a population explosion and a spread to the west. Look out for it.

WILLOW WARBLER. Summer resident. Passage migrant. First record March 24th, one singing Boscawen Park. BKM. Main arrival April 5th, 6th, 7th. On April 27th, 60 at Rame Head and 40 at Porthgwarra. 14/15 occupied sites on Gossmoor. PJD.

55 CHIFFCHAFF. Summer resident. Scarce passage migrant. Winter resident. Reported from sixteen localities in the first winter period, evidently thinly distributed throughout the County. Several singing birds early March, but arrival of migrants from about the 24th. Recorded from nine localities second winter. There are usually more reported in the months January/February than November/December and it is known that many wintered over 1974/75.

WOOD WARBLER. Uncommon summer resident. One migrant at Porthgwarra, April 23rd. HPKR. Breeding season records only from , Antony House, Lanhydrock.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER. Vagrant. One at Cucurrian Mill, Nancledra, October 9th. NJP. One at Porthgwarra, October 17-19th. NJP, DJB, BD, LPW, HPKR, PAM, JHH, OUTC, et al.

GOLDCREST. Resident. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Less in evidence as a passage migrant at Porthgwarra. Maximum, six on September 20th. DSF.

FIRECREST. Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Perhaps as a result of the spread west and the breeding of the species in the British Isles, or the succession of mild winters, there were more Firecrests recorded in the county than ever before. During January, Loe Pool, Nancledra, Penrose, Carnaton Wood, Tresillian, Longrock, Marazion, , Porthleven. During February, St. Anthony (Helford), Tresillian, Marazion. During March, Marazion, Loe Pool, Pencalenick, The Lizard and Rame Head. No April Records. One May 16th, The Lizard. (Said seen! No description). Several of the above had been present in the December of '73. No September records and few in October i.e. one at Porthgwarra from 10th to 26th, one St. Levan on 26th, two Towednack, 4th, one on 5th, one Rame Head on 12th, Nancledra on 25th. November records from Porthcurnow, Hain Walk (Carbis Bay) two until end of year, , (Penzance), Penrose, Swanpool one until end of year. December, Tresillian, wintered. Nancledra three wintered. St. Erth Woods, wintered. Lelant, wintered. St. Clements, Helford, Antony House. Evidently more wintering than on passage. St. Day, " My cat killed a male (Nov. 10th) and two females (Nov. 14th, Dec. 4th) " DB. See also Rex V. Milligan 1974 and subsequent remarks re felix sp. Ed.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. Summer resident. Passage migrant. First seen Porthgwarra, April 18th, one. JHH. Few reports in the breeding season. Like other insectivorous species it was probably adversely affected by the wet summer. Last recorded October 3rd, one, Ninnesbridge, near Lelant. NJP.

56 PIED FLYCATCHER. Passage migrant. ? Breeding. Only one spring record, one at Porthgwarra, May 4th. HPKR. Male on territory during June, but no female seen, and apparently did not breed. Present at Porthgwarra various dates from August 30th to October 12th (DB, NJP) maximum of 20, plus four at St. Levan, on September 14th. Apart from this influx numbers were very small. Elsewhere recorded only at the Lizard, September 18th two, September 19th, one. Near St. Ives, September 9th, one, September 11th two. Drift, August 30th, one. Nanquidno, August 31st, one, September 9th, two, September 15th, one.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER. Scarce or occasional passage migrant. Porthgwarra, October 9th, one. LPW.

RICHARDS PIPIT. Scarce passage migrant. Porthgwarra, October 19th, two, possibly three. JHH, DSF.

TAWNY PIPIT. Scarce or occasional passage migrant. Marazion Marsh. September 9th, one. PAM, BKM. Stayed until September 22nd. CBWPS, et al. Long Rock, October 11th, one. LPW. Only a mile away, and possibly the same bird, but in slightly different plumage.

TREE PIPIT. Summer resident. Passage migrant. Uncommon. First at Redmoor, April 17th. Other spring records from Rame Head, April 21st and 27th and the Lizard, May 15th. Breeding season records only from Davidstow, The Fowey Valley, and Redmoor. One Autumn migrant at Porthgwarra on September 16th and last seen September 20th, Wilcove area. JHS.

MEADOW PIPIT. Common resident. Passage migrant, winter visitor, etc. No records received.

ROCK PIPIT. Resident. October 5th, Copperhouse, an abnormally plumaged bird seen with head, breast and belly bright cream. Brown streaks on throat and breast. Dark legs. White outer tail feathers. Call-note heard. SMC.

