Birds in 2002

• Ydhyn yn Kernow

Cornwall -Watching and Preservation Society CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING & PRESERVATION SOCIETY

SEVENTY-SECOND

ANNUAL REPORT

2002

Chough {Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) The emblem of The Cornwall Bird-watching & Preservation Society HONORARY OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 2003/04

President Steve Madge, Seawinds, Lower Trerieve, , , PL15 3LZ

Chairman Gary Lewis, 40 Pondfield Road, , Cornwall, PL 12 4UA Vice-Chairman Graham Sutton, Harcombe, West Park Road, , EX23 8PB

General Secretary Darrell Clegg, 55 Lower Fore Street, Saltash, PL 12 6JQ

Treasurer Bob Bridges, 21 Pare Peneglos, Bells Hill, Mylor, TR11 5SL

Membership Secretary Sara McMahon, 72 Underwood Road, Plympton, PL7 1SZ

Conservation Officer Brian Craven, 15 Compass West, Tregadillett, Launceston, PL 15 7EA

Assistant Conservation Officer Adrian Brown, 31 Alexandra Road, , , TR16 50G

Newsletter Editor Darrell Clegg, 55 Lower Fore Street, Saltash, PL 12 6JQ

Field Meetings Officer Terry Hasdell, 1 West Tehidy, Tolvaddon,

Public Relations Officer Vacancy

Honorary Solicitor Greg Adams, 2 Street, , TR13 8PS

Committee Members: Francis Couch (), Clare Mucklow (Exeter), Rosemary Parslow, Mark Tunmore (The ).

The Society is a Charity registered with the Charity Commission for and Number 255899 The Trustees are the Honorary Officers and other Members of the Executive Committee shown above

County Recorder Kester Wilson, 1 Tol Pedn House, School Hill Road, , TR19 6LP [email protected]

Editor " in Cornwall" Ian Wilson, 3 Hunters Close, Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire, LEI7 6LG

Records Committee: Mashuq Ahmad, Greg Conway, Pete Fraser, Steve Madge, Keith Pellow, Graham Sutton & Laurie Williams

Non-voting Committee Member Steve Rogers, Roseland, Cyril Road, , TR1 3TA Photographs Front Page: Kingfisher - Gary Cockill Back Page: Woodchat Shrike, St Levan, April 2002 - Ian Wilson

2 CONTENTS

Page

Review of the Year 2002 Kester & Ian Wilson 5

Editorial Ian Wilson 12

Acknowledgements 12

Submission of Records 13

Submission of Rarity Reports 15

Systematic List for 2002 Kester & Ian Wilson 17

Exotica 139

Records for which details are still required 140

First and Last Dates of Summer Migrants 140

Contributors 141

Photographers 142

Gazetteer 143

Ringing Report 2002 Greg Conway 150

The Chough (Reprinted from the 1932 report) Lt. Colonel Ryves 158

Choughs on in 2002 Claire Mucklow 161

Corn Buntings in Cornwall 2002 Claire Mucklow 163

The Society's Reserves 164

Chairman's Report Stuart Hutchings 167

Conservation Officer's Report Brian Craven 169

2002 Balance Sheet and Accounts 172

The Society's Rules 178

Printed by B. J. Press Ltd., Unit 29 Ind Estate, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9LD Copyright Cornwall Bird-watching & Preservation Society 2002

3 4 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2002

Reports were received from two hundred and forty observers covering two hundred and ninety-one species, one more than in 1998 and the highest ever number of species seen in one year. Three new species were recorded on the county mainland this year, Red-billed Tropicbird, Black-throated Thrush and (if accepted) Syke's Warbler.

JANUARY Several of last year's rarities remained in the county at the outset of the year, a Great Bittern at Par Beach Pool until 17th February, three Cattle Egrets at with the last seen on 17th May, a Spoonbill on the Lynher Estuary until 16th February, an American Wigeon until 29th January, Green-winged Teals at Colliford Reservoir until 19th January, Estuary until 23rd February and Loe Pool until 16th February, two Ring-necked Ducks at Loe Pool until 13th April, a Rough-legged Buzzard in the Catchall area until 22nd April, a Bonaparte's Gull at Millbrook Lake until 9th March and three Choughs on The Lizard. However, the number of wintering Chiffchaffs was low and the number of Blackcaps very low. The 1st also saw a count of three hundred and fifty-four Common Shelducks at St John's Lake, two hundred and nineteen on the Upper Tamar Estuary north of the , fourteen Northern Pintails on the Lynher Estuary, four Hen Harriers at Men- an-Tol, two hundred and seventy-two Avocets on the Upper Tamar Estuary and two hundred and thirty Common Gulls at Millbrook Lake.

Fifty-eight Great Cormorants were at Loe Pool on 2nd, one thousand two hundred and thirty Eurasian Teal were on , four Red-crested Pochards were on Drift Reservoir and one hundred and thirty-eight Common Pochards and one hundred and twenty Tufted Ducks were on Loe Pool. A Great Bittern was at Crowdy Reservoir on 3rd and a pair of Red-crested Pochards was on College Reservoir. Eurasian Teal and Northern Shoveler numbers were still high with good numbers at several sites. A Great Bittern on 5th began a two-month stay on Marsh. A maximum of forty-six Black-necked Grebes were in the Carrick Roads on 6th and, on 7th, there were seven Goosanders on the Lower Tamar Lake and five hundred Common Guillemots and one thousand off . A Great Bittern was at Trevellan Park, on 9th Jan and, with continuing winds blowing from the southeast on 10th, there were one hundred Common Chiffchaffs at Sewage Works and a Green-winged Teal commenced a fifteen-day stay at Trevorian Pool. Thirty-eight Black-throated Divers were off Hemmick Beach on 11th, a Great Bittern was at Reservoir on 12th, and sixty Northern Shovellers were on Loe Pool.

A second Great Bittern was at Par Beach Pool and one was at on 13th, a Spoonbill was on the Camel Estuary, six Velvet Scoters on the Carrick Roads, three thousand Northern Lapwings on the Camel Estuary, eighty Sanderling were in Mount's Bay and five hundred and ten Common Snipes were at Maer Lake. There were eight Jack Snipes at on 14th when what was presumably an over-wintering Richard's Pipit was at Holmbush. There were forty Coal Tits on 16th at Trago Mills and, with winds having moved to southwest on 21st, an Iceland Gull appeared at Drift Reservoir. What was presumably last year's Black Duck returned to Colliford Reservoir on 19th and remained until 5th August. There were fifty Mute Swans on Drift Reservoir on 23rd and an Iceland Gull was on Hayle Estuary. A record of Little at Pulla Cross on 24th was one of very few reports of this species during the year. Nineteen Great Crested Grebes were in Par Bay on 26th and sixty Long-tailed Tits at St Austell Sewage Works. Westerly winds were blowing and, on 28th, two new Ring-billed Gulls joined the existing bird at Drift Reservoir and two Little Auks, six Balearic Shearwaters and a Great Skua passed Pendeen Watch.

5 FEBRUARY Thirty-three Great Cormorants were at Upper Tamar Lake on 1st, a Green-winged Teal at Maer Lake, thirteen Spotted Redshanks at Kingsmill Lake and eighteen Yellowhammers at . Two Leach's Petrels at Hannafore on 2nd, the first ever for the county mainland in February, turned out to be only a portent of things to come four days later when, after south westerly gales turned to north north-westerly overnight, two hundred and fifty-seven were seen at Pendeen Watch and two hundred and fifty at St Ives - the numbers at St Ives were most likely much higher as the count did not start until 10.30am. Forty Great Northern Divers were in on 3rd and, on 5th, there were thirty Black-throated Divers off Swanpool. A second calendar Night Heron was at on 7th and an adult was at Land's End. Two hundred and twenty Shags were in Bay on 9th and, on 10th, a Green-winged Teal was at Trevorian Pool, twenty-two Common Goldeneyes in the Carrick Roads and seventy-eight Black-tailed Godwits on .

A second Great Bittern appeared at Marazion Marsh on 11th, and an early Hoopoe was at Bosullow Common. Twenty Red-throated Divers were in the Seaton/Downderry area on 13th and, on 14th, a Great Bittern was at Trelowarren. A Great Bittern was at Bude Marshes and a Ross's Gull at Torpoint on 15th was a bird initially found in . A Ross's Gull arrived at Sennen on 19th on an increasing northwest wind. Thirteen Slavonian Grebes were at Seaton on 20th, the Camel Estuary held one thousand one hundred and eighty-one Lesser Black-backed Gulls on 22nd and, on 26th, there were four Long-tailed Ducks in .

MARCH The wind was blowing from the east on 1st when a Spoonbill was at and twenty-three Black Redstarts at Sennen. Thirty-five Black-throated Divers were off and thirty-three were in Bay on 3rd when eleven Slavonian Grebes were off Pendower Beach, sixteen Common Buzzards at Friendship Wood and five hundred Sand Martins at Marazion Marsh. On 4th thirty-eight Great Northern Divers were in the Seaton/Downderry area, eighty were in St Austell Bay and there were three hundred and twenty Pied Wagtails at . The winds changed to westerly and on 6th a Kumlien's Gull appeared on Hayle Estuary. An American Herring Gull was on the Hayle Estuary on 9th and on 10th there were sixty Carrion Crows at St Austell Sewage Works. The first Sandwich Tern was on 11th in Bay. Hannafore on the 12th was the site of an Iceland Gull, and there were fifty-five Common Ravens at Park Clay Pit. Strong easterlies on 13th blew in the first signs of spring migration, fifty-six Northern Wheatears and a White Wagtail were at Land's End, thirteen Chiffchaffs at and two Little Ringed Plovers at Maer Lake. The first Ring Ouzel was on 15th at Land's End.

A Hoopoe was at Gwendreath on 17th and, on 18th, there were four Yellow-legged Gulls and nine hundred and twenty-eight Black-backed Gulls on the Camel Estuary, and a Glaucous Gull at St Columb Porth. Thirty-two Great Northern Divers on 22nd were in Mount's Bay. A large high- pressure system was now sitting over central Europe, and a large area of low pressure over the Atlantic, producing constant southerly winds from North Africa and ideal conditions for the arrival of overshooting spring migrants. There was a Hoopoe at Roskestal on 23rd and a Woodchat Shrike at St Levan, and the first Barn Swallow at Maer Lake. A very obliging Eurasian Scops Owl performed well on 24th - 26th in front of car lights on the car park at Porthgwarra, nine Ruffs were at Nanjizal and Hoopoes appeared at , Head and St Loy. Another Hoopoe was at on 25th, a Spoonbill appeared at Maer Lake and a very fine Black-eared Wheatear commenced an eight-day stay at . The strength of wind dropped and two Alpine Swifts performed over and St Just on 26th, and a Subalpine Warbler was at St Levan. The first Garganey of the year was on 28th at Lower Tamar Lake. A Wryneck was at on 29th and a Hoopoe at

6 Lizard Village. A different Hoopoe was at the same site the following day, and there were two at Porthgwarra on the last day of the month.

APRIL A Black Duck at on 1st, presumably last years returning bird, remained until 15th October. There was a Hoopoe on 2nd at . Bay had a maximum count of sixty Black- throated Divers on 4th and another Hoopoe was at Moorland Smith. There were forty-six Puffins off Porthgwarra on 5th and a Woodchat Shrike in . There was an adult Night Heron at Land's End and a first calendar bird at Nanjizal on 7th possibly pushed there by the strong wind from the northeast, and a Hoopoe was at Veryan. On 9th a Ring-necked Duck was on Dozmary Pool. A well watched Lesser Spotted Woodpecker on 1 Oth at Come-to-good was one of seven records during the year, and a European Serin was at Nanjizal. A Hoopoe was at Penlee Battery on 13th, and had a Black Guillemot the following day. The first Common Cuckoo of the year was on 15th at and a Wryneck at Nansmellyn.

There was a Black Guillemot on 20th in Bay. The first Hobby of the year was at Tideford on 21 st, a Night Heron was at Polgreen Lake, thirty Willow Warblers on , a European Serin at Sennen, and six lucky observers on a boat off the Manacles saw a Red-billed Tropicbird. Forty-five Great Northern Divers on 23rd were off Gribbin Head, a Woodchat Shrike appeared at St Levan and a Little Bunting began a three-day stay at Rame. Land's End had another Hoopoe on 24th and the first Turtle Dove of the year arrived at . The first Black Tern of the year, the first of very few, was in Mount's Bay on 26th and a Night Heron was at Tregeseal. There was a count of seventeen thousand Manx Shearwaters on 28th off St Ives Island.

MAY A still day on 2nd, following a period of west and northwest winds, saw the arrival of a Red-rumped Swallow at Land's End, possibly from the . A male and a female Lesser Whitethroat were seen carrying food at Plain-an-Gwarry on 3rd, two Eurasian Dotterels were at Cam Kenidjack and one hundred and forty-six Whimbrels at Marazion. A second Red-rumped Swallow was at and on 5th, five Grasshopper Warblers were on Goss Moor and a Wood Warbler, increasingly rare, was in Keveral Wood. Kit Hill had four Common Cuckoos on 5th. In early May it was established that a pair of Choughs on The Lizard had hatched four young, although only three survived and fledged. There were three Turtle Doves at both Nanjizal and Brew on 8th, Land's End had a Short-toed Lark on 9th and a Wood Warbler was at . The first Nightjars arrived on 11th on the Lizard. Twelve Dark-bellied Brent Geese were at Land's End on 12th, and a wind change from light easterly to southerly produced the first Golden Oriole of the year at Pendeen Watch, a Hoopoe at Coombe and a European Serin at .

There was a Hoopoe on 14th at Rame Head and a Red-backed Shrike at Land's End. A Hoopoe on 15th was at . Two Little Ringed Plovers were at Maer Lake on 16th when winds were from the southeast, another Hoopoe at Saltash, a Citrine Wagtail started a six-day stay at Marazion Marsh and a Hawfinch was at Middle Taphouse. A Red-backed Shrike was in on 18th and on 21st a Spoonbill paid a one-day visit to Maer Lake. Six hundred and forty-five Fulmars were counted off Trevose Head on 24th, and the year's highest count of only two Black Terns was at Drift Reservoir. Par Beach Pool had twenty-five Sedge Warblers and ten Eurasian Reed Warblers on 26th, and an early Cory's Shearwater on 28th was in Bay. There were fifteen Lesser Redpolls on 30th at Nanjizal and a Hawfinch at Brew. The last day of the month saw the arrival of a Rosy Starling at Porthgwarra, the first of an unprecedented influx of twenty-five during the year.

7 JUNE Twelve Cetti's Warblers were in song on 1st at Marazion Marsh, an Icterine Warbler was at Nanjizal and nine Garden Warblers, including young, were at Sennen. An Alpine Swift on 2nd at Sennen was doubtless a product of the light winds from the southeast. Ten Great Crested Grebes were at Colliford Reservoir on 4th and on 5th there were four Tawny at Church Cove. There was a Woodchat Shrike at Caerthillian Cove on 6th and three Corn Buntings on 13th at Pentire Point. Four European Bee-eaters at on 18th were a colourful sight and were the product of the winds moving from south-southwest to south-southeast the previous day and of the hot weather to the south. Common Quails were at Brew and on 19th and on 21st one hundred Common Scoters were off Hannafore. On 23rd there were two Common Quails at Church Cove. A period of settled weather had set in by 26th when an unseasonable Isabelline Shrike appeared at Porthgwarra. A Red-backed Shrike was on Bartinney Downs on 27th and on 31st there were two Eurasian Tree Sparrows at Trewellard.

JULY The summer season for Cory's Shearwaters started with two at Porthgwarra on 1 st, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight Canada Geese were seen at Colliford Reservoir, the highest ever count, and a Common Roseflnch was at Fistral Bay. Two hundred European Storm Petrels were ringed at Head on 12th and the first Great Shearwater was at Porthgwarra. One hundred and sixty-eight European Storm Petrels were ringed at on 13th and one hundred and ninety-eight the following night. There were seventeen Common Sandpipers at Siblyback Reservoir on 17th and the first Wood Sandpiper appeared at Maer Lake. St John's Lake held thirty-five Mediterranean Gulls on 20th, five hundred and fifty Common Swifts were present over the Camel Estuary on 21st and, on 22nd, and there was a Common Quail at . The year's highest day count of Cory's Shearwaters was on 28th when fifty-eight were at Porthgwarra.

AUGUST Waders were much in evidence, but numbers reported at several reservoirs were lower than usual owing to high water levels. There were twenty-seven Common Greenshanks at Kingsmill Lake on 1st and a Wood Sandpiper at Nanjizal, the first of eleven seen at the site during the autumn. Fifty Common Terns were in on 3rd and, on 4th, a Great White Egret was at Porth Reservoir and a Spoonbill on the Camel Estuary. Two Spoonbills visited the Camel Estuary on 5th and on 6th there were three Garganeys on Marazion Marsh. There was a count of six hundred and twenty Fulmars at Pendeen Watch on 9th and on 11th there were forty-six Moorhens at Maer Lake. There were fourteen Common Crossbills on 12th at Crowdy Reservoir. Six hundred and sixty-six Fulmars were off Porthgwarra on 13th, there was a high count of four hundred and thirty-two Eurasian Oystercatchers on the Camel Estuary on 14th, and six Arctic Terns at Porthgwarra. On 16th there were six hundred Eurasian Jackdaws with nine hundred Rooks at . Six hundred and thirty-three Eurasian Curlews were on the Camel Estuary on 17th and four Wood Sandpipers at Maer Lake, and on 18th there were two Marsh Harriers at Porthgwarra and twelve Green Sandpipers at Nanjizal. The first of an exceptional autumn influx of Wrynecks was seen on 19th at Porthgwarra.

Wrynecks were at Tolvaddon on 22nd, and at Butterwell and Land's End on 23rd when there was a Woodchat Shrike on Kynance Downs. There were two a Roseate Terns in Carbis Bay on 25th, and another Wryneck at Kynance Cove the next day. A large high-pressure system was in place when the light northerly wind started to bring in Tree Pipits and Yellow Wagtails and, on 27th, two Dotterels were at Nanjizal. There were two Spotted Crakes on 27th on Marazion Marsh and seventy Pied Wagtails on 29th were at Airfield. The highest count of Great Shearwaters during the

8 year was six hundred and twenty at Porthgwarra, brought in by a small weather front, was on 30th when twelve Curlew Sandpipers were on the Hayle Estuary, a Lesser Yellowlegs at Millbrook Lake and two Barn Owls at Clapper Bridge. A Gull-billed Tern appeared in Sennen Cove on 31st at the beginning of a twenty-two day stay during which it roamed around the area and was seen as far away as Marazion Marsh, a Red-backed Shrike was in Church Cove and what was presumably last year's Black Duck returned to Loe Pool where it remained until 29th October.

SEPTEMBER Unlike 2001, September was a superb month for bird watching with almost continuous winds with an element of easterly in them. Many common migrants were passing through at the start of the month, continuing on from last month. A mobile Great White Egret was on the Hayle Estuary and Loe Pool on 1st, before appearing at Argal Reservoir the following day, and a Wryneck was at Land's End. Further Wrynecks were at Booby's Bay, Church Cove and Kynance Cove on 2nd, one hundred and fifty Great Ringed Plovers were on the Hayle Estuary, seventeen Tree Pipits at Sennen and eleven Common Crossbills and an Ortolan Bunting at Nanjizal. On 3rd there were thirty-five White Wagtails at Porthgwarra and three Ortolan Buntings at Land's End. There was a Corn Crake at Fishing Cove on 4th and on 5th fifty Sandwich Terns were seen in Carbis Bay. Four Long-tailed Skuas and three Great Shearwaters passed Cape Cornwall during a brief period of westerly winds, and a Wryneck was at on 7th when a Melodious Warbler, the first of eight seen in the county in the autumn, was at Poltesco. A Pectoral Sandpiper was at Siblyback Reservoir on 8th and two Spotted Crakes on Marazion Marsh. Twenty Little Grebes were at Stithians Reservoir on 9th, a Wryneck at Porthgwarra, a Melodious Warbler started an eight-day stay at Land's End, there were six Willow Tits at Tamar Lakes and Ortolan Buntings at and Trevose Head.

Land's End was the place to be on 10th when a Little Swift and a Syke's Warbler, potentially a first for the county if accepted, were present and ninety House Sparrows were at Pentire Farm. The highest count of Collared Doves was of one hundred and forty-seven on 12th at Polgigga. There were five Pied Flycatchers on 13th on Trevose Head, two European Serins at Nanjizal and an Ortolan Bunting at Porthgwarra. The only Honey Buzzard of the year was at St Levan on 14th, two Little Ringed Plovers were at Drift Reservoir and forty-two Northern Wheatears at Trevose Head. A Melodious Warbler appeared in Caerthillian Cove on 15th and remained for a further week, and another was at Porthgwarra, a Pectoral Sandpiper and a Barred Warbler were ringed at Nanjizal, there were three Ortolan Buntings at Trevose Head and two at Trewellard and a Blue-headed Wagtail on Treve Common, Land's End. The highest count of Little Egrets was of one hundred and three birds at Marsh on 16th, a Spoonbill and three Ospreys were on the Camel Estuary, a second Melodious Warbler joined the one already present at Land's End, and a second Barred Warbler was ringed at Nanjizal. Three Eurasian Dotterels and fourteen Spotted Flycatchers were on Trevose Head on 18th, a different Ortolan Bunting was at Trewellard and the last Golden Oriole of the year, uncommon in autumn, was at Porthgwarra. A Wryneck was at Porthgwarra on 19th and a Spoonbill was on the Camel Estuary.

There was a Corn Crake at Nanjizal on 21st, a Wryneck and a Melodious Warbler at Sennen, a Western Bonelli's Warbler at Pendeen Church and a Red-breasted Flycatcher on Treve Common. Two thousand Barn Swallows and eight hundred House Martins passed over The Lizard on 22nd, a Red-breasted Flycatcher was in Cot Valley, a Woodchat Shrike in Kynance Cove, five hundred and fifty Goldfinches at Lizard Village and an Ortolan Bunting in Caerthillian Cove. Seventeen Little Grebes were at Loe Pool on 23rd, a Wryneck was at Kynance Cove and an Alpine Swift at Cape Cornwall. A second Pectoral Sandpiper and a Wood Sandpiper were ringed at Nanjizal on 24th and a Spoonbill returned to the Camel Estuary for probably its fourteenth year. Seventeen Little

9 Grebes were on Siblyback Reservoir on 25th, four Ruddy Ducks were on Colliford Reservoir, a Barred Warbler arrived at Land's End and twenty-five Blackcaps and a Red-breasted Flycatcher were at Nanjizal. Two Pectoral Sandpipers, including at least one of the birds ringed earlier in the month at Nanjizal, were seen at Drift Reservoir on 27th, a Wryneck was at Nanjizal on 28th and an Ortolan Bunting at Trevose Head. Another Wryneck was at Porthgwarra on 30th, there were three Little Stints on the Camel Estuary and a Pectoral Sandpiper on the Camel Estuary.

OCTOBER Light south-to-south easterly winds were in place at the start of the month. Twenty-six Great Crested Grebes were on the Lynher Estuary on 1st, there was a Wryneck on 3rd at Nanjizal, and a further two at Porthgwarra the next day. Forty-four Great Cormorants were on the Camel Estuary on 6th, and thirty-five Grey Herons, fifty-four Mute Swans, one thousand six hundred and seventy-eight Eurasian Wigeon and two thousand and forty-six Herring Gulls were on Hayle Estuary; eighteen Gadwall and two hundred and forty-four Common Coots were on Loe Pool and four Short-eared Owls were on Rame Head. That was also the day when Edna, the Egyptian Goose that had been present on the Camel Estuary since 1987, was seen for the last time. Twenty-two Little Terns were seen off Pendeen Watch on 7th and four hundred and thirty Meadow Pipits at Porthgwarra. There was a Northern Goshawk at Penlee Point on 8th, a Red-breasted Flycatcher at Porthgwarra and a European Serin at Nanjizal. Twenty-four Water Rails were on Marazion Marsh on 10th when a Western Bonelli's Warbler arrived at Nanquidno and stayed for a further four days, a Little Bunting paid a brief visit to Brew and there were Yellow-browed Warblers in the Cot Valley and at Land's End. Seventy-five Goldcrests were present on 11th at Bass Point, one hundred Siskins were at Cleave Camp and a Pectoral Sandpiper on Hayle Estuary. There were seven Lapland Longspurs on 12th at Reskajeage and on 13th fourteen Pale-bellied Brent Geese were on the Camel Estuary.

Low-pressure weather systems were starting to track in and one may have been responsible for the arrival of a Lesser Scaup at Drift Reservoir on 14th, a Lesser Yellowlegs at Crowdy Reservoir and a Pectoral Sandpiper at Drift Reservoir. A new low came in on 15th and produced strong south easterly winds and a first record of Dark-throated Thrush at Nanjizal, there were five hundred Pied Wagtails at Par and Yellow-browed Warblers in Cot Valley and at St Levan. There were seven Ring Ouzels on 16th at Porthgwarra, an Arctic Warbler commenced a three-day stay in Cot Valley, a Red- breasted Flycatcher was in and there were good numbers of common migrants. Twelve Grey Wagtails were at Land's End on 18th and Porthgwarra had its third Melodious Warbler of the year. Light southeast winds following a frosty night produced a Common Quail at Nanjizal on 19th, fifteen Woodlarks at Porthgwarra and three hundred Stock Doves at . A Corn Crake was flushed at Land's End on 21st in winds from the southeast and the last Common Swift of the year was at Mevagissey Bay.

A change to north westerly winds produced ninety-two Sooty Shearwaters, thirteen thousand two hundred and twenty-five Northern Gannets, a Grey Phalarope, thirteen Pomarine Skuas, thirty- five Arctic Skuas, a Long-tailed Skua and two Sabine's Gulls off Pendeen Watch on 22nd; two Grey Phalaropes, two Pomarine Skuas, fifty-five Arctic Skuas, one Long-tailed Skua and one hundred and seventy-seven Great Skuas were seen off St Ives Island. A Surf Scoter was on Loe Pool on 23rd and six Eurasian Sparrowhawks were at Sennen. There was a Wood Warbler on 24th was in Church Cove. Porthgwarra had a Black Guillemot on 25th and there were fifteen Bramblings at Land's End. A Ring-necked Duck was at Colliford Reservoir on 26th, a Common Crane on Predannack Downs, a Glaucous Gull at Cape Cornwall, a Long-tailed Skua at Pendeen Watch with a Leach's Petrel, and a Western Bonelli's Warbler started a seven day stay at Land's End. Thirty- two Balearic Shearwaters, one hundred and forty European Storm Petrels, seven Grey Phalaropes

10 and twenty-six Pomarine Skuas were seen at Pendeen Watch on 27th and St Ives had six Grey Phalaropes, four Pomarine Skuas and seventeen Arctic Skuas. Southeasterly winds on 28th saw a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Hobby at Nanjizal. A high count of one hundred and ten Blackbirds was made on 29th at Sennen. The final Wryneck of the year was at St Just on 31st, there were one hundred and eighty Song Thrushes at Sennen and four Snow Buntings at Point.

NOVEMBER The start of the month was wet and windy. Twenty Great Crested Grebes were on St Johns Lake on 1st and thirty-six Ruddy Turnstones at Hannafore. The last Northern Wheatear of the year was seen on 3rd, seven Little Gulls passed Pendeen Watch and twenty thousand Kittiwakes passed Cape Cornwall. There was a Mealy Redpoll on 4th at Colliford Reservoir and on 7th there were four hundred Redwings at Holmbush. Two Sabine's Gulls passed St Ives Island on 11th and two thousand two hundred Chaffinches and one thousand four hundred Greenfinches were at Land's End. A Sardinian Warbler appeared at Brew in southerly winds on 14th and remained until the following day and on 15th there were six hundred and three Wood Pigeons at Porthgwarra.

A European Serin was at Land's End on 16th, a Great Bittern at Walmsley Sanctuary on 17th, fifteen Whooper Swans at Croft Pascoe Pool, a Black Guillemot in Mount's Bay, four Common Kingfishers at the Estuary, six hundred Sky Larks at Trevose Head and the last Reed Warbler of the year was ringed at Nanjizal. A Pallas's Warbler was at Nanjizal on 19th before moving to a farm garden. Six Greater Scaups on 20th were on Drift Reservoir, a Killdeer, was a good find at Godrevy Towans, thirteen Firecrests were on Marazion Marsh and twenty Bullfinches and twenty Reed Buntings on Goss Moor. Five thousand five hundred Black-headed Gulls were on the Camel Estuary on 23rd and there were five hundred and fifty Linnets on 24th at Trevose Head. A Forster's Tern on 26th began an eleven-day stay on Hayle Estuary. A Green-winged Teal on the Hayle Estuary on 28th remained until 23rd December and, on 29th, a Ring-billed Gull was at Nanjizal.

DECEMBER On the first day of the month there were three hundred and sixty-three Common Redshanks on the Upper Tamar Estuary and two hundred and thirty-nine Fieldfares at Colliford Reservoir. Two Little Auks passed St Ives on 2nd, together with a Long-tailed Skua and two Grey Phalaropes. Three Red-necked Grebes were in Veryan Bay on 4th and a Gyr Falcon appeared at Trethewey and ranged around the Land's End area until 15th December. A Great Bittern was at Marazion Marsh on 7th when a Little Auk was in Mount's Bay. Another Great Bittern was at Loe Pool on 8th and nineteen Mistle Thrushes at the Gannel Estuary. A good record on 10th was of twelve Woodlarks at Godolphin Hill. One hundred and fifty thousand Common Starlings on 12th were at Marazion Marsh.

There were three Common Cranes at Goldsithney on 13th, on 15th there were sixty-six Grey Plovers on the Camel Estuary and on 16th there were eighty-three Magpies on Marazion Marsh. Twenty-three Red-throated Divers were in Harlyn Bay on 17th, fifteen Little Grebes were at Drift Reservoir and a Ring-necked Duck was on Porth Reservoir. Four thousand European Golden Plovers were on Hayle Estuary on 20th and a Green-winged Teal on 25th at Loe Pool. A high count of twenty-seven Hedge Accentors on 27th was made at Polly Joke. An American Wigeon returned to Hayle Estuary on 28th and forty-five Red Knots were on the Camel Estuary. There were fifty Eurasian Woodcocks on 29th at Treverven. On the last day of the year there were ten Common Eiders on the and two Corn Buntings at Polly Joke.

11 EDITORIAL

I will start with the most important part of this editorial, which is to thank everyone who helped with the production of this report. Thank you also to everyone who submitted reports and records. It was very pleasing to receive an increased number of regular reports from individual sites, helping the report to provide a wider view of the spread of species across the county from month to month. When submitting reports please remember that the Records Committee have to base their decisions on the information submitted. If important identification features are not mentioned, the Committee are not able to assume that they have been seen. Please note that descriptions are required for single observer sightings of Category B County Rarities. This requirement is applied to all observers so that there is not one rule for some and another rule for others. An additional benefit is that there is documentation that can be referred to in future years, My apologies if initials are in the wrong order on rarities. Unfortunately, we do not always know the name of the original finder. Indeed, the only way of eliminating the possibility of errors would be to omit initials from the report. Please ensure that Ordnance Survey map grid references are provided for less well-known sites (e.g. farm names, and 'local' names for sites or parts of larger sites) if they are not already included in the Gazetteer. The purpose of the tables, headed 'Approximate monthly totals' and showing the maximum number of birds recorded on the county mainland during each month is to illustrate the spread of records throughout the year and, whilst coverage will vary, the basis of recording the information will remain fairly constant and the tables should provide an indication of changes in numbers over the years. As the "Historic Totals" for the more rare species have not always followed on from one report to the next, I have spent the last three years extracting details from old reports and placing them on a database. It is intended that the database be updated every year to achieve more continuity in future. Please split distinctive races of species (e.g. Brent Geese and White-fronted Geese) when submitting records. Following the return of the Chough as a Cornish breeding species, it seemed appropriate to reprint a seventy year old article from a previous time when 'The Chough' was a breeding species with an uncertain future. Finally, I would like to end with the annual editor's plea. Please ensure that your records for the year 2003 are sent to the Recorder on or before the 31st January 2004.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To: Everyone who submitted records to the County Recorder. To: Graham Hobin for WeBS count data. To: Steve Madge for providing details of Field & Natural History Club records. To: Mashuq Ahmad and Pete Fraser for providing details of sightings reported to Birding South West. To: Paul McCartney who provided a summary of the information received for the Cornish Bird Atlas, and to the people who provided him with that information. To: Mashuq Ahmad, Greg Conway, Pete Fraser, Steve Madge, Graham Sutton and Laurie Williams for their assessment of county rarity reports. To: All ringers who have provided details of their ringing activities. To: The photographers and video cameramen who allowed their pictures to be used in this report. To: Laurie Williams for proofreading the report. To: Pete Fraser for his assistance with the computer

12 SUBMISSION OF RECORDS

All records for the year 2003, including descriptions where appropriate, should, be submitted to the County Recorder by 31st January 2004 to guarantee inclusion in "Birds in Cornwall 2003".

The entry of records into the database is a huge task and needs to be spread over the whole year. If the submission of reports is left until the year-end, the result is late completion of the annual report. If you submit more than just a few records please submit them on a quarterly basis.

Please ensure that your name and address, together with the year to which the records apply, are shown clearly on the front page.

All records are of use. Whilst not every report is included in 'Birds of Cornwall', they are all entered in the Society's database where they are available for research. They will also be used to assist with the compilation of a Cornish Bird Atlas, a long-term project for which data will be required over several years.

Information required for county and national rarities is shown under "Rarities". All other records, to be of greatest value, should contain as much of the following information as possible:

Species - English name, new or old Date - 5.10, 5/10, or 5 Oct are all acceptable Location - as accurate as possible, using names appearing on the current 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps. Please include grid references for less well-known sites (if not already in Gazetteer) Number - individuals, pairs, singing males, etc. Age - adult, first cal (calendar year), second cal, etc. Sex - male or female Direction - (flying) N, S, E, W, NW, NE, etc.

All records are worthwhile, but those included in the following categories are particularly useful: <> First and last dates for summer migrants <> Scarce and rare species <> Counts of migrants (e.g. finches, wildfowl, gulls, thrushes, waders, , etc.) <> Breeding records (April to August, with six figure grid references e.g. SX123456) of singing males, or pairs, or nests, for the following species: Common Kestrel Green Woodpecker Cetti's Warbler Peregrine L. S. Woodpecker Sedge Warbler Grey Partridge Wood Lark Reed Warbler Common Quail Skylark Dartford Warbler Moorhen Sand Martin Lesser Whitethroat Oystercatcher Tree Pipit Spotted Flycatcher Northern Lapwing Meadow Pipit Pied Flycatcher Common Snipe Grey Wagtail Willow Tit Common Curlew Dipper House Sparrow 'colonial' Seabirds Common Redstart Linnet Stock Dove Whinchat Common Redpoll Turtle Dove Common Stonechat Bullfinch Barn Owl Northern Wheatear Yellowhammer Little Owl Song Thrush Cirl Bunting

13 European Nightjar Mistle Thrush Reed Bunting Common Kingfisher Grasshopper Warbler Corn Bunting oWinter records (November to February including a six figure grid reference) of flocks of the following species: European Golden Plover Fieldfare Yellowhammer Northern Lapwing Redwing Cirl Bunting Barn Owl (individuals) House Sparrow Reed Bunting Woodlark Goldfinch Corn Bunting Skylark (flocks over 50) Linnet oRoost Records (all year including a six figure grid reference) for the species and groups listed below: Great Cormorant All Gulls (200 + birds) All Corvids All Terns Common Starling Hen Harrier Sand Martin All Finches Merlin Barn Swallow All Buntings All Waders Pied Wagtail

Guidelines for submission of computer generated records Records should ideally be submitted to the Recorder on a 'comma-separated variable' (.CSV) file which can easily be made using most proprietary spreadsheet packages. Files with the same format, with the text (.TXT) suffix, can also be made using the same packages (e.g. MS Works, Excel). Word processed files are seldom any more use than hand written notes, although sometimes easier to read! Please send your file to the Recorder by post or (better) by email to: [email protected] Please do not: - forget to include a header record with the names of each column (e.g. species, site, etc.) - save your spreadsheet in its own format. The Recorder may not have the same spreadsheet as you, or may not have the same version. That is why the .CSV/.TXT format is so useful - it is easily read by other software. - include more than one year's records in one file. - show the first and last dates in the same column. - include the grid reference with the site name - use a separate field. - do not include apostrophe's in place or bird names. - do not include letters (e.g. "c") in the number field. - do not include plus signs in the number field (e.g. "100+"). - do not include hyphens in the number field (e.g. "100 - 130"). - if a maximum monthly figure is shown, date as the first day of the month and add "max" in the comments column.

Sample submission style: SPECIES,SITE,DATE,NO,AGE,AGENO,SEX,SEXNO,NOTES Purple Heron, Marazion Marsh,25/04/99,l,AD,l„,flew in from W at 1400 Whooper Swan, Pool,02/03/99,4„,„1430 and 1530 Brent Goose, Marazion Beach,30/01/99,1,,,,,

WILDFOWL and WADER COUNTS The organising and collating of these important counts has, since November 2001, been the responsibility of Graham Hobin, Lower Drift Farmhouse, Drift, , Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6AA: tel. no. 01736 362206. County volunteers are always required and anyone interested is asked to contact Dave at the above address.

14 SUBMISSION OF RARITY REPORTS

National Rarities Descriptions of national rarities should be sent to the County Recorder who will then forward them to the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) for appraisal. These descriptions should follow the criteria listed below or can be submitted on special BBRC forms that are available from the County Recorder or the Secretary of the BBRC, Mr. M. J. Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, , St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 3AZ. Please enclose copies of field notes and photographs, where possible. County Rarities The identification of the majority of county rarities is quite easy for experienced observers and, consequently, the following list of 'Group A' species requiring a full description is relatively small. Many of the species requiring a full description in the past are now included in 'Group B'. Descriptions are not required for sightings of 'Group B' species unless specifically requested by the County Recorder, and provided the bird or birds have been seen by three, experienced observers who are known to the Rarities Committee - the names of the observers should be included when details of sightings are submitted. These arrangements have been introduced to eliminate the need for unnecessary descriptions of 'easy' rarities, without compromising the integrity of the county records.

Group A - Species requiring a full description Bean Goose Rough-legged Buzzard Tawny Pipit American Wigeon Long-tailed Skua Twite Surf Scoter Caspian Gull Mealy Redpoll European Honey Buzzard Kumlein's Gull Rustic Bunting Montagu's Harrier Roseate Tern Any unusual subspecies Northern Goshawk Richard's Pipit

Group B - Species not normally requiring a description, provided the bird(s) has been seen by at least three experienced observers who are known to the Rarities Committee - please submit names of observers with the record details.

Purple Heron Ring-billed Gull Aquatic Warbler White Stork Western Yellow-legged Barred Warbler Pink-footed Goose Gull Icterine Warbler Snow Goose Sabine's Gull Melodious Warbler Green-winged Teal Long-eared Owl European Serin Ring-necked Duck European Bee-eater Red-breasted Flycatcher Corn Crake Short-toed Lark Woodchat Shrike Common Crane Horned Lark Red-billed Chough Kentish Plover Bluethroat L. S. Woodpecker Stone Curlew 'Scandinavian' Rock Pipit Common Rosefmch Temminck's Stint Water Pipit (away from Ortolan Bunting Pectoral Sandpiper Maer Lake and Walmsley Cirl Bunting Buff-breasted Sandpiper Sanctuary) Plus any uncommon races Red-necked Phalarope Rufous Nightingale

15 Criteria for national and county rarity descriptions

All descriptions, no matter how brief, are of great value so do not be put off by the list below. This list is for guidance to show what information should ideally be included in a description.

Always include as much information as possible; even the smallest or obvious features should be included as these are often invaluable when records are assessed. Make notes and sketches in the field, and before you refer to any textbooks.

Information to be included in a description * Species * Previous experience of species * Location * Experience of similar species * Date(s) (first and last if known) * Weather conditions * Time(s) * A brief summary of how the bird * Number was found and/or identified * Age and sex * Full details of plumage and bare parts * The finder and/or identifier * Calls * Duration of observation * Distinctive behaviour (whilst feeding, * Distance from bird(s) flying, etc.) * Optical aids used * Any other distinctive features * Species nearby for comparison

16 SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR 2002

Sightings are mainly listed in the alphabetical order of localities to facilitate easier reading of the report. All the records included in this report, together with many other sightings, are included in the Society's computerised records from which data can be extracted in alternative formats with relative ease.

The tables headed 'Approximate monthly totals' illustrate the maximum number of birds recorded on the county mainland during each month, after (as far as possible, and where possible) allowing for the movement of birds during the month.

A review of historical data has been undertaken for many species and, from this, the 'Approximate monthly totals (historic)' have been calculated. Whenever possible the figures have been adjusted to take account of birds wandering from site to site. In respect of BBRC rarities, only birds that have been reported to and accepted by the Rarities Committee have been included.

The 'Regular reports and maximum numbers' tables give maximum day counts at selected sites for each month.

The term 'first caP is used as a shortened version of 'first calendar year' (i.e. a bird hatched in June of year one will enter its second calendar year on the following 1st January) and the same use is made of 'second year' etc. The purpose of introducing this system was to standardise the various systems of ageing birds that are used by birdwatchers when submitting information.

Abbreviations used within the report include the following:

BBRC - British Birds Rarities Committee BTO - British Trust for CP - Country Park Est. - Estuary Res. - Reservoir RSPB - Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Sane. - Sanctuary Tetrad - 2km x 2km grid square

The symbol ' - ' in various tables indicates that either no birds were present or that no count was received for that particular period.

References Penhallurick, R.D. The Birds of the Cornish Coast, Truro, 1969. Penhallurick, R.D. The Birds of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Penzance, 1978. Cornwall Bird -watching and Preservation Society Reports 1931-2001 Caradon Field and Natural History Club Report 2002. British Birds Vol. 95. Birding World Vol. 15.

17 RED-THROATED DIVER - Gavia stellata Winter visitor and passage migrant. Distributed along the entire coastline but with concentrations of spring migrants regularly occurring along the north coast off headlands between Perranporth and , and off the south coast between Seaton and Downderry. Reports indicate a significant increase in the average size of flocks seen in the Trevose Head to Harlyn Bay area since 1987 (by comparison with the previous ten years), and a similar situation has occurred off Seaton since 1989. Numbers were below average at the start of the year, but higher than average numbers returned in December. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 29 33 40 2 7 1 - - 2 7 19 57 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Carrick Roads - - 1 ------Gerrans Bay ------Land's End/Sennen - - - - 1 ------1 Mevagissey Bay 1 - - - 1 ------Mount's Bay - 1 - - - 1 - - 1 1 10 /Holywell 1 2 3 ------1 3 1 Pendeen Watch ------1 1 5 Porthgwarra ------2 - St Austell Bay 10 2 - 1 1 - - - - 1 2 5 St Ives Bay 5 1 1 1 ------5 7 Trevose/ 4 5 17 - 1 - - - 1 - 3 23 6 20 16 _ 3 _ _ _ _ _ 1 5 Other reports include: Botallack: Two on 23rd Oct. Bude: One on 24th Jan. Drift Res: One on 9th - 19th Jan. : Two on 9th Mar. Pendeen: One on 27th Oct. Porthgwarra: One on 27th Sep. St. John's Lake: A first cal on 9th Nov. Swanpool: Two on 15th Feb.

BLACK-THROATED DIVER - Gavia Red-throated Diver (Kester Wilson) arctica Winter visitor and passage migrant. Mainly a bird of the more sheltered south coast, with large gatherings regularly seen in Veryan Bay and Gerrans Bay. The latter form a significant proportion of the UK population. Larger flocks also occur in St. Austell Bay and Mount's Bay. Numbers at the start of the year were a little below average overall, but more birds returned in December than have been seen since 1997. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 83 64 105 73 9 6 1 _ _ 3 23 63

18 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Carrick Roads 4 ------3 Falmouth Bay - 30 ------Gerrans Bay 18 15 33 6 1 6 - - - - 4 32 Land's End/Sennen - 4 1 - 1 ------1 Mevagissey Bay 12 - 35 - 1 - - - - - 6 - Mount's Bay 5 6 10 3 1 - - - - 1 1 5 Porthgwarra 1 1 - - 2 ------St. Austell Bay 2 - 2 4 1 - - - - - 5 1 St. Ives Bay 1 5 ------3 1 Trevose/Padstow - 1 1 ------2 1 Veryan Bay 38 - 20 60 ------15 Whitsand Bay 1 - 1 - - - 1 - - - - 1 Other reports include: Coverack: Two on 30th Dec. Gorran Haven: Up to nineteen in early March could have been part of the Gerrans Bay flock. Lizard point: One on 4th May. Newquay: One on 11th Mar. Pendeen Watch: Two on 6th Feb: One on 18th and 22nd Oct. : One on the unusual date of 18th Jul was presumably over-summering. Rumps Point: One on 2nd Mar: Two on 7th Nov. St Agnes Head: One on 4th Jan. Sancreed: One flew overhead on 6th May. : One on 27th Oct.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - Gavia immer Winter visitor and passage migrant. This species is the most widespread of the divers, but they tend to be more solitary and rarely form more than small rafts. Concerted survey work in the past has confirmed the significance of the stretch of coast from St. Austell Bay to the Helford River where, although thinly distributed, internationally important numbers have been located and large flocks pass through in spring. Although numbers in January were below the levels of the previous three years, there was a large movement in spring that resulted in March and May numbers well above the level seen during the previous ten years. End of the year numbers were the best since 1997. The high counts in Mount's Bay and St Austell Bay were the highest recorded for the last forty years. AoDroximate monthlv totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 71 113 193 103 86 6 - 1 2 16 58 84 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1 1 ------1 2 Cape Cornwall - 2 ------6 - Carrick Roads 1 4 3 ------2 2 Gerran's Bay 5 4 12 6 2 - - - 1 1 5 5 Land's End/Sennen - 4 2 2 2 1 - - - 4 1 2 Mevagissey Bay 1 - 6 - 8 - - - - 1 4 - Hayle Est. - 4 ------1 Mount's Bay 2 7 32 13 20 1 - - - - 2 12 Pendeen Watch 4 ------2 2 -

19 Porthgwarra - 4 - 1 9 - - 1 1 1 2 3 St. Austell Bay 34 20 80 45 34 1 - - - 4 8 38 St Ives Bay 4 40 10 3 1 - - - - 2 8 8 Trevose/Harlyn 1 2 1 1 - - - - - 1 4 2 Veryan Bay 2 - 6 5 - 1 ------Whitsand Bay 16 16 38 24 10 - - - - - 6 4 Other reports include: Crowdy Res: One on 27th Dec. Est: Two on 17th Nov: One on 8th Dec. Helford River: Three on 16th Mar. Loe Pool: Two on 13th Apr. Lynher Est: One on 14th Dec. Portwrinkle: Four on 18th Feb. Siblyback Res: One on 11th Nov - 28th Dec. St John's Lake: One on 7th - 31st Dec.

LITTLE GREBE - Tachybaptus ruficollis Scarce resident that occasionally breeds. Passage migrant and winter visitor. The number of birds recorded is always low in April to July but, whilst this will in part be due to some migration of birds out of the county, it probably also reflects the skulking nature of this species during the breeding season when other than single birds are rarely seen. Recorded numbers increased steadily in the 1990's. However, there was a substantial reduction of numbers in the last quarter of 2000 that was reversed last year. The improvement has continued this year but has not yet returned to the heights of 1998. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 140 87 72 16 14 9 10 62 92 88 116 132 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 12 7 4 4 1 - 2 2 1 2 6 8 Colliford/Dozmary - 1 1 - - - 1 1 1 - 1 - Drift Res. 9 6 5 - - - - 8 10 9 10 15 Fowey Est. 4 2 ------4 - 2 Harlyn Pools 7 8 4 - - 1 - - 5 - 5 9 Helford River - 1 3 ------12 Hayle Est. 12 7 6 - - - - - 1 5 8 10 Loe Pool 5 3 - 1 2 1 3 13 17 16 10 2 Lynher Est. 5 - 2 ------Marazion Marsh 5 4 3 2 1 2 - - 2 3 4 4 Millbrook 11 13 9 - 4 - - - - 4 10 11 Par Beach Pool 3 5 3 2 2 2 2 4 3 2 2 4 River 6 2 5 ------3 5 2 St. John's Lake 7 5 4 - - - - 2 1 8 5 7 Siblyback Res. 5 3 2 - - - 1 8 17 14 11 10 Stithians Res. 14 2 7 - - - 1 19 20 - 11 6 Swanpool 7 4 2 - 1 - - 2 7 7 7 10 River 7 10 6 - - - - 1 4 5 8 7 Other reports include: Marazion Marsh: Bred. : Five on 10th Jan

20 GREAT CRESTED GREBE - Podiceps cristatus Rare breeding resident, scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. There has been an increase in wintering birds during the latter part of the last decade, particularly on the Lynher Estuary. The higher level of records has been maintained this year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 79 52 49 33 23 28 25 16 21 53 53 56 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 4 4 2 - - - - 1 - - 4 College Res. - - - 2 2 2 3 - - - 1 2 Colliford/Dozmary 1 - 3 5 5 10 2 1 1 - 1 - Crowdy Res. - 2 - 4 4 5 4 3 1 1 - Lynher Est. 23 8 17 2 2 - - - - 26 13 10 St. Austell Bay 19 10 8 1 1 1 - - 1 - 2 12 St. John's Lake 14 10 4 3 - - - - 1 14 20 16 Siblyback Res. - - 1 4 3 2 4 4 4 1 - - Stithians Res. - 1 8 8 6 6 6 8 6 - - - Tamar Est. 8 3 3 1 - - - - 3 5 9 5 Tamar Lakes 3 10 - - - - 4 - 3 5 7 7 Whitsand Bay 1 1 1 ------1 - - Breeding reported at Colliford Reservoir, Crowdy Reservoir, Stithians Reservoir and Siblyback Reservoir, but failed at Dozmary Pool. Other reports include: Carrick Roads: Two on 10th Jan.

RED-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps grisegena Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. The majority of wintering birds are seen on the south coast between St. Austell Bay and the Helford River. Although they are regularly encountered on the north coast at St Ives and Hayle, few birds were reported from that area during recent years. This is now the most rare of the grebes in Cornwall. Numbers were a little better than last year, but well below the level seen in the late 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 3 4 1 - - - - - 6 5 7 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Carrick Roads 1 2 ------1 Gerrans Bay 1 1 ------2 1 Gorran Haven - - 1 ------Mevagissey Bay ------1 - - Porth Reservoir ------1 St. Austell Bay 1 ------1 2 - St. Ives Bay ------2 1 1 Swanpool ------2 - - Very an Bay 2 - 1 1 - * ------3 Whitsand Bay - 1 1 ------

21 SLAVONIAN GREBE - Podiceps auritus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Largest parties occur along the south coast in Gerrans, Whitesand and St. Austell Bays, with smaller numbers regularly frequenting the Camel Estuary on the north coast. Overall numbers were about average for recent years. There was a significant increase in the high count of flocks in St Austell Bay between 1997 and 2000, but flock numbers have now reduced back to previous levels. Approximate monthly totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 54 32 31 2 ----- 6 15 38 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 4 3 1 ------1 1 5 Carrick Roads 6 ------5 4 Gerrans Bay 9 - 11 ------8 Lynher/St. John's 3 1 1 ------1 Mount's Bay 5 2 5 ------3 St. Austell Bay 9 9 4 1 - - - - - 1 2 6 St Ives Bay - 1 - 1 - - - - - 2 2 2 Whitsand Bay 9 13 8 - - - - - 2 3 4 9 3 1 ------2 5 Other reports include: Hayle Est/Carnsew Pool: One on 5th Feb: One on 13th - 14th Feb: One on 30th - 31st Dec. Hemmick Beach/Veryan Bay: One on 3rd Mar: Two on 3rd Dec. Drift Res: One on 29th Jan: One on 15th Nov: Two on 26th Dec. Helford Est. Three on 13th Jan. Pendeen Watch: One on 4th Nov. Porth Res: One on 11th - 15th Jan and 5th Feb. Sennen Cove: One on 23rd Jan. St John's Lake: Two on 4th Jan: Three on 13th Jan: One on 3rd and 16th Feb.

BLACK-NECKED GREBE - Podiceps nigricollis Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. This species occurs mainly off the south coast between St. Austell Bay and Falmouth, but is more likely to be encountered on freshwater sites than the Slavonian Grebe. Numbers increased appreciably from 1995 onwards, doubtless reflecting a doubling of the UK breeding population over the last two decades of the 1900's. It used to be described as the most rare of the grebes in Cornwall, but numbers now far exceed the Red-necked Grebe population. Records this year were a little below the average for the previous five years, but still at a good level. Approximate monthly totals Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 53 21 15 - - - - 1 - 4 5 37 Reports include: Camel Est: One on 20th Aug. Carbis Bay: One on 3rd Dec. : One on 15th Mar: One on 25th Nov may have been the Porthpean bird. Carrick Roads: Forty-six on 6th Jan: Sixteen on 16th Feb: Eleven on 3rd Mar: Twenty-five on 22nd Dec. College Res: Two on 16th Feb.

22 Drift Res: One on 15th Nov. Gerrans Bay: Five on 8th Dec. Hannafore: One on 1st Jan. Kingsmill Lake: One on 1st October. Creek: One on 28th Dec. Loe Beach: Two on 30th Jan. Loe Pool: One on 16th Nov - 22nd Dec. Lynher Est: One on 15th Jan: Two on 9th Jan: Two on 19th Oct and three on 21st Oct: One on 17th Nov. Millbrook Lake: Singles on 12th Jan - 7th Mar and on 27th Dec may have been one of the St John's birds. Porthpean: One on 13th - 15th Nov. St Ives Bay: One on 3rd Feb. St John's Lake: Two from last year on 1st Jan - 15th Feb: Three on 3rd Mar and two on 5th Mar. One on 9th Nov - 7th Dec, and four 19th - 31st Dec.

NORTHERN FULMAR - Fulmarus glacialis Breeding resident that travels widely. Most adults leave British waters to moult during September and October. This species first bred in Cornwall in 1944 and has subsequently colonised the entire coastline in significant and ever increasing numbers. Reports include: Bude: 400 on 24th Jan. Carbis Bay: 200 on 20th Feb. Chapel Point: 350 on 30th Apr. Mevagissey: 157 on 20th May. Pendeen Watch: 620 on 9th Aug: 193 on 12th Aug: 171 on 18th Aug. Porthgwarra: 319 on 27th May: 426 on 11th Aug: 666 on 13th Aug: 198 on 14th Aug. St Levan: 247 on 10th Aug: 155 on 12th Aug. Trevose Head: 265 on 14th May: 533 on 23rd May: 645 on 24th May: 132 on 29th May: 237 on 2nd Dec.

