News and comment

Compiled by Adrian Pitches Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of British Common Cranes nest in the Fens With the appearance of two juven- ing species in about 1600. not on our list of prospects. The ile birds at the RSPB’s Lakenheath Norman Sills is the site conservation focus for the reserve Fen reserve, it appears that manager at Lakenheath Fen, an was to secure a nesting population Common Cranes Grus grus have area of fenland recreated from of Eurasian Bitterns Botaurus stel- nested successfully in the East carrot fields in the 1990s: ‘Seeing laris; a feat we have also achieved.’ Anglian Fens for the first time in young Cranes flying over the A small population of Cranes four centuries. The Fens, which reserve makes me realise that all became established in the Norfolk once stretched from Cambridge to our hard work has been worth- Broads in 1981, but the two pairs Lincoln, were the last stronghold while. These are fantastic birds, but of these elegant birds that nested at of the Common Crane before it when we dreamt of creating this Lakenheath represent the first time became extinct as a British breed- reserve, 14 years ago, Cranes were that more than one pair of Cranes has nested at a single site away from the Broads. So the species appears to be naturally reintroducing itself as suitable breeding habitat becomes available. But, as with the privately funded Great Bustard Otis tarda reintroduction programme, which

) recently yielded its first breeding success (Brit. Birds 102: 415), the RSPB now wants to launch an arti- ficial reintroduction scheme for Cranes, at a cost of £1.5 million. Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB’s Director of rspb-images.com ( Conservation, said: ‘It is clear that Cranes are yearning to become more widely established in the UK, and two pairs nesting at Laken- heath is clearly an important step

Chris Gomersall in their UK-wide recovery. However, it isn’t the only step that we need to take to consolidate the future of this British . The RSPB is also involved in a reintro- duction programme known as the Great Crane Project, where we hope initially to re-establish this bird in the west of Britain on the ) Somerset Levels and Moors.’ The RSPB has recently launched a £1.5-million appeal to help fund Crane reintroduction in the UK. Chris Madden, the RSPB

rspb-images.com appeals organiser, said: ‘The care- ( fully planned Great Crane Project starts with taking eggs from healthy populations overseas, incu- bating the eggs and nurturing the chicks. The project will then release Chris Gomersall 347 & 348. Common Cranes Grus grus at Lakenheath Fen them into a protected environ- RSPB Reserve, summer 2009. ment.’

