The ornithological year 1994 Barry Nightingale and Keith Allsopp

This report summarises the major bird movements and influxes of 1994, as well as including the rarity highlights. All the rarities noted here have been accepted by either the British Birds Rarities Committee1 or the Irish Rare Birds Committee, with the exception of two reports (each indicated by an asterisk); reports still under consideration or not yet submitted are not included. Full details of all the major rarities can be found in the annual report on 'Rare birds in Great Britain' in the November issue of British Birds.

Another mild winter January was a cyclonic westerly month, with Goosanders Mergus merganser appeared in an almost complete absence of easterly, good numbers, with 260 at Hirsel Lake northerly and anticyclonic conditions. Mean (Borders) on 9th January and 79 at Eversley temperatures ranged from near normal in Gravel-pits on 23rd, the highest count for to 2°C above in the southern half of Hampshire since winter 1962/63. Other England. It was the wettest January since sought-after wildfowl included the two regular 1988, but it was also very sunny. Ferruginous Ducks Aythya nyroca, at Staying over from December 1993, the Brothers Water (Cumbria) and Lea Marston Killdeer Plover Charadrius vociferus on (Warwickshire), and Smews Mergus albellus Anglesey (Gwynedd)* caused the first big which arrived in above-average numbers. Up twitch of the New Year. Equally exciting, but to 115 were reported, with the largest less obliging, was a Dark-throated Thrush concentration at Dungeness RSPB Reserve Turdus ruficollis of the black-throated race (Kent), with a peak of 27 on 29th January, atrogularis found near Bournemouth (Dorset) and up to seven in Northamptonshire, six on on 7th January. In Wales, another short-stayer, Eye Brook Reservoir (Leicestershire), 13 at untypically, was a Forster's Tern Sterna Wraysbury (Berkshire) and nine at Draycote forsteri at Fishguard (Dyfed) on 10th, Water (Warwickshire). An overwintering departing the next day. Bean Geese Anser Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni at Pitsea fabalis, always eagerly sought after by the year (Essex), found on 13th January and staying listers, provided two interesting local records, until 26th February, was unexpected, but with 28 over Beddington Sewage-farm echoed a previous wintering record from (Greater London) on 3rd and 130 just south Berkshire in 1984. How many others go of Falkirk (Central Region) on 16th January. unnoticed in winter?

* The British Birds Rarities Committee is sponsored by Carl Zeiss Ltd.

[Brit. Birds 88: 457-472, October 1995] © British Birds Ltd 1995 457 458 Nightingale & Allsopp: The ornithological year 1994

February was generally wet, and it was the third cyclonic month in succession. There was, however, a marked southeasterly bias, with pressure well above average over Scandinavia. A White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii at Gruinard Bay (Highland) opened up February's account on 1st, but there was to be only one other in the first half of the year. A count of 1,000 Bramblings Fringilla montifringiUa near Plymouth (Devon) on 2nd was one of the few large gatherings of this finch, and a Water Pipit Anthus spinoktta found on 4th February at Waterfoot (Co. Antrim) was the first for Northern Ireland. Reports of Red Kites Milvus milvus from With the first ten days of February staying the reintroducfion scheme partly obscure the mild, numbers of Northern Lapwings traditional distribution pattern, but surely 54 Vanellus vanellus and European Golden feeding at Tregaron (Dyfed) were all of 'pure Plovers Pluvialis apricaria were high Welsh' blood? Just two Rough-legged everywhere, with counts of 5,000 of the Buzzards Buteo lagopus were seen throughout former at Gibraltar Point (Lincolnshire) and January, both in Scotland, and numbers of 6,300 of the latter at Lound (Nottingham­ wintering Great Grey Shrikes Lanius shire) typical of many reports. excubitor (plate 127) were unexceptional. Gull- watchers, however, had plenty to search for among the winter roosts, with Mediterranean Major seabird wreck Gulls Lams melanocephalus and both Glaucous L. hyperboreus and Iceland Gulls L. The most significant event of February came glaucoides appearing regularly. Over 100 early, with news of a huge seabird wreck, first Mediterranean Gulls were reported during from and then from farther south. January, including 18 at Foreland (Isle of Large numbers of dead seabirds were washed Wight) on 23rd January and 11 at Copt Point ashore on all east-facing coasts of the North (Kent) on 8th January. A minimum of 125 Sea, with Common Guillemots Una aalge, Iceland Gulls appeared, mostly during 6th-8th Razorbills Aha tarda, Shags Phalacrocorax January, and again from 28th, and aristotelis and Herring Gulls Lams argentatus outnumbered Glaucous Gulls, which totalled involved. Of over 2,700 corpses from 100. At Draycote Water (Warwickshire) seven , more than 2,200 were Common Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla picked out of a gull Guillemots and 254 were Shags. In all, it was roost numbering 38,000 merited an observer- estimated that total deaths reached 50,000, award for diligence. In Ireland, a Great including 20,000 around Shetland's shores, Bittern Botaurus stellaris, an Irish rarity, and it was the largest incident of its kind since stayed from late January to end February at 1983. Subsequent counts at six Shetland Lough Hunshigo (Co. Down), but there were Common Guillemot colonies suggested, fewer than 20 others reported away from their however, that the wreck did not have a major breeding sites. Grey Wagtails Motacilla impact on the population as a whole. cinerea were plentiful in many areas, and a By surprising contrast, a Briinnich's Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe at Guillemot Una lomvia off Musselburgh Southampton Town Quay (Hampshire) on (Lothian) on 6th February was found alive, 28th January must have been waiting for a but it flew off west before it could be added southbound boat. A Lesser Whitethroat to many lists. Sylvia curruca at Bexhill (East Sussex) on 8th was also trying to overwinter, and three Hoopoes Upupa epops, in Strathclyde, Late winter and early spring Gwynedd and Norfolk, must have wished they Good numbers of Water Pipits were were farther south. There were reasonable reported from southern counties of England, numbers of Horned Larks Eremophila including 15 at Rainham (Essex), 29 on the alpestris, with over 20 reported, but Lower Test Marshes (Hampshire), 15 at Bohemian Waxwings Bombycilla garrulus Stoke Water Meadows (Surrey) and up to ten were few and far between, with fewer than 30, at Shoreham (West Sussex). Numbers of nearly all in Scotland. wintering Black-tailed Godwits Limosa Plate 127. Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor, Westleton Heath, Suffolk, winter 1993/94 (R. Chittenden)