WATER PIPIT. A s spinoletta (Sub Sp.) Status ? Single birds at Marazion on February 25th, April 6th and 13th. October 27th, November 10th. One at Par Beach, April 9th.

GREY WAGTAIL. Resident. Winter visitor. Passage Migrant. Breeding at Kennal Vale, Stithians, Cross, Helston, Crowan, Trevail. One report of a pair breeding in the top of a new dutch barn while silage making in process below. Normally breeds in a hole in a stream bank or wall near water.

57 PIED WAGTAIL. Resident. Winter visitor. Passage Migrant. After Dark on November 20th, c.45 at the well-known roost at Cathedral Lane, Truro. RDP. c.90 there December 30th. DE. Fewer migrants (mainly " Whites ") reported this year. Very few in spring, and only at Porthgwarra in autumn where on August 27th there were c 45 September 11th, fifteen, September 14th, ten, September 19th, 30, September 20th, twenty.

YELLOW WAGTAIL. Passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. First on April 14th, one at Marazion, TRP and one Hayle LPW, TP, et al. Apparently scarce on spring passage. No breeding. The usual scattering of birds during September throughout the county but in very small numbers. At Porthgwarra present from August 22nd to September 19th. Maximum of c.40 on August 27th. Last recorded October 20th, two Rame Head. EG. Many of the Autumn migrants are probably of the continental or Blue-headed race M.f.flava and four males were identified at Porthgwarra on August 27th. HPKR. And one spring bird at Marazion on May 25th/26th. JHH et al.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE. Scarce or occasional passage migrant. Trevail (Nr. Zennor). October 4th-7th. One NJP et al. Porthgwarra (Nr. Lands End). September 18th, one. DSF, BK, BKM.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE. Occasional Passage migrant. May 18th, near Godrevy one adult male. WGKT. May 17th/18th Porthgwarra one adult female. HPKR et al.

ROSE COLOURED STARLING. Vagrant. October 26th, Marazion Beach. One immature. LPW, EG.

GREENFINCH. Resident. Winter visitor. Antony House. First winter period : Roost numbers reached a peak of 120/130 during Jan./Feb. 100 on April 16th decreasing quickly thereafter. Second winter period : Roost started building up in October to reach c.110 on November 15th and c.140 on December 3rd. Slight decrease thereafter. JHS.

GOLDFINCH. Resident. Winter visitor. Present Rialton July/August. SMC. (Not mentioned as present by Dwyer see '72 report, but recorded practically all localities in the county at some time. Ed).

SISKIN. Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Uncommon. Small numbers during the first winter period at Tresillian, maximum 6, January 21st, Swanpool, three February 19th, Pool, eight, January 12th (a regular area. RDP). Ruan Lanihorne, eight, Januarv 13th. Boscawen Park, three, March 24th.

58 One summer record ; one at Antony House, June 20th. Passage birds at Porthgwarra. October 10th, three, October 30th, one, October 23rd, three, Nancledra, October 11th, one, October 30th, fifteen, Lelant, November 16th, one, Boscawen Park, October 25th/27th, two, Ruan Lanihorne, November 16th, 5/6, wintering in the 2nd winter at Antony House from September 18th to December 13th, maximum five, November 5th, Tresillian from November 30th, 20/30 present, max. 50, December 20, Pencalenick, December 22nd, seven, Swanpool, Falmouth, five, November 5th, the only record. None St. Erth woods.

REDPOLL. Uncommon winter visitor and Passage migrant. Breeding-? Very few records. Croft Pascoe, February 3rd, one, April 16th, five, near Bodmin, March 24th, one, Rame Head, October 12th, four. Tresillian, November 9th, one, Antony House, October 16th, four, 16th, three, November 5th, six, 16th, two.

LINNET. Resident. Passage migrant. Flock of 200 River Gannel, January 13th, 150 Scarcewater, Oct. 19th, 250, Lower Farm, Trewithen, through December. Most large flocks occur in the autumn, after which it seems that many birds emigrate to the continent. At Porthgwarra, where regular watch is kept, numbers decrease through October.

CHAFFINCH. Resident. Passage Migrant. Winter visitor. Seemed to be scarcer this vear, the only large movement reported was at Porthgwarra, October 23rd,'200 W-NW. 100 ditto November 2nd. 150 Wilcove, December 15th, probably winter residents. Certainly few large flocks West Cornwall in second winter, probably due to the mild weather.

REED BUNTING. Resident. Passage Migrant? Winter visitor? February 23rd flock of c.300 on Zennor Moors. Fifty at Trewey, March 5th c.70, Croft Pascoe.

