TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Secretaries' Report ...... 3

Treasurer's Report ...... 4

Subscriptions, etc...... 9

Obituaries ...... 9

Predannack Nature Reserve ...... 9

List of Contributors ...... 10

Cornish Records ...... 11

Corrections to 1966 Report ...... 48

Cornish Seas ...... 49

Ringing Recoveries ...... 50

Isles of Scilly Records ...... 51

Round Island ...... 67

Porthgwarra Report ...... 68

Breeding Birds of the area ...... 71

The Torrey Canyon Incident and Sea Birds of 78

After the Torrey Canyon ...... 90

Committees ...... ••• ••• 130

List of Members ...... ••• 131

Rules 147

1 THIRTY-SEVENTH REPORT

OF The Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society 1967 Edited by J. E. BECKERLEGGE assisted by J. B. and S. BOTTOMLEY, A. G. PARSONS and N. R. PHILLIPS

SECRETARIES' REPORT FOR 1967

On December 31st the Membership of the Society was 866. 112 new Members were elected during the year and 35 Members were lost by resignations and death, giving a net gain of 77. Two General Meetings, three Executive Committee Meetings and 10 Field Days were held. At the Annual General Meeting Mr. N. Dymond, of the British Trust for Ornithology, spoke on the work of a Bird ringing station and illustrated his talk with colour slides. At the Autumn Meeting Mr. T. O. Darke showed a film illustrating Bird life throughout the year in the Porthcothan area, near . During the year the following species of special interest were noted: White-billed Diver, Wilson's Phalarope, Long-billed Dowitcher, Roller, Orphean Warbler, Parula Warbler and American Redstart: this last being the first record for Britain. Records for Cornwall, arranged in the order of this Report, should be sent to the Reverend J. E. Beckerlegge by January 31st. The actual order of the Report is that of the 1952 B.O.U. List, to which List the numbers preceding the names of species in this Report refer. Page 4 of the 1965 Report and page 11 of this report set out the manner in which records should be made and presented. Records for the should be sent to Miss H. M. Quick by January 31st. By far the most outstanding event of the year was the avoidable grounding of the "Torrey Canyon", resulting in considerable Cornish, national and international repercussions over a very wide field of human activity. For a clear month after that fatal 18th March the western end of the Cornish peninsula buzzed with visitors concerned with various results of the oil seepage and rumbled to the sound of heavy vehicles. Perhaps the most important conclusion to which we could come shortly after the disaster was the total lack of preparedness for such an event, which was in some measure offset by the relatively small ascertain­ able damage to Cornish breeding sea-birds, together with the Heaven-sent

3 absence of easterly winds whereby the Scilly Isles were spared from what must have otherwise been unspeakable pollution. During the year a further Protection of Birds Act became law: its provisions have been incorporated into a revised edition of the Society's "Guide to the Law relating to the Protection of Birds", which latter will be distributed to all Members. Owing to the prompt reporting to the Police by one of our Members of facts suggesting an attempt to shoot sea-birds illegally the Police were able to interview the men concerned. The fact that no prosecution resulted in no way detracts from the value of the quick action taken in this matter and our thanks are due to our own Member and to the Police for their ready help. Twice during the year the Society has submitted reasoned opposition to development proposals likely to reduce important natural habitats, to the Planning Authorities concerned. The first of these concerned the western end of at Griggs Quay, a scheme which might well alter adversely the wader feeding habitat on the mud there. The second scheme was proposed for Weir Quay on the Devon side of the Tamar; but as county boundaries have no meaning to birds and as Spoonbills and Avocets have a special liking for that general area of the river it was felt that objections to such a scheme are equally valid for both the Devon and Cornish sides of the river and should be presented. Planning permission has been refused in both cases. Although at the time of the Ryves Memorial Prize being instituted publicity was given to this award; and, in consequence many copies of the Rules were distributed; it will not be known until November, 1968, what entries will be received.

TREASURER'S REPORT

1967 was a very successful year financially for the Society. Income was up by no less than £220 on the previous year and amounted to £795 which enabled us not only to pay for the Willcocks Memorial hide at Burniere out of income but to transfer a balance of £138 to the Accumulated Fund as well. General expenses were up £76 due mainly to the increase (about one-third) in the size of the Annual Report for 1965 and sundry expenses incurred in connection with the Torrey Canyon disaster. All items of income, except for a small drop in the sale of Annual Reports, were up, the most significant increases occurring in subscriptions, donations and repayment of income tax. Subscriptions were up £35 due to a net increase of 77 in the member­ ship. Donations increased by £135 due to the generosity of members and sympathisers after the Torrey Canyon disaster; to relatives and friends

4 of two respected members who died during the year; to contributors to the Willcocks Memorial fund; and to His Honour Judge Chope who very kindly opened his gardens at Carclew House during the spring for the benefit of our funds. The Society would like to thank all members and friends who contributed in these different ways. Repayment of income tax increased from £15 to £53 due to an increasing number of members covenanting their subscriptions, for which we are also most grateful. The balance sheet shows that the amounts of the Memorial Funds have been transferred to the Accumulated Fund, the Willcocks Memorial having been completed and the Ryves Memorial having commenced to operate. The total assets now stand at £2440.13s.Id., less the outstanding liability to the Cornwall River Authority of £724.3s.l0d. Finally the Society's thanks are due to Mr. Kenneth W. M. Bawden for kindly auditing the account for us.

5 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1967

EXPENDITURE £ s. d. £ s. d. INCOME £ s. d. £ s. d. Subscriptions to Societies British Trust for Ornithology 2 10 0 Subscriptions Paid in Advance 9 0 6 Council for Nature 1 1 0 Royal Institution of Cornwall 6 6 0 Subscriptions for 1967 407 3 6 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 2 2 0 South Western Naturalists' Union ... 2 15 0 Donations 138 12 11 Wildfowl Trust 1 1 0 15 15 0 Sale of Annual Reports 11 10 6 Printing and Stationery, etc. Typing and Duplicating 32 7 3 Sale of Badges 12 8 0 Printing and Stationery 51 5 10 Annual Reports 1966 (800) 182 2 0 Rent of Walmsley Sanctuary 52 0 0 265 15 1 Postages and Secretarial Expenses, etc. Repayment of Income Tax 53 10 1 Postages 55 5 1 Stamping of Deeds of Covenant 1 8 8 Interest on Investments Advertising 7 8 0 Defence Bonds ... 33 15 0 Bank charges and cheque book 6 5 6 Development Bonds ... 30 0 0 Expenses 23 18 1 War Loan ... 31 11 6 Hire of equipment for AGM (1966)... 6 6 0 95 6 6 Insurance 10 0 0 110 11 4 Bank Interest Hayle Estuary Deposit Account ... 15 8 1 Rent of Shooting Rights 1 0 0 15 8 1 Notice Boards and erecting 31 7 6 32 7 6 Walmsley Sanctuary Contribution to Cornwall River Authority 100 0 0 100 0 0 Willcocks Memorial Hide Solicitors' Charges 13 8 0 Cost of keys 3 0 0 Cost of fencing 11 15 6 Cost of Hide 102 13 0 130 16 6 Refund of Subscriptions Overpaid 1 0 0 1 0 0 Excess of Income over Expenditure Carried to Accumulated Fund 138 14 8 138 14 8 £795 0 1 £795 0 1 BALANCE SHEET—31st DECEMBER, 1967

LIABILITIES £ s. d. £ s. d. ASSETS £ s. d. £ s. d. Accumulated Fund Investments Balance at 31.12.1966 980 17 7 £902.4s.l0d. 3.5% War Loan at current Add: Memorial Funds 127 3 4 market price at 31.12.67 445 10 0 Add: Excess income for year to date 138 14 8 4i.5 Defence Bonds at cost 750 0 0 5% Development Bonds at cost 600 0 0 1246 15 7 1795 10 0 Deduct: Depreciation on War Loan 27 10 0 Balances at Bank 1219 5 7 Current Account 156 5 4 Deposit Account 486 17 3 Legacies Fund 643 2 7 Balance at 31.12.1966 1214 2 0 Petty Cash in Hand Nil 1214 2 0 Postage Stock 2 0 6 2 0 6 Current Liabilities Subscriptions paid in advance 7 5 6 7 5 6

£2440 13 1 £2400 13 1

Outstanding Liability in respect of the Walmsley Sanctuary (Signed) W. J. GODDARD, Honorary Treasurer. (River Amble Improvement Scheme) payable to Cornwall River Authority £724 3 10

REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CORNWALL BIRD-WATCHING AND PRESERVATION SOCIETY. I have examined the above Balance Sheet dated 31st December, 1967, together with the Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended that date, with the books of the Society and hereby certify the same to be in accordance therewith. 29th January, 1968. (Signed) K. W. M. BAWDEN, Hon. Auditor. SUBSCRIPTIONS, etc. The full subscription rates are as follows : Life Member £10. Full Member 10s. Od. per annum Family Member (of same family living at the same address and sharing the same literature) 5s. Od. „ „ Junior Member (between 14 and 18 years of age) 5s. Od. „ „ AH Annual Subscriptions are due on the 1st January and those not payable by banker's order should be sent to the Honorary Treasurer and Registrar. Banker's Order forms are available on request. This method of payment ensures automatic renewal and saves the Society expense. Receipts will not be issued in respect of subscriptions paid by cheque unless specially requested. Deeds of Covenant are available for members in a position to pay this way. Attractive brooch Badges are available at 5s.0d. each. Applications for Membership and Any Information affecting membership, such as changes of address, should also be sent to the Honorary Treasurer and Registrar: Mr. W. J. Goddard, "Cheyney", Constantine Bay, Padstow, Cornwall.

OBITUARIES The Society has learned with regret of the death of the following members, notified since the last issue of the Annual Report: Blair, Mrs. M. I., of Exmouth, Devon. Clague, W. D., of . Darracourt, W. A., of St. Just-in-Roseland. Davey, Miss Edith, of St. Agnes. Edward-Collins, Maj.-Gen. C. E., of Blisland. Lewis, E. J., of St. Austell. McKie, Professor D., of Brookland Hill, London. Markwick, Mrs. I. C. M., of Veryan. Meares, R. H., of Falmouth. Patten, A. W., of . Venn, Mrs. G. M., of St. Ives. * Founder Member.

PROPOSED PREDANNACK NATURE RESERVE: The Cornwall Naturalists' Trust, in co-operation with the National Trust, plans to establish a Nature Reserve on Lower Predannack Downs, and on some adjacent areas on Peninsula. A sum of £4000 is required to secure a long lease of the 250 acres, to be placed under Cornwall Naturalists' Trust management. The area includes four main types of plant community of outstanding interest, two of which are unique to Britain. In the whole area twelve rare or very rare plants are to be found, some of which grow nowhere else in Britain. One of these varities is the Western Clover, a species new to science, first discovered by Dr. D. Coombe in 1959.

9 The geology of the area, also, is of very great interest. Mullion Island, which is included in the Reserve, has a flourishing Kittiwake colony. Some parts of the Reserve are likely to prove reward­ ing for observers of passerine migrants (Woodchat and Red-headed Bunting recently recorded). Members who wish to assist in establishing this splendid reserve are requested to send donations to: — Lt.-Col. W. E. ALMOND, Hon. Sec, Predannack Reserve Appeal, LAVEROCK HOUSE, ST. BREWARD, BODMIN, CORNWALL, making Cross cheques/Post Orders payable to "Cornwall Naturalists' Trust Ltd."

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS Mr. and Mrs. R. Allen, Lt.-Col. W. E. Almond, Mr. and Mrs. K. Allsopp, Misses P. and A. Aspinall, D. J. Barber, P. G. R. Barbier, W. R. Barrett, Rev. J. E. Beckerlegge, C. J. Booth, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Bottomley, E. Brewer, R. Burridge, E. M. Cock, F. M. Couch, R. M. Curber, R. A. Curtis, T. O. Darke, P. J. Dwyer, Miss E. Edmunds, N. B. Exelby, J. S. Gilbert, A. H. Glanville, D. Griffin, E. Griffiths, •R. G. Hadden, R. S. Harkness, E. Hawes, K. W. Henshall, Miss D. C. Hill, J. C. Hillmer, H. S. Hoggins, T. R. Holland, W. H. Hosking, Mr. and Mrs. R. James, Miss M. J. Jones, W. J. Julyan, Mrs. B. B. Kay, P. M. Kent, R. Khan, B. King, G. A. Lacey, S. E. Linton, C. Longworth- Dames, Mrs. F. E. Lott (Mrs. Carter), S. C. Madge, P. R. G. Marriott, Mrs. P. Mendels, G. E. Mills, D. F. Musson, D. M. Norman, P. North, A. G. Parsons, B. Pattenden, K. Pellow, R. D. Penhallurick, N. J. Phillips, N. R. Phillips, Miss R. M. Phillips, B. Rabbitts, R. Rabjohns, Mrs. C. Roberts, Capt. E. G. Roper, H. A. Round, R. J. Salmon, A. C. Sawle, S. Shear, Mrs. F. M. Smith, C. J. Stevens, Mrs. M. W. Stewart, V. R. Tucker, Mrs. R. M. Waithman, Mrs. E. West, L. P. Williams.

10 CORNISH RECORDS Numbers before species name refer to 1952 B.O.U. List. Numbers after name refer to the List in the Handbook of British Birds. Members are urged to send in their records for 1968 in the order of species adopted by the 1952 B.O.U. List and this Report. Observers who do not use this order cause the editor much unnecessary work. Please DO NOT use the order of the Revised edition of the Field Guide. Records submitted in diary form will be returned to the sender with a request that records be sorted into the correct order. Initials of observers are given only with records of rarities or parti­ cularly unusual behaviour. Except in such cases initials have been dis­ pensed with to bring the Report into line with common present day usage, to make it slightly more readable and to save space. 1968 records of rarities on the British Birds Rarities Committee list will be considered for the Report only if full field data are included, and copies sent by observers to the Rarities Committee: records rejected by the Rarities Committee will not be published, except in exceptional circumstances. Field data must also be supplied for the following species—records submitted without such data will be automatically dis­ qualified— Red-necked Grebe, Bittern, Purple Heron, Red-crested Pochard, all species of grey geese except White-fronted, Rough-legged Buzzard, Goshawk, Kite, Honey Buzzard, Harrier, Hen Harrier, Hobby, Spotted Crake, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Temminck's Stint, Red­ necked Phalarope, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Long-eared Owl, Hooded Crow, Bluethroat, Melodious Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Barred Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Twite and Tree Sparrow. The editor will ask for details of other species when considered necessary. He apologises for the late appearance of the 1967 Report, partly due to circumstances over which he has no control. He thanks the many observers who produced the information to make possible the publication of this report, hopes to hear from them all again with their 1968 records and mildly suggests that if all observers abide by the foregoing suggestions and send in their records by January 31st, 1969 (one lot of 1967 records was received in October, 1968 and, owing to the lateness of the Report, could still be made use of!), the 1968 Report might be published much earlier than in previous years.

1 BLACK-THROATED DIVER 378. Gavia arcticus. Many more recorded than in previous years. In south-east Cornwall one to two birds were seen on many dates from January 24th until May 24th off the coast between and Hannafore, Looe. Two were present off Lansallos on April 7th and off Black Head, St. Austell Bay two were calling on January 21st. On the coast between Hemmick Beach and Pendower Beach in varying numbers March 19th to April 22nd with 18 present on April 3rd and 14 on April 22nd. In Falmouth Bay three on March 21st and one at on the same day. In West Cornwall one off the Lizard March 25th, and in Mount's Bay seen in small numbers on many dates February 9th to April 30th. Largest numbers recorded were 11 on April 16th. In St. Ives Bay noted in small numbers from January 29th to March 25th.

11 Cornish Notes During the second winter period only a few records—Two flew into St. Ives Bay, September 6th, One on Carnsew Pool, Hayle Estuary November 26th to December 30th and one flying west past St. Ives Island, December 24th.

2 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER 376. Gavia immer. During the first winter and early spring period noted at Camel Estuary, St. Ives Bay, Carnsew Pool, Mount's Bay, Helford River, Kennack Sands and South-east Cornish coast between Hannafore and Cawsand Bay. Largest numbers seen in St. Ives Bay 11, February 26th: Mount's Bay, 16, April 16th and 16 off Looe, February 25th. Last recorded on May 15th at and May 29th in Mount's Bay. On Autumn passage one was flying south-west past October 10th, two past , on same date, one past St. Ives Island October 15th and one oast West , , October 28th. During the second winter period seen in ones and twos at Camel Estuary, St. Ives Bay, Mount's Bay, Helford River, South-east Cornish coast from Hannafore to St. John's Lake. In much fewer numbers than usually. Eight were in St. Ives Bay, October 28th, and six in Mount's Bay November 12th, but these birds did not stay.

3 WHITE-BILLED DIVER 377. Gavia adamsii. April 11th—19th, one in Mount's Bay off St. Michael's Mount J.E.B., R.G.H., M.J.J., D.F.M. and many others. This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee.

4 RED-THROATED DIVER 379. Gavia stellata. Records received of this diver in the winter months suggest that it is rather restless, some birds not staying very long in one locality. In January one was flying west past Treveal Cove near Zennor on 1st, one seen at Widemouth on 6th, one at on 11th, one flying west off on 28th and three Porthgwarra on 29th. In February two were seen off St. Ives Island on 11th, one flew into St. Ives Bay on 16th, two were off Porthminster Point, St. Ives on 21st and one off St. Ives on 23rd and Carbis Bay on 26th. Off Looe Island one on 19th. During March one off Mylor on 11th and 26th, one off St. Ives Island and Treveal Cove on 18th. One off the Lizard and three off Carbis Bay March 25th. One was seen in breeding plumage at Kennack Sands April 12th, one at April 6 and 11th, and one in Mount's Bay on April 2nd, 27th. May 24th—29th. The bird seen in May was in breeding plumage. On Autumn passage two in breeding plumage flew west past St. Ives Island, September 3rd, one in breeding plumage flew into St. Ives Bay on 6th, and birds flying west past the island were two, October 2nd and one October 28th, 29th, 31st and November 2nd. One was off Pentewan Beach, September 22nd. During the second winter period one was present at St. John's Lake from November 4th to the end of the year, one was seen in Mount's Bay on various dates from November 5th to December 3rd, two being

12 Cornish Notes seen November 25th. Single birds at Harlyn Bay, Lamb/Creek, River, Carbis Bay and Falmouth Bay November 12th and one Falmouth Bay, December 12th.

5 GREAT CRESTED GREBE 370. Podiceps cristatus. Two at Carbis Bay, January 4th; one to three on January 7th to February 25th and one in breeding dress, April 14th. One was at St. John's Lake January 12th to 14th; one flying into St. Ives Bay January 28th may have been the same bird that was seen in St. Ives Bay February 12th, 21st and 26th, March 12th and one seen off Godrevy March 27th. At the latter end of the year the only records were one at Whacker River Lynher November 14th, one at Reservoir November 30th and one flying west past St. Ives Island, December 7th. 6 RED-NECKED GREBE 371. Podiceps grisegena. One in Falmouth Bay, March 30th; one off Newquay Harbour October 28th to November 2nd and one at Treganhawke, Whitesand Bay, November 19th. The bill of the Newquay bird which was seen at very close range was completely yellow.

7 SLAVONIAN GREBE 373. Podiceps auritus. During the first winter period in very small numbers in St. Ives Bay and Mount's Bay, largest numbers seen were six in both areas on February 26th. Last seen in St. Ives Bay, March 29th and in Mount's Bay, April 2nd. At the Camel Estuary one February 25th, four on the following day and one, March 12th. In South Cornwall, one off Hemmick Beach March 19th. In South East Cornwall up to four off Looe, January 28th March 11th. In , one was found dead at St. Tudy, January 22nd In the second winter period few were recorded. One in Falmouth Bay, November 10th; two off November 12th; one in partial breeding dress off St. Ives November 16th, one off St. Ives December 13th; one on the Camel Estuary December 17th and 28th; and one at Looe, December 25th.

8 BLACK-NECKED GREBE 374. Podiceps nigricollis. One in the Camel Estuary January 17th and December 7th. In St. Ives Bay one off Carbis Bay February 18th-26th, two in the Bay March 13th, one off Carbis Bay March 26th and 27th, and one, May 13th. In the latter part of the year, one at Stithians Reservoir, September 14th, one at St. John's Lake, November 18th, and possibly the same bird December 23rd and 24th. At Porthminster Point, St. Ives Bay, one, December 3rd and one at the entrance to Padstow Harbour, December 7th.

9 LITTLE GREBE 375. Podiceps ruficollis. Successful breeding took place at Temple Tor Pond, (One pair). Stithians Reservoir, July 23rd, two broods seen at the Penmarth 'cut off', four and three young respectively. At the end of August a brood of small young was there also, and a fourth nest was still occupied in

13 Cornish Notes early September. At least two broods were present on the main water opposite in July. A pair hatched four young on a disused clay pool at Greensplatt near St. Austell. A pair hatched 4 young at Clowance Pond in July.

12 LEACH'S PETREL 351. Oceanodroma leucorrhoa. Two off Trevose Head, September 5th. Off Newquay one October 15th, two 17th, 26th and one 28th. A fair passage noted off St. Ives Island—one, August 14th, four September 3rd, one 4th and 5th, four October 3rd eight 17th, one 28th, four 29th, two 31st and one November 5th.

14 STORM PETREL 350. Hydrobates pelagicus. A good Autumn passage. Off Towan Head, Newquay one September 9th and October 4th. Off St. Ives Island, three August 12th, c. 40 14th; 96 September 3rd, 40+ 4th, 100-150 5th, seven in one hour, 6th; one October 17th, 10 28th, two 29th and 31st.

16 MANX SHEARWATER 355/6. Puffinus puffinus. Off the South-east Cornwall Coast, four flying east at Portwrinkle, June 17th. At Widemouth Bay, September 3rd and 4th. 27 (all juveniles) were stranded on beach during severe gales. All were wrapped individually in warm dry towelling and kept in warm (not hot) temperature for two days, followed by two to three days of gradual hardening off out of doors in sunshine. All recovered and were returned to the sea. Fed latterly with cod liver oil. One of the birds had been ringed at Skokholm, September 1st 1967 and two on August 29th 1967. One off St. Ives January 24th was an early date and one December 25th was a late date. Birds of the race mauretanicus were noted off St. Ives, one, January 24th and on many dates between August 25th and November 5th. Largest numbers seen on any one day were 25, September 3rd. Two off Pendeen, October 26th.

19 GREAT SHEARWATER 360. Puffinus gravis. Four off St. Ives Island, September 3rd, three other large shearwaters also seen which could not be specifically identified. R.B., E.G., R.K., S.C.M., V.R.T.

20 CORY'S SHEARWATER 362. Procellaria diomedea. September 3rd. Two off St. Ives Island. R.B., E.G., R.K., V.R.T. This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committtee—Ed.

21 SOOTY SHEARWATER 363. Puffinus diomedec. Two off Trevose Head, September 5th. Off St. Ives Island c. 50 flew west in \2\ hours, September 3rd. Six September 5th and 30th, two October 4th, one 7th and 15th. Two flying west off Pendeen October 26th.

14 Cornish Notes 26 FULMAR 368. Fulmams glacialis. Three or four pairs prospected at Downderry but left the ledges in June. In October more records than usually—one flying west past St. Ives Island on 17th, two 28th and one 31st. 27 GANNET 349. Sula bassana. Heavy movements noted off St. Ives during periods of West North West Gales. Eg. c. 6,120 were counted between 0940-1230 hours on October 26th. DALMATIAN PELICAN. Pelecanus crispus. The Dalmatian Pelican seen at Gyllingvase Beach December 11th and at Hayle Estuary December 14th—30th had escaped from Colchester Zoo. 28 CORMORANT 346. Phalacrocorax carbo. See special article on sea birds. 29 SHAG 348. Phalacrocorax aristotelis. See article on sea birds. 30 HERON 289. Ardea cinerea. Breeding noted at Halvana Forest, Bodmin Moor where there were 12 occupied nests April 25th; Pinkson's Cove, with 11 occupied nests, April 23rd. At least two nests in reed beds at Marsh, two occupied nests at Woodberry, , one occupied nest at Par Marsh, two occupied nests at Polkerris Cliff, three occupied nests at St. Winnow, five occupied nests at Trenant Wood, East Looe River, seven nests in Sheviock Wood, River Lynher, and two occupied nests at St. John's Lake. 38 BITTERN 297. Botaurus stellaris. November 26th. One at . H.A.R.

42 SPOONBILL 287. Platalea leucorodia October 21st—November 14th. An immature at Hayle Estuary. C.L.D., J.B.B. & S.B., MJJ., S.C.M., L.P.W. and many others. 45 MALLARD 317. Anas platyrhynchos At Little Hell, Par, two nested on edge of sea cliff about 25 feet above sea. Largest numbers noted were: , 20, December 2nd, Melancoose Reservoir, 95, December 3rd, Drift Reservoir 20, December 17th, Stithians Reservoir, 91, December 20th, Loe Pool c. 80 January 15th and 62 December 16th, Looe, 68 October 14th. 46 TEAL 319. Anas crecca. Last seen at Hayie Estuary March 11th and first autumn birds seen at Amble July 29th, Hayle Estuary August 3rd and Melancoose August 16th. Largest numbers noted—Dozmary Pool, eight November 18th,

15 Cornish Notes Melancoose Reservoir 17, December 17th, 36, January 8th, Hayle Estuary c. 150 January 5th and c. 177 December 29th, Drift Reservoir, Marazion Marsh c. 50. December 3rd, Loe Pool 35, January 31st and December 16th. Stithians Reservoir 107, January 3rd, Argal Reservoir, c. 90 flying over January 13th Lamb Creek, Truro River c. 250 and 150 Calenick Creek, February 12th, Par Beach at least 100 December 10th, East Looe River, 15, December 16th, River Lynher c. 100 October 21st and Millbrook Lake 89 January 21st.

47 GARGANEY 322. Anas querquedula. March 19th—23rd. A male at Walmsley Sanctuary, Amble Marshes and three birds on 29th, August 17th, three at Hayle Kymbro, August 26th, a male and female at Amble Dam. Not so many seen on Spring passage as in some years. A male and female at Ponsandane March 10th. At Marazion Marsh a male April 11th—17th, a pair April 12th, two males and a female April 28th, two males April 30th and a male May 3rd—24th. At Hayle Kymbro two males April 18th. At Walmsley Sanctuary, Amble Marshes a male March 19th—23rd and three birds on 29th. The only autumn passage birds noted were three at Hayle Kymbro August 17th and a male and female at Amble Dam, August 26th. 49 GADWALL 318. Anas strepera. Two pairs on several dates at Hayle Estuary January 1st, February 5th and a female February 26th—March 4th. Two at Loe Pool and Higher Argal Reservoir January 15th and a male at Walmsley Sanctuary, Amble Marshes March 19th. One at Trewornan Bridge, Amble Marshes September 16th, a male feeding with tame Mallard at Par Beach Pool October 29th, a pair at Hayle Estuary November 24th to end of year and two at Drift Reservoir November 12th and 26th. 50 WIGEON 323. Anas penelope. Last seen in Spring February 3rd St. John's Lake, two Hayle Estuary March 11th, six at Amble Dam May 23rd—these last, passage birds. First seen in Autumn, the Hayle Estuary, August 26th, four at Camel Estuary September 20th, one at St. John's Lake September 30th. Largest numbers seen were 400 Camel Estuary, January 9th—17th and 300 December 28th, 610 Hayle Estuary, January 16th and 700+ December 29th, 18 Drift Reservoir December 25th, 150 Loe Pool January 14th, 150 Ruan Lanihorne February 13th, 2,500 St. John's Lake January 7th and 3,500 December 24th, 1,500 River Lynher January 7th and 1,000 October 21st, 200 Tamar Estuary above Cargreen January 9th—14th. 52 PINTAIL 325. Anas acuta. During the winter months occurred in small numbers on a number of and lakes, often not staying. Double figures reached only at Camel Estuary when up to 30 during January and February, and 40 November 29th, and on River Lynher when 12 were counted January 14th, 42 February 26th and 30+ November 26th. First autumn bird was one at Dozmary Pool, September 30th.

16 Cornish Notes 53 SHOVELER 326. Spatula clypeata. During winter months in small numbers at many localities. Largest numbers were 21 at Marazion Marsh, January 14th and 18, December 3rd. Two flying west past St. Ives Island October 4th. 55 SCAUP 331. Aythya marila. The only records received were a male at Stithians Reservoir January 8th, a male at Dozmary Pool, September 30th and a female at Hayle Estuary December 16th. 56 TUFTED DUCK 330. Aythya fuligula. Birds occurring in the late Spring and early Summer were a male at Temple Tor Pool, Bodmin Moor, May 31st—June 3rd, and at Stithians Reservoir a male and three females June 9th, a male on 16th, two males on 20th and one male July 6th—10th. Largest numbers recorded were Tamar Lake 30 January 22nd, Melancoose Reservoir 14 December 3rd, Loe Pool 43 February 11th and 70 at the end of December, Stithians Reservoir c. 40 January 13th and December 30th. Swanpool Falmouth 30 November 22nd to end of year. Higher Argal Reservoir 101 January 28th. 57 POCHARD 328 Aythya ferina. An unusual sighting was a party of three flying west past St. Ives Island, November 2nd. Largest numbers noted were Tamar Lake 41 January 22nd, Dozmary Pool 30 January 3rd, Melancoose Reservoir 31 January 8th Drift Reservoir 36 January 7th, Loe Pool 80 December 30th, Stithians Reservoir 195 January 13th and 203 December 14th. 60 GOLDENEYE 332. Bucephala clangula. A rather unusual record was that of three females off the Lizard, February 10th. During the winter months occurred in small numbers at Dozmary Pool, Camel Estuary, Melancoose Reservoir, Hayle Estuary, Drift Reservoir, Marazion Marsh, Loe Pool, Stithians Reservoir, Swanpool Falmouth, East Looe River, St. John's Lake. Largest number seen on any one water, nine at Stithians Reservoir, February 6th. Last seen at Drift Reservoir, April 29th. 61 LONG-TAILED DUCK 334. Clangula hyemalis. The bird at Dozmary, December 1966 thought to be an immature male remained until May 4th by which date it had moulted into female plumage. An immature male at Swanpool, Falmouth January 1st—7th, two at Kenegie Beach January 29th, one at Padstow Harbour March 11th. In the latter part of the year two in Mount's Bay October 29th— November 26th, three November 23rd—25th. One off Loe Bar November 19th may have been the bird that joined up with the two in Mount's Bay. One off Spit, Par December 2nd, a male off St. Ives December 2nd—10th. A male off Porthscatho December 29th and an immature in Constantine Bay December 31st. 62 VELVET SCOTER 340. Melanitta fusca. Only two records for the year — two flying west at October 28th and a male off Penzance, December 10th.

17 Cornish Notes 64 COMMON SCOTER 339. Melanitta nigra. Off St. Ives Island autumn passage noted July 15th—November 5th. Numbers were generally small with maxima of 43 October 4th and 27 October 28th. Of the many records received the more interesting were a female at Marazion Marsh March 17th—18th, a flock of c. 30 in Mount's Bay off April 16th, three in Par Bay May 22nd, two on following day, 14 off Tregantle, Whitesand Bay June 10th, three on next day. In the latter part of the year two females off Treganhawke, Whitesand Bay increased to 20 females November 25th, 27 females December 10th and to 57 December 17th of which three-quarters were females. 67 EIDER 337. Somateria mollissima. Fewer recorded than in several previous years. The bird seen at Poldhawn Cove, Rame Head, December 18th, 1966 stayed until May 14th and moulted into immature drake plumage. It was also seen in Cawsand Bay once (May 26th). After this date owing to boat­ ing activity in connection with the arrival of Francis Chichester, it moved over to the South Devon Coast near Mothecombe, where it stayed for a couple of weeks. It reappeared off Tregantle on June 11th, but was not seen again. S.C.M. January 1st. One off Towan Head, Newquay: probably the same bird present January 19th, PJ.D. Off Towan Head, Newquay one January 1st and 19th, February 3rd— March 28th, St. Ives one January 3rd—7th, Widemouth, a female April 18th. At St. Ives a male November 6th and December 7th a party of four flew west out of the Bay. A male in Falmouth Harbour December 6th—11th. 69 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 343. Mergus senator. Fewer recorded than in some previous years. January 28th a 'brown head' on St. John's Lake, six off Padstow February 11th, three at Carrick Roads, Mylor March 11th and 11 March 22nd, one flew east at Hannafore, Looe March 11th, two on Camel Estuary March 12th, one April 22nd—23rd, a male at Hayle Estuary May 20th—25th. First autumn bird, one off St. Ives Island October 27th. One at Hayle Estuary October 29th increased to three by November 18th, remaining until December 13th. Two on the Camel November 18th and one 29th. An adult pair on Millbrook Lake November 19th, one Tresillian River November 26th. Except for the male at Millbrook and a male at Hayle Estuary November 18th—December 13th, all these were females or immatures.

70 GOOSANDER 342. Mergus merganser. The female at Stithians Reservoir December 1966 remained until March 28th. In addition two males, January 8th and one male April 11th. Two males and a female at Carnsew Pool, Hayle Estuary May 27th—29th was an unusually late occurrence in Cornwall. 71 SMEW 344. Mergus albellus. The only record was one at Stithians Reservoir, November 21st. 73 SHELD-DUCK 315. Tadorna tadorna. At Camel Estuary a maximum of 87 young birds in four groups of 45, 22, 10 and 10, July 23rd. On August 20th 29 young in the care of one

18 Cornish Notes adult. On Tresillian River eight half-grown young in care of one adult July 28th and nine immatures seen August 23rd. 12 juveniles at Ruan Lanihorne August 15th, three pairs with 25 juveniles at St. Winnow July 2nd and at least five pairs bred on the River Lynher. The first return of nine post-moult birds noted at Camel Estuary November 15th increasing to 60 November 29th. Largest numbers noted were Camel Estuary 180 January 15th, Hayle Estuary (including Copperhouse Creek) 30 February 1st, Devoran 50 April 2nd, Tresillian River 217 February 12th, Ruan Lanihorne 154 December 29th, St. John's Lake 200 January 14th, River Lynher 330 January 14th, Tamar Estuary near Cargreen c. 200 feeding in ploughed field in January. 76 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE 304. Anser albifrons. Two, January 2nd. At Walmsley Sanctuary, 29, January 7th c. 45 of the European race, January 17th increasing to 60 + January 26th. On January 9th three melanistic birds present and two 26th and 31st — bodies all dark except for tip of tail and indistinct and limited dirty white patch above bill. Underwings dark. General colouration, very dark brown, looking black in poor light: size and shape of White-fronts. Bill and legs as in European race. One Melanistic bird, February 9th. None seen at Slimbridge at this time. One melanistic bird was reported in Kent in 1966 and one in Belgium, 1965. Only three juveniles seen. Last seen, 37, March 2nd. In second winter period, none on December 9th, 35 on December 13th, 42 on 26th, 39 on December 28th. Only two or three juveniles present. The only other record of 'Grey' Geese was of a party of 12 flying south at , December 2nd which were thought to be White-fronts. 80 BRENT GOOSE 312. Branta bernicla. The only records were January 16th. Five (dark breasted race) at Hayle Estuary, and one (dark breasted race) at same locality November 21st—28th. 84 MUTE SWAN 302. Cygnus olor. Breeding recorded at Temple Tor Pond, Bodmin Moor, two young raised. Still present September 26th but all had left by October 24th — probably it was this family which was at Dozmary Pool (rarely visited by Mute Swans) November 5th. At Trenance Lake Newquay three young reared, at Stithians Reservoir a nest was built, but the birds deserted it, at Porth Navas Creek three hatched but only one survived, three were reared at Maenporth Marsh, four hatched at Swanpool Falmouth, but only two survived to end of year, at Boscawen Park, Truro three hatched, two sur­ vived, at East Looe River two pairs bred, but only one nest was successful, at Millbrook Lake three were reared, at St. John's Lake a pair reared six young, on the River Lynher a pair bred, but deserted as in former years and on the Tamar at Haye Creek spring tides washed away the nest con­ taining three eggs. Largest numbers noted were Camel Estuary, 18, September 30th; Par Beach, 41, March 18th; East Looe River, 30, November 11th; St. John's Lake, 59, November 11th. 85 WHOOPER SWAN 300. Cygnus cygnus. The adult at Retallick pool, Winnard's Perch in November—December 1966 was still present January 8th. An adult at Stithians Reservoir February 14th, one on between Calstock and Cargreen October 28th—

19 Cornish Notes November 6th and December 2nd. Two adults with Bewick's Swans, , December 28th. 86 BEWICK'S SWAN 301. Cygnus bewickii. January 1st at Temple Tor Pool, 19 (10 ad., 9 imm.). This figure must include the 12 that had been at Dozmary in December 1966 (none at Dozmary on January 1st). On the 7th there were seven (three adult and four immature) at Temple Tor Pool, and the party of 12 were back on Dozmary Pool, but on being disturbed by shooters the Dozmary party flew northwards and were not seen again. January 17th—20th, three (two adults and one immature at Drift Reservoir. November 18th. Five adults at Dozmary Pool, two 21st, three 26th which stayed until at least December 2nd. December 28th, three adults and one juvenile with two Whooper Swans, Goss Moor. 91 BUZZARD 269. Buteo buteo. In South East Cornwall in good numbers during the breeding season. In mid-Cornwall numbers maintained, and breeding noted at usual localities. In West Cornwall less numerous than in pre-Myxyamatosis and pre-toxic chemical days. 92 ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD 268. Buteo lagopus. One near Tamar Lake, November 22nd, D.F.M. Full details received. 93 SPARROWHAWK 277. Accipiter nisus. Reported from many localities throughout the year, but few breeding records received, although seen in several localities during breeding season. Three nests located in West Cornwall. Three young flew from one nest, and four from the other two. A pair again nested successfully near Ulogan August 10th. An adult with two young at Melancoose Reservoir. 94 GOSHAWK 275. Accipiter gentilis. Single birds at Porthgwarra September 10th—11th, E. and K. A., B.K., October 22nd, N.R.P., and at Ashill near November 19th, A.G.P. 100 HEN HARRIER 272. Circus cyareus. More frequently recorded than usually. Single birds noted at Goss Moor November 14th, 1966—March 14th, 1967, R.K. Tamar Lake January 22nd, E.G., Harrowbridge, Valley, February 12th, S.C.M., Bosullow Common February 27th, A.B.G., Drift Reservoir March 16th, A.B.G., March 18th, A.B.G., two April 11th, R.K. Single birds noted at Bolventor October 18th, R.K., November 10th, R.K. Grey Mares near November 23rd, D.F.M. Goss Moor November 27th R.K. and Zennor December 19th, D.F.M. 102 MONTAGU'S HARRIER 272. Circus pygargus. Passage birds noted, single birds April 14th Gwennap Head, April 25th Goonhilly, May 10th two Gwennap Head and a melanistic male May 15th Porthgwarra. Successful breeding occurred, 18 young flew. On Spring passage one at Gwennap Head April 14th and a male and female May 10th and a melanistic male May 15th. No records of autumn passage received.

20 Cornish Notes 103 OSPREY 284. Pandion haliaetus. An adult stayed in the Camel Estuary area July 29th—September 10th. One fished its way up the Tamar August 24th and one was seen near Stithians September 7th.

104 HOBBY 261. Falco subbuteo. Single birds were seen at Gwennap Head May 10th and September 4th, Goonhilly May 11th, near St. Buryan May 14th and near Washaway Bodmin July 3rd.

105 PEREGRINE 259. Falco peregrinus. Several sightings, the majority in the autumn and second winter period. Unfortunately no records of successful breeding in the county: at one site a pair attempted to breed, but deserted because of disturbance caused by low-flying helicopters. Single birds recorded February 6th Mullion, February 11th Amble Marshes, 12th Carbis Bay, March 5th Ruan Lanihorne, 10th Trevanion, March 21st Pendower Beach, and probably the same bird at Carne Beach April 3rd, April 7th Porthgwarra. July 16th Trebarwith, September 9th/10th Porthgwarra, September 16th St. Neot, October 6th Hayle Estuary, 12th Camel Estuary, 15th Porthmeor near Porthcothan, 17th Ruan Lanihorne, 22nd Porthgwarra, 30th Hayle Estuary, December 6th Amble Marshes, 19th Camborne North Cliffs, 24th St. Ives Island, 29th Hayle Estuary.

107 MERLIN 262. Falco columbarius. Many records received, more in second half of the year than the first. Single birds recorded. January 6th near Camelford, 8th St. Eval, Beacon Cove and Amble Marshes, 24th Trerule Foot , February 12th Carbis Bay, 19th Temple Tor, March 5th St. Eval, April 18th Marazion Marsh, 30th Tolwidden near Camborne, May 8th Wanson Mouth, June 3rd Lands End. July 26th Camel Estuary near Padstow, August 26th Porthgwarra, 29th Moor, wSt. Breward Parish, October 3rd Lanhydrock and Trebelzue airfield, 8th Zelah, 20th and 22nd Porthgwarra, 26th Nancledra, 29th Sancreed, November 8th Park Head, 12th two at Porthgwarra, 15th Stithians Reservoir and Dobwalls, 17th Porthgwarra, 21st Godrevy, 22nd Morwenstow, 24th Hayle Estuary, 26th Tregantle, December 2nd Cargreen, 19th Chybucca Cross near Black water, 31st Amble.

110 KESTREL 263. Falco tinnunculus. Widespread, throughout the County.

117 QUAIL 520. Coturnix coturnix. The only record was of one calling at Treveneage, St. Hilary, July 11th and 26th.

120 WATER RAIL 509. Rallus aquaticus. Last noted in Spring, April 14th Swanpool Falmouth, 15th Porthcothan and 16th at Porthgwarra and Marazion Marsh. One in 'song' June 17th at Red Moor. First autumn birds noted August 5th Holywell, September 8th Marazion Marsh.

21 Cornish Notes 125 CORNCRAKE 504. Crex crex. An unusual record was one found injured near January 12th. One was heard calling, May 15th, only, at Wheal Butson. At Neeham, Newlyn East one calling at the end of May: it disappeared in early June when hay was cut. A nest with four young near Bodmin June 13th was destroyed during harvesting. One young killed outright, one had feet cut off, two escaped with the mother. One heard calling July 16th in a field by the River Camel, near Padstow. A late bird at Nanstallon, November 23rd.

126 MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus. Very scarce as a breeding species in south-east Cornwall, probably because of lack of still standing water. Largest numbers recorded were, 138 Marazion Marsh, January 6th, 70 Newlyn East October 15th, 80 Caerhayes Castle, December 2nd. 127 COOT 511. Fulica atra. Bred successfully at Marazion Marsh, Crowan Reservoirs (four young raised), Clowance Pond (five young hatched) and Stithians Reservoir. Largest numbers noted were Melancoose Reservoir 30 January 8th, Drift Reservoir 300 December 25th, Loe Pool 80 January 14th, 140 December 16th, Stithians Reservoir c. 368 February 6th and c. 235 during latter half of December, Argal Reservoirs c. 55 on upper reservoir and at least 202 on lower, December 3rd.

131 OYSTERCATCHER 452. Haematopus ostralegus. Inland records received—three flying south over Lanhydrock, August 19th and one at Mitchell, October 8th. At St. Mawgan Airfield during autumn—winter a larger flock than usually. 77 counted December 1st.

133 LAPWING 449. Vanellus vanellus. Early flocking noted on Bodmin Moor, 100 June 12th increasing to 400 by July 2nd, at Antron Hill near c. 100 June 27th. First noted at Stithians Reservoir June 9th, 14 birds which increased to c. 25 on 12th, 42 July 10th, c. 150 21st, and c. 175 27th. Largest numbers noted at Dozmary Pool, c. 1,000 December 21st, Camel Estuary 4,000, December 19th, Ruan Lanihorne 1,500 + October 24th.

134 RINGED PLOVER 435. Charadrius hiaticula. Largest numbers noted were Camel Estuary c. 100 August 27th, Hayle Estuary 120 August 17th, St. John's Lake c. 100 September 23rd. A few recorded at inland localities on passage. One or two, Melancoose Reservoir August 10th—26th, one Stithians Reservoir August 24th, nine St. Mawgan airfield September 6th.

139 GREY PLOVER 444. Pluvialis squatarola. Largest numbers noted were Camel Estuary 100 January 26th, Hayle Estuary 35 December 31st, St. John's Lake 100 November 18th. Inland two at St. Just airfield April 13th. One at Stithians Reservoir September 18th.