Plate 128. First-winter male Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala, Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester, March 1994 (R. Chittenden) Plate 129. Below, male Bluethroat Luscinia svecica of red-spotted race svecica, Southwold, Suffolk, May 1994 (Rob Wilson) 460 Nightingale & Allsopp: The ornithological year 1994 limosa at Titchfield Haven (Hampshire) continues on its status as a genuine vagrant or reached 1,000 on 13th February, and 84 an escape from captivity. Whatever its origins, Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata were it attracted a great deal of attention during its counted at Cutt Mill (Surrey). Blackcaps long stay up to 24th April. Almost everything Sylvia atricapilla are overwintering with us in else seemed to pale into insignificance, apart seemingly ever-increasing numbers, and are from a nearby Ross's Gull Rhodostethia rosea perhaps forming the nucleus of a permanent at Fleetwood (Lancashire) which stayed from wintering population in Northern Europe. 12th to 17th March, a day when many There were 16 reported in Hertfordshire, 19 southern-based birders found themselves different individuals ringed in a single driving north again, this time to Colwick Hampshire garden, records from 35 gardens (Nottinghamshire) to add a Bufflehead in Avon and 'unprecedented numbers' Bucephala albeola to their lists. Full marks to reported from the Leigh area (Greater whoever looked skywards at Colwick on 18th Manchester) and the West Midlands. to note Nottinghamshire's earliest-ever House Northern Fulmars Fulmarus glacialis are Martin. Numbers of Black-throated Divers unusual inland, so one flying east down the Gavia arctica reached 16 at Strangford Lough River Thames past Tower Bridge (Greater (Co. Down) on 20th March, the highest-ever London) on 14th February and one over Stoke day-count for Northern Ireland. On the same Lake (Surrey) on 20th were of interest. day, a movement of Ospreys Pandion Another species which mostly attracts attention haliaetus passed through England, with up to only when seen in unusual numbers is the 12 reported by the month end. Coot Fulica atra, so 1,800 at Linlithgow Throughout March, concentrations of (Lothian) on 16th February provided sufficient Little Egrets Egretta garzetta were building inspiration for someone to count them. up, perhaps totalling 150, including 18 on the Between 11th and 21st February, winter Kingsbridge Estuary (Devon), 45 on Jersey arrived and went. Southeasterly winds (Channel Islands), 22 on the River Lynher brought a drop in temperature and produced (Cornwall) and 15 on Thorney Island (West snowfalls. There followed some intensely cold Sussex). Garganeys Anas querquedula were days, until milder air reached the southern still scarce, with just 12 or so, and about 40 counties of Britain on 22nd. On 25th Firecrests Regulus ignicapillus moved February, renewed warm southerlies spread through. Up to a dozen Great Grey Shrikes over much of Britain, no doubt responsible had been reported during January and for a Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurka February, numbers in March increasing to 19. on Tresco (Scilly) on 28th, the first February The last five days of March were unsettled, record for Britain. Travelling companions, to with frequent rain, although 29th and 30th remind us of spring, were a Barn Swallow were quite warm, with 18°C in Kent. This no H. rustica in Hampshire, that county's first doubt helped several more early migrants to February record, Sand Martins Riparia feel at home, and by 1st April Arctic Terns riparia in Ireland, Nottinghamshire and Sterna paradisaea had reached Cheddar Gwynedd, Northern Wheatears in Surrey, Reservoir (Avon), Pied Flycatchers Ficedula Wiltshire and West Sussex and House hypoleuca were in Surrey, and a Reed Martins Delichon urbica in Scilly, all Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus was in appearing before the end of February. Hampshire, the earliest-ever record there. On March was warm, and westerly-type Tresco, an American Black Duck Anas weather dominated to an almost unprece­ rubripes appeared, to take up residence, dented extent. More summer migrants were staying through to 1995. in evidence across the southern counties of Dungeness maintained its near monopoly England by 5th, and the first of several of Short-toed Treecreepers Certhia multiple arrivals of Penduline Tits Remiz brachydactyla when one was found there on pendulinus occurred, with five at Dungeness 3rd April. Frequent northwesterly and on 4th, when a build-up of 1,230 Great northerly winds during the first half of April Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus off discouraged most migration from the south. Whiteabbey (Co. Antrim) was noted. One of They did not, however, stop seabirds moving the most popular, not to say controversial, towards their nesting ledges, and estimates of events started on 8th March, when a Black- 8,000 Common Guillemots per hour past faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala was Westray (Orkney) on 7th must have been found at a feeding station at Pennington Hash impressive. A ridge of high pressure brought (Greater Manchester)* (plate 128). Debate an improvement in the weather on 10th and British Birds, vol. 88, no. 10, October 1995 461

