^ s. . 7i . 4 • 'V*' V » I I I ’ J ~T.‘' British Birds Editorial Board Stanley Cramp P j Grant M A Ogilvie J [ R Sharrock Photographic Consultants R J C'handler and Don Smith Volume 74 1981 British Birds Ltd List ofline-drawings PAGES 1 Bittern {R. A. Hume) 10 Bittern {R. A. Hume) 1 7-36 Kentish Plovers; Goldeneyes; Montagu’s Harrier; Goshawk; Hobby; RulTs; Mediterranean Gulls; Redwing; Savi’s Warbler; Firecrest; Golden Orioles; Brambling {Norman Arlolt) 48 Roving tit flock {Robert Gillmor) 52 Lesser Yellowlegs; Red-eyed \hreo {Laurel A. Tucker) 54 Booted Warbler {Laurel A. Tucker)-, Pallas’s Warbler {D. Braithwaiie) 55 Red-necked Grebe (/. F. Hollo- way) 82 Herring Gull and trawler {R. .4. Hume) 90 4’ennessee Warbler {P.J. Grant) 107 Great Grey Shrike {M. Lig/it- owler)-. Ring-necked Duck {Fred- erick J. Watson)-, White-billed Diver {J. Cantelo) 109 Spanish Sparrow {Ian Willis) 159 Bean Geese {Bryan Bland)-, Barrow’s Goldeneye {Alan Harris) 160 Gattle Egret {R. A. Hume)-, Ross’s Gull {Ken Baldridge) 161 Nightjar 170 Pallid Swift {Laurel A. Tucker) 191 Mediterranean Gull {J. P. Martin) 194 White-headed Duck; Firecrest (/. P. Martin)-, Ring-necked Duck ( Eric Dempsey) 197 Oystercatchers {Killian Mullarney) 199 American Kestrel {A. M. Taylor) 205 Merlin and Skylark {J. Cantelo) 222 Pied Flycatcher {Bryan Bland) 236 Lesser White-fronted and White- fronted Geese (J. P. Martin) 242-4 Belted Kingfishers {Killian Mul- lamey) 246 Puffins {Crispin Fisher) 273 Garganeys and Teals {R. .4. Hume) 275-8 BIRD ILLUSTRATOR OF THE YEAR 1981: Green Heron; Lesser White- throat {Norman Arlott); Cattle Egrets; Bearded Tits {Alan Harris)-, Long- tailed Tits {Nik Borrow)-, Redpoll (Darren Rees) 279 Riippell’s Warbler {Paul Sterry) 286 Pied Flycatcher {D. A. Thelwell) 29 1 Little Terns {Andreu' Stock) 307 Hoopoe {Alan Harris) 308 Black-winged Stilt {P. Harrison) 309 King Eider and Eider (R. A. Hume) 316 Ross’s Gulls {Gunnar Brusewitz) 32 1 Baikal Leal and two Teals {D. I. M. Wallace) 327 Stonechat {Paul N. Collin) 359 Great Reed Warbler {David Bake- well)-, Bluethroat {J. P. Martin) 360 Terek Sandpiper; Broad-billed Sandpiper {K. Baldridge)-, Pendii- line Tit {Tim Manolis) 362 Black-w'inged Stilt {Fric Dempsey); two Glossy Ibises {J. N. Hollyer) 403 Rock Sparrow {R. G. Millington) 404 Pratincole {R. G. Millington); Little Egret {Norman Arlott) 405 Red-backed Shrike (B. F. Slade) 41 1 Aleutian Tern {P.J. Grant) 417-23 Seabirds {D. I. M. Wallace) 450 Marsh Sandpiper {Paul N. Collin) 451 Greater Sand Plo\er and Ringed Plover {P.J. Dunn) 499 Spotted Crake {Fdward Keeble) 501 Greenish Warbler (Keith Brockie) 509 Ciarrion CTow {R. T. Hume) 5 1 3 Warblers and tits {Peter Harrison) 529 Riippell’s Warbler (.4. M. Taylor) 533 Gretzschmar’s Bunting (If. E. Oddie) 545 Sooty Shearwater and Gannets {Jim Gamrnie); Barred Warbler {G. F. Miller) 546 Aquatic Warbler (G. F. Miller); Red-eyed Vireo {Robert Gillmor) and Yellow-billed Cuckoo {David Mitchell) 547 Wilson’s Phalarope {Laurel .4. Tucker) 548 American W igeon {Darren Rees) British Birds Volume 74 Number 1 January 1981 Wintering Bitterns in Britain Bitterns in Euroj^ since 1976 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Obituary: Dr Geor^ Waterston (191 1-1980) My^ery photo^aphs Notes News and comment • Recent reports British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Editorial Assistant Personal Assistant David A. Christie Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Dr R. J. Chandler & Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Chairman), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J. Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, Dr R. J. Raines & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary), 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW 16 7TP Notes Panel Dr C.J. Bibby, DrJ.J. M. Flegg, DrC. H. Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr K. E. L. Simmons News and comment Peter Conder & Mike Everett, 12 Swaynes Lane, Comberton, Cambridge CBS 7EF Recent reports K. Allsopp & R. A. Hume, c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL © Britisli Birds Ltd 19H0. Ciopyright ol pliolograplis remains will) pliotograpliers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 9d High Street, Biggleswade, Bedlbrdshire ISSN 0U07-0335 Annual subscription (inehiding index) L'K £16,00; L'S.A and Canada $40, airmail L’S$9'); rest of world £1(), airmail £2,3. Cheques payable to British Birds (Circulation, Fountains, Bark Lane, Blunham, Bedlitrd mk44 3nj). 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English Names of Wild Flowers): tttitne.s ol ttituiunttls litllow ( lor bet & .Sotitheru (1477, The Handbook of British Mammals), l igures shottid be itt Itidiati itik oti good (|ualit\ tiittitig paper, dntwitig ptiper. ttoti-iibsorbetit botird or ligbt bhte or \ er\ pale grey gra|)h ptiper; lettering should be inserted lighlK in petu il; t tiptions sboitld be typed on a septir.ile shei'l. .\u ihors ol util in p.ipers (but not notes or letters) ret i'i\ e ten Iree lopies ol tbe journal ( live each to two or more tuithors). Brinicd by Hniiy Burt & Son Ltd, College .Street, Kempstttn, Bedibrd mk42 Hna Published by British Birds Ltd, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedlbrdshire Publishing & Production Manager Dr J. T. R. 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(BB12) IV 1, British Birds v. . .T’ p ^ VOLUME 74 NUMBER I JANUARY I 98 I Wintering Bitterns in Britain Colin J. Bibby T^he Bittern Botaurus stellaris currently numbers less than 50 pairs in Britain and is becoming scarcer (Day & Wilson 1978). It has long been known to be susceptible to severe winter weather (Ri\iere 1930), which may temporarily afi'ect the population levels or even distribution in countries at the north of its range such as Sweden, Britain and the Netherlands (Cramp c/ a/. 1977). Bitterns winter widely in Britain but it is uncertain whether such movements are regular migrations as occur in the north and east of their range, or dispersals in response to cold w eather. Ringing recoveries indicate that some Continental Bitterns visit Britain in winter, while Bannerman (1957) suggested that British breeders may star\e to death rather than move in freezing conditions. Ringing evidence further suggests that there may be rapid post-breeding rnox ements, as found in the case of the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea (Rydzew'ski 1956), but the Bittern’s low numbers and skulking behaviour make such mo\ements hard to detect. Thus, non breeding season movements and distribution of Bitterns in Britain are neither well known nor understood. Numerous reports of Bitterns in a cold spell in early 1979 prompted this investigation which was later extended as a retrospective analysis back to 1960. rhe paper aims to describe the patterns of winter occurrence and mortality of Bitterns in Britain and relate them to the weather. The implications of winter weather in population fluctuations and the origins of wintering Bitterns are discussed. [lint. Utrdi lA: l-l(),Jatuiar> 1!)HI] 1 9 Wintering Bitterns in Britain Sources of information Details of occurrences in winter 1978/79 were collected by publishing requests lor information in British Birds and BTO News, and records back to 1960 by study of county bird reports. Details of unpublished records and of those missing from bird reports were checked by correspondence with county bird recorders. All records were collected for individuals away from the few known breeding sites. In cases where a series of records came from a single location, this was assumed to be only one bird unless there was ev idence to the contrary. Every attempt was made to eliminate duplication caused by overlapping reports and varying place names. Weather data were provided by the Wildfowlers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland, having been extracted from Meteorological Office records for another purpose. The records from twelve stations spread around Britain were of ground conditions at 09.00 G.MI'. If the ground was snow' covered or frozen at more than halfof the stations, the day was scored as hav ing a frost. For analytical purposes, the number of frosts so defined each winter (from November to February) w'as used as the measure of winter severity. Winter numbers and weather In most w'inters since 1960, the total number of Bitterns reported away from breeding places has been between 30 and 100. In the exceptional 1962/63 winter there were 1 10, and in 1978/79 an unprecedented 189. Fhe number recorded each winter was strongly correlated with the severity of the weather as described above (fig. 1, ri? = 0.697). The relationship was still significant if the two extreme winters were omitted (ns = 0.474). Although the 1978/79 winter w'as less severe than that of 1962/63, it produced more Bittern records. This may in part have been due to special elforts to acquire records, some of which would not normally have found their way to recorders and eventual publication in county bird reports. It is more probable, however, that the winter of 1962/63 was under-recorded at a time w hen there were fewer birdwatchers, and bird reports were of a less high standard than nowadays. I tested this possibility by correlating the ratio of Bittern records each winter to that expected for the weather (fig. 1 ) with the membership of the B'fO. 4 here was a significant relationship (rie = 0.517), which suggested that the growing strength of birdw'atching (as measured by B4 () membership) has raised by 70% the chances of a Bittern being reported over the last 20 years. 'Flius, at present-day levels of birdwatching and recording, the 1962/63 winter would probably have produced about 190 records. On the other hand, the exceptionally severe weather of 1962/63 may have forced Bitterns farther south in Europe, so that there were genuinely fewer in Britain than in 1978/79. Mortality (91 the 1,299 records in 19 winters, 154 (1 1.9%) were reported as dead or described in such terms that they would presumably have died if not taken into care. In most winters, the numbers dead were below ten, but there were 36 (32.7%) in 1962/63 and 54 (28.6%) in 1978/79. 4'he percentage of Wintering Bitterns in Britain 3 Fig. 1 . Numbers ol records of Bitterns Botaurus stellaris away from breeding areas in Britain for winters 1960/61 to 1978/79 plotted against number of frosts (see text for definition) records referring to dead birds was correlated with the severity of the weather (fig. 2), so Bitterns were not only more likely to be recorded in Britain in cold winters but also individually more likely to die. 1, Bittern Botaurus stellaris, Netherlands, December 1977 {P. Munsterman) 4 Wintering Bitterns in Britain •o « 0) ■o 30 20 10 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 frosts Fig. 2. Percentage of Bitterns Botaurus slellaris reported dead in Britain each winter plotted against number of frosts Do cold winters influence breeding numbers? Breeding population (igures for Leighton Moss in Lancashire, Minsmere in Sullolk and two major Norfolk Broadland sites (Hickling and Horsey) were extracted from Day & Wilson (1978) and updated (J. C. U. Day in lift.). 4 he annual totals for these sites, which represent about half the British population, were taken as a national index of Bittern breeding numbers, since lull details for other sites cannot be traced every year back to 1960. C'hanges of populations from year to year show no significant relation- ship with the severity of the intervening winter (fig. 3). The 1962/63 winter did produce the greatest population drop (— 30.0%), though, as shown by Day & Wilson (1978), this afi'ected East Anglian populations (— 41.0%), but not that at Leighton Moss (+ 33.0%). The winter of 1978/79 produced no population change in spite of the large number of birds found dead . I'hus it seems that winter weather conditions ha\e no regular effect on Bittern breeding numbers in Britain, though atypically severe winters such as 1962/63 might cause small population declines. Lhe population in East Anglia might be more susceptible to unusual cold weather mortality than that at rarely-frozen Leighton Moss. In East Anglia, however, year-to-year population changes were also not significantly correlated with the severity of the intervening winter. Timing of movements All records with an identified date (or first date for a series from one place) were extracted by year. Although there were autumn records in all years, sometimes as early as July, sightings in the period September-November were at a fairly uniform level; numbers rose sharply in December, reached a Wintering Bitterns in Britain 5 peak in January, and then declined steadily to a low level by late March (hg. 4). Thus, it appears that most Bittern movements occur in early winter, at the time when hard weather becomes probable (perhaps especially on the Continent). Return movements are largely over by the breeding season. Small year-to-year variations in the pattern were detectable, and these were largely explicable by weather factors. For instance, 1975/76 was a mild winter, with its only cold spell Irom 24th January to 3rd February: this produced an unusually late flush of Bittern records. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 frosts Fig. .3. ^'ear-to-year change of breeding number of Bitterns Bolaums slellaris in Britain, plotted against number of frosts in interv ening w inter Geographical distribution and habitats The distribution of winter Bitterns is shown in fig. 5. Minor peculiarities in this pattern are probably due to varying standards of recording (for instance, the relatively few records for Suffolk) and to varying suitabilities of different counties for Bitterns (for instance, the inferiority of Sussex compared with Kent and Flampshire). Generally, however, the pattern shows a clear bias to the southeast, with a markedly higher incidence of records between Norfolk, Kent and Dorset than elsewhere. If the Bittern is a cold-weather mover, we might expect records to be more western in more severe winters. This possibility was tested by dividing the records into seven regions and three groups of winters (mild, ordinary and bitter). There were no signs of heterogeneity in these records (Xi2 = 20.44, n.s.). Thus, the extent of immigration is influenced by- winter severity, but the subsequent distribution of Bitterns in Britain is not. Little special effort was made to investigate the winter habitats of Bitterns, but several features stood out. The species is very catholic in 6 Wintering Bitterns in Britain winter, occurring in all manner of rank waterside vegetation at gravel-pits, fish farms, cress beds, reservoirs, ditches, riversides, sewage-farms and other small wetlands. By contrast, in summer in Britain it is virtually confined to dense areas of wet reedbed. In freezing weather. Bitterns seem to seek out open water, which produces numerous riverside records as well as weakened birds in highly unsuitable places (bus stop at Stoke Newington in London, central reservation of motorway at Durham, and shop window at Gravesend in Kent). Several places hold wintering Bitterns regularly or for small runs of winters and it is tempting to suggest that some individuals may be faithful to wintering sites. Age, sex and measurements Various details were collected from 19 of the 54 Bitterns found dead or dying in the 1978/79 winter. Ten were aged on plumage characters: six were adults and four in their first year, so movements are not made predominantly by young birds. All 19 were sexed either by dissection or by measurement (Cramp et at. 1977): there were ten males and nine females. Measurements of wing, tarsus, central toe, bill and tail agreed with the small samples of skins from the Netherlands (Cramp et at. 1977). Three males had had accidents, but were apparently in good condition, with weights of960g, 1 , 162g and 1 ,360g. Males in poor condition weighed 661 g, 680g, 7 15g, 796g and 998g, and females 392g, 420g, 480g, 587g and 661 g. These figures (males mean 770g and females mean 498g) are slightly at variance with those from Cramp et at. (1977), with the males being heavier and the females lighter (males ti2 = 2.284, p< 0.05; females t20 = 1.331, n.s.). Fig. 4. Dates of occurrences ofBittcrns Bolaurus slellans in Britain away from breeding areas for winters from 1960/61 to 1978/79. Records assembled by standard five-day periods Wintering Bitterns in Britain 1 Fig. 5. Distribution of records of Bitterns Botaurus stellaris in winters 1960/61 to 1978/79. For each county, or country for Wales and Scotland, one dot has been plotted for every two records; their exact location is of no significance, but merely intended to convey a general impression of relative density Discussion The findings presented in this paper suggest that there are two classes of non-breeding Bittern records. Occurrences from as early as July and at a steady — if low' — level throughout the autumn show' that some movements are unrelated to the severity of the w'inter. This conclusion is supported by the prediction from fig. 1 that a frost-free w'inter w'ould still produce some 20-30 records. Some of these birds may w'ell be post-juvenile dispersers, possibly of British origin. Since Bitterns are so difficult to detect, it is very hard to tell whether the British breeding populations are sedentary. At Leighton Moss, where booming starts sometime in January and most males are vocal by mid February if not before (J. Wilson in lilt.), it seems most unlikely that many could have had a winter absence. Furthermore, the level of sightings (never high) is believed not to vary much throughout the year. At Minsmere, by contrast, sightings are very few in winter, even in cold spells, and it is believed that as much as three-quarters of the population may be absent for the winter (J. Sorensen in litt.). Booming does not start until one to two months later than at Leighton Moss. It seems, therefore, that British breeding populations contribute some but not all of the non-breeding spread of records. There are several reasons to suggest that Bitterns appearing in the November-February period probably have a Continental origin. Their distribution (fig. 5) dift'ers from that to be expected from movements of the British population, whose bulk (at least 60%) is in East Anglia with another stronghold at Leighton Moss, with very small numbers elsewhere (Wales, Lincolnshire, Somerset and Kent). On the other hand, the winter distribution, with large numbers in 8 Wintering Bitterns in Britain south and east England, might be expected of birds arriving via the Low Countries. A further reason to suggest Continental origin is the numbers involved: 189 individuals were recorded in 1978/79. With their catholic winter habitats and secretive behav iour, it is hard to believe that this could have been as much as half the actual numbers present. Recent British breeding populations have been under 50 pairs, so total autumn numbers could barely exceed 200 individuals. Thus, for British populations to explain the winter records, it would require total emigration from breeding places and 100% probability of an indiv idual being recorded by birdwatchers at its wintering place, d’hat Continental Bitterns winter in Britain is further supported by a limited number of ringing recoveries (not many Bitterns are ringed). dTese have come from Sweden (2), Germany (2), Belgium (2) and the Netherlands (2). In 1978/79, 54 Bitterns were found dead or dying. Again, it is impossible to guess the probability of a dead Bittern being found; it must be low, although weakened and emaciated individuals may wander about rather conspicuously and have a good chance of being found (but not necessarily by someone who would report them). Such mortality, if it was confined to the British population, could hardly have failed to have had a substantial impact on the breeding numbers in 1979. Population changes on the Continent are less well known, but several declines were reported between 1978 and 1979 (Day 1981). British Bitterns must have suffered no more than normal winter mortality in spite of the weather. Perhaps they benefit from familiarity with their ranges while immigrants may not arrive until weather conditions make it difficult to find adequate feeding places. I he evidence of fig. 2 suggests that, although differing numbers of Bitterns occur every winter, they suffer high mortality only in the colder years. In normal winters, many obviously survive in their varied wintering places; indeed, there are numerous records of individuals spending long 2. Bittern Botaurus stellaris, Netherlands, December 1977 (P. Munsterman) 3. Bittern Botmmis stellaris, Laiu asliire, May 1978 (Don Smith j periods at particular sites. It is possible that these winter movements are responsible for the maintenance of the breeding distribution of the Bittern by providing colonists at remoter suitable sites, and by boosting established populations. In Britain, it is notable that such a scarce bird, whose e.xacting habitat requirements are met at only a limited number of scattered sites, is able to maintain several small breeding populations very distant one from another. The lack of site fidelity that such a process would require is known in the case of the better-studied Grey Heron, which also has e.xtensive and partially unpredictable movements (Dementiev & Gladkov 1969). This should give heart to conservationists, since it suggests that, if suitable habitats are maintained or even developed, their remoteness from each other should not be a major obstacle to the Bittern. .Another point that can be taken as welcome news is that there continue to be enough Bitterns in northwest Europe to produce 189 records in one winter in Britain. It might be possible to use the number of records each winter as a population monitoring de\ ice, ha\ ing made due allowance for the weather and the strength of birdwatching. In the present case this is not possible because any long-term trends in north European Bittern numbers w'ould not have been detected separately from the changing effect of birdwatching. Some other measure of the latter could be obtained and tested independently. Acknowledgments I am grateful to everyone who replied to published requests for information and especially to all the county recorders who responded so helpfully when I asked for checking, clarification and unpublished records. John Day assisted with discussion and allowed me access to his collection of Kuropean information, and James Cadbury read a draft. Weather data were extracted from .\ietcorological Ollice records and made available by the Wildlbwlers' .Association ol Great Britain and Ireland. H intering Bitterns in Britain 10 Wintering Bitterns in Britain Summary Between 30 and 100 Bitterns Bolaurus stellans are normally reported away from breeding areas each winter in Britain, the number being correlated with the severity ol the winter. A record 189 occurred in winter 1978/79. Mortality (mean 1 1.9%) also increased with the severity of the winter, but was found to have no effect on year-to-year breeding population changes in Britain. The timing and distribution ol records is described. It is suggested that some British breeding Bitterns emigrate in early autumn, but most of the variable number ol Bitterns in Britain in winter are of Continental origin. References Bannerman, D. a. 1957. The Birds oj the British Isles, vol. 6. London. ClRAMP, S., & Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) 1977. The Birds oJ the Western Palearctic. vol. 1. Oxford. Day, J. C. U. 1981 . Status of Bitterns in Europe since 1976. Brit. Birds 74: 10-16 & Wilson, J. 1978. Breeding Bitterns in Britain. Brit. Birds 71: 285-300. Dementiev, G. P., & GLadkov, N. A. 1969. Birds of the Soviet Union. Israel Program for Scientific Translations, Jerusalem. Riviere, B. B. 1930. A History of the Birds of Norfolk. London. Rydzewski, \V. 1956. The nomadic movements and migrations of the European Common Heron. 44: 71-188. Dr CohnJ. Bibby, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI9 2DL Status of Bitterns in Europe since 1976 J. C. U. Day Following a decline in much of Europe, probably due to drainage and persecution, the Bittern Botaurus stellaris has become much scarcer in many countries during the present century {BWP). With its extensive breeding range and the migratory nature of parts of its population, no studies of past or present status have been attempted for Europe as a whole. In northwest Europe, the Bittern became extinct as a breeding species in Sweden by the middle of the last century (Curry-Lindahl 1961) and had also disappeared from Britain 25 years later (Ri\ iere 1930). By the 1940s, however, both these countries had been recolonised and breeding had started in Einland [BWP). Eollowing the recolonisation of Britain and a subsequent build-up of the population, there has again been a decline in the last 20 years (Day & Wilson 1978). It was felt, therefore, that its numbers and status in Europe should be investigated to see if this decline was reflected elsewhere. [Bril. liirdslS: 10-lti, January I9H1] 11 Bitterns in Europe since 1976 4. Bittern Bolaurus stellaris at nest, German Democratic Republic {R. Schipke) Fortunately, in 1976, a survey of the status in Europe of the Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus was undertaken on behalf of the Birds of Prey \\ orld W orking Group of the International Council for Bird Preservation, and the opportunity was taken to include a questionnaire on the Bittern. Following the hard winter of 1978/79, a further census of the breeding population in Britain was undertaken, and further enquiries made from northwest European correspondents on Bittern numbers in spring 1979. Breeding status in Europe in 1976 In 1976, a questionnaire was sent out in English, French, German and Russian to all 29 European countries north of the Mediterranean and west of the Black Sea, including Turkey. Each correspondent was asked for an estimate of the total breeding population, number of breeding sites or areas. 12 Bitterns in Europe since 1976 and whether numbers had been stable, increasing or decreasing, and finally, if the latter, an assessment of the reasons for the decline. fwo countries (Luxembourg and the Republic of Ireland) reported that Bitterns no longer bred, and five others (Cyprus, Malta, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland) reported that they never had bred. Of the remainder, no quantitative information was available from the USSR, lurkey, Albania, Hungary, Poland, Greece or Italy. Attempts have been made to fill some of these gaps, either from the literature or through personal contact. .Although enormous numbers of breeding Bitterns are reported for the USSR (Dementiev & Gladkov 1951), the breeding range is so vast (e.xtending from European Russia to the Sea of Okhotsk) that no quantitative data are available either for numbers or sites; the USSR is, therefore, excluded from the following account. fhe results (table 1) led to an estimate of a breeding population of Bitterns in Europe of 2,500-2,700 pairs in 21 countries, assuming that numbers in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Yugoslavia and the southern part of the Federal German Republic do not exceed 100 pairs in total. No estimate is available for the number of breeding areas in several countries, but, apart from the Netherlands, the Federal German Republic and possibly France, it is obviously small. I n the nine countries where a full estimate of the number of pairs and sites is available, the average number of sites is 48, with a mean of 2. 4-2. 6 pairs at each, and an average population of 114-124 pairs. If the Netherlands (with the largest population) is excluded, the average figures for the remaining eight countries are reduced to 15 sites, with 3. 9-4. 6 pairs at each, totalling only 58-69 pairs. These data suggest that, as Bittern populations become smaller, there are more at fewer sites, and the population thus becomes more vulnerable to destruction of any of the remaining sites. In Britain, for instance, 6 1 % of the Bitterns breed at only three sites and the destruction of any one would mean a loss of about 20% of the total population. The decline in Bittern numbers witnessed in Britain has been paralleled in southern and much of central Europe, and nearly half of the countries questioned reported declines. The main reasons given were drainage, habitat destruction and pressure from hunting. 4’he only countries to report increasing populations were Sweden, Fin- land, the Netherlands and, possibly, Hungary, while those in Belgium and Schleswig-Holstein were said to be stable. Thus, although the comparative size of these northwest European populations is large, the general picture that emerges is of a general decline in numbers, due largely to wetland- drainage since the war in central Europe, and to a variety of causes, some of them obscure, but including drainage, in southern Europe. In northwest Europe, however, the species seems to be holding its own. Changes in breeding numbers following hard winter of 1978/79 Further enquiries were made concerning the status of breeding Bitterns in northwest Europe in summer 1979. In Sweden, where a number of sites are regularly monitored, and fob 13 Bitterns in Europe since 1976 Table 1. Status of Bitterns Botaurus stellans in Europe in 1976 Number of Populaiion stable (S) No. of breeding increasing (I) or Country pairs areas decreasing (D) Suggested reasons Source Austria <60 1 (F. D in last 20 years Disturbance possibly IC:BP {W. Walter) Neusiedl) associated with reedcutting Belgium 20 15 s IC:BP(R. Arnhem) Britain 45-47 6 D in last 20 years S Uncertain Dav & Wilson 1978 Bulgaria <20 Danube Numbers apparently ICiBP(S. Dontchev) \allev. unalTected b\ Black Sea destruction of some C)oasi former sites C’zcchoslovakia 20-27 9-12 S in-Slovakia Drainage of former ICBP (A. Randek D in Moravia and Bohemia breeding habitat K. Stastny) Denmark 30-40 16 S during last decade Long-term decline ICBP(H..Skotte since 1900. Drainage, habitat- destruction, illegal hunting and powerline strikes M(#ller Federal German Republic Schleswig-Holstein 130-140 130 s Probably a few in k;bp(.\i. West Berlin >5 >5 3 Niedersachsen. No Harengerd) Wc.stralcn/Nordrhein 12 4 3 records available Rheinland plalz 0 Formerly bred in for Bayern, Hes.sen almost all parts and Baden Wuricn- {BWP) berg Finland 50 30 1 since 1930 First reported regu- k:BP(1.. first bred 1922 larly in i930s Sammalisio), BWP France <■«)() 3 D? (but 21X1-390 .*\lmost certainly Veaiman 1976. pairs declining {e.g. in ICBP(J. .M. 'Fhioll; 1974 «(17') Aube Department 30 pairs in 196H only 1 in 1976), breeding habitat still available; cause of decline unknown German Democratic 400 3 3 k;bp(m. Republic Dornbust'h) K^BP (L. Sammalisto) C; recce (6-8 1 (Fatos D’ BWP. Nature b(K)mers Delta) Bulletin Hellenic 1973) Soc. for the Protection ol Nature Hungary 215-280 3 D J. WiLson in litt. Italy ■3 6-10 D Disturbance and .\tlante (Drnito- habitat destruction logico Italiano. BWP Netherlands 5(X) 31X1 D since l‘KX). but Loss and disturbance ICBP (S. I since 1962/3 of habitat oOset by some creation of new habitat Braaksma) Poland 85-110 3 s? j , Wilson in lilt. Romania 1(X) Danube D Believed no longer to IGBP (A. Delta breed in central Romania due to drainage of reedbeds Filipascu) Spain and Portugal 1(X)-125 8 D Drainage of reedbeds ICiBP (^j. A. and hunting Gonzales Morales) Sweden 21X1-250 >50 1 since 1970 1 70% increase since 1969 ICBP (I. Broberg) >5 1 3 Only one site known R. F. Porter in lilt. Yugoslavia 3 3 D Drainage, hunting and disturbance ICBP (V. Pleilev) 14 Bitterns in Europe since 1976 lowing the best year for Bitterns this century in 1978, a drop in breeding numbers was noted, at one major site by as much as 50% (L. Broberg in litt.). In contrast, in Finland, the population, which is not monitored, but is now thought to be as many as 200 pairs, is belie\ed not to have been allected, since the bulk of the population migrates southeast for the winter (L. Sammalisto in litt.). In particularly se\cre winters, however, when hard weather encompasses much of Europe, Bitterns are affected in their wintering areas (Loppenthin 1957; Broberg 1954, 1958; Bibby 1981). In Denmark, the numbers at the two most important localities dropped from 18 booming males in 1978 to 1 1 in 1979, a reduction ol' nearly 40%, and numbers of emaciated dead birds were found [A. Skotte Mpller 7« litt.). In Schleswig-Holstein, 50 were picked up dead in the 1978/79 winter, and in 1979 Bitterns were absent from many former breeding areas (G. A. J. Schmidt in litt.). In Britain, numbers continued to decline during 1977 and 1978, when the population was reduced to 41 boomers. In 1979, however, numbers were slightly up, with increases in Norfolk (M. Seago verbally) and Kent (W. G. Harvey in litt.). Fhis suggests that, after hard winters, the resident breeding population may be augmented from abroad. Unfortunately no figures are available for breeding numbers in the Netherlands in 1979. Since 1936, however, when the Bittern became a protected species there, licences have been needed by any taxidermist wishing to mount a dead bird. It is probable that the number of licences issued, and, therefore, the number of dead birds, will reflect the 5. Bittern Botaurus stellaris Ai nest, (ierman Denioeratie Republic [R. Schipke) Bitterns in Europe since 1976 o 1' ig. 1. Licences issued to taxidermists in the Netherlands Ibr Bitterns Botaurus stellaris. 1936-79 (se\ere winters arrowed) sexerity of the winter. The iigures, derixed from the oOicial statistics of the Ministry of Culture and Recreation (L. Lina xcrbally), are compared with known harsh winters in Europe since 1936 (fig. 1). Comparatixe meteorological data lor the Netherlands since 1936 are not easily axailable, so a comparison has been made with numbers of Bitterns wintering in Britain, which are known to be correlated with the scx’crity of the weather (Bibby 1981). d’here is a strong correlation (ri7 = 0.785, p <().()() 1) between the number of licences issued in the Netherlands and numbers of wintering Bitterns in Britain since 1960. I hc relationship is still significant (i'i5 = 0.574, p <0.05) if the figures for the years following the hard winters of 1973/74 and 1978/79 are remox ed. 4 his suggests that the patterns of mortality following sex ere winters are similar in both countries. The number of licences issued for dead birds in the Netherlands in 1979, following the 1978 winter, was 120 compared with a mean of 44 ± 21 for the prex ious eight years. 44ius, the figures for northwest Europe for the 1979 breeding season suggest that a general decline of 30-50% occurred following the 1978/79 winter. (A 40% decline in this region would represent a reduction of about 16% in the European population as a whole, assuming that other areas were entirely unafiected.) Acknowledgments I am most grateful to llie ICIBP World Working (iroup on Birds of Prey and its Ciliairman, Ian Prestt, for allowing me to collect data on the Bittern under the auspices of tlicir enqtiiry, and particularly to .\listair (Jammell who organised the circulation of the questionnaire. I should also like to thank John O'Sullivan for his help in translating eorrcspondenec. Dr Colin Bibby made helpful comments and criticism ol'an earlier draft. Summary The results of a questionnaire census of the Bittern Botaurus stellaris in Europe in 1976 show that the European population in that year, excluding the USSR, was 2,.')00-2,700 pairs. Etirther enquiries in northwest Europe after the hard winter of 1978/79 suggest a 3()-.30% decline in breeding numbers in 1979. 1 5 Bitterns in Europe since 1976 6. Bittern Bolaurus sleliaris a.1 nest, German Democratic Republic {R. Schipke) References Bibby, G. J. 1981. Wintering Bitterns in Britain. Bnl. Birds 74; 1-10. Braaksma, S. 19,'74. De Stand \an de Roerdomp, Botaums stellaris L. als broed\ogcl in Nederland tot 1953. 42: 151-162. — 1958. Aahvullende gcgecens over de Stand van de Roerdomp Botaums stellaris L. als broedvogel in Nederland. Ardea 46; 158-166. Brichetti, P. Atlante Ornitologico Italiano.\o\. 1. Milan. ('.RAMP, S., & Simmons, K. K. L. (cds.) 1977. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 1. ( ).\l(>rd. Gi'RRY-LiNDAHi., K. 1961. Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde S\: 27-44. Day, ]. G. U., & Wilson, J. 1978. Breeding Bitterns in Kurope. Brit. Birds 71; 285-300. Dementiev, G. P., & (ii.ADKov, N. .\. 1954, translated 1969. Birds of the Soviet I nion. \ol. II. Israel Program lor Scientiiic I ranslations. Jerusalem. Loppentiiin, B. 1957. R^^rdrummen (Botaums stellaris (I..)) i Danmark 1957. Dansk Orn. Boren. Tidsskr. 52: 106-1 17. Riviere, B. B. 1930. .1 Hislory oj the Birds oj Norfolk. London. 5 EATMAN, L. 1976. Atlas des Oiseaux Nicheurs de Trance. Paris. /. C. U. Day, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI92DL I 1 Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1979 J. T. R. Sharrock and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel ¥~leriodically. there ha\ e been eritieisms aeeusing the Panel of revealing ^ too mueh inlbrniation. The Panel liaxing been in operation tor se\en years, we considered that the time was ripe for testing the opinions of all those responsible (or collecting, assessing, collating and publishing bird records in the UK: the county and regional report editors. In early spring 1980, therefore, we sent out a questionnaire to each of the 85 county and regional recorders in the UK, with the request that they each consult their colleagues on their local editorial committee and then complete and return the Ibrm to us. W e stated that ‘d'hc direction which the Panel takes in the coming years will be determined by your response to our questions.' Phe replies Irom 70 returned questionnaires are given below: I ho Rare Breeding Birds Panel ( 1 ) is loo seereti\ e and publislies insullic ieiu detail 3 (4% ) (2) pro\ ides a balanced and responsible published report 62 (89%) (3) oeeasionalK re\eals too mueh information 3 (4%) (4) often misguidedb’ reveals too mueh inlbrniation 2 (3%) riie Panel has always published only that information which it con- sidered to be safe, sometimes suppressing data for which county societies liacl gi\en clearance. It is reassuring to disco\er that the majority of county societies support this stance. E\ cn our critics, however, were construetive in their suggestions, and all comments ha\e been noted and will lead to various improvements in our reports. The primary function of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel is to provide a safe store for confidential information, so that this is collected in one file for posterity. In the past, details of important records have been lost for ever through the deaths of the only people ha\ ing knowledge ol' the circum- stances; storing of confidential records in the scattered files of individual county societies is also unsatisfactory, since they will not be easily \Hul. Iin(l.\ 1 \\ I J.imi.MA 17 18 Rare breeding birds in 1979 accessible to researchers in the future and, inevitably, some will be mislaid o\er the years. Records submitted to the panel on its special forms (two copies of each) are filed in locked containers at two places, to guard against loss by fire. As the years pass, the accumulated information becomes more and more valuable. We are pleased, therefore, that co-operation from county and regional recorders is being maintained and, in many cases, is improN’ing. A few societies or recorders do not supply full data for their most sensitive species (which are, of course, different in each area). We regret this, since the confidentiality of the panel is now thoroughly established and neither posterity nor present-day conservationists will welcome less than the full picture. We are pleased, howev er, that information for past years is now being supplied by an increasing number of recorders so that the scientific record is completed. Serving conservation is our second function. It is obviously important for the RSPB, the Nature C’onservancy Council and others to know which species are increasing and which decreasing, whether breeding success is improving or declining, whether breeding ranges are expanding or con- tracting, and so on. Such information can be obtained only by collection of much otherwise confidential data into one central register, from which summaries (but not details) can be fed to the conservation bodies. The Panel is funded and supported jointly by British Birds, the B TO, the RSPB and the NCC. During 1979, the panel’s members were Dr L. A. Batten, R. H. Dennis, Ian Prestt, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock (secretary) and Robert Spencer. Most records reach the Panel from the county and regional recorders (see names and addresses in Brit. Birds 72: 446-449). Individual observers are strongly encouraged to submit their data v ia the relevant county recorder, although it is recognised that there may very occasionally be exceptional reasons for sending a record directly to the panel’s secretary. The special forms for submitting records are available free from the address at the end of this report. So far, 1979 details have been received from 76 areas (fig. 1 ); nine are still outstanding, but we expect to receive data from most if not all in due course. I he policy in our published reports is to include information only when safe to do so, and provided that we have received permission; we publish basic details, sufficient for the purposes of most researchers and enough to give birdwatchers a balanced annual summary of the events concerning the United Kingdom’s rarest breeding birds. In this report, counties are named only when permission has been given. In other cases, code letters are used: these are the same as in previous reports, so that histories of decline or colonisation can be followed, even though the locations must remain confidential to ensure freedom from disturbance. 4 his report contains a mixture of old and new county names: we have used those supplied by the recorders. l or most sj)ecies, we have given a range of figures for ‘pairs breeding’, the lower representing the number confirmed breeding and the upper the maximum if, for instance, every singing male or single sighting represented a nesting pair. Although these ranges are often very wide, they can be Rare breeding birds in 1979 19 Fig. I. Areas covered by this report. Records (or negati\ e returns) were supplied lor the 76 areas shown black. Some indi\idual obser- vers supplied data lor the counties lel't white, but records were not recei\ed from the local recorders, and so the picture may be very incomplete for these nine areas. I'he panel does not collect records from the Republic of Ireland consistently calculated each year and will, we hope, be valuable for comparisons. Summary of the year Fears that the severe winter of 1978/79 would have a serious efi'ect on our rarer breeding birds were partly justified. Cloinpared with 1978, the 1979 breeding numbers of Dartford Warblers fell by over 40%, but Cetti’s Warblers proved to be hardy, declining by only 7%, and the number of breeding Bitterns was almost unairected. I he year included some indications of what may perhaps come in the future, with summering or long stays by Red-necked Grebe, Little Bittern, Purple Heron and Great Reed Warbler. Some species have not waited for a mate of their own kind to appear before indulging in breeding actix ities and in 1979 these included Black Duck, King Eider and Glaucous Gull. A \'cry welcome e\ent occurred in 1979. One of the only two breeding species lost to Britain this century did manage what could pro\e to be its first step towards recolonisation. The White-tailed Haliaeetus albicilla will return only as a result of reintroduction, but the Kentish Plox er has returned of its own accord: a pair hatched chicks and must ha\e given their discoverers the thrill of a lifetime. If lucky birders who come across a pair — or even a single in suitable habitat (perhaps it has a mate on eggs nearby) — show restraint, perhaps this delightful bird will return as a regular breeder. 20 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Every year has its successes and its i'ailures. Our report notes pleasing events concerning Whooper Swan, Goldeneye, Montagu’s Harrier, Goshawk (despite a fearful degree of interference). Osprey, Hobby, Rull, Mediterranean Gull, Savi’s Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Firecrest, Golden Oriole and Brambling. d'here is also remarkable news of Redwings in 1975 and 1976; that for 1979, however, was dismal for this species, and Wryneck (no proved breeding) and Serin (no relevant records, after encouraging events in 1978) both also provided disappointments. Systematic list W e have received no relevant 1979 records of the following species Great Northern Di\ er Gavia irnmer Rougli-leggecl Buzzard Buko lagopus Sanderling Calidris alba Feetoral Sandpiper C. melanolos Purple Sandpiper C. maritima Jaek Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Spotted Sandpiper Aclitis macularia l urnstone Arenaria inlerpres Little (iull Lams minulus Black rern Chlidonias niger Ho(jpoe Vpupa epops Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris Gitrine W agtail Motacilla citreola Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubilor Serin Serinus serinus Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena One site; single summered. County A One site: single adult from at least 2nd .May to 27th July. A return to the 1975-77 situation, after no summer records in 1978. Breeding has never been suspected, but eventual colonisation seems distinctly possible. Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus Incomplete data. County A One site: seven or eight broods totalling 13 young; ‘most sueeessful season in the present decade.’ County B I'vvo sites: ( 1) pair reared two young; (2) single on three dates in May and early June, but none late June or July. We hope to ha\ e the 1979 Inverness-shire data ax ailable for inclusion in our ne.xt report. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Six sites: 12-14 pairs breeding, 23 young. County A Two sites: ( 1 ) four pairs reared six young; (2) three pairs reared six young. County D One site: four broods (3, 3, 2 & 1) in July. County E One site: single from L5th .\pril to 1st July. County G One site: pair from mid .\pril to mid .May (courtship on bth May), single early August, pair throughout .September. County I One site: pair with two newly-hatched young on 1 4th June, all four still present 3()th June. I otals have been in the range 10-19 pairs every year since 1973. Bittern Botaurus stellaris 19 sites: one to 47 pairs breeding. Lancashire 1 wo sites: (1)11 booming males; (2) one booming male. Lincolnshire/south Humberside Two sites: (1) one booming male .\pril-.\lay; (2) one booming male in mid .May. Norfolk .Nine sites: (I) otu- male and two females reared two broods; (2) (3) two booming mtdes; (4)-(9) one booming male. Rare breeding birds in 1979 2 1 Suffolk four sites; ( 1 ) nine pairs; (2) seven pairs; (3) two booming males on 13th April; (4) two present from 1st- 1 2th June. County A I wo sites: ( 1 ) (2) one booming male. 1978 Suffolk 'I'wo sites: ( 1 ) (2) total of‘probably 20 pairs’. I he severe 1978/79 winter apparently had little eOect: the two previous years’ totals were 0-42 pairs at 17 sites in 1977 and 2-47 pairs at 17 sites in 1978. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus One site: single male (and possibly pair) held territory. County A One site: male present and thumping song heard from early .May to at least 19th June; second, didler individual seen on one date, assumed to be female. Breeding probably occurred in East Anglia in the 19th century and on a tew occasions in southeast England in the 1940s and 1950s, but has never been proved in Britain or Ireland. A male’s thumping song was heard at one site in southern England lor six weeks in June-July 1970 and a male — seen on single dates in June and August — may have summered in West Glamorgan in 1976. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea One site: single summered. Dyfed One site: single from 21st May to 14th July. Singles summered in West Glamorgan in 1976 and 1977, but there is no suggestion of the presence of pairs or attempted breeding; none has ever been recorded nesting in Britain or Ireland. Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus I hree sites: one pair with two young and two non-breeding pairs; also escaped pair reared one young. Scotland I hree sites: (1) pair with two young during 1 lth-1 7th July; (2) (3) pair present. Dunbartonshire One site: feral pair escaped from nearby wildfowl collection, nest found 28th .May, one young reared. After no breeding records during the 30 years from 1948-77, two come in quick succession, with single pairs rearing three young in 1978 and two young in 1979. Black Duck Anas rubripes One female paired with male Mallard A. platyrhynchos and reared hybrid young. Scilly One site: single female paired with male .Mallard, three hybrid young seen on 30th .May and 4th June, but only two remained on Ibthjuly. The third successive year in which presumably the same female reared hybrid young. Pintail Anas acuta 1 7 sites: nine to 39 pairs breeding. Angus Two sites: ( 1 ) three pairs in early .May; (2) nine adults on 1 3th May. Argyll T wo sites: ( 1 ) eight young on 1 7th July; (2) two females with young on 7th July. Cambridgeshire Four sites: ( 1 ) two males and single female in .May-June, brood ofsi.x young on 17th June, three broods on 29th June, female with six young on 15th July; (2) male and female in May; (3) pair from 5th- 19th .April; (4) male in .May. 22 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Cheshire One site: tliree males and two females on 13th June, six males and four females on 16th June. Kent Two sites; ( 1 ) pair with three almost full-grown young on 25thjuly; (2) three pairs in late March and .\pril, none seen in May, hut female in early June and with flying young in late June. Orkney Foursites: (1) four females, one with eight well-grown young on IDthJune; (2) pairon ISthJune; (3) male on 14thjune; (4) two males and one female on IGthJune. Suffolk Fwo sites: ( 1 ) pair throughout summer; (2) single summered. 'I'he average during 1973-78 was eight to 18 pairs breeding. Scaup Aythya marila Two sites: 0-1 pair breeding, and one hybrid pairing with Tufted Duck A. fuligula. Argyll One site: pair from 23rd-28th May. North Yorkshire One site: female, probably not 100% pure-bred, assumed to be same as in 1978 (Bril. Birds 73: 1 1 ), paired with male I'ufted Duck, seen later with brood of eight young. d'he only confirmed breeding records in the present decade were three pairs at one site in 1970 and single pairs in 1973 and 1978. King Eider Somateria spec tab ilis Single male mating with female Eider S. mollissima. County A One site: male mating on several occasions with female Fioer. Another instance of a summering vagrant or migrant outside its normal breeding range mating, pairing or breeding with a close congener. Common Scoter Melanitta nigra 16 sites: 98-125 pairs breeding. Argyll One site: two females with four well-grown young. Caithness Eight sites: (1) five pairs in June; (2) three pairs in June; (3) two males and one female on 10th June; (4) single male and female on 10th June; (5) three pairs in June; (6) two pairs in June; (7) (8) pair in June. Dunbartonshire/west Stirlingshire One site: three pairs and fourth male in May, brood of six young on 8th August depleted to three young by 6th September and last seen with another female with one young on 8th September. Fermanagh One site: 183 adults, including 89 paired females, with maximum of 37 young on one day (27th July). Perthshire Two sites; ( 1 ) four females with broods often, se\en, one and one on 1 1 th July; (2) male and four females or juveniles on 18th August, assumed to have come from site 1 . Shetland Three sites: ( 1 ) female with two young; (2) female on nest; (3) up to three pairs in May-June. I he lowest maximum since these reports started in 1973; average during 1973-78 was 18-148 breeding pairs. Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Over 14 sites: 22-40 pairs breeding, with at least 1 10 young hatched. Cheshire One site: male until 29th June. Cumbria Seven sites: ( l)-(7) one to five on various dates from May to ,\ugust; recorder ga\e opinion that ‘we will add Goldeneye to our county breeding birds before long.’ Dunbartonshire/west Stirlingshire One site: pair until at least 22nd May, then female reported with llightless young on the very late dates of8th and l')th September (also two males on last date). Highland Number of sites not noted: 19 females laid a total of 162-165 eggs in nest-boxes and two other females nested in natural sites; 14 females hatched a total of 1 10 young. Rare breeding birds in 1979 23 Midlothian One site: female on 25th May; male on 15th June and, on adjacent water, on 24th June. North Yorkshire One site: immature male on 20th June. 1976 Cleveland One site: lemale from 22nd June to 13th .\ugust. 1978 North Yorkshire Oite site: female on 1 7th June, two females on 26th July. I he minimum number of nesting females has increased spectacularly throughout the 1970s: 1, 1, 1, 3, 3, 2, 5, 6, 12 and 22. The number ofyoung hatched in 1979 was also more than double the previous highest totals (46 in 1976 and 40+ in 1978). Smew Alergus albellus Two sites: single individuals summering. Cheshire One site: male stayed until Kith June. Suffolk One site: female summered. Not unexpected, following the winter 1978/79 influx. Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Information incomplete. Norfolk One site: one or two summered from 3rd June. County A One site: two from 19th May to at least August. County F One site: single throughout July. With no data supplied from the main breeding area, the Panel is unable to assess or report on trends. Red Kite Milvus rnilvus 40 pairs: 18 young reared from 14 successful nests. County A I'wo separate singles in .April. County B Five sites: (1) pair reared one young; (2) (3) pair laid eggs, but failed; (4) two, probably pair, but no nest; (5) two, perhaps pair, but no nest. County C 27 sites: ( 1 ) (2) pair reared two young; (3)-(7) pair reared one young; (8)-( 18) pair laid eggs, l)ut failed; ( 19) pair laid eggs, robbed by egg-eollectors; (20)-(25) pair built nest, but did not lay eggs; (26) pair built five nests, but did not lay eggs; (27) pair present all spring, but no nest-building seen. .Also about ten unmated and unsettled individuals. Reporter commented: ‘A notably unsuccessful season in this part of the range, due mainly to the exceptionally cold and late spring. Several pairs deserted eggs in snow of late. April/early May, the males being unable to feed females. I'he proportion of pairs building but failing to lay was unprecedented.’ County D Four sites: (1) pair reared two young; (2) (3) pair reared one young; (4) pair in .March, but not seen later. County E Fhree sites: ( 1 ) pair reared two young; (2) pair reared one young; (3) pair laid eggs, but failed, probably owing to cold weather in early .May. County F One site: pair reared one young. Prol)ably also wandering, unmated single. »rhe number of nesting pairs (36) was the highest this century, exceeding the 1977 and 1978 totals of 33 and 34, but neither the number of successful 24 Rare breeding birds in 1979 nests ( 14) nor the number ofyoung reared ( 18) reaehed the 1975 peaks ol 15 and 24. Despite the eold, late spring (see comment under County C4, however, pairs present, pairs nesting, successful nests and young reared were all abo\ e the 1973-78 average. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 18 sites; 24 males and 2b females breeding, 12 pairs rearing 39 young. Norfolk Kiglu sites: (I) t\^'<) tnales and iliree I'emales present, fi\e voting reared; (2) pair reared lour young; (3) (4) pair reared three \oung; (.')) pair laid eggs, v\ hieli were remo\ed 1)\ man; (ti) pair built nest, but no eggs laid; (7) pair summered; (ti) pair nest-building in ,\pril. Suffolk •Six sites; (1) ten young reared from three nests; (2) two ]rairs (one male with two lemales, one inl'ertile) each reared linir \(nmg; (3) (4) three voting reared from one nest; (.3) pair built nest, but probablv no young reared; (b) pair summered. County B ( )ne site: female horn ;')th .\Iav to 17th .September, but no male seen. County C One site: female from mid .May to at least mid June in area where almosi eertainly bred in 19;')0s. County D ( )ne site; pair from .3th .May to earlv' j une, displaying on 14 th .May, second lernale in mid .May, probably made breeding attempt. County E ( )ne site: pair from May to late July, display and nest-building only. The recent upsurge in number of young reared was maintained (the 1973-75 average was only 14, compared with 34 during 1976-78), but did not reach the 20th-century high of 44 in 1977. I’he summerers outside the two main counties are an encouraging sign. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus Four sites: two to (bur pairs breeding, total of seven young reared. County A One site: male from 7th May to 10th June, nest built, but female on only 28th .May. County C One site: pair reared three young. County D ( )ne site: pair reared lour young. County G One site: female from mid .Ma\ to end of June. 1978 County C One site: pair nested, but cattle trod on eluteh of four eggs. The most successful year since 1972, but the e.xistence of this species as a British breeding species remains very tenuous. We appeal to bird- watchers to resist the temptation to visit known sites and to be very cir- cumspect if breeding in a new site is suspected. Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 32 sites; 20-38 pairs breeding. Argyll ( )ne site: female displaying. Caernarvonshire I wo sites: ( I ) pair from mid February to mid .April, often displaying, rumours ol occasional sightings in summer; (2) female on 27ih June and 2()th ( )etober, male on Istjuly. Cumbria ( )ne site: female on :3th .May. Dumfriesshire One site: female on 3()ih .May. County C One site: male on 7th .April, female at nest on 21st .April, none in July, when nest-tree showed signs of elimbing irons. 25 Rare breeding birds in 1979 County D lour sites: (1) lour [)airs, one reared one voimg, one laid three eggs whieh were taken, one laid three or lour eggs but deserted owing to human disturbance, lourth pair mav ha\e held territcjry; (2) two pairs, one reared two young, second pair had eggs taken; (3) pair had three young removed by laleoner; (4) jjair laid three eggs, but young rernox ed b\ laleoner. County K 1 wo sites: ( 1 ) pair reared at least two young; (2) in April, male seen several times and lenitde once. County L One site: pair displaying :')th, 7th and hth Max . County M Present, but no details made axailable to eountx recorder. County N I'xvo sites: ( I ) (2) pair fledged x-oung. County P Hxe sites: (1) pair had eggs taken but I'emained on territory; (2) txvo pairs, one reared three young, second laid four eggs, but eluteh taken; (3) pair built nest, this pulled out, pair rebuilt, but lailed to lay, second pair or unmated tnalc built up nest of Sparrowhaxx k .4. /usi/s and then bnilt new nest, but no eggs laid; (4) pair laid elutehes of two txviec, but eggs remox ed; (,")) sightings ol probably unmated single. County T 1 hree sites: ( 1 ) pair until at least 1 7th .\pril. no nest Ibund; (2) Lised nest t()und; (3) maleon I 4th and IHth.\pril. County U One site: pair summered, built nest, possibly laid eggs. County V Four sites: ( 1 ) (2) pair built nest, but breeding failed; (3) (4) pair, perhaps nested. County X One site: pair displaying in .\pril, presenee noted in June. County Y One site: pair displaying, then xvith jux enileson 27th .\ugust. County Z One site: pair, did not biced. 1977 Caernarvonshire Fxxo sites: ( 1) single on 22nd June; (2) female on 14th June. 1977 County D F our sites: ( 1 ) two pairs nested, both probabix reared young; (2) txvo pairs, one probabix reared young, second had eluteh of three eggs taken; (3) txx o pairs, one had eggs taken, attempted to nest again and then deserted, second pair present but no other evidence; (4) pair reared at least txvo young. I his entrx replaces the earlier one (Br/'l. Birds 72: 370). 1977 County P F ix e sites: ( 1 ) pair probabix laid, but failed to rear young; (2) txvo pairs, one built up nest but failed to breed, second pair in territory but no nest located: (3) pair present and display obserxed; (4) txvo pairs, one reared three young, second (both immatures) built nest but were both shot; (;)) pair displaying but no nest located. 1978 Buckinghamshire ( )ne site: single on 2 1st July. 1978 Herefordshire ( )ne site: pair seen. 1978 County D F our sites: ( I ) pair had eluteh of four eggs taken, mox ed to another site and three young cither died in bad weather xvhen small or were remoxed; (2) txvo pairs both had eggs taken; (3) two pairs, one reared three young, second seen displaying but no nest located; (4) pair reared three xoung. I'his entrx replaces the earlier one [Brit. Birds 73: 14). 1978 County P Fixe sites: (1) pair laid eluteh of four eggs, deserted after deliberate disturbanec and then rclined nest oxer top of old eluteh and reared one young; (2) two pairs, one built up 197b nest but failed to lay or nested elsexx here, second pair reared three young; (3) pair nested but eluteh of four eggs taken xvhen close to hatching; (4) txxo pairs, one laid four eggs but eluteh taken, seecmd hatched three young whieh were remoxed xvhen quite large; (;3) either pair or unmated single. 26 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Despite disturbance (both criminally careless by birdwatchers and deliberate by keepers), the activities of egg-collectors and the stealing ol its young by falconers, this hue raptor continues to increase. The totals ol pairs breeding during 1973/79 have been 6-12, 8-17, 4-31, 11-22, 14-36, 13-32 and 20-38. Osprey Pandion haliaetus 27-28 sites: 25-26 pairs, 16 or 17 successful nests, w'ith 30-33 young reared. Invemess-shire Loch CLu lcn: pair reared three young. Perth 1 ,och of the Lowes; pair reared two young. Scotland 23 sites: ( 1 ) tliree eggs, but female disappeared about 20th June, male alone reared one v oting; (2) three eggs, one young reared; (3) one small young ringed on 9th Jul>’; (4) three eggs but female disappeared and two eggs nearly ready to hatch deserted in nest and one broken below it; (5) three eggs laid but for fifth successive year failed to hatch; ((>) three large young ringed on 12thjuly; (7)-( 10) three young reared; (11) three eggs laid, but failed in about mid May; ( 12)-( 15) one young reared; (16) three eggs laid, two young reared; (17) pair and a third bird, at least one egg laid, later found broken below nest; ( 18) pair; ( 19) three eggs laid but nest-tree blew down on night of 17th May; (20) two eggs, one failed to hatch, one young reared; (21) new pair, failed during incubation; (22) pair built nest in new area, outcome intknown; (23) pair built nest, but no eggs laid. County D One site: two or three young in nest on 19th July (perhaps already included under ‘Scotland’). County H One site: singles on at least eight occasions from 19th .May to 23rd .August. County J One site: single from late .April regularly to June and intermittently until lOth .August, second also present for some days in .May. I'he most successful year this century, the previous highest number of young reared being 21 in 1973 and 1974. Hobby Falco subbuteo 107 sites: 75-124 pairs, 39 pairs rearing at least 69 young. Avon Three sites: ( 1 ) pair reared three young; (2) singles regularly June-.August; (3) single on 1st June. Bedfordshire Three sites: (1) pair reared at least one young; (2) single on many occasions from 9th June to 23rd September; (3) three, very vocal, aerial foodpasses seen, from 1st September to first week ofOctober. Berkshire Four sites: (1) two adults and two juveniles on 26th-27th .August, five together on 31st .August; (2) pair displaying on 29th .May, single on 3rd .August; (3) singles on 4th and 19th .August; (4) single on 26th June. Records from east Berkshire were not supplied to the county recorder. Cambridgeshire Three sites: (1) pair reared three young; (2) pair probably reared one young; (3) pair displaying on 29th .May, adult feeding flying juveniles on 5th September. Devon ‘.A reasonably good breeding season, but some failures j^robably due to human interference.’ Regrettably, no details were supplied to the Panel, apart from one independent report ol a pair which laid two clutches, both of which were stolen. Dorset ‘.At least 14 pairs successful, raising at least 20 young, and a few more were unsuccessful.’ We have assumed that ‘a few more’ was at least three. Regrettably, neither the county recorder nor the Panel received full details. Durham/Tyne & Wear Singles on five dates from 2nd June to 29th .August, then immature female recently escaped from captivity on 8th January 1980 suggested likelihood of theft from local nest. 27 Rare breeding birds in 1979 East Sussex I wo sites: { 1 ) pair reared two young; (2) pair present. Essex One site: pair reared three young, the first pro\ed breeding in Essex since 1890. Gloucestershire Five sites: ( 1 ) pair reared at least one and probably two young; (2) regular sightings during summer; (3) one or two from 7th June to 1 1th September; (4) juvenile in late September ‘said to have been bred nearby’; (5) many sightings from May to September. Hampshire 1 7 sites: ( 1 ) at least 1 2 pairs, two rearing young; (2) pair reared three young; (3) pair reared two young; (4) pair, female on nest on 22nd July, pair last seen 28th July, no young reared; (.3) pair present; (6) pair nested but no young reared; (7) single regularly, two once, no attempt made to locate nest; (8)-( 1 7) pair in territory. Herefordshire ( )ne site: pair feeding calling young. Kent hour sites: ( 1 ) pair with three young from 19th .\ugust to 2 1st September; (2)-(4) single on single date in May-June. Leicestershire Sc\en sites: (l)-(3) pair reared one young; (4)-(5) seen repeatedly around former tneeding site; (b) (7) seen repeatedly. Lincolnshire/south Humberside One site: pair reared three young. North Yorkshire One site: single on 19th June. Oxfordshire 1 1 sites: ‘seven pairs proved breeding, another lour pairs possibly bred’. Regrettably, no details of success were made available to the county recorder or to the Panel. Somerset Five sites: ( 1 ) ‘probabU two pairs’; (2) ‘probably one pair’; (3) ‘possibly one pair’; (4) pair on 14th June, single on 8th July; (.5) three together on 6th May and 17th June. Suffolk Six sites: ( 1 ) ‘pair bred’; (2) seen regularly, pair and food pass on 5th July; (3) single on 14th june; (4) single from 1 7th May to 18th june; (5) single on 27ih june; (6) single on 20th .K'ly. Surrey .Seven sites: ( 1 ) (2) pair reared three \oung; (3) two pairs, one robbed, second reared one young; (4) (5) pair reared at least one young; (6) pair ‘successful’; (7) pair. Warwickshire Two sites: (1) pair and nest; (2) casual sightings suggested at least one additional pair. West Sussex One site: pair, with two Hying young on 2 1st August. Wiltshire .Six sites: ‘no confirmed breeding, three pairs probably bred, another three pairs possibly bred’. .No details were supplied to the Panel. Worcestershire Fwo sites: ( 1 ) pair reared four young; (2) pair displaying. 1976 Suffolk One site: pair attempted to breed. 1977 Suffolk F xtra sites: (5) pair bred; (6) pair probabK bred. 1978 Herefordshire I h ree sites: (1) pair and one juvenile; (2) single flying to nest; (3) sightings suggest third pair. 1978 Lincolnshire/south Humberside One site: two on 22nd July. Despite the absence of any data for Devon and east Berkshire, and the lack of details for Dorset, the main Hampshire site, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, all of which we hope will eventually be supplied for our archix e files, it is clear that 1979 was a very good year for the presence of breeding Hobbies, but success was not good, d'he number of pairs confirmed breeding was higher than in any of the previous six years, but the number of young known to have been reared was down to the 1976 level, after high totals in 1977 and 1978 (table 1). Table 1. Breeding pairs of Hobbies Falco subbuteo and number of young reared in the United Kingdom during 1973-79 Data ha\c not been made available from some counties; in general, coverage has improved annually 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 Minimum number of pairs 22 43 37 59 51 70 75 .Maximum number ol pairs (it) 91 132 141 1 19 1.56 124 .Minimum number of voung reared 24 49 40 69 78 96 69 28 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Spotted Crake Porzana porzana I'hree sites: 0-7 pairs breeding. Cambridgeshire One site: ‘five territories held, breeding probable.’ Outer Hebrides Two sites: ( 1 j (2) male singing in early June. d'his poor showing is actually well above the average for recent years: annual totals ofpairs breeding during 1973-79 have been 0, 0-5, 0, 0-1, 0-8, 0-6 and 0-7. Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta I hree sites: 1 47- 1 56 pairs reared 99 young. Norfolk One site: eight pairs reared 30 young. Suffolk Two sites: ( 1 ) at Havergate, 95-100 pairs reared six young (severe predation by gulls Larus) \ (2) at Minsmere, 44-48 pairs reared 63 young. 4’he 1979 totals were about the average for recent years. Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus 31 sites: 34-81 pairs breeding. Berkshire I hree sites: (1) (2) present at former breeding site; (3) singles on 23rd and 29th June, two on 1st July. Cambridgeshire I wo sites: ( 1 ) six pairs, two each rearing two young; (2) six pairs, two each rearing one young. Dorset Three sites: (l)-(3) pair. Essex One site: pair in May- June. Norfolk F ive sites: ( 1 )-(3) total ol 15 pairs breeding; (4) two pairs breeding; (5) ten to 13 pairs breeding. Reporter commented: ‘Vast areas ofsuitable habitat not covered.’ Oxfordshire Three sites: ( 1 ) pair reared young; (2) heard in mid May; (3) .August record. Suffolk I I sites: ( 1 )-( 1 I ) totals of 1 3 pairs in Breckland and seven pairs in coastal strip. West Sussex One site: pair from 8th May to 24th September, but site ploughed in mid June. Wiltshire Two sites: ( 1) two pairs with young; (2) no firm information, but four to six pairs probably bred. co-ordinated nocturnal census by experts, and liaison with farmers and other landowners, will be necessary to determine the true status of Stone- curlews in Britain. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus One site: one pair hatched two young. Lincolnshire/ south Humberside One site: female on two eggs on 30th June, two newly hatched young with both adults on 10th July. In addition, a male present at Gibraltar Point in June and July. Breeding did not take place at this site in 198(3. The last published record ol this engaging wader breeding in the UK was in 1956. Dotterel Charadrius morinellus At least 1 1 sites: 13-24 pairs breeding. Angus 1 wo sites: (1) male on clutch of three eggs on 16th June; (2) six pairs bred, with ‘average breeding success’. Cumbria One site: 12 adults on 24th May, three pairs each with clutches of three eggs, two young in nest on 18th June, two males with one three-day-old chick on 6th July, one probably unsuccessful, probably one to two extra pairs. Grampian ‘Usual adult stock in Ciairngorms and cast Grampians. Good breeding season in latter area, but poorer than average in C.airngorms due to bad weather on the plateau in summer.’ Regrettably, this is the only information made available to the county recorder and to the Panel. Perthshire Three sites: (1) adult and one young on 14th July; (2) single performing distraction display on 1st July; (3) female on 8th August. 29 Rare breeding birds in 1979 County E One site: up to 14 during 13th-20th May. County F One site; pair, three small young with male on 6th July, male, female and three fledged young on 22nd August. County 1 One site; two on 25th June. 1977 County G One site: unconhrmed report of adult in June, then adult with bare!) fledged juvenile on 31st July, adult and flying juvenile, presumably same two, nearby on 6th August. 1978 Perthshire One site: adult with three young on 25th June. 1978 County F I w'o sites: (1) pair and second male, three eggs on 24th May, two chicks and addled egg on 18th June, two well-grown young w'ith male on 6thjuly, one fledged young with male and female on 29th July; (2) pair and three recently fledged young on 9th July. 1978 County G I he entry in last year’s report {Bril. Birds 73; 17) referred to 1977 and should be deleted. As usual-, we must note our regret at the lack of detail from the main area which makes it impossible for us to monitor UK population changes. Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii Data probably incomplete: one nest and eggs. County D One site: single on 13th June, sitting on four eggs on 18th, still sitting 2nd July, but eggs and bird gone on 5th. No information from sites in Counties A and B which have been occupied annually since 1973 and 1974 respectively. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos No relevant 1979 records. 1974 Caithness One site: single displaying on 28th-29th May; observer comments: ‘.Not followed up — should have been, in view of subsequent breeding by Spotted Sandpiper .4c/hb macularia. ’ Displaced Nearctic vagrants are potential colonisers and this species must be one of the most likely to breed in the UK. Ruff Philomachus pugnax 1 1 sites: three to 21 females breeding. Cambridgeshire Four sites: (1) female with young on 25th June; (2) three males and two females in May; (3) female on 16th June; (4) ‘arriving birds washed out by floods — no breeding.’ Kent One site: up to nine males and two females at lek in May. Lancashire One site; female with at least two small young, probably only one or two days old, on 1st July. Lincolnshire/south Humberside One site: two males and four females, lekking, on 20th ■May, two males on 21st and 24th May, other single males on 26th-28th May and 4th June, two males and two females on 19th June, two males on 20th-23rdjune; observer thought there was possibility of unsuccessful breeding attempt. 30 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Suffolk One site: two males and \ arying number of lemales at Ick in April and May, pair ‘thought to have bred’. Western Isles One site: male at lek with two or three females in May. County B One site: female twice returning to particular marshy area. County C One site: sev eral males and up to four females in early summer, otie hatching at least two young. More sites than in any year this century and the most breeding females since 1972. Black-tailed Godwit Lirnosa limosa 13 sites: 39-64 pairs breeding. Cambridgeshire Five sites: ( 1 ) two pairs throughout summer, but no search made Ibr nests; (2) one breeding pair and one perhaps non-breeding pair; (3) five pairs; total offivc or si.x pairs bred successfully at sites 1-3; (4) pair on 14th .April; (.3) ‘32 territories before floods, two-thirds renested, but success poor.’ Lincolnshire/ south Humberside One site: nest and eggs on 24th .April, pair with two half-grown young on 27th .May, also third adult. Norfolk 1 h rec sites: (1) five pairs reared young; (2) two pairs, young of one pair killed by Black-headed Ciulls Lams ridibundus, female on other nest killed by stoat Mustela emiinea\ (3) pair song-flighting and prospecting in .May. Shetland One site: pair with unfledged young. Somerset One site: hve pairs on 24th .April, four pairs on 6th .May and at least one pairon 1 7th june. Suffolk One site: three pairs bred, two young seen, but only one known to have fledged. County A One site: 1 1 (eight in breeding plumage) on 21st .May and three on 16th June, at new site. The best year in this decade was 1976, with 72-87 pairs breeding at 13 sites. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola One site: two pairs breeding. Inverness-shire One site: song and display flight on 12th May, two pairs each hatched four young, but fledging success not known. Three to seven sites were occupied annually during 1973-78. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus 13 sites: 13-40 pairs breeding. Argyll 1 wo sites: ( 1 ) three females and one male in early July; (2) one female. Shetland Five sites: ( 1 ) 20-22 pairs, at least ten hatching chicks, at least 12 juveniles seen, an extended breeding season probably due to bad weather (c.g. fledged voung on 18th July, elute h of three eggs hatched on 2()th ] uly, newly hatched chicks on 1 st .August); (2) (3) pair; (4) (5) pair probably bred. Western Isles f our sites: (1) two or three pairs bred successfully; (2) one pair reared two )oung and second pair present; (3) two pairs present, one pair mating, no further evidence; (4) pair possibly bred. County B One site on mainland .Scotland: female and two males from 28th .May to 2nd june, one or two often absent during afternoons, copulation on 2nd June. County D One site: pair display flighting on 1 1th June, pair agitated on 24th June, single on 2nd July, none on 1 1 th or 23rd Jtily. 'I he 1973-79 totals ofpairs breeding have been 2-7 (excluding Shetland), 2-2 1 , 18-32, 1-21, 20-3 1 , 22-36 and 13-40. Thus, the maximum in 1979 was the highest noted in these reports. 31 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus 1 hree sites: two to three pairs breeding, one rearing two young. Hampshire One site: pair, dutch ol'three eggs flooded in high tide. Suffolk One site: pair displaying in .April. County B One site: pair, first dutch of two eggs found broken, replacement clutch of two eggs, two young reared. Only the fourth and fifth instances of confirmed breeding by pairs of Mediterranean Gulls in the UK. Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus One site: Glaucous X Herring Gull L. argentatus pair reared at least two hybrid young. Shetland One site: for fifth successi\e year, same adult Glaucous paired with Herring Ciull, three eggs laid and at least two young reared. Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca One site: no breeding. Shetland One site: on Fetlar, two females throughout summer, with third up to 2()th April and on 3 1st July, but no male (although an adult male was seen on Fair Isle from i9th-22nd .\pril). rhe fourth year with unpaired females, after nine years of breeding on Fetlar during 1967-75. Wryneck Jynx torqudla Fhree sites: 0-4 pairs breeding. Grampian 'Fwo sites: (1) up to four singing during l(ith-19th June, at least one staying to at least 1st July; (2) single singing on 29th .May. Surrey One site: at same tree as in 1978, single f rom 13th .May to 3rd June. Records perhaps incomplete; if not, 1979 was the first year on record with no instance of confirmed breeding. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Five sites: one to five pairs breeding. Bedfordshire One site: agitated adult reluctant to leave area (close to 1976 site) on 21st and 28th .April. East Sussex One site: apparent Fieldfare described by member of public and nest, examined bv Rarities Committee, similar to that of Redwing T. iliacus but too large, sent to Dr C. J. O. Harrison for expert examination, but lost in post; regarded as ‘possible breeding’. Grampian One site: single on one date. Perthshire One site: two adults with three fledged young from 13th- 18th June. Suffolk One site: single from 2nd May to 6th July. Below the 1973-78 average of 2-5.5 pairs breeding. Redwing Turdus iliacus Four sites: one to seven pairs breeding. Argyll One site: male singing on 3rd June. Inverness-shire Fhree sites: (I) pair clearly carrying food to young on 2nd July; (2) three singing males; (3) two singing males. 1973 Kent One site: single on 10th June. 1974 Kent One site: single stayed until 31st May. 1975 Kent Fwo sites: (1) three pairs clearly carrying food to young, and 15 other singing males; (2) single on 2nd June. 32 Rare breeding birds in 1979 o 1976 Kent I'h ICC sites: ( 1 ) pair nested, aiul six otlier sinking males; (2) sint,de singing male; (!^) jmenile with prominent gape, ;md clown still present, possibK from site 1. 1977 Kent I wo sites: (I) (2) two singing males. 1978 Inverness lixtra sites: (7) (H) [)air reared voting; (9) single singing male. 1978 Kent 1 wo sites: (1) male vsitli brood patc h on ,’)th June; (2) two singing males. riic 1979 totals are the lowest for 13 \ ears. I he series of oeeurrenees in Kent during 1973-73, with prov ed breeding in 197;3 and 197b, is remarkable; presenee in summer in more than one \ ear during 19b8- 72 was reported for this general area but — it now aj^pears ill-advisedly — was not ineluded in The Atlas, d'he revised totals of breeding pairs during 1973-79 are 4-12, 3-27, 13-.33, 3-1,3, 2-16, 3-17 and 1-7. Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti 39 sites: 46-1 til pairs breeding. Berkshire One site: single singing on Hth .\pril, Cornwall ( )ne site: pair thrcnighout year. Devon Six sites, but breeding |)robable or possible at onl\ three: ( 1 ) single from January to I nth ,\pril; (2) tip to 1 7 singing until the end olWpril, but onK' eight during June, inc reasing to at least I.’) b\ October; (3) single singing on 7th and 14th ,\pril; (4) single singing on' 1st .November and 1st and 23rd December; (.')) two singing on 14th Oc tober; (b) singles oigfivc occasions from !h'd October to end of the year, with three on 22nd N'o\ember. Dorset I hree sites: (1) three singing, at least one pair bred; (2) ten pairs reared a total of at least 21 young; (3) three singing. Essex Fi\e sites: ( 1 )-(.’>) single singing. Hampshire I hree sites, with conlirmed breeding for one pair: ( I ) four pairs; (2) (3) one pair. Hertfordshire I'wo sites: (1) single singing from .')th-bfth .May, seen regularly in .\ugust. including three on 12th and 17th, and fi\e first-years ringed; (2) two singing from 2.3th-27th .\pril. Isle of Wight I'wo sites: ( 1 ) single singing on four dates from 1 7th ,\pril to Kith June; (2) singles singing on I Hth .\pril and Hth September. Kent I'aght sites: (1) nine singing; (2) (i f singing, at least 43 pairs, at least 23 bred; (3) three singing; (4) two singing; (.3) single singing; ((i) pair reared young; (7) pair probably bred; (H) pair nc'st-building in .May. Norfolk F our sites: ( 1 ) nine pairs bred; (2)-(4) fi\ e, four and three singing males in spring. Somerset One site: single singing on 2f)th .May, site not revisited. Suffolk 1 lire e sites: (I) single singing Ifom ,\pril to juK; (2) two singing in .May-June; (3) "thought to have bred’. 1978 Berkshire ( )ne site: female on 3rd and 10th June. 1978 Essex ( )ne site: single singing from 2 1st .May to (ith June. I lie severe winter of 1978/79 eheeked the growth of the Huglish Cetti's jiopulation, but there was no serious deeliue ( — 7%). Numbers of pairs breeding during 1973-79 have been 1-14, ,3-16, 8-73, 8-80, 13-133, 30-174 and 46-l()l. I bis speeies is clearly better able to cope with hard weather than, for instance, the When Troglodytes troglodytes, which decreased on average, according to Common Birds Census figures, by 43% on farmland and by 47% in woodland. 33 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Savi’s Warbler Locus tella luscinioides 15 sites: six to 30 pairs breeding. Cambridgeshire ()ne site: three singing in June- July. Devon 1 hree sites: (1) single singing I'roni 22ncl .\pril to 8th -May; (2) two lioni ltitli-21st .\pril, one staying until 20th May; (8) single singing on 2(ith-27th June. Dorset I wo sites: ( 1 ) two |3airs nest-building, hut washed out by floods on 8()th .May; (2) singing Ironi early June, perhaps birds from site 1 . Kent ( )ne site: six oeeupied territories, four or fi\e pairs attempted breeding and three pairs were eonfirmed breeding. Lancashire One site: tailless male singing from 2()th .\pril to 1st May, male with complete tail singing from 2.ath .May to 7th June. Norfolk Four sites: (1) l()ur regularly singing from 18th.\prilto 18th .\ugust. at least one pair reared young; (2) two regularly singing; (8) single regularly singing; (1) single singing from 24th-28th .April. Suffolk Two sites: (1) two singing from 11th .May to 20th July, breeding by one pair suspected; (2) two singing on 12th .May, but only one thought to have remained. County C One site: pair from 27th .\pril to 4th July and seeond male on 27th .\pril. 1978 Hampshire One site: l()ur or possibly six males from ,8th .May to 1 8th JuK , ju\ enile trapped bth Jnly, two or possibly three pairs bred [Brit. Birds 72: 58.8-;)8b). The third successive good year; more were proved breeding than in any year since at least 1972. J’otals ofpairs breeding during 1973-79 ha\e been b- 13, 1-8, 1-3, 0-9, 3-26, 4-28 and 6-30. Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris 1 7 sites: ‘no change’ at main site, one to 24 pairs breeding elsewhere. Avon One site: singing male from 19th .May to 1st July, song infrequent in June, tuo Acrocephalus warblers chasing through l:>ushes and one collecting nest material, but female not positiveK identified. Dorset One site: one pair building, belie\ed to ha\e bred, and second singing male in June. East Sussex One site: singing male on 18th June. Gloucestershire Fhree sites: (1) singing male on 7th June; (2) singing male on 2.8th and 27th June, 'possibly bred'; (8) singing male heard several times in early june, but site disturbed b\ fishermen and did not b'-eed. Isle of Wight ( )ne site: singing male on 1st, 2nd and 1 1 th June, two indiyiduals on 2nd June, one carrying nest material. Kent 4'hree sites: (1) singing male on 1st and lOth June; (2) singing male on 9th June; (8) singing male from 18th-28rd June and second indiyidual seen on 28rd. Wiltshire I'wo sites: ( 1 ) (2) singing male for short period. Worcestershire Five sites: (I) main area, ‘no change in status reported'; (2) four or five singing males; (8) f()ur singing males; (4) (8) single singing male, 4 he welcome trend towards increasing occurrence of singing males outside the main area continues; annual totals ofpairs breeding during 1973-79 have been 3-13, 0-7, 0-5, 0-5, 2-11, 4-15 and 1-24; the total of eight counties is also a record. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus 4'wo sites: two singing males. Gloucestershire ( )nc site: singing male lrf)m 28rd-2bth june. 34 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Lincolnshire/south Humberside One site; singing male trom 6lh-22nd_July. None has yet been proved to breed in the UK. Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata Estimated 70 pairs in the New Forest; elsewhere, 23 sites: 15-46 pairs breeding. Devon One site: two or possibly three on 20th .March. Dorset Six sites: (l)-(b) a totai oC about four pairs conhrmcd breeding and a further two or more probably bred. Hampshire Si.x sites: (1) in the New forest, survey of 70% ol available habitat suggested a total of 70 pairs, a 41% reduction from the 1978 estimate; (2) two pairs bred; (3) three males, at least one pair, pair feeding young; (4)-(b) single male, probably unmated. Isle of Wight 4'wo sites: (1) two singing males in early July; (2) male on 23rd June. Surrey Eight sites: (1) seven or eight pairs, some success; (2) (3) total ol four pairs, some success; (4) three pairs, some success; (5) pair successful; (6) about seven pairs, three successful; (7) two individuals; (8) unmated male. West Sussex One site: pair in territory and second singing male. I’he number of occupied sites dropped by two and the total population by o\ er 40% as a result of the severe winter of 1978/79. Firecrest Regains ignicapillus 23 sites: eight to 71 pairs breeding. Berkshire Eight sites: ( 1 ) three or four singing males on 7th .May; (2) four including three singing males on 20th May; (3)-(8) single singing male on one date in late .April or .May. Same observcr-elVort as in 1978, when none found. Buckinghamshire four sites: (1) nine males in .May-June; (2) three males at end of .May/ June; (3) (4) single on one date in .May. Gwent One site: up to five singing males from 6th .May to 22nd July, one nest found on 20th June was being dismantled by a nest-building female Chaffinch Fnngilla coelebs, as in 1977. Hampshire 4'wo sites: (1) pair bred success- fully; (2) two pairs, but breeding not proved. Recorder commented: ‘ I’hcre is no reason to suppose that the species does not breed widely and regidarly throughout suitable habitat in the New f orest.’ Hertfordshire One site: singing male throughout June. Kent Eh rcc sites: (1) three singing males on 28th .April, 22 singing males on 31st May and some territories still occupied in early June; (2) singing male on 30th May; (3) singing male. Nottinghamshire ( )ne site: singing male on 28th June. Oxfordshire One site: male on 27th .April, female on 7th .May. Suffolk One site: six pairs confirmed breeding but success not known. 1978 Buckinghamshire Extra sites and extra records: ( 1) five singing males on 29th .May assumed to include male of mixed firecrest X Coldcrest R. regulus pair already noted; (2) male on 29th .April, female on 2 1st .May; (3) singing male on 18th May. .After 1978’s very low numbers, 1979 prox ed to be the second-best year ever, exceeded only by the 4-121 pairs at 30 sites in 1975. I’otals of pairs breeding during 1973-79 have been 2-18, 0-33, 4-121, 4-27, 2-31, 1-10 and 8-71. 35 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus 16 sites: three to 29 pairs breeding. Essex One site: pair for much ol'summcr. Gloucestershire 1 Wo sites: ( 1 ) first-summer male singing on 15th May; (2) male singing on 5th July. Kent Seven sites: (1) one pair reared four young, second pair probably attempted breeding (broken, fresh eggshell on 26thjune suggested dutch taken by predator); (2) one pair reared at least one young, second pair probably bred (I’cmale aggressi\ely chasing Jackdaw Corvus monedula from suspected nest site on 1st July), third male heard on 9th June; (3) pair from at least 6th June to at least 14th July; (4) pair reared four young; (5) singing male, also probabK- a female; (6) female uttering calls associated with breeding in late May; (7) male in .May-June, female on one date in June. Lincolnshire/south Humberside One site: singing male on 19th .May, and 7th and 13th June. Mid Glamorgan One site: singing male on 1st June. Suffolk Four sites: ( 1 ) male from 3rd June to 28th July, female on 20th June, ‘considered to ha\ e bred’; (2) ten or 1 1 pairs; (3) male on 26th JuK ; (4) pair in late May and first-summer male on 3rd June. 1976 Kent One site: pair from 4th June to 18th July, when female feeding at least one young. First prov ed breeding in Kent since 1940s. 1977 Kent F .xtra site: (4) juvenile located by its begging calls. 1978 Lincolnshire/ south Humberside One site: male from 6th-8th .May, singing on 27th June. The fourth successive good year. Totals of pairs breeding during 1973-79 have been 1 -8, 2-4, 2-7, 7-23, 6-2 1 , 7-28 and 3-29. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 41 sites: seven to 44 pairs breeding. Bedfordshire Fwo sites: ( 1 ) male on 22nd June; (2) male dead at roadside on 17th June. Norfolk Four sites: ( 1 ) three pairs reared only one or two young; (2) one or two pairs; (3) pair reared three young; (4) pair. Nottinghamshire One site: male singing on 19th .May. Suffolk 30 sites: total of four pairs confirmed breeding and a further 26 pairs probably breeding: 15 pairs in Breckland; and 15 pairs in coastal strip, which reared nine young. County B Fhree sites: ( 1 ) pair reared at least three young, second male may have been present early in season; (2) male on lOthJune; (3) male from 1 lth-13th june. County C One site: male from 2nd-IOth June, singing on 10th. Average numbers (1973-78 mean was 29-44 pairs breeding). 36 Rare breeding birds in 1979 Brambling Fringilla montifringilla 1 hree sites: one to four pairs breeding. Grampian One site; singing male and incu- bating female in late June and early July, but nest and eggs (at least three) deserted and then damaged {Brit. Birds 73: 360-361). Shetland Two sites: (1) male singing on 1 1th July; (2) two singing males and one female in late June and July. dJie Grampian record is only the second instance of nesting in the UK; the first was in Sutherland in 1920. Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus Two sites: 0-3 pairs breeding. female on 16th June; (2) male. Scotland Two sites: (1) two males and one Data probably incomplete. Breeding of two pairs was confirmed in both 1977 and 1978, the first such records in the UK. Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Data incomplete. Argyll/Invemess-shire Two sites: ( 1 ) pair in late .\lay/early J une; (2) male. Grampian The only information made available to the county recorder was: ‘Small numbers present in Cairngorms — breeding better than in 1978, several pairs rearing two broods.’ Regrettably, the continuing lack of details foils any attempt to monitor population changes. Rare Breeding Birds Panel, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Obituary George Waterston, OBE, LED, ERSE (1911-1980) George Waterston was born on 10th April 1911 and died on 20th September 1980. During his lifetime, no-one had a greater inlluence on Scottish ornithology. He was a man of vision; but one who made things happen, through his warm and persuasive personality. For more than a generation, his ideas and drive brought about most of the important advances in Scottish ornithology: the first co-operati\ely manned bird observatory in Britain in 1934 on the Isle of May, the Scottish Orni- thologists’ Glub founded in 1936, Fair Isle Bird Observatory in 1948, the [Brii. Birds 74: :i(i-:g), Jaiuiar\ MKil] Dr George Waterston (1911-1980) 37 7. Dr George Waterston (191 1-1980) {James MacGeoch) RSPB Scottish Office built up from small beginnings in 1955, Scottish Birds in 1958, the Scottish Clentre for Ornithology and Bird Protection in 1959, with its library and bird bookshop, and the Scottish Bird-Islands Study Cruise in 1966. d he roots of his achievements go back through the Midlothian Orni- thological Club (1933) and Inverleith Field Club (a 1929 pioneer of convi\ial ornithology) to schooldays at Edinburgh Academy with a group ol like-minded boys fired by his enthusiasm. George W aterston was born into the family printing and stationery business of the same name, founded in 1752. But birds were his first lo\ e. In January 1955, with the postwar growth of popular interest in birds, he made the financially risky switch to whole-time ornithology, employed jointly by the RSPB and SOC in an attic in the fine Georgian premises of the National dVust for Scotland. Later, as the work grew, his wife Irene took over the running of the SOC and they mo\ed to the new Scottish Centre. Under his leadership, the RSPB expanded steadily in Scotland and reserves and the first nature centre were set up. Over the years, George built up valuable contacts with people of every kind — gamekeepers, landowners, civil servants, scientists — achieving 3cS Dr George Waterston ( 1911-1980) much for bird protection in this way. Many ol the leading ornithologists in other countries were his personal friends, and visitors from all parts of the world were sure of a welcome at the Scottish Centre. He was a quiet man, and very good company. Never condescending or unkind, even to the most tiresome people, he went out of his way to welcome new laces and to encourage the inexperienced. When he lectured, it was often in aid of a lax ourite project, and he was a great fund raiser. Perhaps his most dramatic contribution to conservation was his persuasion of the RSPB that the way to protect the Ospreys on Speyside was to show the nest to the public, with the \ast benefits in public interest and awareness that flowed from this. When he retired as Scottish director ol the RSPB in 1972, he received the society’s gold medal. Without scientific training, he was the most notable ornithologist in Scotland. His out- standing service w as marked by election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1948, an OBE in 1964, and an honorary doctorate from Dundee University in 1974. In the early part of the second world war, until June 1940, (ieorge was stationed rather improbably on Cramond Island in the Eirth of Eorth; and during the final year and a half he studied Rooks and agriculture for the government. In between, he was captured on active serx ice with the Royal .\rtillery in Crete in 1941 and spent 2V2 years in a Bavarian POW camp, w here the inmates were organised in co-operati\ e bird study, and whence his obserxations from C’rete even found their way into a German orni- thological journal. Eellow prisoners included John Buxton, Peter Conder, and Ian Pitman, with whom he dreamed of Fair Isle. He had been there man\’ times and fallen for the island and its people. When he was invalided home on a Red Cross ship in October 1943, the chance that Sheep Rock on Fair Isle was his first sight of land made a deep impression on George. In 1948, he bought the island, and the most exciting bird observatory in the country w'as opened, with Ken Williamson as warden. Six years later, he passed the island to the National Frust for Scotland, so that funds could be found for the improvements needed for the survival of the island community. He continued to be closely concerned with the island and the observatory, and to the last he made tremendous efforts to get back to Fair Isle each year. .\nother great love was the Arctic. Before the war, he spent three days locked up by the Russians, the centre of a minor international incident, when he strayed over the border from Finnish Eapland. More recently, he and Irene made a number of' scientific trips to remote parts of (ireenland and Arctic Cianada. In 1978, he was president of the Arctic Glub, an honour of which he was extremely proud. Cieorge was a fluent broadcaster, writer and lecturer, and a \ery good public relations man for birds. He was ever willing to accept extra chores, latterK’ e\en beyond his strength to complete them, which he found frustrating. He wrote numerous notes and papers, generously sharing authorship with others; but, apart from his work on Ospreys, he did not get the time to write books. One on Fair Isle, on which he and Irene did a lot of researc h, may yet be published. 39 Dr George Waterston (1911-1980) His first marriage, to Nancy Ritchie, who survives him with their son, William, did not last. In 1953, howexer, he married Irene Kinnear, who shared his interests and was his unfailing companion and support. Our deepest sympathy goes to her. From boyhood, George made light of a kidney disorder, seriously aggravated by his wartime hardships, but eventually he had to resort to a machine, which he found very time- consuming. He was not one to accept such limitations, but the failure of a transplant in 1975 was a bitter disappointment to him. Progressively more portable treatments, however, enabled him to visit Fair Isle and other remote places — to the consternation of his friends — and he bore with great fortitude the discomforts and illness that gradually sapped his strength. George Waterston had his priorities right. "Fhe structure of amateur ornithology and bird protection in Scotland are his memorial. Despite the burden of administration that went with his work, he ne\er lost his enjoyment of birds. For a \ i\ id picture to bring back memories of him, read the interviews by Birds (October 1972) and, especially, by Tom Weir in the Scots Magazine (October 1975). He was buried simply at Humbie in peaceful Fast Lothian country, near the burnside cottage which he and Irene so happily restored as their home. He is deeply missed by his many friends. Andrew '!'. Macmillan Mystery photographs Last month’s bird (plate 282, shown here at reduced size) is clearly a quite bulky small passerine and the silhouette sug- gests a bunting (Lmberizidae) or a lark (Alaudidae), but with a rather large head, giving a blunt and heavy — but still sleek — outline. The bold head pattern of dark lateral crown stripes and dark triangular marks on the side of the head clearly indicate a bunting rather than a lark, and close inspection reveals two structural features which conlirm this: the mandibles do not close together in a straight or ex enly curx ed line as in other passerines, but with a sharp downward angle at the base of the bill, diagnostic of the buntings; and the tertials are of ‘normal’ length, not long (reaching to or just short of the wing-tip) as in the larks. 'Fhe head pattern has no clear eye-ring, whitish supercilium, dark eyestripe or pale ear-covert spot; the breast streaking is also not especially distinct or extensive, with neither large, bold splotches nor well-defined thin streaks; the malar stripe is rather weak and does not reach to the bill or expand into a particularly prominent patch on the side of the neck or breast; and the submoustachial stripe is hardly paler than the surrounding chin, 40 Mystery photographs throat and breast. I'hese somewhat negati\e charaeters all fit Lapland Bunting Calcarius lappomcus and, in combination, rule out all other west Palearetie alternatives, such as Rustic Ernberiza rustica. Little E. pusilla and Reed Buntings E. schoeniclus. Although iaipland Buntings associate mcjst closeh’ with Snow Buntings Flectrophenax nivalis in winter, when bcjth Irecpient stubble and saltmarshes, the most likely conlusion species is Reed Bunting. Apart from the features noted in the prexicjus paragraph, the bill ol Reed usually appears more stubby than that of the bird in the photcygraph. Also, the two isolated, striking dark triangular patches on the upper and Icwver rear corners ol the ear-co\ erts are perhaps the mcjst distincti\e feature ol the head pattern ol Lapland. Identification would be rather easier in reality than from a blac k-and-white photograph, since Lapland nearly always shows a rufous or orange-brown wash cj\ er the nape and, whereas on Reed the chestnut lesser coxerts are the brightest part of the wing, on Lapland it is the greater coverts which stand out distinctly as a broad chestnut bar in the otherwise largely bull' or dull brownish wing; this bar is outlined by obx ions thin whitish wing-bars, whereas the bars formed by the tips of the greater and median cox erts of Reed are bull' and less noticeable. I’he bird in plate 282 was a female Lapland Bunting photographed b\ I. S. Robertson on Fair Isk\ Shetland, in April 1980. J FRS Jfiftp peatg ago . . . On 1!)2() I spcMit tlic last ten days ol .Sc'|)tfml)('r in StilK, and was iIumt Idi' ten days Ironi Scjjtc'mlKT 1 2tii to 2 1 St tliis yctir — ten yciu s latrr . . . Some’ idea ol ilu' limiu’d luanbcr otspc’cac’s to 1)C‘ sc'cn in ScilK may be gtilhered from the lai t that wc observed on the islands and the sea near b\ onl\ sixiv-eight to sevenic species durint> these ten days.’ W. Hox’i) (/inV. B/n/s 2 t: 2()«,jaimary ItLl) Notes Little Egrets with green legs and feet On 9ih August 1980, at Porto Lago, Greece, J. I. Blincow and I noticed two Little Egrets Egretta garzetta exhibiting unusual coloration ol legs and feet. Resting upon a concrete gro\ ne and in c(uiipany with a number ol'other Little Egrets, one indix idual displayed bright oli\ e-green legs and feet with a narrow blackish line along the outer sides ol each tarsus. 1 his line extended Ironi just below the tibio-tarsal joint to just abo\e the loot on each leg and was discernible at a range ol ,’)0m, although it was not obvious when the bird was in llight. 1 he legs and feet ol the second indi\ idual, nearby, were similar to those described abo\e, although the blackish line on the outer tarsus was broader and more extensive and some dark coloration was apparent on the hjwer tibia. B\\ P states that oli\ e legs and leet arc a feature ol nestling Idttle ligrets and that ju\eniles and non-breeding adults exhibit black legs and grey- green and yellow (tinged green) feet respectively. While it cannot be stated with any certainty that the indi\iduals obserxed at l\)rto Lago were jux eniles, the abo\e observation suggests that at least some juxenile Little ligrets may retain the olixe-green legs and feet of the nestling stage, if only for a short period. 11 this is the ease, the danger of confusion of this species with the eloselx' similar Western Reel Eleron E. gularis becomes further apparent. M. R. Ai.ibone 45 Sandringham Road, Northampton \XI .eV. 1 Oystercatchers excavating tops of fence posts In May 1978, Duncan Gameron drew my attention to an Oystereatehcr Haematopus ostralegus nesting in a hollowed-out fence post near Xexv Caimnoek, .Vxrshire, Strathclyde. Ehc habit is xvell recorded, but it xvas not prex iously knoxvn whether or not the birds exeaxated the ‘scrape’ on top of the post or x\ hether decay was responsible. I introduced a hide to the site and photographed the ( )\ stercatchers incubating three eggs, all of which hatched (plates 9-11). During one session, the incubating bird seemed unable to settle; after a lexv attempts at snuggling down, it rose and stood in the nest xvhile pecking hard and repeatedly at a lump of wood which, harder than the rest, still protruded from the floor of the bowl, d'he waders had exeax ated two straining posts about 30m apart, oneof'them only 10m from the bank of the Rix er Nith where there xvas a perfectly suitable and typical pebble beach for nesting. I'iach post xvas about 29cm in diameter and the nest about 65cm abox c the ground; the top had been exeax ated to a depth of 75mm in the centre. vMthough the Oystercatchers may haxe originally taken adxantage of some decay, both scrapes had been exeax ated into hard, sound xvood with no trace of weathering; and, since the wood was pine Pinus, considerable eflitrt must haxe been used in chiselling it. Don Smith Pennyghael, Mairs Road, Darrel, Ayrshire KA170LA 42 Notes Notes 43 Behaviour of Turnstones on elevated perches Fhe use by Turnstones Arenaria interpres of man-made elev'ated perches is well known, but it may be of interest to review this behaviour from the literature and personal experience. The Handbook recorded Turnstones in China perching on fishing stakes and in rows on ropes stretching between them; similar behaviour was noted for the American race in its winter quarters; but it was considered rare in Europe. In England, in the immediate post-war years, many I urnstones were observed perching on coastal elevated tubular defence scaffolding {Brit. Birds 39: 30, 157-158, 184). I too, observed this in Cornwall, until the material was dismantled. These defence barriers, about 3m high, were favourite places where Turnstones preened after vigorous bathing; if undisturbed, they rested there for long periods, especially towards the dusk. Occasionally, a few Redshanks Tringa totanus perched on the scafiblding, but to my knowledge no other waders used it; Starlings Sturnus vulgaris often did so a little before dark, but the ITrnstones tolerated little interference. More recently, in autumn and winter, I have spent many hours watching 80-120 4’urnstones in Newlyn Harbour, Cornwall. They preferred to rest on three or four small wooden fishing craft, rather than the much larger metal/wooden trawlers nearby; perhaps they lost less body heat using the former, where they perched on the foredecks, along the gunwales and sometimes in the well of the craft. In America, Turnstones also alight on similar boats (see National (Geographical Society, 1965, I I ater, Frey and Game Birds of North America) . 4 he Newlyn T urnstones gather in their greatest numbers towards late afternoon and crowd the boats, often in company with very many Black-headed Lams ridibundus and a few Herring Gulls L. argentatus. Bickering among the waders occurs when they are seeking favourite perching places: in threatening stance, individuals face one another with heads thrust forward a little and backs humped more than usual, which often results in an advance-and-retreat performance, accompanied by much chattering by both, until one submits. Many squat fairly close together in huddled positions, perhaps with their eye-lids wholly or partially closed. Others, especially when the sun plays directly upon their upperparts, droop their wings on either side of their body, or extend one wing a little and ‘comfort-bathe’. The small Newlyn boats were used only for daytime roosting, before the departure to the night roosts, but a few individuals remained almost until dusk. ( I'he gulls also left towards dark to roost elsewhere.) Turnstones also obtain food from man-made elevated places {Brit. Birds 57: 250), and often search the superstructure on the trawlers for scraps of fish concealed among the deck equipment. Happily, in Newlyn, Turnstones are unmolested by man. Bernard King Gull Cry, 9 Park Road, Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall Identification of a Whiskered Tern in first-winter plumage 4 he accompanying photograph (plate 12) shows most of the distinctive features of a first-winter Whiskered ITrn Chlidonias hybndus found by REP at Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire, on 9th September 1979. I4ie bird was slightly but noticeably smaller than C^ommon 4>rns Sterna hirundo also 12. F irst-wimcr Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hyhridus, Clambridgeshire, September 1979 {JeJJ Pick) present, with shorter, broader wings, shorter tail and shorter bill. Expecting it to be a juvenile with the typically variegated brown and bull saddle which most recent books stress (equivalent to the distinct, dark saddle ofa Juvenile W hite-winged Black Tern C. leucopterus) , most observers w ere surprised to see little or no saddle elTect, merely some obscure brown blotches on the tertials and inner coverts (and these not alw'ays obvious). Ehe moult ol the Whiskered d'ern from juvenile to hrst-winter plumage can, however, begin as early as July, and the body feathers are replaced with plain grey and white in the same way, for example, that the extensive ginger-brown on head and neck and upperparts of a juvenile Black-headed (iull Larus ridibundus is replaced by grey and w hite in a post-juvenile moult which begins at or soon after fledging. T he post-ju\enile moult of the W'hite-wdnged Black Tern is later, at least in some populations, and perhaps more prolonged, so that the distinct dark saddle of its juvenile plumage may be retained until October or longer. In both species, however, the timing of the moult probably depends on the time of hatching, and is thus variable. Plate 12 clearly shows the primaries and primary coxerts with pearly grey outer webs and dark at the tips of the inner ones (the outer five primaries also having white at the base of the shaft); darker alula; dark secondaries, lesser and inner median coverts; and a pale central panel on the upperwing. A few darker marks show on the inner median coverts, and the tertials were also dark-centred, d’he back appeared pale grey, at some angles (especially from behind) framed by darker scapulars and innermost wing-coverts with no variegated saddle. As C. A. Fh Kirtland {in lift.) has pointed out, the dark triangle at the front of the inner w ing, coupled with the broad, somewhat rounded wings and steady flight gave a passing resemblance to a young Little Gull L. minuta. As show n in an earlier sketch by RAH {Brit. Birds 72: 602), the dark triangle at the front of the inner wing could almost be lost at certain angles and in strong light. When this photograph was taken (on 18th September), the dark colour w'as evidently at its strongest; other photographs show little dark on the coverts, but a strong, dark secondary bar. Ehe underwing was white, with grey along the trailing edge and on the lesser coverts. Ehe complexities of the feather patterns (e.g. the dark and pale grey and white on the outer primaries) and the varying elfects of light and shade on an essentially very pale bird produced many dilferent impressions. In a side Notes 45 view, the primaries of the far wing could look blackish, whereas those of the near wing — pale outer webs and white shafts towards the observer — looked very pale. In a head-on view, the outer primaries could even look nearly white; Irom the rear, they looked nearly black. Practically the whole of the mid-wing area and inner primaries looked semi-translucent against strong light, even Irom above. At rest, the darker areas were contrasted on the shaded side and virtually lost altogether on the sunlit side in certain circumstances, and the pattern could be equally variable in flight. The rump was greyish-white, paler than the white-edged, forked tail (rounded when spread), which showed a dark terminal band: a feature characteristic of juvenile/first-winter W hiskered Tern. Being framed by dark tertials, the paleness of the rump was heightened. The head pattern was much as expected, with bright white fbrecrown, dull white above the eye merging into a dull grey-black hindcrown; black in front of the eye almost to the bill; a blackish spc^t on dusky ear-coverts projecting below the general line of the dark cap and a long blackish lobe down the centre of the dull nape almost reaching the grey of the back. Though the bird did not show a white collar, this feature was of limited use, as the white of the sides of the neck extended well up behind the black cap. The underparts were white, the bill black and the long legs dark red-brown. rhe main point is that, by September, not all young Whiskered Terns show the patchy saddle ofjuvenile plumage. Some of the features associated with winter adults, and especially the size, shape and behavioural charac- teristics of the species, become of greater importance. This bird patrolled 5-10 m above the water in steady, rather direct flight, less flexible and erratic than the smaller marsh terns, dipping steeply to the surface, often splashing down almost feet first, but not plunging. A ‘portlandica’-type Common Tern Sterna hirundo, moulting from first-summer to second-winter plumage, was sometimes near the Whiskered: it was larger, with long, more angled and pointed wings, longer tail and longer bill; the neck was strikingly white with a very obvious complete collar (on the Whiskered this never showed, though it was difficult to judge the absence of a white collar altogether in flight); the old, unmoulted outer primaries were much blacker; rump and tail were pale grey with white sides; and the wang- coverts were faded and whitish between darker secondaries and carpal bar. The Whiskered, therefore, looked only superficially like this bird or a more rounded-winged juvenile Common Tern, although it was size and shape rather than any plumage difference which usually first drew it to attention. A winter adult White-winged Black Tern might, however, be more similar. R. A. Hume and R. F. Porter c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG192DL Announcements Book offers It helps BB's finances if you order these books from us: Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book (Eyre Methuen) £4.95 post free. Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1981 (Buckingham Press) £5.45 (£4.95 + 50p p & p). If you order more than one title, please write your orders for each book on 46 Announcements a separate sheet. VVe will pass your orders on to the respective publishers, who will send the books to you by post. Orders and cheques or postal orders (payable to British Birds Ltd) to: BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford .MK44 3NJ. Young Ornithologists of the Year, 1980 Judging of this annual competition, run by the \X)C and sponsored by British Birds, has just taken place. Entrants had to maintain and submit a three-month record of the birds they observed in a defined area, provide a sum- mary of these observations, and answer a quiz to test their ornithological knowledge. 4 he winners and runners-up in the three age-groups were: Over 12 years 1st Carol Longton ( 14) of Leyland, Lancashire 2nd Sean O. Donnell ( 16) of .Maidstone, Kent 3rd Nigel J. W'illby ( 13) ofNew Elthani, London 10-12 years 1st Claire Dent ( 12) of. Norwich, Norfolk 2nd Garth Ennis ( 10) of Holy wood, Co. Down 3rd Sarah Davies (12) ofColnbrook, Buckinghamshire 9 years and under 1st Paul Chapman (9) of Carlisle, Cumbria 2nd Patrick C. \\ . Hawkesmith (9) of Cambridge 3rd Owen Leyshon (9) of Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan 4 he judges. Dr J. T. R. Sharrock and Peter Holden, have commented that they hope that the high standard and number of entries will be maintained in future years. Notebooks that have clearly been written up immediately after each observation will always rate very highly, as will attempts to draw observed behaviour (even a bad original drawing is far preferable to a copied drawing or a picture cut from a magazine). Clarol Longton, Claire Dent and Paul Chapman will receive their prizes (a total of £ 100-worth of books and free subscriptions to British Birds) at a special presentation at The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire. Sponsored by Photograph of theYear< I he closing date for entries is 31st January 1981. Photographers may submit up to three colour-transparencies taken during 1980. Lhe judges will assess entries on scientific interest and originality as well as technical photographic excellence. Preference will be given to photographs taken in Announcements 47 Britain or Ireland, but those of species on the British and Irish list taken elsewhere are also eligible. A brief account (not more than 200 words) should be enclosed with each, giving the circumstances in which obtained, the method used, technical details (focal length of lens and make of camera and film), locality, date and photographer’s name and address. I ransparencies will be returned only if accompanied by a suitable stamped and addressed envelope. The award of a Red Grouse trophy and cheque for £ 1 00 will be presented to the winning photographer at a London Press Reception in late spring 1981. Transparencies should be clearly marked ‘Bird Photograph of the \ ear’ and sent to the editorial ofllce at Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs The closing date lor submission of prints for the twenty-second annual selection is 31st March 1981. Photographers may submit as many black-and-white prints as they wish. The following details should be written on the back of each print: photographer’s name and address, species, county (or country, if taken abroad), month, year, and technical details, such as make and size of camera, make and focal length of lens, type of film material, exposure and approximate distance from the subject. Prints will be retained in the editorial office as part of the reference collection and for possible future use in the journal unless a request for return is noted on the back of each print and a suitable stamped and addressed envelope is supplied. Entries should be addressed to ‘Best recent work’. Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3.NJ. Postal auction of cover design The original, unframed drawing of this month’s cover design will be sold to the reader who sends the highest postal (or telegram) bid received by the last day of this month (unless no bid reaches the artist’s reserve price). The person making the highest bid will be informed and will be expected to supply, by return post, a cheque/PO for the sum bid, plus postage. In previous months, successful bids have varied from £10 to £100. The artist will receive 80% and British Birds will retain 20%. Send your name, address and telephone number and your bid (no money at this stage) to Cover Bid, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3\J. Bird Illustrator of the Year Amateur and professional artists are invited to submit four line-drawings suitable for reproduction in British Birds (pen-and-ink or scraperboard, but not pencil or wash). The subjects should be birds recorded in the west Palearctic (Europe, North Africa and the Middle East) . Exact size is important; drawings will be published at the following sizes: (width X depth in cm): 12.2 X 13.7, 10.9 X 4.6 and 5.3 X 4.0, but those submitted should be ‘half-up’ (IV2 times) or double these dimensions. Each set of four drawings should include at least one of each of the three sizes. Entries will be judged as sets. The announcement of the 48 Announcements 1979 winners {Brit. Birds 72: 403-409) included suggestions intended to help luture entrants. I he judging panel will consist of two members of the Society of \\ ildlife Artists, Dr Eric Ennion and Robert Gillmor, and the managing editor of British Birds, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock. Ehe winner will receive £75 and an inscribed salver, and the two runners- up will receive £40 and £25. All three artists will also be invited to attend the award presentation at a Press Reception at Ehe Mall Galleries in London, where a selection of the drawings will be on display. Artists whose work is displayed will also be welcome to attend the reception, which in prex ious years has provided a very happy occasion for meeting many of our top bird artists. The winners’ entries will also be displayed subsequently in the annual exhibition of the Society of Wildlife Artists at The Mall Gallery. Entries will remain the copyright of the artists, but are accepted on the understanding that they may be reproduced free in or on the cover British Birds. If accompanied by a suitable stamped and addressed envelope, all drawings will be returned to the artists, but any selected for possible use in British Birds may be retained for up to 12 months after the award presentation. Each drawing must be marked clearly on the back with the artist’s name and address (and date of birth if aged under 21, see ‘ ITe Richard Richardson Award’, below), the identity of the species and any other relevant information about the illustration. The closing date will be 31st March 1981 {not May as in previous years); the set of four drawings should be sent to ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. The Richard Richardson Award To encourage young, up-and-coming bird artists, a special award (a cheque and a book to the total value of £50) will be presented for the best work submitted for the ‘Bird Illustrator of the 5’ear’ competition (see above) by an artist aged under 21 years on 31st March 1981. The winner’s entries will be displayed in the annual exhibition of the Society of Wildlife Artists at the Mall Gallery. This award is in memory of the famous Norfolk ornithologist and bird-artist, the late R. A. Richardson. The rules for entry are exactly the same as for ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ and entries by persons under 21 will automatically be considered for both awards. YOC/BB Roving Tit Flocks Enquiry Phis enquiry covers the period 1st August 1980 to 28th February 1981 {see Brit. Birds 73: 267 or 486). Reports should be sent in during March. News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 13. Ku harcl Nairn [Irish W'lldbird Conservancy) Director for IWC The Irish Wildbird Cionser\ ancy has just appointed its first full- time Direetor, Riehard Nairn (plate 13). .\fter graduating in Natural Sciences from Trinity College, Dublin, he mo\ed to Northern Ireland as warden at Murlough Nature Reserve in Co. Down and then returned to Dublin as assistant editor, with special responsibility for scientific publica- tions, in the Royal Irish .\cademy. In the latest issue Irish Wildbird Conservancy News (25: 2) he describes his future role: ‘My job will not be to take over the work now done \oluntarily by IWC members but to encourage and co-ordinate it and to expand the membership to a point where we can speak out confidently on the issues which concern us. My appointment in itself will generate a whole range ol new activities for the IWC and I will need all the support I can get I'rom members and friends in building up the organisation. I hope we can work together for the future of Ireland’s birds.’ Anyone who wishes to help and to support the growth of ornitholog\ and the conservation movement in Ireland can do so eilectivcly by joining the IWC. Membership is £5.00 per annum and the address is c/o Royal Irish .\cademy, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. Wildlife and Countryside Bill The infor- mation paper on the proposed legislation covering nature conservation in the Wildlife and Countiyside Bill has now been issued and it is hoped that the legislation itself will be introduced into Parliament next session. Legislation is required to meet obligations arising from the following international agreements: the EEC Bird Directi\ e in the Conservation of Wild Birds; the Comeiuion in International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Eauna and Elora (CI TES, or the Washington Clon- \ention); the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as waterf()wl habitat (the RamsarCon\ention); the Convention on the Conser\ation of Migratory Species of' Wild .Animals; and the Council for Europe Convention on the Con.servation of European Wildlife and .Natural Habitats (the Berne Convention). WWF and birds The WOrld W ildlife Eund has again, in 1980, supported se\eral ornithological projects in the L'K, including ‘Operation Sea Eagle’ on Rhum, where the Nature Conser\ancy Council has since 1975 been attempting a reintroduction of the White-tailed Eagle Haliaeelus alhicilta. The W \\ E has supported, to the tune of £2,785, the RSPB’s in\ estigation into the use of poisons against birds, and they have also gi\ en the RSPB a grant of £8,500 towards the purchase of land in the Somerset l.evels: the latest purchase makes the R.SPB the largest land-holder on west ISedgemoor. Malta bird laws joe Sultana has been pleased to inform us that new regulations affecting birds have recently been introduced in Malta. 1 he new laws are not as good as The Ornithological Society would have liked, but, as Sultana says, they are a milestone in the history of bird protection in Malta. Having looked at these new laws, howe\er, some measures seem even tougher than similar pro\ isions in our ow n laws. The Code of Police Laws, Protection of Birds and W ild Rabbit Regulations, 1980, begins by making the shcxiting and taking of birds illegal unless licensed by the police. It lists the birds which may be shot or taken in the open season. .All birds of prey are protected. It prohibits certain methods of shooting and taking birds including ‘cruel practices’. Ringing can be undertaken onl\ with a police licence. .Many of the statutory bird reserves arc given buffer zones, in which shooting is 49 50 News and comment prohibited, ranging from about 50m from a clifi edge to 1 km from the shores of two islands. These laws would seem a good basis for official bird protection, but laws are only as good as their enforcement, so we hope that Maltese ornithologists will not only en- courage the police to act, but also continue their efforts to educate local people to the importance of protecting wild birds. Australasian Raptor Association The recently formed Australasian Raptor .Association has as its broad objectives the promotion of research into, and the conser- vation and management of, the raptors of .Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. I'he Association operates as a semi- autonomous body sponsored by the Field Investigation Committee of the Royal .Australasian Ornithologists’ Union. Membership is open to all, whether members of the R.AOU or not, upon payment to the .Association of the current subscription of $5 Australian. With several species such as the Black Rite Milvus migrans, Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosas, Osprey Pandion haliaetus, Peregrine Falco peregrinus and Barn Owl Tyto alba being common to both the western Palearctic and Australasia, European raptor enthusiasts might be interested in joining the Association. For further information, please write to David Baker-Gabb, Zoology Depart- ment, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, .Australia. ‘The Birds of The Gambia’ The Gambia was one of the oldest British possessions in .Africa and perhaps it is surprising that most of the tourists to The Gambia are Scan- dinavians, but unsurprising that Aros Nature Guides should have published The Birds oj The Gambia, which consists of a description of the country, a list of good birdwatching localities, in a style for which this publishing house is famous, and finally an annotated checklist of 489 species which for all but the rarest species has a dry-season distribution map. It is not a field guide. The information contained in this guide is based not only on published sources, but also on the field notes of recent birdwatching visitors, largely Scandinavian. There are one or two notable omissions of(3ambian ornithologists from the list of names, which makes one wonder about the completeness of this work. Nevertheless, it is a very useful book, available (price £11.80, including p & p) from Aros Nature Guides, sko lebakken 5- 4. tv, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. The British Ornithologists’ Union is gently pulling its own checklist no. 3, The Birds of The Gambia, due to be published in early 1981 at — for a limited period — £7.00. 4'his checklist is written by Michael Gore, who was High Gommissioner in 4’he Gambia for several years and a member of the Gambian Ornithological Society. Presidential Medal of Freedom In our last column (Brit. Birds 73: 594) we failed to mention that this award, in addition to being given to Roger Tory Peterson, was also awarded posthumously to Rachel Carson: the first two conservationists to be so honoured. The US Post Office Department is further honouring Rachel Carson and is preparing a stamp bearing her picture. The date of issue has not been made public yet. Talking of Roger Tory Peterson ... In the September issue of Audubon, an article describes how Roger Tory Peterson has entirely revised A Field Guide to the Birds. To the uninitiated: this was, of course, the first field guide that he produced. It covered the birds of eastern .America. Since 1934, it has sold over two million copies. This huge task means repainting the plates, since the new version will have plates opposite text. Come over here, Roger, we’ve got a job for you! Dusky Sparrows Florida’s Dusky Seaside Sparrow Ammospiza maritima nigrescens is one of. America’s most endangered species and, to safeguard the small population of this particular race, the Fish and Wildlife Serc ice has decided to take the remnant into captivity for breeding. So far, however, only two males have been found in the wild. New recorder for Dorset .After se\ en years as editor and 20 years’ involvement with the Dorset reports, John Boys has now handed over the county recordership to Dr G. P. Green, 104 Foxcroft Drive, Wimborne, Dorset. Record birdwatches In the last two years, various ‘twitching’ records were established: Peter Smith, David Pearson and David Fomlinson set up a new one-day record of 133 species and, being heavily sponsored, raised £1,100 for the RSPB’s ‘Silver Meadows’ appeal in so doing (Bnt. Birds 73: 374). Stephen Webb (Brit. Birds 73: 236) claimed 313 species seen in Britain in one year. Now, John H. Barrett (lately Warden of News and comment 51 Dale Fort Field Centre) has set up another popinjay. He writes ‘My wife and I have seen 123 species from within our one-acre garden (in Pembrokeshire) in ten years. If this is a record (and we don’t suppose it is!), we want it to be known that we would accept £1,000 for having done sol’ Shell washes whiter Work at the RSPCA’s Wildlife Field Unit at Little Creech, near Taunton, Somerset, where an oiled bird cleaning unit has been located, has been hampered during major incidents by the need for suitable mobile treatment rooms. Now Shell has provided £35,000 to build a mobile Bird Reception Unit for the RSPCA. September in Shetland ‘I'he month of change all in birds. Of those that breed in Fetlar, by late in the month all that remained were Maalies, Baggies, Tysties, Snipe, Dunters, Maas, Scarfs, Corvies, Hoodies, Bank Sparrows, Blackbirds, Starriers, Brown Buttons and Linties. Among the lingering summer visitors are a few Bonxies, Wharps, Skylarks, Hill Sparrows and Stin- kles. But the island was far from birdless, with up to 600 Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria and a fair number of Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, and myriads of Continental drift migrants.’ (Extract from RSPB warden’s report) Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of the editors q/British Birds Recent reports R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp These are largely unchecked reports, not fully authenticated records The dates in this report refer to October unless otherwise stated. October was dominated by eastward- moving depressions, bringing some ver>' strong westerlies early in the month. From 15th to 19th, high pressure to the west and a low over western Europe brought in some cold easterly weather. Westerlies returned after 20th. An anticyclone began to build over northwest Europe in the last two days, bringing a very cold easterly airstream. Seabirds Several Leach’s Petrels Oceanodroma leucor- hoa were noted off the British east coast, with nine at Shellness (Kent) on 1 1th, when there were also five Storm Petrels Hydrobates pelagicus. One of the latter species also passed Dungeness (Kent) on 26th, only the fourth record there. Skuas had thinned out con- siderably by October, and the only Long- tailed Stercorarius longicaudus repiorted was at Filey Brigg (North Yorkshire) on 1 1th. Litde Auks Alle alle, starting with two at Cape Clear Island (Cork) on 1st, were thinly scattered, mainly in the east, before a larger influx in November, but much more exciting was a Briinnich’s Guillemot Uria lomvia on Fair Isle (Shetland) on 16th and 17th (when it died). Mediterranean Gulls Larus melano- cephalus included up to 11 at Folkestone (Kent) in September and four there late in October, one or two at Sandwich Bay (Kent) and singles at Filey Brigg, on the Mersey / / 14. Adult winter Mediterranean Gull Lams me/anocephalus, Merseyside, October 1980 {Peter M. Harris) (Merseyside) (plate 14) and at Sizewell (Suffolk). On 20th and 21st, Titchwell (Norfolk) attracted a White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus. Birds of prey .At Sandwich Bay, several Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus moved through, a Peregrine Falco peregrinus did so on 6th and a Goshawk Accipiter gentilis and a Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus came in on 19th. .A Goshawk was at Wells (Norfolk) on 15th and Rough-legged Buzzards also occurred 52 on Cape Clear Island on 16th (the first seen alive in Ireland for 17 years) and at Dungeness on 18th. A report of an Eagle Owl Bubo bubo on 31st, coming in olf the sea at Wells and landing — exhausted — in a tree, will, ifaccepted, be the first for over 50 years. Waterside birds Purple Heron Ardea purpurea graced .\ewton Pool (Northumberland) on 22nd September and a Little Egret Egretta garzelta was on the Hayle Estuary (Clornwall) on 2()th. There was a White Stork Ciconia ciconia near Dawlish (Devon) about 8th. Few Palearctic waders of note were reported, but one of the under-watched islands in St illy, St Martins, produced a Great Snipe Gallinago media on 23rd. Meanwhile, a Cream- coloured Courser Cursorius cursor appa- rently wandered mysteriously in Ciambridge- shire. Phe Cranes Grus grus from autumn 1979 in Norfolk, thought to have left in April, were in fact still there through into November. Nearctic arrivals fresco (Scilly) held both an American Wigeon Anas americana and a Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris during the month. I'here were several more American waders to add to the astonishing selection already reported. A Willet Caloplrophorus semipalmalus — so long desired as a new yet identifiable American — was watched secretively in Co. Kerry. A Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus of the American race hudsonicus — or so its characteristics indicated — was noted at facumshin (Wex- ford) on 27th September, to add to an already impressive cast there which was to increase still further. Buff-breasted Sandpipers Tryngites subrujicollis reached nine thereon the same date and another was recorded at Ballymacoda (C'.ork). Both of these localities Recent reports had Long-billed Dowitchers Limnodrornus scolopaceus, with two at facumshin from 9th to 26th. .Another dowitcher Limnodrornus was at fangness (Isle of .Man) from 28th September to 7th. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa Jlavipes were Ibund on Cnst (.Shetland) on 22nd September, at .Aberdeen (Grampian) and Dornoch (Highland) in September, on 'fresco (Scilly) early in October and on St .Mary’s (Scilly) for most of the month. One was at nearby Marazion (Cornwall) from 11th to 23rd. Lesser Golden Plovers Ptuvialis dominica were at Drift Reservoir (Cornwall) from 11th to 18th (with two on 17th) (plate 15), at Davidstowe (Cornwall) about 20th and — where else! — facumshin on 2nd. There were two Baird’s Sandpipers Calidris bairdii at Ballycotton in late -September and still one at Tacumshin on 26th, and White-rumjjed Sandpipers G. fuscicollis included one on Fair Isle from 7th to 8th, two at facumshin on 9th, one at Ballycotton on 25th and one at Cley (.Norfolk) early in November. One of the birds of the year must be Semipalmated Sandpiper C. pusilla — at Ballycotton the total reached three by 28th September and then four(!) on 1 1th. -Such a multiple arrixal would never have been predicted, any more than the flocks of Nearctic waders at facumshin! One more wader appeared in the shape of a Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia at Bosherston Pools (Dyfed) on 4th November. One of the saddest reports was of another Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon which was shot on sight, at Dundrum Inner Bay (Down) on 12th — the second recent such record in Ireland. Yellow-billed Cuckoos Coccyzus americanus seem incapable of sur- viving anyway, and one found in Penzance (Ciornwall) on 8th, though in immaculate condition, died on 9th, and another, in Scilly early in the month, died on 13th. .A Red- eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus fared better on St Recent reports 53 15. Juvenile Lesser (ioldeii Plover Pluvialis dominica, C.ormvall, October 1980 (/. H. Johns) Mary’s from 11th to 15th and a Rose- breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus further increased the quality of the birds in ScilK when it appeared briefly on I reseo on 25th. A Swainson’s Thrush Catharus uslulalus answered hack for Shetland, appearing at Sumburgh on 28th. Finches and buntings I'hough Sandwich Bay recorded only small movemetits, the numbers at Dimgeness were often impressive — mostly moving northwest. Siskins Carduelis spinus included 40 on 1st and 73 on 25th, Redpolls C.Jlammea 300 oti 5th and 850 on 24th, Goldfinches C. carduelis 7,50 on 10th and 12th, and Greenfinches C. chloris 700 on 25th. 4’herc were 600 Chaffinches F ringilla coelebs on 11th and then, on 12th, at least 20,000. On that day, there were 2,400 Bramhlings F\ montijringitla also going northwest, 5,500 Skylarks Alauda an'ensis and 85,000 Starlings Stumus vulgaris. Phis spectacle was supplemented still further by 600 Goldcrests Regulus regulus. 4'here was a Serin Serinus serinus at Landguard Point (Suffolk) on 2nd November. Scarlet Rose- finches Carpodacus en'thrinus occurred on Fair Isle on 2nd, 1 1 th to 12th and 26th to 29th, on Ckape Clear Island on lOth and in Scilly for much of the month. Ortolan Buntings Emberiza kortulana included otie or two at Sandwich late in September and two on St Maty’s for most ofOctober. Little Buntings E. pusilla tested obseners at Spurti Point (Humberside) from 11th to 14th, on C.ape Clear Island on 11th and 12th and on St ■Maty’s on 19th and 30th, while Rustic Buntings E. rustica — hcralditigan e\ cn more cxcititig \isitor — came to Fair Isle on 2nd, 1 1th, 12th (two) and 14th. .\fter reports ofa Pine Bunting E. leucocephalos at Wells on 12th — the day when so much was happening all down the British east coast — one came to Fair Isle oti 14th, staying until 16th, atid another was there iti .\o\ember. F\en after all these years of watching. Fair Isle — wonderful place that it is — still produces new birds in some magical way. Until a (recently rejected) claim from Norfolk a few years ago. Yellow-browed Bunting A. chrysophrys was scarcely heard of by most observers: tiow w e have a male on Fair Isle from 12th to 19th to compete with all the .\merican attractions farther south and west. Other small landbirds Hoopoes I pupa epops quicken the pulse by \irtue of their sudden, exotic appearance if tiot rarity: records came from Little Paxton (Cambridgeshire), Hemel Hempstead (Hertfordshire), Fair Isle and Cape Clear. Alpine Swifts Apus melba shot past Hauxley (Northumberland) and Sandwich Bay, both on 27th September, and belated Wrynecks Jynx torquilla were at Sandwich Bay on 27th September and Cape Clear Island on 18th. .\ Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica was on St .Mary’s from 23rd to 29th. Richard’s Pipits Anthus novaeseelandiae reached Cape Clear Island on 3rd and 13th, Fair Isle (once 54 two) on four dates, Landguard Point on 20th, South Humberside on 27th and Scilly — several birds — for much of the month. Tawny Pipits A. campestris included some disputed birds (of course!) in Scilly, and one at Landguard Point on 18th. Red-throated Pipits A. cervinus were on St Mary’s on 13th (up to three) and 19th, but, better still, the sometimes strikingly bright Olive-backed A. hodgsoni occurred at Saltfleetby (Lincoln) on 19th, Tresco from 21st to 23rd and on St Mary’s (a different bird) from 28th to 31st. Short-toed Larks Calandrella brachydactyla were remarkably few, reaching only Fair Isle — on four dates (once two birds). An Isabelline Shrike Lanins isabellinus settled in Scilly in mid month. Three Stonechats Saxicola torquata apparently of one of the eastern races reached Fair Isle on 12th, followed by one at Spurn on 25th. Blue- throats Luscinia svecica visited Sandwich on 2nd and Spurn from 18th to 30th. Red- breasted Flycatchers FiceduLa parva ticked and flicked through the cover at Spurn, Salt- fleetby, Filey Brigg, Shellness, Fair Isle, Sandwich Bay, Cape Clear Island, Great Saltee (Wexford) and in Scilly. Firecrests 7?. ignicapillus had much the same spread, with several in southern Ireland (up to ten on Cape Clear Island alone). There was a Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria on Fair Isle on 12th and long-staying Sardinian Warblers S. melanocephala on Tresco and at Weybourne (Norfolk), while a Dartford Warbler S. undata was at Dungeness on 25th. A Spectacled Warbler S. conspicillala was at Hauxley on 26th — a real prize — but one suspected in Scilly from 24th turned out to be a Subalpine S. cantillans. Further Hippolais warblers included Icterine H. icterina in Scilly and on Cape Clear, and Melodious H. polyglotta at the latter site. These, however, were outranked by a Booted Warbler H. caligata pleasing hundreds of people on St Agnes (Scilly) between 14th and 24th. A Recent reports Dusky Warbler Phyltoscopus fuscatus put in a late appearance at Dungeness early in November, and Yellow-browed Warblers P. inomatus were thinly scattered from Fyne & Wear through north Norfolk around to Scilly, Great Saltee and Cape Clear. The final surge, however, came from the most stunning warbler of all, Pallas’s P. proregulus. Spurn Point seems to have had five in all, from 17th; Waxham (Norfolk) had two in early November, but Sandwich Bay capped a good autumn with three at the end of October which, by early November, had been added to by a further four, making 14 at just three localities. There were also singles at Scarborough (North Yorkshire), Sitting- bourne (Kent) and Prawle Point (Devon), bringing the total up to 17 (with others probably as yet unreported to us). For many, this tiny bird still rates as the supreme autumn rarity, if not quite the near-mythical bird that it used to be. Thanks! We should like to thank all the individual observers and the editors of local society newsletters who send us details for this feature each month. To be in time for in- clusion, records need to reach us by 8th of the following month. We are most grateful to the many artists and photographers who have supplied illustrations. Line-drawings for possible inclusion and black-and-white photographic prints (of the actual individual birds seen in the month) should be sent to DrJ. r. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Latest news Barrow’s Goldeneye Bucep/iala islandica, West Kirby (Merseyside); Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea, Filey Brigg; report of Spectacled Eider Somateria Jischeri, Loch Fleet (Highland). British Birds Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 I Classified Advertisements All adverhsements musl he PREPAID £3.00 Jor 3 lines (minimum) £1.00 Jor each whole or pari extra line Classified display £3.50 a centimetre (min. 3 centimetres) For the use oj a box number there is a charge oj £1.00 Replies to: The A D I ER T IS EM ENT .KIANA GER British Birds, .Macmillan Journals Ltd., 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R3LE HO LI DA Y A CCOMMODA TION HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr. Bruce Campbell based at the Talland Bay Hotel on the South Cornish Caiast. Parties have identified over 1 10 species. New Holiday series dates: 10 — 14 Nov. 1980. Rarities week with Ted Crilfiths 24—28 Nov. 1980, 23—27 Feb. 1981, 16 — 20 March 1981. Cost: Monday to I'riday from 472.50. (BB998) PERTHSHIRE: Self catering holiday cottages. Ideally situated for wildlife, (lora, birds, walking and fishing. For brochure and list of available dates write to: Renton Finlayson, 82 .\tholl Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire. Tel: 07% 2512. (BB949) GALLOWAY. Hills, lochs, liirests and .sea. S|)ecialities — birds ol prey, waders and veater- fowl. High quality self-catering accommodation. Wide \ariet\ in town and country, for details send 26p to (i. .M. fhomson & Co., 27 King .Street, Castle Douglas. (BB894) NESTING TIME in Scotland. Fraditional stone cottages in west coast larm. in dedicated National Frust beauts area, .\bundant wildlife, naturalists paradise. Fo let lortnightly. S.\H W hiteridge. Iin erlael, I.ochbrcKim. Ross-shire. (BB801; CUMBRIAA'ORKSHIRE. .Self-catering Holi- day Cottages. Ideal for Bird W atching. Walking and Fishing. Peregrines and Merlins in the hills; Waders ancl Wildfowl on the F7stuar\’. .Ml within reach of your secluded holiday retreat. Wide range of prices. S.\F> for Brochure: Davis & Bow- ring, 6 .Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire (0468) 7 1 7 1 1 . (BB1028) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautiful Clun valley near the Welsh border. The area has an excellent wild bird population and an interesting flora and fauna. Within easy reach of Ludlow, Elan Valley, Ofl'a’s Dyke, Longmynd, this stock rearing farm of 4(K) acres has magnificent views added to its attractions. .\t Upper House one finds complete relaxation and a pampered, intimate atmosphere. B&B, Fi.M optional. 4'el: Bucknell 319 or SAE: .Mrs D, .M. Williams, Upper Farm, Flopton Castle, Clraven .Arms, Salop. (BB1069) SKOKHOLM ISLAND— Full board accom- modation for those wishing to watch seabirds and bird migrants at close quarters. Birdwatching, art, photography and natural history’ courses. 1981 programme from Dept. J, W\\ N"1 , 7 Market Street, Haverfordwest, Dyfed. Tel: 5462. (BB1064) UNIQUE RESTFUL HOLIDAY on organic smallholding within Exmoor .National Park. Quiet surroundings situated in wfxjded nature reserve. Sea four miles. Eight camouflaged caravans. .Modern toilet facilities. S.AE please to Cowley Wood, Parracombe, .N. Devon. Parra- cfim be 2( 10 . ( B B 1 065 ) WEYMOUTH SOUTHDENE HOTEL “AA listed”. Telephone 0305 784621. .Modernised hotel open all year, ideally situated for beach or Radipole l.ake. Colour T\' lounge, residential bar, own large car park, parties catered for. ,S.\f^ .Mrs Lipscomb, Carlton Road .South, for brochure and terms. (BB1055) NORTH NORFOLK. Cloast 3 miles. 17th century barnhouse. Friendly welcome. Home cooking. Lovely wooded area. B&B £6. E.M by arrangement. Mrs B. A. Clarke, Barn House, Pond Hills Road, Hcmpstead-by-Holt, Norfolk. Tel: Holt 2473. (BBI068) COTTAGES GALORE. We have some 200 delightful cottages in all parts of Britain. .\ great variety of individual properties, all inspected. Prices £12 to £40 per person per week. Get our free colour brochure, .\maro Cottage Holidays, 22 High Street. .Alton, Hampshire GU34 IB.N. Tel: (0420) 88892 (24 hours). (BBI074) WEYMOUTH. 2 mins Radipole Lake. B& B. T\’ lounge. CH. Free parking. Open all year. S.AF'.: 4 .Abbotsbury Road. Fcl: 0305 782775. (BBI071) NORFOLK, FELMINGHAM HALL, D.B.B. Sixty acres, wtxxled stream and parkland. .\.\. R.AC7, F.gon Ronay. I el: (069 269) 228. (BB726) V HOLIDAY COTTAGE lulls cc|uippfd, sleeps 3-3, five miles Southwold, 10 miles Minsmere. Mr I'eesdale, 80 Wanglord Road. Reydon, Southwold. (BBI073) SHETLAND SCHOOLHOUSE. Secluded with fine view. Sleeps 6, comfortahly lurnished. R. D. .\udersoii, 54 Horutoii Street. London \VH 4NT. l el; 01-937 5l 4fi. (BB1075) NIDDERDALE, holiday cottage. Excellent birdwatching area. SAE: Mrs Marker, Slean, Middlesmoor, Harrogate. (BB1061) CLEY— BIRDWATCH as vou breakfast! All sear round B& B in sciy comlortable home, directls osetlooking bird rescrsc and salt marshes. .Man and Sheila Hart. 1 he Saltings, Coast Road. Cles. Tel: 740045. (BB1070) ISLE OF MULL. Eagle and Otter country. Ulva House Licensed Hotel. Tobermors . Wluit more could anyone want than prolific bird life, superb home cooking and baking, log fires, magnificent views of bay and harbour and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere? Owner keen ornithologist. Pets welcome. Open all year round. II you think the above sounds interesting please tel or write: David and Jov Woodhouse. Tel: Tobermors 2044. ’ ' {BB1062) IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND. Peacelul countrs cottiiges, Cotssvolds. .Malscrn Hills, Wye X'allcs. Shropshire. .Mid Wales. Brochure I2p stam[). Cottage Holidays. Blaikmorc End. Han- k's .Sssan, Worcester W R8 lll'.f',. I'cl: (Oli8l3) 2(i8. (BB844) NEAR WINDERMERE— 2 cottages, f Hats (sleeps 2/b). situated in prisatc svoodland of out- standing interest to naturalists and birdsvatchers. S. \L: .Mrs R. Legge. Pinethwaitc, W indermere. 101:1,5.58. ‘ (BBIOOO) KITE COUNTRY. A.\**RAt: commended country house hotel. Within easy reach of reserves and other good habitats. Resident expert! Das id and Bronwen extend a svelcome to all. Please send Ibr our colour brochure: Glaurannell Park Hotel. Crugybar. I.lansvrda. Dyfed. Tel: Talley ((),5,583) 231)'. ' (BB22) COURTYARD COTTAGE in ancient market tosvn of South .Molton. Fringe of Exmoor, 12 miles to estuary and sea. .Sleeps li-8. colour T\’. fridge, washing machine. .\o pets. Write: .Mrs J. C. .Sangers, Christina, Barton Lane, Braunton, N. Devon. (BB21) WOODLANDS HOTEL, Devils Bridge. In the heart of red kite country. Comfortable accom- modation in family hotel. Open all year round. ;\lso self-catering Hat, comprehensis els cc|uipped, sleejts 2-1. .Mrs P. Williams: ()97-()85 lifiti. (BB20) CHARMING, SECLUDED, \ ictorian .Manor House now htxury 3-star hotel. Set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens osetlooking Tasv X’alley. Central for fishing, golf, touring and svalkitig. .Also asailable, three self-catering cottages. N'orthcote .Manor. Burlington, near Umberleigh, N. Deson. Tel: ((I7fi9(i) :5()L (BB23) CLEY. Luxury cottage, lour bedrooms, ts\o bathrooms, c/h, colour T\'. Sleeps eight. .No pets or children under nine. Tel: .Norss ich 738558. (BB17) PEACEFUL *AA La mbsciuay Countrs House Hotel. Wye/Dean Forest — Waders and Falcons svithin vicinits. Fixed, ktod and svine. H&C, lull C/H. Tel: 0594 33127 for brochure please. {BB2fi) BIRD WATCHING BREAK? Cornwall- detached cottage, sleeps k)ur. near .Marazion. hands Ibr Hayle F.stuars and St illies. .As ailable Decembei to .March, including Christmas. I'd: 073 074 738. ' (BB25) DEVON. K ingsbridge/Salcombc Estuary. De- tached fully furnished house & bungaloss, L'ninterrupted viesvs over svater and countryside. Sleeps t)/7. Mooring available. Perfect situation. .Mrs M. Quick, “Hove 'Fo” Lower Warren Road. Kingsbridge. 'Tel: 0548 2942. (BB8) NORTH YORK MOORS national park. Secluded guesthouse and comfortable detached cottage in moorland s illage on Riser Rye. Bed and breakfast, esening meal optional. .Also O-berth carasan. fulls etiuipped. Mrs W. .Morton, Hass nbs . Nr Flernslcs . A’ork A'Oli 5QS. Tel: Bilsdale 249’, ’ (BB9) LIKE THE BIRDS, but don't like Hying? We base trips to Iceland, the Faroes. Shetland, Orkney and Islay entirely by surface transport, plus ofcourse our extensise programme ol trips in the Scottish Highlands. .Also self-catering cottages to let. Send stamp to: Caledonian W ildlife Sers ices, 30 Culduthd Road. Ins erness I \'2 31.L', or call: 0403 33 1 30. ( BB 1 0) NORTH DEVON dose to Faw/'I'orridge estuary. Comfortable farmhouse accommoda tion. .North Farm. Bickington. Barnstaple E.N31 2JN. 'Tel: 0271 3107. (BB19) FLANEBURE HOTEL— F'lamborough head- land— 5'orkshire. Hospitality and the finest dill- top walks along the coast. Please send k)r brochure and terms for weekly or short-sta\ holidays. (BB24) AUTUMN AND WINTER HOLIDAYS. An attracti\e warm, self-contained apartment in 10 acres of grounds in rural Dorset. Self catering, adults only. .Anderson, F'air\icw Orchard, Bcrc Fleath, W areham Bere Regis 385. ( BB 1 ) WESTER ROSS. Dinner, bed and breakfast, flood Ibod and comfort assured. £12 per person daiK. Fv. .Macdonald, Benlair, Co\e, Poolcwc. Pooiewe (044 580) 354. (BB7) WEST COAST ARGYLL. Holiday house pri\ate estate beside river/sea sleeps 8. .Also cottage sleeps 1. Total peace except for wildlife. S.AF'.: S. Coates, Corten, Tarbert, .Argvll. Tel: 08802 035. '■ (BBO) ROSEDALE ABBEY. Bed, breakfast and ewning meal. Mrs .Smith. Low Bell F.nd Farm. Rosedale .Abbey, Pickering. Lastingham 451. (BB5) Weekends for Birdwatchers at the Post House Hotel on Hayling Island, situated on Langstone Hartxtur. This fully-equipped, modern, 4-star hotel offers fully inclusive weekends with talks, film shows and guided tours of local area by RSPB Group Leaders. Available Dates: Weekends starting— Friday 23 January 1981 Friday 13 February 1981 Friday 13 March 1981 Contact: S. Dommersen, Post House Hotel, Northney Road, Hayling Island, Hants. Tel: 07016 5011 TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking RSPB Re.ser\e, THE MANOR HOTEL oilers comfortable accommodation and g(Kvd food throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. Special “Bird- Watchers’ " weekends monthly from November to March, and 2 or 3-day breaks during the same perifxl. Postal address: King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8BB. Telephone: Brancaster (048 521) 221. (BB38) OUTDOOR HOLIDAYS FOR ADULTS: basic skills taught in rock climbing, rope descent, wind surfing, beach surfing, moorland walking and navigation, pony trekking. Emphasis on enjoyment, physical exertion kept well within capabilities of participants, Margaret Osborne (address as above). (BB36) CONIFERS HOTEL, Seal Square, Selsey, Sussex. Resident prop. Cilaire Popolf, Reservations: Tel: 2436. Licensed hotel and restaurant. Immediate proximity Selsey Bill and Pagham nature reserve of unique interest. Terms and party rates on application. (BB39) SNOWDONIA AND LLEYN PENINSULA. ,Man\ species of birds v isit here. .Spend a week birdwatching in one of our small, guided groups. Beginners especially welcome. SAE for details. John Taylor, Bron-y-Maen, North Road, Caern- arfon, Gwynedd. Tel: 0286 2683. (BB59) SOUTHWOLD .AA** hotel, central heating, ensuite bedrooms, good wines and food. Ideal base for Minsmere and surrounding area. Write/ phone: Pier .Avenue Hotel, .Southwold 722632. (BB43) ISLE OF TIREE. 'The Lodge Hotel, bird- watchers’ paradise island. Self-catering flats and full board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, Tiree. I el: 08792 368. (BB46) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beeston, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Fakenham. Tittleshall 20,5. " ' (BB42) VISITING CLEY.5 Bed and breakfast, also bungalows to let. Daily ferries to Blakcney Point bird sanctuarv. Temple, .Anchor Inn, .Morston, Holt. Tel: Cley 740 264. (BB40) HEBRIDES AND SCOTTISH WEST COAST. Visit the bird colonies of these enchanted islands by very comfortable motor yacht. V'aried cruises available with a maxi- mum of 12 passengers, departing from near Oban. First class accommodation and food. Or charter the boat for your own group and plan your own ititierary. For landlubbers, we have comfortable, self catering cottages with all amenities. Full details (sae please), from Tony Dalton, (BB), Lochavich, Taynuilt, .Argyll. Pel: Lochavich 212. (BB30) KING’S ARMS HOTEL, Ciastle Douglas. .A.A** RS.AC, Egon Ronay and .Ashley Courtney recommended. 10% reduction for ornithologists. (BB33) QUANTOCK HILLS, SOMERSET. \ erv comfortable cottage (sleeps 5-f-cot), farmland surrounds. Moors, streams, reservoirs, sea, marshes, forest, l()ssilferous rocks nearby. Unusuallv varied bird flower wildlife. Stogumber 220. ' (BB44) WARM, COMFORTABLE COTTAGE avail- able for winter and springtime breaks. Beautiful countiyside in utter peace. Sandy beaches one mile. G(x)dchild, Morfa Canal. Llangrannog, Llandvsul, Dvfed .S.A44 6RS. Llangrannog 276. (BB45) MID WALES. Wide choise of self-catering farmhouse, cottages, etc., throughout mid Wales. Brochure from: .Mid Wales Holidav. Newtown, Powys. Tel: 09745 320. ’ (BB4) WALBERSWICK. .Minsmere 5 miles. Ciottage sleeps 7-9. From £.50. -Apply Saunders. The Rectorv. Old .Alreslord. Hants. Tel: .\lresford 2780. ' (BB3) ISLE OF MULL. Eagle country. L'lva House Hotel, Tobermory. .Magnificent views over bay and harbour. Log fires, h&c, electric fires, tea and coffee making facilities in all rcxims. Superb home cooking and baking. Open all year round. Owner keen ornithologist. Please write or telephone for brochure. Jov and David Wexxihouse. Tobermory (0688) 2044.' (BB32) ISLE OF ISLAY. .Attractive, well equipped cottages sleeping 2-4 people. Situated by beach in peaceful village of Port Charlotte. Full details/ brochure: Mrs James Roy, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, Argyllshire P.A48 7UD. Tel: 049 685 208. (BB57) LAKE VYRNWY, mid Wales. .Accommodation provided and w'arm welcome assured on working hill farm. Situated 2 miles from the bird reserve. Good home cooking. All amenities. Heulwen Parry, Tvnvmaes, Llanwddvn, Oswestry. Tel: 069 '173 216; (BB56) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Tradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated National Trust beauty area. .Abundant wildlife, naturalists’ paradise. To let fortnightly. SAE: Whiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) V 11 QUIET LAKELAND VILLAGE near Hawks- head. Warm comfortable cottage, sleeps 4, no pets. Brammall, Neaum Crag, Loughrigg, Ambleside. Tel: 096 63 3724. (BB53) CORNWALI^FOWEY. Enjoy a spring, summer or autumn holiday in beautiful coun- tryside, a mile from the harbour and coast. Comfortable rooms, dinner, and a substantial breakfast. Dogs welcome. Francis and Anne Boosev, ‘Polscoe’, Fowey, Cornwall PL23 IHQ. Tel: 072 683 2407. (BB50) FLOWERS AND BIRDS OF CORNWALL. A holiday of discovery including rare species unique to Cornwall based at Talland Bay Hotel, Nr Looe, Cornwall. Conducted by local naturalist Ted Griffiths. 25-31 May. Cost from £150. Write for brochure or telephone Polperro (0503) 72667. (BB49) OVERSEAS BIRDWATCHING IN TURKEY. Overland 23 days with experienced leader iiniles indi\i- duals or groups to participate in wotiderful opportunity in May/Septcmber 1981. Chris .Slade, 99 Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands. 021-705 5535. (BB1081) ORNITHOLOGICAL HOLIDAYS WITH COX & KINGS I he I9fil programme will include such interesting and rewarding centres as: Gambia (December 1980) Kenya Rumania Camargue Zimbabwe Spain — Berdun-Pyrenees (Hucsca) and Laguna de Gallacanla (Zaragoza). Greece — Delphi atid Pelopenese (Birds -I- I'lowers). Planned Ibr late 1981/Karly 1982 Guyana Papua New Guinea Ecuador + Galapagos Morocco hor detaUs contact: Cox & Kings I rar el Ltd. Special Interest Dept. 4li .Marshall .Street. Lmdoti WIN' 2P.N Tel: 01-439 8292 (BB,‘)8) TOURS NATURAL HISTORY HOLIDAYS/TOURS in some ol the best and most beautiful areas of the L’K. Weekends and days in the south east and Fast .\nglia. Small party size. Happy and informal atmosphere. .\pply to leader and naturalist, Derek Lutt, Barn Owl Travel (BB), 27 Seaview Road, Gillingham, Kent MF7 4.NL (stamps appreciated). Telephone: .Medway (0634) .56759. (BB1057) BIRD REPORTS GLAMORGAN Bird Report 1979 £1.10 post jraid Irom D. H. Binstead, 37 Pcnhill Road, CardilfCTl 9PR. (BB1041) BIRDS OF RUTLAND WATER, 2nd Report, 1977, 1978. Includes classified lists, wader, tern, wildfowl tables, breeding census, ringing records, £1.25 -f 20p [postage. .Appleton, Fishponds Cot- tage, .Stamford Road, Oakham, Leics. (BB31) WANTED ‘BRITISH BIRDS’, October 1978 issue, wanted. R. Greenhalgh, 22 .Aristotle Road, London SW4. Tel: 01-720 3423. (BB48) COURSES JOHN RIDGWAY is running another three special wildlife courses at his remote North west Highland School end of May and beginning of June, at the peak of the breeding season. His 28lt. lishing boat will take you to see nesting eider duck and terns on the seal islands oil the rocky coast, and thousands of birds on the clilTs ol Handa Island Bird Reserve. Inland the School Land- rovers will help you visit the haunts of mountain hare and ptarmigan. Returning each night to good food and comfortable rooms. Write: .Ard- more, Rhiconich, Sutherland, for details, also reduced rail fares from London/Crewe/Preston. (BB1031) LECTURES LECTURES — on birds and natural history with colour slides, Britain and many parts of world. SAE Brian Hawkes, 55 The .Street, Newnham, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 OLN. (BB904) BOOKS WE CAN SUPPLY an\ natural liistor\ book in print: o\er 500 titles in stock; worldw ide scr\ ice: low postage rates; post Iree to S.O.C. metnbers (excc|)t small orders): Iree 30-page booklist from the Bird Booksho|), Dept. I. Scottish Ornitholo- gists'Club, 2 1 Regent Terratc. l.dinburgh, LH7 5B'T. rTel:031-55()()042). (BB751) NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. Se(otidhand and new bought and sold. Catalogues: |. f,. ()li\er. Corner Cottage. C.olkirk. Takenhtim, NOrlolk. Tel: Takenham 2453. (BB647) SECONDHAND and antiquarian books on ornithology and other aspeets of natural history bought and sold. First catalogue available from Brian Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarpxtrley, Cheshire CW6 ON J. (BB61) ‘FRONTIERS OF BIRD IDENTinCATION’ ed, Shtirroek. .Macmillan London are pleased to inform readers thtit this book, is now back in stock and is a\ailable to stibseribers at £7.95. Subscribers ptirehasing at pre-publication irrice who were disajrpointed should re-appU to j. ■Ashby, .Macmillan Loud, 4 I.ittle Tissex Street, London \\(I2 3I.f . .Nil other orders shotild be diret ted to British Birds, Fountains, Park Lane, Bhmham, Bedl()id .MK44 3NJ. (Make (he(]ues payable to Maemillau London Ltd). (BB18) OUT-OF-PRINT BIRD BOOKS lx)ught and sold. Catalogue on request. Please olTer vour stirphis b(x)ks to Jay Books, 1 Roull (Jrove, Fdinbtirgh. (BB34) BOOKS ON BIRDS. New and secondhand, catalogue 30p. Surplus bird books urgently sought. Open Thursday to Saturday. House of Seal, Church Street, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent. Tel: Ses enoaks 62 155. (BB35) WANTED. Complete set of British Birds. Excel- lent price paid. Tel; Gallacher, Beckermet 1094684)550. (BB55) FOR SALE WATERPROOF AND WARMWEAR, fabrics and patterns, all accessories. For prices, stamp please: 'l'OR(B), 5 Lyndon Grove, Runcorn \VA7 5Pl> ' (BB27) SHIRTS MADE TO MEASURE in Viyella Swiss cottons and other quality fabrics. Patterns and details from .\. Garstang and Cio Ltd (Dept S/BB), 213 Preston New Road, Blackburn, Lancs BB2 6BP. (BB28) WITHERBY’S HANDBOOK (5 vols ). Good condition, £105 o.n.o. Tel; Yelverton (082 285) 3555. (BB37) Artificial House Martin’s Nest Remarkably successful readily accepted by martins, they also encourage the construction of natural nests. Made of hard cement compo with hardboard roof and back easily fixed to eaves of house or barn with special nails supplied. Price £5.45 for 1 £9.75 for 2 including post and packing. NERINE NURSERIES Welland, Worcestershire {BBI053) WILDLIFE HO LI DA YS ISLES OF SCILLY, ICELAND. W ildlife holi- days with David Hunt. Booking NOW for 1981. SAE for details: David Hunt (Holidays), St. Mary’s, Isles ofScilly, TR2I OJG, (BB1029) ISLE OF EIGG. ‘ The prettiest, liveliest island of air — Scottish Field. .Nov, 1979. 'Isle ol the unex- pected . . . ' — l orn Pocock. Freniii!; Standard. ,No\. 1980. Self catering farmhouses, cottages, chalets and bothies with main holiday acti\ ities, sailing, fishing, ponies and expeditions to other remote islands. Breathtaking beauty, peace . and adsenture when you want it. For brochure write to .Mrs Hay. Eigg Holiday Bookings, .Mavbank, L dny, Ellon, Aberdeenshire I'el. (065 13) 367 or I'he Estate Oilice. Isle ol' Eigg, Inverness-shire l ei. (0687) 82413/82423. (BB62) EXPLORE THE HEBRIDES under sail aboard 60ft ketch ‘Hornpipe’. Small parties, £150 pw. Dinsdale- Young, Kingie, Invergarry, Inverness- shire. Tel 08092 210. ' (BB47) UIST WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS SUMMER 1981 \\ ateribwl and Waders Galore Raptors and .Seabirds Otters, Seals and C'.etaceans I'he .Magic of the .Machair Flora. .\ unique op[x>rtunity to explore the Lists. Outer Hebrides and experience the marv els ol the island's wildlife. Small groups led bv local ecologists. High class accommodation, evening lec- tures. minibus, boat and lerrv trans(x>rt all included in 8-dav tours. Further details from: L isi \\ ildlife Holidays I he School House, Lot hcarnan South Lfist, Outer Hebrides. P.\81 5PD. (BB2) 1 Bind it It’S so easy and tidy with the Easibind binder to file your copies away. Each binder is designed to hold twelve issues and is attractively bound and blocked with the BRITISH BIRDS logo. Price UK C3.65 including postage, packing and VAT, overseas orders add 25p. Why not place your order now and send the completed coupon below with remittance to: EASIBIND LTD, 4 UXBRIDGE STREET. LONDON W8 7SZ Tel: 01 -727 0686 Please allow 3-4 weeks for fulfilment of order Nat. Giro No. 5157552 Easibiivd Ltd,4Uxbndge SL, London ,W^7SZ. Older IbrmSf I enclose PO/Cheque value, for binders. Years required BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE Name ... Address Date Registration No. 307469 IX GIBRALTAR For our introductory folder please send 25p stamps (overseas £1) to; MIGRANT TRAVEL Dept MBS, PO Box 2 17, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland Also minibus hire and tour leadership/management services (BB51) Birdwatching inGuemsey and Alderney Come to Guernsey or Alderney tor your birdwjtehing holiday! With their wide range ol habitats, our attractive islands play host to a wonderful cross-section ol birdlile. During the migrations, we arrange a series ot one week escorted holidays — 7th April to 22nd May, and 1st to 28th Spetember — or you can participate in our Birdpak scheme which provides details ot our best sites, birds to evpeit and Rare Birds Service. Our accommodation service recommends Hotels. Guest Houses and Selt-catering tor birdwatchers. All group holidays include air or sea travel, transfers, and hall-board terms at a recommended hotel. For tull information, contact Tim Earl at HOLIDAY PAK LTD., The Travel Bureau, St. Pierre du Bois, Guernsey. Tel: 0481-o4475 (BBUm) METWOOD OPTICAL LTD Specialists m Binoculars and Telescopes 4 Abbots Walk, High Street, Biggleswade, Beds SG 18 OLF telephone (0767) 317077 BINOCULARS Zeiss West — Leitz — Zeiss Jena Swift — Mirador — Hilkinson — Solus Pearl — Minolta — Nikon — Helios — Optolyth TELESCOPES Nickel Supra — Hertel Televari — Swift Mirador — Walter Roth — Kowa Slikmaster TripcKl £29,95 Cullmann Trijxx) £39.95 ALSO Mono Pads — I'able/Shoulder Pods Send for Price Luts and leaflets. Please send stamp to cover postage. Mail Order. Access and Barclay Card accepted. Prices subject to alteration. (BB52) FAIR X ISLE ^ Follow the birds to the Shetland Isles Take a break and stay at the FAIR ISLE BIRD OBSERVATORY Open 1 March'30 October Why not hook your holiday now for 1981? IVrite (with sae please) for brochure to FI BO, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT, or from 14 February telephone direct to the W arden or his wife, Nick or Liz Riddiford, on Fair Isle (035 12258). (BRlb) CVGnUS UIIIDIIPC make bird watchers' dreams come true Equador (Amcizon basin) and the Gcdapagos Isles 24 day trip from 27th June to 20th Ju/y, 1981 Join Cygnus Wildlife on a journey into the living Amazon, see and listen to the chatter of a myriad of parrots, antbirds, sun angels and woodstars — over 400 different species alone were recently recorded — to actually see all these different species is the experience of a lifetime. From the depths of the primordial forest, Peter Harrison, your ornithological leader, will take you via the snow-capped volcanoes of the majestic Andes to the paddy fields and marshes of Southwestern Equador. From Guayaquil on the coast we fly to the Galapagos Isles for six day cruise visiting all the major Islands where we hope to show you many of the 28 endemic species from the small ground finch to the mighty winged albatross. South-West U.S.A. Two 3 week tours in October and November 1981 David Hunt deserted storm-swept Scilly last autumn to endure 10 weeks continual sunshine in America. During that time he explored habitats as diverse as the Monterez Peninsula, Central Valley and High Sierras of California plus the Sonoran Desert, Chiricahna Mountains and Grand Canyon in Arizona. He met many of the top West Coast birders who helped him to find over 300 species of birds, from tiny hummingbirds to the giant and endangered Californian condor. David has distilled the essence of these experiences into two scintillating new Cygnus tours. They are planned to run consecutively, so if you have the time you can do both at a considerable saving. Tour 1: Coastal California to High Sierras, including Yosemite National Park. Tour 2: Southern California and Arizona, including the Grand Canyon. Tours 1 & 2 combined: For full information and colour brochure of these and other trips for ’81 contact our resident ornithologist John Spry. CVGHU5 lUlDUPC Worldwide Holidays Southwest Travel Ltd % Fore Street Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 IPY Telephone 0548 3181 Telex 45639 (Comput G) P57 British Birds Volume 74 Number 1 January 1981 I Wintering Bitterns in Britain Dr Colin J. Bibby 10 Status of Bitterns in Europe since 1976 J. C. U. Day 1 7 Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1979 Dr J. T. R. Sharrock and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel Obituary (Jeors;e Waterston, OBK, LI.D, FRSK (191 1-1980) Andreu' T. Macmillan 39 Mystery photographs 49 Lapland Bunting Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 40 Fifty years ago . . . Notes 41 Little Kgrels with green legs and feet M. R. Alibone 4 1 ()y stereatchcrs excavating tops offence posts Don Smith 43 Behaviour of l urnstones on elevated perches Bernard King 43 Identification ofa Whiskered Tern in first-winter plumage R. A. Hume and R. F. Porter Announcements 45 B(M)k oilers ft) 5'oung Ornithologists of the \’ear, 1980 4t) Bird Photograph of the Year 47 Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs 47 Postal auction of cover design 47 Bird Illustrator of the Year 48 I he Richard Richardson Award 48 \'()C/BB Ro\ing l it Flocks Enquiry 49 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 5 1 Recent reports R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp Line-drawings: 1 Bittern {R. A. Hume)-, 10 Bittern (/?. A. Hume)-, 17 Kentish Plovers, 23 Goldeneyes, 24 Montagu’s Harrier, 25 Goshawk, 2(i Hobby, 29 RuIVs, 31 Mediterranean Gulls, 32 Redwing, 33 Savi's Warbler, 34 Firecrest, 35 (iolden Orioles, and 3fi Brambling [Norman Arlott)-, 48 roving tit Ho(k (Robert Giltmor)-, 52 Lesser 5'ellowlegs and Red-eyed \ ireo [Laurel A. Tucker)-, 54 Booted Warbler [iMurelA. Tucker) and Pallas's Warbler [D. Braithwaite) Cover design: Long-eared Owl [PaulSterry) British Biixls Volume 74 Number 2 Febniar Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/79 Seabirds from trawlers in the Irish Sea Tennessee Warblers: new to Britain and Ireland Mystery photographs • Notes • Letters News and comment • Recent reports Reviews British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Editorial Assistant Personal Assistant David A. Christie Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Dr R. J. Chandler & Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Chairman), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J. Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, Dr R. J. Raines & Dr J, T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary), 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 7TP \otes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Dr C. H. Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr K. E. L. Simmons Sews and comment Peter Conder & Mike Everett, 12 Swaynes Lane, Comberton, Cambridge CBS 7EF Recent reports K. Allsopp & R. A. Hume, c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL British Birds Ltd 1981. Ciopyright of photographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 98 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire ISSN 0007-0335 Annual subscription (including index) UK £10.00; L'SA and Canada $40, airmail L’S$95; rest ol World £10, airmail £25. Cheques payable to British Birds (Calculation, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 3nj). UK Post Office. Giro Account No. 37 588 6303 Publishing & Production Manager Dr J. T, R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Mrs Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Cartwright Advertising John Barnes, Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF (tel: 01-240 1101) British Birds pul)lislu's uialciial dealing with original ob.servalion.s on the birds of llic west I’alearctii . l ixeepl li)r records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted only on condition that materiiil is not being olli'red in whole or in part to any other journal. Photographs and sketches are welcomed. ,\ll contributions should be submitted to the Managing Kdilor. Papers should be typewritten w ith double spac ing and w ide margins, and on one side ol the sheet only. ,\ulhors should ctirelully consult this issue litr style ol presentalion, especially ol references and tables. V’ernacular and scientific names and sequence ofbirds follow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic ( 1!)78): names of plants Ictllow Dony ft «/. ( 147 1. English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals litllow ( icjtbet & Southern ( 1977, The Handbook of British Mammals), figures should be in Indian ink on good cpialily tracing paper, drawing paper, non-ab.sorbent board or light blue or very pale grey graph paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in peiu il; captions should be typed on a sepiirate sheet. .\uthors ol tnain papers {but not notes or letters) recei\e ten free copies of the journal (!i\e each to two or more authors). Frintccl by Henry Burt & Sou Ltd, College Street, Kemp.ston, Bedford mk42 8na Ftiblished by Briti.sh Birds Ltd, 93 High .Street, Biggleswade, Bedibrdshire lS)ur Invitation to Become aFounder Member of a Discriminating Book Society Especially for Bird Lovers WILD GEESE OF THE WORLD Myrfen Ou'en zviih a foreword by Sir Peter Scott Based on original research and years of patient observation, this vital pioneering study brings our knowledge of wild geese as up to date as possible. It includes distribution, life cycle, migration, feeding, plumage, identification, social and sexual behaviour, population dynamics and conservation and exploitation . . . richly illustrated throughout. Published at £15 — Yours for ONIYfl p&p When you join The Birds and Natural Historv Book Societv WHATEVER your interest in birds, especially if quite serious, we invite you to become a founder member of the new Birds & Natural History Book Society. Birdwatching, conservation, in-depth studies of single species, birds as part of our everyday life and as part of the wider natural-history scene — all aspects will be covered with what promises to be the most splendid range ofbird and natural history books ever assembled. We are not new to the subject, and we really cure about it. Watching birds in a Devon estuary is indeed an almost daily event for some of us. Our parent company — David & Charles — has been publishing bird books since Tony Soper’s pioneer The Bird Table Book fifteen years ago, books by such authors as Leslie Brown, Ronald Lockley and Alan Richards, and famous studies too such as Parrots of the \X'or!d. Readers Union already includes many bird books in its programmes, especially that of the Country Book Society which will of course continue to cover the whole spectrum of the countryside including natural history. But now comes the more specialist Birds & Natural History Book Society for the really committed, not neglecting titles of popular interest, but also offering a more specialist range than would be appropriate elsewhere. From all of which it is probably obvious that we are not aiming to be the largest but, instead, the most discriminating book club in the field. So join us today and take advantage of our free 10 day approval offer! Readers Union, Brunei House, Newton Abbot, Devon. Reg in England No 843946 r* avq To: Birds and Natural History Book Society, P.O. Box 6, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2DVV I would like to join the Birds and Natural History Book Society and claim K’ild Geese of the World at the special price of £\ (plus 96p towards postage and packing). If I keep the book I will automatically become a member and agree to take 4 books (in addition to the introductory offer) during my first year of membership, and I will pay upon receipt of any books I choose. If I am not satisfied with the book, I may return it within 10 days and owe nothing. (Altov; up to 21 days for delivery) Mr/Mrs/Miss Address (BB 65) - Postcode Signature — (or if under 18 signature of Parent/Guardian) SEND NO MONEY POST TODAY A Migrate to\ Guernsey offers bird-watching ^ holidays with a difference. Located at the centre of the Channel Islands, Guernsey offers easy accessibility to the traffic-free islands of Herm and Sark and to Alderney. All the islands have excellent facilities for bird-watchers and the opportunity to see the rare Dartford Warbler. And you can combine your activities with a unique holiday in an area of great national beauty and tranquility. Wide choice of fine hotels and guest houses and, “specialist packages are also available. Write or telephone now: ’ States of Guernsey, L y Jm Room 1 3AB, P.O. Box 23, i \ Guernsey, Channel Islands. / ^ Tel; 0481 24411. ^ (BB97) METWOOD OPTICAL LTD Specialists in Binoculars and Telescopes 4 Abbots Walk, High Street, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 OLF Telephone (0767) 317077 BINOCULARS Zeiss West — Leitz — Zeiss Jena Swift — M irador — H ilkinson — Solus Pearl — Minolta — Nikon — Helios — Optolyth TELESCOPES Nickel .Supra — Hertel Televari — Swift Mirador — Walter Roth — Kowa Slikmaster Tripod £29.95 Cullmann Tripjod £39.95 ALSO Mono Pads — Table/Shoulder Pods Send Jot Price Lists and Leaflets. Please send stamp to cover postage. Mail Order. Access and Barclay Card accepted. Prices subject to alteration. (BB52) BIRDWATCH ICELAND 1981 Looking for an unusual birdwatching tour? Iceland is very different from anything you will have experienced at home. Thanks to perpetual daylight it is possible to view Iceland’s varied birdlife during both day and night time. We have two tours departing this summer — 27 June and 1 1 July — both lead by an expert on Icelandic wildlife. For free brochure giving prices and details contact: TRAVEL TIME (dept. IBW) 1 Hanover Street, London W1 R8AP Tel: 01-408 1886 “ICELAND, LAND OF THE VIKINGS” (BB13) FAIR X ISLE ^ Follow the birds to the Shetland Isles Take a break and stay at the FAIR ISLE BIRD OBSERVATORY Open 1 March-30 October IVhy not book your holiday now for 1981? Wrile (with sae please) for brochure to FIBO, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT, or from 14 Eebruary telephone direct to the Warden or his wife, Nick or Liz Riddiford, on Fair Isle (035 12258). (RB16) 11 Talk to A.RMawkins about Binocatars/ (phone us f OR I Best Makes. J Largest Stocks, ■\ Fastest Service. By return Despatch and Free Advice. A. R. Hawkins only sells well known branded binoculars at lowest prices possible (up to 40% off MRPI. Over 150 models to choose from with big stocks and really fast service — all orders despatched same day securely packed and fully insured . Order by telephone with Barclay / Access or C . 0 . 