The Eider is the Quarterly Newsletter of the Argyll Bird Club: Scottish Charity Number SC 008782

Editorial sections and add new sections. While the June 2004 committee can rally round to help, we are also dependent on members’ ideas and he birding must be good - as this is input. So, don’t be afraid to make sugges- Editor the smallest issue of The Eider for tions. quite a while. So, I’m hoping there T Finally, I would like extend the club’s Steve Petty, Craigielea, Kames will be some good stories for the Septem- ber issue! Some digital photos would help appreciation to Bill Staley for the excel- Tighnabruaich, Argyll PA21 2AE too. I’m sure you will all agree that the lent job that he has done as Membership photos have greatly added to the attrac- Secretary. Bill has recently decided to step Phone: 01700 811235 down. Fortunately, Sue Furness has tiveness of the newsletter. Just look at E-mail: [email protected] Mary Gregory’s sparrowhawk photograph agreed to take over the job - thanks Sue! on page 6 to see what can be achieved For help and contributions to this issue, I with a digital camera! would like to thank Paul Daw, Bob I spent the first half of May in Poland Furness, Mike Gear, Mary Gregory, David Inside this issue visiting Bialowieza Forest, a large temper- Merrie, Linda Petty (proof reading), Alan Spring meeting account 2-3 ate forest on the Belarus border renowned Spellman, Margaret Staley and Michael for its large size and the pristine condition Thomas. of some parts, and the Biebrza valley with Last committee meetings 3 its extensive marshlands. The birds (and mammals) were excellent, but the weather Autumn Meeting Sound of Gigha trip report 4 was awful–cold, windy and very wet. So, To be held at the Cairnbaan it was great to get back to the warmth and Field trip to Scarba 5 sunshine in Argyll, midges included! Al- Hotel, near Lochgilphead on though we saw many unusual and interest- Saturday 6th November 2004 Quiz answer 5 ing birds, the highlight of the trip for me was the high density of breeding Haw- The programme is on page 5 Autumn Meeting Programme 5 finches around some of the villages in ______Bialowieza. One morning, before break- fast, we located 5-6 pairs along a 400m Book reviews 6-7 track, including finding two nests! Mull of Kintyre Field The Fruin Hills—40 years ago 7 Some of you may have tried to access the Trip—6th June club’s new website and failed. It’s not your fault! The website was finished in Contact David Merrie (01250 The Shelduck 7-8 mid April, but there have been complica- 884273) if you are interested in tions with the service provider. So, I Black Grouse on Mull 8-9 apologise to all of who have tried to log this trip (see details in the onto the site. It is now accessible, so March Eider) Leucistic Willow Warbler 9 please try again at: http://www.argyllbirdclub.org Recent bird reports 10-12 Spring meeting account There are still many sections of the web- site to complete and some of the current RSPB press releases 12-13 text needs revising. This is going to be an he Spring Meeting was held at the ongoing project, and I have volunteered to Royal Marine Hotel, Hunters ing off to a great start with a fascinating update and improve the site over the next T Quay, Dunoon on Saturday 27th account of the Red Kite re-establishment year, or until most of the sections have March. With around 70 folks present, it programme. Almost the entire world been completed. This is already providing was a very well attended gathering with population of Red Kites breed in Europe. a steep learning curve for me. However, if quite a few new faces. Thanks are due o In countries with the largest populations anyone is out there with experience in Bob Furness for arranging such an inter- (Germany and Spain) numbers are declin- managing websites – the club needs you! esting and varied programme and to the ing. In Britain, Red Kites have declined I would appreciate any feedback about the hotel staff for helping to make the day from being abundant in medieval times to site—design, contents etc. Websites are such a success. near extinction, when the remnant popula- tion in Wales was reduced to about 10 very flexible, so its easy to update existing Duncan Orr-Ewing (RSPB) got the meet-

To receive the electronic version of The Eider in colour, members should send their e-mail address to the Editor (contact details above). Past issues (since June 2002) can be downloaded from the club’s website (address on back page). The Eider Razorbills establishing colonies along boulder beaches. Ten years after the rats had been eradicated, Puffins reappeared. A few birds were seen in 2001, but in 2002 two pairs bred – the first in almost 100 years. With the RSPB recently taking over the management of Aisla Craig, let’s hope this success story continues. The final talk before lunch was about owls in Argyll by Cristina McAvoy (SNH). She first described some of the characteristics that enable owls to catch prey, such as acute hearing, excellent eyesight and modification to the feathers that enable silent flight. Four species of owl breed in Argyll. From the commonest to the scarc- est these are; Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl and Long-eared Owl. Long-eared owls can be particularly elu- sive. It was highlighted that we know little about the distribution and abundance of these species throughout Argyll, although Red Kite at nest with chicks (photo—RSPB Images) some detailed studies have been under- taken on Barn Owl and Tawny Owl. All pairs in the 1930s and 1940s. Most of ing rat population, which was supported four species are dependent on rodent these declines were linked to persecution by a super abundance of food. For exam- populations for successful breeding. The (shooting, trapping, poisoning etc). Thus, ple, around 600-800 Gannets per annum Field Vole is a particularly important prey there were valid reasons why kites should die naturally on the island. The predation species that inhabits rough grasslands. So, be re-established in areas they once inhab- problem was highlighted by Bernie’s own how such habitats are managed in the ited, including Scotland and England. research on Fulmars, where many other- future will influence owl populations. The wise healthy chicks were killed by rats. Duncan’s talk concentrated on the three Barn Owl is perhaps the only species re-establishment programmes in Scotland, After careful consideration, it was decided where a lack of nest sites limits the popu- but mentioned similar projects in England. to attempt an island-wide rat eradication lation size. They need large cavities in The first release site was on the Black Isle, programme with warfarin; a rodenticide which to nest, because they can rear large where around 20 birds per year were im- that degrades quickly in the environment. broods and have a nestling period that is ported from Sweden. In total, 90 birds Five tonnes of warfarin were airlifted onto twice the length of the other owl species were released over a 5-year period. This the island by a Royal Navy helicopter (two months instead of one month). Build- population has increased to 35 pairs pro- from HMS Gannet. Warfarin was distrib- ings and cavities in crags provide the most ducing 70-80 young. The second release uted by hand throughout the island in rock important nest sites in Argyll. However, site was in Central Scotland, using birds crevices, under boulders and in specially breeding numbers can be increased by the from the old East Germany. This started in designed bait boxes; all in sites that only use of suitable nest boxes, both in build- 1996 and the first breeding was recorded rats could reach. The effectiveness of the ings that lack suitable sites and along in 1998. By 2002, the population had operation was measured with chewsticks – forest edges with suitable foraging habitat grown to 18 pairs that produced 34 young. similar to lollipop sticks coated with mar- nearby. This was Cristina’s first attempt at The most recent site is in Dumfries and garine - which the rats relished! If rats public speaking. Nevertheless, she pro- Galloway, where a further 15-20 birds will were present they gnawed the sticks. The duced an impressive 15 minute Power- be released later this year. Here, the first operation was dramatically successful! Point presentation to everyone’s enjoy- successful breeding attempt was recorded Prior to the deployment of warfarin, 100% ment – congratulation Cristina! last year. The project has been highly of the chewsticks were gnawed. In con- After lunch, Neil Forbes gave a thought- successful, but worryingly, persecution is trast, three weeks after deployment, 100% provoking talk. Although advertised as the main factor reducing population of the sticks showed no sign of rat activ- being about Merlins at risk, it was far growth in all three areas. It has been possi- ity. Subsequently, the recovery of the more wide-ranging. Neil is a well known ble to show that illegal poisoning is by far island’s wildlife has been impressive. vet with a vast knowledge of diseases in the most important cause of mortality, as Interestingly, not only birds responded. birds of prey. His grandfather was the first many of the birds had been either radio- Masses of flowers carpeted the island, person to breed Merlins in captivity, and tagged or wing-tagged. Thus, the current including some rare species, such as Tree Neil later became involved in describing a Scottish population of around 55 pairs, Mallow that had almost disappeared. Rats new and fatal disease in captive bred Mer- should have been much higher! not only ate their seeds, but the plant too! lins, called fatty liver syndrome. This was Bernie Zonfrillo’s (Glasgow University) Pygmy Shrew and Slowworm numbers caused by Caryospora, a protozoal coc- talk on wildlife conservation on Aisla increased dramatically. Bernie showed a cidial parasite, which has subsequently Craig provided an absorbing account high- slide with a writhing mass of Slowworms been found in 14 species of raptor. lighting the benefits of eradicating rats. under a sheet of corrugated tin – the larg- Caryospora can complete its full life cycle The first rats were recorded on the island est number ever recorded in one place in in its raptor or rodent host. In Britain, in 1889, during the construction of the Scotland! The first birds to recolonise the Caryospora is unknown in potential wild lighthouse. Subsequently, most ground- island were all tunnel-nesters, such as rodent prey of raptors. Around 17% of and tunnel-nesting birds disappeared, due Black Guillemot, Shelduck and Wheat- captive bred Merlins tested positive to to predation of chicks by an ever increas- ear. This was followed by Shags and Caryospora, but out of 72 wild-bred birds