SNOW BUNTING. Uncommon Passage Migrant. Marazion. One, October 3rd. NJP. Two from October 7th (LPW) until at least the 19th, one staying until November 3rd. St. Ives Island. October 20th, one. NJP. Nanjizal. October 26th, one. BKM. West Pentire. December 31st, twenty. PAM.

HOUSE SPARROW. Resident. St. Erme. c.100 in hedges of recently harvested wheat field, Sept. 4th. Portscathoe. c.200 in cliff-top hedges. PJD. Large flocks are rarely reported these days.

RINGING RECOVERIES Species Ringed Date Recovered Date Remarks SHAG Grassholm 11.6.68 Portreath 6.2.74 Dead GREAT Kvisker, 10.7.72 St. Ives 23.5.74 Dead, badly SKUA Iceland oiled GBB Pullus GULL Annet 4.7.67 Lizard 26.9.74 Pullus Head Found dead

59 The Cliff-Nesting of the Swift and the Hirundinidae in Cornwall

These notes are abstracted from the writer's projected Birds of the Cornish Countryside which, for a variety of reasons, cannot be published for at least another two years. If writing such a book teaches its compiler anything, it is how little is known about our common breeding birds. Indeed, it is only when such a work is attempted that the gaps in our knowledge become apparent. An entry in the C.B.W.P.S. report for 1972 on the cliff-nesting of the house martin at The Lizard, is followed by a cry (in muted parenthasis) from the Editor — M What news of the cliff-colonies at and near Port Isaac ?" Such is the general lethargy of Cornish bird-watchers (with,

I hasten to add, the exception of a nucleus of hard-working field:workers, continually plagued by hungry information-seekers like myself, whose names should be writ large in gold-leaf in the front of every annual report) that it was hardly surprising to find the Editor's question unanswered in the 1973 report. I hope, therefore, that this account, a synthesis of all that has been published since the 1830s, embelished with unpublished notes from some of the above-mentioned field-workers, will encourage more bird-watchers to take an interest in this aspect of bird behaviour.

THE SWIFT (Apus apus) Dr. James Clark maintained that in the Fowey-Tamar district (V.C.H., 1906), the sea-cliffs were thickly populated with swifts in many places. No one else alludes to this and the statement should be accepted with caution, but cliff nesting has been proved elsewhere. In 1931, G. H. Harvey suspected breeding in the cliffs in the Land's End peninsula, while Col. B. H. Ryves found a colony of fifteen pairs at Bedruthan Steps — an old-established site for on 25th May, 1885, Cecil Smith found that " a great many were breeding in the cliffs " there (Z). Nests at Godrevy in 1941 and at Camborne North Cliffs in 1946, probably both refer to the colony at Fishing Cove, known to Dr. R. H. Blair in the 1930s and '40s (letters, 10. ix. & 6. xii. 1974), where just a few pairs nested in incredibly narrow cracks. The colony was last reported by Mr. N. R. Phillips in 1967 (pers. comm.). In 1948, Mr. A. G. Parsons saw birds entering and leaving fissures in the cliffs at Portreath ; both he and the present writer saw a few pairs at the same spot on the west side of the beach about 1965, but the colony was subsequently overlooked until found to be unoccupied in 1973.

THE SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) Richard Carew's quaint notion (History, 1602) that the swallow7 hibernated in caves and mine-adits in the cliff, may, in truth, have derived from the bird's former habit of nesting in such situations in Cornwall. Couch (1838) noted that the swallow " often builds in caves on the sea-shore " and a few years earlier (Mag. Nat. Hist., vol. v.) saw one visiting a cave near Polperro where he presumed it was nesting. Couch's best account in his Illustrations of Instinct (1847) is clearly based on personal observation about Polperro, which village he rarely left after his medical training in London in 1808-9. The swallow " nests not infrequently in crevices of caverns on the rocky coast yet the precise spot where

60 the nest is, is so well concealed as to be not easily found." The Revd. Holroyd Mills, an eminent naturalist-photographer who published too little, also asserted that " the greater number . . . still keep to the caves around our coast for their breeding situations. I know of several caves, whether sea-caves or mere adits in the cliff, where many pairs breed every year, and the nests are mostly of the Continental type, i.e. without support as in a house martin's with even less attachment ..." (Z, 1905). It is unfortunate that Rodd (1880), D'Urban and Mathew (1892), and Clark (1906) are all silent about cliff nesting. It seems unlikely that the swallow still uses such natural situations now, but when the habit died out is not known. It is possible that an attempt at cliff-nesting was made at Porthellick on St. Mary's in 1947 but it seems the nest was not completed (W. P. Kennedy, pers. comm.).

