EUROPEAN NEWS
This regular six-monthly feature summarises information for the whole of Europe (and some adjacent parts of the Western Palearctic) and has officially been adopted by the Association of European Rarities Committees for publication of compilations of major rarity records from each country. This report includes records from 35 countries. Details of all recent records have been supplied by the official national correspondents (see list at end of this report), and relevant published records have also been extracted for earlier years from the major national journals. These summaries aim to include all records of: (1) significant breeding-range expansions or contractions; (2) major irruptions of erupting species; (3) Asiatic vagrants; (4) Nearctic species (excluding ducks, waders and gulls in Great Britain and Ireland, where they are regular); (5) other extralimital vagrants; and (6) major national rarities, even if common elsewhere in Europe. Unless otherwise stated, all records refer to single individuals. Records still awaiting formal ratification by the relevant national rarities committee are indicated by an asterisk (*).
Great Northern Diver Gavia immer (previously known only on islet of Filfla). GREECE Third record: immature at Keramoti on 3rd January J994. Madeiran Storm-petrel Oceanodroma castro FINLAND First record: one found dead in Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus central Finland on 19th January 1993. ICELAND Third record: 8th-9th Julv 1992 (Bliki 14: 22). Northern Gannet Morus bassanus GERMANY First breeding records: on Soft-plumaged Petrel superspeeies Ptero- Heligoland, two pairs nested, but without droma mollislmadeiralfeae success, in 1991 and 1992 (JJmicoh. 8: 160); NETHERLANDS First record: 24th October pair with one juvenile in 1993. 1992 (Dutch Birding 16: 133). Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Cory's Shearwater Cahnectris diomedea BELARUS Continued increase: second-largest SPAIN Interesting recovery: male breeding on colony (230 nests in large heronry) discovered the Columbretes Islands (Mediterranean) on Dnieper River near mouth of Sozh River in during 1992 and 1993 had been ringed as a July 1994; total population estimate: 1,200- nestling in 1981 on Salvage Grande 1,400 breeding pairs in 1994. (Atlantic)(Ardeola 41: 91). SPAIN Range expansion: first successful Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis breeding in southwest, with pair raising two IRKI.AND Large raft: 1,200 off Aranmore chicks at Valuengo reservoir, Badajoz Island, Co. Donegal, on 5th October 1993 province, during 1993 (Ardeola 41: 91). (largest number ever recorded in a raft in Irish SWEDEN Still increasing despite large-scale waters, although larger numbers have been persecution: about 11,500 pairs in 40 colonies recorded passing seawatch points). in 1993; the largest colony (3,000 pairs) was completely destroyed in 1993 when all the Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus nest-trees were cut down; the perpetrators LATVIA Second record: Cape Kolka, Talsi received largely symbolic sentences and the act district, on 4th June 1994* (first record was in was openly condoned by local politicians. October 1981). There have also been recent increases in European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pehgicus Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, MALTA New breeding site: small colony France, Latvia, Italy, Moldova, Netherlands, discovered on island of Gozo in June 1994 Poland and Ukraine (Brit. Birds 87: 2).
26 [Brit. Birds 88: 26-45, January 1995] British Birds, vol. 88, no. 1, January 1995 27
Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus FRANCE First confirmed breeding records: two SLOVAKIA First breeding: in East Slovakia in nests among those of Grey Herons Ardea 1991. cinerea in tree-based heronry at lac dc Grand- Lieu, south of Nantes in Loire-Atlantique, in African Darter Anhinga rttfa May 1994, with one and two or three young GHRMANY Presumed escape: adult in Hohe, reared from each, and one additional fledged Hamburg, on llth-13th September 1992 young indicating probability of a third nest; (Limkola 8: 202). also two or three nests with adults in The only previous record noted in attendance in Camargue in 1994, but no 'European news' referred to one in Morocco successful breeding there (Alauda 62: 149- in August 1985 (Brit. Birds 79: 285). 152). Pink-backed Pelican Peleeanus rufescem GERMANY Influx: 50 records in 1991-92 CANARY ISLANDS First record (escape/vagrant): compared with only 52 in previous 14 years Playa dc las Americas, Tenerife, on 23rd (Limkola 8: 161). August 1994* (plate 3). GREAT BRITAIN Influx: nine in 1993 (highest- EGYPT High number: 95 at Abu Simbel on ever annual total; Brit. Birds 87: 511). lst-3rd May 1994. ITALY First breeding record: Valli di GHRMANY" Presumed escape: immature on Commacchio in 1992 (Rw. ItaL Om. 63: 193- 29th August to 13th September 1992 198). {Limkola 8: 202). SWITZERLAND High spring numbers: at least MOROCCO First record: flock of at least six at 17 during 19th March to 9th June 1994. lake of Merzouga on 24th May 1994*. UKRAINE; First breeding record in western Ukraine: 15-16 breeding pairs in Lviv Region Great Bittern Botaurus steUaris in May-June 1994. SWEDEN Second-best year this century: nearly 400 booming males in 1993. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea MOROCCO Third breeding record: confirmed Night Heron Nycticorax nyctkorax breeding at Ouarzazate reservoir, the only SPAIN Winter census: 1,390 counted in breeding site in Morocco: six on 6th April Marismas del Guadalquivir in four roosts in 1994, with one at nest in palm tree (previous January-February 1993 (Aim 4: 41-50). breeding records were in 1984 and 1985, Brit. Green Heron Butorides virescens Birds 78: 639; 79: 285-286). CHANNEL ISLANDS First record: immature on African Openbill Stork Anaswmus lamel- Jersey and Guernsey in August-September ligerus 1992 (Brit. Birds 87: 511). GERMANY Presumed escape: 6th September FRANCE First record: Hoedic island, Morbihan, 1991 (Limkola 8: 203). on 1st Apr! 1994*. Black Stork Ciconia nigra Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis FRANCE Increased breeding: 19-36 pairs in FINLAND First record: one of race coromandus 1993 census; first breeding in Jura in 1977, in in Northern Finland, from 30th July to mid Touraine in 1978, in Bourgogne in 1992, and August 1994* (presumed escape). in Lorraine, Brenne, Berry and Picardie in 1993; no nest yet found in Champagne, where Little Egret Egretta garzetta breeding suspected since 1980 (Nos Oiseaux GERMANY First breeding record: five young 42: 315-324; Omithos 1: 67-71). fledged near Regensburg in Bayern in 1992 SWFDEN Low numbers: only about a dozen (there were no records in 1977-90, but eight records in 1993, less than half the normal in 1991-92; Limkola 8: 160-161). number. IRELAND Continuing increase: over 40 individuals in southern counties in late 1993, White Stork Ciconia ciconia with many long-staying individuals. CZECH REPUBLIC Best year since 1984: in 1993, total of 740 occupied nests, with 1,815 Great White Egret Egretta alba young reared from 645 nests (occupied nests: BELARUS First breeding colony: eight pairs at 695 in 1990, 625 in 1991, 665 in 1992; cf. nests seen from helicopter on 9th May 1994 Brit. Birds 84: 2). on Pripiat River flood-plain near Ukrainian border, in area abandoned by humans after Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinettus Chernobyl accident (previously only few MOROCCO First breeding record this century: observations, in colonies of Grey Heron Ardea colony of at least 13 pairs with young in nest cinerea). at Oued Massa estuary in spring 1994 (cf. first 28 European news confirmed breeding in Spain in 1993, Brit. pairs in 1991, Brit. Birds 86: 38). Birds 87: 3). Brent Goose Branta bernicla Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber ICELAND Second record of race nigricans: ITAI.Y First successful breeding: Sardinia in 16th-23rd May 1992 (Btiki 14: 24). 