TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Preamble 3 The Weather of 1946 5

General Bird Notes ... 6

Arrivals and Departures 35

Scilly Notes ... 37

The Walmsley Sanctuary 47

Roosting of Ravens. C. J. F. Coombs 49 Observations of nest construction by the House-Martin L. Rendell 50 Heronries of the Fal and Helford Estuaries. P. I. R Maclaren 55

Balance Sheet ...... 57

List of Members 58 SIXTEENTH REPORT

OF The Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society.

1946.

Edited by B. H. RYVES, D, VALENTINE and H. M. QUICK.

The year has been a satisfactory one for increase of Member­ ship, 47 new members having joined, bringing the total- to 289. The thanks of the Society are due to Mr. Stuart Martyn, who has again kindly undertaken the auditing of the accounts this year, and also to Mr. Penrose, who so kindly continues to permit us to hold our meetings at the Museum, and to prepare the lecture hall for them. The first Annual General Meeting since the war was held on March 4th, 40 members being present. The resignation of Mr. Polwhele from the position of President, which he had held since 1936, was received with much regret, and a vote of thanks passed for all he had done for the Society during his long connection with it. As a mark of appreciation, it was unanimously carried that he be appointed Honorary Vice-president for life. Col. Bolitho was then elected, with acclamation, as the new President, and the rest of the Officers were re-elected en bloc. The following new Com­ mittee members were elected to fill the vacancies which had occurred during the war years: Dr. Coombs, Mr. New, Mr. Rendell, Mr. T. J. Stephens, and Mr. C. J. Stevens. It was felt that conditions were not yet sufficiently normal to hold a second General Meeting in 1946, but two meetings of the Executive Committee were held, on March 4th, and November 11th.

Bird Protection. The Walmsley Sanctuary continues to be a source of pleasure and interest to members, as well as a source of income to the Society and, we hope, a source of comfort to the birds! The protection it offers to such species as the White-fronted Goose is invaluable; nowhere else in the County can Geese be seen in such numbers or with such regularity. Unfortunately, these birds have recently been much disturbed by the constant passing of low-flying planes, which scare them out of the Sanctuary into danger. The finding of a shot Bittern just over the border of the Sanc­ tuary is a sad story, which emphasises the value of the protected property. That any " nitwit with a-gun," can with impunity shoot these protected birds suggests that some form of closer control by the authorities is desirable. Reports of Gannets as the victims of oiling have been received from two or three sources. 4 More cheering is the news that the Peregrine is trying to re­ establish itself, and has bred successfully in two sites, as well as being seen about in several districts. The Short-eared Owl has also bred again. The spread of the Fulmar continues, and we think it is safe to say that anywhere along the length of the North coast, flying Fulmars are now a normal sight. The birds have spread round the Land's End as far as Mousehole, and then, crossing Mount's Bay, have appeared on the west side of the Lizard peninsula. Breeding is recorded from five sites, and suspected at a sixth, while more than one hopeful-looking station could not be visited at the proper time owing to the bad weather. Other points of note are the very early arrival dates of Swallow and Wheatear, the wintering date of Whimbrel, and the number of Hooded Crows, Black Redstarts, Spoonbills, Phalaropes and Little Auks reported. The Hooded Crow, hitherto only twice reported in the County in fifteen years, has this year been seen at four different times and places. A Wryneck at Tintagel is the first re­ ported for the mainland, though it has once been seen in Scilly. A Sooty Shearwater is also a very unusual visitor, and Kentish Plover have again been seen on the Camel estuary. A Woodchat Shrike was the most remarkable of the visitors to Scilly. An event of interest is the discovery of a roosting place in which, in addition to Crows, Rooks and Jackdaws, up to 150 Ravens congregate during the winter months. The habit developed by Herring Gulls in Newquay, of nesting between chimney pots, and on the window ledges of Hotels, is an amusing deviation from the normal, which appears to have become well established during the last twenty years. The Herring-Gull, already tripper-conscious, and willing to share a picnic lunch, seems becoming quite a domestic bird! The Great Black Woodpecker reported by Dr. Blair in square brackets is so very rare that it does not even appear on the list of British Birds! Readers will be interested in the description of what he saw that led him to suspect this unexpected vagrant. Members are thanked for the many and varied reports that they have sent in which, though heavily cut for reasons of space, form a useful body of evidence. Dr. Blair would like it known that the enquiry run by the British Trust for Ornithology into Nest sanitation is to be wound up at the end of this year, and he would be grateful if members would let him have their informa­ tion in good time, as he hopes to compile a report on the subject. Notes on the sanitation of Sea-birds are particularly wanted. Dr. Turk offers his thanks to those members who provided him with nest material for the study of bird parasites, and would still be glad of more material if anyone has the chance of obtaining it. Such material is best obtained about a week after the young birds have flown. Sand-Martins' nests are especially welcome. For the benefit of new members, the Editors here repeat their request, that those who send in complete annual lists of their bird records should do so in the following manner: 1. Use one side of the paper only, with a good margin at the top and left side. (The larger the paper the more convenient it is for handling). 5

2. Follow the order in the list of species, which can be sup­ plied to anyone asking for it. 3. Send not later than January 15th, after which date nothing can be accepted, to Miss Quick, Clarence Cottage, Penzance. Letters are welcome at any time from those who do not care to compile an annual record.

*****

THE WEATHER OF 1946. By B. H. Ryves.

The weather of 1946 can probably be correctly described as one of, if not the, worst within living memory. Certainly it was disastrous to the breeding of many species. There was abnormally little late nesting and few attempts at treble brooding were made by birds which commonly rear three broods. In a nutshell, 1946 was almost systematically wet, sunless and cool. January. There were short spells of severe frost and periods of rainy conditions. But the 13th was a wonderful spring day, when Woodlarks sang almost incessantly. On various days, song of Song-Thrushes and Wood-Pigeons was particularly noticeable. February. Mainly dull, mild and wet. The 12th was a true spring day and birds were crazy with song—Thrushes, Blackbirds and Chaffinches—and a Song-Thrush built feverishly. March. Much arctic weather, interspersed with wet days. The 27th, 30th and 31st were wonderful, hot summer days. April. Opened with almost a heat wave. Very little rain fell and crops suffered. Ended very wet. The only fairly decent month of the year. May. Cold winds prevailed during the first fortnight. Much rain in the last half of the month, including cloudbursts. June. Cold, cool and wet. An appalling month for man and beast. July. The 1st I noted as " the hottest day of the year." Warm days from 5th to 12th inclusive. The rest of the month chiefly cool, dull and wet. August. Cool and dull with a damaging gale on the 12th. Persistent rain for last half of month. September. Mainly wet and cool. October. Mainly wet. November. The wettest month for many years. December. Wet, except for a few days of frost before Christmas. 6

GENERAL BIRD NOTES FOR 1946.

List of Contributors.

E.A. Mrs. Aylwin, Golant. C.H.B. Capt. C. H. Bailhache, Tintagel. R.H.B. Dr. R. H. Blair, Camborne and Scilly. E.H.W.B. Lt.-Col. E. H. W. Bolitho, Madron. R.B. R. H. Brand, St. Austell. E.A.R.B. Major Burden, Trebetherick. V.M.B. Miss V. M. Bury, Looe. W.D.C. W. D. Clague, Looe. R.B.C. R. B. Clarke, Scilly. H.P.O.C. H. P. O. Cleave, Wadebridge. H.T.C. H. T. Curtis, Looe. A.D. Mrs. Darroch, Newquay. A.P.D. A. Perrin Dixon, Mylor, near Falmouth. A.A.D.S. Major Dorrien Smith, Scilly. S.J.D. S. J. Drew, Newquay. P.H.T.H. P. H. T. Hartley, St. Just in Penwith. F.H.H. Mrs. Hayman, Redruth. T.L.H. T. L. Henwood, Newquay. E.M.J. Mrs. Johnson, Mawnan, near Falmouth. C.H.L. C. J. Langham, Breague, near Helston. D.M.B.L. Miss Lethbridge, Launceston. P.I.R.M. P. I. R. Maclaren, Feock. J.M.M. J. M. Macmillan, Wadebridge. E.M.M. Mrs. Markland, Falmouth. M.J.M. Mrs. Meares, Falmouth. M.R.M. Miss Moor, Porth, Newquay. * H.M.Q. Miss Quick, Penzance and Scilly. H.R. Mrs. Rait Kerr, Wadebridge. C.R. C. Reith, Polzeath. L.R. L. Rendell, Callington. B.H.R. Lt.-Col. B. H. Ryves, Mawgan-in-Pydar. R.L.S. R. L. Sandercock, St. Ives. K.M.S. Miss Skinner, St. Agnes. J.S.S. J. S. Stephens, Trevose. M.S.S. Mrs. Stephens, Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth. T.J.S. T. J. Stephens, Gweek (Mawgan-in-Meneage). C.J.S. C. J. Stevens, Par. K.T. Mrs. Taylor, Tintagel. F.A.T. Dr. Turk, Scilly. C.C.V. Lady Vyvyan (Mawgan-in-Meneage). H.W. H. Wakefield, Scilly. W.S.W. W. S. Watts, Trevone. T.J.W. T. J. Willcocks, Wadebridge. [Records have also been received from the following non- members: C.A.—Miss C. Acland, F.C.B.—F. C. Bromley, A.V.C.— A. V. Cornish].

RAVEN. Five nests in sites previously occupied were reported. Of these, two were known to be successful in rearing a brood, and in three cases the result is unknown. A sixth pair started to build on the site of their nest of 1940, but abandoned build­ ing towards the end of March, though they continued to roost there for the rest of the season. On December 1st, these birds returned to roost to the site of their last year's nest. S.J.D. and T.L.H. Four nests were reported on new sites, the results of two of which are unknown. Broods of four and three respectively flew from the other two nests. One of these was in an isolated fir tree in an exposed position, and is the first Raven's nest found by the observer in that district. T.J.S. The birds reported above which gave up building, were seen on March 24, flying wing to wing, and one of the birds, which was carrying a small rodent in its mouth was seen to pass it to the other bird during flight. The birds then separated. T.L.H. (See also article on a Raven roost by C. J. F. Coombs).

HOODED CROW. November 27th, one was feeding among the rocks at Hannafore Beach, Looe. I watched it for about five minutes, when it flew away south. V.M.B. January 21st, one at Breage, near Helston. C.H.L. On October 22nd, in a field near Wadebridge, three. H.M.Q. December 26th, two seen at the water's edge at Kennack Sands. The tide was ebbing and there was a S.W. gale blowing. They were in company with two Carrions, three Jackdaws and several Gulls. The Hoodies did not seem very contented; they kept lifting into the breeze, and after a few minutes they flew to a group of rocks, which were jutting into the sea, and were obscured from my view. They were not there on the following day. T.J.S.

ROOK. A pair built a nest in the Spring of 1945 in a beech in the Castle Grounds at Launceston. For some reason the bot­ tom of the nest fell out, and the birds successfully repaired it by working under and outside it instead of the usual method of working from the inside. L.R. The new rookery again abandoned after earlier activities. (See 15th Report, p. 9). B.H.R.

MAGPIE. A roost established in Par marsh. Twenty to thirty birds came in to the willows each evening at approximately 4.45 p.m. from January 1st till at least February 2nd. C.J.S.

JAY. February 19th, two at Swanpool. M.J.M. 8

CHOUGH. The two pairs which I always report on bred in their ancestral homes but, regrettably, there is no direct evidence that a brood was successfully reared by the cavern pair, in what we will call Site A. However, there is suggestive evidence that they did for, about mid July, ten birds were seen to­ gether (possibly the pair and their young consorting with non-breeders) in the neighbourhood of the cavern. On the other hand, P.I.R.M. visited the spot on July 21, and saw two birds fly into the cave, there being no sign of young. As regards the other pair (site B), on June 18, Col. Bolitho and I saw seven birds together four of which flew to a distant feeding ground, the remaining three dropping to feed on a cliff slope not far distant and soon revealing themselves to be two parents feeding a solitary youngster. (On the 12th, S.J.D. had watched this pair feeding two fledglings—a very early date—so apparently tragedy had befallen one of these young). The four birds I took to be non-breeders, and may have been among the party of ten birds mentioned above. B.H.R, Second-hand information of nesting at a third site C, is substantiated by the following reports from the same district. A pair with young seen, early September. J.S.S. A party of six, September 6. C.H.B. (This latter information makes it seem likely that the only two broods reared were at sites B and C.—Eds.).

STARLING. At Tregeare, near Launceston. Immense flocks of star­ lings began to come in to roost in the rhododendrons and fir trees on February 15th. These increased in numbers to the extent that approximately two acres of ground were completely covered with the birds each night before they flew up to their roosts. Owing to the overpowering smell and the damage they were doing to shrubs (branches were broken by the weight of the birds) we did our best to evict them. Every evening at dusk all available hands were employed shooting, beating tins, throwing tin plates in the air, etc., hoping to frighten them away, but although we succeeded in keeping a few specimen rhododendrons free from harm, the plague continued until the end of March when, owing possibly to the very warm spell, the birds suddenly left one evening for a plantation about a mile away where, at any rate, some of them roosted for two nights before their final departure. A few small flocks appeared at intervals, but were easily driven off—I think they may have been the same birds who had been before as they seemed nervous of noise. I would be very grateful for any suggestions as to how to drive the birds away, should they return next Spring. D.M.B.L. Has ceased to breed in this immediate neighbourhood. No family parties seen this summer as in former years, though large flocks as usual in autumn and winter. L.R. 9

Thousands roosted in the Par marsh during November and December. They appeared to roost first in the reeds on Par beach, but later used the reeds near Par Station. About the beginning of December they moved to the willows and alders near St. Blazey marshalling yard. On December 9th at least fifty birds were seen dead in the railway embankment, and in the small stream at the foot of it, apparently having hit the telephone wires on the edge of the marsh in the dark. That these birds were a part of the above roost seemed evident by the fact that they lay in clumps of five, six, or even nine. Of two I handled, one was decapitated and one injured in the neck. C.J.S. GREENFINCH. On July 24th a flock of about twenty birds, with House- Sparrows, in fields opposite John Williams' office, St. Austell. R.B. A very poor breeding season, owing to the most unfavour­ able weather. No late nests. B.H.R.

GOLDFINCH. Hen seen collecting spider silk from an ivy-covered wall several times while building. L.R. As for Greenfinch. In a nest holding six eggs, the female sat very erratically after the first few days, being absent often for spells of two hours. The male, too, became very in­ attentive. After sixteen days, the nest was deserted. I examined the eggs and found one was infertile, the remaining five containing embryo chicks in a state one might expect to find after about five days of incubation. B.H.R. In great numbers this year, two nesting in the same tree at once. On June 29th one reared a brood in a chestnut tree, and sat again in the same nest. T.J.W. SISKIN. I saw three in my garden on February 25 th, of which one was a male. It was also reported to me by Mr. Radway that he had seen eight near St. Blazey in February. As I saw birds of this species in February and March, 1944, I am hoping to find that they are regular winter visitors. All these birds were carefully identified with reference to the Handbook; the male was yellowish green, with a definite black crown; the other birds were duller, with under parts definitely striated. C.J.S. LINNET. On April 11th I was watching some half-dozen linnets of both sexes in a low bush, when from the top of a tree close by a male flew out with widely spread tail, vibrating wings and most intense twittering, descended with a very erratic butterfly flight and alighted among the others. All then flew off. Again on June 29th a male was seen to fly up to the top of a tall Scots fir with the same action as described above, although the flight was a little more direct. It was then joined by a female, and after a few seconds both flew off. The Handbook does not describe any display flight for the Linnet. L.R. 10

CHAFFINCH. Seems to have endured adverse weather better than either Goldfinch or Greenfinch. Here are details of four observed nests:— No. 1. On March 26th, hen began building. On April 18th, hen began incubation. On April 29th, eggs hatched. On May 15th, a very strong brood flew. Second Nesting. (cf. 15th Report, pp. 13-14). On May 28th, hen began building (new nest). On June 4th, hen began incubation of her clutch of two eggs only. On June 18th, both eggs were hatched. On July 7th, both chicks—still very immature—died. No. 2. A strong brood flew on May 19th. No. 3. Incubation began on May 8th, chicks hatched on May 19th, but all died on 22nd (very wet weather). No. 4. Nest in an insignis pine which I reckoned was at least seventy-five feet up and within a few feet of the top. The position was fully exposed to the strong and cold north­ east winds and driving rains which prevailed throughout the greater part of the period of breeding. This is my record for height of a nest, though Chaffinchs very often nest in my conifers at heights from twenty to sixty feet (recorded in "British Birds"). Incubation began on April 16th and eggs hatched on May 8th. A very strong brood flew on May 26th— a very lengthy period in nest, due perhaps to the bad weather and great height of nest. B.H.R. A pair successfully reared a brood of four in a nest situated almost at the top of a pollarded tree which is almost surrounded by houses. C.J.S. CORN-BUNTING. Decrease in numbers this year. I saw a party of twelve on telegraph wires, with at least six singing in a metallic jangling chorus and this was on December 16th in a cold east wind! W.S.W.

YELLOW BUNTING. A woodman informed me of a nest in Hustyn Wood. I went to investigate, and was amazed to find two young in it, on September 4th. They were still there on September 8th, almost fully fledged, so I was not surprised to find them gone on September 10th. This is the latest nesting date I have ever known. H.P.O.C.

CIRL BUNTING. August 30th at Devoran, one male, September 6th one male and one female feeding young, rather a late date. M.J.M. Fared badly in my district and no successful broods recorded. On April 16th—an exceptionally early date—I found a nest about half built; on the 17th, I watched the hen build­ ing; on May 7th, first egg was laid and, on the 8th, the second which completed her clutch. On May 11th, the nest was deserted. B.H.R. 11

REED-BUNTING. Several breeding pairs seen in a certain place on Bodmin Moor. L.R.

HOUSE-SPARROW. No change as scarce breeder in my district. B.H.R.

SKYLARK. September 7th a party of eighty-four were feeding on some high rough fields near St. Enodoc Golf Links quite un­ disturbed by a Buzzard which was flying over the ground fairly low. H.R.

TREE-PIPIT. Two at least on June 9th, and again on the 24th. T.J.W.

BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL. On May 14th, I visited Marazion marsh, where I heard a call note resembling that of the Yellow Wagtail, but then saw a male bird which had a blue-grey head, white above the eye, a white throat, lores and ear coverts appearing the same colour as the head but a trifle darker and bordered by a white stripe below; the rest of the under parts were yellow. It was joined by a female and the two remained under observation at close range for half an hour. C.A. [On September 28th, a party of six birds, believed to have been this species, were seen near Trenance Lake. Two, I think, were mature males. T.L.H.] On May 15th I was informed by Miss Acland that there was a bird of this species on Marazion March, and on going- over there I had, first, a good view of the male in an excellent light which showed up well his blue head, and later a female bird with which he was keeping company. The eye stripe of the female was noticeably white in comparison with that of a female Yellow Wagtail also present on the Marsh. Before I left coition took place between the two, so that I was left in no doubt that they were a pair. On June 22nd I had a good view of both parents with one young bird. H.M.Q.

YELLOW WAGTAIL. On May 15th, at Marazion Marsh, a pair were about carrying nesting material with which they flew into the middle of a large patch of rushes. I had no further sight of them for the season. H.M.Q,

GREY WAGTAIL. May 11th, nest with five eggs on an outhouse window sill. One young hatched, four infertile eggs. A second nest was built in June, three eggs were laid, one young hatched, two infertile eggs. Young found dead below nest, just a week old. L.R. I can repeat verbatim my notes in 15th Report, p. 17. B.H.R. 12

TREE-CREEPER. A pair bred again in the crevice described in the 14th Report, p. 15. I first saw a bird inspecting on March 26th and the next day a pine needle was deposited on the doorstep. On March 30th both birds entered the fissure, the hen only remaining inside for five minutes and tapping vigorously. On April 3rd, the hen began building seriously and, by evening, much material was visible. Twice, while climbing for material, I saw her shoot into the air and hover for a moment and then alight again. I also saw her pull a small snail out of the trunk of a pine and drop it; she tried to pick it up, clinging to the foot of the tree, but could not reach it and had to flutter on to the ground. Building continued daily with con­ siderable energy up to and including April 14th. On April 24th, the sixth and last egg was laid but the eggs were not brooded. On the 25th, the eggs were uncovered until 4.30 p.m. when the hen brooded them. On the 26th, the hen brooded but was once absent for two hours. On the 27th, there was much rain and water soaked down into the crevice and the nest and eggs must have been very wet. The hen was absent all day but sat for the night. On the 28th, much rain again fell and the eggs were never brooded. On the 29th, no bird was seen and I thought the terrible weather conditions had forced the birds to desert. On the 30th, still no bird came to the nest, and not an egg could be seen (they had been covered with material, though we did not realize it until the next day when six eggs were clearly visible!) On May 3rd, to my delight, full incubation began; nine days had elapsed since the last egg had been laid. On May 14th, four of the eggs hatched out, exactly twenty days after the completion of the clutch! As fifteen days (see 14th Report, p. 15) is the normal Incubation period and as only eleven days had passed since steady incubation started, it is clear that the eggs had been previously " turned " and the embryos in the shells remained alive in spite of exposure to wet and extreme chilling. Four chicks climbed out of their nursery on May 31st, leaving be­ hind them two infertile eggs; they were seventeen days old. B.H.R.

