British Birds VOLUME 82 NUMBER 1 1 NOVEMBER 1989

Report on rare birds Sponsored by in Great Britain in 1988 Michael J. Rogers and the Rarities Committee with comments by R. A. Hume his is the thirty-first annual report of the Rarities Committee, and it Tis the seventh consecutive year in which ZEISS West Germany has sponsored the Committee's work. We are extremely appreciative of this support, which enables us to continue to process thoroughly each individual record submitted, to publish this report in such detail and to include within it so many photographs and drawings of rarities. The interest in birdwatching, and in rare birds in particular, is growing annually, and the workload of the Committee is increasing as a result, so this very welcome financial assistance from ZEISS West Germany becomes more important each year. Rarities Committee membership is listed on the inside front cover each month, and on the back of the title page in each volume. Points of interest arising mainly from the Committee's annual meeting in April 1989 have been published already in 'Rarities Committee news and announcements' (Brit. Birds 82: 418-419). Details of the Committee's constitution and operation have been published in 'Rare birds: the work of the British Birds Rarities Committee' (Brit. Birds 80: 487-491) and are contained in a fact sheet, a copy of which may be obtained from the Secretary, Michael J. Rogers, whose address is at the end of this report. Also available from the Secretary is a list of the species considered by the Committee, and copies of the Rarities Committee Record Form, which should be used (or its format followed) when submitting reports. Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope of suitable size when requesting any of these items. All reports of any species on the Committee's list should be sent to the Secretary or, in the case of a trapped and ringed rarity, to the BTO Ringing Office, both preferably via the appropriate county recorder.

{Brit. BirdsXI: 505-563, November 1989] 505 506 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 1988 and earlier years The Committee has already dealt with 789 records for 1988, 78% of which have been accepted. A total of 445 records for 1988 and earlier years is still under consideration for a variety of reasons. The Rarities Committee is currently engaged upon reviews of both past and pending records of black-headed Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava feldegg, Citrine Wagtails M. citreola and Olivaceous Warblers Hippolais pallida. The results of the recently completed review of records of Isabelline Shrikes Lanius isabellinus are contained within this report. Of most interest to readers are those records which involve potential 'firsts' for Britain and Ireland or birds which have not been recorded here for at least 50 years and are thus candidates for upgrading from Category B to Category A of the British and Irish list. Such records in England, Scotland and Wales are considered, in turn, by the British Birds Rarities Committee and by the British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee. Those pre-1988 records with which the BBRC is currently involved concern Madeiran Petrel Oceanodroma castro, Ross's Goose Anser rossii, Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, South Polar Skua Stercomrius maccormicki, Least Tern Sterna antillarum, Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum and Two-barred Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus. Excluding very old records which are under reconsideration, those pre-1988 records being investi­ gated by the BOURC concern Yellow-nosed Albatross Diomedea chlororhyn- chos, Falcated Duck Anas falcata, Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris, Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica, White-headed Duck Oxyura leuco- cephala, Royal Tern Sterna maxima maxima, Eagle Owl Bubo bubo, Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius, Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos, Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius, Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina, Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata, Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe, Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila, Painted Bunting Passerina ciris and Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus.

Acknowledgments The accuracy and completeness of this report and the day-to-day work of the Rarities Committee are totally dependent upon the continued co-operation of individual observers and county and regional recorders, bird observatory wardens and reserve wardens and their committees. We should like to express our gratitude to them all. We should also like to thank the Irish Rare Birds Committee and its secretary, Patrick Smiddy, and the Northern Ireland Bird Records Committee and its secretary, Mrs Pat Vizard, for permission to include all accepted records of rare birds in Ireland and for supplying the details which enable us to provide a complete review and running totals of all rare bird records in the geographical unit of Britain and Ireland. Channel Islands rarity records are adjudicated by the Committee and accepted ones are included in this report, though not in the running totals, and we are grateful to Trevor Copp for liaising over all of these records. We are once again indebted to many individuals and organisations for assistance during the past year. For an amazing twelfth consecutive year, Mike Rogers has carried out the enormous task of compiling the report. As with the 1987 report, Rob Hume has written the species comments and Dave Britton has compiled the running totals for each species, a now- indispensable feature which he originated. Chris Heard joined the Committee two months Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 507 early to cover for Iain Robertson, who was abroad. The Seabirds Advisory Panel, whose members are P. R. Colston, W. F. Curtis, J. Enticott, P. Harrison, and B. A. E. Marr, continued to provide the Committee with specialist advice, as have Per Alstrom, Peter Clement, Steve Howell, Lars Jonsson, Ron Kettle, Urban Olsson, Richard Porter, Lars Svensson and Claudia Wilds. The BTO, the NCC, the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, the RSPB and the British Museum (Natural History) have liaised over various matters. Photographs and slides, whether or not of sufficient quality for publication, always greatly assist the record assessment process. We continue to encourage their submission along with the written record and thank all photographers who have sent us pictures of rarities, a selection of which enhances this report. We are grateful to those observers who included drawings of rarities in their record submissions. Field sketches, regardless of the level of artistic merit, are of great value to the Committee. The same cannot be said of finished paintings, unless accompanied by the draft fieldwork, as all drawings and paintings should be representations of the bird in question and not of the species in general. Some of the drawings submitted with records grace the pages of this report. PGL

Systematic list of accepted records The principles and procedures followed in considering records were explained in the 1958 report (Brit. Birds 53: 155-158). The systematic list is set out in the same way as in the 1987 report (81: 535-596). The following points show the basis on which the list has been compiled. (i) The details included for each record the characters' of the race concerned. are (1) county; (2) locality; (3) number of (iv) The three numbers in brackets after birds if more than one, and age and sex if each species' name refer respectively to the known (in the case of spring and summer total number of individuals recorded in records, however, the age is normally given Britain and Ireland (excluding those 'At only where the bird concerned was not in sea') (1) to the end of 1957, (2) for the period adult plumage); (4) if trapped or found dead since the formation of the Rarities Commit­ and where specimen is stored, if known; (5) tee in 1958, but excluding (3) the current date(s); and (6) observer(s) up to three in year. The decision as to whether one or number, in alphabetical order. In accord­ more individuals was involved is often dif­ ance with our declared policy (see Brit. Birds ficult and rather arbitrary, but the consensus 68: 1-4), the new county names have been of members is indicated by 'possibly the used, and observers are asked to bear this in same' (counted as different in the totals), mind when submitting records. 'probably the same' (counted as the same in (ii) In general, this report is confined to totals), or 'the same' when the evidence is records which are regarded as certain, and certain or overwhelming. An identical 'probables' are not included. In the case of approach is applied to records of the same the very similar Long-billed Limnodromus species recurring at the same locality after a scolopaceus and Short-billed Dowitchers L. lapse of time, including those which occur griseus, however, we are continuing to pub­ annually at the same or a nearby site. In lish indeterminate records, and this also considering claims of more than one indi­ applies to observations of pratincoles Glar- vidual at the same or adjacent localities, the eola and of such difficult groups as albatros­ Committee usually requires firm evidence ses Diomedea and frigatebirds Fregata. before more than one is counted in the (iii) The sequence of species, English totals. A detailed breakdown of the figures names and specific nomenclature follow The for previous years is held by the Honorary 'British Birds' List of Birds of the Western Pakarctic Secretary. (1984). Any sight records of subspecies (v) The world breeding range is given in (including those of birds trapped and re­ brackets at the beginning of each species leased) are normally referred to as 'showing comment. 508 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988

White-billed Diver Gauia adamsii (18, 103, 6) Cornwall St Ives Bay, adult, 8th to at least 22nd February (B. Anderson. D. S. Flumm et al.){llril. Birds 81: plate 161). Devon Morte Point, first-winter, 24th April (A. & M. Lord, D. K. & I.. Paull). Grampian Peterhead, adult, 9th October (M. Innrs). Highland Achnahaird Bay, adult, 31st May to at least 3rd June (M. Curtis, 1). & .Mrs M. Hawkins et a/.). Lothian Gullane Point and Yellowcraig, adult. 19th March to 17th April (I.J. Andrews, P. R. Gordon, M. Griffin el al.). Shetland Whalsay, 1987 individual (Brit. Birds 81: 538) to 12th April. 3rd November to 1989 (Or B. Marshall, N. I). Poleson. VV. Simpson el al.). Yorkshire, North Filey, adult, 11th 12th March (H.J. Whitehead et al.). 1983 Humberside Bridlington Bay, age uncertain, 11th December (I). & S. Bryan. G. E. Dobbs, K. A. Morley). 1987 Highland Dornoch Firth, adult, found oiled during 7th-14th March, now at Royal Scottish Museum (Brit, liirds 81: 538), was 9 (R- McGowan). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, adult, 28th September to 4th October (J. C. I,amplough, P. A. Lassey et al.). (Arctic Russia eastwards to Arctic Canada) There were records from Cornwall in April 1967 and February 1985, the latter being only the fourth south of Yorkshire; we now have another from Cornwall and one from Devon, about the eighth and ninth south of Yorkshire. The well-watched Flamborough adult was, apart from a few which have occurred in late summer in Scotland, the earliest autumn arrival, beating a 1985 Norfolk record by one day.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps (0, 12,1) 1987 Glamorgan, Mid Kenhg. 31st January to 25th April (Brit, liirds 81: 539), last date was 23rd April. (The Americas) One in Ireland, at Lough Anarget, Glencolumbkille, Co. Donegal, on 23rd and 24th April.

Albatross Diomedea (3, 43, 1) Dorset Hengistbury Head. 29th May (M. Reid). 1986 Norfolk Happisburgh, 9th November (]. Geeson). 1986 Scilly St Man's, 19th October (R. A. Ives, I. K.Johnson. M.Jones et at). (Southern Oceans) Also one, at sea, 8 km southeast of Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, on 8th July. A number of reports of Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris remain under consideration.

Little Shearwater Puffimis assimilis (5, 69, 1) Dorset Hengistbury Head, 29th May (M. Reid). 1982 Dyfed Strum'ble Head, 27th September (G. H. Rees). 1983 Dyfed Strumble Head, 16th October (J. \V. Donovan. G. H. Rees, G. Walker). 1984 Dorset Hengistbury Head, 13th June (1). N. Smith). 1984 Merseyside Hilbrc, 2nd September (Brit. Birds 78: 532), withdrawn by observer. 1987 Gwynedd South Stack, Anglesey, four. 12th September (K. G. Groft): two. 15th (P. Campbell, P. Fisher et al.). 1987 Kent Dungeness, 9th October (M. A. Hollingworth, S. McMinn). (Atlantic south from Madeira and Caribbean, and southern Pacific and Indian Ocean) Seawatchers know that a seabird rarely gives a second chance: it flies by and any characters not noted then probably never will Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 509 be. It is essential, therefore, that observers of a possible Little Shearwater should concentrate on the right features in the time available: flight action, preferably in comparison with Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus (hopefully nearby), structure and head pattern should have priority, with the underwing-tip pattern something else to get if there is time. Meanwhile, it is a pleasure to clear up some earlier records, with the Anglesey series being especially remarkable. Others remain under consideration.

Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus (4, 10, 0) At sea North Atlantic, sea area Sole, approximately 49°N 06-7°W, up to 115 km southwest of Bishop Rock, Scilly, up to 101 recorded as follows: three, 30th July; six, 1st August; ten, 3rd; seven, 6th; five, 8th; sixteen, 10th; thirteen, 13th; eleven, 15th; ten, 17th; four, 20th; five, 22nd; two, 23rd; six, 27th; three, 31st (P. Harrison et a/.)(plate 325).

325. Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus, at sea, August 1988 (Brian Little)

1987 At sea North Atlantic, sea area Sole, approximately 49°N 06-7°W, up to 115 km southwest of Bishop Rock, Scilly, up to 70 recorded as follows: fourteen, 15th August; sixteen, 18th; five, 20th; fifteen, 22nd; one, 24th; one, 26th; five, 29th; thirteen, 31st (P. Harrison et id.). 49° 44'N 06° 55'W, about 40 km southwest of Bishop Rock, Scilly, at least one, 23rd August (S. R. Cale, G. A. Fellows, R. & Mrs L. Ingleston et al.) (fig. 1).

Fig. 1. Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus, at sea off Scilly, August 1987 (S. R. Cale) 510 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 (Southern Oceans) Earlier records at sea off Ireland were an excep­ tional forty-six 40 km southwest of Dursey Island, Co. Cork, on 23rd August 1974, fourteen 56 km south of Cape Clear, Co. Cork, on 18th July 1981 and nine 48 km south of Cape Clear on 19th July 1981. A large number of records from earlier years in the southerly Western Approaches remain under consideration. The possible duplication of individuals in these records adds a further statistical complication for those who wish to analyse the 'At sea' reports (which are not included in the heading totals). Whatever the true figures, however, the pattern of multiple occurrences is now clearly established; all that remains is for the pelagic trips to be sponsored by Marzine to keep the prices down (or at least the breakfasts).

Frigatebird Fregata (1, 2, 1) (Tropical Oceans) One at Fairview, Co. Dublin, on 24th June.

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus (150, 152, 8) Cornwall Nanquidno, probably 9, 25th April (J. Wright et al). Devon Slapton Ley, cf, 16th April (P. A. Dennis, D. J. Hopkins, R. K. Treeby et al.). Cockwood Marsh, Starcross, cf, 2nd-8th May (D. Smallshire et al.). Dorset Portland, J, 16th April (A.J. Gardiner, B. C. Sheldon et al). Glamorgan, Mid Kenfig Pool, cf, 25th June to at least 2nd July (S.J. Knapp et al). Scilly St Mary's, cf, 1st April, moribund 3rd (A. R. & Mrs L.J. Coley et al). Sussex, East Hove, cf, found exhausted 30th March, released Oreham Common, West Sussex, 30th, remained to 12th April (P.James et al)(Brit. Birds 81: plates 206 & 207). Sussex, West See East Sussex above. 1987 Cornwall Kuggar, The Lizard, J, moribund, 27th March, now at County Museum, Truro (per S. M. Christophers, R. D. Penhallurick). (West Eurasia, Africa and Australia) In Ireland, one at Cullenstown, Co. Wexford, on 22nd April. A recovery to better numbers this year, the best since 1979, with a fairly typical geographical spread, but some very early records; the 1987 and 1988 March reports are the first for that month that the Committee has dealt with, but there was an exceptional January record in 1968.

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax (165, 218, 10) Bedfordshire South Mills Nature Reserve and Girtford Gravel-pits, adult or second- summer, 17th-20th June (A. Newman, P. Oldfield et al). Devon The Vale, Hartland, adult, 28th March (N. Porter). Dorset Winkton Wier, Christchurch, adult, 7th to at least 15th April (E. C. Brett, D. N. Smith et al). Gloucestershire Cannop Ponds, Forest of Dean, adult, 14th April, dead 15th, now at Heritage Museum, Sandley (N. & Mrs J. Powell et al.). Lincolnshire Wainfleet Bank, adult, 1st June (L. M. Mather, A. McShea). Somerset Cheddar, adult, 16th to at least 19th September (J. Packer, J. White et al.). Suffolk Minsmere, juvenile, 20th July (G.Jones, G. C. Taylor et al). Sussex, West Woods Mill, Henfield, adult, 6th May (J. Halls et al). Wiltshire Longbridge Deverill, adult, 6th-24th April (A.J. Rowe, E. L. Sawyer, R. Turner et al). 1986 Cambridgeshire Landbeach, immature, age uncertain, 4th May (P. Byle). 1987 Berkshire Thatcham Marsh, 24th July to 6th August, again, nearby site, 30th August to 17th October (Brit. Birds 81: 541), now adjudged juvenile. 1987 Buckinghamshire Willen Lake, juvenile, 26th October (S. Chapman). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 511

1987 Cambridgeshire Ferry Meadows, Peterborough, adult, 13th May (G. F. Walthew). Welches Dam, second-summer, 13th May to at least 26th July (J. L. F. Parslow et a/.). Purl's Bridge, first-summer, 9th June to 27th July (C. A. E. Kirtland, O. R. Marks et al.); presumed same, Wimblington Gravel-pits, juvenile or first-summer, 28th July (R. C. Murfitt). 1987 Essex Near Ardleigh, adult, at least 19th August (J. & P. Welsby), presumed same as Fingringhoe Wick individual, 16th May to at least 21st July (Brit. Birds 81: 541). 1987 Highland Glen Finnan, adult or second-summer, 8th June (L. H. Carman). 1987 Humberside Barrowhaven, adult, 3rd June (A.J. & E. C. Walsh). 1987 Lothian Drem, adult, 30th May to 1st June (A. & G. D. Brown, P. R. Gordon et al). 1987 Norfolk East Rudham, adult, 14th-15th November (Brit. Birds 81: 542), 16th (per P. R. Allard). 1987 Shetland Rae Wick, Mainland, first-summer, 18th to at least 20th April (Brit. Birds 81: 542), locality was Garderhouse, last date 30th (per J. N. Dymond). 1987 Western Isles Breivig, Barra, second-summer, 19th May to at least 7th June, probably since late April (J. S. Austin, K.J. Huxley, S. Robson et al.). Another locality, Barra, adult or second-summer, 7th June (R. H. Dennis et al.). (South Eurasia, Africa and the Americas) One in Ireland, a first- summer individual on the River Blackwater near Fermoy, Co. Cork, from early June to 10th June. The 1987 Berkshire juvenile may perhaps be explained by winter breeding of Night Herons in Spain (as described in Dutch Birding 9: 124). An individual recently portrayed (Brit. Birds 81: plate 201) was evidently an escaped bird which survived in Wiltshire from late 1987 into 1988 and then moved to Somerset (its rings were apparently put on in Edinburgh Zoo); there was also an Edinburgh-bred juvenile in Lincolnshire from 1st November 1988 into 1989, so the old bogey of'Edinburgh Zoo free-flying juveniles', rather conveniently forgotten of late, has once again reared its ugly head.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralbides (95, 24, 1) Gwynedd Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey, 11th June (J. Plant, N. Wilkes). (Southern Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa) In 1983, this species was described as increasingly regular, but this is only the second since then. Numbers in much of southern Europe have declined drastically, with less than 250 pairs in the whole of Spain in 1988, indicating desperate times for this beautiful species there.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (2, 48, 1) Norfolk Tunstall, 9th August (K. Cossey). Suffolk Minsmere, adult, 9th August (G. Anderson, A. Rowlands, M. Whittingham et al), probably same as Norfolk individual. 1986 Norfolk Hickling, two, 27th September (S. E. Linsell). (Almost cosmopolitan in tropics; nearest breeders in south of France) The year 1986 takes a further step forward, to 14 records, but 1988 was another let-down.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta (23, 413, 34) Cornwall Marazion, 18th April (P. W. Alexander, M. Southam). Trevail, 22nd April (D. S. Flumm, V. A. Stratton). Maer Lake, Bude, 22nd-26th April (J. C. Pett, G. P. Sutton), not same as Trevail individual. Crowdy Reservoir, 30th April, 5th May (B. T. Craven, J. J. Hicks), presumed same, Camel Estuary, 1st May (S. F. Jackson, P. Williams). Gannel Estuary, lst-4th May (B. T. S. & S. M. Christophers, D. L. Thomas), presumed same, Camel Estuary, 12th, probably since 7th (M. Blatchford, S. M. Christophers). Percuil River, St 512 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Mawes, 13th May (P. Rundle). Landulph Marsh, 20th July to 4th August (J. A. Boon, G. D. & Mrs S. E. Lewis et al.), also in Devon. Devon Jenny Cliff Bay, Plymouth, 21st April (W. E. Vaughan), presumed same, Teign Estuary, 24th (M. R. A. & R. E. Bailey et al), Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham, 28th-29th (D. S. H. Coates, A.J. Pierce et al.). Ernesettle Creek, Plymouth, 26th July (P. Edmunds), presumed same, Dawlish Warren, 7th August (R. C. Thornett, R. Weaving et al.), also at Landulph Marsh, Cornwall. Sherpa Marsh, Braunton, 5th August (L. P. & S. D. Bruce), presumed same, Penhill, 9th-23rd, 4th-11th September (J. P. Turner et al). Taw and Torridge Estuaries, Isley Marsh area, 18th October to 10th November (Miss B. Hope, M. D. Tilling, J. P. Turner et al.). Dorset Hengistbury Head, 4th May (D. N. Smith, I. & Mrs J. Southworth)(Bnl Birds 81: plate 480). Langton Herring and Abbotsbury, 12th June to 8th August (P. M. Harris et al.). Stanpit Marsh, 21st June (M.J. Gibbons, M. Reid et al.). Glamorgan, Mid Bargoed, 17th October (V. Burton). Hampshire Beaulieu Mill Pond, five, including two apparent pairs, 26th May (B.J. Small et al). Kent Dungeness, 14th-15th May (C. Lock, D. W. Taylor), presumed same as Rye, East Sussex, individual. Sheppey, 22nd to at least 29th August (C. G. Bradshaw, M. C. Buckland, D. Faulkner et al.). Lincolnshire Frampton Marsh, Witham Mouth and Wyberton Marsh area, probably continuously 26th January to at least 16th April; presumed same, 31st August to at least 22nd October; presumed same, Holbeach Marsh, 31st December to 1989 (S. Keightley, P. Newbury, R. Nowicki et al. and P. Todd per A. Ball). Merseyside Leasowe, 15th May (J. G.Jones, N. Kearns). Norfolk Cley, then Holkham, 14th May (R.J. Evans, K.Johnston, D. C. Orr-Ewing et al). Oxfordshire Port Meadow, Oxford, 18th May (M.J. Bayliss). Shetland Loch of Spiggie, 6th April (A.J. & Mrs K. A. Sinclair). Strathclyde Cameronsholm, Ayr, 9thJune (A. Stevenson). Loch Craignish, Argyll, 23rdJune to 8th September, probably since 13th June (R. Proctor, H. Young et al). Sussex, East Cuckmere Haven, two, 6th-7th May, possibly since 5th (M. K. Ahmad, M. J. Astins, D. I. Smith et al), presumed one of same, Pevensey Bridge Levels, 8th (P. & Mrs B. D. James et al). Rye, 16th-18th May (P. Philpot, Dr B.J. Yates), also at Dungeness, Kent. Sussex, West Waltham Brooks, 7th May (R. Knight, D. I. Smith et al). 1985 Cornwall Marazion, 17th April (M. Otsu). 1987 Cornwall Truro River, 7th-20th September, same, Malpas, to 23rd (B. T. S. & S. M. Christophers et al). Hayle, 22nd April (S. Bury, D. S. Flumm, B. K. Mellow). 1987 Devon Near Hartland Quay, 27th April (G. Hunt). Yealm Estuary, probably juvenile, 31st July to at least 1st August (Brit. Birds 81: 543)), to at least 15th (R. Allison et al). 1987 Dyfed Sandy Haven, 18th-19th May (J. W. Donovan, Mrs V. Scale). 1987 Hampshire Curbridge, 16th-31st August (D. J. Unsworth et al), presumed same as Stanpit Marsh, Dorset, individual, 1st-14th September (Brit. Birds 81: 543). 1987 Lancashire Cockerham and Pilling Marshes, 26th May (P. J. Marsh et al.), same, Cartford Bridge, Wyre Estuary, 26th (per P. J. Marsh); presumed same, Freckleton and Hesketh Marsh area, 28thJune to 17th September (J. W. Bateman, M.Jones, M. Macfadyen et al). (South Eurasia, Africa and Australia) In Ireland, one at Sligo Harbour, Co. Sligo, from 1.9th to 20th March; one at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, on 22nd May; and one at Kilkerrin, Connemara, Co. Galway, from 27th October to 7th November. A good crop of one of the most easily identifiable birds on the Committee's list, but, after all the years of judging and recording reports in one place, it would be a shame to lose it now. There is a remarkable mixture of location, date and length of stay, with odd individuals clearly at large in Britain. The five in Hampshire make up the largest party since six in Dorset in May 1970 and beat four in Argyll in October 1969; the Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 513 observer must have checked the alignment of his binoculars before believing his eyes.