1993 (Riv. hal. Orn. 63: 193-198). LATVIA Demotion: all three records now Ruddy Shelduek Tadorna ferruginea regarded as referring to possible escapes and DENMARK Irruption: more than 50 individuals, species not admitted to Latvian List (placed in with flocks of up to eight from July to at least Category D). August 1994. ETNLAND Large influx: about 100 different Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor individuals from 8th July to end of August i-RANCE Breeding attempt: pair in Camargue 1994 (origin uncertain)*. in spring 1994. LATVIA Demotion: all records now regarded as Black Swan Cygnus atratus possible escapes and species not admitted to BULGARIA Second record: mouth of Kamchia Latvian List (placed in Category D). River, Black Sea coast, on 13th February 1994 SWEDEN Major influx: at least 40 recorded 'all (captive or feral origin). over', starting around midsummer 1994 (largest irruption since at least 1892). Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus GREECE Fifth record: four adults and juvenile Common Shelduek Tadorna tadorna at lake Kerkini on 23rd January 1994. GREAT BRITAIN Census total: a Wildfowl & NETHERLANDS Third record of nominate race Wetlands Trust survey throughout Great ('Whistling Swan'): 9th December 1992 Britain in 1992-93 found provisional totals of (Dutch Birditig 16: 134). 44,700 adults between late April and mid May and 12,800 juveniles, mostiy between June and Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus August 1992. IRHIAND Third breeding record: pair bred and reared one young in Co. Donegal in 1993 American Wigeon Anas americana (second successive year with successful GERMANY Vagrant: adult male on 2nd-4th breeding in Co. Donegal, and third record of May 1992 (about the fifth record; Limicola 8: breeding by pure pairs). 165). ICELAND Vagrants: males on 16th May 1992 Greylag Goose Anser anser and 22nd May to 18th July 1992 (Bliki 14: 24- IRELAND Expansion of breeding range: 25). breeding by feral pairs at several sites away NETHERLANDS Vagrants: first-winter male on from stronghold of Strangford Lough, Co. 5th January 1991 and adult male on 11th Down (New Atlas), February 1992 (11 previous records since Snow Goose Anser caerukscens 1980; Dutch Birding 16: 134). LATVIA Demotion: five in August 1984 (Brit. Falcated Duck Anas falcata Birds 78: 339) now regarded as possible GERMANY Presumed escapes: males on 25th escapes and species not admitted to Latvian April 1992 and 28th June 1992 (Limicola 8: List (placed in Category D). 203-204). Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis NETHF.RI.ANDS Second to fourth records: adult GREAT BRITAIN Census total: complete survey males on 22nd-28th January 1992, 2nd by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in March February 1992 and 7th June 1992 (first was in 1994 found 30,000 from the east Greenland June 1991; Dutch Birding 16: 134 & 137). breeding grounds wintering in Scotland; SPAIN First record: male (of unknown origin) combined Scottish and Irish total of 38,000 from 12th December 1992 to 8th May 1993 was 11% higher than in 1988 survey. (Ardeola 41: 106). NETHERLANDS Breeding: number of pairs in Baikal Teal Anas formosa southwest steadily increasing since 1988 (three, BELGIUM Amendment: March-April 1991 four, 13, 15, 20, to 28 in 1993); small numbers record (Brit. Birds 85: 7; 87: 313), also breeding in Noordholland (population identification accepted, but considered likely to probably originating from injured birds unable have escaped from captivity. to migrate and escapes from captivity). SWEDEN Increase in numbers and range Common Teal Anas crecca extension: about 2,000 pairs bred in some 13 ICELAND Vagrant of Nearctic race carolinensis: provinces in 1993, but nearly 90% of the male on 16th May 1992 (Bliki 14: 25). population still found on Gotland (cf. 1,440 SPAIN Vagrants of Nearctic race carolinensis: British Birds, vol. 88, no. 1, January 1995 29 males from 29th February to 28th March Common Eider Somateria mollissima 1992, and on 7th May 1992 (Ardeola 41: 106). SWITZERLAND Second to sixth breeding records: two in 1992, one in 1993 and two in Blue-winged Teal Anas discors 1994 (first breeding record was in 1988, Brit. CANARY ISIANDS Vagrants: two males and one Birds 82: 323). female on Fuerteventura during January 1994*. Steller's Eider Polysticta stelkri NI-ITHFRIANDS Vagrants: adult males on 29th FAROI; ISLANDS First record: male at Bordoyvik May to 15th June and 31st December 1992 from 13th April to at least 9th May 1994*. (nine previous records since 1980; Dutch Surf Scoter Melanitta penpkillata Birding 16: 137). ICELAND Vagrants: three records in 1992 SPAIN Vagrant: single in 1992 (Ardeola 41: (Biiki 14: 27). 106). SPAIN Vagrant: female from 12th November Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 1988 to 7th January 1989 (Ardeola 41: 108). MOROCCO Third breeding record: female with BuflQehead Bncephala albeoh two young at Oued Massa in April 1994 ICELAND Second record: male from 15th May (second was in 1992, Brit. Birds 86: 279-280). 1988 (Bliki 10: 23; Brit. Birds 87: 4), then every year until found dead in a fishing net in Red-crested Pochard Netia ntfina lake Myvatn on 8th March 1993. MOROCCO Largest-ever winter concentration: 300 at Merja Halloufa, just north of Moulay Common Goldeneye Bucephala clanguh Bousselham, on 20th December 1993* AUSTRIA First breeding: in 1986 and 1993 (previous largest flock was 160 at Larache (Egretta 37: 23-27). Marshes in January 1990, Brit. Birds 83: 223- Hooded Merganser Mergus cucullams 224). GERMANY Presumed escapes: several records SWITZERLAND Wintering numbers increasing: annually in recent years. mid-January counts: up to 1983, never more than 235 individuals; 1984-87, average 702; Smew Mergus albellus 1988-91, average 1,532 (3,940 in 1991); FAROE ISLANDS First record: male at Vagur on 1992, 3,300. at least 13th May 1994*. Ring-necked Duck Aythya colhris Red-breasted Merganser Mergus senator GHRMANY Vagrants: two in 1991 and one in CYTRUS Vagrant: flock of four or five on several 1992 (Ltmkoki 8: 165). occasions at Ayias Thekla in spring 1994. ICELAND Vagrants: four records in 1992 (Bliki Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 14: 25). GERMANY Increasing: number of records is sadly increasing, presumably from the Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca irresponsibly introduced British population. SWITZERLAND First breeding record: pair with IREIAND Second breeding record in Republic- two young at Agelsee in June 1991; pair bred pair with brood of eight young at Tacumshin, again at same place in 1992. Co. Wexford, in July and August 1993 (first Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula proved breeding in the county and the second FRANCI-: Colonisation: first breeding in 1952, in the Republic; small breeding population is second in 1962, 20 pairs in 1965-69, 285-300 established in Northern Ireland). in 1970-74, 400 in 1975-79, 440-480 in earlv MOROCCO Additional information: first record 1980s, 480-540 in 1985-89 and 490-560 in at Merja Bargha (Brit. Birds 86: 280; 87: 4, 1990-93, still confined to northern half of 314): additional sighting of up to nine, France (Alauda 62: 105-112). including one adult male, on 20th December SWITZERLAND Breeding increase: threshold of 1993; second record at Douyiet (Brit. Birds 100 breeding pairs passed for first time in 87: 315), date extension: pair on 25th October 1991, when at least 124 pairs reared many 1993, with three on 16th January 1994 and young; at least 151 'families' in 1992. male on 9th June 1994. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala PORTUGAL First record this century: from 29th SWEDEN First record: Getteron, Halland, on December 1993 to at least mid August 1994. 17th May 1994*. SWITZERLAND Possible escape: adult male at European Honey-buzzard Peniis apivorus Vevey intermittently from 30th January to ICELAND Fourth record: 1st October 1992 13th March 1994. (Bliki 14: 28). 30 European news
Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos ISRAEL First West Palearctic record: adult male IRELAND Vagrant: immature, Fair Head, Co. at Eilat on 14th May 1994 (plate 2). Antrim, on 3rd March 1993 (first record since 1987). Black Kite Milvus migrans GREAT BRITAIN Influx: 17 in 1993, all but two Booted Eagle Hieraaetus permatus in April-June (Brit. Birds 87: 518). FINLAND Second and third records: 23rd April 1993 and 11th May 1993 (first was in April Red Kite Mihus milvus 1984, Brit. Birds 77: 588). GREAT BRII AIN Progress of reintroduction: in 1994, 50 young were raised by 28 pairs of Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus introduced Red Kites in England and MALTA First breeding record since 1972: Scotland. Comino in June 1994. Steller's Sea Eagle Haliaeetus pelagicus Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus GHRMANY Presumed escape: near Greifswald, ICELAND Fourth record: male on 11th June Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on 2nd March 1992 (Bliki 14: 28). 1991 (not missing from any German zoo or LUXEMBOURG Vagrant: immature male on 7th collection; probably same individual seen later April 1994. in Sweden, Finland and Estonia, Brit. Birds Merlin Falco columbarius 87: 315). GREAT BRITAIN Census total: Welsh breeding Lammergeier Gyipaetus barbatus population relatively stable at around 60-70 SPAIN Census: 58 territories with 47 breeding pairs between 1970 and 1991 (Bird Study 41: pairs and 24 fledged young in Spanish 42-47). Pyrenees in 1993 (Quercus 91: 20-21). Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterns FRANCE Outside normal range: La Turballe, POLAND Vagrant: two adults at Bicszczady Loire-Atlantique, on 31st May 1994*. Mountains on 21st May 1993. Saker Falcon Falco cherrug Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus SWEDEN Second record: Gotland during June- BULGARIA Census total: 14 fledglings in 1994. July 1994* (perhaps escape; another Saker, on Oland in August, had falconer's jesses; Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes previous record was in 1900). HUYPT High number: 2,377 at Gabcl Zeit on 27th April 1994 (second-largest count ever). Gyr Falcon Falco msticolus ISRAEL Highcst-evcr autumn numbers: 25,522 LATVIA Demotion: record of 7th October 1986 passing EUat on 25th September 1994. now regarded as of dubious origin and species POLAND Second record: adult female at no longer on Latvian List (placed in Category Bobrowniki on 30th October 1993 (first was D). in May 1989, Brii. Birds 83: 10). Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Common Buzzard Buteo buteo IRELAND Breeding-range expansion: con IRELAND Expansion of breeding range: siderable increase in numbers of both coastal considerable expansion in Northern Ireland and inland sites (New- Atlas). and now breeds in some adjoining counties in SWITZERLAND Breeding-range expansion: two the Republic (Nev> Atlas). pairs bred in canton of Argovie in 1994 (first in this canton for at least two decades); one of Long-legged Buzzard Buteo mfinus these pairs nested on building (second time AUSTRIA Increasing: becoming more and more ever on such a site in Switzerland). regular visitor in eastern parts of Austria (two records in 1994 up to August). Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus IRELAND Decline: considerable reduction in Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga breeding numbers throughout the range (New GERMANY First record for 20 years: juvenile on Alias). 10th November 1991 (Limkoh 8: 166). Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca IRELAND Decline: significant reduction in GERMANY First and second twentiefh-cenairy breeding numbers and distribution (New Atlas). records: second-calendar-year individual of nominate race found dead in early May 1991, Common Quail Commix coturnix and adult on 17th August 1991 and again in GREAT BRITAIN Minor influx: numbers singing August 1993 and 1994 (Umicola 8: 166). during May to July were well above average. Plates 2 & 3. Above, Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptibrhyncus, Israel, 14th May 1994 (Hadoram Shirihai); below, Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens, Tenerife, Canary Islands, August 1994 (John Hewitt) 32 European news
Corn Crake Crex crex Avoeet Reairvirostra avosetta IRHI.AND Continuing deciine: total Irish POLAND First breeding record: two pairs with population estimated at 169-184 singing males nests at Wizna in Narcw River Valley in May- in 1993, a decline of 80% since 1988. June 1994. SWEDEN High census total: almost 500 singing males on Swedish mainland in 1993 is highest Cream-coloured Courser Gursorim cursor total in 'modern times'; most were very CANARY ISIANDS Small influx: maximum of concentrated in east-central Sweden, with two- seven on Tenerife in spring 1993. thirds of the total in the provinces Uppland, Vastmanland and Dalarna (but, from Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum preliminary reports, 1994 seems to have been CYPRUS First record: single with 15 Collared a very bad year). Pratincoles G. pmtincola and one Black- winged Pratincole G. nordmanni on 23rd April Common Crane Grus grus 1993* (Ann. Rep. Cyprus Orn. Soc. 40: 26). LUXEMBOURG Strong passage: more than GREAT BRITAIN Third record: 14th May to at 15,000 passing over Luxembourg on 27th and least 17th August 1993 (Brit. Birds 87: 522). 28th February 1994. Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo LATVIA Deletion: record of 3rd August 1992 KGYPT First recent record: Sharm El Sheikh (Brit. Birds 86: 282) now regarded as referring sewage-lagoons on 6th-7th September 1993 to indeterminate pratincole, and species (first since mid 1980s). removed from Latvian List. GHRMANY Presumed escape: in flock of Common Cranes Grus grus on 3rd October Killdeer Plover Charadrius vociferus 1992 (Limkola 8: 204). SWEDEN First record: Strantemollan, Skane, on 8th June 1994*. Black Crowned Crane Bakarica pavonina SWITZERLAND Escape: free-flying individual Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius with green ring in various areas since autumn KGYPT High count: 42 around the shores of 1993 ('that an African bird could successfully Lake Nasser near Abu Simbel on 2nd May overwinter in the Swiss climate seems 1994 and presumed breeding (largest number notable'). recorded at Lake Nasser). Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata Kentish Plover Charadrius akxandrinus CANARY ISIANDS Census: minimum of 130 on Lanzarote during September 1993 (total SLOVAKIA First breeding: in East Slovakia in greatly exceeds previous population 1992. estimates); minimum of 16 on islet of Greater Sand Plover Charadrius kschenauttii Graciosa. DHNMARK First record: Agger Tange, W- Great Bustard Otis tarda Jutland, on 4th-5th August 1994*. CZHCH RHi'um.lc Rapid decline: only three to PINLAND Third record: Aland on 6th-7fh May six (jusl one male) in southern Moravia in 1994 (previous records were in 1964 and 1971). 1994 (cf. 1,317 individuals in 1990, Brit. Birds HRANCE Fourth record: adult in summer 84: 229). plumage at pare du Marquenterre Reserve, Somme, on 17th July 1994*. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus DENMARK First breeding attempt: pair at Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Tippernc, W-Jutland, during 19th-28th May IRELAND Fifth record: adult, The Cull, Co. 1994*, but the three eggs were destroyed. Wexford, on 21st-24th July 1993, and same EGYPT Breeding increase: more widespread individual at Tacumshin, Co. Wexford, on than usual (e.g. 88 on 2nd May 1994 at Lake 24th July to 2nd August 1993. Nasser, 58 at Lake Manzalla on 7th May NETHERLANDS Vagrant: 25th September 1992 1994, 68 at 10th of Ramadan City on 10th (Dutch Birding 16: 137); influx: up to three at May 1994). Camperduin/Petten, Noordholland, on 21st- poi .AND First breeding record: pair with nest at 27th July 1994 (plate 6, on page 38). Swidwie Lake near Szczecin on 18th-24fh NORWAY Fourth and fifth records: adults at May 1994. Jomfraland, Telemark, on 9th-11th July, and UKRAINE First breeding record for western at Revtangen, Rogaland, on 11th July 1992 Ukraine: pair in Volvn Region in May-June (earlier fourth and fifth records, Brit. Birds 87: 1994. 6, become sixth and seventh). British Birds, vol. 88, no. 1, January 1995 33