CORY'S SHEARWATER - Calonectris diomedea Scarce pelagic visitor, mainly in mid-June to early September but with occasional years when large numbers are seen. Mainland records commenced in 1961 when the Rare Birds Committee accepted a record off Land's End. Small numbers of up to five in any one year were then seen, with several blank years, until 1980 when two thousand seven hundred and thirty-two were reported. Records have been annual since with regular reports from the main sea-watching points in the west of the county. Large numbers were recorded in 1993 (2,084), 1998 (4,910) and 1999 (4,116). Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - 72 35 2 1 - - Cape Cornwall: Singles on 26th and 30th Jul MTE. Carbis Bay: One on 28th May JDL. Pendeen Watch: Two on 9th Aug MWa. Porthgwarra: Two on 1st Jul PN: Two on 2nd Jul MDW: Fifty-eight on 28th Jul MWa, JL: Eight on 29th Jul KAW, MWa, JL: Two on 4th Aug, three on 8th Aug, eleven on 9th Aug, two on

23 10th August, three on 11th Aug and four on 12th Aug BSW: Two on 13th Aug LGRE: One on 14th Aug SML, MCH: Three on 30th Aug, one on 1st Sep and one on 12th Sep BSW. St Levan: One on 8th Aug and two on 10th Aug SML, MCH may have been the birds seen at Porthgwarra. Tintagel: One on 27th Oct BTC. Trevose Head: Singles on 2nd and 7th Aug SMC. The county mainland total is now c. 19,634 since 1961. Numbers in July and August were sufficient to create interest, but the overall total of 111 was low by comparison with the excellent years of 1998 and 1999. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 4 7 287 2,605 10,014 6,700 11 3 2

GREAT SHEARWATER - Puffinus gravis Scarce pelagic visitor, mainly seen in mid-July to early September but with occasional years when large numbers are seen. The first mainland record was reported in 1958, with only occasional sightings in the following years to 1975 when one hundred and twenty-eight were reported. The first very large count was in 1991 when two thousand three hundred and twenty-six were reported, and the best ever year was in 1999 when two thousand eight hundred and twenty-five were reported. If one excludes the exceptional years of 1991 and 1999, the average number of birds seen between 1972 and 2000 is eighty-seven per annum. This year's total of seven hundred and fifty-six is, therefore, well above the average of the poor years but was heavily dependent on the large count at Porthgwarra on 30th August. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------6 743 7 - _ _ Cape Cornwall: One on 30th Jul and three on 7th Sep MTE. Land's End: One on 31st Aug MWa. Pendeen Watch: Four on 9th Aug SML, MCH, MWa: One on 10th Aug BSW: Two on 18th Aug SML, MCH: Six on 31 st Aug BSW. Porthgwarra: One on 12th Jul KAW: Two on 28th Jul and one on 30th Jul SML, MCH: Ten on 11th Aug SML, MCH: Twelve on 12th Aug SML, MCH, MWa: Twenty-two on 13th Aug SML, MCH, LGRE: Fifty-two on 14th Aug SML, MCH, CMo: One on 16th Aug SML, MCH: Six on 17th Aug MWa: 620 on 30th Aug BSW, DE: One on 1st Sep BSW: Two on 6th Sep MWa. St Levan: One on 15th Aug SML, MCH: One on 12th Aug, eight on 14th Aug and six on 17th Aug SML, MCH may have been the birds seen at Porthgwarra. Trevose Head: One on 30th Jul SMC: Three on 2nd Aug SMC: One on 8th Aug SMC, BMP: One on 31st Aug SMC: Fourteen on 7th Sep SMC. The county mainland total is now c. 7,958 since 1958. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 - 4 112 3,976 3,823 37 3 -

24 SOOTY SHEARWATER - Puffinus griseus Pelagic visitor, seen mainly mid-August to mid-September. There have been reports of a global decline of this widespread , and we are perhaps starting to see a reflection of this in the number of records seen in recent years. Average numbers since 1994 are significantly lower than were reported in the early 1990's and the 1980's. A total of six hundred and seven birds were recorded this year, below the average of 822 for the previous twenty years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - 1 1 5 57 224 110 182 24 2 Reports include: Cape Cornwall: Ten on 3rd Nov. Land's End: Ten on 31st Aug. Pendeen Watch: Thirteen on 9th Aug: Eleven on 10th Aug: Twenty-one on 18th Aug: Fifteen on 31st Aug: Twenty-five on 7th Sep: Ninety-two on 22nd Oct: Twenty-two on 27th Oct: Ten on 3 rd Nov. Porthgwarra: Fifteen on 11th Aug: Thirty-four on 12th Aug: Fifteenth on 13th Aug: Thirteen on 14th Aug: Twenty-seven on 5th Sep. St Ives Island: Thirty on 22nd Oct: Nineteen on 27th Oct Trevose Head: Seventeen on 7th Sep. The county mainland total is now c. 19,683 since 1968. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8 2 - 2 6 84 1,183 5,551 10,978 1,767 86 16

MANX SHEARWATER - Puffinus puffinus Summer visitor, mainly from late March to October. Numbers are increased by non-breeders in late summer. Feeding parties are seen offshore in summer, and a few are seen during winter months. Breeding at the last known mainland colony, at Kellan Head, is believed to have ceased in 1936. Numerous corpses have subsequently been recovered on a regular basis from north coast headlands where there are numerous rabbit burrows and an apparently suitable breeding habitat. Reports include: Cape Cornwall: 8,000 on 26th May: 4,000 on 30th Jul: 7,000 on 7th Sep. Land's End: 5,000 on 31st Jul. St Austell Bay: 4,000 on 30th Apr: 17,000 on 28th Apr: 17,000 on 29th Apr. St Ives Bay: 11,000 on 29th Apr: Trevose Head: 6,170 on 23rd May: 4,934 on 24th May: 7,785 on 29th May: 6,249 on 22nd Jun: 10,946 on 1st Jul: 4,312 on 2nd Jul:

BALEARIC SHEARWATER - Puffinus yelkouan Regular pelagic visitor, seen mainly in late July to late October. The number of records increased appreciably from 1993 onwards, but it is likely that this may result from increased observer awareness rather than an identifiable increase in birds off our shores. There were five hundred and twenty-six birds during the year. The average for the previous ten years was five hundred and thirty-two, but comparison with earlier years is perhaps less useful owing to the change in observer awareness.

25 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 64 3 - 7 13 68 147 33 127 38 5 Reports include: Downderry: Two on 22nd Aug: Two on 29th Aug. Hannafore: Two on 15th Nov. Pendeen Watch: Ten on 6th Feb: Eleven on 31st Aug: Nineteen on 22nd Oct: Thirty-two on 27th Oct. Porthgwarra: Twelve on 11th Aug: Seventeen on 13th Aug. Rame Head: Two on 28th Aug. St Ives: Seventeen on 24th Jul: Fourteen on 8th Aug. St Levan: Eleven on 21st Aug. The county mainland total increases to c. 8,670 since 1971. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 59 69 9 6 40 166 1,055 2,935 2,524 1,493 244 70

EUROPEAN STORM-PETREL - Hydrobates pelagicus Common summer visitor, seen mainly May to September. This species normally remains well out to sea during daylight hours unless driven inshore by storms and, consequently, occasional sightings from the shore do not give an accurate indication of the number of birds present offshore. Evidence of breeding was last found in 1997 when two old eggs were discovered on The . Inland sightings are exceptionally rare. Whilst numbers seen during daylight are relatively low the number of birds ringed during the early hours of the morning, virtually in the pitch dark, provides evidence of the number of birds "out there". The earliest report since 1936 was on 26th March 1986 at Porthgwarra, and the latest at Newquay on 23rd December 1989. This year the earliest was on 6th February, the earliest ever, and the latest at St Agnes Head on 27th October. Reports include: Land's End: Twenty-five on 18th Jun. New : Forty-two on 11th Jul. Pendeen Watch: 140 on 27th Oct. Porthgwarra: 200 ringed on 12th Jul: 168 ringed on 13th Jul: 198 ringed on 4th Jul: Eighty-three on 13th Aug. Rumps Point: Forty ringed on 11th Jul: Seventy-three ringed on 14th Jul. St Ives Bay: Fifty on 27th May

LEACH'S STORM-PETREL - Oceanodroma leucorhoa Scarce, pelagic passage migrant, mainly early September to early November. Rarely seen inland. A large number of birds were seen in 1974 when 510 were reported, 400 of which were off St Ives on 24th September. The next highest year was in 1952 when the species suffered heavily in severe gales - two hundred and ten were recorded, of which twenty-seven were dead birds. The average number of birds seen during the thirty years up to and including 2000 was seventy-one per annum, but six years of high numbers have a significant impact on that average. The large number of birds recorded on 6th February this year resulted in the highest annual total ever, five hundred and twenty-one birds, exceeding the five hundred and ten recorded in 1974. These were the first ever records for February.

26 Hannafore: Two on 2nd Feb EG. Pendeen Watch: 257 on 6th Feb MWa: Singles on 22nd, 26th and 27th Oct SMC, RAFOS, KAW, TMC. Porthgwarra: One on 25th Oct SMC, RAFOS. Sennen Cove: Seven on 6th Feb MTE. St Ives: 250 on 6th Feb JL, BD. Tintagel: One on 27th Oct BTC. Treloquithack: One on 3rd Feb VS. Trevose Head: Five on 6th Feb SMC. The county mainland total increases to c. 3,197 since 1948. St Ives has had the largest number of reports. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 65 516 1 3 2 6 1 184 1,289 721 248 161

RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD - Phaethon aethereus Very rare vagrant. Manacles, Lizard: An adult on 21st Apr BS, SBE. Six lucky observers were on a boat off the Manacles when it appeared before them. This is the first record for the county mainland. Red-billed Tropicbird (Kester Wilson) Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 ------

NORTHERN GANNET - Moms bassanus Present offshore throughout the year. Large numbers winter around our shores. Bred on Gulland Island, Padstow until 1478 but the nearest colony is now on Grassholm Island, Pembrokeshire. If one excludes the rather vague report of "many thousands" on 30th August 1992, the count at Pendeen on 27th October at Pendeen is the second highest at that site, following a report of twenty- five thousand on 3rd September 1983. Reports include: Pendeen Watch: 1,085 on 18th Aug: 13,225 on 22nd Oct: 4,668 on 26th Oct: 9,164 on 27th Oct. Porthgwarra: 1,219 on 7th Oct: 2,448 on 25th Oct. St Ives Island: 1,359 on 23rd Oct: 2,000 on 27th Oct. Trevose Head: 1,097 on 24th May: 1,688 on 7th Sep.

GREAT CORMORANT - Phalacrocorax carbo Resident. Breeds in low numbers on all coasts. Migrant and winter visitor. Occurs inland on reservoirs and other freshwater localities. This species is quite mobile during the non-breeding season, appearing anywhere where food is in good supply. Overall numbers were perhaps a little below average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 208 169 104 99 87 49 79 82 179 172 196 199

27 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 20 17 2 13 9 3 9 14 12 44 31 20 Carrick Roads 18 20 8 - - - - 12 12 14 10 College/Argal Res. 3 2 - 1 - - 1 - 2 1 2 7 Colliford Res. 7 9 5 6 4 6 9 9 7 16 10 13 Crowdy Res. 4 3 4 2 2 3 3 3 6 5 4 2 Drift Res. 3 7 2 2 2 1 1 1 4 3 2 4 Fowey Est 3 4 - 4 5 1 5 - 8 3 5 6 Gerrans Bay 6 5 - - 8 - - - 6 5 15 11 Hayle Est. 3 5 4 3 4 - - 1 10 7 10 13 Helford River - 2 1 1 1 1 - - 2 3 - 2 Loe Pool 58 - - 8 5 3 9 12 24 12 16 21 Looe Est. - - - - 2 5 - 3 4 2 2 4 Lynher Est. 5 8 16 15 2 - - - - - 4 2 Par/St Austell Bay 5 3 6 10 5 6 - 4 1 4 2 3 Porth Res. 2 - 2 - - - - 5 2 - - 4 Restronguet - 7 5 4 - 2 5 7 - 8 5 - St Ives Bay 12 ------6 - - - Siblyback Res. 2 6 3 2 4 3 6 4 5 5 2 3 Stithians Res. 7 6 2 - 7 3 4 3 1 3 1 3 Tamar Est. - Lower 18 13 12 11 6 10 13 - 12 12 24 9 Tamar Est. - Upper 13 33 29 7 10 - - - - - 33 30 Tamar Lakes 8 8 - - - - 6 - 8 8 8 7 Tresillian River 3 2 - 1 2 - - 2 2 4 5 3 Trevose Head - - 1 2 - 2 2 2 27 1 - - Truro River 3 7 1 - 3 - 3 6 5 6 - 7 Other reports include: Hell's Mouth: Fourteen nests on 1st Jun. Porth Res: Eleven on 20th Dec. Porthgwarra: Eleven on 8th Sep.

SHAG - Phalacrocorax aristotelis Widespread resident. Breeds in small colonies on all coasts. First year birds disperse widely. Large "rafts" are seen at favoured feeding sites in winter. Rarely seen inland. The highest raft sizes were about the same as last year, albeit at different sites, but were well below the large numbers seen during some years. This was an unexceptional year, like 2001. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est 2 ------3 16 2 Killigerran Head 152 - - - 54 - - - - 65 - - Newquay 65 6 70 - 14 6 11 - 6 - - - Pendeen Watch ------84 - 161 - - Porthgwarra - - - 12 17 - - - 5 87 20 - St Austell Bay 100 60 - - 15 ------St Ives Bay 120 - - - - - 3 - - 72 - 60 Trevose/Harlyn 12 220 70 12 71 38 63 36 . 32 28 2 Other reports include: Falmouth Bay: 100 on 2nd Feb. Godrevy Island: Thirty-four nests on 16th May. Halzephron Cove: Forty-two on 9th Sep. Mevagissey Bay: Fifty-five on 20th May. St John's Lake: One on 20th - 26th Oct. Sennen Cove: Fifty-five on 20th Oct.

28 GREAT BITTERN - Botaurus stellaris Occasional visitor occurring mainly between late October and early March. Bude Marshes: One on 15th Feb - was it the same bird seen on 8th Jan last year? GPS. Crowdy Res: One on 3rd Jan AJP, SAP, MO. Loe Pool: One on 8th Dec SB. Marazion Marsh/Long Rock Pool: One intermittently on 5th Jan - 1st Mar may have been the bird seen early last year GH, BD, DSF SFE: Two on 11th and 21st Feb DSF, JL: One on 7th Dec was presumably the returning bird DSF. My lor Bridge: One on 13 th Jan JK. Par Beach Pool: Last year's bird to 17th Feb SMC, BMP, RL, DE: Two on 13th Jan REA. Stithians Res: One on 12th Jan - 26th Feb ABS, SFE, LPW. Trelowarren: One on 14th Feb found dead MJRe. Trevellan Park, Cubert: One on 9th - 14th Jan DSF. Walmsley Sanctuary: One on 17th Nov SMC, DGD, LW. The county mainland total is now c. 155 since 1930. Most records are at Marazion, and Par has also good numbers with several before 1980. • Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 54 33 9 1 - - 1 1 5 4 19 27 *one undated.

NIGHT HERON - Nycticorax nycticorax Vagrant - mainly spring overshoots from continental Europe in spring. Land's End: An adult on 7th April MWa et al. Nanjizal: A second year on 7th and 8th April KAW. Polgreen Lake: An adult on 21st - 23rd Apr REW. Skewjack: A second cal on 9th - 12th Apr was the Nanjizal bird KAW. Tregeseal: An adult on 26th Mar - 1st Apr RM, DSF et al. The mainland total is now c. 25 since 1946. Records are well spread around the county, but this is the third record at Skewjack. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 8 12 2 - 1 - 1 - - - *one undated

CATTLE EGRET - Bubulcus ibis Vagrant. Helford River: Three of last year's birds remained until 30th Mar SK, the day when one bird flew into wires and was taken into care REH. One seen on 15th Apr and on 18th Apr when the captive bird was released SK. Both were seen on 19th Apr and one on 13th May SK. The county mainland record remains at c. 12 since 1980. Previous records were at Polgigga on 10th December 1980, Saltash on 13th December 1980, the Camel Estuary on 7th - 15th December 1981 but found dead on 27th December at , Looe on 5th - 8th December 1985, a dead bird at on 22nd November 1986, Sennen Cove on 29th December 1996, Kynance Cove on 13th - 15th June 1999, on 26th April 1999 and four birds at Gweek on 11 th - 31 st December 2001.

29 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - 1 - - - - 2 8

LITTLE EGRET - Egretta garzetta Resident. Bred for the first time in 1997, and annually since 1999. Passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers during the first half of the year were at their highest ever level. Records in the second half were lower than last year, but still very high relative to ten years ago. The number of breeding pairs has increased dramatically during the last few years. This year there were seventeen nests at three sites, one site having fifteen fledged young. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 114 174 173 169 97 117 203 199 391 279 196 146 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 15 18 18 30 8 19 60 63 63 62 31 20 Carrick Roads 1 5 2 _ _ _ 3 _ 2 2 2 2 Drift Res. ------4 6 2 _ 2 Fowey Est. 4 11 33 12 1 6 3 14 48 21 9 16 Gannel Est. 6 5 9 7 5 4 5 8 8 9 6 11 Gerrans Bay 3 2 2 - - - - 2 - 1 2 1 Hayle Est. 11 13 11 20 5 9 10 25 25 18 10 10 Helford River 1 16 14 40 31 21 47 15 23 14 3 8 Loe Pool - 1 - 1 - _ _ _ 1 1 _ _ Looe Rivers/Est. 5 9 1 5 3 3 3 13 11 12 14 8 Lynher Est. 12 25 25 15 4 - 12 _ 66 21 8 Marazion Marsh 2 1 2 1 _ _ _ _ 5 10 3 1 Percuil River 11 7 7 - 7 _ _ _ 7 6 7 7 2 5 2 8 3 - 5 _ 16 3 2 _ 3 5 3 6 3 6 18 10 14 2 4 6 St John's Lake 9 8 6 1 5 5 10 34 25 20 16 Tamar - Upper 12 15 17 6 4 - 7 20 _ _ 50 17 Tresillian River 6 24 10 5 6 4 2 4 6 6 6 4 Truro River 2 1 - 8 8 12 16 14 15 14 _ 2 Other reports include: Landulph Marsh: 103 on 16th Sep.

GREAT WHITE EGRET - Egretta Alba Rare but increasing vagrant. Hayle Est: One on 1st Sep LPW et al was also reported at Loe Pool the same day and at Argal Res on2ndSepBSW. Porth Res: One on 4th - 14th Aug was ringed as a nestling on 14th May 2002 at Lac Grand- Lieu, Loire Atlantique, France SMC, BMP. It was subsequently seen in Gloucestershire, and in Suffolk on 30th. The mainland total is now c. 11 since 1948. Previous records were at Loe Pool on 28th September - 3rd November 1948, at Godrevy Marsh on 29th May 1951, on the Fal Estuary on 23rd Jun - 24th July 1989, the Lynher Estuary on 30th March 1991, Argal Reservoir on 22nd October 1996, and individuals at Nanjizal on 15th May 1998 and at on 21st October 1998, two at Hayle on 23rd September 2000, one at Drift Reservoir on 2nd - 5th April 2000 and an adult at Stithians Reservoir on 21st June 2001.

30 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 1 1 1 - 1 4 2 - -

GREY HERON - Ardea cinerea Breeding resident, dispersing widely after breeding, and is also a passage migrant. Breeding was reported from the following heronries during 2002; figures represent number of occupied nests. Unfortunately, as the annual census is no longer carried out we are not able to provide details of the numbers of nests at many of the sites mentioned in previous issues of the report. 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 Kea Wood, Malpas 7 7 8 7 9 9 6 7 5 Marazion Marsh 4 1 3 3 5 3 2 4 3 Shillingham Creek, Lynher Est. 16 * 16 16 11 15 13 15 18 Trenant Wood, Looe 5 10 12 10 8 9 8 9 7 * Foot and mouth restrictions prevented a count Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 12 19 - 2 3 8 21 27 8 35 14 14 Colliford Res. 1 - - - - 1 1 3 - 1 1 Crowdy Res. - 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 - - Drift Res. 3 3 3 2 1 1 5 3 4 5 3 3 Fowey Est 2 2 2 3 4 1 - 1 3 3 1 2 Gannel Est. - 3 1 1 - 1 2 - 2 3 - 1 Hayle Est. - - - 1 3 - 3 4 1 6 2 4 Helford River 7 20 15 16 16 12 8 5 13 5 4 6 Loe Pool - - - 1 1 - 2 3 2 4 2 3 Looe Est. - - - 6 10 8 - 7 7 8 1 7 Lynher Est. 4 6 6 32 32 - - - - - 4 - Marazion Marsh 7 10 2 6 3 8 12 11 12 10 7 15 Par Pools 2 1 2 2 2 1 - 3 6 3 2 1 Percuil River 8 8 - - 2 - - - - 2 2 2 Porth Res 1 4 1 4 4 - - - 4 3 3 7 Restronguet Creek 7 4 3 2 3 1 4 3 2 4 7 2 Ruan Lanihorne - - 1 1 1 3 1 4 3 - - - Siblyback Res. - 1 - - - 1 - 1 3 1 1 - Stithians Res. 3 - 1 1 1 4 6 6 3 1 - - Tamar Est. - Lower 8 8 8 4 6 1 2 6 4 20 17 Tamar Est. - Upper 7 10 10 7 7 - - - - - 24 6 Tamar Lakes ------2 - - 3 2 - Tresillian River - - - 3 4 1 8 2 4 5 6 3 Truro River 12 19 10 25 20 12 14 26 10 16 - 2 Walmsley Sane. - 10 8 ------2 3 3

WHITE STORK - Ciconia ciconia Vagrant and espcapee. Colliford Res: One on 6th May SJ. , Lizard: One on 5th - 6th May JL. , Bude: One on 7th - 8th May GPS et al. First seen on The Lizard, this bird eventually made its way to the far north coast to complete its four- day visit to the county.

31 The county mainland total advances to c. 23 since 1952. The Camel Estuary has had four records of five birds, and Marazion Marsh and have two records each. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ 4 4 6 2 - 2 4 1 - -

EURASIAN SPOONBILL - Platalea leucorodia Passage migrant that occasionally over-winters. Camel Est: A second cal on 13th Jan - 11th Mar MLw, SMC, BMP: A first cal and a second cal on 5th Aug SMC, TFP: A first cal on 19th - 27th Sep SMC. Hayle Est: Two first cal on 4th Aug LPW, DSF: One on 16th Sep BSW. Lynher Estuary: Last year's adult to 16th Feb SMC, EJC, BMP, and returned (for its probable fourteenth winter) on 24th Sep - 31st Dec RWG. Maer Lake: An adult on 25th Mar - 4th Apr GPS: A different adult on 21st May GPS. St Buryan: One on 1st Mar JL. The county mainland total advances to c. 184 since 1935. There have been records every year since 1977, the second of two blank years. The largest group was ten that were first seen on the Camel Estuary on 2nd October 1997. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 5 13 11 17 14 6 5 19 48 19 15 *one undated

MUTE SWAN - Cygnus olor Breeding resident and winter visitor. Moulting herds in autumn After a period of decline in overall numbers during the 1970's and 1980's, there was a distinct improvement in the 1990's that peaked in 1996. Death by lead poisoning (through the ingestion of discarded lead fishing weights) is considered to have been a major factor in the decline, and the increase in numbers coincided with the use of alternative materials for the manufacture of these items. However, the improvement then tailed-off and numbers were at lower levels by 2000. Numbers on the Camel Estuary increased appreciably from the 1980's into the 1990's but, conversely, numbers on St John's Lake were much higher in the late 1970's and early 1980's than in the 1990's. Overall numbers this year were the highest since 1996. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 342 287 208 275 260 205 156 205 209 236 282 307 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 38 47 46 43 45 45 46 45 47 54 52 47 College Res - 5 3 1 1 3 2 7 1 2 Drift Res. 50 45 45 41 41 42 40 41 44 46 52 52 Fowey Est. - - 1 3 - 12 2 5 2 10 - - Harlyn Bay/Pools 6 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 8 2 5 2 Hayle Est. 15 - - 3 2 2 1 9 6 7 Helford River - - 8 4 4 5 4 9 - 2 8 6 Helston Boat Lake 8 - - 2 2 7 6 6 2 7 7 9 Loe Pool 8 - - 6 6 18 23 26 15 14 8 8 Looe Rivers/Est. 15 10 - 13 15 18 - 22 16 16 9 20

32 Lynher Est. 34 44 2 40 39 - - - - 9 31 22 Marazion Marsh 12 6 8 6 7 8 2 18 19 15 9 7 Millbrook Lake 10 10 6 2 10 12 _ _ _ 9 11 11 Par 12 5 8 4 7 8 4 6 6 7 4 5 Restronguet Creek - - 3 4 5 - _ _ 7 2 3 6 Ruan Lanihorne - - 2 2 2 2 _ _ 14 1 _ - St John's Lake 4 3 5 - 2 6 6 6 6 14 20 _ Swanpool 40 39 28 2 2 2 2 2 2 18 Tamar Est. - Upper 10 11 22 37 9 - - _ 12 25 Torpoint/Saltash 34 44 40 39 - - - _ _ 31 22 Tresillian River 2 3 6 4 3 1 2 6 3 2 5 30 Truro River 12 2 3 3 4 2 5 4 1 1 Breeding was reported at Bake Lake, Bude Marshes, Egoshayle, Harlyn Pools, Hayle Mill Pond, Helston Boating Lake, Loe Pool, Marazion Marsh, Millbrook Lake, Par Beach Pool, (unsuccessful), Polridmouth Cove, Pont Mill, St Germans, St John's Lake, Steps Pond, Walmsley Sanctuary (two pairs) and .

WHOOPER SWAN - Cygnus cygnus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Annual between 1971 and 1999. There is no real pattern to the records since 1968, with numbers varying between none and thirty-two per annum and with no increasing or decreasing trends. This year's total of fifty-four birds is the highest ever. Bude Marshes: Five on 9th Nov. : Four on 25th Oct. Creek: One on 16th Nov. Camel Estuary: An adult on 7th Jan - 7th Apr. Catchall: An adult on 25th Oct. Coverack: Six on 21st Nov were presumably some of the Croft Pascoe Pool birds. Drift Res: One on 23rd Oct: Fourteen on 4th Dec were presumably the Croft Pascoe birds: One on 15th and 17th Dec. Goonhilly Downs/Croft Pascoe Pool: Five on 26th Oct: A maximum of thirteen adults and two first cal 9th - 17th Nov and 12th Dec. Harlyn Bay: Two adults on 1st Dec were presumably the Trevose Head birds. Hayle Est. and : Three adults and three first cal on 10th Jan. Lizard Village: Three on 26th Oct. Loe Pool: Ten adults and three first cal on 24th Oct: Four adults on 23rd and 28th Oct. Maer Lake: An adult on 26th Oct. Marazion Marsh: Four adults on 6th Nov. Nanjizal: Eleven adults and three first cal on 23rd Oct: Seven on 28th Oct. Nanquidno: Two on 19th Nov. , St Just: Four adults on 23rd Oct. Ruan Lanihorne: Six on 17th Oct. Sennen/Land's End: Up to eighteen adults and one first cal 25th Oct - 16th Nov: One killed when it flew into wires on 2nd Nov: The RSPCA released a bird into the flock on 11th Nov. St Ives: An adult on 23rd Oct. Trevose Head: Two adults on 24th Nov - the first records for the site. Walmsley Sane: Two adults on 29th Oct - 2nd Nov. Two main flocks were seen in the autumn, one in the Sennen/Land's End area and the other on Goonhilly Downs. Although there were only two days when large flocks were seen at both Sennen and Goonhilly Downs (9th and 10th November) and although it is only twenty miles as the Whooper Swan flies across Mount's Bay between the two sites, it seems likely that two groups were involved 33 in the sightings. It is assumed that the Goonhilly, Cadgwith, Coverack, Lizard Village and Loe Pool records all relate to one group; and that the Sennen, Catchall, Marazion Marsh, Nanjizal, Nanquidno, New Downs and St Ives records all relate to the other group. The county mainland total advances to c. 494 since 1930. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 96 16 10 2 1 - - - 2 144 130 93

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - Anser albifrons Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Cornwall receives visits from both the Eurasian race A. a. albifrons and the Greenland race A. a. flavirostris. Numbers fluctuate from year to year and this year's records were not exceptional. Approximate monthly totals - Eurasian albifrons race: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 6 ------3 - Colliford Res: The Siblyback birds on 16th Jan - 12th Feb. Creek: Three on 20th Oct. Nanjizal: Two adults and a second cal on 22nd - 24th Jan. Siblyback Res: Four adults and two second cal on 8th Jan. Upper Tamar Lake: Last year's bird, now a second cal, on 7th and 12th Jan.

Approximate monthly totals - Greenland flavirostris race: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 Sennen: One on 4th - 6th Nov.

GREYLAG GOOSE - Anser Anser Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Many records undoubtedly relate to feral escapes. Annual since 1973. Whilst feral birds are breeding widely and in increasing numbers in many parts of England, this has not yet happened in the county. Many old records relate to a small number of feral birds moving around the county, making it difficult to identify genuinely wild birds, and the same situation continues today. Drift Res: One on 26th Mar. Hannafore: One on 14th Dec. Land's End: Two on 14th Mar. Lynher Est: One on 27th Oct. Maer Lake: One on 30th Mar. Nanjizal: One on 2nd, 3rd and 7th Mar. Siblyback Res: One on 8th - 15th Jan: Two on 30th Jun - 15th Jul: Three on 25th Jul: One on 12th Aug: One on 16th - 21st Nov: One on 8th Dec. Walmsley Sane. One on 27th - 29th Mar and 4th Apr.

CANADA GOOSE - Branta canadensis Breeding resident with some dispersal. This species has undergone and is continuing to undergo a population explosion, with numbers trebling in the UK in the 20 years from 1976. County numbers increased steadily for many years, although few are recorded in the western part of the county, but now appear to be increasing rapidly.

34 The high count at Colliford Reservoir in July represents a forty-four per cent increase over last year, and last year's count was the previous highest count. Overall numbers continued their upward spiral. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,443 1,166 441 279 600 1,852 2,293 1,310 1,675 3,636 1,486 2,326 Regular reports & maximum numbers Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes 1 - - 26 - - - - - 64 - - Camel Est. 5 19 47 40 38 - 88 405 414 181 29 2 Colliford /Dozmary 504 626 190 80 409 1,565 1,788 427 98 436 538 632 Crowdy Res. 9 40 22 13 36 133 242 245 154 346 103 94 Drift Res. - 1 2 7 3 ------Lynher Est. Ill 164 ------300 69 - Maer Lake/Bude 165 85 3 7 - - - 7 36 - 146 740 Millbrook Lake 16 15 15 5 10 19 - - - 15 14 13 Ruan Lanihorne - - 14 2 14 - 4 8 53 42 35 - Siblyback Res. 450 105 84 28 25 71 145 14 152 436 538 290 Stithians Res. - 9 1 10 8 - 5 11 5 - 2 2 Tamar Est. - Upper 20 - 29 14 2 ------Tamar Lakes 159 93 - - - - 8 - 638 901 2 549 Winnard's Perch - - - 4 - 7 - 149 - 108 6 - Breeding reported at College Reservoir, Colliford Reservoir, Crowdy Res, East Looe River, Hawkstor Clay Pit, Helman Tor, Hepwell Bridge, Innis/, Millbrook Lake, Newquay, Park Clay Pit, , Stannon Clay Pit, Stithians Res, Trelow Down, Treskilling Clay Pit, Upper Tamar Res, Walmsley Sanctuary and Winnard's Perch. Other reports include: : 150 on 15th Oct. Downderry: 110 on 2nd - 3rd Sep. Lower Tamar lake: 504 on 4th Oct.

A bird showing characteristics of the form known as Lesser Canada Goose was noted as follows: Upper Tamar Lake: One on 7th Jan SMC, TMC, and on 12th Jan SMC.

BARNACLE GOOSE - Branta leucopsis Uncommon drift migrant. Winter visitor. Feral escapee. Many old records relate to a small number of feral birds moving around the county, making it difficult to identify genuinely wild birds, and the same situation continues today. Reports include: Camel Est: Three on 17th - 25th Aug and two on 5th - 6th Oct. Cape Cornwall: Three on 25th Nov - 4th Dec were presumably the Cot Valley birds. Colliford/Dozmary: The resident bird all year except Sep and Oct and not included in the following records: Six on 13th Apr - 4th May: Four on 30th May, four on 12th and five on 18th - 30th Jun: Seven on 4th Jul - 1st Aug, one on 10th Oct, four on 16th Nov - 11th Dec and three on 16th Dec. Cot Valley: Three on 20th Nov. Crowdy Res: One on 2nd Jun. Downderry: One on 2nd Sep. Godrevy Point: One on 21st Nov. : Seven on 13th Dec.

35 Higher Tregiffian: Twelve on 22nd Oct may have been the Pendeen birds. Maer Lake: Seven on 26th Oct. Pendeen Watch: Twelve on 22nd Oct. Siblyback Res: Six on 7th - 16th Jan: Three on 11th May: Singles on 12th Sep, 10th Oct, 16th, 21st and 30th Nov and 6th Dec. Skewjack: Six on 23rd Oct. Winnard's Perch: Three on 30th Aug.

BRENT GOOSE - Branta bernicla Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Both dark-bellied B.b.bernicla (Western Siberia) and pale-bellied B.b.hrota (Arctic Canada and Greenland) races occur. No regular wintering flocks exist despite increasing numbers of both races in recent years. There were fewer records than last year, and numbers were substantially down on 1999 and 2000 when there were relatively large influxes in September.

Birds of Pale - bellied B. b. hrota race - reports include: Bude Marshes: One on 25th May - 3rd Jun. Camel Est: Present intermittently from 29th Oct - 28th Dec with maximum counts of fourteen in Oct, thirteen in Nov and five in Dec. Godrevy Point: A first cal on 10th Nov. Hayle Est: Four on 13th Feb: One on 12th Oct: One on 12th Dec. Pendeen Watch: One on 22nd Oct. : Two on 18th Oct. Porthgwarra: Two on 31st May. St Ives: A first cal on 22nd Oct. Brent Geese (Kester Wilson) St Just Airfield: One on 24th Oct. : Three on 30th Mar. Approximate monthly totals of Pale-bellied: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 4 3 - 3 1 - - - 20 14 6

***** Birds of Dark-bellied B. b. bernicla race - reports include: Arden-Sawah: One on 24th Oct was presumably one of the Land's End birds. Camel Est: One on 29th - 30th Oct and on 1st - 2nd Nov: Three on 14th - 15th Dec. Hannafore: One on 3rd Jan. Hayle Est: Singles on 11th - 31st Oct, and 23rd - 24th Nov: Four on 26th - 29th Nov: One on 10th - 26th Dec. Land's End/Sennen: One on 1st Jan - 15th Apr: Twelve on 12th May: Three on 23rd Oct: One on 14th - 25th Dec may have been a bird returning to the same site as last year. Lynher Est: One on 8th Dec. Marazion: Two on 20th Nov and one on 18th Dec. Porth Res: Two on 20th Dec. St John's Lake: One on 7th Oct: Two on 24th - 31st Dec. St Just Airfield: One on 24th Oct. Trevose Head: One on 3rd - 4th May. Approximate monthly totals of Dark-bellied: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 1 1 1 13 - - - - 7 7 11

36 EGYPTIAN GOOSE - Alopochen aegyptiacus Feral wanderer and escapee. This category "C" species occurs as a feral species in the UK, mainly in East Anglia, but with small populations elsewhere including East Devon. Camel Est: Sadly, after being present since 1987, 'Edna' was not seen after 6th Oct. The county mainland total remains at c. 13 since 1987. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 1 2 5 1 2 1

COMMON SHELDUCK - Tadorna tadorna Resident. Breeds in low numbers on most of the main estuaries. Passage migrant. Winter visitor. This species is a common sight on most estuaries, with numbers normally increasing around the start of the year. After the breeding season the majority of birds move to regular moulting grounds, returning at the end of October. The nearest moulting site is Bridgwater Bay. Overall numbers have remained fairly stable over the last eleven years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,260 967 880 605 634 346 84 24 21 33 309 815 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 115 132 134 123 110 78 34 - - 5 107 136 /Rest'guet 62 42 20 2 7 1 - - 3 4 - 9 Fowey Est. - - - 11 26 34 - - - - 16 14 Hayle Est. 75 82 76 85 62 31 30 13 4 2 25 40 Helford River 3 31 42 12 17 6 2 - - - 6 44 Looe Rivers/Est. - 3 - 13 17 9 - - - - - 1 Lynher Est. 175 132 82 103 54 - 10 12 21 173 Millbrook Lake 39 - 41 ------52 Percuil River 70 54 35 - 24 - - - - - 2 6 Ruan Lanihorne 40 26 79 48 117 53 1 6 3 - 4 16 St John's Lake 354 217 124 60 72 39 - - - 9 21 117 Tamar Est - Upper 180 122 138 64 51 - - - - - 88 72 Tresillian River 48 31 17 13 24 20 6 2 - - 18 47 Truro River 97 92 85 46 28 74 9 2 - - - 86 Breeding reported at Camel Estuary, East Looe River, Hayle Estuary, Penlee Point and St John's Lake. Other reports include: Hawkster Clay Pit: One on 16th Jan. Airfield: One on 18th May. Breeding reported on the Camel and Hayle Estuaries.

EURASIAN WIGEON - Anas penelope Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Occurs in very large numbers in cold weather. Although flocks of between two and five thousand birds were seen on the Lynher Estuary between 1977 and 1982, the average size of the largest flocks in the 1990's was only seven hundred and fifty- seven. There was also a reduction on the Camel Estuary but, conversely, there was an increase in the average size of the largest flocks on the Hayle Estuary. The highest flock size on Stithians Reservoir in the 1990's was two hundred and eighty-four, but has reduced over the last three years and was only seventy-one birds in 2002. Overall numbers this year were better than the previous two years, similar

37 to 1999, but were below the levels seen in the early 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2,653 842 453 26 1 - - 6 540 2,509 2,064 2,699 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 230 110 49 12 1 - - - 57 195 180 320 Colliford /Dozmary 18 - 4 - - - - 1 6 26 6 14 Gannel Est. 47 35 ------2 - 30 145 Hayle Est. 1 ,141 168 155 - - - - - 380 1,678 1,220 1,290 Kingsmill Lake 58 49 52 ------37 136 70 Loe Pool ------4 41 23 6 14 Lynher Est. 400 207 165 - - - - - 175 183 135 Maer Lake 232 142 22 - - - - 1 18 42 74 168 Mawgan Porth 19 35 ------30 145 Ruan Lanihorne 180 ------154 120 200 Siblyback Res. 20 3 ------2 - 12 11 Stithians Res. ------1 18 50 71 St Ives Bay ------3 - - St John's Lake 60 41 6 ------100 - - Truro River 86 48 ------12 - 52

AMERICAN WIGEON - Anas americana Regular vagrant. Hayle Est: Last year's drake to 29th Jan LPW, SMC: One on 28th - 31st Dec was presumably the same returning bird LPW. The county mainland total remains at c. 18 since 1981. There have been ten records at Hayle, four of them in 1981 when this species was first recorded in the county. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 1 - - - 6 4 5 1

GADWALL - Anas strepera Winter visitor. Passage migrant. Although numbers fluctuate from year to year depending on the severity of winter weather, the species has become more regular since 1980. However, having peaked in 1996 and 1997, numbers have been steadily reducing since then Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 56 11 2 3 2 _ _ 10 16 22 10 30 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 2 ------1 3 6 Colliford Res. 4 4 2 - - - - - 1 - - 2 Loe Pool 15 2 - - - - - 2 12 18 - 4 Marazion Marsh 8 5 - 3 2 - - - - - 1 8

EURASIAN TEAL - Anas crecca Abundant winter visitor. Passage migrant. Breeding has been confirmed only sporadically since 1975.

38 The average size of the largest flocks has increased at most sites during the last twenty years, particularly at Maer Lake where they are now three/four times bigger than during the early 1980's. This year saw the highest counts ever recorded at Hayle, Maer Lake and Colliford in January. Overall numbers in January were higher than for the last ten years, as were the totals in September and October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5,528 1,785 444 92 19 8 21 260 1,395 2,080 1,689 1,870 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford /Dozmary 730 69 46 13 1 - 15 53 69 52 73 47 Crowdy Res. 132 25 - - 2 4 - 52 82 92 55 55 Drift Res. 52 5 2 - - - - 1 28 29 12 50 Hayle Est. 1,230 180 12 - - - - 22 188 1,142 415 105 Kingsmill Lake 104 85 37 2 - - - - - _ 52 55 Loe Pool 34 - - 6 12 - - 47 123 170 1 56 Lynher Est. 200 16 37 ------100 28 60 Maer Lake 721 501 121 34 2 2 2 44 94 210 260 343 Marazion Marsh 65 72 12 4 - - - - 22 22 10 150 Mawgan Porth 500 255 - 1 - - - - - 36 150 250 Restronguet Creek 58 14 2 ------15 35 Siblyback Res. 4 1 - - - - - 1 19 31 14 6 Stithians Res. 75 51 37 - - - - - 2 23 42 55 Tamar Lakes 22 ------8 - 6 Truro River 43 60 38 ------5 - 13 Walmsley Sane. 680 340 57 19 - - - 25 93 40 350 350 Other reports include: Adams Hill: Eighty on 31st Jan. Polgreen Lake: 170 on 2nd Jan. Porth Res: Ninety-four on 11th Jan. Ruan Lanihorne: 100 on 18th Jan. Skewjack: 270 on 3rd Jan. Trevorian Pool: 230 on 22nd Jan were possibly the Skewjack birds.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL - Anas carolinensis Regular vagrant. Colliford Res: Last year's bird to 19th Jan SMC. Hayle Est: Last year's drake to 23rd Feb LPW: A first cal on 28th Nov - 23rd Dec LPW. Loe Pool: Last year's bird to 16th Feb GHT, SMC, RCL and again on 25th Dec BSW. Maer Lake: Possibly last year's bird returning on 1st Feb - 16th Mar GPS. Nanjizal: One on 17th Jan was presumably the Trevorian Pool bird on a day trip KAW. Trevorian Pool: One on 10th - 24th Jan EG et al. The county mainland total is c. 42 since 1962. There have been six records on Hayle Estuary, five on Marazion Marsh and four each on Lynher Estuary, Stithians Reservoir and Colliford Reservoir. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 4 5 2 1 _ _ - - 4 9 8

(Apparent) GREEN-WINGED TEAL X EURASIAN TEAL HYBRID Maer Lake: A drake with both horizontal and vertical lines along the side/breast on 30th Jan SMC, GPS.

39 - Anas platyrhynchos Abundant resident. Breeds. Release for wildfowling purposes at many sites. Numbers in 2000 and 2001 were below the average for the 1990's, but there has been some recovery this year. There has been a steady decline in maximum flock numbers, on the Lynher Estuary and on Crowdy and Colliford Reservoirs, since the mid-1980's that has continued this year. That said, overall numbers were better than last year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,456 742 455 380 409 403 554 762 1,097 1,214 1,563 1,129 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 110 105 25 15 12 30 34 88 85 13 145 125 Colliford /Dozmary 39 14 27 17 15 22 52 38 38 18 48 37 Crowdy Res. 21 4 - - - 4 14 46 38 60 29 27 Drift Res. 11 - 14 - - - - - 30 12 5 - Harlyn Ponds 2 ------45 24 Hayle Est. ------32 5 3 - Loe Pool 43 4 ------132 37 8 22 Looe/Seaton 54 ------60 - 85 - - Lynher Est. 105 55 26 15 12 - - - - 63 82 31 Maer Lake/Bude 17 12 8 6 15 - 32 24 18 107 19 - Mawgan Porth 38 94 ------57 45 Marazion Marsh 35 18 ------19 - - Millbrook Lake 47 20 58 17 12 - - - - - 20 27 Porth Res. 65 - 44 ------67 Siblyback Res. 34 32 23 15 - 35 47 22 57 58 28 25 Stithians Res 35 8 38 - - - 27 26 - - - 21 St John's Lake 35 15 10 - 2 15 9 - 10 34 12 5 Tamar Est. - Upper 219 97 38 33 23 - - - - - 154 78 Tamar Lakes 13 10 - - - - 11 - 15 10 14 12

AMERICAN BLACK DUCK - Anas rubripes Rare vagrant Colliford Res: Last year's drake on 19th Jan - 5th Aug, and presumably the same bird over Garrow Tor on 29th Jun SMC, BMP, JDB. Loe Pool: Last year's bird on 31st Aug - 29th Oct SFE, SMC. Stithians Res: Presumably last year's bird on 1st Apr - 15th Oct SFE, DE. The mainland total remains at c. 7 since 1984. Previous records are of one at Crowdy Reservoir in 1984, two at Walmsley Sanctuary and one at Stithians Reservoir in 1998, two at Colliford Reservoir and one at Hannafore in 1999, and one at Loe Pool in 2000. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 ------1 2 1 2

(Apparent) AMERICAN BLACK DUCK X MALLARD HYBRID Colliford Res: Last year's drake, with whitish sides to tail, on 19th Jan and 30th Jun: A similar but paler drake with less resemblance to Black Duck on 3rd Mar, 18th Jun and 21st Nov.

NORTHERN PINTAIL - Anas acuta Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant

40 Although higher numbers were recorded in 1996 and 1997 there has been an overall decline in numbers over the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 10 3 - 1 - _ 1 21 10 11 20 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est 3 1 1 - 1 - - - 7 1 2 1 Drift Res. ------1 4 2 - - Lynher Est. 14 7 ------2 4 12

GARGANEY - Anas querquedula Scarce passage migrant (mainly spring) with numbers fluctuating from year to year. Has bred on at last six occasions including three successive years 1981-83. Numbers have fluctuated between two and forty-nine since 1968, but with no particular pattern to be seen in the records. Numbers were lower than the previous two years, but probably about average for the last ten years. The earliest bird since 1935 was at Hayle Kimbro Pool on 17th March 1982, and the latest at Clowance Pool on 28th December 1973. This year the earliest bird was at Lower Tamar Lake on 28th March, and the latest on 6th December at Walmsley Sanctuary. Bake Lakes: A drake on 22 Apr. Bude Marshes: A pair on 21st - 25th Apr. Crowdy Res: One on 1st Sep. Drift Res: One on 21st - 25th Aug. Hayle Est: A first cal on 27th Sep: One on 6th Oct. Loe Pool: Singles on 31st Aug and 8th Oct. Lower Tamar Lake: One on 28th Mar. Maer Lake: A pair on 2nd May: A first cal on 4th Aug. Marazion Marsh: A pair on 22nd - 25th Apr: Three on 6th - 23rd Aug, with two on 24th - 25th Aug and one on 26th - 27th Aug. Polhawn Cove: A pair on 24 Apr. Stithians Res: One on 24th Aug: Two on 12th Sep - 2nd Oct: Two on 12th - 13th Oct. Walmsley Sane: A female on 29th Aug: A first cal on 6th - 8th Dec. The county mainland total is now c. 1,047 since 1930. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 291 280 144 20 48 157 72 26 3 4

NORTHERN SHOVELER - Anas clypeata Winter visitor. Scarce passage migrant. Bred in 2000. Numbers were at a high level during the winters of 1995/6 and 1996/7, but had reduced by as much as seventy per cent by the year 2000. However, records of flock sizes at some of the regular sites indicate that this is not an abnormal situation as numbers have fluctuated significantly in the past. Loe Pool had its largest flock since 1979, and numbers in the early part of the year were the best since 1996 and 1997. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 243 63 22 17 2 - - 17 19 17 37 21

41 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford/Dozmary 6 4 ------3 4 4 - Drift Res 9 - 1 - - - - - 1 4 3 - Hayle Est 18 ------3 - Loe Pool 60 30 - 1 1 - - 5 9 3 - - Maer Lake/Bude 5 1 2 - - - - - 3 - 5 - Marazion Marsh 11 5 ------8 - Walmsley Sane. 20 20 18 15 ------8 15 Other reports include: Brew Pool: Eight on 12th Jan. Carbis Bay: Twenty on 2nd Jan. Land's End: Thirty-two on 5th Jan. Polgreen Lake: Ten on 10th - 30th Jan. Porthgwarra: Twelve on 11th Aug. Tehidy Country Park: Fourteen on 9th Jan. Trevorian Pool: Ten on 17th Jan.

RED-CRESTED POCHARD - Netta rufina Rare visitor with the possibility of feral birds. College Res: A pair on 3rd Jan BSW. Drift Res: Three drakes and a female on 2nd Jan SMC, GH et al. The mainland total increases to c. 32 since 1946 Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 - 1 2 - - 1 - 13 - 1 4 *one undated

COMMON POCHARD - Aythya ferina Winter visitor and passage migrant. There has been a reduction in numbers since the late 1990's and this year's numbers were in line witf that decline. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 261 111 53 - 2 - 5 7 13 35 138 179 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford/Dozmary 31 20 18 - - - 1 - 3 8 25 29 Drift Res. 7 - 1 ------2 5 10 Loe Pool 138 79 - - 2 - - 2 10 13 61 71 Par 7 4 1 - - - - - 1 - 4 Siblyback Res. 23 5 5 - - - - 5 - 9 43 7 Stithians Res. 12 - 2 ------41 Other reports include: Res: Twenty on 4th Mar.

RING-NECKED DUCK - Aythya collaris Regular vagrant Colliford Res: A first cal female on 26th Oct LL.

42 Dozmary Pool: A drake on 9th - 13th Apr SMC, AJ, SAP. Loe Pool: Last year's drake and female to 13th Apr SMC, RCL, TL, ML, RJn, SFE. Porth Res: A first cal on 17th - 21st Dec SMC, LW. Siblyback Res: A first cal female on 26th Oct was presumably the Colliford bird LL. The mainland total is now c. 50 since 1979. There have been six records at Loe Pool and five at Drift Reservoir. Stithians Reservoir has had most records with twelve, six of which were present on 15th October 1979. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 1 2 8 - 1 - 2 4 14 3 4

TUFTED DUCK - Aythya fuligula Mainly a winter visitor but occasionally breeds. Numbers were above the recent average but below 1997 levels. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 437 345 225 121 157 19 91 145 238 293 295 336 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal Res. 20 22 17 ------1 3 10 Colliford/Dozmary 33 49 36 28 12 5 48 71 84 68 66 37 Crowdy Res 6 9 4 - - - 6 - 3 1 3 1 Drift Res. 44 47 44 14 - - - 4 4 26 53 89 Gannel Est. 7 7 - - 2 ------10 Helston Boat Lake 20 15 - 3 2 - 2 - - 1 8 8 Loe Pool 120 74 - 18 12 - 8 29 80 98 76 52 Par 12 6 6 - - 2 - - - 2 2 9 Siblyback Res. 37 44 41 24 5 4 10 4 22 46 41 24 Stithians Res. 15 3 38 14 12 2 13 27 20 - 2 28 Swanpool 81 51 25 - - - 4 10 25 37 35 53 Breeding reported on .

GREATER SCAUP - Aythya marila Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Records over the past twenty-five years indicate that numbers follow no particular pattern, fluctuating from year to year with occasional large numbers being seen e.g. one hundred and one in January 1985 and sixty-one in January 1997. Numbers were below average in the first part of the year, but about average in the latter part of the year. Camel Est: Singles on 13th, 18th and 22nd Jan, 8th and 10th Feb, 6th - 15th Jul and 18th - 30th Dec. Colliford Res: Females on 7th Sep and 11th Dec. Dennis Cove: One on 28th Dec. Drift Res: One on 18th May: A drake on 14th Oct was joined by two females on 21st Oct but only the two females remained on 28th Oct and there was only one bird by 17th Nov: Six birds appeared on 20th Nov and five remained to the year end. Loe Pool: Two on 10th - 14th Dec. Millbrook Lake: The female, first reported in 1990, was present all year. Sennen Cove: Two on 18th Nov. Siblyback Res: Single females on 16th Mar - 9th Apr, 6th Oct and 28th Oct - 6th Dec.

43 St John's Lake: Last year's female until 13th Jan (different from Millbrook bird): Two on 15th Feb - 3rd Mar. Siblyback Res: Females on 16th Mar - 9th Apr and 28th Oct - 6th Dec. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 4 5 4 3 2 2 1 2 6 11 14

LESSER SCAUP - Aythya affinis Vagrant Drift Res: Drake on 14th - 27th Oct FH et al. Reports of this formerly very rare species in Britain have been received annually since the identification criteria became much better known, and it has been recorded in the county in each year since the first records of a first cal male at Stithians Reservoir and a female at Drift Reservoir in 1996. Subsequent records of new birds were a male and a female at Loe Pool in 1997, two females at Argal Reservoir in 1998, and a first calendar male at Loe Pool and Drift in 1999 that remained into 2000. The county mainland total increases to c. 8 since 1996. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 2 - - - 2 2 2

COMMON EIDER - Somateria mollissima Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. A few summer. There are only eight documented reports pre-1900, and only eight records between 1931 and 1951, but the species has been annual since 1952. Records over the past twenty-five years indicate that numbers follow no particular pattern. Numbers fluctuate from year to year with occasional large increases being seen e.g. sixty-eight in January 1996 and fifty-four in January 1989. This was an average year, but with more birds in summer than usual. Camel Est: One on 6th Dec: Two on 14th - 15th Dec with one on 16th Dec. Carnsew Pool/Hayle Est: One on 10th - 12th Dec. Carrick Roads: Eleven on 10th Jan - 20th Feb. Harlyn Bay: A second cal drake on 9th Jan, 1st Feb and 11th Mar, with two on latter date. Helford River: Three on 16th Mar: Four on 11th Apr: Ten on 31st Dec. Land's End: Three on 8th Dec. Loe Pool: One on 16th Feb and 23rd Mar. Mevagissey Bay: Seven on 3rd Mar: Three on 22nd May and one on 7th Jun. Millbrook Lake: A pair on 14th - 15th Dec Mount's Bay: A maximum of four on 8th - 28th Dec. Newquay: A female on 25h Jan - 23rd Feb: Two first cal drakes and a female on 18th Dec with one drake on 23rd Dec. Pedn Vound, Treen: One on 4th - 22nd Oct. Polhawn Cove: Last year's male, now third cal, until 10th Jan: Two on 12th Jan - 24th Apr. : One on 25th Jan. St Austell Bay: Maximums of two in Jan and Mar, one in Apr, six in Par Bay on 27th Jul, two in Sep and Oct and one in Nov. St Ives/Carbis Bay: A second cal drake on 24th Jan: One on 3rd and 6th Feb: A drake and three females on 9th Feb were joined by a fourth female on 23rd Feb but had reduced to two females and a drake by 14th May; a pair remained until 20th Aug and the male was seen to

44 19th Sep: Four on 13th Dec. St John's Lake: Three on 18th - 31st Dec. Whitsand Bay: Two on 12th Jan: One on 3rd May and 7th Jun: Seven on 7th Dec. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 23 17 11 7 4 8 2 3 3 1 39

LONG-TAILED DUCK - Clangula hyemalis Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Occasionally encountered on freshwater sites. : One on 6th Apr. Drift Res: One on 22nd Jan was the Trevorian bird: One on 28th Nov - 28th Dec. Falmouth Bay: A female on 10th Dec. Helston Boating Lake: A drake on 27th Mar. Loe Pool: Last year's drake to 13th Apr. Portmellon: A female on 3rd Mar. Sennen: One on 12th - 17th Feb was the Trevorian bird. St Austell Bay: One on 17th Jan: Four on 26th Feb. Stithians Res: One on 9th Feb. Swanpool: Two on 5th Nov with one to 18th Nov. Trevorian Pool: One on 4th Jan - 28th Feb.