Great White Egret Egretta alba (10, 26, 4) Dyfed Near St David's, 12th April (I. C. Carter, M. Checker, J. Copp et at). Kent Dungeness, 3rd August (C. Lock et a!.). Leicestershire Saddington Reservoir, 14th-16th June (C. W. Holt, J. Mason, N. Sturges); same, Thornton Reservoir, 16th (I. Merrill, A. D. Smith, S. Walton), Rutland Water, 18th (J. B, Higgott, S. & L. Lester et al.). Strathclyde Ballachuan Loch, Mull, 29th April (D. Dugan, D. Garrett). (Almost cosmopolitan, extremely local in Europe) The best year since 1985; June to August seem the most likely months for wandering individuals. Black Stork Ciconia nigra (26, 35, 5) Avon Chew Valley Lake, 10th April (C. Holman, G. Hughes et al.), probably same as Devon individual. Cornwall Porthgwarra, 14th June (D. S. Flumm et al.). Wendron, near Helston, adult, 20th September (Dr F. K. & Mrs J. Hammond et al). Devon East Allington, 13th-17th April (C. R. Batch, P. A. Dennis et al), probably same as Avon individual. Dorset Arne, 16th July (A. Gouldstone, C. Kitchin et al.). Kent Near Sandwich, 2nd July (D. G. Barber). 1983 Essex Little Hallingbury, 13th June (Mr & Mrs D. Arch), probably same as Kent individual, lOth-ilthJune (Brit. Birds 77: 512). (Eurasia and Southern Africa) This species is increasing in parts of Eastern Europe and is now breeding in Belgium; this was the best year here since 1985.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (many, 49, 2) Cleveland Wynyard, immature, 22nd October (M. A. Blick). Kent Stodmarsh, 1987 individual (Brit. Birds 81: 544) 1st January to 15th April, 25th October to end of year; same, Elmley and Sheppey area, 18th May to 2nd August (per D. W. Taylor). Sussex, East Near Lewes, 24th October (R. Mongar); presumed same, Cooden and Hooe Level area, 27th October, 5th-11th November (R.J. Fairbank, P.James, R.J. Thorne et al.). 1986 Devon Slapton Ley, 18th October (D.J. Leigh, A. Sherwood). 1987 Devon Lundy, 21st May (B. Gibbs, M. Glover, G. Pope). (Almost cosmopolitan, nearest breeders in Balkans) Still a few odd ones appear in odd places; the severe decline in Europe has led to speculation that 'our' vagrants may be from the Nearctic.

Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus (47, 74, 1) Gloucestershire Slimbridge, first-winter, 10th January to 5th March (L. P. Alder, D. B. Paynter et al.). 1984 Norfolk Yare Valley, adult, 26th January (Brit. Birds 79: 532), now considered not acceptable. (Northeast Europe and Siberia) Slimbridge still earns its entrance fees for this persistent needle in a much-reduced haystack of White-fronted Geese A. albifrons.

Brent Goose Branta bemicla (1, 43, 1) Individuals showing the characters of the North American and East Siberian race B. b. nigricans were recorded as follows: Hampshire See West Sussex. 514 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988

Norfolk See 1987 Norfolk below. Sussex, West Thorney Island, other localities Chichester Harbour, 9th November to at least 20th December 1987 (Brit. Birds 81: 546) to 21st February, presumed same, 27th October to 19th February 1989; regularly flew to Hayling Island, Hampshire (C. B. & Mrs M. A. Collins et al). 1987 Hampshire Farlington Marsh, adult, 7th to at least 12th February (R. W. White et al.), possibly same as West Sussex individual. 1987 Lincolnshire Kirton Marsh, adult, 19th February (D. Smallshire). 1987 Norfolk Salthouse, adult, 5th December (M. S. Cavanagh, A. M. Stoddart et al.); Cley and Salthouse area, same, occasionally with second individual, to 12th March 1988 (per G. E. Dunmore, D.J. Holman et al.), both presumed returning individuals of early 1987 (Brit. Birds 81: 545-546). Lynn Point, adult, 17th December to 18th April 1988 (C. Donner el al.). 1987 Sussex, West See above. (Arctic North America and East Siberia) In Ireland, one at Dundrum Inner Bay, Co. Down, from 2nd January until 8th February, and presumed the same from 28th March to 10th April in Killough Harbour, Co. Down; and an adult at Tramore, Co. Waterford, from 11th to 15th October, presumed returning individual (Brit. Birds 81: 546). It seems that a few from East Siberia ('orimtalis') may have the white collar just broken in front, but it is still very deep; all other characters have to be clear for a record to be acceptable as showing the characters of this race, and simplistic descriptions usually prove inadequate. Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis (15, 24, 0) Norfolk See 1987 Norfolk below. 1987 Norfolk Blakeney, Cley, Langham, Salthouse area, adult, 7th December to 2nd March 1988 (D.J. Holman, J. D, Magee, Mrs Z. Owen et al.). (West Siberia) A well-watched bird cleared up, belatedly, but no new one to report. American Wigeon Anas americana (22, 167, 10) Avon Chew Magna Reservoir, cf, 13th May (P. A. Fraser, R. Higgins et al.). Cheshire Burton Marshes, cf, 17th-18th March (M. S. Cavanagh et al.). Cleveland Saltholme Pools, cf, 5th-7th May (D.J, Britton et al.), presumed same, Long Drag Pools, Cf, 29th-30th August (G. Boyce, M. N. Sidwell et al.), subsequently Seal Sands, Greatham Creek, Saltholme Pools area to 1989 (per D.J. Britton), Norfolk Near Holkharn, §, shot, 2nd February (per N. V. McCanch). Berney Marshes, cf, 23rd-24th May (P. R. Allard, D. L. Buckingham). Welney, cf, 10th December to 16th January 1989 (J, B. Kemp et al.), possibly returning individual of 13th March 1987 (Brit. Birds 81: 546). Somerset Wimbleball Reservoir, cf, since 28th December 1987 (Brit. Birds 81: 546), to 21st March (per B. Rabbitts). Suffolk Minsmere, first-winter cf and $, 27th-28th January (J. M. Cawston, I. Robinson et al.). 1986 Cornwall Hayle, 2nd November to 8th May 1987, again 28th July to 9th August, remains found later in August (D. J. Chown, D, S. Flumm, R. J, Taylor et al.). 1986 Nottinghamshire Sutton-cum-Lound, cf, 6th March (D. Hursthouse). See also 1987 Nottinghamshire below. 1987 Cornwall See 1986 Cornwall above. 1987 Dorset Lodmoor, d", 24th October (Brit. Birds 81: 546), 25th (S. F. Smith et al.); first- winter Cf, 13th-21st November (M. Cade et at), probably same as above. 1987 Nottinghamshire Lound and Sutton-cum-Lound, cf, 5th-10th January (D. Hurst­ house), 4th-15th March (D. Hursthouse, P. Palmer, I, Smith), presumed returning 1986 individual above. (North America) In Ireland, a belated acceptance of one at Inch Lake, Co. Donegal, on 14th November 1987; and singles at Longfield Point, Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 515 Lough Foyle, Co. Londonderry, on 5th and 26th October; Ballycotton, Co. Cork, on 20th October; Rostellan, Co. Cork, from 4th November into 1989 (presumably a returning individual); and at Ballintubbrid, Co. Cork, from 17th November into 1989. Reports of this difficult duck are bedevilled by escapes, hybrids and, perhaps, by Wigeons A. penehpe with whiter than usual axillaries. A male at Abberton Reservoir, Essex, in November and December was considered to be an escape (three or four free-flying individuals regularly consorted with Gadwalls A. strepera in the area) and two in Berkshire were judged to be hybrids. Ringing evidence in the past has, of course, confirmed that individuals of wild origin do turn up in Britain.

Teal Anas crecca (13, 259, 8) Drakes showing the characters of the North American race A. c. carolinensis were recorded as follows: Cornwall Colliford Reservoir, 8th December to 1989 (A. H. J. Harrop et al.), presumed returning individual of 28th November 1987 to 1988 {Brit. Birds 81: 547). Fife Eden Estuary, 16th February (N. Elkins), presumed returning individual of February, March, April 1987 (Brit, Birds 81: 547). Humberside Messingham, 29th November to 10th December (C. Nimick et al). Lancashire Martin Mere, 12th October to 19th February 1989 (D.J. Rigby, E.J. Smith, C. G. Tomlinson et al.), presumed returning individual of previous winter, see 1987 Lancashire below. Norfolk Hickling, 28th April to 1st May (A. Sillett et al.); presumed same, Berney Marshes, 7th May (P. R. Allard, L. C. Street). Titchwell, 19th-23rd November (R. Q. Skeen et al). Oxfordshire Day's Lock, Little Wittenham, 3rd-10th April (P. Chandler, B.J. & M. Wyatt et al). 1987 Essex Walton-on-the-Naze, 27th November (J. A. Cowlin). 1987 Lancashire Martin Mere, 16th November, also in 1988 (Brit. Birds 81: 547), discontinuously, 14th January to 10th March 1988 (per M.Jones). (North America) In Ireland, a late report of one at Ballymacoda, Co. Cork, on 25th January 1987; then one from 1987 until 9th April 1988 at Belfast Harbour Estate, Co. Down; and singles at Bull Island, Co. Dublin, on 7th February; Tacumshin, Co. Wexford, on 19th June and another on 30th October; and one at Westfields, Co. Limerick, from 22nd November to 17th December. Quite a few old boys.

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (19, 128, 3) Cornwall Marazion, ($, 19th-21st May (J. Hawkey et al). Stithians Reservoir, adult, sex uncertain, 14th September to 23rd October (A. D. Smith et al.)(Brit. Birds 82: plate 33). 1983 Orkney Gretchen and Hocking Lochs, North Ronaldsay, $, 6th-14th October (M. Gray, Dr K. F. Woodbridge et al.). 1987 Cleveland Coatham Marsh, $, 26th October to 14th November (M. A. Blick et al?). (North America) Also one in Ireland, at Tacumshin, Co. Wexford, on 12th June (a week before a 'green-winged' Teal A. crecca carolinensis at the same place). Although autumn is the peak period, April, May and June records are not infrequent. This species remains a rare visitor, but this year's three compares with an average of nine per year during 1978-87. 516 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris (1, 217, 20) Avon New Passage and Northwick Warth, two <$<$, 2nd April (S. Hale, B. Lancastle et al). Cleveland Charlton's Pond, Cf, 23rd April (T. J. Williams et al); same, South Gare, 24th (D. J. Britton, D. & R. Rae et al). Clwyd Rhyl, J, 8th-9th, 16th February (P. Douglas, T. Hands, E. O'Grady et al); same, Abergele, 13th February discontinuously to mid March (B. A. & M. B. Hughes, M. & P. Latham et al). Cornwall Loe Pool, cf, 6th November to 1989 (M. P. Semmens et al), presumed returning individual last recorded 24th January (see 1987 Cornwall below). Derbyshire See 1987 Derbyshire/South Yorkshire below. Devon River Erme, $, 12th to at least 26th February (R. J. Jennings, R. J. Taylor et al). Kenwith Nature Reserve, Bideford, C?, 25th April to 1st May (D. Churchill et al). Slapton Ley, 9, 30th October (P. H. Aley, J. F. Babbington et al), presumed same, 30th November, 8th December (S. C. Madge, A. C. Sawle, N. A. Wesley et al.). Dorset Radipole, d\ 5th September to at least 23rd October (M. Cade et al). Dyfed Upper Lliedi Reservoir, cf, 10thJanuary to at least 17th February (M. H. Williams et al). Gloucestershire Frampton Pools, $, 14th March to at least 14th April (G. R. Avery, T. D. Evans et al). Bourton-on-the-Water, Cf, 9th-15th April (L. C. Pierce et al). Hampshire Timsbury Gravel-pits, d", from December 1987 to at least January (see below). Highland Loch Insh and Loch Morlich, Cf, 2nd October to 5th November (Z. Bhatia, P. H. Bloor, J. Vaughan et al). Humberside Barton-on-Humber and Barrow Haven, cf, 17th-18th June (G. P. Catley, W. Tartellin); presumed same, New Holland, 24th November to 3rd December (K. Atkin, G. P. Catley, S. Routledge per A. G. Ball), probably same as Nottinghamshire individual. Northumberland Holywell Pond,

Fig. 2. Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris, South Yorkshire, July 1987, October 1987, August 1988 and September 1988 (P. Wilson) Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis (0, 1, 1) 1987 West Midlands Chasewater, first-winter C?, 8th March to 26th April (J. E. Fortey, J. J. Holian et id,). (Western North America) In Ireland, male at Corbet Lough, Co. Down, from 13th to at least 27th February (overlapping with a Ring-necked Duck A. collaris there), then at Hillsborough Lake, Co. Down, on 4th March, before moving back to Corbet Lough from 6th March onwards (last date not reported). Accepted into 'Category A'; the first record for Britain and Ireland was a good reward for loyal local patch workers; fortunately it stayed long enough to be seen by all who wanted to see it, in an easily accessible place. The second was a surprisingly quick reprise.

King Eider Somateria spectabilis (62, 132, 7) Fife Tayport, d", 19th February to 14th April (J. S. Nadin et at.), presumed returning individual (Brit. Birds 81: 548). Grampian Ythan Estuary, Cf, 17th May to 28th June (R. A. Schofield, K. D. Shaw et al.); presumed same, Bridge of Don, 28th August (K. A. & K. D. Shaw, M. G. Watson), Donmouth, Aberdeen, 20th September (S.J. Aspinall), presumed returning 1987 individual (Brit. Birds 81: 549). Highland Embo and Loch Fleet, C?, 14th February (B. Beck, J. R. Duffie et al.), 18th March (J. H. Marchant), 2nd April (S.J. M. Gantlett), 6th (H. Vaughan et al.), 8th November to at least 3rd December (P. G. Akers et al.), presumed returning 1987 individual (Brit. Birds 81: 549). Lothian Aberlady Bay, $, 13th to at least 17th July (D.J. Britton et al.). Shetland Bluemull Sound, $, 8th February (P. V. Harvey, M. Heubeck, R. J. Tulloch). Haroldswick, Unst, ($, 25th April (M. Sinclair). West Sandwick and Whalefirth, Yell, cf, 25th April to 1st May (D. R. Bird, P. V. Harvey, M. Heubeck). Reawick, Sand Voe and Tresta, (S, to at least 26th April (Brit. Birds 81: 549), to at least 16th June (A. G. Hall per J. N. Dymond); same, in moult, North Havra, 6th July (P. V. Harvey), off Westerwick, 20th August (M. Heubeck per J. N. Dymond). Sumburgh Head, $, 14th June to 18th September (M. Heubeck et al.). Ronas Voe, §, 5th-8th November (M. Heubeck et al.). Fair Isle, first- summer moulting to second-winter C?, 21st September to at least 15th November (P. M. Potts et al). 1983 Shetland Sumburgh, ?, 25th August (M. Heubeck). 518 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 1986 Norfolk Scolt Head, Cf, 5th to at least 14th September (Brit. Birds 81: 549), 15th (per P. R. Allard). 1987 Shetland Whalsay, cf, 3rd-7th November (Dr B. Marshall, N. D. Poleson et al.). Eswick and Nesting, 30th April to 10thJune (Brit. Birds 81: 549), locality was Eswick, Nesting, finder was J. N. Dymond, not D. Coutts. Grutness, (S, 10th July {Brit. Birds 81: 549) was same as preceding Sumburgh individual, 6th July to 10th August. Lunna Ness, $, 23rd February (Brit. Birds 81: 549), observers were J. N. Dymond, P. M. Ellis, R.J. Tulloch. (Circumpolar Arctic) No surprises here, but we really need a proper study to sort out the occurrence patterns of this species.

Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus (7, 4, 0) 1987 Strathclyde Claggain Bay, Islay, 9, 20th to at least 24th October (Brit. Birds 81: 549), 29th (Mr & Mrs S. Warwick), 30th (R. Allison). (Iceland, Greenland, North America and Eastern Siberia)

Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata (75, 228, 15) Dyfed Nolton Haven, cf, since 14th November 1987 (Brit. Birds 81: 550), occasionally, to 5th March; additional Cf, 28th November 1987 (see 1987 Dyfed below), also to 5th March (N. A. Lethaby et al. per J. W. Donovan). Fife Largo Bay, two cfcf, 4th January, 17th March, one, 22nd March, three, 3rd April; J, 17th March, 3rd April; in autumn, Cfcf, 18th November to at least 28th December, three 26th-29th November (D. E. Dickson, J. S. Nadin, M. Ramage et al.). All presumed returning individuals (Brit. Birds 81: 550) and same as those in Lothian. Grampian Burghead, cf, 20th February, 28th September (R. Proctor). Murcar, cf, 21st-22nd May (A. Webb et al.); second-year cf, 22nd May (R. A. Schofield et al.). Gwynedd Penmaenmawr, cf, 20th January (M. B. & T. O. Hughes), presumed returning individual last recorded Llanfairfechan, at least 23rd February 1986 (Brit. Birds 81: 550). Morfa Harlech, two cfcf, first-winter $, 31st December to at least 24th January 1989 (C. Bird, H. W. Roderick et al). Highland Dornoch, cf, 3rd May (P. G. Akers, S.J. Hayhow). Talmine Bay, Cf, 5th to at least 8th June (A. & B. Craddock, P. K. Dedicoat, S.J. Hayhow et al.). Loch Fleet, juvenile or first- winter, 16th October (P. G. Akers). Humberside Hornsea, Cf, 1st September (W. F. Curtis). Kent Minnis Bay, cf, 20th October (T. N. Hodge). Lothian Gosford Bay, cf Cf; 16th January to 14th May, two, 16th January to 26th March, 9th April to 12th May, three, 23rd-26th April; $J, 16th January to 26th March, 9th April to 12th May, two, 24th-26th April (A. Brown et al.). Gullane Point, Cfcf, 27th August to 5th November, two, 3rd September to 15th October, three, 24th-25th September (M. Darling, P. R. Gordon, R. H. Hogg, T. O'Connor et al.). All presumed returning individuals (Brit. Birds 81: 550) and same as those in Fife. Orkney Bay of Whelkmull, Wyre, Cf, 29th-30th May (S.J. Aspinall, J. Osborne). Tayside Lunan Bay, cf Cf, 21st-26th August, two, 21st; J, 21st (M. S. Scott et al), one cf presumed returning individual of 10th August 1987 (Brit. Birds 81: 550), presumed same individuals as in Lothian. 1986 Clwyd Abergele, cf, since 31st December 1985 to 26th January (Brit. Birds 81: 550), 27th (M. Kennewell et al). 1987 Dyfed Nolton Haven, Cf, 14th November to at least 16th January 1988 (Brit. Birds 81: 550), additional cf, 28th November (K.J. S. Devonald, N. A. Lethaby per J. W. Donovan), also presumed one of Strumble Head party, 13th November (Brit. Birds 81: 550). 1987 Shetland Aith Voe, Bressay, first-winter cf, 23rd January to 27th May, same Catfirth, South Nesting, 29th (Brit. Birds 81: 550), reference to 15th February to be omitted. 1987 Western Isles Taransay, five cf Cf, 14th-16th December (C. & V. Ruffles), presumed to include three returning individuals of 11 th October, 11 th November 1986 (Brit. Birds 80: 530). (North America) In Ireland, a female at Dundrum Bay, Co. Down, on 18th January and two males on 30th October (presumably returning Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 519 individuals, see Brit. Birds 81: 550); a first-winter male at Potmarnock and Baldoyle, Co. Dublin, from 24th January to 13th February, and another at Wexford Harbour, Co. Wexford, on 13th February; one (presumed a returning bird) at Rosslare, Co. Wexford, on 10th and 11th April; and a male and female at Brandon Bay, Co. Kerry, on 3rd April. There is also a belated report of two adult and one immature males at Curracloe, Co. Wexford (returning individuals—see Brit. Birds 80: 530), on 15th April 1987. This species is trying hard to replace Ring-billed Gull Lams delawarensis in the long-list stakes. The series in Wales, and records in Humberside and Kent, are especially noteworthy, but, like the King Eider Somateria spectabilis, the pattern of arrivals and recurrences needs a thorough sorting- out (preferably by someone in Scotland who knows the score).