GREAT TIT. The pair described in 15th Report, p. 19, nested again in the same box—there is no doubt in my mind that they were the same birds. The clutch of seven eggs was completed on April 21st (the 22nd last year) and were hatched on May 5th (the 4th last year). Seven chicks flew on May 23rd (also 23rd last year). The conformity of the two clutches and of the dates of major events in the two years are surely interesting. B.H.R.

BLUE TIT. A hen incubating eggs in one of my nest boxes was so tame that she would allow me to lift her off to inspect the eggs, and on being replaced would continue brooding normally L.R. 13

No less than four pairs bred in my garden as follows: eighty yards between Nos. 1 and 2; forty yards between No. 2 and Nos. 3 and 4; ten yards between No. 3 and No. 4. The chief events were :— No. 1. April 29th first egg laid. May 2nd, 4th egg laid. May 3rd, no egg laid and incubation started. May 4th, fifth egg laid. May 6th, seventh egg laid which completed the clutch. May 17th, three chicks hatched. May 18th, two more chicks hatched, one of which died and was removed. May 19th, four chicks in nest with two eggs. May 20th, one more chick hatched and nest held five chicks and one egg. On June 5th, two chicks flew and on the 6th, the remaining three flew. The infertile egg had disappeared. No. 2. Clutch of seven eggs completed in the normal way on May 12th (first egg laid on May 6th). May 25th, six chicks hatched. May 30th, nest held five chicks and one in­ fertile egg (one chick had died and been removed). June 12th, one precocious chick flew and on the 13th the remaining four flew, leaving the infertile egg buried under the lining. No. 3. Clutch of eight eggs completed in the normal way on May 14th (first egg laid on May 7th). May 25th, four chicks hatched and on 26th, three more hatched. May 28th, nest held six chicks and one infertile egg (one chick had died and been removed). June 15th, two chicks flew and in the nest were four fully feathered dead chicks; the infertile egg had disappeared. No. 4. Nest in a hole of a hedge, so contents never known. On June 15th, chicks fluttered out in an immature state and all but one died in the very wet grass in which they sought cover Thus only thirteen chicks were reared by four pairs of Blue Tits. B.H.R.

MARSH-TIT. A bird, colour-ringed in December, 1945, was a regular early morning and late evening visitor to the bird-table up 'to the end of March. During the rest of the day it could always be found in a wooded lane about five hundred yards away. L.R.

LONG-TAILED TIT. A party of twelve, seen in November, were the first birds seen since January, 1944. L.R.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE. June 13th, 1945, a female of this species was seen at Tregordon Farm, Wadebridge. R.H.B.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. Two pairs bred in my garden as follows:— No. 1. First egg laid on May 31st and clutch of five completed on June 4th, but hen did not brood. Full incuba­ tion begun on June 5th. All five eggs hatched on June 18th. 14

On June 20th, the chicks had been deserted and were fast dying. One parent was hawking but soon disappeared and there was no trace of the other and I fear it had met with some tragedy. No. 2. Nest (inaccessible) in the heart of an old and large macrocarpa on an horizontal branch about twelve feet from trunk and fifteen feet above the ground. Incubation commenced on July 9th. Chicks hatched on July 22nd. On July 30th the nest was empty, the chicks presumably having been eaten by some predatory foe. This nest was obviously either a " repeat " or an attempt to rear a second brood. A third pair, a quarter of a mile beyond my garden, reared a brood in a nest in an ivy-clad elm about sixty feet above the ground. The sharp click of the mandibles as a bird viciously stoops at an intruder is a well-known characteristic. This year I saw a variant of this behaviour:— Instead of the usual stoop the Flycatcher " sailed " to­ wards an intruder with outstretched and motionless wings delivering the click from a few inches above it. B.H.R.

PIED FLYCATCHER. On May 8th, my wife (who knew the bird well in Italy) saw a male bird near old Shilla Bridge, Polzeath. She first noticed it at close range on a low branch of an oak tree, with flies in its beak. A little later it flew across to some willows where it flitted about still at close range and giving excellent views of itself from all angles. It was not seen again after this date. C.R.

I GOLDCREST. The following intensive observations were made at a nest in my garden:— On April 7th, I spotted a hen building on the lower side of a macrocarpa branch about 3.5 feet from the tip and 10 feet above the ground. It was just a flimsy skeleton of an entirely suspended nest. She worked very hard each succeeding day and, on the 13th, began taking feathers for the lining and continued to do so on the 14th and 15th. On the 16th, the nest seemed to have been completed. Throughout building operations the male was not in evidence. On the 29th, the hen began steady incubation of, I presume, her full clutch. During this period behaviour was as described in 14th Report, p. 22, including the wing fluttering preparatory to leaving the eggs for a meal. On one occasion I saw the male violently chase his mate back to the nest! On May 13th, chicks had obviously hatched. Incubation Period—14 days. On the 14th, the male took his share in feeding the chicks. I noted that the hen approached the nest from above but the male from below and this procedure continued on every subsequent day, so I coulid always know which bird was bringing food. Owing to the weather I never expected the chicks to survive. The hen frequently covered the chicks and the male had to work the harder. Brooding did not cease entirely till 15

the chicks were about twelve days old. On May 29th, young could clearly be seen moving in the nest. Once, while removing a parcel of excreta, the parent let it drop but instantly dived to the ground, picked it up and flew off with it. On the 31st, the chicks simply packed the nest and were wriggling freely. On June 3rd, the chicks were most restless and looked fully feathered and very strong. The nest was so crowded that one or two of the chicks had to squat on the backs of the others. Throughout the whole day they seemed to take it in turns to scramble down the wall of the nest and flutter to nearby twigs. I thought at any moment they would quit the nest but they always took fright and scrambled back to it, squeezing them­ selves in as best they could. The parents gave up attending to the sanitation as they simply could not compete with it. Instead, the chicks scrambled clean out of the nest to evacuate, sometimes fouling the nest walls. The ground below was white with a pile of droppings, and I had never seen anything like it before. The parents were clearly puzzled and I saw one of them seize a parcel on a twig below and carry it off while the other dived to the ground onto the mess to remove a small bit. I could not count the number of youngsters as none of them was still for a moment, popping in and out like bees at a hive, but they were certainly a large brood who had sur­ vived the most appalling weather which might well have drowned them all. On June 4th, I found the nest empty at last! The chicks were in their twenty-third day of life! I soon found some of them in a tree, where they were as active as their parents and could fly almost as strongly. I had had a most delightful experience. B.H.R.

CHIFFCHAFF. February 19th, heard singing at Crill. These birds habitu­ ally winter at Swanpool. M.J.M. Shilla Valley, January 17th. Song from February 26th to August 31st, and at intervals September 1st to 7th. Last heard September 15th. C.R.

REED-WARBLER. I was only able to visit the locality where birds were seen last year for a brief period on June 1st, a cold and wet evening. No Reed-warblers were seen. Four Otters were gambolling in the water. L.R.

GARDEN-WARBLER. On June 13th, one was heard singing in thick trees at the head of a creek in the Helford River. On June 23rd, a bird was seen with food in beak, evidently feeding young, whilst another, evidently the other parent, kept up a constant note of alarm, but didn't show itself. The nest could not be found. The song was heard till mid-July, but not later. E.M.J. Only two birds were seen and heard, in marked contrast to last year's " invasion." L.R. BLACKCAP. A pair reared a brood in the garden of Caprera, St. Austell. The nest was in brambles about 4.5 feet above ground. On July 14th, the young out of the nest were watched in the undergrowth. The note while feeding was a fairly regular loud and metronome-like ticking, similar to note of Robin, but louder and sharper, uttered for minutes on end from the undergrowth. Heard every day in the same spot from August 4th to September 1st, and again on September 6th, 8th and 11th. R.B.

REDWING. These were seen on October 2nd, the earliest date I have ever recorded for this district. L.R.

BLACKBIRD. In May a pair built a nest in my garden. The male was most devoted and fed the hen at the nest most assiduously, and when the young had hatched he helped to feed them for some days. His visits then became infrequent, and one morn­ ing- he was seen in company with another hen. His indignant mate flew towards him, and after a scene in which she used much strong language, she drove off the intruder. The cock, after pausing a moment to consider, flew off after his new love and returned no more. The hen succeeded in rearing the brood. R.H.B. On August 2nd, a young bird on the bird table, begged for food from a Song-thrush which ignored it. R.B. In her first nesting a Blackbird, in my garden at Mawgan, laid a clutch of four eggs and four young flew on May 2nd. A second nest was built and a clutch of two eggs only laid in it. This is my first record of a clutch smaller than three eggs (reported to "British Birds"). B.H.R.

WHEATEAR. A remarkable feature of the spring migration was the absence of these birds from the West coast. In observations between March 22nd and April 12th, not one Wheatear was seen. P.H.T.H. September 5th, one found under a cloche in our Falmouth garden. It flew away quite happily when released. M.J.M.

WHINCHAT. On May 1st, on a roadside hedge near Polzeath, I had a close view of a male. I have never before seen one in this district. J.M.M. One seen near Constantine Bay, September 28th. H.R. Several pairs seen in a certain place on Bodmin Moor. L.R. June 24th, several pairs, one with young on the wing. One seen carrying building material. T.J.W. 17

REDSTART. On September 29th, on Towan Head, a female was seen; the buffy-orange of the under parts distinguished her from the female Black Redstart. There had been an easterly gale, and many birds, not common on the Headland, appeared to be " weather-bound." T.L.H.

BLACK REDSTART. A male bird seen at the mouth of the Rocky Valley and a female at Berras Head, both in November. C.H.B. A female at Tolverne Ferry, Fal, on 9th October. P.I.R.M. November 15th, a male on the window-sill and in the Hotel garden at Falmouth. E.M.M. January 19th, one female at Maenporth beach. M.J.M. January 19th, two females at Porth. M.R.M. September 25th, one adult male in garden, Constantine Bay. H.R. January 4th, one on Par beach. January 18th, one on Par beach. October 24th, one with conspicuous white wing-patch, on Par beach. December 16th, one with conspicuous white wing-patch, on Par beach. C.J.S.

ROBIN. A nest with six eggs. L.R. In a nest in a kettle, a clutch of four eggs was completed on April 8th. Three chicks hatched on April 23rd, the fourth egg being infertile. Three chicks flew on May 7th, leaving the egg still in the nest. A second nest was built in a bank about ten feet from the kettle. Four eggs were again laid (the first about May 23rd), and four young flew on June 22nd. (Cf. 7th Report, p. 62 and 11th Report, p. 28). B.H.R.

WREN. A bird while incubating was on most days heard singing a sub-song in the nest and constantly chattering when not singing. Four youngsters hatched and when fledged two left the nest in earlv afternoon, but returned to it in the evening. All four left next day. L.R. On July 5th, I found a nest holding chicks which flew on the 14th. I watched the nest daily and found that the male took almost an equal share in feeding the young. The nest was in a thick escallonia bush about three feet above the ground—a huge, long, loose structure with a wide entrance hole—wedged firmly between two upright branches, the bottom resting in space like a Goldcrest's nest. B.H.R. 18

SWALLOW. A nest with young found under a low bridge over a stream on Newlyn Downs, on June 26th. Nests have been found here for some years. T.L.H.

HOUSE-MARTIN. On August 25th, about twenty birds seen by the school at Sennen. R.B. Our colony has increased to four pairs. L.R.

SAND-MARTIN. Colony of a dozen or so birds at Daymer Bay, twelve nesting holes counted, four or five being in use. F.C.B. On June 13th five birds were seen to enter the holes in the red sandstone quarry (cf. 15th Report, p. 30). I visited the site later in the season to extract the nests for parasites, and no trace of a nest was found in any of the holes. C.J.S.

SWIFT. July 25th, nesting in Camborne North Cliffs. R.H.B. In July there were two nests in the roof of a dwelling- house at Porkellis. There was a youngster in one and on the other the parent was sitting. I approached to within three feet, and the bird sat motionless, and even refused to move when I touched it lightly with a bamboo cane. Its eye shone in the light of my torch, and it moved slightly while I watched. T.J.S. HOOPOE. On the evening of July 12th, a Hoopoe was seen to rise from some pasture land and fly to a tree. On being disturbed it flew on to the top of a dry stone wall, erecting its crest at the moment of alighting. Here it fed and preened. The rounded black and white appearance of the wings, rather erratic flight and long bill, attracted attention before the striking crest confirmed the bird. W.D.C.

KINGFISHER. On June 21st, 7.15 p.m. Again seen fishing at the open sea amongst the rocks on St. Cadoc's Point, a full quarter of a mile from a stream (its usual haunt) by Harlyn Bay bridge. w.s.w.

GREEN WOODPECKER. On August 4th, two on the moors near Gothers were flying around a lake never leaving it for quite half an hour; some of the time climbing up a high sandy bank. R.B.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Prolonged drumming heard on January 4th. Drumming also heard on December 29th. B.H.R. 19

[GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER. (Dryocopus Martius). On 29th July, 1945, about 2.30 p.m. in good weather my wife and I were motoring on the Camborne—Helston road. At a point where the road turns West after skirting the Pendarves Woods, we saw a large black bird coming towards us from the South with an unusual wing action. We stopped the car hoping that it would continue to approach and, in fact, it flew over the road and above the car a few yards in front of us and then perched on a tall blackthorn bush, at about thirty yards distance, and turned almost facing us. It remained for about a minute in clear view, partly in silhouette, as it was not only above us in the bush, but up the hill from us. It was about the size of a rook, with plumage uniformly black. It had a long strong beak, with apparently a downward curve. The head was hammer shaped, i.e., it had a projection posteriorly. The wings were humped up giving a hunch-backed appearance. The tail appeared long, presumably owing to the lifted wings, as it did not show as a long tailed bird in flight. Unfortunately, as the bird was facing us and above us, the back of the head was not visible, but there was no com­ plete red crown as in the adult male. The bird looked around as if finding its bearings in country new to it, and then flew off with undulating flight and disappeared in the extensive Pendarves Woods. This short flight from bush to the woods was much more undulating than the flight as it came towards us up the valley, but the undulations were less frequent than in the Green and Spotted Woodpeckers. I returned later the same afternoon with Doctor Turk but we failed to see more of our bird. It was noticeable that the Green Woodpeckers in the wood were very vocal and appeared to be in a state of excitement. The bird, which appeared to be very tired, came from the South, where the sea is only a few miles away and the Continent not far distant. Doctor Turk informs me that in the distant past there was a link between the Pyrenees and Cornwall, as shown by fossil remains. I had to wait a long time before seeing a museum specimen of Martius, but having seen one I am in no doubt that it was a female or juvenile of the species that we saw. I was satisfied that viewed from the angle from which our bird was visible, no red would have been seen. I cannot account for the apparent downward curve of the beak. R.H.B.].

WRYNECK. On October 3rd, one flew on to a wall covered with rambler roses, quite close to where I was sitting in my garden at Tintagel. On October 8th I saw it again, on the branch of a fir tree, facing up the branch like a Woodpecker or a Tree- creeper, and working with its bill. It looked a pale, grey- 20

brown bird, the most noticeable feature of the plumage being the brown lines, starting from the ears, and (with the wings closed) running the whole length of the body on either side. At my old home in Surrey Wrynecks used to nest in the nest- boxes provided, turning the Tits out to do so, so that I am familiar with the bird. K.T.

CUCKOO. June 22nd. A half, grown bird found in the nest of a Rock Pipit, with one Rock Pipit's egg lodged at the back of the nest. On the 23rd, a juvenile of the " hepatic " variety was picked up floundering on a farm road, unable to rise from the ground, but flying fairly well when launched from my hand. F.C.B. On July 29th I was shown a half grown bird in a Hedge- Sparrow's nest near Wadebridge. It vigorously pecked at my fingers, when pointed at it. A fairly late date. H.P.O.C. Very few seen this year and an extremely small amount of song heard, no doubt owing to the miserable cold and wet weather. L.R.

LITTLE OWL. On May 3rd, at about seven o'clock in the evening, I saw one perched on a telegraph pole between Luxulyan village and the valley. I had a perfect view through my glasses for thirty seconds while it stared back at me, before it decided to move off. E.A.

SHORT-EARED OWL. This bird has bred successfully for the fourth year in succession, and the breeding of a second pair is suspected. No details are given for obvious reasons. Eds.

TAWNY OWL. Two nests found on the ground are worth noting. One was in a quarry in my wood (Hawkes) in St. Breock Parish. Of the two eggs, only one hatched. The other ground nest was in a rabbit hole, about two feet in, in Hustyn Wood. I saw two young in it on May 6th. The old bird was tame, and had to be forced out of the nest. The ground nests for the Tawny Owl are unusual, to say the least. H.P.O.C. My garden pair bred but failed to rear a brood. Another pair bred in an open shed in which a car in regular use was housed and raised one young. B.H.R. PEREGRINE FALCON. Bred this year at two sites, and reared one and two young respectively.

MERLIN. March 24th, one seen flying along the coast. K.M.S. On November 4th an immature or female put up from cliff edge on Porthmissen Head. W.S.W. See also Walmsley Sanctuary. Eds. 21

KESTREL. May 14th. Nest with five eggs. May 30th, five young four or five days old. When I climbed up to the nest, the hen flew out and " tumbled " into the branches of a fir, six feet away, and lay on them with one wing extended and tail spread for a few seconds, then flew off to a nearby gate and watched, calling occasionally. No injury feigning is mentioned in the Handbook. While I was examining the young on June 15th, the female pitched on a branch three feet from the nest carrying a decapitated vole, and remained looking at me for a minute or so, then flew away but returned to the same spot for a few seconds. A very fine sight, and one which will linger in the memory. L.R.

COMMON BUZZARD. A nest with two young, a few yards from a busy main road. L.R. On July 17th, my wife and I were walking in a small wood when we spotted a fully feathered young Buzzard perched on a fallen tree on the edge of a stream about twenty feet wide. It appeared to be hungry, for it was loudly and per­ sistently calling. We walked to within four yards of it. It gazed at us earnestly for a minute or two before trying to fly, but, as it was dead calm, it could not " fill its sails " and flopped into the stream where the water enveloped its breast. There it stayed for some time, eventually scrambling very clumsily on to the far bank where it hid in a patch of brambles. B.H.R.

HONEY BUZZARD. On June 26th, on Newlyn Downs, and again on July 17th on Scotland Moor, I observed at close quarters a bird I believe to have been a Honey Buzzard, although the plumage mark­ ings did not conform to any orthodox pattern. The wings and upper parts were dark brown, with three white bars, each about 11 ins. wide, beautifully parallel; the underparts were brownish buff. It differed from the Common Buzzard (with which I am very familiar)], in the grey colour of the head. It alighted on one low perch after another when it moved on, and did no soaring. T.L.H.]

SPARROW-HAWK. On June 21st T.J.W. and self found a nest with two or more young in it and a second nest about one and a half miles distant with three young in it. It is not usual to find two nests on the same day, nowadays. H.P.O.C. On April 22nd, my wife and I were in the garden when we heard the terrified scream of a Mistle-Thrush. The next moment a Sparrow Hawk flew just over our heads and, sud­ denly spotting us, dropped its victim at our feet which was the poor Thrush stone dead. B.H.R. On August 26th, over the low field cliff of Port Quin harbour, a female was seen pursuing a small bird—probably a rock-pipit—who evaded it by dipping low over the water. This seemed to disconcert the Hawk who crossed to the far side cliff field and glared back. W.S.W. 22

SPOONBILL. Two birds were seen at Ruan Lanihorne on September 29th, and three there on October 13th. The three were still there on October 27th when I visited the place with my wife and Colonel and Mrs. Ryves. R.B. A single bird seen on mud flats near Trewornan Bridge on June 30th. H.P.O.C. December 19th, on the mud-flats up the Ruan River, I saw five in company with a number of Sheld-chick, they were very wild. A.P.D. October 6th, on the River Gannell, Newquay, a single bird, quietly fishing; it seemed very tame and not easily frightened. It stayed around the Gannell until October 13th. This seems to be the first appearance of this bird in this locality. S.J.D. Two on Marazion eastern marsh at mid-day on April 10th. P.H.T.H. There were three adults on the Ruan estuary, Fal, on 14th October. They had not been seen during visits in August and September. (Cf. R.B.). On 28th December four adults were present. Mr. Rundle who farms Ardevora, told me that he thought the fourth bird had arrived in November or early December. He stated that in a previous year he had sometimes watched Spoonbills flying to roost in a small clump of Scots firs by the side of a creek. (Cf. A.P.D.). On 31st December one immature bird was standing on the tide-edge by Gweek, Helford River. Later, at low tide, it was seen sweeping its way up the shallow river-channel opposite Bishop's Quay. P.I.R.M. On October 2nd, 3rd and 4th, I had perfect views in good light of a Spoonbill at Porth Bay. M.R.M. On November 23rd, one juvenile was seen at Marazion Marsh. A curious thing about this bird was the cinnamon or pale brown colour on most of the back and wings, which I found, on looking at the Handbook, is not correct for any stage of the plumage. H.M.Q. June 22nd, feeding in the Camel estuary at low tide in close company with a Heron which it appeared to be following about, (cf. H.P.O.C.). C.R. December 9th, at Gweek, one was observed with a black spot at the base of its left wing. Still in residence at the end of December. T.J.S. December 31st, one young bird seen at Gweek and at Halnoweth (Bishop's Quay). It was still there on January 15th. (Cf. P.I.R.M. & T.J.S.). C.C.V.

