Newsletter of Birds (the CBWPS) No 67 ‐ Summer 2018 News from the board The Cornish Your Board last met in June at Allet and discussions included: *Arrangements for the recruitment of a new Grey Partridge Membership Secretary (as mentioned below). *The latest news on the Seabirds Survey, Project which is going well and giving very good The Cornish Grey Partridge Project coverage of the county’s breeding sites. (CGPP), aims to help the recovery of this *The possibility of establishing an official declining gamebird. Led by the Cornwall CBWPS archive, bringing together various County Group of the Game & Wildlife documents (dating back to 1928) currently Conservation Trust (GWCT) and supported ‘Hungary for Birds’ at held informally in several places. More by the RSPB and Natural , the 5 details in the autumn Palores. year project launched in 2016 aims to help this year’s AGM? *An update on improvement work at Wind- reverse the rapid decline of native Grey mill Farm, including the possibility of an Partridges in Britain. Their numbers have By Phil McVey extension to the reserve that is being looked plummeted from millions to just over Don’t miss this year’s Cornwall Birds at by CWT. 65,000 breeding pairs over the past 50 *Approval of the Society’s accounts for Annual General Meeting, which will be years. Research has shown that two factors held at Lanhydrock Memorial Hall on 2017, which will be presented at the forth- have contributed to the fall in numbers. th coming AGM. Wednesday 15 August. First, intensification of farming has reduced The official CBWPS business will the numbers of be followed by “Hungary for Birds” – a Are you a people (as insects avail- presentation by renowned local photogra- able in our phers David Chapman and Adrian Lang- well as birds) person? fields, where don. Both Dave and Adrian are well known chicks are for their superb photos of birds and other taken to forage After ten years of superb service Angela wildlife and this talk will showcase their for food mean- Moore (pictured) has decided to step down recent trip to Hungary with its wealth of ing that they as our Membership Secretary. We will say birdlife. All members and guests are wel- may well starve goodbye in proper fashion nearer Angie’s come, and this is a rare opportunity to get a departure date, which is May 2019. to death. free showing of the work of two of our best In the meantime, we would love to Second, these photographers, with a fair bit of humour hear from anyone who would be interested ground-nesting thrown in. in becoming our next Membership Secre- birds are vulnerable to predators such as The AGM starts at 7.00pm (full tary. As such, you’ll be the first point of crows and foxes. details on the back page of this Palores) contact for prospective and new members, Cornwall has been badly affected and Lanhydrock Memorial Hall is easily keeping in touch by phone and email and by this decline and until the start of this accessible as it is five minutes from the ensuring new applications are smoothly project, had lost the species as a breeding A30 and between and . handled. You’ll also be in regular contact bird. But research by the GWCT has shown No excuse not to be there! with existing members, updating records that, with the right habitat management and and keeping them up to date about member- a careful programme of reintroduction of ship information birds and their protection from predation, and subscriptions. particularly in the breeding season, popula- You are also an tions can be restored. important source In the autumn of 2016, the Corn- of information for wall Group released five family groups the Board of Trus- onto Charlie Watson Smyth’s farm at tees, providing Tregirls on the Prideaux-Brune estate near them with regular . The following spring count reports and keep- showed a minimum of eight breeding pairs ing them in touch had survived the winter. This year, despite with membership it being the wettest March since 1998 and trends. Over the next couple of years, not having three consecutive dry days since July, there were still 5 to 10 breeding pairs Bee-eater (above) and Red-necked Grebe we’re looking to introduce new ways of photographed by Adrian Langdon joining Cornwall Birds, especially to attract recorded in the spring count. younger members, such as ‘instant mem- “Although we’re only two years bership’, and offering payment methods into the project, I’m pleased with the find- CONTENTS other than just the standing order. The ings so far,” said GWCT’s director of re- Chariman’s Chat p3 Membership Secretary will be at the heart search Nick Sotherton. “It was a difficult Bird report p4-7 of these changes. If you are interested (or spring to say the least, but things are mov- Reserves p8-10 know someone who might be) please con- ing in the right direction. We’re incredibly Windmill Farm p12 tact the Chairman or Secretary for more grateful to Western Power for getting be- Field meetings p14 information. hind this project and making it possible.” AGM notice p16

President: Ian McCarthy Palores – July 2018 [email protected] ne of the sad things about the decline in the numbers of so many bird species O is the sudden absence of once familiar creatures. For years we had a Swal- CBWPS - Trustees low’s nest at my home, but one year the mud cup had dried out so completely that it crashed to the ground. My wife managed to procure an artificial version—a pottery Chairman: Mark Grantham nest– and we fixed it in exactly the same spot. The Swallows were a bit dubious at 07818 497470 first but then they accepted our offering and eggs appeared and then young. But this [email protected] brood didn’t make it either. We think a weasel managed to find the nest and that Vice-chairman: Bruce Taggart was the end of them. Since then we’ve had no more Swallows. 01752 829163 Some years ago we were graced by the presence of a pair of Spotted Fly- [email protected] catchers that chose to nest in the creeper on our house, then inexplicably they too Hon. Secretary & Phil McVey abandoned us. For years there was no sign of Minutes Secretary 07740 923385 them, but this year I was thrilled when I saw [email protected] one perched on the telegraph wires nearby. Honorary Treasurer: John Stanlake They were back and a diligent and very dis- 01752 848541 creet pair built a tiny, lichen-clad residence [email protected] about four feet from our front door. Amaz- Conservation Officer: Tony Blunden ingly, they reared (I think) three or four 01326 291064 young. I managed a mobile phone snap of the [email protected] babies in their minute creche (left) while their County Recorder: Dave Parker parents were off hawking for insects. The 07932 354711 parents would flit back to the nest almost [email protected] invisibly—little grey birds against a grey stone house. When they had fed the young Trustees: Greg Adams they would exit the nest with a rapid, low swoop almost to ground level then up into Phil Taylor the trees, somehow avoiding the attentions of Jackdaws, squirrels, the doubtless still Derek Spooner present weasel, our ancient cat, not to mention the endless human comings and Dan Chaney goings only feet from their nest. What a joy it has been to see them again, little ash-coloured ghosts, watch- ful and alert but always inconspicuous. There can hardly be a more ‘ordinary’ look- Officers ing bird than the Spotted Flycatcher and yet what understated beauty and personal- ity they have. My returning pair have enhanced our lives this baking, parched sum- Editors Birds in Cornwall: mer. I do hope they will choose us next year once they have completed their mara- Phil Taylor, Hilary Mitchell thon round trip to Africa. I will be keeping my eye open and my heart expectant for 01736 810933 their return. [email protected] Simon Marquis Webmaster: Dan Chaney [email protected] 07762 179343 Cornwall Birds Membership Secretary: Angela Moore 20 The Copse, Boscoppa, St Austell PL25 3EU 07944 988599 [email protected] Asst County Recorder: Tony Mills Editor, Palores: Simon Marquis [email protected] Registered Charity No 1144724 Field Meetings Officer: Beth Cross Cornwall Birds was founded as the CBWPS in 1931 to encourage [email protected] the study and preservation of birds in Cornwall. The Society has over Publicity Officer: Beth Cross 1000 members in total. It owns 4 reserves and manages jointly sev- [email protected] eral others. The Society organises weekly bird watching field trips (some jointly with the RSPB local members group). Palores (its col- Reserve Wardens: our newsletter for members) is published quarterly. [email protected] Adrian Langdon 2018 Subscriptions: Adult £17 [email protected] Dougy Wright Family £21 [email protected] Dave Parker Senior Citizen £14 [email protected] Dave Conway Senior Family £16 [email protected] Dan Chaney Life Membership (contact Angela) [email protected] Alan Rowland

Subscriptions were due by 31st January 2018. Cheques made out to ‘CBWPS’ or pay by Gift Aid if you can - it saves the Society £1900 a year. For all payments, membership applications and enquiries please contact: Angela Moore, Membership Secretary, www.cbwps.org.uk 20 The Copse, Boscoppa, St Austell PL25 3EU Email: [email protected]

Palores is published in January, April, July & October. Design and typesetting by the editor. To advertise contact the editor. Full page ad £100. Half page £50. Small ads and notices free to members.