Black Kite Milvus migrans (5, 100, 11) Cleveland South Gare, 5th May (D.J. Britton); presumed same, recently dead, 18th, now at Dorman's Museum, Middlesbrough (D.J. Britton, C. Brown, Rev.J. Wilcox). Devon Prawle Point, 10th May (P. E. Hutchings, N. L. Trigg). Dorset Bat's Head, Lulworth, 14th May (Dr T. ap Rheinallt); presumed same, Stanpit Marsh, 14th (M.J. Gibbons, P. Soper). Essex West Clacton, 12th June (C. Atkins). Hampshire Fleet Pond, 23rd April (G. Rowland et al). Hertfordshire Gilston, 2nd July (A. H. & M. A. Harris). Kent Dungeness, 14th May (J. R. & P.J. Chantler, Dr C. D. Powell et al), also in East Sussex. Warehorne, 22nd July (N. R. Davies). Lincolnshire Near Burgh-le-Marsh, Skegness, 14th April (Mrs B. A. Wright); presumed same, Gibraltar Point, 17th, 25th, 1st, 12th, 13th May (M. Mount, R. Shaw et al.), Wainfleet Marsh, 12th May (A. G. Ball, C. R. Casey). Suffolk Covehithe, 2nd May (J. M. Cawston, E. W. Patrick). Benacre, 5th May (D. R. Newton); presumed same, Walberswick, 15th May (A. Harris) and Haverhill, 13th June (D. F. Smith). Sussex, East Pevensey Levels, 14th May (G. W. Gowlett, S. Linington, A. Wheeler), also in Kent. 1986 Devon Soar Mill Cove, 29th August (Brit. Birds 80: 531), presumed same, Prawle Point, 29th (K.J.Robins). 1987 Suffolk Tattingstone, 10th June (D. E. Croxson). (Most of Eurasia, Africa and Australia) A dark raptor with a forked tail may be something other than a Black Kite. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus is the main problem species, especially one with a moulting or damaged tail. Precise shape of the tail (both open and closed if possible), wing-set when gliding, banking or in active flight, and the exact location and extent of paler areas of plumage are all important characters to note when faced with a possible Black Kite (but don't forget to enjoy it too!). The species seems likely to take on an increased level of occurrence here, whether we can identify it or not. If only a few would hang around a bit!

White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (many, 14, 2) Kent Sheppey, immature, at least 16th November (E. Barnes, C. G. Bradshaw, G. Game et al.), subsequently in North Downs area to 1989. Suffolk Helmingham Park, first-winter, 26th November to 10th December (D. Newman, A. Southwell et al); same, Butley River and Gedgrave area, 17th December to 22nd February 1989 (J. B. Higgott et al.). (Southwest Greenland, Iceland and northern Eurasia) What was 520 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 probably the north Kent individual was seen over Folkestone on 15th November. These two were well watched and gave pleasure to many, but the Kent bird came to an untimely end, apparently at an illegal poisoned bait. Nevertheless, the trend is encouraging.

Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus (100, 308, 5) Cornwall Croft Pascoe, Lizard, 9, 13th-27th May (B. Cave, M. Hunt et al.). Devon Plympton, cf, 23rd June (J. C. Nicholls). Gloucestershire/Wiltshire Cotswold Water Park, first-summer C?, 16th-23rd May (P. E. Castle et al.). Kent Ash, 9, injured, taken into care about 23rd July (J. R. Hill). Norfolk Hickling, 9; 26th May to 3rd June (J. Hampshire, D.J. Holman et al). Wiltshire See Gloucestershire/Wiltshire above. 1987 Cambridgeshire Little Paxton, cf, 24th May (Brit. Birds 81: 551), 25th (D.J. Odell, M.J. Palmer et al.). 1987 Kent Foreness, 9, 27th May (M. H. Davies, F. Solly). Capel Fleet and Elmley area, first-summer cf, 14th-15th August (M. Cooper, J. White et al). St Margaret's, Cf, 19th September (D. Heppenstall). (East Europe and south from Siberia) A notably poor year for this elegant falcon from the east.

Crane Grus grus (many, over 1,240, -) 1983 Cheshire/Staffordshire Rudyard Lake, two, 26th May (W.J. Low). 1983 Staffordshire See above. 1986 Essex Southend-on-Sea, four, 16th May (C. Todd). 1987 Berkshire Slough, first-winter, 11th January (Brit. Birds 81: 553), flew off to northwest over Dorney, Buckinghamshire (per J. H. Marchant). 1987 Buckinghamshire See 1987 Berkshire above. 1987 Cleveland/Durham Stillington, 16th August (R. Little). 1987 Derbyshire/South Yorkshire Burbage and Hallam Moors, 14th June (Brit. Birds 81: 553), presumed same, near Cawthorne, South Yorkshire, 16th-17th (M. Stewart per J. E. Dale). 1987 Devon Northam Burrows, since 24th December 1986 (Brit. Birds 80: 532), to 10th January (per P. W. Ellicott). 1987 Dumfries & Galloway Cummertrees area, 27th October to 21st November (S. P. & Mrs J. C. Warwick et al.). 1987 Durham See 1987 Cleveland/Durham above. 1987 Gwynedd Near Moelfre Mountain, Anglesey, 25th May (Brit. Birds 81: 553), not in Anglesey. 1987 Highland Near Loch More, Caithness, 4th June (G. Bundy, J. Palfery). 1987 Lancashire Pilling, two, probably pair, at least 14th-15th April (W. Shepherd per R. E. Danson). 1987 Shetland Exnaboe, Mainland, sub-adult, 5th J une, Aith, Mainland, 6th-8th (Brit. Birds 81: 553), not same as Fair Isle individual, 4th. 1987 Yorkshire, South See 1987 Derbyshire/South Yorkshire above. (North and Central Eurasia, locally south to Turkey) These are still extras from the pre-deletion days; the species is no longer considered by the Committee except for late submissions.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (98, 133, 5) Buckinghamshire Willen Lake, pair, both first-summer, 7th-18th June, coition 9th (J. Tonge, W. R. TunniclifFe, R.J. White et al). Cornwall Hayle, 3rd May (D. S. Flumm, N. A. G. Lord). Suffolk Alton Water, two, 5th June (J. Frost), same, Livermere, 6th (A. R. Nairn et al). 1987 Bedfordshire Kempston Hardwick, 20th April (S. Wilson). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 521 1987 Hampshire Farlington Marsh, 10th-20th May (D.J. Unsworth et at.). 1987 Hertfordshire Tring Sewage-farm, two, 16th May (L. S. Taylor et al), probably same as Norfolk individuals below. 1987 Kent Cliffe, 30th-31st May (M. McDonald, J. E. Tilbrook). 1987 Norfolk Holme, pair, 21st May to 18th August, three young hatched, two to flying stage, frequently visiting Titchwell, 2nd-31st August (per G. E. Dunmore, D.J. Holman et al.); two juveniles presumed same as Belvide Reservoir, Staffordshire, individuals, lst-7th September (Brit. Birds 81: 555). 1987 Warwickshire Alvecote Pools, pair, 28th May to 4th June, coition 1st, 2nd (D. Adler, G. A. & M. A. Arnold, the late A. R. M. Blake et al.). (Southern Eurasia, Africa, the Americas and Australia) You can tick the Norfolk ones now! Will this species be a regular nester in the near future, or is all this pre-breeding activity just a passing phase? An individual photographed on Guernsey, Channel Islands, in April (Brit. Birds 81: plate 202), has not yet been formally reported to the Committee.

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola (30, 44, 0) 1987 Cheshire Frodsham, 28th April to 1st May (M. S. Garner, W. S. Morton et al). (South Europe, Southwest Asia, Africa) A fourth (but the earliest) for 1987; an unexpected blank for 1988.

Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum (0, 1, 1) Kent Harty, 21st or 22nd June to 3rd September (D. Faulkner, R. Gomes et al.), presumed same, Elmley, 4th, 14th, 25th, 30th September, to 3rd October (M. Coath, G. N. Howard, D. W. Taylor e* al). 1981 Essex See 1981 Suffolk below. 1981 Suffolk Dunwich, first-summer, 22nd June to 8th July (D. W. Burns et al.), presumed same, moulting to adult, Old Hall Marshes, Essex, about 6th August to about 11 th October (T. Bispham, P.J. Grant, C.J. Mackenzie-Grieve et al). (South and East Asia) Now accepted into 'Category A'. The original Suffolk bird generated little interest at first, but the persistence of a few who suspected its true identity paid off. Its arrival date, lengthy stay and movement from one site to another were mirrored remarkably accurately by the Kent bird in 1988, which first appeared alongside a Black-winged Pratincole G. nordmanni, just about the most amazing pair of rarities you could hope to see.

Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni (5, 17, 3) Avon Clevedon and Woodspring Bay area, 10th-15fh June (C. Dring, P. A. Fraser, A. J. Middleton et al). Cheshire/Clwyd Inner Marsh Farm Nature Reserve, 2nd June (E.J. Abraham et al). Clwyd See Cheshire/Clwyd above. Kent Harty, 21st or 22nd-30th June (D. Faulkner, R. Gomes et al.). (West Asia) The Cheshire/Clwyd individual was the earliest the Committee had dealt with by a month. The Kent one associated with more exotic company in the shape of an Oriental Pratincole G. maldivarum.

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii (0, 7, 2) Cumbria South Walney, 19th July to 5th August (T. Dean, A. M. McKeigh, A. Phizacklea et al.)(Brit. Birds 81: plates 317, 320). Devon Dawlish Warren, 27th April to 4th May (A. Bond, E. F. Davis, D. J. Stone et al.), probably same as Gwent individual. 522 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Gwent St Bride's, Wentllooge, 16th May (C. Hurford, C.Jones, R. M. Price et al.), probably same as Devon individual. (Southern Russia east to Mongolia) Photographs of the Cumbria individual were mostly clearly indicative of its identity, but a few gave a surprisingly small-billed, short-legged impression.

Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus (2, 0, 2) Lothian Aberlady, adult, sex indeterminate, 12th-13th July (J. Busby, P. R. Gordon, B. D. & M. Griffin et al). Scilly St Agnes, C?, 21st May (K. Pellow et al). (Central Asia eastwards from Caspian Sea) The resplendent male in Scilly was the first British Caspian Plover since 1890, but, astonishingly, within a matter of "weeks it was followed by a non-breeding-plumage adult on the Forth. If one can make it, so can two ... The third record for France followed in August, but could, of course, have involved one of the British individuals.

American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica (3, 121, 8) Cornwall Camel Estuary, adult, 10th September (P. A. Maker). Lancashire Fleetwood, age uncertain, 20th September (C. Bard, R. Scholes). Orkney Stronsay, age uncertain, 24th-30th August (J. F. Holloway et al). North Ronaldsay, juvenile, 21st-25th September (A. Brown et al.). Shetland Fair Isle, juvenile, 21st September (P. M. Potts); different juvenile, 22nd (P. M. Potts, D. Suddaby). Sussex, West Church Norton, adult, 14th to at least 17th September (W.J. Brame, T.J. Edwards, A. S. Cook et al.). 1975 Dumfries 8c Galloway Caerlaverock, 23rd November to 26th February 1976 (Brit. Birds 70: 447; 71: 499), now withdrawn by observers. (Arctic North America and extreme Northeast Asia) In Ireland, a late record of one at Gortdrum, Co. Tipperary, on 24th October 1987; in 1988, one at Inch Lake, Co. Donegal, from 8th to 15th October. The Dumfries & Galloway bird, and other difficult individuals since, remind us that this is not necessarily an easy species. The pattern here is fairly typical, but the statistics await some rationalisation.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva (3, 6, 2) Shetland Uyeasound, Unst, adult, 5th-13th November (P. M. & Mrs J. A. Ellis et al.). (North and Northeast Asia) In Ireland, an adult male at Tacumshin, Co. Wexford, from 14th to 17th July. July is clearly the month with most records; otherwise the temporal pattern is obscure. The statistics await some reworking.

American or Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis dominical P. julva (6, 128, 10) 1987 Dyfed Pembrey, first-summer, 26th July (G. Harper, F. B.Jenkins, E.J. Smith). The totals include those specifically identified.

Sociable Plover Chettusia gregaria (5, 25, 2) Norfolk Titchwell and Holme, juvenile, 24th September (A. Goodey et al.). Northamptonshire Pitsford Reservoir, adult, 18th-19th and 25th September, near Old, Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 523

20th-22nd, Harrington Airfield, 24th (A. P. Borley, M.J. Robinson et al.). (Southeast Russia and West-central Asia) Autumn flocks of Lapwings Vanellus vanellus are clearly worth watching—all credit to the wide-awake observers who spotted these (and who followed the Northamptonshire bird on its wanderings from field to field of burnt stubble and ploughed earth).

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla (2, 51, 3) Cornwall Maer Lake, Bude, juvenile, 25th-28th September (B. T. Craven, J. C. Pett, G. P. Sutton)(plate 326). Torpoint, juvenile, 1st to at least 15th October (S. C. Madge, S. P. Singleton el. al.). (North America) Also a juvenile in Ireland, at Tacumshin, Co. Wexford, from 18th to 30th September. So much better known than a few years ago, this species still demands the greatest respect—clear and precise observation, matched by equally clear description (not always the same thing), remains crucial, and photographs are of enormous help.

326. Juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla, Cornwall, September 1988 (G. P. Sutton)

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla (6, 22, 4) Derbyshire Middleton Moor, adult, 17th-18thjuly (R. A. Frost, K. Gould, D. Hursthouse el al). Grampian Cove, near Aberdeen, 31st July to 4th August (J. McKee, K. D. Shaw, J. L. Swallow et al.). Hereford & Worcester Upton Warren, adult 13th-15th August (J. T. Belsey, L. Cady, S. M. Whitehouse et al.). (North America) In Ireland, an adult at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, from 7th to 12th August. A good year for this far-from-annual peep, July is early, but not quite unprecedented (there being one in July 1984); mid August is much more usual.

White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis (24, 283, 7) Gloucestershire Slimbridge, adult, 2nd October (L. P. Alder). Norfolk Cley, juvenile, 29th-30th September (N. E. Gammon, C. Kightley, Mrs P. Walton et al.). 524 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Orkney North Ronaldsay, probably adult, 21st September (D. H. Hatton, S. Holloway, F. McConnell et al). Wiltshire Cotswold Water Park, adult, 25th-29th September (P. E. Castle, L. C. Cook, N.J. Pleass et al), possibly same as Gloucestershire individual. 1985 Humberside Blacktoft Sands, adult, 26th September to 11th October (Brit. Birds 81: 557), observers should include S.J. Holloway. 1986 Cornwall Marazion, 19th November (W. H. Wagstaff). (North America) In Ireland, two juveniles at Tacumshin, Co. Wexford, from 30th September to 10th October, and one at Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, on 6th November. In Britain, another decidedly poor return for wader-watchers hoping to catch up with this neat little bird.

Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii (5, 125, 12) Cornwall Stithians Reservoir, juvenile, 4th-15th September (A. D. Smith et al.)(Brit. Birds 82: plate 35). Dorset Stanpit Marsh and Hengistbury Head, juvenile, 6th-19th October (G. Armstrong, E. C. Brett, L. Haylett et al.). Kent Dungeness, adult, 7th-15th September (S. McMinn, K. Redshaw, R. E. Turley et al.). Wight, Isle of West High Down, juvenile, 3rd-5th September (J. Baldwin, P.J. Barden, D. B. Wooldridge et al.). 1987 Dyfed Pembrey, age uncertain, 17fh October (R. O. Hunt, F. B.Jenkins). (North America and Northeast Siberia) Nothing unexpected in Britain, but an exceptional arrival in Ireland: singles at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, on 9th August; at Rogerstown, Co. Dublin (a juvenile) on 9th August; at Tacumshin, Co. Wexford, on 15th and 16th August; at Lissagriffin, Co. Cork, on 3rd September; and four more juveniles, at Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, on 4th September; Nethertown Strand, Co. Wexford, from 9th to 19th September; Blackrock Strand, Co. Kerry, from 13th to 18th September; and again at Lissagriffin from 26th September to 8th October. Another species, although highly distinctive to people who know it well, that must not be taken for granted by observers who suspect they have discovered one for the first time.

Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus (23, 100, 11) Avon Severn Beach, 16th May (P. D. Bowerman, B. Lancastle et al.), presumed same as Gwent individual. Devon Dawlish Warren, 1st May (J. A. Holmes, J. J. Packer, C. R. Wills et al.). Essex Old Hall Marshes, 22nd May (D.J. Rhymes et al.). East Tilbury, 23rd May (L. Steward et al.); another two, 25th-26th (L. Steward, I. Turner et al), all three considered same as Kent individuals. Grampian Ythan Estuary, 30th May to 3rd June (A. Simmons et al). Kingston, adult, 11th- 14th July (M.J. H. Cook et al.). Gwent Peterstone Wentllooge, 15th May (C.Jones, R. M. Price et al.), presumed same as Avon individual. Humberside Blacktoft, 15th-18th July (R.J. Scott et al). Kent Cliffe, 26th-27th May (P. Larkin, D. J. Tipling, J. Young), another two, 27th (M. C. Buckland, Dr C. D. Powell et al); see Essex, above. Merseyside Marshside, 15th May (Dr P. H. Smith et al.). Shetland Whalsay, 18th-22nd May (Dr B. Marshall et al). Sussex, East Pevensey Bridge Level, 8th May (P. & Mrs B. D. James et al). 1985 Humberside Saltend Marsh, Hull, two, 22nd-29th May, third individual 27th (Brit. Birds 81: 558), one or another 1st June (E. A. & J. Martin). 1986 Cambridgeshire Nene Park, Peterborough, 17th May, probably same, 20th (C. J. Small, G. F. Walthew et al.). Rare birds in Great Britain inl 988 525

Fig. 3. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limkola falcinellus, Lancashire, July 1987 (/. Gardner)

1987 Cleveland Greatham Creek, 3rd May (A. Cruikshanks); presumed same, Seaton Snook, 4th (G. Iceton et al.). 1987 Lancashire Fleetwood, 12th-21 st July (I. Gardner et al.)(f\%. 3). (North Eurasia) Another remarkable trio. Spring birds may look quite grey and hoary, and not so conspicuous, before pale feather edgings wear away to give the dark breeding plumage popularly illustrated.

Stilt Sandpiper Micropalama himantopus (1, 17, 3) (North America) In Ireland, no fewer than three singles: at Lady's Island Lake, Co. Wexford, from 1st to 3rd August; at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, from 6th to 7th August; and at Kinsale Marsh, Co. Cork, from 14th to 18th August. Early August was a stunning period for Nearctic waders in Ireland.

Great Snipe Gallinago media (180, 59, 2) Shetland Whalsay, 2nd September (Dr B. Marshall). Out Skerries, 10th-13th September (E. Tait et al.). (Northeast Europe and Northwest Asia) An average, standard year. Non-accepted claims of this species more often than not concern records involving just one or two flight views of a bird that is then lost for good. Sometimes they seem very good, but just 'get away'. But given such little chance to study the bird, it is obviously important to look at the crucial bits first—structure, inner-wing pattern and tail pattern come first, but the tail pattern should not be given undue prominence. The white outer tail feathers are normally concealed except during take-off and landing; in level flight, check the other characters. 526 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus (9, 127, 5) Devon See 1987 Devon below. Dyfed See 1987 Dyfed below. Hampshire Curbridge, adult, 4th-20th April (D. J. Unsworth et al), possibly returning individual of 10th March to 16th April 1986 (Brit. Birds 80: 537). Shetland Fetlar, juvenile, 18th October (P. M. Ellis, R. A. Matthews). Baltasound, Unst, first-winter, 6th December to 29th April 1989 (H. Edwards, M. G. Pennington, I. Spence et al). Strathclyde Cunninghamehead, Ayr, adult, 26th-27th August (G. Mitchell, B. Orr et al.); same, Bogside, Irvine, 31st (B. Orr et al.). 1987 Devon Fremington, juvenile moulting to first-winter, 4th November to 1988 (Brit. Birds 81: 558), to 1st January (per P. W. Ellicott). 1987 Dyfed Gann Estuary, first-winter, 12th December to January 1988 (Brit. Birds 81: 559), to 3rd January (per J. W. Donovan). 1987 Greater London See 1987 Surrey below. 1987 Surrey Perry Oaks Sewage-works, 8th-18th October (Brit. Birds 81: 559), locality is in Greater London. (North America and Northeast Siberia) One at Belfast Harbour Estate, Co. Down, from 1987 (see Brit. Birds 81: 559) to at least 3rd January; one at the Bann Estuary, Co. Londonderry, from 1st October into 1989. Now well known to many observers, this still often proves a tricky species the first time. This was a rather poor year.

Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus IL. griseus (31, 228, 5) 1985 Kent Sandwich Bay, 17th-22nd April (D. S. H. Coates, 1. Hunter et al.), probably Long- billed Dowitcher L. scolopaceus. The totals include those specifically identified.

Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda (15, 26, 0) (North America) A belated report from Ireland, the remains of one being found at Larne Lough, Co. Antrim, on 23rd December 1986.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (12, 49, 1) Norfolk Snettisham, 14th-15th May (P. Fisher, R. A. Image). 1980 Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, 4th October (Brit. Birds 75: 504), now considered not acceptable. (Southeast Europe, West and East Asia) Norfolk edges a little farther ahead of Kent in the record books for this super-elegant wader.