The county mainland total is c. 504 since 1932. Long-tailed Duck (Kester Wilson) Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 58 45 80 18 5 3 1 1 2 57 118 116

COMMON SCOTER - Melanitta nigra Winter visitor, passage migrant (mainly late June to mid-October) and some summer. There have been significant fluctuations in historic numbers caused by periodic visits of large flocks to our shores e.g. three hundred and sixty-seven were seen off Rame in July 1994, and four hundred and ten off Pendeen in November 1998. Overall numbers were about average this year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 94 62 42 48 94 229 223 77 34 62 253 107 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gerrans Bay 39 18 2 - - - - 1 1 6 - 8 Land's End - - - - - 25 53 3 - - 4 - Lizard Point - - 1 - - 23 10 - - 7 22 - Newquay - 2 - - - - 30 - - - - 12 Mount's Bay 25 2 7 6 4 1 42 - 20 - 70 60 Pendeen - 23 - - - - - 3 2 5 32 8 Porthgwarra 2 _ _ 3 14 38 75 35 8 6 8 1 St. Austell Bay 24 15 12 20 76 25 4 12 1 6 40 6 St. Ives Bay 2 2 10 - - - 4 7 - 1 13 - Trevose/Padstow _ _ 1 1 _ 2 1 4 1 15 26 - - - 8 14 - 100 2 12 - 5 23 3 Other reports include: Nanquidno: Twelve on 14th Oct.

45 Pentewan: Twenty on 3rd Mar. : Fifteen on 9th Jun. Rumps Point: Thirteen on 7th Nov.

SURF SCOTER - Melanitta perspicillata Vagrant. Loe Pool: A first cal on 23rd Oct - 8th Nov SMC, SK, TH et al. The county mainland total increases to c. 11 since 1980. This is the second record at Loe Pool, a first calendar bird previously having visited the site on very similar dates of 29th October to 5th November 1998. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 2 1 - - - - 5 1 1

VELVET SCOTER - Melanitta fusca Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor (mainly November to February). There were records every year between 1968 and 2000. Annual records fluctuated between one and twenty-seven, with an average of under ten per annum. Carrick Roads: Two on 10th Jan and one on 11th Jan SMC, BMP, RL: Six on 13th Jan GSG: Two on 3rd Mar GSG. Gerrans Bay: Three on 6th Oct GSG. Mevagissey Bay: Last year's female to 11th Jan SMC. Mount's Bay: Two on 10th - 13th Jan BD: : One on 22nd Dec. Porth Nanven: One on 23rd Oct MTE. Sennen: Five on 26th Jan MWa. Trevose Head: Two on 9th Nov SMC. The county mainland total advances to c. 447 since 1943. Higher numbers than usual were seen at the start of the year, with average numbers at the end of the year. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 68 59 33 17 2 - - 1 1 51 106 109

COMMON GOLDENEYE - Bucephala clangula Mainly a winter visitor and also a passage migrant. Numbers have been relatively stable during the last ten years, but records of maximum flock sizes or the Carrick Roads show that larger numbers were seen at that site during the late 1970's. Numbers were below average in the first part of the year, but less so in the latter part of the year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 37 46 38 14 2 _ _ _ _ 9 15 24 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 4 3 4 ______2 Carrick Roads 14 22 9 ______5 2 Colliford /Dozmary 4 8 7 4 2 - - - - 7 6 6

46 Loe Pool 4 4 4 1 - - - - 1 3 3 Stithians Res. 6 4 9 3 ------4 Other reports include: Marazion Marsh: Twenty on 23rd Mar.

SMEW - Mergellus albellus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. The records for the last twenty-five years show no particular pattern with numbers as high as twenty- eight in 1985 but with none during several years. Loe Pool: A drake on 3rd Feb RMP. Stithians Res: A first cal drake on 21st Dec DE. The county mainland total is c. 337 since 1938. There have been occasional small influxes (as in 1987, 1991 and 1997) but there were few records this year, making it similar to most years. Anoroximate monthlv totak fhistnrirt: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 163 81 27 2 2 1 - - - 2 14 45

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER - Mergus serrator Winter visitor and uncommon passage migrant. Rarely seen inland. The majority of birds occurring in the county are found in the Carrick Roads where they gather to roost off Turnaware Point. The maximum flock size in the Carrick Roads was eighty-two in the late 1970's but then reduced to lower levels: The flock size increased again in the 1990's and was in excess of eighty from 1997 to 2000. The county as a whole has also seen a steady increase in numbers during the 1990's. Numbers in January this year were near a peak for the last ten years, but were no better than average during the rest of the year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 163 94 46 6 1 - 2 - - - 70 80

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 2 3 4 3 - - 2 _ _ _ 5 4 Carrick Roads 90 55 24 - - - _ _ _ 52 51 Looe/Hannafore 1 25 - - - _ _ _ 1 1 Lynher Est. 3 6 6 - - - _ _ _ 1 8 Millbrook/St Johns 11 2 4 1 - - _ _ _ _ 2 2 Tamar Est. 6 3 - - - - _ _ _ _ 5 9 Other reports include: Low Beach: Fifty on 30th Jan. Percuil River: Twelve on 13th Jan and 3rd Mar, and fourteen on 8th Dec, were presumably part of the Carrick Roads flock. There were many other reports from sites adjacent to the Carrick Roads.

GOOSANDER - Mergus merganser Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant, often found on reservoirs. Probably breeds annually on the Cornwall/Devon border. Numbers vary widely from year to year. This year was below average, birds moving away early at the start of the year and returning late towards the end of the year.

47 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 25 12 4 4 ------1 18 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal/College Res. 3 2 ------2 Colliford Res. 3 1 ------1 Loe Pool 2 2 ------1 Siblyback Res. 5 4 3 2 ------1 Stithians Res. 4 2 1 1 ------1 Tamar Lakes 7 1 ------4 Other reports include: Drift Res: Five on 27th - 28th Dec.

RUDDY DUCK - Oxyura jamaicensis Scarce winter visitor. The first county record was at Stithians Reservoir where a female was present from 16th to 29th January 1977. Birds have been seen every year since with the exception of 1993. Carrick Roads: One on 16th Feb BSW. Colliford Res: Two drakes and a female on 25th Sep SMC. Dozmary Pool: Second cal drake intermittently from 31st Jan - 23rd Mar DC, BTC, SMC, BMP, AECA, DAC, TH, DE, BD: A first cal male on 31st Dec. Siblyback Res: Last year's female to 19th Jan SMC, BMP, SFE, ABS. The county mainland total is now c. 151 since 1977. There have been forty records at Loe Pool, eleven records at Siblyback Reservoir, ten at Drift Reservoir and at Par, eleven at Colliford Reservoir, three at Dozmary Pool and five at Crowdy Reservoir. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 46 19 2 - 1 - 2 - 27 22 21 11

EUROPEAN HONEY-BUZZARD - Pernis apivorus Rare passage migrant. St Levan: An adult male on 14th Sep MDW. 2001: Botus Flemming: An adult on 25th May KP. The county mainland total advances to c. 12 since 2000. A poor year with only the single record Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 - 1 - 5 5 - -

BLACK KITE - Milvus migrans Vagrant - mainly spring overshoots. : One on 20th - 21st Apr GF. The county mainland total increases to c 15 since 1975. Previous records were at Porthgwarra in 1975, Porthgwarra and Hayle in 1983, and one moved widely around the west of the county in 1989. One was at Buryas Bridge in 1990, a bird visited St Columb Minor in 1991, and another was at Marazion

48 in 1991. Others were at Porthgwarra in 1993, Catchall near St Buryan in 1994, Land's End in 1995, Trevose Head and near Newbridge in 1996, the Sancreed/Land's End/Nanjizal area in 1998, Nanjizal in 2000, Skewjack/Treen/Trethewey in 2000 and at Nanjizal and Sennen in 2001. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 8 - 1 - 2 1 - 1

RED KITE - Milvus milvus Rare passage migrant and winter visitor. Increasing records from reintroduction schemes. Adams Hill: One on 16th Oct JL. : One on 30th Mar MJR. Land's End: One on 16th Oct GH, MWa. Marazion: One on 12th Apr SMC, TMC. Nanjizal: One on 16th Oct KAW. Polgigga: One on 11th Apr was the Trethewey bird MDW. Poltesco: One on 10th Oct SFE. Porthgwarra: A second cal with blue wing tags on 12th Apr (the Nanjizal bird) was ringed as a juvenile in Northern in 2001 SMC: One on 15th Oct MDW: Trerulefoot: One on 10th Jun EHW was also seen over St Germans. Trethewey: One on 11th Apr had a wing tag KAW. The Adams Hill, Land's End and Nanjizal records on 16th Oct presumably related to the same bird. The county mainland total is now c. 137 since 1966. Numbers were similar to the last few years, but below the peaks reported in 1989 and 1997. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 6 20 11 15 7 5 2 9 28 14 10

EURASIAN MARSH HARRIER - Circus aeruginosus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Adams Hill: One on 12th Sep JL. Crowdy Res: One on 31st Aug - 1 Sep FHK. Land's End: A first cal on 8th Oct MWa. Lower Tamar: One on 18th Apr BSW. Nanjizal: A second cal on 17th Feb KAW: A second cal on 10th Apr KAW: One on 1st Jun KAW: One on 20th Aug was the Porthgwarra bird MWa, KAW. Penlee Point: A first cal on 11th Oct RSn. Porthgwarra: Two first cal on 18th Aug with one remaining to 20th Aug MDW. Rame Head: One on 21st Sep BSW. Sennen/Skewjack: One on 21st Apr was also seen at Nanjizal MWa. St Buryan: One on 20th Aug JL. Tregonetha/Goss Moor: An adult female on 11th - 17th Nov SMC. The county mainland total advances to c. 215 since 1930. Numbers have increased in recent years with an average of thirteen during the seven years to 2001, whereas there was an average of less than five during the previous twenty years with no year having more than nine reports. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 6 13 34 53 9 7 21 34 23 6 5

49 HEN HARRIER - Circus cyaneus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Forms communal roosts in winter. Most reports are received from West where there is a concentration of birds as they move south and east and their movement is restricted by the nearby sea on three sides. A pair bred in the county; four young hatched and three fledged. One was seen in South Wales after they left the area. Bodmin Moor Crowdy Res: One on 4th Nov. Davidstow: A male on 9th Jan. Downs: One on 27th Oct: Two on 1st Dec. Mid-Cornwall Moors Tregonetha Downs: A male on 20th Feb: A female on 17th Mar: A ringtail on 10th Nov: One on 28th Dec. Lizard Peninsula Coverack: A first cal on 3rd Sep had a red and white wing tag. Goonhilly Downs: A male was seen intermittently in both winter periods, and a female in the first winter period. West Penwith Adams Hill: One on 7th and 13th Dec. Arden Sawah: One on 26th Nov. Boscawen Rose: A male on 24th Jan. Brew: One on 19th Dec. Crows-an-Wra: A male on 17th Nov. Drift Res: Singles on 1st - 2nd Jan, 27th - 28th Jan, 10th Feb, 2nd Mar, 8th Dec and 15th Dec. Kenidjack: An adult male on 6th Dec. Land's End: One on 14th Jan: Two on 25th Nov. Men-an-Tol: Four on 1st Jan. : One on 22nd Jan. : One on 15th Apr. Nanjizal: An adult male on 2nd Jan: One on 19th Feb: A second cal male on 16th Mar - 2nd Apr: A first cal on 25th Nov and 6th Dec. Nanquidno: Two first cal on 2nd Aug. Porthgwarra: Two males on 6th Jan: One on 16th Jan: A male on 15th Mar: One on 23rd Mar: A ringtail flew out to sea on 19th Oct: One on 6th Dec. Sancreed: Single males on 10th Feb and 2nd Sep. Sennen: Three on 6th Jan - 30th Mar: One on 19th and 25th Nov: An adult male on 20th Dec. Skewjack: An adult male on 24th Feb: One on 14th Mar: One on 27th Dec. St Buryan: One on 1st, 11th and 24th Mar. St Just Airfield: One on 26th Mar: A first cal male on 17th Oct. Treen, : Singles on 28th Oct, 27th Nov and 27th Dec. Treve Common: A second cal on 4th Dec. Trevorian Pool: An adult male on 7th Dec. Other reports Kilkhampton: One on 3rd Feb. Rame Head/ Penlee Point: One in late Sep/early Oct. Upper Tamar Lake: A ringtail on 30th Jan.

MONTAGU'S HARRIER - Circus pygargus Rare passage migrant. Formerly a breeding species - last confirmed in 1979. As with all rare raptors it is important that plumage details are noted, the primary spacing on the open

50 wing being an essential detail. A report that relies solely on the fact that a bird looked long winged and slim bodied is unlikely to be considered as proven. Goonhilly Downs: A second cal on 31st May - 4th Jun SFE et al. Jericho Farm: A second cal photographed on 4th May IMW. Land's End: An adult female on 5th May MWa. Marazion Marsh: A second cal on 19th Jun DSF. Nanjizal: An adult female on 5th May was the Land's End bird KAW. Nanjulian Farm: One on 4th May was presumably the Jericho Farm bird. Tregonebris: An adult male on 20th June BD, LJP. The county mainland total is now c. 9 since 2000. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 7 1 1 - - _

NORTHERN GOSHAWK - Accipter gentilis Rare visitor. Penlee Point/Rame Head: An adult male on 8th - 19th Oct KP et al. Goshawk records, like records of all the rare British breeding birds, are very important from a conservation point of view. For that reason the Records Committee have to vet new records of this species very carefully. It has been suggested that they may breed in the county but, as adult Goshawks are largely sedentary, breeding sites would have been discovered before now if that were the case. There are breeding pairs in Devon, but numbers have not increased in that county in recent years (and only went up by a few pairs in the eighties) and they are not spreading in Devon. The species is not a long distance migrant, even in northern Europe where they have an extreme climate. Although first calendar year birds do not stay in the area of the nest past September, they do not seem to be appearing in Cornwall owing to the lack of reports of birds of that age over the years. Only small numbers of mainly first calendar year birds are seen at migration points in southern Sweden in late October and early November, and dispersing first year birds from British bred stock are the most likely origin of Cornish records. In the more southerly part of their range, including the UK, first year birds rarely disperse more than fifty kilometres. It seems reasonable to expect that most Cornish records will reflect this pattern in respect of both timing and age. This year's report came from an area close to one of the Devon breeding sites. The county mainland total is now c. 2 since 2000. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 - 1 - -

EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK - Accipter nisus Common and widespread breeding resident. Passage migrant. The number of reports received fluctuates greatly and it is assumed that most observers do not submit records of single sightings of this common raptor. There is an increase in numbers in autumn as a result of dispersal and migration. There were reports of birds from one hundred localities, nineteen less than last year. Fewer records were reported than last year, but more than 2000. Reports include: Nanjizal: Five on 16th Oct. Forth Res: Three on 15th Dec. Sennen: Six on 23rd Oct. 51 - Buteo buteo Abundant breeding resident. Some dispersal. Birds were reported throughout the county. Reports include: Camel Est: Ten on 21st Mar. Cant Hill: Ten on 21st Mar. : Thirteen on 25th Apr. Drift Res: Eleven on 16th Mar. Friendship Wood: Sixteen on 3rd Mar. : Twelve on 4th May. Park Clay Pit: Ten on 12th Mar. Plain-an-Gwarry: Twelve on 24th Aug.

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD - Buteo lagopus Rare drift migrant. West Penwith: Last year's bird continued to range around the Catchall area until 22nd Apr. The county mainland total is now c. 1 since 2000. Rough-legged Buzzard (Kester Wilson) Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1

OSPREY - Pandion haliaetus Scarce passage migrant. Adams Hill: One on 24th Sep. Camel Est: Two adults on 14th Sep (one on 15th) were joined by a first cal on 16th - 20th Sep SMC, BSW: One adult was seen regularly to 7th Oct SMC, BMP, BTC, BSW: Two adults on 23rd and 30th Sep BSW. A first cal on 28th Sep SMC. Copperhouse Creek: One on 13th Sep LPW. Devoran: One on 18th Oct BSW. Drift Res: One on 9th - 10th Sep GH. Hayle Est: One on 18th Sep BSW. Levant: One on 7th Apr DB. Maer Lake: One on 13th Sep BSW. Maker Heights: One on 28th Aug PH. Marazion: Singles on 16th and 20th May DSF, PAF. Pendeen Watch: One on 7th Apr JL. Porthgwarra: One on 9th Oct SMC. Rosepletha Head: One on 10th Apr JL. St Levan: One on 10th Apr BSW. Stithians Res: One on 11th Oct BSW. Tamar Est: A first cal on 15th Sep PJ. Treve Common: One on 14th Sep MWa. Even allowing for the increase in the number of observers during the period, the impact of the burgeoning breeding population to the north is having a significant impact on the number of migrants

52 passing through the county. Overall numbers were very similar to last year but, whilst last years autumn passage was spread over August to October most of this year's birds passed through in September. The county mainland total is now c. 389 since 1945. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 6 42 53 20 17 76 129 39 7 -

COMMON KESTREL - Falco tinnunculus Breeding resident and migrant. No reports were of more than three birds, apart from the following: Carbis Bay: Five on 14th Jul. Goonhilly Downs: Four on 24th Aug, 22nd, 28th and 29th Sep.

MERLIN - Falco columbarius Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Records of this species are normally only of single birds, and it is important that details of all sightings are reported. Records for the past twenty years show no great variation in the number of reports, apart from there appearing to be a temporary increase in the number of migrants passing through the county in the mid-1990's. There were about ten per cent fewer reports than last year, but records were still average for the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 12 8 15 7 3 - - - 9 22 19 11 All reports were of single birds apart from the following: Bodmin Moor: Two on 20th Apr BTC. Davidstow Airfield: Two on 30th Nov SMC. Goonhilly Downs: Three on 10th Nov SK. Goss Moor: Two males on 19th Jan SMC: Three on 17th Nov SMC. Marazion Marsh: Three on 13th Jan DSF. Porthgwarra: Two on 19th Oct SMC.

EURASIAN HOBBY - Falco subbuteo Scarce passage migrant and a rare breeding species in east Cornwall. This species has occurred with increasing regularity throughout the county since 1975 (there was an average of less than six birds per annum during the 1970's) and this trend looks set to continue given the steady increase of the UK breeding population. Last year saw the highest numbers reported to date, but this year's numbers were average by comparison with the previous five years. Reports were received from thirty-nine localities, four less than last year. The earliest report since 1969 was on 10th April 1988 at Dunmere, and the latest at Marazion Marsh on 15th November 2000. This year the earliest report was on 21st April at Tideford and the latest at Nanjizal on 28th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 7 5 6 8 14 8 _ _

53 GYR FALCON - Falco rusticolus Very rare vagrant. Trethewey/ Land's End area: A first cal on 4th - 15th Dec KAW et al. On 5th December the bird was seen sitting on a chimney pot on the County Recorder's house, and was also seen on the Isles of Scilly on 15th December. The county mainland total is c. 8 since 1961. Previous records were at Portquin in 1961, Marazion in 1965, Penlee Point in 1986, in 1996, Rame Head in 1998 and West Cornwall in 2000. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 3 2 _ - - - - 1 - 1

PEREGRINE FALCON - Falco peregrinus Breeding resident and winter visitor. Records were received from seventy-one localities, thirty less than last year and well below the average for the 1990's. The number of birds reported reduced more than proportionately. Breeding reports: 2002 2001 2000 Site 1 Three young Two eggs failed. One young. Site 2 Four young Male and female young. One male young. Site 3 Three young No activity at site. Three young. Site 4 - Two young. A male and a female. Site 5 - Two male young. A male and a female. Site 6 Two young Three young. One young. Site 7 Two young One young. Two males and a female. Site 8 - No activity at site. One male and two females. Site 9 Three young Two male young. Two males and a female. Site 10 - Two young. Did not breed. Site 11 Two young. - Site 12 Three young. - Site 13 Two young. - Site 14 Bred. - Site 15 Three young One young. - Site 16 - Two males and a female. - Site 17 Bred Site 18 Nested Site 19 Nested

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE - Alectoris rufa Uncommon breeding resident that is also released for sporting purposes. Many hundreds of hand-reared birds were released for shooting purposes in the 1970's and 1980's, particularly in mid and east Cornwall. However, the breeding success of these feral birds was poor, doubtless owing to the impact of modern intensive farming practices - the 1983 report states that a former gamekeeper on the Estate advised that approximately three hundred birds were released in 1982 but that only two were found twelve months later. Most reports are from the east of the county. Numbers reported have been higher during the last two years, but it is not known if this is as a result of an increase in released birds.

54 Reports include: Camel Est: Six on 7th Nov. Gribbin Head: Four on 23rd Apr. Higher Lampetho Farm: Twenty on 3rd - 25th Nov. : Four on 21st Feb. Portgaverne: Two on 23rd Jun. South Treveneague: Three on 5th Feb. : Three on 26th May. Tregunna: Five on 30th Sep: Four on 1st Nov. Walmsley Sanctuary: Two on 8th May, eight on 29th Nov and fifteen on 7th Dec. Winnard's Perch: Seven on 25th Jan. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 10 7 4 13 15 7 5 3 7 5 38 18

GREY PARTRIDGE - Perdix perdix Rare breeding resident that is also released for sporting purposes. In 1944 there were "several coveys at " and they were "very plentiful at " in 1946 when they were a common bird in many parts of the county. However, the Grey Partridge has been declining nationally for many years, this decrease accelerating since the 1980's owing to the impact of modern intensive farming practices. It is not known if birds are being released in the county and, if they have been released in significant numbers in recent years, it is possible that the species is no longer self-sustaining. Reports were received of birds at twenty-seven sites in 1987, and at twenty-nine sites in 1991, but only from nine sites in 2002 (one more than last year). The aggregate of approximate monthly totals has dropped significantly over the last three years, fifty in 2000, thirty in 2001 and only fifteen this year. Sightings of this species are now quite rare, and all should be reported. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 - 4 - 1 - 1 6 1 1 Blunts: Two reported between Blunts and GGr. : One dead on road 8th Mar SMC. Draynes Common: One in May RS. Lizard Point: One on 15th Sep SK. Porth Res: One on 15th Dec APH. Trevose Head: One on 9th Nov SMC. : One in May RS. Wadebridge: One on 22nd Jul SMC. Walmsley Sane: Six on 23rd Oct REW. Grey Partridge (Kester Wilson) COMMON QUAIL - Coturnix coturnix Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor. Occasionally breeds and has over-wintered. Brew Pool: One on 19th Jun MWa. Church Cove, Lizard: Two on 23rd Jun AL, ML. Kilkhampton: One on 19th Jul BCM. Nanjizal: One on 19th Oct KAW. WaHebridee: One on 22nd Jul DLL SMC

55 There is no pattern to annual numbers. The last blank year was 1974, following blank years in 1972 and 1969. Numbers since then have ranged between singles in 1985 and 1986 and fifty-nine in 1989. The county total is now c. 336 (plus 37 young) since 1931. The last confirmed breeding was in 1982. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 1 5 95 122 58 26 19 6 2 - * one undated

COMMON PHEASANT - Phasianus colchicus Breeding resident. Thousands released annually for sporting purposes.

WATER RAIL - Rallus aquaticus Resident that breeds in small numbers, passage migrant and winter visitor. It is difficult to estimate numbers of this secretive species, particularly during migration when there is a regular turnover of birds. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 31 18 10 4 1 1 - 13 23 66 45 58 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bude Marshes 3 - - 2 - - - - 1 - 5 Drift Res 1 1 ------3 1 3 - Harlyn Bay 2 ------4 5 4 Land's End - 2 ------4 2 5 Loe Pool 1 1 - 1 - - - 3 3 8 1 19 Lower Tamar Lake ------1 5 3 - 1 Maer Lake 2 1 1 - - - - 2 4 3 1 4 Marazion Marsh 3 7 3 1 - - - 2 3 24 11 9 Nanjizal - 1 1 - - - - 4 - - - 6 Par Beach Pool 2 - 2 - - 1 - - 1 2 - 2 Porth Res. 2 ------3 1 - 1 Walmsley Sane. 1 - 1 - - - - - 2 - 2 3

SPOTTED CRAKE - Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant (mainly mid-August to late September) and rare winter visitor. Bred in 1860,1862 and 1874. Marazion Marsh: One on 23rd - 30th Aug, with two on 28th Aug DSF: Two on 8th Sep DSF: Two on 15th Sep, with one to 16th Sep DSF, CM: One on 20th - 30th Sep PAF, DSF. The county mainland total advances to c. 158 since 1947. There have now been ninety records at Marazion Marsh. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 3 3 2 1 - 4 65 61 18 1 -

CORN CRAKE - Crex crex Rare passage migrant. Last bred in 1967 and has over-wintered. Fishing Cove, Godrevy: An adult male on 4th Sep DVJ. Land's End: A first cal on 21st Oct MWa Nanjizal: A first cal on 21st Sep KAW.

56 The mainland total is now c. 160 since 1932. This species was described as a common species in 1715, and was still breeding annually in the early 1900's, but there were only thirteen sightings in the 1990's and none in 2000. However, it is understood that conservation work in the Western Isles has met with some success in recent years, and this may perhaps result in more frequent sightings in future. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - 11 28 27 8 18 20 19 3 _ *twenty-five undated

MOORHEN - Gallinula chloropus Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. After a period of apparent decline during the 1970's and 1980's, due mainly to habitat loss, a more enlightened attitude toward habitat conservation and creation in the 1990's enabled the Moorhen to regain some lost ground. However, reported numbers during the last three years have been well below the average levels recorded in the mid-1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 134 114 105 81 55 80 71 137 118 132 88 120 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Colliford Res. 2 5 5 1 2 2 8 10 1 _ 2 Drift Res. 9 4 8 3 2 2 2 11 14 8 6 6 Helston Boat Lake - - - 4 1 1 4 6 16 2 5 6 Loe Pool 12 - - 6 12 2 7 19 17 16 18 31 Maer Lake/Bude 39 41 32 34 16 18 28 46 47 43 34 35 Marazion Marsh 18 4 3 1 1 10 4 25 6 31 3 19 Par Beach Pool 35 40 25 10 8 11 6 14 6 5 6 5 Porth Res. 2 5 5 5 1 _ _ 4 6 3 3 Swanpool 2 2 2 2 - - 2 2 2 2 2 1 Tresillian River 4 4 5 4 3 3 3 2 3 5 4 4 Walmsley Sane. 6 7 5 - - _ _ _ _ 3 3 3 Other reports include: Mawgan Porth: Ten on 22nd Mar.

COMMON COOT - Fulica atra Breeding resident, passage migrant and common winter visitor. Numbers were similar to recent years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 482 260 167 137 99 136 205 353 545 511 476 365 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Bake Lakes 48 - 8 2 - - - - 28 _ _ 30 College Res. 15 4 - - 1 1 - - 2 10 12 16 Colliford/Dozmary 34 30 22 11 8 26 29 45 89 84 72 45 Drift Res. 6 7 7 7 3 6 9 31 37 36 29 34 Helston Boat Lake 45 49 - 16 11 12 12 22 28 27 31 72 Loe Pool 134 9 - 24 31 37 76 144 233 244 156 25 Marazion Marsh 15 18 10 3 - 10 - _ 1 3 6 8 Par 38 18 10 25 18 20 10 8 3 12 15 10

57 Porth Res. 7 8 9 - - - 5 - 4 5 12 15 Siblyback Res. 42 41 31 5 8 4 1 15 64 15 31 42 Stithians Res. 3 8 22 5 10 15 38 65 27 34 9 12 Swanpool 67 45 32 21 - - 24 20 25 35 30 35 Walmsley Sane. 10 20 13 8 6 3 - 1 1 6 6 Other reports include: Hannafore: Sixty-one on 1st Nov. Breeding reported at Bake Lakes, Dozmary Pool, Steps Pond (East Looe River) and Terras Pond (East Looe River).

COMMON CRANE - Grus grus Occasional visitor. Goldsithney: Two adults and a first cal on 13th Dec PAD. Predannack Downs: An adult on 8th Oct SFE et al. The mainland total is now c. 31 since 1939. There were records every year from 1996 to 1999, but this is the first since then. There have been no previous records at either site. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 2 3 1 - - - - 3 12 8

EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER - Haematopus ostralegus Resident, common passage migrant and winter visitor. Breeds in low numbers, mainly on the north coast. Numbers were a little better than last year, but below the levels seen in the mid 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,036 997 487 363 300 258 460 762 991 1,010 1,183 807 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 220 240 116 145 141 110 335 432 335 328 344 209 Fowey Est. 2 4 1 18 9 1 1 - 9 7 1 - Gannel Est. 17 12 12 - - 2 - - 7 6 10 17 Gerrans Bay 15 28 - 18 10 - - 7 15 25 12 7 Hayle Est. 5 24 22 9 10 12 16 13 48 49 20 10 Helford River 1 14 2 ------17 6 16 Looe Est. 12 - - 7 3 2 - 5 4 9 5 9 Lynher Est. 158 23 10 ------19 10 Maer Lake 58 42 5 52 - - - 69 14 1 149 - Mount's Bay - 21 - - 5 - - - 88 41 - - Percuil River 80 48 14 - 14 - - - 9 9 11 17 Ruan Lanihorne 15 59 24 18 12 15 28 72 74 22 80 18 St Austell Bay 60 30 56 2 6 15 20 4 20 130 110 50 St Ives/Carbis Bay 85 70 12 25 40 25 18 50 50 126 110 68 St John's Lake 45 107 81 13 15 25 30 - 200 80 123 125 Tamar Est. - Upper 112 117 30 3 22 - - - - - 91 54 Trevose Head area - 68 58 2 - - - - 65 47 - 42 Truro River 73 62 37 11 2 3 3 71 34 59 - 66 Whitsand Bay 58 - - 22 - 23 - - - 20 61 25 Other reports include: Mawgan Porth: Forty-eight on 27th Dec.

58 AVOCET - Recurvirostra avosetta Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Records mainly involve the same birds moving around the Lynher and Tamar Estuaries. There were only three reports of birds in Cornwall prior to 1948, the year when there was a first sighting of the species (two birds) on the Tamar Estuary. Numbers gradually rose in the area until the latter part of 1986 when a count of one hundred was obtained, and then more than doubled by early 1991 when there was a maximum count of two hundred and fifty five. Numbers (judged by maximum flock sizes on the Tamar) have exceeded two hundred every year since, with maximum counts of three hundred and forty six in January 1996 and five hundred and ninety three in December 1997. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lynher Est. 12 45 ------8 _ 70 Tamar Est. - Upper 272 149 32 1* 1* - - - - 22 220 150 * An injured bird that roosted with Oystercatchers on 9th Apr - 19th May.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER - Charadrius dubius Uncommon passage migrant. Annual numbers have fluctuated between three and twenty-seven since 1980, with an average of just under eleven per annum. However, numbers have exceeded that average in the last three years. The earliest report since 1956 was on 12th March 2000 at Maer Lake, and the latest at Stithians Reservoir on 28th October 1983. This year the earliest was at Maer Lake on 12th March to equal the earliest ever, and the latest on 17th September at Carnsew Pool. Camel Est: Two on 23rd Apr SMC: One on 4th May SMC. Crowdy Res: A first cal on 22nd Aug SMC, BMP. Drift Res: Two on 14th Sep BSW. Hayle Est: One on 1st Sep JDL: A first cal on 14th - 17th Sep BSW. Land's End: One on 26th Mar MWa: One on 20th Apr MWa. Maer Lake: One on 12th - 17th Mar with two on 14th Mar GPS, SMC, BMP: One on 7th Apr GPS, SMC: Two on 16th May GPS: One on 24th May GPS: One on 31st May GPS: One on 1st Jun FHCK: A first cal on 18th Jul GPS. Trevose Head: A first cal on 7th Apr SMC, PAM. Walmsley Sane: A first cal on 24th Jul DAC, SMC. The county total is now c. 321 since 1956. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 12 70 59 13 30 75 54 5 3 -

GREAT RINGED PLOVER • Charadrius hiaticula Passage migrant and winter visitor. Formerly a scarce breeding species, but none recorded since 1972. Breeding now appears to be unlikely as even the most remote potential breeding sites are subject to disturbance. Numbers were below average during the first half-year, but there was an average autumn passage. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 112 57 25 70 60 2 33 469 710 112 77 75

59 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 15 12 7 15 24 - 2 75 44 4 44 11 Colliford Res. ------1 4 5 - - Crowdy/Davidstow - - - 1 - - 2 6 22 5 - - Hay le/Copperhouse 19 32 12 - 5 - 12 100 150 27 15 15 Maer Lake 2 3 2 12 3 - - 2 5 - - 2 Mount's Bay 52 - - 8 5 - 6 50 76 - - 15 St Austell Bay 15 - 2 - 1 - 1 38 5 17 15 11 Other reports include: Pendeen Watch: Forty-seven on 27th Oct.

KILLDEER - Charadrius vociferus Very rare vagrant. Godrevy Towans/Gwithian: One on 20th Nov SM et al. The mainland total is now c. 2 since 1996. The previous record was at Cove on 11th January 1996. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 ------1 -

EURASIAN DOTTEREL - Charadrius morinellus Scarce passage migrant. This species has been an annual visitor since 1968. There are variations in the numbers seen from year to year, and there appears to be no particular trend during the period. Cam Kenidjack: Two on 3rd - 4th May JDS. Land's End: One on 14th Sep MWa. Mullion: One on 3rd Sep BSW. Nanjizal: Two first cal on 27th - 31st Aug with one to 1st Sep KAW: A first cal on 11th Sep KAW. Porthgwarra: One on 18th Aug MDW: A first cal on 11th - 13th Sep SMC, MDW. Sancreed: One on 10th Oct DSF. Sennen: One on 12th Sep MWa. St Levan: One on 11th - 12th Sep MDW. Trevose Head: One on 13th Sep SMC: Three on 18th Sep SMC. 1997: Trevose Head: One on 22nd April SMC, MT. The sightings at Land's End, Nanjizal, Porthgwarra and Sennen, between 11th and 14th September were all of the same bird as it moved around adjoining areas at these sites, but the St Levan bird was seen at the same time and was some distance from the other bird. The county mainland total now moves to c. 283 since 1931. Porthgwarra has most records with seventy- five, Davidstow Airfield has had twenty-nine, St Just Airfield twenty-two and Trevose Head seventeen. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 14 33 20 - - 35 126 45 9 2

EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER - Pluvialis apricaria Passage migrant and winter visitor.

60 Breeding has never been proven in Cornwall, although a few pairs breed on Dartmoor and single birds are occasionally seen in suitable nesting habitat on Bodmin Moor. Numbers fluctuate considerably from year to year, doubtless reflecting the severity of winters to the north. Numbers were low in the first part of the year, and overall in the latter part of the year but with an influx in November when numbers were the highest of the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 8,002 5,510 4,164 72 1 - - 3 125 1,285 16,919 2,939 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 1,800 120 - - - - - _ 1 727 48 Colliford /Dozmary 200 450 60 49 - - _ _ 128 900 112 Crowdy/Davidstow - 350 600 - 1 - - 90 95 1,200 1,100 Hayle Est. 1,000 ------_ 1 4,000 9 Maer Lake 2,450 2,290 1,350 - - - - - 250 1,004 1,234 Predannack Downs ------_ 645 1,500 _ Roche 1,300 - 1,345 - - - - _ _ 400 Sennen 610 180 36 - - - - - 8 95 420 320 Siblyback Res. - 70 550 - - - - - _ _ _ 6 Trevose Head - 180 2 - - - - 1 2 5 2 Other reports include: Bearah Tor: 1,200 on 3rd Feb. : 300 on 19th Jan. : 800 on 29th Nov. Mount Pleasant: 400 on 29th Nov. Roughtor Moors: 5,000 on 25th Nov. St Buryan: 450 on 23rd Nov. European Golden Plovers (Kester Wilson)

GREY PLOVER - Pluvialis squatarola Passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers during the last five years have been significantly lower than during the previous five years. Flock sizes this year are very much lower than in the 1970's and 1980's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 261 155 65 4 4 1 1 2 6 63 64 157 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 62 49 8 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 20 66 Hayle Est. 55 52 16 - 1 - - - - 1 24 40 Lynher Est. 40 - - 1 ------_ _ Mount's Bay 20 - 17 1 1 - - - - 3 _ _ Sennen 5 6 3 1 - - - - - _ 1 6 St. Johns Lake 10 - 20 ------1 2 12 Trevose Head area - 19 ------1 2 14 1 Other reports include: Gerrans Bay: Thirty-two on 13th Jan. Pendeen Watch: Forty-seven on 27th Oct.

61 NORTHERN LAPWING - Vanellus vanellus Winter visitor. Breeds in low numbers. There are significant variations in the numbers seen from year to year, doubtless reflecting the severity of winters to the north. The mild winters were presumably the reason why numbers were low at both the start and the end of the year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ,815 2,633 63 21 15 19 32 27 51 699 2,597 2,964 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 3 ,000 160 3 1 - 3 - - 13 130 750 1,200 Colliford/Dozmary - 250 26 16 6 8 25 11 1 40 65 12 Crowdy/Davids'w 350 600 2 2 4 1 3 3 1 190 600 Drift Res. 250 7 2 - _ _ _ _ 1 1 80 Hayle Est. 1 ,000 578 - - - _ _ _ 70 205 240 Maer Lake/Bude 1 ,680 1,000 28 1 - _ _ _ 12 105 350 443 Sennen 350 2 - - - - - 3 7 70 145 170 Tamar Est. - Upper 180 - - - - - 4 7 7 - 39 215 Other reports include: Halfway House: 200 on 20th Jan. Harlyn Bay: 143 on 9th Dec. Porth Res: 160 on 21st Dec. Ruan Lanihorne: 230 on 18th Jan. St Just: 200 on 28th Dec. Airfield: 135 on 3rd Jan and 900 on 7th Jan. Breeding reported at Brockabarrow, De Lank, Dozmary Pool and Gillhouse Downs.

RED KNOT - Calidris canutus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Flock sizes on St. Johns and Millbrook Lakes, formerly the stronghold of this species, have reduced significantly. There were regularly two hundred or more prior to 1988, with six hundred in January 1978 and five hundred the following year, but the high count since 1988 is only sixty-two. Numbers in the county as a whole have declined during the last ten years, and were at a low level at the start of the year. However, the autumn passage was about the average for the last ten years and numbers in November and December were the highest of the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 9 1 - 2 - - 30 116 13 69 113 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 4 3 1 - 1 6 17 8 40 45 Hayle Est. ------9 10 3 9 Mount's Bay ------2 1 _ 20 4 St John's Lake 7 - - 1 - - - 12 _ 2 Other reports include: Gerrans Bay: Fifty-five on 8th Dec.

62 SANDERLING - Calidris alba Passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Mounts Bay is the main site for this species, supporting the main wintering flock and also the largest numbers of migrants. Overall numbers were around the average of the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 87 19 - 2 131 7 26 119 39 3 35 83 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - - 1 3 _ 2 25 4 6 1 Hayle Est. - 1 - _ _ _ _ 8 10 1 3 Loe Pool - _ _ _ 5 _ _ 8 Mount's Bay 80 10 1 15 7 20 20 15 23 77 St Austell Bay 2 6 - - 21 1 _ _ _ 6 Trevose Head area - - - - 3 - 1 2 1 _ 1 Other reports include: Mevagissey Bay: Eleven on 20th May. Porthgwarra: Twenty-three on 13th May.

LITTLE STINT - Calidris minuta Scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Numbers are normally around forty or fifty per annum, but approximately one hundred and eight were reported in September 1993 and an exceptional nine hundred in September 1996. This was an extremely poor year, the worst of the last twenty-five years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 ------8 2 . _ _ Camel Est: Singles on 16th and 19th Sep and 6th Oct: Three on 30th Sep and 1st Oct. Maer Lake: Singles on 14th Sep and 1st Oct. Mount's Bay: One on 11th Sep. Par Beach Pool: One on 1st Jan. Trevose Head: One on 13th Sep.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER - Calidris melanotos Regular vagrant. This species is the most frequent American wader to visit the county with only four blank years since 1960, the most recent being in 1997. The highest number reported was twenty-five in 1984 when there were six at Colliford Reservoir between 5th and 8th September. Camel Est: A first cal on 30th Sep SMC. Drift Res: Two on 27th Sep, with one on 28th Sep, were the ringed Nanjizal birds GH, CM: A first cal on 14th Oct BM. Hayle Est: A first cal on 11th - 22nd Oct DS, AS, DSF. Nanjizal: A first cal ringed on 15th Sep: A first cal ringed on 24th - 25th Sep KAW. Siblyback Res: A first cal on 8th Sep SMC, BMP. The mainland total is now c. 244 since 1948. Stithians Reservoir has had forty-two records, Drift Reservoir thirty-five, Crowdy Res/Davidstow Airfield twenty-two, Tamar Lakes ten and Maer Lake nine.

63 Approximate monthly totals (historic) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ - - 1 2 2 - 35 154 46 4 -

CURLEW SANDPIPER - Calidris ferruginea Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Usually seen in small numbers but with occasional exceptional years, as in 1999 when seventy-eight were reported on the Camel Estuary in September and thirty-five on the Hayle Estuary in August. Numbers were marginally below the average of the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - _ - 29 63 25 3 - Reports include: Camel Est: Present on a regular basis 2nd Sep - 1st Nov with maximum seven in Sep, eight in Oct and one in Nov. Crowdy Res: One on 31st Aug. Drift Res: One on 10th Sep. Hayle Est: One on 21st Aug: Four on 29th Aug increased to twelve on 30th Aug: Five on 1st Sep: Seven on 14th - 16th Sep: Three on 18th Sep: Six on 22nd - 23rd Sep: Two on 28th Sep increased to four on 30th Sep: Three on 2nd - 3rd Oct: One on 5th - 7th Oct: Two on 11th Oct: Two on 19th Oct: Two on 24th and 26th Oct: Two on 4th Nov. Kingsmill Lake: One on 29th Aug: Six on 4th Sep. Land's End: One on 28th Aug. Maer Lake: Two on 25th Aug: Three on 27th Aug: Singles on 15th Sep and 4th Oct. Millbrook: One on 20th Aug: One on 29th Aug: Six on 4th Sep. Mount's Bay: One on 24th - 26th Aug. Newquay: One on 11th Sep. Tresillian River: One on 12th Sep. Upper Tamar Lake: Two on 21st Sep.

PURPLE SANDPIPER - Calidris maritima Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Mount's Bay is the main site for this species, with an average flock size of forty-seven since 1977 and a maximum flock of seventy-five in 1996. However, there has been a reduction in overall numbers during the last ten years as a result of the disappearance (or non-reporting) of the flock at Godrevy Point. Overall numbers were a little higher than seen during the previous few years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 57 73 66 11 13 _ - 7 11 32 109 59 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 2 - - - - 7 - - 35 10 Mount's Bay 24 35 44 7 - - - - - 13 48 26 Sennen . 26 26 14 4 1 - - - 9 7 15 19

DUNLIN - Calidris alpina Passage migrant and winter visitor. Small numbers have occasionally bred on Bodmin Moor, and are the most southerly breeding Dunlin in the world.

64 Numbers continue to be much lower than were seen in the 1990's, this year being similar to the previous two years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4,755 1,580 288 97 507 2 162 1,370 1,181 510 1,366 3,942 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 900 364 8 7 156 2 40 246 121 105 550 800 Hayle Est. 450 300 170 1 2 - 2 150 100 70 310 450 Kingsmill Lake 41 13 4 4 21 - - 64 24 _ 23 7 Lynher Est. 800 - 29 - - - _ _ _ 6 500 Maer Lake 64 39 12 42 29 - 9 78 88 10 15 26 Mount's Bay 150 150 5 25 26 - 6 100 18 2 9 Restronguet - 3 - 4 18 - 5 25 13 8 13 28 Ruan Lanihorne 80 12 1 - 17 - 21 29 5 6 45 St Austell Bay 40 40 4 1 19 - 2 56 _ _ 30 12 St. Johns Lake 2 ,200 250 50 - 24 - - - _ 15 125 1,750 Truro River 20 100 - - - - - 6 41 8 - 325

RUFF - Philomachus pugnax Uncommon passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. There was a relatively good passage of birds in early spring, but numbers were a little below average in the autumn. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 1 27 13 1 - - 3 38 6 3 1 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - 5 3 - - - 3 4 _ 1 _ Crowdy/Davidstow ------1 1 1 _ Hayle Est. 1 ------2 1 1 1 Hayle Kimbro - - 3 1 - - - - _ _ _ _ Maer Lake 1 1 7 3 - - - 5 1 _ _ Nanjizal - - 9 - - - - - 1 _ _ _

JACK SNIPE - Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Relatively few records are received every year, but this species is reportedly often shot on Bodmin Moor in the winter months and is probably commoner than the records would suggest. The lack of records undoubtedly results from the effectiveness of this bird's camouflage and the fact that they normally do not flush until they are virtually under someone's foot. The number of birds reported in the 1990's was higher than during the 1980's. This was an average year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 15 8 5 _ - _ _ _ 3 10 3 12 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hayle Est. 4 - 1 ------1 - 1 Maer Lake/Bude 2 1 ------1 - - 2 Marazion Marsh - 1 ------1 2 - - 65 Nanjizal 1 1 1 ------1 1 1 Sennen 8 4 3 - - - - - 1 1 - 2 Other reports include:

Lower Tamar Lake: Three on 7th and 12th Oct.

COMMON SNIPE - Gallinago gallinago Resident, passage migrant, winter visitor and breeds in small numbers on Bodmin Moor. Maer Lake holds the largest concentrations of wintering birds. Numbers at that site increased substantially between the 1980's and 1990's, doubtless reflecting the improvement in the habitat. Elsewhere, numbers can vary appreciably from year to year and are undoubtedly affected by the severity of winter weather. Numbers were similar to the last two years, but well below those of the late 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 741 312 262 10 3 - 13 44 102 177 415 497 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 60 4 18 1 - - 1 5 7 2 65 125 Colliford Res. - 10 1 1 - - 1 3 10 - 15 - Crowdy Res ------12 4 1 2 _ Drift Res. 4 3 8 1 1 - - - 5 2 30 15 Harlyn Bay 20 ------22 13 Hayle Est. - 15 1 ------4 - 1 Land's End/Sennen - 31 12 ------35 - Lower Tamar Lake 1 - 1 ------12 - 20 Maer Lake 510 200 58 1 - - 1 2 14 78 198 279 Marazion Marsh 8 4 1 - - - - 1 3 5 10 5 Nanj izal/Ske wj ack 13 12 2 1 1 - 1 4 7 8 - 7 Par Beach Pool 10 10 4 ------Porthgwarra - - - 1 - - - - 1 8 6 - Sennen/Land's End 28 16 8 - - - - - 4 20 32 18 Stithians Res. - - 3 - - - 9 9 - - - - Tresillian 27 4 2 ------_ 1 Other reports include: Adams Hill: Twenty-two on 2nd Sep. Downhill: Twenty on 24th Mar. Goonhilly Downs: Thirty-eight on 25th Jan. Pentewan: Forty on 3rd Mar.

EURASIAN WOODCOCK - Scolopax rusticola Passage migrant and winter visitor. Has not bred since the 1960's. Few reports are received for this skulking species, most large counts being reported from shoots. Relatively good numbers reported, but were again heavily dependent on reports from shoots. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 50 7 3 1 - - - - 1 2 9 88 Reports include: Skewjack: Forty on 3rd Jan: Thirty on 8th Dec. Treverven: Fifty on 29th Dec.

66 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa limosa Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Flock numbers at the various main sites over the last twenty-five years show considerable variation but no particular trend. Overall numbers were similar to the last two years, but well below those recorded in the late 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 178 107 73 23 18 1 22 78 145 39 112 224 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 10 - 10 4 4 - 5 14 14 3 9 12 Hayle Est. - - 12 1 - - 1 3 2 8 6 9 Kingsmill Lake 61 15 17 - 3 - - - _ _ 24 29 Lynher Est. 4 1 - - 2 - - 3 - _ _ _ Maer Lake - - 2 2 1 1 - 11 17 _ _ _ Millbrook Lake 28 2 ------_ _ 5 10 Restronguet - 9 - 5 - - - - 7 _ 16 24 Tresillian River 5 - - - - - 3 7 6 4 _ 1 Truro River 70 78 29 6 - - 1 25 20 - 78 Other reports include: Boscawen: Forty on 24th Nov. Drift Res: Twenty-three on 31st Aug. Gannel Est: Nineteen on 17th Sep.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT - Limosa lapponica Passage migrant and winter visitor. Flock numbers at the main sites over the last twenty-five years show considerable variation but no particular trend. Both spring and autumn migrations were a little larger than have been recorded during most of the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 30 27 192 59 21 10 4 17 317 114 134 213 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 2 6 7 15 18 3 2 8 37 34 48 97 Hayle Est. 10 8 6 6 7 2 - 1 7 6 9 10 Kingsmill Lake - - 14 1 - - _ 2 20 24 27 Mount's Bay - - - 1 10 - _ _ 3 _ _ 20 St. Johns Lake 10 10 10 1 27 2 _ _ 2 1 18

WHIMBREL - Numenius phaeopus Passage migrant. A few have over-wintered. Numbers vary appreciably from year to year, without any particular trend, with occasional large da> counts e.g. approximately one thousand seen at Mount's Bay in April 1990 and in May 1992. Birds pass through quickly in spring, with lower numbers seen in autumn. There were fewer records thar last year, but more than during the previous two years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 4 11 1,189 1,975 21 51 124 45 14 5 5 67 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - - 110 92 3 9 12 4 1 - - Drift Res. - - - 17 26 ------Hayle Est. - - - 70 66 - 1 20 1 2 - - Land's End/Sennen - - - 16 61 - - 2 - - - - Mount's Bay - - - 100 146 - - 1 - - - - Nanjizal - - - 7 35 - 1 1 1 - - - Porthgwarra - - 2 5 44 - - 14 - 1 - - St. Johns/Millbrook 2 2 4 32 45 2 - - 9 2 - 3 Tamar Est. - Upper - - - 13 35 - - 1 - - - - Trevose Head area - - - 4 20 - 4 2 9 - - - Whitsand Bay - - - 45 20 ------Other reports include: Portmellon: 125 on 30th Apr. St Buryan: Fifty-five on 29th Apr. Beach: Fifty-six on 1st May: Seventy on 2nd May.

EURASIAN CURLEW - Numenius arquata Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. There has been a reduction in flock sizes at the main sites during the last twenty-five years, and this must reflect a reduction in the winter population. Although there was a good movement in July, August and September relative to recent years, numbers were generally a little lower than last year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,752 1,815 825 289 106 421 2,841 3,665 2,632 1,585 1,563 1,298 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 108 290 197 85 26 38 610 633 618 368 373 148 Devoran River - 124 - - - - 220 - - - - - Fowey Est. 1 41 8 - 1 3 89 10 79 57 34 17 Gannel Est. 111 93 93 - 2 41 82 - 265 6 13 295 Hayle Est. 2 101 50 - 11 50 260 336 290 164 56 5 Helford River 23 241 16 3 3 7 42 267 152 218 266 162 Looe Est. 35 ------28 12 13 2 14 Lynher Est. 131 81 54 43 3 - - - - - 98 74 Maer Lake 215 68 42 c - - - - 32 48 16 16 35 Percuil River 151 102 17 - 2 - - - 60 85 68 38 Restronguet 67 25 16 13 5 3 23 125 64 125 186 77 Ruan Lanihorne 200 132 18 16 7 3 252 250 178 56 150 30 St. Johns Lake 155 107 50 2 5 110 175 - 100 45 102 100 Tamar Est. - Upper 81 111 64 7 ------124 173 Tresillian River 130 123 117 - 3 2 120 116 187 100 65 - Truro River 153 107 70 4 4 33 54 94 105 114 - 62 Other reports include: Argal Res: Sixty-four on 13th Jan. Praa Sands: Sixty on 5th Oct. Assumed breeding pairs at the dam at Colliford Res (two), Gillhouse, Loveney, Ninestones Bridge and Park Clay Pit.

68 SPOTTED REDSHANK - Tringa erythropus Uncommon passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Whilst numbers of this species are usually small, there appears to have been an appreciable reduction in recent years that is again reflected this year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 23 13 1 - 1 3 4 7 18 19 11

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Kingsmill Lake 3 13 9 - - - _ 1 2 11 8 1 Lynher Est. 1 1 1 - - - _ _ 1 1 Millbrook Lake 1 1 1 - - - _ 1 1 1 1 1 Tresillian River 2 2 1 - - - 4 6 7 4 Truro River 1 6 1 ------1 3 Other reports include: Siblyback Res: One on 6th Aug.

COMMON REDSHANK - Tringa totanus Passage migrant and winter visitor. Records indicate that there has been a considerable reduction in maximum flock sizes at the majority of sites over the last twenty-five years. This has again been reflected in this years numbers. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 662 861 624 43 19 123 427 334 486 544 642 1,064 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 65 161 16 9 5 1 95 56 68 68 158 312 Devoran/R'guet 50 11 2 15 9 4 40 32 6 15 18 11 Hayle Est. 52 49 69 5 - - 20 21 30 73 66 62 Helford River 7 18 17 - - - 9 43 47 30 29 26 Looe Rivers/Est. 25 19 - - - _ _ 2 10 8 10 Lynher Est. 69 110 153 - - 16 _ _ 70 53 12 Millbrook Lake 54 16 17 - _ 15 _ 51 18 35 24 Percuil River 14 15 7 - _ _ _ 1 2 5 9 Ruan Lanihorne 45 85 14 - - _ _ 9 _ 20 5 2 St. Johns Lake 45 45 12 - _ _ _ _ 20 _ 40 Tresillian River 85 58 44 - - 68 78 127 80 55 104 Truro River 40 84 78 4 - _ 5 37 60 60 _ 80 Upper Tamar Est. 96 163 178 6 - 100 100 - - 90 207 363

COMMON GREENSHANK - Tringa nebularia Passage migrant. Winter visitor. Overall numbers were similar to last year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 48 63 51 50 13 1 92 126 200 96 113 63 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 4 3 2 3 2 - 12 11 10 10 14 4

69 Devoran/R'guet 2 12 3 12 3 - 19 7 3 7 3 - Drift Res. - - - 1 1 - - 1 3 - - - Fowey Est. - - 1 3 - - - - 1 - 1 - Hayle Est. 2 2 2 1 1 - 3 2 6 4 3 6 Helford River - - 5 2 - - - 10 14 8 2 1 Kingsmill Lake 3 16 12 9 - - 24 27 25 20 18 18 Lynher Est. 6 8 4 3 - - - 3 5 - 1 6 Maer Lake - - - - - 1 2 2 - - - Millbrook/St John's 12 3 5 7 - - 2 15 8 - 5 7 Nanjizal - - - 1 - - 1 3 4 1 - - Percuil River 8 4 3 - - - - - 7 4 3 4 Tresillian River 4 4 7 4 - - 6 5 15 5 8 5 Truro River 2 6 6 4 2 - 1 7 - 7 - 1 Elsewhere: Cargreen: Twenty-one on 16th Sep.

LESSER YELLOWLEGS - Tringa flavipes Vagrant. Crowdy Res: One on 14th Oct SMC. The county mainland total is now c. 30 since 1936. This is the first record for Crowdy Reservoir. There have been seven records on the Camel Estuary, Drift Reservoir has had five, Stithians Reservoir has had four and the rest are well spread. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------6 14 8 2

GREEN SANDPIPER - Tringa ochropus Passage migrant. A few over-winter. Annual numbers, and numbers at individual sites, fluctuate from year to year with no obvious trends. Overall numbers were a little higher than last year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 9 7 5 1 - 37 91 34 23 4 10 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - 2 - - - 6 1 1 2 1 - Colliford Res ------3 1 - - - Drift Res. 2 1 2 1 - - - 6 5 6 - 1 Lynher Est 1 ------2 - - - 3 Maer Lake/Bude 1 - - - - - 2 2 1 - - - Nanjizal/Sennen - 4 1 1 - - 4 12 2 1 - - Tamar Lakes ------1 - 2 3 1 -

WOOD SANDPIPER - Tringa glareola Uncommon passage migrant. There were fifty-six reports in 1996 but only seven in 1984, and there was an average of just over twenty-eight per annum during the last quarter century. This year was not as good as last, but it was still a little better than average.