518 © British Birds 102 • September 2009 • 518–523 News and comment A better season for Shetland’s seabirds Guillemots breed in There can be few more gladdening experiences than to be out in a small eastern USA for first boat on a warm, calm, summer’s day, surrounded by a feeding frenzy of seven or eight species of seabird, individuals popping to the surface with time since 1800s decent-sized sandeels Ammodytes in their bills. But that was an experience For the first time in more than a to be had around much of Shetland this year, breaking a run of poor or century, a Common Guillemot egg indifferent breeding seasons for many species. Arctic Terns Sterna paradis- has been discovered south of the aea did particularly well compared with recent years, fledging three figures Canadian border on the east coast of young from some colonies; Great Skuas Stercorarius skua had a good of the USA (where, of course, the season; and Arctic Skuas S. parasiticus had an almost ‘normal’ breeding birds are known as murres). ‘We season. However, for other species, such as Common Guillemot Uria aalge are absolutely elated,’ said Dr and Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, the season is better described as reasonable Stephen Kress, Director of rather than a bumper one, halting rather than reversing recent trends. Audubon’s Seabird Restoration There have also been some unexplained anomalies, such as the virtual Program. ‘The return of the desertion of Fair Isle by breeding Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis and con- Common Murre to its long-lost tinued low numbers and breeding success of Common Guillemots there, nesting grounds shows that conser- and the failure of Red-throated Divers Gavia stellata to rear young in vation works – even against all the certain areas. For those involved in seabird monitoring, August is a time odds.’ for number crunching, adding yet more data points to graphs, and real- The egg was discovered on ising just how drastic some changes have been. At Sumburgh Head RSPB Matinicus Rock, one of 50 islands Reserve at the southern tip of Mainland, counts of Razorbills Alca torda in Maine Coastal Islands National were 16% higher than in 2008, but still remain 70% lower than in 2000. Wildlife Refuge, the first time since At the other end of the islands, a census of the Unst Kittiwake colonies 1883 that the species has nested on (542 nests) found that numbers had more than halved since the 1998/99 the east coast of the USA. Guille- Seabird 2000 census (1,140), and had declined by almost 90% since 1987 mots have been lured to the islands (4,979). The days are past when one can simply headline a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ by the use of decoy birds, artificial breeding season for a suite of different seabird species in even a restricted eggs and a sound system that emits geographic region such as Shetland, and we keep our fingers crossed for Guillemot calls. ‘We have high 2010. hopes for the successful hatching of this egg, and for greater numbers (Contributed by Martin Heubeck) of murres in years to come,’ added Dr Kress. Although widespread on the Pacific coast from Alaska to Cali- OAP alive and well at 34 fornia, and breeding in Canada’s BTO ringers on the Shiant Islands (a small group of islands between the Maritime Provinces, Guillemots Outer Hebrides and the Scottish mainland) have found the two oldest were eliminated from their Maine Puffins Fratercula arctica in Britain. And one of these OAPs (Old Age breeding sites in the 1800s by Puffins) is, at 34 years of age, also the oldest currently known in Europe. people hunting them for food. The British longevity record for the Puffin was first broken on 5th July Collection of the birds’ eggs was 2009 when EX08155, originally ringed on the islands on 27th June 1977, also a common pursuit at the time was recaptured. The record-breaker was ringed by Ian Buxton in 1977, who and may also have contributed to was also part of this year’s team, so Ian was reunited with the bird 32 years their disappearance. later! Audubon (the RSPB equivalent But then, just five days later, the record was broken again. On 10th July, in North America) has spent 17 Ian recaught EB73152, ringed on 28th June 1975, making it over 34 years years trying to bring Guillemots old (and older than three of the expedition members). This is now the back to the islands. And it’s not the oldest recorded Puffin in Europe, beating an Icelandic 33-year-old. Amaz- first seabird that Audubon has ingly, it not only still had its original metal ring, but also its colour ring, helped to restore to Maine. Pio- allowing it to be identified as a Shiants bird ‘in the field’. neering the use of decoys and bird David Steventon, founder of the Shiants Auk Ringing Group, and a calls, the team began working to member of the original expeditions in the 1970s, commented: ‘These attract Atlantic Puffins to the longevity records were almost inevitable, as ringing data shows that adult Maine coastal islands in 1973; four survival rates are about 92%. Therefore, we would expect that about 25 of breeding pairs nested at Eastern the 441 birds ringed in 1975 might still be alive in 2009. There could even Egg Rock in 1981 after an absence be a handful of birds alive that were ringed back in 1970, so there is the of nearly a century. At least 40 potential to break the record again in the next few years. Compared with seabird species in 12 countries have recent years, Puffins are having a good breeding season in 2009, bringing in benefited from seabird restoration good-sized sandeels for their young.’ techniques developed by Audubon.