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes(35 , 157, 4) Cheshire Frodsham, juvenile, 25th September (M. J. Dale, A. F. Mears, D. J. W. Taylor et al.), presumed same as Lancashire individual. Lancashire Martin Mere, juvenile, 18th, 24th September (S. Jackson, J. & S. J. Riley, P. Thomason et al.), presumed same as Cheshire individual. Sussex, East Pett Level, adult, 14th August (C. Barwood, J. A. B. Gale et al.). Yorkshire, North/West Fairburn Ings, 5th May (J. Cudworth, C. Massingham et al). 1987 Kent Sandwich Bay, 22nd November (C. N. Davison, J. R. Hill et al). (North America) There was one in Ireland, at Kinsale Marsh, Co. Cork, on 14th and 15th August. A long run of poor years continues.

Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria (6, 19, 1) Scilly Bryher, juvenile, 1st September (W. E. Oddie); same, St Mary's, 3rd-10th (W. H. Wagstaff rfa/.). 1987 Scilly Tresco, juvenile, 28th September to 5th October (C. D. R. Heard et al.). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 527 (North America) Last year's request for details of an individual in Stilly has been answered—with interest! This makes nine on those islands since 1974 (with only five elsewhere in the same period).

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus (3, 26, 2) Dorset Stanpit Marsh, 15th-24th July (ML Reid et ai.)(Brit. Birds 81: plate 321). Norfolk Holkham, 18th June (J. R. McCallum, B. R. Scampion et at.). (Northeast Europe and Siberia) This is still a great scoop for wader- watchers, and early summer seems to be the time to find one.

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia (6, 83, 0) Devon See 1987 Devon below. Wight, Isle of See 1987 Wight below. 1986 Hampshire Titchfield Haven, 4th October to 12th January1 1987, trapped 25th November (Brit, Birds 80: 540, plate 7), was first-winter. 1987 Devon Plym Estuary, 20th December to 15th February 1988 (Brit. Birds 81: 560), to 9th May (J. R. Smart et al.)(Bril. Birds 81: plate 160). 1987 Wight, Isle of Seaview Duver, age uncertain, 22nd December to at least 7th February 1988 (Brit. Birds 81: 560), to 14th May (per D. B. Wooldridge). (North America) The wintering habit continues.

Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor (1, 210, 9) Avon Chew Valley Lake, first-winter, 11th-12th September (A.J. Merritt, K. E. Vinicombe et al.). Dorset Holes Bay, Poole Harbour, J, 20th June (R. M. Ward et al.). Essex Abberton Reservoir, age uncertain, 26th October (D. J. Callen, N. P. Parr, J. H. Smith). Kent Elmley, age uncertain, 27th September to 8th October, again, 13th (D. C, Gilbert, R. Gomes, D. B, Rosair). Shetland Loch of Hillwell, age uncertain, 22nd-23rd September (Mr & Mrs P. Flint). Norwick, Unst, age uncertain, 1 lth-19th October (H.J. Burgess, M. G. Pennington, I. Spence et at.). Somerset Sutton Bingham Reservoir, possibly juvenile/first-winter, 29th-30th September (B. Matthews, R. Newton et al.). 1987 Lincolnshire Chapel St Leonards, first-winter, 26th September, probably since 24th (J. Upton per D. Hursthouse). 1987 Norfolk Snettisham, age uncertain, 28th August: to at least 1st September (Brit. Birds 81: 561), to 3rd (per P. R. Allard). (North America) In Ireland, there was one in 1987, at Lough Beg, Co. Cork, from 24th to 29th August. In 1988, there was a male at Tacumshin, Co. Wexford, on 11th June, and a female at Swords Estuary, Co. Dublin, on 11th and 12th June, a remarkable coincidence of dates. Much the same pattern that we have come to expect in Britain, with a summer one and a sprinkling in autumn.

Laughing Gull Larus atricilla (2, 47, 4) Glamorgan, Mid Newton Point, first-winter, 12th September (D, C. Bolt, S. J. Moon). Somerset Burnham-on-Sea, second-winter, 2nd-29th September (B. Rabbitts, A. M. & B. E. Slade et al.)(Brit. Birds 82: plate 26). 1986 Tyne & Wear South Shields and Shibden Pond, discontinuously, 1st January to at least 30th April, 4th August to at least end of February 1987 (Brit. Birds 80: 541), also Newcastle General Hospital discontinuously to 30th April, 4th August to 1987. 1987 Tyne & Wear South Shields and Shibden Pond, since 1986 (see above) to 24th March. Also, discontinuously, Newcastle General Hospital, same period. 528 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 (North America and Caribbean) In Ireland, a second-winter individual at The Lough, Cork, Co. Cork, from 23rd to 27th October, and a first- winter at Clogher Head, Co. Louth, on 3rd December. The Bristol Channel looks, on a map, an obvious funnel for Nearctic species and perhaps these two gulls reflect its west-facing, wide-open mouth.

Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan (0, 14, 1) Avon Chittening Warth, Severn Beach, adult, 12th June (B. Lancastle). 1987 Cheshire Neumann's Flash, adult, 11th, 14th, 17th May {Brit. Birds 81: 562), 15th (J. R. Hough). 1987 Cornwall Hayle, second-winter, 24th, 26th March {Brit. Birds 81: 562), observers were P. W. Alexander, L. P. Williams; at Marazion, 28th (R. I. Allison). (North America) A wandering adult could turn up almost anywhere, at any time; although mid June may seem unlikely, there have previously been one June and two July records.

Bonaparte's Gull Larus Philadelphia (11, 45, 6) Cornwall Portscatho, first-winter, 31st January to 6th February (P. A. Maker et al.). Hayle, first-summer, 6th April (R. Campey, D. S. Flumm, J. M. Wilson et al.). Godrevy, adult, 29th December (R.J. & Mrs B. G. Lowe). Devon Plym Estuary, first-summer, 26th-27th March (J. Brodie Good, R. A. Filby et al.). 1979 Humberside Grimsby Docks, probably first-winter, 17th March {Brit. Bird-; 73: 512), now withdrawn by observers. 1987 Cornwall Drift Reservoir and Newlyn, adult, since 2nd November 1986 to at least 22nd March {Brit. Birds 81: 562), to 22nd April; also Hayle Estuary, 27th February (D. S. Flumm), Marazion, 20th April (D.J. Odell et al.). (North America) In Ireland, an adult at Ballyteigue Bay, Co. Wexford, on 7th and 8th January, and a first-summer at Lady's Island Lake, Co. Wexford, on 15th May. A good year; about half of the recent records have been in Cornwall.

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis (0, 611, -) 1979 Glamorgan, West Blackpill, first-winter, 23rd-26th February {Brit. Birdi 74: 475), to 15th May (R.J. Howells); adult, 24th-26th March {Brit. Birds 74: 475), 7th-9th April (R.J. Howells), probably same, 4th March (R. J. Howells et al.), 13th-18th March (R. E. Harbird, R. J. Howells J. M. Medland); adult, 26th December and 20th January 1980 (R.J. Howells). 1980 Glamorgan, West See 1979 West Glamorgan above. 1985 Glamorgan, Mid Ogmore Estuary, first-summer to first-winter, 11th May to at least early August (H. Nicholls, S.J. Moon, N. Odin et al.)(Brit. Birds 78: plate 193). 1985 Glamorgan, South Roath Park Lake, Cardiff, adult, 14th January to 25th February (P. Bristow, K. R. Lloyd et al.). 1986 Glamorgan, South Cosmeston Lakes, second-winter, 9th, 15th February (Brit. Birds 80: 542), see 1987 South Glamorgan below. Roath Park Lake, Cardiff, adult, 20th November to 22nd February 1987 (Brit. Birds 80: 542), see 1987 South Glamorgan below. 1986 Hampshire Bedhampton, adult, 15th February (R. W. White). 1986 Merseyside Seaforth, adult, 28th November to at least 6th December; another, 6th December (Brit. Birds 80: 542), one or the other, 31st January 1987 (S. Young). 1986 Tyne & Wear Whitburn, first-winter, 12th December (D. M. Foster). 1987 Cornwall Hayle, first-winter to second-summer, since 24th November 1986 to 26th April, 26th July to 1988 (Brit, Birds 81: 563), throughout May to July (L. P. Williams et al). 1987 Cumbria Halforth, second-summer, 9th May (S. Dodgson, P.J. Marsh, P. Robinson et al). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 529 1987 Dyfed Pembrey, first-summer moulting to second-winter, 8thJuly (F. B.Jenkins). 1987 Essex Rainham Marsh, second-winter, 6th December (M. K. Dennis). 1987 Glamorgan, South Roath Park Lake, Cardiff, adult, since 20th November 1986 to 22nd February (Brit. Birds 80: 542), to 9th March (P. Bristow, J. B. Higgott, P. G. Lansdown et al.), again, 1st December to 1988 (perR. G. Smith). See also 1985 South Glamorgan above. Roath Park Lake, adult, 17th-18th January (H. R. Harrop, P. G. Lansdown, R. G. Smith). Taff/Ely Estuary, adult, 24th January to 1st February; same, Cosmeston Lakes, 22nd February, 8th March; presumed same, 24th December; same, Roath Park Lake, 22nd March (P. Bristow, W. M. Strong et al.); all considered same as second-winter, Cosmeston Lakes, 9th, 15th February 1986 (Brit. Birds 80: 542). Rhymney Estuary, first-summer, 26th April (P. Bristow, C. Hurford, M. C. Powell). 1987 Merseyside Seaforth, in addition to adult, 3rd January, first-summer, 26th April, 3rd, 17th May, first-winter, at least 31st December (Brit. Birds 81: 564) and 1986-87 individual above, a further six individuals recorded as follows: second-summer, 25th April to 10th May (M. A. Garner, S. Young et al.); another, 2nd May (M. A. Garner, P. Kinsella, D. Messenger et al.); first-summer, 28th April to 30th May (M. A. Garner et al.); another two first-summers, 2nd, 4th, 30th May (M. A. Garner, P. Kinsella, D. Messenger et al.); another, 30th May (A. Copleston, M. A. Garner, C. Kehoe et al.). Crosby Marina, second-winter, 7th November to end December (S. Young), presumed one or other returning first-summer individuals above. Freshfields and Formby Point, adult, 14th November (E.J. Smith). 1987 Shetland Loch of Hillwell, first-winter moulting to first-summer, 27th to at least 28th April (Brit. Birds 81: 564), to 9th May (per J. N. Dymond). 1987 Tyne & Wear Boldon Flats, second-winter, 3rd February (D. M. Foster). (North America) Surely this can't go on .. .? The backlog must soon be running out for this species, now no longer considered by the Committee (but it must be said that several records gave concern that the Herring Gull L. argentatus problem is still not always fully considered). After all the efforts to get the full and correct picture since 1973, it is, in some ways, a shame to lose the single, annual reports now, but it was clearly inevitable. At Seaforth, there were no fewer than five individuals on 2nd May 1987,

Iceland Gull Lams glaucoides (0, 7, 1) An individual showing the characters of the North American race L. g. kumlieni was recorded as follows: Grampian Banff Bay and Harbour, adult, since December 1987 (see below), to 5th April (J. G. Steele et al.); same, Macduff Harbour, 20th January (G. Anderson); presumed same, Banff Bay and Harbour, 27th December to 1989 (G. M. Cresswell, J. S. Nadin, J. G. Steele et al.). 1987 Grampian Banff Bay and Harbour, 30th December (Brit. Birds 81: 565), from 27th December to 1988 (J. G. Steele et al.). (Baffin Island and Northwest Ungava Peninsula, Canada) One in Ireland, at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, on 18th March. The 'usual' adult in Scotland.

Ross's Gull Rhodostethia rosea (2, 46, 3) Cornwall Poldhu Cove, Mullion, first-winter, 8th-12th March (A. R. Pay et al.); same, Falmouth, 12th (S. M. Christophers et al.), also in Devon. Devon Plym Estuary, first-winter, 13th-29th March (J. F. Babbington, R. W. White et al.); same, Bere Ferrers, 26th (P. J. Barden), presumed same as Cornwall individual. Merseyside Seaforth, adult, 3rd January (R. A. Hall, Dr P. H. Smith et al). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, adult, 30th September (P. A. Lassey). (Northeast Siberia and Canada) An adult in Ireland, at Aughinish Causeway, Co. Clare/Galway, on 28th February. The 1987 Humberside record was only two days after one in Grampian, tempting obvious conclusions. 530 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea (76, 30, 0) 1980 Shetland Westing, Unst, freshly dead, 26th April (P. Guy, R.J. Tulloch et al). (Circumpolar Arctic) This is additional to another adult, also found dead on Unst in June of that year.

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotka (52, 181, 2) Devon Topsham, adult, 2nd August (R. H. Montgomery). Sussex, East Pett Level, adult, 15th August (R. M. & R. P. Fray). 1987 Cornwall Marazion, Hayle, Nanjizal, 19th-28th April, 22nd May {Brit. Birds 81: 566), Penzance, 2nd May (C. D. R. Heard). (Almost cosmopolitan, nearest colony Denmark) Although not 'dif­ ficult' if seen well, this species leads to many poorly documented claims which fail to be accepted as proven; in reality, it is likely to be a very rare bird in Britain (but it just might be commoner but poorly observed). Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis is the main confusion species; an adult's yellow bill tip may be 'lost' in strong light, and a juvenile has a shorter bill without the yellow. Look carefully at structural characters, rump and tail colour and wing-tip details if you see what looks like a Gull-billed Tern.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia (30, 144, 19) Avon Chew Valley Lake, 13th August (P. Luxton et al). Cheshire Northwich, 8th May (S. Hart, P. McGuire), probably same as Leicestershire, Warwickshire individual. Derbyshire Ogston Reservoir, 26th June (R. A. Frost, A. G. Macey). Derbyshire/South Yorkshire Rother Valley Country Park, 29th July (A. M. & P. M. Wilson), probably same as South Muskham, Nottinghamshire, individual, 28th. Dorset Stanpit Marsh, 15th to at least 17th June (M.J. Gibbons,J. H. Morgan, D. N. Smith et al.)(Brit. Birds 81: plates 269 & 270). Gwynedd Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey, 5th August (K. G. & Mrs E. Croft). Humberside Spurn, adult, 2nd September (I. Crowther, M. G. Neal, B. R. Spence et al.). Kent Folkestone Warren, 5th June (S.J. Broyd). Dungeness, 17th-18thjune (N. Odin et al). Leicestershire Rutland Water, 7th May (R. E. Davis, N. Johnson, K. J. Spriggs et al), probably same as Lincolnshire, 5th, and Warwickshire, Cheshire individual, 8th. Lincolnshire Spalding, 5th May (W. J. O. Nowlan), presumed same as Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Cheshire individual. North Hykeham and Thorpe-on-the-Hill, 8th May (K. D. Durose, A. C. Sims), presumed same as South Muskham, Nottinghamshire, individual, 4th- 12th. Norfolk Breydon, 29th April (I. N. Smith). Hickling, two, 18th June (J. Hampshire, F. Russell, K. Sussams et al). Nottinghamshire South Muskham, discontinuously, 4th-12th May; same, Winthorpe, 8th (D. R. Atkinson, M. Kennewell, M. J. Warren et al.), also in Lincolnshire; ringed individual, 12th-13th July (D. R. Atkinson, M. Kennewell, A. C. Sims), presumed same, 28th (M. Kennewell), presumed same, Derbyshire/South Yorkshire above, 29th. Staffordshire Westport Lake, 8th June (W. J. Low). Suffolk Minsmere, 11th May (D. Bradshaw, G. C. Taylor et al); probably first-summer, 29th July (P. A. Harvey et al). Warwickshire Seeswood Pool, Nuneaton, 8th May (J. Liggins), probably same as Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Cheshire individual. Yorkshire, North Bubwith, 3rd May (I. Glaves). Yorkshire, South Thrybergh Country Park, 29th July (W. Dudhill et al), same as Rother Valley Country Park, Derbyshire/South Yorkshire, individual, 29th, above. 1987 Norfolk Hickling, another, 4th-7th July (Brit. Birds 81: 566), second named observer was K. R. Dye. 1987 Suffolk Lackford Wildfowl Reserve and Cavenham Gravel-pits, 21st-22nd August (C. Gregory, C.J. & K. L.Jakes et al). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 531

1987 Wiltshire Cotswold Water Park, first-summer, 15th August (N. Pleass). (Almost cosmopolitan except South America, everywhere local) In Ireland, two at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, from 7th to 9th August (one until 13th)—coinciding with Least Calidris minutitta, Baird's C. bairdii and Stilt Sandpipers Mkropalama himantopus there! There can be little to get the adrenalin flowing more quickly than finding one of these great whoppers, and this remains true even after a sensational invasion in 1988; May and June records clearly present problems in statistical assessment, however. There were nine in 1966, eight in 1971, a record 12 in 1976 and eight in both 1977 and 1979, but the average is four or five a year. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bmgalensis (0, 4, 0) Norfolk Cley, 26th August (C. Ivey, A. Johnson, R. L. Morgan et al.). Titchwell, 3rd September (A. Livingstone et al.). Northumberland Fame Islands, 5th-7th May, 18th to 5th June, 13th July (A. I. Bowman, S. Busuttil, D. C. Richardson el al.). Hauxley, 23rdJune (I. R. Douglas, K. Nattrass, M.J. Sharp et at.). Cresswell Pond, 10th August (A. J. Booth, M. A. Ridsdale.J. Sharpe). 1987 Cleveland South Gare, 14thJune, 23rd August (Brit. Birds 81: 567), also Dorman's Pool, 13th June (F. Bailey), Hartlepool Docks, 23rd August (K. Moir, S. Ryan et al.). 1987 Northumberland Fame Islands, 9. 18th May to 20th June, apparently paired with Sandwich Tern S. sandvicensis, sitting on two eggs by 25th, nest later waterlogged, one egg lost; sat on other to 11th June (I. Burton and per P. Hawkey); presumed returning individual of 1986 {Brit. Birds SI: 567). (North and East Africa, east to Australia) The Norfolk individual of 1983 is now regarded as probably the same as that in Cleveland, Norfolk and Northumberland during 1983 and 1984, and all the above records are presumed to relate to the same individual. A female bird sitting on eggs must be presumed to have laid them, but absolute proof of that may be lacking. Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri (0, 16, 0) Gwynedd Holyhead area, adult, 10th January to 26th February (K. G. & Mrs E. Croft et at.); presumed same, Penmon, at least 15th-16th October (M. W. Smith per T. Gravett), presumed same as 1986-87 individual (Brit Birds 81: 567). 1987 Gwynedd Great Orme, adult, 23rd August (Brit. Birds 81: 567), also Penmon, at least 17th October 0. P. Moulton, M.J. Tribe et al.). 1987 Merseyside Seaforth, adult, 15th March (Miss A. Copleston, M. A. Garner, P, Kinsella), presumed same as Gwynedd individual. (North America) Whether more than one was in North Wales in 1987 remains unresolved. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus (3, 7, 2) Cleveland Hartlepool, 9th August (D. & K. Cowton), presumed same as Northumberland individual. Gwynedd Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey, lst-23rd July (I. Cattermole, B. Hill et at.)(Brit. Birds 81: plate 316; 82: plates 327 & 331).' Northumberland Coquet Island, llth-12th, 21st July, 13th-20th, 23rd-28th August (N. A. Gartshore, M. Stott, D.J. Turney et

327. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus, Gwynedd, July 1988 (R.J. Chandler)

328. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus, Northumberland, July/August 1988 (N. A. Gartshore)

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus (20, 73, 10) Devon Otter Estuary, 22nd-24th May (J. C. Connelly, A. H.J. Harrop, M. Lockyear et al.). Dorset Stanpit Marsh, 30th May (M.J. Gibbons et al); presumed another, 16th June (Mr Driscoll, M.J. Gibbons). Hampshire Mockbeggar Lake, two, 14th May (R. & Mrs P. Allison, Dr M. E. Witherick). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 533 Kent Dungeness, 28th May (S. McMinn, R. Walters). Also in Sussex. Norfolk Welney, juvenile, 17th, 21st-23rd October (J. B. Kemp et a/.). Northamptonshire Thrapston Gravel-pits, 25th May (D. Caswell, S. G. Page et at). Suffolk Minsmere, 26th May (G. C. Taylor et al). Sussex, East Rye, 28th May (R. R. Greenhalf, R. Harris et al). Also in Kent. 1987 Dorset Lodmoor, 18th April (Brit. Birds 81: 567), also Radipole (R. Allison). 1987 Kent Stodmarsh, first-summer, 21st June (C. Hindle, D. C. Gilbert, J. E. Tilbrook et al). 1987 Norfolk Great Yarmouth, 27th June (M. R. Flack, A. Rae). Titchwell, 28th June (W. A. Davidson). Both presumed same as Pentney Gravel-pits individual, 30th June to 1st July (Brit. Birds 81: 568). (South Eurasia, Africa, Australia) In Ireland, one in 1987 now accepted, at Tacumshin, Co. Wexford, on 2nd May. In 1988, one at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, from 3rd to 29th May. A good year; the October juvenile in Norfolk is the latest in the Committee's experience.

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (50, 497, 11) Cornwall Bude, juvenile, 10th August (R. Bere, J. C. Pett, G. P. Sutton et al). Cornwall/Devon Upper Tamar Reservoirs, juvenile, 11 th-14th August (G. P. Sutton et al), presumed same as Bude individual. Devon See Cornwall/Devon above. Derbyshire Staunton Harold Reservoir, juvenile, 24th-25th September (A. Shaw et al). Dorset Weymouth Bay, adult, 27th June (M. Cade). Hengistbury Head, juvenile, 7th September (D. N. Smith). Hampshire Eling Great Marsh, adult, 5th-6th August (B.J. Small et al.); presumed same, Titchfield Haven, 8th (T. D. Codlin et al), Hythe area, to 5th September (per B.J. Small). Kent Minnis Bay, juvenile, 28th August to 6th September (Dr A. M. Hanby, T. N. Hodge et al). Dungeness, adult, 7th September (B. Chambers, R. E. Turley et al). Norfolk Gillingham Marsh, juvenile, 19th-22nd August (T. Abrihart, A. Riseborough, D. Walden et al); same, Breydon, 24th (P. R. Allard). Orkney Loch of Tankerness, first-summer, 16th-17th June (E. R. Meek et al). Suffolk Minsmere, adult, 8th July (D. Green, A. M. Gregory). Tyne & Wear Tynemouth Pier, adult, 29th August (A. Hutt). 1986 Cheshire Woolston Eyes, 13th July (Brit. Birds 80: 546), now regarded as adult. (Southeast Europe, West and East Asia) At least one well-watched bird has been inadequately reported and must wait for another year; the Committee apologises for this, but cannot include birds in the report on hearsay. If you notice any individuals that you saw, of this or other species, missing from the report, please send in your notes. The pattern here, including a far-flung midsummer wanderer in Scotland, is familiar.