COMMON HERON. March 28th, two birds landed in the Shilla Valley, a young and an adult. Later they flew up the valley and as they passed the woods a Buzzard flew out at them from a tree. The young 23

heron turned back, making a great noise, but the old heron pursued its course. A pair of Buzzards are always on or near this tree, and might have been building, which might account for the aggressive attitude to the herons. C.R. Authentic report received of a small heronry (some half a dozen nests). Will be investigated next year. L.R. On April 18th I visited the heronry at St. Winnow, and counted fifteen nests in thirteen trees, of which ten were oak, and two were beech. There was " whitewash " under all the trees and egg-shells under one. I don't know if two nests in each of two trees were both occupied or not. C.J.S.

GREY GOOSE. On 16th August fourteen to sixteen " Grey Geese " were seen flying high after having been disturbed off the Ruan estuary. Despite the very early date I have no doubts about this identification, though I cannot suggest the species. P.I.R.M. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. On December 28th, six birds were closely watched grazing in a grass field adjoining Dozmary pool. One was an adult, the remaining five having little or no white at the base of their bills. R.B. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds.

SHELD-DUCK. On July 6th, several parties of young birds escorted by parents were seen on the Fal Estuary. R.B. July 7th, on the Helford River, parents seen with six or eight young. When approached by boat the young dived, and the parents flew in opposite directions, rejoining the young when the boat had passed. E.M.J. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds.

TEAL. About 350 frequented the Devoran river during late December, a larger number than I remember. P.I.R.M. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds. W1GEON. Thirty had arrived at Ruan by 14th October, and a similar number on the Camel by 1st October. The males here had not attained full plumage. P.I.R.M. On January 21st I saw twelve on the Fowey river. It was not until 1944 that I first recorded any there, so it seems that they are becoming regular winter visitors. C.J.S. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds.

PINTAIL. On February 13th, one drake, and two (possibly three) ducks at Marazion marsh. On March 2nd, a pair were on Lelant estuary. H.M.Q. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds. 24

SHOVELER. On October 13th, two at Ruan Lanihorne, were seen in company of Wigeon. R.B. October 14th, two at Ruan. They are not often seen on the Fal. P.I.R.M. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds.

RED-CRESTED POCHARD. December 19th in the same district as Spoonbill. This bird, a matured male, was swimming quite alone and allowed me to get sufficiently near to be able to identify it; with the aid of glasses I could see its red bill and white patch on the shoulders, also details of its crest. In trying to approach a little nearer it took to flight and pitched again among a flock of duck about half a mile away. I don't think it was an escaped bird. A.P.D. (There is no evidence either way.—Eds.).

COMMON POCHARD. On November 10th, eighty or more were seen on Loe Pool. R.B.

TUFTED DUCK. On December 26th, one drake was seen on the artificial pools near Menabilly. R.B. On October 25th I flushed one from a pond on Par beach; they are not I common or regular here in my experience. C.J.S.

SCAUP-DUCK. On November 10th I saw a female Scaup Duck on River opposite Tregunna. This is the first I have ever seen, although T.J.W. once saw one. The white marking at base of bill was most noticeable. Tide was out. H.P.O.C. On November 23rd, a female and, I think, an eclipsed male were together on Marazion marsh. The white " mask " of the female was very striking, and the second bird, of the same size and figure, showed the Scaup pattern in tones of dark grey and brownish black. Females of Tufted, Pochard, and Goldeneye were also present, so that comparison was possible. H.M.Q.

GOLDENEYE. See Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds.

COMMON EIDER. December 19th, at the entrance to the River Fal, from the Carrick Roads; an immature male, I got close enough to see every detail without the aid of my glasses. A.P.D.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. On January 1st, one drake at Marazion marsh. H.M.Q. 25

CORMORANT. I counted over thirty together in Falmouth Bay, an unusual sight in these parts. M.J.M. Five birds pitched in a tree in the churchyard at dusk during a ringing festival. L.R.

GANNET. On September 28th, one oiled bird was seen on the rocks and swimming in the sea at Porthpean. R.B. In good number throughout the year, mostly flying S.W., but on August 17th at 19.00 hours, with a fresh North wind, two birds were observed from Towan Head flying N.E. T.L.H. Of these birds, frequenting this coastal district, the first seen were in May, and the last in November end. The num­ bers varied from one to ten, and in all cases except one they were, again, making their way S.W. Only on May 30th did I witness four adults flying N.E., and hugging the cliffs. w.s.w.

SOOTY SHEARWATER. July 18th, at sea off Towan Head, Newquay. Returning from fishing, with fresh N.W. wind, I was observing a large flock of Manx Shearwater flying S.W. when my attention was attracted to a single bird flying in the same direction but about one hundred yards to the left of the main flock. This bird was larger than the others, with a slow wing beat, and entirely sooty in colour, but in shape entirely similar to the Manx bird. This is the first of these birds I have noticed out of thousands of Shearwaters. S.J.D.

FULMAR. Breeding was reported from the five following sites : 1. Tintagel. First seen on March 12. This bird is increasing yearly in this district. One pair bred, chick seen in June. C.H.B. 2. Trevone. After breeding for the first time in 1944, and not breeding in 1945, it is satisfactory to record that eight chicks were reared this year. W.S.W. (Detailed observations are given below, Eds.). 3. Bedruthan. One bird in the small colony opposite Carnewas island was seen to be brooding an egg. P.I.R.M. 4. Ralph's Cupboard, Portreath. A new colony of about 40 pairs found here on June 11. In August one young was seen. R.H.B. 5. Godrevy. Jan. 20, one seen about the North cliffs. April 8, about 41 pairs. May 21, eggs seen. Aug. five young seen. Aug. 24, last seen. R.H.B. 26

[Mr. F. J. Waydelin, non-member, contributes the following information, which, while not proving certain breeding, shows that Fulmars have now crossed Mounts Bay and are colonising the cliffs in the neighbourhood of Mullion. " In June, on the cliffs about half a mile west of Gunwalloe Bay, I noticed a Fulmar constantly flying up to a crevice in the cliffs, and on investigating found that there was a sitting bird there. While watching through glasses, I saw a Jackdaw make a determined effort to dislodge her, but it was driven off each time by the sitting bird spitting and ejecting oil. After six efforts, the Jackdaw gave up the attempt. The attack was so persistent, and the effort to get its beak under the sitting bird so marked, that I felt certain it was trying for the egg the Fulmar was covering. I do not think that the latter would have stood up to the attack if there had been no egg. As I did not actually see the egg, the case must be considered "not proven," but I feel convinced the bird was sitting."] At Grebe Point, where a chick was hatched in 1945, breeding was not observed this year, though, owing to the nature of the site, it is difficult to be sure that there are no hidden chicks after the old birds appear to have gone. Fulmars were seen here on Feb. 20, and from May 13 to July 9, five pairs appeared to be sitting steadily. On July 25th, however, there were only two odd birds remaining, not on any of the sites where the steady sitters had been. H.M.Q.

At three further sites colonies seem to be forming, though breeding has not yet been observed: At Towan Head birds are to be seen in increasing numbers. T.L.H.

And at Penhale Point 20 birds were seen this year for the first time. S.J.D.

Between Watergate and Mawgan Porth birds were seen on May 12, but were gone by June 18. B.H.R.

Between Lands End and Sennen at least 20 birds were present on April 4, and some of them looked settled. Un­ fortunately it was not possible to visit the site again later. P.H.T.H. and H.M.Q.

The following details of the colony at Trevone are the result of 66 daily visits, varying from 6.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. On March 28, first adult birds seen at the ledges were four. On April 4, first birds to settle were sixteen. April 12, and June 10, largest number seen, twenty-five. August 24, last adult bird seen was one. First chick was seen on July 14. Last chick was first seen on July 27. First chick to leave the ledges was away by August 27. Last chick to leave the ledges was away by September 11. The largest number of adults seen was always before, or up to 12.30, and for the whole period totalled over twice the number seen at later hours. 27

Below is tabulated the history of the eight chicks. Chick. Hatched. Away. No. of Days. 1. July 13. Aug. 26. 45. 2. 22. Sep. 1. 41. 3. 15. 1. 49. 4. 22. ' 3. 44. 5. 14. 5. 52. 6. 23. 5. 43. 7. 22. 6. 46. 8. 27. 11. 46. Average, 45.75 days. No. 5 chick, which was the longest in development, was noticeably less active than the others and generally lethargic; from my necessarily intermittent observations, it appears to have been abandonned by its parents for a longer period than any of the others. W.S.W.

SLAVONIAN GREBE. On January 5th and 6th, at Hayle, there were about a dozen of these birds. On the 13th there were fewer but we could see the white cheeks clearly. F.H.H.

BLACK-NECKED GREBE. October 13th, Marazion marsh, one juvenile. R.H.B.

LITTLE GREBE. On July 23rd, in Forest Clay Pit, Gower Valley, one adult with two young. R.B. These have much increased on Marazion marsh in the last two winters; I have counted up to eleven at one time. H.M.Q. Bred as usual. L.R. On October 25th I counted at least four on a pond on Par beach. I have not seen them for seven or eight years. They were still there at the end of the year. C.J.S.

RED-THROATED DIVER. Three seen on Hannaford beach, Looe. They were in winter plumage, with spotted upper parts. I was familiar with these birds on the Exe estuary. V.M.B.

STOCK-DOVE. September 9th, two seen near Trewornan Bridge. H.R. Breeding place discovered after years of searching. A few pairs bred in an outcrop of rock three hundred feet above the Tamar. L.R. On July 9, four seen near St. Germans. 10, five near St. Columb Road. 12, two at Pontsmill. C.J.S.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT. See Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds. 28

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. See Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds. COMMON CURLEW. On October 13th, from a hide at range of two to three feet, one watched feeding; its bill, head and part of neck were under water—white eyelid very noticeable when eye closed under water. Two birds also seen to wash food when near water. R.B. On July 24th, at Ruan, four hundred birds, about the number that winter. On 15th August, some five hundred were at Hayle. P.I.R.M. May 11th, a nest with three eggs in a rough corner of a grass field. The farmer tells me that a pair has bred in the same spot for at least ten years. L.R. WHIMBREL. February 8th, 10th and 11th, calling early, and on 12th, three seen quite close on the rocks, where it was possible to compare them with a Curlew. The dark and light stripes on the head were seen, and as they flew away they called. E.M.M. JACK SNIPE. On January 21st, at Longrock, I had my first—and excel­ lent—view of this elusive bird, which was standing in short grass at the edge of marshy growth. The shortness of the bill, combined with the obvious Snipe-iness in all other respects, made mistake impossible. H.M.Q. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds. GREY PHALAROPE. November 25th, one was swimming near the shore at Looe, with the bobbing action of the head peculiar to this bird. I have seen this bird before at very close quarters, and have no doubt of its identity. V.M.B. On August 29th (the earliest date yet recorded in past Reports of the Society) I had an excellent close view of one swimming on the sea off Par beach. It had a grey back and mantle; black on crown and ear-coverts; neck, forehead and under parts white; tail and primaries were brownish, and there was a reddish tinge on the flanks. (Note—A severe S.W. gale had occurred on the 27th and 28th). C.J.S.

PHALAROPE. On September 23rd, on Marazion marsh, I saw a bird which was certainly a juvenile of one or other species of Phalarope, but I could not decide which. The very marked black crown was that of the Red-necked as sketched in the Handbook; on the other hand, the legs I noted as either yellow or pink, which suggests the Grey. The bird seemed to me identical with those I saw in 1935 and 1936, which were identified by Dr. Walmsley as Red-necked, and of which I have drawings made then on the spot. H.M.Q. Mr. Radway had a close view of a Phalarope on the out­ skirts of Par marsh on December 2nd, but could not be sure if it was Grey or Red-necked. C.J.S. KNOT. November 21st, a flock of sixty at Hayle estuary. R.H.B. September 9th, four seen near Trewornan Bridge, one red bird. H.R. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds. CURLEW SANDPIPER. August 4th, one at Ruan, and on September 23rd, at least six with Dunlin at Devoran. P.I.R.M. September 9th, twelve to fifteen on the Camel estuary and up to thirty on the 11th. H.R. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds. LITTLE STINT. October 11th, one picked up recently dead, at Devoran. No others were seen. P.I.R.M. On October 12th, one at Marazion marsh, where there was also a near-by Dunlin for comparison. It may be of interest to note that last time I saw one of these birds, in 1936, a Red­ necked Phalarope was also seen about the same time, and that this year, again, a Phalarope has been seen on the marsh. H.M.Q. September 9th, two seen on the Camel estuary, and four seen on the 11th. H.R. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds.

PURPLE SANDPIPER. A party of four or five at the mouth of the Rocky Valley, February 2nd. C.H.B. RUFF. An adult male in autumn plumage, eleven inches in length, was found dead on the roof of our garage on September 10th. It appeared to have met its death by colliding with the tele­ graph wires close by. H.T.C. September 2nd, three birds on the Camel estuary. H.R. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds.

COMMON SANDPIPER. On October 27th, with my wife and Lt.-Col. and Mrs. Ryves, near Ruan Lanihorne, one bird; and, on November 3rd, near Golant, one bird. Both birds were feeding and flying low over the water in their characteristic way. R.B. (Previous late dates recorded are:—From February 22nd to end of April. 1926, one frequented Penzance Reservoirs (1st Report, p. 51). Soon after Christmas, 1932, at Forder, one bird (3rd Report, p. 45); on November 18th, 1933, on the Tamar estuary, one bird (4th Report, p. 40); on November 28th, 1937, at Newlyn Harbour, one bird (7th Report, p. 43). —Eds. 30

WOOD-SANDPIPER. See Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds.

GREEN SANDPIPER. August 16th, two at Hayle Causeway. M.J.M. September 9th, one seen on the Camel estuary. H.R. On January 9th, one at Hayle. One remained on Par marsh from February 26th till March 31st. Between December 2nd and 12th, two and three birds were seen near Wadebridge. C.J.S. (As this appears to be a normal winter visitor to certain localities, and regular passage migrant, records will not be published in future unless the date is unusual.—Eds.).

REDSHANK. On July 24th, about two hundred at Ruan, more than winter. P.I.R.M.

DUSKY OR SPOTTED REDSHANK. On August 4th, one at Ruan. P.I.R.M.

GREENSHANK. On 19th August two were on a little pool on Goonhilly Downs. P.I.R.M. See also Walmsley Sanctuary.—Eds.

RINGED PLOVER. May 19th, pair with one young, Godrevy. R.H.B.

KENTISH PLOVER. One bird seen on September 4th on the Camel estuary, watched at close range with 7 x 50 Ross binoculars in a good light; it was feeding with Ringed Plovers. I am very familiar with this bird, having seen many in Spain. The legs were definitely black, and the other marks of identification seen. H.R.

SANDWICH TERN. From September 14th to 20th these birds were seen diving into breaking seas off Towan Beach, in number up to about a dozen at a time. They worked up the coast. T.L.H. September 2nd and 3rd, a party along the Camel estuary opposite Padstow. H.R. On March 23rd single bird (making N.E.) seen chased by six immature Herring-Gulls. On June 2nd and 5th, single bird again seen off Cataclews Point, Harlyn, and on Harlyn Bay Sands, where the white head streaks were quite noticeable. W.S.W.

LITTLE TERN. September 11th, one seen sitting on the mud at high tide line, on the Camel estuary. H.R. 31

BLACK-HEADED GULL. October 13th, while watching birds on the estuary the following display was seen between two birds. One stood still with bill pointing downward with tip touching the mud and wings held slightly away from the body and tail expanded. Second bird approached with a peculiar striding stiff-legged gait and calling loudly. When about six inches from the first bird it made a stiff bow and assumed the same posture as described above. Birds were then facing each other. The second bird then walked round the first and facing in the opposite direction bowed and stood motionless for some seconds, then walking away a few yards calling loudly again returned and facing the first bird bowed twice and stood with wings fully expanded. Both birds then flew off calling loudly. The first bird remained in the motionless crouching position with bill pointing down, throughout. Both birds were in adult winter plumage. L.R. COMMON GULL. One morning in late September I watched some of these birds lazily flying about. One, which looked like a second year bird, made three attempts to alight on the back of an adult bird. Its feet came down and its wings fluttered. As it came near, the lower bird extended and dilated its neck and uttered the courtship cry. It made no serious attempt to fly away. There was no question of robbery or quarrelling. They went on floating lazily until finally the upper bird flew off. Was this an attempt at coition by the younger bird? If so, an attempt in the air could have no serious purpose. E.A.R.B.

HERRING-GULL. It may be of interest to note that these birds are in the habit of building between chimney pots, and on other parts of houses in Newquay. They have nested on the Victoria Hotel, and the Wesley Church tower. Last year two young were reared on the house of a cousin of mine. This year there was only one young one, and it fell out of its nest, and she had to buy fish for it. It was always in the kitchen, and kept her cats in order! A.D. A nest as usual on the parapet of the Atlantic Hotel, Newquay, just outside the third floor windows. To my know­ ledge, these birds have nested on high parapets and even on the flat tops of dormer windows in Newqauy for at least twenty years. T.L.H. (Members may be aware of other instances of inland breed­ ing. Any such notes of " landward " tendencies in Gulls would be of interest.—Eds.).

BRITISH LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. A small colony of three nests on the island off Hell's Mouth, and one nest at Ralph's Cupboard, Portreath. R.H.B. On June 16th I saw two pairs at Great Moor Zawn on the North coast; they did not appear to be nesting, but stood about together as if they had no family cares. It is the first 32

time that I have seen this bird in West Cornwall in summer, though I understand from G.H.H. that single odd pairs have bred from time to time. H.M.Q. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. On June 10th, one was observed at the Little Gribben apparently sitting. This bird is scarce as a breeding species in this neighbourhood. C.J.S.

GLAUCOUS GULL. On March 27th, two were present in Newlyn Harbour. One appeared fully mature, and the other was a young bird. H.M.Q.

ICELAND GULL. On April 8th (a late date for this bird?) I had the good fortune to obtain a close-up of this rare straggler. It had evidently been in the vicinity of Porthmissen Farm since about March 29th, and I was informed of the presence of a strange Gull by Mr. H. Old. It kept mostly to the ploughland on the cliff edge to the bay, and appeared generally with, but always a little apart, from the Herring and Black-Headed Gulls which frequent this area at such times. With binoculars I was able to judge it to be just entering its fourth year of maturity, the head and neck being very finely flecked in warm grey, which seemed to spread to its mantle and wing coverts. Its characteristic (slightly yellow) flesh-coloured legs, longer than those of Herring Gulls, and unusual length of wing (particularly noticeable when sitting) were easily distinguishable. W.S.W.

KITTIWAKE. The colony at Carn Les Boel seems to have petered out entirely. It was visited on May 14th by R.H.B., who found about thirty birds at the main island, and ten at the subsidiary colonies southward. The birds seemed apathetic about nesting. On June 14th there were still fewer birds, and though one or two single eggs were seen in nests, they were not being brooded, and the few birds there were seemed to be sitting " loosely." On the other hand, the colony at Tol Pedn seemed to be in good heart, there were at least twenty-six sitting birds. The Morvah colony seems to be flourishing; in the main colony I estimated about one hundred pairs, and at Grebe cliff eighty pairs, a great increase on last year. I fear that the number reared this year was not high, judging from the number of empty nests at a date when largish chicks should have been seen. Probably the very wet and stormy summer would account for this. H.M.Q.

RAZORBILL. First seen this year on March 25th, seventeen days later than last year. This seems to be the earliest of the Auk family to put in an appearance here. C.H.B. The colony at Trevone proved larger this year than last. The first birds seen were 2 on April 3rd. The largest number seen was 250 on eight occasions in June. 33

There is little doubt that this colony is practically all non- breeders and although a part of these cliffs are out of vision, I actually saw only six chicks, but very much doubt if a total of a dozen young were reared. The first chick was seen on June 23rd. The last chick was seen on July 23rd. and by July 28th both the single remaining parent (the last bird seen) and this chick had departed. W.S.W.