Page 2 June 2004 none were positive. In captivity, the para- (hens’ eggs and cat food) at the nest and site is shed by adults in their faeces, par- other pairs used as an unfed control group. ticularly just prior to breeding, and is then Supplemental fed birds produced signifi- easily transmitted to other birds in the cantly more young and adults had both same aviary. Once a falconry establish- higher survival and return rates than con- ment is infected with Caryospora, it is trol pairs. These results indicated that the probably unrealistic to expect to eradicate skuas’ decrease on Foula was food related it. Therefore, much effort has been put leading to fewer chicks being produced into developing a live vaccine, with some and lower adult survival and return rates. success. The final part of the talk dis- Nigel Scriven (Vice-Chairman) concluded cussed the likelihood of infecting wild the meeting with account of Alexander raptors with diseases common to captive Wilson (1766-1813); a Paisley born- raptors. Neil emphasised the great care naturalist. He was the son of a poor dis- that is necessary to avoid this potential tiller. As a young man he tried his hand at problem when captive bred birds are used writing and politics, the latter leading to a to re-establish populations in the wild. short term in prison, due to his scathing Next, Sarah Davis (Glasgow University) satire about a local capitalist. Dissatisfied described some of her work with Arctic with his life in Scotland, he emigrated to Skuas on Foula. Here the population has America, arriving in Delaware in 1794. been in decline since 1975 and mirrors the He becme a peddler and his trips into the situation elsewhere in Scotland, including country gave him the opportunity to ob- Argyll. Around 100 pairs breed on Foula, serve wildlife. In 1802, he met a naturalist of which around 80% are colour ringed. called William Bartram who encouraged Arctic Skuas obtain most of their food by him to study birds. The end result was a kleptoparisitism; the chasing of smaller nine volume set on American Ornithology, seabirds, such as terns, until they give up embellished with many outstanding hand- the food they are carrying (mainly sand coloured lithographs (see example), pub- eels). Sarah has investigated if food short- lished during 1808-1814. Numerous birds age is the problem, by looking at its effect One plate from Alexander Wil- were named after him. He drowned while on adult survival and breeding success. pursuing a bird at the age of 47! She used two groups of birds, those pairs son’s American Ornithology Editor where she provided food supplements

Notes from the last committee meeting

leven members of the committee members and committee members will for All for Scotland’. met at 7.30pm at the George Hotel have name badges at future meetings. in Inveraray on the 23rd March. Several delegates emphasized the impor- BTO Representative for South Argyll: E Following David Wood’s resignation a Under matters arising from the previous tance of Public Liability Insurance for meeting, it was agreed that the ABC field trips. The committee accepted that new rep. is needed—anyone willing to would set aside as earmarked a sum of this was an urgent issue for the club, to be help? £1000 to aid mink control, to assist a joint resolved as soon as some idea of costs was Web-site: Steve Petty said that he SNH/ RSPB project. available. The BTO reported that with the hoped to have the site running in late proposed expansion of their internet-based April. Frequent updating is obviously National Bird Club Forum: Mike Gear recording (Migration Watch, Garden Bird and Paul Daw (representing the commit- important and Steve has requested feed- Watch and in the future Bird Track) they back and suggestions from members. It tee) had attended the first ever get- were keen to help clubs with computer together of around 46 bird clubs from is hoped that the site will be a good planning and to organize joint pilot studies promotional activity for the club around the UK, with over 80 participants. to facilitate data exchange. They reported that the forum, jointly or- (particularly when seeking funding) and a likely source of new members, as is ganized by the West Midland Bird Club Future Indoor Meetings: The autumn and the BTO was practical, constructive meeting is to be held on 6th November at the new ABC Leaflet, which the com- and dealt with several topics of impor- the Cairnbaan Hotel. Topics suggested for mittee would be grateful for members tance to the club. Topics discussed in- talks included wild-life crime, wind-farm help in distributing across Argyll. cluded membership (services to new impact, bird rarities on Barra, digiscoping Field Trips: The following trips were members, survey of membership and pro- and talks and workshop on bird data-base discussed and further details can be motion and recruitment) and research management. Details will appear once the found elsewhere in this issue of the (County Bird Recorders, internet-based programme is finalised. Eider; Gigha, Largybaan SWT reserve, bird recording, surveys and atlases, elec- Tiree and Foula. tronic data management and training Birds of Argyll Book: The species ac- needs). It was emphasized how important counts were progressing, but many are Finally, the committee always welcomes it was to welcome new members, both at still to be completed. David Wood has comments or suggestions from mem- th indoor meetings and at field trips. Mike resigned as BTO regional representative bers. The next meetings are on the 24 th Gear agreed to do this, with help from for South Argyll to give more time to the August and the 26 October. book. It was agreed to seek further fund- others on the committee. The Membership Mike Gear Secretary is to provide names of the new ing to help with the costs, particularly printing and distribution, from ‘Awards