22 Cornish Notes 140 GOLDEN PLOVER 440/1. Pluvialis apricaria. Last seen on Spring passage, seven at Trenowin Downs, April 7th, and c. 250 near St. Erme April 23rd. First autumn arrivals, one near St. Neot July 28th, 30 Camel Estuary August 20th. Largest numbers seen were Walmsley Sanctuary, Amble Marshes, 5,000 February 4th and 3,000 November 19th, River Tamar 2,500 October 21st. A flock of 500 at Dinham, Camel Estuary showed characteristics of the Northern race. 143 TURNSTONE 402. Arenaria inter pres. At least 20 summered on St. John's Lake, and others seen in small numbers in various places on the coast of south east Cornwall during June. A flock of about 40 summered in Mount's Bay in the Marazion area. Largest numbers noted were St. John's Lake 500 September 23rd, Hannafore Looe, 200 September 29th. One eating saffron cake in St. Ives Harbour, January 7th. Inland, four were at Stithians Reservoir, September 2nd. Birds leave the Falmouth beaches at dusk to roost on boats moored in the creeks. LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. Limnodromus scolopaceus. The bird which was first seen at Hayle Estuary on October 30th, 1966 remained until April 19th when it was in almost full breeding dress. J.B. and S.B., E.G., S.C.M. and many others. For a discussion on the problems of Dowitcher identification members are referred to D. I. M. Wallace's article "Dowitcher identification" in "British Birds" Volume 61 pp. 366-372. The Hayle bird was finally identified by Dr. J. R. Jehl Jr. of the Natural History Museum, San Diego, California. Space forbids a full account of the Hayle Dowitcher Saga. The only com­ ment the editor would make is that he devoutly hopes that no more Dowitchers visit the County as long as he is in office, or if they do, that they pass through the County unseen and unheard. 145 COMMON SNIPE 395. Gallinago gallinago. Some large numbers observed—100 + Marazion Marsh December 24th, and similar numbers at Chapel Amble and Mawgan Porth in the last week of December. 147 JACK SNIPE 398. Lymnocryptes minimus. This species is probably commoner in the County than records would suggest. At Clifton, River Tamar, two, January 7th, one February 19th and November 26th. At Hayle one January 15th, Marazion Marsh two February 24th, September 19th, one October 29th and December 19th, two December 26th. Ruan Lanihorne one March 3rd, Stithians one March 25th and December 8th. At Drift Reservoir one October 2nd, one at Kynance October 21st, four, Chapel Amble December 24th and one or two Mawgan Porth December 29th—31st. 151 WHIMBREL 389. Numenius phaeopus. One at Hayle Estuary, February 17th. The first Spring arrivals noted at Rame Head, April 15th. Last autumn birds were two at Marazion Marsh, October 11th.

23 Cornish Notes 154 BLACK-TAILED GOD WIT 387. Limosa limosa. Occurred in many estuarine localities outside the breeding season. Recorded inland away from estuaries at St. Mawgan airfield August 21st when 13 birds increasing to 19 September 3rd, leaving a week later. One present October 3rd. At Trebelzue airfield, eight September 5th, 17 on 17th and one on 19th. One with a flock of Curlews at , April 21st. At Stithians Reservoir two March 19th-23rd, one August 16th, two August 29th, one September 8th, two October 12th. Largest numbers noted, St. John's and Millbrqok Lakes, 200 December 24th, River Lynher 300 September 30th, Ruan Eanihorne 100 + August 19th and September 4th, Calenick Creek c. 105 February 12th, Tresillian River 203 December 3rd. 155 BAR-TAILED GODWIT 386. Limosa lapponica. Largest winter numbers recorded—Camel Estuary, 80 at Dinham January 26th and February 9th, Hayle Estuary 60 January 15th. Last seen on Camel in spring, 20 April 20th and first autumn arrival, one August 18th. At Hayle Estuary the first autumn arrival, one July 18th. The only inland records received (away from estuaries and creeks), one at Stithians Reservoir, August 31st, 14 St. Mawgan airfield with 46 Oystercatchers, September 17th, and at Trebelzue airfield three September 19th, one 23rd. 156 GREEN SANDPIPER 424. Tringa ochropus. A few winter and spring records. One to three at Ruan Lanihorne January 9th—March 18th, January 14th/15th one on Tamar near Cargreen, February 26th three Sladesbridge, April 29th four Drift Reservoir, April 30th one St. Erth, December 3rd one, Melancoose Reservoir, December 27th one, Dinham, Camel Estuary, December 29th, two Devoran Creek. A good autumn passage. The first was one at Stithians Reservoir June 30th. On some evenings in August up to 20 here. 157 WOOD SANDPIPER 423. Tringa glareola. No spring records. A fair autumn passage. At Dozmary Pool one August 27th, Camel Estuary one on four dates August 13th—September 1st, Crowan Reservoirs one to four on many dates, August 8th to end of month, and in September one on many dates to the 28th. Hayle Estuary two August 15th, Marazion Marsh one September 9th—11th, Stithians Reservoir one August 17th, 26th, September 14th, four 17th, one 18th. Ruan Lanihorne, a late bird November 12th. 159 COMMON SANDPIPER 421. Tringa hypoleucos. Winter records received—January 3rd and 22nd one Stithians Reservoir, January 5th one Halton Quay, January 15th, February 5th and 13th one Tresillian River, February 23rd one, Sladesbridge. November 16th to end of year, one Tresillian River, December 3rd one Truro River near Calenick Creek, 9th one , 12th one Cotehele, 13th one Devoran. 161 REDSHANK 428. Tringa totanus. Last seen at Hayle Estuary, May 16th, two. First return passage birds at Hayle, five June 21st. At St. John's Lake, 80 and River Lynher, 41, June 19th. Cornish Notes Largest numbers recorded, Camel Estuary 100 February 9th, July 18th, 200 July 19th, August 18th. Ruan Lanihorne 500 September 2nd; a wintering population of 300. Looe, 50 November 11th, St. John's Lake 700 July 13th, River Lynher 300 January 7th, 700 August 12th. Occurred inland at Stithians Reservoir, one August 30th and September 14th, Crowan Reservoirs, one September 7th.

162 SPOTTED REDSHANK 431. Tringa erythropus. An exceptionally good year. At the Camel Estuary (including Walmsley Sanctuary) single birds March 19th, April 9th and 23rd. Autumn passage July 6th, one, to October 1st two, with maximum of seven August 30th. Melancoose Reservoir, three August 24th/25th. Hayle Estuary, one March 18th, one April 15th, one July 22nd, two September 10th, one November 10th. Marazion Marsh, one March 18th, one April 24th—May 1st, one August 10th. Ponsandane, one March 22nd. Truro River, one Lamb Creek December 17th. Devoran Creek, two February 17th. Tresillian River one March 5th, one October to the end of the year and a party of four December 2nd. Stithians Reservoir, one June 27th and one many dates August 10th—October 20th with two, September 22nd. Ruan Lanihorne—Ardevora Veor one March 8th, July 19th, two August 19th, six September 2nd, one September 10th, 11th, 23rd, December 14th.

165 GREENSHANK 432. Tringa nebularia. Several winter records. At Camel Estuary up to five birds January— March 12th. Four to eight September 16th to end of year. Two Hayle Estuary February 2nd, one Devoran Creek February 17th. One East Looe River January—March, November—December. One St. John's Lake January—February, 11 St. John's Lake and Millbrook Lake November— December. At Tresillian River two January 3rd, one January 14th/15th. One River Lynher January, February, November, December. At Cargreen 12 January 12th. Spring records, Tresillian River, two March 2nd and 5th, four March 20th, two March 22nd and one last seen April 16th. Devoran Creek, one April 10th, Marazion Marsh, one May 1st. Hayle Estuary, one May 8th. A good autumn passage at the usual estuaries and inland waters. First arrivals were four at Camel Estuary July 18th and one at Stithians Reservoir and Hayle Estuary July 21st. Largest number noted, 16 on Camel Estuary August 27th. A late passage bird at Porthmear near Porthcothan, November 12th.

169 KNOT 403. Calidris canutus. At St. John's Lake the highest numbers recorded were 700 in January. Numbers on the Camel very much smaller than in 1966 with maxima of 60 February 23rd, and 20 December 28th. Numbers here rarely reached double figures. Last seen on spring passage, 40 St. John's Lake May 8th. 30 at Hayle Estuary and 70 at Porthkidney Beach August 8th were large numbers for this area. At St. John's Lake, autumn arrivals were late, one September 6th which was alone until at least October 21st. Over 60 October 23rd, increasing to 600 by December 8th.

25 Cornish Notes 15 on December 23rd, increasing to 18 on 31st on Tresillian River were unusual sightings. The only inland record was of four at Stithians Reservoir, September 6th.

170 PURPLE SANDPIPER 415. Calidris maritima. At Penzance Swimming Pool, a favourite resting place at high tide, 49 + January 8th. Last noted on Spring passage, May 8th, one Hor Point near St. Ives, May 14th, two, Penzance. First noted in autumn, one St. Ives Island August 12th, four Penzance October 21st, one Towan Head, Newquay, October 22nd. During a Force 8 WNW wind November 2nd several parties of two to six birds flying west past St. Ives Island.

171 LITTLE STINT 407. Calidris minuta. No winter or spring records, although occurred quite late into the autumn. The first autumn birds at the Camel Estuary were three August 27th, and two or three until September 17th. At Hayle Estuary (including Copperhouse Creek) in small numbers September 2nd to October 1st with largest number of 12, September 18th, and single birds October 24th and November 21st. At Marazion Marsh in small numbers with a maximum of 10 September 18th, August 23rd, three to October 1st two, with late single birds October 26th, November 18th and 30th. Ruan Lanihorne, one October 17th. Millbrook Lake, two September 17th. St. German's River, one September 18th. The only inland record away from estuaries and creeks was of two, Stithians Reservoir, September 22nd.

176 PECTORAL SANDPIPER 411. Calidris melanotos. One at Ruan Lanihorne August 15th, D.F.M. One at Devoran September 7th, R.K., one at Hayle Estuary September 17th, MJJ., one at Marazion Marsh September 18th, R.K., two September 20th and one to two until 26th. J.B. and S.B., R.G.H., B.K., N.J.P., L.P.W. One October 11th, J.B. and S.B. October 17th one at Ruan Lanihorne, D.F.M.

178 DUNLIN 404/5. Calidris alpina. No breeding records. One was at an old breeding area, Dozmary Pool April 25th, three May 9th, when two were vigorously chasing the third bird, two May 18th but not seen thereafter. At St. John's Lake last seen June 15th, 20 birds, and first autumn arrivals were 60, July 23rd. 100 were on the Camel the same day. Largest numbers recorded were Camel Estuary 2,000 February 9th, Hayle Estuary 600 February 16th, c. 1,400 September 16th, Truro River 1,000 + above Malpas January 18th, Ruan Lanihorne 1,000 January 20th, Par Harbour 250 December 2nd, St. John's Lake 2,300 February 25th, 3,000 December 8th, Tamar Estuary Cargreen 300 January 14th. Inland on passage, eight over St. Mawgan airfield July 22nd, one to two Melancoose Reservoir August 10th—16th, two Stithians Reservoir August 10th.

26 Cornish Notes 179 CURLEW-SANDPIPER 406. Calidris ferruginea. Autumn passage noted July 19th one Ruan Lanihorne; August 5th— October 1st, one to three birds on many dates, Camel Estuary; September 2nd, one Tresillian River; September 9th and 26th, two on 25th, Marazion Marsh; September 11th—October 28th in small numbers at Hayle Estuary, except September 17th and 23rd when 20 were present. 184 RUFF 417. Philomachus pugnax. Many records received: recorded every month of the year except May, June and July. Peak numbers were 10 at Hayle Estuary February 4th and 20 at Walmsley Sanctuary March 19th. Last seen in spring, two Marazion Marsh April 16th. Autumn passage first arrivals were one Stithians Reservoir August 2nd, Camel Estuary and Crowan Reservoir two, August 8th. The only December record was one at Hayle Estuary on 30th.

185 AVOCET 451. Recurvirostra avosetta. In the Cargreen—Clifton area, Tamar Estuary the wintering population reached a peak of 52 February 22nd. Last recorded March 5th 13. First autumn arrivals were three October 4th increasing to 46 by December 23rd. (The above figures supplied by our members. The Devon Bird Report figures are slightly different—over 50 January 22nd, one May 7th, two November 4th 48 December 29th—Ed). WILSON'S PHALAROPE. Phalaropus tricolor. September 7th—12th. One at Marazion Marsh. E. & K.A., J.B. & S.B., J.E.B., R.G.H., M.J.J., N.J.P., K.P. On the 10th it was at Hayle Estuary for a short time before returning to Marazion Marsh. E. & K.A. This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee. 187 GREY PHALAROPE 400. Phalaropus fulicarius. In the first winter period, one at St. Ives January 24th the only record. Autumn passage off St. Ives first noted September 3rd, five and noted passing the island on many dates during periods of westerly and north-westerly winds up to November 5th with peak numbers of 20 + October 17th, 30+ 28th, 45+ 29th, 30+ 31st and 200+ November 1st. Other sightings were September 2nd a phalarope sp. at Holywell, October 18th one Pool a different bird Marazion Marsh October 19th, one on the Marsh and two on sea adjoining on 20th, two off Towan Head Newquay October 17th, two off Pendeen October 26th, two off Newquay Harbour October 28th, November 1st one at Par Beach, November 3rd a phalarope sp. at St. John's Lake. November 5th one off Newquay and a dead bird at Treswithian, Camborne. December 23rd one killed by a car at Kestle Mill, 24th one definite and one probable off Towan Head, Newquay, December 25th one at Looe and December 29th one at King Harry Ferry, and one off Padstow. 193 ARCTIC SKUA 493. Stercorarius parasiticus. The only Spring records were May 4th three off Penzance and May 6th one off Porthgwarra. A small autumn passage off Newquay August 28th—October 28th. An ature remained at Newquay October 1st—15th spending a lot of at the Towan Head sewer outfall.

27 Cornish Notes Off St. Ives Island passage noted August 1st—November 28th. Peak numbers were 25 in two hours fifty minutes October 26th. Other sightings were September 2nd two off Holywell, 5th one off Trevose, 18th one off The Carricks, Treveal, October 7th one off Penzance Harbour, 26th six off Pendeen, November 5th one at Carbis Bay. 194 GREAT SKUA 491. Stercorarius skua. In the first winter period the only records were two flying west past St. Ives Island January 24th, one flying west at Porthgwarra January 28th and one flying west at St. Ives February 21st. A very good autumn passage at St. Ives beginning with one, August 19th. Not recorded again until September 3rd when eight were seen flying west. After that~many sightings—September 4th four, 5th 20, 6th three, 12th two, 28th two, October 4th 121 between 0840 hrs. and dusk, 15th one, 17th five. 26th four, 28th 14, 29th three. November 2nd one, December 23rd two, 24th six, 25th and 26th one. Other records, one off Trevose September 5th, one off Godrevy and October 14th, three off Pendeen October 26th. one flying south-west at Newquay December 24th. 195 POMARINE SKUA 492. Stercorarius pomarinus. More recorded than usually. Off St. Ives Island a west passage August 14th—November 2nd. Details—August 14th one, 19th one, September 2nd and 4th one. September 30th four, October 2nd and 3rd one, 4th two, 17th three, 26th and 27th two, 28th nine, 29th four, 31st one, November 2nd one. The majority of these birds, all flying west, were dark phase. Other sightings—September 11th one at Porthkidney Beach. October 26th one dark phase flying south-west off Sennen and 12 adults (seven light phase) flying south-west off Pendeen in three hours, October 29th one flying south-west off Pendeen, November 15th one at Hayle Estuary attempting to kill a wounded Teal. 196 LONG-TAILED SKUA. Stercorarius longicaudatus. Two off St. Ives Island October 3rd N.R.P. and one flying leisurely south-east at Hayle Estuary October 17th. J.B. & S.B. 199 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL 484/5. Larus fuscus. A few winter records of the British race. At Hayle Estuary two January 1st, four January 15, 12, December 3rd and one Carnsew Pool on 30th. One at January 7th and one at Loe Pool January 15th. One on East Looe River November and December. First Spring arrivals 12 at Hannafore Looe and six River Lynher January 28th, 20 Hayle Estuary January 29th. Good numbers at Hayle Estuary on spring passage, e.g. 67 February 16th, 120 24th, 100 26th, 200 March 6th. 110 at Sennen Cove February 24th. A few records of the Scandinavian race—two Hayle Estuary March 6th, two East Looe River August 26th, one flying south-west off Towan Head, Newquay September 6th and two October 14th. Two Hayle Estuary December 24th 203 ICELAND GULL 488. Larus glaucoides. May 13th. One at Freathy, Whitesand Bay, flying along shore towards the east. S.C.M. Details submitted—Ed. 28 Cornish Notes 202 GLAUCOUS GULL 487. Larus hyperboreus. An immature at Newlyn February 15th R.K., a second winter bird Hayle Estuary February 25th/26th E.G., M.J.J., L.P.W., one in almost fully adult plumage Marazion Beach May 7th A.G.P., an adult Porth­ gwarra September 21st, B.K., a first winter bird St. Ives Bay November 26th N..R.P.

205 MEDITERRANEAN GULL 479. Larus melanocephalus. An adult spent the first winter period in St. Ives Bay, and was last seen (in breeding plumage) March 19th at Hayle Estuary. R.B., G.E.M., A.G.P., N.J.P., L.P.W. From August 10th until November 18th an adult present in the St. Ives Bay and Hayle Estuary area. S.C.M., A.G.P., L.P.W. and others. On December 28th one at St. Ives Bay in adult winter plumage except for a very small amount of black on wing tips. N.J.P.

206 BONAPARTE'S GULL 476. Larus Philadelphia. October 23-25th. An adult in partial breeding plumage off Lariggan and Newlyn. R.K. This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee. Previous records of this American species in Cornwall were one shot in Falmouth Harbour January 4th 1865, one shot at Penryn January 10th 1865, one "obtained" near Newlyn, October 1890 and one seen on Marazion Beach February 3rd 1901.

207 LITTLE GULL 477. Larus minutus. Several records received. An adult off St. Ives January 1st—April 16th, two adults February 12th and 16th. An immature February 14th and four seen off the Island March 11th. One, probably one of the foregoing birds at Carbis Bay March 26th and two April 9th. Probably one of these birds at Hayle Estuary March 24th, April 12th and 25th. On autumn passage birds flying west past St. Ives Island—one adult September 3rd, two immatures October 17th, three 28th, eight 29th, eight 31st, one November 2nd, one 5th and two 28th—all immatures. Other autumn/winter occurrences were an immature off Towan Head, Newquay September 12th, a first year bird at Hannafore, Looe September 23rd, an immature at Marazion Marsh November 8th, two flying south west off Towan Head, Newquay December 24th, and an adult off St. Ives Island December 28th and 31st.

208 BLACK-HEADED GULL 478. Larus ridibundus. During winter months up to 10,000 stream up and down the Tamar daily. A pair bred at Stithians Reservoir. Adult first seen sitting on nest June 16th and a single chick in down was seen July 9th. It fledged successfully. First arrivals of juveniles noted July 6th, one at Stithians Reservoir and at Crowan Reservoir, July 8th one at East Looe River, July 9th two at Porthkidney Beach. First return of autumn adults noted at Falmouth June 23rd.

29 Cornish Notes 209 SABINE'S GULL 474. Xema sabini. A good autumn passage at St. Ives, more noted than in most years, probably because of the prevalence of west and north-west winds during the fall of 1967. Off St. Ives Island an adult in breeding plumage August 14th R.K., NJ.P. On September 4th one, 5th an adult feeding off the sewer outfall R.K., L.P.W., and two flying west R.K., NJ.P., B.P. September 6th eight flew west between 10.00—13.00 hours. An adult in winter plumage September 30th J.E.B., R.B., L.P.W., an adult and three juveniles October 4th N.R.P., and on 17th one immature and one adult J.E.B., MJJ. Three immatures October 28th S.C.M., B.P., L.P.W., two October 31st, R.K., N.J.P. Also on the 31st four immatures on Porthkidney Beach R.K. December 25th, one off Porthgwidden Beach, and one off the Island, Deecember 31st. MJJ. Elsewhere in the county a first winter bird flying south west off Sennen October 26th D.F.M., and an immature flying west off Godrevy Head November 5th. L.P.W. 211 KITTIWAKE 489. Rissa tridactyla. Heavy passages recorded off St. Ives Island during periods of strong west and north-west winds. Typical of such passages were c. 1500 in one hour fifteen minutes January 24th c. 9,000 in five hours October 28th, c. 4,000 in five hours October 29th and c. 3,430 in two hours fifteen minutes October 31st. Off Newquay a south-west movement of c. 600 birds an hour, December 24th. 212 BLACK TERN 462. Chlidonias niger. Only one spring record—April 12th two in breeding dress came in from the sea and flew over Marazion Marsh in the direction of Penzance. A very good autumn passage noted between August 8th and November 12th. Passage began with 13 at Hayle Estuary and 18 Porthkidney Beach, August 8th, most of the birds in summer plumage. At St. John's Lake an adult in winter plumage August 11th. At the Camel Estuary one bird noted many dates August 13th to October 2nd. In Newquay Bay a flock of 25 were blown close inshore moving south-west October 4th. In St. Ives Bay and Hayle Estuary noted on several dates August 17th to November 12th when one was last seen at Carbis Bay. Off St. Ives Island three flying west September 3rd, 100+ flying west September 30th and one October 3rd and 28th. At Porthgwarra, one September 11th, at Newlyn one October 26th, at Marazion Marsh five September 12th and one October 30th. At Crowan Reservoirs one August 29th and September 2nd, three September 10th—13th, one on 14th. At Stithians Reservoir single birds on several dates August 26th—October 6th, three September 15th, two 17th. At Par Beach Pool one still in almost full breeding plumage September 13th—15th.

217 COMMON TERN 469. Sterna hirundo. First spring arrivals, eight at Loe Bar April 6th. A good autumn passage. Maximum numbers at Porthkidney Beach c. 110 August 8th when there were also 106 at Hayle Estuary, and 100 + August 26th. Off St. Ives Island peak numbers of "Commic" Terns flying west were 170+ September 1st, 600+ in 12 hours 30 minutes September

30 Cornish Notes 3rd , c. 450 (200 of these seen in 2 hours 15 minutes). October 4th, 240 in 3 hours 15 minutes October 17th. At Rame Barton Farm, south-east Cornwall, September 24th an immature dipping in wet grass as does a Black Tern over water: a misty and dull day. Inland, two at Stithians Reservoir September 6th, one 7th and 12th, two 14th, one October 13th. Last recorded St. John's Lake October 21st, Swanpool, Falmouth October 28th, Carbis Bay and St. Ives November 12th.

218 ARCTIC TERN 470. Sterna macrura. May 6th. One at Porthkidney Beach was the only Spring record. August 16th, two at Porthkidney Beach: one, August 20th. September 2nd. One at St. Ives Island, and four, September 4th. Larger numbers than usually recorded in S.E. Cornwall. September 4th. One in breeding dress off Rame Head. September 5th. At Penlee Point, Cawsand, during a S.W. gale; a large flock of terns came in from the sea and sheltered on the leeward side of the point at least sixty of which only four were definite Common, another ten or so immature 'Commics' and the rest (c. 45) were adult Arctic in breeding dress with long streamers, dark grey underparts and contrasting white cheeks. After this date a remarkable number of Arctics in south­ east Cornwall, this would appear to have been some sort of 'wreck' as no more than the odd two or three Arctics are seen in most years. September 8th—on St. John's Lake, one adult; 10th—on St. John's Lake, one adult and one immature perched, off Cremyll, two adults; 13th— at , one adult flying low up Fore Street, and another off the Ferry; 21st—on St. John's Lake, three adults; 23rd—at Hannafore, Looe, two adults on beach, on East Looe River, one adult; 29th—in Looe Harbour, one adult; 30th—on River Lynher, one immature on mud with Commons; October 15-18th—on St. John's Lake, one adult; 21st—on St. John's Lake, two adults, 21st at Hannafore, Looe, one adult. Elsewhere in the county, an immature Stithians Reservoir September 6th and on same date one in breeding dress, Tresemple Pool, Tresillian River. Three in St. Ives Harbour October 17th, the day of a large passage of "Commics" off St. Ives Island. One at the Helford River October 23rd and one off Newquay Harbour October 28th.

219 ROSEATE TERN 468. Sterna dougallii. On spring passage two at Porthkidney Beach April 30th—May 7th, one St. Ives Island May 3rd, two May 14th. On autumn passage occurred in small numbers at St. John's Lake, July 16th—September 6th with a maximum of eight. August 27th. At Porthkidney Beach one July 25th and in small numbers during August. One adult and immature at Hayle Estuary October 1st. September 3rd at least 34 flew out of St. Ives Bay close to the Island flying west. Of these about 30 were seen between 0700 and 0900 hours and only the odd bird after as the "Commie" Terns increased. September 9th two at Treganhawke, Whitesand Bay, and an adult at Hannafore, Looe October 21st.

31 Cornish Notes 222 LITTLE TERN 471. Sterna albifrons. On spring passage occurred c. six at Crinnis Beach, April 21st, one Eastern Green Beach, April 26th, two Marazion Beach, April 27th and 30th, one Hayle Estuary, April 27th, at Porthkidney Beach one, May 6th, three 7th and one 20th. Autumn passage noted July 13th to October 19th. At Camel Estuary six July 29th, three September 16th, one 20th, one 30th, two October 19. At Melancoose Reservoir an immature August 14th, off Towan Head, Newquay one September 18th and two immatures October 11th. Off St. Ives Island one August 12 and September 4th, at Porthkidney Beach in small numbers on several dates July 13th to August 21st, with largest number of seven on this latter date. August 31st one at Hayle Estuary, three at Fowey August 13th and two off Torpoint Ferry October 16th.

223 SANDWICH TERN 467. Sterna sandvicensis. First spring passage birds were March 18th one at St. Ives, 20th one at Falmouth, 24th one at Polhawn Cove, 27th one at Pentewan and Hayle Estuary, March 28th three at Par. Last autumn birds were October 17th, seven off St. Ives Island and one at Portreath October 28th.

224/227 AUKS 495/9. Alca torda. Uria aalge. The usual impressive westerly movements, heavier, in autumn of "Razormots" or "Guillebills" were seen off St. Ives Island during periods of north-west winds, e.g. c. 1750 in two hours February 23rd, c. 11000 in three hours twenty minutes October 17th, c. 15,000 in eight hours October 28th and c. 7,000 in two and a quarter hours November 2nd. This year the peak of autumn passage off St. Ives occurred during the last half of October and first few days of November.

224 RAZORBILL 496. Alca torda. See article on sea birds.

226 LITTLE AUK 502. Plautus alle. Few records. One off St. Michael's Mount February 2nd; and one 'wrecked' alive at Porthcothan March 3rd: died the next day. Off St. Ives Island two flying west October 29th, four 31st, one December 6th, two 23rd and one 25th.

227 GUILLEMOT 499. Uria aalge. See article on sea birds.

230 PUFFIN 503. Fratercula arctica. See article on sea birds for breeding records. In the first winter period January 8th, one off Godrevy, January 29th and February 24th one off Porthgwarra. March 16th one off Mawgan Porth, March 18th six on sea off St. Ives, March 25th four off Lizard, March 27th one off Pendeen. The only autumn passage noted: October 2nd two off St. Ives Island, October 15th one off Trevose, October 26th one off Pendeen, October 28th one off St. Ives Island and two 29th.

32 Cornish Notes 232 STOCK DOVE 381. Columba oenas. September 12th, a flock of 30 at the Walmsley Sanctuary was a mosl unusual occurrence here. In East Cornwall commonly seen in the autumn and winter, often in small flocks of up to 30. As a breeding bird it is less common, but is widespread, being most common on the coast.

233 ROCK DOVE 382. Columbia livia. Apparently pure birds recorded: February 4th, one Beacon Cove, March 5th one High Cove, Trenance, one Bossiney Haven (seen again June 11th), June 11th four , July 16th one Downderry. See 1966 Report, page 41.

235 TURTLE DOVE 383. Streptopelia turtur. First arrivals were two at Kynance May 9th. At Porthgwarra two May 13th and 15th, at Cotehele Quay one May 20th, May 29th two at Gwiihian, one Saltash May 30th. During June two at Piper's Pool on 4th, one Portquin 6th, one Lelant 10th, one Marazion Marsh 17th, a male apparently on territory near Bolventor 18th, one near Saltash 30th. In July a male apparently on territory near St. Breward July 2nd and 5th two Porthleven 13th, one near Marazion July 16th. Then none were seen until one near Marazion August 17th and single birds (probably the same bird) September 7th, 12th and 14th. At Porthgwarra four September 9th, one 10th, three 27th and three October 21st. At Rame Head one October 15th.

COLLARED DOVE. Streptopelia decaocto. Spreading rapidly in the County. Now too numerous for all records to be listed,

237 CUCKOO 240. Cuculus canorus. A very early arrival was one seen and heard, flying from Lizard Head towards the village, March 16th. In West Cornwall, first noted at Lelant and Trink Hill near St. Ives April 19th. In East Cornwall at Millbrook Woods April 21st. At Bolventor, May 20th one with reddish- brown upper parts. Last seen July 23rd at Holywell and August 6th at Polbathic. Last seen July 16th at Downderry, August 6th at Polbathic.

241 BARN OWL 254. Tyto alba. Outside the breeding season widespread throughout the County. A pair at Wiggle, Whitesand Bay throughout the year. Breeding records from Pentillie, River Tamar, Dodbrook, Millbrook, Rosewall Hill near St. Ives, Tregoose, Sithney. Seen during the breeding season at Lanivet (two different areas), Rialton near Newquay, Lostwithiel, Grey Mares, St. Neot.

246 LITTLE OWL 249. Athene noctua. At Whitesand Bay about five pairs between Rame and Tregantle. Seen regularly at Halsetown. All other records received—January 31st one Lanhydrock, June 2nd a dead bird at Helston, one at Blisland in late June, June 30th one at Binner Hill, Leedstown, July 18th one near , August 15th, one at Fowey, August 28th one at Treswithian remained for the

33 Cornish Notes rest of the year, August 29th three at Carnmenellis, November 19th one at St. Clement and November 29th one at Cotehele.

248 LONG-EARED OWL. Asio otus. November 16th one at Marazion. R.K.

249 SHORT-EARED OWL 251. Asio flammeus. January 15th one at Kit Hill, , R.K., April 17th one Boobys Bay, Constantine, W.E.A., May 10th one Stithians Reservoir G.E.M., A.G.P., at Porthgwarra one October 21st—22nd R.H.C., B.P., two November 17th R.K., and one Stithians Reservoir November 15th. R.K.

252 NIGHTJAR 227. Caprimulgus europaeus. First noted, a pair back at usual site , Carthew May 24th. One at Trencrom May 27th and two 31st, one June 9th. June 16th one at Druid's Hill, Lostwithiel; June 18th four or five churring near Respryn Bridge, Lanhydrock. July 4th and 6th a pair's behaviour at , , suggested breeding. Two pairs near Gunnislake each produced two broods.

255 SWIFT 225. Apits opus. First arrivals were noted at Looe April 22nd and St. Ives April 23rd. From then on to the end of the month noted at many localities in the county. Most had left by mid August, but stragglers were noted at several places in late August and the last were recorded at Mitchell September 3rd, Gwennap Head September 11th and Marazion Marsh November 19th—an unusually late date.

258 KINGFISHER 234. Alcedo atthis. Widespread in the county outside breeding season. Only records of birds observed during the breeding season—May 13th one near Respryn and July 2nd an adult feeding a juvenile near Bolventor.

260 ROLLER 233. Coracius garrulus. June 11th—17th, an adult at Manor Common, Bodmin Moor. First seen on 11th by Mr. and Mrs. C. Crowle, of St. Breward, and later seen by W.E.A., A.H.G., D.F.M., RJ.S. and others. This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee. Pupils from Fellover School, St. Breward, recovered three pellets dropped by the bird while they were watching it at close range. The con­ tents of these pellets have been examined by Dr. F. A. Turk, who finds them to be:— "Geotrupes stercorosus (Sb.) Dung Beetle; Harpalus (Pseudophonus) ruhpes (D.G.) Ground Beetle; Necrophorus vestigitator (Hb.) Carrion Beetle; Calasoma? sycophanta (L) Ground Beetle; Pristonychus terricola (Hb.) Ground Beetle, but might be P. complanatus, but latter very local. Only three fragments to work on. Thanatophilus rugosus (L) Carrion Beetle. There were numerous other fragments impossible to identify and not of these six species, but definitely no Brachyelytra, Weevils, Malacodermata, or ,, Longicorns. per# W.E.A. Cornish Notes 261 HOOPOE 232. Upupa epops. Curiously absent in spring. Three autumn records received—August 26th one at Porthgwarra, L.P.W., September 2nd one Housel Bay, Lizard, P. and R.A., and September 30th one Kennack Sands, G.A.L.

263 GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER 237. Dendrocopos major. July 11th/12th, one reported seen on top of milk bottle at Fowey.

264 LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Dendrocopos minor. A pair seen regularly at Lanhydrock and probably bred, and a resident pair near Gunnislake and . Other records were single birds April 4th Cotehele, April 30th , May 7th Trago Mill, 15th Castle Fields Fowey, June 15th , July 6th in an apparently most unsuitable habitat at Temple Tor, and at Porth Navas July 22nd, September 19th and 27th and December 28th.

265 WRYNECK 239. Jynx torquilla. Single birds reported April 13th at Cove, D.F.M., September 12th Porthkidney, B.K., October 30th Porthgwarra, W.E.A., J.B. and S.B. This bird remained at Porthgwarra well into 1968.

271 WOODLARK 69. Lullula arborea. For status in Bodmin area, see special article. One singing during May at Pool, near Sheviock. Two pairs bred successfully at Treveneage, St. Hilary. 13 males in song within a four miles radius of Bodmin during the breeding season. A nest with four large young at one locality, April 20th. Three pairs near Gunnislake, three pairs in the Calstock—Cotehele area and two pairs near Lostwithiel. Other sightings were one at Mitchell March 27th, Pelynt April 8th (six, November 21st), one at Holywell April 12th, Ruan Lanihorne May 5th, St. John July 29th, two St. Ives August 4th. St. Mellion October 20th, two Callington October 27th. one St. Just-in- December 19th.

274 SWALLOW 220. Hirundo rustica. A most unusual occurrence was one at Marazion Marsh, January 31st— February 2nd. First spring arrivals noted were March 23rd Helston, 26th Lanhydrock and April 3rd at Porth Valley, Newquay. Several birds still in the county in November and last recorded, two at Ponsandane, December 3rd.

276 HOUSE MARTIN 222. Delichon urbica. First arrivals noted at Wadebridge April 5th and Marazion April 12th. The species quickly colonises new suitable habitats. Three pairs bred successfully on new houses in a new housing estate at St. Ives. At Stithians Reservoir four nests had been built on the dam and five being built June 9th. 11 nests in use June 20th. Bad weather in late June caused one or two of the nests to collapse and on 30th one nest was being built. Cliff nesting colonies noted at Bossiney Haven August 21st and at Crinns August 22nd 17 nests counted. Last recorded at Penzance, December 3rd.

35 Cornish Notes 277 SAND MARTIN 223. Riparia riparia. First arrivals were two at Drift Reservoir, March 16th. About half a dozen pairs bred in banks of River Camel near Nanstallon. Several pairs bred in gravel works at Lanhydrock. At least a dozen pairs bred in an earthy cliff at Perranuthnoe. One still being fed at hole September 8th. Last recorded September 7th at Treganhawke.

278 GOLDEN ORIOLE 17. Oriolus oriolus. May 13th at Harrowbridge, Fowey Valley, one female, S.C.M. Full details submitted. Ed.

279 RAVEN 1. Corvus cor ax. A pair bred successfully near a popular beach. During the summer the four young accompanied by their parents were frequently seen feeding on scraps left behind by picnickers. Had a good year. Many young broods seen on the wing in June. August 7th, 12 seen flying over St. Minver.

280 CARRION CROW. Corvus corone. A pair near Rialton Water works raised four young. On May 31st one of the pair killed a racing pigeon which was feeding on the ground opposite the works. The pair ate the pigeon and carried morsels to their nest. The young flew for the first time the following day. On July 8th one of the pair again killed a racing pigeon under similar circumstances in the same spot. 287 CHOUGH 13. Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. The remaining pair was seen at its usual site until at least March 5th. Shortly after this date, one of the birds was found dead, believed to have been killed by a Peregrine. Its mate present during the rest of the year. 288/9 TIT Species. A considerable influx of Blue and Great Tits occurred on the south-east Cornish coast during the second half of September. 292 MARSH TIT 107. Parus palustris. April 16th at Porthgwarra, one. This species is not often recorded in West Penwith.—Ed. 293 WILLOW TIT 108. Parus montanus. At least nine pairs in the Bugle—Helman Tor area in breeding season A.H.G., June 14th. At least three at Innisvath, R.J.S. 298 TREE CREEPER 93. Certha familiaris March 14th. One in a house porch at Hellesveor near St. Ives in the early morning, a mile away from its usual haunts. 300 DIPPER 218. Cinclus cinclus. Several breeding pairs in the St. Breward—Bodmin—Lanhydrock— Upper Fowey Valley area: at least twelve pairs on the Camel tributaries. A pair bred at Clapper Bridge near .

36 Cornish Notes 302 FIELDFARE 173. Turdus pilaris. Last recorded in spring, one Goss Moor, Holywell and 100 at Leeds- town April 16th, 14 at Bodmin Beacon April 19th and one at Lanivet April 28th. First autumn arrival, one at Fowey October 11th. Birds did not arrive in any numbers until early November and in many localities were not seen until the middle of the month. December 9th, many thousands moving west over Whitesand Bay, and a considerably smaller passage on 10th.

304 REDWING 178. Turdus musicus. Last seen in spring April 3rd at Clodgy near St. Ives, and Porthjoke and Holywell April 19th. First recorded in autumn, Lanhydrock October 8th, and Torpoint October 21st; but birds were few at the end of October and not seen in any numbers until towards mid-November. December 9th. Many thousands moving west at Whitesand Bay, all day; a considerably smaller movement on the 10th.

307 RING OUSEL 182. Turdus torquatus. On spring passage a male at Rame Head April 8th and two females April 15th. April 9th at Bodmin Beacon three males, and April 14th two, April 12th a pair at Holywell, and on 29th one, April 16th at Porthgwarra one, April 21st one near Penrose, St. Columb Minor. On April 30th one feeding on the lawn of Lanhydrock House and three flew in from the sea at Rame Head. A pair bred on Bodmin Moor, rearing three young. This is the first Cornish breeding record for many years. On autumn passage single birds reported at Porthgwarra on October 20th and 22nd. No other records.

308 BLACKBIRD 184. Turdus merula. March 27th at St. Mawgan-in-Pydar a completely white bird save for pale yellow bill, pinkish legs and dark eyes, singing from a T.V. aerial. The third season for a two-thirds white male at Polridmouth. March—September. A white Blackbird at Camborne. April 25th— 28th. A female Blackbird feeding three young Song Thrushes at Mullion. The parent Song Thrushes made no attempt to interfere. In the Mullion area many Blackbirds' nests during May, contained 1—3 infertile eggs. On June 19th at Porth Navas a hen Blackbird seen making eight attempts to feed an 8.25 inch Slow worm to 13-day old chicks. Sometimes she dropped it into the nest. Once she passed it through her beak, nipping it and softening it up. Once she dropped it across the raised beak of a chick. Finally she got a dangling end high enough to get it into the stretched up throat and the fledgling sank back into the nest with four inches of worm sticking out of its mouth. As the hen made no attempt to move it we rather unscientifically pulled it out for her, fearing that the chick might choke. B.B.K. Considerable numbers arrived on the coast of South-east Cornwall in mid-September. October 29th to end of year (and into 1968), a white Blackbird at Burngullow with yellow bill and normal-coloured eyes and legs.

37 Cornish Notes 311 WHEATEAR 186/7. Oenanthe oenanthe. First arrivals were March 16th three at Drift Reservoir, March 18th one at Rame Head and March 19th two at Towednack. Of two males at Porthgwarra May 16th, one showed the characteristics of the Greenland race. April 29th, a pair building at Dozmary Pool Quite plentiful on Bodmin Moor during breeding season. June 2nd, an adult carrying food in its beak, near Land's End and a juvenile seen in same area, July 24th. June 4th, three nests on cliffs near Kynance. Last seen October 30th at St. Eval Airfield and November 12th at Godrevy.

317 STONECHAT 198. Saxicola torquata. Inland breeding recorded at St. Breocke Downs and near Lanivet. Other birds recorded (breeding probable but not established) Stithians Reservoir, Carthew near St. Austell, Bodmin Moor, Boconnoc, Grey Mares, Trelow Downs. 318 WHINCHAT 197. Saxicola rubetra. For distribution Bodmin Moor see article by D. F. Musson. First seen April 25th, a male at Dozmary Pool. Single birds at Porth­ gwarra April 29th, Hor Point near St. Ives May 5th, Marazion Marsh May 10th, Clodgy near St. Ives May 14th. A pair seen at usual well-established area at Tresibbet, Upper Fowey Valley May 31st and June 3rd. A pair at Head June 17th. A rather thin autumn passage lasted August 5th to October 1st, most records referring to coastal localities. Occurred inland at Leedstown, single birds August 28th/29th and at Stithians one September 14th. At coastal localities in ones and twos except for at least three Par Beach September 13th.

320 COMMON REDSTART 201. Phoenicurus phoenicurus. On spring passage March 30th a female Hayle Estuary, April 8th a male Rame Head and probably a different male April 15th. April 13th one at Penberth. May 7th, two females Porthgwarra. May 30th, a singing male at Dunmere Wood, Bodmin. A welcome increase in breeding records. Pairs bred at Lanhydrock, Boconnoc, Drayne's Bridge, Fowey Valley, Helm an Tor, Altarnun, Carey Tor, and St. Breward parish. Autumn passage occurred August 16th to October 22nd. August 16th a male Treveneage, St. Hilary, August 23rd one Neeham, Newlyn East, one St. Erth, August 27th one Trevarrian, one Polgigga, at Porthgwarra two September 9th and 10th, three 16th and one October 11th, September 11th one Veryan, and September 17th one Denzell Downs.

321 BLACK REDSTART 202. Phoenicurus ochruros. In January and February recorded only at Porthleven where one was present until at least early March, and at Towan Head, Newquay, two January 12th and one February 21st. March 4th one Porthgwarra, 5th a male singing at Portreath, March 24th one Gwennap Head, and April 9th one at Widemouth Bay, . First recorded in autumn, one Stithians Dam November 3rd. November 6th one Par Station, two at Trescobeas Nurseries, Falmouth stayed until 10th, 7th one Penzance, 8th one Lelant, 9th one St. Ives Island, 10th one Godrevy, 12th one near Park Head, one Leedstown, two Porthgwarra, 14th

38 Cornish Notes one St. Mawgan Airfield and 19th one Freathy. In December one at Porth- leven, December 3rd one near Bathing Pool, Penzance, 9th one Treganhawke and 10th one at Lanhydrock. 322 NIGHTINGALE 203. Luscinia megarhynchos. May 6th—9th, one in full song near Lostwithiel, R.K., and May 12th, one trapped at Porthgwarra, B.P. 324 BLUETHROAT 205/6. Cyanosylvia svecica. August 28th at Kynance an adult caught and ringed, N.B.E., and a first winter bird caught and ringed September 10th, C.J.B., N.B.E. September 9th one trapped at Porthgwarra, R.B., R.K., N.R.P., and on September 12th an immature seen at Marazion Marsh, J.B. and S.B., N.R.P. Possibly the same bird was seen September 17th and 20th, J.B. and S.B. A male also seen here on 20th, S.B. An immature September 27th, L.P.W., may have been the same bird that was seen previously. 327 GRASSHOPPER WARBLER 145. Locustella naevia. First noted April 3rd at St. Anthony Head, April 16th at Holywell and Porthgwarra. During the breeding season noted at Bodmin—Helman Tor— Lanivet area in 12 different sites. Lanivet (pair feeding six young in nest June 11th). Quite well established as a breeder along coastal area between St. Ives and west of Zennor. Harrowbridge, Fowey Valley; Lye Rock, ; Treganhawke and Wiggle, Whitesand Bay. Two heard during breeding season at Carthew and Arralas. 333 REED WARBLER 149. Acrocephalus scirpaceus. First noted April 24th at Par, and April 27th at Marazion Marsh. Present during the breeding season at Par Marsh and Beach, Swanpool, Falmouth and Marazion Marsh. Two singing at Cotehele May 20th. On autumn passage, one ringed at Neeham Farm, Newlyn East, August 19th and four seen (two ringed) at Holywell, September 9th. Birds passed through Porthgwarra in October, the last one being seen October 22nd. 337 SEDGE WARBLER 153. Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. First spring arrivals noted at Marazion Marsh April 9th, Par Beach April 22nd, Holywell and Halsetown April 23rd. Last recorded at Par Beach September 13th, Stithians 14th and St. John's Lake September 17th. 339/340 MELODIOUS/ICTERINE WARBLER 155/156. Hippolais sp. September 7th. At Dinham, Camel Estuary, one Hippolais Warbler, thought to be Melodious Warbler. A largish warbler with olive-green upper parts—head, back, wings and tail-underparts yellow with buff streaks on throat, buff on flanks. Dark bill and legs. Yellow eye stripe and eye ring. RJ.S. September 1st. One Hippolais Warbler at Lanhydrock in my garden was considered to be Melodious Warbler. Watched at ten yards range with Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. Larger than Chiffchaff but smaller than Black­ cap. Rather like a Phylloscopus warbler but with a much heavier bill. Most of the time the head appeared to be rather flat topped, but occasionally the crown feathers were raised to give a markedly round-headed appearance. Whole of upper parts and wings rather greyish brown with a tinge of green; lemon-coloured superciliary stripe, considerable amounts of yellow suffusing the underparts. Wing lacked the pale patch on the secondaries often

39 Cornish Notes apparent in Icterine Warblers. In flight appeared to be rather blunt winged, and at rest the folded wings hardly covered the upper tail coverts. Call, tic . . . tic. Almost certainly a bird of the year. D.F.M. 339 MELODIOUS WARBLER 156. Hippolais polyglotta. One trapped at Porthgwarra, September 9th/10th, E. and K.A., N.R.P., L.P.W. and three seen September 13th, B.K., B.R. Full details supplied—Ed. 340 ICTERINE WARBLER. Hippolais Icterina. One trapped at Porthgwarra, September 9th, N.R.P., L.P.W. 343 BLACKCAP 162. Sylvia atricapilla. A few winter records. In the first winter period a male in Penlee Park, Penzance, January 9th, February 9th and 23rd, and a female, January 19th. At Lelant the wintering female was last seen February 21st. At Lanhydrock one, January 15th and a male at Carbis Bay, February 26th. In the second winter period a male and female at Lelant, November 25th/26th and possibly the same female near Start Hayle Estuary, December 3rd and at Lelant, December 9th, 10th and 30th. On December 25th, a male at Par. Spring arrivals were single birds first noted March 15th, Lanhydrock, one (although this may have been the bird seen January 15th), March 16th, St. Mawgan (again possibly a wintering bird) and then none until April 7th, one at Lansallos, April 8th, one at Porthgwarra and April 12th at Seaton Valley. Last recorded October 2nd Porth Valley Newquay, October 23rd at St. John and November 16th at Lanhydrock. 344 BARRED WARBLER 159. Sylvia nisoria. September 20th, an adult and a juvenile at Porthgwarra, R.K., one September 21st, A.B.G. and October 21st, one, B.K., R.M.C. 345 ORPHEAN WARBLER 160. Sylvia hortensis. October 22nd. One trapped at Porthgwarra. At approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 22nd at Porthgwarra, Nr. Lands End, Cornwall, a bird was extracted from a mistnet by L. P. Williams. At first sight it resembled a Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) but it was quickly realised that the bird was too large for this species. Notes were taken from the bird in the hand by L. P. Williams, E. Griffiths, J. Phillips and B. Pattenden. Bird was measured by B. Pattenden and checked by E. Griffiths. Description Crown, back, scapulars and rump were dark grey (considered charcoal shade). Secondaries and wing coverts were grey with a brownish tinge. Inner primaries dark grey merging to blackish outer primaries. The grey of the crown merged into black around and below the eye and also the lores and made a bold demarcation line with the white throat which gave the bird the appearance of a Lesser Whitethroat. The sides and front of upper breast and also the flanks were buff coloured. Lower breast and belly to vent was white. Under tail coverts off white. Outer tail feathers off white on outer web, dark grey on inner web. Central tail feathers dark grey to blackish central feathers. Central tail feathers were abraided. Soft Parts Eye was black surrounded by dark grey iris. Bill blackish becoming

40 Cornish Notes horn coloured near head, especially lower mandible. Gape flesh coloured becoming dark grey near tip of beak. Legs and feet slate coloured and underside of feet flesh coloured. The bird had black nasal bristles, three longish and several shorter. The birds appearance in the hand was a strongly built Sylvia Warbler with the same staring eye jizz of a Whitethroat. The bird cocked its tail while in the hand on several occasions. Measurements: Wing 79 mm, Tail 70 mm, Tarsus 27 mm, Bill 16 mm, Weight 21.5 grms. Emarginated Primaries 3—4—5. Primaries measured as follows: 1st 5.5 mm longer than primary coverts, 2nd 40.5 mm longer than primary coverts, 2nd 5 mm shorter than 3rd and 4th, 3rd = 4th and longest, 5th 1 mm shorter than 3rd and 4th, 6th 2.5 mm shorter than 3rd and 4th, 7th 8 mm shorter than 3rd and 4th, 8th 10.5 mm shorter than 3rd and 4th, 9th 13.5 mm shorter than 3rd and 4th, 10th 17.5 mm shorter than 3rd and 4th. In view of the colour of the eye, and the head of the bird not agreeing with the description as given in the Field Guide and the Identification for Ringers (Genus Sylvia) we were not certain of identification and therefore the bird was not ringed. Upon release the bird skulked into cover and was not seen again. No call was heard at any time. Birds in the vicinity on 21st and 22nd were C.10 Firecrests, C.5 Yellow- browed Warblers (2 trapped) and a Barred Warbler. Later in the evening upon checking British Birds dated May, 1956 (Orphean Warbler trapped at Portland, Dorset) and British Birds dated January, 1959 (a letter referring to the eye and head colour of Orphean Warbler) we consider this was the species trapped. B.P., E.G., NJ.P., L.P.W. This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee. It is the third accepted British Record.