GUILLEMOT. I am glad to report an increase in numbers of these birds on the Porthmissen Ledges this season and, although slight, some attempts at sitting appeared to be in progress. Although the ledges are in a difficult position for observation, I verified that no chicks were reared. It was not until the end of May that I discovered their presence on the ledges, and in a position far removed from their choice of last year. The first birds seen were 2 on April 19th on water. The last birds seen were 10 on July 18th on ledges. The largest numbers seen were 13 and 12 on one occa­ sion, each in July. They appeared extremely sociable with the Razorbills and Puffins and would often deliberately visit the Puffins' ledges in the evenings, whilst on their own ledges they were always closely bounded by Razorbills. W.S.W.

LITTLE AUK. One close inshore off Towan Head, Newquay, on June 4th, presumably a non-breeding, storm driven bird. A.V.C. On July 10th, while fishing from rocks near the Lifeboat slip, Newquay, I heard a bird calling in a high-pitched note, and observed a Little Auk swimming from the direction of the Tea Caverns. It swam past me, not four yards distant, calling incessantly, and passed out to sea. T.L.H. February 1st. One blown in by gale and discovered in a garden at Helston. It was taken to Porthleven and released in the sea. M.J.M.

PUFFIN. A colony on Gull Island, off Perranporth, probably twenty to thirty pairs seen, but impossible to get anything like an accurate count from the mainland. A.V.C. The inaccessibility of the cliffs at Trevone, and the lack of burrows, or secluded burrowing areas in the vicinity, make it a most difficult problem to gain real evidence of breeding. I have this year discovered a pair burrowing here, quite apart from the colony ledges which are all of rock with a few minia­ ture caves at points on the cliff face. The cliff tops are square and sloping landward instead of seaward and too accessible for nesting. The birds choose ledges uncommonly low down the cliff face and only just high enough to clear the N. gale seas. I believe the colony still to be a non-breeding one, and this year its average numbers were little over one-half of similar recordings last year:— 34

The first birds seen were 9 on April 12th. The last birds seen were 12 on July 27th. The largest number seen in April was 12 (on two occasions). The largest number seen in May was 9 (on two occasions). The largest number seen in June was 30. The largest number seen in July was 90. It will be noted, as last year, that the numbers increase towards the season's end. , W.S.W.

CORN-CRAKE. August 3rd, one bird two miles east of Camelford. R.H.B. On bird seen in August. L.R. Early in October my cat, alas, came in with one of these birds, which I identified from my books. I am fairly certain that I heard one " crake " in May. M.S.S. June, one heard on several occasions during the month. T.J.S. I have myself heard no Corncrakes, but have heard of them being heard in three separate places in the neighbourhood. T.J.W.

MOORHEN. January 5th, in a field by the Reservoir, over one hundred feeding together. Is this not an unusually large gathering? E.M.M.

COOT. No breeding this year. The keeper tells me that the male of last year's breeding pair was shot. L.R.

COMMON PARTRIDGE. Very plentiful. June 29th, a nest from which young had just hatched and gone, seven eggs being left in the nest, wet and cold. T.J.W.

QUAIL. None heard by me this year. T.J.W. 35

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF CORNISH-BREEDING

MIGRANTS, 1946.

(1) Spotted Flycatcher. May 18th. Arrived ... ' ... B.H.R. May 26th. Arrived ...... L.R.

(2) Chiff-Chaff. March 13th. (Birds may have wintered) C.J.S. March 24th. Arrived ...... B.H.R. March 26th. Arrived ...... R.H.B. March 27th. Arrived ...... T.J.S. March 29th. Arrived ...... E.A.R.B. March 31st. Arrived ...... L.R. April 2nd. Arrived ...... C.J.S. April 6th. Arrived ...... R.L.S. September 3rd. Last seen ... C.J.S. September 11th. Last seen ... L.R. September 15th. Last heard ... C.R.

(3) Willow-Warbler. March 27th. Arrived ...... P.H.T.H. April 1st. Arrived ...... C.R. April 1st. Arrived ...... L.R. April 8th. Arrived ...... C.J.S. April 21st. Arrived ...... B.H.R. May 2nd. Arrived ...... K.M.S. September 11th. Last seen ... L.R.

(4) Sedge-Warbler. April 4th. Arrived ...... C.R. April 15th. Arrived ...... C.J.S. April 17th. Arrived ...... B.H.R.

(5) Garden-Warbler. May 11th. Arrived ...... L.R.

(6) Blackcap. April 10th. Arrived ...... B.H.R. May 8th. Arrived ...... T.J.S. (7) WhitethroaL April 17th. Arrived ...... L.R. April 19th. Arrived ...... B.H.R. April 28th. Arrived ...... C.J.S. August 21st. Last seen ...... L.R.

(8) Wheatear. March 3rd. Arrived ...... C.R. March 26th. Arrived ...... C.H.B. April 5th. Arrived ...... R.H.B. September 30th. Last seen ... C.J.S. October 19th. Last seen ... H.P.O.C. October 20th. Last seen ... R.B. 36

(9) Swallow. March 3rd. Arrived ...... C.R. March 27th. Arrived ...... P.H.T.H. April 4th. Arrived ...... R.L.S. April 5th. Arrived ...... B.H.R. April 12th. Arrived ...... E.A.R.B. April 12th. Arrived ...... L.R. April 15th. Arrived ...... C.J.S. April 20th. Arrived ...... T.J.S. October 13th. Last seen ... L.R. October 13th. Last seen ... C.J.S.

(10) House-Martin. April 8th. Arrived ...... C.J.S. April 11th. Arrived ...... L.R. October 10th. Last seen ... C.J.S.

(11) Sand-Martin. March 22nd. Arrived ...... C.R. April 5th. Arrived ...... B.H.R. April 7th. Arrived ...... L.R.

(12) Swift. April 28th. Arrived ...... C.J.S. May 4th. Arrived ...... B.H.R. May 5th. Arrived ...... E.H.W.B. May 6th. Arrived ...... L.R. May 9th. Arrived ...... C.R. May 10th. Arrived ...... T.J.S. May 27th. Arrived ...... E.A.R.B. August 13th. Last seen ...... R.B. August 22nd. Last seen ...... C.J.S. September 10th. Last seen ... L.R.

(13) Nightjar. May 11th. Arrived ...... K.M.S. May 30th. Arrived ...... C.J.S. June 6th. Arrived ...... T.J.S. June 10th. Arrived ... L.R.

(14) Cuckoo. April 11th. Arrived ...... M.J.M. April 13th. Arrived ...... T.L.H. April 17th. Arrived ...... L.R. April 21st. Arrived ...... T.J.S. April 25th. Arrive'd ...... C.J.S. April 30th. Arrived ...... B.H.R. May 2nd. Arrived ...... C.R. June 16th. Last heard ...... M.J.M. 37

THE SCILLY ISLANDS. A number of observers have sent records from Scilly this year, and in spite of bad weather, much of interest has been noted. In view of the fact that full lists of birds seen in the Islands were published in the Annual Reports of 1937, 1938 and 1943, that Col. Ryves has since published a survey 'of the status of the breed­ ing birds, and Major Dorrien Smith has compiled a list of all the birds of Scilly, only such records are included here as show some variation from the normal as recorded in the above. The status lists, together with the full reports as received from members, are available on loan to anyone wishing to work on them.

Observations received cover the following dates: All the year, Major A. A. Dorrien Smith. January 23rd to February 9th, Mr. Humphrey Wakefield. April 22nd to May 17th, Dr. Turk and Miss Phillips (recorded as F.A.T.). May 15th to 30th, Miss Acland (non-member). May 17th to June 1st, Mr. R. B. Clark. May 17th to June 1st, Miss H. M. Quick. June 15th to 24th, Dr. R. H. Blair. June 22nd to 29th; July 28th to August 5th, Mr. H. Wakefield. For convenience in presentation, records are given in chrono­ logical or geographical order, instead of the usual alphabetical order of observer's initials. Two aspects of the bird life of Scilly usually attract most attention; the passing of migrants (for which the Islands offer such an excellent observation point), and the breeding of sea-birds. This year the breeding of land-birds also has been the subject of study, and a census of the land-birds of Bryher was made by R.B.C. Although the details of this are not yet ready for publica­ tion, it confirms the impression of several observers that the population of Thrushes, Blackbirds and Wrens is unusually dense. (The count of Wrens on Bryher was 225) 31 species were seen on this island, of which 13 were breeding land-birds; on S. Agnes (where no definite census was made) 35 species were present, of which 14 were breeding land-birds. Before dealing with records in detail, a few points of general interest may be mentioned. While it is not remarkable that birds should modify their habits in the peculiar surroundings of the Islands, these adaptations give a pleasant twist of strangeness to bird-watching there. It is odd, when studying birds on the shore, to find that Blackbirds are among the normal beach population, regularly feeding on the tide line and the rocks. A voice from the sea turns out to be that of a Song Thrush, using as his songpost the tip of a rocky headland; and in a field of young corn, a feeding bird reveals itself as a Ringed Plover. This mixture of populations is made audible by the amazing chorus of song to be heard in the latter half of May on St. Agnes (and doubtless elsewhere). The voices of Song-Thrushes (very numerous on this island), Linnets, Wrens and Skylarks mingle with those of flying Turnstones, the trills of Oyster-catchers, and the calls of 38

(Scilly).

Curlew, Whimbrel and Terns. The presence of numerous parties of Turnstones, in full summer plumage, and using a variety of calls, is a rather unexpected feature, while greatly to the pleasure and convenience of the observer, Jackdaws are almost completely absent!

Variations in nesting habits are also to be noticed. Shags, which on the mainland are usually to be seen on open ledges of the cliffs, seem to prefer subterranean sites, and share the crevices and niches under boulders with the Razorbills. More surprising is it to find Guillemots doing the same thing. On Gorregan, as one walks over the tumbled boulder masses, the usual grunts, squawks, and flutters underfoot may herald the flustered exit of either of the three species. One colony of Herring Gulls, ignoring possible cliff sites, chose to breed on the flat of a stony beach, where the eggs could be comfortably collected by the housewife for kitchen use! Oyster-catchers normally prefer a considerable distance between their nests (though on Samson, in 1937, nests were found at 10 or 12-yard intervals), but on Guthers there was found a small group at close quarters, the two nearest nests being only three feet apart. In contrast, Terns seem to be developing a habit of non-communal nesting, which was observed at five different sites.

One more peculiar habit was noted. Shags (and less often Cormorants) were seen in large congregations, up to 200 in number, floating together shoulder to shoulder. Such parties sometimes swam submerged, with only the necks sticking out of the water, a very odd sight and, at a distance, a puzzling one.

NOTES ON MIGRANTS (SCILLY). March 15th. Two Sandwich Terns. A.A.D.S. March 24th. Two Sand-Martins. A.A.D.S. March 27th. Thirty Swallows and many Sand-Martins. A.A.D.S. April 5th. One Hoopoe. A.A.D.S. I picked up the beak of a Hawfinch, which may have been killed by a Hawk. A.A.D.S. April 12th. Four Sandwich Terns. A Woodcock came in from the South and lit in a boat at East Porthcressa, St. Marys. I flushed it, and it went away North. A.A.D.S. April 29th. Wjhinchat. A pair seen on Penninis Head, St. Mary's. F.A.T. April 30th. Wheatear, first seen on Samson, later plentiful everywhere. F.A.T. Swallow, very plentiful .during the first part of our stay (April 22nd to May 17th), but was disappearing by the time we left the islands. F.A.T. Sand-Martin, fairly common at the beginning of our stay, but the numbers rapidly diminished. F.A.T. 39

(Scilly). May 4th. Stone-Curlew. One was actually seen at very close quarters investigating the luncheon bag on Burnt Island, St. Agnes! Major Dorrien Smith tells us that it used to be common. F.A.T. House-Martin. Many were seen Jn May. F.A.T. May 7th. Ring Ouzel. One male was seen in a ploughed field on the east coast of Tresco, in company with several male Blackbirds; all were feeding together and moving in the same direction across the field. F.A.T. May 16th. Bar-tailed Godwit. Two males and three females seen together on Samson flats. F.A.T. May 18th. Common Sandpiper. One seen on St. Agnes. H.M.Q. May 21st. Greenshank. One on St. Martin's. C.A. May 23rd. Golden Oriole. A pair on Tresco. A.A.D.S. Swallows and Martins were conspicuous by their absence after the Spring migration, and none were seen on late returning migra­ tion in November. As a rule some of the tribe are about until the first week in December. A.A.D.S. In the late autumn there was a good migration of Woodcock, but hardly any Snipe. A.A.D.S. November 14th to December 9th. Strong North winds brought in several Waxwings. A.A.D.S. Two Hen Harriers were about during the autumn and winter. A.A.D.S. December 15th. Picked up a dead Firecrest. Oddly enough, the same thing happened on December 17th, 1944. A.A.D.S.

NOTES ON SPECIES (SCILLY).

TREE SPARROW. Fairly common in the outlying parts of St. Mary's. F.A.T. BLUE TIT. Seen on Tresco, May 25th. C.A.

MARSH TIT. Several seen among the reeds at Porth Hellick, St Mary's. F.A.T. WOODCHAT SHRIKE. A male of this species was identified with certainty and another bird was seen which it was thought might have been the female. The birds were observed on the western slopes of St. Helen's on May 12th. The male was constantly carrying pieces of grass into a very dense bramble bush and it was thought that the pair might have been nesting there. The bush was not examined at close quarters for fear of disturb­ ing them. When Dr. Blair visited the site in June he failed to find the birds there. Major Dorrien Smith (in litt. 7, viii, 46) says: "I have never identified it here but the records show that one was caught in a boat near Scilly Rock and several 40

(Scilly). birds were seen in September, 1849." This record is presum­ ably the one referred to in Rodd's Birds of Cornwall, p. 191, and on page 200 of the same work the species is again recorded as occurring in Scilly in 1850. F.A.T.

MISTLE THRUSH. Seen on Bryher, St. Martin's, St. Mary's and Tresco. R.B.C. SONG-THRUSH. Very common on all the inhabited islands, but only a few seen on the uninhabited islands of the eastern group. F.A.T. On Bryher, 100 were counted during the latter half of May. R.B.C.

BLACKBIRD. Very common on all the inhabited islands; we had the impression that the density of the population of this species was greater than on- the mainland. F.A.T. 140 counted on Bryher. R.B.C.

SAND MARTIN. Many of their nesting holes are to be seen at various places on the east side of St. Mary's and the species must once have nested here in considerable numbers. We examined some of these holes near Porthmellin in search of nest fauna but found that in every case the burrow had been taken over by rats. There is little doubt but that these rodents must have been responsible for the wiping out of these birds as a nesting species for we were unable to find a single occupied burrow anywhere in the islands. Rats are present in great numbers on all the eastern beaches of St. Mary's and no doubt take a large toll of the bird life. F.A.T.

KINGFISHER. One seen, flying past Taylor's Island, St. Mary's, on August 1st. H.W.

BUZZARD. Two seen on Tresco. F.A.T.

SPARROW HAWK. Two seen on St. Mary's. F.A.T.

KESTREL. Common on St. Mary's, Tresco and St. Martin's. F.A.T.

CORMORANT. January 23rd. Five seen in St. Mary's sound, in breeding plumage. . H.W. Very plentiful. Many of the young seen on Mincarlo on May 16th were nearly fully fledged, while others on the same site were only just hatched. One of the young, when disturbed, regurgitated a whole flatfish (dab). F.A.T. 41

(Stilly). There is a small colony on Guthers of 13 nests. C.A. On May 22nd a concourse of approximately two hundred seen floating together in a closely packed mass. (See note on Shag below). . H.M.Q. (It is interesting to compare the records of 1938, " No breeding colony found; there were birds about but not very many."—G.H.H.; and of 1943, when Cormorants were among the birds "not seen" by E.R. and E.D.P.).

SHAG. This species was present everywhere in enormous numbers. Large concourses, averaging 150 birds, were frequently seen. The birds were not fishing but floating without apparent move­ ment on the sea. One such group, in rather larger numbers, was seen so engaged on the 24th April between St. Mary's and Tresco and many Shags were flying to those already assembled. A few Cormorants and Great Black-backed Gulls were among the number. This behaviour seems to be too late to have any mating significance, as those which were seen on Mincarlo on May 16th (a time when assemblies were still to be seen on the sea most days) were all sitting and some had hatched. F.A.T. Assemblies such as recorded by F.A.T. were seen several times in the latter half of May. On more than one occasion, the whole number, packed closely shoulder to shoulder, were swimming with bodies submerged, and only the necks sticking up out of the water. The first such pack that I saw, observed at quite close quarters from a boat, consisted almost entirely of immature birds. H.M.Q.

STORM PETREL. This species seems considerably more numerous on Annet, where I found four colonies in a brief night visit. R.H.B.

MANX SHEARWATER. I am much concerned with the problem of maintaining the colony on Annet, where the Great Black-backed Gull is fast exterminating them. The Shearwaters have, however, spread considerably to other islands, and are to be found under rocks and in rabbit burrows anywhere. A.A.D.S. The Annet population seems to be considerably smaller. The small colony near the Piper's Hole on Tresco (men­ tioned by A.A.D.S. in his Status), is still occupied, and there is reason to think that there is also a small colony on White Island, St. Martin's, where A.A.D.S. has also seen them. R.H.B. Though there is no direct evidence that these birds breed on Bryher, suitable nesting burrows were found on Shipman Head Down, some with feathers at the mouth of the hole. Although a special search was not made, two skulls and a number of small bones of this species were found on the down, and as the Great Black-back usually kills and eats his victim on the spot it is unlikely that the remains came from another island. R.B.C. 42

(Scilly). A dead adult was found in a hole on Badplace Hill, Bryher, and feathers in many other holes, July. H.W. On the small White Island off Samson, there were seen some burrows with that smooth, worked look that is shown by the Shearwater burrows on Annet. H.M.Q. Investigation of Shearwater burrows showed that the amount of nesting material seems to vary; in many burrows there is none at all, but in one nest examined on May 2nd, there was a very great quantity indeed, mostly of dried grass and sea pink. It was noticed that where there was abundant nest material there was also a very large population of para­ sites, mostly fleas. F.A.T. (See also under Great Black-backed Gull.—Eds.).

FULMAR PETREL. While these birds were all about the Islands in the spring, they did not nest. A.A.D.S. One bird was seen cruising about Menavawr. C.A. and R.H.B. Two were seen, from a long distance, sitting in an appar­ ently settled manner on the cliffs of Shipman Head, May 28th. H.M.Q. OYSTER CATCHER. On Gwthers on May 21st, I found three nests of this bird on the grass bank about four feet above the boulders on the shore. The three nests were extremely close to each other, the first one was five feet four inches from the second, which was only two feet eight inches from the third. A fourth nest was found twenty yards further towards the centre of the island, concealed in deep vegetation, wild spinach and tree mallow. C.A. (cf. VII Annual Report, p. 92).

RINGED PLOVER. The birds of this species which we saw in the islands appeared to our rather cursory examination to be larger than those which we are accustomed to see on the mainland. It would be interesting to know if these individuals do belong, in fact, to the larger sub-species or race. It is the larger race which is thought to be the nesting one in the British Isles and it may be that the smaller race does not extend so far to the west, and that in the Scillies the two forms do not appear together as they do elsewhere on the British coasts. F.A.T.

ROSEATE TERN. Annet. In August, one pair identified among Arctics by its call and the length of its tail streamers. H.W. COMMON AND ARCTIC TERN (The species is assumed to be the Common unless stated to be Arctic). Annet. In August, 1945, 30 pairs were definitely identified as Arctic. H.W. 48

(Stilly). 1946. A very large colony of Arctic Terns. A.A.D.S. May 18th, about 20 birds had arrived; all those which could be .clearly seen were Common. H.M.Q. June 20th. At least 150 parrs none of which, seen through the telescope, were identified as Arctic. R.H.B. (It is not clear from these reports what are the relative numbers of Common and Arctic on this island; the very windy weather made identification unusually difficult. It is hoped that in 1947 observers may be able to throw more light on this point.—Eds.). Green Isle. May 24th, a number of birds appeared to be nesting on this island, on which I did not land. H.M.Q. Guthers. May 24th, at least six nests, some with eggs. H.M.Q. Hangman's Isle. July, two scrapes and two chicks in one nest, seven to twelve birds overhead. H.W. Hedge Rock. August 5th, five pairs (Arctic?), not proved nesting, and one pair Common, frequenting rock. H.W. Merrick Island. 75 to 100 pairs. R.B.C. Merrick Island of Stony Porth. Two pairs, with three eggs and one egg respectively. R.B.C. St. Agnes. About half a dozen pairs attempted to nest on a point at the north end of the island but were, I think, dispersed by human interference, as the spot was deserted when I visited it on May 30th. H.M.Q. Skirt Island. August, 1945, 13 nests, all destroyed later; possibly Arctic, c.f. late breeding and rocky site. June, 1946, four nests of three eggs, three of two and two of one, with two suckled eggs. H.W. Skirt Point. June, scrapes only (there were half a dozen nests in 1943). H.W. Tean. August, five pairs of Arctic present, and one immature, just able to fly. H.W. Solitary Nests. The interesting habit of non-communal nesting on high ground on the islands was investigated, and we found: Two nests on high ground on White Island (St. Martin's). Two nests on high ground at St. Helen's. Two isolated pairs at Tresco. R.H.B. A pair was found nesting on St. Agnes, about 100 yards inland. The eggs were laid on a clump of heather, with scarcely a depression. Although few humans passed that way, the parent birds were so constantly in the air, harrying passing Gulls, that there seemed little chance of the eggs being properly incubated. The nearest Ternery was that on Annet, two miles away, or the abortive one at the other end of the island, about a mile away. H.M.Q. 44

(Scilly).