0 . Buying at A . R . Hawkins Ltd . , Means you get a better binocular for less than you might have paid elsewhere for an inferior brand. And if you need advice on which model to choose for your needs, please feel free to telephone us — we would be pleased to talk binoculars with your! ORDER IN CONFIDENCE FROM A. R. HAWKINS - THE WHOLE COUNTRY DOES! PLEASE ADD El .75 POST/INS, EACH ITEM E and O.E, BEST SELLING SELECTION FROM OVER 150 DIFFERENT MODELS: (all prices correct press date and subject to availability) (BB29) ZEISS WEST SWIFT KARL HARTMANN TELESCOPES 8x3oe DvMt C2B0 96 7 X SO Storni Knfl R/ A n«2 0o 8 X 30 Compact Wde Angle C13ZJ5 6ushnellDiscoverer1S-60 x 60C1S8.96 8 X 56BGA Dvakt £397 25 10 X 50 Supreme BWCF £11400 8 X 40 Compact Wide Angle C1SB40 Swth Telemaster 15-60 « 60 £185 95 10x406 Oy«lR £325 36 8 X 40 Supreme flWCF £107 88 10 X 40 Compaa Wde Angle £186 40 Swth Prtsmettc 20 » 60 £89 90 10 X 406GA Dvaki £308 10 8.5 X 44 Audobon BWCF £94 61 lOx SO Bernina Wide Angle £147 20 Nickel Supra B' 15-60 * 60 £136 24 10 X 256 MnOvskt £14135 B X 40 Saratoga BWCF £84 00 B X X Porlerim Wide Angle £119 80 Hertel ft Reuse 25-60 x 60 £131 88 8x206 MnOvBln €136 85 10x40 County BCF £84 00 8 X 40 Porlerim. £127 85 Mirador Prismatic 20-4S * 60 £89 96 al otha modeto n stock 9x35Stachum 6CF £51 75 10 X 40 Porlerim Wide Angle £134 SB Zeiss West 40 > 60 £392 00 8 X 40 Grand Pnx BCF £53 14 8 X 40 Swift Tecnar CZ7 86 CARL ZEISS JENA 20 X 80 Obaarvauon 16 X 70 Obaervation £231 17 £137 96 LEITZ NILKINSON 10 X 40 Lincoln 7 5**(ieid £54 76 0 X 30 Jonopnm T3M C3BS 8 X 20C Trwtovd 11 12-18 19-2."i 2(>4 ,‘>11 12-18 19-2f) 2(>1 1(2) ()(()) ()(()) 2(4) 0(4) 4(0) 28(5) 4(4) 4(4) 2(0) 0(0) 2(0) Black-throated Diver 18. ,\diilt Black-tliroatcd Di\ cr Gavia arclica, Liiuolnshirc. f ebruary 1979 (Keith Atkin) Black-throated Divers in Europe winter along the Norwegian coast, the Continental coasts of the North Sea and south into the Bay of Biscay; the Baltic is also important as a wintering area (Cramp & Simmons 1977). Small numbers regularly winter off the coast of' Scotland, but elsewhere in Britain, apart from Cornwall, Black-throated Di\ers are relatixely un- common. Inland records are scarce, but are more frequent in cold winters. Irish records rarely total more than four or fi\e in a year. Ehe Scottish records for winter 1978/79 are all coastal or near-coastal and are probably incomplete, as is also likely for coastal areas elsewhere in Britain. Scottish and all other coastal and near-coastal records arc therefore not shown in fig. 4, though noteworthy records from these areas are mentioned in the text. Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978179 65 During December, Black-throated Di\er numbers were unexceptional apart Irom an eastward moxement at Foreness Point (Kent) on Kith and 17th December, coinciding with similar moxements ol Great Northern Di\ers. In the last week ol December, there was a small peak of records inland and, although not shown in fig. 4, also at near-coastal localities, a week earlier than the early January arri\ al of other species. 4 his inllux was primarily along the east coast and in the Midland areas, though there were three Irish coastal records during the week. Six newly arrived birds inland during 15th-2 1st January provide the next peak to the histogram, coinciding with the start of the small influx of Red-throated Divers, though again the other species considered in fig. 4 show a small peak a week later. In contrast, the arrival dates of Black-throated Di\ ers during the main mid-February influx synchronise well with the arri\ al of other species. One in South Glamorgan on 15th Februar)' seems too far west to be part of the influx, but another at Hanningfield (Essex) on the same day is a likely candidate, while others appeared on Kith, with two at Datchet (Berkshire), three at Nene Lake, and one each at AKaston (Derbyshire), Trent Falls (Humberside), Goldwick (Nottinghamshire) and Draycote Water (Warwickshire). Black-throated Di\ers occurred farther west the next day (17th), with singles at two sites in Gloucestershire (both of which were joined by second birds on 18th), another which was found in a field near Salisbury (Wiltshire) and two each at Bartley Green, Elland Reserxoir (West Y orkshire) and "Frawsfynydd (Gwynedd). By the end of the week (18th), a total of 32 had appeared inland, with others at near-coastal localities. There were fewer newer birds the following week, though this was the peak arrival period in near-coastal areas and, with lingering birds included, was also the week in which there were maximum numbers inland: a total of 40. As with the Red-necked Grebes, the later birds occurred primarily along the English east coast. Black-throated Di\ers continued to arrive (or mo\e about) until 4th March; thereafter, there were few new birds, although some remained inland until well into April. In coastal areas, return moxements were noticed from the second half of March, with C'ornish sightings of 52 at Garrans Bay on 20th and ten at St Ixes on 24th, and record numbers for Essex of 25-30 at Bradwell on 13th April. Great Northern Diver In Europe, Great Northern Divers are the most westerly wintering of the divers, occurring regularly in the coastal areas of Britain and Ireland, particularly ofF northwest Scotland, the north and west of Ireland and southwest England (CTamp & Simmons 1977; Hutchinson 1979). Occasional individuals also appear inland in winter; in the London area, where the species is most frequent during late November to early Decem- ber, there is evidence that, unlike the other two dix ers. Great Northerns are more frequent in mild winters (Ghandler & Osborne 1977). During winter 1978/79, the total of Great Northern Dix ers inland was ()() Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978179 less than 20, witli no more llian four in any one week: too few to sliou in lit>;. 4. In coastal areas, nnnibers appear to ha\e been normal in Scotland and Ireland, but there were more than usual in l)e\'on and (lornvvall, par- tieularK during late December and early January, with up to 18 in St l\es Ba\ on 80th December, and, in De\’on, groups ol nine at Hopes Nose on 27th December, 12 at Torbay on 28th December and six in Idymouth Sound on (ith January. Coastal movements, \irtually all easterly (i.e. towards the Channel), were noted at Toreness Point between Ibth and 80th December. .\t Sheringham. the only moxements were ones and twos mo\ ing east during 1 lth-21st February, and a single on 4th March; two were seen Ihing cast at Foreness Point on 11th February (all other obser\ ations there during january-.March were ol singles) and two others Hew inland up the Humber at Barrow Ha\ en on 19th February. 19. I'ir.st-u inter (ircat Norlhcm I)i\ cr Gavia imrner, Kent. January 1979 [Royslnti K. C.oles) Fhus, normal numbers ol (beat Northern Dixers wintered around the coast, while a coastal passage southwestward during the latter hall ol December suggests that more (beat Northerns from the .North Sea may ha\e mo\ed south than has been usual in recent winters. 4 his would explain the paucity both of inland records and of coastal moxements associated with the January-February inlluxes ol other species, though the tiny east coast moxement during llth-21st coincided with the February inllux ol other species. (treat Crested Grebe No systematic attempt has been made to assess the numbers of (beat Crested (bebes in Britain and Ireland during the xvinter, but it is obx ious from obserxers’ reports that there were some unusual moxements and numbers. Large gatherings were reported from a number of localities, j)articularly during January, but the extent to which these xvere local birds congregating on ice-free waters (as did Ruddx Ducks at this time) or were Continental immigrants associated with the various inlluxes is not knoxvn. (beat Crested (bebes appeared in Dexon and Cornwall where thex are usually uncommon, particularly in January, while, at the oj^posite end of Britain, Fair Isle had three records between 22nd January and oth March, the first since 1970, to add to its prex ious grand total of fix e. Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/ 79 Red-necked Grebe ()7 20. Adult R('cl-iu‘ck('d (ircbu Podiceps ii^risei^ena. HumlKTsidc. March 1979 (Keith Atkiu) Rcd-ne('k(‘d (ircbcs are generally the least eotnmon of the three seareer grebes in Britain in winter, partienlarly inland; in most winters, the total in laigland and Wales probably does not greatU exceed ’)(). In Scotland, small numbers winter in coastal localities, mainly in ones and twos, with occasional Hocks ol up to 40 at taxonrc'd localities on the east coast. lew indix iduals may reach Ireland, though in many winters none is seen. In western Knroj^e, Red-necked Grebes winter along the seaboards of southwest Norway, (iermany and Denmark, in the Netherlands and along the Swedish coast of the Baltic where, in common with Red-breastc'd .Mergansers, (Goosanders and \'el\et Scoters, they reach larther east than the other grebes and divers (Gramp & Simmons 1977). The numbers of Red-necked (Grebes in the \ arions regions of Britain and Ireland during winter 1978/79 (lig. 5) are thought to be reasonably com- plete. Records at coastal, near-coastal and inland localities were examined separately, but no signifuant dillerences emerged and, consec|uently. all records ha\ e been used in the histograms. During December, there vvere a few widely scattered records, both coastal and inland, with a small concentration in the southwest, where in De\on three were recorded in the Kxe Kstuary on 3rd and li\e on lOth. There was a small arrix al in the first week oljanuary, w ith 24 ‘new’ birds, compared with between eight and 13 a week throughout December. This coincided w ith the main inllux of Smews and (Goosanders, and there seem to haxc been Red-necked (Grebes in most areas of Kngland at this time except the Northwest and the North Midlands. One arrixed in Wales, but there were no records from Scotland or Ireland. 4 his arrixal continued into the second xveek ol january. particularix in the Hast and Southeast. In the fourth week of January, there xvas a rather more obx ions iiiHux. again coinciding with the arrixal of Smexvs, xvith .70 new birds, more xvidespread than that in early January, affecting the xvhole of Britain, but not Ireland. One or two reached the txvo Midland areas, the Northwest and Wales, with slightly larger numbers in the remainder of England and Scotland. This arrival probably commenced about 22nd January, though two at ()8 Scotland Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. 50 OL- Dec. Jan. South Midlands Feb. Mar. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. 20 0 Ireland r Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978! 79 Fig. 5. Histograms sliovving numl)crs of Red-necked (irebes Podiceps grisegena in diilcrent areas of Britain and Ireland during winter 1978/79; f()rmat as lor fig. 4. .Ml records shown Ciovenham (Lincolnshire) which had been present since early January were joined by two more on 20th. Several more had been discovered elsewhere by W ednesday 24th, and further new birds were found at the weekend, on 27th and 28th. On 25th, a Red-necked (frebe was seen Hying west along the Norfolk coast at Sheringham, no doubt part of this movement, as was one at Fair Isle on 1st February, the first there since 1974. Further arrivals continued during the two ensuing weeks, but at a much lesser rate. An exception to this pattern occurred at Gullane Bay (Lothian) where 28 were seen on 4th February, an isolated high count in an area where, otherwise, six to eight (fewer than usual) were generally present during the winter. No obvious reason can be suggested for this apparently local influx, which coincided with high numbers of Slavonian (irebes at the same locality. 4'hen, quite dramatically, came the major influx of the winter, following the onset of bitter easterly winds and snow' on 14th February. One at Pennington Flash (Greater xManchester) on 13th seems unlikely to have been part of this influx, but, on 14th, two appeared together at Willen 69 Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/ 79 (Buckinghamshire), one spent a short while on the sea at Durlston Bay (Dorset) sheltering from the gales, one was reported at Gibraltar Point (Lincolnshire) and another was seen at Rotton Park Reservoir (West Midlands). I he snow continued on 15th, and during the blizzard two, possibly more, were seen at Peterborough and singles at C.olchester (Essex), Eiilfield Park Reser\oir (Hertfordshire) and Stonar Lake (Kent). On 16th, newly arrived Red-necked Grebes were recorded in C^ambridge- shire, Essex, Humberside, Kent, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey and Warwickshire. It is interesting to note that none of the early birds was in the west. I’he 17th was a Saturday and to many weekend birdwatchers it soon became apparent that there had been a major inllux of Red-necked Grebes; by the end of the day, they had been found almost throughout England, as far west as De\ on, Gornwall and Lancashire. I’he first Welsh record that could be associated with the influx was one on the sea ofl .Anglesey (Gwynedd) on 17th; on 18th, a single was found at Bosherston (Dyfed), one that had been present for some time at Eglwys .Niinydd (West (Glamorgan) was joined by two others, and there was one at Loch Lomond. Pair Isle observers had their second record of the month on 19th, and one which spent a number of weeks at one of the Forties Field oil-platforms in the North Sea arrived on 22nd February. Ireland, howex er, had to wait until 24th for its first since December, at Dun Laoghairc (Ck:>. Dublin). .Altogether, in the week ending 18th February, 263 new arrixals vxere recorded. Fhe influ.x continued during the following week, and, since many Red- necked Grebes found conditions inland to their liking and remained on the same waters for some time (some indeed until well into .April), the numbers in most areas reached their maximum during 19th-25th f’ebruary, with a grand total of481. Of these, 277 were new arrix als during the week. 4 he detailed pattern (fig. 5) show's that peak arrix als in most areas were from 12th to 18th February, though in the Northwest, Northeast and East the peak was during 19th-25th. In the two latter areas, arrixals continued until 4th March, longer than elsexvhere. 4 bus, the earlier birds xvere on axerage farther xvest than the later arrivals, a trend already noted for Black-throated Dixers; xvhether this xvas because the first arrixals xvere fitter (quite a possibility in x iexv of the number found dead in the second ’ week), were carried farther by the strong easterly xvinds of the first period, or because conditions to the east of the country xvere less to their liking, is not clear. 21. .\dull Red-nec ked (irebe Podiceps grisegeua and immature male Red-breasted Merganser Mergus senator. Kent, Feltruary 1979 {Rqyston A. Coles] 70 Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/79 It is possible that some of the ‘new’ birds (along with those of other species) during 26th February to 4th March may have been displaced during the night ol' 24tli/25th February when many waters froze (|)late 22). After 25tli February, numbers of Red-necked Grebes — both new arrix als and lingering birds — fell steadily; minor peaks of new arrix als in \ arious areas from 12th March may represent some mo\ ing bac k eastwards or a renewed influ.x (cf. Red-throated Di\ers), but no particular pattern emerges. 22. riircc Rcd-iu'ckccl (irchcs Padiceps »rise^eiici (second, sixdi and sexcnlli liom leii) u idi li\c ( ireat ( '.rested (irebes P. aistatus. trapped by ic e din ing oc erniglit Iree/e ltli/'2.’nli I'ebrnary 1979, l.eieestersliire (R J. Chandler) A number ol Red-necked (irebes were picked up dead, in most instances apparently fairly soon after death, though it is diflicult to be sure of this. Ignoring those reported as ‘long-dead’, the temporal distribution of the remainder correlates closely with the \arious inlluxes, as do the similar records for Red-throated I)i\ers (table 2). I'he first dead one to be reportc'd during the winter was at Flightown (Merseyside) on 12th Januarv , which may ha\ c arri\ cd in the early Januarx influx. I he two early February birds were both found dead on 4th. at Filey (North \’orkshire) and at Red W'harl Bay (Ciwynedd). and were possibly iinoKed in the late january inllux. Dead Red-necked Grebes during the Februarx influx xvere found from 14th (one at W hitburn, 4'yne c!i: W ear) and 15th (one at Southerness, Gumbria, xvhich may hax e been too far xvcst to haxe been part of this influx). By far the greatest number of dead Red-neckc'd Grebes xvas found during 19th-25th February, the xveek in xvhich the greatest numbers xvere present in Britain. In txvo or three instances, birds were reported to haxe had emjjtx stomachs aj^art from a small quantity of xvater-wec'd: since the species normally feeds on animal matter, this j^oints to starxation as the most likely cause ofdeath. Slavonian Grebe In western Europe, this sj)ecies winters at inshore coastal localities from about ()9°\ on the Norwegian coast, around the xvhole of the Gontineutal coastline inc luding the eastern end of the Baltic, south to Britanny. In Britain in xvintcr, it is the most freciuent of the three scarcer grebes, occurring, sometimes in small flocks, around much of the c'oast, including the xvest and southwest; inland records, usually of singles, are not un- common. In Ireland, it is regular in small numbers, the totals during the 1976/77 and 1977/78 winters being 19 and ten respec tixely (Preston 1977- Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/ 79 71 23. Slaxonian iUx'Ut: Podiceps auritus. Lcirestcrsliirc. Marc h (R-J. (.handler) 79) . I n coniparisoii with the other two sc arcer sjrcl)cs. the Shwonian winters larther west than the Red-necked and larther nortli than the Blaek-neeked, thongli all three species ox eiiaj) o\ er mneh of their respeetix e ramies. I his is another species lc)r which it is impractical to consider coastal or near-coastal records in lig. 4. Inland records were confined to lingland, and are thought to he reasonably complete. 1 he histogram shows only two signilicant peaks: dnring 22nd-28th Jannarx' and ;")th-28th Fcbrnarx . 4'his contrasts xvith the arrix al pattern ol the Red-necked Cirebes, particularly during k’ebrnary when the Slax onians apparently came a few days earlier, xvith inland records ofnewlx discoxered birds Irom about 8th February. By the xveekend ol lOth and 1 1 th Februarx , there had been reports from Axon, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire (2), (iloucestershire, Kent, Xottinghamshirc (4), O.xidrdshire, .Sulfolk and Susse.x (3). 1 he nnmber arrix ing inland reached a peak during 12th- 18th February, xvith more coming in during the folloxving week, so that the maximum number xvas reached during 19th-2;nh, xvith a total of 80. 44hs compares with about 2.70 Red-necked Grebes inland during the same week. Again, as with the Red-necked Grebes, there is an easterly bias to the later arrix als, with clear arrix al peaks in the Midland areas during 12th- 18th (2(i birds), but peak arrix als inland in Southeast (7), Fast (9) and Xortheast (4) during 19th-2;7th February; numbers inland in other areas xxere too small (or the records to be ol any significance. Sexeral obserxers reported more than usual numbers o( Slaxonian Grebes in coastal areas during the xvinter; counties spccilicallx mentioned were Cornwall, Dexon, Fast and West Sussex and Lincolnshire. Xotablc coastal gatherings (xvhic h are not necessarily unusual numbers) xvere in the Fxe Estuary xvhere there were 1 1 on 29th December and 2.') or more on 3rd February, 23 or more on bth januarx- at Poole (Dorset), and 33 at Portland (Dorset) on 17th February, xvhile in the Blackxvater Estuary there were 27 on 4th March and at least 40 on 31st March. Parties ol'up to sexen xxere reported from a number of Xorthumberland localities on a x arictx ofdates. In Scotland, in the Eirth of FVirth (Gosford/Gullane, Lothian) there xxere 154 on 14th |anuan and 17'.] on 4th February, xvhile at Dornoch (High- 72 Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978! 79 land) there were 30 on 24th February. 74iese numbers show the difFiculties involved in any analysis ol coastal Slavonian (irebes during the winter. 4'he Irish numbers during the winter were also larger than usual, with about 2(5; the dates were, for no obvious reason, late December and late March, at either end ol the inllux period in Britain. Black-necked Grebe 24. Blac k-necked (trebe Fodiceps nigricollis, Lincolnshire, September 1977 {Keith Atkin) Ol the three scarcer grebes in western Europe, the Black-necked winters the farthest south, at favoured coastal localities from the Netherlands south to Iberia. A few may winter inland. In Britain, it is as much a passage migrant as a winter visitor, being regular in small numbers on the London reservoirs and at a few localities along the south coast. In the London area, Black- necked Grebes are present during August-April, with peak passage in September-(4ctobcr and March-.April. fdsewhere, it is uncommon; in Ireland there are usually no more than one or two records a year, sometimes none. Again, only inland records are considered in fig. 4; there were no inland records in Scotland or Ireland. Numbers were small in the Northeast and the Midlands (if the London area is excluded), and none was reported from the Northwest. 4 he bulk of the records came from Last and Southeast, with the relatively constant number of lingering individuals being accounted for largely by the total of ten to 12 which wintered on Girling Reservoir (Greater London) and Queen Mary Reservoir (Surrey). 4 he main pattern of the winter is of a few arriving in every week, with small influxes during lst-7th January, 22nd-28th January and 12th-25th February. I here were three in Go. Gork on Ghristmas Day, and 12 at Forbay (Devon) on 24th December, but the numbers involved in the influxes are too small for a serious attempt to pinpoint the timing. 44ie small concentration of records in mid to late March is perhaps best regarded as involving passage, though it may be noted that there were similar small peaks in the numbers of other species at this time. Notable coastal records were the 12 on 24th December at Forbay, and eight there on 3 1st March, at least 1.3 at Poole (where numbers are usually in single figures) on (5th January and 1 1 on 17th February, and 34 on 21st February at Langstone 73 Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/ 79 Harbour (Hampshire), a regular wintering site, where the maximum December count was 20. In Ireland, in addition to those in Co. C’ork in December, there were three in Cio. Wexford from about 17th March, bringing the winter’s total to six. I elvet Scoter 25. 1 mmaliirc male \’cl\ et Sroicr Melanilta fusca. Lineolii.shire, Febriiar\ 1979 {Keith Atkin) January wildfowl counts in Europe during H)()7-73 show that the major known wintering area for \'el\et Scoters is off the Danish coast in the Kattegat, with much smaller concentrations ofl the Norwegian coast, in the Seine estuary and in Scotland in the Firths of Forth and Mora\ . It is possible, however, that there are wintering concentrations still to be dis- covered (Atkinson-W’illes 1976). F.xcept for Scotland, where up to 3,000 were present in Spey Bay in January and early February 1979 (.Mien 1979), X’elvet Scoters are un- common in Britain and Ireland, especially inland. .\s a consequence, the species was well reported, and the inland records in winter 1978/79 are probably reasonably complete (fig. 4). There were three separate influxes, during the weeks lst-7th and 22nd-28th January, and f2th-18th Februarv. ail of short duration with the birds not remaining inland for long, .\part from 12th- 18th February, when 11 of the 20 arrivals were in the Fast, numbers were too small to show any significant pattern. Coastal movements were also observed, mainly of very small numbers, during 31st December to 7th January from Northumberland to Hampshire, with notable records being 16 flying east at Margate (Kent) on 31st December, four flying west at Southwick (West Sussex) on 2nd January, and two males fl\ ing up the inner Cilyde on 2nd January. During 20th-26th January, there were coastal movements at Filey (North \'orkshire), Sheringham, and W’arsash (Hampshire), with the unusual inland record of three in flight at 1Toy Mills (Hertfordshire) on 23rd January; and further coastal movements in Hampshire, Humberside, Norfolk and W est Sussex between 16th and 19th February. 44iese periods of coastal movement all correlate closeK with inland occurrences, and, so far as can be assessed, with the numbers of coastal birds. Numbers in Ireland during the winter were unexceptional. Smew In January, one-half^ — and sometimes three-quarters — of the Smews wintering in western Europe can be found in the Netherlands, in the 74 Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/ 79 I jsselmeer and along the Rhine; in these areas from 1967 to 1976, the January numbers varied between 1,100 and 8,700, averaging 3,950 (Atkinson-VVilles 1975; Wildfowl Trust in litt.)- This distribution contrasts with most of the other influx species, which are rather more widely spread in winter, and which all seem to occur in their greatest numbers farther to the northeast, of! the Kattegat-Baltic coast of Denmark. During the decade 1967-76, the January numbers of Smews in Britain averaged less than 60 and only twice exceeded 100 (in 1968 and 1970), while in Ireland in recent years the ax erage has been only one a year. With this background, the scattering of Smews in December 1978 (fig. 4) was unexceptional and gives no hint of the size of the early January influx. With a few Smews already present, it is difficult to pick on individual records which can be regarded with certainty as being involved in the influx, particularly with this species, which is described by Cframp & Simmons ( 1977) as ‘highly mobile and restless, frequently shifting feeding and resting areas.’ ITis behaviour was very apparent during winter 1978/ 79, and made assessment of the number of birds present, even on the same day, very diflicult. fhus, total numbers, and, more particularly, dates of first arrival should be treated with some caution. In spite of this caveat, a small flurry of records with a southeasterly distribution on 1st January — Foxcote Reservoir, Buckinghamshire; Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire (2); Christchurch Harbour, Dorset (2); Kensington Gardens and Stoke Newington Reservoir (3), both Greater London; and Benacre, Suflolk (9) — must include the first of the influx. On 2nd, there were others in Greater London, Kent and Suffolk, while ‘new’ counties included Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire; by 3rd, Smews had been seen in Leicestershire, Somerset and East Sussex. Also on 3rd, a total of 48 flew north in three flocks at Sandwich Bay (Kent), and small coastal movements were noted on 4th and 5th January at Sheringham. On the last date, the largest flock of the winter (41) was seen, at Shingle Street (Suffolk). 26. Female or immature male Smews Mergus alhellus, Ciormvall, ]anuar\ 1979 {G. P. Gill) It took a day or so for Smews to spread westwards: there were two on the Axe Estuary (Somerset) on 3rd; on 4th, a drake appeared in Strathbeg (Grampian) and three reached Ruan Lanihorne (Cornwall); one at Slapton Ley (Devon) from 29th December was joined by two more on 5th. In Wales, Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/79 /5 after a single Smew in Dyfed in Deeember, there were no more until one at Llandegfedd Reserxoir ((iwent) on 7th and two singletons on the I'sk in (iwent on 9th January. 1' rom the seeond week in jannary, reeords were widesjiread. but num- bers remained relatixely small throughout the winter awav from the Southeast, hast and Soutli Midlands, though the reeords are elearK’ eonfused, owing to the mobility of the birds, the early januar\ influ.x eontinued lor two weeks and in\ ol\ed at least ,S80 birds (fig. 4). In the Hast, and to a lesser extent in the Southeast, ,South .Midlands and .\ortheast, the greater part of the influx took plaee in the first week, but elsewhere numbers arrix ing were slightly greater in the seeond week. I’he Netherlands seems almost eertainly to hax e been the origin of this inllu.x, stimulated bx the onset of the sex ere xveather at the end of Deeember. .Although this weather pattern prex ailed for only a day or so, it seems that, once started, the influx maintained its own momentum for a short while. 44ie arrix als of this and other species in February xvere similar in this respect. .\ major influx of Smews and Cioosanders xxas also reported in Belgium and France during early January though the numbers in both countries were probably lower than those in Britain. In the third week of January, numbers fell exerywhere. presumably the result of moxement back to the Continent, only for there to be a renewed arrix al of Smews during 22nd-28th January, along with small numbers of most of the other species considered in this paper. Fhereafter, local moxements of Smews within Britain may aeeount for some of the ‘new’ arrixals, though increased numbers during 12th- both February un- doubtedly included further birds accompanying the main February influx. 4 he peak arrixal of the February Smew inllu.x occurred in the South .Midlands, Southeast, South and Southxvest during 12th-18th February, and ex’ery where else during 19th-25th. Fhis southerly distribution suggests a southward shift of the centre of grax ity of the Continental population since the time of the early January influx. .After 4th .March, lew .Smews remained, though a further minor peak suggests a small influx in mid March, the result ofthe northeast winds that set in on 14th. In Ireland, there were six -Smexxs during the winter: records of one in Co. Calxvax' on both January and four in Co. .Armagh (two of which were first seen on 21st Januarx ) xvere probablx both part ofthe early Januarx influx. 1 he sixth was at Faeumshin (Co. \\ cxfbrd) in .April. 4'hus, the jjattern of moxements of Smews during the winter is different from the other species, though it may proxe to be similar to that of the Coosanders, xvith the major influx during the txvo weeks 1 st- 14th January and birds present and probably mox’ing around until 4th March, with lesser but still significant arrix als from 21st to 28th January (after a noticeable dearth during the prex ious week) and from 12th to 2.oth February. Red- breasted Merganser .Mergansers regularly w inter in many coastal areas of Britain and Ireland, though they arc unusual inland. .A comparable situation applies in much of northern Furope, with by far the largest numbers (based on Januarx 76 Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978179 counts) occurring in the Kattegat and eastern coastal waters ol Denmark, where numbers are typically fi\ e times the 1 ,000-2, ()()() that winter in both British and Dutch coastal waters (Wildfowl 'brust m litl.). Hutchinson ( 1979) suggested that Irish winter numbers may be as high as 2,000-3,000. Since they are so frequent in the coastal and near-coastal waters of Britain and Ireland, the analysis has been confined to inland records which, because they are unusual, were well reported by obserx ers. d’here can be no doubt, howex er, that there xvere larger numbers than usual in some coastal areas during the winter, particularly along the east coast. None xvas reported inland in Ireland. 27. Male Red-lircasled .Merganser Cornwall, March 1979 {(>. P. Gill) The pattern of inland occurrences during December 1978 to March 1979 shown by the Red-breasted Mergansers (fig. 4) is remarkably similar to that of the Red-necked (irebes. After isolated sightings in December, there was a small influx during lst-7th January, with notable records being a flock of nine at New Hythe (Kent) on 5th, 25 at Cheddar Reserxoir (Somerset) on 6th and a scattering of smaller numbers in most other areas. 4'his small influx probably commenced about 30th December, when a small moxement was noted at Foreness Point and Sandwich Bay (Kent), which continued until 1st January. On 3 1st December, 1 75 were counted at Hamford Water (Fssex) (a near-coastal locality- not included in the histograms), numbers increasing to 215 by 14th January. Coastal rnoxe- ments continued in the first few days of January 1979, being reported almost daily in small numbers at Sheringham between 1st and 8th, and along the Sussex and North Yorkshire coasts on 1st and 2nd. Peak coastal numbers in Dorset — 127 at Poole on 6th and 270 at Portland on an unspecified date in January — were regarded as unexceptional. W hile this influx of mergansers, though small, is clearly, in x iew of its timing, part of the much larger influx of\Smews and (Goosanders, there is only a hint of the 21st-28th January Smew-Goosander influx in the merganser histogram. A flock of sexen at South Fambridge (Fssex) on 27th 77 Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/ 79 and five at Exeter (De\on) on 28th January are the only possible inland associations with this inllux. I he mid-February arrival is as dramatic and almost as sudden as that of the Red-necked Grebes. As with the Sla\ onian Grebes, howe\ er, it appears to have started a day or so earlier than the Red-necked Grebe inllu.x, for Cjuite a number ol well scattered first arrivals were reported on 11th February. The more important ol these were 1 1 at W raysbury Gra\el-pits (Buckinghamshire) and four at Foxcote Reserxoir, and another party of four surprisingly far west on the Severn at Gressage (Shropshire); other counties where smaller numbers were reported inland on the same day are Derbyshire, Norfolk, Somerset and vSulfolk. After that, two appeared at Stoke Newington Reser\ oir on 13th, then a singleton in Berkshire on 14th, and, on 15th, a group of three near Milton Keynes (Buckinghamshire), nine at Fen Drayton (Ciambridgeshire), five at Hilfield Park, one at Mans- lield Reserx'oir (Nottinghamshire), three at Needham Market (Suffolk), and seven at P'rensham (Surrey/Hampshire). On 16th, others were reported in Berkshire, Gambridgeshire, Essex, Kent, (Greater London, Northamptonshire and Somerset. By Sunday 18th, there were records from most inland areas of England, with several flocks in double figures. Goastal movements of mergansers were again noted at Sheringham during 16th- 25th February, and at Selsey Bill on 24th, while large numbers were counted in the Orwell Estuary (Suffolk), with eight on 17th and 85 on 18th, ev entually rising to a record 169 on 3rd March. In Essex, high counts were 63 (Blackwater Estuary, 18th February) and 72 (Pyfleet, 25th February). 4'he influx reached its peak in the Southeast, South, South Midlands and Northwest during 12th- 18th February'; while the influx was very apparent during 12th-18th in the F^ast, North Midlands and Northeast, the peak in these areas occurred in the week 19th-25th February. This is a close parallel with the pattern of arrivals of Red-necked Grebes. The grand totals of inland mergansers in these two weeks were 332 and 428 respectively. 44ie histogram clearly shows the reluctance of mergansers to remain for long on inland waters, in marked contrast to the Red-necked Grebes. .Apart from a few mergansers which appeared in the two Midland areas during 5th- 1 1th March, a very large proportion of those involved in the February influx must have moved back to the coast by 4th March. Goosander Records of Goosanders are being analysed by John Brucker, so I have made only a preliminary examination. This suggests a somewhat similar pattern to that of the Smews, with a number of observers reporting record numbers for individual localities. The major influx of the winter was during lst-14th January, which perhaps commenced in the last couple ofdays of December, followed by a lesser influx during 22nd-28th January, though without the dramatic fall in numbers during the intervening week shown by the Smews; and a third influx during 12th-25th FTbruary, with the number involved similar to that of early January. 78 Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978179 28. ( ioosandcrs Mergus merganser. Netherlands, Dcecnibcr 1979 {P. Munsterman) Discussion 8’lie European distribution ot wintering wildfowl is quite well known from the international wildfowl eonnts, but the same information is not ax ailable in the case of di\ers and grebes. Quite a degree ol speculation is thus in\ ol\ ed in suggesting the source area of the di\ ers and grebes in\’ol\ ed in the inllnxes, and there can of course be no certainty concerning the origin of the wildfowl. It is clear, howe\er, that by far the largest January populations ol the wildlbwl inllnx species are at the western end of the Baltic oil the Danish east coast, and the same is likely to be true of the di\ers and grebes. Of the grebes, the wintering distribution of the Red-necked suggests that it is more hardy than the Slax onian, with its winter population centre of gra\ity proportionately farther east and north. I’hc same eonelusion probabl) applies to the Black-throated Di\ er \ is-a-\ is the Red- throated, though here the differeuec is less marked. It is likely that relatively few Black-necked Grebes and few'er Great Northern Di\ers winter in the North Sea area, the two species mo\ing south and west respectively. d hese winter distributions are reflected in the proportional numbers of the x’arious species iu the February influx, suggesting that at least some Danish/Baltie birds were in\ol\ ed. dlie weather conditions on 1 4th/ 15th February were comparable across southern Fmgland, Belgium, the Netherlands, southern Denmark and north Germany, though it was colder in the cast. 4'he influx seems to ha\ c been triggered b\ the snow, and birds probably left the coastal areas of both the North Sea and the Baltic more or less uniformly. /\s the weather had been continuously cold iu the Baltic for some time, some birds had no doubt already left eastern Danish and other waters lor the southern North Sea. Indeed, possible e\idcnec for this is provided by Red-necked Grebes seen ofl the north French coast from l‘2th February (P. Dubois in till.). The widespread nature of the iullux from Sussex northwards along the British east coast iu the j^eriod 15th- 18th Februarv’ suggests a uniform departure eastwards from both the western Baltic and southern North Sea as far south as France. During 19th-25th February, the eoueeutration of 79 Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/79 records ol both Red-necked Grebes and Red-breasted Mergansers from hast Anglia to \ortluimberland points to a greater proportion ol tlic later arrixals being Ironi the Baltic or the Continental North Sea coast immediately east of the arrival area. Dead Red-necked Cirebes were reported from the Gontinent as well as Irom Britain; in Ciermany, 50- 100 were Ibnnd on the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein in March, and 30 or more on the Baltic coast near Kiel at the same time. In summer 1979, the number ol breeding pairs of Red -necked Cirebes at one Schlesv\ ig-Holstein locality fell to three where in prex ioLis years there had been 1 5 to 20, showing the breeding area ol some ol the winter’s casualties. But there were many dead Red-breasted Mergansers in the same area, and, in spite of this, the number breeding arotmd Kiel was the highest since 1945. riuis, many o( the dead mergansers are likely to ha\e been Innii the eastern Baltic or e\en the Barents Sea (Ch Schmidt in lilt.). The influx of 3 1st January 1937 I hoLigli both The Handbook and BMP relerred to a number of winter intluxes ol waterbirds in which Red-necked (irebes were [)rominent, there is little documentary e\’idcnce of these e.xcept for the most recent, at the end of January 1937 (\\'itherb\- 1937). This inllux commenced during a weekend, w ith a few birds rejiorted on Saturdav' 30th, but a good number on Sunday 3 1st, so that the date of onset was establislied. An appeal for information was made by W'itherl^y in British Birds, and, as a result, about 40 obser\ers provided records (compared with well over 400 in 1979). If birds found after 1 1th February 1937 were excluded (there may have been more than one inllux, as in 1979) then the total numbers of individuals involved (at both near-coastal and inland sites) were; Rfd-diroatcd I)i\cr.s 9 Black-throated l)i\crs 12 (heat .Northern l)i\er.s 4 Red-neeked ( helves .‘>7 ,Sla\onian ( h ebes 20 Blaek-neeked (hebes l.a Smews 7 Red-breasted .Mergansers 7 With far fewer observers in 1937, some caution must be exercised in comparing numbers with the February 1979 inllux. Most of the major waters (of which there were then rather fewer) would have been well watched in 1937, but (as in 1979) some grebes appeared on quite small waters and might easily have been overlooked. Even so, it is probable that the 1979 inllux was the larger. 'File weather conditions in late January 1937 were strikingK similar to those of both late December 1978/early January 1979 and mid February 1979, as can be seen in lig. b, even with snow in the likel\- source area. 44ie relative numbers of the various species in 1937 were rather different from Februarv 1979, with proportionately fewer Red-necked (hebes, and far I'ewer Smews and Red-breasted Mergansers; allowing for the smaller number of observers in 1937, the numbers of divers. Slavonian and Black- necked Grebes were perhaps much the same. I he reason for these dillerences is not clear, but they may represent a rather dilferent ‘mix' of species in the source areas ol the two inlluxes. 80 Red-necked Grebes in winter 1978/79 rhis problem is allied to a further one. N\ hy, if the influxes of 1937 and 1978/79 were the consequence of a particular weather pattern, which they seem to be, is there not an influx whenever these weather conditions are repeated? One can only suggest some possible, partial answers. The main criterion is presumably that the waterbirds must be present in the source area in sufficient numbers and in a physiological state both to need to mo\ e, and to be able to move in the face of adverse weather conditions. The presence or absence of the birds and their state of fitness will be affected by preceding events such as breeding success in any year, which will partly control the numbers involved, the severity of the antecedent weather, feeding conditions, availability of food, and so forth. I-'actors such as these must have determined why virtually identical weather conditions at the end of December 1978 and in mid February 1979 produced an influx of Smews and Goosanders from the Netherlands in one case and of Red-necked Grebes and Red-breasted Mergansers from the western Baltic in the second. 81 Red-necked Grebes in whiter 1978/79 Acknowledgments A \ ery major clohl is owed to llie large number oi'indi\ idual obscr\ers a!id eouni\ recorders \\ ho so enthusiastically provided the reeoi ds, and \\ ho so vv illinglv replied (some se\ cral times) to hiither rec|uests lor inlirrmation. Without them, this paper could not ha\e been written. Sadly, lack ot sj^aee precludes indi\ idual mention. Thanks also go to the editors ot Birds, British Birds, BTO Neirs and Scottish Birds all ol whom kindly printed the ‘Request li)r Inl()rmatioiT. 1 he \\ ildlowl 1 rust placed the results ot the monthly wildl()wl counts at m\ disposal, and M . ,\, ( )gil\ ic and 1). Salmon |)ro\ ided considerable assistance. .\n early draf t of the paper was lead by D. J. Barkei', Dr R. J. Dare, R. h. Da\is, J. Htzharris, K. H. Palmer and K. Preston, and their comments, which ha\ e enhanced the paper, are gratelully acknowledged. Summary 1 hree major inlluxes ol waterbirds oeeurred in Britain and (to a much lesser extent) Ireland during the cold 1978/7‘J winter. 1 he first, during lst-14th January, iinoKed mainh .Smews .\Iergus albellus and (Joosanders .1/. merganser, probably from the Netherlands. 'The second, composed ol the same two species, took place during 22nd-28th January and is assumed to be in part a return to Britain ol birds from the first inllux which had departed to the Continent the prev ious week. 1 he third inllux involved Red-necked (irebes Podiceps grisegena and Red- breasted .Mergansers ,\t. serrator in numbers unprecedented this century, together with smaller ntimbers of Red-throated dnvia stellata and Black-throated Divers G. arctica, Slavonian P. auritiis and Blaek-neeked (irebes P. nigricollis, and \ elvct Scoters .\lelanitta jiisca. .\11 these birds are presumed to have originated from the length ofthe Continental coast ol the southern North Sea from France to Denmark, and from the western Baltic. 1 he first and last ol these inlluxes oeeurred during periods of ver\ cold weather dominated by high |Dresstire over Scandinavia with associated easterly winds, and were perha]).s triggered by snow storms in the source areas. Both inlluxes lasted longer than the weather conditions under which the inllux commeneed, and li)r .several ofthe species the Fehruary inllux was particularly prolonged in eastern areas of F.ngland. .\n inllux similar (but smaller) to that of Tebruarv' 1979 oeeurred in January/February 1937, influenced b\ virtualK identical weather conditions. References Allen, D. .A. 1979. ,\Iora\' Firth sea-dueks, 1978/79. I iipublished report by R.SPB to .N'CC. ■Atkinson-W ILLES, C. L. 197.0. The numerical distribution of clucks, swans and Coots as a guide in assessing the importance of wetlands in midwinter, hit. Cotij. Conservation of Wetlands and Water-Jowl, 199-2.34. 197b. The numbers and distribution of sea ducks in north-west Furopc, Januarv 1 91)7-1973. Cv elostyled report. Chandi.er, R. J., & Osborne. K. C. 1977. .Searec migrants in the London area, 19.3.3-74. Loud. Bird Rep. 41: 73-99. Cramp, .S., & .Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) 1977. The Birds oj the Western Palearctic. vol. 1. Oxford. Hutchinson, C. D. \919. Ireland's Wetlands and their Birds. Dublin. Preston, K. 1977-79. Irish Bird Reports, 1978-78. Irish Birds I: 88-97, 244-274, 413-449. \\ ITHERBY, H. F. 1937. The January-Februarv inllux ol grebes and divers. Brit. Birds 30: 370-374 (and subsecpicnt discussion, 3 1 : 31-32. 82-83). Dr R.J. Chandler, 2 Rusland Avenue, Orpington, Kent BR68AU filtp j>carg ago . . . ‘.At three o’clock the following mortiing as I dozed with the lobster fishermen in their small bothy I w as awakened by the fluttering of w ings on my arm and head and found a Storm- Petrel, apparently dazzled by the candle, moving about my person.' .Seton Cordon Part 3 ofthe saga: ‘4’hc reluetanee exhibited by .Mr B. B. Osmaston in your December issue to accept j. H. Owen's explanation ofthe action depicted by the Reed-Bunting seems curious to one who has observed scores ol passerine birds displaying the same action under similar conditions.’ Ralph Chislett (Brit. Birds 24: 243 & 281, February 1931) Seabird observations from commercial trawlers in the Irish Sea Philip S. li aison Seabirds sea\enging at fisliiiig \cssels are a common siglit, yet surpris- ingk few ornithologists ha\e attempted to make quantitati\e studies of tliese gatlierings. 'I'his may partly be due to the many practical problems inherent in counting birds at sea (Bailey & Bourne 1972), but, since scavenging seabirds approach closely, regular counts can be made using standardised methods. Studies have ratiged from mainly qualitati\e and descriptive approaches (Hillis 1973; Boswall 1977) through more Cjuantitative work (Boswall 19()0; Rees 19(53; Hillis 1971) to complex statistical analyses (Manikovvski 1971). I his paper presents counts and descriptions ol' the behax iour of scavenging and other seabirds, together with relevant obserx ations on the food taken and that available. I he data were gathered during 19(58-75 on board Northern Ireland commercial vessels trawling mainly for Norway lobsters Nephrops norvegicus and whitings Merlangius merlangus in a mixed demersal (sea-bed) fishery. Methods riie trawlers, 15 m to 25m in length, normally hsh within the area shown in ftg. 1 . I made 34 single-day trips, some eonseeutixe, on board many of these from the three main Co. Down fishing ports, thus eox ering the full range of the lobster/whiting fishing grounds. Most data were collected from January lf)72 to March 1974, with occasional observations in 19(58, 1971, Septem- ber 1974 and 1975. Spot counts were made at intervals throughout the x arioLis fishing aetix ities; birds apparently independent of the xessel (i.e. flying at a distance without deviation toxvards the ship, resting on the sea and beyond about 500m, or feeding naturally) were recorded separately. Results Regular scavengers I’he numbers of birds attending a trawler x aried seasonally (table 1), but shorter-term changes occurred according to type of fishing aetix ity (table 2) and to a lesser extent the location of fishing: analysis of the latter, based on 82 Ilml.s 7 I; I c-bni.iiA I'lHI | 83 Seabirds from trawlers in the Irish Sea Fig. 1 . Map sliovving localion ofstudy area in north Irisli Sea distances oilshore, was incoiuiusixe, probably owing to the relatively enclosed nature of this part of the Irish Sea (fig. 1). Although a total of 20 species was recorded scavenging, only si.x occurred regularly. The latter, from 62 spot counts totalling approximately 21,500 birds, comprised Herring Gulls Lams argentatiis (65.9%), Kittiwakes Risso tridactyla (25.6%), Great Black-backed Gulls L. marinus (2.9%), Cfannets Sula bassana (2.7%), Fulmars Fulmarus glaciatis (2.6%) and, during spring and summer, a few Lesser Black-backed Gulls L.Juscus (0.3%). Scax cnging was most frequent in late winter (^januar\- and February) and in the post-breeding period (,]uly and September; no August samples). Maximum counts for Fulmars were in April, for (fannets in September and for Lesser Black-backed Gulls in May, all probably reflecting passage, (meat Black- backeds were most numerous during October-February, and Kittiwakes were present in moderate numbers most of the year. Fhe type of fishing actixity influences the numbers and species in attendance (tables 2 & 3). Most demersal trawling inxoKes the following sequence: the net is shot, there is no catch to sort during the hrst tow, the net is lifted, sorting the catch begins, passage is sometimes made to another fishing site, the net is shot again, and the remainder of the catch is sorted during the subsequent tow. In lobster/whiting hshing, this sequence is Table 1. Numbers of six most regularly observed scavenging species attending trawlers in the Irish Sea during all fishing activities, based on 62 spot counts over 1 1 months, 1972-1975 Standard de\ iations ol means were large and highly variable; range is quoted, therelbre, to indicate both v ariation and maximum numbers observed 84 Seabirds jrom trawlers in the Irish Sea o x; - Q.— ~ 0^ lO c/> --- 3 o X ^ O s 3 CO 3 -1- ^ CC (U U. — CO c<* CC -t- o o o o d ^ — o m o o — o q o o CN CM CO* t o CO , o iH q CO lO CC q CM "7 o o d — o lO o o CM -t- CO d •S £ £ I ^ ? s 3 Un 53 S3 53 ‘o 53 -Cj CO OJ o o CO 3 53 £ 53 •-4 n q o o lo 2 'T s' cr. CM o q o lO C^l 10 3 C^l •+ lO C^J • I o o CO C"i d o o Sj CO ^ o c3 3 ^ ^ t/5 3 O OJ -1^ o 3 JD O tC CQ c O ^ S I d 5 o CO T CM O O lO d T CO CO CO CM o* T CO O d o o q q 2 d i.o q CM 2 5< CM — d CC CM ^ lO , o CM — lO CO CM T — o O 5 -i: 3 u u O a: « -q qS u Kq Q-i 0^ i- Sj 53 s? ij o ^ to 3 § q CO d Id CC d c^j in c^i CO C^l o CC uO ,1 'O 1 o dss ».0 lO CM O 1-^ o CM C^l o CC i' CM CM CM CO CM CC CO r-- _l: CO - (): 124-12(). & Hislop, J. R. G. 1978. I’hc dFccts ol fisheries on seabirds in the northeast .\tlantie. Ibis 120: 104; KG. Boswall, J. 1960. ()bser\ations on the use bv seabirds ol hunian fishing aetix ites. Brit. Birds 53:212-215. 1977. I he-use bv seabirds ol hunian fishing aetix itics. Brit. Birds 70: 79-81 . Brown, R. G. B. 1973. I'ransatlantie migration of dark-phase Fulmars I'rom the Furopean .\rctic. Canadian Field Nat. 87: 312-313. ClouLSON, J. G., & Monaghan, P. 1978. Herring Gulls moxe into toxx n. New. Sci. 79: 456-458. Graweord, R. j. M.. & Shelton, P. ,\. 1978. Pelagii- fish and seabird interrelationships oil' the coasts of South West .Al'rica. Biol. Conserv. 14: 85-109. Frost, P. G. H., Siegeried, W. R., & Gooper, J. K)76. Gonserxation of the Jackass Penguin (Spheniscus dernersus (I.)). Biol. Conserv. 9: 79-99. Furness, R. W . 1978a. Shetland seabird communities: the possible impact of ne.x\ fishing tcchniciues. /Ab 120: 108-109. 1978b. Fnergy requirements of seabird communities: a bioenergetics model, y. Anirn. Ecol. 47: 39-53. Harris, .\I. P., & Hislop. j. R. G. 1978. Fhe liiod ol'xoung Puffins Fralercula arclica. J. Zool. LoW. 185: 213-23(). FIillis.J. P. 1971. Seabirds seaxenging at traxvlers in Irish xvaters. Irish Nat. J. 17: 129-132. 1973. Seabirds seax enging at the traxx ler in the 1 rish .Sea. Irish Nat.J. 1 7: H (i-4 1 8. Mantkowski, S. 1971. Influence ol nieteorological factors on the behax iour of seabirds. Acta zool. Cracov 16: 581-667. Parsons, J. 1971. The breeding biology of the Herring (jull Lams argenlatus. l^hl) thesis. L 'nix ersity of Durham. Rees, F. I. S. 1963. .Marine birds in the Gull OfSt Lawrence and .Strait of Belle Isle during .\ox-embcr. Canadian Field Nat. 77: 98-107. ■Spaans, .\. I,. 1971. On the feeding ccolcygy of the Herring Gull Lams argenlatus Pont, in the northern part of the .\etherlands. Ardea 3-4: 75-188. Watson, P. S. 1973. The Northern Ireland fishery for the Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus (L.), 1962-1972. Dept Agr. N.I., Fish Res. Leaflet No. 6: 5pp. 1978. 1 he distribution and behaxiour of seabirds oil south Nexvibundland and in the Gulf of .St I.axvrence, .September K477. L'npublished BSc Honours thesis, .\ex\- L'nixersity of Lister. & Parsons, j. 1974. Fhe by-catch ol Whiting in the .Northern Ireland fishery Ibr Nephrops norvegicus (L.). I.G.L.S., G..M. 1974/F: 29, 7pp (mimeo). P. S. Watson, School oj Biological and Environmental Studies, The New University of Ulster, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland BT52 ISA Roger A. Broad Tennessee Warblers: new to Britain and Ireland On the morning of hth September 1973, C. D. R. Heard and G. W albridge were walking along the side ol a dry-stone wall at Finni- [Bnl. Birds 74; 90-94, February 1981) Tennessee Warblers: new to Britain and Ireland 91 qiioy, Fair Isle, Shetland, when (JW Unshed a bird Ironi near the month ol the Double Dyke trap. It (lew ox erhead between them gix inga liequent 'zit, zit’ call which was xery much like that of a (ioldcrest Regulus regulus or a \< irecrest Regulus ignicapillus\ when it alighted on the ciilltop, hox\ ex er, it was obx'iously a x ery bright warbler. I’lie whole breast was bright x ellow while the upperparts xvere a bright lime green. I'hey xvatched it (or about two minutes as it dashed about the hillside. Once, when it perched briefly on a roadside fence, its undertail-cox erts were seen to be pure white, and a l)road but indistinct wing-bar was noticed. It also showed a neat yellow super- cilium joining a distinct yellow eye-ring; darker flight feathers contrasting xvith the remarkable green of the mantle and cox erts; and dark grey legs. Unfortunately, it was rarely still and did not stay for long, soon flying off towards the south of the island. Extensixe searches until dark failed to rediscoxer it and their brief xiews were insufficient to identify it with certainty. Ixarly the following morning, ClDRH and GW relocated it in a small potato patch, \\ here it proxed to be far less elusixe. Both obserx'ers immediately realised that it was an American warbler and a little research showed that the combination of yellow underparts, pure white undertail- coxerts and presence of a wing-liar was diagnostic of fennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina. Later, it was well seen by many obserxers including R. A. Broad and P. J. Roberts, who were able to corroborate the original field obserx'ations and, alter consultation with sexeral reference works, all agreed with the initial identification: a rennessee Warbler, a s[iecies prex iously unrecorded in Britain and Ireland. rhe bird frequented the crofting area of the island, where it was seen daily until 18th September, feeding mainly in the standing crops. During this period, it prox ided many ol)serxers with the opportunity for extended obserx’ations, but little extra was added to the comprehensixe field notes compiled by C^DRH and GW : SIZE .-XND SH.XPE .Slioi tcr bill much stockier than W illow \\'arl:)lcr P/iylloscopus tructiilus: a clumpx little warbler, plumage (leneralK rather yellow -laced, with neat yellow super- l ilium extending short distance beyond eye and joined to ec|ually distinct yellow e\e- ring. (been lores and ear-co\erts. I()rming obscure eyestripe. I’pperparts unilbrm. bright lime green, appearing e\en brighter on rump. particularK noticeable in llight. W'ing-co\rrts same colour as upper|)arts. but tips of greater co\ erts broadly tipped paler, liirming broad wing-bar. rather poorly demarcated on inner leathers, but striking on outer feathers, where it contrasted with darker dusky-oli\e llight leathers: median coxerts edged paler yellowish-green and l(>rming indistinct upper w ing-bar. x isible in dull Hat light, but not api^arent in strong sunlight; thin green h inges on outer webs ol primaries, xxhich had distinct whitish tips Ibrming obx ions row ol spots on liilded wing; tertials with broad, poorly defined, green fringes, f ail with green fringes, similar to llight feathers and contrasting with bright rump. L'nderparts: breast bright xellow. becoming paler on bellx and contrasting xx ith pure XX bite undertail-cox erts. b.are p.xrts Bill broader based and slightly longer than W'illoxx Warbler's, but fme-ti|3ped. dark grex ish x\ ith paler pinkish tinge near base of loxxer mandible. I.eg.s dark grex . g.xll Con- sistent. repeated 'zit. zit' most like a Fire- crest's. but more penetrating. CDRH and GW also noticed that the bird had the peculiar habit of wagging the whole of its body from side to side while the head was held angled clow n wards. On 18th September, the bird was mist-netted at Field Groft and a 92 Tennessee Warblers: new to Britain and Ireland thorough examination confirmed the original identification. It was seen in the hand by many obser\ers at the observatory, where it was ringed, measured and the following detailed plumage description recorded: UPPERPARTS Forehead to rump ineluding scapulars bright olive-green, brightest on lower mantle and rump, in some lights leathers showed \ellowish caste and silky appearance, taii. .\1I leathers sharply poitited, dark grey-brown with oli\e-green sheen, inner webs with white fringe, most noticeable on outer and penultimate leathers, w'ings Primaries blackish-grey with distinct white crescents at tips par- ticularly on inner primaries; secondaries similar to primaries but broad oli\e-green fringes on outer webs litmiing panel on closed wing; tertials as secondaries but fringes broader and leathers with general greenish caste; alula and primary coverts as primaries but with narrow oli\ e-green fringes and alula covert with narrow, pale olive tip; greater cov erts similar to primary coverts but fringes much broader, almost yellow-green and extending over most of outer web, six outermost leathers with distinct pale yellow dot at tip ol outer web; median coverts as greater coverts but bright green fringes on inner webs and tips without \ ellow dot; lesser coverts as scapulars; underside of llight feathers pale, soft gre\; underwing coverts od-white, paler lemon-yellow at tips, face .Supercilium more yellow than upperparts, greenish-yellow extending from top of upper mandible to just posterior to eye, greyish line from bill to eye; eye-ring pale creamy-yellow touching supercilium abov e eye; ear-coverts similar to mantle but more dingv, greyer above and vellower below, underparts Chin, feathers with white bases and bright yellow tips; neck, upper breast and anterior Hanks verv bright yellow; posterior Hanks grev'ish, with greenish tone at base ol vvings and yellowish-buff wash extending around base of legs and towards vent; belly silky, oH'-white with some yellowish streaks; under- tail-coveiTs long, similar to belly but separated by yellowish-bulf wash just posterior to vent, bare parts Bill dagger- like, graduated to a line point, dark grey, a little paler at tip and cutting edge, lower mandible generallv a little paler than upper and with yellowish tinge. Kyes verv dark brown. Legs and feet medium grey, paler laterally; soles almost Hesh-coloured; claws rather stubby, a little paler than legs. MEASUREMENTS \Mug 66mm; bill 12. .6 mm; tarsus 18mm; tail 43..Tmm; weight IL.Tg. WING FORMUi.A 1st primary (imm shorter than primary coverts; 3rd and 4th longest; 2nd -2mm; ,3th -1..3mm; 6th -7mm; 7th -10. .3 mm; 8th -12.3mm; 9th -13.3mm; lOth -16 mm; 3rd, 4th and 3th primaries emarginated, and shallow tiotch on 2nd, 3rd and 4th primaries. After it had been photographed (plates 29 & 30), it was released and it was not subsequently seen until the afternoon of 20th September, when it was observed at Field Croft for the last time. At 12. 15 (iM F on 24th September 1975, 1 was in the Fair Isle Observatory garden, where I saw what I at first took to be a Phylloscopus warbler, flitting low down among the cabbages. 4’he light was poor and it was raining lightly, but, nevertheless, as it flew across a gap, I was immediately struck by the brightness of the plumage, although I was unable to discern any detail. It then flitted up and over the observatory, giving a familiar, repeated ‘zit, zit’ call and I was convinced that it was a 4 ennessee Warbler. 4’he bird had flown directly into the mouth of the Observatory Trap, where I succeeded in catching it and where, to my complete surprise, I found the bird to be a new individual. It was seen in the hand by many observers, some of whom had also seen the previous indi\ idual. After release, it was last observed, later the same day, on Buness. In the hand, comparison with the notes of the first indi\ idual showed that the w'ing formula was almost identical and the measurements within 1 mm. Fhe weight (H.6g) reflected its recent arrival, being 2.9g lighter than the first bird which was trapped almost two weeks after it was first seen. Fhe Tennessee Warblers: new to Britain and Ireland 93 detailed plumage descriptions were broadly similar, but the following dilferences, which might have been in total suflicient to distinguish the two birds in the held were recorded: Cicncrally duller, colours less iutensc, par- ticularly the yellows on underparts. Fore- head a little yellower than crown. Eye-ring pale lemon yellow abo\e and below eye, but incomplete, interrupted by greyish eye-stripe extending from base of bill to a little way posterior to eye. L'nderparts: yellow ol upper breast less intense, lemon yellow; Hanks more grey, belly white with yellow streaking \irtually absent. I’ail: leathers a little less pointed. Wings: white crescent-shaped tips to inner primaries and outer secondaries, although showing up as distinct spots, less extensi\e; tips to greater co\erts Ibrming wing-bar, but colour of spots less intense, more dilluse, extending on outer webs as Iringes. 94 Tennessee Warblers: new to Britain and Ireland 4 his migratory North American wood-warbler has a wide breeding distribution in Canada south into the northern Cnited States (Godfrey 196b). Bruun & Singer (1975) mentioned that the species has been recorded as an accidental in Iceland, and notes on the species have already appeared in British Birds (Browne 1960). In his article, Browne drew attention to the possibility ol the Tennessee Warbler crossing the Atlantic where, in autumn plumage and appearing superficially like a Phylloscopus warbler, it might easily be o\ erlooked. He listed the call, which he rendered as ‘zi’ or ‘zi-zi’ and more resembling the call ol a tit Parus than ol any other European warbler; the grey legs; and one or two wing-bars as the best distinguishing features. Peterson ( 1947) described the Tennessee Warbler as a dull fall warbler in its usual range, but, for a \ agrant in a pAiropean situation, this comment would be misleading. CMearly, if the Fair Isle indix’iduals are typical of the species in autumn plumage, the general brightness, both the green upperparts and the yellow of the upper breast, may in many European situations be suhicient to pick it out as something different. 4'he brightness coupled with the frequent distincti\e call make this species less likely to be o\erlooked than might initially ha\e been supposed. Acknowledgments I am grateful to C. D. R. Heard for his eommeuts on the first draft of tliis paper. Summary • \ I'ennessee W arbler I’emiivora peregrina was seen on Fair Isle. .Shetland, between (ith and '20th •September 197."), and a seeond indi\idual was present on 24th September 1975; both were tra])ped. These eonstitute the first and seeond records fi)r Britain and Ireland ol this Nearc tie species. References Browne, B, W’. P. 19b0. .\otes on the Tennessee Warbler. Brit. Birds 54: 575-577. Bruun. B., & .Singer, .\. 1975. The Hamlyn Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe. 2nd edn. London. (ioDFREY, \\ . Ti. Itlbt). The Birds oj Canada. Ottawa. Peterson. R. T. 1947. .4 Eield Guide to the Birds. Boston. .Mass. Roger A. Broad. :1 Birch Place, Culloden, Inverness IVI 2LB Mystery photographs I he rather sturdy structure and ^"especially the slightly up- turned, stout bill of last month’s myster\- wader (plate H, shown here at reduced size) would probably ha\ e instantly recalled a Greenshank Tringa nehularia to the experienced wader-w'atcher; but could it be some- thing else, such as a (heater T. melanoleiicos or a Lesser \’ellowlegs T. flavipe.s? Gonlldent progress beyond Mystery photographs 95 3 1. J u\ t'nilc (irccnsliank 7"n«i;c/ ( iomuall. August 1!>()8 (/. B. &S. Bollonilev) this [)()inl vvoiilcl probably have eonie easiest to tliose w ho are partic ipating in a weleonu' and increasing trend in wader identification: not content just to name llie species, many obser\ ers allenijit to age indi\ idual birds as well. W bile lor many eas\ -to-ideniify species this is a [)urely academic exercise of held skill, it is a useful habit to ha\ e acciuired when it comes to distinguish- ing the several dilTicult pairs or groups of species (such as Common Actitis hypoleucos and Spotted Sandpipers A. macutaria, the two Nearc tic dowitc hers Linuwdromiis, M\d Little Stint Calidris mimita and its \agrant relatixes) for \\ Inch, because it is essential that comparisons are made between similarly- aged birds, the correct ageing of an indi\ idual is arguably the starting point ol the identihcation process. An essential reference Ibr ageing waders is Prater et at. (1977, (htide to the Identification and Ageing of Hotarclic 1 1 aders) . and useful practice can l)c prox ided by examination of good wader [)hotographs as well as b\ stucK in the (ield. The ageing of this bird is straightlorward. .\s with all Tringa waders, the generally fresh condition of the whole plumage and the rather regular, neat feather-pattern on the upperparts and breast clearly indicate a jmenile (a summer adult w ould look worn iu autumn, and ha\ e a much more irregular 32. )u\ rnilc' l.cs.scr \’dlo\\ Trin«u Jlaiipes. ( kuiacla. .\usu.st 197!! ( Pamela Harrison) 96 Mystery photographs and variegated pattern abo\e and below, while a first-winter or adult winter would appear eomparatively uniform, lacking any sharply con- trasting pattern at least on the scapulars and mantle). Compared with a juvenile Greenshank (plate 31), it shows some marked dillerences: the scapulars, wing-co\erts and tertials arc strongly marked with whitish spots and notches, giving a strikingly spotted pattern on the Lipperparts (rather than line, pale leather fringes and faint notches, gi\ ing the indistinct scaly or lined pattern of the Greenshank); and the head and neck is not strikingly whitish and paler than the upperparts as on the (frcenshank. In fact, the mystery bird has bright yellow legs. W hile this would probably have been the feature which first drew attention in real life, the age-diagnosis and plumage pattern comparisons would still ha\e been an essential — if secondary — part of the identification process, to eliminate the possibility that the bird might be one of the not infrequent Greenshanks which ha\ e yellow legs (see, for example, Brit. Birds 66: 397; 67: 2 10-2 1 1 ; 7 1 : 79). Other differences, not discernible in this black-and-white photograph of a standing bird, would be the generally more brownish, less greyish coloration of the upperparts, and the fact that in flight the white rump does not extend in a \" up the back as on Greenshank. I hese plumage features arc common to both Greater and Lesser ^’ellowlegs, and it remains to distinguish between the two. Greater \’ellowlegs is much larger, with similar structure and bill shape to the slightly smaller Greenshank. Lesser Vellowlegs is slightly smaller than a Redshank T. totanus, but is proportionately much longer-legged and finer- billed, giving a much more delicate appearance exaggerated by the extension of the wing-tip beyond the tail, dims, we can confidently identify our bird as the former. In addition to the marked size and structural differences, a useful plumage distinction of juveniles is the (h eater’s coarse, dark streaking on the neck, breast and flanks, compared with the Lesser’s much more suffused streaking, which at a distance appears as a uniform grey wash across the breast. Lhe vocabularies of the two are also distinctive. Greater’s being rather harsh and including a ringing, Green- shank-likc ‘tu-tu-tu’, while Lesser’s includes high-pitched, strident, single, double and treble notes which recall those of Redshank or Wood Sandpiper T. glareola. Both the original photograph of juxenile Greater Mllowlegs and the useful comparative shot ofjux enile Lesser \'ellowlegs (plate 32) were taken by Pamela Harrison in Ganada in August 1979. PJCj 33. .\fy.stcrx photograpli Name the species, .\iisv\er next month Notes Peregrine feeding Herring Gull chick to young On 24th May 1978, on the north Cornish coast, I was watching the eyrie of a pair of Peregrines Falco peregrinus. 1 he lalcon was brooding a solitary chick about 18 days old and the tiercel was perched on his usual crag higher up the did face. From 13.30 to 17.40 GMT neither mo\ ed. "Fhen the lalcon suddenly took wing, Hew rapidly towards an island about 300 m away, and pitched in the middle of a colony ol nesting Herring Gulls Lams argenlatus. I'here was a mad flurry of wings and the falcon withdrew, hotly pursued by gulls; she returned to the edge of her nesting ledge, and looked down at her feet and fidgeted. I hrough a telescope, I saw that she had something in her fo\ 254-255). .Swallows have also been recorded hovering over and alighting on thistles to feed on insects {Brit. Birds 47: 208-209; 50: 76-77); alighting on an ash Fraxinus excelsior to eat caterpillars {Brit. Birds 47: 404-405); landing on a beach to take sandhoppers Talitrus {Brit. Birds 49: 502-503); perching on low vegetation to feed on small black flies, and remaining on a road for two to three minutes to take black Hies {Brit. Birds 50: 306-307); and even landing on a lawn and picking up bread {Brit. Birds 58: 21). Eds Song flight of Pied Wagtail culminating in copulation 1 he note by D. J. Fisher {Brit. Birds 71: 223) on the song flight of the Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba prompts me to put on record a similar, but even more unusual observation. On 7th May 1978, at Gregynog Hall, Newtown, Powys, I observed a male Pied W agtail about 7 m above ground, descending slowly in a parachute flight similar to that of pipits Anthus, at the same time singing its typical song. The descent terminated on the pinnacle of a non- lunctioning, ornamental fountain about 2m above the ground, where the wagtail alighted on the back of a female and copulation immediately took place. "Fhe female had uttered a continuous and shrill piping call ‘pee pee Notes 99 pee’ during the male’s descent (the source of this call was not realised until the presence ol the female was noticed). The parachute llight is in itsell very unusual. W. A. X’en.ables 30 Carisbrooke Way, Cyncoed, CardiJJ CF37HW Letters Bill-base feathering and apparent bill thickness of some waders Many observers hav e in the past attempted to support the identification of suspected rare species, especially stints and peeps Calidris, by noting the thickness of the base of the bill. It has not been previously brought to attention, so far as 1 am aware, that the variety ol'the extent and patterns of bill-base leathering can create a strong illusion ol \ arying bill thickness and shape. Some Little Stints C. minula have the underside of the lower mandible coxered with feathering to such an extent that the cur\ ature of the base ol their bills is almost obscured and their bills appear attenuated. On the other hand, individuals with more-restricted feathering in this region (which seems particularly liable to \ ariati(m) gi\e the impression of hax ing thicker bill bases. C'oi.in \V. Jones 66 Barn Hey Crescent, Meats, Wirrat, Merseyside IA79RR Diagnostic characters of rubythroats In neither of the notes on the first two Siberian Rubythroats Luscima cattiope to reach Britain [Bnt. Birds 72: 89-94; 78: 108-109) is there any mention of its close relatix e the Himalayan Rubythroat L. pecloratis. Since, however, both are trapped for the cage-bird trade, it is not safe to assume that a rubythroat glimpsed in Britain is a \ agrant from the Siberian taiga. X’iews of ground-loving chats are inevi- tably among the most tantalising of all birds, but, happily, the separation of the two species is not dilhcult. It is achieved most easily by close obserxa- tion ol'the tail. On the Siberian, it is almost uniformly brown (with a grey or rufous tone, depending on the light) and hardly contrasts at all with the rest of the upperparts. On the Himalaxan (or White-tailed, as it is usefully named bv King et at., in A Fietd Guide to the Birds oj South-east Asia, 1975), it is black-brown, with an obvious white tip (and basal white marks in the adult male), and contrasts with the rest of the upperparts. Observation of the dilference in tail pattern is assisted by the fact that both species indulge in frequent tail cocking, fhere are, of course, other dilferences between the two species. 4 hose are best covered by .Mi & Ripley (1973, Handbook oJ the Birds of India and Pakistan, vol .8:21 5-2 1 6, 22 1 -226) . P. .\. Dukes and D. 1 . M . Wallace 47 Warnham House, Upper Tutse Hitt, Streatharn, London SW2 2SA V. P. Inskipp has informed us that, during 1972-7t), he saw only one Himalayan eompared with 370 Siberian Ruljythroats among imported eage-birds at Heathrow .\irport. He has eommented that ‘These figures arc strictly minimal, but the proportions are probably vagucK right. Recent restrictions on Indian exports mean that both are unlikely to be imported to W estern Europe at the moment. Eds 100 Letters Future Palearctic vagrants In his review of future possible Palearctic passerine vagrants to Britain {Brit. Birds 73: 388-397), D. I. M. Wallace omitted to mention Pale-legged Leaf Warbler tenellipes, perhaps the only remaining full species in the genus not yet recorded in Europe but w'ith any real likelihood of future occurrence. Although its breeding range lies even farther east than that of Eastern Crowned Leaf Warbler P. coronatus and was given by Ticehurst (1938) as ‘Japan, Korea, Sakhalin, Ussuriland and probably S.E. Manchuria’, it is a long-distance migrant wintering from Indo-China to Malaya and in peninsular Burma. In winter 1978/79, I had the opportunity of studying several Pale-legged leaf Warblers at Khao Vai National Park, Thailand, where they inhabited the understorey of tropical monsoon forest. While in size and shape they recalled Greenish Warbler P. trochiloides , their skulking habit was remi- niscent of Radde’s Warbler P. schwarzi 2ind they were usually found in dense cover within 1 m of the ground, d'he plumage tones likewise recalled Radde’s, from which they were immediately distinguishable by the presence of two faint bully wingbars and usually whiter underparts. The call was a high-pitched piping note, recalling Dunnock Prunella modularis. Philip D. Round The Manor House, Croxton, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PEW 4SX REFERENCE Ticehurst, C. B. 1938. A Systematic Review of the Genus Phyttoscopus. London. 1). 1. .\1. \\ ailacc has replied as follows: ‘1 went through all the Phyttoscopus warblers at the time and both Pale-legged Leaf Warbler and Two-barred Greenish Warbler P. ptumbeilarsus got on a provisional list. In the end, 1 omitted the former because there was (apart from an Indian record) no evidence of even occasional westward vagrancy or any regular inter- mingling on passage with regular Siberian vagrants. 1 left out the latter on the first of the two grounds just noted, although, having recently seen it leaping about in a Siberian and .Mongolian spring and rubbing shoulders with five congeners alreadv known to reach Britain, 1 would include it now. 1 think, therefore, that Philip Round is going far too I'ar with Palc-leggcd Leaf W arbler, but Pwo-barred (ircenish Warbler might be added. Indeed, that species is perhaps as potentially troublesome as is Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii.’YLus. Announcements ‘Birds New to Britain and Ireland’ The post-war accounts of birds new to Britain and Ireland which have been published in British Buds (from the 1946 Moustached Warblers Acrocephalus melanopogon to the present day) are being incorporated in a book to be published by L. & A. D. Poyser. British Birds Ltd holds the copyright of the te.xts and w ill receive a royalty from T. & A. D. Poyser, which will be used for the benefit BB. Authors of the original papers are, however, entitled to claim a sum from this royalty in proportion to the space occupied by their paper in the final book. We hope that authors will waive their rights, but any claims may be placed from now onwards by writing to Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3.\j. Announcements 101 It is intended also to include })re\iously published photographs of the actual birds iinoKcd. Any photographers who can supply prints ol these photographs are asked to write to Dr Sharrock. (Copyright of photographs remains with the photogra|)hers and, unless waived, a (ee will be paid lor those used. Goshawk conference I’he International Association i'or k'alconr\ and Conser\ ation ol Birds ol Prey is organising a conference on ‘Understanding the (loshawk’, at the Department ol Zoology and Wadham College, Oxford, Irom 29th September to 1st October 1981. CjosXvdwk Accipiter gentilis populations have recently increased in some parts of Europe, leading to renewed controxersy between hunting and protection interests about (joshawk control. I he programme will contain much new information of interest to birdwatchers, lalconers, game-conser\ ers and scientists, and will form a basis for discussion ol ways in which they can co-operate for future Goshawk conserxation. 1 here will be half-hour papers by main speakers Irom Britain, k inland, France, CJermany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and eastern Europe, with some shorter contributions. Pro- ceedings will be published. For booking forms or to oiler papers, please write to Dr Robert Kenward, Institute of lerrestrial Ecology, .Monks Wood, .Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon l’i:i7 2LS. Postal auction of cover design Usual arrangements (see Bril. Birds 74: 47). Requests Rare issues of ‘BB’ .Stocks ol the is.siirs for October 1978. ( )ctober 1979. Nov ember 1 979 and .\I ay 1980 have rim out. .\iiyone who has a copy which is not needed and who returns it to us will be doing BB (and potential purchasers of the complete volumes) a great I'avour. Your postage will be refunded by us if you enclose a note asking us to do so. Please send spare copies ofanv of these four issues to .Mrs Erika .Sharrock, Fountains. Park Lane. Blunham. Bedford .MK44 3NJ. Cory’s Shearwaters in autumn 1980 Phe phenomenal movements of C lory's Shearwaters Calonectris diomedea iti British and Irish waters during july-October 1980 are being collected and analysed by fim Collins, P. G. H. Evans, .\lastair Forsyth and Ciaran O'Flanagan fora summarv paper in British Birds. Descriptions of the Cory's Shearwaters will, as usual, be assessed by the Rarities Committee and the Irish Records Panel. Details of movements observed (with times of start and finish, and details of other associated seabirds), together with anv background information, should, however, be sent to .Mastair Forsyth. yVoodhaven. Butcherfield Fane, Hartlield, Fast Sussex. Gwent Breeding Bird Atlas The (iwent Ornithological Society, with the guidance of a committee consisting of J. .M. S. Lewis, Dr S.j. Tyler, Dr \V. ,\. Venables and M. J. C. Walton, will be carrying out fieldwork between 1981 and 1984 for a county breeding bird atlas. .\ll breeding records, even of common species, w ill be welcomed. .\nv birdwatehers in the eounty, or who will be visiting the area in 1981 or in the following three years, who would like to help with recording breeding birds in tetrads (2 X 2 km squares) are asked to contact Dr S. j. I'yler, y'cw Free Cottage, Lone Fane, Penallt, near .Monmouth, Gwent np.7 4aj. 102 Requests Birds in Thailand 1 he Assoc iation for the Conserx ation of W ildlife is currently updating and re\ ising the Bird Guide oj Thailandhy Boonsong Lekagul and K. \\ . Cronin fseeond edition. 1974). Many British ornithologists ha\e \isitt*d Thailand in recent years, but there are still many gaps in knowledge of the distribution and oeeurrenee of birds in Thailand and exc eedingly little infbrmatioti on breeding c yc les. X'isitors’ obserc ations could help to fill these gaps. .\tiy records claiming new species for i hailand should be accompanied by lull field tiotes. Records should be sent tol). S. MeKille. .Association fitr the Conserxation of Wildlife. 4 Old Custom House Lane, Bangkok ,7, 4 hailand. News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett European wildlife and natural habitats 1 he .\ethcrlands and Liechtenstein ha\e become the first countries to ratify the Council of Europe’s Concention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and .Natural Habitats, which was signed in Berne a little over a year agcj by 19 European states (including the L’nitcd Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland) and the European Economic Communitv. The Concention will come into fetree once it has been ratified by live states, and last December the Counc il for Europe set up a special committee to speed up the ratification process. European Habitat Protection Conference .\IPs, Peers, senior ci\ il scrcants and repre- sctitatix'cs of \oluntary bodies gathered on 1 ,')th ( )ctober 1 980 lor a conference organised by CoEnCio's Wildlife Link Committee to highlight the approaches of diflerent coun- tries in protecting the natural encironment and the lessons to be learnt in Britain. Speakers from Eranec, the .Netherlands and Denmark described the ways in which their own coutitries were implementing the Berne Con\ention on Habitats and the EEC’s Directix'con the Cionsercation of Wild Birds, while speakers from the EEC and the Euro- pean Parliament described their invoKe- ment. (from Habitat) Studland Heath NNR extension The .Nature Conserc ancy Council has announced that the size of Studland Heath National Nature Reserve has been trebled under the terms of a generous lease recentK negotiated with the Kingston Lacy and Corfe Castle Estates. The rcserce now extends to b!H ha acres) and includes the greater parts of (iodlingston Heath and the adjoining foreshore of Poole Harbour. Studland Heath .NNR is the largest remaining tract of the Dorset heathland, which before the Eirst W Orld War extended o\er an almost un- broken area around Ptxtie Harbour east- wards to the New Eorest. I'oday, due to land de\elopment, it is estimated that heathland cox ers only 1,')% of its original area, and fcv\' of the fragments which remain are large enough to support significant wildlife populations. The public will enjoy open access on litot throughout the reserx e. Loch Ken, Kirkcudbrightshire The RSPB has leased 400 acres (162 ha) of niarsh and woodland on Eot h Ken and the Dee Rix er iti Kirkcudbrightshire, which is a key area for xvititering wildfitxvl including a flock of 200 Creenland W hite-fronted Geese Anser albi- Jrons jlavirostris — the largest anxxvhcre iti maitiland Britain — 1,000 Greylag (jeese Anser anser and about 200 W hooper .Swans Cygnus cygnus. .Mainix knoxvn for wintering wildfowl, the Ken/Dee marshes are also an important area fttr breeding birds, and the xalley is a short cut from the Solway to the .\yrshirc coast Ittr birds on migration. ,\ surx ey carried out during the summer of 1977 rex ealed 79 species of breeding birds, an un- usually wide xariety for ati inland site. .\t present, there are tio facilities for xisitors. Ray Hawley from Hornsea is the new war- den. Strumpshaw Fen and Rockland further l.'iO acres (61 ha) haxe been added to the RSPB’s reserxe at Strumpshaxv, Norfolk. The purchase xvas aided bx a grant from the World Wildlife Eund. The area xvas previously oxvned by Norfolk naturalist Ted Ellis, and forms part of the Rockland marshes which lie across the Rix er A'are from ■Strumpshaxv. In addition to a xxide range of marshland birds, the marsh supports a xariety of other wildlife including coypus Myocastor cqypus, Chinese xvater deer Hydrupotes inerrnis, grass snakes A'atrix natrix and sxvallowtail butterflies Papilio machaon. News and comment 103 Max Nicholson CBE F,. Max Nicholson has been elected President of the RSPB. sneeeediiuf Ford Donaldson who had come to the end ol his lice-year term. Max hetman his birdwatching seriously when up at Oxlord, when he initiated a corporate study ol the bird life ol an Oxlordshire farm. He wrote the first ol inany books on birds at the age of 22. .\lthough most of liis working lile was spent in the ci\ il ser\ ice, he remained a keen amateur birdwatcher/ornithologist, was much invoKed in the establishment of the B ro, was lor a time its president, and ser\ed on the RSPB Council. In 19.")2,hewas appointed Director-Cieneral of the .Nature C2)nser\ancy during the period ol great ex- pansion. For nine years he was senior editor ot British Birds. New president for BTO .\t its 41st .\CM, on 29th No\ember 19H0, John McMceking's term ol ollice as B'l'O President ended. His successor is S, M. faylor: a \ery fitting choice lor the years 1981-84 during \s Inch the next major project — a winter atlas to complement the breeding atlas of 19b8-72 — will be tested, launched and carried out, since Mike faylor has only recentK retired from the chairmanship of the Frust's Populations and .Sur\ cys Committee. SOC Conference I’he Scottish Ornitholo- gists’ Club held its !Fhd .\nnual Conlerence at the Marine Hotel, North Berwick, on 24th- 2bth October 1980. It becomes increasingly repetiti\e to describe SOC conlerences as among the \ery best of their kind, both ornithologically and socially, but the fact remains that they are — and this one was no exception. We heard a masterly resume ol habitat conscrcation problems from Derek Ratclilfc and obserxations on ‘Wild Birds and the Faw' by Richard Porter, followed by Ian W allace on the ‘Flfcct of rare birds upon human beings' — which was amusing, some- times provocati\c and at times even ine\er- cnt. but, alas, left many wondering what the message really was! Saturday was a glorious day, so most people went out to look at the excellent selection of birds on oiler locally; even those, howev er, who reckoned they had walked farthest still had enough energy left lor the disco later on. Sunday saw a return to peace and quiet, with two films and short talks on Pied Flycatchers in nestboxes by Henr\ Robb, wintering terns in W est .\frica bv .\listair Smith and Moray Firth waders by Bob Swann. Two of the photographs in the usual British Birds mystery photograph competition pro- voked a lot of controvei'sy (and even some unkind comments about it being all right for j'l RS because he knows all the answers . . .) and in the end it was not really suiprising that nobodv got them all right. Four of the liv e were, howev er, correctly named bv Cary F. Bell, James M. Dickson, .\ngus Hogg. Pete Kinnearand lain H. Feach. 1 he w inner of the subsec|uent draw was Pete Kinnear. who was presented with his bottle ol cham- pagne bv Frika .Sharrock. American Atlas W e hav e been delighted to learn from Dr .Miklos D. F. L'dv ardv of the formation of a North .\merican Oniitho- logic al ,\tlas ( iommittee. ,\t a symposium, on ‘Fstimating the Numbers of I'errestrial Birds’, held at .\silomar. Calilbrnia, on 2()th- 41st October 1!)80, the .N.\().\C was Icirmed by three Canadian and 17 L'.S.\ delegates, with Dr L’dvardv as conv enor. 1 he piiq^oses of the Committee are to encourage rc-gional atlas projects in as main states or prov inces ofCianada. the L’.S.\ and .Mexico as possible, and to co-ordinate the regional projects to obtain unilcirmitv of methods and to prov ide a communications centre. 4 he .N.\().\C! w ill promote, at an appropriate time, a North ■American Breeding Bird ,\tlas Project. Fike its Furopean counterpart (the F.().\C!), mapping by the L’ I NI (L’niversal I rans- verse .Mercator) system has been recom- mended, and a lO-km square grid will be established uniformly lor all ol North .\merica, so that all atlas projects will mesh together. ,\ newsletter will be issued to interested parties. 1 he need for central co-ordination arose since almost 20 atlas projects have already started in the L'S.\ and Canada. The C!om- mittee asks interested geographers, orni- thologists and other potential volunteers to contact Dr ,M. D. F. L'dvardy, Department of Biological Sciences, California .State L'ni- versity. Sacramento (!.\ 9.’)819. L’.S.V, or Dr Chandler S. Robbins, L'.S Fish & W ildlile .Service. Faurcl. .MD 2081 1, L’S.V. BTO at Swanwick I he B lO’s annual autumn conlerence at I'he HayesConference Centre in Derbyshire was held on the snow- sprinkled weekend of 28th-40th .November 1980. .Vs always, it w as a marv ellous occasion’ l()r discussing bird news with a complete cross-.section of Britain’s birdwatc hers, fhe lounges and bar prov ide such useful meeting places that their attraction often equals that of the ollicial programme of lectures. 4 he latter got olf to a cracking start this year with Ian Wallace’s enthusiastic sprint around 104 News and comment Siberia and Mongolia vvlietiing most people's appetites lor a taste ol the taiga and the Gobi (though perhaps not kilt-elad like Ian). Other highlights lor me were Dr Cihristopher Perrins’s account ol tits and their predators (especially Sparrovvhawks) in WVtham Wood; Dr Jim Flcgg’s olten humor- ous account of the continuing saga of the Bullliiu hes \ . Iruit-larmcrs battle; Dr Da\ id Hotiston’s sometimes gruesome but always fascinating study of the interactions between Catrrion Crows, sheep and sheep-farmers; and Dr Derek Ratclifl'c's cle\cr, balanced summary of the \arying fortunes ol the Peregrine, gi\cn as the 12th Witherby Memorial Lecture, in memory of H. F. Witherbs, 88^ first editor. 1 he Tucker .Medal was awarded to Pip and F\ e \\ illson; two \ ery prolessional amateurs ol Whom the late B. \\ . Flu kcr (another famous ex-editor of 88) would certainly ha\c appro\ed. All this, the SOC bookshop, the exhibition of bird paintings by many artists, arranged as usual by Robert Gillmor, and a disco that went on until after 3 a.m., went to make this year's 'Swanwick' as memorable as usual. ()\er 70 participants entered the tradi- tional 8rilish 8irds mystery photograph competition, and the li\e photographs were correetK identified b\ lour people: Bryan Bland. David j. King, K. E. .Stott and Dr ■Moss T aylor. (Contributed by JT'RS) Discarded fishing tackle In a one-year SLiiA cy of one mile of the River Stour in Dor- set, Nigel Shearing ofW imborne recorded all the discarded fishing tackle he found, including a total of 7,560 feet (2,304m) of nylon line. Foxes Vulpes vulpes remo\ed most wildlife casualties within a few hours, but he still found three Mute Swans Cygnus olor, one Moorhen Gallimla chloropus and a Blackbird Turdus merula killed by discarded tackle. Mersey bird deaths mystery Mystery still surrounds the deaths of more than 3,000 birds on the Mersey estuary. More than 2,000 died last autumn and another 800 this autumn. Investigations, which are continu- ing, re\ ealed that organic lead poisoning was to blame, but where the lead came from is still not known. Meanwhile, bird deaths around our coasts from oil pollution ha\e dropped for the first time in four years. This year’s survey revealed Just o\er 6,000 casualties, about half the 1978-79 total. Ringers’ conference in the southwest A ringers’ conference for the southwest (Wales and Fingland) will be held on 28th .March 1981 at the Conygre Hall, T'imsbury, near Bath. Speakers will include Raymond O’Connor, Colin T ubbs, Nigel Clark, jenin Humphries, Robin .Sellers, John .\rnold, Robert Kenwood and Peter Robin, .\hhough it is intended lor ringers, anyone interested ma\ attend. The programme looks most interesting. Further details and booking Ibrms may be obtained from John T . Filey, 5 .Morgan Close, .Saltlbrd, near Bristol Hsiicu.N. Hampshire countryside calling T he bells of St .Mary’s C:hurch, Selborne, ring out the first sound of Hampshire and the Isle ol Wight to be heard on a new record. Country- side Calling. T here is also a recording of the Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata, the symbol of the Hampshire and Isleol \\ ight .Naturalists' Trust. T he stereo long-playing record creates a sound picture of Hampshire, including birds singing and calling from the woods, marshes, ri\ers and seashore. T here are songs and poems about the countryside, with dialect readings and traditional Hampshire songs. It was recorded and compiled by 5'olande Kemp Robinson and produced by Saydisc. ,\11 the artistes ha\ e gi\ en their ser\ ices free, so that this record will bring maximum profit to the Trust for its w'ork of conser\ ing the wildlife and countryside. It is a\ailable, price £4 plus 65p p & p , from Hampshire and Isle of W ight Naturalists’ T rust, 8 .Market Place, Romsey, Hampshire. Botswana Birdwatching Club .\t a meet- ing of the Botsw ana Society attended by o\ er 100 birdwatchers on 27th October 1980, a decision was taken to form a Botswana Birdwatching CTub under the auspices of the Society. In addition to a programme of lectures and outings, the Club will produce a six-monthly publication which will be free to members. The first issue w ill be published in February 1981 , or earlier, with articles on the best birdwatching places in the Gaborone area, waders in Botswana, duck counts, the Otse vultures and features on dates of arri\ al and departure of migrants. T he annual sub- scription lor o\ erseas subscribers is 7.1K) Pula (£5.00 or US $11) preferably paid by bank- er's draft or L'K or US cheques. T he address is Botswana Birdwatching Club, PO Box 71, Gaborone, Botswana. Geoff Pyman MBE \\ c apologise to (»eolV Pyman lor any embarrassment caused him by our report that he had been created an OBF when it was an MBE. Opinions expressed in this Jeature are not necessarily those oj the editors oj British Birds # # Recent reports K. Allsopp and R. A. Hume These are largely unchecked reports, not fully authenticated records I'he dates in this report reler to November unless otherwise stated. I’he weather during the first part ol the month was dominated by a high-pressure system. L'ntil 8th, the anticyclone centred to the north and east brought \ ery cold Siberian air across the country, alter which a slightK milder northerK period occurred as the high pressure moved to mid .\tlantic and declined, from 14th, westerlies brought uet but much warmer weather as the ,\tlantic depressions tracked across the country. During the last week, high pressure returned to mid .\tlanlit , blocking the warm air and bringing cold air with snow showers down Irom the .\rctic. 34. Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus Juscalus, Lincolnshire, November 1980 (Keith Atkin) 35. l>ied \\ heatear Oenanthe pleschanka. Co. Cork, November 1980 (Richard T. Mills) 105 106 Recent reports Passerine vagrants canu- on 4th, lollowcd l)\ an Olive-backed riu' prolonged period ofcasUMlics ill the lirsi Pipit Anihus hodgsoni. llie lom tli ol the week extended tlie autumn's rtuity parade, auluinn. on (ith, together v\itli ;i late Blue- Pallas’s Warblers /'’/n7/o.«o/«o /iroregH/io' eon- throat Luscinia sveaca. ,\ leu \eais tigo. 36-39. Pallas’s Warbler Phrllo- scopus pruret^ulus, Sandvs ic h Ba\ . Kent, .\o\em- ber lbl5() [Roys- ton K. C.oles) tinned to be reijorted. Irom Sandwich B;i\ (Kent) and W axham (Norlolk) until !!lh. and lurther records came from the \\ irral ((Cheshire), the isles of Scilly on 7lh and, later, at F'lamborough Head (Humberside) on l.nh. Yellow-browed Warblers F. inor- natus made a late appearance in Norlolk on 9ih, with three in Holkham Woods ;md one at W interton, u Idle earlier, on 2nd, an inland record came Irom Bretton Park (W est \ Ork- shire). ,\nother Dusky Warbler F. juscalus l()i' the autumn was seen at Donna .Nook (Lincolnshire) from 3rd (plate 34). and a Bonelli’s Warbler F. honelli was discox ered on ,St .Mary's (Isles ofStilK) on 14th. I v\o reports of Firecrests Regulus ignicapiltus. on 2nd and 4th. came from the .\berdeen area, w here the sjjecies is rare, ibi low ed bv three at W interton on 9th. Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka was a \ ery rare \ isitor to Knockadoon Head (Co. Cork) on fUh (phtte 3,'i) and a Desert Wheatear (). deserti w;is l()und on the (iower (West Clamorgan) on 2nd and 3rd, ( )n Lair Isle, the second record of ;i Pine Bunting Emherizn leiicocephatos Richard’s Pipits Anihus novaeseelandiae were reiKirted \ery lrec|uently in autumn, sotne- times in smtill Hocks, but receiuK the num- liers reported ha\e been lovx, two singles being seen at Brean Down (.Somerset) on 2.'nh and at Dimgeness (Kent) on Hth. ,\t the last locality, a Serin Serums serintis hopped the Channel, appearing on the same da\ . ,\ \ isit to the Ouse W ashes at W elney (Cambridge- shire) on Kith produced an unexpected record of a Citrine Wagtail Motacilla ciheola. whi( h stayed until Kith. .Xcarctii passerines, in contrast to waders, ha\e been scarce, with only one further record in early Noxember. a Blackpoll Warbler Dendroiai striata on Sark (Channel Islands). ,\ few hirundines xvere still xvith us until the middle of the month, but most un- usual xxere reports of Red-rumped Swal- lows Hirundo daiirica from Castle Daxxson (Co. Londonderry) on Kith and at Lalinouth (Cornwall). One had also been reported in mid October from Lundy (Dexon). No mmsuiil mox ements of winter x isitors xxere reported and the only coastal records of Recent reports Great Grey Shrikes Lamus exathilor were all on !!ih: i\no at Wells (Norlolk), one at Ben- anc (Sull()lk) and a lonrth at Sandwich Ba\ . A late- Red-backed Shrike L. collu rio was l()inid at Seaton Bark ((irampian) on (Ith. Non-passerine landbird records inelnded two liirther Hoopoes I piipa epops. at A\ton on (ith and St Abbs on 9th (both Borders). Birds of prev Rough-legged Buzzards Buleo lagopus were reported cjiily Irom the southeast, with three at ReetiKcr (Kent! on 2!hcl, singles at Sandw ieh Bay on 2()th and 26lh and another at Elniley (Kent). A Goshawk Accipiter genlilis was seen regularly from 16th at W'albersw iek (Suflblk), and a large falcon, cither a Sakcr Falco ctiermg or a Cjyrt'aleon F. ruslicotus, was reported in late November (rom the Dt'e Estuary (Cheshire). A sad but interesting record was of a dead Teng- malm’s Owl Aegolius Juuereus on Orkney. Wading birds ( )n (Sth, a White-rumped Sandpipter C.atidris Juscicottis was still present at Bally- eotton (Co. Cork) and a Spotted Sandpiper Aditis maciitaria was fetund at Peterstonc (Gwent), adding to the autumn’s impressive Nearctie list. A few Grey Phalaropes Ffiataropus futicarius were dri\en inshore, being seen at Dungeness on 8th, Newhaven (East Sussex) on 23rd and Cley (Norfolk) on 29th. Gulls and seabirds On the English coast, 30 Little Auks Altealle were seen at Cley on 4th, with a further four at Sheringham (Norfolk) on 5th, and one again at Cley on 8th. Singles were also reported at Sandwich Bay on 26th and 30th. A White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii was an exciting find at W'halsay (Shetland) on 5th. 107 good sclecticjn of the rarer gulls appeared duriug the mouth: from the north, an Ivory Gull Pagoptiila eburnea on 13th at Sumburgh (Shetland) and an Iceland Gull l.arus glaucoides at the less beautiful .\dswood Tip ((ireater Manchester) on 30th; from the west, a Bonaparte’s Gull /.. Philadelphia at Falmouth on 17th, a Ring-billed Gull L. detawarensis dt Radipole Lake (Dorset) on 9th and a Laughing Gull L. atricilla at Ogston Reservoir (Derbyshire) on 29th; and, from the south, Mediterranean Gulls L. melaiio- cephalus at W'axham on 8th and two at Sandwich Bay on 30th. Wildfowl The influx of wintering ducks brought a few reports of unusual species. The Black Duck Anas ruhripes which had pre\ iously wintered at .\bcr (Gwynedd) returned therewith three hybrids, posing interesting identification problems for the future. Other Americans seen were a Teal ,1. crecca of the race carolitiemis at Hayle (Cornwall) and Ring- necked Ducks Aythya collaris, witfi two at Slapton (De\on), and singles at Drift Reser\oir (Cornwall) and Orchard-Eeigh (Buckinghamshire). Of the common species, Shovelers ctypeala were reported in good numbers, the 820 at Chew \'alley Fake (A\), ideally situated lor birdwatching holidays. .Near Blakeney Point, Cley, Salthousc, .Scolt Head bird sanctuaries. Night storage heaters, open fires, fully equipped. Details: .Mrs Faulkner, Red Lodge, The Quav, Blakenev, .N'orlblk NR2:) 7.NE. Tel: Cley 740408’. ’ (BB1022) NEAR WINDERMERE— 2 cottages, t Hats (sleeps 2/0), situated in prixate woodland of out- standing interest to naturalists and birdwatchers. ,S.\E: .Mrs R. Legge, Pinethxvaite, Windermere. Tel: 4.V)8. ' (BBIOOO) COTTAGES GALORE. We have some 200 delightful cottages in all parts of Britain. .\ great variety of individual properties, all inspected. Prices £12 to £40 per person per week. Get our free colour brochure, .\maro C'ottage Holidays, 22 High .Street, .Mton, Hampshire GL'.'M IB.N. Tel: (0420) 88892 (24 hours). (BB1074) NORTH NORFOLK. Coast 3 miles. 17th century barnhouse. Friendly welcome. Home cooking. Lovely wooded area. B&B £6. EM by arrangement. .Mrs B. .A. Clarke, Barn House, Pond Hills Road, Hempstead-by-Holt, .Norfolk. Tel: Holt 2473. (BB1068) WEYMOUTH SOUTHDENE HOTEL ‘AA listed”. Telephone 030.0 784021. Modernised hotel open all year, ideally situated lor beach or Radipole Lake. Colour TV lounge, residential bar, own large car park, parties catered for. S.\E .Mrs Lipscomb, Carlton Road .South, for brochure and terms. (BB 10,3,3) NESTING TIME in Scotland. Traditional stone cottages in xvest ctiast larm, in dedicated Natittnal Trust bcautx area. .Abundant wildlife, naturalists paradise. To let lortnightlx. .S.\E Whiteridge. Inxcriacl. Lochbroom, Ross-shirc. (BB801) WEYMOUTH. 2 mins Radipole Lake. B&B. T\’ lounge. CH. Free parking. Open all year. S.AE: 4 Abbotsbury Road. Tel: 030.3 78277.3. (BB1071) UNIQUE RESTFUL HOLIDAY on organic smallholding xvithin Exmoor National Park. Quiet surroundings situated in wooded nature reserve. Sea four miles. Eight camouflaged caravans. Modern toilet facilities. SAE please to Cowley Wood, Parracombe, N. Dexon. Parra- combe200. (BB100.3) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautiful Clun valley near the W elsh border. The area has an excellent wild bird population and an interesting flora and fauna. Within easy reach of Ludlow, Elan X'alley, Ofl'a’s Dyke, Longmynd, this stock rearing farm of 400 acres has magnificent views added to its attractions. .At Upper House one finds complete relaxation and a pampered, intimate atmosphere. B&B. EM optional. Tel: Bucknell 319 or SAE: .Xlrs D. .XL Williams, Upper Farm, Hopton Castle, Craxen .Arms, Salop. (BB1009) SHETLAND SCHOOLHOUSE. Secluded with fine view. .Sleeps 0, comfortably furnished. R. D. .Anderson, ,34 Hornton Street, London W8 4N'T. 'Tel: 01-937 ,3l 4(i. (BB 107.3) PERTHSHIRE: Self catering holiday cottages. Ideallv situated lor wildlife, flora, birds, walking and fishing. For brochure and list of axailable dates write to; Renton Finlayson, 82 .Atholl Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire. Tel: 0796 2,312. (BB949) GALLOWAY. Hills, loihs, l()rcsls and sea. Spccialilic.s — birds of prex . xxaders and xx aier- fowl. High quality self-catering accommodation. W ide xarictx in loxxn ami coumrx. For details send 2(>p to (i. M. Thomson & Co.. 27 King Street, (aisllc Doughis. (BB891) HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr. Bruce Campbell based at the 'Talland Bay Hotel on the South Cornish Cioast. Parties have identified over 110 species. New Holiday series dates: 10 — 14 .Nox . 1980. Rarities xveek with Ted (Jrilfiths 24—28 Nov. 1980, 2;f— 27 Feb. 1981, 16 — 20 .Xlarch 1981. Cost: Mondax to Friday from £72. .30. (BB998) HOLIDAY COTTAGE fully equipped, sleeps 3-5, five miles Southwold. 10 miles Minsmere. ■Xlr 'Teesdale, 80 W'atigford Road, Reydon, Southwold. (BB1073) MID WALES. Wide choice of self-catering farmhouse, cottages, etc., throughout mid Wales. Brochure from: Mid Wales Holiday, .Newtown, Powys. Tel: 0974.3 320. (BB4) CLEY. I .uxury cottage, four bedrooms, txvo bathrooms, c/h, colour TX'. Sleeps eight. No pets or children under nine. ’Tel: Norwich 738.3.36. (BBI7) WALBERSWICK. Minsmere .3 miles. Cottage sleeps 7-9. From £50. .Apply Saunders. The Rectory, Old .Alresford, Hants. 'Tel: .Alresford 2780. ' (BB3) NIDDERDALE, holiday cottage. Excellent birdwatching area. SAE: Mrs Harker, Stean, Middlesmoor, Harrogate. (BB1061) CLEY — BIRDWATCH as \oii hrcaklasi! All year roiincl I5&H in \cr\ lonilljiiahlc home'. clirtHlK ()\ iTlookiiii' bird resme and sail marshes. .Man and Sheila llan. The Saliiin^s. Cioasi Road. ( ile\ . l el: 74()b4.'). (HB1()70) COURTYARD COTTAGE in aneieni market town of .South .\lolton. I ringe ol l’,.\moor, 12 miles to estuary and sea. Sleeps b-fi. eolonr I A’. Iridge. washing madiine. .No pets. Write: Mrs J. C. Sangers. Christina. Barton Lane. Braunton, N. Devon. (BB21) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Tradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated National Trust beauty area, .\bundant wildlife, naturalists’ paradise. I'o let fortnightly. SAE: W hiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) CORNWALL — FOWEY. Enjoy a spring, summer or autumn holiday in beautiful coun- tiTside, a mile from the harbour and coast. Comfortable rooms, dinner, and a substantial breakfast. Dogs welcome. Francis and .Anne B(X)sev, ‘Folscoe’, Fowey, Clornwall PL23 IHQ. Eel: 072 683 244)7. ' (BB.iO) LAKE VYRNWY, mid Wales. Accommtxlation provided and warm welcome assured on working hill farm. Situated 2 miles from the bird reserve, (jtxxi home cooking. All amenities. Heulwen Parry, Evnvmaes, Llanwddvn, Oswestry. Tel: 069 173 216! ' (BB56) NORFOLK, B&B. f riendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beeston, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Fakenham. I'ittleshall 20.3. (BB42) VISITING CLEY? Bed and breakfast, also bungalows to let. Daily ferries to Blakeney Point bird sanctuary. Eemple, .Anchor Inn, .Morston. Holt. EebCley 740 264. (BB40) FLOWERS AND BIRDS OF CORNWALL. A tioliday of discovery including rare species unique to Cornwall based at Talland Bay Hotel, Nr Looe, Cornwall. Conducted by local naturalist Ted (JnlEiths. 2,5-31 May, Cost Ifom £L50. VS'rite for brochure or telephone Polperro (0,503) 72667, (BB49) SOUTHWOLD AA** hotel, central heating, ensuite bednxjms, gotxl wines and ftxxl. Ideal Itase l()r .Minsmere and surrounding area. Write/ phone: Pier .Avenue Hotel, Southwold 722632, (BB43) FLANEBURE HOTEL — !■ lambomugh head- land— 5’orkshirc. Hospitality and the finest clifl- top walks along the coast. Please send liir brochure and terms li)r weekly or short-sla\ liolidavs. (BB24) NORTH DEVON ( lose to I ;iw/ 1 orridge esttiaiA. Coml()rtal)le liinnhouse acaommoda tion. .North Farm. Bickington. Barnsta])lc i:\3l 2.)N. Eel: 0271 3107. (BB19) ISLE OF TIREE. 'Ehe Iz)dge Hotel, bird- wat( tiers’ paradise island. Self-catering flats and full Ixiard availalile. Fully licen.sed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, Tiree. Eel: (18792 3()8. (BB4()) DEVON. Kingsbridge/Salcombe Estuary. De- tached ItilK furnished hotise & bungalow. I'ninterruptcd \ iews over water and countryside. .Sleeps 6/7. .Mcxiring available. Perfect situation. .M rs .M. Quick, "Hove Eo” I.ower W arren Road. Kingsliridge. Eel: 0.548 2942. (BB8) LIKE THE BIRDS, but don't like liying;-> We ha\e trijis to Iceland, the Faroes, Shetland, Orkney and Lslav entirely hy surlace transport, plus of course our e.xtensive programme of tri[)s in the Scottish Highlands. Also self-catering cottages to let. Send stamp to: Caledonian W ildlile .Serv ices. 30 Cidduthel Road. Inverness l\'2 3LL'.(>rcall: 0463 33130. (BBIO) TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overltxiking RSPB Reserve, I'HF .MANOR HO EEL offers comfortable accommtxlation and g(xxi f(X)d throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly lor needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. .Special “Bird- Watchers’ ’’ weekends monthly from .November to .March, and 2 or 3-day breaks during the same peritxl. Postal address: King’s Lvnn, .Norfiilk PF3I 8BB. Eelephone: Brancaster (048.521) 221. (BB38) SNOWDONIA AND LLEYN PENINSULA. .Mam spei ies ol birds visit heic. Spend a week liirdwatching in one of our small, guided groups. Beginners especially welcome. .SAF for details. John Eaylor, Bron-y-Maen, .North Road, Caern- arfon, Gwynedd. Eel: 0286 2683. (BB59) ISLE OF MULL. Eagle country. I4va House Hotel, Eobermory . Magniliient views over bay and harlxitir. Log fires, h&c, electric fires, tea and coffee making facilities in all nxmis. Superti home ctxiking and baking. Open all year rotmd. Owner keen ornithologist. Plea.se write or telephone for brochure. Joy and Dav id W(xxlhou.se. I'oticrmorv (0(>88) 2044.' (BB32) CONIFERS HOTEL, Seal Square, Selsey, Su.ssex. Resident prop. Claire Po|x)f1'. Reservations: Eel: 2436. Licensed hotel and restaurant. Immediate proximity Selsey Bill and Pagham nature reserve of uni()ue interest. Perms and party rates on application. (BB39) QUIET GUESTHOUSE. Central heating. Ewo minutes beach. .Surrounded by farmland, hills and cliffs. .Also self-contained flat with outstand- ing V iews (jl Holm .Sound and Scapa Flow . .Send ,S.\F Ibr details and terms. .St. Nicholas Guest House, Holm, Orkney . Eel: Holm 320. (BB64) WEST NORFOLK. Birds, fish, golf, .National I'rusts, Sandringham, all V2 hotir from out X\'l I centtiry coat hing inn. Fine F.nglish Itxxl and real ale. Personal stipervision by owners. £3 1 per per- .son litr weekend break. Send litr brot hures. .\.\/ R.\C. Crown Hotel, Downhtim .Market, Norfiilk. Eel: Downham .Market (03(i()3) 2322. (BB67) ISLES OF SCILLY. Derek and .Marv Scofieltf welcome yoti to their comfortable familv gtiest house which is situated on the shore with un- rivalled V iew . We oiler a happy atmos|)here w ith home ctxiking ;ind a select wine list. Ideal lor spring and atitumn birdwatching. .Send stamp Itir brtithtire to Bcachlield Hou.se, St. .Mary’s. Eel: ()72()224ti3. (BB63) vi HEBRIDES AND SCOTTISH WEST COAST. Visit the bird colonies o( these enchanted islands by very comlortable motor yacht. Varied cruises available with a maxi- mum ol 12 passengers, departing from near Oban. First class accommodation and l'<«)d. Or charter the boat lor your own group and plan your own itinerarv . For landlubbers, we ha\e comlortable, selT catering cottages with all amenities. Full details {sae please), from Fony Dalton, (BB), Lochavich, I'aynuilt, .\rgyll. Fel: Lochavich 212. {BB!)!)) KING’S ARMS HOTEL, C:astle Douglas. .\A** RS.\C, Fgon Ronay and .Ashley Courtney recommended. 10% reduction lor ornithologists. (BB33) ROSEDALE ABBEY. Bed, breaklast and ecening meal. Mrs Smith. Low Bell Fnd I'arm. Rosedale .\bbe\. I’ukering. l.astinghc.m b')l. (BB.^) CHARMING, SECLUDED, \ i( lorian .Manor House now luxury '.1-star hotel. Set in 12 acres ol landscaped gardens overlooking Tav\ X'allcy. Central liir lishing, goll, louring and walking. .\lso iivailabic, three .sell-ctuering cottages. Norlhcole Manor, Burlington, near L'mbcrleigh. N. Devon, Tel: (07(i<)()) jOI. (BB2;5) WOODLANDS HOTEL, Devils Bridge, lu the heart of red kite country. Comiitrtabic ;nrom- modiilion in lamiK hotel. Open all yar round. .\lso seH-catering lliit. comprehensi\ cly e(|uipped, sleeps 2-1. .Mrs 1’. Willitims: 097-(IH.") t)(i(). (BB'20) WESTER ROSS. Dinner, bed and breaklast. (iood l()od and comlitrt assured. 112 per person dailv. K. .Macdonald, Benlair, Cove. I’oolcwc. Boolewe (041 .781)) ;1.‘)1. (BB7) WARM, COMFORTABLE COTTAGE avail- able Ibr winter and springtime breaks. Beautilul countrvside in utter peace. Sandy beaches one mile. C(X)dchild, .Morfa C.anal. Llangrannog, Llandvsul. Dvied S.\44 6RS. Llangrannog 27(i. (BB4.7) DOVEY ESTUARY. Well equipped s/c Hat. Sleeps I/.7. Linen. Ri\er \icws. .S.\F: Latham, (iiirrcg Farm. (iland\li, Macluiileth S\ 20 HSS. (BBKCl) SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE. ( oit.igc, ll.its to let. in lo\i4\ (icorgiaii xitai.tgc sitntitcd in ;i pcaccinl V illagc nctir the cotist. Bed. brc.iklasi ,ind c\ citing dinnci .n.iilabic also. Wright, ( )ld \ ii.it.igc. I’cnalK, l cnb\. Deled. I cl: I cube 2774. ’ (BB80) ABERDOVEY. .Scalidiit house .md ll.its. .super lamiK holid.ies with N n\s Hir and kite countre nearby. Sleep 2-10. £2.7-11.70 per week. S.\E pic.isc: B. I. Bcndall. H.ilod. .\bcrdo\c\ oi I cl: 0l).7l 721 18. (BB87) COMFORTABLE FARMHOUSE accommoda- tion close to ri\er ;ind woodlands, (iixid li)od. .S.\L: .Symons. Commerans, St Just in Roseland. 1 rnro. Fel: I’ortscatho 270. (BBIOi) Weekends for Birdwatchers at the Post House Hotel on Hayling Island, situated on Langstone Hartx)ur. This fully-equipped, modern, 4-star hotel offers fully inclusive weekends with talks, film shows and guided tours of local area by RSPB Group Leaders. Available Dates: Weekends starting— Friday 23 January 1981 Friday 13 February 1981 Friday 13 March 1981 Contact: S. Dommersen, Post House Hotel, Northney Road, Hayling Island, Hants. Tel: 07016 501 1 (rr41' PEACEFUL *.\.\ Lambsejuay Countrs House Hotel. W'ye/Dcan I'orest — Waders and Falcons within vicinity. Excel, food and wine. H&C, lull C/H. I el: 0.704 44127 liir broi hure please. (BB2(i) WEST COAST ARGYLL. Holiday house private estate beside river/sea sleeps 8, .\lso cottage sleeps 1. Total peace except lor wildlife. S.M'i: S. Coates, Corten. Tarbert, .\rgvll. Tel; 08802 04.7. ' (BBO) ISLE OF ISLAY. .Attractive, well equipped cottages sleeping 2-4 people. Situated by beach in peaceful village of Port Ciharlotte. Full details/ brochure: .Mrs James Roy, Port Ciharlotte, Isle of Islav, Argy llshire PA48 7UD. Tel: 049 68.7 208. (BB.77) KITE COUNTRY. .\.\**R.\C commended countrv house hotd. Within eas\ rciich of reserces and othei good habitats. Resident expert! David ;md Bronwen extend a weleome to all. Please send liir our colour broihure: Clanrannell Park Hol(4. Crugvbar. Llanwrda. Dvied. Tel: Talley (0,7,784) 240. ( BB22) LAND’S END PENINSULA. Sei Indcd willev, idetil liir migr.mts. sett birds, co.ist.il w.ilks, Com- lorl.iblc cottage, good home cooking, b^tb. optional cm. Cloughv Hou.se. Nanquidno. St I list in Penw ith, ( lorn wall. I el: Pen/. nice 7888:il). (BB70) PRIVATE CHARTER HOTEL bo.it holid.ivs 1 )isco\ cr on I beautiful w.itei w.i\ s .md their w ild- lilc. ()ur 'exclusive cli. liter' cruises oiler vonr p.irtv excellent lood. scrv it c and .iccommod.iiion .iboard our ir.iditional iiarrowbo.it. Brochure from ( iliartcrC irnisiiig ( ionip.inv , Rcl BB, ( :.ilciill Top Lock. Stockton. Riigbv CV28 8HX Soniham 1 Ti8. ( BB'tl ) LINCS/CAMBS/NORFOLK borders. b& 1). em optional. .Mrs Collier. Red Roses, (iednev Hill. .Spalding. \\ haplode Drov e '204. ( BB74) ENJOY HIGHLAND HOSPITALITY .md person. il .itlcntioii in onr iriendiv l.imilv hold overlooking Spev N'.illcv .md goll course, lilc.il centre lor touring, bird w.iti liing, w. liking, skiing ,111(1 ponv trekking. Rcsidciui.il liccin c. ,\.\ and R.\{ listed. Broihure Irom: .\lvcv House, (loll (ionise Road, New loiimore. Inverness-shire, PH'20 l.\ 4 , Tel: 07104 '2t)(f (BBOO) Ml CLEY. Ani;uli\c liuusc ill \illat>c. I [)ccl- rnoms, lai'nc Harden. i’a>‘>U<'. .\\ailalile all \ (Ml . Details I mm ,\ 1 1 s I.. .Mini in. 17 I .Midale ,\\ einie. I .ondun .\\\ L’. l ei: I i I H'd. ( BHID) SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS. Imenu ss sliin ( )|)en all \eai . Beaiitilul setliiiH uilli sueepiiiH views. liiMiiimis .Si andinav ian-slv le clialels etinipped to IhhIi sl;nid;ird. .Sleep l-'i. ( inloni I \'. eMcllent insulation ensnics wannlli. l)eli(ioiis home (ooked liiod available. Dnnsmore l.odHes. I arlev . Beanlv . I el: I) Iti !v7 1 2 12 I oi (I I -h 1(1 (ohll. (BB'Mi) NORTH DEVON. I \moor National Bark. Beantiliillv sitiuited Hursthoiise. l ishinH. vvalkint;. hirdvv ateliint>. Netn 1 )oone \ allev . ( )are ( iimn li. Robber's Bridge, etc. Dinner, bed and breakliist. .Mrs WOod. Brendon House. I.viitoii. lei: Il.■)():id.'). (BB94) LEITZ 10 X 40B Trino\id Binoculars. Rarely used. £220. Lei: 0642 62BB0. (BBIOO) SHEFFIELD BIRD REPORT D79. £1.20 post free. .Mr K. R. Crooks, tl Peterborough Road. Shcllicld SKI IJL. (BB9.-)) BANNERMAN: Birds oj the British Isles. Set c/w dust jackets; very good condition. £325. (BBl 17) HOUSES FOR SALE SUFFOLK. Pi(tu rcsc|uc modernised quietK situiitcd cottage st\lc country residciuc. Llall. kitt hcn/brcitkliist room. 2 ret eption. I bcdnKtms. bathroom, we. studio, workshop, pleasant garden, garage sp;uc. Rcl: .)BI2. £11.. >00. l liik & Son. .Saxmundham. ( BB70) BOOKS BOOKS ON BIRDS. New and secondhand, catalogue 30p. Surplus bird books urgently sought. Open 4'hursday to Saturday. House of Seal, Church Street, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent. Tel: Sevenoaks 62 155. (BB35) OUT-OF-PRINT BIRD BOOKS bought and .sold. Catalogue on request. Please offer your surplus books to Jay Books, 1 Roull Grove, Edinburgh. (BB34) NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. Setondhand and new bought and sold. Catalogues: j. K. Oliver. Corner Clottage, Colkirk, Lakenham, .Norfolk. Tel: Lakenham 2453. (BB647) PANDION BOOKS oiler li)r sale line itnd setm c .Nattual History books. Lrcc cattiloguc on rct|uest. Books ol C|u;ilit\ ;ilw.i\s wanted. 81 .Moorsidc Diilf. Ripon. N. \’orks. (BB7()) FINE NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS bought .uid sold. R. Norman. I he Book-.Sc|uirrcl. Hart- on-thc-Hill. Dalton Pi< rcc\ . Hartlepool. Clcve- hmd. (BB89) OBSERVATORIES BARDSEY ISLAND, NORTH WAlES Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory wel- comes birdwatchers and naturalists. Island birds include choughs, shearwaters, seabirds. Rarities and vagrants recorded annually. Lighthouse attracts nocturnal migrants. .Scll-catering accommodatioti Observatory larmhouse. Lull board Course weeks June and .September. Resident warden. Details: .Mrs H. Bond. Bookings .Secretary. 21a (Jestridge Road. Kingsteigtiton. Newton .\bbot. Devon (S.\E). (BBI09) WILD LI EE HO LI DA YS UIST WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS SUMMER 1981 \\ aterfow 1 and W aders Galore Raptors and Seabirds Otters, Seals and Cletaceans I he Magic of the Machair Flora. .\ uni(]ue opportunity to explore the Cists. Outer Hebrides and experience the marv els ol the island's wildlife. .Small groti[)s led by local ecologists. High class accommodation, evening lec- tures. minibus, boat and ferry transport all included in 8-dav tours. Further details from: Cist Wildlife Holidays 1 he School House, Lochcarnan South Cist, Outer Hebrides, P,\81 5PD. (BB98) EXPLORE THE HEBRIDES under sail aboard 60ft ketch ‘Hornpipe’. Small parties, £150 pw. Dinsdale-V'oung, Kingie, Invergarry, Inverness- shire. Tel 08092 210. ' ’ (BB47) IX » ISLES OF SCILLY AND ICELAND 1981 uiih I ).i \ id H mu. Siill some \ .u .iiu ics. .S.\l . Im dciaiK: l).i\i(l llniu (Hols). .Si Mai\\. Kies ol .SiilK. IR_’l(l|(.. (BHIll) LUNDY. 1 ■'or ('\( itiiu> birduau hiiii^ holidays on bcaulilul l.uiidv, |)lca.sc send .S.\L llir lull dciails to: .\lr 1). .\1. Kcsictl. Slu'crwalcr. 20 l iiTicM-. Dow udcrr\ . rorpouu. ( Cornwall. ( HB lOh) WILDLIFE AND WALKING HOLIDAYS. \\ lu not join one ol om sin.dl. miormal amnps in lOlll (om Hill M'.isonl.' \ isil die hcsl .ur.is in die hr.uuilul uoilhwcM ini Indiiu; .Moicr.miBr Ba\. I .,ikc Dislrii t. ^ Ol kshii c I )alcs. I’crsonalK unidrd l)\ i'\|HTirnrcd. liundK IcadiTs. our liolid.us ollci .1 most cnjosalili' lomhinalion ol iMidlilc ol)srr\ .uion ,md u.ilkmi;. uradi'd lor .ill ai;i's .md r\|)cricu( 1'. Broilmrc Irom .Momu.iin tV \\ ildlilc \ i iunrcs, I horiuon Ko.ul. .\ lorci .uuIh'. I i-l: llll.‘)77. (BB'I'J) OVERS FAS ORNITHOLOGICAL HOLIDAYS WITH COX & KINGS Ihf 1981 |)mi;ranim<- will imliKli- sik h iiiKTCsliiii*; .uul rcuaidiiu' centres as: Gambia (December 1980) Kenya Rumania Camargue Zimbabwe Spain — iier renees ( Hiiesea) ami Laguna (le ( Jalhu anla (/.arago/a). Greece — 1 )elj)hi and IVlopenese (Birds + l lowers). I’lanned lor late I98l/Iiarl\ 1982 Guyana Papua New Guinea Ecuador ^ Galapagos Morocco h'oT (ietmis contact: (lox Marshall Street , l.ondon W i\’ 21\\ Tel:Ol-1.9t82!)2 (BB58) BIRDWATCHING IN TURKEY. Overland 2B (lass wilh (•xpcrienccd leader imites indivi- duals or groups to pariicipate in vvonderlul opporuinitv in May/Seplember 1981. Chris Slade. 99 Lode Lane, Soliluill. West Midlands. 021-70') 5r)8'). (HH1081) TOURS NATURAL HISTORY HOLIDAYS/TOURS in some ol the best and most beaiuiful areas ol the UK. Weekends and days in the south east and East .Vnslia. Small party size. Happy and iidormal atmosphere. -Apply to leader ;ind naturalist, Derek l utt. Barn Owl rra\el (BB), 27 .Sea\iew Road, (iillingham, Kent .\ll-i7 l.\l, (stamps appret iated). Telephone: .\ledwa\ (01)24) .abT.W, (BBI(),77) WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HISTORY c ruise. Guided tours of the Scottish Hebrides itboitrd ()2lt motor .saililur saelu. V isit the breed- iiii>; colonies ol . seabirds ;uid setds. I'.xplore earb ( ihrislian settlemeius, superb scenerx ,md s;i\om e.xcclleni lood. Berths per week 4170. .\rdp;ilric k, ' I a rl )ert . . \ rirs 1 1 . ' I el : ( )H»( 12 ( liH/l >2 1 . ( B BO!) ) Peak National Park Study Centre Loosehill Hall BIRDS OF THE PEAK DISTRICT .\ weekend eourst' — ,\la\ I,2lh-I7lh, 1081 ,\ week's course — ;June lst-.')th. 1081 These courses will, with expert tuition, look at the \aried and interesting bird lile whit h is l()und in the .Moorlands and Dales ol the I’eak Distrii 1. I’artii tilar attention will be paid to the li inge range breeding spei ies such as Ring ( )uzel, Dijjper. (iolden I’loxer and Red Cirouse. We akso hope to see Black (irouse. Common Sandpiper and Short Eared Owl. I'urther details oh these and other courses from: I'eler I'ownsend, Brincipal, I.osehill Hall, Castleion, Derbxshire, S20 2WB. .S.\E please. jBBlIli)'' A Selection ^ the Birds of Sri Lanka -w by JOHN & JUDY BANKS Fully illustrated in Colour Price L’K £2.75 iiicl. postage. Ox erseas L -S $ 10. 00 or ecitiixalenl. Please Jorn ard remittance to Infinity Colour Ltd, 47a The Broadway, Mill Hill, London NW7 3DA England. (BBl 18) X Spain — Birding a la carte Spain is a huge country with, probably, the finest ‘birding’ opportunities in Europe. But, in a huge country you need detailed local knowledge of where and when to see each bird. With such knowledge I offer: ‘ALL THE EAGLES’. What is your list missing? What would you like to see better? To see all the Raptors you need to know exactly where to go. My list has 32 different Raptors — 25 in a week is normal and 20 in a day achieved. The ‘Five Eagles’ — Imperial, Golden, Bonelli’s, Short-toed, Booted; three Vultures — Black, Griffon, Egyptian; three Kites, Black- shouldered, Red, Black; Goshawk, Honey Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Hobby, Eagle Owl and more. ‘WATER BIRDS GALORE’. The High Plateau of central Spain attracts a remarkable variety. Thirteen species of Duck, including White-headed. Twenty-nine species of Waders, giving close views in fine summer plumage. Terns (4), Grebes (3), Herons/Egrets (8) add to the Laguna scene with also Flamingo, Galinule and Pratincole. ‘A HOST OF PASSERINES’. Search through Warblers (20 species). Larks (7), Pipits (5), Tits (7 including Penduline, Crested, Bearded), Buntings, Finches, Sparrows (17). Amonst eight Swifts and Swallows are Alpine and Pallid Swift, Red-rumped Swallow, Crag Martin, tropical colouring is added by Roller, Bee-eater, Hoopoe and Oriole. IBERIAN SPECIALS. Great and Little Bustard, Pin-tailed and Black- bellied Sand Grouse, Black Stork, Azure-winged Magpie, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Bushchat, Shrikes and more. My list totals 234 species, 170/180 normal in a week with often over 100 in a day. TOUR ARRANGEMENTS AND PRICES. I meet all flights (London/ Madrid and return) and drive you in my Range Rover throughout. One week holidays. Weekly April/May during migration. Based on my home in the Southern Mancha. Parties of up to four only. A very exclusive bird- packed seven days at a totally inclusive £499 London to London. Four and Five Days. In June. See some of the rarest Iberian breeding birds. From £229. Eleven Days. Goto Donana and Straits of Gibraltar for massive Raptor migration in September. Spanish Birding a la Carte. If you have your own party of three or four and wish something different, I can find it for you and plan your holiday. Enquiries for 1981 and 1982— Tom Gullick, Quevedo 14, Infantes, C.R., Spain. Sole UK Agents for bookings, lists and detailed itineraries— PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS, 40 South Parade, Summertown, Oxford Tel: 0865 511341. (BB72) British Birds Volume 74 Number 2 February 1981 55 Influxes into Britain and Ireland of Red-necked Grebes and other waterbirds during winter 1978/79 DrR.J. Chandler 81 Fifty years ago . . . 82 Seabird observations from commercial trawlers in the Irish Sea Philips. Watson 90 Tennessee Warblers: new to Britain and Ireland Roger A. Broad 94 Mystery photographs 50 Greater Yellowlegs P-J- Grant Notes 97 Peregrine feeding Herring Gull chick to young R. B. TreUaven 97 Peregrine fishing at sea Jermy B. Tatum 97 Display by wintering Grey Plover leading to attempted coition Bernard King 98 Adult Skylark feeding juvenile with bread Ken Osborne 98 Perched Swallows feeding from hogweed H. Hall 98 Song flight of Pied Wagtail culminating in copulation DrW.A. Venables Letters 99 Bill-base feathering and apparent bill thickness of some waders Colin W. Jones 99 Diagnostic characters of rubythroats P. A. Dukes and D. 1. M. Wallace 100 Future Palearctic vagrants Philip D . Round Announcements 100 ‘Birds New to Britain and Ireland’ 101 Goshawk conference 101 Postal auction of cover design a Requests 101 Rare issues of ‘BB’ Mrs Erika Sharrock 101 Cory’s Shearwaters in autumn 1980 Alastair Forsyth 101 Gwent Breeding Bird Atlas Dr S.J. Tyler 102 Birds in Thailand D.S. Melville 1 02 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 1 05 Recent reports K. Allsopp and R. A. Hume Reviews 108 The Popular Handbook oj Rarer British Birds by P. A. D. Hollom P.J. Grant 108 Seabirds: their biology and ecology by Bryan Nelson Stanley Cramp Line-drawings: 55 Red-necked Grebe (J. F. Holloway); 82 Herring Gull and trawler (R. A. Hume); 90 Tennessee Warbler (P.J. Grant); 107 Great Grey Shrike (M. Lightowler) , Ring-necked Duck (Frederick J. Watson) and White-billed Diver (J. Cantelo) Front cover: Leach’s Petrels — North Rona {Michael Warren) British Birds Spanish Sparrow: new to Britain and Ireland Field identification of gulls George Rayner Humphreys (1886-1980) Mystery photographs • Notes • Letters News and comment Recent reports British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. ShaiTOck, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Editorial Assistant Personal Assistant David A. Christie Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Dr R. J. Chandler & Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Chairman), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J. Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, Dr R. J. Raines & Dr J, T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary), 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 7TP Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J, M. Flegg, Dr C. H. Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr K. E. L. Simmons News and comment Peter Conder & Mike Everett, 1 2 Swaynes Lane, Comberton, Cambridge CBS 7EF Recent reports K. Allsopp & R. A. Hume, c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL Publishing & Production Manager Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Mrs Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Cartwright Advertising John Barnes, Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF (tel: 01-240 1 101) © British Birds Ltd 1981. Copyright ofphotographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire ISSN 0007-0335 Annual subscription (including index) UK £16; rest of world, surface mail £16 (or US$40), airmail £25 (or US$95); single issues, if available, £2. Cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. All cheques and queries by letter to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Circulation, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 3nj, England. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO 37 588 6303 British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the west Palearetie. Except Ibr records ofrarities, papers and notes are normally accepted onK on condition that material is not being oll'ered in whole or in part to any other journal. Photographs and sketches are welcomed. .\ll contributions should be submitted to the .Managing Editor. Papers should be t\ pew ritten w ith double spacing and w ide margins, and on one side ol the sheet onlv. .\uthors should carefulK consult this issue litr st\ le ol presentation, especially ol references and tables, \ ernaeular and scientific names and sequence of birds iollow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1978); names of jilants litilow Dony el at. (1971. English Names of Wild Flowers); names ofmammals iltllow Corbet & .Southern ( 1 97 7, The Handbook of British Mammals), figures should be in Indian ink on good quality tracing paper, drawing pa|3er, non-absorbent botird or light blue or very pale grey gra|)h paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captiotis should be typed on a separate sheet. .\uthors ol inairi papers (but not notes or letters) receive ten free copies oflhe journal (five each to two or more authors). Printed by Henry Burt & Son Ltd, College Street, Kempston, Bedibrd mk42 Bna THE NEW RAVEN JACKET I o?LY £32.00 ONLY AVAILABLE BY MAIL ORDER FROM FJALLRAVEN The Raven jacket is an ideal jacket for all kinds of outdoor activities and is novY available in Britain. Manufactured in the unique G1000 fabric (65% Polyester, 35% Cotton), which is windproof, showerproof, durable, gives exceptional wear and is light to wear. Just look at these features; 1 . Hood with drawcord into collar 2. Bellows at shoulders and sleeves 3.4 large outer pockets 4. Warming pockets behind lower pockets 5. Two way zipper Sizes : 34 '736 38 " /40 42" 144 46"/48" (Ladies please state size required). Colours: Green, Sand, Navy Blue, and Blue. Access, Barclaycard and Visa Holders welcome. All orders despatched within 24 hours of receipt. Money or goods refunded if not absolutely delighted, simply return to us unmarked within 7 - 10 days. Make cheques payable to: Readers Account, FJALLRAVEN SPORTS EQUIPMENT (UK) LTD, and post to: P.O. Box 5, Dallamires Industrial Estate Ripon, N. Yorkshire HG4 1TW. Tel: Ripon (0765) 5363 - 24 hour service. Please send me Raven Jacket(s), Size(s) Price Colour 2nd choice Please send me your colour brochure (tick if required) Access, Barclaycard and Visa welcome (if paying by credit card please ensure tf lat the address given is the same as the card holder). I enclose my Cheque/Postal Order for or debit my Access/BarclaycardA/isa No NAME (Block capitals please) ADDRESS n I I I I Postcode: I Signature: I ^ FJallraven Sports Equipment (UK) Ltd, P.O. Box 5, I Dallamires industrial utate, Ripon, N. Yorkshire HG41TW. Tel: Ripon (0765) 5363 - 24 hour service. | B.D.M.A. Member Reg. No. 1032024 VATNo. 3034559 79 THE PEREGRINE FALCON by Derek RatclilFe Dr Ratcliffe’s monograph has been eagerly awaited and now more than meets expectations. Not only is this a comprehensive, definitive study by an international authority, it is also a well composed work with an easy flow that conceals its author’s skilled presentation. Today Derek Ratcliffe is the Chief Scientist of the Nature Conservancy Council but the Peregrine has been his bird ever since his boyhood roaming the Lake District fells. More recently he became the leading figure in the major conservation breakthrough which identified the low breeding success of so many birds of prey with the effects of organochlorine pesticides. Donald Watson contributes three colour plates and many line drawings, and there are maps, diagrams and 60 photographs. 41 6 pages, plus 36 plates, £12.00 net r& ADPOVSER Calton, Waterhouses, StaOsSriOSIQ (BB150) GIBRALTAR MOROCCO— SPAIN Birdwatching tours by minibus out of Gibraltar to Morocco, Spain and beyond. Holidays of 7, 10, 14 and 21 days. September to April in- clusive, from £200. For our introductory folder please send 25p stamps (overseas £1) to: MIGRANT TRAVEL Dept MBB, PO Box 217, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland Also minibus hire and tour leadership/management services (BB51) The NORFOLK ORNITHOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION (mcnibcrship 1.10(1) priniarilv eoiu cmcd witli migralion, welcomes visitors to its reser\es whic h are: Holme Bird Observatory lull-time \\ arden. .\eeent on ciiiiet w atc hing. No ringing groups. Permits on spot. 276 species. Open claiK . Parties h\ arrangement. Information Centre, Walsey Hills, Salthouse .Seasonal W arden. .\ migration watc h point. Dodman’s Farm Reserve, Titchwell ■Seasonal Warden. N'aried habitat. Local birds. Holme Marsh Bird Reserve \\ ader pool and liesb gra/ing. I'.ntry viti HBO Warden. Annual Report 1980 now published eo\ c-ring migrtition in the County. Price £ 1 .50 post paid. Membership S..\T,. litr details. The N.O.A. Aslack Way, Holme-Next- Sea, Hunstanton, Norfolk. (BB129) It ORNITHOLIDAYS1981 MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH TRAVEL AGENTS Holidays organised by Birdwatchers for Birdwatchers Vancouver & the Rockies Arizona & New Mexico Tanzania Kenya The Seychelles The Gambia The Camargue Majorca High Alps Lake NeusiedI Yugoslavia N.E. Greece S.W. Spain Fame Islands & Bass Rock Isles of Scilly Kingussie Isle of Islay Isle of Mull C. Wales Particulars sent on receipt of 14p stamp to: LAWRENCE G. HOLLOWAY ORNITHOLIOAYS (Regd) (Wessex Travel Centre) 1 /3 VICTORIA DRIVE, BOGNOR REGIS, SUSSEX, ENGLAND P021 2PW Telephone 0243 821230 Telegrams: Ornitholidays Bognor Regis ATOL Licence No. 743 (BB149) ^ We offer 20~33V3% Discounts ^ on oil these famous brands of binoculars and telescopes BINOCULARS BY: Zeiss (East & West) Leitz Swift Kowa Greenkat Pentax Hartman Habicht Bushnell Mirador Tasco Heron Steiner, etc. TELESCOPES BY: Schmidt & Bender Nickel Supra Televari Swift Kowa Optolyth Mirador Bushnell Discoverer (Bausch & Lomb) This extensive range may be viewed in the quiet and comfort of our showrooms, with views of ^ over two miles distance. We are open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Thurs. 9.30 a.m. - 1 p.m.) and Sat. 9.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. For those who cannot call personally ALL our goods are available by MAIL ORDER and are insured during transit. Despatch is normally made within thirtysix hours of receipt of the order and our FOURTEEN DAY APPROVAL scheme applies. ^ We provide a FREE PRICE LIST and “BUYER’S GUIDE TO BINOCULAR OWNERSHIP ” ^ and orders can be placed by telephone using your Access or Barclaycard Please send 30p postage for catalogue. ungraiiD i^ni TICK BOX OPTICAL COMPANY 23/25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. CM14 4ER. (BB1002) / (0277)221259/219418/210913^^ Address . elescopesO BinocularsQ iii 1981 WORLDWIDE BIRDWATCHING TOURS FOR SMALL GROUPS TO: COSTA RICA MEXICO JORDAN USA (Mid Atlantic States) CALIFORNIA KENYA TEXAS MOROCCO COLOMBIA MADEIRA ISRAEL Ask for our Birdguide Brochure Telephone 01-898 8611-3 24-hour brochure service 01-898 8220 (BB157) ABT/ATOL 334B TwicKenham Travel Limited - 84 Hampton Road TwichenhamTW2 5QS - Telephone 01 898 8221 - Telex 8954593 CENTRALLY HEATED FULLY MODERNISED SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY COTTAGES to let in GALLOWAY Caldow Lodge Corsock Castle-Douglas Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotiand DG7 3EB Tei: Corsock 286 Amidst Moor, Marsh, Forest and Lochs, glorious countryside. Birdwatchers’ paradise. Off Season Lets Please send for brochure, stamp appreciated (BB82) BIRD yK BOOKS OLD and NEW Please offer those books surplus to your requirements to the leading world specialist David Evans FiNE BIRD BOOKS Marvins Farmhouse Kingston DeveriU mitshire (09853 234) (BBX1030) IV Bushncll Discoverer 15x 60x Zoom Telescope designed by Bausch & Lomb ...it is arguably the finest instrument currently on the market. Lucky owners or envious borrowers give unanimous rave reviews. No drawtube, focus and zoom by weli-placed knurled rings, superb clarity and brightness of image. . . Weight 1 ,360g. Length 445mm.' Ogilvie and Sharrock: 'British Birds' Binoculars and Telescope Survey. October 1978. Can also be used as a 1000mm - 4000mm zoom Telescope Camera Lens. Fits any standard tripod. Now available in the U.K. Expect to pay around £172.00. f tt Apply for name and address of your nearest stockist to: Highgate Optical Ltd 38 Jamestown Road London NW1 7EJ ( DD I JUj Peak National Park Study Centre Losehill Hall BIRDS OF THE PEAK DISTRICT A weekend course— May 15th- 17th, 1981 A week’s course — -June lst-5th, 1981 These courses will, with expert tuition, look at the varied and interesting bird life which is found in the Moorlands and Dales of the Peak District. Particular attention will be paid to the fringe range breeding species such as Ring Ouzel,' Dipper, Golden Plover and Red Grouse. VVe also hope to see Black Grouse, Common Sandpiper and Short Eared Owl. Further details of these and other courses from: Peter Townsend, Principal, Losehill Hall, Castleton, Derbyshire, S30 2WB. S.AE please. (BB116) I 1 I I ICELAND I Spring Tour for I Ornithologists j 14th-26th May, 1981 I in the company of I John G. Williams, I Ornithologist and I Norman Arlott I (Bird Illustrator of 1980) • Detailed brochure available from • Specialised Travel Division I jnA JOHNSON’S TRAVEL I AGENCY LTD. I Trafalgar House, Paradise Street, I Birmingham B1 2BG. I Tel: 021-643 8321. Telex: 337335 I Members of ABT.\ ^ggjyg^ .ATOL 1357B V TalktoA.RMawkins about Binoculars! ^ PHONE us m Best Makes. Largest Stocks, Fastest Service. By return Despatch and .Free Advice. A. R. Hawkins only sells well known branded binoculars at lowest prices possible (up to 40% off MRP). Over 150 models to choose from vrjth big stocks and really fast service — all orders despatched same day securely packed and fully insured. Order by telephone with Barclay/Access or C O D. Buying at A. R. Hawkins Ltd., Means you get a better binocular for less than you might have paid elsewhere for an inferior brand. 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Please send stamp to cover postage. Mail Order. Access and Barclay Card accepted. Prices subject to alteration. (BB52) VI British Birds VOLUME 74 NUMBER 3 MARCH I 98 I Spanish Sparrow: new to Britain and Ireland C. S. Waller At about 1 1.20(;MTon 9th June 1966, on Lundy, north De\on, I was on my w'ay to make a late morning dri\ e of the traps in the eourse of my duties as obserx atory warden, when my attention was attraeted to a bird uttering a sparrow-like ‘eheep’ which seemed less harsh than that of a House Sparrow Passer domesticus. It was sitting on a fence near Quarter Wall facing me and was about the size of'a nearby Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis; its most striking features were white cheek patches, which contrasted with its chocolate crown and its black breast almost as much as do the cheeks of the Great Lit Parus major. The chin and upper breast were black, as was the lower breast, but the white of the belly extended up into it, almost forming a shallow imerted \’. I’he flanks were heax ily streaked with black and, on this occasion, at a range of 30m, appeared almost solid black. I called John OgiK ie ox er and xx e watched the bird for about fix e minutes before accidentally disturbing it as we tried to get around to the rear to hax e a look at its back. The features obserx'ed were clearly those of a Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis. The bird was located again, at about 14.50 hours by the late W. Gade in the Tent Field, but, by the time that I xxas informed, it had gone. The bird was seen by xarious people ox er the next two days, but I did not see it again until 12th, when I rediscox ered it at the spot where I had first seen it and had good x iexxs of it through 10 X 50 {Bril. Birds 74: 109-1 1(1, Marc h I'KHI] 109 110 Spanish Sparrow: new to Britain and Ireland binoculars at ranges down to 6m. The Ibllowing description was taken: Foreliead, c rown and nape c hcstnnl, e.xtend- while edges to feathers. Rump tawny brown, ing from nape around into white of cheek Fail Itrown. Wings light brown, but llight patcli. Lores blackisli, extending below and leathers darker brown, looking blackish in behind eye to form eye-stripe, with short, flight; lesser co\erts chestnut, with much narrow white supercilium abo\e. Cheek white on tips, forming conspicuous wing- clear, striking white. Throat and breast bars; other coverts tawny, with paler tips, black, with siKery while extending from Legs brown. Lye dark. Bill blackish, hea\y belly up into centre; flanks hea\ il\ striped and finch-like, black. Back black, with some faint buff and d he Spanish Sparrow kept to itself , not associating with any other species e.xcept on one occasion when it flew off with a flock of Linnets Carduelis cannabina, which were noticeably smaller. Although it was present on the island for about ten days, it was always difficult to locate and when disturbed would fly a great distance, never landing nearby. It showed a preference for perching on fences, ne\ er on the old buildings which were in the vicinity. I. G. Reynolds reported seeing what may have been the same bird on 8th, one day before my first sighting. This Palearctic species has a wide distribution, breeding locally ox er the southern half of Spain and also the Ganary Islands, with an ex en more remote southern outpost in the Gape \'erde Islands. In North Africa, it is to be found from Rio de Oro (West Sahara) through Morocco, northern Algeria, 'Lunisia and Libya, and is a winter visitor to Egypt, northern Sudan and Sinai. On the north side of the Mediterranean, it is found over most of Greece and d’urkey, a number of the Greek islands, and Clyprus. From I’urkey, the range extends eastwards through northern Iran, Afghanistan and parts of the southern L'SSR to Cdiinese Turkestan and Kashmir; some of the population winters in Arabia, Pakistan and north- xvest India. 1 he species also occurs in Syria, Iraq, Israel and Jordan. A number of colour varieties are known, including black, grey and isabelline. The sparrows are somewhat of a taxonomists’ nightmare, with the Spanish Sparrow freely interbreeding with the House Sparrow, especially in the eastern parts of its range, on some Mediterranean islands, in southern Italy, on the Ganary Islands and in North Africa. T he offspring resulting from this cross-breeding often resemble the so-called ‘Italian Sparrow’ P. d. italiae. Hybridisation has also been recorded with the Tree Sparrow P. montanus. Thus, it is not surprising that the Lundy indix idual could not be assigned to a subspecies. C. S. Waller, The Nature Conservancy Council, Angel Cottage, Blythburgh, Suffolk jfiftp pearg ago . . . ‘Dr (j. Carmichael Low stated at the December meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Club that he (December 7lh, 1930) and Mr A. H. Macpherson (December 6ih) had seen all the five species ol British Grebes in one day; a Black-necked (trebe (Podiceps nigricottis) on the Long \\ aler, Kensington (hardens, and the others at Staines Reserxoir.’ Part 4, and the end, ofthe saga: ‘May I be allowed a little space in which to comment on Mr Osmaslon’s letter. I stick to my opinion that the attitude ofthe birds is chieflv to shelter the young.’ J. H. Owen (Bnt. Birds 24: .301-302 & 303, .March 1931). Field identification of west Palearctic gulls P.J. Grant Part 4. Little, Ross’s, Sabine’s and Ivory Gulls and Kittiwake Parts 1, 2 and 3 have been published previously {Brit. Birds 71: 145-176; 72: 142-182; 73: 113-158). The species in part 4, except Ivory' Gull P agophila ebumea, are small- to medium-sized gulls which share, in their first year, a striking W pattern across the wings in flight (unlike any other west Palearctic gull), causing possible confusion especially at long range. Adults have a more distinctive appearance, making confusion less likely. Ivory Gull is the largest of this group (slightly larger than Common Gull Larus canus), and is unmistakable at all ages — white with sparse black spots in its first year, and all-white when adult. Sabine’s Gull L. sabini has a complete moult in spring, and a head and body moult in autumn, the reverse of the moult timing of other gulls: a complete early spring moult from first-winter takes place in winter quarters, and in the resultant first-summer plumage most resemble adults except for an incomplete hood. Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea, Ivory Gull and most Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla acquire adult plumage in their second winter. Little Gull L. minutus is exceptional in this group, in that probably the majority are readily ageable in second-year plumages. Ross’s, Sabine’s and Ivory Gulls (figs. 37, 39 and 43) are among the most sought-after and beautiful of Arctic rarities; only Sabine’s regularly moves south of the Arctic seas, at least the major part — if not all — of the population being highly migratory', wintering in the southern oceans. Kittiwake (fig. 4 1 ) is an almost exclusively marine and coastal gull, familiar in most of the northern hemisphere. Little Gull (fig. 34) typically frequents marshes, inland lakes, and sheltered coasts; on migration and in favoured breeding and wintering areas it may be locally numerous , but in most of its range it is perhaps the least familiar of the commoner gulls. Familiarity with immature Little Gulls and Kittiwakes will greatly aid recognition of Ross’s and Sabine’s Gulls respectively. Table 5. Measurements (in mm) of five gulls (from Dwight 1925) Sample Wing Tail Bill Tarsus Little Gull Larus minutus 25 210-230 85-97 21-25 25-29 Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea 1 1 248-265 121-138 18-20 30-33 Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini 25 245-284 108-131 22-28 31-38 K ory Gull Pagophila ebumea 20 320-346 135-160 32-38 3.5-42 Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla 22 285-322 113-140 31-40 31-36 Little Gull Larus minutus (figs. 35A and 36, plates 40-49) IDENTIFICATION Little Gull is the smallest of the world’s gulls, w ith a wing span 20-30% less 111 [Bril. Birds 74: 1 1 M42, .March 1981) 112 Identification oj gulls Fig. 34. World distribution ol Little Gull Larus minutus, showing approximate breeding range (solid black) and approximate southern limit of winter/non-breeding range (black line). Since the first in 1962, there have been se\ eral breeding records in the Great Lakes area ol Clanada and L1S.\ than that ol Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus or Kittiwake. In flight, the wing-tip is slightly more rounded than on other gulls; this shape is dilhcult to discern on first-year individuals, but on second-year and adult birds it is accentuated by a prominent white border to the otherwise dark underwing. The tail is square-ended or (on some first-years) very slightly forked. It is a dainty, non-scavenging species, which usually feeds by picking from the water surface in flight. In first-year plumages, the combination of small size and striking \V pattern across the wings in flight makes identification straightforward. Of the regular west Palearctic gulls, only first-year Kittiwakes (p. 133) have a similar pattern, and in situations where the size difference is not immediately apparent, the best distinctions are Little Gull’s dark brown- backed juvenile plumage (juvenile Kittiwake is grey-backed), less pointed and proportionately shorter wings, blackish cap, flesh-coloured or reddish legs (black on Kittiwake), and indistinct, dark secondary bar (Kittiwake has all-white secondaries); juvenile and some first-winter Kittiwakes have a diagnostic clear-cut, black half-collar on the lower hindneck, but note that a similar mark is shown by autumn Little Gulls which are in a transitional stage of moult from juvenile to first-winter plumage. First-year Bonaparte’s L. Philadelphia {Brit. Birds 71: 165-169) and Ross’s Gulls (p. 119), both vagrants to Europe, also resemble first-year Little Gull and are only slightly larger: the differences are described in the respective species accounts. Given good views of the wing pattern, probably the majority of second- year Little Gulls are readily ageable: they resemble adults except for black subterminal marks of very variable pattern on the upperside of the outer primaries and the lack of a uniformly blackish underwing. Note, however, that a second-year upperwing pattern can be suggested in autumn by adults in a transitional stage of moult from summer to winter plumage, retaining old, worn outer primaries which look darker than the fresh inner ones. In second-year and adult plumages. Little Gull is unlikely to be confused with any other species; even at long range, the alternation, with each wingbeat, of blackish underwing and pale grey upperwing is distinctive. Identification oj gulls 113 Fig. 35. First-winter Little Lams minutus, Ross’s Rhodostethia rosea and hory Gulls Pagophila ebumea, and Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, and juvenile Sabine’s Gull L. sabini, showing com- parative sizes, shapes and stances AGEING Juvenile: as first-winter, but extensive blackish-brown on upper body extending to breast-sides (summer to October). First-winter, uniform grey mantle, bold blackish W pattern across wings in flight, black tail band, winter head pattern (August to April). First-summer: as first-winter, but VV pattern faded, tail band often broken in centre, hood developed to variable extent (March to October). Second-winter: as adult winter, but underwing-coverts paler or whitish, and 114 Identification of gulls Fig. 36. Little Gulls Lams minutus in flight variable pattern of black subterminal marks on upperside of wing-tip (August to April). Second-summer, as second-winter, but hood usually fully developed (March to October). Adult winter/ third-winter: upperwing grey with white border on trailing edge and tip, underwing uniformly blackish, tail white, winter head pattern (August to April). Adult summer/ third-summer: as adult winter, but with full black hood (February to October). Identijication of gulls 115 DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS Juvenile (fig. 36A. Uiidei'wing and tail similar to first-winter, 36C) 40. Juvenile Little Gull Lams minutus, L HEAD \\hite, with blackish-brown eye- crescent, ear-spot, crown and hindneck. BODY Mantle, back and scapulars blackish- brown, with whitish fringes giving scaly pattern most prominent on scapulars. Underparts and rump white, except for blackish-brown patches on breast-sides (extension of mantle colour), wings Coverts of inner wing pale grey, except for clear-cut, broad, blackish-brown carpal-bar: tertials 41. Little Gull Lams minutus starting moult Humberside, Septembi yfed, September 1974 [Harold E. Grenjell) and inner greater and median coverts with neat whitish fringes. Apparently very rare variant has upperwing-coverts almost wholly blackish-brown. Secondaries pale grey, with broad white tips and blackish centres, latter forming broken, dark subterminal bar on trailing edge of inner wing. Alula and outer coverts of outer wing mainly blackish, innermost coverts mainly pale grey. Black on outer web and tip of outer primaries from juvenile to Hrst-winter plumage. North 'r 1970 [Richard Vaughan) 116 Identification of gulls decreasing in extent inwards to small sub- terminal spot on 6th or 7th (rarely 8th); white tips to primaries increasing in size inwards from 2nd or 3rd. Inner primaries grey on outer webs, broadly tipped white. Inner webs of all primaries mainly white. Underwing white, except lor exposed blackish tips of outer primaries and black leading edge of 1 st. 42. Juvenile Little Gull Lams minulus, Lincoln- shire, August 1974 {Keith Atkin) TAIL White, with clear-cut, black band (and narrow, whitish terminal fringe) broadest in centre (accentuating the slightly forked tail- shape of some individuals); sometimes outer pair of feathers, rarely two outer pairs, all- white. BARE PARTS Eye and orbital ring blackish. Bill blackish; gape flesh. Legs pale flesh or reddish. 43. P'irst-winter Little Gull Lams minutus, Gornwall, March 1969 (J. B. & S. Bottomley) hirst-winter (figs. 35A, 36B and 36G) Acquired by post-juvenile head and body moult which starts at fledging and is usually complete by November. As juvenile, except: head White, with dark grey or blackish eye-crescent, ear-spot and crown; hindncck grey (extension of mantle colour). BODY Mantle, back and scapulars pale grey, often with a few retained juvenile feathers on back and scapulars. Breast-sides grey (extension of mantle colour), wings and TAIL White terminal spots on primaries, and terminal fringe on tail, reduced or lacking through wear. First-summer (fig. 36D depicts a particularly worn and faded indi\idual in late summer. Underwing and tail similar to first-winter, 36G) Acquired by moult of head, body, and usually one or more pairs of central tail feathers and some inner wing-coverts, February to May. As first-winter, except: head Partial or full hood ol grey, brown or black sometimes accpiired, and grey on hindneck lost, body Some acquire pink flush on underparts and lose grey breast-sides, wings Becoming much worn and faded by late summer, and dark areas, especially carpal-bar (which is often less extensive), often fade to pale brown, tail Band often faded to pale brown and white terminal fringe lacking through wear; tail band olten broken in centre by one or more pairs of newly-grown, all-white feathers. Tail sometimes wholly white, bare parts Legs and gape dull red. Identification of gulls 1 1 7 Individuals in transition from first-summer to second-winter plumage in autumn have strikingly patchy blackish and white underwing patterns. 44. F irst-summer (centre) and second-summer or adult summer Little Gulls Larus mirmtusw 'nh first-summer Black-headed Gull L. ndibundus, Lincolnshire, June 1973 {Keith Atkin) Second-winter (fig. 36F.. Lhiderwing and tail similar to second-summer, 3BF ) .\cquired b\ complete moult, June to October. .\s adult winter, except: WINGS ( )uter webs brownish marks, .\xillaries white; median of two to six outer primaries with sub- and lesser underwing-co\erts whitish or terminal blackish marks of variable extent grey, contrasting with grey or blackish and pattern. Sometimes, primary coverts, remainder of underwing (underwing thus inner secondaries and tertials have faint never unilbrmly blackish as on adult). 45. Little Gull Lams minutus moulting from first-summer to second-winter plumage, F' ranee, .\ugust 1975 (R. H. Hogg) ■An unknown proportion probably become indistinguishable from adults at this age. Blackish subterminal marks on the outer primaries are a certain indication of second-year, and individuals with these marks invariably also ha\e obviously pale underwing-co\erts. Indi- viduals with adult-type upperwing pattern and ob\iously pale underwing-coverts are probably second-years. I’he black marks on the wing-tip are most easily \ isible on the closed wing when perched, but should not be confused with the black undersideoftheouterprimaries shown by perched adults. Second-summer (fig. 3()F'. L'pperwing and tail similar to second-winter, 36E) .Acquired by head and body moult, February to May. As adult summer, except upper- and through wear. Hood usually fully developed underwing as second-winter, although white or white-flecked, but a few ha\e winter head border and dark marks on wing-tip reduced pattern. Legs dull red. Adult winter/ third-winter (fig. 36G. Underwing and tail as adult summer, 36H) .Acquired by complete moult, June to No\ ember. HEAD White, with blackish eye-crescent mantle colour), rump and remainder of and ear-spot, and grey crown and nape. BODY underparts white; underparts sometimes Mantle, back and scapulars uniform pale flushed pink, wings Upperwing uniformly grey with white scapular-crescent faint or pale grey, all primaries and secondaries lacking. Breast-sides grey (extension of broadly tipped white, forming prominent 118 Identification oj gulls 46. Little Gull Lams mimtus near end ol moult from first-summer to second-winter plumage (note remaining black-tipped, first-year tail feather), North Humberside, September 1970 {Richard Vaughan) white border on trailing edge and tip of wing, trailing edge and tip. tail White, square- Axillaries pale grey, median and lesser ended, bare parts Eye and orbital ring underwing-coverts dark grey, remainder of blackish brown. Bill blackish; gape red or underwing blackish with white border on orange-red. Legs dull red. 47. Little Gull Lams minutus, Cioruwall, March 1969. Ihe whitish underwing- covcrts suggest second- winter rather than adult winter plumage (/. B. & S. Botlomley) Adult summer/ third-summer (fig. 36H. Upperwing and tail as adult winter, 36G) Accjuired by head and body moult, January to May, As adult winter, except black hood pink, especially oln ious on breast. Bill dark extending o\er whole head and upper neck, reddish-brown. Legs scarlet. \\ hole underparts and hindneck flushed with Identification oj gulls 119 48. first-winter and adult winter Little Gulls Larus minutus and two adult summer Black- headed Gulls L. ridibundus, I'ayside, March 1976 [Chris Furse) 49. Adult summer Little Gull Larus minutus, Denmark, May 1958 {J. B. & S. Bottomley) Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea (figs. 35B and 38, plates 50-62) IDENTIFICATION This beautiful small gull of the High Arctic resembles Little Gull in some plumages, and could be overlooked as such at long range. In body size, it is only slightly — if at all — larger than Little Gull, but the wings and tail are proportionately much longer, giving a strikingly attenuated rear end when swimming or on the ground. In flight, the wing-tips are pointed (not slightly rounded as on Little Gull), and the end of the tail is diagnostically wedge-shaped (although this may be difficult to discern at long range) , with the central pair of feathers more elongated and projecting farther than the rest. When feeding, it has a leisurely, buoyant flight, with noticeably long wings, hovering to take food from the surface or dropping momentarily onto the water. It also feeds when swimming, picking at the surface in the manner of a phalarope Phalaropus. In direct flight, it has rather pigeon-like, fast, deep wing-beats. On the ground, it is strikingly reminiscent of a dove Streptopelia, a compound effect of its small bill, rather small, domed head. 1 20 Identification oj gulls full chest, short legs, feathered thighs and, especially, its short-stepping, head-nodding gait. Fig. 37. W orld distribution of Ross’s Gull Rhodostelhia rosea, showing approximate regular breeding range (solid black), and approximate sites of recent pro\ ed breeding in Cireenland and Cianadian .Arctic. .Approximate southern limit of winter/non-breeding range of Siberian population is shown by black line. Rare south of .Arctic seas, in Britain and Ireland averaging about one record annually during 1958-78 In first-year plumages, it has a striking VA' pattern across the wings in flight, but the black on the outer primaries is less extensive than on Little Gull, and the secondaries are clear white without a dark bar, forming a broad white trailing edge to the inner wing which extends across the outer wing almost to the outer edge near the wing-tip. The black on the tail is more confined to the centre, not forming an almost complete band as on Little Gull. In first-summer plumage, the wing-pattern may become much faded, and some acquire an adult-type neck-ring. Probably the majority acquire adult plumage in their second winter. Occasionally, however, individuals in otherwise adult plumage show such immature characters as traces of a carpal-bar, dark marks near the tips of the outer two or more primaries, or dusky marks on the innermost secondaries, and such birds can be safely aged as second-years; individuals which retain winter-type head and body plumage in summer may be in second-summer plumage. Adults in winter differ from Little Gull in lacking a prominent dark cap, the underwing is grey, not blackish, and the upperwing has a broad, white trailing edge confined to the secondaries and inner primaries, not a com- plete, relatively thin border as on Little Gull. The underparts are often obviously pink-flushed even in winter. Summer adults are unmistakable, with diagnostic black neck-ring and, usually, intensely pink underparts. An identification pitfall is provided by immature and adult Little Gulls in autumn, which, at a transitional stage of moult, may have a wedge-shaped tail (caused by outer tail feathers which are not fully grown) and unfamiliar plumage patterns. AGEING Juvenile', as first-winter, but extensive blackish-brown on upper body, extending to breast-sides (summer to October). First-winter, uniform grey mantle, bold blackish VV pattern across wings in flight, black bar on tail, winter head pattern (August to April). I dentijication of gulls \ 2 1 First-summer, as first-winter, but W pattern faded; some acquire partial or complete neck-ring and/or pink flush on underparts (March to October). Adult winter / second-winter, upperwing grey with broad white trailing edge to inner wing, tail white, winter head pattern, underparts usually pink- flushed (August to April). Adult summer/ second-summer, as adult winter, but with full neck-ring and intensely pink underparts (February to October). juvenile first- summer first- winter adult winter f ig. 38. Ross’s Gulls Rhodostethia rosea in flight DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS Juvenile (fig. 38.A) HEAD White, with blackish-brown eye- crescent, ear-spot, crown and hindneck. BODY Mantle, back, upper rump and scapulars blackish-brown, with bufT or golden fringes, giving scaly effect most prominent on scapulars. Underparts and lower rump white, except for blackish-brown patches on breast-sides (extension of mantle colour). WINGS Coverts of inner wing pale grey, except for clear-cut, blackish-brown carpal-bar (individual feathers fringed whitish) and mainly very pale grey or whitish greater coverts. Innermost secondaries with small black marks, remainder white. .Alula and coverts of outer wing mainly blackish, innermost coverts grey. Outer web and half of inner web of outer three primaries black, except sometimes for small white area on outer web near tip of 3rd and occasionally also 2nd. Blackish on base of outer web of 4th decreasing in extent inwards to 6th or 7th; black on tips decreasing in extent inwards from 4th to small black subterminal marks on 7th or 8th; remainder of 4th to 10th whitish. Marginal coverts of inner and outer wing white. Underwing-coverts washed grey, with broad translucent trailing edge to underwing on secondaries and inner primaries; outer web of 1st and exposed tips of outer primaries black. TAIL Long uppertail-coverts finely tipped black. Tail markedly wedge-shaped, white with broad black subterminal area on elongated central pair (terminal fringe bufT), black decreasing in extent outwards, usually to small terminal mark on 3rd outermost (two outer pairs usually all-white). Black on tail sometimes confined to only two central pairs of feathers. From below, black on tail often obscured by long, white undertail- coverts. BARE PARTS Eye and orbital ring 122 Identification of gulls blackish. Bill blackish, sometimes with red- dull Heshordull red. dish-brown at base; gape flesh. Legs brown, First-winter (figs. 35B and 38B) Acquired by head and body moult, summer to October. As juvenile, except: head White, with grey-washed crown, nape and hindneck (ex- tension of mantle colour) and blackish ear- spot and eye-crescent, latter usually extensive in front of and below eye, often appearing as dark mask, d'hin white crescents above and below eye. body Upper body uniform pale grey, sometimes with a few retained blackish juvenile feathers on scapulars and upper rump; faint white scapular- and tertial-crescents. Breast-sides or whole upper breast and upper flanks washed grey (extension of mantle colour). % 50-53. First- winter and adult winter Ross’s Gulls Rhodostetkia rosea, Japan, Januarv ' 1974 (S. A/onj' Identification of gulls 1 23 First-summer (fig. 38C depicts a particularly faded individual in late summer) Acquired by head and body moult, February to May. As first-winter, except; HEAD Partial or lull especially the carpal-bar, often fade to neck-ring sometimes acquired, body Some brownish, tail Black faded and reduced acquire pink flush on underparts and lose through wear, bare parts Orbital ring grey on breast and flanks, wings Becoming sometimes reddish, much worn by late summer, and dark areas. - 1 54. First-summer Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea, Hampshire, July 1974 (/. B. & S. Bottomley) Second-winter and second-summer .Some second-year individuals may be aged, as described in identification section, p. 1 20. Adult winter/ second-winter (fig. 38D) Acquired by complete moult, June to October. HEAD As first-winter, but eye-crescent and ear-spot sometimes very faint or lacking. Partial or full neck-ring sometimes retained. BODY As first-winter, but without retained juvenile feathers. Underparts often obviously pink-flushed, wings Upperwing uniform pale grey except for black outer web almost to tip of 1st primary, white tips to inner primaries increasing in extent inwards from 6th to almost all-white 10th, and all-white secondaries. Tiny outermost primary occasionally black on outer web. Underwing- coverts and undersides of outer primaries pale grey of same tone or darker than upperwing, but often appearing much darker than upperwing in the field, through eflect of shadow. .Axillaries washed grey. White secondaries and tips of inner primaries form broad, translucent trailing edge. Marginal coverts of inner and outer wing white, tail White. BARE PARTS xMuch as juvenile. 55. Adult winter Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea, Shetland, January 1975 (Dennis Coutts) Adult summer/ second-summer (not illustrated, but head as first-summer, fig. 38G, and wing and tail pattern as adult winter, 38D) Acquired by head and body moult, February to May. 124 Identification oj gull^ 56. Adultwinter Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea, North \ orkshire, March 1976 {J. Seeviour) 57 8c 58. Adult summer Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea, Netherlands, June/July 1958 (J. Kist) 59. Adult summer Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea, USSR, July 1971 {A. A. Kistchinski) As adult winter, except: head White, with neat black collar around nape and lower throat, thickest on nape and at rear of ear- coverts, and thinnest on throat, sometimes incomplete or lower portion concealed by feather overlap. Crown sometimes washed grey, body Usually, whole underparts, sides of neck and hindneck pink of varying strength, usually intense. Rump white, sometimes washed pink, wings and tail Becoming worn by late summer, especially elongated central tail feathers, which are frequently broken short, bare parts Eye blackish-brown, orbital ring red. Bill black- ish, gape red. Legs orange-red. 62. Adult summer Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea, USSR, June 1972 {P. Tomkovitch) Sabine’s Gull Lams sabini (figs. 35C and 40, plates 63-75) IDENTIFICATION Away from the breeding grounds, Sabine’s Gull is almost wholly pelagic. The Nearctic population migrates on a diagonal route across the north Atlantic to wintering areas off southwest Africa; the occasional sightings from west European coasts are usually the result of westerly gales, the majority during September and October. Sabine’s Gull is exceptional in having a complete moult in early spring (prior to the northwards migration), and a partial one in autumn (unlike other west Palearctic gulls — except Franklin’s Gull L. pipixean, see Brit. Birds 72: 176-178 — which have a complete moult in autumn and a partial one in spring). Unlike other gulls, too, which start the post-juvenile moult at or shortly after fledging, full juvenile plumage is retained throughout the first autumn until arrival in the southern wintering areas, where the post- juvenile moult to first-winter plumage takes place during November and December. This is followed by a complete moult during the following February to April, from first-winter to an adult-like first-summer plumage. I am indebted to Piet Meeth for providing an invaluable series of photo- graphs which complemented museum and other photographic evidence. 126 Identification of gulls and which is the only material I have located to indicate the appearance of first-winter plumage (plate 67) and to confirm the extent and timing of the complete moult to first-summer plumage (plate 68). Fig. 39. World distribution of Sabine’s Gull Lams sabini, showing breeding range (solid black) and approximate southern limit of winter/non-breeding range of Nearctic population ofi southwest Africa, and ofSiberian population ofi west coast ofSouth America. Scarce in Britain and Ireland, with average of about 15-30 records annually, mainly in southwest in autumn Sabine’s Gull is between Little Gull and Kittiwake in size, with a forked tail-shape which is difficult to discern except at close range. Its shape in flight resembles a scaled-down Kittiwake, although (largely a function of its smaller size) it has a more buoyant, tern-like flight, making less confident or powerful progress. In flight at all ages, it has a sharply-contrasting, tri- coloured wing pattern, at close range rendering confusion impossible. At long range, however, in the illusory conditions of sea-watches, a major pitfall is provided by first-year Kittiwakes (or possibly even first-year Little Gulls) , on which the blackish carpal bar is sometimes impossible to discern, giving a wing pattern which can appear very similar to that of Sabine’s, although never matching its actually very striking and clear-cut contrasts of black, grey (greyish-brown on juveniles), and white, the latter almost separating the black and grey near the carpal joint. Caution over this potential identification trap is always advisable, never more than in northern seas in winter when, apart perhaps from the occasional straggler, Sabine’s Gulls should be in equatorial and southern oceans (see map, fig. 39). Juveniles (which make up the majority of autumn records in Europe) have extensive greyish-brown on the head and breast-sides, giving an almost wholly dark appearance to the bird’s front end at long range, when this, combined with the diagnostic wing pattern, is perhaps the best means of distinguishing juvenile Sabine’s Gull from juvenile and first-winter Kittiwake, which appears mainly white-headed. At close range, the scaly. Identification oj gulls 127 first-summer juvenile juvenile D adult summer adult winter Fig. 40. Sabine’s Gulls Larus sabini in flight greyish-brown mantle, scapulars and inner wing-coverts, dusky bar on the inner underwing, and pale legs (black on Kittiwake) are diagnostic. Individuals in first-winter plumage are presumably most unlikely to occur in northern seas; they retain the juvenile wing pattern, black-banded tail, a presumably variable amount of the greyish-brown wing-coverts, and all- black bill, but otherwise have uniform grey upperparts and winter adult- like head pattern. After the complete moult in spring, the first-summer plumage resembles summer adult, except that a full hood is apparently never acquired ( the actual extent of the black on the head is highly variable, often with a partial hood or blackish half-collar on the nape, and smudges below this onto the sides of the neck). Other, less obvious differences of first-summer plumage are in the detailed description. The small number of records of first-summer plumage in Europe suggests that the majority of birds of this age remain in or near the southern wintering areas, and do not return north with the adults in spring. Adults have uniform grey upperparts 128 Identification of gulls and inner wing-coverts, a prominent, clear-cut yellow bill-tip, all-white tail, and (in summer) a full black hood or (in winter) black head markings typically confined to a patch or half-collar on the nape. AGEING Juvenile: extensive grey-brown on head and breast-sides; scaly, grey-brown upperparts and inner wing-coverts, black tail-band (summer to Decem- ber). First-winter: as adult winter, except for variable amount of retained juvenile inner wing-coverts, black tail band, and all-black bill (November to April). First-summer: as adult summer, but hood incomplete and usually some other signs of immaturity such as smaller white tips on primaries and/or small, subterminal dark marks on tertials and tail. Yellow bill-tip usually smaller (March to September). Second-winter: as adult winter, except sometimes traces of immaturity on wings and tail as on first-summer: most are probably indistinguishable from adults in the field (August to April). Adult summer/ second-summer: full hood, immaculate grey upperparts and inner wing-coverts, white tail, black bill with clear-cut yellow tip (March to October). Adult winter/ third-winter: as adult summer, but black on head confined to patch or half-collar on nape (September to March). DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS Juvenile (figs. 34C, 40.\ and 40B) HEAD Forehead, narrow eye-ring, lores, chin and throat white. Eye-crescent blackish, remainder of head grey-brown with thin whitish feather fringes, body Mantle, back and scapulars grey-brown, larger feathers with blackish subterminal crescents and neat, whitish or gingery fringes giving scaly effect most prominent on scapulars. Under- parts and rump white, except for extensive grey-brown on breast-sides (extension of mantle colour), wings Coverts of inner wing mainly grey-brown, lesser, median and inner greater coverts with blackish subterminal crescents and whitish or gingery fringes 63. J uvenile Sabine’s Gull Lams sabini, Hampshire, .September 1970 (G. H. Fisher) 1 Jlk 4T Identification of gulls 129 giving scaly patterns as on scapulars. Tertials and innermost secondaries grey- brown with clear-cut white fringes, remain- der ol secondaries and outer greater coverts white. Alula and most of coverts of outer wing black, inner coverts of outer wing white. Six outer primaries black on outer web with 64. J uvenile Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini, Scilly, September 1974 {D. B. Hunt) small white tips from 3rd, 4th or 5th inwards; remainder of primaries white, except for blackish of variable extent on outer web of 7th and sometimes also at base of 8th. Inner webs of all primaries mainly white, increas- ing in extent inwards to wholly white on 6th or 7th, visible as white lines on outer upper- wing when wing is fully spread. Underwing white except for exposed black tips of outer primaries (which form a thin dark trailing edge to outer wing), and mainly grey greater underwing-coverts which form a dusky bar on the inner underwing; white secondaries and inner primaries form a broad, trans- lucent white triangle on the trailing edge of the inner wing, reflecting the upperwing pattern, tail Obviously forked (but appear- ing square-cut when fully spread), white, with complete, clear-cut black band (and narrow pale terminal fringe) broadest in centre (accentuating the forked tail-shape) and narrowing outwards to terminal spot on inner web (and sometimes outer web) of outer tail feather, bare parts Eye brown, orbital ring blackish. Bill black, gape flesh. Legs pinkish- or greyish-flesh. 65 & 66. Juvenile Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini, Sweden, Octo- ber 1969 {Bengt Bengls- son) 130 Identijication of gulls First-winter (wing, tail and bill much as juvenile, figs. 35C, 40.\ and 40B; head and body much as adult winter, fig. 40E) Acquired by moult of head and body feathers and variable amount ol inner wing-coverts, November and December. As juvenile, except head pattern, upper body and variable amount of inner wing- coverts as adult winter, and black on wings and tail becoming much worn and laded. Legs presumably become dark at this age on some individuals. 67. First-winter Sabine’s Gull Lams sab ini, El Salvador, March 1980 {Piet Meeth) First-summer (fig. 40G) Acquired by complete moult, February to April. As adult summer, except: head White with incomplete grey or blackish hood of variable pattern, mainly on ear-coverts and nape, often with blackish half-collar in same position as that on adult, and blackish smudges extending below this on to sides of neck. WINGS White primary tips smaller. 68. Sabine’s Gull Lams sabini moulting from first-winter to first-summer plumage, El Sal- vador, March 1980 [Piet Meeth) often lacking by late summer through wear; blackish on 7th sometimes more extensive; tertials sometimes with dusky subterminal marks, tail Sometimes a few feathers have subterminal dark marks, bare parts ’I'el- low'ish bill tip lacking or smaller and less well-defined. Legs dull flesh or blackish. 69. Sabine’s Gull Lams sabini, Cleveland, July 1971. Winter head pattern at this time of year, and the apparently small white primary tips, indicate first-summer plumage {Tom Francis) Second-winter (upperwing and tail similar to hrst-summer, fig. 40C; head as adult w'inter, 40E) .Acquired by head and body moult in autumn, probably .August to October. .As first-summer, except head pattern as show signs of immaturity on wings and tail adult winter, and white on primary tips are separable from adults, lacking through wear. Only those which Adult summer/ second-summer (fig. 40 D) .Acquired by complete moult, December to .April. HEAD Uniform grey hood (appearing dark or rather pale grey, much depending on light) to nape, bordered along lower edge by complete black collar, broadest on nape. Clear white division between hood and mantle, body Mantle, scapulars and back uniform grey, with thin white scapular- and tertial-crescents. Underparts and rump white. WINGS Striking, clear-cut, tri-coloured pattern: inner wing-coverts and innermost secondaries mainly unilbrm grey; outer secondaries, most of outer greater coverts, outermost median coverts, and inner primaries and their coverts white; alula and Identification of gulls 131 70 & 71. Sabine’s (in Larus sabini, Lincoln- shire, September 1974. Probably first-sum- mer, but possibly adult summer in rather early moult to winter plum- a,e;e {Keith Atkin) outer coverts of outer wing black (inner primary coverts often with small white tips), and outer five primaries black with large, . clear-cut white tips and white tongues on inner webs ( the latter visible as white lines on the outer upperwing when wing fully spread). Pattern of black on 7th primary variable, but usually confined to half of outer web and base of inner web. White inner wing-coverts usually visible when perched, appearing as white division between grey mantle and black primaries, merging with white tertial crescents. Underuing white, except for exposed black at tips of outer primaries and faint grey bar on greater underwing-coverts; white secondaries and inner primaries form broad, translucent white triangle on trailing edge of inner wing, reflecting upperwing pattern, tail Forked, perhaps more prominently than on juvenile, white. BARE P.ARTS Eye blackish-brown, orbital ring red. Bill black with clear-cut, bright yellow tip; gape reddish. Legs blackish or dark grey. 132 Identijication of gulls 72 & 73. Adult summer Sabine’s Gulls Lams sabini, Cianada, June 1976 {Brian Hawkes) Adult winter/ third- winter (fig. 40E) Acquired by head and bes .Although, for most of us, a visit to .Alaska may always remain a pipe- 157 158 News and comment dream, we are probably all familiar w iib the endless and long-drawn-out w rangles whieb ba\ e been going on regarding the Ihtnre ol its remarkable w ilderness areas. A ray of hope has. howe\er, been pro\ided by the .\laska Lands Bill, deseribed as 'the most ambitions pieee ot land eonserxation legislation since the da\s of President I'heodore Roose\elt'. Phis sets aside o\er 42 million ha ol un- spoiled territory lor national parks and wilderness and wildlile areas. I.et us hope that it will be managed in a way that would be appro\ed b\ .Xmeriea's eonser\ationist President if he were around to see it! Enlarged NNR •\laska may be rather far awa\ and its problems of less immediate interest to us than to our transatlantic friends, but the fate of our southern heathlands (arguably the most endangered British habitat ol all) is something we should all know and care about. W e welcome, there- fore. the news that the National .Nature Reser\e at Studland Heath, Dorset. eo\ ering the largest remaining tract of this habitat, has now been trebled in size under the terms ol a new lease negotiated between the Nature Conser\ane\ Clouneil and the Kingston Lacey and Ciorfe Castle Estates. Tough for Cockatiels .