American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica STAIN Vagrant: 5th-7th June 1992 (Ardeola 41: GERMANY Second record: adult on 7th-8th 111). May 1992 (first was in December 1847, when Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii two juveniles were collected on Heligoland; GERMANY Third and fourth records: 23rd May Limicola 8: 170). 1991 (Limicoh 8: 170), and near Hannover in SWEDEN Vagrant: Angsnaset, Skane, on 23rd August 1994 (first and second were in 1984 May 1994* (ninth record). and 1985). American Golden Plover/Pacific Golden ICEIAND First record: immature at FlankastaMr Plover Pluvialis dominicalP. fulva a Miffnesi, Gull., on 3rd September 1994*. GERMANY Vagrants: singly in 1991 and 1992 {Ldmicola 8: 170). Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos NETHERLANDS Vagrants: 8th August 1991 and FRANCE Vagrant: Marqucnterre, Somme, from 13th-15th September 1991 (Dutch Birding 16: 28th May to 1st June 1994*. GERMANY Vagrants: six in 1991 and seven in 137). 1992, singly in June and November, others all Spur-winged Lapwing Hophpterus spinosus in August/October (Limicola 8: 171). MALTA Fourth record: January 1994. ICELAND Vagrant: 11th May 1992 (21 Sociable Lapwing Chettusia gregaria previous records; Bliki 14: 29). EINLAND Fifth record: Pietarsaari on 8th May NETHERLANDS Vagrants: 22nd September 1994. 1990, and six in 1992: one in May, two in July GREAT BRITAIN Vagrant: itinerant individual and three in September (39 previous records from April to June 1992 (36 previous records; since 1980; Dutch Birding 16: 137). Brit. Birds 87: 525). SPAIN Vagrants: two in September 1992 NETHERLANDS Influx: adults on 28th June to (Ardeola 41: 111). 1st July 1992 and 2nd July 1992, juvenile on Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata 23rd-24th August 1992, adults on 25th-27th GREAT BRITAIN Vagrant: adult in September September 1992 and 22nd November 1992 1992 (20 previous records; Brit. Birds 87: (perhaps five, or perhaps only three or four; 527). eight previous records since 1980; Dutch Birding 16: 137). Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea IREIAND Large passage: much higher numbers Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus than usual in September and October 1993, GREAT BRITAIN Population decrease: Common mirroring Little Stint C. minuta. Birds Census results showed a 32% drop in breeding numbers between 1992 and 1993, Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima continuing the recent steep decline (BTO CANARY ISLANDS First record for La Gomera: News 193: 14). April 1994. SWITZERLAND Dramatic decline continuing: Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus breeding population probably below 400 pairs MALTA Fourth record: ringed in August 1994 in 1992, with many traditional colonies now (third was in 1980, Brit. Birds 75: 27). deserted (cf. over 1,000 pairs in 1972-76 and MOROCCO Second and fifth records: one in 860-890 pairs in 1985-88, Brit. Birds 83: 12). winter plumage at Oued Sous estuary on 8th Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis April 1988 (previous records, on 4th January FRANCE First record: adult moulting out of 1992 and 27th August 1992, Brit. Birds 85: summer plumage at Platier d'Oye Reserve, 450, 87: 7, become third and fourth records), Pas-de-Calais, on 15th-21 st July 1994*. and three on 3rd May 1994, at least one GREAT BRITAIN Third record: found dead, Fair staying until 5th May, at Oued Sous estuary*. Isle, Shetland, on 1st September 1994*. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites sub- Litde Stint Calidris minuta ruficollis IREI.AND Unprecedented passage: in autumn DENMARK Vagrant: Tipperne, W-Jutland, 1993, most coastal counties had large numbers during second half of July 1994* (ninth in September, and many still present in record). October. EINLAND Vagrant: Pori on 18th-20th White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris Juscicollis September 1993 (eight previous records). ICEIAND Absence: surprisingly, none in 1992. GERMANY Vagrants: 21st September 1991 and NORWAY Vagrant: adult at Lista, Vest-Agder, on 19th October 1991 (Limicola 8: 172). 5th-7th August 1994* (eighth record; plate 8, SWEDEN Vagrant: Hasslarp, Skane, on 9th- on page 38). 12th May 1994* (fifteenth record). Plates 4 & 5. Above, Black Scrub-robin Cercotrichas podobe, Israel, April 1994 (Christoph Randier); below, juvenile Great Snipe Gallinago media, Netherlands, 26th July 1994 (Amoud B. van den Berg) British Birds, vol. 88, no. 1, January 199S 35
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor SWITZERLAND Almost extinct as breeding ICEIAND Second record: immature on 20th species: only one pair bred in 1992 (cf. decline September 1992 {Bliki 14: 31). in Great Britain, Brit. Birds 87: 317). LATVIA Deletion: report of 10th May 1992 {Brit. Birds 87: 7) now rejected and species Great Snipe Gallinago media removed from Latvian List. GREAT BRITAIN Influx: five in August-October 1993, equalling recent annual peak numbers in Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus 1987 and 1989 {Brit. Birds 87: 527). GERMANY Influx: 28 records in 1991, almost NETHERLANDS Eleventh and twelfth records all in September, compared with 67 during the since 1977: trapped at Zandvoort, previous 14 years and only one in 1992 Noordholland, on 24th-26th July 1994 (plate {Limicola 8: 175-176; cf. high numbers in 5), and Workum, Friesland, during 30th July autumn 1991 in Denmark, France, Great to 8th August 1994. Britain, Sweden and Switzerland, Brit. Birds 86: 283; 87: 605). Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolo- paceus Great Black-headed Gull Lams ichthyaetus ICELAND Third record: 30th July 1983 (Bliki GERMANY First and second records: adults in 14: 30). winter plumage on 17th February 1991 {Limicola 8: 49-50), and 12th January, 29th NETHERLANDS Vagrant: 21st-23rd August February to 22nd March and 25th March 1992 (seven previous records; Dutch Birding 1992, and again, in summer plumage, from 16: 138). 26th February to 6th March 1994 {Limicola 8: PORTUGAL First record: Pancas, Tejo estuary, 51-62, 176). on 17th February 1992. ITALY Third record: adult in January-March Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris 1993 {Riv. hal. Orn. 63: 196). GREECE Vagrant: Porto Lagos on 14th POIAND Vagrant: subadult at Kock on 21st September 1989 {Biol. Conserv. 53: 47-60). May 1994. MOROCCO Wintering: two at Merja Zerga in Mediterranean Gull Lams mehnocephalus winter 1993/94 {Brit. Birds 87: 317) last seen NETHERLANDS Breeding: nearly 190 pairs in on 11m February 1994. southwest in spring 1994, with 170 in three colonies on islands in Krammer-Volkerak, Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Zeeland/Zuidholland. DENMARK Largest-ever flock: four at SWITZERLAND Breeding attempts: two pairs 01semagle Revie, Zealand, during 2nd-6th attempted to breed in 1994, at Panel and August 1994*. Rhine Delta respectively. GERMANY Influx: 20 records in 1992, with up to five together, compared with total of 37 in Laughing Gull Lams amcilla previous 15 years {Limicola 8: 173). SPAIN Vagrants: singles in December 1991 and NETHERLANDS Influx: 22 in 1992, from April December 1992 {Ardeola 41: 112). to September, with two groups of three (this Franklin's Gull Lams pipixcan species left the national rarity list on 1st ICELAND Second record: adult on 29th January 1993; Dutch Birding 16: 138). September 1992 {Bliki 14: 32). SWEDEN Increase: 28 in 1993 and at least 15 IRELAND First record: first-summer at Black in 1994. Rock, Ballyheige, Co. Kerry, on 7th-11th May 1993. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanokuca MOROCCO First record: date extension {Brit. CZECH REPUBLIC First record: specimen shot in southern Moravia on 26th August 1964 Birds 87: 318), adult at Oued Sous estuary recently identified in collection at Museum in from at least 8th to 31st January 1994. Brno. Bonaparte's Gull Lams Philadelphia ICELAND Vagrant: adult on 18th September Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes 1992 (five previous records; Bliki 14: 32). SWEDEN Vagrant: Ryholm, Vastergotland, on SPAIN Vagrant: first-winter at Vigo, Pontevedra 30th June 1994* (eighth record). province, on 29th November 1992 {Ardeola 41: 112). Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia GERMANY Vagrant: 12th-14th May 1991 Black-headed Gull Lams ridibundus (eleventh record, fifth this century; Limicola 8: GREAT BRITAIN Winter census: BTO census 173). found about 1.1 million at inland roosts in 36 European news