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but the roof was also littered Chairman’s Chat with dead chicks, some not far from fledging. So with the hope everyone's been out enjoying the weather set to stay hot for the I best of the fine summer weather, and foreseeable future I hope this what better place to enjoy it than the amaz- won't cause more problems. ing county we live in (or visit, for those up- The farming community country readers). We've been busy mopping has also been berating one of up the last few coastal sections of the Sea- the driest Junes on record, with birds Count census, including a long sea crops in desperate need of rain. stretch from Falmouth to Plymouth. It was This has knock-on effects on Mark Grantham geat to see good numbers of nesting seabirds farmland wildlife and we've along this isolated stretch of coast and the sight of over 70 seen this with Barn Owls. The Shag nests off Gull Rock was one to remember. 'Beast from the East' delayed Met Office map showing how But the mini heatwave hasn't all been good news, the start of the breeding season unusually hot the UK, especially and any anglers reading this will know it's been a strange anyway and we also think took in the west, was in June 2018 summer so far. Easterlies are generally good for nothing in its toll on adult birds. This Cornwall and with an extremely settled period of high pres- summer we've seen lots of birds breeding in their first year, sure, there's been a distinct lack of bait fish. Many a tourist taking over sites vacated by regular birds (by death). Those mackerel-fishing trip will have been coming back empty- birds that did breed seemed to be set for a good year, with handed and this lack of 'proper' marine food has had some many clutches of five or six eggs, but as hungry chicks have impacts on seabirds. Whilst early nesters seemed to be do- grown the adults haven't been able to keep up. So from ing OK, the picture for some gulls was pretty dire. Standard these large clutches we've seen brood reductions down to monitoring on Mullion Island has shown that the Great two or three chicks in most pairs. Black-backed Gulls are never the most productive, but this You'll also hopefully be receiving the latest Birds in year the 60+ nests only managed to fledge three chicks, Cornwall with this mailing and I'd like to thank everyone which is hardly sustainable. who's made this happen, in particular the editing team of But faring even worse in the heat were urban-nesting Hilary Mitchell and Phil Taylor. It takes a lot to sort the Herring Gulls. At the start of July we started to get reports records, analyse the data, write the accounts, edit the sec- of young gulls coming off roofs and this hit epidemic pro- tions and typeset them with suitable photos and sketches, portions soon after, with many birds being found dead or but I'm sure you'll agree that the end product is one to be wandering the streets. We can only presume this is a combi- proud of. So enjoy the sun while it's here, but spare a nation of lack of food and excessive heat driving birds to thought for garden birds and help provide for them during extreme lengths, but the number of birds being found was this hard time. It's now more important than ever to provide shocking. We saw this ourselves during some standard clean and fresh water for birds to drink and bathe, as young monitoring work; accessing the roof of the BT Telephone birds learn the ropes with their parents. Exchange in we found 16 live chicks of various ages,

Snipe, 1st April, MarazionBarn Owl by Adrian Langdon

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Bird report April-June 2018

By Tony Mills Puffin, Widemouth Bay (Rupert Kirkwood)

Green-winged Teal: One male photographed at Lands End (25th NB These are all unchecked and unauthenticated records. Publica- Apr). tion here does not constitute acceptance. If you were lucky enough Pochard: A pair recorded on Boating Lake, (26th Apr). to see or find a rarity please submit a description to the county Ferruginous Duck: Adult moulting male of unknown origin on recorder, [email protected]. County and national rarity de- Helston Boating Lake from 6th Jun. scription forms can be downloaded from the daily bird news sec- Ring-necked Duck: One female on Par Beach Pool (17th Apr). tion of the website, www.cbwps.org.uk. Tufted Duck: A few breeding reports including 2 broods on Hels- ton Boating Lake. Below is a summary of notable records for the period, these are Scaup: One recorded at St Gothian Sands LNR (4th Apr). based on reports already received, if you know of additional inter- Eider: The two ‘resident’ males continued throughout the quarter, esting sightings, earlier or later dates for instance then please sub- ( and ). mit that information to the County Recorder via re- Surf Scoter: The overwintering group of 3 at Porthpean were last [email protected] Daily bird news can be found at recorded on 19th Apr. www.cbwps.org.uk/sightings where the latest news is published Common Scoter: High counts of 47 (Freathy, 11th Apr) and and during the afternoon and updated during the evening. very late 36 (Porthgwarra 19th Jun). Goosander: 2 reports, 4 on Lower Tamar Lake and one at Crowdy Reservoir, both reports 5th Apr. Brent Goose: 13 at (17th Apr; one at Marsh Red-breasted Merganser: 2 reports, one on the Camel (11th Apr) RSPB 13th May). and one on RSPB (24th Apr). Barnacle Goose: One at Marazion Marsh RSPB (12th Jun), and Grey Partridge: 2 recorded at Padstow reintroduction scheme site then Hayle Estuary RSPB, (13th - 27th Jun). on 3 dates, (3rd, 15th and 16th May). Bean Goose (unspecified): One at Tregonetha Downs, (19th Apr). Red-throated Diver: Last reported 5th May. Pink-footed Goose: One at Drift Reservoir, (3rd - 19th Apr), and Black-throated Diver: High count of 50 in Gerrans Bay (16th then Marazion Marsh RSPB (3rd May). May) was also the last report. Shelduck: High counts of 42 on the Camel (2nd May) and 35 Pacific Diver: One probable sighting in Mount’s Bay on 5th May. there (11th April; 40 on the Tamar (15th Apr); 33 on the Helford, Great Northern Diver: A high count of 42 were in Gerrans Bay including 21 ducklings (18th Jun). (16th May) where the last one was reported on 16th Jun. High Garganey: 3 arrived on Marazion Marsh RSPB (21st Apr) with counts (20+) were also recorded at Downderry (24 on 3rd May) one staying on Longrock Pool until 30th Apr. and off the Fal Estuary (20 on 6th May). Shoveler: High count of 10 at Walmsley Sanctuary (11th Apr). Storm Petrel: 2 high counts of 18 were recorded, Mermaid II Gadwall: Mostly recorded from just Marazion Marsh RSPB and pelagic (30th May) and off Porthgwarra (19th Jun). Walmsley Sanctuary where they produced 3 broods. Cory’s Shearwater: Early single records from Porthgwarra (3rd Wigeon: Overwintering birds thinned down until 25th Apr; then Jun) and Lizard Point (17th Jun). two late reports, one at Walmsley Sanctuary (2nd May) and one at Sooty Shearwater: Early records from Porthgwarra (2 on 14th Wacker Quay (2nd Jun). Jun; one 17th Jun; 2 19th Jun) and from Tater-du (one 18th Jun). Teal: A couple of breeding reports, notably and Manx Shearwater: High counts of c6000 from Porthgwarra (17th Marazion Marsh RSPB. Jun) and Cape Cornwall c4500/hr (26th Apr). 4