BLACK-HEADED GULL. January 25th, one in breeding plumage in St. Mary's Pool. In June, twelve adults near Figtree Carn, and four at Abbey Pool, Tresco. In August, twelve at Pentle Bay, and sixteen at Tean. H.W.

SCANDINAVIAN LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. At the suggestion of Dr. Turk, I noted in a very large colony on St. Helen's, that a considerable proportion appeared to be of this species, and that these were breeding birds. R.H.B.

BRITISH LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Tremendous increase in these birds, now the most numer­ ous Gull in the Islands, though the original colony on Annet is much less numerous. R.H.B. This species is now breeding on: Annet. Only a few scattered birds. H.M.Q. Gugh. Three colonies of about 100, 60 and 40 pairs respectively (end of May). H.M.Q. Estimated 50 pairs and 20 pairs (July). H.W. Guthers. About 20 pairs. C.A. H.M.Q. Gweal. Appear to be some nesting, as seen from the sea. H.M.Q. St. Helen's. A very large colony. R.H.B. Samson. Approximately 150 pairs. R.B.C. The colony on the west side seems to have increased from previous years. F.A.T. Shipman Head, 35 to 40 pairs. R.B.C. Tresco. About 20 pairs. R.B.C. White Island (St. Martin's). A few. C.A, White Island (Samson), about a dozen pairs. H.M.Q.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. This predatory bird continues to increase, and its numbers now threaten seriously the continued existence of Puffins, and to a lesser extent, Shearwater, on the Islands. R.H.B. Enormous numbers of Shearwaters are killed by these Gulls, one nest of which was composed entirely of bodies of Shearwaters; the nest was over two feet in diameter and nine inches high! Bodies litter the ground at the rate of 20 or 30 in ten square yards. A part of the viscera appears to be all that the Great Gulls eat, indeed, if any of the victim is eaten at all. , R.B.C. This bird is fast exterminating the Shearwaters on Annet, and has already virtually wiped out the Puffins. A.A.D.S. On the other hand, H.W. contributes some facts in defence of the Great Black-back: 45

(SdHy). (a) H. M. Wallis wrote, in 1924, " the condition of Annet Island, strewn with the corpses of murdered Shearwaters is pitiful to see . . . such destruction cannot be indefinitely pro­ longed." Yet the year after h'e wrote, two new colonies of Shearwaters were found on the Gugh, although in one case the ground was so unsuitable that the eggs were laid in the open (Robinson, Brit. Birds, xix, p. 76). And to date no one has published any proof of decrease. Indeed, it seems likely that they are spreading, to Bryher (see above), and possibly to Samson, where I found many holes filled with feathers in 1943. (b) There has been no decrease in the Gulls mentioned, to correspond with the marked decrease in Puffins, which one would expect if the Puffin had been a large source of food. (ci) Is it possible that the apparent increase in Lesser Black-backs (see above) has given a false impression of the number of Great Black-backs? C. J. King (Notes on Wild Nature in Scillonia) says he had never seen a Lesser Black-back eat Shearwaters, although he has watched hundreds, and ex­ amined castings round their nests. (d) The Great Black-back is sometimes blamed for the decrease or disappearance of Tern and Kittiwake colonies. But while no increase in Black-backs is recorded until 1924 (King), the Sandwich Tern, Roseate Tern and Kittiwake vanished before the beginning of this century, and first mention of decrease in Common and Arctic was made in 1902 (Clarke). (e) Lundy and Skokholm, which have a comparatively small Black-back population, are said to suffer greatly from rats. It would be worth investigating the part the Gulls play in keeping down vermin, before persecuting them, and so allow­ ing a far more unlovely scourge to take their place. H.W. (If any observer is able to estimate the possible rat popu­ lation of Annet, such information would be of interest. There has also to be considered the population of rabbits or other alternative food supply for the rats in winter!—Eds.). The breeding of Great Black-backs is reported on the fol­ lowing islands (the numbers, in most cases, are approximate): Annet. 100 pairs. R.B.C. Ganilly. 10 pairs. C.A. Guthers. Six pairs. H.M.Q. Meledgan. About 30 pairs. R.B.C. H.M.Q. Mincarlo. 20 to 30 pairs. H.M.Q. Rosevear. 50 or more pairs. R.B.C. H.M.Q. St. Martin's. A few. C.A. Samson. Five pairs. R.B.C. Shipman Head. Three or four pairs. R.B.C. White Island (St. Martin's). Five pairs. C.A. White Island (Samson). About a dozen pairs, H.M.Q. 40

(Scilly).

KITTIWAKE. On May 17th about 20 nests, mostly unfinished, were found on Gorregan. The birds were very tame, and did not bother to fly at a close approach to the bottom of their little cliff. H.M.Q. 47 nests were counted in this colony in the third week of June. R.H.B. There was no nesting of this species on Menavawr, over which I climbed on May 17th. C.A. (The history of the nesting of Kittiwakes appears to be as follows : The colony, first reported from Menavawr, moved to Gorregan, and finally petered out at that rock in 1900. Birds were found nesting on Menavawr by G.H.H. in 1938 (see VIII Report, p. 96). In 1945 E. J. M. Buxton found 20 to 30 nest­ ing on Gorregan, and a smaller number on Menavawr (B.B. Vol. XXXIX, p. 190). This year there are none on Menavawr, and a flourishing colony again on Gorregan.—Eds.).

RAZORBILL. Many hundreds seen from the boat on our way to the Islands, all flying westward very close to the water. Strangely enough only a few were seen about the islands. F.A.T.

GUILLEMOT. Very scarce as compared with the previous year. F.A.T. On Gorregan, these birds were nesting singly in under­ ground sites, like Razorbills. H.M.Q. Some breeding on Mincarlo, and some on Menavawr. C.A. Colonies too large to estimate were found on Menavawr and Gorregan, not seen elsewhere. R.H.B.

PUFFIN. Have been virtually wiped out on Annet by the Great Black-backed Gulls. A.A.D.S. Only one seen on Annet on May 2nd. Many were seen flying off the Haycocks and Meledgan on May 15th. Several were seen to fly from their burrows on Mincarlo. In one partly excavated burrow were found several egg shells of Cormorants and Gulls, together with peculiarly shaped and highly coloured stones. Were these collected by the Puffin? F.A.T. A greatly diminished species. Still a small colony on Annet, but on Menavawr, where there were many nests before the war, only one or two pairs remain. None were seen on Gorregan. R.H.B. A small colony appears to be breeding on Mincarlo. H.M.Q. Some were seen around Menavawr. C.A. When trying to clean the oil off a Puffin, it bit my hand, and I could plainly see and feel the top mandible move upwards at its base, with a click. This slight freedom of movement might explain the Puffin's trick of holding many fish at once, without the inmost one jamming its beak open. H.W. 47

DIARY OF THE WALMSLEY SANCTUARY AND

DISTRICT.

By T. J. Willcocks.

January 16th. Thirteen White-fronted Geese turned up in the Sanctuary, rather late. January 20th. Twenty-seven Geese arrived from the East. They went straight to the Sanctuary, and after a preliminary circle, dropped right into the middle of it. January 27th. On the Estuary I saw a Goldeneye drake in full plumage, and displaying, although he was apart from other ducks, and none of his own kind were there. The same day I saw, off Burniere Point, a record number of Pintails. With the telescope I carefully counted the parties as they fed well apart from the other ducks, a total of ninety, all in view at once. February 7th. I counted twenty-one Shoveler drakes, the greatest number I have seen, in Tregordon marsh. February 18th. Twenty-eight White-fronts still about. I have twice seen Peregrines in the Sanctuary, perched on fencing, fairly near the Geese but not disturbing them a bit. February 28th. The Geese seemed to have gone. There have been two lots lately, of twenty-eight and seven. Both lots were White-fronts. They appeared to be two varieties. The seven were very dark; two had white foreheads, and those two and another had black bars on the breast. I could plainly see the white nail on the bill. The rest of the bills of all these birds was very yellow, while the bills of the twenty-eight were nearly white. They never joined forces but kept apart. They were terrified by aeroplanes. Curlew seem to fear the planes too, and go streaking off when they pass. No Duck takes any notice of planes at all. A Duck over deep water feels safe from Peregrines, and also doubtless from planes! Little Owls are plentiful in this district. A lot of Golden Plover are about. March 19th. The Geese had not all gone; seven are still in the Sanctuary every day. April 30th. Heard the loud groaning and squealing call of a Water-rail; so late in the year it should be a nester. May 4th. Shelduck are nesting, and Lapwings sitting in the Sanctuary. This morning I had excellent views in a good light of a Wood- Sandpiper. It was very tame. As it flew it gave the " chip-chip " call, and another call, and did a display flight. I noticed particularly that as it flew the whole of its feet projected beyond the tip of the tail. August 11th. About forty Black-tailed Godwits on Estuary. August 25th. Fourteen Black-tails, some Bar-tails and three Greenshanks. September 6th. Several Curlew Sandpipers with Dunlin and Ringed Plover. 48

September 8th. (With H.P.O.C.) over forty Bar-tails, three Knots and (probably) one Reeve, Whimbrels and hundreds of Oyster-catchers.

September 9th. (With Mrs. Rait Kerr). Bar-tails (no Black- tails) seen, also groups of three Turnstones, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpipers two Little Stints and three Knots.

September 15th. Many Bar-tails, three Black-tails, five Knots, one Greenshank. Two groups closely watched—one consisting of two Dunlin and five Curlew Sandpipers and the other one Curlew Sandpiper and two Little Stints. Stints when they flew gave the " tit, tit, tit " call and the Curlew Sandpipers the cheery " chirrup " call as given in the " Handbook." Some of the Curlew Sandpipers looked very silvery compared to the browner Dunlins. It was a great treat to have a single Curlew Sandpiper, fifteen feet away, look at me anxiously from behind a tuft of salting herbage and then decide to patter off across the mud. First Wigeon—2 drakes and 1 duck—seen this day.

September 29th. Grey Plover first heard.

October 3rd. Single Yellow Wagtail among cattle. Many had passed through earlier in the Autumn.

October 6th, 13th and 20th. Grey Plover seen in small num­ bers. On October 20th Curlew Sandpiper with Ringed Plover.

October 30th. First Jack Snipe seen. Ruff or Reeve seen in marshes from October 30th to November 3rd. November 30th. Female Merlin followed by two Rooks passing over fields. Afterwards Peregrine seen perched on ground and on several different trees, preening, etc., and putting a big flock of Lapwings and Golden Plovers on the alert.

December 1st. Many Wigeon and Teal and over twenty Shovelers in marshes. Over twenty Pintails off Burniere Point. Male Peregrine on Estuary. December 8th. Male Peregrine seen standing on prey—one of the Thrush family. Mid-December. Greatest flock of Teal I have ever seen— about 500—in Tregorden Marsh. Nearly 30 Shovelers.

December 17th. Seven White-fronted Geese in the Sanctuary. These gradually increased until on December 31st there were 29. No Grey-lags. December 25th. Much to my sorrow I found a dead Bittern between Tregorden and Penpont, St. Kew, just our side of the boundary. It died where it fell, or fell dead, with a shot still to be found in a smashed wing and a shot-hole through the breast. Crows or rats had eaten most of the flesh but the Bittern had not been dead many days when I found it.

Green Sandpipers and Common Sandpipers seen in usual numbers this Autumn. Water Rails in the marsh frequently seen and heard. 49

ROOSTING OF RAVENS.

By C. J. F. Coombs.

While making a study of the roosting habits of rooks and jack­ daws and to some extent of other crows in Cornwall, I chanced to come across a place in a comparatively built-up area where an abnormally liberal food supply was available, which had attracted a considerable number of Ravens and Great Black-backed Gulls. Flocks of 30 to 40 Ravens were seen in the neighbourhood in early September, 1945. On September 20th, I found 58 Ravens together in a field near this feeding ground and on several occasions considerable numbers were seen and were eventually followed at roosting time to part of a wood about 5 miles distant, which is also used by Rooks, Jackdaws and Carrion Crows. On 4th October I made a provisional estimate of the number of Ravens present here, soon after sunset, as being 150. On October 6th at 6.30 a.m. I followed the Ravens leaving the roost back to the feeding ground and found that nearly 60 of them were present there at one time out of the total of 100 to 150. Since then I have tried to trace where the Ravens come from to form this roost and it would appear that at least 50% depend on this particular feeding ground. While I have seen Ravens on three or four occasions coming in the right direction at roosting time from distances of 8 to 9 miles away, I have no real proof that Ravens are travelling to this roost from a great distance. At the end of October, 1945, one pair of Ravens was found roosting in a small wood near the sea some 7 miles distant from this large roost: no other isolated roosting in this area had been found. By early February, 1946, the number of Ravens present at the roost had dropped considerably and on the 7th I think there were certainly under 50 there. On the 27th February I counted 45 at the feeding ground 5 miles away. On 14th March only 16 Ravens were seen at the feeding ground. These figures rather suggest that there may be a small number of non-breeding birds living mainly round the feeding ground and going back to the roost at night while the majority had probably left the area to nest. The number of Ravens had considerably increased again at the end of the summer and on 6th August, 102 were definitely counted by P. I. R. Maclaren and myself. In general I find that the Ravens tend to arrive at an area about 300 yards from the roost, where they collect about half an hour before the Rooks and Jackdaws come in on the opposite side of the wood to collect prior to roosting. Although on 29th Sep­ tember, 1946, six or more Ravens were still flying round this col­ lecting area long after dark and long after the majority of Rooks and Jackdaws had finally settled down, in general the Ravens come in to roost and settle down definitely earlier than the other species. They consistently use one small area of a long strip of wood and this part of the wood is only used by the last of the Rooks and 50

Jackdaws to come in, these two latter species always making for a wholly different part and only settling in other areas as the area of choice becomes filled up. There is a tendency for Carrion Crows in general to arrive later than the three other species and they appear to be mainly using an entirely separate part of the wood. As regards the total numbers of each of the four species using the roost, it would appear that there are rather over 100 Ravens, about the same number of Carrion Crows, probably about 3,000 Rooks (based on a census of the rookeries believed to go there) and between two and three times as many Jackdaws, coming from a rather wider area than the rooks. It is hoped to follow up this and other roosts and perhaps to give a more detailed account at a later date. Reference : A record of up to 122 Ravens using a single roost at Pitlochry, Perthshire, is given by E. J. Fergusson on page 76 of " British Birds," Vol. XXXVII. These had been there during the seasons of 1941, 1942, 1943, and possibly longer.

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON NEST CONSTRUCTION BY THE HOUSE MARTIN.

By L. Rendell. The following observations were made at " Turlea" (near Callington), on two pairs of House Martins (whose behaviour in building differed). All times stated are D.B.S.T. The two pairs built under the eaves of the barn where they had not bred since 1939. Some 15—20 years back we had a colony of thirteen nests, but it gradually dwindled (owing largely, I believe, to the depredations of House Sparrows) until none were left. I propose to set down separately the notes taken of each pair and then to discuss the variations in their behaviour.

No. 1 Pair. May. 28th. One bird arrived during the morning and settled on a small part of an old nest, soon being joined by another (I was unable to distinguish the sexes). Most of the day was occupied in site selection, the birds perching on different sections of the barn wall with a great amount of " chirruping." They would pitch close together and with bills almost touching, " chirr-up " for two or three minutes, occasionally gently tapping the wall and actually touching bills. Finally they settled on the bit of old nest which was about 2 in. long and 1 in. wide, and roosted there—rather a cramped situation. 29th. Started building on the old nest at noon and continued for 3 hours. 30th. Building from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 31st. Birds not seen until 6 p.m., although it was a fine day, when they worked until 7 p.m. June. 1st. Building from 9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. 2nd. Building from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. 3rd. A very rough and wet day. A half-hour's building done in early morning before rain started. 4th. Building from 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon. 5th. Very rough and wet. Birds not seen for the day. Up to the 4th the Martins roosted on nest each night, but did not do so this night. 6th. No building done. Rain most of the day. Birds visited the nest a few times and again roosted there. 7th. Building started at 7.30 a.m. for 1.5 hours, and then an interval for feeding. Building again from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Roosted at nest. 8th. Building from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Up to date mud had been collected just below the nest, but to-day the birds went some 200 yards for it, though plenty was still available in the previous place. No roosting at nest to-night. 9th. Building from 9 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. Outer shell of nest finished. Roosting in nest. 10th. Rain. No building. Rooosting in nest. 13th. Birds little seen since the 10th. Started lining nest with pieces of old bag which was stuffed in a pigeon-hole just below nest. Roosting in nest. 23rd. Birds little seen since 13th. Again lining with pieces of bag, and collecting spider silk from a thatched roof. Nest con­ tained two or more eggs. Birds not roosting in nest. 28th. Birds not seen at nest more than three times since 23rd. They visited nest several times, occasionally carrying lining material, hay, etc. Did not roost in nest. 29th. Two eggs on ground below nest, smashed. Nest being lined spasmodically all day. No more observations were made until August 12th, when well advanced young were being fed. During one hour's watching, the birds fed the young 25 times. Longest period between visits 6 minutes, shortest 2 seconds. August. 22nd. Four young left nest but used it as a dormitory for some ten days.

No. 2 Pair. June. 21st. Birds arrived, and without any preliminary site selec­ tion, started building close against No. 1 nest from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Not roosting at nest. 22nd. Building for about 0.5 hour early morning. Rain rest of day. Not roosting at nest. 23rd. Practically no building done. Fine day. Birds not roosting at nest. 52

28th. Birds not seen since 23rd. Visited nest to-day a few times but no building done. Not roosting at nest. 29th. Building for two hours in the morning. Not roosting at nest. 30th. No building done. Fine day. Not roosting at nest. July. lst. Building from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Not roosting at nest. 2nd. Building from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and at 5 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Not roosting at nest. 3rd. Birds not seen. Rain most of day. 4th. Birds seen a few times, but no building done. One bird roosted on the nest. 5th. Building most of the day with intervals for feeding. Not roosting on nest. 6th. No building done. Weather fair. Not roosting at nest. 7th to 9th. Building continued for about 2.5 hours each day. All building done before 12.30 p.m. Birds not roosting on nest. 10th. Building from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Clay fetched from a pond 200 yards away. Supply close at hand dried up. Not roosting on nest. 11th to 13th. Building each day for about 2 hours in morning. Birds not roosting on nest. 14th. Building from 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. Outer shell of nest finished. No roosting at nest. 17th. Birds not seen since 14th. Nest being lined to-day with hay, also on 18th. No roosting at nest. 19th. Nest contained 1 egg. This pair reared 5 young and when they flew were not seen again, not at any rate in the vicinity of the nest.

Differences in Behaviour. Site-selection. Whereas No. 1 pair arrived separately and spent several hours in site-selection, No. 2 pair arrived together and started building almost immediately, close to No. 1 pair's nest without any apparent attempt at site-selection. I was watching No. 1 nest at 6 a.m. and no Martins were about. The several pairs I have watched over a number of years, have all taken some trouble in site-selection with a great amount of " chirruping " and wall tapping, sometimes ex­ tending over a period of days, and the birds usually stick isolated beak-fulls of clay on different spots of the wall before choosing and building in the final position.

Lining Nest. It is notable that whereas No. 1 pair used pieces of bag and spider-silk for lining and were still lining when the nest contained at least two eggs, No. 2 pair only used hay, and as far as I saw no lining was added after the first egg was laid. The two broken eggs found on the ground on June 29th from No. 1 nest is slightly mysterious. Ordinarily House Sparrows would have been suspected, 58 but the fact that only one Sparrow was seen near the two nests (and that only for a brief period) during the whole time they were under observation, seems to make this unlikely. I am putting forward a tentative suggestion that the eggs were broken by the birds themselves, as follows: Coition normally takes place in the nest with a great amount of " chirruping," and occasionally a wing or tail shoots out of the entrance hole. When one bird emerges it is frequently held swinging in mid-air for a few moments by the other grasping its wing or tail feathers and if the former returns quickly on being released, and alights on the side of the nest, it is often held firmly by the throat feathers for a second or two. Is it possible that the eggs were broken in the course of these performances and subsequently ejected?

Roosting on Nest. While No. 1 pair roosted on the nest every night except on the nights of June 5th, 8th and 23rd when the nest contained eggs, No. 2 pair were not seen to roost on the nest at all throughout the period of nest construction, except on the 9th day (July 4th), and then only one bird roosted. It is also noteworthy that the whole family of the first nest (6 birds) used the nest as a dormi­ tory for some time after the young were fledged, while the family of the second nest were not seen again after the young left it. It is difficult to see any reason for this. It will be seen from my notes on No. 1 pair, that roosting in the nest ceased when it contained eggs. Where did the birds roost when they were not at the nest? They were not on or in any of the buildings. Why did one bird of the second nest roost on the nest alone? Its mate was nowhere in the vicinity, bui? both birds were in evidence the next day.