346 GARDEN WARBLER 161. Sylvia borin. First noted in spring April 16th a passage bird at Leedstown, and April 30th, one at Warleggan. During the breeding season noted in several localities in the Bodmin area westwards as far as Hustyn Gate, Bishop's Wood near Truro and in good numbers in some valleys of East Cornwall. On autumn passage single birds near Marazion August 23rd and September 29th and at Porthgwarra September 13th and 20th. Probably more occurred at Porthgwarra than are listed here, but only two records received from observers. 347 WHITETHROAT 163. Sylvia communis. First spring arrivals were April 15th one Tregantle, April 18th single birds at Port Isaac, Portquin and Pendennis, Falmouth. Not recorded at Porthgwarra until April 29th. A large 'fall' at Porthgwarra on August 27th. Estimated that 300 + were present. Last seen September 26th, Melangoose, near Helston and October 4th, Lanteglos by Fowey. 348 LESSER WHITETHROAT 164. Sylvia curruca.

Few recorded June 3rd, a singing male Boconnoc Park, D.F.MV a sing­ ing male June 16th and 18th at Bodmin, A.H.G., and one June 12th at Saltash, E.G. 356 CHIFFCHAFF 129. Phylloscopus collybita. In the first winter period January 1st to March, one at Lelant, at Marazion Marsh one January 4th and 6th and February 26th, January 7th

41 Cornish Notes one at Ellenglaze, January 11th one at Mullion, February 8th one at Clinton Road, Redruth, and February 16th and 23rd one at Morrab Gardens, Pen­ zance. First spring arrivals noted March 2nd Lanhydrock, March 18th Ruan Lanihorne and St. John, and 19th Polbathic and Par. Last noted in autumn October 2nd Porth Valley Newquay, October 23rd St. John and November 16th Lanhydrock. In the second winter period November 22nd one at Swanpool Falmouth, 25th one at Penrose near Helston, November 25th to end of year one or two at Lelant and December 12th one at Falmouth. 357 WOOD WARBLER 135. Phylloscopus sibilatrix. First recorded in spring April 22nd at Lanhydrock. On April 29th three singing between Respryn and Bodmin Road Station and during breed­ ing season noted also at Lanhydrock, Callywith Wood, Grogley Halt, Helland Wood, Cotehele and Draynes Bridge, Fowey Valley. Single birds noted May 5th at the Gribben, 8th Wanson Mouth, 11th Lansallos and May 16th Sconner, Polbathic. 360 YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER 137. Phylloscopus inornatus. All records from Porthgwarra, one October 9th, B.P., October 21st, three (two ringed), A.B.G., B.P., B.K., one on 22nd, E.G., L.P.W., and one November 4th, E.G., L.P.W. 364 GOLDCREST 127/8. Regulus regulus. Marked coastal movements noted from late September to early November in South East Cornwall. 365 FIRECREST 128. Regulus ignicapillus. More were seen than usually. A wintering bird at Hain Walk St. Ives last recorded March 11th. January 24th one at Sticker, February 10th and 17th two Penlee Park Penzance, February 18th one near Old Quay House, Hayle Estuary, and probably the same bird March 13th and 25th. February 21st one Trenance Gardens, Newquay. March 21st one Trewollack Plantation. St. Breoke Downs, March 20th—27th one Porthgwarra. April 13th one Penberth, April 14th one at the Dodman. In autumn and second winter period many records. The first was one at Porthgwarra, September 27th. In October recorded from four localities on the weekend of 21st/22nd — c. 10 at Porthgwarra, two Penzance, one Looe, two Kynance. On 23rd one at Freathy, 25th three Gulval and one Treswithian, 28th one Lelant, two Camborne, 29th one Old Quay House, Hayle Estuary. This last may have been the bird recorded at Lelant November 11th—the species remaining here until the end of the year, increasing to five December 3rd. November 5th, one at Memorial Walk Hayle and on 26th. At Porthgwarra one November 4th, two 5th and one 12th. November 11th one Lanhydrock, 16th Saltash, 19th Freathy and Kynance and Morrab Gardens, Penzance. At Hain Walk, St. Ives, one to two November 27th—December 12th. At Loe Pool two November 25th and one December 9th and 23rd. Other December records were one St. Erth Woods December 10th, one at Carbis Bay (which may have moved in from Hain Walk) 16th and 26th and one Victoria Gardens, Truro December 13th.

366 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER 121. Muscicapa striata. First spring arrivals noted May 9th at Kynance, Lanhydrock and Bodmin Road Station. 42 Cornish Notes In the south east of the County a good Spring passage, but breeding numbers appeared to be much reduced. During the breeding season widespread in small numbers in the Bodmin area. Last recorded September 17th at Rame and Porth Valley, Newquay.

368 PIED FLYCATCHER 123. Muscicapa hypoleuca. First seen April 22nd a pair at Lanhydrock. A nest was built late April, but the nesting box was disturbed by hooligans before eggs were laid. A nest was then built in another box, seven eggs laid which proved to be infertile. The male was not seen after later April, and the female last seen June 8th. On Spring passage a male at April 27th. A pair were seen at Cotehele June 8th and Pendower Cove June 18th. Autumn passage began with one near St. Ives and Marazion August 22nd and ended with one at Towednack October 1st. The peak of the passage occurred August 26th/27th when about 30 were at Porthgwarra on 26th and about 18 at Porthgwarra and about 15 in Pendarves Woods Camborne on 27th. Most of the autumn records from South-west Cornwall. Records further east were August 24th one Newlyn East and Cotehele. September 3rd one Nanstallon and September 17th one Sharrow, Whitesand Bay. 370 RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER 125. Muscicapa parva. September 29th—October 1st one at Porthgwarra S.C.M., one Treyarnon Bay October 9th, PJ.D., and one October 22nd, Porthgwarra observers.

374 RICHARD'S PIPIT 73. Anthus novaeseelandiae. One at Porthgwarra November 19th E.G., L.P.W., and one at Harbour Cove, Padstow, December 29th, PJ.D. These records have been accepted by the Rarities Committee.

376 TREE PIPIT 75. Anthus trivialis. First recorded April 15th, one at Holywell. Last recorded Porthgwarra October 1st. At Porthgwarra on autumn passage peak numbers were August 26th 18, 27th 50+ and 35 on 28th.

379 ROCK/WATER PIPIT 79/81. Anthus spinoletta. Birds showing characteristics of the Water Pipit (race spinoletta) recorded January 7th one Landulph Marsh E.G., February 19th two Hayle Estuary E.G., March 18th—24th one Marazion Marsh J.E.B., N.J.P., L.P.W., two 25th D.F.M., March 19th one Welcombe E.G., and March 20th one Ponsandane J.E.B.

380 PIED/WHITE WAGTAIL 90/91. Motacilla alba. Birds showing characteristics of the race M.a.alba (White Wagtail) were recorded as follows: April 12th one at Bodmin, April 18th two Amble, April 28th six Booby's Bay. On Autumn passage at Marazion Marsh September 8th three, 9th two, 26th—27th about six and 29th four. At Porthgwarra September 10th 15 and on 16th about 70.

43 Cornish Notes 381 GREY WAGTAIL 89. Motacilla cinerea. Breeding records received from Tideford, Cotehele Quay, Nine Stones Fowey Valley (unsuccessful), Golitha Falls, Fowey Valley, Bodmin Road and Respryn. Birds presumed breeding were recorded from Seaton Valley, Drayne's Bridge, Fowey Valley, St. Breward, Lanivet, Nanstallon, Dunmere, Halgavor and Lanhydrock. 382 YELLOW WAGTAIL 84/88. Motacilla flava. A very poor Spring passage and no breeding reported. First recorded one flying north at Dozmary Pool March 27th and one at Freathy April 8th. Last recorded September 18th at Rame Head. The peaks of autumn passage occurred August 27th/28th with 20 at Porthgwarra on 27th and on 28th 20 flying south at Zennor, 20 at Crowan Reservoir, six at Porthgwarra, 5 at Porthkidney and 12 at Marazion. The only birds showing characteristics of the Blue headed race (race flava) were at Marazion Marsh, September 8th a male, S.B., a male and two females 9th and six September 11th and 18th E. & K.A., J.E.B. 384 GREAT GREY SHRIKE 114. Lanius excubitor. January 25th one at Polscoe. Lostwithiel R.M.W., and November 19th one at Rame near Stithians, D.F.M. 389 STARLING 14. Sturnus vulgaris. At the well established winter roost on the cliffs at Newquav near Huer's Hut the flock was so large November 30th that a large component of 1,000+ birds did not settle, but flew off across Newquay Bay towards Porth.

AMERICAN REDSTART. Setophaga ruticilla. Seen between 15.00 and 18.00 hours on Saturday October 21st 1967, at Porthgwarra, at the south-westerly tip of Cornwall. The light was good, with thin cloud obscuring the sun until 16.00 hours, when it cleared. Wind light, westerly. The bird was always in an isolated (and not easily accessible) clump of bushes (on average 30ft. x 15ft. & 12ft. high) at the head of a valley leading north from the village of Porthgwarra, and just over a ridge from the first valley (slight) leading inland north of Gwennap Head. (This is the same part of the main valley where the Baltimore Oriole was found last year.) These bushes had a fairly close canopy (which however let in good light), reaching to the ground, but the centre was fairly open, the main stems not branching very much below the canopy. They were standing in marshy ground. At approx. 15.00 hours E. and K. Allsopp were watching these and other bushes from a high vantage point, using binoculars, from 40-50 yards. While observing a small flock of blue tits feeding in and around the bushes, K. Ailsoop saw a bird with brilliant yellow tail patches, appearing a little larger than the blue tits, fly across a small gap in the canopy. After a few minutes the bird again flew across the gap, showing these bright markings. As this bird was obviously unusual, the observers called over all the other bird-watchers in the area. For the next hour the bushes were watched intently from the same point, as the intervening ground was almost impassible swamp, and no other vantage point afforded

44 Cornish Notes such good views with respect to the gaps in the canopy, and the position of the sun. From brief glimpses during this time, it was established that the tail pattern was similar to that of a red-breasted fly-catcher, with the tail patches being larger and bright yellow instead of white; that there was a broad yellow wing-bar; and that the rest of the upper parts appeared dark. It never appeared outside the canopy, and while not feeding closely with the blue tits, usually crossed a gap in the canopy near whichever part of the bushes they were in. As the bird was obviously not going to perch in the open, K. Allsopp and K. L. Fox, with the agreement of all the observers, went up the valley and approached the bushes from the shaded side. Even at a few yards the bird was not visible, so K. Allsopp entered the bushes. He soon had excellent views of the bird from 28ft. down to 6ft., with and without binoculars. He was shortly joined by K. L. Fox, and they watched the bird feeding for over 1 hour, making full notes. During this time the other observers obtained occasional fleeting views, but no useful observations were made. As the bird seemed unconcerned by the presence of the observers except at very close range, all the other observers then joined them, obtaining good views of the bird. The bird was left shortly after 18.00 hours, as it had ceased feeding activities, and the sun was obscured by the intervening hills. Later examination of 3 American Field Guides gave all observers no doubt as to the bird being an immature or female American redstart. The area was revisited from dawn the next day, but the bird was not found. General Appearance Basically size and shape as chiffchaff, except for a slightly more robust body and longer, broader tail, giving the appearance of a short- winged long-tailed warbler. The closed wings projected just beyond the base of the tail. When perched, the wings were mainly held slightly drooping showing the back and rump, with the tail often slightly cocked and spread, but its general carriage was horizontal. The bill appeared phylloscopine in shape, a little thicker than a chiff-chaff's; legs as in that species (unringed), while the eye was prominent. The entire plumage had a very neat, clean appearance, which with the colour variations made the bird strikingly beautiful. General Behaviour. (K. Allsopp only) The bird was actively feeding during the whole observation time, mainly just below the canopy of the bushes. As far as could be ascertained it took mainly flying insects (never picking at the leaves etc.). It normally fluttered adroitly from perch to perch with spread tail, the wing beat appearing slower than most similar seized birds, but never appearing to hover. Except towards the end of observations it only perched for a few seconds at a time. Comment. The arrival of this bird apparently coincided with American passerines at St. Agnes, Lundy, Bardsey and Skokholm. DESCRIPTION Forehead, crown, nape—uniform blue-grey, merging at hind neck into: Mantle, back, rump, upper tail coverts, scapulars—greyish dark-medium brown with a green tinge in some lights (K. Allsopp only).

45 Cornish Notes Face—The blue grey of the cap extended down to the eyeline, below which it gradually shaded into the greyish-tinged white of the under­ pays, the dividing line being from the malar region to the side of the neck. There was a slight suggestion of a lighter grey shading along the eyeline very near the eye. Clearly defined white orbital ring. Chin, throat, centre of upper breast, lower breast, belly, under tail coverts— clear greyish-tinged white. Sides of upper breast—prominent orange yellow approx. circular patch, shading around the edge to yellow, which shaded into the white of the underparts. Tail—As back, but daffodil yellow patch on each side extending further into the centre of the tail, and further towards the tip than the white patches on a red-breasted flycatcher. From underneath these appeared translucent yellow. Primaries, secondaries and coverts—as back, except for prominent broad daffodil yellow wing bar in the region of the tips of the greater wing coverts, not extending to the edges of the wing. (This wing bar was more extensive in flight than on the closed wing, on which it appeared slightly patchy, so was probably on the base of the flight feathers rather than on the coverts themselves.) Bill, legs, feet, eye—black. Voice—The bird called a few times, a fair loud high pitched "sweet" K. Allsopp. B.K. heard it utter a soft "sweet-sweet" on two occasions. The bird was also seen by K. L. Fox, B. King, N. J. Phillips, B. Pattenden and R. M. Curber. This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee. It is the first record for Britain and the second for Europe—Ed. PARULA WARBLER. Parula americana. November 26th, one in mixed trees, Hain Walk near St. Ives. A small warbler moving very restlessly through the trees. On one occasion descended to within six feet of the ground when good views were obtained. DESCRIPTION Head and Nape—Brownish-grey with white ring around eyes. Wings—Blue grey, with two White wing bars, one being longer and obviously more conspicuous than the other. Chin, Throat and Breast—Yellow. A thin dark line could just be distinguished across the breast. Belly and under tail coverts—White: completely unstreaked. Tail—Short and very slightly forked. Bill & Legs. Bill weak and both looked dark, but as viewing was against the light, the soft parts may in fact have been slightly paler. Call—A silent bird: heard once to call a soft 'weet'. On one or two occasions it took flying insects. The colour of the back and upper tail was not ascertained, as the bird never came down low enough for these colours to be seen clearly. An unusual feature to us was the speed with which it moved, not only from tree to tree, but down through the trees. It was this behaviour which first attracted our attention. NJ.P., L.P.W. This record the second for Britain has been accepted by the Rarities Committee. 46 Cornish Notes 392 GREENFINCH 19. Chloris Chloris. Numbers in the County were apparently fewer than in previous years. The roost at Lanivet smaller than usually. Maximum of 50, December 22nd. 394 SISKIN 21. Carduelis spinus. The only records were two at Ruan Lanihorne March 5th and two at Cotehele March 22nd. 396 TWITE 28/29. Carduelis flavirostris. October 26th, three with a flock of Linnets at St. Just in Penwith Airfield. D.F.M. 397 REDPOLL 25. Carduelis flammea. Eleven were feeding on lawn seed in a Camborne garden, February 13th. One was seen and heard at Whacker, River Lynher, September 30th, two were at Looe October 21st, one at Holywell on the 22nd, two at St. Ives October 29th and a flock of c. 30 near Tresemple Pool, Tresillian River, December 2nd. 400 SERIN 31. Serinus serinus. At the Lelant rubbish tip last recorded February 5th, two, a male and female. L.P.W. February 13th—15th. Four feeding on lawn seed in a Camborne garden. R.K. March 20th, three, including a male, at St. Clement. J.B. & S.B. November 12th. At Porthgwarra, one, R.B., E.G., S.C.M., V.R.T., L.P.W. November 21st, five at Marazion. R.K. December 2nd—30th, one to three at Lelant rubbish tip. R.B., S.B., M.JJ., S.C.M., NJ.P., K.P., L.P.W. These records have been accepted by the Rarities Committee. 404 CROSSBILL 36. Loxia curvirostra. May 15th, a pair of adults at Restormel Castle. In early July two adults and two young for two or three days, one mile north of the castle. D.F.M. 408 BRAMBLING 42. Fringilla montifrigilla. During the winter months many records received, the majority from mid and east Cornwall. Last passage was noted on April 15th at Rame Head, (two + ) and first autumn birds (2) noted at Porthgwarra. October 18th. 410 CORN BUNTING 43. Emberiza calandra. A flock of c. 50 near Brea Hill, Camel Estuary November 19th. Occurs at many coastal localities, but not many inland records—those received were one at Stithians January 15th and August 17th, one at Bodmin February 7th. one singing at Newlyn East June 25th, one singing at Gwennymoor near Withiel July 23rd, and at least one pair present during the breeding season at Trelow Downs. 415 CIRL BUNTING 49. Emberiza cirtus, February 4th, one at Stithians; April 3rd a male singing in Trenance Gardens, Newquay. As usually 12-15 resident pairs in South-east Cornwall. A pair during the breeding season at Rialton, near Newquay, but no evidence

47 Cornish Notes of breeding. May 8th one at Crackington, August 17th—18th four at , August 20th—21st one at Readymoney Cove Fowey, October 6th one at Park Head, October 23rd one at Rame, S.E. Cornwall (not seen here before by S.C.M.), November 3rd one at Ruan Lanihorne, November 12th one near Lelant rubbish tip and December 1st one at Lanivet. 423 SNOW BUNTING 59. Plectrophenax nivalis. One on spring passage at Goonhilly, April 28th the only record during the first half of the year. Autumn passage began with a very tame bird at Fly Promenade Newquay September 29th which attacked and robbed a young House Sparrow of food it had just picked up. September 30th one St. Ives Island and two October 2nd, October 6th one Porthgwarra, 8th one flying south west Towan Head Newquay and one Pentire Head, Polzeath. On 18th 16 Bolventor, 22nd at least nine West Pentire Head Crantock, and one on 31st at St. Ives Island. November 5th one West Pentire Head Crantock, 11th 11 Pentire Polzeath, and 12th one near Park Head. December 27th four flying over Dobwalls. 425 TREE SPARROW 62. Passer montanus. One at Trematon Saltash January 14th, E.G., two migrants at Holywell Bay May 14th D.F.M., one feeding with House Sparrows on "swoop" at Chilsworthy near Gunnislake December 7th R.K., and one in a finch flock at St. Issey December 31st D.F.M.

CORRECTIONS TO 1966 REPORT Page 17. GOLDENEYE. Last seen at Drift Reservoir April 17th, should read, March 6th. A.B.G. Page 19. RED BREASTED MERGANSER. January 16th. A party of 19 flew west at Looe, should read January 6th. A party of 19 etc. S.C.M. Page 32. LEAST SANDPIPER. The dates should read September 12th—22nd. TEMMINCK'S STINT. The entry should read. September 7th—11th One at Burniere Point, Camel Estuary. D.J.B. Also seen September 20th. R.J.S. Page 36. MEDITERRANEAN GULL. Insert February 23rd. One at St. Ives. DJ.B. Page 59. HAWFINCH. The enry should read. April 17th at Freathy, Whitesand Bay, one R.B., S.C.M. Delete the reference to April 25th.

SUPPLEMENTARY 1964 RECORD ALBATROSS. Diomedia sp. One near Marazion, August 23rd, 1964. J.B. and S.B. This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee.

48 CORNISH SEAS For future reports the editor would be grateful if observers travelling to and from the Scillies could give accurate positions of where birds were seen, or if that is not possible to state whether the birds were seen on the Cornish side of the Wolf or the Scillies side. 2 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. Gavia immer. One off the Wolf Rock, October 14th. 12 LEACH'S PETREL. Oceanodroma leucorrhoa. One near the Wolf Rock, October 11th. 14 STORM PETREL 350. Hydrobates pelagicus. Four about 40 miles south of the Lizard May 13th, two seen from M.V. October 11th. 16 BALEARIC SHEARWATER 356. Puffinus puffinus mauretanicus. One seen from M.V. October 2nd and one near the Scillies October 7th. 19 GREAT SHEARWATER 360. Puffinus gravis. October 7th c. 100 on sea crossing to Scillies S.C.M., 57 on 9th B.R., one near the Wolf Rock on 11th S.C.M., eight between Scillies and Land's End on 14th E.G. and 68 between Scillies and Wolf Rock, October 20th R.M.C., B.K. 21 SOOTY SHEARWATER 363. Puffinus grisea. October 7th two feeding with Great Shearwaters near Wolf Rock, 12 on crossing to Scillies on 9th, three on 13th, four near the Wolf Rock on 14th and on between Scillies and Wolf Rock October 20th. 26 FULMAR 368. Fulmarus glacialis. October 13th c. 10 on crossing from Scillies to Penzance. 64 COMMON SCOTER 339. Melanitta nigra. October 11th, 12 males seen from M.V. Scillonian. 179 CURLEW SANDPIPER 406. Calidris ferouginea. September 10th, one flying west about two miles south of Rame Head. 193 ARCTIC SKUA 493. Stercoraruis parasitiais. October 11th a dark phase bird chasing Kittiwakes near the Wolf Rock. 194 GREAT SKUA 491. Stercorarius skua. September 10th one chasing gannets about two miles north of the . Two between Penzance and Scillies September 16th, seven October 9th, one October 13th and four between Scillies and Lands End October 14th. 195 POMARINE SKUA 492. Stercorarius pomarinus. One off the Wolf Rock September 23rd and October 11th and one between Scillies and Lands End October 14th. 209 SABINE'S GULL 474. Xema sabihni. October 13th, one between Scillies and Lands End. N.J.P. 49 RINGING RECOVERIES

SHAG A pullus ringed at Mullion June 18th 1967 drowned in a fishing net at the Quemenes near the Molene (Finistere), France, September 14th 1967.

DUNLIN Ringed at Hayle February 28th 1965, controlled at Hayle Estuary, January 27th 1967.

SWALLOW A pullus ringed at Mullion August 22nd 1966, controlled at Tresco, Isles of Scilly, September 11th 1967.

BLUE TIT Ringed near Camborne February 28th 1965, controlled at Lanhydrock near Bodmin January 14th 1967.

CHAFFINCH Ringed as adult male at Westmalle, Antwerp, Belgium October 2nd 1964 was found dead at Clift Farm, Antony on or about March 15th 1967.

50 ISLES OF SCILLY RECORDS Edited by H. M. Quick and A. G. Parsons. The most devastating event of 1967 was the sinking of the Torrey Canyon on the Seven Stones reef. Scilly was most fortunate in that winds and currents unusual for the time of year took the oil away from the Islands, so that there was no contamination of beaches or rocks. A number of oiled birds were sent to Mr. MacKenzie's cleaning station on St. Mary's, of which 13 Guillemots, 7 Razorbills and 2 Puffins were cleaned and sent to Mousehole, and 13 Guillemots, 4 Razorbills and 1 Shag died, or were destroyed—a total of 40 birds handled. As far as it was possible to assess, there was no marked reduction in the breeding of Auks that summer. During the past three years an increasing number of Blackbirds and Song Thrushes dead on the main roads of St. Mary's, beyond the Porthlow turn and killed by cars has been noted. This is a warning of the results likely to follow an increase in the number of cars and lack of speed restriction. The breeding of Tree Sparrows on Tresco was an event of interest, and there were an unusual number of American Waders in the autumn. The rarer visitors included Spotted, Bairds, White-rumped and Buff-breasted Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitcher, Gull-billed Turn, Short-toed Lark, Aquatic Warbler, Supalpine Warbler, Little Bunting and Baltimore Oriole. Finally, the Editors beg and pray contributors to write on one side of the paper only — PLEASE ! H.M.Q., A.G.P.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS R.P. B.-O. R. P. Bagnall-Oakley, non-member R.F.C. R. F. Coomber R.M.C. R. M. Curber B.R.D. B. R. Dean, non-member M.E. Dr. M. Edwards, non-member K.L.F. K. L. Fox, non-member R.F.-L. R. Frost-Lee, non-member D.H. Dr. D. Harvey F.H.D.H. F. H. D. Hicks L.G.H. L. G. Holloway, non-member D.B.H. D. B. Hunt B.K. B. King P.Z.M. P. Z. MacKenzie S.C.M. S. C. Madge B.M. B. Metcalfe, non-member 0. St. Agnes Bird Observatory A.G.P. A. G. Parsons R.P. R. Pearce, non-member R.E.F.P. R. E. F. Peel, non-member H.M.Q. Miss H. M. Quick B.R. B. Rabbits, non-member J.M.R. Mrs. J. M. Rees, non-member H.P.K.R. H. P. K. Robinson, non-member J.C.R. J. C. Rolls, non-member R. Shepherd, non-member M.S. Miss M. Sibthorpe, non-member J.S.-S. Miss J. Spenlove-Spenlove R.S. R. Symons R.G.T. R. G. Turner.

51 Scilly Isles 1 BLACK-THROATED DIVER 378. Gavia arcticus. St. Agnes, October 11th, one. O. , April 7th. A bird in winter plumage was observed at relatively close range for several hours. R.G.T. 2 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER 376. Gavia immer. St. Mary's, April 2nd, one at Porthcressa, April 8th, one in the harbour. St. Mary's, November 18th, one in the harbour. R.F.C. April 15th, one south of Great Arthur. April 19th, one between Bryher and Tresco; one in Porthcressa Bay. R.P.B.-O. , December 3rd and 5th, one. R.S. Tresco, April 17th, one in the Harbour. D.H. 4 RED-THROATED DIVER 379. Gavia Stellata. St. Agnes, March 29th, one oiled bird. On October 17th, one. O. Off St. Mary's, October 15th and 17th, one. H.P.K.R. LITTLE GREBE 375. Podiceps ruficollis. Tresco, April 6th, one on the Great Pool. R.G.T. October 18th, one on the Great Pool. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. November 12th, one in Porthellick Pool. R.S. St. Mary's. In December, one on the sea in Old Town Bay for two weeks. R.F.C., P.Z.M. 12 LEACH'S PETREL 351. Oceanodroma leucorhoa. St. Agnes, October 4th-12th, single birds off-shore. October 16th, two. O. 16 BALEARIC SHEARWATER 356. Procellaria puffinus mauretanicus. Off St. Mary's, October 7th, one. S.C.M. Off St. Mary's, October 16th, one. H.P.K.R. Off St. Agnes, October 7th, forty, and on October 27th, one. O. 17 LITTLE SHEARWATER. Procellaria haroli. St. Agnes, October 18th, one. O. I am enquiring about data for this. 19 GREAT SHEARWATER 360. Procellaria gravis. St. Mary's and St. Agnes, October 7th to 18th, numbers off-shore, most, two hundred and forty. O., H.P.K.R. St. Mary's. Several to the South in December. R.S. 20 CORY'S SHEARWATER 362. Procellaria diomedea. St. Agnes, September 5th, one, and November 1st, two. O. 21 SOOTY SHEARWATER 363. Procellaria grisea. St. Mary's, October 14th-17th, up to three seen off-shore. H.P.K.R. St. Agnes, October, small numbers off-shore on several days, most, seven on 9th. O.

52 Scilly Isles 26 FULMAR PETREL 368. Fulmarus glacialis. Hanjaque, four pairs, three bred successfully. Castle Bryher, four pairs with eggs. R.S.

27 GANNET 349. Sula bassana. Off St. Mary's, October 11th to 19th, maximum, one hundred and sixty-eight birds. H.P.K.R. 49 GADWALL 318. Anas strepera. Tresco, October 14th, sixty-five on the Great Pool. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. 50 WIGEON 323. Anas penelope. Tresco. Up to four pairs seen in May. O. St. Agnes, May 17th, two, and 18th, one, were unusual for this month. The only other records on St. Agnes were three on September 14th and one next day. O. 55 SCAUP 331. Ay thy a marila. Tresco, October 10th, one male. H.P.K.R. 56 TUFTED DUCK 330. Aythya fuligula. Tresco, October 13th, one female. H.P.K.R. 57 POCHARD 328. Aythya ferina. St. Mary's, January 10th, five on Porthellick Pool. R.S. Tresco, October 14th, one on the Abbey Pool. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. 61 LONG-TAILED DUCK 334. Clangula hyemalis. St. Agnes, October 31st-November 2nd, one on the Pool, different from the one on St. Mary's. O. St. Mary's, November 3rd, one. O. November llth-18th, one female, Porthmellon and the harbour. R.F.C., P.Z.M. December 9th, two females, Porthellick Bay. R.S. 64 COMMON SCOTER 339. Melanitta nigra. Eastern Isles, December 1st, two. St. Mary's Roadstead, December 14th, seven. R.S. 69 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER 343. Mergus senator. St. Agnes, November 2nd, one. O. 73 SHELD-DUCK 315. Tadorna tadorna. St. Agnes, June 9th. A terrific noise in Killier Bay attracted my attention to a battle between a pair of Sheld ducks and a Herring Gull. It looked as if the Gull would be drowned, but it eventually got away, and the pair joined four small Duckings further out in the bay. H.M.Q. 76 WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE 304. Anser albifrons. St. Mary's, December 15th, two. R.S. 81 BARNACLE GOOSE 311. Branta leucopsis. St. Agnes, October 17th, four. O. 53 Scilly Isles 85 WHOOPER-SWAN 300. Cygnus cygnus. St. Mary's, October 12th, two on Porthellick Pool. R.S. Bryher, October 10th, two adults with rusty heads. S.C.M. St. Agnes. From October 21st to November 5th, two on the Pool, not with rusty heads. O., H.M.Q. 91 BUZZARD 269. Buteo buteo. St. Agnes, September 6th, two seen flying South over St. Mary's Sound. O. 93 SPARROW HAWK 277. Accipiter nisus. Annet, April 8th, one. O. St. Agnes, September 3rd, one. O. 99 MARSH HARRIER 271. Circus aeruginosa. Tresco. A male frequented the Great Pool during the latter part of April. D.B.H. 100 HEN HARRIER 273. Circus cyaneus. October 10th. An immature Harrier H.P.K.R. Tresco, October 16th, a female or immature flying along coast of Tresco at Gimble Porth. Large broad winged, long tailed hawk, gliding 100-200ft. up. Large white rump patch noted. Dark brown plumage. Slow heavy flight, too slow and cumbersome for a Montagu's and typical harrier flight. Same bird or another reported by B.K. next day on heath near Tresco Abbey. R.M.C. Bryher, November. One female (presumed of this species). P.Z.M. December 2nd. A ringtail quartering the moorland. R.F.C. 100/102 HARRIER Sp ? 272/273. Circus. Tresco, October 9th, a ring-tailed Harrier with uniform chestnut underparts was seen at close range, and the same, or possibly a similar bird remained throughout the winter. From its size and prominent white rump, the bird appeared to be nearer a Hen Harrier than a Montagu's. 103 OSPREY 284. Pandion haliaetus. St. Agnes, October 19th and 20th, one. O. Tresco, October 19th, an immature (lacking breastband) seen fly­ ing into a tree by Great Pool, mobbed by Kestrels—Large size, dark blackish upperparts and wings, white underparts, black on side of head, outline in flight with a kink in the wings. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. St. Mary's, October 20th, one seen coasting along the shore near the Garrison. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. (Presumably the same bird? Eds.) 104 HOBBY 261. Falco subbuteo. St. Mary's. One about in late October. P.Z.M., H.P.K.R. 105 PEREGRINE FALCON 259. Falco peregrinus. St. Agnes, April 1st, one. Annet, April 8th, one. St. Mary's, September 25th, one. O. 54 Scilly Isles 107 MERLIN 262. Falco columbarius. St. Mary's, One seen in February. R.S. October 17th and 19th, one seen. H.P.K.R. November-December, one R.S. December, one or two about. R.F.C., P.Z.M. Tresco, October 19th, one. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. St. Martin's, April 6th, one. R.P. 117 QUAIL 520. Coturnix coturnix. St. Agnes, May 29th, one. O.

120 WATER RAIL 509. Rallus aquaticus. Tresco, October 18th, fifty at the Great Pool. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. 121 SPOTTED CRAKE 505. Porzana porzana. Tresco, October 2nd, one seen at close range at the edge of the Abbey Pool. D.B.H. October 18th and 19th, one at Great Pool, feeding on edge of burnt reeds. Noted small beak—light yellow with no red base; greyish brown head and face; grey and finely speckled; finely speckled whitish on brown upperparts; underparts greyish and flanks also well flecked whitish; under tail coverts huffish yellow; legs pale yellow. Seen at 15 yards range for 10 mins. Smaller than Water Rail. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. St. Agnes, September 2nd-9th, and on October 16th, one. O. 125 CORNCRAKE 504. Crex crex. St. Mary's, bred in Parting Carn fields, possibly two nests, young seen. P.Z.M. St. Agnes, September 29th, two, October 1st, 2nd, 7th and 14th, one. O. 142 DOTTEREL 446. Charadrius morinellus. Tresco, April 21st, three flying North. P.Z.M. St. Agnes, September 9th to 18th, one; two present on 16th and 17th. O. 144 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. Limnodromiis scolopaceus. Tresco, September 27, I discovered a Wader at the marshy N.W. end of the Great Pool, which, on account of its very long bill and short greenish legs was clearly a species of Dowitcher. The bird remained till the end of October, and was seen by many observers, the majority of whom agreed that it was "Long-billed" for the follow­ ing reasons: Dark scalloping of the under tail coverts as opposed to spots; wings clearly terminating short of the tip of the tail; bill at least twice the length of the head; some scapulars edged with bright chestnut indentations—Call, a sharp "keek" repeated anything from one to seven times, similar in pitch to that of a Wood Sandpiper. D.B.H., B.R.D., et al. October 8th, seen by S.C.M.

(This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee).

55 Scilly Isles 147 JACK SNIPE 398. Lymnocryptes minimus. Tresco, September 27th, one. D.B.H. St. Agnes, April 20th, one. D.H. 154 BLACK-TAILED GODWIT 387. Limosa limosa. St. Mary's, August 28th and 31st, two, by September 3rd, four. R.S. November llth-14th, one on the . R.F.C., P.Z.M. Bryher, April 9th, ten on the East shore. R.G.T. 156 GREEN SANDPIPER 424. Tringa ochropus. St. Mary's, September 11th, one, flying eastward. P.Z.M. At Porthellick, in August and September, up to six at one time. One on October 16th. R.S. Tresco, October 18th, one at the Abbey Pool. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. September 9th and 16th, one, Abbey Pool. R.F.L., J.C.R. 157 WOOD SANDPIPER 423. Tringa glareola. Tresco, August 10th-21st, one; August 23rd to 30th, three. D.B.H. St. Mary's, August 28th, one. R.S. 160 SPOTTED SANDPIPER 422. Tringa macularia. St. Agnes. One on several dates between September 6th and 21st. O. 162 SPOTTED REDSHANK 431. Tringa erythropus. St. Agnes, April 7th, one, the Observatory's first Spring record. O. St. Mary's, September 3rd, one. R.S. Tresco. From September 9th-21st, one to three on the Abbey Pool. D.B.H., L.G.H., R.F.L., J.C.R., O. The two I saw on September 14th would not tolerate each other's presence in their part of the Pool. H.M.Q. October 18th and 19th, one on the Abbey Pool. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F., O. 164 LESSER YELLOWSHANK 425. Tringa flair pes. St. Mary's, October 26th-29th, one at watercress pool at Water Mill. "I was going around St. Mary's by car with J. Humphrey when I spotted a grey and white Wader with bright yellow legs. I got out of the car and was able to watch it for 5 mins. before returning to and contacted P. L. Mackenzie. We returned to find it still present and watched it for about 30 mins. through 8 x 40 binocs and telescope on 15 x. Similar in size and shape to redshank, bill dark, dark grey brown crown compared with paler nape and rest of head, this gave 'capped' appearance. Darker almost sepia colour passing through eye to bill. Chin paler than sides of head. Upper breast looked evenly coloured at distance, but through 15 x telescope was very fine streaked. This grey brown faded to white on belly and undertail coverts. Tail was white with brown barring. Was very reluctant to fly rather walked quickly.

56 Scilly Isles Generally only flew a few feet flitting with dangling yellow legs. No wingbar. Back and wings were grey brown with fine white/buff spots. Primaries were unmarked sepia. Bobbed like a redshank when alert. Range down to 5 yards. R.F.C., P.Z.M., R.S., et al. (This record has been accepted by the Rare Birds Committee).

165 GREENSHANK 432. Tn'nga nebularia. Tresco, October 19th, eighteen on the Abbey Pool. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F.

169 KNOT 403. Calidris canutus. St. Agnes. Twenty-four on May 13th was an unusually large number for Spring. Smaller numbers occurred on other dates in May and again in September-October. O.

171 LITTLE STINT 407. Calidris minuta. St. Mary's, August 28th, one. R.S. Tresco, Abbey Pool. Between September 9th and October 17th, from one to four present. R.M.C., K.L.F., B.K., R.F.L., S.C.M., B.R., J.C.R., R.S. 174 BAIRD'S SANDPIPER 413. Calidris bairdii. Bryher, August 19th-21st, one. F.H.D.H., D.B.H., O. Tresco. From September 9th-27th one was present on the Abbey Pool. Upper-parts: Very scaly. Greyish/brown, lighter than Dunlin. Crown and nape appeared grey in evening light, but dark rufus brown heavily streaked on 10th September, in better light. Superciliary faint. Dark eye-stripe. Mantle as rest of back but slightly greyer. Very scaly throughout. Rump black (or dark) extending to centre of tail and noticable in flight. Slight white either side of tail. Wings: Scaly coverts. Primaries dark, extending beyond tail. No wing bar. In flight the bird lacked features of prominance. Appeared very sandy in some lights. Under-parts: Chin pale buff. Marked pectoral band, clean cut from lower breast. Streaked dark brown or black on buff. Rest of underparts pure white. Soft parts: Bill shorter and thinner than Dunlin. Black and straight. Eye black. Legs black. Field characters: Complete lack of distinctive markings. About same size as Dunlin. Appeared greyer generally than Dunlin and had a faster walk. Tended to keep to itself for much of the time and feed well away from the waters edge at certain times, probing the short grazed grass with its bill. Characteristic call in flight led to immediate recognition after a few days. D.B.H., R.F.L., J.C.R. (Both records have been accepted by the Rare Birds Committee).

175 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER 414. Calidris fuscicollis. Tresco, September 6th to 20th, one on the Abbey Pool. D.B.H., P.Z.M., R.E.F.P., et al. L.G.H., R.F.L., J.C.R.

57 Scilly Isles Upper-parts: Fore-head: White superciliary from either side forming two white spots on fore-head. Small central square of grey feathers with darker brown centres. Crown: grey-white with slight sandy tinge and dark brown centres to feathers. Nape and Mantle: Same as crown, but no sandy tinge. Rump: darker. Feathers dark brown edged narrowly grey-buff. Upper-tail Coverts: White. Some feathers having darker centres or dark brown tips to outer web. Tail: Centre pair of feathers dark brown with paler edges. Outer rectrices paler. Centre tail feathers extending 6.5 mm beyond outer. Closed wing extending 9 mm. beyond tail. Wings: Dark brown grey through­ out. Pale edgings to coverts. Tips of greater coverts white, showing as a wing bar in flight. Under-parts: Superciliary white. Dark centres to feathers. Superciliary dropping behind eye and becoming slightly broader. Less noticable on L. H. S. Lores: Dark brown. Ear-coverts: as lores but also a slight sandy tinge. Sides of neck white with black streaking; fairly grey. Chin: pure white. Slight pectoral band of grey-brown. Slight sandy tinge towards sides of breast. Feathers of upper-breast with slightly darker centres. Rest of underparts pure white. Black streaks to flanks. Soft-parts: Bill: black. Noticably downcurved at tip. Legs: Similar to bill, possibly lighter. Measurements: Wing: 123 mm., Tarsus: 22 mm., Tail: 50 mm.. Bill: 23 mm. (This record has been accepted by the Rare Birds Committee). 176 PECTORAL SANDPIPER 411. Calidris melanotos. Tresco, September 9th, one; September 19th, two; September 21st, four; September 22nd-26th, three; September 27th to October 5th, two—all on the Abbey Pool. D.B.H., L.G.H., P.Z.M., B.R.-0. One of these that I saw on September 23rd was constantly chasing Baird's Sandpiper all over the Pool. H.M.Q. St. Agnes, September 22nd, one. O. 178 DUNLIN 404. Calidris alpina. St. Agnes. Larger numbers than usual occurred in mid-May, Wiith a maximum of one hundred and eighty on the 13th. O. 179 CURLEW-SANDPIPER 406. Calidris testacea. Tresco. Up to six on the Abbey Pool between September 8th and 21st D.B.H., R.M.C., K.L.F., B.K., R.F.L., S.C.M., B.R., J.C.R. Bryher, September 23rd, one. L.G.H. St. Mary's. Many more than usual seen on autumn migration— on September 23rd there were ten at . D.B.H., P.Z.M. October 9th, Porthmellin, seven. R.S. October 7th-11th. Five at Porthloo. S.C.M. 181 SANDERLING 416. Crocethia alba. St. Mary's, October 10th, a hundred and fifty at Portloo. S.C.M. 182 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER 418. Tryngites subruficollis. St. Mary's, September 17th, on the Airport, and up to 30th on the Golf Course and ploughed fields adjoining, one (presumed to be the same) bird. 58 Scilly Isles On the plough it was in company with a party of Golden Plover, in comparison with which it appeared only half the size. It ran rapidly in the furrows, and the following points were noted: under­ parts uniform peachy buff becoming paler in the ventral region; Plover-like small head and short bill; wings and mantle dark, spangled with buffish colour; legs yellow. In flight, uniform above, but from below a whitish underside of the wing was apparent. R.S., D.B.H., P.Z.M., L.G.H., B.R.D., O. (This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee).