Balearic Shearwater: 2 records, one off Lizard Point (5th May) and 2 off Porthgwarra (3rd Jun). Little Grebe: Only breeding record from Dunmere, Bodmin, one pair with 3 chicks, (3rd Jun). Great Crested Grebe: Breeding recorded at Porth Reservoir, Colliford Reservoir and Helston Loe. Glossy Ibis: The Tamar Estuary bird was last reported on 16th Apr. Spoonbill: 2 continued in the Fal Estuary area until 11th May. Bittern: Three sightings of a single bird at Marazion Marsh RSPB (1st, 3rd and 29th Apr). Cattle Egret: After last year’s record influx there are surprisingly only three reports for this quarter, Walmsley Sanctuary (8 on 5th Apr); Drift Reservoir (one on 19th Apr) and Ventongimps (one on 4th Jun). Purple Heron: One was reported sporadically from Marazion Marsh RSPB (14th Apr - 3rd May); one at St Buryan (15th may) Pintail (Steve Rogers) and one at Swanpool (21st May). Great White Egret: One at Drift Reservoir (27th May - 3rd Jun) Garganey, Millbrook Lake (Chris Buckland) when it was relocated at Marazion Marsh RSPB (7th Jun). Little Egret: High counts of 20 (Tamar Estuary, 15th Apr); 17 ( Estuary, 29th Jun); 13 (Camel Estuary, 3rd Apr); 11 (Restronguet Creek, 15th Apr) and 10 (Looe Estuary, 15th Apr). Osprey: Eleven reports of single individuals around the county, 3rd Apr - 16th Jun, none were long-staying. Honey-buzzard: Five reports of singles, earliest was at Buttermilk Hill, St Ives, 21st May. Marsh Harrier: Eleven reports, all of single birds, Marazion Marsh RSPB, Nanjizal, Tamar Estuary, Falmouth Bay and Lizard Point. Hen Harrier: Two reports, Penwith Moors (29th Apr) and Goonhilly (9th Jun). Pacific Diver (Mashuq Ahmad) Red Kite: Many more sporadic reports than usual with groups touring around the county over many weeks. High counts of 60 (Nanjizal 17th May); 41, 37 and 40 Polgigga (6th, 7th and 17th May respectively); 34 Marazion Marsh RSPB (17th May); 33 (Sancreed 17th May); 30 Lamorna (18th May); and 28 Lizard (18th May). Ferruginous Duck, Helston boating lake (Phil Taylor) Black Kite: Seems there was one wandering individual, (26th Apr - 12th Jun) over west Cornwall up as far as . Water Rail: A poor showing which may be the result of the March cold snap, only seven records with only 2 maximum reported at Marazion Marsh RSPB. Other single reports from Nanjizal (19th Apr) and Swanpool (13th May). Avocet: One on Par Beach (7th Apr) and one at Marazion (16th- 17th May). Golden Plover: High counts of c200 (Rough Tor, 9th Apr) and c100 (Whitecross, Newquay, 2nd Apr). Pacific Golden Plover: An exceptional record of a summer plumaged individual found at St Gothian Sands LNR (29 - 30th Jun) when it relocated to Hayle Estuary RSPB (30th Jun - 1st Jul). Grey Plover: Last report was 23rd May. Little Ringed Plover: Individuals reported from 4 locations, Crowdy Reservoir/Davidstow (30th Apr - 1st May); Copperhouse Creek (27-28th Apr); Walmsley Sanctuary (22nd May) and Red Kite (John and Irene Miller), below: Dotterel (Mark Worden) Marazion Beach (7th Jun). Dotterel: A ‘trip’ of 4 were at Davidstow Airfield on 9th May. Whimbrel: Migrant flocks continued to move through; flocks of c100, 77 and 60 over Marazion (22nd, 21st and 25th Apr resp.); 91 over (17th Apr); 58 over Downderry (17th Apr); and 48 over Old Lizard Head (29th Apr). Smaller numbers were seen into May and a handful into June. Bar-tailed Godwit: A high count of 18 at Walmsley Sanctuary (25th May). A single bird was reported in the Marazion area into June. Black-tailed Godwit: High counts of 140 on the Camel Estuary and Walmsley Sanctuary (5th - 10th Apr). As with the previous species a few remained into June. Knot: Ones and twos were reported on the Camel and Hayle up until 23rd May. Ruff: Probably just 7 scattered individuals recorded on eleven dates. Curlew Sandpiper: One at Kingsmill Lake (24 - 25th Apr). Sanderling: High count on Marazion Beach of 130 (26th May), with the last group (19) being reported there on 21st June. 5

Purple Sandpiper: High count of 27 at Towan Head (12th Apr) and the last report of roosting individuals at the Battery Rocks, Penzance, was 30th May. Baird’s Sandpiper: One summer plumaged bird was on Marazion Beach, (28th May - 7th Jun). Buff-breasted Sandpiper: One on Davidstow Airfield, (11 - 12th Jun). Jack Snipe: Singles reported from Downs (5th Apr); Windmill Farm (6th Apr); Stithians Reservoir (15th Apr) and Wivelscombe Creek (6th Apr). Common Sandpiper: High counts of 15, Carnsew Basin (18th Apr) and 8 at Porth Reservoir (19th Apr). Green Sandpiper: Singles on the Camel Estuary (7th Apr); Middle Amble (12th Jun); Walmsley Sanctuary (27th Jun) and Retallack Resort (28th Jun). Wood Sandpiper: One at Walmsley Sanctuary (25th Jun) and one at Maer Lake (30th Jun). Greenshank: A high count of 10 at Kingsmill Lake (16th Apr). Kittiwake: About 200 nests were counted at Porthmissen Farm, Padstow. Bonaparte’s Gull: One adult summer plumaged on the Hayle Cuckoo, Croft Pascoe (Brian Hawker) Estuary RSPB, (19th - 23rd Apr). Little Gull: One first-winter, Marazion Beach, (15th Apr). Laughing Gull: One record off Lizard Point (14th Jun). Audouin’s Gull: One report Mount’s Bay, (8th Apr). Mediterranean Gull: High count of 40, Ryan’s Field, (13th Jun). Ring-billed Gull: The Newquay Boating Lake bird seemed to remain in the area until 20th May. Glaucous Gull: Mount’s Bay had 2 juveniles up until 7th May; also one at Sennen and another at Zennor (1st Apr). Iceland Gull: Several individuals around coast with a long-staying juvenile at Coverack (until 27th May). There were also 3 reports of the Kumlein’s variant with an adult on the Gannel Estuary (3rd Apr) and an adult at Sennen (9 - 10th Apr). Caspian Gull: One recorded at Polgigga (20th Apr). Yellow-legged Gull: Three reports, Hayle Estuary (2nd Apr) and Mount’s Bay (12th and 14th Apr). Sandwich Tern: High counts of 167, (Newlyn, 17th Apr), 47, (Hayle Estuary RSPB, 2nd Apr) and 37 (Porthpean, 18th Apr). Little Tern: Three records, 2 at Porthgwarra (17th Apr), 4 at Alpine Swift, Housel Bay (Steve Rogers) Marazion (18th Apr) and one at Par (18th Apr). Hoopoe: A good year for this species with possibly 12 individuals Roseate Tern: Two records, both from Porthgwarra, 3 on 11th during the period 3rd Apr - 28th May. May and 2 on 13th May. Wryneck: One at Kenidjack (20th May) and another at Colliford Arctic Tern: A high count of 45 past Lizard Point (4th May). Reservoir (4th Jun). Great Skua: Recorded throughout the quarter in small numbers, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: One reported at Par market area, maximum count was 7 past Lizard Point (4th May). (1st Apr). Pomarine Skua: Maximum counts of 4 on three occasions, Merlin: Two late reports from (13th Jun) and Downderry (11th May) and Lizard Point (14th and 15th May). Tregonetha Downs (25th Jun). Arctic Skua: One’s and 2’s recorded on several occasions with a Hobby: First report was from The Lizard, (19th Apr). maximum count of just 3 at Porthgwarra (16th Jun). Ring-necked Parakeet: One at Par (1st May). Long-tailed Skua: Three records, Mount’s Bay (27th May), Woodchat Shrike: One probable at Colliford Reservoir (6th Coverack (30th May) and Lizard Point (2nd Jun). May). Common Guillemot: High count of 958 past Lizard Point (18th Golden Oriole: Reports of singles from Nanjizal (1st, 21st 25th Apr). and 27th May), Nancledra (3rd Jun) and Crackington Haven (27th Razorbill: High count of 639 past Lizard Point (18th Apr). Jun). Puffin: High count of 156 past Lizard Point (4th May). Chough: Reported from the usual regular west Cornwall sites with Stock Dove: Highest count was just 7, (Colliford Lake, 20th a high count of 9 at Porthgwarra (7th Jun). May). Hooded Crow: One, possibly a hybrid, seen around the Lands Turtle Dove: Earliest record was 8th May. End Peninsula. Cuckoo: Widespread reports although predominately Bodmin Raven: A high count of 11 at Crowdy Reservoir (5th Apr). Moor, Lizard and Penwith Moors. Marsh Tit: Twenty reports from widely scattered locations with Short-eared Owl: A record of 2 seen on Predannack Downs (6th the most western report coming from College Reservoir. Apr). Willow Tit: A much more localised distribution than the last Nightjar: Apart from the few known breeding sites one was species with reports coming from Lower Tamar lake, Goss Moor, flushed from the path at Marazion Marsh RSPB (3rd May). Upper Fowey Valley and . Alpine Swift: Up to 3 were seen on the Lizard Peninsula (5th - Sand Martin: A high count of c200 at Walmsley Sanctuary (7th 21st Apr); there was also one seen at both Porth Joke (18th Apr) Apr). and Skewjack (19th May). Swallow: High counts: c200 at Walmsley Sanctuary (7th Apr); Swift: High counts of 90 (Walmsley Sanctuary, 22nd May), 100 c200 Newquay (7th and 8th Apr); and 150 at Cape Cornwall (27th (Drift Reservoir, 16th Jun) and 80 (Lizard Point, 21st Jun). These Ape and 22nd May). dates suggest later arrival than usual. Iberian Chiffchaff: A good Spring for this species with at least 4 Bee-eater: There were 2 at Lizard Point (18th May) but singing individuals, Gorran Haven, Chapel Porth, Hayle and individuals were also recorded Croft Pascoe (7th and 23rd May), Polgigga. (20th May) and Drift Reservoir (2nd Jun). Garden Warbler: First record for 2018 from (25th Apr).