England and Wales in January 1993, nearly Ross's Gull Rhodosietkia rosea four times the 1953 total. DENMARK Fifth record: adult at Agger Tange, W-Jutland, on 30th January 1994* and adult, Slender-billed Gull Ijxrus genet probably the same, at Blivands Huk, W- FINLAND First record: adult at Fori from 23rd Jutland, on 1st February 1994*. May to about end of June 1993. GERMANY Fourth record: adult at Turku on FRANCE Vagrant on Atlantic coast: adult at 6th-9th January 1993. Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, on 12th May GREAT BRITAIN Influx: seven in 1993, 1994*. including five in January (Brit. Birds 87: 531- SWEDEN Second record: Ultuna, Uppland, 532). from 30th April to 1st May 1994*, and, NETHERLANDS Fourth and fifth records: probably same, at Sigtuna, Uppland, on 8th Egmond, Noordhoiand, on 16th December May 1994*. 1993, and Camperduin/Texel, Noordholland, Audouin's Gull Lams audouinii on 24th-26th March 1994. TRANCE Vagrant on Atlantic coast: adult at POLAND First record: adult on Vistula River at Pointe de Grave, Gironde, on 28th April Nieszawa on 15th January 1994. 1994*. SPAIN Census results: at least 14,024 breeding Gull-billed Tern Gehchelidon nibtica IRELAND Fourth record: Ballycotton, Co. pairs in 1993 (9,373 in Ebro Delta, 3,540 on Cork, on 29th April 1993 (first since 1984; Chafarinas Islands and 709 in the also first in spring). Balearics)(Q«erao 100: 4-11). Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Royal Tern Sterna maxima GERMANY Second record: adult on 24fh-26th PORTUGAL Second record: Ria de Alvor, February 1991 (first was in May 1982; Algarve, on 15th August 1993*. Limicola 8: 178). Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis ICELAND Vagrant: immature on 14th-20th FRANCE: Vagrants: adult at Le Croisic, Loirc- November 1992 (38 previous records; Bliki Atlantique, on 20th March 1994* (the British 14: 32). bird en route to Fame Islands?), and single in MOROCCO Vagrant: third-year at Oued Sebou Camargue around 10th July 1994*. estuary on 30th March 1994 (sixteenth record). Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii NETHERIANDS Second record: adult on 18th- IRELAND Decline: marked decline over the last 19th April 1992 (also second record for 20 years and Rockabill, Co. Dublin, now holds Belgium; Dutch Birding 16: 138). the main Irish colony: in 1993, 427 pairs bred SPAIN Vagrants: 21 in winter 1991/92 (Ardeola at Rockabill, with a mean clutch size of 1.80 41: 112). and productivity of 1.68 young per pair. Lesser Black-backed Gull Lotus fitscus Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus GREAT BRITAIN Winter census: about 55,000 GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: August 1992, two in were estimated from BTO counts at inland May 1993, and July 1993 (15 previous roosts in England and Wales in January 1993, records; Brit. Birds 87: 533). representing a further increase in inland wintering; none was found in the equivalent Little Tern Sterna albifrons 1953 census. IREIAND Decline: contraction in breeding Herring Gull Larus argentatus distribution, most marked on southeast coast FRANCE Second record of the race {New Atlas). smithsonianus: Lesconil, Finistere, on 9th June White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leuco- 1994*. pterus EGYPT First record: adult at Port Said on 24th GERMANY Influx: almost 30 records, involving December 1993. about 62 individuals, with up to eight together, SLOVAKIA First breeding in West Slovakia: pair in spring 1992, compared with only 37 records in 1994 (probably also nested in 1993). in spring and autumn in the previous 15 years Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus (Limicola 8: 183 & 186; cf. high numbers in NETHERLANDS First breeding record: after spring 1992 in Belgium, Denmark, France, unsuccessful attempt in 1993, three nests (one Great Britain and Sweden, and best-ever with nestlings) at Veerse Meer, Zeeland, in breeding season in Poland, Brit. Birds 86: 42; May 1994. 87: 8, 319). British Birds, vol. 88, no. 1, January 1995 37
Inca Tern Larosterna inca IREIAND Vagrant becoming resident: FRANCE First records for Western Palearctic: immature male on Aranmore Island, Co. adult at Le Treport harbour, Seine-Maritime, Donegal, on 22nd June 1993 to mid June on 16th-18th July 1994*, singles in Boulogne- 1994. sur-Mer harbour, Pas-de-Calais, on 24th July NETHERLANDS Spring-summer influx: three 1994*, and at Dieppe, Seine-Maritime, on individuals, on 8th March to 1st April 1992, 26th July 1994*, preceding six other records 6th April and 15th May 1992, and 28th June (including one immature), from cap Gris-Nez 1992 (Dutch Birding 16: 141). to Ycu island, Vendee, in August 1994* The winter of 1992/93 was the best winter ('ship-assisted or, more probably, escapes, but for this species since 1962/63 in Sweden, and from where?'). occurrences in Denmark and France may also link with those listed above (Bra. Birds 86: Briiniiich's Guillemot Una bmvia 285; 87: 9). LATVIA Reclassification: two existing records (two individuals found in Riga market in 1902 European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and 1903) are not admitted to Latvian List IRELAND Decline: considerable reduction in (placed in Category D). both breeding numbers and distribution (New Atlas), now extremely rare and found at only Tufted Puffin Lunda cirrhaia a few sites. SWEDEN First record for Western Palearctic: Lagaoset, Halland, on 1st and 8th June 1994*. White-throated Needletail Swift Hinmdapus caudacutus Laurel Pigeon Columba jiinaniae SWEDEN Vagrant: Umea, Vasterbotten, on CANARY ISLANDS First confirmed breeding on 22nd-27th May 1994*. Tenerife: first nests found in July 1993, where previously considered only as 'probably Pallid Swift Apits pallidas breeding'. IRBIAND First and second records: male at St John's Point, Co. Down, on 30th October Laughing Dove Streptopelia smegalensis 1913 (recently discovered museum specimen) FRANCH Escape/vagrant: mouth of River Var, and one at Howth Head, Co, Dublin, on 9th Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, on 25th March 1994*. August 1993. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clammor glandarius Pacific Swift Apis pacificus NORWAY Fourth record: juvenile at Lista, Vest- GREAT BRITAIN First records: on oil-platform Agder, on 19th September 1992 (April 1993 45 km off Norfolk on 19th June 1981 and in record, Brit. Birds 87: 9, becomes fifth). Norfolk on 30th May 1993 (Brit. Birds 83: 43- Didric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius 46; 87: 538). ISRAEL First record: Eilat on 13th-26th March Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis 1994. EGYPT First confirmed breeding of Arabian Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus race cyanophrys: single pairs breeding on 25th IRELAND Decline: contraction of breeding May 1994, at Taba and at me junction of the range, particularly in south and east (New Taba-Nabq road. Atlas). Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops supercitiosus Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus amerkcmus BULGARIA Second record: near Chudomir, IRHIAND Vagrant: 6th October 1989 (Irish Loznitza region, on 26th June 1994 (first was Birds 5: 96). in September 1993, Brit. Birds 87: 319). Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops European Bee-eater Merops apiaster mm AND Fourth twentieth-century record: GERMANY Influx and breeding: 17 records in found injured at Inchydoney, Co. Cork, on 1991, with up to ten adults together, 27th April 1993, died on 10th May (previous compared with 19 records in previous 14 record was in 1974). years, fewer records in 1992, but up to 16 adults together, and breeding in both years: in Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca 1991, 12-13 pairs at five sites, at two of which CHANNEL ISLANDS Vagrants: female or at least five young were reared; and, in 1992, immature in April-June 1992 and male in about 16 pairs at four sites, young reared at April 1993 (Brit, Birds 87: 538). each, totalling at least 42 juveniles (Limicola 8: GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: five, in addition to 187, 190). long-staying Shetland individual(s), in 1993 GREAT BRITAIN Influx: at least 61 in 1991, (Brit. Birds 87: 538). mostly in June-July, compared with an average