1 lth, a Ross's Gull to Hartlepool (Cleveland) Swifts Apus melba appeared in Kent and and the only Black Stork Ciconia nigra of the Suffolk on 23rd April, with another three by spring to Blencogo (Cumbria). A Great 27th. A scattering of European Serins Bittern at Portland Bill (Dorset) on 14th was Serinus serinus (plates 130 & 131) raised only the second record at that bird hopes of a few staying to breed, and good observatory, as was a European Nuthatch numbers of Little Gulls Lams minutus Sitta europaea there on 16th. Garganeys were appeared on the London reservoirs on 23rd, more apparent from mid April, with about 16 with eight at King George V, 16 at Staines reports, and about 60 Ospreys showed, and 12 at King George VI. On the same day, mainly after 20th April. Concentrated falls of 20 Pomarine Skuas Surcorarius pomarinus migrants during April were few, with Willow were seen along the south coast of England, Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus prominent in but they were totally eclipsed by counts of those that occurred, including 600 at Portland 'commie' Terns Sterna hirundolparadisaea, Bill on 12th, 300 there on 20th, and 300 also with 5,340 off Hove (East Sussex) in four at Church Norton (West Sussex) on the same hours and 5,500 past Seaford (East Sussex). day. With the dramatic drop in their breeding About 200 Pomarine Skuas were seen in the numbers in southern England, we have to ask last ten days of April, peaks being 17 past where they went from there. Portland Bill on 25th and 60 past Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork) on 27th. In Cumbria, A rush from the south however, where the spring passage of Pomarine Skuas has been well monitored in Between 18th and 21st April, it became recent years, mostly low numbers were somewhat warmer in the south, and on 22nd- reported, with only about 100 by the end of 23rd temperatures rose above 18°C for the May. Passage of Arctic Skuas Stercorarius first time in the month. Almost immediately, parasiticus, on the other hand, was above reports of southern rarities accelerated, with a average. Perhaps compensation for those Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis in ardent seawatchers was a massive count of Northamptonshire (what a good spring that 12,000 Kittiwakes past Bowness-on-Solway county had), a Night Heron Nycticorax during the spring. nycticorax in West Sussex, both on 19th, a Dotterels Charadrius morinellus appeared Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius in a rush, after three on Holy Island in Dorset on 20th and a Sardinian Warbler (Northumberland) on 24th April, with 18 in Sylvia melanocephala, the first of six spring South Yorkshire on 29th and a good scatter records, in Norfolk on 21st. A Black Kite elsewhere in northern localities. Wader Milvus migrans appeared over Tresco on passage, though, had generally been 22nd; there were to be three others elsewhere unremarkable, with even the normally before the end of the month in what was to common species thin on the ground. be a very good year for this species. How long Exceptions were Grey Plovers Pluvialis before a pair settles down to breed? Alpine squatarola, with flocks reported from many 462 Nightingale & Allsopp: The ornithological year 1994 inland counties, and Whimbrels Numenius at Danby Beacon (North Yorkshire). More phaeopus, with several flocks of up to 100 southern migrants included a Black Kite at during the second half of the month. Cromer (Norfolk) on 2nd, the first of about 12 to appear by mid May, and Red-footed An exciting May Falcons Falco vespertinus, with four in England in the first half of the month, On the whole, May was dry and sunny in the followed by seven in the second half, mostly north, and wet and dull in the south. The along the south and east coasts of Britain. Of average monthly pressure was above normal greater significance were eight in Ireland over Scandinavia, and below normal in the during 3rd-25th May: there had been only 12 Southwest Approaches, and so easterly and previous Irish records. Subalpine Warblers southerly weather patterns were more Sylvia cantillans appeared in Cornwall and on frequent than usual. This was to have a Lundy (Devon) on 2nd, the first of an significant effect on the variety of migrants incredible 21 in May, with nine arriving arriving on the east-facing coasts and the during 10th-15fh. Scottish islands in the second half of the May is often a 'southern heron' month and month. In general, western and northern 1994 was no exception, with about 24 Purple Europe was cooler than normal in May, and Herons Ardea purpurea appearing, mostly much of Russia was also cooler than normal. during lst-6th, and also 21st-28th. Little The first three days of May were, however, Bitterns Ixobrychus minutus showed on rather warm, especially over England and Tresco on 5th, with others on St Mary's Wales, appropriate for the six European (Scilly) on 8th, in Lothian on 1 lfh and Gwent Bee-eaters Merops apiaster in Avon on 1st, on 15th. With a Squacco Heron Ardeola and the start of a mini-invasion of Whiskered ralbides also on Tresco on 3rd, it was possible Terns Cklidonias hybridus, with one at to see in Scilly six species of heron in one Bredon's Hardwick (Hereford & Worcester) day—Little Bittern, Squacco, Purple, Grey and others in West Sussex on 2nd, Abberton and Night Herons, and Little Egret. In Reservoir (Essex) on 3rd, Dungeness on 5fh particular, 1994 was to be a record year for and two at Rockland Broad (Norfolk), which Squacco and Purple Herons. later flew inland to Willen Lake Not to be outdone, (Shetland) was (Buckinghamshire). Typically, four Broad- also setting records, not just in having its billed Sandpipers Limicola falcinellus were sunniest month ever; 49 black Carrion discovered in May, with the first at Crows Corvus corone corone on 5fh May was Pennington Marsh (Hampshire) on 2nd, and the highest Fair Isle observatory count of the the more-regular waders were appearing, nominate race. including 416 Whimbrels at Rye Harbour About 40 Montagu's Harriers Circus (East Sussex). Dotterels reached a peak of 20 pygargus passed through southern England in in Cumbria, and there were to be about 200 two waves, during 3rd-8th and 13th-19th reported in May, mostly during 7th- 14th, May. Ospreys, too, were moving through, including 16 near St Albans (Hertfordshire), with about 80 during the month. A Honey- 20 on The Long Mynd (Shropshire) and 16 buzzard Pernis apivorus near Moira (Co. Down) was the first record since 1965 for Northern Ireland. From 9th May, pressure rose strongly to the north of Britain and, until 27th May, easterly winds covered the country. These gave a more autumnal feel to the species lists. A fall on Fair Isle on 12th- 13th included 15 Bluethroats Luscinia svecica, 60 Common Redstarts Phoenicurus phoenicurus, 150 Northern Wheatears and 20 Pied Flycatchers. A Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra was only the second Fair Isle record since the 1970s. It was to be a good year for passage Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus, though not for the East Anglian breeding population, with a peak of 22 on Scilly on 6th May, and about Plates 130 & 131. European Serin Serinus serinus, Southwold, Suffolk, April 1994 (R. Chittenden)