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Lesser Whitethroat: Other than the scattered probable migrants a family party of 6 was recorded at Porth Joke (11th Jun). Dartford Warbler: Sadly just one report of this species in this quarter, have they suffered badly during that late winter cold snap? Subalpine Warbler: One in the Caerthillian to Kynance area (16th - 19th Apr); one in Porthgwarra/Gwennap Head (18th Apr) and one in Nanjizal (2nd Jun). Firecrest: Only 3 reports of 1 or 2 birds, Lands End, Porthgwarra, and The Lizard, and all in early Apr, so presumably late departing wintering birds. Goldcrest: A high count of 11 along the Camel Trail, (3rd Apr). Rose-coloured Starling: Nationally there was a large influx, mostly along the east coast, however, a few have filtered through to Cornwall. All Cornish reports refer to one individual except 2 at St Just (3rd Jun). Singles were at Rame, , Rescorla, Subalpine Warbler, Gwennap Head (Phil Taylor) Phillack, Ashton, Newquay, Pendeen, Porthgwarra, Tregony and Porthtowan. Mistle Thrush: A high count of 10 at De Lank Valley was made up of 2 family groups, (23rd Jun). Spotted Flycatcher: First report from Penrose NT (7th May). Breeding behaviour reported at Croft Pascoe and Wadebridge. Pied Flycatcher: Three reports, Kenidjack (11th Apr), Porthgwarra (15th Apr) and (27th Apr). Black Redstart: Late wintering birds remained until 29th Apr, but there was a late Spring record from Trevethan Meadows (22nd May) and a summer male at Tehidy on 25th June was exceptional. Redstart: Suggested breeding in the usual valleys on Bodmin Moor. Whinchat: First report, Porthgwarra (29th Apr), and then two reports at Rame (6th and 20th May), otherwise all reports are from the known breeding areas on Bodmin Moor. Wheatear: Apart from the usual high numbers of coastal migrant reports, breeding was reported on Bodmin Moor and also sugges- ted on the Lizard and Penwith Moors. Rose-coloured Starling, Pendeen (Peter Clement) Dipper: Only 31 widespread records, with a few suggesting successful breeding. Tree Sparrow: One at Crackington Haven, (1st - 2nd May) and then one in Falmouth area (9th - 11th May). Grey Wagtail: To date breeding has only been reported from De Lank Valley and Luckett. Tree Pipit: Ones and twos reported from the usual coastal watchpoints from 19th Apr. Inland records at Minions (27th May), Kit Hill (17th and 26th May) and Luckett (4th Jun). Rock Pipit: Two possibles of the littoralis race were reported at Geevor, (7th Apr). Brambling: Three reports, 2 birds at Constantine (7th Apr) and singles at Feock (2nd Apr) and Dobwalls (3rd Apr). Hawfinch: Single birds remain from the Winter influx at 5 sites, but the last reported bird was at Redruth (30th May). Greenfinch: This species is rapidly declining even in Cornwall, high counts of 11 were reported from Porthilly Point (24th Apr) and Port Isaac (1st Jun) and counts of 10 from Rinsey Head (11th Apr) and White Cross (10th Jun). Linnet: High counts of greater than 30 were reported from Rinsey Head on several occasions, peaking at 57 (6th Jun). other notable Redstart, Bodmin Moor (John St Ledger) counts were 32 on (25th May) and 30 at Polurrian Bay, (9th Jun). Lesser Redpoll: Ones and twos reported mostly from Bodmin Moor. Crossbill: Seven reports, five from Croft Pascoe (up to 10 birds), then 3 birds at Smallacombe Plantation (23rd Jun) and one at Goss Moor (1st Jun). Serin: Three reports; The Lizard (6th May), Lands End (12th May) and Nanjizal (21st May). Corn Bunting: Most reports are from the coastal strip between Newquay and Padstow with a high count of 24 on (12th Apr). Yellowhammer: Widespread, but thinly populated, a high count of 10 from Launceston (5th Apr). Ortolan Bunting: One over Nanjizal (7th May). Cirl Bunting: Most reports are just single birds and from either the historic breeding area in east Cornwall or the re-introduction site on Roseland. Dark-eyed Junco: One unconfirmed report of this North American vagrant came from Penrose NT (13th Apr). Corn Bunting, Whipsiddery (Alex McKechnie) 7

Reserves report April-June 2018

or several years now we’ve Walmsley & F not had any issues retaining water on the site as summer Middle Amble rains have kept the scrapes topped up. By Adrian Langdon This year the water levels have dropped fast as the vegetation has really taken off and during the June heatwave the main areas are teeming with fish desperate to get oxygen. This means a bo- nanza for those birds that eat fish and there have been lots of her- ons, egrets, Cormorants, Little Grebes and Black-headed Gulls feasting. Gadwall and ducklings—good parenting It does look to have been a good year for Reed Warblers and we have several pairs dotted around the reserves. Once again Gadwall have been successful and we’ve had 3 separate broods with a total of 13 ducklings. There must be some advantage to them breeding quite late in the spring as they usually hatch in the last week of June and tend to avoid major predation. They are also very good parents, as they stick closely to the offspring unlike Mallard which let them roam free and then get eaten by all and sundry. Legal wrangles continue at Middle Amble although the hide is still accessible using the keysafe. As before contact me for the code. For the second year in succession a pair of Oystercatchers have nested on the Wadebridge Camels rugby pitch at Egloshayle. As last year the nest was virtually on the centre spot and they had 3 eggs which hatched successfully on the 25th June. Many thanks again to Ray Davies at the Camels Club and all his helpers who have ‘cut around them’ again and afforded them safety and cover to rear their family (see page xx). Grey Heron and one that got away