184 RUFF 417. Philomachus pugnax. St. Mary's, August 28th, one Porthellick R.S. September 5th, one Porthellick. P.Z.M. Tresco, September 8th, one on the Abbey Pool. P.Z.M. September 10th, two on the Abbey Pool. R.F.L., J.C.R. 187 GREY PHALAROPE 400. Phalaropus fulicarius. St. Agnes. The only birds certainly of this species were two on October 8th, one on 19th, and two on 20th. O.

187/188 PHALAROPE Sp. 400/400. Phalaropus fulicarius/lobata. St. Agnes, October 1st, two. October 7th, three. O. 193 ARCTIC SKUA 493. Stercorarius parasiticus. Tresco, August 13th, one, September 4th, two, September 14th, one. D.B.H. October 17th, one off-shore. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. St. Mary's, October 19th, six off-shore. H.P.K.R. St. Agnes. Up to three off-shore on several days in September and October. O.

194 GREAT SKUA 491. Stercorarius skua. , March 29lh, one R. Shepherd. Tresco, September 17th, one flying west. K.L.F. St. Agnes. Recorded on several dates between September 30th and October 31st, more numerous than usual, most, eleven on October 8th. O. St. Mary's, October 7th to 19th. Up to five seen at once. H.P.K.R. Eastern Isles, December 1st, one. R.S.

195 POMARINE SKUA 492. Stercorarius pomarinus. St. Mary's, September 23rd, one seen off-shore. O. October 7th, 14th and 16th, one seen off Penninis Head. H.P.K.R.

196 LONG-TAILED SKUA 494. Stercorarius longkaudus. St. Mary's, October 16th, one seen from Penninis Head, H.P.K.R. A very small Skua with pale upper parts. The underparts were white; the wings were very thin and long.

59 Scilly Isles 200 HERRING-GULL 482. Larus argentatus. St. Agnes, March 10th. A horde of these Gulls, together with Lesser Black-backs, were feeding on the floating dead maggots from the seaweed. Many of them fed by hovering and pattering with their feet on the water. H.M.Q. 202 GLAUCOUS GULL 487. LARUS hyperboreus. St. Mary's. In the harbour, January 20th, an immature, February and March, an adult. R.S. March 27th, an immature among other Gulls on the Strand beach. A.G.P. Tresco, April 7th, one, oiled in harbour. R.P.B.-O. A bird in its second or third winter's plumage frequented New Grimsby from January until the end of March. D.B.H. Western Rocks, March 29th, two—large size and absence of black on wing noted. R. Shepherd. 203 ICELAND GULL 488. Larus glaucoides. St. Mary's, November 3rd, one in first winter plumage. O. 207 LITTLE GULL 477. Larus minutus. St. Mary's harbour, November 25th, an immature. R.S. December 10th, one at Bar Point. R.F.C. St. Agnes, October 12th, one. O. 209 SABINE'S GULL 474. Xema sabini. St. Agnes, September 6th, two; one on 19th, October 4th and October 9th. O. Off St. Mary's, on October 15th and 16th, one. H.P.K.R. Between St. Mary's and St. Agnes, on October 22nd, an immature. R.S. 211 KITTIWAKE 489. Rivsa tridactyla. The St. Helen's colony has increased to about 120 nests on July 15th. The newer colonies on Annet and St. Martin's were successful with a small number of nests. Eds. 212 BLACK TERN 462. Chlidonias niger. St. Agnes, September 9th, one. O. St. Mary's harbour, November 9th and 10th, one. One found dead on November 26th was probably the same bird. R.S. Tresco, November 10th, one flying low overland. D.B.H. 215 GULL-BILLED TERN 465. Gelochelidon nilotica. Tresco, June 3rd, one. It was about the size of a Common Tern, though proportionately stouter, with shorter wings and tail. Pale grey upperparts with darker wing-tips, underparts all white. Dark cap as in typical Common Tern. Bill short, stubby, and black; legs black. The bird circled bay a few times before making off to the South, and twice dived to catch something on or near the surface, though not making a splash as other Terns do. The call, uttered in flight, was a two syllable one, similar to a Sandwich Tern, though lower in pitch. D.B.H. (This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee). 60 Scilly Isles 217 COMMON TERN 469. Sterna hirundo. First seen on April 15th, R.P.B.-O., and last seen on October 19th. R.M.C. 218 ARCTIC TERN 470. Sterna macrura. St. Mary's. The following were definitely identified: October 5th, one adult in breeding plumage, October 11th, one immature. S.C.M.

219 ROSEATE TERN 468. Sterna dougallii. Successful breeding continues in small numbers. Eds. 222 LITTLE TERN 471. Sterna albifrons. Tresco, September 14th, one off-shore. D.B.H. 223 SANDWICH TERN 467. Sterna sandvicensis. St. Agnes, April 17th, one seen. D.H. 226 LITTLE AUK 502. Plautus alle. St. Agnes, October 11th and November 2nd, one. O. 227 GUILLEMOT 499. Uria aalge. Breeding on Men-a-Vawr, Scilly Rock and Gorregan only. R.S.

235 TURTLE DOVE 383. Streptopelia turtur. St. Agnes, mid-May, a marked influx, with sixty or more present on 11th and 12th. O.

237 CUCKOO 240. Cuculus canorus. St. Agnes. Up to sixteen present in mid-May during marked influx of several migrant species. O.

249 SHORT-EARED OWL 251. Asio jlammeus. Great Arthur, April 15th, one, St. Helen's two. R.P.B.-O. Samson, April 16th, one. R.S. St. Agnes, September 11th, one. O.

252 NIGHTJAR 227. Caprimulgus europaeus. Tresco, September 26th, one disturbed from my vegetable garden. D.B.H.

258 KINGFISHER 234. Alcedo atthis. St. Mary's, September 25th, one. J.M.R. Up to three between August 1st and November 10th. R.S. Tresco, October 16th, two on the Abbey Pool. R.M.C., B.K. September 20th, one. L.G.H., K.L.F. St. Agnes, October 9th, one. L.G.H. October 13th, one. J.S.S. One or two on many days between August 27th and October 29th. O.

61 Scilly Isles 261 HOOPOE 232. Upupa epops. Tresco, April 17th, one. P.Z.M. St. Agnes, single birds, August 24th and 27th-29th. O. 263 GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER 237. Dendrocopos major. St. Agnes, October 21st, one. O. 265 WRYNECK 239. Jynx torquilla. Tresco, October 19th, one on the lawn of the Island Hotel. D.B.H. St. Agnes. Singly on many days, September 12th-30th, and October 6th-13th. O. 269 SHORT-TOED LARK 66. Calandrella brachydactila. St. Agnes, October 1st, one; October 8th-17th, two immatures, one remaining until at least November 2nd; also an adult on October 11th. O., S.C.M., P.Z.M., J.S.S. 271 WOODLARK 69. Lullula arborea. St. Agnes, September 16th-17th, one. O. 274 SWALLOW 220. Hirundo rustica. St. Mary's, February 16th, after a severe S.E. gale. M.S. 278 GOLDEN ORIOLE 17. Oriolus oriolus. . On May 12th, one bird first reported. Later, two females and two not-fully-adult males were seen about. On 18th, three birds seen, one male regularly carrying food (which appeared to be hairy caterpillars) to a definite spot. No nest was found nor any evidence of breeding, and the birds eventually disappeared—perhaps when the crop of caterpillars was exhausted. On June 1st the tail feathers of a Golden Oriole were found on Annet. M.E., H.M.Q., O. 279 RAVEN 1. Corvus corax. Tresco, March 3rd, one over Old Grimsby. D.B.H. St. Agnes, April 18th, one. D.H. 280 CARRION-CROW 3. Corvus corone. Tresco, October 19th, one. R.M.C. (But ? from St. Mary's Eds.) 282 ROOK 4. Corvus jrugilegus. Tresco. One seen about through April. D.B.H. 288 GREAT TIT 98. Varus major. St. Mary's. Lengths of open piping set vertically and carrying horizontal single strands of thick wire for use as field fences are regularly used as nesting sites, even when traditional dry stone wall or tree cavity sites are available nearby. The nests appear to be at the bottom of the pipes, two to three feet down. A.G.P. 302 FIELDFARE 173. Turdus pdaris. St. Agnes. Late individuals seen on May 11th and 13th. O. Bryher. Late individuals on June 14th. O.

62 Scilly Isles 304 REDWING 178. Turdus musicus St. Agnes. Late individuals in Spring on May 13th and 14th. O. 325 CONTINENTAL ROBIN 207. Erithacus rutecula. St. Mary's, December 2nd. One seen at Parting Cam—all others seen December 2nd to 4th were British Robins. A.G.P. 338 AQUATIC WARBLER 154. Acrocephalus paludicola. Tresco, August 19th, after a night of heavy rain, a Warbler was seen pruning in a Tamarisk hedge. It allowed close approach, and the following features were clearly noted: A crown stripe as broad and buff as the supercilia, which were rather longer than in a typical Sedge Warbler, and dark streaking on the back extending to base of tail. It was not seen again after mid­ day. D.B.H. (This record has been accepted by the Rarities Committee). 339 MELODIOUS WARBLER 156. Hippolais polyglotta. St. Agnes. Single birds on August 24th, September 7th-9th, and September 24th, and on most days from October 2nd-17th with two on 4th and 10th and three on the 12th. O. October 11th, a ringed bird. S.C.M. 340 ICTERINE WARBLER 155. Hippolais icterina. St. Agnes. Singly on August 26th, September 9th and 12th; one or two almost daily between September 23rd and October 10th, with three on September 30th and four on October 2nd. O.

339/340 HIPPOLAIS Sp. 155/156. Tresco, August 30th, one. November 28th. one feeding from Eucalyptus flowers in Abbey woods. D.B.H. St. Agnes, August 12th-18th, one; September 9th, two; September 13th, two, and 29th, one—also one on October 4th, 7th, 10th and 11th. O. 344 BARRED WARBLER 159. Sylvia nisoria. St. Agnes. Single birds on September 8th, 24th and 29th. O. 347 WHITETHROAT 163. Sylvia communis. Four singing males seen on St. Martin's on June 9th. On July 9th two separate pairs heard and seen on St. Mary's. Breeding not proved in either case. H.M.Q. 348 LESSER WHITETHROAT 164. Sylvia curruca. St. Mary's, October 10th, one. S.C.M. Tresco, May 26th, one singing. D.B.H. St. Agnes, April 10th, one. R.P.B.-O. Daily from May 10th-17th, most, four on 12th. Also on nine occasions between September 12th and November 3rd. O. 351 SUBALPINE WARBLER 168. Sylvia cantillans. St. Agnes, April 2nd-6th, one. O.

63 Scilly Isles 355 GREENISH WARBLER 134. Phylloscopus trochiloides. St. Agnes, September 21st and October 29th-30th, one. 0.

357 WOOD-WARBLER 135. Phylloscopus sibliatrix. Tresco, mid-April, one singing for several days. September 2nd, one. D.B.H.

360 YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER 137. Phylloscapus inornatus St. Mary's, September 26th, one, and October 26th, one. O. November 12th, one. R.F.C., P.Z.M. Tresco, October lOth-llth, one; October 23rd-25th at least three. November 8th, one. D.B.H. St. Agnes. At least eight different birds in October were recorded from October lst-7th, 9th-13th, 23rd-27th and on 30th. The most in one day were four on 24th. O.

364 GOLDCREST 127. Regulus regulus. Tresco, October 15th, estimated about three hundred. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. 365 FIRECREST 128. Regulus ignicapillus. St. Mary's, October to December, more than are usually seen. P.Z.M. October 19th, one on the Garrison. H.P.K.R. October 29th, four at Garrison; November 19th, five in various places. R.F.C November 20th, one. R.M.C. December 3rd, one at . A.G.P. Tresco, October 19th, one. B.K. St. Agnes. Recorded almost daily from September 24th to November 3rd, most twelve on October 21st. O.

370 RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER 125. Musckapa parva. St. Mary's, October 18th and 19th, one on the Garrison. H.P.K.R. November 5th and 12th, one. R.F.C., P.Z.M. St. Agnes. One or two, September 22nd, 25th-30th, October 8th- 11th and October 22nd. O.

374 RICHARD'S PIPIT 73. Anthus richardi. St. Mary's, September 23rd-25th, three on Penninis. P.Z.M., O. October 19th, one. H.P.K.R. St. Martin's, October 7th, two. B.R. Tresco, October 7th and 10th, one. D.B.H. St. Agnes. Recorded on several dates between September 14th and October 29th. Single birds on most days but three on September 18th and October 12th, and five on October 22nd. O.

64 Scilly Isles 375 TAWNY PIPIT 74. Anthus campestris. Tresco, September 21st-27th, one. D.B.H., L.G.H., B.M., P.Z.M., et al., O. St. Agnes. Single birds on September 26th, October 11th, 30th and 31st and November 2nd. O. 381 GREY WAGTAIL 89. Motacilla cinerea. St. Mary's, September to December, more than usual about. P.Z.M. A wintering bird seen from October onwards. R.F.C. 2 BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL 84. Motacilla flava flava. St. Agnes, May 11th, one female. H.M.Q. do. one male. J.S.S. May 10th, three, and one on May 15th-17th. O. 382 ASHY-HEADED WAGTAIL 86. Motacilla flava cinereocapilla. St. Agnes, May llth-13th. A male on the meadow in company with a female Blue-headed and three Yellow Wagtails. The absence of any eyestripe was first noticed; the lores were less dark, less con­ trasted with the crown than in the case of the Grey-headed seen in 1959, and there was a considerable amount of white under the chin. H.M.Q., O. 383 WAXWING 120. Bombycilla garrulus. Tresco, December 2nd. One sat on a telephone pole, while being mobbed by Sparrows, December 9th. The same or another, seen during a shower of snow. D.B.H. 386 WOODCHAT SHRIKE 116. Lanius senator. Tresco, October 2nd, an immature. D.B.H., O. St. Agnes, September 29th-October 4th, one. O. Annet, August 22nd, one. O.

388 RED-BACKED SHRIKE 119. Lanius collurio. St. Mary's, October 12th, one. H.P.K.R. Tresco, October 7th and for some days after, one. D.B.H. October 15th, one. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. St. Agnes. Single birds on August 22nd and 28th and October 1st and 2nd. O. 389 STARLING 14. Sturnus vulgaris. St. Mary's (Garrison), December 3rd. Five to six hundred came to roost in conifers behind the football field. The line of flight was along the long axis of the Island, and no flight direct from another inland to the roost was seen. A.G.P.

397 REDPOLL 23/25. Carduelis flammea. St. Agnes, October 23rd. Two seen. O. 401 BULLFINCH 33. Pyrrhula pyrrhula. St. Mary's, February 19th, one. R.S. November 26th, one female. R.F.C., P.Z.M.

65 Scilly Isles 404 CROSSBILL 36. Loxia curvirostra. Tresco. Small parties remained about the island until May 25th, when a party of five were seen. D.B.H. 408 BRAMBLING 42. Fringilla montifringilla. Tresco, October 19th, one calling, among Chaffinches. R.M.C. 409 YELLOW HAMMER 44. Emberiza citrinella. St. Agnes, May 11th, a male. 0. 416 ORTOLAN 50. Emberiza hortulana. St. Agnes, September 13th and 17th, one. 0. 420 LITTLE BUNTING 54. Emberiza pusilla. Tresco, October 18th, I saw a small Bunting in the bracken* I at once noticed the head pattern of pale central crown stripe flanked by a dark eyebrow and chestnut cheek patch. In other respects it was similar to a Reed Bunting, though noticably smaller and shorter tailed. D.B.H., R.M.C., K.L.F., B.K. St. Mary's, October 19th, one seen. H.P.K.R. (These records have been accepted by the Rarities Committee). 421 REED BUNTING 55. Emberiza Schoeniclus. St. Agnes, May 16th and 17th, one. O. 422 LAPLAND BUNTING 58. Calcarius lapponicus. St. Agnes, September 6th-20th, up to five, and singly September 28th to October 1st, and October 21st-30th. St. Mary's, September 7th, four on Tolls Island. October 29th and November 5th, one on Penninis. R.F.C., P.Z.M. Tresco, October 17th, one. B.K. 423 SNOW BUNTING 59. Plectrophenax nivalis. St. Mary's, October 15th, up to twelve seen. H.P.K.R. Tresco, October 17th, about fifty flew overhead. R.M.C., B.K., K.L.F. St. Martin's, October 7th, three. B.R. St. Agnes, September 25th, two—more than usual in October and early November, when noted almost daily. O. October 15th and 25th, a flock of thirty noted on Wingletang downs. O., J.S.S., P.Z.M. Annet, October 22nd, one. R.S. Bryher, September 23rd, one. S.C.M. 425 TREE-SPARROW 62. Passor montaruis. Tresco. Two individuals were present at the bird table during the Spring, and in early June both were taking food away from the table. On June 17th, one was seen feeding newly fledged,young close by, but the other was still carrying food to a distance. Neither bird was seen after this date. D.B.H. St. Agnes, May 15th-16th, one, and September 12th. O. BALTIMORE ORIOLE St. Agnes, October 18th to 26th, one, trapped. P.Z.M., O. 66 NOTES FROM ROUND ISLAND By A. T. Beswetherick (Lighthouse keeper)

SHEARWATER. First heard at 5 a.m. on April 13th. Colony apparently thriving. No eggs or chicks accessible this year. FULMAR. First seen January 20th. Two young successfully reared this year (of 1966 report). First chick seen on July 18th—then believed to be no more than 2—3 days old. Brooding bird, approached to about 7 feet. Second chick located August 1st, about the same size as the first. Single bird observed December 19th, and 2—3 seen subsequently to end of year. PURPLE SANDPIPER. November 2nd. One sheltering during severe N.W. gale. CUCKOO. Two young believed reared this year. 1st found, well feathered, in rock pipit's nest July 6th, and subsequently seen on West side being fed from July 15th-24th. Believed 2nd being fed on East side, by rock pipits, from August 4th-12th. SWIFT. May 9th, one. SWALLOW. October 24th, two. HOUSE MARTIN. May 10th, two. FIELDFARE. Birds heard November 8th. REDWING. One seen November 10th. BLACK REDSTART. At least six feeding in mild weather after stormy conditions, November 8th. WILLOW WARBLER. One, April 17th, in full song. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. One, May 14th. ROCK PIPIT. Up to six pairs breeding this year. SNOW BUNTING. October 18th, one. October 30th, one. November 13th, two. LINNET. A flock of up to at least 100 birds feeding on thrift seed from July 10th to August 12th. Numbers decreasing towards end of period.

67 PORTHGWARRA REPORT 1967 (B. Pattenden) Porthgwarra was visited most weekends by a few observers from March 27th to May 14th and by many more observers from August 6th to November 19th when all activities ceased abruptly due to Foot and Mouth restrictions. About four hundred birds of forty three species were ringed but no recoveries were reported from this total. Although this was perhaps disappointing it was more than offset by the 'quality' of some of the birds trapped and recorded during the year. On January 28th, a Great Skua and a Red-throated Diver flew west off shore and on March 4th a Black Redstart fed around the houses in the cove. Manx Shearwaters and Gannets were seen on many occasions feeding around the submerged rocks at the Runnel Stone Buoy. Spring migration commenced on March 26th when two Wheatears were recorded on the moors. The first 'fall' of migrants occurred on April 8th. The previous night had been very wet and the next morning at least twenty Willow Warblers and a dozen Chiffchaffs were moving up through the willows. A Blackcap sang in the bushes also and the first Swallow and Sand Martin were seen. April 9th produced a male Ring Ouzel and more Phylloscopi and Swallows. The weather from this date to April 12th was dull with very strong NNE winds but on the latter date twelve more Wheatears, a few more Phylloscopi, Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martin were recorded. Light ENE winds on April 16th brought male and female Ring Ouzel, Blackcap, Grasshopper Warbler and the first Whimbrel. The first Whinchat recorded in the Spring in this valley occurred on April 29th with light southerlies blowing and on the same day Cuckoo, Whitethroat and Sedge Warblers also arrived, with more of the migrants recorded earlier in the month. Thrushes which appeared to be absent in 1966 were present with two pairs down near the cove. Two pairs of Stonechats also bred in the area. Migration continued with increased vigour when on May 6th more Phylloscopi, Hirundines, Swifts, Yellow Wagtail and Turtle Dove were seen. Two Common Redstarts were recorded near the valley and an Arctic Skua was seen flying past the cove. Another 'fall' occurred on May 12th when the morning dawned overcast with a heavy thundery atmosphere. The valley was full of migrants which included ten Spotted Flycatchers, twenty Whitethroats, eight Sedge Warblers, two Grasshopper Warblers, more Phylloscopi and another Blackcap. The first Nightingale recorded in the valley was trapped. More Hirundines were present also. Cuckoos were much scarcer at this time than they were in 1966. Two more Turtle Doves were recorded in the valley before observations ceased due to heavy thundery rain which ruined the most promising day of the Spring. The following day the weather had cleared and in addition to many of the birds mentioned a Garden Warbler sang in the willows and a further increase in Spotted Flycatchers was noted while White- throats must have been in the region of fifty birds. The first migrants of the Autumn were recorded on August 6th with a dozen Common Scoter flying past the cove. Good numbers of Phylloscopi and about thirty Whitethroats were present in the valley. Three Ravens were in the area and a flock of Linnets and Goldfinches was also present. With light SE winds on August 20th, the first returning migrants flying overland were noted. These were three Yellow Wagtails, two Sand Martins, eleven Swifts and about fifty Swallows with eleven Wheatears

68 present on the moor. A Sparrowhawk and a Peregrine were also seen. Sandwich Tern and more Common Scoter flew west offshore. The 26th produced quite a 'fall' with light westerly winds blowing. About thirty Pied Flycatchers were present in the willow and an increase in Phylloscopi was noted. One lucky observer had the first Hoopoe to be recorded in the valley and a very early Merlin was seen. The next day a Common Redstart flew across the road at Polgigga (just outside our area) and birds were really moving through the area with twenty Yellow Wagtail, fifty Tree Pipit, eleven Sedge Warblers, more Pied Flycatchers, three Willow Warbler, Blackcap and a Whinchat. The Autumn's first Spotted Flycatcher was seen. It was interesting to note that very few Pied Fly­ catchers remained on in the valley after this large fall. In 1966 one was recorded in the valley on October 23rd but in 1967, September 16th was the last date this species was seen. The weekend of September 2nd/3rd was unrecorded at Porthgwarra due to very strong NW gales which was a pity as this is usually the peak period for the smaller warblers. However, September 9th more than made up, with a sunny day, winds light NE. There was a large increase of phylloscopi and in addition to some of these, a Melodious Warbler and an Icterine Warbler were trapped and examined within a couple of hours of each other. It was worth the whole Autumn's efforts to compare these two 'close relations' characteristics in such a short space of time. Hirundines, Turtle Doves and a Golden Plover were seen on this day and raptors were well represented with one each of Sparrow- hawk, Hobby, Peregrine and Buzzard. The Autumn's first Goldcrest was trapped. During the week following more Hippolais warblers were seen which may well have been Melodious. A Goshawk was also present. September 16th with winds light southerly produced a large movement of Wagtails and Meadow Pipits and it was estimated that about seventy White Wagtails and Grey Wagtails and four hundred Pipits passed over the valley. The first Bluethroat recorded was ringed on this date. The weather from September 17th was dull with rainly periods and strong southerly winds. On 20th Barred Warblers were seen in the valley. Turtle Doves and Ring Ouzel also moved through. Most of the Phylloscopus warblers had left the valley but Garden Warbler, Common Redstart and Whinchat were still present. A Firecrest trapped on Septem­ ber 27th was the first of this species recorded for the Autumn and a Red-breasted Flycatcher was in the valley on the 29th. This bird or another was present till October 1st. A Snow Bunting was seen around the cliffs on October 6th, and Reed Warblers were trapped in the valley during the same week. October 9th dawned very dull with fairly light SW winds. No visible migration was observed but a Yellow-browed Warbler was trapped with Goldcrests in the Willows. The first Snipe of the Autumn was seen. Small flocks of Chaffinch's and Skylarks flew across the valley towards the coast and at least two Bramblings were with the finches. The wind was light WNW on October 21st and a light drizzle was falling at dawn but soon ceased. This proved to be a red letter day for those who were present. Just after 9.0 a.m. two Yellow-browed Warblers were trapped with three Firecrests, nine Goldcrests and six Long tailed Tits in the willows. At least three Yellow-browed Warblers and about a dozen Firecrests were present in the valley. A Barred Warbler was seen and also a Hippolais sp, but if this wasn't enough, one very patient observer found a colourful bird in a bush which proved to

69 be an American Redstart. This was the first time that this species has ever been seen in Britain and by dusk all the observers in the valley had seen the bird. Other birds on the move were three Turtle Doves, a Short-eared Owl and a Merlin. Small flocks of finches passed over including a few Brambling. Finch flocks proved to be far smaller than those seen in 1966. Sunny weather with light SW winds on 22nd found some of the previous days birds departed including the American Redstart but two Yellow-browed Warblers were still present. A Red-breasted Flycatcher and a Richards Pipit were seen. Late migrants noted were one each of Common Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Reed Warbler and two Wheatears. A Goshawk and a Peregrine were present and the Merlin was still about from the previous day. During the middle of the afternoon an immature bird was trapped which after careful examination proved to be an Orphean Warbler. The species breeds in Iberia, Southern France, Italy and Greece, and the Porthgwarra bird is only the third record in Britain. A Serin was recorded on October 29th and a Wryneck on 30th. Probably the same bird was seen again on November 4th and it may well have wintered in the valley as a Wryneck was seen feeding in the same field as the 1967 bird on February 17th 1968. Residents in the cove had seen the bird a few weeks previously and this is the second record of a wintering Wryneck in Britain. Another Yellow-browed Warbler was seen on November 4th, and two Firecrest were still present and a Peregrine was about the area. November 12th with light SW winds and a sunny day gave good movements of Redwing and Fieldfare moving south. About six hundred of each species was estimated. Two Merlin and two Sparrowhawk were in the area. The Black Redstarts, a Firecrest and a Serin were also seen. Observation ceased on November 19th when a Richards Pipit and a Black Redstart were the only birds of note.

Grateful thanks must be given to St. Levan Estates and Mr. J. Williams of Roskestal Farm who very kindly allow visitors and observers to work in the valley and around the moors and cliffs. All future visitors are reminded that cars are NOT to be parked on the moorland near the Coastguard building but are to be parked in the carpark provided near the cove and also that they are forbidden to walk over agricultural land.

70 BREEDING BIRDS OF THE BODMIN AREA by D. F. Musson In 1967 the British Trust for ornithology organised a pilot survey for their proposed Atlas of British Birds. This survey is based on the National Grid 10 k.m. square. Three such squares in the Bodmin Area were covered in 1967, namely:— Square A (SX 06)—A. H. Glanville assisted by R. J. Salmon. Square B (SX 16)—D. F. Musson. Square C (SX 17)—D. F. Musson assisted by Col. W. E. Almond. For ease of reference these squares will be referred to as A, B and C throughout the remainder of this paper. 1. Method of Survey. A 10 k.m. square covers about 25,000 acres in all and has sides 6i miles long. Each square is split into 25 smaller units (tetrads—2 k.m. squares) bounded by the even numbered grids on the Ordnance Survey 1 in. or 2\ in. maps. Observers were asked to spend approximately two hours in every tetrad during the breeding season and to visit as many types of habitat within the tetrad as possible. All species seen are ticked off on a standard form unless there is any reason to believe that they are still on migration. If any evidence of breeding is obtained a cross is used instead of a tick. In the systematic list that follows the letters and numbers following a species name refer to the number of tetrads in which that species was recorded in each 10 k.m. square. 2 Brief Description of Area covered. Square A. (SX 06). Bodmin area including Dunmere and Hustyn Woods, Lanivet, Red Moor and Lanhydrock. Mainly undulating agricultural land with plenty of scrub, hedgerows and groups of trees. Large wooded areas confined to the Camel and Fowey valleys. Square B. (SX 16). Fowey valley between Lostwithiel and Doublebois extending to Boconnoc in the south and Cardinham and St. Neot in the north. Area dominated by the steep wooded valleys of the Fowey and its tributaries. Square C. (SX 17). Western part of Bodmin Moor, immediately north of Square B, including Brown Willy, Dozmary and Blisland; centred on Temple. Almost entirely high grassy moorland with patches of gorse. Woods and valleys confined to western edge of square. 3. Survey of the Birds of Cornwall. In 1967 a total of 4.5 k.m. squares were surveyed in Cornwall, while in 1968 six complete 10 k.m. squares and many part squares have been covered. In 1968 the B.T.O. altered their system of survey, but this Society agreed to continue with the 1967 system as it provides very much more useful information at county level and gives all the information required by the B.T.O. It is hoped that we will be able to cover the whole of the rest of the county in the next four years (1969-72). The co-operation of many mem­ bers is invited. Perhaps if you can not manage to survey a whole 10 k.m. square you will at least be able to cover one or two tetrads. This survey has already produced much new and useful information on the birds of Cornwall, e.g., in 1968 Redshank and Lesser Redpoll were proved to be breeding in the county. Finally I would like to thank most sincerely all those who have taken part in the survey during 1967 and 1968. 71 72 BREEDING BIRDS OF THE BODMIN AREA, 1967 Little Grebe (AO, BO, C3) Breed successfully at least two of the three waters on Bodmin Moor at which they were seen. Heron (AO, BO, CI) A Herony in a conifer plantation on Bodmin Moor (Not HALVANOR) was occupied for the third year and has increased to five pairs. Mallard (A2, B3, CO) Scarce but probably overlooked. Wigeon (AO, BO, CI) Pair present at Dozmary throughout May, but not seen after this. Tufted Duck (AO, Bl, CI?) Seen at Dozmary up to end of May; a pair of feral birds reared young in the Fowey valley. Mute Swan (AO, BO, CI) A pair bred successfully at Temple Tor pools—a new locality. Buzzard (A24, A25, C23) Well distributed in small numbers. Sparrowhawk (A6, B16, C4) Found in most wooded areas, especially those by the , it is likely that a number of pairs were not located. Kestrel (A16, B16, C23) Found wherever there is a large area of open, uncultivated ground. Partridge (A5, B4, CI) Although probably overlooked, un­ doubtedly very scarce. Quail (AO, BO, CI) One male called from a large area of rough ground near St. Breward. Pheasant (A 10, B24, C3) Rather scarce except in or near the Boconnoc estate. Water Rail (Al, BO, CO) One holding territory on Red Moor. Corncrake (Al, BO, CO) A pair hatched young close to Bodmin, but at least two of the young were killed by a hay mower. Moorhen (A9, B5, C6) Scarce due to shortage of suitable habitat. Coot (AO, BO, CI) Present on Temple Tor Pools. Lapwing (A2, Bl, C23) Very scarce except on Bodmin Moor large flocks appeared early in June but could have contained few local birds. Golden Plover (AO, BO, CI?) One heard singing on Bodmin Moor on one occasion. Snipe (AO, BO, C2) Males holding territory in at least two localities on Bodmin Moor. Curlew (A7, B2, CI7) Found in small numbers, wherever there was a largish area of damp, rough ground. Dunlin (AO, BO, C3) Males heard in three localities on Bodmin Moor, a female was present in at least one of these. Stock Dove (A7, B16, C23) Found in small numbers in two very distinct types of habitat (a) Woods and Parks with old trees and (b) open, rocky moorland.

73 Woodpigeon (A25, B25, C21) By no means numerous, but found wherever there were moderate sized trees or thick hedgerows. Turtle Dove (AO, BO, C2) Males were singing at two localities on Bodmin Moor and a third was found just out of square C to the West. Collared Dove (Al, Bl, CO) A pair bred successfully at Restormel, another seen by the Camel, near Bodmin. Cuckoo (A19, B23, C21) Widespread in small numbers, more frequently found in open ground than in woodland. Barn Owl (A6, B3, C3) Scarce but undoubtedly overlooked. Little Owl (AO, BO, CI) Only one seen, at Blisland. Tawny Owl (A 12, B18, C6) Certainly the commonest one in this area, heard in all areas with large trees where a search was made for owls. Nightjar (Al, Bl, CO) No special search made, so overlooked. Swift (A 10, B12, C4) Seen at most villages but only common in Bodmin, a few found in hamlets and isolated buildings. Kingfisher (A2, Bl, C2) Only seen at five localities but uncon­ firmed reports received of about as many again. Green Woodpecker (A 19, B24, Although the commonest woodpecker, C2) few seen within the larger woods both coniferous and deciduous. Great Spotted Woodpecker Scarce (? overlooked), were also com­ (A9, B13, C2) moner in parkland than large woods. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Four records from the Fowey Valley (Al, B3, CI) woods; the fifth (possibly lost!) at Temple Tor Pools. Woodlark A total of 29 singing males counted, fourteen each in Squares A and B, one in C. A very difficult species to census as it sings irregularly and infrequently; probably at least 50 pairs altogether in the two lowland squares. Skylark (A25, B25, C25) Generally common but scarce in some lowlying areas. Swallow (A25, B25, C25) Common, nesting in virtually every isolated building on Bodmin Moor. House Martin (A9, B15, C6) Colonies found in most villages and some hamlets. Sand Martin (A2, Bl, C6) Due to lack of suitable nesting sites colonies were very small, the two largest had between 10 and 12 occupied holes. Raven (A5, B23, C23) Found throughout the area but was scarcest in Square A where breeding potential sites are few. In the Fowey valley most pairs nested in trees, e.g. three at Lanhydrock. Carrion Crow (A25, B25, C25) Common. Rook (A8, B12, C5) Rookeries are well scattered throughout the area.

74 Jackdaw (A25, B25, C24) Widespread but never very common. Magpie (A25, B25, C23) Common except on Bodmin Moor where widespread in small numbers. Jay (A20, B24, C3) Found in virtually all tetrads with woods or parks but always scarce. Great Tit (A25, B25, C18) Widespread in moderate numbers except on Bodmin Moor. Blue Tit (A25, B25, C18) Common except on Bodmin Moor. Coal Tit (A19, B25, C6) Quite common in coniferous woods, but also found in many deciduous woods as well. Marsh Tit (A21, B23, C4) Well distributed in small numbers in woodland areas. Willow Tit (A6, Bl, C3) Found in ten tetrads, but confined entirely to damp scrub woodland between 12ft. and 20ft. high. Longtailed Tit (A25, B24, Quite common. CIO) Nuthatch (A9, B18, C3) Scarce but found in most areas with large gardens, parks or open deciduous woodland. Treecreeper (A18, B23, C3) Confined to woody areas, never com­ mon. Wren (A25, B25, C25) Common. Dipper (A 12, B16, C4) Well distributed on the tributaries of the rivers Fowey and Camel, but scarce on Bodmin Moor. Mistle Thrush (A17, B24, Cll Widespread but never common, largest parties seen on Bodmin Moor. Song Thrush (A25, B25, CI7] Scarce on Bodmin Moor otherwise common. Blackbird (A25, B25, C25) Universal, common except on Bodmin Moor. Wheatear (AO, BO, C23) Only found on Bodmin Moor where widespread in small numbers. Stonechat (A4, B9, C22) Commonest on Bodmin Moor but found elsewhere especially where there is gorse. However any area of waste ground may hold a pair. Whinchat (Al, B2, C25) Probably more than 100 pairs in the area surveyed, all on Bodmin Moor or neighbouring heathland. The great majority of pairs were in localities with long rough grass and wire fences. Few in gorse. Redstart. (A5, B7, CI) Located in thirteen tetrads in all, but the only small colonies were in Boconnoc and Lanhydrock Parks. It is interesting to find that this new arrival in the area should already be using all three of its normal habitats namely (1) Parkland with old deciduous trees, (2) Coniferous forest with heaps of cut wood and brashings and (3) fairly open and high moorland with isolated trees and stone walls. 75 Robin (A25, B25, C23) General common, but scarce on the highest parts of Bodmin Moor. Grasshopper Warbler Widespread in small numbers, mainly (A13, B12, C19) in rough ground with brambles; quite common on Bodmin Moor. Sedge Warbler (A6, BO, CI2) Small numbers in areas of wet moor­ land, found wherever there were size­ able areas of suitable habitat. Blackcap (A24, B25, C4) Quite common in the two lowland squares, more numerous than the Garden Warbler as it frequents a wider range of habitats. Garden Warbler (A23, B25, Well distributed in small numbers, C8) found almost entirely in localities where there are deciduous trees between 10ft. and 25ft. high. Whitethroat (A25, B25, C20) Quite common and widely distributed on Bodmin Moor. Lesser Whitethroat (Al, Bl, Single males in song at Boconnoc anc CO) Bodmin. Willow Warbler (A25, B25, Well distributed even on Bodmin Moor C20) a surprising percentage nested on heath land with cover less than 5ft. high. Ver scarce in some wooded areas, e.g Dunmere and Lanhydrock. Chiffchaff (A25, B25, Cll) Commoner than the Willow Warbler in the two lowland squares but much scarcer on Bodmin Moor. Almost confined to woods with trees over 15ft. high. Wood Warbler (A6, B12, CO) About 30-35 pairs located mainly in the valley bottoms, in tall damp deciduous woodlands with little under­ growth. Goldcrest (A24, B25, CI) Found in all coniferous woods and some areas with deciduous trees and tall scrub. Spotted Flycatcher (A20, B22, Found in gardens, park and sheltered CIO) wood edges throughout the area but nowhere common. Pied Flycatcher (Al, Bl, CO) Nested unsuccessfully at Lanhydrock. Dunnock (A25, B25, C25) Ubiquitous. Meadow Pipit (A6, B16, C25) Common on Bodmin Moor and quite well distributed in the two lowland squares in heathland and rough pasture. Tree Pipit (A10, B19, C4) Well distributed but always scarce, mainly in young plantations or on open ground with occassional trees. Pied Wagtail (A15, B21, C19) Widespread in small numbers. Grey Wagtail (A8, B19, C8) Scattered along all suitable rivers, and streams. Starling (A19, B16, C20) Very difficult to census due to the large influx of juveniles at the end of May. Apparently scarce as a breeding species except in the towns and larger villages. 76 Greenfinch (A23, B23, C6) Very small numbers. Goldfinch (A24, B25, C17) Quite common except on the higher parts of Bodmin Moor. Linnet (A25, B25, C25) Quite common throughout the area. Bullfinch (A24, B25, C14) Quite common in all agricultural and wooded areas. Crossbill (AO, B2, CO) Pair of Adults seen in May, and a family party nearby in early July (the latter could well have been immigrants). Chaffinch (A25, B25, C25) Common. Yellowhammer (A25, B25, Common except on the high moorland. C23) Singing males located at Bodmin and Cirl Bunting (Al, Bl, CO) Warleggan. Well distributed in small numbers in Reed Bunting (A16, Bll, C23) wet scrub, boggy moorland and dry heath especially in gorse. House Sparrow (A25, B25, Common in all inhabited areas. C23) THE TORREY CANYON INCIDENT AND THE SEA BIRDS OF CORNWALL (A census of auks breeding in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly) By J. L. F. PARSLOW

Estimated minima of 20,000 Guillemots, 5,000 Razorbills and 200 Puffins were killed by the oil pollution that followed the wreck of the Torren

Canyon on the Seven Stones reef off Land's End on 18th March, 1967v Ringing evidence showed that the Guillemots and Razorbills originated from colonies on many parts of the Atlantic and Irish Sea coasts of the British Isles. Other evidence (see W. R. P. Bourne et al.. Nature, Lond., 215, 1123-1125) showed that many also came from colonies outside and to the north of the British Isles as well as from north-west France. Two pieces of evidence suggested that local breeding populations of auks in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly had suffered severe losses. First, observations in Cornwall during April showed practically no birds on the breeding ledges along the worst polluted stretches of coast. Second, two out of the only four Guillemots ringed as breeding adults anywhere in Cornwall or Scilly in recent years were killed by the Torrey Canyon oil (see page 84). In view of the possible serious effects of the oiling incident on the breeding populations of auks in Cornwall and Scilly detailed censuses were carried out in both areas in June on the instigation and with the financial aid of the Nature Conservancy. The census in Cornwall was carried out by N. R. Phillips and R. J. O'Connor (with help from many local ornithologists recruited mainly through the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society) and in Scilly by J. L. F. Parslow (with assistance from R. Symons, D. B. Hunt, R. J. O'Connor and others). This paper presents the results of these surveys. SCOPE AND AIMS The main aim of the survey was to establish the strength of the breeding populations of auks in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. No complete census had ever been attempted in the past and there was some doubt even as to the rough order of magnitude of the total numbers to be found. It was known, however, that in common with other colonies of auks in the southern half of the British Isles those in Cornwall and Scilly had declined considerably during the course of this century (see J. L. F. Parslow, Brit. Birds, 60: 177-202). Despite the lack of any previous complete census it was anticipated that comparisons with the few counts that had been made at some colonies in recent years would provide an indication of the losses suffered by local populations from the Torrey Canyon oil. METHODS Most of the census work was carried out in June since previous experience had shown that this was the time when breeding populations of auks in this area were at a peak and most stable. In 1967 arrivals of auks at the breeding colonies were evidently later than usual. Very few birds were seen at the colonies in Cornwall in April and the first half of May. Whether the lateness of the arrival was connected with the polluted seas around the colonies or with climate (perhaps the exceptionally long period of northerly winds in April) or some other factor is not known. Certainly such evidence as there is suggests that in many years attendance of auks at the breeding stations immediately prior to the onset of breeding is rather erratic.

78 The entire Cornish coast and all suitable islands and stacks offshore as well as in Scilly were covered during the surveys.

Cornwall Much of the census was carried out by walking along the edge of the cliffs and examining the cliff-face from headlands and other vantage points. Wherever suitable viewing could not be obtained notes were made of the birds present in the area on the sea and on the rocks beneath the cliffs, or on visible parts of the cliff face. Any section where significant numbers of auks were suspected were subsequently re-censussed from a boat. O'Connor and Phillips believed that this method probably achieved an accuracy of as high as 85-90%. Island stations were counted from a boat. Many of the major seabird colonies in the county are found on stacks and small islands, but few can be landed upon, and then only for an hour or so at the turn of the tide in a flat calm. Such islands were circumnavigated and the birds on the cliffs counted. A landing was made on Carter's Rock in Holywell Bay and this enabled checks to be made of the accuracy of counts made from the sea. The agreement between the two sets of results was satisfactory. Some checks on boat counts were also made by censussing sections of mainland previously censussed from the cliff-top; in no case was there any serious discrepancy, though the boat counts tended to be lower. Comparison of counts duplicated in this way showed that the boat counts gave a more complete picture of an area than did the land counts wherever overhangs or small stacks presented 'blind spots'. In addition the amount of time and effort required for the job was considerably less, 4-6 miles of coast being adequately covered in an hour against the less than half a mile an hour achieved on land counts even in conditions of easy going.

Isles of Scilly All islands suitable for breeding auks were censussed from either a boat or by landing. In Scilly most Guillemots and all Razorbills nest under boulders rather than on cliff ledges and for this reason the counts made by boats were not always entirely satisfactory. Such counts were, however, repeated at a later date whenever this was practicable. Repeat counts, even when made by a different observer to the first, showed reasonably consistent results; estimates of breeding pairs were also nearly always similar. Only in the case of Menavaur, on which neither J. L. F. Parslow nor D. B. Hunt was able to land, was it considered that the counts from the sea might not provide a reasonable estimate of the auk populations present. Ideally every island containing breeding auks should have been landed on, but insufficient calm weather and other boating difficulties precluded this. Instead, J. L. F. Parslow, while viewing most islands from a boat, had to concentrate his effort and landings to those islands in the south-west of the archipelago whose seabird populations he knew best from visits in previous years. R. Symons counted mainly in the Eastern Isles; D. B. Hunt surveyed Menavaur, St. Helens and some other islands in the north-east. Disturbance by fishermen, who landed illegally on both Castle Bryher and Mellegan for the purpose of killing Cormorants and Shags a few hours before our visits, made it difficult to estimate the auk populations on these islands. Unfortunately, no repeat count was possible on Mellegan, but one was made at Castle Bryher.

79 DESCRIPTION OF THE COAST Cornwall Broadly speaking the south coast is poor in seabirds. East of the Lizard right round past Rame Head the shore is rugged and rocky but not sheer, and there are numerous inshore rocks and boulder beaches. Hardly any colonies are found along its 50-mile length, the birds instead being con­ centrated on the three rocky stacks in the area, notably the isolated stack called Gull Rock on the map (as are at least five other stacks on the north coast), but more aptly called The Maid by the locals. St. George's Island has cliffs at its western end but they are unsuitable for auks. The Land's End peninsula has a deeply indented granite coast with many rocky coves and headlands. The area between Sennen and has always been poor in breeding seabirds as the coast is either beach or shelving cliffs; the birds breed instead on the low rocky islands of the Brissons offshore. Elsewhere in the area the coast is suitable for sea- birds, with sheer cliffs at many points, but in the summer of 1967 the northern half of the peninsula was largely devoid of birds, presumably because of the presence of oil on the rocks and the continuing spraying of detergent each day. St. Ives Bay is entirely beach but there are many fine seabird cliffs just to the north—at Navax Point, Hell's Mouth and Ralph's Cupboard; the many fine stacks in this area form an undoubted attraction for seabirds. Further north the mainland has only occasional stretches of 'good' cliff, one of the more remarkable being that 300 feet high at St. Agnes Head, which rises sheer from the sea and supports colonies totalling 900 pairs of Kittiwakes as well as auks. These can be counted properly only from the sea. A mile offshore are the two rocky spires of the Bowden Rocks, also with auks and Kittiwakes breeding. Around Boscastle there are many deep and narrow clefts in the coast and over half a dozen small rocky islands offshore. Over 30% of Cornwall's Guillemots breed on these islands, while the Puffin colony at Lye Rock accounts for over 90% of the county's population of that species. Further north the cliffs resemble those of the south coast, largely shelving into shallow seas and bare of breeding birds except Fulmars and Herring Gulls.