\ recent letter to the magazine Cage and Aviary Birds our eye: ‘1 reeentK started to feed acorns to m\ Cockatiels and found that they relish them. Before feeding them 1 hit them w ith a small hammer.' I'his may explain wh\ so lew eapti\ e parrots eat acorns . . . Young Ornithologists of 1980 1 he presentation of 1.' lOO-worth of books and free year's subscriptions to BB was made by Dr J. 1 . R. Sharroek on behalf of Birds to the winners on 22nd December 1980 (see Brit. Birds 74: 4(i and plate 94). bonus lor the winners was pro\ided after the prize- gi\ ing by a (then) record Bedfordshire count ol 1 lb Cadwalls ,4«ai strepera and a Ferruginous Duc k Aythya nyroca on Blunham Cra\ el-pit. New recorder for Orkney 42 ). Booth, Ronas, 34 High Strc'et, Kirkwall, Orkney, has now taken o\er liom Da\id Lea as recorder for Orkne\'. < I 94. YOUNG ORNI- THOI.OGISTS OF 1980. Left to right. Carol Ix)ngton. Paul Chap- man and Claire Dent. December 1980 (}'DC) Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of the editors of British Birds Recent reports These are largely unchecked reports, not authenticated records I'his report covers December, to which month all dates relcr unless stated otherwise. Northerly winds during the first week brought in cold Arctic air, but conditions were not severe. Milder air from the south- west predominated from 8th to 17th followed by a cooler west to northwest airstream as an anticyclone persisted to the west and south, d'he north occasionally had c|uite snowy conditions. Wildfowl Eiders Somateria mollisstma are scarce in the south and always rare inland so a Hock of 57 which appeared at Bough Beech Reservoir (Kent) on 8th and 9th November must be I rated a great surprise — ^just what were they doing there? Meanwhile, the rare King 1 Eider S. spectabilis was to be found in some of the more usual places: Loch Ryan (Dumfries .& Galloway), Loch Fleet (Highland) — two drakes — and Rosbeg (Donegal), where a long-staying drake was joined by another and possibly a duck too. Surf Scoters Melanitta perspicillata often seem to be located near King Eiders and Loch Fleet held two of these as well; late in the month, a drake turned up at Dawlish (De\on). Barrow’s Gk>ldeneye Bucephala islandica continued a relative surge ol records of late, with reports from West Kirby (Merseyside) on 6th and Kirkby (also Merseyside). Birds of this species are of doubtful origin, as is a White- headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala located at Blithfield Reser\oir (Stalfordshire). Escape likelihood is said to be small, but so, perhaps, is the chance of a wild \agratit! Fhis apparently immature drake was with record numbers of Ruddy Ducks 0. jamaicensis at Blithfield, at least 471. Late in .November, the flocks centred around Blagdon Lake and Chew Valley Lake (.Avon) reached 290, still increasing, and other December figures included 145 at Belvide Reservoir (Stafford- shire) and 106 in Leicestershire, mostly at .Swithland Reservoir. Gadwalls Anas strepera reached high totals in many parts of the English east midlands, with the highest count being 380 at Little Paxton (Cambridgeshire), easily the best ever there, and a record total for Bedfordshire of 132 at Blunham; another record count was of 18,000 Pintails A. acuta in late November on .M ersevside. Ferruginous Ducks Aythya nyroca occurred at Radipole Lake (Dorset), Blunham (Bedfordshire) and West Drayton 159 160 (London), all apparently set to overwinter; Sinews Mergus albellus were generally lew, but three at Loe Pool (Cornwall) on 1st were unusual. Slimbridge (Gloucestershire) presented its usual impressive spectacle with 2,500 White-fronted Geese Anser albijrons, a single Lesser White-fronted Goose A. erylhropus from 28th, a Bean Goose A. Jabalis, seven Brent Geese Branta bemida, up to 412 Bewick’s Swans Cygms columbianus , 100 Gadwalls and 3,000 Wigeons A. penelope. Bean Geese reached an impressive total in their regular Norfolk haunt, perhaps as man\ as 250. ‘ Wading birds I’wo of the three Cranes Grus grus remained in Norfolk, the third having been found dead. For most of the month there was a Little Egret Egretta garzetta and a Spoonbill Plata- lea leucorodia in Cornwall, at St Just and on the Ri\er Lynher respectively. Much more un- expected, a Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis was found at St Leven, near Land’s End (Corn- wall), on 10th — when it unfortunately died — and another was found, already dead, at Saltash (Cornwall) on 13th. .Nbout the same time, a third turned up at Stackpole (Dyfed), and this one survived into 1981. The most popular suggestion is that these birds originated in .North America, where an unusual northerly movement was reported. Meanwhile, the escaped individual first seen in June was still near Slimbridge late in November. Two Spotted Sandpipers Actitis macularia remained to winter in Wales, at Bosherston (Dyfed) and Peterstone Went- loog (Gwent). Grey Phalaropes Phalaropus Julicarius were noted at Lowestoft (Suffolk) on 6th and 7th and Filey Brigg (North York- shire) on 28th, and a late Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus was at Brantham (Suffolk) on 9th. Gulls Glaucous Gulls Lams hyperboreus staged no repeat of the influx of the previous winter and were in fact fairly scarce, as were Iceland Recent reports Gulls L. glaucoides too, although one turned up as far south as Folkestone (Kent). I he ageing bird — reported to be in a poor state now — returned to .New Brighton (Mersey- side). .Most remarkable was a group of four, incfuding one apparently of the race kwnlieni, at Bangor (Down), where there was also a Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea over the New \’ear period. On 7th and 8th, an adult Ross’s Gull stayed around Filey Brigg, though unfortunately this one was oiled, a desperate fate for such a splendid bird. Mediterranean Gulls L. melanocephalus included seven at Folkestone and the regular bird at Epsom (.Surrey). Sadly, a Ring-billed Gull L. delawarensis at Radipole Lake was found squashed flat in the car park, but anotlier, at Belmullet (Mayo), escaped such an igno- minious end. Passerines The month was extraordinarily quiet for landbirds, but odd things occurred in the northwest. ,\fter two Richard’s Pipits Anthus novaeseelandiae at Walne\ Island (Cumbria) on 8th November, a single was seen on 30th November and then from 2()th into January. ,\s if this was not enough, a Red-tbroated Pipit A. cervinus was reported at the same place from 12th to 14th, an odd date indeed for a bird which should have been in ,\frica. Latest news We have received provisional reports of an American Coot Fulica americana at Bally- cotton (Co. Cork), which, if accepted by the Irish Records Panel, will be a species new to Britain and Ireland. Otherwise, early February was very quiet, with few reports of new rarities. The Ferruginous Duck Aylhya nyroca at Blunham Gravel-pit did, however, provide ‘British ticks’ for a number of eminent visitors to the editorial office. 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Small country house hotel caters for those who enjoy country living, good food and wine, relaxed friendly atmosphere. Teamaking facilities, colour TV, bathrooms with each room. Grove Hotel, St Dav ids. Tel: 043788 341. (BB112) WINTER AND SPRING HOLIDAYS. An attractive, warm, self-contained apartment in 10 acres of grounds in rural Dorset. Self-catering, adults only. .Anderson, Fairview Orchard, Bere Heath, W'areham. Tel: Bere Regis 385. (BBlll) NORTH DEVON. E.\m(X)r National Park. Beautifully situated guesthouse. Fishing, walking, birdvvatching. .Near Doone \ alley. Oare Church. Robber's Bridge, etc. Dinner, bed and breaklast. ■\I rs Wood, Brendoti House. I.ytiton. lei: 0.59 87 2()6. (BB94) TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking RSPB Reserve, THE MANOR HOTEL offers comfortable accommodation and good food throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. Special “Bird- W'atchers’ ” weekends monthly from November to March, and 2 or 3-day breaks during the same period. Postal address: King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8BB. Telephone: Brancaster (048 521) 221. (BB38) COMFORTABLE FARMHOUSE accommoda- tion close to river and woodlands. Good food. S.AE: Symons, Commerans, St Just in Roseland, Fruro. Tel: Portscatho 270. (BBlOl) LLAWHADEN CASTLE and Churchill W ood nature reserve arc adjacent to this quiet country guesthouse. Ciomlortable accommtxlation and good l()od. Ideally situated Ibr touring ,SW W ales. Dinner, b&b. Williams. Clastic House, I.law- haden, Narberth, Dyled. Tel: 09914 245. (BB 102) BLAKENEY Vh MILES: I .uxury Hat Ibr two in newly-converted stables in grounds ol'old rectory . ,S.\Fi Beeson. Saxlingham Rectory . Holt. (BB68) ISLE OF ARRAN. S/c modernised farm cot- tages at Sliddery. .Apartments at .Machrie adjacent golf course/shore. Graham, 47 Henry Street, Langholm. 'Pel: 80272. (BBl 14) OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND. I Vi miles north of EtK'h Ken. .Mrs B. Forrest, Ken Bridge Hotel. New Galloway. Kirkcudbrightshire. DCf7 3PR. Id: New ( jalloway 211. ( BB86) ABERDOVEY. .Seafront house and Hats, super lamilv holidays with 5 nvs Hir and kite conntrv nearby. Sleep 2-10. £25-£150 p>er week. SAE please: B. 1. Bendall, Halod. .\berdovev or I'el: 06,54 72418. ' (BB87) CLEY — BIRDWATCH as you breakfast! .All year round B&B in very comfortable home, directly overlooking bird reserve and salt marshes. .Alan and Sheila Hart, The .Saltings, Cloast Road, Cley. Tel: 740645. (BB1070) SOUTHWOLD. Hadley House, bed and break- last, evening meal. Fcl: 723651. 21 Marlborough Road. ' (BB77) NATURALISTS AND NATURAL FOOD! W holelixvd b&b at 64 Fur/ebrook Road. Sto- borough. Wareham, Dorset. Inibrmation from .Mrs Patsv W ithers (,S.\F, please). (BB78) LAND’S END PENINSULA. Scctuded valley, ideal litr migrants, sea birds, coastal walks, Clom- litrtablc cottage, gtxtd home cooking, b&b. optional em. Clloughy House. Nanquidno, St just in Pcnwith.Clornwall. Pel: Penzance 788836, (BB79) WEST NORFOLK. Birds, fish, golf. National Trusts, Sandringham, all Vz hour from our XVII century' coaching inn. Fine English food and real ale. Personal supervision by owners. £31 per per- son for weekend break. Send for brochures. ,AA/ R.AC. Crown Hotel, Downham .Market, Norfolk. Tel: Downham Market (03663) 2322. (BB67) VII Weekends for Birdwatchers at the Post House Hotel on Hayling Island, situated on Langstone Hartxjur. This fully-equipped, modern, 4-star hotel offers fully inclusive weekends with talks, film shows and guided tours of local area by RSPB Group Leaders. Available Dates: Weekends starting — Friday 23 January 1 981 Friday 13 February 1981 Friday 13 March 1981 Contact: S. Dommersen, Post House Hotel, Northney Road, Hayling Island, Hants. Tel: 07016 5011 WESTER ROSS. Dinner, bed and breakfast. Good food and comfort assured, £12 per person daily. K. Macdonald, Benlair, Clove, Poolewe. Pooiewe (044 58b) 3,14, (BB7) WARM, COMFORTABLE COTTAGE avail- able for winter and springtime breaks. Beautiful countryside in utter peace. Sandy beaches one mile. Goodchild. Morfa Canal, Llangrannog, Llandysul, Dvfed SA44 6RS. Llangrannog 276. (BB45) MID WALES. Wide choice of self-catering farmhouse, cottages, etc,, throughout mid Wales. Brochure from: Mid Wales Holiday, Newtown, Powys. Tel: 0974.1 320. (BB4) DEVON. Kiugsbridgc/Salcombe Estuary. De- tached fully furnished house & bungalow. Llninterrupted views over water and countryside. Sleeps 6/7. Mooring available. Perfect sittiation. Mrs M. Quick, “Hove To” Lower VN'arren Road, Kingsbridge. Tel: 0548 2942. (BB8) KITE COUNTRY. AA**RAG commended country house hotel. VN'ithin easy reach of reserves and other good habitats. Resident expert! David and Bronwen extend a welcome to all. Please send for our colour brochure: Glanrannell Park Hotel, Grugybar, Llanwrda, Dyfed. Tel: Talley (0,1.183) 23(L (BB22) COURTYARD COTTAGE in ancient market town of South Molton. Fringe of Exmoor, 12 miles to estuary and sea. Sleeps 6-8, colour T\’, fridge, washing machine. No pets. Write: .Mrs J. G. Sangers, Christina, Barton Lane, Braunton, N, Devon. (BB2I) WOODLANDS HOTEL, De\ils Bridge. In the heart of red kite country. Comfortable accom- modation in family hotel. Open all year round. .Also self-catering flat, comprehensively equipped, sleeps 2-4. Mrs P. Williams: 097-08.1 666. (BB20) CHARMING, SECLUDED, A’ictorian .Manor House now luxury 3-star hotel. Set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens oterlooking Law Valley. Central Itir fishing, .golf, touring and walking. .Also available, three self-catering cottages, Northcote Manor, Burl ington, near Lbnberleigh, N. Devon, Eel: (07696) ,101. (BB23) HEBRIDES AND SCOTTISH WEST COAST. \ isit the bird colonies of these enchanted islands by very comfortable motor yacht. Varied cruises available with a maxi- mum of 12 passengers, departing from near Oban. First class accommodation and food. Or charter the boat for your own group and plan your own itinerary. For landlubbers, we have comfortable, self catering cottages with all amenities. Full details (sae please), from Fonv Dalton, (BB), Lochavich, Taynuilt, Argyll. Tel: Lochavich 212. (BB30) CLEY. .\t tractive house in village, f bed- rooms. large .garden, garage, .\vailablc all yciir. Details Ifom .Mrs E. ,\lbum, 17 l.vndalc ,\v cnuc. London ,\W 2. I'cl: 43 1 2942. ( BB83) KING’S ARMS HOTEL, Castle Douglas A.A** RSAC, Egon Ronay and .Ashlev Courtney recommended. 10% reduction for ornithologists (BB33) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautiful Clun valley near the Welsh border. The area has an excellent wild bird population and an interesting flora and fauna. Within easy reach of Ludlow, Elan Valley, Offa’s Dyke, I.ongmynd, this stock rearing farm of 400 acres has magnificent views added to its attractions. .At L'pper House one finds complete relaxation and a pampered, intimate atmosphere. B&B, FiM optional. Eel: Bucknell 319 or SAE: Mrs D. M. Williams, Upper Farm, Hopton Clastle, Clraven .Arms, Salop. (BB1069) NORTH NORFOLK. Five miles coast. B&b or self-catering cottage. Large country house in 9 acres. .McVeigh, Old Rectorv, North Creake. South Creake (032 879) 436. ' (BB104) WELL APPOINTED CHALET on outskirt of rural v illage, within walking distance of pub and shop, .\midst beautilid scenery, easy driving distance ol coast and mountains, ponv trekking, fishing available. .\|)ply: Davies, l.lwyiiderw, Flarmers. Uauwrdti, I)yled. (BBI0.1) ROSEDALE ABBEY. Bed, breaklast and evening meal. Mrs Smith, Low Bell End Farm, Rosedale Abbey, Pickering. Lastingham 451. (BB5) CLEY. I .uxury cottage, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, c/h, eolour E\'. Sleeps eight. No pets or children under nine. Eel: Norwich 7385.56. (BB17) PEACEFUL *.A.A Lambsquay Country House Hotel, Wye/Dean Forest — Waders and Faleons within vicinity . Excel, food and wine. H&C, full C/H. 1 cl: 0594 33127 Ibr brochure please. (BB26) BRIDGWATER BAY nature reserve, Comlor- tiible self-catering cottage. Sleeps 4-5. Sac Ictr broc hure: W ebb, Cox's Farm, ,Ste;u t. Bridgwater, .Somerset. 02786,12322. (BB107) Vltl HEBRIDEAN BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS Kxiciisix'c, interesting birds and wildlife with expert Heliridean naturalist. Breathtaking sea and inland \ iews. Super, welcoming hotel. Brochures: Uig Lodge Hotel, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles PA86 9ET. Tel: Timsgarrv' (08505) 286. (BB108) WALBERSWICK. Minsmere 5 miles. Ciottage sleeps 7-9. From £50. Apply Saunders. The Rectory, Old .Mresford, Hants. Tel: Alresford 2780. (BB3) ISLE OF MULL. Eagle country. Ulva House Hotel, Tobermory. Magnificent views over bay and harbour. Log fires, h&c, electric fires, tea and coirec making facilities in all rooms. Superb home ccxiking and baking. Open all year round. Owner keen ornithologist. Please write or telephone Ibr brochure. Joy and David Woodhouse. Tobermory (0688) 2044. (BB32) ISLE OF ISLAY. Attractive, well equipped cottages sleeping 2-4 people. Situated by beach in peaceful village of Port Charlotte. Full details/ brochure: Mrs James Roy, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, Argyllshire PA48 7UD. Tel: 049 685 208. (BB57) LINCS/CAMBS/NORFOLK borders, b&b, cm optional. Mrs Ciollicr, Red Roses, Gedney Hill, Spalding. Whaplode Dro\c203. (BB74) LIKE THE BIRDS, but don’t like flying? We have trips to Iceland, the Faroes, Shetland, Orkney and Islay entirely by surface transport, plus of course our extensive programme of trips in the Scottish Highlands. Also self-catering cottages to let. Send stamp to: Caledonian \\ ildlife Services, 30 Clulduthel Road, Inverness 1V2 3LU, or call: 0463 33130. (BBIO) NORTH DEVON close to Taw/Torridge estuary. C'omfortable farmhouse accommoda tion. North Farm, Bickington, Barnstaple FX3I 2JN. Tel: 0271 3107. (BB19) ISLE OF MULL, SCOTLAND, f berth cara \ an. Fuliv equipped, lo\ cK location. .Mackinnon. Forloisk, .\ros, .\rg> ll. (BB120) HOLIDAY COTTAGE. Converted barn, pano- ramic \ icws, 2 miles Pembrokeshire coast. River I'eifi. l.evine, \’sguborhen. St. Dogmaels, Cardigan. 'I d: 1162.' (BBl 19) NORTH YORKSHIRE. Fully furnished cot- tage. Fixcellent walking and bird watching area. Phone 7 I 1 7(i2 after 5 pm iitr details. (BB 1 35) INEXPENSIVE CARAVAN. .5/() berth in lovelv I'af vallev. Cdiildrcn welcome, free trout fishing, S.\Fi Blincow. Pretoria, Hebron, \\ hitland. Dv ied. (BB124) EDGE OF EXMOOR. Cioast lour miles. Self- catering wing of country house. Sleeps l-(i. from £50 pw. Cdiildren & dogs welcome. .Not Julv . S.\F lor brochure: Reckitt. (iolsoncott. .Nr .Minehead. (BBl 23) SEASIDE HOME for a lifetime from £1,500! Few people needed to time-share fully furnished holiday cottage at Wells-next-the- Sea on the unspoiled Norfolk coast where wildlife abounds and recreation is at its peak. Excellent freehold property for inllation-proof family holiday, two minutes sea. For further details Eel: 01-218 4667 daytime, or write Alice Cottage, Ashwell, Herts. (BB148) DELL OF ROTHIEMURCHUS HOTEL, Aviemore. Small hotel in quiet location on the edge of the Rothiemurchus pine forest, near foot of the Cairngorm mountains. Prime area for birdwatching — -Loch Garten ospreys 6 miles away. Hotel ofl'ers good food and comfort and is licensed for residents. Self-catering facilities available. Family rates July/.\ugust. S.AE for details. Tel: 0479 810216. ‘ (BB142) NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Arch House. Mill Road, Wells. AA/RAC listed. Attractive, comlitrtable rexems. pleasant garden. B&B from £(). F.\l £1.50 by arrangement (not served ’Fuesd;ivor.\ugust). Licensed. Fakenham 710696 (BBl 25) GAIRLOCH: Two new self-catering bungalows at North Frradale overlextking the sea. Sleep 6. Mrs Macintyre, 28 North Frradale, Gairloch. 'Pel: 044 585 226. (BBl 47) CALF OF MAN Bird OI )servatorv Hostel type accommodation from .\pril to October. Details from Fhe .Secretary. Fhe .Manx .Museum and NationaLFrust. Douglas, Isle of. Man. (BB131) GALLOWAY. Excellent accommodation, 1 hreavc 2V2 miles. B&b £5.50, dinner optional. .Mrs .\. (iibson, Craignair. 32 .\bcrcrombv Rd. (!astle Douglas DCi7 1B.\. I el: 0556 2112. (BBl 31)) NORTH NORFOLK: .Mode rnisc’d cottage equipped (except linen) 'F\'. Sleeps six. .\itractiv e village three miles sea. Phone: Wells, Burnham .Market 700. (BB122) NORTH WALES. .Near Caernarvon, bungalow, sleeps t). well furnished, quiet, not isolated. Handv lor mountains, sea. .\nglesev. 11 .\bbots W av , New c astle. Stalls. 1 el: 0782 617510 or 043:5 31:567. (BBi:53) CLEY, N. NORFOLK. Bed and Breakfast in comfortable home all year round. Birkhead, ‘Brambling’, Church Lane, C:iey, Tel. 740780. (BB14.5) BIRDLIFE OF THE BORDERS, 16-23 .May Leader (ieollrev .\bbott ol R..S.P.B. F.xcellent ac- commodation in beautiful surroundings with superb lood-relorm cuisine. Details. Fhe Nurtons, Fintern. (iwent NP(5 7.NX, (BB121) BEAUTIFUL SOUTHWEST SCOTLAND. Weekly bird and countryside tours, commencing I August. For brochure sae to Halcyon Holidays, 57b St Quivox Road, Prestwick, AYrshire. (BB141) IX HEBRIDEAN BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS. Extensive, interesting birds and wildlile with expert Hebridean natural- ist. Breathtaking sea and inland \ ievvs. Super, ueleoming hotel. Broeluires: L ig Lodge Hotel. Isle of Lewis. Western Isles !’.\H()9L T. I'el: rimsgarry (()H.')0.')) 28(1. (BBLU) WEST SUSSEX. \ isit .\rundel W ildiinvl 1 rust Blaek .Mill House Hotel. Bognor Regis. 2-mins sea. .Marine (iardens. (James room, eoektail bar. sep. colour l'\’ lounge: enclosed garden. R.\C*. .\shle\ Courtena\ Reed. I'rom Jl84.()0 pw .Mini-Breaks. Illust. Broch. Tel: 0248 82194,'). (BB128) MINSMERE. Bed and breakfast. Fisher, ‘Trelyn’, Blythburgh Road, Westleton. Tel: Westleton413. (BB139) SUFFOLK, WAVENEY VALLEY, beauiilul \ iews. lo\el\ well ke|)t gardens. B&B li)r 2. S.\L: .\rkhill Cottage. .Mendham. Harleston. Norlitik. (BBI27) WEST PENWITH. B&B in beautiful 17th centur\ thatched cottage situated in quiet rural surroundings. (Jood walking, birdwatching. In eas\ reaihof.St Kes Island. Porthgwarra. Ireen ( lills. .Mount W histle Cottage, St Levan. I el: St Bury an 419. (BBX128) SOUTH WOLD AA** hotel, central heating, ensulte bedrooms, good wines and food. Ideal base for .Vlinsmere and surrounding area. Write/ phone; Pier Avenue Hotel, Southwold 722632. (BB43) ' ISLE OF TIREE. The Lodge Hotel, bird- - watchers’ paradise island. Self-catering flats and lull -board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, Tiree. Tel: 08792 368. (BB46) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beeston, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Fakenham, Tittleshall 205. ' (BB42) VISITING CLEY? Bed and breakfast, also bungalows to let. Daily ferries to Blakeney Point bird sanctuary. Temple, Anchor Inn, Morston, Holt. Tel: Cley 740 264. (BB40) PRIVATE CHARTER HOTEL boat holidays Discover our beautiful waterways and their wild- life. Our ‘exchisivc charter' cruises oiler \our parts excelletit litod, serv ice and accommodation aixtarti out traditional narrowboat. Brothure from ( Ihiirter ( a uising ( lompany . Ref BB. C lalnitt Fop Lock. Stockton. Rugby (A'28 8H.\. .Southam H38, (BB9I) SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS. Inverness-shire 0[)en all year. Beautiful .setting with .sweeping v iews, luxurious .St andinavian-sty le t hiilets e(|tiip|)ecl to high statulard. .Sleep t-.’). ( lolour F\ . ex((4lent insulation ensures warmth. D(4icious home cooked litod available. Dunsmore Lodges, Farlev . Beatilv . I el: 041) 87 I 2 124 or 0 1 -940 t>798. (BB96) FLANEBURG HOTEL— Flamborough head- land— Yorkshire. Hospitality and the finest clilT top walks along the coast. Please send for brochure and terms lor weekly or short-stay holidays. (BB24) WEST COAST ARGYLL. Holiday house private estate beside river/sea sleeps 8. Also cottage sleeps 4. Total peace except for wildlife. SAE: S. Coates, Gorten, Tarbert, .Argyll. Tel: 08802 635. (BB6) LAKE VYRNWY, mid Wales. Accommodation provided and warm welcome assured on working hill farm. Situated 2 miles from the bird reserve. Good home cooking. All amenities. Heulwen Parry, Tynymaes, Llanwddyn, Oswestry. Tel: 069 173 216. (BB56) FLOWERS AND BIRDS OF CORNWALL. A holiday of discovery including rare species unique to Cornwall based at Talland Bay Hotel, Nr Looe, Cornwall. Conducted by local naturalist Ted Griffiths. 25-31 May. Cost from £150. W'rite for brochure or telephone Polperro (0503) 72667. (BB49) CORNWALI^FOWEY. Enjoy a spring, summer or autumn holiday in beautiful coun- tryside, a mile from the harbour and coast. Comfortable rooms, dinner, and a substantial breakfast. Dogs welcome. Francis and Anne Boosey, ‘Polscoe’, Fowey, Cornwall PL23 IHQ. Tel: 072 683 2407. (BB50) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Tradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated National Trust beauty area. Abundant wildlife, naturalists’ paradise. To let fortnightly. SAE: Whiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) QUIET GUESTHOUSE. Central heating. Fwo minutes beach. Surrounded by farmland, hills and clifls. Also self-contained flat with outstand- ing views of Holm Sound and Scapa Flow. Send SAE for details and terms. St. Nicholas Guest House, Holm, Orkney. Tel: Holm 320. (BB64) AXE ESTUARY. .New ccntrallv healed Hat, 12 min walk river and sea. half-hour's drive new reserve at .\ylesbeare. Sleeps 1, £7(1 pw. reduced low season terms, Walsh. 17 I'allenham Way. I'adworth. .Surrey . (BB84) N. NORFOLK, Im Blakeney . Charming luxurv eottages. sleep 4, 7. I'el: W alter. (),')09 42824. (BB85) HOLME, RINGSTEAD AND TITCHWELL reserves nearby and N. Norfolk coast sanctuaries too! W'ell furn. bungalow, sleeps 4. All elect., TV, fridge. Low inclusive rates. 'Felephone Oakham (0572) 2902. (BB156) CAIRNGORMS— STRATHSPEY: B&B and self-eater. Modern large bungalow, edge of Rothiemurchus Forest 1 mile Aviemore. Superb for Highland birds, wildlife and walking. I'ourtecn pursuits for active outdoor people. Mr Hudson, Highland Guides (SM), Aviemore, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 810729. (BB159) X MID-WALES FARMHOUSE, bed and break- fast. Evening meal optional. Famous area for walking, wild birdlife, pony trekking. Near Filan Valley lakes. Mrs Dawn Jones, Treheslog, Rhayader, 1‘owys. Tel: 0597 810239. (BBI.54) ALBANNACH INSIGHT HOLIDAYS. Wild- life and local history holidays. Fixpert local guides. Stay in comfort. Finjoy first-class cuisine. New holidays in the Outer Flebrides and Orkney for 1981. Brochure from Albannach, Hamilton House, Strathpelfer, Ross-shire IV 14 9AH. Or phone (099 72) 577. (BBI55) PEMBROKESHIRE. Floliday cottage, two and a hall miles Littlehaven. Sleeps six. .\ll mod. cons., I V , fridge. S.AK; Jones, 1 he Brook, Walwyns Castle, Haverfordwest. Broadhaven 413. (BB152) NEAR LOCH NESS. Self-catering Holiday Cottage. Brochure from Latham, Muirnich, Corthleck, Inverness. Fel: 04563 200. (BB160) ARGYLL, APPIN. Stone built farm cottage, lochside, superb views, buzzard country. SAFi: Mrs McCrigor, Clovers Meadow, Charlwood, Surrey. (BBI64) COMFORTABLE BED AND BREAKFAST with private sitting room. Open all year. Riki Dearden, Whalebone House, High Street, Cley, Holt, Norfolk. Tel: (0263) 740336. (BB166) WILDLIFE HOLIDA YS CAMBRIAN BIRD HOLIDAYS oiler fully inclusive bird-watching holidays in Southwest Wales. See exciting birds-of-prey including Peregrines and Kites and witness incredible autumn sea-bird migration down Irish Sea including Skuas, Shearwaters, Divers. Trips to Pembroke Islands for sea- birds and migrants. Luxury hotel accom- mtxlation, minibus transport and expert guides included. Small groups. All bird- watchers welcome including non-beginners. Be taken straight to the birds without time- wasting. Send now for 1981 details to: CAMBRIAN BIRD HOLID.AYS (BB) Henllan, Llandyssul, Dyfed or Tel: Vclindre (0559) 370240 (BB140) WILDLIFE AND WALKING HOLIDAYS. Why not join one of our small, iulbrmal gntups in 1981 (our 8th sea.son)? Visit the best areas in the beautiful northwest including .Morecatnbe Ba\. Lake Disti ii t. Yorkshire Dales. Personally guided b\ experienced, friendly leaders, our holidays oiler a most enjo\able combination ol wildlife observation and walking, graded l(>r all ages and experience. Brochure Irom .Mountain & Wildlife Ventures. Fhornton Road. .Morecambe. lei: 418577. (HR"'->) NATURAL HISTORY AND ECOLOGY holiday courses 1981. Varied UK locations: Lines., Snowdonia, Pembroke, Leics., Perthshire, Loch Lomond. Lhiiversity tutors, informal atmosphere, comfortable inexpensive college accommodation. -Send .S.VE for details to Vaughan College, St .Nicholas Circle, Leicester or ’phone (0533) 57368. (BB153) LUNDY. For exciting birdwatt lung holidass on beautiful LuiuK. please send S.Vli ll)r full details to: .Mr 1). .VI. Kestell. Shccnsatcr. 20 I relieve. Dow iiderrv . 'Forpoiut. ( :ornw;dl. I BB106) EXPLORE THE HEBRIDES under sail alxiard 60 ft ketch ‘Hornpipe’. Small parties. £150 pw. Dinsdale- Young. Kingie. Invergarrv, Inverness- shire. Tel 0804)2 210. (BB47) ISLES OF SCILLY AND ICELAND 1981 with 1 )a\ id 1 1 tint . Still some \ at .nil ICS. S.VI i lor (let. tils: D.ivid Hunt (Hols). St .M.irv's. Isles ol StilK. IR2llij(.. iBBfil) SNOWDONIA AND LLEYN PENINSULA. .Manv species ol buds visit here Spend a week birdwatching in one of our small, guided groups. Beginners especially welcome. S.Mv for details, John Faylor, Bron-y-.\laen. North Road. Caern- arfon, Cwynedd. Fel: 0286 2683. (BB.59) CAMARGUE— CfeVENNES FIELD TRIPS in June; study birds, butterilies. bulbs and botanv with Dr lohn Feltwell. .S.VFT^^mcIIiwo Matters', .Marlham, Henley Dow .Sussex, COURSES JOHN RIDGWAY is running anwr^ tnote special wildlife courses at his remote Highland School end of .May and beginrnr June, at the peak of the breeding season. His 28 ft. fishing boat will take you to see nesting eider duck and terns on the seal islands off the rocky coast, and thousands of birds on the cliffs of Handa Island Bird Reserve. Inland the School Land- rovers will help you visit the haunts of mountain hare and ptarmigan. Returning each night to good food and comfortable rooms. Write: .Ard- more, Rhiconich. Sutherland, for details, also reduced rail fares from London/Crewe/Preston. (BB1031) TOURS ALASKA AND THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS. Fabulous sub-.Vretit wildlife tour. Jiilv 3 to 17. See the horned puflin and red-laced cormorant on St Paul Island. .Mt McKinlev Park, (dacier Bav . £4)9() plus air lare. .S.VE F.rskine Fours. I t Inverleith Plate. Edinburgh. (BB75) XI OVERSEAS ORNITHOLOGICAL HOLIDAYS WITH COX & KINGS The 1981 programme will iiuludc such iiueresting and rewarding centres as: Gambia (December 1980) Kenya Rumania Camargue Zimbabwe Spain — Berdnn-P\ renees (Huesea) and l.aguna de (Jallat anta (Zaragoza). Greece — Delphi and I’elopenese (Birds + Klowers). Planned lor late 1981/Karly 1982 Guyana Papua New Guinea Ecuador + Galapagos Morocco Fur dtlaih contact: Cox Si Kings I ravel l.td. Special Interest Dept, 4t) Marshall Street. Izindon W l\' 2P.\ Tel: lll-4:-l9 8292 (BB58) BIRD REPORTS LANCS BIRD REPTS ’79 & ’78, both I.' I .(.(i iiu posuigt'. IroMi )()hii K. .\sli\\oitli. bit IMdc Ro.td. .Marslisidf. .S(itidi|)i)rt. .\lfisc\sidc. ( BH7S) LECTURES LECTURES — on birds and natural history with colour slides, Britain and many parts of world. SAE Brian Hawkes, 55 7 he Street, Newnham, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 0LN. (BB904)_ EOR SALE Artificial House Martin’s Nest Remarkably successful readily accepted by martins, they also encourage the construction of natural nests. Made of hard cement compo with hardboard roof and back easily fixed to eaves of house or barn with special nails supplied. Price £5.45 for 1 £9.75 for 2 including post and packing. NERINE NURSERIES Welland, Worcestershire (BBI(I55) SHIRTS MADE TO MEASURE in \ iyt lla Swiss cottons and other (|ualily fabrics. Patlcrns and details from .\. (Jarstang a..d Co l.td (l)ept S/BB), 215 Preston New Road, Bhukhurn, Lancs BB2 bBP. (BB2B) BRITISH BIRD BOOKS FOR SALE. Callers onU . 57 Delaware Road, .Shoeburyness, Essex. (BB145) WATERPROOF AND WARMWEAR, fabrics and patterns, all accessories. For prices, stamp please: rOR(B), 5 Lyndon (irove, Runcorn WA7 5PP. (BB27) BANNERMAN: Birds of the British Isles. Set c/w dust jackets; very good condition. £325. Write to Box No. BBI61 British Birds, c/o Macmillan Journals Ltd., 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF, (BB161) ZEISS WEST GERMANY binoculars 10 X 50. Mint, original packing. The ultimate ornitho- logical glass. £425. Tel: 01-449 3035. (BBI65) BOOKS OUT-OF-PRINT BIRD BOOKS bought and sold. Catalogue on request. Please offer your surplus lxx)ks to Jay Btxtks, 1 Roull Grove, Edinburgh. (BB34) NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. Setondhaud and new bought and sold. Catalogues: |. F,. Oliver, Corner Cottage. Colkirk, l akenham. .Norlolk. I cl: l akenham 2 153. (BBb47) BOOKS ON BIRDS. .New and secondhand, catalogue 3()p. .Surplus bird Ixxtks urgently sought. Open Fhursday to Saturday, Bird Books of Seveixtaks, House of Seal, Church .Street, Seal, .Sevenoaks. Kent. 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(BB18) THE BIRD BOOKSHOP (Scottish Ornitho- logists’ Club) — W c arc leading spei i.ilists in new books covering all tispccts ol Ornithologv and all p.irts of the world; ov er lit Id titles in stoi k; world- widc mail order service; post free to ,S( )( : mem- bers (except small orders): liec' 3l) p.igc booklist from I he Bird Bookshop. .Scottish ( )rnitliologists‘ (3tib. Dept. 1. 21 Regent Icrrace. I.dinbnrgh F.1I7 5B'F; phone (1131) 5,')l) litifd (ollice hours onlv : .\lon.-Fri. 9- 1 . 2-.'i), ( BB 13H) BIRDS AND NATURAL HISTORY IxKiks— new' and secondhand bought and sold — mail order only. Send 2()p in stamps Ictr catalogue. Dernam Bcxiks, .\ddlestead, F.ast Pet kham, I'on- bridge, Kent. (BBX146) WANTED: 'Dwight’s Gulls of the World’, 'Oceanic Birds of South .America \’ol 1 and 2’, Murphy. Pel: Harrison, Plymouth (0752) 667796. (BB151) SUNBIRD HOLIDAYS 1981/1982 Birdwatching Holidays by Mark Beaman Dave Fisher Steve Madge Iain Robertson and their friends We specialise in friendly, small-group holidays (6-16 people) catering for beginner and expert alike. ISRAEL JORDAN TURKEY GREECE AUSTRIA LAPLAND CAMARGUE & PYRENEES S. SPAIN MAJORCA EGYPT MOROCCO SIBERIA 8c MONGOLIA CAUCASUS 8c CENTRAL ASIA INDIA 8c NEPAL KASHMIR 8c LADAKH SRI LANKA THAILAND JAPAN NEW GUINEA AUSTRALIA GAMBIA CAMEROUN KENYA SOUTH AFRIC; MADAGASCAR PERU ECUAE>OR 8c GALAPAGOS TRINIDAD 8c TOBAGO MEXICO ALASKA CALIFORNIA 8c ARIZONA TEXAS FLORIDA N.E. USA CANADA For details please coniac* Sunbird Holidays, Executive Travel (Holidays* LuL 2 Lower Sloane Street. London S W 1 \V 8BJ 7 el i ABTA ATOI- hh British Birds Volume 74 Number 3 March 1981 109 110 142 144 146 146 147 149 149 149 149 l')() 150 150 151 152 152 155 153 154 154 154 155 1 55 l55 Spanish Sparrow: new to Britain and Ireland C. S. Waller Fifty years ago . . . Field identification of west Palearctic gulls Part 4 P.J. Grant Obituary Ra\ ncr Humphreys ( 1866-1980) CAive Hutchinson Mystery photograph 5/ Briinnich’s Guillemot P. J. Grant Notes L'ndertail-c'overts o( Little Cirebe David Britton Discovering breeding Baillon’s Crakes Gerald J. Greet Kentish Plo\ers with [)ale legs P.J. Grant; Ed .\lackrill; Richard J. Fairbank; Bob Glover; .Alan l ittery Semipalmated Sandpiper feeding on ploughed land Bernard King Short-eared Owl carrying Moorhen A/. Heubeck and j. D. Okill Alpine Swifts feeding by artificial light at night H.J. Freeman Unusual death ofCjreen V\ (x)dpecker ft’. D. Campbell House Martins feeding young on ladybirds Dr D. A. C. .McNeil and F. Clark Spotted Flycatcher catching burnet moth A. R.J. Paine Spanish Sparrows in tfie Isles of Scilly R. H. Charlwood; David Britton Chaffinch feeding voung Hawfinches David E. Patten Letters *?. Hobby studies Michael Trubridge CratrMartins in France P. Dubois Cormising^pring plumages of small buntings D. /. A/. Wallace Announcements A ‘British Birds’ W orkshop: North .American birds ‘Frontiers of Bird Identification’ B(K)k offers Binding ‘BB’ Notebtxik of Birds — 1907—1980’ Postal auction of cover design Bird Illustrator of the \’ear & fhe Richard Richardson .Award 1 55 Photographic requests Requests 1.56 Status of Reeves’s Pheasant Robert Hudson 15() Ros ing fit Floc ks Project 157 News and comment Peter Gander and Mike Everett 1 59 Recent reports R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp Line-drawings: 109 Spanish Sparrow (Ian Willis)-, 159 Bean (ieese (Bryan Bland) and Barrow’s (ioldeneye (Alan Harris)-, ItiO Cattle Kgret (R. .4. Hume) and Ro.ss’s Cull (Ken Baldridge) Cover design: Cormorants ( I .es lie Baker) British Birds A breeding study of Nightjars Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland Mystery photographs Notes • Letter News and comment • Recent reports British Birds Martagiriii Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Editorial Assistant Personal Assistant David A. Christie Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Dr R. J. Chandler & Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Chairman), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D.J. Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, R. F. Porter & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary), 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 7TP Sotes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Dr C. H. Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr K. E. L. Simmons Sews and comment Peter Conder & Mike Everett, 12 Swaynes Lane, Comberton, Cambridge CBS 7EF Recent reports K. Allsopp & R. A. Hume, c/o RSPB,The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG 19 2DL Publishing & Production Manager Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation M a nager Mrs Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Cartwright Advertising John Barnes, Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R3LF (tel: 01-240 1101) (E)Brilisli Birds Lid 19H1. ( '.<)|ryriglu ol pliotograplis ifiiiains with phol()gia|)luTs. Bi'ilisli Birds is publislied inontlily by Britisli Birds Lid, Higli Sired. Ibggleswade. Bedliirdsliire ISSN oony-oad,') Annual subscription (including index) L’K £lb; resl of world, surface mail £lf) (or L'S$40), airmail £25 (or L’S$95); single issues, il a\ailable, £2. C'.heques payable lo Brilish Birds Lid. All cheques and queries by leller to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Circulation, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 3nj, England. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO 37 588 6303 British Birds publishes maleiial dealiiii; uiih original obseiAalioiis oti ihe biids ol the west I’.ileiit'i ti( . I'i.seept litt teeotds of nifities. p.ipets titui tioles ;tre tiot ttiiilK an epled niiK oti eniiditiuti that tn.iterial is tiot l)eitit> ollered itt vs hole or iti ptirt to ans othei ioiit tial. I’hotoirt aphs ,md sketi lies tire sveleotiied. ,\ll i otttributiotis shotild be stibtiiitted lo the .MaiiasiiiiJ; i.ditor. Papers should be 1\ pewTltteu with double spat iiu;; ;uid w ide mait;ius. and on one side ol the sheet oiiK . .\ulhors should t iirelullv consult this issue litr stv le ol |)fesentation. espet iaIK ol relerein fs ,uid tables, \ ern;ieular and seientilie names and setjuenee oi'birds lollow The ‘British Birds' List of Birds of the Western Palearctic ( I ')7(i): names of plants liillow Donv r/ «/. ( PI7 I. English Names of Wild Flowers); n. tines of mamma Is lollow ( dibel N Southern ( PI77. The Handbook of British Mammals). I ii>ures should be in Indian ink on t;ood tpialitv ti.uing p.iper. dt.iwing paper, non-absorbent botird or light blue or \cr\ p.ile grev graph p.iper; lettering shonlil be inserted lightlv in pent il; ea])tions should be tv ped on .i separ.ile sheet. .\iil hot s ol main p.ipers (but not tioles or letters) retriv c ten Iree copies ol the join it. il ( liv e e.ieh lo two or more authors). Pi iiilcd b\ llciirv Bul l & Son Lid. ( iollcgc Street. Kcmp.stoii. Bedford mk 12 iiN.\ Ruppell’s Warbler One of 50 species illustrated in colour by Norman Arlott in the revised edition. THE POPULAR HANDBOOK OF RARER BRITISH BIRDS By P. A. D. HOLLOM This volume is designed to cover those birds not eligible for inclusion in its companion The Popular Handbook of British Birds ( 1980 printing £9.50). The first section, describing over 100 species, is basically a re-issue of the original text to the first edition. It is not, however, a straight reprint. Fhe text, with a few modifications, has been entirely reset and now follows the (1977) sequence and scientific nomenclature of Dr K. H. V'oous. The number of occurrences of each species has been updated, and the accompanying colour plates have been rearranged to conform to the new order. The second part, illustrated by Norman Arlott, is devoted to the new species, most of which have occurred for the first time in the past twenty years. Recognition details for each and their distribution are given. The two books together provide birdwatchers with a combination of colour illustration and information on virtually all the birds on the British and Irish lists. 0 85493 129 5 WITHERBY £12 5 Plantain, Crosby Row, London SEl IVN (BB193) 1 Bird Behaviour is an international and interdisciplinary journal which publishes original research on descriptive and quantitative analyses of behaviour, behavioural ecology, experimental psychology and behavioural physiology of birds. It aims to improve communication among all students of bird behaviour; the Editors strongly promote the publication of experimental papers and review articles that bridge separate fields of behaviour. The journal also welcomes full-length articles on specific topics, short communications, critiques of books and papers, abstracts of meetings, relevant computer programs, research proposals and short reviews (‘mini-reviews’) of limited areas of research. Authors are encouraged to experiment with the format of their manuscripts to suit the subject and are encouraged to speculate broadly on the theoretical implications of their research. The Editor-in-Chief is J. J. Counsilman, Herston, Australia. Subscription rates for 1981 (volume 3) are A$30.00 for institutions and libraries, A$15.00 for individuals and A$1 0.00 for students. Add 20% if paying in US dollars. 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Aslack Way, Holme-Next- Sea, Hunstanton, Norfolk. /URIOQC METWOOD OPTICAL LTD Specialists in Binoculars and Telescopes 4 Abbots Walk, High Street, Biggleswade, Beds SGI 8 OLF Telephone (0767) 317077 BINOCULARS Zeiss West — Leitz — Zeiss Jena Swift — Mirador — Hilkinson — Solus Pearl — Minolta — Nikon — Helios — Optolyth TELESCOPES Nickel Supra — Hertel Televari — Swift Mirador — Walter Roth — Kowa SlikmasterTrifxxl £29.95 Cullmann Tripod £39.95 Also Mono Pads — Table/Shoulder Pods Send Jor Price Lists and Leaflets. Please send stamp to cover postage. Mail Order. Access and Barclay Card accepted. Prices subject to alteration. (BB52) II 1981 WORLDWIDE BIRDWATCHING TOURS FOR SMALL GROUPS TO: COSTA RICA MEXICO JORDAN USA (Mid Atlantic States) CALIFORNIA KENYA TEXAS MOROCCO COLOMBIA MADEIRA ISRAEL Ask for our Birdguide Brochure Telephone 01-898 8611-3 24-hour brochure service 01-898 8220 (BB157) ABT/ATOL 334B TwicKenham Travel Limited - 84 Hampton Road TwichenhamTW2 5QS - Telephone 01 898 8221 - Telex 8954593 BIRDWATCH ICELAND 1981 Looking for an unusual birdwatching tour? Iceland is very different from anything you will have experienced at home. Thanks to perpetual daylight it is possible to view Iceland’s varied birdlife during both day and night time. We have two tours departing this summer — 27 June and 1 1 July — both lead by an expert on Icelandic wildlife. For free brochure giving prices and details contact: TRAVEL TIME (dept. 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Located at the centre of the Channel Islands, Guernsey offers easy accessibility to the traffic-free islands of Herm and Sark and to Alderney. All the islands have excellent facilities for bird-watchers and the opportunity to see the rare Dartford Warbler. And you can combine your activities with a unique holiday in an area of great national beauty and tranquility. Wide choice of fine hotels and guest houses and, "specialist packages are also available. Write or telephone now; States of Guernsey, k Room 1 3AB, P.O. Box 23. Guernsey, Channel Islands. Tel: 0481 24411. ^ (BB171) GIBRALTAR MOROCCO— SPAIN Birdwatching tours by minibus out of Gibraltar to Morocco, Spain and beyond. Holidays of 7, 10, 14 and 21 days. September to April in- clusive, from £200. For our introductory folder please send 25p stamps (overseas £1) to: MIGRANT TRAVEL Dept MBB, PO Box 217, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland Also minibus hire and tour leadership/management services (BB51) i\ The new quarterly journal DUTCH BIRDING has established itself as essential reading for anyone interested in the knottier problems of field identification and occurrences of rare and interesting birds in the Western Palearctic and elsewhere. Many of the papers and notes are written in English and the others have English summaries. Recent issues have contained useful contributions on the identification of White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii, Briinnich’s Guillemot Uria lomvia, Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola and Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus, and identification and ageing of Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle. The annual subscription is US$1 5 or equivalent in any currency at current exchange rates. The amount should be remitted to postal giro account 41 48 343 in the name of the Dutch Birding Association (address, see below). It can also be remitted to bank account 54 93 32 065 of the ABN Bank (Amsterdam) in the name of the DBA or to bank account 59 27 0888 of the National Westminster Bank (25 Market Square, Dover CT16 1NQ, Kent, UK) in the name of A. van IJzendoorn. A free sample issue can be obtained from: Dutch Birding Association, Postbus 71927, 1 008 EC Amsterdam, Netherlands. (BB162) 'Creerii^* 8 5x50 BWCF KESTREL BINOCULAR FOR BIRDWATCHING Designed for the keen graphic shops at around Ornithologist, and indeed £70 inc. VAT and com- for all nature studies, plete with De Luxe case Featuring close focusing and straps, of only 12 feet, Fully- coated for extra clarity. Phone or Write to sole Tripod Socket, Fold-down importers lor nearest Rubber Eyecups, making stockist and catalogue: them also suitable for Greenhill & Ellis Ltd., spectacle wearers. Wide River House, angle of 9° or 472 ft at Restmor Way, 1 000 yds. Weight 38 ozs. Wellington, Available from larger Surrey SM6 7AE branches of Boots, Opti- Tel: 01-669 4388 specialists and Photo- (BB187) A Selection of the Birds of Sri Lanka by JOHN & JUDY BANKS Fully illustrated in Colour Price UK £2.75 incl. postage. Overseas US S 10.00 or equivalent. Please forward remittance to JOHN & JUDY BANKS c/o Infinity Colour Ltd, 47a The Broadway, Mill Hill, London NW7 3DA England. (Bgigg) Bushnell Discoverer 15x 60x Zoom Telescope designed by Bausch & Lomb ‘. . . it is arguabiy the finest instrument currentiy on the market. Lucky owners or envious borrowers give unanimous rave reviews. No drawtube, focus and zoom by weii-placed knuried rings, superb clarity and brightness of image. . . Weight 1,360g. Length 445mm.' Ogilvie and Sharrock: 'British Birds' Binoculars and Telescope Survey. October 1978. Can also be used as a 1000mm - 4000mm zoom Telescope Camera Lens. Fits any standard tripod. Now available in the U.K. Expect to pay around £172.00. Apply for name and address of your nearest stockist to; Highgate Optical Ltd 38 Jamestown Road London NW1 7EJ (BBI85) / British Birds Book Offers Please tick books required. Prices valid during April 1981 . A Notebook of Birds, 1907-1980 Jim Flegg (Macmillan 1 981 ) £6.95 □ Frontiers of Bird Identification J. T. R. Sharrock (Macmillan 1980) £7.95 □ lV//dfow/ of Europe Myrfyn Owen (Macmillan 1977) £9.95 □ Biii Oddie’s Littie Black Bird Book Bill Oddie (Eyre Methuen 1 980 £4.95 □ Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1981 John E. Pemberton (Buckingham Press 1980) £5.45 □ The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (British Birds 1979) £0.50 □ Make all cheques and POs payable to British Birds. For overseas orders, please add 50p. Payment can be made directly into UK Giro account number 37 588 6303. Name Address Cheque/PO for £ enclosed Send to BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. (BB168) VI British Birds VOLUME 74 NUMBER 4 APRIL I981 Rob Berry and Colin J. Bibby The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus is one of those birds whose decrease in numbers and contraction of range in Britain and Ireland has been going on for a long while, perhaps 100 years but certainly 50 (Parslow 1973, Stafford 1962). The factors responsible are unknown, but habitat loss and climatic change are the two most often suggested. Neither seems all that satisfactory. Afforestation, mainly of moorland, has benefited the Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus and the Short-eared Owl Asia Jiammeus, but not the Nightjar, in spite of the frequency of its occurrence in young forestr\- plantations (Sharrock 1976). The decline is sometimes bracketed with those of the Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio (Ash 1970) and \Vryneckj^v«-v torquilla (Monk 1963) as possible candidates for the effects of climatic change. All these species were, how ever, declining in the period of climatic [But. Birds 1^-. 161-169. April 1981] 161 162 A breeding study of Nightjars amelioration in the early decades of this century. In Sweden, Stolt (1972) considered road deaths and pesticides to be possible factors in the decline there. If this bird is declining for climatic reasons, we might expect to find that its breeding productivity is markedly influenced by variations of weather. 1 he present study examined breeding chronology and success, and growth rates of chicks to see if such effects were evident. The ecology of the Nightjar has been remarkably little studied, the most detailed work being that of Lack (1929, 1930, 1932), so there is little background against which to assess the present findings. A previous paper from this study (Berry 1979) described Nightjar habitats. Methods The study took place at Minsmere, Suflblk, the site being described previous!) by Berry (1979). During 1976-79, two to seven territories were investigated, with up to 30 visits each per year. Care was taken to record first and last sighting dates of occupants and nesting details. In 1978 and 1979, chicks were uniquely marked, and weighed with a spring balance at the same time each evening. Pairs, once included, were followed consist- ently throughout the season. Maximum and minimum air temperatures were read daily from a screened thermometer on site. Further information on first-egg dates was extracted from the Nest Record Cards of the British Trust for Ornithology. These findings are used briefly for comparative purposes, but not presented in full as they will be the subject of a future paper (D. E. Glue in prep.). Time of arrival and delay before breeding For 12 pairs, the time of arrival of both adults and the date of laying of first eggs was known (table 1). These data included five cases of the same territories being occupied in successive years. There was suggestive evidence that territories were occupied in a similar order each year. A was the earliest and N the latest, but the correlations were not significant, perhaps because of the small sample size. Sparser data from the previous two years (1976-77) supported but could not confirm this suggestion. Table 1. Arrival and first-ece dates of Nightjars Capnmubus europaeus at Minsmere, Suffolk, in 1978 and 1979 ARRIVAL \’ear Site Male Female First egg laid A 10 May 11 May 23 May B 20 Mav 1 June 3 June C 23 .May 26 May 10 July D 1 June 14 June 20 June M 19 May 31 May 3 June N 24 May 5 June 12 June O 31 May 14 June 22 June A 15 May 29 May 1 June B 22 May 3 June 8 June C 1 7 Mav 22 May 26 May M 23 May 5 June 9 June N 27 May 16 June 23 June 163 A breeding study oj Nightjars Males arrived on their breeding areas between 10th May and 1st June. 1 hey were, on occasions, recorded earlier, but always in places subse- quently abandoned. Females arrived one to 20 days later, between 11th May and 16th June, the mean interval between arrival dates of the two sexes being 10.9 days. First eggs were laid two to eight (once 12) days after the female’s arrival or nine to 22 (once 27) days after the male’s. Not surprisingly, lirst-egg dates were correlated with arri\al dates of males (r9 = 0.950) or females (r9 = 0.963). The delay from arrival of the female to the laying of the first egg was inversely correlated with mean minimum (fig. 1, r9= —0.719) — but not maximum — temperature. Inter- vals from the female’s arrival to first laying were often so short that the pre-laying accumulation of reserves by the female must have started before her arrival on site, but this too may have been temperature-related. Fig. 1 . Interval between arri\al offemale Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus on breeding territories at Minsmere, Sulfolk, in 1976-79, and laying of first egg, plotted against mean minimum temperature at time. Fitted line: y = 16.4 — l.()5,\, r^ = —0.719. Chronology of breeding I'he timings of 20 breeding attempts are set out in fig. 2. First eggs of first clutches were laid between 17th May and 28th June (mean 8th June ± 12.2 days, n= 19). In a further, exceptional case, first laying was recorded on 10th July, even though the female had been present since 26th May (table 1); it is, however, just possible that an earlier attempt had failed without being discovered. Even without this record, the spread of commencement of breeding was considerable. Eggs (always two) were laid at 24-hour intervals in the three cases where this was fully recorded. Incubation started immediately, which is probably invariably true for an open-ground nesting species w hose egg is not crc ptic. 4 here was thus an age difference between the young, which hatched after 17-21 days of incubation (mean 19). Fhe young could fly by 16-18 days, but were probably dependent on the parents until about 30 days. 164 .4 breeding study oj Nightjars A B C D M N O 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 6 7 8 9 7 8 8 - 9 — 7 — - 8 9 I 1 1 MAY JUN JUL AUG Fig. 2. Breeding schedules ol pairs o( Nightjars CaprirnuLgus europaeus at Minsmere, Sullolk, in 1976-79, whose territories observed tlirouglioui season. Facli line represents pair identilied by letter Ibr site atid last digit of'year. Solid lines = successful nests; dashed lines = failed nests In only four cases were pairs found to have reared two broods. The intervals between attempts (first egg to first egg) were 34, 37, 38 and 39 days, so the males had been left single handed to rear the first-brood \oung from 14-19 days old to independence. 4 he four pairs which attempted a second brood had started their first clutches on 23rd May, 26th May, 1st June and 3rd June. I he latest observed nests — both of which reared young — started on 11th July. I’his suggests that, with a 37-day repeat interval, the latest starting date to permit the rearing of two broods would be 4th June, which agrees well with the above observations. I’he Nest Record Cards do, however, include details of clutches started as late as the 95. .Nightjar Caprimulgus europueus, Surrey, .\ugu.st 1974 (Mic/iael IF. Richards) 165 •-1 breeding study of Nightjars end of July, so it might be possible for a pair to rear two broods after a late-June start. Of the 19 Minsmere pairs, ten laid their hrst eggs too late to allow time for a seeond brood. Four of the earlier starters attempted a second brood after a first success, and one had a second attempt after fusing its hrst-brood young. Four pairs, however, with successful first broods starting on 1 7th May, 25th May, 31st May and 2nd June, did not attempt a second, so late starting was not the only factor to inhibit double broodedness. A further three pairs which lost their eggs on 29th June and 6th July (twice) did not make a further attempt, though earlier failures on 23rd June and 28th June were followed by another clutch. Nesting success and breeding productivity 5 oung were fledged f rom 16 of the 28 nests found, eight of the failures being of eggs and four of young. One area (sites M, N and O in hg. 2) suffered nine failures and no successes, while the other group of adjoining territories did significantly better (16 successes and three failures). The causes of the failures were unknown, though adders \iperus herus were notafjly abundant — and often close to nests — in the unsuccessful area, which had rather few clearings in the heather (udtuna vulgaris cither for nesting Nightjars or for basking adders. .\t five nests, only a single young was reared, although starting with two eggs. I n three cases this was because only one egg hatched, and in two cases one of the chicks died when half grown. The mean brood size of successf ul nests was therefore 1 .69, and of all nests 0.96, w ith an a\crage of 1 .35 young reared per pair per season. Growth rates of chicks 'Fhe growth pattern of chicks is shown in fig. 3. Growth was virtually linear 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 days Fiif. Wcitflit.s ol tu'stliiig .Nislitjars C.oprimultius europoeus at .\Iinsmno. .Sufl'olk. in 1976-79, ploUt'd again.st age. Fitted line forage-s 1 to 10: y = 2.0 + 4.48d 166 .4 breeding study oj Nightjars at 4.48g/day for the first ten days and thereafter weights stabilised at 50-60g. Indixidual growth rates were calculated for 16 young (from nine nests) up to ten days of age in 1978 and 1979. There was a significant positixe correlation between growth rates of young and hatching date (fig. 4, i'i4 = 0.519): young hatched later in the season had higher growth rates. This is not surprising, since numbers of moths, and probably other night flying insects such as craneflies and some beetles eaten by the Nightjar (Collinge 1924-27), increase in abundance throughout the summer. A significant alternatixe correlation was found between growth rates and mean minimum temperature during the first ten days of the chicks’ lives (rj4 = 0.553), but not mean maximum temperature. I'his might partly have reflected a suppression of insect activity on cold nights, but, since minimum temperature and date were (not surprisingly) highly correlated (r = 0.866), it is not possible to sort out what may have been a complicated interaction between date and temperature as a predic- tor of food axailability and hence growth rates of young Nightjars. Suffice it to say that growth rates of young Nightjars were rather variable, that conditions improx ed in the warmer nights of later summer and that the groxv th rates could be so poor as to result in the death of one of the chicks, as was xvitnessed in two nests. Iiatcliiiig date. Each point rcprc-scnts single individual, pairs on same date being siblings. Individual with lowest growth rate died in nest at 13 days old. Fitted line: y = 4. 1 + O.I3x, where x is the date in June, ij4 = 0.519 Discussion I’he most striking feature of this study was that such a small proportion of pairs (lour out of 20) were double brooded. I’his xvas not because of poor nesting success, but because most pairs started too late to alloxv time for rearing a second brood. Lack (1930) described how female Nightjars abandoned care of the first young at about 13 days old to start a second clutch. I’he timing was such that achievement of independence of the first 167 A breeding study of Nightjars brood coincided with hatching of the second so that the male could switch from feeding one to feeding the other. Lack found, as in this study, that second clutches were not laid later than the early days of July, but he also found that double broodedness was normal rather than exceptional. There seem to be three features ofdiflerence between these two studies separated by some 50 years in time but only 50 miles (80 km) in space. First, although Lack did not give first-egg dates, they must have been earlier than in this study to allow pairs to attempt a second clutch not later than early July. Secondly, in this study, young were left in the care of the male not at 13 days but at 14-19 days, by which time they were near flying. Thirdly, four early-starting pairs did not attempt a second clutch at all, but, instead, both adults continued to care for the first-brood young. W hy were Minsmere Nightjars breeding so late and why were young of the first brood tended for so long by both adults? Much of the reason for late breeding was late arrix al of both sexes, but especially of the females, which was, on ax erage, 1 1 days after their mates. Since eggs were laid so soon after the arrival of the females, it seems unlikely that their detection on the breeding territories coincided xvith their arrival from sub-Saharan winter quarters. It would be surprising if they could accumulate reserxes to recoxer from migration, lay txvo moderate-sized eggs and prepare for incubating for all but half an liour a day (Lack 1932) in a period of two to eight days. T hus, there seems to be some question as to where females xvere and what they were doing in this period preceding egg laying. Perhaps, at this time of year, when nights may be cold and flying insects scarce, there are some specially fax ourable feeding places associated with particular habitat features. 4 here was certain inconclusix e evidence in this study that some territories might have been better suited than others for early breeding. Phis could be akin to another heathland bird, the 96. .Niglitjar Capnmulgus eurofxieus a\. nest, tizcchoslovakia, Jiinr 1977 (Luhomir flldsek) 168 A breeding study oj Nightjars Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata, in which some territories were, for \ egeta- tional reasons, better suited than others for early feeding and egg la\ ing and thus double broodedness (Bibby 1979). It is also possible, as suggested by fig. 1 , that late starting may be associated with delayed springs, which seem to have become so characteristic a feature of recent years. I hough it was not possible to separate the elfects of advancing season irom rising night temperatures, the increasing growth rates of young with season suggested that leeding the young might have been quite dilficult lor some Nightjars early in the season yune). d'his was confirmed by the deaths ol two young, one ol Which reached 14 days of age but grew very slowly (hg. 2). If this was the case, it is perhaps not surprising that both adults had to continue to rear their young, or alternatively that it might hav e been difficult for the females to acquire reserves for a second breeding attempt before early July. It is not known to what e.xtent the weather might be an important factor. Early breeding and double broodedness were, however, not evident in the hot summer of 1976 when this study was starting, albeit on a small scale. On the other hand, abundance of potential prey such as moths inigiit have been depressed in recent years by long-term climatic effects, though the ex idence is rather thin (Heath 1973). 97 & 98. -Xiglujans C.upwnuluus europaeus: Idl. singiiijj; from ircc top. Siitlolk, July 19()0 (/«//« .\tarkham)\ below, at nest witli xcniiig, Czeehoslo\ akia, June 1977 (Ijihomir Htasek) 169 A breeding study oj Nightjars In conclusion, this small study has pointed to some possible factors which might be giving rise to lowered breeding success and hence declining numbers ol Nightjars in Britain. I’he census about to take place [Bril. Birds 73: 195; 74: 189; 108: 1-2) is long overdue and so too is a detailed ecological study to investigate the interaction of weather and habitat on Ibod abundance and breeding biology' of the Nightjar. Summary study which started in 1976 and intensified in 1978 and 1979 is reported. Male Nightjars Capnmulgus europaeus arrived in the second hall of .May and lemales on average 1 1 days later. I he delay from the female’s arrival to the laying of the first egg was in\ ersely correlated with mean minimum — but not maximum — temperature at the time. In contrast with a study conducted 50 years previously, second broods were reared in only 25% of territories; these were achieved by the earlier starters. Pairs reared 1.35 young to fledging per year. Later- hatched young had higher growth rates, though this elfect might have been attributed to the comparably strong correlation between growth rate and minimum temperature. It is sug- gested in discussion that the study population was less productive than that obserx ed 50 years ago, largely due to the paucity of second broods. I'he influence of night temperature, presumably \ ia (bod supply, on the timing of laying and the growth rate of chicks suggested that the Nightjar could be susceptible to climatic deterioration. .\ detailed ecological study with emphasis on the influence oi habitat and weather on food supply and breeding success seems overdue. References .\sH, J . .S. 1 970. ( )bser\ ations on a decreasing [)opulation ol Red-bai ked .Shrikes. Bril. Birds 6:1: 185-205, 22.5-239. Bkrky, R. 1979. .Nightjar habitats and breeding in Last .\nglia. Bril. Birds 72; 207-218. Bibby, {!. J. 1979. Breeding biologx ol the l)artl()rd \\ lu bh-r Syli-ia undala iit f.ngland. this 121: M-52. ' ( ioi.i.iNGt'., \\ . 15. 1921-1927. The Food oJ Some British W ild Birds. Nork. flEATH, J. 197:1. .\ centurx' ofehange in the Le[)idoptera. In H.xwkswortii. 1). L. lecl.). The Changing P'lora and Fauna oj Britain, pp. 275-292. London. I ..ACK, 1). L. 1929. Some diurnal obserx ations on the .Nightjar. London Sat. ( 1929): 17-.).). 1930. Double-brooding ol the Nightjar. Brit. Birds 'IS: 212-211. 1932. Some breeding-habits of the Luropean Nightjtir. Ibis 7 1; 266-281. Monk, J . f . 1 9ti3. 1 he past and present status ol the \\ r\ neck in the British Isles. Bird Sliidv 1 1 •: 1 12-i32. PARSt.ovv, j. L. L. 197:1. Breeding Birds oj Britain and Ireland. Berkhiunsted. Sharrock, j. 1 . R. 1976. The Atlas oj Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. .S'lAKFORD, j. 1962. .Nightjtir Lnciuirv, 19.)7-58. Bird Study 9: 101-1 1.). Stoi.t, B.-(). 1972. Ormnattskarrans Caprimulgus europaeus Ibrekomst i Sverige 1970. I dr Lagelr. 31: 111-1 16. Rob Berry and Colin J. Bibbw RSPB, The Lodge. Sandy. Bedfordshire SGF.rdDL jfiftp pcarg ago . ■ . ‘I'lKI.D-RKFI.KCriONS ON THF, NKSTING, SONGS AND CRIES OF THE BRITISH M.ARSH- .AND WII.I.OW- •ITIMICE . . . The “Willow's” utterances are utterK unlike those of its cousin ... to me at any rate, it resembles a cross between the yu;' of the .Nightingale and the /Hwof the Wood-Wren, with, perchance, a .sonpyon of the Nuthatch's whistle thrown in , . . 1 have come to the conclusion that he who desires real intimacy with the W illow- 1 it should cultixate its song and calls sedulously. Lor, short of boundless butchery, these, and these alone, will teach him the bird's /n/e status and distribution.' John W.ai.roi.f.-Bond (Bnt. Birds'lC. 319-322. .\pril 1931) Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland H . G. Harvey In east Kent, 13th May 1978 began cold and damp with a light north- westerly wind and intermittent rain. At dawn, D. Raine and I embarked on a Kent Ornithological Society sponsored bird count through the Stour X’alley east of Canterbury. When we reached Stodmarsh at mid morning, there was a perceptible rise in temperature and signs ofa break in the clouds which encouraged us to put aside earlier doubts and continue. As we walked along the Lampen Wall across reed beds and lagoons of the National Nature Reserve, it was obvious that there was a substantial passage of Swifts Apus apus moving low' WNW up the Stour X’alley. Shortly after passing three other birdwatchers (M. Marsh, M. Morley and P. Murphy) at about 10.30 GM'I , we noticed a decidedly paler swift with a more deliberate flight. As we watched, it began feeding up and down the Wall, along a flight path of about 200 m, regularly passing us within 2 m. W e watched it lor about 1 5 minutes, made field notes and then walked back to the others who had been joined by C. Clark. Phey had also been watching the bird and we all agreed that it was probably a Pallid Swift A. pallidus. We watched it together for the next 40 minutes down to 2m and from all angles, in dull light using a variety of binoculars. It was in company with up to 30 Swifts throughout. 4'he main features were the milky brown plumage, with dark brown primaries contrasting with paler secondaries and wing-co\ erts, the extensive pale face and throat, and the more deliberate flight, with shallower wing beats, more gliding and less agility than shown by its commoner companions. We were all conscious of the difliculties of field identification in view of the warnings given in current field guides and the fate of earlier, claimed British records. When we lelt we had sufficient details to make identification certain, DR and I walked on to Cfiove Ferry to telephone the news as widely as possible. As the bird was easily watched from a footpath with no risk of disturbance, we were anxious that as many people as possible should see it. In the event, over the next nine days many hundreds saw it, and several photogra{)hs were taken (plates 99-104 and Bnl. Birds 71; plate 135). It regularly appeared with Swifts at about 07.30 170 \linl. limh 7 t; I70-I7K, .Vpril 19HI | 171 Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland hours and moved oil, generally westwards, at about 16.30 hours, although on some days it was absent (or high out of sight) for long inter\als. It was apparently never seen away from Stodmarsh. The last documented sight- ing was by Dr P. M. North on 21st May, although there were unsubstan- tiated reports up to 24th May. Description Although this was known to be probably the first acceptable record in Britain and Ireland of a notoriously difficult species, only four descriptions were submitted to the Rarities Committee or the KOS apart from those of the original six observers. 4 hese came from R. E. E. Collins, Dr P. M. North, D. W . 4 aylor and R. E. Youngman, and the following summary of the identification features draws on their notes as well as those of the original observers. M\ drawings are May. GKNERAi, /XFPEARANCK .Appeared alK)Lit size ol Svvilt, thougfi rather bulkier, with larger head, blunter wing-tip.s, broader wings and blunter tail fork. (Jcnerally paler, milkier 99-101. Pallid Swift Apus paUidus, Kent, May 1978 [David M. Collridge) based on field sketches made on 13th brown, similar to Sand Martin Riparia riparia. but looking rather patchy, almost 'moth- eaten' compared with matt velvet, sooty brown of Swifts (impression well shown in photographs). WINGS Outer primaries dark brown, contrasting with paler brown secondaries and coxerts; contrast apparent from abo\c and from below. Swifts showed contrary contrast, with primaries appearing lighter than rest of wing. Feathers of wing-covens with distinct pale edges, giving mottled or scab appearance in best \iews. Pale wing- bars apparent in some photographs not noted in field. 172 Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland 102-104. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus. Kent, Mav 1978 (/# Pick) MANTLE, Rt'MP AND TAM, Mantle darker brown than wing-eoverts, rump and crown, hut still [taler than those of Swil't: not striking in field, but consistent in most lights and noted by Robert Hudson (in lilt.) (tn skins (iti plate 104, and in Brit. Birds 71; plate 135, shows as saddle elfet t). In close views, some tnottling discernible. Rump and uftpertail- covcrts idso mottled and [taler brown than dark tail. Some (tbservers thought tail points blunter and fork shalktwer than on Swifts. ttEAD Head pale, milky brown, with e.xtensive paler area o\ er forecrown, f(trehcad and throat: not white and lutt so well de- marcated as on Swifts, but \ ery olt\ ions since it extended further around neck and down onto u[tper breast. In contrast, shadowed arcit around eyes ap[teared very dark: strikitig feature in most lights. Paleness of Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland 173 105 & 106. Swifts Apus apus: above, Lanarkshire (Strathclyde), June 1949 (C. Erie Falrner); left, \Vorcestershire,Julv 1976 (M.C. Wilkes) 107 8c 108. Swift Apus apus. Netherlands, July 1974 [Hans Schoulen) 174 Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland Fig. 1 . Pallid Swift Apus patlidus and Swil't A. apus, Kent, May 1978 (from Held sketches: II . 6'. Harvey) head particularK noticeable in head-on \ ievvs and probably contributed to impression ol larger head than that of Su ift. t'NDKRP.-\RT.s Breast and belly appeared dark brown in most lights and eontrasted with underwing-co\erts, secondaries and throat; seemed as dark as mantle, although more often in shadow (perhaps not real plumage characteristics, since Hudson did not notice it on skins). Showed sealing in close \iews, particularly on Hanks (I gained impression this created by dark borders to feathers, tdthough others noted pale borders similar to those on wing-co\erts and mantle). B.-\RE p.JiRTS Kyes and bill dark, probably black. ,\1. .Marsh noted orange gape. Feet not seen. OENERAt. CHARACTERS Almost all observers commented on striking flight: steadier, more deliberate, hea\ier and less manoeuvrable than that of Swift. Wings appeared broader, blunter and more blade-shaped, giving im- pression of shallower wing beats from the shoulder (reminding me of the larger swifts, .\l|)ine ,1. nielha and .Mottled .1. aequatorialis). .Method of leeding while beating up and down dvke or embankment was more svste- Fig. 2. Pallid Swift Apus patlidus. Kent, .May 1978 (from Held sketch: IF. G. Haney) matic than that employed by the numerous Swifts always present, .\fter initial contact at close range, it could be picked tip with naked eye at 1 00m, on flight style alone, e\ en when among many Swifts. No call heard. .\11 observers with whom I discussed the l)ird were struck b\ its distinctive ‘jizz’ (indeed, it was a matter of concern that it was so distinc- tive!) and this was clearly a particularly striking indix idual in exceptional circumstances which allowed very close views in a variety ol light condi- tions over c|uite a long period. Local circumstances In Kent, the first halfolMay 1978 was relatively cool and wet with frequent northerly winds, inhibiting migration by Swifts. 4'he first major influx Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland 175 l ig. 3. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus from abo\e (left) and below, Kent, May 1978 (I'rom field skcti hcs: II . (i. Harvey) occurred on 13th May, after winds had moved Ifom light northerly on 9th and 10th to Iresh ENK on 11th and light northwesterly on 13th. Ehe passage ol a cold Iront on the morning of 13th encouraged Swifts to mo\e quickly through Kent. Over the Ibllowing week, the winds were variable and light, moving to northeast on 20th and 21st, when the Pallid Swift was last reliably recorded. At Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory (1.7km E.SE of Stodmarsh) Swift passage peaked on 13th- 14th and 20th-23rd May, with only small numbers on 24th-26th (Martin Sutherland in till.). I hus, the Pallid Swift arrived with the first peak and left with the second. If it was of the west Mediterranean race hrehmorum, it seems likely that it joined a build-up of northward-bound Swifts in the Mediterranean. Its striking paleness, however, at least admits the possil)ility that it was from farther south, and of the Saharan/Middle-Eastern race pattidus. With supremely aerial birds such as sw ifts, the possibility of distant origins for v agrants is greater than for most species, and the full range of subspecihe characters must be borne in mind when attempting to identify a vagrant. Distribution \ aurie ( 1965) gave the range as “Madeira, Canaries, north western .Africa, coastal regions of the Mediterranean and some of its islands and the Sahara westwards [sic. presumably eastwards is meant) through Egypt and the Near East to Iraq, southern Iran and southern Baluchistan'. He described three Palearctic races: hrehmorum in the western Mediterranean, the darker illyricus in the eastern .Mediterranean, and the paler pallidus in the Sahara and the .Middle East. He considered that two further races, /twwwof East .Africa and somalicus of Somalia, may be conspecific, but White ( 1970) and Brooke ( 1978) considered these to be races of the .\yanza Swift .4. mansae. l()rming a superspecies with .1. pallidus. Ehe Pallid Swift is both migratory and resident, and there are single records from Uganda, Zambia and Cape Prov ince. Unfortunately, the high flying of migrant and wintering sw ifts and the difficulties of field identi- 176 Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland 109. Apus apus, Lanarkshire (Strathclyde), June 1949 (C. Eric Palmer) fication, particularly in the range o^niansae, mean that the migratory habits are not full)' known, and these three Afrotropical records may not be typical. In Europe, the northern limit of breeding is Piedmont, Italy (Boano 1979), while in France Pallid Swifts were hrst found in Corsica in 1932 and breeding proved there in 1936. Breeding was first conhrmed on the mainland in 1950, and all breeding records are from the Mediterranean littoral except for a population in the 1 oulouse area discovered in 1966 (\’eatman 1976). I'his French evidence suggests a slow extension of range northwards, although R. Clruon [in litl.) knows of no more northerly French records. Further, P. Goriup [in litt.) and Robert Hudson {in litt.) ha\ e been unable to trace any published records from elsewhere north of the breeding area, presumably because the dilhculty of held identification precludes most claimed sightings from acceptance. A Pallid Swift at Bath, Zeeland, Netherlands, on 8th August 1979 was the hrst Dutch record (G. J. Oreel in litt. to Dr j. r. R. Sharrock). Interestingly, Bath is on almost exactly the same latitude as Stodmarsh (about 51° 20' north). Throughout most of its range, the Pallid Swift is no more than locally common. Its habitat corresponds to that ofSw'ifts, similarly nesting in cliffs and buildings. It usually favours more open locations in buildings and never utilises holes in trees as the Swift does in eastern Europe and Siberia. Many, but not all, breeding colonies are in coastal towns and cliffs. I'he western Mediterranean subspecies hrehmorurn returns to its breeding area in M arch and leaves in November. Its season is thus at least two months longer than that of the Swifts in the same area, which suggests a much shorter migration for most indi\ iduals. Identification problems Since 1960 there have been at least nine other reports of Pallid Swifts in seven counties of southern and eastern England, west to Avon and north to Humlterside, but none has afforded such conclusi\ e \ iews as the Stodmarsh individual. To date, this remains the first and only accepted record f()r Britain and Ireland. The unusually favourable circumstances of this P allid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland 1 77 Table 1. Differences in lengths of 1st and 2nd primaries of Swift Apus apus and Pallid Swift A. patlidus 1 otals ol 40 of each species in British Museum (Natural History), Tring collection, measured by P. R. Colston RELATION OF IsT PRIMARY TO 2nD PRIMARY ±3-4 mm ± 1 -2 mm lst = 2nd — 1-2 mm — 3-4 mm — 5-6 mm Swift 0 5 10 12 1 1 2 Pallid .Swift 2 12 8 14 4 0 sighting should not obscure the difficulty of separating Pallid Swifts from Swifts in the field. Light conditions ha\e a \ariable efi'ect on the apparent coloration, since the differences are largely matters of degrees of shade. \\ ind conditions affect the mode of flight. Young Swifts are often paler than adults, show a more extensive pale throat patch and some mottling or scaling. There is also the possibility of unusual plumage variants and leucistic Swifts may be particularly misleading (e.g. \'inicombe 1978). The Central Asian race of the Swift A. a. pekinensis is intermediate in coloration between the nominate race and the darker races of the Pallid Swift. It has a larger throat patch than the nominate race and may show pale tips to the breast and belly feathers. Its primaries are darker than its secondaries. I n an examination of skins at Tring, Robert H udson could find no single plumage character which consistently separated all pekinensis from all Pallid Swifts. Since this subspecies ranges west to Turkey and the Levant, its occurrence in western Europe is possible, and it is necessary to exclude it in the field identification ofsuspected vagrant Pallid Swifts. This may not always be possible, particularly with distant \ iews of single birds. Lack ( 195b) discussed the differences between Sw ifts and Pallid Sw ifts, and also noted that most features are a matter of degree, with .some overlap between the two species in most characters. He found that on most Pallid Swifts the first and second primaries were equal or almost so. while on Swifts the second was usually longer. P. R. Colston [in iitl.), howe\ er, in a more recent examination, found that the overlap is consider- able, although there is a tendency for Apus apus to ha\e longer second primaries (table 1). Lack (1956) confirmed Hartert’s findings that the tails of Pallid Swifts are generally less forked than those of Swifts, and this w as further confirmed by Colston (table 2). On the basis of the comments of Lack (1956) and Robert Hudson (/>/ ////.), and the available descriptions of the Stodmarsh individual, 1 suggest Table 2. Differences in depth of tail fork of Swift Apus apus and Pallid Swift .1. patlidus 'fotals oficn ol'cach spccic.s in British Mu.seum (Natural History), rrins collection, measured (in mm) by P. R. Colston. S,D. = standard deviation LONGEST TAIL EE.VITIER SHORTEST TAIL FEATHER DIFFERENCE Rantrc Mean S.l). Range .Mean S.D. Range .Mean .S D. .Svvifi 72-78 74.b ±2.2 38-45 41.1 ±2.1 30-38 33.5 ±2.4 1 Pallid Swift 05-72 69.2 ±1.9 40-45 42.5 ±1.8 23-30 26.7 ±2.3 1 78 Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland that the following are the main identihcation features of Pallid Swifts when compared with Swifts in the field: /. Paler, milkier brown plumage 2. Dark brown outer primaries contrasting with paler secondaries and wing-coverts (compare with the contrary ejject on Swifts) 3. Breast, belly and especially mantle appear darker than wing-coverts, head and rump. The darker mantle can create a saddle effect and seems to be a consistent feature independent oj light conditions, whereas the dark underparts may only he a factor of shadow 4. Pale, whitish throat extending farther down breast, to sides of neck and onto forehead 5. Distinct mottling or scaliness on contour feathers, most noticeable on wing-coverts and flanks 6. Dark eye shadow mark often showing clearly on pale head. Although a factor oJ light conditions, this can he a strikingfleld mark 7. More blade-shaped wings, broader based and, usually, with blunter wingtips. Less obviously, the tail points look blunter and the fork shallower 8. Less agile, more deliberate flight, with more gliding It is likely that most, if not all, of these characters need to be cfearly seen in good light conditions and at close range, preferably in direct comparison with Swifts, ifcertain identihcation of vagrants is to be established. Acknowledgments I am grateful to those who sufjmitted descriptions of' the Stodmarsh Pallid Swift, but, although 1 have made use of their notes, the responsibility for what goes before is entirely mine. I am also very grateful for the considerable help and constructive criticism of P. Britton, Dr N. Clollar, P. R. Colston, R. Clruon, P. Goriup, R. Hudson, M.J. Rogers, Dr J. P. R. Sharrock, M. Sutherland and D. W. Taylor. I also thank Jeff Pick and David M. Cottridge, who took the photographs, and Mrs Sylvia Bastian, for typing the drafts. Summary 1 he first accepted Pallid Swift Apus pallidiis in Britain and Ireland was seen at .Stodmarsh, Kent, during 13th to 21st May 1978. Details of the species’ world range are given and the identification problems are discussed. References Bo.ano, G. 1979. II Rondone pallido Apus pallidus in Piemonte. Riv. Ital. Om. 49 (11); 1-23. Brookk, R. K. 1978. In Snow, D. W. (ed.) Atlas of Speciation oJ African Non Passerine Birds. l.ondon. Bu.ndy, G. 1976. Checklist oJ the Birds oJ Libya. London. Carey, R. 1973. ,4 Guide to the Birds of .'southern Portugal. Lisbon. Ltchecopar, R. D., and Hue, F. 1978. Les Oiseaux de Chine Nonpassereux. ’Tahiti. L.ack, D. 19.36. The species of Apus. Ibis 98: 34-62. .Moreau, R. L. 1971. The Palearctic-.\Jrican Bird .Migration Systems, l.ondon. I tiioi.L.AY, J. .M. 1974. .\idification du Martinet peAc Apus pallidus a .Martinet alpin .-\pus inelha cn .Afrique occidcntale. Alauda 42; 223-225. Vaurie, C. 1965. The Birds of the Palearctic Fauna. Non Passerines, l.ondon. X'iNicoMBE, K. L. 1978. Leucistic Swift. Brit. Birds 71: 418. W iiriE, C. M. 1970. .1 Revised Checklist of .African Non Passerine Birds. Lusaka. Yeatman, L. 1976. .Atlas des Oiseaux nicheurs de France de 1970 a 197.7. Paris. ir. 6'. Harvey, British Council (.Madras), c/o F.C.O., King Charles Street, London .S' If 7 Mystery photographs Last month’s mystery bird depicted in plate 93 (repeated here) was fairly obviously a wheat- ear Oenanthe, but which one? There are no less than 14 species of wheatear on the W est Palearctic list, several of which have reason- ably different subspecies and even colour phases. Coupled with the rather complicated seasonal varia- tions in plumage, the similarity between several species and the fact that over half of them may be encountered only in the rather underwatched parts of the region (the Middle East and North Africa), they are given only rather scant treatment in the identification guides, and the illustrations of other than spring males are of little use for identification purposes. The mystery wheatear has prominent pale fringes to the wing feathers, particularly the greater coverts, which indicates that it is an autumn or winter bird; these fringes are so abraded by the following spring that the wing usually looks uniformly blackish in several species. Males of most species have the plumage pattern of the head and body obscured by brownish or pale feather tipping in the autumn and winter which also gradually wears away by the spring, leaving the neatly patterned birds familiar to us in field guide illustrations. The rather mottled appearance of this wheatear indicates that it is an autumn or winter male with extensive blackish on the throat, the sides of the neck and the upperparts showing as dark-centred feathers which would no doubt be ver\ black in worn spring plumage. This narrows the field to the six dark-throated, dark-mantled, pale- crowned wheatears of the region. The rump of the mystery wheatear is clearly not the rufous of that of a male Red-rumped W heatear 0. moesta, so that species can be ruled out. Male Hooded W heatear 0. monacha has the longest bill of all West Palearctic wheatears, white outer tail feathers with only a hint of black at the tips (again not visible on a closed tail such as shown in the photograph) and relatively weak brown feather tipping on the body in winter. Eastern Pied Wheatear 0. picata complicates wheatear identification still further by having three distinct colour phases; ‘picata' with dark hood which resembles Hume’s Wheatear 0. athoniger, ‘capistrata’ with a white crown which resembles Pied Wheatear 0. pleschanka and ‘opistholeuca' with black head and underparts which resembles Black Wheatear 0. leucura. In the rather limited West Palearctic range of this species, however, the pale-crowned phase ‘capistrata' hds not been found, and can reasonably safely be ruled out. We can assume, therefore, that the mystery bird must be one of the three remaining species. Even in winter, male Finsch's Wheatear O.jinschii would show a markedly pale centre to the mantle and scapulars, with warm buff 179 180 Mystery photographs feather tipping, connecting to the pale crown and nape as a pale band right down the centre of the upperparts from bill to tail, and this doesn’t fit our bird either. Mourning W’heatear (). lugens, however, is a distinct possibility. Mourning occurs across North Africa and the Middle East in two groups of subspecies, both of which resemble male Pied Wheatear in general pattern, particularly those in North Africa, which lack the extensive band of white across the flight feathers of Middle Eastern races (white is on inner webs of flight feathers and is hardly \ isible when perched but conspicuous in flight). Mourning does not, however, acquire such distinct pale fringes to the wing feathers as on the mystery bird. Male Pied Wheatear is the only remaining possibility, and the bird in question is classic with all black parts obscured by brownish tipping, and the white crown also obscured except for a whitish SLipercilium. Pied and Black-eared Wheatears 0. hispanica are very closely related and form a superspecies. They share each other’s love of bush-perching, which is perhaps more marked than in other wheatears of the region, although it is by no means an infallible aid to identification. 1 his Pied Wheatear was photographed in Saudi Arabia in winter 1977 by X. R. Phillips. S. C. Madge 1 10. .\lyslery photograph 5.'t. .Name the specie,s. .Answer ne.xt month Notes Cormorants perching on overhead cable F urther to \cil 1 rout’s note {Brit. Birds 73: 310), 1 should like to add an observation of some 60 Cormorants Phalacrocorax carho standing together on thick overhead cable near W'elney, Norfolk, at about 15.30c;.\n on 24th February 1980. This was seen by many observers. Dominic Couzens 31 Richmond Bark Road, London S\\14 8Jl' We have also reeeixed details from H. S. Crippin ot a Cormorant perehing on wires at Welney on 22nd September 1979; Irom J. W’. Perry of Brandt’s F. penicillatus and Doiible- erested Cormorants F. auritus frec|uently perehing on power lines in California, L’S.V; and from R. .\. Smith ofCommon I'erns Sterna hirundo perehing on large-diameter power lines at R>e .Meads, Hertlindshire (ef. Brit. Birds 73: 316). Phis habit appears to he widespread; future submissions will be filed lor relerenee, but not published separately. Eds Caspian Terns sun-bathing with Ring-billed Gulls I n \ cry hot weather during Kith February to 30th March 1978, at Lake Martha, F lorida, L’.S.\, I often saw two Ckispian Ferns Sterna caspia consorting with at least 40 Ring-billed Ciulls Lams delawarensis on nearby Hat rooftops. Fhey occasionally lolled a little on one side, but others ise allowed the sun's rays to play directly on their upperparts, their wings droo|)ing only \ ery slightly on each side of their bodies. Bern.vrd King Gull Cry, 9 Bark Road, Xewlyn, Benzance, Cornwall Isabelline Wheatear in Norfolk At 06.15 CEM Ton 28th May 1977, P. R. .Mlard found a large \er\ sandy-coloured wheatear Oenantlie on \\ inierion Dunes, Norfolk. Noticeable at once were the lack of any head pattern and the presence of two pale areas on the upperparts forming an obscure A". Fherc was \ irtuall\ no trace ol' white to be seen on the tail when on the ground, but in llight the white on rump and tail was \ er\ conspicuous. In flight too the general appearance was noticeabK light-coloured, and the underwing, though diflicult to see, was \ er\ pale. In comparison with a nearby Wheatear O. oenantlie, the head looked proportionateK bigger and more rounded, the bill heaxier and the legs longer; in size and stance, it resembled the Cireenland race 0. o. leucorrhoa. It moved through the short grass w ith remarkable ‘running hops' of up to 1.5m. 1 he rather short tail was constantly flicked up and doyvn yvhether the bird yvas on the ground or perched, y\ Inch it did (juite freely on small bushes in the otheryvise rather sandy area. It yvas more confiding than the Wheatear. alloyving approach doyvn to about 9m. When first found, it yvas often heard to utter a subdued ’cheep', coujded yvith a Hick of the yvings and a movement of the head, but later only one call yvas noted: a loud double note, rather high-pitched, slightly drayvn out and diflicult to transcribe but probably best rendered as 'y\ heet-whit'. At 07.30, A. J. fauvrie arriy ed. In yvhich time PR.\ was coin inced that it yvas an Isabelline Wheatear 0. isabellinus, a species nexv to them both. ( )bscrvations continued litr much of the day; V. F. Boulton yvatched during 181 182 Notes the altcrnoon. I'hc bird was last seen shortly alter 17.30, but, despite an e.xttaisixe search, could not be Ibund the ne.xt day. The Ibllovving points were noted by PR.\ and AJL: cpFtRPARTS Head ratluT plain unit()rm sandy brown, uown liactionalK darker and rather ineonspieuous brown loral stripe, hall deptii ol and terminating immediately behind e\ e; hint of pale narrow snpereilium just meetiiiiJ on Ibreliead; ear-eo\erts pale sancK brown; lower nape, niiintle and bac k ptile sand\ brown, with linely mottled Hecks on mantle'; high on ’shoiilders' and scapulars ptile and rather more greyish aretis Iccrming 1)1 oad '\ ' on npperparts from rear \ iew; jjiimaries and secondaries onb sligluK daiker brown than mantle, but seceuichiries edged ptiler; lower bac k slighth darkei' than mantle; white eonlined to rump and uppertail-eo\ erts; base of tail and basal hall ofouter tail leathers (I'ewer than W heatear) white; centre of tail (more than W'heatear) and termiiud h;iH of outer leathers brow n- gre\ . u.NDERP.ARTS Throat \ ery pale bullish; breast generally dirt\ vOiite; trace of warm bull pec toral band; lower breast fraetionalK siindier than upper; Hanks \ery pale bull; belK dirt\ white, bare parts Bill black, longer ;md stouter than \\ heatetir's; Ic-gs blac k or blac kish, longer than W heatear's. d'hc only prc\ i(jus satislactoriK authenlicated record of this species in Britain and Ireland was at .Mlonln, Citimberland. on 1 1th Xo\eniber 1887 {Ibis (1888); 149). A report of one on St Marx's, Isles ol'.SeilK, on 1st Xox enilter 1971, referred to by Sharrock die Sharrock (197(), Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland) as still under review, was subsecjuently considered to be not lulK substantiated. 1 he 1977 Xorfolk record has been accepted by the l»()l' Records Cionnnittee (the species not haxing l)een reeorded in the j)re\ ions 30 years) as well as by (he Rarities Cioinmittee: the species now moves from C Category H to Category .\, ol the British and Irish list. .\t l’R.\'s reciLiest. this note has been compiled frcjm his submitted (lest rij)tion. Rogers Hon. Secretary, Rarities Committee, 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames , Middlesex TWI6 7TP Isabelline Wheatear in Grampian A large sandy brown wheatear Oenanthe was first seen by rim Milsom at (firdleness, .Aberdeen, on 17th Oc tober 1979. .\lthough he suspected that it was an Isalielline W heatear O. isabellinus, this was confirmed only when it was relocated b\ I'M and shown tex us on 22nd October. The bird remained in the area until lOth Xox ember, during which period it was seen by numerous observers, and was trapped lor ringing on 23rd October. 4'he bird haunted a stretch of the municipal golf cotirse at Girdleness, preferring the short grass turf of the fairways when midisturbed, but often xisiting nearby hummocks coxered in long grass, w here it perched at times in the entrance to rabbit burrows, on stones or on chimps ol herbage. It alscx frequently xisited a stony, rubble-strc'wn bank aboxe the nearby beach. .Although it was not possible to make a direct comparison xvith \\ heatears 0. oenanthe, the bird looked obx iously bulky and long-leggc'd (in this, it was reminiscent of the (ireenland race of the W'heatear O. oenanthe leiicorrhoa) , with a noticeably long, stout bill. The general appearance xvas of a ]:»ale, sandy brown wheatear with a lac k ol distinctixe plumage features when at rest. On further study, hoxvewer, it was apj^arent that the appc'ar- anc e of the bastard wingdillered considerably from that ol autumn female and immature W'heatears: the bastard wing (in fact onix the largest feather) appeared as an isolated dark ox al, surrounded l)y the pale underparts and Notes 183 1 1 1-1 14. Isabcllinc Whcatcar Oenanthe isaheUinus, (bampiaii. October 1979 (Alan G. Knox) the predominantlv palc-looking u ing-coveris. I he bastard w ing ol autumn female or immature W heatear lacks this isolated appearanee due to the mueh darker appearanee of the primary eo\erts eompared with those ol 184 Notes Isabelline \\ heatcar (a consequence of the tonner’s much narrower pale fringes) . 4’hus, even on pale bvasheci-out’ W’heatears, the primary coxerts form a bridge connecting the dark bastard wing to the predominantK dark closed primaries, producing an all-dark margin to the closed wing. This dillerence seems not to be mentioned in the literature, but prox ed a reliable field mark when tested on W'heatears and other Isabelline W'heatears. An examination of skins ol both species at the Manchester Museum confirmed the existence ol the difference. By spring, the feather xvear of some Isabelline W heatears has progressed until these differences are no longer apparent. In flight, the tail pattern xvas distinctixe. 'There was no sign of the black ‘1’ so typical of niost x\ heatears; instead, the rump, uppertail-cox erts and up|)ertail appeared to be equally dix ided into two ‘squares’ of approxi- mately equal area — the proximal square being xvhite, the distal square blackish-brow II. In this, the bird recalled Desert W'heaiear 0. deserti, but this species shows more black than whitish on the tail and rump region. We haxe found that Isabelline W heatears show considerable xariation in tail pattern. Although many (perhaps the majority) show a roughly bisected pattern, with approximately equal ‘squares’ of black and xvhite, others shoxv a fairly short-stemmed but noticeable blackish I’. Examination of skins at the Manchester Museum indicated that this xariation in appear- ance is caused by the varying length of the white uppertail-cox erts. which ffecjuently obscure the more extensixe blackish area on the central tail leathers. 4 he underwing appeared to be a silxery, almost translucent whitish. \\ hen undisturbed, the bird had a characteristic feeding behaviour: running rapidly forward in a horizontal posture and suddenly half squatting, xvith its legs slightly splayed, as it pecked on the ground at its prey. This seems, howexer, to have been a response to the strong xvinds which prevailed for most of its stay, for we have not observed identical behaviour by Isabelline W heatears elsewhere. When alert, it adopted an upright posture reminiscent of the Greenland race of the W heatear. The tail was regularly raised and lowered when the bird was at rest. Pellets were regurgitated at frequent intervals. 'The only call heard was an infrequently uttered, rather soft ‘tcheep’. Interestingly, the plumage of the upperparts became noticeably darker and dingier when the bird was seen in damp weather. 'The following field description xvas compiled from notes taken during dry conditions (as xvere the amplifying details taken in the hand, and included in brackets): CPFERPARI'S Forehead, erovvii. nape, manile and back ratlier pale sandy l)rown (warm bull tip.s to lower back leathers ga\e warm tinge). Fairly broad, pale supereilium ex- tetided Irom ear-eo\erts, ahiiost meeting on l()rehe;id: ereamy white behind and abo\e eye, but less distiiu t and tinged bullish in Iront ol eye. .Xarrovs dark eyeline extended Irom ear-eo\ erts to base of bill; loral region less distinetly dark (leathers showed pale ti|)s; ‘eyeline’ Itehind eye aetiially merely shadow elleet). Cheeks warm, pale bull; ear- eoverts slightly browner. W ing-eo\erts; dark brown leather eentres broadly^ edged and tip|)ed pale bull, especially prominent on greater coverts (outer primary eoxerts iip|)ed whitish). Ihistard wing dark brown (largest leather dark brown, edged iiiu rowly whitish- biiir, but smaller leathers resembled outer primary coverts). Flight leathers dark brown, edged and tipped whitish-bull, broadly on inner secondaries and tertials. Notes 185 narrowly on outer sceondaries and primaries (inner primaries edged warm, pale bull'). L ppertail-eoveris and rump white (former slightly tipped with very pale bull). Base of tail white, remainder dark brown, tipped narrowly whitish-bulf, no blaekish 1' \ isible; white uppertail-eo\erts obscured the more e.xtensi\c dark brown areas on central tail leathers: extent ol dark brown area was. from innermost to outermost leathers. 39 mm, 30 mm, ‘2B m.m, 27 mm, 2b mm and 27 mm (30.,') mm on outer web ol outer feather); longest uppertail-eo\ ert extended to within 24 mm of tail tip. In the hand, the tertials and inner secondaries were found to be heavily worn, while the remaining flight feathers and tail were only slightly worn. Based on feather wear, the bird was thought to be an immature. I bis was the third record of the species for Britain and Ireland. The two previous records were from (aimberland on 11th November 1887 {Ibis ( 1888): 149) and Norfolk on 28th Mav 1977 {But. Buds 74: 181-182). M ARK Beaman and Ai.an G. Knox 8 Albert Road East, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire \\ A159.\I. CNDERPARTS Brcast and flanks warm, pale bull; t hin, throat and belly paler w hitish bulf. L'ndertail-eo\ erts pale eream tinged with bull. L'nderwing appeared silvery, almost translueent whitish in flight (axillaries and underwing-eoverts white, with bulf tinge along leading edge ol wing; undersides of flight feathers a rather siKery, medium greyish brown, broadb edged silvery white; tips of inner secondaries pale bull'). BARE PARTS BUI. eye and legs blackish (eye dark brown). Pied Wheatear in Grampian A male Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka was present near the mouth of the River Don, at Aberdeen, Grampian, from 26th September (when it was found by Phil Shaw) to 7th October 1976. It usually frequented a stretch of beach backed by a slope of large boulders and liberally strewn with storm-driven debris (mainly rafts of weeds washed down the Don, and driftwood). It perched on the debris or boulders and flew from perch to perch if disturbed. When feeding, it stood on the weed or driftwood and pounced down on its prey, only to return to a perch immediately. It very rarely spent any length of time on the sand. Occasional flycatching flights were made, the wheatear usually returning to the perch from which the flight had started. At a distance, the bird was obviously a wheatear Oenanthe, but it had a much slimmer shape, a longer tail and was clearly smaller than the nearby Wheat- ears. (). oenanthe (see plate 115). Its build was very similar to that of a Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus. and, when on the ground or perched, it stood less upright than O. oenanthe. Unlike the Wheatears, it showed a strong contrast between the dark upper- parts and light underparts. From the front and sides, was clear; from the rear, and as it flew away, a huge area of white on the back, rump and sides of the tail was conspicuous and made it easy to distinguish from the Wheatears present. At times it would bob its tail. The following field description has been compiled: 115. .\duli nuilr PicTi Wluairar i hiuinihf filfuhfinkii. ( iranipian. 0( IoIkt 197h(7'. /* .\hI\om\ a blackish face mask Forehead, crown, nape, mantle and lower mantle seemed slightly darker. .\t a scapulars dark greyish-brown, colour ap- distance, only a little contrast between shade pearing uniform throughout except under of upperparts and slightly darker wings, favourable conditions, when scapulars and L nder good conditions, and il rutiled. 186 Notes * scapulars and mantle feathers seen to have black centres and paler tips. On one occasion, when plumage wet and clearly dis- organised, one or two of leathers on nape and crown seen to have whitish centres. Wing- coverts dark, with pale edges, especially broad on greater coverts, tips of which Ibrmed broad, pale wing-bar. Primaries blackish, narrowly tipped paler; secondaries and tertials very broadly edged and tipped bullish. White on rump and lower back extended to level of wing-bar; at base ol tail, white tinged bulf. Central tail feathers black; others white, with narrow black bar near end. Black extended up outer web of outer tail feathers to considerable degree, reaching between one-third and halfway up side of tail. Extremely narrow, pale tip to each tail feather. Sides of head, from above eye down to and including throat, black, intense near bill and eyes, but with pale tips becoming broader lower down. Black on sides of head Wheatear Oemnlhe did not e.xtend to bend ol wing. Breast to (irampian, October 1976 (d/aw 6'. undertail-coverts rich, peach-bulf, especially Knox) strong on breast, paler at vent. Bill, legs and eyes blackish. With its uniform, dark upperparts the bird was quite unlike any wheatear described or illustrated in The Handbook or any of the field guides consulted. Initially, there was some discussion as to its identity, and it was not until the white at the base of its nape and crown feathers was seen several days after it arrived that most observers were satisfied that it was indeed a Pied Wheatear. On 4th October, small funnel traps baited with a few mealworms were placed beside each of six of its favourite perches and within minutes it was caught (see plate 116 and Bril. Birds 71; plates 196-198). In the hand, the diflerence between the pale-centred feathers on the head and nape and the dark-centred feathers on the mantle was easily seen, unlike in the field. The fresh autumn plumage of the Pied Wheatear was subsequently found to be illustrated in Baxter & Rintoul (1910: white-throated form of male, although originally identified as female, see Ash 1956) and Meinertz- hagen ( 1 930: plate 1 1 , fig. 1 , although with a pale collar in this case) . The extent of the white on the rump and lower back of this species appears to be highly variable, as the first British specimen was said to show less white on the rump when it flew than 0. oenanthe (Baxter & Rintoul 1910). In contrast, the 1976 bird was easily recognised in flight, even in poor light, by the huge area of white on its back (sec Brit. Birds 71: plate 197). Examination of skins of 0. p. pleschanka at the Royal Scottish and British Museums showed that, on some specimens, the white can extend up the back to the level of the wing-bar, but not even to the tip of the longest tertial on others. Morphological variation of the Pied Wheatear is further complicated by hybridisation with the Black-eared Wheatear O. hispanica, resulting in a complete range of intermediates, described in detail by Hafl'cr (1977), who also suggested that the polymorphism in throat colour shown Notes 187 by both pleschanka and hispanica may be a result of hybridisation and introgression. The wing-length of the Aberdeen bird was 97 mm; indicative of the race 0. p. pleschanka, which is distributed widely in southeast Europe and southern and central Asia. It was the fifth record for Britain and Ireland, the others being a male on the Isle of May, Fife, on 19th October 1909, and females in Orkney on 1st November 1916, at Portland, Dorset, on 17th-19th October 1954 and on Skokholm, Dyfed, on 27th October 1968. There have been two records since: males in Norfolk on 28th May 1978 and in Northumberland on 28th and 29th October 1979. AlanG. Knox and Pete Ellis Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB9 2TS REFERENCES .\sH, P. S. 1956. Female Pied VVheatear; the problem of identification. Brit. Birds A9: 317-322. Baxter, E. & Rintoui,, L. J. 1910. On the occurrence of the Eastern Pied Chat (Sa.xicota pleschanka) in Scotland — a new British bird. Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist. (1910); 2-4. Haffer, J. 1977. Secondary contact zones of birds in northern Iran. Bonner Zoologische Monographien, no. 10. Meinertzhagen, R. 1930. Nicoll’s Birds of Egypt, vol. 1. London. Lesser Whitethroat dust-bathing On 28th .August 1978, at Purton, Wiltshire, I watched a Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca dust-bathing. It was performing the typical shuflling and rotating movements, creating a shallow hollow in the dry soil, and was then seen to expel the dust. Fhese movements continued for up to four minutes, before it joined another Lesser Whitethroat feeding nearby; both ex entually flew into a hedgerow. 1 have been unable to find anv reference to warblers dust-bathing. .M ICH.AEL W. 4'yLER Green Valley, Trevia, Cameljord, Cornwall P1329L’X Feeding habits of juvenile Red-backed Shrike On 28th .August 1978. at W alberswick, Suffolk, I watched a ju\ enile Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio for 45 minutes through a 40X tripod-mounted telescope at 50m. 4'hc larder it was forming in the base of a large clump of brambles Rubus was also its main look-out post. When the shrike flew to the top of a small elder Sarnbucus nigra, it would pluck and dex our the berries before fl> ing back to the bramble clump. 4’he elder was its tallest possible look-out. but it would fly to and perch on it only to cat the berries. Most references refer to breeding adults forming larders, but not to Juveniles. I ha\ e also found no reference to Red-backed Shrikes feeding on berries. .N. R. Davies 2 Woodside Cottages. W'estwell Lane. Ashford. Kent Corn Bunting with abnormal song In late june and earl\ July 1978. at Langton Herring. Dorset, a male C.orn Bunting Miliaria calandra was present which had an unusual song. 4 his took two forms: one started like the song of a 5'ello\\ hammer Emheriga citrinella and ended with a few jangling notes similar to those which end the C'.orn Bunting's normal song; the other was a \ ariation almost indistinguishable from a \ ariation of the 5 ellowhammer's .song: ‘ji, ji, ji. ji, jeee-ju', ending on a lower pitched note. I'he bunting was also heard to utter a call identical to the Vellowhammer's ‘jik’. The ‘half-5'ellowhammer' song variation was so distinctive that I was able to locate and identify the bunting by sound alone. Once it was seen 188 Notes consorting with \'ello\vhaniiners, chasing both males and females in a rather aggressi\ e manner. (Charles K. Richards 62 Harbour View Road, Verne Common Estate, Portland, Dorset DT5 lEF Letter Tail shape of Bulwer’s Petrel M. R. Alibone commented on the ap})arent lack of wedge shape to the tail ol Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria hulwerii [Brit. Birds 73: 217). In April 1971, 1 saw several Bulwer’s Petrels ofl the bidge of Africa in the vicinity of the Cape \’erde and Canary Islands and all c learly shcjw ed a wedge-shaped tail. I was looking down from the deck of a large liner and, thus, was getting a dorsal view at fairly close range, d'ail shape, as distinct from length, would be less apparent to the coastal watcher with a more horizontal v iewing angle. P. M. Caunti.ett 55 Lark] ie Id Avenue, Kenton, Harrow, Middlesex HA33SQ_ Announcements 'C'Si. ysT- NOTEBOOKOF BIRDS ‘A Notebook of Birds — 1907- 1980’ I’his new' book — an an- thology of ‘Notes’ and ‘Letters’ published in British Birds, chosen and with a linking commentary by Dr jim Flegg — will be published in July 1981 by Macmillan London. It is full of thought-provoking obser- vations and ideas, and is attrac- tively produced, with line-drawings by Norman Arlott, Robert Gillmor and Laurel I’ucker. Subscribers to British Birds can order this book now and it will be sent post free promptly on publica- tion. British Birds will gain financially ifyour orders are sent via us, and funds so obtained will be devoted to the journal, d'he book costs £6.95 (please add 50p if over- seas). Please send orders and cheques or postal orders (payable to ‘British Birds’) to BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 3nj (or payment can l)e made into I’K Pc3st Ofhee GIRO account no. 37 588 6303). M ( tricriii.il N< )it‘s in mi British Binds w iili ;i r<)mmonT;ir\ In .IIM I 1 1,(.(. Book offers It helps BB\ finances if you order these books from us: .1 Notebook of Birds — 1 907 -1 980 hy ]\\n Flegg (Macmillan) £6.95 j)ost free. Frontiers oj bird Identification edited by J. 'F. R. Sharrock (.Macmillan) £7.95 post free. Announcernenls 189 \\ ddfowl of hurope by Myrfyn Owen (Macmillan) £9.95 post free. Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book by Bill Oddie (E\re Methuen) £4.95 j)ost free. Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1981 edited by John E. Pemberton (Buckingham Press) £5.45 (£4.95 + 50p p & p). It you order more than one title, please write your orders for each book on a separate sheet. W e will pass your orders on to the respccti\ e publishers, who will send the books to you by post. Orders and c heques or postal orders (payable to British Birds lad) to: BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. ( For orders from addresses outside the L’K and the Republic ol Ireland, please add 50p. Payment can be made into l/K (iiro account number 37 588 b3()3.) Requests Garganey and Girl Bunting records .\.s a result cjI rcpreseniaiioiis lioni several people, the Rare Mreeditig Birds I’aiiel has agreed to ;idd (jargaiiey .l/tco querqueduta and Carl Bunting Emherizd cirlus to its list. .Sinee the i’anel's most recently published report is that Ibr 1979 (Brit. Bird.'i 74; 1 7 -‘Mi), it is [jossible for these additions to be ttiade retrospeetiveh : (Itirganey and C arl Bunting will be included in the I’anel’s 1980 re|)ort as well as subseejuent ones. Observers are rec|uested to send details oi all breeding season sightings ol these species iti 1980, 198 1 atid stibsec|uent years to the relevant county or regional bird recorder who will, as tisital, theti pass them on to the I’anel oti its special l<)rms. Please notilv mere presence in the breeding season in suitable habitiit (as well as probtible and coulirmed breeding): both spei ies appetir to be decreasing and we stress that laucoi(/es (l)elou, u ith Black-headed Gulls L. ridihundits). Me rseyside, January/February IDHl {Petei M. Harris) resulted in a remarkable number of Arcti( gulls appearing in Shetland. At least lour individual Ross’s Gulls R/iodnstelhia rosea were reported between 14th and 2Hih, at \\ halsay, Quendale, Scalloway and L'nst. About 100 Glaucous Gulls I.arus hyperhoreus were estimated to be present at the last locality on 23rd, with ten in I.erwick Harbour and six at Scalloway. Farther south, the nutnbers reported were low, with seven seen in Ireland, two at Filev Brigg (.North \'orkshire), two in Gornwall and one at W hitel()i'd Burrows (West Glamorgan). Reports ol Iceland Gulls L. glaucoides were more widespread: in .Shetland, three were found at Foil, two in .Scalloway Harbour and 119 & 120. Below, and top page 103, first-winter Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides. Foihian, January lOBI (.S'. R. D. da Prato] Recent reports 193 1 i I two in Lerwick Harl)our, and, in Ireland, (bur at Lorlavogie (Co. Down) and one at Ardgloss (Co. Down), with singles at Lowestolt (Suflitlk), Dunbar (Lothian) (plates 1 19 <& 120), Swanpool (Cornwall), Bridlington (Humberside) and Scalby ( North Yorkshire), as well as the regular one in Merseyside (plates I 17 & 1 18). Other gull records were of two Ring-billed Culls /,. delawarensis in Mounts Bay (Cornwall), a Great Black-headed Gull L. ichthyaetus at Plvmouth (Devon) and Mediterranean Gulls L. melanocephalus at W intersett Reservoir (West \'orkshire), Fishguard (Dyfed), Clogher Head (Co. Louth), Swan- pool and two on the Sullblk coast. Seabirds Little Auks Alle alle were (bund in numbers in Shetland waters during the bad weather and singles were reported at Filey Brigg on 24th and from Dun Laovie (Dublin) on 7th. ■\ White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii was again reported from Shetland, at Whalsay on 24th, and notable di\er concentrations were of 1 1 5 Red-throated 6'. stellala oil Benacre (Sulfolk) on 17th, and 15 Black-throated (>. arcfica in Mounts Bay. Wading birds Following the December records of Cattle Egrets Buhulcus ibis in the southwest and Dyled, where one stayed throughout the month, further reports came of singles at .\ber (plates 121 & 122) and on .Anglesey (both Gwynedd) and another at I.och- winnoch (Strathclyde) on 24th. I’he Cranes (hus itrus in .Norfolk stayed on l()r yet another month, as did the Little Egret Egretta gar::etta 194 Recent reports at Si Mawes (Cornwall). The Pelerstone (Ciwent) Sj>otted Sandpip>er Actitis rnacularia al.so stayed another month, and other notable -Nearctic waders were a Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus at Caerlaverock (Dumfries & Galloway) and a Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa Jtavipes at Lodmoor (Dorset) on 30th. .A Whimbrel Nurnenius phaeopus continued to survive in Suffolk on the River Blythe and coasting Grey Phalaropes Phalaropus Julicarius were reported at Ramsgate (Kent) and ofi Filey Brigg. Waterfowl \\ ith the weather remaining mild, not many changes in the wildfowl population occurred. The White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala was still around in the hrst part of the month, and will no doubt provide a lot of work for the BOU Records Committee in due course. A Snow Goose Anser caerulescens was reported from the Solway (Dumfries & Galloway) and a total of 3,000 Bewick’s Swans Cygnus cotumhianus was estimated on the Ouse Washes (Cambridgeshire). A few Long- tailed Ducks Ciangula hyemalis continued to winter inland, with two at Cropston Reser- voir (Leicestershire), one at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir (West Glamorgan) and a western coastal record from Padstow (Cornwall). A total of seven Ring-necked Ducks Aythya cottans was present in Cornwall, with singles at Knock Lake (Co. Dublin) on 14th, and at ’J8i Dungeness (Kent) late in the month. Further Nearctic species reported were Teals Anas crecca of the race carotinensis on the Bov ne Estuary (Co. .Meath) on 11th and at Hayle (Cornwall), an American Wigeon Anas atnericana in .N'igg Bay (Grampian) and another winter record of Surf Scoter Melanitla perspicillala at Filey Brigg on 20th. Raptors Rough-legged Buzzards Buteo tagopus were reported more widely in eastern areas, with twos in Y orkshire and .North Lincolnshire and singles at W'alberswick and Lound (both Suffolk), on the Berkshire Downs and on the Isle of Sheppey (Kent). Fhe Goshawk Accipiter genlilis reported from W'alberswick in November continued to put in an occasional appearance and a Red Kite Milvus milvus w as seen at South Cove (again Suffolk) on 10th. I he most exciting report was of a Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus at W’hiteadder Reservoir (Lothian) on 8th February'. In contrast to the far northeast, the southwest has not been aware of the winter, so tliat reports of arrivals of Swallows Hirundo rustica, Wheatear Oenanlhe oenanthe and Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava bv late January are unusual, but to be expected. Wintering Firecrests Regulus ignicaptllus were common in Cornwall and several were seen in south Wales, and 40 Chiffchaffs Pfiytloscopus cotlyhita were reported at Helslon .Sewage-works (Cornwall). .More unusual wintering birds were a Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus in l.incolnshire, a Tree Pipit Anthus trivial is near Ringwood (Hampshire) and two Whinchats Saxicola rubetra near Selkirk (Borders). Latest news In first halfolMarch: Night Heron Avr/ifora.v nycticorax at Foulness (lissex). Surf Scoter at Hunstanton (.Norfolk); and dribble of sum- mer migrants, including Hoopoes Ipupa epops at I’ortland (Dorset) and .Sevenoaks (Kent). GRIP THEM ALL OFF! DON’T DIP OUT ON.. . BLACK m AT LAST— THE TRUTH ABOUT BIRDING Chapters include: ■ The twitchers glossary ■ Fooling the rarities committee ■ The possible/probables game ■ The bird-watchers song book. (BB177) EYRE METHUEN £4.95 • 1 I ICELAND I i Spring Tour for i I Ornithologists j j 14th-26th May, 1981 j I in the company of | I John G. Williams, j I Ornithologist and I I Norman Arlott I I (Bird Illustrator off 1980) i ' Detailed brochure available from | I Specialised Travel Division | j JTA. JOHNSON’S TRAVEL | I AGENCY LTD. | j T rafalgar House, Paradise Street, | • Birmingham B1 2BG. j I Tel: 021-643 8321. Telex: 337335 | I Members o( .\BT.'\ ATOl, 1357B I I ( DO 1 /y ) ■ We of fer 20-33'^% Discounts on oil these famous brands of binoculars and telescopes BINOCULARS BY: Zeiss (East & West) Leitz Swift Kowa Greenkat Pentax Hartman Habicht Bushnell Mirador Tasco Heron Steiner, etc. TELESCOPES BY: Schmidt & Bender Nickel Supra Televari Swift Kowa Optolyth Mirador Bushnell Discoverer (Bausch & Lomb) This extensive range may be viewed in the quiet and comfort of our showrooms, with views of over two miles distance. We are open Mon.-Fri. 9 a m. - 5 p.m. (Thurs. 9.30 a.m. - 1 p.m.) and Sat. 9.30 a m. - 4.30 p.m. For those who cannot call personally ALL our goods are available by MAIL ORDER and are insured during transit. Despatch is normally made within thulysix hours of receipt of the order and our FOURTEEN DAY APPROVAL scheme applies . We provide a FREE PRICE LIST and “BUYER S GUIDE TO BINOCULAR OWNERSHIP" ^ and orders can be placed by telephone using your Access or Barclavcard. Please send 30p postage for catalogue. TICK BOX OPTICAL COMPANY ^^T elescopesQ BinocularsQ 23/25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. ^ /Address (0277)221259/219418/210913^^^^^ Name . Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 HO LI DA Y A CCOMMODA TION HOLIDAY COTTAGE. Com (Tied barn, pano- l aniic \ iews. 1 miles I’embrokesliire eoasl. Ri\ er I’eifi. I,e\ine, ^’s^:ul)orhen. St. Dotrniaels. Cardi.uiaii. 1 el: llb'J. (BB119) N. NORFOLK, Im Blakene\ . Charmiiit; liixun eotlajJes. sleep 1. 7. I'el: Waller. 4L?d2b (BBK.'i) COMFORTABLE COTTAGE TO LET (sleep 5), ideally situated Ibr birdwatching holidays. Near Blakeney Point, Cley, Salthouse, Scolt Head bird sanctuaries. Night storage heaters, open tires, fully equipped. Details: .Mrs Faulkner, Red Lodge, The Quav, Blakenev, .Norfolk .NR2.') 7.NF. Telt'ciey 74U468’. ' (BB1022) QUIET GUESTHOUSE. Central heating. Two minutes beach. Surrounded by farmland, hills and cliffs. .Also self-contained Hat with outstand- ing views of Holm Sound and Scapa Flow. Send S.AE Ibr details and terms. St. .Nicholas Guest House, Holm, Orkney. Tel: Holm 320. (BBb4) CLEY, N. NORFOLK. Bed and Breakfast in comfortable home all year round. Birkhead, ‘Brambling’, Clhurch Lane, Cley, Tel. 740780. (BB145) WEST NORFOLK. Birds, fish, golf. National I’rusts, Sandringham, all Vi hour from our X\ 11 centup. coaching inn. Fine English food and real ale. Personal supervision by owners. £31 per per- son for weekend break. .Send for brochures. W! R.AC. Crown Hotel, Downham .Market, .Norfolk. Tel: Downham .Market (03663) 2322. (BB67) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Tradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated National Trust beauty area. Abundant wildlife, naturalists’ paradise. To let fortnightly. SAE: Whiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) WEST SUSSEX. \ isit .\rundel W ildlinvl 1 rust Black .Mill House Hotel. Bognor Regis. 2-mins sea. .Marine Gardens. Games room, cocktail bar. sep. colour I \' lounge: enclosed garden. R-XC”". .\shley Courtenas Reed. From £84.00 pw .Mini-Breaks. Illust. Brot h. Pel: 0243 82 lt)4."). (BBI26) CHARMING, SECLUDED, Victorian Manor House now luxury 3-star hotel. Set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens overlooking Taw Valley. Central for fishing, golf, touring and walking. ■Also available, three self-catering cottages. Northcote Manor. Burrington, near Umberleigh, N. Devon. Tel: (07696) .301. (BB23) PEACEFUL *AA Lambsquay Country House Hotel. V\ ye/Dean Forest- — Waders and Falcons within vicinity. Excel, food and wine. H&C, full C/H. I'el; 0594 33127 for brochure please. (BB26) BRIDGWATER BAY nature reserve. Coml()r- table seli-ctitering cottage. Sleeps 4-.’). .Sae l<)r brodmre: W ebb. Cox's Farm.Steart. Bi idgwater. Somerset. 0278 6;")2322. (BBI07) MID WALES. Wide choice of self-catering farmhouse, cottages, etc., throughout mid Wales. Brochure from: .Mid Wales Holiday, .Newtown, Powys. Fel: 09745 320. ( BB4) CENTRALLY HEATED holiday flats. Open all Near. ,S.\E Ibr brochure to: .Mrs .M. .Nicholls, .Sea- W a\ es, St. .Mary's, Isles of .Scilly, Cornwall, Fel: Scillonia 22752. (BBX957) NORTH WALES. .Near C;iernar\on. bimgtilow. sleeps (), well furnished, cjuiet. not isolated. Hand\ lor mountains, sea. .\nglese\ . II .\bbots W a\ . .Newcastle. .Stalls. Fel: 0782 6 1 7510 or 0433 31367. (BB133) TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking RSPB Reserve, THE M.A.NOR HOTEL offers comfortable accommodation and gix)d food throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. Special “Bird- Watchers’ ’’ weekends monthly from November to March, and 2 or 3-day breaks during the same period. Postal address: King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8BB. Telephone; Brancaster (048 521) 221. (BB38) COMFORTABLE FARMHOUSE aaommoda- tion close to river and woodlands. G(X)d food. S.AE: Svmons, Commerans, .St Just in Roscland, ■fruro. Tel: Portseatho 270. ' (BBlOl) LLAWHADEN CASTLE and Churchill W ood ntilure reserve tire adjacent to this C|uiet countrv guesthouse. ( iomlitrtable aaommodtuion and good li)()d. Idetillv silutiled liir touring SW W tih's. Dinner, b&b. W illitims. Castle House, l.htw- htiden, Nat Iterth. Dv led. I el: 09fU 4 245. { BB 1(12) BLAKENEY 2'h MILES: I .uxurv Ihit l()r two in newlv -eonv erted stables in grounds of old rectorv . S.\E Beeson. .Saxlinghttm Rectorv . Holt. (BB(>8) ISLE OF ARRAN. S/c modernised farm cot- tages at Sliddery. .Apartments at Machrie adjacent golf course/shore. (4raham, 47 Henry Street, Langholm. Tel: 80272. (BBl 14) OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND. 1 Vz miles north of l.odi Ken. .Mrs B. Forrest. Ken Bridge Hotel. .New (iiilloway. Kirki iiditrighishire. DG7 3PR. Fel: .New Gallowav 211. (BB86) CLEY — BIRDWATCH as you breakfast! .All year round B&B in very comfortable home, directly overkxtking bird reserve and salt marshes. .Alan and Sheila Hart, Fhe .Saltings, Cloast Road, Cley. Tel: 740645. (BB1070) SOUTHWOLD. Hitdiev House, bed tnid brettk- liisi. evening metil. fel: 723651. 21 .Marlborough Road. (BB77) NATURALISTS AND NATURAL FOOD! W holel(X)d b&b at t)l Fur/.ebr) CLEY. .\ttnu tive house in village. I bed- looms. huge garden, garage, .\vailable till year. Details from .Mrs E. .\lbum. 17 l.vndale .\vctiue. London \\\ 2. 'l'el: 131 2942. (BB83) KING’S ARMS HOTEL, Castle Douglas. .Af\** RS.AC, Flgon Ronay and .Ashley Courtney recommended. 10% reduction for ornithologists. (BB33) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautiful Clun valley near the Welsh border. Fhe area has an excellent wild bird population and an interesting flora and fauna. Within easy reach of Ludlow, Elan Valley, Olfa’s Dyke, Longmynd, this stock rearing farm of 400 acres has magnificent views added to its attractions. .At L pper House one finds complete relaxation and a pampered, intimate atmosphere. B&B, E.M optional. Tel: Bucknell 319 or .S.AE: .Mrs D. M. Williams, L’pper Farm, Hopton Chtstle, Craven .Arms, •Salop. (BBI069) NORTH NORFOLK. Five miles coast. Bitb or self-catering cottage. Large country house in 9 acres. .MtA'eigh, Old Rectorv. North Creake. .South Creake (032 879) 436. (BB104) WELL APPOINTED CHALET on outskirt of rural v illage, w ithin w alking clistaiu c of pub and shop, .\tnidst beautilul stenerv. easy driving distaiKC of foils t iuid mountiiins. [xinv trekking, fishing iiv iiihiblc, ,\p])ly : Diivics. I.lwynderw, l liirmcrs. Lhmw rda. Dv led. (BBI05) ENJOY HIGHLAND HOSPITALITY .md pcrsoiiiil attention in our iriendiv lamilv liotel overlooking Spev \ .illcv ,md goll (oursc. Idciil i cntrc lor touring, bird wiitihing. wiilking. skiing iind ponv trekking. Rcsidcntiiil liicncc. .\.\ and R.\{ ' listed. Broihurc Irom: .\lvcv House, (loll Course Roiid. Ncvvtonmorc, Inverness-shire. PH20 I.VI Tel: 05 103 21)0. (BB'io) ROSEDALE ABBEY. Bed. breakfast and evening meal. Mrs .Smith. Low Bell End Farm. Rosedale .Abbev, Pickering. Lastingham 451. (BB5) AXE ESTUARY. New lentrallv lieated flat. 12 min walk river ;uid scii. hiill-hour's drive nevv reserv e at .\y lesbeiu c, .Sleeps 1. 470 pw, reduced lovv scii.son terms. W iilsh, 17 I'attenham Way. l advvorth. Surrev. 1 BBH4) PERTHSHIRE: Self catering holiday cottages. Ideally situated for wildlife, flora, birds, walking and fishing. For brochure and list of available dates write to: Renton Finlayson, 82 .Atholl Road, Pitlochry. Perthshire. Tel: 07% 2512. (BB949) KITE COUNTRY. AA**R.\C commended country house hotel. Within easy reach of reserves atid other good habitats. Resident expert! David and Bronwen extend a welcome to all. Please send for our colour brochure: Glanrannell Park Hotel. Crugvbar, Llanwrda. Dyfed. Tel: 'Fallcy (05583) 23o'! ' ( BB22) IX PEMBROKESHIRE. Holiday cottage, two and a half miles Littlehaven. Sleeps six. .\11 mod. cons., TV, fridge. SAE: Jones, The Brook, VValwyns Castle, Haverfordwest. Broadhaven 413. (BB1.52) NEAR LOCH NESS. Self-catering Holiday Cottage. Brochure from Latham, Muirnich, Gorthleck, Inverness. Tel: 04563 200. (BB160) SOUTHWOLD A.A** hotel, central heating, ensuite bedrooms, good wines and fcxxl. Ideal base for .Minsmere and surrounding area. Write/ phone: Pier .Avenue Hotel, Southwold 722632. (BB43) ISLE OF TIREE. The Lodge Hotel, bird- watchers’ paradise island. Self-catering flats and full board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, Tiree. Tel: 08792 368. (BB46) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beeston, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Fakenham. Tittleshall 205. ' (BB42) GALLOWAY. Hills, lochs, forests and sea. .Spec iaiities — birds of prey, waders and water- fowl. High quality self-catering accommodation. W ide \ariet\ in town and comur\. For details send 2(ip to G. .\1. Fhom.son & Clo., 27 King Street. Castle Douglas. (BB891) COTTAGES GALORE. We ha\c some 200 delightful cottages in all parts of Britain. .A great \arictv of individual properties, all inspected. Prices £ 10 to £40 per person |x*r week. Get our free colour brochure: .Amaro Clottage Holidays. 22 High .Street, ,\lton, Hants GL’34 IB\. Tel: 0420 88892. (BB1I3) BEAUTIFUL PEMBROKESHIRE COAST. Olfshore islands rich in birdlife. Small coutitry house hotel caters for those who enjoy country li\ing, good litod and wine, relaxed friendly atmosphere. I'eamaking facilities, colour 'F\', bathrooms with each room. Grtne Hotel, St Davids. Tel: 043788 341. (BBI 12) WINTER AND SPRING HOLIDAYS. An attracti\e, warm, sell-contained apartment in 10 acres of grounds in rural Dorset. Sell-catering, adults onlv. .Anderson, Fairview Orchard, Bere Heath, Wareham. Tel: Bere Regis 385. (BBI 1 1) NORTH DEVON. L xmoor .National Park. BeaiitilulK situated guesthotise. Fishing, walking, birdvvatching. .Near Doone \’alle\ . 0;ire ( ihurch. Robber's Bridge, ett . Dinner, bed and breakliist. .Mrs WOod. Brendon House. l.\nton. Fel: 0.59 87 201). (BB94) DELL OF ROTHIEMURCHUS HOTEL, .Aviemore. Small hotel in quiet location on the edge of the Rothiemurchus pine forest, near foot of the Cairngorm mountains. Prime area for birdwatching — Loch Garten ospreys 6 miles away. Hotel oilers good food and comfort and is licensed for residents. .Self-catering facilities available. Family rates July/August. SAF for details. Tel: 0479 810216.' ’ (BB142) NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Airh Houst. Mill Road, Wells. .AA/R.AC listed. .Attractive. coml()rtable rtMtms. pleasant garden. B&B from £6. F..\l £1.50 b\ arrangemetit (not served I uesdtiv or.Vugust). Licensed, f akenham 7IOti!M) (BBI 25) GAIRLOCH: T wo new sell-catering bungalows at .North Frradale overlooking the sea. Sleep 6. .\1 rs .Macintvre, 28 North Firradale, Gairloch. Tel: 044 585 226.’ (BB147) ARGYLL, APPIN. Stone built farm cottage, lochside, superb views, buzzard country. S.AE: Mrs .McGrigor, Glovers Meadow, Charlwood, Surrey. (BBI64) HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr Bruce Campbell and Ted Griffiths based at the Falland Bay Hotel on the South Cornish Coast. Parties have identihed over 1 10 species. Special Birds and flowers week in May. Course dates and brochure from Talland Bay Hotel, Nr. Looe, Cornwall. Telephone Polperro (0503) 72667. (BB49) UNIQUE RESTFUL HOLIDAY on organic smallholding within Fxmoor .National Park. Quiet surroundings situated in wooded nature reserve. Sea four miles. Fight camouflaged caravans. Modern toilet facilities. SAE please to Cowley Wood, Parracombe, .N. Devon. Parra- combe 200. (BB176) WEYMOUTH. 2 mins Radipole Lake. B&B. FV lounge. CH. Free parking. Open all year. SAE: 4 .Abbotsbury Road. Tel: 0305 782775. (BB18I) PERTHSHIRE HIGHLANDS. Ospreys, Peregrine falcon. Merlin, Hen Harriers are only- some of the rare birds that nest near our luxury- log cabins, a favourite holiday spot for bird watchers. Each cabin sleeps 8; from £115 per week which includes all extras and col. T\'; Brochures from Butterstone log Cabins (B), Dunkeld, Perthshire. Tel: (03504) 234/205. (BB189) NEW FOREST, HANTS. A quiet and secluded large country house with direct forest access. Full central heating, licensed. TV, Radios, etc, all rooms, some with private bathrooms. Woodlands Lodge Hotel, Woodlands, New Forest Hants. 042 129 2257. (BB175) SKOKHOLM ISLAND — Full board ai-i-om- modalion lor those w ishing to watch scabhds and bird migrants al close quarters. Birdwatching, art. photography and luuural history rourscs, 1 98 1 programme from Dept . J , \\ \\ N’l , 7 .Market Street. Ha\cii()rdwcst, Dy led. I cl: .5462. (BB69) SECLUDED COUNTRY HOUSE set in 28 acres of woods and fields, has self-contained flat (sleeps 6). Easy reach of moors and sea. Morgan. Whitmore, Umberleigh, Nr South Molton, Devon. Clhittlehamholt 214. (BBI 72) HOLIDAY COTTAGE fully equipped, sleeps 3-5, five miles Southwold, 10 miles Minsmere. Mr Teesdale, 80 Wangford Road, Rcydon, Southwold. (BBI 82) X NORD TRAVEL THE ORKNEY HOLIDAY SPECIALISTS Ornithology — Archaeology — Fishing or quiet holidays. Self-catering or Hotel Accommodation. All travel arrangements made. Groups catered for: Brochures from; Nord Travel (G), 15 Broad Street, Kiricwall, Orkney lslar>ds, ScotlarKl. Tel: 0856 3734 or 3848. Telex: 75607. (BB183) WESTERN ISLES (South Uist). Luxury self- catering holiday homes on the serene and peace- ful island of South Uist. Fishing, golf, hill walking and bird watching all specialities. Paradise for ornithologists. SAE: Loch-an-Eilean Holiday Homes, 8 Heriot Road, Lenzic, Glasgow. Tel: 041-776 3802. " (BB198) YORKSHIRE DALES. Fully eciuippcd cottage in lovely countryside near Pateley Bridge, sleeps 6, background heating. Tel: 0423 71 1568. (BBI99) NORFOLK COAST, CLEY. Village centre Luxury cottage, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, c/h, colour TV. .Sleeps eight. Garage. ’Pel: Norwich 7385.56. (BB204) WESTER ROSS. Dinner, bed and breakfast. Good food and comfort assured, £12 per person daily. K. .Macdonald, Benlair, Cove, Poolewe. Pooiewe (044 586) 354. (BB205) WILDLIFE HO LI DA YS CAMBRIAN BIRD HOLIDAYS oiler fully inclusive bird-watching holidays in Southwest Wales. .See exciting birds-of-prey including Peregrines and Kites and witness incredible autumn sea-bird migration down Irish .Sea including .Skuas, Shearwaters, Divers. I’rips to Pembroke Islands for sea- birds and migrants. Luxury hotel accom- modation, minibus transport and expert guides included. .Small groups. .Ml bird- watchers welcome including non-beginners. Be taken straight to the birds without time- wasting. Send now for 1981 details to: C:AMBRI.\N bird HOLID.WS (BB) Hcnilan, Llandvssul, Dvfed or Tel: Velindre (0559) 370240 (BB140) ISLES OF SCILLY AND ICELAND 198 1 w iih I)a\ id I lunt. Still some \ at ancies. S.\fi lor details: Da\ id lltinl (Hols). Si .Mtin's, Isles ofScilK. TR2I0JG. (BB8i) BIRD WATCHING HOLIDAYS with Robin and Judith Wake at Furze Ltxlge, Trelights, Nr. Port Isaac, Cornwall, PL29 3TG. Centrally placed for Camel F^stuary, moorland and clifVs. Quiet location. From £80 per week. Weekends half weekly rate. Tel: Port Isaac (020 888) 233. S.^E for reply. (BB191) UIST WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS SUMMER 1981 Waterlbw 1 and Waders Galore Raptors and .Seabirds Otters. Seals and Cetaceans 1 he .Magic of the Machair Flora. .\ unic|tie opportunity to explore the L ists. Outer Hebrides and experience the marvels ol the island's w ildlife. Small groups led by local ecologists. High class accommodation, evening lec- tures. minibus, boat and lerry trans(Tort all included in 8-da\ tours. Further details from: L ist W ildlife Holidays Fhe .School House. Lochcarnan South Uist. Outer Hebrides. P.-\8I 5PD. Phone: 08704 278 (BB194) WILDLIFE AND WALKING HOLIDAYS. \\ h\ not join one ol our sniiill. inlormal groups in 1981 (our 8lh setison)? \'isit the best areas in the beaulilul northwest including .Morccambe Bat, Lake Disli i( l. 5orkshiic Dales. PersonalK guided by experieiK cd. IriendK le;iders. our holida\s oiler a most etijoyable eombitiation of wildlile observation .ind walkitig. gr.ided lor .ill ages and experience. Broi luire horn .Mountain cS: \\ ildlile \ etitures, I hornton Roiid. .Motet atnbe. l ei: 118577. (BBg and VAT. overseas orders add 25p. Why not place your order now ar>d send the completed coupon below with remittance to EASIBIND LTD, 4 UXBRIDGE STREET, LONDON W8 7SZ Tel: 01 -727 0686 Please allow 3-4 weeks for fulfilment of order Nat Giro No 5157552 Easibind Iid.,4 Uxbridge SLlxjndon.WB 7SZ. j OideiFbrmSf^^^ j I enclose PO/Cheque value • for binders. I Years required I BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE I Name I Address Date Registration No. 307469 xiii w A BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAY IN LIVERPOOL Well, not actually in the City, but at some of the finest locations in the North-West. Organised by the University oj Liverpool, and led by Tim Cleeves, Warden of Hilbre Island, this Special Interest Holiday is from Sunday, 23rd-Saturday 29th August. The programme includes talks, films and visits to Martin Mere, Leighton Moss, Hilbre, the Dee Estuary and Aber. The price of £135.00 includes accom- modation in a comfortable Hall of Residence, all meals, coach travel and VAT. Contact: Conference Office, University of Liverpool, PO Box 147, LIVERPOOL L69 3BX. Tel; 051-709 6022/extn 2131 (P.S. ask for details of our gardening and canal holidays). (BB192) BIRDS OF THE PEAK DISTRICT •A weekend course — .May 15th-17th, 1981 week's course — June lst-5th, 1981 These courses will, with expert tuition, look at the varied and interesting bird life which is found in the .Moorlands and Dales of the Peak District. Particular attention will be paid to the fringe range breeding species such as Ring Ouzel, Dipper, Golden Plover and Red Grouse. W e also hope to see Black Grouse, Common Sandpiper and Short Eared Owl. Further details of these and other courses from: Peter Fownsend, Principal, Losehill Hall, Castleton, Derbyshire, S30 2W’B. S.AE please. (BB116) Peak National Park Study Centre Losehill Hall (ORNITHOLOGY) WEEKEND WITH MICHAEL CHANDLER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY 5th/7th JUNE 1981 Includes visits to Leighton Moss, The Dee and Martin Mere Wild- fowl Trust. Friendly, relaxing, informative weekend based at the Royal Clifton Hotel, South- port. Coach, Transport, meals and VAT inch £48 per person. Other creative Leisure Weekends include. Antiques, Gardening, Fine Wines, Roman Britain, English Furniture, Historic Houses at other fine Hotels. Brochure/bookings: Gwen Buist, Registrar, Dept BB22, Prince of Wales Hotels Ltd., Freepost, Southport PR 8 1BR. VTel: (0704)31433. (BB201) ORNITHOLOGICAL HOLIDAYS WITH COX & KINGS The 1981 programme includes such interesting and rewarding centres as: Spain — Berdun-Pyrenees (Huesca) and Laguna de Gallacanta (Zaragoza) Yugoslavia — Titov Veles and Lake Ohrid Rumania — Carpathians and Danube Special offers on the above holidays For details contact: Cox & Kings Travel Ltd Interest and Leisure Dept 46 Marshall Street, London W1 V 2PA Tel: 01 -439 8292/6 (BB20.3) XIV CYGNUS WILDLIFE make bird watchers’ dreams come true Ecuador (Amazon Basin) and the Galapagos Isles 24 day trip from 27th June to 20th Ju/y, 1981 Join Cygnus Wildlife on a journey into the living Amazon, see and listen to the chatter of a myriad of parrots, antbirds, sun angles and woodstars — over 400 different species alone were recently recorded — to actually see all these different species is the experience of a lifetime. From the depths of the primordial forest, Peter Harrison, your ornithological leader, will take you via the snow-capped volcanoes of the majestic Andes to the paddy fields and marshes of Southwestern Ecuador. From Guayaquil on the coast we fly to the Galapagos Isles for six-day cruise visiting all the major Islands where we hope to show you many of the 28 endemic species from the small ground finch to the mighty winged albatross. £1,680. South-West U.S.A. Two 3 week tours in October and November 1981 David Hunt deserted storm-swept Scilly last autumn to endure 10 weeks continual sunshine in America. During that time he explored habitats as diverse as the Monterez Peninsula, Central Valley and High Sierras of California plus the Sonoran Desert, Chiricahna Mountains and Grand Canyon in Arizona. He met many of the top West Coast birders who helped him to find over 300 species of birds, from tiny hummingbirds to the giant and endangered Californian condor. David has distilled the essence of these experiences into two scintillating new Cygnus tours. They are planned to run consecutively, so if you have the time you can do both at a considerable saving. Tour 1: Coastal California to High Sierras, incl. Yosemite National Park. £835 Tour 2: Southern California and Arizona, incl. the Grand Canyon. £835 Tours 1 & 2 combined. £1,350 Nepal and Northern India — Jan 1982 For full information and colour brochure of these and other trips for ’81 contact our resident ornithologist John Spr\;. CYGNUS WILDLIFE Worldwide Holidays Southwest Travel Ltd , 96 Fore Street Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 IPY f Telephone 0548 3181 Telex 456 39 (Comput G) P57 'A- (BB170) British Birds Volume 74 Number 4 April 1981 1 6 1 A breeding study of Nightjars Rob Berry and Colin Bibhy 169 Fifty years ago . . . 1 70 Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland W. G. Harvey 1 79 Mystery photographs 52 Pied VVheatear S. C. Madge Notes 181 Cormorants perching on overhead cable Dominic Couzens 181 Ciaspian Terns sun-bathing with Ring-billed Gulls Bernard King 181 Isabelline VVheatear in Norfolk M.J. Rogers 182 Isabelline VVheatear in Grampian Mark Beaman and Dr Alan G. Knox 1 85 Pied VVheatear in Grampian Dr Alan G. Knox and Pete Ellis 187 Lesser VVhitethroat dust-bathing Michael IT. Tyler 187 Feeding habits ol juvenile Red-backed Shrike N. R. Davies 187 Corn Bunting with abnormal song Charles E. Richards Letter 188 Tail shape of Bulwer’s Petrel E. M. Gauntlett Announcements 1 88 ‘A Noteb(X)k of Birds— 1 «K)7- 1 980’ 1 88 Book offers Requests 189 Garganey and Girl Bunting records Rare Breeding Birds Panel 189 Nightjar Census 1981 F. C. Gribhle 1 89 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 1 9 1 Recent reports K. Allsopp and R. A. Hume Line-drawings: 161 Nightjar (Brian Cave); 170 Pallid Swift (Laurel A. Tucker); 191 Mediterranean Gull (J. P. Martin); 194 White-headed Duck and Firecrest (J. P. Martin), and Ring-necked Duck (Eric Dempsey) Cover design: (ireat Fit and Nuthatch (/. R. Govett): original drawing can be purchased in postal auction, see page 47 in January issue for procedure British Birds Oystercatcher counts at roosts and at feeding grounds American Kestrel: new to Britain and Ireland The Merlin in Wales Bird Photograph of the Year Expeditions • Dr Leslie Brown (1917-1980) Recent prosecutions • Mystery photographs Other regular features British Birds Managin^^ Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Editorial Assistant Eersoiial Assistant David A. Christie Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Dr R. J. Chandler & Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Chairman), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J. Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, R. F. Porter & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary), 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 7TP Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Dr C. H, Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr K. E. L. Simmons News and comment Peter Conder & Mike Everett, 12 Swaynes Lane, Comberton, Cambridge CBS 7EF Recent reports K. Allsopp& R. A. Hume, c/o RSPB,The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL © British Birds Ltd 1981. Copv'i iglu ol pliotographs remains with pliotographers. Britisli Birds is piil)lishcd monthly by British Birds Ltd, 98 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire ISSN 0()()7-()885 Annual subscription (including index) L'K £16; rest ofworld, surface mail £16 (or LS$40), airmail £25 (or L1S$95); single issues, il available, £2. Cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. All cheques and queries by letter to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Circulation, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 Snj, England. Payment may also be made directK into UK Post Office GIRO 37 588 6303 Publishing & Production Manager Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Mrs Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Cartwright Advertising John Barnes, Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R3LF (tel: 01-240 1101) British Birds publishes malerial dealiiifr with oiisintil observ tuions on the birds ol the west I’ttlearetit . b.xeept litr reeords of litrilies. papers ;uid notes tire nornitilK tteicpted ottb on londition that tntiteritil is tiot beitig ollered in whole or iit ptirl to ttny other jont titil. l‘hoto!j;r;iphs tnui sketches are weleotned. .\ll eontribtiliotts should be snbtnitted to the .Nbintigiin;; l.diior. I’itpers sboitld be t\ pewritteti w ith dotible spiteini' ,itid \\ ide m.iri'ins, tnid on otie side ol the sheet oitK . .\nthors should citrelnlb eonsitlt this isstie lor st\ le ol presenttition. espet iaIK ol relereiurs tind tables. \'erna( niar and seietitihe ttanies and set|nenee of birds follow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic ( I97H); iiinnesof phints li>llow l)on\ el at. ( 1117 I English Names of Wild Flowers); tiatnes ol miitnintils litllow ( lorbet iS: .Sontherti ( 1077. The Handbook of British Mammals). I'igiires should be iti Indititi itik on good (|u.tlit\ trtu iitg pa|)er. drawing papei , ttoii-iibsorbent botird or light bine or \cr\ pttle gre\ grti|)h paper; lettet itig sbotild be itisei ted lightb iit petit il; captions shon Id be t\ ped on a separate sheet . .\ 11 1 hors ol iiiiiin papers (but not notes or letters) ret ei \ e ten free copies ttl the jttnrnal (li\ e eat h tt> twt) ttr inttre anthtirs). I’l inled by 1 lenry Bnrt & .Son 1 ,id, ( iollege .Sitce(, Kem|)sU)n, Bedlord mk 12 8na I An Exclusive Introduction to a Discriminating Book Society Especially for Bird Lovers EDWARD LEAR’S BIRDS Susan Hyman A splendid tribute to one of our greatest ornithological artists, bringing together the very best of Lear’s vividly distinctive watercolours — including his lively portraits of parrots and toucans, and many spectacular colour plates from Birds of Europe (1832). "A sumptuous selection ” — Sunday Times Published at £l8.50 Yours for When you join The Birds and Natural History Book Society WHATEVER your interest in birds, especially if quite serious, we invite you to become a founder member of the new Birds & Natural History Book Society. Birdwatching, conservation, in-depth studies of single species, birds as part of our everyday life and as part of the wider natural-history scene — all aspects will be covered with what promises to be the most splendid range ot bird and natural history books ever assembled. We are not new to the subject, and we really care about it. W'atching birds in a Devon estuary is indeed an almost daily event for some of us. (3ur parent company — David & Charles — has been publishing bird books since Tony Soper’s pioneer The Bird Table Book fifteen years ago, books by such authors as Leslie Brown, Ronald Lockley and Alan Richards, and famous studies too such as Parrots of the World. Readers Union already includes many bird books in its programmes, especially that of the Country Book Society which will of course continue to cover the whole spectrum of the countryside including natural history. But now comes the more specialist Birds & Natural History Book Society for the really committed, not neglecting titles of popular interest, but also offering a more specialist range than would be appropriate elsewhere. From all of which it is probably obvious that we are not aiming to be the largest but, instead, the most discriminating book club in the field. So join us today and take advantage of our free 10 day- approval offer! Readers Union, Brunei House, Newton Abbot, Devon Reg in England No 843946 To: Birds and Natural History Book Society, P.O. Box 6, Newton Abbot, Devon, T(jl2 2DVV I would like to join the Birds and Natural History Book Society and claim lldward Lear's Birds at the special price of 50p(plus 96p towards postage and packing). If I keep the book I will automatically become a member and agree to take 4 books (in addition to the introductory offer) during my first year of membership, and I will pay upon receipt of any books I choose. If I am not satisfied with the book, I mas- return it within 10 days and owe nothing (Allow up to 21 Jays for delivery) Mr/Mrs/Miss Address PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY I Postcode (Signature _ — (or if under 18 signature of Parent/Guardian) . SEND NO MONEY POST TODAY TalktoA.RMawkins about Binoculars! ^PHOHEUSm Best Makes, Largest Stocks, Fastest Sen/ice. By return Despatch and , Free Advice. A. R. Hawkins only sells well known branded binoculars at lowest prices possible (up to 40% off MRP) Over 150 models to choose from with big stocks and really fast service — all orders despatched same day securely packed and fully insured. Order by telephone with Barclay/Access or C O D. Buying at A. R. Hawkins Ltd., Means you get a better binocular for less than you might have paid elsewhere for an inferior brand. And if you need advice on which model to choose for your needs, please feel free to telephone us — we would be pleased to talk binoculars with you! ORDER IN CONFIDENCE FROM A. R. HAWKINS — THE WHOLE COUNTRY DOES! PLEASE ADD El .95 POST/INS. EACH ITEM E. and O.E. BEST SELLING SELECTION FROM OVER 150 DIFFERENT MODELS: (all prices correct press date and subject to availability) ZEISS WEST 8 1 306 Oiatyt 8 1 568GA Dialyi 10i40eDialyl 10x40eGADiaiyi l0x2SeMini0iaiyi 8 1 206 MiniOiatyi all othet models m stock SWifT E2M.9S £3t7 29 E3K.35 E32t.1l E14t,3$ nas.st CARL ZEISS JENA 8 X 30 Jeooptem I3M ESt.K 7 X 50 Jenoplem T3M ES3.33 10x50 Jenoptem T3M CM.2S 6x30 0eniintem3M £91.45 10x50 Oekarem I3M £«2.t7 All Monoculars m slock New Zeiss Jeru Root Prisms 6x 326Notarem EM.tS 10x406No(arem £14115 7 X 50 Storm King R/A 10 X 50Sypfemc6WCf 8 X 40 Supreme BWCf 85 x 44Audo6on6WCF 8 X 40 Saratoga BWCF 10x40 County 6CF 9 X 35S&diumBCF 8x40GrandPrix 6CF 8 X 40 Swift Tecfiar 20 X 80 Observation 16 X 70 Observation LEITZ 8x20CTrinovid(Mini) 10x22CTfinoviCl (Min) 8 X 3^Tnnovid 8 X 406Trinovid 10 X 406Trinovid (cases extra) KARL HARTMANN £ii2.te £114lt £1t7.H £94.11 £»4M £94.10 £51.75 £93.14 £27.15 £231.17 n37l5 £134.95 £142.13 £270.41 E2M.70 £307.75 8 X 30 Compact Wide Angle 8 X 40 Compact Wide Angle 10 X 40 Compact Wide Arale 10 X 50 6ernina Wide Angie HILKINSON lOx 40 Lincoln 73° field 10x40Hawk7 0°lield 7 X 50 Salmoral 7 5“ field 20 x 60 High PiTwer 8-20 x 50 Zoom 8 X 21 Roof Prism Miniature 8 X 56 Olympic Rool Prism R/A 8x30HyliteR/Prism lOx 40HyliteR/Prism RUSSIANHELIOS 6x30 Helios 7x50 Helios 12 X 40Helios £132.25 £155.40 n55.40 £147.20 £94.75 £37.44 £35.53 £50.57 £93.51 £41.06 £70.06 £51.45 £50.70 £21 05 £27.06 £20.06 TELESCOPES Sushneii Discover 15-60 x 60£150.06 SwittTelemasier 15-60 x 60 £155.06 Swift Prismatic 20 x 60 Nickle Supra 6' 1 5-60 x 60 Hertel & Reuss 25-60 x 60 Mirador Prismatic 20-45 x 60 Zeiss West 40 x 60 Nickel Supra 1 5-kl x 60 R/A Bushneli Spacemaster 20-45 x 60£90.06 Greenkai 22 x 60 Spotting Scope£40.05 FULi RAME OF TRIPODS IN STOCK £00.00 £135.24 £131.00 £00.05 052.00 £140.1 (BB29) ORDER NO FOR IMMEDIAn DESPATCH Access/Visa accepied by phone COO service available at small extra charge All orders despatched same day received INFORMATION PACK AVAILAILE Send 50p m stamps or PO for fully illustr^ed price lists and colour brochures with specifications, information and spe&ai otters on all models in stock TtlapKoM for »Mce— our lines are open from 9 00-5 30 daily (Closed Thursday) CALLERS WELCOME We are |ust 7 minuies from the Ml (junction 15 and right in ihe town cenire on the corner of Ihe Market Square (3all in—«« would be pleased to see you and show you over 150 models in stock ^ AR HAWKINS LTD 2 The Parade, Northampton Telephone (0604) 39674 •Creenl^l* 8 5x50 BWCF KESTREL BINOCULAR FOR BIRDWATCHING Designed for the keen Omitnologist, and indeed for all nature studies. Featuring close focusing of only 12 feet, Fully- coated for extra clarity, Tripcxl Socket, Fold-down Rubber Eyecups, making them also suitable for spectacle wearers. Wide angle of 9° or 472 ft at 1000 yds. Weight 36ozs. Available from larger branches of Boots, Opti- cal specialists and FIxXo- graphic shops at around E70 Inc. VAT and com- plete with De Luxe case and straps. Phone or Write to sole importers for nearest stockist and catalogue: Greenhill & Ellis Ltd., River House, Restmor Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AE Tel: 01-669 4388 (BB187) i METWOOD OPTICAL LTD Specialists in Binoculars and Telescopes 4 .Abbots Walk, High Street, Biggleswade, Beds .S(>IH 01. F Telephone (0767) 317077 BINOCULARS Zeiss West — Leitz — Zeiss Jena Swift — Mirador — Hilkinson^ — Solus Optolyth (,\lpin Range) — Helios Green Kat TELESCOPES Nickel Supra — Hertel 4’elevari Swift — .Mirador — Walter Roth Kowa — Bushneli — (Jreen K.at — Helios Slik Master Tripod £29.93 Cullmann Tripod £39.95 ,4/..S'0 Mono Pods/'Tahle Shoulder Pods Send for Price Lists and leaflets. Please send stamp to cover postage. Mail Order please add £1.75 for P/Pand/ns. Acce.ss and Barclay Card accepied. Prices subject to alteration. II cvcnus uiiiDiiPc make bird watchers' dreams come true South-West U.S.A. Two 3 week tours in October and November 1981 David Hunt deserted storm-swept Scilly last autumn to endure 10 weeks continual sunshine in America. During that time he explored habitats as diverse as the Monterez Peninsula, Central Vdley and High Sierras of California plus the Sonoran Desert, Chiricahna Mountains and Grand Canyon in Arizona. He met many of the top West Coast birders who helped him to find over 300 species of birds, from tiny hummingbirds to the giant and endangered Californian condor. David has distilled the essence of these experiences into two scintillating new Cygnus tours. They are planned to run consecutively, so if you have the time you can do both at a considerable saving. Tour 1: Coastal California to High Sierras, incl. Yosemite National Park. £835 Tour 2: Southern California and Arizona, incl. the Grand Canyon. £835 Tours 1 & 2 combined. £1,350 Nepal 21 day tour from 16th Jan. to 5th Feb. 1982. Although dwarfed by the great land masses of neighbouring Tibet and India the Kingdom of Nepal has an impressive bird list of nearly 800 species which represents over half the species recorded in the entire Indian Sub-Continent. The many Ornithological and scenic delights of this fascinating country more than justify our decision to devote a full 20 days to exploring Nepal in preference to including the destination as part of a wider Indian itinerary. This Cygnus Wildlife tour under the leadership of Peter Clement will take you from the lowland jungles of the Royal Chitwan National Park to the shadow of Mount Everest at Namche Bazar where you will experience a taste of high altitude birdwatching amid the world’s highest peaks. We can expect a great diversity of birds in the wooded hillsides around the Kathmandu Valley, including a number of wintering species known as occasional vagrants to Britain such as Black Throated and White’s Thrushes; Red Flanked Bluetail; Olive-Backed Pipit and Pallas’s Leaf Warbler. As a contrast to woodland birding we will also visit the lakes around Pokhara where a good selection of waterbirds can be found and the surprises may include a White Tailed Eagle. Throughout our stay in Nepal the snow clad Himalayas provide a spectacular background to the birdwatching complementing an exciting variety of wildlife with magnificent mountain scenery. £1235. For full information and colour brochure of these and other trips for ’81 contact our resident ornithologist John Spry. cvcnw uiiuHiPc Worldwide Holidays | Southwest Travel Ltd % Fore Street Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 IPY Telephone 0548 3181 Telex 45639 (Comput G) P57 (BB170) ORNITHOLIDAYS 1 981 /2 MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH TRAVEL AGENTS Holidays Organised by Birdwatchers for Birdwatchers Programme will include: Trinidad and Tobago Sri Lanka N. India Texas Vancouver & The Rockies Arctic Norway Tanzania Brazil Kenya The Gambia The Seychelles The Camargue Majorca S. W. Spain High Alps Lake NeusiedI Yugoslavia N. E. Greece Fame Islands & Bass Rock Isles of Scilly Kingussie Isle of Islay Isle of Mull PARTICULARS SENT ON RECEIPT OF 14p STAMP TO LAWRENCE G. HOLLOWAY ORNITHOLIDAYS (Regd.) (WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE) 1-3 VICTORIA DRIVE, BOGNOR REGIS, SUSSEX, ENGLAND, P021 2PW ATOL LICENCE No. 743 Tel: 0243 821230 (BB230) GIBRALTAR MOROCCO— SPAIN Birding holidays — vehicle hire local touring services. Enjoy spectacular birding and glorious sunshine, autumn winter, spring, from around £100 self catering. Large SAE: MIGRANT TRAVEL Dept MBB, PO Box 217, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland (BB.51) BIRDS AND BOTANY IN TURKEY New concept excursions backed by an organisation with years of experience in specialist holidays in Turkey. So planned that your time can be fully devoted to observation. 1. Ornithological-botanical excursion 5.9.81-19.9.81. •Amanus Mountains, Gulf of Iskcnderun. Bus journey with excursions to Lake Tuz; into the Taurus Mountains; in the Lake Amik basin near Antakya. Camp at Belen Pass. 2. Ornithological excursion 26.12.81-11-1-82. To the overwintering area for northern migrants at Lake Tuz; in the Konya Basin and in the river deltas of the south coast. Flights: London — .Ankara — London. Furkish-speaking direction. Leader: C'.hris Husband. Details and bookings: Mike Read, Claremont, Redwood Close, Ringwood, Hants BH24 IPR. (BB228) IV ■3248) ^theBusImell differme is pride tcoverer 1 5 - 60 x 60. '1‘arguably the finest nrently on the market.” ^Ivia and Sharrock, writing in iiish Birds, October 1978. For detailed literature and list of retail stockists contact Highgate Optical, Distributors of Bushnell binoculars and telescopes. Highgate Optical Ltd 38 Jamestown Road, London NW1 71 Tel; 01 267 4936 Telex: 298858 nfter many years of bird Pitching, I find the aacemaster to be the first »scope which embodies all > qualities I expect of a iillly good glass. Miight and size are laal and the optics raoluteiy superb, dte apart from its virious advantages «en watching wild V rl and waders, aan even be used $ studying isserines and rng birds. ; ) marks for rrst-ciass tirument." ^i/rence G. loway '')rnitholidays. A pride of craftmanship, which creates a pride of ownership through the high quality optics from Bushnell, a division of Bausch & Lomb. Those beautifully finished, high resolution binoculars and telescopes are 100% lens coated allowing bright, crisp and eye-comfortable viewing. Stylishly and sturdily constructed to ensure that the optical elements remain in alignment minimising servicing problem Spacemaster 20 x 60. A fast focusing prismatic telescope giving 20x magnification. Field width 124ft. at 1000yds. Length 11% inches. With standard thread tripod mount. Spacemaster 20 - 45 x 60 Zoom. A versatile telescope with zoom from 20 to 45 power. Field width 37ft. at 1 000yds Length 11% inches. Tripod mount. Discoverer 15 - 60 x 60 Zoom. Top quality telescope zooming from 15 to 60 power. Field width at 15x is 156tt. at 1000yds., and 60 x is 40ft. Length 17V2 inches. With tripod mount. Explorer 10 x 50. An all-purpose, fast focusing binocular with Squint-Pruf haze filters. 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We are open Mon.-Fri. 9 a m. - 5 p.m. (Thurs. 9.30 a.m. - 1 p.m.) and Sat. 9.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. For those who cannot call personally ALL our goods are available by MAIL ORDER and are insured during transit. Despatch is normally made within thirtysix hours of receipt of the order and our FOURTEEN DAY APPROVAL scheme applies. a We provide a FREE PRICE LIST and “BUYER S GUIDE TO BINOCULAR OWNERSHIP" ^ and orders can be placed by telephone using your Access or Barclaycard. Please send 30p postage for catalogue DD TICK BOX OPTICAL COMPANY 23/25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. / CM14 4ER. (BB178) / O (0277) 221259/219418/210913 ^^elescopesQ BinocularsQ Name . ► Address . VI British Birds VOLUME 74 NUMBERS MAY 1981 Editorial On 2nd April, the EEC Directive on the conservation of wild birds came into force, two years after its adoption. It covers ten countries, including much of western Europe, stretching as far east as Greece. It improves the conservation laws in all of them, in some cases markedly. 7’his somewhat surprising initiative, by a Community devoted mainly to economic affairs, began in 1973 when the EEC Commission in Brussels received over 1,000 protests from the Federal German Republic because their protected songbirds were being killed or trapped as they migrated through countries to the south. The Directive reduces drastically the number of passerine species which may legally be hunted to six (five thrushes Turdus and the Skylark Alauda arvensis), and these only in France and Italy. Moreover, it prohibits all large-scale or non-selective capture or killing of birds, including the use of snares, lines, nets, traps and poisoned bait. So, most songbird mortality on migration within the Community should be drastically reduced. The Directive does, however, go far beyond this. It protects all wild birds, their nests and their eggs, unless they can legally be hunted or a special exemption (derogation) is allowed under ‘Article 9’. A total of 24 species may now be hunted throughout the Community, and a further 48 may be taken only in specified countries. Sale is restricted to 25 species, only seven of which are allowed automatically; trade in the remainder can be permitted only after consulting the Commission. Hunters may not use any of the prohibited methods, and hunting is forbidden during the breeding season and the return migration in spring. Article 9 allows the provisions on killing, destruction of eggs or nests, and sale to be waived (1) to prevent serious damage to crops, forests, fisheries, and so on, (2) in the interests of public health and safety, (3) for research, and (4) for the selective keeping of cage-birds in small numbers. Each country must report annually on all such special cases to the Commission, which has the duty to ensure that they are not incompatible with the Directive. The Directive also takes a positive attitude on conservation research; member states are required to encourage it, and the Commission to see that it is properly co-ordinated. 195 196 Editorial These provisions are an advance on existing legislation anywhere in the Community, greatly so in some countries; moreover, they represent a minimum, for any country has freedom to introduce stricter protective measures if desired. In addition, however, the Directive takes a major step forward in its provisions for habitat protection. Each country is required to list its sites of suitable habitats for all 74 ‘Annex I’ species (those considered endangered, vulnerable or rare) and to take steps to avoid their deteriora- tion and pollution, or disturbance of the birds using them; similar measures are required for the habitats of all migratory species in their breeding, moulting, staging and wintering areas, with particular atterjtion being paid to wetlands. The Commission is required to ensure that the habitats classified by all the member states form a coherent whole. These habitat provisions are clearly an immense step forward, which could benefit many other animals and plants as well as birds. So, the Directive is a sound and imaginative basis from which nature conservation can advance greatly in a large area of Europe — and a basis which has legal backing. Before it can realise its full potential, a number of steps are essential. First, each country must ensure that its laws comply with the Directive. In Britain, this is being done as part of the Wildlife and Countryside Bill, and there has been strong criticism of the weakness of the habitat safeguards and the wide scope of the provisions for derogations. There is an obvious risk that those countries whose existing laws need most change may move too slowly and, in particular, interpret the provisions for exemptions too widely. Secondly, classifying essential habitats is only a first step; money will be required to ensure that they are protected and there must be careful control of state and EEC grants for agricultural and other developments which could destroy key sites. Thirdly, the laws must be respected and enforced. Respect requires a massive educational pro- gramme, for the citizens of many countries are being required to make radical changes to long-standing customs and practices. This will not happen overnight. Enforcement will be possible only if it is backed by sympathetic public opinion; even where this exists, as in Britain, enforce- ment should not be left almost entirely to the voluntary organisations. In sum, the Directive is an immense step forward. But it is only a first step — ornithologists and conservationists will need to be vigilant to see that law and practice throughout the EEC meet its requirements, to educate public opinion in some countries, and to press the governments in all to provide the finance for adequate habitat safeguards. pcarg ago . . ♦ ‘The bodies of three Great Crested Grebes and a Dabchick were found frozen stiff in the pack-ice . . . the birds had travelled under the ice, had been imprisoned and drowned when they strove to reach the surface . . . Five-and-twenty years ago a somewhat similar mishap befell a Dabchick whose actions when swimming in a bath were under observation. Thinking to make the bird more comfortable by providing a place for it to rest upon, I put a bath-cork in the bath, only to find on returning half an hour afterwards that the bird’s drowned body was beneath the floating cork.’ Chas. Oi.dham [Brit. Birds 'll: 368-369, May 1931) Oystercatcher counts at roosts and at feeding grounds J.D. Goss- Custard Do high-water roost counts accurately reflect the actual numbers present? In a number of studies, counts of waders made at roosts at high water have been assumed to show the numbers feeding on adjacent intertidal areas at low water: high-water counts have then been used to evaluate the importance of particular estuaries as winter feeding areas (e.g. Prater 1975) and to relate bird densities to the abundance of food in different estuaries (Goss-Custard et at. 1977). This assumption is tested here for one species, by comparing counts of Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus made at high and low water on two estuaries: the east coast of the Wash in Norfolk and the River Exe in Devon. Methods Counts were made betweenjuly and December, in 1974on the Wash and in 1976 on the Exe. On the Wash, Oystercatchers roosting in the marshes and fields adjacent to the sea-wall between Holme and the mouth of the River Ouse were counted by contributors to the joint BTO/RSPB/Wildfowl Trust ‘Birds of Estuaries Enquiry’; they were counted individually or in blocks, either at the roost or as they flew to or from it. On the Exe, I counted Oystercatchers leaving the main roost on Dawlish Warren at the mouth of the estuary, and also searched most of the fields within one mile (1.6km) of the estuary, including all those immediately adjacent to the shore where most waders were found. The numbers of Oystercatchers on low-water feeding grounds were recorded within distinct areas of the shore separated by creeks or on different substrates. On the Wash, I walked to most of the feeding areas on the east shore and counted Oystercatchers which fed on the offshore sandbanks as they flew to the inner shore on the flowing tide. On the Exe, the wide flats in the southeast corner of the estuary were visited on foot, but elsewhere on the estuary and nearby coast birds were counted from vantage points on the shore. Movements of Oystercatchers between areas during 197 [Bnt. Birds 74: 197-199, May 1981] 198 Oystercatcher counts at roosts and at feeding grounds counts were noted and the totals adjusted accordingly. Normally, few waders were seen flying once the tide was out. In both estuaries it took three low-water periods to complete counts. Fig. 1 . Comparison between counts of Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus made at low water (on the feeding grounds) and at high water (mainly at roosts), the Wash, Norfolk, 1974 (dots), and the River Exe, Devon, 1976 (squares). Diagonal line indicates exact correspondence between counts Comparison of counts The close correspondence between counts made at low water on the feeding grounds and those made at high water is striking (fig. 1 ) , particularly on the Exe, where the high-water count deviated from the low-water one by an average of only 6% (range: + 1% to + 12%). The Exe is a small estuary so that most areas where waders might occur at both high and low water were relatively easy to search; also, high- and low-water counts were made on the same days and by the same observer. On the Wash, the area covered was much larger, several counters were involved and there was a gap of up to 1 1 days between high- and low-water counts: factors which may explain the larger discrepancy between counts (mean: 15%; range: + 24% to — 25%). Despite this, high-water counts of Oystercatchers provided generally good estimates of the numbers recorded on the low-water feeding grounds. Furthermore, the similarity between counts made in such different ways stimulates confidence in the accuracy of each method. Caution is required, however, in extrapolating from these findings toother species and estuaries without further tests. First, Oystercatchers are relatively easy to count. 199 Oystercatcher counts at roosts and at feeding grounds both at high water and on the feeding grounds. Secondly, waders often feed in fields at high water, particularly in winter when they are unable to satisfy their requirements on the estuary at low water (Goss-Custard 1969, Heppleston 1971), and may be missed in counts at roosts unless a wide- spread search is made: for instance, in one December count on the Exe, one-third of the Oystercatchers was found in fields. Clearly, such birds, and indeed those at newly established roosts, may go unnoticed unless care is taken continually to search those areas where waders may not normally be found. Acknowledgments I am very grateful to R. Berry for his help in making counts on the \\ ash. I am also indebted to J. Prater for making the Birds of Estuaries Enquiry counts available to me, and to Dr D. Jenkins for comments on the manuscript. References Goss-Custard, J. D. 1969. Ehe winter feeding ecologv of the Redshank, /otarato. /ib 111: 338-356. , Kay, D. G., & Blindell, R. M. 1977. The density of migratoiy and overwintering Redshank, Tringa totanus (L.), and Curlew Numenius arquata (L.), in relation to the density of their prey in south-east England. Estuarine Coastal Alarine Science 5: 497-510. Heppleston, P. B. 1971. The feeding ecology of Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus (L.) in winter in northern Scotland. J. Anim. Ecol. 40: 651-672. Prater, A. J. 1975. BTO/RSPB Birds oj Estuaries Enquiry. Report Jor 1973-74. Tring. DrJ. D. Goss-Custard, Institute oj Terrestrial Ecology, Furzebrook Research Station, near Wareham, Dorset BH205AS American Kestrel: new to Britain and Ireland A. M. Taylor Between 19th and 25th May 1976, wind conditions on Fair Isle, Shetland, were light and variable, mainly from the southeast, bringing a Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica on 24th and Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla. Wryneck Jynx torquilla, Bluethroats Luscinia svecica and Red- (fin/. Birds 74: 199-203, .May l‘»8l) 200 American Kestrel: new to Britain and Ireland Fig. 1. Male American Kestrel Falco sparverius, Shetland, June 1976. ‘Circling overhead in intense sunlight. Head protrudes like Honey Buzzard Pemis apivorus. White cheeks. Row of semi-translucent whitish spots — very distinctive. Wings rather short. Rufous undertail.’ {Field sketch in ballpoint by the late R. A. Richardson) backed Shrikes Lanius collurio on 25th. Then, on the afternoon of 25th, several observers had brief views of a small falcon, similar to a Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, but ‘not quite right’. Dark wings were mentioned in one case and reddish coloration in another. R. A. Broad and I discussed these reports and, bearing in mind the weather conditions and recent arrivals, thought they might refer to a Red-footed Falcon F. vespertinus — a species which neither of us had seen. So, in the evening, we set out to cover the general area where the sightings had occurred. At about 18.30 GMT, in dull, overcast conditions, with a hint of drizzle, I noticed Starlings Sturnus vulgaris at South Reeva giving alarm calls suggesting the presence of a predator. As I approached, I flushed a small falcon, but saw no plumage details. I noted where it landed on a cliff face and moved to a vantage point about 70m from it. It was perched upright, facing me, with only the head and upper half of the body visible. Using 8 X 40 binoculars, I could see a pinkish-buff breast, a slate-coloured leading edge to the wing and a very conspicuous head pattern: a dark cap with a rufous central patch and, below it, two dark vertical bars and a dark spot. After ten minutes, I decided to circle around the bird in the hope of seeing its back and tail. It took off, however, and flew round into Linni Geo. In the few seconds for which it was visible, it revealed its striking, contrasting coloration: the wings were dark blue-grey, while the rest of the upperparts were rich rufous-brown, with a dark sub-terminal band to the rufous tail. Its flight seemed agile and rather erratic, recalling that of a Merlin F. columbarius. At this stage, I was puzzled about the bird’s identity. I knew that I had seen illustrations of the head pattern, but could not place it. It had not occurred to me that it was a non-European species, so the only possibility seemed to be Red-footed Falcon. Nevertheless, I had doubts that it could be one, partly because I recalled that Red-footed Falcon looked long-winged. American Kestrel: new to Britain and Ireland 20 1 while the bird I had been watching seemed comparatively small and compactly built, and because its head pattern was so distinctive. I was then joined by RAB, J. N. Prescott and W. Tunnicliffe. VVe did not see the bird perched, but had brief views of its upperparts when we flushed it in Linni Geo and then in Steensi Geo, where it circled below us before flying off around the cliffs. JNP and WT saw it again in fading light in North Reeva. On our return to the Observatory, I wrote full notes on what I had seen. I then consulted Witherby et al. (1940) and quickly ruled out Red-footed Falcon. Having established that it was not a European species, I looked in Peterson (1947) and immediately identified the bird as a male American Kestrel F. sparverius. On the following two days, it was seen by a number of observers, mainly rather briefly or distantly, although on 26th RAB had good views of it perched on a fence post, feeding on a Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis\ and later K. Bailey, Mrs P. Bailey, Miss S. Baldry, the late R. A. Richardson and I watched it soaring and gliding directly overhead in bright sunlight (see fig. 1). Notes from these sightings supplemented the initial observa- tions and fully confirmed the identification. Throughout its stay, it remained in the area of the cultivated land in the south of the island. The following details were noted during its stay; Small, compactly built falcon, appearing conspicuous black subterminal band and slightly smaller than Kestrel and with pro- narrow white tip. wings General appearance portionately shorter wings and tail. Flight on perched bird and from above in flight, fast and agile, recalling Merlin, head Crown, slate-blue with blackish speckling and bars, down to top of eye, dark slate, with dark When well spread, primaries and secondar- rufous central patch. Chin and sides of head ies showed conspicuous w hite spots on inner white, with two dark vertical bars extending webs, particularly noticeable from below, down from crown, one below and one behind underparts Breast and flanks pinkish bull, eye. Dark spot, surrounded by reddish buff. Belly pale, creamy or greyish, bare parts on side of nape, upperparts Rich rufous- Ecgs, feet and cere yellow, perhaps with brown, with narrow black barring on mantle orange tinge; iris dark, and scapulars. Tail rich rufous-brown with This constitutes the first accepted record of American Kestrel for Britain and Ireland. It was followed closely by another at Bearah Tor, Cornwall, from 13th June 1976 (see page 227). One was present in the area of Dungeness, Kent, in 1966-67, but this individual was extremely tame and had clearly escaped from captivity. There are two previous European records, from Kalundborg, Denmark, in 1901 (Alexander & Fitter 1955) and Malta in October 1967 (Sultana et al. 1975); and also one in the Azores in February 1968 (Bannerman & Bannerman 1968). Although the Fair Isle individual arrived when local weather conditions appeared unsuitable for a recent Atlantic crossing, Robert Hudson {in lift.) has pointed out that circumstances were in fact favourable. .A front, followed by cloud and rain, moved out to sea over Newfoundland on 23rd May. The bird could have been caught up in this and then, over the next I two days, carried in westerly airstreams, first on the northern fringes of an < extensive high-pressure area centred over the Azores and later around the ‘ south of a depression between Scotland and Iceland. The possibility of escape from captivity was considered. The bird showed 202 American Kestrel: new to Britain and Ireland m 123. Female American Kestrel Falco sparverius, Antigua, January 1979 {Kenneth V. Cooper) no signs of tameness, however, and when viewed from below in good light the tips of all flight feathers appeared to be in perfect condition. Between 1st July 1970 and 31st December 1976, only one American Kestrel was im- ported into Britain under licence and the only known captive individuals in Britain in 1976 were at Edinburgh Zoo (T. P. Inskipp in litt.). Notes on the species The American Kestrel breeds throughout North and South America, apart from northern Alaska and northern Canada. In North America, those breeding in the coldest areas are long-distance migrants, while southern populations are resident. In all plumages, American Kestrels are identifiable by their distinctive head patterns. The male’s plumage is as described above; two further details which were not noted in field descriptions of the Fair Isle bird are black spots on the breast and flanks, and black and white bars on the outer tail feathers, although there is considerable variation between individuals regarding the latter feature. The juvenile male is similar to the adult male, but has a barred tail with rufous tip, a duller crown patch and dark streaks on the breast. Females of all ages differ from adult males in having rufous American Kestrel: new to Britain and Ireland 203 upperwing-coverts and secondaries. These, together with the uppertail- coverts and tail, are barred black. The breast, flanks and belly are streaked with brown and the pale spots on the primaries are rufous, not white (Cramp & Simmons 1980). The species is very similar to the Kestrel in behaviour and choice of habitat. It hovers, or perches on trees, poles, wires and so on, to hunt for large insects and small birds, mammals, lizards and amphibians. Through- out its range, it is common on edges of woodland and in all types of open country. Like the Kestrel, it has been quick to exploit urban environments (Brown & Amadon 1968; Peterson 1947). Acknowledgments I am most grateful to Roger Broad and the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust for the oppor- tunity to work at the observatory for the 1976 season, and to Roger Broad for his helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper. Summary A male American Kestrel Falco sparverius seen on Fair Isle, Shetland, from 25th to 27th May 1976 has been accepted as the first record for Britain and Ireland. References Alexander, W. B., & Fitter, R. S. R. 1955. .\merican land birds in Europe. Bril. Birds 48: 1-14. Bannerman, D. a., & Bannerman, VV. M. 1968. Birds oj the Atlantic Islands, vol. 3. Edinburgh. Brown, L. H., & Amadon, D. 1968. Eagles, Hawks and Falcons oJ the World. Feltham. Cramp, S., & Simmons, K. E. L. 1980. The Birds oJ the Western Palearctic. vol. 2. Oxford. Peterson, R. T. 1947. A Field Guide to the Birds. Boston. Sultana, J., Gauci, C., & Beaman, M. 1975. .4 Guide to the Birds oJ .Malta. X'aletta. W'lTHERBY, H. F., JouRDAiN, F. C. R., Ticehurst, N., & TucKER, B. \V. 1939. The Handbook of British Birds, vol. 3. London. A. M. Taylor, Apple Tree Cottage, Mill End, Damerham, near Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP63HL’ Mystery photographs At first glance, one’s reac- tion could easily be ‘What kind of pipit Anthus is this?’ For- tunately, one can, in this photo- graph, concentrate on important identification features which in a normal fly-past view would be hard to assess. The white in the tail could look particularly extensive and pipit-like. One can, however, see I from the photograph that the tail 1 pattern rules out all the pipits, so we I have to start afresh. The rather thin, ‘weedy’ bill suggests a warbler, but the combination of wing-bars, very finely streaked upperparts, white- tipped flight feathers and large, 204 MysteTj photographs white tail-spots rules out any of the European breeding warblers and, even in the East, nothing has this intriguing combination. Once we turn our attention westwards across the Atlantic, however, we have a host of wing- bars, tail-spots, and so on, to choose from among the American wood warblers. The combination of markings narrows the identification to the genus Dendroica. The sparsely streaked upperparts, clear white wing-bars, white tips on most flight feathers and prominent tail-spots, but indistinct face pattern and lack of obvious brighter rump area reduces the choice to only two species: Blackpoll Warbler Z). striata and Bay-breasted Warbler D. castanea. The distinctions between these two species in a black-and-white photo- graph are minimal: generally. Bay-breasted has sharper, broader, more prominent wing-bars and the upperparts are usually even more lightly streaked; unfortunately, there is no significant difference in tail pattern. The obvious choice is Blackpoll, but one needs to see the colouring to be certain. Although immature Dendroica warblers are mainly instantly eye- catching, one has to be very critical to ensure correct identification. If the quite bright olive, streaky upperparts, combined with the pale washed-out primrose chin, throat and breast, marked with light streaking, fading to off-white on flanks and lower belly and white on undertail-coverts, are seen, the identification is virtually assured; a glimpse of the dull orange-brown legs with bright orangey feet really settles it as a Blackpoll. Bay-breasted is normally unstreaked below, with a lovely warm, buflfy wash along the flanks and continuing onto the undertail-coverts, and very dark, blackish legs and feet. This immature Blackpoll Warbler was photographed by David Hosking in Sark, on the Channel Islands, in November 1980. D- J- Holman 124. Mystery photograph 54. Name the species. Answer next month The Merlin in Wales: breeding numbers, habitat and success G. A. Williams Compared with other birds of prey, such as the Peregrine Falco peregrinus and the Red Kite Milvus milvus, relatively little work has been carried out on the distribution of the Merlin F. columbarius in Wales. During the past two decades, this is also the case in the rest of Britain, except for two important papers. The earlier of these examined evidence for reproductive failure of British Merlins caused by accumulation of toxic residues (Newton 1973). The second described the habitat, breeding, food and movements of Merlins, based on observations made during the period 1961-76 by members of the Northumbria Ringing Group (Newton et al. 1978). This paper describes the results of a survey of the present status and distribution of Merlins in Wales, and gives information on habitat selection and breeding success. Methods The Merlin is difficult to census accurately owing to its relative incon- spicuousness for much of the breeding season; there is, however, a strong tendency for pairs to return to favoured nesting places year after year, which makes it possible to check annually on nesting presence and success once a territory (i.e. a defended nesting area) has been located. Of 31 territories which were checked in successive years, 90% were occupied for at least two years. The data on which this paper is based are derived principally from three sources: (a) replies to letters requesting information on Merlins sent out from the Wales Office of the RSPB to county bird report editors, local ornithologists and others; (b) the results of breeding bird surveys on certain upland blocks in Wales carried out by the RSPB in each year 1975-78 (these covered extensive upland areas stretching discontinuously from the Clwyd uplands in the north to the Brecon Beacons National Park in the south); and (c) personal observations. [Brit. Birds 74: 205-214, May 1981] 205 206 The Merlin in H ales: breeding numbers, habitat and success The response to (a) was encouraging; given the guarantee that details of sites would be kept confidential, only one observer refused to complete summary cards. In all, 164 cards were returned, providing information on 127 Welsh breeding territories (there was some duplication). Each card requested information on (i) nest location with map reference and altitude, (ii) nest site and whether nest was in a tree or on the ground, and habitat of the surrounding area, (iii) breeding data for that nest territory between 1970 and 1975 and (iv) summarised pre-1970 information. The quality and detail of data varied considerably, from breeding figures (with fledging success) for each of the six years at one extreme to occasional sightings in suitable breeding habitat at the other. Results Habitat and nest site preference An analysis of the cards received for the 90 territories where the actual nest was located showed a strong association with moorland dominated by heather Calluna for the majority of breeding pairs (table 1). This association, as well as being very interesting, but poorly understood, gives cause for concern, as there is a continuing serious loss of this type of habitat in Wales (see Discussion). Heather moor is best developed in northern and eastern Wales, where there is a marked preponderance of ground-nesting Table 1. Habitats of 90 nesting sites of Merlins Falco columbarius in Wales ^indicates young conifer plantations in heather moorland NEST SITE In or adjacent to Grass Coastal Young conifer heather moorland moorland dunes plantations totai. CLWYD AND GWYNEDD No. on ground 36 No. in tree 2 Ground and tree in same territory 2 POWYS AND GWENT No. on ground 10 No. in tree 13 Ground and tree in same territory DYFED No. on ground 2 No. in tree Ground and tree in the same territory TOTALS No. on ground 48 No. in tree 15 Ground and tree in same territory 2 65 (72%) 2 1 10 1 3 15 2 1 17(19%) 4(4%) 2* 40 2 4 10 23 1 3 2 7 2 53 (59%) 2 32 (36%) 5 (6%) 90 TOTAL SITES 4 (4%) The Merlin in Wales: breeding numbers, habitat and success 207 Merlins; in contrast, nest sites in more southerly and westerly areas, where expanses of dense heather are more limited, are mostly in trees. Tree nests occurred, however, in at least three territories in the heart of apparently suitable heather moor, suggesting that site selection is not dependent solely on availability. There is almost certainly a bias in these ratios of tree to ground sites because, with the latter, the nest is more difficult to locate in areas where there is a good expanse of suitable cover. Ground nests tended to be in deep heather on slopes of gullies leading off open moorland, often near the sources of small streams. There was one record of Merlins using the old nest of a Raven Corvus corax on a limestone quarry face about 16-20m from the base of the cliff, but the pair was unsuccessful and the site was not occupied the following year. In two localities, the nest was on the ledge of a sea cliff; and during the period under review three pairs nested on coastal sand dunes, below tufts of marram Ammophila arenaria, formerly a more widespread occurrence. Typical tree nesting sites were in isolated or scattered trees on valley sides close to the edge of open moorland, rarely in one of a clump of trees. In four cases, the nest was in a tree on a crag. In the 21 cases where the tree species was identified, 13 were hawthorn Crataegus monogyna (including one nest in a hawthorn hedge), four Scots pine Firms sylvestris, two larch Larix decidua, one spruce Picea and one oak Quercus robur. The majority of tree nests were in old nests of Carrion Crow Corvus corone ( 1 1 out of 1 3 cases where the nest’s previous occupant was recorded), but there were also single instances of use being made of old tree nests of Raven and Buzzard Buteo huteo. Table 2 shows the altitudinal distribution of Merlin territories where height above sea-level was recorded accurately. The concentration at 400- 500m reflects the concentration ofheather moorland in that zone in Wales. Table 2. Altitudes of nesting territories of Merlins Falco columbarius in Wales, 1967-78 Altitude (m) No. of territories % of total 0-100 11 10 100-200 2 2 200-300 2 2 300-400 31 29 400-500 47 44 500-600 14 13 This was at a much higher elevation than in Northumberland, where nests were mainly between 250 and 400 m (New ton et al. 1978). Choice of inland nest sites in Wales was much as described in the latter study. Spacing and nesting densities 1 1 is not possible to give average figures for spacing and nesting densities for . all the upland blocks in Wales, since the coverage of suitable breeding areas was so variable. The highest density was on one particularly favoured moor in north Wales, with nine nests in 35 km^: much greater than the maximum of 13 nests per lOOkm^ found during 1974-76 in Northumbria (Newton etal. 1978). On one part of this moor, the density was as high as seven nests in 6km2. 208 The Merlin in Wales: breeding numbers, habitat and success 125. Female Merlin Falco columharius landing at nest, Clwyd, June 1974 (Dennis Green) In upland blocks which were well covered, there was a marked difference in nesting densities between heather moor and grass moor. Four heather moors in north and mid Wales together held 34 pairs in 285 km^ (12 pairs per 1 00 km^) : nine pairs in 35 km^, four in 25 km^, 11 in 60 km^ and ten pairs in 165km^, respectively. In marked contrast, the upland block which was most intensively surveyed, and which consisted almost exclusively of grass moorland, held only two pairs in 230 km^: both associated with two of the very few areas of heather. In general, nesting pairs of Merlins on uplands in which grassland predominated were too scattered to justify calculating average densities, but, on one predominantly grassland massif in mid Wales, there were 1 1 pairs in 319km^ (three pairs per lOOkm^); again, it was notable that most (seven) were associated with blocks of heather moor in the surrounding grassland. Numbers and trends Breeding records for the period under review were received from all old counties except Glamorgan and Pembrokeshire: i.e. from Flint, Den- bighshire, Caernarvon, Anglesey, Merioneth, Montgomery, Cardigan, 209 The Merlin in Wales: breeding numbers, habitat and success Radnor, Brecon and Monmouth. Of the 127 Welsh territories located during 1968-78, the nest was found in 90 (virtually all data refer to 1970- 75). Unfortunately, not all of these territories were checked each year, but, as already indicated, those that were confirmed a continuity of occupation. It is therefore reasonable to suggest that most, if not all, of the 127 territories were occupied throughout the period 1970-75. In only four instances was a territory definitely unoccupied, and in two of these this could be attributed to afforestation and road construction. Taking account of other areas where topography and vegetation provide suitable habitat, but which were not covered by the held survey or local data, extrapolation gives a conservative hgure of at least 150 breeding pairs of Merlins in Wales at present. The hgure may well be higher when the relatively high density of Merlins in some well-worked areas is compared with the low hgures in upland blocks which were not as well studied and which appear to have equally suitable habitat. 126. Male Merlin Falco columbarius settling on eggs, Clwyd, May 1974 [Dennis Green) There are no previously published surveys of the Merlin population in Wales, a rehection of the difficulty of censusing this species and of the poor ornithological coverage that much of Wales still receives. The general impression is that there has been a gradual decline this century-, but a partial recovery during the past ten years, although levels probably remain lower than they were 70 years ago. The possibilities of comparing present population levels with previous figures for the same area are few, but it is known, for example, (a) that there are now three pairs regularly breeding in one area of heather moorland in mid Wales where there were four pairs in the 1930s; and (b) that in south Wales there has been no recent regular breeding in sand-dune areas, possibly owing to increased disturbance; at one time Col. H. Morrey Salmon {in litt.) knew of six pairs on the Glamorgan coast alone, but there are no recent breeding records there. 210 The Merlin in Wales: breeding numbers, habitat and success Breeding success Clutch and fledged brood sizes for those nests where this information was recorded are given in table 3. It is possible that further eggs were laid in some of the nests where small clutches were noted and which were not revisited later in the season, or that some clutches had been depleted by egg breakage before the observer’s visit. The mean clutch/brood sizes are very slightly less than the averages given by Newton (1973) for British Merlins during 1946-71, which were 4. 1 (±0.87) for eggs during incubation and 3.3 (±1.10) for young during the last week. Table 3. Number of eggs and fledged young from nests of Merlins Falco columbarius in Total nests Wales, 1967-78 NO. OF EGGS/yOUNG 12 3 4 5 6 Mean Eggs during incubation 55 1 2 12 26 13 1 3.9 (±0.92) Young in last week 72 3 14 24 25 6 0 3.2 (±0.99) Since many nests were visited only once, it is impossible to quantify total breeding success, but it is known that 25 nests failed completely (table 4). Some failures could be attributed to contamination by pesticides (see below), but there were also indications of widespread direct human agency, through egg-collectors and falconerSi Some of the losses of young from ground sites, however, are likely to be due to foxes Vulpes vulpes, stoats Mustela erminea or adders Vipera berus. Table 4. Number of nest failures of Merlins Falco columbarius in Wales, 1967-78 Cause of failure No. of nests Eggs deserted 6 (4 ground, 2 tree) Eggs taken/disappeared 5 (4 ground, 1 tree) Y oung disappeared before fledging 10 (6 ground, 4 tree) Young dead in nest 1 (ground) Young killed by fox Vulpes vulpes 1 (ground) Young destroyed by fire 2 (ground) TOTAL 25 ( 18 ground, 7 tree) In 37 instances, the fate of the nest was followed from the egg stage: of these, 24 were successful (total of 72 young reared, mean 3.0 per successful nest), and 13 failed, either through the eggs not hatching or the young disappearing. Of the successful nests, 1 2 were in trees and 1 2 on the ground, but the sample is too small to assess breeding performance in relation to diflerent parameters such as nest site and altitude. Newton (1973) has shown that breeding failure of British Merlins in the 1960s was due to substantial levels of organochlorine residues. Analyses of unhatched eggs from five nests in Wales in 1977 and 1978 also showed new, disturbing signs (table 5). In the case of site 1, the PCB concentration was The Alerlin in Wales: breeding numbers, habitat and success 2 1 1 the highest yet found jn a British Merlin egg, and was almost certainly the cause of failure to hatch (Dr I. Newton in litt.). On a fresh-weight basis, the mean residue levels of 13 clutches in Northumbria in 1973-75 were: DDE 9.6 ppm and PCB 8. 1 ppm. The shell index for the five Welsh eggs showed thinning amounting to between 24% and 30% from the mean of 1.29 from 105 eggs collected in the period 1900-49 (Newton 1973); this renders the eggs much more liable to break during incubation. Table 5. Organochlorine residues in five eggs of Merlins Falco columbanus in Wales, 1977-78 ORGANOCHLORiNES PRESENT Shell index Site (ppm IN FRESH weight) (weight/length no. County DDE PCB Dieldrin X breadth) 1 Powys 8.8 23.4 0.7 0.905 2 Powys 16.1 17.6 0.8 0.983 3 Powys 15.5 18.9 1.0 0.980 4 Gwynedd 7.5 6.6 0.2 0.977 5 Gwynedd 7.5 9.4 0.7 0.985 Discussion The Welsh breeding population of Merlins is of considerable significance in a British context. While precise figures are available only for Northumbria (minimum of 33 pairs in 1974-76: Newton et al. 1978), assessments of the total population were made by Brown (1976) and Sharrock (1976). The former concluded that there were fewer than 500 breeding pairs in Britain; and the latter, using field data from 1968-72, estimated about 600-800 pairs in Britain and Ireland combined. These two authors, and Parslow (1973), considered that there had been a general decrease in the United Kingdom over the previous 30-60 years, with a more marked and widespread decline 127. Male Merlin Falco columbarius standing guard over small young while female away eating prey, Clwyd, June 1974 (Dennis Green) 212 The Merlin in Wales: breeding numbers, habitat and success 128. Female Merlin Falco columbarius at nest in hawthorn, Powys, May 1975 {Keri Williams) latterly; this is also the general impression for Wales, with the possibility of a slight recovery in the past decade. In the absence of precise data for earlier years, the apparent improvement in numbers in Wales could well result from better coverage, but this cannot be confirmed. In Northumbria, large-scale afforestation of open land has led to the loss of both nesting and feeding areas (Newton et al. 1978). In Wales, although Merlins may hunt largely over other types of habitat, the association of the majority of breeding pairs with heather moorland gives cause for concern over the future viability of the population, as there is continuing serious loss of this habitat. Afforestation in particular, agricultural ‘improvement’ of the uplands, water industry developments and recreational pressure have all contributed to a situation where there are now very few extensive tracts of undisturbed heather moor remaining in Wales. In a survey of the vegetation of upland Wales between 1961 and 1966 (Taylor 1974), heather was dominant in only 600km^ (2.9% of the total land area of Wales) and present in about l,000km^. Surveys undertaken by the RSPB have shown a diminution of between 5% and 10% since; indeed, in 1978, the RSPB considered that less than 300 km^ of good stands of mature heather remained in Wales, with less well developed heather in a further 520km^. Welsh Merlins show a marked preference for heather moorland as breeding habitat, possibly owing to the excellent cover provided for the nest by a stand of mature heather. Hope Jones (1976) gave estimates, through belt transects, of the bird populations of an upland block in Gwynedd: densities in summer amounted to 49 pairs per km^ in grassland (including 1 7 pairs of Skylarks Alauda arvensis, 21 of Meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis and The Merlin in H ales: breeding numbers, habitat and success 213 % 129. F emale Merlin l-'alco tj;licliiigd(jwn to nest, Clwyd, May 1977 (this photograph was selected tor 1980 ‘Best recent black-and-white bird photographs') (Dennis Green) nine pairs of VVhea tears Oenanthe oenanthe); and 2 1 pairs per km^ in heather (including eight pairs of Meadow Pipits, two pairs of Wheatears and eight of Wrens Troglodytes troglodytes): showing that potential prey for Merlins was much greater in a grassland habitat. Merlins possibly tend to feed chiefly on lower ground adjoining favoured moorland nesting sites, but this needs further investigation. Much of the remaining heather is now in small isolated blocks, some of which may already be too small to support Merlins. Because of the land-use changes taking place in Wales, the RSPB and the Nature Conservancy Council are now making strenuous efforts to achieve a position where the major upland areas of Wales are adequately safe- guarded. In the meantime, records will continue to be collected on Merlins in Wales to monitor the breeding success of the species. Acknowledgments I am \ ery grateful to the following ficldworkers and Merlin enthusiasts who completed cards or sent in information for this survey and without whose obserxations this paper would not have been possible: F. Ch Best, Miss D. .M Brown, S. C. Broun, C. J. P. Clarke. D. R. Coan. B. Conn, G. Chindale, F. Currie, Dr P. J. Dare, G. F. Date, J. Dav ies, .M. Dav ies. P. E. Dav is, R. Dean, P. Dunning, DrC. M. Fenn, R. O. B. Garnett, E. Guest, J. M. Harrop, L. \\ . Hayward, B. L. Holden, P. Hope Jones, R. .\. Hume, J. .\. Humphrey, T. P. Inskipp, DrC. C.. Jones. J. K. Kirkwood, J. M. S. Eevvis, R. R. Eovegrove, the late R. Eyle, .M. E. Massey, H. MeSweeney, Mercer, .\. Morley, Col. H. Morrev Salmon, J. R. Mullins, D. Orton. Parker, N. Pierce-Jenkins, H. Platt, D. .M. Powell, NE \'. Preece, \\ . Pritchard, D. H. Roberts, J. E. Roberts, DrCb P. Rose, P. Schofield, K. Scott, D. \V. Taylor. K. E. \'inicombe, K. Williams. I am also greatly obliged to Dr C. J. Cadbury . .M. Davies, R. .\. Hume. R. R. Eovegrove and Dr I. Newton for constructive and helpful criticism of an early draft of this paper and to Dr Newton for arranging the analysis of .Merlin eggs. Summary Observations on Merlins Falco columhanus breeding in Wales in the peritxl 1968-78 are summarised. Information on 127 nesting territories was received from fieldworkers through- out Wales. Nest sites were strongly as.sociated with heather Calluna nuxtrland (72% of90 sites in which the nest was Ibund), and were mostly between 4(K) and 5(K)m above sea level. In north 214 The Merlin in H ales: breeding numbers, habitat and success 130. Female Merlin Fako columbarius on plucking post with ju\enile Skylark Alauda anrnsis, Clwyd,June 1976 (Dennis Green) Wales, the majority of nests were on the ground; in south Wales, chiefly in trees. Nesting densities averaged 12 pairs per lOOkm^ on four heather moors. At least 150 pairs were estimated breeding in Wales in the period 1970-75, an important proportion of the British total. Analysis of five unhatched eggs in 1977 and 1978 showed disturbing levels of contamination by PCB. Concern is expressed at the changes in land use in upland Wales. References Brown, L. 1976. British Birds oj Prey. London. Hope Jones, P. 1976. A Study of Upland Bird Populations in Gwynedd. Unpublished thesis. Newton, I., Meek, E. R., & Little, B. 1978. Breeding ecology of the Merlin in Northumber- land. i5n7. .Sir* 71: 376-398. Parslow,J. L. F. 1973. Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. Sharrock, J. F. R. 1976. The Atlas oJ Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. Fayi-OR, j. A. 1974. .Marginal Physical Environments. Potassium Institute Ltd. Colloquium Proceedings No. 4. Bangor. G. A. Williams, RSFB, 18 High Slreel, Newtown, Powys SY16 L\.\ Sponsored by Photograph of theVeai^ A total of 134 transparencies taken during 1980 was submitted by 52 photographers for this year’s competition. The general standard was ex- ceedingly high, with all but half-a-dozen of the entries in serious contention for the top prize. The judging panel — Dr R. J. Chandler, Michael \V. Richards, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock and Don Smith (Eric Hosking was in Antarctica) — selected an initial short-list of 28, from which the following winner and runners-up were selected after a vote: 1st Corncrake (plate 131) 2nd Reed Warblers (plate 132) 3rd Moorhens (plate 133) 4th Barn Owl (plate 134) ■Sth .Merlin 6th Black-tailed Godwits 7 th Buzzard 8th Lapwing 9th Jack Snipe lOth Little Bittern I 1 th = Kingfisher I I th =Jay 1 1 th = Snipe Richard T. Mills, Co. Cork Michael C. Wilkes, Worcestershire Dr Michael R. Hill, Berkshire David Hosking, London Dennis Green, .Merseyside Oene .Moedt, Netherlands A. 1’. Moffett, West .Midlands Oene .Moedt, Netherlands W. Beere, Cilouccstershire PeterJ. Ir\ing, C:le\eland David Hosking, London Hans Schouten, Netherlands Martin B. \\ ithers, Leicestershire 11. WINNER, BIRD PHOTOORAPH OF i HE YEAR, 1980: Gomcrake Crex crex. Go. Cork. July 1980 (Richard T. Mills). Nikon F2.\S; Nikkor 200-mni lens; Kodak Lktachrome 64; 1/I2.5th second at fa. 6/8 I 2 1 6 Bird Photograph of the Year 132. 2nd, bird photograph of the year, 1980: male Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus feeding female, Worcestershire, May 1980 {Michael C. Wilkes). Olympus OM2; Zuiko 300-mm lens, no. 1 extension tube; Braun F700 flash with two heads; Kodachrome 64; l/30th second at fl 1.5 133. 3rd, bird photograph of the year, 1980: Moorhens Gallinula chloropus fighting, Cambridgeshire, May 1980 (A/. R. Hill). Canon AEl; Canon 300-mm lens, autowind; Kodachrome 64; 1 /250th second i at (5.6 Bird Photograph of the Year 217 134. 4th, bird photograph of the year, I9B0: Barn Owl Tyto alba. Devon, June 1980 {David Hosking). Hassdblad ELM; Planar 80-mm lens; photo-electric cell and two flash heads; Ektachrome 200; 1/ 10,0(X)th second at fl2.5 The other 15 short-listed entries were from (in alphabetical order): A. P. Barnes (Little Grebe), S. C. Brown (Great Grested Grebes), A. CBarke (Steller's Eiders). R. F. Goomber (Terek Sandpiper), Dr Edmund Fellov\es (Merlin; Peregrine), Dr Michael R. Flill (Dotterel), David Hunt (Ross’s Gull), Ronan Hurley (Semipalmated Sandpiper), Gordon Langsbur\ (Little Ringed Plover), Tim Loseby (Pectoral Sandpiper), J. Russell (Stock Dove), J. G. Snowball (Long-tailed Duck), Rene Stet (.Alpine Swift) and Barry Walker (RufF). With the judges looking for scientific interest and originality, as well as technical excellence, the splendid entry of action shots was difficult to assess, but Richard T. Mills’s Corncrake (plate 131), attracted by a play- back tape-recording, standing erect with its wing extended, and beautifully framed by a bramble arch, was a clear winner. While photographing Reed Warblers at their nest, Michael C. Wilkes noticed the female displaying to and being fed by the male on a nearby reed stem. He moved his photographic equipment in case this behaviour should be repeated and, after 20 minutes, the male again fed the female away from the nest (plate 132). 218 Bird Photograph oj the Year The most action-packed photograph ot all shows two fighting Moorhens lying back on the water, feet interlocked and spraying water into the air (plate 133). Dr Michael R. Hill saw this behaviour when he had no photographic equipment with him, but returned two days later with camera mounted on a shoulder pod and, after two hours of watching from behind some bushes, captured on film the two males fighting, with a third (assumed to be a female) looking on. The judges’ fourth choice was technically unsurpassed. David Hosking — at last able to submit an entry, with his father an absentee from the judging panel! — used a photo-electric cell and two high speed flash heads to photograph the Barn Owl returning to its nest in an old south Devon barn (plate 134). The background, lit by the dying rays of the setting sun, adds enormously to the attractiveness of this evocative portrait. Despite the high cost of colour reproduction, their quality was so high that we could not avoid publishing the three runners-up as well as the winner. VVe wish that we could have shown all 28 in the short list. R. J. Chandler, Eric Hosking, Michael W. Richards, J. T. R. Sharrock and Don Smith Expeditions Mark Beaman and Richard Porter This is the second of these features on ornithological expeditions; our first report appeared in April 1979 {Brit. Birds 72: 139-142). Leaders of expeditions within the western Palearctic (and also by British and Irish groups elsewhere in the world) are invited to send us details of their plans, so that we can announce forthcoming expeditions, and of their results, so that we can summarise their achievements. We hope in this way to aid the development of ornithological investigation, by fostering the interest of potential participants and of potential sponsors, and to provide a showcase for the valuable reports which too often circulate to only a few' enthusiasts. [«ri(. Hirds 74: 218-22:1, May Expeditions 219 Bustards 1 he ICBP F iiertc\entura Hou- bara Expedition, spring 1979, located 42 Hotibara Bustards Chlamydotis undulata (in- cluding four young in two family parties) on Fucrteventura, and seven (including two young in one family party) on Lanzarote. The estimated total population of this en- demic race C. u. Juertaventurae of the eastern Canaries is about 95-120. Some 35 pairs ( 15 with young) of the Canary Islands Stonechat Saxicola dacotiae, now confined to Fuerte- vcntura, were seen, but brief searches for the mysterious black oystercatcher Haemalopus drew only blanks. 'Fhc full report on the expedition is to constitute the first issue of the ICBP Bustard Group’s forthcoming journal. Bustard Studies. Fhc Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps was the subject of a small two-week survey through Rajasthan in November 1980, conducted by visiting Bustard Ciroup members in conjunction with Indian zoologists, and arranged as a liillow- up to a symposium on bustards organised in Jaipur by the 4'ourism and Wildlife Society of India. Again, the results of this survey, plus all or part of the symposium pro- ceedings, will be published in Bustard Studies. Meanwhile, a four-man ICBP expedition plans to spend .March and .April 1981 investigating the status and distribution of the Great Bustard Otis tarda, Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax and Houbara Bustard (of the race C. u. macqueenii) in 'Furkey and the northern parts ol Syria and Irarp There is also a project to assess the status of bustards (including the probably extinct .Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs lynesi) in .Morocco in 1981 or 1982, with smaller surveys aimed at Iberia, Italy, Sardinia and elsewhere. In the longer term, expeditions to .Arabia, Egypt and parts of .Afrotropical .Africa arc envisaged. Egypt Fhe Dutch Ornithological Expedi- tion to Fjgypt visited the wetlands in the northern part of the country, particularly in the Nile Delta, duringjanuary and February 1979. The main aim of the expedition was to assess the importance of the area for winter- ing wildfowl and other migratory birds. Lake Burullus and Lake .Manzala were found to be major areas for wintering wildfowl. Two days of counting at Lake Burullus produced totals of 1 53, 000 Coots Fulica atra, 63,0(X) Shox elers Anas dypeata, 8,300 Pochards Aythya Jenna and 6,800 Ferruginous Ducks Aythya nyroca. l.css extensive counts at Lake .Manzala produced fewer wildfowl, but counts included 1,000 Shelducks Tadoma tadoma and 22,000 Coots. One of the most surprising and important disco\ eries at the two lakes was the enormous concentration of wintering Whiskered Ferns Chlidonias hybridus: 1 7,400 were counted on Lake Burullus and a further 7,000 on L.ake .Manzala. .At least four Black Terns Chlidonias niger were recorded w ith \\ hiskered Terns on Lake Burullus. Fhis remarkable concentra- tion may represent a large proportion of the population of the species in eastern Europe and western .Asia. Counts at Lake Qarun, a large salt lake in the Eaiyum oasis, recorded 2,800 Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus, 10,760 Black-necked Grebes Podiceps nigricollis and 9,000 Cioots, as well as 1,7.50 Little .Stints Calidris minuta and 1 ,240 .Slender-billed Gulls Lams genei. Other obser\ations of interest included 659 Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiacus and 60 Black-shouldered Rites Elanus caemleus between Cairo and .Aswan, a Red-rumped W heatear Oenanthe moesta near (jiza and a Black \\ heatear 0. leucura at Na’ama in Sinai. Greece Fhe L'niversity of London L'nion Natural History .Society Expedition to Greece visited the northern region of the country between 3rd July and 3rd .August 1979. .Although the objectives of the expedi- tion were not entirely ornithological, regular counts of waterbirds were carried out at the lagoons and salt-pans at .Aly ki on the .Aegean coast southwest of Fhessaloniki. ITie area was found to be a major breeding site of the Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus, with perhaps 1,000 or more pairs breeding in the vicinity. Many waders passed through the area and numbers of .A\ ocets Recurvirostra avosetta reached nearly 700 at times. Details of the obser\ations are available from Philip Espin, .54 Wood Lane, Louth, Lincolnshire. Greenland Twelve members of the Green- land White-fronted Goose Study visited northwest Greenland in 1979. The study area was a 900 km^ region adjacent to the Ice Cap at the east end of Nordre Stromfjord. The first party of eight reached the area on 5th Mav and the first White-fronted Geese Anser albijroru arri\ ed two days later. The birds fed initially on water nearest the fjord — the first food sources free of ice and snow — later moving inland into the uplands as the wet- lands thawed. Initial studies of feeding and beha\iour were carried out and followed through to the principal objective of the first phase of the expedition: a study of the breeding biology of the geese. Some 400 220 Expeditions hours of continuous obser\ ations were made from a wtxxden hide positioned abo\e one of the nests. Time-lapse cameras were used to record data from other nests. Se\en nests were found in all, olWhich at least three were later robbed by predators. .Although some influence as a result of human disturbance by the expedition cannot be ruled out, this level of loss was thought to be normal. Behavioural and feeding studies of non- breeders, breeding adults and post-breeding family parties were continued until the group left the area on 20th August. 1 he second party arric ed on 2,oth June and turned its attention to ringing the geese, which were rounded up during the flightless moult period. ,\ total of 96 was marked — a reasonable number in view of the \ er\ low densities encountered. Large, white-coded ‘Darvic’ rings were used, with engraved black three-symbol codes for Ibllow-up investigations in the British Isles (see Brit. Birds 72: 442). Some 1,700 other birds, mostly passerines, were ringed, and other ornithological work included a study of the Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus. The final report will be ready in 1981. -\ preliminary report has been produced and is available from Tony Fox, Department of Zoology, L'niversity Ciollege of \\ ales, Penglais, .Abery stwyth, Dyfed. Iceland The Oxford Expedition to Iceland visited the Snaefellsnes region in the summer of 1980. The principal ornithological object- ive of the expedition was to study the post- breeding behaviour of the \\ himbrel Numenius phaeopus. Particular attention was paid to the formation of posT- breeding flocks, their eventual dispersal on migration and the birds’ feeding behaviour during the pre- migration period. ,A study of other migrant waders in the Snaefellsnes peninsula was also carried out. .Anyone interested in the results of the expedition should contact Richard T'armer, Trinity College, Oxford. Israel Details of the Israeli Raptor Informa- tion Centre’s plans to conduct a survey on raptor migration through the Rift A'alley between 16th February and 11th .May 1981 were given in December 1980 (Bril. Birds 73: 592).' Mongolia Following his visit to Mongolia in 1977 (see Brit. Birds 72: 1.39-142), the British Council granted .Alan Kitson a return trip from 23rd July to lOth September 1979. His primary aim this time was briefly to survey the lakes in the Great Lakes Basin in the west, paying particular attention to the habitat types a\ailable. .A jeep, driver and overseer were provided and his itinerary was successfully met, all of the Great Lakes being visited, albeit superficially: the largest is nearly hall the size of Sussex, so that a single observer given two or three days can barely scratch the surface. He failed to find any Relict Gulls Larus relictus or rare cranes Grus, but found colonies of Great Black-headed Gulls L. ichthyaetus and Caspian Ferns Sterna caspia. Dalmatian Pelicans Pelecanus crispus were present on three lakes. The season proved ideal for waders on passage with up to 27 species per day, of which Sanderling Calidris alba was a first for the country. On the surrounding arid plains he recorded Hou- bara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata (1) and Great Bustards Otis tarda (13). .A number of the species seen were on the eastern limit of their ranges (e.g. lawny Pipit Anthus cam- pestris. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata, Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria, .Sulphur- bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus and Jackdaw Corvus monedula). On the return journey to L’lan Bator, he was delighted to find Velvet Scoters Melanitta Jusca with newly- hatched broods in the Hangai, the first proof of breeding. The colony of60() pairs ofWhite- winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (erroneously reported as 1,-66 pairs in Brit. Birds 72: 139-142) at Ogii Nor was more or less absent this year. I’he biggest drawback to a visit to .Mongolian wetlands in this season was mosquitoes which at times were ‘intolerable’. Morocco During September 1980, an expedition from Durham L’niversity went to a 10-km stretch of salt-pans on the .Atlantic coast of Morocco, to carryout certain specific studies on migrant Palearctic waders. The expedition netted continuously for two weeks in the .Sidi Moussa area, trapping and ring- ing over 1,080 birds, including nearly 900 waders. .Although most of the catch consisted ol the smaller Calidris waders, the expedition doubled the previous ringing totals for several of the larger species, including Ruff Philomachus pugnax. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Black-winged Stilt Himantopus tiimanlopus and Turnstone Arettflnfl interpres, as well as adding Whiskered 'Tern Chlidonias hybridus to the .Moroccan ringing list. Two British-ringed Dunlins Calidris alpina and a .Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis were trapped, as well as a Dutch-ringed Black- tailed (lodwit; the ring numbers of two (beater Flamingoes Phoenicopterus ruber Expeditions 22 1 ringed in the Camargue were also read by telescope. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanolos and Laughing Gull Larus atricilla, unrecorded in Morocco since the early 1960s, were noted near Sidi Moussa. Using colour dye in association with tech- niques developed by Durham University to measure fat and protein reserves in live birds, the expedition aimed to determine, among other things, the length of time that birds of known body condition must stay at Sidi Moussa to replenish nutrient reserves before continuing on migration. The expedition of seven was organised by Brian Milligan and the ringing was co-ordinated by Fraser Symonds of the Nature Conservancy Coun- cil. A full report is in preparation and should be available by early 1981. Nepal (1) In the previous ‘Expeditions’ article {Brit. Birds 72: 139-142), we incor- rectly stated that 4 ony Laidler was making a field study of pheasants in west-central Nepal. The person concerned is in fact 4 ony Lelliot. We apologise for any confusion caused. I'ony Lelliott’s studies on behalf of the World Pheasant Association were recently completed. Status surveys, ecological studies and behavioural observations were carried out in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges of the Nepal Himalayas on the Blood Pheasant Ithaginis emeritus, the Himalayan Monal Lophophoms impejanus, the Koklas Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha and the Satyr I’ragopan Tragopan satyra. 4 he results of the surveys were generally encouraging and all these species seem to be maintaining fairly good numbers in the areas visited. Fwo journeys were made into the foothills of the Dhaulagiri range to attempt to ascertain the status of the threatened Cheer Pheasant Cat- reus wallichii, there at the easternmost point of its range. Although a few birds were located, further studies are needed in order to assess its numbers accurately. For other bird species, a number of range extensions, both geographical and alti- tudinal, were recorded (e.g. Mistle Fhrush Turdus viscivorus and Red-necked Snowfinch Montijringilla mjicollis) . Nepal (2) In winter 1978/79, an expedition of four from the University of East Anglia, led by M. R. W. Rands, spent three months in Nepal concentrating their attention on the lowland grasslands and their surrounding areas. This was not an exclusively ornitho- logical venture (much time being spent studying and trapping small mammals), but a survey of the birds of this much neglected habitat was carried out. In addition, a record was kept of all birds recorded on the return voyage in March and April 1979 from Bom- bay to England via the Suez Canal. We have not been sent results of their findings, but appendices from their report, which gives details of the birds seen in their lowland study area and the return journey, can be obtained (price £2.50 including p & p) from C. G. R. Bowden, Field House, Thurston, Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk IP31 3QV. Oman Adventure training in the form of an ornithological expedition was carried out by the Royal Air Force Ornithological Society on the island of Masirah, between 25th October and 23rd November 1979. This followed a similar survey undertaken in October 1976. Masirah Island lies in the Indian Ocean approximately 20 km from the coast of ()man. It measures about 70 X 10 km and consists of rugged granite and limestone hills dissected by deep waddis. Fhe low rainfall is sporadic and the vegetation sparse, largely comprising scattered date palms and areas of scrubland along the west coast. The 17 members of the R.\FC4S were led by Squadron Leader Clolin Pomeroy and divided into four teams of four, each posi- tioned at a temporary' camp site, where the varied habitats were studied for three or four days before exchanging sites with one of the other teams. In addition to the habitat study, an extensive ringing programme was carried out. Gulls (Laridae), terns (Sternidae) and waders were colour ringed and marked as part of the project being undertaken by M . D. Gallagher and Dr C. J. Feare (Brit. Birds 72: 442). A small offshore island of Jazirat Shaghaf, where 5,000 pairs of Sooty Gulls Larus hemprichii are known to breed, was visited and a number of nestlings ringed. Altogether, a total of 740 birds of 76 species was trapped. Among the 175 species recorded was Paddyfield Warbler Acro- cephalus agricola, a new bird for .Arabia. Two co-ordinated counts at high-tide wader roosts were made at the beginning and end of the expedition, to assess not only the numbers and species, but also to gauge migration progress. Due to upwelling, there is an abundance of food for seabirds, especially terns, around the coast of Masirah; huge numbers were seen. Two co-ordinated sea counts, one on the east and one along the west coast, monitored the movement of these 222 birds. A comprehensive report, which will include a systematic list, ringing report and results of the co-ordinated counts, is in preparation. Portugal and France Recent ringing expeditions in southern Europe hav'e dis- covered quite a lot of general information about premigratory fattening by trans- Saharan migrants. Much less is known about the behaviour of the individual bird faced with the problem of having to fatten in a short time at a strange place. Work in England, France and Portugal comparing migration strategies of Reed Acrocephalus scirpaceus and Sedge Warblers A. schoenobaenus highlighted the difl'erences in knowledge gained from massive ringing programmes and detailed study of individual birds. In 1978 and 1979, Dr Colin Bibby and Rhys Green followed this work with trips to Portugal to study migrating Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca. \ small-scale approach was adopted to take maximum advantage of uniquely dyed or colour-ringed birds. Flycatchers are difficult to mist-net and were caught by the local method of spring trap baited with a live, winged queen ant (catching the right ants is another long story). Fattening birds occu- pied limited ranges and defended them against other Pied Flycatchers; thus, they were territorial, in contrast to the situation on the breeding grounds. The reason for this behaviour was that the flycatchers disturb their potential prey and have to avoid a tree for a period after a visit before it is worth- while returning. Thus, they have to make sure no other flycatcher visits the tree in the meantime. The resulting intense competition for space influences the ability of birds to gain weight, as well as how long they stay in the area. Contrary to the simplest understand- ing, birds do not arrive at a site all at more or less the same weight and then fatten to a Expeditions suitable departure level for the trans- Saharan flight. Questions on territoriality of fattening migrants led to a further study in 1980 in the Camargue. The subject was the Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe, which may feed in a flock or defend a territory for reasons not yet known. (For first results of these inter- esting studies, see J. Anim. Ecol. 49: 507-52 1 and OmisScand. 12: in press.) Tristan da Cunha A ten-week expedition from November 1980 to February 1981 to Inaccessible Island, second largest ot the Tristan da Cunha group, is being undertaken by a team of staff and students from Denstone College, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. The objects include scientific study of the geology, botany, zoology — including ornithologv' — and the production of the first map of the island. The island is uninhabited, unexplored, unmapped and largely unknown, with a history of only six scientific visits, mostly by Tristan islanders and shipwrecked mariners. This is obviously one of the toughest expeditions currently being reported, neces- sitating landing by helicopter because of clifls and rough seas, though if that is not possible the team will have to be prepared to land by dinghy, then pioneer and fix a route up the cliffs, having established a base camp near the shore. Turkey As announced in the previous ‘Expeditions’ article {Brit. Birds T2: 139-142), further studies of the huge migration of birds of prey through northeast Turkey were car- ried out in 1979. The principal result of the new studies was negative: in spite of extensive searches in many river valleys and on several mountain ranges, no important new routes were located in the upland interior of the country' along the Soviet frontier. Small numbers of harriers Circus and falcons Falco were widely obserced inland, but ‘broad-winged’ birds of prey were very scarce. Nevertheless, further studies in the Qioruh watershed revealed the existence of an important route a little to the east of the major passage along the (,ioruh river valley itself, although existing observations indicate that the magnitude of this passage is greatly inferior to that along the (,ioruh. These discoveries suggest that large numbers of birds of prey, particularly the bulk of the western population of the Steppe Eagle Aquila rapax orientalis, must pass well to the east of northeast Turkey. Major passages may be discovered in western Iran, but large Expeditions movements to the east of the Caspian are more likely. Yemen Arab Republic Ornithological observations from the Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) are so few that it is no sur- prise to find that recent expeditions by- Richard Porter and Lindon Cornwallis (April 1979), Roy Phillips (September to November 1979) and Mark Beaman, Steve Madge and others (April 1980) recorded over 30 new species for the country. xMost were unrecorded but unremarkable migrants; more interesting observations included Masked Booby Sula dactylatra. Hen Harrier Circus (yaneus, Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar, Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila ver- reauxii, Sooty Falcon Falco concolor, Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides , Fesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, Lesser Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica, Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta, Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichlkyaetus, Nubian Nightjar Caprimulgus nubicus and Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus. The Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs was 223 rediscovered in the Tihama plains in .-\pril 1979 and the Yemen Warbler Parisoma buryi, one of the least known birds in the world, was relocated in the central highlands in April 1979 and again in .\pril 1980. Probably the most significant discovery of all was the discovery' of a major passage of birds of prey towards the Bab el Mandeb in late October and early November 1979. .Although no systematic observations were made, passages of several thousand birds a day were recorded. Most were identified as Steppe Eagles Aquila rapax orientalis/mpaleruis and Steppe Buzzards Buteo buteo vulpinus, but smaller numbers of other eagles and Black Kites Milvus migrans were also present. .All observers noted the scarcity of natural vegetation and the degraded state of what little remains. Several rare endemic birds, such as the .Arabian W oodpecker Dendrocopos dorae, must now be considered threatened. With increasing alfiuence and a burgeoning population the destruction of the last small pockets of large trees can be only a matter of time. Mark Beaman, 8 Albert Road East, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire WAI59AL R. F. Porter, c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG 19 2DL Obituary Leslie Hilton Brown, OBE, BSc, PhD (1917-1980) When I said goodbye to Leslie Brown on that late May afternoon in Aviemore, I had a premonition that I would not see him again. We had spent an unforgettable evening at Roy Dennis’s house, listening to Leslie’s yarns about Africa and its wildlife, his numerous adventures there, and poaching forays nearer home: he was a gifted raconteur, one of those rare men who can combine the keen intellect of an organised, scientific mind with a great sense of humour and an uproarious appreciation of the ridiculous. Next morning, there followed an equally memorable few hours watching Golden Eagles — memorable not only for the marvellous show that the birds put on for us, but also for the ‘eagle talk’ and the chance to listen to and learn from an expert on his favourite subject. It was obvious, though, that he was a sick man during the summer of 1980 — still brisk of mind and sharp of tongue, and seeming to fit twice as much into any day as everybody else, but clearly suffering physically, which was not surprising considering all the illness which had dogged him for several years. He died at his home at Karen, Kenya, in early August, leaving a widow and one son, Charles. Three months later, a second [BtU. Birds 74: 223-226, May 1981 ] 224 Dr Leslie Brown ( 1917-1980) 135. Dr Leslie Brown ( 191 7-1980) {Peter Sleyn) tragedy occurred when Charles was killed in an accident in Cape Town, where he was about to embark on the honours year of his zoology degree. Our deepest sympathy goes to Barbara Brown in her great loss. Leslie Brown was a Highland Scot who, after a childhood in India, went on to graduate with an Honours BSc from the University of St Andrews — the same seat of learning which awarded him an honorary PhD for his published work in 1972. He went on to specialist courses in tropical agriculture at Cambridge (during which time he learned the noble art of Pheasant poaching on a well-known Norfolk estate, a pursuit he took up again more recently on one of his regular visits to the UK, just for fun) and the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in Trinidad. His first post, in 1940, was with the Colonial Agricultural Service in Nigeria, where he also found time to write a paper for The Ibis on the birds which he had seen there. In 1946, he moved to Kenya, which was to remain his home for the rest of his life. By 1956 he was Deputy Director for Agriculture for Kenya and from 1960 was Chief Agriculturalist, engaged on agricultural development, schemes for irrigation and range management, and supervising all these things during the awkward transition from colony status to independence. He wrote a number of scientific papers on his work and was created an OBE after his retirement in 1963. Somehow, during the busiest years of his professional life, he found time to carry out a truly prodigious amount of ornithological research, resulting in a mass of papers and several semi-popular books: a considerable amount of his spare time was also given to working on Eagles, Hawks and Falcons oj the World while he was still an agriculturalist. His studies, and his prolific writing, continued after his retirement; in 1970 the British Ornithologists’ Union recognised the value of his work by awarding him its Union Medal. He travelled widely, both as an ornithologist/conservationist and as an agricultural adviser, broadening his interests and finding more and more to 225 Dr Leslie Brown ( 1917-1980) occupy his enquiring mind and his busy pen. He had a fundamental belief in communicating the results of his work, both at scientific and popular levels, and, while a spare-time ornithologist, produced twice as much in writing during a busy and tragically shortened life as most professionals do in a lifetime. This in itself could be a doubtful claim to fame, but in Leslie Brown’s case everything he wrote is immensely readable — even his scientific papers — and most of it is of considerable ornithological value. Our only cause for regret must be that he still had so much more to contribute when he died — most of all perhaps in endeavouring to see the new handbook on African birds through to a successful conclusion. He had always wanted to produce a monograph on the Golden Eagle (by a short head his favourite bird) and, working together as co-authors, we had made considerable progress on this when he died: the book will be completed, but doing it will not be the same without his wise counsel and enthusiastic participation. To most of us, he was first and foremost a bird-of-prey man, and an eagle man in particular. His classic studies at ‘Eagle Hill’ in the Embu District of Kenya are detailed in several papers in The Ibis, where he also wrote on African Fish Eagles and Crowned Eagles and, with Adam Watson, produced what is still the definitive paper on the Scottish Golden Eagles in relation to their food supply. A paper he wrote for British Birds (62: 345-363) on Golden Eagles in Sutherland, after a typically arduous slog around that difficult county, is also a major contribution to our knowledge of that species. Papers in The Ostrich, The Journal oj East AJrican Wildlife, The Bulletin of the East AJrican Natural History Society (of which he was President for a while) and The Bulletin oj the British Ornithologists’ Club tell of his work on other raptorial birds, often in co-authorship with other workers. In one form or another, many of his studies were described again in his various books on birds of prey: he wrote three on eagles alone, with a fourth, on his African Fish Eiagle studies, appearing posthumously. His book on British Birds oj Prey in the ‘New Naturalist’ series is one of his best-known (and best) recent books: he gained a certain wry amusement from having written it at all, as an expatriot whose field experience of some of the species was limited — but we should be grateful to him that he did so: it is an important contribution to the literature. Without doubt, he will be remembered mostly for Eagles, Hawks and Falcons oj the World, written with Dean Amadon, a tour de force of close on half-a-million words which will stand as an all-time classic. Its revision was something else he was thinking about during that last summer of 1980 . . . Leslie sometimes claimed that he was not very’ interested in ‘other’ birds, but, by browsing through the major British and African journals, one finds that he wrote papers on many species besides raptors — Redwinged Starlings, seabirds in Kenya, Blacksmith Plovers, Stuhlmann’s Starling, Narina’s Trogon, rollers, FNgmy Geese and East African gulls, to name a few. But without doubt his other major contribution to ornithology' came from his studies of pelicans and, especially, flamingos on the great East African lakes. Here again, we find a series of important papers in the major journals and accounts in his books — especially The Mystery oj the Flamingos; 226 Dr Leslie Brown ( 1917-1980) he also made a major contribution to the recent monograph on these birds edited by Janet Kear and Nicole Duplaix-Hall. With his friend Emil Urban, he produced a checklist of the birds of Ethiopia — where he also did important work on the Wahlia Ibex and other rare species and produced a conservation plan for the country’s wildlife and its habitats. I doubt if Leslie Brown would ever have found the time to write an autobiography, but his books tell us a great deal about his crowded and often adventurous life; best of all, perhaps, was his Encounters with Nature, largely written while he was an unwilling prisoner of the Somalis after straying over their border in a light aircraft. It shows the sort of man he was — very independent, sometimes aggressive and not one to suffer fools gladly, but also kindly and humorous. It sums up, too, his enviable life as a scientific naturalist and a tough outdoors man. It seems a hopelessly inadequate thing to say — but he will be sorely missed. Notes Buzzard preying on Short-eared Owl At about 13.00 GMT on 26th October 1978, 1 observed a Short-eared Owl Asia Jlammeus quartering the Chy-kembro Common, near Zennor, west Cornwall, at a height of 1-2 m. Suddenly, a Buzzard Buteo buteo flew up from low gorse and grasses nearby, taking the owl by surprise. While both were in flight, the Buzzard turned the owl backwards and sank its talons into its breast; they fell to the ground, with the owl’s wings desperately flapping. Still holding its prey on the ground, the Buzzard, with wings spread, began to pluck at its victim’s breast, pulling out quantities of feathers, and then to tear at the owl and feed on its entrails. The next morning, I found the carcase with talons and wings still attached, but headless. Colin R. Tubbs (1974, The Buzzard, pp. 23-34) mentioned that the Buzzard is an opportunist feeder and takes a great variety of food, including small birds, but I can trace no previous record of its taking Short-eared Owl. C. C. Barnard Hanover House, 6a Kings Road, Penzance, Cornwall Heimo Mikkola, in his paper on ‘Owls killing and killed by other owls and raptors in Europe’ {Brit. Birds 69: 144-154), included 12 records ofTawny Owls Strix aluco being killed and eaten by Buzzards, 1 1 such records of Long-eared Owls A. olus and two of Barn Owls Tyto alba: a total of 25 records of Buzzards eating owls out of 934 records of owls as the prey of owl and raptor predators. There were no records of Short-eared Owls being killed by Buzzards, but 14 instances of them being killed by Peregrines Falco peregrinus, 65 by Goshawks Accipiler gentilis and 23 by Eagle Owls Bubo bubo. Eos Buzzard catching stick in flight The note on a Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos repeatedly catching sticks in flight {Brit. Birds 70: 391-392) recalled the following. On 27th September 1977, at Axmouth, Devon, the late R. H. Ryall and I noticed a Buzzard Buteo buteo hovering in strong updraughts about 40 m above a wooded hillside and carrying a large stick about 35cm long in its talons. It was alternating its grasp from one foot to Mike Everett Notes 227 the other in rapid succession. After about one minute, however, it dropped the stick, folded its wings, stooped steeply, caught the stick before it reached the ground, then rose to a similar height and repeated the performance. It rose a third time, hovered for about 30 seconds and then plunged, with the stick in its talons, into the canopy of the wood. David E. Paull 28 East Street, llminster, Somerset TAI90AJ American Kestrel in Cornwall On 13th June 1976, together with H. A. Deal and R. Lee, we were casually walking along the hillside at Bearah Tor, Cornwall, when BKM noticed what appeared to be a Kestrel Falco tinnunculus approaching at a distance of about 70 m. We all raised our binoculars to watch it fly past, but, as it came closer, it soon became apparent that it was not a Kestrel, although superficially like one. It was paler and more agile, with longer, more pointed wings and had a very distinct head pattern which did not seem to fit any of the European falcons. The bird was kept under observation for the next hour at a range of about 75 m through binoculars and telescopes and the following description was taken. SIZE AND jizz Smaller, more compact and more agile than Kestrel, with prcjportiona- tely longer wings and short, square-ended tail, suggesting small Hobby F. suhbuleo. When perched, primary tips fell about an inch (2V2 cm) short of tip of tail. Plumage Fig. 1. Female .American Kestrel Falco span enus. Cornwall. June 1976 (ImutcI A. Tucker) generally bright rufous on upperparts, with whitish, lightly streaked underparts and striking head pattern, upperparts Head: forehead, front of crown and supercilium to just behind eye pale, soft grey. Top and rear of crown bright rufous, with narrow blackish streak running down centre of nape to top of mantle. Lores black, running into short, nar- row, black malar streak; between this and dark nape centre, area of yellowish wash (fading to almost white at base) with darkish centre forming inverted ‘L ’. Mantle, wing- coverts and secondaries all bright rufous (brighter than Kestrel’s) with narrow, but heavy, black barring. Primaries blackish. Rump as mantle, but less streaking. L'pper tail bright rufous with ten to 12 narrow black bars and broad black terminal band, which blended slowly into rufous, underparts Chin, throat and cheeks white. Breast and belly down to tibia off-white, lightly streaked gingery (streaking hea\ ier on flanks). Lower bellv and undertail-coverts off-white with no streaking. b.\re parts Legs and cere bright, pale yellow . Eye and bill dark. While studying the bird, we both realised that we had seen a picture or photograph of a falcon with such a distinct head pattern somewhere before; the only species which came to mind was American Kestrel Falco sparz'enus. After leaving the area, we all four drove to H. A. Deal’s house and consulted Peterson ( 1947, A Field Guide to the Birds), which confirmed our Suspicions that the bird was an adult female American Kestrel. The first British and Irish record of this species had come less than a month prev iously: a male on Fair Isle, Shetland, from 25th to 27th May 1976 {Bnt. Birds 74: 199-203). The Cornish female stayed until at least 28th June and was seen by large numbers ofobservers. Brian K. Meli.ow' and Peter A. Maker 8 Tregothnan Road, Malpas, Truro, Cornwall 228 Notes White-tailed Plover in Dorset During a midday walk with my wife along Chesil Bank, Dorset, on 3rd July 1979 — a warm sunny day — a bird flew in from the sea about 20 m in front of us. As it flew past, we noticed that it had black-and-white wings, with a light-brown/lilac body. The bird landed near reeds at the Abbotsbury end of the Fleet to feed. We could now see that it had long yellow legs, and was about the size of a Lapwing Vanellus vanellus. When it flew farther down the Fleet, we could see its white tail, white lower wing, blending with the brown/lilac body, and its black wing tips. These features were sufficient to identify the bird as a White-tailed Plover Chettusia leucura. Luckily, I had cine equipment with me and filmed a brief sequence of the bird circling and settling; subsequently, this was viewed at a meeting of the Rarities Committee. The only previous occur- rence of this Asiatic species in Britain and Ireland was at Packington, Warwickshire, from 12th to 18th July 1975 {Brit. Birds 70: 465-471). J. A. Alford Arden, Longwood Road, Owslehury, Hampshire SO 12 ILL Sanderling feeding on wet road Soon after dawn on 10th September 1978, at Illmitz, Neusiedl, Austria, my wife and I watched a Sanderling Calidris alba feeding on a wet road. The road ran through dense reed-beds and had a black tarmac surface. Bare gravel areas on the side seemed more like the species’ normal feeding habitat, but whenever it strayed onto these it quickly returned to the road. It appeared to be picking up minute dark objects, possibly waterlogged insects, and continued to do this for about ten minutes, taking little notice of cars. Presumably the Sanderling fed on this unusual surface because of the lack of mud in the immediate vicinity, although ideal feeding conditions existed 3 km away, at Zicksee. Alan Parker RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedjordshire SG192DL Caspian Tems dropping and retrieving objects During 16th February to 30th March 1978, at Lake Martha, Florida, USA, I often saw two Caspian Terns Sterna caspia in flight carrying dark, rather small objects in their bills. From their shape and size, they may have been freshwater mussels Mytilus. From time to time, the terns dropped the objects, but retrieved them before they splashed into the water. I never saw the terns attempt to break open the objects when they caught them in their bills and wondered, therefore, if the behaviour was some sort of pre-nuptial display. In 1954, I observed similar behaviour by a Common Tern S. hirundo at Radipole Lake, Dorset {see Brit. Birds 282; 63: 341). Bernard King Gull Cry, 9 Park Road, Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall Call of Red-throated Pipit The problem of how to describe adequately the call of Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus has recently provoked much discussion in the field. As a contribution, I have now examined the files on the records (exactly 100) accepted by the Rarities Committee during 1958-79. This has produced 72 attempted transcriptions and 1 1 1 descrip- tive terms which I have summarised as follows: Length oj call Of 15 references, seven were to ‘long’ or ‘drawn-out’ and a further five to ‘longer/more drawn-out than Tree Pipit 4. trivialis'. Of the 72 transcriptions, 35 were awarded six letters or more, including three of eight, two of nine and one of ten. Notes 229 Pitch Oi 14 references, 13 were to the high pitch, one comparing it to Redw'ing Turdus iliacus, and three considering it higher than Tree Pipit. Of the 72 transcriptions, 65 employed ‘ee-’ as the vowel sound, one adding ‘yee-’ to make it higher. \olume Of 22 references, 12 were to ‘loud’ or enhanced loudness, three to ‘far-carr\'ing’ and seven to penetrating’ or ‘piercing’, the latter embodying both volume and tonal qualities. Construction Of seven references, three were to ‘almost or slightly disyllabic’ and four to a drop in pitch at the end. Of the transcriptions, 49 employed a terminal ‘-s’ or ‘-z’ sound which bears the same inference. Tonal quality Of 52 references, only five were to an ‘explosive’ opening tone, but 20 of the transcriptions started with ‘p-’ and 28 with ‘t-’. A further 20 employed ‘s-’ or ‘z-’. In respect of general tonal quality, there were 13 references to ‘thin’, four to ‘thinner than Tree Pipit’ and four to ‘Redwing-like’. Seven observers detected some harshness or throatiness, and six embraced ‘buzzing-wheezy-nasal’, thus tending towards Redwing. The wide variety of interpretation, being naturally dependent on human ability and the degree of effort to listen and describe (often sadly lacking), was to be expected. Nonetheless, there was evidently a core of agreement on the nature of the call and much of the variation can surely be put down to individual variation in delivery or the prevailing auditory conditions (wind, distance, resonance, etc.). The length of the call evidently attracts notice, with the implication that it is longer than that ofTree Pipit, and, in its high pitch and distinctively thin tone, it also contrasts with that species. The terminal drop in pitch also appears to be characteristic. Rogers 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames , Middlesex 71(76 7TP Letter For the sake of accuracy I never seek personal publicity, but when I am subjected to it I like to see the facts correctly stated. The brief item on me in ‘News and comment’ in your February issue (74: 103) misinforms your readers on six points. One, I am not a CBE and am not happy to be relegated from my Most Honourable Bath to the embraces of the rotting corpse of the mercifully defunct British Empire. Two, far from beginning birdwatching seriously at Oxford, I had already published Birds in England before going up there. Three, I was not 22 when I wrote it, and had not even attained that age when it was published. Four, my career as a civil servant lasted only for five war years and seven post-war, and did not, therefore, absorb most of my working life, which has already exceeded 54 years, with no relief yet in sight. Five, while I was indeed much invoked in the establishment of the BTO as its founder Hon. Secretary, I was never President — there was no such grand office in my time. Six, it was not during a period of great expansion that I was appointed Director-General of the Nature Conservancy in 1952; the staff had grown in the pre\ ious year by only ten, only two reserves had been paid for, and the authorised grant had been underspent by nearly 48 per cent. It took me nearly two years to take it out of the doldrums and get real expansion under way. I dislike having to ask you to publish these corrections, but I know from experience that, once put into circulation in a reputable journal, such statements are tiresomely repeated and embroidered upon. To ob\iate future errors of this sort, 1 have prepared a page of biographical summars 230 Letter with the correct descriptions and dates, which I have pleasure in presenting to British Birds, and will gladly copy on request to anyone else who might otherwise trip up ox er such facts. E. M. Nicholson 12 Upper Cheyne Row, London S\V35J\V Announcements Postal sale of original paintings from the Collins Gem Guide to ‘Birds’ This little guide to British and European birds was published by Collins last autumn at £1.50. The text is illustrated with 1 1 1 paintings by Martin Woodcock, and, by arrangement with him, British Birds is offering all the originals for sale. This special offer is at Martin Woodcock’s sug- gestion, as a way to help British Birds, and he will be donating 20% of the proceeds to the journal. The paintings, which measure about twice the dimensions of the plates as printed in the book, will be signed, and sold mounted, but not framed. Eull details of prices, which range from £25 to £45, will be given on an application form in the advertising pages of next month’s issue of BB, which prospective purchasers will be asked to com- plete and return together with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Book offers It helps BB\ finances if you order these books from us; A Notebook of Birds — 1907-1980 by Jim Flegg (Macmillan) £6.95 post free. Frontiers of bird Identification edited by J. T. R. Sharrock (Macmillan) £7.95 post free. Wildfowl of Europe by Myrfyn Owen (Macmillan) £9.95 post free. Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book by Bill Oddie (Eyre Methuen) £4.95 post free. Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1981 edited by John E. Pemberton (Buckingham Press) £5.45 (£4.95 -b 50p p & p). ' If you order more than one title, please write your orders for each book on a separate sheet. We will pass your orders on to the respective publishers, who will send the books to you by post. Orders and cheques or postal orders (payable to British Birds Ltd) to: BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. ( E or orders from addresses outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, please add 50p. Payment can be made into UK Giro account number 37 588 6303.) ‘BB’-Sunbird Tour of Thailand February 1982 W’e are pleased to be able to give advance notice of another bird trip arranged especially for BB subscribers. Together with Sunbird Holidays, we shall be offering a special trip to Thailand in February 1982, on the same basis as the joint ‘BB’-Sunbird Announcements 231 tour of Israel in March/ April 1981. The trip, which will be led by Iain Robertson and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, will last a fortnight, but participants will have the opportunity to stay a few extra days in Thailand if they wish. Full details will be published in BB in due course, but anyone interested in the possibility of joining this trip can ensure that they receive all infor- mation about it as soon as details and costs are known by sending their name and address now to; BB Thailand Trip 1982, Sunbird Holidays, Executive Travel (Holidays) Ltd, 2 Lower Sloane Street, London SWlW 8bj. A Notebook of Birds — 1907-1980 Publication, originally announced as July 1981, has been advanced, to 1 1th June 1981. Please send your orders now (cheque or PO for £6.95 payable to British Birds Ltd) to BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 3nj. Request Birds feeding in foam lines Birdwatchers who frequent lakes and reser\ oirs will be aware of the streaks of foam which form on the surface in the presence of wind. These streaks are due to a system of vortices in the water called ‘Langmuir Circulations’, \ arious planktonic organisms (small plants and animals living in the water) which are unable to swim against the current are concentrated in the streaks, forming a rich food supply for higher animals such as birds and fish. It is therefore of interest to us to find out whether waterfowl, including grebes, petrels, ducks, terns, phalaropes and so on, are observed feeding in these foam lines, .\nyone noticing this behaviour by any species is asked to note the species involved, the approximate numbers, the place of observation, the weather conditions and the approximate spacing of'the streaks. Please send details to -S. F. Barstow , Department of Offshore Engineering. Heriot- VVatt University, Riccarton, Currie, Edinburgh EH 14 4,\S. Recent prosecutions The Investigations Section of the RSPB’s Species Protection Department has been increasingly successful in tracking down and prosecuting egg-collectors, bird-dealers, keepers and others who have stolen eggs or young from nests or killed protected species. The excellent work done by the RSPB deserves to be widely known. Publicity may also help to prevent future violations. We shall at intervals, therefore, be publishing progress reports, of which this is the first. Eds Of the numerous incidents that have been reported to the RSPB Investigations Section in 1980, its busiest year ever, the following is a selection of those that resulted in prosecutions. Unless otherwise stated, the investigations and prosecutions were undertaken by the RSPB. Deliberate poisoning I’he High Court of causing serious damage to crops or property .'\ppeal made an important ruling in May could justifiably put down poison to kill that 1980. Lord Justice Donaldson and Mr bird. The RSPB maintained that, although justice Bristow allowed the RSPB’s appeal Section 4(2)(a) of the Protection of Birds Act that an earlier decision of the Bullingdon 1954 could allow a person to kill a wild bird Magistrates was wrong m law. The magis- which was shown to be causing serious trates had accepted the argument that a damage, the use of poison to kill birds person who showed that a wild bird was remained illegal under Section 5. The farmer 232 Recent prosecutions involved admitted using alphachloralose to kill 250 Rooks Corvus frugilegus. This ruling would appear to have a similar application to that covering the use of pole traps. With deliberate poisoning incidents, diffi- culties usually exist in attempting to prove who was responsible for laying the bait. At Abergavenny Magistrates’ Court in Octo- ber, however, a farmer of Llanthony, Gwent, was found guilty of using a poisoned and/or stupefying substance for the purpose of killing wild birds. He was fined £50 and ordered to pay £50 costs after previously admitting laying the poison which killed 25 crows (Corvidae). During 1980, the RSPB received over 100 reports of suspected poisoning incidents, many of which involved birds of prey, including Red Kite Milvus milvus and Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos. Investigation of these reports was assisted by a grant from the World Wildlife Fund. Egg-collecting I'wo men, already heavily fined by Inverness Sherifl's’ Court for taking Golden Eagle eggs in March 1980, appeared during October in separate English courts on further summonses involving eggs. The first, a 36-year-old man from Brotherton, North \ orkshire, appeared on three summonses at Bridlington Magistrates’ Court and was fined £90 plus £50 costs. He admitted taking about 80 eggs, mainly those of auks ( Alcidae) and Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla from the cliffs near Bempton. The younger man, an 18- year-old from Ferrybridge, Knottingley, West Yorkshire, appeared on 12 summonses at East Retford Magistrates’ Court and was fined £530 plus £50 costs for taking about 100 eggs, including two clutches from Little Ringed Plovers Charadrius dubius. In both instances, eggs, several marked maps showing the sites of rare birds’ nests and other equipment were confiscated. Trapping and sale 7'he fining of a Fulham bird-dealer for selling various finches was reported in Birds (winter 1980: 10). He admitted receiving birds from a Penrith man who, after further investigations, pleaded guilty at Penrith Magistrates’ Court in Sep- tember to the sale of numerous birds (in- cluding a Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus, 64 Siskins Carduelis spinus, 13 Goldfinches C. carduetis and 1 2 Linnets C. cannabina) and was fined a total of £2 1 0. A public house situated near Club Row Market in Bethnal Green, East London, which has a reputation for being a meeting place of dealers in British birds, was raided for the second time, on Sunday 19th October. As a result, four men appeared at Old Street Magistrates’ Court. Three of them pleaded guilty to possession of recently taken or possession for sale of incorrectly ringed Goldfinches and Linnets. Each was fined £50 and the birds confiscated. The fourth man pleaded not guilty to possession, possession for sale and causing undue suffering to 13 Redpolls C. Jlammea contained in a small cage, but the magistrates found the case proved and he was fined £100 plus £50 costs. This was a police prosecution with RSPB assistance. A subsequent raid on this public house has been made and two more men are to appear in court. Shooting A shooting expedition to Had- leigh Marshes, Essex, in January 1980 led to four London men appearing before Rochford Magistrates’ Court in September. For shooting or being in possession of Brent Geese Branta bemicla, three were fined a total of £105 plus £65 costs; the case against the fourth man was dismissed (see Birds winter 1980: 10). In the same court, another London man was found guilty of shooting a Redwing Turdus iliacus and fined £25 plus £25 costs. He was quoted as saying, ‘There were birds in the bush and I shot’. Birds of prey The cases attracting the most publicity recently have been those involving illegally taken Peregrines Falco peregrinus. At the time of writing, two cases have been taken to court and both have resulted in convic- tions. In the first, a Sunderland man pleaded guilty at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court on 3rd November to being in possession of two recently taken Peregrines and was fined £500 plus £50 costs. He admitted taking the birds from a site in Perthshire; they had in fact been forensically marked two days before by RSPB staff, providing conclusive evidence that they had been taken recently. In the second, a man from Wallsend, Tyne & Wear, appeared at North Shields Magistrates’ Court on 2nd December. He pleaded guilty to being in possession of two recently taken Peregrine chicks that were found on the floor of his bedroom. Again, the chicks had been forensically marked, proving beyond doubt that they had been taken from the wild. I he fine imposed was again £500 plus £50 costs. In both cases, the birds when recovered were still unfledged, making it possible for RSPB staff to place them into other Peregrine nests containing young of a similar size. All four eventually fledged. Recent prosecutions 233 Any suspected contravention of wild bird legislation should be reported at once to the RSPB Species Protection Department — telephone Sandy (S'l'D 0767) 80551 — which will advise and then liaise with the local police as necessary. If you cannot contact the RSPB, then please contact the local police directly; the RSPB would, however, still welcome a full report as soon as possible. RSPB Species Protection Department, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI92DL News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett The Wildlife and Countryside Bill The idea of a comprehensive law protecting all forms of wildlife seemed to some naturalists a good idea. This Bill, however, seems to be engendering dissatisfaction not only from the Nature Conservancy Council — the Govern- ment body responsible for nature conserva- tion— but also from the RSPB and the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves, fiver since the idea of a compre- hensive law was first discussed, the RSPB had been apprehensive that the laws pro- tecting wild birds would be weakened if birds had to be treated in the same Act as plants, insects, etc. On the other hand, it was only natural that the NCC and the SPNR should welcome the idea. Now, all three are expressing their concern at the turn events have been taking in the House of Lords. One measure of the controversy that the Bill has generated in the Lords is the tabling of almost 800 amendments — a recent parlia- mentary record. Damage to wildlife habitat One anxiety common to the NCC, the RSPB and the SPNR is the increasing destruction of prime wildlife habitat. The NCC, in its sixth report, draws attention to the serious damage to key- nature conservation sites, and the increasing rate of loss of wildlife habitats. Of 735 key- sites for wildlife identified in A Conservation Review, three have had their nature con- servation interest destroyed and over 50 more have been seriously damaged. Habitat surveys have revealed extensive losses. The area of heathland in Dorset declined by two- thirds between 1811 and 1960, and by 1978 only one-sixth of the original area remained. The area of low land bog in Lancashire has been reduced to only 1% of that in 1865. In Powys, an NCC survey of semi-natural vegetation showed that, if the rate of loss to agriculture and forestry between 1971 and 1978 continued, only half the area would remain by the end of the century-. review of changes in southeast Scotland over the past two decades revealed losses of 88% of low- land heath, 21% of permanent grassland, 28% of deciduous and 35% of mixed wood- land. The NCC wants to receive advance warn- ing of any action likely to be inimical to SSSIs, with arrangements similar to those by which farmers apply for grants for so-called agricultural 'improvements’ on SSSIs. Ramsar Convention at Cagliari ,\n appeal was made to all countries to adopt a comprehensive policy for the management of their marshes, estuaries and other wetland areas at an international conference held by the International Union for the Conserv ation of Nature and the International Waterfowl Research Bureau. The meeting was attended by representatives from 2 1 of the 28 countries which signed the convention. total of 206 wetland areas of international importance, covering more than 6,000,000 ha, is now protected. Europ>ean Environment Bureau Lhe EEB, which represents voluntary- organisa- tions active in the field of environment pro- tection in their dealings with the EEC, devoted its first annual meeting to a dis- cussion of the proposals to be put forw ard in regard to the Washington Convention at the Conference of Contracting Parties to the Convention (CITES), to be held in New Delhi. The meeting also considered the EEC Directive on the conserv ation of w ild birds, the Berne and Bonn Conventions, and the institution of a European Environment Eund. Conservation in the Mediterranean The chief purpose of an international meeting at Palermo in October 1980, which was sup- ported by the Council for Europe, UNESCO, the United Nations Environmental Pro- 234 News and comment gramme (UNEP) and the Food and Agri- culture Organisation (FAO), was to com- pare experiences of conser\ation in the Mediterranean. The French Secretary of State for the Environment submitted that a number of proposals, including the necessity of establishing a Mediterranean network of natural reserves, measures for the protection of rare Mediterranean species, such as the Corsican deer Cervus elaphus corsicanus, Osprey Pandion kaliaetus and monk seal Monachus monachus, should be taken jointly and that a comprehensive policy for the protection of migrating birds should be embodied in a convention among the Mediterranean coun- tries. International nature photo competition The Dutch natural history magazine Gras- duinen is organising a new annual inter- national photographic competition called ‘The adventure of nature’, which is intended for nature photographers all over the world. For the winners of each of seven sections, a prize of about $500 is offered and for the most beautiful nature photo of 1981 there is an extra prize of $2,500. For entry' forms and further details write to ‘The adventure of nature’. Natural History Photographic Competition, Postbox 51333, 1007 EH Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ‘Advice for Young Naturalists’ This publication, which has provided a useful starting point for newcomers to natural history, has been revised completely and is available, price 70p including postage, from CoEnCo Youth Unit, Regent’s Park, London NWl 4RY. American southeastern coastal and estuarine birds A conference workshop to be held between 11th and 13th September 1981, near Georgetown, South Carolina, at the Field Laboratory of the Belle W . Baruch Institute for Marine Biology and Coastal Research, University of South Carolina, will focus on the total ecosystem. Details may be obtained from Bobbie Christy, Local Chair- man, Baruch Field Laboratory, P(f Box 1630, Georgetown, South Carolina 29440, USA. Big year for small birds Using their new computer, the BTO has begun the analysis of the 1980 Common Birds Census plots. With the results of 57 censuses checked, the print- out showed that territories of Wren Troglo- dytes troglodytes were between 17% and 51% more numerous than in 1979. Breeding Robins Erithacus rubecula were 5% to 27% up. There were also significant increases in numbers of Long-tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus, Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus and Moorhens Gallinula chloropus. The BTO point out that these changes illus- trate how quickly small bird species can recover from the effects of a cold winter. (From BTO News) Irish Birds no. 4 As well as the 27th Irish Bird Report (covering 1979), this year’s Irish Birds includes papers on ‘The seabirds of Northern Ireland and adjacent waters’ by Philip S. Watson, ‘Dead sheep and scaveng- ing birds and mammals on Mayo bog’ by Dr Adam Watson and P. J. O’Hare, ‘A breeding census of Mute Swans in Ireland in 1978’ by Ian Forsyth, ‘Scarce passerine migrants in Ireland’ by C. D. Hutchinson, ‘Spring migration of Whimbrels over Cork Harbour’ by Sean Pierce and James Wilson, ‘Dowitcher identification’ by C. D. Hutchin- son, ‘Asynchrony in egg-laying in a Guille- mot colony’ by T. C. Kelly, ‘The birds of ScarifI, Deenish and neighbouring islands, Co. Kerry’ by J. C. Davies, and notes and papers on several other subjects, including accounts of Ireland’s first Ring-billed Gulls and Olive-backed Pipit. There are also ring- ing reports for 1978 and 1979, both compiled by Ian Forsyth. It is attractively produced, with a number of relevant illustrations. Printer’s errors are, unfortunately, rather numerous, but, with over 160 pages, there is good value for money at £2.25 plus 25p postage. It is obtainable from Irish Birds, Ballintubbrid, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, Ire- land. Tunnicliffe Exhibition and Appeal An exhibition not to be missed by all interested in bird art will be held at Christie’s, 8 King Street, St James’s, London, on Friday 8th May (9-5), Sunday 10th May (10-4) and Monday 11th to Thursday 14th May (9-5 daily, closing 4 p.m. on 14th). This will precede the sale on Friday 15th May of over 300 measured drawings, nearly 60 sketch- books and other work by the late C. F. Tunnicliffe This is the last chance to see a unique collection, part of which caused a sensation when shown at the Royal Academy- in 1974. An appeal for funds to purchase part of the collection for the nation has been launched by the RSPB (donations to Tunnicliffe Appeal, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedford- shire ,S(;i9 2Dl.). (Contributed by Robert Gillmor) News and comment Garden twitching John H. Barrett claimed 123 bird species from within his one-acre Pembrokeshire garden in ten years {Brit. Birds 74: 50-51). In the far-inland county of Bedfordshire, the editorial garden at Blun- ham has, in less than four years, notched up 1 14 species so far, of which 61 have been seen actually perched within (as distinct from flying over or seen from) and 27 have nested within the garden. Only ten species to go, and six years in which to see them . . . Norfolk atlas B. D. Harding has asked us to remind readers of the tetrad breeding bird atlas survey in Norfolk, now entering its second year. Anyone — Norfolk residents or visitors — able to help with fieldwork should 235 contact him at 100 St Laurence Avenue, Brundall, Norfolk .\R13 5QN. . . . and other atlases Breeding bird atlas fieldwork based on tetrads is also still pro- gressing in other counties and, equally, help would be appreciated there: Bucking- hamshire R. E. Youngman, 53 Seymour Park Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 3ER; CHESHIRE Dennis Elphick, 28 Coniston Drive, Holmes Chapel, Crewe, Cheshire c:\V4 7L/\; DEVON Humphrey Sitters, Tanglewood, Plymbridge Road, Roborough, Plymouth; GREATER MANCHESTER Phillip Holland, 43 Thornhill Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport SK4 3HL; and Huntingdonshire J. D. Limentani, 10 Acacia Avenue, St Ives, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE17 4TN. Opinions expressed in this Jeature are not necessarily those oj the editors oj British Birds Recent reports R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp These are largely unchecked repiorts, not authenticated records All dates in this report refer to February short periods. I’he occasional snowfalls unless otherwise stated. thawed quickly in most areas. At the beginning of the month, until 1 1th, milder Atlantic air from the Azores anti- cyclone predominated. Thereafter, until the end of the month, high pressure developed over western Europe bringing much clearer air in from the Continent on east to southeast winds, some waters being frozen over for Waterside birds Occasional reports last winter of a Long- billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus on the Essex coast have been followed by a fur- ther probable sighting at Bradwell-on-Sea (Essex) on 8th. Meanwhile, a long-staying individual was still at Caerlaverock 136. White-billed Diver Oavia adamsii, Cleveland, February 1981 {John B. Dunnett) 236 Recent reports 137. Dipper Cinclus cinclus of black-bellied race C. c. cinclus, Lincolnshire. December 1980/January 1981 (Graham P. CatUy) (Dumfries & Galloway) and two were at Ballycotton (Cork) during the month. Other long-staying Nearctic waders were a Lesser Yellowlegs Tnnga Jlavipes at Lodmoor (Dor- set) and a Spotted Sandpiper Actilis macu- lana in Gwent. A Grey Phalarope Phalaropus Julicarius appeared in Ramsgate Harbour (Kent) on 17th January and 14th. Moving away from waders but staying with waterside birds, Dippers Cinclus cinclus of the Conti- nental black-bellied nominate race were to be found at Rischolme (Lincolnshire) (plate 137) and Lemsford Springs (Hertfordshire). Wildfowl Ferruginous Ducks Aythya nyroca, in addi- tion to those already reported, were on the Ouse Washes (Cambridgeshire) on 20th January' and at Barn Elms Reservoir (Sur- rey). Ring-necked Ducks A. collaris continued to be reported, with two at Orchardleigh (Somerset) and odd ones still around in Cornwall. Ruddy Ducks Oxyura jamaicensis reached the incredible total of 630 at Blithfield Reservoir (Stallordshire) in January before dispersing and taking the White-headed Duck 0. leucocephala with them. The latter probably moved to Chew Valley Lake (Avon); whereas at Blithfield it was thought to be an immature male, at Chew it was identified as a hybrid! In Ire- land, a Garganey Anas querquedula shared Ballycotton with a Teal A. crecca of the North American race carolinensis. King Eiders Somateria spectabilis used to be a speciality of Shetland, but none had been recorded there for three winters until one at Sullom \'oe in early March. Male Surf Scoters Melamlta perspicillata were at Dawlish (Devon) and Hunstanton (Norfolk) into March. The geese at Slimbridge (Gloucestershire) still in- cluded a Lesser White-fronted Anser erylhropus, and those on the Slobs in Wexford included two Snow Geese A. caerulescens. Coinciding with a big freeze-up in the Netherlands, groups of Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis appeared in southern Eng- land, including several localities in Kent, a total of 230 in Suffolk and 30 at Eye Brook Reservoir (Leicestershire) (plate 138). A flock of 73 Bean Geese Anser Jabalis at Carron Valley Reserv'oir (Central/Strathclyde) was the first record of a large number in the area. Other waterbirds included the two birds of the month for many people. One was an American Coot Fulica amencana, a species new to Britain and Ireland, at Ballycotton from about 13th (plate 139), and then came reports of another at Alton Water (Suffolk). The latter, however, proved to be an appar- ent hybrid between Coot F. alra and Moor- hen Gallinula chloropus, itself a most unusual bird; a relief for those who had travelled all 138. Barnacle Geese {Branta leucopsis), Leicestershire, February 1981 {R.J. Chandler) Recent reports 237 Hybrid Coot Futica alra X Moorhen Gallinula chloropus, Suf- folk, March 1981 (from field sketches, R. A. Hume) the way to Ireland, but a big disappointment for many others! Not quite in the same league for extreme rarity, but nevertheless a bird with a much greater draw was a White- billed Diver Gavia adamsii which was found in mid month in Hartlepool Docks (Cleve- land) (plate 136). It stayed until early March, feeding largely on dead fish, but still apparently recovering well from an ex- hausted or sickly state until it finally appeared in good health, though remarkably tame. This was one of the most easily accessible and thus most-watched White- billed Divers in Britain in recent years, giving many people a long-desired chance to study it at length and from as close as 15 m. Gulls For reasons which remain obscure, the winter gradually became a remarkable one for rare gulls. Yet another Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea was found, this time in Wales, at Fishguard (Dyfed) on 15th and 16th — quite a shock for the leader of a local bird club outing struggling to find something worth looking at! He certainly did. To add to the four Ross’s in Shetland came reports of two Ivory Gulls Pagophila ebumea there. Other northern gulls included Sabine’s Larus sabini at Leashowe (Merseyside) on 5th January and at Lowestoft (Suffolk) from 21st, and Glaucous Gulls L. hyperboreus, which suddenly became widespread. Shet- land had 100 or more and there were many in northeast Scotland, including up to 26 at Fraserburgh (Grampian). There were four at Audenshaw (Greater Manchester), three at Blithfield (but generally fewer than usual in Staffordshire), four at Falmouth (Cornwall) and singles at other Cornish localities, plus ones and twos at many other sites, especially in the Sheffield area (South Yorkshire), Lincolnshire and Humberside, northeast England, Derbyshire and Rent. Iceland Gulls L. glaucoides had a similar spread, in smaller numbers, with up to lour at Fraser- burgh and Falmouth, three at Ballycotton, 139. American Coot Fulica americana, Co. Cork, February' 1981 {Richard T. Mills) 238 Recent reports 140. First-winter Iceland Gull Lams glaucoides, Suflblk, February 1981 (David Tomlinson) two at Audenshaw and singles at Lowestoft (plate 140), Folkestone (Kent), Margate (Kent), Ogston (Derbyshire), Westport Lake (Staflbrdshire), Lavernock Point (South Glamorgan) and Tobermory, Mull (Strathclyde). Two Ring-billed Gulls L. delawarensis remained in west Gornwall (plate 141) and Mediterranean Gulls L. melano- cephaius included four at Falmouth and three others in Gornwall, six at Kadipole Lake (Dorset) in January', and singles at Laver- nock Point, Port Talbot (Mid Glamorgan), Bristol (Avon), Datchet Reservoir (Berk- shire), Draycote Water (Warwickshire), Grimsby (Humberside), Bridlington (North Y orkshire) and several Kentish sites. Passerines A Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inor- natus was reported from Gornwall and, per- haps even less usual, there was a reliable report of three Willow Warblers P. trochilus in song beside the Bayswater Road in central London on 8th. A Serin Sennas sennas turned up at Parkgate (Merseyside) on 4th. Liver- pool (Merseyside) had exceptional numbers of Bramblings Fringilla montijringilla in the Speke Hall area. From 10,000 in late Janu- ary, numbers rose to around 20,000 on 3rd and then declined to 10,000 by 23rd, as the flock dispersed. Sadly, after a poisoning incident perhaps involving treatment of icy roads, at least 560 were killed by traffic on 22nd. There was a Little Bunting Emheriza pusilla at Gaerlaverock in mid month. Latest news In mid April: Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Slapton (Devon); Purple Herons Ardea parpurea Pagham (VN'est Sussex) and Wal- berswick (Suflblk); Black Kites Milvus migrans Portland and Gorfe Gastle (Dorset), Prawle Point (Devon) and Wye (Kent); Woodchat Shrike Lanias senator Portland; Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus amndinaceas Slapton. 141. First-winter Ring-billed Gull Lams delawarensis, Cornwall, Februarv' 1981 ( (1. R. Hirst) Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 HOLIDA Y A CCOMMODA TION IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND AND WALES Peaceful Country Cottages, Cotswolds, Malvern Hills, Wye Valley, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Mid/North Wales. Brochure 20p stamp COTTAGE HOLIDAYS Blackmore End, Hanley Swan, Worcester WR8 OEE Tel; (068 43) 786 (BB231) HOLIDAY COTTAGE. (!onverted barn, pano- ramic views, 2 miles Pembrokeshire coast. River I'eifi. Le\ine, \’sguborhen. ,St. Dogmaels. Cardigan. Pel: 1162. (BBl 19) NORFOLK COAST, CLEY. Village centre. Luxury cottage, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, c/h, colour TV. Sleeps eight. Garage. Tel: Norwich 738556. (BB204) NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Arch H ouse. Mill Road, Wells. AA/RAC listed. Attractive. coml()rtable i(X)ms. pleasant garden. B& B from ft). E.M f4.5() by arrangement (not served Tuesday or.Vugust). Licensed. Fakenham 710696 (BBl 25) OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND. 1 '/i miles north of Loch Ken. .Mrs B. Forrest. Ken Bridge Hotel, New Gallowav, Kirkcudbrightshire, DC7 !iPR. Tel: .New (iallowav 211. (BB86) BLAKENEY 2V2 MILES: Luxury Hat lor two in nevvls -conv erted stables in grounds ol old rectorv’. S.Mv Beeson. .Saxlingham Rectorv . Holt. (BB68) LLAWHADEN CASTLE and Churchill W ood nature reserve are adjacent to this tpiiet countrv guesthouse. Comlortable accommodation and g(K)d l()od. Ideally situated tor touring ,S\\ Wales. Dinner, b&b. Williams. Clastic House, Llaw- haden, Narberth, Dyfed. 'Tel: 09914 245. (BB 102) ISLES OF SCILLY— ST. MARY’S Friendly atmosphere in a Family run Licensed Guest House overlooking the harbour. Open now until the 24th October. Special reductions until the 15th May. SAE for details or telephone Tony or Linda Dingley 0720 22327. (BB195) PEMBROKESHIRE— Broad Haven. Modern chalet sleeps 6, 'F\'. Hildick-Smith, Rcdmarley Orchards, Great Witley, Worcester. (BB219) NORTH DEVON close to 'Faw/Torridge estuary. Comfortable farmhouse accommoda- tion. North Farm, Bickington, Barnstaple EX31 2JN. Tel: 0271 3107. ' (BB222) FOUR-BERTH CARAVAN ideally situated for walking. Secluded, spacious, own individual site. Please write to: Hamilton, Lower Laity Farm, Wendron, Helston, Cornwall. (BB237) ROSEDALE ABBEY. Bed, breakfast and evening meal. Mrs Smith, Low Bell End Farm, Rosedale Abbey, Pickering. Lastingham 451. (BB5) GAIRLOCH: Two new self-catering bungalows at North Erradale overlooking the sea. Sleep 6. Mrs Macintyre, 28 North Erradale, Gairloch. Tel; 044 585 226. (BB147) ARGYLL, APPIN. Stone built farm cottage, lochside, superb views, buzzard country. SAE: Mrs McGrigor, Glovers Meadow, Charlwood, Surrey. (BB164) HOLIDAY COTTAGE fully equipped, sleeps 3-5, five miles Southwold, 10 miles Minsmere. Mr Teesdale, 80 Wangford Road, Reydon, Southwold. (BB182) CLEY— BIRDWATCH as you breakfast! All year round B&B in very comfortable home, directly overlexvking bird reserve and salt marshes. .Man and .Sheila Hart. The Saltings. Coast Road, Cley. Tel: 740()45. (BB1070) ISLE OF ARRAN. S/c modernised farm cot- tages at Slidderv. .Apartments at .Machrie adjacent golf course/shore. Graham, 47 Henrv- Street, Langht>lm. 'Tel: 80272. (BBl 14) CALF OF MAN Bird Observatorv Hostel type accommodation lrt)m .\pril to October. Details from The Secretarv. Fhe .Manx Museum and Nationall rust. Douglas. Isle of. Man. (BB13I) GALLOWAY, Excellent accommodation. Flireavc 2V2 miles. B&b £5. .50, dinner optional. Mrs .A. Gib.son, Craignair. 32 .Abercromby Rd. Castle Douglas DG7 1B.\. Tel: 0,5;5t) 2112. (BBl 36) CLEY, N. NORFOLK. Bed and Breakfast in comfortable home all year round. Birkhead, ‘Brambling’, Church Lane, Clev, Tel. 740780. (BB145) COTTAGES GALORE. We have some 200 delightful cottages in all parts of Britain. .A great variety of individual properties, all inspected. Prices £ 10 to £40 per person per week. Get our free colour brochure: .Amaro Cfottage Holidays. 22 High Street, .Alton. Hants GU34 IBN. Tel: 0420 88892. (BBl 13) UNIQUE RESTFUL HOLIDAY on organic smallholding within Exmoor National Park. Quiet surroundings situated in wooded nature reserve. Sea four miles. Eight camouflaged caravans. Modern toilet facilities. S.AE please to Clowley Wood, Parracombe. N. Devon. Parra- combe 200. (BB 1 76) CLEY — when visiting Cley .Marshes and Blakeney Point you are welcome to call at the George and Dragon Hotel. .Accommodation, bars and meals. Tarilf upon application, write or tel: The George & Dragon Hotel. Clev, Holt. Nori'olk, Fel; Clev (0263) 740652. (BB239) HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr Bruce Campbell and Ted Griffiths based at the Talland Bay Hotel on the South Cornish Coast. Parties have identified over 1 10 species. Special Birds and flowers week in May. Course dates and brochure from Talland Bay Hotel, Nr. Looe, Cornwall. Telephone Polperro (0503) 72667. (BB49) SKOKHOLM ISLAND — Full board accom- modation Ibr those wishing to watch seabirds and bird migrants at close t|uartcrs. Birdvvatching. art. photography and natural history courses. 1981 programme from Dept. J. W W N "F. 7 .Market .Street. Ha\erlbrdwcst. D> led. Fel: .54t)2. (BB69) WEYMOUTH. 2 mins Radipole Lake. B&B. TV lounge. CH. Free parking. Open all year. SAE: 4 Abbotsbury Road. Tel: 0305 782775. (BB181) WESTERN ISLES (South Uist). Luxury self- catering holiday homes on the serene and peace- ful island of South Uist. Fishing, golf, hill walking and bird watching all specialities. Paradise for ornithologists. SAE; Loch-an-Eilean Holiday Homes, 8 Heriot Road, Lenzie, Glasgow. Tel: 041-776 3802. (BB198) BEAUTIFUL SOUTHWEST SCOTLAND. Weekly bird and countryside tours, commencing 1 August. For brochure sae to Halcyon Holidays, 57b St Quivox Road, Prestwick, .Ayrshire. (BB141) NEW FOREST, HANTS. A quiet and secluded large country house with direct forest access. Full central heating, licensed. TV, Radios, etc, all rooms, some with private bathrooms. Woodlands Lodge Hotel, Woodlands, New Forest Hants. 042 129 2257. (BB175) PERTHSHIRE HIGHLANDS. Ospreys, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Hen Harriers are only some of the rare birds that nest near our luxury log cabins, a favourite holiday spot for bird watchers. Each cabin sleeps 8; from £115 per week which includes all extras and col. TV; Brochures from Butterstone Log Cabins (B), Dunkeld, Perthshire. Tel: (03504) 234/205. (BB189) DORSET. Between Weymouth and Portland, situated on the Causeway. Ideal for the Fleet and Chesil Beach. Friendly pub, bed and good break- fast, £5. SAE please. The Ferrybridge, Wyke Regis, Weymouth. (BB207) LAKE DISTRICT — 4/6 berth caravan, secluded site, VVbndermere five miles. Bell, Fellside, Crosthwaite, Nr Kendal, Cumbria LAB 8DA. (BB208) MID WALES. Wide choice of self-catering farmhouse, cottages, etc., throughout mid Wales. Brochure from: Mid Wales Holiday, Newtown, Powys. Tel: 09745 320. (BB4) PERTHSHIRE: Self catering holiday cottages. Ideally situated for wildlife, flora, birds, walking and fishing. For brochure and list of available dates write to: Renton Finlayson, 82 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire. Tel: 0796 2512. (BB949) DELL OF ROTHIEMURCHUS HOTEL, .Aviemore. Small hotel in quiet location on the edge of the Rothiemurchus pine forest, near foot of the Cairngorm mountains. Prime area for birdwatching — Loch Garten ospreys 6 miles away. Hotel olfers good food and comfort and is licensed for residents. Self-catering facilities available. Family rates July/ August. SAE for details. Tel: 0479 810216. (BB142) KITE COUNTRY. A.A**RAC: commended country house hotel. V\'ithin easy reach ol reser\es and other good habitats. Resident expert! Da\id and Bronwen extend a welcome to all. Please send for our colour brochure: Clanrannell Park Hotel, Crugybar, Llanwrda, Dyfed. Tel: Talley (05583) 230. (BB22) BEAUTIFUL PEMBROKESHIRE COAST. Offshore islands rich in birdlife. Small country- house hotel caters for those who enjoy country li\ing. good food and wine, relaxed friendlv atmosphere. Teamaking facilities, colour I'V, bathrooms with each room, (irove Hotel, St Davids. Tel: 043788 341. (BB112) NORTH WALES. Near ( !aernar\on, bungalow, sleeps 6, well rurnished. fjuiet, not isolated. Hand\ lor mountaitis. sea. .Anglesey. I I .Abbots \\ ay . .Newcastle. .Stalls. Fel: 0782 61 7510 or 0433 31367. (BBI33) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beeston, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Fakenham. Tittleshall 205. ' ' (BB42) TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking RSPB Reserve, THE MANOR HOTEL offers comfortable accommodation and good food throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. .Special “Bird- Watchers’ ” weekends monthly from November to March, and 2 or 3-day breaks during the same period. Postal address: King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8BB. Telephone: Brancaster (048 521) 221. (BB38) CORNWALI^FOWEY. Enjoy a spring, summer or autumn holiday in beautiful coun- tryside, a mile from the harbour and coast. Comfortable rooms, dinner, and a substantial breakfast. Dogs welcome. Francis and Anne Boosey, ‘Polscoe’, Fowey, Cornwall PL23 IHQ. Tel: 072 683 2407. (BB50) ISLE OF TIREE. The Lodge Hotel, bird- watchers’ paradise island. Self-catering flats and full board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, Tiree. Tel: 08792 368. (BB46) PEACEFUL *AA Lambsquay Countrv House Hotel. Wye/Dean Forest — AA'adcrs and Falcons within vicinity. Fixcel. food and wine. H&C, full C/H. Fel: 0594 33127 for brochure please. (BB26) BRIDGWATER BAY nature reserve. Clomfor- lable self-catering cottage. Sleeps 4-5. Sae for bro( hure: \A ebb, Cox's Farm, Steart, Bridgwater, .Somerset. 0278 6.52322. (BB107) NORD TRAVEL THE ORKNEY HOIIDAY SPECIALISTS Ornithology — Archaeology — Fishing or quiet holidays. Self-catering or Hotel Accommodation. All travel arrangements made. Groups catered for: Brochures from : Nord T ravel (G), 1 5 Broad Street, Kiiicwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland. Tel: 0856 3734 or 3848. Telex: 75607. (BB183) PEMBROKESHIRE. Holiday cottage, two and a half miles Littlehaven. Sleeps six. All mod. cons., TV, fridge. SAE: Jones, The Brook, Walwyns Castle, Haverfordwest. Broadhaven 413. (BB152) MINSMERE. Bed and breakfast. Fisher, ‘Trelyri’, Blythburgh Road, Westleton. Tel: Westleton413. (BB139) SUFFOLK, WAVENEY VALLEY, beautiful views. lo\ ely well kept gardens. B&B litr 2. .S.\E: .\rkhill C2)ttage, .\lendham, Harleston, Norlbik. (BB127) CHARMING, SECLUDED, V'ictorian Manor House now luxury 3-star hotel. Set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens overlooking Taw Valley. Clentral for fishing, golf, touring and walking. .\lso available, three self-catering cottages. .Northcote Manor, Burrington, near Umberleigh, N. Devon. T el: (07696) .301. (BB23) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Tradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated National Trust beauty area. Abundant wildlife, naturalists’ paradise. To let fortnightly. SAE; Whiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) WEST SUSSEX. \’isit .\rundel^\\ ildlimi T rust Black Mill House Hotel. Bognor Regis. 2-mins sea, .Marine Gardens. Games nxim, cocktail bar. sep. colour T\' lounge: enclosed garden. .\.\*. R.\G*, .\shley Courtenay Reed. From £84.00 pv\ ■Mini-Breaks. Illust. Brot h. Tel: 0243 82194.3. (BBI26) SOUTH WOLD AA** hotel, central heating, ensuite bedrooms, good wines and food. Ideal base for Minsmere and surrounding area. Write/ phone: Pier Avenue Hotel, Southwold 722632. (BB43) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautiful Clun valley near the Welsh border. The area has an excellent wild bird population and an interesting flora and fauna. Within easy reach of Ludlow, Elan Valley, Offa’s Dyke, Longmynd, this stock rearing farm of 400 acres has magnificent views added to its attractions. .-\t Upper House one finds complete relaxation and a pampered, intimate atmosphere. B&B, EM optional. Fel; Bucknell 319 or SAE: Mrs D. M. Williams, Upper farm, Hopton Castle, Craven .Arms, Salop. (BB1069) NORTH NORFOLK. Five miles coast. B&b or self-catering cottage. Large country house in 9 acres. .McVeigh, Old Rectort', North Clreake. .South Creake (032 879) 436. ’ (BB104) WELL APPOINTED CHALET on ouiskirt of rural \ illage. within walking distance ol pub and shop. .Amidst beautilul scenery, easy driting distance of coast and mountains, pony trekking, fishing atailable. .Apply: Davies. I.lwynderw. Fliirmers, I.lanwrda. ITyied. (BB10.3) KING’S ARMS HOTEL, Castle Douglas. AA** RSAC, Egon Ronay and .Ashley Courtney recommended. 10% reduction for ornithologists. (BB33) GALLOWAY FARMHOUSE. Magnificent situation beside moorland. Modernised. Sleeps 7V2. Golf Coast half hour. Dumfries 7 miles. Tel: 01-7315545. (BB212) NEAR RYE EAST SUSSEX. Inexpensive bargain breaks, beautiful Georgian Country- House Hotel. Flamingoes, migratory and sea birds. Tel: 079 721 381. (BB225) ISLE OF ISLAY, ARGYLL. Fully modernised farmhouse to let, overlooking Loch Gorm, amidst beautiful scenery, trout fishing available, sandy beaches, ideal for family holiday. Open all year. Book now for Spring hols. Write for details to the Secretary, Foreland Estate, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay, .-Argyll. Tel: (049 68,3) 211/371. (BB213) SECLUDED FARMHOUSE, woodland set- ting. Bed, breakfast, dinner. S.AE, Mrs Spat ins, Longwitton, Morpeth. Tel: Hartburn 6.34. (BB217) COTTAGE, LOCHALINE. Breathtaking view- over Sound of Mull. Sleeps 4. Bathroom. Wicksteed, 93 Priorv- Road, Gospiort, Hants P012 4LF. (BB215) ISLE OF MULL. Flats in castle overlooking sea and Outer Isles and four cottages, situated on 5,000 acre estate on beautiful north-west coast, near Tobermory. Fully furnished, except linen. Fishing, boating, beautiful walks, bird rich area w ith over 100 bird species seen, 2 pairs of eagles on the estate. Particularly- beautiful in May, June and the autumn. Nelson, Glengorm Castle, .Mull, Tobermory 2321. (BB224) MID-NORFOLK timber framed farmhouse, offers B&B, evening meal optional. A’isit Broads, Breckland and the coast. Walters, River Farm, Shipdham. Tel: Dereham 820544. (BB216) WEYBOURNE. Comfortable holiday bungalow- sleeps 4. No pets. Matthews, 82 Halton Rd, Sutton Coldfield. Tel: 021-355 3138. (BB218) ALBANNACH INSIGHT HOLIDAYS. Join us to explore the Scottish Highlands. Birds, animals, flowers, people, places. Inclusive 1 and 2 week holidays. Expiert, relaxed guide service. .A comfortable, family-run hotel. Details from .Albannach Ltd, Hamilton House, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire. Tel: 099 72577. (BB214) tx MONYMUSK GRANT ARMS HOTEL ABERDEENSHIRE AB3 7HK TEL: 226 (04677) GET AWAY FROM IT ALL LO THE PEACE AND QUIETNESS OF PICTURESQUE MONYMUSK. Exclusive rights trout & salmon fishing on 10 nils R. Don, 1 1 heals, 29 named pools, a max 2 rods per beat. & R.\Cl 18lh C. Coaching Inn. British Tourist Board commended country hotel. Traditional Scottish cooking & home baking, lully lies. Send lor hotel col brochure. Lot of fishing & other actic ities. (BB236) EXPLORE THE HEBRIDES under sail aboard 60ft ketch ‘Hornpipe’. Small parties, £150 pw. Dinsdale-\'oung, Kingie, Invergarry, Inver- ness-shire. Tel: 08092 210,' (BB242) ARGYLL. Self-catering fiats/cottage in grounds country house, also cottages nearby. Excellent birdwatching, sea, loch, and hill. Low rates spring, autumn and winter. SAE Brochures: Hutchison, Kinlochlaich House, Appin Tel: 342. (BB22I) KIRCUDBRIGHTSHIRE. Solway coast near Southerness. 2 farm cottages, all mod cons, sleep 2-6. Details from Mrs Kirkland, Cowcorse Farm, Kirkbean, Dumfries. Tel: Kirkbean 258. (BB235) N. NORFOLK. 4m Blakeney. Charming luxury cottages, sleep 4, 7. Eel: Walter 0509 42324. (BB234) SHANKLIN. Small family run licensed hotel in quiet residential road close to clifi'top walk. Ch, some en-suite rooms, excellent home cooking. Open all year. Brochure from: EdgeclifTe Hotel, Clarence Cardens, Shanklin. Eel: 098386. (BB232) COUNTRY COTTAGE between Alnwick and Belford sleep up to 6, fully equipped, self- catering, available throughout the year. Well placed for Holy Island and Fame Islands, C.heviot Hills and many places of natural beauty. Mrs Shaw, 5 14 Gilbert House, Barbican, London t:C2Y 8BD. Evenings 01-628 6779. (BB233) NORTH NORFOLK, centrally placed all Bird Reserves comfortable three-bedroomed house in attractive location (maximum 4 people). Moderate terms. Vacancies May onwards. Also Bird Watching Holidays in Norfolk and Cornwall. SAE for details to Mrs. Robin VN'ake, Furze Lodge, Trelights, Nr. Port Isaac, Cornwall, PL27 3TC. Tel: 020 888 233. (BB243) DUNSYRE, LANARKSHIRE. Attractive holi- day cottages on private estate sleeping 4 & 6. Warm, comfortable and very well equipped. Variety of wildlife. Apply Lee & Carnwath F.states, Clarnwath, Lanark. 'Eel: Carnwath (055,584) 273. (BB244) REMOTE FISHING LODGE with magnificent views. Central Perthshire glen. Approximately 10 miles from Perth and Dunkeld. Exclusive use ol trout loch with boat provided. Accommodation for 4/6 with all mod cons. Enquiries to Middleton, Meikleour, Perth. Tel: 025083 291. (BB246) CLEY. Attractive house in village, 4 bedrooms, large garden, garage. .Available all year. Details from Mrs E. .Mbum, 47 Lyndale Avenue, London NW2. Tel: 431 2942. (BB247) TOURS WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HISTORY cruise. Guided tours of the Scottish Hebrides aboard 62 ft motor sailing yacht. Visit the breed- ing colonies of seabirds and seals. Explore early Christian settlements, superb scenery and savour excellent Ibod. Berths per week £170. .\rdpatrick, Tarbert, Argyll. 'Eel: 08802 633/63 1 . (BB 1 73) COME TO TUNNICLIFFE COUNTRY Spend a weekend seeing the many varieties of seabirds at Cemlyn Bay that produced some of TunniclilEes’ finest work. Guide present to show you the best places. Art courses also available. SAE to Anglesey Fine Arts, Neaudd. Cemlyn, Cemaes, Anglesey for Brochure. ( BB 1 84) WILDLIFE HOLIDA YS CAMBRIAN BIRD HOLIDAYS offer fully inclusive bird-watching holidays in .Southwest Wales. See exciting birds-of-prey including Peregrines and Kites and witness incredible autumn sea-bird migration down Irish .Sea including Skuas, Shearwaters, Divers. Erips to Pembroke Islands for sea- birds and migrants. Luxury hotel accom- modation, minibus transport and expert guides included. Small groups. .Ml bird- watchers welcome including non-beginners. Be taken straight to the birds without time- wasting. Send now for 1981 details to: CAMBRIAN BIRD HOLIDAYS (BB) Henllan, Llandyssul, Dyfed or Eel: Velindre (0559) 370240 (BB140) ARRAN OF THE MANY STAGS . . . Eagle Country! Relaxed informative weeks for like- minded people e.g. “Birdwatching & Wild Flowers” I8lh April, 16th May, 13th June, and 5th Sept or exclusively Birdwatching 27th June. Stamp please for full 1981 programme to: Woodside Wfildlife Holidays (BB), Glen Sannox, Isle of Arran, Scotland ('Eel: 0770 81 207/282). (BB180) X ICELAND WILDLIFE SAFARI with David Hunt. 20th June-1 Ithjuly. Still a few vacancies. Phone (0720) 22740 (evenings). (BB240) LIKE THE BIRDS, but don’t like flying? We have trips to Iceland, the Faroes, Shetland, Orkney and Islay entirely by surface transport, plus ol course our extensive programme of trips in the Scottish Highlands. Also self-catering cottages to let. Send stamp to: Caledonian Wildlife Services, 30 Culduthel Road, Inverness IV2 3LU,or call: 0403 33130. (BB24I) SNOWDONIA AND LLEYN PENINSULA. .Many species of birds \ isit here. Spend a week bird watching in one of our small, guided groups. Beginners especially welcome. SAE for details. John Taylor, Bron-y-Maen, North Road, Caern- arfon, Gwynedd. Tel: 0286 2683. (BB59) BOOKS BOOKS ON BIRDS. New and secondhand, catalogue 3()p. Surplus bird txKjks urgently .sought. Open Thursday to Saturday, Bird Books of Sevenoaks, House of Seal, Clhurch Street, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent. Tel: Sevenoaks 62155. (BB35) FINE NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS bought and sold. R. Norman, The Book-.S(|uirrel. Hart- on-lhe-Hill. Dalton Piercey. Hartlepool, Cle\e- land. (BB80) NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. Secondhand and new bought and sold. Catalogues: j. E. Oliver, Clorner Cottage, Colkirk, Fakenham, Norlitik. I'el: Fakenham 2453. (BB647) THE BIRD BOOKSHOP (Scottish Ornitho- logists’ Club) — W e are leading specialists in new books covering all aspects oi Ornithologc and all parts of the vcorld; o\ er 60(1 titles in stock; world- wide mail order ser\ ii e; j^ost free to SOC mem- bers (e.\ce|)t small orders); tree 30 page booklist ifom 1 he Bird Booksho|t. .Scottish ( frnithologists' Club, Dept, I, 21 Regent I'errace, Edinburgh EH7 .')B I ; phone (031) 556 6042 (ollice hours onK: .\lon.-Fri.<)-l,2-,5). (BB138) ‘INSTINCTIVE NAVIGATION OF BIRDS’ by E. Gerrard, 1981. 180pp plus 105 diagrams post free £4.50 or send large S.\E for descriptive leaflet and pamphlet on the ‘Perdeck Saga' revelations. The Scottish Research Group, Pabay, Broadford, Skye, Scotland. (BB223) BIRDS AND NATURAL HISTORY books— new and secondhand bought and sold — mail order only. Send 20p in stamps for catalogue. Dernam Books, .\ddlestead. East Peckham, Ton- bridge, Kent. (BBXI46) OUT-OF-PRINT BIRD BOOKS bought and sold. Clatalogue on reejuest. Please offer your surplus lxK)ks to Jay Books, 1 Roull Grove, Edinburgh. (BB34) NEW NATURALIST, 1st editions. Fhe Green- shank — fine d.w.; 2nd copy v.g. no d.w. The Hawfinch — fine d.w.; 2nd copy v.g. no d.w. Fhe Housesparrow — fine d.w. Offers invittd: Wood, 1 Higher Barn Road, Hadfield, Hvde, Cheshire. (BB245) FOR SALE Artificial House Martin’s Nest Remarkably successful readily accepted by martins, they also encourage the construction of natural nests. Made of hard cement compo with hardboard roof and back easily fixed to eaves of house or barn with special nails supplied. Price £5.45 for 1 £9.75 for 2 including post and packing. NERINE NURSERIES Welland, Worcestershire (BBI().53) SHIRTS MADE TO MEASURE in \ iyclla Swiss cottons and other quality fabrics. Patterns and details from .\. Garstang and Co Ltd (Dept .S/BB), 213 Preston New Road. Blackburn. Lancs BB2 6BP. (BB28) BRITISH BIRDS’ BOUND VOLUMES N'olumcs 67-71 ( 1974-78), £26. ,50 each, post free. Only one of each available. W rite to Box No. BB227 British Birds c/o Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London W'C2R 3LF. (BB227) WATERPROOF AND WARMWEAR, fabrics and patterns, all accessories. For prices, stamp please; 'FOR(B), 5 Lvndon Grove. Runcorn WA7 5PP. ' (BB27) HAWKINS WALKING BOOTS and shoes .\stronauts, Tecnic, L’niroyal. Countrs ftwtwear reduced prices. S.AE; Britt. 3 Station Rd, Elmesthorpe, Leicester. (BB220) REPAIRS BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE RE- PAIRS. Fast efficient serxicc on all makes and types by expert technicians at L&L Optical, 50 .Alston Road. Barnet, Herts. Tel; 01-441 0990. (BB229) STOP PRESS ANGLESEY. Modern self-contained flat near beaches and nature reserve. Sleeps 4. .Apply; Mrs Ensor, Einion House. Bcxlorgan, .Anglesev. (BB249) HANTS./SURREY Border Bird Reptort 1980, £1.50 from J. Clark, 4 L'pper St. -Michael's Road, •Aldershot, Hants. (BB250) XI BRIDGEND HOTEL IN THE UNIQUE ISLAND OF ISLAY See over 100 species in the course of a week visiting Islay in the Inner Hebrides plus the famous flocks of Greenland Barnacle and Whitefront Geese which winter from October to May. Gontact: Bridgend Hotel, Isle of Islay, Argyll, for details, telephone 049 68 1 212. (BB251) KINLOCHEWE HOTEL Resident proprietors Mr & Mrs Jackson offer a friendly, comfortable licensed hotel in beautiful tranquil setting of Benn Eighe, together with group Bird Watching/VVild Life Study Holidays available for the weeks commencing 30 May and 6 June. Brochure and details; Kinlochewe Hotel, Kinlochewe- by-Achnasheen, Ross-shire. Tel: (044-584) 253. (BB252) FAIRLIGHT ROAD, Hastings, near Country Park. Sea views, attention. B&B £6.00, Northrise, 97 Fairlight 423362. r Bind it It's so easy and tidy with the Easibind binder to file your copies away. Each binder is designed to hold twelve issues and is attractiveiy bound and biocked with the BRITiSH BIRDS logo. Price UK £3.65 including postage, packing and VAT. overseas orders add 25p. Why not piace your order now and send the completed coupon below with remittance to: EASIBIND LTD, 4 UXBRIDGE STREET, LONDON W8 7SZ Tel: 01 -727 0686 Please allow 3-4 weeks lor fulfilment of order Nat Giro No 5157552 it’s ea witi r Easibind Iid,4 Uxbridge SuLondon.WB 7SZ. Older Ibmi British Birds I enclose PO/Cheque value for binders. Years required BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE Name Address Date Registration No. 307469 1 British Birds Book Offers Please tick books required. Prices valid during May 1981 . A Notebook of Birds, 1907-1980 Jim Flegg (Macmillan 1 981 ) £6.95 □ Frontiers of Bird Identification J. T. R. Sharrock (Macmillan 1 980) £7.95 □ lV/7dfow/ of Europe Myrfyn Owen (Macmillan 1977) £9.95 □ Bill Oddie’s Uttle Black Bird Book Bill Oddie (Eyre Methuen 1 980 £4.95 □ Birdwatcher's Yearbook 1981 John E. Pemberton (Buckingham Press 1980) £5.45 □ The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (British Birds 1979) £0.50 □ Make all cheques and POs payable to British Birds. For overseas orders, please add 50p. Payment can be made directly into UK Giro account number 37 588 6303. Name Address Cheque/PO for £ enclosed Send to BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. (BB168) L J Special Interest Tours 1981-2 .V Peregrine Holidays Directors: Raymond Hodgkins, M.A. (Oxon) MTAI Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI and Neville Wykes, FAAI, ACEA With Guest Lecturers and a Tour Manager. By Scheduled Air and Inclusive Provisional * NORTHERN GREECE Mountains, Flowers, Butterflies Jun 7-22 £495 Fifth year of this delightful tour taking Delphi, loannina, Metsova,. Pindus, Mountains Meteora and Mount Olympos ZIMBABWE Birds, Flowers 14 Aug-4 Sep £1675 SWEDISH NATURE TOUR Birds, Beavers, Botany Aug 1-15: 15-29 £658 AUTUMN IN MAJORCA Birds, Leisure Sep 23-Oct 7 £295 AUTUMN IN CEPHALONIA Birds Sep 14-28 £270* “PHILIP OF MACEDON” Sites Oct 20-27 £290* AUTUMN IN ARGOLIS Sites, Leisure Oct 21-30 £270* AUTUMN IN CRETE Birds, (Minos Beach Htl.) Oct 29-Nov 12 £275‘ CHRISTMAS IN CRETE Sites, Leisure Dec 1 7-3 1 £225 * MALAYSIA Birds, Flowers Feb 11-28 £1200* SPRING TOURS 1982 CRETE Sites, Flowers, Leisure Mar 11-18 £230* ARGOLIS Sites, Flowers, Leisure Mar 18-27 £250* MALTA Sites, Flowers, Leisure Mar 21-28 £190* RHODES Sites, Flowers Mar 31-7 Apr £260* CRETE Birds. Flowers Apr 8-22 £425* TUNISIAN BIRDS |. Gooders B.Sc. Apr 10-24 £350* SPRING IN CEPHALONIA Birds Apr26-Mav3 £250 CRETE & SANTORINI The Minoans May 20-Jun 3 £495* NEW LONG HAUL TOURS 1982 KULU, LADAKH, KASHMIR Birds, Howers May-Jun £1100* Allen Paterson NDFI (flowers), Raj Singh (birds) 15 days SEYCHELLES David Bellamy (of TV fame): July 3-19 £1000* “Mont” Hirons B.Sc. Both have travelled before (on expeditions during the production of films for TV) INDIA — THAR DESERT John Gooders B.Sc.: Oct-Nov £1100* Raj Singh REGISTRATION Costs nothing, does not commit you in any way but gives you first sight of the brochure on publication. PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS at TOWN AND GOWN TRAVEL 40/41 SOUTH PARADE, SUMMERTOWN: OXFORD, 0X2 7JP Phone Oxford (0865) 511341-2-3 (BB226) British Birds Volume 74 Number 5 May 1981 195 Editorial 196 Fifty years ago . . . 197 Oystercatcher counts at roosts and at feeding grounds DrJ. D. Goss-Custard 199 American Kestrel: new to Britain and Ireland A. M. Taylor 203 Mystery photographs 53 Blackpoll Warbler D.J. Holman 205 The Merlin in Wales: breeding numbers, habitat and success G. A. Williams 2 1 5 Bird Photograph of the Year DrR.J. Chandler, Eric Hosking, Michael Richards, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock and Don Smith (Sponsored by The Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky) 2 1 8 Expeditions Mark Beaman and Richard Porter Obituary 223 Leslie Hilton Brown, OBE, BSr, PhD ( 191 7-1980) Notes 226 Buzzard preying on Short-eared Owl C. C. Barnard 226 Buzzard catching stick in flight David E. Pauli 227 American Kestrel in Cornwall Brian K. Mellow and Peter A. Maker 228 White-tailed Plover in Dorset J. A. Alford 228 Sanderling feeding on wet road Alan Parker 228 Caspian Terns dropping and retrieving objects Bernard King 228 Call of Red-throated Pipit M.J. Rogers Letter 229 For the sake of accuracy E. M. Nicholson Announcements 230 Postal sale of original paintings from the Collins (Jem Guide to ‘Birds’ 230 Book oilers 230 ‘BB’ — Sunbird Tour of Thailand: February 1982 231 A Notebook of Birds — 1907-1980 Request 23 1 Birds feeding in foam lines 5. F. Barstow 23 1 Recent prosecutions RSPB Species Protection Department 233 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 235 Recent reports R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp Line drawings: 197 Oystercatchers {Killian Mullamey); H19 American Kestrel (.4. M. Taylor); 205 Merlin and Skylark {J. Cantelo); 222 Pied Flycatcher {Bryan Bland); 236 Lesser White-fronted and White-fronted Geese {J. P. Marlin) Cover design: Reed Buntings {Rodney Ingram); original drawing can be purchased in postal auction, see page 47 in January issue for procedure ■ British Birds Volume 74 Number 6 June 1981 Bird topK>graphy Belted Kingfisher: new to Britain and Ireland Age determination of Puffins European news • Diary dates Mystery photographs • Notes • Letters News and comment • Recent reports British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Editorial Assistant Personal Assistant David A. Christie Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Dr R; J. Chandler Sc Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Chairman), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J. Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, R. F. Porter & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary), 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 7TP Sotes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Dr C. H. Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr K. E. L. Simmons S’eu's and comment Peter Conder Sc Mike Everett, 12 Swaynes Lane, Comberton, Cambridge CBS 7EF Recent reports K. Allsopp Sc R. A. Hume, c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL British Birds Ltd 1981. Copyriglit ol pliotographs remains with pliotographcrs. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 9!) High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire lSS\'()()()7-0:«5 Annual subscription (including index) L’K £16; rest of world, surface mail £16 (or L1S$40), airmail £25 (or L'S$95); single issues, if available, £2. Cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. All cheques and queries by letter to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Circulation, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 Snj, England. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO 37 588 6303 Publishing & Production Manager Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Mrs Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Cartwright Advertising John Barnes, Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF (tel: 01-240 1 101) British Birds piibli.shcs material dealing witlt original ob.seiAations on the birds ol the west Palearetit . Ifsi ept iitr records ol rarities, ptipers and notes are normalK tteeepted only on et)iidition that material is not being ollered in whole or in part to any other jotirnal. Photographs and sketi lies are welcomed. .\ll eontribtitions should be submitted to the Managing Kditor. Papers should be typewritten with double spai ing and wide margins, and on one side ol the sheet only, .\uthors shotild earelulls consult this isstie liir st\ le ol presentaliou. espei iaily ol relerences and tables. Vernacular and scientific names and sequence of birds Ibilow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic ( I97H); names ol iilants liillow Dony el at. (1971. English Names of Wild Flowers); names ormammals liillow ( lorbet & Southern ( 1977. The Handbook of British Mammals), figures should be in Indian ink on good (pialitv tracing paper, diitwing paper, non-ab.sorbent board oi light liltie or \ er\ pale grey gra|)h paper; lettering should be inserted lightb in pencil; ca|)tions should lie t\ ped on a separate sheet. .\tithors ornuiin papers (but not notes or letters) recei\e ten free copies of the journ.il (liveeai h to two or more iinlhors). Printed by Henry Btirt & Son Ltd, College Street, Kempston, Bedibrd mk12 8na (BB248) DISCOVERER incIVAT IDiscoverer 15 -60 x 60. — “arguably the finest instrumenf icurrently on the market.” \Ogilvia and Sharrock, writing in ^British Birds, October 1978. For detailed literature and list of retail stockists contact Highgate Optical, Distributors of Bushnell binoculars and telescopes. Highgate Optical Ltd 38 Jamestown Road, London NW1 7EJ Tel; 01 267 4936 Telex: 298858 “After many years of bird watching, I find the Spacemaster to be the first telescope which embodies ail the qualities I expect of a really good glass. Weight and size are ideal and the optics absolutely superb. Quite apart from its obvious advantages when watching wild fowl and waders, it can even be used for studying passerines and flying birds. Top marks for a first-class instrument.” Lawrence G, Holloway of Ornitholidays. A pride of craftmanship, which through the high quality optics from of Bausch & Lomb. Those beautifully resolution binoculars and telescopes are 100% lens coated allowing bright, crisp and eye-comfortable viewing. Stylishly and sturdily constructed to ensure that the optical elements remain in alignment minimising servicing problems. Spacemaster 20 x 60, A fast focusing prismatic telescope giving 20x magnification. Field width 124ft. at 1000yds. Length 11% inches. With standard thread tripod mount. Spacemaster 20 - 45 x 60 Zoom. A versatile telescope with zoom from 20 to 45 power. Field width 37ft. at 1000yds. Length 11% inches. Tripod mount. Discoverer 15 - 60 x 60 Zoom, Top quality telescope zooming from 15 to 60 power. Field width at 15x is 156ft. at 1000yds., and 60 x is 40ft. Length \Th inches. With tripod mount. Explorer 10 x 50. An all-purpose, fast focusing binocular with Squint-Pruf haze filters. Field width 420ft. at 1000yds. Height 4% inches. Weight 27ozs. ' 20-45 ' SPACEMASTER incIVAT X)x50 EXPLORER irxiVAT 'Creeril^l* 8 5x50 BWCF KESTREL BINOCULAR FOR BIRDWATCHING Designed for the keen Ornithologist, and indeed for all nature studies. Featuring close focusing of only 12 feet, Fully- coated for extra clarity. Tripod Socket, Fold-down Rubber Eyecups, making them also suitable for spectacle wearers. Wide angle of 9° or 472 ft at 1 000 yds. Weight 38 ozs. 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We offer 20-33'/3% Discounts ' on oil these famous brands of r binoculars ond telescopes BINOCULARS BY: Zeiss (East & West) Leitz Swift Kowa Greenkat Pentax Hartman Habicht Bushnell Mirador Tasco Heron Steiner, etc. 'TELESCOPES BY: Schmidt & Bender Nickel Supra Televari Swift i Kowa Optolyth Mirador Bushnell Discoverer (Bausch & Lomb) This extensive range may be viewed in the quiet and comfort of our showrooms, with views of over two miles distance. We are open Mon.-Fri. 9 a m. - 5 p.m. (Thurs. 9.30 a.m. - 1 p m.) and Sat. 9.30 a m. - 4.30 p.m. For those who cannot call personally ALL our goods are available by MAIL ORDER and are insured during transit. 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(BB178) O (0277) 221259/219418/210913 >/- 11 cvcmif uiiiDiiPc make bird watchers’ dreams come true Northern California and the High Sierras 21 day tour from 6th to 26th October 1981 Leader: David Hunt £835 Southern California and Arizona 21 day tour from 26th October to 15th November 1981 Leader: David Hunt The above 2 tours can be combined to save you £350 £835 Nepal 21 day tour from 16th January to 5th February 1982 Leader: Peter Clement £1,235 Thailand 20 day tour from 23rd January to 11th February 1982 Leader: Phil Round £890 Northern India and the Himalayan foothills 19 day tour from 8th to 26th February 1982 Leader: David Hunt £870 Texas 17 day tour from 1st to 17th April 1982 Leader: David Holman £685 For full information and colour brochure of our 1981-82 programme. Contact our resident ornithologist Paul Dukes. CVGnUI UlllDUPC Worldwide Holidays Southwest Travel Ltd % Fore Street Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 IPY i -f Telephone 0548 3181 Telex 45639 (Comput G) P57 111 RARE BIRDS THE WEST COAST by Don Roberson Over 500 pages filled with photos, maps, graphs, essays about rare birds from Alaska to California. Of interest to British observers are: • Color plates of over 100 species, many Siberian X_ vagrants rare in Britain. * • Up-to-date essays on i.d. of stints, pipits, buntings, pelagics and more. • Detailed material on difficult American groups — Empiiionnx flycatchers, Calluirus thrushes, etc. • Numerous references to Bnh>li Bml<. • Text on Eurasian species reviewed by Peter Grant. £ 13 or $28 postpaid Published by the author. Order from WOODCOCK PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 985 PACIFIC GROVE, CA 93950 U.S.A. Allow t> weeks for delivery Sale of original paintings by Martin Woodcock from the Collins Gem Guide ‘Birds’ As announced last month (see Brit. 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I wish to buy (write in numbers, and ring page nos. to show preferences) at £45 selected from page nos. 54 68 71 75 93 129 203 206 21 1 219 221 at £35 selected from page nos. 1 3 22/3 27 41 83 91 99 1 01 11 8/9 131 141 147 186/7 197 199 204/5 at £25 selected from any page nos. other than those listed above (please write in) Name Address Please return with SAE to Martin Woodcock Offer, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. fBB2541 i\ The Greenland jacket EUROPE’S MOST SUCCESSFUL CLIMBING, FELLWALKING AND OUTDOOR JACKET, NOW AVAILABLE IN BRITAIN Designed in Sweden by Fjallraven, one of the world’s leading climbing equipment manufacturers, the Greenland is possibly the best selling outdoor jacket in Europe. The Hood - Specially cut to allow free head movement. Double Seams - For extra weather protection. Bellows - Under the arms for full, freedom of movement. Brass press- button - Nickel plated and anti corrosive. Side Pockets - With flaps and press buttons. 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BEST SELLING SELECTION FROM OVER 150 DIFFERENT MODELS: (all prices correct press date and subject to availability) (BB29) ZEISS WEST 8 X 306 Dialyl 8 X 568GA Dialyt 10x40e0talyt l0x4OBGAOiatyf 10 x 256 Mini Dialyt 8 X 206MmiDialyt all other models m slock SWIFT om.% tSfJ.Zi 02S.3S £32t 10 ri40.3S £135.56 R/IRI HARTMANN TELESCOPES CARL ZEISS JENA 8 1 30 Jeooplem T3M £3I.» 7 X 50 Jenoptem T3M £13.33 10x50 Jenoptetn T3M m.a 8 X 30 Denrimem 3M £51.45 10 X 50 Dekarem T3M £32.07 All Monoculars in stock New Zeiss Jena Root Prisms 8x32BNolarem £33.05 10x40BNotarem £140.35 7 X 50 Storm Kmg R/A 10x50 Supreme BWCF 8 X 40 Supreme BWCF 8Sx44Aud0bonBWCF 8x40 Saratoga BWCF 10 X 40 County BCF 9 X 35 Stadium BCF 8x40Gr^ Pnx BCF 6x40Switi Tecnar 20 x 60 Observation 16 X 70 Observaiioo LEITZ 8x20CTrinovid (Mmij 10x2^Tnnovid(Min) 8 X 326Trinovid 8 X 406Trinovid 10 X 406Trinovid (cases extra) £112.30 £114.00 M07.H £34.11 £54 30 £54.00 £51 75 £53.14 £27.05 £231.17 £137 35 £134.50 £142.13 £270.4t £230 70 £307 75 8 X 30 Compaci Wide Arrgle 6x40 Compact Wide Angle 10 X 40CornpaclWideAngle 10 X 50 Bernina Wide Angle HILKINSON 10 X 40 Lincoln 7i® field l0x40Hawk7Criield 7 X 50 Balmoral 7 5“ lieW 20 X 60 High Power B-20 x 50ZoOTi 6x21 Roof Prism Miniature 8 X 56 Olympic Rool Prism R/A 8x30HylileR/Pnsm l0x40HylileR/Prism RUSSIANHELIOS 8x30 Helios 7 X 50 Helios 12x40 Helios £132.25 £150 40 £150.40 £147.20 £54.75 £37 44 £35.13 £53.57 £5311 £41 15 £71.16 £51.45 £50.73 Bushnell Discoverer 15-60 x 60TI53.35 Swift Teierraster 1 5-60 x 60 Swift Prismatic 20 x 60 Nickle Supra B' 15-60 x 60 Hedel&Reuss 25-60 x 60 Mirador Prismatic 20-45 x 60 Zeiss West 40x60 Nickel Supra 15-60x60 R/A Bushnell Spacemasler 20-45 1 £165.35 £39.30 £135.24 £131 33 £33 35 £332.00 £140 33 60£39.36 ORDER NO FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH Access/Visa accepted by phone COD service available at small extra charge All orders despatched same day received INFORMATION PACK AVAILAOLE Send 50p in stamps or PO for fully illuslraied price lists and colour brochures with specilicaiions, information and special otters on all models in slock TalephOM lor aOvlee— our lines are open from 9 00-5 30 daily (closed Thursday) CALLERS wkCOME We are jusi 7 minutes from the M i (junction 15 and right in the town centre on the corner ol the Market Square Call in— we would be pleased lo see you and show you over 150 models m stock Greenkal 22 x 60 Spotting 5cope£43.36 £21 36 £27 35 £23 35 ’FULL RANGE OF TRIPODS IN STOCK AR •HAWKINS LTD 2 The Parade, Northampton Telephone (0604) 39674 GIBRALTAR MOROCCO— SPAIN Hireling holidays — vehicle hire local touring services. Enjoy spectacular birding and glorious sunshine, autumn winter, spring, from around £ 100 selfcatering. Large SAE; MIGRANT TRAVEL Dept MBB, PO Box 217, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland (BB.5I) BIRDS AND BOTANY IN TURKEY ■New concept excursions backed by an organisation with years of experience in specialist holidays in I’urkey. So planned that your lime can be fully devoted to observation. 1. Ornitholog(ical-botanical excursion 5.9.81-19.9.81. ,\manus Mountains, Gulf of Iskenderun. Bus journey with excursions to Lake Tuz; into the Taurus Mountains; in the Lake .\mik basin near Antakya. Camp at Belen Pass. 2. Ornithological excursion 26.12.81-11-1-82. lo the overwintering area lor northern migrants at Lake Luz; in itie Konya Basin and in the river deltas of the south coast. Flights: Loudon — Ankara — London. I'urkish-spcaking direction. Leader: tlhris Husband. Details and hookings: Mike Read, Claremont, Redwood Close, Ringwood, Hants BH24 IPR. (BB228) VI British Birds VOLUME 74 NUMBER 6 JUNE 1981 Bird topography A thorough knowledge of topography is arguably one of the most important foundations of identification expertise. It en- courages a detailed rather than a general examination of plumage, which highlights differences between similar species, and enables precise descrip- tions to be taken. It is, indeed, essential in understanding and applying detailed techniques of identification, ageing and sexing. l o the observer who wishes to improve his knowledge of topography, however, the charts in most of the identification literature are rather unhelpful. They almost invariably lack complete coverage of all the impor- tant features, and are often unclearly or wrongly labelled. Confusingly, too, the terminology may vary considerably from one chart to another. A typical example involves the stripes on the side of the head of some passerines, especially pipits Anthus and buntings Emberiza, here called the moustachial stripe, submoustachial stripe and malar stripe. There are hardly two charts which agree on the names for these stripes, and most do not define all three. VVe are grateful to Will Russell and Colin Slater, whose letters drawing attention to this particular topographical puzzle prompted this editorial. We feel, therefore, that it would be helpful to publish topography charts showing all the feather groups, main plumage areas, and common bare parts’ features and head markings. Our aim has been to keep these charts as uncluttered and basic as possible, so obvious features such as head, bill and wing have not been labelled, and the specialised structural or plumage features of certain species or families have not been included. The termi- nology is that which will be used in future in this journal: it largely follows BWP, with the inclusion of a few additional features. Standardisation of topographical terms has obvious adxantages, and it is hoped that those used here will be widely followed. We would be pleased to arrange for the charts to be used in other publications. Proficient field application of topography requires considerable practice. While all birds have the same basic plumage ‘map’, the prominence or extent of some feather groups may vary considerably from one species or family to another. For example, the scapulars on a standing wader cover a large area of the upperparts and are often prominently patterned, whereas on most passerines they are less extensive, often plain, and inconspicuous; and the tertials on some birds (e.g. waders, larks and pipits) are long, often with pale edges forming obvious stripes on the closed wing, whereas on others (e.g. many passerines) they are comparatively short and often plain. [Bnl. Birds 74: 239-242,Junc 1981] 239 crown chin throat lesser coverts median coverts breast alula greater primary coverts -ear-coverts -mantle -scapulars .greater coverts back tertials secondaries rump uppertail-coverts vent undertail-coverts crown forehead lore, ' chin throat" foreneck- eye-stripe moustachial submoustachial matar crown-stripe culmen orbital ring ^ pupil ^nape ■ ear-coverts upper mandibt cutting edges breast lesser coverts scapulars greater coverts secondaries tertials hindneck side of neck — ^mantle flank thigh tibia ms mouth lower mandible median covert: belly primaries vent undertail-coverts knee tarsus inner toe middle toe. ankle hind toe claw’—/ ^ole outer toe [The ‘tarsus’ is actually the tarsometatarsus; the ‘knee’ is actually the intertarsal joint; the ‘ankle’ is actually the tarsometatarso-phalangeal joint. We have, however, preferred the anatomically inaccurate but very much simpler and more easily understood terms. Eds) crown-stripe Bird topography 241 notch inner web outer web, shaft. median under primary coverts lesser under primary coverts marginal underwing coverts lesser underwing coverts median underwing coverts greater underwing coverts -primaries — greater under primary coverts secondaries axillaries CHART OF UNDERWING The amount of the upperwing visible when a bird is perched (and the relative positions of the groups of wing feathers) may vary considerably from one family to another, or even within the same species depending on the posture of the individual. On swimming ducks, for example, the whole wing except for the tertials and tips of the outer primaries is usually- concealed by the overlapping scapulars and breast and flank feathers; on standing gulls the whole outer wing (except for the tips of the outer primaries) and the secondaries are usually concealed by the overlapping tertials and inner wing-coverts; but, on perched passerines, most of the 242 Bird topography groups of feathers on the upperwing remain visible. Standing waders spread or bunch the scapulars to a variable degree, exposing or concealing more or less (sometimes all) of the inner wing-coverts. Most species, however, especially when roosting or inactive, or in cold weather, are able to cover most or all of the wing with the scapulars and breast and flank feathers. In flight, the tertials on many long-winged species (e.g. gulls and waders) are concealed above and below the wing by the overlapping scapulars and axillaries respectively, whereas on others (e.g. passerines) they remain exposed. Study of birds in the hand, of dead specimens, and of good photographs is recommended, as they illustrate these variations, provide valuable exer- cises in identifying the various groups of feathers (especially the complex arrangement on the wings), and demonstrate the mechanics of how a bird opens and closes its wings and, as it does so, which groups of feathers become exposed or concealed. Such exercises will foster a detailed knowledge of topography, and aid the all-important ability to relate plumage marks to specific groups of feathers in the field. Of the field guides, Lars Jonsson’s ‘Penguin Nature Guides’ series is particularly recom- mended: his paintings illustrate feather detail in an exceptionally realistic and topographically accurate and precise style. Belted Kingfisher: new to Britain and Ireland Killian Mullarney At about 1600 GMT on 10th December 1978, John Donnelly was L walking by the River Bunree, Co. Mayo, when he noticed a strange looking bird about 40m away perched in a tree overlooking the river. As it was quite unlike anything that he had ever seen before, he made a note of its main characteristics. He did not have binoculars with him, but could see that the bird had a dark head, conspicuous white collar, long bill and bluish grey upperparts. It remained in the same area for about 20 minutes, flying short distances from branch to branch and occasionally uttering a harsh grating call which he likened to that of a Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus. He [Bnl. Birds 74; 242-245,junc 1981] Belted Kingfisher: new to Britain and Ireland 243 deduced that it was some kind of kingfisher (Alcedinidae), but could not find anything resembling it in any of the bird books which he consulted that evening. He saw the bird again the following day and also on 16th December, when he obtained slightly better views and noticed that it had a somewhat crested appearance. In due course, he wrote to J. E. Fitzharris, secretary of the Irish Records Panel, with full details of his observations. His description and sketches were enough to convince JEF that the bird described was a Belted King- fisher Ceryle alcyon. JD saw the bird again on several dates throughout January and kept JEF informed of his observations. It was not until 3rd Februarv^ 1979, however, that a small party of birdwatchers from Dublin, including JEF and the writer, was able to make the journey over to see the bird. Soon after arriving at the spot where the kingfisher had most frequently been seen byJD, it was located perched in a willow Salix overlooking the river — a magnificent bird! 4 he following is a summary of the description compiled from notes and sketches made on the spot. GENER.M. APPEARANCE Lartjfc, bulky king- fisher with long, stout bill and rather long, full tail. Roughly size of Jackdaw Corvus rnoneilula. Forehead and crown feathers elongated, giving spiky outline to head and often bunching to form double crest. PLUMAGE Head above line from gape to nape deep blue-grey, appearing quite dark at long range. Most of head feathers with fine, dark shaft streak, coarsest on forehead and crown. Orbital and loral areas dark blackish grey, with conspicuous w hitc spot in front of eye and narrow whitish orbital crescent below eye. Small patch of untidy dark fcatficring at base t)f lower mandible. Broad white collar separated head from fjlue-grcy upperbody, rump and wings. Collar complete except for thin line of dark-centred feathers running down middle of hind-neck. Collared effect heightened by blue-grey breast band running from shoulders. Breast band widest in middle of chest, where lower edge formed point. Several isolated clusters of dull coppery feathers within breast band. Blue-grey of upperbody and wings lighter shade than head, and only back and inner scapular feathers prominently dark-centred. Under- parts below breast band clean white, with broad band of rusty orange across upper belly, fading into slightly paler shade of orange on flanks. Diffuse panel of white along upper flanks separated light orange from closed wings. \'cnt and undcrtail-coverts white. Wing-eoverts and secondaries uni- form blue-grey, witli tiny white tips to outer greater coverts. Tertials same colour, with darker inner webs. Primaries black, tipped thinly with white from about filth inwards. In flight, large tracts of white rc\ealed across primaries. Fhese white patches quite large on splayed primaries, but seemed more or less restricted to inner webs, and therefore not \isible when wings closed, fail usually fanned slightly; round-ended; mainly dark grey, with well-spaced white spots on both webs of rectriccs, forming series of dis- continuous, thin, white bars. Some rectrices edged blue-grey (same shade as upperparts). B.ARE PARTS Bill loug and stout; mainly dark blackish, with pale horn base and tiny, light tip. Eyes dark chestnut brown. Legs short; dirtv red. Fhe bird behaved in much the same way as a European Kingfisher A/cct/o atthis, sitting around a lot of the time, with occasional bouts of fishing activity. When at rest, it usually chose a perch about 10m above the water, but would come down lower when fishing. Every now and then, par- ticularly when feeding, it would become very raucous, uttering a loud rattling call, reminiscent of Mistle Thrush. It flew strongly and directly, often with rather flappy, measured wing-beats which prompted com- parison with Hoopoe L pupa epops. Throughout its stay, it favoured a small stand of willow trees along the water’s edge, close to w here the Bunree runs into the River Mov. 244 Belted Kingfisher: new to Britain and Ireland When we left the bird at around 15.00 GMT, it seemed content and, as it had already been around for almost eight weeks, there seemed every likelihood that it would remain for some time. Later that afternoon, how- ever, a local man, who had heard of the bird’s presence and who had an interest in taxidermy, shot it. This outrageous act was reported to the Irish Wildbird Conservancy, which pursued a successful prosecution. The mounted specimen is now on display in the National Museum, Dublin. This was the first accepted record of this Nearctic species in Britain and Ireland. It has, however, since been predated, with the acceptance by the British Ornithologists’ Union of an old record of a female Belted Kingfisher shot in Cornwall in November 1908. The following details were published in February 1919 {Brit. Birds 12: 216): BELTED KINGFISHER IN CORNW .ALL. To the Editors oj British Birds. Sirs, — One day in November 1908, the date of which I am not now certain, my attention was called by my neighbour at Sladesbridge, near Wadebridge, to a peculiar bird perching on the telegraph wires just outside my house. I took my gun and went out, but on my appearance it flew from the wires, alighting in a bush on the bank of the River Allen, which flows close by, being a tributary of the River Camel. I endeavoured to stalk it, but it again flew off, alighting a little further up the river, where I successfully stalked and killed it. I sent the bird to a taxidermist in Plymouth, who stuffed it for me, but on making enquiries failed to ascertain its name until in September of this year (1918) when visiting Wadebridge I made the acquaintance of Mr. G. Thorne Phillips, of Polmorla Villa, who identified it as a Belted Kingfisher {Ceryle alcyon). Belted Kingfisher: new to Britain and Ireland 245 I handed the bird to Mr. Phillips, who sent it to the British Museum, and it was exhibited at the meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Club on October 9th, 1918. This is the first recorded occurrence of the bird in England. Ehinking tfiis may interest your readers. F. G. Stevenson. New^ton Ferrers. [We applied to Mr. Stevenson for the name of the taxidermist who set up the bird, but he regrets his inability to give the name, as his friend, who was formerly resident in Plymouth, is now in America. — Eds.] The specimen is no longer available, probably having been destroyed by a bomb in 1940. The BOU Records Committee has, however, considered the written evidence — including correspondence at the British Museum (Natural History), Tring, in the ‘Dead Files’ (filed under ‘Phillips, G. Thorne’) — during four circulations between October 1974 and June 1979. The Committee’s formal acceptance was notified in October 1 980 [Ibis 1 22; 564). 142 & 143. Belted Kingfishers Ceryle alcyon: left, female, L’S.\, .March 1980 {David Tomlinson)', right, male, USA, September 1980 {Ed Mackrill) Two records based on specimens, said to have been collected in Ireland in the autumn of 1845, were recently removed from the Irish list when critical examination of the skins — in 1974, by Derek Goodwin, Robert Hudson, Dr David Snow' and the late Kenneth Williamson — produced evidence that the birds had either been killed earlier in the year than had been claimed or had been held in captix ity (R. F. Ruttledge, 1975, A List of the Birds oj Ireland). The only other European records are of an adult male shot at De Steeg, Gelderland, Netherlands, on 17th December 1899, and one ‘obtained’ on the \’estmannaeyjar, Iceland, in September 1901. Acknowledgment I am grateful to Robert Hudson, secretary of the BOU Records Gommittee, for making available information concerning the 1908 British record. Summary A female Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon was observed on the River Bunree, Co. Mayo, from 10th December 1978 to 3rd February 1979, when it was illegally shot. .\n earlier record, of a female shot in Cornwall in November 1908, has been accepted subsequently. Killian Mullarney, The Mill House, Whitechurch Road, Rathfamham, Dublin 14 Age determination and first breeding of British Puffins M. P. Harris At fledging, a young Puffin Fralercula arctica has a small, dark coloured beak (plate 144); several years later when it first breeds, the adult Puffin is much larger and has a big, brightly coloured beak (plate 145). This paper documents the growth and development of the immature Puffin. 144. Head of fledgling Puffin Fralercula arctica showing small beak and lack of eye ornaments; position of cere already visible at base of upper mandible. Isle of May, July 1978 {M. P. Harris) Methods During 1973-79, 5,827 and 2,658 nestling Pulfins were ringed on St Kilda, Outer Hebrides, and the Isle of May, Fife, respectively. Most were also given a year-specific colour-ring so that they could be identified in the field. Between 1974 and 1980, many of these birds were re-examined by mist- netting them at the colonies (on the Isle of May), collecting corpses killed by Great Black-backed Gulls Larus niarinus (on St Kilda) and catching them in burrows (both areas). 246 [tint. Birdi 71: 24t)-2.')(), junr l')81 ] Age determination oj Puffins 247 145. Head of breeding Puffin Fratercula arctica with three biff grooves. Note eye ornaments and light coloured ridge running diagonally across upper beak. St Kilda, May 1978 (A/. P. Harris) On the Isle of May, each Puffin caught was weighed using a Pesola balance accurate to ± 1 g, and a wing measured to the nearest 1 mm using a stopped rule, with the primaries straightened and flattened to give the maximum chord. Three measurements of the bill were made (fig. 1 ): (a) the upper bill from the tip to the anterior edge of the keratinous cere, (b) the lower (cutting) edge of the upper mandible from the bill tip to the anterior edge of the cere (= straight bill length), and (c) the maximum bill depth at the base, again excluding the cere. Most measurements were made by S. Murray or by myself and a series of tests showed that our measurements were not significantly different. The cere was excluded from the measure- ments because experience showed that measurements including it were less repeatable. Puffins killed by gulls had usually been mutilated and were not measured. The number of bill grooves on the outer part of the upper mandible (outside the whitish ridge separating the inner dark area from the reddish Fig. f . Diagram to show the measurements made of the biff of a Puffin Fratercula arctica 248 Age determination of Puffins distal part) were scored as Ibllows: trace (\irtually no sign of a groove), < 1 (an ill-defined groove), 1 (a single distinct groove), 1+ (one distinct, plus the suggestion of a second), IV2 (one, plus a half or more of a second groove), 2 (two distinct), 2+ (two, plus a trace of a third), ‘iVi (two, plus a half or more of a third groove), 3 (three complete grooves) or >3 (more than three grooves). The third groove was often ill-defined and difficult to distinguish from the half of a 2V2. Some examples of these categories are shown in plates 145-149. 146. Head of ringed two-year-old Puffin Fralercula arctica with just trace of bill groove. Isle of May, .August 1976 {M. P. Harris) 147. Ringed two-year- old Puffin Fralercula arctica with one bill groo\e. .Note irregular outline of top of bill typical of many im- matures. Isle of May, .\ugust 1976 (.1/. P. Harris) During 1974-77, the heads of known-age Puffins were photographed using a polaroid camera fitted with a close-up lens, thus enabling checks to be made on the classifications given to the few examined by other observers. For convenience. Puffins were aged by calendar years (i.e. a bird hatched in June 1973 and caught again in 1976 was called a three-year-old, regardless of whether it was caught in April or August). Breeding adults were caught incubating eggs, brooding young or carrying fish. Since Puffins from the Isle of May are significantly larger and heavier than those from St Kilda (Harris 1977), the results from the two areas are analysed separately. Results Measurements in relation to age A total of 192 Puffins of known age was measured on the Isle of May (table 1). The mean wing length, upper beak length and beak depth increased with age until the fifth year of life. Even then, the wing length was shorter than that of breeding adults (most of which would have been at least five years old, see later), though the difference was just not significant (P = 0. 1). 4'he straight beak length did not increase with age after the first year, so the increase in beak depth was alone responsible for the increase in the upper beak length. The beak of an immature Puffin was obviously more triangular 249 Age determination of Puffins Table 1. Measurements (mm) and weights (g) of known-age and breeding Puffins Fratercula arctica from the Isle of May, Fife S.E. = standard error AGE (years) WING LENGTH fledging 1 2 3 4 5 Breeding No. 94 3 52 55 24 16 274 .Mean 133.9 156.3 1.56.6 157.8 158.9 160.0 161.5 S.E. 0.42 0.33 0..55 0..50 0.67 l.(K) 0.23 UPPER BII.I. l.ENGTH No. 42 3 52 54 26 16 160 ■Mean 30.4 41.2 43.2 43.3 44.5 45.1 45.0 S.E. 0.15 0.59 0.25 0.22 0.38 0.48 0.15 STRAIGHT BII.I. l.ENGTH No. 81 3 52 54 27 16 160 .Mean 24.2 29.9 29.5 28.8 29.4 29.5 29.0 S.E. 0.10 0.58 0.19 0.18 0.20 0.37 0.09 BEAK DEPTH No. — 3 52 54 27 16 160 Mean — 30.9 33.4 34.5 35.7 36.2 .36.3 S.E. — 0.42 0.29 0.23 0.26 0.45 0.12 WEIGHT IN JULy/aUGUST No. 142 3 52 34 10 9 620 .Mean 291.1 389.7 365.3 368.7 377.6 378.1 .387.4 S.E. 2.52 14.07 3.17 4.31 8.70 9.73 1.21 in outline than that of a breeding adult (plates 150 & 151), but I did not measure this change. Also, in most immatures,the cur\ e of the upper edge of the bill was not smooth as in most adults, there being either a kink or a steep rise where the culmen met the cere (plates 147 «& 149). Some adults also had this rise, but it was generally far less abrupt. There was a gradual increase in body weight with age, but the differences between years were not significant. As a group, however, immatures were significantly lighter (P < 0.001 ) than adults feeding young. Number of hill grooves I hc number of grooves in the bill increased with age in Puffins of both populations up to at least the fifth year, after which the sample size is small. 250 Age determination oj Puffins 149. Immature Puffin Fratercula arctica with 1-f bill grooves. Fame Islands, July 1976 (.V/. P. Hams) 150. Three-year-old Puffin Fratercula arctica with 1 -I- bill grooves and obviously triangular-shaped beak. Isle of May, June 1977 (A/. P. Hams) 151. Freshly moulted, breeding Puffin Fraterada arctica with three bill grooves. Isle of May, April 1976 (A/. P. Harris) 251 Age determination oj Puffins Table 2. Number of grooves on bills of known-age or breeding Puffins Fralercula arctica I he breeding Puffins with less than two grooves all had lull-sized adult-shaped beaks NO. OF GROOVES Age 3 or Locality (years) Trace <1 1 1-1- IV2 2 2-1- 2V2 more Isle ol May, 1 3 Fife 2 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9-18 Breeding St Kilda, Outer Hebrides 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 Breeding 16 21 1 5 1 7 2 4 51 18 4 18 10 2 2 2 2 1 8 137 2 7 1 3 4 6 8 6 6 5 4 5 11 5 5 5 7 274 227 282 2 1 2 5 2 1 1 3 172 208 252 282 I'here was, however, great individual variation in how quickly individuals attained these grooves (table 2). d'he three one-year-olds caught had only a trace of a groove (plate 153), but another studied from a distance of2m in the held had at least one groove and was indistinguishable from some three- year-olds. These yearlings had grey-white patches on the sides of the head, similar to, but slightly greyer than, those of older Puffins. Iffiose with bills lacking any distinct grooves, and with poorly developed eye-ornaments, rather drab-coloured eye-rings and the anterior part of the face patch dusky or speckled with dark feathers (plates 154 & 155) were presumably also hrst-years. Relatively few such Puffins actually land at the colonies, but numbers of them are sometimes seen in the rafts of Puffins swimming below the colonies in July and August. 152 & 153. Left, head of ringed one-year-old Puffin Fralercula arctica with no bill groove and pale grey face-patch; right, head of probably one-year-old Puffin Fralercula arctica with dusky face-patch. Isle of May, July 1978 (M. P. Harris) 'I'wo-year-olds mostly had one or less than one groove. Most three-year- olds had 1 V2 grooves, and some noted as having two grooves were classihed as such early in the study, before the importance of noting the completeness of the second groove was realised. Most four-year-olds, and half of the 252 Age determination of Puffins five-year-olds, had two grooves and a trace of a third, while 83% of those breeding had more than two grooves. Fhe ages of the breeding birds were unknown, but most would have been at least five years old. The development of grooves is usually a gradual process, but one individual had half a groove when two years old, and two grooves with a trace of a third when four years old (table 3). Probably most eventually had more than two grooves, as 89 out of 119 birds with two grooves in one year had more grooves the next year. A few, however, may never get more than two grooves, as single 12- and 15-year-olds caught had only two grooves, and Ashcroft ( 1976) found some Puffins still with only two grooves three years after they had been ringed when showing two grooces. Phe few' breeding birds with less than two grooves all had fully-developed beaks, but lacked grooves. In some cases, the bill was deformed. Only six Puffins out of over 15,000 handled had four grooves. The individual variation in the number of bill grooves makes it impossible to age any individual Puffin with a high degree of confidence, but the more grooves a Puirin has, the older it is likely to be. Table 3. Changes in number of grooves on bills of 2 1 known-age Puffins Fratercula arctica caught in two different years on Isle of May, Fife AGE (years) Individual 2 3 4 .3 6 7 8 a b C' cl c r K h i ,i k I ni n o P q r s t u 1 >IV2 1 >IV2 V2 >2+ 1 lA -> A 01/, 1 ^ A I VA -V 0 1 1/-, 1 VA '>9 1 1 A 1V2 — 9 1 — 1 — — > 2 -^2V2 — >2 — >2 2 >2V2 2 > 2 1% >24- 2 > 2 V2 ^2V2 >•24- >•3 >•3 ■>11 Most adult Puffins have a complete moult of the body and w ing feathers just before coming to land at the start of the breeding season (Harris & Yule 1977). When they finish breeding, in July and August, their plumage is very bleached and abraded and the bill sheath and eye ornaments are already starting to flake off. Immatures moult much later and usually still have fresh-looking plumage in July (plates 154 & 155), making them easily distinguishable from breeders by plumage. Some adult-billed birds with fresh plumage at this time have almost certainly not bred, f’ive-year-old non-breeders moult at the same time as adults and usually start to shed the bill sheath before leaving the colonies in August. Age determination oj Puffins 253 154. Probable one-year-old Pullin Fratercula arctica' with small eye ornaments and black freckles in front of eye. Isle of May, July 1978 (.1/. I\ Harris) 155. I’wo-year-old Puffin Fratercula arctica on Isle of May, July 1978. This bird had been ringed as chick at colony on nearby Craigleith in 1976. In their second and third years, many Puffins visit colonies other than the one where they were reared; some remain to breed, others return to their natal colony. Note that primaries are immaculate even though this is at end of breeding season. Immatures moult in late spring, im- mediately prior to visiting land; adults moult in winter [M. P. Harris) Age at first breeding Chick survival is high; for example, I recaught 67 out of 187 (35.8%) 1973-young back on the Isle of .May in later years. Despite the annual handling of about 25% of the breeding birds and innumerable hours of watching colour-ringed individuals, relatively few known-age Puffins were found breeding (table 4). The youngest was a three-year-old caught in a burrow with a chick, and there was another which probably had a young. Most Puflins, however, did not start breeding until they were five or six years old. Observations of the several hundred colour-ringed known-age birds alive on the Isle of May showed that four- and five-year-old birds 254 Age determination oj Puffins Table 4. Ages of breeding Puffins Fralercula arctica YEARS Locality 3 4 5 6 7 8 or older Isle of May 1 5 7 15 12 14 St Kilda 0 3 7 1 2 — Fame Islands 0 0 3 5 8 26 Skomer Island 0 1 4 — — — Westmann Islands 0 0 5 3 0 6 returned in late March with the breeding adults. Many of these young birds possessed burrows, but these were usually short or very shallow and unsuitable for breeding. Several four-year-olds with good burrows were soon dispossessed by more experienced birds. Although one three-year-old was caught on 4th April and another on 9th April, most did not return until late April or early May when most breeders had laid. Some other three- year-olds were seen to enter burrows, but they were very timid and did not defend these holes against other Puffins. Two-year-olds were seen only after the first young had hatched; two of this age caught in burrows had probably been scared by my approach and dived down the nearest holes. This escape behaviour might explain the existence of the skin of an obvious immature (just one ill-defined bill groove) collected by C. B. Ticehurst on Bill’s Rock, Co. Clare, and labelled ‘caught on the nest’. It is clear that very few Isle of May Puffins bred before they were five years old. 4 hose on St Kilda follow the same pattern of month of return and age of first breeding, but there is no record of a three- or four-year-old Puffin breeding on the Fame Islands, despite 42 known-age birds being caught with an egg or young. Discussion Puffins continue to grow and become heavier until at least their fifth year of life, when many may be old enough to breed (Petersen 1976b; Ashcroft 1976). During this period, the bill does not increase in straight length, but becomes deeper. The bill sheath is shed each winter (Bureau 1877) and renewed just before the start of each breeding season (Harris & Yule 1977). During the first few years of life, each new sheath has more grooves, and a relationship between the number of grooves and age appears to have been first suggested by H. B. Knox in 1891-93 on labels he placed on museum specimens he collected at sea off Co. Mayo. Bird-fowlers, however, in various countries, probably also knew of this (Williamson 1970). Salomonsen (1944) came to the same conclusion independently and used the information to separate adults from immatures in his survey of the taxonomy of the Puffin, but it was left to Petersen (1976b) to prove by the use of ringed birds collected at or near colonies that the development of the bill and the number of grooves took several years. He showed that Puffins from the Westmann Islands, Iceland, developed grooves as follows (the number of specimens examined is given in brackets): two-year-olds (11) had one very shallow broad groove, three-year-olds (27) had one deep plus one shallow, broad groove, four-year-olds had two (3), 2V2 (27) or three (6) grooves, five-year-olds had two (2), 2V2( 1) or three (5) grooves. Older birds Age determination oj Puffins 255 156. Left, adult Puffin Fratercula arclica with winter face and beak. Note that, even though bill did not take up breeding form, sheath is starting to flake off. Isle of May, August 1977 {M. F. Harris) 157. Right, adult Puffin Fratercula arctica in winter plumage. Note dusky face, lack of eye ornaments, pale cere and pale ridge separat- ing inner and outer parts of bill. Northumberland, October 1974 (/I. .V/. Taylor) had usually three deep, narrow grooves. He also noted that the third groove in birds five or more years old had a white, chalk-like substance present. Few British birds have a deep, well defined third groove, though many do have the chalky substance (plate 145). Petersen concluded that it should be possible to age two- and three-year-old Puffins with 100% certainty, and that all four-year-old Puffins should be recognisable from older birds by the amount of the chalk in the last groove. Ashcroft ( 1 976) found a less clear-cut relationship between age and the number of bill grooves in Puffins on Skomer Island, Dyfed, as follows (numbers of specimens and their grooves in brackets): two-year-old (1 X H-), three-year-old (4x 14-, lx IV2), four- year-old (3x2, IX2V2), five-year-old (3x2, 4x2+). Petersen (1976b) thought that this might have been because British Puffins had smaller beaks than those from the VVestmann Islands. My results (table 2), how- ever, show a great variation in the number of grooves, despite the Isle of May Puffins having bills as large as those on the Westmann Islands (Petersen 1976b; Harris 1977). Thus, it is not possible to age British Puffins with any high degree of certainty using bill characters, though it is possible to separate most immatures from those old enough to be breeding. The significance of these grooves is not known, but, as Puffins do not normally breed until they have at least two grooves, and the bill is used in display, they presumably have some sexual importance. The few which bred when they had less than two grooves had fully-sized bills, suggesting that they were at least four years old; probably, something had gone wrong during the formation of the bill sheath. A Puffin usually retains the same mate from one season to the next, so they may recognise their mates as individuals and the bill grooves would then be of less importance in display than if they were getting a mate for the first time. Adult Puffins sometimes visit the colonies while in winter plumage (plate 157), but I have only one record of such a bird breeding: one caught taking fish to a chick on St Kilda (S. Murray in lilt.). In winter, the bill grooves, though still present, are far less distinct. The ridge separating the outer and inner parts of the bill is less obvious (plate 156) and often dark, and care must be taken not to include the groove posterior to the ridge in the count. Birds in winter plumage can be divided 256 Age determination oj Puffins only into juvenile or first-winter (still in juvenile plumage, bill very small), adults (two or more grooves) and immatures (intermediates). Although lew Isle ol May Puffins bred before they were five or six years old, Ashcroft (1979) recorded three four-year-olds and five five-year-olds breeding on Skomer Island. On the Westmann Islands, Petersen (1976a) examined 14 known-age Puffins caught with young. Of those, five were aged fi\ e years, three were six years, the remainder were older. Only two four-year-olds were found in burrows, and neither was breeding. He also examined the gonads of freshly killed females. At least 14 (and possibly all) of 16 four-year-olds had certainly not bred; neither had two of three five-year-olds. Five older females had all laid. He concluded that most W estmann Island Puffins started to breed when five or six years old. The Puffin population on the Isle of May has trebled during the period of this investigation, suggesting that conditions were very favourable. The Fame Islands can probably not support more Puffins, and the increase in the Isle of May colony is partly due to immigration from the Fame Islands. The apparent lower age of first breeding on the Isle of May and Skomer (where there is also plenty of room for Puffins), as compared with the Fame Islands, could well be due to less competition for burrows. Acknowledgments -\ly thanks are due to the many people who helped with the fieldwork but especially to S. .Murray who made many of the measurements. Mrs G. Hickling kindly supplied details of Fame Island Puffins. Dr D. Jenkins criticised the manuscript. I'he study was partly carried out under Nature Gonservancy tiouncil Gontract No. F3/03/30. Summary Puffins Fratercula arctica continued to grow and become heavier until at least their fifth year of life. Fhe bill became deeper and the number of grooves on it increased. .Although it was possible to separate most immature Puffins, which had less than two bill groo\es, from those [rrobably capable of breeding, it was not possible to age British Puffins accurately. .Although a single Puffin bred in its third year, most Isle of .May Pufhns do not breed until they are at least hve or six years old. References .Ashcroft, R. E. 1976. Breeding biology and survival of Puffins. Unpublished D. Phil, thesis. Oxford. 1979. Survival rates and breeding biology of Puffins on Skomer Island, VN’ales. Omis Scand. 10: 100-110. Birkhead, T. R., & Ashcroft, R. E. 1975. Auk numbers on Skomer Island. Nature in Wales 4: 222-233. Bureau, L. 1877. De la mue du bee et des ornaments palpebraux du .Macareux arctique, hratercula arctica. Bull. Soc. Zool. France 14: 377-399. Harris, .\E P. 1977. Puffins on the Isle of. May. Scot. Birds 9: 285-290. & A’ule, R. F. 1977. Fhe moult of the Puffin Fratercula arctica. this I 19: 535-541. Petersen, .A. 1976a. .Age of first breeding of Puffin, Fratercula arctica (E.). Asiarte9: 43-50. 1976b. .Size variables in Puffins Fratercula arctica from Iceland, and bill features as criteria of age. Omis Scand. 1: 185-192. .Sai.omonsen, E. 1944. The Atlantic .Alcidae. Gdtebori’s Kun^l. Verterhets Sarnhdlles. Hand. 6: 1-1.38. Wh.i.iamson, K. 1970. The Atlantic Islands, f.ondon. Dr M. P. Harris, Inslilule oJ Terrestrial Ecology, Hill of Brathens, Banchory, Kincardineshire, Scotland AB3 4BY Mystery photographs 257 158. Mystery photograph 55. Name the species. Answer next month. Mystery photographs MAs well as occurring along our coastlines, single skuas Stercorarius often appear at inland localities, sometimes by water, but often on open moorland, and especially in autumn. Most inland records involve juveniles and, as any of the four species could occur, an observer may experience some difficulty with grounded ‘out-of-context’ indi\ iduals. Such birds are often tame, tired or ailing and allow a close approach. The bird shown last month (plate 124), and again here, was photographed by Bob Burgess at Farmoor Reser\ oir, near Oxford, on 30th August 1980 and was eventually captured and kept before being released on the Welsh coast. 258 Mystery photographs The bird is clearly a skua and, from the barred plumage, a juvenile (unlike most gulls, skuas retain full juvenile plumage throughout the autumn and do not acquire first-winter plumage until after arrival in the wintering area). Great Skua S. skua can be ruled out immediately as this species does not have a distinctive juvenile plumage and, in any case, the dainty appearance is obviously ‘wrong’. Pomarine Skua S. pomarinus is a relatively hefty bird and, although some juveniles may have a plumage similar to the bird shown, the fine bill and generally slim shape suggest either Arctic S. parasiticus or Long-tailed S. longicaudus. A distinctive feature of the bird depicted here is the clearly defined barring, which is very pale and narrow on the mantle, scapulars and wing-coverts. This barring con- trasts markedly with the dark plumage and, in life, would be seen to be very pale cream or even white, against a cold grey/brown background. Juvenile Arctic Skuas have varying amounts of pale tips and edges to the plumage, but these are much warmer — buff or chestnut in tone against a richer brown plumage — and rarely give the stark contrast and neat pattern shown. A close look at its two elongated central tail feathers (see inset) shows them to be rather blunt- tipped (usually with white tips, not visible here) and fairly long; the length of these feathers may vary from short to long on individual Long-taileds, but is short on Arctic. These features, coupled with the sharply defined, whitish barring and small, slim build, identify it as a juvenile Long-tailed. Other characters typical of juvenile Long-tailed are the greyish under- parts with finely barred flanks and the whitish undertail-coverts with heavy blackish barring (just visible in plate 124); these may be uniformly dark on Arctic, but never on Long-tailed. The pale greyish area on the side of the head and across the nape is also a good feature and shows to a greater or lesser degree on dark and light individuals, the latter often appearing strikingly white-headed. The underwing-coverts are very heavily barred, especially on the axillaries: many juvenile Arctics have uniformly dark underwing-coverts, never found on Long-taileds. If close-range views are possible, an effort should be made to check the colour of the primary shafts. On Long-tailed, only the first two shafts are pure white, the third being pale brown; on Arctic, the first three or some- times four are pure white. The blunt or rounded central tail feathers are distinctive (see plate 159); those of juvenile Arctic have pointed tips. Young skuas of the three smaller species exhibit a variety of plumages and plate 160 shows three juvenile Long-tailed Skuas, the central one being typical and almost identical to the Oxford ‘mystery’ individual. To summarise: a small slim juvenile skua with cold grey/brown plumage, neatly barred with pale cream or white, and, usually, with longish blunt- tipped tail feathers (which are also tipped paler) and only two white primary shafts will be Long-tailed. A similar bird showing richer brown plumagel^arred with buffin varying degrees of tone, showing short, pointed central tail feathers and three or four white primary shafts will be Arctic. John R. Mather Mystery photographs 259 159. 1 ails of juvenile skuas Slercorarius showing uppersides and undersides, l.efl to right, Pomarine S. pomarinus, .Arctic S. parasiticus and Long-tailed .S’, longicaudus. .Note short ‘blob’ on Pomarine; short, sharp point on Arctic; and blunt and (usually) longer point (usually with pale tips) on Long-tailed (John R. Mather) 160. Skins of juvenile Long-tailed Skuas Stercorarius longicaudus showing undersides and uppersides ol three colour morphs; the central one is most typical and is almost identical to the ‘mysterv’’ Oxford individual John R. Mather) European news This is the ninth of these six-monthly reviews of ornithological events in Europe. Records awaiting formal verification by national rarity committees are indicated by an asterisk(*). Unless otherwise stated, all records refer to single birds White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii Belgium First record: Westende, 27th January 1980. Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus Portugal Flock of eight on .-\veiro .Marsh, 22nd January 1981. Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea franc;e Very large influ.x to Brittany autumn 1980 (cf. Britain and Ireland, Brit. Birds 1?,: 544; 74: 101). Shag Phalacrocorax carbo czechosi.ovakia First and second records: adult near Karvina, northern Moravia, 3rd .\pril 1977, and two adults on Lipno dam, southern Bohemia, 1st December 1979. faeroe ISLANDS Unusual winter numbers: total of about 20 at five localities, some in flocks ol' hve to seven, winter 1980/81; not proved to breed for at least 20 years, but perhaps w ill in 1981. Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis Austria Dark-phase individual showing characters of E. g. schistacea on Rheindelta, 18th-25th .August 1980: identification accepted, but not added to .Austrian list as escape from capti- vity not ruled out. Switzerland Dark-phase individual between .Arbon and Rheindelta, 18th .August to 26th November 1980*, presumably same as .Austrian individual. White-phase individual near f'riedrich- shafen, 21st September to 5th November 1980*. (Clf. First French record in June 1976 and July-August 1977, Terre el vie 33: 307- 324.) White Stork Ciconia ciconia Denmark In 1980, late arrival, only 25 pairs (31 in 1979) and only about 35 young reared. Glossy Ibis Plegadis Jalcinellus Estonian ssr First record: Kaberneeme, Harju, 23rd June 1978. Spoonbill Platalea leucorodta Latvian ssr First breeding attempt: nest deserted due to disturbance, summer 1980. Pink-footed Goose .\nser brachyrhynchus DENMARK I'otal of 26,800 at Fill s^, west Jutland, 2 1st October 1980. Snow Goose Anser caerulescens Estonian ssr Fhird and fourth records: Matsalu State Nature Reserve, Haapsalu, 8th May 1980, in flock of Barnacle (icese Branta leucopsis; and 2()0 early October 1980, in flock of Greylag Geese ,4. anser. Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis DENMARK First since 1972: Hojer, south Jutland, 18th February 1980. American Wigeon Anas arnericana Finland Third record: male at Parikkala, 19th-26th May 1980. Gadwall Anas strepera Belgium First breeding in west: Gistel in 1980, when also 40 pairs near .Antwerp. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors France January 1980 record {Brit. Birds 73: 257) was ninth, not sixth, for France. New, earlier record: ringed New Brunswick, Ganada, .August 1977, killed in f’rance 30th Sep- tember 1977*. Steller’s Eider Pulyslicla stelleri Denmark First summer record: .Stigsnaes, Zealand, 27th July 1980. federal german republic Male at Fehmarn on Baltic Sea, 23rd February 1980. (Cf. recent increases in Finland, Poland and .Sweden, Brit. Birds 70: 495; 71: 255, 584; 73: 754.) Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus FEDERAL GERMAN REPUBLIC Male near Eckernfbrde, Schleswig-Holstein, 5th-7th April 1980. Red Kite .\hlvus milvus Denmark Increase in passage numbers continues (at Stigsnaes, Zealand, 25 during season). White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla FINLAND Fledged young averaged six during 1970-76,13 during 1977-80 ( 16in 1980). Griffon Vulture Gyps Julvus AitsTRiA F'ree- flying pair at Hellbrunn Zoo, Salzburg, nested 7 km away in Untersberg mountain range in 1980, rearing two young, returning with them to feed at zcxi. France Three flying northeast over Gorges de T.AIlagnon/ Lempdes, Haute-Loire/.Auvergne, on 10th .August 1979. Short-toed Eagle Circaelus gallicus fini..and Second record: Virolahti, 30th .August 1980 (first was at same place on 4th October 1979). Goshawk Accipiler gentilis federal german REPUBLIC See Buzzard. [Ihtl. Hird.s 74: 260-26.4, June 1981] European news Buzzard Buleo buteo Denmark Large autumn passage in 1980: 5,000 (highest ever) at Stigsnaes, Zealand, on 27th September, and more than 23,000 there during whole season. FEDERAL GERMAN REPUBLIC Protection lifted in l-ower Saxony by Minister of Agriculture to allow shooting of limited number of Buzzards and Goshawks Acapiter gentilis. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinm France One Crau 27th July 1979; adult Crau 22nd July 1980. Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina FRANCE Fifth record: immature injured, near Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhone, 28th October 1979. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax Finland Third to fifth records: three two- to three-year-olds in 1980: Inari, Lapland, 28th-30th May; Parik- kala, 30th June; near Helsinki, 5th July*. Golden Elagle Aquila chrysaelos Finland No change in hreeding numbers during 197 1-80: 150-200 pairs in 1980, only 30% bred. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni franc;e Total of 20-30 pairs in 1980, in Pro\ ence and sur- rounding areas. Hobby Falco subhuleo federal german REPUBLIC Decline to 865-975 pairs (and 256- 381 pairs in German Democratic Republic) (Orn. Mitt. 33: 3-13). Peregrine Falco peregritius Finland Breeding success greatly improved since early 1970s: in 1978 and 1980, average of 2. 1 young reared per pair in territory; total of 27 breeding pairs (cf. increase in Federal (ierman Republic, Brit. Birds 73: 57b). Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni DENMARK Third record (and first since 1934): V’ejlerne, north Jutland, 14th-26th June 1980. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius SWITZERLAND Breeding population con- stant, at 20 pairs. Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus fr.ance First record: immature in south Brittany, 20th .\ugust 1980 (cf. first Norwegian record, in junc 1978, Brit. Birds 72: 591). Lesser Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica FINLAND Fifth record: first-year at Dragsfjard, llth-13th October 1980 (third and fourth were in September 1979). Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla .Austria First record: two at Rheindelta, 15th June 1976. White-rumf>ed Sandpiper Calidris Juscicol Us FINLAND First record: Pori, Gulfol Bothnia, 9th August 1980*. (First records for 261 Denmark and Sweden were both in 1978, Brit. Birds72: 277, 591.) Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruji- collis AUSTRIA Fourth record: Rheindelta, 1 1th September 1980 (third was in 1978). Slender-billed Curlew Sumenius termirostris AUSTRIA Eleventh record: Rheindelta, 10th- 14th October 1980. Greenshank Trtnga nebularia Latvian ssr First probable breeding: summer 1979. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Czecho- slovakia Fourth record: near Hradec Kralove, eastern Bohemia, 19th-20th Mav 1979. Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor BELGIUM Second record: Kallo, 27th-30th September 1980 (first was in June 1979). FRANCE Small influx autumn 1980: at least four in Brittany, one in Seine estuary and one at Seine Reservoir. Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus BELGIUM Pair bred Zwin Reser\e, Knokke, 1980. FEDERAL GERMAN REPUBLIC One bred with Black-headed (mil /.. ridibundus near Hochstedt/.\isch, Bavaria 1980. Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini France Hundreds, up to 250 together, on coast of \’endee, autumn 1980. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis AUSTRIA First record: two adults at Rhein- delta, 4th-5th .\ugust 1980. fr.ance 'Three to nine at Hyeres, \’ar, 7th-9th May 1979. (Second Swiss record was in .\ugust 1977, Brit. Birds 70: S95.) Cuckoo Cuculus canorus denm.ark Breeding bird index showed 30% decrease in 1980. Great Grey Owl Strix nebulosa Finland Largest recorded winter influx to south and west (e.g. about 20 near Helsinki) in 1979/80; also very numerous in 1980 breeding season (e.g. about 80 near Kajaani). Tengmalm’s Owl .Aegolius funereus Belgium Decrease in east: no known breeding in 1980. Alpine Swift Apus melba finl.and T'irst record Pyhtaa, Gulf of Finland, 10th (October 1980 (cf. first Swedish record, in .-\ugust 1980, Brit. Birds 73: 576). Bee-eater .\lerops apiaster estonlan ssr Second record: \'aimast\ere, Jogeva, 7th ■\ugust 1979. Syrian Woodp>ecker Dendrocopos syriacus czECHOSi.ov.AKi.A WestcrK expansion: pair on Boren hill inCeske Stredohori mountains near Bflina. northern Bohemia, about 20km from (ierman Democratic Republic, in 1974. Gap between obser\ations in eastern and 262 European news northern Bohemia bridged by two juveniles near Pardubice in September 1978 and female near Kolm in October 1977 and February 1978 (cf. hrst records and hrst breeding in Poland, in 1978 and 1979, Bnt. Birds 13: 576). Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla DENMARK Sixth record: C'hristians0, Bornholm, 21st May 1980. Sand Martin Riparia riparia Denmark Breeding bird index showed 50% decrease in 1980. Red-rump>ed Swallow Hirundo daurica FINLAND Third record: Pernaja, Gulf of Finland, 29th May 1980. Tawny Pipit Anlhus campestris Finland New breeder: has bred almost annually since 1966 in southwest. Citrine Wagtail Molacilla citreola Austria Second record: male near Fohnsdorf, Styria, 1st May 1980 (female perhaps also present) (cf Swiss and Finnish records in April/May 1980, Bnt. Birdsl3:511). Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Czecho- slovakia Breeding season observations during atlas fieldwork in 1973-77: three birds and later one pair Blansky les mountains, southern Bohemia, April to July 1975; pair Mala Fatra mountains, Slovakia, May 1975; pair displaying Brno, southern Moravia, May 1976. Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia SWITZERLAND Second record this century: first-winter caught at Bretolet pass on night 8th/9th September 1980 (first was on 25th August 1977, Brit. Birds 70: 496). Red-flanked Bluetail Estonian ssr First and second records and first breeding: at Kiidjarve, Polva, male in May 1977; male from 24th April 1980 and female with four nearly fledged young on 22nd June 1980. Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti France First record: pairatCrau, 15th July 1980. Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni Finland First record: Hanko birdstation. Gulf of Finland, 23rd October 1980*. Fieldfare Turdus pilaris France Spread continuing in Marne and Haute-Marne (cf. Bnt. Birds! \ : 256, 585; 72: 280, 592; 73: 260). Cetti’s Warhler Cettia cetti federal german REPUBLIC Juvenile and adult near Fohren Krs Frier-Saarburg, Rheinland-Pfalz, mid August 1980, may indicate breeding (two previous cases) ; still no sign of real influx into Germany. Fan-tailed Warbler Cisticola junadis France Apparently spreading again: first breeding in Lorraine, Meuse departement, and in Pari- sian region (one pair south of Paris and two other attempts). Grasshopper Warbler Locus tella naevia MALTA Fourth record: one ringed 5th Sep- tember 1980. Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola LATVIAN SSR Two caught in autumn 1980 in Pape (1 1 during 1970-72, giving average of one Aquatic to every' 250 Sedge .4. schoenobaenus) . Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida malta Sixth and seventh records: one ringed June 1979 and one seen and heard singing June 1980. Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta MALTA Sixth record: one ringed 26th August 1980. Pallas’s Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus LATVIAN SSR Three trapped in Pape, autumn 1980 (total of five in previous 14 years), com- pared with four Yellow-browed P. inomatus. Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwargi FINLAND 'Fhird record: attracted by tape into net, LSgskar birdstation, Aland, 12th October 1980 (second was in September 1979). Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus Juscatus DENMARK First record: Christians^, Born- holm, 22nd October 1980. Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Belgium Strong spring passage of several hundred in Flanders, 2nd-7th May 1980; this led to ten breeding records in northeast, where usually very scarce. Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus Estonian ssr Second record: pair at Matsalu State Nature Reserve, Haapsalu, 12th December 1980. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Latvian ssr As in 1979, none trapped in Pape in autumn 1980 (and only one flock seen), com- pared with 55 to 2,246 annually during 1968- 78. Treecreeper Certhia Jamiliaris Latvian ssr Totals of three to 27 trapped in Pape in autumns 1978-80 compared with 110-377 during 1969-77. Penduline Tit Remig pendulinus Belgium Third record: Snaaskerke, 10th November 1980. FEDERAL GERMAN REPUBLIC Con- tinuing expansion, with breeding success in upper Main V'alley in Bavaria and in central and southern Lower Saxony in 1979 and 1980. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio SWITZERLAND Iiicrcasc of 12% to 85 pairs in 263 European news 1980 in 55 km^ survey plot in west Bern Oberland. Nutcracker Nucijraga caryocalactes Latvian SSR Small invasion of slender-billed Siberian race N. c. macrorhynchos , autumn 1980. Brambling Fringilla monlijringilla Austria Influx, including several flocks of ten thou- sands, to Upper and Lower Austria, late December 1980. Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus FRANCE First record: Le Teich/Bassin d’Arcachon, Gironde, 25th May 1974. Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrims FEDERAL GERMAN REPUBLIC ‘Appears to be on verge of expansion into West Germany.’ SWITZERLAND Expansion in Bavaria and Austria now reaching Switzerland: singing first-summer male at Samedan, 26th June 1980, and singing adult male, singing first- summer male and female in ideal habitat at Rothenturm, 22ndjune to 5thjuly 1980; ‘we can expect the Scarlet Rosefinch to nest in Switzerland in the next few years’. (Cf range expansions in Austria, Norway, France, Belgium and Yugoslavia, Brit. Birds 70: 219; 7 1 : 586-587; 72: 280, 592; 73: 260.) Yellow-rum ped Warbler Dendroica coronata ICELAND Heimey, \’estmannaeyjar, 26th September 1980*. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica Denmark Fourth record: Hvide Sande, west Jutland, 16th May 1980 (third was in 1977). Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melano- cephala federal german republic Male, Heppenheim, Hessen, 22nd .August 1980 (regarded as probable escape). Finland First record: male, Helsinki, 3rd-6th .August 1980 (1959 record now rejected). France Male, Var Estuary , near Nice, 29th July 1980. Correspondents AUSTRIA Peter Prokop, Osterreichische Gesellschaft fiir Vogelkunde, c/o Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, A-1014 Wien 1, Burgring 7, Postfach 417 BELGIUM Rene de Liedekerke & Drs F. L. L. Tombeur, Rue des Haies 20, 537 1 Pailhe CZECHOSLOVAKIA Dr Karel §tastny. Institute of Landscape Ecology, Clzechoslo\ ak .-\c:ademy of Sciences, Bezrucova 927, 251 01 fticany DENMARK Lassc Braae, Astershaven 245, DK-2760 M3l0v ESTONIAN SSR Dr Vilju Lilleleht, Institute of Zoology and Botany, 21 V’anemuise St., SU- 202400 Tartu FAEROE ISLANDS Dorcte Bloch, J. C. Svabosgota 7, DK-381X) Torshavn FEDERAL GERMAN REPUBLIC Alistair Hill, Dachvcrband Deutscher .\vifaunisten, Bundes- deutscher Seltenheitenausschuss, .Albrecht-Haushofer-Str. 10, 3200 Hildesheim FINLAND Karno Mikkola, Zoological Museum, P. Rautatiekatu 13, SF-00100 Helsinki 10 FRANCE Philippe Dubois, 5 rue des Tournelles, 78000 V ersailles LATVIAN SSR Dr J. Baumanis, Laboratory of Ornithology , Salaspils, Miera 3 MALTA Joe Sultana & Charles Gaud, The Ornithological Society , PO Box 498, Valletta PORTUGAL Nuno Gomes Oliveira, Portuguese Center for Wildlife Study and Protection, Rua 31 de Janeiro, 165-2.°, 4000 Porto SWITZERLAND Dr Luc Schilferli, Schweizerische Vogelwarte, CH-6204 Sempach Notes Female Kestrel stealing prey from male At 09.20 GMT on 22nd January 1979, in a field near my house in Guis- borough, Cleveland, I saw a male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus take a bird on the ground. It carried the prey only a short distance before feeding. After two or three minutes, a female Kestrel landed and attempted to take the prey. In response, the male mantled its kill. The female made determined efforts to feed, and at one stage stood on the male’s back. After three or four minutes, the male Kestrel turned on the female and, in the skirmish which fol- lowed, he was driven off. Five minutes later, the female was mobbed by six 264 Notes Black-headed Gulls Lams ndibundus, whereupon she carried the prey, with some difficulty, into a nearby wood. I investigated the initial feeding site and found feathers and an upper mandible of a Redwing Turdus ihacus. Brian Goleman 28 Goathland Grove, Kemplah Park, Guisborough, Gleveland fhe Kestrels may have been a pair. BUT slates that the pair-bond in this species is maintained ‘long after breeding season’; naturally, the male pro\ isions the female in the period before egg-laying, and the lemale will also take food from the male’s cache. Eds Merlin recovering floating prey On 22nd November 1970, at Budle Bay, Northumberland, I saw a female Merlin Falco columbarius take a Dunlin Calidris alpina from a flock of 500 feeding about 40 m from me. Almost immediately, the Merlin was harassed by two Garrion Crows Corvus corone] as all three birds flew out over open water, the raptor dropped the Dunlin into the water, which was l-2m deep at that point. The Merlin flew ofl and disappeared over some nearby fields. Both crows tried in \ ain for several minutes to lift the Dunlin from the water, before flying off. Within a few minutes, the Merlin returned, flying low over the water; it hoxered momentarily over the wader, which was just visible, grasped it with one talon and flew ofl again towards the fields with its prey. Bryan Gallow ay 3 Grosvenor Court, Chapel Park, Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 IRX Peregrine’s method of attacking ducks on water At 1 1 .00 GM I on 23rd December 1978, at Shewalton (iravel-pits, Ayrshire, I saw a female Peregrine Falco peregrinus fly deliberately towards a flock of 120 Pochards Aythya Jerina. Over the middle of the pack, about 3 m abo\ e the surface, it hovered in the way that a Buzzard Buteo buteo frequently does, then, with legs stretched out, talons splayed and head down, it gradually lost altitude until it was only about 30cm abo\e the water and the ducks. It ob\iously found it difficult to hold station or to steer in this attitude, however, and flew' off. The time between assuming the hovering and shearing off was ten to 15 seconds. The reaction of the Pochards was interesting: instead of di\ ing to avoid the raptor, the whole flock contracted and bundled tightly together to form a dense mass, not separating until the Peregrine had been gone for several minutes. Don Smith Penny ghael, Mairs Road, Darvel, Ayrshire KA170LA Inland ground-nesting by Herring Gulls During late May and early June 1978, three inland ground-nests of Herring Gulls Lams argenlatus were discovered in Cornwall. Two were on elevated ground and in adjoining fields at Marazion: one — an empty nest in mid field in stubble — was later obliterated by harrowing; the other — in young corn well away from the surrounding hedgerows — contained three eggs. At the latter, the incubating gulls were conspicuous and the eggs later disappeared. The third nest was at the St Ives bus terminus, on the ‘turn-round’ concrete area, where two eggs were still being incubated three weeks after discovery. Vehicles came within a few metres of this nest, apparently without Notes 265 disturbing the gulls. The nest material comprised dead grasses and various debris, including cigarette cartons, pieces of confectionery paper and other unidentified artifacts. Resident farmers in the district of Marazion and the staff at St Ives bus station told me that it was the first time to their know'ledge that inland ground-nests of Herring Gulls had been found in their respective districts. During the past three years, when compiling records of roof-nesting gulls at Newlyn and Mousehole, I have found residents increasingly successful in disposing of nests on their roofs: perhaps some of these displaced broody gulls are now seeking inland ground areas in which to breed. The Handbook mentions Herring Gulls occasionally nesting on freshwater lochs, and exceptionally on bogs (in Ireland). More recently. Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls L.fuscus have sporadically bred at Ghew Valley Lake, Avon, since 1953: these were thought to be ‘overspills’ from the gull colony at Steart Island in the Bristol Ghannel. G. J. Stevens described Herring Gulls nesting inland on clay-pit cliffs in Gornwall, and exceptionally attempting to nest in trees (the first such record known to him) {Brit. Birds 4:3: 94-95; 54: 244-245). Inland breeding by Herring Gulls is not confined to the Old World: A. G. Bent (1963, Life Histories oj North American Gulls) stated that, at the Duck Islands of Maine, when disturbed by man, they resorted to tree-nesting, but later, when protected, they returned to nesting on sand, rocks or in grassy fields. 1 1 will be interesting to see if, in future. Herring Gulls in Gornwall seek further inland breeding places. Bern.ard King Gull Cry, 9 Park Road, Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall Collared Dove swimming Mr Macdonald’s note {Brit. Birds 73: 312) is one of a sequence on infrequent observations of pigeons (Ca)lumbidae) swimming. At about 18.00 G.M T on 21st June 1980, I saw a C'ollarcd Dove Streptopelia decaocto alight on the deep water of the Avon C’-anal in Bath, Avon, slowly flap its wings, progress about 2m, then fly away without difficulty. The reason for its actions is as puzzling as in the other instances reported. Has anyone an explanation that fits the facts? D. E. Ladhams Willow Lodge, Chew Stoke, Avon BSI88YA Diurnal migration of Turtle Doves The note on low-altitude diurnal migration of Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur {Bnt. Birds 70: 504-506) recalled the following. On 10th March 1976, when travelling 320 km up the Gambia Ri ver, I witnessed an astonishing movement. In IV2 hours, during which we covered about 13km, Turtle Doves were crossing the river in a north- easterly direction in thousands, at altitudes of 15-60m. .As dusk approached, many flocks settled in the mangroves along the shores. Three rough counts averaged 680 doves per minute, but numbers fluctuated too greatly to give any accuracy. I wrote in my notebook ‘probably more than 100,000 birds, which could represent the greater part of the Western European population of Turtle Doves’. Local villagers at Sapu said that the migration had been observed for several days. The suggestion that the 266 Notes low-flying flocks seen in Portugal continued their migration down the northwest African coast appears to be correct: those I saw being on the return journey. Guy Mountfort Hurst Oak, Sandy Lane, Lyndhurst, Hampshire Albinos harassed by own species Two notes on albinos being chased by their own species {Brit. Birds 1 1 : 357-358; 73: 588) prompt the following. On 2nd August 1980, near Sheringham, Norfolk, I observed a completely albino House Martin Delichon urbica for about ten minutes as it passed overhead with other House Martins and Swifts Apus apus. For the whole period it was the centre of attraction with, at any one time, up to 20 normal-coloured martins gathered around it calling excitedly and giving chase; pursuing individuals that lost interest were soon replaced by others. Normal House Martins were feeding freely, but the feeding of the albino while in the flock was constantly aflected by its congeners. G. D. Elliott c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG 19 2DL At 10.10 GMT on 19th August 1978, at Riverlin Dams, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, I observed a Swallow Hirundo rustica which was completely white except for a slight flecking on the back and throat. It was clearly being harassed by other Swallows, about five of which pursued it through every twist and turn, and at times performed short stoops, but did not actually strike it. Norman Ellis 82 Welbeck Road, Walkley, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S65AY Further notes on this subject will not be published individually, but will be collected and filed for possible future summary. Eds Bittem-like posture of adult Wren The notes on juvenile Sedge Warblers Acrocephalus schoenobaenus and juvenile Treecreepers Certhia familiaris adopting postures like a Bittern Botaurus stellaris {Brit. Birds 73: 314-316) prompt me to record the following. At 17.00 GMT on 7th May 1970, I watched an adult Wren Troglodytes troglodytes feeding in a hedge at my garden at Brentry, Bristol. Suddenly there was a loud explosion caused by a lorry tyre bursting. At once, the Wren ‘froze’ in an upright posture on a branch, with its bill pointing vertically; it remained motionless in this position for about six seconds before gradually relaxing, and then, hesitat- ingly, resumed normal feeding. A. P. Radford 2 Wyck Beck Road, Brentry, Bristol BSIO 7JE Bittem-like posture of juvenile Whinchat The notes on postures adopted by young Sedge Warblers Acrocephalus schoenobaenus and young Treecreepers Certhia familiaris {Brit. Birds 73: 314-316) prompt the following. On 28th June 1980, near Clipstone, Nottingham Forest, while crossing a clearing, I heard anxiety calls of Whinchats Saxicola rubetra and Notes 267 saw two adults and four young perched in the typical upright, squat-necked position. I judged that the young had been out of the nest for three or four days. I veered left to avoid disturbing them, but the alarm calls increased in intensity. With the adult male continuing to scold, I walked directly towards an apparently bare, dead bramble bush Rubus Jruticosus. I had almost reached this when 1 realised that one of its thin, brown, upward spikes was in fact one of the young Whinchats: its tail and body were in the upright position expected of the species; but, from the top of its wings, the upper back, upper breast and neck were stretched upwards, giving it a very thin and elongated appearance, and its bill was pointed upwards at 60 degrees from the horizontal. Its general appearance was close to that of a dead bramble twig, this being enhanced by its facing me directly. I walked past the Whinchat to see if it would alter its position. As I passed ver\ close I did not look directly at it, but it was apparent that it remained absolutely still and did not attempt to maintain the same position relative to me as it held on my arrival; this was confirmed when I glanced back from 5m. From my new, side-on viewpoint the Whinchat’s disguise was far less effective. During the whole episode, the adult male Whinchat had been calling, and he continued to do so until I was 50m away. Peter Andrews Trewartha, 4 Montpelier East, Weston-Super-. Mare, .Avon Bittern-like posture of juvenile Song Thrush The recent correspon- dence [Brit. Birds 73: 314-316) on Bittern-like posturing of juvenile Sedge Warblers Acrocephalus schoenobaenus and Treecreepers Certhia farniliaris recalled the following incident. At Coombes X'alley, Staffordshire, on 12th July 1975, I saw a juvenile Song Thrush Turdus philomelos \n this posture (see plate 161). Fhe bird was about Im from a narrow footbridge and should 161. Jm enile Song Thrush Turdus phitometos adopting altitude recalling Bittern Botaurus stellaris, Staffordshire, July 1975 (from colour transparency: J. R. Ctarkson) have been clearly visible, but a party of about 30 birdwatchers passed over the bridge without seeing it, which may be an indication of the defensive value of this posture. J - Clarkson 34 Kenwick Road, Louth, Lincolnshire l.M 1 8EG Letters Greater Sand Plovers in Europe In the list of countries with records of vagrant Greater Sand Plovers Charadrius leschenaultii, in their paper con- cerning the first record in Britain and Ireland {Brit. Birds 73: 568-573), A. R. Kitson, B. A. E. Marr and R. F. Porter omitted the two French records: singles in the Camargue on 21st June 1969 {Terre et Vie 24: 570-579) and on 6th to 7th May 1970 (ringed on 7th) {Terre et Vie 27: 85-94). Philippe Dubois 5 rue des Toumelles, 78000 Versailles, France Back pattern of Olive-backed Pipit I he interesting comments by Alan Kitson on the identihcation of Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni in ‘Mystery photograph 41’ {Brit. Birds 73: 226) and his earlier article on the species in Mongolia {Brit. Birds 72: 94-96) emphasised the relatixely unstreaked appearance of the back. Phis, how'ever, is a feature only of the race A. h. yunnanensis\ the race .4. h. hodgsoni — also a long distanc'c migrant, but from farther east and possibly ol' less likely occurrence in Europe — does ha\ e a strongly marked back. F. M. Gaunti.ett 55 Lark] ie Id Avenue, Kenton, Harrow, Middlesex H.A3S.\'Q_ Conservation in the New Forest In the December 1980 issue {Brit. Birds 73: 589-590), Colin R. Tubbs and A. J. Prater drew attention to the ‘sustained mass irresponsibility of birdwatchers’ in the New Forest, as observed during the spring and summer of 1980. There cannot be many who w ould not support the call for widespread observance of ‘a reasonable code of conduct’ in the field. It has to be reported, however, that one of the localities in the New Forest, about which specific concern was being ex- pressed, was, during the autumn, the victim of deliberate and systematic incineration by the Forestry Commission. Not only were newly established territories of the Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata obliterated, but, at the stroke of the same match, much longer-established breeding areas of the Woodlark Lullula arborea went up in smoke. In the circumstances, it would seem that birdwatchers have grounds for being equally critical of the Forestry Commission who, as guardians of the economic interests of the New Forest, perpetuate the age-old practice of regularly burning heathland to improve the quality of its grazing. Further- more, it has to be asked, did the Regional OlTice of the Nature Conservancy Council seek to inform the Forestry Commission about the presence oi'two breeding Schedule 1 species in that locality? Was any attempt made to dissuade the Commission from proceeding with its burning programme in such a sensitive and significant area? Surely, the call for resjionsibility needs to be heeded as much by those public bodies entrusted with the care of our natural heritage as it should by each and every one of us as birdwatchers. M. F. Witherick Redlands, North Road, Dihden Purlieu, Hampshire S04 5RF 268 Letters 269 Colin R. 1 ubbs and A. J. Prater have replied, making the following points; ‘ 1 . Heath burning is necessary for reasons other than grazing improvement, one of which is the maintenance of both Woodlark and Hartford Warbler habitats. Short v egetation appears vital to V\ oodlarks and we are concerned that the great reduction in the area burnt annually in recent years is having a depressant effect on the population. ‘2. 7 he official programme is planned in consultation with the N'CC, at which stage localities of Schedule 1 species (among other things) are taken into account. It is not possible, however, for the NCC to know the locality of every pair of every Schedule 1 species breeding in the New Forest because there are no staff members available for the necessary survevs, and it is not possible to organise fieldwork every year with voluntary help. ‘3. Burning is legally confined to the period 1st November to 31st March (i.e. outside the Hartford Warbler breeding season), although the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food ( M AFF) can issue extensions of this burning season. I'he NCXl does not, however, agree to this as a rule and not where sites known to be occupied by Schedule 1 species are concerned. ‘4. Not all burning is carried out by the Forestry Commission. Other people light fires, especially if they think that the FC has not burnt enough! ‘5. Although care is taken, the FC does make mistakes. ‘W e agree entirely with Hr Witherick’s final sentence.’ Eos Announcements ‘A Notebook of Birds — 1907-1980’ Post free to subscribers. You will help BB by ordering (cheques for £6.95, or £7.45 if overseas) from BB Book Ofiers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Book offers It helps BB's finances if you order these books from us: A Notebook of Birds — 1 907-1 980 hy ]\m Flegg (Macmillan) £6.95 post free. Frontiers oj Bird Identification edited by J. 1'. R. Sharrock (Macmillan) £7.95 post free. Wildfowl of Europe by Myrfyn Owen (Macmillan) £9.95 post free. Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book by Bill Oddie (Eyre Methuen) £4.95 post free. Birdwatcher's Yearbook 1981 edited bv John K. Pemberton (Buckingham Press) £5.45 (£4.95 4- 50p p & p)'. ' If you order more than one title, please write your orders for each book on a separate sheet. We will pass your orders on to the respective publishers, who will send the books to you by post. Orders and cheques or postal orders (payable to British Birds Ltd) to: BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. (For orders from addresses outside the LiK and the Republic of Ireland, please add 50p. Payment can be made into UK Giro account number 37 588 6303.) Working Group on Granivorous Birds The Third International Con- gress of Ecology, in Warsaw, Poland, during 5th- 1 1th September 1982, will include a special symposium on ‘Granivorous Birds’. Details may be obtained from Professor Dr Jan Pinowski, Institute of Ecology, PAN, Dziekanow Lesny, 05-150 Lomianki, Poland. Diary dates This list covers events taking place welcome submission of details for coveringjanuary to December 1982. 7th July BRITISH ornithologists’ CLUB. Professor J. H. Elgood on ‘The birds of Nigeria’. Central London. Non-members should write (enclosing S.AE) to hon. secretary, R. E. F. Peal, 2 Chestnut Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN 13 3.\R. 16th-27th July SOCIETY OF WILDLIFE artists’ annual exhibition (including, also, display of winning entries in ‘Bird Illustrator of the \'ear’ and ‘The Richard Richardson Award’ competitions). I'he Mall Galleries, Ehe Mall, London SVVl. Open 10-5 Mon.- Eri.; 10-1 Sat. 26th September bto regional conference. Shefheld. .Applications to B'PO, Beech (irove, Ering, Hertfordshire HP23 5.NR. 3rd October rspb London day & .agm. Cunard International Hotel. Full details from RSPB Conference Organiser, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire S(H9 2DL. 10th October rspb Scottish members’ day. .Aberdeen. Full details from RSPB Confer- ence Organiser. 30th October- 1st November Scottish orni- thologists’ club annual conference & AGM. Marine Hotel, North Berwick, East Lothian. Please note the changed date. •Applications to Club Secretary, SOC, 21 Regent Terrace, fxlinburgh EH7 5B T. 31st October rspb wei.sii members’ day. Mold, Clwyd. Full details from RSPB Cion- ference Organiser. 31st October bto regional conference. Plymouth. Applications to B TO. 21st November joint bou/mammai. society ALL-DAY MEETING. Zoological Socicty of l.ondon. Regent’s Park. ‘Predator-prey interactions between birds and mammals.’ Applications to Dr j. (Jurncll (Mammal Socicty), Zoology Department, Westheld College, Queen Building, London N\V3 7ST. during July 1981 to June 1982. W e possible inclusion in the ne.xt list, 4th-6th December bto annual conference & AGM. Hayes Conference Centre, Swan- wick, Derbyshire. Applications to B TO. 4th-6th December national exhibition of CAGE AND AVIARY BIRDS. Billglcy Hall, Birmingham. 8th- 10th January bto ringing and MiGR.ATiON CONFERENCE. Hayes Conference Centre. 31st January Cilosing date for entries for ‘Bird Photograph of the \’ear’. 12th- 14th February bto seabird confer- ence. Ldtoxeter. Applications to B TO. 19th-21st February bto spring confer- ence. Hayes Conference Centre. .Applica- tions to B'I’O. 16th March- 18th May YOUNG ornitholo- gists’ CLUB MIGRATION PHONE-IN. Telephone Sandy (0767) 80551. I’uesdays only, 5 p.m.- 7.30 p.m. Records from adults welcomed. 26th-28th March RSPB members’ weekend. University of York, f ull details from RSPB Conference Organiser. 27th March BOLT .AGM. Edward Grey Insti- tute of Field Ornithology, Oxford. Lunch at Wolfson Hall. .Afternoon excursion to Wytharn Woods. .Applications to .Meetings .Secretary, BOU, c/o Zixilogical .Society ol London, Regent’s Park, London N\\ 1 4RY. 27th March BTO REGIONAL CONFERENCE. Norwich. .Applications to B TO. 3 1st March CMosing date for entries for ‘Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs’. 31st March Cilosing date f(>r entries for ‘Bird Illustrator of the \’ear’. 4th May rspb/yoc annual sponsored bird- watch. 27th May (provisional) wildfowl trust AGM. pcarg ago . . . ‘MANX ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES, 1929 AND 1930. The destruction of sea liirds by oil, apparently on an unprecedented scale, was an unhappy feature of 1929. ( )n February 5th, within ,50 yards of the Point of Ayr, Mr. J. Bell counted sixty-four Guillemots, nine Razorbills, and two Black Guillemots, alive, but help'ess.’ P. CL Rai.fe {Brit. Birch'!^'. 18, June 15)31) 270 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett Conservation SOS We were pleased to hear about two worthwhile contributions from the Conservation Fund of the Sussex Ornitho- logical Society: £500 to the Sussex Trust for Nature Conservation for Ebernoe Common and £500 to the RSPB’s Silver Meadows appeal. Poisons again In 1968 there were two incidents involving the misuse of poisons that were confirmed by analysis; in 1978 the number had grown to nearly 90 and by 1980 it was over 100. A genuine increase, or a reflection of the interest and concern the sub- ject now attracts? It is difficult to say, but is probably a mixture of both. Whatever the reason, there is no denying the fact that, in the last ten years, analyses of victims have revealed the following toll of birds of prey alone: 79 Buzzards Buko buteo, 12 Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos, seven Red Kites Milvus milvus, six Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus, four Goshawks Accipiter genlilis, four Pere- grines Falco peregrinus, three Kestrels, F. linnunculus, two Marsh Harriers C. aeruginosus, two Rough-legged Buzzards B. lagopus, one Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and one Gyr- falcon F. rusticolus. The true figures must be many times higher, since dead birds of prey are rarely found. Raptors, we would like to think, are the unintended victims of deadly pioisons such as strychnine, alpha chloralose and mevinphos, which arc sprinkled over dead rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus or injected into hens’ eggs by an ignorant or criminal minority (the laying of all poisons in the open is illegal). The actual target species are, we suspect, in most cases crows (Corvidae) and foxes Vulpes vulpes. All cases of deliberate poisoning reported to the RSPB are followed up when the investigations section believes there may be a chance of establishing who laid the poison. But the conversion of inci- dents to prosecutions is abysmally low — less than 5%. If you find suspected baits or birds in situations which suggest they are associa- ted with poisoning, leave the corpses in situ, if possible take a photograph, and contact the RSPB immediately: Sandy 80551. (Con- tributed by R. F. Porter) Naughty Penguins The ill-conceived, but superbly illustrated series of Penguin Nature Guides is, we understand, not to be com- pleted by Penguin Books. Each of the first four volumes (Birds oj Wood, Park and Garden, Birds oj Sea and Coast', Birds oJ Lake, River, Marsh and Field', and Birds oJ Mountain Regions) noted prominently that it was part of a five- volume series. I'here will be many readers of British Birds who have purchased these books (always well reviewed in this journal, because of Lars Jonsson’s superb paintings) not for their value as single volumes, but specifically because they were part of a series covering the birds of Europe. The fifth volume is being published in its original Swedish-language version, but we gather that an English-language version is not being produced. Readers should judge for them- selves whether this decision — presumably taken for financial reasons — is w holly ethical or whether purchasers of the first four volumes could justifiably feel highly aggrieved. (Contributed by ]TRS) ICBP expands activities The European Section of the International Council for Bird Preservation had a busy and well-organised week in Malta in November. A list, giving details of all the important areas for birds in Europe east of the Urals, is to be drawn up, to be the basis of a huge network of reserv es like that already planned for the European Economic Community. The ICBP is to take the lead in preparing measures implement- ing the various new' international treaties on nature conser\ation. The ICBP’s committee on mass destruction of migratory birds is to finance the first popular bird books in Arabic and other languages for sale in Mediter- ranean countries. The EEC committee met three times during the week to discuss its work and ad\ ice to the EEC on the follow-up to the bird conser\ation Directive which came into force in .\pril 1981. ICBP national sections are to gather information on proisoning and trapping of birds throughout Europe. New aspects of the perennial prob- lems of bird conservation were discussed, plus some wholly new ones, including the bad effects on habitat and land-use of EEC agricultural policy. Special concern was felt about Roseate Terns Sterna dougallii and the Greenland race of White-fronted Geese Anser albijrons flavirostris in Britain and Ireland. More direct links are to be set up between the 271 272 News and comment ICBP headquarters in Cambridge, the new European Section secretary , Alistair Gam- mell (at the RSPB), and the national bodies which make up the ICBP. The results will be discussed at the next ICBP meetings in the Netherlands in November 1981 and in Cam- bridge in August 1982. Dr John Temple Lang, of the Irish VVildbird Conservancy, took over as chairman of the European Section from Professor Morzer Bruyns at Malta. (Contributed by John Temple Lang) Major honour Nobody who knows any- thing about Irish ornithology needs to be told who ‘the Major’ is: we wonder, though, if henceforth he will be known as ‘the Doctor’? Our congratulations go to Robin Ruttledge on his award of an honorary DSc from Trinity College, Dublin. His own comment is typical — and indeed echoes our own senti- ments: ‘What pleases me so greatly is that at long last ornithology has been considered a worthwhile science in Ireland, as it has long been abroad, and is recognised as such, and not just the hobby of an eccentric few.’ New-Iook Dungeness Congratulations to Dorian BulTery on his appointment as the new warden of Dungeness Bird Observatory, filling the gap left by Nick Riddiford’s departure to Fair Isle. Dorian has been involved with the Chew V’alley Ringing Station, Avon, since 1973, and was assistant warden at Fair Isle in 1979. Ringing opera- tions have been transferred to a new ringing- hut in the observatory garden and the old ringing-room is being converted to a lounge/ library, just one of several changes which will improve facilities for visitors and residents. Bookings and enquiries to Dorian at Dungeness Bird Observatory, 1 1 RNSSS, Dungeness, Romney Marsh, Kent. (Con- tributed by PJG) New Recorder for Durham Ken Bald- ridge, 48 the Headlands, Darlington, Co. Durham, has now taken over from Brian Unwin as recorder for Durham. Sandgrouse Sandgrouse No. 2, the second issue of the journal of the Ornithological Society of the Middle East, is now available, price £5.25 including -postage (£7.00 air- mail)— or £9.00 (£1 1.00 airmail) if you buy No. 1 as well — from OSME, c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire so 19 2dl. BOU Conference The British Ornitholo- gists’ Union held its Annual Conference in Glasgow from 27th-30th March 1981. Appropriately, the theme was Scottish, with four sessions devoted to Uplands, Forests, Estuaries and Seabirds, giving a total of 15 papers, all of high standard. A lot (too much, perhaps) was crammed into a short time. Comparisons between speakers are odious — but mention must be made of a memorable 45 minutes on the Greenshank by (who else?) Desmond Nethersole-Thompson, without a single slide, graph, histogram or statistical analysis in sight . . . That record again Bryan Bland has asked us to ‘put the record straight’ concerning the most species seen in a day . . . He tells us that, after a trial run (a.m. only) during which he and Rob Chidwick scored 130 around Cley, he teamed up a week later with David Saunders (one of the original Minsmere team) and Bill Unwin. Bryan and Bill each tallied 141 — which now stands as the record to be beaten. Garden listers please note — his garden score is 172. Where, we ask ourselves, will it all end? No doubt you’ll be letting us know . . . Opinions expressed in this jeature are not necessarily those oj the editors oj British Birds Recent reports K. Allsopp and R. A. Hume These are largely unchecked reports, not authenticated records All dates in this report refer to March unless otherwise stated. This month’s weather was dominated by rain-belts across the country' to give the depressions with westerly winds bringing a highest March rainfall figures this century, procession of weather-fronts and associated For two short periods, 13th to 17th and 26th 273 Recent reports to 28th, high-pressure systems brought quieter weather and some migrants. The westerlies gave ample opportunity for the winter visitors to return to the Continent, with only occasional groundings being evident at coastal sites. A small fall of Blackbirds Turdus merula, Fieldfares T. pilaris, Song Thrushes T. philomelos and Redwings T. iliacus occurred on Fair Isle (Shetland) during an overnight frontal pas- sage on 8th, and 290 of the last species were found also at Dungeness (Kent) in similar conditions on 9th. A Black-throated Thrush T. ruficollis at Bacton (Norfolk) around 25th was probably part of a return movement grounded on the coast. The weather over France was little better than here, so that only when more settled weather extended to the south as well did the first few summer visitor migrants begin to arrive. Such a period occurred after 10th, when Sand Martins Riparia riparia became widespread, but in very small numbers, fours at Blagdon Reservoir (Somerset) and Abber- ton Reservoir (Essex) being the highest reported counts. Wheatears Oeriantfie oerianthe also arrived in small numbers in southern areas, with 1 1 grounded at Dungeness on 14th, when more unsettled weather returned. In the same fall were 20 Chiffehaffs Phylloscopus coliyhita, reported elsewhere in small numbers in their breeding areas during this period. The next influx of migrants came after 26th, when warm air arri\ed from a high-pressure region to the south. This in- cluded more Chiffehaffs, Wheatears and Sand Martins and, in addition, Firecrests Regulus ignicapillus, with 25 at Dungeness on 28th, three on Bardsey (Gwynedd) on 26th, seven at Landguard Point (Suffolk) and also inland in Bedfordshire, and Black Redstarts Pfioenicurus ochruros, with ten at Dungeness on 28th, three at Landguard Point on 31st, and others in Norfolk and inland at Rutland Water (Leicestershire). Few Willow Warb- lers Phylloscopus trochilus were reported, and Swallows Hirundo ruslica also were scarce. A Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca at Holk- ham (Norfolk), a Sedge Warbler Acro- cephalus schoenobaenus and a Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus at Cley (Norfolk), a blue- headed Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flava at Abberton Reservoir and a Cuckoo Cuculus canorus at Bentley (Suffolk), all on 28th, were worthy of note. An interesting find was a Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica seen on Bardsey on 29th, having probably wintered farther west than normal. Wildfowl and raptors A few' pairs of Garganeys Anas querquedula were reported, with singles at Lodmoor (Dorset) on 14th and Minsmere on 15th, where there were six by 28th. pair of Velvet Scoters Melanitta Jusca was also reported at Walney Island. \ small flock of eight Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis was an exciting find in Poole Harbour (Dorset) on 15th and a further flock of four inland at Abberton Reservoir was also unusual. I'he male Steller’s Eider Polyslicta stelleri was still present in the Western Isles. 4'he only notable raptor was a Black Kite Mili'us migrans in Kent on 4th April. Seabirds Further reports ol the influx ol .Arctic gulls this winter were of 20 Iceland Larus glaucoides and 18 Glaucous Gulls L. hyperboreus on the Isle of Lewis (Western Isles) during January and February. Other Iceland Gulls were: one at Swithland Reservoir (Leicestershire) in February , four at Girdle Ness (Grampian) into March and singles at Swanpool (Corn- wall) and Fair Isle. The number of Ring- billed Gulls L. delawarensis in west Cornwall 274 Recent reports increased to four during March with two others indentified at Swanpool and at Mumbles Head (West Glamorgan) on 12th. To add to the excitement, a Bonaparte’s Gull L. Philadelphia was found at Penzance (Cornwall) on 16th and another turned up at Radipole Lake (Dorset) on 3rd April and stayed until 7th (plates 162 & 163). Mediterranean Gulls L. melanocephalus con- tinue to be reported more commonly than in previous winters, with three on 12th at Dungeness, and singles at Ruan Lanihorne (Cornwall) and at Radipole Lake on 4th April. More seasonal news was the return of the Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvkensis . •\way from the English south coast, singles were reported from Cley and Minsmere (Sufiblk) on 14th and Walney Island (Cum- bria) on 21st. On 28th, however, 94 had collected at Dungeness. Other notable sea- 162 & 163 First-winter Bonaparte’s (iull Larus Philadelphia, Dorset, .April 1981 (below, with first-winter Black-headed (mil L. ridibundus, left) (J. Miller) bird records were of 45 Black-throated Divers Gama arclica in Gerrans Bay (Corn- wall) during the month and a small passage of 16 Little Auks Alle alle on 8th at VValney Island. Wading birds A late record came from Guernsey (Channel Isles) of a Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus on 22nd February', a bird not usually found on passage. Little Ringed Plovers Charadnus dubius were beginning to arrive back at their breeding sites by late March and one of their close relatives, a Kentish Plover C. alexandrinus, w'as reported from Penzance on 29th. For the past two winters, two Curlew Sandpipers Calidris Jerruginea have wintered at Ruan Lanihorne and had continued their stay into March this year. Any longer stay would see them moult into summer plumage, a rare spring sight in this country. Two Spotted Crakes Porzana por- zana provided an interesting record from Rainham (Essex) from 14th to 19th. Latest news In mid May: Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus on Bardsey; up to 150 Bluethroats Luscinia svecica in Shetland, including 33 on (4ut Skerries; Subalpine Warblers Sylvia cantil- lans on Out Skerries and at Portland Bill (Dorset); White Stork Ciconia ciconia near Lancaster; seven Temminck’s Stints Calidris temminckii at Sidlesham (West Sussex) and three at Little Paxton (Ciambridgeshire). 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Small family run licensed hotel in t|uiet residential road close to clifl'top walk. Ch, some en-suite rooms, excellent home cooking. Open all year. Brochure from: Edgeclifl'e Hotel, Clarence Gardens, Shanklin. Tel: 098386. (BB232) REMOTE FISHING LODGE with magnificent views. Central Perthshire glen. .Approximately 10 miles from Perth and Dunkeld. Exclusive use of trout loch with boat provided. AccommcKlation Ibr 4/6 with all mod cons. Enquiries to Middleton, Meikleour, Perth. I'el: 02.5083 291. (BB246) CHARMING, SECLUDED, Vic torian .Manor House now luxury 3-star hotel. Set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens overlooking Taw X'alley. Central for fishing, golf, touring and walking. .Afso available, three self-catering cottages. Northcote Manor. Burrington, near L'mberleigh, N, Devon. Tel: (07696) .5(')1 . (BB23) WESTERN ISLES (South Uist). Luxury- self- catering holiday homes on the serene and peace- ful island of South Uist. Fishing, golf, hill walking and bird watching all specialities. Paradise for ornithologists. SAFI: Loch-an-Eilean Holiday Homes, 8 Heriot Road, Eenzic, Glasgow. Tel: 041-776 3802. (BB198) KING’S ARMS HOTEL, Castle Dtniglas, ,A.A** R.S.AC, Egon Ronay and .Ashley Clourtney recommended. 10% reduction for ornithologists. (BB33) DUNSYRE, LANARKSHIRE. Attractive holi- day cottages on private estate sleeping 4 & 6. VN'arm, comfortable and very well equipped. Variety of wildlife. .Apply Lee & Carnwath Estates, Carnwath, Lanark, Tel: Carnwath (05.5.584) 273. (BB244) WEYMOUTH. 2 mins Radipole Lake. B&B. TV lounge. CH. Free parking. Open all year. SAE: 4 Abbotsburs Road. Tel: 0305 782775* (BB181) CLEY. •Attractive house in village, 4 bedrooms, large garden, garage. Available all year. Details from Mrs E. .Album, 47 Lyndale Avenue, London N\V2. Tel: 431 2942. (BB247) NORTH NORFOLK. Fise miles coast, B&bor sell-catering cottage. Large country house in 9 acres. .McVeigh, Old Rectorv, North Creake. .South Creake i032 879) 4.36. (BBI04) MID-NORFOLK timber framed farmhouse, offers B&B, evening meal optional. A'isit Broads, Breckland and the coast. Walters, River Farm, Shipdham. Tel: Dereham 820544. (BB216) LAKE DISTRICT — f/6 berth caravan, secluded site, Windermere five miles. Bell, Fellside, Crosthwaite, Nr Kendal. Cumbria L.A8 8D.A. (BB208) MID WALES. Wide choice of self-catering farmhouse, cottages, etc., throughout mid W ales. Brochure from: .Mid Wales Holiday, Newtown. Powys. T el: 09745 320. (BB4) EXPLORE THE HEBRIDES under sail aboard 60ft ketch ‘Hornpipe’. Small parties, £150 pw. Dinsdale-A’oung, Kingie, Invergarry, Inver- ness-shire. Tel: 08092 210. (BB242) ARGYLL. Self-catering flats/cottage in grounds country house, also cottages nearby. Excellent birdwatching, sea. loch, and hill, l.ow rates spring, autumn and winter. S.AE Brochures: Hutchison, Kinlochlaich House, .Appin Tel: 342. (BB221) BAMBURGH. Flat, sleeps sbc. A'acant 29.5-27.6, 11-18.7, ‘29.8 onwards. A'illage Centre Farms, Budle Bay, Cheviots. E. Wilson, Keswick Clott., Bamburgh, Northumberland. 06684 288 p.m. (BB265) BETTYHILL HOTEL, Bettyhill, Sutherland. Old established family hotel in outstanding position overlooking the Naver Nature Reserve and the Pentland Firth. Paradise for birdwatchers. First class cuisine. Fullv licensed. Tel: Bettyhill (0641‘2) 202. ' (BB264) ISLE OF ISLAY. .Attractive, well equipped cottages sleeping 2-4 people. Situated by beach in peaceful village of Port Charlotte. Full details/ brochure .Mrs James Roy, Port Charlotte. Isle of Islav. Argvllsh'ire P.A48 7L D. Tel: 049 685 ‘208. (BB269) NORFOLK. W clls-next-the-,Sea. Cottage ClH. sleeps six. Free 18-25 July and 19 .September onwards. .Stevens. 4 Bell's Court. Castle Street, Cambridge. (BB273) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautiful Clun valley near the Welsh border. The area has an excellent wild bird population and an interesting flora and fauna. Within easy reach of Ludlow, Elan Valley, Ofl'a’s Dyke, Longinynd, this stock rearing farm of 400 acres has magnificent \ iews added to its attractions. At Upper House one finds complete relaxation and a pampered, intimate atmosphere. B&B, EM optional. Tel: Bucknell 319 or SAE: Mrs D. M. Williams, Upper Farm, Hopton Castle, Craven Arms, Salop. (BB1069) SOUTHWOLD AA** hotel, central heating, ensuite bedrooms, good wines and food. Ideal base for Minsmere and surrounding area. Write/ phone: Pier Avenue Hotel, Southwold 722632. (BB43) NEAR RYE EAST SUSSEX. Inexpensive bargain breaks, beautiful Georgian Country House Hotel. Flamingoes, migratory and sea birds. Tel: 079 721 381. ’ (BB225) ISLE OF ISLAY, ARGYLL. Fully modernised farmhouse to let, overlooking Loch Gorm, amidst beautiful scenery, trout fishing available, sandy beaches, ideal for family holiday, (4pen all year. Book now for Spring hols. VN’rite for details to the Secretary, Foreland Estate, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay, Argyll. Tel: (049 685) 211/371. (BB213) SECLUDED FARMHOUSE, woodland set- ting, Bed, breakfast, dinner. SAE, Mrs Spa\ins, Longwitton, Morpeth. Tel: Hartburn 654, (BB217) MINSMERE. Bed and breakfast. Fisher, ‘Trelyn’, Blythburgh Road, Westleton. Tel: Westleton 413. (BB139) SUFFOLK, WAVENEY VALLEY, beautiful \ lews, lo\el\ well kept gardens. B&B li)r 2. .S.\E: .\rkhill Cottage, .Mendham, Harleston, Norlblk. (BBI27) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Tradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated National Trust beauty area. Abundant wildlife, naturalists’ paradise. To let fortnightly, SAE: Whiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire, (BB54) OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND. I 'A miles north of Loch Ken. .Mrs B. Forrest. Ken Bridge Hotel. New Gallowav, Kirkcudbrightshire. DC7 3PR. ■Fel:.\ew(;alloway2ll, ' (BB86) BLAKENEY 2V2 MILES: I ■ uxury flat lor two in newlv-eon\erted stables in grounds of old reetory. S.\E Beeson. Saxlingham Rectory . Holt. (BB68) NORFOLK COAST, CLEY. Village centre Luxury cottage, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, c/h, colour TV'. Sleeps eight. Garage. Tel: Norwich 738556. (BB204) ISLE OF TIREE. The Lodge Hotel, bird- watchers’ paradise island. Self-catering flats and lull board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, I iree. Pel: 08792 368. (BB46) IN I HE HEAR F OF ENGLAND AND WALES Peaceful Country Clottages, Cotswolds, Malvern Hills, V\'ye Valley, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Mid/North Wales. Brochure 20p stamp CO'FTAGE HOLIDAYS Blackmore End, Hanley Swan, W orcester W R8 OEE Tel: (068 43) 786 (BB231) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beeston, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Fakenham. Tittleshall 205. (BB42) TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking RSPB Reserve, THE MANOR HOTEL offers comfortable accommodation and good food throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. Special “Bird- Watchers’ ’’ weekends monthly from November to March, and 2 or 3-day breaks during the same period. Postal address: King’s Lvnn, Norfolk PE31 8BB. Telephone: Brancaster (048 521) 221. (BB38) CORNWALl^FOWEY. Enjoy a spring, summer or autumn holiday in beautiful coun- tryside, a mile from the harbour and coast. Comfortable rooms, dinner, and a substantial breakfast. Dogs welcome. Francis and .Anne Boosey, ‘Polscoe’, Fowey, Cornwall PL23 IHQ. Tel: 072 683 2407. (BB50) COTTAGES GALORE. We ha\e some 200 delightful cottages in all parts of Britain. .V great variety of individual properties, all inspected. Prices £ 10 to £40 per person per week. Get our free colour brochure: Amaro Cottage Holidays, 22 High Street, .Alton, Hants GL'34 IBN. Tel: 0420 88892. (BB113) UNIQUE RESTFUL HOLIDAY on organic smallholding within Exmoor National Park. Quiet surroundings situated in wooded nature reserve. Sea four miles. Eight camouflaged caravans. Modern toilet facilities. SAE please to Clowley Wood, Parracombe. ,N. Devon. Parra- combe200. (BB176) CLEY — when visiting Cley .Vlarshes and Blakeney Point you are welcome to call at the George and Dragon Hotel. .Accommodation, bars and meals. I'ariff upon application, write or tel: The George & Dragon Hotel, Cley, Holt, Norfolk. Tel: Cley (0263) 740652. (BB239) COMFORTABLE COTTAGE TO LET (sleep 3), ideally situated Ibr birdwatching holidays. •Near Blakeney Point, Cley, Salthouse, Scolt Head bird sanctuaries. Night storage heaters, open fires, fully equipped. Details: Mrs Faulkner. Red Lodge, I he Quay, Blakeney, Norfolk NR25 7NF. Fel: Cley 740468! ' (BB1022) Vlll PEACEFUL *AA l,ambs(|uay Couiury House Hotel. W ye/Dean Forest — Waders and Falcons within vicinity. Excel, food and wine. H&Ci, lull ( ./H. 1 el: 0.'i94 !EH27 lor brochure please. (HB26) ISLES OF SCILLY— ST. MARY’S Friendly atmosphere in a Family run Licensed Guest House overlooking the harbour. Open now until the 24th October. Special reductions until the 15th May. SAE for details or telephone Tony or Linda Dingley 0720 22327. (BB195) PEMBROKESHIRE— Broad Haven. Modern chalet sleeps 6, I Hildick-Smith, Redmarley Orchards, Great Witley, Worcester. (BB219) NORTH DEVON close to Taw/'Forridge estuary. Comfortable farmhouse accommoda- tion. North Farm, Bickington, Barnstaple EX31 2JN. Fel: 0271 3107. ' (BB222) CENTRALLY HEATED holiday Hats. ()()cn all year. S.\E iitr broi hure to; Mrs .\L .Nicholls, Sea- Waves, St. .Mary's, Isles of St illy, Gornwall. Tel: Scillonia 227.52. (BBX957) KITE COUNTRY. AA**R.\C it.mmended countrv house hotel. Within easv reach of reserves .uid other good habitats. Resident expert! David ;ind Bronwen extend a welcome to all. Blciise send for our colour brochtire: (jlanr;innell Ptirk Hotel, Grugvbar, l.lanwrtla. l)v fed. Fel: Fallev (055H3) 23o'. ' ( BI522) HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr Bruce Campbell and Fed Grilfiths based at the I'alland Bay Hotel on the South Cornish Coast. Parties have identified over 1 10 species. Special Birds and flowers week in May. Course dates and brochure from 'Falland Bay Hotel, Nr. Eooe, Cornwall. Felephone Polperro (0.503) 72667. (BB49) HOLIDAY COTTAGE fully ecpiipped, sleeps 3-5, five miles .Southwold, 10 miles .Minsmere. Mr Feesdale, 80 Wangford Road, Revdon, Southwold. (BB182) CLEY— BIRDWATCH as you breaklast! All vear rotind BeStB in verv comlitrtable home, tlireitiv overlooking bird reserve and salt marshes. .Man ;ind Sheihi Hart, Fhe Saltings, ( ioast Road. ( ilev . Fel: 740()45. (BB1070; ISLE OF ARRAN. S/c modernised liirm cot- tages at .Slidderv, .Apartments at Machrie iidjacent golf course/shore, (Jraham. 47 Henrv Street. Langholm, I el: 8(1272. (BBI 14) CALF OF MAN Bird ( )bserv atorv Hostel tv[>c ac ( omniodiition from .\[>ril to Oc tober. Details from Fhe Sc-cicliirv . Fhe .M.inx Museum and .N.ilioniiri rust. Douglas. Isleof.M.m. (BB131) WALBERSWICK. Mi nsmere 5 miles. Ciottage sleeps 7-9, From £.50. Apply .Saunders, Fhe Rectory, Old .Alresford, Hants. Fel: .Alresford 2780. ’ (BB260) SOLWAY COAST. Holiday chalets in excellent area for birdwatching. .Sae litr details: Muir. 68 Kermoor Avenue, Bolton. Fel: 593132. (BB266) MONYMUSK GRANT ARMS HOTEL ABERDEENSHIRE AB3 7HK TEL: 226 (04677) GET AWAA' FRO.M H ALL TO THE PFi.ACE AND QUIETNESS OF PICTURE.SQUE .MONV.MUSK. I'.xclusive rights trout & salmon fishing on 10 mis R. Don. I I beats. 29 named pools, a max 2 rods per beat. & R.AC 18th C. Coaching Inn. British I ourist Board commended country hotel. 1 raditional .Scottish cocjking Ik home baking, lullv lies. .Send for hotel col broc hure. Lot of fishing (S: other activ ities. (BB236) NEW FOREST, HANTS. .A quiet and secluded large country house with direct forest access. Full central heating, licensed. TV, Radios, etc, all rooms, some with private bathrexems. Woodlands Lodge Hotel, V\'ocxflands, New Forest Hants. 042 129 2257. (BB175) PERTHSHIRE HIGHLANDS. Ospreys, Peregrine Falcon, .Merlin, Hen Harriers are only some of the rare birds that nest near our luxury log cabins, a favourite holiday spot for bird watchers. Each cabin sleeps 8; from £ 1 1 5 per week which includes all extras and col. FA'; Brochures from Butterstone Log Cabins (B), Dunkeld, Perthshire. Tel: (03.504) 234/205. (BBI89) NORD TRAVEL THE ORKNEY HOLIDAY SPECIALISTS Ornithology — Archaeology — Fishing or quiet holiuays. Self-catering or Hotel Accommodation. All travel arrangements made. Groups catered for; Brochures from: Nord T ravel (G), 1 5 Broad Street, KlrRwall, Orkney Islands, Scotland. Tel: 0856 3734 or 3848. Telex: 75607. (BB183) MOROCCO. Come to the Oued .Massa. near . Agadir, liir superb birding. Regular species include: sandgrouse. Marbled Duck, egrets, crakes, .Audouin's Gull, stilts. Bald Ibis; birds of prey and exciting migration. G(K>d accom- modation at a modest cost, and restaurant and bar facilities. I ransport to and from .Agadir arranged. .Send for details to: PO Box Q7. .Alassa. Province O'.Agadir. .Alorocco. (BB274) 16TH C SUFFOLK LONGHOUSE. l uxury accommodation within easy reach of coast and .Alinsmere. Priv ate batlmxims, fine English fixxi. lovelv rural setting. Old Swan House. Creting- ham. W (Hxlbridge. Suflolk. Fel: Earl Soham 633. (BB279) CORNWALL ( '.onv erted Croft adjoining farm- house overUxvking Mts Bay. Quiet rural location access to wild vallev. (>ix)d spot for birding. Fel: 0736 740 738. (BB28D IX HeIpBB! With an even larger circula- tion, we could keep subscrip- tion prices down and have more pages each month. Persuade a friend to subscribe . . . Name Address Postcode 12 issues and index for £16 (£12 if resident in UK or Eire and member of RSPB, SCXj, IWC or certain local bird clubs; if concessionary rate claimed; Name of society Name of secretary Subscription to start in 19... Cheque for £ enclosed. Send to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedjord MK44 3NJ. {BB26D REPAIRS BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE RE- PAIRS. Fast efficient senice on all makes and types by expert technicians at L&L Optical, 50 .Mston Road, Barnet, Herts. I'el: 01-441 0990. (BB229) FOR SALE SHIRTS MADE TO MEASURE in \ iyella Swiss cottons and other quality fabrics. Patterns and details from .\. Garstang and Go Ltd (Dept S/BB), 213 Preston .New Road, Blackburn, Lancs BB2 0BP. (BB2H) BANNERMAN’S Birds of the British Isles, coni|)lctc with dust covers. £350. JSeaford 895173. (BB257) BRITISH BIRDS, vols. 31-5 and 41-52 bound. Also Ibis vols. 98-122, unbound. Oilers to Rowntree, 23 Upland Park Road, Oxford. Tel: 55390. (BB2.58) CUMBRIA BIRD REPORT 1980. £1 30 (inch p & p) from Malcolm Hutcheson, Garden Cottage, Sizergh Castle, Kendal LA8 8AE. (BB268) FOR SALE, Handbook oj British Birds, Birds of W est and Equatorial Africa, etc. Send for list. Write to Box No. BB263, British Birds, c/o Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little P'.s.sex Street, London VVC2R3LF. (BB263) HAWKINS WALKING BOOTS and shoes. Astronauts, I ecnic. Uniroyal. Country footwear reduced prices. SAL: Britt, 3 .Station Rd. LImesthorpe, Leicester. (BB220) THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE by J. F . Holloway and R. H. F. Thorne, M.\ .\n illustrated up-to-date check-list with details on present status, etc. For your copy send £2 and 25p p & p to: J. HOLLOWAY STACKHOULL STORES FAIR ISLE SHETLAND (BB262) THE BIRD BOOKSHOP (Scottish Ornitho- logists’ Club) — W e are leading specialists in new books co\ Cl ing all aspci Is of ornithologN and all parts of the v\orld; ov er (iOO titles in stock; world- wide mail order sm it e; post free to .SOC mem- bers (except small orders); free 30 page booklist from The Bird Bookshop. Scottish Ornithologists' Cilub. Dept. 1. 21 Regent Terrace, Ldinburgh LH7 oB F; phone (031) 5,50 (i042 (office hours onl\: .\lon.-Fri.9-l,2-,5), (BBI38) WATERPROOF AND WARMWEAR, fabrics and patterns, all accessories. For prices, stamp please: TOR(B), 5 L\ndon Grove, Runcorn WA7 5PP. ’ (BB27) WILTSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIEIT Journal ‘Hobby’ 1980 includes County Bird Report for 1979 — £1 from .M. Pointon (BB), .\1.\C.\ Hostel, 13 Clharlotte .Mews, Old Fown, Sw indon, Wilts. 1976, ’77 and ’79 issues 50p each. (BB259) WILDLIFE HO LI DA YS PASSENGERS WANTED to share Landrover camping holiday to Clamargue and Pyrenees. September, 14 days. Contact (S.\E appreciated) Dick Eagles, 5 Hill Rise, Seaford, .Sussex. (BB275) BOOKS BOOKS ON BIRDS. New and secondhand, catalogue 30p. .Surplus bird books urgently sought. Open Thursday to .Saturday, Bird Books ol Sevenoaks, House of Seal, Clhurch Street, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent. Fel: Sevenoaks 62155. (BB35) FINE NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS bought .ind sold. R. Norman. Flic Book-S(|uirrel. Hart- on-lhc-Hill. Dalton Piertey. Hartlepool. C:lc\e- laiid, (BB89) NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. Secondhand and new bought atid sold. Catalogues: J. L. Oliver, Corner Cottage. Colkirk, Fakctiham, Norltilk. I el: Fakctiham 2453 (BB(i47l OUT-OF-PRINT BIRD BOOKS Ixuight and sold. Catalogue on request. Please oiler your surplus books to Jay Biniks, I Roull Grove, Edinburgh, (BB34) ‘INSTINCTIVE NAVIGATION OF BIRDS’ by E. Gerrard, 1981. 180pp plus 105 diagrams post free £4.50 or send large S.\F, for descriptive leaflet and pamphlet on the ‘Perdeck Saga’ revelations, 1 he .Scottish Research Group, Pabay, Broadliird, .Skye, Scotland. (BB223) X TOURS WILDLIFE AND NATURAL HISTORY cruise. Guided tours of the Scottish Hebrides aboard 62ft motor sailing yacht. Visit the breed- ing colonies of seabirds and seals. Explore early C.hristian settlements, superb scenery and savour excellent food. Berths per week £170. Ardpatrick, I'arbert, Argyll. Tel: 08802 633/63 1 . (BB 1 73) STOP PRESS PEMBROKESHIRE. .Attractive old farmhouse converted to guest house near St Davids overlooking seas near bird sanctuary. Excellent cuisine, licence. S.AE J. Moore, Cwmwdig, Water, Berea, Nr St Davids. Tel: Croesgoch 434. (BB282) WANTED — Witherby’s “Handbook of British Birds” (5 vols). Bannerman’s “The Birds of the British Isles” (12 vols). Ali and Ripley “Handbook of the Bird of India and Pakistan” (10 vols). Please state condition, edition and price. Write to Box No. BB272 British Birds c/o Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC12R 3LF. (BB272) AYRSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1980, £1.20 inc. postage, from R. H. Hogg, Schoolhouse, Urosshill, Maybole, .Ayrshire K.\ 19 7RH. (BB284) Artificial House Martin’s Nest Remarkably successful readily accepted by martins, they also encourage the construction of natural nests. Made of hard cement compo with hardboard roof and back easily fixed to eaves of house or barn with special nails supplied. Price £5.45 for 1 £9.75 for 2 including post and packing. NERINE NURSERIES Welland, Worcestershire (BBI0.‘)3) Form and Function in Birds Volume 2 edited by A. S. King and J. McLelland February/ March 1981, x + 496pp., £42.00 (UK only) / $97.00, 0.12.407502.9 This extensively illustrated, three-volume work is intended to provide a definitive account of avian morphology, surveying the principal anatomical features and showing how they work. The survey is not confined to the domestic species but covers birds generally. Evolutionary factors influencing avian morphology have been included where they help to clarify avian form. The overriding objective has been to show why birds are built as they are rather than to provide an encyclopaedic catalogue of descriptive anatomy. Volume 2 contains papers on the male genital organs, the cloaca, phallus, endocrine glands, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, the cranial nerves and the functional anatomy of the avian jaw apparatus. ACADEMIC PRESS A Subsidiary of Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Publishers London New York Toronto Sydney San Francisco 24-28 Oval Road, London NW1 7DX, England 1 1 1 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003, USA (BB267) XI BIRDGUIDE at ^[wiet^rs *WorUi 1981 WORLDWIDE BIRDWATCHING TOURS FOR SMALL GROUPS TO: COSTA RICA I HE GAMBIA SIERRA LEONE IRINTDAD& TOBAGO COLOMBIA MADEIR.^ ISIL\EL MEXICO JORDAN USA (Mid Atlantic States) CALIFORNIA KENYA Ask for our Birdguide Brochure Telephone 01-898 8611-3 24-hour brochure service 01-898 8220 BIRDGUIDE at ^IwiC^frS ^Wovld 84 Hampton Road -TwicKenhamTWZ Telephone 01-898 8221 Telex 8954593 ABT/ATOL 334B Vic Odden’s Vic Odden 's Photographic Ltd, 5 London Bridge Waik, London SE1 2SX FOR TOP QUALITY BINOCULARS AT DISCOUNT PRICES "Personal shoppers or mail order " — instant credit on all items over £56. 8 X 30 Jenoptem only £29.95 inc. leather case & lanyard ^ An outstanding all purpose binocular equally popular with men and women. Compact lightweight and extremely^^^^^^^ft»^^^''5 portable, they can be handled with care and the rapid centre focusing facilitates effective viewing under all conditions. Specification Zeiss Jena New Multi Coated Lens witht Weight— approx. 51 Og Lifetime guarantee. Magnification-X8 Jenoptem 8 x 30 C34.74 , Diameter of object lens 30mm Jenoptem? x 50 £56.48 (BB-.7o) Diameter of exit pupil — 3.75mm Jenoptem 10 x 50 £60.83 Geometrical luminosity — 240 Deltrintem 8 x 30 £52.13 Visual field — 8.5 deg. or 1 50mm at Binoctem x 50 £76.48 1000m distance Deltrintemm 10 x 50 £82.56 Exclusive Zeiss T3M Multi Coating 80/500 Telescope £526.57 Latest multi coated type. A selection of other quality Zeiss Binoculars available. Many other Zeiss Leitz & Swift products available. — Add £1.50 to cover post, packing and transit insurance (UK only}— Credit card orders accepted over telephone 01 -646 0698 by our associate co Economy Plan Ltd. — Prices may change without notice. xii SUNBIRD HOLIDAYS 1981/1982 Birdwatching Holidays by Mark Beaman Dave Fisher Steve Madge Iain Robertson and their friends We specialise in friendly, (6-16 people) catering for beginner and expert alike. ISRAEL JORDAN TURKEY GREECE AUSTRIA LAPLAND CAMARGUE 8c PYRENEES S. SPAIN MAJORCA EGYPT MOROCCO SIBERIA & MONGOLIA CAUCASUS & CENTRAL ASIA INDIA & NEPAL KASHMIR & LADAKH SRI LANKA THAILAND JAPAN NEW GUINEA AUSTRALIA GAMBIA CAMEROUN KENYA SOUTH AFRICA MADAGASCAR PERU ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS TRINIDAD 8c TOBAGO MEXICO ALASKA CALIFORNIA 8c ARIZONA TEXAS FLORIDA N.E. USA CANADA For details please contact: Sunbird Holidays, Executive Travel (Holidays) Ltd. 2 Lower Sloane Street, London SWIW 8BJ Tel: 01-730 6609 ABTA ATOL (BB255) British Birds Volume 74 Number 6 June 1981 239 Bird topography Editors (drawings by P.J. Grant) 242 Belted Kingfisher: new to Britain and Ireland Killian Mullamey 246 Age determination and first breeding of British PufBns Dr M. P. Harris 257 Mystery photographs 54 Long-tailed Skua John R. Mather 260 European news Notes ^ 263 Female Kestrel stealing prey from male Brian Coleman 264 Merlin recovering floating prey Bryan Galloway 264 Peregrine’s method of attacking ducks on water Don Smith 264 Inland ground-nesting by Herring Gulls Bernard King 265 Collared Dove swimming D. E. Ladhams 265 Diurnal migration of Turtle Doves Guy Mountforl 266 Albinos harassed by own sjsecies G. D. Elliott; Norman Ellis 266 Bittern-like posture of adult Wren Dr A. P. Radjord 266 Bittern-like posture of juvenile Whinchat Peter Andrews 267 Bittern-like posture of juvenile Song Thrush J. R. Clarkson Letters 268 Greater Sand Plovers in Europe Philippe Dubois 268 Back pattern of Olive-backed Pipit F. M. Gauntlett 268 Conservation in the New Forest Dr M. E. Witherick Announcements 269 ‘A Notebook of Birds— 1907-1 980’ 269 Book offers 269 Working Group on Granivorous Birds ProJ. Dr Jan Pinowski 270 Diary dates 270 Fifty years ago . . . 27 1 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 272 Recent reports K. Allsopp and R. A. Hume Line-drawings: 242 & 244 Belted Kinghsher {Killian Mullamey)\ 246 Puffins {Crispin Fisher)', 273 Garganeys and Teals {R. A. Hume). Front cover: Grey Heron {Alan E. Johnston)’, original can be purchased in postal auction, see page 47 in January issue for procedure. Volume 74 Number? July 1981 Bird Illustrator of the Year The Richard Richardson Award Riippell’s Warbler: new to Britain and Ireland Personalities: R. E. Scott The European Atlas: flycatchers Little Tern chicks Notes • News • Reviews British Birds Mana^^ing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford M' Editorial Assistant Personal Assistant David A. Christie Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Dr R. J. Chandler & Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Chairman), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J. Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, R. F. Porter & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary), 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW 16 7TP Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Dr C. H. Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr K. E. L. Simmons News and comment Peter Conder & Mike Everett, 12 Swaynes Lane, Comberton, Cambridge CBS 7EF Recent reports K. Allsopp & R. A. Hume, c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL ©British Birds Ltd 1981. Copyright ol |)hotographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 98 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire LSS.\'()()()7-()885 Annual subscription (including index) UK £16; rest of world, surface mail £ 16 (or US$40), airmail £25 (or US$95); single issues, if available, £2. Cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. All cheques and queries by letter to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Circulation, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 3nj, England. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO 37 588 6303 British Birds publishes material dealing wiili original obseo alions on the birds of the west Palearelie. Kxeept li)r records of rarities, papers and notes are normalK accepted onK on condition ( that material is not being olfered in whole or in part to ;m\ other journal. Photographs and sket( lies are welcomed. .Ml contributions should be submitted to the .Managing liditor. f Papers should be typewritten with double spat ing and wide margins, and on one side ol the sheet • oiiK . .\utbors should t arefully consult this issue liir st\ le ol presentation. especialK ol refereiu cs and tables. Vernacular and scicntilie names and sequence of birds I'ollow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1978); names of plants liillovN Dony el at. (1971. 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(BB306) cvcnui uiiiDiiPc make bird watchers’ dreams come true Northern California and the High Sierras 21 day tour from 6th to 26th October 1981 Leader: David Hunt £835 Southern California and Arizona 21 day tour from 26th October to 15th November 1981 Leader: David Hunt The above 2 tours can be combined to save you £350 £835 Nepal 21 day tour from 16th January to 5th February 1982 Leader: Peter Clement £1,235 Thailand 20 day tour from 23rd January to 11th February 1982 Leader: Phil Round £935 Northern India and the Himalayan foothills 19 day tour from 8th to 26th February 1982 Leader: David Hunt £870 Texas 17 day tour from 1st to 17th April 1982 Leader: David Holman £685 For full information and colour brochure of our 1981-82 programme. Contact our resident ornithologist Paul Dukes. cvcnui UIIIDIIPC Worldwide Holidays Southwest Travel Ltd % Fore Street Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 IPY Telephone 0548 3181 Telex 45639 (Comput G) P57 v: British Birds VOLUME 74 NUMBER 7 JULY 1981 ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ and ‘The Richard Richardson Award’ This year, we greatly missed the warm and wise contribution to our judgments that the late Eric Ennion had brought to the previous competitions. With entries slightly up on last year, we again found our task of deciding on the final order extremely difficult. The high standard was maintained and we were pleased that artists had taken note of the advice contained in the previous reports, particularly that concerning presentation of entries. The winners were as follows: BIRD ILLUSTRATOR OF THE YEAR, 1981 1st Norman Arlott (Reading, Berkshire) 2nd Alan Harris (Harlow, Essex) 3rd Nik Borrow (Wanstead, London) THE RICHARD RICHARDSON AWARD, 1981 1st Darren Rees (Andover, Hampshire) Green Heron Rutorides striatus {Sorman Arlott) [Hnl. liirds 74: 27.V278, July I9H1 ) 275 276 Bird Illustrator of the Year Lesser VVhitethroat Sylvia curruca (Norman Arlott) A very few entrants had apparently not fully understood that we are looking for drawings of a type suitable for use in or on the cover of British Birds, and that ornithological standards are as important as artistic, with technical suitability also essential. Norman Arlott and Alan Harris both submitted sets of four drawings which met all three criteria almost equally well. Artistically and ornitho- logically, we could fault neither set in any respect. Alan Harris’s drawings were, perhaps, more subtle, his birds having less prominence in the composition, and all were beautifully drawn. In the hnal analysis, however, and bearing in mind that he had had a chance in both previous competitions to see how his work has reduced and reproduced (Alan was placed 3rd in 1979 and in 1980), we decided that the drawing was just too fine to withstand the processes that would bring it to the page and that there would inevitably be a loss of the very quality which we greatly admired in the originals. In contrast, Norman Arlott’s work was entirely suitable for the treatment it would get and we were confident that there would be no problems in reproduction. His Kingfisher on an alder branch (this month’s cover and volume frontispiece) has a wide range of tone and textures, created by the skilful use ofstippled scraperboard. He is to be congratulated on being judged Bird Illustrator of the Year for the second successive year. Nik Borrow’s drawings, which brought him into third place, were a complete contrast to those of the first two. His work was boldly decorative and stylised, but the birds retained a convincing character, as the drawing of Long-tailed Tits clearly shows. Such work can be done successfully only Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis (Alan Harris) Bird Illustrator of the Year 277 by an artist who knows his birds well enough to understand how far he can take them along the path of decoration and simplihcation. The winner of The Richard Richardson Award, Darren Rees, had a good technical control of the medium of pen-and-ink and some excellent bird drawing. As well as winning the award for artists under 21 years, his drawings were placed fourth in the senior competition. British Birds might not find one of his drawings — a falconer’s banner, complete with block and jesses — so useful as an illustration, but it showed how having a live model at close quarters can produce admirable work. His Redpoll splendidly captures that species’ character. Andrew Stock, last year’s Richard Richardson Award winner, came fifth, with more of his large, densely detailed drawings (indeed, there was almost 278 Bud Illustrator oj the Year Long-tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus {Nik Borrow) too much detail for adequate reduction). David Thelwell, in sixth place, produced technically excellent drawings and a bold lino-cut design of l ufted Ducks, but some lapses in bird drawing prevented a higher placing. Rodney Ingram again achieved inclusion in the final short list, and Frederick Watson produced one really excellent drawing of Kittiwakes in which mechanical tints were used to great advantage. This, and many of the other drawings entered, will be used for future covers of British Birds or inside the journal, particularly illustrating ‘Recent reports’. Comments made in our previous reports are still relevant, and we cannot repeat too often the need to be aware of scale: the size relationship of the bird to its immediate surroundings. Redpoll Carduelis Jiammea (Darren Rees) The 16 illustrations by the four prize-winners will be on view from 16th-27th July at The Society of Wildlife Artists’ Annual Exhibition at The Mall Galleries, The Mall, London swl. Robert Gillmor and J. T. R. Sharrock jftftp pearg ago . . . ‘cuckoo’s egg in nest of reeve. One associates the Cuckoo [Ciiadus c. canorus) with the unusual, but il is surely most unusual for that bird to deposit its egg in the nest of a Rulf (RhUomachus pugnax). Doubtless it was a caseor“any port in a storm”.’ (Jeorge Marri.es (Bui. Birds 25: 57-.'i8',July 19.31) I I Riippell’s Warbler: new to Britain and Ireland Although pre\iously admitted to the British and Irish list on the strength of two males said to have been shot in an old stone quarrv at Baldslow, near Hastings, Bast Sussex, on 5th May 1914 {Brit. Birds 93-96), Ruppell’s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli was subsequently removed when the ‘Hastings rarities’ were discredited {Brit. Birds 55: 281-384, where the date is given wrongly as 6th May 1914). The time has now come for its reinstatement. ;\t 18.15 ('.M l on 13th .\ugust 1977, I noticed a greyish .Sylvia warbler disappearing into the cover of a small willow Salix in a garden between Skelberry and Boddham, Dunrossness, on Mainland, Shetland. Raising my binoculars, I saw the bird's head and underparts before it \ anished once more. I noted a blackish head, chin and throat, conspicuous white moustachial stripes, a red orbital ring and a similarly coloured iris. Cdearly, it was an adult male Riippell's Warbler. It remained in the willow for a further five minutes, afTording only brief views when it broke through the leaf canopy, and usually remaining obscured. It then flew several metres, but perched in full view on a nearby rose Rosa for an instant before vanishing into cover. There followed a series of brief glimpses as the bird fed in a thick tangle of undergrowth. .After a while, it remained still for about 20 minutes, while perched almost com- pletely out of view. Having obtained an acceptable description, I summoned D. Coutts who, together w ith J. D. Okill, arrived in time to have reasonable views before dusk. I he Ruppell’s Warbler remained in the area until 17th September (not 279 1 [lint. Birds 74: 279-283, July 1981) 280 Ruppell’s Warbler: new to Britain and Ireland 16th September as noted previously, Brit. Birds 72: 537), and was seen by at least 40 other observers, many of whom had journeyed from southern England to see it. On 15th August, it was trapped and ringed by JDO. Photographs were taken ol the bird in the hand, but, regrettably, the results proved unsuitable for reproduction. 4’he following description is composite, based on my own field notes and JDO’s obserx ations oi'lhe bird in hand. SIZE .A.ND STRICTURE t'airlv robiist Sylvia warbler, slightly larger and bulkier than \\ hitethroat .S', communis, with weight of l.b.bg when trapped. Ciompared with other Sylvia warblers, bill appeared e.xceptionalK broad along most of its length, the mid-crown high (accentuated by occasional raising of crown leathers), and tail long and markedK lull in flight. plum.JlGE Forehead, crovMi and lores appeared black in field, but in hand a few crown feathers tbund to be tipped grey, ear- co\erts and sides of neck \ery dark grey, while nape slightly paler. Chin (apart from a few feathers tipped white below base of lower mandible) and throat black, forming e.xten- sive 'bib' with lower edge cur\ing upwards towards sides of breast. Bib bordered by broad white moustachial stripes, extending from base of bill to sides of throat. Breast, belly and undertail-coverts greyish white, palest on last. Creyish tone irrogressisely darker towards sides of breast and belly, becoming entire on flanks. In good light, pale pinkish flush apparent on centre of breast, and, in hand, also on undertail-co\erts. .Mantle, rump, scapulars and uppertail- co\erts unilitrm smoky-blue-grey, paler than nape, whit h appeared slightK darker still, in hand. Primary and secondary ctnerts black with pale grey fringes to outer webs and tips, the latter palest on primary co\erts. Other wing-co\erts black with some pale edges; in heavy moult. Primaries blackish brown tipped white, with outer web fringes pale grey. Secondaries dark brown, paler than coverts. 'Fertials black with very broad whitish fringes to outer webs and tips. Closed vtings presented contrast between black feather centres of co\erts and tertials and more unilbrm paler fringes of flight feathers. L'nderwing \ery pale grey. Fail length ;)9.9mm, black, with outer tail feathers white on distal half, second and third outer tail leathers white on distal third and broadly tipped white respecti\ely. Central tail feathers longest, feathers becoming pro- gressi\ely shorter outwards, thus [sroducing 'full' appearance of tail in flight, especially when partially fanned. White on outer tail feathers shoued as conspicuous white cor- ners to tail in flight, b.xre parts Orbital ring brownish red, iris butterscotch colour in hand, though often appearing red in field. Legs appeared orange in field, though dark flesh in hand; soles of feet yellow; tarsus 20.1mm. Bill: length (from base of skull) L5.3mm, \ ery slightK decurved at tip. black v\ ith greyish-brown base to lower mandible. VOICE Fhree individual calls: (1) soft subdued ‘tuc-tuc’, repeated two or three times, recalling (to my ears) Radde's Warbler Phyltoscopus sc/iwarzi', (2) harsher, more strident ‘tac-tac’ or 'tchak-tchak'. also repeated two or three times, tv pical of genus Sylvia', and (3) rapid series of harsh notes similar to chatter of V\'ren Troglodytes tros,lo- dytes. often delivered from within cover. .Additionally, full song heard on at least two occasions: series of harsh notes in quick suc- cession, rising to and falling from peak of intensity; song considered typical of genus Sylvia, recalling Whitethroat in particular. 164. Male Ruppell’s Warbler .Vv/r/fl rueppelli. Shetland, .August/September 1977 ( Dennis Coutts) 281 Riippell’s Warbler: new to Britain and Ireland I he bird Irequented the vicinity ol three gardens, where dense stands ol willow and rose provided patches ofthick cover. 1 hese were interconnected by a system ol dry-stone walls, used by the bird as lines of communication. I his environment did not present the kind of constraints frequently met by migrants in unfavourable surroundings and this indi\idual, perhaps accordingly, displayed behax iour typical of the genus Sylvia. At times, especially when singing, it w'as confiding, usually choosing the top of a willow bush as a conspicuous perch. Furthermore, its habit of foraging among the heavy growth of lichen on the w alls meant that often no attempt w'as made to keep to cover (plate 164). Under these circumstances, the bird would feed while moving systematically along a wall in one direction. Upon reaching a garden, a dive for cover was often instan- taneous. Once out of sight, reappearance elsewhere several hours later, or a glimpse of a w ing or tail after a few minutes were events typical of the bird’s unpredictability. Sometimes, it was not to be found in any of the faxoured gardens for several days, despite intensive searches. In general, the Ruppell’s Warbler was least wary during the earlier part of its recorded stay, especially during long periods of sunshine. Later, deteriorating weather conditions in combination with trapping and hea\y pressure from observers probably resulted in its increasing secreti\ eness. Flight was always l(jw and direct, carriage being noticeably rigid. I he itiost conspicuous feature in flight was the marked contrast between the blue-grey upperparts and the black tail: this was visible at lOOm, even in poor light. \\ hen feeding in the open, the wings and the tail were frequently flicked. Notes on the species Named after the German naturalist and explorer Wilhelm Riippell, Riippell’s Warbler has the least extensive range of any species in tfie genus Sylvia with the exception of the Gyprus W arbler .S', melanothorax. It f)rec'ds in southern (Greece, Grete, the .\egean islands south to Rhodes and dis- continuously along the east and south coasts of I'urkey, in dry scrub and light woodland; the main w intering area is in C'.had and the Sudan between 1 7°N and 2()°N. Moreau ( 1972) stated that it departs ‘as earlv as the middle of March’, passing through Egypt, northwest .\rabia, Gyprus (in small numbers), Israel and the Lebanon. According to Bannerman (1954). passage through Sinai occurs between 12th March and 24th .\pril; observations in Israel in recent years are in accordance with these dates. 1 he suggestion that breeding takes place ‘in both Syria and Palestine’ (Bannerman 1954) cannot, so far as I can establish, be verified by recent observations. I'he breeding biology of Ruppell’s Warbler was discussed by Meiklejohn (1934, 1935, 1936) and Bannerman (1954). Arrival on the breeding grounds takes place from about the end of .March, and laying commences in the second half of .\pril. Nests are usually built in bushes, commonly 0.5- 1 m above the ground, being fairly substantial in structure, composed of stalks and grass and lined with fine fii)res. ‘Cocks’ nests’ are often huilt.The normal clutch is five eggs; incubation lasts 13-14 days, both sexes taking part. 282 Ruppell’s Warbler: new to Britain and Ireland As a \agrant elsewhere in Europe, the species has occurred in Italy, Sicily, and once in Finland (Williamson 1976). In Britain and Ireland, a second record was to follow closely the first: one occurred on Lundy, Devon, from 1st to 10th June 1979 {Bril. Birds 73: 524). Moult Considering only the locality and date of the record, it might reasonably have been assumed that the bird’s arrival was recent. An examination of its state of moult w hen trapped, how'ever, strongly suggests that this was not so. Details of moult were as follows: 1st primary 2nd primary 3rd primary 4th primary 5th primary 6th primary Other primaries Secondaries 4 ertials Tail Old In pin (moult score 1 ) New, growing leather (moult score 2) New. growing feather (moult score 3) New, growing feather (moult score 4) Complete (new) .\ll new Four old .‘Ml new New . outer tail feathers nearly full grown. There was active moult on forehead, crown, nape, chin, breast, belly, flanks, mantle, primary and secondary coverts and both uppertail- and undertail-coverts. (Due to the state of moult a wing formula was not possible.) Thus, the Ruppell’s Warbler was in full active moult of both body and flight feathers with only its first primary to fall, and moult must therefore have been in progress for some w'eeks. Since it would be highly unusual for a passerine to migrate in active moult, and assuming moult had not been suspended at any stage (unusual in warblers), it seems very probable that the bird had been present for some time before its discovery. Considering the length of its recorded stay, which indicates sufficient availability of food and shelter, it would seem reasonable to suggest that the bird had spent the summer in Shetland, having arrived in spring. Interestingly, an adult male Subalpine Warbler cantillans trapped at Sumburgh, Shetland, on 15th August 1971 {Brit. Birds 65: 343) was in heavy moult and may also ha\e summered. As already noted, Britain’s second Ruppell’s Warbler came in spring. Existing literature on Ruppell’s Warbler moult presents a confused picture. Witherby et al. { 1938) stated that there is no moult in summer and that it occurs between September and November (presumably on the wintering grounds). Moreau (1972) showed that ‘The moults are not straightforward’. Specimens he examined in the British Museum demon- strated that primaries are changed in summer (one had started as early as 4th June), but in other respects there are variations. For example, on some January specimens, rectrices were being replaced and secondaries appeared fresh, as they did in other specimens as late as March and April. I hese birds must therefore have undergone some form of moult in the winter quarters. Williamson (1976) presented evidence indicating the same phenomenon. The primary' moult in summer of the Shetland individual is in accordance 283 Ruppell’s Warbler: new to Britain and Ireland wiih Moreau s Fust (incling, as is a l()th July record of a female liom Smyrna, I urkey, with the first and second primaries renewed and the third and fourth and tertials in pin (\\ illiamson 1976). Acknowledgment I should like to thank J. I). Okill t'cjr his helpiul correspondenee and itnaliiahic ad\iee, cspeeially on matters retrardintj; moult. Summary I he hist reeord ol Riippell s Warhier Sylvia rueppelti liir Britain and Ireland is doeumented; one, m moult, .seen and eausht in .Shetland during 13th .\u.nust to 17th .Septemher 1977. I'he eireumstanees, partieularly the state ol moult, suggest that its appearanee should he assoc iated with sprint^ rather than earl\' autumn migration. References Bannkrma.n, D. ,\. 19,34. The Birds oj the British Isles. \ol. 3. Kdinhurgh & l.ondon. .\lF.iKt.K|oiiN. R. 1'. 1931. .Notes on Riippell's Warhier .Vv/tw n/r/i/)c’///( remminek). ( I9!l4): 301-30.3. 193.3. I he nesting of Rtippell’s VN’arhler .Vv/i’/a rueppelli (Temm.) Ibis (1935): 432-435. 193(i. N’esting notes on Riippell's Warhier and Black-headed Bunting. Ibis (1936): 377-378. .\IoRKAr, R. h. 1972. 7'he Balearctie-Ajriairi Bird Migration Systems, l.ondon. W ii.i.tA.vtso.N', K. 1968. Identification Jor Ringers. S. I'he Genus .Sylvia. 15. 1.0. Field (hiide 9. 2nd edn. I'ring. W rriiKRBv. II. F.. JouRDAi.N', F. C. R., I iCF.iii-Rsi , .\. I'., cN I fCKFR. B. W . 1938. The Handbook oJ British Birds, vol. 2. l.ondon. Rodney P. Marlins, 55 Caislor Lane, Caislor Si Edmund, Sorufeh. S or folk SRN HRB Personalities 25 R. E. Scott To some people, birdwatching is almost a religion. 'fhe\ make sad companions. But Bob Scott enjoys his birds, and to birdwatch with Bob is fun. He has the happy knack of presetuing the humorous side of any situation and his classic lectures in lighthearted \ ein have enli\ ened many a sober conference. But behind that beard and the twinkle in his e\ es is a keen and dedicated ornithologist with papers and notes published in more than a score of different journals, and numerous birding trips abroad, ranging from Jamaica to Iran. Bob began his apprenticeship, back in 19,42, as did mam other young London birdwatchers, trudging round the London reserxoirs and paying- weekly visits to Beddington Sewage-farm, interspersed with more-and- more-frequent trips to Dungeness. 'I’he painfid business of Working for a li\ ing proved e\ en more painful to his first employers: the Forestry Commission. Bob's attempt at sy 1\ iculture \Hrtl. tiirds 74: JuK I'lHI ) 284 Personalities: R. E. Scott 165. R. E. Scott (A/. O’. Richards) lasted just two and a halfdays. Botany — not one of his strongest subjects — let him down: failure to differentiate between coniferous and deciduous trees led to the wrong trees being given the chop, so his employers reciprocated. A short spell spent gazing out of the windows of a cable factory conveniently overlooking Beddington Sewage-farm resulted in a note in this journal on Meadow Pipits llycatching, and also considerable advances in methods of catching Swifts. Then, having exhausted the ornithological possibilities of the situation, and deciding that cables were not his line. Bob moved on to the Natural History Museum, where he worked for some three years. Little emerged from his stay, apart from obscure parasitic worms from the gut of an Icelandic Redwing and a strong rumour that his attempts to get iin oK ed in taxonomy received a quick rebufi when the authorities refused to accept his claims for a new race of the Little Auk, namely Alle alle allelujah. Bob has always been a doer, and during his museum vears he helped found the St Agnes Bird Observatory in the Isles of Scilly — where he was involved in adding the Northern Waterthrush to the British and Irish list — and, in December 1959, was elected to the Dungencss Bird Observatory Committee. The Dungeness warden, Bert .\xcll, had earlier Personalities: R. E. Scott 285 that year departed for Minsmere, and, when the opportunity arose for a replacement, Bob was ohered, and accepted, the job. It was a tough task. Bert, with his strong and warm personality, had a host of disciples. But Bob proved ecjual to the challenge. W ith his deceptively easy-going but firm approach, he not only filled the obserxatory with \ isitors but also with white mice. I hey were lively days, during which Bob became know n — and mostly appreciated — throughout Romney Marsh. Bob was ecjually successful in establishing a good working relationship with the Central Llectricity Cjenerating Board, then (as now) engaged on changing the face of Dungeness with nuclear power stations. Ihat relationship even sur\ i\ed the shock Bob administered to the board when he totted up the power-line bird casualties o\ er a mile of shingle and then multiplied them by the number of miles of cable countryw ide. Meanw hile, increased {jressure on that most plentiful of Dungeness commodities, small stones, had led to a big new waterbird development on the RSPB reserxe. and the final period of Bob’s l.o fruitful years at the Ness were devoted to the implementation of the huge gra\ el-pit project. In 1975, Bob moved to the RSBB reserve at .Xorthward Hill, but this time his encounter with trees was more successful and. after three vears of dodging Grey Heron droppings, he was summoned to fhe Lodge to take up a post concerned mainly with reserve habitat management. While at .\orthward Hill, he remarried; his wife, .\nn, is a former R.SPB staff mem her. Since those early days at Beddington, Bob has made a vast number of friends, introduced many people of all ages to birdwatching, and has been responsible for keeping the interests of many of today’s top field men from flagging when wine, women and more wine threatened to encroach on their promising futures. .\s a companion in the field, and particularly in foreign parts, he is unsurpassable. His cjuick sense of humour is a great asset in times of stress, while his negotiating ability with foreign car-hire firms has to be experi- enced to be believed. On three occasions in three countries at the end of a trip he and his companions have been presented with money when they returned the car. dVue, his luck nearly ran out at one .Moroccan airport. "Lhree of the party were safely through passport control when Bob was apprehended by an irate gentleman questioning the amount of money left at the hotel to settle the car hire. But he was soon pacified by some brilliant if illogical Scott mathematics and went away happy with the explanation that the party had had to repair the milometer when they first picked up the car. Bob has now made his home at St Neots. Huntingdon, and his new post takes him all over the United Kingdom. But he is still a frequent and welcome visitor to his old stamping grounds in Kent, where he retains his interest in the observatorv as a member of the observ atorv trust. Mick Rogers and H.vrry C’.vwkei.l The European Atlas: flycatchers J. T. R. Sharrock , , , . . ,, ^ AThelwiCll Europe-wide fieldwork for the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Europe, based on 50 X 50km squares, will take place during 1985-88. This massive project is being planned by the European Ornithological Atlas Committee (EOAC), which was formed in 1971, and now has delegates representing 25 286 \Brit. Birds 7T |ul\ 1‘.18I| 287 The European Atlas: flycatchers Hg. I. Breeding distribution ol Spotted P'lycateher Muscicapa striata based on atlas fieldwork during 1968-79. Confirmed breeding 1,239 (88%), probable breeding 89 (6%), possible breeding 73 (5%). Most widespread European flyeateher, absent only from highest parts of Norway and Sweden. To all intents and purposes, distribution ofSpotted refleets and displays coverage European countries. Ehe EOAC held meetings in Poland in 1972 and 1976 and in the German Federal Republic in 1979; its next meetings will be in Spain this autumn and in the United Kingdom in 1983. The fieldwork and detailed organisation during 1985-88 will be entirely on a national basis, with each country carrying out its own breeding bird atlas project during the four-year survey period; the national results will then be combined by the EOAG to produce the composite maps for the w hole of Europe. Atlas fieldwork for national projects has already been carried out by 23 European countries (and completed by ten). Data from these individual schemes have been supplied to the EOAC so that trial maps can be produced during the run-up period before the co-ordinated continent-wide fieldwork starts in 1985. Maps of Red-backed Shrike Lanins collurio, the woodpeckers (Picidae), the pipits Anthus and the owls (Strigiformes) have already been published {Ardeola 21: 797-810; Brit. Birds 70: 476-488; 71: 245-254; 73: 239-256). The latest maps are those show n here, covering the flycatchers (Muscicapidae). The largest dots indicate confirmed breeding, medium dots probable breeding and smallest dots presence in the breeding season in possible breeding habitat. 166. Left, Spotted P'lycatcher .Muscicapa striata. Derbyshire, June 1979 (^/. Russell) 288 The European Atlas: flycatchers 289 The European Atlas: flycatchers h ig. 2. Breeding distribution ol Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficeduta parva based on atlas fieldwork during 1968-79. C.onfirmed breeding 123 (45%), probable breeding 71 (26%), possible breeding 77 (28%). \ ery low proportion ofeonfirmed breeding records compared with other llycatchers is result ol presence in new areas of Sweden and Finland, perhaps sign of impending colonisation, and probably also relative scarcity, making proof of breeding more dilTicult to obtain 167. Left, Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva, Czechoslovakia, June 1964 {Use Makalsch) 168. .Above, Pied V\\ valcht'r P'icedula hrpnieuca, Netherlands, May 1974 {P. Munsterman) Acknowledgments Fhe data shown here were supplied by J. S. M. .Albrecht (Turkey), Drs Johan Bekhuis (Netherlands), Dr Z. Bogucki (Poland), Dr \’. Ciochia (Romania), M. Cuisin (France). Dr Pierre Devillers (Belgium), Tommy Dybbro (Denmark), Steinar Eldcjy (Norway), Dr Iztok (ieister (\’ugosla\ ia). Dr Kale\ i Hyytia (Finland), Kenneth Preston (Republic of Ireland), Professor Francisco Purroy (Spain), Dr Olav Renno (Estonian SSR), Dr Goetz Rheinwald (Federal German Republic), Dr .Alfred Schiflcrli (Switzerland), DrJ. 4'. R. Sharrock (L'nited Kingdom), Dr Karel STastny (Czechoslovakia), J. Sultana (Malta) and Dr Soren S\ensson (Sweden). Fhe base map is used by permission of the secretariat of the European In\ertebrate Survey. Special thanks are due to John Heath, head of the Biological Records Centre at Monks Wood E.xperimental Station, who has always responded promptly and with kindness to e\er\ request for help or advice. Fig. 3. Breeding distribution of Pied Flycatcher Ficeduta hypoleuca based on atlas fieldwork during 1968-79. Confirmed breeding 873 (85%), probable breeding 88 (9%), possible breeding 63 (6% ) . ( )ccurs in 33 squares where Spotted Muscicapa striata absent ( 1 6 in .Norway, five each in France and Poland, four in Spain and three in Romania) 290 The European Atlas: flycatchers 169. Collared Flycatcher Ficeduta albicollis, Austria, June 1972 (A. A’, //. Peach) Hg. 4. Breeding distribution of Collared Flycatcher Ficediila albicollis based on atlas fieldwork during 19611-79. Cionfirmed breeding 97 (70%), probable breeding 18 (18%), possible breeding 28 ( 18%). Range largely overlajis with Pied /•'. Infoleuca: both species found in I 19 scpiarcs. Collared only in 19 (seven in Federal Cernian Republic, four in Yugoslavia, three in France, two each in Romania and Switzerland and one in Czechoslovakia) Development and behaviour of Little Tern chicks Stephen Davies In the summers of 1977 and 1978, at Cnbraltar Point, Lineolnshire. I made observations on 15 nests of Little I'erns Sterna alhifrons on a shingle spit. 1 noted the beha\ iour described below on numerous occasions, both with the aid of powerful binoculars and from a hide placed within a few metres of nests and young. I'he biometric data and feeding counts were taken in 1978. Little Perns usually lay a first clutch of three eggs, but subsecjuent clutches may be of two or a single egg. None of the pairs I observed succeeded in raising three chicks. Development Phc following information forms a background to the subsequent sections. The growth ol Little Tern ( hieks lulls roughly into two stages. In the first stage, ol ten to 14 clays, their weight cjuadrujiles, much of the body down is replac ed by feathers, the beak more than doubles in length and assuinc's the adult shape, and the bod\ inereases considerably in size. I he [irimary pins are first notic eable when the ehiek is three or fcuirdays old. and are f'ulK grown (about 20 mm) at the end of this stage, fheegg tooth disappears about the filth day. I'he second stage begins \\ hen thp primaries break pin, and ends at about 28 days when the ehiek is fidly fledged. 1 n this period, the rate of body grow th slows markedh', and most of the food taken goc's into the growth of the flight feathers. Within four to six days of breaking pin. the primaries grow about l.'imm; fi\e to seven days later, they are about one-third grown and the ehiek is capable of fl\ ing distances of up to lOOm. but cannot sustain flight. Within another week, the ehiek becomes fulK fledged and the primaries are fully grown. ,\ newly hatched Little Tern weighs about 7.0g (Marples & Marples 1934). .\ well-fed ehiek that 1 weighed 24 hours alter hatching was 9.8 g; at lour days, another veeighed 12. 1 g. One of a family of three c hic ks raised in pcxir weather starced after fi\e days, w hen it weighed 10. 2g. The smaller of its brood w eighed 12. 5g the next day. and at 12 days 17.0g. w hen its sibling (only a few hours older) weighc'd 34.8g; in its stage of deyelopmcnt. the smaller chick was several days behind the larger. .Another 12-day-old chick weighed 29. 4g. and three days later 37.9g. fhe primary pins of one si.x-day-old ehiek were about 8mm long. Chicks with pins of 1.5-2011101 were variously of eight and ten days, but the smaller of the two mentioned above did not reac h this stage until 12 days. Chicks w ith new ly emerged primaries of 1-5 mm were 12 clays old, while another of' 13 days had primaries about 8mm out of pin. Four chicks w ith primaries about I5nim out of pin were between 14 and 1 7 days old; four to six days later they were c apable of weak flight and their primaries appearc'd to be about one-third grown (the longest primary ofa Little 'Fern is about 17()nini: Marples & .Marplc's 1934). [lint. Htrdi 74: 291-298. jul> 19811 291 292 Little Tern chicks Protection and defensive behaviour For the first two or three days, Little Tern chicks are brooded almost continuously. Typically, the female parent ‘tents’ her wings and the chicks dig with their feet until they can shelter beneath her sides and wings (plate 170). Brooding becomes less frequent as the chicks get older, but, particu- larly in inclement weather, chicks of more than 20 days are sometimes brooded. When not being brooded, the chicks avoid attracting attention to themsek es, e.xcept when being fed; usually they are quiet and still, shelter- ing downwind of vegetation or stones in bad weather. COiicks were often observed to crouch in footprints and other depressions in the ground, and, on at least a dozen occasions, chicks of 12 days or more were seen to dig scrapes in which to crouch. The female remains nearby for most of the day, and it was unusual for the chicks to be unattended for more than half an hour. 170. f t'malr Little f ern Sterna alhijrons ‘tenting' wings to shelter ehieks. I.ineolnshire, Jnl\ 197H [Stephen Davies) d he adult Little Terns warn their chicks of approaching danger by their cries. They attack predators on the ground (e.g. stoats Muslela erminea or grass snakes Natrix natrix), or ‘nuisances’ (e.g. rabbits Oryxlolaij^us cuniculus or Grey Partridges Perdix perdix), by diving on them repeatedly; flying predators (gulls Lams, raptors and crows Corvus) are fearlessly harried in the air. All Little TVrns in the vicinity join in these attacks. .Any birds. e\ en roosting or resident waders, which approach the chicks too closely may be attacked by the parent terns. If the chicks from one nest approach too near another nest, thev are attacked by the resident adults and defended by their own parents. 'Fhese attacks appear fierce, but I have not seen a Little d'ern chick killed by another Little Fern. If the colony is disturbed by human beings, the adults fly above the intruder(s) calling. If the nest is approached when the chicks are too small to lea\e, the adult terns may dive upon the intruder, but 1 ha\ e not known them to strike the person. By their second or third day, the chicks scatter from the nest and hide at an approach, and from that time the adults do not usually swoop upon the intruder. Little Tern chicks 293 171. Sf\ cn-day-old I.iulc 1 cni Sterna alhijrons. show iiur l amoiifla^c cnci t ol rr\ ptii- pliiina^i- against sand and (x-bbics, Lincolnshire. )ul\ 1!)77 (Stephen Danes) Newly hatched chicks croucli in the nest when they arc disturf)cd. W'licn about three days old, they scatter from the nest when they licar tlieir parents’ alarm calls. They make full use of their cryptic plumage (plate 171) by crouching among stones of their own size, in the tidal wrack, under slicks or twigs, or in ax ailable \ egctation. I'liis pattern of defensix e f)cha\ iour continues until the chicks fledge, but, as they get older, they scatter farther. At about one week, they may run as far as 20m before crouching, and will readily ford puddles and small creeks when seeking a safe hiding place. W hen lh(' chicks can fl\ short distaiu es, tlu'y max do so to reach x c'getatcd areas before seeking coxer; gixen sufficient warning, hoxxexer. they are as likely to run as to Hy to shelter. Fully fledged chicks take to the air when danger threatens and fly around xvith the calling adults. Because Little Terns nest on open shingle, newly hatched chicks are exposed to the weather and predation: at Gibraltar Point, most of the chicks were led by their parents as soon as possible from the nesting area to an adjacent saltmarsh with hummocks of cord-grass Spartina surrounded by stretches of mud. The female abandons the original nest xx hen the chicks are two or three davs old. She digs brooding scrapes nearby and calls her chicks to her; often, she makes sex eral such scrapes in quick succession and uses only one. At Gibraltar Point, the chicks moved to the saltmarsh xvhen about five days old; for some families this meant a mox e of up to 100m. Once the chosen area of the marsh had been reached, the chieks tended to remain there until they fledged, unless disturbed by tides, predators or intruders. .\t colonies on isolated shingle bars, it is not generally possible for adults to moxe their chicks to protectixe xegetation; R. B. Wilkinson, however, has told me (verbally) that, at such a site at Saltfleetby, Lincoln- shire, chicks xvere, in one year, mox ed across at least I km of mud to the nearest saltmarsh. 294 Little Tern chicks 172. Adult Little 'Leni Sterna olbijroris feeding sand eel Arnmodytes to chick, Lincolnshire. July 1977 {Stephen Davies) Feeding of chicks Little Terns regularly fish over water only a few centimetres deep: for example, over the adxancing tideline. Almost all the food brought to the chicks is caught by the male parent. The female feeds herself during her brief absences from her chicks. Sometimes, when the fishing is good, she joins with the male in bringing food to the chicks. At Gibraltar Point, the adult terns rarely travelled more than 1 km from the nesting colony when seeking food for their young. At low tide, they fished in standing saltwater ponds and in the Wash; at high tide, they fished in the flooded runnels on the beach and in a tidal river and its creeks adjacent to the nesting area. I he chick is first fed within a few hours of hatching, by which time it is dry and fluffy. The chicks appear able to recognise their parents’ calls from the moment they hatch, perhaps learning them while still in the egg; they ignore the calls of other adult Little ferns. The male calls as he flies in w ith food. Sometimes, on reaching the chicks, he rises vertically to up to 20m and then dives down to the chicks. 'Phis same ‘towering’ flight can often be observed when the male feeds the incubating female. On hearing the male’s call, the chicks run from underneath the female (plate 173) or from where 173. ( :hic'ks starting to run from beneath brooding female Little rern Sterna albijrons to food-bearing male, Lincolnshire, July 1978 (Stephen Davies) Little Tern chicks 295 they are crouching, calling loudly and flapping their wings; the first to reach the incoming male receives the food. Young chicks appear to peck auto- matically at the black tip of the adult’s bill, which is no doubt an important visual stimulus to the chick, in the way that the red beak spot of the Herring Gull Larus argenlatus h to that species’ chicks (Tinbergen 1953). On three or lour occasions, I noticed that the chicks did not call when food was brought, probably because they were satiated; in these cases, the food was gi\ en to the attending female, who held it until it was accepted by a chick. Apart from their louder cries, the behaviour of older chicks being fed is the same as that of the younger ones (plates 174 & 175). Even after they are fully fledged, the chicks depend on their parents for food for several weeks while they master the art of hshing for themselves. Fledglings fly to ground near the area where their parents are fishing for them. Because of the staggered hatching of the eggs (usually o\ er 24 hours), the first chick receives a number of feeds before the younger ones receive their first. 4'he first hatched is, therefore, the largest and most mobile, which 174 & 175. .\Ik)\ flcclirling Little IVrn Slermi alhijroiis croiu hinK in sc rape and. moments later, on liearing calls ot its l(K)cl-bearimf parent. Liiu'olnsliire 296 Little Tern chicks gives it an advantage over its siblings in claiming food. It is only when the largest is satiated that the younger chicks are able to reach the food-bearing adult first. At times of scarcity, the oldest chick is fed at the e.xpense of the younger ones, one or both of which may starve. When starvation occurs, it is usually within a week of hatching, most often within the first two days. Older chicks appear to be able to live off their fat during times of shortage, but their grow'th may then be temporarily retarded (see ‘Development’). I he adults have difficulty supplying sufficient food to their chicks during periods of prolonged rain or strong winds when the surface of the water is choppy. At Gibraltar Point, most (probably more than 90%) of the food brought to the chicks consisted of crustaceans (Grustacea); most of the items identified were prawns (Natantia). The balance of the diet comprised fish, including sand eels Ammodyles. These observations agree with Gollinge’s ( 1926) analysis of Little Tern stomach contents. The largest food items that adult Little Terns were observed to eat were fish about 8cm in length. 7’he food brought to the young is necessarily much smaller. Small items such as prawns were easily swallowed by chicks of all ages. Chicks were obser\ed to take small fish (about 4cm) in their second day; at about two weeks, they could accept fish ofabout 8cm. When fish were presented to the chicks, they held them by the gills and swallowed them head first; with comparatixely large fish, the chick sometimes stood with its neck stretched and the fish’s tail protruding from its beak for several minutes before swallowing the fish: this behaviour was noted in chicks as young as three days. If the offered food was dropped, it was retriexed by the adult and re-presented, sometimes to each chick in turn. Often, the adult flew' away momentarily before re- presenting. On perhaps four or five occasions when bad weather made it difficult to catch suitable food, the parents brought items which were too large for the chicks to take; these were repeatedly offered, but eventually one of the adults ate them. I he rate at which Little Tern chicks are fed appears to depend on tw'o factors. First, as one would expect, there is a diurnal feeding pattern: whatever the height of the tide, a relatively high rate of feeding is sustained early in the morning when the chicks are very hungry and, again, in the evening. Secondly, there is a marked tendency for the feeding rate to increase during the last two hours of the rising tide and, to a lesser extent, of the falling tide. That Little I’erns feed most actively in the last few hours of the rising tide is not surprising, because the prawns — which comprise such a large part of their diet — often bury themselves in the sand and emerge as they are covered by the incoming tide. In an attempt to provide quantitative confirmation of the above observa- tions, the feeds given to a pair of chicks were counted over three 12-hour periods divided into six two-hour intervals (table 1). On the days of these counts the high tides fell at 06.39, 10.39 and 15.14 Bsr respectixelv; the weather remained consistently the same throughout each 12-hour period. Within the two-hour intervals when high rates of feeding xvere recorded, feeds were sometimes brought to the young at the rate of one per minute for periods of ten to 15 minutes. Little Tern chicks 297 Table 1. Rate of feeding chicks by adult Little Terns Sterna alhijrons during three 12-hour periods divided into two-hour intervals, Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire, 1977 and 1978 Hit(h-tidc positions are marked by* NO. OF FEEDS IN EAC:H TWO-HOI R INTERV.M, OF 12-HOl R PERIOD Hours 1-2 Hours 3-4 Hours 5-6 Hours 7-8 Hours 9-10 Hours 11-12 Count 1 (Ot). 30- 18.30 b.st) 16 5 9 9 1 1 22 High tide(0b.39) * ♦ Count 2 (07.00- 19.00 BST) 10 24 14 2 9 18 High tide ( 10.39) * Count 3 (0(). 30- 18.30 bst) 35 1 1 12 8 22 33 High tide ( 15. 14) In fount 1, the coincidence of tidal and diurnal feeding patterns is reflected in the two obvious peaks in the feeding rate in the morning and in the evening. In count 2, the later tide displaces the morning peak rate, as would be expected. In count 3, the pattern is less clear: the feeding rate increases markedly on the last two hours of the rising tide, and continues to increase in the evening after the high tide; but the peak in the first two-hour interval, by which time the early morning ‘rush' should ha\e slowed considerably, is unexpectedly high. It would be useful to repeal these counts at a site where the monthly spring tides fall in the middle of the day, rather than, as at Gibraltar Point, in the early morning and late e\ ening: at such a site, the diurnal and tidal patterns of feeding should be more easily distinguished. T here is no question of Little T erns feeding at night. 1 was at the colony 24 hours per day for three months in each year and I was often up all night (watching for foxes I’ulpes vulpes). At night, there is complete silence, with none of the calling from chicks which inevitably accompanies feeding. The colony comes to life about daw n and feeding commences soon after. So far as I could tell, on the lew oecasions when I went through the colony at night, only one adult was with the chicks, so perhaps the males roost away from the colony. T he conclusions drawn from the daily observations and from the counts are as follows. Fishing is easiest for the terns in the last few hours of the rising tide. LTider reasonable weather conditions, the adults are capable of feeding their young at a high rate, whatever the height of the tide; but, except for the earlv morning and the evening when the chicks insistently demand to be fed, they feed the chicks at a high rate only when the fishing is easy, and thus conserve their energy . The male probably feeds himself when the fishing is less easy: that is, at low tide. The female feeds herself mainly when the fishing is good; as a result, her chicks are not left un- attended for long periods. At these times, she sometimes helps the male in feeding the chicks. Summary In the sumnirrs of 1977 and 1978, 1,5 nests o( Little Terns Sterna alhijrons were studied at Gibraltar Point. Lincolnshire, riiree aspects oftbe development of the chicks are discussed: 298 Little Tem chicks the rate ol j^row th, ineludiiig some information on weights and the growth of primary f'eatficrs; the protection of the ehicks by the adults, and the beha\iour of threatened ehieks; the beha\ i(jur of'adults and young when ttie latter are fed, the ehieks’ diet, and the influeneeof the tides and ttie time of day on the rate at whieh eliic ks are fed. References Cot. I. INGE, W . K. 1926. .\n iiuestigation of'the l()od of terns at Blakeney Point, Norfolk. Trans. Xurjolk Xoru'icfi Xat. Soc. 12: 3,o-.o3. Marpi.es, (j., & Marples, a. 1934. Sea Terns or Sea Swallows. London. I tNBERGEN, X. 1953. The Herring CuU S World. London. Dr Stephen Davies, do Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, Skegness, Lincolnshire Mystery photographs The general proportions shown by the gull in last month’s mystery photograph (plate 158, repeated here at reduced size) clearly indicate that it is one of the medinin-sized or small species, d’he combination of itnirorm grey saddle and jttvenile wing and tail patterns shows that it is in first-winter plum- age. The decidedly iitutsnal head jiat- tern should ha\e cattght the eye at least of the gull enthusiast; in liict, the half-hooded effect caused by the extensixe black is diagnostic of winter Franklin’s Gull Lams pipixean at all ages. Other hooded gulls have much less black on the head in winter, usually confined to a dark smudge or spot behind the eye; they may show, however, a Franklin’s-type half-hood at transitional stages of moult to or from winter plumage, so it is necessary to check the bird’s other features to make absolutely sure of the identification. Of the hooded west Palearctic species which, like this bird, lack extensive white on the outer upperwing. White-eyed L. leucophlhalmus and Sooty Gulls L. hemprichii can be eliminated because they have oversized bills and almost wholly black uppertails in the first year; and Mediterranean Gull L. melanocephalus has a thinner subterminal tail-band and much paler grey upperparts. This leaves only one other possibility: Laughing Gull L. atricilla, which, like Franklin’s Gull, is a vagrant to Europe from North America. In first-winter plumage, PTanklin’s Gull can be distinguished from Laughing Gull by its slightly smaller size (on average smaller than Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus); in flight and on the ground, it lacks Laughing Gull’s strikingly long-winged silhouette (its wing-shape and general structure being not much different 299 Mystery photographs (rom that of a Little Gull L. minutus); it has almost wholly white underparts and underwing-coverts (marked with a dusky breast-band and flanks, and dusky bars respectively on Laughing Gull); on average it has much thicker white crescents above and below the eye, which invariably join strongly at the rear; and it has a thinner black tail-band, which does not extend to the all-white outer feathers. I'his latter diflerence is particularly well illustrated in E. J. Mackrill’s splendid flight-action shot, taken in Peru in November 1980, and, with the half-hood and thick white eye-crescents, it clinches the identification as a first-winter Franklin’s Gull. Franklin’s Gull has not yet been recorded in Britain in first-winter plumage, the five records up to the end of 1979 having invoked second- winter or older individuals. This may be because the arguably less dis- tinctive first-winters are being overlooked, but it is probably more likely that the central North American southward migration route of young of the year makes them less likely candidates for transatlantic vagrancy than older individuals moving north in spring from their South American wintering areas. P.J. Grant k> 176. Mvsterv photograph 56. .Name the species. .Answer next month Notes Wilson’s Petrel in Cornwall During a strong W NW wind on 11th September 1978, R. Burridge, P. M. Ellis and 1 were seawatching from the usual \ antage point at St Ives, Ciornwall. At about 12.15 GNU, I located an approaching petrel abotit 800m to the east. It appeared to be a little larger than a Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelogicus. but smaller than a Leach’s Petrel Oceamdroma leucorhoa. The wing shape was unfamiliar to me and it had a dif- ferent flight action. In addition to a conspicuous white rump, normally indicative of Storm, there was also a noticeable pale wing-bar on the upperwing, recalling Leach's; the jizz. 300 Notes however, did not resemble either species. I told RB and PMF^ that I thought the bird must be a Wilson’s Petrel Oceanites oceanicus. Fortunately, all three of us had pre\ ious experience of the commoner petrels (\'RT and RB considerable experience with a thousand or more Leach’s and Storm Petrels from this same site over the previous 15 years) and RB had seen \ ery many thousands ol Wilson’s in the North Atlantic o\er the preceding five years. Although it had not come very much nearer towards us, the petrel had by now veered closer to shore and none of the three of us had serious doubts as to its identity. The prominent uppeiwing-bar apart, two other points cancelled all thoughts of Storm Petrel at this early stage. First, the bird was mostly flying quite high, certainly 3 m or more above the surface of the sea, and very strongly, with more directness than that to which we are accustomed. Secondly, shallow wingbeats and a certain buoyancy reminded RB of Black Tern Chlidonias niger, while PMPi likened the slower wingbeats coupled with wing-tip shape to that of Little Gull Lams minutus. Leach’s Petrels fly strongly and directly on occasion, but their noticeably long, angular wings, pointed at the tips, combined with their larger size and forked tail did not accord with this bird. 7 he petrel approached gradually, not in a straight line, but veering and circling (not erratically) over a large area, making good headway in whichever direction it flew. At no time were its wingbeats in normal flight particularly fast or fluttering, nor did it become blown off course as is common in the case of Storm Petrels in high winds; neither did it ‘shear’ (bank between wingbeats) as do Leach’s Petrels: gliding was of only very short duration. The general impression was ofa well-marked petrel, e\ en at close Cjuarters remaining very black except for a very prominent gleaming white rump and a well-defined, easily seen, white wing-bar. "Fhe wings were longish, noticeably broad throughout and rounded at the tips, unlike both Storm and Leach’s Petrels. W hen at its closest (about 200m), \'R"F and PME were both able to watch the bird through a telescope: the rump bore no darker markings and the tail was definitely square-ended; VR7’ noted ragged looking extensions to the central tail feathers; the feet projecting past the tail. At one stage, after fluttering and hovering low over the water, it sat on the water for a few minutes, then rose and resumed its flight at a height of at least 3m: it was rarely lost from view below the troughs of high waves, which emphasises this particularly consistent aspect of this indi\ idual’s flight. We watched the bird for about ten minutes, taking notes at the time and immediately afterwards. We noted the following points: UPPERPARTS Head, mantle and back sootN' at elose.sl range in the g(K)d light, all upper- black. Rump pure white. The \aluable wing-c()\ert,s dark brown, .secondaries and identification criterion of white feathering primaries remaining black. Prominent white extending well down the sides to areas near wing-ftar ran along tips of greater co\erts. the vent was not actually noted, but white Underwing appeared wholly black, taii. showed at all angles and distances, iinder- Stpiare-etided, black, b.are parts Bill black. PARTS .Appeared wholly black, wings At dis- kegs black, tance, dark areas appeared c|uite black, but, Unfortunately, no other petrel species was seen during our ten-hotir watch on 1 1 th September. Notes 301 1 he prominent pale upperwing-bar (white on this well marked indi\ idual when seen at close range in first-class light conditions and excellent sea colour) eliminates Storm Petrel, which has little or no \ isible upperwing- bar in any plumage. Madeiran Petrel Oceanodrorna castro has a different wing-shape, a dis- tinctly different flight, and is larger. It does have a distinct upperwing-bar, but also has a slightly notched tail, which would presumably have been noted by us through telescopes. Leach’s Petrel can show a very distinct pale grey to whitish w ing-bar in autumn, but is dissimilar in every other respect, as discussed above. .\lthough Wilson’s Petrel’s upperwing-bar can \ary in tone, and is therefore a somewhat variably useful field character, depending on moult and abrasion, it is sometimes (as with our Clornish bird) verv well defined. \’. R. frCKF-R Periglis, 4 Cloie/lv I ’ieiv, TumchapeL Plymouth Dotterel excavating hollow and resting in it .\i the end of ()ctol)er 1971, on arable land at Crows-an-W ra, C'ornwall, 1 watched a Dotterel (Jiaradrius monnellus ‘foot-scrape’ in the soft soil and rest fi:)r long periods in the hollow it had made. By nestling well into this in a \ cry huddled position, sometimes apparently with its eyes whollv or partially closed, it would have been difficult for any predator overhead to locate it; its camouflage was so good that, when 1 purposely turned away and alter a while tried to relocate it, it was most difficult to find, even with binoculars. Bern.-vrd K.i.\c; dull Cn\ 9 Park Road. Sewlyn. Penzance, (.'ortm all Identification of Grey-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes t he identification ofone of the birds depicted in the note by B. D. Harding {Bril. Birds 72: plate 192) has been queried by P. J. Grant, Will Russell and jon Dunn, d’w'o features shown in the black-and-white plate — the apparent lack of a bold, complete eye-ring and lack of a clear-cut pale line between the eye and the bill — suggest Grey-cheeked Thrush Catfiarus minimus, but the colour-transparency from which this plate was taken shows a very warm, orange-brown wash over the breast and underwing-coverts, which is typical of Swainson’s Thrush C. ustulatus. Is the bird a Swainson’s lacking (or apparently lacking) the usual eye-ring, or is it a Grey-cheeked photographed in evening light, producing the appearance of atypicallv warm plumage hues? The transparency has been examined in great detail by Jon Dunn, who has concluded [in litt.) that, although ‘f now feel quite certain that the mystery slide is of a Grey-cheeked Thrush . . . f should state that I’m not absolutely certain of my diagnosis’, but ‘f think that at a minimum the identity . . . should be left ambiguous’. Barrie Harding, the photographer of the disputed bird, has commented as follows: ‘This was originally submitted by me to Dr J. T. R. Sharrock as Grey-cheeked Thrush (a black-and-white photograph produced from the slide). On receipt of the slide, J I'RS queried the identification and, with agreement from me, altered it to Swainson’s Thrush. It then appeared in 302 Notes British Birds as Swainson’s. Subsequent to the identification being queried [for a second time], I have spent many hours investigating the ‘problem’. First, I have attempted to put in sequence the 200 slides which I took at Point Pelee, but this has proved to be an impossible task. The slide in question is, however, one of a sequence of three, the other two of which obviously depict Swainson’s Thrush. Secondly, the photographs were taken in the morning, not the evening. No doubt the rising sun has produced a warm plumage outlook, but only to a minor extent. On balance, even after reading Jon Dunn’s assessment, I still favour identification as Swainson’s Thrush. The whole event has illustrated to me the importance of keeping good notes relating to the sequence of photographs. The only notes I kept show the total numbers of the 38 species that we ringed (including three Grey-cheeked and two Swainson's Thrushes).’ Thus, the identity of the bird shown in plate 192 remains unresolved. Jon Dunn {in litt.) has also drawn attention to a difference between the calls of these two species. The diagnostic call of Swainson’s is ‘a liquid “wink” (like a drop of water falling into a pool), which is totally unlike any call of Grey-cheeked (its most common call is a soft “veer”, not unlike the call of the Veery [C.Juscescens^) . Both species give other notes in flight.’ Eds Announcements ‘Birdwatching in the Seventies’ If you turn to ‘Recent rejtorts’ or ‘Latest news’ when yonr BB arrives through the letterbox, this is the book for you. Ian Wallace has taken each of the 40 seasons from winter 1909/70 to winter Announcements 303 1979/80 and prescnls a balanced suininary of events — rarities, migrants, breeding birds and winterers, birdwatching trends, population figures and their causes — based on inl'ormation from county bird reports and numerous press-ganged correspondents. Liberally decorated by Ian’s own original sketches, this is a book lor enjoyable browsing as well as a unique historical reference to a decade of immense change in ornithohygy. Like trontiers and ,1 Notebook, this is a product of the co-operation between BB and Macmillan. Publication will be on 24th September. subscribers can obtain it post free by ordering now and can, at the same time, help Z?ZLs (immees: kinds so obtained will be used to improxe the journal. It costs £7.95 (please add 50p il overseas). Order now from BB Book Offers. Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford .\IK44 3NJ. Shetland jumper offer The distinctive style and high quality of Shetland sweaters is famous. John Wallington, who is a subscriber to BB, runs ‘The V\ oolgatherer’, a firm which specialises in retailing authentic, all-o\er pattern Shetland knitwear. He has offered to donate to the journal 10% of all juniper sales made as a result of this announcement. The jumpers, suitable for both men and women, are hand-frame knitted in Shetland from real Shetland jumper yarn, in a wide range of colours and traditional patterns. Prices start at £26.50. For further details, please write to John W allington, BB jumper (3ffer, Fhe W'oolgatherer, 24 East Clyde Street, Helensburgh, Scotland. Book offers It helps BB's finances if you order these books from us: Birdwatching in the Seventies by Ian W allace (Macmillan) £7.95 post free. A Notebook oj Birds — 1907-1980 by Jim Flegg (Macmillan) £6.95 post free. Frontiers oj Bird Identijication edited by J. \ . R. Sharrock (Macmillan) £7.95 post free. IVildJowl oJ Europe by Myrfyn Owen (Macmillan) £9.95 post free. Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book by Bill Oddie (Eyre Methuen) £4.95 post free. Birdwatcher's Yearbook 1981 edited by John E. Pemberton (Buckingham Press) £5.45 (£4.95 + 50p p & p). If you order more than one title, please write your orders for each book on a separate sheet. W’e will pass your orders on to the respecti\ e publishers, who will send the books to you by post. Orders and cheques or postal orders (payable to British Birds Ltd) to: BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. (For orders from addresses outside the U K and the Republic of I reland, please add 50p. Payment can be made into L’K Giro account number 37 588 6303.) Requests Donations to aid speedy publication of papers and notes 1 he great expansion in the readership of BB in recent years has led to a verv welcome increase in the number of high-quality papers and notes submitted for publication. The Editorial Board and the Notes 304 Requests Panel are both now even more selective than in the early 1970s, but there is, ne\ertheless, a large accumulation of material accepted Ibr but still awaiting publication. All that is preventing publication is money: we cannot aflord to ha\e the extra pages that are necessary. One additional page in BB costs roughly £50. We are, therefore, seeking donations I’rom any ol our readers w ho is able to sponsor the publication of one or more extra pages. .Anyone able to send such a donation is asked to indicate whether he or she would rather have it devoted to subsidising a paper or subsidising several short notes. We should like to be able to include at least one special eight-page section (costing £400) and would be pleased to indicate the sources ol any donations which made this possible. Can you help? Donations should be sent c/o Tim Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford .MK44 3NJ. Yellow Fulmars from St Kilda Fulmars Fulmarus glacialis have nested on St Kilda for hundreds of years, but until the end of last centurv they nested nowhere else in Britain. Since 1900, the Fulmar has spread all around Britain and Ireland, but this population explosion seems to have come from the .Arctic, and the St Kilda Fulmars appear to have remained separate. From ringing studies, we know where British Fulmars go in autumn and winter, but we know nothing of the movements of St Kilda Fulmars. In order to hnd out when and how far they move, about 3,000 Fulmars will be dye-marked on St Kilda this summer. They will be painted with ‘Picric’, giving them a bright yellow or orange body or tail or wings (or a combination of these). The dye should be fairly conspicuous and remain visible until at least spring 1982. ■Any sightings of these birds would be most valuable. Please note the date and place of sighting, the numbers of dye-marked and unmarked Fulmars observed, and the positions of the dye on the marked ones. 4 he success of this study will depend on the birds being seen and reported. Reports will be individually acknowledged. Please write to Hector Galbraith, 96 .Neilston Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire P.A2 6.AL, Scotland. Colour-marked Lesser Black-backed Gulls .Adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus Juscus near Leigh, Greater Manchester, are being colour-ringed and having their crowns, napes and tails dyed yellow; other ages are being colour-ringed only. Records of sightings will be individually acknowledged; details of colour-ring combination (colour at top, middle and bottom), location, date and time should be sent to Ian .M. Spence, 7 Ripon .Avenue, Lowton, W arrington W .A3 2JE. Gales of 25th/26th April 1981 Following overnight northerly gales, many seabirds were reported inland in Britain during 26th-30th .April 1981. Fhe most frequent species were Kittiwakes Kissa tridactyla. (Jaimets SuUi bassana, skuas Slercorarius and various sea-terns Slerna. but there were also reports ol f ulmars Fulmarus glacialis and jjetrels (Hvcliobalidae). 1 his unusual event mav warrant summary and analysis in a paper in British Birds. Details of any unusual observations of seabirds at least 2km inland during 24th-30th .April 1981 (together w ith a note on the usual status of the reported species at the locality) will be welcomed b\ Barrv Nightingale and Dr J. 4'. R. Sharrock, 9 Duck End Lane, .Maulden, Bedfordshire. News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett The desiccation of Azraq marsh PJCi has just been back to the .Azraq Wetland Reserve. Jordan, where he spent January and Eebruary 1979, to prepare a management plan for the oasis on behalf of the Inter- national Union for the Conservation of Nature, the World Wildlife Eund and the Royal Society Ibr the Conservation of Nature, Jordan. I'he visit, in early .April 1981, showed that the Jordan government was now pumping to .Amman and the north of the country nearly all the water that emerged from the two main Shishan pools. 4’he marsh, which had been such an important resting and breeding place for an immense variety of wild birds and which had attracted the visits of many scientists, was virtually dry, even though the 60-70 km^ 305 News and comment mudflat surrounding it was flooded for the first time since 1976, following a winter of exceptionally heavy rain. I he RSCIN of Jordan has protested to the Government about the effects of the extrac- tion of water from the Shishan pools. In Jordan, there is, however, an immense shortage of water and it is difficult to see that, once started, the pumping will ever be stopped. U nless another spring can be found, we have the feeling that those who keep a tally of dead and dying wetlands can sharpen their pencils. Bird Photograph of the Year The presentation of a Red Grouse trophy to Richard I . Mills, the winning photographer in the 1980 ‘Bird Photograph of the Year' competition, was made by Humphrey Lyttelton at a Press Reception in London on 6th May 1981 (see plate 177). fhe Press Reception was held at the Scotch Whisky Association by courtesy of Matthew Gloag & Son Ltd, proprietors of The Famous Grouse scotch whisky, whose sponsorship ensured the continuation of this premier competition. 177. Humphrey lA ttelton presenting the Red Grouse trophy to Richard I . .Mills, winning photographer of ‘Bird Photograph ofthe\'ear 1980' (see pages ‘21. ’>-2 18, jilate 181) (Richard j. Chandler) Italian referendum to abolish hunting The 800,000 names needed to hold a referendum which might abolish hunting in Italy has been obtained. According to one surv ey institute, three-quarters of the popu- lation of Italy are verv much opposed to hunting and to the present inadequate regu- lations which, adopted in 1977, limited the species that could be taken, but which, on account of poor drafting, left many loopholes. (From Gouncil for Europe .Newsletter — Sature) Reprieve for Great Bustard ,\ decree of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture has forbidden the killing of the Great Bustard Otis tarda for at least a year. (From Gouncil lor Europe Newsletter — Sature) Shetland scores ,\s well as being one of the thickest, the Shetland Bird Club Seu sletter also has the tradition of being one of the most humorous and readable. Fhe editor seems always to remember that most of us are in birding for fun and enjov ment. with scietitihc results a by-product rather than the primar\ aim. Phis \ alue-for-money newsletter is edited by Martin Heubeck, Burnside, Skellister, South Nesting, Shetland. Two new breeding species for Cyprus .\ Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator was seen feeding young at a locality on Cyprus during July 1980. This species had previously been considered only as a commoti spring migrant, although breeding had occasionally 306 News and comment been suspected but iie\ er proved. 1 he second Itreedintf record was ol a spciics not |jre- viously recorded on the island. In July, a single Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus was trapped, and, later, a further 21 were netted and five nests found, one of which had the remains of two nestlings on its rim. (Contri- buted by M. G. Lobb) ‘Green’ movie-makers to meet in Bath Leading wildlife hlm-makers from all over the world will be gathering at Bath University from 23rd to 27th September 1981 ibr an International Symposium, which is one of several major occasions celebrating the fif tieth anniversary of the founding of the sponsoring society; the British Kinemato- graph, Sound and Television Society. The press hand-out includes these chauvinistic sentences: ‘ The symbol for the symposium is a male peacock in full display which is regarded by many as the most elaborate visual advertisement in the wild world. But the organisers do hope to attract male film- makers as well as the female of the species.’ The Symposium’s Honorarv' Chairman is jetfery Boswall; the theme is ' Towards 200 T. In 20 years from now, how much wildlife will be left to film? Copies of the symposium brochure can be obtained from Pauline Harris, Avon Bristol Films, 5 Apsley Road, Bristol bs8 2sh. High technology aids bird protection The RSPB will soon be keeping a keen eye on the nests of threatened species — at night. Its wardens will be able to see in the dark, thanks to the special night-vision monoculars, developed and donated by the International Telephones Telegraph Corporation (TT’T), which consist of a small vacuum tube con- taining an image intensifier. The tube gathers what little amount of star or moon- light is available and converts the light image into an electron image which is, in turn, converted into a bright display similar to the way a television picture is formed. Image- intensifying devices are now used to aid pilots flying helicopters at night, but most of the devices used for these purposes are bulky binocular systems. Around 1973, TT'T joined 178. Roben Dougall, \'iir Pirsidnii ol'RSPB, demonstraiiiig use ol rri' night-vision monocular [Standard Tflephones and Cables Lid) forces with the Retinitis Pigmentosa Founda- tion in the Lhiited States to develop a pocket version which could be used for sufVerers of the condition popularly known as night blindness. Fhe resulting pocketscope night- vision device, which measures less than 13 cm and is very light, is ideal for research on nocturnal animals. When TT'T learned of the difliculties of protecting the nests of rare birds at night, it decided to present a number of sets to the RSPB. Roderick Dobson award In recognition of Roderick Dobson’s contribution to the study (jf natural history in the Channel Islands, the Societe Jersiaise has agreed to sponsor an annual award in his name, open to all-comers under the age of 21. Roderick Dobson, who died in 1979, is remembered chiefly as the founding father of systematic ornithological studies in the Channel Islands: his Birds oj the Channel Islands (1952) is still an invaluable work of reference. But he was also an excellent cameraman, a low-water hsher- man, and had the frustrating tendency to excel at almost everything he attempted. Perhaps Roderick’s most abiding contri- bution to the Channel Islands' natural history studies was his patient encourage- ment of others, especially young naturalists. The purpose of the Roderick Dobson award, therefore, is to stimulate original fieldwork by the young. Full details of the scope and character of the award will fjc announced later in the year. It will be open to anvone under 21 at the date ol submission; the phrase ‘original fieldwork' covers all aspects News and comment of natural history studies in the Channel Islands and the presentation of entries can take any form: written records, monographs, films and sound-recordings will be eligible. Before any awards can be made, it is necessary to establish an investment fund to yield an annual return. So, if you value the wildlife and the wild places of the Channel Islands, or if you wish to remember Roderick, please help the Societe Jersiaise: their target is £2, ()()(). Please send cheques to The Roderick Dobson Appeal, c/o Alistair 307 Best, Societejersiaise, 9 Pier Road, St Helier, Jersey, Cihannel Islands. Tip for twitchers ‘Birders in the Nether- lands regard searching of spring migrant flocks of northern Ringed Plover \Charadrius hiaticula] as the most productive way of discovering Broad-billed Sandpipers [Limicola Jalcinellus]. Phis probably also holds for other parts of western Europe (including probably southeastern England)’ says Gerald J. Oreel [Dutch Birding 3: 9). Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those oj the editors (^ British Birds Recent reports R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp These are largely unchecked reports, not authenticated records Dates in this report refer to .April unless otherwise stated. The weather during the month was dominated by anticyclones, initiallv bringing cool, easterly air, but for a short spell, from 8th to 12th, warm, unsettled southerly air predominated. Pressure then again built up to the north and west and the cool easterlies returned. From 22nd, a more northerly airstream developed and very cold Arctic air aloft brought very unstable condi- tions. Several recent springs have had a late cold spell; after seeming to have escaped this time, much of the country suddenly suffered a series of unseasonal blizzards for a few days. This resulted in the death of many nestling birds and newly arrived migrants: groups of Swallows Hirundo nistica, for e.xample, being found dead in sheds and boathouses. I here was also a spate of seabird reports inland. Fhe end of the month was more settled, but remained cool. Seabirds Offshore passage was generally unremark- able, but several species were brought inland. Gannets Sula bassana were found at Brogborough (Bedfordshire) on 28th and near Cihelmsford (Essex! — one flying along the central reser\ation of the .A12 — on 27th, while there were at least six more in the Eondon area around 27th. Fulmars Fulmarus glacialis reached Biggleswade (Bedfordshire) on 26th and Ghew A’alley Eake (.Avon) on 29th, with four on \ arious London reservoirs between 27th and 2nd .May. .A really out-of- season Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa 308 was seen at King George V Reservoir (Essex) on 27th, the day after another petrel at Blunham (Bedfordshire) on 26th. In fact, this sudden burst of seabirds altered the Bedfordshire record books in particular — 14 Kittiwakes Rissa tndactyla also occurred in the county, at Stewartby on 26th. Other groups of Kittiwakes inland had been re- ported earlier — a regular spring feature perhaps independent of weather anoma- lies— but 60 at Farmoor (Oxfordshire) on 26th were probably linked with the blizzard and gales of 25th/26th. Arctic Skuas Stercorarius parasiticus were found in several inland localities during 26th to 28th and a Pomarine Skua S. pomarinus was at Ogston Reservoir (Derbyshire); a few Great Skuas S. skua came inland too, but reports received ofall these have been incomplete. Please note the ‘Rec|uest’ lor information on this inland inllux of seabirds on |)age 804. Biick on the cttast. Ring-billed Gulls A. delawarensis. having made an exceptional showing during the late winter, s[)read to Radipole Fake (Dorset) where two or three first-winter birds eotiid be found; there was also one at .Sandymoimt (Dublin) on :hcl .\l;i\. .\t l,l\n Elewenan. .\nglesev (Gwynedd), there was a remarkably earlv Caspian Tern Sterna caspia on 7tli — most are in June, July and .\ugust. FinalK, ;i Black- throated Diver (iavia arctica — rare in Shetland — turned up at Fethir on ,')th and 1)( laied reports of Red-throated Divers (>. stel/ata eoneerned 820 off Hartland Point (Devon) at the etui of January and ,887 at W ithernsea ( 1 1 tnnberside) on 8th .March. Raptors White-tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla are, of course, being reintroduced (fingers crossed as they reach breeding age) and an immature on Fair Isle on 9th could be from this stock — magnificent wherever it came from. Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos are extremely rare in Shetland, but an immature stayed on Fetlar from 17th to 29th. F’air Isle also had a Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lapopus pass through on 14th. .A Red Kite Milvus rnilvus was found dead in south Nottinghamshire on 8th and Black Kites M. migrans staged quite an influx mid-month, with perhaps two in Dorset, one in Devon and one in Kent, as previously reported. 4 he Snowy Owls Nyctea scandiaca on Fetlar increased from three to four females, then declined to two; an Recent reports adult male was on an adjacent island, but chose to remain a bachelor! Wading birds and wildfowl In Go. Cork in 1905, a Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis was observed and eventually shot and, many years later, gained acceptance to the British and Irish list (Category B). The species now looks set to join Category .A as, quite unpredictably, a probable immature was found on Fair Isle (Shetland) on 26th and 27th. Just about anything can happen — and on Fair Isle it usually does! A Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus stayed at Garr\roe (Cork) from 3rd into May. A White Stork Ciconia ciconia at Dungeness (Kent) on 20th was right in the usual ‘peak period’ for the species. What few Squacco Herons Ardeola ralloides reach Britain are normally somewhat later, but there was one at Slapton Fey (Devon) mid-month and it or another later made a lengthy stay (into .May) on the Tamar (Devon/Cornwall). Purple Herons Ardea purpurea were also on the move and turned up on Scilly, at Pagham Harbour (West Sussex), Minsmere and Walberswick (both Suflolk), all mid-month, with at least one in .Suflolk staying into .May. Stodmarsh (Kent) had four in early .May. One of the most striking and elegant of southern waders, a Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, was present at Newquay (Cornwall) from 17th to 20th and another reached Fady’s Island Fake (Wexford) on 20th, the first in Recent reports 309 Ireland since 1949. Other interesting waders were plovers, I'rom all directions; Kentish Charadrius alexandrims appeared from about 15th, when there were two at Berrow (Somerset) and arrivals reached Marazion (Cornwall), Cley (Norfolk) and Breydon Water (Norfolk). In Kent, an early one reached Hlmley on 25th March, well before the main inlhix. From the west came a Kill- deer C. voeijerus, at Loimd (Nottingham- shire) on 21st, but even rarer than that was a Greater Sand Plover C. leschenaultii at Breydon Water on 17th. Is the species making a bid to become an annual \ agrant? On the golf course at Felixstowe (Sulfolk), a dowitcher I.irmwdromus was noted on 28th. Wildfowl included the Shetland King Eider Somateria spectabilis all month and the Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata at Hunstanton (Norfolk) also remained. .\nother Surf Scoter was reported from Lowestoft (Suffolk) on 17th: confirmatory details are requested, please. .\ pair of Ring- necked Ducks Aythya collaris was at Bungay (Suflblk) late in the month — but the origin of some individuals of this species must still be doubtful, to say the least, despite the number of genuine vagrants. Teals Anas crecca of the Nearctic race carolinensis occurred on Fetlar (immediately coming good with the return of the warden) on 5th and at Clev from 15th to 20th. Southern migrants .\t .Slapton Ley in the second week of the month, there were four or fixe Hoopoes I pupa epops and others were widely reported, with up to 15 in Scilly and one as far north as Fair Isle ( 12th-14th). .\t the latter locality on 18th there was also an Alpine Swift Apus melba. In the warmer spell before the bliz- zards, migration generally seemed to be going well, as indicated by good numbers of Pied Wagtails Motacilla alba of the Continental nominate race, including, lor example, many groups of 10-15 on .Anglesey (plate 179). On Fair Isle, sexeral species arrived on their earliest exer dates; Willow Warbler Phylloscopus Irochilus on 3rd. Swallow on 4th, Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia on 1 2th. Whinchat Saxicola rubeira and Wood Warbler P. sibilalnx on 14th and Wryneck Jynx torquilla on 18th. 179. .Adult female Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba of nominate race, Gxvynedd, .April 1981 {R J. Chandler) 310 Recent reports 180. Wr\ neckj()’«,x Kent, April 1981 {R.J. Chandler) Another Wryneck was at Bough Beech Reservoir (Kent) from 22nd to 26th (plate 180), but then there were few incoming migrants as the weather turned bad and problems were laced by those which had already appeared. Even before that, the numbers of many migrants — although first arrivals were early — were generally low. The exceptionally bad winter in the Mediter- ranean region may perhaps explain some ot the declines. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus came early, to Slapton Ley on 13th, and a Serin Serinus serinus reached Prawle Point the following day. Woodchat Shrikes Lanius senator were noted at Portland Bill (Dorset) and at Slapton — a most productive spot — at about the same time too. FinalK, presumably heading north (spring records have recently been rare), a Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla was located at Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 21st. Latest news ■\s well as the infamous lA’-fcalured Ri\cr W’aiTler Locuslella fluviatilis at R(jydon (Norfolk), another was on Fair Isle the pre\ious week. Also: Black Kite .\linsmere (Sulfolk) and .\lpine Swift .\bcrdeen. ‘Birdwatching in the Seventies’ Publica- tion of this new book Ity D. 1. M. W allace, based largely on ‘Recent reports’, is announced on pages 302-303. Reviews The Peregrine Falcon. By Derek Ratcliffe. 1 . & A. D. Po\ ser 1980. 416 pages; 4 colour plates, 32 black-and-white plates and many line-drawings and maps. £12.00. I'he Peregrine, small in numbers yet almost world-wide in distribution, holds a special magic for birdwatchers. Any monograph of this magnificent predator would ha\e a w ide appeal. ;ind this one is detailed and comprehensixe, covering all aspects of the species' biology, from distribution, habitats, food, breeding and otlicr behaviour, moxements, population dynamics and taxonomy to its varying fortunes at the hands of man. Though the emphasis is on the Peregrine in Britain, it covers the world literature (indeed, l()r breeding behaviour, it relies largely on studies in North .America and (iermany) in scholarly detail, with eight pages of references, backed by tables, majts and figtires. I'his is a handsome book, embellished with three ex ocative colour plates and many line-draxvings by Donald Watson, and photographs of hafjitats and birds. So, it takes its place with a number of distinguished monogrttphs published in recent years, 'i’et Derek Ratclille has (|ualifications which gix e this a special distinc tion. He has a passion for Reviews 311 the wild places belo\ed by the Peregrine; Irom his early days in the Lakes, he has walked the high lells, studying their plant- and bird-lile, and later, when he had become one ol Our most distinguished ecologists, he cov ered almost the whole country as part ol his task as editor ol the monumental A Nature Conservation Review (1977). I’his gives the vividness ol personal experience to his long chapter on the Peregrine’s distribution and habitats in Britain. Secondly, he was responsible, more than any other single person, Ibr sav ing the Peregrine here Irom the extinction which ov ertook it in the eastern L’nited .States. .So, the theme of Peregrine numbers runs like a sombre thread throughout the book. He shows how the British population ol some BOO pairs seems to have remained remarkably stable Ibr over a century, despite the unremitting onslaughts ol gamckeepers and the raids ol egg-coliectors and a lew irresponsible falconers, sullering only a temporary decline under the war-time controls ol the R.\F. 'Phen, in 1961, he organised the B'lO survey which demonstrated that, far from increasing as some pigeon-fanciers believed, its numbers had fallen dramatically, while many of the surv ivors were failing to rear any young. He suspected from the first that the new persistent pesticides were responsible, and soon, in a series of superb studies, aided by his laboratorv colleagues, he demonstrated the precise mechanisms which had led to broken eggshells and aberrant behaviour, and conv inced, first, some of the more cautious ornithologists and. later, with greater dilliculty, the authorities. Phe resulting restrictions on pesticide use have led to a recovery in Peregrine numbers, marked, but still incomplete. He writes modestly ol his own part in the long struggle bv' a handful ol scientists and conservationists against an implacable and sometimes by no means scrupulous opposition. In his final chapter, he takes a gloomy view of the increasing human impact on the env ironment, seeing nature conserv ation as ‘the weaker side in a long-draw ti-out w ar, in w hich the other side has overwhelmingly superior forces and must eventually and inev itablv win.' It would be rash to dispute this sombre view, but we can take heart from the v ictory in one major battle in which he played such an outstanding part, and gain delight from a noble volume w hich combines lucid science w ith an infectious delight in Britain's wild |)laces and. arguably, their most attractive bird. St.vni.ky Cr.vmp A Notebook of Birds — 1907-1980. Commentary by Jim Flegg. Macmillan, London, 1981. 184 pages; many line-drawings. Having been concerned with wildlife anthologies myself, I was naturally interested to see how Jim Plegg would tackle the enormous store provided by ‘Notes’ in British Birds from its first appearance almost to the present day. Phe function of such an anthology as this cannot be strictly scientific; as the dust-jacket suggests, it is likely to find itsell on the bedside bookshelf, and the very nature ol a ‘Note’ proposes an anecdotal treatment. In the present book, the historical aspect is obviously of importance; the development of ringing in Britain, which virtually coincided with the birth oCBB', is a good example and is well covered for the early years, though the scale of the study is now such that it no longer lends itself to note treatment. Jim Flegg has divided his selection into very broad subjects: ‘Behaviour’ (relating to only a few topics), ‘Food and Feeding’, ‘Physique’, embracing flight speeds, diving times and drumming by woodpeckers and snipe, ‘It is amazing...’, ‘Migration’, ‘Goings and Comings’ (mainly status changes), and ‘.Aggression’ for those who like a few horrors at bedtime. Although its period covers tiearly three-quarters ol a century, there is remarkably little change in the approach and style of the notes in the anthology. Fhe earlier ones do tend to contain ancillary details now considered irrelevant, but thev seldom vvoflle; no doubt the editorial pencil of H. F. Witherby was as sharp as that of his successors and set a standard which they have been happy to follow. But some early notes, for example those from the First World War, arc of historic interest and we could wish that they had been more expanded. Just over 200 ornithologists arc represented; they range from some of the great names of the past such as FI. W. Robinson (4 entries), .A. Holte .Maepherson, Seton Gordon, Landsborough Fhomson and ‘HFW’ himself (B entries), one or two, such as FI. G. .\lexander. spanning the whole period, to others whose first and only contributions may be included. Just over 100 species of bird arc mentioned, of which 1 make .Starling the top scorer with six entries and Blackbird runner-up with five. I'hus there is no emphasis on rarities and the localities, on the whole, are the British habitats in which most of us do our birdwatching. It was a good idea to set the notes in the typelaces in which they originally appeared. 312 Reviews bringing Irack memories to older readers, to whom the journal’s monthly arrival in its grey covers with the Red Grouse on the front was our only contact with the wider w'orld ol ornithology. The illustrations vary from whole pages to ‘thumb-nails’, are the work of Norman Arlott, Robert Gillmor and Laurel ’Fucker, and make a graceful and usually relevant accompaniment to the text, though I could have done without the ‘funny’ ones (e.g. of a night- capped Blue Fit with a candle). My other small criticism is that it would have been easier on the reader to include the date of each note where it is printed and not with the author’s name in the index. Otherwise, the anthology has my warm recommendations, especially to any readers who may tiot ha\e their own long runs of the journal to peruse. Brlck G.\.MI'BKI.I. The Birds of Lundy. By J. N. Dymond. I he Dev on Birdwatching and Preservation Society, 1980. 80 pages; numerous histograms, graphs and line-drawings. £3.50. .Not many books have summarised the bird records of bird observatories over an extended period, and a new one is always welcome, particularly when, as in this case, it is so attractiveb' produced. Fhe cov er design by .Mrs Laurel Tucker is exceptionally line and w ill surely help to sell the book. Fhe contents consist ol a very brief description of the island, an intrf)duction, acknow'ledgments, a systematic list, a map of the island and a bibliography. Fhe systematic list comprises 72 of the book’s BO pages and includes all records reliably reported up to the end of 1978. Histograms are included lor most species other than vagrants and some common species, showing seasonal distribution over approximately 20 years Ibr the commoner species and 30 years for the scarcer ones. In addition, there are some graphs illustrating lluctuations in numbers of common breeding birds over many years. The accounts ol status arc concise and clear, and are a mine of information for anyone interested in island birds or bird migration. Fhe text is enlivened by some most attractive line-drawings by several artists. While invaluable to anybody visiting Lundy or to the researcher, the book makes no compromises Ibr the general reader. Fhe bird records are not put in their context: the island itself is described only in outline; there is no account of the history of human habitation, of ownership, of climate or of llora and fauna apart from birds. Nor are some of the apparently unusual sets of records placed in their British context. Wh\ arc skuas and phalaropes so rare? \\ hy have no more than one .\rctic and three Little 'Ferns ever been identified? \N ould not the histograms of seasonal distribution of migrants have benefited from a comment comparing Lundy records with those of other observatories? In short, the book raises questions, but contains little interpretation. Despite this, future workers will be greatly in the author’s debt for sumrnarisitig the status of the birds of Lundy in such an accessible manner and making further interpretation possible. One can only hope that more bird observatories will make use of the voluminous data the\ collect and publish the results. Guvk Hotcminson Rare Birds of the West Coast. By Don Roberson. Woodcock Pub- lications, Pacific Grove, California, USA, 1980. 496 pages; many black- and-white photographs; 1 1 colour plates. $19.95. Fhe format is based on Sharrock & Sharrock ( 1976, Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland), cov ering the 288 rarest species on the west coast of North America from Alaska to Galifornia, including the sea up to 200 miles (321 km) olFshore. Fiach species account contains location maps for all occurrences (and, for the more regular species, a histogram showing the monthly pattern of records through the year), and basic details for all records in each of the five coastal states. Unlike its British counterpart, this book is very liberally illustrated with black-and-white photographs of many of the actual birds involved, and includes potentially very useful identification summaries, and colour plates for many species which are inadequately covered in the field guides, or for which the criteria are still evolving. Many of the vagrants to the American west coast come from eastern or Arctic North America or from Siberia. 'Fhus, this book is fascinating reading for rarity enthusiasts anywhere in the world, but especially in Britain, where coverage of many shared identification problems makes it a most useful reference. P.J.ffRANT Reviews 313 Waders. By W. G. Hale. Collins, London, 1980. 320 pages; 58 black-and- white photographs; a few line-drawings. £9.50. I lie last la years have seen an enornioiis growth ol interest in, and knowledge about, waders. I erhaps the most ob\ ioiis gap in Itritish oi'nithologieal literature eoneerned this group of birds, so we awiiited with the greatest anticipation the first comprehensi\e re\iew of the subject, Piolessoi Hale s authoritati\ e contribution pro\ ides a v aluable addition to the range of ‘Neu .\aturalists’ now available. I he book covers \ irtually all aspects ol wader ecology, though the treatment of each varies, depending partly on the authors own research interests. 1 he general accounts ol the main species occurring in Britain, which open the book, are rather too brief to be of great use and contrast markedly with the detailed, scholarly sections on geographical variation, distribution and evolution. C.hapters on breeding biology, migration, roosting, moult, feeding ecology , energy balance, mortality and conservation complete its contents. The photographic plates are of variable C|uality, but some, particularly those bv Pamela Harrison, are e.xcellent. L nlbrtunately, to my eyes, the vignettes detract from, rather than add to. the book's content. It is particularly pleasing to see the information summarised to illustrate points of conservation significance and to have a concluding c hapter on this subjec t. One might argue about some points mack' — such as ‘because waders do not move awav in winter they are not near a IckkI c eiling — but, on balance, the views are lair. Also, it is good to see the publication of many data from the studies on the Kibble. (.learly, as the book has been three years in the [jublisher's hands, the author must be very conscious ol many recent publications w Inch are not included. I his is particularlv apparc'iit in the chapters on habitat utilisation, feeding ecology and migration, fhere are bound to be small criticisms in any book of this size, i he most serious is the absence of anv reference to the nomenclature used by \ oous and now standard to all British amateur and [rrolessional ornithologists (the persons at whom this book is aimed); using Capella instead ol Gallina^o lor Snipe, lc>r instance, does nothing to [)revent further confusion. In a lew areas, the bcKik is Linclear due to the use of undefined scientific terms (e.g. secondary hv bridisation on f)age lb.'), or the almost meaningless table on pages Pkfancl PH). One can, however, see the immense task which laced Proles.sor Hale, and apprec iate the ellc)rt needed to draw all of the inlc)rmation together. I'here is no doubt that the broad scope, yet frec|uent detail, ol this book has achieved the aims ol the author and the publisher. It is a book that most serious birdwatc hers will need to get. and it will prov ide a major contribution for many years. A. J. Pr.-vter Bird Census Work and Nature Conservation. Proceedings VI International Conference Bird Census Work & IV Meeting European Ornithological Atlas Committee. Edited by Prof. Dr Hans Oelke. Dachverbandes Deutscher Avifaunisten, Gottingen, 1980. 300 pages; 145 figures, 73 tables, 5 photographs. DM25.00. After introductory sections on the International Bird Census Committee and the Kuropean Ornithological .\tlas Committee, these proceedings contain 27 papers (20 in English) on bird census techniejues and results and ten papers (nine in English) on atlas studies. file papers are generally of a high standard and include further work on the comparison of the efliciency ofeensus methods and other counting techniques, including counts of migrating birds. There are additional papers on using census and atlas techniques in the ecological evaluation of landscapes. Seventeen papers give results ofstudies made in a variety of habitats ranging from urban, woodland and farmland to waterways. They include some studies on winter bird communities and a comparison of bird communities in a Finnish archipelago 50 years ago and now. .Another deals with the effects of the 1978/79 winter on breeding bird populations in Finland. There is also a study on the population regulation of Vellowhammer using census, ringing and nest-record data. The ten papers on atlas work include progress reports on atlas schemes in Spain, Estonia. Slovenia, Norway and Finland. There are papers also on atlas work on breeding birds, wintering birds and migrants in the Netherlands, a comparison of the avifaunas of London and 314 Reviews Berlin based on atlas work and an analysis of the atlas of breeding birds of Greater Bonn. Finally, there are papers on the distribution of certain species in Yugoslavia and on estimating species populations from census and atlas data in Canada. Serious students in the field of bird census and atlas studies will certainly need these well produced proceedings. F. A. Batten Rarities Committee news and announcements t'j- Grant and the Rarities Committee This year’s annual meeting was held on 7th March, at Knaresborough, \'orkshire. During the year to 31st March 1981, committee membership was P.J. Grant (chairman), M. J. Rogers (secretary), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J. Holman, 4’. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, Dr R. J. Raines and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock. As proposed previously {Brit. Birds 73: 427) and in the absence of other nominations, this year’s new member (from 1st April) was R. F. Porter, following the automatic retire- ment, as the longest-serving member, ofDr R. J. Raines, whose knowledge of birds worldwide and ready provision of pertinent material from his extensive photographic collection has been a great asset to the committee’s work during the past six years. ELECTION OF NEW MEMBER Nominations are invited to fill the next vacancy, which will arise on or before 31st March 1 982: they should be sent to me by 31st December 1981. Fhe committee’s nomination is K. E. Vinicombe, well known to British Birds readers as author or co-author of se\ eral papers and notes on identification topics. CHANNEL ISLANDS RARITIES From 1st January 1981, at the request of the ornithological groups in Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark, the committee will consider rarity records for the Cihannel Islands. Records of Short- toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla dud (lor Jersey only) Serin Serirms serinus are, however, excluded from this arrangement, but their status on the islands will be sum- marised in the species comments of our annual report. Accepted records will be published in the species comment and not included in the running totals, recognising that the islands are zoogeographically part of France. For rarity records at least, this arrangement will take the Channel Islands out of the ornithological limbo in which they ha\e been for far too long. ‘under fives’ records 1 he committee considered a proposal from R. J. Fairbank, that records of species which have been recorded five or fewer times in Britain and Ireland should require a unanimous \ote for acceptance (instead of the usual minimum of nine accept votes). The committee did not accept the proposal, but, understanding the implied need for special care over the assessment of these records, agreed that an automatic recirculation was desirable, to give members full o|)por- tunity to consolidate or revise their views on the first circulation. P.J. Grant, 14 Heathfietd Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 Sill) Third Edition Publication 27th July 1981 FLIGHT IDENTIFICATION OF EUROPEAN RAPTORS by R. F. Porter, Ian Willis, Bent Pors Nielson & S. Christensen Numerous refinements and additions have been made throughout the text of this third edition, several new drawings have been added and many others revised or redrawn. Revisions to the sections on the buzzards and the Aquila eagles have been particularly extensive but all sections have been reviewed and the whole book has been reset. The plates section has been increased to 96 pages and there are over 70 additional and replacement photographs. 276 pages, £9.60 net A permanent bind It’s so easy and tidy with the Easibind binder to file your copies away. Each binder is designed to hold twelve issues and is attractively bound and blocked with the BRITISH BIRDS logo. Price UK £3.65 including postage, packing and VAT, overseas orders add 25p. Why not place your order now and send the completed coupon below with remittance to: EASIBIND LTD, 4 UXBRIDGE STREET, LONDON W8 7SZ. Tel: 01 -727 0686 Please allow 3-4 weeks for fulfilment of order. Nat. Giro No. 5157552 easy with Easibind Iid,4 Uxbridge SULoncka\.W87SZ. OiU0X xOriYl British Birds I enclose PO/Cheque value for binders. Years required BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE Name T & A D POYSER Calton, Waterhouses Staffs ST10 3JQ (BB318) k Date Registration No. 307469 British Birds Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 I Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be PREPAID £3.00 for 3 lines (minimum) £1.00 for each whole or part extra line Classified display £3.50 a centimetre (min. 3 centimetres) For the use of a box number there is a charge of £1.00 Replies to: The AD VERTISEMENT MANA GER British Birds, .Macmillan Journals Ltd., 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R3LE HO LI DA Y A CCOMMODA TION HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr Bruce Campbell and Ted Griffiths based at the Talland Bay Hotel on the South Cornish Coast. Parties have identified over 1 10 species. Special Birds and flowers week in May. Course dates and brochure from Talland Bay Hotel, Nr. Looe, Cornwall. Telephone Polperro (0503) 72667. (BB49) DUNSYRE, LANARKSHIRE. Attractive holi- day cottages on private estate sleeping 4 & 6. Warm, comfortable and very well equipped. Variety of wildlife. Apply Lee & Carnwath Estates, Carnwath, Lanark. Tel: Carnwath (055584) 273. (BB244) ISLE OF TIREE. The Lodge Hotel, bird- watchers’ paradise island. Self-catering flats and full board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, Tiree. Tel: 08792 368. (BB46) ISLES OF SCILLY— ST. MARY’S Friendly atmosphere in a Family run Licensed Guest House overlooking the harbour. Open now until the 24th October. Special reductions until the 15th May. SAE for details or telephone Tony or Linda Dingley 0720 22327. (BB195) CLEY — when visiting Cley Marshes and Blakeney Point you are welcome to call at the George and Dragon Hotel. Accommodation, bars and meals. Tariff upon application, write or tel: The George & Dragon Hotel, Cley, Holt, Norfolk. Tel: Cley (0263) 740652. (BB239) SOLWAY COAST. Holiday chalets in excellent area for birdwatching. Sae for details: Muir, 68 Kermoor Avenue, Bolton. Tel: 593132. (BB266) 16TH C SUFFOLK LONGHOUSE. Luxury accommodation within easy reach of coast and Minsmere. Private bathrooms, fine English food, lovely rural setting. Old Swan House, Creting- ham, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Tel: Earl Soham 633. (BB279) PEMBROKESHIRE— Broad Haven. Modern chalet sleeps 6, I’V. Hildick-Smith, Redmarley Orchards, Great Witley, Worcester. (BB219) NORTH DEVON close to Taw/Torridge estuary. Comfortable farmhouse accommoda- tion. North Farm, Bickington, Barnstaple EX31 2JN. Tel: 0271 3107. (BB222) FAIRLIGHT ROAD, Hastings, near Country Park. Sea views, home cooking, personal attention. B&B £6.00, optional EM. Bowman, Northrise, 97 Fairlight Road, Hastings. Tel: 423362. (BB253) COTTAGES GALORE. We have some 200 delightful cottages in all parts of Britain. A great variety of indi\idual properties, all inspected. Prices £ 10 to £40 per person per week. Get our free colour brochure: Amaro Cottage Holidays, 22 High Street, Alton, Hants GU34 IBN. Tel: 0420 88892. (BB113) CLEY — BIRDWATCH as you breakfast! ,\11 year round B&B in very comfortable borne, directly overlooking bird reserve and salt marshes. Alan and Sheila Hart, The Saltings, Coast Road, Cley. Tel: 740645. (BB1070) ISLE OF ARRAN. S/c modernised farm cot- tages at Sliddery. Apartments at Machrie adjacent golf course/shore. Graham, 47 Henry Street, Langholm. Tel: 80272. (BB 1 14) CALF OF MAN Bird Observatory Hostel type accommodation from .\pril to October. Details Irom 'Fhe Secretary. The .Manx Museum and National l Vust, Douglas, Isle of Man. (BB131) NORTH NORFOLK. Fiv e miles coast. B&b or self-catering cottage. Large country house in 9 acres. McVeigh, Old Rectory, North Creake. South Creake (032 879) 436. ' (BB104) MID-NORFOLK timber framed farmhouse, offers B&B, evening meal optional. Visit Broads, Breckland and the coast. Walters, River Farm, Shipdham. Tel: Dcreham 820544. (BB2I6) REMOTE FISHING LODGE with magnificent views. Central Perthshire glen. Approximately 10 miles from Perth and Dunkeld. Exclusive use of trout loch with boat provided. Accommodation for 4/6 with all mod cons. Enquiries to Middleton, Meikleour, Perth. Tel: 025083 291. (BB246) MONYMUSK GRANT ARMS HOTEL ABERDEENSHIRE AB3 7HK TEL: 226 (04677) GET AWAY FROM IT ALL TO THE PEACE AND QUIETNESS OF PICTURESQUE MONYMUSK. Exclusive rights trout & salmon fishing on 10 mis R. Don. 1 1 beats, 29 named pools, a max 2 rods per beat. AA & RAC 18th C. Coaching Inn. British Tourist Board commended country hotel. I raditional Scottish cooking & home baking, fully lies. Send for hotel col brochure. Lot of fishing & other activities. (BB236) NEW FOREST, HANTS. A quiet and secluded large country house with direct forest access. Full central heating, licensed. TV, Radios, etc, all rooms, some with private bathrooms. Woodlands Lodge Hotel, Woodlands, New Forest Hants. 