s usual, wildfowl numbers reduced dramatically with the onset of spring, with only a single immature Mute Drift A Swan reported mid period. Canada Geese peaked at just 104 in early June with at least 14 goslings, and num- bers never topped 40 during April and May. Up to 2 Greylag remained throughout the period accompanied by at By Dave Parker least 4 hybrids of various parentage. The over wintering Pink-footed Goose remained until 19 April, 8 days later than last year. The lone Muscovy Duck was reported throughout the period, while Mallard numbers reached a maximum of just 24 birds with only 1 brood of 3 ducklings reported. Diving ducks fared little better with 2 Tufted Duck in early April with one staying until 19 May. Cormorant numbers were also down, with a maximum of just 3 birds, and 6 Great Crested Grebes remained from the winter period, but this year only 1 pair appeared to be nest building. Again there were no Little Grebes and only 4 Moorhens reported plus a Coot in mid May. Despite being a well stocked reservoir, there were maximums of just 3 and 1 for Grey Heron and Little Egret respectively, but breed- ing of Grey Heron was suspected for the first time. A late Cattle Egret was seen on 19 April and a Great White Egret lingered from late May into June. The now expected influx of Red Kites into the county resulted in only 20 birds reported over the reservoir in mid May, but a Black Kite was seen on 29 May. Apart from the ever present Buzzards the only other raptors reported were Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, but again no Hobbies this year. With the water levels still up to the dam, waders were thin on the ground with a small flock (9-11) of Whimbrel mid April and a single Common Sandpiper in early May. Gull numbers also reduced rapidly with only low numbers of large white-headed Gulls remaining into April, with a juvenile Iceland Gull reported on 4 May. As usual no terns put in an appearance this Spring. The first House Martins and Swallows were not reported until 12 April peaking at only 15 and 8 respectively. As usual Swifts were one of the last migrants to appear, but 16 May was exceptionally late even for this species and a flock of 100 in mid June was the only large flock of the period. Yet again no cuckoos were reported this spring. First dates for our regular migrants were Willow Warbler 8 April, Blackcap 9 April, Reed Warbler 16 April, Sedge Warbler 22 April and Whitethroat on the late date of 28 May, but none of these appeared in any number. The only other migrant of note was a Bee-eater photographed on wires along the access track to one of the farms above the reservoir on 2 June. The regular cutting back of the vegetation along the paths and especially in front of the hide has now started in earnest, and once the breeding season is over, the willows in the scrape at the end of the north west arm will have to be cut back to allow the reed bed to thrive. One of the bridges over the feeder streams in the northwest arm has collapsed and the other is unsafe, so there is no access to the far side of the reservoir at present. Great White Egret by Rod Farnes 8

he months of large flocks of wad- At the end of Maer Lake T ers have gone to be replaced by May a local our summer visitors. Water levels resident, By Alan Rowland have dropped throughout the period Martin revealing more invertebrate filled Mullard, who mud, but with few birds that could take advantage of this bounty lives over- (see photo below). The pair of Shelducks remained with a late looking the sighing of a Ruff and Bar-tailed Godwit and a single Little Egret. site, reported The surrounds of the lake play host to territorial Sedge successful Warblers whilst the open water attracts all four species of Hirundi- breeding of nes. The falling water table and reduced number of birds allowed the Shelducks me to walk completely around the lake noting abundant Marsh when he Marigold, Yellow Iris and less common Bogbean. During April it spotted them became obvious what was attracting the Hirundines to the lake. with two On the fresh Iris leaves were clustered literally hundreds of thou- ducklings. sands of adult Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges) (photo 2 right). At the end of the period there were little else but breeding The exposed muddy edges of the lake were similarly populated by Mallard and the single Black-tailed Godwit. The Highland Cattle huge numbers of adult Simuliidae (Black Flies). had returned, but being barred from the western edge of the lake it was overgrowing abundantly. However, machinery parked there indicated that the seasonal cut was imminent. During the period, I accompanied the botanical recorder for VC2, Ian Bennallick searching initially for Mousetail. (Myosurus minimus), not recorded since 1947. Although we did not find it, we did add to the botanical species list for the Lake and surrounds. Ian was able to assess the area and determine its clas- sification under National Vegetative Communities as Open Vege- tation communities mainly OV32 – Myosotis scorpiodes- Ranunculus sceleratus (Water Forget-me-not/Celery-leaved But- tercup) community of nitrogen rich intermittently wetted and dis- turbed ground with some areas qualifying as OV29 Alopecurus geniculatus-Rorippa palustris (Marsh Foxtail/Marsh Yellowcress) periodically flooded and OV31 Rorippa palustris-Filaginella (Gnaphalium) uliginosum (Marsh Yellowcress/Marsh Cudweed) damp mud community. The species list has increased with rediscoveries of Chenopodium ficifolium the first record since 1986,

fter the shocking cold spells Windmill Farm A in March and early April Spring arrived a tad late at the By Dougy Wright Farm. The first Cuckoo was not seen until the 19th April and the first Wheatear the day before. There were at least 4 Cuckoos calling at the reserve in early May. Warblers were, on average, a week or two later in than normal. I had 3 species of Owl in April – Tawny, Barn and Short-eared – with a max count of 4 SE Owl one day in early April. There was at least one female type Marsh Harrier around throughout the entire period and a frequenting male. There is also a regular Peregrine hunting over the reserve – they are breeding on nearby cliffs. I had 2 Lesser Whitethroats on the 9th June – a wel- come sight after a two year absence. The first wader of the summer Peregrine migration was a Green Sandpiper today (8th July). The long hot summer has been amazing for dragonflies – there are lots of Red Veined Darters on the Big Pond. As always the Farm is a great spot for Adders. I also had an Emperor Moth on the 15th April – two days before the second visit of the Beast from the East.