70 The earliest report since 1935 was on 2nd April 1977 at Mitchell, and the latest at Marazion on 6th November 1981. The earliest report this year was on 17th July at Maer Lake, and the latest at Drift Reservoir on 3rd October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------2 21 6 _ _ Adams Hill: One on 14th Sep JL. Crowdy Res: One on 4th - 5th Aug SMC. Davidstow Airfield: One on 11th Aug SMC, BMP. Drift Res: One on 18th Aug GH: One on 27th - 29th Sep GH, CM: One on 3rd Oct was the ringed Nanjizal bird BSW. Hayle Est: One on 29th - 31st Aug DSF, LPW. Land's End: Singles on 18th and 23rd - 24th Aug MWa. Loe Pool: One on 11th Aug SB. Maer Lake: One on 17th Jul BSW: One on 7th Aug GPS: One on 14th - 15th Aug GPS: Four on 17th Aug with one to 18th Aug GPS. Marazion Marsh: One on 4th Sep GPS. Nanjizal: One on 1st Aug KAW: One on 3rd Aug KAW: Two on 10th Aug with one to 12th Aug KAW: Singles on 14th and 16th Aug KAW: Two on 18th Aug KAW: One on 22nd - 24th Aug KAW: One on 13th Sep KAW: One ringed on 24th Sep KAW. Sennen, Brew Pool: Singles on 12th and 14th Aug were probably the Nanjizal birds MWa. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 22nd Sep BSW. Walmsley Sane: One on 29th Jul SMC.

COMMON SANDPIPER - Actitis hypoleucos Passage migrant and scarce winter visitor. Bred in 1910 and 1989. Reports of this species show a good deal of variation and indicate no particular trend. This was an average year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 6 6 35 30 15 106 123 82 10 10 10 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - - 4 1 _ 11 5 5 2 _ _ Colliford Res. - - - - - 2 10 3 1 _ _ Crowdy Res. - - - 1 - - 3 3 5 _ _ _ Drift Res. - - - 1 2 1 2 2 1 _ _ Gannel Est. - 2 - - 1 - 1 - 2 _ _ 4 Hayle Est. 1 1 1 - 2 - 3 5 8 2 1 1 Helford River 1 - 2 1 - - - 8 _ _ 2 Kingsmill Lake - - - 2 - 2 10 - - _ _ _ Lynher Est. - - 2 2 2 1 - 8 - _ 2 1 Maer Lake - - - 3 1 - 1 2 _ _ Ruan Lanihorne - - - 2 2 2 4 7 4 _ _ Siblyback Res. - - - 3 - - 17 5 3 _ _ _ Stithians Res. - - - - 2 - - 2 5 2 _ Tamar Est. - Upper 1 2 1 2 - 2 10 - - - _ 1 Other reports include: : Twelve on 25th Aug.

71 RUDDY TURNSTONE - Arenaria interpres Passage migrant, winter visitor and a few summer. Rare inland. Numbers of this species have reduced steadily during the last ten years, and there has been a significant reduction in the number of birds recorded at Looe. Overall numbers were not dissimilar to last year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 149 91 119 26 5 3 1 61 46 121 148 150 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 28 17 10 - - - - 5 2 14 23 27 Gerrans Bay 8 6 ------14 Hayle Est. 2 10 35 - - - 1 - 6 19 21 Looe/Hannafore 28 - 16 - - - - 5 - 27 36 Mount's Bay 24 31 - 10 1 - - 26 8 17 21 32 St Austell Bay 15 10 - 8 2 3 - 2 - 6 10 15 St John's Lake 12 12 16 - - - - - 12 15 10 7 Sennen Cove - - 20 ------8 - - Trevose Head area - 5 15 1 2 - - 15 24 16 19 10 Other reports include: Bude Breakwater: Seventeen on 31st Mar. Killigerran Head: Sixteen on 23rd Jan.

GREY PHALAROPE - Phalaropus fulicarius Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Although usually uncommon there are days following favourable weather conditions when large numbers have been seen e.g. St. Ives on 23rd September 1984 when one hundred were reported and on 7th October 1988 when seventy-four birds were seen, and at Pendeen Watch on 8th October 2001 when seventy-five were seen. There were no large counts this year and numbers were on the low side Cape Cornwall: Five on 3rd Nov MTE. Gyllyngvase Beach: One on 27th Nov BSW. Land's End: One on 27th Oct MWa. Marazion: One on 2nd - 3rd Feb DSF, TH. Oldtown Cove: One on 17th Nov BSW. Pendeen Watch: Two on 10th Aug BSW: One on 31st Aug DSF: One on 22nd Oct SML: Two on 23rd Oct SMC: One on 26th Oct SMC: Seven on 27th Oct SMC, TMC: Four on 3rd Nov BSW: Two on 4th Nov JL. Porthpean: One on 27th Nov RL. Sennen Cove: One on 3rd Feb MWa. St Ives Island: Two on 22nd Oct BSW: Two on 23rd Oct SMC, BSW: Six on 27th Oct BSW: Two on 2nd Dec BSW. St Levan: Four on 10th Aug SML, MC. Tamar Lakes: One on 9th - 10th Oct GPS, BTC. Trevose Head: One on 6th Feb SMC: One on 13th Aug SMC: Two on 6th Sep SMC: One on 12th Oct SMC. 2001: Sennen Cove: Thirty on 9th Oct: Fifty on 12th Oct TG. The county mainland total advances to c. 4,531 since 1926.

72 Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 54 14 3 1 - - 3 79 1,206 2,427 597 147

POMARINE SKUA - Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Usually only seen in small numbers, but high counts during the last twenty-five years have been ninety- eight at St. Ives on 7th October 1988, seventy-five at Pendeen Watch on the same date, and sixty-two at Cape Cornwall on 17th October 1991. The average number of records for the previous ten years was one hundred and two, so this year's total of one hundred and eighteen was above average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 17 15 4 11 3 63 4 Bass Point: Two on 13th Oct DE. Cape Cornwall: An adult on 7th Sep MTE: Singles on 10th and 26th Oct MTE: Two on 3rd Nov MTE. Carbis Bay: One on 4th Oct BSW. Chapel Point: Four adults on 22nd May RL: Five on 10th Jun RL: Two third cal on 11th Jul RL: Two on 21st Oct RL. Charlestown: An adult on 12th May RL. Hell's Mouth: One on 3rd Nov BSW. Land's End: An adult on 30th Aug MWa: A first cal on 27th Oct MWa. Marazion: Eight on 10th May BSW. Mevagissey Bay: One on 20th May SMC. : One on 19th May BSW: One on 14th Jun MWa. Newlyn: A second cal on 2nd May BD. Pendeen Watch: One on 12th Oct DSF: Thirteen on 22nd Oct SMC: Two on 26th Oct SMC: Twenty-six on 27th Oct SMC: One on 3rd Nov BSW. Porth Nanven: One on 23rd Oct BSW. Porthgwarra: An adult on 30th Apr MWa: One on 12th May BSW: Four on 18th May DSF: Two on 26th May KAW: One on 3rd Jun BSW: Four on 10th Jun JL: Two on 12th Jun BSW: One on 14th Jun JL: One on 22nd Jun JL: One on 6th Jul MWa: One on 7th Jul BSW: Two on 11th Aug BSW: An adult on 13th Aug LGRE: Three on 14th Aug SML, MCH: An adult on 18th Aug MWa: One pale adult on 7th Oct SMC: One on 11th Oct JL: One on 25th Oct SMC. St Agnes Head: One on 27th Oct DJC. St Ives Island: Two on 22nd Oct BSW: One on 23rd Oct SMC: Four on 27th Oct BSW. Tintagel: Two on 27th Oct BTC. Tolcarne Beach: One on 19th May BSW. Trevose Head: Two dark adults on 23rd Aug SMC: One pale adult on 26th Aug SMC: One pale first cal on 12th Oct SMC: One first cal on 3rd Nov SMC. The county mainland total is now c. 3,097 since 1955. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 10 2 63 392 102 169 237 472 1,105 464 70

ARCTIC SKUA - Stercorarius parasiticus Passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Reports from St. Ives and Pendeen Watch appear to indicate that numbers have reduced in recent

73 years by comparison with the 1980's. The average number of records for the previous ten years was three hundred and forty-nine, so this year's total of three hundred and forty-seven was average. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 12 9 21 16 65 10 195 17 1 Cape Cornwall: An adult on 7th Sep: Seventeen on 3rd Nov. Carbis Bay: One on 20th Jul: One on 8th Aug: One on 7th Oct. Chapel Point: One on 30th Apr: Two on 18th May: One on 22nd May: Two on 10th Jun: Singles on 12th Jun, 15th Jun and 21st Oct. Gribbin Head: One on 13th May. Land's End: Three on 11th Jun: One on 24th Jun: Two on 31st Jul: Singles on 8th Aug and 7th Sep: Four on 27th Oct: One on 13th Dec. Mount's Bay: One on 7th Jul. Newquay: One on 6th Jun: Four on 3rd Jul: One on 6th Sep. Par Bay: One on 13th May. Pendeen Watch: One on 6th Feb: Three on 9th Aug: Seventeen on 10th Aug: Four on 11th Aug: Fourteen on 18th Aug: Ten on 21st Aug: Three on 31st Aug: Four on 6th Sep: Two on 12th Sep: One on 12th Oct: One on 18th Oct: Thirty-five on 22nd Oct: One on 23rd Oct: One on 26th Oct: Forty-seven on 27th Oct. Porthgwarra: One on 19th Apr: Four on 30th Apr: Two on 31st May: Two on 7th Jun: Singles on 10th, 12th and 14th Jun: Two on 16th Jun: One on 17th Jun: Three on 22nd Jun: One on 29th Jun: Three on 6th Jul: Two on 8th Jul: One on 14th Jul: Two on 28th Jul: One on 12th Aug: Two on 13th Aug: Two on 14th Aug: One on 17th Aug: Two on 18th Aug: One on 19th Aug: Two on 7th Oct: Sixteen on 25th Oct: One on 26th Oct: Three on 31st Oct. : One on 28th Jun. Rame Head: One on 28th Aug. St Agnes Head: Two on 27th Oct. St Ives Island: One on 10th Apr: Fifty-five on 22nd Oct: Four on 23rd Oct: Seventeen on 27th Oct. St Levan: One on 18th Aug. The Brisons: One on 16th Apr. Tintagel: One on 27th Oct. Tolcarne Beach: Four on 30th Apr: Two on 19th May. Trevose Head: One on 12th Aug: One 7th Sep: Two on 12th Oct.

LONG-TAILED SKUA - Stercorarius longicaudus Rare passage migrant. Cape Cornwall: Four first cal on 7th Sep MTE, PC. Pendeen Watch: An adult on 22nd Oct SMC: A first cal on 26th Oct KAW. Unfortunately, a few reports did not have descriptions attached and could not be included. The county mainland total increases to c. 195 since 1961. Most reports have come from St Ives Island with sixty-five, and Pendeen Watch with sixty-six. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Long-tailed Skua (Martin Elliot) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 5 4 2 20 104 54 6 _

74 GREAT SKUA - Catharacta skua Passage migrant, and seen in winter during westerly gales. Numbers fluctuate greatly from year to year, but with no apparent trend. There have been occasional exceptional days as on 12th November 1977 when four hundred and eighty-eight were reported at St. Ives, and following severe gales four hundred and fifty were seen at St. Ives and four hundred at Pendeen Watch on 3rd September 1983. The highest count this year was one hundred and seventy- seven on 22nd October at Pendeen Watch, and the high numbers during that month made this the best year since 1998. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 23 - 10 8 14 23 81 30 482 52 15 Regular reports & monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Cape Cornwall - 1 - - 1 - 2 _ 9 7 27 _ Pendeen Watch 1 14 - - - - - 9 1 244 14 1 Porthgwarra 1 - - 4 1 9 17 32 3 52 _ 1 St. Ives Island 1 2 - 2 1 - - 34 _ 159 _ 5 Trevose Head - 2 - - - - - 3 10 2 5 4

MEDITERRANEAN GULL - Larus melanocephalus Passage migrant and winter visitor in increasing numbers. Birds are constantly passing through and it is difficult to calculate total numbers - observers at the main sites have to use differences in plumage and colour rings to identify individuals. It is helpful if observers estimate and advise the numbers of different birds involved in sightings at regularly watched sites on a monthly basis. The aggregate of monthly records indicates a further increase in the number of birds passing through and wintering in the county, and more birds than usual were reported in May and June. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 85 44 20 4 9 9 55 67 53 51 64 63 Regular reports & monthly numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 10 12 2 2 8 2 10 17 14 14 21 14 Drift Res. 6 3 - - - _ _ - 3 1 3 4 Gannel Est. 4 2 - - - 1 - - - - 6 5 Hayle Est. 6 4 4 2 - - 3 4 10 8 5 5 Mount's Bay 1 3 4 - - - 1 6 8 3 3 2 St Johns/Millbrook 15 8 10 - - 4 35 30 10 10 6 7 Sennen Cove 2 1 - - - - - 2 1 1 2 4 Stithians Res. 1 ------2 2 3 Swanpool 9 3 ------1 - 2 - Other reports include: Harlyn Bay: Fourteen on 2nd Nov. Penryn Park: Six on 28th Dec. Winnard's Perch: Seven on 26th Jan.

HYBRID MEDITERRANEAN GULL x BLACK-HEADED GULL Torpoint: One on 6th Sep. LITTLE GULL - Larus minutus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. This was a better than average year in both the first and last quarters. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 39 15 15 2 - 1 - - 2 47 54 14 Botallack: An adult and four first cal on 23rd Oct. Bude: A second cal on 22nd Feb - 1st Mar: A second cal on 24th Oct. Camel Estuary: A second cal on 22nd Jan and intermittently from 2nd - 25th Feb: An adult on 19th Feb: A second cal on 17th Mar. Cape Cornwall: Six on 3rd Nov. Carbis Bay: A second cal on 27th Feb. Carlyon Bay: An adult and four first cal on 21st Oct. Carnsew Pool: A first cal on 29th Nov. Chapel Point: One on 11th Nov. Devoran: An adult on 20th Apr: A second cal on 29th Apr. Downderry: Six on 21st Oct. Drift Res: An adult on 9th and 11th - 13th Jan: A first cal on 19th Oct: One on 24th Nov: Two adults on 1st Dec: One on 15th and 17th Dec. Gannel Est: Singles on 13th Jan and 22nd Dec. Gyllynvase Beach: Three on 3rd Jan: Three adults and a first cal on 27th Nov. Hannafore: An adult on 15th Nov: An adult on 24th Nov. Harlyn Bay: A second cal on 9th - 11th Feb: A second cal on 11th - 12th Mar. Hayle Est: A second cal on 21st - 27th Mar. Hell's Mouth: Seven on 3rd Nov. Killigerran Head: Three first cal on 15th Oct. Loe Pool: A second cal on 16th Feb Maer Lake: Six on 13th Jan: A second cal on 25th Jan: A second cal on 7th Feb: Four on 10th Feb: A second cal on 23rd Feb: One on 3rd Mar. Mount's Bay: Five adults and a second cal on 5th Jan: Adults on 6th Jan, 12th Jan, 15th Jan, 27th Feb and 4th Mar: Two second cal on 16th Jan: Two adults on 5th Mar: One on 11th Mar: A second cal on 16th Mar: A second cal on 23rd Mar: A first cal on 28th Sep: One on 20th Oct: Three adults and a first cal on 21st Oct: An adult on 23rd Oct: An adult on 15th Nov: One on 19th Nov: One on 19th Dec. Par: An adult on 2nd - 3rd Jan: One on 13th Jan: A second cal on 7th Mar. Pendeen Watch: Six adults on 22nd Oct: Three first cal on 23rd Oct: An adult on 27th Oct: Seven on 3rd Nov: One adult and one first cal on 4th Nov: Two adults on 6th Nov: A first cal on 7th Nov: An adult on 10th Nov: One on 11th Nov: Two second cal on 4th Dec. Porth Res: One on 3rd Mar. Porthgwarra: An adult on 24th Jan: A second cal on 3rd Jun. Porthpean: Two adults and a first cal on 17th Nov: A first cal on 26th Nov. Praa Sands: An adult on 23rd Nov. Seaton: Four on 2nd Jan. Sennen Cove: Adults 7th Jan and 29th Nov: One on 16th Dec. Siblyback Res: A second cal on 12th Mar: An adult on 21st Mar. St Agnes Head: Two on 7th Nov. St Ives: Adults on 24th Jan and 20th Feb: One on 27th Oct: Three adults on 27th Oct: Two first cal on 25th Dec. St Levan: A first cal on 15th Dec. 76 Tolcarne Beach, Newquay: Seen intermittently from 5th - 13th Jan with maximum five adults and one first cal on 5th Jan: Four on 21st Oct: A first cal on 3rd Nov: An adult on 21st Nov and two adults on 27th Nov. Trethewey: An adult on 18th Oct. Trevorian Pool: A first cal on 21st Dec. Trevose Head: A first cal on 12th Oct: Two adults and two first cal on 6th Nov: A first cal on 2nd Dec. Upper Tamar Lake: A second cal on 7th Jan: A second cal on 17th Feb: One on 2nd Sep.

SABINE'S GULL - Larus sabini Scarce passage migrant. Past records show fluctuations from year to year but with no obvious trend. Severe gales on 2nd September 1983 resulted in an exceptional one hundred birds being reported at St. Ives the following day. A poor year with fourteen records was well below average. Newquay: A first cal on 15th Oct SMC. Pendeen Watch: An adult on 9th Aug BSW: Two on 22nd Oct SML, DJC, PGA: A first cal on 27th Oct SMC, CM, TMC. Porthgwarra: Two second cal on 4th Jul BSW: An adult on 12th Aug BSW: A first cal on 24th Sep BSW: A first cal on 31 st Oct SMC. St Ives Island: A first cal on 22nd Oct BSW: A first cal on 28th Oct BSW. The county mainland total is now c. 1,315 since 1951. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - 3 2 4 12 170 721 329 68 5

BONAPARTE'S GULL - Larus Philadelphia Vagrant. Millbrook Lake: Last year's adult to 9th Mar RWG et al. The county mainland total remains at c. 30 since 1967. Mount's Bay has had ten records, some of which also visited Drift Reservoir where there have been nine records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 3 9 3 1 - - - - 1 3 4

BLACK-HEADED GULL - Larus ridibundus Abundant passage migrant and winter visitor that breeds in relatively small numbers at some reservoirs. Large numbers of this species pass through the county, making it very difficult to calculate total numbers. Reports show considerable fluctuations with no discernable trend. There was breeding at Colliford Reservoir with at least three nests at Gillhouse and possibly forty/fifty on the Loveney Reserve. Breeding was disrupted because the water level was low in spring and early summer with the result that the usual large nesting islands were not cut off by water from the main shoreline. Numbers were better than last year overall, but still below the average for the 1990's. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 15,140 11,343 3,819 1,405 529 500 3,763 3,440 3,662 4,294 10,544 10,026

77 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Argal/College Res. 39 3 3 1 - - - - 40 45 2 21 Camel Est. 4,200 4,500 95 240 130 83 908 928 209 1,131 5,500 903 Carrick Roads 500 ------38 65 72 500 Colliford Res. - 80 110 420 313 273 64 12 - - - 7 | Crowdy Res. 30 - - 6 6 - - - - 6 67 348 Drift Res. 525 615 68 5 2 - 2 4 17 280 200 740 Fowey Est. 30 125 12 3 6 12 149 - 122 342 - 110 Gannel Est. 770 290 42 - - - 130 - - 100 172 300 Gerrans Bay 500 750 50 - - - - 162 250 150 1,500 1,700 Hayle Est. 390 450 148 - 6 30 Ill 346 145 155 290 230 Helford River 95 385 - - - - 112 340 212 208 219 216 Helston Boat Lake - - - - - 8 12 21 82 101 78 Loe Pool ------2 37 81 92 68 22 Lynher Est. 229 400 250 44 4 - - - - - 135 100 Maer Lake 415 96 28 98 6 - 4 42 44 44 67 369 Millbrook Lake 400 600 400 37 18 - - - - - 288 218 Mounts Bay 40 20 750 - - - - - 5 325 34 200 Percuil River 320 52 - - 3 - - - 44 20 60 55 Porth Res. - 106 17 - - - - - 6 12 72 68 Ruan Lanihorne - 113 26 - - - 387 310 494 171 - 1,200 Siblyback Res. 470 550 650 380 1 6 25 50 45 10 26 20 - - Stithians Res. - - - - - 1 48 38 125 "1 St Austell Bay 50 28 30 - - 20 14 24 74 60 50 40 St John's Lake 756 400 250 15 2 75 1,000 - 400 500 500 1,200 Swanpool 112 100 45 1 - - 10 17 73 40 51 37 Tresillian River 615 180 65 - - - 173 350 415 160 245 165 Truro River 496 403 230 - - 1 664 773 879 255 - 361 Upper Tamar Est 1,438 1,097 550 153 22 - - - - - 700 393 Other reports include: Camel Est: An adult on 18th Dec with ring number ES56771. Colliford Res: Ninety-eight occupied nests on 11th May. Looe Est: 425 on 1st Jan. Winnard's Perch: 2,620 on 26th Jan.

RING-BILLED GULL - Larus delawarensis Regular vagrant. Some birds return annually to over-winter. This species has been seen in increasing numbers since it was first recorded in mainland Cornwall in 1979, with several birds having returned in subsequent years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 9 7 4 1 2 - - - - 1 3 3 Camel Est: A second cal on 22nd Feb may have been last year's bird SMC, TMC: A third cal on 9th Mar SMC. Catchall: One on 18th Dec was the Drift bird. Drift Res: Last year's adult intermittently to 1st Feb GH: Three on 28th Jan GH: A second cal on 2nd and 8th May GH: One on 8th Dec GH. Gannel Est: An adult on 14th - 15th Jan SMC. Par Beach Pool: Last year's adult to 25th Jan SMC, BMP. Hayle Est: An adult intermittently from 10th Feb -26th Apr JW, LPW, SMC, TMC: A second cal on 10th Mar KAW: An adult on 20th Nov to the end of the year LPW, SMC, MWa.

78 Marazion: A second cal on 2nd - 3rd Feb TH, DSF: A second cal on 7th - 8th May PAF: One on 17th Dec was the Drift Bird DSF. Millbrook Lake: A third cal on 6th Jan and intermittently on 1st - 12th Feb was presumably last year's bird RSn, GSG, RWG, et al. Nanjizal: A second cal on 10th Nov KAW: A first cal on 29th Nov KAW. Par Beach: Last year's adult to 17th Feb SMC, RL, DE, REA: A third cal on 14th Feb BTC. Percuil River: One on 13th Jan GSG. Sancreed: The Drift adult on 12th Jan DSF. Sennen: A second cal on 14th Jan was presumably the Trevorian bird MWa. A second cal on 19th Oct RDR: A second cal on 15th Nov - 21st Dec was the Nanjizal bird MWa: A first cal on 5th Dec was the Nanjizal bird MWa. St Levan: A second cal on 15th Dec may have been the Nanjizal bird MDW. St John's Lake: A third year, intermittently 16th Feb - 21st Mar, was assumed to be the Millbrook bird SCM et al: A second cal on 3rd Mar SCM. Trevorian: A second cal on 11th Jan MWa: A second cal on 12th Dec was presumably the Sennen bird MWa.

COMMON GULL - Larus canus Passage migrant and winter visitor. A few summer. Reports show considerable fluctuations with no discernable trend during the last ten years, a situation reflected by maximum day totals at sites over the last twenty-five years. Better numbers were reported than last year, but flock sizes are well down on those of the 1990's when flocks of one thousand birds and more were reported in 1991, 1992 and 1993. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,307 491 133 7 1 - 8 16 15 43 368 563 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 210 210 3 3 1 7 16 14 18 220 370 Drift Res. 83 67 3 - - _ _ _ _ 1 5 16 Gannel Est. 27 3 1 - - _ _ _ _ _ 1 3 Hayle Est. 24 60 8 - - _ _ _ _ 3 1 4 Lynher Est. 100 - - 3 - _ _ _ - 4 _ Millbrook Lake 230 - - - _ _ _ _ 4 12 Sennen Cove 52 10 2 - - _ _ _ _ 6 _ 5 St Austell Bay 3 - 10 - _ - - 1 50 _ St John's Lake 100 120 100 ------6 2 75 Other reports include: Penryn Park: Thirty-one on 30th Dec. Siblyback Res: Forty on 1st Jan. Winnard's Perch: 360 on 26th Jan: Seventy-two on 19th Nov.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus fuscus Common passage migrant and winter visitor that breeds in low numbers. Site totals for the past twenty-five years show significant variations in numbers from year to year but with no particular trend. There has been considerable fluctuations in numbers recorded over the last ten years, a major factor bring the size of flocks - this year's maximum of 1,181 on the Camel Estuary compares with 5,117 in March 1998.

79 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2,166 3,399 2,013 122 128 93 153 655 1,422 481 1,386 520 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 953 1,181 913 - 3 - - 16 2 - 57 180 Colliford Res. 170 208 2 10 3 7 23 167 42 17 144 118 Crowdy Res. - - - 1 - - 60 115 1,000 145 850 69 Drift Res. 53 21 56 18 23 27 9 21 73 95 29 18 Gannel Est. 64 313 102 3 4 12 8 3 2 2 3 5 Gerrans Bay 26 18 - 8 10 - - 8 10 - - -1 Hayle Est. 386 860 582 59 8 16 2 36 35 95 9 17 Loe Pool - - - 6 - - 7 8 16 2 8 14 Looe River/Est. 25 27 - - - - - 50 - 12 - - Lynher Est. - 3 4 - 15 2 - - - 20 17 3 j Maer Lake 4 29 67 ------Mount's Bay 1 - 1 2 3 - 1 - - - 1 == Ruan Lanihorne - - 4 10 12 26 31 45 53 2 - - Siblyback Res. 125 216 42 - 1 1 6 133 52 3 249 65 St Austell Bay 2 2 35 2 3 2 3 10 2 - 1 31 St John's Lake 10 8 40 ------2 - - Upper Tamar Lake 9 2 2 - 1 - - - - 85 - i Winnard's Perch 275 387 ------Other reports include: Mullion Island: Forty at a breeding colony on 3rd May. Treve Common: 160 on 31st Mar.

HERRING GULL - Larus argentatus Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Site totals for the past twenty-five years show significant variations in numbers from year to year but with no particular trend. Overall numbers were on the low side, by comparison with the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4,352 6,897 5,115 3,273 2,147 1,703 2,148 3,759 4,178 6,380 2,785 4,134 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 880 1,016 1,589 355 125 106 215 535 532 1,179 395 297 College Res. 98 7 10 65 - 5 6 - 12 23 27 17 Colliford Res. 14 - - - 1 120 130 4 - 1 - 28 Crowdy Res. 1 - - 63 173 52 240 200 1,270 1,200 - 25 Drift Res. 700 422 270 380 320 128 195 338 420 520 454 545 Fowey Est. 114 335 99 216 88 30 7 45 399 68 100 575 Gannel Est. 780 918 775 50 90 132 120 - 40 56 130 930 Gerrans Bay 150 150 28 78 58 - - 51 60 25 100 50 Hayle Est. 770 1,500 964 772 394 209 380 1,585 1,050 2,046 620 540 Helford River 14 130 15 61 25 22 85 90 72 101 265 185 Helston Boat Lake - - - 18 12 28 19 33 52 77 50 27 Loe Pool - - - 14 28 29 19 42 16 111 140 63 Lynher Est. 132 72 112 191 61 50 - - - 350 165 186 Maer Lake 31 12 482 6 46 - - 4 5 15 27 Millbrook Lake 94 100 101 304 239 109 _ _ _ 94

80 Forster's Tern American Herring Gull 2002 - Gary Cockill Hayle, March 2002 - Ian Wilson

Roseate Terns August 2002 - D. Kelsall Western Black-eared Wheatear Nanquidno, March 2002 - Gary Cockill

Citrine Wagtail Marazion Marsh, May 2002 - John Chapel Western Bonelli's Warbler Lands End, October 2002 Pete Walsh

Melodious Warbler Lands End September 2002 Pete Walsh

Gry Falcon Trethewey Syke's/Booted Warbler December 2002 Lands End, September 2002 Pete Walsh Pete Walsh Cattle Egret Lizard April 2002 Kester Wilson

. Scops Owl Porthgwarra, March 2002 Pete Walsh

Arctic Warbler Cot Valley October 2002 Killdeer, Godrevy Pete Walsh November 2002 - Mashuq Ahmad Mount's Bay 56 15 3 14 40 3 - 420 1 _ 25 15 Percuil River 28 25 48 - 40 - - - 14 19 20 16 Porth Res. - 2 20 - 4 - - - _ 6 13 52 Ruan Lanihorne - 23 39 34 10 32 42 123 8 83 _ 55 St Austell Bay 20 50 60 25 30 40 50 40 40 58 10 33 St John's Lake 150 150 100 60 100 274 500 - _ 250 100 75 Stithians Res. 7 - 4 11 15 - 17 40 8 43 64 7 Swanpool 70 105 85 38 - - 27 50 45 45 10 53 Truro River 35 64 61 66 113 84 52 149 113 98 _ 107 Upper Tamar Est. 154 139 38 138 125 246 - - - - 67 55 Other reports include: Harlyn Bay: 1,400 on 8th Feb.

Birds showing characteristics of the Scandinavian form L. a. argentatus were noted as follows: Camel Est: An adult on 2nd Feb SMC, BMP: A second winter on 22nd - 23rd Mar SMC. Gannel Est: An adult on 26th Feb SMC. Hayle Est: One on 13th Nov DSF. Maer Lake: An adult on 17th Mar SMC. Nanjizal: A fourth cal on 7th Mar KAW: A fourth cal on 12th Apr Raftra Farm, Polgigga: An adult on 21st Oct SMC. A bird of the American form L. a. smithsonianus, the first accepted record for the county mainland, was noted as follows: Hayle Est: One on 9th - 12th Mar MTE et al.

HERRING GULL X LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL HYBRID Hayle Est: An adult on 16th - 18th Feb KAW et al.

WESTERN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL - Larus michahellis Scarce visitor. Increased observer awareness has increased sightings of this species in Cornwall. However, the identification of this species is not straightforward, and the assessment of submitted records is one of the Records Committee's most difficult tasks. Birds from the western part of the range of this species are smaller and darker than those found to the east and, consequently, are more difficult to separate from Lesser Black-backed Gull. It is the smaller, darker birds that are most likely to be found in Cornwall, and it is necessary to consider summer plumage L. a. argentatus, hybrid Lesser Black-backed/Herring Gull and light coloured Lesser Black-backed Gull when looking at a gull with yellow legs. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 12 12 2 1 1 3 5 3 4 2 1 Arden-Sawah: An adult on 22nd Feb MDW: An adult on 12th - 13th Jun MDW. Camel Est: An adult on 11th Feb SMC: Two third cal on 22nd Feb SMC, TMC: A third cal on 9th and 17th Mar SMC: An adult and three third cal on 18th Mar SMC: An adult and a third cal on 21st Mar SMC: A third cal on 23rd Mar SMC, BMP: A fourth cal on 1st Apr, with a white Darvic ring with black digits 032D on the right leg and a metal ring on the left leg was ringed as a pullus at Gelere, Camargue, France on 13th May 1999 SMC. Cape Cornwall: A first cal on 5th Sep MTE. Colliford Res: An adult on 6th Mar SMC: An adult on 19th - 22nd Jul SMC: A second adult on 22nd Jul SMC: Two adults on 31st Aug SMC: Three on 19th Oct FHCK: An adult at Gillhouse on 15th Nov EJW: Two adults on 16th Nov SMC: An adult at Gillhouse on 15th Nov E JW. A fourth cal on 6th Dec SMC.

81 Crowdy Res: An adult on 7th Sep SMC. Drift Res: One on 1st and 9th Feb GH. Harlyn Bay: A third cal on 11th Mar SMC. Hayle Est: An adult on 20th Jan LPW: An adult on 3rd Feb LPW: An adult on 16th Feb LPW: Two adults, a fourth cal and two third cal were seen during the period 19th Feb - 22nd Mar DSF, LPW, SMC, TMC, BMP: An adult intermittently on 31 st Jul - 23rd Aug LPW: A third cal on 9th Oct REH: One on 18th Oct DSF. Millbrook Lake: An adult on 17th Jan SMC, BMP. Nanjizal: Two third cal on 16th Feb KAW: An adult on 28th Feb and 16th Mar KAW: A first cal on 8th-9th Aug KAW. Sennen: An adult on 21st and 30th Apr MWa. Sennen Cove: One on 7th Jan JL. Siblyback Res: A third cal on 20th Aug SMC: Adults on 8th and 25th Sep SMC. Stithians Res: One on 11th May DSF.

ICELAND GULL - Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor and rare passage migrant. Estimating the number of individual birds can be extremely difficult when they spend several weeks or months in an area, move extensively around the area and return to sites periodically. Only by making detailed notes of plumage details can observers identify individuals, keep track of their movements and calculate how many birds are involved in the sightings. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 5 6 7 1 1 ------Camel Est: A second cal on 9th, 14th and 15th Mar SMC. Cot Valley: A second cal on 11th Jan MTE. Drift Res: A second cal intermittently 21st Jan - 22nd Feb GH. Hannafore: An adult on 12th Mar RSn. Hayle Est: A third cal on 23rd Jan, 10th and 16th Feb LPW. Long Rock: An adult on 12th Jan PAD, DSF. Maer Lake: An adult on 17th Mar SMC, BMP: A second cal on 17th Mar GPS. Nanjizal: A second cal intermittently 17th Feb - 9th Apr was presumably the Sennen bird KAW, 1 MDW. Porth Nanven: A second cal on 3rd, 8th and 21st Feb MTE, DSF. Sennen: A second cal on 16th - 18th Feb MWa. Siblyback Res: An adult on 3rd Feb SMC, BMP. Trevorian Pool: A second cal on 16th - 17th Feb was presumably the Sennen bird MWa. Trevose Head: A second cal on 22nd Jan SMC and 8th - 11th Feb SMC, BMP: An adult on 10th - 11th Mar SMC, BMP: A second cal on 3rd - 29th May SMC, BMP.

A bird of the form known as Kumlien's Gull L. g. kumlienii was noted as follows: Hayle Est: An adult on 6th - 19th Mar LPW et al. The county mainland record total is now c. 9 since 1979. Previous records were of adults in Mount's I Bay in 1979, at Newquay in 1996, on the Hayle Estuary and the Camel Estuary in 1998, at Drift i Reservoir in 1999, at Hayle Estuary and Siblyback Reservoir in 2000 and at Hayle in 2001. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 2 6 1 ------

82 GLAUCOUS GULL - Larus hyperboreus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Estimating the number of individual birds can be extremely difficult when they spend several weeks or months in an area, move extensively around the area and return to sites periodically. Only by making detailed notes of plumage details can observers identify individuals, keep track of their movements and calculate how many birds are involved in the sightings. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 4 2 6 1 - - - - 1 - 2 Camel Est: A second cal on 17th Mar SMC. Cape Cornwall: A first cal on 26th Oct MTE. Carbis Bay: A second cal on 14th Apr JDL. Gannel Est: A second cal on 19th Feb SMC, BMP: A third cal on 26th Apr SMC. Harlyn Bay: A second cal on 8th - 9th Feb SMC, BMP. Hayle Est: A third cal on 20th Feb LPW: A second cal on 8th - 11th Mar, 10th and 26th - 29th Apr LPW: A third cal on 26th - 29th Apr and 16th May LPW. Lizard Point: A first cal on 23rd Dec BSW. Polgigga: A second cal on 28th Apr MDW. Sennen: A second cal on 9th Apr MWa: A first cal on 30th Dec MWa. St Columb Porth: A second cal on 18th Mar SMC. St Ives: A third cal on 18th Feb BSW.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL - Larus marinus Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers were quite low throughout the year by comparison with the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 521 1,077 1,213 177 116 73 74 284 147 304 429 419 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 270 479 928 23 12 17 31 232 52 168 125 193 Colliford Res. 3 4 2 4 9 5 6 5 4 _ _ 2 Crowdy Res. - - 3 3 3 - 10 8 3 _ _ Drift Res. 15 12 25 5 5 4 5 5 5 14 82 21 Fowey Est. 1 3 2 3 3 - 2 - 5 1 2 3 Gannel Est. 24 84 57 32 - 22 4 - 2 2 7 82 Gerrans Bay 38 20 - 5 9 - - 5 28 _ _ Hayle Est. 87 162 146 42 8 10 2 10 36 56 45 6 Helford River 1 7 3 2 1 2 3 2 2 _ 9 12 Loe Pool - - - 1 - 2 2 12 - _ 22 28 Lynher Est. 10 13 8 12 - - - - - 20 2 5 Par 6 3 10 6 4 3 1 1 1 2 _ 3 Ruan Lanihorne - 153 8 20 4 - - _ _ _ 130 40 St John's/Millbrook 10 6 6 2 7 6 _ _ 40 4 8 Upper Tamar Est. 19 8 5 6 7 - - - - - 9 Other reports include: East Looe: Ninety-five on 24th Feb. Godrevy Island: Twenty-two nests on 16th May.

83 ROSS'S GULL - Rhodostethia rosea Rare vagrant. Sennen: An adult on 19th Feb TG et al. Torpoint: An adult on 15th Feb GJT, RWG. The Torpoint bird was originally found on the Devon side of the Plym Estuary in January and remained in the area for several weeks, but only rarely visited the western shore. Previous records were at St Ives in 1977, Poldhu in 1988, Newlyn in 1989. the Lynher Estuary in 1996 and in 1998. The mainland total is now c. 7 since 1977. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 3 1 ------1 -

KITTIWAKE - Rissa tridactyla Breeding summer visitor, abundant passage migrant and winter visitor. Cape Cornwall had by far the largest count on 3rd November, but no particularly large counts were received for St Ives. Reports include: Cape Cornwall: 4,000 on 26th May: 20,000 on 3rd Nov. Harlyn Bay: 700 on 9th Feb. Killigerran head: 720 on 23rd Jan. Newquay: 759 on 6th Jun. Pendeen Watch: 7,083 on 22nd Oct: 1,982 on 23rd Oct: 2,910 on 26th Oct: 8,706 on 27th Oct. Porthgwarra: 2,256 on 25th Oct: 876 on 31st Oct: 1,634 on 18th Nov. St Austell Bay: 2,000 on 10th Mar. St Ives Island: 552 on 24th Jan: 561 on 23rd Oct. Trevose Head: 3,180 on 6th Feb: 2,174 on 23rd May: 540 on 3rd Nov: 735 on 1st Dec: 576 on 28th Dec.

GULL-BILLED TERN - Sterna nilotica Rare vagrant. Sennen Cove: An adult on 31st Aug roamed widely around West Cornwall and was also reported at Sennen, Trevorian Pool, Marazion Marsh and Drift where it was last seen on 21st Sep GS et al. The county mainland total now stands at c. 9 since 1967. Previous records were at St Ives in 1967, Porth Kidney and Widemouth Bay (two birds) in 1968, Marazion in 1980, and Hayle, St John's Lake and Stithians in 1987. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 - - - 4 2 1 - -

SANDWICH TERN - Sterna sandvicensis Common passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Overall numbers were about average in spring, but were low in autumn. The earliest report since 1933 (excluding the over-wintering birds in 1979 and 1991) was on 4th February 1995 on the Hayle Estuary, and the latest also on the Hayle Estuary on 29th November 2000. The earliest report this year was on 11th March in Carlyon Bay, and the latest in Carbis Bay on 24th December, the latest ever.

84 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 87 315 174 101 163 326 326 38 15 5 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - 11 6 - 3 40 65 38 3 1 _ Hayle Est. - - 3 10 - 11 - 30 45 4 2 1 Mounts Bay - - 11 15 4 - 5 3 11 2 1 _ Newquay - - - - - 5 4 _ 2 _ _ _ Pendeen Watch - - - 2 - - _ 14 _ 1 _ _ Porthgwarra - - 3 6 10 7 11 13 1 3 1 _ Sennen Cove - - 4 8 2 - _ _ 5 2 _ _ St Austell Bay - - 7 16 30 4 9 5 _ _ _ St. Ives Bay - - 20 1 - 11 3 45 50 _ 1 1 Trevose Head area - - 1 9 2 6 3 8 17 7 2 _ Whitsand Bay - - 1 1 1 3 10 - - - 1 _

ROSEATE TERN - Sterna Dougallii Scarce passage migrant. Carbis Bay: An adult and a ringed first cal on 25th Aug DK. The county mainland total now stands at c. 5 since 2000. The number of reports has reduced steadily over the last thirty years, reflecting the reduction seen at breeding sites in the north Atlantic. Most reports have come from St Ives, although relatively few have been reported at that site during the last ten years. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Ian Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 1 - 1 2 - 1 -

COMMON TERN - Sterna hirundo Passage migrant. Numbers fluctuate greatly from year to year, 'good' years usually resulting from particularly large day counts e.g. five hundred birds were reported past St. Ives on 30th September 1978 and five hundred on 30th August 1980. The earliest report since 1937 was on 21st March 1996 at St. Ives, and the latest was also at St. Ives on 26th November 1982. The earliest report this year was on 3rd March at Cargreen, the earliest ever, and the latest at Sennen Cove on 30th November, the latest ever. Numbers were lower than during the previous ten years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 4 26 5 22 91 40 5 3 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est - - - 2 - - 1 2 1 - _ _ Gannel Est. - - - - 1 - - 6 - - _ Mount's Bay - - - - 3 1 - 1 9 2 - _ Porthgwarra - - - - 4 - 4 9 - - _ _ Sennen Cove - - - - - 1 3 - 1 2 _ St Austell Bay - - - - 8 2 1 4 1 - _ _ St. Ives Bay ------2 50 - - 1 Trevose Head area - - - - 1 1 6 2 6 1 _

85 Other reports include: Newquay: Six on 3rd Aug. St John's Lake: Six on 10th Sep.

ARCTIC TERN - Sterna paradisaea Passage migrant. Numbers vary considerably from year to year, doubtless reflecting weather conditions during their migration. The largest day count during the past twenty-five years was two hundred past St. Ives on 2nd September 1988. An average of two hundred and ninety-one birds per annum was seen during the previous twenty years, but only fifty-two this year. The average for the last three years was sixty-four, with only a meagre thirty-eight in 2000. The earliest report since 1942 was on 3rd April at Killigerran Head, and the latest at St. Ives on 23rd November 1986. This year the earliest was at Land's End on 25th Apr, and the latest on 13th November at St Ives. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 - 4 - 24 14 7 1 Argal Res: One on 14th Sep. Camel Est. One on 17th Aug. Cape Cornwall: Two first cal on 7th Sep. Downderry: Two first cal on 26th Jun. Drift Res: Singles on 1st and 14th Sep: Two on 22nd Sep. Harlyn Bay: One on 20th Jun. Land's End: Two on 25th Apr. Mount's Bay: A first cal on 19th Sep: One on 10th Oct. Newquay: One on 6th Jun. Pendeen Watch: One on 10th Aug: Three on 20th Aug: Four on 22nd Oct: Two on 27th Oct. Porthgwarra: One on 11th Aug: Two on 12th Aug: One on 13th Aug: Six on 14th Aug: Five on 12th Sep. St Ives: A first cal on 13th Nov. St Levan: Two on 10th Aug. ' Trevose Head: Six on 21st Aug: One on 31st Aug: One on 6th Sep.

FORSTER'S TERN - Sterna forsteri Very rare vagrant. Hayle Est: A first cal on 26th Nov - 5th Dec PAR, LPW et al. The mainland total is now c. 6 since 1980. Previous records were at Swanpool in January 1980 (the first British record), on the Lynher Estuary in October 1982, at Hayle/St Ives in January 1987, at Par J in October 1990 and at Devoran in 1998. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 ------2 2 -

LITTLE TERN - Sterna albifrons Uncommon passage migrant. There are considerable variations in annual numbers, between two hundred and nineteen in 1986 and thirteen in 1996, with an average of fifty-four per annum since 1977. The high count at Pendeen Watch resulted in this year's total being a little above the average of the previous fifteen years. The earliest report since 1935 was on 3rd April 1983 at Mevagissey, and the latest at Clodgy Point on

86 23rd October 1977. The earliest this year was on 26th April at Lamorna Cove, and the latest at Pendeen Watch on 7th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 4 1 - 1 6 1 22 - Charlestown: Two on 30th Apr. Falmouth Docks: One on 12th Sep. Harlyn Bay: One on 13th May. Lamorna Cove: One on 26th Apr. Mount's Bay: One on 26th Apr. Pendeen Watch: Twenty-two on 7th Oct. Porth Kidney: One on 23rd Jul. Porthgwarra: Six on 7th Aug. Little Tern (Kester Wilson) BLACK TERN - Chlidonias niger Uncommon passage migrant There are considerable variations in annual numbers, between two hundred and five in 1997 and eighteen in 1991, with an average of ninety-one per annum since 1977. Only twelve birds were reported this year, the lowest total of the last thirty years. The earliest report since 1940 was on 12th April at the Upper Tamar Reservoir, and the latest at Tresillian on 3rd November 1994. The earliest report this year was on 26th April in Mount's Bay, and the latest at Drift Reservoir on 17th September. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 2 - - 4 5 - - Drift Res: Two on 24th May: One on 1st Sep: A first cal on 17th Sep. Loe Pool: One on 11th Aug. Lower Tamar Lake: One on 5th Sep. Mount's Bay: One on 26th Apr: A first cal on 29th Aug. Porthgwarra: One on 24th Aug. St Levan: One on 23rd Aug.

Upper Tamar Lake: A first cal on 1st Sep: One on 9th Sep.

COMMON GUILLEMOT - Uria aalge Breeding summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Day counts in the thousands were received quite regularly in the past but none have been received since 1996. However, there were some large counts of mixed flocks this year. Reports include: Cape Cornwall: 500 on 7th Feb. Killigerran Head: 126 on 23rd Jan. Mevagissey Bay: 306 on 20th May: 413 on 21st May. Porthgwarra: 130 on 27th May.

Trevose Head: 461 on 6th Feb: 204 on 23rd May: 109 on 29th May.

RAZORBILL - Alca torda Breeding summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. The last really large day count was received in 1994 when 6,000 were reported past Rumps Point on 30th December. However, there were some large counts of mixed flocks this year. Reports include: Cape Cornwall: 1,000 on 7th Feb. Carbis Bay: 400 on 13th Dec. Killigerran Head: 798 on 23rd Jan: 144 on 15th Oct. Mevagissey Bay: 281 on 20th May: 257 on 21st May. Porthgwarra: 195 on 12th Apr: 129 on 24th Apr: 166 on 27th May. Trevose Head: 940 on 6th Feb: 327 on 23rd May.

AUK sp. (Common Guillemot or ) Reports include: Cape Cornwall: 30,000 on 3rd Nov. Harlyn Bay: 1,600 on 8th Feb: 3,500 on 9th Feb. Newquay: 1,093 on 3rd Nov. Pendeen Watch: 1,780 on 18th Oct: 2,302 on 22nd Oct: 13,128 on 23rd Oct: 6,636 on 26th Oct. Porthgwarra: 1,000 on 15th Feb: 1,608 on 25th Oct: 1,566 on 31st Oct. Rumps Point: 2,997 on 7th Nov. St Ives Island: 3,798 on 24th Jan: 2,244 on 23rd Oct. Trevose Head: 1,155 on 22nd Jan: 1,467 on 12th Oct: 1,704 on 14th Oct: 2,269 on 6th Nov: 1,406 on 9th Nov: 1,524 on 10th Nov: 7,152 on 1st Dec: 2,953 on 2nd Dec: 2,692 on 28th Dec.

BLACK GUILLEMOT - Cepphus grylle Occasional visitor, sometimes over-wintering. Mevagissey Bay: Adult on 20th May SMC. Mount's Bay: One on 17th Nov BSW. Porthgwarra: One on 25th Oct SMC. Portmellon: One on 14th May RL. The mainland total now stands at c. 74 since 1930. St Ives Bay remains the most popular site with sixteen records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 15 8 4 7 4 2 - - 4 11 9 10

LITTLE AUK - Alle alle Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Records of this species are very weather dependant. There were obviously some 'good blows' in 1979 when St. Ives recorded one hundred and thirty-two on 15th December, sixty-five on 28th December, fifty-five on 29th December and thirty-four on 31st December, and Porthgwarra had one hundred and fourteen on 11th November. This year's total of twenty-seven compares with the average of twenty- six during the previous twenty years. Gerrans Bay: One on 3rd Mar GSG. : One on 4th Nov RMP. Hannafore: One on 15 th Nov MD. Harlyn Bay: One on 8th Feb SMC. Hayle Est: One on 2nd Dec DSF: One on 22nd Dec BSW. Maenporth: One on 30th Jan GH. Mount's Bay: One on 7th - 8th Dec BSW. Pendeen Watch: Two on 28th Jan MWa: One on 18th Oct SML: Singles on 11th Nov and 1st E)ec BSW: One on 4th Dec JL.

88 Porthgwarra: One on 15th Nov SMC: Two on 18th Nov SMC. Sennen Cove: One on 3rd and 6th Feb MWa: One on 4th Dec was eaten by a Great Black-backed Gull MWa. St Ives: One on 3rd and 6th Feb JL: One on 27th Oct JL: Two on 2nd Dec JL. Trevose Head: Two on 6th Feb SMC: One on 10th Nov SMC. The county mainland total increases to c. 1,425 since 1943. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 128 109 40 4 - - - 1 5 121 503 514

PUFFIN - Fratercula arctica Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant, and unusual winter visitor. The earliest report since 1937 was on 5th January 1988 at Rame Head, and the latest at Newquay on 27th December 1994. The earliest report this year was on 24th January at Bude, and the latest at Porthgwarra on 15th November. Reports include: Mevagissey Bay: Eighteen on 20th May: Ten on 21st May. Porthgwarra: Forty-three on 30th Mar: Forty-six on 5th Apr. The Brisons: Eight on 19th Jul. The Mouls: Thirteen on 19th May. Trevose Head: Nine on 7th Jun.

FERAL PIGEON / ROCK DOVE - Columba livia Breeding resident. Pure Rock Doves are unlikely to have survived inter-breeding with feral pigeons.

STOCK DOVE - Columba oenas Breeding residents, dispersing birds and winter visitors. Numbers were relatively low with no great influx towards the end of the year, perhaps reflecting the lack of severe weather. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 99 122 102 4 14 14 11 38 1 320 310 92 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. 8 - 2 2 3 1 6 36 17 - 1 Colliford Res. 1 1 2 2 - 7 2 1 - - - Drift Res. 30 19 11 - - 1 - - - - - Sennen 30 3 10 ------200 30 Other reports include: Empacombe: Twenty-eight on 1st Jan. Higher Lampetho Farm: Fifteen on 21st Feb: Sixty on 9th Mar. Higher : Thirty-two on 9th Feb. Land's End: Fifty on 16th Nov. Nanjizal: Sixty on 23rd Dec. Narkurs: 300 on 19th Oct.

89 WOOD PIGEON - Columba palumbus Breeding resident, passage migrant, dispersing birds and winter visitor. As with Stock Dove, there was no great influx of birds in the late autumn. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 83 113 212 - - - 43 - 266 1,741 - Reports include: Carbis Bay: 200 on 15th Nov. Holmbush: 200 on 6th Nov. Land's End: 400 on 16th Nov may have been the Porthgwarra flock. Marazion Marsh: 200 on 13th Nov. Narkurs: 300 on 19th Oct. Porthgwarra: 603 on 15th Nov. Ruan Lanihorne: 200 on 19th Nov. Sennen: 450 on 14th Nov may have been the Porthgwarra flock.

COLLARED DOVE - Streptopelia decaocto Resident breeder with some dispersal in spring and autumn. It was erroneously stated in last year's report that the first Cornish report of this species was of a single bird at Scorrier on 12th May 1961. However, the first report was on 10th June 1959 when one was seen at Trethewey near , and another bird was seen the following year on 24th September at Trethvas, Lizard. Quite large flocks are now being seen on an annual basis. It is difficult to comment on current numbers as only very large flocks are reported from the majority of sites, whereas it is known that smaller numbers are present at many sites throughout the year. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Land's End/Sennen - - 30 - 40 17 ------Polgigga/St Levari - - - 56 - - 86 90 147 107 - - Rame - - 10 - - - - - 20 19 - 32 Sancreed 4 6 6 6 6 11 8 7 7 7 7 12 Trevose Head - - 3 - 4 2 - 2 10 2 - A Reports include:

St Merryn: Twenty-one on 3rd Jul.

TURTLE DOVE - Streptopelia turtur Passage migrant and occasional summer resident. Probably bred in 1981, 1978 and 1977. Figures produced by a Nature Conservancy Trust census in 2000 indicated a seventy per cent reduction in the UK population during the previous thirty years, and there have also been fewer birds in the county. Whereas twenty-two were reported at Porthcurno on 18th April 1980, and forty-one on The Lizard on 10th June of the same year, annual totals have been running at less than the number seen on The Lizard on that one day. This year's total was much lower than last year, but better than the previous two years. The earliest report since 1931 (excluding birds thought to be wintering in 1985/6 and 1992/3) was on 15th March 1996 at St. Ives, and the latest at Holmbush on 11th November 1984. This year the earliest was on 25th April at Rame Head, and the latest at Sennen on 25th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 2 16 15 - 8 16 11 _ -

90 Arden-Sawah: Singles on 8th, 10th and 13th May. Camel Est: One on 18th May. Cot Valley: One on 17th Oct. Downhill: One on 27th Sep - 4th Oct. Goonhilly Downs: Singles on 12th May and 1st Jun. : Singles on 17th and 22nd Oct. Land's End/Sennen: Three on 8th May: Singles on 9th - lOthand 14th - 16th May: Two on 1st, 3rd and 15th Jun: Singles on 13thand 20th Aug, 2nd and 16th Sep. Marazion One on 4th Jun. Nanjizal/Polgigga: One on 30th Apr at Raftra Farm: One on 7th May: Three on 8th May: Singles on 15th May, 1st - 2nd Jun, 28th Jun: One on 15th and two on 16th Aug: Two on 24th Aug: Three on 1st Sep: Singles on 3rd and 12th Sep: Two on 13th Sep: One on 15th and two on 16th Sep: Singles on 19th - 22nd and 24th - 25th Sep: Two on 6th Oct: Singles on 9th, 15th - 16th, 22nd and 25th - 31st Oct. Nanquidno: One on 3rd Jun. Penmillard: One on 29th Sep. Porth Res: Two on 24th Jun. Porthgwarra: Singles on 2nd Jun, 18th, 22nd and 25th - 26th Aug, 21st and 29th Sep. Rame: One on 25th Apr. St Buryan: One on 20th Jun. St Levan: Singles on 4th and 6th Oct. Trendrine: One on 15th May.

COMMON CUCKOO - Cuculus canorus Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Numbers reported have been very similar during three of the last four years, the exception being 2000 when numbers were low. The earliest report since 1929 was on 19th February 1968 at Newquay, and the latest at St Columb on 30th November 1984. The earliest report this year was on 15th April at Coverack, and the latest at Trevilley on 14th September. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 20 62 32 4 3 2 _ _ _ Reports include: Colliford Res: Three on 18th May. : Four on 10th May. Kit Hill: Four on 5th May. Ninestones Bridge: Three on 6th May. St Agnes Head: Three on 6th May. Trevorian Pool: Three on 7th May.

BARN OWL - Tyto alba Scarce breeding resident with some dispersal. Loss of breeding sites, the destruction of habitat and increased road traffic has a detrimental effect on this vulnerable species. There were reports from seventy-six locations, of which five reports were of dead birds. The number of records was down on last year but higher than 2000. Breeding was reported at seven sites, breeding failed at one site and birds nested at two other sites where there was no proof of breeding.