Plate 132. Pallas's Leaf Warbler Phylbscopus Plate 133. Yellow-browed Warbler proregulus, Felixstowe, Suffolk, October 1994 Phylbscopus inornatus, St Mary's, Scilly, {Alan Tate) October 1994 (Rob Wilson) Plates 134 & 135. Below, Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola, Cley, Norfolk, October 1994 (R. Chittenden) 464 Nightingale & Allsopp: The ornithological year 1994

dumetorum at Kergord (Shetland) on 23rd and a Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli on (Orkney) on 25th. A European Roller Coracias garrulus at Penlee (Cornwall) on 29th saw May out in real style. Despite a disturbed westerly airflow over Britain for the first week of June, easterly migrants were still being found, with a Greenish Warbler PhyUoscopus trochibides in Kent, the year's second Bufflehead, a first- summer male in Cleveland on 1st, and a 20 in the southern counties of Ireland. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus on Foulney Continuing with the eastern feel, a Red- Island (Cumbria) on 3rd frustrating would-be breasted Flycatcher Ficeduh parva on St observers during its three-day stay with its Agnes on 9th May was the first spring record on-and-off appearances. for Scilly, surprising in view of the autumn numbers there. It arrived with two Richard's Following a massive irruption into central Pipits Anthus novaeseelandiae and a Wryneck Europe, Rosy Starlings Sturnus roseus Jynx torquilla on nearby St Mary's. reached Britain, too, with one at Spurn (Humberside) on 4th June, followed by at A Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius least another seven at scattered locations in on North Ronaldsay on 10th May was only June, and seven more in July and early the second for Orkney, and other unusual August. A Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata passage wader records included two Stone- at Beachy Head (East Sussex) on 5th June curlews Burhinus oedicnemus at Gibraltar continued the recent spring trend for this Point (Lincolnshire) on 11th. A Great Reed species, but with it most of the migration came Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus at Cley to an abrupt halt as a cool northwesterly flow (Norfolk) on the same day was the first of six covered much of Britain. It was the sunniest spring records, with perhaps the most June since 1989 over England and Wales as a interesting of these being one at Elmley whole, and since 1975 locally in the South. (Kent) seen carrying nesting material. Pomarine Skuas passing the English south coast reached a peak on 13fh May, with The breeding season—ups and downs 148 reported, including 66 past Hove and 81 past Dungeness. Temminck's Stints Many of our scarcer species did rather well. Calidris temminckii, too, showed well, with A joint census of Dartford Warblers Sylvia about 70 reported, mainly during 12th- 16th undata by the RSPB and English Nature and 19th-22nd May. Two in Cumbria on revealed 1,600-1,670 breeding territories in 16th were the first there in spring since 1988. southern England. In northeast Hampshire A Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor at alone, there were about 100 pairs, the highest Hexham (Northumberland) on 14th May since the 1930s, and in Surrey 155 singing arrived on the same day as a Rustic Bunting males was the highest total ever recorded. On Emberiza rustica at Boddam (Shetland), of those same Hampshire heaths, about 100 which there were others on Fair Isle on 15th, pairs of Common Stonechats Saxicola St Kilda (Western Isles) on 17th and then torquata were mapped, the most ever five more during 21st-26th May. Arriving recorded. Again in Hampshire, 71 pairs of with these Rustic Buntings were at least 114 Wood Larks Lullula arborea were found, the Bluethroats (plate 129), during 10th-24th, highest level since 1981. As with Dartford 27 Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris, Warblers, there is also evidence of their 29 Icterine Warblers Hippolais icterina, 72 spreading into new areas, breeding just west Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio and of London and in Bedfordshire, despite the 17 Common Rosefinches Carpodacus ever-present danger from human disturbance. erythrinus, all during 21st-31st May, and most Two juvenile Wood Larks in Derbyshire was making their landfall between the Kent coast the first record there since 1976. In Scotland, in the south and Fife in the north. Adding 95 pairs of Ospreys reared 146 young, and extra spice to the list were Thrush the reintroduced White-tailed Eagles Nightingales Luscinia luscinia at Dungeness Haliaeetus albicilla raised five young. For the on 18th, Donna Nook (Lincolnshire) on first time since the start of the reintroduction 22nd and Gullane (Lothian) on 25th, a scheme, a pair of Scottish-raised White-tailed Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus Eagles also attempted to breed. Red Kites in British Birds, vol. 88, no. 10, October 1995 465