British Birds, vol. 88, no. 1, January 1995 39 of less than ten per year during 1958-90 (Brit. 15th-16th March 1994 (largest number and Birds 87: 606). also first breeding record since 1975). SWEDEN Fifth breeding record: pair bred near Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Kristianstad, Skane, in 1993 (cf. breeding in SLOVAKIA Colonisation: nesting every year 1993 in Belarus, Latvia and western Poland). since 1992 (nearest known nesting places were swny.HKi.ANn First breeding records: two pairs in Hungary; Tichodroma 6: 63-79). bred in Rcusstal in 1991; breeding at two sites (including five pairs fledging 23 young in Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens Wallis) in 1992; increase in number of reports AUSTRIA First record: 7th April 1993 (Egretia and in size of flocks in recent years. 37: 37-40). EGYPT Range expansion: several hundred pairs European Roller Coracias garmlus breeding along coast between Marsa Matruh AUSTRIA Breeding census: 13 pairs in 1994 and Salum on Libyan borders during 15th- (stable population, but poor breeding success). 20th March 1994 (first known breeding of this SWEDEN Vagrant: Ramnas, Vastmanland, on species in this region). 9th June 1994 is the first record since 1991 of this species, which bred in Sweden up to 1967. TheMa Lark Galerida theklae EGYPT First confirmed breeding record: four Hoopoe Upupa epops males displaying at Salum on 15th March SWEDEN Breeding becoming regular: two to 1994. seven breeding pairs annually on Oland during 1986-93 (with 0-8 young fledging); regular Wood Lark Lullula arborea breeding in Sweden ceased in about 1925. IRELAND Vagrant: Cobh, Co. Cork, on 12th December 1991 (first since 1966). Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus BKI .ARiis Fifth record: pair exhibiting territorial Temminck's Horned Lark Eremophila bi- behaviour at Stolin, Brest region, on 12th lopha April 1994. ISRAEL Influx and breeding in Negev and Arava Valley: up to 270 a day at Km33 in Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos South Arava in March 1994; 12 pairs found medius breeding in Arava Valley, the first for 30 years. BELGIUM Census: 530-650 breeding territories, confined to areas with large oaks Qitercus, and Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris all but one or two south of the river Meuse AUSTRIA Range expansion: increasing in areas (Aves 30: 145-166). in the south of Lower Austria—the ERANCH Census: in north Pas-de-Calais area, northernmost breeding areas in Central apparently extinct in Boulonnais, but 94-147 Europe—which were colonised in 1991. pairs located in Hainaut-Avcsnois district GERMANY Vagrants: 28th June 1991, two on (Aves 30: 232-235). 21st August 1991 and 24th April 1992 (none NETHERLANDS Third and fourth records since in previous 14 years; Limicola 8: 190). 1980: 10th May 1992 (Dutch Birding 16: Red-rumped Swallow Hirtmdo danrica 142), and male near Epen, Limburg, on 19th AUSTRIA Fourth record: adult in Rheindelta, February 1994. Vorarlbcrg, on 5th May 1994, White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leu- Cliff Swallow Hirundo pyrrhonota cows ICEI-AND First record: 12th October 1992 FINLAND Decline: 11 nests with 25 young in (Bliki 14: 15-16, 35). 1994 (cf. 1992-93 data, Brit. Birds 87: 9). House Martin Delichon urbica Dupont's Lark ChersophUus duponti ICELAND Influx: at least 113 in May-June 1992 EGYPT First recent breeding record: eight (average 17 per year in 1979-91; Bliki 14: 35- (including young) near Marsa Matruh on 36).
PACING PAGE: Plate 6. Top, Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva, Netherlands, 24th July 1994 (Amoud B. van den Berg) Plate 7. Centre, Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinerem, Belgium, 25th April 1993 (Luc Venoketi)(Brit. Birds 87: 318) Plate 8. Bottom, adult White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis, Norway, 7th August 1994 (Hdkon Heggland) 40 European news
Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandkie 1978 regarded as possible escape and placed BELGIUM Spring record: 27th April 1993 (Aves in Category D; Ibis 135: 496; Brit. Birds 87: 30: 221-225). 545, 567). CYPRUS Vagrant: two on 13th April 1993 Black Scrub-robin Cercotrichas podobe (Ann. Rep. Cyprus Orn. Soc. 40: 45). ISRAEL Becoming regular: one or two at Eilat GERMANY Vagrants: 32 records in 1991-92, during March-April 1994 (plate 4) (one to mostly on Heligoland, compared with 49 in three almost annual in South Arava the previous 14 years (Limicola 8: 191). Valley/Eilat since 1989). GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: 94 in 1990, 58 in 1991 and 122 in 1992 (peak year was 1968, Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope with 154; Brit. Birds 87: 608). KGYFL First record: first-winter female at SWEDEN Vagrants: 31 in 1993. Hurghada on 9th-12th November 1993. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus GERMANY Vagrants: three in October 1991 GERMANY Fifth record: first-winter on and two in October 1992 (now 15 records, all Heligoland on 2nd October 1992 (Limicola 8: from Heligoland; Limicola 8: 191). 194). GREAT HRITAIN Vagrants: 31 in 1993, GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: Shetland in compared with average of four per year during September 1993 and Dorset in October- 1958-92 (Brit. Birds 87: 542). November 1993 (11 previous records; Brit. NORWAY Deletion: we apologise for our error Birds 87: 546). in publishing the report of one on 11th Common Redstart Phoenicunis phoenicurus October 1988 (Brit. Birds 87: 320) which was BULGARIA Second breeding locality for the race not an accepted record. samamisicus: two breeding males in Pechora Pipit Anthus guslavi Krumovgrad in 1994 (where eight in 1986). GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: 27th-29th Moussier's Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri September 1993 and 11th October 1993 (42 SPAIN First accepted record: male at Ebro previous records; Brit. Birds 87: 542). Delta on 7th April 1985 (Ardeola 41: 114). Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Guldenstadt's Redstart Phoenicurus erythro- SLOVAKIA First and second breeding records of gaster black-headed race feldegg: northern Slovakia in EINLAND Revision: adult male in Iittala on 1992 and southwestern Slovakia in 1993. llth-20th October 1993 (Brit. Birds 87: 321) Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola presumed to be an escape. IRELAND Third record: first-winter on Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata Aranmore Island, Co. Donegal, on 4fh DENMARK Vagrants of eastern race October 1993. maural stejnegeri: male (with female of LATVIA Breeding increase: three pairs near nominate race) at Blavand, W-Jutland, during Jelgava during April-June 1994* (one pair in 19th-26th March 1994* (21 previous 1993, Brit. Birds 87: 10). records). POLAND First breeding record: four pairs (two GERMANY Fifth to seventh records of eastern nests and a pair carrying food) at Mechelinki, race maural stejnegeri. 5th October 1991, 17th Gdansk Bay, in June 1994. November 1992 and 22nd November 1992 SWEDEN Breeding: female with fledgling at (Limicola 8: 194). Stora Oren, Oland, on 27th July 1994*. GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants of eastern race African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp maural stejnegeri: 17 in 1993 (Brit. Birds 87: EGYPT First confirmed breeding record: five 547, 549). pairs breeding on islets in Lake Nasser near Abu Simbel on 2nd May 1994. White-capped Water Redstart Chaimarromis leucocephalus White-cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys GERMANY Presumed escape: on small stream ISRAEL Fourth record: one or two at Eilat near Bad Berlcburg in Nordrhein-Westfalen during March-April 1994. on 16th-20th October 1992 (Limicola 8: 205). Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis GREAT BRITAIN First and second records: NETHERLANDS Second record: female at Cornwall in August 1982 and Essex in May Noordburen, Wieringen, Noordholland, on 1988 (one in Norfolk in August 1971 regarded 12th-13th May 1994 (first was male in April as escape; one in West Glamorgan in August 1951). British Birds, vol. 88, no. 1, January 1995 41