91 All of the reports away from breeding sites were of single birds, apart from the following: Clapper Bridge: Two on 30th Aug. : Two on 16th Dec. Polgreen: Two on 23rd Oct.

EURASIAN SCOPS OWL - Otus scops Very rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: One on 24th - 26th Mar RF et al. This individual was found whilst trapping moths. It was very obliging, performing well in the car lights on the car park. The mainland total is now c. 3 since 1974. A bird was hit by a car in Saltash on 18th May 1974 and died six days later, and one was on Henna Cliff at on 9th - 11th April 1995. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 1 1 ------

LITTLE OWL - Athene noctua Very scarce breeding resident. The 1937 report mentions that this species was 'black listed' by Somerset, Devon and Cornwall County Councils for up to five years on unscientific evidence (there was even a theory that they killed birds and mammals in order to later enjoy a feast of carrion beetles at the corpse) and that it had become a rare bird in Cornwall. There was an increase in reports in the early part of the 1990's but numbers have reduced steadily since, as shown below. Approximate monthly totals: Historic Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1976 - - - - - 8 - 4 1 1 3 - 1977 - - 2 4 4 3 3 6 5 3 3 2 1978 - - 1 1 1 2 2 1 3 3 - - 1979 1 - 1 4 4 6 4 4 4 1 2 1 1980 1 - 1 1 1 - 2 2 3 4 2 2 1981 - 1 2 - 2 2 - 1 3 1 1 - 1982 1 1 - 3 5 3 2 3 2 1 1 - 1983 3 1 2 1 7 4 4 5 1 9 5 3 1984 1 2 2 2 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 1985 3 3 5 5 9 4 10 7 4 7 5 2 1986 - - - - 4 8 5 2 4 2 1 - 1987 - - - 3 3 11 11 2 2 3 - 1 1988 1 1 1 1 - 1 7 3 3 2 3 3 1989 3 2 - 5 3 4 3 7 1 3 2 3 1990 2 2 2 5 2 2 6 2 5 5 3 2 1991 8 8 6 10 6 6 7 7 7 10 7 8 1992 8 5 6 6 7 6 5 6 8 9 6 9 1993 11 5 5 6 5 5 7 4 6 4 6 4 1994 8 8 8 9 8 8 8 10 9 9 9 9 1995 3 4 2 3 1 3 2 2 1 2 3 1 1996 2 1 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 _ 1 1997 1 - - 2 1 - - - - - _ 1998 3 4 4 4 4 6 2 4 3 3 2 - 1999 1 1 4 3 3 4 3 2 1 1 - 2000 3 2 3 4 3 6 7 1 2 1 _ 2001 2 3 - - 1 1 1 2 1 _ 2 1 (a pair that nested at Polperro are not included in the 2001 figures as full details are not available)

92 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 2 2 - - 1 _ 1 1 _ Morwenstow: One on 6th Apr GPS. Penmillard, Rame: One on 28th Jul DRC. Pentire Point: One on 27th and 29th Mar, 11th Apr, 21st Sep and 6th Oct SMC, BMP. Porthgwarra: One on 25th Mar GH. Pulla Cross: One on 20th Jan RP. 2001: Polperro: A pair nested AA.

TAWNY OWL - Strix aluco Widespread breeding resident. Figures produced by a Nature Conservancy Trust census in 2000 indicated a thirty-three per cent increase in the UK population, following a fifteen per cent decline over the previous twenty-five years. There were reports from forty-one locations, one more than last year, and the number of records is similar to last year. Reports include: Church Cove, Lizard: Four on 5th Jun. Hustyn Wood: Four on 1st Jun.

SHORT-EARED OWL - Asio flammeus Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Monthly totals since 1977 show fluctuations between years but no particular trend. There were reports from twenty-four locations, similar to last year. There were few records in the early part of the year but good numbers in autumn, particularly in Short-eared Owl (Mark Warren) September. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 2 2 - - 1 - 15 7 4 2 Boscawen: Two on 13th Sep. Caerthillian: One on 28th Oct. Cam Gloose: One on 24th Sep. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 5th Sep. Colliford Res: One on 17th Feb. Croft Pascoe: One on 9th Apr. Crowdy Res: One on 24th Nov. Godrevy Point: One on 21st Sep. Goonhilly Downs: Singles on 3rd Mar, 9th Apr, 10th and 16th Nov: One on 24th Nov may have been the Kynance bird. Kynance Cove/Downs: Singles on 23rd Mar and 1st Oct. One on 17th Nov may have been the bird seen at Windmill Farm.

93 Land's End/Treve Common: Singles on 8th Apr, 18th Jul and 3rd Sep: Two on 14th Sep: Singles on 23rd and 29th Sep. Landulph Marsh: One on 8th - 9th Apr. Military Road, Penlee: One on 19th Oct. Nanjizal: One on 19th Oct. Nanquidno: One on 11th Oct. Porthgwarra: One on 19th - 20th Oct. Rame Head: One on 11th - 13th Sep: Four on 6th - 19th Oct. Sennen: One on and 15th Oct. Tregonetha: One on 15th and 27th Dec. Trevose Head: One on 28th Sep. Trewellard: One on 27th and 30th Sep. Walmsley Sane: One on 7th and 14th Dec. Windmill Farm: One on 16th Nov.

NIGHTJAR - Caprimulgus europaeus Scarce breeding summer visitor and rare passage migrant. The Nightjar was formerly a more common breeding species in the county, but is now restricted to a small number of sites. The earliest report since 1932 was on 28th April 1993 at Boswednack, and the latest at Nanjizal on 21st October 1996. The first report this year was on The Lizard on 11th May, and the last on 5th August was also on The Lizard. Reports away from breeding areas were: : One on 24th - 29th Jun. , St Agnes: One on 13th May. Porthtowan: One on 18th Jun. Breeding season information was received from the following areas. Figures represent maximum number of 'churring' males. 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 Bodmin Moor - 1 3 5 4 1 3 3 Lizard - Site 1 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 2 Site 2 - - - 2 3 2 - - Newquay 2 1 2 2 - 1 - - St. Austell - Site 1 - - 2 - 1 2 1 1 Site 2 - - 1 - - - - - Site 3 - - 2 - - - - - Site 4 - - 1 - - - - - Site 5 - - 1 - - - - - Site 6 - 3 ------West Penwith - Site 1 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 4 Site 2 - - 2 2 2 1 2 3

Total 8 *11 20 15 14 10 10 13 *The collection of data was affected by foot and mouth disease restrictions.

94 COMMON SWIFT - Apus apus Passage migrant and breeding summer visitor. Higher numbers were reported than during the previous two years, but less than 1999. The earliest report since 1932 was on 6th February 1995 at St Ives, and the latest on 29th November at Godrevy Point. The first report this year was at Lizard Point on 24th March, and the last on 21st October in Mevagissey Bay. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 44 885 1,890 2,598 213 17 2 _ _ Reports include: Camel Est: 550 on 21st Jul. Land's End: 280 on 18th Jun. Penmillard: 300 on 27th Jul. Pentewan: 200 on 16th Jun: 300 on 30th Jun: 200 on 23rd Jul. Walmsley Sane: 700 on 26th Jul.

SWIFT Sp. Godrevy Point: One on 24th Mar. Lizard Point: Two on 24th Mar. Polgigga: One on 16th Aug. Predannack: One on 24th Mar.

ALPINE SWIFT - Apus melba Vagrant. Cape Cornwall: One on 23rd Sep R&HD. Sennen: One on 2nd Jun MWa. Tregeseal/St Just: Two on 26th Mar per KAW et al. The mainland total is now c. 22 since 1969. Records are well spread, but with most along the south coast. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 8 3 2 2 1 2 2

LITTLE SWIFT - Apus affinis Very rare vagrant. Land's End: One on 10th Sep JH, GH et al. The mainland total is now c. 3 since 1981. The first was at Skewjack in 1981, and the second at Porthgwarra in 1998. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 2 - - - 1 _ _ _

COMMON KINGFISHER - Alcedo atthis Scarce breeding resident, migrant, some dispersal and winter visitor. Reports were received from sixty-four sites, eight less than last year, but the number of records was a third higher. 95 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 15 9 9 4 5 7 10 26 60 42 26 24 Reports include: Bude Marshes: Three on 3rd Jul. Camel Est: Three on 6th Dec. Drift Res: Three on 6th Oct. Looe Est: Four on 17th Nov. Marazion Marsh: Three on 18th Sep and 1st Oct.

EUROPEAN BEE-EATER - Merops apiaster Vagrant. Spring overshoots are almost annual. Sancreed: Four on 18th Jun GJT: One on 23rd Jun GJT. The county mainland total increases to c. 80 since 1956, but there have only been records in seventeen years as there have been a number of multiple occurrences. The largest influx was is 1985 when fifteen birds were seen at Porthgwarra on 26th May. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 41 30 7 - 1 - 1 1 HOOPOE - Upupa epops Scarce drift migrant, mainly spring overshoots. The average number of records in the 1970's was seven per annum, increasing to almost thirteen in the 1980's and to fourteen in the 1990's. The highest annual number was twenty-nine in 1996. Numbers were down in 2000 with five and in 2001 with seven, but returned to a high level this year with twenty. Bosullow Common: One on 11th Feb PJL. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 25th Mar SK. Crankan: One on 10th Apr killed by a Sparrowhawk EGG. Cremyll: One on 2nd - 18th Apr PE. Gwendreath: One on 17th Mar per KAW. Land's End: One on 24th - 25th Apr MWa. Lizard Village: One on 29th Mar AL, ML: A different bird on 30th Mar AL, ML. Moorland Smith: One on 4th Apr MR. Newlyn Coombe: One on 12th May BD. Penlee Battery/Rame Head: One on 13th Apr was different from Cremyll bird DA, AECA, Perranporth: One on 24th Mar per KAW. Porthgwarra: One on 24th - 25th Mar was presumably the Roskestal bird SCW, MDW: Two on 31st Mar - 3rd Apr MDW. Rame Head: One on 14th May J J. Rinsey Head: One on 24th Mar TT, MGu. Roskestal: One on 23rd Mar MDW. Saltash: One on 16th May KW. St Loy: One on 24th Mar - 8th Apr EP. Trerulefoot: One on 15th May KS. Veryan: One on 7th - 8th Apr DS. The county mainland total is now c. 525 since 1932.

96 Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 8 105 226 75 16 7 15 34 25 11 _ *three undated

WRYNECK - Jynx torquilla Scarce drift migrant. The average number of records in the 1970's was less than five per annum, increasing to almost twelve in the 1980's and to just over fourteen in the 1990's, catching up with and then surpassing Hoopoe. The highest annual total was twenty-eight in 1988. Numbers since then have been nineteen in 2000, thirteen in 2001 and twenty-six this year. Booby's Bay: One on 2nd Sep PR. Brew, Sennen: One on 1 st Sep MWa. Butterwell, : One on 23rd Aug ABo. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 2nd Sep SFE: One on 12th - 27th Oct MT. Kynance Cove: One on 26th Aug NC: One on 2nd Sep NC: One on 23rd Sep MT. Land's End/Sennen: One on 23rd Aug MWa: One on 9th - 17th Sep MWa: One on 21st Sep MWa. Lostwithiel: One on 29th Mar BLW. Nanjizal/Bosistow: One on 28th - 29th Sep MDW: One on 3rd Oct LJP. Nansmellyn: One on 15th Apr APH. Poltesco: One on 7th Sep SFE. Porthgwarra: One on 19th Aug SML, MCH: One on 22nd Aug MDW: One on 9th Sep MDW: One on 19th Sep MDW: One on 30th Sep MDW: Two on 4th Oct MDW. St Just: One on 31st Oct MTE. Tolvaddon: One on 22nd Aug TH. The county mainland total is now c. 386 since 1946. Approximate monthly totals (historic): fan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - 3 18 12 1 1 44 227 74 5 -

GREEN WOODPECKER - Picus viridis Breeding resident. Reports were received from seventy-seven sites. All reports were of one or two birds apart from the following: Boswithick Bridge: Three on 21st Jul. : Three on 11th Jan. Marazion marsh: Ten on 24th Dec. Porth Res: Four on 23rd Jul. Trembath: Three on 17th Jan.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos major Breeding resident, with some dispersal. Reports were received from eighty sites. No more than two birds were reported at any site other than the following: Botherick: Three on 3rd Dec. Church Cove, Lizard: Four on 14th Jul. Dunmere: Pair feeding young 23rd May. Kilkhampton: Three on 1st Apr, five on 2nd Jun and seven on 30th Jul.

97 : Two pairs on 22nd Apr. Marazion Marsh: Three on 12th Mar.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER - Dendrocopos minor Scarce resident. Calstock: One in spring JH. Come-to-good: One on 9th - 11th Apr PJC et al. Cotehele: One on 18th Apr RP. Near Launceston: One on 18th Apr RP. Maker: One on 22nd Aug AECA. Lesser Spotted St Germans: One on 17th and 20th Sep AB, PB. Woodpecker Tregunna: One calling on 9th May SMC. (Kester Wilson) It has been reported that there has been a seventy-two per cent decline in the national population and, as Cornwall is on the fringe of its normal range. There was only one report last year, but a concerted effort by birdwatchers who visited historic sites has resulted in records from eight locations this year.

SHORT-TOED LARK - Calandrella brachydactyla Vagrant. Land's End: One on 9th - 14th May BD, LJP, MWa. The mainland total increases to c. 27 since 1959. Sennen has had six records, Porthgwarra four and Land's End two. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 4 - - 1 7 10 2 -

WOOD LARK - Lullula arborea A scarce visitor in autumn and early winter. Has bred. This species was formerly widespread in the county with breeding records from many areas until 1968. There was then a gradual contraction in range, and breeding was last confirmed in 1983. However the national population has been expanding recently and, with birds breeding over the border in Devon, a re-colonisation is not impossible. Certainly, there has been an appreciable increase in the number of records during the last ten years, with this year having the highest number of October records for the last thirty years. Adams Hill: One on 4th Dec JL. Bosistow: Three on 24th Oct MWa. Breney Common: One on 9th Jun feeding young RJ. Chyvellan Farm, Marazion: Five on 28th Nov EP. Godolphin Hill: Twelve on 10th Dec EP. Land's End: Two on 18th and three on 19th Oct MWa. Laneast: One on 6th Oct BTC. Nanjizal: One on 14th Oct KAW. Porthgwarra: Two on 18th Oct SMC, TMC and fifteen on 19th Oct PHA: One on 28th Oct JL. Rame: One on 12th Oct RMB, RWG, LACT: Two on 17th Dec CC. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - - 1 - - - 25 5 15

98 SKY LARK - Alauda arvensis

Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. The decline of this species in Britain is well documented. The number of birds reported was higher than the previous two years and similar to 1999. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 971 109 117 13 40 23 16 6 119 2,813 859 544 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Porthgwarra - - - 1 338 9 Sennen 110 70 _ - _ 350 60 Trevose Head - 35 30 - - 110 185 600 Reports include: Caerthillian Cove: 122 on 24th Oct. Cleave Camp: 150 on 24th Oct. : 500 on 11th Jan. Land's End: 175 on 18th Oct. Narkurs: 150 on 19th Oct. Reskajeage: 200 on 19th Oct: 288 on 13th Dec.

SAND MARTIN - Riparia riparia Passage migrant and breeding summer visitor. Numbers were well down on last year's high total in April, but not dissimilar to the previous two years. The earliest report since 1932 was on 1st March 1978 at Bude, and the latest at Penzance on 24th November 1983. This year the earliest was on 16th February at Marazion, the earliest ever, and the latest at Porthgwarra on 18th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 5 1,714 6,074 890 533 168 74 32 5 _ _ Reports include: Bude Marshes: 100 on 28th Apr. Colliford Res: 115 on 12th Jun. Hawkstor Clay Pit: 180 on 27th Apr. Lower Tamar Lake: 100 on 30th Mar. Maer Lake: 128 on 23rd Mar and 140 on 30th Mar. Marazion Marsh: 100 on 22nd Mar, 250 on 1st Apr, 270 on 2nd Apr, 500 on 3rd and 4th Mar and 100 on 11th Apr. Nanjizal: 100 on 4th Apr, 100 on 18th Apr, 150 on 20th Apr, 500 on 21st Apr and 150 on 23rd Apr. Par Beach: 100 on 23rd Mar. Polgigga: 100 on 22nd Apr. Saltash: 100 on 11th Apr and 200 on 28th Apr. Siblyback Res: 100 on 11th Apr and 200 on 28th Apr. Walmsley Sanctuary: 100 on 2nd Apr: 400 on 4th Apr: 450 on 23rd Apr: 100 on 27th Apr. Breeding season records were received for the following colonies. Figures represent number of occupied nest holes: P = present but not counted. 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 - 20 - _ _ _ _ Carluddon Clay Pits P P 20 - - _ _ _

99 P - 50 - - - - - Hawkstor Clay Pit 3 P ------Kennack Sands 12 25 ------Lamelgate - 4 9 4 6 8 - - Loe Bar - - - 20 P 20 24 10 Northcott Mouth 2 ------Park Clay Pit P 90 - - - - 16 - - P 10 - - - - - Perranuthnoe - - 53 20 P 12 15 - Porth Kidney Beach 8 8 ------Stannon Clay Pit 42 ------Treskilling Clay Pit P 60 20 30 75 46 77 40 Trethurgy - 110 ------ 44 8 ------Upper Fowey Valley P 4 ------

BARN SWALLOW - Hirundo rustica Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Forms large roosts in early autumn. Numbers reported in spring were down on last year. There was a good autumn passage in September by comparison with recent years, but it was still well below the numbers seen in 1996 and 1997. The earliest report since 1932 was on 6th February 1989 at Portscatho, and the latest at Par on 30th December 1989, but that excludes an over-wintering bird at Penzance from 6th December 1989 until 14th January 1990 and another bird at Marazion on 14th January 1998 that was also assumed to be over-wintering. The earliest this year were on 21st March at Maer Lake, and the latest at o 24th December. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 34 1,572 5,902 215 74 1,454 8,339 2,751 115 1 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Camel Est. - - - 100 600 - - 250 - 11 - - Drift Res. - - - 16 15 15 8 28 30 8 2 - Marazion Marsh - - 4 6 35 6 4 300 50 11 5 - Nanjizal - - 3 120 800 - - 200 300 - 1 - Porthgwarra - - - 55 55 - - - 100 3 6 - Trevose Head - - - 71 1,402 115 45 120 270 75 1 - Reports include: Bosorne: 700 on 23rd Sep. Camel Est: 600 on 25th May. Colliford Res: 150 on 27th Apr. Cot Valley: 200 on 24th Sep. Crowdy Res: 100 on 1st Sep. Gorran Haven: 200 on 2nd May. Lizard Point: 100 on 4th May. Maer Lake: 310 on 5th Sep. Marazion Marsh: 150 on 22nd Aug, 300 on 28th Aug. Nanjizal: 120 on 23rd Apr, 100 on 1st May, 800 on 4th May, 100 on 6th May, 200 on 2nd Aug, 105 on 1st Sep, 300 on 11th Sep, 100 on 15th sep and 300 on 24th Sep. Nanquidno: 250 on 10th May. Sancreed: 100 on 2nd Sep.

100 St Buryan: 300 on 6th Sep. St Levan: 150 on 2nd May. The Lizard: 2,000 on 22nd Sep and 600 on 23rd Sep. Lake: 100 on 2nd May. : 100 on 21st Sep. Trevose Head: 308 on 3rd May, 211 on 4th May, 1,402 on 15th May, 124 on 18th May, 116 on 23rd May, 115 on 17th Jun, 120 on 21st Aug, 120 on 9th Sep, 270 on 18th Sep and 242 on 19th Sep. Walmsley Sanctuary: 100 on 23rd Apr.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW - Hirundo daurica Vagrant. Land's End: One on 2nd May MWa. Polgigga/Skewjack: One on 4th - 5th May was thought to be a different bird KAW. This record increases the mainland total to c. 30 since 1977. Records are well spread.

Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 5 7 - - - - 10 6 -

HOUSE MARTIN - Delichon urbica Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Numbers in both spring and autumn were better than recent years. The earliest report since 1932 was on 11th February 2001 at Newlyn, and the latest on 27th December 1988 at Crafthole, but there was also an assumed over-wintering bird at Mullion on 17th January 1990. This year the earliest was in Carbis Bay on 4th March, and the latest on 2nd November at Truro. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 45 458 2,245 694 279 383 2,995 170 2 - Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Drift Res. - - - 2 - 6 5 15 2 - - - Marazion Marsh - - 6 2 20 10 4 100 150 - - - Nanjizal - - 2 2 40 25 - 30 50 - - - Pentewan - - - 120 300 100 50 50 - 2 - - St Austell S. W. - - 2 10 100 60 80 - - - - - Trevose Head - - - 2 47 20 - 25 198 2 - - Reports include: : 100 on 18th May. Marazion: 100 on 28th Aug: 150 on 19th Sep. Milton Abbot: 300 on 16th Sep. Pentewan: 100 on 27th Apr, 120 on 29th Apr, 150 on 22nd and 23rd May, 300 on 24th May, 100 on 25th May, 150 on 26th May, 300 on 28th May, 150 on 30th May and 100 on 12th Jun. Pentire Point: 110 on 21st Sep.

101 : 100 on 28th May. Rame: 300 on 22 Sep: 150 on 17th Oct. St Austell Sewage Works: 100 on 21st May. The Lizard: 800 on 22nd Sep and 250 on 23rd Sep. Trenarren: 100 on 21st Sep and 150 on 25th Sep.

RICHARD'S PIPIT - Anthus novaeseelandiae Annual vagrant in small numbers, mainly in autumn. There have been reports every year since 1974 with a maximum annual total of thirty-nine in 1994. There are large fluctuations in numbers from year to year. Brew, Sennen: One on 3rd Oct MWa. Holmbush: One on 14th Jan RL. Land's End/Sennen: Singles on 17th Sep LL, 25th Sep, 19th Oct and 5th - 6th Dec MWa. Porthgwarra/Arden Sawah: One on 4th Oct MDW: One on 7th Oct also seen at St Levan SMC: One on 18th Oct was probably the St Levan bird PHA: One on 21st Oct SMC, MDW. St Levan: One on 15th Oct MDW. The county mainland total is now c. 341 since 1961. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 - 2 8 1 - - - 64 192 58 14

TREE PIPIT - Anthus trivialis Passage migrant in small numbers. Breeds in small numbers in east Cornwall. Numbers reported were the best for several years. The earliest report since 1935 was on 19th March 1999 at Moor, and the latest at Loe Pool on 1st November 1996. This year the earliest was on 26th March at Land's End, and the latest at Kenidjack on 11th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 16 31 27 - 77 187 15 - - Reports include: Adams Hill: Six on 2nd Sep and three on 3rd Sep. Church Cove Lizard: Six on 9th Sep. Dunmere Wood: Three on 21st Apr - 12th May. Halvana Plantation: Six on 11th May and four on 30th May. Land's End/ Sennen: Present on a regular basis from 18th Aug to 7th Oct with high counts of six in August, seventeen in Sep and one in Oct. Nanjizal: Present on a regular basis from 16th Aug to 25th Sep with high counts of nine in Aug and fifteen in Sep. Penmillard: Three on 5th Oct. Porthgwarra to St Levan: Present on a regular basis from 16th Aug to 7th Oct with high counts of seven in Aug and fourteen in Sep and two in Oct. Smallacombe Plantation: Eight males on 4th Jun. Wilsey Downs: Three on 26th May.

102 MEADOW PIPIT - Anthus pratensis Breeding summer resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. The number of birds at the start of the year was again quite low, as was the number of birds passing through in autumn. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 417 204 202 57 22 4 38 61 2,955 3,540 675 200 Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Porthgwarra - - - 22 - - - 1 220 430 60 _ Trevose Head - 35 30 - - - - 60 270 350 140 _ Reports include: Gurnard's Head: 150 on 10th Oct. Land's End/Sennen: 200 on 19th Sep and 400 on 23rd Sep, 300 on 29th Sep. Laneast Downs: 150 on 22nd Sep. Lizard: 300 on 22nd - 23rd Sep. Penlee Point: 200 on 16th Sep. The Lizard: 300 on 22nd Sep.

ROCK PIPIT - Anthus petrosus Breeding resident with some dispersal and scarce migrant. Rarely seen inland. Relatively few reports were received this year. Reports include: Gannel Est: Fifteen on 7th Jan and 8th Dec. Killigerran Head: Fifteen on 23rd Jan. Land's End: Twelve on 11th Oct. : Twelve on 23rd May.

WATER PIPIT - Anthus spinoletta Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Maer Lake: One on 1st Jan - 2nd Mar GPS: One on 17th Mar SMC, BMP: One on 6th Dec GPS. Walmsley Sane: One on 5th Jan - 20th Mar SMC: Present from 17th Nov - 28th Dec with a maximum of three during both months SMC, BMP, LW. Monthly totals for the past twenty-five years show an increasing trend in the number of reports of this species through to the late 1990's, but a decline since then. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1 ------3 2

YELLOW WAGTAIL - Motacilla flava Passage migrant, uncommon in spring, but forms roosts in autumn. Bred almost annually from 1956 to 1965 but not since. Spring numbers were on the high side of recent years, whilst the autumn passage was higher than seen during the previous seven years. The earliest report since 1935 was on 13th March 1993 at Towednack, and the latest at Trevose Head

103 on 7th November 1997. This year the earliest was on 8th April at Maer Lake, and the latest at Penmillard on 29th September. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 54 35 - 1 215 317 _ _ _ Reports include: Boswednack: Two on 12th Sep. Caerthillian Cove: Nine on 23rd Sep. Church Cove, Lizard: Fifteen on 9th Sep and three on 11th Sep. Cot Valley: Seven on 16th Sep. Crowdy Res: Two on 4th Sep. Davidstow Airfield: Five on 29th Aug and four on 1st Sep. Land's End/Sennen: Six on 3rd May, five on 4th May, four on 5th May, six on 13th Aug, five on 22nd Aug, twenty-nine on 26th Aug, eleven on 27th Aug, Seventeen on 1st Sep, twenty-five on 2nd Sep, thirty on 3rd Sep, ten on 4th Sep, eight on 7th Sep, ten on 9th Sep, twelve on 11th Sep, ten on 15th Sep, twenty on 12th Sep, eighteen on 15th Sep and three on 21st Sep. Lizard Village: Eight on 3rd Sep, six on 22nd Sep and nine on 23rd Sep. Maer Lake: Seven on 11th Sep. Morwenstow: Fourteen on 25th Aug. Nanjizal: Seven on 26th Aug, six on 27th Aug, forty-eight on 28th Aug, thirty on 2nd Sep, eight on 3rd Sep, four on 10th and 13th Sep. New Down: Three on 25th Sep. Polhawn Cove: Six on 27th Aug. Porthgwarra: Four on 28th Aug: Six on 3rd Sep. Predannack Downs: Sixteen on 26th Aug and seven on 31st Aug. Rame Head: Six at the Coastguard Centre on 27th Aug: Thirty at the Barton on 28th Aug and twenty on 3rd - 4th Sep. St Just airfield: Fourteen on 22nd Sep. St Levan: Two males and two females on 2nd May. Tregantle: One on 28th Aug. Treganhawke: Two on 12th Sep.

Individuals of the race M. f. flava, known as Blue-headed Wagtail, were noted as follows: Land's End/Treve Common/Sennen: One on 15th - 19th Sep KAW. The mainland total is now c. 207 since 1936. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 55 82 12 6 9 39 1 _ _

CITRINE WAGTAIL - Motacilla citreola Vagrant. Marazion Marsh: A second cal male on 16th - 21st May JW, AS. The mainland total is now c. 11 since 1982. Apart from one at Maer Lake in 1997, all the records have been found in the west of the county. This is the third record at Marazion. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 4 - - 2 5 - _ J

104 GREY WAGTAIL - Motacilla cinerea Breeding resident and winter visitor. Some dispersal, particularly in autumn. Present on suitable sites throughout the county, but there are normally only small numbers at any one site and the species is under-recorded as a result. Numbers reported were low during the first part of the year, but better than the previous two years in autumn. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 21 20 19 8 19 16 11 40 140 113 19 19 Reports include. : Five on 23rd Aug and eight on 29thn Aug. Boswednack: Five on 11th Oct. Crowdy Res: Five on 1st Sep. Kenidjack: Five on 26th Oct. Land's End: Five on 11th Sep, six on 15th Sep, eight on 17th Sep, six on 29th Sep, eight on 6th Oct, five on 8th Oct and twelve on 18th Oct. Marazion Marsh: Six on 8th Sep, five on 2nd Oct and eight on 18th Oct. Nanjizal: Six on 2nd Sep. Poltesco: Eight on 11th Sep. Porthgwarra: Five on 27th Sep and 18th Oct.

St Austell Sewage Works: Six on 2nd Jan, five on 12th Jan and eight on 24th Feb.

PIED WAGTAIL - Motacilla alba Common breeding resident and passage migrant. Forms roosts in autumn and winter. Reported numbers in the first part of the year were similar to the two previous years, were higher in September and October, but then dipped in the last two months. Approximate monthly totals (M. a. yarrellii): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 697 326 440 155 14 2 8 81 448 982 183 252 Reports include: Crowdy Res: 140 on 22nd Sep. Davidstow Airfield: 105 on 8th Sep. Land's End: Sixty on 7th Oct. Par: 350 on 26th Jan: 500 on 15th Oct. Penzance Railway Station: 320 on 4th Mar. St Austell Sewage Works: 250 on 8th Jan: 150 on 30th Dec. Victoria: 120 on 22nd Jan.

Birds of the nominate continental race M. a. alba, known as White Wagtail, that occur as a regular passage migrant in the county, were noted in good numbers as follows: Crows-an-Wra: Eighty on 20th Sep. Land's End: Thirty on 2nd Sep. Nanjizal: Thirty on 2nd, 12th and 16th Sep: Eighty on 6th Oct. Porthgwarra: Thirty-five on 3rd Sep. Sennen: Seventy on 15th Sep. St Just airfield: 150 on 20th Sep: thirty on 11th Oct. Separating alba and yarrellii in early autumn flocks can be difficult, with many flocks likely to contain some first calendar yarrellii birds.

105 The earliest report since 1935 was on 3rd February 1998 at Par Beach, and the latest also at Par on 12th November 2000. The first report this year was at Gwennap Head on 28th August, and the last on 11th October at St Just Airfield. Numbers in both spring and autumn were the best for the period since 1995. Approximate monthly totals (M. a. alba): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 17 163 22 - - 40 688 142 - -

DIPPER - Cinclus cinclus Scarce breeding resident. Pairs are present on most suitable stretches of the Rivers Camel and Fowey, with the majority of breeding pairs centred on the extremities of Bodmin Moor and with small populations in the middle and west of the county. Fewer birds were reported than last year, and breeding was reported from only two sites. All reports were of one or two birds apart from the following: London Apprentice: Four on 28th May. Penberth: Four on 1st Jun.

WREN - Troglodytes troglodytes Breeding resident. Populations may be severely reduced after prolonged cold winters. It is difficult to comment on this species owing to a lack of information. Reports include: Porthgwarra: Twenty on 18th Oct. St Austell sewage Works: Twenty on 16th Feb and ten on 10th Nov.

HEDGE ACCENTOR - Prunella modularis Breeding resident and rare passage migrant. Figures produced by a Nature Conservancy Trust census in 2000 indicated a ten per cent increase in the UK population, following a forty-four per cent decline over the previous twenty years. As with Wren, the records received do not provide a picture. Reports include: Polly Joke: Twenty-seven on 27th Dec. Porthgwarra: Fifteen on 18th Oct. St Austell Sewage works: Fifteen on 2nd Jan and twenty on 16th Feb. Trevose Head: Twenty-two on 21st Sep: Eighteen on 16th Oct.

EUROPEAN ROBIN - Erithacus rubecula Breeding resident and irregular passage migrant in the southwest. Reports include: Caerthillian Cove: Sixteen on 22nd Sep. Land's End: Thirty on 9th Oct. Porthgwarra: Twenty on 18th Oct. Rospannel: Ten on 5th Oct. St Austell Sewage Works: Ten on 16th Feb. Trevose Head: Fourteen on 20th Sep and seventeen on 10th Oct.

106 BLACK REDSTART - Phoenicurus ochruros Passage migrant and winter visitor. Bred sporadically in the Perranporth area in the 1940's and 1950's. Overall numbers were similar to last year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 19 8 56 12 1 - - 1 2 109 96 39

Reports include: Hannafore: Four on 9th Nov. Land's End/Sennen: Twenty-three on 1st Mar: Six on 25th and seven on 27th March: Twenty-two on 1st Oct: Five on 11th Oct: Seven on 29th Oct: Seventeen on 1st and nine on 16th Nov. Levant: Four on 21st Oct. Rame Head: Four on 4th Nov. St Just: Five on 24th Oct. Trewellard: Four on 21st Oct.

COMMON REDSTART - Phoenicurus phoenicurus A summer visitor that breeds almost exclusively in the Bodmin Moor area, and a scarce passage migrant. Found during the breeding season in most wooded valleys and farmsteads on Bodmin Moor. However, as this species is widely but thinly spread with most sightings being of single birds, it tends to be under-reported. The 1999 Bodmin Moor Breeding Birds Survey (conducted by the RSPB) recorded ninety-nine birds, a sixty-three per cent increase over the 1984 survey. Numbers were similar to last year, but more than double the number reported in 2000. The earliest report since 1935 was on 6th March 1984 at Truro, and the latest at Looe on 31st December 2001. The earliest this year was on 6th April at Kynance Cove, and the latest at Culdrose Airfield on 21 st December, the latest ever report. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 9 12 14 2 6 20 13 1 1 Reports include: Fernacre: A pair feeding two fledged young on 29th Jun. Harrowbridge: Two males on 4th - 5th May. Halvana Plantation: Two males on 30th May. Siblyback: Pair on 24th April seen through spring, with four on 2nd Aug. : Two pairs feeding young on 4th Jun.

WHINCHAT • Saxicola rubetra Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. The 1999 Bodmin Moor Breeding Birds Survey (conducted by the RSPB) recorded ninety-seven birds, a forty-six per cent reduction on the 1984 survey. This year saw an influx in September that resulted in above average overall numbers. The earliest report since 1936 was on 29th March 1984 at , and the latest at Copperhouse on 11th December 1984. The earliest this year was on 19th April at Colliford Reservoir, and the latest at Land's End on 23rd Oct.

107 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - '- - 4 13 10 14 98 427 28 - - Reports include: Gillhouse Downs: A pair with young on 11th Jul. Land's End/Sennen: Present 15th Aug - 23rd Oct with maximum seventeen on 1st and 16th Sep. Lizard Village: Three on 22nd - 23rd Sep. Loveney Reserve: Two pairs on 12th Jun: A pair with young on 11th Jul: Four on 22nd Jul. Penlee Point, Rame Head: Five on 9th and 29th Sep. Porthgwarra: Six on 3rd Sep. Scribble Downs: Two pairs on 29th Jun. Siblyback Res: Seven on 26th Aug and four on 16th Sep. Trevose Head: Present 2nd Sep - 1st Oct with a maximum of eight on 14th Sep.

COMMON STONECHAT - Saxicola torquata Breeding resident with some dispersal. Suffers heavy mortality in prolonged cold weather. The number of reports peaked in September this year whereas, last year, the peak was in May. However, as reports are a little patchy, it is not known if that reflects an increase in the numbers of birds or was a result of the reporting system. Reports include: Porthgwarra: Twelve on 18th Oct. Trevose Head: Six pairs present with a maximum of twenty birds present on 16th Sep and thirty-two on 21st Sep.

An individual of the race S. t. maura, known as Siberian Stonechat was noted as follows: St Levan: A first cal female on 3rd Oct RPF, AJM. The mainland total is now c. 9 since 1982. Previous records were at Trevose Head in 1982, Porthgwarra in 1985, Kenidjack in 1900, Sennen in 1991, Lizard in 1991, Kenidjack in 1991, Land's end in 1993 and Bass point in 2001. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------7 2 _

NORTHERN WHEATEAR - Oenanthe oenanthe Summer visitor and passage migrant. Breeding has occurred primarily on Bodmin Moor and along the coastline. Large influxes in May and September lifted numbers to a high level compared to recent years. Breeding was reported at nine sites. The earliest report since 1932 was on 22nd February 1993 on The Lizard, and the latest at Poldhu Cove on 1st December, but there was also an apparent over-wintering bird at on 23rd November 1988 through to 1st January 1989. The earliest this year was on 1st March at Land's End, and the latest at on 3rd November. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 581 288 311 52 14 173 1,025 97 1 _ Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Davidstow Airfield - - - 13 4 - 5 10 2 _ _ _

108 Pentire ------3 4 _ _ Rame Head - - 4 19 20 - - - 10 _ _ _ Porthgwarra - - - 3 - - - - 16 3 - _ Trevose Head - - 8 18 39 - - 10 42 6 _ Other reports include: Brockaburrow Common: Four on 27th Jun. Land's end: 217 on 1st Mar: Fifty-six on 13th Mar: Eighty-one on 15th Mar: Sixty-seven on 1st Api Seventy-eight on 1st May. Lizard: Fifty on 15th Sep. Nanjizal: A bird of the Greenland race on 4th May. Sennen: Fifty-two on 12th Sep. Siblyback Res: Two males throughout the summer.

BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR - Oenanthe hispanica Rare vagrant. Nanquidno A male of the western race on 25th Mar - 1 st Apr MTE et al. The mainland total is now c. 5 since 1971. The first record was of one bird at Porthgwarra on 1st - 4th October with two on 2nd October, followed by singles at Kelsey Head on 28th May 1985 and a Hill Tor on 12th - 13th June 1987. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 - 1 1 - - - 2 i. _

RING OUZEL - Turdus torquatus Scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor. Bred in 1970 and 1996. Although lower than the one hundred and thirty-three birds seen in 1991 and the two hundred and three in 1997, this year's total of ninety-one was higher than average. The earliest report since 1931 was on 6th March 1977 at Pendeen, and the latest at St Austell on 9th December. However, a wintering bird was seen at both on 15th January and on 22nd January 1987, another was at Mullion on 9th December 1991 until 5th April 1992, and what were considered to be five over-wintering birds were at Blackpool Clay Pit on 11th February 1996. This year the first bird was seen on 15th March at Land's End, and the last at Brew Pool on 29th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 4 8 1 - - 1 5 72 - _ Caerthillian: One on 15th Sep. Church Cove Lizard: Three on 16th Oct with one on 17th Oct. Cleave Camp: Two on 24th Oct. Cot Valley: Singles on 10th Apr, 15th Oct, 18th Oct and 21st - 24th Oct. Helman Tor: One on 5th May. Jericho Valley: One on 17th Oct: Four on 19th Oct. Kenidjack: Singles on 28th Sep and 17th Oct. Kynance Cove: Two on 28th Oct. Land's End/Sennen: One at Pordennack Point on 15th Mar: Two on 9th Apr: A first cal on 7th Oct: Two on 11th Oct: Four on 15th Oct: Three on 17th Oct. One on 18th Oct was a different bird: One on 24th Oct: One on 29th Oct. Lizard Point: One on 25th Mar. Marazion Marsh: One on 9th Oct.

109 Morwenstow: One on 3rd Oct. Nancledra: One on 15th Apr. Nanjizal: One on 8th Apr: Two on 18th Apr: One on 14th Sep: Two on 7th Oct: One on 10th Oct: Two on 15th Oct: One on 18th and 19th Oct: Two on 21st Oct; Singles on 23rd and 26th Oct. Nanquidno: Singles on 7th, 10th - 12th and 25th Oct. Penmillard: One on 5th Oct. Porthgwarra: One on 8th and 9th Oct and three on 10th Oct: One on 13th - 15th Oct: Seven on 16th Oct: Two on 18th and one on 19th Oct: Singles on 21st and 28th - 29th Oct. Porthmeor: Three on 11th Oct. Predannack Downs: One on 15th Sep. Rame Head/Penlee Point: One by Military Road on 22 Sep: One at Penmillard 5th Oct: Three at Penlee Battery on 14th and one on 17th Oct. St Levan: One on 17th Apr: Two on 22nd Oct. Stithians Res: One on 1st Aug. Vellandreath: One on 15th - 16th Oct. Wiggle: Two on 29th Mar.

BLACKBIRD - Turdus merula Common breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Although this species does not flock to the extent of some other thrushes, small numbers sometimes gather together during the winter months. Birds usually disperse by the end of February. Figures produced by a Nature Conservancy Trust census in 2000 indicated a six per cent increase in the UK population, following a twenty-three per cent decline over the previous twenty-five years. Numbers passing through in October were higher than the previous two years. Reports include: Caerthillian Cove: Thirty-five on 24th Oct. Land's End/Sennen: Thirty on 15th Oct: Twenty-five on 24th Oct. 110 on 29th Oct: Fifty on 31st Oct: Thirty-five on 13th Nov: Forty on 20th November and 2nd Dec. Lizard Village: Twenty-one on 24th Oct. Nanjizal: Fifty on 26th Oct: Twenty-five on 10th Nov. Porth Joke: Forty-two on 4th Jan. Porthgwarra: Thirty-five on 18th Oct: Forty-five on 31st Oct: Forty-two on 15th and 18th Nov. Trevose Head: Twenty-two on 26th Mar: Twenty-two on 5th Oct: Thirty-three on 10th Oct: Twenty- five on 11th Oct: Twenty on 12th Oct: Twenty-eight on 16th Oct.

DARK-THROATED THRUSH - turdus ruficollis Very rare vagrant. Nanjizal: A first cal male on 15th Oct KAW. This is the first record of this overdue species for the Cornish mainland. Unfortunately, it did not remain in the area and may possibly have been the bird seen on the Isles of Scilly shortly thereafter.

Dark-throated Thrush (Kester Wilson)

110 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 - -

FIELDFARE - Turdus pilaris Passage migrant and winter visitor. Summered in Upper Fowey Valley in 1987. Numbers were low, doubtless reflecting the mild winters. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 491 692 166 ------54 1,041 542 Reports include: Colliford Res: 100 on 8th Jan: 140 on 10th Feb: 200 on 3rd Mar: 140 on 16th Nov: 239 on 1st - 8th Dec. HayleEst: 100 on 18th Nov. Holmbush: 100 on 7th Nov and 400 on 16th Nov. Redmoor: 150 on 18th Feb. : 100 on 13th Dec. Walmsley Sanctuary: 100 on 19th Nov. Winnard's Perch: 160 on 7th Dec.

SONG THRUSH - Turdus philomelos Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. The decline of this species in Britain is well documented. Figures produced by a Nature Conservancy Trust census in 2000 indicated a seventeen per cent increase in the UK population, following a fifty-four per cent decline since 1974. Numbers were similar to recent years, apart from a relatively large passage in October. Reports include: Caerthillian Cove: Twenty-five on 24th Oct. Land's End/Sennen: Twenty-five on 11th Oct: Sixty on 15th Oct: Thirty on 24th Oct: Sixty on 29th Oct: Thirty on 30th Oct: 180 on 31 st Oct: Fifty on 13th Nov: Fifty on 16th Nov: Forty on 15th Dec. Nanjizal: Fifty on 7th and 10th Nov: Sixty-five on 15th Nov with sixty on 16th Oct: Thirty on 21st Oct: Fifty on 28th Oct: Thirty on 5th Nov: Forty on 6th Dec. Porth Res: Twenty-nine on 23rd Jul. Porthgwarra: Thirty-three on 31st Oct: Thirty-five on 15th Nov. Trevose Head: Ten on 15th Oct and twenty-three on 16th Oct.

REDWING - Turdus iliacus Passage migrant and winter visitor. Numbers were low for the fourth successive year, the lack of large flocks doubtless reflecting the mild winters. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ,005 228 245 1 - - 7 - - 677 2,437 1,431 Reports include: Cheyenhal: 250 on 19th Jan. Drift Res: 200 on 26th Dec. Holmbush: 300 on 5th Nov: 400 on 7th Nov.

Ill I

Ponts Mill: 200 on 4th Nov. Sancreed: 200 on 15th Nov: 200 on 30th Dec. St Just: 250 on 28th Dec. Treve Common: 250 on 8th - 31st Dec.

MISTLE THRUSH - Turdus viscivorus Breeding resident, scarce migrant and winter visitor. Numbers were a little below the average of recent years. Reports include: Colliford Res: Fifteen on 22nd Jul. Davidstow Airfield: Fifteen on 8th Sep. Gannel Est: Nineteen on 8th Dec.

CETTI'S WARBLER - Cettia cetti Scarce breeding resident, with some dispersal in autumn. This recent colonist was first noted in the UK in 1961 and reached Cornwall in 1973. Since then the population has fluctuated because the species is prone to losses during severe winters. Ringing at Nanjizal appears to indicate that birds disperse in late October and November, particularly females. There were reports from eleven sites, three less than last year and six less than 2000, with reported numbers at their lowest level of the last three years. The following table shows numbers of singing males at regular sites (a dash = no count received) 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 Marazion Marsh 12 6 10 7 4 10 Gunwalloe - - - 6 3 3 Par Beach Pool 4 4 2 3 2 5 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2 2 5 8 8 14 - - - 4 2 4 Gwallon: One on 4th May. Harlyn Bay: One on 9th Nov: Two on 9th and one on 14th Dec. Loe Pool: One on 6th Jan: One on 26th Oct. Marazion Marsh: Twelve on 1st Jun. Mawgan Porth: Singles on 22nd Mar and 27th Dec. Mounts Pond, : One on 9th May. Nanjizal: One on 2nd Mar, two on 12th and 15th Mar and 18th Apr. Singles on 28th Oct, 10th Nov, 6th and 23rd Dec. Nansmellyn Marsh: Singles on 11th Jan, 3rd Mar, 16th May. Par Beach: One on 1st and two on 16th Feb: Two on 19th and three on 23rd Apr: Four on 15th May: Two on 22nd Jun: One on 1st Oct. Porth Mear: Two on 17th Oct. Townshend, : One on 4th May.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER - Locustella naevia Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant that is unobtrusive in autumn when rarely reported. Numbers this year were only two-thirds of last year's total, but were higher than 2000. The earliest report since 1931 was on 3rd April 1998 at Porth Joke, and the latest at Duckpool on 27th October 1988. This year the earliest was on 13th April at Land's End, and the latest also at Land's End on 16th October.

112 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 12 36 12 17 4 10 3 _ _ Reports include: Croft Pascoe Pool: Three on 11th May. Goss Moor: Five on 4th May. Gwendreath: Three on 4th May. Ninestones: Four on 2nd May and three on 23rd Jun.

SEDGE WARBLER - Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Numbers were the highest of the last three years. The earliest report since 1932 was on 14th February 1998 at Bude Marshes, and the latest at Coverack on 22nd November 1996. This year the earliest was on 3rd April at Marazion Marsh, and the latest at Nanjizal on 26th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 90 274 31 108 140 76 7 _ _ Reports include: Colliford Res: Ten on 4th May: Eleven on 11th May: Thirteen on 4th Jun. Drift Res: Twelve on 14th Jul. Land's End/Sennen: Thirteen on 31st May: Fifteen on 30th Jul: Twelve on 18th Aug. Marazion Marsh: Ten on 1st May: Fifteen on 6th Aug. Nanjizal: Eighteen on 4th May: Fifteen on 13th Jul: Thirteen on 17th Jul: Eighteen on 19th Jul: Eleven on 3rd Aug: Thirteen on 16th Aug: Twenty-five on 16th Aug: Eleven on 22nd Aug. Par Beach Pool: Ten on 8th May: Twenty-five on 26th May.

EURASIAN REED WARBLER - Acrocephalus scirpaceus Breeding passage migrant and summer visitor. Forty years ago this species was such a rare visitor to Cornwall that the presence of one on the Camel Estuary on 1st September 1951 warranted a special mention in the introduction to that year's bird report. At that time the species was seen only sporadically, but it has since become a regular breeder in the county's reed-beds. Numbers were appreciably lower than last year, but higher than 2000. The earliest report since 1959 was on 8th March 1998 at Marazion, and the latest at Porthcurno on 3rd December 1998. This year the earliest report was on 5th April at Salter Mill, and the latest at Nanjizal on 17th November. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 34 56 14 14 22 20 6 7 _ Reports include: Bude Marshes: Seven on 28th Apr and five on 11th Aug. Harlyn Bay: Five on 7th Jun. Hayle River: Ten on 14th Jul. Kelynack: A bird that was initially reported as a Marsh Warbler on 14th - 25th Oct was caught and ringed and proved to be a Eurasian Reed Warbler. Marazion Marsh: Six on 24th Apr, five on 1st May and six on 2nd Sep. Nanjizal: Seven on 17th Nov. Par Beach Pool: Ten on 26th May.

113 1998: Porthcurno: A photographed bird on 3rd Dec was the latest ever report.

SYKE'S WARBLER - Hippolais rama / BOOTED WARBLER - Hippolais caligata Very rare vagrant. Land's End: A first cal on 10th - 16th Sep MWa et al. Formerly treated as a race of Booted Warbler, this record of Syke's Warbler will, if accepted, be a first for the county mainland. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 - - j

ICTERINE WARBLER • Hippolais icterina Scarce drift migrant, mainly in autumn. Nanjizal: One on 1st Jun KAW. The county mainland total is now c. 56 since 1955. This is the third record at Nanjizal since 1991. There have been twenty-one records at Porthgwarra. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ - 1 - 1 - 21 28 5 - 9

MELODIOUS WARBLER - Hippolais polyglotta Scarce drift migrant, mainly in autumn. Caerthillian Cove: One on 15th - 22nd Sep DE, SMC, BMP. Land's End: One on 9th - 16th Sep with two on last day MWa. Poltesco: One on 7th Sep SFE. Porthgwarra: One on 15th - 16th Sep MDW: One on 25th Sep MDW: One on 18th Oct SMC, TMC. Treve Common, Land's End: One on 21st Sep MWa. The county mainland total is now c. 122 since 1931. Most records have been at Porthgwarra where forty-nine have been located, and there have also been eleven at Nanquidno. Land's End has now had six records. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 2 - 1 34 65 19 1 -

DARTFORD WARBLER - Sylvia undata Rare breeding resident with some dispersal. There were thirteen reports of this species prior to 1980, including one of confirmed breeding in 1943. Breeding was again proven on the southeast coast of the county in 1980 through to 1985, but there was a subsequent decline in the area with only sporadic sightings outside the breeding season. Breeding was confirmed on the Lizard in the early 1980's but that population also disappeared. In the early 1990's a small but viable population became established in the area and in 1996 birds were again discovered on the Lizard. This year there was definite or possible breeding at five sites across the county. Reports away from possible breeding sites were:

114 Goonhilly Downs: One on 2nd - 3rd Jun: Singles on 17th Nov, 23rd Nov and 15th Dec. Portnadler: One on 6th Jan. Rame Head: One on 27th Apr. Sennen: Last year's bird to 2nd Mar. Tregantle: One in early Feb. Wheal Kitty, St Agnes: One on 14th Sep - 31st Dec. The county total of birds away from possible breeding sites is now c. 100 since 1931. Approximate monthly totals away from breeding sites (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 11 6 13 10 6 1 - 5 5 24 15 4

SUBALPINE WARBLER - Sylvia cantillans Vagrant - mainly spring overshoots. St Levari to Porthgwarra: A second cal male on 26th Mar MDW. The county mainland total has now increased to c. 27 since 1975. Three birds have been recorded at Land's End, and five at Nanjizal. This record, half way between St Levan and Porthgwarra, is the second for St Levan and the third for Porthgwarra. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 3 7 15 - - - 1 1 - -

SARDINIAN WARBLER - Sylvia melanocephala Rare vagrant. Brew, Sennen: One male on 14th - 15th Nov MWa et al. The county total is now c. 6 since 1990. Previous records were at Stratton, Lizard and Cot in 1990, Trevose Head in 1995 and Caerthillian Cove in 1996.

Sardinian Warbler (Mark Warren) Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 2 1 - - - - 1 1 1 -

BARRED WARBLER - Sylvia nisoria Rare drift migrant in autumn. Land's End: One on 25th Sep RD. Nanjizal: A first cal ringed on 15th Sep KAW: A first cal ringed on 16th and still present 17th Sep KAW. The county mainland total is now c. 56 since 1963. Land's End and Nanjizal have now had three records each. Porthgwarra has had twenty-one records, nineteen of which were in 1988 and before.

115 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------2 26 23 5 _

LESSER WHITETHROAT - Sylvia curruca Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. The national population of this species crashed between 1994 and 1997 (BTO News No.218). Numbers were a little above the average of recent years. The earliest report since 1942 was on 5th April 1995 at Par, and the latest at Hayle on 19th December 1999. However, there was also an over-wintering bird at Torpoint between 5th December 1985 and 26th April 1986. Assuming that the bird at Holmbush on 12th January was an over-wintering bird, the earliest report this year was on 21 st April at Dobwalls and the latest at Nanquidno on 25th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - 3 12 7 6 1 2 4 _ _ Camel Est: A singing male on 3rd - 29th May: Singles on 14th Jun, 6thJul and 15th - 22nd Jul: One on 30th Aug. Dinham: One on 15th May. Dobwalls: One on 21st - 22nd Apr. Downderry: One on 30th Apr. Gannel Est: One on 19th May. Gwallon: One on 4th - 5th May. Helman Tor: One on 22nd April. Holmbush: One on 12th Jan was presumably an over-wintering bird Land's End: One on 4th May. Lowland Point: One on 5th May. Marazion Marsh: One on 2nd - 4th May. Nanjizal: One on 24th - 25th Sep. Nanquidno: One on 25th Oct. Old Town Cove: A singing male on 15th Jun - 1st Jul, and another on 28th Jun - 1st Jul. Par Beach: One on 22nd - 23rd Jun. Penlee Point, Rame: One on 4th - 15th May. Pinkson Creek: One on 28th Jun - 1st Jul. Plain-an-Gwarry: One on 3rd May: A male and a female on 7th Jun were carrying food: One on 30th Jun. Porthgwarra: One on 19th - 21st Sep: Two on 14th Oct with one to 15th Oct. Townshend, Leedstown: One on 4th May. Trevaylor: One on 3rd Oct. Trevose Head: One on 8th May. Wheal Kitty: One on 19th Jul. Winnard's Perch: One on 5th May.

COMMON WHITETHROAT - Sylvia communis Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Over-wintered in 1952/53. Numbers reported were similar to last year. The earliest report since 1932 was on 31st March 1980 at Epphaven and the latest at Church Cove, The Lizard on 9th November 1996. The earliest this year was on 12th April at St Levan, and the latest also at St Levan on 22nd October.

116 Reports include: Goss Moor: Ten on 4th May. Land's End: Ten on 25th Apr, fifteen on 27th Apr and 2nd May: Thirty-five on 4th May, forty-five on 5th May, fifty-five on 10th May and fifteen on 18th May. Nanjizal: Twelve on 23rd Apr. Porthgwarra: Ten on 24th Apr: Twelve on 2nd and 10th May: Nineteen on 19th Aug: Eleven on 3rd, Sep. Porthmeor: Forty-two on 6th May. Trevose Head: Ten on 3rd - 9th May.

GARDEN WARBLER - Sylvia borin Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Widely distributed in suitable habitat east of Truro. It was formerly scarce in the west of the county, but there are now regular breeding season reports from several areas including Camborne, Falmouth, Helston and the Land's End peninsula. There were not quite as many records as last year, but forty- six per cent more than in 2000. The earliest report since 1935 was on 3rd march 2001 at Golitha/Draynes Wood, and the latest near St. Just on 17th November 1982. However, there was also an assumed over-wintering bird that was seen nine times at between 6th and 25th January 1994. The earliest report this year was on 22nd April at Helman Tor, and the latest at Truro on 1 st November. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 3 35 22 11 12 18 12 _ _ All reports were of one or two birds apart from the following: Goss Moor: Three on 5th may. Marazion Marsh: Three on 10th Oct. Nanjizal: Three on 1st Sep. Polhawn Cove: Three on 24th Aug.