Reed Bunting

Lesser Whitethroat

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t was a relatively quiet spring for just happened to be one of the few grey and mizzly days inter- Stithians I migrants, with high water levels spersing the pleasant spring we’ve enjoyed this year. There was continuing from the previous quarter still a good turnout on site with a small number of visitors showing By Dan Chaney resulting in few reports of waders. As a strong interest in society membership. A bird list was again kept, we know, it has been uncharacteristi- with 21 species recorded, mostly around the centre and with a brief cally hot and dry for much of the last couple of months. Despite walk at a point when precipitation eased off; highlights being sing- this the water levels remained high almost to the end of the period ing Skylark and a small array of the local breeding warblers. in the main reservoir, although little open water now remains in Sand Martins were seen on the 9th and 13th May, with the Southern Cut-off as the Amphibious Bistort continues to take House Martins, Swallows and Swifts resident or regular in the over (a native plant, but becoming something of a monoculture). area; all recorded in low numbers throughout. Other interesting A very approachable Whimbrel was showing well around birds included a Lesser Whitethroat on 28th April and a Green the Watersports Centre on a few dates in mid-May, with a Jack Woodpecker on the 7th May. Snipe on the 15th April in one of the more inaccessible boggy ar- A wide variety of birds also bred around the reservoir, eas. There were a handful of Common Sandpiper records, but little including Canada Goose, Little Grebe and various warblers includ- else in the way of spring passage waders was reported. The first ing Sedge and Garden Warbler. Hopefully a fuller report on the returning Lapwings (2) were back by mid-June, with 6 at the breeding birds this season will be available in the next quarter once month’s end and the first Curlew on the 30th June. the breeding season is fully wrapped up. Return migration is al- An Osprey was reported on the 27th April, with another ready starting; hopefully with some notable and obvious rarities seen by out of county birders on 22nd June . A Hobby was recorded and interesting birds to come this autumn and late summer, in ad- on the 9th June, with 2 seen feeding over the Southern Cutoff on dition to the relatively unseen and unheralded passage of com- the 22nd. A Red Kite was seen on the 23rd of the month. Cuckoos moner breeders such as Blackcaps and hirundines passing through. were reported from the end of April to the beginning of June, with 2 recorded on several dates. A guided walk with the SW Lakes Countryside Warden Major extinction risk — Beth Cross and me around the reservoir on 13th May yielded a total bird species count of 40 species. A brief report can be found in the Reports section of the Walks and Events part of the Society web- Birdlife report warns site. The Society had a stall at the annual SW Lakes Stithians th number of well-known and formerly common bird spe- Lake Open Day on the 17 June, with various crafts and events A cies are at risk of extinction. This is the main conclusion happening as well as the expected watersport activities. The day of State of the World’s Birds 2018, a new report from BirdLife International which looks at the health of bird populations worldwide. Species including Snowy Owl, Puffin and Euro- pean Turtle Dove are all now threatened with extinction. General Data The report is BirdLife’s flagship science publication. This major global assessment uses the health of bird popula- tions to ‘take the pulse of the planet’. Unfortunately, the global Protection Regulation picture painted is a dire one for many bird species. Overall, it shows that 40 per cent of the world’s approximately 11,000 By Phil McVey bird species are in decline, and one in eight bird species is ike all organisations, the Society has been reviewing its prac- threatened with global extinction. These statistics aren’t just L tices against the GDPR, which came into force in May of this bad news for birds, they are also dire warnings for the planet year. as a whole. The health of bird species is a good measure of the Even the smallest charities must comply; however, the state of ecosystems in general. Because birds are so wide- Regulation allows us an exemption which means we do not have spread, being found in nearly every type of ecosystem, and one to contact all members asking for explicit consent to contact you of the most studied groups of animals, they are excellent indi- about Society matters – such as through emails from the Chair- cators of the state of the environment. “The data are unequivo- man. So, we haven’t had to add to the mountain of emails many of cal: we are undergoing a steady and continuing deterioration you have probably received about GDPR! The exemption is avail- in the status of the world’s birds,” said Tris Allinson, able because we are providing you with a service for which you BirdLife’s Senior Global Science Officer and Editor-In-Chief are paying a subscription. Nevertheless, we have taken the follow- of the report. “The threats driving the avian extinction crisis ing steps to ensure we fully comply: are many and varied, but invariably of humanity’s making.” Our privacy notice has been updated to read “The personal One of the greatest threats, according to the data of Society members is held on the CBWPS Database for Soci- report, is agriculture. The expansion and intensification of ety purposes only so that we can provide services in accordance crop and livestock production impacts 1,091 (74 per cent) of with our Membership Terms and Conditions. We do not share globally threatened birds. One example of how farming is personal data, except in the case of name and address which are negatively impacting birds can be found in the neurotoxic in- supplied to the distributors of the quarterly newsletter and annual secticides known as neonicotinoids or ‘neonics’. report. Data is deleted on termination of membership, except in In addition to these worrying trends, relation to Gift Aid Declarations which are required to be held for the report also contains findings that encourage hope. It shows six years. Members can request a copy of their own personal data that at least 25 bird species would have gone extinct in recent held by the Society and this will be provided in Microsoft Excel decades were it not for conservation interventions. Birds that were once Critically Endangered but have been down-listed to Format or in hard copy if so desired. Please contact Endangered include Red-billed Curassow (Brazil), Pink Pi- [email protected] if you wish to see a copy of the informa- geon (Mauritius) and Black-faced Spoonbill. tion held. The Society will occasionally contact members by email “Although the report provides a sobering up- about news and events relevant to their membership.” date on the state of birds and biodiversity and of the challenges We will be reviewing how we store members’ personal ahead, it also clearly demonstrates that solutions do exist and data and the arrangements for its deletion when membership ends. that significant lasting success can be achieved” said Patricia We will be updating the membership leaflet and applica- Zurita, BirdLife’s CEO. In order to help ensure this success, tion form to ensure they are compliant. the report outlines actions and changes that need to occur for The Trustees will review our GDPR fitness annually. birds and biodiversity to be better protected. This includes If you would like to know any more about what we are restoration of key habitats, eradicating and controlling inva- doing to comply with the Regulation, please contact Phil McVey sive species and targeting the most vulnerable bird species in [email protected]. order to preserve them.

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11

Close-up on... Windmill Farm

Here we focus on one of Cornwall Birds’ me and latterly humping great cameras and lenses. We discovered the Farm in 2003 – looking through the sightings logs my first special reserves and hear from the person who entry was on the 3rd Jan 2004 where I was lucky enough to record cares for it on our behalf. CB Warden “Buzzard, Snipe x2, Pheasant x3 and Long-tailed Tit (flock)” – an Dougy Wright gives an insight into incredible haul which no doubt has you all racing for your car keys! Windmill Farm and his love of the place. I fell in love with the place for many reasons – the diver- sity of flora and fauna, the peacefulness and also it was a really History safe place to take my children – in particular my beautiful boy Joe, Windmill Farm was bought in 2001 by Cornwall Wildlife Trust who has autism. Joe and I have walked thousands of miles at the and Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society and has place and we have shared many good birds and some very wet been managed jointly by them since then - prior to that it had been days. Joe refers to the site as “Gates” due to the number of them – a working farm for at least the last 40 years. The site has a long so I too call the farm “Gates”. Latterly I find Windmill Farm is the history and holds interest for a large cross–section of enthusiasts. place where I recalibrate myself and stick the noughts and ones in You are probably aware that it is a pretty good site for a wide my head in the right order. I find nothing more satisfying than range of flora and fauna (more on that later); however the site also seeing something special there – particularly a new or returning holds historical and archaeological interest ranging from Bronze species. I also enjoy meeting and chatting to folk there and have Age barrows, the 17th century windmill and more recently the met some great people all over the reserve. WW2 pill boxes, machine gun posts, command centre and runway. What I do and what needs doing Habitat I am the third volunteer time lord (I mean warden) having taken One of the reasons that the Farm holds a large variety of species is over from my birding mentor and good friend Andy Pay in 2012 – due to the diverse habitat that exists there; we have heathland, I learned so much from Andy about birds, the environment and meadows, wetland (lots of that!), hedgerow, ponds of various life. I have a great relationship with the CWT senior management types, streams and willow scrub. All these environments are and team and both the CWT and Cornwall Birds provide great funded and managed by the CWT and CBWPS. support for the place – in a very tight economic climate. Tough decisions have to be made regarding where the money is spent and Why I love WF one that I found particularly hard was the decision to close the My family and I (Sarah my wife and two children Georgia and southern half of the big boardwalk – it is just too expensive to Joe) have always been keen walkers – out on the Cornish Coast keep open. I am really keen that the northern half remains. Path and exploring the Cornish countryside. I have always been a My role does not really have a job description; I mainly keen amateur naturalist and always carried a set of binoculars with keep an eye on the place, report defects, make recommendations/ 12