Wales had their best year this century, with Numbers of Great Cormorants 106 pairs raising 98 young. Red Kites from Phalacrocorax carbo reached 516 at Rutland the reintroduction programme reared 13 Water (Leicestershire) on 15th July, and young from eight pairs in Scotland, and 37 Little Gulls 242 at Seaham Harbour (Co. young from 20 pairs in England. In Norfolk, Durham) on 16th. A River Warbler Montagu's Harriers had their best year since Locustella fluviatilis during 16th-25fh in Fife 1924, with nine pairs raising ten young. On a renewed hopes of the species' long-anticipated sadder note, Corn Crakes Crex crex failed to colonisation of Britain (another long-stayer breed in Northern Ireland for the first time was to appear in 1995). A Semipalmated (ever?), but, following a change to more Sandpiper Calidris pusilla arrived at crake-friendly farming methods, singing males Keyhaven Marsh (Hampshire) on 17th July, increased on Coll, to 18, and on Tiree, to one of only two to appear this autumn and on 126. Also on a down note, Stone-curlews a somewhat early date, as was a Paddyfield were badly affected by poor spring weather, Warbler Acrocephalus agricola at Holm with just 87 young being reared compared (Orkney) on 18th. A White-rumped with 102 in 1993. The most unexpected Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis at Rutland breeding event of the year (of the century?), Water from 21st to 24th July coincided with a however, was the successful pairing of the weekend when there was little else around and long-staying Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus was rightly popular. The next rarity was podiceps at Stithians Reservoir (Cornwall) with another Nearctic wader inland, a Baird's a Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, resulting Sandpiper C. bairdii in Northamptonshire on in three hybrid young, one of which survived 31st July. During the month, winds from a into 1995. southerly quarter were more frequent than usual. It was strongly anticyclonic throughout the month over much of Europe, and Britain The start of an excellent autumn and Ireland were on the periphery of a record- Towards the end of June, migrants started to breaking hot July on the Continent. In eastern, trickle through, although it was two gull southern and central England, it was the reports that first caught the eye, with a hottest July for 11 years, no doubt Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan at Topsham encouraging the growing number of Little (Devon) on 25th June and yet another Ross's Egrets, which by 19th July reached 150 Gull, at Workington (Cumbria), the next day. around our shores. An influx of Ruddy Shelducks Tadorna Large numbers of Yellow-legged Gulls ferruginea occurred from the end of June Lams cachinnans included 100 at Rainham on through to October, including wandering 3rd August, and high counts of Tufted parties of eight in Clwyd, up to ten in Ducks Aythya fuligula from the London Cheshire and Merseyside and six in Cornwall. reservoirs included 1,198 on Girling on 5th Whether or not they came from a wild source and 1,049 on King George VI on 21st is open to question. (Further details will be August; elsewhere, equally impressive was a published in a forthcoming paper in British count of 4,395 on Rutland Water on 16th. A Birds.) Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata, The first three days of July were hot and found at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 6th humid, and two long-standing absences were August, stayed long enough to be twitched broken, with a Collared Pratincole Glareola from afar, but most of the more usual waders pratincola at Titchwell on 1st, the first in were thin on the ground. Exceptions were Norfolk since 1868, and an Alpine Swift at Black-tailed Godwits, which moved through Noup of Noss on 2nd, the first in Shetland many inland counties in above-average since 1977. A very unseasonal Redwing numbers, and impressive inland counts of Turdus iliacus appeared in Scilly on 5th and a Ruffs Philomachus pugnax and Ringed Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva in Plovers Charadrius hiaticula, including 86 at Humberside on 10th, in what was to be a Staines Reservoir on 16th—but where were all quiet year for the species. The amazing saga the Spotted Redshanks Tringa erythropus, at Tynemouth (Tyne & Wear) continued on which were almost entirely absent? About 16 11th July when a Swinhoe's Storm-petrel Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris melanotos were Oceanodroma monorhis was heard, and then reported in August, with the first in Cumbria trapped on 23rd and 25th July, the same on 10th, and White-rumped Sandpipers individual as that in each of the preceding appeared at Frodsham (Cheshire) on 11th four years {Brit. Birds 88: 342-345). and in Kent on 12th. Up to 15 Spotted 466 Nightingale & Allsopp: The ornithological year 1994

Crakes Porzana porzana were found, mostly Scandinavian flavour, with about 40 during in the Southwest, including three at Marazion 22nd-31st. Another Citrine Wagtail, and (Cornwall), whilst a Little Crake P. parva Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus on Fair performed at Stanpit Marsh (Dorset) on Isle, Greenish Warbler in Grampian, Arctic 17th. Warbler PhyUoscopus borealis on Stronsay Smaller-than-usual numbers of the large (Orkney), and Thrush Nightingale, Booted shearwaters were seen in August, with 15 Warbler and Yellow-breasted Bunting Cory's Shearwaters Cabnectris diomedea past Emberiza aureola in Shetland all added spice Gwennap Head (Cornwall) on 1st the only to the already impressive roll call. noticeable movement off English coasts. In Meanwhile, Little Egrets (plate 137) had Ireland, 56 went past Cape Clear Island on continued to increase throughout August, 23rd and 60—the same birds?—passed Mizen reaching a national total of about 400. A series Head (Co. Cork) on 24th, where two of counts at Poole Harbour peaked at 83 on Madeira/Cape Verde/Soft-plumaged Petrels 31st, there were 75 at Longville Marsh, Jersey, Pterodroma madeira!feael mollis occurred on the on 26th, and at Thorney Island regular counts same day. Fewer than 20 Great Shearwaters of over 70 during 19th-31st peaked at 94 on Puffinus gravis were reported, all of those 27th. A census in Devon on 30th revealed a during 19th-28th August. Totally over­ county total of 85. shadowing those two species, however, were During September, a westerly, cyclonic Sooty Shearwaters P. griseus, with perhaps type of weather persisted until the middle of 1,000 in total, including 50 past Pendeen the month. It was generally cool, dull and wet, (Cornwall), and over 200 past Rocky Point and was the third poor September, in weather (Co. Donegal) on 28th, where observers also terms at least, in succession. Not so the birds! counted 128 Pomarine Skuas. Most of the September opened with a week of Long-tailed Skuas Stercorarius longicaudus changeable westerly winds and the result had passed by early in August, perhaps 450 in pleased the wader buffs. A Wilson's total, with the biggest single-day counts from Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor in Devon on Hartlepool Headland, with 19 on 10th, 4th was followed by about 46 Pectoral Whitburn (Tyne & Wear), with 17 on 14th, Sandpipers, mostly in the first half of the Hound Point (Lothian), with 29 on 13th, and month, and 20 Buff-breasted Sandpipers Chanonry Point (Highland), with 76 on 14th. Tryngites subruficollis, all arriving during 1st- The first half of August had been rather 16th and including one well inland at humid and thundery, with widespread storms, Draycote Water (plate 138). Earlier, on Fair followed by a brief spell of cool north- Isle, a juvenile Red-necked Stint Calidris westerlies. Around 14th, a low-pressure area ruficollis had been found dead, on 31st developed over the Baltic Sea, bringing August, but that of course had arrived on a northeasterly winds on its northern flank. The different track. Another Citrine Wagtail low was quickly replaced by high pressure appeared on Fair Isle on 1st September, and over Scandinavia, which stayed put until 27th there were to be four others in the Northern August. It was land-based rarities that Isles during the month. A Greenish Warbler attracted the attention away from at Wells (Norfolk), also on 1st, was followed seawatching, and most of these, in the second next day by a modest fall on Portland Bill of half of August, came from an easterly 247 Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava and 140 direction. A Citrine Wagtail Motacilla Northern Wheatears. citreola in Cleveland on 14th arrived on the On 3rd September, excitement in same day as an early Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Leicestershire was caused when seven Arctic in Scilly, and then a Greenish Warbler on Skuas flew over Eye Brook Reservoir, and at Fetlar on 18th heralded the first of the real nearby Rutland Water the count of Great autumn falls. On 21st August, 200 Northern Cormorants increased to an amazing 785. Wheatears were on North Ronaldsay, and On Jersey, Little Egrets had increased to 93 there were good numbers of Pied by 4th, and a census of Barn Owls Tyto alba Flycatchers in Scilly, mixed in with revealed an island population of about 100, Whinchats Saxicola rubetra and Spotted probably as many as Jersey can support. Flycatchers Muscicapa striata. Of the 37 Staying with the Channel Islands, a Cory's Wrynecks reported, most arrived after 21st, Shearwater on 5th was only the second as did most of the Barred Warblers Sylvia Guernsey record. Large numbers of Sooty nisoria, with about 70 during 20th-31st Shearwaters were still passing our coasts, August. Icterine Warblers added to the with 209 at Flamborough Head Plate 136. Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus, Winterton/Horsey, Norfolk, November 1994 (R Chittenden)