Sennen: Three on 26th May: Nine on 1st Jun - 1st Jul including young.

BLACKCAP - Sylvia atricapilla Breeding summer visitor, passage migrant and winter visitor. This species tends to be under-recorded in the summer months, but catches the attention in winter. Reported numbers were eight per cent higher than last year and eighty-three per cent higher than 2000. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 45 12 41 149 78 25 10 13 173 150 25 39 Records include: Drift Res: Six on 5th May. Gribbin Head: Eight on 23rd Apr. Halvana Plantation: Five males on 30th May. Land's End: Five on 1 st Mar and sixteen on 1 st May. Marazion Marsh: Five on 10th Oct. Nanjizal: Fifteen on 3rd Sep, eighteen on 15th Sep, fifteen on 24th Sep, twenty-five on 25th Sep and twelve on 5th Oct. Nanquidno: Six on 23rd Sep. Penzance: five on 17th Jan. Perranporth: Five on 8th Oct.

117 Porth Res: Nine on 24th Jun. Respryn: Six on 16th May. Sennen: Five on 16th Oct. Smallacombe Plantation: Five on 4th Jun. St. Germans: Five on 11th Jan. Treve Common: Five on 19th Sep. Vellandreath: Nine on 15th Oct.

ARCTIC WARBLER - Phylloscopus borealis Rare vagrant. Cot Valley: One on 16th - 18th Oct A&AT et al. The mainland total is now c. 8 since 1984. Previous records were at Nanquidno in 1984, at Cot Valley in 1985, at Kelynack and Porthgwarra in 1993, at Kenidjack in 1994, at Porthgwarra in 1995 and at Nanquidno in 2001. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------3 5 - -i

PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER - Phylloscopus proregulus Scarce vagrant in late autumn. Nanjizal: One on 19th Nov KAW. The county mainland total is now c. 41 since 1975. The county's first record was in 1975, the second in 1979 and then four in 1982. There was then a five-year gap before there were records in three successive years up to 1987. This was followed by another five-year gap and then by annual records from 1994 to 1999. Records of this species had been increasing nationally, and this situation was reflected in the county in the 1980's and 1990's. However, this is the first record since 1999. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------29 11 1

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER - Phylloscopus inornatus Regular vagrant, predominately in autumn, that has wintered. Caerthillian Cove: One on 24th Oct SMC. Carnon Bridge: One on 10th Sep RP. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 19th Oct BSW. Cot Valley: One on 10th, 15th and 18th Oct DB. Kelynack: One on 4th Oct CM. Kenidjack: One on 21st - 23rd Oct BSW. Land's End: One on 10th Oct MWa. Nanjizal: One on 28th Oct KAW. Porthcurno: One on 17th Oct RDR. St Levan: One on 15th Oct MDW. The county total is now c. 416 since 1950. A relatively poor year with only ten records. Approximate monthly breakdown (historic) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 3 - 1 - 1 - - - 23 341 38 9

118 WESTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER - Phylloscopus bonelli Vagrant. Land's End: One on 26th Oct - 1st Nov MWa et al. Nanquidno: One on 10th - 14th Oct NB et al. Pendeen Church: One on 21st Sep PS et al. The mainland total is now c. 11 since 1958. Previous records were at Marazion in 1958, St Just in 1983, Sennen in 1985, Land's End and Porthgwarra in 1989, Lizard and Porthgwarra in 1990 and at Land's End in 1993. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------1 7 3 - -

WOOD WARBLER - Phylloscopus sibilatrix A scarce passage migrant, and a rare breeding summer visitor in the past The majority of breeding season records were received from the broad-leaved woodlands around Bodmin and the valleys of the rivers Fowey, Camel, Lynher and Tamar. The number of singing males fluctuated and site fidelity was not assured from year to year. It appears that breeding may now have ceased as breeding was last recorded at one site in 2000 and at the other in 1997. The earliest report since 1935 was on 2nd April 1978 at , and the latest at Rame Head on 29th October 1987. This year the first report was at Keveral Wood on 4th May, and the last on 24th October at Church Cove, Lizard. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 24th - 28th Oct MT, PAR Goldsithney: One on 9th May PAD. Keveral Wood, Seaton: One on 4th May MJ. The mainland total since breeding ceased in 2000 is now c. 6. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 2 - 1 1 1 1 - -

COMMON CHIFFCHAFF - Phylloscopus collybita Common breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Small numbers over-winter. Reported numbers were higher than in the previous two years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 183 122 344 263 67 44 61 86 379 324 148 108 Reports include: Brew, Sennen: Fifteen on 21st Aug. Carlyon Bay: Twenty on 25th Sep. Church Cove, Lizard: Nineteen on 17th Oct. Goss Moor: Twenty on 4th May. Helston Sewage Works: Twenty- five on 6th Jan and fifty-two on 31st Dec. Jericho Valley: Twenty on 20th Aug. Lowland Point: Twenty-eight on 10th Sep. Nanjizal: Eighteen on 17th Jul. Porthgwarra: Fifteen on 15th Mar and fourteen on 27th Sep. Porthpean: Twenty on 27th Sep.

119 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 65 69 37 22 11 7 1 3 166 501 135 14 Reports include: Bass Point: Seventy-five on 11th Oct. Carnon Bridge: Fifteen on 29th Oct. Illogan Woods: Sixteen on 12th Oct - 13th Nov. Nanjizal: Fifteen on 4th Oct. Porthgwarra: Twelve on 9th and 18th Oct. Rospannel: Twenty on 5th Oct and thirty on 6th Oct. Sennen: Twenty on 6th Oct. St Austell Sewage works: Forty on 11th Jan, twenty on 13th Jan and 18th Feb: Thirty on 28th No : Thirty on 13th Feb and twenty on 7th Mar.

FIRECREST - Regulus ignicapilla Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn, and winter visitor. Numbers reported were the third highest of the last nine years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 37 25 16 1 - - - 1 8 74 52 30 Reports include: Porthgwarra: Eight on 15th Oct, six on 24th Oct, nine on 29th Oct and five on 31st Oct.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER - Muscicapa striata Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Reported numbers more than doubled between 2000 and 2002. The earliest report since 1932 was on 25th March 1979 at Bude, and the latest at St Mawgan on 3rd November 1996. This year the earliest was on 5th May at Nanquidno, and the latest was at Kenidjack on 26th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 21 24 21 34 222 12 - - Reports include: Boswithick: Seven on 21st Jul. Cot Valley: Ten on 15th Sep. Morwenstow: Seven on 14th - 15th Sep. Nanquidno: Six on 15th Sep. Penlee Battery: Seven on 15th Sep. Porthgwarra: Ten on 20th Sep. Porthmeor: Six on 21st Sep. Rame Barton: Eight on 23rd Aug. Trevose Head: Eight on 14th, fourteen on 18th and ten on 21st Sep.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula parva Annual vagrant in autumn. Annual since 1980. Cot Valley: One on 22nd Sep CM.

121 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 65 69 37 22 11 7 1 3 166 501 135 14 Reports include: Bass Point: Seventy-five on 11th Oct. Carnon Bridge: Fifteen on 29th Oct. Illogan Woods: Sixteen on 12th Oct - 13th Nov. Nanjizal: Fifteen on 4th Oct. Porthgwarra: Twelve on 9th and 18th Oct. Rospannel: Twenty on 5th Oct and thirty on 6th Oct. Sennen: Twenty on 6th Oct. St Austell Sewage works: Forty on 11th Jan, twenty on 13th Jan and 18th Feb: Thirty on 28th Nov. Trewhiddle: Thirty on 13th Feb and twenty on 7th Mar.

FIRECREST - Regulus ignicapilla Uncommon passage migrant, mainly in autumn, and winter visitor. Numbers reported were the third highest of the last nine years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 37 25 16 1 - - - 1 8 74 52 30 Reports include: Porthgwarra: Eight on 15th Oct, six on 24th Oct, nine on 29th Oct and five on 31st Oct.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER - Muscicapa striata Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. Reported numbers more than doubled between 2000 and 2002. The earliest report since 1932 was on 25th March 1979 at Bude, and the latest at St Mawgan on 3rd November 1996. This year the earliest was on 5th May at Nanquidno, and the latest was at Kenidjack on 26th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - - 21 24 21 34 222 12 - - Reports include: Boswithick: Seven on 21st Jul. Cot Valley: Ten on 15th Sep. Morwenstow: Seven on 14th - 15th Sep. Nanquidno: Six on 15th Sep. Penlee Battery: Seven on 15th Sep. Porthgwarra: Ten on 20th Sep. Porthmeor: Six on 21st Sep. Rame Barton: Eight on 23rd Aug. Trevose Head: Eight on 14th, fourteen on 18th and ten on 21st Sep.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula parva Annual vagrant in autumn. Annual since 1980. Cot Valley: One on 22nd Sep CM.

121 Kenidjack: One on 16th Oct MTE. Nanjizal: One on 25th Sep KAW. Porthgwarra: One on 8th Oct MDW. Treve Common, Land's End: One on 21st Sep MWa. The county mainland total moves to c. 131 since 1949. Cot Valley has had seven records, Kenidjack seven, Nanjizal two, Porthgwarra thirty-five and Land's End five. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 - - - 2 33 88 7 -

PIED FLYCATCHER - Ficedula hypoleuca Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant. First bred at Lanhydrock in 1966. There were only six more confirmed instances in the county up to 1980. Subsequently, small populations became established at Lanhydrock and in the Camel Valley, and more recently in the Upper Fowey Valley. These populations have fluctuated markedly from year to year due to variable breeding success, but there has been a steady decline since 1993. Reported numbers this year were a little lower than the previous two years, but eighty-two per cent higher than 1999. The earliest report since 1933 was on 10th March 1997 at Duckpool, and the latest at Porthgwarra on 6th November 1993. This year the earliest was on 22nd April at Lanhydrock, and the latest at Porthgwarra on 16th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 1 1 1 - 35 50 3 - _ All reports were of one or two birds apart from the following: Cot Valley: Three on 22nd Sep. Land's End: Three on 16th Sep. Porthgwarra: Four on 1 st Sep. Trevose Head: Five on 13th Sep.

LONG-TAILED TIT - Aegithalos caudatus Breeding resident that disperses in good breeding seasons. Reported numbers were less than last year, at both the start and the end of the year. Reports include: Bodmin Sewage Works: Twenty on 29th Nov and fifteen on 30th Dec. Brew, Sennen: Twenty on 25th Nov. Brickmoor: Twenty-eight on 11th Dec. Chyuerton: Twenty-five on 3rd mar. Hayle Estuary: Nineteen on 16th Jul. Ponts Mill: Fifteen on 22nd Nov. Porthgwarra: Sixteen on 19th Oct. Porthpean: Twenty-five on 27th Sep. Rospannel: Twenty-five on 18th Oct. Rospeath: Twenty on 31st Oct. St Austell Sewage Works: Sixty on 26th Jan: Forty on 2nd Feb: Forty on 30th Nov. : Twenty on 31st Dec. St Hilary: Twenty on 30th Jun.

122 Stable Hobba: Fifteen on 17th Jan. Trenarren: Twenty on 4th Nov. Trengwainton: Seventeen on 19th Jun. Treskilling: Twenty on 22nd Sep.

MARSH TIT - Parus palustris Breeding resident. There were reports of birds from thirty-one localities. The number of birds reported was much lower than last year, and only a little higher than 2000. Reports include: Boscundle: Six on 4th Jun. Brickmoor: Three on 11th Dec. Chyuerton: Five on 3rd Mar. Kilkhampton: Six on 1st Jan. Polly Joke: Three on 27th Dec. Respryn: Four on 13th Dec.

WILLOW TIT - Parus montanus Scarce breeding resident. The Willow Tit has a patchy distribution in Cornwall, occurring in damp and scrubby woodland to the east and north of , with population centres historically at Goss Moor, Redmoor, St. Austell, Upper Fowey Valley and Tamar Lakes. The species is largely sedentary and has contracted in range. Sightings are rare in the west of the county. Reports were received from twelve localities, the same as last year, but the number of reports was higher than the previous two years. Boswithick Bridge: Two on 21st Jul. Breney Common: One on 16th Apr and three on 12th May. Enniscaver: One on 6th Aug. Goss Moor: One on 19th Jan: Two pairs on 28th Mar: One on 5th May and 17th Nov: Two on 20th Nov. Kilkhampton: Singles on 1st Jan, 28th Mar and 1st Apr: Two on 14th Apr. Lamelgate: One on 2nd May. Ninestones: One on 2nd and 6th May. Park Clay Pit: One on 19th Apr. Siblyback Res: One on 20th Aug: Two on 8th Sep. Tamar Lakes: One on 7th Jan: Six on 9th Sep: Three on 15th Sep: Two on 22nd Sep: One on 7th Oct: Two on 14th Oct: One on 20th Nov. Trekelvesteps: A pair on 2nd May. Trezibbe: Two on 2nd Mar

COAL TIT - Parus ater Breeding resident with some dispersal in good breeding seasons. Particularly common and widespread in coniferous woodland in the east of the county, and a regular visitor to garden nut feeders. Numbers have increased as conifer plantations have been expanded. Birds remain fairly faithful to home ranges, but there can be dispersal in autumn and winter that is thought to result from food shortages. Reported sighting this year were more than fifty per cent down on last year.

123 Reports include: Plain-an-Gwarry: Seven on 24th Aug. St Austell Sewage Works: Five on 19th Jan, 16th Feb and 19th Nov. Trago Mills: Forty on 16th Jan. Trenarren: Five on 25th Nov.

BLUE TIT - Parus caeruleus Breeding resident with some dispersal. Reports were received from few localities, and insufficient data is received to enable trends to be assessed. Reports include: Bodmin Sewage Works: Twenty on 30th Dec. St Austell Sewage Works: Fifteen on 19th Jan, fifteen on 14th Mar and twenty on 26th Nov.

GREAT TIT - Parus major Breeding resident with some dispersal. Reports were received from few localities, and insufficient data is received to enable trends to be assessed. Reports include: Porthgwarra: Ten on 18th Oct. St Austell Sewage Works: Ten on 19th Jan, 16th Feb and 19th Nov.

NUTHATCH - Sitta europaea Breeding resident. The species is found in most suitable deciduous woodland. There were reports from thirty-eight localities, six fewer than last year, and the number of records reduced proportionately. Reports include: Boscundle: Four on 4th Jun. Castle Horneck: Three on 12th Dec. Chyuerton: Three on 3 rd Mar. Golitha Woods: Three on 16th Nov. Gulval: Five on 9th Dec. Kilkhampton: Four on 10th Jun. : Three on 1st Jan - 1st Mar. St Mawgan: Four on 22nd Mar. Trengwainton: Three on 17th Feb and 7th Apr. Nuthatch (Kester Wilson) Trevarno: Three on 16th Feb.

EURASIAN TREECREEPER - Certhia familiaris Breeding resident with some short distance dispersal. Reported from thirty-two localities, four more than last year, but numbers reported did not increase in proportion. However, this species is undoubtedly under-reported and no conclusions can be drawn. Reports include: Castle Horneck: Two on 17th Jan and 14th Feb. East Looe River: Two on 27th Jan. Golitha Woods: Three on 2nd Mar and 16th Nov.

124 Wood: Two on 15th Dec. St Austell Sewage Works: Two on 26th Nov. Siblyback Res: Two on 8th Jan. St Austell Sewage Works: Two on 5th Jan, 22nd Feb, 4th Mar and 26th Nov. Trago Mills: Two on 16th Jan. Trereife: Two on 4th Apr. Trezibbe: Three on 2nd Mar.

GOLDEN ORIOLE - Oriolus oriolus Scarce passage migrant, mainly spring overshoots from continental Europe. Annual since 1971. Brew, Sennen: One on 19th May MWa. Nancledra: One on 14th May. Pendeen Watch: One on 12th May BSW. Porthgwarra: One on 1st Sep BSW: One on 18th Sep MDW. Treveal: One on 19th May DE. The county total is now c. 207 since 1945. The average number of records in the 1970's was less than two per annum, increased to over five in the 1980's, and was almost ten in the 1990's. Most reports were received in 1984 when there were twenty-one records. Numbers usually fluctuate greatly from year to year, but records for the last three years equate to the 1990 average. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 28 145 19 4 3 4 3 - -

ISABELLINE SHRIKE - Lanius isabellinus Very rare vagrant. Porthgwarra: A first cal male on 26th Jun MDW et al. The bird could not be assigned to a particular race with certainty, whereas the record was considered to be of the race Lanius isabellinus phoenicuroides. The mainland total is now c. The previous record was also a first calendar bird at Zennor on 27th - 31st Oct 1989. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

- - - - - 1 - - - 1 - -

RED-BACKED SHRIKE - Lanius collurio Uncommon drift migrant, mainly in autumn. Last bred in the county in 1960. Church Cove, Lizard: A first cal on 31 st Aug - 3rd Sep BSW. /Bartinney Downs: A female on 27th Jun MTE, BD, JP, CCB. Kynance Cove: One on 18th May BSW. Land's End: A male on 14th May MWa. The county mainland total is now c. 115 since 1940. Church Cove has now had two records, Kynance Cove four and Land's End two. Porthgwarra has had most records with twenty-three. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ 1 - 12 12 - 15 44 28 3 -

125 WOODCHAT SHRIKE - Lanius senator Rare drift migrant. Annual since 1979. Caerthillian Cove: A male on 6th - 14th Jun BSW. Cot Valley: A female on 5th - 9th Apr BSW. Kynance Cove: A first cal on 22nd - 23rd Sep SMC, BMP, TMC. Kynance Downs: A male on 23rd Aug AL, ML, TH, SP. Porthgwarra: A male on 21st Apr BKM. St Levan: A male on 23rd Mar - 3rd Apr was the first ever record for March MDW: A male on 23rd Apr - 2nd May MDW. The mainland total is now c. 85 since 1949. Caerthillian Cove has had three records, Cot Valley three, Kynance Cove/Downs three, Porthgwarra seventeen and St Levan two records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - 1 12 33 9 2 13 9 5 1 -

EURASIAN JAY - Garrulus glandarius Breeding resident with occasional large irruptions. In 1983 there were reports of large movements of Jays across Poland, Northern France and the Channel, continuing to Cornwall where they were first reported on 5th October. There were 3,021 recorded between 8th and 14th October and 7,408 between 15th and 21st October, but they moved on quickly and numbers were back to normal during the last ten days of the month. The largest counts were 1,250 near St Just on 17th October and 1,000 at Mullion on 19th October. A common but under-recorded species that is usually seen as single birds or pairs, it was reported from seventy-one locations. Numbers reported were similar to last year. Reports include: Breney Common: Four on 16th Apr. Holmbush: Four on 30th Sep and 8th Oct. Lanhydrock: Four on 22nd Apr. London Apprentice: Five on 4th Aug. Marazion Marsh: Five on 10th Oct. Nanjizal: Four on 26th Oct. St Mawgan: Four on 22nd Mar.

MAGPIE - Pica pica Breeding resident. Forms small roosts outside the breeding season. This is a species that is increasing on a national basis. The largest ever count in the county was one of one hundred and thirty at on 24th January 1990. Reports include: Caerthillian: Thirteen on 28th Oct. Marazion Marsh: Seventy-one on 22nd Jan, thirty-two on 7th Feb, sixteen on 12th Mar, fifty-three on 25th Nov and eighty-three on 16th Dec. Nanquidno: Seventeen on 7th Oct. Porthgwarra: Twelve on 18th and sixteen on 19th Oct. Treseder's Garden, Truro: Twelve on 5th Dec.

CHOUGH - Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Resident breeder, occasional visitor or escapee. The small group of Choughs on the Lizard maintained their presence all year, moving widely around

126 the southwest of the peninsula. A pair nested and three young fledged, the first proven breeding since 1947. An article "Choughs on The Lizard in 2002" is reproduced later in this report. Reports include: Caerthillian: Five on 22nd Sep: Five on 28th Oct. Kynance Cove: Five on 3rd Oct: Six on 30th Dec. Lizard: A pair with three fledged young on 19th Jun. Predannack Downs: Five on 5th Sep and on 12th Oct.

EURASIAN JACKDAW - Corvus monedula Breeding resident. Forms roosts outside the breeding season. Large flocks have been reported in the past, twenty thousand at Porthgwarra on 23rd October 1983, nine thousand at the roost in 1988 and three thousand at Pinkson Creek on 4th November 1995, but the maximum count this year was only six hundred at Trethewey. Reports include: Crean: 400 on 4th Aug. Marazion: 220 on 18th Oct. Menabilly: 300 on 10th Jan and 200 on 21st Feb. Porthgwarra: 130 on 19th Oct. Skewjack: 200 on 24th Jul. Trethewey: 600 on 16th Aug. Trevose Head: 250 on 9th Sep. Walmsley Sane: 220 on 18th Oct.

ROOK - Corvus frugilegus Breeding resident. Forms large roosts outside the breeding season. Of the common members of the family Corvus, only the Rook has been reducing in numbers on a national basis, most likely owing to changes in the way farmland is worked. A census in 1976 produced reports of six hundred and eighteen rookeries and thirteen thousand nine hundred and thirty- eight nests. Pinkson Creek was the site of a flock of two thousand on 4th November 1995, but this year's maximum was only nine hundred at Trethewey. Reports include: Crean: 600 on 4th Aug. Menabilly Barton: 300 on 21st Feb. Trethewey: 900 on 16th Aug. Trevose Head: 200 on 9th Sep.

CARRION CROW - Corvus corone Breeding resident. Movements of this bird are difficult to detect in the southwest because there is a resident population that moves around in family parties. Large concentrations do occur, mainly at estuaries where there are good feeding areas, and five hundred were reported at Penlee Point on 12th January 1980. This year's maximum was at St Austell Sewage Works. Records include: Chyuerton: Thirteen on 3rd Mar. St Austell Sewage Works: Sixty on 10th Mar, twenty-five on 17th Apr and forty on 16th Nov. Trevose Head: Ten on 26th Mar and nineteen on 8th Apr.

127 HOODED CROW - Corvus cornix Rare Visitor. Polly Joke: One on 27th Dec APH. Sennen/Land's End: One seen intermittently between 23rd Jun and the end of the year MWa: A second bird on 28th Sep MWa. Trannack Farm, south of Hayle: One on 5th May TH. It was decided by the BOURC in 2002 that Hooded Crow should be treated as a separate species. The county mainland total is c. 60 since 1941. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 7 3 9 7 3 1 3 1 6 6 8

COMMON RAVEN - Corvus corax Breeding resident. Occasionally forms larger groups. Many sightings are of pairs calling to each other as they fly overhead, but they also gather in flocks. Reports include: Browngelly Downs: Forty on 9th Apr. Chyuerton: Twenty-two on 3rd Mar Colliford Res: Ten on 8th Jan. Goonhilly Downs: Ten on 10th Aug. Park Clay Pit: Fourteen on 10th Feb: Fifty-five on 12th and 18th Mar and 18th Jun. Treseder's Garden, Truro: Eleven on 9th Jan.

COMMON STARLING - Sturnus vulgaris Breeding resident and winter visitor. Forms huge roosts in winter. Most winter visitors have left the county by the end of February. Breeding takes place across the county, but information during the summer months is very limited. Lower numbers were recorded this year than during the previous two years when numbers were also low. Presumably the mild winters are the reason why we are not seeing the numbers that caused an observer at Crowdy Reservoir in 1991 to comment "millions, too many to count". Reports include: Bass Point: 200 on 11th Oct. Cot Valley: 500 on 18th Nov. Dobwalls: 195 on 9th Nov. Land's End/Sennen: 1,500 on 13th Mar: 1,500 on 18th Oct: 6,000 on 29th Oct: 2,500 on 11th Nov. Lower Tamar Lake: 5,000 on 30th Dec. Marazion Marsh: 100,000 on 14th Jan: 100,000 on 15th Nov: 150,000 on 12th Dec. Newlyn Coombe: 200 on 31st Oct. : 200 on 22nd Dec. Polgigga: 1,000 on 3rd Mar. Porthgwarra: 450 on 18th Oct, 1,780 on 15th and 2,700 on 18th Nov. Skewjack: 4,000 on 19th Feb: 1,000 on 3rd Mar. : 4,500 on 12th Nov. Trevose Head: 300 on 9th Feb. Trewidden: 1,000 on 12th Dec.

128 ROSY STARLING - Sturnus roseus Regular vagrant. Barriper, Camborne: An adult on 3rd Sep BSW. Bodmin: One on 20th Jun MrB, DAC. Bude: A first cal on 1st Dec FHCK. Cam Bosavern: A first cal on 1st Oct BSW. Cot Valley: One on 20th Jun BSW: One on 3rd Oct was the St Just bird AMJD. Egoshayle: One on 2nd Jul BSW. Goldsithney: A first cal on 29th Oct - 31st Dec may have been the Marazion bird PAD. Gunwalloe: An adult on 30th Jun - 3rd Jul MT. Hayle Est: One on 1st Nov LPW. Land's End/Sennen: Two on 19th - 23rd Jun MWa: A first cal on 15th - 24th Sep was perhaps the Polgigga bird BD, MWa: Three first cal on 25th Sep with two on 27th MWa: A first cal remained until 22nd Oct MWa: A first cal on 28th Nov MWa. Long Rock: One on 13th Sep PAF. Marazion Marsh: One on 17th Oct DSF: One on 27th Oct DSF. Mousehole: An adult on 19th and 24th Jun MrN. Padstow: One on 2nd Jun BSW. Penzance: A first cal on 29th Sep was perhaps the Long Rock bird BSW: A first cal on 19th Oct - 1st Nov and on first cal on 14th Dec BSW. Polgigga/Trethewey: A first cal on 12th Sep KAW. Port Isaac: An adult on 16th - 25th Jun DJ. Porthgwarra: One on 31st May MDW. Raftra Farm: One on 27th and 30th Jun BSW. St Just: A first cal intermittently on 26th Sep - 12th Dec was one of the Land's End birds MTE. Trevose Head: An adult on 14th Jul PH. Trewellard: A first cal on 23rd Sep RMP. Vellandreath: A first cal on 2nd Oct was probably one of the Land's End birds MWa. Wadebridge: One on 2nd Jul per ML. Widemouth Bay: One on 20th Jul per KAW. The county mainland total is now c. 66 since 1965. Prior to this extraordinary year, when approximately twenty-five birds were reported, no more than four birds were reported during any year. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 - - - 1 18 7 2 17 14 5 1

HOUSE SPARROW - Passer domesticus Breeding resident. This species has suffered a dramatic reduction in numbers across the UK. In view of this situation it would be interesting to receive reports of monthly numbers at individual sites so that future changes in the county population can be monitored. Overall numbers reported reduced by forty-six per cent by comparison with last year. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Botallack 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Sancreed 6 14 6 12 12 16 16 10 10 10 10 12 Other reports include: Boswednack: Twelve on 1 st Jun.

129 Cawsand: Twenty on 6th Nov. Dobwalls: Thirteen on 27th Jan. Drift Res: Fifteen on 2nd Jan. Forder: Twenty on 6th Nov. Newlyn Coombe: Thirty-two on 19th Aug. Pelynt, Beacon Park: Thirty-one on 25th Aug. Pentire Farm: Sixteen on 12th May and ninety on 10th Sep. Porthgwarra: Twelve on 18th Oct. Rumford: Sixty on 10th Sep. St Ives Harbour: Forty-two on 15th Sep. Torpoint, Cremyll Road: Twenty-two on 8th Dec. Trevose Head: Twelve in breeding season, fifty-five on 21st Aug and seventy on 10th Sep. Ventongimps: Eighteen on 13th Dec.

EURASIAN TREE SPARROW - Passer montanus Occasional sightings of dispersing birds. Bred in 1990 and 1999 - 2002. It is known that most sightings are likely to be of dispersing birds, with the peak in May likely to be birds searching for new nesting sites. Land's End: A maximum of four birds seen intermittently between 28th Feb and 14th Sep, presumably last years birds - three young were raised from two broods MWa. Nr. Mousehole: Two on 2nd - 29th Aug BD. Nanjizal: One on 11th Apr MWa. Trewellard: Two on 31st Jul MrP. Ventongimps: Two on 13th Dec APH. The county mainland total is now c. 228 since 1945. Porthgwarra is the most frequently visited site with seventeen reports of sixty-nine birds. Approximate monthly totals (historic)*: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 5 6 6 6 82 8 14 8 4 45 19 16 * nine undated

CHAFFINCH - Fringilla coelebs Breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. The appearance of some larger flocks in the far west in October increased overall numbers above the level reported last year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 863 351 537 10 6 22 10 6 50 9,034 2,881 467 Reports include: Caerthillian Cove: 190 on 24th Oct. Cleave Camp: 1,000 on 24th Oct. Drift Res: 150 on 15th Feb. Land's End: 730 on 18th Oct: 1,800 on 24th Oct: 600 on 28th Oct: 2,200 on 11th Nov. Lizard Village: 162 on 24th Oct. Marazion: 750 on 18th Oct. Menabilly: 200 on 10th Jan Military Road, Rame: 200 on 6th Nov.

130 Kanjizal: 300 on 28th Oct. Porthgwarra: 456 on 18th and 1,467 on 19th Oct: 457 on 24th Oct: 172 on 15th Nov. St Levan: 1,470 on 24th Oct. : 250 on 10th Dec. Trereife: 350 on 15th Jan. Trevose Head: 115 on 16th Oct. Trewellard: 1,000 on 28th Oct.

BRAMBLING - Fringella montifringilla Winter visitor and passage migrant. Numbers were higher than seen during the previous three years, but some forty per cent down on 199 Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 4 11 307 3 - - - - - 67 5 1 Caerthillian: One on 26th Mar. Cleave Camp: Eight on 24th Oct. Downderry: One on 19th Oct. Goonzion Downs: One on 31st Jan. Land's End: Four on 14th Oct, one on 16th Oct, seven on 18th Oct, two on 22nd Oct, fifteen on 24th Oct, two on 28th Oct, two on 13th Nov and one on 16th Nov. Lizard Village: Two on 24th Oct. Marazion Marsh: One on 19th Jan, 300 on 3rd and 7th Feb, and three on 6th Mar. Menabilly Barton: Ten on 21st - 23rd Feb. Nanjizal: Two on 16th Mar, one on 9th Oct, two on 16th Oct and one on 19th Oct. Pelynt: One on 25th Nov. Penlee, Newlyn: One on 22nd Oct. Penlee Point/Rame Head: Three on 17th Oct. One on 19th and 21st Oct. Polgigga: One on 25th and 29th Mar. Porthgwarra: Two on 18th and five on 19th Oct: One on 24th Oct and six on 28th Oct. Sennen: One on 25th Oct. Siblyback Res: One on 28th Oct. : One on 9th Mar. St Levan: One on 18th and 24th Oct. Swanpool: Three on 20th Nov. Tregadillet: One on 9th Feb. Trethewey: One on 11th Jan. Trevilley, Sennen: One on 25th Mar Treyarnon Bay: One on 18th Dec. Upper Tamar Lake: One on 7th Jan. Bramling (Kester Wilson)

EUROPEAN SERIN - Serinus serinus Drift migrant and occasional winter visitor. Brew, Sennen: One on 21st Apr MWa. Land's End: A male on 16th Nov MWa. Nanjizal: A male on 10th Apr KAW: Two first cal on 13th Sep KAW: One on 8th Oct MDW. Trevose Head: One on 12th May SMC, BMP, LW. The county total now advances to c. 123 since 1967. Land's End has had five records, Nanjizal ten, Sennen two and Trevose Head four. There have been twenty-eight records at Porthgwarra.

131 Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 9 9 18 18 1 - - 9 31 22 5

GREENFINCH - Carduelis chloris Breeding resident that disperses widely. This species wanders widely and has become well adapted to a suburban lifestyle, feeding on garden bird feeders. The large flocks in the far west in October and November increased numbers above the levels seen in the previous two years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 156 185 164 18 6 4 35 34 121 2,059 1,893 55 Reports include: Cleave Camp: 350 on 24th Oct. Eastern Green: 170 on 7th Nov. Higher Lampetho Farm: Fifty on 21st Oct. Kilmarth: Fifty on 16th Mar. Land's End: 130 on 18th Oct, 350 on 24th Oct and 1,400 on 11th Nov. Lizard Village: Fifty-five on 24th Oct. Menabilly: Fifty on 5th Jan and 4th - 13th Mar. Menabilly Barton: 100 on 21st - 23rd Feb. Nanjizal: Sixty on 11th Nov. Par Beach: 300 on 17th Oct. Porthgwarra: Fifty-five on 16th, fifty-eight on 18th and 175 on 19th Oct: Seventy-eight on 24th Oct: Sixty-five on 15th Nov. St Levan: Sixty on 18th Oct and 310 on 24th Oct. Trevose Head: Fifty-five on 10th Sep.

GOLDFINCH - Carduelis carduelis Breeding resident, summer visitor, passage migrant and winter visitor. Overall numbers have been quite similar during the last three years. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 270 250 692 111 14 68 23 184 1,457 733 295 130 Reports include: Colliford Res: 140 on 12th Sep. Cremyll: 100 on 15th Mar. Kilmarth: 150 on 15th Mar. Lizard Village: 550 on 22nd - 23rd Sep. Menabilly: 120 on 27th Jan. Penmillard: 130 on 29th Sep. Rosudgeon: 100 on 29th Mar. Sennen: 200 on 8th Sep and 160 on 30th Sep. Trenarren: 100 on 17th Oct. Trethewey: 100 on 5th Dec. Trevose Head: 140 on 10th and 110 on 11th Oct. Vellandreath: 105 on 24th Nov.

132 SISKIN - Carduelis spinus Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Prior to 1970, Siskins were only a rare winter visitor and passage migrant. Winter numbers increased almost annually and the species then established itself as a regular breeding species in the mid-1980's, partly owing to the increase in coniferous plantations on Bodmin Moor. Numbers in the first two months were lower than the previous two years, but higher in the last quarter when there was a good passage in October. However numbers were much lower than 1990 when there were four flocks of two hundred and more, with a high count of four hundred and twenty at Towan Head on 6th October. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 35 13 50 23 51 26 6 4 26 1,111 206 193 Reports include: Cleave Camp: 100 on 24th Oct. Cot Valley: Seventy on 11th Oct. Crankan: 100 on 11th Oct. Land's End: Seventy-five on 18th Oct: Ninety on 24th Oct. Nanjizal: Sixty-five on 16th Oct. Porthgwarra: Sixty-nine on 18th, seventy-five on 19th and forty-one on 31st Oct: Thirty-five on 15th Nov.

LINNET - Carduelis cannabina Breeding resident, summer visitor and passage migrant. Unlike many farmland species, there has not been a dramatic reduction in the Linnet population and they can be seen on most open areas of coastal gorse during summer. Numbers were less than last year, but similar to 2000. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1,331 148 821 198 29 74 62 617 947 2,600 1,385 225 Reports include: Bass Point: 500 on 11th Oct. Camel Est: 110 on 14th Nov. Coverack: 140 on 14th Aug. Drift Res: 160 on 23rd Mar. Higher Lampetho Farm: 250 on 22nd Oct. Kilmarth: 200 on 16th Jan, 100 on 2nd Feb and 200 on 11th Oct. Land's End: 300 on 18th Aug. Lizard Village: 250 on 22nd - 23rd Sep. Maker Church: 200 on 11th Jan. Menabilly: 100 on 4th Mar. Narkurs: 250 on 19th Oct. Pelynt: 150 on 11th - 15th Jan. Pentire Point: 250 on 12th Jan and 270 on 2nd Mar: 170 on 21st Sep, 300 on 6th Oct and 320 on 7th Nov. Polly Joke: 100 on 27th Dec. Porthgwarra: 220 on 27th Sep. Rame Head/Penlee Point: 250 on 12th Jan: 160 on 5th Oct. Sandy Mouth, Bude: 200 on 24th Jan. Sennen: 120 on 6th Oct.

133 Trevose Head: 135 on 19th and 160 on 28th Aug: 230 on 4th and 420 on 5th Oct, with a large flock remaining until 16th Oct when there were three hundred and ten. 325 on 9th, 350 on 17th and 550 on 24th Nov.

LESSER REDPOLL - Carduelis cabaret Scarce resident, uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. There were a few less birds than last year, but more than twice the number reported in 2000. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - - - 10 51 21 9 8 3 8 18 _ All reports were of one to three birds apart from the following: Brew, Sennen: Four on 5th May. Cam Gloose: Four on 9th May. Colliford Res: Four on 4th Nov. Halvana Plantation: Five on 11th Apr and six on 30th May. Nanjizal: Fifteen on 30th May. Smallacombe Plantation: Six on 4th Jun. Treve Common: Six on 30th May and eight on 1st Jun.

MEALY REDPOLL - Carduelis flammea Rare winter visitor Colliford Res: One on 4th Nov SMC. The mainland total is now c. 5 since 1979. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ------2 3 _

COMMON CROSSBILL - Loxia curvirostra Occasional inter visitor. An irruptive species, recorded annually since 1979. Has bred. Numbers vary substantially from year to year. The aggregate of monthly totals was only seventy-five this year, below the average of one hundred and sixty-five in the previous ten years that contained the exceptional year of 1997 when there were nine hundred and six. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 11 - - - - 11 17 30 - - -1 Allet: Eleven on 14th Feb. Barton: One on 29th Aug BT. Bochym: One on 26th and 31st Aug MT. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 5th Sep MT. Churchbridge: Six on 12th Jan AJP, SAP. Croft Pascoe: Nine on 15th Aug SFE. Crowdy Res: Ten on 21st Jul: Four on 4th and thirteen on 12th Aug: Three on 24th Aug, one on 29th Aug and 4th Sep: Eleven on 21st Sep SMC. Kynance Cove: One on 31st Aug TH. Marazion: Two on 7th Sep DE. Nanjizal: One on 1st Sep and eleven on 2nd Sep KAW. Penlee Point: Three on 27th Aug RSn.

134 Polhawn Cove: One on 27th Aug RSn. Rame Barton: One on 29th Aug. Rushyford: One on 2nd Sep. Smallacombe Plantation: One on 2nd Sep RMB. South Petherwin: Two on 2nd Sep AMJD. Treve Common: One on 2nd, 4th and 9th Sep MWa. Trevose Head: One on 16th Sep SMC.

COMMON ROSEFINCH - Carpodacus erythrinus Regular vagrant, mainly in autumn. Fistral Bay: An adult male on 1st Jul PN. The county mainland total increases to c. 31 since 1945, with all but two since 1984. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - - 2 3 2 - 10 12 1 _

BULLFINCH - Pyrrhula pyrrhula Breeding resident with some dispersal. This timid species tends to move around in pairs or small family groups and, consequently, has often not been fully recorded in the past. Ringing activities indicate that there is a continuous small turnover of birds after the breeding season, further increasing the difficulty of compiling accurate information. There has been a steady increase in the numbers reported over the last three years. Reports include: Brickmoor Plantation: Seven on 11th Dec. Dozmary Pool: Six on 17th Feb. Goonhilly Downs: Eleven on 15th Dec. Goss Moor: Seven on 5th May and twenty on 20th Nov. Great Grogley Downs: Three pairs on 31st May. Marazion Marsh: Seven on 20th Nov. Ponsanooth: Nine on 27th Jan. Tregunna: Ten on 9th Dec.

HAWFINCH - Coccothraustes coccothraustes Occasional visitor. Brew, Sennen: A male on 30th May MWa. Middle Taphouse: One on 16th May DCg. The county total is now c. 94 since 1933. Records are well spread, but Porthgwarra has had six records and Nanjizal has had seven. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 4 8 9 5 6 7 - 4 31 7 7

LAPLAND LONGSPUR - Calcarius lapponicus Scarce drift migrant in autumn, and rare winter visitor. Very rare inland. There was considerable growth in the numbers reported between 1968 and 1993, but there appears to have been some reduction in latter years.

135 Arden-Sawah: Two on 24th Oct SML, MWa. Caerthillian Cove: One on 22nd Sep BSW. Cape Cornwall: Two on 19th Oct PAF. Church Cove, Lizard: One on 5th Nov MT. Cleave Camp: One on 24th Oct IK. Hayle Est: One on 15th Oct DSF. Kynance Cove: One on 27th Sep SK. Loe Pool: One on 7th Oct REH. Lapland Longspur (Kester Wilson) Nanjizal: Two on 16th Mar: Singles on 11th and 17th Sep and 16th and 26th Oct KAW. Nanquidno: One on 6th Oct BSW. Porthgwarra: Two on 8th Sep MDW: One on 6th Oct BSW: One on 18th Oct SMC: Four on 24th Oct DJC: One on 28th Oct JL, MDW. Reskajeage: Seven on 12th Oct BSW. Sennen/Land's End: Three on 21st Sep MWa: an adult male on 25th Sep MWa: Two on 7th Oct MWa: One on 9th Oct MWa: Maximum five on 14th - 28th Oct MWa. Trevose Head: Three on 4th Oct SMC: Two on 11th Oct: Singles on 12th, 16th and 30th Oct SMC: One on 30th Dec SMC. The county total is now c. 1,015 since 1960. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 6 4 2 - - - - 203 544 235 15

SNOW BUNTING - Plectrophenax nivalis Uncommon drift migrant (mainly in autumn) and winter visitor. The approximate monthly totals for the last twenty-five years show considerable fluctuations ir numbers between years, but no particular pattern. Numbers were low this year. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec - 1 - - - - - 1 10 6 2 Arden-Sawah: One on 2nd Dec and 15th Dec. Camel Est: One on 30th Oct. Droskyn Point, Perranporth: One on 20th Oct. Godrevy Point/Gwithian Towans: One on 6th and 19th Feb: Two on 30th Oct: Four on 31st Oct, 7th and 9th Nov. Land's End: One on 9th, 13th and 16th Nov. Newlyn: One on 27th - 31st Oct. Porthgwarra: One on 6th Dec. Reskajeage: One on 21st Nov. St Ives: One on 23rd Oct, two on 27th and three on 29th Oct. St Levan: One on 30th Sep.

YELLOWHAMMER - Emberiza citrinella Breeding resident with some dispersal. Like all members of the Emberiza family, the Yellowhammer is becoming a less and less common sight in the British countryside, its numbers having reduced more quickly than any other farmland species. There was a thirty-two per cent reduction in the aggregate of monthly totals this year, following a fifteen per cent drop last year.

136 r

Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Kilkhampton 2 - 2 6 1 - 2 - - - - 1 Pelynt - 1999 3 3 12 14 16 8 2 3 - 1 10 19 2000 16 24 16 10 6 8 1 _ _ 2 8 2001 17 13 14 9 10 9 3 2 _ 4 10 2002 16 12 13 13 10 8 6 2 2 _ 1 5 Sancreed 6 6 6 6 6 6 2 2 - - 2 5 St Columb Major 15 18 18 14 6 - - - - _ 4 Trevose Head - - 1 - 1 - - - - 1 - 3 Reports include: New Downs, St Just: Seven on 29th Oct. : Six on 13th Mar.

CIRL BUNTING - Emberiza cirlus Rare resident that bred up to 1999. There has been a protracted decline over the last twenty years of this once common and widespread farmland species. Up to 15 pairs were located in the southeast of the county in 1967 and birds were still present at fifteen sites in 1975. The UK population is almost exclusively restricted to south Devon but a recent increase in that population has not been reflected in Cornwall where this species now maintains only the most tenuous of footholds. Indeed, the Cirl Bunting has become so rare in Cornwall that we wish to receive descriptions for any sightings (unless covered by the 'three observer' rule). The RSPB are very keen to receive information about sightings so that, if it is established that birds frequent a particular area, they can make efforts to introduce special land management schemes. East Cornwall: A pair on 21 st - 23rd Mar with the male remaining until 21 st Apr, and (presumably the same male) seen again on 4th Jul RWG, RMB et al.

ORTOLAN BUNTING - Emberiza hortulana Scarce drift migrant, mainly in autumn. Botallack: An adult male on 9th Sep NRP. Caerthillian Cove: One on 22nd Sep BSW. Land's End: Two to 15th Sep MWa. Nanjizal: A first cal on 2nd - 3rd Sep KAW. Porthgwarra: One on 13th Sep MDW. Treve Common, Land's End: Three on 3rd - 4th Sep MWa. Trevose Head: One on 9th, two on 13th, three on 15th and one on 28th Sep SMC, BMP. Trewellard: Two second cal on 15th - 16th Sep NRP: A different bird on 18th Sep NRP. The county mainland total is now c. 155 since 1956. Most records have been at Porthgwarra where there have been twenty-one reports. There have been nineteen at Trevose Head and ten at Nanjizal. The influx in September this year is the largest ever. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec _ _ _ 2 3 - - 10 113 24 1 -

LITTLE BUNTING - Emberiza pusilla Vagrant. Brew, Sennen: One on 10th Oct MWa.

137 Rame: A male by the entrances to Barton and Penmillard Farms on 23rd - 25th Apr KP et al. The mainland total is now c. 14 since 1979. This is the second record for Rame, the first being it 1981. Porthgwarra has had most with four records. Approximate monthly totals (historic): Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1 1 - 5 1 - - - - 4 2 1

REED BUNTING - Emberiza schoeniclus Scarce breeding resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Following last year's large increase in comparison with 2000, there was a fifty-four per cent reduction this year with numbers almost sixteen percent below 2000. Approximate monthly totals: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 20 11 16 11 7 32 6 - 3 53 40 12 Reports include: Bass Point: six on 3rd Mar. Goss Moor: twenty on 20th Nov. Land's End: Six on 19th Oct and seven on 16th Nov. Marazion Marsh: Fourteen on 1st Jun and six on 3rd Oct. Menabilly: Ten on 8th Jan. Porthgwarra: Nine on 19th Oct. Upper Tamar Lake: Ten on 20th Nov.

CORN BUNTING - Miliaria calandra Uncommon breeding resident. The main foothold of this species is along a narrow coastal strip between Rumps Point and Godrevy Point where the prevailing weather conditions have meant that farming practices have not changed as dramatically as in many other parts of the county. This is yet another farmland species undergoing a continuing national decline. Happily, although the aggregate of monthly reports in 2001 reduced in comparison with 2000, this years total exceeded the 2000 figure. There is an article "Corn Buntings in Cornwall 2002" later in this report. Regular reports & maximum numbers: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Trevose Head - - 20 10 6 - 18 - 15 25 7 24

138 EXOTICA

BLACK SWAN Boscundle: One on 17th Jun. Drift Res: Last year's bird until 4th Jan. Fowey Est: One on 2nd Oct. Stithians Res: One on 11th May and 16th Jul. Truro River: One on 2nd Jul, 10th and 24th Aug, 7th and 21st Sep.

RED-BREASTED GOOSE Colliford Res: An adult, presumably the Siblyback bird, on 3rd Feb - 24th Mar had a narrow ring on one leg. Siblyback Res: An adult on 7th - 31st Jan.

BAR-HEADED GOOSE Camel Est: One on 9th - 14th Sep. Colliford Res: One on 10th Jan - 24th Feb. Crowdy Res: One on 23rd Jun - 4th Sep.

PARADISE SHELDUCK Par Beach Pool: A female on 12th Nov.

RINGED TEAL

Trenance Lake: Last year's bird until at least 19th May.

MUSCOVY DUCK Argal Res: One on 3rd mar, 16th Nov and 7th Dec. Boscawen: Two on 5th Jul and one on 28th Jul. Boscundle: Three on 29th Apr and two on 17th Jun. Drift Res: One on 13th and 31st Jan, 10th and 28th Feb. Par: Sixteen on 13th Jan, eighteen on 10th Feb and 3rd Mar, eight on 3rd Apr, one on 26th Jul and 7th Aug, four on 8th Sep and 4th Oct, and six on 3rd Nov and 8th Dec.

MANDARIN DUCK East Looe River: Two drakes, one first reported in Jan 1999) 1st Jan - 24th Feb. Par Beach Pool: One on 4th - 30th Jan: A drake on 12th Nov - 31st Dec. Seaton: A drake, presumably the Looe bird, on 23rd Jan, 16th Jun and 14th Oct. Tresillian River: One on 17th Nov.

WOOD DUCK East Looe River: The drake, first noticed in Jan 1999, throughout the year.

GOLDEN PHEASANT South Cornwall: A male in April.

SOUTHERN LAPWING Bude Marshes: One on 1st - 2nd Apr.

COCKATIEL Siblyback Res: One on 8th Sep.

GREY JUNGLEFOWL Nanquidno: A colour ringed bird on 26th Oct.

139 REPORTS FOR WHICH DETAILS ARE STILL REQUIRED

All the 2002 reports listed below require documentation, no descriptions having been submitted by observers. If you saw and can confirm the details of any of these birds, please forward a description to the County Recorder. Fea's Petrel: One at Porthgwarra on 29th Jul. Purple Heron: One at Boswednack on 22nd Apr. Great White Egret: Two at Marazion Marsh on 1st Jun. Snow Goose: Four on Camel Est on 6th Oct: Two at Siblyback Res on 18th Oct. Ring-necked Duck: One at Colliford Res on 26th Oct: One at Siblyback on 26th Oct. Black-winged Stilt: One at Marazion Marsh on 16th May. American Golden Plover: One on 1st Jan - 1st Mar at Maer Lake. Kentish Plover: One at Clodgy Point on 7th Sep. Temminck's Stint: One at the Inch Estate near Saltash on 14th May. Long-tailed Skua: One at Levant on 23rd Oct: One at Porth Nanven on 23rd Oct: One at Porthgwarra on 31st May: One at Porthgwarra on 28th Jul: One at St Ives on 22nd Oct: One at St Ives on 2nd Dec: One at Tintagel on 27th Oct. Roseate Tern: An adult at Marazion on 1st Sep. European Bee-eater: Two at on 12th May. Tawny Pipit: One at Porthgwarra on 5th Sep. Bearded Tit: One at Downhill on 22nd Mar. European Serin: One at St Buryan on 21st Aug: One at Trevorian Pool on 11th Oct.

FIRST AND LAST DATES FOR SUMMER MIGRANTS (Excluding wintering individuals)

Species Arrival Site Departure Site

European Storm Petrel 6th Feb Pendeen Watch 27th Oct St Agnes Head Garganey 28th Mar Lower Tamar Lake 6th Dec Walmsley Sanctuary Hobby 21st Apr Tideford 28th Oct Nanjizal Little Ringed Plover 12th Mar Maer Lake 17th Sep Cam sew Pool Wood Sandpiper 17th Jul Maer Lake 3rd Oct Drift Reservoir Sandwich Tern 11th Mar Carlyon Bay 24th Dec Carbis Bay Common Tern 3rd Mar Cargreen 30th Nov Sennen Cove Arctic Tern 25th Apr Land's End 13th Nov St Ives Island Little Tern 26th Apr Lamorna Cove 7th Oct Pendeen Watch Black Tern 26th Apr Mount's Bay 17th Sep Drift Reservoir Turtle Dove 25th Apr Rame Head 25th Oct Sennen Cuckoo 15th Apr Coverack 14th Sep Trevilley Nightjar 11th May The Lizard 5th Aug The Lizard Swift 24th Mar Lizard Point 21st Oct Mevagissey Bay Sand Martin 16th Feb Marazion Marsh 18th Oct Porthgwarra Swallow 21st Mar Maer Lake 24th Dec Crowlas House Martin 4th Mar Carbis Bay 2nd Nov Truro Tree Pipit 26th Mar Land's End 11th Oct Kenidjack Yellow Wagtail 8th Apr Maer Lake 29th Sep Penmillard Alba White Wagtail 13th March Land's End 15th Oct Sennen Redstart 6th Apr Kynance Cove 21st Dec Culdrose Airfield Whinchat 19th Apr Colliford Reservoir 23rd Oct Land's End

140 VVheatear 1st Mar Land's End 3rd Nov Towan Head Ring Ouzel 15th Mar Land's End 29th Oct Brew Pool Grasshopper Warbler 13th Apr Land's End 16th Oct Land's End Sedge Warbler 3rd Apr Marazion Marsh 26th Oct Nanjizal Reed Warbler 5th Apr Salter Mill 17th Nov Nanjizal Lesser Whitethroat 21st Apr Dobwalls 25th Oct Nanquidno Common Whitethroat 12th Apr St Levan 22nd Oct St Levan Garden Warbler 22nd Apr Helman Tor 1 st Nov Truro Wood Warbler 4th May Keveral Wood 24th Oct Church Cove, Lizard Willow Warbler 15th Mar Vellandreath 26th Oct Porthgwarra Spotted Flycatcher 5th May Nanquidno 26th Oct Kenidjack pied Flycatcher 22nd Apr Lanhydrock 16th Oct Porthgwarra

CONTRIBUTORS

R. C. S. Abbott (RCA) P. Clarke (PC) M. Greenwood (MG) P. G. Akers (PGA) D. Clegg (DC) R. Greenwood (RG) M. K. Ahmad (MKA) DA. Conway (DAC) E. Griffiths (EG) P. H. Aley (PHA) G. J. Conway (GJC) G. Gruitt (GGr) R. E. Allen (REA) E. J. Cook (EJC) M. Guillisord (MGu) A. Andreae (AA) C. Coombes (CC) E.G. Gynn (EGG) A. E. C. Aston (AECA) F. M. Couch (FMC) M. C. Hall (MCH) A. Atkinson (AAt) D. R. Courtnell (DRC) A. P. Hancock (APH) C. C. Baker (CCBa) B .T. Craven (BTC) B. Hannaford (BHan) R. Barlow (RB) D. J. Curtis (DJCu) J. Hannaford (JHan) Mr. Basset (MrB) M. Dando (MD) R. Hannaford (RH) M. Battern (MBa) A. M. J. Davey (AMJD) R. Harper (RHa) N. Beasley (NB) R. & H. Dawson (R&HD) R. E. Harbird (REH) P. Bedford (PB) D. G. Dennis (DGD) A. Harding (AHar) M. Beer (MB) R. Dennis (RD) J. Harris (JH) C. Beesley (CB) B. Dodd (BD) R. Harris (RH) R. M. Belringer (RMB) C. & J. Duffy (C&JD) T. Hasdell (TH) G. S. Bilbao (GSB) PA. Dukes (PAD) J. Hawkey (JH) C. L. Bingham (CLB) S. R. Eddy (SRE) M. J. Healan (MJH) Birding South West (BSW) P. Edmonds (PE) C. Hewes (CH) J. Birkett (JB) S. B. Edwards (SBE) R. Hibbert (RHi) W. E. Birkett (WEB) M. T. Elliot (MTE) G. Hobin (GH) A. Blonden (AB) S.F. Elton (SFE) P. Howland (PH) P. Blonden (PB1) D. Eva (DE) F. Hull (FH) T. Blonden (TB) L. G. R. Evans (LGRE) S. Jackson (SJ) B. Bowler (BB) C. Eyre (CE) S. F. Jackson (SFJ) A. Boyt (ABo) G. Fabbram (GF) E. C. James (ECJ) K. W. Brewster (KWB) D.S. Flumm (DSF) J. W. James (JWJ) D. Brown (DBn) T. Folland (TF) R. M. James (RMJ) J. D. Bryden (JDB) PA. Fraser (PAF) D. Jenkins (DJe) P. Bulfield (PBu) R. P. Fray (RPF) D. Jennings (DJen) S. Bury (SB) M. P. Frost (MPF) D. V. Johns (DVJ) T. M. Carne (TMC) R. M. Frost (RMF) D. Johnson (DJ) N. Chambers (NC) R. Fuller (RF) R. Johnson (RJn) J. Chappie (JC) J. Gask (JG) R. A. Jones (RAJ) J. Chesher (JCr) G. S. Gay (GSG) M. Jordan (MJ) D. J. Chown (DJC) T. George (TG) D. I. Julian (DIJ) S. M. Christophers (SMC) R. W. Gould (RWG) D. Kelsall (DK) B. Chugg (BC) G. Grant (GG) I. C. H. Kendall (IK)

141 F. H. C. Kendall (FHCK) A. R. Pay (ARP) W. Stewart (WS) J. Kersley (JK) A. Payne (AP) J. Stockhausen (JS) R. W. Key (RWK) S. J. Pearman (SJP) R. Stockhausen (RS) J. Kirk (JKi) A. R. Pease (ARPe) B. Stone (BSt) S. Kolodziejski (SK) K. Pellow (KP) G. P. Sutton (GPS) R. Lane (RL) R.D. Penhallurick (RDP) J. D. Swann (JDS) A. A. Langford (AAL) J.C. Pett (JCP) A. Swash (AS) J. Lawman (JL) Mr. Phillips (MrP) D. Swash (DS) M. Lawson (MLw) B. M. Phillips (BMP) R. & J. Symons (R&JS) M. Leggatt (MLe) N. R. Phillips (NRP) B. Taggart (BT) J. D. Leslie (JDL) R. M. Phillips (RMP) G. J. Tamlyn (GJTa) G. D. Lewis (GDL) T. F. Phillips (TFP) A. & A. Tate (A&AT) S. M. Lister (SML) A. S. Pilbeam (ASP) J. F. Tetley (JFT) R. C. Loader (RCL) T. K. Plummer (TKP) G. H. Thomas (GHT) L. Lock (LL) P. Priske (PP) T. Thompson (TT) A. Lord (AL) L. J. Proctor (LJP) L. A. C. Truscott (LACT) J. Lord (JLo) P. Rainsden (PR) S. Tucker (ST) M. Lord (ML) M. Rashley (MR) V. R. Tucker (VRT) R J. Luxford (PJL) C. Richards (CR) G. J. Tuckett (GJT) B. M. Lye (BML) T. Riddle (TR) M. Tunmore (MT) A. J. Mackay (AJM) A. Riley (AR) R. E. Wake (REW) A. G. Mackonochie (AGM) R.D. Riley (RDR) PA. Wakelin (PAW) P. S. Madge (PSM) G. P. Rowe (GPR) J. Waldon (JW) S.C. Madge (SCM) S. G. Rowe (SGR) M. D. Wallace (MDW) S. F. Marshall (SFM) Royal Air Force Ornithological M. Warren (MWa) R. McCartney (PMcCa) Society (RAFOS) R. S. Warren (RSW) P. McCartney PMcC) M. J. Rule (MJR) B. L. Webb (BLW) P. McKeogh (PMcK) PA. Rutter (PAR) D. Webb (DW) S. McMahon (SMcM) K. Safa (KS) L. Webb (LW) C. Moore (CMo) B. Saunders (BS) C. W. Westwood (CWW) B. C. Morris (BCM) G. Sayner (GSa) S. C. Wicks (SCW) Mr. Nicholls (MrN) P. Semmens (PS) C.White (CW) P. Norris (PN) P. T. Sillifant (PTS) W. J. White (WJW) W. C. Northcott (WCN) V. Simpson (VS) E. H. Williams (EHW) R. J. Olliver (RJO) R. Smaldon (RSm) L.P. Williams (LPW) M. Orchard (MO) R. L. Smith (RLS) E. J. Wilson (EJW) P. O'Shea (PO'S) D. Spers (DS) I. M. Wilson (IMW) A. J. Park (AJP) B. A. Staley (BAS) K. A. Wilson (KAW) S. A. Park (SAP) G. Stevenson (GS) K. Wood (KW) R. Parslow (RP) A. B. Stewart (ABS) P. Wood (PW) E. Paterson (EP) I. R. Stewart (IRS) J. Wright (JWt)

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Copies of some photographs used in this report may be obtained direct from the following photographer who has kindly allowed us to use his work: Gary Cockill, 6 Polhigey Terrace, , Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 6PG

142 GAZETTEER

This list contains most of the place names mentioned in the Systematic List. Grid references refer to the four-figure square in which the site (or the majority of it) lies. All sites are marked on the 1:25 000 or 1:50 000 Ordnance Survey maps (Landranger series), sheets 190, 200, 201, 203 and 204.