Isles of Scilly The inhabited islands hold relatively few breeding seabirds and, except for a few Razorbills in some years on Shipman Head, Bryher, no breeding auks. Instead most of the auks in Scilly are found on the smaller peripheral stacks and islands, especially in the west and north of the group. There the numbers of Razorbills are greatest on those islands having many suitable nesting crevices, particularly those formed by raised boulder beaches and boulder scree. In the south-west, the important islands for auks are Melledgan, Rosevear and Gorregan, though only the last named has any Guillemots. Annet holds relatively few Razorbills, but is the main station in Scilly for Puffins. It is, of course, much larger tEan the other uninhabited islands in this area and is the only one which has soil in any quantity. As well as the Puffins, it is important for its breeding Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels and gulls. In the north-west, Mincarlo, Castle Bryher and Scilly Rock all hold numbers of breeding Razorbills; several pairs of Puffins are found on Mincarlo, and Scilly Rock has a few Guillemots. Some other rocks in this

80 area have a few Razorbills, but many of the smaller ones such as Sea Rock and Maiden Bower are too exposed to hold many seabirds. There are strong colonies of gulls on Samson. Terns nest on several of the sheltered, in the shallow seas between Bryher, Samson and Tresco, as well as between Tresco and St. Martins. In most years the most important colony is at by Samson. In the north-west, while several islands hold breeding gulls and St. Helens has a small colony of Puffins, the only important auk station is the impressive, high stack of Menavaur. The Eastern Isles consist of about a dozen small islands and rocks. The more rocky of these, such as Mena- wethan, hold a few Razorbills, but most are grass-topped islands, lacking cliffs, and having few breeding seabirds apart from gulls. The most isolated, and smallest, is Hanjague, which formerly had Guillemots breeding on it.

RESULTS OF THE AUK SURVEYS Cornwall The full results of the census of Razorbills and Guillemots in Cornwall given in N. R. Phillips Survey Tables 1 and 2 summarise the main features of the distribution of these two species in the county. The figures given here are based on the numbers of birds counted at each station, rather than the apparent numbers of nests, which could be estimated at only a few sites. Two outstanding features of the distribution are shown by Tables 1 and 2. First, over 50% of the Razorbill population and 70% of the Guillemots breed on the islands. Islands offshore clearly have a marked attraction for breeding auks, even in areas where the mainland comprises similar cliff to that of the stacks. The effect is even more marked in the figures for individual areas (which omit the smoothing effect of coasts without offshore islands). For example, in the Boscastle area the mainland has much suitable cliff for Guillemots but less than 10% of the population there uses it in preference to the stacks. The second feature shown by Tables 1 and 2 is the scarcity of auks on the south coast. In part this may be due to a shortage of suitable cliff in the south but it is probably mainly due to an absence of many stacks and islands offshore.

Table 1. Distribution of Razorbills breeding in Cornwall in June, 1967 Mainland Small stacks Islands Total inshore offshore South coast 0 4 23 27 North coast 324 17 368 709 Total 324 21 391 736

Table 2. Distribution of Guillemots breeding in Cornwall in June, 1967 Mainland Small stacks Islands Total inshore offshore South coast 0 1 105 106 North coast 242 0 370 612 Total 242 1 475 718 The results of the census of Puffins is given in Table 3, which also includes notes on the past history of the various colonies.

81 Isles of Scilly The results of the census of all three auks in Scilly are given in Table 4. Unlike the Cornish counts the figures given for Razorbills and Guillemots refer to the estimated numbers of pairs. Numbers of birds present have been given for those stations where a landing was not made or where the estimates are approximate for other reasons. As mentioned earlier, the figures for Menavaur are very approximate and are based on the highest numbers of birds seen from the sea by D. B. Hunt. Nests of Puffins are particularly difficult to estimate and for this species the maximum number of birds seen at each station has been given in addition to a rough estimate of breeding pairs. Several points emerge from Table 4. First, Razorbills far outnumber Guillemots, whereas in Cornwall the numbers are approximately equal and over Britain as a whole the Guillemot is by far the more common of the two. Second, Guillemots are now confined to only three islands. Third, Puffins, though still found on nine islands, are present in reasonable numbers only on Annet.

Table 4. Census of auks in Isles of Scilly in June, 1967. Figures refer to estimated number of breeding pairs at each station. Where estimates are doubtfully based maximum numbers of birds seen are stated in brackets. Razorbill Guillemot Puffin Southwest group Annet 9 — 50-100 (134 birds) Melledgan 20 (19 birds) — — Gorregan 29 17 — Rosevear 8 (24 birds) — 1 ( 4 birds) Rosevean 15 — — Northwest group Castle Bryher 20 (27 birds) — 2 ( 2 birds) Illiswilgig 7 — — Maiden Bower 3 — — Mincarlo 60 — 12 ( 20 birds) Scilly Rock 30 8 4 ( 8 birds) Shipman Head 1 ( 1 bird) — — Northeast and east groups Menavaur c. 100 25 + (30 birds) 1 ( 2 birds) St. Helens — — 8 ( 12 birds) Hanjague 1 — — Little Innisvouls 1 — — Great Innisvouls 10 (13 birds) 5 ( 5 birds) Menawethan 6 ( 9 birds) 8 ( 8 birds) 320 50 + c. 90-140 (195 birds)

DID THE NUMBERS OF AUKS DECLINE IN 1967? A major difficulty in attempting to answer this question has been the absence of counts in other recent years. Briefly, however, it can be stated that the numbers of auks at some but not all colonies in the Isles of Scilly and along the most polluted parts of the Cornish coast are now lower than when they were last counted (not necessarily in 1966), but that elsewhere in Cornwall there is no evidence that the Torrey Canyon oil caused a marked reduction in the strength of the colonies. The enormous decline in the mainland colonies that at one time seemed possible did not materialise, and it is something of a mystery to know how the birds survived. Thus at some mainland colonies substantial numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills had returned to the breeding cliffs as early as 12th March. In April, however, practically none could be seen anywhere along the Cornish coast. Yet later, in late May and June, birds were back again and apparently bred normally.

In Cornwall the following colonies may have been affected by the Torrey Canyon oil:— Brissois. These islands, off Cape Cornwall, were in one of the worst polluted areas, by both oil and detergent. The last recorded visit by an ornithologist was in 1957 when R. H. Blair reported one hundred Guillemots and one hundred Razorbills. Numbers in 1967 were 15 and 87 respectively, suggesting, as elsewhere that Guillemot numbers have been reduced more severely than those of the Razorbill. It is not known, of course, whether the decline was gradual over these ten years or whether the decline occurred suddenly in 1967. Carn-les-Boels, near Land's End. This colony diminished in 1930's and 1940's from over one hundred Guillemots to extinction. In recent years, birds have been seen on these cliffs, though they were probably non-breeders. Up to 20 were seen in 1966 but none in 1967. Portheras—Bosigran. This is the only area for which accurate counts of Guillemots are available in both 1966 and 1967. In 1966 there was a maximum of 43 Guillemots on the ledges, and this was considered to be a normal population for recent years. In 1967 the maximum seen was only 17. Counts in the 1940's at Morvah in the same area indicated that the local population fluctuates. Thus H. M. Quick counted 50 Guillemots in 1942, 12-20 in 1944 and 'a few' in 1947. Hells Mouth. The Guillemot colony here has numbered 100+ birds in other recent years, compared with a maximum of 88 in 1967. Navax Point. Guillemots have numbered up to 50 birds on ledges in some recent years, compared with a maximum of 15 in 1967. Armed Knight. No recent counts for comparison, but only 6 Razorbills in 1967 seemed to indicate to local observers a considerable reduction in numbers from previous years.

All these stations are within the polluted area. One other such station, Muliion Island, has only a few breeding Razorbills but their numbers have not changed in recent years and the four present in 1967 were about the usual number. Though few counts are available from elsewhere in Cornwall, subjective estimates by local observers suggest that no marked reduction in the numbers of breeding auks occurred in 1967. The Cornish Puffin colonies are all situated outside the main area of the Torrey Canyon pollution. There is no evidence to indicate that numbers were lower in 1967 than in 1966, though in the long-term they have declined considerably. The reasons for this are not certain. Adverse factors, other than oil pollution at sea, probably include climatic amelioration, gull preda- tion and soil erosion at the colonies (see Table 3).

X3 In the Isles of Scilly there have also been long-term reductions in the numbers of breeding auks. The Puffin has been the hardest hit. Numbers have diminished from an estimated 100,000 birds on Annet (and many elsewhere) in 1908 to a total in Scilly of about 200 today. Though several apparently local birds were killed by the Torrey Canyon oil the numbers of Puffins breeding in 1967 did not seem to be down to any great extent. Though the numbers off Annet were slightly below the maxima recorded in some other recent years, the absence of a series of counts right through one season makes it impossible to say whether the reduction was a real one. In any case it seems certain that the reduction, if there was one, was not more than 10-20%. J. L. F. Parslow last made an estimate of the Guillemot population on Gorregan in 1962 when there were about 50 breeding pairs, including 14 pairs on one ledge and crevice on the south eastern side of the island. Four adults, all on nests under the same boulder, were ringed then. Another member of St. Agnes Bird Observatory visited the island in 1964 and found a similar aggregate of breeding Guillemots and also the same four ringed ones nesting in the same place. These four Gillemots were the only ones to be ringed anywhere in Cornwall or Scilly in the six years 1962-1967, and it is of some interest to note that two of the four were known to be killed by the Torrey Canyon oil. Both were washed ashore, badly oiled, in April 1967, one on St. Mary's, Scilly, the other on the Cornish mainland. Though they were looked for in June 1967, the remaining two ringed Guillemots could not be found on Gorregan, and no birds were breeding under the favoured boulder. In all, only 17 pairs were nesting, and only two of these were on the ledge which contained 14 pairs in 1962. Though estimates of the numbers of Guillemots on Gorregan were not made in 1965-1966, this evidence suggests that the Torrey Canyon oil may have reduced the breeding population by about two-thirds. Symons reports that numbers were also reduced on Scilly Rock this year and that Hanjague which previously held a few breeding Guillemots was deserted. No recent information is available for the only other Guillemot colony in Scilly—on Menavaur. It is uncertain whether the Torrey Canyon oil had any affect on the Razorbill population in Scilly. About 70 adults and young have been ringed there since 1957 but none of these was recovered oiled during the Torrey Canyon episode. (Two birds ringed as adults in 1963 and 1965 were, however, killed during an oiling incident off South Devon in February 1968). The breeding populations on Annet and Gorregan in June 1967 were of a similar order of size to those found in other recent years: that on Melledgan (about 20 pairs) was about 50% down on the last estimate, made in 1965, but as mentioned earlier there was considerable disturbance on this island just prior to our survey. On Rosevear, the numbers of Razorbills (c. 8 pairs) were considerably down on previous estimates, which in recent years have ranged from 25-50 pairs. Elsewhere in Scilly insufficient information is available to indicate recent trends, but the subjective impressions of J. L. F. Parslow, R. Symons and others were that numbers were similar to those in other recent years, or only slightly down. To summarise: the available evidence shows that (1) the numbers of Guillemots breeding in Scilly and along the oil-affected parts of the Cornish coast were reduced by the Torrey Canyon oil; on one island in Scilly perhaps as many as two-thirds of the original population was killed; (2) the numbers of Razorbills in both these areas were probably slightly reduced; (3) the numbers of Puffins in both areas, and of Guillemots and Razorbills breeding on those parts of the Cornish mainland not affected by the Torrey Canyon i oil, probably did not decline to any appreciable extent.

84 EFFECT OF THE TORREY CANYON OIL ON THE POPULATION OF OTHER SEABIRDS

Though the main aim of the 1967 surveys was to count the Cornish auk population the opportunity was also taken to census the other breeding seabirds along the Cornish coast and on the 'auk islands' in Scilly. June is a satisfactory month for censussing breeding populations of Kittiwakes, Fulmers and Shags, though it is rather late in the year for fully effective censuses to be made of the Laris gulls and Cormorants. On the mainland, some counts of Cormorants, for example, were made before the full census got under way in June, but in Scilly many of the young would have fledged (or been destroyed by local fishermen) before the surveys began. Again, in Scilly, except for gulls on those islands also having breeding auks, it was not possible to carry out a full census. Notes on individual species are given below and the census results in Appendices 2 and 3.

Fulmar. No oiled Fulmars were reported at the time of the Torrey Canyon pollution. Since the species feeds well out to sea and spends compara­ tively little time on the water surface it would probably not be greatly affected by inshore pollution. During this century this species has expanded its range considerably in the British Isles, and has colonised Cornwall and Scilly only since the 1940's. Two new breeding stations, both on the north coast—at Penhallow Point and near Bude—were located during the 1967 census. Probably increased numbers were recorded at Portquin Bay, though there had evidently been a decrease at Bedruthan Steps.

Storm Petrel. No contaminated birds were found during the Torrey Canyon incident. This is an extremely difficult species to census at its breeding colonies and it is not known whether any changes in population occurred at the main colony on Annet, Isles of Scilly. A few pairs breed elsewhere in Scilly, and an old egg of this species was found under a boulder on Carters Rock, off the north Cornish coast.

Manx Shearwater. Though nine of the 114 Manx Shearwaters caught on Annet on April 1967 showed slight traces of oil on their plumage, no other oiled shearwaters were reported during the incident. As with the Storm Petrel, this is a difficult species to census and it is not known whether the Annet population has decreased in recent years. No Manx Shearwaters were found breeding on the mainland.

Cormorant. No counts were possible in Scilly since the young had fledged, or, in the case of the colony on Castle Bryher, destroyed by local fishermen. The normal population in Scilly is about 50-60 pairs divided between three islands; the sites of the colonies change frequently probably owing to persecution. The breeding population in Cornwall is also small and is largely confined to a few islands and stacks; only two mainland sites are known. The birds seen to feed exclusively in estuarine waters and Phillips believes that this accounts for the fact that the colonies seemed to suffer no reduction in breeding success, unlike the Shag in the polluted area (see below). The ten Cormorant colonies, located in 1967 totalled 119 nests. Details are given in N. R. Phillips article.

85 Shag. In Scilly, except on Rosevear where the breeding population had decreased from c. 120 pairs in 1965 to c. 60 pairs in 1967, there was no evidence of any change in the numbers of breeding birds at any of the colonies in the Western Rocks and on Annet. The young and a few of the nesting adults on Melledgan had been slaughtered by fishermen just prior to our visit in 1967. Similar disturbance in previous years on Rosevear might account for the reduction in numbers there. Although numbers of oiled Shags were killed by the Torrey Canyon oil in Cornwall, relatively few were found in Scilly, and most of these were first year birds. Except on the western islands, where a total of 220 nests were located, a complete census was not made; but the total number of Shags in Scilly in 1967 may be reasonably estimated at 600-700 breeding pairs.

Results of the Cornish survey are given in N. R. Phillips' article. Though most breeding birds were able to escape both oil and detergent pollution, there is evidence that in some cases the breeding cycle was interrupted, in others that the onset of breeding was delayed, and in others still that birds did not breed at all in 1967. Thus many of the traditional sites on the north coast of the Land's End peninsula were not occupied in 1967 and the numbers in another colony had fallen to less than a half of those in 1966. In another colony, at Morvah, the small numbers that bred did so very late: of seven nests on 16th June six were still incomplete and the other still had eggs. At Hells Mouth there were 22 nests on 23rd April but most of these failed; of ten nests there on 10th July one still had eggs, the rest held small young.

Great Black-backed Gull. Only very small numbers were reported to have been contaminated or killed by the Torrey Canyon oil, and there was no evidence of any change in the breeding populations in Scilly or Cornwall. In the former area, numbers on Annet have continued to increase and an estimated 330 pairs were breeding in 1967. Numbers on Melledgan (60 pairs) were similar to those in other recent years, but on Rosevear (120 pairs) there had been a slight decrease. In all 520 pairs were breeding in the southwest group of islands in Scilly; complete counts were not made elsewhere in Scilly in 1967, but the total number of breeding pairs is believed to be in the region of 1,200. In Cornwall all colonies are small with the exception of one of 154 nests on Mullion Island. Numbers have evidently increased here in the long-term since in 1924 C. H. Harvey (Brit. Birds, 161-169) recorded only 4a few' pairs nesting. No figures are available for more recent years and it is not known whether the breeding populations along the worst polluted parts of the Cornish coast diminished in 1967. Details of the census are given in N. R. Phillips' article.

Lesser Black-backed Gull. A full census could not be made in Scilly, where relatively few gulls nest on the 'auk islands'. There was, however, no evidence of any decrease in breeding strength at the largest colony on Annet where 700-800 pairs were nesting. In Cornwall the species is extremely scarce probably owing to a lack of seabird stations having suitable vegetation. Isolated nests were found at about ten localities: (see table in N. R. Phillips' article).

Herring Gull. No full census was made in Scilly. The only large colony counted in previous years has been the one on Annet, where numbers have been decreasing since about 1960. Only 150 pairs were nesting in

86 1967—about the same number as in 1966, but only one-third of the total of a few years ago. The total number of pairs in Scilly is of the order of 1.000. The numbers breeding in 1967 were not thought to have been affected by the Torrey Canyon oil. Although numbers of contaminated (but not incapacitated) birds were seen on the inhabited islands in Scilly at the time of the Torrey Canyon incident, most of those were thought to be non-local in origin; certainly very few oiled birds were seen in April among those already on the breeding colonies. In Cornwall many Herring Gulls nest on rooftops in the town and villages and no attempt was made to count these. Table 5 summarises the results of the census of the cliff and island breeders. Table. 5. Distribution of Herring Gulls breeding along coasts of Cornwall in June 1967. (Birds nesting inland and on rooftops are omitted.) Mainland Small islands Total offshore South coast 316 303 619 North coast 1215 2219 3434 Total 1531 2522 4053 The numbers of Herring Gulls breeding along the north coast of the Land's End peninsula showed a considerable decline in 1967. This is the only population known well enough to N. R. Phillips for a comparison with previous year's numbers to be made. The species seems almost certainly to have been severely affected by the oil and detergent pollution. In April, up to 50% of birds were contaminated (often only slightly) at some colonies; in June, 20-25% of the birds in the Land's End area showed traces of oiling. Birds were seen feeding freely on the marine life killed by the detergent and this may have affected their breeding. Certainly abnormal behaviour was noted at one colony in the polluted zone and there was also indications of delayed and unsuccessful breeding. Kittiwake. This species has been expanding in both Scilly and Cornwall in recent years. In both areas counts were higher than at any previous time Three new stations were created in Cornwall and two in Scilly (see Appendix 6). On the other hand, the species may have suffered from the oil or detergent pollution in the Land's End area. At Carn les Boels only 42 nests were found compared with 150 there in 1959. At Morvah the number of nests fell through June and early July (from 116 to 65 nests), though in the same period at Rinsey Head (outside the heavily polluted zone) numbers increased (from 69 to 79). The Rinsey Head birds had eggs on 26th May; no eggs were seen at Morvah till June, and breeding success and productivity were extremely low. Kittiwakes were seen on several occasions feeding along detergent slicks, presumably on dead Ammodytes etc. floating to the surface.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The surveys in 1967 have, for the first time, given us a good indication of the strength and distribution of the auk breeding populations in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. They have also provided information on the breeding distribution and numbers of other seabirds in these areas. The surveys indicated that in 1967: (1) the numbers of Guillemots at some breeding colonies in Scilly and along the most polluted parts of the north Cornish coast between Land's End and Hells Mouth were considerably

87 reduced; (2) along the same part of the Cornish coast (but not in Scilly), many fewer Shags and Herring Gulls were breeding than in 1966, and that some of those that did breed did so late and probably with little success; (3) that the numbers of Kittiwakes at a colony within the worst polluted zone declined during the summer and those that did breed did so late and with reduced success. These effects were probably all connected with the oil and/or detergent pollution that followed the Torrey Canyon incident. It is not certainly known whether the local breeding populations of Razorbills were affected by this pollution, though it is evident that if their numbers were reduced it was probably only slightly, and certainly not on the scale of the decrease of some Guillemot colonies. There is no evidence that Puffins or other seabirds were affected by the Torrey Canyon incident, though in many cases a lack of information on colony sizes in other recent years has made it difficult or impossible to make precise comparisons. In the case of the Puffin, however, it is known that its numbers at all colonies in Cornwall and Scilly have declined in the long- term; this gradual decline probably continues. The main factors causing the decrease are not known, but at last its Cornish colonies, N. R. Phillips believes that there is now insufficient soil and turf remaining to enable more birds to breed. He suggests that the re-introduction of soil (perhaps by helicopter), together with re-turfing or seeding, on islands such as Carters Island off the north coast might benefit the species. In Scilly, there is insufficient knowledge of the dynamics of the local populations to know where the best chance lies of arresting the decline. Predation by Great Black-backed Gulls may well be important at small colonies—such as the one on Annet. Here the possibility of gull control should be kept in mind. The decline of the Guillemot in Scilly also gives cause for concern. Human disturbance can be an important adverse factor: eggs vacated by birds nesting in open sites, and disturbed by human visitors, are readily and rapidly taken by gulls before the Guillemots return. At least once (in 1962) human disturbance is known to have caused egg losses among the Guillemots nesting on the single ledge-site on Gorregan. Access at the three islands in Scilly where Guillemots breed is at present controlled, and although some unofficial landings undoubtedly take place it is uncertain whether these can be prevented. There is probably a case for further reducing the number of permits issued to bird watchers to land on these three islands (Gorregan, Scilly Rock and Menavaur), though the numbers granted at the present time are in any case probably very small. Follow-up surveys Repeat sample surveys of auks in Cornwall and Scilly, and of Herring Gulls, Kittiwakes and Shags along those parts of the coast that were heavily polluted in Cornwall will be made in 1968. In the Isles of Scilly I have asked Mr. R. Symons of St.Mary's, to repeat the counts that he had made last year and to survey the auks on Gorregan and Menavaur. (St. Agnes Bird Observatory will unfortunately be closed this summer owing to the illness of its landlord, Mr. W. L. Hicks. So help is unlikely from this quarter). In Cornwall, Mr. N. R. Phillips, with help from other local ornitholo­ gists, expects to be able to carry out repeat sample censusses, at least along the mainland cliffs from Land's End to Hell's Mouth and probably else­ where in the county. Repeat censusses at at least two island sites (probably the Brissons and Carters Island and perhaps Gull Rock, Nare Head) would be valuable.

88 Appendix 6b. Survey of Kittiwakes breeding in Isles of Scilly in June 1967. Locality No. Past history and remarks Gorregan 91 This station was occupied in last century and was recolonised in about 1946. Numbers have remained fairly similar from year to year since 1950's. Rosevean 1 Niesting has not been recorded on this island before. Annet 28 Birds prospected and built nests for first time in 1965. About 20 pairs bred in 1966. Menavaur 100+ No accurate counts taken. This rock was temporarily recolonised in 1938 and has been permanently occupied since 1952. St. Helens c.120 This colony, an overflow from Men­ avaur, was first occupied in about 1958; numbers have since increased. St. Martins 20? First occupied in 1966. It was not counted in 1967, but an unconfirmed report gave the number of pairs as 'about 20'. AFTER THE TORREY CANYON By N. R. Phillips

Results of the Pollution and the Census of Cornish Breeding Seabirds in 1967 The lesson of the Torrey Canyon may be learned at Hayle estuary. The oil came in here on the highest tides of the year, as it did elsewhere, driven by on-shore winds from the north west, doing little damage to either the birds or the environment, until it stuck in a black tideline along the wall of the causeway, where it remains a year later congealed and crumbling, clear of the mud, the esturarine invertebrates and the birds. With the oil came a solution of detergent, which killed millions of invertebrates over the whole estuary. Every puddle left by the receding tide contained the bodies of crustaceans, annelids, pisces and molluscs. Samples of water analysed by the Marine Biological Laboratory at Plymouth varied from slightly toxic to very toxic, over the whole estuary from Griggs Quay to Copperhouse, until early May. No counts of common waders had been done prior to the pollution so no comparative figures of the bird population are available, but the dowitcher which had wintered, was not seen sub­ sequently. Some waders were seen with oiled legs, but few, if any, were killed. To seaward of the estuary, the oil smothered Porthkidney and Gwithian beaches. Despite pressure, little was done in cleaning these beaches with detergent, as they were not "commercial beaches", but the whole of St. Ives Bay was polluted with detergent sprayed at sea, as was evidenced by the thousands of dead Razorshells 'Ensis Sp' washed up along Porthkidney. This evidence did not remain long for the gulls quickly devoured the dead and dying of all species, and could be seen attacking oiled auks coming ashore, and feeding on the dead fish washed up in coves from Nanjizal to Trevaunance. Later (until June), the gulls circled the detergent poured into the sea westwards of St. Ives, presumably feeding on the sand-eels iammodyties> killed or brought to the surface dying. While tons of oil coming ashore on beaches is sure to make a mess, there is little doubt that the general panic and cries for quick action brought more mess and disastrous results for the beaches as well as the birds. Whatever the evil qualities of crude oil — it floats. Oil treated with detergent, sinks. Bearing these facts in mind, comparison might be made between Porthkidney, where little was done to "treat" the oil, and Porthmeor, where the armies of two nations, together with the firefighting equipment of several major cities, some of the largest earthmoving plant in the U.K. and housewives with watering cans, worked ceaselessly for weeks, churning, ploughing, scraping, shoving, digging and pumping detergent as hard as they could pump, at a cost which is impossible to estimate. Until August, the sand at Porthmeor still had a smell of oil, and while it was used and no doubt enjoyed by many holiday makers, children digging holes soon struck oil as the holes filled with oil/detergent streaked water. The writer has been taking his family to Porthkidney for fifteen years and never in that time have there been so many people on this stretch of beach as there were in 1967. The road at Lelant Church was packed with cars as never before, because the beach was the cleanest in the Borough of St. Ives. With the first bad weather in late August and September, the sea churned the beaches up and released another wave of pollution which had been driven deep into the sand by "Treatment". At Marazion, where

90 similar spraying was undertaken by the authorities, an on-shore wind weeks after revealed layers of oil and detergent up to two feet down, where wave action had removed the sand. Portheras Cove was devoid of sand when the oil came in here, as it often is in winter, and the writer scrambled over boulders thick with oil in attempting to rescue oiled birds. These same boulders were feet below the sand in June, and had the place been left alone, this sand would have been clean from the bottom of the sea. But thousands of gallons of detergent were used here, and millions of gallons of polluted water drifted in along the coast from Sennen, where too, vast quantities of detergent were pumped over the beach with doubtful benefit, and in June the sand at Portheras, as elsewhere, was "unpleasantly beautiful, with the wave marks overlapping like black-edged scales of a golden fish". (Dr. A. Jolly). However, while the local authorities and the Government may be criticised for panic, and with too drastic treatment used too soon and with­ out discrimination, and for ignoring the results of an official enquiry into this very problem, it should be remembered, the world of ornithology was also totally unprepared. While sincerely believing that the rescue squads were valiantly wasting their time, as birds weak enough to be caught, were as good as dead, one found oneself tramping the beaches armed with catching equipment, often only to see birds driven back into the sea by well meaning, but inexperienced pursuers. But despite this, the collecting and preliminary care of oiled birds became one of the best organised features of the whole business, and most of it done by people who had no previous experience of anything like it. Under the circumstances, they did a marvellous job. I remembered one youth coming into a cleaning centre with a cardboard box of Guillemots, he was drenched to the skin with rain and spray, shivering to the marrow. He should have been put under the heaters and dried with warm towels, but in five minutes he was off again. Of thousands of birds which the rescuers brought in, I doubt if one survived to become a viable part of the wild population again. And here too, despite years of experience, it seems that nothing had been learned in the rehabilitation of oiled birds, and it was not known if there had been one survivor among the thousands treated in previous years. The writer felt helpless. There seemed little which would do any GOOD. Between 50,000 and a quarter of a million birds perish through oil pollution round the British coast EVERY YEAR. (Barclay-Smith). In the great Bird-Bazaars of the far north, there are more birds breed­ ing on a single ledge than in all the pathetic little Cornish colonies put together, and the first clutches are taken by the shipload, for human con­ sumption. It was as well to bear these facts in mind while trying to see some perspective in the disaster, and to realise that had the Torrey Canyon gone ashore beneath one of these northern cliffs where birds come and go in millions, with the subsequent inestimable carnage, we should have heard very little of its affect on them. Few people really care. And fewer are prepared to do anything about it. We who protest at the detergent used to clear the beaches, pour "N" times that amount into the sea with our wash­ ing-up water every year. Seeing the acres of oil slithering along the coasts, and assuming that the Cornish breeding population moved as a more or less complete unit within each colony, then it looked to the writer that we would have lost nearly all our birds or very few. No-one had any idea of the number of auks breeding in Cornwall. The latest figure was that of the writer in The

91 Sea Bird Bulletin No. 2 — July 1966 "under a thousand pairs of Razorbills and considerably fewer Guillemots", which was little more than an inspired guess. Apart from C. J. Booth, no-one has been able to supply figures for the colonies in the affected areas for 1966. Nobody knew when our birds arrived on the ledges, or whether they stayed there in all weathers, or how far out they feed, or how long they are away each day with the approach of the breeding season. So looking at a ledge with no birds on it meant nothing, and there was so much disturbance that any assessment of normal behaviour was impossible. Most of the early Guillemot victims looked very dark, and I thought they were one of the Northern races, but the analysis of wings, (Bourne, Parrack and Potts), revealed that two thirds of the birds were of the Southern form. However, the oiling and collecting was not necessarily co-ordinated with mortality, and some of the early victims may have been among the last to die and be sent for analysis. With the general confusion, and birds being sent from centre to centre with little or no record, no attempt could be made to analyse the percentage of northern birds affected on successive dates. Whether it would do any GOOD or not, it was essential that a census of Cornish Auks be taken during 1967. The only way that good could come out of it would be to prove that all the colonies were extinct, and hope that world opinion would force Governments into International Legislation to prevent it happening elsewhere. But this was not so. There seems little difference to our colonies and there is a danger here that some one will say "no evidence" when faced with declining Auk populations near shipping lanes. I was asked by the Nature Conservancy to survey the auk population and to try and asssess the damage done by the pollution; though I must point out here that I am not a scientist, and while there were others who would have been capable of carrying out the census in a more satisfactory manner, there was no one else able to do so in the sense of getting the time off from work or other commitments. The main census was done in the first three weeks of June, with week-ends and evenings during May. Little could be done in April for reasons mentioned above, and proof of breeding requires whenever possible, at least the sight of an egg or chick. Faced with some 250 miles of coast, most of it, as far as available information indicated, ornithologically unexplored and unaffected by Torrey Canyon oil, together with a proportion badly affected by oil, and containing some of the largest auk colonies, there were two courses of action. First to census the whole County, and secondly, to spend most time in the affected areas to assess the damage. With so little information on the recent strength of the colonies, it soon became evident that an accurate assessment of the mortality among Cornish breeding birds would be impossible. Also with so much disturbance, surviving birds might not stay on the ledges. There­ fore I decided to spend two weeks censusing the whole County, and the rest of the time on assessing the damage. In the event, it was impossible to cover the whole coast in the time, and without the help of other members of the Cornwall Society, some stretches would not have been looked at, at all. The whole of the South Coast Mainland, from the Lands End to the Tamar, for instance, was dead ground with no breeding auks, but it had to be covered, and the coverage revealed the importance of the offshore Islands and stacks where the South coast birds are concentrated. I was joined by R. J. O'Connor, Census Secretary of the Sea Bird Group, for two weeks, and his help and advice proved invaluable. 92 There are considerable and inevitable inaccuracies in the results shown by the accompanying tables. For instance in a Kittiwake's colony the numbers of nests might increase with the advancing season, but the number of surviving young decline, as young birds arriving late, build nests, but do not always lay, and some of the early breeders will lose eggs or young. So the figure would depend on the stage of the breeding season. Herring Gulls are comparatively easy to count when they are sitting on eggs in May, but during June, when the young are wandering about, and the nests trampled flat, an accurate count would take more time than we had available for this species. Long watches are sometimes necessary before an auk will reveal its egg. Lines of Guillemots are readily counted along the ledges, but odd Razorbills scattered among the crevices and boulders can be very difficult to see, much less count. One visit to a colony is insufficient for anything like an accurate count, unless a whole or half day can be spent on it, but we very often had only a matter of half an hour counting, and four or five hours foot-slogging between. Even conspicuous nests of Shags and Cormorants may be hidden from view when the colonies are counted from sea level in a boat, and the nests are high above the boulders at the top of the stacks. Some colonies may have been missed altogether, but it is not likely that they would have been very large. The following summaries indicate the known breeding numbers and areas for 1967, and the affect of the Torrey Canyon on each species, where this has been possible to determine. There was some doubt about publish­ ing actual localities, but as the past references have been so vague, that they have been virtually useless, the present summary defines the cliff areas well enough for future workers to make comparisons in limited areas. As mentioned earlier, to survey the whole breeding population of Cornish Sea-birds alone and in one season, together with assessing the damage done by the Torrey Canyon, was an impossible task, and without the help of a great many people, I would not have produced the figures in the accompanying tables. Special thanks to Raymond O'Connor, Census Secretary of the Sea-bird Group, who accompanied me in tramping the cliffs and on the boat trips, and taught me more of sea-bird censusing in a few days than I had learned in years. Without him I would not have known the significance of half I was seeing. Thanks also to his boundless enthusiasm which kept me going when fatigue, sunshine, beautiful scenery and the languid ocean tempted. The behind the scenes work of the British Trust for Ornithology and the Sea-bird Group produced the enquiry cards which asked the right questions and made my work a lot easier. Cards were filled and returned by the following members. C. J. Booth. Mullion Island and the Morvah Kittiwake colonies. Francis Couch. The Moules, Tresungers Point, Bounds Cliff and Portquin Bay. N. B. Exelby. The whole West side of the Lizard peninsula, helped by C. J. Booth. S. C. Madge. Lantic Bay, Eglarooze Cliff and The Longstone Downderry, D. F. Musson i Carters Island, and whole of cliffs from Trewellas A. H. Glanville ) Porth to Crantock.

93 Additional help and information was provided by A. V. Longman, P. J. Dwyer, Dr. R. H. Blair, Miss H. M. Quick, R. Khan, Mrs. L. A. Smith, J. E. Beckerlegge, Miss R. M. Phillips, R. D. Penhalurick, T. O. Darke, W. Andrew-Blarney. Particular thanks to the Nature Conservancy who provided the funds for the Census to be carried out, Russell Gomm the Conservancy's Warden Naturalist for Cornwall and to J. L. F. Parslow. Also to Messrs. Selleck, Nicholls and Williams for granting me leave of absence for three weeks, enabling me to carry out this survey.

DIVERS Though few divers were found dead, and only one Great Northern and one Black Throated were sent to the B.T.O., one would have expected the mortality to be very high among these species. Divers moult their flight feathers simultaneously so birds still in winter plumage in late March, early April, could be presumed to be in heavy moult and flightless. They rarely, if ever, come ashore in the winter while in good health, and make for the open sea when threatened or alarmed. The only species which winters off the shores of West Cornwall is the Great Northern. The others are seen as passage migrants, but do not, (or there is no evidence that they do) spend the flightless period in these waters. Therefore the two small species would soon pass on from a polluted area in West Cornwall, at this time of year and be unaffected, provided they escaped direct contamination from the oil. The Northern Diver on the other hand, would be forced to stay in an area polluted by oil and devoid of food, as this species feeds on the green shore crab, which suffered a heavy mortality in this incident. The normal wintering population in St. Ives Bay is anything from five to a dozen birds, but in the winter of 1967/8 there was none. A field day of the C.B.W.P.S. to Mounts Bay for the express purpose of seeing Divers was unsuccessful in the sense that not a single Diver could be shown. This might have nothing to do with the Torrey Canyon, but such a state of affairs has not been recorded for many years, and it would appear to the writer that the west Cornwall wintering population was wiped out. FULMAR Determining the breeding population of Fulmars is essentially a job for July and August when the young can be counted, for some "colonies" known to the writer have been in existance for some twenty years but no eggs or young have ever been seen. The accompanying table is probably not more than 75% accurate and may be as low as 50% accurate for actual breeding pairs. Far more Fulmars visit the Cornish cliffs than ever breed there, and sustained watching is called for over several months for the population to be assessed at any colony. The species was unaffected by oil or, apparently, detergent. Dis­ turbance may have had an adverse effect on some colonies, for instance at Porthmissen there were none on April 14th, after the pollution, whereas in March there had been up to 64 (W. Andrew-Blarney). Dis­ turbance was comparatively little here however, and the drop in numbers may have been the "pre laying Exodus" (Dunnet Anderson & Cormack), though a little early. Fulmars have bred at Wicca cliff near Zennor in small numbers for many years, but in several visits I saw none settled this year. This area was particularly disturbed by detergent squads and helicopters during the whole cleaning operation.

94 FULMAR (Apparently Locality occupied nests) Remarks Rame Head—Fowey 0 None seen on the cliffs or "prospect­ ing" between Little Gribben and Pol- kerris. Fowey—Mevagissey 4 Breeding unproven. Mevagissey—Dodman None seen. Dodman—Greeb 10 Greeb—Nare Head 6 Manare Point. Nare Head—Lizard (Polpear Cove) None. Polpear—Kynance 10 No eggs seen. Breeding unproven. Kynance—Porthleven Up to fifteen birds prospecting, none reported on cliff breeding, improbable. Porthleven—Trewarvas 17 Maximum 20. Six eggs seen. Trewarvas—Prah Sands 3 Ten birds present 14.4.67. Prah Sands—Penzance 25 Four Kenneggy Cliff. 21 Cudden Pt: area. Not all may be breeding. No eggs or young seen. Not visited late in season. Penzance—Porthgwarra Not counted. No information. Pro­ bably breeds cliffs near Porthcurno. Porthgwarra—Lands End 12 Lands End—Sennen 13 One egg seen 30.5.67. Sennen—Pendeen 6 2 Pendeen, rest Botallack area. Pendeen—Porthmoina 5 No young seen. Porthmoina—St. Ives None seen this year, but in previous years have been on the cliffs at Wicca (breeding) and near Cam Naun. (Breeding not proven, though birds present 20 years.) St. Ives Bay Unsuitable. Godrevy—Hells Mouth 26 Breeding proved. Success rate un­ known. Hells Mouth (including) Deadmans Cove 22 See text. Deadmans—Carvannel 10 Carvannel—Portreath 50 Probably not all breeding. Portreath—Sheep Rock 16 Sheep Rock—Trevunance Cove None recorded. Trevaunance—PenaGouder 14 Glanville and Musson. Pen a Gouder—Cligga Hd. 12 Glanville and Musson. Cligga Head— 20 Glanville and Musson. Perran—Holywell 22 Glanville and Musson. Holywell—Crantock (Newquay) 24 Glanville and Musson. 95 Locality (apparently occupied nests) Remarks Newquay—Park Head 10 Estimate only. No eggs seen. Park Head—Dinas Head 25 22 at Foxes Cove 21.6.67. Not all may have been breeding. Dinas Head—Cataclews 14 Mother Ivy's Bay. These birds were sitting in nest holes near the new lifeboat station, apparently undis­ turbed by the work in progress. Cataclew—Porthmissen None recorded, mainly unsuitable. Porthmissen—Stepper 13 13 young seen. Maximum No. Ful­ mars. 78 on ledges May 28. (W. Andrew-Blarney). Stepper—Cliff Castle None recorded. Cliff Castle—Varley Head 34 Area well covered by Francis Couch. Varley—Dennis Point 18 Tresungers Point 10. Bounds Cliff 8, Francis Couch. Dennis Point—Tintagel 9 Most of cliff unsuitable. Tintagel—Lye 3 Lye—Pentargon Waterfall None recorded. Pentargon—Buckator None recorded. Buckator— None recorded. Crackington—Lower Sharpnose 15 Lower Sharpnose—County Border 1 On Henna Cliff. CORMORANT No evidence of decrease at any colony, though previous documenta­ tion inadequate. Point one per cent of wings sent to the B.T.O. were Cormorants. Actually one wing only and although I know of at least one other (Hayle Estuary. Juv.) there seems no doubt that this fresh water? feeding species escaped, where the Shag suffered disasterously. Colonies likely to have been affected are at Hells Mouth, The Greeb (Mount's Bay), and possibly those near Mullion, although the general opinion is that the latter area was virtually unaffected (C. J. Booth, N. Exelby enquiry cards). The remarkable increase at Mullion Island is inexplicable and probably has nothing to do with the Torrey Canyon, as previous records indicate a larger colony in the 1920's. (Regrettably the writer was not able to visit the Greeb by boat as the local boatmen were reluctant to visit the rock even for "Government money", though this produced stalwart men who took their boats close beneath the colonies and among the rocks of more dangerous parts of the coast). There are no known Cormorant colonies in the Lands End peninsula. The Hells Mouth colony is on a small stack just offshore and the numbers have been about the same for years. (Harvey) As with the colonies throughout Cornwall the ecological differences (Lack) between this species and the Shag are manifest at Hells Mouth. The Cormorants breed along the top ridge of the rock, the Shags lower down on the ledges, and there would appear to be no inter specific competition over nest sites here, as neither are at saturation

96 point. The Cormorant is an estuarine or fresh water feeder (Lack) and therefore would not be affected by depletion of marine fish species, but Hayle Estuary is the nearest Cormorant-type feeding area and as this estuary was virtually sterilised by detergent, it may not play a major part in providing food for the Hell's Mouth breeding colony. The alternative feeding grounds might be Drift Reservoir (13 miles) Marazion Marsh (9 miles), St. Ives Reservoir (7 miles) Crowan Reservoir (5.5 miles), Looe Pool (12 miles) Stithians Reservoir (8 miles) but of these, Looe Pool is nearer the Mullion colony, as are the Helford River and small pools of the Lizard. (Argal Reservoir, Falmouth is eleven miles from each). The Colony on the Greeb (numbers not certainly known) would be maintained by the food supply in the Marazion area with possibly a surplus which could be used by the Hells Mouth birds. Drift Reservoir and Stithians Reservoir are of recent construction and could not have provided food before 1965 when the colony was the same size as now. Marazion Marsh is small and often dries out in summer. St. Ives and Crowan Reservoirs are both very small. The question is, where could these Cormorants have obtained their food, yet be unaffected by the oil and detergent from the Torrey Canyon affair? Cormorants tend to breed later than Shags (Witherby) but the difference is not more than three weeks, whereas the waters of these coasts were polluted for three months, so there must be something other than this. Nest sites \ could have nothing to do with it. Shags leave their ledges and fly to the water immediately below, or just offshore, where most of their fishing is done, while Cormorants tend to swoop low and then rise high, before flying some distance to feed. It has been noticed that aerial visual feeders like gulls do not suffer as much from oil pollution as swimming, and below surface feeders like auks, so presumably gulls recognise pollution or are unable to see food through it, and consequently have no reason to settle therein. High flying Cormorants no doubt, would act in the same manner and continue flying until they reach a more congenial location, if necessary, flying to the south coast at Falmouth Bay, a distance of 14 miles. We saw a Cormorant flying steadily towards Gull Rock colony from the direction of the Fowey River, a distance of fifteen miles, and other colonies probably feed much further afield than this. Twenty two Cormorants were seen fishing off the mouth of Hayle Estuary on June 11th, the largest number the writer has ever seen in one flock, so presumably a quantity of bottom feeding fish were in the bay at this date. There are 138 pairs of Cormorants in Cornwall, all but four of them west of a line N and S through Bodmin, so the West Cornwall population would be something like 134 times two, plus an unknown number of non breeders and immatures, a total of say 300/400 birds minimum, from which it will be seen that the density of birds per acre of fresh water is something impossible, particularly prior to the con­ struction of the new reservoirs. So presumably, the estuaries are the prime feeding areas of this species. Cormorants do not dive much deeper than thirty feet (Witherby) and with this in mind, it might be interesting to compare the numbers at the breeding colonies with areas of shallow water within the five fathom line (ordnance survey) near each colony.

97 CORMORANT

NEST/WATER AREA, RATIO Colony No. Nests Water Area Ratio Pairs Square Miles Per Square Miles Padstow Inc: Bounds Cliff 40 13 3 l/13th Mounts Bay 49 19 2 ll/19ths Hayle 10 5 2 Falmouth St. Austell Bay 35 16 2 3/16ths Padstow colonies are, Pentire, Gulland, The Mouls and Bounds Cliff. Mounts Bay include The Mullion colonies and The Greeb. The Falmouth/ St. Austell Bay Birds are on the "Gull Rock" off Nare Head. Water areas are very rough and are probably not constant, as the tides shift the sea bed, but the result of approximately between two and three square miles of shallow water per breeding pair, is intriguing, if not relevant. If reservoirs and other fresh water lakes do provide Cormorants with the major part of their food supply, then with the creation of Drift and Stithians, we might expect an increase in the Hells Mouth colony, as these two new waters are each bigger than all the existing fresh waters in the immediate area put together.