Page 3 The Eider Sound of Gigha field trip report

he day of the Argyll Bird Club’s field trip to the Sound of Gigha on T the 3rd April started unpromis- ingly, with frequent heavy showers. De- spite the weather 15 optimistic members and friends turned up at the car park at Ronachan equipped with a variety of opti- cal aids. Fortunately, by the time people started arriving the rain was beginning to ease off. Close to the shore there were the usual species of gull, Shags and Eiders. Further out, with the aid of telescopes, we soon picked out several divers: Great North- ern and Black-throated reasonably close in and Red-throated further out. Also, fairly well out were at least eight Sla- vonian Grebes, some of which were in almost full breeding plumage. One of the grebes was obviously not a Slavonian however. It had mostly black and white Club members who braved the rain had a rewarding trip on plumage but with dusky cheeks and a white breast contrasting strongly with a 3rd April to the Sound of Gigha (photo—Mary Gregory) darker looking lower neck. Frustratingly, because of the considerable distance and the fact that it was constantly bobbing up and eating the weather had miraculously ing plumage. One was preening vigorously and down on the waves, we were unable to cleared, and it was time to catch the ferry and waving it’s long tail in the air as if to see enough detail to make a definite iden- back. prove it’s identity beyond all doubt. A tification. However the bird certainly group of Common Scoters also came showed some of the characteristics of On the return journey we saw yet more close enough for us to see the small yellow winter plumage Black-necked Grebe— Great Northern Divers and had good patches on the bill quite clearly. A Gannet ‘another one that got away’. Small groups views of Common Scoters, again close to sailing by offshore and a female Common of Common Scoters were also present the ferry. As we landed back at Tayinloan Goldeneye brought our species total to 48. well offshore, but sadly no sign of Velvet dark clouds were threatening and we just We could undoubtedly have recorded Scoters. Close at hand a group of three had time to count the Greenland White- more species if we had torn our eyes away Ringed Plovers flew by and a Common fronted Geese (320) and see that one had from the sea for long enough to note a few Redshank landed on the shore near us. a neck collar before the rain began again. more land birds. As the rain was continuing to hold off we At this point Katie Pendreigh, who fortu- The whole experience was undoubtedly moved down to the shore access next to nately lives close by, very kindly saved enhanced by the kindness of members the West Coast Salmon fish farm. Two the day by inviting all of us in for with telescopes who made them available Sandwich Terns flew past just as we tea/coffee and biscuits. While we sat out to those without. So, despite the uncertain arrived – the first of the year for most of the shower we were treated to very close weather, it was altogether quite a memora- us. We also had good, reasonably close, up views of Goldfinches and Reed Bun- ble day for those who came. One member views of a Great Northern Diver in win- tings in Katie’s garden and just as we said he had seen more new species during ter plumage and a beautiful Black- were about to leave a female Spar- the field trip than he could remember in throated Diver almost in complete breed- rowhawk landed on the ground no more any other day! ing plumage. While we were there Com- than three feet from the window. Some mon Shelducks and Red-breasted Mer- said these were the best views of birds we Paul Daw ganser flew past close to land. We soon had had all day! had to drag ourselves away, as the ferry to In view of the uncertain weather we de- Gigha was due to leave. cided to abandon the walk along the shore Arriving in good time we were delighted and instead returned to the West Coast to hear Skylarks singing as we waited to Salmon site. This turned out to be a good board the ferry. On the journey across to decision because a Long-tailed Duck was the island we saw Common Guillemot, sighted as soon as we arrived. Soon after Black Guillemot, Razorbill and another this a procession of Slavonian Grebes in Great Northern Diver, all close to the full breeding plumage sailed past us, so ferry. By good luck we arrived at the close in that the wonderful head plumes Gigha Hotel just as the heavens opened. could be clearly seen through binoculars. We were served excellent refreshments Next, two adult male Long-tailed Ducks (the fish soup was especially commended) swam southwards, also fairly close in- and by the time we had finished chatting shore and both in almost complete breed-

Page 4 June 2004 Weekend on Scarba we fill it to its capacity of 12 the cost Photo quiz answer will be less than a fiver each. It should not be less than c£8 on current level correct answer to the quiz of interest. rrangements have been made that appeared on page 10 of for a boat to take up to 12 Please let me know if you have camp- A the March Eider was provided A people to Scarba on the eve- ing equipment, or at least a sleeping by a person at the spring meeting. The ning of Friday 23 July returning on bag. There will be some spare equip- seeds were from a Monkey-Puzzle Sunday evening 25 July. There are ment/tent space for those without, but Araucaria araucana. The bird that still some vacancies on this trip. I will need to know in advance so as had opened the seeds was a Great Would anyone who is interested to provide accordingly. All partici- Spotted Woodpecker. The seeds please contact me (details below). pants are to bring their own food for were collected in Benmore Gardens, The trip will involve camping and the 3 days. Cowal in autumn 2002, when the Araucaria’s produced very many exploring this little frequented, rugged Roll up, roll up for Scarba!! Inner Hebridean island, which is large green globular cones, which are about 3 miles across and rises to David Merrie up to 15cm in diameter. These take two years to mature, after which they nearly 1500ft in the middle. It lies just Phone: 01250 884273 north of the famous Corryvreckan break up while still on the tree, but in whirlpool and the Island of Jura. The E-mail: this case the woodpeckers gave them cost of the boat return trip is fixed at [email protected] a helping hand! £50, to be shared by all equally. So, if Editor

Autumn Meeting Programme Saturday 6th November 2004 Cairnbaan Hotel, near Lochgilphead

09.00 Doors open, coffee and tea

10.00-10.05 Welcome & introduction—David Wood (Chairman of the Argyll Bird Club)

10.05-10.15 Round up of recent bird sightings—Paul Daw (Argyll Bird Recorder)

10.15-10.45 Capercaillie conservation—Helen Doherty (SNH)

10.45-11.20 Shetland’s rain geese—Dave Okill (Shetland Bird Club & BTO Rep. for Shetland)

11.20--11.50 Coffee

11.50-12.20 The use of feeders by garden birds—Dan Chamberlain (BTO Scotland)

12.20-12.30 The Argyll Bird Club’s website—Steve Petty (Editor of The Eider) 12.30-13.40 Lunch (available in the hotel lounge)

13.40-14.20 Annual General Meeting

14.20-14.50 Wind farms and birds—Simon Lawrence (Lawrence Environmental Consultants)

14.50-15.20 Tracking seabird migration—Bob Furness (University of Glasgow)

15.20-15.30 Argaty Red Kites

15.30-16.00 Raffle, tea and coffee

Page 5 The Eider

his superb photograph of an adult male Spar- T rowhawk was taken in March by Mary Gregory from inside her house, though a glass window! Mary re- marked….“as so often happens with bird pictures, it was pure luck. I had been trying to get a picture of a Great Spotted Woodpecker on my bird feeder; by the time I got my camera it had gone, of course! But, then this Sparrowhawk swept by and sat outside my bedroom window demolishing a Great Tit”.

New seabird book cance of our seabird populations. Species from 1985 to 2000, together with tables accounts follow a consistent format: a listing breeding numbers by areas and in brief introduction, census methods, cur- relation to global numbers. Seabird Populations of Britain and rent status and trends, causes of change, It is an important reference book that Ireland: Results of the Seabird 2000 and international context. The book has many ornithologists will use regularly. Census (1998-2002). Edited by P. Ian But it is also a book that should be Mitchell, Stephen F. Newton, Norman of interest to the general bird- Ratcliffe and Timothy E. Dunn (2004). T watcher, especially since it is now & A D Poyser, (an imprint of A & C evident from Seabird 2000 that Black Publishers Ltd.), London. ISBN 0- many of our seabird populations 7136-6901-2. 511 pages, including numer- are now in decline, dramatically ous dramatic full colour photographs. reversing the upward trend that had Price £35 RRP, listed at £31.50 from been evident in previous decades. www.acblack.com Who would have imagined, for The Seabird Group and partners achieved example, that there would be less a noteworthy first in 1970 with the census Fulmars in 2000 than in 1985! Is of breeding seabirds on virtually the entire the current decline due to global coastline of Britain and Ireland. climate change? Or overfishing? ‘Operation Seafarer’ was then repeated 15 Or long-line bycatch of fulmars years later but with more complete cover- (which is a much greater problem age and improved methodology, and in- than generally appreciated)? cluding inland breeding seabirds that were This book provides the latest, and often overlooked by the first survey. Dra- highly authoritative, views on why matic changes in numbers of some sea- our seabird populations are in- birds were shown, but populations of creasing, or in most cases decreas- some species such as Storm Petrels re- ing. It highlights a range of envi- mained uncertain due to their nocturnal ronmental problems, from the burrow-nesting habit. Another 15 years widely appreciated (but rather on, ‘Seabird 2000’ was carried out, and minor problem) of oil pollution to the results from this new survey are pre- the serious (but often overlooked) sented in a very impressive book follow- problem of mink predation, to the ing the traditions of the Poyser series. new threats of collision with ma- Over 1000 people contributed counts, and rine wind farm turbines. I strongly the book provides detailed analysis of the recommend this book, especially data in 25 species chapters each written by since it is unlikely to be superceded for at experts on the particular species, plus numerous colour photographs, and excel- least another 15 years! review chapters outlining the likely causes lent maps showing breeding distributions of changes and the international signifi- and abundance, and changes in numbers Bob Furness