042 129 2257. (BB175) N. NORFOLK. 4m Blakeney. Charming luxury cottages, sleep 4, 7. Tel: Walter 0509 42324. (BB234) SHANKLIN. Small family run licensed hotel in quiet residential road close to clifftop walk. Ch, some en-suite rooms, excellent home cooking. Open all year. Brochure from: Fidgecliffe Hotel, Clarence Gardens, Shanklin. Tel: 098386. (BB232) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautiful Clun valley near the Welsh border. The area has an excellent wild bird population and an interesting flora and fauna. Within easy reach of Ludlow, Elan Valley, Offa’s Dyke, Longmynd, this stock rearing farm of 400 acres has magnificent views added to its attractions. At Upper House one finds complete relaxation and a pampered, intimate atmosphere. B&B, EM optional. Tel: Bucknell 319 or SAE: Mrs D. M. Williams, Upper Farm, Hopton Castle, Craven Arms, Salop. (BB1069) SECLUDED FARMHOUSE, woodland set- ting. Bed, breakfast, dinner. SAE, Mrs Spavins, Longwitton, Morpeth. Tel: Hartburn 654. (BB217) MINSMERE. Bed and breakfast. Fisher, ‘Trelyn’, Blythburgh Road, Westleton. Tel: Westleton 413. (BB139) SUFFOLK, WAVENEY VALLEY, beautiful views, lovely well kept gardens. B&B lor 2. S.\E: .\rkhill Ciottage, .Mendham, Harleston, Norfolk. (BB127) CLEY. Attractive house in village, 4 bedrooms, large garden, garage. Available all year. Details from Mrs E. Album, 47 Lyndale Avenue, London NW2. Tel: 431 2942. (BB247) IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND AND WALES Peaceful Country Cottages, Cotswolds, Malvern Hills, Wye Valley, Shropshire, Warwickshire, Mid/North Wales. Brochure 20p stamp COTTAGE HOLID.AYS Blackmore End, Hanley Swan, Worcester WR8 OEE Tel: (068 43) 786 (BB231) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beeston, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Fakenham. Tittleshall 205. (BB42) NEAR RYE EAST SUSSEX. Inexpensive bargain breaks, beautiful Georgian Country- House Hotel. Flamingoes, migratory and sea birds. Tel: 079 721 381. (BB225) ISLE OF ISLAY, ARGYLL. Fully modernised farmhouse to let, overlooking Loch Gorm, amidst beautiful scenery, trout fishing available, sandy beaches, ideal for family holiday. Open all year. Book now for Spring hols. Write for details to the Secretary, Foreland Estate, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay, Argyll. Tel: (049 685) 211/371. (BB2I3) OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND. I Vz miles north of IxK'h Ken. Mrs B. Forrest. Ken Bridge Hotel. New Calloway, Kirkcudbrightshire, DC7 3PR. Fel: New Calloway 211. (BB8ti) BLAKENEY 2V2 MILES: 1 .uxiiry flat Ibr two in newly-converted stables in grounds of old rectory . S.\E Beeson, .Saxiingham Rectory , Holt. (BBt>8) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Tradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated National Trust beauty area. .Abundant wildlife, naturalists’ paradise. To let fortnightly. SAE; Whiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) BAMBURGH. Flat, sleeps six. \’acant 29.5-27.6, 11-18.7, 29.8 onwards. V’illage Centre Farms, Budle Bay, Cheviots. E. Wilson, Keswick Cott., Bamburgh, Northumberland. 06684 288 p.m. (BB265) MID WALES. Wide choice of self-catering farmhouse, cottages, etc., throughout mid Wales. Brochure from: Mid Wales Holiday, Newtown, Powys. Tel: 09745 320. ’ (BB4) EXPLORE THE HEBRIDES under sail aboard 60ft ketch ‘Hornpipe’. Small parties, £150 pw. Dinsdale- Young, Kingie, Invergarry, Inver- ness-shire. Tel: 08092 210. (BB242) ISLE OF ISLAY, .\ttractive, well equipped cottages sleeping 2-4 people. Situated by beach in peaceful village of Port Charlotte. Full details/ brochure .Mrs James Roy, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islav, Argyllshire PA48 7UD. Tel: 049 685 208. (BB269) IX BETTYHILL HOTEL, Bettyhill, Sutherland. Old established family hotel in outstanding position overlooking the Naver Nature Reserve and the Pentland Firth. Paradise for birdwatchers. First class cuisine. Fully licensed. Tel: Bettyhill (06412)202. (BB264) ARGYLL. Self-catering flats/cottage in grounds country house, also cottages nearby. Excellent birdwatching, sea, loch, and hill. Low rates spring, autumn and winter. SAE Brochures: Hutchison, Kinlochlaich House, Appin Tel: 342. (BB221) EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK. Comfortable holiday accommodation in country inn and our adjacent private house. Db&b meals served in dining room of inn for both. Ideal centre for touring & walking. Phone Washford 223. E. Mead, The Valiant Soldier Inn, Roadwater, Nr Watchet, Somerset. (BB286) SOUTHWOLD AA** hotel, central heating, en-suite bedrooms, good wines and food. Ideal base for Minsmere and surrounding area. Write/ phone: Pier Avenue Hotel, Southwold 722632. (BB287) TINTAGEL/BOSCASTLE. 4 Cornish cottages sleeping 2/4, 4/6 and 6/8 in a hamlet overlooking the clilTs. Furnished to a high standard. Dogs by arrangement. Pauline Upright, Halgabron House, Halgabron, Tintagel. Tel: 08404 667. (BB288) ISLES OF SCILLY. BB&EM for birdwatching on St. Agnes. Reduced rates. Very peaceful, write or phone. SAE. Wain Smith. 0720 22620. (BB291) WEST NORFOLK. Birds, 6sh, golf. National Trusts, Sandringham, all V2 hour from our XVII century coaching inn. Fine English food and real ale. Personal suf>ervision by owners. £31 p>er p>erson for weekend break. Send for brochures. AA/RAC Ashley Courtenay recommended. Crown Hotel, Downham Market, Norfolk. Tel: Downham Market (03663) 2322. (BB290) ISLES OF SCILLY. Derek and Mary Scoheld welcome you to their comfortable family guest house which is situated on the shore with unrivalled view. We offer a happy atmosphere with home cooking and a select wine list. Ideal for spring and autumn birdwatching. Send stamp for brochure to Beachheld House, St. Mary’s. Tel: 0720 22463. (BB285) WILDWATCH Guided Countryside Discovery Holidays in North York Moors National Park. Estuary, rocky coast, moor and wooded habitats. Special rates for organised groups. Hotel accom, transport included. Stamp brochure: Wildwatch, Beech Grove, Runswick Bay, North Yorks. Tel: Whitby 840884. (BB298) GALLOWAY. Excellent accommodation. Route A713 to Loch Ken. Threave 2 miles. B and B £5.75, dinner optional. Mrs A. Gibson, Craignair, 32 Abercromby Road, Castle Douglas DG7 IBA. Tel: 0556 21 12. (BB299) THETFORD ‘Convenient for the Brecks’ WEREHAM GUEST HOUSE— 24 White Hart Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 lAD. Good centre for Breckland Birds — convenient to see Stone Curlew, Golden Oriole, Wood- lark, Grossbill, etc. Bed and breakfast — packed lunches. Evening meal (Monday to Thursday) if required. SAE for brochure. Telephone Thetford 61956. (BB297) SNOWDONIA AND LLEYN PENINSULA. .Many species oi birds \isit here. Spend a week bird watching in one of our small, guided groups. Beginners especially welcome. SAE for details. John Taylor, Bron-y-Maen, North Road, Caern- arfon, Gwynedd. Tel: 0286 2683. (BB59) TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking RSPB Reserve. The Manor Hotel offers comfortable accommodation and good food throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. Special ‘Bird-Watchers’ weekends monthly from November to March, and 2- or 3-day breaks during the same period. Postal address: King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8BB. Telephone: Brancaster (048 521) 221. (BB303) ENJOY THE FREEDOM of a self-catering holiday in Suffolk. For details of houses, cottages, flats, send large SAE to Mrs Jane Good, Blandings, Hasketon, Woodbridge, Suffolk or tel: Woodbridge 2770. (BB301) BEAUTIFUL PEMBROKESHIRE COAST. Offshore islands rich in birdlife. Small country house hotel caters for those who enjoy country li\ ing, good Ibod and wine, relaxed friendly at- mosphere. 1 eamaking facilities, colour T\’, bath- rooms with each rtxim. Grove Hotel, St Davids. Tel: 043788 341. (BB307) NORTH DEVON BIRDWATCHING WEFIKFINDS with local watchers for guides at Taw and Torridge Estuaries and Woodland Reserves. Friendly Get-Together-Evenings at Southcliffe Hotel, Torrs Park, Ilfracombe. Good food and wine, and cosy bar. Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast £35.00. VAT inclusive extra days at £9.00. (Showers/toilets ensuite extra). From September 18/19th. Stamp for colour brochure/details Ref BB. 10271) 62958. (BB308) HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE. Watch the birds from comfortable self-catering cottages amidst birch and pine forests on the south shore of Loch Rannoch. Small family property, well equipped cottages. Tel: 088 23 255. (BB311) SLIMBRIDGE (Free Entry Wildfowl Trust) 15 mins. 17th-century farmhouse comfortable self- catering suite sleeps 2 or 3/4. Wenger, Pedington Elm Farm, Berkeley Glos. Evenings Tel: 0453 810226. (BB312) X PERSONAL PUT YOUR NAME ON THE MAP Would you like a woodland grove — or even a complete wood— dedi- cated as a permanent commemora- tion of your name or the name of a loved one? Please write for details of the size of gift or legacy that rnakes this possible or for informa- tion about the Woodland Trust. (Reg. Charity No. 264781). The Woodland Trust, Ref. Westcate, Grantham, Lincs^GSl 6LL REPAIRS BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE RE- PAIRS. K asl cflirient service on all makes and types by expert technicians at L&L Optical, 50 .Alston Road, Barnet, Herts. Tel: 01-441 0990, (BB229) BOOKS BOOKS ON BIRDS. New and secondhand, catalogue 30p. Surplus bird books urgently sought. Open Thursday to Saturday, Bird Books of Sevenoaks, House of Seal, Church Street, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent. Tel: Sevenoaks 62155. (BB35) FINE NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS Ixuight and .sold. R. .Norman, I'he B(X)k-Sc)uirrel, Hart- on-the-Hill, Dalton Piercev, Hartlep-Nez 62250 Marquise, France. (BBX292) EOR SALE ZEISS WEST 15X60 binoculars. Excellent condition. £450. Cheshire. Write to Box No. BB302, British Birds, c/o Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London W'C2R 3LF. (BB302) HAWKINS WALKING BOOTS and shoes. Astronauts, Tecnic, Uniroyal. Country footwear reduced prices. SAE: Britt, 3 Station Rd, Elmesthorpe, Leicester. (BB220) ORKNEY BIRD REPORT 1980. £1.50 plus 20p postage from M. F. Cuthbert, Vishabreck, Evie, Orkney KW' 17 2PF. (BB300) ZEISS WEST 10X40B virtually mint cond. £235.00. Also Rachile Swiss walking boots, size 13 as new £18.00. Tel: 01-527 7915. (BB289) AVES, Belgian ornithological journal; four issues per year edited by the Societe d’etudes ornithologiques .AYES. Secretary: Mrs J. van Esbroeck, rue de la Cambre 16, Bte 2, 1200 Bruzelles, Belgium. Subscription: 300FB j>er year, Clompte courant postal no. 000-0180521-04 de .AYES a.s.b.l., Bruzelles. (BB293) KENT BIRD REPORT 1979. £2.25 from R. W. George, ‘The Limes’, Upp>er Harbledown, Nr. Canterbury, Kent CT2 9AU. (BB309) FOR SALE. Willerby’s Handbook, 9th impres- sion. 5 volumes. .Mint condition. £150. Tel: 01-398 1872. (BB310) Artificial House Martin’s Nest Remarkably successful readily accepted by martins, they also encourage the construction of natural nests. Made of hard cement compo with hardboard roof and back easily fixed to eaves of house or barn with special nails supplied. Price £5.45 for 1 £9.75 for 2 including post and packing. NERINE NURSERIES Welland, Worcestershire (BB1053) STOP PRESS PANDION BOOKS offer for sale fine and scarce Natural History books. Free catalogue on request. BcKiks of quality always wanted. 81 .Moorside Dale, Ripxjn, N. A'orks. (BB271) XI RARE BIRDS THE WEST COAST by Don Roberson Over 500 pages filled with photos, maps, graphs, essays about rare birds from Alaska to California. Of interest to British observers are: • Color plates of over 100 species, many Siberian vagrants rare in Britain. • Up-to-date essays on i.d. of stints, pipits, (/' buntings, pelagics and more. • Detailed material on difficult American groups — Empiiiamu flycatchers, Callmru$ thrushes, etc. • Numerous references to British BirJ^ • Text on Eurasian species reviewed by Peter Grant. £13 or $28 postpaid Published by the author. Order from WOODCOCK PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 985 PACIFIC GROVE, CA 93950 U S. A. Allow 0 weeks for delivery (BBS 19) HelpBB! With an even larger circula- tion, we could keep subscrip- tion prices down and have more pages each month. Persuade a friend to subscribe . . . Name Address Postcode 12 issues and index for £16 (£12 if resident in UK or Eire and member of RSPB, SOC, IWC or certain local bird clubs), if concessionary rate claimed: Name of society Name of secretary Subscription to start in 19... Cheque for £ enclosed. Send to: Airs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. (mV26l) Michael Powell Ornithological Journals Large stock of bound and unbound British Birds from 1946-68, many odd copies up to 1980. Send list of requirements Large selection of County bird reports (Scilly to Shetland), Bird Study, Birdnotes, Birds and Wildfowl. Complete set Birds of the World in binders. Send SAE for full list. Please send your list of surplus journals, best price always paid. Badges, 25p each plus 12p postage (BB;v20) 14 Cottrell Road, Roath, ^ Cardiff, South Glamorgan. ^ \M BIRDGUIDE Trinidad and Tobago provided a superb start to our 1981 programme; our group recorded 225 species in two weeks, more than for any previous group. Costa Rica was another notable success; this first British tour recorded well over 300 species including the endangered Resplendent Quetzal, breeding and displaying. Our future programme will, we hope, add to these successes with a variety of tours. Our groups are kept small and use local tour leaders wherever possible and are very competitively priced. Tours for 1981/2 include; MID-ATLANTIC STATES (USA) CALIFORNIA TRINIDAD & TOBAGO COSTA RICA CAMBIA/SIERRA LEONE TAIWAN Ask for our Birdguide Brochure Telephone: 01-898 861 1-3 24-hour brochure service 01-898 ABT/ATOL 334B (BB3I4) Twickenham Travel Limited, 84 Hampton Road Twickenham TW2 5QS. Telephone 01 -891 861 1 . Telex: 8954593. ISRAEL CANARY ISLANDS MADEIRA MALAYSIA ARGENTINA KENYA 20. British Birds Volume 74 Number? July 1981 275 ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ and ‘The Richard Richardson Award’ Robert Gillmor and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 278 Fifty years ago . . . 279 Ruppell’s Warbler: new to Britain and Ireland Rodney P. Martins 283 Personalities 25 R. E. Scott Mick Rogers and Harry Cawkell 286 The European Atlas: flycatchers Dr J. T. R. Sharrock a 291 Development and behaviour of Little Tern chicks Dr Stephen Davies 298 Mystery photographs 55 Franklin’s Gull P-J- Grant Notes 299 Wilson’s Petrel in C-ornw all V.R. Tucker 301 Dotterel excavating hollow and resting in it Bernard King 301 Identification of Grey-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes Editors Announcements 302 ‘Birdwatching in the Seventies’ 303 Shetland jumper offer 303 Book offers Requests 303 Donations to aid speedy publication of papers and notes 304 V’ellow Fulmars from St Kilda Hector Galbraith 304 C-olour-marked Lesser Black-backed Gulls Ian M. Spence 304 Gales of 25th/26th April 1 98 1 Barry Nightingale and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 304 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 307 Recent rej>orts R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp Reviews 3 1 0 The Peregrine Falcon by Derek Ratclilfe Stanley Cramp 311 A Notebook oj Birds — 1907-19W commentarv by Jim Flegg Dr Bruce Campbell 3 1 2 The Birds oj Lundy by J . N . Dymond Clive Hutchinson 3 1 2 Rare Birds of the l\ est Coast by Don Roberson P.J. Grant 3 1 3 Waders by \\’. f j. Hale A.J. Prater 3 1 3 Bird Census Work and Nature Conservation edited by Hans ( )elke Dr L. A . Batten 314 Rarities Committee news and announcements P. J.Granl " and the Rarities Committee Line-drawings: 279 Ruppell’s Warbler {Paul Sterryj; 286 Pied Flycatcher (Z). A. Thelwell); 291 Little Terns {Andrew Stock); 307 Hoopoe {Alan Harris); 308 Black-winged Stilt {P. Harrison); 309 King Eider and Eider {R. A. Hume) Front cover: Kingfisher (iV«rwA« zlr/o//: Bird Illustrator ol the \ ear): original drawing can be purchased in postal auction, see page 47 in January issue for procedure. ritish Birds Volume 74 Number 8 August 1981 Ross’s Gulls in the Arctic pack-ice Baikal Teal: new to Britain and Ireland Birds in the Channel Islands Changes to the British and Irish list Mystery photographs • Notes News and comment • Recent reports British Birds V *r ( 'ft NfA I ML** • Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Biunham, Bcdlbrd^lK44 Editorial Assistant David A. Christie Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock jOcy Photographic Consultants Dr R. J. Chandler & Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Cihairman), D, J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J. Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, R. F. Porter & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretar>), 195 X'icarage Road, Sunh)ury-on-'Fhanies, Middlesex FW 16 7TP Sotes Panels behaviour Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Dr C. H. Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDENTIFICATION P. J. Grant, S. C. Madge, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock News and comment Peter Conder & Mike Everett, 12 Swaynes Lane, Coinberton, Cambridge C^B3 7EF Recent reports K. Allsopp & R. A. Hume, c7o RSPB, The Lodge, SaiuK , Bedliirdshire SC 19 21)1. Publishing & Production Manager Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Mrs Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Cartwright Advertising John Barnes, Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF (tel: 01-240 1101) ©British Birds Ltd 1981. Copyright of photographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire lSSN()()()7-0335 Annual subscription (12 issues and index) suil'ace mail UK £18 (or L’S$45); airmail £30 (or $75); single back copies, if a\ ailable, £2 ($5). Cheques payable to British birds Ltd. All chc(|ues and queries by letter to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Circulation, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 3NJ, England. Payment mav also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO 37 588 6303 British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the west PalOarctic. Kxcept for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted only on condition that material is not being oilcred in whole or in part to any other journal. Photographs and sketches are welcomed. All contributions should be submitted to the Managing Editor. Papers should be typewritten with double spacing, and wide margins, and on one side of the sheet only. Authors should carefully consult this issue litr style oi presentation, especially ol relerences and tables, \ ernacular and scientific names and sequences of birds Ittllow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic ( 1978); names ol.plants follow Dony et at. ( 1971, English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals Ittllow Corbet & .Southern ( 1977. The Handbook of British Mammals). I'opographical (plumage and structure) terms should follow editorial recom- metidations [Bnl. Birds 74: 239-242). l igtires should be in Indian ink on gtxtd t)ualitv tracing paper, drawing paper, non-absorbent board or light blue or very pale grey graph paper; lettering should be inserted lightly iti pencil; captions should be typed on a separate sheet. .\uthors of main pafters (but not notes or letters) receive ten free copies ol' the journal (five each to two or tnore authors). Printed by Henry Burt & Son Ltd, College Street, Kemiiston. Bedlord mk42 8na Birciwatch^rs ^Bargain Break* at Lerwick Hotel, Shetland Dinner, bed, breakfast & packed lunch from only £83.35 for 3 nights. In Shetldnd you cun log some of the larest species in Britain. And now’s the time to come: when the rare rnigrutory birds are passing through, and when the Iwrwiek Hotel is offering special rates to birdwatchers. find many other rare birds, such as the Great Skua, Manx Shearxvater, Black Guillimot and Red '111 routed Diver. How to get there The easiest way to Shetland is to travel via Aberdeen. From there vou can either flv or take the P & O Ferr\ Costs per person Aberdcen/Shetland/ Aberdeen are: *** Accommodation .At the modern Lerwick Hotel, o\ erlooking the sea, a warm welcome awaits sou. You'll appreciate all the amenities of a luxury hotel, including restaurant, lounge bar. rooms with bathroom show er, colour T\’. telephone. Most of all, you'll appreciate tlie special 'bargiiin break' rtites. Per person in twin Single 3 nights £83.35 £89.85 4 nights £104.50 £1 12.50 7 nitihts £178.50 £192.50 Extra Discount! British Airways-Firecracker £66 Normal Fare £99 P & O Ferries Berth in 4 berth eabins £53.20 Berth in 2 berth cabins £60.80 Berth in 2 berth Sintjle Occ. £91.20 Flights depart dailv from .•\berdeen. Ferries evers Mondas'. \Vednesda\-, Fndav. Reservations Please fill in the booking form below, tear off and send to:- l ERVMCR HO FFl . SOI FH ROAD, FLRWICK, SHF FFAM) /FI ORB Telephone: 0595 2166 Felex: 75128 Parties groups of ten or more are entitled to additional discount on the above rates, and the use of the hotel's safari landrover. Please enquire w hen \'ou make vour reservations. Rare Species Exclusis e to Shetland are the Red Necked Phalarope and the VVimbrel; but \’ou will also I’le.ise note, no deposit is required until sour bookini; is eontirmed. .\ll r. lies quoted ,ire sub|ect to .ilter.ition. w itboul notice Thistle Hotels We put you first f Lerwick Hotel, Shetland. Booking Form No. of persons ^ No. of nights Accommodation required: Twin EH Single EH Dates 1st choice until (inclusive) 2nd choice. Name until. Address . Tel BBG'Hi 1 MARK BEAMAN STEVE MADGE IAIN ROBERTSON BIRDQUEST is a programme of worldwide birdwatching holidays run by experienced leaders. Our holidays are organised by people who understand the needs of birdwatchers and are excellent value for money. Forthcoming Birdquests THAILAND £990 14-30 Jan. 1982 ( 17 days). Leaders: Steve Madge & Iain Robertson KENYA & RWANDA £1195 5-21 Feb. 1982 (17 days). Leader: Don I’urner INDIA & NEPAL £1085 26 Feb. -14 Mar. 1982 (17 days). Optional extension to Mt. Everest. Leader: Mark Beaman ISRAEL £665 22 Mar. -5 Apr. & 5-19 Apr. 1982 (15 days). Leaders: Steve Madge & lain Robertson FLORIDA £660 4-18 Apr. 1982 ( 15 days). Leader: Mark Beaman MOROCCO £655 24 Apr. -8 May 1982 (15 days). Leader: Iain Robertson Other destinations include: THE CAMARGUE, LAKE NEUSIEDL, TURKEY, LAPLAND, TEXAS, PERU, SRI LANKA (CEYLON), INDIA, KENYA, CAMEROUN, U.S.S.R. (SIBERIA, CENTRAL ASIA & THE CAUCASUS). Mark, Steve and Iain look jorward to welcoming you to a Birdquest. For our brochure please contact: BIRDQUEST, 8 Albert Road East, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 9AL. Tel: 061-928 5945 BIRDQUEST are agents for C.S.R. Travel (Manchester) Ltd., 1 Clarence Street, Manchester M2 4DE. ABTA ATOL 1190B. Your Invitation to Join Ip BIRDS^ & NATURAL HISTORY g / by arrangement with BOOK SOCIETY ' \RSPB The Birds & Natural History Book Society Whatever your interest in birds and wildlife, make the most of it through membership of the Birds & Natural History Book Society . . . approved by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as further- ing its essential role in developing interest in birds and their place in the countryside. We offer a very wide range of books on birdwatching, conserva- tion, in-depth studies of indivi- dual species, and birds as part of the wider natural history and country scene - and there is immense choice. YOU make your selection from the free newsletter published approxi- mately every other month, from catalogues and from special offers. Your only commitment is to be a member for one year and buy four more books - any four from the hundreds offered. 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Please complete this and return it to us: we want to produce the sort ofjournal which will please readers. 315 Ross’s Gulls in the Arctic pack-ice Hans Meltofte, Carl Edelstam, Gunnar Granstrom, Johan Hammar and Christian Hjort Little studied since the journeys of the 19th-century polar explorers, Ross’s Gulls were seen in unprecedented numbers during the Swedish ‘Ymer-80’ expedition through the Arctic Ocean During the Arctic research cruise with the Swedish ice-breaker HMS Ymer (figs. 1 & 2), continuous watch for birds and mammals was carried out from the top deck, 24m above sea level. Numbers observed, as well as such data as age, behaviour, aggregation and direction and height of flight, were recorded in 10-minute periods on data sheets. All the obser\ a- tions made during the expedition will be analysed later in relation to food, ice conditions and so on. This paper is a preliminary report on the observa- tions of Ross’s Gulls Rhodostethia rosea. The first leg, from 3rd July to 6th August, traversed the sea between and north of Svalbard and Franzjosef Land. There, a t,otal of 1 ,356 Ross’s Gulls was recorded in the pack-ice (fig. 2). Since some were recorded in several consecutive 10-minute periods, these sightings represented a minimum of 670 individuals. The largest concentrations were found north of Nordaust- landet and at the farthest north of Franz Josef Land, and there were also two flocks, of 50 and 20 respectively, south of Victoria Island. Fhe first Ross’s Gulls were observed on 7th July, east of Nordaustlandet, and during 9th to 1 1 th July a total ofat least 276 individuals was seen north ol this island. Of these, 189 migrated in westerly directions in rather loose groups mainly of two to 16 individuals flying a few metres above the sea ice. Some of the flocks flew around the ship a few times or alighted on the ice, but most Just passed by. In this period, many of the birds, especially those in migrating flocks, appeared to be paired. 316 [Ihit. linds 74: 3 1 6-320. August 1081 1 r Ross’s Gulls in the Arctic pack-ice 317 during second leg, 9th August to 23rd September 1980. Zigzag line shows edge of dense pack-ice. Fringes and isolated fields of pack-ice were found outside compact edge. Area covered b> fig. 2 is framed. In spite of several passages of east Greenland ice south of 77°.N, no Ross's Gulls have been obserxed there Of 492 aged individuals, 12% were 2nd-calendar-year birds, readily distinguished by the remaining juvenile wing pattern and single dark- edged tail feathers. All but a few of these one-year-old birds had a dark neck collar, bright red legs, and more or less rosy underparts. The rosy tinge varied greatly among the adults too, but vve were surprised by the intensity of this colour. Throughout the period, several individuals were in full primary moult. Only a few were seen near Nordaustlandet, w’hen we passed again during the last days ofjuly, when more open water occurred, although much heavy pack-ice was still present. 318 Ross’s Gulls in the Arctic pack-ice During the second leg, from 9th August to 23rd September, 31 records of at least 20 individual Ross’s Gulls were recorded between 15th and 19th August, north of Nordaustlandet, most of them close to 82°N (fig. 1 ) . A total of 165 records involving at least 1 16 individuals was observed in the period from 23rd August to 10th September in the east Greenland ice between Svalbard and north Greenland. Ross’s Gulls were encountered scattered nearly all over the pack-ice, but most were seen in the outermost parts of the ice, in which, however, most time also was spent watching during this time of the cruise. During the last part of the expedition, again working in the pack-ice north of Svalbard and Franz Josef Land, Ross’s Gulls still occurred in numbers north of Nordaustlandet, whereas fewer were seen farther east (fig. 1). A total of 482 records of a minimum of 1 16 individuals was seen there during 10th- 19th September, most of them between 81° and 82°N. Of these, 97 migrated in easterly or southeasterly directions in groups of up to 13 individuals. Due to advanced moult, only few Ross’s Gulls seen on the second leg could be recognised as immatures, and none after 25th August. At this time, most were in winter plumage, with less of a rosy tinge and no or only a slight collar. Heavy primary moult was recorded until 15th August. No juveniles were seen. Ross’s Gulls were apparently less attracted to the ship than were the other gull species. They were often seen flying over the ice, occasionally taking food from the water surface of channels (leads) in the ice, either by swooping and snatching in flight, or by alighting on the ice or water. Sometimes they plunge-dived like Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla. When fol- lowing the boat, they usually searched the broken ice farther behind the ship than the other gulls. When the ship stopped, they caught up with it after some time and gathered on the ice together with Kittiwakes and Ivor\' Gulls Pagophila eburnea, or simply moved on and left our company. The larger flocks encountered south of Victoria Island on 3rd August were flushed by the ship from ice-floes. Most ice-floes between Svalbard and Franz Josef Land were 1-2 m thick. Farther north, the ice was heavier, and the east Greenland ice especially was often several metres thick. Ridges of pack-ice were found everywhere. New ice regularly formed on pools on the ice-floes throughout the summer, and, from late August onwards, 10-20 cm of nev^ ice formed on leads and many other open-water areas. Discussion Little is known about the life of Ross’s Gull, especially outside the breeding season. The only large breeding sites known are in northeastern Siberia, from the Khatanga river to the Kolyma delta region (Buturlin 1906, Zhyrnov et al. 1978), but single breeding records are known in Greenland, on Svalbard and in the Canadian Arctic (L^^venskiold 1964, MacDonald 1978, Kampp& Kristensen 1980, Hjort 1980); those by MacDonald and by HJort were on barren High Arctic coasts. Ross’s Gulls have earlier been found in the pack-ice north of Svalbard 319 Ross’s Gulls in the Arctic pack-ice Fig. 2. Mean numbers of Ross’s Gulls Rhodostethia rosea observed per 10-minute period within ‘squares’ of 1° lat. X S'* long, (cf Browne/ a/. 1975) during 5th July to 4th .August 1980. Ten to 193 10-minute periods were spent within each square. Navigation route is dashed; squares not covered are hatched. Pack-ice occurred every'where inside area, but south of80‘’N larger open water areas often formed. and Franz Josef Land. Parry & Ross (Parry 1828), Nansen (Collet & Nansen 1900), and Andree (Lonnberg 1931) recorded several around 82°N in July and August 1827, 1895 and 1897, respectively; the largest con- centrations were seen by Nansen northeast of Franz Josef Land (see map in L0venskiold 1963). The reason why none has been reported since then may be that few zoologists have entered the heavy pack-ice since the fight for the North Pole during the 19th century. Apparently, most Ross’s Gulls in July and August occurred in the heavy pack-ice in the northern and northeastern areas visited. Very’ few were seen over open-water leads or wider spaces (polynias), and only a few just outside the limit of the pack-ice. The pack-ice areas between Svalbard and Franz Josef Land especially were extremely productive, the underside of the ice often being completely covered by algae, whereas the east Greenland ice was obviously less productive (cf. Divoky 1976). No extreme weather conditions prevailed in 1980, and the sea-ice con- ditions showed no extreme patterns. Bad visibility may have biased the observations in some areas, not so much because of our inability to see the birds, but more because of their inability to see the ship and thus be attracted by it. During good conditions, we covered efficiently a range of 500-1,000 m on either side of the ship, but the gulls were probably often attracted by Ymer, and often followed the ship for some time, especially when in dense ice. Large numbers of food organisms were exposed from the underside of the broken ice. 320 Ross’s Gulls in the Arctic pack-ice Other bird species were seen in large numbers, but they were even more strongly attracted by the ship, and it is likely that Ross’s Cull was one of the most numerous species in the pack-ice. In certain areas, they could be found simply by searching the horizon with binoculars. I he Ross’s Gulls in breeding plumage migrating west at Nordaustlandet in early and mid July — often in pairs — can not have been breeding birds, which, irrespective of whether they belong to a Low or High Arctic popula- tion, should have been incubating or attending young at this time. They can either have been 3rd-calendar-year immatures or breeders which had abstained from breeding (e.g. due to flooding of the Siberian breeding sites, see Dementiev & Gladkov 1969) or individuals which had failed and left the breeding areas early. The many paired birds seen in July might support the two latter assumptions. The large numbers observed, together with the westerly migration in July and the easterly migration observed in September, suggest that the highly productive polar ice bordering the Barents and Greenland Seas serves as an important feeding and moulting area for non-breeding Ross’s Gulls during the summer. Acknowledgments Besides all those who have been involved with the organisation of the ‘Ymer-80’ expedition, we should like to thank Jon Fjeldsa and Kaj Karnpp, who have critieally read the manuscript. Summary About 1 ,()()() Ross’s CjuIIs Rhodostethia rosea were seen during the .Swedish ‘Ymer-80’ expedition north ol and between Cireenland, Svalbard and Franz Josef Land during July to .September 1980. References Brown, R. (L B., Nettleship, D. N., Germain, P., Tui.l, C. E., & Davis, F. 1975. Allas oj Eastern Canadian Seabirds. Ganadian Wildlife .Service, Ottawa. Buturun, .S, .\. 1906. Fhe breeding-grounds of the Rosy Gull. Ibis (8) 6: 131-139, 333-337, 661-666. Gollet, R., & Nansen, f'. 1900. An account of the birds. In: Nansen, F. (ed.) The Nom^egian North Polar Expedition 1893-1896. Scienlijic Results, vol. 1. Ghristiania. Dementiev, G. P., & Gladkov, N. A. 1969. Birds oJ the Soviet Union, vol. 3. Jerusalem. Divoky, G. J. 1976. The pelagic feeding habits of Ivory' and Ross’s Gulls. Condor 78: 85-90. Hjort, C. 1980. Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea breeding in Peary Land, North Greenland, 1979. Dansk Dm. Eoren. Tidsskr. 74: 75-16. Kampp, K., & Kristensen, R. .VI. 1980. Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea breeding in Disko Bay, West Greenland, 1979. Dansk Dm. Eoren. Tidsskr. 74: 65-74. Lonnberg, E. 1931 . Scientihc results of the Andree-Expedition. 2. Mammals, birds and fishes. Geogr. Annaler. vol. 13. L0VENSKIOLD, FI. L. 1963. Avifauna Svalbardensis . Oslo. MacDonald, S. 1978. First breeding record of Ross’s Gull in Clanada. Proc. Colonial H'aterhird Group ( 1978): 16. Parry, W. E. 1828. Narrative of an Attempt to Reach the North Pole. London. Zhyrnov, L. V., Vinokurov, ,'\. A., & Bychkov, V. A. 1978. Rare and Threatened .\nimals of the USSR: mammals and birds. Moscow. Hans Meltojte, Mpllegade 23, 3 tv, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Carl Edelstam, Gunnar Granstrom, Johan Harnmar and Christian Hjort, Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, S-104 05 Stockholm 50, Sweden I Baikal Teal: new to Britain and Ireland D. /. XI. Wallace After 26 and more years of debate, a Siberian duck is finally allowed aboard . . . The long-established practice of adoring captive, imported wildfowl holds a permanent veil across the occurrence of extralimital species; and no duck has ever struggled harder to become accepted as a wild British bird than the Baikal Teal Anasjormosa. In The Handbook, it featured only in a footnote and was treated as a frequent escape, along with the Wood Duck Aix sponsa and the Mandarin A. galericulata. Such an attitude was mirrored in ten other Fmropean countries from Finland and Sweden in the north to Italy and Malta in the south, although no less than fi\ e were obtained in the Saone V alley, France, in November 1836, before any known introduction to Europe (Cramp & Simmons 1977). One British record, ofa duck (or immature) on Fair Isle, Shetland, in late September 1954, was clearly associated with an influx of other Siberian species; and the long persistence of its observers, particularly the late Kenneth Williamson, in arguing its case was clearly a factor in the inclusion of the Baikal Teal in the new category D of the British list (BOU 1971). There, six recent records were displayed for Britain and Ireland, all dated since 1927 and in late autumn and winter. They were a tantalising lot and might have remained so but for the arrival and long stay of an adult drake at Caerlaverock, Dumfries & Galloway, from mid February to early .\pril 1973 {Brit. Birds 73: 530). The close obser\ ations made on this bird clearly demonstrated its wildness — it preferred goose and swan droppings to subsi- dised corn! — and, once again, the species went the rounds of review com- mittees. In 1980, after due deliberation (including a survey of all known European records), the BOU Records Committee accepted not only that wild vagrants could reach Britain, but also that both the 1954 Fair Isle and the Caerlaverock birds were such, so, eventually, following the opinions of the Wildfowl Trust and the late DrJ. M. Harrison (Harrison 1958). The rest of this paper tells the tale of the first individual and adds some general information on the species. [Brtl. Birds 74: 321-326, August 1981] 321 322 Baikal Teal: new to Britain and Ireland Fig. 1. Baikal Teals Anas Jormosa. Lower left, head of duck, showing fully developed throat bridle (shown by 15% of individuals); upper left, juvenile; right, adult drake in breeding plumage (D. I. M. Wallace) Discovery and suspicion The birdwatchers present on Fair Isle in the third and fourth weeks of September 1954 enjoyed some classic drift weather and some (then) aston- ishing Siberian vagrants. The first of these was Britain’s original Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola {Brit. Birds 48: 26-29) and most of the observatory’s work from 20th to 23rd was devoted to its identification. On 24th, wide searches of the isle resumed, and that night the log listed three duck (or immature) Teal Anas crecca seen at Hestigeo by the late W. J. C. Conn, my late father W. J. Wallace and myself On 25th, we flushed the same birds from a small pool near the geo and enjoyed excellent flight views at about 20m. The leading bird looked odd, being ‘slightly larger’ and showing ‘a Wigeon-like pattern on the underbody’ and ‘a distinctly lighter white line above the speculum’. At the time, we were all junior students of migration and identification and had never heard of the Baikal Teal. Thus, our mention of an ‘odd teal’ drew little attention from our seniors, whose talk was still largely of the magic wagtail and other passerines, and we let the matter rest. It was not, however, ended. Rediscovery, identification and ageing No sooner had we sailed away on 30th September than the ‘three teal’ at Hestigeo were rediscovered by H. A. Craw, W. Craw, Dr W. J. Eggeling, I. J. Ferguson-Lees and Kenneth Williamson. As we had on the 25th, they Baikal Teal: new to Britain and Ireland 323 immediately spotted the odd and wilder bird in the trio. Its larger size in flight again aroused suspicions and the greater extent of white above the speculum soon had them following the trio around the coast. Poor light prevented full observations on 30th, but an afternoon watch on 1st October allowed a close compari.son of the odd bird with the two certain Teals (settled on the sea) and the following description (condensed from W illiamson 1954) was obtained: ‘obviously a female “teal” but bigger and brighter in plumage than the others . . . decidedly broader in the beam . . . had a bigger head, with a high forehead and \ ery fine (apparently greyish) bill — the whole presenting a marked retrousee eflect in profile . . . top of the head and nape warm brown, richer than in the Clommon leal . . . feathers of mantle and scapulars appeared longer and had the outer webs edged with buff, these forming a pattern of “\ ” markings on the back . . . breast brown, mottled darker, and the belly white, and when the bird rose up in the water to wing-flap . . . there was a distinct line of demarcation between the two . . . flanks more heax ily marked than in Clommon Peal, this being due to close dark brown blotching . . . tail blackish-brown, darker than the mantle, and . . . undertail-coverts . . . white. 4 he closed wing showed a green speculum bounded on the inside by a narrow white line, and w hen the bird was flying this white was more extensive than in the Common Peal. When the bird swam towards us the face showed two conspicuous w hite marks on the lores; the sides of the head were greyish-w hite, and there was a narrow dark line through the eye.’ 44ie bird’s character and appearance were discussed on the telephone with Hugh Boyd (then of the Wildfowl I'rust) on both dates and all the senior observers considered the identification established and unques- tionable. It was not until December that the next issue of the observatoiy bulletin appraised the original observers of the rich sequel to their puzzle; and, although a letter ‘connecting’ the events was immediatelv sent to Will iamson, no revised account was then published nor fully considered until the BOU Records Committee review of 1979. Fiven then, the bird’s definition was not quite complete, for it now falls to me to make one small correction to the original account. As will be seen in the follow ing section on field characters, adult duck Baikal Teal show rufous upper borders to their specula. The Fair Isle bird had a noticeably white one and so must have been in juvenile plumage. Associated occurrences of other Eurasian vagrants Although the account of the Baikal Teal properly noted the possibility of its being an escape from captivity, Williamson also commented that ‘it seems doubtful if [the species] will ever present better credentials to British ornithology than in this case.’ The bird was present on Fair Isle in a period of intermittent, cyclonic easterly winds that brought not only Britain’s first Citrine Wagtail, but also the second from 1st to 5th October, at least two Lesser Whitethroats Sylvia ciirruca of the Siberian race blythi on 21st and 22nd September, an Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis and three Scarlet Rosefinches Carpodacus erythrinus on 20th. All these are common in areas of 324 Baikal Teal: new to Britain and Ireland Siberia adjacent to and overlapping the range of the Baikal Teal, as is the Siberian 4Trush Zoothera sibinca, of which the hrst British individual appeared on the Isle olMay, Fife, on 2nd October 1954 [Brit. Birds 48: 21-25). The occurrence of the last is particularly telling, since its trans- Eurasian \agrancy was the then longest recorded (and accepted) for any bird. No non-passerine Asian rarities were found in late September 1954, but four species of Siberian waders were obx ious in south Shetland from 19th to 2 1st. (In passing, it may be noted that the autumn of 1954 was one of the very wide-flung dispersals in Flolarctic birds, with two new Nearctic waders appearing ahead of the above birds and two rare wheatears Oenanthe coming after them. Omens of 1975 and 1976!) 181. Male Baikal Teal Anas Jormosa, U.SSR, April 1974 ( Yuri Shibnev) Field identification An adult drake Baikal Teal in breeding plumage is unmistakable; no other small to medium-sized Anas has such an intricately patterned, pale yellow and green-black head, long rufous-and-white-edged scapulars, narrow vertical lines fore and aft of dark grey flanks and an all-black undertail. At all other ages and in all other plumages, the Baikal Teal is subject to confusion with Teal, Blue-winged lAal A. discors and Garganey A. qner- quedula. This is particularly so with settled birds (hiding their wings) and separation must then be based on comparisons of size, strength of plumage pattern and, above all, facial pattern. The last varies in all duck, eclipse drake and immature Anas, but the following basic differences exist: TEAL Facial pattern usually indistinct in .1. c. crecca. with little contrast betwc-en c rown and rest of head and no pale or dark spots and lines obc ious; more distinc t in .1. c. carolirmisi.s, with c rown and c'ye-stripe darker and thus more ob\ ions than in .1. c. crecca. but still laekinij; pale loral spots. 325 Baikal Teal: new to Britain and Ireland BLUE-WINGED TEAL L sually distinct, with crown darker than rest ol head. lairK well-marked ece-stripe and notic eably pale, even almost white spot at base ol upper mandible. GARGANEY Distinc t, with whole head laterally lined by dark c rown, eye-stripe and cheek bar, all con- trasting w ith pale supereilium and line under eye-stripe; last abuts Irase ol upper mandible, but does not lc)rm isolatc-d bold mark. BAIKAL TEAL Distinct, with very dark crown, dark eye-stripc‘, dark vertical line (or smudge) below eve and |)roniinent, dark-outlined, almost-white spot at base ol upper mandible, all visible against pale vs hitish-grey to grey-brown cheeks; supere ilium narrow and incomplete, reddish-buir bc-l(>re eye, paler (lacking red tone) behind, .\bcjut l.a% ol females show a vers distinct set of dark ‘bridles’ on the sides ol the otherwise pale throat (Harrison 19.iH). In general terms, size and bulk range downwards from Baikal deal, through (iarganey and Blue-winged d eal to the Nearctic race and lastly the Palearctic race ol the dVal. I he mcjst obvious size dillerence is in wing- length, with that ol the Baikal d eal about 20% greater than that ol the d eal. As with laeial patterns, body-plumage marks vary (most in the d eal), but the leather centres ol the back and flanks of the Blue-winged and Baikal l eal are noticeably dark, d he back feathers of the latter are also visiblv longer and more lanceolate than those of the other teals. In Hight, diUcrenccs in the upperwing patterns of teals show well. .Ml the species discussed here exhibit green specula, but the pale blue and lavender-grey forewings respectively of the Blue-winged d eal and the (iarganey are very distinctive, leaving the Baikal d eal and d eal to share similar grey-brown forewings and pale borders to their specula. Of the latter, the upper (or foremost) is the more obvious and is coloured rufous on adult Baikal d eal, pale bull (distally) to white (proximally) on adult d eal and virtually white on immatures of both species. 1 1 is formed by the visible tips of the greater coverts, which are wider in drakes than in ducks (M. .\. Ogilvie in litl.). With field study of the Baikal d'eal incomplete, it is impossible to analyse precisely the diflercnces in the greater-covert bar (and it may be that its prominence on the Fair Isle bird was a function as much of size as of colour). So, it is important to recognise a further diflerence in flight appearance. Phis stems from the pattern of the under- wing, often very obvious on ducks. On the Peal, the dark grey lesser tmdcrwing-coverts are very broadly tipped white or whitish (often to nearly half the visible feather length) and they create on the leading edge a mottled dark, narrow band. In contrast, the same feathers on the Baikal d>al have no more than very narrow whitish tips (if any) and the leading edge is therefore considerably darker and broader. The diflerence is striking in skins and should show in the field. .\n excellent coloured plate of the Baikal Peal by Sir Peter Scott can be found in Hollom ( 1960, 1980), but nodetailed plumage description exists in current identification texts. See also fig. 1, title drawing to this paper (for underwing of Baikal Teal) and Wallace & Ogilvie (1977). The drake Baikal Teal utters a distinctive, far-carrying clucking or chuckling note variously written ’klo-klo", ‘wot-wot' and ‘proop’. 326 Baikal Teal: new to Britain and Ireland Notes on the species 3 he Baikal Teal is a rather seereti\ e though often noisy duck of small, still and running freshwaters and thieketed riverine deltas in north-central and northeastern Siberia. Its range begins at the Wnisei and ends in Kam- chatka, spanning the northern taiga and the southern tundra edge between 70°N and about 55°N. Its population is highly migratory, withdrawing south to winter on marshes, rivers and ponds in Japan and eastern China. Spring passage is obvious in Korea, Manchuria and eastern Siberia, but the autumn return remains strangely undefined. V'agrants straggle farther cast to Alaska, south to Hong Kong, and southwest to southwestern Siberia and northern India (Cramp & Simmons 1977). d'he Baikal Teal enters its breeding habitat from early May and departs from it in September. It rubs shoulders with I'eal, Garganey and Falcated Teal A. jalcata; no obvious dichotomy of habitat preference is known. Most nests are on or near water and often under willows Salix. Clutch size varies from si.x to nine, and eggs are laid in late June and early July. Ducklings hatch in about 25 days and are capable of flight after a further 30 to 35. Fhe most recent analysis of the physiology and behaviour of the Baikal d’eal (^johnsgard 1965) indicates that it is a close relative of the 1 eal, with similar plumage sequence, tracheal shape and displays. Acknowledgments Rot)n t Hudson and Rotters pro\ idcd rclcrcMu cs to the Fair Isle and other records. .\1. .\. OgiKie added mucti more infitrmation on plumage eharaeters and breeding belia\ioiir. Summary .\n immature Baikal Feal Anas Jomwsa present at Fair Isle, Shetland, from at least 2,'ith September to 1st October 19,54 is now considered the first certain wild \ agr;mt ol that species to have reached Britain. .\n account ol thc bird and its likely lellow-tra\ ellers is gi\ en. together with briefnotes on field eharaeters, range, migrations and breeding biology. References Bri'I ISII ( )rmthoi.ogists’ L'nion. H)7 1 . The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland. London. Cramp, S., & Simmons, K. F, L, (eds,) 1977. The Birds oj the Western Balearctic. \ol. 1. Oxford. Johnsgard, P, 1965. The Handbook oj Waterjou'l Behaviour. .\ew \’ork. Harrison, J. ,\I. 1958. 1 he Baikal 4’eal in the British Isles: a new record and a note on the ineidenee of the ‘bridled’ face pattern. Bull. BOC 78: 105-107. Hoi.i.om, P. ,\. D. 1960, revised 1980. The Popular Handbook of Rarer British Birds. London. W At, PAGE, D. I. NL, & Ogii.vie, M. .\. 1977. Distinguishing Blue-winged Feals and Cinnamon d eals. Brit. Birds 70: 290-294. VX’ii.i.iAMSON, K. 1954. .\ Baikal Feal at Fair Isle, and other notes. Bull. Pair Isle Bird Ohs. 2(5): 194-195. D. /. M. Wallace, 68 Selby Road, Holme on Spalding Moor, York Y04 4EL ' 3fiftj> pcarg ago . . . ‘red-headed BUNTING IN ORKNEY. A NEW BRITISH BIRD. On the afternoon of I line 19th, 193 1 , on .\ortfi Ronaldsay, my wife and I saw a bird entirely new to us ... On our return to the house we were able ... to identify it as a Red-headed Bunting [Emheriza icterica) . . . we realised that tfie observation was of no real scientific value without the bird. VVe therefore went out again and about 9. 15 p.rn. found and procured it . . . it was made into a very good skin.' (L Lardi.ey I ODD [Bril. Birds 25: 66, August 1931) Review of birds in the Channel Islands, 1951-80 Roger Long Records and observations on tlie flora and fauna in the Channel Islands are treated with confusing arbitrariness by British naturalists in the various branches of natural history. Botanists include the islands as part of the British Isles, mammalogists do not, and several subdivisions of entomo- logists adopt diflering treatments. The BOU lists and records have always excluded the Cihannel Islands, but The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland ( 1976) included them, as do all the other distribution mapping schemes currently being prepared bv the Biological Records Cientre at Monks Wood Experimental Station, Huntingdon. The most notable occurrences of rarities have been published in British Birds, and this review has been compiled so that the other, less spectacular — but possibly more significant — observations are available as a complement to the British and Irish records. The late Roderick Dobson, an English naturalist resident in Jersey between 1935 and 1948 and from 1958 to his death in 1979, was the author of the invaluable Birds oj the Channel Islands (1952). In this, he brought together the results of his meticulous fieldwork in all the islands, and his critical interpretation of every record — published or private — that he was able to unearth, fortunately just before the turmoil of the years of German Occupation ( 1940-45) dispersed much of the material, perhaps for ever. I concern myself here chiefly with the changes recorded jdu ring the approxi- mately 30 years since Dobson’s record closed. Species considered to have shown little change in status over those years are not listed. The period covered has coincided with considerable growth both in numbers and competence of the local groups who maintain the islands’ ornithological records. Initially, coverage lacked uniformity, the smaller [Bnt. Birdi 74: 327-344. .Xurusi 1981 1 327 328 Birds in the Channel Islands Fig. 1. Map showing position of Channel Islands in relation to Cherbourg Peninsula, France islands being less well studied. Sark’s birdwatching group emerged in the mid 1960s, and in Alderney a group is now established which, although not specifically ornithological, is expected to complete this coverage and match the societies in the other three main islands. In the past, Alderney has attracted ornithologists from Jersey, Guernsey and elsewhere, whose scattered published and unpublished records are sulficient for it to be included in this review, although a degree of unevenness is inevitable and should be borne in mind by the reader. In Jersey, the Ornithology Section of the Societe jersiaise publish annual reports in the Societe’s Annual Bulletin, the report for 1930 being the first of the present series. I’lie Report and Transactions of the Societe Guernesiaise Birds in the Channel Islands 329 similarly includes ornithological reports, in which records from Guernsey predominate over a lesser number ofobservations from Alderney and Sark. Sark’s comparatively young organisation, La Societe Sercquiaise, issues duplicated annual reports and observations which keep up to date A List oj the Birds of Sark by F. R. G. Rountree (1972). Alderney’s birds have been summarised in A List oJ the Birds of Alderney by P. J. Gonder and others ( 1972), which was disarmingly referred to by its authors as a cock-shy list. "Phis has now been considerably enlarged and updated, principally by N. \ . Mendham in Alderney, and has been reissued ( 1979). I have adopted an arbitrary division of the material presented here. Fhe first part is a systematic record of the changes in status of birds breeding in the islands since Dobson’s account closed in about 1951. The third part is a detailed list of the occurrences of rarities, and the second part gathers in all significant observations of species not covered by the other two. This paper provides an opportunity to correct certain errors in The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland ( 1976): Additions Cormorant WA .')() (Alderney) confirmed breeding Swallow WA .50 (.Alderney) confirmed breeding .Swallow WV 3H (Herni) confirmed breeding Blue l it WA .50 (.Alderney) confirmed breeding Stonechat W.\ 50 (.Alderney) confirmed breeding Ct'tti’.s Warbler WV 65 ( Jer.sev) confirmed breeding (the text IbrCetti’s Warbler erroneouslv included Alderney) (iarden W arbler WV27 ((iuernsey) possible breeding Reed Bunting WV 65 (.Jersey) confirmed breeding Reed Fkinting \W 27 ((kiernsey) confirmed breeding Correction Long-tailed Tit WA 50 (.Alderney) probable breeding only Breeding birds 'Fhe long-awaited colonisation of the C.hannel Islands by Fulmars Fulmarus glacialis came in 1975, in Jersey and in Alderney. Individuals had been watched prospecting lor many years and were first seen to alight on both islands in 1974. By 1980, there were more than a dozen pairs in jersey and nearly as many in Alderney. Also, in 1980, it is possible that up to five pairs bred in Sark for the first time; in Guernsey, although Fulmars have been seen on ledges, proof of breeding is still awaited. Fhe present size of the colony of Storm Petrels Hydrobates pelagicus on Burhou, an islet off .Alderney, is a matter of some uncertainty and concern. In the early 1960s, it was calculated to be of many thousands (R. W. .Arnold m litt.), but recent visits to the island by local ornithologists have provided evidence, if not proof, of a catastrophic decline to hundreds or even dozens. Four consecutive trapping nights in 1963 produced about 1,100, but recent attempts by equally skilled ringers have resulted in only a few dozen in a season. No theory has yet been put forward to account for this. Little is known about the handful of pairs which are thought to breed on the other islets scattered around the larger islands, but they probably never total more than a few dozen. Periodic nest counts in the colonies of Gannets Sula bassana on Les Etacs 330 Birds in the Channel Islands and Ortac oH Alderney showed a steady increase until about 1960, when they reached about 1,000 at both sites, since when the totals seem to have remained fairly constant. Apart from the ubiquitous Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, the only wildfowl known to have bred are one pair of Garganeys A. querquedula at St Ouen’s Pond, Jersey, in 1952, a pair of Shelducks Tadorna ladorna on Lihou, Guernsey, in 1968, and some Tufted Ducks Aythya Juligula since 1975 at one reservoir in Jersey. By 1980, this last species had spread to at least three other sites. Mandarins Aix galericulata and Wood Ducks Aix sponsa from either the Jersey Zoo or private collections have both bred in the wild on a few occasions, the former now apparently becoming established. Both Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and Peregrine Falco peregrinus ceased to breed in any of the islands during the late 1950s and as yet show no sign of recolonising them, although indiv iduals are occasionally seen. I he nest of a Quail Coturnix cotumix w ith 13 eggs w as found on Longy Common, Alderney, in 1964, and there was an unsubstantiated report of one at the same place the following year. According to the criteria applied by the Atlas organisers. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus qualified as possibly breeding in Jersey. On at least two occasions in the early 1970s, one was seen in suitable habitat during part of the breeding season, but no further evidence of breeding was obtained. Coots Fulica atra seem to be becoming established in small numbers in Guernsey, and over the past three years nesting has been recorded at at least three sites. The struggle by Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus to maintain a foothold in the islands seems to have come to its inevitable conclusion. The pressure of increasing tourism caused a gradual reduction in numbers, and in 1975, for the first time, no nest was found in Guernsey, Alderney or Herm. The prospect of their resuming breeding in the Channel Islands appears to be slight. In 1959 and 1960, when a number of Kentish still bred in Alderney, one pair of Ringed Plovers C. hiaticula bred among them, and a pair raised one young in Guernsey in 1980. Tantalising reports of Lapwings Vanetlus vanellus in Jersey in summer are sprinkled through the records, but none of those claims of breeding has stood up to investigation. In 1979, however, four pairs nested successfully at a site in the west of the island, and at least two pairs did so in 1980. Herring Lams argentatus and Lesser Black-backed Gulls L. Juscus have become more numerous over the last two decades, the latter to the extent that about ten pairs now breed on the Jersey mainland where none did before 1960, probably as a result of competition for space in the burgeoning offshore colonies. Great Black-backed Gulls L. marinus have, at a conserva- tive estimate, trebled their numbers over the same period, which may have been an important factor in the decline of the Puffin Fratercula arctica in the islands, particularly on Burhou. Although Dobson reported Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla as having bred in five or six sites around various islands, Ortac, between Alderney and the Casquets, has the sole remaining colony of about 15 pairs. Perns are less easy to categorise briefly. Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvi- censis were thought to have ceased breeding in Jersey after 1961, but in 1978 Birds in the Channel Islands 331 eggs were found again on one ol the island’s outlying reefs. Although breeding was unsuccesslul that year, two or three dozen young were fledged in 1979, followed by a rather smaller number in 1980. The numbers of Common I erns S. hirundo appear to fluctuate widely, with some islets being abandoned and others colonised for no obvious reason. I he main colony of Puffins is centred with the Storm Petrels on Burhou and has suffered a comparable decline. In about 1950, Dobson refers to ‘. . . an enormous colony on Burhou’, 750 pairs on the tiny Stack of Sark and numerous small colonies. In 1978, the Burhou population was esti- mated to be well under 1,000 individuals, and the remaining colonies scattered throughout the islands are only in double figures. I he Guillemot L ria aalge ceased to breed in Jersey in the mid 1950s, but elsewhere it seems to be in substantially similar numbers to those recorded by Dobson. I he Stock Dove Columba oenas may well qualify as the most overlooked species, at least in these islands. 3 he 1951 record of its breeding in Guernsey was not followed by a second until 1978; but a nest was seen in Jersey in 1966, and young have been recorded there in most breeding seasons since. The range of the Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto extended to jersey in 1961, Guernsey the following year, and Alderney and Sark in about 1964; it is now quite widely distributed throughout each island, and very numerous. I he only change in the status of the Barn Owl Tyto alba concerns Sark, where it is now presumed to be established on the evidence of at least four pairs holding territories. A pair of Long-eared Owls Asia otus feeding two young was discovered in a wooded valley in jersey in 1979. Unconfirmed reports combined with the exceptional numbers in northwest Europe in winter 1977/78 suggest that the species may have bred the previous year as well. A pair and two young were seen at the same place in 1980. A good deal of uncertainty surrounds the status of the .Nightjar Capri- rnulgus europaeus in Jersey, where several records of churring in early summer, and one or two unsubstantiated reports of breeding, earned a ‘possible breeding’ status for it in the Atlas. One pair of Kingfishers Alcedo atthis bred in Guernsey in 1959, and one pair was successful in Jersey in 1968. 3'here may have been other attempts in recent years in Jersey, but the riparian conditions are not really suitable for Kingfishers, and their absence as a regular breeding species is hardly surprising. The nesting of Bee-eaters Merops apiaster in Alderney in 1956 was fully recorded in British Birds (Le Sueur 1957). The first pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers Dendrocopos major to be found breeding in the Channel Islands was in northeast Jersey in 1950, since when it has spread, albeit sparsely, over most of that island, but not to the others. I’wo Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers D. minor were discovered feeding young in the centre ofjersey in 1979 and, in the same summer, another was heard elsewhere in the island. .N pair was at the first site again in 1980. Dobson recorded no sign of House Martins Delichon urbica breeding in Alderney just after the Occupation, but a number of their nests were seen during the 1960s and they now breed there regularly. In Jersey, they have Birds in the Channel Islands 332 clearly increased from the few recorded in 1951 and are now widespread, although numbers may fluctuate widely between consecutive seasons, d he small numbers of Sand Martins Riparia riparia in Jersey and Guernsey vary' yvith the availability of sites at sand diggings. It is rather surprising that they persevere at many of the sites in view' of the frequent collapses of the soft local sand and the disturbances at most of the workings. Recently, more sand-pits have been opened in Jersey, and in 1979 up to 50 fresh holes were noted. I he tenuous foothold established in about 1950 by the Yellow Wagtail Motacilla fiava has been lost, and it is several years since there has been any evidence of breeding. Dobson’s entry for the Grey Wagtail M. cinerea implied that it was a resident and bred annually, at least in Jersey. It has certainly ceased to breed regularly , although nests are occasionally found in that island, and one pair was successful in Guernsey in 1977. Single pairs of Pied Wagtails M. alba bred in Jersey in 1952 and in Alderney in 1 966 (both M. a. yarrelli), and in 1980 a pair (A/, a. alba) successfully raised a brood in Alderney. In 1964 and 1965, three or four pairs of Black Redstarts Phoenicurus ochruros colonised a large disused fort on a hill above St Helier, Jersey. They may also have bred there a year or two earlier, but have not done so since, although they may have been successful in the following year or two elsewhere in St Helier. Redstarts P. phoenicurus breed only a few kilometres away on the Gotentin peninsula (Yeatman 1976), so a summer record and the possibility of breeding in these islands is not altogether surprising. In 1975, a very young juvenile was trapped in Sark on 16th July, a full month before the earliest of the migrant Redstarts usually return. When retrapped a month later, it had completed its body moult and had gained in size and weight. Since 1951, the status of the W'heatear Oenanthe oenanthe in Jersey has changed: formerly an occasional breeder, it is now purely a migrant, no nest having been recorded for over ten years. In Guernsey, it probably still nests, but no longer in the numbers indicated by Dobson. A newly fledged young seen on Burhou in 1980 provided the first nesting record in Alderney for many years. A number of warblers have bred for the first time during the period under review, notably Getti’s Warbler Cettia cetti. Several were reported regularly at St Ouen’s Pond in the 1960s (Long 1961, 1968;,Richards & Long 1964) and breeding was expected before long. Proof was obtained in 1973, although they probably nested the two previous years as well (Le Sueur 1980). Two other sites, 1 1 and 13 km to the east, were later colonised, and singing individuals have been recorded elsewhere. Since 1978 the total Jersey population has been estimated to be at least 30 pairs. An adult and newly fledged young were trapped in Alderney in 1 975, and one pair bred in Sark in 1977 and two probably nested the following year. Some juveniles have been trapped in Guernsey, but proof of their having been bred there is still lacking. Grasshopper Warblers Locuslella naevia sing on migration in all the Channel Islands in spring. In Jersey there has been no suggestion that they have ever stayed to breed, but in Guernsey and Sark, where admittedly Birds in the Channel Islands 333 182. St Oucii s Pond on west side ol Jersey, Mareli 1981. Breeding area of Reed Warblers Acrocephdlus scirpaceus, Celli’s Warblers Cetlia cetti and Bearded Tits Pamirus huirmkus IR. Lon^) more are reported, their singing in suitable habitats — in Guernsey’s case as late as the beginning of July — has resulted in ‘probable breeding’ status in the Atlas. Three .Savi’s Warblers L. luscinioides were heard and watched in (iuernsey in an apparently suitable nesting area between 26th May and 18th June 1968, but no further evidence of breeding was obtained. Similarly one was heard and seen in a likely habitat in jersey for several days at the end of May 1979 (see ‘Rare birds’, below). Firm evidence for Sedge Warbler Acrocephatus schoenobaenus as a breeding species is sparse, but a few broods have definitely been raised in some recent years in the two larger islands, at the large marshy sites, .\lthough there have been two or three records of migrating Marsh Warblers A. palustris in Guernsey and Sark, the first record for Jersey was of a pair with a nest — and later seen feeding two young — in 1979. Reed Warblers A. sarpaceus have been breeding in Alderney for some years in small numbers: Dobson’s terse comment ‘Not recorded’ for Alderney probably reflected a lack of sufficient opportunity on his part to watch for it. In 1951, Dartford Warblers Sylvia undata were known to be breeding only- in Jersey, but they have since become established in Guernsey and Alderney, and are occasionally recorded as breeding in Sark. Blackcaps S. atricapilla, not recorded by Dobson during several visits to .-Mderney, now nest there regularly. Lesser Whitethroats S. curruca are not the rarities they once were in these islands, and have possibly established themselves in all four islands in recent years. Breeding was confirmed in Guernsey in 1970 and has occurred in other years, including 1979 and 1980; two pairs were recorded in Jersey in 1972, and in some years since then; and a number were holding territory in Alderney in 1978. In Sark, after a modest start in 1974 or possibly earlier, there were at least six singing males in the northern part four years later, and the species now appears to be well established. In 1951, Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus were considered to be purely migrants, although there had undoubtedly been occasional breeding before then, but, by the end of the 1960s, a small number w as breeding at several sites in all the islands. 334 Birds in the Channel Islands The vagueness of Dobson’s remarks on the status of Goldcrests Regulus regains in Alderney and Sark clearly followed from his lack of information. They are now known to breed sparsely in both islands. A well-developed brood patch on a Firecrest R. ignicapillus trapped in Sark in the last days of May 1977 was the hrst evidence of breeding; subsequently, one was seen nest-building in Guernsey in 1979. The sketchy records of Spotted Flycatchers Muscicapa striata made 30 years ago have been substantiated by later observations, and they are now considered fairly common. The 1965 irruption produced the Channel Islands’ first record of Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus, but they did not stay. Following an irruption in 1973, however, a number appeared at St Ouen’s Pond, Jersey, and remained throughout 1974; two broods were raised, possibly by the same pair. After an interval of three seasons when no birds were seen, nesting was again recorded, and at least two pairs also bred in both 1979 and 1980. Coal Tits Parus ater began to be recorded in summer during the 1960s, but breeding was not conhrmed until 1968 in Guernsey and 1973 in Jersey. It is not certain that they have attempted to nest each year since, although they may have done so and been overlooked. Long-tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus are now known to nest in Sark, and they probably do in Alderney as well. Either Short- toed Treecreepers Cerlhia brachydactyla came to Alderney after 1951 or Dobson was unfortunate in not seeing any; they are now reasonably common in Alderney’s comparatively few wooded valleys. A female Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus with a very large brood patch was trapped in Sark at the end of May 1980, but no further evidence to confirm this possible breeding record was obtained. Dobson’s tabulation of the sizes of rookeries in Jersey showed a steady decline in numbers of Rooks Corvus frugilegus during the 1940s. Since 1950, this trend has continued, and for the past hve years only two sites, with four to six nests between them, have been occupied. Starlings Stumus vulgaris are now quite numerous in Sark and may well have been resident there 30 years ago, albeit in smaller numbers than at present. The latest species whose expanding European range has reached these shores is the Serin Serinus serinus. Breeding was first suspected at one site in Jersey in 1972, and there are now up to 20 singing males throughout the summer in that part of the island and one or two m other localities. A pair probably bred in Guernsey in 1976, but the species is not yet established; in Sark in 1 980, the trapping of a female with a brood patch indicates probable nesting there as well. Sightings of certain finches eluded Dobson when he visited Sark, and Greenfinch Carduelis chloris, Goldfinch C. carduelis and Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula are now known to be well-established in the island. Girl Buntings Emberiza cirlus still breed regularly only in Jersey, and, after a period when only one or two nest sites were known each year, the number of breeding pairs has lately increased. Sark is the only other island to have recorded Girl Buntings breeding; one pair was noted in 1977. Reed Buntings E. schoemclus have spread from the one site known by Dobson to at Birds in the Channel Islands 335 least two other marshy areas in Jersey. In 1967, the first nest was found in Guernsey, since when Reed Buntings have bred each year. Amid the prevailing air of despondency about the natural environment, it is some consolation to note that, of the species breeding in the islands in 1951 (the total then was 68), only three no longer bred in 1980, whereas 13 species have, or appear to have, become established (the present total is 78). I hat enumeration disregards the 15 species which bred once or only sporadically between 1951 and 1980. Migrant and wintering birds Migrant and wintering birds have on the whole undergone few significant changes in status compared with the catalogue of breeding species. I'he manifold increase in birdwatching — in its literal sense — has, however, considerably altered our understanding of the numbers and prev alence of many species. Ihis is well exemplified by the results of sea-watching. In the wake of achievements in Britain, Guernsey’s ornithologists soon identified their most productive places and conditions for sea-watching, and in Jersey it has since been taken up with gratifying success. C’ory’s Calonectris diornedea (see ‘Rare birds’, below) and Sooty Shearwaters Pujfinus griseus have been added to the islands’ list and quite large passages involving hundreds of Manx Shearwaters P. pujjinus and other seabirds have been logged in the late summer and autumn. Grebes and divers are now reported, .sometimes in considerable numbers, between autumn and spring. Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus are the most frequently identified, but Slavonian P. auritus and Black-necked P. nigricollis are also involved. I’he divers are less numerous, and the majority of records are of Red-throated Gavia stellata in Jersey waters and of Great Northern G. /wmer and Black-throated G. arctica around Guernsey. \\ ildfowl are occasionally reported during sea-watches, but only a few of the following records were obtained in this way. First sightings of Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus and Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis have been recorded and a number of grey geese, mainly White-fronted Anser albijrons and Cheylag A. anser, have been seen; they fill out Dobson's rather sketchy comments on these species. Numbers of Brent Geese Branta bemicla have climbed steadily since the 1950s, and the Jersey population reached a peak of about 1 ,200 in 1973, although it seems now to have levelled ofi'at between 900 and 1,000. In the latter part of most winters, up to 50 Brent of the pale-bellied race B. b. hrota may be recorded, usually remaining well separated from the larger flocks of dark-bellied B. b. bemicla. The flocks in Guernsey waters barely reach three figures and they spend most of the winter around Herm, where they are relatively safe from the effects of the inadequate protection afibrded by Guernsey’s laws. Reports of ducks reflect the greater numbers of observers present. In recent years, however, wintering populations have increased, although they are still small by mainland standards. During the period under review, Gadwall Anas strepera and \’elvet Scoter Melanitta Jusca have been recorded in both Jersey and Guernsey for the first time, and some quite common British species have been added to individual island lists and are now seen 336 Birds in the Channel Islands throughout the islands. I he more frequent of these are Teal Anas crecca, W'igeon A. penelope, Shoveler A. clypeata, Pochard Aythya Jerina, Shelduck Tadorna tadoma and Eider Somateria mollissima. Less frequently seen are Pintail Anas acuta, Scaup Aythya marila and Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis. Other changes to note are that Tufted Ducks Aythya Juligula are much more numerous in winter than previously, and that Dobson’s assess- ment ofGarganey Anas querquedula was faulty; it has always been a migrant, in accord with its French name, Sarcelle d’ete. Sark has little waterfowl habitat compared with the other islands, and a few of the otherwise common species have yet to be seen there. Of all the bird groups, it is perhaps our knowledge of waders which has increased the most. The terms ‘Irregular’ and ‘Occasional’ were much used by Dobson for species now known to be regular, even if in small numbers, and several species unrecorded in his book have now been seen on a number of occasions. The latter category comprises Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus, seen in all four islands, Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta in Jersey, Guernsey and Sark, and both Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius and Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus in Jersey and Guernsey. Sightings of Knot Calidris canutus, Little Stint C. minuta, Kuil Philomachus pugnax, Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola and Gurlew Sandpiper Calidris Jerruginea, as well as both Spotted Redshank and Little Ringed Plover, can be expected somewhere in the islands each year. Sark has sandy bays backed by high cliffs, but not the broad open beaches found in the other islands, and its waders are, therefore, few. In the past, these were largely overlooked and it is only recently that many species common elsewhere in the islands have been added to Sark’s tally. Thus, most of the waders Dobson records have now been seen throughout the islands. Apart from the four rarities detailed later (see ‘Rare birds’), the only other species of note are two Temminck’s 183. Platte Saline on north eoast oi Wlderney, Oetober 1979. Former breeding site of Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus] Biirhou (right) has eolonies of Storm Petrels Hydrobates pelagicus and Pulfins Fratercula arctica\ Ortac, site of colony ofGannets Sula bassana, in distance {R. Long) Birds in the Channel Islands 337 Stints C. temminckh seen in Guernsey and 15 Pectoral Sandpipers C. melanolos, one in Sark and 14 in Guernsey. Skuas are another group made more familiar to us through sea-watching. Although many more are now reported, only Arctic Stercorarius parasiticus and Great Skuas S. skua have been identihed in any numbers, and there is only one record each ol Pomarine S. pomarinus and Long-tailed S. longicaudus. Sea-watching might have been expected to add significantly to our list of gulls, and we have been disappointed not to be able to match the spectacular sightings on the other side of the English Ghannel. The only noteworthy occurrences since 195 1 have been four records of Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus, two ol Iceland L. glaucoides, two of Sabine’s L. sabini and one ol Mediterranean L. melanocephalus. Parties of hundreds of Little Gulls L. minutus have been recorded passing between the islands and France in recent years. One marsh tern appears below (see ‘Rare birds’); the only other tern to remark on is the Arctic Sterna paradisaea, whose occurrence around these coasts is being recorded with increasing confidence. 4'hree Black Guillemots Cepphus grylle in Jersey waters in the early 1950s are the only ones recorded anywhere in the Ghannel Islands. The more regular appearance in winter and on migration of both Short- eared Asia jiammeus and Long-eared Owls A. otus is now recognised, although sightings of the Long-eared Owls which have nested in recent years in Jersey (see earlier) may well affect the records. A final non- passerine new to the Ghannel Islands is the Little Owl Athene noctua, of which there are four records, all from jersey. Ehe majority of changes involving passerines appears in the other two parts of this review. A number of local rarities have been added to the C.hannel Islands list since 1951 and the status of several others, tentatively dealt with by Dobson, are now better understood. Phe "Free Pipit Anthus trivialis is a regular, mainly autumn, migrant, as are Rock Pipits .4. spinoletta of the alpine race A. s. spinoletta, although small numbers of the latter often remain for a time during winter, at least in Jersey. Lhe preponderance of Nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos in Guernsey over the other islands shown by Dobson has not been upheld by records since 1951, and there is now an equal likelihood of hearing or seeing them in any of the islands. Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus, Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia and Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca are known to pass through the islands with far greater frequency than formerly reported; the ringing figures for Pied F’lycatchers alone exceed 100 in most years. Dobson’s entries for both Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta and Red- breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva tactfully conceal his disbelief of the earlier records. Both species are now known to occur occasionally on migration, as about a dozen of each have been trapped by ringers. Of the post- 1951 additions, Bluethroat Luscinia svecica and Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola have proved to be the most numerous. Since the first ones were trapped in Jersey in 1953, about 50 of each species have been ringed, and a number of others seen. Field obserc ations as well as trapping have produced records of four other new species, almost all of 338 Birds in the Channel Islands them in Guernsey, Alderney and Sark: Icterine Warbler Hippolais ictenna ( 15 since the first in 1970), Yellow-browed \\dLvh\tr Phylloscopus mornatus ( 1 1 since 1975), Ortolan Bunting (at least 17 since 1957), and Lapland Bunting Calcarius lappomcus (at least 25 since 1966). One surprising capture made by ringers in Jersey in November 1977 was a Treecreeper Certhia Jamiliaris (rather than the familiar, resident Short-toed Treecreeper C. brachydactyla) . Finally, there have been six well distributed records involving 1 1 Shore Larks Eremophila alpestris. Although breeding populations of the finches appear to be substantially the same, the winter numbers are frequently greatly in excess of the estimates made 30 years ago. In particular, Bramblings Fringilla monti- Jringilla can often be found in their thousands in Jersey. At the other end of the scale, small numbers of Siskins Carduelis spinus and Redpolls C.flammea occur fairly frequently in winter, especially, as with Bramblings, in times of severe weather. Observations in Jersey have established that, in most autumns, there is a two- or three-week interval between the departure of the substantial breeding population of Chaffinches Fringilla coelebs and the arrival of the winter flocks. It should perhaps be restated that, in the interests of brevity, full cover- age of all species has not been attempted, and that these remarks concern only the more significant changes since 1951. The preceding catalogue and the list which follows owe much to the work of the handful of ringers responsible for the Channel Islands Bird-ringing Scheme’s creditable annual totals. They make many chance discoveries of rare and unusual species, illustrating my belief that this by-product of a continuous general trapping programme is as valuable a contribution to the islands’ orni- thology as are the results of ringing: more than 20 species having been added to the Channel Islands list in this way. Rare birds This list has been prepared in the general format of the annual reports of the ‘British Birds’ Rarities Committee, and is intended to supplement those reports. The Committee’s current list has been used, with the addition of one American and one Asiatic passerine (Catbird and Siberian Blue Robin) and the omission of three species: Short-toed Treecreeper (which is a common resident in all the islands). Serin (which is well established in Jersey and seems likely soon to spread to the other islands) and Aquatic Warbler. This last has been seen in all the islands a total of over 50 times (see earlier), and full tabulation of these records is not deemed necessary. The records presented here are all those reported since Birds of the Channel Islands was completed which have satisfied the various islands’ records committees. A number of them were submitted to the ‘British Birds’ Rarities Committee for its adjudication. The help given by the Committee with species unfamiliar to anyone in these islands is invaluable and much appreciated. Supporting data for all these records are kept in the archives of the islands’ societies. It is appropriate to record here that one published record, that of a Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria (Blathwayt 1948), is considered unaccept- Survey of subscribers’ likes and dislikes Wc run British Birds Ibr the benefit of birdw ateliers so. naturalK . we wish to ,^i\ e you — the journars suliseribers — what you want. I o help us to procluee the right balance of items, we hope that e\er\one will complete this cjuestionnaire and send it to us. This is your chance to influence the contents of ‘BB’ over the next few years. 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Please put X in boxes of those required and enclose cheque/PO payable to British Birds Ltd (or pay into UK GIRO 37 588 6303). 1977 □ Januan Fcbruar\ □ •March □ •April •May □ June July □ •August □ September □ (October □ November □ December □ 1 ndex 197H □ January □ February □ •March □ •April □ •May □ June □ July □ •August □ •September ( )( tober □ November □ December □ 1 ndex 1979 □ January □ February □ March □ April □ •May □ June □ July □ •August □ September October November □ December □ Index 1980 □ January □ February □ •March □ April May □ June □ •July □ August September October □ November □ December □ Index Name Address Rare breeding birds in 1975; l urnstones OI T OF PRINT Cetli's Warblers in Kasi Kent; Great and Arctic Skuas in Shetland; King Kider studies Bird Photograph ofThe Year; Ruddy Duck l>ehaviour; Pintail Snipe identification; Fan-tailed U arbler spread OIT OF PRINT Spread of the (ioosander; Identification and status of eastern Stonechats; Breeding Barn Owls Ol'T OF PRINT Breeding biolog) of Long-eared Ow ls; Little Gulls nesting on the Ouse Washes; ‘Fly-aw ay trick' of some Arctic waders Siberian Blue Robin: new to Europe; Ganneis and toxic chemicals; Best recent work by British bird- photographers Report on rare birds in 1976 White-tailed Plover; Soaring raptors; European atlas; wcKxipeckers; Christmas bcMikshop; European news Wader plumages; Palearctic bird-recordings □ A few complete volumes are available (unbound) at Jl25.00 I he Scottish Crossbill Loxia scotica\ Rare breeding birds in 1976 Spectacled \\ arbler; new to Britain and Ireland; Mass seabird deaths from shellfish poisoning; Birds in action Paddyfield Warbler identification; Avocets in England Field identification of west Palearctic gulls; part 1 Bird Photograph of the ^’ear; Red-throated Divers in Scotland; Ciiirine Wagtail feeding young in Essex; (Goosanders in Wales Birds at a sewage-works; European atlas; pipits; European news Breeding Bitterns in Britain Rough-legged Buzzards in Britain; Variations in Herring (Gulls; Recent increases of Blackcaps Breeding ecolog\ of the Merlin; Black-shouldered Kites in Portugal Ol’T OF PRINT White-tailed Eagles; Report on rare birds in 1977 Long-toed Stint, Pintail Snipt‘ and Asiatic Dowitcher; Little (Gulls in Britain and Ireland; European news □ A few complete volumes are available (unbound) at £25.00 Britain's first Olive-backed Pipit; Identification of Isabelline Wheatear and four warblers; Dartford Warblers in England; Ross's Gulls in Alaska Lapland Buntings breeding in Scotland; Honey Buzzard at wasps’ nest; Predation by (Goshawks in Britain Siberian Rubythroat: new to Britain and Ireland; Olive-backed and Blyth's Pipits and Pallas's Reed Bunting; Plumage variation of Herring Gulls; Peregrines at a coastal eyrie Field identification of west Palearctic gulls: part 2 Recommended bird-recordings; Nightjar habitats and breeding; Bird Photograph of the ^’ear Bullfinch dispersal and fruit-bud damage; Semipalrnaied Sandpipers and Red-necked Stints; European news Pied Wagtail rix^sts; Studies of Bald Ibis Rare breeding birds in 1977 Bird Illustrator of the Year; Y ellow-bellied Sapsucker and Hermit I hrush: new to Britain and Ireland; Nearctic landbirds in Britain and Ireland Ol’T OF PRINT Ol’T OF PRINT Throat-touching by grebes; House Sparrows and Sparrow hawks; Gapricious taxonomic history of Isabelline Shrike; Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs; European news □ A few complete volumes are available (unbound) at £25. (K) Gape May Warbler: new to Britain and Ireland; Rare breeding birds in 1978 Special Irish issue Field identification of west Palearctic gulls: part 3 Breeding biology' of the Little Ow l OI T OF PRINT European atlas; owls; European news Hobbies in Fmgland and (Germany; Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs House Sparrows down coal mines; Eleonora’s Falcon; Sharp-tailed Sandpiper OIT OF PRINT OIT OF PRINT Report on rare birds in 1979 Effect on birds of a North Sea gas flare; Hen Harriers in Scotland in w inter; Bird sca\ engers on ( )rkney roads; (Greater Sand Plover: new to Britain and Ireland; European news □ A few complete volumes are available (unbound) at £25. (K) .issues (tf' £2 .sets (a £12 volumes (o' Relurn to: Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3n) TOTAI. ENCLOSED Birds in the Channel Islands 339 able. British Birds’ a.rch\\es were consulted and the then editor agreed that this second-hand, poorly documented account does not support what would be a first record. In parentheses after the name of each bird is the number of records up to the period covered by this review. The initials refer to the four main islands; for the purpose of this list Herm is included with Guernsey and the Casquets are included with Alderney. Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea (0) J Gro.snez, two, 2Bth .September 1973; two, 4th October 1S)80. G LWncresse, 22nd October 1967. A Les Casquets, 12th September 1976. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minulus (J 3; G 2) J St Ouen’s Pond, 29th June 1957; 7th May 1964; 28th .\ugust 1964; 16th .May 197 1 . I'rinity, 9th .May 1964. Cirouville Marsh, 16th .May 1964; 12th .May 1968. G Perelle, March/April 1959. Le .Marais, 19th .April to 3rd .May 1970. L’Eree, 21st .May 1978. S Harbour Hill, 15th April 19()9. Night Heron Nyclicorax nycticorax (J 1 ) J St Ouen’s Pond, lOth October 1953. G Coho, 10th .September 1953. Fort Doyle, 27th .April 1970. Vale, 12th to 13th .May 1974. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (G 1 ) A Fes Casquets, 8th June 1976. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (0) G St Peter Port and Fe Marais, one and possibly three others, 14th to 21st December 1964. Little Egret Egretta garzetta (0) J Pontac, 8th to 9th .Mav 1978. G Fe .M arais, 14th to 17th .May 1967. Several localities, 19th to 29th .May 1977. .St Sav iour s Reservoir, 27th .May 1979. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea (G 2; A 3) J Rozel, 13th May 1965. St Ouen’s Pond, 17th to 20th .April 1970; two, 26th June 1970; 17th .May 1975. Crouville .Marsh, 26th .April 1977. Fe Hocq, 6th October 1977. G Catel, 25th October 1966. Vale, 15th May 1967; 31st July 1974. Petit Bot, four, 22nd .September 1971. A Fong\' Clommon, 2nd to 5th .May 1978. S Fa Vauroccjue/Derrible Head, 16th to 30th .April 1970. Black Stork Ciconia nigra (0) G St Saviour, 26th .April 1962. White Stork Ciconia ciconia (0) G St .Andrew, 16th .April 1956. Near .Airport, three, 13th to 14th .April 1979. Fa Ramee, 18th .April 1979. F’.Ancre.sse, 15thjune 1979. A CMonque, 22nd .May 1973. .Airport, 9th to 10th March 1977; three, 13th .April 1979. Bufflehead Bucephala albeola (0) G Pulias, 8th to 1 1th .November 1967. Black Kite Milvus migrans (0) A Essex Hill, 23rd to 24th .May 1976. Cilloine. 1 7th April 1977; three, 14th April 1980. S Fa Couture, 16th to 21st .May 1973. 340 Birds in the Channel Islands Little Crake Porzana parva (0) J St Ouen’s Pond, 14th October 1978. Crane Grus grus (J 1 ) J & G Seventeen flying southeast from Guernsey and seen arriving o\ er Jersey, 3 1st October 1963. J St Ouen’s Bay, 40-46, 20th September 1976. G L’Eree and Pleinmont, about 40, 3rd November 1963. A Airport, about 25, 31st October to 1st November 1963. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax (J 3; G 2) G Icart, 9th October 1952. Killdeer Charadrius vocijerus (0) J Grands Vau.x, 1st January 197 1 . A Cihateau L’Etoc, 3rd September 1973. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis (0) G E’.-\ncresse, 10th to 16th September 1974; 10th to 28th September 1974; 24th to 28th September 1974; 14th September 1976; 7th to 9th September 1977; three, 15th to 19th September, and one, 16th to 19th September, of which one present 29th September to 5th October 1980. A Gillbine, 8th September 1977. Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus (0) J St Ouen’s Pond, 20th to 24th September 1975. Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor (0) G Pulias, 9th to 17th September 1970. A Mannez, 6th to 18th September 1978. White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (0) J Grands \'aux, 29th to 30th August 1970; 29th to 31st August 1978. Grosnez, five, 28th September 1974. St Ouen’s Pond, 19th to 21st May 1975. Le Bourg, four, 27th July 1975. Alpine Swift Apus melba ((j 2) J Grosnez, 20th September 1975. S Banquette Bay, 1st to 3rd October 1967. La C^oupee, 15th to 17th September 1970. Pointe Robert, 13th April 1979. Bee-eater M crops apiasler (J 2; G 1; A 2) J St Ouen, 5th September 1976. A A pair bred in 1956 (see ‘Breeding birds’). Roller Coracias garrulus (J 1) G Pleinmont, 17th to 21st June 1972. A GilTbine, 17th July 1969. Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla (0) G L’Ancresse, 23rd to 24th September 1978. Pleinmont, two, 13th to 15th May 1979. A Les Gasquets, 6th to 8th June 1976. Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae (0) G Port (7rat, 24th March to 23rd April 1974; 21st to 22nd October 1974. Grande Mare, two, 21st to 23rd November 1976; two, 30th October 1977. Pleinmont, two, 25th to 27th September 1977. L’Ancresse, 30th October 1977; two, 18th March 1979; 23rd March 1980. A La (irande Blaye, 29th August 1979. S Pointe Robert, 1 1th August 1977. Birds in the Channel Islands 341 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris (0) J (jrouville Common, eight, 25th September to 13th October 1977. G Icart, 3rd September 1959. L’Eree, 13th J une 1973. L’.Ancresse, four, 7th to 12th October 1975; 30th September to 1st October 1977; 1st to 2nd October 1979; 29th September to 1st October 1980; two, 3rd October 1980. Pleinrnont, 3rd September 1978; 17th September 1978; 7th to 10th October 1979. Catbird Dumetella carolinensis (0) J St Brelade, mid October 1975. Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia (0) J Gronville Marsh, 15th.\ugust 1976. S Banquette V'alley, 28th August 1980. Siberian Blue Robin Luscinia cyane (0) S Banquette Valley, 27th October 1975 (Rountree 1978). Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus (0) S BaiKjuette V'alley, 31st October to 2nd November 1976. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica (0) J Gronville Common, 22nd November 1980. Savi’s Warbler Locuslella luscinioides (0) J Longueville Marsh, 25th to 28th Mav 1979. (irouville Marsh, 14th April 1980. St Ouen's Bay,22nd April 1980. G Le Marais, three, 26th May to 18th June 1968. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus (0) J St Ouen’s Pond, 8th September 19,56. G Vale Pond, 16th May 1971. 184. Banciuette X'alley on Sark. Small hollow in northeastern clill's with stream: excellent area for migrant passerines {P.J. Guille) 342 Birds in the Channel Islands 185. \'ale Marais on (Guernsey, June 1979. One of many small wetlands now hemmed in by intensive horticulture (M. G. Hill) Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans (0) G LeCioullre, 13th May 1978. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia nielanocephala (0) A Les Casejuets, 22nd May 1976. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides (0) A Les Casejuets, 6th November 1976. Pallas’s Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus (0) S Banquette Valley, 25th October 1971; 25th October 1978. Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi (0) S Banquette \'alley, 5th (October 1978. Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus (0) S Banquette V'alley, 6th November 1980. Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria (A 1 ) J Crabbe, 4th March 1972. Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus (0) J St Ouen’s Pond, 10th November to 18th December 1977. G Le Marais, 4th to 12th February 1967. Vale Pond, 23rd to 24th October 1975. Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor (0) J St Ouen, lOth to 11th June 1956. Col de la Rocejue, 15th April 1979. A La Grande Vallee, 20th June to 2nd July 1962. Airjjort, late May 1979. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator (0) J La Moie, Nth to 23rd September 1953. St Ouen, 19th September 1954; 13th to 20th September 1956; 26th September 1957. Val de la Mare, 1st June 1958. Samarcs, 13th September 1964. Les Au^erez, 3rd April 1976. Birds in the Channel Islands 343 G Herm, Bth to 9th May 1958. St Sampson, 3rd to 6th September 1974. \'auxde .Monel 14th to 23rd October 1977. A L>a Grande Blaye, 14th May 1956; September 1979. Saye, 28th to 30th September 1972. \’al Fontaine, 19th August 1973. Bonne Terre, 25th May 1980. S C.los des C.amps, 4th September 1960. Pointe Robert, 2nd June 1967. Nutcracker Nueijraga caryocatactes (0) A Fa Grande Blaye, 13th September 1968. Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus (J 1 ; G 1 ) G St Peter Port, 1 1th to 15th September 1970. Plaisance, 18th July to 2nd August 1972. \'ale, 26th to 30th August 1975. S Dixeart, 29th June 1977. Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus (0) A Clognons, 29th October to 1st November 1973 (Wallace W a/. 1977). Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata (0) S Bancpiette X’alley, 26th October to 4th November 1980. Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis (0) J (irouville Marsh, 17th April 1977. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla (0) J St Ouen’s Pond, 15th April 1957; 25th November 1972; 31st October to 1st November 1973. Fongueville Marsh, 1st November 1975. Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola (0) G Pleinmont, 14th September 1978. Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus (0) S Banquette Valley, 26th September 1975. Acknowledgments The greater part ol this review is based on 30 years of observation and work by numerous members ol ornithological groups in the Ghannel Islands. Their names are too many for me to acknowledge indiv idually, but especial thanks for help are due to P. J. Guide and Marsden in Sark, N. V. Mendham and .\F McGormick in Alderney, and particularly A. J. Bisson in (niernsey. I am grateful also for permission to use the records of the ornithologN sections of the societies in all four islands. Finally, 1 acknowledge the extensive contribution made by my wife, Margaret, to the preparation and checking of all aspects of this paper, and for typing the several drafts. Summary Major changes are recorded in the status of birds in the Ghannel Islands between the completion oi Birds oj the Channet Islands by R. Dobson, published in 1952, and 31st December 1980. During the period under review. 23 species bred in the islands for the hrst time; most of them are now established. total of 65 species not recorded by Dobson has been added, bringing the grand total recorded in the Channel Islands to 303. References Blathwayt, F. L. 1949. Wall-creeper in Jersey. Brit. Birds A2\ 386. Bisson, A. J. 1976. .4 List of the Birds of Guerruey. Guernsey. Gonder, P. j., and others. 1970. .4 List of the Birds of Alderney. .Mderney. Dobson, R. 1952. The Birds oJ the Channel Islands. London. 344 Birds in the Channel Islands (iRAHAM, C. S., and Le Si'eur, F. 1953. I'hc name Wrmorican Warbler’. Brit. Birds Mi: 310. 1,E SrEUR, F. 1957. Bee-eaters breeding in the Channel Islands in 1956. Brit. Birds ^i.): 361-364. 1980. Some Cetti’s Warbler breeding observations. Bird Study 27: 249-253. Long, R. 1961 . Cetti’s Warbler in the Channel Islands. Brit. Birds 54: 208. 1968. Cetti’s Warbler in the Channel Islands. /?n/. Birds es\ \ 174-175. Richards, J. H., and Long, R. 1964. Cetti’s Warblers in jersey. Brit. Birdsbl: 517-518. Rountree, F. R. G. 1974. Birds oj Sark. Sark. 1977. Siberian Blue Robin: new to Europe. Bnt. Birds 70: 361-365. Sharrock, J. T. R. 1976. The Atlas oJ Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. Soc:iETE Jersiaise. 1972. Birds in Jersey: a systematic list, jersey. Wallace, D. I. VL, Cobb, f'. K., and Tubbs, C. R. 1977. 1'rumpeter Finches: new to Britain and Ireland. Bnt. Birds 70: 45-49. \’eat.man, L. 1976. Atlas des Oiseaux Nicheurs de France de 1970 a 1975. Paris. Roger Long, La Societe Jersiaise, 9 Pier Road, Si He Her, Jersey. Mystery photographs A medium-sized Ca//d'm wader with streaked breast, obvious pale supercilium and a pale line formed by scapular edgings seems to present few problems — even at this awkward angle with the breast • pattern obscured. Those with experi- ence of Pectoral Sandpiper Calidns melanolos will also have noted the t\])ical shape — a small roundish head, short neck, flattish back and ample belly. "4he bill shape too is character- istic— stout based, rather short and gently down-curved. Before any firm conclusion can be reached on this, or any other, suspected Pectoral, however, two other species need to be eliminated. Juvenile Dunlin C. alpina can have pronounced pale scapular lines and a respectable supercilium, but the bill is longer and hner tipped, lacking Pectoral’s pale base; the upperparts are less neatly edged pale; and the general appearance is usually less elegant. Some Dunlins even exhibit a pectoral band that seems quite well marked — until one sees the real thing — and the inexperienced observer confronted by an apparent Pectoral Sandpiper for the first time would do well to get the yellow-ochre (or greenish ochre) legs and the characteristic ‘kriiek’ or ‘kreek’ call, just to be on the safe side. Winter adult and juvenile Sharp-tailed Sandpipers C. acuminata lack extensive breast markings, but summer adults, until as late as October, superficially resemble Pectorals and have occasionally been overlooked as such. 4Te bill of Sharp-tailed is a little shorter and straighter, its supercilium more pronounced behind the eye and, in this view, the dark streaks on vent and undertail-coverts would be apparent. 4'he extensive breast streakings would be accompanied by dark chevrons on the flanks — both being moulted at about the same time. Mystery photographs 345 Last month s mystery photograph, taken by Howard Nicholls in Mid Glamorgan in August 1980, is indeed a Pectoral Sandpiper, but of what age? Ageing this species from black-and-white photographs is never easy — the Kent individual {Brit. Birds 73: plates 7 & 188), earlier aged as an adult on its rather dull upperparts, well streaked throat and streaked super- cilium, was, on reflection, a juvenile. x\o adult could have such fresh, unworn wing-coverts in autumn and the extent of streaking in the super- cilium clearly varies. An obvious bright juvenile at Drift Reservoir, Cornwall, in October 1980 also exhibited a well-streaked supercilium. The condition of the wing-coverts and tertials is often the best guide to ageing waders which do not exhibit pronounced age dimorphism and our mvsterv bird can be safely aged as an adult on the \ery worn condition of the wing-coverts which were grown the previous winter; some are abraded almost to points; the scapulars, grown the previous spring, are contrast- ingly brighter. On juveniles, both sets of feathers would be very fresh and unworn. l.,et’s hope that I have got it right this time! David Britton Changes to the British and Irish list he British Ornithologists' Union's Records Committee not only assesses all records ofspecies recorded for the first time in Britain, but also keeps an e\ e on the dev elopment of feral populations of escaped or introduced species and on the status of races occurring here. Irish records are wholK the responsibility of the Irish Records Panel, but decisions on Irish records are also published by the BOl RC. The seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth reports of the BOURC (Ibis 114: 44()-447; 1 lb: 578-579; 120: 409-41 1; 122: 564-568) have included a number of decisions of particular interest. The follow ing 26 species have been added to the British and Irish list: Green Heron Butorides striatus {Brit. Birds 65: 424-427), American Kestrel Falco sparierius (Brit. Birds 74: 199-203), Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae (Brit. Birds 73: 328-332), .Vilen’s Gallinule 186. .My.stery photograph 57. Name the .species, .\nswer ne.xt month 346 Changes to the British and Irish list Porphyrula alleni {Brit. Birds 67: 405-413), Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis {Brit. Birds 6b: 427), Semipalrnatcd Plover Charadrius semipalmatus {Brit. Birds 73: 458-464), Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii {Brit. Birds 73: 568-573), White-tailed Plover Chettusia leucura {Brit. Birds 70: 465-471), Ring-billed Gull Lams delawarensis {Brit. Birds 66: 509-512), Belted King- hsher Ceryle alcyon {Bril. Birds 74: 242-245), \’ellow-bellied Sapsuckcr Sphyrapicus varius {Brit. Birds 72: 410-414), Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii (in prep.), Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope {Brit. Birds 72: 89-94), Hermit 'Fhrush Cathams guttatus {Brit. Birds 72: 414-417), Veery Catharus Juscescens {Brit. Birds 65: 45-49), Riippell’s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli {Brit. Birds 74: 279-283), Desert Warbler Sylvia nana {Brit. Birds 65: 460-464), Short-toed I’reecreeper Certhia brachydactyla {Brit. Birds 69: 508-509), Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus {Brit. Birds 70: 45-49), Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina {Brit. Birds 74: 90-94), Ciape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina {Brit. Birds 73: 2-5), OvenbWd Seiurus aurocapillus {Brit. Birds 68: 453-455), Hooded Warbler IVilsonia citrina {Brit. Birds 65: 203-205), Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea {Brit. Birds 65: 155-158), White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys {Brit. Birds 73: 466-470) and Pallas’s Reed Bunting Emberiza pallasi '{Brit. Birds 73: 402-408). Owing to the high risk that records refer to escapes from captivity, seven species have been accepted but only for C^ategor\- D of the British and Irish list: Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerutea, Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea. White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus, Clhestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila. Painted Bunting Passerina ciris. Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus and Saker Ealco chermg. An eighth species. Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum, has also been admitted to Category D on the strength of a tide-line corpse. Since their feral populations arc apparently not currently self-supporting, two species have been retained in Ciategory D alter re-e.xamination (Bobwhite Colinus virginianus and Wood Duck Aix sponsa), and one has been added (Ring- necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri). Following cessation of supplementary artificial feeding, the free-flying breeding colony of Budgerigars Melop- sittacus undulatus in Scilly has, however, now died out and the species has been dropped from consideration for inclusion in Category D. Assessment of claimed records of fiagle Owls Bubo bubo in 1933, 1941, 1943 and 1954 showed that none was wholly acceptable (and one specimen proved to be a Great Horned Owl B. virginianus) , so, since the species has not been reliably recorded in Britain or Ireland for over 50 years, it is now placed in Category B. Griflon Vulture Gyps Julvus, last recorded in 1927, has also now been demoted to Category B. Apart from records rejected because of failure to prove identification beyond all doubt, records of 14 species have been rejected as relating to certain or almost certain escapes from capti\ity: Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus, Falcated Duck Anas Jalcata, Barrow’s Goldeneye Bucephala islandica, American Black Vulture Coragyps atratus. Black \'ulture Aegypius monachus, Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax, Purple Gallinule Porphyria porphyria. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis, Northern Mockingbird Mimus poly- glottos, Orange-gorgeted Flycatcher Eicedula strophiata, American (Joldfmch Carduelis tristis, Black-headed Cirosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus. Lazuli Changes to the British and Irish list 347 Bunting Passeriria amoena and \ cl low-headed Blackbird Xanthocephaliis xanthocephalus. Subsequent records of Barrow’s Cioldcneyc are still under consideration. I he decision on Northern Mockingbird may also need to be rex iewed, Ibllowing (diandler S. Robbins’s computer prediction of it as a possible \ agrant to Britain {Brit. Birds . 4 hree records were accepted which predated the prex iousK accepted first record; Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus in Scilly in July 1921, Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni in Dyled in .\pril 1948 {Brit. Birds 72: 2-4) and American Robin Turdus migratorius \n Co. Dublin in Max 1891. I he ten members of the BOURCi now include Dr C. J. (). Harrison and Dr D. \\ . Snow, so that taxonomic questions haxc recentlx been gixen greater attention than formerly. The tenth report notes that ‘Since within the Palcarctic region much of the geographical variation is clinal. making it difficult or imjjossible to assign indixiduals to named races exen where there may be an indication of the general area of Origin, the Committee considers that the species should be the proper unit for discussion in regional avifaunas, and accordingly recommends a less formal treatment of subspecies.’ Applying this principle, xvhich accords completely xvith the policy oi British Birds., the BOURC has considered records of indixidual xagrant Black Redstarts Phoenicurus ochniros, .Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. Ring Ouzels Turdus torquatus and \’ellox\ -browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus. Black Redstarts in Scilly in October 1973 and Lincolnshire in ( )ctober 1978 w ere regarded as belonging to ‘one or other of the southern/eastern populations {ochruros-semirujus-phoemcuroides)' . A Nightingale in Shetland in October 197 1 was regarded as clearlx belonging to \\\o ajricana-hafizi end of the species’ dine, w ith characters closest lo/iafizi- Ring Ouzels in Scilly in October 1973 and September 1977 and in Shetland in May 197() were regarded as having ‘probably originated from central/ southern Fiurope or farther southeast’ but the use ofsubspecific names from the west-to-east dine torquatus-alpestris-amicorum ‘seems inadxisable'. \’ellow -browed Warblers in Last Sussex in .November IPtib. in North- umberland in .Noxember 1970 and in Norfolk in October 1974 drew the comment that ‘'Lhere is a north to south dine from green to olixe-broxvn upperparts and toxvards reduced second wing-bar; but there seems to be a broad zone of intergradation and many museum skins could not be placed without knowledge of their locality of collection. .\t best, it can be said that some xagrants to Britain, of unknoxvn proxenance, appear to approach humei in plumage tones; the late arrival of such birds (xxith Pallas's Warblers Phylloscopus proregulus) is noted.' The BOL^RC has recommended that Pink-footed Goose Anser brachy- rhynchus, Isabelline Shrike Lanius isahellinus and Scottish C.rossbill Loxia scotica should be ranked as species for the purposes of faunal listings; this is consistent with their treatment by Professor Dr R. H. \ oous as already adopted by British Birds. Lhe work of the BOL’RC complements that of the British Birds Rarities Committee and the two bodies, as well as having a proportion of members in common, work closely together. ,J 1 B3 Notes Predation on Manx Shearwaters by grey seals On most evenings during early August 1976, large flocks of M anx Shearwaters PuJJinus pujjinus fed on the tide race between South Bishop Lighthouse and Ramsey Island, Dyfed. Regular gatherings of 10,000 to 15,000 birds included Gannets Sula bassana, Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla, Great Skuas Stercorarius skua, auks (Alcidae) and gulls (Laridae). The prey was never specifically identified, but, as porpoises Phocoena phocoena and grey seals Halichoerus grypus were much in evidence, it is likely that mackerel Scomber scombrus w ere driving shoals of sprats Sprattus sprattus to the surface. On the afternoon of 9th, I noticed an adult male seal approach the flock, largely under water, but surfacing occasionally, apparently to check on the shearwaters’ proximity. W hen about 20 m from them, he dived steeply and, after a pause, exploded among the feeding shearw aters, scattering them in all directions. One individual was caught, and I clearly saw its fluttering wings in the seal’s mouth; the seal decapitated it w'ith a deliberate shake of his head. After swallowing the shearwater, the seal repeated the manoeuvre and succeeded in catching three more with ease in less than two hours. The birds seemed so engrossed in feeding that they largely ignored the seals, and over the next month I saw the latter catch shearwaters on four separate occasions; only once did the technique differ, the seal using a surf-boarding rush across the surface while among the flock, after the original method had failed. N. \'. McGanch 22b Bramley Avenue, Thannington Without, Canterbury, Kent CT! 3X\V Feeding behaviour of Cormorants On 27th August 1978, in a small rocky cove near Ahakista, Go. Cork, I saw three adult Ciormorants Phala- crocorax carbo feeding in a peculiar fashion. The tide was low', exposing dense areas of seaweed in shallow water 15-20cm deep, and the Cormorants were feeding actively by burrowing among the weed in a half-swimming, half- wading manner. Where the water was slightly deeper, they fed by probing among the weed from the surface, almost in the manner of a dabbling duck Anas. One came ashore and fed by picking in the weed at the water’s edge. 1 hey were constantly seen to swallow small prey, the identity of Which was not established. A small party of Black-headed Gulls [.arus ridibundus in attendance dashed in and out, snapping up prey apparently disturbed by the Cormorants’ actions. K. Preston The Rennies, Boreenmanna Road, Cork Food of Dotterel on autumn passage During the fourth week of October 1971, at CTows-an-\Vra, Gornw'all, two Dotterels Charadrius morinellus appeared on arable land; one remained until 8rd .November. I watched them for many hours and found that they quartered favourite areas and fed 348 Notes 349 fnjm the suriace. Occasionally, I Ibund them in the vegetated places plucking at and swallowing the small green leaves of common chickweed Slellaria media, a plant not found in the species’ alpine breeding habitat in Britain. I collected a few faecal and oral pellets which were later analysed by M. Hutson of the Department of Entomology, British Museum. The only identifiable remains he found were parts of more than one small species of Staphylinidae (Coleoptera), a large family of beetles which includes rove beetles and de\ il’s coach horse beetles. Bern.ard King Gull Cry, 9 Park Road, Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall Yellow-legged Herring Gulls in France and Britain Hume ( 1978) and Grant (1980) discussed the occurrence of Herring Gulls Larus argentatus with yellow legs in Britain and the west Palearctic. Several points seem relevant to the discussion. First, I would suggest that, despite Barth’s (1975) rejection, supported eon\incingly by Kumari (1978), of the theory that cachinnans moves northwest following a series of warm springs (\"oipio 1954, 1968, 1972), this theory may yet prove to be more tenable in view of the fact that the Mediterranean Gull L. melanocephalus within the same period has also moved west and north, possibly in greater numbers than before, and even breeds occasionally throughout western Europe. Fhat cachinnans does occur in northwest Europe is backed by two ringing recoveries of nestlings ringed on the Black Sea, in the Grimea on 17th June 1953 and recovered on 28th September 1953 on Heligoland in the Federal German Republic (Kist 1961), and at Kherson on 3rd May 1952 and recovered in .May 1960 in Baie de Somme in France (Nicolau-Ciuillaumet 1977). Note that both these individuals originated from the same area as the main breeding grounds of the Mediterranean Gull. Secondly, there are two ringing recoveries of the race rnichahellis ringed in k" ranee, at Marseilles on 30th May 1965 and recovered on 12th June 1966 at Oostvoorne in the Netherlands (Gommissie voor de Nederlandse .\\ ifauna 1968), and as a nestling at He de Riou in Bouches-du-Rhone on 29th .May 1973 and recovered on 23rd July 1974 at St-.Martin-les-Boulogne in Pas-de- Galais, France (Nicolau-Guillaumet 1977). Glearly, the increasing numbers of yellow-legged Herring Gulls seen are in part due to more intensive watching and, while it has been suggested that those seen in the North Sea and eastern English Channel areas have been of Scandinaxian or more northeasterly populations, the ringing recoveries indicate that at least some have origins in the Black and Mediterranean Seas. It seems appropriate to mention that Boulogne-sur-Mer (Pas-de- Calais), where up to seven yellow-legged Herring Gulls have been seen at one time, as well as others along the littoral of the Pas-de-Calais and Nord Departements (Gap Gris-Nez Reports, 1976-79), is also the area where the biggest concentration of .Mediterranean Gulls has occurred to date in western Europe. Whether it is going to be possible to differentiate between the various races in the field is something for those with a better eye than mine. .Apart from the fact that adults stand out among groups of pink-legged Herring 350 Notes Gulls, I am no wiser concerning the racial identification of about 25 which I have seen in southeast England, north France and the Netherlands in the past five years. I am indebted to Thierry' Milbled for drawing my attention to Nicolau- Guillaumet’s paper which, together with Kumari’s, pro\ides the most useful re\'iew of the position in western Europe to date; also to Peter Grant for his comments on the first draft of this note. Philip S. Redman Les Quatre Vents, Cottages du Gris-Nez, Cap Gris-Nez, 62250 Marquise, France REFERENCES Barth, E. K. 1975. ra.xonomy ot Lams argentatus and Lams Juscus in north-western Europe. Orrns. Scarid: 6: 49-63. CoMMissiE vooR DE NEDERt.A.NDSE .\v tEAUNA. 1968. .Xvil'auna \ ail Nederland. Limosa4\ : 81-84. CjRant, P. J. 1980. Field identification of west Palearctic gulls. Part 3. Bril. Birds 73: 1 13-158. Hume, R. 1978. Variations in Herring Gulls at a .Midland roost. Brit. Birds 1 1 : 338-345. Kist, J. 1961. ‘.Systematisclie’ Beschouwingen naar aanleiding \an de W’aarneming \ an Heuglino Geelpootzilvermeeuw, Lams cachinnans heuglim Bree in Nederlands. Ardea 49: 1-51. Kumari, E. 1978. On the distribution dynamics ol the Herring Gull in the F^ast Baltic area within the past 125 years. Kajakad 1 1-41. 'Eallinn. .Nicot.AU-GiTi.t.AUMET, P. 1977. Mise au point et refie.xions sur la repartition des CJoelands argentes Larus argentatus de F'rance. Alauda 45: 53-73. \ oiPio, P. 1954. Uber die gelbfiissigen Silbermowen Nordwesteuropa. Acta Soc. Fauna Flora Fenn. 1 1 : 1-56 1968. Zur V'erbreitung der Argentatus und Gachinnans Mbwen. Omis Fennica 45: 73-83. 1972. Silbermowen der Lams argentatus cachinnans — Gruppe als Besiedler der baltischen Raumes. Ann. Zool. Fenn. 9: 131-136. Herring Gull with characters of Mediterranean race in Kent P. S. Redman’s note (above) clearly points to the possible occurrence in Britain of Herring Gulls Larus argentatus of the yellow-legged southern or ‘cachinnans ’ group of subspecies (see Grant 1980). We agree that the increasing but still very small numbers of yellow-legged individuals being reported in south- eastern England in summer and autumn are more likely to refer to this group of subspecies, rather than to yellowish- or yellow-legged individuals or subspecies from Scandinavia or northern Asia. One closely studied example was a summer adult present on the RSPB reserve at Dungeness, Kent, from 21st June to at least 3rd July 1980: it was watched by several observers including ], N. Hollyer, P. J. Makepeace, G. J. Oreel and PJG. Differed from local Herring Gulls L. a. argenleus (pink-legged with pale yellow bill and and bill, latter with bright red spot near gonys, and darker grey upperparts (between argenleus and palest I^esser Black-backed Gull L. Juscus graellsii in tone). Goloration of bare parts thus resembled that of typical summer l>esser Black-backed Gull, rather than that of argenleus pink-legged with pale yellow bill and pale orange-red spot near gonys). Darker tone of upperparts discernible only when bird alongside other Herring Gulls and standing at same angle, .\lthough slightly larger than accompanying Herring Ciulls, liirehead and crown did not appear par- ticularly angular, nor bill particularly massive. Orbital ring red (yellow on most argenleus). Black and white on wing-tip of similar extent and pattern to argenleus, with white mirrors on outer two primaries. This individual thus showed characters of one of the southern subspecies, probably L. a michahellis, perhaps a female in view of the fact that it was only slightly larger than argenteus in size and bill/head structure. The alternative, that it was one of the apparently very rare yellow-legged individuals of Notes 351 argenteus (see Oliver 1981) or a yellow-legged argentatus (= L. a. omissus of some authors) or other northern race, seems less likely at least in \ iew of its ‘normal’ wing-tip pattern and strikingly bright bare-part coloration, which also argue against a hybrid argentatus X juscus origin. Also, the summer date of the occurrence in southern England would seem less likely for an adult of one of the northern group of races. 1 he northerly spread oi michahellis in France (Nicolau-Guillaumet 1977), and the recoveries of ringed adults of the southern group of subspecies in northwest Europe noted by Redman, give further support for the identification as michahellis. Clearly, keen gull-watchers should be alert to the possibility that Herring Gulls of the southern group of subspecies may be occurring in Britain, and that the general view that the increasing number of reports of yellow-legged individuals are much more likely to originate from northern Europe and Asia may be misleading, perhaps especially when summer and autumn records in southern England are invok ed. 1 he problems of field identi- fication of Herring Gull subspecies may prove insoluble, but we would take a more optimistic view'. While the subspecific identification of some individual yellow-legged birds may always be contentious, we feel that with wider and more detailed attention to the subject it may well prove possible to establish broad identification criteria into which the majority of individuals can be fitted. Certainly, it should prove possible to improve on the statement in The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland ( BOU 1971) that no records in Britain and Ireland are definitely assignable to any subspecies other than argentatus (= argenteus and argentatus) . It seems relevant to note that several authors accord specific status to the southern ‘cachinnans’ group of subspecies (thus Yellow-legged Gull L. cachinnans) , the most recent being Oreel (1980). F urther information, opinion or photographs rele\ant to this discussion would be welcomed by BJG, with a view to future analysis. We thank (7. J. Oreel for his help w ith the preparation of this note. P. J. Gr.vnt and R. A. Hume 14 Heathjield Road, Ashford, Kent TS24 HQI) REFERENCES CjRant, 1’. j. 1980. Field identification of west Palearctic gulls. Part 3. Brit. Birds 73: 1 13-158. Nicoi.au-Guii.laumet, P. 1977. Mise au point et reflexions sur la repartition des Cioelands argentes Lams argentatus de France. Atauda 45: 53-73. Oi.iVF.R, P. J. 1981. Herring Gull with yellow legs nesting in London. Brit. Birds ()REEi,,(7.j. 1980. Dutch Birding .Association Checklist. Part 2. Dutch Birding2-.^‘1-\0A. Yellow-legged Herring Gulls in north Kent Casual observations since 1976 suggest that Herring Gulls Larus argentatus with yellow legs are occurring in small numbers along the Thames at GlilTe, Kent, at least in summer and autumn. Regular counts in 1980 produced records from 12th July to at least mid September. Peak counts were 12 on 12th July, five to ten on 19th July, and eight on 27th July, with one to five on 12 other dates. Nearby, on the Isle of Grain, Kent, one or two have been seen regularly since 29th June (T. FI Bowley in litt.). Since gulls are, however, much more numerous on the Essex shore of the river, the total numbers of yellow- legged Herring Gulls in the area could be much higher. In 1980, 91% of 352 Notes those at Clifle have been adults, the remainder being second- or third- summer birds. A summary of notes taken on adults is given below: SIZE Similar to L. a. argenteus, being slightly larger than Lesser Black-backed Gull L. juscus and noticeably smaller than (ireat Black-backed CJull L. maririus, but some variation occurs. plumage Grey ol upperparts as dark as, or slightly darker than, Ciommon Gull L. canus, allowing separation from argenteus at considerable range in good light conditions. Slight head streaking noted on some from early August, and on all by mid .September. Black-and- white pattern on wing tip probably slightly more extensi\ e than on argenteus. Red orbital ring noted only in close views, bare parts Bill heftier than that of Lesser Black-backed Gull, but no larger than that of argenteus] usually bright yellow, but sometimes rather duller yellow, always with red spot near gonys. Leg colour varied from bright yellow (on most) to insipid milky yellow (on at least one). M. Mallalieu and N. Hodge 14 Leamington Close, Bromley, Kent Yellow-legged Herring Gulls in Britain R. A. Hume (1978) described four types of Herring Gull Larus argentatus noted at a Midland roost. The most distinctive type (‘Type D’) was a yellow-legged variety characterised by bright bill, large rounded head remaining white in winter, dark slaty grey mantle, e.xtensive black wing tips in flight and yellow legs. Subsequent discussion [Brit. Birds 72: 389-392) questioned the identity of these gulls, Ghristine Morley suggesting that they might be Herring X Lesser Black- backed Gull L. Juscus hybrids. In recent winters, I have examined a large gull roost at Ghew V'alley Lake, Avon. Up to 31,000 gulls were counted in the winter of' 1979/80, but with a maximum of only 700 Herring Gulls I tended to concentrate on the smaller species. Despite a \ ery casual approach to the larger gulls, I have seen four Herring Gulls apparently identical to Hume’s yellow-legged ‘Type D’ variety (7th P'ebruary 1978, 18th November 1978, 17th December 1979 and 3rd February 1980) as well as a fifth at nearby Barrow Gurney Reservoir (25th November 1978). The hrst was in third-winter plumage, but the other four were adults. It seems likely that the occurrence of these birds in Avon may be quite regular. In the same period, I saw only one corresponding to Hume’s ‘Type G’ or ‘thayeri’ type (though views were inconclusive) and only one Glaucous Gull L. hyperboreus, this species remaining rare despite the regular multiple occurrences of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls L. glaucoides in the Midlands. Similarly, Hume failed to note variations among Herring Gulls in south Wales in 1968-74, apart from one yellow-legged individual. The occurrence of the ‘Type D’ gulls in Avon, despite an apparently reduced ‘northerly’ component among the Herring Gulls, would support the suggestion by Hume [Bnt. Birds 72: 392) that they are not of Scandinavian origin. I would therefore suggest that these birds are most likely to be of the Mediterranean race L. a. michahellis, the likelihood of their occurrence being increased by their recent northward spread into the Bay of Biscay (Nicolau-Guillaumet 1977). Plumage characters (particularly the white head in winter) tie in reasonably well with those given by Grant (1980) and, so far as I can tell, they closely resemble birds that I have seen in various parts of the Mediterranean. With regard to the possibility of their being Herring X Lesser Black- Notes 353 backed hybrids, I agree with Hume {Brit. Birds 72: 390-392) that this is improbable. R. A. Hume and I saw a presumed adult Herring X Lesser Black-backed Gull at Blackpill, West Glamorgan, from 12th- 14th December 1973. It appeared intermediate between Herring and Lesser Black-backed in shade, but it had slight streaking on the nape, a smaller bill than Herring (not noticeably bright) and flesh-coloured legs. It was ringed and thought likely to have been of fairly local origin. Like hybrid wildfowl, hybrid gulls should presumably show characters of both parents to varying degrees, forming a spectrum between the two parent species. It seems unlikely that hybrids would show the constant features of the ‘Type D’ Herring Gulls. In particular, there is no reason why hybrids should consistently have bulbous white heads in winter when both parent species have streaking. I can also confirm the statement by Grant (1980) that first-summer michahellis is reasonably distinctive. In April and May 1980, I saw up to 1,000 yellow-legged Herring Gulls at Ma’agan Mikha’el, Israel. While these were presumed to be L. a. michahellis, there is a possibility that at least some may have been L. a. cachinnans. About 50 first-summer birds seen closely on 6th May all had very white heads and underparts and a blunt black bill slightly paler towards the base (though a few had more extensive fleshy coloration) . "Fhe mantle was grey with brown spotting and scalloping and there was a brown streaked area on the lower nape. With the recent breeding overlap in the Bay of Biscay and a gradually improving knowledge of the physical appearance of the southern or ‘cachinnans’ group, a reappraisal of the taxonomic status of this group is perhaps desirable. Keith \ inicombe 28 Canynge Square, Clifton, Bristol BS83LB REFERENCES Grant, P. J. 1980. Field identification of west Palearctic gulls. Part 3. Brit. Birds 73: 1 13-158. Hume, R. A. 1978. Variations in Herring Gulls at a .Midland roost. Brit. Birds 71: 338-345. Nicoi.au-Guillaumet, P. 1977. .Mise au point et reflexions sur la repartition des Goelands argentes Lams argentalus de France. Atauda 45: 53-73. Herring Gull with yellow legs nesting in London A pair of Herring Gulls Larus argentatus has nested for some years in St James’s Park, Central London. In 1980, one of the pair had pale yellow legs; its mate had normal, slightly greyish-pink legs. In some lights, the mantle of the yellow-legged gull looked fractionally darker than that ofits mate, but in all other respects the two appeared identical. In particular they had markedly angular heads, and I could detect no difl'erence between the two in size, the extent of black on the wings, or the bill colour. That the gull was merely a variant of the race argenteus (as might be expected from the locality) is suggested by these features and the paleness of the yellow legs, which would seem to rule out any of the yellow-legged races. P.J. Oliver 1 Albany Court, Palmer Street, London SWl P.J. Grant has commented that, although he can find no hint in the literature that British Herring Gulls ofthe race L. a. argenteus have yellow legs, it does seem likely that this individual was a variant ofthat race. Fds 354 Notes Cannibalism among Little Owls For many years, Little Owls Athene noctua have nested in a hollow oak Quercus near my home in Alton, Hampshire. On 29th May 1975, when the young were about 15 days old, I found one of the adults dead, about 30m from the base of the tree, with much of its breast eaten away. On the following day, I found the remains of the dead owl no longer on the ground, but in the nest-hole some SVa m from the ground. Over the next day or so, the three young fed on the carcase. Assuming that there was no human interference, this would appear to be a most interesting and unusual case of cannibalism by Little Owls. David G. H. Mil LS Glebe House, Bentworth, Alton, Hampshire GV34 5RA David Glue has commented that, although young eating dead young at the nest is not uncommon among owls, he has ne\er come across an instance where a dead adult has been taken back to the nest and consumed. Human interference (i.e. a human being placing the dead owl back in the nest) would seem a more likeh' e.xplanation than that of the second parent carrying the carcase back to the nest chamber. Eds ‘BB’-Sunbird Tour of Israel, April 1981 Although migration was slack, all the participants agreed that this trip was a great success. Local specialities seen included Brown Booby Sula leucogaster, Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis, Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus, Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides. Sand Partridge Alectoris heyi, Black Francolin Francolinus Jrancolinus, Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis 187. ‘BB’-Sunbird trip to Israel, .\pril 1981 , watching migrants near the Dead Sea: left to right, .Mark Beaman, Ann & .Mike Garrier, Dr Roger & Gay Wright, Michael Mansbridge, Bob Deane, Donald Surrey, Rosa Dethick, Dr Barrie Watson, Per Schlutter, Wendy & Peter Sparks, Dr Tim Sharrock and Alex Randall (Mark Beaman) 355 ‘BB’-Sunbird Tour of Israel undulata, Lichtensteins’s Sandgrouse Pterodes lichtensteinii (as well as the four commoner sandgrouse), Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis, Long- billed Pipit Anthus similis, Blackstart Cercomela melanura, seven species of wheatear Oenanthe, including the scarce and rather elusive — but exquisite — Hooded Wheatear 0. monacha. Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus, Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena, Orange-tufted Sunbird Nectarinia osea. Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus, Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoleta and Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia. These apart, the group discovered a number of more unexpected species. Some of the most interesting observations were of Great Black-headed Gulls Larus ichthyaetus and Little Swifts Apus ajfinis on the Mediterranean coast, Caspian Plovers Charadrius asiaticus and Desert Warbler Sylvia nana in the Negev, and White-tailed Plover Chettusia leucura, Namaqua Dove Oena capensis, Citrine Wagtail Motadlla dtreola and Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus at Elat. As well as being most enjoyable, the trip has, thanks to Sunbird Holidays Ltd, assisted the funds of British Birds. The next BB-Sunbird trip will be to Thailand in February 1982. Sunbird Holidays Ltd has again promised to donate to BB all profits from BB subscribers who go on this trip. The Thailand tour will be accompanied by Tim Sharrock. Anyone interested in receiving details should write now to Sunbird Holidays, Executive Travel, (Holidays) Ltd, 2 Lower Sloane Street, London SVV IVV 8BJ (telephone 01-730 6609). Announcements Book offers It helps 55’s finances if you order these books from us: Birdwatching in the Seventies by Ian Wallace (Macmillan) £7.95 post free. A Notebook of Birds — 1907-1980 by Jim Flegg (Macmillan) £6.95 post free. Frontiers of Bird Identification edited by J. T. R. Sharrock (Macmillan) £7.95 post free. Wildfowl of Europe by Myrfyn Owen (Macmillan) £9.95 post free. Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book by Bill Oddie (Eyre Methuen) £4.95 post free. Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1981 edited by John E. Pemberton (Buckingham Press) £5.45 (£4.95 -f 50p p & p).' If you order more than one title, please write your orders for each book on a separate sheet. We will pass your orders on to the respective publishers, who will send the books to you by post. Orders and cheques or postal orders (payable to British Birds Ltd) to: BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. (For orders from addresses outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, please add 50p. Payment can be made into UK Giro account number 37 588 6303.) Back issues of ‘BB’ Back issues may be ordered at £2 each post free (or any 12 for £12). A list of those available appears on a pull-out page in the centre of this issue. Requests Readers’ likes and dislikes Please help us to modify BB to suit your tastes by completing the readership questionnaire on the pull-out page in the centre ol this issue. Wing-tagged Grey Herons A number of nestling Grey Herons Ardea cinerea in Fife and East Perthshire have been fitted with wing-tags ol \ arious colours, each tag, in addition, bearing an individual code number. Anyone seeing a tagged bird is asked to note the colours (and, il possible, the numbers) on both wings and inform either Mick Marquiss, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian eh26 Oqb, or Keith Brockie, Gardener’s Cottage, Millhill House, Inchture, Perthshire (telephone 082 886 774). News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of the editors of British Birds Aulla Conference From 30th May to 1st June, the first Italian Ornithological Con- ference was held in Aulla, a small town at the base of the Northern Appennines. The con- ference was organised by Centro Italiano Studi Ornitologici (CISO) and Aulla Natural History Museum and was sponsored by the Regional Government of Tuscany and Aulla Municipality. For the first time, all Italians seriously interested in ornithology, both professionals and amateurs, had the opportunity to gather, meet one another and discuss common problems. The conference had as its foreign guest Stanley Cramp, President of the BOU, who spoke on ‘Orni- thological research and conservation’. There were two other major lectures, by Professor F. Papi of Pisa University on ‘Navigation and orientation in birds’ and by Professor S. Frugis on ‘Census work and the Italian atlas project’. It was most rewarding to see so many young people at the conference, in which many papers were of good scientific standard. Particularly interesting among the many other papers presented were those on parental and filial behaviour in Zebra Finches by Miss E. Ronchi; the biology of the VVallcreeper by P. De Franceschi; habitat selection in some warblers by A. Farina; and the breeding behaviour of Eleonora’s Falcon by F. Spina. It is hoped that the conference will be the first of a regular series. (Contributed by Prof Sergio Frugis) 356 Nordic Congress The main themes of the Second Nordic Congress of Ornithology, held in Norway in August 1979, were seabirds, tits, duck and wader breeding biology, migration and bird conservation. Twenty of the 59 papers given at the Congress, plus summaries of those published elsewhere, have recently been published as Proceedings. Copies may be purchased from the Norwegian Ornithological Society, Inn- herredsveien 67A, N-7000 Trondheim, Norway; an international cheque for £13 per copy should be included with each order. Dungeness on line The recently opened Redhill-Wrotham section of the M25 has greatly eased access to Dungeness for many southwest Londoners: the obser\atory is now only 90 minutes away from the Reigate end of the motorway. Short-notice bookings are now possible, too, with the recent installation of a telephone at the observatory: write or phone to Dorian Bufiery, Dungeness Bird Observatory, Romnev Marsh, Kent tn‘29 9na, tel. Lydd (STD 0679) 21309. Lines Atlas Anne Goodall has reminded us that fieldwork for the Lincolnshire Breeding Bird Atlas is still under way and that all oilers of help will be gratefully received by the organiser: Keith Atkin, 5 Hazel Grove, Louth, Lincolnshire. News and comment 357 188. River Warbler Norfolk, June 1981 {David M. Cottridge) The problem with rarities The editorial board is at present composing an Kditorial concerning the difficulties which may arise as a result of the occurrence of a rare bird, prompted partii ularly by the crop-tram|3ling and other events surrounding the singing River Warbler Luntslella Jluviatilis in Norfolk in late May and early June this year (plate 188). We shall refrain from commenting here, therefore, apart from including, by courtesy of 'Peterborough', N. I). Holland’s cartoon which appeared in the 8th June issue o{ The Daily Telegrafih. 'They do say the River Warbler is an omen of a had hanest. ' French Colloquium ,\ collcxpiium on 'Introduction, reintroduction and reinforce- ment of populations of birds in Western Europe’, organised by the Ligue Frati(,;aise pour la Protection des Oiscau.x, will be held at .Marly le Roi (near Paris) on 19th September 1981. I he colloquium will be in French, .\dmission is free; more details from FPO, Fa Corderie Royale, BP ‘263. 1730.5 Rochefort Cedex, France. Bucks Bird Club We are pleased to announce the recent formation of the Buckinghamshire Bird Club. .\s well as planning a wide range of indoor and outdoor meetings, the Club has taken over responsi- bility from the Middle Thames Natural History Society for recording in the county, publishing monthly bird bulletins and producing an annual bird report. .Any Bucks birders who ha\e not already been in touch with the Club should contact Mrs Elaine Knight. 319 Bath Road, Cippenham, Slough, Buckinghamshire. Tunnicliffe pictures Many readers will be aware of the recent correspondence in the national press concerning the fate of the drawings and paintings of the late Charles Tunnicliffe R.A — the collection seemed destined to be scattered far and wide after an auction at Christie's in May. In the nick of time, \'nys .Mon (.Anglesey) Borough Coun- cil has purchased everything for the sum of £400,000, thus ensuring that the collection 358 News and comment will remain intact and in Wales. This pur- chase was made possible through an oil revenue fund paid by Shell (UK) for the benefit of the people of Anglesey, by a grant and an interest-free loan from the National Heritage Fund and by the generous contri- butions of many trusts and individuals. A permanent home for the collection is planned in due course. Moroccan Atlas Michael Thevenot writes to tell us that the ornithological section of the Institut Scientifique (Departement de Zoolo- gie et Ecologie Animale), Avenue I bn Battouta, BP 703, Rabat-Agdal, Morocco, intends to start a five-year Atlas project. Any help that visiting birders can give will be gratefully accepted: write to the Institut for more details. Those records . . . On 9th May, two teams set out to establish a new record for the most species seen in 24 hours: David Tomlinson, Peter Smith, Bill Urwin and Jeremy Sorensen represented the magazine Country Lije and Bill Oddie, John Gooders, Tim Inskipp and CliffWaller the Fauna and Flora Preservation Society. Both teams had fast cars and, through sponsorship, raised over £3,000 between them for wildlife con- servation charities. Their scores were 148 and 145 respectively (which should properly be 146 and 143 since both teams admit including two species of ‘escapes’). A week later, Bryan Bland, Phil Gregory, Nigel Mears and Pete Milford, unsponsored and sticking to Norfolk (the others wandered farther afield, although the FFPS team were abroad only in Norfolk and Suffolk), claimed a new record with over 150 species, of which 147 were ‘full category A or C’. The only garden list totals which have come our way following our mention of Bryan Bland’s total (172) are 147 from Tony Fox of Ynyslas, Borth, Dyfed, and ‘at least 120’ from Philip Redman at Cap Gris Nez. The latter is not British, of course, but might qualify for some sort of list since Dover is visible on clear days! . . . . and other silly things Some time has elapsed since we included any good ‘bino- cular-fulls’, so we thought mention might be made of Honey Buzzards and killer whales glassed together by Steve Madge and others in southern Spain in May. New county recorders Dr E. S. Alexander, Lilac Hill, Hamilton, Lanarkshire ml3 7hg, has now taken over from H. Galbraith as recorder for Lanarkshire. Graham P. Catley. 13 West Acridge, Barton-on-Humber, South Humberside, has now taken over from Keith Atkin as recorder for Lincolnshire. Loch of Spiggie Many birders who have been to Fair Isle and Shetland will know Loch of Spiggie, the largest area of water in the southern half of Shetland and of great local importance for its winter wildfowl: it holds the biggest concentrations in the islands and, importantly, up to 300 Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus. It has recently become an RSPB reserve, purchased with the help of the World Wildlife Fund. There are no visitor facilities at present, but good views of the loch can be had from the road at the north end. Recent reports Dates in this report refer to May unless other- wise stated. The high-pressure region in mid Atlantic, which had caused the cold northerly weather of late April, declined by 5th, and much warmer air arrived as the winds turned to the south. I'he weather was unsettled as fronts crossed the country and, as one depression moved southeastwards into Europe on 1 Ith, a significantly warmer air mass arrived from southern Europe across the North Sea. The southeasterlies turned back to south- westerlies by 14th, the winds continuing to blow between south and southwest until the end of the month, with extensive cloud cover keeping temperatures down. K. Allsopp and R. A. Hume These are largely unchecked rep>orts, not autnenticated records Summer migrants I he combination of southerly winds and Irequent weather fronts resulted in a remark- able number ofdisplaced migrants. The most obvious species was the Bluethroat Lusdnia svecica, which started to arrive from 9th. By 12th, 30 were present on Fair Isle (Shetland) and, on 13th, 33 were counted on Out Skerries and another 35 at other Shetland localities. Farther south, 12 were seen on the Isle of May (Fife) from 9th to 16th, with singles at Feesmouth (Cleveland), Filey Brigg (North Yorkshire), Donna Nook (Lin- colnshire), Cley (Norfolk), Landguard Point (Sulfolk) and two at Spurn Point (Humber- side), all during the same period. No fewer than eight records of Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans were received, from St Agnes (Isles ofScilly) on 7th, Humberstone (Hum- berside), Whalsay (Shetland) and Portland Bill (Dorset) on 12th (with another at the last-named place on 27th), Out Skerries on 13th, Tetney (Lincolnshire) on 14th and Bardsey (Gwynedd) on 1st June. Other Mediterranean warblers overshooting their normal range were a Sf>ectacled Warbler S. conspicillatn on Lundy (Devon) on 17th, a Sardinian Warbler 5. melanocephala on the Isle of May on 31st, a Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon on Jersey (Channel Isles) on 19th and Great Reed Warblers ,4. arundinaceus at the Ouse Washes (Cambridge- shire) on 24th and near Wick (Highland) on 17th. More easterly species found were two Bonelli’s Warblers Phylloscopus bonelli on St Agnes on 8th, a Greenish Warbler P. trochiloides at Belle Tout (East Sussex) on 19th, and Icterine Warblers Hippolais icterina on Out Skerries on 13th, Fetlar (Shetland) on 26th and Fair Isle (two) on 24th. The great excitement, however, con- cerned two River Warblers Locustella 359 360 Recent reports Jiuviatilis, one on Fair Isle on 23rd to 25th and another at Roydon (Norfolk) on 30th and into June: even the biting midges did not deter the ardent watchers eager to see and hear the latter (plate IBS), which was also featured on telex ision. A species which might ha\ e been considered more likely to arrive on the southwesterlies, the Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta, was reported only from Birling Gap (East Sussex) on 10th and from Bardsey on 1st June. Earlier, this island com- plaining of a lack of common migrants — a general obser\ation at other observatories also — was visited by a Penduline Tit Reniiz pendulinus from 9th to 1 1th, the third British record. Other displaced migrants were Ortolan Buntings Emberiza hortularia, at Eandguard Point on 10th to 12th, Eair Isle on 11th, Christchurch (Dorset) on 12th and Eetlar on 1 7th; Rustic Bunting E. rustica on Fair Isle on 21st; Little Bunting E. pusilla also there on 3rd, with two others elsewhere in Shetland; Scarlet Rosefinches Carpodacus erythrinus on Fair Isle (three) on 19th and at Sumburgh (also Shetland) on 13th; a Thrush Nightingale Luscima luscima, near Wick (Highland) on 17th; and Red- throated Pipits Anlhus cervinus at Rutland Water (Leicestershire) on 9th and Salthouse (Norfolk) on 13th. An Eye-browed Thrush Turdus ohscurus at Aberdeen (Grampian) on 27th might well have been left over from winter, but not so a Red-breasted Fly- catcher Eicedula parva at Ynyslas (Dyfed) in late May. The more colourful of European species were also at large, with 14 Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus reported, ten Bee-eaters Merops apiaster, including six at Marazion (Cornwall) on 30th, a Roller Coracias garrulus on St Agnes in late May and five Hoopoes Upupa epops. The greatest rarity was a Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus reported in Shetland on 12th: if accepted, it will be the first for Britain and Ireland. Other shrike records were of a Lesser Grey L. minor on d'eesside on 21st, four Woodchats L. senator, three of them in the West Country, and I 1 migrant Red-backeds E. collurio, all on the British east coast. 1 wo other groups of migrants, the swifts and hirundines, also had representatives in the rarity parade. A Little Swift Apus ajfinis was watched at Skewjack, near Lands End (C.ornwall) on 16th (plates 189 & 190), and five Alpine Swifts A. melba were reported, mainly on the south coast; of the hirundines, a Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris flew past Dungeness (Kent) on 15th and, in late May, Borth Bog (Dyfed) was visited by a Red- rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica. Serins Sennus sennas at Dungeness on 2nd and 13th, a Tawny Pipit Anlhus campestris on the Isles of Scilly on 8th, a scattering of Wrynecks Jynx torquilla and records of several races of Yellow Wagtail Motacilla Jlava, including the Spanish M. J. ibenae, the grey-headed M. J. thunbergi, the black-headed M. j.Jeldegg and the blue-headed M. J. flava, complete this incredible list of small migrants. Records of spring Dotterels Charadrius morinellus are usually confined to traditional sites, but this year they were more general in British east coast areas (plate 191), w'ith some 80 being reported; there were also singles inland on Beeley Moor (Derbyshire) 361 Recent reports on 1st and on the Isle of Man on 3rd. Alter the wet early-spring weather, the reservoirs have been lull, with few feeding areas left for waders; in consequence, perhaps, records have come mainly from coastal sites. The most exciting records were of a Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus at l itchlield Haven (Hampshire) on 8th and a Broad-billed Sandpiper Limtcola Jalcinellus at I'eesside on 3 1 St. A small flock of seven Temminck’s Stints Calidris temminckii arrived at 189 Sc 190. Little Swift Apus affinis, Corn- wall, May 1981 (IT. R. Hirst) 362 Sidlesham Ferry (West Sussex) on 7th, at the onset of the southerly winds, with others reported from Cley also on 7th, two at I'eesmouth (Cleveland) on 13th and others inland at Willen Lake (Buckinghamshire) on 19th and Little Paxton Gravel-pits (Cam- bridgeshire). Other unusual groups were three Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrims at Marazion (Cornwall) on 8th and five at Breydon Water (Norfolk) on 9th, with singles at Ythan (Grampian) on 12th and Spurn Point on 24th. Of note were two Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris melanotos, one at Minsmere (Suflblk) on 30th with another at Teesside on 31st. Following the April Black-winged Stilts Himantopus himantopus listed last month, another occurred in Co. Wexford in May. The larger wading species from the Continent were also well represented. Eleven Purple Herons Ardea purpurea were found, mainly on the British east coast, as were 14 Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia. The Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides at St Germans (Cornwall) was reported up to 7th, with a further record coming from Drift Reservoir (Cornwall) on 3rd June. A Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax on Unst (Shetland) on 8th, Little Egrets Egrella garzetta at Lodmoor (Dorset) on 25th and Holme (Norfolk) on 26th, a White Stork Ciconia ciconia near Lancaster on 7th, and Cranes Grus grus at Stodmarsh and Sandwich Bay (Kent) on 2nd again illustrate the large number of migrating species disrupted by the weather. The usual two Glossy Ibises Plegadis jalcinellus were reported from Stodmarsh, but two others were found at Minsmere on 8th to 10th. j-t^^ ea Seabirds The quick change in the weather on 7th was marked by a large passage of Black Terns Chlidoriias niger along the English south coast and inland. The spring passage of Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus at Dungeness also reached a peak of 151 on the same day. Only one White-winged Black Tern Chlidoriias leucopterus was reported, howecer, from Marazion. Whiskered Terns C. hybridus were seen at Landguard Point on 5th and Dungeness on 26th, and the now regular Nearctic gull records were of a Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis at Sandymount (Dublini on 3rd and a Bonaparte’s Gull L. Philadelphia at Lodmoor from 22nd to 27th. Two Cory’s Shearwaters Calonectris diomedea were seen off Cley on 31st, and a single at Dungeness on 16th and 17th. Birds of prey The species most affected by the disruptive weather patterns was the Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosas. Eleven were recorded at Spurn between 8th and 28th and nine at Leighton Moss (Lancashire), while in Lin- colnshire up to 20 records were noted, including a single at Gibraltar Point from 6th to 31st. Hobbies P'alco subbuteo were seen outside their usual areas, indicating dis- placed Continental migrants, as were a Red Kite Alilvus milvus at Happi^burgh (Norfolk) on 3rd, Honey Buzzards Pemis apivorus on Fetlar on 25th and Vnyshir (Mid Glamor- gan) in late May, a Black Kite Milvus migrans at Teesside on 22nd, and Red-footed Falcons Falco vespertinus in Shetland on 17th and at Spurn Point on 1st June. Latest news After the excitements of May, June and early July, mid July was, as usual, rather quiet: Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis and Caspian Tern Sterna caspia at Minsmere; other Caspian Terns on Teesside and the Ouse Washes; White-winged Black Tern at Stodmarsh; and Little Egret at Elmley (Kent). SUNBIRD — ^birdtour experts We specialise in small-group holidays — up to 16 people, catering for beginner and expert. Tour leaders include: John Andrews, Bryan Bland, Cliff Davies, Mike Everett, David Fisher, Peter Grant, Mike Hodgson, Frank King, Richard Porter, John Raines, Will Russell, Tim Sharrock, Don Turner, Alan Vittery. 1982 TOURS ISRAEL TURKEY GREECE AUSTRIA LAPLAND CAMARGUE & PYRENEES S. SPAIN MAJORCA MOROCCO SIBERIA & MONGOLIA INDIA 8c NEPAL KASHMIR & LADAKH SRI LANKA THAILAND *NEW GUINEA ♦SURINAME AUSTRALIA GAMBIA KENYA ♦ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS ♦TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ♦S. MEXICO ♦ALASKA ♦CALIFORNIA ♦ARIZONA ♦TEXAS ♦FLORIDA *In association with W'ISGS INC. (VSA) For details please contact: SUNBIRD at EXECUTIVE TRAVEL (Holidays) LTD 2 Lower Sloane Street, London SWIW 8BJ Telephone: 01-730 6609 A of the SERENISSIMA Travel Group I-(d. lATA ATOL AirO (BB337) Third Edition Published 27th July 1981 FLIGHT IDENTIFICATION OF EUROPEAN RAPTORS by R. F. Porter, Ian Willis, Bent Pors Nielson & S. Christensen Numerous refinements and additions have been made throughout the text of this third edition, several new drawings have been added and many others revised or redrawn. Revisions to the sections on the buzzards and the Aquila eagles have been particularly extensive but all sections have been reviewed and the whole book has been reset. The plates section has been increased to 96 pages and there are over 70 additional and replacement photographs. 276 pages, £9.60 net T & A D POYSER Calton, Waterhouses Staffs ST10 3JQ (BB318) Designed for the keen Ornithologist, and indeed for all nature studies. Featuring close focusing of only 12 feet. Fully- coated for extra clarity, Tripod Socket, Fold-down Rubber Eyecups, making them also suitable for spectacle wearers. Wide angle of 9° or 472 ft at 1 000 yds. Weight 38 ozs Available from larger branches of Boots, Opti- cal specialists arxf Photo- graphic shops at around 270 inc. VAT and com- plete with De Luxe case and straps. Phone or Write to sole importers for nearest stockist and catalogue: Greenhill & Ellis Ltd., River House, Restmor Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AE Tel: 01-669 4388 (BB329) j P O Box 1 96 Planetarium Station New YORK NY 1 0024 USA (212) 866-7923 The Asia Specialists 1982 Birding Tours THAILAND/MALAYA 27 Jan. - 27 Feb. MT KINABALU (Borneo) fl I 27 Feb. - 9 Mar. Both tours led by BEN KING, Asia’s foremo.st field birder, author of A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asna. 'v\'rite for itinerary, (BB306) Talk to A.RMawkins about Binoculars! "PHONE us m Best Makes. Largest Stocks. Fastest Service. By return Despatch and . Free Advice. A. R. Hawkins only sells well known branded binoculars at lowest prices possible (up to 40% off MRP). Over 150 models to choose from with big stocks and really fast service— all orders despatched same day securely packed and fully insured Order by telephone with Barclay/Access or C.O.D. Buying at A. R. Hawkins Ltd.. Means you get a better binocular tor less than you might have paid elsewhere for an inferior brand. And if you need advice on which model to choose for your needs, please feel free to telephone us— we would be pleased to talk binoculars with you! QRDER IN CONFIDENCE FROM A. R. HAWKINS— THE WHOLE COUNTRY DOES! PLEASE ADD Cl .95 POST/INS. EACH ITEM E. and O.E. BEST SELLING SELECTION FROM OVER 150 DIFFERENT MODELS: (all prices correct press date and subject to availability) (BB304) ZEISS WEST Si30e0ulyl SiSeeGADillyl 10i40e0illyl 10 X rOBGA Oillyl 10x256Mim0ialyi 6 X ?06MiniDialyt all ottwf models m stock £2M.K £3I7» C32S.3S 02110 C140.3S C136.55 CARL ZEISS JENA 8 X 30 Jenoplem T3M £31.90 ^ X SO Jenoplem T3M £03.33 10x50 Jenoplem T3M £0I.?S 8 X 30 Denrmiem 3M £50.45 10 X SO Dekatem T3M ttt.fl All Monoculars in slock New Zeiss Jeru Roof Prisms ei 326No(arem £99.95 10x406Notarem £141.95 SWIfT 7 X SOSlorm KingR/A 10 X SO^emeBWCf 6 X 40 Supreme BWCF eSx44Au()o0on6WCF 8 X 40 Saratoga BWCF 10 X 40 County BCF 9 X 3S Stadium BCF 6 X 40Grar>dPiix6CF 8x 40 Swift Tecnar 20 X 80 Observation 16 X 70 Observation RARL HARTMANN TELESCOPES LELTZ 8x20CTnnovid(Mini) t0i2^Trinovid(Min) 8x32BTtmovid 6i 406Trinovid 10 X 406Tfinovid (cases extra) nia.M £114.90 £107H £9411 £04 00 £54.00 £51 75 £53.14 £27.95 £231 17 £137 96 £134.59 £142.93 £270.49 £290.70 £307 75 6 X 30 Compact Wide Angle 6 X 40 Con^iact Wide Angle 10 X 40CornpaaWideAngle 10 X SO Bernina Wide Angle HILKINSON 10 X 40 Lincoln 7i'^ field 10x40Hawk7Crijeld 7 X SO Balmoral 7 S^lieid 20 X 60HignP(M«r 8*20x SO'oom 8x21 Roof Prism Miniaiure 8 X 56 Olympic Root Prism R/A 8 X 30HyiiieRyPfism 10 X 40HylileR/Pnsm RUSSIANHELIOS 6x30 Helios 7 X SO Helios 12x40 Helios £132.25 £159.40 £159.40 £147 29 £54.75 £37.44 £35.93 £59.57 £53.91 £41.96 n9.96 £51.45 £59.79 £21 95 £27 96 £29 96 Busbncll OiseoNvef 1S-60 x 60£159.96 Swift Telemasler 15-60 1 60 £195.96 Swift Prismatic 20 1 60 £H.90 NickleSi^a'B 15-60 x 60 £135.24 Henei&F^ 25-60x60 £131.99 Miradot Prismatic 20-45 x 60 £99.96 2eissWest40i60 £392.09 Nickel Supra 15-60 X 60 fl/A £149.19 Busbneii Spacemasler 20-45 x 60C99.96 Greenkal 22 i 60 Spotting 'v:oDr£49 96 FUU RAH66 OF TBIfOOS W STOCK ORDER NO FOR IMHEDUn DESPATCH Access/Visa accepted by pnone COO service available at small exva charge Ati orders despatched same day received INFORMATION PACK AVAtLAUi 50p in stamps or PO tor tulty iitustraied price lists ana cotou brochures with speohcaborrs mionnahon and spectai otters on all models m stock TelepAoM ler aOvtee— our tmes are oper from 9 00-5 30 loosed Thursday) CALURSWEUOME We are iu3l 7 mnuies from fhe M i (junction 15 and nghi m me town certre on me cornet of me Manet S^e Call m— «e xnxitd be pleased see you and snow you 0N«r 150 modetsm Slock ^ AR HAWKINS LTD 2 The Parade, Northampton Telephone (0604) 39674 RARE BIRDS THE WEST COAST by Don Roberson Over 500 pages filled with photos, maps, graphs, essays about rare birds from .Alaska to California. Of interest to British observers are: • Color plates of over 100 species, many Siberian vagrants rare in Britain. ^ • Up-to-date essays on i.d. of stints, pipits, C ' buntings, pelagics and more. . Detailed material on difficult American groups — Lmputoiun flycatchers, LiUluiun thrushes, etc. • Numerous references to Pnh-li Bit.l- • Text on Eurasian species reviewed by Peter Grant. £15 or $28 postpaid Published by the author. Order from WOODCOCK PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box d85 PACIFIC GROVE, CA «3O50 U S A. .Allow e weeks lor delivery (BB5I9) Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be PREPAID £3.60 for 3 lines (minimum) £1.20 for each whole or part extra line. Classified display £5.00 a centimetre (min. 2 centimetres) For the use of a box number there is a charge of £1.00 Replies to: The A D I ER TISEMEXT MANA GER British Birds, Macmillan Journals Ltd., 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF HOLIDA Y A CCOMMODA TION HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr Bruce Campbell and Ted Grilhths based at the Talland Bay Hotel on the South Clornish Coast. Parties have identified over 1 10 species. Special Birds and flowers week in May. Course dates and brochure from Talland Bay Hotel, Nr. Looe, Cornwall. Telephone Polperro (0503) 72667. (BB49) DUNSYRE, LANARKSHIRE. Attractive holi- day cottages on private estate sleeping 4 & 6. Warm, comfortable and very well equipped. Variety of wildlife. Apply Lee & Carnwath Estates, Clarnwath, Lanark. Tel: Carnwath (055584) 273. (BB244) ISLE OF TIREE. The Lodge Hotel, bird- watchers’ paradise island. Self-catering flats and full board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Ltxlge Hotel, Tiree. Tel: 08792 368. (BB46) ISLES OF SCILLY— ST. MARY’S. Friendly atmosphere in a Family run Licensed Guest House overlooking the harbour. Open now until the 24th October. Special reductions until the 15th May. SAE for details or telephone Tony or Linda Dingley 0720 22327. (BB195) CLEY — when visiting Cley Marshes and Blakeney Point you are welcome to call at the George and Dragon Hotel. Accommodation, bars and meals. Tariff upon application, write or tel: The George & Dragon Hotel, Cley, Holt, Norfolk. Tel: Cley (0263) 740652. (BB239) CLEY— BIRDWATCH as you breakfast! All year round B&B in very comfortable home, directly overlooking bird reserve and salt marshes. Alan and Sheila Hart, The Saltings, Coast Road, Cley. Tel: 740645. (BB1070) ISLE OF ARRAN. S/c modernised farm cottages at Sliddery. Apartments at Machrie adjacent golf course/shorc. Graham, 47 Henry Street, Langholm. Tel: 80272. (BBl 14) THETFORD ‘Convenient for the Brecks’ WEREHAM GUEST HOUSE— 24 White Hart Street, Thetford, Norfolk 1P24 LAD. Good centre for Breckland Birds — con- venient to see Stone Curlew, Golden Oriole, Woodlark, Crossbill, etc. Bed and breakfast — packed lunches. Evening meal (Monday to Thursday) if required. SAE for brochure. Telephone Thetford 61956. (BB297) SNOWDONIA AND LLEYN PENINSULA. Many species of birds visit here. Spend a week birdwatching in one of our small, guided groups. Beginners especially welcome. SAE for details. John Taylor, Bron-y-Maen, North Road, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. Tel: 0286 2683. (BB59) TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking RSPB Reserve. The Manor Hotel oilers comfortable accommodation and good food throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. Special ‘Bird-Watchers’ weekends monthly from November to March, and 2- or 3-day breaks during the same period. Postal address: King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8BB. Telephone: Brancaster (048 521) 221. (BB303) ENJOY THE FREEDOM ofa self-catering holi- day in Sullblk. For details of houses, cottages, flats, send large SAE to Mrs Jane Good, Bland- ings, Hasketon, Woodbridge, Suffolk or tel: Woodbridge 2770. (BB301) BEAUTIFUL PEMBROKESHIRE COAST. Offshore islands rich in birdlife. Small country house hotel caters for those who enjoy country living, good ftxrd and wine, relaxed friendly atmosphere. Teamaking facilities, colour TV', bathrooms with each room. Grove Hotel, St Davids. Tel: 043788 341. (BB307) NORTH DEVON BIRDWATCHING WEEKENDS with local watchers for guides at Taw and Torridge Estuaries and Woodland Reserves. Friendly Get-'Together-Evenings at Southcliffe Hotel, Torrs Park, Ilfracombe. Good food and wine, and cosy bar. Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast £35.00. VA'T inclusive extra days at £9.00. (Showers/toilets ensuite extra). From September 18/ 1 9th. Stamp for colour brochure/detail Ref BB. (0271) 62958. (BB308) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Tradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated National 'Trust beauty area. Abundant wildlife, naturalists’ paradise. To let fortnightly. SAE: Whiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) XIV IN THK HKAR r OF FNGLAM) AND WAFFS Peaceful (aniniry Cottages, C'.otswolds, Malvern Hills. VN'ye \ alley, Shropshire, Warwickshire, •Micl/.North Wales. Brochure 2()p stamp COTr.\(;F HOFIDAYS Blackmore Fnd, Hanley Swati, Worcester WRH OFF Tel: (OOH -Ff) 780 (BB281) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beestoti, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Faketiham. Tittleshall 20.5. (BB42) NEAR RYE, EAST SUSSEX. Inexpensive bargain breaks, beautilul Georgiati Country House Hotel. Flamingoes, migratory and sea birds. Tel: 079 721 881. ’ (BB225) MINSMERE. Bed and breakfast, lisher, ‘Trelyn’, Blythburgh Road, Westleton. Tel: Westieton HT (BB189) SUFFOLK, WAVENEY VALLEY, beautiful views, lovely well kept gardetis. B&B fi>r 2. S.\F: .\rkhill Cottage, Mendham, Harleston. .Norlitik. (BBI27) SOLWAY COAST. Holiday chalets in excellent area Ittr birdwatching. ,SAF for details: Muir, 88 Kermoor Avenue, Bolton. I'el: 598182. (BB2()(i) HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE. VS atch the birds from comfortable self-catering cottages amidst birch atid pine forests on the south shore of Loch Rannoch. Small fatnilv propertv, well equipped cottages. I'el: 088 28 2.55. ' ( BB8 1 1 ) ISLE OF ISLAY. .Vttractive, well equipped cottages sleeping 2-4 people. .Situated by beach in peaceful village of Port Charlotte. Full details/ brochure .Mrs James Roy, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islav, Argyllshire PA48 ’7ldL Tel: 049 685 208. (BB269) NEW FOREST, HANTS. .V quiet and secluded large country house with direct forest access. Full central heating, licensed. F\ , Radios, etc, all rooms, some with private bathrooms. Woodlands Lodge Hotel, Woodlattds. New Forest Hants. 042 129 2257. (BBI7.5) 16TH C SUFFOLK LONGHOUSE. Luxury accommodation within easy reach of coast and M insmere. Private batlmtoms, fine Ftiglish food, lovelv rural setting. Old Swan House. Creting- ham, Woodbridge, SulTolk. I'el: F^arl Soham 683. (BB279) BETTYHILL HOTEL, Bettyhill, Sutherland. Old established family hotel in outstanding position overlookitig the .Naver Nature Reserve and the Pentland Firth. Paradise for bird- watchers. First class cuisitie. Fully licensed. I'el: Bettyhill (06412) 202. (BB264) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautilul Ciluti \alle\ tiear the Welsh border. The area has an excelletit wild bird population atid an ititeresting flora and fauna. Within easy reach of Ludlow . Flan \'alley. Olfa’s Dyke, Longmynd, this stock rearing farm of 400 acres has magnificent views added to its attractions. .At Upper House one finds complete relaxation and a pampered, intimate atmosphere. B&B, F.M optional. Fel: Bucknell 319 or S.AIC •Mrs D. .M. Williams, Upper Farm. Hopton Castle, Craven .Arms, Salop. (BB1069) WILDWATCH Caiided (Countryside Discosery Holidays in .North York .Mtxtrs .National Park. Fstuary, rocky coast, mtxtr and wooded habitats. Special rates for organised groups, hotel accom. transport included. .Stamp brochure: VV ildwatch. Beech (inne, Runswick Bay. .North Yorks, Fel: Whitby 840884. ' (BB298) GALLOWAY. Fixcellent accommodatioti. Route .A718 to Loch Ken. I hreave 2 miles. B&B £5.75. dinner optional. .Mrs .A. (iibson. C.raignair, 32 .Abercromby Road. Castle Douglas DG7 I B.A. Fel: 0,5.56 2i 12. (BB299) EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK. Comfortable holiday accomtiKKlation in country inn and our adjacent priviite house. DB&B meals served in dining room of inn Ibr lM)th. Ideal centre for totiring & walking. Photic Washliinl 223. F. .Mead, Fhe Valiant Soldier Inn, Roadwater, .Nr W atchet, .Somerset. (BB28(i) SOUTHWOLD AA** hotel, central heating en-suite bedrooms, good wines and Iwl and waders, V can even be used or studying aasserines and >ying birds, oop marks for ' first-class isstrument.” awrence G. . olloway ' Ornitholidays. A pride of craftmanship, which creates a pride of ownership through the high quality optics from Bushnell, a division of Bausch & Lomb. Those beautifully finished, high resolution binoculars and telescopes are 1 00% lens coated allowing bright, crisp and eye-comfortable viewing. Stylishly and sturdily constructed to ensure that the optical elements remain in alignment minimising servicing problems. Spacemaster 20 x 60. A fast focusing prismatic telescope giving 20 x magnification. Field width 124ft. at 1000yds. Length 11% inches. With standard thread tripod mount. Spacemaster 20-45 x 60 Zoom. A versatile telescope with zoom from 20 to 45 power. Field width 37ft. at 1000yds. Length 11% inches. Tripod mount. Discoverer 15 - 60 x 60 Zoom. Top quality telescope zooming from 15 to 60 power. Field width at 15x is 156ft. at 1000yds., and 60x is 40ft. Length I/Vi inches. With tripod mount. Explorer 10 x 50. An all-purpose, fast focusing binocular with Squint-Pruf haze filters. Field width 420ft. at 1000yds. Height 4% inches. Weight 27ozs. ' 20-45 ' SPACEMASTER incIVAT 10x50 EXPLORER ndVAT For detailed literature and list of retail stockists contact Highgate Optical, Distributors of Bushnell binoculars and telescopes. Highgate Optical Ltd 38 Jamestown Road, London NW1 7EJ Tel: 01-267 4936 Telex: 298858 '■ tecoverer 1 5 - 60 x 60. /.“arguably the finest instrument ?tirrently on the market.” . jw/7v/a and Sharrock, writing in ■ Wish Birds, October 1978. RARE BIRDS THE WEST COAST • N by Don Roberson o Over 500 pages filled vsith photos, maps, “ graphs, essays about rare birds from Alaska to California. Of interest to British observers are: • Color plates of over 100 species, many Siberian vagrants rare in Britain. • Up-to-date essays on i.d. of stints, pipits, C' ' buntings, pelagics and more. • Detailed material on difficult .American groups — Ltrif’iiLtiun flycatchers, Lnllunu> thrushes, etc. • Numerous references to BumJi /hrr/- • Text on Eurasian species reviewed by Peter Grant. El 3 or $2H postpaid Published by the author. Order from WOODCOCK PUBLIC ATIONS P.O. Box ‘?85 PACIFIC GROVE, CA 03^50 U.S.A. .Allow t> weeks tor delivery (BBSI'h I Help BB! W ith an even larger circula- tion, we could keep subscrip- tion prices down and have more pages each month. Persuade a friend to subscribe . . . Name .\ddres.s Postcode 12 issues and index for £18 (£1.3.50 if resident in L’K or Eiire and member of R.SPB, SOC, IWC or certain local bird clubs), ii t'oncessionarv' rate claimed: Name ol society .Name ()l set rotary Subscription to start in 19... Clie(|ue for£ enclosed. .S>«r/ /o: Mrs Erika Sfiarrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Hlunham, Bedard MK44 3\'j . (BB2t)l) Designed for the keen Ornithologist, and indeed for all nature studies. Featuring close focusing of only 12 feel, Fully- coated for extra clarity, Tripod Socket, Fold-down Rubber Eyecups, making them also suitable for spectacle wearers. Wide angle of 9° or 472 ft at 1 000 yds. Weight 38 ozs. Available from larger branches of Boots, Opti- cal specialists and Photo- graphic shops at around £70 inc. VAT and com- plete with De Luxe case and straps. Phone or Write to sole importers for nearest stockist and catalogue: Greenhill & Ellis Ltd., River blouse, Restmor Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7AE Tel: 01-669 4388 (BB329) j MARK BEAMAN C* STEVE MADGE IAIN ROBERTSON BIRDQUEST is a programme o( worldwide birdwatching holidays run by experienced leaders. Our holidays are organised bv people who understand the needs ol birdwatchers and are excellent \alue for money. Forthcoming Birdquests THAILAND £990 14-.S0 Jan. 19H2 ( 17 days). Leaders: Steve .Madge & Iain Robertson KENYA & RWANDA £1195 .')-2 1 heb. 1982 ( 17 days). Leader: Don rurner INDIA & NEPAL £1085 22 I'cb.-lO Mar. 1982 ( 17 days). Optional extension to Mt. K\erest. Leader: Mark Beaman ISRAEL £665 22 Mar. -3 .\pr. & 5-19 .\pr. 1982 (15 days). Leaders: Steve Madge & Iain Robertson FLORIDA £660 4-18 Apr. 1982 ( 15 days). Leader: Mark Beaman MOROCCO £655 24 Apr. -8 May 1982 ( 15 days). Leader: Iain Robertson Other destinations include: THE CAMARGUE, LAKE NEUSIEDL, TURKEY, LAPLAND, TEXAS, PERU, SRI LANKA (CEYLON), INDIA, KENYA, CAMEROUN, U.S.S.R. (SIBERIA, CENTRAL ASIA & THE CAUCASUS). Mark, Steve and Iain look Jonvard to welcoming you to a Birdquest. For our brochure please contact: BIRDQUEST LTD, 8 Albert Road East, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 9AL. Tel: 061-928 5945 BIRDQUEST LTD arc agents for C.S.R. Travel (Manchester) Ltd, 1 (4arcnce Street, .Manchester .\I'2 4DF.. ABTA ATOL 1 190B. lATA. (BB;t:5K) iii The Year of the Greylag Goose KONRAD LORENZ . . Professor Lorenz has produced a study of a single species characterized by that combination of rigid scientific accuracy and tenderness which has been his outstanding gift to zoology.’ The Field Now in paperback - illustrated in colour £3.95 EYRE METHUEN (BB361) ORNITHOLOGY IN TURKEY New concept excursions backed by an organisa- tion with years of experience in specialist holidays in Turkey. So planned that your time can be fully devoted to observation Winter visitors to the south Turkey wetlands 26.12.1981-11-1-1982 The vast Central Anatolian wetlands at Lake Tuz and in the Konya basin, as well as the deltas of the rivers Seyhan and Ceyhan near Adana are of extraordinary importance as overwintering areas for a very wide range of species. Flights: London — Ankara — London. Hotels at Lake Tuz, in Konya and in Karatas on the Mediterranean coast. Turkish-speaking direction Turkish-speaking direction. Leader: Chris Husband. Details and bookings: Mike Read, Claremont, Redwood Close, Ringwood, Hants. BH24 1PR. Details of 1982 excursions will appear soon! (BB357) British Birds Book Offers Please tick books required. Prices valid during September 1981 . All books sent post free within UK and Eire. Birdwatching in the Seventies Ian Wallace (Macmillan) A Notebook of Birds — 1907-1980 by Jim Flegg (Macmillan) Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1982 edited by John E. Pemberton (Buckingham Press) Frontiers of Bird Identification edited by J. T. R. Sharrock (Macmillan) Wildfowl of Europe by Myrfyn Owen (Macmillan) Bill Oddie's Little Black Bird Book by Bill Oddie (Eyre Methuen The British Birds Ust of Birds of the Western Palearctic (British Birds) £7.95 □ £6.95 □ £5.95 □ £7.95 □ £9.95 □ £4.95 □ £0.50 □ Make all cheques and POs payable to British Birds. For overseas orders, please add 50p. Payment can be made directly into UK Giro account number 37 588 6303. Name Address Cheque/PO for £ enclosed Send to BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. (BB360) SUNBIRD — birdtour experts VVe specialise in small-group holidays — up to 16 people, catering for beginner and expert. Tour leaders include: John Andrews, Bryan Bland, Cliff Davies, Mike Everett, David Fisher, Peter Grant, Mike Hodgson, Frank King, Richard Porter, John Raines, Will Russell, Tim Sharrock, Don Turner, Alan Vittery. 1982 TOURS ISRAEL TURKEY GREECE AUSTRIA LAPLAND CAMARGUE & PYRENEES S. SPAIN MAJORCA MOROCCO SIBERIA & MONGOLIA INDIA & NEPAL KASHMIR & LADAKH SRI LANKA THAILAND *NEW GUINEA ♦SURINAME AUSTRALIA GAMBIA KENYA ♦ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS ♦TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ♦S. MEXICO ♦ALASKA ♦CALIFORNIA ♦ARIZONA ♦TEXAS ♦FLORIDA * In association wtth \MSGS ISC. (ISA) For details please contact: SUNBIRD at EXECUTIVE TRAVEL (Holidays) LTD 2 Lower Sloane Street, London SWIW 8BJ Telephone: 01-730 6609 A member company ol the SKRKXISSIMA 1 ravel Group I.td. I.MA ATOL AirO (BB337) BIRDGUIDE at ^Citfiel^rs *!^rld 1981 WORLDWIDE BIRDWATCHING TOURS FOR SMALL GROUPS TO: 1 AIW A.N arc,i:m l.\A in i; CANARY ISLANDS COS'l A RICA 1 HKCAMBIA & SIERRA LEONE 'ERINIDAD& rOBACJO JORDAN CALI LORN I A KENYA Ask for our Birdguide Brochure Telephone 01-898 8611-3 24-hour brochure service 01-898 8220 BIRDGUIDE at ^Iwick^rS ^WopUL 84 Hampton Road -TwicKenhamTWZ 5QS Telephone 01 898 8221 - Telex 8954593 (BB330) ABT/ATOL 334B ^ We offer 20~33V3% Discounts ^ on oil these famous brands of binoculars ond telescopes BINOCULARS BY: Zeiss (East & West) Leitz Swift Kowa Greenkat Pentax Hartman Ha^cht Bushnell Mirador Tasco Heron Steiner, etc. ‘ TELESCOPES BY: Schmidt & Bender Nickel Supra Televari Swift ‘ , I Kowa Optolyth Mirador Bushnell Discoverer (Bausch & Lomb) This extensive range may be viewed in the quiet and comfort of our showrooms, with views of over two miles distance. We are open Mon.-Fri. 9 a m. - 5 p.m. (Thurs. 9.30 a m - 1 p.m.) and Sat. 9.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. For those who cannot call personally ALL our goods are available by MAIL ORDER and are insured during transit. Despatch is normally made within thirtysix hours of receipt of the order and our FOURTEEN DAY APPROVAL scheme applies. ^ We provide a FREE PRICE LIST and “BUYER’S GUIDE TO BINOCULAR OWNERSHIP’’ ^ and orders can be placed by telephone using your Access or Barclaycard ^ Please send 30p postage for catalogue. Dl] [XI TICK BOX OPTICAL COMPANY 23/25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. CM14 4ER. (BB350) O (0277) 221259/219418/210913 ^ elescopesQ BinocularsQ Name . VI THE NEW RAVEN JACKET CSTTSSI ONLY AVAILABLE BY MAIL ORDER FROM FJALLRAVEN The Raven jacket is an ideal jacket for all kinds of outdoor activities and is now available in Britain. Manufactured in the unique G1000 fabric (65% Polyester, 35% Cotton), which is windproof, showerproof, durable, gives exceptional wear and is light to wear. Just look at these features: 1 . Hood with drawcord into collar 2. Bellows at shoulders and sleeves 3.4 large outer pockets 4. Warming pockets behind lower pockets 5. Two way zipper Sizes: 34"/36: 38"/40',' 42"/44'; 46"/48" (Ladies please state size required). CkDiours. Green, Sand, Navy Blue, and Blue. Access, Barclaycard and Visa Holders welcome. All orders despatched within 24 hours of receipt. Money or goods refunded if not absolutely delighted, simply return to us unmarked within 7-10 days. Make cheques payable to: FJALLRAVEN SPORTS EQUIPMENT (UK) LTD, and post to: P.O. Box 5, Dallamires Industrial Estate Ripon, N. Yorkshire HG4 1TW. Tel: Ripon (0765) 5363 - 24 hour service. 