Briinnich's Guillemot Una lomvia (2, 22, 1) Highland Dunnet Bay, d", freshly dead, 9th March (E. W. E. Maughan, J. M. Wilson), now at Natural History Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. (Circumpolar Arctic) Museums continue to benefit from the sharp eyes of beachcombers, but this species rarely lives to see the business end of a birdwatcher's telescope.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus (22, 28, 0) 1987 Lincolnshire Rauceby Warren Nature Reserve, near Sleaford, 18th-19th October (D. & S. Brooks et al). (North America) Two days after one on Lundy Island, Devon. 534 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca (many, 91, 1) Grampian Near Inverurie, Cs 27th April to 2nd May (K. A. Shaw et al). Shetland Fetiar, two $$ from 1987 (Brit. Birds 81: 569) to 3rd June (M. A. Peacock et al), mid September to end of year (R. A. Matthews et al). Uyeasound, Unst, J, 1st May intermittently to 19th July (I. Spence et al). Norwick, Unst, $, 6th-8th June. Westing, Unst, 9, early July, Baltasound, Unst, J, 1st August to 20th September (per j. N, Dymond). In total, three, possibly four individuals involved. Ronas Hill, Mainland, $, 26th May, 28th June (J. N. Dymond, P. M. Ellis, Dr C. F. Mackenzie), probably one of Fetlar/Unst individuals. (Circumpolar Arctic) The first year since 1984 that this magnificent owl has appeared away from Shetland. The continued presence on Fetiar, where conditions seem unable to sustain a breeding population, is remarkable for a species so famed for its nomadic wanderings in search of a better life.

Needle-tailed Swift Hirundapus mudamtus (2, 4, 1) Orkney Hoy, 28th May to 8th June (K. Fairclough, S. ThomsonJnr et al.) (Brit. Birds 81: plates 263 & 264). (West Siberia to Japan, south to Northern China; also Himalayas east to Taiwan) There was one in Orkney in 1983 and Shetland in 1984— perhaps a little too far back to prompt ideas that the same individual might be returning? Late May/early June is the key period for its next fly- through.

Alpine Swift Apus melba (150, 249, 18) Cornwall Lansallos, 4th April (P. H. Aley, S.J. Cox). Devon East Soar, 4th April (A. Benton, V. R. & Mrs S. Tucker), probably same as Cornwall individual. Chudleigh, 10th April (D. Smallshire). Exeter, 16th April (J. R. Hopkins). Dorset Portland and Wyke Regis, 29th March to at least 2nd April (G. Bright, B. C. Sheldon et al). Peveril Point and Swanage, two, 30th March (A. Miller et al), possibly including preceding individual. Weymouth, 11th April (M. Cade). Gwent Monmouth, 15th April (D.J. Hughes). Humberside Kilnsea, 20th March (T. Brighton, T. Isherwood et al); same, Spurn, 20th (D. M. Pearce, B. R. Spence et al.). Bempton, 31st May (M.J. & J. P. Dawson). Kent Sandwich Bay, 21st April (C. N. Davison, M.J. Pollard). Folkestone, 16th May (I. A. Roberts). Norfolk Brancaster Staithe, 19th March (D. Holden). Orkney North Ronaldsay, 12th August (P.J. Donnelly et al). Scilly St Agnes and Gugh, 22nd May (R. A. Filby, C. D. R. Heard et al.). Somerset Yeovil, 17th March (P. Lincoln). At sea Sea area Lundy, about 19 km northwest of Land's End, Cornwall, 17th May (G. D. Lewis). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, 24th May (J. M. Pearson, D. A. Rushforth). 1987 Kent Foreness, 16th September (F. Solly). 1987 Norfolk Old Hunstanton and Holme, 30th April (M. L. White). 1987 Suffolk Benacre, 2nd May (J. Minihane, D. R. Newton, R. C. Smith), same as Dunwich individual, 2nd (Brit. Birds 81: 570). (South Eurasia, Northwest and East Africa) In Ireland, singles at sea at the Marathon gas-platform, off Old Head of Kinsale, Co. Cork, on 29th March, and another, an adult that died, at the same place on 9th November; on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, on 3rd April; at Helvick Head, Co. Waterford, on 16th April; and at Mount Stewart, Greyabbey, Co. Down, on 24th July. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 535 With white-bellied Swifts Apus apus an occasional problem, more than one feature must be reported before this species is established. Size and proportions, preferably in comparison with Swift, flight and colour are important characters. 'I've seen them before and this was just like all the others' is not the kind of report, for this or any other species, that the Committee appreciates. Details are still awaited of two together in Kent {Brit. Birds 81, plates 187-188) and one in the West Midlands in March. There are several very early March and April reports here.

Little Swift Apus qffinis (0, 8, 1) Humberside Flamborough Head, 18th, 22nd July (J. C. Lamplough, P. A. Lassey, G. A. Speck). 1984 Merseyside Seaforth, 22nd May (C. Kehoe). (Africa, Middle East and South Asia) The 1984 individual was the sixth for Britain and Ireland and makes a total of four in May; the Humberside record is the first for July (other reports being in June, August and November).

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus (2, 2, 0) 1987 Devon Otter Estuary, 30th June to 2nd July (observers' names withheld). (North, West, Southwest, East and Northeast Africa, Middle East and Northwest India) This was the first in Britain since 1984, with the previous records as long ago as 1921 and 1951 (the last two both in Scilly).

Bee-eater Merops apiaster (154, 251, 31) Devon Prawle Point, 10th May (N. L. Trigg); 11thJuly (A. Roberts, K.J. Robins). Dorset Studland, six, 7th May (A. J. & Mrs L. Clarke). Humberside Spurn, 31st May (I. Crowther, P. Musgrave, M. G. Neal); 13th June (T. M. Clegg); adult, 18th August (D. A. Boyd, D. & P. Burke, W. Dudhill et al.). Flamborough Head, probably adult, 17th-19th August (A. M. Allport, P. A. Lassey). Kent Dungeness, 13th June (N. Odin); adult, 6th September (S. McMinn, R. E. Turley el at.). Lancashire Hoghton, near Preston, two, 16th May (D. Tucker). Lincolnshire Friskney Marsh, 31st July (B. Hancock et al.), Kexbv, near Gainsborough, 7th August (S. H. & Mrs G. R. Holliday). Tetney, 26th May (S. & Mrs V. Lorand). Norfolk Paston, adult, 14th August (M. Fiszer). Holme, 16th August (I). A. & E. M. Pond). Blakeney Point, juvenile, 3rd September (Mr & Mrs N. R. Stocks et al.), 4th (R. Q. Skeen et al.); presumed same, Paston, 4th (J. R. Appleton), Sheringham, 4th (L. Hesp, P. & S. Houghton), Waxham, 4th (Dr R. M. Leaney), also Cley, Titchwell, West Winch, Wolferton, 4th (per G. E. Dunmore). Northumberland Low Buston, near Warkworth, 17th May (I. R. Douglas, J. Sharpe et al.). Scilly St Mary's, two, 22ndJune (M.J. & Mrs J. Mayhew). Suffolk Reydon, adult, 12th-16th July (I). R. Eaton et al.). Sussex, East Beachy Head, adult, 1st August (D. Cooper, P. D. Lanaway et al). Wight, Isle of Rocken End, two, 15th May (R. P. Attrill, S. Colenutt, D.J. & M. Hunnybun). St Catherine's Point, adult, 5th July (D. B. Wooldridge). Yorkshire, North Bempton, 10th June (R. W. Wright). 1987 Cleveland Margrove Park Ponds, 25th-26th July (H. & N. Hadfield et al). 1987 Dorset Durlston Country Park, 18th April (R.J. H. Murray). 1987 Gwynedd South Stack, Anglesey, four, 11th July, one to 12th (P. Fisher, L. Tattershall, I. Warburton). 1987 Lincolnshire Holbeach St Matthew, three, 13th June (R. & Mrs K. Heath). (South Europe, Southwest Asia and Northwest Africa) Another good year for these avian colour-charts from the sunny south. 536 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Roller Coracias garrulus (135, 78, 0) 1987 Gwent Castleton, adult, 30th September, probably since early September (S.J. Moon, H. Nicholls, P. Pettipher et al). (South and East Europe, West Asia and Northwest Africa) The postmen (there being 12 mailings per submission and circulation) kept track of the Gwent record this time, after its earlier loss. It was just the birds themselves that failed to make it in 1988.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius (0, 1, 1) (North America) In Ireland, immature female, trapped, on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, from 16th to 19th October (plates 329 & 330). The only previous record in Britain and Ireland was an immature male on Tresco, Isles of Scilly, during 26th September to 6th October 1975 (Brit. Birds 72: 410-414).

Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla (40, 282, 14) Devon Lundy, 25th-27th May (B. D. Gibbs, J. High, N. Willcox). Norfolk Blakeney Point, 1st October (G. E. Dunmore, P. Feakes, S. C. Joyner et al.). Scilly St Agnes, 6th-10th May (G. R. Avery, J. D. Saunders et al); 28th October to 2nd November, trapped 1st (B. H. Bailey, A. R. Dean, M. E. Durham et al). St Mary's, 27th September to 14th October (J. Gates, D. M. Harris et al). Shetland Fair Isle, 14th May (P. M. Potts, D. Suddaby); autumn, three: 23rd September to 18th October (D. Suddaby et al); 2nd-21st October, one or other trapped 14th (D. P. Bell et al); 5th-12th (N.J. Riddiford et al). Northdale, Unst, 4th-7th October (M. G. Pennington, M. Sinclair). Norwick, Unst, 4th, 12th October (M. G. Pennington). Sumburgh, 26th October to 5th November (M. Mellor et al). Northdale, Unst, 9th-12th November (M. G. Pennington). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, 25th June (P. A. Lassey). Aldebrough, 9th-22nd December (G. R. Bennett, A. F.Johnson, B. Richards et al). 1987 Northumberland Fame Islands, 21st-28th October (T. Barton, J. Walton et al); another, 28th, found dead 7th November (S. Busuttil, D. Fairlamb, T. Thorley et al). (South Eurasia and North Africa) One in Ireland, on Dursey Island, Co. Cork, on 19th and 20th October. The 1987 June record in Humberside recalls one in 1986 at sea, in sea area Humber, on 16th June, and another at Easington, Humberside, from 12th to 19th June 1982; there are other June records, from Fair Isle in 1985, Cleveland (from June to August) in 1974, Somerset in 1973 and Spurn (Humberside) and Skokholm (Dyfed) in 1970, but it is clearly an unusual month for this inconspicuous little lark.

Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris (0, 0, 2) Cornwall Stithians Reservoir, 22nd June (P. Higson). Sussex, East Beachy Head, 9th July (E. D. Urquhart). (Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East) Accepted for 'Category A'—another one out of the way, leaving few 'obvious' choices to add to the British list. For two to appear so close together, after years of waiting, is just another of those odd coincidences that keeps us guessing.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica (7, 153, 14) Cornwall Cot Valley and Kenidjack, 24th October (D.J. Barker et al). Gwithian, three, 24th October; two, probably of same, Ventonleague, 26th (P. A. Rutter). Grampian Aberdeen, 17th November (B.J. Stewart et al.). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 537

Humberside Flamborough Head, 4th May (P. A. Lassey). Spurn, 31st May (I. Crowther, M. G. Neal, P. Shepherd). Kent Bough Beech Reservoir, 23rd April (C. Bond et at.). Dungeness, 13th June (N. Odin). Northumberland Dunstanburgh, 13th November (J. C. & J. M. Day). Scilly St Mary's, two, 23rd-25th October (P. I. Holt, J. P. Martin, J. Norton, P. Raby et al.); presumed same, Tresco, 26th-27th (S.J. Broyd, R. Hibbett, P. I. Holt et al.). 1986 Merseyside Red Rocks, 28th September (M. Gibson, J. Turner et al.). 1987 Clwyd Point of Air, five, possibly seven, 26th October, four to 28th (R.J.Jennett,J. C. Weldrick). 1987 Cornwall Trevail, two, 25th October (S. G. Rowe). 1987 Dorset Arne, 19th April (B. Beck, W. E. Fletcher, S. Roantree). Hengistbury Head, 6th May (MrsJ. V. Bale, Mrs J. M. Butt), presumed one of the two at Stanpit on 2nd May (Brit. Birds 81: 572). 1987 Grampian Girdleness, 16th May (A. Leitch). 1987 Hampshire Farlington Marshes, 14th November (R. P. Clay). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, 5th-8th November (Brit. Birds 81: 572), observers included B. Richards, P. Willoughby; at least four more recorded: three, 22nd October (A. M. Allport, J. C. Lamplough,'p. A. Lassey et al.); 26th-27th (B. S. & J. M. Bates); 31st (P. A. Lassey, J. M. Pearson, Miss I. Smith). 1987 Kent St Margaret's Bay, 1st November (C.J. Cox). 1987 Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, two, 24th-28th October, additional two, 27th (C. Brown et al.). 1987 Norfolk Happisburgh, 11th November (F. T. Gates, J. A. Smith, C. R. Wills), presumed one of Winterton individuals, 12th (Brit. Birds 81: 572). 1987 Northumberland Bamburgh, 1st November (M. S. & Mrs A. Hodgson et al.). 1987 Scilly St Mary's, one, 21st October, at least five, 23rd, one, 24th, seven together, 27th, two, 28th (Brit. Birds 81: 572), three, 24th (D. J. Odell, R. M. Patient et al.). 1987 Shedand Clickimin Loch, Lerwick, 31st October (Brit. Birds 81: 577), M. Holmes sole observer. 1987 Suffolk Landguard, two, 28th October (D. R. Moore, S. H. Piotrowski et al.). Lowestoft, 12th November (A. C. Easton, S.J. Ling et al.). Southwold, 21st-25th November (M. Forbes, L. Townsend et al.). (South and East Eurasia and Africa) In Ireland, two near Baldwinstown, Co. Wexford, from 30th April to 2nd May; one at Firkeel, Co. Cork, on 25th October. The Committee is aware of the potential problem of Swallow Hirundo rustica X House Martin Delichon urbica hybrids, so it is important that the nape, rump patch and undertail-coverts of a supposed Red-rumped are described in detail. All the above fitted the bill, and the 1987 additions make that year even more amazing, with about 64 in total. The 1987 Scilly flocks (repeated above) should be compared with the coincidence of five or seven in Clwyd. In 1988, numbers were much reduced, but still well above average.

Cliff Swallow Hirundo fryrrhonota (0, 1, 1) Cleveland South Gare, probably juvenile, 23rd October (R. Little, C. Sharp et al.). (North America) The first for Britain and Ireland was in October 1983, in the national centre for Nearctic rarities, the Isles of Scilly. A repeat performance on,the English northeast coast was unexpected, to say the least, but coincided with an Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea (of certain identity, but uncertain provenance) and a Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis farther south on that same coastline. The swallow may help the bunting, but needs little support in return, as it is hardly a candidate 538 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 for an 'escape'. It was more than a little sharp of the observers to spot it flying overhead.

Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae (135, -, -) 1981 Sussex, East Near St Leonard's-on-Sea, 10th October (K. M.Johnston). (Asia, Africa, Australasia) Long-since removed from the list of species considered by the Committee, this big pipit remains a good and exciting find. With Blyth's Pipit A. blythi very much in mind nowadays, it pays to look carefully at a Richard's. The 1981 total moves to 46.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsom (1, 59, 9) Humberside Sammy's Point, Easington, 20th-21st October (W. E. Oddie et a/.). Flamborough Head, 24th October (M. Newsome, P.J. Willoughbv et at.). Norfolk Stifikey, 13th October (G. D. Elliott, M.J. Everett et'al.)'. Scilly St Agnes, 28th October to 3rd November, trapped 30th (G. R. Avery, B. H. Bailey, C. Bradshaw et at). Shetland Exnaboe, Mainland, 3rd January (D. & J. Coutts, R. L. Howells el al.). Fair Isle, two: 7th October (N.J. Riddiford et al.); llth-22nd (N.J. Riddiford, A. F. Silcocks et at). Lerwick, 26th-29th October (P. M. Ellis, F. D. Hamilton, P. V. Harvey). Virkie, 30th October (D. R. Bird, P. V. Harvey). (Northeast Russia to Central and East Asia) The pick of an otherwise standard bunch was, quite clearly, the unprecedented January record from Shetland; but remember the famous garden bird of February to April 1984 in Berkshire. Just about anything can happen!

Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi (13, 16, 1) Shetland Fair Isle, 5th-7th October (A. J. Livett, D. M. Russell, P. G. W. Salaman et al.) (fig. 4).

Fig. 4. Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi, Shetland, October 1988 (Paul Salaman)

(Northeast Russia, Central and East Asia) The seventeenth since 1958 and the eleventh on Fair Isle, fitting neatly into the peak time of late September/early October. It tends to appear in 'runs'—1971-72, 1975-78 and 1984-86. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 539 Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus (30, 172, 9) Greater London Barn Elms Reservoirs, Cf, 13th May (R. B. Hastings, J. P. P. Wilczur). Norfolk Blakeney Point, 15th-16th May (N. H. & Mrs P. A. Butler, M. Fiszer, M. I. Piercey et al); another, 16th (J. Hodgkinson, T. P. Kerridge et al); one or other to 17th. Scilly St Agnes, 6th-7th May (G. R. Avery, J. D. Sanders et al.). Shetland Fair Isle, 2nd June (P. M. Potts). Baltasound, Unst, trapped 22nd May (M. G. Pennington, I Spence). Quendale, 13th-14th October (D. R. Bird, P. V. Harvey et al.). Hillswick, 21st October (Dr C. F. Mackenzie). Virkie, 29th October (M. Mellor, D. Suddaby). 1984 Sussex, East Near St Leonard's, 28th October (K. M.Johnston, S. C. Richardson). 1987 Northumberland Holy Island, 10th May (K. W. Regan, N.J. Watmough). (Arctic Eurasia) A belated record from Ireland, of one at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, on 24th October 1987. It is always satisfying to see well-documented reports of this species, but those in the small flush in May were naturally easier than non-red- throated ones in autumn.

American Pipit Anthus rubescens (3, 1, 1) Scilly St Mary's, 9th-19th October (C. D. R. Heard et al.). (North America, western Greenland, eastern Asia) One of the more creditable and interesting finds of the autumn; the previous records were on St Kilda in September 1910, in Co. Wexford in October 1951, on Fair Isle in September 1953 and in Co. Wicklow in November 1967, with three others under consideration (Brit. Birds 81: 208). Scilly in October must have been as good a bet as any for the next.

Yellow Wagtail Motacillaflava (3, 13, 1) Males showing the characters of the black-headed subspecies M. f. feldegg were recorded as follows: Oxfordshire Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, 4th-5thJune; same, Roke, 12thJune to 10thJuly (A. Brampton, P. Davis et al.). 1985 Northumberland Cresswell Ponds, 2nd June (I. S. Chadwick, W. G. Savage et al.). 1986 Dyfed Skomer, 7th May (G. Walker). (Balkans and Asia Minor) A number of other records remain under consideration or require review (this being a somewhat troublesome race on which to reach a consensus view, judging by recent literature). The Oxfordshire bird was evidently settled into a territory.

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola (2, 43, 1) Shetland Fair Isle, first-winter, 8th-10th September (P. M. Potts, N.J. Riddiford et al). 1987 Orkney Deerness, Mainland, first-winter, 4th October (E. R. Meek, E. J. & S. J. Williams). (Northeast and East Russia, West Siberia, West and Central Asia). More or less average for this persistent but very scarce wagtail.

Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia (2, 71, 7) Kent Dungeness, in song, trapped 11th May (S. McMinn et al.). Sandwich Bay, in song, 15th- 20th May, trapped 15th (C. N. Davison, J. R. Hill et al.). Norfolk Blakeney Point, cf, 15th-18th May (P. Feakes, S. C. Joyner, N. Williams et al). Orkney North Ronaldsay, first-summer, trapped, 26th-27th May (P. J. Donnelly, A. E. Duncan et al.). Shedand Fair Isle, first-summer cf, 9th-13th May, trapped 9th (P. Howlett, N.J. Riddiford et al); 14th-21st May (P. Howlett, P. M. Potts, N.J. Riddiford et al). Kergord, trapped 14th May (J. N. Dymond, I. Sandison). 540 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 (Scandinavia, East Europe and West Asia) The Norfolk bird was not 'in song', but did respond by singing back to a tape-recording, which proved it was a male. This is an unusually high number, the best total since 1985.

Siberian Ruby throat Luscinia calliope (0, 1, 0) 1977 Lincolnshire Donna Nook, 14th October (Brit. Birds 72: 533; 73: 108-109), now reviewed and no longer considered acceptable. (Siberia and Japan west to Urals)

Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus (3, 7, 1) Lincolnshire Theddlethorpe Dunes, $ or immature, trapped 12th October (M. & Mrs F. E. Boddy) (plates 333 & 334). (Northeast Europe, Asia, Japan) Still an erratic and much-desired rarity, this being the first since 1984 (but the second for Lincolnshire). Of the seven others since 1960, four were in October and two in late September; the pattern is neatly continued.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros (0, 3, 1) An individual showing the characters of one of the intergrading southern/ eastern populations P. o. ochruros-semirufus-phoenicuroides was recorded as follows: Lincolnshire Donna Nook, cf, showing characters closest to ochruros, 21st October (G. P. Catley, D. Hursthouse, P. Wilson)(plate 332). (East from southern USSR and Iran) Three other claims remain under consideration; none has been accepted since 1983. These 'eastern' races may open up a whole can of difficult worms . . . Male ochruros can be subtle, to put it mildly, but male phoenicuroides are lovely, eyecatching creatures.