Page 6 June 2004

get only a page or two. Not much more is left turn for Beinn Tarsuinn and found New book on provided for the important breeding spe- myself back on the Craperoch ridge— Shetland’s birds cies (Kittiwake three pages, Puffin two most embarrassing! However, I was re- and a half, Tystie three pages). Even the warded by a flock of over 60 tinkling Wren, with two endemic subspecies in the Snow Buntings, with some Skylarks The Birds of Shetland. Edited by Mike archipelago, gets less than two pages. So chirruping richly. I managed to reach Be- Pennington, Kevin Orborn, Paul Harvey, the amount that can be said about breeding inn Tarsuinn, beneath which I had my Roger Riddington, Dave Okill, Pete Ellis or common birds is rather limited com- lunch, but lost my way again and had to and Martin Heubeck (2004). Christopher pared to the often very detailed informa- sink below the clouds before I could cor- Helm (an imprint of A & C Black Publish- tion known about their Shetland popula- rect my bearing for Beinn Chaorach. It ers Ltd.), London. ISBN 0-7136-6038-4. tions and biology. But I think the editors was very bleak and snowy here, and I was 576 pages plus 40 further pages of colour and authors have got the balance just sure there would be some Ptarmigan, but photographs. £40. about right. Indeed, the structure and style no, so I slid down to the bealach and may well serve as a template for future climbed the steep eastern slope of Beinn avifaunas of Scottish regions. a’Mhanaich. I arrived on the northern side, where I had seen Ptarmigan last The effort required to prepare a book of spring. After walking round the summit this sort is enormous, and the Shetland twice, albeit unintentionally, and sinking Bird Club and Fair Isle Bird Observatory down on what I thought was the eastern Trust, as well as the individual editors and face, but was actually the north face, I authors are to be congratulated in their found a set of tracks leading up some outstanding achievement. snow for a hundred yards or more, which Bob Furness was either Red Grouse or Ptarmigan. The likelihood of them being from the former was far less than from the latter, so The Fruin Hills—40 I presumed that somewhere on that hill Ptarmigan were back again. Coming years ago down from the hill, just above the reser- voir, I flushed a Woodcock from the wet ow that Helensburgh is consid- grass, a most untypical situation. ered to be part of Argyll, I thought I would tell you of a I crossed the Fruin Water below Strone N th spring walk in the Fruin Hills on the 10 Farm and went up the hill over to Shan- March 1963. don. This area is surrounded with notices proclaiming a WD training area. First, I In light rain and under a sky heavy with found a golf ball, then about half a dozen rain, I set off from the house (Cardross) at rotting sheep followed by an array of 9 am. The walk over to the first road was grouse butts. It seemed quite a jolly train- pleasant enough, skirting the heather moor ing area. From Shandon I walked over to Shetland is famous for its globally signifi- all the way round. Hares skittered every- Rhu, where I joined the road as it was too cant populations of breeding seabirds and where and a few Red Grouse flew over dark to see anything on the hill, and went its remarkable list of rare migrants. This the heather. As I approached the road, a into Helensburgh to catch the train back to book presents a detailed review of the small flock of about 50 Greylag Geese Cardross. With the walk back from the status of all 430 bird species recorded in flew into a field a mile or so down the station I had covered 25 miles on foot. the archipelago. It also presents some very glen, toward Bannachra. I crossed the road brief introductory chapters on the islands’ and headed for a bridge on a private track David Merrie climate, vegetation, ecology and history of crossing the Fruin water. Just above the land use, and a rather longer (33 page) bridge a flock of Woodpigeons rose from chapter ‘The Birdwatchers’ on the history a stubble field. Amongst them was one The Shelduck of ornithology, birding and bird conserva- Blackcock, which separated and went tion. This I found fascinating, and it is over the road onto the moor. The next bit f you are on the west side of Bute, on beautifully illustrated with black and of field was full of hen Pheasants. This Kames Bay or in the Kyles of Bute, white photos of historical interest. I par- was obviously a shooting estate, for the and you see a bird that superficially ticularly liked the photos of Ken William- I woods were lined with tickets on sticks looks gooselike, clearly bigger than your son’s 1954 portable Heligoland trap, and a and inside feeding bins spilling corn on average Mallard, showing a black head, fresh-faced Roger Broad on arrival in Fair the ground. white body, dark wings, a chestnut belt Isle in 1971! The 40 pages of colour pho- across its breast, then you are looking at a tographs are grouped together and present I crossed the north road by Ballymenoch Shelduck. In all likelihood you will see a a few views of Shetland, several photos of and started up the side of Craperoch. Here pair, and if one is showing a bright red the typical breeding birds, and lots of I began to feel a little damp, but I decided knob on its bright red bill, you have a photos of rare species in Shetland. Many that it was as much sweat as rain! At about male. Shelduck are relatively common of the species accounts are nicely illus- 1600 feet I saw my first Snow Bunting, a breeders on the island, always close to the trated by small drawings, monochrome female, hopping about on a surviving shore. photos, or graphs showing seasonal occur- snow drift. At about 1900 feet the rain had rence of records for the less common mi- turned fully to snow and it was sticking The Orkney name for the species is ‘Links grants. wetly everywhere. I saw another party of Goose’. It is primarily a shore line feeder 6 Snow Buntings near Balenock. The and likes rabbit burrows, where they exist, The main part of the book is the species mist was quite thick here and I overdid the for its nest. Its search for holes and cavi- accounts, and with so many species most ties sometimes take them inland. When I

Page 7 The Eider

lived in Silverdale, on Morecambe Bay, a Morecambe Bay in numbers in June/July, quarry a mile from the shore was a fa- bound for Humberside and then Germany. voured site. The Shelduck ducklings had The young of the year are left in creches, to be led down to the shore by their par- gatherings of large numbers of young in ents, probably at night so as to avoid the breeding area, with a few foster par- predators. I rarely observed this happen- ents left in charge who will moult locally. ing, but from time to time villagers would In recent years, a moulting flock of about bring me lone birds which they had found. 3-4,000 birds has been gathering in I immediately released them in my garden, Bridgewater Bay (Somerset), which is which was a few hundred yards from the thought to consist mainly of Irish breed- sea, but hidden from the sea by hedgerows ers. Another small flock of mainly imma- and undulations. The duckling, placed on ture birds seems to favour the Firth of my lawn, always made a bee-line for the Forth—ringing records suggest these are shore, sometimes struggling to find a way Scottish birds—non German speakers I through a hawthorn hedgerow. Never once presume! The Waddenzee flock disperses did a bird turn inland! Could they smell in October, to return directly or indirectly the sea, or hear the breaking surf? to their breeding grounds. The name Shelduck has nothing to do If you are on the shore in spring or early with shells. Sheld means ‘variegated’ or summer, listen for the call of the ‘pied’. The principal diet of the bird is Shelduck, usually described as ‘squeeky molluscs, crustaceans and insects. A high whistling’. It has a nasal component, and proportion of its food intake is the gastro- the sound travels surprisingly far. It also pod snail Hydrobia vulvae. has a guttural and repeated ‘ack..ack..ack’. One of the most interesting features of the The painting of a trio of Shelduck which species is its moult migration. Large num- multaneously. Being unable to fly during illustrates this article, is by the distin- bers of adults leave Britain after the breed- this period makes them vulnerable to guished wildlife artist, Keith Shackleton. ing season and fly to the German Wadden- predators. One hundred thousand Michael Thomas Shelduck converge on the Waddenzee, a zee (Helgoland Bight) area, where their (Editor’s note: this account is taken from large estuary that provides safety in num- annual moult takes place. All ducks and Ornithological Tales Book III, which Mi- bers. Many British birds fly direct to the geese undertake a rapid annual moult chael is preparing about Bute's birds) where the wing feathers are moulted si- site, in one day. I have seen them leave