White's Thrush Zoothera dauma Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: 21st September IREIJVND Second record: first-winter found 1993 and 1st October 1993 (42 previous dead, Galley Head, Co. Cork, on 13th records; Brit. Birds 87: 550). October 1991; also first-winter at sea, 409 km IRELAND Fourth record: Copeland Bird (254 miles) southwest of Ireland (outside Irish Observatory, Co. Down, on 16th-20th April recording area), came aboard fishing boat, on 1993 (previous records were in 1842, 1867 14th September 1993, captured, but died on and 1885). 16th (only previous record was in 1982). NETHERLANDS Fifteenth record and third since ITALY First record: Sardinia on 19th 1980: flying past Breskcns, Zeeland, on 9th September 1993 (Riv. Ital. Orn. 63: 193-198). April 1993. PORTUGAL First record: ringed at Ria de Alvor, Algarve, on 12th November 1993*. Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica GREAT BRITAIN Fifth record: Burnham Overy, Myth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dume- Norfolk, on 18th September 1994*. torum GREAT BRITAIN Influx: seven in 1993, one in Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus May and others in September-October, the GREAT BRITAIN Fourth record: October 1993 first such influx since about seven in 1912 (Brit. Birds 87: 550). (Brit. Birds 87: 553). Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus GREAT BRITAIN Vagrant: 21st October 1993 Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris (18 previous records; Brit. Birds 87: 552). ICEI,AND Influx: fifth to eighth records, in June 1992. Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus IRELAND Fourth record: first-year at Loop Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Head, Co. Clare, on 12th October 1993 liOYPT Possible range extension: tens singing at (previous records were in 1982, 1988 and Siwa Oasis, Western Desert, on 17th March 1990). 1994, possibly breeding, which would be first record from this area. Ring Ouzel Tardus torquatus IREIAND Colonisation: expanding breeding IRELAND Decline: has decreased as a breeding population, particularly in Co. Cork and Co. species at virtually all sites, apart from the Wexford (Nezv Atlas); first colonised Ireland in discovery of a small breeding population in early 1980s. Co. Kerry (New Atlas). Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata Eyebrowed Thrush Turdrn obscurus GREAT BRITAIN Influx: 12 in September- GREAT BRITAIN Vagrant: 7th-14th October November 1993 (37 previous records; Brit. 1993 (14 previous records; Brit. Birds 87: Birds 87: 553-554). 552). NETHERI.ANDS Sixth record: 18th October Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina 1992 (Dutch Birding 16: 142). ICELAND Second record: 20th-26th June 1992 (Bliki 14: 40). Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis GERMANY First record of black-throated race Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillaia atrogularis for 30 years: 30th January to 1st GREAT BRITAIN First accepted record: male in March 1992 (Limkola 8: 194). song on 24th-29th May 1992 (Ibis 136: 254; GREAT BRITAIN First record of red-throated Brit. Birds 87: 554). nominate race: first-winter male at The Naze, Essex, on 29th September to 7th October Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantitlans 1994*. Vagrants: four of black-throated race ICELAND First record: male on 26th May 1992 atrogularis in October 1993 (24 previous (Bliki 14: 13-14,40). records; Brit. Birds 87: 552). Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephah Lanceolated Warbler Ijocustella lanceolata CYTRUS First breeding records: ten males EINLAND Summer records: four different holding territory in mid April 1992, and two singing males in central Finland in June and adults feeding nestlings in same area on 23rd July 1993 (13 previous Finnish records). April (Ann. Rep. Cyprus Orn. Soc. 39: 50). IREIAND First and second records: males, Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, on 10th-12th FAROE ISLANDS First record: ringed on Nolsoy April 1993, and Knockadoon Head, Co. Cork, on 9th May 1994*. on 14th-21st April 1993. 42 European news
Desert Warbler Sylvia nana Chiffchaff Phylbscopus collybita GREAT BRITAIN First spring record: male GERMANY First to third records of Iberian race singing and earning nest-material in May- brehmii: singing males on 4th-27th Mav 1991, June 1993 (nine previous records; Brit. Birds 23rd May 1992 and 27th-28th May 1992. 87: 556). GIBRALTAR Wintering by eastern race trisiis: trapped on 29th January and retrapped on Arctic Warbler Phylbscopus horealis 11th March and 4th April 1994. ESTONIA Fourth record: singing male in Tartu NETHERLANDS Seventh record of Iberian race on 8th- 10th June 1994*. brehmii: singing male on 29th May to 14th June 1992 (Dutch Birding 16: 144).' Pallas's Leaf Warbler Phylbscopus proregulus GERMANY Vagrants: three in 1991 and one in Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus 1992, all in October to December (Limicob 8: DENMARK Large irruption: more than 60 196). during spring 1994. GREAT HRITAIN Vagrants: 33 in 1990, 33 in LATVIA Second breeding record: pair at nest 1991 and 17 in 1992 (Brit. Birds 87: 609). with eggs in Sigulda, Riga district, on 28th NETHERLANDS Vagrants: 18th-21st October May 1994* (first proved breeding record was 1992 and 21st October 1992 (Dutch Birding in 1893). 16: 142). Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semi- SWEDEN Vagrants: 14 records in 1993. torquata For analysis of recent increase in records, MOROCCO Seventh record: two males at see Oriolus 60: 3-17. Merzouga on 22nd April 1994. Yellow-browed Warbler Phylbscopus in- Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis omatus MOROCCO Third record: male at Merzouga on CYPRUS Vagrant: 26th September 1993 (Ann. 22nd April 1994 (second was at same place in Rep. Cyprus Orn. Soc. 40: 58). April 1991, Brit. Birds 85: 460). FRANCE Spring record: Ouessant, Finistere, on 24th March 1994*. Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus GERMANY Vagrants: six records in 1991 and SWEDEN Northerly breeding: Solleron, eight in 1992, with single records of two in Dalarna, in 1993 was probably northernmost each year (Limicola 8: 196). Second record of in the World; extremely abundant in 1993, but race humei: from 18th February to 4th April hard winter of 1993/94 greatly reduced 1992 (included in totals given above, though numbers. treated as separate species in Limicola 8: 196; Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus first was on Heligoland on 5th-7th November NORWAY' Third breeding attempt: adult male 1990). singing and nest-building at Borrevannet, GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: 300 in 1990, 242 in Borre, Vestfold, on 21st May to 11th June 1991 and 347 in 1992, compared with recent 1994*, but no female, and the nest was found peak of 771 in 1988 (Brit. Birds 87: 609-610). damaged on the ground (possibly the result of IRELAND Second spring record: Schull, Co. an inquisitive Pine Marten Maries martes) two Cork, on 14th-17th March 1993. days after the last observation date (one SWKDEN Vagrants: 12 in 1993. successful and one unsuccessful previous For analysis of recent increase in records, breeding attempts; eighth record of species). see Oriolus 60: 3-17. Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus Radde's Warbler Phylbscopus schzvarzi DENMARK First record: Totten, Anhold, E- GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: four in October- Jutland, on 9th June 1994*. November 1993 (Brit. Birds 87: 558). GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: two in October- November 1993 (Brit. Birds 87: 560). Dusky Warbler Phylbscopus fuscalus ITALY Second and third records: first-winters GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: 11 in October- on 10th October 1992 and 30th October 1992 November 1993 (Brit. Birds 87: 559). (Riv. ltd. Orn. 63: 196). POLAND Vagrant: Darlowo, Baltic coast, on 27th October 1993 (eighth record). House Crow Corvus splendens EGYPT Possibly expanding: two at Sharm El Bonelli's Warbler Phylbscopus bonelli Sheikh on 7th September 1993 and one at NORWAY Fifth record: Orrevatn, Rogaland, on Taba on 25th May 1994. 6th October 1991. NETHERLANDS Presumably ship-assisted: two British Birds, vol. 88, no. 1, January 1995 43
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis CANARY ISLANDS First breeding record: pair which originated in captivity breeding regularly on Tenerife since May 1993. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus TUNISIA First breeding records: breeding population discovered near Bizerte (formerly considered to be only a scarce winter visitor). Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla CYPRUS First record: Paphos Lighthouse area on 22nd/26th April 1994. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus GREAT BRITAIN Vagrants: three in October 1993 (Brit. Birds 87: 561). Red-fronted Serin Serinus pusittus CYPRUS Third record: Kathikas on 13th March 1994 (cf. previous records and claims listed in Brit. Birds 86: 46).