Moussier's Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri (0, 0, 1) Gwent Dinas Head, c$, 24th April (M. & Mrs F. Barrett, G. Walker a al). (North Africa, from Morocco to Tunisia) A spectacular discovery, one of the ultimate North African prizes, and completely unexpected. The escape likelihood is, however, very low, and it is migratory within its limited range; vagrants have reached Italy (two records up to 1987) and Malta (seven records up to 1982), and the first ever in Greece was on 30th March 1988 (Brit. Birds 82: 349). The BOU Records Committee will be placing the species in 'Category A' (Ibis in prep.).

Stonechat Saxicola torquata (1, 119, 3) Individuals showing the characters of one or other of the eastern races S. t. maura or stejnegeri were recorded as follows: Humberside Flamborough Head, 9 or immature, 14th October (T. Dolan, P. A. Lassey). Kent Foreness, J or immature, 24th-25th September (M. H. Davies, S. D. W. Mount). Wiltshire Chirton Down, J, since 21st November 1987 to 7th February (Brit. Birds 81: 578). 1987 Gwynedd South Stack, Anglesey, $ or immature, 10th-13th October (P. Fisher, P. Smith, I. H. Wright); another, 15th-18th (P. Fisher). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, $ or immature, 29th September to 2nd October (P. A. Lassey et al.). 1987 Shetland Bridge of Walls, $ or immature, 2nd-6th October (Brit. Birds 81: 578), another, 2nd-6th (C. Moar). Whalsay, $> or immature, 23rd October (Dr B. Marshall). 1987 Tyne & Wear St Mary's Island, J or immature, 30th October to 2nd November (G. P. Bull, M. G. Winter). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 541 (White Sea, eastwards across Siberia, East Caucasus and Northern Iran) In Ireland, one at the Old Head of Kinsale, Co. Cork, from 27th October to 1st November. One overwintered in Norfolk, 1985/86, and another attempted to do so in Essex, 1986/87, but it is an unusual event; apart from the Wiltshire individual, this is a fairly normal series.

Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina (1,3, 1) Scilly St Man's, 2ncl-Hrd October (P.J. Dunn el al.)(lirit. Birds 82: plale 87). (Southeast Europe east to Mongolia) A bird photographed in Wales and published as this species (Brit. Birds 82: plate 34) was considered not to be so, but nor was it submitted as a certain claim; it is, therefore, neither accepted nor rejected, but it wasn't one. This remains, in fact, an extreme rarity, with single reports in May, September and November, and now two in October.

Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka (3, 11, 3) Humberside Flamborough Head, first-winter O". 17th- 18th October, trapped 18th (P. A. I.assey, W. F. Oddie, S. P. Rooke el at.). Norfolk Blakenev Point. 9, Kith October (A. P. Chamberlain, I?. F. Clearv, S. A. Stirrup el at.). Orkney Stronsay, $, probably first-winter, 16th-19th October (1). Garratt, J. F. Holloway). (Southeast Europe and South-central Asia) Rarity analysts will love this trio, separated by a few hundred kilometres but arriving almost simultaneously—by what unknown series of coincidences? The year 1983 is the only previous one with a multiple occurrence.

Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica (15, 29, 1) Kent/Sussex, East Bewl Water, d", showing the characters of O. h. hispanica, ")th May (R. Haines, P. C. Hance el «/.). 1987 Scilly Rryher. 9 «r first-winter. 20th September (\V. F.. Oddie). (Southern Europe, Northwest Africa and Southwest Africa) The sixth for 1987 makes that an exceptional year. A spring male, of course, is not the same problem as an autumn bird—more of a spectacle, less of a challenge.

Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deseili (11, 15, 2) Orkney Honevsgeo, South Ronaldsay. cf. 21st to at least 30th October (C.J. Corrigan, K. K. Hague, Mrs I.. White el at.). Shetland Boddam. 9 <>r first-winter. 2nd-Srcl November (M. limbeck, M. Mellor el at.). (North Africa, Northwest Arabia, east to Mongolia) This species can always be hoped for to lengthen the autumn rarity season; very late October and November dates are typical. The geographical spread is wide: Scilly, the south and east coasts of England, Cumbria and the Northern Isles.

Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis (6, 15, 1) Dorset Portland, <3\ lolh-24th April (M. Cade,,]. Perkins, M. Rogers el at.). (Central and Southern Eurasia) Apart from the strange Kent individual of February to April 1983 (but now we all know what strange things 542 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 happen in Kent early in the year—and in strange places; the earliest up to now were on 21st April 1968, and 3rd May 1984 and 1985; this one, therefore, sets a new mark.

Varied Thrush Zoothera naevia (0, 1, 0) 1982 Cornwall Nanquidno, 14th-23rd November, possibly since 9th (E. Grace, S. C. Madge et al.)(Brit. Birds 76: plates 37-39). (Western North America) This record is now accepted in 'Category A'; the bird's unusual pigmentation caused lengthy research for the BOURC, but was found to be not without precedent in the USA. It remains one of the all-time stars of passerine vagrancy, from altogether the wrong side of the New World—about as impossible to predict as you can get.

Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus (1, 12, 0) 1987 Cornwall Cot Valley, llth-18th October (P. Charles, D.J. Holman, A.J. Spottiswood et al.). (North America) This unfortunately missed last year's report owing to late reporting; it predates one in Stilly by a day and another on Lundy by four days.

Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus (1, 31, 1) (North America and Eastern Siberia) One on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, from 9th to 12th October.

Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni (1, 7, 0) 1987 Dyfed Skomer, 3rd-5th December (S.J. Sutcliffe). (Northern and Central Siberia) Late-autumn and winter records are the norm, but this is the first since 1983.

American Robin Turdus migratorius (11, 18, 1) Grampian Inverbervie, first-winter cf, 24th-29th December (Mrs J. Evans, R. McCurley et a/.)(plates 157 & 335). (North America) This is the first since 1984 and the first seen by more than a handful of people since 1976. Since 1961, records have been in January (three), February (one), May (two), June (one), October (one), November (five), and December (three, including this one). In the 1960s, the spectre of escapes was raised more than once; the current situation is uncertain, but there seems no reason to question this individual.

Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola (3, 6, 3) Shetland Fair Isle, three: first-winter, 5th-6th October, trapped 5th (N. J. Riddiford, A. F. Silcocks et al.); 9th (P. M. Ellis, P. Howlett et al.); first-winter, trapped 12th (N.J. Riddiford, P. G. W. Salaman et al.) (fig. 5, page 547). (Western Siberia eastwards to Japan) An extraordinary trio; previous records since 1976 have been between 13th September and 26th October. 329 & 330. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius, Co. Cork, October 1988 (A. McGeehan)

The British Birds Rarities Committee is sponsored by 331. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus, Gwynedd, July 1988 (Steve Young) 332. Black Redstart Pkoenicurus ochruros, probably nominate race, Lincolnshire, October 1988 (Michael Tarrant) 333 & 334. Female or immature Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, Lincolnshire, October 198 (M. Boddy)

335. American Robin Turdus migratorius, Grampian, December 1988 (S. M. D. Alexander) 336 & 337. First-winter Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabeUinus, Dorset, October 1988 (David Kjaer) 338. Male Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla, Oxfordshire, April 1988 (George Reszeter) Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 547

Fig. 5. Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola, Shetland, October 1988 (Paul Salaman)

Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata (9, 33, 3) Shetland Fair Isle, probably first-year, 15th-21st September (Dr R. C. Brace et al.); first- winter, 4th-5th October, trapped 4th (N. J. Riddiford, A. F. Silcocks et al.); first-winter, trapped, 10th October (G. R. Avery, P. M. Potts, N.J. Riddiford et al). 1987 Fife Isle of May, 2nd October (P. W. Forster). (East Eurasia from Central Russia to North Japan) Meticulous examination by a member of the Committee of a single rather obscure photograph confirmed the identity of the Fife individual.

Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola (2, 12, 2) Fife Isle of May, 31st May to 1st June, trapped 31st, 1st (Dr M. P. Harris, P. K. Kinnear et al). Suffolk Landguard, trapped 11th June (J. Askins, D. P. Butterfield, M. C. Marsh et al). (South Russia and Asia) The second in May and first in June in Britain.

Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus amndinaceus (23, 122, 4) Powys Llangynog, Montgomeryshire, in song, 15th June (E. & Mrs M. Nobles). Shetland Fair Isle, three: 27th May to 10th June, trapped 27th, 9th (P. Howlett, N. J. Riddiford et al); 2nd-3rdjune (D. Davidson, P. M. Potts); cf, trapped 3rd, 4th June (P. M. Potts, N.J. Riddiford et al). (Europe, Southwest and East Asia and North Africa) The Powys record sees the end of a rarity-free zone; it was backed by a tape recording, complete with Welsh voices, sheep and dogs.

Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata (1, 25, 1) Orkney South Ronaldsay, 3rd-4th September, trapped 3rd (C. Corrigan, Mrs R. McCutcheon, E. R. Meek et al). (Northwest Russia, east to Mongolia and south to Iran) A typical date for this rare warbler, which may sometimes be easier (for experienced observers) to identify than it is to 'prove' in words and field sketches. 548 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillam (12, 179, 32) Cornwall Si Levan, cf, 25(h April (R. M. & Mrs R. Fllis). The Lizard. O". 13th May (li. Cave, M. Hunt). Devon Lundy, cf. trapped 22nd April (S. Brown, R. W. Skeates). Dorset Hengistbury Head, Cf. 3rd-4th June (D. N. Smith el al.). Fife Isle of May, 2, 9th-13th May. trapped 9th, 11th (M.Jones, R. Proctor el al). Gwynedd Bardsey, O", 7th May (P. Jcnks, I). Okines, G. Poole et al.); cf, 20th June to 16th August, trapped 21st June and subsequently, killed by Sparrowhawk Aceipiter nims, now at National Museum of Wales, Cardiff (I). Okines, C Poole, J. Watson). Kent Dungencss, 9- trapped 28th April (N. Odin. R. Wallers el al.). Reculver, 9- -",tn MaV (I)r A. M. Hanby. B. Mattock, C. Osborne el al.). Man, Isle of Calf of Man, cf. possibly first-summer, trapped 16th May (A. Sapsford. I). Walker); 9, 22nd May to 2nd June, trapped 22nd (A. Sapsford, I). Walker). Merseyside Hilbre, cf, trapped 22nd April (B. & I.. Tollitt et al.). Norfolk Weybourne, first-summer 9. trapped 30th April (Or M. P. Taylor, J. Wallis et al.). Blakeney Point, cf, 8th-11th May (A. M. Stoddart el al.). Orkney North Ronaldsay, Cf, probably first-summer, dead, 7th May (A. K. Duncan, M. CI. Pennington el at). Stronsay, O", 15th May (J. F. & Mrs S. M. Holloway). Scilly St Agnes, Cf, 26th April (T. J. Davis, T. A. Jones el al.): 2 or first-summer O", 22nd May (P. H." Aley, D. J. Odell. M. J.' Palmer el al.).' Shetland Fair Isle, four: first-summer o", probably showing the characters of .9. c. albislriala. 27th April to 14th May, trapped 27th (C. Donald. P. M. Polls, N.J. Riddiford el at.); O*. 8lh- 10th May (J. Halpin, I). Quine, N.J. Riddiford el al.): probable ?, 14th May (P. M. Polls); O'. probably showing the characters of .V. c. albislriala. 22nd May (Dr C. F. Mackenzie, N.J. Riddiford el al.). Toab, Mainland, Cf. 4th-5th May (M. Heubeck, R. I.. Howells el al.). Out Skerries, cf". Uth-12th May, trapped 12th (Mrs j. King, F. & Mrs M. Tail). Fetlar. first- summer cf, Hth Mav to 1st June, trapped 11th Mav, killed by cat (M. A. Peacock el al.). Seafield, Lerwick, 9. 12th May (I). Suddaby). Hillswick, cf. 14th May (DrC:. F. Mackenzie). Skaw. l/nst. cf, 15th-28th May (M. Sinclair, I. Spence, R.J. Tulloch el al.). Suffolk Landguard, cf. 23rd-24th April, irapped 23rd (D.P. Butterfield. R. A. Walthew et al.). Sussex, East Beachy Head, Cf, probably showing the characters of V. c. albislriala, 9lh-l3th May (R. I). M. Fdgar el al.). Western Isles Loch Obe. Barra, cf. 5thJune (A.J. Spottiswood). 1987 Suffolk Landguard. cf, 8th-10th June, trapped 8th (1). P. Butterfield el al.). (St)uth Europe, West Turkey, Northwest Africa) In Ireland, a male at Great Saltee, Co. Wexford, on 7th June. Another great spring for this species. The subspecies albistriata is a strongly contrasted one from the Balkans.

Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala (1, 13, 4) Dorset Cogden Beach, Bridport, cf, 2nd-8th May (A.J. Barrett et al.). Kent Sandwich Bay. Cf. 22nd June (C. N. Davison, P. K. Worsley et al.). Orkney Birsay, Cf, 24th to about 27th April (P. & V. C. Reynolds et al.). Scilly St Agnes. 9, lOth-llth May (P. & Mrs S. Morrison, J. 1). Sanders el al.). (South Europe, Middle East and North Africa) An unprecedented quartet, but April, May and June have all turned up records before.

Desert Warbler Sylvia nana (0, 4, 1) Wight, Isle of Bembridge Pools, 30th October (P. Deluce, N. Coodyer). (Middle East, Central Asia and Northwest Sahara) This bird was watched closely and full notes were taken which enabled a positive (and undoubted) identification to be made back home later—a find of a lifetime. Previous records were in October (two), November and December. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 549

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides (13, 149, 17) Cleveland Hartlepool, 7th September (D.J. Britton, T. G. Francis et al). Gwynedd Bardsey, trapped 13th June (P. Jenks, D. Okines, G. Poole). Humberside Flamborough Head, trapped 7th September, released 8th (P. A. Lassey, J. M. Pearson et al.). Man, Isle of Calf of Man, trapped 11th June (A. Sapsford, D. N. Walker). Orkney Stronsay, 16th-19th August; another, 18th-19th (J. F. & Mrs S. M. Holloway, J. Stevenson). Holm, 2nd September (E. R. Meek). Windwick, South Ronaldsay, 3rd to at least 4th September, trapped 4th (E. R. Meek, E.J. Williams et al). Scilly St Mary's, llth-15th October (W.J. Low, P. A.J. Morris et al). Shetland Fair Isle, first-winter, 9th-21st August, trapped 9th, 16th (P. Howlett, P. M. Potts, N.J. Riddiford et al); 27th August (C. Donald, P. A. Gregory, D. R. Watson et al). Noss, first- winter, 11 th-13th August (D. R. Bird, S. Cable et al.). Whalsay, first-winter, trapped 14th August (Dr B. Marshall et al); two first-winters, both trapped 28th August (Dr B. Marshall, M. Williamson et al). Lerwick, 4th-5th September (P. M. Ellis, D. Suddaby). Yorkshire, North Filey Brigg, first-winter, 6th-7th September (P.J. Dunn el al). 1987 Cleveland Hartlepool, 25th August (B. Beck, K. Moir, S. Ryan et al). 1987 Norfolk Blakeney Point, 27th-28th August (P. J. Dolton, R. O. Hunt, S. M. Whitehouse et al), additional to that of 25th-30th (Brit. Birds 81: 583). 1987 Yorkshire, North Bempton, 26th-28th August (P. Philp et al). (Eurasia, east from Northern Germany) Alstrom & Olsson, in Interna­ tional Bird Identification, did little to boost confidence in observers faced with this or the next species; a good combination of factors remains very important in their identification (and for goodness sake get the thing to call . . .).

Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis (19, 136, 4) Lothian Skateraw, 21st-23rd October, trapped 22nd (P. R. Gordon, C. C. McGuigan et al). Norfolk Great Yarmouth, lst-2nd October (P. R. Allard et al.). Scilly St Agnes, 1 lth-19th October (P. G. Lansdown, S. Message, K. D. Shaw et a/.)(plates 74 & 75). Tresco, 17th-19th October (G. C. Bond, R. H. Chittenden et al). (Northern Fenno-Scandia, east to Alaska) The individual illustrated (Brit. Birds 81: plate 297) but not listed in last year's Report remains under consideration.

Pallas's Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus (3, 412, 57) Borders St Abbs, 22nd October (E. P. & M. R. Leven et al). Eyemouth, 22nd October (D. Patterson). Cleveland Redcar, 23rd October (C. C. Robinson et al). Cornwall Porthgwarra, 28th October (R. Beddard, D. S. Flumm et al). Swanpool, Falmouth, 9th November (B. Cave). Dorset Portland, 23rd October (R. Newton et al.); 28th (A.J. Gardiner, M. Rogers et al). The Nothe, Weymouth, 23rd-24th October (J. Stirling, Miss L. Watkins et al). Durlston Country Park, 26th-28th October (R.J. H. Murray, S. F. Smith, R. M. Ward et al). Essex Coate Outfall, Dengie Shore, 17th October (D. Wood). Grampian Cruden Bay, 19th to at least 22nd October (L. T. A. Brain, T. W. Marshall et al). Drums, 22nd October (W. N. Hughes et al). Gwynedd South Stack, Anglesey, 23rd October (K. G. & Mrs E. Croft, A. Davies el al). Great Orme, 27th-28th October (M. B. Hughes, P. & N. Latham, N. Phillips et al). Highland Kinlochewe, Wester Ross, 24th October (R. Strachan). Humberside Flamborough Head, eight: 15th-18th October (J. C. Lamplough, P. A. Lassey et al); trapped 21st (P. A. Lassey,J. M. & M.J. Pearson et al.); 22nd (P. A. Lassey, V. A. Lister, D. I. M. Wallace et al); five, two trapped, 25th, one to 27th (P. A. Lassey, M. Newsome, P.J. Willoughby et -al). Sammy's Point, Easington, 16th October (Mrs C. Lee, P. Mountain, D. Proctor et a/.)(plates 83 & 84). Spurn, (f, 23rd-24th October, trapped 23rd (R. McQueen, B. R. Spence et al). Atwick, 28th October (W. F. Curtis). 550 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Kent Stodmarsh, 5th November (D. C. Gilbert et al). Dungeness, 11th November (S. McMinn et al.). Lincolnshire Stonebridge, Donna Nook, 20th-21st October (G. P. Catley, S.J. & W.J, Meek et al). Pye's Hall, Donna Nook, 20th-22nd October, two 21st-22nd (G. P. Catley, D. Hursthouse, S. J. & W. J. Meek a al.). Lothian Barns Ness, 14th October (I.J. Andrews, E. P. & M. R. Leven et al.). Scoughall, 22nd October (D.J. Bates et al.). Man, Isle of Calf of Man, trapped 25th October (A. Sapsford, K. Scott, D. N. Walker). Merseyside Moreton, 28th October (M. R. Gough). Norfolk East Hills, Wells, 23rd-24th October (S. P. Harris). Scratby, 24th October (I. R. Hunt). Weybourne, Cf, trapped 26th October (Dr K. P. Elsby, K. B. Shepherd). Heacham, 30th October (M. L. White). Northumberland Craster, 13th October (M. S. Hodgson, W. G. Savage). Low Hauxley, $, trapped 14th October (M. Davison, B. Galloway). Holywell Dene, 20th October (S. Younger). Orkney Hoy, 25th-26th October (K. Fairclough et at). Shetland Boddam, 14th October (M. S. Chapman, R. L. Howells, M. Mellor); 26th (M. Mellor). Tingwall, 22nd October (A. Graham). Stromfirth, 22nd-23rd October (A. & J. Graham). Bigton, 27th October (Dr C. F. Mackenzie). Scatness, 27th October (D. R. Bird, P. M. Ellis, G. Scanlan el at). Sussex, West Church Norton, 9th November (V. Bentley, S. Gallis, T. J. Jennings et al.). Tyne 8c Wear St Mary's Island, 12th-13th October (J. D. Parrack, J. R. Todd, K. W. York et al.). Prior's Park, 21st-25th October, trapped 22nd, 25th (C. Bradshaw, M. P. Carruthers, L. Hall et al.). Marsden, 25th October (J-P. Vassallo el al.). Low Fell, Gateshead, 27th October (A.J. Booth, M. A. Ridsdale, M.J. Sharp). Wight, Isle of St Catherine's Point, 22nd October (S. R. Colenutt, G. C, Stephenson, D. Swennson et al.). Yorkshire, North Filey Brigg, trapped 24th October (P.J. Dunn, P. Lindley et al). 1987 Dorset Durlston Country Park, 20th-22nd October (R.J. H. Murray et al). 1987 Hereford & Worcester Droitwich, 17th November (S. M. Whitehouse). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, 21st-22nd October, two 22nd (A. M, Airport, J. C. Lamplough, P. A. Lassey et al); 29th (B. S. Bates). 1987 Lincolnshire Donna Nook, two, 20th October, another 21st (H. Bunn, G. P. Catley, S. Lorand et al). 1987 Shetland Grutness, 2nd-3rd October (G.J. Fitchett et al); 21st to 1st November (P. M. Ellis, R. L. Howells, G. W. Petrie et al). Whalsay, trapped 3rd October (Dr B. Marshall). Kergord, 31st October to 1st November (J. N. Dymond, P. V. Harvey et al). 1987 Suffolk Landguard, 19th-21st October (D. P. Butterfield, M. C. Marsh et al); 3rd-5th November, trapped 3rd (H. R. Beecroft et al). Aldeburgh, 1st November (R. Bacheragh, R. E. Smith). Lowestoft, llth-12th November (B.J. Brown, P. Gill et al). Felixstowe, 23rd December (W. Stone). 1987 Sussex, East Beachy Head, 25th October (D. & J. F. Cooper, A. Quinn et al.). Friston Forest, 25th, 28th December (G. W. Gowlett). 1987 Sussex, West Pagham Harbour, 11th October (L. E. Hemblade, R. M. Shaw). Climping, 5th-6th December (A. S. Cook, E.J. P. Standing et al). (Central, East and Southern Asia) In Ireland, one at Howth Head, Co. Dublin, on 14th October, and one found dead at sea on the Marathon gas- platform, off the Old Head of Kinsale, Co. Cork, on 9th November. The very late records in Suffolk and both East and West Sussex in 1987 are especially interesting; the East Sussex one, and the Highland bird in 1988, were associating with tit flocks. The Humberside series was really magnificent, but Norfolk was much more subdued (although at least one more still remains to be reported)—and, what, no Scillies?