Black Grouse on Mull

t’s amazing what you come across White-tailed Eagles and occasional sur- Conifer forests provide ideal habitat for on wet days! On one such day last veys for other species. Mike Madders Black Grouse for 10 and 15 years after I summer we visited Torosay Castle believes the last place they bred on Mull planting, until the tree canopy starts to during an otherwise perfect spell of was in the pre-thicket plantations at Cran- close and shade out the ground vegetation weather on Mull. In one of the rooms the nich, west of Salen, probably in the 1980s, upon which Black Grouse are dependent estate’s game books were on display, in habitat that is now largely unsuitable. (for food, cover and nest sites). On the which for a while provided me with some interesting browsing. The use of game Table. Records of Black Grouse on Mull during 1980-2001 records to provide an index of gamebird (source Argyll Bird Reports) population fluctuations is affected by many biases. The most obvious one is that shooting effort is unlikely to be constant Date Number & sex Location among years, due to many factors. Never- theless, such records can often be illumi- 15 April 1984 One female Garmony nating! 25 April 1990 Two males Reudle In recent years, Black Grouse have been rarely recorded on Mull. The Argyll Bird 17 May 1993 One (no sex given) Glen Aros (Crannich) Club started collecting systematic bird records in 1980. Since then, only three The three records during 1984-93 (Table) mainland, Black Grouse populations records have appeared in Argyll Bird Re- may well be of birds that had dispersed increased dramatically after the Second ports (Table); the last one in 1993. From from nearby mainland sites. Black World War as vast areas of conifer forest the lack of recent records, one might con- Grouse are easily capable of crossing the were established on heavily-grazed moor- clude that Black Grouse have been ex- Sound of Mull. For instance, Harvey land, particularly during the period 1950- tinct on Mull for a number of years. Brown (1892) documents ‘the not infre- 1980. Black Grouse were then so abun- quent crossing of the even greater distance dant that they were considered at times to So, do the club’s records genuinely reflect be forest pests, as they ate the tops out of the status of Black Grouse on the island? between Mull and Ardnamurchan’. The dearth of records over the last 10-years newly planted trees! Although the habitats It appears they do. Roger Broad who has so created were ephemeral, there is no undertaken fieldwork on Mull for about coincides with a decline of numerous mainland Black Grouse populations, indication that the formation of similar 25 years, has never seen Black Grouse on habitats on Mull led to an increase in the island. Neither have any been reported many of which have been linked to a loss Black Grouse numbers, apart from the over the same period during extensive of large areas of suitable conifer forest habitat and the overgrazing of hill ground. Crannich example above. This indicates annual surveys for Golden Eagles, numbers were at a very low point well

Page 8 June 2004 before the main afforestation phase. discussions that Mike Madders had with and Mull, 1852-1870. Edinburgh: David The game book records from Torosay various elderly folks on the island, it Douglas. paint quite a different story just over 100 seems that Black Grouse were in the past Harvie-Brown, J. A. & Buckley, T. E. years ago (Figure). From 1899/1900 until associated with areas where cereal crops 1892. A vertebrate fauna of Argyll and the the First World War (1916/17) the number were grown in small areas of low-lying . Edinburgh: David Doug- of Black Grouse shot annually reached crofted ground (Lochdon, , Salen, las. double figures in every year apart from perhaps and other pockets of the ). People remember them Rintoul, L. J. & Baxter, E. V. 1927. On two. The highest bags were in 1900/01 the decrease of blackgame in Scotland. and 1912/13 when 101 and 71 birds re- feeding for gleanings in harvested fields and even coming into the stack yards. Of Scottish Naturalist, 39, 5-13, 45-52, 69- spectively were shot. These figures indi- 75. cate that they must then have been quite course this is unlikely to be the whole abundant on Mull. In contrast, after the story, simply a reflection of where people First World War the maximum shot in any saw them. Black Grouse require exten- one year was seven birds, while in many sive mosaic habitats containing much Leucistic Willow years none at all were shot. The game ericaceous vegetation, unimproved grass- Warbler book shows that the last bird was shot in lands, wet areas and scattered broadleaved 1949/50. Red grouse bags show a similar woodland. In particular, stands of heather trend, with many more being shot before and blaeberry need to be substantially his leucistic Willow Warbler has than after the war (Figure). Rintoul & taller than for Red Grouse. That is why returned to the same territory Baxter (1927) reported similar declines of young forests are such an attraction! Thus, T where it bred successfully last year. With such bright and unusual plum- Figure. Numbers of Black Grouse and Red Grouse recorded as age, it is amazing that it has not fallen shot during 1899-1959 from the Torosay Castle game book prey to a Sparrowhawk or Buzzard, or another species of raptor on its autumn and spring migration route. This pale bird is the female, which has already mated with a normal Willow Warbler and is 250 busy nest building.

200 Black grouse Red grouse

150

100

Number shot Number 50

0

Leucistic Willow Warbler photo- graphed on Mull by Alan Spellman 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 on 8th May 2004 Year

Black Grouse in Scotland from around the a widespread decline in the quality of Leucism results from a partial loss of pig- time of the First World War. ground vegetation could have played a ment. In contrast, albinism is caused by a total loss of pigment, leading to complete For Black Grouse to have been so abun- major part in the decline of this charis- th matic species. This could have resulted white plumage with pale pink eyes, bill dant on Mull towards the end of the 19 and feet. Leucism is rare amongst wild century, suggests strongly that habitats from the detrimental effects of heavy grazing as densities of Sheep and Red birds and involves variable amounts of must have been very different to those white, whitish or pale plumage. Examples, available today. In fact, Graham (1890) Deer increased during the early part of the 20th century. Subsequently, the decline of such as this Willow Warbler with pale states that that in southwest Mull, Black plumage and white wings and tail, are Grouse outnumbered Red Grouse by 10 many mainland populations reduced the chance of enough surplus birds dispersing near the end of the scale, although some- to 1. This was during the period 1852- time pure white birds occur with normal 1870, indicating that the peak numbers onto Mull to re-establishing a breeding population. coloured eyes, bill and feet (the extreme recorded in the Torosay game books were end of the leucistic scale). The apparently only the tail end of a period of even Steve Petty (with thanks to Roger Broad more rounded head, paler legs and beak greater abundance! and Mike Madders for their observa- and larger size of this bird are perhaps a So, why are Black Grouse now ‘extinct’ tions) 'trick' of the pale plumage colour and on Mull? One aspect may be linked to References 'fluffed-up' posture? changes in agricultural practices. From Graham, H. D. 1890. The birds of Alan Spellman