Locality Number Past History The Braun or Longstone Downderry ?3 4 Pairs reported 1965 by S. C. Madge, and 3 1967. Present writer saw no nests or adults, June 12th, 1967. The Maid or Gull Rock, Nare Head 35 No recent information. Mullion Island 21 5 only 1966 C. J. Booth. Long known as breeding station by locals who may not distinguish between present species and Shag. 50 pairs reported 1924, Harvey G.H. B.B. 18. 164-9. 'Gull Rock', Mullion 20 Unknown. The Greeb, Mounts Bay ?8 Known as breeding station to R. Khan for c. 15 years, but numbers unknown. Present estimate made from shore only. Difficult to see nests. Hells Mouth 10 Colony of similar size 1966. Previous history 1924 c. 10 pairs at Gwithian Harvey G. H. B.B.18 164-9. Gulland 15 No previous history. Pentire Point 1 Reported as annual for some years by Francis Couch, Polzeath.

98 Locality Number Past History The Moules 14 Unknown. Bounds Cliff 10 Colony reported by Francis Couch. Not found by N.R.P. Previous history unknown. Gull Rock, Buckator 118934 1 Unknown. The nest was in tall Mallow and unseen, but behaviour of birds indicated breeding. Probably two or more pairs.

Total 138

Plus, Pair reported displaying on The Chick, but breeding not proved.

SHAG The most vulnerable, and the most affected species. Yet, such are statistics, the percentage of wings sent to the B.T.O. was only one point three per cent of the total, fifteen wings in all! (Bourne, Parrack, and Potts) or one point six per cent, twenty wings. Shags are early breeders, some of the Cornish birds have eggs in late March, though most are laid in April. Consequently, the breeding season was well under way when the Torrey Canyon struck. In a normal season the early breeders are the most successful (Snow 1963), but while eggs were seen in one of the Lands End colonies in April 29th, these were uncovered and the adult absent. The eggs later disappeared. The area most likely to have been affected was the Lands End peninsular, the North coast to about Newquay, and the shores of Mount's Bay. No figures for previous years were available for any of these areas except for the Morvah area (C. J. Booth) while the St. Ives to Gurnards Head stretch is sufficiently well known to N.R.P. for a reasonable estimate of normal population to be made as all shag nesting ledges are known and the approxi­ mate number of nests on each. The Morvah colony was reduced from C.40 pairs (1964 C. J. Booth) to 17 on the 1st June, and this number was down to five by July 19th. The colonies, St. Ives-Gurnards Head did not breed at all (normally C. 25-30 pairs) and a few (three or four) were building new nests in June at Gurnards Head itself. (Unfortunately, these late builders were unable to be studied through July/August when the writer had no free time). The normal Lands End population might be in the region of 150 pairs. Between St. Ives and Gurnards Head there was no trace of nests in May, except for one ancient site where Herring Gulls were using a very large nest, probably an abandoned Shag's. At Morvah where C. J. Booth has recorded figures for several past years, the normal population is considered to be C. 40, but 18 nests counted on part of cliff on the 20th May, were reduced to five on the 25th May, none had eggs, (N.R.P.). C. J. Booth, working a larger stretch of cliff, found 17 nests on June 1st. (with eggs), but only five on 19th July, (three with young, one on eggs). On July 29th, the same stretch as seen on 20th/25th May had no trace of nests. The nearest colony which would be certainly unaffected by the Torrey Canyon is that at Cadgwith on the east side of the Lizard peninsula, and 99 while there is no data indicating a normal inter synchronisation of the breeding cycle among Cornish colonies, it might be safe to assume that there would be little appreciable difference between colonies in a restricted area. So assuming the Cadgwith colonies had a normal breeding season on our one visit of June 7th, when all 17 nests in the colony contained small young, the largest of which had flight feathers just showing, would indicate that the abnormal breeding season in the Lands End area was not the result of climatic vagaries. At the other end of the county, The Longstone, near Downderry, where there were twenty two nests, young were ready to leave the nests on July 1st (C. J. Madge), and were already doing so at a small colony at Lantic Bay. Thus, with an incubation period of 35 days (Ryves) and a further 45-59 (Snow) or 50 (Ryves) days in the nest for the chicks, these birds would have laid in early April. At Carters Island, where there was some oiling on the mainland (Newquay and Perranporth), and detergent spraying from boats, and on shore, but nothing like that further West, thirty seven nests examined on June 9th were at all stages from part built and empty, to clutches of one, two and three eggs, and young up to eight inches long, indicating complete disruption of intra colonial synchronisation—Normally clutches are started within a period of 30 days—(Snow). Nearer the heavily polluted area at Hells Mouth there was no direct treatment with detergent, but considerable disturbance from helicopters, and thin oil/detergent slicks persisting beneath the cliff until mid June. There is normally a large Shag population along this cliff, but there are no previous figures. On 23rd April there were twenty three shags nests in Hells Mouth itself, probably near the normal figure, but none of the early nests were successful. And on July 10th, when most young would have flown in a normal year, there were still 10 nests contents unseen 3 eggs 1 number unknown. young in down 6 In examining the particular vulnerability of the Shag in an oiling incident such as that of the Torrey Canyon, and the subsequent sloshing of thousands of gallons of detergent into the sea near the breeding areas, the early season behaviour and the significance of the "sea rocks" are of prime importance (Snow 1963—and for other data quoted here). Both sexes spend considerable periods on the sea rocks (flat-topped rocks near the sea with easy access in the form of gentle slopes to the surface where the birds swim close and hop out) and in the water nearby, though the males show a marked nest site preference, and occupy the ledges intermittently from early in the season (February/March). Older males tend to breed earliest and there is some tendency for females to mate with the males of the previous year, thus there is reason to suppose that the older birds would be spending more time away from the particularly vulnerable sea rocks and spending it on the nest site. Snow found that few first year birds returned to the colonies but 2 year old males return in April with maximum numbers in May, June and July, yet Parslow found the highest proportion of first year recoveries of ringed Shags on Scilly, was in March and April. Fortunately (I like Shags) too few dead Shags were recovered for the statistics to be of great signifi­ cance, but the age group ratio of actual mortality and expected mortality of the 20 specimens is of some interest, (From Bourne Parrack and Potts)

100 TABLE ONE 1 year 2/3 years 3 Plus years Actual 1 12 7 Expected 4 6 10 Many others must have died which were not recovered or examined, and those adults with nest site attachments might well have died on or beneath the cliffs and have been devoured by gulls or foxes. Three decom­ posed bodies were found in a superficial search of The Brissons, and another beneath cliffs near St. Ives in June. During the worst of the pollution many Shags were seen in a distressed condition in St. Ives Bay, twenty or more between The Island and the Harbour and more outside. The whole area was polluted and the surface of the sea covered in the thin film of oil and detergent which persisted for two months as "cleaning" operations continued at Porthmeor Beach. These birds were swimming and diving, but frequently raising their breasts from the surface and vigorously flapping their wings and tails, and the normal bathing behaviour served only to further saturate the body plumage. In normal circumstances Shags are flightless after bathing—(Snow). Many came ashore, but were too active to be caught by the many well meaning, but inexperienced and over enthusiastic bird catchers. As the people approached, the birds would flap back into the sea and swim away. I saw few flying here at this stage and few showing the green gloss of nuptial plumage but the thin coating of oil may have covered it. Nearer the nesting colonies where the birds coming to the "sea rocks" would encounter thicker oil and the many small inlets into the cliffs were thick with wind blown oil inches thick, there was the danger of the worst hazard of all—a submerged bird surfacing through a thick film of the stuff and becoming presumably immediately blinded and immobilised. Shags need very little oil to kill them, or for the consequences to kill them, as bodies examined at Mousehole were often immaculate in plumage at first jlance, but examination of the close body plumage and the skin around the water line of swimming birds revealed serious congealing of the feathers, which would reduce insulation and water proofing, and inflamed skin on the breasts where oil or detergent had burned in a band about three inches wide. In addition to the direct pollution of the plumage, the shortage of food must have had serious consequences for those individuals which survived, fit enough to attempt breeding. An observer standing on the shore any­ where between Sennen and St. Ives could see large areas of cloudy water of a particularly delicate shade of blue where detergent was drifting up the coast in heavy concentration. Much of this was poured direct into the sea from fishing vessels con­ verted into spraying machines, but large quantities were tipped over the rocks and beaches ashore, often by rolling 40 gallon drums over a cliff in the hope that they would burst, and the action of the sea, spread the stuff over the oil coated rocks, and this continued in various degrees until mid June in the St. Ives area. In June an area of detergent some half mile long and a hundred yards or more wide was drifting out from Treen Cove, Gurnards Head. Around the edge of this a flock of Kittiwakes and Auks were feeding vigorously from the surface and c. 50 mixed Auks were diving, indicating that any fish coming in contact with the pollution would be in a distressed condition and come to the surface, and in all probability there was heavy mortality among the inshore shoals of sand eels, the principal

101 food of the Shag in Cornwall (Stevens). The writer found dead sand eels on the Hayle Estuary immediately after the pollution, but most were quickly eaten by gulls. Many of the small rock dwelling species of fish were probably affected also and these too are common in the inshore zone where Shags are normally to be seen feeding. The Shag does not normally flock in the breeding season, but immature birds may be seen in the "clubs" away from the colonies, and no flocks were seen outside the polluted areas in 1967. But the following figures indicate a large non breeding population within the Lands End peninsula. 30th May—Armed Knight 10 nests 60 Birds (min) 2nd June—Lands End 13 nests 83 in groups ashore. B. Pattenden.

4th July— „ 12 >> 96 „ B. Pattenden. June—Brissons 15 250 „ N.R.P. June—Godrevy 8 „ 43 „ N.R.P. These figures were not broken down into age groups but the Brissons birds were all, or nearly all adult (i.e. in green plumage). The birds at Lands End in early June would not have been birds of the year at this date and those on Godrevy were mainly adult, but some immatures were present (not birds of the year), which would infer that the main population of adults was not killed off, but prevented from breeding, initially by the direct pollution, and secondly, by shortage of food, in which case the 1968 breeding season might be expected to return to normal and the lost numbers made up, although from Table One above, it might be thought that the heavy loss of two/three years olds, and the few one year olds, would mean that the lost breeders may not be replaced until 1969-70. SHAG MAINLAND and INSHORE ISLETS Locality Number Remarks Border—Lower Sharpnose 2 Much of cliff unsuitable. Beeny Cliff Area 2 Much of cliff unsuitable. Tintagel—Dennis Point 1 Varley Head—Cliff Castle 5 Stepper—Porthmissen 3 Cataclews—Dinas (Trevose) 7 Dinas—Park Head 7 Bedruthan Steps—3 Green Island—2 5 (Newquay Harbour) Pentire W—Holywell 2 Cligga—Perranporth 4 Cligga—Trevellas Porth 13 Trevellas—St. Agnes Head 3 St. Agnes Head—Sheep Rock 0 Sheep Rock—Portreath 4 Portreath—Deadmans Cove 18 Above this there was no indication of abnormal breeding, but here two nests were only half built on June 3rd. (But compare Carters Island).

102 Locality Number Remarks Deadmans Cove—Hells 22 nests in Hells Mouth 23/4/67 but Mouth 22 most of these failed. Nine nests in same area 10/7/67 one of which still on eggs. Rest with small young (still in down, to half grown). Hells Mouth—Godrevy Point 11 12 seen from shore June 1st. R.J.O'C. 11 nests counted from boat July 8th. Several of the latter could not have been seen from shore so difficult to estimate breeding success. Godrevy—St. Ives Head 0 Unsuitable. St. Ives—Gurnards Head 0 Normal population 25/30 pairs breed­ ing in area well known to N.R.P. Gurnards Head—Porthmoina Normal population in the region of Cove 5 twenty nests mainly in the Gurnards Head area. Porthmoina—Pendeen 18 18 sites counted 20/5/67 but very few of these successful. Only five seen from same vantage point 29/5/67 seemed occupied. Normal population c. 40 C. J. Booth. Pendeen—Priests Cove 0 Shags normally breed in the area of Bottallack. Est. at least ten (pairs. Area covered on foot, but no nests found this year. Priests Cove—Sennen 0 Normal population nil. Sennen—Lands End 5 Normal population unknown. Lands End—Porthgwarra 17 Probably many more than this breed in a normal year, but no figures avail­ able. One nest with two eggs on 29.4.67 disappeared, and several sites known to be occupied last year were unoccupied when looked at by N.R.P. Porthgwarra—Penzance No nests found or reported. Area not covered personally by N.R.P. as Auks were known NOT to breed there and most time was spent on these species. Penzance—Rinsey Head 2 Mainly unsuitable. Two nests just W. of Rinsey. Rinsey Head—Porthleven 15 Porthleven— 6 Mullion. Poldhu—Mullion Cove 10 Mullion Cove—Ugo Dour 47 All on "Gull Rock" Mullion Cove (not Mullion Island). See also Cor­ morant for interesting parallel in den­ sity. Kynance Cliff Gew Graze—Kynance 34 103 Locality Number Remarks Kynance—Polpeor 26 Cadgwith Area 17 13 Just N. of Cadgwith, 4 just S. Cadgwith—Nare Head 0 Whole area considered unsuitable. Not All Falmouth Bay examined in detail but viewed from various headlands. Mouth of River Fal and Carrick Roads especially un­ suitable. Veryan Bay Whole area covered from boat. Only Nare Head— 4 Mainland Shags nests were at 976408, and three between Dodman and Greeb. Dodman—Cribben Head 1 On the Dodman E. side. Cribbin Head—Border 4 Near Lantic Bay. Most of cliff un­ suitable. See the Longstone, Down- derry. OFFSHORE ISLANDS Short Island 2 Lye Rock 1 Sisters ? The Moules 4 Newland 6 Gulland 30 Carters Island 37 The Bawdens or Man and His Man 4 Samphire 5 Godrevy Island 8 Population considered much lower than normal, but no actual counts for previous years. 43 birds present on rock. The Brissons 15 May have been a few more, but dis­ turbance kept to a minimum when landed on Island and some nests hidden under boulders may have been missed. Many nest-sites unoccupied. 250 birds came off the rock when disturbed, indicating large non-breed­ ing population. 3 dead oiled Shags found among boulders. Armed Knight 10 Over 60 birds present on rock. Enys Dodman 1 Mullion Island 66 Together with the Birds on "Gull Rock" and the cliffs of Kynance- Mullion, the total for this area is c. 189 the densest population in the county. Had the normal population of Lands End been known with greater accuracy, there would have been a direct comparison with these colonies at Mullion which were unaffected by oil or detergent.

104 I "Gull Rock" or The Maid 150 133 counted and some more out of off Nare Head Veryan Bay site. The largest single colony in the County. No oiling here. The Longstone Downderry 22 Possibly one or two more out of site. The only species breeding on the rock, but S. C. Madge reported 3 Cor­ morant nests this year, 4 last year. N.R.P. and R.J. O'C. and Russell Gomm saw none on June 12th.

SHELDUCK An unknown number of pairs breed in the vicinity of Hayle Estuary annually. Probably there are three pairs resident and breeding. In 1967 the birds were present when the pollution came ashore, but they soon went away, and none bred or were seen during the rest of the breeding season. (They are back in 1968 and young were seen on May 29th). Presumably the detergent killed off the food of this species for the oil itself did little damage here, as mentioned elsewhere.

BUZZARD The disturbance along the coast, from spraying squads, helicopters and sightseers, was unprecedented, and while I had no time to study the effects on other than "sea birds", it is probably not without significance that the Buzzards in the areas given most treatment, failed to breed. Three pairs along the coast from St. Ives to Gurnards Head are well known to the writer, and this year (moving West), one did not build, one built but did not lay, and the third had dead half grown young on June 19th.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Locality Number MAINLAND Between Kynance and Gue Glaze Mullion 2 Carvanal—Portreath 645452 1 Minnows Island 854728 1 Merope Rocks 861766 ?1 Bird present thought to be breeding. Benny Cliff area 115931 ?1 Birds present, thought to be breeding. total 6

OFFSHORE ISLANDS Mullion Island ?1 Pair seen not known to breed C. J. Booth. Enys Dodman ? Probable pair sitting May 30th, but bad light conditions precluded certain identification. Carters Island 1 Newland 1 Two birds present, One on nest, may have represented two pairs. The Moules 1 total 5 grand total 11

105 HERRING GULL

No counts or estimates of the population of this species in Cornwall have ever been made. Estimating the effect of the oil pollution from the Torrey Canyon is like taking X from an unknown quantity. Censusing the population of the whole County in three weeks, as an incidental while primarily engaged on the Auk census, was sure to result in an estimate only, but at least the result might provide a basis for future work. Herring Gulls had not started to breed when the tanker struck, and while I estimated that some 25% of birds seen flying in the Lands End Peninsula and Mount's Bay at the height of the pollution were oiled in some degree, the mortality was comparatively low. With so much of the sea and coast coated it was inevitable that any living thing moving in the area would get oil on its body somewhere (dogs, cats and small children in several areas were seen in varying degrees of contamination and distress), but initially, the larger gulls had a fine time preying on the victims of both oil and detergent. Many times the writer saw Auks driven back into the sea by gulls after the auks had made a perilous journey through the surf, and been thrown high and dry by a swirling breaker. The gulls would get between the auk and the sea and try to prevent the victims from flapping back down the beach. A large percentage of auks dead on the beaches had been disembowelled. The detergent was directly responsible for the death of many marine organisms and when these were washed ashore the gulls fed on them avidly, quickly removing any evidence of mortality among fish in particular. The flocks of gulls attendant on the submerged detergent slicks were a notable feature of the incident from the initial spraying, until the last observed treatment in late June. There can be no doubt that a great deal of deter­ gent was absorbed into the tissue of the Herring Gull population of West Cornwall during the Torrey Canyon incident, but the effect of this was difficult to define. As with other species, the birds breeding from St. Ives to Lands End appeared to be most affected and from the little knowledge of the normal population it would seem that these colonies either did not breed, or bred late, and had little success. There is normally a colony of C.20 pairs on the large rock at Gurnards Head, but this year there were none. Between here and St. Ives several nesting areas are known to the writer but very few were used this year. One colony near St. Ives was completely desynchronised and while I was unable to follow up the success, a visit on June 24th showed one chick fully feathered, one brood of two, one third grown. One nest of one chick (two or three days old) and one broken egg. One nest of three eggs with two chipping. One nest with one broken egg, and six nests which had been used but were now empty. One new nest contained three eggs. Two eggs away from nests were broken with bill marks on the shells. There was still an oil/detergent slick on the sea by the cliff with some of the oil still in the thick brown stage. On the South coast at Cudden Point to Prah Sands, Mount's Bay, 56 Herring Gulls were sitting on May 21st. Thirty one of these were looked at again on June 19th, before any of the young could have flown, but the eggs should have hatched. Where there had been ten on "The Enys" there were

106 now seven—3 with young—3 sitting—1 empty. And of the rest, 9 looked unused—2 were empty but had been used—8 contained young quarter grown. Allowing 26 days for incubation (Witherby), all should have been atched by June 13th or thereabouts, so it looks as if only one third hatched, ere might be some egg taking and other depletion on the mainland, but the Enys is probably free from disturbance of any kind, and three of ten is about the same proportion. The success rate of the chicks was not followed up. With 4,000 pairs of Herring Gulls breeding in the County, we could afford to lose a few if this would result in an increase among the auks.

HERRING GULL MAINLAND and INSHORE ISLANDS locality No. A.O.N. Remarks Rame Head—Looe Est. Area not properly covered as no auks 50 in this area, and it was on these species that we were concentrating. Looe—Larrick Est Same remarks apply. 50 Larrick—Fowey 125 No previous history. Fowey—Mevagissey 100 No previous history. Meva—Gorran Haven 25 No previous history. Gorran Haven—Dodman 40 No previous history. Dodman—Greeb 30 No previous history. Greeb—Nare 50 Nare—Zone 20 Estimate only. Cliff not closely exam­ ined. Prb. low estimate. No previous history. —Rosemullion Head 50 Not examined. Estimated only. Rosemullion Head— No previous History. Rosemullion— Lowland Point 50 No count, estimate only. "Scores" said to breed in quarries at Porth- hallow. No previous History. Lowland—Black Head 5 None seen but area probably holds a few pairs. Black Head—The Lizard 75 No previous History. Lizard—Polpeor 26 No previous History. Polpeor—Kynance 103 No previous History. This and most of the Lizard/Mullion area well cov­ ered and counted by Noel Exelby and C. J. Booth. Kynance—Gue Graze 64 No previous History. Gue Graze Ugo Dour 26 No previous History. Ugo Dour—Mullion 60 No previous History. Mullion—Polurrian 22 No previous History.

107 Locality No. A.O.N. Remarks Polurrian—Poldhu 24 No previous History. Poldhu—Trewarvas Head 100 No previous History. Trewarvas—Prah Sands 80 No previous History. 79 counted on this stretch. Many oiled after the wreck. Three dead oiled birds among nesting sites at beginning of season. Good breeding success. These birds are used to Helicopters and are not alarmed when they fly over colony. Prah Sands—Cudden Point 56 Breeding success very low, see text. Much detergent used here. Large areas of grass at cliff tops dead and oil and detergent slicks still in water on May 21st. No previous History. Cudden—St. Michaels Mount—Penzance 5 Unsuitable. to Mousehole 10 Estimate only, no count. Mousehole—Porthgwarra 50 Not counted. Normal population could be expected to exceed this figure. No previous History. Porthgwarra—Lands End 116 Lands End—Sennen 44 Sennen—Priests Cove Nil Priests Cove—Pendeen 20 In past years a strong colony known to N.R.P. in the Bottallack area. Not counted but estimated normal popu­ lation on this stretch, in region of 75 nests. Pendeen—Porthmoina 10 Maximum. On one stretch, by the Kittiwake colony, numbers considered near normal by C. J. Booth. See text. Porthmoina—Gurnards Head 30 This area known to N.R.P. who con­ siders numbers well down from pre­ vious years. Usually a large colony at Gurnards Head and total popula­ tion estimated near 100 in normal year. Gurnards Head— This is believed well down from nor­ Western Carrack 26 mal. But no previous counts. Western Carrack— Area well known to N.R.P. Many St. Ives Head 29 ancient sites unoccupied this year. All birds late in starting breeding season. Low success rate. See text. St. Ives—Godrevy 35 Of these some 25 were on the roof­ tops in the town and were apparently unaffected by either oil, detergent or disturbance, but success rate unknown as most nests out of sight behind chimney stacks, etc. Godrevy—Hells Mouth 84 Previous history unknown.

108 MAINLAND Locality No. A.O.N. Remarks Hells Mouth—Deadmans Cove 197 Previous history unknown. Deadmans Cove—Carvanal 49 Previous history unknown. Carvanal—Portreath 173 Previous history unknown. Portreath—Sheep Rock 65 Previous history unknown. Sheep Rock—St. Agnes 130 Previous history unknown. St. Agnes Head— Previous history unknown. None re- Trevaunance coded this year. Probably one or two overlooked. Trevaunance—Cligga Head 699 Counted by A.H.G. from cliff top. Cligga Head—Newquay 190 A.H.G. 125 N.R.P. and R. J. O'Connor. The discrepancy in these counts may be explained by the fact that the first was a land based count and the second a fairly rough count made from a boat while on the way to the Bowdens (Man and his Man) and the St. Agnes Kittiwake colonies. See text. Newquay—Park Head 150 Diggorys Island 55. Queen Bess 12. Carnewas 20. Green Island 22. Pen- darves 20. Mainland 25. Estimated from number of adults present and trampled sites (from boats). No pre­ vious history. Park Head—Dinas 140 No previous history. Dinas Head—Cataclews 75 Cataclews—Porthmissen Very few, if any, as most of cliff un­ suitable. No previous history. Porthmissen—Stepper Point 130 No previous history. Stepper—Cliff Castle None recorded. Cliff Castle—Varley Head 30 Varley—Dennis Point 100 Dennis—Tintagel 50 Tintagel—Lye 3 Lye—Pentargon Waterfall Not counted. Pentargon—Buckator 380 Most in the area of Map ref. 115 931 and Beeny Cliff. Buckator—Crackington Haven Mainly unsuitable. Not counted. Crackington—Lower Estimated. Mainly unsuitable. Not Sharpnose Point 20 walked. Sharpnose—Border 60 40 on Henna Cliff. Most of the rest between the Sharpnose points.

109 OFFSHORE ISLANDS Locality No. A.O.N. Remarks Gull Rock 250 Previous history unknown. Nare Head Mullion Island 300 Little change from last year. Season 1 one week later. (C. J. Booth). Enys Dodman 15 No previous history. Armed Knight 7 No previous history. The Brissons 10 No previous history. Godrevy 150 No previous histoy. 300/370 Birds present, j Crane Island 40 No previous history. Samphire Island 150 No previous history. Gull Rock Potreath 60 No previous history. Man and his Man 20 No previous history. Carters Island 200 Considered as increasing A.H.G. No previous figures. (A figure of 600 nests was estimated by one observer, but a count taken while ashore on the rock indicated maximum number of 200. Gulland 200 No previous history. Newland 50 No previous history. The Moules 75 No previous history. Sisters 5 No previous history. No count, as difficult from boat. Estimate only. Lye Rock 370 No previous history. 5 No previous history. A few birds present. No count. Short Island 5 No previous history. A few birds present. No count. Meachard No previous history. A few birds present. No count.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL MAINLAND & SMALL INSHORE ISLETS Locality Numbers Mevagissey N. side of Harbour 1 Little or no previous history on this species. Between Church 2 Cove & Polpeor Cove The Lizard. Polpeor—Kynance 3 Kynance—Gue Graze 18 Mullion 110 Locality Numbers Mullion Cove 2 "Gull Rock" Between Polurrian & 1 Poldhu Coves, The Lizard Lands End Carn Les Boel 3 Portreath, Sheep Rock 2 Trevose—Park Head 4 All on small Islets joined to mainland in area of Trethias Island—Trescore Island. Merope Rocks, 2 Small Islet, Grass topped. Mother Ivey's Bay Trevose. "Gull Rock" 117935 3 Small Islet. Mallow and poor turf. Near Buckator Dennis Point & Varley Head 1 OFFSHORE ISLANDS Locality No. Nests The Main, Grese, or "Gull Rock" Three nests actually seen, but pro­ off Nare Head. S. Coast 3 bably in the region of ten pairs resident. Mullion Island 154 The biggest colony in Cornwall and accounting for three fifths of the total. Enys Dodman 31 The Brissons ? 1 Godrevy Island 5 "Gull Rock" ? 1 Portreath Man &His Man 3 "The Bawdens" Carters Island 10 Gulland 6 The Moules 5 Short Island ? Birds present. Total 219 plus mainland 42

261 Of which 179 are in the Mullion- Lizard area, where the auk colonies are very small, anl have been for many years. Prob. 20 pairs Razorbills prior to 1939—C. J. Booth, but now only c. 5. Note that of the birds included on the "Mainland" sheet several are in fact on small Islets, separated from disturbance by a few yards of sea or unclimbable cliff. Ill KITTIWAKE The Kittiwake, like the other gulls is probably unlikely to be affected very much by direct oil pollution of the plumage of a substantial proportion of the population. However, there is some evidence that the colonies of the Morvah area were late in breeding and that the breeding season was com­ paratively unsuccessful. There was not a lot of disturbance in the immediate vicinity of the colony, but there was a large quantity of detergent poured into the sea on both sides of the nesting cliffs. Helicopter activity along the coast may have disturbed the breeding birds but I have no direct evidence of this. Little observing was done in the Tol-Pedn and Carn-les-Boel colonies, but the marked difference in breeding behaviour between Morvah and Rinsey Head, indicates a serious after affect from heavy detergent con­ centration in the former area. Oil came in to the cliffs at Rinsey on a high tide, and a large proportion of it was thrown up the cliffs (not immediately below the colony) where it stuck. Some spraying was done at Prah Sands and thousands of gallons used to clean the harbour at Porthleven. Marazion beach was oiled and disproportionate amounts of detergents used to clean it, while Cudden Point and received comparatively little oiling, and an unknown quantity of "treatment". Helicopters regularly fly over the breeding cliff from the R.N.A.S. Culdrose. From this information, it might be assumed that both Rinsey and Morvah colonies underwent similar conditions but it must be remembered that on the North coast, the spraying continued for a much longer period. The Rinsey birds were first looked at on April 14th, when some thirty birds were present, and a "moderate" oil/detergent slick was swirling at the base of the cliff. No nests at this date. On the next visit, May 26th there were 69 nests with birds sitting and several nests were seen to contain one egg. The sea was clean. Six days prior to this, May 20th the Morvah birds had no eggs and most nests were only half built. On June 1st C. J. Booth counted 116 nests of which the majority were empty, but by July 19th this figure had been reduced to 65 of which 39 contained young. Five young seen at Rinsey, June 14th (Mrs. Smith). Birds copulating at Morvah, June 16th. Later in the season, July 29th, only seven Tarrocks were in a section of the colony which held thirty nests on May 20th and there were no twins, whereas the Rinsey colony increased to 79 nest sites, with young, as was to be expected with the young birds coming in (Coulson) and one or two early failures had been more than made up, by young birds breeding probably for the first time. So, of a potential 116, on June 1st, the Morvah birds did not bring off more than 39 broods, while the Rinsey birds probably brought off more than 100% of early nest sites. 79 in July, as against 69 May 26th. While this may be taken at face value to indicate that the pollution had a serious adverse affect on the Morvah colonies, it should be remembered that similar discrepancies have been observed in previous years between Morvah and the Carn-les-Boel colonies. (Quick). The Kittiwake has either undergone wide fluctuations in its Cornish population, or past records are hopelessly unreliable. With respect for the departed, I suspect that the latter is the truth, and the former very likely. Couch, 1838 states "they do not breed with us". Clarke, 1902 "still breeds at Mullion Island on Gull Rock, Falmouth, and occasionally at least, on the mainland". The Victoria County History, 1906, "Still nests, but in diminishing numbers at Mullion Island, on the Gull Rock Falmouth, and on a cliff on the South coast". Harvey, 1924, records 150 pairs breeding

112 Carn-les-Boel 7th June, 1924, but that there were none on Mullion Island on 14th June that year. Ryvves and Quick, 1946, say that the two sites mentioned by Clarke (above) are no longer occupied, and that the colony of Harvey (Carn-les-Boel, and another at Morvah "apparently of much more recent growth", holding 150 pairs are the only two known breeding sites in the County, totalling 300 pairs. The present situation is set out in the accompanying Tables. Since Ryves and Quick's publication the Kittiwake has been one of the best documented breeding species in the County, and while the record is far from complete, the following, extracted from C.B.W.P.S. annual reporls indicates the undoubted increase over the past twenty years.

1947 45/ 12 50 70/ 50 80 1948 57 c30B 9 ? 50/ R 80 1949 150 ? 173 80 94 ? R 1950 70 6 172 46 60B 1951 R ? ? 142 250 150 ? 1952 120 Nil ? ? ? ? ? 1953 30 ? ? ? ? ? ? 1954 R ? ? ? R ? ? 1955 80 ? ? ? ? ? ? 1956 R ? ? ? ? ? 100/ 150 1957 R ? Nil 30 ? ? 300B 1958 88 16 ? ? ? ? ? 1959 125 58 ? ? ? ? ?

113 YEAR 1960 73 15 ? ? R ? 7 1961 R ? ? ? ? ? 7 7 7 7 1962 38 6 ? ? 190 7 ? ? 7 7 1963 ? ? ? ? ? 75 ? 7 7 1964 ? 4 ? 49 240 ? 80 ? 7 1965 R 1 ? 150 410 ? ? 4 ? 1966 R 15 ? 113 ? 7 200B 15 65 50 15 1967 43 8 5 116 900 52 288 24 140 79 3 R—Recorded as present but no count or estimate. B—Number of birds recorded. ?—No information. In addition, the report of a colony 20/30 pairs in 1956 at Trebarwith is considered by the writer to be erroneous.

Locality No Nests The Maid or Grefe or 288 Colony known to be in existence for "Gull Rock" off Nare Head some years. At least since 1949. Veryan Bay Est. 100/150 pairs 1956 H.M. Quick. Estimated 50 sites additional to 288 above were occupied by sitting birds but no nesting material of sufficient quantity to indicate breeding this year. Mullion Island 140 65 said to be normal strength in recent years (C. J. Booth) Birds have been somewhat sporadic as breeders here if old records reliable. Harvey, G. H. 1924. B.B.18, 164 169 Says none present in June of that year. Gull Rock Mullion 24 Rinsey Head 79 Mainland colony first recorded 1966, not counted. In addition to 79 (most of which prob. successful) nests, a further C. ten were occupied by non- breeding pairs. 114 Tol Pedn 8 This colony greatly decreased since the thirties. Probably little chance of success today, as the area is popular among climbers, particularly in the early spring, a critical time for site adopotion. Cam les Boel 43 Not all of these may have been suc­ cessful. A great decrease since the thirties and forties is thought to have taken place, e.g. 150 birds 1949 May 2nd. J.E.B. But numbers have evi­ dently fluctuated considerably. Most reports indicate a colony in the region of 50 pairs. Greeb Point 5 None recorded here for some years, but previously a thriving colony 149 nests 1944 H.M.Q. 173 1949, 172 1950. S.E.B. Unable to follow up breed­ ing success 1967. Trevean Cliff 116 Colony has been well documented by H.M.Q. in the Annual Report of C.B.W.P.S. Numbers maintained, but there seems to be considerable shift of site within the Morvah area. Nest success low this year. Area much affected by oil and detergent. Rosemergy Cliff 15 Another branch of the Morvah com­ plex. The fifteen sites were probably not all successful. Ralphs Cupboard 3 A new colony. Not known to breed here previous to 1967. St. Agnes C. 900 This colony associated with that on the Offshore stack below. Known since at least 1948 and probably in existance before that. In addition to the 900 (counted No. 898) there were c. 150 non breeding pairs present holding sites with insufficient nesting material gathered to indicate breeding this year. Man & His Man or 52 This figure includes all nest sites. A The Bawdens off St. Agnes decrease since 1951 when Parsons and Blair recorded 150, but they only Est. 250 on the mainland, a total of 400 against 950. RAZORBILL

This is an extremely difficult species to count, as it is "colonial" only in general terms and many nests are far away from others of the same or any other species. The sites chosen are usually in natural holes or crevices, or under boulders, at varying heights from just above the splash zone (The Brissons) to niches high up a cliff face above everything but the Fulmars. (Near Bosigran). Careful scrutiny of a breeding area might reveal nothing

115 at first, but birds may be seen landing and immediately shuffling out of sight, or a bird in full view quietly incubating, can be overlooked among the light and shade of a many crevassed cliff. A line of Guillemots crowded on a ledge with the coming and goings, the stretched necks and the gruntings and growlings, is a source of attraction to the eye and diverts from the lesser activities of their cousins. "Razorbills don't DO anything", as one observer said to me, and consequently, the species has been very badly documented in the Cornish Literature. Past references to this species, like those to most others, have been vague, both numerically and geographically. No actual counts have been made and subsequent estimates of status have tended to quote their pre­ decessors. Thus Couch, 1838, describes it as "Common in Summer". Clarke, 1902, as "great numbers Scilly, and one or two other places on the South coast, notably Gull Rock Falmouth". The Victoria County History 1906, as "Resident—breeds in great numbers at Scilly and on the Gull Rock Falmouth, and at many places on the N. and S. coasts". While Ryvves and Quick say, "No change—Common—Breeds at many places on all coasts". Depending on the interpretation of "common", the same might be said today, although there is no doubt that the species has declined since the turn of the century. Figures and information supplied by Dr. R. H. Blair (Pers com:) show that the decline has been most pronounced in the Lands End peninsula (perhaps the same elsewhere but no information has been forthcoming) where the colony at Carne-les-Boel was flourishing at the turn of the century but became extinct by 1946. (I saw a few birds flying up to the cliff face here early in 1966, but none stayed to breed). Some recent figures from the polluted areas are as follows:— MORVAH 1942 "Numerous" H.M.Q. 1947 "Plentiful." 1949 26 nests Greeb Point. J.E.B. 1966 "Less than ten" N.R.P. 1967 No change. Under boulders, eggs hidden. N.R.P. ROSEMERGY 1964 26 C. J. Booth. 1967 25 C. J. Booth. THE BRISSONS 1957 100 birds R. H. Blair. 1967 75—100 pairs. This might look like an increase but the methods of counting were not entirely satisfactory in either case as Dr. Blair did not land, and while I landed to determine whether or not the birds were breeding this year (i.e. to see the eggs), I was reluctant to stay long enough to make an accurate count, as the birds were all off their eggs, and I decided that they had had enough to bear within 1967 already. All the Razorbill eggs here were under boulders, whereas the Guillemot's as usual were grouped together on a broad ledge in the open. This important islet should be kept under close scrutiny in future. Colonies likely to have been affected are at Gull Rock Mullion, Mullion Island on the cliffs from Portheras Cove to Bosigran (Morvah), and the Navax—Hells Mouth area. Birds breeding on the Brissons and the Armed Knight would have seemed certain to perish when the acres of floating oil drifted directly towards them.

116 In fact, there was no change at Mullion (C. J. Booth. N. B. Exelby). No noticeable change at Hells Mouth (general opinion) and a reduction of only one from the 1964 figures at Morvah (C.J.B.) where the normal strength is considered as 28. 26 in 1964 and 25 in 1967. We have no recent information from the Armed Knight, and while the figures of six recorded this year might be considered suspiciously low, there are several Razorbill colonies with even fewer than this well outside the polluted area. While it might seem incredible that our birds escaped, it should be remembered that we have figures for the breeding birds only, and in fact a large proportion of the non-breeding Razorbills and Guillemots may have been among the dead. If the adults were already on the ledges, as they probably were, (Plumb 1965) from late February, they could well have escaped the oil by flying over the coasting slicks before settling, because with a West to North wind, the floating oil would tend to drift along the coast very close in, and the sandy bays act as filters along the way. That this in fact is what happened strikes the writer as explaining the survival of the colonies east of The Brissons, and also explains the gradually decreasing pollution towards the eastern beaches. Had the oil drifted far north of the ship and then south with a changing wind on to the shore, one could have expected patches of equally heavy pollution along the whole coast, but this was not the case. The worst affected beach was Sennen, then Porthmeor (St. Ives) with lesser amounts at Perranporth and Newquay, and little further east, indicating a close-to- shore slick, or series of slicks, kept right in by the fresh north west wind which forced the oil to the top of Hayle Estuary, but left the N.W. shore of the Lelant arm completely free. The strong currents along this coast on a spring tide would assist this linear pollution as the tides build up past the headlands and eddy in circles in the bays. Razorbills were seen carrying fish toward the Navax—Hells Mouth colonies in July, but no eggs or chicks were seen by me on the Morvah/Rosemergy cliff, neither was I able to visit the area when they would have been feeding young, so unfortunately, I am unable to make comparisons between the success rates of various colonies in and out of the area, but C. J. Booth saw one Razorbill egg as late as 19th July, two weeks late, and birds were seen copulating on 20th May, five days later than recorded by Plumb. So there is some evidence for delay at Morvah for this species as well as Kittiwake, Shag and Herring Gull. RAZORBILL Summary of Information Published in the Cornish Report Since 1938 1938 "Kittiwake Island". (Carne-les-Boel) 20-30 with one additional unpublished record July 10th. 1939 „ „ Only one Razorbill nest seen instead of the usual Dozen. ? locality. Colony of 30. Probably Lye or Porthmissen as Puffins nearby. 1943 Morvah. 5 or 6 young. Trevone (Marble Cliffs) Reported as breeding. North Cliffs (Hells Mouth Eastwards) "Many" ! ! 1944 Lye Rock and Greeb Point. Recorded breeding—no figures. 1945 Gunver/Stepper "New Colony" 30-40. Morvah. Still plentiful. Carn-les-Boel. "Only twelve" June 19th (see 1938 above).

117 Locality Remarks 1946 Gunver/Stepper. Max: 250 birds in June. Six chicks seen. Colony considered to consist mainly of non-breeders (?) by W.S.W. 1947 Porthmissen. Largest number 200 May 4th. Only two chicks seen. 1948 Tolpedn. c 6 pairs June 5th. J.E.B. 1952 High Point, Dodman. 12 Birds May 30th. C.J.S. 1963 Bossiney. Over 100 pairs on Rocky Stack. S.V.B. 1964 Lye Rock. 200 plus June 14th. Carters Island. 60. St. Agnes. Several Dozen. 1965 "Near Trevone". 20 plus on ledges. C.V.C. Near Portquin. 30 pairs. S.C.M. The Moules. 200 on sea. 1966 Pentireglaze Polzeath. 12 adults and three chicks. F.M.C. So for the past twenty years little or nothing has been published on the breeding population which could have helped in assessing the damage done by the Torrey Canyon. Some of the figures above are ambiguous, and I am not sure in every case whether the birds were actually on breeding ledges or just flying by. Familiarity with colonies and regular counts over the years by the same observers would be invaluable, and the writer hopes that the annual reports for the next twenty years will produce something more in keeping with the effort of some eight hundred members. The editor will welcome records and counts of any common species. RAZORBILL OFFSHORE ISLANDS Locality Number of Birds Present Gull Rock Nare Head 19 Past history of most stations unknown No change from recent years Mullion (C. J. Booth) Numbers on Armed Knight suspiciously low. Mullion Island 4 Armed Knight 6 The Brissons C.87 The largest colony in Cornwall. Crane Island 11 Samphire Island 23 "Gull Rock" Portreath CIO The Bawdens or Man & His Man 45 Carters Island 24 Gulland 75 Newland 2 Two auks present probably Razor­ bills. The Moules 28 The Sisters C.5 Lye Rock 25 118 OFFSHORE ISLANDS Locality Number of Birds Present Long Island 10 Short Island 19 Meachard 1 Present NOTE: The figures are for "birds present" and might represent one of a pair, with the mate absent, or the total breeding birds in each colony, in which case, the "nests" would be half the given figures. Long watches are needed to determine the exact number of pairs in a colony and I was not able to spend time on this as I should have liked.

RAZORBILL (BIRDS PRESENT) Number on Mainland Cliff A; Number on Small Stacks Inshore B; Locality A. B. Total MAINLAND Numbers on Offshore Islands, see separate sheet MulUon Cove 4 4 "Gull Rock" Portheras Cove— 30 4 34 Normal population of Rose- Bosigran Cliff mergy section unchanged. C. J. Booth. Navax Cliffs 38 38 A.O.N. C. 20 Hells Mouth 17 1 18 Dead mans Cove 6 6 Very little acurate informa­ Ralphs Cupboard 18 3 21 tion for any previous year Stack or area. Nancekuke Cliff 4 4 Sheep Rock Cliff 10 10 Sheep to St. Agnes Hd 3 3 St. Agnes— 38 38 Perran Beach— 9 9 Holywell Bay Trevose Head 8 8 (Dinas-Cataclews) Portmissen— 4 4 Stepper Portquin Bay 49 49 A.O.N, counted 16. Tresungers Point 27 27 Bounds Cliff 14 14 Tintagel Island 30 30 A.O.N. Est 10. E. Side

119 Boscastle— 9 9 Pentargon Beeny Cliff Area C. 10 C9 19 Highly unlikely that any important colonies missed during 1967 census, but in counted colonies numbers might be low where the birds breed among boulders and are difficult to see. There may also be some small colonies of two or three birds in some cliffs which were only examined from a distance. The above figures are maximum for occupied sites as are those on the sheet for the Offshore Islands.