British Birds 102 • September 2009 • 518–523 519 News and comment Volunteers needed for seabird research on Tristan da Cunha The Tristan da Cunha archipelago Area and an Endemic Bird Area by from such an exercise would allow is one of the world’s last truly BirdLife International (see Peter us to learn more about their remote areas. The inhabitants form Ryan’s recent article, Brit. Birds annual breeding success, dispersal the most isolated community on 101: 586–606). patterns, annual survival rates and earth since the islands can be Isolation and logistical obstacles recruitment into the population. reached only by boat, a six-day have conspired to ensure that the If this becomes an annual expe- voyage from Cape Town. The archi- seabirds are not as well studied as dition, there is potential for several pelago has four endemic seabirds their conservation status suggests other worthy studies to be initi- (Tristan Albatross Diomedea dabbe- they should be. In recent years there ated. In addition to ringing nena, Atlantic Yellow-nosed Alba- has been a resurgence of interest in nestling Atlantic Yellow-nosed tross Thalassarche chlororhynchos, the islands and some truly ground- Albatrosses, chicks and/or adults of Spectacled Petrel Procellaria con- breaking research has been done Broad-billed Prion Pachyptila spicillata and Atlantic Petrel Ptero- (such as that on the mice referred vittata, Soft-plumaged Petrel Petro- droma incerta) and Gough Island is to above). However, the conserva- droma mollis, White-faced Storm- rightly considered the greatest tion status of many breeding petrel Pelagodroma marina,Black- seabird colony in the world. And an seabirds in the archipelago is poor, bellied Storm-petrel Fregetta island with an extraordinary eco- and basic data are often lacking. For tropica, Tristan Skua Stercorarius logical problem – supersize House some species on Tristan there has antarctica, Great Shearwater Mice Mus musculus that are never even been a proper census. Puffinus gravis, Antarctic Tern predating albatross chicks. Readers But now, BirdLife South Africa, Sterna vittata and Tristan Thrush can help to persuade the Govern- the Save the Albatross Fund and could be ringed and (in subsequent ment to take account of this African Affinity are hoping to years) retrap data gathered. problem by signing this petition: establish annual research expedi- There is a rich history of http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/ tions to the archipelago by ‘citizen human settlement and a fasci- Territories scientist’ ringers and birders. The nating island culture on Tristan, Together with the world’s first expedition is planned for 21st and of course the voyage there and smallest surviving flightless bird February to 12th March 2010. A back is generally a pelagic birding (the Inaccessible Rail Atlantisia major objective will be to assist the festival. Anyone interested in rogersi), a flightless moorhen Galli- Tristan Conservation Department joining the initial expedition nula comeri, four island-endemic to census and ring an entire gener- in 2010 should contact Ross buntings Nesospiza and a bizarre, ation of young Atlantic Yellow- Wanless [email protected] storm-petrel-eating thrush Nesoci- nosed Albatrosses at Tristan and or Malcolm Wilson shoebill@ chla eremita, the archipelago is Nightingale study colonies. The mweb.co.za considered both an Important Bird long-term information gathered (Contributed by Malcolm Wilson) British List approaches 600 The BOU Records Committee has All of these birds have intriguing N&c sweepstake to hazard a guess admitted a further four species to the stories attached to them, most at Britain’s 600th species has added British List, taking the total to 587. notably the albatross, which crash- urgency. A shrewd suggestion The new additions are Pacific landed in Somerset, was taken into comes from Nick Dymond on Diver Gavia pacifica (juvenile, near care, filmed, released and reappeared Shetland: ‘How about Ménétries’s Harrogate, North Yorkshire, 12th on the other side of the country on a Warbler Sylvia mystacea for the January to 4th February 2007); fishing lake. And at no stage were 600th, preferably in my garden at Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalas- Britain’s avid listers aware of its Scousburgh?!’ Following Britain’s sarche chlororhynchos (immature, passage across the country! first Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais Brean, Somerset, 29th–30th June Special mention must be made olivetorum just down the road in 2007 and subsequently in Lin- of the Brown Flycatcher found by 2006, it’s a decent bet… colnshire); Glaucous-winged Gull then-Fair Isle warden Paul Harvey And while we’re contemplating Larus glaucescens (third-winter, in 1992. The BOURC rejected the milestones and the British List, it Hempsted, Gloucestershire, 15th– record at the time citing an appears that Britain’s top twitchers, 16th December 2006, and subse- unproved potential captive origin Ron Johns and Steve Webb, may be quently at two other localities); and but, after autumn birds in 2007 neck and neck on an improbable Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dau- and 2008, the committee has 543 species seen in Britain (& urica (first-summer, Fair Isle, altered its view. Vindication for Ireland). As a percentage (90%+) 1st–2nd July 1992). Full details will Paul, 17 years after the event. of the combined British and Irish appear in next month’s BBRC With the official British List total of c. 595 species, that is quite report. now standing at 587, the unofficial some achievement.