Acton Castle SW5528 Boat (Trenow) Cove SW5329 SX1882 Adams Hill SW4025 Bochym SW6820 Boxheater SW8253 Alex Tor SX1178 Moor Ponds SX0555 Boyton SX3292 Allen Valley SX0476 Bodgara SX2686 Bradford SX1175 Allet SW7948 SW9973 Bradworthy SS3213 Altarnun SX2281 Bodigga Cliff SX2754 Brane SW4028 Alverton SW4630 SX1352 Bray's Cot Pool SW7218 Arable Confluence SW9774 Bodmin SX0666 Brea SW6640 Amble Marshes SW9874 Bodmin Moor SX1876 Breage SW6228 Amy Down SX3666 Bodmin Parkway Stn SX1164 SW9277 Anderton SX4352 Bodmin Sewage Works SX0566 Breney Common SX0561 SW5838 Downs SX1163 Brew, Sennen SW3625 Antony SX3954 Bogee Farm SW9069 Brickmoor Plant'n SW7951 Antony Estate SX4156 SX4167 Brill SW7229 SX4157 Bois House SX1774 Brockabarrow Common SX1574 Arallas SW8544 SW3934 Brocton SX0168 Arden-Sawah SW2722 Marsh SW7653 Browngelly Downs SX1972 Argal Reservoir SW7632 SX1876 Bucklawren SX2655 Ashill SW6142 Bone Valley SW4632 Bude SS2106 Ashton SW6028 Bonython SW6920 Bude Bay SS1607 Badger's Cross SW4833 Booby's Bay SW8575 Bude Breakwater SS2005 Bake SX3258 Downs SW6633 Bude Marshes SS2005 SW7742 Borlase Wood SW8540 Bugle SX0159 B arras Nose SX0589 Bosanketh SW3826 Bunning's Park SX1872 Barriper SW3863 SW6631 Burniere SW9873 Bartinney Downs SW3929 Boscastle SX0990 Burniere Point SW9874 Basset's Cove SW6344 Boscawen Park, Truro SW8343 Burnt House SX2166 Bass Point SW7111 Boscathnoe Reservoir SW4531 SW6734 Bastreet SX2476 Boscawen Park SW8343 Buryas Bridge SW4429 SW4729 Boscawen Pond SW8245 Bury Down SX1959 Baulk Head SW6522 Boscawen Rose SW4323 Bush SS2307 SW6545 SX0253 Bussow Reservoir SW5039 Beacon Cove SW8466 Boscundle SX0453 Butterstor Plantation SW1577 Beagles Point SW7616 Bosigran SW4236 Butter's Tor Marsh SX1678 Bear Wood SX1164 Bosistow SW3623 Butterwell, Nanstallon SW0267 Bear's Downs SW8968 Bosjewans Valley SW4227 Cabilla Woods SX1365 Bearah Tor SX2574 SW4125 Cadgwith SW7214 Bedruthan Steps SW8469 Boskenwyn SW6927 Cadsonbury SX3467 Cliff SX1092 Bosloe SW7727 Caer Bran SW4029 Berry Down SX3755 SW7931 Caerhays SW9741 Bethel SX0352 SX0761 Caerloggas SW9557 Bilton Wood SX3169 Bosorne SW3630 Caerthillian Cove SW6913 Biscovey SX0653 SW4336 Calenick Creek SW8343 Bishops Quay SW7225 SX0689 Callington SX3669 Bishops Wood SX0070 Bosullow Common SW4133 Calstock SX4368 Bissoe SW7741 Boswarthen SW3433 Camborne SW6540 Black Head, Coverack SW7716 Boswarva SW4332 Camel Estuary SW9374 Black Head, St. Austell SX0447 Boswednack SW4437 Camel Quarry SW9537 Black Rock SW6634 Boswens Common SW4032 Camel River SX0267 Blackacre SW9461 SW6934 Camelford SX1083 Blackcombe Wood SX2874 SW9941 Candra SX1179 Blackcross By-pass SW9060 Botallack SW2632 Canonstown SW5235 Blackpool Clay Pit SW9854 Botallack Head SW3634 Cape Cornwall SW3531 Blacktor Downs SX1573 Botherick SX4167 Carbis Bay SW5239 Blue Hills, St Agnes SW7252 Botus Fleming SX4061 Carbis Moor SX0255

143 SX1268 Chy Pond SX1772 Cubert Common SW7859 Cardinham Woods SX1067 Chyuerton SW7951 Cudden Point SW5427 Cargenwen/Crowan Res. SW6535 Clapper Bridge SX3565 Culdrose SW6626 Cargloth SX3354 Clarrick Wood SX4351 Culdrose Airfield SW6725 Cargreen SX4362 Cleave Camp SS2012 Curgurrell Beach SW8837 Carland Cross SW8453 Clift SX4055 SW6721 Carlean Wood SW6042 Clifton SX4264 Cutcrew Mill SX3386 Downs SX0256 Cligga Head SW7353 Bridge SX3260 Carluddon SX0155 Clitters SX3772 Dairyland SW9658 Carluddon Mica Dam SX0054 Clodgy Point SW5041 Danescombe Valley SX4269 Carlyon Bay SX0551 Coads Green SX2976 SX0382 SX0865 Cober Valley, Wendron SW6731 Daubuz Moor, Truro SW8245 Carminowe Creek SW6524 Colan SW8661 Davidstow Airfield SX1485 Cam Bosavem SW3730 Coldrose Farm, Truro SW8248 Davidstow Woods SX1484 Cam Brea, Camborne SW6840 SW9858 SW9277 Cam Brea, St. Just SW3828 College Reservoir SW7633 Wood SW6525 Cam Galver SW4236 Colliford Dam SX1771 SX0683 Cam Gloose, Gurnards Head Colliford Downs SX1871 De Lank Water Works SX1376 SW4338 Park SX1773 Demain Farm SW9042 Cam Gloose, St Just SW3531 Colliford Reservoir SX1772 Dennis Cove SW9274 Cam Kenidjack SW3832 Colquite SX0570 Dennis Head SW7825 Camanton SW8764 Com Head SW9480 Dennis Hill SW9274 Came Creek SW7725 Common Moor SX2469 Denzill Mill SW8956 Camevas SW8672 Congdon's Shop SX2878 Common Sw4031 Cam-les-Boel SW3523 Constantine SW7329 Devoran SW7939 Cammenellis SW6936 Constantine Bay SW8574 Deweymeads SX1772 Camon Bridge SW7839 Coobe Farm, Maker SX4251 Diggory's Island SW8467 Camon Downs SW8040 Cooksland SX0867 Dinas Head SW8476 Carnpalla SW9754 Coombe SS2111 Dinham Woods SW9774 Camsew Pool SW5537 Coombe, Feock SW8340 Ding Dong SW4334 Camweather Point SW9580 Coombe, Fowey SX1151 Dinham Bridge SX0373 Carnworthy Water SX 2291 Coombe, Lynher River SX3662 Dinnaboad SX0481 SW3733 Coombe, St Austell SW9552 Dobwalls SX2164 Carracawn Cross SX3257 Coombe, Tehidy SW6242 SX0039 Carricknath Point SW8432 Copperhouse Creek SW5637 Dollar Cove SW3425 Carrick Roads SW8335 Cornwall College, Camb SW6641 SX1965 Carthew farm, SW9571 Coronation Park, Wadeb SW9871 Downderry SX3253 Camvannel Downs SW6444 Cot Valley SW3630 Doyden Point SW9680 Carworgie SW9060 Cotehele SX4268 Dozmary Pool SX1974 Castle Beach SW8131 Cotehele Woods SX4268 Draynes SX2169 Castle-an-Dinas (East) SW9462 Cotton Wood SX0167 Draynes Bridge SX2268 Castle Gate SW4934 Coverack SW7818 Draynes Common SX2170 Castle Homeck SW4530 Creek SW8340 Draynes/Golitha Wood SW2268 Cataclews Point SW8776 Crafthole SX3654 Drift SW4328 Cat's Cove SW8576 Crankan SW4633 Drift Reservoir SW4329 Catchall SW4327 SW7860 Droskyn Point SW7554 SX3059 Crean SW3824 Duckpool SS2011 Cawsand SX4350 Cremyll SX4553 Duloe SX2358 SX4450 Creney Farm SX0761 Dunmere SX0467 SW9975 Crinnis SX0551 Dunmere Wood SX0468 Chapel Point SX0243 Croft Pascoe SW7220 Farm, SW9872 Chapel Porth SW6949 Croft Pascoe Pltn SW7219 SX0351 Charlestown SX0351 Croft Pascoe Pool SW7319 Durgan SW7727 Chasewater SW7444 Crooklets Beach SS2007 East Colliford SX1870 SX2572 Cross Lanes SW6921 East Coombe SX7509 China Fleet Club SX4258 Crousa Downs SW7618 East Looe SX2553 SW7446 Crowan SW6434 East Looe River SX2554 Chiverton Farm SW5429 Crowan Reservoir SW6535 East Moor SX2177 Churchbridge SX2158 Crowan Beacon SW6635 SX1863 Church Cove, Gunwalloe SW6620 Crowdy Reservoir SX1483 Eastern Green Beach SW4830 Church Cove, Lizard SW7112 Crowlas SW5133 Edmonton SW9672 Chybucca SW7848 Crows-an-Wra SW3927 Efflins SW8570 Chyenhal SW4528 SW9076 Efford SS2004 Chyauster SW4734 Cubert SW7857 SX0072

144 r

Emblance Downs SX1277 SW4133 Hayle SW5637 Empacombe SX4452 Great Grogley Downs SX0167 Hayle Bay, Camel Est. SW9379 SW9659 Great Hogus SW5130 Hayle Estuary SW5537 Ennisworgey SW9361 Great Keiro Moor SW9675 Hayle Kimbro Pool SW6916 Epphaven Cove SW9679 Great Wood, SX1256 Hayle Mill Pond SW5536 Escalls SW3626 Greeb Point, Veryan Bay SW9740 Hayle River SW5436 Fairy Cross SX1262 Greeb Point, Portscatho SW8733 Hayle Towans SW5638 Falmouth SW8032 Greenaway SW9278 SW4631 Falmouth Bay SW8130 SW9955 Helford SW7526 Falmouth Docks SW8132 Greystone Wood SX3679 Helford Passage SW7626 Fenteroon Bridge SX1082 Gribbin Head SX0949 Helford River SW7726 Feock SW8238 Grochall SW6914 Heligan SW9946 Ferry Farm, Calstock SX4569 Grogley Halt SX0168 SX0770 Fiddlers Green SW8254 Grumbla SW4029 SX0671 Fishing Cove SW5942 Guineaport SW9971 SW5040 Fistral Bay SW7961 Gull Rock, Boscastle SX1193 Helligan Wood SX0872 Flushing SW7825 Gull Rock, Nare Head SW9236 Hell's Mouth SW6042 Flushing Beach SW8033 Gull Rock, SW6445 Helman Tor SX0661 Foage SW4637 Gull Rocks, Penhale Pt SW7559 Helston SW6627 Forder, Kingsand SX4250 Gulland Rock SW8778 Helston Amenity Area SW6526 Forder, Saltash SX4158 Gulval SW4831 Helston Boating Lake SW6527 SW6838 SX4371 Helston Sewage Works SW6526 Fowey SX1251 Gun Point SW9176 SX0881 Fowey Estuary SX1254 Gunver Head SW8977 Hemmick Beach SW9940 Foxhole SW9654 Gunwalloe SW6522 Hendersick Farm SX2352 SX9158 Gunwalloe Marsh SW6621 Hendra, Manhay SW6931 SX3952 Gurnard's Head SW4338 Hendra, Nanquidno SW3629 Friendship Wood SW5431 Gwallon SW5231 Hepwell SX3064 Froe SW8633 SW7113 SX2160 Froe Creek SW8633 Gweek SW7026 , Looe SX3057 SW7640 Gweek Woods SW7025 Highburrow SW6325 Gannel Estuary SW7961 Gwendreath SW7316 High Cliff SX1294 Garras SW7023 Gwennap Head SW3621 Higher Bostraze SW3931 Garvinack Farm SW7748 SW7417 Higher Crill Farm SW7783 Gear Common SW4436 Gwenver SW3627 Higher SW5628 Geevor Mine SW3734 Gwinear SW5937 Higher Kerrowe SW4536 Geonamarth Farm SW9855 Gwithian SW5841 Higher Lampetho Farm SX1052 Gerrans SW8735 Gwithian Towans SW5841 Higher Tregiffian SW3627 Gerrans Bay SW9037 Gyllyngvase Beach SW8031 Highgate SW9259 Gerrans Point SX0348 Halamanning SW5530 HMS Raleigh SX4254 Gillan SW7824 Halfway House, St Jidgey SW9469 Hoe Point SW5727 Gillan Creek SW7725 Halloon SW9159 Holestrow SW6912 Gillan Harbour SW7825 SX1887 Holman's Moors SW4839 Gillhill Wood SX2257 Hals Grave SW9571 Holmbush SX0352 Gillhouse SX1873 SW5038 Holywell Bay SW7659 Glebe Cliff SX0488 Halton Quay SX4165 Hooper's Bridge SX0365 Glendurgan SW7727 Halvana Plantation SX2077 Housel Bay SW7011 SW6131 Halwyn SW9374 Hudder Down SW6042 Godolphin Wood SW6032 Halzephron Cove SW6521 Hustyn Downs SX0067 Godrevy Island SW5743 Hannafore SX2552 Hustyn Wood SX0069 Godrevy Point SW5743 Hannafore Point SX2552 SW8247 Godrevy Towans SW5842 Hannibal's Cam SW4336 Illogan SW6744 SW6643 SX1254 Harewood SX4469 Illogan Wood Goldsithney SW5430 Harlyn SW8775 Indian Queens SW9158 Golitha/Draynes Wood SX2268 Harlyn Bay SW8775 Industry SX2377 Golitha Falls SX2268 Harlyn Pools SW8775 Innis Downs SX0262 Goonbell SW6951 Harpur's Downs SX1179 Innis Fish Farm SX0357 SW7853 SX4070 Inny Vale SX1586 Goonhilly Downs SW7219 Harrowbridge SX2074 Jamaica Inn SX1876 Goon Husband SW6625 Hatt SX3961 Jericho Farm SW3931 Goonzion Downs SX1767 Hawker's Cove SW9177 Jericho Valley SW6951 Gorran Haven SX0141 Hawk's Tor, Temple SX1475 Jolly's Bottom SW7544 Goss Moor SW9459 Hawkstor Clay Pit SX1474 Jubilee Pool, Penzance SW4729 SW9348 SX4166 Jupiter Point SX4156

145 SW4629 SW7625 Kea Wood SW8442 Larrigan Rocks Manare Point SW9338 SW6241 Latchbrook SX4059 SX4073 SW8050 SX3671 Marazion Beach SW5031 Kelsey Head SW7660 Launceston SX3384 SW5031 Kelynack SW3730 Lelant SW5437 Marazion Marsh Marble Cliffs SW8976 Kemyll SW4625 Lellizzick SW9077 SX1591 Kenidjack SW3632 SX1357 Kenidjack Castle SW3532 Leswidden Farm SW3930 Maudlin, SX2664 Kennack Sands SW7316 Levant SW3734 Mawgan SW7024 SW8467 Kennal Vale SW7437 SX2780 Mawgan Porth Kennards House SX2883 Ligger Point SW7558 SW7827 SW5629 Liskeard SX2564 SW7728 1 Kensey Valley SX3285 Little Busullow SW4234 Mayan Green SW3626 SW7643 SX3580 Mayon Pit, Sennen SW3625 Wood SX0871 Little Gribbib SX0950 Meachard SX0991 Keveral Wood SX2955 Little London SW5230 Men-An-Tol SW4234 Kilkhampton SS2511 Little Petherick SW9172 Menabilly SX1051 Killigerran Head SW8732 Little Petherick Creek SW9273 Menabilly Barton SX0951 Killivose Wood SW3864 Lizard Downs SW6913 SW6141 Kilmarth SX0952 Lizard Point SW6911 Menadue Marsh SX0358 SX2962 Kilmar Town SX2574 Lizard Village SW7012 Kilminorth Woods SX2354 Loe Bar SW6424 Mennavean Quay SW7724 Kings Wood SX0048 Loe Beach SW8238 Merope Rocks SW8676 Kingsand SX4350 Loe Pool SW6424 Merry Maidens SW4324 Kingsmill Lake SX4261 Loe Valley SW6526 SX2766 Kit Hill SX3771 Loggans Moor SW5739 SX0874 SW7216 London Apprentice SX0050 Messack Point SW8435 SW7828 Kynance Cliff SW6713 Long Island SX0790 Meudon SX0144 Kynance Cove, Godrevy SW5843 Long Rock SW4931 Mevagissey Kynance Cove, Lizard SW6813 Long Rock Pool SW5031 Mevagissey Bay SX0245 Kynance Downs SW6814 SW7434 Middle Taphouse SX1763 Kynance Farm SW6714 Longstone SX0673 Military Road, Penlee SX4349 Labour-in-Vain SW6744 Looe SX2553 Milladon Pond SX3315 Ladock SW8951 Looe Bay SX2652 Mill Bay, Nanjizal SW3523 Ladock Wood SW8851 Looe Estuary SX2553 Millbrook SX4252 Lady Downs, Penwith SW4736 Looe Island SX2551 Millbrook Lake SX4352 Lakeview Country Park SX0163 Lostwithiel SX1059 Millbrook Pond SX4252 SX2653 SW7631 Loveny SX1868 SX1057 Lamb Creek SW8442 Loveney Reserve SX1873 Milltown Lamelgate SX2170 SW3734 Milltown, St Neot SX1867 Lamorna SW4424 Lower Brynn SW9862 Minions SX2671 Lamorna Cove SW4524 Lower Moors T'ment Wk SX1283 Minnows Islands SW8572 SW6344 Landrake SX3860 Lower Predannack Down SW6814 Mirrose Well SX4161 Land's End SW3425 Lower Tamar Lake SS2911 Moditonham Quay Landrake SX3760 Ponds SX3953 Molenick SX3361 SW8245 Landulph SX4361 Lowerton SW6529 Moresk SW4035 Landulph Marsh SX4261 Lowland Point SW8020 Morvah SX2556 Laneast SX2283 Luckett Woods SX3972 Morval Laneast Downs SX2384 SW5033 Morwenstow SS2115 SW8263 SX0855 Lundy Bay SW9579 Mory Island Langdon SX2092 Lundynant Caravan Park SW9479 Mother Ivey's Bay SW8676 Lanhainsworth SW9264 SW8262 Mount, Cubert SW7756 SX4064 Lanhoose SW8637 SX0558 Mount Araret Lanhydrock SX0863 Lwrkemyll SW4625 Mount Charles SX0252 SX0364 Lye Rock SX0689 Mount Edgecumbe CP SX4552 SX0758 Lynher Estuary SX3955 SW7147 Lanner SW7139 Mabe SW7634 Mount Pleasant SX0062 SW4930 SX1856 SW4531 Mount's Bay SX1751 Maenease Point SX0141 Mounts Pond, Penhale SW5678 SW4726 Lanteglose SX0882 Maenporth SW7829 Mousehole Lantundle SX2158 Maen Valley, Falmouth SW8032 Mullion SW6718 Farm, Madron SW4234 Maer Lake SS2007 SW6617 Lanyon Quoit SW4233 Maker Heights SX4351 Mullion Golf Course SW6620 XS3078 Malpas SW8442 Mullion Island SW6617

146 Murrayton SX2854 Park Clay Pit SX1970 Penwithick SX0256 Music Water SW9068 Park Head SW8470 Penzance SW4730 Mutton's Downs SX1969 Paul SW4627 Penzance Heliport SW4831 Mylor Bridge SW8036 Pawton SW9570 Penzance Railway Stn. SW4730 SW8235 Paynter's Cross SX3964 Perbargus Point SW9541 SW6332 Pednvadan SW8835 Percuil River SW8534 Nancledra SW4935 Beach SW2239 Perran-an-Worthal SW7778 Nancothan SW4429 Pelynt SX2054 Perran Bay SW7555 Nanjizal SW3523 Pemboa SW6826 SW5530 Nanjulian Farm SW3629 Penair SW8545 Perran Sands SW5429 Nanquidno SW3629 Penally SX0991 Perranporth SW7554 Nansavallan Wood SW8143 SX0040 Perranporth Airfield SW7352 Nansmellyn Marsh SW7654 Penarrow Point SW8234 Perranporth Dunes SW7554 Nanstallon SX0366 Penberth SW3923 Perranuthnoe SW5329 Nanswhyden SW8762 Pencalenick SW8545 Perranuthnoe Cliffs SW5428 Nare Head SW9137 Pencarrow, Bodmin SX0471 Perranwell SW7752 Nare Point SW8025 Pencarrow Head SX1550 SW7738 Narkurs SX3256 Pendarves SW6437 Petherwin SX2889 Navax Point SW5943 Pendavey SX0071 Phillack Neal Point SX4361 Pen Enys Point SW4841 Picklecombe SX4550 Nether Bridge SX3486 Pendeen SW3834 Piece SW6739 New Mill SW4534 Pendeen Watch SW3735 Pier Cellars SX4449 Newbridge, Callington SX3467 Pendennis Point/Castle SW8231 Pigshill SX4351 Newbridge, Penzance SW4231 Pendoggett SX0279 Pill Creek SW8339 New Downs, St Just SW3631 Pendower Beach SW8938 Pilsamoor SX2785 Newland SW9181 Penhale, Mullion SW6918 Pinkson Creek SW9473 Newlyn SW4628 Penhale, St John SX4153 Pinnockshill SX1874 Newlyn Beach SW4629 Penhale Camp SW7658 Pipers Pool SX2684 Newlyn Coombe SW4529 Penhale Creek SX4254 SW9576 Newlyn East SW8256 SW7756 Place Manor, SW8532 Newlyn Harbour SW4628 SW7651 Place Wood SW8633 SW9379 Penhalt SSI900 Plaidy SX2653 New Pool, Polmorla SW9871 Penhellick Farm SW8245 Plain-an-Gwarry SW3153 Newquay SW8161 Penhole Farm SX1861 SX2580 Newquay Bay SW8162 Penjerrick SW7730 Polbathic SX3456 Newquay Golf Course SW8062 Penlee Battery SX4349 Polbathic Creek SX3557 Newton Moor SW6738 Penlee Point, Mousehole SW4726 SXO 169 Nine Maidens (near Madron) SW4335 Penlee Point, Rame Hd. SX4448 Polcrebo Downs SW6433 Nine Maidens, St Columb SW9367 Penlee Quarry, Newlyn SW4627 Poldhu SW6620 Ninestones SX2174 Penlee Reserve SX4349 Poldhu Cove SW6619 Ninestones Bridge SX2373 Penlee Woods SX4449 Poldhu Marsh SW6720 Ninestones Farm SX2174 Penmarth SW7035 Polgigga SW3723 No Mans Land, Looe SX2756 Penmillard, Rame SX4249 Polgreen Farm/Lake SW8666 North Bowda SX2477 Pen Olver, Lizard SW7111 Polhawn Cove SX4149 North Cliffs SW6243 Penpol Creek, Feock SW8138 Polhawn Fort SX4249 North Country SW6943 Creek, Fowey SX1354 SX0952 Northcott Mouth SS2008 SW6439 Polly Joke SW7760 Notter Bridge SX3860 Penrice SX0249 Polmarkyn SX3335 Okeltor SX4468 Penrose, Loe Pool SW6425 Polmear SX0853 Old Dane SW8162 Penryn SW7834 Polmorla SW9871 Church SW8441 Penryn River SW7934 Polperro SX2050 Oldtown Cove SW9373 SX2969 Polquick SW8246 Otterham SX1690 Moor SW7545 Polridmouth Cove SX1050 Otterham Down SX1590 Pentargon SX1091 Polruan SX1250 Outer Retallick SW9266 Pentewan SXO 147 Polscoe SX1160 Padstow SW9274 Pentewan Beach SX0247 Poison SX3584 Par SX0753 Pentire, Newquay SW7961 Poltesco SW7215 Par Bay SX0852 Pentire Farm SW9380 Polurrian Cove SW6618 Par Beach SX0853 Pentire Point, Padstow Bay SW9280 Creek SW7328 Par Beach Pool SX0853 Pentire Point East, Newquay SW7861 Polzeath SW9378 SX0752 Pentire Point West, Newquay SW7761 Ponsanooth SW7537 Par Moor SX0552 Pentireglaze SW9380 Pont SX1452 Par Pools SX0854 Beach SW6912 Ponts Mill SX0756 Par River SX0753 SW7944 Porcupine SX0755

147 SX4258 Popesmill SX2763 Rame, Rame Head SX4249 Saltash Pordenack Point SW3424 Rame, Stithians SW7233 Salter Mill SX4363 SW6933 Redgate SX2268 Saltmill Creek SX4259 Porkellis Moor SW6832 Redhill Downs SX1671 Samphire Island SW6344 SW9679 Redmoor SX0762 Sancreed SW4129 Portgaverne SX0080 Red Post SS2604 Sandplace SX2456 SW7923 Redruth SW6942 Sandy Mouth SS2009 Porth-cadjack Cove SW6444 SW7955 Scarce Water Bridge SW8247 SW8571 SW6633 Sconner Creek SX3656 Porthcurnick Beach SW8735 SW5631 Scorrier SW7244 Porthcurno SW3822 SX0842 Scribble Downs SX1477 Porthguarnon SW4123 Reskadinnick SW6341 Sea Mills SW9273 Porthgwarra SW3621 Reskajeage Downs SW6343 Seaton SX3054 SW8237 Respryn SX0963 Seaton Valley SX3055 SW9375 Castle SX1061 Sennen SW3626 Porth Joke SW7760 Restronguet Creek SW8038 Sennen Cove SW3526 Porthkerris SW8022 Resugga SW9452 Sharp Tor SX2673 Porth Kidney Beach SW5438 SW9366 Sheffield, Mousehole SW4526 SW6225 Rialton Barton SW8461 Shell Woods SX0872 Porthleven Sands SW6324 SX2973 Shepherds SX8154 Porthluney Cove SW9741 Rinsey Head SW5826 SX3655 Porth Mear, Park Head SW8471 SX0476 Sheviock Wood SX3656 Porthmellin Head SW8632 SW8440 Shillingham Creek SX4057 Porthmeor Beach SW5140 River SW8046 Short Island SX0790 Porthmeor, Zennor SW4337 River Neet SS2208 Shortlanesend SW8047 Porthminster Point SW5239 Roche SW9860 Siblyback Farm SX2372 Porthmissen SW8976 Rock SW9375 Siblyback Reservoir SX2371 Porth Nanven SW3530 Rocksea Farm SX0274 SW7548 Porth, Newquay SW8362 SX0789 SW6328 Portholland SW9541 Ropehaven SX0349 Skewjack SW3624 SW8021 SW6442 Skinham Point SX4360 Porthpean SX0350 Rosecraddock SX2667 Sladebridge SX0171 Porth Reservoir SW8662 Rosehill SW4530 SX1085 Porthtowan SW6948 Roseland Peninsula SW8637 Smallacombe Pltn SX2275 Port Isaac SW9980 Rosemelling Pool SX0457 Soap Cove SW6714 Portloe SW9339 SW4136 South Boderwennack SW6830 Portmellon SXO 143 Rosemullion Head SW7927 Southdown SX4352 Portnadler Bay SX2451 SW9566 Southground Point SX1050 Portquin SW9780 SW9567 Southithdown SX4252 Portreath SW6545 Roseny Valley Wood SX0559 South Petherwin SX3081 Portscatho SW8735 Rose Valley SW3935 Spit Beach SX0752 Portwrinkle SX3553 Rosewarne SW6441 Spit Point SX0752 SS2208 Rosewastis SW9161 St Agnes SW7250 Praa Sands SW5828 Roseworthy SW6139 St Agnes Head SW6951 Predannack SW6816 Roskear Croft SW6541 SW8250 Predannack Airfield SW6816 Rosken Farm SW8972 St Andrew's Pool SX0754 Predannack Downs SW6915 Roskestal SW3722 St. Anthony, Helford SW7825 Predannack Wollas SW6616 Rospannel SW3926 St Anthony, St. Mawes SW8532 Prideaux Wood SX0655 Rospeath SW5132 SW8431 Priory Park Bodmin SX0766 Rosudgeon SW5529 St Austell SX0252 Probus SW8947 SX1481 St Austell Bay SX0651 Prussia Cove SW5527 Rough Tor Farm SX1382 St Austell Golf Course SX0050 Pulla Cross SW7439 Roughtor Moors SX1480 St Austell Sew. Works SXO 150 Queener Point SX4148 Roundwood Quay SW8339 St Blazey SX0654 SW8559 SW9039 St Blazey Lakes SX0555 Quoit Farm SW9261 Ruan Lanihorne SW8841 St Breock SW9771 Racecourse Downs SX0969 Ruan Major SW7016 St Breock Downs SW9668 RAF Portreath SW6746 Ruan Minor SW7215 St Breward SX0976 RAF St. Mawgan SW8664 Rumford SW8970 St Buryan SW4025 Raftra Farm SW2722 Rumps Point SW9381 St Cadoc Farm, Harlyn SW8875 Ralph's Cupboard SW6445 Buoy SW3620 SX2468 Rame Barton SX4249 Rushyford Gate SX2267 St Cleer Downs SX2467 Rame Church SX4249 Ryan's Field SW5436 St Clement SW8543 Rame Head SX4148 Sally's Bottom SW6746 St Clement Woods SW8248

148 St Clements Isle SW4726 SX3674 Treesmill SX0855 St Clether SX2083 Stonaford SX2577 Trefusis Point SW8133 St Columb Major SW9163 Stone SW3930 Tregadillet SX2983 St Columb Minor SW8462 Stratton SS2206 SW9264 St Columb Porth SW8362 SW8856 Tregaminion, Porthallow SW7922 St Columb Road SW9159 Summerleaze Beach SS2006 Tregaminion, Restormel SX0951 St Columb Sewage Works SW9063 Sunny Corner SW3626 Tregantle SX3852 St Dennis SW9557 Swanpool SW8031 Tregantle Fort SX3853 St Dominick SX4067 Swanpool Beach SW8031 Tregare Barton Wood SW8636 St Dominick Church SX3967 Swanvale SW7931 Tregassick SW8634 St Elvin SW6427 SX2251 SW8983 St Enodoc SW9377 Talland Bay SX2251 Tregathenan Reservoir SW6530 St Enodoc Golf Course SW9376 Tamar Estuary SX4359 Tregavarrah SW4429 St Erth SW5535 Tamar Lakes SS2811 Tregavarras SX0841 St Erth Pools SW5435 Tater-du SW4423 Tregembo SW5731 SW5735 Tehidy Country Park SW6443 Tregenna SW9440 St Eval SW8868 Temple SX1473 Tregeseal SW3732 St Eval Airfield SW8768 Temple New Bridge SX1574 Tregiller SW9249 SW9746 Temple Tor Pools SX1373 Tregonebris SW4128 St Germans SX3657 Terras SW9353 Tregonetha Downs SW9562 , Penryn SW7834 Terras Bridge SX2455 SW9244 St Hilary SW5531 Thanckes Lake SX4355 SX1183 StIssey SW9271 The Brisons SW3431 Tregoss SW9660 SX3067 The Chick SW7661 Tregoss Moor SW9760 St Ives SW5140 The Goose SW7861 Tregotha Farm SW5936 St Ives Bay SW5439 The Kelsey's SW7769 Tregrehan SX0553 St Ives Island SW5241 The Lizard SW7020 SX0453 St Jidgey SW9469 The Mouls SW9381 Tregunna SW9673 St John SX4153 The Sisters SX0689 Trekelvesteps SX2269 St John Ford SX4153 Three Holes Cross SX0173 Trekennick Tor SX2181 St John's Lake SX4254 Threemilestone SW7844 SW9062 St Just SW3631 Tideford SX3459 Trelay Farm SX2054 St Just Airfield SW3728 Tintagel SX0588 Trelew SW8135 St Just Pool SW8435 Toad Hole SW9659 SW9979 St Just in Roseland SW8535 Tolcarne Beach, Newquay SW8162 SW9352 SW7821 Tolgus SW6944 Treliske Hospital, Truro SW7945 SX0276 Tollgate, Wadebridge SW9772 Trelissick SW8339 St Kew Highway SX0375 Toll Point SW7826 SW9865 SX2361 Tolpetherwin SX2782 Treloquithack SW6929 St Levan SW3722 Tolvaddon SW6040 Trelow Downs SW9268 St Loy SW4223 SX1154 Trelowarren SW7124 St Mabyn SX0373 Torpoint SX4354 Trematon SX4057 St Martin SX2455 Towan Beach SW8732 Tremayne Quay SW7225 St Mawes SW8433 Towan Head SW7962 Trembath SW4528 St Mawgan SW8765 Towednack SW4838 SW4430 SX3865 Townshend SW5932 Trenadlyn SX0955 St Merryn SW8873 Trago Mills SX1864 Trenance Lake SW8160 St Merryn Airfield SW8871 Trannock Downs SW6630 Trenance Point SW8468 St Michael's Mount SW5129 Trannack Farm SW5633 Trenant, New Polzeath SW9479 SX2168 SW9677 Treago Farm SW7760 Trenant, St Neot SX2455 St Nectan's Glen SX0888 Trebah SX7627 Trenant Point SX2553 St Neot SX1867 SW8662 SX2454 St Newlyn East SW8256 Woodlands SX2577 Trenant Wood St Stephen, Foxhole SW9453 Trebehor SW3724 Trenarren SX0348 St Stephens, Launceston SX3285 Trebellan SW7856 Trendrine SW4739 Trengwainton SW4431 St Winnow SX1157 Trebelsue SW8463 Trenouth SW9070 Stable Hobba SW4529 SW9278 Trenow (Boat) Cove SW5329 Stannon Clay Pit SX1280 Trebetherick Point SW9277 Trenowin Downs SW4835 Stem Pioint SW8467 Trebownbridge SX2959 Treraven Woods SW0070 Stenalees SX0157 Tredavoe SW4528 Trereife SW4529 SW9178 Tredinnick SX3659 Trerethern Farm SW9173 Sticker SW9750 Tredrossel SX3555 Stithians SW7336 Treen, Boswednack SW4337 Trerew Wood SW8158 Stithians Reservoir SW7136 Treen, Porthcurno SW3922 Trerulefoot SX3358

149 SW7539 Trevithick SW8862 Veryan Bay SW9638 Tresemple Pool SW8544 Trevol SX4155 Victoria SW9861 Tresillian SW8646 Trevone SW8975 Wacker Quay SX3855 Tresillian River SW8444 Trevone Bay SW8876 Wadebridge SW9872 Treskilling SX0357 Trevorian Pool SW3726 Wadebridge Sew. Wks SW9817 Treskilling Clay Pit SX0357 Trevose Farm SW8675 SX1895 Treskilling Downs SX0357 Trevose Head SW8576 Walmsley Sanctuary SW9974 SX2198 Trewassick SW8561 Washaway SX0369 Treeslea Downs SX1368 Treweatha SX2267 Watch Croft SW4235 SX2327 SW9777 Watergate, Looe SX2354 Tresvannack SW4528 Trewellard SW3733 Watergate Bay SW8364 Treswigga SX1274 SW6728 Wearde Quay SX4257 Trethern SW8536 Common SW4636 Weir Point SW8136 Trethewell SW8535 Trewey Downs SW4537 Wendron SW6731 Trethewey SW3823 Trewhiddle SX0051 Wellington SX3287 Trethias Island SW8573 Trewidden SW4429 West Looe SX2553 Trethill SX3754 Trewint SX2180 West Looe River SX2454 Trethurgy SX0355 Trewithen SW9147 , Newquay SW7760 SX0890 SW8837 West Penwith Moors SW3929 Trevail SW4740 Trewonnard SX1989 SX1563 SW4940 Bridge SW9874 Westerlake Farm SX2171 Trevanger SW9577 Tor SW8839 Wheal Eliza SX0353 SW9772 Trewortha Tor SX2475 Wheal Kitty SW7251 Trevanson Farm SW9773 Treyarnon SW8673 Wherry Down SW4729 Trevanson Woods SW9773 Treyarnon Bay SW8574 Western Cove SW6445 Trevarno SW6430 Trezibbett Farm SX2075 Wherry Town SW4729 SW8566 Trezibbett Farm SX2075 Whitebarrow Downs SX1970 SW9060 Triffle SX3354 White Cross, Indian Queens SW8959 Trevaunance Point SW7252 Trispen SW8450 Whitecross, Ludgvan SW5234 Trevaylor Woods SW4632 Trobus Farm SW8850 Whitecross, Wadebridge SW9672 Treveal SW4740 Truro SW8245 Whitesand Bay, Sennen SW3527 Trevean Cove SW5428 Truro River SW8342 Whitsand Bay SX3851 Trevean Farm SW5428 Truthwall SW5272 Wicca SW4739 Trevear SW4740 Trye Farm SW4535 Widegates SX2857 Treve Common SW3425 Trythall SW4433 Widemouth Bay SS2002 Treveddo SW8061 Tuckingmill SX0977 Wiggle SX4250 Farm SW3629 Turnaware Point SW8338 Wilcove SX4356 Trevelgue SW8463 Two Bridges, St Columb SW9163 Wilsey Down Plant'n SX1987 Trevella Pond SW8059 Marsh SX0854 Windmill Farm SW6915 Trevellas SW7352 SW7441 Winnard's Perch SW9266 Trevellas airfield SW7451 Upper Fowey Valley SX2173 Witheybrook Marsh SX2572 Farm SW9574 Upper Tamar Lake SS2812 Wolf Rock SW2611 SW6829 Upton Cross SX2872 Wolsdon SX4054 SX2067 Upton Towans SW5739 Woon Gumpus Common SW3933 Treverva SW7531 SX0982 Yeale Farm, Fowey SX1352 Treverven SW4323 SW5032 Zacry's Island SW8363 Trevescan SW3524 Vault Bay/Beach SX0140 Zawn Kellys SW3522 Trevia SX0983 Vellandreath SW3626 Zelah SW8151 Trevilley, Sennen SW3524 Ventongimps SW7851 Zennor SW4538 Trevilvas Wood SW9247 Ventonleague SW5738 Zone Point SX2760 Trevisquite Manor SX0474 Very an SW9139

RINGING REPORT - 2002

During the year a total of three thousand and ninety-three birds were ringed, a big improvement on last year. Species ringed for the first time since the inception of these reports in 1979, include Cattle Egret, Hen Harrier (4), Coot, Common Sandpiper, Dotterel (2), Pectoral Sandpiper (2), Red-billed Chough (4) and Barred Warbler (2). Mallard and Ruff were ringed for the second occasion along with the third and fourth Wood Sandpipers. Note: The grand totals (1979 - 2002) have been amended to correct calculation errors that occurred in previous reports.

150 TABLE 1: CONSTRIBUTORS

Contributor Full grown Pulli Site

S. E. Christmas 32 _ St Ives area G. J. Conway 1,008 4 Mid and West Cornwall R M. Couch - 24 Bodmin/Truro D. Riley 306 - Rospannel K. A. Wilson 2,178 33 Nanjizal Others - 8 (Hen Harrier & Chough)

TABLE 2: SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RINGED

Ringing Totals 2002 1979-2002

Full Grown Pulli Total Full grown Pulli Total Northern Fulmar - - - 4 - 4 7 - 7 28 - 28 European Storm Petrel 491 - 491 4,336 - 4,336 - - - 2 - 2 Shag - - - - 86 86 Cattle Egret 1 - 1 1 - 1 Mute Swan 1 - 1 118 - 118 Common Shelduck - - - 8 - 8 Common Teal 25 - 25 29 - 29 Mallard 1 - 1 2 - 2 Garganey - - - 1 - 1 Common Scoter - - - 1 - 1 Hen Harrier - 4 4 - 4 4 Eurasian Sparrowhawk 3 3 6 50 9 59 Common Buzzard - - - 5 20 25 Common Kestrel - - - 5 33 38 - 12 12 - 26 26 Water Rail - - - 37 - 37 Spotted Crake - - - 5 - 5 Moorhen 12 - 12 23 - 23 Coot 1 - 1 1 - 1 Oystercatcher - - - 657 7 664 Great Ringed Plover 1 - 1 346 - 346 Dotterel 2 - 2 2 - 2 Northern Lapwing - - - 24 3 27 Red Knot - - - 6 - 6 Sanderling - - - 23 - 23 Little Stint - - - 6 - 6 Pectoral Sandpiper 2 - 2 2 - 2 Curlew Sandpiper - - - 9 - 9 Dunlin 22 - 22 1,539 - 1,539 Ruff 1 - 1 2 - 2 Jack Snipe - - - 7 - 7 Common Snipe 5 - 5 27 - 27 Woodcock - - - 6 - 6 Black-tailed Godwit - - - 8 - 8 Bar-tailed Godwit - - - 1 - 1 Whimbrel - - - 5 - 5 - - - 124 - 124 Spotted Redshank - - - 7 - 7 Common Redshank - - - 297 - 297 Common Greenshank 2 - 2 51 - 51 151 Green Sandpiper 12 - 12 15 - 15 Wood Sandpiper 2 - 2 4 - 4 Common Sandpiper 1 - 1 1 - 1 Turnstone - - - 57 - 57 Black-headed Gull 1 - 1 37 72 109 Common Gull - - - 2 - 2 Herring Gull 2 - 2 22 - 22 Kittiwake - - - 1 - 1 Common Guillemot - - - 24 10 34 Razorbill - - - 2 10 12 Little Auk - - - 1 - 1 Stock Dove - - - - 3 3 Wood Pigeon 4 1 5 22 10 32 Collared Dove - - - 21 4 25 Turtle Dove - - - 2 - 2 Common Cuckoo - - - 3 3 6 Barn Owl - 16 16 31 283 314 Little Owl - - - 1 2 3 Tawny Owl - - - 21 66 87 Long-eared Owl - - - 2 - 2 Short-eared Owl - - - 1 - 1 European Nightjar - - - 5 - 5 Common Swift - - - 4 - 4 Common Kingfisher 1 - 1 30 - 30 Green Woodpecker - - - 6 - 6 Great Spotted Woodpecker 3 - 3 18 - 18 Skylark - - - - 6 6 Sand Martin 10 - 10 265 - 265 Barn Swallow 8 16 24 6,318 643 6,961 House Martin 2 - 2 129 3 132 Tree Pipit - - - 17 22 39 Meadow Pipit 37 - 37 140 15 155 Rock Pipit - - - 2 14 16 Water Pipit - - - 1 - 1 Yellow Wagtail 1 - 1 42 - 42 Grey Wagtail 19 - 19 73 53 126 Pied Wagtail 19 - 19 219 74 293 Waxwing - - - Dipper - - - 208 423 631 Wren 185 - 185 2,318 24 2,342 Hedge Accentor 119 - 119 1,604 17 1,621 Robin 216 - 216 2,507 64 2,571 Common Nightingale - - - 1 - 1 Bluethroat - - - 1 - 1 Black Redstart 1 - 1 10 - 10 Common Redstart 1 - 1 21 32 53 Whinchat 2 - 2 16 - 16 Common Stonechat - - - 61 10 71 Northern Wheatear 1 - 1 306 266 572 Ring Ouzel - - - 1 - 1 Blackbird 124 - 124 2,023 112 2,135 Fieldfare - - - 5 - 5 Song Thrush 83 - 83 870 35 905 Redwing 17 - 17 405 - 405 Mistle Thrush - - - 6 12 18 Cetti's Warbler 1 - 1 203 _ 203 Grasshopper Warbler 3 - 3 49 - 49 Aquatic Warbler - - - 40 - 40 Sedge Warbler 172 1 173 5,492 10 5,502

152 Marsh Warbler - - - 3 - 3 Reed Warbler 38 5 43 4,304 11 4,315 Paddyfield Warbler - - - 1 - 1 Icterine Warbler - - - 2 - 2 Melodious Warbler - - - 4 4 Subalpine Warbler - - - 2 2 Barred Warbler 2 - 2 2 _ 2 Lesser Whitethroat 1 - 1 25 25 Common Whitethroat 84 3 87 908 4 912 Garden Warbler 24 - 24 308 _ 308 Blackcap 174 - 174 1,501 - 1,501 Pallas's Leaf Warbler - - - 4 - 4 Yellow-browed Warbler - - - 5 - 5 Dusky Warbler - - - 2 - 2 Wood Warbler - - - 3 - 3 Chiffchaff 334 - 334 3,179 12 3,191 Willow Warbler 112 - 112 3,101 100 3,201 Goldcrest 155 1 156 2,327 1 2,328 Firecrest 12 - 12 176 - 176 Spotted Flycatcher 14 - 14 82 68 150 Red-breasted flycatcher - - - 3 - 3 Pied Flycatcher 6 - 6 92 533 625 Bearded Tit - - - 1 - 1 Long-tailed Tit 148 - 148 1,312 - 1,312 Marsh Tit - - - 133 53 186 Willow Tit - - - 120 14 134 Coal Tit 10 - 10 220 53 273 Blue Tit 264 - 264 6,475 2,325 8,800 Great Tit 94 - 94 1,871 553 2,424 European Nuthatch - - - 32 148 180 Eurasian Treecreeper - - - 88 6 94 Red-backed Shrike - - - 1 - 1 Woodchat Shrike - - - 1 - 1 Eurasian Jay - - - 15 - 15 Magpie - - - 31 32 63 Red-billed Chough - 4 4 - 4 4 Eurasian Jackdaw - - - 88 12 100 Rook - - - 14 - 14 Carrion Crow - - - 4 23 27 Common Starling - - - 1,835 - 1,835 House Sparrow 20 - 20 598 1 599 Red-eyed Vireo - - - 1 - 1 Chaffinch 133 - 133 2,287 27 2,314 Brambling 1 - 1 32 - 32 Greenfinch 191 - 191 3,572 20 3,592 Goldfinch 38 3 41 241 15 256 Siskin 2 - 2 63 - 63 Linnet 6 - 6 195 18 213 Common Redpoll - - - 6 - 6 Bullfinch 35 - 35 765 3 768 Hawfinch - - - 1 - 1 Yellowhammer - - - 167 7 174 CM Bunting - - - - 3 3 Ortolan Bunting - - - 1 - 1 Little Bunting - - _ 1 - 1 Reed Bunting 2 - 2 638 5 643 Corn Bunting - - - 1 21 22

TOTALS 3,524 69 3,593 68,335 6,558 74,893

153 TABLE 3: SELECTED LONGEVITY RECORDS

Species Ring No. Ringed Recovered Y.M.D.#

European Storm-petrel 2378624 14.8.89 12.7.99 9.01.02 Shag 1049141 18.1.67 15.1.89 21.11.28 Mute Swan Z46912 28.11.81 10.3.95 14.03.17 Common Buzzard GM18944 9.6.74 30.9.85 11.03.21 Oystercatcher SS95351 16.8.72 30.8.93 21.00.14 Great Ringed Plover - 11.8.72 26.8.80 8.00.15 Dunlin BA99271 22.9.66 4.12.74 8.02.20 Common Redshank DR43516 28.8.77 3.8.85 7.11.06 Eurasian Curlew FV42925 8.8.78 1.9.93 15.00.24 Black-headed Gull 3102129 28.5.67 25.11.84 17.05.28 Great Black-backed Gull HU17936 5.6.70 31.7.84 14.01.05 Tawny Owl GP57273 7.6.75 22.10.93 18.04.14 Collared Dove EC77498 21.11.65 28.7.79 13.08.06 Dipper CP58458 14.5.70 25.9.78 8.04.11 Song Thrush RX31113 20.7.84 1.7.90 5.00.12 Redwing BV13494 6.11.74 12.1.82 7.02.06 Cetti's Warbler HI77740 1.9..91 28.7.95 3.10.27 Sedge Warbler - 21.8.77 9.8.92 4.11.19 Reed Warbler JS49967 7.5.74 16.5.82 8.00.09 Willow Warbler 8B4086 7.6.80 1.7.84 4.00.24 Pied Flycatcher E153965 4.6.87 8.6.93 6.00.04 Blue Tit B329459 3.9.81 13.6.87 5.09.10 Great Tit - 13.7.76 31.7.82 6.00.18 Magpie EH89906 4.6.85 7.4.93 7.10.03 Common Starling XX15131 31.12.74 31.1.82 8.01.00 # Elapse time in Years, Months and Days between ringing and finding.

LIST OF RECOVERIES AND CONTROLS

This list contains details of birds controlled (i.e. caught and released by a ringer) or recovered (i.e. found dead) in Cornwall in 2002 and previous years.

Column 1 shows ring numbers, and abbreviations used to identify foreign ringing schemes as follows: DKC Copenhagen Denmark FRP Paris France SVS Stockholm Sweden

Column 2 shows the EURING code for the age of the bird when ringed (note figures are not in years), the sex when known, and the code for the manner of recovery, as follows: 1 pullus (nestling or chick) 2 full-grown, year of hatching unknown 3J hatched during calendar year of ringing, (juvenile plumage) 3 hatched during calendar year of ringing (post juvenile moult compl< 4 hatched before calendar year of ringing, but exact year unknown 5 hatched during previous calendar year 6 hatched before previous calendar year, but exact year unknown M male F female X found dead, dying or injured R caught and released by ringer + shot or killed by man FR field record, ring number or colour marks determined in field

154 Column 3 shows the date of ringing, control or recovery.

Column 4 shows the place where the bird was ringed, controlled or recovered.

Column 5 shows the distance travelled.

Column 6 shows the number of days elapsed between ringing and control or recovery.

European Storm Petrel 2443797 4 13.07.02 Strumble Head, Dyfed, Wales. R 14.07.02 Gwennap Head. 226 km 1 day

2512395 4 24.07.98 Gwennap Head. R 10.07.01 Enez, Freiz, Finistere, France. 191 km 1082 days R 12.07.02 Enez, Freiz, Finistere, France. 191 km 1449 days

2512973 4 12.07.99 Pendeen Watch. R 29.06.01 He de Banneg, Finistere, France. 197 km 718 days

2527303 4 05.08.00 Gwennap Head. R 24.08.01 He de Banneg, Finistere, France. 184 km 384 days

2527393 4 05.08.00 Gwennap Head. R 28.06.01 He de Banneg, Finistere, France. 184 km 327 days

2527518 4 07.08.00 Gwennap Heag. R 22.07.02 Sanda Island, Strathclyde, Scotland. 581 km 714 days

2527855 6 28.07.01 Gwennap Head. R 21.08.02 He de Banneg, Finistere, France. 184 km 389 days

2544144 6 29.07.01 Gwennap Head. R 09.07.02 lie de Banneg, Finistere, France. 184 km 345 days

2544401 6 11.07.02 Rumps Point. R 13.07.02 Hartland Point, Devon. 54 km 2 days

2544492 4 13.07.02 Gwennap Head. R 14.07.02 Strumble Head, Dyfed, Wales. 226 km 1 day

Another set of recoveries illustrating the importance of Cornish waters for French breeding birds. Also, three rapid movements, two of which involve birds that must have passed each other travelling in opposite directions!