GUILLEMOT The lack of previous counts, and the vague reference to the numbers of this species in the old literature, makes an accurate assessment of the damage done by the Torrey Canyon very difficult, if not impossible. The species has been declining steadily for the past hundred years, and this has been recorded in a few colonies where a decline has been followed by extinction, as even statements like "a few" or "fair numbers" and "a large colony" can, when followed by "none", mean only a sad depletion. Though, it must be pointed out, there is an inherant danger in using the statistics of a single colony as an indication of whole population fluctuations, as is well borne out by the Kittiwake figures for Cornwall. Had any of the most documented colonies of that species (Carn-Les-Boel, Morvah, Tol- pedn), been used as a population index then the calculated result would be far from the facts. Unlike Kittiwakes, which even in restricted areas as at Morvah, move sites and abandon old ledges for no apparent reason, the Guillemot has a reputation for tenacity in using traditional ledges for many years, and individuals retain the same position in the line of incubating birds. Table appended summarises the published information since Ryvves and Quick. Old references are typically vague .... Couch 1838—"Common in summer" ! Clarke 1902—is equally vague but mentions it breeding on Gull Rock, Falmouth. Victoria History 1906 basing its statement on Clarke says "Resi­ dent, with the same breeding range as the razorbill but not nearly so abundant". The statement of Ryvves and Quick—"Rare compared with Razorbill. A few pairs breed in isolated sites scattered along the whole coast, except round Bude", must be qualified, as "the whole coast" is not suitable for the species in many areas, and after seeing the "whole coast" this year, the writer would say that many areas, especially from The Lizard to the Tamar, are unsuitable and have probably never had breeding auks anywhere on them. The only factual evidence for auks breeding anywhere on this stretch is from C. J. Stevens who recorded 16 Guillemots on ledges Highpoint/ Gell Point Dodman Head 22nd April, 1952, but only 2 same place 19th May, 1954, as well as a small colony of Razorbills. We saw no auks here this year (from a boat) and received no reports. Much of the north coast is also unsuitable, with no steep cliffs on the rocky stretches and much of it of course is sand. One colony has definitely become extinct since the turn of the century, that at Carne-Les-Boel where

120 in the thirties, a colony of c. 100 bred, but declined in the fourties, and is now extinct. (R. H. Blair). Dr. Blair also records "scattered small colonies on many cliffs in the Lands End Peninsula until the 50's", where the few at Morvah are the only survivors. The cause of the decline is as yet unknown, but circumstantial evidence would indicate an annual depletion of the population by oil, deliberately discharged from ships steaming down both coasts of Cornwall. Disturbance from holidaymakers is not likely to bother the birds as one of the most successful colonies in the county, at Hells Mouth, is on the most "looked over" cliff in the County. Climatic changes have been suggested as a possible cause of the decline, but the species breeds a good deal further South on the Atlantic Coast of Spain and Portugal; and the Kittiwake, a species with, apparently, a similar food spectrum and a breeding range extending much farther to the North, manages to survive and increase in this region. Small change in the mortality rate persisting for long periods can drastically reduce a population in a restricted area, and the annual total of birds found oiled on the Cornish Coast would represent a very large pro­ portion of the breeding stock if they were all local birds. While a percentage of the casualties are obviously from outside the area (probably young birds from colonies to the North), the adult population tends to be sedentary and are on the ledges intermittently from at least January. The annual loss is more than a small population like that in Cornwall can stand, and they will probably be all gone by the year 2,000 if the present rate of decline continues. Like most species however, the Guillemott can be most resilient and responsive to favourable conditions as was demonstrated by the Guillemots in the Baltic which increased from 20 individuals in 1880 to 50,000 pairs by 1936, after stringent protection measures. (K. H. Voous). For a fraction of a penny on the price of a gallon of petrol, the seas could be clean and the auk population of the western approaches be given an opportunity to regain their former strength. GUILLEMOT Summary of information published in the Cornish Report since 1938 1938 "Kittiwake Island" (Carn-les-Boel) July 10th, 50 + young. R.H.B. 1939 „ „ Normal numbers and sites. 1940 50 at Morvah. H.M.Q. 1945 Report. 1943 Morvah—5 with Eggs. No young reared. Predation by Herring Gulls. North Cliffs. Several small colonies June 6th. R.H.B. 1944 Greeb Point. "Possibly breeds". Sisters. West Rock 112. E. Rock 30 May 14th. Trevalga. Small colonies Ladies Window. 'More at Long Island than Lye". 1945 Porthmissen. "Abandoned" 4 only. 1946 Porthmissen. No chicks reared. Change of site from previous year. Most birds seen, 13 in July. 1947 Porthmissen. No young reared. Largest number 12 April and May. 1951 „ 6 sitting birds. No young reared. 1952 Long Rock, Dodman. 16 Birds. First record of this colony. C.J.S.

121 1955 Lye. Outnumbered Razorbills. Usually other way round. No figures. 1962 Lye. "Scores" around Lye. The Sisters. Hundreds packed tight. 1963 "Near Bossiney" 60-80 pairs. S.V.B. St. Agnes-Newdowns Head. "A large colony". P.F.B. 1964 Hells Mouth. 40 plus on ledges January 6th. J.E.B. 1964 Gull Rock (Nare Head) 50-60 March 26th. W.J.J. Gull Rock (Holywell) Carters Island. 30 plus. P.F.B. St. Agnes. 30-40. No date. No young seen. P.F.B. 1965 Hells Mouth. 60 on ledges February 11th. 50 plus on March 19th. J.E.B. "Trevone". 20 plus May 30th and July 3rd, J.E.B., C.V.C. The Moules. 60 on sea June 19th. S.C.M. 1966 Pentire Glaze Polzeath. 40 plus adults, 10 chicks June 26th. F.M.C. Lye. "100 at Lye Rock". A.F.A. GUILLEMOT MAINLAND Locality No. of Birds Remarks Present Whole South Coast Nil Little information on numbers in Lizard to Border recent years. Mainly Slates "Gull Rock" 667178 1 Figures from the Portheras-Bosigran Mullion Cove area from C. J. Booth indicate a drop Hornblend Schist in numbers since last year. Normal Portheras Cove to 17 strength he considers 43 Max; in 1967 Bosigran Cliff 17. H.M. Quick however, records the Granite following at Morvah Navax Cliff 15 1942 50, 1944 12-20, 1947 a few Slate (Falmouth Series) and at Rosemergy, where most of the birds are now, in 1948 a Hells Mouth- 88 few. Dead mans Cove As above Sheep Rock Cliff 1 As above St. Agnes—Trevaunance 63 Altered Slate Trevose Head (Dinas— 11 Cataclews) Slate and Greenstone Portquin Bay 30 Slate and Greenstone Boscastle—Pentargon 17 At all other mainland colonies where Lower Culm observers have known the figures for some time (however vaguely) the general opinion is that there has been no change (since 1966). R. H. Blair reports that in the 30's and 40's the colony at Cam les Boel diminished from over 100 to extinc­ tion. 122 Remarks Hells Mouth colony 100 plus early 60's R.H.B. Navax Point 50 in good years. Plus two small colonies, no dates R.H.B. Little evidence of non-breeding for both Razorbill and Guillemot. Suc­ cess rate at Hells Mouth—Navax up to normal large percentage feeding chicks in July. The Morvah colony may not have fared so well as no chicks were seen here by N.R.P. yet on June 16th of 11 Guillemots 9 were "on" where 7 birds were counted on the same ledge on May 20th. Indicat­ ing that any failure was more likely to have been caused by detergent and disturbance rather than directly through the oil. OFFSHORE ISLANDS Locality Number Gull Rock off Nare Head 90 A.O.N. 60. (Greenstone) Mullion Island (Pillow 15 A.O.N. 7. Launs and Chert Horn blend Schist) The Brissons 15 Little or no information on past his­ (Altered Slate) tory. No indication of reduced num­ Samphire Island (Slate 50 bers due to oiling except for The Falmouth series) Brissons where R. H. Blair reported "Gull Rock" Portreath 11 100 Guillemots 1957. But Razorbill (As above) numbers are about 75% of his figures still. The Bawdens or Man and 56 The reduction on the Brissons would His Man seem due to the Torrey Canyon as (Altered Slate) they are in one of the worst polluted Carters Island 33 areas, both by oil and detergent. But Calcerious Slate the decrease of say, ten per cent per Meadfoot Beds annum since Blair's visit in 1957 would be at the same rate as that in the colony at Carn-les-Boel, see mainland sheet. Gulland 30 There is also the strength of the Greenstone Razorbill colony to be considered The Mouls 20 which has decreased by C. 15% apparently, i.e. from over 100 birds The Sisters 65 seen to an estimated maximum of 87 Phylite AONS, in ten years. These figures, Lye Rock 55 on a single count each time, are in Phylite fact of limited value, but do indicate Long Island 20 a difference in the rate of decline, or Phylite a difference in the vulnerability of Short Island 65 the species to oil pollution near the Phylite breeding ground. There was no indi­ cation of oil actually on the rocks here, but the mainland c. 3/4 mile away was very badly hit. 123 PUFFIN All known Puffin colonies were outside the areas affected by oil and detergent except that on Carters Island Holywell Bay. The table below, indicating the little known history of this colony would suggest that there has been no reduction since 1966. Of all the wings sent for examination only five, 0.4% were from Puffins, and unless a large number died without trace we can assume that the species escaped serious depletion. The Puffin has been regarded as a declining species in Cornwall for many years, but little evidence can be found to support this belief. Ancient references are vague, and may not even refer to the same species, for while the Puffin is perhaps the most readily recognised of the auks, local and colloquial names have been the source of confusion between species even at the present day. Since the time of William of Worcester, 1478, Cornish Literature has borne reference to Puffins but always in such terms as "of Puffin, a great abundance" William Borlase, 1769, or "locally common in the breeding season". Clarke—The Birds of Cornwall, 1902—did at least add "as far West as Falmouth". The Victoria History, 1906 states "In con­ siderable numbers about Tintagel and Trevalga, and in small colonies at two or three localities on the South coast". Ryvves and Quick, 1946, basing their survey on the above record "Decreasing, no longer breeds on the S. coast, but confined to the N, where there is a large colony at Lye R.ock, a smaller one near Trevone (where many nest in natural rock recesses) and one at where stated to be decreasing". The continued lack of actual figures, or even estimates, makes any assessment of population trends impossible, and for latter years the figures quoted in the Annual report of the C.B.W.P.S. are also, in a sense, useless, for while they do at least give some idea of the maximum number of birds seen on some dates in a particular year, no reference has been made to time of day, and the dates are at widely separate intervals of the various breeding seasons. For instance, an evening count at the beginning of the year would probably produce a higher figure than a mid-day count at the height of the season, and a late season count at peak gathering time would include all the non-breeders, and result in an inflated figure for the actual breeding strength. Further confusion has arisen over the naming of the colonies in the report. "Tintagel" is meaningless, and might apply to at least three colonies. The Rumps and The Mouls, one and the same as far as the breeding holes are concerned (on The Mouls) are recorded as two colonies in the 1948 report. "Gull Rock" might be anywhere, and is synonymous with at least Carters Island (Holywell Bay) and The Maid of Grefe (Leyland) off Nare Head, and various rocks right around the Coast. Lye has been variously referred to as Tintagel, Bossiney, and Willapark. Similarly, the totals given may be erronious, and I consider all the records of Puffins in "thousands" to be exaggerated and unreliable! However, the evening gatherings were probably greater than those seen by me this year, and the colonies have probably gone down by an indeterminate amount, since the turn of the century. The importance of annual reports as records of County Avifaunas can­ not be over stressed, but for the searcher for information to meet the comment (on Puffins in the 1952 report) "Immense activity in the breeding season". With no clues as to locality or actual numbers, is somewhat exasperating, and the additional comment "No decrease in number of birds . . .", while of some relevance to the observer, means little, without previous figures, to the reader. I mention these points here in an attempt

124 to stress the importance of recording breeding populations and numbers of common wintering species as against the exciting, but comparatively worthless rarity. Of the recorded Puffin colonies, Lye has always been the biggest and remains so. The next is on The Mouls, and with only twelve burrows in 1967 should have been readily counted in the past, but the earliest reference I can find is in the 1948 report. "50 pairs in residence. No breeding for past two years". The colony at Porthmissen was never proved breeding by W. S. Watts who recorded birds there in the forties, but considered them non-breeding. W.J.J, saw 20 pairs there on June 3rd, 1961 and three on sea May 15th, 1964, but does not mention breeding. However, C. V. Chilcot records 6 pairs breeding 1965 and in 1966 only one. "Holes taken over by Razorbills", None recorded 1967. More information is required from this colony. The figures given in the table are all June evening counts and the totals would probably be higher, for birds, in July. Summarising the present information on the history of the species it might be said that the Puffin colonies in Cornwall have never been counted and that the 1967 census was hopelessly inadequate as there was insufficient time available for one species as difficult as this. The smaller colonies should be easily counted by persistent watching during a season, but the most important one, at Lye, presents a different problem as so few burrows are visible in the vegetation. Therefore every visitor is asked to make an accurate count (not easy) and to record the time and date. PUFFIN Known History since 1930 of all Colonies as recorded in the report LYE ROCK 38 Hundreds on April 7th. 39 43 Over 1,000 April 3rd. 44 Evening of May 13th two-three thousand. Considered inaccurate. 46 48 G.B.B.'s have driven the Puffins off the face of Lye Rock but colony not seriously diminished. C. H. Bailhache. 56 April 1st 1,500. Considered inaccurate. 61 'Tintagel" 300 June 4th. E.G. 63 250 May 25th. E.G. 64 600 plus, May 24th, E.G. Several hundred June 14th. 65 319 March 28th, E.G. 300 June 19th, A.C.S. 100 pairs July 8th. J.E.B. 66 "A decrease noted Ed." 120 on sea April 6th, 20 May 1st, 50 May 8th, 75 May 11th. E.G. THE MOULS — First reported figures 1948 50 pairs in residence. Breeding has not taken place for last two years. (H. V. Brown). 1964 Small numbers. 1965 25 pairs July 8th. 1966 20. May 1st. 25 on sea June 11th. CARTERS ISLAND —First reported figures 1946 20-30 pairs. A.V.C. 1961 28 birds. A.H.G. 1962 25 in late July. P.F.B. 1964 3 Flying about. P.F.B. 1965 12 birds June 17th. J.E.B. 1966 5 plus, June 18th. J.E.B. GULL ROCK OFF NARE HEAD 1951 Eggs found in June. About June 15th they "disappear" (Miss P. Nowell-Ustick). PORTHMISSEN No evidence that they have ever bred here. The writer believes, though on insufficient evidence, that the gull population is having an adverse effect on the Cornish Puffin colonies, not by direct predation so much, as the destruction of breeding areas. The grass pulling habit of gulls during courtship and display, together with trampling and excessive guano, has denuded Carters Island and "Gull Rock" off Nare Head, to such an extent that soil was visibly eroding into the sea while we were making our counts. Steps could be taken to reverse this erosion, par­ ticularly on Carters Island where there is still a nucleus of a Puffin popula­ tion, and landing is not difficult in fine weather. In past years the gulls were controlled to some extent by egg taking, but the large numbers throughout the County now would render this practice useless in one small area unless continued annually. The writer suggests that advice on soil conservation be sought and action be taken toward a long term turf rehabilitation programme. Evidence for soil erosion is scanty, but Newquay fishermen have described egg- taking at Carters Island at the turn of the century, when their feet would pierce the turf and fall through to the numerous Puffin (or Shearwater ?) burrows under the grass. Off Gull Rock, Nare Head, Leyland records "In the Mydde may betwene Falemuth and Dudman is an Islet or Roke beryng gresse a ii acres about, but standyng yn the myddes torring upright. Ther bredeth yn the Isles se fowle". Leyland also says "wythyn hi my Is of Lyzart Poynt ys a lytle isle withyn the Bay cawled Inispriuen". (Mullion or Enys Brannow) and contyneth ii acres of grownd, wheryn be byrddes and conies". Rabbits would hardly survive there for long now with the little vegetation and the Greater Black-backed Gulls. In my memory Godrevey Island was green thirty years ago, but there is very little turf there now. The Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society is in a position now to take some active steps in the conservation of at least one of our diminishing species, the first mentioned in Cornish literature, and the emblem of the society. PUFFIN Locality Numbers Remarks Past History Occupied Max. Birds Burrows Seen Meachard 1 (non breeding). Short Island 12 40 on sea. No proof of breeding. on shore No turf. May breed among boul­ ders. A. V. Longman considers it breeds here. "500 pairs resting" 1956. 20 pairs July 8, 1965 J.E.B.

126 Locality Numbers Remarks Past History Occupied Max. Bird:s Burrows Seen Long Island 6 Same remarks apply. Probably breeds among boulders. No proof. 50 pairs July 8, 1965. J.E.B. Lye Rock 2 only c.200 The Island is covered in Mallow seen from and a course grass, but much of the mainland. earth area is bare at the base of this. Impossible to see burrows from shore or sea. The Sisters 1 One bird incubating (R.J.O'C) among boulders. The Moules 12 17 Colony has decreased in past two years and will probably continue to do so, as soil erosion destroys habi­ tat. Practically no vegetation except a few stems of Mallow among the boulders, and poor turf on the slopes. Carters Island 8 Carters Island was visited regularly by locals in the early years of the century and the eggs of "birds" were taken. At this time much turf and sacks were occasionally filled and the soil used for manure on gardens. "Many" Puffins. No turf at present and considerable soil erosion taking place. Puffin burrows in the last remaining soil, only c.12" deep in places. "Gull Rock" off 1 A few, c.5 burrows which may have Nare Head been Puffins. Very little soil left. 1951 eggs found in June. About June 15 "they disappear". (P. Nowell-Ustick). At the present rate of erosion the Puffins of Cornwall will be gone in a few decades. Past records of the C.B.W.P.S. record numbers in the thousands flying about the main colonies, and while some of these may be exaggerated, there is no doubt that the numbers of birds then recorded could not possibly breed in the soil of the islands as they are today. ROCK PIPIT No-one has the slightest idea of the Cornish population of this species, so it would be impossible to determine the effect of the Torrey Canyon on its numbers. In the St. Ives area, the four usual pairs were down to three, which is not serious as the species is probably capable of making up a loss of 25% in a small part of its range very quickly. I expected the species to be very badly hit, but had no previous figures other than the above to com­ pare with 1967. Dr. R. H. Blair, submitted the following note:— On 20th June, I was shown by Miss Nichols, a Rock Pipit's nest with four Pipits and one Cuckoo's egg. This was at Kenidjack Castle, St. Just,

127 in a quarry, the furthest distance from the sea that I have ever seen a Rock Pipit's nest, about 250 yds. from the cliff edge. The Cuckoo hatched about 26/27th June, and was strong enough to eject all the four eggs. By 29th June, it was apparently moribund, and was certainly dead on July 1st. This area had been severely contaminated, and it is possible that the small shore life on which the Rock Pipit feeds its young, had been largely wiped out. At Porthgwarra, there were only one or two pairs where there had been four/six in the previous year; no counts had been made. TOTAL POPULATION OF OFFSHORE ISLANDS While the Census figures collected are not sufficiently defined to provide comparative figures for short stretches of coast, the Islands may be com­ pared in the table overleaf. Given figures for Puffin are based on inadequate data as mentioned earlier. The same applies to Herring Gull. Other species may be taken as fairly accurate. In addition Rock Pipit may breed on the larger Islands. We saw no Oystercatchers which appeared to be breeding on any of these Islands, but they were present on several of the Islands just separated from the shore as at the Porthcothan—Constantine Bay area. It will be seen from the table that on none of the Islands are all ten species to be found. OFFSHORE ISLANDS TOTAL POPULATION SPECIES Birds Nests

Downderry 0 0 0 ? 22 0 0 0 0 22 1 Gull Rock, Nare Head 19 60 ? 35 150 10 — 250 288 812 7 Mullion Island 4 7 — 21 66 154 ? 300 140 692 7 Enys Dodman — — — — 1 31 ? 15 ' — 47 3 Armed Knight 6 — — — 10 — — 7 — 23 3 The Brissons 87 15 — — 15 ?1 — 10 — 128 4 Godrevy — — — — 8 5 — 150 — 163 3 Crane Island 11 — — — 3 — — 40 — 54 3 Samphire Island 23 50 — — 5 — — 150 — 228 4 Gull Rock, Portreath 10 11 — — 1 — — 60 — 82 4 The Bawdens 45 56 — — 4 3 — 20 52 180 6 Carters Island 24 26 8 — 37 10 1 200 — 306 7 Gulland 75 30 — 15 30 6 — 200 — 356 6 Newland ?2 — — — 6 — 1 50 — 59 3 The Moules 28 20 12 14 4 5 1 75 — 159 8 Sisters 5 65 1 — ? — — 5 — 76 4 Lye Rock 25 55 200 — 1 10 — 370 — 661 6 Long Island 10 20 6 — — ? — ?5 — 41 4 Short Island 19 65 12? — 2 ? — ?5 — 103 5 Meachard ?1 — ?1 — — — — ? — c.5 3 128 REFERENCES BARCLAY-SMITH, L. P. A New Dictionary of Birds. (Oil Pollution) 1964. BORLASE. Natural 1769. BOURNE, W. R. P. The Torrey Canyon Disaster. Sea Bird Bull 3.4.1967. BOURNE PARRACK & POTTS. Birds killed in the Torrey Canyon Disaster. Nature. Vol. 215 1967. CLARKE, J. The Birds of Cornwall 1902. COUCH, J. The Cornish Fauna 1838. COULSON, J. C. The Plumage and Leg colour of the Kittiwake, and comments on the Non-breeding Population. B.B. LII. No. 6 1959. DUNNET, ANDERSON & CORMACH. A study of Survival of Adult Fulmars with observations on the pre-laying Exodus. B.B. 56 No. 1. HARVEY, G. H. Field Notes from West Cornwall. Brit: Birds 18. 164-169. JOLLY, Dr. ALISON. The Wreck of the Torrey Canyon—Epilogue. Animal Kingdom. New York Zoological Society. LXXI. No. 1 1968. LACK, D. The Ecology of closely related species with special reference to Cormorant and Shag. LELAND. Leland's Itinerary 1524-43. PALMER, R. S. Handbook of North American Birds 1965. PARSLOW, J. L. F. Reports of St. Agnes Bird Observatory. PLUMB. Observations on the Breeding Biology of Razorbill. B.B. 58 II 1965. QUICK, H. M. The Kittiwake colonies of The Lands End. Annual reports of The C.B.W.P.S. And personal communications. RYVES. B. H. The Birds of Cornwall. Collins 1948. RYVES B. H. and QUICK H. M. A survey of the Birds Breeding in Cornwall and Scilly since 1902. Brit. Birds 39. 34-43. SMITH, J. E. "Torrey Canyon" Pollution and Marine Life. A Report by the Plymouth Laboratory of the Marine Biological Association of the U.K. SNOW, B. The behaviour of the Shag. Brit. Birds. 56 No. 3.5.1963. STEVEN, G. A. The food consumed by Shags and Cormorants around the shores of Cornwall () Journal Marine Bio. Assn. U.K. 19. VICTORIA. County History of Cornwall 1906. Voous, K. H. Atlas of European Birds 1960. WILLIAM OF WORCESTER 1478. Wn HERBY. The Handbook of British Birds 1938-1944. SUFFIX The foregoing account should not be used as a basis for further popula­ tion estimates and trends in numbers without reading the two annual reports of the Cornwall Bird-Watching Society following this issue, as no doubt when this is published, reports will be received correcting the figures for several areas. And the effects of the Torrey Canyon may be felt for several years.

129 THE COMMITTEE FOR 1967/1968

President: Lt.-Col. Sir Edward Bolitho, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., J.P.

Chairman : Dr. C. J. F. Coombs

Honorary Treasurer and Registrar : W. J. Goddard, Esq.

Joint Honorary Secretaries : The Rev. J. E. Beckerlegge (Editor and Bird Recorder) A. G. Parsons, Esq. (Conservation) and N. R. Phillips, Esq. (Field Meetings).

Honorary Secretary for the Isles of Scilly Miss H. M. Quick.

Committee Members: Mrs. K. C. F. Birtill, Dr. R. H. Blair, Mrs. S. Bottomley, Miss V. I. Crapp, Mr. N. B. Exelby, Mr. A. C. Hosking, Mrs. D. B. Jeffreys, Mr. W. J. Julyan, Mrs. B. M. B. Kay, Capt. E. G. Roper, Mr. C. J. Stevens, and Mrs. M. P. Visick.

THE COMMITTEE FOR 1968/69

President: Lt.-Col. Sir Edward Bolitho, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., J.P. Chairman : Dr. C. J. F. Coombs

Honorary Treasurer and Registrar : W. J. Goddard, Esq.

Joint Honorary Secretaries: The Rev. J. E. Beckerlegge (Editor and Bird Recorder), A. G. Parsons, Esq. (Conservation) and N. R. Phillips, Esq. (Field Meetings).

Honorary Secretary for the Isles of Scilly : Miss H. M. Quick

Committee Members : Mrs. K. C. F. Birtill, Mr. N. Higman, Mrs. D. B. Jeffreys, Mrs. B. M. B. Kay, Mr. R. J. Khan, Mr. P. R. G. Marriott, Mr. D. F. Musson, Capt. E. G. Roper, Mr. R. J. Salmon, Mr. C. J. Stevens and Mr. W. J. Woodward.

130 LIST OF MEMBERS

We apologise for any errors which may appear in this list and shall be grateful if Members will inform the Honorary Treasurer and Registrar so that our records can be corrected. (a) Honorary Members. Blair, Dr. R. H., M.B., M.B.O.U., Roslyn, Carrallack Terrace, St. Just, Penzance. Koch, Dr. Ludwig D., M.B.E., 39, Walton Avenue, South Harrow, Middlesex. Quick, Miss Hilda M., Priglis Cottage, St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly. (b) Associate Member Adams, R. G., Pathside, Underhill, Lympstone, Exmouth, Devon. (c) Full Members Abbott, J., Birchen Hey, Frensham, Farnham, Surrey. Ackland, Miss N. A., Felsted, Tower Park, Fowey. Airey, A. F., 1, Lingmoor View, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Westmorland. Allan, Lieut. R. J. D., R.N., c/o Lloyds Bank Ltd., 6, Pall Mall, London, S.W.I. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. R., Hillcrest, Stenalees, St. Austell. Allen, R. F., 6, Lyndhurst Gardens, London, N.W.3. Allen, W. F., 2 Chapel Terrace, White Rock, Wadebridge. Allsopp, Mr. and Mrs. K., 81, Uplands Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE 2.4 NT. Almond, Lt.-Col. and Mrs. W. E., Laverock House, St. Breward, Bodmin. Anderson, B. W., Ladylane, Ditchling, Sussex. Andrew, Mr. and Mrs. T. S., Barley Park, Trevone, Padstow. Andrew-Blarney, Mr. & Mrs. W. H. J., Merifield, Dobbin Road, Trevone, Padstow. Andrews, Mrs. M. E., 9, Highfield Drive, Uxbridge, Middlesex. Andrews, Lt.-Col. W. E., Tumrose, Blisland, Bodmin. Apted, Mr. and Mrs. D. E., Bodwareen, Chapel Hill, Truro. Archer-Lock, A., 4, Glenwood Road, Mannamead, Plymouth, Devon. Arnold, R. F., 49, Ellesborough Road, Harborne, Birmingham, 17. Askew, Mr. and Mrs. D. L., Durridge House, Kerswell Green, Kempsey, Worcester. Aspinall, Miss H. R. A., Warren Cottage, Cranleigh, Surrey. Austin-Smith Colonel and Mrs. J. M., Penmayne Cross, Rock, Wade­ bridge. Aylwin, Major C. D. L., Treyford, Hillside Road, Long Ashton, Bristol. Aylwin, Mrs. E., Greathed Manor, Lingfield, Surrey.

Backhouse, Mr. and Mrs. M. V., The Old House, Church Hill, Pulborough. Sussex. Baigent, Miss F. M., Calenick House, Calenick, Truro. Bailey, Mrs. A. M. G., 37, Church Road, Mylor, Falmouth. Balfour, L., Heath End, Checkenden, Reading, Berks. Banks, Miss F. M., 49, Crantock Street, Newquay. Barbier, P. G. R., 31 J, Hillside, Ross Road, Hereford. Barham, Mrs. K. E. L, St. Benedict's, Kings Bay Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight. Barker, D. J., Higher Brea, Camborne. Barnard, Mrs. D. R., Veronica Cottage, Gerrans, Portscatho, Truro.

131 Barnby, Miss D. M., The Downes, Trenwith, St. Ives. Barnes, D. G., Little Salhouse, Reskadinnick Road, Camborne. Barnes, Mrs. Ruth G., M.B.O.U., Hungerdown House, Seagry, Chippen­ ham, Wiltshire. Barrett, W. R., 6, Pengover Road, Addington, Liskeard. Barron, Mrs. N. L., Boscarn, The Terrace, Port Isaac. Barton, D. B., Truro Bookshop, 18, Frances Street, Truro. Bate, W. L., Treneague, Wadebridge. Bates J. H., The Battery, Newquay. Bax, Mr. and Mrs. T. B., Tregorden, Wadebridge. Baxter, Mr. & Mrs. A. R„ Pennies, Treviglas Lane, Probus, Truro. Beard, Mr. and Mrs. L. P., 22, Morcom Close, Boscoppa, St. Austell. Beaumont, Mr. & Mrs. A., Kilcoed, Mylor Downs, Falmouth. Beckerlegge, The Rev. J. E., B.A., M.B.O.U., St. Crowan Vicarage, Praze, Camborne. Beckett, Miss R., A.L.A., Tregullow, Maenporth, Falmouth. Bedell, Miss E. M., 50, West Street, Polruan, Fowey. Bennett, Mrs. P., 43, Polkirt Hill, Mevagissey, St. Austell. Bennetts, Mrs. W. M., 5, Old Falmouth Road, Truro. Benson, Miss S. Vere (Mrs. Wynne Taylor), M.B.O.U., 26, Downs View, Bude. Bere, R. M., C.M.G., M.A., West Cottage, Bude Haven, Bude. Bertram, Lt.Col. and Mrs. W. R. The Old Quay House, Hayle. Beswetherick, A. T., Force Ten, Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth, Newquay. Beswetherick, Mr. and Mrs. R. J., Lanvean, Cleavelands, Bude. Betjeman, John, C.B.E, 43, Cloth Fair, London, E.C.I. Bewes, Mrs. N., Trelill, Marlborough Road, Falmouth. Bickersteth, Mrs. H. M., Little Trengilly, Constantine, Falmouth. Bickford-Smith, Mrs. G. M., Ridifarne, Smith, Falmouth. Bickford-Smith, M. G., Trevarno, Helston. Biddle, N. H., Rosedene, Raginnis Hill, Mousehole, Penzance. Binning, Miss B. A. V., Treetops, St. Keyne, Liskeard. Birtill, Mrs. K. C. F., 5, Landeryon Gardens, Polwithen, Penzance. Blades, Mrs. L., Shearwater, Penpol, Devoran, Truro. Blaikley, G., Whimbrels, Constantine Bay, Padstow. Blair, A. B., c/o Roslyn, Carrallack Terrace, St. Just, Penzance. Blair, Mrs. D., M.B.E., Roslyn, Carrallack Terrace, St. Just, Penzance. Blair, J. K., Trolldale, Haile, Egremont, Cumberland. , Blarney, Mr. and Mrs. P. B., Trelidden, Coombe, Liskeard. Blight, Mrs. B. G., 12, Killivose Road, Camborne. Blogg, Mrs. H. S., Bostavern, Devoran, Truro. Boardman, Mr. & Mrs. F., Braemar, St. Merryn, Padstow. Bolitho, Lt.-Col. Sir E. H. W., K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., J.P., Trengwainton, Madron, Penzance. Bonham, C. O., June Orchard, Bracken Close, Woking, Surrey. Bonham, P. F., B.Sc, 16, Honeywell Road, Battersea, London, S.W.I 1. Boorman, Mrs. M. M., Trebarfoote, Battery Lane, Polruan, Fowey. Booth, C. J., Ronas, Carne Close, Helston Road, Leedstown, Hayle. Bottomley, Mr. & Mrs. J. B., Hellesveor Place, St. Ives. Bowman, Major R. H., The Cottage, Rock, Wadebridge. Boyer, Miss C, Olearia, Raginnis Hill, Mousehole, Penzance. Brand, R. H., 4, Parsonage Street, Bradninch, Exeter, Devon. Branwhite, P. R., c/o Mr. R. Branwhite, 3, Henhayes Lane, Crewkerne, Somerset. Brawn, Mr. and Mrs. F., 11, Haddon Way, Carlyon Bay, St. Austell. Bray, A. C, Trevenwith, Church Cove, The Lizard, Helston.

132 Brenton, G., 5, Dark Lane, Camelford. Brenton, T. J., The Traveller's Rest, Trevarrian, Newquay Brewer, E. G., Lower Woodley Farm, Nanstallon, Bodmin. Brewer, L. G., Treganatha, Lostwithiel. Brewer, S. E., Avery House, Lostwithiel. Bridger, J. P., The Red House, Kessingland, Lowestoft, Suffolk. Bridger, Mrs. W., Pill, Feock Truro. Brinkworth, Mrs. C. M., Penhallow, Crantock, Newquay. Britton, D. J., Fransilva, St. Kew Highway, Bodmin. Britton, Mr. & Mrs. T. H. R., Cleeve Lawns, Trevone, Padstow. Broadbent, Mrs. M. C., Whitworth, Windmill, Padstow. Brooks, Mrs. A., Meadowside, Mount Ambrose, Redruth. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. J. H., 19a, Ashley Rise, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Bryer-Ash, Mr. and Mrs. P. G., Bodrigan, Blisland, Bodmin. Buckby, R. G., The Post Office, London Apprentice, St. Austell. Bullmore, Mrs. M. A., 2, Trevemper Road, Newquay. Burgess, Miss D., Trenadlyn, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. Burman, Mr. and Mrs. B. T. H., Greensleeves, , Wadebridge. Burn, Mr. and Mrs. E. H., 304, Woodstock Road, Oxford. Burt, Mr. and Mrs. K. R., Querle, Budock Vean, Falmouth. Burton, Mr. & Mrs. R., 2, Melville Terrace, St. Stephen, St. Austell. Bury, Miss V. M., Red Rock, Topsham, Devon. Butcher, Miss J. R., 14, Gloucester Road, Ealing, London, W.5. Butler, Miss F. S., Trevelva, Green Close, Feock, Truro.

Cadbury, Christopher, Beaconwood, Rednal, Birmingham. Cameron, Mrs. M. F., Bridge Cottage, Perranarworthal, Truro. Campbell, Mrs. H. M. E., c/o Coutts & Co., 108, Park Lane, London, W.l. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. L. G. R., Bosanter, Chapel Amble, Wadebridge. Carlyon, Mrs. J. M. and Miss P. M., Chytodden, Kenwyn, Truro. Carr, Lady Norah, Trig, Rock, Wadebridge. Carter, Mr. and Mrs. D. R., Lamb's Barn, Carnethick, Fowey. Carter, Mrs. F. E. (Mrs. W. T. Lott), Kestrels, Widemouth Road, Bude. Catchpole, Mrs. I. M., Chyals, Portmellon, Mevagissey, St. Austell. Cavell, A. G., 24 Fore Street, Lostwithiel. Cavendish, Mrs. D. L. H., Constantine Cottage, Constantine Bay, Padstow. Chadwick, J. A., Northcliffe, Northcliffe Lane, Thornton, Bradford, Yorkshire. Chalmers, Mr. and Mrs. G., St. Eia, West Hill, Wadebridge. Chapman, Mr. and Mrs. R. N., 1, Westerlands Road, Wadebridge. Charlesworth, Mrs. C, Castle, Lostwithiel. Charnaud, Mr. and Mrs. J. J., Drift Farm, Constantine, Falmouth. Childs, Brigadier C, Eastcote, Twyford, Berkshire. Chipman, H. J., Burford, Alexandra Place, Penzance. Chope, His Honour Judge and Mrs. R. C, Carclew House, Perranar­ worthal, Truro. Christy, S. J., 27, Hillbrow, Whitley Wood Road, Reading, Berkshire. Churcher, Dr. Gillian M., Public Health Laboratory, S. Devon and E. Cornwall Hospital, Greenbank, Plymouth, Devon. Clague, W. D., Lamana, Hannafore, Looe. Clake, H. G., The Homestead, Torleven Road, Porthleven, Helston. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. H. L., 36, Gwealmayowe Caravan Site, Helston. Clarke, Major A. C, Trerose, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. Clift, Miss F. H. L., Brentwood, Florence Terrace, Falmouth. Clouston, Air-Cdre. and Mrs. A. E., Wings, Constantine Bay, Padstow. Coad, R. T., 10, Dunvegan Road, Penryn.

133 Cock, E. M., Penlee Lodge, Trewithen Road, Penzance. Coe, Miss M. E., Windyridge, , Wadebridge. Coffin, E. H. M., Lane End, Pendoggett, Bodmin. Colby, P. J., 4, Tamar Terrace, Calstock. Coleman-Cooke, Major J., F.Z.S., Simonsbath Lodge, Simonsbath, Mine- head, Somerset. Coley, Miss F., Treetops, St. Keyne, Liskeard. Comber Miss E. O., Briarbank, Chywoone Hill, Newlyn. Penzance. Coode, Mrs. M. J., 2, Bridge House, Pennance Road, Falmouth. Coomber, R. F., c/o Lloyds Bank Limited, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly. Coombs, Dr. C. J. F., M.A., M.B., B.Ch., Greenwith Place, Perranwell, Truro. Coon, F. A. H., Pen Mar, Barbican Hill, Looe. Cooper, Mrs. P., Pencalenick School, St. Clement, Truro. Corderoy, P., Higher Bosavern, St. Just, Penzance. Cornelius, Mrs. O. C. A., Cliff Villa, Wadebridge. Couch, F. M., Old Polzeath, Wadebridge. Counsell, Mrs. J. K., Pencabe, Portscatho, Truro. Crabb, R. E., 6, Dean Terrace, Liskeard. Crapp, Miss V. I., 13, Higher Compton Road, Hartley, Plymouth, Devon. Craven-Sykes, J., O.B.E., Tetherstones, Point, Devoran, Truro. Cridland, Mrs. C. M., Trevenson Cottage, Trevanson Road, Wadebridge. Crook, Mrs. G. O., Eden Cottage, The Valley, Carbis Bay, St. Ives. Cross, D. B., Fugler's Close, Portloe, Truro. Crossley, R. C, F.L.A.S., F.R.I.C.S., Castle Gayer, Marazion. Crouch, Mrs. H., 3, Trelyn, St. Minver, Wadebridge. Cuddy, Mrs. M., 7, Lafrowda Terrace, St. Just, Penzance. Cuningham, Miss D. W. M., C/o Lloyds Bank Ltd., Market House, Penzance. Curber, R. M., 11, Weatherly Avenue, Odd Down, Bath, Somerset. Curnow, Dr. R. N., Orleigh, Bolenna, Perranporth. Curtis, Mr. R. A. and Miss, 2, Polwithen Road, Falmouth. Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. R. C, 30, Penhalls Way, Playing Place, Truro. Cutlack, R. A., Tamarisk, Trevone, Padstow.

Dakin, Mr. and Mrs. E. T., 24, Carminow Way, Newquay. Daniel, F. C, 38, Fairfield Road, Bude. Daniel, R. J., Trenoweth, Downderry, Torpoint. Daniel, W. J., Coombe Park, Downderry, Torpoint. Darby, Mr. and Mrs. C. F., 31, St. John's Terrace, Devoran, Truro. Darby, Mrs. G. V. and Miss P., 4, Windsor Drive, Carlyon Bay, St. Austell. Dark, Mrs. W., 8, Dudman Road, Highertown, Truro. Darke, T. O., Glencoe, Porthcothan Bay, Padstow. Davey, Miss Enid, Tresillian Barton, Summercourt, Newquay. Davey, Miss R. I., Solvia, Cross Street, Helston. Davidson, Mrs. M. Y., Trenoweth Mill, St. Keverne, Helston. Dawe, Mrs. L., Treswallen Farm, Grampound, Truro. Dawson, H., The Boot Inn, Calstock. Day, Miss G. C, Bostavern, Devoran, Truro. Day, Mrs. G. M., Cotwood, Ponsanooth, Truro. Dennis, R., 21, Castle Road, Penzance. Dennison, Mr. and Mrs. G. D., West Langarth, Three Mile Stone, Truro. Dickson. Mrs. S. D., Curgurrel Corner, Trewithian, Portscatho, Truro. Digby, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. R., Trebarfoote, Battery Lane, Polruan, Fowey. 134 Doc son. Lady Marjorie, Bonchurch, Sandown Road, Esher, Surrey. Dorrien Smith, Lt.-Cdr. T. M., Tresco Abbey, Tresco, Isles of Scilly. Drew, S. J., 33, Tregunnel Site, Newquay. Druce, Miss R. M., Felsted, Tower Park, Fowey. Dwyer, P. J., 27, Trenance Road, Newquay. Dyer, D. O., Kenwyn, Fore Street, Copperhouse, Hayle. Dyer, Mr. and Mrs. W. H., Blue Heaven, Portmellon, Mevagissey, St. Austell.

Earl, Miss E. D., Mill Field, Perranwell Station, Truro. East, Mrs. Z. B., Gulland, St. Merryn, Padstow. Eddy, S. R., 99, Clarence Road, Torpoint. Eden, The Hon. Mrs. R., Beaumont House, Roydon, Essex. Edward-Collins, Mrs. M. D., Polgwin, Bodmin. Edwards, Flt.-Lt. and Mrs. F. J., 4, Coombe Lane, Cargreen, Saltash. Elliott, Miss H., Innisfaill, Penlee View, Penzance. Ellis, Dr. and Mrs. D. D., 3, Westheath Road, Bodmin. Elvins, Miss M. L., 54, Cliff Street, Mevagissey, St. Austell. Elwood, Mr. and Mrs. D. A., 25, The Crescent, Truro. England, Mr. & Mrs. D. G., 29, Chapeldown Road, Torpoint. English, Miss D. M., Tresco, Higher Trehaverne, Truro. Enys, Miss E. D., The Cottage, Enys, Penryn. Enys, Miss J. F., 41, Woodlane, Falmouth. Evans, Mrs. G. E. M., Abington, Trebarvah Lane, Perranuthnoe, Penzance Evans, P. B., Boswartha, Church Road, Lelant, St. Ives. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. R. M., Pol an Dre, Maria's Lane, Sennen, Penzance. Eversden, Lt.-Col. and Mrs. W., Christmas Cottage, Spar Lane, Illogan, Redruth. Evill, W., Redcliffe, Plaidy, Looe. Exelby, B. J., Naini-Tal. Mullion, Helston. Exelby, Mr. and Mrs. N. B., Naini-Tal, Mullion, Helston. Eyre, Major C. V., c/o Midland Bank Ltd., 12 Molesworth Street, Wade­ bridge.

Faulkner, A. F., 64, Glengall Road, Edgware, Middlesex. Favell, Mrs. B. B., Penberth, St. Buryan, Penzance. Fell. Miss L. B., 1, Avenue Road, Falmouth. Ferguson, Miss J., 5, Berkeley Court, King's Road, Brighton, Sussex. Fiddick, R., 7, Tregothnan Road, Falmouth. Field, G. D., Hale Cottage, Milton Grove, New Milton, Hants. Fisher, James, M.A., M.B.O.U., Ashton Manor, Northampton. Fitzgerald, Mrs. D. D., Poltoge, Port Navas, Falmouth. Fleet, R. M., Treliske School, Truro. Foster, Mr. and Mrs. J., 3, Lime Kiln Field, Millbrook, Plymouth, Devon. Fox, Mrs. B. M., Trewardreva, Constantine, Falmouth. Fox, Mrs. E. H., Coswarth Cottage, Padstow. Fox, Mrs. J. M. K., Penjerrick, Falmouth. Fox, Miss M. V., Carmino, Falmouth.

Gait, Mrs. J. M., 26, St. George's Villas, Truro. Gallagher, J. D., 4, Eastbourne Close, St. Austell. Garceau, G. A., Trebears, St. Merryn, Padstow. Garnett, Cdr. J. N., R.N., Penhale Farm, Wadebridge. Garnish, W. J., 34, Moorland Road, St. Austell. Garrett, Flt.Sgt. R. S., 85, Lincoln Row, St. Eval, Wadebridge.

135 Garton, Mr. and Mrs. R. G., Camelot, , Penzance. Gaskell, Mrs. A. W., New London, Trevellas, St. Agnes. Gatiss, Mrs. I. W., 10, Albany Place, Falmouth. Geering, Mrs. B. T., The Downes, Trenwith, St. Ives. George, Mr. and Mrs. G. F., Woodbury, Trevone, Padstow. George, Mr. and Mrs. H. G., Primrose House, Sennen, Penzance. Gibbons, Mr. and Mrs. M., Chy-an-Gweal, Trewoon Lane, Mullion, Helston. Gibbs, Mrs. J. P., 22, Carminow Way, Newquay. Gilbert, J. S., 7, Ocean Crescent, Porthleven, Helston. Gimson, Miss M. E., The Patch, Dobbin Road, Trevone, Padstow. Gist, J. R., Vailima, Kelly Bray, Callington. Glanville, A. H., Neeham, St. Newlyn East Newquay. Glazebrook, B. K., 1, Albany, London, W.l. Goddard, Mr. & Mrs. W. J., Cheyney, Constantine Bay, Padstow. Gomm Mr. and Mrs. F. R., Penally, Bolingey, Perranporth. Gooch, Mrs. J. S., Lescrow Hay, Fowey. Goodland, Mr. and Mrs. C. V., Penlee House, Morrab Road, Penzance. Goodman, Miss M. E., Dilkhusha, , Perranporth. Goodsell, R. E., 24, Bellevue Road, Saltash. Gould, Miss D. M., Greenwood Lodge, Sway Road South, Sway, Lyming- ton, Hants. Graham, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. M., Polpey, Par. Grand, Mrs. I. L. H., Coolgrena, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Grattan-Kane, Peter, M.B.O.U., 12, St. John's Close, Helston. Graves, Miss L. I., 2, St. Andrews, Park View, Truro. Greene, Mr. and Mrs. T. S., Cranbrook, Trevone Road, Trevone, Padstow. Greenland, Mrs. E. M., Wayside, Low Street, Hardingham, Norwich, Norfolk. (NOR.27.X). Greenwood, Miss H., 8, Provis Road, Penzance. Griffith, Miss M. S., Moonrakers, Mawgan Porth, Newquay. Griffiths, A. B., 7, Mounts Bay Road, Alverton, Penzance. Griffiths, E., 4, Westbourne Terrace, New Road, Saltash. Grogono, Miss M. D., The Croft, Mylor, Falmouth. Grove, E. A., Tall Trees, Airlie Road, Winchester, Hants. Gundry, Miss J. V., Llewellyn House, Basset Street, Camborne. Gunn, S. D., B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S., Melness, St. Columb Major. Guttridge, Mrs. E. M., 1, Pendarves, Tresillian, Truro.