Plate 137. Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Gweek, Cornwall, November 1994 (Paul Hopkins) Plate 138. Below, Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis, Draycote Water, Warwickshire, September 1994 (Rob Wilson) 468 Nightingale & Allsopp: The ornithological year 1994

(Humberside) on 1st and 253 there on 14th Excitement knows no bounds September. Other good counts included 143 off Uisaed Point (Strathclyde) on 9th and 207 During 14th-18th September, a depression of past the Fame Islands (Northumberland) on unusual intensity tracked across the eastern 14th. A Booted Warbler wrested attention North Sea and then lay over Denmark and away from the sea at Cromer (Norfolk) on southern Sweden. Air circulating over the 4th, and there were two Arctic Warblers on northern edge of this low concentrated landfalls North Ronaldsay, on 4th and 7th. Blue Tits in the northern part of Britain. The first of four Parus caeruleus, not often mentioned in these Pechora Pipits Anthus gustavi was found on summaries, warranted attention at Gibraltar Fair Isle on 15th, with another on on Point, with a count of 480 on 6th September, 18th, and a Thrush Nightingale was in and two Yellow-breasted Buntings arrived, Lincolnshire on 17th. A Paddyfield Warbler at Hilbre (Merseyside) on 7th and Fair Isle on Acrocephalus agrkola in Cleveland, also on 17th, 9th. A depression then centred over the north was the forerunner of another five before the of Scotland caused swirling westerly winds end of September, all in the Northern Isles, onto Atlantic-facing coasts, resulting in good apart from a second in Cleveland on 18th. At seabird passage. On 10th, a . Little Filey (North Yorkshire), a Yellow-breasted Shearwater Puffinus assimilis was seen off the Bunting on 18th was the first of some real Calf of Man () and inland three gems at that site during the autumn. Another more Arctic Skuas were seen, over Chew was on Fair Isle the same day, with an Arctic Valley Lake (Avon), and Manx Shearwaters Warbler, of which there were two more there P. puffinus reached Derbyshire and on 20th-21st, and three more elsewhere during Nottinghamshire. Leach's Storm-petrels 21st-22nd September. The highlight in this Oceanodroma leucorhoa also featured busy period for many observers was a male prominently, one reaching Derbyshire for that Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica at Burnham county's first record for five years, and Overy (Norfolk) on 18th. On a slightly more Cumbria had its best passage of this species sober note, a spectacular movement of since 1988. During 9th-llth September, hirundines included 10,000 Barn Swallows some very impressive counts were made going to roost at Clumber (Nottinghamshire) elsewhere, including 200 past Merseyside, on 18th and a heavy coastal movement in 140 off the Lancashire coasts, 90 off Avon comprising 12,000 Barn Swallows in two Strathclyde, 470 past Ramore Head (Co. hours on 19th together with 10,000 House Antrim) and 200 off Co. Donegal. The Martins. Three Lanceolated Warblers movement was over as quickly as it started. Locustella lanceolala were found during 19th- Caught up in the same rush were Grey 21st, the last at Mundesley (Norfolk), an Phalaropes Phalaropus fulicarius—no Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabettina on surprise there—with over 60 reported during Whalsay (Shetland) on 20th, a Calandra Lark 9th-19th September, many reaching the Melanocorypha calandra on St Kilda on 21st, shelter of inland waters. Although 155 Pink- with a Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler footed Geese Anser brachyrhynchus at South Locustella certhiola on Fair Isle the same day. Walney (Cumbria) on 14th gave an early Arriving with these premier stars were lower- reminder of the winter months ahead, many division performers, but still impressive in their observers were relishing the prospects of what own right. Nearly 150 Wrynecks were noted was to continue to be an excellent autumn. throughout the month, including 22 in Norfolk alone during lst-6th, and there were six Short- toed Larks Calandrella brachydactyla during 17th-24th, and 50 Richard's Pipits, mainly after 20th. Most of the 13 or so Tawny Pipits Anthus campestris arrived earlier, during 6th- 18th, but Icterine Warblers arrived in two separate movements, the first involving 27 individuals during lst-6th and the second involving about 20 during 14th-25fh September. After mid month, about 28 Red- breasted Flycatchers arrived, together with 115 or so Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus (plate 133), mainly during 17th-30th September. British Birds, vol. 88, no. 10, October 1995 469