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Registrations are being accepted for our 1982 programme; January California March Texas April Holland, Israel, Crete May South-West USA, Japan June Holland, Finland, Switzerland July Alaska August Peru September Gibraltar, Carmargue, New England October Australia November South Africa December Falkland Islands These tours are specially ' organised for those who enjoy Ornithology, Natural History, etc. FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE ABOVE AND ANY OTHER SPECIALISED TRAVEL. APPLY TO IBIS TOURS (ARRANGED BY FURNESS TRAVEL LIMITED. A MEMBER OF THE FURNESS WITHY GROUP). 1 48 GLOUCESTER ROAD NORTH, FILTON, BRISTOL TELEPHONE (0272 695050 & 697950 TELEX; 449840 ATOL 543BC (BB348) \TII British Birds VOLUME 74 NUMBER 9 SEPTEMBER 1981 Field identification of west Palearctic gulls Grant Part 5. Glaucous, Iceland, Sooty and White-eyed Gulls This is the final part of a scries ol five papers {Brit. Birds 71: 145-176; 72: 142-182; 73: 113-158; 74: 111-142). Glaucous Gull Lams hyperhoreiis and Iceland Gull L. glaucoides 4’he Glaucous Gull (fig. 45) is rare in most of Europe, hut is of sufficiently regular occurrence in northern latitudes (including southern Britain) to make worthwhile a check for its presence among any gatherings of large gulls, especially during November to March. Identification is usually straightforward, but the infrequent small individual may give problems, and the possible occurrence of leucistic or albinistic examples of Great Black-backed Gull L. marinus, and of hybrid Glaucous X Herring Ciull L. argentatus needs to be borne in mind. Iceland Gull (fig. 46) does not breed in the west Palearctic, and is perhaps ten or 20 times rarer in Europe than Cilaucous Gull, and perhaps only slightly more likely to occur than leucistic 363 \liril. /Iirih 7t: :5(>:C ;!!>!. Si-plciiibiT IflHI 1 364 Field identification of gulls Fi^. 46. Appro.ximate breeding range of Iceland Gull Larus ^laucoides (solid black), ‘Kumlien's C/Liir L. kumlieni (spotted), and '4'liayer’s CniU' L. !>. thaveri (hatched), and approximate .southern limit of \\ inter/non-breeding range or albinistic examples of'other species (especially Herring Gull) which ha\ e not infrequently been misidentified as Iceland (hills, 4’hcse statistics should be remembered when a possible Iceland (iull is encountered: they call for a more cautious approach to identification than has generally been the case in recent years, es[)ecially when distant or single fly-by \ iews are invoked, I he identification problems, however, should not be oxer- exaggerated: given reasonable v iews of a typical Iceland Chill, identifica- tion is usually straightforward. Fig. 47. First-wiiilcr (ilaucou.s I.arus hyperhoreus and Iceland (hills /,. gldiicuiite.s. showing comp;irali\ c sizes and structure 365 Field identification of gulls IDENTIFICATION Because the two species are similar at all ages, and because there is no consistent diherence in the progression of immature plumages, it is con- venient to discuss their identification together, under appropriate head- ings. Plumage Glaucous and Iceland Gulls are the only west Palearctic gulls which lack black or blackish on the wings and tail at all ages. First- and second-years in fresh plumage look rather uniformly coflee-coloured or pale grey-brown at a distance; the complex pattern of barring on the upperparts, wings and tail is usually visible only at close range. P irst-vears appear \ erv uniformly coloured on the head and underparts, lacking the distinct streaking or mottling of first-years of other large gulls. .\i all ages, the whitish primaries and secondaries are a prominent feature in flight, especially when viewed from below, when they appear wholly translucent. Fhere is apparently no consistent plumage difference between the two species at any age, but, on average, first-year Icelands have a neater pattern of barring on the wings and uppertail- and undertail-co\ erts; generallv greyer-brown, less coflee-coloured appearance; and more prominent and broader whitish terminal fringe to the tail. 3 he first-year plumages of both species show a good deal of indi\ idual variation in the darkness and pattern of plumage. Size I he size of most Glaucous Gulls is from that oi a large Herring (full to that of an average Great Black-backed Gull. There is \ ery little size o\ erlap with Iceland Gull, which is typically slightly smaller than an a\erage Herring Gull. "Thus, for practical field purposes, size is, f)y itself', a \alid distinction for individuals which are ob\ iously at least as large as the largest Herring Gull (thus Glaucous), or obviously smaller than an a\erage Herring Gull (thus Iceland). For birds which are not side-by-side with other relevant species (and thus do not allow an accurate size assessment), or those which arc about the size of an average Herring Gull, structure and (on first-years) bill pattern should be checked. Table 6. Measurements in mm of Glaucous Larus hvperhoreus and Iceland Gulls /,. glaucoides (from Dwight 1925) Sample size ins Tail Bill lar,sus (ilaucous Gull 21 430-477 180-210 ,56-67 64-77 Iceland Gull 13 378-433 156-178 39-45 52-63 Structure A typical Glaucous Gull has a long, heavy, often massive bill, and a long, rather flat-profiled contour to the forehead and crown; bill and head shape combine to give a strong, aggressive look. Iceland Gull has a com- paratively short bill (but still occasionally as large as that ofa small Herring Gull), more rounded profile to the forehead and crown, and a proportion- ately slightly larger and more centrally placed eye: these features combine to give a more gentle expression, even recalling that ofa Gommon Gull L. canus at times. A useful general rule is that Iceland Gull’s bill is less than half its head length, whereas that of Glaucous is greater, but this may be complicated by the efFect on apparent head length which different postures 366 Field identification oj gulls may produce. Perhaps the best impression of the bill size/head shape dillerences can be obtained by studying the series of photographs of the two species included here. The whole build of Glaucous is typically more massive, with large, lull-chested body; bunched tertials and secondaries ‘fuller’ and bulkier; and proportionately slightly longer legs. Iceland Gull resembles a long-winged A first- winter 4 ' ‘i “t-.: . » - ^ ; \ w • ■ M'X-v-.V-, V • • • '' W'-, ■ ; •*: .. i c second- winter ■'■•5^ ; .■ ?■.- i-y-' / ■■-'-■.•J'.rvj!:;- ‘-k • \ •••>. : .-V Vi B first- summer . ■ /? ;•>’ * 1 '-V ^ ! 'V. r • G' : .••*' **k "•'•J ■ D third- summer .■•.'."s', t.?- .A , E adult winter Fig. 48. (jlaucous CjuIIs Lams hvperhoreiis in flight \j-' Field identification oj gulls 367 small or average Herring Gull in general build, and never gives the very large, bulky impression of a typical Glaucous. When perched, the projection of the primaries beyond the tail is a good distinction: on Glaucous the projection is comparatively short, always the same or less than the bill length (from the forwardmost extension of feathering on the upper mandible to the tip), whereas on Iceland the projection is obviously much longer than its bill length. This distinction applies throughout the first year and on older individuals which have not dropped or partially regrown the outermost primaries during the complete autumn/winter moult. A y first- • '.T ••- •N -.'Jk * * \ t.\ \ V., winter ■'.'■-.V'Sgk’.V't'- g 'y . riv' A •»- . ■ ;'v7 A . / C second- summer D third- winter E adult summer Fig. 4?). IcTland (iulls Lams glaucotdes in flight (the hrst-w inter is towards the darkest extreme of variation) 368 Field identification oj gulls On typical Glaucous, the larger size and bulkier structure is obv ious in (light, when it looks broad-winged, full-chested and lumbering, with heavy head and bill prominent. Iceland Gull is more elegantly proportioned, with longer, slimmer wings and relatively smaller head and bill. Even so, these structural differences are often very diflicult to assess, especially on lone birds. Ehe structural differences are obvious on tvpical birds, but, on indi- viduals which are indeterminate on size alone, the structural diflerences, too, may be contentious: bill size and shape, and primary projeetion are then usuall}^ the most reliable structural characters. Bdl pattern On first-years, there is a diagnostic difference in bill pattern. Glaucous Gull always has the basal two-thirds bright flesh-pink to yellowish-cream and a clear-cut black tip extending very slightly, if at all, back along the cutting edges; this bill pattern is not shared by any other first-year large gull, and it is often the first feature by which Glaucous can be located among perched flocks. Iceland Gull has a slightly variable bill pattern, typically with at most the basal half of the bill dull flesh or greyish, and an extensive black tip which usually shades into the pale base and extends back in a wedge along the cutting edges. At long range (especially on juveniles and first-winters), the bill may look wholly dark, which is never the case on Glaucous, fhe bill pattern difference holds good throughout the first year at least (after which the black area usually begins to diminish and the distinctions become lost), but may be evident on some individuals well into the second year. Identification pitfalls The possibility of leucistic or albinistic examples of other large gulls (most frequently Herring Gulls), or hybrids (usually Glaucous X Herring Gull), needs to be eliminated when identifying Glaucous and Iceland Gulls. The simple rule is that true or pure Glaucous or Iceland Gulls will never show any characters such as a tail band which is obviously darker than the general coloration of the rest of the plumage; a bar on the secondaries which is darker than the rest of the inner wing; a prominent blackish area around the eye or on the ear-coverts; or outer primaries (on immatures) darker than the inner ones or (on adults) with dark markings, however small, near the wing-tip. rypically, the primaries on Glaucous and Iceland are the palest part of the wing, but on some dark immatures they are as dark as the remainder. Immature leucistic or albinistic gulls invariably have normal bill coloration, and will thus lack the distinctive bill pattern of first-year and some second-year Glaucous and Iceland Gulls; adults, too, have normally coloured bare parts. The presence of one or any combination of these anomalous plumage or bill-pattern characters is a certain indication of leucism or hybridity. Reference in some literature to an all-white second-year plumage for Glaucous and Iceland Gulls is misleading. Some faded second-years or even first-years may appear white at a distance, but close examination will reveal at least a trace of the normal barring of these ages (especially on areas which arc less susceptible to fading such as the undertail-coverts, lower scapulars, or undeiwing), and normal bill coloration. Any large gull which 3(39 Field identification oj gulls is genuinely all-white is a certain albino, and then the only clues to identity are usually the bill pattern (on imniatures), bare part colours (on adults), or general size and structure. I'he dilhculty of judging size on any lone bird, and the illusory ellects of all-white plumage on apparent size, wing shape and jizz, render even an albino (or leucistic) medium-sized species (such as Common Gull) subject to misidentiiication as Iceland Gull in brief fly-by views. Another pitfall is pro\ ided by adult Herring Gulls which ha\ e moulted or only partially regrown the outer two or three primaries during September to November, towards the end of the complete autumn moult. On such birds, the only black visible on the upperside of the wing-tip in flight is the usually small amount on the 4th and 5th primaries, which is difllcult to discern at long range. The extensive black on the partially grown 1st to 3rd primaries is, however, usually evident along the leading edge of the outer wing when \ iewed from below. ‘'kum Herds’ and 'Thayer’s Gulls’ 4'he possible future occurrence in Huropeof ‘Ktimlien’s Gull’ (variously considered to be a subspecies of Iceland (iull L. g. kurnlieni, a h\ brid population of Iceland X ‘'I'hayer's Gull’ L. thayeri. or a separate species L. kurnlieni) or ^ Thayer’s Ciull’ (\ ariously considered to be a subspecies of Herring Gull L. a. thayeri, a subspecies of Iceland (bill L. g. thayen, a hybrid population of Kumlien’s X Herring (bill L. a. srnidisonianus, or a separate species) should be mentioned here. Both are from .\rctic northeast Canada (fig. 48). Adult and immature Kumlien's resemble Ice- land Gull; first-years average darker, and typically ha\e a mainly or all-black bill; adults have a highly \ariable pattern of dark grey, occasionally black, on the outer two to five primaries, confined to the outer webs except near the tips, and occasionally ha\c dark eyes, .\dult and immature 4 hayer’s (bills resemble the Nearctic subspecies of Herring (bill L. a. srnitlisonianus, but a typical adult has dark eyes and a wing-tip pattern intermediate between srnithsonianus and kurnlieni in extent, thus blackish, occasionally dark grey, of variable pattern, extending onto the inner webs. 4’he complex identification problem was discussed by Gosselin & Da\id (1975), on which this summary is based. It would seem, howexer. that claims of either in Fiurope are likeK to be clouded by the complication of hvbrid Herring X Glaucous (bills (or even the possibility of Herring X Iceland Gulls) which show a restricted and variable extent of black on the wing-tip, or (in the case of a claimed Ihayer's Gull) by the not infrequent occurrence of Herring Gulls — probably mainly of the Scandinavian sub- species L. a. argentatus — which have a reduced amount of black on the wing-tip, thus having a rhayer's-like pattern. Perhaps the best chance is with a typical adult Kumlien’s (bill, on which the correct wing-tip pattern of dark grey would be difllcult to explain away by hybridity. AGEING 'The difliculties of accurately ageing a proportion of immature large gulls after their first year (see Brit. Birds 73: 113-115) apply equally to Glaucous and Iceland Gulls. There is a further complication in that there is more individual variation in the strength of the dark patterning of juveniles than 370 Field identification of gulls in the cases ol other large gulls. I his, combined with the fact that their paler plumage is more prone to fading, means that what started out as ‘pale- morph’ jux eniles can appear very whitish in first-winter (from as early as January) and first-summer plumages, and at long range they may be difficult to separate from the normal, pale, less barred and often whitish plumage of second-years. I'hus, during January to .-\pril (after which second-summers are usually obx ious as such by at least some clear grey on the upperparts), it is safest to lea\e the age of pale bufl or whitish indi- \ iduals as indeterminate (i.c. ‘first- or second-winter’, or ‘first- or second- summer’), unless views are close enough to determine the age-diagnostic characters of most second-years, such as a pale iris, smaller extent of black on the bill-tip (with prominent pale area at extreme tip), less prominently barred wings (especially the greater coverts and tertials), presence of any clear grey on the mantle and/or scapulars, or the slightly rounded outer primary tips and square-tipped tail feathers (pointed and rounded respectively on first-years). Extremely worn primaries, on which the tips are sharply pointed or on which only the shafts remain at the tips, are typical of some late first-winters, and most first-summers; such extreme wear is never evident on second-years. Juvenile: whole plumage fresh and unworn. Head and underparts rather uniform brown. xMantle neatly patterned. Wing-coverts neatly barred, f irst-year bill pattern (summer to October). First-winter, as juvenile, except head and underparts averaging paler, and mantle more coarsely patterned (September to March). First-summer, as first-winter, except head and underparts usually very pale or whitish, mantle often whitish with coarse dark barring, and wing-co\ erts very pale or whitish through wear. Wings and tail very worn (IVIarch to September). Second-winter, whole plumage generally whitish or generally paler and more uniform, less barred, than juvenile/first-winter. Head and underparts sometimes rather coarsely streaked. Bill much as first-year, but usually with obvious pale area at extreme tip. Eye usually becoming pale (October to March). Second-summer, as second-winter, but whole plumage generally faded fialer or whitish. Mantle with variable amount of clear grey. Eye pale (xMarch to September). Third-winter, as adult winter, except grey of mantle and w ings patchy w ith some faint brownish markings on coverts. Often some duskiness on tail, and small subterminal blackish markings on bill (October to April). Third-summer, as third-winter, except head and underparts white (February to xSeptember). Adult winter/ fourth-winter, head heax ily streaked; mantle and wings uniform grey; tail all-white; adult bill pattern (November to .March). Adult summer/ four ih-summer. as adult winter, except head white (February to September). 371 Field identification of gulls DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus (figs. 47A and 48, plates 192 to 209) Juvenile (similar to first-winter, figs. 47 A and 48A). HEAD Rather uniform light brownish-grey or buff, shading to whitish on chin and around base of bill. Streaking fine and in- conspicuous. Eye-crescent dusky; whitish crescents above and below eye. body Under- parts uniform brownish-grey or buff, usually darkest on belly, with mottles or faint bars especially on breast-sides and flanks; under- parts often generally darker than upperparts. Mantle and scapulars pale buff with intri- 192. First-winter Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus, Cornwall, February 1972 (/. B. & S. Bottomley) 193. First-winter Glaucous Gull Larwr Suffolk, January 1978 {JeJJ Pick) 372 Field identification of gulls cate, neat pattern ol brownish bars or chev- rons of variable strength, with barring strongest on lower scapulars. Rump strongly barred, wings Coverts ol inner wing pale bull with neat pattern of dark bars, but greater coverts more strongly and coarsely marked (pattern highly variable), but becoming pro- gressively more uniform grey-brown out- wards. Tertials coarsely patterned as inner greater coverts. Primaries and secondaries mainly uniform grey-brown or buff (as dark as or paler than general colour of rest of wing) with broad whitish tips and fringes which combine to form strikingly whitish wing point when perched, dusky subterminal mottling or chevrons of variable pattern and 194 & 195. First- winter Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus, Fin- land, January 1977 (/. Haapala) Field identification of gulls 373 strength, and whitish or straw-coloured shafts. Underwing-coverts and axillaries mottled with dark, of similar.general colora- tion to underparts, tail Typically rather plain pale grey or bull', with highly variable marbled or ‘watered’ pattern of whitish and dark mottles and bars. Uppertail- and undertail-coverts strongly barred, bare PARTS Eye dark brown. Basal two-thirds of bill bright flesh-pink to pale flesh, with sharply-demarcated black tip; mouth flesh. Legs pale flesh. 196. first-winter Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus (an exceptionallv dark indi\idual), Gornwall, Februar\- 1980 {R. Hirst) rirst-winter (figs. 47A and 48A) Acquired by post-juvenile head and body moult, summer to October. As juvenile, except head and underparts averaging slightly paler, and mantle and scapulars basically whiter, usually with coarser, more irregular pattern of bars; sometimes indistinguishable from juvenile plumage. From January onwards, some become worn and faded, acquiring generally whitish appearance as moult to first-summer progresses. first-summer (fig. 48B) Acquired by head and body moult, January to May. As first-winter, except head and body very- pale buff or whitish, with faint mottling or streaking, and mantle and scapulars whitish, with irregular, often sparse brown barring which may become inconspicuous through fading. W ings and tail becoming much worn and faded, in extreme cases acquiring very whitish appearance as base colour fades and dark juvenile markings become faint or dis- appear. Bill often acquires small pale area at extreme tip, and yellowish-flesh at base. 197. Second-summer (left) and first-summer Glaucous Gulls Larus hyperboreus, Iceland, June \919{R.N. Hobbs) 374 Field identification of gulls 198. First-summer (jlaucous Gull Larus fiyperboreu.s , with worn and laded wings and tail t\ pieal of this age, North \'orkshire, May 1980 {R J- Chandler) 199. Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus moulting from first-summer to second-winter plumage, Strathclyde, July 1976 {Donald A. Smith) 375 Field identification oj gulls Second-winter (fig. 48C) Acquired by complete moult, April tojanuary. As first-winter, except: head and body Head and underparts basically pale bull or whitish, sometimes rather coarsely streaked or mottled, less uniform. Mantle and scapu- lars basically paler bufi or whitish, with more sparse, less intricate pattern of barring. WINGS Generally pale bulf and plainer, without neat, defined barring on coverts and tertials; greater coverts mainly plain pale bull or whitish, with patterning much finer and paler, usually confined to innermost. Fertials as inner greater coverts. Underwing mainly dusky, similar to underparts. Primaries and secondaries plainer; pale bull or whitish, tail Typically more uniform and paler, with fainter markings. Uppertail- and undertail-coverts less strongly barred, bare PARTS Eye occasionally pale at this age. Black on bill usually less extensive, extreme tip usually obviously pale, and base yellowish or yellowish-llesh. 200. Second-winter Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus (note pale eye), Strathclyde, Januarv' 1974 (Donald .4. Smith) 201. Second-winter Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus. Go. Cork, Januarv 1976 (Rich- ard T. Mills) 376 Field identification oj gulls 202 & 203. Second- summer Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus starting moult to third-winter plumage, Norway, April 1976 {H. B. Skjelslad) Field identification oj gulls 377 Second- summer (not illustrated, but plumage similar to second-summer Iceland Gull, fig. 49C) Acquired by head and body moult, January to As second-winter, except head and under- parts pale bufl or whitish. Mantle and scapulars invariably with some clear grey or whitish grey, usually extensive. Wings and tail acquiring uniform whitish or very pale May. buff appearance through wear and fading. Eye pale, sometimes obvious only at close range; orbital ring sometimes yellowish. Bill pattern as second-winter or with thick, sub- terminal dark band. Third-winter (not illustrated, but plumage similar to third-winter Iceland Gull, fig. 49D) Acquired by complete moult, April tojanuary. HEAD As adult winter, body Underparts white or with some brownish mottling. Mantle and scapulars mainly clear pale grey. Rump white or faintly mottled, wings As adult, but grey patchy, not uniform, with faint brownish freckling especially on inner greater coverts and tertials; primaries some- times whitish, without clear grey. Under- wing white or faintly mottled, tail White, usually with faint brownish freckling; uppertail- and undertail-coverts sometimes faintly barred, bare parts As adult, except bill with usually obvious blackish sub- terminal marks, and sometimes lacking red on gonys. 204 & 205. Third-winter Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus (same individual as in plates 202 & 203), Norway, October 1976 {H. B. Skjelstad) 378 Field identification oj gulls Third- summer (fig. 48D) Acquired by head and body moult, January to April. As third-winter, except head and under- parts white or faintly streaked. 206. Third-summer Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus, Iceland, June 1974 Boswall) Adult winter! jourth-winler (fig. 48E) Acquired by complete moult, July to February. HEAD White, with often dense brownish or orange-brown streaking confined to head and upper breast. Eye-crescent dusky; whitish crescent above and below eye. body Underparts and rump white. Upperparts uni- form pale grey, slightly paler than those of Herring Gull L. a. argenteus, with prominent white scapular- and tertial-crescents when perched, wings Upperwings pale grey with thin white leading edge and broad white trailing edge. Primaries and secondaries broadly tipped white; shafts straw-coloured. Underwing white, tail W'hite. bare parts Eye pale yellow; orbital ring yellowish. Bill yellowish with orange-red spot near gonys and whitish at extreme tip. Individuals as adult, except for small black subterminal mark on bill and with patchy grey and whitish upperparts, are probably fourth-years. 207. Adult winter Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus. East Sussex, December 1971 {P.J. Green- half) Adult summerijourth-summer (not illustrated, but plumage similar to adult summer Iceland Gull, fig. 49Pi). Acquired by head and body moult, January to March. As adult winter, except head and under- brighter, parts white, and yellow and red on bill Field identification of gulls 379 208. Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus, probably in fourth-summer plumage (patchiness of grey upperparts and wing-coverts indicates this individual not fullv mature), Gornwall, March 1974 (/./?. ©-i'. 209. Adult summer Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus, Iceland. June 1979 {R. Hobbs) 380 Field identification oj gulls Iceland Gull Lams glaucoides (figs. 47B and 49, plates 2 10 to 2 1 7) Juvenile (similar to first-winter, figs. 47B and 49A) Description as for juvenile Glaucous Gull, except: general coloration greyer-brown, less buff or coffee-coloured on average; pattern of dark barring on mantle, scapulars and wings neater, denser and less coarse on average; barring on upper- tail- and undertail-coverts denser and finer on average; dark crescentic mark near tip of each primary more promi- nent on average; and whitish terminal fringe on tail broader and more prominent on average. Bill pattern slightly variable, typically with at most basal half dull flesh or greyish, and black tip more extensive, usually shading into pale base and extending back in wedge along cutting edges; bill usually appears all dark at long range. 210. Juvenile Iceland Gull Lams glaucoides, Greenland, .August 1970 {E. Isakson) First-winter (figs. 47B and 49A) Acquired by post-juvenile head and body moult, summer to September. As first-winter Glaucous Gull. 211. f irst-winter Iceland Gull Lams glaucoides (left) with two first-winter Herring Gulls L. argentatus, Netherlands, January 1976 {G.J. Prins) Field identification of gulls 381 212. First-winter Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides, Denmark, January 1965 {J. Kihlman) 213. First-winter Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides with adult winter Black-headed Gulls L. ridihundus, SulTolk, January 1978 (d/. Parker) First-summer (fig. 49B) Acquired by head and body moult, January to .April. As first-w inter Glaucous Gull. Base of bill usually pale flesh. Second-winter (not illustrated, but plumage similar to second-winter Glaucous Gull, fig. 48C) Acquired by complete moult, .April to November. As second-winter Glaucous Gull, except Distinctive first-year bill pattern often some pale grey feathers on mantle and retained, but with obvious pale area at ex- scapulars sometimes acquired at this age. treme tip. 382 Field identification of gulls 214. Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides moulting from first-summer to second-winter plumage (timing of this individual’s moult seems exceptionally late, resulting in extremely worn and faded wing and tail feathers), Scilly, September 1974 (J. B. & S. Botlomley) » A ^ J- ^ i - 215 & 216. Second-winter Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides, Sweden, February 1972 (Bengt Bengtsson) 217. Adult summer Iceland Gidl Larus glaucoides, Lothian, March 1977 (S. R. 1). & S', da Prato) 383 Field identification oj gulls Second-summer (fig. 49C) Acquired by head and body moult, January to.\pril. As second-winter Glaucous Gull. Distinc- pattern usually lost by this age. tions from Glaucous Gull «f first-year bill Third-winter (fig. 49D); third-summer (plumage similar to Glaucous Gull, fig. 47D); adult winter /Jourth-winter (plumage similar to adult winter Glaucous Gull, fig. 47E); and adult summer/ Jour th- summer (fig. 49E): descriptions and moult timing much as for Glaucous Gull, except orbital ring ol breeding adult usually red, not yellowish. Sooty Gull L. hemprichii and White-eyed Gull L. leucophlhalmus These two Middle East specialities (figs. 51 & 53) are of medium size, and share rather similar plumage patterns and structural features. At all ages, they have a generally dark coloration, blackish underwings, and long- winged silhouette, which at long range in flight may recall a skua Stercorarius or first-year Lesser Black-backed Gull L.Juscus. Both have exceptionally long bills and, when perched, long wings which form an elongated rear end; unlike any other west Palearctic gull, the hoods of adults extend as a bib onto the upper breast. These features combine to give the two species a general appearance which is strikingly different from all other west Pale- arctic gulls. Fig. 50. First-winter S(K)ty Larus hemprichii and White-eyed Ciulls L. leucophthalmus. showing comparative sizes and structure 384 Field identification of gulls The following summaries and descriptions are based almost entirely on photographs and museum specimens, and the value of many of the identification and ageing characters requires testing or confirmation in the field. First- and most second-years are readily ageable. The timing ot the breeding season varies greatly for different populations of both species; the timing of the post-juvenile and subsequent moults is fixed by the fledging date, so temporal limits cannot be set for the incidence of the various plumages. Fig. 51. World distribution of Sooty Gull Larus kemprichii, showing approximate breeding distri- bution (solid black) and approximate non- breeding range (spotted). Apparently rare in southeastern Mediterranean IDENTIFICATIONS Sooty Gull is the same size or slightly smaller than Common Gull; White- eyed Gull is slightly smaller, between Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus and Common Gull, closest to the latter; the dark coloration and rather languid flight of both species, however, recall immatures of some larger west Palearctic gulls, and on lone birds may give a misleading impression of much larger size. Sooty Gull has an exceptionally long and thick bill, proportionately much larger and heavier than that of any other west Palearctic gull; the bill Fig. 52. Sooty (Julls Larm hemprichii in Highl Field identification of gulls 385 Fig. 53. World distribution of White-eyed Gull Larus leucophlhalmus , showing approximate breed- ing range (solid black) and approximate non- breeding range (spotted) of White-eyed is just as long, but slimmer, exaggerating its length. Sooty Gull is generally more heavily built than White-eyed, with broader, less pointed wings in flight. Structure, especially bill shape, is among the best specific differences at all ages. The plumage of Sooty Gull is generally pale brown on first-years to grey-brown on adults, and the hood of adults is dark brown marked by a prominent white crescent above the eye, and sometimes also a faint white crescent below the eye. The general coloration ofWhite-eyed Gull is greyer, less brown, at all ages, and the hood of adults is Jet black with very prominent, thick white crescents above and below the eye. Contrary to descriptions in most literature, the eye of White-eyed Gull is dark at all ages, never white, which surely calls for wider acceptance of the alternative vernacular name. Red Sea Black-headed Gull. In winter, the head mark- ings of both species are apparently duller or less well-defined, and, according to the literature, the white half-collar on the lower hindneck is sometimes obscured or lacking. In first-year plumages. Sooty Gull has clear pale fringes on the wing- coverts and tertials, forming an obvious scaly pattern; on White-eyed Gull, these areas are more uniformly brownish, lacking prominent pale fringes. Fig. 54. White-eyed Gulls Imttis leucophlhalmus in flight 386 Field identification oj gulls The head pattern of Sooty Gull is rather plain, pale brown, whereas White-eyed has a rather well-defined blackish mask and nape, whitish throat, and ill-defined, fine blackish streaks on the head and pectoral band. Sooty Gull has a greyish bill with sharply contrasting black tip, whereas W hite-eyed has a wholly black bill. The legs of Sooty Gull are greyish, whereas those of W hite-eyed Gull are greenish. Second-years of both species resemble adults, but typically show imma- ture characters such as black or black and grey on the tail of highly variable pattern, more extensive blackish bar on the secondaries, paler and less well-defined head pattern, and bare parts lacking full adult colour. Table 7. Measurements in mm of Sooty Larus hemprichii and White-eyed Gulls L. leucophthalmus (from Dwight 1925) Sample size Wing Tail Bill Tarsus Sooty Gull 24 318-352 114-132 44-52 48-59 White-eyed Gull 1 1 305-332 107-125 43-52 44-50 218 & 219. Juvenile Sooty Gulls Larus hemprichii, Kenya, January 1977 (/. F. tieynolds) 387 Field identification oj gulls DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii (figs. 50A and 52, plates 2 18 to 228) Juvenile (not illustrated, but wings and tail similar to first-winter, figs. 50A and 52A) HEAD Pale brown, paler than mantle, shading to brown on nape and whitish on chin and face. Whitish crescent above eye. Dark eye-crescent, body Broad breast band and flanks pale brown with some mottling; belly and undertail-coverts whitish. Mantle and scapulars brown, with pale fringes forming scaly pattern; rump and uppertail- coverts pale grey-brown or whitish, wings Secondaries and outer primaries blackish, inner primaries paler; inner three or four primaries and secondaries fringed and tipped whitish, forming thin white trailing edge to inner wing; tertials pale brown, clearly fringed whitish. Coverts of inner wing pale brown, fringed whitish, forming scaly pat- tern, and thin whitish lines across tips of greater and median coverts in flight. Under- wing wholly grey-brown, tail Mainly black, with thin white terminal fringe and white basally on inner webs of outer feathers; tail thus often appearing wholly black from above, but with verv' broad subterminal band when fully spread or from below, bare parts Eye dark brown. Base of bill greyish or blue- grey, tip black. Legs greyish or blue-grey, a shade darker than bill-base. First-winter (figs. 50A and 52A) Acquired by post-juvenile head and body moult, probably August to March, depending on fledging-date. As Juvenile, except breast-band and flanks brown, rump and uppertail-coverts whitish, grey-brown, mantle and scapulars grey- and wings and tail becoming worn and faded. 220. Adult or second-winter (left) and three first-winter Sooty Gulls iMrus hempnchit. Kenya, winter 1977 (P.L. Britton) -r- - - ... vi^^*** A* ■* jc . 221. Second-winter (left) and first-winter Sooty Gulls Larus hemprichii. Kenya. Januan 1978 (A', van Suelm) First-summer (similar to first-winter, figs. 50.\ and 52.\) .Acquired by head and body moult, probably March to October. ,\s first-winter, except wings and tail coverts and tertials usually losing pale becoming much worn and faded, wing- fringes. 388 Field identification oj gulls \ 222. Sooty Gull Lams hemprichii moulting from first- summer to second- winter plumage, ^ Yemen, April 1979 ^ {R. F. Porter) Second-winter (fig. 52B) Acquired by complete moult, probably August to May. As adult winter, except; head Usually little different from first-winter, body Mantle, scapulars, breast-band and flanks usually patchy and browner, less uniform grey-brown, wings Blackish bar on second- aries broader and more extensive, white trailing edge on inner wing thinner, and white tips and fringes on inner primaries less prominent and often confined to innermost. TAIL White, with highly variable pattern of black subterminal marks or black and grey, varying from little different from first-year pattern to subterminal black spots on only one or two pairs of feathers, bare parts Bill pattern and colour usually little different from that of first-year. Second-summer (not illustrated, but wings and tail similar to second-winter, fig. 52B) Acquired by head and body moult, probably March to October. As second-winter, except hood and bare from second-winter, parts varying from like adult to little different 223. Second-summer (left) and adult summer Sooty Gulls Lams hemprichii, Wmen, April 1979 {R. F. Porter) 389 224. Second-summer Sooty Gull Larus hemp- nchii, Oman, October 1976 {M. D. Gallagher) f 225. Second-sum- mer Scxjty Gull Laras hemprichit, ^ , Oman, July 1977 ■7 ^ ' *• (M. D. Gallagher) Adult winter/ third-winter (not illustrated, but wings and tail similar to adult summer, iig. 52G) Acquired by complete moult, probably August to May. As adult summer, except: head Brown of most. Secondaries and tertials blackish- hood paler, and white half-collar less well- defined or occasionally lacking, wings Primaries, primary coverts and alula black, shading to blackish-brown inwards; white tips to primaries from 3rd or 4th, increasing in size inwards to large white tips on inner- brown, with white tips forming broad trailing edge to inner wing. Goverts of inner wing uniform dark grey-brown. Underwing dull brown, coverts and axillaries blackish- brown. BARE p.ARTS Somcwhat duller. Adult summer/ third-summer (fig. 52C) Acquired by head and body moult, probably .March to October. HEAD Shape of hood unlike any other west Palearctic gull except White-eyed, covering whole head and extended to narrow rounded bib on upper breast; horxf ver\ dark brown (looking black at distance), shading to blackish on lower nape and bib. White crescent above eye invariably prominent, and sometimes also inconspicuous thin white crescent or mark below eye. Hood bordered at nape and sides of neck by white half-collar. BODY Broad grey-brown breast-band border- ing bib, extending onto flanks; belly and undertail-coverts white. .Mantle and scapu- lars uniform brown-washed dark grey; rump 226. .Adult summer .Stxity Gull iMrus hemp- ncAtV, Oman, October 1976 (.1/. D. Gallagher) 390 Field identification oj gulls and uppertail-coverts white, wings As adult winter, except faded browner, and white primary tips often lacking through wear except on innermost, tail White, bare parts Eye dark brown; orbital ring red. Bill yellow or greenish-yellow with blackish area or band of variable extent before bright red tip; extreme tip often yellowish. Gape red, mouth flesh. Legs dull yellow or greenish-yellow. 227. Adult Sooty Gull Lams hemprichii near end of moult from summer to winter plumage, Kenya, January 1978 (A', van Swelrri) 228. Adult summer Sooty Gull Lams hemprichii, Oman, July 1977 {M. D. Gallagher) White-eyed Gull Lams leucophthalmus (figs. 50B and 54, plates 229 to 234) Juvenile (not illustrated, but wings and tail sim HEAD Brown with whitish face and throat, faintly streaked on crown and around ear- coverts (thus generally darker and less plain than on Sooty Gull); eye-crescent and patch on ear-coverts dusky; whitish crescents above and below eye. body Breast-band brownish, narrower than on Sooty Gull, faintly streaked across lower throat, extend- ing to flanks; belly and undertail-coverts whitish. Mantle and scapulars grey-brown, slightly darker and greyer, less brown, than on Sooty Gull, lacking obvious pale feather- fringes; rump and uppertail-coverts greyish. WINGS Primaries and secondaries blackish, with narrow white trailing edge on second- ilar to first-winter, figs. SOB and 54.\) aries and innermost primaries; tertials grey- brown with inconspicuous pale fringes. Goverts of upperwing mainly grey-brown, with inconspicuous pale fringes, thus lacking prominent scaly pattern of Sooty (iull. Underwing wholly grey-brown, tail Black, usually lacking any white terminal fringe, with small white area basally on inner web of outer feathers; when tail fully spread, or from below, black terminal band broader than on Sooty Ciiill, but tail usually appearing wholly black. BARE PARTS Eye dark brown. Bill glossy black with brownish area at base of lower mandible. Legs greenish-grey. Field identification of gulls 391 hrsl-winter (figs. 50B and 54A) Acquired by post-juvenile head and body moult, probably August to March, depending on Hedging date. As juvenile, except head with more defined brown, a shade darker and greyer, less blackisli mask through eye to nape. Breast- brown, than on Sooty Gull, band. Hanks and mantle uniform grey- Hrsl-summer (similar to first-winter, figs. 50B and 54A) Acquired by head and body moult, probably March to October. /\s first-winter, except wings and tail becoming much worn and faded. 229. I wo first- or second-summer (centre) and adult summer W hite-eyed Gulls Laws leucophlltalmus, Egypt, March 1980 (/. I'isser) Second-winter (not illustrated, but wings and tail similar to second-summer, fig. .i4B) .\cquired by complete moult, probably August to May. As adult winter, except: hkad Hood and bib basically browner, perhaps often little dilferent from first-winter, body Mantle, scapulars, breast-band and Hanks less immaculate grey. Rump usually clouded with grey, wings Outer primaries, coverts and alula blackish, shading to greyer in- wards; white fringes at tips of primaries from 7th inwards, less prominent than on Sooty (juH. Secondaries blackish with less broad white trailing edge. Goverts of inner wing a shade browner, less immaculate grey. taii. White, or with highly variable pattern of black and grey, usually forming broken sub- terminal tail band, b.arf. parts Bill and legs usually duller. Second-summer (fig. 54B) Acquired by head and Ixxdy moult, probably .March to October. As second-winter, except h(x>d and bare from second-winter, parts varying from like adult to little different 230. vSecond-summer W hite-eyed Gull Laws leucophthalmus, ^’emen, April 1980 (5. C. Madge) Adult winter/ third-winter (not illustrated, but wings and tail similar to adult summer, fig. 54L'.) .Acquired by complete moult, probably .August to May. .As adult summer, except: head Hood and bib peppered with white flecking; white half- 392 Field identification oj gulls collar less well-defined, wings Primaries and outer primary coverts black, shading to dark grey inwards; white tips to primaries smaller than on Sooty Gull, from 3rd, 4th or 5th increasing in size inwards. Secondaries and tertials blackish with white tips forming broad trailing edge to inner wing. Wing- coverts uniform dark grey. Thin white lead- ing edge to inner wing, usually lacking on Sooty Gull (S. G. xMadge in lilt.). Underwing dull grey-brown, coverts and axillaries blackish-brown, bare parts Somewhat duller. 231. Three adult White-eyed Gulls Lams leucophthalmus moulting from winter to summer plumage, and two xSooty Gulls L. hemprichii (fore- ground and right), Yemen, April 1979 {R. F. Porter) Adult summer! third-summer (fig. 54<(;) Acquired October. HEAD .Shape of hood and bib much as adult summer Sooty Gull, but uniform glossy black, not dark brown, and with prominent, thick white crescents above and below eye. Wh ite half collar as on adult .Sooty Gull. BODY Breast-band and flanks pale grey, less extensive than on Sooty Gull; belly and undertail-coverts white. Mantle and scapu- by head and body moult, probably March to lars dark grey without obvious brownish tinge of .Sooty Gull; rump and uppertail-coverts white. WINGS As adult winter, except white primary tips usually lacking through wear except on innermost, taii. White, bare parts Eye dark brown; orbital ring red. Bill bright red w'ith black tip. Legs bright yellowish. 232. .Adult sum- mer White-eyed (iull Larus leucoph- thalmus (left) and two adult summer Sooty Ciulls L. hemprichii, \’emen, April 1979 [R. F. Porter) Field identification oj gulls 393 233 8c 234. Adult summer White-eyed Gulls Lams leu- copfilhalmus, Yemen, April 1980 (5. G. D. Cook) ■ -♦ Acknowledgments I he enthusiastic and useful response to appeals for information and photographs has been a great encouragement during the preparation of this series of papers. 1 am particularly indebted to Dr Richard Ghandler, Dr Pamela Harrison and Norman van Swelm, who have provided an exceptionally large number of photographs, taken mostly with this project especially in mind; and Jeffery Boswall, R. A. Hume and Bernard King, who have been regular correspondents, supplying many useful leads and much literature and information. Gull skins at the British Museum (Natural History), Tring, have been an invaluable reference; 1 thank the stall for their ready assistance. For their provision of photographs, information, ad\ ice, opinions, criticisms and various assistance, I sincerely thank the following: F. Ci. H. Alien, R. .Mlison, I . B. Ardamatskaya, K. .\tkin, D. Banks, R Barber, Beni;! Bengisson, van den Berg, T. K. Bond, J. B. & S. Botlomley, Dr. VV. R. P. Bourne, T. K. Bowlcy, .Man Brady. D. j. Britton. P. I.. Britton. .\ Brown, R Burridge, G. P. Gatlcy, P. Ghadder, S. Ghapman. |. Gharman. R. Cheke, G. CMark. William S. Clark, B. M. Clarkson. J Chardine, P. Cllement, D. I,. Glugston, M. Goath, R. K. Coles, S. G. D. Cook. R. Gtxtmber, Dennis Cioutts. Stanley tiramp. .\1. Davenport, M. Davies, N. R. Davies, G. Davis, l om Davis, R. Dean, I . Dawson, M. Densley, Dr P. Dr\ illers, \\ ends Dickson, F. Dixon, P. A. Doherty, Jon Dunn, P. J. Dunn, J. N. Dymond, J. F.lmelid. F Krhardt, D Kmles, I J Fcrguson-l.ecs, Davis Finch, Crispin Fisher, (!. H. Fisher, P. R Flint, Forsyth, T. Francis. R .\. Frost. R Fmst. | R Furse, M. D. Gallagher, p;. F. J. Garcia, Frank B. Gill, P. D. Goriup, P. Grandjean, P. J. Greenhalf, J. Greenland. P Gregory, Harold D Grenlell, S. Hahn. Dr M. P. Harris, S. Harris, \V. G. Harvey. D. M Haw ker, Brian Hawkes, P. de Heer. Stelian Hedgren, P. Helo, R. Higson, W. R. Hirst, R. N. Hobbs. R. H. Hogg, J. Holcombe. .\1. .\. Hollingsworth. S. Holohan, R. Hughes. B. Hulbert, D. B Hunt. \'. Iljashenko, T P. Inskipp, H. Insley. F. H. Jansen, |. \'. Jenson. T. Kallqvist, \. Keppler, P. K. Kinnear, J. Kist, Kistchinski, .Man Kitson. J Knystautas, B Konigstedt. F. Kovshaz, J. van der Laan, L. Larsson, L. Laidler, LasseJ. Laine. C. S. Lawson, C. R. l.infoot. L. Lippens. E.J. .Mackrill, ,S. C. Madge, \V. & I. Makatsch, P. Maker, K. K. Malmstrom. E. L. Marchant, B. Marsh, E. Maugham, N. \'. .McCanch. McGeehan, B. S. Meadows, P. Meeth, Kauri .Mikkola, I . Milbled. Richard T. Mills, F. de Miranda. Dr P. Monaghan, .S. Moon, S. .Mori.J. Moss. I. Neufeldt. Gerry Nicholls, J. C:. Nicholls, P. F. Nichols. P. Nicolau-Guillaumet. D. .M. Norman. G. J. Oreel, G. L. Ouweneel. M. J. Palmer. J. Palmgren, E. \. Panov. M. Parker. T Parmenter. K Pellow. P. Perrv . L'. PI'aendler.JelTPick, R. F. Porter, Peter \\ . Post, J. Prater, S. R. D. da Prato, G.J. Prins. P. Puhjo, \'. Ree.J. F. Reynolds. P. Richardson, H. Rider, N. Rogers. J. Seeviour. Dr J. T. R. Sharrock. T. Shiota. J. G. .Sinclair. M. Sinden. \'. D. Siokhin, H. B. Skjelstad, D. Smallshire, Donald .Smith. R. Smith. J. B. Steeves, P. Steyn. E. Stirling, Ralph Stokoe, P. J. Strangeman, M. P. Sutherland, Lars Svensson, .M. E. Taylor. Jean Terschuren. D. Thomas. P.Tomkovitch, Gerald Tuck. N Tucker, L. Tucker, \'. Tucker, David & Katie L'rry.J. \ an Impe, Richard \ aughan, P. \ ines. K E. \ inicombe.J. N'isser. M. ,\. Voinstvensky. Prof. Dr K. H. N’oous. D. I. M. Wallace, Wassink. G. E. Wheeler, I. Willis. .M. B. Withers, P. Vesou. \'. A. Zubakin, and L. Zykova. References Barth, Fo K. 1975. Taxonomy ol Lams argentatus and Lams Juscus in north-western F.urope. Omis Scand. 6: 49-63. Dwight, J. 1925. The Gulls (Laridae) of the World: their plumages, moults, variations. relationships and distribution. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nal. Hist. 52: 63-401. Garcia, E. F. J. 1977. Field identification of juvenile ,\udouin's Gull. Bull. Gibraltar Ornitho- logical Group 2: 3-6. 394 Field identification of gulls Gosselin, M., & David, N. 1975. Field identification of Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri in eastern North America. Amer. Birds 29: 1059-1066. Hume, R. A. 1978. Variations in Herring Gulls at a Midland roost. Brit. Birds 1 1 : 338-345. 1979. V'ariations in Herring Gulls. Brit. Birds 72: 390-392. Monaghan, P., & Duncan, N. 1979. Plumage variation of known-age Herring Gulls. Brit. Birds 12-. 100-103. Nicolau-Guillaumet, P. 1977. Mise au point et reflexions sur la repartition des Goelands argentes Larus argentatusjt^c France. Alauda 45: 53-73. Ree, V. 1973. Larus cirrocephalus , nueva especie de gaviota para Espana y Europa. Ardeola 19: 22-23. Smith, K. D. 1972. 1'he winter distribution of Bull. BOC 92: 34-37. Vaurie, C. 1965. The Birds oj the Palearctic Fauna. Non-Passeriformes. London. Corrections Part 1 : Bril. Birds 1 1 : plate 69, photographer is J. C. Sinclair, not as published. Plate 7 1 shows a first-summer Hartlaub’s Gull Larus novaehollandiae hartlaubi, not a Grey-headed Gull L. cirro- cephalus (J. C. Sinclair in litt.). Part 2: Brit. Birds 72: plate 64, the first-winter gull is a Mew Gull L. canus brachyrhynchus , not a Ring-billed Gull L. delawarensis (Jon Dunn el al. in lilt.). P.J- Grant, 14 Heathfield Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 8QD This series of papers is to be published as a book early in 1982 by T. & A. D. Poyser Ltd. Any suggested amendments to the text, illustrations or maps, or new photographs, will be greatly welcomed; they should be sent at once to P. J. Grant. Eds Mystery photographs A small, neat juve- / nile tern standing on a beach is often not so simple as one in flight, since several useful fea- tures are not then avail- able to the observer. But, to start with, several species can be ruled out. Gleaming white sides to the breast immediately discount Black Tern Chlidonias niger sind the three- toned feathers of the mantle and scapulars form neither the dark, rather uniform brown saddle of juvenile White-winged Black C. leucopterus nor the variegated saddle of juvenile Whiskered Tern C. hybridus. The short legs also help to rule out a young Whiskered in a transitional stage of moult from juvenile to first-winter, which is a potential problem here, since it has a similar head pattern, except for a slight reduction in the amount of solid black. The grey hindneck can be practically lost in a view like this. Once the juvenile variegations are moulted out, however, the mantle and scapulars become plain, unmarked pale grey. The proportions — especially small head and short bill — eliminate Little Sterna albijrons, and a juvenile Roseate S. dougallii has a longer bill, longer legs, darker forehead and coarsely Mystery photographs 395 marked, almost barred scapulars. So, it is Common S. hirundo or Arctic S. paradisaea — perhaps one might hope for an adult to come and feed it! But, of course, this can be identified as an Arctic Tern without such additional clues. The bill is small and all-dark. There may be reddish at the base, but a juvenile Common would have a longer, stouter bill with an obvious extensive pale flesh-coloured base, which Arctic lacks or loses soon after fledging. The head is small and round, whereas that of Common is less domed and has a longer profile, emphasised by the longer bill. Tiny legs also point to Arctic. In fact, the whole bird looks small, neat and delicate, whereas a Common Tern — elegant though it is — is more heavily built. Common would also show blacker lesser coverts, forming a more con- trasted and extensive carpal bar along the leading edge of the inner wing. Had this been a Common Tern, colour would probably have revealed an obvious bufFish wash on the upperparts, which Arctics rarely have, though Commons also lose it gradually. Should there still be any doubt, the bird might oblige by taking flight, revealing other distinctions from Common Tern, such as all-white secondaries (no grey bar), a pure white rump (not greyish-centred), translucent primaries and secondaries, small size, slender wings drawn to a tapering point and a particularly airy, buoyant flight action. Combined with the small head and bill, with no obvious neck, this all adds up to the smart, clean, dainty, lightweight character typical of juvenile Arctic. Juvenile Common is, by comparison, just that little bit less neat and tidy, a little less delicate, with its bigger, two-tone bill, protruding head, browner-tinged grey areas and duller white areas, broader wings and heavier flight, all just enough to be distinct to a practised eye. If only ‘Commie’ did not come so naturally to the lips (and notebook) maybe they would be lumped less often. Young Whiskered, incidentally, also becomes more obvious in flight, with its plumper body, broader, blunter wings and heavier, if erratic, flight. This juvenile Arctic Tern was photographed by Royston K. Coles, at Dungeness, Kent, in September 1977. R. A. Hume 235. Mystery photograph 58. Name the species. .Knswer next month Notes Presumed advertising flight of Little Bittern Advertis- ing flight behaviour of Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus is not mentioned in BWP vol. 1 , the Handbuch der Vogel Mittel- europas or The Herons of the World (1978, Hancock & Elliott). A male Little Bittern summered in Somerset in 1958, and apparently a female had also been seen (Brit. Birds 53: \60; Birds of Somerset, 1968, Palmer & Ballance). I visited the locality in July, sometimes with Geoffrey Boyle and George Sweet. On the first occasion, early in the morning, I took up a position overlooking the reedy marsh area where the male had been seen; after 40 minutes, he suddenly rose from the reeds and circled the marsh in a clockwise direction, only a metre or two from the ground. By noting the time when he first appeared and continuing to record each flight throughout the day, I found that the intervals between flights varied from seven minutes to one hour and 40 minutes. The bittern never varied his flight behaviour, always emerging from the same spot and returning to it, and flying low over the reeds in a clockwise route. Towards the latter part of that day, when he had already made some nine flights, his behaviour had become so familiar that I could position myself to have him flying a little above my head. I am grateful to Derek Goodwin for consulting the relevant German literature on my behalf Bernard King Gull Cry, 9 Park Road, Newlyn, Penzance, Cornwall Identification of Semipalmated Sandpipers and Little Stints in autumn In September 1980, we visited southern Ireland, where we were able to study no less than four Semipalmated Sandpipers Calidris pusilla in direct comparison with over a dozen Little Stints C. minuta. This note is ottered not as a complete review of the features of the two species but merely to present some of our observations on the particular birds which we saw. Observers faced with puzzling stints should, of course, first attempt to age them. We encountered two adults and two juvenile Semipalmateds and about four adult and eight juvenile Little Stints. It should be remembered that our comments refer only to birds seen in September, and in fact none of them was much advanced towards full winter plumage. LITTLE STINT The general appearance of juvenile Little Stints in autumn — strong whitish braces and rather blotchy upperparts with warm ochre feather edges — is well known to most observers. Immature Little Stints should never be confusable with Semipalmated. None of the adult Little Stints which we saw, however, showed any trace of braces; the feathering of their upperparts was very regular and uniform, both in pattern and coloration, and lacked any obvious warm tones. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER We found less distinction between juveniles and adults. The adults were best identified by the more uneven patterning of their scapulars, caused by some of the feathers having particularly dark 396 Notes 397 centres. I he juveniles had extremely uniform and neat upperparts. Neither showed any sign of braces. VV ithout going into feather-by-feather descriptions, we should like to state simply that we felt that the plumages of the adult Little Stints and the juvenile Semipalmateds appeared very similar indeed. Such features as strength of supercilium, amount of white above the bill, suffusions on the sides of the breast, and so on, clearly varied between individuals of both species, and formed no grounds for separation. We concerned ourselves, therefore, more with structure and jizz. Our conclusions were: BILL \\ hile the bill of Semipalmated is typically a little broader at the base, blobbed at the tip and proportionally a fraction shorter, the distinction is very fine; bills vary in thickness and in length from individual to individual. Pwen with direct comparison between Semipalmated Sandpiper and Little Stint, we felt that bill features were very difficult to judge. SEMIPALMATIONS At a distance, the ‘webbing’ is very difficult to see. It is important to realise that the ‘semipalmations’ are no more than a rounding of the angle between the toes (some observers appeared to expect ‘duck feet’!). .\t ver\- close quarters, however, there is a clear distinction from the sharp-angled toe joints of Little Stints. The size of the feet of the Semipalmateds seemed a little larger than that of Little Stints. SIZE AND JIZZ Semipalmated is clearly more ‘pot bellied’ and plumper, and also slightly longer. Little Stint appears slim-bodied and horizontal when feeding (rather like Baird’s Sandpiper C. bairdii), while the roundness of Semi- palmated is distinctive. FEEDING STYLE VVe found this to be an invaluable pointer, which we feel has not been sufficiently stressed in papers so far. The Little Stints that we saw fed quickly, with a shuffling gait on angled legs, constantly picking from side to side and hardly ever even looking up. The Semipalmateds’ movements were clearly more hesitant and plover-like: stopping and starting, pausing to pick once, then looking, taking a few steps and picking again. The foot movement was slower and more deliberate, and we even described the birds as appearing to walk with slight limps. The legs appeared more upright than those of Little Stints, and the tibia looked a little longer. .Ml the Semipalmateds that we saw moved in this distinctive style. The Little Stints did slow down occasionally, but those that we studied for any length of time always appeared fast-feeders. Although Semipalmateds would break into a run now and again (rather like a Sanderling C. alba) they soon reverted to the ‘plover style’. We do feel that this may well be a useful characteristic, which can help observers to pick out a suspected Semipalmated at a long distance. VOICE The soft, thick ‘chewp’ or ‘chirrup’ of Semipalmated is diagnostic. 398 Notes \\ hen reviewing a first draft of this note, the editors oi British Birds made the following justified comments: ‘Stints in their looser feathered, fluffier winter plumage tend to look dumpier than sleek juveniles, but both ages can vary in their appearance as a result of vaiying local conditions (e.g. high temperatures, strong winds). Concerning feeding style, the unreli- ability of using differences in feeding behaviour, flight action, and so on, for identification purposes has recently been stressed (e.g. Brit. Birds 71; 418; 72: 78-79): so much depends on surface, prey, wind conditions, degrees of tiredness, degree ofhunger, and so on.’ We fully accept and agree with these warnings. We would, however, state that we watched both species together, for many hours, at the same locations and in the same weather conditions (which, incidentally, also varied from calm and sunny to wet and windy) and still found consistency in our observations, which we feel, therefore, are worth placing on record. Finally, we should like to offer a humble warning. We feel that there is some danger that an observer may take down plumage details of one individual Semipalmated and compare it with one individual Little Stint and then come to generalised comparative conclusions about the two species. Individuals are variable and the plumages of the two species can appear very similar indeed. Size, jizz, bill and foot structure, and call are the important distinctions, with feeding style as a possible useful pointer. Incidentally, from our experience of Red-necked Stints C. ruficolHs, we fear that the possibility of their conf usion with Semipalmated is \ ery strong. W e should like to thank three Irish residents, Jim fdtzharris, Clive Hutchinson and Killian Mullarney, for their expertise and company in the field. W. E. Oddie and B. A. E. Mark 74 South Hill Park, London NWS Black-tailed Godwit displaying over heathland The note on Black- tailed Godwit Limosa limosa displaying over a felled area of forestry plan- tation {Brit. Birds 73; 310) reminded me that, on 14th May 1955, I watched a Black-tailed Godwit display-flighting several times over a boggy heath valley in the New Forest, Hampshire; it also chased off passing gulls Larus and, uttering alarm notes, flew around walking human beings. 1 never saw a Black-tailed Godwit there again in regular visits over the next ten years. Song-flighting by some waders on passage has long been established as not uncommon (e.g., Brit. Birds 323). G. H. Rees 16 Winch Crescent, Haverfordwest, Dyfed Juvenile Great Skua eating insects At 13.30 GMT, on 4th September 1978, I was travelling west along the B3212 near East Bovey Hill, Dart- moor, Devon, when a juvenile Great Skua Stercorarius skua flew over the car and landed just off the road. From a layby, at ranges of 15-30 m, I watched it for about five minutes. It picked and ate apparent insects from the ground, low foliage and dung. Three times it jumped up, extending both wings, and caught and ate three damselflies (Odonata), ignoring myself and others nearby. I cannot find any reference to Great Skuas eating insects, but in the circumstances these were the only live food available. A. G. Stewart 31 St Andrew 's Avenue, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA92DY • • ♦ Jfiftp pcarg ago GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN IN INNER LONDON. On July 12th, 1931, I was sitting in Eaton Square Gardens with my wife and son and we all saw about fifteen feet away a Golden-crested Wren {Re^ulus r. anglorum) hopping about in the grass, very tame and easily identified. Walter F. Gave.’ {Brit. Birds 25: 102, September 1931 ) ‘BB’-Sunbird Tour of Thailand If you might be interested in joining this trip in February 1982, please write now to Sunbird Holidays (address below). The tour will be accompanied by managing editor, Dr J. 1'. R. Sharrock, and all profits from BB subscribers will be donated by Sunbird Holidays Ltd to British Birds, for the benefit of the journal. The 381 species seen on the Sunbird Thailand trip in February 1981 included Green Heron Butorides striatus, 22 species of raptor including Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus, Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla, 29 species of wader including Lesser Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica, Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii. Lesser Sand Plover C. mongolus, Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola Jalcinellus, Red- necked Stint Calidris rujicollis, Long-toed Stint C. subminuta and Pintail Snipe Gallinago slenura, Crested Tern Sterna bergii. Rufous Turtle Dove Streptopelia orienlalis. White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smymensis. Little Green Bee- eater Merops orientalis, Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola. Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus, Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, White’s Thrush Zoothera dauma. Eye-browed Thrush Turdus obscurus, 30 species of warbler including Dusky Phylloscopus Juscatus, Two-barred Greenish P. plumbeitarsus, Pallas’s P. proregulus. Thick-billed Acrocephalus aedon, Pallas’s Grasshopper Locustella certhiola and Lanceolated L. lanceolata, and 19 species of flycatcher including Brown Muscicapa latirostris. Some of these species were seen in only very small numbers (in some cases, only one individual), but, w ith luck, at least an equal number of such chance sightings will come our way in 1982. There will, of course, also be the Asian specialities, such as hornbills, barbets, wood-swallow, minivets, ioras and leafbirds, bulbuls, drongos, babblers and laughing thrushes, sunbirds, flower-peckers and munias. The aims of the 1982 trip with Tim Sharrock will include seeing a representative selection ofall the Oriental birds and Thailand habitats, but most efl'ort will be concentrated upon obtaining good and prolonged views 399 400 ‘BB’-Sunbird Tour oj Thailand of the Palearctic species which are of such special interest to west European birdwatchers. Participants will have the opportunity to extend their stay in Thailand after the tour if they wish to do so. If you might be interested in joining this BB-Sunbird trip, and would like to receive full details of dates and price as soon as they are available, please write now to BB Thailand Trip 1982, Sunbird Holidays, Executive Travel (Holidays) Ltd, 2 Lower Sloane Street, London SVVlW 8BJ. Announcements Peterson Sound Guide: discs and cassettes This superb set of recordings [A Field Guide to the Bird Songs oj Britain and Europe by Sture Palmer and Jeffery Boswall) is now available on four packs of four cassettes as well as on 15 LPs. It provides by far the best and most comprehensive reference to the songs and calls of European birds. By special arrangement with Conifer Records, we can offer these discs and cassettes to BB subscribers at reduced prices. Orders through British Birds will also assist the journal financially. The discs and cassettes include over 1,000 recordings of 585 species with a running time of 12 hours. The sequence follows A Field Guide to the Birds oj Britain and Europe by Roger Peterson, Guy Mountfort & P. A. D. Hollom. RFLP 5001 RFLP 5002 RFLP 5003 RFLP 5004 RFLP 5005 RFLP 5006 RFLP 5007 RFLP 5008 RFLP 5009 RFLP 5010 RFLP 5011 RFLP 5012 RFLP 5013 RFLP 5014 RFLP 5015 Divers, grebes, petrels, gannets, cormorants, herons, bitterns, storks. Spoon- bill, geese and swans. Ducks, raptors. Game-birds, cranes, rails, bustards, Ovstercatcher, plovers, sandpipers and RulT. Sandpipers, godwits, curlews, snipes, stilts, Avocet, phalaropes. Stone-curlew, coursers, pratincoles, skuas and gulls. Terns, auks, pigeons and doves, cuckoos, owls. Nightjars, swifts, kingfishers, bee-eaters, rollers. Hoopoe, woodpeckers and larks. Swallows, martins, pipits, wagtails, shrikes. Waxwing, Dipper, Wren, accentors and six warblers to Lanceolated Warbler. 30 warblers. Crests, flycatchers, chats and thrushes. Thrushes, tits, nuthatches, Wallcreeper and treecreepers. Buntings and finches to Scarlet Rosefinch. Finches, crossbills, sparrows, starlings, orioles and crows. Accidentals to Nighthawk. Accidentals. New extra recordings of main species and additional accidentals (White-headed Duck to Sandhill Crane). Cassette pack 1 \ CP2 I CP3 / CP4 J These follow the same systematic sequence as the discs BB subscribers can also obtain the companion set of two discs featuring 69 British and European mammals RFLP .5016 Hedgehog to Polecat RFLP .5017 Otter to Musk Ox Announcements 401 Special offer! RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE PRICE TO ‘BB’ SUBSCRIBERS LPs (singly) LPs (complete set of 15) Pack of 4 cassettes Complete set of 4 packs of cassettes £5.75 £86.25 £22.50 £90.00 £5.00 plus p&p (see below) £75.00 post free £20.00 plus p&p (see below) £80.00 post free All complete sets: post free LPs: 1 to 5 discs, add 50p p&p per disc; 6- 14 discs, add £1.50 per order; complete set of 15 discs, p)ost free. Cassettes: 1 to 3 packs, add £1.00 per pack; complete set of 4 packs, post free. Overseas orders: add extra 70p per LP or extra £1.00 per pack of cassettes. These prices are valid for only two months, so please ORDER NOW and tell your friends about this offer so that no BB subscriber misses this opportunity. Please send your name, address, a note of your requirements (giving code letters/numbers) and your cheque (made payable to British Birds Ltd) to BB Peterson Sound Guide Offer, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 3nj. (Payment can also be made into UK Post Office GIRO account no. 37 588 6303.) Please allow three weeks for delivery. New edition of ‘Birdwatcher’s Yearbook’ The completely new edition of this invaluable book. Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1982, will be published by Buckingham Press this autumn. By special arrangement with the editor, John E. Pemberton, subscribers to British Birds can obtain their copies post free and, at the same time, help BB’s finances, by ordering their copies NOW. Copies will be despatched immediately on publication. The price is £5.95 post free, from BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Book offers It helps BB’s finances if you order these books from us: Birdwatching in the Seventies by Ian Wallace (Macmillan) £7.95 post free. A Notebook oj Birds — 1907-1980 by Jim Flegg (Macmillan) £6.95 post free. Frontiers of Bird Identification edited by J. T. R. Sharrock (Macmillan) £7.95 post free. Wildfowl of Europe by Myrfyn Owen (Macmillan) £9.95 post free. Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book by Bill Oddie (Eyre Methuen) £4.95 post free. Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 795/* edited by John E. Pemberton (Buckingham Press) £5.95. If you order more than one title, please write your orders for each book on a separate sheet. We will pass your orders on to the respective publishers, who will send the books to you by post. Orders and cheques or postal orders (payable to British Birds Ltd) to: BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. (For orders from addresses outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, please add 50p. Payment can be made into UK Giro account number 37 588 6303.) News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett International ornithological politics Jeffery Boswall has gleaned the following information from The Daily Telegraph (15th June). Jo Grimmond on the Wildlife and Countryside Bill; ‘If it becomes law you may shoot the Redshank and Curlew. I do not feel strongly about this. But the Redshank is a decent little bird and the Curlew, stately as General de Gaulle — whom it much resembles — is a welcome sight pacing the fields of Orkney.’ Kestrel kites Dr P. R. Evans and M. W. Pienkowski have written to us suggesting that the kites bearing the silhouettes of Kestrels Falco tinnunculus, which, as noted by us in October 1979 {Brit. Birds 72:491), are sold by the RSPB, could cause serious dis- turbance to small birds, especially during the breeding season. One remembers the experi- ments by Konrad Lorenz in which the silhouette of a goose pulled over an aviary did not worry the occupants but when pulled the other way the silhouette resembled a raptor and the birds in the aviary expressed alarm. We hear that, many years ago, at Dungeness, in order to keep the migrants low, a silhouette of a Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus on a long pole was held over bushes through which the migrants were being driven towards the Heligoland trap. So, there is some evidence that silhouettes of raptors do affect small birds unless and until they become habitu- ated to them, as birds become accustomed to other scaring devices. In the case of Kestrel kites, a small person is usually attached; is it the kite or the child which causes the problem? Are the kites flown frequently enough to be a serious problem? All sorts of questions arise and at present no concrete evidence is offered. Jonsson field guides We are pleased to hear from Mark Beaman and from the Bird Bookshop that the fifth volume of this excellently illustrated series is due to be published in English in spring 1982 by Groom Helm at £5.95. In the meantime, the Bird Bookshop, 21 Regent Terrace, Edin- burgh eh7 5bt, stocks the Swedish edition; recently the price came to £5.40. Magpie is the occasional journal of the Sheffield Bird Study Group with the Depart- ment of Zoology, University of Sheffield. It has just made its second appearance, the first being in 1977. Its editors claim that local ornithology is in a very healthy state and are delighted that so many Sheffield bird- watchers are now working on their own special projects. Indeed, this issue contains eight papers and four short notes, all relating to the birds of the Sheffield district. This journal is a superb example of what a local bird group can do: similar enthusiasm generated elsewhere could help to divert birdwatchers from their addiction to less common birds. It is illustrated with excellent vignettes by Paul Leonard. It can be ob- tained (£1.50, p & p included) from K. W. Taylor, 14 Blackbrook Road, Sheffield slO 4lp. Birdwatching weekend at Portland A special weekend break for those interested in the study of birds has been arranged by Portland Heights Hotel, Dorset, in conjunc- tion with the Portland Bird Observatory. This weekend costs £47.00 and includes two nights’ accommodation in a comfortably fur- nished room with bathroom, tea and coffee facilities, dinner, and packed lunch on the Saturday. Guests will be provided with an information kit, and an introduction to the Observatory’s work will be given by the resident Warden. Anyone wishing to take advantage of the ‘birdwatching break’ but desiring to bring a member of their family on another type of weekend, ‘sailing and wind- surfing’ or ‘health and fitness’, can combine the two. New member of NCC The Nature Con- servancy Council has announced that the Secretary of State for the Environment has appointed Stanley Cramp OBE as a member of the NCC. What the pa|>ers say From The Sunday Telegraph (14th June): ‘Birdwatchers have also reported seeing other rare visitors in- cluding the red kite, Alpine Swift, honey buzzard, golden oriel and little eaglets.’ To 402 News and comment 403 which Ken Osborne, who discovered this, and the next little gem, commented: ‘Which is nothing to what the sub-editors see after a few nightjars!’ From The Guardian (30th June): ‘Whilst we were watching the tits, a gashawk, clear against the blue sky, swept overhead, sailing on an air-current with scarcely a movement of its wings.’ ‘Undoubtedly’, says Ken, ‘a North Sea Gashawk.’ We will give a very small prize to the reader who produces the most apt scientific name for this new species. Entries to our ‘News and comment’ address please. Opinions expressed in thisjeature are not necessarily those oj the editor oj British Birds June, to which ail dates in this refX)rt refer, continued a fascinating spring into a remarkable summer for unusual birds. It is all t(X) easy to forget the excitement of rarities these days — to many birdwatchers, perhaps, the birds are still unlikely to be seen anyway, while to those who go to ‘get them for the year’ the lesser rarities are often treated as little more than routine. The real excitement atid thrill of discovery — especially if reward for many long hours watching the local patch — should not be forgotten and still comes to comparatively few. The month provided plenty of surprises to quicken the pulse and start the adrenalin pumping and Recent reports R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp These are largely unchecked reports, not authenticated records certainly they brightened things up more than the miserable weather. For the first three days of the month, winds from the south brought a ,spell of warm w eather, t hereafter, a series of depressions crossed the .Atlantic and resulted in unsettled westerly weather. An anticyclone which developed to the west on 15th changed the pattern and until the end of the month the country suffered a cool, northw esterly airflow which e\en brought snow showers to some Scottish hills. Fhe first six months of the year had pro\ed to be the dullest and wettest for 40 years. 404 Recent reports Firsts from all directions A Rock Sparrow Petronia pelronia at Cley (Norfolk) on 14th will, if accepted, be the first British record of this dull but distinctive sparrow with a twangy voice which is nor- mally resident in southern Europe. From a much greater distance came a Fork-tailed (Asian White-rumped) Swift Apus pacificus which was captured on a North Sea gas platform 100km off Norfolk on 19th. It was taken to Ellough airfield (Suffolk) and was noted nearby the next day. Various races occur from the Himalayas eastwards across northeast and southeast Asia; this is the first record from the western Palearctic. A Lark Sparrow Chondesles grammacus docked at Felixstowe (Suffolk), after a transatlantic voyage, on 30th (plate 236). The public open space of Landguard Point provided ideal opportunities for large numbers of people to give it the VTP treatment. Whether it will get through the customs remains to be seen, but it was a smart little bird, ship-assisted or not. It may yet prove that a pratincole Glareola at Dunwich (Suffolk) from 22nd intojuly might belong in this section; though it received a surprisingly cool reception, it showed most of the features associated with Oriental Pratincole G. maldivarum. A Blacksmith Plover Hoplopterus armatus at Eye Brook Reservoir (Leicestershire) must surely have been an escape. . . Seabirds, gulls and terns Spurn Point (Humberside) reported record numbers of seabirds for June. Chief among them were Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla with 5,000 on 17th and 5,600 on 18th. There were 365 Gannets Sula bassana there on 18th and auks included a Little Auk Alle alle on 17th and 78 Puffins Fratercula arctica on 18th. Fulmars Fulrmrus glacialis totalled 636 on the 18th, but a Cory’s Shearwater Galonectris diomedea passed through earlier, on 11th. Four Cory’s were noted off Porthgwarra (Cornwall) at the end of the month. Nearctic gulls were represented by a Laughing Gull Imtus atricilla at Long Drag, Teesmouth (Cleveland), on 21st and 22nd and the first 237. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia, Essex, June 1981 {David M. Coltridge) two Ring-billed Gulls L. delawarensis for Gwent, at Peterstone Wentloog on 28th May and 15th. Records of Caspian Tern Sterna caspia could all refer to one wandering indi- vidual, but it is hard to be certain — records came from two sites on Humberside from 14th to 16th, Minsmere (Suffolk) on 18th, Heybridge Gravel-pits (Essex) from 20th to 22nd (plate 237), Minsmere again from 22nd into early July and then the Ouse Washes (Cambridgeshire) on 5th July. Southern immigrants Another Black Kite Milms migrans occurred in this exceptional year for the species, at Minsmere on 7th. Red-footed Falcons Fatco vespertinus reached Spurn on 1st and West- leton (Suffolk) on 2nd. Heron-types included Little Egrets Egretta garzetta at Salthouse (Norfolk) from 3rd to 7th and at Leighton Moss (Lancashire) from 29th, a Little Bit- tern Ixobrychus minutus at St Ouen’s Pond (Jersey) on 13th and Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia at both Spurn and Cley (two) from 5th to 7th. Swifts — a little outshone, perhaps, by the astounding presence of the Asian visitor al- ready mentioned — included, amazingly, another Little Swift Apus a/finis, this time on Skokholm (Dyfed) from 31st May to 1st, a Recent reports 405 possible Pallid Swift A. pallidus at Lodmoor (Dorset) late in the month and, magniheent but far less rare than cither, Alpine Swifts A. rnelba at Fair Isle (Shetland) from 4th to lOth and at Aberdeen (Grampian) from 5th to Bth. A Subalpine Warbler Sylvia canlillans reached the Galf ol Man on 24th May and another was at St Abbs Head (Borders) on 26th and 27th. Melodious Warblers Hip- polais polyglotta were found at Dungencss (Kent) on 2nd, in north Kent on 13th, on Fair Isle on 15th, at Portland Bill (Dorset) on 22nd and on C'.alf of Man on 23rd May. Icterine Warblers //. iclerina were noted only on Fair Isle on 7th, on St Agnes (Scilly) on 12th and at St Neots (Gambridgeshire) from mid June into July. Dartford Warbler .S', undata poses interesting questions as to its origin, turning up on Skokholm on 1st and 2nd. Savi’s Wa-oler Locuslella luscinioides on Fair Isle on 24th was the first there since 1908. Bluethroats Lusdnia svecica reached a couple of odd places, including Brimmington Common (Derbyshire) on 20th May, and three were on Calf of Man in Short reviews Pigeon Racing: advanced techniques. By Jan Aerts. (Faber & Faber, 1981. £2.50) Paperback version of 1969 book. Illustrated Guide to Birds and Birdwatching. By Neil Ardley. (Ward Fock, 1980. £6.95) .\ curate’s egg of a b(X)k. but one is left wondering for whom it was written. I he .May (only the third to fifth Manx records). Singles were on Fair Isle on 1st, 2nd and 4th, while another turned up at Prawle Point (De\on) on 13th. Shrikes were well repre- sented with a Great Grey Shrike Lamm excuhitor on the Ouse Washes during the latter half of the month, a Red-backed L. collurw on Calf of Man on 27th, a Lesser Grey L. minor at Black Low (Borders) from 4th to 8th and Woodchats L. senator at Dungeness on 6th and 7th, Winspit (Dorset) from 6th to 10th, near Oxford in mid month, at Kenfig Pool (Mid Glamorgan) from 24th to 26th and on Calf of Man on 26th. C)ne Hoopoe L'pupa epops came to light, at South Warnborough (Hampshire) on 1st. The other spectacular southern \isitors — Roller Coracias garrulus, with at least four in May, and Bee-eater Merops apiaster, with three singles, a group of six and two records of two in May, plus one on Isle of Man on 8th — have already been mentioned in the last report, but rumours of Bee-eaters lingered on into June in Cornwall and one of the Rollers also stayed on, on St Agnes, rounding ofi this good selection of birds from warmer climes in one of the dullest summers (weather-wise) for years. Finally, birds from further north on Fair Isle included a Lapland Bunting Cal- carius lapponiais, from 1st to 4th, and Scarlet Rosefinches Carpodacus erythrinus, with two on 1st and one on 2nd, 8th and 9th. Latest news In .\ugust: Black Kite at Dungeness; Sora Rail Porzana Carolina on Bardsey (Gwynedd); White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris Jusa- col/is at Cley; Baird’s Sandpiper C. bairdii at Blacktoft (South Humberside); Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinerem at Minsmere; Blacksmith Plover moved to Radwell (Bedfordshire). good bits are suitable for the mature nature- lo\er; the bad bits are too dreadful for anyone. .\ lew species are taken as examples in each family and are badly illustrated in garish colours. .\ ’i’ellowhammer is labelled as a Dunnock, and \ ice versa. .\ map of bird- watching sites in Europe includes neither 40() Short reviews Fair Isle nor the Isles of St illy! The photo- graphic reproduction (particularly the colour) is, however, first-rate. The Trump>eter Swan. By Winston E. Banko. (University of Nebraska Press, 1980. £3.60) A photolitho reprint (with appalling repro- duction of photographs) of a classic (1960) monograph. Alas, not updated in any way, even though 1960s’ discoveries lifted popula- tion from ‘rare and endangered’ 1,500 in 1957 (latest figures in this book) to current 4,000-5,000, no longer in danger. [MAO] Sharing Nature with Children. By Joseph Bharat Cornell. (Exley Publications, 1981. £2.95 paperback) Games and activities designed to increase interest in and love of nature; original ideas; recommended for parents or grandparents of young children or for teachers. Der Karmingimpel. By Svet- lana I. Bozhko. (Die \eue Brehm-Biicherei 529, A. Ziemsen Verlag, 1980. DM11.90) With Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus spreading rapidly within Europe, this mono- graph has a special interest, and distribution features strongly in the text, with a number of distribution maps. Birds of East Africa. Edited by P. L. Britton. (East .\frica Natural History Society, 1980. No price quoted) Checklist of all 1,293 bird species reliably reported in Kenya, Eanzania and Uganda, with brief notes on the status, distribution and habitat requirements and distribution details ofall subspecies, but with no identification details of the species. Eight plates of habitat photographs, four maps and hve colour plates by Rena Fennessy, showing 13 species. Essential for residents in or visi- tors to East Africa. Lerchen und Schwal- hen. By Hans Bub. (Die Neue Brchm- Bucherei 540, A. Ziemsen Verlag, Witten- berg Lutherstadt, 1981. DM13.20) Eollow'ing the standard format of this series of German monographs, but this volume deals with all 1 1 species of European lark (Alaudidae) and the five species of fiuropean hirundines (Hirundinidae). As usual, text entirely in German, but anyone studying either of these groups will need to refer to this volume. Markierungsmethoden fiir Vogel. By Hans Bub & Hans Oelke. (Die Neue Brehm-Biicherei, A. Ziemsen V'erlag, 1980. DM16.00) A comprehensive and up- to-date account, in German, of all the mani- fold ways of marking birds, not just with conventional leg rings, but with plastic streamers, nasal saddles, collars, tags on v arious parts of the anatomy, and dye, plus a final section on radio-telemetry. Drawings and photos show how most of the marks are made and applied, though the interested worker will probably gain most from the excellent bibliographies to each chapter. [MAO] Vocal Conununication in Birds. By Clive K. Catchpole. (Institute of Biology Studies in Biolog>' 1 15, 1980. £2.40) 68 pages of technical explanation for the serious student. Der Graureiher. By Ger- hard Creutz. (Die Neue Brehm-Biicherei 530, A. Ziemsen X’erlag, 1981. DM18.90) Selective monograph of the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea in this excellent German series. Die Habichte. By Wolfgang Fischer. (Die Neue Brehm-Biicherei 158, Ziemsen V'er- lag, 1980. D.M20.90) As usual with this series, entirely in German. Covers the genus Acdpiter, but particularly the Goshawk .4. gentilis. Hunting behaviour, distribution, and so on illustrated by black-and-white draw- ings, and also 65 black-and-white photo- graphs. The Birds of Oman. By Michael Gallagher and Martin W. Woodcock. (Quartet Books, 1980. £37.50) This is an important book, marking the increasing interest in wildlife show n by the governments and leaders of Middle Eastern and par- ticularly Arab countries. It will be referred to by all students of the ornithology of eastern Arabia and by birdwatchers visiting or residents in the Sultanate of Oman. This is a large coffee-table book and Martin Wood- cock’s full-page drawings fit well with this format. All species recorded in Oman have been included, together with several which are rare visitors to other areas around the Arabian Gulf but which have not yet been recorded in Oman (e.g. Robin Erithacus rubecula) . There are no distribution maps, but the end-papers include maps of Oman. A 14-page introduction describes the habitats of-the country and there are excellent colour photographs which are most useful to the reader who has not visited the area. Birds of The Gambia. By M. E. J. Gore. (British Ornithologists’ Union Ciheck-list 3, 1981. £9.00) C'.hecklist with an average of three or four lines per species, mainly summarising known status. Three maps show, localities and 16 entries are illus- trated by black-and-white photographs. A Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. By Richard Howard and Alick Moore. (Clarendon Press, 1980. £17.50) Scientific and English names ofall the species of the world arranged in Peters’s Checklist order, with all subspecies (with ranges). The layout and choice of type are excellent for Short reviews 407 easy reference; the inclusion of a complete index of generic and specific scientific names is especially valuable, since several of the half a dozen or so other ‘complete checklists of the birds of the world’ have indexes only of familial names. Der Kembeisser, By Sieg- fried Kruger. (Die Neue Brehm-Biicherei 525, A. Ziemsen Verlag, 1979. DM10.90) Another in this excellent series of mono- graphs, this one covering the Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothrausles. A slimmer volume than most (only 108 pages), and there are only 38 black-and-white photographs, not particularly well produced. Guy Mountfort’s The Hawfinch (1957) was more comprehens- ive. Diets for Birds in Captivity. By Kenton C. Lint & Alice Marie Lint. (Blandford Press, 1981. £19.95) Lists of daily diets for zoo and aviary birds. Birdwatch- ing on Estuaries, Coast and Sea. By Clare Lloyd. (Severn House, 1981. £7.95) Sound advice aimed mainly at the beginner who is particularly interested in seabirds. The Penguin Book of Bird Poetry. Edited hy Peggy Munsterhorg. (Allen Lane, 1980. £8.95) There are 99 pages of intrcxluction followed by over 200 pages of poems and anonymous quotes. The selection is good and, if you enjoy this sort of book, you will enjoy this one. The Great Gray Owl: phantom of the northern forest. By Robert W. Nero, with photographs by Robert R. Taylor. (Smithsonian Institu- tion, 1981. £9.95) Personal account ofstudies in North America presented in readable form, with some magnificent photographs of this magnificent bird. Bird Island in Ant- arctic Waters. By David F. Parmelee. (University of Minnesota Press, 1980. $18.95) Professor Parmelee’s account of his adventures and bird studies with the Fids (Falkland Island Dependencies Survey) in South Georgia. Seabirds, particularly alba- trosses, naturally figure prominently. The book’s subtitle — ‘The adventures of an artist/ornithologist on a lonely outcrop in the far South Atlantic’ — describes this 140-page volume. A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. By Graham Pizzey. Illustrated by Roy Doyle. (Collins, 1981. £12.50) Comprehensi\e, 465-page field guide in standard format, dealing with the 720 species recorded in Australia. Field characters are covered relatively briefly, but competently; colour and black-and-white illustrations as 88 plates in a central section. Breeding distributions shown on special maps in separate section at back. \\ ill inevitably become a standard work of relerence. Nature Watch. By Julian Pettifer and Robin Brown. (Nlichael Joseph, 1981. £9.95) The book of the T\’ series with chapters devoted to the particular passions of a dozen specialists including Miriam Roths- child, Bobby Tulloch and Konrad Lorenz. Year of the Bam Owl. Illustrated by Terry Riley and written by John Andrews. (Dent, 1981. £3.95) For children (seven- to 12-year-olds): well illustrated, and devised with originality. Year of the Golden Eagle. Illustrated by Terry Riley and written by John Andrews. (Dent, 1981. £3.95) For children: an unsentimental look at the life of a family of Golden Eagles in the western USA. Pheasants in Asia 1979. Edited by Christopher Savage. (World Pheasant Association, 1980. £8.00) Proceed- ings of the First Himalayan Pheasant Sym- posium, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in November 1979, jointly sponsored by the Government of Nepal and the ICiBP. Der Gansesager. By G. A. J. Schmidt. (Mono- graphien der Vogelkundlichen .\rbeits- gruppe Schleswig-Holstein, 1980. D.M 14.00) The first of a series of monographs on Schleswig-Holstein birds. It covers status, breeding, food, etc. of the Goosander, with perhaps the most interesting section being on the making and use of nest-boxes. \'er\ poor reproduction of photographs and maps, and lack of a bibliography are major failings. [M.\0] Birds of a Feather — unpublished letters of W. H. Hudson. Edited by Denis Shmbsall. (Moonraker Press, 1981. £6.95) Extraordinarily compelling reading; written in the period 1896-1922 and revealing the birds and birdwatching habits of an era utterly diflerent from ours now. Hedgerow. Illustrated by Eric Thomas and written by John T. White. (.\sh & Grant, 1980. £4.95) The history and natural history of a hedgerow, well told and magnificently illus- trated. Will give pleasure as well as educate. It costs, however, o\er lOp per page! Between Earth & Paradise. By Mike Tomkies. (Heinemann, 1981. £7.95) .Account of wildlife encountered and the trials and tribulations of living alone on an isolated Scottish islet. Three Mile Man. Photographs by Peter Wamett and text by Alan Thornhill. (Collins, 1980. £8.95) Typical English countryside as e.xemplified by Rotherfield in Sussex, evoked by stunning photographs of animals, plants and places. .A gem of a Ixxjk. A Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa. By J. G. Williams and N. Arlott. (Ciollins. 1981. £7.95) This will 408 Short reviews immediately beeome the standard guide for ornithologists of, or interested in, East Afriea (from Eritrea and Somalia south to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Madagascar). Well produced, in the standard Peterson Ibrmat (RTP provides the foreword). Nor- man .Vrlott’s paintings combine the best of field-guide uniformity for comparison pur- poses and artistic portraits with individual character and jizz. 1 he colour plates are all placed centrally, but the cross-references between texts and plates are excellent. A total of 665 species is fully described and illustrated and the essential held characters of a further 633 are noted in the text of the species with which they are most likely to be confused. Ehus, nearly 1,300 species are dealt with in the book’s 415 pages. Birds. By Martin Woodcock and Richard Perry. (Collins Gem Guides, 1980. £1.50) This really is a handy pocket guide (82 X 1 18 X 15mm) with between one-third ofa page and one page for each species. I'he birds included are mostly relevant, but the statement that the book ‘contains a painting of every species of bird likely to be seen in the British Isles’ is not really accurate, since it includes .\lpinc Chough, Black Woodpecker, .\lpine Accen- tor and Crested Lark, but omits, for instance, Pomarine Skua, 'Eemminck’s Stint and the shearwaters other than .Manx. At this price, however, it would be churlish to complain, when the choice of species is clearly geared for the production of Continental editions. Ideally suited for the Christmas stockings of budding birders. Bird Problems in Agri- culture. Edited by E. N. Wright, I. R. Ingles & C. J. Feare. (BCTC: Publications, 1980. .No price quoted) The proceedings ofa conference on crop protection, in four sec- tions dealing respectively with General Con- siderations, Starlings as Agricultural F^ests, Bird Scaring and Chemical Bird Repellents. Each section contains se\eral chapters by experts, those on breeding and foraging behaviour of Starlings, food of Skylarks and conservation of farmland birds perhaps being of most interest to BB readers. The amount on the Starling reflects its import- ance as a pest of fruit; it was interesting to read of control operations in Belgium in which up to 100,000 were killed at a time by dynamiting roosts; an ideal procedure for central London? [1. Newton] J TRS Reviews Usborne Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe. By Rob Hume. Usborne, London, 1981. 128 pages; colour and black-and-white illustrations on 119 pages. Hardback, £3.99; paperback, £2.50. Beginners will find this a splendid book. Indeed, it is almost the ideal field guide for which we have been waiting. The illustrations, several for each species, with individuals perched and flying and aspects of behaviour illustrated, are on the same pages as the text. The drawings are annotated, resembling the pages ofa first-class field notebook. The texts are brief, but cover habitat, season, breeding details, voice, food and flight or other behaviour characteristics. In many ways, this is the best field guide yet produced. I’here are, however, some serious flaws. By far the worst is the selection of spiecies. Presumably dictated by the publishers’ desire to keep the price low, only 1,56 species are featured, although some others (e.g. Whimbrel on the Curlew page and Little Ringed Plover on the Ringed Plover page) have a very brief mention in an inset box. I4espite the absence of many quite common British species, the book does include Goshawk, Black Wocxfpecker and Crested Lark: yet another instance of publishers pandering to the European market instead of concentrating on producing the right sort of book for the potentially massive British market. ,\t £3.99, this is a cheap book; doubtless it will sell in larger numbers at that price than it would ifit were more expensive. Simple calculation does, however, show that 250 species could have been included for a selling price of £6.25 or ,300 species for a selling price of £7.45. If a ,300-species field guide along these lines had been produced by Rob Hume and Usbonie, it might have swept the market. One hopes that Usborne will not now decide that a second volume, including the mi.ssing species, will be worth producing, with the result that there is yet another hotchpotch Ixxik, but that they will use this present volume as a basis for a more comprehensive field guide covering all the species which (xcur regularly in western Europe. Reviews 409 rhe illustrations, by Alan Harris and Trevor Boyer, are somew'hat variable (and so is the reproducdon), but on the whole they are attractive, reliable and — perhaps most important of all — clear and easily understood by the beginner. This field guide is good. But the publishers could have made it indispensable. J. T. R. Sharrock Wild Geese of the World. By Myrfyn Owen. B. T. Batsford, London, 1980. 236 pages; 8 colour plates, 25 black-and-white line-drawings; 25 distribution maps and 30 charts. £15.00. V\ hen I first saw this book, my immediate thoughts were that it was a ‘must’ for goose enthusiasts. Further browsing, study of the text, examination of the many illustrations (maps, line-drawings, diagrams and coloured plates) and of the indices and bibliography confirmed my first impressions. It is an excellent book in every way. The main body of the text is contained within 187 pages which are divided into eight chapters. These are (in order): Classification; Species .Accounts; Social Behaviour; .Move- ments and Migration; Summer Biology; Winter Biology'; Population Dynamics; Conservation and Exploitation. Each chapter is divided into a number of sub-sections, which are clearly headed and which are also helpfully listed in the contents page at the beginning of the book. .A small criticism here is that the species headings in the Species .Accounts chapter are not in sufficiently bold type. Otherwise, the layout is very clear, and it is easy to find one’s way through the book even without referring to the index. 1 he 15 species of true geese (ten Anser and five Branta) and their various subspecies arc first of all treated individually in the Species Accounts chapter, under the headings of description, geographical variation (if any), numbers and distribution, breeding biology, winter biolog\ and exploitation and conservation. Inevitably, such treatment takes a lot of space (58 pages), some of which should have been pared down, since much of this information is already available in other recent works on geese. Some of the saved space could have been usefully devoted to topics covered by the later chapters, especially those on summer and winter biology and population dynamics. 1 he eight colour plates are bound together in the centre of the book which makes for easy comparison. Each species is shown in its adult and juvenile plumages, and downy young are also shown. Most of the subspecies are illustrated, as are the phases of the Snow Gcxjse. Joe Blossom’s paintings are excellent: the only one about which I have any misgivings is that of the adult Barnacle Goose which has acquired a slightly incredulous look! There are, however, more-normal Barnacles among the black-and-white line-drawings. The three appendices are a mine of information, compressing into a few pages many data on such things as egg measurements, clutch size, incubation periods, adult and juvenile body measurements — weight, wing, bill and tarsus. Sources of these data are given for further reference. The bibliography is extensive, with some 425 entries, not all of which arc confined to English-language publications. The author, illustrator and publishers are to be congratulated on an excellent production. I suppose £ 15 is not a huge sum of money these days . . . Oscar J. .Merne The Birdwatcher’s A-Z. By Alan J. Richards. David & Charles, Newton Abbot, 1980. 328 pages; 120 colour and numerous black-and-white photo- graphs; some line-drawings. £14.95. A New Dictionary oj Birds by Sir .A. Landsborough Thomson was first published in 1964 and is currently being extensively revised for a new edition. That book was listed as one of ‘The eight essential bird books recommended by British Birds’ {Brit. Birds 73: 539), and should be on the bookshelves and within easy reach of every ornithologist. That book treats major topics at length and has a large number of very eminent contributors. Why, then, is another bird encyclopedia necessary ? While .4 New Dictionary oj Birds is for the ornithologist, .Alan J. Richards’s The Birdwatcher’s A-Z clearly aims to satisfy the needs of the ordinary birdwatcher. The balance is quite dilTerent, with no long review articles and many extra entries covering items such as ‘Lumper’, ‘Reeling’, ‘Roding’, ‘Twitcher’ and ‘Wing Tag’, which readers of .4 New Dictionary oj Birds are 410 Reviews [iresiimahly cither expected to know about alread\ or expected not to wish to know about. There is no question that, for the beginner, this cheaper, slimmer volume is also likeh to be the more useful; it will answer many questions and dehne many words not posed or listed in the more erudite tome. Alan Richards’s work does, howe\er, rely hea\ily on Sir Tandsborough Thomson’s book for its definitions of specialist terms; lor example. ‘Zugunruhe’ is defined identically in the two fx)oks, as ‘German term, sometimes used in English writings, for pre-migratory restlessness’. Personally, 1 shall keep both \olumes on my f)ookshel\ es and, although using them for different purposes, expect to take down both equally often. Tfiis is a most useful addition to any birdwatcher’s library. It is well illustrated, with colour as well as black-and-white photographs and with drawings by Rob Hume; most are decorative — so, presumably, the price could ha\e been reduced b\ less profuse use of illustra- tions— but they do lead to an attracti\e looking book. The lay-out and type size are ideal fora work of reference. Some errors arc ine\itable in any work with such a huge number of entries, t)ut tfiey are commendably difhcult to find. Recommended. ,J. T. R. Sh.xrrock The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds. By John K. Terres. Allred A. Knopf, New York, 1980. 1,1 10 pages; over 875 colour photographs and over 800 black-and-white illustrations. $60. This massive book — it weighs 3V2 kg (nearly 8 lb) — would be a rnagniheent addition to any fiirdwatclicr's bookshel\es. There are nearly 900 colour photographs and, almost without exception, the photograph (and the reproduction) is stunning. For these illustrations alone, the Kuropean ornithologist or birder would find this encyclopedia most useful for reference. Running to o\ er 1 ,000 pages, with three columns to each page, the text covers e\ ery species of North .American bird as well as ornithological terms which one would expect to find in other encyclopedias such as Sir Tandsborough Thomson’s .4 Seiv Dictioiian oj Birds. Famous ornithologists of the past, alternati\e vernacular names, renowned birdwatching localities and e\ en some jargon (such as ‘birder’) are covered. B\ current standards, the price is not high, especially considering the magnificence of the illustrations. J. T. R. Sharrock Birds of Prey of the World. By Friedhelm Weick in collaboration with Leslie H. Brown. Collins, London, and Paul Parey, Hamburg and Berlin, 1980. 160 pages; 40 colour plates. £15.00; DM78.00. The bulk of this large-format book illustrates in colour all the 289 known species (and o\ er 400 subspecies) ol raptors in perched left-facing position. Opposite each page is small-type text in both English and (ferman giving very brief identification points, distribution notes and biometric details. There is a 2.')-page key for identifying birds of prey followed b\ a run-down of families and genera that comprise the order Falconiformes. What is the book like? It can best be likened to Peter Scott’s .4 Coloured Key to the W'ildjowl oJ the World (1957) which the artist makes no apology for ‘copying’. In this perhaps lies the limitation of the book, Ibr, dealing with perched birds, its main use will be by those wishing to identify skins, zoo birds or on those rare occasions in the w ild when a bird of prey is seen at rest for a long period at chxse range. The illustrations (which co\er adult, immature and colour- morph [jlumages) arc simply and diagrammatically drawn and, while not of the highest cjuality, they scr\c their purpose very adequately. Indeed, the simplistic style probably helps rather than hinders, in that it draws attention to the key identification features. The introduction key is really an annotated species list, grouping birds into miscellaneous categories of, for example, size, neck length, bill colour, crest shape, and plumage colour, right the way down to rarely observed categories of iris and cere colour. It is thus not a key in the botanical sense, but serves its purpose very well and is a helpful memory jogger. .\n easy and idle criticism would be that the book makes raptor identification dillicult and confusing ( 1 , 144 paintings with sometimes 40 or more illustrations on a page, all looking nuu h the same!). In as much as it presents just perched birds that comment is true, but, on the other hand, being confu.sed is exactly what identifying birds of prey is all about. ,\ l()rerunner to a book covering the subject of flight idetitification of vvorld ra[)tors? It has got to come. R. F, Portkr cvcnuf UNIDIIPC BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS FOR 1982 Nepal 21 day tour from 16th January to 5th February 1982 Leader: Peter Clement £1,235 Northern Thailand 20 day tour from 23rd January to 1 1th February 1982 Leader; Phil Round £935 Northern India and the Himalayan foothills 19 day tour from 8th to 26th February 1982 Leader: David Hunt £870 Texas 17 day tour from 1st to 17th April 1982 Leader: David Holman £685 Also planned: Northern Greece May 1982 Soviet Central Asia June 1982 Kashmir and Ladakh August 1982 Seychelles August 1982 Japan September 1982 The Gambia November 1982 Kenya Christmas 1982 Sri Lanka February 1983 For full information and colour brochure of our 1982 programme, contact our resident ornithologist, Paul Dukes. cvcnus uiiiDiiPc Worldwide Holidays Southwest Travel Ltd % Fore Street Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 IPY Telephone 0548 3181 Telex 45639 (Comput G) P57 IX CHINA 1982 First Ornithology & Nature Study 'Fours to North East China. ZHALONG NATURE RESERVE Flome of the Red-Crowned Crane and many other birds. 2 7 1 h J u n e — 1 4 1 h July £1,500 27 th June — 2 1st J uly \ isiting also Shenyang & Jingbo Flu (Mirror Lake) Reserxe with its birds, butterflies & flora. £1,700 Both tours visit Beijing and Harbin and each is accompanied by a British Ornithologist as Ciuest Lecturer. STUDY CHINA TRAVEL LTD. 27 Ley land Road, London, SE12 8DS. (01-852 4470) (BB349) Artificial House Martin’s Nest Remarkably successful readily accepted by martins, they also encourage the construction of natural nests. Made of hard cement compo with hardboard roof and back easily fixed to eaves of house or barn with special nails supplied. Price £5.45 for I £9.75 for 2 including post and packing. NERINE NURSERIES Welland, Worcestershire (HBIOV?) P O Box 1 96 Planetarium Station New York, ny 1 002A USA (212) 866-7923 The Asia Specialists 1982 Birding Tours HIMALAYAS Nepal/Darjeeling 2 April- 1 May Kashmir 2-9 May Roth totir.s led by BEN KING, Asia’.s foremost field birder, author of A V'leld ('.aide to the Birds of South-East A.via. Write for itinerarv . (BBltOb) THE NEW RINGER’S BAG from KINGSMILL-RAYMENT MARKETING Introducing the exciting new purpose- made RINGER’S BAG designed for use while working in the field, it allows you to carry your field equipment safely yet comfortably by your side. Consisting of six well designed pockets, the large 8V2 in x 9 in main pocket holds weights, rules, and books, while the smaller front pocket is used to carry a selection of rings, the deep side pockets hold pliers, and pen knife in place, and the side loops accommodate a flash light for work at night. The new RINGER’S BAG is of light- weight construction yet very strong with stitched and riveted seams to withstand the demands of field work. Fits any size belt, or can be supplied with strong leather or web belts. THE RINGER’S BAG £9.95 WEB or LEATHER BELTS £3.95 Including VAT and carriage. KINGSMILL-RAYMENT MARKETING 11 Grasmere Road, Lightwater, Surrey (bb372) ORNITHOLOGICAL tour to SOUTH AFRICA 2 weeks, depart 5 Nov 1 981 (optional extension to South West Africa/Namibia Led by David Tomlinson of Country Life and visiting Eastern Transvaal and Kruger National Park, Natal Border and Zululand Game Re- serves, also Cape Town and Cape Province. Air travel by scheduled services of SAA. Inclusive price £1 ,395. An opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich bird life (over 900 species). Full information and brochure from: Southern Africa Travel, 15 Micklegate, York Y01 1JH Telephone 0904 36688 ABTA member (BB327) -^s^'BIRDPAK" ^ \ comprehensive guide to birdwatching in Guernsey and Alderney. Includes: • Field guide of Guemsev. Aldemov. Sark and Herm • Maps of the Islands A Back-up bcHiks A Lists of accommodation (Camping Self-catenng Guest Houses and Hotels) A How to gel there — full details of air or sea travel facilities A Information on escorted holidays with Tim Earl as Guide All for only £3 including post and packing Field guide's for Botany and ■Archeology also available For further informabon on "Birdpak" and details of inclusiw holidavs to Guemsev cir .Aldemev, contact HOLIDAY PAK LTD The Travel Bureau St Pierre du Bois Guemsev Td:0481--64475 XI Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be PREPAID £3.60 Jor 3 lines (minimum) £l .20 for each whole or part extra line. Classified display £5.00 a centimetre (min. 2 centimetres) tor the use oj a box number there is a charge oJ £l .00 Replies to: The .-1 D I ER TISE.MEST MAX A GER British Birds, .Macmillan Journals Ltd., 4 Little Essex Street, London 1 1 C2R 3LE HO LI DA Y A CCOMMODA TION HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr Bruce Ciampbcll and l ed (JriHiths based at the I alland Bay Hotel on the South Cornish Coast. Parties have identified over 110 species. Special Birds and flowers week in May. Course dates and brochure from l alland Ba> Hotel, Nr. Looe, Cornwall. Telephone Polperro (0303) 72607. (BB49) ISLE OE TIREE. The Lodge Hotel, bird- watchers' paradi.se island. Self-catering flats and full board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, Firee. Tel: 08792 368. (BB46) ISLES OF SCILLY— ST. MARY’S. Friendly atmosphere in a Family run Licensed Guest Flouse overlooking the harbour. Open now until the 24th October. .Special reductions until the 15th .Mav. S.\E for details or tele|)hone Tony or Linda Dingley 0720 22327. (BB195) CLEY — when visiting Cley Marshes and Blakeney Point you are welcome to call at the George and Dragon Hotel. Accommodation, bars and meals. 'Farifl' upon application, write or tel: The George & Dragon Hotel, Cley, Holt, Norfolk. Tel: Cley (0263) 740652. (BB239) CLEY— BIRDWATCH as you breakfast! All year round B&B in very comfortable home, directly overlooking bird reserve and salt marshes. Alan and .Sheila Hart, The Saltings, Coast Road, Cley. 'Tel: 740645. (BB 1070) DUNSYRE. LANARKSHIRE. Attractive holi- dav cottages on private estate sleeping 4 & 6. Warm, comfortable and very well ecpiipped. Variety of wildlife. Apply Lee & Carnwath Estates, Carnwath, Lanark. Tel: C.arnwath (055,584) 27.3. (BB244) HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE. Watch the birds from comfortaftle self-catering cottages amidst birch and (tine forests on tlie south shore of Loch Rannoch. .Small family |tro[terty, well ec(ui[>[)ed cottages. Tel: 088 23 2.55. (BB31 1) IN THE HEAR T OF ENCJLAND AND WALES Peaceful Country Cottages, Cotswolds, .Malvern Hills, \\ ye X'alley, ■Shropshire, Warwickshire, Mid/North Wales. Brochure 20(t stamp) CO T TAGE HOLIDAX'S Blackmore End, Hanley Swan, Worcester WR8 OEE 'Tel: (068 43) 786 (BB23I) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beest.on, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. F’akenham. 'Tittleshall 205. " ' (BB42) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Tradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated National I'rust beauty area. .Abundant wildlife, naturalists’ ()aradise. To let fortnightly. SAE: Whiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) NEW FOREST, HANTS. .\ quiet and secluded large country house with direct forest access. Full central heating, licensed. TV, Radios, etc, all rooms, some with private bathrooms. \\ Oodlands Lodge Hotel, Woodlands, New Forest Hants. 042 129 2257. (BB175) NEAR RYE, EAST SUSSEX. Inexpensive bargain breaks, beautiful Georgian Country House Hotel. Flamingoes, migratory and sea birds. Tel: 079 721 381. (BB225) BEAUTIFUL PEMBROKESHIRE COAST. Ollshore islands rich in birdlife. Small country house hotel caters for those who enjoy country living, good food and wine, relaxed friendly atmosphere. 'Teamaking facilities, colour T\", bathrooms with each room. Cfrove Hotel, St Davids. I'el: 043788 341. (BB307) MID WALES. Wide choice of self-catering farmhouse, cottages, etc., tftroughout mid Wales. Brochure from: Mid Wales Holiday, .Newtown, Powys. Tel: 09745 320. (BB4) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautiful Clun valley near the Welsh border. 'The area has an excellent wild bird [)opulation and an interesting flora and fauna. Witliin easy reach of Ludlow . Elan Valley. Ofl'a’s Dyke, Eongmynd, this stock rearing farm of 400 acres has magnificent views added to its attractions. At L’ppter House one hnds complete relaxation and a pamptered, intimate atmosphere. B&B, EM op)tional. Tel: Bucknell 319 or S.\E: M rs D. .M. Williams, L'piprer Farm, Hopton Castle, Craveti .Arms, Salop). (BB1069) XII THETFORD ‘Convenient for the Rrecks ' WEREHAM GUEST HOUSE— 24 White Hart Street, Thetlord, Norfolk 1P24 I AD. (K)od centre for Breckland Birds — con- venient to see Stone Curlews, Niirlitjars Woodlark, Crossbill, etc. Bed and breakfast — packed lunches. I'A'ening meal (Monday to riiursday) if reciuired. SAH for brochure. Telephone Thetford 619.^6. (BB297) EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK. Cfomfortable holiday accommodation in country inn and our adjacent private house. DB&B meals served in dining room of inn for both. Ideal centre for touring & walking. Phone Washford 223. E. Mead, The Valiant .Soldier Inn, Roadwater, Nr Watchet, Somerset. (BB286) SOUTHWOLD AA** hotel, central heating en-suite bedrooms, good wines and food. Ideal base for Minsmere and surrounding area. \\'rite/phone: Pier .Avenue Hotel, .Southwold 722632. (BB287) TINTAGEL/BOSCASTLE. 4 Clornish cottages sleeping 2/4, 4/6 and 6/8 in a hamlet overlooking the clilfs. Turnished to a high standard. Dogs by arrangement. Pauline Upright, Halgahron House, Halgahron, Tintagel. Tel: 08404 667. (BB288) ISLES OF SCILLY. BB&T.M for birdwatching on St. .Agnes, Reduced rates. V'ery peaceful, write or phone. .SAP. Wain Smith. 0720 22620. (BB29I) WEST NORFOLK. Birds, fish, golf. National Trusts, Sandringham, all 'A hour from our X\’l I century coaching inn. Fine English food and real ale. Personal supervision by owners. £31 per person for weekend break. Send for brochures. .AA/R.AC .Ashley Courtenay recommended. Cirown Hotel, Downham .Market, Norfolk. 'Tel: Downham Market (03663) 2322. (BB290) WILDWATCH Guided Canintryside Discovery Holidavs in North York Moors National Park, Fistuary, rocky coast, moor and wooded habitats. .Special rates for organised groups, hotel accom, transport included. Stamp brochure: Wildwatch, Beech Cirove, Runswick Bay, North Yorks, lei: Whitby 840884. (BB298) TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking RSPB Reserve. The Manor Hotel oilers comfortable accommodation and gtxid food throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. Special ‘Bird-Watchers’ weekends monthly from .November to .March, and 2- or 3-day breaks during the same period. Postal address: King’s Lynn, Norfolk PF.31 8BB. ’Tele|)hone: Brancaster (048 ,'j‘21) 221. (BB303) GALLOWAY. Ivxccllent accommodation. Route .A7I3 to Loch Ken. Threave 2 miles. B&B £5.75, dinner optional. .Mrs A. Gibson, Craignair, 32 .Abercrombv Road, Ciastle Douglas DG7 IB.A. Tel: 0556 2112. (BB299) ISLE OF ISLAY. .Attractive, well equipped cottages sleeping 2-4 people. Situated by beach in peaceful village of Port Clharlotte. Full details/ brochure Mrs James Roy, Port Ciharlotte, Isle of Islav, Argvllshire P.A48 '7UD. Tel: 049 685 ‘208. (BB269) 16TH C SUFFOLK LONGHOUSE. Luxury accommodation within easy reach of coast and .Minsmere. Private bathrooms, fine Finglish food, lovely rural selling. Old .Swan House, C’.reting- hani, Woodbridge, Suffolk. 'Tel: Fiarl Soham 633. (BB279) ENJOY THE FREEDOM of a self-catering holi- day in Sulfolk. For details of houses, cottages. Hats, send large .S.AF. to Mrs Jane Gwxl, Bland- irigs, Hasketon, WtHxIbridge, Sulfolk or tel: Woodbridge 2770. ISLES OF SCILLY. Derek and .Mars Scofield welcome you to their comfortable family guest house which is situated on the shore with un- rivalled views. We oiler a happy atmosphere with home cooking and a select wine list. Ideal Icir spring and autumn bird watching. .Send stamp liir brochure to Beachfield House. .St. .Mars’s. Tel: 07‘20 22463. (BB334) NR. NORFOLK, 4 m Blakeney. Gharming luxurv cottages, sleep 4 & 7. Tel: Walter 0.50*)- 42324. ' (BB333) FOWEY, CORNWALI^ESTUARY. Charac- ter cottage, sleeps six, fireplace, fuel provided. .All electric, TV', good walks. Oliver, Yeate F'arm, Bodinnick, Fowey. Polruan 256. (BB323) NORTH DEVON/EXMOOR. Birdwatch Weekends. Instruction and guided field trips to estuaries, coast and moors. Sept 18/20 and Oct 2/4. From £26 each inch Marsh Hall Hotel. South .Molton. 'Tel: S. Molton 266(i. (BB3.55) SNE'TTISHAM RESERVE. Westdene House Hotel is midsvay betsveen this fine reserve and the Sandringham estate. \S e olfer delicious food, cosy accommodation, attentive service and restaurant and residential licence. Bargain breaks: Oct- .April. Tel: Dersingham 40395. (BB342) FAIRWINDS, CARRBRIDGE, Inverness- shire. 'Three alpine chalets and 2 flats to let. Surrounded by woods and fields. Fixcellent area for birdwatching, including crested tits. S.AE: Dunlop. Tel: 24(V (BB362) CORNWALL. .Next birdwatching holiday 10-1 7 October, 1981. Trevone Hotel, Newquay, Cforporate member RSPB. Daily outings led by R.SPB .group leader Eric Grace and Jack Wright. Six bird films, slides, talks. Comfortable centrally- heated hotel, choice of delicious food and a Cfornish welcome. Inclusive price £63, DBB (inc V.-VT). Tel: Pamela Chegwin, 06373 3039. (BB363) xiii WARM AND COMFORTABLE Highland larm accommodation with good food, good beds h&c. Lnge. Col. lA’. Substantial Dinner B&B £10. inc. (lots of animals), Mrs Swann, Ardgarry Farm, Faichem, Invergarry (080 93) 226. Inverness-shire. 8 miles south of Loch Ness. (BB344) AISGILL ( Mallerstang — Eden X’alley). Delight- iully situated holiday cottages. Comfortable and clean. Wiseman. 34 Edward Street, Blackpool. Fel: 0235 28936 and 0253 4341. (BB368) HAMBURGH FLAT from 10th Oct onwards. Cientre village. Fames, Budle Bay, Che\iots. E. Wilson. Keswick Clott, Northumberland. 06684 288. (BB369) WEST PENWITH. B.NH in beautiful I7ih ccnuii'N thali hed cottage situ. tied in (juict rural surroundings, (jood walking, birdualching. In cas\ reach ol St Iws Island. I’orthgwarra. I reen Clills. .Mount W histle Cotliige. St l.e\an. Tel: St Hnr\;in ll'i. (BBX128) W. SUSSEX, Visit .\rundel Wildfowl Frust. Black Mill House Hotel, Bogtior Regis. .Marine (jardens. .Sea — 2 mins. Games room, cocktail bar. lounges, (sep F\'). Enclosed Garden. .\.\*, .\shley Courtenay Reed. From £92 pw, B&B from £10. .Mini-Breaks open Christmas. Own Ciar Park. I'el: (0243) 821945. (BB370) SPAIN BIRDING April-) une 1982. Parties of 3 or 4 only by Range Rover. See Imperial and four other Spanish Eagles. Great and Little Bustards, Black Stork, Black \'ulture, Purple Galinule, Black-shouldered Kite, White-headed Duck. Eagle Owl, plus up to 200 other species. 5, 8 and 11-day holidays from £290 totally inclusive Eondon/London. Tom Gullick, c/o .Sunbird, 2 Lower Sloane ,St. London SW 1 8B) or photie 01-7!10 6609. (BB365) HOLT — the ideal base lor .Norfolk bird- watching— a choice of modernised, excellently furnished and equipped flint cottages in quiet private courtyard on the edge of Holt. Central heating is included in our oil-season rates and we oiler weekend terms too. For details, please contact Jeremy .Siddall, Carpenters Clottages, Carpenters Close, Holt. Fel: 0572 56515. (BB371) NORTH NORFOLK, CLEY 4 MILES. Imma( heated cottage. Sleeps 5 4- cot. S.VE Mr Marsh, Old Barn, Fhornage, Holt, Norfolk. (BB376) NORTH NORFOLK. Coast 3 miles. 17th century barnhouse. Friendly welcome. Home cooking. Lovely wooded area. B&B also E.M if ref|uired. .Mrs B. Clarke, Barn House, Hem|)- stead-by-llolt. Norliilk. Tel: Holt 2473. (BB374) THORPENESS SUFEOLK COAST near .Minsmore. Holiday house chrap rates. .Spring and .\utumn passage periods. Pel: Earl Soham 223 evenings. (BB373) PERSONAL PUT YOUR NAME ON THE MAP Would you like a woodland grove — or e\en a complete wood — dedicated as a permanent commemoration ol your name or the name of a loved one? Please write lor details ol the size of gift or legacy that makes this possible or for information about the Woodland Trust. (Reg. Charity No. 264781). The Woodland Trust, Ref. Westgate, Grantham, Lines NG31 6LL (BB34I) REPAIRS BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE RE- PAIRS. l ast cllicienl service on all makes and types by expert technicians at L&L Optical, 50 .Alston Road, Barnet, Herts, fel: 01-441 0990. (BB229) BIRD REPORTS LINCOLNSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1980, il- lustrated. photographs, includes Gibraltar Point Bird ()bser\ator\ Report, now a\ailable £1.70 post free from l.incolnshire Bird Club. 3 Kettleby \ iew, Brigg DN20 81 D. (BB332) BANBURY O.S. REPORT 1980 Covers parts of Oxon/Warwieks/Northants. Species list, distribution maps, surveys, illustrated. £1.50 inc post from M. Lewis, Old .Mill Cottage, .Avon Dassett, Warwicks. (BB361) DORSET BIRD REPORT 1980. £1 40 incl postage from Dorset County .Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset D'1'1 l.\.\. (BB345) HERTFORDSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1979, £1.00 post-free, and guide Birds oJ Tring Resen'oirs also £1.00 post-free, from HNHS, 6 Castle Hill, Berkhamsted, Herts. (BB347) GLAMORGAN BIRD REPORT, including Gower, 1-20 post paid. .Mr R. J. Martin, 28 St David's Crest., Penarth, South Glam. CF6 2LU. (BB367). WANTED WANTED BY RSPB— 1982: Seasonal paid wardens for protection schemes and survey work on rare breeding birds. .Applicants must be available for whole of .April to .August 1982 and must be fit, intelligent, single, and at least 20; good bird knowledge and impeccable references essential. Further details from Mike Everett, Species Protection Dept, RSPB, Fhe Lodge, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL. (s.a.e. please). (BB364) XIV WANTED. For leaching purposes 35mm colour slides of Peregrine (preferably at nest), White- tailed Eagle, Common Buzzard, Honey Buzzard. Number and price to Box No. BB366 British Birds, c/o Macmillan Journals Ltd., 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF. (BB366) BOOKS BOOKS ON BIRDS. New and secondhand, catalogue 30p. Surplus bird books urgently sought. Open Thursday to Saturday, Bird Books of Sevenoaks, House of Seal, Church Street, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent. Tel: Sevenoaks 62155. (BB35) FINE NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS bought and sold. R. Norman. The Book-Squirrel, Hart- on-the-Hill, Dalton Piercey, Hartlepool, Cleve- land. (BB89) NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. Secondhand and new' bought and sold. Catalogues: J. E. Oliver, Corner Cottage, Colkirk, Fakenham, Norfolk. 'Fel: Fakenham 2453. (BB647) OUT-OF-PRINT BIRD BOOKS bought and sold. Catalogue on request. Please oiler your surplus books to Jay Books, I Roull Grove, Edinburgh. (BB34) THE BIRD BOOKSHOP (Scottish Ornitho- logists’ Club) — We are leading specialists in new books covering all aspects of ornithology and all parts of the world; over 600 titles in stock; world- wide mail order service; post free to SOC mem- bers (except small orders); free 30 page booklist from The Bird Bookshop, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, Dept. 1, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH 7 5B'F; phone (031) 556 6042 (olficc hours only; Mon.-Fri. 9-1, 2-5). (BB138) WATERPROOF AND WARMWEAR, fabrics and patterns, all accessories. For prices, stamp please: TOR(B), 5 Lyndon Grove, Runcorn WA7 5PP. (BB27) NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. New and secondhand books available from stock. Foreign language books now available. Send 20p for catalogue. Dernam Books, St. .Ann’s, East Peckham, Tonbridge, Kent and Philip Redman, Les Quatre \'ents, Cap Grip-Nez 62250 Marquise, France. (BBX292) FOR SALE HAWKINS Walking Boots and Shoes, Camouflage Waterproofs, Outdoor .Accessories, Reduced Prices. B. Fimson 3 Station Rd., Elmesthorpe, Leicester. SAE for Brochure. (BB331) KEEP YOUR COPIES of British Birds for easy reference. It’s so easy and tidy with the Easibind binder to file your copies. Each binder is designed to hold 12 issues and is attractively bound and blocked with the British Birds’ logo. Price LIK £3.65 including postage, packing and V.AT. Overseas orders add 25p. Easibind Ltd., 4 Ux- bridge Street, London W8 7.SZ. Tel. 01-737 0686. (BB1050) FOR SALE, Witherby’s Handbook, 6th impression 5 volumes. Good condition. £105 ono. Tel: (03295) 2145. (BB354) IBISvols 1 1 1-121 {\969-79); Bird Study vols 16-22 (1969-75), all unbound. Ofl'ers to Bailey, Manorneuk Cottages, Causewayhead, Stirling FK9 5PR. (BB346) ZEISS WEST 10X40B, very good condition, with case. Offers over £250 please. Write to Box No. BB359 British Birds, c/o Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF. (BB359) WITHERBY’S HANDBOOK, four volumes only, volume three missing, very good condition, 8th impression. Offers please. Write to Box No. BB358 British Birds, c/o Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF. (BB358) WITHERBY’S HANDBOOK (5 vols) £110 also 17 vols (1947-1963) British Birds bound offers invided. 051-677 7314. (BB343) HERTEL Sc REUSS Televariabel 15-60x60 telescope £75, Leiiz 7 X 42B binoculars £1.50, ■Ashtead (037 22) 72773. (BB375) li ILDLIFE HOLIDA YS SNOWDONIA AND LLEYN PENINSULA. Many species of birds visit here. Spend a week birdwatching in one of our small, guided groups. Beginners especially welcome. S.AE for details. John Taylor, Bron-y-Maen, North Road, Caernarfon, Gw'ynedd. fel: 0286 2683. (BB59) GIBRALTAR-MOROCCO-SPAIN— birding holidays — vehicle hire — local touring services. Enjoy spectacular birding and glorious sunshine, autumn winter spring, from around £1(X) self catering. Large S.AE — .MIGR.ANT I RA\ LL, Dept MBB, PO Box 217 Leith, Edinburgh. (BB377) STOP PRESS BAUSCH AND LOMB DISCOVERER— as new. camera adapter (Pentax screw) and case. £145. Fel: 0242 4'29I5 (Ciheltenham). (BB378) SHETLAND BIRD REPORT 1980— £ I 70 post free. Previous years available. — R. Johnson. East \'oe, Scalloway. (BB379) THE SILVERDALE HOTEL, C.umbria/Lancs border, nr. Leighton .Moss Bird Sanctuary-, half- hour to the Lakes, family run hotel offering range of bar meals and restaurant. For brochure: Silverdale, nr. Clarnfbrlh, Lancs. Fel: Silverdale 7012(Xi. (BB380) PANDION BOOKS offer for sale fine and scarce bird and natural history books. Send for latest catalogue; 81 .Mtxtrside Dale, Ripxtn, N. 5’orks HG4 2RV. (BB381) .XV METWOOD OPTICAL LTD Specialists in Binoculars and Telescopes 4 Abbots W alk. High Street, Biggleswade, Beds SG OLT Telephone (0767) 417077 BINOCULARS /eiss West — Leitz — Zeiss Jena Sw ilt — Mirador — Hilkinson — Solus Optolyth ( Alpin Range) — Helios Green Kat TELESCOPES Nickel Supra — Hertel I'elevari Swift — .Mirador — Walter Roth Kowa — Bushncll — Cireen Kat — Helios Slik .Master Tripod £29.95 Caillmann Tripod £49.95 ALSO Mono Pods/'Table Shoulder Pods Send for Price Lists and leaflets. Please send stamp to cover postage. .Mail Order please add £1.75 for P! P and Ins. . and Barclay Card accepted. ( HB3.5 1 ) Prices subject to alteration. Please note we will lx- elosed li)r two week.s h()liila\ Imm 17lli .\m;ii.st to Lsl .Sepiemher. 19)11 BOKMAKIERIE the popular ornithobgical magazine of Southern Africa Subscriptions for 1980 Institutional Membership £9.00 US$22.00 Individual Membership £7.50 US$18.00 which constitutes membership of the SOUTHERN AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY and you will also receive its scientific journal THE OSTRICH Write to P.O. Box 87234, Houghton, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2041 (BBX256) It's so easy and tidy with the Easibind binder to file your copies away. Each binder is designed to hold 1 2 issues and is attractively bound and blocked with the BRITISH BIRDS logo. Price UK £3.65 including postage, packing and VAT. Overseas orders add 25p per binder. Nat. Giro No. 5157552. Please allow 3/4 weeks for fulfilment of order. Why not place your order now? Send the completed coupon below with remittance payable to; — I I I I I Easibind Ltd., 4 Uxbridge St., London, W8 7SZ. Order Form BRITISH BIRDS I enclose PO/cheque value for binders Years required BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE Name Address I I I I I Date Registration No. 31 7469 XVI Birdwatchers ^Bai^ain Break’ at Lerwick Hotel, Shetland Dinner, bed, breakfast & packed lunch from only £83.35 for 3 nights. In Shetland you can log some of the rarest species in Britain. And now's the time to come: when the rare migratory birds arc passing through, and when the Lerwick Hotel is offering special rates to birdwatchers, *** Accommodation At the modern Lerwick Hotel, overlooking the sea. a warm welcome awaits you. You’ll appreciate all the amenities of a lu.xur)' hotel, including restaurant, lounge bar, rooms with bathroom shower . colour W. telephone. Most of all, you'll appre break' rates. ciatc the spccia 1 'bargain Per person in twin Single 3 niijhts £83.35 £89.85 4 nights £104.50 £112.50 7 nights £178.50 £192.50 Extra Discount! Parties/groups of ten or more are entitled to additional discount on the above rates, and the use of the hotel's safari landrover. Please enquire when you make your reservations. Rare Species E.xclusive to Shetland are the Red Necked Phalarope and the Wimbrel: but you will also find many other rare birds, such as the Great Skua, Manx Shearrvater, Black Guillimot and Red Throated Diver How to get there The easiest way to Shetland is to travel via Aberdeen. From there you can either fly or take the P & O Ferty. Costs per person Aberdeen/Shetland/ Aberdeen are; British Airways-Firecracker £66 Normal Fare £99 P & O Ferries Berth in 4 berth eabins £53.20 Berth in 2 berth eabins £60.80 Berth in 2 berth Single Occ. £91.20 nights depart daily from Aberdeen. Femes every Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Reservations Please fill in the booking form below, tear off and send to;- « 1981 LERWICK HOTEL, SO^TH ROAt), LERWICK, SHFFLANDV^ ORB CHASED Telephone; 0595 2166 Tefcxf75128 Please note, no deposit is required ulHilW^iyioi^py confirmed- .'\11 rates quoted ^ are suh|ect to alteration without notice Thistle Hotels We put you first f Lerwick Hotel, Shetland. Booking Form No. of persons No. of nights Accommodation required: Twin HI] Single CH Dates 1st choice until (inclusive) 2nd choice until Name Address ._ Tel. (BB.UB) British Birds Volume 74 Number 9 September 1981 363 Field identification of west Palearctic gulls Part 5 P. J. Grant 394 Mystery photographs 57 Arctic Tern R. A. Hume Notes 3% Presumed advertising flight of Little Bittern Bernard King 396 Identification of Seniipalmated Sandpipers and Little Stints in autumn H'. E. Oddie and B. A. E. Man- 398 Black-tailed Godwit displaying over heathland G. H. Rees 398 Juvenile Great Skua eating insects A. G. Stewart 399 Fifty years ago . . . 399 ‘BB’-Sunbird Tour of Thailand Announcements 4fX) Peterson Sound Guide; discs and cassettes 401 New edition of ‘Birdwatcher’s Yearbook’ 40 1 Book offers 402 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 403 Recent reports R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp 405 Short reviews Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Reviews 408 Usbome Guide to Birds in Britain and Europe by Rob Hume Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 409 Wild Geese oj the World by Myrfyn Owen Oscar J. Menu 409 The Birdwatcher’s A-Z by Alan J. Richards Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 410 The Audubon Society Encyclopedia oj North American Birds by John K. I’erres Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 410 Birds oj Prey of the World by Friedhelm VVeick in collaboration with Leslie H. Brown R. F. Porter Line drawings: 403 Rock Sparrow (/?. G. Millington)’, 404 pratincole {R. G. Millington) and Little Egret {Norman Arlott)’, 405 Red-backed Shrike {B. E. Slade) Front cover: Sooty Shearwaters {G. F. Miller): original drawing can be purchased in postal auction, see page 47 in January issue for procedure British Birds The ‘British Birds’ Best Bird Book of the Year Aleutian Tern: new to the western Palearctic Seabird movements along the east coast of England Personalities: David Glue Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs Notes * Letters * News * Review British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Editorial Assistant Personal Assistant David A. Christie Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Dr R. J. Chandler Sc Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Chairman), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J. Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, R. F. Porter Sc Dr J. T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary), 195 V’icarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex IW 16 7TP Notes Panels behaviour Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Dr C. H. Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Sc Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDENTIFICATION P. J. Grant, S. C. Madge, M. A. Ogilvie Sc Dr J. T. R. Sharrock News and comment Peter Conder Sc Mike Everett, 12 Swaynes Lane, Comberton, Cambridge CBS 7EF Recent reports K. Allsopp Sc R. A. Hume, c/o RSPB, 4'he Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SC 19 2l)f. ©British Birds Ltd 1981. Copyright of photographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire ISSN 0007-0335 Annual subscription (12 issues and index) surface mail UK £18 (or US$45); airmail £30 (or $75); single back copies, if available, £2 ($5). Cheques payable to British birds Ltd. Ail cheques and queries by letter to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Circulation, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 3NJ, England. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO 37 588 6303 British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the west Palearctic. Except for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted only on condition that material is not being offered in whole or in part to any other journal. Photographs and sketches are welcomed. All contributions should be submitted to the Managing Editor. Papers should be typewritten with double spacing, and wide margins, and on one side of the sheet only. Authors should carefully consult this issue for style of presentation, especially of references and tables. Vernacular and scientific names and sequences of birds follow TTie ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic ( 1978); names of plants follow Dony et at. ( 1974, English Names ofWild Flowers); names of mammals follow Clorbet& Southern (1977, The Handbook of British Mammals). Topographical (plumage and structure) terms should follow editorial recom- mendations (Brit. Birds 74: 239-242). Figures should be in Indian ink on good quality tracing paper, drawing paper, non-absorbent board or light blue or very pale grey graph paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should be typed on a separate sheet. Authors of main papers (but not notes or letters) retrive ten free copiesof the journal (five each to two or more authors). Publishing & Production Manager Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Mrs Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Cartwright Advertising John Barnes, Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF (tel: 01-240 1 101) Printed by Henry Burt & Son Ltd, College Street, Kempston, Bedford mk42 8na SUNBIRD — birdtour experts We specialise in small-group holidays — up to 16 people, catering for beginner and expert. 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Of interest to British observers are; • Color plates of over 100 species, many Siberian 1. vagrants rare in Britain. ^ • Up-to-date essays on i.d. of stints, pipits, C ' buntings, pelagics and more. • Detailed material on difficult American groups — Empiiloniii flycatchers, Cnllinrus thrushes, etc. • Numerous references to Bnh-ti • Text on Eurasian species reviewed by Peter Grant. £15 or $28 postpaid Published by the author. Order from WOODCOCK PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 985 PACIFIC GROVE, CA 93950 U.S.A. Allow t» weeks for delivery (BB319) •Greenly 8 5x50 BWCF KESTREL BINOCULAR FOR BIRDWATCHING Designed for the keen Ornithologist, and indeed for all nature studies. Featuring close focusing of only 12 feet, Fully- coated for extra clarity, Tripcxf Socket, FoW-down Rubber Eyecups, making them also suitable for spectacle wearers. Wide angle of 9“ or 472 ft at 1 000 yds. Weight 38 ozs. Available from larger branches of Boots, Opti- cal specialists and Photo- graphic shops at around C70 inc. 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Details of 1982 excursions will appear soon! (BB357) tv L_b MARK BEAMAN STEVE MADGE IAIN ROBERTSON SIBERIA WE CAN SEND YOU THERE For many years Siberia has been ofl limits to western ornithologists, adding to the mystery of this vast region which is home to so many of our rarest autumn vagrants. We can now offer you a chance of a lifetime visit to Central Siberia, including Lake Baikal, at a very reasonable cost. In addition we are also offering further exciting birding opportunities in Soviet Central Asia and The Caucasus. These are trips for those who appreciate good birding and the emphasis will be on the local specialities. Mark Beaman and Steve Madge visited Central Siberia twice recently and recorded the following species: Long-toed Stint, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Rufous Turtle Dove, Oriental Cuckoo, Needle-tailed Swift, Richard’s Pipit, Olive-backed Pipit, Pechora Pipit, Citrine Wagtail, Siberian Rubythroat, Siberian Blue Robin, Red-flanked Bluetail, White’s Thrush, Siberian Thrush, Eye-browed Thrush, Dusky/Naumann’s Thrush, Black-throated/Red-throated Thrush, Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler, Lanceo- lated Warbler, Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler, Thick-billed Warbler, Greenish Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Pallas’s Warbler, ^’ellow-browed Warbler, Radde's Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Brown Flycatcher, Scarlet Rosefinch, Black-faced Bunting, Pine Bunting, Little Bunting, Chestnut Bunting, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Pallas’s Reed Bunting and many more interesting birds including some not yet recorded in the Western Palearctic. SIBERIA 13 days, £650. Departures 30 Mav and 13June 1982. 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Made of hard cement compo with hardboard roof and back easily fixed to eaves of house or barn with special nails supplied. Price £5.45 for 1 £9.75 for 2 including post and packing. NERINE NURSERIES Welland, Worcestershire (HBIO,'):t) BIRDPAK" comprehensive guide to birdwatching in Guernsey and Alderney. Includes: • Field guide of Guemst*y. Alderney, Sark and Herm • Maps of the Islands • Back-up books • Lists of accommodation (Camping Self-catenng Guest Houses and Hotels) • How' to get there — full details of air or sea travel facilities • Information on escorted holidays \Nith Tim Ear! asGmde All for only £3 including post and packing Field guides for Botany and Archeology also available For further information on "Birdpak" and details ot inclusive holidays to Guernsey or Aldemev, contact: HOLIDAY PAK LTD The T ravel Bureau St Pierre du Bois Guemsev Tel; 0481-64475 (BB353) VI British Birds VOLUME 74 NUMBER 10 OCTOBER 1981 The ‘British Birds’ Best Bird Book of the Year For the benefit of those who may wish to acquire (or give as a present) just one of the many bird books published each year, British Birds selects annually its choice of the ‘Best Bird Book of the Year’ from those reviewed in the journal during the previous 12 months. The winner may, in one year, be an important, erudite scientific treatise and, in another, a lighter, less academic work, but it will always be reliable, well produced and thoroughly worthy of inclusion in any birdwatcher’s library. Our choice for BEST BIRD BOOK OF 1981 is The Birdwatcher’s A-Z. By Alan J. Richards. David & Charles, Newton Abbot. £14.95. (Review: Brit. Birds 74: 409- 410). VVe also considered that, in their different ways. Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book (Eyre Methuen, £4.95) and the Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1981 (Buckingham Press, £4.95) had both been unique and very valuable additions to the bird literature. We recommend the former for its mixture of in-humour and sound advice and the latter’s 1982 successor for its combination of review articles and mass of reliable reference material. Aleutian Tern: new to the, western Palearctic A. E. Dixey, A. Ferguson, R. Heywood and A. R. Taylor On 28th May 1979, at 13.30 GMT, R. Heywood heard a soft wader-like call, on Inner Fame in the Fame Islands, Northumberland. On turning, instead of the expected wader, he saw a dark tern with a sharply defined white forehead, unlike any of the other terns on the islands at that \Bnt. Birds 74: 41 1-4K), Oitobrr 1981 ] 411 412 Aleutian Tern: new to the western Palearctic time (Arctic Sterna paradisaea, Common S. hirundo, Roseate S. dougallii and Sandwich S. sandvicensis) . After several minutes’ observation, the other wardens, A. E. Dixey, A. Ferguson, D. E. Mole and A. R. Taylor, were contacted and held notes taken. The bird’s flight was distinctive, with slower, much deeper wingbeats than Arctic or Common Terns, the emphasis very much on the down beat. It was agreed this was a most striking bird with very distinct features. On consulting the available European held guides, it was established that the bird did not fit any description; the closest was the Bridled Tern S. anaethetus, but it was a much lighter and greyer bird than that. The sharply defined white ‘V’ on the head also eliminated any ‘portlandica’-type tern. ART then found the only possibility, in the literature available, in Tuck & Heinzel (1978): an Aleutian Tern S. aleutica. This, however, seemed completely improbable, the species’ range being so far away, on the coasts of Alaska and eastern Siberia. The remaining time that day was therefore utilised taking more notes and checking them, with AF and ART attempting to obtain photographs. Unfortunately, Tuck & Heinzel (1978) made no mention of the call, a feature even more distinctive than the plumage. The bird was seen frequently during the day, mainly in flight, rarely on the ground, flying over, even when visitors were present, down to 4m at one time, but landing only when all was quiet. The next day, it was seen less and less frequently during the morning, and then reappeared in the early 238-240. .\leutian Tern Sterna aleutica, .Northumberland, .May 1979 (.4. Ferguson) Aleutian Tern: new to the western Palearctic 413 evening, the final sighting being at 1 7.30 (i.MT. On 28th and 29th May, and on previous days, the wind was SSW force 3-4. The 28th was fair to start with, but deteriorated during the afternoon, with frequent drizzle; the 29th was fair throughout, with good visibility. Cloud cover was 6 oktas on 28th; 3 oktas on 29th. First impressions were of a dark, Stema-type tern approximately the same size as Arctic or Common, noticeably darker above, with white forked tail and tail-streamers, white forehead, black bill and black feet. The following more detailed description was obtained: SIZE AND SHAPE Stema-t\pe tern, slightly larger than Arctic, with wings projecting slightly beyond tail streamers at rest, head Black crown and nape with black eye-stripe from bill, through eye and to crown above ear-coverts. White forehead extending back to above rear of eye, contrasting strongK with the black crown; from front, white forming sharply defined A ', upperparts Mantle, scapulars, back, tertials and uftperwing-coverts pale slate-grey. Rump, uppertail-coverts and tail white, upperwing Generally pale slate-grey, but variously- described as uniform or with darkening to the trailing edges of the primaries (.-\ED noted lighter patch behind carpal Joint). Leading edge of wing w hite, and faint white trailing edge to secondaries, underwing \'ery pale grey, with black subterminal line on trailing edge of primaries and secondaries, except for small light gap opposite carpal joint, under- parts .AND TAii. Chin and throat white; breast, belK and flanks \er\ pale grey; undertail-coverts and tail-streamers white. bare p.arts Bill and legs black; RH. DE.M and .\R r noted that legs appeared longer than those of .\rctic Eern. call \'ery dis- tinctive, frequently uttered, likened to w ader: soft, far-carr\ ing, staccato, polysyllabic whistle. The bird was generally seen in flight, often flying high out over the sea and then returning to fly over the island, when it would usually be calling, very much as the other terns do on arrival after migration. It was often 414 Aleutian Tem: new to the western Palearctic 244. Aleutian 7’ern Sterna aleutica, Northumberland, May 1979 (.4. Ferguson) harassed by Arctic and sometimes Common Terns, which seemed to chase it away from their territories. It did, however, settle occasionally among red fescue Festuca rubra and Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus in one particular spot where there were few other terns nesting nearby. Rarely, however, did it stay there longer than five minutes, as the nearest other terns became aggressive and chased it away. The flight was distinct from Arctic and Common Terns, the wingbeats being slower and much deeper, the accent being very much on the down beat. Occasionally, it would give a strange double wingbeat at the top of the stroke, almost a flicker. Notes on the species First discovered in June 1868 on Kodiak Island, off the south coast of the Alaskan Peninsula, by Spencer F. Baird, it was described by him in 1869 as a bird new to science. He named it Aleutian Tern Sterna aleutica on the assumption that it would be found on the Aleutian Islands. Aleutian Terns nest sporadically in eastern Siberia and western Alaska, along the coasts of the Bering, Okhotsk and South Chukchi Seas. Kessel & Gibson ( 1978) noted it as an ‘uncommon local breeder or probable breeder on lagoons, at river mouths, and on islands along the Alaska coast’, and including some of the Aleutian Islands; Ivanov (1976) noted it as in- habiting ‘lagoons and sea coasts’ of the far eastern shores of the USSR, the eastern coasts of Kamchatka and Sakhalin. The species is a rare straggler to Japan, being recorded once at Sagami Bay, Honshu, but not from Hok- kaido, the northernmost island. Buckley & Buckley (1979) noted that nest-sites in Alaska are in long grasses, and Leonovitch (1976) went further, saying that, on the Sea of Okhotsk, Aleutian Terns always nest on grassy areas, never on sand or shingle. They nest either in pure colonies or together with Arctic Terns or (’ommon Terns, apparently deriving some benefit from their associates’ aggressive nature, the Aleutian Terns being very shy, fleeing the nest site Aleutian Tern: new to the western Palearctic 415 when an intruder is 100m or more away. Thus, Inner Fame at the end of May might well have looked like a home-from-home. Kessel & Gibson (1978) gave figures totalling about 3,900 pairs in Alaska, about 150 of which are actually in the Aleutian Islands, and Sowls et at. ( 1978) estimated a population of 10,000 birds. Little is known of the status in the USSR; Dementiev & Gladkov ( 1951) stated that the species ‘is undoubtedly rare’, whereas Nechaev (1977) described a mixed colony of about 500 pairs of Aleutian and about 1 ,000 pairs of Gommon Terns on the island of Lyarvo, Dagi Bay, Sakhalin. The migratory movements are unknown. Cramp & Simmons (in prep.) state that there are no confirmed winter records anywhere, and the species may yet be found to winter far to the south, as does the sympatric .Arctic Tern. 4'here is no evidence of coastal migration, birds apparently arriving at and departing from their nesting areas directly from and to the high seas (Kessel & Gibson 1978). 245. .\leutian Tern Sterna aleutica on nest, USSR, July 1972 .1. Krechmar Cramp & Simmons (in prep.) suggest that the .Aleutian Tern may comprise a superspecies with the Bridled Tern of the .Atlantic, Indian and west Pacific Oceans and the Spectacled Tern S. lunata of the central Pacific, their breeding ranges being practically without overlap. 4 here is a gradual change in upperparts coloration from the darker, browner Bridled through the lighter, greyer Spectacled to the pale slate-grey of .Aleutian. Discussion The Fames are at a very similar latitude to many of the .Aleutian Islands, Kamchatka and part of Sakhalin, and the date of the sighting corresponds to the time given by Kessel & (hbson (1978) for the arrival of .Aleutian 416 Aleutian Tem: new to the western Palearctic Terns in the Aleutian Islands. Thus, if Aleutian Terns do winter far to the south, as suggested by Cramp & Simmons (in prep.), the possibility arises that the Northumberland individual may have migrated south with other Aleutian Terns, perhaps in the company of Arctics, and returned north the next year, only it was exactly 180° out! Acknowledgments W e should like to thank Euan Dunn for his invaluable help at the Alexander Library, Oxford; Mike Wilson for transladng the relevent parts of Ivanov (1976) and Leonovitch (1976) from the Russian; and the editors of Birds of the H 'estem Palearctic for allowing us to view the text of their forthcoming third volume. VVe also wish to thank J. C. Eames of the BTO Library; G. Y. Mclnnes of Merseyside County Museum; G. E. Watson of the Smithsonian Institution; and D. D. Gibson of the University of Alaska Museum. Summary A bird seen on Inner Fame, Northumberland, on 28th and 29th May 1979 was identified subsequently as an Aleutian Tern Sterna aleutica, a species known previously only from Alaskan and Siberian coastal areas. Thus, this is the first record for Britain and Ireland (and for the western Palearctic). The possibility is raised that the bird arrived with Arctic Terns S. paradisaea from a shared Antarctic wintering area. References Buckley, F. G., & Buckley, P. A. 1979. Do Aleutian Terns exhibit extra-ordinary anti- predator adaptations? Proc. Colonial Waterbird Group 3: 99-107. Cramp, S., & Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) (In prep.) The Birds oj the IVestem Palearctic. vol. 3. Oxford. Dementiev, G. P., & Gladkov, N. A. 1951. Birds oJ the Soviet Union, vol. 3. Moscow. Ivanov, A. I. 1976. Catalogue oJ Birds oJ the Soviet Union. Leningrad. Kessel, B., & Gibson, D. D. 1978. Status and distribution of Alaska birds, pp. 50-51 . Studies in Avian Biology. Cooper Orn. Soc. I.EONOViTCH, V. V. 1976. The .Aleutian Tern. In Rak, A. S. (ed.) Rare, Vanishing and Little Studied Birds oJ the USSR. Ryazan. Nechaev, V. A. 1977. Article in Voinstvenskii, M. A. (ed.) Proc. 7th All-Union Om. ConJ. Part 1 . Kiev. SowLS, A. L., Hatch, S. A., & Lensink, C. J. 1978. Catalogue oJ Alaskan Seabird Colonies. U.S. Dept Int./f'ish & Wildlife Serv. Biol. Serv. Prog. Tuck, G. S., & Heinzel, H. 1978. A Field Guide to the Seabirds oj Britain and the World. London. A. E. Dixey, 27 Dunstable Road, Newport, Gwent MPT 9NE; A. Ferguson, 5 Fox Hey Road, Wallasey, Merseyside L44 2ES; R. Heywood, 7 Yates Lane, Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire; A. R. Taylor, Tower House, H anbury. Burton on Trent, Staffords hire DEI 3 8TF jfiftp pcarg ago . . . d'he October 1931 issue contained intriguing notes or letters on carrion-crows attacking SQUIRRELS, on A PERTINACEOUS PIED WAGTAIL AND A GREY SQUIRREL, Oil GREAT SPOTTED W00DPEC;KERS boring in tel ephone POLES, on PROMISCUOUS LAYING OF CUCKOO and on AN EGG WITHIN AN EGG. {Brit. Birds 25: 129-130; 130; 131-132; 132; 140, October 1931) Seabird movements along the east coast of England D. /. M. Wallace and W. R. P. Bourne It has been known for over a century that large movements of seabirds — including scarce species — may occur at intervals, at any time of year, along the east coast of Britain following the onset of northwest to east winds (Nelson et al. 1907, Temperley 1951). Some of the birds fly south, and may converge along the coasts of Lincolnshire and Norfolk on the Wash {Cambridge Bird Report 1954 onwards; Bourne 1976a), or the Thames estuary (Davenport 1971), where in autumn the skuas S terror arius, terns Sterna and Kittiwakes Rissa tndactyla may continue overland, while others, such as the Sooty Shearwater Pujfinus griseus, may continue through the Strait of Dover (Oliver 1971, Oliver & Davenport 1972). More commonly, they fly north until the coastline turns west in the Grampian region, where some may follow it and a few continue southwest overland down the Great Glen in the autumn (personal observation by WRPB), but many go out to sea between northwest and north, and may eventually reach the .Atlantic around north Orkney. They appear to avoid the Pentland Firth (Lea & Bourne 1975). The movement has been studied where it starts to leave the land at Rattray Head by FJkins & Williams (1970, 1972), who found that, in addition to large numbers of the main resident species, such as Fulmars Fulmarus glacialis, Gannets Sula bassana, Kittiwakes and auks (Alcidae), migratory tubenoses and skuas sometimes appear at appropriate seasons. When large numbers of the latter two groups were reported all down the east coast after the hot summer of 1976, we decided that they required further investigation and appealed for information {Brit. Birds 70: 40). A subsequent increase in sea-watching, combined with studies of the birds occurring at North Sea oil installations (Bourne et al. 1979), indicated that, while 1976 was indeed a good year for the occurrence of scarce species, it was by no means unique. Large movements occurred again in the autumn of 1978 and spring of 1979, and investigations then have helped elucidate their nature. Geographical situation, and movements of common species Current information on the marine environment is summarised in Scottish Fishery Bulletin 45, and its application to ornithology is discussed by Bourne (1976b, 1978, and in Cramp et al. 1974) and Joiris (1978). A current of 417 [RrU flir* 74: 4 1 7-42ti, 0( lobcr I'tHI] 418 Seabird movements along the east coast of England Atlantic water with a rich and varied oceanic plankton exploited by young fish hatched ofi the north of Scotland enters the area around Shetland and flows down the east coast of Britain. There, it is mixed by tidal currents with fresh water from the rivers and cool bottom water containing nutrient salts which sustain a further growth of plankton. 4'he growing fish congregate in this area, which supports a vast breeding population of seabirds (Cramp et al. 1974), and in winter provides a refuge from Atlantic gales for northern winter visitors. As the water shoals south of Flamborough Head, Humber- side, it becomes more uniformly mixed, and the larger marine organisms are replaced by bacteria which help to make the water turbid. I’hus, elsewhere in the North Sea there is less food for birds and the diving species cannot find it, and they are replaced by smaller numbers of aerial gulls and terns feeding at the surface. During 1978-79, co-ordinated observations along the east coast of Scotland, at the oil platforms on the Forties Field in the central North Sea (Bourne et al. 1979), and from helicopters flying between the two, together with RAF distant early warning radar covering the area, provided an insight into the seabird movements. Fhe birds feed when dispersed at sea, gathering in flocks behind trawlers and over the fish-shoals, which are particularly numerous along the front which occurs in summer a few kilometres oflshore between the well-mixed coastal water and the stratified water farther out; it is sometimes marked by the formation of a line of scum. 4 hey appear to have much spare time, which they spend resting in groups on the water, along the shore, around the oil installations, and (once they have completed their moult) in visiting the colonies, which are occupied in fine weather by some species such as Fulmars, Herring Gulls Larus argentatus and Guillemots Uria aatge for much of the year (Greenwood 1972). Northward movements are sometimes distinguishable at sea with warm south winds on the west side of the high-pressure systems in the spring, but are seldom marked. Southward ones are more prominent, with cold north winds on the western side of low-pressure systems at most seasons, and become large at times in the late autumn. North winds persisted for several weeks during the spring of 1979, and on radar films the feeding seabirds, which usually mill about at random out at sea, could sometimes be seen beginning to drift slowly southward as the wind rose. Some of these birds could be seen from the shore, but the movement soon became incon- spicuous there because the birds drifting south out at sea were greatly outnumbered locally by a concentrated return movement north up the coast, presumably because the wind is weaker there. As the wind fell, they started to return north out at sea as well, and the coasting movement died away. A further example of the effect of drift on seabird movements, of the type probably responsible for many large east coast influxes, occurred when a strongly-developed front moved north over the area on 9th December 1978. During a helicopter trip out to the oilfield in a violent easterly gale (as the front passed during the morning), those l)irds which could be seen appeared to be drifting slowly west low over the water with the wind. Fhen, as the wind fell during the afternoon, Alan Morley saw an unprece- 419 Seabird movements along the east coast oj England dented return movement, of 1,000 Kittiwakes with some Common Gulls Larus canus and auks, east, past the oilfield, with smaller numbers again next day. Comparatively few birds accumulated along the coast at this time, as the gale moved on rapidly, but, with sustained east winds, large numbers accumulate offshore and head into the wind along the coast. Status of scarcer species The long, hot summer of 1976 was accompanied by the appearance of numbers of Manx Shearwaters Puffinus pufjinus off North Humberside. As the warm weather gave way to north winds, mist and rain in the third week of August, modern records for the numbers of Great P. gravis and Cory ’s Shearwaters Calonectris diomedea, and Pomarine Stercorarius pomarinus and Long-tailed Skuas S. longicaudus, were broken. Later, the record for Sooty Shearwaters was also broken and that for Pomarine Skuas was matched in 1978. It also became clear from a scrutiny of the older literature that at least the skua observations were far from unprecedented, although there appears to have been an increase in the number of shearwaters recorded in recent decades, possibly owing to more effective observation. Seabird movements, including a large proportion of the scarce skuas, were noticed on the east coast in autumn at least as early as 1867 [Zoologist (1867); 1008-1014). They were prominent again and recei\ed a great deal of attention in the early years of the enquiry into migration at coastal lights. Numbers of terns and Arctic Skuas S. parasiticus were attracted to Tees Bay by small fish in September 1879, and 40-50 skuas were shot. Then ‘thousands’ of Pomarine Skuas, with smaller numbers of the other species, appeared there from the east about one hour after the onset of a north- veering-to-northeast gale and heavy rain on the morning of 14th October 1879, and some flew north up the coast while others continued inland. They were very tame, and over 150 were shot. There were still considerable numbers next day and, when the wind rose again, on 17th, and they were seen at least as far south as Norfolk. Similar movements on a smaller scale were noticed on the Yorkshire coast again on 28th October 1880 [Zoologist ( 1880): 8-19, 51 1) and on 30th November 1911 (Nelson 191 1). Manx and Sooty Shearwaters were first noticed to reach hundreds off the Isle of May in late September 1959 (Watson 1959). The old records confirm the impression from modern observations that numbers of scarce migrants may accumulate offshore in some autumns, notably those when there are many shoaling fish, and that the birds are then liable to be brought inshore by north to east winds. The following summary' shows the status of the scarcer species. Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis C'oasting movements of pale birds reaching 3,000 to 5,000 per hour occur from Scotland to south of the Humber at intervals throughout the year. They are commonest from early .March to early May and from early .August to mid September, with a drop then as the young fledge and their parents go to sea to moult. The movements are sometimes, but not always, associated with those 420 Seabird movements along the east coast oj England of the shearwaters. Grey Fulmars with dark underwings, which are very rare in the British breeding population, are now being recorded increasingly frequently at all seasons, occasionally forming up to 8% of those passing Flamborough Head. On 17th December 1978, there were 225 normal Fulmars, 2,225 pale grey ones, four darker and one very dark individual there; presumably, they belonged to the small, dark northern populations also wrecked all around the North Sea in the spring of 1962 (Pashby & Cudworth 1969). Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea This species was recorded on the east coast only erratically until 1975, though perhaps it was con- fused with the Great Shearwater at times. In 1976, at least 33 were reported between Sutherland and Norfolk between 21st August and 10th October (Brit. Birds 70: 412-413; 71: 488). The northerly distribution of the records suggests that in this hot summer they spread unusually far north in the .Atlantic and arrived around the north of Scotland; the last one was returning west around Duncansby Head. Another ten appeared in 1977, but were all preceded by or associated with occurrences along the south coast (Brit. Birds 1 1 : 488; 72: 509), and there was only one Scottish record, of two oil East Lothian on 18th .April, which suggests that they arrived through the Finglish Ghannel. Eleven occurred on the east coast in 1978, and 19 in parties of up to eight in 1979, with a distribution which suggests a joint northern and southern origin, but mainly the latter (Bril. Birds 72: 509; 73: 493). They apparently now occur regularly in small numbers from April to early October. Great Shearwater Pujfinus gravis .Although it has not been recorded in the North Sea in the thousands that regularly appear in the southwest approaches, and even the great invasion up the west coast of 1965 appears to have stopped short around Eair Isle (Newell 1968), this sturdy species has been reported along the northeast coast at intervals for o\er a century, and we doubt whether the recent increase in reports represents any long-term change in status. In 1976, the numbers seen off north and east Scotland were exceptional, with at least 66 between 19th August and 2nd October. Of these, 37 passed Tarbat Ness, Highland, on 29th August, which suggests that they were accumulating in the Moray Firth (Scot. Birds 10: 81). I'hey were reported in unusual numbers off northeast England again in 1978, when at least 30 passed Elamborough Head between 6th August and 30th September, with 13 on 20th September (per P. A. Lassey). Sooty Shearwater Pujfinus griseus This species, which regularly comes closer inshore than the other large shearwaters, occurs off the east coast annually in the late summer, and is frequently recorded coasting as far south as the Humber, usually dying north, which may explain the appearance of an accumulation of 500 off the Isle of May on 25th September 1959 (Watson 1959). The unprecedented total of 1,000 with the (ireat Shearwaters ofl Tarbat Ness on 29th August 1976 has since been matched once and approached several times at several stations .south to Elamborough Head, where over 5,000 bird-days were recorded in 1978 (per P. A. Lassey). They are seen regularly from July into October, with some until mid winter, but are exceptional in spring. Most occur with onshore winds, which are commonly associated with a poor visibility on this coast. Many may leave around the north of Scotland, but many others leave through the Strait ofDover (Oliver 1971), where 1,400 were seen flying southwest off Gap Gris Nez on 1st and 2nd October 1977 (P. S. Redman in lilt.). 421 Seabird movements along the east coast oj England Manx Shearwater Pujjinus pujfinus 1 his species has certainly also occurred regularly oir eastern Britain south to the Humber from March to November for at least 20 years (Watson 1959), with occasional individuals in the winter. Most occur in a belt just ollshore, and they tend to gather olT the mouths of inlets such as the Moray Firth and Firth of Forth. Reports that it is ‘rare’, or at best ‘not infrequent’ in the North Sea (Cramp & Simmons 1977) refer to the far south and cast coasts. Coasting movements may reach 100 per hour and total up to 1,160 birds, with one evening mos emcnt of 7fX)off Flamborough Head in July 1976. I hey do not, however, obey the regular pattern seen with those commuting to and from the west coast breeding colonies: it seems likely that they involve immature non-breeders. Individuals resembling the Mediterranean forms regularly appear among them; a number of specimens collected in the past all belonged to the Balearic race P. p. mauretanicus (Witherby 192 1 ), and the Levantine race P. p.yelkouan has not yet been proved to occur. Little Shearwater Pujfinus assimilis Between 1975 and 1980, about 25 ‘small, fluttering shearwaters’ have been reported along the east coast from Grampian to Norfolk. The 12 records that have been accepted all come from Flam- borough Head as the result of increasingly experi- enced and intensive sea-watching (Bril. Birds 70: 413; 71: 489; 73: 493) and have occurred between June and early October. It seems likely that they arrive with the Cory ’s Shearwaters, which have a rather similar distribution elsewhere in the North Atlantic, except that the Little Shearwater tends to breed early in the year and then disperse northwards (Bourne 1967). Small black-and-white shearwaters clearly deserve more attention. Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii This species has not been certainly recorded recently, but three old reeords, at Tanfield, North Yorkshire, on 8th May 1837, from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, in 1849, and at Scalby Mills near Scarborough on 28th February 1908 (Bourne 1967), fit in with the recent occurrence of other subtropical species such as Cory’s and Little Shearwaters. I r Storm Hydrobales pelagicus and Leach’s Petrels Oceanodroma leucorhoa In spite of the recent increase in sea-watching, which often reveals their presence off the west coast, the smaller petrels are seldom seen in the 7; _ east. The first species occurred in dozens in wrecks ■-- T of a variety of seabirds all down the east coast with — northerly gales in early October in 1867 and 1880 (Zoologist (1867): 1008H014; ( 1880): 51 1), and has recently been found to oecur at night in summer in the Forth (Maguire el al. 1980), where it has bred in the past. It is still seldom seen by day either from the coast or at sea south of Grampian. The second, which is more highly pelagic, is rare e\erywhere, with its periodic wrecks starting in the west. While it may seem amazing that more Little Shearwaters than Leach’s Petrels have now been seen from Flamborough Head, Dr J. F. R. Sharrock (in lilt.) has pointed out that this is also true ofCape Clear Island, Co. Cork. 422 Seabird movements along the east coast oj England Great Skua Stercorarius skua This species is normally present in small numbers around the offshore oil installations and elsewhere at sea in summer. Some also occur in the seabird coasting movements, but they are not as sociable as their congeners and there are seldom more than a hundred in a day off any station. They now sometimes occur in winter. Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus Long before it was found to occur in numbers along the south and west coasts in spring (Davenport 1975), this was traditionally the dominant species in large late-autumn skua movements along the east coast (Nelson <2/. 1907; Nelson 191 1; Temperley 1951). There have been few records in recent years to compare with those in the last century already discussed, though they were obvious all down the east coast and passing through the Strait of Dover again in 1970 (Oliver & Davenport 1972). In 1976, 430 were reported off eastern Scotland and 290 off Yorkshire and North Humberside (Scot. Birds 70: 98; Mather 1972), twice the established average at the time, and they again appeared prominently in 1978. Most were seen in September and early October, somewhat later than the main Arctic Skua passage, but spring and summer records now also occur annually, forming a clear extension of the larger English Channel passage up the east coast (Davenport 1975). It remains rare in winter. Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus This species regularly accompanies the large flocks of terns which feed off the east coast in early autumn, when it is the commonest skua, and it can also be seen moving on overland from the Wash and the Thames Estuary (Davenport 1971; Bourne 1976a). It has apparently never been so numerous as the Pomarine Skua in the big, occasional, late-autumn passages; it was reported to be only one-fiftieth as common as the Pomarine Skua in that of 14th October 1879 (Zoologist ( 1880): 18-19). Apparently, there were no more Arctic Skuas than usual in the skua passages of the autumns of 1976 and 1978. Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus This delightful bird normally stays far out to sea on migration (Bourne & Harris 1979), and has apparently always been scarce inshore, so that, for example, it was represented by only five in Tees Bay and 43 in total in the great influx of October 1879 (Zoologist (1880): 18-19; Bannerman 1963). The small number of reports may be due partly to caution over identification, since some have lost their characteristic long tail feathers by the time they migrate. This factor also hinders definition of its distribution in winter, when it has been recorded most commonly ofl'southern South America (Murphy 1936), though it seems to occur widely in the southern oceans in the off-season. All past totals for the east coast have now been surpassed by 103 records accepted between 21st July and 18th October 1976, with over half of them coming from the seawatching station on Flamborough Head (Brit. Birds 70: 424-445; 71: 505; 72: 526). The 1976 total was about seven times the annual number accepted as normal at the time (Sharrock 1974). In the next three years, however, 40, 48 and at least 27 were recorded annually (Brit. Birds as above; 73: 510-51 1), which suggests that, in fact, the 1976 total was only twice or thrice as large as usual. The species is rare off the east coast in spring and unknown in winter. 423 Seabird movements along the east coast of England Sabine’s Gull Lams sabini Only nine years ago, this species, which breeds in the Arctic and winters off South Africa, could still be described as a ‘scarce but regular passage or drifted migrant, ten or more annually’ (BOU 1971), and there was thought to be a southwest bias to the records similar to that found with the rarer tubenoses. While there are still less than ten records annually from the east coast of Scotland, over 20 a year are now expected from the east coast of England, where it has been recorded in all months. At Flamborough Head — an exceptional station projecting 10 km out to sea — the annual total rose from 25 in 1976 and 1977 to 27 in 1978 and at least 33 in 1979, and no less than 28 occurred in movements of up to seven individuals, with a high incidence of on-shore winds between December and March in winter 1978/79. In view of the number of specimens taken between Flamborough and Bridlington in the last century (Nelson et al. 1907), it is not clear that this is necessarily a new phenomenon. Conclusions For a long time, it was not appreciated that the northeast coast of Britain is one of the great seabird nurseries of the North Atlantic, frequented by astonishing numbers of birds throughout the year. The feeding-grounds which support these birds appear to attract and hold for a time a good many other wandering individuals, which can also be seen in the coasting movements associated with changes in the weather (or, to be precise, first participating in and then compensating for the drift with the wind which is liable to occur then). For geographical reasons, these efi'ects are most marked with the north winds which drift birds from the Shetland area into the North Sea in the late summer and autumn, when they bring shear- waters filtering into the area around the north ofScotland from the Atlantic and cause migrating skuas and Sabine’s Gulls to enter the North Sea, where these species are seldom seen in the spring. Until recently, most of the records dated from the last century, when this coast was known to be a collector’s paradise and received special attention during the early phases of the enquiry into bird migration at the coastal lights during the 1870s and 1880s. It is rather puzzling why there have been so few comparable recent observations. It may be partly because of the length of time involved in the past and a deficiency of the right kind of investigation recently; it also seems possible that the frequency and size of the passages was exaggerated in the past. Now, scores and hundreds of the same species have occurred again in the autumn of 1976 together with others which could well have been overlooked before the development of good binoculars, and further observation shows that examples of the same phenomena can be found regularly if an adequate watch is kept for them. The configuration of the coastline, involving a long ‘leading line’, with a scatter of good observation posts, makes occasionally for grandstand watching. The precise mechanism which makes more birds appear in some years, and also causes occasional wrecks (though these are usually more marked on the west coast), requires more study. Certain points, however, seem clear. Some of the species concerned, such as the large shearwaters, are highly pelagic and occur commonly only out in the Atlantic, while it seems 424 Seabird movements along the east coast of England likely that the bulk of the population of others, such as the Pomarine and Long-tailed Skuas and especially Sabine’s Gull, breeds in the American Arctic but migrates southeast across the Atlantic towards Iberia and west Africa (Bourne 1965). There is little evidence that many of these birds reach the North Sea through the English Channel — where surely by now they would have been seen from the south coast, as with the Pomarine Skuas on spring passage (Davenport 1975)? — or that they arrive overland. It seems likely that they must have wandered unusually far northeast in the late summer so that, when they turned south, they entered the North Sea around the north of Scotland. Presumably, the variation in the number of pelagic seabirds and trans- atlantic migrants that reach the North Sea must be caused by fluctuations in the strength of the prevailing westerly winds in the Atlantic during the period when the birds are moving. In the warm summer of 1976 in par- ticular, the subtropical high-pressure system extended unusually far north, leading to the development of a sustained westerly airflow farther north in the area where easterlies are quite regular on the north side of passing depressions. It seems likely that the seabirds first spread unusually far north with the fine weather, and then drifted east with the sustained westerly winds into the Norwegian Sea, so that, when they turned south, they entered the North Sea instead of passing down the west coast of Britain and Europe. C. J. G. Scharringa {in lilt.) reported that there were also unusually many Manx and Sooty Shearwaters off the Netherlands in 1976, and these may have passed on through the Strait of Dover. Seitz & von VVicht ( 1980) also reported that nine times as many skuas as usual reached central Europe; 92% of them were young birds and Long-tailed Skuas (in early September) and Pomarine Skuas (later in the month) were unusually numerous. Their arrival was associated with the passage of low-pressure systems in the Atlantic and North Sea. It seems possible that some of the birds are able to recognise that they have gone astray, possibly from the change in the character of the water as it circulates around the North Sea (as discussed earlier), and beat back into the Atlantic around the north of Scotland, mingling with the local birds which regularly carry out such movements. A few transequatorial migrants also appear to remain in the North Sea for the winter — with the local Puffins Fratercula arc/zca which, unlike those in Atlantic waters, do not leave for the south (Mead 1974) — sheltering from the prevailing west winds in the lee of the east coast of Britain, where they join the local birds and northern winter visitors which feed on the sprats Clupea sprattus which shoal offshore there at that season. 4’his is, however, a risky proceeding, since they remain exposed to the east winds which cause such slaughter among the local birds in hard winters. Thus, the winter population of the more delicate species seems unlikely to increase. In view of the erratic way in which seabirds appear to move around freely for distances of hundreds of kilometres with every change of the weather, and variations in the extent to which this is noticed — with fluctuations in public interest in the subject — it seems doubtful whether it would be rewarding to try any further analysis of long-term variations, at least until Seabird movements along the east coast oj England 425 better data become available. It also seems doubtful whether it is realistic to try to construct atlases of the distribution of birds at sea. Acknowledgments I he following observers responded to our appeal for records: Britain R. H. .Appleby, K. .Atkin, P. J. Brewster, G. P. Catley, J. Cudworth, Dr P. J. Dare, D. L. Davenport, R. H. Dennis, .A. Dixon, A. S. Dowsett, F. Hamilton, P. Hope Jones, J. Hornbuckle, Dr .A. G. Knox, P. Mash, N. McGanch, P. McCartney, J. McLoughlin, A. Paterson, S. R. D. da Prato, Dr .A. P. Radford, P. S. Redman, N. Riddiford, M. J. Rogers, J. Rosetti, K. Walton; Europe Dr S. Allavena, M. P. Lee, G. J. G. Scharringa, P. V'andenbulke, DrJ. van Impe, J. X'ielliard, Dru. von Wicht. We are grateful to them and also to P. A. Lassey, who maintains a register of all seabird counts made at P'lamborough Head. The investigations in Scotland were carried out in the course ol a study of the birds of the Forties oilfield financed by a grant from BP Petroleum Development Ltd to the Zoology Department, Aberdeen University, and made use of a cine camera supplied by Marconi Electronics Ltd and satellite photographs supplied by the Department of Electronics, Dundee University. Dr R. S. Bailey and H. D. Dooley provided advice alxnit the marine environment, and D. L. Davenport provided assistance with the research and the form of this report. Summary A combination of an inflow of water from the Atlantic around the north of Scotland and local mixing leads to the development of rich feeding-grounds for seabirds off the northeast coast of Britain. In addition to supporting large communities of breeding species and winter visitors, a V ariety of scarce species also accumulates in the area and takes part with the local birds in conspicuous coasting movements which commonly appear to involve compensation for drift by the wind out at sea. Birds in the Atlantic may also be drifted east past the north ofScotland by west winds in the Atlantic in some years, such as 1976, so that they enter the North Sea when they migrate south. Some may continue overland or through the .Strait of Dover; others return around the north ofScotland to the Atlantic, and a few remain for the winter. Increased sea-watching in recent years now makes it necessary to revise the accepted pattern oi distribution for a number of species, notably Gory’s Caloneclris diomedea, .Manx Pufjinus pujjinus and Little Shearwaters P. assimilis, Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius lon^icaudus and Sabine’s Gull Earns sabini, which appear to reach the east coast of Britain more often than was realised before the development of improved binoculars and telescopes. References Bannerman, D. a. 1963. The Birds of the British Isles, vol 12. Edinburgh & London. Bourne, W. R. P. 1965. Birdwatching hy submarine: a trip to Gibraltar in September. Seabird 7?m//. 