General Observations on Nest Construction. Surely the nest of the House Martin which is, as a general rule, fixed to the bare wall of some building with the over-hanging eaves as a roof, is a masterpiece of nest construction, unsurpassed by any bird on the British list. Both sexes take an equal share in building but are rarely seen in the nest working together, not at least on the outer shell. When lining commences both birds are occasionally in the nest to­ gether, for lengthy periods, with always a continuous stream of " chirruping." Building on fine days usually starts in the early morning, but is sometimes delayed for no apparent reason. On really inclement days building does not start until late afternoon or early evening or even not at all. It seems that the material used (mud and occasionally cow-dung) must be in the correct state of " tackiness " to be suitable for building, and on rainy days it is far too wet. The actual process of fixing the mud is as follows: When the site has been selected the birds arrive with material and alighting slightly above the intended starting point lean well over sideways and downward, pressing it firmly to the wall and shaking the head rapidly from side to side, using the point of the B4

beak as a pivot, then, " standing back " to inspect the job for a second or two, it gives it a second, or even a third, thorough press­ ing before getting another supply. In the early stages of building, before a sufficient platform is formed, a good amount of mud is wasted and falls to the ground. The birds often look down as if to see where it has dropped, but I have never seen any attempt made to retrieve it. As soon as there is sufficient mud in position to form a foundation the birds alight on this, and build outward from the centre; thus the nest is automatically formed in the familiar cup-like shape.

No body gyrations are used to shape the nest (such as per­ formed by some mud builders, notably the Turdidae), or are, indeed, possible in a nest of this type.

All shaping of the nest is done by the beak alone, at least the outer shell. It is probable that the inner cup formed by the linings, is made by body gyrations, but owing to the shape and depth of the nest this is impossible to see. As the work progresses the parts of the nest nearest the wall are built much higher than the rest. This is probably done to obtain a firm grip on the wall, so as to help bear the weight of the accumulating material and so lessen the risk of the whole structure collapsing.

As the nest increases in depth the birds again resort to cling­ ing to the part of the wall enclosed by the nest or the inside of the nest itself. When the eaves are reached the birds plaster the mud tightly to the slate, leaving the entrance-hole in widely different positions, some being close to the wall, others in the middle of the nest, but practically always in the rim of the nest. I have, however, one or two records of the entrance-hole being formed in the side of the nest (like the Long-tailed Tit) with half an inch of mud between it and the eaves. Some nests have only a long narrow slit at the top to serve as a point of ingress and egress.

I have two records of nests that protruded well beyond the eaves when finished, with the result that when it rained they were partly washed away. The birds repaired them twice but always finished in the same position, which shows they were incapable of learning from previous experience. The last time, a piece of tin was placed above the nest so that the water dripped clear and young were successfully reared. In practically any colony of House Martins it is obvious to the most casual observer that the nests vary to a certain extent, some perhaps being very deep and narrow, others shallow and very broad, others present a very untidy appearance caused by long pieces of hay or straw mixed with the mud, while some are much larger than others. It is possible that one variety (the deep narrow nest) is built by first year birds who are not such accomplished craftsmen as the older birds and do not judge the distance from the starting point to the eaves correctly. I do not think the builders of the untidy nest deliberately mix more vegetable material with the mud than those birds who build the neater type of nest, but rather, that the particular spot where the mud is collected is naturally strewn with bits of hay or straw and is automatically picked up with the mud. 55

In the case of the larger type of nest it is possible that these birds habitually lay larger clutches of eggs and raise a greater number of young. This is in fact borne out by the observations on the two pairs previously described. No. 1 nest was very small and only 4 young were reared, whereas No. 2 nest was larger and 5 young left the nest. It is not inferred that anything conclusive can be drawn from this one instance, but rather that it serves as an incentive to further study. House Martins often show a. tendency to long periods of inactivity when building, sometimes extending over three or four days. This is probably a wise provision of Nature so as to allow the mud sufficient time to dry and consolidate before more is added, although nests started late in the season are generally finished with greater dispatch.

NOTES ON THE HERONRIES OF THE FAL AND

HELFORD ESTUARIES, CORNWALL.

By P. I. R. Maclaren.

In the Census of Heronries, 1928 (British Birds), are listed nine heronries existing in the county in that year, and nine others extinct. Lt.-Col. B. H. Ryves in his recent article " The Status of Birds Breeding in Cornwall " (British Birds, Vol. XXXVII), quotes only five known heronries, apart from isolated nests. As at least five on the Fal and one on the Helford existed just before the last war, the following notes may be of interest, though information from 1940-1946 is lacking. Now that 1" ordnance maps are being supplied to the public with the superimposition of the national grid, the quoting of map references will help to remove all doubt concerning localities, such as for instance there must have been about the position of the Anthony Heronry mentioned in the census. There are three places of that name in Cornwall, all on estuaries and with surrounding wnnHs

LOCALITY REFERENCE REMARKS OF NOTES 1928 CENSUS

(A) FAL ESTUARY. (1) Merther, 285663 + 12 12 in 1936 (B. H. Spooner). Tresillian About 10 in 1943 (Dr. C. J. F. River. Coombs). Believed occupied yearly, 1928-46.

(2) Borlase 283633 No record. In occupation early in the century Wood, Phil- (from inf. of my mother). leigh (Ruan 1936, April. 9. River). 1937, April. Not in use. 1938, March. 11. 1938, June. 13. 1939, Not visited. 1940, April. 17 (+2?). 1941-46. Not visited. 56

LOCALITY REFERENCE REMARKS OF NOTES 1928 CENSUS (3) Lamorran Before 1870 What is properly the Ruan River River. is also called the Lamorran River. This record may therefore refer to No. 2 heronry, though Lamorran Creek proper (306644), two miles away, is perhaps intended. (4) Pill Wood, 258612 No record. Foundation date unknown. Feock. 1936, May. 7. 1937-38, April. Not occupied, but late nesting in June reported. 1939. Occupation reported. 1940, June. 5. 1941-46. No record, but sporadic occupation reported. (5) Turnaware 267609 No record. 1938, March and June. 2. No Wood, St. record previous to this. Prob­ J us t-in-Rose - ably an offshoot of heronry No. land. 4, ^ m. away across the river. 1940, April. Not occupied. (6) Place Wood, 283553 No record. 1937, April. 4 (Col. Grant- Porthcuel Dalton reported that it had been River. established *' some years.") 1938, June. +2. 1940 (about). Col. Grant-Dalton states that the herons departed early in the war after the first A.A. gunfire, but are now (1946) possibly returning. (7) North Hill, 288560 No record. 1940 (about), Herons noticed Porthcuel building. Almost certainly from River. heronry No. 6, J m. distant. (B) HELFORD ESTUARY

(8) Merthen 148489 + 3 1931, May. 8 (Inf. of Lady (N.B.—Dif­ Vyvyan). ferentiate 1932, March. 5 (C.C.V.). from MertheR, 1936, April. About 6 (C.C.V.). Heronry, No. 1937, April. 4 (C.C.V.). 1 ; confusion 1940, April. 11. has occurred in (1938, 1939 and 1941-46, believed the reports of to be occupied). the Cornwall Bird W. & P. Society).

(9) Bonallack 148489 3 before This is probably the same as Barton. 1928. heronry No. 8, as that is actually nearer Bonallack Barton than Merthen, though in' the woods of the latter farm. (10) Porthwhev- 165494 No record. Lady Vyvyan remembers that a erel Creek. small heronry was established here in the early thirties, in an area 1.5-2.5m. from heronry No. 8. (If members could supply up-to-date information in 1947 about any of the above Heronries, it would be a useful piece of work. Eds.). BALANCE SHEET FOR YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 1946.

Receipts £ s. d. £ s. d. 51 18 6 Subscriptions of Members 72 0 0 Netherton & Worth, Ltd., Reports 5 18 6 Subscriptions of Associates 6 6 Netherton & Worth, Ltd., Five year indexes 3 11 4 Sale of Reports 2 18 6 Netherton & Worth, Ltd., Stationery, &c. ... Donations 4 8 0 Donation to Universities' Federation for Animal 1 1 0 Year's Rent Walmsley Sanctuary 52 0 0. Welfare ... 1 1 0 Bank interest Deposit Account ... 1 3 9 Donation to Kite Preservation Fund 12 6 Total Credit Balances 31st December, 1945 270 11 10 Affiliation Fee South Western Naturalists' Association Payment to Watcher "A" 2 0 0 Payment to Watcher "B" 3 0 0 Payment to Watcher " C " 4 0 0 Year's Tithe Walmsley Sanctuary 13 0 Postages, &c. 9 12 5 Bank Charges 1 6 0 Cheque Book 8 0 250 0 0

Deposited in P.O. Savings Bank 335 2 3 68 6 4

Credit Balance 31st December, 1946 £403 8 7 £403 8 7

31st December, 1946. On deposit in P.O. Savings Bank £250 0 0

Balance in Bank £67 18 0 Cash in hand ... 8 4

£68 6 4

Checked with Registers, Vouchers and Bank Statements and found correct. S. A. MARTYN, Hon. Auditor. J- MELROSE MACMILLAN, Honorary Treasurer.

11th January, 1947. ,0th January- 1947" 58

LIST OF MEMBERS FOR 1946.

We regret to record the deaths of Mr. J. N. Dawe, Miss I. M. R. Foster, the Rev. H. W. Humphrys, Mr. F. Ivimey, and Mrs. Thorndike. The following have resigned membership: F/0 P. E. Brown, Miss L. Dutt, Dr. Trevan Hambly, Mr. E. Hammond, Mr. F. Hooper, Mr. W. L. Knight, and Mr. T. J. M. Mewton. The 47 members who have joined the Society during 1946 are indicated by an asterisk against their names.

(a) Honorary Members. Palmer, J. L., Editor-in-Chief, Western Morning News, Plymouth. Tucker, B. W., M.A., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Dept. of Zoology, University of Oxford.

(b) Ordinary Members. Adkins, Miss Prudence, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Agnew, Commander P. G., Trevanion, Camborne. Anderson, B. W., Ladylane, Ditchling, Sussex. Anderson, Mrs. I. M., Ladylane, Ditchling, Sussex. Andrews, A. W., Tregerther, St. Ives. Appleby, Mrs., 8, Bethany Homes, Camborne. Arbon, H. J., Dalswinton, Mawgan, Newquay. Aylwin, Mrs. E., Treford, Golant, Par.

Bailhache, Capt. C. H., Backways, Bossinney, Tintagel. Ball, A. Shorland, Littlewood, Lelant. *Banks, Miss F. M., 49, Crantock Street, Newquay. Barker, Miss E. M., Trelan, Lelant. Barnecutt, F. 0., 34, North Street, Tywardreath, Par. *Belfield, Miss M., 1, Hea Cottage, Heamoor, Penzance. Bellers, R. W., Harlyn Bay, near Padstow. Bennett, W. C, 70, Fore Street, Newquay. Berlin, Miss A. K., Shang-ri-la, Reskdinnick, Camborne. *Bertram, Lt.-Col. W. R., Old Quay House, Lelant, via Hayle. *Beswetherick, R. J., Martyn's, Fairholme Road, Bude. Bewes, Mrs. N., Trelil, Marlborough Road, Falmouth. Bickford-Smith, Mrs. G., Trevarno, Helston. Bicknell, Mrs. Florence, Flint Cottage, Loudwater, near Rickmans- worth, Herts. *Birtill, R. G., Brook, Heamoor, Penzance. *Birtill, Mrs. R. G., Brook, Heamoor, Penzance. Blair, Dr. R. H., Basset Road, Camborne. Blight, Mrs. Beryl, 12, Killivose Road, Camborne. Bolitho, Lt.-Col. E. H. W., C.B., D.S.O., J.P. (Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall), Trengwainton, Madron (President). Booth-Jones, Mrs. M., Undertown, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. * Brand, R. H., Caprera, 61, Truro Road, St. Austell. Bridger, J. A. D., J.P., Pill, Feock, Truro. Brotherton, Miss H. J., Burwage House, Martello Park, Canford Cliffs, Bournemouth. Burden, Major, E. A. R., Tresillian, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Burden, Mrs. H. G., Tresillian, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Bury, Miss V. M., The White House, Woolacombe, N. Devon. Butler, Miss F. S., Loe Vean, Feock, Truro. 59

Campbell, Mrs. H. M. E., Trevellan, St. Teath. Carr, Lady N., 19, Rosscourt Mansions, Buckingham Palace Road, London, S.W.I, and Trig, Rock, Wadebridge. Carr, Mrs. G. W., Lanhael, Polperro. Catlin, Flight-Lieut. J. V., R.A.F.V.R., 4, Melrose Road, Upper Hill Lane, Southampton. * Chamberlain, Miss M., Richmond, Tower Road, Newquay. Chilcott, H. T., Penlee, Truro. Clague, W. D., Ltmana, Hannafore, Looe.. *Clark, R. B., 9, Home Farm Estate, Sipson, West Drayton, M'dlesex. Clarke, A. C., Trerose, Mawnan, Falmouth. Cleave, H. P. 0., M.B.O.U., Trevanion, Wad^bridge. Clemens, Mrs. H. W., 11, Thistle Grove, London, S.W.10. *Clift, Miss F. H. L., The Cottage, Gyllyngvase Terrace, Falmouth. Collett, R. L., 20, Abbey Road, London, N.W.8. Coombs, Dr. C. J. F., Perran-ar-Worthal, Truro. Cooper, Miss B. B., Heyle, Helford Passage, Falmouth. Cox, A. H. Machell, Chevin Chase, West Quantock, Nr. Taunton. * Creed, A. Lowry, Truro School, Truro. Croggon, Miss T., Pare Marras, Grampound. Crossman, A. L., Meadowside, Ruan Minor, Helston. Crossman, Mrs., Meadowside, Ruan Minor, Helston. Cunningham, Miss D. W., c/o Lloyds Bank Ltd., Penzance. *Curnow, Dr. R. N., Trevosa, Kenwyn, Truro. * Curtis, H. T., Crossways, Talland, Looe. Dana, R. W., O.B.E., Cockmoyle, Rock, Wadebridge. Dana, Mrs., Cockmoyle, Rock, Wadebridge. Darroch, Mrs. A., Haldon, Pentire, Newquay. Davey, Miss E., Goonvrea House, Goonvrea, St. Agnes. *David, Miss D. H., Shippers Close, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. David, The Rev. F. P., Culver Cottage, Winchester; and Cove Cottage, Polzeath, Wadebridge. David, Mrs., Culver Cottage, Winchester; and Cove Cottage, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Davis, J. G., Group-Captain, c/o Sketchley Hill House, Hinckley, Leicester. de Bertodano, The Lady Sylvia, Arden Hall, Helmsley, Yorks. de Maupas, Guy, Trenance, Mevagissey. *Dixon, Perrin A., F.Z.S., Far End, Mylor Bridge, near Falmouth. Dorrien Smith, Major A. A., D.S.O., J.P., Tresco Abbey, Isles of Scilly. Drew, S. J., 38, Crantock Streeet, Newquay. Drummond, Miss I. M., The Bryn, Trevone, Padstow. Dutton, Mrs. E. B., Beach Cottage, Polzeath, Wadebridge. *Edward-Collins, Major-General C. E., Trevardale, Blisland. Edward-Collins, R. F., Polgwin, Bodmin. Edward-Collins, Mrs., Polgwin, Bodmin. Eustace, E. J. T., Fisheries Office, 61, Fore Street, Camborne.

Farrant, Miss B., Roskrow, Penryn. Ferguson, Miss Juliet, Quay House, St. Ives. .Ferrier, Miss Judith M., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Hemsby, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Fisher, J., M.A., Old Rectory, Ashton, Northampton. *Flawn, E. G., The Stannery, Ludgvan, Penzance. 60

*Flawn, Mrs., The Stannery, Ludgvan, Penzance. Foot, Isaac, Pencrebar, Callington. Foster, Miss M. P., Penmilder, Liskeard. *Fox, Mrs. G. R., Trewardreva Manor, Constantine, Falmouth. *Fox, Miss M. V., Crossfield, Mawnan, near Falmouth. *Fox, Miss S., Trewardreva Manor, Constantine, Falmouth.

Gallup, Mrs. J. P., Langstone Manor, Brentor, near Tavistock, Devon. • Gardner, Miss D., Bunny's Hall, Falmouth. Gellatly, Miss D., New Close, Mawgan, Newquay. Gellatly, Miss N., New Close, Mawgan, Newquay. *Gibb, Capt. J. A., Rinsey Head, Ashton, near Helston. * Giles, Miss C, 147, Mount Wise, Newquay. Gill, Mrs. M. E., Riverside, Lelant. Graham, Dr. C. I., 5, St. Sampson's Terrace, Golant, Par. * Graham, D. F., Polberrow House, St. Agnes. Grand, Mrs. Irene, Coolgrena, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Green, C. R. W., Woodhouse Place, Falmouth. Greenland, Mrs. E. M., Highways, Cubert, Newquay. Greenwood, Miss H., 3, Peveril Road, Penzance. Gunning, Canon J. O., The Rectory, Mawgan, Newquay. Gunning, Mrs., The Rectory, Mawgan-Porth, Newquay.

Hambly, A. C, 59, Fore Street, Redruth. Hambly, Dr. E. H. T., Halwyn House, Port Isaac. Hankey, Mrs. F., Laregan, Penzance. Hargreaves, J., Welltown Manor, Boscastle. Hartley, P. H. Trahair, M.B.O.U., Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, 7, Keble Road, Oxford. Harvey, Mrs. A. S., Rosehill Cottage, Padstow. Harvey, Miss E. I., Rosehill Cottage, Padstow. Harvey, G. H., 24, Pendarves Road, Penzance. Harvey, Mrs., 24, Pendarves Road, Penzance. * Harvey, L. A., University College, Exeter. Hawkey, W. J. M., 32, Cliff Road, Newquay. Hawkey, Mrs. 32, Cliff Road, Newquay. Hayman, Mrs., M.B.E., J.P., West Park, Redruth. *Heath, Dr. C, Porbeggles, St. Day, near Redruth. "Henderson Bull, Mrs., Marlborough Road, Falmouth. Hendy, E. W., Holt Anstiss, Porlock, Somerset. Henwood, T. L., Vallis, 46, Ennor Road, Newquay. Hepburn, Mrs. B., Rock, Wadebridge. Hepburn, Miss E. M., Rock, Wadebridge. Hepburn, Ian, Laxton House, Oundle, Northants. Hewish, E. W., 2, Bank Street, Newquay. Hocking, Mrs. L., 11, Headland Road, Newquay. Holman, J. L., Rosewarne, Camborne. Hony, Miss M., Rock, Wadebridge. Horsnaill, Miss F., Fairlight, Praa Sands. Hunt, Miss H. M., Heath Farm, Tiptree, Essex. Hurrell, H. G., M.B.O.U., Moorgate, Wrangaton, Plymouth. Jeffreys, A. H., 13, Cheyne Gardens, Chelsea, S.W.3; and Doom Bar House, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Jeffreys, Mrs. D. B., 13, Cheyne Gardens, Chelsea, S.W.3; and Doom Bar House, Trebetherick, Wadeebridge. 61

Jenkin, Miss F. J., The Cottage, Newquay. Jenkin, Miss H., 3, Peveril Road, Penzance. Jenkin, L., 11, Headland Road, Newquay. Jenkin, Mrs., 11, Headland Road, Newquay. Johnson, Mrs. E. M., Budock Vean Cottage, Mawnan, Falmouth. Johnstone, G., Oxford and Cambridge University Club, Pall Mall, London, S.W.I. Jones, Capt. C. H., D.S.O., R.N., Trewenna, Gorran-Haven. Jones, Mrs. Maud, Trewenna, Gorran-Haven. Jones, Capt. I., 30, Vernon Road, Edgebaston, Birmingham.

Kitto, J. H., Mawgan, Manor Road, S\ Albans, Herts. Lane, Mrs. A. B., Blackdowns, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucester. Langham, C. H., Carmeal, Breage, Helston. Lawson, H. B., Churchmead, Pirbright, Surrey. Layton, Mrs. Noel, M.B.E., Lynam Farm, Rock, Wadebridge. Lethbridge, Miss D. M. B., J.P., Tregeare, near Launceston.