Great White Egret CA60503 1 14.05.02 Lac de Grand Lieu, Loire Atlantique, France. FRP FR 04.08.02 Porth Reservoir, Newquay. 443 km 82 days FR 17.08.02 Cotswold Water Park, Wiltshire 521 km 95 days FR 30.08.02 Minsmere Haven, Suffolk 617km 108 days

This bird was present for four days before moving off east across southern England. Another bird from the same French colony was noted in .

Dunlin 3418995 6 25.07.93 Ottenby, Oland, Sweden SVS X 02.01.97 Sennen. 1620 km 1257 days

155 Black-headed Gull 339488 1 17.06.96 Lankupiai, Lithuania. LIK FR 28.12.97 Hayle Estuary 1889 km 559 days

Yellow-legged Gull Col ring 1 13.05.99 Galere, Camargue, France. 032D FR 01.04.02 Camel Estuary 1054 days

This is the first report of a ringed Yellow-legged Gull in the county.

Common Guillemot R04602 1 20.06.99 Great saltee Island, Wexford, Eire. X 12.04.01 Porth Curno. 241 km 662 days

Barn Owl GF32047 1 13.07.00 near Truro. X 05.07.02 between St Austell and Truro 12 km 722 days

Blackbird CL67351 4M 22.11.01 Nanjizal. X 07.03.02 Rosee, Namur, Belgium. 738 km 105 days CL67356 5F 17.02.02 Nanjizal. X 12.06.02 Taynton, Gloucestershire. 308 km 115 days CF80020 3F 10.11.99 Nanjizal X 10.04.02 BramscheAchmer, Weser-Ems, Germany 984 km 882 days

These three movements show the diverse origins of Blackbirds present in Cornwall during autumn and winter.

Sedge Warbler N740860 3 31.07.99 Chew Valley Lake, Avon. R 17.08.99 Trunvel, Treogat, Finistere, France 397 km 17 days R 02.05.00 Nanjizal 258 km 276 days

Reed Warbler 4405560 3 04.08.00 Mont Manet, Genets, Manche, France. FRP R 08.07.01 Nanjizal. 342 km 338 days

Common Chiffchaff 4B7367 5 04.01.02 Higher , St Columb Major. FR 16.02.02 St Austell Sewage Works. 17km 43 days R 11.04.02 Nanjizal. 68 km 97 days 4B7373 6 05.01.02 St Austell Sewage Works. FR 26.02.02 St Austell Sewage Works. 0km 52 days FR 13.04.02 Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire. 382 km 98 days AAT332 5 15.03.02 Nanjizal. X 20.06.02 Ballydehob, Scull, Cork, Eire. 314 km 97 days 6U2215 3 24.09.01 Nanjizal. R 02.05.02 Portland Bill, Dorset. 236 km 220 days

The first two movements relate to individuals wintering in the county. However, the south-westerly spring movement of 4B7367 is rather unusual, as the direction expected at this time of year would be to the north or east!

156 Blackcap 9J77250 3M 06.10.00 Hjerting, Esbjerg, Jylland, Denmark. DKC 5M 04.04.02 Nanjizal. 1122 km 545 days

This is the first Danish Blackcap to be caught in the county, presumably en route to it's breeding grounds.

Great Tit P622709 3M 11.10.02 Rospannel, St Buryan. R 28.10.02 Treve Common, Sennen. 9 km 17 days

Ringed birds All records of ringed or colour-marked birds are of immense value so please report them to the relevant person, see below, and the County Recorder.

If you find a ringed bird, please note the ring number and ringing scheme address, species, location, date of finding and cause of death if known, and forward details to the BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU.

Colour marked birds Many colour-marking schemes are currently operating in Britain and Europe. Sightings such birds should be notified to the co-ordinators shown below: Great Cormorant - Graham Ekins, 35 Church Road, Boreham, Essex, CM3 3DN. I Waders - Rob Robinson, Wader Study Group, c/o The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU. Large Gulls - Peter Rock, 59 Concorde Drive, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 6PX. Small Gulls - Kjeld Pederson, Daglykkevej 7, DK-2650, Hvidovre, Denmark. Wildfowl - Rich Hearn, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucester, GL2 7BT. Chiffchaff - Greg Conway, 15 Coronation Place, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 OEP. Other species - BTO (address as above).

Acknowledgements To all ringers who submitted totals and details of their recoveries. Also, to Alan Ball, Roger Lane, Julian Hughes and Jacquie Clark for providing details of additional recoveries.

Greg Conway

157 1

An article by Lieutenant Colonel. Ryves

(originally included in the Society's 1932 report)

The status of this species in Cornwall is extremely critical. On the coastline, Newquay to Tintagel, there were this year only two known nests from which broods of four each were reared. Non-breeding birds in small numbers were frequently observed on various parts of the coast mentioned. Reports were current of other breeding pairs but I have been unable to substantiate any of them. Though the existence of a nest is of course possible, such is, in my belief, improbable. The presence of non- breeding birds undoubtedly tends to optimistic reports which are, in fact, only myths; such birds may often be seen consorting in couples, or be found singly. A third nesting site, regularly occupied for years up to 1931 inclusive, fell vacant this season.

To attempt to assign causes for this tragic state of affairs is a problem beyond my solution. Briefly, Jackdaws are not in my firm conviction in any way responsible. Nor is the Peregrine a serious menace. Gins laid openly on the cliffs undoubtedly take a heavy toll which the birds, now reduced to such very small numbers, can at all afford. Nor again, can man's depredations in the past have been on a large enough scale to account for the wholesale thinning of the ranks of Choughs, for many of their eyries have been in wholly inaccessible sites - not that the havoc wrought by collectors can be ignored or condoned. Moreover, to locate an occupied nest needs some experience and knowledge and, above all, any amount of spare time. But there is one factor - and perhaps it is here that the true solution lies hidden - and that is that the large majority of young birds disappear (Choughs do not breed in their first year) before they reach maturity. They must die or migrate, but the latter is hardly likely.

There is a certain ancestral territory of Choughs which I have observed closely for the last four years at all the seasons. Other of their haunts and nesting sites I have visited from time to time, so I think that I can claim at least a fair working knowledge of the coast between Newquay and Tintagel. This year one nest was more intensively observed than in any previous one.

The nest was not in the time-honoured fissure which lies obliquely across the sharply curved wall of a tide-washed cavern, but was constructed at the lower end of the fissure. Although it was in full view from below, yet it was quite unreachable and was about forty feet above the floor of the cavern. It stood about two feet in height and was a neat, compact and bulky structure, composed of dead heather stems, bracken and coarse grasses.

Incubation, which was entirely conducted by the hen, was commenced on or about May 8. During this period, she normally quitted her eggs only when summoned by the male, her absences averaging from six to fifteen minutes at most. He usually called her off after sitting shifts of about an hour, accompanied her to her feeding ground and escorted her back to the cavern. The longest without seeing the male at all which I recorded was one of nearly two hours. I have never seen the hen fed at nest - a common spectacle with the Raven. The eggs were hatched on or about May 26, the incubation period thus being about eighteen days. The hen ceased brooding the nestlings on June 3. Both parents, who usually came and left together, fed the young. This was done entirely by regurgitation, into the nestlings' mouths, of what appeared to be a highly masticated, pulpy diet. Each parent fed each and all the nestlings in turn, the meal often being disgorged in two instalments with an interval of a minute or two between. The mother was invariably the first to go to the nest. Strangely enough, no distension of the parents' pouches was ever discernable. Feeding visits were paid every twenty to forty minutes of the day but, in the latest stages, as many as seventy minutes sometimes elapsed between the visits. These periods are consistent with previous records.

158 When the young were about a week old, their squeals became plainly audible. As they grew older, they became really clamorous. In early infancy, throats were creamy white and bills short, straight and colourless. As time progressed, a pinky tinge suffused the white, the bills assumed a yellowish hue and the legs gradually changed from pinky yellow to orange. When three weeks old, the youngsters scrambled out of the nest to be fed, climbing back after their parents' departure.

Sanitation of the nest was always most scrupulously attended to by both adults, even droppings lodged well below the base of the nest being removed and consigned to the sea. The walls of the nest never became more than slightly "washed-out", a marked contrast to the condition of a Raven's nest. When about thirty-eight days old, the young left their nursery, but confined themselves to fluttering about within the cavern. At this stage, they were very tame and would permit approach to within a few feet. After being fed on the ledges upon which they were perched, the parents were seen on three occasions to preen their feathers almost from head to tail. The fledglings obviously enjoyed this toilet- making, for they stood quite still with beaks open, and spread out each wing to be dealt with in turn.

When about forty-one days old - July 6 - the four young birds emerged from the cavern and reached the cliff tops far above where they very rapidly acquired prowess of wing. Their legs were now becoming almost red and were thick, strong and scaly. Their bills showed a slight curve at the tips and were turning from pinky yellow to pale red. The parents continued to feed them, but for how long I could not determine. On the evening of the day following the departure from the cavern, I watched the two old birds conduct their four young on to a deep ledge above the roof of the cave and there all six birds roosted together. I discovered this ledge, in the late autumn of 1930, to be the common roosting place of more than one family of Choughs during winter and early spring. I have seen as many as twelve birds pack together on it. By the end of July, I was unable to distinguish young from old unless seen together at fairly close range, and then only by the smaller size of the former. As regards non-breeding birds, the communal roost already alluded to was not relinquished, this year, until after May 1. Thereafter, the breeding pair were left in sole possession of their feeding territory of about two miles north and two miles south of the cavern. I have never seen nesting birds feed at a greater distance from their eyrie than this. The movements of immature birds certainly over a wide range, and yet they may sometimes be met less than three miles from a nest. On one occasion - June 23-1 saw four such birds actually fly (calling noisily) past the cavern's mouth and disappear beyond the vision of glasses; they were evidently changing feeding quarters by direct flight.

In connection with the coloration of the legs and bills of Choughs, it may be of interest to record that it does not appear to be constant. I have often noticed, while inspecting a party of birds in winter at close quarters; that there is considerable variation among individuals in the darkness and richness of the red. Even during nesting operations, variations appear to take place. At one period, when young in the nest observed were being reared, the dullness and faded look of the male's legs and bill were very noticeable, whereas those of the female were a rich, dark and glossy red. About three weeks later, the coloration of the male's had completely recovered and was similar to that of the female (males are noticeably bigger than their mates). The nest observed was a later one than any previously observed. The most unusual date for young to quit the nest appears to be round about June 21. To revert to the habit of communal roosting in winter, it seems unnecessary to go further back than the autumn of 1931. On September 15, the roost, which is close to Nesting Site A, opened with twelve birds which, since a local observer reported that the birds which nested successfully at Site B (the next nest about nine miles distant) had left the area, I reckoned there were the 4 parents of the two nests and the young

159 they had reared in the spring. These twelve birds remained until October 6, when two suddenly disappeared (presumably the parents from Site B). The remaining ten birds continued to use the roost, but on November 5, one of them was lame. On December 9,1 went to the roost at dawn to watch the manner of waking. Nine birds left it in company, but the tenth (the lame one) stayed on the near slopes. Its lameness had increased and it was in obvious distress. I saw it again on December 15, after which it vanished. The remaining nine birds were intact and apparently healthy until January 27, when another dropped out, leaving eight. These eight birds continued to come regularly, but on April 2 one of them presented a ragged appearance. On April 13 seven birds arrived, one of them having developed lameness; the ragged bird was not amongst them, but I saw it again, feeding, on April 15, when it was lame as well. The numbers now began to fluctuate - birds were apparently beginning to quit the nesting territory of the breeding pair. On May 1, a few birds still came, but from the next day onwards the roost was entirely vacant except for the mated pair. I connection with the cases of lameness and tattered plumage, it may be worth mentioning that, on My 16, 1931, Mr. T. J. Willcocks and I saw five birds at a certain spot, two of which were veritable rag bags. This could hardly be due to normal moulting, and the cause remains a mystery. Throughout the occupation of the roost described, the two mated birds roosted within the cavern, except for a few days when it first opened and on a very few other occasions. Choughs are early roosters, the hour of sunset being the usual time. Further, on the occasions I was present at dawn, they proved to be late risers. They left the ledge in silence, perched on neighbouring crags and performed a morning toilet before flying off to feeding grounds. At the evening assembly it is different, for they are usually noisy and playful, but the moment the ledge is reached, not a further sound is heard. This autumn, the roost ledge was not occupied until October 5, when it harboured four birds only (presumably those reared in the cavern below), the two parents diving into the cavern. No more than six birds were ever seen, and this fact affords some corroborating evidence that the twelve birds of the autumn were those pertaining to sites A and B (the latter being the one which fell vacant this year). Corroboration also, perhaps, of the statement that birds disappear during their second year. Anyhow, where now are the survivors of the roost when it was closed this spring? Where are those that were successfully reared at these two sites in 1930 and previous years? There are no new and occupied sites to account for their absence, though there are many vacant ones available which were tenanted in past years. On October 8, when again watching the roost at sunset, the six arrived together, the pair shooting as usual into the cavern and the others alighting on the ledge. But, almost at once, a great commotion started. The four birds fluttered noisily about the cliff face in obvious perturbation, and this brought the pair out of the cavern, who perched on a rock above the others. It was getting quite dusk when the former finally settled down singly on small cliff projections. Then the pair dived headlong into the advanced gloom of the cavern. Next day I carefully inspected the cliffs and discovered that there had been recent land-slides in the vicinity of the roost-ledge, which has been deserted ever since, the pair alone occupying the cavern as usual. Though I have searched the cliffs, in the evenings, for miles both up and down, I have secured no evidence of a substituted roost. I can only conclude that the birds have joined another distant roost which is beyond the range from here of winter evening journeys. From these notes, it seems clear that the locating of communal roosts affords a valuable aid to census work. I would imagine that the number of such roosts in Cornwall is very small indeed. It must, however, be borne in mind that mated pairs may not necessarily join a roost at all. Such birds are close companions at all seasons and, like the pair of Site A, may in some cases prefer isolation at night.

160 CHOUGHS ON THE LIZARD IN 2002

The end of 2001 saw three long staying Choughs on The Lizard still in residence and showing no signs of moving. That two of these birds made a short-lived burst of nest building earlier in the summer had watchers more than a bit excited. 2002 started with a team of volunteers, including some CBWPS members, helping the RSPB to keep track of the Choughs' movements on The Lizard. This involved many hours in the field in all weathers looking for the Choughs who patently did not like bad weather and were very often extremely elusive, probably spending hours tucked away in dry caves or sheltering on lee sides of cliff slopes away from the howling winds. During January and February, all three birds were usually to be found feeding together somewhere between Lizard Point and Kynance. Much of their feeding effort was concentrated on the coastal strip where National Trust and English Nature tenants were out-wintering cattle and ponies, confirming that animals grazing the coastal strip is crucial to providing good year- round Chough habitat. In early March a change in the birds' behaviour indicated two of the Choughs had formed a close pair bond; they were suddenly not as tolerant of their 'gooseberry' friend, and were also now roosting separately. Mid March saw the pair taking nest material into their favoured sea cave, were these birds just practicing again or could we hope for a real nesting attempt? Over the next few weeks the pair continued to build their nest and by early April it was apparent that the female was sitting on eggs. Choughs are often targeted by egg collectors (in Wales nests are raided annually) so plans drawn up over the winter by the RSPB and National Trust were actioned to ensure the safety of this nest site, both from egg collectors and unintentional disturbance from the public. The Choughs had chosen to nest in a cave near Southerly Point, one of the busiest stretches of the Cornish coastal footpath. For the 'Watchers' the next two and a half months were an intensive and often difficult period. Fortunately, many local people had volunteered to help protect the nest, and this made it possible to provide round-the-clock protection. As nesting progressed, sightings of the third bird were fewer as it was forced to forage alone, away from the areas regularly used by the pair around southerly Point. I disappeared from The Lizard for a while and in the meantime records of a single Chough were received between Porthgwarra and St Levan on 1st April; Dodman Point on 25th April and 3rd May, and Gorran Haven from 28th April to 10th May. During this time, the third bird was seen at The Lizard on the early morning of 4th May and the evening of 10th May. These other sightings to the east were probably all of the same Lizard bird. The last sighting during the breeding season of this Chough on The Lizard was on 27th May. Due to the intensive watching and monitoring by staff and volunteers it was possible to note changes in behaviour of the nesting pair and make predictions as to the probable hatching date. In early May a brief visit to the cave and a nest check by a licensed RSPB staff member found four apparently healthy chicks, the first to be born in the wild in Cornwall (and England) for over fifty years! Choughs were last recorded as a breeding species on The Lizard in 1865 and the last record of breeding in Cornwall was in 1947 near Newquay. A further visit to the nest was made later to check the progress of the chicks and to fit colour rings. The biometrics suggested the chicks were all male and they were in very good condition. This exercise was accomplished whilst the parent birds were away feeding. The unique colour rings on the three chicks (the fourth presumably had perished) would enable future monitoring and recording of individual behaviour, movements and interactions with other Choughs. Another few anxious weeks were spent watching the comings and goings of the parent birds as they struggled to keep up with the demands of their growing brood. The day everyone had waited for arrived, when a few lucky watchers observed one juvenile at the entrance of the cave and, two days later on a misty, grey day, the whole family, two adults and three juveniles, was seen flying around

161 the cave entrance. An historic moment for Cornwall, and a huge relief for their minders! The three youngsters continued to flourish, the adult birds perfect and now very busy parents. Often the fledglings were left for long periods during which they indulged in prolonged bouts of sunbathing or disappeared into a cave to rest. As their confidence grew, they started accompanying their parents on feeding trips to both the east and west of Lizard Point. Now there was no human risk to the birds, the good news was made public and people from all over Cornwall and further afield visited The Lizard to try and get a glimpse of the now 'Famous Five'. Following their parents' lead, the young birds proved not to be phased by this busy place and very often provided a spectacular aerial fly past for visitors, surprising many who couldn't quite believe what they were seeing and hearing. The job of protection over, it was now up to nature. Would this generation of Cornish Choughs survive their first few critical months? Statistics show that 90% of Choughs don't make it through their first year of life. As summer ended, the young birds became independent and thrived. The parent birds continued to frequent the area between Southerly point and Kynance, sometimes joining their offspring to feed. As winter approached the 'Watchers' kept track of the birds who were now ranging more widely, to Predannack and beyond. On the 29th November five Choughs became six , when an un-ringed individual was seen feeding with the family group, possibly the missing original 'gooseberry' bird. All six birds were seen regularly up to the end of the year ranging between Bass Point and Mullion. The National Trust, English Nature and their farming tenants have managed the west coast of The Lizard for its botanical interest for many years. Many species of plant can be found here and nowhere else in the UK. Sensitive grazing promoted by DEFRA's Countryside Stewardship scheme has been key to the survival of this special plant community. The mosaic of habitat created by grazing animals also provides perfect Chough feeding habitat. A short sward enables the birds to probe for invertebrates and a plentiful supply of dung provides a rich supply of larvae and beetles. The geology of The Lizard, thin soils overlying rock such as serpentine, the cliff vegetation with bare areas of soil where ants can be found, well-worn grassy paths and Cornish hedgebanks all contribute to making The Lizard the ideal home for these charismatic crows. The Cornwall Chough Project is a partnership between the RSPB, the National Trust, English Nature and DEFRA. Its aims are to consolidate conservation work already taking place, work to restore more suitable habitat for Choughs in the county, monitor and protect any nesting attempts by wild Choughs and to promote awareness of how managed coastal habitat benefits native flora and fauna. Thanks to everyone who helped keep the Choughs safe and contributed to a little bit of history for the county. If you see a Chough in Cornwall or further afield in the South West, please contact the address below as soon as you can.

Claire Mucklow RSPB Cornwall Chough Project Officer 01392 453775 or 07764 230246 [email protected]

162 CORN BUNTINGS IN CORNWALL 2002

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra

An RSPB survey of the area between Pentireglaze and Newquay and the North Cliffs/Godrevy in 2002 recorded Corn Buntings in eleven tetrads. This accounted for 42 - 46 singing males. No records were received outside this area except the long staying bird at Rame. Trevose area (12 - 14), Pentire area (9) and the area around Porthcothan/Porthmissen/Newquay (5 - 6 each) accounted for the highest number of territories. The small isolated population (probably less than five territories) on the North Cliffs west of Godrevy has contracted in recent years, giving more cause for concern. All breeding activity centred on spring sown barley crops. No intensive monitoring was carried out during the breeding season, but males were on territory by mid May, with the majority of nesting activity taking place from mid June. Harvest along the coastal strip started in mid July and was mainly over by the second week in august. Sightings of adults with chick food in late July would suggest that agricultural operations are hampering any significant recovery of this late nesting species (nest/chicks are destroyed by harvesting). Wintering birds were recorded from Trevose, Reskajeage, Pentire and West Pentire. The RSPB/English Nature Species Recovery Project for Corn Buntings in Cornwall has been set up to promote sensitive habitat management through DEFRA's Countryside Stewardship scheme. Traditional Corn Bunting breeding areas at Trevose, Newquay, Porthcothan and Padstow were all targeted in 2002. Countryside Stewardship agreements are now in place here accounting for large areas of arable and grassland management. Crops are not harvested and are suitable for nesting, tussocky grass margins with a plentiful supply of insects, reductions in applications of herbicides and lots of weedy over-wintered stubbles in this part of Cornwall will give Corn Buntings the best chance of survival. The farmers have become very involved and enthusiastic about the Project and are pivotal to its success. There are few records of Corn Buntings in winter away from traditional breeding sites. The management of West Pentire for arable plants by the National Trust means a continuous supply of seed food during the winter, whilst at many farms between Newquay and Padstow there are now over­ wintered stubbles and specially planted seed mixtures to help corn Buntings and other farmland birds through the winter months. If you see a Corn Bunting/flock in winter, please send your record as soon as possible to the address below. If you note birds during the breeding season, especially away from the main stronghold area between Newquay and Pentireglaze, please let us know as soon as you can, as this will allow Project staff to target effort where it can be most useful.

Claire Mucklow Cornwall Farmland Birds Project Officer RSPB, Keble House, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 INT 01392 453775 or 07764230246 [email protected]

The Cornwall Farmland Birds Project is part funded by English Nature's Species Recovery Programme.

163 THE SOCIETY'S RESERVES & HIDES

The Society either owns or has access to a number of reserves and bird watching hides in the county. Brief details of the sites and of access are shown below. Information on the more common species seen at the various sites, and the times of the year when they are most likely to be seen, is best ascertained from the systematic list of species in the body of the report; the tables showing regular reports and maximum numbers are of particular help in this respect.

BURNIERE HIDE (Camel Estuary) The hide is situated at the head of the Camel Estuary at OS ref SW982 740, close to the Amble Dam. It is owned by the Society. The hide overlooks the mud and tidal flats of the upper estuary. Access is obtained by driving from Wadebridge for one mile on the B3314. Park in the lay-by on the right just before the narrow, traffic light controlled Trewornan Bridge. Cross the road, enter the left of two gates and cross two fields, following the hedges on the right hand side and ENSURING THAT ALL GATES ARE CLOSED AND SECURED. The path can be muddy, so boots are recommended. BEWARE OF BADGER HOLES ALONG THE FIELD ACCESS PATH - THEY APPEAR AS VERTICAL SHAFTS AND ARE OFTEN HIDDEN BY GRASSY VEGETATION. The hide is locked but the combination for the lock is available to members. PLEASE DO NOT WALK ON THE DAM.

CROWDY RESERVOIR HIDE (Davidstow Moor near Camelford) The hide is situated on the northern end of the reservoir at OS ref SX 147 840, approximately two miles east of Camelford. South West Water owns the reservoir and the hide jointly with the South West Lakes Trust. The hide overlooks the northern shore of the reservoir where the amount of exposed mud varies with the height of the water. Access to the hide is obtained by parking in the dam car park and then walking north along the western shore of the reservoir.

DRIFT RESERVOIR HIDE (Penzance) The reservoir is situated at OS ref SW 432 294, approximately two miles west of Penzance. South West Water owns the reservoir jointly with the South West Lakes Trust. The hide is owned by the Society and overlooks the main reservoir. Further round the shore, there is a scrape that was excavated by the Society. The amount of mud around the shore varies with the level of water, with the widest margins of mud normally being seen in the summer and autumn. Access to the hide is obtained by driving to Drift along the A30 towards Land's End, turning right on the road to Sancreed and then turning right after three hundred yards into the dam car park. Walk along the footpath up the western shore to the hide.

LOVENY RESERVE (Bodmin Moor) The Loveny Reserve is situated on Bodmin Moor, approximately ten miles east of Wadebridge, at the northern end of the eastern finger of Colliford Reservoir OS ref SX 185 752. The Society manages the reserve jointly with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. South West Water and South West Lakes Trust own the reservoir. The reserve has shallow water when the reservoir is high, but increasing amounts of mud as the water level drops. There are islands at times, some with sallows.

164 Access is from the A30 west of Bolventor via a track at OS ref SX 172 752. Park in the lay-by on the A30 and walk down the rough track past some conifer trees to a gate. Take the left fork past a bungalow to the reserve ensuring that all gates are closed and secured. Alternatively, park in the car park near the public toilets on the northwest arm of the reservoir at OS ref SX 165 732 and follow the footpath that runs northeast across several fields to the reserve. ACCESS TO THE RESERVE IS NOT PERMITTED FROM THE BOLVENTOR TO DOZMARY ROAD, but much of the reserve can be viewed by telescope from the road.

LOWER TAMAR LAKE HIDE (Bude) The hide is situated on the western side of the lake at OS ref SS 293 112, approximately six miles northeast of Bude. South West Water owns the lakes and the hide jointly with the South West Lakes Trust. The hide overlooks the western shore of the lower lake. There is no hide on the upper lake. Access to the hide is obtained by parking in the dam car park at the southern end of Upper Tamar Lake and then walking south down the western shore of the Upper Tamar Lake to the hide.

MAER LAKE RESERVE (Bude) The Maer Lake Reserve is situated on the north side of Bude at OS ref SS 208 075. The Society owns the reserve jointly with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The reserve consists of 8.9 hectares of wetland grazing meadow of which two to fifteen acres can lie underwater, depending on rainfall. Approximately two acres are covered with Yellow Flag Iris. Access is from the car park at Crooklets Beach, situated at the seaward end of the golf course. Walk inland along Downs View Road for about one hundred yards before turning left and then immediately right past the Maer Lodge Hotel down a road signed to Maer Caravan Park. The reserve can be viewed to the right of the road. THERE IS NO ACCESS TO THE RESERVE.

STITHIANS RESERVOIR RESERVES & HIDES (Redruth) The reserves are the southern portion of the main reservoir together with the area cut off by the southern causeway, and the area cut off by the northern (Golden Lion) causeway. The hides are situated at the southern end of the reservoir at OS ref SW 713 350, approximately three and a half miles south of Redruth. South West Water and South West Lakes Trust jointly own the reservoir. The reserves are managed by the Society. One hide overlooks the southern end of the reservoir from a position at the west end of the causeway, and the other looks over the southern "cut off from its western shore. Access to the hides is obtained from the road just west of the southern causeway. Both hides are locked but the combination for the locks is available to members. Both "cut offs" can be viewed with care from the causeways, and there is also a path around the reservoir.

TREGONCE HIDE (Camel Estuary) The hide is situated on the southern shore of the Camel Estuary at OS ref SW 932 742, approximately one mile southeast of Padstow. It is owned by the Society. The hide overlooks the estuary. Access to the hide is obtained by parking in Padstow and then walking along the Camel Trail towards Wadebridge. After crossing the Iron Bridge and passing through a shallow cutting, look for a well- hidden narrow gate on the left before reaching a picnic area. A small track leads to the hide. The hide is locked but the combination for the lock is available to members.

165 TREGUNNA HIDE (Camel Estuary) The hide is situated on the southern shore of the Camel Estuary at OS ref SW 966 738, approximately one and a half miles west of Wadebridge, and is owned by Cornwall County Council. The hide overlooks the estuary. Access to the hide is obtained by parking in Wadebridge and then walking along the Camel Trail for approximately one and a half miles towards Padstow. The hide is not locked.

WALMSLEY SANCTUARY (Amble Marshes at head of Camel Estuary) The Walmsley Sanctuary is situated one and a quarter miles north of Wadebridge at OS ref SW 993 746 and is owned by the Society. The reserve is less than one mile from the Camel Estuary and includes over twenty hectares of reclaimed flood plain between and the River Amble. The highest point is around thirteen feet above the Ordnance Datum. The reserve has developed from three pasture fields on land reclaimed from the saltmarsh and is protected from flooding by a dam at the mouth of the River Amble. The vegetation consists predominantly of Lolium pratense, Cynosurus cristatus pasture, Holcus lanatus and Juncus effuses rush pasture. A recently extended embankment and series of scrapes has increased the area of open water. The reserve also includes hedges, ditches, a shallow pond left when the river was straightened, and one bank of the River Amble. Access is obtained by driving from Wadebridge for one mile on the B3314. Park in the lay-by on the right just before the narrow, traffic light controlled Trewornan Bridge. Walk over the bridge and turn right after approximately fifty yards (through a gate, and ENSURING THAT IT IS CLOSED AND SECURED) down a signed public footpath that goes diagonally across the first field. Cross the stile into the second field and follow the path along the edge to the second stile. Cross the stile to the Ground Level Hide. Alternatively, do not cross the stile and follow the path along the hedge to the gate to Tower Hide. This gate and all others must be kept closed at all times to prevent the escape of livestock. Access to Tower Hide is by kind permission of the farmer - members must keep to the path around the field and must not cut across the field. THE HIDES ARE THE ONLY ACCESS TO THE SANCTUARY, both of which are kept locked. The combination for the lock on Ground Level Hide is available to members who can also obtain a key to the Tower Hide from the Membership Secretary at a cost of £5.

WINDMILL FARM RESERVE (The Lizard) The Windmill Farm Reserve is situated approximately two miles north of Lizard Point at OS ref S W 693 152. The Society owns the reserve jointly with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The reserve consists of 75 hectares of pasture fields and lowland heath interspersed with hedges and patches of willow scrub. Full details were provided in an article in the 2001 edition of Birds in Cornwall. Two pools and a scrape have been excavated, and six hectares of arable crops are grown specifically for birds. A new hide overlooks the scrape and a nature trail is in preparation. Access is obtained by driving south on the A3083 and turning right along an unmarked road that is situated 0.3 miles after the first turn to Ruan Minor/Cadgwith (two miles north of the centre of Lizard village). Follow the track for half a mile to its end and park in the farmyard where details of the reserve are on display.

166 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

The past year, I believe, has been very good for the Society, with strong, positive progress made, particularly in conservation.

Naturally, certain achievements since the last AGM stand out.

Windmill Farm Nature Reserve The acquisition of Country Stewardship will, along with the sale of grazing/hay, give the reserve an annual income of approximately £7,000 p.a. for the next ten years. This means that all management work carried out on the reserve in that time span will have little if any call on Society funds. Work achieved on the reserve for this year includes: a) The digging and construction of two large bird/insect ponds, plus a bird scrape of approximately one hundred metres length. It is envisaged that further ponds will be created in the future. b) The construction of three and a half kilometres of stock-proof fencing, around and across the SSSI areas, to control grazing. CWT staff and Society volunteers completed this enormous task on 3rd April. Highland cattle are already grazing part of the site. c) Providing that planning permission can be obtained, the main tasks this year will be the construction of a bird hide on the scrape and the conversion of half of the barn into an interpretation centre. I would like to give my grateful thanks to the fencing team who worked for two months under extremely difficult weather conditions, Tim Crowe, Cliff Mitchell, Colin Boyd and Andy Pay.

The Bird Report Our bird recorder, Kester Wilson has once again produced an excellent bird report. The Society has known that the collation of bird records for the report is an enormous and thankless task. This has, in the past, caused problems when work achieved by volunteers has fallen behind schedule. Hopefully, in order to improve this task for the Recorder, the Society committee has agreed with the permission of the Charity Commissioners, to pay an annual honorarium as a token for the total amount of hours invested in the project each year. This honorarium is to be ratified by the members at today's AGM. It is the strong recommendation of myself and the Committee that it should be ratified.

Bird Report Review Darrell Clegg was invited by myself to carry out a review of the way we actually do the Bird Report. This is, we believe, the first review in the seventy years of its existence. Recommendations from Darrell's findings will begin to come into effect in the next year or so. Darrell has achieved this along with his editorship and production of Palores. We are very lucky to have a person with these capabilities on the Committee.

Maer Lake Wetland The normal annual maintenance of ragwort pulling and ditch cleaning etc was carried out by CWT staff and Society volunteers. This year, a one hundred and fifty metre boundary fence is to be constructed to control stock. Grateful thanks to Graham Sutton for all work achieved.

167 Walmslev Sanctuary The normal maintenance work was carried out at Walmsley - cutting juncus etc - by warden Adrian Langdon and his volunteer helpers. The Society owes a deep debt of gratitude to Adrian Langdon for all his work achieved at Walmsley over many years. One disappointment is the loss of the Countryside Stewardship grant for Walmsley. As management costs continue to rise for the maintenance of Walmsley and Maer Lake, the Society is challenged to explore new financial avenues to ensure the standard of input that makes these reserves excellent in so many ways.

Committee Changes This year sees the completion of his four-year term of office as General Secretary, Steve Rodgers. Steve has been a wonderful and inspiring force in conservation in Cornwall for many years. His last four years as Secretary have been outstandingly successful, a fact known to most of you here. Our Treasurer, Colin Boyd, also retires at this AGM. My grateful thanks to Colin for the way he has looked after the Society's finances during the last twelve months, and for the hundreds of hours he has put into Windmill Farm Nature Reserve as Chairman of the management committee, and working several days a week at the reserve. The Society also wishes to thank Andy Pay who has spent seventeen years working at various posts in the committee. Andy has been a major influence in the Society during this time and I am happy to see that he will continue working for conservation as volunteer warden at Windmill Farm. Tony Langford also retires this year as Public Relations Officer. Grateful thanks to Tony for his achievements in this role.

Brian Craven I wish to give my personal thanks to Brian for all the work he has put in during the past year, often under difficult circumstances. Thanks to our committee and to all our volunteers for the help and guidance that they have given me over the past year. On a different note, the two surprises in Cornwall last year were the breeding of Choughs on The Lizard, the first in fifty years, followed by the biggest surprise of all, the breeding of Hen Harrier (also on the Lizard) the first in one hundred and fifty years. These wonderful events will hopefully be repeated and prove that it is not only American warblers that surprise Cornish birders and give strong hope for the future.

Stuart Hutchings Chairman 2002

168 CONSERVATION OFFICER'S REPORT

As with the rest of life there are ups and downs. This year our big down was our requested renewal of DEFRA's Countryside Stewardship for the Walmsley Sanctuary being unsuccessful. The scoring system has recently changed and we are deemed lacking in access for the general public, historical and landscape value. Despite several appeals to DEFRA we have not progressed and we currently have an income deficit of around £800. I personally have had several family problems that have prevented me achieving as much as I intended in the last year.

However there have been MANY MORE ups than downs.

Windmill Farm This reserve has gone from strength to strength with the construction of scrapes, ponds and three and a half kilometres of quality stock proof fencing. The team have also planted large plots of birds and insect friendly crops. In July English Nature notified us that Windmill Farm along with some other areas of The Lizard would be candidates for Special Area of Conservation Status. Recent interesting species have included Hen Harrier, Merlin, Common Crane and Golden Oriole. Many species including warblers and pipits are already breeding. The new scrape is holding water well and is already providing food that is attracting waders, and hirundines. Aerial photographs of the reserve can be found on our website.

Thanks again to Andy Pay, Colin Boyd, Stuart Hutchings and others for their many hours work.

Drift Reservoir The reserve has had another successful year. Many thanks to our warden Graham Hobin, who alone looks after our reserve. Jobs to be done include paths etc that have to be cut out. Graham will be pleased to have some assistance. The introduced reed bed is steadily spreading and will hopefully attract Reed Warblers to breed. Rare species in the last twelve months have included Long-tailed Duck, Lesser Scaup, an interesting small Greater Scaup, Pectoral Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull and Gull-billed Tern. The creation of a no fishing area has helped breeding birds such as Mallard, Coot and two pairs of Mute Swans. A pair of Canada Geese have been new additions.

Stithians Reservoir South West Lakes Trust's (SWLT) proposal to attract more visitors including a visitors centre have required a meeting and our requests for safeguards to protect wildlife areas from footpaths etc. Management has included cutting back encroaching bushes and trees. Rarer species have included Smew, Black Duck, Garganey and . Thanks to the warden Andy Pay and helpers.

169 Maer Lake. Bude 2002 was the final year CBWPS/CWT received £1,000 per annum grant from the National Heritage Lottery towards joint management costs. On average we have to spend £1,500 per annum on ditching and flag iris removal. Approximately £1,000 of widening and clearing of the original open water channels is desirable. Over 1,000 Canada Geese using the reserve are causing some concern to both us and our neighbours. Illegal shooting has occurred resulting in one dead and one badly injured goose which had to be put down. The police had to be brought in. Solutions will be sought. The control of water levels is important. During periods of heavy rainfall Graham has to ensure sluice levels prevent flooding of surrounding properties. A downstream owner failed to clear their ditches, causing the reserve problems. The Maer Lake Joint Management Team and later our Committee agreed that the majority (£1,420) of the remainder of the Maer Lake fundraising we banked when the reserve was opened, should be spent on essential stock proof fencing around the reserve. T. White was the successful tenderer. Graham and the CWT are exploring the reclaiming of VAT. Interesting finds have included Black Tern, Whooper Swan, spoonbill and Little Ringed Plover, over­ flying Osprey, the plant Strawberry Clover and Migrant Hawker Dragonflies increasing (up to twenty- eight in august). Surprisingly, only one new bird species for the reserve in 2002 - a Mistle Thrush. Thanks to Graham, for keeping the reserve in excellent condition. It is well worth the trek up to Bude to see it.

Walmsley Sanctuary The reserve has looked the best I can remember it. Our warden Adrian Langdon and his team of volunteers (including Dave Conway, Francis Couch, Tim Foster and Dave Thomas) have managed to get rid of many areas of juncus to produce many sheltered muddy feeding and possibly nesting areas. More trees and bushes have been planted for screening. Willow saplings have been removed from wetland areas. Ideal water areas have been obtained. Scrapes excavated with the assistance of the Environment Agency outside the tower hide in 1998 are now really blending in and attracting many bird and dragonfly species. It will be necessary to renew rotting screen hurdles around the hide and we would like to provide more scrapes. This all of course costs money. Breeding species included Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers and Stonechat. Black-headed Gulls gave promise last spring but did not stay. Interesting visitors have included Bittern, four Spoonbills, Purple Heron and Red-rumped Swallow. Thanks to Kernow scopes for hiring out Walmsley keys for us. Warden Adrian Langdon who is a very modest guy has done an excellent job.

Trethias Island Our Honorary Solicitor Greg Adams informs me that the small island will soon legally pass to the Charities Commission prior transfer to the National Trust. Our Committee Members have again been involved with several other reserves and projects. Graham Sutton and Francis Couch represent the CBWPS on the District Council's Bude Marshes Reserve. Big improvements have been made.

170 Graham has also attended SWLT meetings regarding possible alterations to Lower Tamar Lake. These could get it back to the great bird reserve that it was several years ago. I have managed to get SWLT to improve access stiles and condition of their Crowdy hide. Currently I am in the process of negotiating new SWLT licences for our reservoir reserves and hides at Stithians, Drift and Loveney (Colliford). Short courses are being organised for users of our brush-cutters and strimmers. I organised the 2003 Cornwall counts of breeding Mute Swans for the WWT national survey. Surveys for both the Breeding and Winter Atlases continue well. However, more assistance with the surveys is always welcome. Please contact Paul McCartney at the CWT for more details.

Thank You's I would like to thank Claire Mucklow for information supplied. Downderry Construction for leaving me a sand face at Trewint again for breeding Sand Martins (2002). Thanks also to Francis Couch who carries out running repairs to the Camel Estuary hides. We have experienced hide combination lock vandalism and we may have to fit new combination locks. If necessary, new members will be notified in Palores. Several CBWPS members have helped with the observation and nest protection of the breeding Lizard Choughs. My congratulations to all the organisations and people involved with the magnificent return of our county's emblem bird. It appears that they have been successful again this year. Hopefully the young will all survive. I regret that my fellow Conservation Officer Adrian Brown has decided that he does not wish to continue. He will however continue atlas surveys. My thanks to him for investigating several conservation matters in the last year. Hopefully we can soon find a Conservation Officer either for West Cornwall or all of Cornwall. Possible new reserves are being sought, especially in the southeast of the county. Any practical suggestions for sites would be welcome.

I hope you will all agree that for a society whose wardens, helpers and officers carry out all the mentioned achievements in their spare time, we have achieved a great deal and give members great value.

Brian Craven Conservation Officer

111 BALANCE SHEET AND ACCOUNTS

Cornwall Bird-watching and Preservation Society Annual Report for the year to 31 December 2002

The Management Committee present their report for the year ended 31 December 2002.

Legal and Administrative Information The members of the Management Committee during the year: S. C. Madge President S. Hutchings Chairman G. P Sutton (Vice Chairman) S Rogers (Secretary) K. H. Harris (Treasurer) (Retired April 2002) C. G. Boyd (Treasurer) Appointed April 2002 - Resigned w.e.f. April 2002) S. McMahon (Membership Secretary) B. Craven Conservation Officer) M. Rule (Assistant Conservation Officer) (Retired April 2002) A. Brown (Assistant Conservation Officer) (Appointed April 2002) D, Clegg (Newsletter Editor) T. Hasdell (Field Meetings Officer) (Appointed November 2002) A. Langford (Public Relations) G. Adams (Hon. Solicitor) I. Wilson (Editor - Birds in Cornwall) (Resigned as Trustee September 2002) K. Wilson Recorder (Resigned as Trustee September 2002) F. Couch P. Fraser (Resigned January 2003) A. Pay M. Tunmore C. Mucklow (Appointed April 2002) M. Scott (Retired April 2002)

The Charity was established in 1931 and is governed by its rules which were last amended in April 1996. The registered number with the Charity Commission is 255900 and the correspondence address is that of the Treasurer.

Aims and Organisation The objectives of the Charity are to further the study of birds and assist in their preservation and conservation. The Charity publishes an annual ornithological study "Birds in Cornwall" and owns or jointly owns three Nature Reserves.

Review of Activities and Achievements The Charity's activities and achievements during the year have been as follows: Walmsley Bird Sanctuary, Maer Lake Wetland Reserve and Windmill Farm Nature Reserve have all been successfully managed for bird conservation. Heavy reliance has been placed on volunteers for this work. At Maer Lake and Windmill Farm the joint owners, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, have continued to support management activities and costs. At Windmill Farm two new pools and a scrape for birds have been installed. A deficit of £2,012 for the year compares with a surplus of £4,634 for 2001. The main factors in this change were: Windmill Farm Pools & Scrape costs over and above grant received, reduction in Subscription and Legacy income, cessation of Countrywide Stewardship income at Walmsley and increased expenditure on bird post-mortem studies. The Charity's policy in respect of its financial reserves is as follows: Financial reserves are held in order to ensure that short-term income fluctuations do not disrupt the continuity of the Society's two main activities. These are the annual publication for members of "Birds in Cornwall" and continuing management for conservation of our Nature Reserves. The Society's policy is to hold funds sufficient to cover one

172 year's costs and two year's cost respectively of these two activities. In addition, the Society holds funds sufficient to take advantage of future opportunities to purchase additional Nature Reserves. The Trustees review the financial reserves on an annual basis against this policy and in the light of current circumstances. Financial reserves at 31 December 2002 were £28,336 and the Trustees are of the opinion that this sum falls within the above policy.

C. G. Boyd (Treasurer) On behalf of the Trustees 14th March 2003

Independent Examiners' Report to the Trustees of the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society

We report on the financial statements of the Society for the year ended 31 December 2002 which are set out below.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and examiners The Charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 43(2) of the Companies Act 1993 (the Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to examine the accounts (under Section 43(3)(a) of the Act) and, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under Section (43)(7)(b) of the Act, to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.

Basis of Independent Examiners' Report Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting procedures kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiners' Statement In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention: 1. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have been met; or 2. to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Whitaker Redfearn Pappin Chartered Accountants Bryndon House 5/7 Berry Road Newquay Cornwall

14 March 2003

173 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002

Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total this Total Funds Funds Funds year 2001 £ £ £ £ INCOME & EXPENDITURE

Incoming Resources

Membership Subscriptions 2 9,990 - 9,990 10,467 Legacies & Donations 3 215 - 215 2,040 Grants 4 - 3,997 3,997 1,838 Interest Receivable 1,488 - 1,488 1,644 Rents Receivable - 526 526 525 Fundraising 5 826 53 879 581 Total Incoming Resources 12,519 4,576 17,095 17,095

Resources expended Direct Charitable Expenditure Membership Support 6 8,462 - 8,462 7,193 Conservation 7 3,361 6,502 9,863 4,347 11,823 6,502 18,325 11,540 Management & Administration 8 782 - 782 921 Total Resources Expended 12,605 6,502 19,107 12,461

NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR (86) (1,926) (2012) 4,634

Transfers between funds 10 (3,151) 3,151 - -

NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (3,237) 1,225 (2,012) 4,634

Funds brought forward 62,686 9,913 72,599 67,965

FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD £59.449 £11.138 £70.587 £72.599

174 Balance Sheet at 31 December 2002

Total 2002 Tottal 2001 Notes £ £ £ £ FIXED ASSETS

Tangible Assets 9 37,105 38,781

CURRENT ASSETS

Stock 350 350 Debtors & Prepayments 1,268 1,282 Cash at Bank 2,699 978 Cash on short Term Deposit 33,500 37,598 37,817 40,208

CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within 1 year

Subscriptions in Advance (2,175) (2,085) Creditors (2,160) (4,305) (4,335) (6,390)

NET CURRENT ASSETS 33,482 33,818

TOTAL NET ASSETS £70,587 £72599

REPRESENTED BY

Unrestricted Fund 59,449 62,686 Restricted Fund 10 11,138 9,913 £70.587 £72.599

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2002 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES a. General The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting by Charities. b. Depreciation Depreciation of fixed assets held for use by the charity is calculated at the following rates based on the estimated useful life of those fixed assets as follows: General equipment 10% per annum (straight line basis) Computer equipment 20% per annum (straight line basis) Hides 5% per annum (straight line basis) c. Subscriptions Subscriptions are recognised in the period to which they relate, except for subscriptions for life membership which are amortised over 15 years.

2002 2001 2 MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS £ £ Annual Membership 8,516 8,730 Life Membership 232 220 Gift Aid 1,242 1,517 £9.990 £10.467

175 LEGACIES & DONATIONS Unrestricted Restricted 2002 2001 Funds Funds Total Total £ £ £ £ Legacies - - - 1,221 Donations 215 - 215 819 £215 £215 2J40 =

GRANTS Restricted 2002 2001 Funds Total Total £ £ £ DEFRA - Walmsley Sanctuary - - 838 CWT - Maer Lake Wetland 997 997 1,000 Environment Agency - Windmill Farm Reserve 3,000 3,000 - £3,997 £3,997 £1.838

FUNDRAISING Unrestricted Restricted 2002 2001 Funds Funds Total Total £ £ £ £ Sale of "Birds in Cornwall" 533 - 533 420 Income from meetings - - - 108 Sale and hire of hide keys - 53 53 32 Sale of advertising space 290 - 290 - Sale of goods 3 - 3 21 £826 £53 £879 £581

6 MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT 2002 2001 £ £ Printing "Birds in Cornwall" 4,034 3,508 Printing Newsletter 1,270 1,488 Postage on publications 1,305 1,168 Depreciation on computer equipment 617 989 Loss on sale of computer 173 - Website and computer software 313 40 Payment to Hon. Recorder 750 - £8,462 £7.193

CONSERVATION Unrestricted Restricted 2002 2001 Funds Funds Total Total £ £ £ £ Reserve management: Walmsley Sanctuary - 693 693 1,227 Maer Lake Wetland - 1,458 1,458 1,808 Windmill Farm Reserve 272 - 272 - Windmill Farm new pools 1,611 3,000 4,611 - Walmsley Sanctuary hide - 242 242 - Hide insurance - 320 320 325 Public Liability Insurance 704 - 704 - Bird post-mortems 335 390 725 133 Licences 153 - 153 167 Depreciation of hides 63 399 462 462 Depreciation of tools 223 - 225 225 £3.361 £6.502 £9.863 £4.347 MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION 2002 2001 £ £ t t Postage 11 179 Stationery 362 413 Telephone 79 58 Travel 166 131 Meetings 53 106 Sundries 45 34 £782 £921

FIXED ASSETS Freehold Computer Land Tools equipment Hides TOTAL £ £ £ £ £ Cost at 1.1.2002 28,500 3,733 4,951 9,233 46,417 Disposals during year - (1,196) - (1,196)

Cost at 31.12.2002 28,500 3,733 3,755 9,233 45,221

Depreciation as at 1.1.2002 2,245 3,103 2,288 7,636 Disposals during year - (822) - (822) Provision for year 223 617 462 1,302

Depreciation as at 31.12.2002 2,468 2,898 2,750 8,116

Net book value 1.1.2002 £28,500 £1,488 £1,848 £6,945 £38,781

Net book value 31.12.2002 £28.500 £1,265 £857 £6,483 £37.105

10 RESTRICTED FUNDS Balance Incoming Balance 1.1.2002 resources Expenditure Transfers 31.12.2002 £ £ ' £ £ £ Walmsley Sanctuary 1,741 350 (693) 1,400 2,798 Maer Lake Wetland 711 1,173 (1,458) 1,751 2,177 Windmill Farm Reserve 3,000 (3,000) - - Bird post-mortems 510 - (390) • - 120 Walmsley Hide 560 53 (562) - 51 Walmsley Hide Capitalised 6,391 - (399) - 5,992 £9,913 £4,576 £(6.502) £3,151 £11.138 Transfers represent prior year incoming resources in respect of grazing and a donation that were previously treated as unrestricted income and are now treated as restricted income.

11 FUNDS ALLOCATION Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ Fixed Assets 31,113 5,992 37,105 Net Current Assets (a) 28,336 5,146 33,482 Total Net Assets as at 31.12.2002 £59.449 £11.138 £70.587 (a) The figure of £28,336 represents Unrestricted Reserves, the policy for which is given in The Trustees' Annual Report.

12 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES 2002 2001 £ £ Expenses (a) 2,128 958 Remuneration (b) 750 - (a) These payments were in reimbursement of costs and expenses paid on behalf of the Society. (b) Trustee remuneration is payable to the Society's Hon. Recorder. Approval to make this annual payment has been given in writing\ by the Charities Commission..

177 THE SOCIETY'S RULES

Rule 1. (Name) The Society shall be called "The Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society".

Rule 2 (Objects) The objects of the Society shall be: a) to further the study of birds in the field; and b) to assist in their preservation and conservation

Rule 3 (Membership) Membership shall be open to anyone who supports the objects of the Society. Classes of membership shall be as follows: Ordinary members - any person over the age of 18 yrs Life members - any ordinary member who has paid the prescribed life membership subscription. Junior members - any person under the age of 18 yrs. Honorary members - any person, whether otherwise a member or not, who is elected an Honorary member by a General meeting on a recommendation of the Executive Committee in recognition of outstanding service to the objects of the Society. Group members - School or similar groups. All members shall be entitled to participate in all activities of the Society (except that Junior members shall not be eligible to serve as Honorary officers or as members of the Executive Committee) and shall be entitled to vote at General meetings (Group members shall be entitled to one vote only on behalf of that body). The Executive Committee shall have the authority to exclude from membership, or cancel the membership of, any person if it considers that person to have contravened any requirements contained in these rules or any legislation relating to bird protection or the countryside, or for any other matter which the Executive Committee considers offends the well-being, aims or objectives of the Society.

Rule 4 (Subscriptions) Subscription rates shall be approved from time to time by the Society in General meeting on a recommendation from the Executive Committee. Subscriptions shall be payable on joining and on the 1st of January thereafter, but any member paying a first subscription after the 30th of September in any year shall not be liable to pay a further subscription until after the close of the following year. A member whose subscription is three months in arrears shall, after being reminded, cease to receive the Society's publications, and when six months in arrears shall cease to be a member.

Rule 5 (Officers) The following Honorary Officers shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall be eligible for re­ election: President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Field Meetings Officer, Honorary Solicitor, Conservation Officer, Assistant Conservation Officer, Newsletter Editor, Public Relations Officer, County Recorder, Editor of "Birds in Cornwall". Any member, with the exception of junior members, shall be eligible for election as an Honorary Officer. In the event of a vacancy arising at any time of the year, the Executive Committee shall be empowered to appoint a member to fill that vacancy and such appointment shall be reported to the next General meeting for approval or election as appropriate.

Rule 6 (Meetings) An annual general meeting shall be held in each year. The quorum shall be 20. A Special General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee, or at the request of 20 members by application to the Chairman and the General Secretary, such applications to be accompanied by details of the motion or motions to be moved.

178 Rule 7 (Management) The Annual General Meeting shall elect an Executive Committee to deal with all business of the Society, and any obligation undertaken by the Executive Committee shall be an obligation of the Society. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Honorary Officers and nine other members. The Chairman, General Secretary and Treasurer shall serve for a maximum of four consecutive years. At the end of that period, at least one year must elapse before that person shall be eligible for re-election to the same office. Non- officer members shall be elected for a period of three years and shall not on the expiry of that period be eligible for re-election until a year after the termination of that period of three years. Nominations for posts as Honorary Officers and for vacancies on the Executive Committee shall be made in writing to the General Secretary over the signatures of the proposer and seconder and must reach the General Secretary at least ten days before the date of the Annual General Meeting. The Executive Committee shall meet as often as is necessary and shall be convened by the General Secretary in consultation with the Chairman. The quorum for the Executive Committee shall be eight members. The Executive Committee shall have the powers to appoint such sub-committees as it considers desirable and shall determine the membership and powers of such sub-committees, whose proceedings will be reported to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall not delegate to any sub-committee the power to commit the Society to any expenditure. The Executive Committee shall delegate to the Management Team (comprising Chairman, Vice-Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer and Conservation Officer) power to take decisions on urgent matters which cannot await the next meeting of the Committee. Decisions of the Management Team must be unanimous and shall be reported to the next meeting of the Executive Committee.

Rule 8 (Accounts)

The annual accounts of the Society shall be checked independently.

Rule 9 (Trustees)

Land of the Society shall vest in the Official Custodian of Charities.

Rule 10 (Dissolution etc.) This Society shall neither be dissolved, nor amalgamated with, nor subordinated to any other body without the consent of two-thirds of the members, at a General Meeting where the business is transacted, and in respect of which dissolution, amalgamation or subordination, prior notice must be given under rule 11. For the purpose of this Rule, Members may vote by post. Rule 11 (Alteration of rules) An alteration of the Rules of the Society may be made at any General Meeting, provided that the precise alteration has been set out in full on the agenda sent to members and that the proposed alteration is passed by at least two-thirds of those members present and voting at the meeting. No alteration of the rules that would result in a benefit being received by a member of the Executive Committee will be effective until it has been approved in writing by the Charity Commission. Rule 12 (Executive Committee Members not to be personally interested) (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-clause 2 of this rule no member of the Executive Committee shall acquire any interest in property belonging to the Society (otherwise than as a Trustee of the Society) or receive remuneration or be interested (other than as a member of the Executive Committee. (2) Any member of the Executive Committee who is for the time being acting as Recorder and Editor for the Society may receive such reasonable remuneration in connection with the work of the Recorder and Editor in compiling records of bird sightings in Cornwall and their assembly in a form for publication as shall from time to time be deemed appropriate by members of the Executive Committee: Provided that any member of the Executive Committee who is remunerated under this provision shall withdraw from any meeting at which his or her own instruction or remuneration is under discussion.

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