Plate 9. House Crow Corvus spkndens, Grey-capped Greenfinch Carduelis sinica Netherlands, 30th June 1994 (Amoud B, van GERMANY Presumed escape: male on den Berg) Heligoland on 30th May to 2nd June 1991 (Limicola 8: 205). along waterway to Rotterdam at Hoek van Holland, Zuidholland, from April to at least Twite Carduelis flavirostris mid August 1994 (plate 9). IRELAND Decline: significant contraction of breeding range (New Atlas). Rook Corvus frugilegus GREAT BRITAIN Census total: breeding Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea population steady at around 850,000 pairs, FINLAND Large influx: 34,900 migrants according to a YOC Wildlife WATCH counted in five hours at Inkoo in south survey. Finland on 19th March 1994 and 63,000 at Lahti in a couple of days at the end of March Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 1994. MALTA First breeding record: spring 1994 (birds released from captivity on Comino Two-barred Crossbill Loxia Uucoptera Island in 1993 bred in 1993 and 1994). GERMANY First breeding record: pair with two Spotless Starling Sturnus unicobr juveniles in Berlin during 19th May to 9th FRANCE/SPAIN Colonisation: range expansion June 1991 (J. Om. 133: 197-202; Limicola 8: following colonisation of France in 1982 is 198). within range of Common Starlings 5. vulgaris Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra which colonised the area earlier; 1993 IRELAND Breeding establishment: following population of unicolor was about 300 influxes in recent years, breeding now individuals (Alauda 62: 135-140). established in four main areas: Co. Kerry, Co. Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus Mayo, Co. Wicklow and the Northwest (New BULGARIA Huge influx: many records Atlas). everywhere except mountain areas (higher Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsokta than 500 m) and southwest Bulgaria; many EGYPT First confirmed breeding: 11 (including flocks of 10-30 arriving from north, in young) at three localities at Wadi FJ Arish and southeast Bulgaria and 800 at Cape Kaliakra Sheik Zweid in northern Sinai on 30th-31st on 25th May 1994, with about 500 in latter May 1994. area on 26th May; more than 3,000 roosting on the Cape on 2nd June 1994. Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus PORTUGAL Vagrant: 28th December 1991 FRANCE Second to fourth records: Camargue (Ardeola 40: 190; Brit. Birds 86: 46). on 19th April 1993, Camargue on 1st May SPAIN Vagrant: 3rd January 1985 (Ardeola 40: 1993, and Chaux, Territoire de Belfort, on 190). 30th June 1994*. 44 European news
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythriims Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos (•'RANCH Colonisation: total of 34-37 singing GERMANY About fifth record (first for 30 males in Pas-de-Calais and Franche-Comte years): male on 1st-12th February 1991 regions during spring 1994, and first spring {Limkola 8: 200). records of singing males in Alsace (one pair) POLAND First record: male bred with female and Alpes (probable family in Hautes-Alpes in Yellowhammer E. citrinella on Biebrza July 1994); at least two successful breeding Marshes during 16th May to 24th June 1994. pairs. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella GERMANY Establishment: over 61 records IRELAND Decrease: breeding range has listed in detail for 1991-92, compared with contracted in recent years, especially in over 210 in the previous 14 years (Limicola 8: southwest and northwest {New Atlas). 198-200). GREAT BRITAIN Largest-ever influx: 217 in Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 1992, including unprecedented spring arrival GERMANY Vagrant: 23rd July 1992 (no records {Brit. Birds 87: 610-612). in previous 15 years; Limicola 8: 201). SWITZERLAND Continued colonisation and NETHERLANDS Fourth record: male at expansion: first breeding records for the Jura Maasvlakte, Zuidholland, on 23rd April 1994*. in 1992. Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana Streaked Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilloides NETHERLANDS Extinction: disappeared from GERMANY Presumed escape: 24th April 1992 last breeding strongholds in 1994. {limicola 8: 205). Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans GERMANY Presumed escape: 17th January to Yellow-billed Grosbeak Eophona migratoria DENMARK First record: Chrisdanso, Bornholm, 2nd March 1991 (Limicola 8: 206). on 12th- 15th June 1994* (presumed escape; Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica cf. records in Sweden in May 1981 and Faroe GREAT BRITAIN Influxes: in spring and autumn Islands in May 1992, Brit. Birds 86: 46). 1993, total of 44 more than double best previous year (19 in 1987; Brit. Birds 87: 563- Japanese Grosbeak Eophona personam 564). GERMANY Presumed escape: Heligoland on 21st-22nd May 1992 (Limkola 8: 205; cf. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla records in Norway in June 1989 and April ICELAND Fourth record: 3rd October 1992 1990, Sweden in May 1990 and Great Britain (BUM 14: 46). in June 1992, Brit, Birds 85: 461; 86: 46). Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola EGYFT Third record: found dead on North Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata Sinai coast in September 1993. IRELAND Vagrant: first-winter on 7th-15th October 1993 {Brit. Birds 87: 563). Pallas's Reed Bunting Emberiza pallasi GREAT BRITAIN Third record: first-winter male Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata on 17th October 1990 (Brit. Birds 87: 566). GREAT BRITAIN Vagrant: first-winter in Corn Bunting Miliaria cakmdra October-November 1993 (25 previous records: Brit. Birds 87: 563). GREAT BRITAIN Census total: as few as 20,000 breeding territories in Britain in 1993 (BTO IRELAND Fifth record: juvenile at Brownstown Head, Co. Waterford, on 3rd October 1993. News 192: 6-7). IRELAND Decrease: significant decline in Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea breeding numbers and distribution (New ICELAND Fourth record: immature male on 9th Atlas). November 1992 {Bliki 14: 45; previous swrrziiRJAND Increase: marked increase in records were of immature male found dead in numbers in several regions in 1994. late November or early December 1936; male Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludo- on 7th-8th October 1967, and immature male viciantis on 23rd October 1967, NattiintfraecHngnrinn GREAT' BRITAIN Vagrant: first-winter male on 63: 102). 12th-14th October 1993 (Brit. Birds 87: 566). Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyematis Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea GREAT BRITAIN Vagrant: male in November NETHERIANDS Second record: male on 10th- 1993 (16 previous records; Brit. Birds 87: 23rd March 1989 (first was in June-July 1983; 563). Dutch Birding 16: 145). British Birds, vol. 88, no. 1, January 1995 45
Official correspondents ANDORRA Jacqueline Crozier; AUSTRIA Hans-Martin Berg; BEIARUS Dr Michael E. Nikiforov; KHi.GiUM Rene-Marie Lafontaine; BULGARIA Dr Petar Iankov; CANARY ISLANDS Juan Antonio Lorenzo; CYPRUS A. E. Sadler; CZECH REPUBLIC Professor Karel Stastny; DENMARK Brian Rasmussen; EGYPT Mindy Baha El Din; ESTONIA Dr Vilju Lilleleht; EAROE ISLANDS Soren Sorensen; 1-INI.AND Pekka J. Nikander; ERANCE Dr Philippe J. Dubois; GERMANY Peter E. Barthel; GIBRALTAR Charles E. Perez; GREAT BRITAIN John Marchant; GREECE George I. Handrinos; HUNGARY Gyorgy Szimuly; ICELAND Gunnlaugur Petursson; IRELAND Pat Smiddy; ISRAEL Hadoram Shirihai; TTALY Marco Gustin; LATVIA Dr Janis Baumanis & Agris Celmins; LITHUANIA Dr Petras Kurlavicius; LUXEMBOURG Tom Conzemius; MALTA Joe Sultana; MOLDOVA Dr I. M. Ganea; MOROCCO Michel Thevenot; NETHERLANDS Drs. Arnoud B. van den Berg; NORWAY Andrew W. Clarke; POIAND Dr Tadeusz Stawarczyk; PORTUGAL Dr Joao Carlos Farinha; SLOVAKIA Dr Alzbeta Darolova; SI.OVHNIA Iztok Geister; SPAIN Dr Eduardo de Juana; SWEDEN Tommy Tyrberg; SWITZERLAND Hans Schmid; TUNISIA Thierry Gaultier; UKRAINE Dr Igor Gorbah.