inputs to the management plan, lead walks and working parties, keep records, do the odd bit of tidying up, top up the bird feeders Dougy Wright and generally love the place, The job will not be available for the considerable future! I would like to thank Tony Blundon for his continued support– he is a key source of advice and knowledge for Age: 52 me and the management; also to Greg Adams who always supports me and is a dab hand with a strimmer – cheers guys. Family: Wife Sarah; children Georgia 25 Highlights and Joe 22. As I said at the start, the reserve has a fantastic variety of flora and fauna boasting records of 26 butterfly, 19 dragonfly (my Southern Migrant Hawker record from last year has not been accepted), 174 Born: Lossiemouth, bird and 315 moth species! There are also many rare plants on the Scotland. site including: Three Lobed Water Crowfoot, Pygmy Rush, Yel- low Centaury, Green Winged and Vagrant Orchids (there are 4 Moved to Cornwall: orchid species to be found). It is also a fantastic place to find Ad- 1984. ders – I have found 20 individuals this year and intend to do a bit of a study on them when I retire. Roe Deer, Stoats, Foxes and a plethora of rodents are regularly reported. Career: I spent 29 years in the Royal Navy and now Butterfly highlights, for me, are Marsh Fritillaries – which work for Lockheed Martin; retirement is screaming are on the wing now but generally I love summertime when at me! birdlife goes quiet and the place is buzzing with insects. There are masses of Odonata flying now – I think Windmill Farm is the best Hobbies: Photography, travelling, running, walking and site in Cornwall for dragonflies. We have breeding Red Veined watching sport (body given up on partaking). Darters and have recorded 3 species of Emperor – I love dragon- flies. I am perhaps not old or mad enough to have got really into moths yet – but I am edging in that direction and will be getting a Birds: Always been interested – got much more involved moth trap – again when I retire (no offence my mad moth friends since I have had children and started getting out on lol). the cliffs and the heath on the Lizard. There are so many personal birding highlights to choose from but I think my most satisfying find was the Great Grey Favourite bird: Difficult one really but I do like a Shrike (below) in November 2016 – only the second for The Liz- ard. This is the third Shrike species for the reserve having previ- Shrike. ously had Red-backed and Woodchat (bottom photo) – I will find another. Funnily enough when I went up to Ruan Pool to look at Biggest wish: I just wish people would take a bit more the first Woodchat (we have had two – Greg found the second) I interest in their local wildlife; I meet so many that was on my own and found a Coot – so what you say? It is the only have no idea what is on their doorstep. Coot ever seen on the reserve! Other highlights are Andy and I finding the first reserve Golden Oriole; the Lesser Yellowlegs a few years ago; many Hoopoes; last year’s Red-footed Falcon; Finally, as always in the charitable sector, it’s thanks to all hearing and seeing Nightjars. The list goes on. If anyone wants to you people for continuing to support the CWT and Cornwall see the list, please get in touch and I will send it. I always go to Birds. Thank you for the many kind words that you write in the Windmill Farm with a sense of anticipation and regardless of my Log Book and elsewhere; equally important, we receive lots of finds come away satisfied. At the start of every year I also wonder feedback on the reserve and please be assured that we try and act what species will be added to the list – none yet this year but am upon all the recommendations that you make – though some are hoping for the elusive Mute Swan to fly over (it is not on the list). easier to implement than others.

Great Grey Shrike above and Woodchat Shrike below. Opposite Red- veined Darter; Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary; Marsh Fritillary (right).

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26th July 2.30 - 6.30pm. Looe Island Field meetings Enjoy a boat ride to the island and then join the warden for a walk spotting the islands wildlife, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s work on the island and also the challenges of island life. After the walk there is also the option of a slide show in Jerry Cottage. The trip is organised by Looe Island Information and bookings can be made via www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/islandwalks

1st August 10am. Pentire and the Rumps Nature Walks A gentle walk of approx. 4 hours looking at just about everything. Birds, insects, flowers and all. Walks are led by Jack Humphrey, Bernard Ide, Alan Taylor and Charles Travis. Meet at Pentire Farm at SW936 803. Please ring the Countrywise shop in Wadebridge on 01208 812423 to check the walk is on.

4th August 8 - 10am. Introduction to Sea Watching Leader: Tony Blunden (01326 291064) Introduction to sea- watching at Lizard Point. Sit down and watch the passing seabirds with an opportunity to discuss identification. With luck we should By Beth Cross expect to see a range of seabirds. Although very weather depend- 11th July ent it is a good time to see Manx and Balearic Shearwaters and 10am. Pentire and the Rumps Nature Walks being the best time of year, potential for Sooty, Great and Cory’s. A gentle walk of approx. 4 hours looking at just about everything. A range of Skua species could also be seen with Storm Petrel, Birds, insects, flowers and all. Walks are led by Jack Humphrey, terns and gulls on the reef. Harbour Porpoise and dolphins are also Bernard Ide, Alan Taylor and Charles Travis. Meet at Pentire Farm regularly seen. There is always plenty to look at and often surprise at SW936 803. Please ring the Countrywise shop in Wadebridge species. Meet at the National Trust Lizard Point Wildlife Watch on 01208 812423 to check the walk is on. Point, just south of the cafe. Please park in the main NT car park. Grid ref: SW 703 116. A seat / sitting mat and telescope recom- 12th July mended.

2.30 - 6.30pm. Looe Island th Enjoy a boat ride to the island and then join the warden for a walk 8 August spotting the island’s wildlife, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s work 10am. Pentire and the Rumps Nature Walks on the island and also the challenges of island life. After the walk A gentle walk of approx. 4 hours looking at just about everything. there is also the option of a slide show in Jerry Cottage. The trip is Birds, insects, flowers and all. Walks are led by Jack Humphrey, organised by Looe Island Information and bookings can be made Bernard Ide, Alan Taylor and Charles Travis. Meet at Pentire Farm via www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/islandwalks at SW936 803. Please ring the Countrywise shop in Wadebridge on 01208 812423 to check the walk is on.

14th July th 8 - 10am. Introduction to Sea Watching 15 August Leader: Tony Blunden (01326 291064) Introduction to sea- 10am. Pentire and the Rumps Nature Walks watching at Lizard Point. Sit down and watch the passing seabirds A gentle walk of approx. 4 hours looking at just about everything. with an opportunity to discuss identification. With luck we should Birds, insects, flowers and all. Walks are led by Jack Humphrey, expect to see a range of seabirds. Although very weather depend- Bernard Ide, Alan Taylor and Charles Travis. Meet at Pentire Farm ent it is a good time to see Manx and Balearic Shearwaters and at SW936 803. Please ring the Countrywise shop in Wadebridge being the best time of year, potential for Sooty, Great and Cory’s. on 01208 812423 to check the walk is on.

A range of Skua species could also be seen with Storm Petrel, th terns and gulls on the reef. Harbour Porpoise and dolphins are also 15 August regularly seen. There is always plenty to look at and often surprise 7pm. CBWPS AGM Lanhydrock Memorial Hall, Lanhydrock, species. Meet at the National Trust Lizard Point Wildlife Watch Bodmin, PL30 5AE Point, just south of the cafe. Please park in the main NT car park. This year’s CBWPS AGM will be followed by “Hungary for Grid ref: SW 703 116. A seat / sitting mat and telescope recom- Birds” – a presentation by renowned local photographers David mended. Chapman and Adrian Langdon. Both Dave and Adrian are well known for their superb photos of birds and other wildlife and this 18th July talk will showcase their recent trip to Hungary with its wealth of 10am. Pentire and the Rumps Nature Walks birdlife. All members and guests are welcome, and this is a rare A gentle walk of approx. 4 hours looking at just about everything. opportunity to get a free showing of the work of two of our best Birds, insects, flowers and all. Walks are led by Jack Humphrey, photographers, with a fair bit of humour thrown in.

Bernard Ide, Alan Taylor and Charles Travis. Meet at Pentire Farm th at SW936 803. Please ring the Countrywise shop in Wadebridge 18 August on 01208 812423 to check the walk is on. 8 - 10am. Introduction to Sea Watching Leader: Tony Blunden (01326 291064) Introduction to sea- 25th July watching at Lizard Point. Sit down and watch the passing seabirds 10am. Pentire and the Rumps Nature Walks with an opportunity to discuss identification. With luck we should A gentle walk of approx. 4 hours looking at just about everything. expect to see a range of seabirds. Although very weather depend- Birds, insects, flowers and all. Walks are led by Jack Humphrey, ent it is a good time to see Manx and Balearic Shearwaters and Bernard Ide, Alan Taylor and Charles Travis. Meet at Pentire Farm being the best time of year, potential for Sooty, Great and Cory’s. at SW936 803. Please ring the Countrywise shop in Wadebridge A range of Skua species could also be seen with Storm Petrel, on 01208 812423 to check the walk is on. terns and gulls on the reef. Harbour Porpoise and dolphins are also regularly seen. There is always plenty to look at and often surprise species. Meet at the National Trust Lizard Point Wildlife Watch Point, just south of the cafe. Please park in the main NT car park.