520 British Birds 102 • September 2009 • 518–523 News and comment Rarities on RSPB reserves As we celebrate BBRC’s 50th anniversary, the RSPB has marked Table 1. Birds on RSPB reserves that have been recorded on the milestone by its own analysis of ten occasions or fewer in Britain since 1950. rarities on its reserves. Species British RSPB The rarest of them all, in records records vagrant terms, is Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea. A young male was Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea 11 found on Ramsey Island, Pem- Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica 21 brokeshire, in October 1996, and Black yeltoniensis 21 this is still the only accepted record Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes 21 for Britain. Seven other species Siberian Blue Robin Luscinia cyane 21 made their first appearance in Barrow’s Goldeneye Bucephala islandica 31 Britain on an RSPB reserve, Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum 32 although two of them (Audouin’s Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii 41 Gull Larus audouinii and Trum- White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus 51 peter Finch Bucanetes githagineus) White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus 51 were first found nearby and only Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis 61 later moved to the reserve. One of Canvasback Aythya valisineria 71 the most celebrated rarities from Black Scoter Melanitta americana 82 RSPB reserves almost belongs to Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei 92 the ‘firsts’ category. The Black Lark Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis 93 Melanocorypha yeltoniensis at Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens 10 1 South Stack, Anglesey, in 2003 gave some 4,000 or so birders their first Black-winged Stilt Himantopus Red-breasted Goose Branta rufi- taste of the species in Britain, but it himantopus among the local Oys- collis, Glossy Ibis Plegadis also prompted the re-examination tercatchers Haematopus ostralegus falcinellus, Gull-billed Tern of some notes made about a bird and Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta. Gelochelidon nilotica, Caspian Tern seen in 1984 at , Yorkshire. Tens of thousands of people prob- Hydroprogne caspia, Great Reed The Spurn bird was re-identified as ably saw Sammy the stilt, and Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Britain’s first Black Lark, and the anyone who has seen a Black- and Penduline Tit Remiz pen- South Stack one became the winged Stilt in Britain is quite dulinus. RSPB reserves have hosted second. Other extreme rarities likely to have done so on an RSPB more than one-fifth of all the recorded from RSPB reserves are reserve: almost 40% of the stilts British records of these species in shown in table 1. seen in Britain in the last ten years the last ten years. And the top Very rare birds always attract a have been on RSPB reserves. Rare RSPB reserve for rarities? Mins- crowd, but one of the strongest waders in general are particularly mere in Suffolk, whose manager contenders for the title of ‘Britain’s well represented on RSPB reserves: just happens to be BBRC most-watched bird’ is one of our 110 have been recorded in the last Chairman Adam Rowlands! more frequent vagrants. For almost ten years, just under 20% of the 12 years, visitors to RSPB Titchwell total for the whole of Britain. (Contributed by Mark Gurney) in Norfolk could see a resident Other well-represented species are Slender-billed Curlew flying squad The first comprehensive survey finding wintering and moult sites, realised that satellite transmitters of the non-breeding range of with the hope of trapping and had become small enough to put Slender-billed Curlew Numenius satellite-tagging any birds found. If on a Slender-billed Curlew. A pro- tenuirostris will be undertaken we are to have any chance of totype was sent over from the USA, during the winter of 2009/10 under bringing the Slender-billed Curlew but by the time it arrived the bird the aegis of the International back from the brink of extinction, had gone (subsequent analysis Waterbird Census. Surveys will we need to know where it breeds, proved that it was an unusual extend from Morocco to Japan, where it spends the winter and its Eurasian Curlew N. arquata). We and concentrate on the shores of migration routes. Only then will took the opportunity to see what the Mediterranean, Black, Red and we be able to put conservation information we could get if we Caspian Seas, the Pannonian Plain measures in place to give the put the tag on a Whimbrel N. (central Europe), the Persian Gulf species a chance. phaeopus. A bird was caught at and the coasts of the South Asian When the ‘Minsmere Curlew’ Wheldrake Ings in Yorkshire on subcontinent. The focus is on appeared in Suffolk in 2004, we 2nd May 2005 and the tag fitted.