Mackenzie, Mrs. K., Trewetha, near Port Isaac, Cornwall. Maclaren, P. I. R., Loenoweth, Feock, Truro. Maclaren Mrs. Malcolm, Loenoweth, Feock, Truro. Macmillan, J. Melrose, J.P., Trehane, Trevanson, Wadebridge. (Hon. Treasurer). Macmillan, Mrs., Trehane, Trevanson, Wadebridge. Makepeace, Mrs., Trewint Lake, St. Minver, Wadebridge. Markland, F. J. C, Bay Hotel, Falmouth. Markland, Mrs., Bay Hotel, Falmouth. Marley, Miss K. R., Millingey, St. Issey, Padstow. Marshall, Commdr. D., R.N.V.R., M.P., House of Commons, West­ minster, London. Marshall, H., F.Z.S., The Manor House, Felsted, Essex. Martyn, S. A., Pormorla Villa, Wadebridge. May, Miss M., Glyddins, Cockle Bar, Rock, Wadebridge. McCorkindale, Miss E., Trebetherick, Wadebridge. *Meade, Col. P., Morreps, Lelant. Meares, R. H., 2, Western Terrace, Falmouth. Meares, Mrs., 2, Western Terrace, Falmouth. Meates, B. Crossley, Machan Manaccan, Helston. Mischler, S. M., Trewinnard Court, 1>uro. *Mitchell, E. Foster, Harwell, Lelant, St. Ives. *Mitchell, H. B., Treloweth House, Haylee. •Mitchell, H. S., Treloweth House, Hayle. Mollison, Mrs. B. M., Innisfree, Polzeath, Wadobrfdge. Moor, Miss M. R., Playford, Porth, Newquay. Nalder, G. F., 7, Pydar Street, Truro. New, L. P., The County Hall, Truro. * Oakley, R. J. L., Whitebays, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. * Oakley, Mrs., Whitebays, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Odell, Miss S. M., The Bryn, Trevone, Padstow. Oxley, Mrs. C. A., Brentwood, Trevelga Road, Newquay. Pagan, Miss E. L., Callater Cottage, King's Mead, -Painswick, Glos. Parmenter, L., 94, Fairlands Avenue, Thornton Heath, Surrey. Parrinder, E. R., M.B.O.U., 27, Gwalior House, Chase Road, South- gate, N.14. 62

Parrinder, Mrs. E. D., 27, Gwalior House, Chase Road, South- gate, N.14. Payne, R. W., Duncan's, Lamorna, Penzance. Pearce, Mrs. M. J., Faralong, Rock, Wadebridge. Pengelly, K., 7, Woodlane Crescent, Falmouth. Penrose, G., County Museum, Truro. Phillips, D. H., 44, Adelaide Road, Redruth. *Phillips, Jack, Claffer House, Wadebridge. *Phillips, Miss S., F.Z.S., Shang-ri-la, Reskadinnick, Camborne. *Pilkington, Major R. C. L,, Little Offley, Hitchen, Herts. Pocock, R. M., Rest Harrow, St. George's Hill, Surrey. Pocock, Mrs. R. W., Rest Harrow, S. George's Hill, Surrey. Polwhele, A. C, O.B.E., J.P., Polwhele, Truro. Polwhele, Mrs., Polwhele, Truro. Pope, Mrs., West Cornwall School, Penzance. Price, O. F., Fern Cottage, Carlidnack, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth.

Quick, Miss H. M., Clarence Cottage, Penzance. (Hon. Asst. Secretary).

*Radford, Miss E., Old Quay House, Lelant, via Hayle. Radway, W. P., 58, Station Road, St. Blazey, Par. Rae, Miss Mary, Whitehouse, Rock, Wadebridge. *Rait Kerr, Mrs. H., 22, Elm Tree Road, St. John's Wood, London, N.W.8. Reed, Mrs. M., at Treyford, Golant, Par. Reith, Charles, Old Manse, near Stonehaven, Kincardineshire. Rendell, L. W., Turlea, Stokeclimsland, Callington. Rice, H., Endcliffe, Cliff Road, Falmouth. *Rickeard, W. C. N., Bosavens, West Pentire, Crantock, Newquay. Roberts, Miss D. W., Rosevine, Trevone, Padstow. *Roberts, Miss Vere, Crossfield, Mawnan, Falmouth. Robertson, Mrs., Trewint Lake, St. Minver, Wadebridge. Rogers, Miss F., The Crossways, Falmouth. Rogers, Rear Admiral H. H., M.V.O., O.B.E., J.P., Roskarnon, Rock, Wadebridge. Rogers, Miss Marjorie, Milgey, Newquay. Rosewarne, E. L., Chy-an-Goon, Connor Downs, Hayle. Rosewarne, Mrs., Chy-an-goon, Connor Downs, Hayle. Rougier, Mrs. F., Trerose Vean, Mawnan, Falmouth. Ryves, Lt.-Col. B. H., Mawgan, Newquay. (Joint Hon. Secretary). Ryves, Mrs., Mawgan, Newquay. *Ryves, Miss S. C, Scarteen, Headland Avenue, Seaford, Sussex.

Sandercock, R. L., Lloyds Bank, St. Ives. Sandercock, Mrs. D. M., Lloyds Bank, St. Ives. * Savage, B. T., Manor House, Wadebridge. Seaton, Lady, Bosahan, Helston. Sellon, Miss M. D., Windyridge, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Sewart, Miss D., Lower Treneague, Wadebridge. Sexton, Miss, West Cornwall School, Penzance. Simms, G. W., Little Trefewha,'Praze, Camborne. Singer, Professor Charles, Kilmarth, Par. Sitwell, Mrs., Elm Cottage, Truro. Skilbeck, Miss A. T., Trevanson, Wadebridge. Skinner, Miss K. M., Little Polberro, St. Agnes. Skinner, Miss M., St. Enodoc Golf Hotel, Rock, Wadebridge. 63

Soper, Miss M. B., Fiona, Rock, Wadebridge. Stephens, J. S., The University, Birmingham; and Our Cottage, St. Mawes. * Stephens, Mrs. M. S., Rosemaen, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. Stephens, P. J., Coombe Cottage, Bossinney, Tintagel. Stephens, T. John, Nanslone, Mawgan, Helston. Stephens, Dr. W. J., Hayne, Newquay. Stephens, Miss R., Hayne, Newquay. Stevens, C. J., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., 2, Gordon Terrace, Lamb Park, Par. Stokes, Miss S., Tregurnan, Newquay. Stoney, Mrs. D. A., Stokelake House, Chudleigh, S. Devon. Story, P. J., 8, Alvanley Gardens, London, N.W.6.

Tamblyn, J. T., Foye Villas, Torpoint. Tame, Dr. R. G., Tredrizzick Bridge, St. Minver, Wadebridge. Tatham, Miss E., Holy Cross Hospital, P.O. Holy Cross Mission, E. Pondoland, CP., S. Africa. *Taylor, Mrs. K., St. Mabena, Trethevy, 'Tintagel. Taylor, W. R., Clifton College, Bristol, 8. Thomas, Mrs. R., Trevitho, Pentire Avenue, Newquay. Thomson, B., Oberaven, Trethevy, Tintagel. Thomson, Mrs. M., Oberaven, Trethevy, Tintagel. Tom, Miss R. M., Lower Amble House, Wadebridge. Tracy, N., The Black Cabin, South Wootton, King's Lynn, Norfolk. Trahair, Miss M. Loveday, 3, West Park, Saltash. *Tregenza, C. W., Elmereys, Oving, Aylesbury, Bucks. Tregenza, L. A., Secondary School, Kenya, Upper Egypt. Tregenza, W. A., Haileybury College, Herts. Trusted, Miss A. M., Chy-an-Gwel, Perranwell Station, near Truro. Tunnard, John, Cadgwith, Helston. Tunnard, Mrs. M., Cadgwith, Helston. Turk, Dr. F. A., Ph.D., F.Z.S., F.R.E.S., F.R.A.S., Shang-ri-la, Reskadinnick, Camborne. Twigg, Miss A C., Rock, Wadebridge. Tyacke, Miss E. E., Brill, Flushing, Falmouth.

Valentine, Miss D., Lelant. (Joint Honorary Secretary). Venning, Mrs. K. E., Boscovean, Heamoor. Vivian, Lady, M.B.E., Glynn, Bodmin. Vyvyan, Lady, Trelowarren, Mawgan, Helston.

Wakefield, H., The Old Rectory, Inkpen, Newbury, Berks. Ward, J. H., Dereham, Sunnybank, Epsom. Ware, E. H., High Beech, Woodbury, near Exeter. Warner, G. Macd., Long Sutton, Basingstoke, Hants. Warren, Miss U. St. L., Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Watts, W. S., Penvean, Trevone, near Padstow. Watts, Mrs., Penvean, Trevone, near Padstow. Weguelin, T. N., Chapel Point, Mevagissey. Weguelin, Mrs. O. G., Chapel Point, Mevagissey. Westrup, Miss E., Lamorna Gate, St. Buryan. Wilkinson, Mrs., Windmill, St. Minver. Willcocks, T. J., Tregorden, Wadebridge. Williams, Brigadier S., Tregullow House, Scorrier. Williams, Mrs. Charles, Trewidden, Buryas Bridge. Willyams, Mrs., Carnanton, St. Columb. 64

Wilson, A. M., Middlemoor, Presteigne, Radnorshire. *Winter, N., Rockmount, Hill Barton, Exeter. *Wood, Miss M., 25, Carminow Way, Newquay. *Worth, Miss V., Truvady, Boscawen Road, Falmouth. * Wright, Miss R., Lealholme, Melville Road, Falmouth. Wynn^Werninck, Lt.-Col. H. V., Old Cottage, Pentire Glaze, St. Minver. Wynn-Werninck, Mrs., Old Cottage, Pentire Glaze, St. Minver. Yates, Mrs. D., Pentowan, King Edward Crescent, Newquay. Yates, W. H., Pentowan, King Edward Crescent, Newquay.

(Total, 289 Ordinary Members).

ASSOCIATES. Adams, R. G., Pathside, Lympstone, Exmouth. Blair, John K., Basset Road, Camborne. Cooper, J. R., Glenridding, Penrith, Cumberland. Guiton, N. F. LeL H., Trelan, Lelant. Hosking, H., Hillocks, Rock, Wadebridge. Moon, M., 19, Fore Street, Baripper, Camborne. Nance, A., Riduna, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly. Pellow, Miss M., Tyringham Place, Lelant. Smith, T. F., St. Clement.

THE COMMITTEE FOR 1946.

President : Lt.-Col. E. H. W. Bolitho, C.B., D.S.O., J.P.

Honorary Treasurer : J. Melrose Macmillan, Esq., J.P.

Joint Honorary Secretaries : Lt.-Col. B. H. Ryves. Miss D. Valentine.

Hon. Assistant Secretary : Miss H. M. Quick.

Other Members : Dr. R. H. Blair, Mr. J. A. D. Bridger, Dr. Coombs, Messrs. G. H. Harvey, L. P. New, L. Rendell, Miss K. M. Skinner, Messrs. T. J. Stephens, and C. J. Stephens.

Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society.

GENERAL INDEX TO THE Eleventh to Fifteenth Reports 1941 TO 1945

Roman figures indicate the number of the Report and plain figures the pages in it. Figures in brackets denote records under the " Arrivals and Departures " tables. Figures followed by (S) denote records from Scilly. Figures followed by (N) denote records under the Nest Sanitation Enquiry. The remarks to the General Index to the first ten Reports apply also to this Index. The names of 15 species of Birds which do not appear in the first Index are listed here, bringing the grand total of Birds recorded to 255.

THE INDEX. Auk, Little, XII, 33; XIII, 27, 44; XV, 52. Avocet, XIII, 43.

Balance Sheet, XI, 12; XII, 1, 9; XIII, 9; XIV, 76; XV, 80. Birds and Gardens, XIV, 71. Bird Song, some notes on, XII, 11, 12; XIII, 28; XIV, 75 (chart). Bittern, XIII, 40; XV, 38. Blackbird, XI, 28; XII, 11, 35 (under Magpie), 38, 40 (under S-Hawk), 46 (N), 50(N) ; XIII, 11, 24, 26, 27, 28 (song), 35; XIV, 19 (under Song-Thrush), 20, 72, 73; XV, 25, 58 (S), 63, 67 (article). Blackcap, XI, 17, 20, 33; XII, (13), 28, 37; XIII, 11, (13), 19, 27, 34, 55(N); XIV, 18, (42); XV, 5, 24, (54). Brambling, XII, 14; XIV, 13. British Trust for Ornithology, XIII, 2 (Fulmar Enquiry). Bude district, birds of the (Clifton College), XI, 2; XIII, 23; XIV, 51. Bullfinch, XI, 30, 32; XII, 19, 35, 45(N), 50(N); XIII, 14, 19, 27, 32, 54(N); XIV, 12, 71; XV, 12. Bunting, Cirl, XI, 2, 19, 40 (article); XII, 14, 19; XIII, 18, 19, 23, 27, 28 (song), 32, 54(N); XIV, 13, 47, 52, 72, 74; XV, 14, 63, 67 (article). —, Corn, XI, 30; XII, 19; XIII, 19, 27, 45 (S); XIV, 13; XV, 14. —, Reed, XI, 19, 30, 32; XII, 19; XIII, 19, 23, 27, 32; XIV, 13, 50, 52; XV, 15. —, Snow, XI, 3; XII, 27; XIV, 13. —, Yellow, XI, 32; XII, 36; XIII, 27, 62(N); XIV, 74; XV, 14, 63. Buzzard, Common, XI, 17, 21, 29, 30; XII, 20, 30, 39 (under Barn Owl); XIII, 20, 24, 27, 39; XIV, 6 'under Raven), 8 (under Raven), 19 (under S. Thrush), 27, 47, 52, 63 (article); XV, 35. —, Rough-legged, XI, 21; XIII, 39; XIV, 27; XV, 35.

Chaffinch, XI, 27; XII, 11, 14, 35, 45(N), 49(N); XIII, 11, 27, 28 (song), 32; XIV, 12, 14 (under House-Sparrow), 73; XV, 13, 58(S), 63. Chiffchaff, XI, (15), 16, 17, 20, 30, 33; XII, (12), 19; XIII, 11, (13), 15, 24, 27, 34, 45(S); XIV, 18, (41), 49, 72; XV, 22, (54). Chough, XI, 2, 18, 37(N); XII, 19, 26; XIII, 19, 23, 27, 30; XIV, 10; XV, 10. Clifton College, XI, 2; XII, 1; XIII, 3, 23; XIV, 51. Coastal Problems, XIV, 55. Cold Spell, XI, 14; XIV, 53-54; XV, 62. Committee, the Society's Exec, XI, 9; XII, 8; XIII, 8; XIV, 83; XV 3 88. Contributors, List of, XI, 14; XII, 12; XIII, 12; XIV, 5; XV, 5. Coot, XI, 3, 25; XII, 24, 34; XIII, 22, 25, 27; XIV, 40, 51, 55; XV, 53, 59. Cormorant, XI, 34; XII, 15, 32; XIII, 16(S), 21, 25, 41, 45(S); XIV, 5, 31; XV, 40. Crake, Corn (Land-Rail), XI, 11, 25, 31; XII, 24, 34; XIII, 44; XIV, 39, 46(S); XV, 52. Creeper, Tree-, XI, 20, 30, 32; XII, 41 (article), 46(N) ; XIII, 19, 24, 26, 27, 32; XIV, 15, 49, 52, 59 (under Owl), 73; XV, 18. Crow, Carrion-, XI, 25, 32; XII, 18, 26; XIII, 18, 27, 29, 40 (under Sheld Duck), 45(S); XIV, 7 (under Raven), 8, 27 (under Kestrel), 45(S), 49; XV, 8. —, Hooded, XI, 18; XIII, 45(S); XIV, 45(S). Cuckoo, XI, (16), 34, 37(N); XII, (13), 14(S), 29, 48(N); XIII, (14), 24, 27, 50 (article), 55(N); XIV, 25, (44), 46(S) ; XV, 31, 32, (56), 56(S), 58(S). Curlew, Common, XI, 11, 24, 35; XII, 33; XIII, 14, 17, 26, 27, 46(S); XIV, 35, 46(S), 52, 54; XV, 46, 60. Dipper, XII, 20; XIII, 24, 27, 37; XIV, 55; XV, 29. Distribution, XI, 2 (Gannel) ; XIV, 47 (Fal area). Diver, Black-throated, XIII, 14; XV, 45. —, Great Northern, XI, 23; XII, 33; XIV, 33; XV, 45. —, Red-throated, XIII, 21, 26; XIV, 34; XV, 45, 73. Dove, Stock-, XI, 35; XIII, 42; XIV, 34; XV, 46. —, Turtle-, XI, 24, 31; XII, 15(S); XIII, 21, 26, 42, 45(S), 46(S); XIV, 34, 46(S) ; XV, 46. Droughts, XII, .11; XIII, 11; XIV, 53; XV, 63 (November). Duck, Ferruginous, XIV, 5(S), 45 (S). —, Long-tailed, XIV, 51; XV, 40. —, Ruddy Sheld-, XII, 1, 17, 21. —; Scaup-, XIII, 41; XV, 40, 61. —, Sheld-, XI, 3, 11, 38(N); XII, 15, 16, 17, 32; XIII, 17, 18, 25, 40; XIV, 30, 50, 51; XV, 38, 59. —, Tufted, XI, 23, 31; XIII, 25, 40; XIV, 51, 52; XV, 39, 61. Dunlin, XI, 31; XIII, 25, 26, 27, 45(S) ; XIV, 36, 50, 60. Eagle, White-tailed, XIV, 45 (S). Egret, Little, XIII, 3, 47 (article); XIV, 30. Eider, Common, XIV, 31; XV, 40. Falcon, Peregrine, XI, 1 (destruction of), 2, 21; XII, 1, 14, 16, 20, 30; XIII, 1, 17, 20, 24, 27, 38; XIV, 27, 52; XV, 4, 33. Fieldfare, XI, 30; XII, 11, 18; XIII, 18, 34; XIV, 54; XV, 24, 63. Firecrest, XIII, 34. Flycatcher, Pied, XII, 27. —, Spotted, XI, (15), 20, 28 (under Wren); XII, 11, (12), 19, 27; XIII, (13), 24, 26, 27, 34, 50 (article), 55(N); XIV, 17, (41), 46(S), 49, 52; XV, 21, (54). Gadwall, XII, 16; XIII, 3, 17, 40. Gannet, XI, 29, 31; XII, 21, 32; XIII, 26, 41, 46(S) ; XIV, 5, 32; XV, 41, 72-9. Garganey, XI, 22; XIII, 40; XIV, 51, 52; XV, 39. Godwit, Bar-tailed, XI, 35; XII, 21; XIII, 17, 21, 25, 42 (under Oyster-Catcher); XIV, 34, 46(S), 49, 50, 51; XV, 46, 56(S), 60-61. —, Black-tailed, XII, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 33; XIII, 15, 17, 21, 43; XIV, 27 (under Peregrine), 34, 49, 50, 51; XV, 46, 57(S), 59-60. Goldcrest, XI, 27; XII, 11, 27, 37; XIII, 14, 24, 27, 34, 55(N) ; XIV, 17, 49, 73; XV, 21, 62. Goldeneye, XI, 23; XII, 16, 32; XIII, 20, 25; XIV, 31, 51; XV, 40, 59. Goldfinch, XI, 19, 26, 32, 38(N); XII, 11, 27, 35; XIII, 11, 27, 31, 51 (article); XIV, 11, 45(S), 60 (under Tawny); XV, 12, 58(S). Goosander, XV, 40. Goose, Barnacle, XIII, 3, 17, 40. —, Bean-, XI, 3; XII, 16. —, Brent, XII, 16; XIII, 25; XIV, 30, 50; XV, 38, 59. —, Grey Lag-, XI, 11, 22; XII, 15, 16, 18, 20, 31; XIII, 16, 17, 40; XIV, 50, 52. —, White-fronted, XI, 10, 11, 22; XII, 15, 16, 17, 31, 32; XIII, 16, 17, 40; XIV, 30, 50, 51, 52; XV, 4, 38, 59. Grebe, Black-necked, XI, 23; XIV, 49; XV, 44. —, Great Crested, XIII, 25. —, Little, XI, 23; XII, 21, 33; XIII, 21, 25, 41; XIV, 33, 40 (under Coot), 55; XV, 44. —, Slavonian, XIII, 41. Greenfinch, XI, 26; XII, 11; XIII, 11, 27, 30; XIV, 11, 72, 73; XV, 11. Greenshank, XI, 3, 11, 24; XII, 15(S), 17, 22; XIII, 17, 22, 25, 43; XIV, 5, 36, 46(S), 49, 50, 51; XV, 48, 57(S), 60. Grosbeak, Scarlet, XV, 5, 13. Guillemot, Black, XV, 51. —, Northern, XIII, 22; XIV, 39. —, Southern, XI, 25 (bridled); XII, 24, 25, 33; XIII, 22, 23, 26, 44, 47(S); XIV, 5, 39; XV, 51, 57(S), 62, 73. Gull, Black-headed, XI, 24; XII, 35 (under Starling), 41; XIII, 14, 27, 45(S), 47(S); XIV, 37, 53; XV, 49. —, Bonapartes, XIV, 5(S), 46 (S). —, British Lesser Black-backed, XI, 31; XII, 41; XIII, 15, 25, 27; XIV, 38, 45, 53; XV, 51. —, Common, XI, 35; XIII, 14, 26, 27; XV, 50. —, Glaucous, XI, 2; XIV, 38. —, Great Black-backed, XII, 23; XIII, 16(S), 25, 27, 30 (under Starilng), 43; XIV, 38, 53; XV, 51, 57(S). —, Herring, XI, 25 (under Razorbill), 35; XII, 23, 24; XIII, 15, 23, 27, 30 (under Starling), 43; XIV, 37; XV, 50, 58(S). _ _ Yellow-legged, XIV, 38. —, Iceland, XIV, 38. —, Little, XIV, 37. —, Scandinavian Lesser Black-backed, XIII, 22, 43. Handbook of British Birds, XIII, 2 (purchase of); XV, 3. Harrier, Hen-, XIV, 28; XV, 36. Hawfinch, XII, 14. Hawk, Sparrow-, XI, 29, 34; XII, 40, 48(N); XIII, 24, 26, 27; XIV, 28; XV, 36. Hedge-Sparrow, XI, 33; XII, 38, 50(N) ; XIII, 11, 27, 28 (song), 36, 56(N), 62(N); XIV, 22, 75 (song chart); XV, 58(S). Heron, Common, XI, 2, 11, 22, 34; XII, 31; XIII, 25, 27, 40, 45(S), 49 (in article); XIV, 29; XV, 37. —, Night-, XIV, 5(S), 45 (S). —, Purple, XIV, 5(S), 45(S); XV, 5, 56(S). Hobby, XIII, 39. Hoopoe, XII, 14(S), 28; XIV, 23, 46(S); XV, 5, 31, 56(S).