THE HOUSE MARTIN (Delichon urbica) Jonathan Couch (1838) is one of the few 19th century writers to mention the house martin in Cornwall. Even Rodd adds nothing to his description of this abundant summer visitor which " sometimes forms its nest in caverns on the sea-shore ; but although in these circumstances both it and the swallow fly boldly into the cavern, the nests are well concealed in crevices." Nearly seventy years elapse before a further note appears on cliff- nesting. In 1906 (V.C.H.), Clark noted that the cliffs between the Tamar and Fowey Rivers were " in many places thickly populated with martins," although none is now known east of St. Austell Bay. Perhaps Clark was mistaken and really meant the section between the Fowey and Fal where colonies still exist. All known colonies are small and many have probably gone unrecorded. Prussia Cove : Pre-1930. The only large colony known to G. H. Harvey who, unfortunately, did not visit it subsequently or record its size. Gunwallow : A colony existed about 1910 " four miles south of Helston" (B.B., 1939-40). Kynance : E. W. Hendy, the Exmoor naturalist, found nesting " near Kynance " in 1937. One pair built in a small cleft north of Kynance in 1948. Lizard Point : In 1935, five nests were found at about 18ft. from the top of a 50ft. cliff and beneath a small overhang (B.B., 1939-40). One nest at Housel Bay in 1940 was all that could be found in the neighbourhood. Three to five nests were in use at Pistol Cove in 1960, and at least four " near Lizard Point" in 1963. At least twelve pairs at Polpeor Cove in 1970 were reduced to two in 1972. All these records probably refer to the same colony, as evidence from Porthmellin (see below) indicates that birds may periodically shift to a new site. Cadgwith : Pre-1905. The nests " cover the face of the sea-cliff" wrote Revd. Holroyd Mills (Z) who knew of similar sites he did not name.

61 Porthmellin Head (St. Anthony-in-Roseland) : A small colony has existed here for at least seventy years (per, Mr. Reg Greet, aged 77), but no record was published until 19-35 when eleven nests were built under an overhang about 20ft. above the shore (B.B., 1939-40). There were seven nests in 1937. In 1948, the colony was noted " in the caves," presumably at Porthbeor Beach where eight nests were found in a cave in 1954. In 1957, there were sixteen nests, as well as another seven on the cliff nearby. In 1960, the colony of 22 nests had moved east to Elwinick Cove (next to Porthmellin Head) where a small number, " certainly not more than half-a-dozen pairs " (R. M. Twist, pers. comm.), still nest (1974). Five nests were occupied at the old Porthbeor site in 1963, as well as " some " on the cliffs near the cave. Dodman Point : A small colony was recorded here in 1955. Mr. W. J. Julyan (letter, 22. xii. '74) remembers seeing four to six nests here near Hemmick Beach. Black Head : Another colony recorded in 1955 by the late Cecil Stevens, has not been visited in recent years, but W. J. Julyan is certain birds still nest there as he has seen several flying in the vicinity. Polkirt Beach (between and Mevagissey) : Mrs. I. M. Catchpole (letter, 20. xii. '74) confirms that this colony, above a private beach, has existed since she went to live nearby in 1956. The birds build about one third of the way down the cliff which is concave, making the birds difficult to see. About ten pairs have bred there every year, including 1974 — " late in the season as many as forty birds are in the air." Crinnis : There is a colony at the western end of the beach immediately below the Bay Hotel. The colony was first recorded here in 1940 (B.B., 1946) but is probably considerably older. Up to half-a- dozen pairs were counted in three subsequent years, but counts between 1963 and 1967 shewed fifteen to seventeen nests occupied. Mr. W. J. Julyan (op. cit.) writes that twelve to fifteen nests are still built, including 1974, under an overhang in the cliffs about forty feet above beach level. The remaining known colonies are all on the north coast. Fishing Cove (near Navax Point) : A small colony existed here in the 1930s and '40s (see also under swift), but it is not known when nesting died out (Dr. R. H. Blair, op. cit.). This is the site referred to as Camborne North Cliffs in the C.B.W.P.S. reports. Rumps Point : A. H. Machell Cox discovered a " probable new colony" of about twelve pairs here in 1933, and may be the site recorded, but unlocated, in 1937 by J. M. Macmillan of Polzeath. A number were seen in 1952, " in too difficult a position to observe properly from the land." It was again noted in 1961 and last recorded in 1965 when F. M. Couch found the colony divided into two. Trebarwith Strand : One nest was seen on the cliff face " at Elephant Rock " in 1951, and three nests in 1952. Haven (Tintagel) : A colony was recorded here for the first time in 1949. It was noted on four subsequent occasions, but only P. J. Dwyer gave any indication of size when, in 1968, he saw about twenty birds flying in the Haven and located one nest with young. Buckator (St. Juliot) : A small colony first noted in 1947 was " well occupied " in 1951.