Hadden, R. G., The White House, Pengersick, Germoe, Penzance. Hale, R. D., Curlews, Passage Hill, Mylor Bridge, Falmouth. Halsey, Miss V. M., Windmill House, St. Minver, Wadebridge. Hambly A. C, Downside Vicarage, Chilcompton, Bath, Somerset. Hambly, E. H., F.R.C.S., Treharrock, Port Isaac. Hardy, Dr. J. D., Grey Roofs, Feock, Truro. Hardy, Dr. M. T., Grey Roofs, Feock, Truro. Harkness, R. S., Sunnyholme, Wells Road, Chilcompton, Bath, Somerset. Harper, R. A., The Rosery, Bolingey, Perranporth. Hartley, The Rev. P. H. T., M.A., M.B.O.U., Badingham Rectory, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Harvey, Mrs. A. S., Stoptide Cottage, Rock, Wadebridge. Harvey, Dr. D., Tregatillian, St. Columb Major. Harvey, Miss E. I., Stoptide Cottage, Rock, Wadebridge. Harvey, Mr. and Mrs. G. H., Trenance, Hawkins Road, Penzance. Harvey, H. J., M.A., B.Sc, 2, Trebehor Cottages, Porthcurno, Penzance. Harvey, Professor L. A., Department of Zoology, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road. Exeter, Devon. 136 Harwood, Mr. & Mrs. J., 12, Rosevale, Penzance. Hawes, T. E., Rayle Bottoms, Redruth. Hawke, C. J., c/o Lloyds Bank Limited, 27, Fore Street, Redruth. Hawkes, Mrs. J. S., 30, Purley Bury Avenue, Purley, Surrey, (CR.2.IJD). Hawkey, J. H., 5, Chapeldown Road, Torpoint. Hayman, Mrs. A. V., M.B.E., J.P., 8, West Park, Redruth. Healey, D. G., 51, Dunheved Road, Launceston. Healey, Dr. R. J., 51 Dunheved Road, Launceston. Heath, Miss D. G., Rose Cottage, Polgooth, St. Austell. Heath, V. F., Riviera Gardens, St. Mawes, Truro. Hemsley, Mrs. M., Stoptide, Rock, Wadebridge. Henderson, Captain and Mrs. S., Uphill, Dark Lane, Lostwithiel. Henwood, Mr. and Mrs. A. J., Kittiwake, Beach Road, Mevagissey, St. Austell. Henwood, Mr. and Mrs. P. H., Churchtown, Linkmhorne, Callington. Hepburn, Miss E. M., 6, Avenue Road, Teddington, Middlesex. Hepplestone, F., Tremaen, Maker Lane, Millbrook, Plymouth, Devon. Hepton, P. A., 41, Elms Drive, Kirkella, Hull, Yorkshire. Herber, K. J., c/o 80, Staines Road, Laleham, Staines, Middlesex. Herring, Mr. and Mrs. W. J., Arosa, Old Road, Liskeard. Hewish, E. W., 14, Lawn Close, Barton Hill Road, Torquay, Devon. Hext, Miss B. J., Little Boslymon, Sweets House, Bodmin. Hibberd, Mr. and Mrs. A. E., 48, St. Andrew's Street, Millbrook, Plymouth, Devon. Hicks, Mrs. E. M., Paradise Cottage, Ruan High Lanes, Truro. Hicks, Miss F. E. R., Mount Gould Hospital, Plymouth Devon. Hicks, F. H. D., The Lighthouse, St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly. Hicks, Captain and Mrs. J. N., Watergate, Trelill, Bodmin. Hicks, Mr. and Mrs. L., 8, Harbour View Crescent, Penzance. Hicks, Capt. R. B. N., D.S.O., R.N., Lower Helland House, Bodmin. Higgs, Mrs. E. E., Whistow, , Bodmin. Higman, Mr. and Mrs. N., 23, Chester Road, Newquay. Higman, Mr. & Mrs. S. M., 36, Barnard Road, Sutton Coldfield, War­ wickshire. Hilary, Mr. and Mrs. R., Bonney House, Moditonham, Saltash. Hill, Miss D. C, 7, Alma Road, Malabar, Truro. Hill, Miss L. C. Jewill, M.A., 2, Polwithen Road, Penzance. Hoare, Miss K. M., 17, Wodehouse Terrace, Falmouth. Hobbs, Chief Inspector, A. E., 25, Margaret Crescent, Bodmin. Hodges, M. R., 117, Mount Wise, Newquay. Hodgkin, Mrs. E. M., Bareppa House, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. Hodgkinson, Air Vice-Marshal W. D., C.B.E., D.F.C., A.F.C., Pink Cottage, Above Town Row, Egloshayle, Wadebridge. Hodgson, G. P. C, Cannington Cottage, Witheridge, Devon. Hogan, Miss C. E., 24, South Street, St. Austell. Holdway, Miss A. A., The Cellars, Church Cove, The Lizard, Helston. Holland, Mr. and Mrs. C. A., Wishworthy, St. Mawes, Truro. Holland, Wing Commander T. R., A.F.C., 2, Officers' Married Quarters, Royal Air Force, St. Mawgan, Newquay. Holmes, W. A., 12, Highfield Avenue, St. Austell. Hony, Mr. and Mrs. C. B., Trehills, Love Lane, Bodmin. Hopewell, A., 104, Thrupp Lane, Stroud, Gloucestershire. Hopkins, Mr. & Mrs. A. M., Sea Winds, Mile End, The Lizard, Helston. Hopkins, J., The Cabin, Pentreath Lane, The Lizard, Helston. Hormbrey, N. F., 30, Whitegate Road, Newquay. Horrell, J. M.. 38-39, Wodehouse Terrace, Falmouth. Hoskin, Mrs. B. E., The Anchorage, White Cross, Wadebridge. 137 Hosking, A. C, Wyndhurst, Goldsithney, Penzance. Hosking, H. H., 11, Blackmoor Road, Wellington, Somerset. Hosking, W. H., Cedar Lodge, Treslothan Road, Troon, Camborne. Hough, R. L., Meteorological Office, Kemelland, Camborne. Howard, H., Tresawle, The Lizard, Helston. Hoyle, Dr. and Mrs. J. C, Tremethick, Budock Vean, Falmouth. Hulme, Mr. & Mrs. A. S., Furlongs, Parkenhead, Trevone, Padstow. Hunkin, Miss G., Fern Glen House, St. Ives. Hunt, D. B., The Blockhouse, Tresco, Isles of Scilly. Hunt, O. D., Sunset, Court Road, Newton Ferrers, Plymouth, Devon. Hurrell, H. G., J.P., M.B.O.U., Moorgate, Wrangaton, South Brent, Devon. Hyde, Mrs. H. N., Graystead, St. Stephens Road, Sticker, St. Austell.

Ingram, Mr. and Mrs. E. H., Inverneil, Gunwalloe, Helston. Ironside, Miss J., 8, Market Street, Leicester, LEI.6.DP. Isard, Dr. and Mrs. C. V., 29, Road, Padstow.

Jackson, Mr. & Mrs. B. E., Druids House, Penryn Street, Redruth. Jackson, Mrs. D. E., The Hermitage, St. Mawes, Truro. Jackson, G., Treweege Barton, Stithians, Truro. Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. L. P., Parc-Vean, Trevone, Padstow. James, Dr. and Mrs. R. G., 1, Coombe Lane, Cargreen, Saltash. Jarvis, Mr. & Mrs. L. R., 27, Trenovissick Road, Par. Jeffrey, Mrs. B. H., The Old Rectory, St. Allen, Truro. Jeffreys, Mr. and Mrs. A. H., Doom Bar House, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Jenkinson, Miss K., Chy Treth, Mylor Churchtown, Falmouth. Jerome, J. W., 26, Penhalls Way, Playing Place, Truro. Jerram, Mrs. M., Trehane, Trevanson, Wadebridge. Jerram, Miss R. M., Pengwedhen, Helford, Helston. Johns, J. H., 3, St. Michael's Cottages, New Street, Penzance. Johns, Mrs. S. D., 25, Hillcrest Avenue, Truro. Johnson, Dr. D. L., Trewhella Villa, Relubbus Lane, Goldsirhney, Penzance. Johnson, Miss E. N. I., Gwel Towans, Treloyhan, St. Ives. Johnstone, G. E., C. B. Nywood, Dunnings Road, East Grinstead, Sussex. Jones, Miss M. Joyce, St. Piran Lodge, Lelant, St. Ives. Julyan, W. J., Elm View, Carthew, St. Austell.

Kay, H., 2, East Street, Newquay. Kay, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. A., Point Cottage, Port Navas, Falmouth. Kaye, Mr. and Mrs E. S., Hinemoa, Tallack's Creek, Devoran, Truro. Kendall, F. H. C, 33, Victoria Road, Bude. Kendall, J. R., Croft Michael Farm, Troon, Camborne. Kennedy, W. P., la, Falmouth Road, Truro. Khan, R. J., 19, Roseland Gardens, Redruth. King, Mr. and Mrs. A. W., 4, Trennick Row, Malpas Road, Truro. King, B., 9, Uplands Road, Saltford, Bristol. Kirby, Mrs. M., Bishop's Quay, St. Martin, Helston.

Lacy-Smith, Mr. & Mrs. W., Trelacy, Constantine Bay, Padstow. Lainchbury, G. C, Midland Bank House, Fore Street, Camelford. Laity, Mrs. E., Tregays, Lostwithiel. Lambert, Miss O. R. A., Woodland View, Old Falmouth Road, Tiuro. Lambton, Mr. and Mrs. J. R., The Dairy, Dunmere, Bodmin.

138 Lamprey, Lt.-Col. F. S, S., Meadow Cottage. Harlyn Bay. Padstow. Lander, Miss V. A., 50, St. John's Avenue, Churchdown, Gloucester. Langdon, F. C, 3, Water Lane, Delabole. Langford, A. A., Miango, Trewirgie Road, Redruth. Langham, C. H., Carmeal, Breage, Helston. Lash, Miss V. A., St. Clement Vicarage, Truro. Lawry, B. A., Police Station, Polruan, Fowey. Lawry, F. J., Roskennals Mill, Newbridge, Penzance. Laws, Mr. & Mrs. J. B., Trewarthenick, Bodinnick-by-Fowey. Lawson, Sir H. B., M.C., Churchmead, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey. Laycock, Mr. & Mrs. L. A., Edge Corner, Polmassick, St. Ewe, St. Austell. Lee, Mr. and Mrs. J. I., 434, Mercon Road, Wandsworth, London, S.W. 18. Lethbridge, Miss D. M. B., J.P., Tregeare, Launceston. Lewis, Mrs. C. M., 11, Carlyon Road, St. Austell. Lewis. Dr. L. B. C, B.Sc, B.D.S., M.B., 623, Bristol Road South, Northfield, Birmingham, 31. Lewis, Dr. T. D., 32. Northfield Drive, Truro. Liddicoat, Major R. O., Sunnyside, Trenance, Mawgan Porth, Newquay. Lilly, Miss G. A., Alyscot, Manor Drive, Treloyhan, St. Ives. Linsell, S. E., 12 Maze Green Road, Bishop's Stortford, Herts. Lloyd, D. E. B., The Deerkeeper's Lodge, Stoneleigh, Coventry, Warwick­ shire. Lobb, G. W., 26, Rydal Drive, Hale Barns, Cheshire. Longman, A. V., Lincoln House, Tintagel. Longworth-Dames, Warrant Officer C. A., Sergeants' Mess, Royal Air Force, St. Mawgan, Newquay. Love, Mr. and Mrs. R. G., Bosulla, Budock Vean, Falmouth. Loyd, Miss I. D., Saltram, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon. Luck. Mrs. D. H., Golant, Par. Lynch, Miss M. P., 8, Provis Road, Penzance. Lyne, Miss R. M. P., 8, Strangways Terrace, Truro. Lyster, Major P. G.. 22, Oaks Road, Tenterden, Kent. Lywood, T. B., Ennis Farm, St. Erme, Truro. Lywood, W. J. E., Ennis Farm, St. Erme, Truro.

McCartney, P.. 67, Church Road, Moseley, Birmingham. 13. Macdonald, Dr. Catherine M., The Rectory, Gerrans, Portscatho, Truro. McDonald, R. J., 50, Egerton Road, Padstow. McKechnie, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. M., Trewethern House, Amble, Wadebridge. Mackenzie, Mrs. K. M., Trewetha, Port Isaac. Mackenzie, P. Z., M.B.E., M.R.C.V.S., Penold Farm, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly. McKie, Dr. D., Jesus College, Cambridge. Mackintosh, Miss A. M., 2, Clarksfield Road, Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth, Lanes. McMichael, Mr. and Mrs. D., Higher Bosistow, Porthcurno, Penzance. McMurtrie, Mrs. L., Rose-in-Vale Farm, Constantine, Falmouth. McNulty, B. D., 5, Wadham Road, Liskeard. McVicker, Mr. and Mrs. I. F. G., Tredrea Close, Church Road, Perran- arworthal, Truro. Maddern, R., 6, South Place Folly, Penzance. Madge, S. C, 82, Clarence Road, Torpoint. Maggs, G. A., Exbury, Station Road, Padstow. Malan, E. M. de M., 35, West Street, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Middlesex. Mann, Mrs. S. L., 1, Grovehill House. Falmouth.

139 Marriott, P. R. G., 59, Daniell Road, Truro. Marris, Mrs. M. P., Bohago Farm, Tregony, Truro, Marshall, Sir Douglas, Hatt House, Hatt, Saltash. Marshall, Mr. & Mrs. E. J., 41, Castle Street, Bodmin. Martindale, Mrs. M., Bay of Biscay Cottage, New Mill, Penzance. Mason, Mrs. M. E., Treloyhan Lodge, St. Ives. Masters, Miss N. W., Small Meadow, Trevanson, Wadebridgc. Mather, D. B., 9, Trevarthian Road, St. Austell. Matthews, A. H., Mulvin Bungalow, Lizard Point, Helston. May, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. and Miss J. A., Treryn, Beach Road, Meva­ gissey, St. Austell. Mead, Mr. and Mrs. E. A., Ripley House, Perrancoombe, Perranporth. Meade-King, W. O., Mill House, Charlestown, St. Austell. Meares, Mrs. M. J., 2, Western Terrace, Falmouth. Mendels, Mrs. P. R., Castle Fields, Fowey. Menhinick, Mrs. E. E., Lerryn Cottage, Gonvena Hill, Wadebridgc. Metcalfe, Miss D. F., The Cottage, Lanreath, Looe. Middlemass, Miss D. I., Two Gables, Trelyon, St. Ives. Mills, Mr. and Mrs. G. E., 41, Clinton Road, Redruth. Milner, H., Trewithian Cove House, Portscatho, Truro. Milward, A. S., O.B.E., Pol Venton, Porthgwarra, Porthcurno, Penzance. Miners, H. J., 4, Newcombe Drive, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, 9. Miners, W. T., Ivydene, Marazion. Mirehouse, Mrs. A. M. E., Myresyke, Ruan Minor, Helston. Mischler, S. M., Copeland Court, Cathedral School, Truro. Moffat, The Misses H. N. and M. N., Nanhellan, St. Newlyn East, Newquay. Mollison, J. E., 157, Surrenden Road, Brighton, BNI. 6ZA. Moor, Miss M. R., 13, St. Austell Street, Truro. Morcom, Miss A. A., 54, Tredarvah Road, Penzance. Moreton Monks, Mr. and Mrs. J., Bentley Cottage, St. Just Lane, Truro. Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hillwell, Coombe End, Cawsand, Plymouth, Devon. Morris, H. J., Ranau, Penweathers, Kea, Truro. Mudford, Miss P. M., Honington, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire. Musson, D. F., c/o The National Trust, The Friaries, Mount Folly, Bodmin.

Neale, Mrs. E., Flat 6, Barnwood, Brooklea Park, Lisvane, Cardiff. New, L. P., St. Enodoc Hotel, Rock, Wadebridge. Newton, D., 5, Lenora Street, Deane, Bolton, Lanes. Nicholls, D., Langweath Cottage, Lower Town, Lelant, St. Ives. Nicholls, L. P., Beach Road, Crantock, Newquay. Nicholson, General Sir Cameron, G.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., Winwaloe, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Nicholson, Lady Eve, Winwaloe, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Nowell-Usticke, Miss P., 1, Enys Road, Hendra, Truro.

Oakins, Miss M. E., 2, Market Street, Devoran, Truro. Oates, J. G., The Middle House, Chapel Road, Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey. Oats, D. J., 6, Treneglos Terrace, Gulval, Penzance. Oliver, J. C. C., Orchard House, Maiden Bradley, Warminster, Wilts. O'Shea, Mrs. M., Windyridge, Holcombe Road, Helmshore, Rossendale, Lanes. Oughton, Mrs. C. S., 15, Shepherds Way, Rickmansworth, Herts.

140 Page Mr. and Mrs. G. C. and Miss P. M., Lancarow, Limes Lane, Liskeard. Page, Dr. Hilda W., 4, Milbourne Lane, Esher, Surrey. Parke, Mrs. E. F., Lower Tregorland, St. Just Lane, Truro. Parkin, Sir Ian and Lady, 4, Carlyon Road, Playing Place, Truro. Parrinder, Mr. and Mrs. E. R., 91, Weald Road, Sevenoaks, Kent. Parry, Mr. and Mrs. F. R., Franchis, Cury Cross Lanes, Helston. Parslow, J. L. F., c/o Monks Wood Experimental Station, Abbots Ripton. Huntingdonshire. Parsons, A. G., M.B.O.U., The Bungalow, Trewirgie, Redruth. Parsons, K. O... Penlee, Tregony, Truro. Pascoe, J. G. D., 16, Erisey Terrace, Falmouth. Pattenden, B. R., Wheal Rodney, Gwallon, Marazion. Patterson, N. E., April Cottage, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Paynter, Miss E. M., Kilbroney, Week St. Mary, Holsworthy, Devon. Pearce, Mrs. J. B., 4, Lerryn View, Lerryn, Lostwithiel. Pearcy. Mr. and Mrs. W. R. White Wings, Lankelly Lane, Fowey. Pearson, Miss E., Escalls Cliff, Sennen, Penzance. Peek, Miss Dawn, Spindrift, Sennen Cove, Penzance. Peel, Miss S. M. R., The Cedar House Duloe, Liskeard. Pellow, K., 37, Antony Road, Torpoint. Pengelly, R. P., The Haven, Pendeen, Penzance. Penhallurick, R. D., B.A., Assistant Curator, County Museum, Truro. Penn, Miss H. C, The Nook, Mullion, Helston. Penna, Mrs. M. K., Grignan, Penwartha Coombe, Perranporth. Perks, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. R., Trelissick, Feock, Truro. Perry, Mr. and Mrs. E. W., Forge Cottage, Penpol, Lerryn Lostwithiel. Peters, J. M., 3, West Terrace, Hayle. Peters, Mrs. M., 97, Meneage Street, Helston. Peters, W. R., 7, Navy Inn Court, Newlyn, Penzance. Petherick, Lt. Col. W. G., Porthpean House, St. Austell. Phillips, The Rev. Dr. A. C. J., 19, Hurrell Road, Cambridge. Phillips, D. H., Buena Vista, Mount Ambrose, Redruth. Phillips, G., Vale Cottage, Banns Vale, Mount Hawke, Truro. Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. N. R., Chy an Creet, Penbeagle, St. Ives. Phillips, Miss R. M., Chy-an-Lyn, Fore Street, Goldsithney, Penzance. Philp, Mr. and Mrs. A. L., Darragh, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Philp, Mrs. S. I. M., Tregony, St. Mabyn, Bodmin. Pickthall, Miss E. G., Missenden, Mylor Bridge, Falmouth. Picozzi, Mrs. L. A., Sheiling Tor, Glassel Road, Banchory, Kincardine­ shire, Scotland. Pierson, T. A., The Anchorage, The Warren, St. Ives. Pinkney, Mrs. I. V., Ludon Hill, Crackington Haven, Bude. Pitt, Mr. & Mrs. D. G., 9, Egerton Road, Padstow. Pollard, Mrs. E. M., Menadarva, Gorran Haven, Gorran, St. Austell. Polwhele, Mr. and Mrs. R. K., Polwhele, Truro. Pool, Mrs. A. M. Randle, Boscovean, Heamoor, Penzance. Pool, Miss L. A. I., Langarth, Tregurthen Road, Camborne. Porter, Mrs. M. L. Robartes Terrace, 22, Falmouth Road, Truro. Powell, Mrs. E. M., Chard School, Chard, Somerset. Poyner, Mr. and Mrs. C. I., 1, Pedn-Moran, St. Mawes, Truro. Pratt, L. D., Mount Pleasant, Hayle. Preedy, Miss D. A., Penpre, Antony, Torpoint. Price, O. F., Fern Hollow, Carlidnack, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. Priday, Mr. and Mrs. C, 29, Tedworth Square, London, S.W.3. Prior, Miss E. J., 1, Porthgwidden, Feock, Truro. Prior, Lady Rachel, 1. Porthgwidden, Feock, Truro. Piobert, J. F. C, 1, Penventon Terrace, Redruth.

141 Proctor, J. K., The Mead House, Gulval, Penzance. Proud, Lt. Col. and Mrs. R. R., Milton House, Milton Damerel, Holsworthy, Devon. Prowse, Mr. and Mrs. P. V., Chy Dalleth, Trolver Croft, Feock, Truro. Purser, R. G., Green Trees, Higher Trehaverne, Truro.

Rabbitts, B. A.. 4, Longwood, Broomhill Road, Brislington, Bristol, 4. Rabjohns, R. C, Voguebeloth, Illogan, Redruth. Race, Mr. and Mrs. A., Landrethek, Gustory Road, Crantock, Newquay. Radford, Mrs. A., Trencrom, Trewartha Estate, Carbis Bay, St. Ives. Radford, Miss E., Bowortha, St. Anthony-in-Roseland, Portscatho, Truro. Radway, F. P., 60, Moorland Road, Par. Radway, W. P., 58, Station Road, St. Blazey, Par. Rae, Miss E. M., Lower Cockmoyle, Rock, Wadebridge. Ralston, Mrs. O. B., St. Cadix, St. Veep, Lostwithiel. Raper, Mr. & Mrs. G. F., Crowan Mill, Praze, Camborne. Raper, Miss D N., Crowan Mill, Praze, Camborne. Read, Mr. and Mrs. M. C, Woodmill Cottage, New Road, St. Blazey, Par. Reed, Dr. J., Love Gate, Burlawn, Wadebridge. Rees, Mr. and Mrs. G. L., The Rectory, St. Levan, Porthcurno, Penzance. Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. A. F., 27, Redannick Crescent, Truro. Richards, Mr. & Mrs. B. A., Cleswyth, Tregurthen Close, Camborne. Richards, P. H., Lake View, Tory, Ponsanooth, Truro. Ridge, H. E., R.S.M.A., Dragon Studio, St. Ives. Roberts, Miss D. W., Milton, Dobbin Road, Trevone, Padstow. Roberts, Mrs. M. E., Cleswith, Sea View Road, Falmouth. Roberts, P., 1, Weald Road, Sevenoaks, Kent. Robertson, Mrs. E., 1, Treviglas Close, Newquay. Robinson, Mrs. A., 6, Trennick Row, Malpas Road, Truro. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. G. N., Gossicke, Idless, Truro. Robinson, Mrs. M. G., Deer Crest, Trevarrian, Newquay. Robson, The Hon. Mrs. E., Wakerley Manor, Oakham, Rutlandshire. Rogers, C. T. H., Carwinion, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. Rogers, Mrs. E. A., 7, King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset. Rolfe, Miss N. M., 56, Church Street, Padstow. Roper, Capt. E. G., C.B.E., D.S.O., D.S.C., R.N., Polmayne St. Minver, Wadebridge. Roper, Mr. and Mrs. P., Wood Meadow, Feock, Truro.

Roscorla, D. M., 3, Treviglas Close, Newquay. Rosewarne, Miss I. M., Yellow Sands, Ponsmere Road, Perranporth. Rosewarne, J. N., Yellow Sands, Ponsmere Road, Perranporth. Round, H. A., Goonearl, Fore Street, Marazion. Rowe, E. A., 41, Pendarves Road, Camborne. Rowe, Dr. & Mrs. G. P. G., Cornhill, Rubery, Birmingham. Rowe, J. F., 97, Druid Stoke Avenue, Bristol 9. Rowe, W. S., 1, Ivor Close, Alderney Road, Guildford, Surrey. Ryan, K. P., Westbourne, Trelissick, Hayle. Ryves, Mrs. I. N. M., Flat 1, Dannfields, Dane Road, Seaford, Sussex. Ryves, Miss S. C, 18, Headland Avenue, Seaford, Sussex. Sage, J. A., 51, Ferndale Avenue, Chertsey, Surrey. Salmon, R. J., Claremont, Churchtown, Lanivet, Bodmin. Samuel, Mrs. B. F. M., 27, Yew House, Shardeloes Road, London, S.E.14. Sanders, Mrs. H., St. Clement, Truro. Savage, B. F., New Park, Moor Lane, Watcombe, Torquay, Devon. Sawle, A. C, 21, Ashford Crescent, Mannamead, Plymouth, Devon. 142 Scarle, H., 17, Jubilee Terrace, Bodmin. Seager, Dr. A. F., Farm House, Vicarage Road, Egham, Surrey. Seager, Major R. F., Secretary, R.S.P.C.A., 105, Jermyn Street, London, S.W.I. Searle, Mrs. V. and Mr. A. M., Hillcrest, Nanstallon, Bodmin. Seddon, Miss H. P., 17, The Warren, St. Ives. Sellon, Miss M. D., Windyridge, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Sessions, Mr. and Mrs. S. G., 5, Windsor Drive, Carlyon Bay, St. Austell. Sexton, Miss L. S., 1, Little Kelynack Cottages, St. Just, Penzance. Sheen, Mrs. D. E., Seaview, Penhale, Carthew, St. Austell. Cornwall. Sheer, S., Springside, Foxhole, St. Austell. Sheers, Dr. G., Hunson, Whitchurch, Tavistock, Devon. Sheldon, Dr. & Mrs. J. W. V., The Nook, Fentonluna, Padstow. Shenton, The Rev. J. S., Pen-y-Bryn, Gonvena Hill, Wadebridge. Sheppard, J. H., 33, Highfield Road, Moseley, Birmingham, 13. Shipton, Mr. and Mrs. N. K., The Old Cottage, Rosudgeon, Penzance. Sidle, Mrs. P. M., San Marino, Golden Bank, Falmouth. Simms, G. W., Little Trefewha, Praze, Camborne. Sitters, H. P., Uplands, Looseleigh Lane, Crownhill, Plymouth, Devon. Skinner, D. R., M.A., Sunnyside, Mithian, St. Agnes. Sloan, D., 13, Woodland Road, St. Austell. Smart, Mrs. K. I., Ty Bryn, St. Ives. Smith, Mrs. B., 17, Nuneham Square, Abingdon, Berkshire. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. D. F., 3, Downs Crescent, Haverhill, Suffolk. Smith, F. R., 117, Hill Barton Road, Exeter, Devon. Smith, Miss G. M., Westward, Cove Road, Mullion, Helston. Smith, Mrs. I. M. Ewart, Trecarrel, Bodmin Road, Truro. Smith, Miss J. Hodgkinson, Seagulls, Porthilly Lane, Rock, Wadebridge. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. L. A., 21, Vicarage Meadow, Fowey. Smith, Miss M. Hill, Windmill House, St. Minver, Wadebridge. Smith, Mrs. R. E., Steel Cottage, North Glen, Langbank, Portglasgow, Renfrewshire. Smith, Dr. and Mrs. S., 52, Clifton Hill, St. John's Wood, London, N.W.8. Smithies, F., The Old House, Rilla Mill, Callington. Soper, Miss M. B., Fiona, Rock, Wadebridge. Soper, Tony, Salter Mill, Landulph, Saltash. Sparrow, Capt. & Mrs. B. W. B., Red House, Paul, Penzance. Spavin, Mr. and Mrs. C, Boscarn, Cury Cross Lanes, Helston. Spear, Miss M. E., 102, Eastbourne Road, St. Austell. Spearpoint, T., 1, Avenue Road, Falmouth. Spencer, Group Captain and Mrs. D. G. H., Great Keiro, , Wadebridge. Spenlove-Spenlove, Mrs. & Miss, The Orchard, Madron, Penzance. Squire, Lt.-Col. E. K., Willow Gates, Rock, Wadebridge. Staal, C, Cotehele House, Saltash, Cornwall. Stafford, Miss M. A., 15, Berry Road, Newquay. Staite, Mrs. F. A., Longfield, Carlidnack, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. Stanlake, H. J., Cairn-Dale, Penhale Road, Penwithick, St. Austell. Stauffer, Miss M. V., 22, Victoria Road, St. Austell. Stedall, Lt. Col. M. B. P., Brock, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Stevens, C. J., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., 15, Lamb Park, Par. Stevens, The Misses J. & K., 21, Church Road, Mylor, Falmouth. Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. J., 13, Trevear Close, St. Austell. Stoneham, V. A., Devichoys Barton, Perranarworthal, Truro. Story, Mr. and Mrs. P. J., Trevellen, Lamorna, Penzance. Stubbs, Miss H., 3, Priory Close, Vicarage Road, Tywardreath, Par.

143 Sunley, Mr. & Mrs. S. J., Roselle, Kenwyn Road, Truro. Sutton, The Rev. J. P., Four Ways, Trebartha, North Hill, Launceston. Sutton-Nelthorpe, J. W., 5, Carlton Court, Carlton Way, Cambridge. Sweet, W. A., Southerly, Boscoppa Road, Bethel, St. Austell. Sykes, A. N., Thorpe End, Almondbury, Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Symons, C. M., Ridegovean, Gulval, Penzance. Symons, Mr. and Mrs. R., Spray View, Normandy Downs, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly. Talbot, Mr. and Mrs. G. K., Varcoe, Portscatho, Truro. Tamblyn, J. T., Carbeile House, Torpoint. Tangve, Derek, Dorminack, St. Buryan, Penzance. Teale, Mr. and Mrs. C, Kiln Cottage, Bay, Looe. Thomas, J. Rule, Lower Tregenna, St. Columb Minor, Newquay. Thompson, Mr. & Mrs. D. A., High Clere, Coulthard Drive, Breage, Helston. Thompson, Miss M. S., Bostampys, Nancledra, Penzance. Thomson, Mr. & Mrs. B., Loe Wall, Feock, Truro. Thurstan, Lt.-Cdr. R. A., R.N., 14, Troubridge Road, Helston. Thwaites, R. E., Windrush, Silver Hill, Perranwell Station, Truro. Tindale Davis, Lt. Col. and Mrs. V. E., Trevalley, Pendoggett, St. Kew, Bodmin. Tipson, E. H., The Foundry, Wadebridge.

Titmuss, Miss Mv Westward, Cove Road, Mullion, Helston. Tomlin, Mr. and Mrs. A. D., Fistral, Salisbury Road, Truro. Trahair, Miss M. L., The Cottage, Dousland, Yelverton, Devon. Tranter, Miss G. M., 2, St. Michael's Terrace, Penzance. Travers, Mrs. D. M., J.P., Gwel Meneth, Old Road, Liskeard. Tregaskis, Mr. and Mrs. A., 4, Chapel Terrace, Devoran, Truro. Tregenza, C. W., Holly Cottage, Madron, Penzance. Tregenza, Mr. and Mrs. V. L., 30, Barripper Road, Camborne. Tregenza, Mr. and Mrs. W. A., Boslandew House, Paul, Penzance. Treleaven, R. B., M.B.O.U., Rockmount, Dutson Road, Launceston. Trenerry, G. G., 197, Stanborough Road, Elburton, Plymouth, Devon. Trevithick, Mr. & Mrs. J. R., 2, Woodside Cottages, Chacewater, Truro. Trinick, Mrs. M. E. L., Newton, Lanhydrock, Bodmin. Trudgian, Dr. Helen M., 2, Marcus Hill, Newquay. Tucker, D. I., 35, Shirburn Road, Eggbuckland, Plymouth, Devon. Tucker, V. R., 5, Westfield Avenue, Hooe, Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon. Tucker, W. H., Shebbear College, Beaworthy, Devon. Tunnard, Mr. and Mrs. J. S., Trethinnick, Lamorna, Penzance. Turk, Mrs. S. M., F.Z.S., Shangri-La, Reskadinnick, Camborne. Turner, R. G., 18, Four Ashes Road, Bentley Heath, Knowle, Warwick­ shire. Tyzzer, Miss L. V., Steps, Penlewan, St. Austell. Vessey, Mrs. N. A. M., Weir Meadows, Restronguet, Flushing, Falmouth. Vince, A. A. P., 14, Church Hill, Winchmore Hill, London, N.21. Visick, Mrs. M. P., Trendain, Perranwell Station, Truro. Vivian, Nancy, Lady, M.B.E., Windrushes, Treyarnon Bay, Padstow. Vose, Miss P., Steps, Pentewan, St. Austell. Waight, Mr. and Mrs. K. G., 23, Treyew Road, Truro. Waithman, Mr. and Mrs. J. S., Tallands, Higher Polscoe, Lostwithiel. Wakefield, H., Treskey, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly. Walker, A. D., Colly Cliff Cottage, Calstock Road, Gunnislake, Walker Mr. and Mrs. S. R., Tregerles, Summercourt, Newquay.

144 Wall, Miss S. A. M., 30, The Chase, London, S.W.4. Ward, G. W., Fairlands, West Downs, Delabole. Ward, Mrs. I. M. M., The Old Malt House, Tintagel. Ward, J. H., 34, Fortismere Avenue, London, N.10. Ware, Mrs. J. M., Talastone, Boyton, Launceston. Warner, G. M . M.C., Clapper House, Wadebridge. Warnington, Miss E. M., 46, Esplanade, Fowey. Waters, P. M., 1, Goverseth Hill, Foxhole, St. Austell. Watkins, Miss D. M., The Salt Box, Point, Devoran, Truro. Watson, Major and Mrs. H. G., Worthylands, Trebetherick, Wadebridge. Watt, Mrs. V. M., Sea Mills, St. Issey, Wadebridge. Watts, Mr. and Mrs. W. S., Field Close, Trelights, Port Isaac. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. K. G. F., Hi-Folly, Stenalees, St. Austell. Webb, Miss S. L., Low Way, Swanpool, Falmouth. Weeks, Mrs. R. P., The Old House, Trevanson, Wadebridge. Welton, W. K., Little Priory, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, Devon. West, Mr. and Mrs. K., 12, Grovehill Crescent, Falmouth. Whelan, Miss E. M., 6, Coombe Road, Saltash. Whiffen, Miss O. I., Dolphin Cottage, Porthgwarra, Porthcurno, Penzance. Whiffen, Miss R., 44, Gordon Place, London, W.8. Whitaker, The Misses D. & G. E., 31, Polmear Road, Par. White, Miss A., 2, Mountstephen Close, Edgcumbe Road, St. Austell. White, Mrs. E. M. U., Boskewys, Trelissick Road, Hayle. White, Mr. and Mrs. H. C, Trewornan Manor, Wadebridge. White, Mrs. N., The Lodge, St. Anthony-in-Roseland, Portscatho, Truro. White, Miss P. J., The Old Quay House, Hayle. White, R. K., 382, Peppard Road, Emmer Green, Reading, Berkshire. Whitehorn, J. R. M., 12, Park Village East, London, N.W.I. Whitehouse, Mrs. H. M., Gwanda, Trevone, Padstow. Wicks, S. C, Pentreve, Truro School, Truro. Willcocks. Mrs. B., Little Strand, Rock, Wadebridge. Willcocks, Mrs. G. H., 12, Beacon Hill, Bodmin. Willett, Miss R. J. W., Rosemain, St. Minver, Wadebridge. Williams, L. P., 11, Springfield Close, Phillack, Hayle. Williams, Mrs. M. B., Scorrier House, Scorrier, Redruth. Williams, Mrs. M. F., Trewidden, Buryas Bridge, Penzance. Williams, P. M., Burncoose, Gwennap, Redruth. Williams, R., 19, Wellington Terrace, Falmouth. Williams, R. W. E., 8, Drakefield Drive, Saltash. Willis, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. and Miss, Trehemborne Cottage, St. Merryn, Padstow. Willyams, Mrs. B. J., Carnanton, St. Columb Minor, Newquay. Wilson, Mrs. B. F. E., 1, Donnington Road, The Lidden, Penzance. Wilson, B., Chy-Forstor, Bodmin Hill, Lostwithiel. Wilson, J. H., 1, Donnington Road, The Lidden, Penzance. Wilson, Miss K. Orr, 12, Rockingham Road, Plymouth, Devon. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. L. A., Fenten Gymps, Bodinnick-by-Fowey. Wiltshire, L. V., M.R.C.V.S., Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 45, Southgate Street, Winchester, Hants. Winkworth, Mr. & Mrs. T. S., North Hill House, Chacewater, Truro. Winn, Mrs. I., 3, Parkfield Crescent, Taunton, Somerset. Winter, R. L., 115, Hill Barton Road, Exeter, Devon. Wise, L. N., Valleycrest, The Valley, Carbis Bay, St. Ives. Wood, A. S., Mawgan Porth, Newquay. Wood, Miss D. Scobell, 31, Trebarwith Crescent, Newquay. Wood, Miss M., 76, Edgcumbe Avenue, Newquay. Wood, V. G., Helnoweth Nurseries, Gulval, Penzance. Woodward, Mr. and Mrs. W. J., Lewidden, Penrose, St. Ervan, Wadebridge. 145 Wormald, Capt. and Mrs. T. G., Gilstead, St. Ive, Liskeard. Worth, Miss V., 34, Tredova Crescent, Falmouth. Wright, Miss R. V., 14, Marlborough Crescent, Falmouth. Wyatt, R. A. D., 20, Whitchurch Road, Cublington, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. Wynn-Werninck, Mrs. A. M., The Old Cottages, Pentire Glaze, St. Minver, Wadebridge. Young, E. A., Polventon, Condor Villas, Budock Water, Falmouth. Young, H. A., Westerly, Goldsithney, Penzance. Young, Dr. and Mrs. J., 11, Alverton Terrace, Penzance. Young, Miss M. L. E., Trevone, Bells Hill, Mylor Bridge, Falmouth.

(d) Junior Members Apted, Miss D. S., Bodwareen, Chapel Hill, Truro. Barley, Miss A. M., 1, Somerville Road, Perranporth. Burridge, R. E., 7, Westfield Avenue, Hooe, Plymstock, Plymouth, Devon. Chope, Miss J. A., Carclew House, Perranarworthal, Truro. Chope, Miss P. A., Carclew House, Perranarworthal, Truro. Dark, J. P., 8, Dudman Road, Highertown, Truro. Dawson, R. S., 57, West Park, Egloshayle, Wadebridge. Dwyer, N. B., 27, Trenance Road, Newquay. Eddy, R., 9, Mill Hill, Lostwithiel. Fry, Miss J. E., Trevaunance, Kenwyn, Truro. Grattan-Kane, A., 12, St. John's Close, Helston. Hawke, C. R., 14, Daniell Street, Truro. Henwood, Miss F. L., Churchtown, Linkinhorne, Callington. Hirst, R. J., 52, Queen Street, Harle Syke, Burnley, Lanes. Hodgkin, C. R., Bareppa House, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth. Jewell, P. J., 21, Fore Street, Torpoint Kemp, D. J., 59, Fore Street, Beacon, Camborne. Laity, P. H., Tregays, Lostwithiel. Laity, Miss S. E. Tregays, Lostwithiel. Laws, Miss A., Trewarthenick, Bodinnick-by-Fowey. Laws, Miss F. J., Trewarthenick, Bodinnick-by-Fowey. Laws, Miss J., Trewarthenick, Bodinnick-by-Fowey. Lowe, R. J., 115, Cavendish Road, Matlock, Derbyshire. Marriott, Miss J. E., 59, Daniell Road, Truro. Norman, D. M., 27, Sussex Close, Exeter. Parker, P. R., 1, Robartes Terrace, Bodmin Hill, Lostwithiel. Patterson, Miss L. J., April Cottage, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Patterson, S. M. L., April Cottage, Polzeath, Wadebridge. Radford, T. J., Trencrom, Trewartha Estate, Carbis Bay, St. Ives. Reynolds, Miss A., 27, Redannick Crescent, Truro. Round, P. D., Goonearl, Fore Street, Marazion. Searle, D. W., Hillcrest, Nanstallon, Bodmin. Shipton, J. B., Barton House, Elms Close Terrace, Newlyn, Penzance. Stevens, Miss M. M., Croft House, The Lizard, Helston. Strong, C. J., 19, The Chesils, Styvechale, Coventry, CV3.5BD. Symons, Miss J. A., 32, Trescobeas Road, Falmouth. Thomas, C. A. G., 27, Trevithick Estate, St. Merryn, Padstow. Tomlin, Miss N. J., Fistral, Salisbury Road, Truro. Treloar, Miss E. C, Trenoweth Mill, St. Keverne, Helston. Treloar, Miss M. A., Trenoweth Mill, St. Keverne, Helston. Vincent, G. J., 2, Grenville Crescent, Falmouth. Visick, Miss S. A., Trendain, Perranwell Station, Truro. Ware, Miss L., Talastone, Boyton, Launceston. 146 THE SOCIETY'S RULES (Current until the end of 1968) 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. (b) To assist in their preservation.

Rule 3. (Membership). The Society shall consist of a President, a Chairman, one or more Honorary Secretaries, Honorary Treasurer and Registrar, an Organiser for Field Meetings, and Full and Junior Members. Any person who has attained his or her 14th or 18th birthday shall be eligible for Junior or Full membership respectively. Junior members shall be entitled to participate in the activities of the Society, but they shall not be eligible for election to the Executive Committee or Offices of the Society. The Officers shall be elected annually at the first General Meeting of the year (which Meeting shall be named the Annual Meeting) and shall be eligible for re­ election. New members may be elected at any General or Executive Committee meeting provided they have signed the declaration on the subject of protection and paid the current year's subscription.

Rule 4. No person shall become a member of the Society until he declares in writing that he will not take the eggs or skins of any birds protected by law and any member proved to the satisfaction of a General Meeting of the Society to have taken or incited any other person to take the eggs or skins of such birds shall forthwith cease to be a member of the Society.

Rule 5. (Subscription). The Subscription shall be 10s.Od. for Full Members; 5s.Od. for each additional member of the same family sharing the same literature; and 5s.Od. for Junior Members, payable on election and thereafter annually on 1st January. But any member who both signs the declaration form and pays the first subscription after September 30th in any year, shall not be liable to pay a further subscription until the close of the following year. A Junior member, on attaining his or her 18th birthday shall not be liable to pay a Full Member's subscription until after the close of the current year. Life subscription £10.

Rule 6. (Management). The Secretaries shall keep Minutes of the meetings and prepare such literature as will keep members informed of the Society's activities. The Treasurer shall present a Statement of Accounts at the Annual Meeting each year. There shall be an Executive Committee consisting of the Officers and not less than six ordinary members. This Committee shall be elected annually at the Annual Meeting and shall deal with all routine business. The Executive Committee shall have power to add to this number, subject to confirmation at the next Annual Meeting. No ordinary member shall serve on this Committee for more than three consecutive years.

Rule 7. (Meetings). General Meetings shall be held as often as necessary, but not less than twice a year (including the Annual Meeting.) The Executive Committee shall meet when necessary for the transaction of routine business. All meetings shall be convened by the Secretaries in consultation with the President and* Chairman.

Rule 8. (Alteration of Rules). An alteration of Rules may be made at any General Meeting, provided that the precise alteration has been shown in advance on the Agenda, and that the alteration be passed by two-thirds majority of those present. 147 THE SOCIETY'S RULES (Current from 1st January, 1969) 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. (b) To assist in their preservation. Rule 3. (Membership). The Society shall consist of a President, a Chairman, one or more Honorary Secretaries, Honorary Treasurer and Registrar, an Organiser for Field Meetings, and Full and Junior Members. Any person who has attained his or her 14th or 18th birthday shall be eligible for Junior or Full membership respectively. Junior members shall be entitled to participate in the activities of the Society, but they shall not be eligible for election to the Executive Committee or Offices of the Society. The Officers shall be elected annually at the first General Meeting of the year (which Meeting shall be named the Annual Meeting) and shall be eligible for re- elec-.ion. New members may be elected at any General or Executive Committee meeting provided they have signed the declaration on the subject of protection and paid the current year's subscription.

Rule 4. No person shall become a member of the Society until he declares in writing that he will not take the eggs or skins of any birds protected by law and any member proved to the satisfaction of a General Meeting of the Society to have taken or incited any other person to take the eggs or skins of such birds shall forthwith cease to be a member of the Society. Rule 5. (Subscription). The Subscription shall be 10s.Od. for Full Members; 5s.Od. for each additional member of the same family sharing the same literature; and 5s.Od. for Junior Members, payable on election and thereafter annually on 1st January. But any member who both signs the declaration form and pays the first subscription after September 30th in any year, shall not be liable to pay a further subscription until the close of the following year. A Junior member, on attaining his or her 18th birthday shall not be liable to pay a further Full Member's subscription until after the close of the current year. Life subscription £10. Rule 6. (Management). The Secretaries shall keep Minutes of the meetings and prepare such literature as will keep members informed of the Society's activities. The Treasurer shall present a Statement of Accounts at the Annual Meeting each year. There shall be an Executive Committee consisting of the Officers and fifteen ordinary members. A nomination in writing containing the name and address of the member proposed for election to the Executive Committee together with the names and addresses of a proposer and seconder must have been received by a Secretary before the beginning of the Annual General Meeting. This Committee shall be elected annually at the Annual Meeting and shall deal with all routine business. The Executive Committee shall have power to add to this number, subject to confirmation at the next Annual Meeting. No ordinary member shall serve on this Committee for more than three consecutive years. Rule 7. (Meetings). General Meetings shall be held as often as necessary, but not less than twice a year (including the Annual Meeting.) The Executive Committee shall meet when necessary for the transaction of routine businss. All meetings shall be convened by the Secretaries in consultation with the President and Chairman. Rule 8. (Alteration of Rules). An alteration of Rules may be made at any General Meeting, provided that the precise alteration has been shown in advance on the Agenda, and that the alteration be passed by a two-thirds majority of those present. 148