Radde's Warbler Phylkscopus schwarzi (1, 61, 21) Borders St Abb's Head, 15th October (E. P. & M. R. Leven a al). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 551

Fig. 6. Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi, Cornwall, October 1988 (E. A. Fisher)

Cleveland Hartlepool, 12th October (G. Iceton et al.). Cornwall Porthgwarra, 17th-19th October (E. & E. A. Fisher, N. Morgan, J. P. Smith et a/.)(plate 73, fig. .6). Humberside Spurn, 16th-17th October, trapped 17th (R. Adams, B. R. Spence, N. P. Whitehouse et al.). Sammy's Point, Easington, 17th October (D.J. Britton el al.). Lincolnshire Theddlethorpe Dunes, trapped 16th October (M. & Mrs F. E. Boddy). Norfolk East Hills, Wells, 15th-17th October (J. McCallum, B. R. Scampion et al). Blakeney 552 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988

Point, 16th October (G. E. Dunmore, P. Feakes, S. C. Joyner et al). Warham, 23rd October (S. P. Harris et al). Holme, 24th-25th October (C.J. Cross, R. L. K.Jolliffe et al). Orkney Stronsay, 13th-14th October (D. Garratt.J. F. & Mrs S. M. Holloway). Windwick, South Ronaldsay, first-winter, 14th-15th October, trapped 15th, released Graemeshall, East Mainland, again seen 17th, 19th (K. E. Hague, E.J. & S. Williams et al.). Scilly St Mary's, 23rd October (Dr L. A. Batten, D. Bickerton, J. D. Geeson et al); another, 23rd-28th (G. C. Bond, L. Steward et al); another, 24th-25th (A. Kramer, D.J. Odell, J. C. Palmer et al). Tresco, 28th October (J. W. & Mrs J. Donovan, S. Holloway et al.). Shetland Fair Isle, 13th October (D. H. Russell). Scatness, 27th October (D. R. Bird, J. McK.ee et al). Tyne 8c Wear Prior's Park, trapped 23rd October (A. Hutt, M. P. Carruthers, M. G. Cubitt et a/.)(plate 339). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, 30th September (P. A. Lassey). (Central and East Asia) In Ire­ land, singles at Howth Head, Co. Dublin, on 14th October; on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, from 23rd to 26th October; and on Old Head 339. Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi, of Kinsale, Co. Cork, from 24th to Tyne & Wear, October 1988 (M. G. Cubitt) 26th October. The basic biometrics and wing-formulae of this and the next species are so similar that ringers handling either species should note bill-depth and bill-width, measured at the proximal edge of the nostril. Estimates in the field are not recommended unless you have a nose for measurements. At last this species has broken away from the next, which hitherto reflected its occurrence pattern almost exactly. This was a 'big year' for Radde's in no uncertain terms, but with a remarkably tight pattern of arrivals between 12th and 24th October, plus a late one in Scilly. The 1987 individual, however, was notably early, but in a year with four more within the next three days.

Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus (1, 68, 2) Dyfed Strumble Head, 15th October (G H. Rees et al). Grampian Rattray Head, 13th October (M. Marquiss). 1985 Norfolk Holkham Meals, 21st-23rd May (P. M. Cocker, W. A. & Mrs B. A. Davidson). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, trapped 3rd November (A. M. Allport, P. A. Lassey, J. M. Pearson). 1987 Orkney North Ronaldsay, 3rd October (C. Barker). 1987 Scilly Tresco, 2nd-6th November (R. A. Filby, C. D. R. Heard et al). 1987 Suffolk Landguard, 27th October to 1st November, trapped 27th (C. Brown, D. P. Butterfield et al). (Central and Northeast to Southern Asia) The total for 1987 jumps to 17, a new record, but in 1988 this species came down with a bump, in marked contrast to Radde's Warbler. The Dyfed record is particularly noteworthy.

Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli (3, 94, 4) Essex The Naze, 2nd October (G. C. Bond, P. Loud, C.J. Mackenzie-Grieve et al.). Kent Reculver, 2nd October (T. N. Hodge, C. A. Osborne et al). Man, Isle of Calf of Man, 25th-26th September, trapped 25th (A. Sapsford, D. N. Walker). Norfolk Holme, 9th April (Dr D. T. Parkin, M.J. Warren). (Central, West and South Europe, Levant and Northwest Africa) Since Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 553

1958, including the above records, there have been five records in April, 11 in May, one in June, four in the first half of August and 21 in the second half, 21 in the first half of September and 14 in the second half, 13 in the first half of October, four in the second half, and two in November (these are arrival dates, but many stayed long periods).

Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus (0, 17, 7) Berkshire Brimpton Gravel-pit, J, trapped 1st October (N. Cleere)(.Bn/. Birds 82: plate 80). Dorset Stanpit Marsh, juvenile or first-winter, 21st-22nd October (M. A. Hallett, P. Morrison et al). Kent Dungeness, 2 or immature, 13th October (S. McMinn, M. Tickener et al.). Stodmarsh, first-year, trapped 25th October (W. E. Fletcher, I. D. Hunter, R. H. Lawrence et al.). Westbere, sex uncertain, 21st December (D. S. H. Coates). Scilly St Agnes, first-year, 17th-18th October (W. G. D. Legge, J. H. W. Ridley et al). Sussex, East Pett Level, $, trapped 15th October (S.J. R. Rumsey,J. Willsher). (Western Europe to Manchuria) Ageing in autumn is, apparently, not straightforward. The October influx was the largest ever. Remarkably, the Pett Level individual was caught in central-southern Sweden in early May 1989 (BTONews 164: 1).

Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus (1, 20, 6) Dorset Durlston Country Park, first-winter, 12th-22nd October (R.J. H. Murray, R. M. Ward et a/.)(plates 336 & 337). Essex Bradwell, first-winter, 23rd-28th October (C. Barton, B. O'Dowd et al.). Humberside Spurn, first-winter, 14th-22nd October, trapped 15th, 17th (J. K. Baker, J. Cudworth, C. Holt et al). Kent Sandwich Bay, first-winter, 15th-16th October, trapped 15th (J. Fraser, J. N. Hollyer, I. D. Hunter et al). Norfolk Horsey Gap, first-winter, 26th October (W. R. Brackenridge). Shetland Catfirth, first-winter, 17th-23rd October (M. S. Chapman, A. Graham et al). 1975 Norfolk Holkham Meals, 12th-13th October {Brit. Birds 69: 353, as Red-backed Shrike L. collurio showing the characters of one of the isabellinus group of races), now considered to be closest to L. i. phoenicuroides, but of uncertain age. 1975 Sussex, West Sidlesham, 1st March to 20th April (Brit. Birds 69: 353) was Cf (occasionally in song) showing characters closest to L. i. isabellinus. 1978 Cambridgeshire Hemingford Grey, Huntingdonshire, 8th October (Brit. Birds 73: 525) now considered to have shown characters suggesting hybrid L. collurio kobylini X L. i. phoenicuroides. 1978 Scilly St Agnes and Gugh, 26th to at least 27th October (Brit. Birds 73: 525), Gugh, 28th (E.J. Abraham). 1980 Scilly St Mary's, first-winter, 3rd October (D. G. H. Mills); same, Gugh, 4th October to 8th November (P. A. Dukes, S. N. G. Howell, P. G. Lansdown et al). 1987 Devon Wembury, first-winter, 8th November (Brit. Birds 81: 586) to at least 14th (P.J. Knight et al). 1987 Norfolk Wells, first-winter, lst-5th November (T. C. Davies, D. J. Holman, M. J. Palmer et al.). 1987 Shetland Eswick, Mainland, probably first-winter, 23rd October (P. V. Harvey, M. Heubeck, T. D. Rogers et al). (South Asia to China) A well-watched individual at Stodmarsh (Kent) in early November remains under consideration. In general, it is considered unsafe to attribute first-winter individuals to any particular race. Despite some speculation that the Norfolk and Devon individuals in 1987 may have been the same, there is no clear evidence to support this. The 1988 records take this species into an entirely new realm—the first- ever major multiple arrival. 554 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor (32, 96, 1) Borders Dowlaw Dean, 22nd May (A. Brown). (South and East Europe and Southwest Asia) Nine Committee members felt tempted to reject this, found by the tenth when a day late looking for a Woodchat Shrike L. senator. A Dorset record remains under consideration.

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator (101, 413, 24) Borders Dowlaw Dean, 14th-21st May (R. G. Young et al). Cornwall The Lizard, 15th May (A. R. Pay). Kenidjack, 14th-15th May (J. Humphries, M. P. Semmens), Porthtowan, 14th June (V. C. Brown, L. Kristianson, Dr S. McNeill et al.). Devon Braunton Burrows, 15th-16th May (R. S. Bedford, K. Pellow et al.). Dorset Portland, 5th-6th May (G. Walbridge); 27th May (P. A. Fraser et al). Langton Herring, 22nd-23rd May (A. Batchelor, B. S. & T. A. D. Ryman et al.). Durlston Country Park, adult, 9th August (R.J. H. Murray et al). Gwent St Bride's Wentllooge, juvenile, 29th August to 6th September (C. Hurford, C.Jones et al.). Highland Trotternish, Skye, lst-3rdjune (D. Hatfield); presumed same, Waternish, Skye, 18th-19th (R.J. & Mrs C. Cook). Lancashire Heysham Harbour, 30th April (P.J. Marsh). Norfolk Waxham, 25th July (R. M. Patient, S. C. Tilley). Scilly St Mary's, 2nd-19th April (A. R. & Mrs L.J. Coley, Mr & Mrs F. L. Woolgrove et al)(Brit. Birds 81: plate 208); 23rd-26th May (P. K. Greaves, G.J. White et al). St Agnes, 23rd- 26th April (J. W. Hale, F. H. D. Hicks, T. A.Jones et al.); 5th-6th May (Mrs P. Crowther, J. D. Sanders et al). Shetland Fair Isle, 21st May to 4th June (J. Courts, N.J. Riddiford et al); lst-4th June, trapped 3rd (P. Howlett, N.J. Riddiford et al.); 7th-27th June (J. Dickson et al.). Virkie, 2nd July to 1st October (A. Fitchett, J. McKee et al). Sussex, East Cuckmere Haven, 27th May (Mrs A. Ayres, Dr B. C. Cantelo). 1986 Devon Lundy, 30th May (P. Davies et al). 1986 Norfolk Titchwell, juvenile, 10th August (S. R. Cole, D. R. Collins, Dr N. R. Rogers et al). 1987 Norfolk Holme, 8th-10th June (D.J. Holman et al). (West, Central and South Europe, Southwest Asia and Nortrj Africa) Singles in Ireland on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, from 22nd to 29th April, and an adult female at Dundrum, Co. Dublin, from 5th to 18th May, when it was found dead. The individual on St Mary's is the earliest since the Committee was established (and even beats one in Scilly on 9th April 1956); the one at Virkie is probably the longest-stayer. The pattern is otherwise typical, but the numbers quite high; totals have always been unpredictable, with 21 in 1958 and 1960, but only two in 1963; 24 in 1968, but just seven in 1972.

Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus (160, 177, 2) Cornwall Falmouth, juvenile, 30th October to 8th November (Mrs D. Webb per S. M. Christophers). Scilly St Mary's, juvenile, 18th September to at least 30th October (D. E. Williams et al). Strathclyde Ballygrant, Portnahaven and Port Ellen, Islay, adult, probably J, 18th August to 13th October (Mrs C. Bell, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, M.J. Sharp et al), probably returning 1987 individual (Brit. Birds 81: 588). Surrey Normandy, Guildford, adult, since 17th October 1987 to 6th January (Brit. Birds 81: 588, plate 306). 1983 Norfolk Holme, adult, 3rd June (P. V. Hayman et al.). 1984 Fife Dalgety Bay, adult, about 5th August (J. Mullen). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 555

1987 Lincolnshire South William, juvenile. 23rd August (K. Simnis). (Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia) More late-autumn individuals in juvenile plumage; the Strathclyde adult is notable for its unusually long stay, but is it likely to be a returning bird from a year previously, and, if so, what does that tell us about its origin? Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus (1, 43, 11) Cornwall Porthgwarra, 29th September to "ill October (Mr & Mrs F. Klliston, A. Harris, Mrs B. James el al.). Devon I.undy. trapped 28th September (R. Bowers, J. A. High, M. & Mrs W. Rogers el al.): another, trapped 1st October (15. I). Gibbs. J. M. B. King el al.). Dorset Southwell. Portland. 3rd-5th October (A.J. Gardiner. F. & M. I'nderwood el al.). Northumberland Holy Island, 5th-(ith October (A. S.Jack, I). Short. 1. J. lams el al.). Scilly St Mary's, 10th'October (R. P. Bowman, J. G. Hole el al.): another. 10th (A. Birch. A. C. Kaston. P. Hansbro el al.): one or other to 15th. other to 19th (Brit. Birds 82: plates 85 & 8b). Suffolk Lowestoft. 29th September (I). N. Bakewell el al.). Western Isles Newton Plantation, North list, lst/th October ('I'. J. l)ix. B. C. Forrester, J.J Gordon el al.). 1985 Scilly St Martin's. 27th October (P. K. Greaves, J. M. Turlon). 1987 Cornwall Nanquidno. 9th October (lirit. Birds 81: 588), joint finders included R. Q. Skeen. (North Ameriea) In Ireland, one on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, from 26th September to 5th October and another from 28th September to 2nd October. Ageing in autumn is now considered unsafe, and all records previously recorded as first-winter should best be left unaged in future analyses. This was an excellent year, both for numbers and for geographical spread.

Serin Serinus serinus (76, -, -) 1969 Avon (then Somerset) Glevedon. two cTcf, two 99- l°'h February (lirit. Birds 63: 290), identification no longer considered acceptable. 1971 Buckinghamshire Bourne F.nd, pair, 12th March, O" to 14th (P. & Mrs !•'.. Willson). (West, Central and Southern Europe) This species was dropped from the Committee's list in 1983. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis homemanni (30, 124, 2) Orkney Slronsav, showing the characters off,", h. homemanni. 5th-7lh November (J. F. & Mrs S. M. Holloway). Tayside Carnoustie, 27th December to at least 19th April 1989 (S. R. Grren. M. S. Scott et al.). 1985 Humberside Spurn, first-winter 0". 24th November (J. I,aw. I). M. Pearee, N. P. Senior). 1985 Yorkshire, North Harrogate. 23rd March (P.J. Yokes). 1986 Norfolk Between Burnham Decpdale and Scolt Head. 2(">th-27th January (R. G. Millington, R. Waddington). 1987 Shetland Whalsay, showing the characters off.', h. homemanni, 28th April lo al least 1st May (J. L. Irvine, Dr B. Marshall, the late A. Sandison). (Circumpolar Arctic) This species should never be claimed on brief views; a 'good "Mealy" Redpoll' C. flammea flamniea can look surprisingly striking amongst 'Lesser' Redpolls C.f. cabaret. A suspected Arctic must be examined carefully, with particular attention to the background colour and markings on the mantle and back, upper and lower flanks and rump patch, as well as the extent of the last. In the hand, it is essential to measure bill-depth, bill-length, culmen shape, wing-length, length of 556 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 unmarked section of rump patch and width of streak (if any) on the longest undertail-covert. A few records from past years remain under consideration with these points in mind.

Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera (40, 29, 0) 1984 Hampshire Slufter's Inclosure, New Forest, Cf, 14th to at least 21st March (G. C. Barrett, P. Combridge, Prof. W. E. & D. K. Waters et al). 1985 Central Region Carron Valley Forest, C?, 13th October (P. R. G. Marriott, W. Prest et al). (Northeast Europe, North-central Asia, northern North America and West Indies) Not all crossbills with white wing-bars and white tertial-tips are of this species, and special notice should be taken of the precise shape and extent of these white areas, and of the relationship between the two wing-bars. A photograph, or a careful sketch, will be most helpful. Thank you to those who sent in additional material to assist with placing the 1984 Hampshire bird in its rightful place in the Report. More records from 1987 are still being considered.

Northern Parula Parula americana (0, 11, 2) Cornwall Cot Valley, 5, 9th-19th October (N. Lever et al.). Dorset Portland, first-winter d", 30th September to 7th October, trapped 30th (A. J. Gardiner, G. Walbridge et «/.)(plates 340 & 341). (North America) To say 'typical dates' for this stunning bird seems altogether too blase; there are just too many rarities, these days, and wonderful birds like these are almost devalued.

340 & 341. First-winter male Northern Parula Parula americana, Dorset, September 1988 (A. J. Gardiner)

Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata (1, 16, 0) (North America) The Loop Head, Co. Clare, individual of 1986 was described as a juvenile (Brit. Birds 81: 590); it appears, however, that Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 557 juvenile plumage is moulted between July and September, prior to migration, so that individual was in first-winter plumage.

Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata (0, 25, 1) Cornwall Porthgwarra, 14th October (P.J. Chantler, B. R. Field, J. Russell et al). (North America) In common with the 1987 Scilly record (Brit. Birds 81: 590), this individual should not be recorded as first-winter, as ageing in the field between August and March is now considered unsafe.

Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla (0, 1, 0) 1985 Cornwall Rame Head, Cf, 13th October (Brit. Birds 81: 590), observers should include V. R. Tucker. (North America) Anyone finding another should be wary of the unlikely, but possible, event of its being a female with a distinct black cap. The 1985 individual (Brit. Birds 81: 590), however, had a deep, glossy black crown, confirming it as a male.

Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis (0, 4, 1) Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, 22nd-23rd October, trapped 22nd (I. Hartley, N. G. J. Richards et al.) (plate 79). (North America) A really splendid find, the first since 1983 (one on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork); previous British records were all in the Isles of Scilly, in 1958, 1968 and 1982. This is the latest arrival by 19 days.

Savannah Sparrow Ammodramus sandwichensis (0, 2, 0) 1987 Shetland Fair Isle, first-winter, 30th September to 1st October, trapped 30th (Brit. Birds 81: 590), first-named observer was P. M. Ellis. (North America, Mexico and Guatemala)

Pine Bunting Emberiza kucocephalos (2, 12, 2) Humberside Flamborough Head,

Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys (0, 2, 0) 1975 Norfolk Holkham Meals, $ or immature, 19th October (D.J. Holman,J. B. Kemp, M. Parker). (Northeast Asia and East China) There was one on Fair Isle from 12th to 23rd October 1980; this is now predated by the Norfolk individual in 1975 as the first for Britain. Many people will be pleased to see the latter finally gaining unqualified acceptance in 'Category A', after a long struggle.

Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica (34, 175, 6) Northumberland Druridge, 20th-22nd October (M. G. Anderson, A.J. Booth, M.J. Sharp et al.). Scilly St Mary's, 15th October (C. Atkins, P. Davis, D. C. D. Urquhart et al.). Shetland Burravoe, Yell, cf, 17th May (C. & J. Davis). Fair Isle, 12th-16th October (P. M. Potts, A. F. Silcocks). Tyne & Wear St Mary's Island, cf, 11th May (I. D. Moorhouse). 558 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 1987 Hereford 8c Worcester Upton Warren, 7th November (L. Cady, S. M. Whitehouse). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, J, 20th May (J. C. Lamplough, P. A. Lassey, J. M. Pearson); $, 23rd (J. C. Lamplough, P. A. Lassey); (S, 24th (A. M. Allport.J. C. Lamplough, P. A. Lassey). 1987 Shetland Quendale, C?, 26th May (D. R. Bird, G. Palmer, D. Suddaby et al). Foula, Cf, 11th June (R. Caldow). Whalsay, 10th October (Dr B, Marshall). (Northeast Europe across North Asia) One on Gape Clear Island, Co. Cork, on 14th October. May and October reports, with the odd one in Shetland in June, conform to the normal pattern. The 1987 Hereford & Worcester report, however, is quite remarkable, the first away from the coast or an island since one near Doncaster in September 1958. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilh (93, 342, 15) Cleveland South Gare, trapped 25th October (S. C. Norman, D.J. Britton). Grampian Rattray Head, 2nd-4th May (T. W. Marshall, A. Webb et al.). Man, Isle of Calf of Man, 21st-22nd October, trapped 22nd (A. Sapsford, D. N. Walker). Northumberland Fame Islands, 6th May (D. C. Richardson, I. T. Sims). Oxfordshire Lashford Lane Fen, d\ 19th March to 15th April, in song from about 11th (R. J. Arnfield, N. J. Hallam, I. Lewington et a/.)(plate 338). Scilly St Agnes, 11th October (J. Hampshire, J. M. Randall et al). Shetland Fair Isle, five: 15th-18fh May (P. M. Potts et al); 12th-14th October (A. J. Livett, P. M. Potts et al); 12th-l 7th (N.J. Riddiford et al.); 14th (P. M. Potts, D. M. Russell); 22nd-24th (N.J. Riddiford et al). Grutness, 4th September (J. D. Okill, G. W. Petrie el al.). Haroldswick, Unst, 25th October (M. G. Pennington, M. Sinclair). Northdale, Unst, I2th-13th November (H.J. Burgess, M. G. Pennington et al.). 1985 Shetland Fair Isle, another, 7th-10th October (Brit. Birds 79: 582), was 7th-10th November. 1986 Orkney Loch Garso, North Ronaldsay, 24th September (D. H. Hatton). 1987 Cornwall Near Sennen, 16th April (H. P. K. Robinson). 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, 25th May (A. M. Allport, P. A. Lassey); 3rd October (D. Hursthouse,J. M. & M.J. Pearson). 1987 Northumberland Low Hauxley, trapped 20th October (M. Davison, I. Fisher, I. O. Kerton). 1987 Scilly St Mary's, 23rd to at least 27th October (Brit. Birds 81: 592), 29th (D. j! Holman, R. M. Patient). 1987 Shetland Whalsay, 20th-22nd October Q. L. Irvine, Dr B. Marshall). Grutness/ Sumburgh area, 24th October (D. R. Bird, P. V. Harvey). Quendale, 30th October (D. R. Bird). (Northeast Europe, North Asia) One at Loop Head, Co. Clare, on 16th October. Some Little Buntings seem to be given a cursory glance on the way to better things in the rarity hotspots, but deserve a longer look; not all are bright and obvious, and not all that are are well described. The Oxfordshire record in March and April is clearly exceptional; note also the series in Northumberland, Grampian and Shetland in May. Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola (10, 127, 4) Shetland Fair Isle, $ $ or immatures, 9th-18th September (P. Howlett, N.J. Riddiford, A. F. Silcocks et al); 19th September (P. Barrett, P. Howlett, N.J. Riddiford et al). Boddam, $? or immature, 28th-31st August (P. V. Harvey, M. Mellor, D. Suddaby et al.). Norwick, Unst, 9 or immature, 5th September (M. G. Pennington et al). 1984 Shetland Fladdabister, $ or immature, 18th-19th September (P. M. Ellis, M. Heubeck et al). 1985 Shetland Fair Isle, another, 7th-I0th November (Brit. Birds 80: 568) related to Little Bunting. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 559 1987 Humberside Flamborough Head, J or immature, 30th August (A. M. Allport, P. A. Lassey). 1987 Shetland Scatness, 5 or immature, 21st September (D. R. Bird, P. M. Ellis et al). (Northeast Europe across North Asia) Fair Isle, Fair Isle, and more Fair Isle? Not quite, this time, with other Shetland sites and Flamborough Head getting a mention to vary the usual FI domination.

Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala (9, 66, 7) Dyfed Skomer, Cf, 31st May (S. Idle, M. S. Wallen et al.). Gwynedd Bardsey, cf, 2nd October (K. Atkinson, G. Poole). Highland Loch Droma, Wester Ross, Cf, 2nd July (K. C. R. & Mrs H. S. C. Halliday et al.). Orkney North Ronaldsay, d", 30th July to 5th August, probably since 28th July (P. J. Donnelly, E. Scott, Dr K. F. Woodbridge et al.); another cf, 14th-26th August, trapped 14th (P.J. Donnelly, A. E. Duncan et al.). Shetland Fair Isle, cf, 9th June (P. Howlett). Strathclyde Irvine, cf, 4th-5th June (P. McEwan, G. Mitchell et al.). 1987 Humberside Patrington, cf, 3rd October (A. M. & P. M. Wilson). (Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia) Spring is the 'classic time' for this large and attractive bunting, but there have been August, September and October records since 1985. It seems best to forget the escape problem and just enjoy the birds . . .

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus (0, 20, 1) Dyfed Skomer, first-winter $, 29th September to 4th October (G. Banwell, J. C. Clowes, S.J. Sutcliffe). (North America) Southwest Wales is making a determined, and welcome, effort to reassert itself as a rarity-producing area of high quality.

Northern Oriole Icterus galbula (0, 14, 2) Scilly St Agnes, first-winter Cf, 4th-12th October (P. A. Dukes et al). Western Isles Benbecula, $ or first-winter cf, 30th September to 3rd October, trapped 30th, probably present since about 22nd-24th (P. R. Boyer, T.J. Dix, Mr & Mrs C. Heath et al). (North America) The first since 1983, when one in Scilly was itself the first since 1974, when there was one on Fair Isle. There were 13 between 1958 and 1974, and the small number of records since then has been surprising.

Appendix 1. List of records not accepted This list contains all current records not accepted after circulation to the Committee. It does not include (a) those withdrawn by the observer(s) without circulation, after discussion with the Honorary Secretary; (b) those which, even if circulated, were not attributed by the observer(s) to any definite species; or (c) those mentioned in the monthly summaries in this journal, if full details were unobtainable. Birds considered to be certain escapes are also omitted. In the vast majority of cases, the record was not accepted because we were not convinced, on the evidence before us, that the identification was fully established; in only a very few cases were we satisfied that a mistake had been made. 560 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988

1988

White-billed Diver Holme, Norfolk, 1st November; Newton Ferry, North Uist, Western Isles, 13th December. Albatross Loch Gruinart, Islay, Strathclyde, 11th April. Shag P. a. desmarestii Mevagissey, Cornwall, 12th January; Thurleston, Devon, 22nd-23rd February; Gwennap Head, Cornwall, 30th September. Little Egret Ryhope, Tyne & Wear, seven, 8th September. Glossy Ibis South Mills N. R., Bedfordshire, 13th May. 'Black Brant' Stiffkey and Wells, Norfolk, 13th February. American Wigeon Doxey Marshes, Staffordshire, three, 18th April. Blue-winged Teal Loch of Strathbeg, Grampian, 29th August. Black Kite Saltwells, Cleveland, 1st April; Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, 9th May; Cliffe, Kent, 16th May; Freshfield Halt, West Sussex, 22nd May; Cheriston Bridge, Devon, 17th June; Boston, Lincolnshire, 26th August; West Chiltington, West Sussex, 14th September; Lewes Brooks, East Sussex, 2nd October. Lesser Kestrel North Foreland, Kent, 15th May. Red-footed Falcon Ouse Washes, Cambridgeshire, 18th April; Cleadon Hill, Tyne & Wear, 5th May; Minsmere, Suffolk, 14th May; Egton, North Yorkshire, 30th May; Ring's End, Cam­ bridgeshire, 25th June; Dagenham Chase, Essex, 9th July; Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire, 17th July; Landguard, Suffolk, 9th September; Hengistbury Head, Dorset, 8th October; Reculvef, Kent, 31st October. Eleonora's Falcon Freshwater, Isle of Wight, 23rd October. Saker Kinkell Bridge, Tayside, 5th September. Gyrfalcon Airdeglas, Mull, Strathclyde, 12th April. Little Crake Skomer, Dyfed, 2nd October. Cream-coloured Courser Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire, 12th June. Black-winged Pratincole Ross-on-Wye, Hereford & Worcester, 15th June. Pratincole Holkham Meals, Norfolk, 26th June; Birchgrove, West Glamorgan, 1st July. American Golden Plover Sandwich Bay, Kent, 4th-7th May; Peterstone Wentlooge, Gwent, 17th May; Malltraeth, Gwynedd, 18th September; St Mary's, Stilly, 10th October; Nunkeeling, Humberside, 27th December. Pacific Golden Plover Stanpit Marsh, Dorset, 4th November. American or Pacific Golden Plover Blickling, Norfolk, 7th-9th September; Pilling Marshes, Lancashire, 26th October. Spur-winged Plover Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, 21st February, 4th March. Sociable Plover Exe Estuary, Devon, 26th October. Western Sandpiper Fremington Pill, Devon, 5th November; Hayle, Cornwall, 11th November. White-rumped Sandpiper Taw Estuary, Devon, 7th January. Broad-billed Sandpiper Cantley, Norfolk, 27th August. Great Snipe Stronsay, Orkney, 7th October. Long-billed Dowitcher Radwell, Bedfordshire, 23rd October. Dowitcher Holme, Norfolk, 12th August; Hengistbury Head, Dorset, two, 4th September; Stanpit Marsh, Dorset, 9th September; Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, 23rd September. Marsh Sandpiper Truro,•Corn­ wall, 23rd September. Spotted Sandpiper Otter Estuary, Devon, 19th January; Newtown, Isle of Wight, 10th October; Thorney Deeps, West Sussex, 26th-27th November. Wilson's Phalarope Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire, 7th August. Laughing Gull Deil's Dyke, Strathclyde, 10th January. Bonaparte's Gull Inverbeg, Strathclyde, 5th July; Wallasey, Merseyside, 3rd November. Ivory Gull Flat Holm, South Glamorgan, 9th October. Gull- billed Tern Blakeney Point, Norfolk, 14th May; Covehithe, Suffolk, three, 5th July; Titchfield Haven, Hampshire, 15th July. Bridled Tern Great Orme's Head, Gwynedd, 13th- 14th, 20th August; Cemlyn Bay, Gwynedd, 2nd September. Whiskered Tern Pevensey Levels, East Sussex, 24th May; Hengistbury Head, Dorset, 19th August. White-winged Black Tern Tiree, Strathclyde, eight, 28th July; Swithland Reservoir, Leicestershire, 17th August; Rutland Water, Leicestershire, 21st August. Alpine Swift Arlington Reservoir, East Sussex, two, 28th April; Trimley St Martin, Suffolk, 8th May; King's Sedgemoor, Somerset, 11th June. Little Swift Prawle Point, Devon, 11th August. Bee-eater Foreness, Kent, 15th May; Robertsbridge, East Sussex, 21st August. Roller Loch of Strathbeg, Grampian, 20th May; Holme, Norfolk, 2nd August. Calandra Lark Upper Tamar Lake, Cornwall, 6th April; Southwold, Suffolk, two, 17th December. Lesser Short-toed Lark St Martin's, Stilly, 15th October. Red-rumped Swallow Dunwich, Suffolk, 24th April; Spurn, Humberside, 22nd May; Dunstable, Bedfordshire, 22nd June; Stanwick, Northamptonshire, 18th September; Skokholm, Dyfed, 30th September; Spurn, Humberside, 16th October. Olive-backed Pipit Littlehampton, West Sussex, 18th November. Red-throated Pipit Arundel, West Sussex, 17th February; Easington, Humberside, 1st June; Bryher, Stilly, 20th October. 'Black- headed' Yellow Wagtail Braunton, Devon, 17th April. Citrine Wagtail Stodmarsh, Kent, 7th May; North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 27th May; Copinsay, Orkney, 7th September. Red- flanked Bluetail Thurgarton, Norfolk, 11th May. 'Siberian' Stonechat Bardsey, Gwynedd, 16th-17th October. Isabelline Wheatear St Goran's Head, Dyfed, 21st August; Aberlady, Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 561

Lothian, 22nd October. Black-eared Wheatear Foeldrygarn, Dyfed, 27th April. Desert Wheatear Crosby, Merseyside, 22nd October; Church Norton, West Sussex, 13th November. Swainson's Thrush St Mary's, Scilly, 27th September. Moustached Warbler Slapton Ley, Devon, 19th September. Paddyfield Warbler The Verne, Portland, Dorset, 11 th May. Great Reed Warbler Harpford, Devon, 15th May; Tresco, Scilly, 23rd September. Olivaceous Warbler Hoy, Orkney, 14th-15th May; Holkham Meals, Norfolk, 12th October. Booted Warbler Skaw, Unst, Shetland, 29th-30th May; St Mary's, Scilly, 1st October. Greenish Warbler Skomer, Dyfed, 27th April; Wollaton, Nottinghamshire, 1st July; Carlingheugh Bay, Tayside, 3rd-4th September; St Mary's, Scilly, 7th October. Arctic Warbler Collieston, Grampian, 16th October; St Agnes, Scilly, 27th October. Pallas's Warbler Tisbury, Wiltshire, 15th October. Dusky Warbler Wyke Regis, Dorset, 28th October. Penduline Tit St Mary's, Scilly, 18th October; Chew Valley Lake, Avon, 6th November. Nutcracker Glen Skirra, Strathclyde, 5th July; Holme, Norfolk, 17th September; Hemyock, Devon, six, 3rd November. Alpine Chough Skomer, Dyfed, 23rd April. Arctic Redpoll Skaw, Unst, Shetland, 21st July; Roundyhill, Tayside, two, 15th October. Swamp Sparrow St Mary's, Scilly, 20th October. Rustic Bunting St Mary's, Scilly, 27th October. Little Bunting Somerford Keynes, Gloucestershire, 6th-7th April; Barnham Cross Common, Norfolk, 13th-14th April; St Abb's Head, Borders, 5th June; North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 13th October; Blakeney Point, Norfolk, 16th October; Spurn, Humberside, 18th October; Fetlar, Shetland, 19th October; Mains of Usan, Tayside, 23rd October. Yellow-breasted Bunting Isle of May, Fife, 29th May; Skokholm, Dyfed, 19th-21st September. Black-headed Bunting Pett Level, East Sussex, 3rd March; Llyn Bodgylched, Gwynedd, 11th May.

1987 Albatross Burniston, North Yorkshire, 2nd January; Lundy, Devon, 14th September. Bulwer's Petrel Seaforth, Merseyside, 19th September. Little Shearwater Pendeen, Cornwall, 12th September; Cromer, Norfolk, 11th October; St Ives, Cornwall, 17th October. Wilson's Petrel Corsewall Point, Dumfries & Galloway, 15th September. Shag P. a. desmarestii St Ives, Cornwall, 8th October. Magnificent Frigatebird At sea, North Minch, 29th July. Lutle Bittern Rye, East Sussex, 17th October. Night Heron Long Drag Pools, Cleveland, 10th August; Cardiff, South Glamorgan, 11th September. 'Black Brant' Hayle, Cornwall, 5th-16th May. American Wigeon Little Marlow, Buckinghamshire, 9th-10th March; Wimbleball Reservoir, Somerset, $> 23rd March; Rutland Water, Leicestershire, 19th July; Eyebrook Reservoir, Leicestershire, 30th July to 13th August. Ring-necked Duck Kilnsea, Humberside, 8th April. Black Kite Milton, Derbyshire, 11th May; Clee Hill, Shropshire, 13thJune; Chilbolton, Hampshire, 21stJune; Southwold, Suffolk, 5thJuly; Tring Reservoirs, Hertfordshire, 29th August. Red-footed Falcon Elmley, Kent, 25th May; Worthing and Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex, 23rd June; Burford, Oxfordshire, 7th July; Humber Bridge, Humberside, 19th August; Selby, North Yorkshire, 16th September. Eleonora's Falcon Burnley, Lancashire, 20th November. Gyrfalcon Loch Gorm, Islay, Strathclyde, 9th October, 17th November; Saligo, Islay, 13th October. Litde Crake Cliffe, Kent, 17th April. Crane Weston Mouth, Devon, 11th April; Flamborough Head, Humberside, 10th June; Upper Hoyland, South Yorkshire, 16th June; Malvern, Hereford & Worcester, two, 30th September. Black-winged Stilt St David's, Dyfed, 29th April. Cream- coloured Courser Broadhaven, Dyfed, 22nd August. Red-necked Stint Dungeness, Kent, 5th-6th March. White-rumped Sandpiper Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, 27th August; Frodsham, Cheshire, juvenile, 30th August. Baird's Sandpiper Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire, 15th August. Stilt Sandpiper Point of Air, Clwyd, 16th August. Great Snipe Nene Washes, Cambridgeshire, 31st August; Unst, Shetland, 28th December. Short-billed Dowitcher Point of Air, Clwyd, 15th August. Long-billed Dowitcher Luskentyre, Western Isles, 4th January; Point of Air, Clwyd, 12th August. Dowitcher Spurn, Humberside, 11th August. Whimbrel N. p. variegatus-hudsonkus Flamborough Head, Humberside, 17th January. Marsh Sandpiper St Albans, Hertfordshire, 10th August. Greater Yellowlegs Minsmere, Suffolk, 16th August. Spotted Sandpiper Curbridge, Hampshire, 30th August to 3rd September. Wilson's Phalarope Dervaig, Mull, Strathclyde, 14th to 30th September, two, 19th, 21st. Bonaparte's Gull St Ives, Cornwall, 9th October. Ring-billed Gull Plym Estuary, Devon, 17th-18th January; Pwllhelli, Gwynedd, 17th January. Ross's Gull Hartlepool, Cleveland, 24th November. Gull-billed Tern Sandwich Bay, Kent, 23rd June; Fort Victoria, Isle of 562 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 Wight, 8th August. White-winged Black Tern Beadnell, Northumberland, 20th June. Alpine Swift Malltraeth, Gwynedd, 30th July. Bee-eater Chesham, Buckinghamshire, 15th May; Chartridge, Buckinghamshire, two, 16th May; Buckland Brewer, Devon, 10th June. Short-toed Lark Dungeness, Kent, 26th April; Easton Bavents, Suffolk, 7th November. Lesser Short-toed Lark St Mary's, Stilly, lst-2nd May. Red-rumped Swallow Pembrey, Dyfed, 26th July; Barn Elms Reservoirs, Greater London, 31st August; Holywell Dene, Northumberland, 14th September. Red-throated Pipit Flamborough Head, Humberside, 4th October; Blakeney Point, Norfolk, 5th October. Citrine Wagtail Cavenham, Suffolk, 17th September. 'Siberian' Stonechat St Abb's Head, Borders, 20th September. Black-eared Wheatear Lundy, Devon, 6th-15th May; Scolt Head, Norfolk, 20th May; Chelmarsh Reservoir, Shropshire, 23rd-24th May. Red-throated Thrush South Stack, Anglesey, Gwynedd, 15th October. Great Reed Warbler Minsmere, Suffolk, 27th June. Booted Warbler Lerwick, Shetland, 8th October; Durlston, Dorset, 20th October. Greenish Warbler Skokholm, Dyfed, 5th October. Radde's Warbler Donna Nook, Lincolnshire, 5th October. Nutcracker Wichenford, Hereford & Worcester, four, 14th-16th August. Arctic Redpoll Foula, Shetland, 23rd April. Parrot Crossbill Holkham Meals, Norfolk, 2nd November. Little Bunting Filey Brigg, North Yorkshire, 4th October. Yellow-breasted Bunting Hightown, Formby, Lancashire, 30th October.

1986 Albatross St Mary's, Stilly, 25th October. Little Shearwater South Stack, Anglesey, Gwynedd, 20th June; Strumble Head, Dyfed, 16th August. American Wigeon Rockland Broad, Norfolk, 22nd February; Fakenham, Norfolk, 20th September. Blue-winged Teal Belvide Reservoir, Staffordshire, 27th November. Oriental Plover Don Estuary, Grampian, 24th April. Red-necked Stint Sidlesham Ferry, West Sussex, 29th July to 3rd August. Great Snipe Medway Estuary, Kent, 16th November. Ring-billed Gull Port Glasgow, Strathclyde, 25th October. Caspian Tern Breydon, Norfolk, 17th May. Forster's Tern Penmon, Gwynedd, first-winter, 15th November. Red-throated Pipit Rother Valley Country Park, Derbyshire/South Yorkshire, 11th November. Isabelline Wheatear Boulby Cliffs, Cleveland, 25th-26th October. Subalpine Warbler Carlton Colville, Suffolk, 7th June. Pallas's Warbler At sea, Forties Oil Platform, North Sea, 26th September. Woodchat Shrike St Agnes, Stilly, 29th August to 1st September. Rock Bunting Cliffe, Kent, 3rd October. Rustic Bunting Fair Isle, Shetland, 15th May. Little Bunting Cresswell, Northumberland, two, 15th September; Lundy, Devon, 19th September; St Mary's Island, Tyne & Wear, 19th October; St Mary's, Stilly, 8th November.

1985 Albatross Spurn, Humberside, 13th October. Little Shearwater Spurn, Humberside, 29th October. 'Black Brant' Medway Estuary, Kent, 24th February. Surf Scoter Hunstanton, Norfolk, 17th November. Lesser Yellowlegs Staines Reservoirs, Surrey, 6th August. Ring- billed Gull Radipole, Dorset, 22nd April; Whitburn, Tyne & Wear, 15th November. Whiskered Tern Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire, 19th May. Oriental Cuckoo Spurn, Humberside, 29th June to 9th July. Scops Owl New Galloway, Dumfries & Galloway, 26th May. Pallid Swift Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester, 16th August. Siberian Thrush Lansallas, Cornwall, 19th January; Falmouth, Cornwall, 23rd January.

1984 Barrow's Goldeneye Thurso, Highland, 19th February. American or Pacific Golden Plover Lypitt Common, Devon, 27th March. Ring-billed Gull South Walney, Cumbria, 26th-27th December. Sooty Tern Spurn, Humberside, 30th September. Parrot Crossbill Holkham Meals, Norfolk, 12th May.

1983 Little Shearwater Portland, Dorset, 6th April, 8th October; Strumble Head, Dyfed, second individual, 16th October. Great White Egret Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire, 19th November. Gull-billed Tern Minsmere, Suffolk, 24th September. 'Siberian' Stonechat Titchfield Haven, Hampshire, 14th-15th February. Two-barred Crossbill Holkham Meals, Norfolk, 2nd October. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1988 563

1982 Little Shearwater Strumble Head, Dyfed, 21st September. Madeiran Petrel St Ives, Cornwall, 14th November, 15th November. Arctic Redpoll Walberswick, Suffolk, 20th February. 1980 American Wigeon Tresco, Scilly, 20th-26th October. Snowy Owl Lochnagar, Grampian, 7th September.

1979 Ring-billed Gull Blackpill, West Glamorgan, 22nd April to 22nd May. White-cheeked Starling Kirkwall, Orkney, 26th-28th March. 1977 White-tailed Plover Euston, Suffolk, 24th May.

1975 American Wigeon Martin Mere, Lancashire, 23rd October. 1969 Serin Clevedon, Avon (then Somerset), four, 16th February. 1968 Rock Bunting Foula, Shetland, 19th August.

M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3AX