The interest did not stop just with passerines. There was a Baird's Sandpiper on South Walney on 14th September, a Wilson's Phalarope in Norfolk on 16th, a White-rumped Sandpiper in Strathclyde, another Baird's, at Eye Brook Reservoir, and a Great Snipe Gattinago media at Sheringham (Norfolk), all on 17th. Seabirds, too, were having another surge, with 11,000 Northern Fulmars, a Cory's Shearwater, 101 Sooty Shearwaters, and 35 Arctic, four Pomarine and 11 Long-tailed Skuas past North Ronaldsay on 29th September. Thrushes were arriving, with the first substantial falls of Redwings, including 800 Grebe Podiceps auritus, only the fourth record on North Ronaldsay on 30th, but a Dark- this century for the archipelago, and one of the throated Thrush of the nominate red- month's three Aquatic Warblers Acrocephalus throated race, which graced The Naze paludicola, all on 10th- 11th and including an (Essex) from 29th September to 7fh October, unexpected East Coast record at Cley caused a lot more excitement. (Norfolk) (plates 134 & 135). Many observers October was, from a weather point of view, left Scilly on 15th October, heading for the a tale of two halves. The first half, up to 18th, Northwest as news flashed through of a Song was anticyclonic, dry with some warm days, Sparrow Zonotrichia melodia at Seaforth and the second half was cyclonic, wet and (Merseyside) and a Greater Yellowlegs then rather cold. From a birding point of view Tringa melanoleuca at Rockcliffe (Cumbria). it was, however, the same story throughout The latter was to stay into November, proving the month: excitement following excitement. to be very popular with the estimated 1,600 A post-breeding gathering of 50 Stone- birders who made the journey to see it. curlews at a Breckland site in Suffolk on 1st Radde's Warblers Phylloscopus schwarzi on October was untypical, and a Bonaparte's Scilly and in Kent on 14th were about to be Gull Larus Philadelphia on Blifhfield Reservoir overshadowed by the biggest invasion of (Staffordshire) was a good inland find on 4th. Pallas's Leaf Warblers P. proregulus (plate With the predominance of easterly winds 132) we have witnessed. Overnight on throughout the autumn, transatlantic 15th/16th October, cold air extended passerines had been absent, so a Red-eyed southeastwards from Greenland. Over Vireo Vireo olivaceus on Mizen Head on 8th southern Sweden the temperatures fell to 0°C, was a surprise. A Dusky Warbler and yet it was more than 10°C higher over Phylloscopus fuscatus at East Prawle (Devon) northern Germany. This cold band of air on the same day quickly focused attention stretched right across the north of Scotland back to the east, as a ridge of high pressure and the Northern Isles during 16th- 18th developed across the centre of Europe, October. Small passerines seeking more bringing southeasterly winds to Britain during favourable conditions would have been swept 6th-10th. There was another Dusky Warbler, west to arrive in eastern England rather than on South Uist (Western Isles) on 10th, and an Scotland and the Northern Isles. amazing 19 more by the year's end, with 14 About 180 Pallas's Leaf Warblers arrived of those during the period from 11th October between 14th October and mid November; to 7th November. the previous best annual total was 127 in 1982. Frustrated observers in Scilly, in what had The normal peak arrival time is the second been a quiet autumn for them so far, listened week of October, but this movement came in vain to news from the mainland, first about significantly later, with about 65 arriving the Pechora Pipit at Filey on 9th October during 16fh-23rd October and then about 75 and then almost unbelievingly about the during 3rd-6fh November. One possible Lanceolated Warbler there the next day. A reason for this was that a vast area of above- Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti at Portland average temperatures stretched from the on 11th and an Arctic Warbler at Kenidjack eastern Mediterranean (up to 35°C) through (Cornwall) tried to steal the spotlight away central Russia to northeastern Siberia, from northeast England, but those Scilly presumably causing many of the local bird observers had to make do with a Slavonian populations to delay their migration. In the 470 Nightingale & Allsopp: The ornithological year 1994

(Kent). Many stayed on, and, with further new arrivals supplementing their numbers, about 75 were reported during November. Another significant influx involved the nominate Continental race of the Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula, the largest ever recorded. The vanguard was on Hoy (Orkney) on 16th October and by the end of the month 50 had been seen on North Ronaldsay, and there were parties of up to ten on other Orkney islands. About 120 arrived in Shetland, including 19 at Helendale and 15 at Kergord on 26th and 15 at Quendale on 27th October. On Fair Isle, 56 were trapped (compared with only 41 during the previous 45 years). Further sightings extended along the eastern coast of England as first wave, 28 made landfall in eastern far south as Suffolk, where one was trapped at England, 16 in northeast England, five in Bawdsey on 1st November. western England and Ireland, three on the Few American thrushes made it across the English south coast, five on mainland Scotland Atlantic this autumn, but 16th October saw a and yet only three in the Scottish islands. In true 'East meets West' situation: Grey- Suffolk, at least 21 were reported, almost as cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus on North many as had been previously recorded in the Hoy (Orkney) was only a few kilometres away county (27 to the end of 1993), with 14 seen from a Dark-throated Thrush on Fair Isle. in the Felixstowe area alone. Record books Britain's fourth Yellow-browed Bunting were being modified, then transformed and arrived on St Agnes (Scilly) on 19fh October, then totally rewritten. In November, during and on 22nd there was another flurry of 3rd-15th, a total of 37 Pallas's Leaf Warblers eastern rarities in the Northern Isles. On was found in eastern England, 25 in Scotland, Sanday, a Pied Wheatear Oenanthe 16 in northeast England and ten each on the pleschanka was Orkney's third, a Paddyfield English south coast and in western parts of Warbler was only its second and a Pine England. Bunting Emberiza hucocephabs made a fine The Continental anticyclone retreated very trio. Another Paddyfield Warbler was on slowly during 18th-20th October as active South Ronaldsay on 23rd, and there were fronts encroached from the west, but from Pine Buntings on Out Skerries (Shetland) on 21st onwards pressure was constantly low over 22nd, Sumburgh on 23rd and North Britain and Ireland. There was a strong Ronaldsay on 28th October. Another Pied southeasterly flow across the North Sea, with Wheatear was in Kent on 23rd, with others at a weather front on 20th stretching along the Fagbury Cliffs (Suffolk) on 24th October and East Coast from Scotland to Norfolk. A in Cleveland on 6th November. Also in depression was centred over the Northern Isles Suffolk, a southerly movement of Wood from 23rd to the end of October. Pigeons Columba palumbus at Landguard Remarkably, following closely on the 1993 between 24th October and 6th November was Dorset record, two more Red-flanked estimated at nearly 84,000, with a maximum Bluetails Tarsiger cyanurus came to southern of 30,160 passing over on 2nd November. By Britain, the first at Great Yarmouth (Norfolk) contrast, a solitary Blue Tit on Fetlar on 25th during 18th-20th October and the second, at October was the first in Shetland since 1990. Landguard (Suffolk), on 26th. Is this species Landguard also witnessed the start of an really extending its range, or are these interesting series of Red-rumped Swallows, 'vagrants' from a more dubious source? with one on 26th, followed by one in Kent on Arriving with these eastern gems came a 28th, then two in Clumber Park huge influx of over 100 Rough-legged (Nottinghamshire) on 29th, with three there Buzzards (plate 136), the second-largest on between 30th October and 3rd November. record. The first arrivals, on 15th October, Possibly the same trio then turned up at focused on East Anglia and the southeast Brancaster (Norfolk) on 6th November, corner of England, with groups of up to five staying until 11th. During 1st-15th November, lingering in favoured localities, such as the a juvenile also visited various localities in north Norfolk coastal belt and the Isle of Sheppey Norfolk and finally there was one in British Birds, vol. 88, no. 10, October 1995 471