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Grid ref: SW 703 116. A seat / sitting mat and telescope recom- 7th October mended. 9am. Windmill Farm Walk led by Dougy Wright [email protected] 22nd August Wellies essential, no dogs 10am. Pentire and the Rumps Nature Walks A gentle walk of approx. 4 hours looking at just about everything. 19th October Birds, insects, flowers and all. Walks are led by Jack Humphrey, 7.30pm Chacewater Village Hall Bernard Ide, Alan Taylor and Charles Travis. Meet at Pentire Farm Our first indoor meeting of the winter season and an evening of at SW936 803. Please ring the Countrywise shop in Wadebridge two parts. Firstly, ‘Birds in Southern Israel’ by Group Leader, on 01208 812423 to check the walk is on. Roger Hooper about his trip with ‘Birdfinders’ in March. Then for the second half of the evening local film-maker and all-round natu- 29th August ralist John Chapple will show us the amazing Butterflies and Habi- 10am. Pentire and the Rumps Nature Walks tats of the Queyras region of France, high in the south-western A gentle walk of approx. 4 hours looking at just about everything. Alps. Admission is, as usual, £3 and teas and coffees will be on Birds, insects, flowers and all. Walks are led by Jack Humphrey, sale in the interval. Bernard Ide, Alan Taylor and Charles Travis. Meet at Pentire Farm at SW936 803. Please ring the Countrywise shop in Wadebridge 22nd October on 01208 812423 to check the walk is on. 1pm. Tresillian River Walk, St Clement. Leader John Cope [email protected] 01872 865108 1st September An afternoon walk along the river looking for autumn migrants 8 - 10am. Introduction to Sea Watching and breeding birds. Path can be muddy so good footwear recom- Leader: Tony Blunden (01326 291064) Introduction to sea- mended. Meet at St Clements car park. Map ref. SW852439 watching at Lizard Point. Sit down and watch the passing seabirds with an opportunity to discuss identification. With luck we should 20th November expect to see a range of seabirds. Although very weather depend- 1pm. Tresillian River Walk, St Clement. Leader John Cope ent it is a good time to see Manx and Balearic Shearwaters and [email protected] 01872 865108 being the best time of year, potential for Sooty, Great and Cory’s. An afternoon walk along the river looking for autumn migrants A range of Skua species could also be seen with Storm Petrel, and breeding birds. Path can be muddy so good footwear recom- terns and gulls on the reef. Harbour Porpoise and dolphins are also mended. Meet at St Clements car park. Map ref. SW852439 regularly seen. There is always plenty to look at and often surprise species. Meet at the National Trust Lizard Point Wildlife Watch 20th December Point, just south of the cafe. Please park in the main NT car park. 1pm. Tresillian River Walk, St Clement. Leader John Cope Grid ref: SW 703 116. A seat / sitting mat and telescope recom- [email protected] 01872 865108 mended. An afternoon walk along the river looking for autumn migrants and breeding birds. Path can be muddy so good footwear recom- 2nd September mended. Meet at St Clements car park. Map ref. SW852439 9am. Drift Reservoir A morning meeting at the most south-westerly reservoir in the UK to look for passage waders, wildfowl and gulls. If the reservoir is Field Meeting Report en Society and CWT members quiet we may move to Marazion, which is of course nearby. Meet T took an easy stroll round the in the car park at Drift reservoir at map ref SW437 288. Leader; northern end of Red Moor in mid- Roger Hooper (01209 820610). Red Moor May. Despite the threat of a shower, 12th May the weather remained fine although a 21st September brisk breeze took the edge off tem- 1pm. Tresillian River Walk, St Clement. Leader John Cope By Phil McVey peratures. We gathered to the sound [email protected] 01872 865108 of Blackcaps and An afternoon walk along the river looking for autumn migrants Chiffchaffs, with a Song Thrush singing loudly and breeding birds. Path can be muddy so good footwear recom- in the background. Once on the reserve, a mended. Meet at St Clements car park. Map ref. SW852439 Grey Heron flew off a newly created pond – not a common bird on Red Moor so this was a 23rd September good start. Despite the slow start to Spring, 9am. Western Valleys Willow Warblers were abundant with at least Depending on what has been seen in the preceding days we will 16 singing males and their sweet sound was head for one of the coastal valleys in the Land’s End/St. Just area. with us throughout the walk. Pausing in a Meet at the lay-by near Land’s End Airport at SW377 293 at first clearing, we were rewarded by the clear song and then decide where to go from there. Leader; Roger Hooper of a Garden Warbler, but despite best efforts (01209 820610) we didn’t manage to see it. Just a few yards further on a male Yellowhammer sang and showed very well at close range, and 23rd September there were two other males holding territory. 9am. Windmill Farm Moving through the wet willow Walk led by Dougy Wright [email protected] scrub, we heard and saw a Treecreeper. Wellies essential, no dogs. But the highlight came soon after when, just below Helman Tor, we saw a pair 30th September carrying food. We paused, and a scold- 9am. Walmsley Sanctuary ing Marsh Tit entered its nest, offering Join the warden, Adrian Langdon, for a morning’s birdwatching at us great views of Treecreeper and Marsh this lovely reserve where you can watch the birds from the Tower Tit together! Dave Thomas returned the Hide. Passage waders and wildfowl as well as the many resident following day to take some superb pho- species are all possible. If the weather has been wet leading to the tos of the birds. A male Reed Bunting day then please wear wellies or waterproof boots for the walk to called behind us and, as we walked back, two Mistle Thrush flew the hide across fields. Meet at the lay-by at Trewornan Bridge over - another less common bird for the area. SW987 743. Parking is a bit restricted so if you can car share Although some signature species such as Whitethroat, please do so. Cuckoo and Grasshopper Warbler didn’t feature on the day, we recorded a total of 32 species which is a good number for two and half hours on this site. 15

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2018

Cornwall Bird Watching & Preservation Society

Notice is hereby given that the Seventh Annual General Meeting of the company limited by guarantee will be held at Lanhydrock Memorial Hall, Lanhydrock, Bodmin PL30 5AE, on Wednesday 15th August 2018 at 7.00pm.

Notice of any proposals for consideration at the Annual General Meeting should be given in writing at least 7 days before the meeting to the Secretary of the Society, Phil McVey of Little Boslymon, Bodmin, Corn- wall, PL30 5AP.

Agenda

1. Apologies 2. Confirmation of the Annual General Meeting minutes from 16th June 2017 and matters arising 3. The Chairman’s report 4. The Treasurer’s report 5. Election of Trustee Directors

The AGM will be followed by “Hungary for Birds”, a talk and photographs from a recent trip to Hungary by well-known local wildlife photographers David Chapman and Adrian Langdon.

Under 1.1c of the Articles of Association it is no longer a requirement for Trustee Directors to retire each year. However, nominations can be put forward by using the nomination form for election of Trustee Directors in accordance with the Society's Articles of Association. I nominate ...... (who has agreed to serve if elected) of (address) ...... for the post of * ...... *please state which Trustee Director role, or it will be taken as a nomination for a general role.

Proposed by (name and address) ......

Seconded by (name and address) ......

Nominations must be in writing and reach the Secretary of the Society, Phil McVey of Little Boslymon, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5AP, or email [email protected] no later than Wednesday 1st August. You do not need to use this form to make nominations, but make sure you include all the information requested in it in your letter or email.

8th July 2018

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