Index, General, XII, 1. Jackdaw, XI, 26, 29 (under Sp. Hawk), 32; XII, 34, 45(N); XIII, 28 (under Raven), 29 (under Rook); XIV, 8, 19 (under M. Thrush), 46(S), 72 (under Peas); XV, 9. Jay, British, XI, 18, 29, 32; XII, 18, 26; XIII, 18, 26, 27, 30; XIV, 9, 52; XV, 9.

Kestrel, XI, 21, 34; XII, 20, 30, 39 (under Barn Owl), 40; XIII, 15, 24, 26, 27, 39, 59(N); XIV, 27, 47; XV, 34. Kingfisher, XI, 17, 20, 34; XII, 29; XIII, 20, 24, 37; XIV, 23, 49, 52; XV, 31. Kite, Black, XII, 1(S), 15 (S). Kite Fund, XIV, 5; XV, 4. Kittiwake, XI, 31; XII, 23, 33; XIII, 22, 26, 44, 45(S); XIV, 38; XV, 73. —, Carn-les-Boel Colony, XI, 17; XII, 24; XV, 51, 61. —, Morvah Colony, XI, 2, 24; XII, 24; XIII, 22; XIV, 65 (article) ; XV, 61. Knot, XI, 3; XII, 17, 22; XIII, 17, 21; XIV, 36, 50, 51; XV, 47, 60.

Land-Rail, see Crake, Corn. Lapwing, XI, 11, 29, 31, 35; XII, 11, 16, 18, 33; XIII, 17, 25, 26, 27; XIV, 50, 51, 54; XV, 48, 60, 62. Lark, Shore-, XIV, 14. —, Sky-, XI, 32; XIII, 11, 28 (song), 32; XIV, 14, 54, 75 (song chart); XV, 15, 58(S). —, Wood-, XI, 2, 3, 17, 19; XII, 19, 27; XIII, 19, 26, 27, 32; XIV, 14, 47, 51, 75 (song chart); XV, 15, 58(S). Linnet, XI, 27, 32; XIII, 27, 31; XIV, 12; XV, 12, 58 (S). Magpie, XI, 26, 27 (under Goldcrest), 32;: XII, 34, 39 (under Tawny), 45(N); XIII, 27, 30; XIV, 9, 19 (under Mistle), 58 (under Tawny), 74; XV, 9. Mallard, XI, 11, 30; XII, 15, 16, 18, 40; XIII, 16, 17, 20, 25, 27, 40; XIV, 30, 50, 51; XV, 39, 59. Martin, House-, XI, (16), 20; XII, (13), 28; XIII, (14), 24, 27, 37, 57(N), 60(N); XIV, 14 (under Sparrow), 22, (43), 46(S), 55; XV, 30, (55), 56(S), 58(S). — Sand, XI, (16), 20, 33; XII, (13), 15(S); XIII, (14), 24, 27; XIV, (43), 46(S): XV, 30, (55), 56(S). Members, List of, XI, 3; XII, 1, 2; XIII, 1, 4; XIV, 1, 78; XV, 3 82. Merganser, Red-breasted, XI, 23; XIII, 14, 21; XV, 40, 59. Merlin, XI, 30; XII, 14; XIII, 39; XIV, 27; XV, 33. Mice, XIII, 18. Migrants, Arr. and Deps. of, XI, 15; XII, 12; XIII, 13; XIV, 41; XV, 54, Migration, Notes on, XI, 16; XII, 14 (Misc. Notes), 14 (Migration Notes); XIII, 14 (Misc.), 15; XIV, 44. Moorhen, XI, 36; XIII, 22, 25, 27, 47(S), 60(N), 61(N), 62(N) ; XIV, 5; XV, 52, 59. Morvah, new Kittiwake Colony at, XI, 24; XII, 24; XIV, 65 (article); XV, 61. Nature Reserves Investigation Committee, XIII, 1. Nightingale, XV, 5, 27. Nightjar, XI, 33; XIII, 26, 27, 45(S) ; XIV, 22, (44), 47; XV, 31, (56). Nuthatch, XI, 17, 20, 38(N) ; XII, 11, 19; XIII, 24, 27, 33, 54(N) ; XIV, 16, 52; XV, 18. Obituary, XIII, 3 (H. F. Witherby and H. J. Moon); XIV, 3 (E. H. Paul); XV, 3 (Noel Humphrys). Observations wanted, XIV, 54. Oiled Sea Birds, XIV, 5. Oriole, Golden, XIV, 46(S); XV, 5, 11, 56(S). Osprey, XII, 15(S); XV, 5, 37. Ouzel, see Ring-Ouzel. Owl, Brit. Tawny, XI, 26 (under Magpie), 28, 30; XII, 29, 35 (under Magpie), 39, 48(N); XIII, 24, 26, 27, 38, 53(N); XIV, 8 (under Raven), 26, 27 (under Merlin), 52, 58 (article), 74; XV, 32. —, Little, XI, 3, 21, 30, 34; XII, 14, 29; XIII, 15, 20, 24, 38, 58(N); XIV, 26, 52; XV, 32. —, Long-eared, XIII, 59(N). —, Short-eared, XI, 11, 21; XIII, 20, 24, 38; XIV, 26, 50; XV, 32. —, Snowy, XV, 5. —, White-breasted Barn-, XI, 2, 3, 11, 21, 30, 34; XII, 20, 30, 39; XIII, 15, 20, 24, 27, 38, 59(N), 62(N) ; XIV, 26, 47, 52* XV 33. Oyster-Catcher, XI, 24, 35; XII, 23, 40; XIII, 15, 25, 26, 27, 42; XIV, 37, 53; XV, 49, 58 (S), 60. Parasites XIV 54. Partridge, Common, XI, 32, 39(N); XIII, 27; XIV, 40; XV, 53. —, Red-legged, XI, 39(N). Peregrine, see Falcon, Peregrine. Petrel, Fulmar, XI, 2, 23, 31; XII, 1, 21, 24, 32; XIII, 21, 23 (under Morvah), 41, 46(S); XIV, 5, 32, 45(S); XV, 5, 42. —, Leach's Fork-tailed, XV, 41. —, Storm, XIII, 46(S); XIV, 5; XV, 41, 57(S). Phalarope, Grey, XIV, 5, 35, 51. Pheasant, XI, 39 (N). Pigeon, Wood, XI, 23, 26 (under Jackdaw), 29, 35, 39(N); XII, 33, 40 (under Sp. Hawk), 40; XIII, 11, 26, 27, 41, 46(S); XIV, 34, 73, 74; XV, 46, 63. Pintail, XI, 22; XII, 16, 17, 18, 21, 32; XIII, 3, 17, 18, 20, 25, 40; XIV, 5, 31, 50, 51; XV, 39, 59-61. Pipit, Meadow, XI, 32; XIII, 19, 27; XV, 16, 58(S). —, Rock, XIII, 27; XIV, 52; XV, 17, 58(S). —, Tree, XI, 2, 17, 32; XIII, 19; XIV, 47, 52. Plover, Golden, XI, 31; XII, 23; XIII, 15, 17, 22, 25, 42; XIV,

—, Grey XI, 29; XII, 23; XIII, 22, 25, 26, 43; XIV, 37, 51; XV, 57(S), 60-61. —, Kentish, XV, 5, 48. —, Ringed, 24 (under Turnstone); XIII, 26, 46(S); XV, 58(S), 60. Pochard, Common, XI, 22; XII, 32; XIII, 20, 25; XIV, 51, 52; XV 39 Preamble (by D.V. and H.M.Q.), XIV, 3. Prosecution, XI, 3. Protection of Birds, XIII, 1 (Sunday Shooting War) ; XV, 4 (Peregrine).

Puffin, XII, 24; XIII, 22; XIV, 5, 39, 46(S); XV, 52, 57(S).

Quail, XI, 25; XII, 34; XIII, 44; XIV, 40, 46(S); XV, 53.

Rail, Land-, see Crake, Corn-. —, Water-, XI, 25, 29, 36; XII, 24; XIII, 18, 22, 25, 27, 44; XIV, 28 (under Sp. Hawk), 40, 55; XV, 52. Raven, XI, 18, 29; XII, 18, 25, 26; XIII, 14, 15, 18, 23, 26, 27, 28, 39 (under R. L. Buzzard and C. Buzzard); XIV, 6, 9 (under Jackdaw), 46(S), 52; XV, 6, 64-67 (article). Razorbill, XI, 25; XII, 24, 25; XIII, 22, 23 (Morvah), 26, 44; XIV, 5, 38; XV, 51, 58(S), 62, 73. Redpoll, Lesser, XIV, 12. Redshank, British, XI, 24, 31, 35; XII, 15(S); XIII, 14, 25, 26, 43, 46(S); XIV, 46(S), 50; XV, 56(S), 60. —, Spotted, XIV, 5(S), 50; XV, 48, 60. Redstart, XII, 28; XIV, 21. —Black, XI, 3, 20, 30; XII, 17, 20, 28; XIII, 3, 19, 24, 35; XIV, 21, 51, 52; XV, 27. Redwing, XI, 30, 33; XII, 11, 18; XIII, 14, 18; XIV, 20, 45; XV, 25, 62. Regional Notes, XIV, 45-51 (Scilly, Fal River, Falmouth, Sanctuary, Bude). Reports, the Society's, XIII, 2 (" Status " and " Habits " merged into "General Bird Notes."). —, of other Societies, XI, 2. Ring-Ouzel, XI, 33; XIII, 27; XV, 25. Robin, XI, 28; XII, 38, 50(N); XIII, 11, 27, 36, 45(S); XIV, 21, 54, 73, 75; XV, 28, 58(S), 63. Rook, XI, 1, 18; XII, 14, 26, 34; XIII, 27, 29; XIV, 8, 72; XV, 8. Ruff, XI, 3, 11; XII, 22; XIV, 36, 50; XV, 48, 56(S), 59-60. Sanctuary, the Walmsley, XI, 1, 10; XII, 1, 15; XIII, 1, 16; XIV, 3, 50; XV, 4, 59-61. Sanderling, XII, 14, 22; XIII, 25, 43; XIV, 50; XV, 48. Sandpiper, American Pectoral, XIV, 5(S), 46(S). —, Buff-breasted, XIV, 5(S), 46(S). —, Common, XI, 29, 31; XII, 16, 22, 33; XIII, 15, 21, 25, 26; XIV, 45, 50; XV, 48, 60. —, Curlew, XI, 3; XII, 22; XIII, 26, 43; XV, 47, 60. —, Green, XI, 24; XII, 16, 22, 33; XIII, 21, 43; XIV, 36; XV, 48, 57(S), 60. —, Purple, XI, 31; XII, 22; XIII, 21, 25, 26; XV, 47. —, Wood, XII, 22; XIV, 50; XV, 48, 57(S), 60. Sanitation in the Nest, XI, 36; XII, 44; XIII, 53; XIV, 54 (Observations wanted). Scilly, Birds at, XII, 14; XIII, 16, 44 (article); XIV, 45; XV, 56-58. Scoter, Common, XI, 23, 31; XIII, 20, 41; XIV, 31, 51; XV, 73. —, Velvet, XIII, 21, 27. Sea-Bird Movements, XV, 72-79 (article). Shag, XI, 25 (under Razorbill), 35; XII, 21, 24 (Morvah), 25 (Morvah); XIII, 23 (Morvah), 26, 27, 41, 45(S); XV, 41. Shearwater, Great, XV, 42. —, Manx, XI, 31; XIV, 32; XV, 41, 57(S), 72-79. Shoveler, XI, 11, 22; XII, 15, 16, 21, 32; XIII, 18, 25; XIV, 31, 50, 51, 52; XV, 59. Shrike, Red-backed, XV, 21. Skua, Great, XII, 33; XIII, 44; XIV, 53; XV, 51. Smew, XI, 2, 31. Snipe, Common, XI, 31; XII, 33; XIII, 43; XIV, 35, 46(S), 50, 51, 52; XV, 47, 57(S), 63. —, Jack, XI, 3; XII, 18, 22; XIII, 21, 25, 43; XIV, 35, 52; XV, 47, 59-61. —, Sabines, XIV, 35 (under Common Snipe). Sparrow, Hedge-, see Hedge-Sparrow. —, House, XI, 33 (under Chiffchaff); XII, 14 (under Hawfinch), 36; XIII, 27, 29 (under Crow), 30 (under Starling), 32; XIV, 14, 22 (under H.-Martin), 37 (under H.-Gull), 73; XV, 15, 58(S). Tree- XV 15. Spoonbill,' XI,'21; XII, 15, 15(S), 16, 31; XIII, 3, 17, 20, 40, 47 (article); XIV, 5, 29, 30 (under L. Egret), 45(S), 47; XV, 37, 57(S), 60. Starling, XI, 17, 30, 32; XII, 12, 14, 27, 35; XIII, 27, 30, 39 (under Peregrine), 45(S), 54(N), 60(N); XIV, 11, 72; XV, 11, 62. —, Rose-coloured, XIV, 5(S), 45 (S). Status Survey, XIV, 4, 55 (Observations wanted) ; XV, 3. Stint, Little, XII, 22; XV, 47, 60. —, Temminck's, XV, 5, 57 (S). Stonechat, XI, 33, 38(N); XII, 19, 28; XIII, 19, 27, 28 (song), 35, 45(S), 62(N); XIV, 21; XV, 26. Swallow, XI, (16), 20; XII, (IS), 14(S), 28, 47(N), 49(N), 50(N) ; XIII, (13), 15, 24, 26, 27, 37, 45(S), 57(N), 62(N); XIV, 22, (43), 44, 46(S), 55, 57 (article); XV, 30, (55), 56(S), 58(S). Swan, Mute, XII, 17 (under Whooper Swan). —, Whooper, XII, 1, 17, 20, 31; XIII, 16; XIV, 30. Swift, XI, (16), 20; XII, (13), 14(S); XIII, (14), 15, 24, 26, 27, 37; XIV, 22, (44), 46(S); XV, 31, (56), 56(S), 58(S).

Teal, XI, 11, 30, 34; XII, 15, 16, 18; XIII, 16, 17, 25; XIV, 30, 50, 52 (under Garganey) ; XV, 39, 59. Tern, Arctic, XII, 23; XV, 49, 56(S), 57(S), 58(S). —, Black, XII, 17, 23; XIII, 22; XIV, 53. —, Common, XII, 23; XIII, 16(S), 43, 47(S); XIV, 37; XV, 56(S), 58(S). —, Little, XII, 23; XIV, 37, 50. —, Roseate, XIII, 3, 45(S) and 46(S) (article); XV, 58(S). —, Sandwich, XII, 14(S), 23; XIII, 27; XIV, 46(S); XV, 49, 56(S). Thrush, British Song-, XI, 33, 38(N); XII, 28, 37, 50(N); XIII, 11, 15, 27, 28 (song), 35; XIV, 19, 26 (under Barn Owl), 54, 72, 73, 74, 75; XV, 63. —, Mistle, XI, 28, 33; XII, 11, 38, 50(N) ; XIII, 27, 35, 60(N); XIV, 8 (under Jackdaw), 19, 72, 75; XV, 24, 58(S). Tit, Blue, XI, 27, 33, 38(N); XII, 36, 49(N); XIII, 27, 33, 34; XIV, 16, 49, 72; XV, 19. —, Coal, XI, 33; XII, 36, 49(N); XIII, 27, 33; XIV, 16 (under Blue Tit), 17; XV, 20. —, Great, XI, 27, 32; XII, 36, 49(N); XIII, 27, 33, 34; XIV, 16, 72, 75; XV, 19, 58(S). —, Long-tailed, XI, 32, 33; XII, 36; XIII, 24, 26, 27, 34; XIV, 17,-49: XV, 21, 62. —, Marsh-, XI, 20, 37(N); XII, 19; XIII, 14, 27; XIV, 17, 52; XV, 20. Titmice Enquiry, XIV, 55. Tree-Creeper, see Creeper, Tree-. Turdidae, XIII, 34. Turnstone, XI, 24, 31; XII, 22; XIII, 15, 25, 26, 46(S) ; XIV, 36; XV, 58(S), 60. Twite, XV, 12. Waders, XI, 3, 11; XIII, 18. Wagtail, Blue-headed, XI, 30. —, Grey, XI, 19, 32; XII, 19, 27; XIII, 14, 19, 23, 27, 32, 54(N) ; XIV, 14, 16 (under Tree-Creeper), 52; XV, 17. —, Pied, XI, 32; XII, 19, 46(N); XIII, 15, 27, 32; XIV, 15; XV, 17. —, White, XIII, 24. —, Yellow, XI, 30; XII, 27; XIII, 19, 23, 32; XIV, 14, 46 (S), 50; XV, 17, 57(S). Warbler, Dartford, XIII, 3, 34, 55(N). —, Garden, XI, 17, 20; XIII, (13), 19, 24, 27, 45(S); XIV, 18, (42); XV, 23, (54). —, Grasshopper-, XI, (15), 27, 33, 37(N); XII, (13), 27; XIII, (13), 19, 26; XIV, 18, (41); XV, (54). —, Reed-, XV, 5, 23. —, Sedge-, XI, (15), 33; XII, (13), 19, 28; XIII, (13), 24, 26, 27, 45(S); XIV, 18, (42), 46(S); XV, 23, (54), 58(S). —, Subalpine, XV, 56(S). —, Willow-, XI, (15), 30, 33; XII, (12), 46(N), 49(N) ; XIII, 11, (13), 15, 27; XIV, 18, (41), 49, 72; XV, 23, (54). —, Wood-, XI, 2; XII, (13); XIII, 19, 24, 26; XIV, 18, (41); XV, 23, (54). Watchers, XI, 1; XII, 1; XIII, 1; XIV, 3; XV, 4. Weather, XI, 14; XII, 11; XIII, 11; XIV, 53; XV, 62-63. Wheatear, XI, (15), 30, 37(N); XII, (13), 14(S), 19; XIII, (13), 15, 19, 24, 27, 35, 45(S); XIV, 20, (42), 46(S), 51; XV, 26, (55), 58(S). —, Greenland, XII, 28; XIV, 21; XV, 26. Whimbrel, XI, 24, 29, 31; XIII, 15, 17, 25, 46(S); XIV, 35, 49; XV, 46, 60. Whinchat, XII, 19; XIII, 19, 26, 35; XIV, 21; XV, 26. Whitethroat, XI, (15), 30; XII, (13); XIII, 11, (13), 24, 26, 27, 34; XIV, 19, (42), 47, 52; XV, 24, (55). —, Lesser, XI, 20; XII, (13); XIII, (13), 27; XIV, 19; XV, 24. Wigeon, XI, 11, 22; XII, 15, 16, 18; XIII, 17, 18, 25; XIV, 31, 51; XV, 39, 59-61. Woodcock, XI, 24, 31; XIII, 18, 21, 25, 43; XIV, 35, 45(S); XV, 47, 57(S), 59. Woodpeckers, XI, 17. Woodpecker, Great Spotted, XI, 21, 38(N) ; XII, 29, 39; XIII, 27, 37; XIV, 5(S), 23, 45(S), 52; XV, 31, 63. —, Green, XI, 34; XII, 29, 39; XIII, 24, 26, 27, 37, 38; XIV, 23, 49. —, Lesser Spotted, XII, 29, 39; XIII, 27, 37; XIV, 25, 52; XV, 31. Wren, XI, 28, 33, 38(N) ; XII, 39; XIII, 11, 27, 36, 56(N), 60(N) ; XIV, 49, 73, 75; XV, 29, 57(S), 67 (article). Wryneck, XIV, 5(S), 45(S). Yellowshank, XIV, 5(S), 46(S).