Page 9 The Eider Recent bird reports from Paul Daw—February to April 2004

have again produced a table (opposite) of Table. Early dates for spring migrants, late dates for winter early records received for the arrival of I spring migrants so that you can see at a migrants and some passage migrants—Argyll 2004 glance the earliest dates submitted so far. I have given, where available, the first dates for each of Species Location Date the recording areas. If any of you have further th information please let me know. It is good to Osprey Loch Awe, Mid-Argyll 24 March have an overall picture of the main arrival peri- Osprey Calgary, Mull 11th April ods for each species as well as unusually early Corn Crake Breachacha, Coll 18th April individuals. I have also included some late re- Corn Crake Iona, Mull 25th April cords for winter visitors and a few migrants. th Once again, apologies for anything of note that I Common Sandpiper (2) Loch Beg, Mull 17 March th have omitted. Common Sandpiper Taynish NNR, Mid-Argyll 16 April th Highlights of the period under review include a Common Sandpiper Peninver, Kintyre 24 April th drake Ring-necked Duck at Loch Bhasapol, Sandwich Tern (5) Crossapol Bay, Coll 28 March st Tiree on 20th-21st Apr, a Northern Goshawk on Sandwich Tern (1) Traigh Bhagh, Tiree 21 April th Coll on 28th Feb, a Black Kite at Sandwich Tern (4) Peninver, Kintyre 24 April Mull on 20th Apr, a Pectoral Sandpiper at Loch Common Tern Gott Bay, Tiree 25th April Gruinart, Islay on 29th Apr and Ring-billed th Gulls on Islay and Tiree. But, in some ways the Arctic Tern (5) Gott Bay, Tiree 25 April outstanding bird of the period was a male Great th th Little Tern (9) The Reef, Tiree 16 April Spotted Woodpecker near Ballard, Coll on 24 Little Tern Port na Luing, Coll 26th April February; the first known record for either Coll th or Tiree. Cuckoo Loch Uisg, Mull 16 April Cuckoo Kilmichael Glen, Mid-Argyll 18th April If there are any 2003 Argyll bird records still out Cuckoo Ardfenaig, Mull 25th April there that have not been submitted please let me th have them as soon as possible. It helps enor- Sand Martin Loch Scammadale, Mid-Argyll 19 March st mously if you follow the guidance on submitting Sand Martin Colonsay 31 March st records that has appeared in the Eider and the Sand Martin Gorten, Mull 1 April Argyll Bird Report previously—briefly; species, Swallow Aros Castle, Mull 20th March no. of individuals, specific place (with 4 figure Swallow Appin, N Argyll 7th April grid ref. if possible) and date. Swallow Tayinloan, Kintyre 7th April th Below is a roundup of notable sightings not in- Swallow Baugh, Tiree 12 April cluded in the table. Swallow Kilberry, Mid-Argyll 16th April nd Divers to Herons House Martin (Loch Awe) 2 April House Martin Cairnbaan, Mid-Argyll 17th April A total of 14 Great Northern Divers were at the rd head of Loch Scridain, Mull on 15th Feb, 20 were House Martin Loch a' Phuill, Tiree 23 April th in Breachacha Bay, Coll on 17th Mar and 29 Tree Pipit Cairnbaan, Mid-Argyll 15 April th were at Crossapol Bay, Coll on 16th Apr. Sixteen Tree Pipit Taynish NNR, Mid-Argyll 16 April Black-throated Divers were counted in the White Wagtail (2) Crossapol Bay, Coll 22nd March Sound of Gigha, Kintyre on 16th Apr. No less White Wagtail Lochgilphead, Mid-Argyll 26th March than 49 Slavonian Grebes were counted on White Wagtail (12) Machair Mhor, Coll 23rd April Loch na Keal, Mull between and Gruline White Wagtail (4) , Mull 28th April th on 14 February and 22 were counted in the Common Redstart (male) Lochdon, Mull 24th March Sound of Gigha on 16th Apr. A flock of 14 Little Grebes on Loch Sween on 20th Feb was an un- Northern Wheatear (2) Otter Ferry, Cowal 18th March usual sight. Northern Wheatear Baugh, Tiree 19th March th Wildfowl Northern Wheatear (2) Penmore, Mull 20 March nd A Mute Swan seen on Colonsay in late Northern Wheatear Crossapol Bay, Coll 22 March Northern Wheatear Traigh na Cille, Mull 25th March March/early April was a rare visitor to the island. th A flock of 135 Whooper Swans flew N down Northern Wheatear Kilmichael Glen, Mid-Argyll 27 March Loch Gruinart, Islay on 27th Mar, 65 were at Fieldfare (6) Minen, Kintyre 7th March Loch Cliad, Coll on 27th Mar, 46 flew N at Der- Fieldfare (1) Gott, Tiree 29th March vaig, Mull on 28th Mar and 45 were at Loch a' Fieldfare (80) Acha, Coll 12th April th Phuill, Tiree also on 28 . Unusual numbers of Redwing (53) Colonsay House, Colonsay 12th April Whooper Swans were seen on passage over Redwing (60+) Dervaig, Mull 15th April Mid-Argyll in late Mar/early Apr. One hundred th th Redwing (210) Arnabost, Coll 14 April and nine were on Loch Gilp on 27 Mar, 36 flew th th th Redwing (1) Balephuil, Tiree 25 April N there on 28 , with 27 there on 29 Mar, 23 th th Grasshopper Warbler Kilmichael Glen, Mid-Argyll 18 April flew over my house in Minard also on 29 and nd th Grasshopper Warbler Appin, N Argyll 22 April another 13 flew N over Loch Gilp on 30 Mar. A th th Grasshopper Warbler Southend, Kintyre 25 April further 34 were on Loch Fyne off Crarae on 11 th Apr. An adult Black Swan flying north with a Grasshopper Warbler Cairnbaan, Mid-Argyll 28 April th group of Whooper Swans at Kilmoluaig, Tiree Sedge Warbler Baugh, Tiree 25 April th on 9th Mar must have been a strange sight. The 5 Sedge Warbler Aros Moss, Kintyre 26 April Sedge Warbler Fernoch, Mid-Argyll 1st May Page 10 June 2004