British Birds 102 • September 2009 • 518–523 521 News and comment

The exercise was a stunning success curlew catchers is now on standby. the satellite tag does not work. – ‘Wally’ migrated to Iceland then As soon as the SBC identification When the bird leaves the site, it is returned south in the autumn and panel lets us know that there is a down to the satellite tag to do its wintered in West Africa. You can chance that a sighting really is a job and, hopefully, conservation follow its movements at Slender-billed Curlew, three or efforts will be quickly under way in www.whimbrel.info four of us will drop everything and the countries where the species If Wally had been a Slender- fly to that country! occurs. billed Curlew, then within a few If we caught a Slender-billed We have got two tags prepared months we would have known Curlew, we would fit a satellite tag, and ready to go. It’s just down to where critical places in this species’ metal and coloured rings and take that army of birdwatchers to find a lifecycle are and would now be some feather samples for stable- Slender-bill. We are waiting for the putting our efforts into conserving isotope analysis. Those samples call! Slender-billed Curlews on these will tell us more about where the critical sites. A team of expert bird grew its feathers, just in case (Contributed by Nigel Clark, BTO)

Slender-billed Curlew has a price on its head Four members of the Cley Bird national Verification Panel, which pher and $500 to a conservation Club are offering USD 1,000 for a comprises wader experts with past cause in the country where the photograph of a live Slender-billed experience of the species. photograph was taken. Already, Curlew taken in the Middle East. Richard Porter, who has organ- two photographs – taken in Iraq Because of the identification chal- ised this reward, and is helping last winter – have been submitted lenges posed by the species, any with the forthcoming winter but sadly they were not proven to photograph will have to be verified surveys in the Middle East, plans be of Slender-billed Curlews. by the Slender-billed Curlew Inter- that $500 will go to the photogra-

Economic value of Red Kite reintroduction The Red Kite Milvus milvus re- cies contemplating future reintro- The aim of the five-year project introduction scheme in northeast ductions. The headlines include: was to engage people living on the England has formally ended after ecotourism has added more than urban fringe of Tyneside with five successful years, with at least £160,000 per annum to the wildlife. This has been amply 30 pairs of kites now breeding in economy of the Lower Derwent achieved. The final act was the Gateshead’s Derwent Valley and Valley; total economic activity unveiling of a 16-metre frieze on beyond, following the release of 94 catalysed by the kites project is the local Tesco store depicting Red Chilterns-bred birds in 2004–06. more than £1.72 million; Northern Kites through the seasons. This is The Gateshead scheme has seen the Kites engaged with 36,000 school- the first time that this multi- most rapid establishment of a sus- children in the region (every local national has consented to an tainable kite population in Britain primary school ‘adopted’ a kite); artwork being wrapped around since the reintroduction pro- the Red Kite-branded buses one of its supermarkets. gramme began 20 years ago. running from Newcastle to Consett Congratulations to Keith The Northern Kites team com- carry an environmental message to Bowey and the Northern Kites team missioned a socio-economic report more than 2.5 million people every on mission accomplished. The full on the impact that this high-profile year; and the ‘Northern Kite’ beer economic impact of the project can project has had and the results is now the Wylam Brewery’s best- be found at www.northernkites. make interesting reading for agen- seller! org.uk/socio.html Birding is a $36-billion business in the USA Compelling evidence of the eco- A birder was defined as as birders. Trips to zoos and nomic – and hence political – clout someone who has taken a trip one observing captive birds also did of birders comes from a detailed mile or more from home for the not count. survey in the USA. The US Fish primary purpose of observing The 48-million US birders and Wildlife Service study Birding birds and/or closely observed or spent an estimated $36 billion on in the United States: a demographic tried to identify birds around the birding goods and services annu- and economic analysis established home. Thus, people who happened ally (or approx. $750 each). This that, in 2006, there were 48 million to notice birds while they were was subdivided into ‘trip expendi- birders in the USA – more than a mowing the lawn or picnicking ture’ of $12 billion and equipment fifth of the population. at the beach were not counted expenditure of $24 billion. For trip