Northumberland during 18th-20th November. long stay at Landguard. A Little Bustard An Arctic Warbler on Fair Isle on 26th Tetrax tetrax brought more fireworks to Fair Isle October was the eleventh of the year, while a on 5th November, staying only to the next day, Radde's Warbler in West Sussex, also on as did a Desert Wheatear at Weybourne, 26th October, with another Radde's in Suffolk appearing on 5th and visiting Cley on 6th. on 2nd November, were by contrast only the Southerly and southwesterly winds blew during third and fourth of the year. The eighth November almost without a break. It was the Pechora Pipit of the year duly arrived on warmest November since before 1659 and it 27th October, unexpectedly on Tresco: Scilly was also very dry, so presumably this and 'came good' in the end. subsequent Desert Wheatears found conditions A wave depression, starting life on 28th here to their liking. October, tracked across from Newfoundland to A White-billed Diver off Southwold northern Britain, reaching us on 29th October. (Suffolk) on 6th November was an Most American migrants had already pushed unexpected southern English record. On 7th south and so were unaffected, but it managed to there was another Desert Wheatear at bring with it two Yellow-billed Cuckoos Castleton (Herefordshire) and yet another at Coccyzus americanus, one found near St Davids Blackpool (Lancashire) on 11th November. A (Dyfed) on 30th October and another at count of 588 Northern Shovelers Anas Carncastle (Co. Antrim) on 31st, and probably clypeata on Walton Reservoir on 10th was a two Yellow-rumped Warblers Dendroica new Surrey record, and a Lesser Scaup coronata, one at Ramsey Island (Dyfed) and Aythya affinis at Lechlade (Gloucestershire) another found on 16th November in Bristol was, not surprisingly, a new record for that (Avon). Unfortunately, an American Robin county, too. An Alpine Accentor Prunella Tardus migratorius at Felixstowe on 2nd cottaris in Lincolnshire on 14th, staying until November was found recently dead. 17th November, was much sought after, but Four Horned Larks at Colwick on 3rd the year had one more ace to deal. Just over 13 November was only the fifth occurrence in years since the previous and so far only British Nottinghamshire, and 120 Common Scoters record, a Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus Mehnitta nigra passed through the same locality brevipes frequented a Grampian shoreline, at on 4th, the same day as four Penduline Tits Burghead. Found on 27th November, it was appeared at Titchfield Haven (Hampshire) and added to many a grateful observer's life list a Blyth's Pipit Anthus godkwskii began a week- until it departed a month later.

Plate 139. Birders at Landguard, Suffolk, November 1994 (R. Chittenden) 472 Nightingale & Allsopp: The ornithological year 1994

A couple of good Irish records in at Walton (Surrey), the count of Rose-ringed December, 71 Slavonian Grebes on Lough Parakeets Psittacula krameri reached a Foyle (Co. Londonderry) on 6th and at least staggering total of 697. 80 Black-throated Divers at Ballyvaughan (Co. Down) on 15th, straddled the discovery Acknowledgments of a Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata well We are most grateful to the numerous inland at Bewl Water (East Sussex) on 10th. It individual correspondents, national, regional, stayed until 20th December, no doubt county and local societies, and bird encouraged by the mild, wet and sunny observatories, whose information has been weather which prevailed for much of the used to compile this summary. We are month. It was the warmest December since especially grateful to the British Birds Rarities 1988. Committee and the Irish Rare Birds Finally, after a year crammed to excess with Committee for complete information on their mainly eastern exotica, we finish with news of nationally accepted major rarities. some adopted exotica of our own. At a roost

Barry Nightingale, 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK19 9QS Keith Allsopp, 137 Redbridge, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK14 6DL

The inclusion of plates 127-138 in colour was supported by Carl Zeiss Ltd, sponsor of the British Birds Rarities Committee.

Appeal to all bird recorders, bird-club secretaries and bird-observatory wardens In order to make these annual reviews a complete reflection of the year's major happenings, and not just those associated with rarities, we would like to receive as many local reports, bulletins, newsletters and observatory reports as possible. Please send them to Barry Nightingale at the address above.