Species Location Date 19th April. However the highest count of Purple th Sandpipers on Tiree was only 8 at Sorobaidh Common Whitethroat Barnluasgan, Mid-Argyll 27 April nd th Bay on 22 Feb. A pair of Dotterel found on Common Whitethroat Garmony Point, Mull 27 April The Reef, Tiree on 16th Apr were still there on th Garden Warbler Loch Frisa, Mull 4 April 19th; the female was in full breeding plumage. A th Garden Warbler Cairnbaan, Mid-Argyll 19 April provisional count of 337 nesting pairs of North- th Garden Warbler Moine Mhor, Mid-Argyll 27 April ern Lapwings was made at The Reef, Tiree in Blackcap (2) Colonsay House, Colonsay 14th April late Apr. A total of 112 Dunlin in Loch Caolis- Blackcap Taynish NNR, Mid-Argyll 16th April port on 15th Feb was an exceptional count for Blackcap Minard, Mid-Argyll 18th April this location while 209 were at Sorobaidh Bay, th Blackcap The Lodge, Coll 21st April Tiree on 6 Feb. A Pectoral Sandpiper was th Blackcap Appin, N Argyll 22nd April found on Loch Gruinart floods on 29 Apr. Blackcap Balephuil, Tiree 25th April Three Eurasian Woodcocks were roding around Colonsay House gardens, Colonsay on 9th Apr. Wood Warbler Taynish NNR, Mid-Argyll 27th April A heavy passage of Black-tailed Godwits on Common Chiffchaff (3) The Lodge, Coll 7th April Tiree in Apr included a high count of 75 at Loch th an Eilein on 18th Apr. Whimbrel on Tiree Common Chiffchaff Colonsay House, Colonsay 9 April th th peaked at 20 (at Heylipol) on 26 Apr and were Common Chiffchaff Loch Spelve, Mull 11 April th th reported from Coll from 15 Apr. Later on 2 Common Chiffchaff Heylipol & Balephuil, Tiree 11 April th Common Chiffchaff Lochgilphead, Mid-Argyll 13th April were at Peninver, Kintyre on 24 April. Two th wintering Common Greenshank were at Der- Willow Warbler Lochaline, Mull 18 March th th vaig, Mull on 17 Jan, 4 were at Langamull, Willow Warbler Taynish NNR, Mid-Argyll 7 April th th Mull on 15 Feb and one was at Linne Mhuirich Willow Warbler Cairnbaan, Mid-Argyll 15 April (Loch Sween), Mid-Argyll on 29th Feb. Always th Willow Warbler Baugh, Tiree 16 April a very scarce passage migrant in Argyll, a Wood th Willow Warbler (2) Arinagour, Coll 16 April Sandpiper was on the Loch Gruinart floods on nd Willow Warbler Appin, N Argyll 22 April 26th Apr. A total of 105 Ruddy Turnstones Snow Bunting (14) Port na Luing, Coll 28th March were in Balephetrish Bay, Tiree on 23rd Feb, at Crossapol Bay, Coll on 24th April, 10 at Hey- lipol, Tiree on 28th April and 10 at Kilnave, Islay NB no reports have been received so far of Whinchats in April or any re- on 27th April. ports at all of Spotted Flycatchers. Have you seen these birds!? Skuas to Woodpeckers A very early Pomerine Skua was at Claggain Bean Geese near Port Ellen, Islay were still present on 15th Feb, a single Bean Goose Bay, Islay on 12th Feb and one was at Arinagour, was present on Oronsay during late Mar/early Apr and even more surprisingly 6 Coll on 13th Mar, as were 2 Great Skuas. A (taiga) Bean Geese were on Coll on 27th Mar. This is normally a very scarce species single Great Skua was off Gunna Sound, Tiree indeed in Argyll. A flock of 31 Greenland White-fronted Geese were seen at the on 16th Mar. An adult Ring-billed Gull was at SW end of Lismore on 13th Feb. A heavy passage of Brent Geese on Tiree included Machir Bay, Islay on 21st Feb. A first winter th flocks of 220 and 55 heading northeast along the coast at Baugh on 25 Apr. A Little Gull was reported off Dunollie Castle, ‘Richardson’s Canada Goose (race hutchinsii) with Greenland White-fronted Geese Oban on 16th Mar and even more surprisingly, 2 th th on Coll 18 -24 Feb was thought likely to be a genuine trans-atlantic vagrant. A first Ring-billed Gulls were present together at Bale- winter male American Wigeon was present at Ardnave Loch, Islay from at least 13th phetrish Bay, Tiree on 19th Mar. An early return- Feb to 3rd Mar. A pair of Northern Shoveler at Fidden on 13th Apr were unusual ing Lesser Black-backed Gull was at Balemar- visitors to Mull. A fine drake Ring-necked Duck was found among Tufted Ducks at tine, Tiree on 18th Feb. A good number of Ice- Loch Bhasapol, Tiree on 20th Apr and remained until the following day. Common land Gulls were reported with an adult at Bun- Pochards are not so common in Argyll, so 48 on Ballygrant Loch, Islay on 19th Feb nahabhain, Islay on 19th Feb, a first winter bird was exceptional, 29 on Loch Bhasapol, Tiree on 23dr Feb was a good count, even 7 in Loch Melfort, Mid-Argyll on 21st Feb, an on Loch na Druimnean, Mid-Argyll on 26th Feb is noteworthy and one at Canal Loch, adult in Oban Harbour (together with a 2nd win- Coll was only the third record for the island. Up to 47 Long-tailed Ducks were in ter Glaucous Gull) on 20th Mar and a 2nd winter Feall Bay, Coll in Feb. At least 30 Long-tailed Ducks were counted in the Sound of bird following a fishing boat on Loch na Keal on Gigha on 7th Apr and 65 Black Scoters in the Sound of Gigha on 16th Apr was also a 20th Apr. An adult Glaucous Gull was near Kil- good count. The large congregation of Common Goldeneyes in Loch Fyne, near bride, Coll on 20th Mar, another was along the Furnace, peaked at 111 on 11th Feb and 58 were counted in Loch Caolisport, Mid- Arileod Straights, Coll on 23rd Apr, a 1st winter Argyll on 15th Feb. bird was in the Hynish area of Tiree during Mar nd Raptors to Gamebirds and a 2 winter bird was at Glenforsa, Mull on 15th Apr. A single Little Auk was off Arinagour, A Black Kite was reported over the north side of Loch Scridain, Mull on 20th Apr and Coll on 13th Mar and 4 were seen from the ferry Red Kites were reported over Coll on 13th Mar and over Kilmelford, Mid-Argyll on in the Sound of Mull on 20th Mar. A late report 14th Apr. A 2nd year White-tailed Eagle flew over Port na Luing, Coll on 17th Mar of was received of a wrecked Little Auk found before heading back towards Mull. The adult female Eurasian Marsh Harrier seen in a garden at Caolas, Tiree on 15th Jan that later near Totronald, Coll on 20th Apr was only the third record for the island. A huge fe- flew off strongly out into Gunna Sound. A total male Northern Goshawk was seen being mobbed by a Raven (which looked smaller of 5 Short-eared Owls were seen at 3 different in comparison!) over Arinagour, Coll on 28th Feb. Two Common Coots on Bally- locations in north Kintyre on the evening of 17th grant Loch, Islay on 19th Feb were unusual visitors. Mar, perhaps indicating what an under-recorded Waders species this is in Argyll. A Common Kingfisher The peak count of Ringed Plovers on Tiree during the period was 270 on the machair was seen at Kennacraig, Kintyre in early Feb and at Ruaig on 26th Apr while the maximum Sanderling count was 210 at Balephetrish the bird that frequented the Lochgilphead area Bay on 23rd Feb. At least 5,150 Golden Plover were present in the west of Tiree on during the winter was seen again on 22nd Feb.

Page 11 The Eider

Passerines STOP PRESS White Wagtail passage on Tiree contin- ued throughout Apr with a maximum Another fascinating early May on Tiree. A minor fall of migrants on 2nd included count of 8 at Sorobaidh Bay on 30th. A among the Grasshopper Warblers, Willow Warblers and Common Chiff- female Ring Ouzel near Kilbride, Coll on chaffs, 2 new species for the island; a singing Reed Warbler and, even more th 12 Apr was only the second record for surprisingly a singing Common Nightingale! And on 11th May a Hawfinch ap- the island. As was the case last year, sev- peared on the bird table in John Bowler’s garden feeding on sunflower seeds. We eral observers have commented on how should be so lucky! Not to be outdone Coll had a Common Crane on 3rd May, a numerous Common Grasshopper War- Red-rumped Swallow (potential new species for Argyll) on 4th and 5th May, a blers have been this spring (see records th nd nd above). An influx of Goldcrests on Tiree Yellow-legged Gull on 14 May, a 2 year White-billed Dover on 22 May rd during Apr included 6 at Balephuil on 4th. and a Black Kite drifting slowly over Crossapol on 23 . There was also a report A single Blue Tit in a garden at Sandaig, of a singing Reed Warbler on Mull on 17th May. Quite unprecedented number Tiree in Feb had, unusually, been present of passage skuas have been reported recently, including 125 Pomarine Skuas all winter and a single, obviously lost, from the Oban-Mull ferry on 5th May and 19 Pomarine, 4 Long-tailed, 27 Artic Coal Tit was feeding on open turf west of th st and 11 Great Skuas passing Hogh Bay, Coll on the morning of 16 May. More Balevullin, Tiree on 31 Mar. A Black- details in the next Eider. billed Magpie was seen, outwith its nor- mal range, nr Inveraray on 15th Apr. A flock of 10 Chaffinches were fly-catching in a garden at Vaul, Tiree on 21st Feb. There was a marked influx of European A Hawfinch feeding on sunflower Goldfinches on Tiree in Apr including 3 seeds. Photographed by John at Vaul on 12th. A pair of Common Lin- nets at Moss and a flock of 15 at Heylipol Bowler on 11th May on Tiree were the first on Tiree since Nov 2003. A flock of 310 Twite were at Port na Luing, Coll on 22nd Mar and 55 were at Bale- phuil, Tiree on 1st Apr. Single male Bramblings were reported from gardens just outside Lochgilphead on 5th Mar and at Dervaig, Mull on 15th Mar. A flock of 30+ Reed Buntings at Port-na-Luing, Coll were presumably migrants. Six Snow Buntings were in Glen More, Mull on 26th Feb, an immature male was at Heylipol, A Common Crane photographed th Tiree on 27 Mar and 4 were at Port Lu- by a lucky visitor on Coll on 3rd ing, Coll on 22nd Mar with 14 there on 28th Mar. May (photo Alistair Brydon) Paul Daw Tel. 01546 886260 e-mail: [email protected]