522 British Birds 102 • September 2009 • 518–523 News and comment expenditure, 57% was allocated for in 2006 generated $82 billion in the US Government, birding- food and accommodation, 35% for total industry output across the related recreational spending gen- transport, and 7% for other costs USA. It was further calculated that erated $10 billion in taxes: $6 such as guides, entrance fees, and birding expenditure in 2006 billion in State revenue and $4 so on. created 671,000 jobs and $28 billion in Federal revenue. Phew! With the multiplier effect, billion in employment income. See http://library.fws.gov/Pubs/ birding expenditure of $36 billion And, no doubt of most interest to birding_natsurvey06.pdf New to science: bald bulbul discovered in Laos An odd songbird with a bald head Fishpool, BirdLife’s Global Impor- Fortunately, much of the bird’s living in a rugged region in Laos tant Bird Areas Coordinator. ‘It presumed habitat falls within has been discovered by scientists highlights the importance of this legally protected areas in Laos. from the Wildlife Conservation region for birds and biodiversity.’ However, quarrying of limestone Society (WCS) and the University The thrush-sized bird is looms as a potential threat to of Melbourne, as part of a project greenish-olive with a light- wildlife in this area, along with funded and managed by the coloured breast, a distinctive feath- habitat conversion for agriculture. mining company MMG (Minerals erless, pink face with bluish skin In 2002 in this same area, Rob and Metals Group). around the eye extending to the bill Timmins of WCS described the The species has been named and a narrow line of hair-like Kha-nyou or Laotian Rock Rat Bare-faced Bulbul Pycnonotus feathers down the centre of the Laonastes aenigmamus, a newly dis- hualon because of the lack of crown. The bird seems to be pri- covered species of rodent so feathers on its face and part of its marily tree-dwelling and was unusual that it represents the lone head, and is the only example of a found in an area of sparse forest on surviving member of an otherwise bald songbird in mainland Asia. It rugged limestone karsts – a little- extinct genus. is the first new species of bulbul – a visited habitat known for unusual The Bare-faced Bulbul will be family of about 130 species – wildlife discoveries. assessed in due course by the described in Asia in over 100 years. ‘Its apparent restriction to BirdLife Taxonomic Working A description of the new species rather inhospitable habitat helps to Group; BirdLife will then evaluate has been published in the July issue explain why such an extraordinary its extinction risk category for the of Forktail, the journal of the Ori- bird with conspicuous habits and a IUCN Red List (for which BirdLife ental Bird Club. distinctive call has remained unno- is the official Red List Authority). ‘This is exciting news and a ticed for so long,’ said Iain great discovery,’ said Dr Lincoln Woxvold, lead author of the paper. New County Recorder details Jon Cook has taken over from Dan Carmichael and John Ogilvie in Angus & Dundee; his contact details are 76 Torridon Road, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3JH, tel. 01382 738495, e-mail 1301midget@tiscali. co.uk Jane Reid 349. Fair Isle warden Deryk Shaw looks on as the remaining chunk of the old Hampshire observatory, his home for ten years, was removed this summer. As we went to press, recorder John Clark the site was clear and the foundations ready for the arrival of the new building, which has changed his e- is being put together in Orkney before being shipped to the island sometime this mail to johnclark50 month.Thanks to those BB contributors who continue to donate their fees for @sky.com photographs and text to the Obs Appeal www.fairislebirdobs.co.uk

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