THE SAND MARTIN (Riparia riparia) The Sand Martin is the only bird under discussion which still nests exclusively in natural locations — in holes in soft banks and cliffs which may or may not be coastal. Couch (1838) wrote that it was " local" and its status has probably changed little, although it has certainly become scarcer in some districts, particularly along the coast. Courtney (1845) described it as " common in the banks between Penzance and Marazion, and also on the road to Newlyn." Clark (1906) believed they had not nested in the Penzance area for some years, but one colony, described by A. W. H. Harvey (1915) as being " in sandy hedges near Marazion Marsh," was occupied until about 1930. An equally ancient colony existed at Lelant Towans (Z, 1870). A small colony was found near the golf links in 1937 — probably between the beach cafe and Porthkidney where Miss Joyce Jones was told the colony had been (letter, 14. i. '75). When the colony died out is uncertain, but the only nesting birds in St. Ives Bay today, seem to be a few pairs in the cliffs near the Hayle and, perhaps, also nearer , where a few were nesting in the early 1950s. The remaining coastal colonies are summarised as follows — : First recorded in 1948. Twenty-four holes were counted in 1969, but it is not known if all were occupied in that year. Porthleven (between the village and Loe Bar) : This colony, established in a sandy cliff about 18ft. high, was extensively studied by H. B. Sargent in 1953. Although unoccupied the following year, the colony still thrives and contained about twenty nests in 1970. Gunwalloe : Recorded between 1938 and 1968. In the latter year about thirty pairs were about the cliffs on 17th June. Like the colony at Porthleven, there were vears when it was completelv unoccupied — e.g. 1939 and 1940. Cove : About six pairs were recorded in 1970. Carne ( Bay) : A colony recorded since 1968 but without any indication of size. Perranporth : About twenty nests, six of them in use, were counted in 1947. The birds nested in a low cliff under a hotel near the beach. Persecution gradually drove them away and the colony has been deserted, certainly since 1972. No cliff -nesting sites are now known in the area (Rex Harper, letter, 6. i. '75). : In 1935, Col. B. H. Ryves wrote that the bird had nested in the cliffs here " for many years." The colony was still there in 1968 but its present size is not known.

63 Bay : Another old-established colony and the largest known to Col. Ryves who recorded twenty nesting pairs in 1931. It was last recorded in 1947 when six pairs probably bred. : A single nest at the top of the cliff on the east side of the bay in early June, 1958. St. Enodoc (evidently the same colonv sometimes referred to as Daymer Bay): It was established before 1939 in which year " there were no nests " in the cliffs under the golf links. Young were heard in nest holes in August 1949, but the colony has not been recorded since then. Widemouth Bay : There were twelve to fourteen nests here in 1966 and at least 25 pairs in 1970.

On the Isles of Scilly, nesting is sporadic. There are unconfirmed reports from , St. Mary's in the 1930s and '40s. In 1969, one hole was occupied at Porth Wreck, south of Deep Point, on St. Mary's, and in 1970 martins were seen flying in and out of three holes on Brvher (P. Z. Mackenzie, letter 28, xii, 1974). Abbreviations : V.C.H. Victoria County History Z. The Zoologist

ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS

1972 Report : Page 10, O. J. Dwyer should read P. J. Dwyer. Page 52, Grey Heron, under Breeding Status insert " P." Page 53, Shoveler, between "December" and "1963" insert "1961,

30th November." Page 56, Little Owl, para. 2 " 1954 " should read " 1945.'' Page 57, House Martin, under Breeding Status insert " S." Page 60, Cirl Bunting, for " A single male ..." read " A singing male References, line 10, " 1961 " should read " 1965." Iceland Gull. The Looe and Torpoint birds were different individuals. S.. C. Madge. 1973 Report: Coot, under largest numbers " February 18th, 33 Porth Reservoir " should read " December 16th, c.100 Porth Reservoir." Blackbird, " A pair at Rialton ..." should read " A female at Rialton Mediterranean Gull Hayle Estuary, March 25th. First Year; not adult. S.C.M.

Hooded Crow. One Millbrook, October 31st. E. S. Box.

64