Loch Garten’s Ospreys prove they’re really tough

t Scotland's oldest Osprey nesting dent Osprey, known as White EJ from her times in the last fifty years has an Osprey site, a female Osprey has beaten identification leg ring, removed a broken laid a clutch of four eggs. It is almost A the odds and startled the growing egg from the nest. unheard of. So to see there are still three number of fans by laying three eggs - eggs in the nest, in spite of all the suffer- Many believed the stress would be too despite having to fight for her life against ing White EJ has been through, is a huge much and no more eggs would be laid - an intruding bird only two weeks ago. relief and we're all thrilled. People come the nest would remain empty for another from around the world to see these birds RSPB Scotland staff checked the Loch year. However, the resilient White EJ has and this year has been one of the most Garten nest at Abernethy Forest Reserve delighted RSPB Scotland staff and fans of turbulent, and anxious, yet now reward- in Strathspey earlier this week and have the Loch Garten Ospreys by laying a full ing'. confirmed that it now contains three eggs. clutch of eggs. The nest, Scotland's best known, had been There is, however, another possibility to When Osprey lay eggs, they generally without a successful breeding pair for two explain that fourth, broken egg. During have three, with a one or two day interval years. News of the eggs couldn't come at a the vicious attacks of last month, the in- between each one. As there are three eggs better time, as this is the 50th anniversary truding female bird occasionally managed in the nest now, it could mean that the of the Osprey's return to Scotland. to perch herself on the nest. It is possible resident female laid four eggs this season - that this Osprey had been ready to lay an Last month saw weeks of ferocious fight- a very rare phenomenon. egg herself and used the nest for this pur- ing between the resident female and an The RSPB's Loch Garten Site Manager, pose in the short time she was there. intruding female bird. Later, people Richard Thaxton, said, 'Only a handful of watched in horror and sorrow as the resi- 'The attacking female may have been des-

Page 12 June 2004 perately seeking a nest of her own, knowing she was about to lay eggs herself. Although there can be no doubt about the rightful owner of this particular nest now. It's incredi- bly lucky how things worked out', Richard went on to say. 'The fighting of last month could have stressed both birds to such an extent that neither would lay eggs, or it may have ended in death for one of them. To find there are now three healthy eggs still in the nest is nothing short of a miracle and is fantastic news indeed. If all contin- ues to go well, hatching should take place towards the end of May'.

Source:RSPB Scotland Headquar- ters Osprey fishing by Margaret Staley

Chaffinch still top for Scots', reveals Big Garden Birdwatch

he humble Chaffinch remains plummet from 15 per garden to an of decline. the most common garden bird average of 4.3, a decline of 71%. in Scotland. The 2004 Big This year's Big Garden Birdwatch T The House Sparrow, with an average Garden Birdwatch saw 22,205 people saw 409,554 people across the UK of 4.8 per garden, has declined by in Scotland take to their gardens on take to their gardens - a big rise from 52% since 1979, when an average of 24-25 January to count the birds—a the 314,000 in 2003. A staggering 8.6 massive rise from the 17,700 in 2003. 10 birds were seen. Song Thrushes million birds were recorded and have declined by 34% since the be- 247,000 gardens surveyed. There was only minimal change, how- ginning of the survey. They dropped ever, in the Scottish pecking order. out of the top 10 in 1987 and are now Celebrating its 25th anniversary, RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch aims to The placing of Robins fell from 8th to struggling to stay within the top 20. find the most commonly seen garden 9th - swapping with Coal Tits. Col- Although Blackbirds are still com- lared Doves fell out of the top ten to mon and were recorded in 94% of all birds. Wild birds are a fantastic indi- be replaced at number 10 by the Dun- gardens this year, numbers are down cator of the health of the countryside and the survey requires only one hour nock. by 31%. to take part, producing a But the biggest changes to emerge snapshot of winter garden from the survey came from comparing bird populations. the position of birds in UK gardens across the 25 years of the Big Garden Jonathan Osborne, Big Birdwatch. Collared Dove and Wood Garden Birdwatch co- Pigeon are now five times more com- ordinator in Scotland, mon in our gardens than in 1979. says: 'It's an incredible achievement for a survey Collared Doves, seen in 62% of gar- to reach its 25th anniver- dens, have increased by 525%. Wood sary. We're amazed at Pigeons, up by 594%, were recorded how the popularity of Big in 54% of gardens. These birds did Garden Birdwatch has not feature at all in 1979's top 10 grown over the years. birds, but now hold 7th and 9th place Over time, we have been respectively. able to measure population changes Across the UK, the House Sparrow among our familiar birds - some quite The four biggest losers since the first moves into the number one spot as the surprising. In fact, Big Garden Bird- UK Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979 most common garden bird despite its watch was one of the first surveys to have been the Starling, House Spar- declining numbers. It takes over from notice the decline in song thrushes.' row, Song Thrush and Blackbird. the Starling, now in number two po- The Starling has seen its numbers sition, which has an even steeper rate Source:RSPB Scotland Headquarters

Page 13 The Eider

Articles for the next Eider should with the Editor before the 31st August 2004

he Eider is the quarterly newsletter of the Argyll Bird Club. The editor welcomes articles about T birds, wildlife conservation and ecology in Argyll, including articles of a wider natural history interest, notices of forthcoming events, book reviews and press releases. Whenever possible, contributions should be submitted to the editor as e-mail attachments in Microsoft Word or rtf format. But, this should not deter potential contributors, as hand- written scripts are also acceptable. If in doubt about whether an article is suitable, please contact the editor for advice. Suitable illustrations greatly enhance the attractiveness of The Eider, and artists and photographers are encouraged to submit artwork and digital photographs (jpeg files preferred) of birds and their habitats to the editor. The Eider is published around the 15th day of March, June, September and December. Articles for each issue must be with the editor before the 1st day of each publication month. An abundance of conifer flowers this spring may well However, it greatly helps if material can be submitted well lead to more Common Crossbills later in the year and before these deadline dates. Opinions expressed in articles are those of the author/s, not over winter, as cones mature. This photograph shows the Argyll Bird Club. female flowers on larch in March. (Editor) Advertising rates: £80 for a full page, £20 for a quarter page, 7p per word for smaller adverts. Payment must accom- pany adverts, with cheques made payable to the Argyll Bird Officials and Committee of the Argyll Club. Contact the Editor for further information. Bird Club (2003/2004) More about the Argyll Bird Club The club was established in 1985. Its main role is to encour- Chairman: David Wood, Drover’s House, Bellanoch, Loch- age an interest in wild birds and their habitats in Argyll; an gilphead, Argyll PA31 8SN area of outstanding natural beauty. Vice Chairman: Nigel Scriven, 2 Allt na Blathaich, Loch The club endeavours to provide a friendly and sociable fo- Eck, Dunoon, Argyll PA23 8SG rum for members of all ages, to meet and enjoy their com- mon interest. This in itself provides a challenge as the popu- Secretary: John Anderson, Ard Beag, Connel, Oban, Argyll lation of Argyll is relatively small and widely dispersed. The PA37 1PT club hosts two one-day meetings each year, in spring and autumn. The venue of the spring meeting is rotated between Treasurer: Bob Furness, The Cnoc, Tarbet, Loch Lomond different towns, including Dunoon, Oban and Lochgilphead. G83 7DG The autumn meeting/AGM is held in a convenient central Membership Secretary: Sue Furness, The Cnoc, Tarbet, location, usually near Lochgilphead. The club organises field Loch Lomond G83 7DG trips for members. It publishes the annual Argyll Bird Re- port. Your annual subscription entitles you to one copy of Committee: Roger Broad (Killearn), Tom Callan (Otter this, four issues of The Eider and free admission to the two Ferry), Paul Daw (Minard), Mike Gear (Appin), David Merrie annual meetings. New members are always welcome, (Blairgowrie), Katie Pendreigh (Tayinloan) and Steve Petty whether you live in Argyll or not. Membership categories (Tighnabruaich) and rates are: Ordinary £10 Editor of the Argyll Bird Report: Clive Craik, Grendon, Bar- caldine, Oban, Argyll PA37 1EC Junior (under 17) £3 Family £15 Editor of The Eider: Steve Petty (contact details on front Corporate £25 page) Subscriptions are due on 1st January and can be paid by Argyll Bird Recorder: Paul Daw, Tigh-na-Tulloch, Tulloch- cheque or standing order. New members joining after 1st gorm, Minard, Argyll PA32 8YQ October are covered until the end of the following year. Fur- Phone 01546 886260 E-mail [email protected] ther information can be obtained from the Membership Sec- retary (see box on this page). Additional or past copies of the Argyll Bird Club Website: http://www.argyllbirdclub.org Argyll Bird Report can be purchased from the Treasurer.

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