1: 34-37. 1967. Long-distance vagrancy in the petrels. Ibis 109: 141-167. 1976a. Seabirds in the Wash. Seabird Rep. 5: 18-21. 1976b. Birds of the North Atlantic Ocean. Proc. XVI Int. Om. Congr. 705-715. 1978. The seabirds of the eastern North .Atlantic. //>b 120: 117-119. & Harris, M. P. 1979. Birds of the Hebrides: seabirds. Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh 77B: 445-475. , Knox,.A.G., Merrie,'!'. D. H., & Morley,.A. H. 1979. The birds oftheForties Oilfield 1975-1978. North-east Scotland Bird Rep. (1978): 47-52. British Ornithoi.ogists’ Union. 1971. The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland. Oxford, London & Edinburgh. CIramp, S., Bourne, W. R. P., & Saunders, D. 1974. The Seabirds of Britain and Ireland. London. Davenport, D. L. 1971. .Aulumn seabird movements in the Thames Estuary. Kent Bird Rep. (1969): 84-91. 1975. The spring passage of Pomarine Skuas on British and Irish coasts. Brit. Birds 68: 456-462. 1979. Spring skua passage at Balranald, North L ist. Scot. Birds 10: 216-221. Ei.kins, N., & Wii.i.iAMS, M. R. 1970. Seabird movements in north-east Scotland, 1%8 and 1969. Seabird Rep. 1: 31-39. 426 Seabird movements along the east coast oj England 1972. Aspects of seabird movement in north-east Scotland. Scot. Birds 1: 66-75. Greenwood, j.J. D. 1972. The attendance ofGuillemots and Razorbills at a Scottish colony. Proc. XV Ini. Om. Congr. 648. JoiRis, C. 1978. Seabirds recorded in the northern North Sea in July: the ecological impli- cations of their distribution. Gerjaut 68: 419-440. Lea, D., & Bourne, VV. R. P. 1975. The birds of Orkney. Brit. Birds 68: 261-283. Maguire, E. J., Zonfrillo, B., Clark, H., & Wilkins, M. 1980. Status of Storm Petrel in Clyde and Forth. Scot. Birds 1 1: 51-53. Mather, J. R. 1978. Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union: Ornithological Report Jor 1976. Mead, C. J. 1974. The results of ringing auks in Britain and Ireland. Bird Study 2 1 : 45-86. Murphy, R. C. 1936. Oceanic Birds oJ South America. 2 vols. New York. Nelson, T. H. 1911. Arctic and Pomarine Skuas and Sabine’s Gulls in Yorkshire. Brit. Birds 1: 170. , Eagle Clarke, W., & Boyes, F. 1907. The Birds oj Yorkshire. Newell, R. G. 1968. Influx ofGreat Shearwaters in autumn 1965. Brit. Birds6\: 145-162. Oliver, P. J. 1971. Sooty Shearwaters in the English Channel. Brit. Birds 56-60. & Davenport, D. L. 1972. Large passage of seabirds at Cap Gris Nez. Seabird Rep. 2: 16-24. Pashby, B. a., & CuDWORTH, J. 1969. The Fulmar ‘wreck’ of 1962. Brit. Birds 62: 97-109. Sharrock, J. T. R. 1974. Scarce Migrant Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. Seitz, E., & von Wight, U. 1980. Der Einflug von Raubmowen Stercorarius ins mittel- europaische Binnenland in Spatsommer/Herbst 1976. Om. Beob. 77: 2-20. Te.mperley, G. W. 1951 . A history of the birds of Durham. Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne 1-296. Watson, A. D. 1959. Extraordinarv numbers of Sooty Shearwaters in the Forth. Scot. Birds 1: 144-145. Witherby, H. F. 1921. On British-taken examples of the ‘Levantine’ Shearwater. Brit. Birds 15: 151-153. D. I. M. Wallace, 68 Selby Road, Holme on Spalding Moor, York Y04 4EU Dr l\ . R. P. Bourne, Department oJ Zoology, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB9 2TN Personalities 26 David Glue David joined the B4X) stafTat much the same time that I did, late in 1968, bringing with him an already impressive list of publications and a special reputation as an owl man. Soon, the Populations Section was getting used to his powerful personality — he was, and remains, a determined, even obdurate, debater — and his lean figure became familiar striding over census plots in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire farmland. He still kept long-range fingers on attractive, but tough-going, census plots in his beloved New Forest and Test Valley gravel-pits. Late in 1970, tragedy struck, in the shape of a heavily laden and unlit sand lorry backing across the path of his MG Midget. Although the impact was not major, and David largely unscathed, a ‘whiplash fracture’ severed Personalities: David Glue 427 his spinal chord. Fortunate in these circumstances can be only a relative term, but ‘fortunately’ the accident happened almost on the doorstep of the world-renowned Stoke Mandeville spinal injuries centre, where David spent the next eight months acclimatising to a new way of life, in a wheelchair with only very limited movements. Few people would immedi- ately cancel their life check-lists, but this he did, getting his ‘new’ life tally well into double figures while flat on his back under traction in a hospital ward. With a certain amount of ingenuity and tape-recorders, it was possible for David to resume work almost immediately. He carried on the task of editing BTO News — one that he still enjoys because of the many contacts it provides with birds, birdwatchers and current afFairs. There was even a paper written during this period — on Ring Ouzels — which, in an unusual acknowledgments section, records his thanks to the Stoke Mandeville staff. On discharge, David returned to work at the BTO in Tring. From his home and work — both specially modified to suit wheelchair life — and with the help of colleagues and friends, he maintains his research and analytical interests and keeps up his birdwatching and wide interests in sport. His enthusiasm for birdwatching, and for searching out a scarcity when the opportunity arises, has not changed, although obviously the tactics have had to be amended. A carefully (or wrecklessly — sic) driven car can penetrate amazingly difficult terrain, and I, for one, was often irritated by the longer and better views that David (seated warmly in the car) got of woodland or shore birds than did 1, venturing into the chilly wilds on foot. With co-operation from wardens and boatmen, visits to the Fames and into the English Channel for seabirds proved possible and exciting for all concerned. With the help of tape lures — invaluable in such circum- stances— the newly established Firecrests in Buckinghamshire, Cetti’s 246. David (due [Kenneth Taylor) 428 Personalities: David Glue Warblers in Kent and the old faithful Marsh Warblers in Worcestershire co-operated to the extent of almost sitting on the car bonnet. The first real wheelchair-rarity was perhaps the 1972 Bedford Sewage-farm W'ilson’s Phalarope: a relatively simple, if nettley, trek; but pride of place for endurance (on the part of pushers and carriers) must rest with the Alpine Accentor (the wretched bird chose to appear half-way to Lydd) that graced a BTO ‘staff weekend’ at Dungeness. His latest additions are Black Grouse and Golden Eagle, bringing his wheelchair-tally to 260 species, just 40 short of the aim set while bed-bound in Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Fortunately for us all, David keeps up a steady stream of publications. Owls feature large, but his analyses of BTO data are wide-ranging. His census interests currently centre on the birds of sewage-farms — carried out to the standard CBC rules and in an equally standard aroma that few of his chauffeurs can forget ... Jim Flegg Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs In this, the competition’s twenty-second year, a total of 234 photographs was submitted by 39 photographers. As always, the general standard was exceedingly high. In comparison with previous years, it was, however, disappointing to find rather few attempts to portray birds in flight. Our only other criticism relates to presentation. Some prints had been trimmed so close to the bird that they would have been difficult to fit conveniently onto the page of a journal; further, the lack of habitat and the obtrusiveness of the bird resulted in unattractive pictures lacking the artistic design w hich, as well as technical perfection, should be evident in every really good bird-photograph. None of the 14 photographs selected this year suffers from this failing. Several flight shots nearly achieved selection, but the only one eventually included was Dr Mike Hill’s atmospheric photograph of a flock of 102 Brent Geese flying past Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, in the gloom of a November day (plate 247). Pride of place this year must go to the four prints by Ernest Janes (plates 248-250 & 254). It is unprecedented for four photographs by one photographer to be picked for one of these selections, but their sheer quality and superb feather-detail — even on the Rook, not an easy species to photograph away from the nest and, as with all black birds, one on which it is difficult to show feather- and eye-detail — made inclusion inevitable. The VVoodpigeon (plate 249) and the Stock Dove (plate 250) are both unequalled portraits, and, each on the same branch, provide a fine com- parison of the two species. The three Starlings (plate 248) exhibits all those features which we most admire: the composition is pleasing, the plumage detail is perfect, the lighting appears to be wholly natural and the habitat is evident in the background. 437 Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs P. Beasley submitted four photographs of Jays, the one selected (plate 251) being almost ‘too good to be true’, yet it is not a studio photograph. The third in the trio of crows on this double-page spread is Anthony ]. Bond’s portrait of two Magpies, the contrast in postures greatly adding to the attractiveness of the photograph of this shy species (plate 253) . 1 he interest of Dennis Green’s incubating Greenshank (plate 252) lies in its well-depicted Hebridean habitat; the bird’s crvptic plumage, the nest- site — as so often — beside an irregularity in the landscape, and the impression of the general terrain of the area, which would have been lost in a close-up or if photographed from a higher elevation. The next four photographs (plates 255-258) are all superbly sharp portraits. David Hill’s December Nuthatch (plate 255) on its appropriate perch stands out well against its mottled background. In plate 256, Dr Kevin Ciarlson has managed to feature equally well not only the adult Melodious Warbler and its hungry nestlings — each p>ositioning itself differently to obtain the best advantage — but also the vegetation of the bramble-thicket nest-site. I'his is the first time that a photograph of Melodious Warbler has appeared in this feature. How could it be bettered? And what have the Grey Herons in plate 257 both spotted? Dr Edmund Fellowes’s picture is full of interest, the habitat is clear, and — no mean feat — both herons are equally sharp. Martin B. Withers has also made a classic portrait of his Black-headed Gull (plate 258), the bird standing out almost three-dimensionally from its habitat. Frits Houtkamp’s two Dutch-marshland pictures, of warbling Reed Warbler (plate 259) and stretching Spotted Grake (plate 260), both in natural light, are examples of the best of away-from-the-nest opportunistic photography, which demands patience, skill and luck. The latter species has not been featured in this series previously. Four photographers are featured for the first time this year: Dr Edmund PTllowes, David Flill, Dr M. R. Hill and Frits Houtkamp. .\t the other extreme, Dennis Green has achieved inclusion ofhis work for the ninth year and Dr Kevin Garlson for the eleventh. Black-and-white bird-photography is clearly still thriving . . . J. T. R. Sharrock, R. J. Chandler and Don Smith 247 & 248. Page 429, top, Brent Geese Branta bemicta, Norfolk, No\ember 1980 {M. R. Hill); bottom. Starlings Stumus vulgaris, Hertfordshire, June 197.5 (E. A. Janes) 249. Page 430, VVoodpigeon Columba palumbus, Hertfordshire, September 197.5 (E. A. Janes) 250. Page 431, Stock Dove Columba oenas, Hertfordshire, .September 1975 (£. A. Janes) 251 & 252. Page 432, top, jay Garrulus glandarius, Warwickshire, Februars 1980 (P. Beasley); bottom, Greenshank Tringa nebularia, Hebrides. .May 1980 (Dennis Green) 253 8c 254. Page 433, top, .Magpies Pica pica, Greater Manchester. July 1980 (Anthony J. Boncf); bottom. Rook Corvusjrugilegus, Hertfordshire, Januarc 1976 (E. A. Janes) 255 8c 256. Page 434, top, .Nuthatch Sitta europaea, Nottinghamshire, December 1980 (David Hill); bottom. Melodious Warblers Hippolais polyglotta, Portugal, June 1980 (Kevin Carlson) 257 & 258. f’age 435, top. Grey Herons Ardeacinerea, Dumfriesshire. July 1978 (E. C. Fellowes); bottom. Black-headed Gull Urns ndibundus, Strathclyde, May 1980 (Martin B. Hithers) 259 8c 260. Page 436, top, Reed Warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus, Netherlands, May 1979 (Erits Houtkamp); bottom. Spotted Cirake Porgana porgana, Netherlands. October 1979 (Erits Houtkamp) Mystery photographs Larger waders should not present many identification problems! At a distance, this one has long legs, a moderately long, stoutish bill and a fairly bulky body. On a European beach, three such species may be expected: Redshank Tringa totanus, Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica and Black-tailed Godwit Z,. The slender and — i in winter plumage — very pale larger Tringa species (Greenshank and Spotted Redshank) are rapidly eliminated. The bird has a heavier appear- ance than a Redshank, and its moderately long, stout bill and not excep- tionally long legs rule out Black-tailed Godwit. Similarly, there is no sign of an upcurve on the bill, which casts doubt upon Bar-tailed Godwit. Looking in more detail, we can see that the bird has very plain upper- parts, although the wing-coverts are edged palish, and it has a dull (grey) wash to its breast. Other points noticeable are that the pale legs are relatively thick, and that the stoutish, blackish bill is two-toned, with a pale (greyish) base. The supercilium is not striking and is restricted to in front of the eye, but there is a clear, incomplete, white eye-ring. W’e can now confidently eliminate the three expected species. It is bulkier than, and lacks the streaked breast and spotted wing-coverts of, a Redshank. Similarly, the two-toned (actually brown-and-buflf) streaked upperparts and breast of a Bar-tailed Godwit are missing. "Lhe appearance of the breast (lacking any streaks) is reminiscent of an adult winter plumage Black-tailed Godwit. We must now look at the unlikely possibilities. Its bill length and bill shape rule out all godwits, while its solid appearance and lack of spotting on coverts and tertials eliminate all waders in the genus Tringa. We are left with but one species in the world which would fit: the Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus. The very even, almost nondescript (grey) coloration is typical of the species, as is the solid bill and pale (actually blue-grey) legs. Depending on its angle to the observer, the bird can change from being reminiscent of a gfxiwit to reminiscent of a Redshank and, indeed, it is 261. Willet Catoptro- phorus semipalmatus, lexas, US.'\, May 1981 {A.J. Prater) 438 439 Mystery photographs probably correct to consider it to be the Redshank of the North American coast, being found widely on saltmarshes and beaches. Similarly, in a typical redshank fashion, it often takes off suddenly, with a clear, strong ‘wiek’ alarm call. Immediately the clearest identification features are apparent; from being nondescript, it is suddenly transformed by a striking black-and-white wing pattern (plate 261). The primaries and primary coverts are black, with a broad white base to all of the primary feathers. This broad white wing-bar extends across all of the secondaries, contrast- ing with the grey of the coverts. The square white rump, and the pale whitish outer tail feathers with greyish central tail feathers, also proxide useful identification points. Underneath, with virtually the whole of the underwing brilliantly black-and-white, it is even more striking. 4 he individual figured in the mystery photograph, which I photo- graphed in California in January, shows the winter plumage (in the field, adults are not distinguishable from first-winter birds which have completed their winter moult in September). Juveniles have slightly more markings on the coverts, which have huffish edges and dark subterminal bands, and are essentially like first-winter birds. Adults in summer plumage are a mottled brown/black-and-grey on the back, with dark spotting on the breast and barring on the flanks. I he first report of a Willet in Britain and Ireland came from Co. Kerry in October 1980. A. J. Prater 262. Mystery photograph 59. Identify the species. .Answer next month Notes Canada Goose flying with trap attached to one foot In mid June 1978, it was reported that a Canada Goose Branta canadensis had been seen for about a month flying with a trap attached to one foot, in the vicinity of Leighton and Roundhill Reservoirs, near Ripon, North Yorkshire. On 25th, a Fenn trap containing the foot of a Canada Goose was found on the 440 Notes shore; one of six geese which flew away had been limping. The trap’s holding chain had been attached to a stake or peg by a length of wire which was severely twisted, suggesting that the goose had struggled a long time before pulling the trap free. The trap weighed 14oz (400g). Fenn traps are normally set in a tunnel or under cover, but presumably this one had been set in a field where the geese regularly grazed. A. F. G. Walker 14 St Helen S Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG2 8LB Brent Geese ‘shooting the rapids’ On 19th January 1965, at the mouth of Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, I heard calls of Brent Geese Branta bernicla and realised that these were hidden in the cutting made by the scouring action of the tide entering and leaving the inlet. I approached and had excellent views of about 55 geese floating down the miniature rapids in channels made by the falling tide rushing over the shingle. Arriving in the slacker waters at the sea end, they walked hurriedly or ran back over the sloping shingle banks and repeated this ‘shooting of the rapids’ for as long as I watched; they continued after I left, as their excited calls could still be heard. Both adults and smaller numbers of immatures were involved, and the whole scene was one of animation and excitement. This may be com- pared with similar behaviour by Eiders Somateria mollissima, recorded by Brian Roberts in 1934 in Iceland {Ibis (1934): 264). L. P. Alder 31 Hopton Road, Upper Cam, near Dursley, Gloucestershire GUI 5PD Coots eating fish On 12th December 1978, at Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, Mid Glamorgan, I watched a Coot Fulica atra for 36 minutes, during which time it captured and swallowed 12 small three-spined sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus and trout Salmo Jario by diving, often simply a ‘plop- dive’. At 14.30 GMT, it brought three larger fish, 9-lOcm long, out of the water which it pecked, squeezed, tossed about and swallowed. Fish were caught and consumed at intervals ranging from three to ten minutes. Hoping to retrieve and measure one of these bank-killed fish, I dashed from my car, but the Coot fled with the fish. On 15th December, I watched two Coots hunting the same quite small area; they, too, caught fish, but they lacked the singular intent and success of the earlier individual. Ron Berry 1 Ael-y-Bryn, Treherbert, Rhondda, Mid Glamorgan BWP (volume 2) does note that fish are sometimes eaten, but are ‘probably oflittle or only local importance’. Eds Camouflage of crouching Jack Snipe As T. D. Evans and I crossed frozen waterlogged ground near the Severn Estuary at Frampton-on- Severn, Gloucestershire, on 19th January 1980, we flushed several Jack Snipes Lymnocryptes minimus which, invisible until they flew, rose from beneath our feet. TDFi spotted one while it was still motionless on the ground and, after approaching to within a few centimetres, I took several Notes 441 263, j ac'k Snipe I.ymnocryptes rmniinus, (iloueestcrshire, January 1980 (IT. Deere) photographs. The bird’s yellowish back-stripes, resembling the faded yellow of dead grass and reeds, helped the illusion that the snipe was merely a part ofits background (plate 263). \V. Beere Denjerland, Glebe Close, Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucester Sand Martins feeding on ground P. J. Oliver observed House Delichon urbica and Sand Martins Riparia riparia apparently feeding on the ground in the early morning {Brit. Birds 59: 499); an editorial comment suggested that they might be drinking dew, an observation since confirmed by PJO {Brit. Birds 72: 36). Sand Martins do, however, occasionally feed on the ground. In the late morning of 12th ,\pril 1963, I watched about 30 Sand Martins, probably newly arrived migrants, resting on the sloping stone dam of Swithland Reservoir, Leicestershire. Several periodically ran swiftly for- wards and tilted their bodies to pick up adult midges (Chironomidae) which were emerging from the water at the edge of the reservoir. The martins’ behaviour resembled the normal feeding movements of Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula. C. F. Mason University oj Essex, Department oj Biology, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester C04 3SQ Sand Martins resting on close-mown turf The note on Sand Martins Riparia riparia drinking and apparently bathing in dew on close-mown turf {Brit. Birds 72: 36) recalls the following. Around midday in August 1978, at Eaton Socon, Cambridgeshire, about 200 Sand Martins were resting on the close-mown turf of the wicket of the local cricket pitch. Several had adopted the characteristic sunning posture, lying partially on one side with one wing 442 Notes raised. There was a certain amount of activity from the flock, but most martins were content to rest on the short turf, preferring this to the longer grass in the outfield. The River Ouse is only 100 m away. Carl F. Nicholson RSPB, Midlands Office, 44 Friar Street, Droitwich, Worcestershire Swallows breeding in derelict tin mine R. A. Frost found Swallows Hirundo rustica breeding in an open manhole on the side of a colliery tip in 264 & 265. Site of derelict tin mine where Swallows Hirundo rustica bred 1 7 m underground, Cornwall, June 1976 (J. B. & S. Bottomley) Notes 443 Derbyshire [Brit. Birds 64: 279-280). Dr A. P. Radford found them breeding in derelict tin mines in west Cornwall [Brit. Birds 64: 544), and recently informed BK {in litt.) that they had bred in four different mines. On 26th June 1976, at Germoe, Cornwall, AG discovered Swallows flying into the perpendicular concrete shaft of a derelict tin mine (plates 264 & 265) and later showed BK. We observed at least two Swallows flying in and out of the aperture, which was approximately 6 X 3 m. At fairly frequent intervals, food was taken to the nest, which was invisible from the surface, and cries from nestlings were occasionally heard. Sometimes, faecal sacs were brought out and dropped well away from the immediate area. We visited the locality fairly often thereafter. It appeared certain that more than one brood had been reared underground because, a week or so later, full- winged juveniles were in the vicinity of the mine, sometimes resting with their presumed parents on the chimney stack; they appeared to pick up insects there or take those on the wing nearby, while other Swallows were still visiting the mine shaft. R. D. Penhallurick arranged for an experienced miner to be lowered down the 297 m shaft, where he found fresh nests close together some 1 7 m from the top on ledges of the clay-slate (killas) (see Birds of Cornwall 1 976: page 71). Adult Swallows were visiting the site until early September. Swallows also bred at Germoe in 1977 and 1978. Alan Green and Bernard King Tan-y-bryn, Prospect Road, Ashton, Cornwall VVe have also received a report from J. S. Armitage, B. Penistonc and D. Southall, who, in 1979, were shown a number of old nests of Swallows at an average of about 1 m down in an underground valve chamber at Inbirchworth Reservoir, South Yorkshire, and w here they also discovered a nest with young; and David Noakes has informed us of a nest which he found in 1980 about half a metre below ground in an open-topped drainage-inspection shaft in Leicestershire (unfortunately the cover was replaced a few days later). Eds Tail-wagging by Isabelline Wheatear During a two-week stay at Elat, from late March to early April 1980, I observed 11 Isabelline VVheatears Oenanthe isabellinus, some on several occasions and for lengthy periods. As well as the characteristics of plumage and structure associated with this species, each bird had the habit of constantly wagging its tail, not just when alarmed, but when feeding and when perched. Of the other seven species of wheatear which I observed, all wagged and flicked their tails when alarmed or excited, but none was noted doing it as constantly as the Isabellines. Combined with the long legs and upright stance, tail wagging makes Isabellines obvious at some distance and could be a helpful pointer towards identification. Graham P. Catley Southend, Goxhill, South Humberside In contributions published since this note was submitted, M. J. Rogers, describing an Isabelline Wheatear in Norfolk {Brit. Birds 74: 181-182), and -Mark Beaman and Dr Alan G. Knox, describing one in Grampian (74: 182-185), noted ‘The rather short tail was constantly flicked up and down whether the bird was on the ground or perched’ and ‘The tail was regularly raised and lowered when the bird was at rest’. Eds 444 Notes Tail-cocking by Sedge Warbler On 16th June 1979, G. P. Catley and I observed a Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus climbing among reeds Phragmites and willows Salix at Saltfleetby Nature Reserve, Lincolnshire. Our attention was drawn to its peculiar behaviour, which involved frequent wing-flicking and tail-cocking as it climbed higher into the willows; during this time it uttered a very harsh, loud ‘chek’ at irregular intervals. We watched the bird for several minutes, somewhat puzzled by its behaviour, until the reason for its alarm was discovered: within a few centimetres of the Sedge Warbler there was a Little Owl Athene noctua, which then flew ofl towards the sand-dunes while the warbler disappeared into cover. It seems that this tail-cocking habit is not, after all, confined to Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon, as was suggested by P. ]. Grant {Brit. Birds 71: 422). M. Mellor Fulstow Aim, Fulstow, Lough, Lincolnshire LN ! I OX U Letters coneerning tail-cocking by Moustached Warblers appear on page 446. Eds Call-notes of migrant Bonelli’s Warblers My only experience of Bonelli’s Warblers Phylloscopus bonelli has been of the race orientalis on spring passage in Crete and in Israel. The usual call-note uttered by solitary, feeding individuals was a quiet, metallic ‘chirp’ or ‘chirrip’. On one occasion in Crete, however, a Bonelli’s Warbler uttered a loud, sparrow-like ‘cheep’ which bore a striking resemblance to one of the calls of Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris. The call of Bonelli’s Warbler is usually described as a ‘hu-eet’ resembling Willow Warbler P. trochilus but less plaintive (e.g. P. A. D. Hollom, 1960, The Popular Handbook oj Rarer British Birds). I have never heard such a note from migrant orientalis, although I. J. Ferguson-Lees {Brit. Birds 54: 395- 399), referring to the nominate race, mentioned a harsh, single or double metallic note sometimes given in autumn. P. D. Round The Manor House, Croxton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire Letters Tree Pipits showing pale ‘ear’ spot The pale ‘ear’ spot of the Olive- backed Pipit Anthus hodgsom is a very useful supporting field feature of the species (see Brit. Birds 72: 95, for example) and this is borne out by my experience of this pipit in India and Nepal in winter. Tree Pipits A. trivialis can, however, also show a distinct pale bufl spot on the rear ear-coverts too (more obvious in some birds than in others). A weakly marked example is depicted in Brit. Birds 71: (plate 95). Obviously, therefore, identification of Olive-backed Pipits should not rest on this feature alone. S. C. Madge / Caudle Hill, Fairbum, Knottingley, West Yorkshire WF119JQ^ Letters 445 Identification of first- winter Marsh and Reed Warblers I read with interest the account of the problematical Acrocephalus warblers on the Isles of Scilly during October 1979 {Bnt. Birds 73: 186-189). H aving some experience of Marsh Warblers A. patustns in Kenya, I can perhaps usefully elaborate on the first-autumn plumage of this species. I would also draw attention to a potential source of complication not discussed in the account concerned, namely the close similarity between the Marsh \\ arbler and the eastern race of the Reed \\ arbler A. scirpaceus Justus. In Kenya, most first-autumn Marsh Warblers are similar in body plumage to spring and autumn adults: they have a greenish tinge to unijorm olivaceous upperparts, and a yellowish wash below, which distinguish them in the hand from Reed Warblers. A few young birds (about 20%), however, are warmer on the upperbody than any adult (although still green-tinged on the wing-coverts and flight-feather edgings), and closely resemble young Reed V\ arblers. Since, with the exception of a few greyer birds from breeding areas in northern Iran, Marsh Warblers show no appreciable colour variation from west to east of their range, and, since Kenyan birds are derived from western and central Europe as well as farther east, the above remarks should apply to birds likely to be encountered in Britain. East African wintering Reed Warblers are eastern birds, all or mostly referable to Juscus. 4 hey are variable in colour, but are larger than European Reed Warblers and paler in both adult and first-winter plumages. In typical birds, warmth is confined above to the rump and uppertail-coverts, and there is a greyish tinge about the nape and crowti; the underparts are rather white. No consistent difference in head markings has been found in Kenya between Marsh and eastern Reed Warblers, either in the hand or in the field. Nor can either be said to average paler above than the other. In the field. I would tentatively separate Marsh on the basis of a shorter bill and more rounded, less attenuated head profile. In ideal light, any greenish tinge \ isible above, or yellowish below, would be more conclusive. Although west European Reed Warblers average darker abo\e in first autumn than those seen in East Africa, the difl'erence is slight and subtle (I base this on comparison of series of good specimens). Ihus, I do not think that first-autumn Marsh W arblers would in general appear much paler in the field than western Reed, although, as in breeding adults (see Brit. Birds 72: 190-191), they should appear less ‘dark-capped’. The body plumage of first-year Reed Warblers is often already worn and faded on arrix al in East Africa during November (more so than in Marsh). This underlines an additional need for caution when making plumage judgements on these two species later in autumn. 'Eo return to the bird trapped on St .\gnes, the upperpart colour as described (no greenish tinge, a ‘warmer tone on rump and wings’, and ‘subtly greyer and paler than Reed’) would fit eastern Reed better than Marsh. 4’he position of the 2nd primary tip between the 4th and 5th is typical tA Juscus but uncommon in Marsh, and a wing-length of 69.5mm would be typical for either. Eeatures which would suggest Marsh (but without conclusively ruling out Reed) are the spaced tips of the closed 446 Letters primaries, the pale tarsi, the ‘creamy’ underparts, the bill length from tip to feathering and, to my mind, the head prohle shown in the lower photograph of the bird in the hand. Convincing identification as Marsh seems to depend on the 2nd primary notch position, for that of young Reed rarely falls as high as the 7th primary tip. The fact that the St Agnes bird was a Marsh W arbler, although perhaps not an entirely typical one, suggests strongly that that on St Mary’s was one also. In the absence of capture, however, can the identity of this second bird be certainly established? The modern preoccupation with the finer points of field identification lends itself to criticism on the grounds that it encourages the belief that any bird can be certainly identified given a good field view, so that to write anything off as unidentified, or as a ‘probable’, would constitute a sign of incompetence. It is a salutary thought that, in other circumstances, the St Agnes Marsh Warbler might have entered the literature, on the strength of the agreement of 300 observers, as a Blyth’s Reed Warbler A. dumetorum. D. J. Pearson P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya Tail-cocking by Moustached Warblers I agree with J. N. Hollyer {Brit. Birds 71: 422) that the singing Moustached Warblers Acrocephalus melano- pogon at Neusiedl, Austria, appear not to cock their tails. W e should not, howe\er, be led into thinking that all males are so inhibited or do not change their behaviour when disturbed. On 3rd May 1965, in the Azraq Oasis, Jordan, I. J. Ferguson-Lees and I found a small colony of Moustached Warblers of the race mimica on the edge of a huge stand of reeds Fhragmites. \i least five males were in full song; as one hopped around me in dense reed cover, he cocked his tail several times to about 60°, at the same time uttering a disyllabic ‘charr-charr’. My only other record of a tail- cocking Moustached Warbler refers to an early September migrant. Faced with my close approach, it flicked its tail constantly and cocked it several times to about 45°; its call was a short ‘trk’. I agree, therefore, with P. J. Grant’s suggestion that tail-cocking by Moustached Warblers is stimulated by alarm, but are we sure that its confusion species, the Sedge Warbler A. schoenobaenus, makes no similar action? D. I. M. Wallace 68 Selby Road, Holme on Spalding Moor, York Y04 4EV Although my experience with Moustached Warblers is very limited, I endorse J. N. Hollyer’s statement that tail-cocking may be seasonal. The Moustached Warblers I observed at Limni Volvi, Greece, on 24th August 1965, and in the Gamargue, France, from 7th to 12th May 1967, did not exhibit this behaviour. Those at Neusiedl on 4th June 1978, however, cocked their tails very frequently; from their plumage and behax iour, they were most probably recently fledged juveniles. I suspect that tail-cocking plays an important part in intraspecific recognition, especially during the fledging period and shortly afterwards. G. J. Oreel Postbus 51273, 1007 EG Amsterdam, Netherlands Announcements Peterson Sound Guide discs and cassettes special offer l liis offer is still open this month. See pages 400-401 in September issue for details. Please resubscribe now If your subscription falls due in January and you hav'e not already resubscribed, please do so now. Delays with despatch of January and February issues will be inevitable unless most subscribers resubscribe before November. Please help us to gi\ e you a good service. Popular Handbook’ and ‘Rarer Handbook’ By special arrangement with A. \\ itherby and P. A. D. Hollom, we can now offer The Popular Handbook of British Birds and The Popular Handbook of Rarer British Birds, both by P. ;\. D. Hollom and published by H. F. & (f. Witherbv Ltd, post free (see below). Purchase through BB will help the journars finances. Book offers It helps BB\ finances if you order these books from us The Popular Handbook of British Birds by P. A. D. Hollom (Witherin') £9.50 j)ost free. The Popular Handbook of Rarer British Birds by P. .\. 1). Hollom (Witherbv) £ 1 2.00 j)ost free. Birdwatching in the Seventies by Ian Wallace (Macmillan) £7.95 post free. A Notebook of Birds — 1907-1980 by Jim Flegg (Macmillan) £6.95 post free. Frontiers oj Bird Identification edited by J. 'f. R. Sharrock (Macmillan) £7.95 post free. Wildfowl oj Europe by Myrfyn Owen (Macmillan) £9.95 post free. Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book by Bill Oddie (Fiyre .Methuen) £4.95 post free. Birdwatcher's Yearbook /.9(V2 edited by John Fi. Pemberton (Buckingham Press) £5.95. If you order more than one title, please write your orders for each book on a separate sheet. We will pass your orders on to the respecti\ e publishers, w ho w ill send the books to you by post. Orders and cheques or postal orders (payable to British Birds Lad) to: BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. (For orders from addresses outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, please add 50p. Payment can be made into UK Giro account number 37 588 6303.) News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett North Sea Bird Watch The second annual report ol the .North Sea Bird Watch, co-ordinated b\ Dr R. A. h . Cox, has just been published listing the birds recorded at fixed and mobile installations on the Phillips Petroleum Company concessions in 19B0. Kleven installations contributed records. Phe co-ordinator appeals for records from Ecofisk. .\11 records submitted during the \ear ha\e been combined with those records from other installations in the North Sea and analysed on the computer at the L'ni\ersity of .\berdeen. C.opies can be obtained from Dr R. F. C:ox. Phillips Petroleum Compan\ Kurope-.Mrica. Portland House, Stag Place, London sw 1e ,7d.-\. 447 448 News and comment 266. Bird Illustrator of the Y ear award presentation, July 1981; left to right, Robert Gillmor (judge), Alan Harris (2nd), Darren Rees (winner of I’he Richard Richardson Award), Nik Borrow (3rd), Norman Arlott ( 1st), Keith Shackleton (President, Society of Wildlife Artists) and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock (Judge) (R J- Chandler) Bird Illustrator of the Year The prizes were presented by Keith Shackleton, Presi- dent of the Society of Wildlife Artists, at a Press Reception at I’he Mall Galleries, London, on 15th July 1981 (see plate 266). No Italian referendum to abolish hunting Earlier (Brit. Birds 74: 305) we reported that the 800,000 names needed to hold a referendum to abolish hunting had been obtained. The latest news is that the Italian Constitutional Court has ruled that the anti- hunting referendum is ‘anti-constitutional’. Save an Irish site for birds Lying only a quarter of a mile from the mainland ofC^o. Kerry', Puffin Island is a wild and spectacular place. It is uninhabited except by thousands of seabirds, making it one of the most important colonies in Europe. Over 10,000 Puffins Fratercula arctica breed on the island and can be seen standing on a carpet of sea pink Armeria maritima. At night the air is alive with the calls of over 20,000 Manx Shear- waters Pujfinus pujjinus. Altogether 1 1 species of seabirds nest on the island, which is also the haunt of Ravens Corvus corax and Choughs Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. The Irish Wildbird Conservancy urgently needs £150,000 to buy this and other properties. Send donations to: Save a Site for Birds Appeal, Irish Wildbird Conservancy, South- view, Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wick- low, Eire. IWRB wedand inventory Phis book is the first step by the International Waterfowl Research Bureau in the development of an inventory of wetland sites recognised as of international importance for 22 countries in west and south Europe and northwest Africa. The introduction not only outlines the selection process of the type of wetland site but also defines wetland birds. This preliminary inventory lists only those sites which fulfil certain numerical criteria developed at the Heiligenhafen Conference, West Germany, in 1974. 4’he author. Dr Derek Scott, emphasises that, although considerable effort has been devoted to the collection of information on wetlands and waterfowl populations in the EEC, it has not been possible to devote as much time to the collection of material from centres outside the EEC, and the descriptions are therefore based on published material. The title is A Preliminary Inventory oj Wetlands oj International Importance for Waterfowl in West Europe and Northwest Africa by D. A. Scott. IWRB Special Publication No. 2. Price £3.00, including postage, from the IWRB, Slim- bridge, Gloucester c,i2 7bi. Also available from the I\\ RB is Publica- tion No. 1 : Some Results of Waterfowl Ringing in Europe by A. C. Perdeck and C. Clason. Price £ 1 .00, including postage. The Sale Porcus oasis nature reserve Phis reserve was set up last November in Sardinia by the Italian Bird Protection League (LIPLJ in co-operation with the local authority of San Vero Milis. 1 he main aim of the reser\ e is to protect the Greater P'lamingo Phoenicopterus ruber, some 8,000 of which stop over in this part of Sardinia when migrating News and comment 449 from the Camargue to lakes in Tunisia. (!• rom C'.ouncil for Europe Newsletter Moroccan reserve for Bald Ibis Prospects seem to be kxtking brighter for the Bafd Ibis (ieronlicus eremita, although less than 400 remain in the wild. Udo Hirsch fears that the continuing use of insecticides and develop- ment of agriculture in I'urkey will result in the extinction of the Bald Ibis there, even though the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the World Wildlife Fund have co-operated in the construction of an aviary on cliffs near the nesting-site for captive breeding. Hirsch, however, is more optimistic about the bird’s last remaining stronghold in Morocco. One big advantage is that, while the I'urkish birds still migrate to the Red Sea area, the Moroccan birds stay in the country, migrating only lOOkm to the south. Because they remain in the country, it is possible to protect them in winter as well as during the breeding season, and the Moroccan authori- ties are keen to establish a national park or nature reserve covering the best breeding colony as well as the best wintering grounds in a single reserve. (From World Wildlife News) Fishing is fun, but . . . Fhe Council for En- vironmental Conservation’s \'outh Unit has produced a leaflet Young Anglers and Wildlife which suggests how young anglers may ha\ e fun fishing but also pxiints out some of the dangers to our disappearing wildlife, to fishes and their habitat — the water. I he leaflet will be circulated among the younger anglers — and, we would hope, among some of the older ones too! Copies are available free on receipt of stamped addressed envelope (25 X 15 cm) from CoEnCx), Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park, Eondon nw 1 4ry. The Royal Naval Birdwatching Society The RN'BW S has widened its membership to include all those interested in birdwatching and who share a common background — the sea. Present membership, which is about 350, comprises birdwatchers from the merchant navies of several countries, ocean weatherships, the olTshore oil industry, the Royal Navy, and the Civil Service, and reports cover most sea areas ol the world. The primary aim of the RN B\\ S is to provide a forum for the exchange of information and observations of seabirds and landbirds at sea. I'he secondary aim is to co-ordinate the ellorts of individual members using standar- dised recording methods so that observations can be of value to the professional ornitholo- gist ashore. Fhe annual journal Sea Swallow is available to non-members at £3.00. Ordinary membership is at present £2.50 (but goes up to £5.00 from 1st January 1982) for which, in addition to Sea Swallow, members receive the RNBWS Bulletin two or three times a year. •Address: Honorary Secretary, RNBWS, 23 St David’s Road, Southsea, Hampshire Po5 Iqh. Rarities committee for southern Africa We have just heard from j. C. Sinclair that a rarities committee has been formed by the Southern .African Ornithological Society, based on the procedures of the British Birds Rarities Ciommittee. .Anyone interested should contact J. C. Sinclair, S.AOS Rarities Committee, Durban Museum, PO Box 4085, Durban 4000. New recorder for Cambridgeshire C. A. E. Kirtland, 22 Montgomery Road, Cambridgeshire cb4 2eq, has now taken o\ er from .Mrs I. Jennings as recorder for Cambridgeshire. ‘The Birds of Kent’ Publication of this 25- year review is expected in December 1981. It will cost £13.95, but may be ordered now for £9.95 (plus £1.25 p & p), from the Kent Ornithological Society, U'innats, Whitehill Road, Meopham, Kent da 13 0ns. ‘The Birds of Wiltshire’ This Ixxtk, edited by John Buxton, is shortly to be published by the Eibrary and Museum Ser\ ice of \\ ilt- shire County Council. Price in the shops is likely to be £5.50. List of the birds of Spain Fhe Council for Europe Newsletter Nature reports that the first complete list of the birds of Spain has been published. The list covers 407 species and represents the first attempt to collect all the information available on the status of Spanish birds. Details from I. de Boro\ iczeny, .Aizgorri 5, Madrid 28, Spain. ‘Birds of Malta’ .4 Neu' Guide to the Birds oj Malta by Joe Sultana and CTarles Gaud, w ith colour plates by Rodney Ingram, is due in November 1981. .All the proceeds from the sale of this book, which costs £6.90 (p & p included), go to the Ornithological Society (MOS), P() Box 498, \ alletta, Malta. Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of the editors of British Birds Recent reports K. Allsopp and R. A. Hume These are largely unchecked reports, not authenticated records Dates in this report refer to July unless otherwise stated. 1 he weather during the first six days was unsettled as eastward moving weather-fronts crossed the country. Rather warmer air Irom southern Europe, however, arri\ed on the 7th as an anticyclone settled over western Europe. This had declined by 10th, when cooler westerly air returned. High pressure then developed to the west and persisted until the end of the month, bringing mainly cool but diy northwesterlies. Wading birds .\s in previous Julys, theearK return-passage of northern waders was the main feature of the month, although the absence of easterly winds meant no large influxes. The predomi- nant species reported moving soutfi along tlie English east coast was Curlew Numenius arquata, with a lesser number of Whimbrels N. phaeopus. A few Spmtted Redshanks Tringa eiythropus. Curlew Sandpipers Calidris Jerruginea, Little Stints C. minula, Temminck’s Stints C. lemminckii and Red- necked Phalarof>es Phalaropus lobatus were reported as expected, but the totally un- expected species, as usual, received the most attention. East July, several White-rumped Sandpipers Calidris Juscicollis arri\ed on the cast side of the country and this was repeated this year, with singles at Cley (Norfolk) on 2.ath, Top Hill Low (Humberside) on 29th, and Sidlesham (West Sussex) on 2nd ■August. I’hese records again suggest that these individuals were not recent trans- atlantic \agrants. The same applies to the reported Long-billed Dowitcher Limno- drornus scolopaceus at Elrnley (Kent) on 7th, and a Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes at Budlc Bay (.Northumberland) on 12th. Records of Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris melanotos, howe\ er, at Cley on 25th, Grafham W ater (Cambridgeshire) on 18th and Black- toft (Humberside) on 29th, normally accepted passage migrants from North .America, perhaps indicate otherwise. I he occurrence of fi\e eastern rarities, was. however, unexpected; a Marsh Sandpiper Tringa slagnatilis at .Minsmere (Suffolk) on 14th to 24th, Terek Sandpipers Xenus cinereus at Eotton (Hampshire) on 20th and .Minsmere on 1st .August, a Greater Sand Plover Charadnus leschenaullii at Spurn Point (Humberside) on 29th to 31st and a Collared Pratincole Clareola pralincola at Donna Nook (Lincolnshire) on 11th. I'wo Spxenbills Plalalea leucorodia arri\ ed at Cliffe (Kent) on 4th, and an immature was seen at nearby Elrnley on 18th and anotfier at Kil- lingholmc (Humberside) on 3rd. Earlier, 267. f wo adult .Spoont)ills Plalalea leucorodia, with four Grey Herons Ardea cinerea, Kent. July 1981 (R.J. Chandler) 450 Recent reports 451 falcinellus on 12th, with one on 18th, and a Little Egret Egretta garzetta on 12th. The latter species was reported also from Leighton Moss (Lancashire). Seabirds and terns A lew Sooty Shearwaters Pujfinus grisens were seen moving ofT the English northeast coast and Cory’s Shearwaters Caloneclris diomedea were reported Irom Sunderland ( I yne & V\ ear) on 24th and Spurn Point in late July. A Little Shearwater Pujfinus assimilis was an exciting record from Portland Bill (Dorset) on 29th and an early Long- tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus also occurred there on 7th, with others seen on Fetlar (Shetland) on 16th and 19th. .\ Pomarine Skua S. pomarinus was reported from the Wash (Norfolk) on 24th. Further summer reports of Caspian Terns SUma caspia came from Peesmouth (Cleveland) and the Ouse Washes (Cambridgeshire) on 12th, and White-winged Black Terns Chidonias leuivplerus, still in summer plumage, were found at Rye (fiast Sussex) in late June, Stodrnarsh (Kent) on Pith, .Sizewell (Suffolk) on 17th and Cley on 27th. A more unusual visitor to the east coast of England was a Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle at Filey Brigg (North Yorkshire) on 1 1th. Birds of prey The only unusual species reported was a Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus at Spurn Point late in the month. A Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus visited Gibraltar Point (Lincolnshire) on 25th and 26th and a Honey Buzzard Pemis apivorus was reported from Thursley Common (Surrey) on 19th. Smaller landbirds Lack of insects in the airspace during the cool summer probably accounted for the early large concentrations of Swifts Apus apus moving through coastal areas, 16,000 being estimated at Gibraltar Point on 16th, and large numbers at Dungeness (Kent) on several days. .\n Alpine Swift .4. melba flew around Tonbridge (Kent) from 25th to 27th. More exotic vagrants were a Bee-eater Merops apiaster 2Li .Axminster (Devon) on 28th, and Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus at Gibraltar Point on 4th and Berrow (Somer- set) on 28th June. Migrant warblers were rather scarce at the observatories, but Dungeness did manage Melodious Warblers Hippolais polyglotta on 19th, 28th and 29th and Portland also logged one on 30th and 31st. Of greater rarity for Portland was a Willow Tit Parus montanus in early July. .\ lone Woodchat Shrike Imhius senator was rep>orted summering in Oxfordshire. Latest news Early-mid September: Spurn Point was scoring heavily with two Buff-breasted Sandpipers Tryngiles subruficollis, White- rumped Sandpiper, possible Western Sandpiper Calidris maun and Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis, Arctic Phylloscopus borealis and Booted Warblers Hippolais caligata; Alpine Swift at Portland, White- winged Black Tern at Grafham Water (Cambridgeshire). Review The Evolutionary Ecology of Animal Migration. By R. R. Baker. Hodder & Stoughton, London, 1978. xvii + 1012 pages; numerous black- and-white photographs and line-drawings. £35.00. Reviewers as a class must surely agree with Callimachus of ancient .Alexandria, w ho put forward the profxtsition that ‘a great book is a great evil’. The prospect of dealing adequately and fairly with a tome of this bulk caused much delay in the construction of my review and sorely tried the editor’s patience. It is easy enough to find fault with such a publication, but I had in mind another large book, albeit a mere 653 pages, which few read from cover to cover, yet which stimulated much fruitful debate and research. This was Wynne- Edwards’s Animal Dispersal in Relation to Social Behaviour, published in 1962. .Might not Baker’s be another such catalytic compilation? 452 Review Other reviewers ha\e pitched in with less restraint and hammered Baker. I'hey ha\e condemned him for his tortuous, repetitive style; for using tedious, incomprehensible jargon and algebraic symbols difiicult to remember and continually modified by subscripts and superscripts; for developing vague, unhelpful definitions; for straying repeatedly into irrele\ ant, trivial topics; for composing figure legends of inordinate length; for wasting main- pages with large useless photographs. It is easy to agree with the implication that we ha\e here a very Polythemus of a book — monstrum horrendum, injorme, ingens, cui lumen ademptum — if my schoolboy recollection of that famous stumbling hexameter is correct. Certainly there is no call to thrust another beam into the savaged eye, regardless of one’s own motes. Perhaps, to paraphrase \\ augh, inside every fat book there is a slim \ olume trying to get out. ■ \nd, thank goodness, during my self-imposed delay, there has appeared The Mystery oj Migration, with Baker as Consultant Editor. Phis draws heavily on our monster, yet is only one-quarter of its price (despite having superb colour pictures). Slim Baker is a much better bin than Fat Baker and surely few private persons will now purchase the latter. Nevertheless, it should find a place in major reference libraries, for it is as a wide-ranging source-book that its value lies. It is highly appropriate that the first reference Baker makes is to Heape (Walter, not L, riah — one does not sense much interest in ’umbleness). So who is Heape, I can hear my readers asking. It is not a name that readih comes to mind today. \’et for many years his book Emigration, Migration and Nomadism, published in 1931 with 369 pages of unembellished text, was the only general oi erview available. 1 for one was grateful in the late 1940s for its guidance, though the specialist works of Landsborough I homson were more stimulating. .Maybe Baker will serv e his purpose as a latter-day Heape? Does he have any stimulating ideas to oiler? Seeking a unifying theme, he postulates that evervdav mo\ ements are no different in kind from migration, which, after various contortions, he defines as ‘the act of nioving from one spatial unit to another". This expansion to absurdity is one reason for the inflated bulk of the book. ,Mo\ing (or migrating) on, he develops the concept of a ‘life-time track’, in passing along which from birth to death each individual builds up a complex of remembered landmarks. An animal released with such landmarks above the \ isible horizon (or detectable with other senses) will know in which direction to turn if it is to reach home. I his idea, of some limited relevance, is again expanded to absurdit\ by equating the whole population range with the indiiidual’s lifetime track. Thus, the Manx Shearwater released in Boston, .Massachusetts, is assumed to have had individual knowledge of much of the North and .South .Atlantic to enable its return to Skokholm, over ,3,000 km away, in I2V2 days. .Admitting that there are cases where birds homed from areas where they could not ha\e detected any previously encountered landmarks, Baker falls back on a ‘least-na\igation’ hypothesis. Under this, the bird develops generalised reactions to landscape features. I hus, if there is a range of hills visible to the south of its home, the birds will fly north (they are allowed astronomical and/or magnetic compasses) from any unknown range of hills. Baker endea\ours to convince us that what was generally accepted as the first ( 1949) unequiiocal demonstration of true navigation — pigeons showing homeward orientation towards Cambridge from three, radically different directions — is consistent with such crafty deductions from topography. He seems unaware that this concept was laboriously, and just as unconvincingly, advanced by .Arnotild-Taylor & .Malewski in 19.3.3. Despite such lapses, the list of references, which must number more than 1,4()0. is wide- ranging and useful. .A feature is the use of the list as an author-index, the pages on which each reference appears being given in parentheses. Nowadays, those responsible for handing out government and other grants are said to judge a researcher’s worth by his citation index. 4’his is based on the frequency with which his work is cited by others in the field. Checking through Baker’s citations, the league table for ornithological contributions to migration appears to be Dorst 37, Matthews 34, Bellrose 27, Lack 22, Newton 22, .Moreau 18, Voous 14, F\ans 13, Hamilton 12, Keeton 12, and W'alroll 12, with the rest nowhere. .An interesting list and open to varying interpretations! It would only be polite to end on a gracious note. .-Xnd, indeed, the massi\e, unrelenting industry that went into writing this book must truly be saluted. The main fault lay with Baker's advisers thinking that big is beautiful and that a book should be able to stand firmly on its ow n two covers. CU \". I . Matthews Book Bargains for Bird Enthusiasts Develop your expertise with our specialist books The Birds & Natural History Book Society Whatever your interest in birds and wildlife, make the most of it through membership of the Birds & Natural History Book Society . . . ap- proved by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as furthering its essential role in develo- ping interest in birds and their place in the countryside. We offer a very wide range of books on bird- watching, conservation, in-depth studies of indivi- dual species, and birds as part of the wider natural history and country scene — and there is immense choice. 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THE BRllISH TRUST FOR ORNI- THOLOGY is an organisation which binds together thousands of amateur bird watchers spread throughout Britain and a small stalfof professional biologists at Tring. Together they find pleasure and satisfaction in tackling projects that provide facts on which conservation can be based. All is more fully set out in our brochure Put Yourself in the Picture. Please send for a copy to; The British Trust for Ornithology, Dept. BB, Beech Grove, Station Road, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 SNR. (BB383) BOOKS ON BIRDS Catalogue on request WHELDON & WESLEY LIMITED LYTTON LODGE CODICOTE Nr, HITCHIN HERTS. SG4 8TE Tel. Stevenage (0438) 820370 (BB382) r I British Birds Book Offers I Please tick books required. Prices valid during October 1 981 . I All books sent post free within UK and Eire. £7.95 □ £6.95 □ £5.95 □ £7.95 □ £9.95 □ £4.95 □ £0.50 □ £9.50 □ £12.00 □ Birdwatching in the Seventies Ian Wallace (Macmillan) A Notebook of Birds — 1907-1980 by Jim Flegg (Macmillan) Birdwatchers Yearbook 1982 edited by John E. Pemberton (Buckingham Press) Frontiers of Bird Identification edited by J. T. R. Sharrock (Macmillan) Wildfowl of Europe by Myrtyn Owen (Macmillan) Bill Oddie's Little Black Bird Book by Bill Oddie (Eyre Methuen The British Birds Ust of Birds of the Western Palearctic (British Birds) The Popular Handbook of British Birds by P. A. D. Hollom (Witherby) The Popular Handbook of Rarer British Birds by P. A. D. Hollom (Witherby) Make all cheques and POs payable to British Birds. For overseas orders, please add 50p. Payment can be made directly into UK Giro account number 37 588 6303. Name Address Cheque/PO for £ enclosed Send to BB Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. (BB399) 1 \ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I J VIII L CVGflllf UPlIDUPC BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS FOR 1982 Nepal 21 day tour from 16th January to 5th February 1982 Leader: Peter Clement £1,235 Northern Thailand 20 day tour from 23rd January to 11th February 1982 Leader: Phil Round £935 Northern India and the Himalayan foothills 19 day tour from 8th to 26th February 1982 Leader: David Hunt £870 Texas 17 day tour from 1st to 17th April 1982 Leader: David Holman £685 Soviet Central Asia 18 day tour £880 Also planned: Northern Greece Kashmir and Ladakh Seychelles Japan The Gambia Kenya Sri Lanka May 1982 August 1982 August 1982 September 1982 November 1982 Christmas 1982 February 1983 For full information and colour brochure of our 1982 programme, contact our resident ornithologist, Paul Dukes. cvcmif iimiHiPc Worldwide Holidays Southwest Travel Ltd ’? '• % Fore Street Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 IPY a Ig t Telephone 0548 3181 Telex 45639 (Comput G) P57 (BB406) IX THE NEW RINGER’S BAG from KINGSMILL-RAYMENT MARKETING Introducing the exciting new purpose- made RINGER’S BAG designed for use while working in the field, it allows you to carry your field equipment safely yet comfortably by your side. Consisting of six well designed pockets, the large 8’/2 in x 9 in main pocket holds weights, rules, and books, while the smaller front pocket is used to carry a selection of rings, the deep side pockets hold pliers, and pen knife in place, and the side loops accommodate a flash light for work at night. The new RINGER’S BAG is of light- weight construction yet very strong with stitched and riveted seams to withstand the demands of field work. Fits any size belt, or can be supplied with strong leather or web belts. THE RINGER’S BAG £9.95 WEB or LEATHER BELTS £3.95 Including VAT and carriage. KINGSMILL-RAYMENT MARKETING 11 Grasmere Road, Lightwater, Surrey (bb372) We offer LARGE Discounts on oil these famous brands of binoculars and telescopes BINOCULARS BY: Zeiss (East & West) Leitz Swift Kowa Greenkat Pentax Hartman Habicht Bushnell Mirador Tasco Heron Steiner, etc. TELESCOPES BY: Schmidt & Bender Nickel Supra Televari Swift Kowa Optolyth Mirador Bushnell Discover (Bausch & Lomb) This extensive range may be viewed in the quiet and comfort of our showrooms, with views of over two miles distance We are open Mon.-Fri. 9 am - 5pm (Thurs 9 30 a m ■ 1 p m ) and Sat. 9.30 a m - 4.30 p.m. For those who cannot call personally ALL our goods are available by MAIL ORDER and are insured during transit. Despatch is normally made within thirtysix hours of receipt of the order and our FOURTEEN DAY APPROVAL scheme applies . We provide a FREE PRICE LIST and "BUYER S GUIDE TO BINOCULAR OWNERSHIP and orders can be placed by telephone using your Access or Barclaycard - TICK . BOX ^TelescopesQ BinocularsQ Please send 30p postage for catalogue. llDgram OPTICAL COMPANY 23/25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. CM14 4ER. (BB350) / (0277) 221259/219418/210913 Address . Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be PREPAID £3.60 Jot 3 lines (minimum) £I .20 for each whole or part extra line. Classified display £3.00 a centimetre (min. 2 centimetres) For the use of a box number there is a charge of £I .00 Replies to: The AD\ ER TISEMENT MANA GER British Birds, Macmillan Journals Ltd., 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R3LE HO LI DA Y A CCOMMODA TION HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr Bruce Campbell and Ted GrilTiths based at the Talland Bay Hotel on the South Cornish Coast. Parties have identified over 1 10 species. Special Birds and flowers week in May. Course dates and brochure from Talland Bay Hotel, Nr. Looe, Cornwall. Telephone Polperro (0503) 72667. (BB49) SOUTHWOLD AA** hotel, central heating en-suite bedrooms, good wines and food. Ideal base for Minsmere and surrounding area. Write/phone; Pier Avenue Hotel, Southwold 722632. (BB287) NR. NORTOLK, 4 m Blakeney. Ciharming luxurv cottages, sleep 4 & 7. Tel: Walter 0509- 42324. (BB333) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beeston, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Fakenham. Tittleshall 205. (BB42) FOWEY, CORNWALD-ESTUARY. Charac- ter cottage, sleeps six, fireplace, fuel provided. All electric, TV, good walks. Oliver, Yeate Farm, Bodinnick, Fowey. Polruan 256. (BB323) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Tradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated National Trust beauty area. Abundant wildlife, naturalists’ paradise. To let fortnightly. SAE: Whiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) ‘WARM AND COMFORTABLE Highland farm accommodation with good food, good beds h&c. Lnge. Col. TV. Substantial Dinner B&B £ 10. inc. (lots of animals), Mrs Swann, Ardgarry Farm, Faichem, Invergarry (080 93) 226. Inverness-shire. 8 miles south of Loch Ness. (BB344) NEAR RYE, EAST SUSSEX. Inexpensive bargain breaks, beautiful Georgian Country- House Hotel. Flamingoes, migratory and sea birds. Tel: 079 721 381. (BB225) IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND AND WALES Peaceful Country Cottages, Cotswolds, .Malvern Hills, Wye \’alley, Shropshire, XN'arwickshire, .Mid/North Wales. Brochure 20p stamp COTT.AGE HOLIDAYS Blackmore Find, Hanley Swan, Worcester WR8 OEE Tel: (068 43) 786 (BB23I) THE SILVERDALE HOTEL, Cumbria/Lancs border. Nr Leighton Moss bird sanctuary, Vzhr to the Lakes. Family run hotel offering range of bar meals, restaurant and comfortable accommoda- tion. f’or brochure: Silverdale, Nr Carnforth, Lancs. Tel: Silverdale 701206. (BB391) ISLE OF TIREE. The Lodge Hotel, bird- watchers’ paradise island. Self-catering flats and full board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, Tiree. Tel: 08792 368. (BB46) DUNSYRE, LANARKSHIRE. Attractive holi- day cottages on private estate sleeping 4 & 6. Warm, comfortable and \ery well equipped. Variety of wildlife. Apply Lee & Ciarnwath Estates, Ciarnwath, Lanark. I'el: Carnwath (055584) 273. (BB244) CLEY — when visiting C3ey .Marshes and Blakeney Point you are welcome to call at the George and Dragon Hotel. .Accommodation, bars and meals. Tariff upon application, write or tel: The George & Dragon Hotel, Cley, Holt. Norfolk. Tel: Cley (0263) 740652. (BB239) GALLOWAY. Excellent accommodation. Route A7 1 3 to Loch Ken. Threave 2 miles. B& B £5.75, dinner optional. Mrs \. Gibson, Craignair, 32 •Abercromby Road, Castle Douglas DG7 IB.A. Tel: 0556 21 12. ' (BB299) THORPENEiSS Suffolk coast near Minsmere. Holiday house cheap rates Spring and .Autumn passage periods. Tel: Earl Soham 223 evenings. (BB386) BAMBURGH FLAT from 10th Oct onwards. Centre village. Fames, Budle Bay, Cheviots. E. Wilson, Keswick Cott, Northumberland. 06684 288. (BB369) W. SUSSEX, V isit .Arundel Wildfowl Trust. Black Mill House Hotel, Bognor Regis. Marine Gardens, Sea — 2 mins. Games room, cocktail bar, lounges, (sep TV). Enclosed Garden. .A.A*, .Ashley Courtenay Reed. Erom £92 pw, B&B from £10. Mini- Breaks open Christmas. Own Car Park. Tel: (0243) 821945. (BB370) FAIRWINDS, CARRBRIDGE, Inverness- shire. Three alpine chalets and 2 flats to let. Surrounded by woods and fields. Excellent area for birdwatching, including crested tits. SAE: Dunlop. Tel: 240. (BB362) XI THE SILVERDALE HOTEL, t umbria/l.aius border, nr. Leighton .Moss Bird Sanetuary. hall- honr to the Lakes, lainiK run liotel ollering range ol bar meals and restaurant. Lor brothure: .Sil\erdale. nr. ('arnlt)rih. Lanes, l ei: .SiUerdale 7()l20t>. (BBdHU) HOLT — the ideal base for Norfolk bird- watehing — a choice of modernised, excellently furnished and equipped flint cottages in quiet private courtyard on the edge of Holt. Central heating is included in our olf-season rates and we offer weekend terms too. For details, please contact Jeremy Siddall, C.arpenters Ciottages, Carpenters Close, Holt. Tel: 0572 56515. (BB371) SPAIN BIRDING April-June 1982. Parties of 3 or 4 only by Range Rover. See Imperial and four other Spanish Eagles, Great and Little Bustards, Black Stork, Black Vulture, Purple Galinule, Black-shouldered Kite, White-headed Duck, Eagle Owl, plus up to 200 other species. 5, 8 and 11 -day holidays from £290 totally inclusice London/London, fom Cullick, c/o ■Simbird. 2 I.ower .Sloane St, London SW 1 8BJ or phone 01-730 titiOO. (BB365) CLEY— BIRDWATCH as you breakfast! All year round B& B in \ ery comfortable home, directly overlooking bird reserve and salt marshes. .Man and Sheila Hart, Lhe Saltings, Coast Road, CMey. I'el: 740645. (BB1070) TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking RSPB Reserve. The .Manor Hotel oilers comfortable accommodation and good food throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. .Special ‘Bird-Watchers’ weekends monthly Irom November to March, and 2- or 3-day breaks during the same period. Postal address: King's Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8BB. 1 clephone: Brancastcr (048 521) 221. (BB303) ISLE OF ISLAY. .Attractive, well equipped cottages sleeping 2-4 people. Situated by beach in peaceful village of Port Charlotte. Full details/ brochure .Mrs James Roy, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay. Argyllshire PA48 ’7UI). Fel: 049 685 208. (BB269) SNETTISHAM RESERVE. Westdene House Hotel is midway between this fine reserve and the .Sandringham estate. W c offer delicious food, cosy accommodation, attentive ser\ ice and restaurant and residential licence. Bargain breaks: Oct- .\pril. Tel: Dersingham 403!)5. (BB342) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautiful Chin valley near tlie Welsh border. I'he area has an excellent wild bird population and an interesting flora and fauna. W ithin easy reach of Ludlow. Elan Valley. Ofl'a’s Dyke, Longmynd, tliis stock rearing farm of 400 acres has magnificent views added to its attractions. .At Upper House one hnds complete relaxation and a pampered, intimate atmosphere. B&B, EM optional. Fel: Bucknell 319 or SAE: Mrs I). M. Williams, U[)per Farm, Hopton Castle, Craven Arms, Salop. (BBI069) 16TH C SUFFOLK LONGHOUSE. Luxury accommodation within easy reach of coast and .Minsrnere. Private bathrooms, fine English food, lovely rural setting. Old Swan House, Clreting- ham, Woodbridge. Suffolk. Tel: Earl Soham 633. (BB279) MID WALES. Wide choice of self-catering farmhouse, cottages, etc., throughout mid Wales. Brochure from: .Mid Wales Holiday, Newtown, Pow'ys. Tel: 09745 320. ' (BB4) NORTH NORFOLK. ( loast 3 miles. 1 /th century barnhouse. Friendly welcome. Home cooking. Lovely woetded area. B&B also E.M if required. .Mrs B. Clarke, Barn House, Hernp- stead-by-Holt, .Norfolk. Pel: Holt 2473. (BB374) ' ISLES OF SC ILLY— ST. MARY’S. Friendly atmosphere in a Family run Licensed Guest House overlooking the harbour. ()|)cn 1st February until the end of Octoltcr. S.AF, lor details or telephone I'onv or Linda Dingley 0720 22327. ’ (BB393) KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE. High standard cliaractcr cottages on beautiful private estate near Castle Douglas. .Abundant w ildlife. 1 hreave and Caerlaverock nearby. S.AI7 Gavin Bain, .Munches, Castle Douglas DG7 IPD. (BB396) NATIONAL TRUST VILLAGE oti Exmoor. Self-catering holiday cottage and llat.s — centrally heated — near Pollock. .Sea. .Moors, Woods and .Marshes within walking distance. .Malcolm and ■Sheila W right. I he Pack Horse, .Allerfbnd .Nr .Minehead. Tel: 0643 862475. (BB400) ORKNEY. Our island hotel, ideal centre for ornithologists. Haltitat, moorland, shore, cliffs, within easy walking distance. Brochure from: Faversoe, Hotel, Rousav. Fel: 085 682 325. (BB40I) KING’S ARMS HOTEL, Castle Douglas. AA** RS.ACI, Egon Ronay and .Ashley Courtney recommended. 10% reduction lor ornithologists. (BB404) STAY IN COTSWOLDS. Year-round Holiday cottage in secluded orchard of listed building by Landmark 1 rust Scheme. F Lilly ec|uipi)cd. .Sleeps 4. Heating inclusive. Write: Rolt, .Stanley Pontlarge, W inchcombe. (Bos. (BB397) REPAIRS BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE RE- PAIRS. Fast efficient service on all makes and types by expert technicians at L&L Optical. 50 .Alston Road. Barnet, Herts. Fel: 01-441 0990. (BB229) GLAMORGAN BIRD REPORT, including Gower, 1-20 post paid. Mr R. J. Martin, 28 St David's Cresc., Penarth, South Glam. CF6 21,1'. (BB367). WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS SNOWDONIA AND LLEYN PENINSULA. Many species of birds visit here. .Spend a week birdwatching in one of our small, guided groups. Beginners es[)ecially welcome. S.AF, for details. John I'aylor, Bron-y-Maen, North Road, Caernarfon, Gwy nedd. Fel: 0286 2683. (BB59) xit BIRD REPORTS SHETLAND BIRD REPORT 1980— £1.70 post free. Previous years available. R. Johnson, Flast Voe, Scalloway. (BB390) WANTED WANTED BY RSPB— 1982: Seasonal paid wardens for protection schemes and survey work on rare breeding birds. Applicants must be available for whole of April to August 1982 and must be fit, intelligent, single, and at least 20; good bird knowledge and impeccable references essential. Further details from Mike Everett, Species Protection Dept, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL. (s.a.e. please). (BB364) FOR SALE HAWKINS Walking Boots and Shoes, Camouflage Waterproofs, Outdoor Accessories, Reduced Prices. B. Timson 3 Station Rd., Elmesthorpe, Leicester. SAE for Brochure. (BB331) KEEP YOUR COPIES of Bntish Birds for easy reference. It’s so easy and tidy with the Easibind binder to file your copies. Each binder is designed to hold 12 issues and is attractively bound and blocked with the British Birds’ logo. Price UK £3.65 including postage, packing and \'AT. Overseas orders add 25p. Easibind Ltd., 4 Ux- bridge Street, London W8 7SZ. Tel. 01-737 0686. (BB1050) BROADHURST CLARKSON TELESCOPE 2V4 in object lens with pancratic eyepiece 25 X 30X 35x 40X mag. Sling case. Sound condition. £65 ono. Oxford area. Phone 0844 53198. (BB387) FOR SALE: Bannerman; Birds of the British Isles. Set c/w dust jackets; mint condition. £300. I cI: 0843 294657. (BB395) BAUSCH AND LOMB Discoverer — as new, with camera adapter (Pentax screw) and case. £145. I'elephone 0242 42915. (Cheltenham). (BB389) AN OIL PAINTING from your favourite bird photograph or drawing, S.AE for illustrated leaflet. C. Warren, 20 Torrinch Dr., Balloch, Scotland. (BB388) WATERPROOF AND WARMWEAR, fabrics and patterns, all accessories. For prices, stamp please: TORfB), 5 Lvndon Grove, Runcorn WA7 5PP. ' (BB27) BOOKS BOOKS ON BIRDS. N ew and secondhand, catalogue 30p. Surplus bird books urgently- sought. Open 'Fhursday to Saturday, Bird Books of Sevenoaks, House of Seal, Church Street, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent. I el: Sevenoaks 62 155. (BB35) BRITISH BIRDS vols 52-54. 56-61 bound, 42, 46, 54-6, 64-72 unbound. W'itherby’s Handbook (2 sets). -Monographs Heron, Dotterel, etc. Various books on -African birds. .Moreau, Praed and Grant, etc. Bowen, 76 Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcs. (BB394) FINE NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS bought and sold. R. Norman. Fhe Book-Squirrel, Hart- on-the-Hill, Dalton Piercev, Hartlepool, C.le\e- land. ’ (BB89) OUT-OF-PRINT BIRD BOOKS bought and sold. Catalogue on request. Please offer your surplus books to Jay Books, 1 Roull Gro\e, Edinburgh. (BB34) THE BIRD BOOKSHOP (Scottish Ornitho- logists’ Club) — We are leading specialists in new books covering all aspects of ornithology and all parts of the world; over 600 titles in stock; world- wide mail order service; post free to SOC mem- bers (except small orders); free 30 page booklist from Fhe Bird Bookshop, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, Dept. I, 21 Regent Ferrace, Edinburgh EH 7 5B'F; phone (031) 556 6042 (office hours only; -Mon.-Fri. 9-1, 2-5). (BBI38) BIRD BCK3KS. Good Secondhand books bought and sold. Free catalogue from, and offers to, Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire, C:W6 O-NJ. Tel: 0829 51804. (BB402) STOP PRESS TRANQUIL LAMBSQUAY HOTEL, Wye/ Dean Forest, Coleford, Glos. Excellent food and wine, 2 nights or more £15 pp, D, B&B. S/C flat let weekly. Tel: (0594) 33127. (BB405) Quick, neat and easy! It's so easy and tidy with the Easibind binder to file your copies away. Each binder is designed to hold 12 issues and is attractively bound and blocked with the BRITISH BIRDS logo. Price UK E3.65 including postage, packing and VAT. Overseas orders add 25p per binder Nat. Giro No. 5157552. Please allow 3/4 weeks for fulfilment of order. Why not place your order rraw? Send the completed coupon below with remittance payable to: — Eosfeind Ltd^ 4 Uxbrki9e St^ London. W8 7SZ. i I Order Form BRITISH BIRDS I enclose PO/cheqoe veiue tor benders Years requved BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE Name Actoress Regeirstton No 3174^9 i I ©I xiii Publication 27th November ESTUARY BIRDS of Britain and Ireland by A. J. Prater The Birds of Estuaries Enquiry is the basis for this report on the British and Irish estuaries and the distribution and numbers of birds generally present. There are also chapters on estuarine ecology, the threats to estuaries and their birds, the migrations and distributions of estuary birds in western Europe, and the organisation and interpretation of the bird counts. There are 40 drawings by John Busby, and more than 170 species distribution maps. 440 pages plus 16 pages photographs £14.00 net Publication 23rd October The Birdwatcher’s Dictionary by Peter Weaver More than 1100 words and terms defined for the relative novice and the experienced birdwatcher. Illustrated by Michael Hodgson. 156 pages, £5.00 net T & A D POYSER Calton, Waterhouses, Staffs. JiirufCBirJ P O Box 1 96 Planetarium Station New YORK. NY 1 0024 USA (212) 866-7923 The Asia Specialists 1982 / Birding Tours HIMALAYAS Nepal/Darjeeling 2 April- 1 May Kashmir 2-9 May Both tours led by BEN KING, Asia’s foremost field birder, author of A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. Write for itinerary. (BB306y Help BB! With an even larger circula- tion, we could keep subscrip- tion prices down and have more pages each month. Persuade a friend to subscribe . . . Name Address Postcode 12 issues and index for £18 (£13.50 if resident in UK or Eire and member of RSPB, SOC, IVVC or certain kxal bird clubs), il concessionary rate claimed: Name of society Name ol secretary Subscription to start in 19... Cheque for £ enclosed. Send to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Rlunham, Bedford MK44 3Nj. (BB261) XIV «ien watching wild Mwl and waders, caan even be used r ' studying issserines and ing birds. )(:p marks for hirst-class sstrument.” wrence G. illoway Ornithoiidays. A pride of craftmanship, which creates a pride of ownership through the high quality optics from Bushnell, a division of Bausch & Lomb. Those beautifully finished, high resolution binoculars and telescopes are 100% lens coated allowing bright, crisp and eye-comfortable viewing. Stylishly and sturdily constructed to ensure that the optical elements remain in alignment minimising servicing problems. Spacemaster 20 x 60. A fast focusing prismatic telescope giving 20x magnification. Field width 124ft. at 1000yds. Length 11% inches. With standard thread tripod mount. Spacemaster 20-45 x 60 Zoom. A versatile telescope with zoom from 20 to 45 power. Field width 37ft. at 1000yds. Length 11% inches. Tripod mount. Discoverer 15-60 x 60 Zoom. Top quality telescope zooming from 15 to 60 power. Field width at 15x is 156ft. at 1000yds., and 60 x is 40ft. Length 17V2 inches. With tripod mount. Explorer 10 x 50. An all-purpose, fast focusing binocular with ‘Squint-Pruf haze filters. Field width 420ft. at 1000yds. Height 4% inches. Weight 27ozs. al ' 20-45 ' SPACEMASTER incIVAT / EX^ORER inclVAT ^6 British Birds Volume 74 Number 10 October 1981 4 1 1 The ‘British Birds* Best Bird Book of the Year 4 1 1 Aleutian Tern: new to the western Palearctic A. E. Dixey, A. Ferguson, R. Heywood and A. R. Taylor 416 Fifty years ago . . . 417 Seabird movements along the east coast of England D. I. M. Wallace and Dr W. R. P. Bourne 426 Personalities 26 David Glue Dr Jim Flegg 428 Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Dr R.J. Chandler and Don Smith 438 Mystery photographs 58 Willet A. J, Prater Notes 439 C^anada Goose flying with trap attached to one foot A. F. G. Walker 440 Brent Geese ‘shooting the rapids’ L. P. Alder 440 Goots eating fish Ron Berry 440 Camouflage of crouching Jack Snipe DrW.Beere 44 1 Sand Martins feeding on ground Dr C. F. Mason 441 Sand Martins resting on close-mown turf Carl F. Nicholson 442 Swallows breeding in derelict tin mine Alan Green and Bernard King 443 Tail-wagging by Isabelline VVheatear Graham P. Galley 444 Tail-cocking by Sedge Warbler M. Mellor 444 C:all-notes of migrant Bonelli’s Warblers P. D. Round Letters 444 Tree Pipits showing pale ‘ear’ spot S. C. Madge 445 Identification of first-winter Marsh and Reed Warblers Dr D.J. Pearson 446 Tail-cocking by Moustached V\ arblers D. /. M. Wallace', G.J. Oreel Announcements 447 Peterson Sound Guide discs and cassettes special offer 447 Please resubscribe now 447 ‘Popular Handbook’ and ‘Rarer Handbook’ 447 Book offers 447 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 450 Recent reports K. Allsopp and R. A. Hume Review 451 The Evolutionary Ecology oj Animal Migration by R. R. Baker Professor G. I’. T. Matthews Line-drawings: 41 1 Aleutian Tern {P.J- Grant)', 417-423 seabirds {D. I. M. Wallace)', 450 Marsh Sandpiper (Paul N. Collin)', 451 Greater Sand Plover and Ringed Plover (P.J. Dunn) Front cover: Bittern taking off {David Thelwell): original drawing can be purchased in postal auction, see page 47 in January issue for procedure. ;;"^-<'yyyyy ... "^'''yy x>^-\ yyyyy, ^ ^ ' ^yyyyyy,. yy'^/y, " fy ''y^y'^ '^ -y/ ■ yyyyyyy 'yyyyyy '^yy^.. .zyyy^^ '^^yyy yy''^yy>yy//yy. '^y^yyyy ' ^‘^f<'\ iyy. yy/y^. Zyy:"'' yyy^y//.yy//§fy;. -'"m^.,., Books for Christmas Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1980 Mystery photographs News and comment Recent reports Review British Birds Managing Editor DrJ. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Editorial Assistant Personal Assistant David A. Christie Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & DrJ. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Dr R. J. Chandler & Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Chairman), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J, Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Litde, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, R. F. Porter & DrJ. T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary), 195 \’icarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex T\\ 16 74 P Notes Panels behaviour Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Dr C. H. Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie, DrJ. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDENTIFICATION P. J. Grant, S. C. Madge, M. A. Ogilvie & DrJ. T. R. Sharrock News and comment Peter Conder 8c Mike Everett, 12 Swaynes Lane, Comberton, Cambridge CB3 7EF Recent reports K. Allsopp & R. A. Hume, c/o RSPB, 1 he Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SC 19 2DI. Publishing & Production Manager DrJ. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Mrs Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Cartwright Advertising John Barnes, Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R3LF (tel: 01-240 1101) ©British Birds Ltd 1981. Clopyright of photographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 93 High .Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire ISSN 0007-0335 Annual subscription ( 12 issues and index) surface mail UK £18 (or US$45); airmail £30 (or $75); single back copies, if available, £2 ($5). Clheques payable to British birds Ltd. All cheques and queries by letter to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Circulation, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, England. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO 37 588 6303 British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the west Palearctic. Except for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted only on condition that material is not being offered in whole or in part to any other journal. Photographs and sketches are welcomed. All contributions should be submitted to the Managing Editor. Papers should be typewritten with double spacing, and wide margins, and on one side of the sheet only. Authors should carefully consult this issue for style of presentation, especially of references and tables. Vernacular and scientific names and sequences of birds follow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic ( 1978); names of plants follow Dony el al. ( 1974, English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals follow Corbet & Southern ( 1977, The Handbook of British Mammals). Toptographical (plumage and structure) terms should follow editorial recom- mendations [Brit. Birds 74: 239-242). Figures should be in Indian ink on gd quality tracing paper, drawing paper, non-absorbent board or light blue or very pale grey graph paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should be typed on a separate sheet. Authc ■£ ofmain papers (but not notes or letters) receive ten freecopiesof the journal (five each to two or more authors). Printed by Henry Burt & Son Ltd, College Street, Kempston, Bedford mk42 8na MARK BEAMAN C* STEVE MADGE IAIN ROBERTSON SIBERIA WE CAN SEND YOU THERE b or many years Siberia has been oil limits to western ornithologists, adding to the mystery oi this vast region which is home to so many ol our rarest autumn vagrants. V\’e can now oiler you a elianee of a lifetime \ isit to Central Siberia, inel tiding Lake Baikal, at a very reasonable cost. In addition we are also oflering further exciting birding oftport uni ties in ,So\iet Central .Asia and The Caucasus. 1 hese are trips for those who a|)preciate good birding and the emphasis will be on the local specialities. Mark Beaman and Ste\e Madge visited Central Siberia twice recently and recorded the l()llowing species: I,ong-toed Stint, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Rufous Lurtle Dove, Oriental Cuckoo, Needle-tailed Swift, Richard’s Pipit, Olive-backed Pipit, Pechora Pipit. Citrine Wagtail. Siberian Rubythroat, Siberian Blue Robin, Red-flanked Bluetail, White's I'hrush, Siberian Phrush, Lye-browed Phrush, Dusky/Naumann's Phrush. Black-throated/Red-throated Phrush, Pallas’s Crasshopper Warl)ler, Lancco- lated Warbler, Cray’s Crasshopper Warbler, Phick-billed Warbler, Creenish Warbler, .Arctic Warbler, Pallas’s Warbler, ^'ellow-browed W arblcr, Radde's VN'arbler, Dusky Warbler, Brown P'lycatcher, Scarlet Rosefinch, Black-faced Bunting, Pine Bunting, Little Bunting, Chestnut Bunting, \'ellow -breasted Bunting, Pallas’s Reed Bunting and many more interesting birds including some not yet recorded in the Western Palearctic. SIBERIA 13 davs, £650. Departures 30 Mav and 13 June 1982. SIBERIA, CENTRAL ASIA & THE CAUCASUS 22 days. £950 Departure 30 May 1982. 1982 Birdquests also include: ISRAEL (£665), MOROCCO (£655), LAKE NEUSIEDL (£410), THE CAMARGUE (£425), LAPLAND (£795), THE BOSPHORUS (£460). THAILAND (£990), INDIA (£880), INDIA 8c NEPAL (£1.085). SRI LANKA (CEYLON) (£870), KENYA (£1.095). KENYA & RWANDA (£1,195), FLORIDA (£660), TEXAS (£695), PERU (£1.190). CAMEROUN (£1.2.50). P'or our brochure please contact: BIRDQUEST Ltd., 8 Albert Road East, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 9AL. Tel: 061-928 5945. Birdquest Ltd. are agents for C.S.R. Travel (Manchester) Ltd., 1 Clarence Street, Manchester M2 4DE. ABTA ATOL 1190B lATA. (BB398) I Bird Behaviour is an international and interdisciplinary journal which publishes original research on descriptive and quantitative analyses of behaviour, behavioural ecology, experimental psychology and behavioural physiology of birds. It aims to improve communication among all students of bird behaviour; the Editors strongly promote the publication of experimental papers and review articles that bridge separate fields of behaviour. The journal also welcomes full-length articles on specific topics, short communications, critiques of books and papers, abstracts of meetings, relevant computer programs, research proposals and short reviews (‘mini-reviews’) of limited areas of research. Authors are encouraged to experiment with the format of their manuscripts to suit the subject and are encouraged to speculate broadly on the theoretical implications of their research. The Editor-in-Chief is J. J. Counsilman, Herston, Australia. Subscription rates for 1981 (volume 3) are A$30.00 for institutions and libraries, A$15.00 for individuals and A$1 0.00 for students. Add 20% if paying in US dollars. Cheques (payable to BIRD behaviour) in Australian currency should be sent to Bird Behaviour, PO Box 27, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia. (BB502) METWOOD OPTICAL LTD Specialists in Binoculars and Telescopes 4 .Abbots Walk, High .Street, Biggleswade, Beds .SGI 8 OLF Telephone (0767) 317077 BINOCULARS Zeiss \\ est — Leitz — Zeiss Jena .Swift — Mirador — Hilkinson — .Solus Optolyth (.\lpin Range) — Helios Green Rat TELESCOPES .Nickel Supra — Hertel Televari Swill — .Mirador — Walter Roth Rowa — Bushnell — Cfreen Rat — Helios Gulhnann 1 Vi pods ALSO .Mono Pods/ Table Shoulder Pods Send for Price Lists and leaflets. Please send stamp to cover postage. Mail Order please add £2.00 for P/P and Ins. .4fCM.f and Barclay Card accepted. Prices suhjecl to alteration. (BB3.T1) CHINA 1982 First Ornithology and Nature Tours to North East China. ZHALONG NATURE RESERVE home of the Red-Crowned Crane and many other birds. Junc27-july 14 £1,500 June 27-July 2 1 visiting also Shenyang & j I NO BO HL’ (Mirror Lake) Reserve with its birds, butterflies & flora. £1,700 Both tours visit Beijing and Harbin and each is accom|)anied by a British Ornithologist as Ciuest Lecturer. STUDY CHINA TRAVEL LTD, (B) 27 Leyland Road, London SE12 8DS (01-8,52 4470) (BB508) n RARE BIRDS WEST COAST by Don Roberson Over 500 pages filled with photos, map^" graphs, essays about rare birds from Alaska to California. Of interest to British observers are; • Color plates of over 100 species, many Siberian vagrants rare in Britain. • Up-to-date essays on i.d. of stints, pipits, C' ' buntings, pelagics and more. • Detailed material on difficult American groups — Lmpuioiuix flycatchers, Lalluirui thrushes, etc. • Numerous references to Bnn^h BitJ- • Text on Eurasian species reviewed by Peter Grant. £ 15 or $28 postpaid Published by the author. Order from WOODCOCK PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 985 PACIFIC GROVE, CA 93950 U.S.A. Allow ts weeks tor delivery ^ We offer LARGE Discounts ^ on oil these famous brands of binoculars and telescopes BINOCULARS BY: Zeiss (East & West) Leitz Swift Kowa Greenkat Pentax Hartman Habicht Bushnelt Mirador Tasco Heron Steiner, etc. TELESCOPES BY: Schmidt & Bender Nickel Supra Televari Swift Kowa Optolyth Mirador Bushneli Discover (Bausch & Lomb) This extensive range may be viewed in the quiet and comfort of our showrooms, with views of over two miles distance. We are open Mon.-Fn 9 a. m. - 5 p m (Thurs. 9.30 a m - 1 p.m ) and Sat. 9.30 a m. - 4.30 p.m. For those who cannot call personally ALL our goods are available by MAIL ORDER and are Insured during transit. Despatch is normally made within thihysix hours of receipt of the order and our FOURTEEN DAY APPROVAL scheme applies . We provide a FREE PRICE LIST and "BUYER'S GUIDE TO BINOCULAR OWNERSHIP and orders can be placed by telephone using your Access or Barclaycard * Please send 30p postage for catalogue. CHBBS 'ICK BOX OPTICAL COMPANY 23/25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. CM14 4ER. (BB350) / CT (0277)221259/219418/210913^1^1^ Aodfpss . ^^elescopes Binoculars;^] BRITISH BIRDS IN AVICULTURE Published on behalf of the British Bird Council and covering some 60 species of British Birds EDITED BY PETER LANDER with contributions by leading experts This book deals with a wide range of British Birds, all of which are to be found in the wild, but which are kept in aviaries, zoological gardens or in other enclosures. The editor and his contributors deal with the whole question of keeping birds in captivity and the ways in which it might be done, not only within the law but also to ensure that the birds receive the best possible treatment. A summary of the new Wildlife Act is included as an appendix, but the concern is also with the ethics of keeping birds in captivity. The natural habitat of the birds is also covered and whether birdspotting or dealing with some other aspect of wildlife, the reader will find much of value in the book. There are drawings throughout the book and in addition there are 48 coloured illustrations, many of them from photographs taken by Tony Tilford and Dennis Avon, who are now quite famous for their bird photography. 236 pages approximately; Hard cased: With four colour jacket: Size 250 x 190 mm. CONTENTS Conservation of Bird Life; Our Future with British Birds, Aviaries and Cages; Breeding; British Bird Council Rings; Seedeaters; Buntings; Keeping and Breeding British Softbills; Insectivorous Species (Softbills); Mules and Hybrids; Feeding; Exhibition; Recognition of Birds. SAIGA PUBLISHING CO. LTD., 1 Royal Parade, Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6TD. £8.50 net + 10% p. and p. ORDER FORM To Bookseller or Saiga Publishing — 1 Royal Parade, Hindhead, Surrey. Please send me copies of BRITISH BIRDS IN AVICULTURE NAME ADDRESS ORDER No DATE holidays designed around birds • memorable birdwatching holi- days that are limited to small groups of people with the guarantee of lots of birds. • each tour is led by two experi- enced ornithologists to ensure flexibility of itinerary and to allow for optional excursions. • we select our key sites for their variety and quantity of birds as well as their local specialities. Examples of Wingspan holidays and long weekend breaks in 1982 include: FRANCE long weekends during January and February to Fontain- bleu for its Woodpeckers, then eastwards to Troyes for the winter- ing sites of Sea Eagles and Cranes. SPAIN 14-day tours exploring the diversity of habitats which form the background to a wealth of birdlife. Our programme also in- cludes the opportunity to visit sites for the rare White-Headed Duck, Purple Gallinule and Black- Winged Kite. CANADA Point Pelee peninsular is unsurpassed in North America for visible migration. We will be arriving at the height of the Spring season, as well spectacular num- bers of warblers, tanagers, gros- beaks, orioles, flycatchers . . . Please send for our brochure on these and other tours — and com- pare our prices. WINGSPAN, First Floor, Arvalee House, Clifton Down Road, Clif- ton, Bristol BS8 4AH. Tel. 0272 31 1773 or 741773. IV ORNITHOLIDAYS ^ QflO MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF I W O fc BRITISH TRAVEL AGENTS Holidays Organised by Birdwatchers for Birdwatchers Seventeen years’ service to birdwatchers & naturalists Programme will include: Trinidad and Tobago Venezuela Sri Lanka N. India Texas Vancouver & The Rockies Arctic Norway Tanzania Malawi Kenya The Gambia The Seychelles The Camargue Majorca S. W. Spain High Alps Lake NeusiedI Turkey The Spanish Pyrenees Yugoslavia N. E. 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EACH ITEM E and O E BEST SELLING SELECTION FROM OVER 150 DIFFERENT MODELS; (all prices correct press date and subject to availability) (BB304) ZEISS WEST SWIFT 6 x 306Diatyt C2M 96 8 1 568GA Oialyl C397.26 10x40B0ialyt £326.35 l0i406GA0ialyl £328.10 10x2$6Mini0ialyt £146,36 8 1 206 MiniOialyl £136.65 15x60R/Arm £$29.00 all other models in slock CARL ZEISS JENA KARL HARTMANN 20 X 80 Observaiior^ 10 X 50 Supreme 8 X 40 Supreme 6 5 X 44 Audubort 8 X 40 Saraioga 8 X 22 Compaci 10 X 40 County 8 X 40 Grand Pnx All other models m slock Irom £241.62 £125 48 £114.S8 £101.20 £70.88 £65 32 £61 40 £69.36 £29 66 8 1 30 Jenoptem I3M 7 X M Jenoptem T3M lOx 50 Jenoptem T3M 8 X 30 Oeftnnlem 3M 10 X 50 Dekarem T3M All Monoculars in slock NEWI ZEISS JENA ROOF PRISMS 8 X 32B Notarem MC 10x408 Notarem MC £36 96 £63.33 £66.26 £66 45 £92 97 £99 95 H48 95 LELTZ 8x20CTrinovia(Min) £134.56 10 X 25C Tiinovid (Mm) £153.18 8 X 326 Trinovid £270.41 6x40eTrmovid £298.70 lOx 406Tnnovid £307.75 New car wtnd(j« mount wiin pan and lilt head £15.95 £1 postini 8 X 30 Compaa Wide Angie 8x 40 Compact Wide Angle to X 40 (^otnpaci Wide Angie to X 50 Berntna Wide Angle KARL HARTMANN HIGH POWER MODELS to X 60 Bernma WA 12 I 60 eernina WA 16 I 60 Bernma WA 25 X W Bernma WA HILKINSON to X 40 Lincoln l0x40Hawk7(Tf«ld 7 X 50 Balmoral 7 5” heW 20 x 60 High Power e-?0x50‘oom 8x21 Roof Prism Miniature 8 X 56 Olympic Roof Pnsm R'A 8x30Hyiitefl/Prfsm lOx 40HyliieR/Prrsm £143 95 £189 05 £170 25 £159 95 TELESCOPES RUSSIANHELIOS 8xXHel«0S 7 X 50Hef»os i2i40Hei>os £21 9$ £27 95 £29 95 £265 79 £265 79 £265 79 £549 50 £54 75 07 44 £35.63 £59.57 £53.61 £41 95 £79 95 £51 45 £51 71 Bushneii Discoverer i5*60 1 60 £163.00 SwtfiTeiemasier i5-60i60 £166.95 Nickel Supra B 15-60 X 60 £135.24 Henei & ^ 25-60 X 60 £131.95 Nickel Supra B A 15-60 x 60 £146.95 Greencai 22 x 60 vscope £49.95 Bushneii Spacemasier 20-45 x 60 £112.00 NEW MODELS' Htikio X X 80 R arm g £134 95 Spacerrvaster 22 x W angle £99 95 Henef & Reuss X 1 60 £139 95 ORDER HO FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH Access Visa accepted by phone COO service available « small extra charge Aii orders despatched same day received INFORMATION PACK AVAILAILE Send 50p m stamps or PO Ipr Mty Illustrated pnce lists arxf cokwr brochures With speohcaltorts intormabonancsoeca' otters on all models m stock TelephOM for Odvlce^j! >mes are open irom 900-5Xda''> (dosed Thursday) CALLERS welcome We are just 7 mmuies iron the Ml ymbon 15 and right m ihe 'ow^ centt on me comer oi me Market Sguare Can >n— «e would be pleased to see you and show you over 150 models m stock ^ AR-HAWKINSm) 2 The Parade, Northampton Telephone (0604) 39674 The Greenland jacket Down P5 famous Greenland Jacket Down on all orders received before November 30th 1981, only available by Mail Order from Fjallraven. Ofro Normal £57 now only The Hood - Specially cut to allow free head movement Double Seams - For extra weather protection The Mark of the Fox is your guarantee of quality and durability Brass press- button - Nickel plated and anti- corrosive Side Pockets - With flaps and press- buttons Extra warming pockets behind. SIZES: 34 '736". 38 '/40". 42"/44". 46'748" Ladies please slate size required Colours. Green. Navy. Closing - Nylon two-way zipper and press-buttons for extra weather protection Reinforced Sleeves - Double fabric from the elbow gives longer wear Fabric - Is the unique G1000 (65°/o Polyester. 35% Cotton) with Down lining for extra warmth, specially produced lor Fjallraven to give exceptional wear with low weight. 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Tel: Ripon 5363 - 24 hour service. ^ B.D.M.A. Member Reg. No. 1032024 VAT No. 303 4559 79 A i 4 1 Jj BB4 E VI British Birds VOLUME 74 NUMBER 11 NOVEMBER 198 Books for Christmas If you want to give (or to receive) a book as a present for Christmas, the following would be among our current choices: * Bill Oddie’s Little Black Bird Book Bill Oddie (Eyre \Iethuen £4.95) * Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1982 John Pemberton (Buckingham Press £5.95) *A Notebook oj Birds 1907-1980 Jim Flegg (Macmillan £6.95) * Birdwatching in the Seventies Ian Wallace ( Macmillan £7.95) * Frontiers of Bird Identification J. T. R. Sharrock (Macmillan £7.95) The Penguin Book oj Bird Poetry Peggy Munsterberg (Allen Lane £8.95) Three Mile Man Peter Warnett & Alan Thornhill (Collins £8.95) Keith Brockie’s Wildlife Sketchbook Keith Brockie (Dent £9.50) * The Popular Handbook of British Birds P. A. D. Hollom (Witherby £9.50) *The Popular Handbook of Rarer British Birds P. A. D. Hollom (\Vitherbv £12.00) The Peregrine Falcon Derek Ratclifi'e (Poyser £12.00) *The Natural History oj Britain and Ireland Heather Angel (Michael Joseph £12.50) * Wings and Seasons Gunnar Brusewitz (Croom Helm £12.95). *Wildlife and Nature Photography Michael Freeman (C’room Helm £13.95) The Atlas oj Breedino Birds in Britain and Ireland J. T. R. Sharrock (Povser £14.00) The Birdwatcher’s A-Z Alan Richards (David & Charles £14.95) Birds of the Western Palearctic vols. 1 & 2 Stanley Cramp. K. E. L. Simmons et al. (OLT £35.00 each; £39.50 each from January 1982) * Those with an asterisk are available (post free to UK or Eire; add .")0p for elsewhere in the world) from British Birds Book OlTers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham. Bedford MK44 3NJ. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1980 Michael ]. Rogers and the Rarities Committee This is the twenty-third report of the Rarities Committee. Details of Committee membership and other matters relating to its work during the year have already been published {Brit. Birds 74: 314). So far (and excluding Cory’s Shearwaters), 593 records have been accepted for 1980, 84% of the total submitted. [Brit. Birds 74: 453-495, November 1981 ) 453 454 Report on rare birds in 1980 D. J. Britton has again compiled the running totals of records which appear after each species name, and has this year also written the species comments in the systematic list. Irish records are adjudicated by the Irish Records Panel and the Northern Ireland Bird Records Committee, and we are grateful for permission to include details of the accepted records in the species comments, and to J. Fitzharris, secretary of IRP, for supplying them, thus providing a complete review of rarity records in Great Britain and Ireland. The completeness and accuracy of this report is due to the valued co-operation of observers, county and regional recorders and bird observatories, as well as the BTO, the Nature Conservancy Council and the RSPB. For readily-given advice on various topics, we are grateful tojeffery Boswall, Dr VV. R. P. Bourne, P. R. Colston, A. R. Dean, Jon Dunn, Dr C. J. Feare, J. Fitzharris, Dr C. J. Harrison, M. A. Ogilvie, G. J. Oreel, I. S. Robertson, Will Russell, Derek Scott, Dr D. W. Snow, John Weske, J. D. Wood and P. Yesou. We urge photographers to remember to send their rarity photographs to MJR for circulation with the records and for possible inclusion in the annual report, and we thank those whose work enhances this report. We thank Lloyds Bank Ltd for a donation of £50 towards the costs of the Committee. Records should be sent to the secretary', Michael J. Rogers, 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 7TP, preferably via the appropriate county or regional recorder (see latest list, Brit. Birds 72: 446-449). A copy of the list of species considered by the Committee (67: 347-348) can be obtained from MJR, as can copies of the Rarities Committee Record Form: the latter should be used, or its format followed, when submitting reports. The constitution and aims of the Committee, and the procedure followed in considering records, are explained in a fact sheet obtainable from MJR. PJG Systematic list of accepted records The principles and procedure followed in considering records were explained in the 1958 report {Brit. Birds 53: 155-158). The systematic list is set out in the same way as in the 1979 report (73: 491-534). The following points show the basis on which the list has been compiled. (i) The details included for each record are (1) county; (2) locality; (3) number of birds if more than one, and age and sex if known (in the case of spring and summer records, how- ever, the age is normally given only where the bird concerned was not in adult plumage); (4) if trapped or found dead, and where specimen is stored, if known; (5) date(s); and (6) observer(s) up to three in number, in alphabetical order. In accordance with our declared policy (see Brit. Birds 68: 1-4), the new county names have been used, and observers are asked to bear this in mind when submitting records. (ii) In general, this report is confined to records which arc regarded as certain, and ‘probables’ are not included. In the case of the very similar Long-billed Limnodromus scolopaceus and Short-billed Dowitchers L. griseus, however, we are continuing to publish indeterminable records, and this also applies to observations of the two pratincoles Glareola and of such dillicult groups as albatrosses Diomedea and frigatebirds Fregata. (iii) The sequence of species, vernacular 455 Report on rare birds in 1980 names and scientific nomenclature follow The British Birds’ List oj Birds oj the Western Pale- arctic ( 1978). Any sight records of subspecies (including those of birds trapped and released) are normally referred to as ‘show- ing the characters’ of the race concerned. (iv) The three numbers in brackets after each species’ name refer respectively to the totals in Britain and Ireland (excluding those ‘At sea’) (1) to the end of 1957, (2) for the period since the formation of the Rarities Committee in 1958, but excluding (3) the current year. A detailed breakdown of the figures for previous years is held by the honorary secretary. (v) The world breeding range is given in brackets at the beginning of each species comment. White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii ( 18, 5 1 , 2) Highland ORRhum, adult, 28th to 29th May (F. P. Barclay, H. Birkbeck et ai). Shetland VVhalsay, adult, 4th to 11th and 24th November (Dr B. Marshall, N. D. Poleton, VV. Simpson). 1979 Northumberland Boulmer, adult 9, freshly dead, 4th March {Brit. Birds 73; 492), skin now retained by G. F. Miller. 1979 Shetland Gluss \'oe. Yell Sound, adult 9, dead, 12th Januarv’, now at University of Aberdeen (M. Heubeck, Dr A. G. Knox). (Arctic Russia, Siberia and Alaska) The lowest tally since 1972, but, perhaps surprisingly, the first record for the Inner Hebrides. By contrast, the seven in 1979 was a record count. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps (0, 6, 1 ) Dorset Radipole, 25th January to at least 4th February (M. Cade, G. Walbridge et al.)\ presumed same, Studland, 10th February to at least 26th .April (,\. I. & I. Prophet et al.). (North America) Those who missed this bird at Radipole couldn’t believe their luck when it was relocated on the Little Sea at Studland. Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris (2, 20, 1) Dorset Durlston Head, probable adult, 4th February (H. Murray). Shetland Hermaness, Unst, adult, 15th March to 2nd .August (per R. J. Tulloch). At sea North .Atlantic, 56° 2 1' N 14° 12' W, adult, 16th March (.A. Britain, R. J. Burness). 1979 Shetland Hermaness, Unst {Brit. Birds 73: 493), adult was present 31st March to 18th .August (A. VV. Gradwell etal. per R. J. Tulloch). (Southern oceans) The only previous records for the first two months of the year concern the long stayer at Bass Rock, Lothian, which was noted off Eyemouth, Borders, on 7th or 8th February 1968 and off St .Abb’s Head, Borders, on 28th February 1969. Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea {a. Hew, 1,720, 17,230) Cornwall Porthgwarra, 2,735; 19thjuly (H. P. K. Robinson, L. P. Williams); 153.27th July (J. H. Johns, B. K. Mellow, H. P. K. Robinson); 55, 28th (D. J. Holman. .A. Pym. H. P. K. Robinson); 19, 30th (L. P. Williams); three, 3rd .August (J. H. Flawkey, P. .A. Maker. H. P. K. Robinson); 17, 4th (H. P. K. Robinson, L. P. Williams); 18, 5th (_J. H. Hawkey, H. P. K. Robinson, L. P. Williams r/ a/.); 175,6th (J. H. Hawkey, J. H. Johns, H. P. K. Robinson r/ . 'Lhreadgold el at.). 459 Report on rare birds in 1980 Suffolk Minsmere, adult, at least 26tli May (H. Ci. Laidlaw, Miss A. D. Jagger e/ a/.). Western Isles Schoolhouse Loeh, South L 1st, immature, 25th Mav (A. Adams, J. I . Belsey, D. S. Farrow et at.). West Glamorgan Oxwich, adult, 30th April to 26th August; another, 12th and 20th June (H. h. CJrentell, R. E. Harbird, M.C. Powell r/ a/.). West Sussex Steyning, not aged, 21st September (S. C. Johnstone, R. Kitson et al.). 1979 Kent Stodmarsh, probable sub-adult, 17th June (J. Edmundson, 1. Turner r/ a/.). 1979 Norfolk Cdey, adult, 16th to 26th May (P. Brierly, R. Gabb, (j. Lightfoot et al.). Breydon, adult, 13th August (C.. D. R. Heard, R. D. Hellier). (South-central Eurasia, north to Netherlands, and Africa) The most consistent of our rarer herons, with an average of 1 8 per year between 1 97 1 and 1980, ranging from 1 1 in 1972 to 26 in 1977. Black Stork Ciconia nigra {26, 19, 1) Tayside Near Aberuthven, sub-adult, 3rd to 8th .August (.A. Brown, K. D. Shaw r/ a/.). (Iberia, and Eurasia from France to China, also southern Africa) Five of the 20 recorded since 1958 arrived during August, but May remains the best month, with six. White Stork C iconia ciconia (70, 195, 4) Devon .Axmouth, 25th September (S. & .Mrs (E Hampton); presumed same. Exeter area, 3rd to at least 1 1 th ( )etober ( D. ,S. Farrow, F. (E Piper). Mid Glamorgan Pontearn area, 25th September ( P. \'. Hughes). 1978 Powys NearCemmaes, 28th July (.\. Bowman). 1979 Grampian .Maryc ulter and Banehory , 25th and 26th .April (Brit. Birds 73: 496), still at Banehory, 18th .May (per Dr. A. (E Knox). (Central and south Europe, southwest Asia and northwest .Africa) .Also singles at Glenveagh, Co. Donegal, on 7th and 8th May and at 4'acumshin Fake, Co. Wexford, from 23rd to 30th .August. 4diis most obx ious species is subject to occasional very poor years amidst richer ones: there was none in 1970 (the big heron year), but 22 in 1971; only two in 1973, but 35 in 1976 and 39 in 1977. Glossy Ibis P/egadis falcinellus (many, 23, 0) Kent Stodmarsh, two, Ist january to 21st Slay and 26th .September to 1981. Elmley , 1 1th May to 7th September, two, 30th July to 7th September (per D. W. Tay lor). .All relate to tlie individuals first seen in 1975 and 1979 respeetively (Brit. Birds 73: 497)). (Cosmopolitan, nearest breeding colonies in Balkans) It now seems most unlikely that these are of wild origin, but for many the annual pilgrimage to Stodmarsh is still worthwhile. Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus (47, 58, 3) Gloucestershire .Slimbridge, adult, lirst seen 21st December 1979, remained to at least 15th Eebruarv (Brit, /hn/.v 73: 498); another adult, 9th January to about 4th March (K. EaneW , 127, 17) Drakes showing the characters of the North .American race A. c. carolinen- sis, colloquially known as the ‘Green-winged Teal’, were recorded as follows: Cambridgeshire Ouse Washes, 27th March (C. .A. E. Kirtland). Cornwall Hayle, individual present since 26th October 1979 {Brit. Birds 73: 498) last seen end ofjanuary; presumed same, 31st October toat least Istjanuary 1981 (P. .A. Rutter e/ «/.). .St John’s Lake, Torpoint, 18th December 1979 to 2nd January (S. M. C:hristophers). Riv er Eynher, 21st December 1979 to 2ndjanuary (S. M. Christophers). Devon Powderham, 19th January (J. C. Nicholls). Hampshire Blashford, 12th January (.M. C:. & P. Combridge). Lancashire Leighton Moss, 2nd to 3rd March (P.J. Marsh, Ms P. .M. Rowan et al.). Northamptonshire Ditchford Gravel-pits, 8th April (N. M. Butler, A. D. J. C'.ook.J. Ward et at.). Ravensthorpe Reservoir, 31st May (N. W. Riches); same, Hollowell Reservoir, 1st to 2nd June (P. W. Richardson e/ «/.). Somerset .Sutton Bingham Reservoir, 20th January (M. .A. Hallett). Suffolk .Alton Water, 29th May (S. Piotrowski et at.). Western Isles Loch f)port. North Uist, 20th January (L. M. (Jardiner). A’illage Bay, St Report on rare birds in 1980 46 1 Kilda, 26th to 27 April (D. J. R. Clounsell, Dr R. Gibson). Griminish, Bcnbecula, 28th December (L. M. Gardiner). 1979 Cornwall Hayle from 26th October [Brit. Birds 73: 498), St John’s Lake from 18th December and River Lynher from 21st December, all into 1980, see above. 1979 Lancashire Leighton Moss, 18th .\pril to 5th May (P. j. Marsh e/ a/.). 1979 Western Isles Balranald, North List, 3rd to 6th June (G. H. Pickup et al.). (North America) The drake at Bull Island, Co. Dublin, in 1978 and 1979 (Brit. Birds 73: 499) stayed until April 1980 and reappeared in October, remaining into 1981. Other males were recorded at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, from 2nd January' to 23rd February; at Tarbert Bay, Co. Kerry, on 3rd March; at Clen Lough, Co. Westmeath, on 8th March; at Milford Estuary, Co. Donegal, on 16th March; at Rathcoursey, Co. Cork, from 17th Nox ember to 28th December; at Ballymacoda, Co. Cork, on 18th December; and at Tarbert Bay, Co. Kerry, from 24th December to 1 3th January 1981. A record total. Assuming that undetectable females are equally likely to cross the Atlantic (several of these males were apparently paired), this subspecies can no longer be regarded as a great rarity. Black Duck Anas rubripes ( 1 , 10, 0) Gwynedd Aber, Gaernarvon, d, first seen 1 1th February 1979 (Brit. Birds 73: 499). present throughout year, usually with $ Mallard .4. platvrhjnchos; three full-grown apparent hybrid young, 1 1th October (A. Davies); adult still pre.sent 22nd February 1981 (per P. J. Dare). Scilly I resco, 9 , first seen 27th October 1976 (Bril. Birds 70: 416), present throughout year, and again mated with Mallard; two downy young, .May 13th to 16th, but not subsequently; two full-grown hvbrids, September to at least October, possibly those of previous years (per D. B. Hunt). 1979 Gwynedd Aber, adult 6 , spring and autumn as stated (Bril. Birds 73: 499), also 19th and 22ndjune (R. E. Davis). (North America) The male at Rogerstown, Co. Dublin, from 29th December 1979 {Brit. Birds 73: 499) remained till March 1980. It re- appeared in September, then moved in November to Mulhuddart, Co. Dublin, where it was shot on 13th. Continued hybridisation with Mallard at two sites could pose serious identification problems for the future. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors ( 19, 66, 7) Grampian Rattray Head, 8, 2ndjune (M. innes). Hampshire Fleet Pond, pair, 4th May (_J. M. Cllark, T. M. J. Doran, (i. C:. Stephenson). Hereford & Worcester L’pton Warren, 6 and immature, at least 4th to 9th October (_J. T. Belsey, R. Hemmings,J. Ridley). Humberside Blacktoft Sands, 27th to 29th September (.\. Grieve). Shetland Out Skerries, 9 or immature, 29th September (D. M. Pullan e/ n/.). 1979 Avon Ghew \’alley Lake, 9 or immature, 18th No\ember (D. G. H. Mills, L. N. .\. & V. R. Tucker et at.). 1979 Cornwall Hayle, 6 , 6th .\ugust (Brit. Birds 73: 499), sex and age now eonsidered uncertain. Stithians Reservoir, d, 15th September and 4th October (73: 499), also 17th September, but sex and age now considered uncertain and probably same as individual at College Reservoir, 24th September to 2nd October (73: 499). 1979 Shetland Scatness, pair, 8th to 12th September (R. O'Reilly, I. Sandison, D. Goutts). 1979 Western Isles Balranald, North Lust, 9, 14th to 26th.\pril; d, Srdjune (C. Mitchell, C. H. Pickup, DrCf J. Spray). (North America) Until 1977, no more than five occurred in any year, but there were 13 in 1978, 12 in 1979 and seven in 1980. Analysis of the dates of these 32 birds shows that 15 arrived between 8th September and 25th October and 1 1 between 5th April and 3rd June; only six came during the 462 Report on rare birds in 1980 remaining two-thirds of the year. This strongly supports natural trans- atlantic vagrancy for the great majority of records, though no doubt a few relate to escaped individuals. It remains a great rarity in Ireland. Ring-necked Duck Aylhya collaris ( 1 , 92, 29) Avon Chew Valley Lake, 9, 15lh June to 9th .August; another 9, ofcaptive origin, 3rd .August to 21st September (K. E. A'inicombe elal.). Cheshire Billinge Flashes, \ 500) to 7thjanuary (per R. J. 4 ulloch). Tingwall Loch, d , 23rd March to 30th April, two, 27th .April (G. Carey, J. D. Okill, I. & Mrs I. Sandison). Somerset Durleigh and Hawkridge Reservoirs, d , at least 9th .March (B. Rabbitts et al.). Strathclyde Strathclyde Park, Lanark, d , 25th December 1979 to 1st January (F. Gatens,J. .Maxwell, W. Thomson); possibly same, Woodend Loch, Coatbridge, Lanark, 21st to 27th January (D. L. Clugston). Western Isles Leurbost, Lewis, d , 23rd December (W. .A. J. Camningham). 1978 Berkshire I'heale, d , to 21st January {Bril. Birds 72: 514), then Burghheld Gravel- pits to 9th April (J. A. Lucas, A. Pym et al.). 1978 Humberside Hornsea Mere, d , 29th January to 15th May {Bril. Birds 72: 515), first noted by S. M. Lister. 1978 Western Isles Achmore, Lewis, d , 26th May (D. J. Bain, D. & J. Thorogood). 1979 Buckinghamshire Willen Lake, Milton Keynes, d, 7th to 16th March (,A. \'. Harding, W. R. Tunniclilfe, C. F. Young et al.). Report on rare birds in 1980 463 1979 Cambridgeshire Fenstanton Gravcl-pii, 6, 14th to 15th May (I. K. Dawson, M. J. Lvcrett, R. E. Scott), probably same as Little Paxton individual {Hrit. Birds 73: 499). 1979 Devon V\ istlandpound Reser\oir, 6 , 1 1th to 14th December {Bril. Birds 73: 500), last seen 29th. River Dart, Fotnes, three 9 9 , 16th November to 1980 {Brit. Birds 73: 500), two of same, 13th January 1980, as above. 1979 Hampshire See Hampshire above. 1979 Humberside Fophill Low Reservoir, 6, 17th November (Bril. Birds 73: 500), obser\ ers should read Dr J. H. Law'ton, \1. Macgarvin, S. P. Rallison, not as stated. 1979 Kent See Kent above. 1979 Norfolk Bayfield Lake, 6 , 26th December (R. & Mrs C. Tidman). 1979 Strathclyde Strathclyde Park, see Strathclyde above. (North America) The pair at Kilkerran, Co. Cork, in 1979 (Brit. Birds 73: 500) stayed till January 1980. Also, a female at Lough Gur, Co. Limerick, on 13th January; two males at Gougane Barra, Co. Cork, on 6th April; a male at Doocastle Lough, Co. Sligo, on 10th April; and a female at Termon- carragh Lake, Co. Mayo, on 4th and 5th October. There is a strong history of returning and wandering individuals and this is always taken into account when calculating the totals. In addition to the 29 thought to be new in 1980 (equalling the 1979 record total), ten remained into 1980 from 1979, so there was an amazing total of 39 recorded. Colonisation is hopefully imminent. King Eider Somaleria spectabilis (62, 96,- 1) Cumbria South Walney, 8, 12lh .\pril to 2nd .May (T. Dean el al.). Dumfries & Galloway Loch Ryan, 8, late 1979 to at least 20th January (Brit. Birds 73: 501) , also lOth February (S. j. M. (iantlett), 24th February (\'. .\. Lister, D. Page, J. .M. Turton el al.). Highland Golspie and Loch Fleet, Sutherland, 8, still present 4th January (Brit. Birds 73: 50 1 ), in area to at least 4th June when at Ard na Clailk, Dornoch; probably same, with another, September and October (D. S. Whitaker per R. Mainwood). Strathclyde Fintray Bay, 8, 23rd to 30th March (K. ,S. & H. G. Bo\ey); presumed same. Lochranza, .\rran, 5th .April to June and presumed same as 1978-79 indi\ idual (see below ) (per R. FL Hogg); display towards 9 Eider .S', mollissima, 26th .April (Mrs M. H. Dttnrr); also seen ort Bute, 31st May to 12th June (Mr & .Mrs P. Grighton); presumed same between Port Glasgow' and (ireenock, 11th, 15th and 30th November (.M. Benson, D. L. Cllugston, J. .Sweeney el al.). 1978 Dumfries & Galloway 1 ,och Ryan, 8, 27th November 1977 to at least 4th January (Brit. Birds 72: 516), also on 5th (.A. & J. Parker). 1978 Highland Golspie and Loch Fleet area, two 8 8, 8th and 1 7th December (D. .Allen), presumed to include individual present 1975-80 (Brit. Birds 73: 501 and alx)ve). 1978 Strathclyde Lochranza, .Arran, 8, 25th March to 14th .May and 14th to 18th June (Brit. Birds 72: 516), present throughout perkxl; display towards 9 Eider noted (Mrs M. H. Dunn). 1979 Dumfries & Galloway Loch Ryan, 8, 4th and 10th Februan. (Brit. Birds 73: 501), also 23rd February (D. J. Bates) and 25th (D. S. Farrow). 1979 Highland Golspie and Loch Fleet area, immature 8. 1 1th December 1978 to 11th February (Bril. Birds 73: -501), again 24th in near adult plumage (D. .Allen. M. .Arrowsmith, G. R.& Mrs H.J. Welch). 1979 Strathclyde Lochranza, .Arran, 8, presumed same as 1978 individual (see above), again summered; copulated with 9 Eider, 14thjune (.Mrs M.H. Dunn). (Circumpolar Arctic) Ireland’s only one in recent years, the drake at Rosbeg, Cio. Donegal, was reported during March, .April and December. This single arrival (at Golspie) is the poorest showing since 1968, though a few old faithfuls remain in retirement here. None has been reported from Shetland since 1977. 464 Report on rare birds in 1980 Steller’s Eider Polys ticta stelleri (5, 8, 0) Orkney North W ick, Papa W'estray, 6 , 29th April to late August (D. Lea et at.), considered same as that in 1979 {But. Birds 73: 501 ), 1978 (see below) and 1974 {Brit. Birds 68: 313). Western Isles Vorran Island (not \'erran as pre\iously stated), South Uist, <5, throughout year, same as indix idual hrst seen summer 1972 and still present 1979 {Brit. Birds 66: 338; 73: 501). 1978 Orkney Between VVestray and Papa W’estray, 6 , 14th July ( P. D. Charlton). (Arctic Russia to extreme northwest Canada) The Committee would like to thank the many pilgrims who reported the long staying South Uist bird throughout the year. Continued reports would be much appreciated. Recent increases in the Baltic {Brit. Birds 73: 574; 74: 260) have unfor- tunately not been reflected in Britain. Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata (75, 84, 7) Cornwall Drift Reservoir, immature, 25th October (W. J. C:lift. .A. Hinchclifie, D. G. Wright et ai). Devon Dawlish Warren, <3, 31st December (A. \'. Lawrence, R. & -Mrs A. Normand). Dumfries & Galloway Southerness, immature d, first seen 1 4th December 1979 {Brit. Birds 73: 501), still present 9th February (S. J. M. Gantlett). Grampian Near Lossiemouth, d, 3rd .\pril (N. Elkins). Blackdog and Drums, d, 1st to 22nd .August (P. Fisher, E. Kwater et al.). Blackdog, Murcar and Drums, another d, 21st .August (P. Fisher, E. Kwater). Highland Golspie and Loch Fleet area, Sutherland, d, 21st .April (.A. R. Mainwood), probably same as that in late 1979 and earlier years {Brit. Birds 73: 501 ) and again 1st and 15th February 1981. Orkney Echnaloch, Burray, d, 4th to 5th .May (R. G. .Adam et al.). 1978 Grampian See below. 1979 Grampian Spey Bay, Moray, seven d d and one 9 or immature, 7th January (G. R. Ekins, C. Harris), probably included those present in late 1978 {Brit. Birds 72: 516); also probably same, two dd, 19th January (D. Allen. R. A. Broad), 21st (L. H. Clampbell), 5th February (D. .Allen) and 23rd (D. Allen, M. .Arrowsmith), and one, 25th ('F. Baker, P. Jepson et al.), and 9 , 21st January (L. H. Campbell). (North America) The drake at Bundovan, Co. Donegal, in 1979 (Brit. Birds 73: 501) stayed into April. Also, a female or immature at Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford, on 29th October. Rather fewer than in recent years, but the first occurrence on an English reservoir and the first in Orkney since 1962. Bufflehead Bucephala albeola {A, 1, 1) Western Isles West Loch Bee, South Last, d, 14th toat least 18th March (D. J. R. Counsell, L. Gardiner, J. J. Gordon et al.). (North America) The first record for Scotland. This diminutive duck could hardly have chosen a more beautiful spot. Ifonly it had stayed longer. Black Kite Milvus migrans (5, 33, 5) Cheshire Doddington Mere, 2nd june (D. W. Hamilton). Dorset Lodmoor, 2nd .May (M. Clade). Hampshire Near Emery I)own, 13th July (flying west, 16.50 CLVEF) (R. K. Cloles, R. H. Lawrence, Dr M. E. Witherick); probably same as West Sussex individual, see below. Kent Sandwich Bay, 17th .May (M. P. Sutherland, D. J. Weaver); same, Chislet, 17th(D. C:. (filbert). Norfolk Burnham Deepdale, 24th August (R. Filby, (fij. Hinchon). West Sussex Near Washington, 12th to early 13th July (Dr J. A. Newnham, R. J. & Mrs .A. Sandison, B. J. Short etal.); presumed same, Pagham Harbour, 13th ( 1 1 . 10(»NFF, fly ing west) (C. Mayhead, P. & Mrs S. Morri.son); probably same as Hampshire indi\ idual. 465 Report on rare birds in 1980 1978 Dyfed C.ymystwyth, 2nd June (Bnl. Birds 72; 517), previously accepted, but now considered unacceptable alter review. (Most of Eurasia, Africa and Australia) About average for recent years, but the repeated discoveries of the Kent and West Sussex/Hampshire individuals are noteworthy, as is the first August sighting. Falcon Falco vespertinus ( 1 00, 221,6) Cornwall Goonhilly Down, immature 6 , 18th to 26th May (B. & L. Cave, S. C. Hutchings, P. McCartney e/ al.). Devon Prawle Point, juvenile, 10th to 13th October (,]. C. Nicholls. K. J. Robins,J. Spry). Kent St Margaret’s Bay, 6 , 3rd .May (A. J. Greenland). Northumberland Near Bamburgh, first-summer 6, freshly dead, 15th June (D. G. Bell), skin retained by G. F. .Miller. Somerset Highbridge, first-summer 6, 22nd to 23rd .May (.M. G. Eskins, B. J. Hill. B. Rabbitts et al.). Suffolk VValberswick, 9 , 29th .May (\V. F. & .Mrs F. H. Truckle). 1976 Kent Dungeness, 6 , 30th .May {Brit. Birds 70: 419), now withdrawn bv obser\er. 1979 Dorset Lodmoor, 9 , 16th .April (C. E. Richards et al.). 1979 Hampshire Lymington, 9, 4th June (E. J. & .Mrs VV. J. \\ iseman). New Forest, (5, 20th June (I. Searle, P. A. Whittington, E. J. & Mrs V\ . J. Wiseman et al.). Cole Henley, 9, 30th July (J. K. & .Mrs A. R. Bowers). 1979 Norfolk Kelling, 18th to 22nd May {Brit. Birds 73: 502), was first-summer 9, not immature d , as stated. (East Europe and south from Siberia) The lowest total since 1971, but a number of claims remain under consideration. Gerfalcon Falco rusticolus (many, 59, 2) Highland /\chiltibuie. Wester Ross, 5th October (.Miss I. Eindsay). Western Isles .Near Balranald, North Ifist, 27th Mav (fh J. Speight, ]. .M. Turton et al.). At sea OWS Lima, North Atlantic 57° 00' N 20° 00' w', 13th Manh (A. Britain. R. J. Burness). (Circumpolar Arctic) Some dramatic settings for this imposing .Arctic falcon. Weather ships can clearly be very productive, a Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris being observed from the same ship by the same observers three days later (both records are excluded from the totals). Crane Grus grus (many, 774, 4) East Sussex Brcdc Levels, first-winter, 24th December 1979 to at least 10th .April {Brit. Birds 73:503). Gloucestershire .Slimbridge, 31st .August (L. P. .Alder, C». .Moyser W o/.). Kent Sandwich Bay, adult, 15th to 18th .April ( F. Baker, D. Beadle, M. P. Sutherland etal.). Norfolk Horsey area, three adults, late 1979 to 5th .April {Brit. Birds 73: 504). seen fKing west at Sheringham on 5th (M. Fiszer); back at Horsey, 21st; two to end of year; also Horsey area, separate individual, March to June, probablv same as former Irstead individual {Brit. 73: 504) (P. R. Allard). Orkney .Stenness, two, 13th .April (,M. Gray). 1979 Dorset Winspit, two, 25th February (DrG. P. & .MrsC. R. Green), probably same as Hampshire individuals {Brit. Birds 73: ,503). 1979 Grampian Ythan Estuary area, to at least February {Brit. Birds 73: 503), last seen 13th .April (per Dr ,A. G. Knox). 1979 Humberside Hornsea Mere, 27th .May (R. G. Hawley). Thorne Mcxrrs, adult, 26th October to 1 1th November (,M. Hobson, .M. Lynes c/ a/.). 1979 Norfolk Salhouse Broad, immature, 17th September (R. M. Timms). (North and central Eurasia, locally south to Turkey) .A very poor showing following four years which each produced over 30, but the resi- dency in Norfolk is noteworthy. 466 Report on rare birds in 1980 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (98, 63, 2) Essex (ireat VVakcring, 8, 8th to 13th June (]. Miller, G. Wright el at.). Kent GapcI Fleet, 8, 21st June to at least 2()th August (N. J. Bentley, .V \'. W hite el at.). Somerset Steart, 8, 28th ,\Iay to 1st J une ( F. A. Box el at.) (plates 268 & 269). (Southern Eurasia, Africa, Australasia and the Americas) The Essex and Kent records are taken to relate to the same individual. t 268 8c 269. Male Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, .Somerset, June 1980 {Sigel Tucker; J. T. Betsey) Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor (27,4, 1 ) Cornwall Ruan Lanihorne, 8th October (G. S. Gay, Mr & Mrs Walsh). (Southwest Asia, and north and east Africa) The first record of this ace rarity since 1969, and a typical date. Collared Pratincole Gtareola pratincola (3 1 , 29, 1 ) Humberside Hornsea .Mere, 15th May (_J. Cornelius, R. G. Hawley, S. .M. Lister). (South Europe, southwest Asia and Africa) There was none in 1979. Pratincole Gtareola pratincola or G. nordmanni (36, 49, 3) Humberside \'ork University, 28th May (.\. J. Ross). Barrow Ha\en, 1 1th .\ugust ((L P. Gatley). 4 he totals include those specifically identified. Killdeer Charadnus vocijerus (9, 21, 2) Hampshire Keyhaven Marsh, 28th September (P. Gombridge, R. Dunn, .M. .\. Stewart et at.) (plate 270). 270. Killdeer Charadrius vocijenis, Hamp- shire, September 1980 (A.J. Croucher) Report on rare birds in 1980 467 Scilly St Mary’s, one ofindividuals in late 1979 (Brit. Birds 73: 505) to at least 7th February (per D. B. Hunt). (North America, West Indies, Peru to Chile) Also, one at Bull Island, Co. Dublin, from 1st to 3rd September. Normally the latest Nearctic wader to reach our shores, the only other pre-November occurrence being at Eye Brook Reservoir, Leicestershire, on 28th September 1975. These two September records are thus quite exceptional and conceiv ably relate to the same individual. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii (0, 3, 0) Avon Chew Valley Lake, first-winter, first seen 1 7th .November 1979 (Bril. Birds 73: .505), to 10th February (C. j. Newman, K. E. Vinieombe et al.). (Brit. Birds 73: 583-586, plates 283 & 284). 1979 Orkney Sandside Bay, 9th to at least 14th June (M. .-yndrews. S. \V. Holmes, D. Lea et al.). (Southern Russia east to Mongolia) The first to be recorded in Britain, at Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, from 9th December 1978 to 1st January 1979, was thought to have died soon after. The second, in Orkney, arrived a mere six months later and the third, in Avon, within another six months (clearly a different bird on ageing). A remarkable burst onto the British scene for this oddly shaped plover. Lesser Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica (6, 54, 5) Cornwall Drift Reservoir, juvenile P. d. dominica, 25th September to 20th October (_J. FI. Johns, H. P. K. Robinson et al.) (plate 15). St just .\irfield, juvenile P. d. dominica. 26th September to 5th October (_]. .\1. Waldon, J. H. Johns et al.). Davidstow .Airfield, adult P. d. dominica, 6th to 19th October (D. j. Britton, B. F. Craven, 1. Prophet etal.). (Arctic North America and northeast Asia) Also, singles at Lisagriffin, Co. Cork, from 14th to 21st September and at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, on 16th September, llie large autumn flocks of Golden Plovers Pluvialis apri- caria in Clornwall remain the prime hunting ground for seekers of this former great rarity. Sociable Plover Cheltusia gregaria {5, 18, 1) Oxfordshire .North .Aston, 14th September (M. Dore, S. Kill, R. F. OYivcr et al.). (Southeast Russia and west-central Asia) The sixth year in succession that this asiatic wanderer has been found in flocks of Lapwings Vanellus vanellus. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla (2, 18, 6) Cornwall Stithians Reservoir, first-winter. 15th to 29th September (G. P. C^atlcy. Dr N. R. Rogers et al. ) . (North America) A late Irish record is of one at Kinsale, Co. Cork, from 7th to 10th September 1975. Also, five in 1980: an immature at Tacumshin Lake, Co. Wexford, from 6th to 20th September; an adult at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, from 7th September, joined by a second adult on 27th and an immature on 28th, this and one of the adults staying until 17th October; and an immature at Bull Island, Co. Dublin, from 22nd to 25th September {Bril. Birds 73; plate 288). The previous record totals of four in each of 1966 and 1968 were exceeded by these six. 468 Report on rare birds in 1980 > 271 & 272. Juvenile Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii. Davidstow Airfield, Cornwall, September 1980 (J. H. Johns) White-rumped Sandpiper Calidnsjuscicolhs {24, 150, 14) Cheshire Sandbach Flashes, juvenile, 4th October (D. \orbur\ , R. Pay). Kent Clifie, adult, 2nd to 1 1th August (1 . A. Boultwood, M. Mallalieu, D. \\ . Taylor r/c//.); another, not aged, 18th October (J. Harflctt, D. F. \'atcs). Flmley, Juvenile and (irst-winter t>r adult, 12th to 23rd October (P. N. Collin, N. London el al.). Lothian Musselburgh, 31st May to 1st June (A. Brown, R. H. Hogge/rt/.); another, 6th to 14th yXugust (J. M. Dickson et al.) [Brit. Birds 73: plate 27,'i). Shetland Fair Isle, 7th to 8th October (J, N. Dymond, R. Kitson, K. M. Norton elal.). Western Isles Bornish, South Uist, 4th to 1 1th October (\V. R, Brackeuridge, P. S, Re;td). (North America) Also one at Lisagriffin, Co. Cork, on 16th September 1978 and five in 1980: one at 4’acumshin Lake, Co. Wexford, on 17th August, two there from 9th to 18th October, and singles at Ballycotton, Co. 469 Report on rare birds in 1980 Cork, on 25th September and on 8th and 9th November. The late Irish bird for 1978 takes the total for that year to a record 20, but a number of late submissions for 1980 are still under consideration and this will probably prove to have been a record year. Why did Cornwall fail to score when it performed so superbly for other Nearctic waders? Baird’s Sandpiper Calidns bairdii (5, 73, 8) Cornwall Ruan Lanihorne, 31st .-Xugusi to 2nd September (.A. C. .Aston, G. .S. Gay, E. CJrifTiths et al.). Predannack Airfield, 20th September (R. Andrew. .A. E. G. .Aston, E. Griffiths et al.). Davidstow .Airfield, juvenile, 21st September to 1st October (F, H. G. & I. Kendall, J. Pette/a/.) (plates 271 & 272). 1979 Cumbria Kent Estuary, near .Arnside, 24th to 30th September (_J. G. Gregon.’, P. J. Marsh, J. .A. VVolstencroft ef al.). (North America) Also five in Ireland: an adult at Tacumshin Lake, Co. Wexford, from 6th to 1 7th September, an immature thereon 10th, joined by another immature from 13th to 20th, one of these remaining until 26th October; and singles at Ballymacoda, Co. Cork, on 9th September; and at Learn Lough, Co. Mayo, on 1st October. The previous record annual total of eight, set as long ago as 1966, is finally beaten by this ninth bird for 1979. "Fhe trio at Tacumshin Lake from 13th October is unprecedented. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola Jalcinellus (23, 39, 1) Cornwall Hayle, 13th to 15th May (J. H. Johns W «/.) (plate 273). (North Eurasia) The first Cornish record. 273. Broad-billed Sandpiper Lmicola Jalcinellus, Cornwall, May 1980 {/. H. Johns) Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subrujicollis (33, 3 1 7, 38) Avon Chew A’alley Fake, 16th September (G. Hurfbrd. j. P. Martin. M. C. Powell). Cornwall Predannack .Airfield, 1 3th to 20th September, three. 13th, four. 1 4th to 1 5th, two, 20th; another 4th October (E. Griffiths, S. C. Hutchings, J. F. Randall et al.). Culdrose 470 Report on rare birds in 1980 Airfield, 20th September (R. F. Hirst, \'. A. Lister, J. M. I'urton et ai), possibly one of Predannack individuals. Davidstow Airfield, 18th to 25th September (B. \ . C'raven, F. H. C. & I. Kendall, G. P. Sutton); another, juvenile, 22nd to 28th September (B. 'F. Craven, J. H. Johns) (plate 274); possibly another, 7th October (B. T. Craven). 274. juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subru/icollis,Gornwd\l, September 1980 (/. //. Johns) Gwent LJndy, 27th September to 29th October (S. Hodge, S. Lippitt, Dr W. A. \’enables et at. ) . Gwynedd Bardsey, 3rd September (M. Scarrott). Hampshire Key haven Marshes, 12 th to 13 th September (K. R. CJrant, A. & P. M. Potts, Dr N. R. Rogers el ai). Kent Flmley, 7th October (L. Street, M. Wheeler a/.). Norfolk Hunstanton, 5th October (D. j. Girling). Salthouse, 5th October (D. R. Bishop, j. R. Mullins et al.). Scilly St Mary’s, juvenile, at least 3rd September (A. Amervy M. Langman et al.). Shetland Fair Isle, juvenile, 17th to 20th September (D. A. Cope, A. H. J. Harrop e/ «/.). Somerset Cheddar Reservoir, juvenile, 7th September (T. A. Box et al.). South Glamorgan Rhymney Great Wharf, 24th September (M. Watkins). Strathclyde Near Irvine, Ayr, 13th September (D. Smith). 1976 Scilly Tresco, 1 7th to 22nd September (D. C. H. Mills r/ «/.). 1979 Cornwall Davidstow Airfield and Stithians Reservoir, 14th to 20th September (Ihit. Birds 73: 508), last seen 21st, but delete Stithians Reser\oir. Additional record: Stithians Reservoir, 15th to 1 7th September (R. I. Thorpe r/ a/.). 1979 Devon Fhurlestone, 22nd to 23rd September (R. Burridge, W. & Mrs F. W. Oxenford). 1979 Somerset Steart, 20th August (H. Lacey). (North America) Also 19 in Ireland: three at Tacumshin Lake, Co. Wexford, on 6th September, with four on 7th and nine by 27th; singles at Swords, Co. Dublin, on 6th September; at Bull Island, Co. Dublin, on 6th and 7th September; and at Rogerstown, Co. Dublin, from 7th to 20th September; hve at Lisagrilhn, Co. Cork, from 14th to 16th September, with 471 Report on rare birds in 1980 three remaining until 2 1st; and singles at Pilmore Strand, Co. Cork, on 16th September and at Bunaclugga Bay, Co. Kerry, on 20th September. The third-highest total for the commonest wader considered by the Committee: there were 67 in 1975 and in 1977. Another eight late submissions for Scilly are still under consideration. Great Snipe Gallinago media ( 180, 45, 1) Shetland Out Skerries, 12th to 15th September (D. M. Pullan, E. Taitr/a/.). (Northeast Europe and northwest Asia) The years 1977-80 produced a mere four, the lowest total for a four-year period since at least 1958. Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus (9, 55, 7) Essex 1 ollesbury, 22nd March to at least 23rd .April (Cl. J. Mackenzie-Grie\ e el al.). Grampian Meikle Loch, 11th May (M. V. Bell, R. Elliot e/ a/.). Man Clalf of Man, 28th September (Dr J. P. Cullen, S. Davies, J. & .Mrs M. Kneen). 1963 Lincolnshire/Norfolk \\ isbech Sewage-farm, 28th September, pre\ ionsK' accepted as Short-billed Dowitcher L. griseus (Brit. Birds 57: 267), now accepted as Long-billed after review. 1965 West Sussex .Sidlesham Eerry, 14th Eebruary to 15th March, prec iously accepted as Short-billed Dowitcher (Bril. Birrh^O: 287), now accepted as Long-hilled after review. 1979 Cornwall Clollege Reservoir, first-winter, lOih October (B. Cave, Dr C, \V. Dacies). Crowdy Reservoir, two, 27th October (E. H. C:. & 1. Kendall). (North America and northeast Siberia) Also, one at 4'acumshin Lake, Co. Wexford, on 30th September, joined by another from 8th to 26th October; and one at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, on 1 1th October, joined by another from 17th into 1981. In addition to the 1963 Lincolnshire/Norfolk and 1965 Sussex records (see above), the Committee also considered the 1957 Norfolk record of Short-billed Dowitcher (Cley and Salthouse, 5th October to 3rd November). Pre-1958 records are not the direct concern of the Rarities Committee, so this record and three old specimen records (Stone Bridge, Middlesex, autumn 1862; Cihristchurch Harbour, Hampshire, September 1872; Stanpit Marsh, Hampshire, 7th October 1902) are currently under review by the BOU Records Committee. Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus or L. griseus (31,1 44, 1 0) Leicestershire Rutland Water, 4th to 5th May (R. E. Baker, K. .Moulton. D. J. Scott elaL). Suffolk Havergate, 22nd September (J. Partridge). (North America and northeast Siberia) The two at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, from autumn 1979 {Brit. Birds 73: 508-509) remained ‘throughout the winter’. Also one at Ballymacoda, Co. Cork, on 22nd September. The totals include those specifically identified. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa Jiaiipes (35, 107, 9) Cornwall Drift Reservoir, juvenile, 17th .August to 4th September (S. J. M. Cantlett el al.). Stithians Reservoir, first-winter, 25th September (T. P. .Andrews, M. J. Parr, S. .A. Webb el al.). Hayle Kimbro, juvenile moulting to first-winter, 10th October (B. Cave); presumed same, Marazion, 11th to 23rd October (_J. T. Belsey,J. H. Johns et «/.) (plate 275). Grampian Cairnbulg, 16th March to at least 24th .April (R. B. Cardno, J. Dunbar. S. Palmer). \'than Estuary , 6th .August (S. North). Highland Dornoch, Sutherland, at least 31st .August (D. Macdonald). 472 Report on rare birds in 1980 275. Juvenile Lesser Yellowlegs Tririga Jlavipes, Cornwall, October 1980 (/. H. Johns) Scilly T'resco, juvenile, 20th September to 6th October (G. R. Harrison, D. G. H. Mills, C-H. Moulin et al.). St Mary’s, Juvenile moulting to first-winter, 7th to about 30th October, then I’resco to at least 4th November (J. R. H. Clements, D. G. H. Mills et al.). Shetland L’yeasound, Unst, 18th September (I. Sandison). 1979 Tayside Montrose Basin, at least 6th to 20th September Q. A. C. Clark el al.). (North America) 4'he Cairnbulg bird survived force 10 winds and heavy storms on its exposed beach in northeast Scotland, perhaps benefiting from the local knowledge of its host flock of Redshanks Tringa totanus. Nine in a year is not quite a record total: there were ten in 1970. Solitary Sandpiper Tringa sot itaria {6, 13, 1) Cornwall Drift Reservoir, 28th .August to 1st September (.J. A. Lyre, .S. Piotrowski, .M. Shaw et al.). (North America) A repeat performance by Cornwall, which also provi- ded the only record in 1979. Spotted Sandpiper Actilis macularia (6, 44, 3) Dyfed Bosherston Pools, Pembrokeshire, juvenile, 5th October to at least 2nd December (J. K. & J. VV. Donovan, D. \. Henshilwood, G. H. Rees eta/.). Gwent Peterstone VVentloog, first-winter, 26th October to 25th April 1981 (R. Bryant, S. N. G. Howell, C. Jones et al.). Warwickshire Draycote Water, juvenile, 10th to 25th September (A. R. Dean et al.). 1977 Strathclyde Endrick Mouth, 8th to 9th August, previously accepted (Brit. Birds 72: 524), now withdrawn by observer. (North America) None in Ireland in 1980, but one at Ballymacoda, Co. Cork, on 6th and 7th October 1979. This is only the second Irish record, the first being near Finea, Westmeath, on 2nd February 1899. 1’he number of spring records in recent years strongly indicates wintering on this side of the Atlantic, but the Gwent bird is the first proof of successful wintering in Britain. Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor (1, 116, 12) Avon Cihcw V’alley Lake, juvenile, 13th to 23rd September q. Hole, K. E. Vinicombeef a/.). Report on rare birds in 1980 473 Cleveland Long Drag and Dorman’s Pools, aduli, 13th to at least 20th September (C. R. Clark el a!.). Cornwall Stithians Reservoir, possibly adult, 23rd August (M. G. Barradell. S. C. Hutchings, P. A. Maker). Drilt Reservoir, first-winter, 8th to 13th September (J. H. Johns, M. E. Nolan, A. Quinn el al.) [Bnt. Birds 73: plates 286 & 287). Essex Heybridge Gravel-pits, not aged, 6th to 10th September (R. Hull. J. E. Mee, T. J. Mendham et al.), possibly same as SuHolk individual. Humberside Spurn, 16th September ( R. P. Gouncil, G. Neal, B. R. Spence et al.). Suffolk Levington, not aged, 31st .August to at least 2nd September (M. C. Marsh. P. W. Murphy et al.), possibly .same as Essex individual. 1979 Cambridgeshire Nene Washes, juvenile, 27th to 28th August (R. L. K. jolin'e, P. D. Round). 1979 Norfolk Holme, 12th to 19th September (_J. Newton e/ a/.). (North America) 7\ late Irish record is of one at Tacumshin Lake, Co. VV exford, on 16th September 1979, in addition to the one there from 15th to 19th September 1979 {Bnt. Birds 73: 510). Also six in 1980: singles at Ballycotton, Cio. Ciork, on 15th August and at Akeragh Lough, Clo. Kerry, on 1st September, two at Tacumshin Lake from 13th to 20th September, another at Ballycotton from 16th to 24th September and one at Lady’s Island L.ake, Co. Wexford, on 30th September. The peak in 1979 advances to 18. I he total numbers of Nearctic waders (excluding Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris melanolos and Lesser Golden Plovers) in recent years have been 1 1 1 (of 14 species) in 1975, 51 (of 1 1 species) in 1976, 130 (of nine species) in 1977, 74 (of 1 1 species) in 1978, 73 (of 12 species) in 1979 and 103 (of ten species) in 1980. The dominant factor is the number of Bull-breasted Sandpipers. Thus, in cold statistics, 1980 was good though not exceptional, but, for many, the Cornish booty will long be remembered. Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus (not known, not known,-) 1978 Derbyshire Sec 1979 Derbyshire. 1979 Cleveland Hartlepool, adult, 9th August (G. .McCarthy). 1979 Derbyshire Stoney Middleton, juvenile, freshly dead, 5th October {Bnt. Birds 73: 510), found by T. B. Carter and identified by j. R. .Mather and in 1978, not as stated. 1979 Grampian Girdleness, adult, 3rd July (P. Eisher, S. T. Spencer). 1979 Kent Shellness, adult, 15th September (D. 1.. Da\ enport). 1979 Norfolk Cley, juvenile, 15th September (1. R. .Machin, J. P. .Martin). 1979 North Yorkshire Burniston, juvenile, 2nd .September (.A. Botterill). Scarborough, juvenile, 13th October (R. H. .Appleby). 1979 Western Isles Balranald, North Uist, 27 adults in one flock, 18th .May (C. H. Pickup). (North Europe and west Siberia) This species is no longer considered by the Committee, but any unsubmitted records for 1976-79 are still required. There were 129 in 1976, 74 in 1977, 91 in 1978 and 66 in 1979. .\n identification paper currently in preparation by J. R. Mather will be published in British Birds in due course. Great Black-headed Gull Lams ichthyaetus (5, 1, 0) 1967 North Yorkshire Knarcsborough, 31st .March to 14th .April, previously accepted [Bnt. Birds 6 1 : 343; plate 48), now withdrawn by observers. (Southern Russia, west and central .Asia) The reasons for this about-turn will be published in due course. The six remaining British records were in May orjune 1859, January 1910, November-December 1924, March 1932, August 1932 and May 1966. The growth in gull-watching during the past decade has produced an explosion of records of several Nearctic species, 474 Report on rare birds in 1980 but, sadly, no records of this most striking species which occurs in some numbers no farther away than Israel. Laughing Gull Lams atricilla (2,21,5) Cornwall Hayle, second-summer, 22nd June to 5th July when found dead, now in Truro Museum (L. P. Williams e/ a/.) (plates 276 & 277). 276 & 277. Second-summer Laughing Gull Larus atricilla, with (below) Black- headed Gull L. ridibundus, Cornwall, June 1980 (S'. C. Hutchings] Peter J. Hopkin) Derbyshire Ogston Reservoir, second-winter, 29th November (M. F. Stoyle, M. E. Faylor). Dorset Radipole and Lodmoor, second-summer, 13th April (P. Basterfield, R. Ford, 1. C. Pembroke et al.). Somerset Bossington, adult, 8th September (D. K. Ballance). Western Isles Hirta, St Kilda, adult, 23rd June to at least 14th july (W. J. Ciunningham, I. Macgowan, W. Wright a/.). (North America and Caribbean) An arrival pattern is yet to emerge: individuals have been found in every month of the year except January and no more than four in any month. It seems likely that a ver)' small number is always present amongst out native gulls and that persistent searching through one’s local flocks of Black-headed Gulls L. ridibundus could produce this gem at any place and at any time. Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan (0, 5, 1) Strathclyde Irvine, Ayr, probably first-summer, 2nd to 6th July (R. G. C.adlow, D. L. Clugslon et al.). 475 Report on rare birds in 1980 (North America) France had its first in January 1977 [Brit. Birds 72: 591), Norway its first two (together) injune 1979 {Brit. Birds 73: 259) and Sweden its second in August 1980 {Bril. Birds 73: 576). Bonaparte’s Gull Larus Philadelphia (11, 22, 1) Cornwall Falmouth, first-winter, 17th November (B. Cave, DrG. \\ . Davies e/ a/.). 1979 Merseyside Seacombe Ferry, first-summer moulting to second-winter, 21st August (J. K. Bannon). (North America) Already overtaken by Ring-billed Gull, this easily overlooked species seems likely soon to suffer the same from Laughing Gull, which is now only six behind. Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis (0, 32, 5) Avon Chew V'alley Lake, adult, 22nd March {.\. ]. Merritt, K. E. \’inicombe et at.); first-winter, 30th March (T. P. .Andrews, R. .A. Barrett, S. .A. Webb e/ a/.). 1978 Dorset Radipolc, first-summer moulting to second-winter, 9th to 2 1st July (M. Cade, (j. W a 1 bridge). 1979 West Glamorgan Blackpill, first-winter, 23rd to 26th February (P. G. Lansdown, I. l ew et at.)', adult, at least 24th and 26th March (P. G. Lansdown, S. J. Moon et at.). (North America) Also a second-winter at Annagh Bay, The Mullet, Go. Mayo, on 16th February, a first-summer there from 1st to 7th June and a first-winter at nearby Belmullet from 14th December into 1981. Blackpill monopolised the British scene from 1973 to 1975, with the first five (a conservative estimate), and now we have an exact parallel in Ireland, with the acute observers at Fhe Mullet collecting the first five Irish records {Brit. Birds 73: 513). Ross’s Gull Rhodostelhia rosea (2, 22, 1) North Yorkshire Fdlev Brigg, adult, 7th to 8th December (F3. ]. & .Mrs .A. Whitehead et at.). (Northeast Siberia, Greenland and Ganada) The seventh consecutive year and a typical record. Some of the mystery of this Arctic waif was unravelled by the Swedish ‘Ymer-80’ expedition through the .Arctic Ocean during July to September 1980 {Brit. Birds 74: 316-320). Ivory Gull Pagophila ebumea (76, 19, 3) Dorset Portland, first-winter, 22nd January to lOth February (M. & Mrs \\ . Rogers et at.), (plates 88 & 89). Shetland Unst, adult, dead, 29th June (DrC. Meier-Zwicky etal.). (High Arctic) Also a first-winter at Ballycotton, Go. Gork, from 1st to 9th January (plate 278). The first midsummer record since before 1958, though there was one in Ireland on 6th .August 1971. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica (53, 145, 5) Cornwall .Marazion, 21st .August (_J. H. Johns). Greater London Barn Fdms Reservoirs, 26th July (T ■ J. Lawrence). Scilly Fresco, two, 16th May (.A. \ ittery). .St Agnes, another, 17th May (D. J. & .Mrs D. C. Barker). 1978 East Sussex Rye, 27th .August (G. Bowell, G. K. & P. Dunkley, R. H. B. Forster et at.). 1979 Humberside F’lamborough Head, l.'ith May (D. I. M. Wallace). 1979 Norfolk Gley, 20th July (G. L. & M. G. Webber). 476 Report on rare birds in 1980 (Almost cosmopolitan, nearest breeding colony in Denmark) An average year, but the occurrence on a London reservoir is noteworthy, rhe well-watched bird at Titchwell, Norfolk, from 7th to 26th July was unfortunately not reported in time for inclusion in this year’s report: a classic case of everyone thinking that somebody else had submitted the record! 278. F irst-wintcr Ivorv' Gull Pagophila ebumea. Go. Gork, January 1980 (Richard T. Mills) Caspian Tern Sterna caspia (30, 1 13, 4) Dorset Stanpit Marsh, 26th July (D. N. Smith). Kent Pegwell Bay, 24thjuly (D. Beadle, F, Solly). Norfolk Hickling, 2nd June (A. D. Boote). Gley, 26th August (J. I. Martin, J. Price- Stephens, M. Wigginton et al.). 1979 Lancashire Leighton Moss, 13th August (S. P. Goyle, D. Nivedair, J. Wilson et al.). 1979 West Midlands Sandwell V'alley, 25th July (R. M. Normand). (Cosmopolitan except South America, but everywhere local) A typical batch of ‘one-day jobs’: if only one would stay a while. Forster’s Tern Sterna Jorsteri (0, 0, 1) Cornwall F’almouth Bay, first-winter, at least 20th F’ebruary to 18th March (B. Ga\e, Dr G. VV. Davies et al.). (North America) Initially giving tantalising glimpses far out in Falmouth Bay, this long-expected addition to our list was finally tracked down by the sheer persistence of one local observer. It then gave superb views to the many hundreds who flocked to see it. A complete account will be published in due course. 477 Report on rare birds in 1980 Bridled Tern Sterna anaethelus (3, 3, 1 ) Man C.alf of Man, adult, 5th September (P. P. Jennings). (Oceanic islands from Caribbean east to Philippines and Australia) Only the second to be seen alive in Britain, the other being a mere 13 months earlier, in Orkney (Brit. Birds 73; 513-514). This observer was fortunate indeed. Sooty Tern Sterna Juscata (16,8, I ) Northamptonshire Ditchford Gravel-pits, first-summer showing characters of typical race S.J. Juscata, 29th to 30th .May when found sick (J. E. Ward, D. & .Mrs L. .M. Young r/ rr/.); later taken into tare by Mr C.. A. j. C.hristie of Banbury, but died 4th No\ember and currently retained by Mr Christie. 1979 Devon Berry Head, 9th July, flying west (R. Pop). (Tropical and subtropical islands in all oceans, also Red Sea) 4'his must have been beyond the wildest dreams of the fortunate finder when paying a routine visit to his local gravel-pit. Rescued by early morning twitchers from the avarice ol a Carrion Crow Corvus corone and gi\ en lengthy e.xpert care by a veterinary surgeon, how sad that this oceanic beautv should have fallen foul ol mindless international bureaucracy. .All efforts to have it returned to a more hospitable climate came to grief, as did the bird in the end. Whiskered Tern Chtidomas hyhndus (20, 51,0) 1969 Wight Newtown, 26th .September (Brit. Birds 63: 280), jtreviously accepted, but now considered unacceptable after review . (South Eurasia, northwest, east and southern .Africa, and .Australia) There was none in 1980, the first blank year since 1971. White-winged Black Tern Chtidonias leucoptenis (50, 366, 1 3) Cornwall .Stithians Reservoir, juvenile, 25th September (T. P. .Andrews, .M. J. Parr. B. Reed et at.). Dyfed Dyfi Estuary, juvenile, 27th .August (.A. P. Fowles, .A. D. Fox). Essex .Abberton Reservoir, juvenile, 4th to 5th .August (R. \'. .A. Marshall. D. R. .Mcxire. S. Piotrowski). West I'hurrock, juvenile, at least 16th September (K. Barrett et at.). Gloucestershire Frampton-upon-Severn, juvenile, 27th to 28th .September (J. D. .Sanders, R. F Thorpe, .A. Webb etal.). Hampshire Pennington Marsh, adult, 21st .September (NF C. & P. Combridge). Humberside Fophill Low Reservoirs, 29th May (.\F Coverdale. ,\. Gibson. K. Rotherham). Norfolk Happisburgh, juvenile, 3rd September (K. Bailey). Titchwell, juvenile, 20th to at least 3 1st October (S. j. .M. Gantlett, J. B. Kemp et at.). Somerset .Sutton Bingham Reservoir, juvenile, 21st September (P. .Akers). Suffolk .Minsmere, 19th .May (G. J. Jobson, J. Sorensen). West Sussex Chichester Gravel-pits, adult, 5th to 7th .August (C. R. Janman, O. .Mitchell. Miss J. V. Stacey e/ rt/.). 1979 Avon Chew Valley Lake (Brit. Birds 73; 514) should read, juvenile, 7th to lOth September; another, 8th to 10th. 1979 Kent Fydd, juvenile, 23rd to at least 25th .-\ugust, two, 25th (.A. T. M. Ruck etal.). but second individual probably same as that at Dungeness already published (Brit. Birds 73: 514). 1979 North Yorkshire Filey Brigg, 1st June (T. Hobson, .A. M. Paterson). (Southeast Europe, west and east .Asia) .Also one at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, on 17th May. Well under par, the average for the previous ten years being 23. Eate October records are unusual (there were three in 1967, two 478 Report on rare birds in 1980 in 1968 and five in 1976, but no others since 1958) so the one at Titchwell, Nortolk, during the last 12 days of October is noteworthy. Briinnich’s Guillemot Uria lomvia (3, 8, 3) Lothian +vilspindic Beach, IresJily dead, 9th February (J. (jil)soii, L. Simnien), now at Glasgow Museum. Ferry ,\ess, freshly dead, 9th February (_j. Gibson, L. Simmen), skin retained by L. Simmen. Shetland Fair Isle, adult. 16th to 17th Oc tober (P. J. Ewins, del .\evo, I. S. Roberts(jn el at.) (plate 279). 279. Briinnich’s (juillemot Uria lomvia, Shetland, October 1980 (/. .S'. Robertson) (Circumpolar 7\rctic) Further evidence that this easily overlooked species may be less rare than previously thought. The good lortune (or was it bad?) of the observers who found two tide-line ccirpses on the same day was eclipsed by that of the Fair Isle residents who actually saw, and photographed, one alive. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus (22, 15, 1) Scilly St Agnes, first-year, 1st to 1 1th October; Gugh, 12th; found moribund, St Mary’s, later on 12th, died that night (P. Dukes, F. H. I). Hicks, D. .Sykes el a/.)\ skin retaiiu'd by J. Fiames, B'FO, Tring. (North America) This larger-than-life cuckoo seemed healthy enough at first, but, like the majority of its predecessors, finally succumbed. Scops Owl Otus scops (64, 11,2) Hampshire Dummer, near Basingstoke ,c?, 12th May to at least 14th July (J. M. Glark, FE M. Raynor, Mr Wood el al.) (plate 280). Western Isles Greian Head, Barra, long dead, 4th June (N. Powell per J. Hardman); wing and head feathers retained byj. Hardman. (South Europe, Russia, west Asia and northwest Africa) 4'he Hamj)shirc bird caused quite a stir in the sleepy village of Dummer. Initial complaints to the GPO about an alien noise led nowhere — responsibility 479 Report on rare birds in 1980 being flatly denied — there were after all no wires at all leading to the tree whence came that eerie, monotonous noise. Then someone thought of another possi- bility, and soon each evening saw scores, if not hundreds, of patient listeners hoping for a glimpse. The local publican didn’t do too badly, but no doubt most of the remarkably tolerant resi- dents were somewhat re- lieved when things returned to normal in mid July. 280. .Male Scops Owl Otus scops, Hampshire, May-July 1980 (I\ 1 1 heeler) Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca Grampian/Highland Cairngorm .Mountains, d, 18th JuK to at least 24th .\ugust (P. Gasson, R. .Strachan el a/.), presumed same as 1979 indiv idual, see below. Highland See above. Shetland Fetl ar, three adult 9$, probably including at least two remaining since 1979 {Brit. Birds 73: 515), early .March to 2nd .May and 12th .September to at least 14th October; two, 3rd to 23rd May and from 7th September, but onK one summered. I’nst. late .Mav to mid .September, two adult 9 9 , late .May to at least late .August and one or more to mid .September: thus minimum of four, Fctlar/L'nst during period (.) • Dymond el al.). Fair Isle, immature 9 . 21st May (P.J. Fwins, .\.J. del Nevo, I. .S. Robertson et al.). 1979 Grampian/Highland Caiirngorm .Mountains, 6 25th ,Juh least 29th .\ugust (1). Pierce et al.); presumed same as 1980, sec above. 1979 Shetland South Uist, 9 or immature, 24th .April to 25th .September (D. (A)utts. I. Sandison, I. .Spence et al.). L’ralirth, 9 or immature, 19th May (T. D. Rogers). Whalsay. 9 or immature, 3rd June (per Dr B. Marshall). Foula, 9 or immature. 4th to 8th June (B. Furness). Fetlar {Brit. Birds 73: 515), in spring, third adult 9 present on 20th .April onh : two to 6th May, not as stated; one, 7th May to 21st June; two, 22nd June to at least 3rd (October; probably third present on 25th December, all remaining into 1980. (Circumpofar Arctic) If only the male on the Cairngorms knew of the harem awaiting him to the north. Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolinsjunereus (49, 2, 2) Orkney Finstown, adult, 13th to at least 20th October, trapped 14th (D. .Manson. E. J. & S. J. Williams); another adult, trapped 18th, later found dead and passed to .Monks 4Vood F.xperimental Station for examination (C. Corse, P. Reynolds, E. J. Williams etal.). (North Eurasia and North .\merica) The first for nearly 20 years. The two most-recent records were also in Orkney, from 26th December 1959 to 1st January 1960 {Bril. Birds 55; 565) and on 1st May 1961 [Brit. Birds 55: 576). 480 Report on rare birds in 1980 Alpine Swift Apusmelba { 150, 146, 6) East Sussex Beachy Head, 14th May (J. F. Cooper, N. A. G. Lord, M. Scott-Ham et ai). Greater London Walthamstow Reservoirs, 21stjune (R. Leighton). Kent Sandwich Bay, 27th September (N. Brooks, S. O’Donnell). Northumberland Low Hau.xley, 16.30 and 17.00 GMT, 27th September, possibly two individuals (S. W. Anderson, B. Little, G. Mad'arlane). Somerset Dunkery Beacon, E.xmoor, 27th .May (M. J. Mc\’ail). (South Eurasia, northwest and east Africa) Also one at Dursey Island, Co. Cork, on 27th July. The annual crops have been remarkably consistent in recent years, with between six and nine during each year from 1972 to 1980. There were 14 in 1970. Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon (1,2,0) Cornwall Sladesbridge, individual first seen late 1979 (Brit. Birds 73: 516) present to at least June; now considered immature 6 at time of arrival; adult d, probably same, Boscathnoe Reservoir, Penzance, 23rd to about 29th .August d. H. Johns et al.). (North America) This noisy rattler became surprisingly evasive towards the end of its stay near Sladesbridge and may still be lurking deep in some Cornish valley. Bee-eater Merops apiasler ( 1 54, 111, 1 ) Humberside Spurn, 25thjune (R. P. Council, B. R. Spence). 1979 Buckinghamshire Chalfont St Giles, 27th .April (P. R. Colston). (South Europe, southwest Asia and northwest Africa) A poor showing. .A long stayer would be much appreciated by the great majority of twitchers who still need this ace bee catcher. Roller Coracias garrulus ( 135, 62, 2) Kent .Ayclilfe, juvenile, 8th September (D. F.. Smith). Suffolk Ilketshall St Lawrence, adult, 28th to 30th September (.A. J. & Miss M. ,A. Fairchild et at.) (Brit. Birds 73: plate 285). (South and east Europe, west Asia and northwest Africa) The first year with none in spring since the totally blank year of 1972. Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla (40, 176, 1 1) Gwynedd Bardsey, 15th to 16th .May (P. J. Roberts, C. Rowley et at.). Scilly St .Agnes, 17th to 23rd May (D. J. & Mrs D. C. Barker, J. .A. Wolstencroft et at.). Shetland Fair Isle, 7 th to 18th May (I . S. Robertson et at.); 3rd June (S. J. M. Gantlett); 21st to 23rd September (P. J. Ewins, I. S. Robertson ^/a/.); 4th October (J. N. Dymond, P. J. Ewins, .A. R. Kitson el at.)', 11th to 21st October, two, 12th to 14th (P. J. Ewins, .A. R. Kitson, I. S. Robertson et at.)', 8th November (C. D. R. Heard). Whalsay, 20th to21st September (VV. .Arthur, Dr B. Marshall el at.). Bressay, 23rd September (C. R. Kightley, R. O’Reilly). (South Eurasia, north and east Africa) The average annual total during the 1970s was, as here, 1 1 . Shetland’s return to dominance is noteworthy. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica (7, 60, 7) Cornwall Nare Head, 4th May (G. S. Gay). Porthgwarra, 17th May (,J. A. Hawkey, VV. R. Hirst, H. P. K. Robinson e; a/.). Devon Lundy, at least 22nd October (T. R. Cleeves, J. B. O. & Mrs K. Rossetti). Dorset Portland, 20th .April (J. T. Belsey, E. R. Clafton, M. & Mrs VV. Rogers). Essex .Abberton Reservoir, at least 7th to 10th May (Dr S. Cox, R. \'. A. Marshall et at.). Gwynedd Bardsey, 3rd May (S. Cowdy, N. Lewis, P. J. Roberts etat.). Scilly St .Mary’s, juvenile, 23rd October to 3rd November (_J. F. Cooper, E. Grace et at.). 481 Report on rare birds in 1980 1979 Dorset Corfe Mullen, 27th September (Dr G. P. Green). 1979 North Yorkshire Naburn, 16th to 17th May (D. Braithwaite, T. E. Dixon, B. G. Pepper e/ a/.). (South and east Eurasia, and Africa) A year when many observers, though unfortunately not all, caught up with this breath of hotter climes. Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae (135, 902, 27) Cornwall I revose Head, 29th September (S. M. Christophers). Predannack .Airfield, 4th October (E. Griffiths, J. .M. Randall). Morwenstow, Bude, 31st October (E. H. C. & I. Kendall) . Cumbria .South Walney, 8th to 10th November (T. Dean, I. .Mackenzie, .-\. Phizaklea etcil.). Dorset Portland, 25th October (\I. Ciade, S. Mc.Minn, G. VN albridge el al.). Fife Isle of May, 22nd September (I. G. Gumming, T. VV. Dougall el al.). Humberside Near Easington, 15th October (P. Piringer). Between East Halton and Goxhill, 27th to 28th October (K. Atkin, G. P. Catley, J. R. Clarkson). Lincolnshire Tetney Lock, ,30th October (R. Lorand). Norfolk C-ley, first seen 2 1st December \979 (Bril. Birds 73: 5\7), lo about 1 1th Januars' (per G. E. Dunmore). VVinterton, 30th .March to at least 13th .April (.A. D. Boote, G. E. Dunmore et al.). Scilly vSt Agnes, two, 26th September (P. A’esou); another, 5th October ( P. .A. Dukes). St ■Mary’s, 30th September to 4th October (K. Hardy et al.)', 13th to 24th October, two, 13th to 21st (D. G. H. Mills, G. j. White el al.). Gugh, 18th October (J. ,\E Dale, P. G. Eansdown el al.). Bryher, 2nd November (W. E. Oddie). Shetland Out Skerries, 26th September to 6th October, three, 28th (.\E Heubeck. D, ,M. Pullan, E. Fait et al.). Fair Isle, trapped, 14th October (P. ,J. Ewins, .A. J. del Nevo, 1. S. Robertson el al.)', another, 22nd to 24th, and one I'ound dead, 22nd ( R. Eilby, G. D. R. Heard, I. S. Robertson etal.). Suffolk Landguard, 20th to 24th October (E. Keeble, .A. R. J. Paine, S. Piotrowski). 1976 Scilly St Mary’s, 25th September (Bril. Birds 71: 512), was present, with another, 23rd to 26th (D. B. Hunt, T. P. Inskipp, D. G. H. .Mills et at.). 1979 Kent .Sandwich Bay, 18th ,No\ember (I). G. Gilbert). 1979 Norfolk Cley, 2 1st December to at least 1st January 1980 (Bril. Birds 73: 5 1 7). toabout 1 1th January (perG. E. Dunmore). (West Siberia east to Mongolia and southeast to New Zealand, also Africa) Two late Irish records: at Akeragh Lough, Co. Kerry, on 28th September 1979 and at Ballymacoda, Co. Cork, on 16th October 1979. Also, in 1980, singles at Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, on 3rd October and from 13th to 14th October. The equal-poorest showing since 1965: there were also 27 in 1976. The field separation of this species from Tawny Pipit was sorted out some years ago, notably by P. J. Grant {Brit. Birds 65: 287-290). In recent years, however, there have been several instances of pale late-autumn Richard’s Pipits being initially identified as Tawny by- observers with good experience of both species, and this has led to specu- lation that Blyth’s Pipit A. godlewski may be invoked. That possibility, however remote, is currently under inx estigation by the Committee. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris ( 1 20, 433, 30) Cornwall Porthgwarra, 24th to 26th September (D. H. Hands, J. H. Johns. .A. R. Pay et al.). St Just .Airfield, 27th to 29th September, two, 28th (D. J. Britton, K. Hammond. J. G. Nicholls el al.). Cumbria South Walney , 18th October (T. Dean, .A. J. Mackenzie). Devon Powderham, 30th September (B. J. V\ idden). Dorset Portland, 1 1th to 12th October (M. Cade). East Sussex Beachy Head, 4th May (^J. F. Cooper, .A. R. Kitson); 16th .August (D . J. F. & 482 Report on rare birds in 1980 Mrs 1). R. Cooper); lour, 21st to 22iid Septemljer, six on 21st (^J, F. Cooper, R.J. Fairbank, D. & F. \\ . Parmeiiter el ai). Langiiey Point, 27th September (D., J. F. & Mrs I). R. Cooper). Gwynedd Bardsey, 1st September (C. I). Rowley). Lx)thian Aberlady Bay, 19th to21st July (P. R. Gordon elal.). Kent Chile, 31st August (D, Murdoeh). St Margaret’s Bay, 7th September (J. R. H. Clements). Dungeness, 21st September (N. R. Da\ies eta!.). Lincolnshire Donna .Nook, 10th May (R. & S. Lorand, C. R. .Morrison el at.). Norfolk Weybourne, 12tb to 14th .April (Dr M. Hill, ,M. P. Lee, R. Tidman). Scilly Bryher, 12th to 15th .April (P. Clement, A. P. Goddard, W. E. Oddie). St Mary's, 25th September (G. R. Flarrison, B. Hill, P. D. Hyde el al.)\ possibly another, 26th (R. J. Fairbank); another, 29th (R.J. Walker); another, 15th October (C. D. R. Heard). Suffolk I .andguard, 21st September (M. C. .Marsh, S. Piotrowski). West Sussex Littlehampton, 2 1st September (R. Cirimmett). Near Cissbury Ring, two, 2 1st to 22nd September (B. F. Forbes, ,A. R. Kitson). 1978 Scilly ,St Mary’s, 3rd (October (B. S. Harding el al.). 1979 Dorset Hengistbury Head, 1 1th September (D. .N. .Smith). 1979 Kent Whiteness Point, 28th .September (D. Beadle). 1979 Norfolk Winterton, two, 30th September (P. R. .Allard). 1979 Scilly Fresco, two, 1 1 th October ( R. .A. Barrett, C. D. R. Heard et al.). 1979 Tyne & Wear .Marsden, 2 1st May (.M. K. Watson). (Europe, south Asia and northwest Africa) The si.x at Beachy Head on 21st September is not without precedent: there was a similar number on St Mary’s, Scilly, on 24th September 1979. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni ( 1 , 13,4) Lincolnshire Saltlleetby, 19th October (G. P. Catley). Scilly Fresco, 21st to 23rd October (T. P. .Andrews, K. J. Lyons, B. Reed et al.). .Another, St .Mary’s, 28th October ( P. R. Holness, D. (j. H. .Mills et al.). Shetland F'air Isle, 6th to 9th November (C. I). R, Heard, J, Holloway, 1. S. Robertson) (plate 281). 281. Olive-backed Pipit Anthu.s hodgsoni, Shetland, November 1980 (/. S. Robertson) 1979 Scilly St .Mary’s, 10th .November (C. Robson). (Northeast Russia to central and east Asia) One on (Teat Saltce, Co. Wexford, on 21st October 1978 [Irish Birds 1; 541-545) was the first for Ireland. A new peak for this skulking tail-pumper. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus (30, 108, 6) Gloucestershire Frampton-upon-Severn, 18th .A[)ril to 7th May (D. .A. .Scott, M. .Smart et al. ) . 483 Report on rare birds in 1980 Kent Scvcnoaks, 3rd May (M. Coath). Scilly St Mary’s, 13th Octfjber (B. C. & R. VV. Forrester, R. H. Flogg, J. Knox et al.)\ 30th October (N. Borrow, V\ . R. I unniclille, P. Vines et al.). Fresco, 4th November (M. J. Clrosbv, ,J Ml urton, j. A. VVolstencroft). Shetland p air Isle, 20th to 24 th September ( R. I tines, A. Marshall, P. W'hitehouse et al.). 1979 Berkshire Theale, 11th October (J. Hunt, T. P. Inskipp e/ a/.)- 1979 Dorset Herbury Gore, 9th September (C. E. Richards). (Arctic Eurasia) The much-watched Gloucestershire bird found on 18th April was the second earliest since at least 1958: there was one at Staines Reservoir, Surrey, on 17th and 18th April 1964 {Brit. Birdsb^: 367). Stonechat Saxicola torquata (1,38, 7) Individuals showing the characters of one or other of the eastern races S. t. mama or stejnegen, colloquially known as ‘Siberian Stonechats’, were recorded as follows: Humberside Kilnsca, 8, 25th October q. Cludworth, S. .M. Lister, D, Page). Spurn, 9 or immature, 2nd November (J. Cludworth, G. Neal). Scilly St Mary’s, 8, 29th October (D., J. F. & Mrs D. R. Clooper et al.)', possibly same, Bryhcr, 30th October (VV. E. Oddie). Shetland Otterswick, Yell, 9 or immature, 20th September (P. Kerry, R. P. .Martins, S. .M. VVhitehouse el al.). Fair Isle, first year 8, trapped, 12lh October (P. J. Ewins, .\. J. del Nevo, I. S. Robertson el al.)', Hrst-year 9, also trapped, 12th October (.\. R. Kitson, K. .M. .Morton, I. S. Robertson et al.)', 9, 12th to 15th October (.\..J. del Nevo, I. ,S. Robertson et al.). 1974 Cambridgeshire Purl’s Bridge, Ouse Washes, 9 or immature, 27th to 30th November (S. C. Madge). 1979 Scilly ,St .Mary’s, 9 or immature, 22nd to 2Hth October (I).,). Britton et al.), additonal to 8 alrc.ady published {Brit. Birds 73: 519). (East from northeast Russia) The late record for 1974 predates another at the Ouse Washes, on 24th November 1979, by almost exactly fi\e years. There is only one other inland record, at Wintersett Reser\oir, West Yorkshire, from 19th to 24th October 1977. 4Te simultaneous arri\al of three at one locality is without precedent. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanlhe isaheltina (1,2, 1 ) Northumberland Bamburgh, probable adult. Kith to 20th .September (I). G. Bell el al.). (Southeast Europe east to Mongolia.) Useful identification notes have recently been published on the second British record, at Winterton. Norfolk, on 28th May 1977 {Brit. Birds 74: 181-182), and on the third, at Girdleness, Grampian, from 17th October to 10th November 1979 (Brit. Birds 74: 182-185). The first was as long ago as 1887, yet the fourth now appears within a year of the third. Pied Wheatear Oenanlhe pleschanka (3, 4, 1) (Southeast Europe and south-central .\sia) None in Britain, but a male at Knockadoon Head, Go. Cork, from 8th to 16th November, trapped on 9th (plate 35), was the first Irish record. The fourth within five years. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanlhe hispanica {\b, 18, 1) Fife Isleof .May, 8, 2nd lo at least 23rd May, trapped 5th (P- Lack e/ a/.). (Southern Europe, northwest Africa and southwest .Asia, also Iran) .After three in each of 1974 and 1975, there was a total of only three in the succeeding five years. 484 Report on rare birds in 1980 White’s Thrush Zoothera daiima (29, 9, 0) 1979 Strathclyde Libberion, Lanark, 2nd January (Sir R, Erskine-Hill). (Central, east and southeast Asia and Australia) Once again, this scaly thrush shows itself to a single fortunate observer. How many remain undetected amidst the hordes of migrating thrushes that pour onto the British east coast in late autumn? Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustu/atus (1,6, 1 ) Shetland Scaliiess, 2.5th to 29th October ( I. (j. & .Mrs C. Da\ ison et al.). (North America) Although the first record was in May (Cio. Mayo in 1956), the subsequent seven have all occurred during the second half of October. Cetti’s Warbler Celtia celti (0, 415,-) 1976 Cornwall Foldhu Co\c. .Mullion, c5, 28th October (.\1. R. Coates). (South and west Europe, southwest Asia and northwest Africa) This powerful songster was removed from our list at the end of 1976 and is now- dealt with by the Rare Breeding Birds Panel; but, with upwards of 1 6 1 pairs breeding in 1979 [Brit. Birds 74: 32), one wonders for how much longer. Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata (9, 19, 0) 1979 Hampshire Damerham, first-year, trapped, 23rd September (.-\. .\1. Taylor); (East Eurasia from central Russia to north Japan) The first British record was at North Coates, Lincolnshire, on 18th November 1909, but all subsequent ones have been on northern Scottish islands, mainly on Fair Isle. They are notorious skulkers and most recent birds have been found by a laborious search of all suitable gulleys — a time-consuming technique which is simply not feasible in less barren terrain. Perhaps the only chance elsewhere is to pick one out of a mist-net, as happened to this fortunate ringer well inland in Hampshire. Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides [rm.ny^2?>l , 18) Avon Chew Valley Lake, 8, 16lh April (C. J. .Newman, R. Cniie). Devon Slapton Ley, 8, 19lh to 25ih .April (R. M. Belringere/ al.). Dorset Radipole, 8, 2()th .April to at least 4th .May (.\L Cade et al.). East Sussex Beachy Head, first-winter, trapped, 19th September (D. L. Lester, T. VV. Parmenter et al.). Humberside Blacktoft Sands, 8, 8th to 15thjuly (A. Cirieve). Kent Stodmarsh and .Middle Stour area, 7th .April to at least 4th June, probably five males, and at least two pairs breeding (.A. C. B. Henderson, P. J. Mountford et al.). Leicestershire Locality withheld, 8, 15th to 26th May (G. Felstead, I. B. & P.H. Gamble, R. G. Lockwood). Suffolk Walberswick, 8, 27th .April to 7th June (G. J. Jobson). 1972 Cambridgeshire Orton Longueville, Huntingdon, 8, 6th to 9th Mav (R, CL Clark, .\L R. C ioates, 1 . H. .Seaton). 1977 Devon South .Milton Lev, 8, 10th .Mav to 4th June {Brit. Birds 71:519); trapped, 10th .May, 1979 Devon South .Milton Ley, 8, 26th to 27thjune (R. Burridge, M. C. Conington). 1979 Hertfordshire .Stanstead Abbotts, 8, 22nd to 27th April (VV. (L Last, H. P. .Medhurst, CL J. White et al.). (Europe, west and central Asia and northwest Africa) .Also, the first Irish record was one in the southwest (locality withheld) from 17th to 23rd june, trapped on 17th. 4’here were over 30 in each of the past three years. 485 Report on rare birds in 1980 Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola (47, 509, 13) Cornwall Marazion, about six: three, 24th August (j. H. Johns); presumed one of same, 31st (_J. H. Johns) and 1st September (S. M. Christophers); presumed another two, 7th, one to at least 14th (J. H. Johns) and possibly same, 16th (S.J. M. Gantlett, C. D. R. Heard, J. H. Johns) and 22nd (]. H. Johns); another, 14th October (S. M. Christophers). Predannack, 22nd September (M. H. Davies, A. T. M. Ruck). Devon Ebford, immature, trapped, 24th August (Miss J. M. Bradley, Miss B. O. B. Primmer). Dorset Radipole, 26th September (M. Cade). East Sussex Near Newhaven, 15th August (D. Carson). Kent Sandwich Bay, immature, 9th August (T. Baker, D. C. Gilbert, I. P. Hodgson et a/.); 22nd August (D. M. Cottridge, J. McCarthy). Somerset Bridgwater Bay, trapped, 3rd September (.\. VV. Evans). 1979 Cornwall Marazion, two, 27th August (C. D. R. Heard, R. D. Hellier); another, 18th September (R. D. Hellier), presumed additional to those already published {Brit. Birds 73: 522). (East Europe and Urals) Another poor showing, perhaps reflecting a current lack of interest in Acrocephalus warblers by coastal ringers? Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus (23, 98, 2) Hampshire Fleet Pond, in song, 26th May to 4th June (T. M.J. Doran. B. S. Gwynn, R. .M. Gordon et al.). Lincolnshire Northcoates Point, in song, 20th .May (H. Bunn, M. .Mellor, D. Wilson). (Europe, southwest and east Asia and north Africa) A sparse year, but typical records. Elect Pond is favoured by this giant warbler, with previous visitations in 1970 and 1975. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata ( 1, 9, 2) Lincolnshire Saltlleetby/Theddlethorpe, showing characters of central .\sian form //. c. ‘anneclens’, trapped, 12th October (M. & P. R. Boddy, B. & K. Watkins). Scilly St Agnes, showing characters of typical race H. c. caligata, 13th to 24th October (P. .\. Dukes, P. G. & Mrs C. I^ansdown et al.). (Northwest Russia, east to Mongolia and south to Iran) Recent occurrences have greatly improved our understanding of the field characters of this gentle warbler, and the long-stayer on St Agnes was studied by more observers than any of its predecessors. Two useful identification notes were published in 1979 (Bril. Birds 72: 436-437 & 437-438). Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans (12, 73, 5) Fife Isle of May, 6 , trapped, 24th May (Dr P. C. Lack etai). Humberside Spurn, first-summer 8, trapped, 9th May (B. R. Spence et al.). Man Calf of Man, $, trapped, 14th May (S. Davies, P. P. Jennings). Scilly Tresco, 8, 16th May (A. & Mrs B. W. \’ittery). Shetland Fair Isle , 9, 16th May (P. J. Ewins, A. J. del Nevo, I. S. Robertson etai). 1979 Highland Reay, Caithness, 9 still in first-winter plumage, 8th to 29th September, trapped 8th (E. W. E. Maughan etai). 1979 Western Isles St Kilda, 8, 2nd to 14th June [Brit. Birds 73: 528), last seen 12th. not as stated (N. Buxton per D. J. Bates). (South Europe, west Turkey and northwest Africa) The 1979 Caithness bird showed several characters of Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata in the field and some autumn individuals of these two species are clearly much more difficult to separate than was formerly believed. Another problem bird, on St Mary’s, Scilly, in October 1980, was thought by some observers 486 Report on rare birds in 1980 to be Subalpine, but by others to be Spectacled: it is currently under review by the Committee. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala (1,6, 1 ) Scilly 1 resco, first-winter S , 25th September to at least end of October Vitterv' etal.). (South Europe, Middle East and north Africa) Another long-stayer in rather easier habitat than the last [Brit. Birds 73: 523). Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis (19, 84,2) Shetland Fair Isle, 1 1 th to 14th September, first-winter, trapped 1 1th (R. .A. Miller, A. J. del .\e\o, I. S. Robertson eta/.)(plate 282); 21st September (S. L. James, W . H. P. Priestley, 1. S. Robertson et at.). 282. First-winter ■Arctic Warbler Ffiyl- loscopus borealis, Shet- land, September 1980 (I. S. Robert- son) (North Fenno-Scandia east to Alaska) The first year since at least 1958 that Fair Isle has monopolised this hardy Phylloscopus. Pallas’s Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus (3, 123, 20) Devon Prawle Point, 1st to 3rd .November (R. .\1. Belringer, .A. J. Pomeroy, .A. K. Searle). Humberside Spurn, two, 17th to 18th October, both trapped 17th (J. \V. Hartley, B. R. .Spence, R. Spencer el al.); another, 18th to 21st (J. M. Bayldon, J. Ciud worth, N. P. Whitehouse el al.)', another, 19th (P. F. Berry, A. J. Hinchcliffe, P. D. 5'ates); another, trapped, 31st October (B. Banson, B. R. Spence elal.). Kent \ ewington, trapped and voice recorded, 2nd November (L, P. Bea\en, R. Smith elal.). .Sandwich Bay, three, two trapped, 3 1st October (D. .\1. Batchelor el al.); another, 1st to 2nd .\o\ ember (.\1. R. W. .Sell, J. .\I. Warne, C. Wilson el al.); another 1st to 4th, trapped 2nd (P. . J. Findley, R. H. Lawrence r/ a/.); another 4th to 1 1th, trapped 6th (P. W. J. Findley) (plates 36-39). Lincolnshire Donna Nook, trapped, 20th October (R. & S, Lorand); another, 9th November (S. .Abbott, R. Burgin, R. D. Garrow el al.). Fheddlethorpe, trapped, 3 1st October (.A. & L. Goodall, S. Lindlcy, G. 4'homas). Norfolk Wa.xham, 31st October to 8th November, two 2nd to 7th, one trapped 31st (D, J. Holman el al.). North Yorkshire Scarborough, 1st November (C.. & R. Hopper, R. Walton). Scilly St .Mary’s, 8th to 13th .November ( F. Baker, .M. J. Grosby, .A. J. Merritt elal.). 1979 Humberside Spurn, possibly two, 14th October {Bril. Birds 73; 524), obsercers were 1). F. .Murray, B. G. & J. .M. Pepper, CL Smith not as stated. 1979 Kent Dungeness, trapped 13th November, released 14th (D. F.ades, K. Redshaw, N. J. Riddilord) (plate 283). (Central, east and southeast Asia) The second-highest annual total, exceeded only by the 29 in 1975, which was an exceptional year for Asiatic Report on rare birds in 1980 487 283. Pallas’s Warbler Fhyltoscopus proregulus, Kent, \o\ember 1979 {JeJJ Pick) vagrants. Oddly, 1980 was not particularly good for ‘sibes’, even \’ellow- browed Warblers P. inornatus being thin on the ground. .\lso odd is the concentrated nature of the influx, with 1 1 at just two localities (Spurn Point and Sandwich Bay). Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus Juscatus ( 1, 25, 3) Lincolnshire Donna Nook, 3rd to 9th Nosember, trapped 4th (K. .\ikin. R. & S. I.orand. D. Wilson et at.) (plate 34). Northumberland Baniburgh, adidt, 18th .August (D. (J. Bell et al.). Near HoK Island, first-winter, trapped, 12th October (J. .\. (onnever. Dr M. Marquis, E. R. .Meek). (Central and northeast to southeast Asia) The exceptionally early Bamburgh bird had probably summered in Britain or western Fairopeand recalls the one trapped on the Calf of Man on 14th May 1970 and found dying near Limerick about 5th December {Brit. Birds 64: 361). Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli (3,61, 4) Dorset Portland, adult, 22nd to 23rd September, trapped 23rd (S. .Mc.Minn. .M. Rogers. D. Walker). Grampian Drums, 22nd to 24th September (Dr .\. G. Knox el at.). Scilly St Mary’s, 2nd to 4th November (.\. J. Merritt. G. Robson et at.). (C(entral, west and south Europe, Levant and northwest .\frica) .Also, one on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, on 26th August. September is the most usual month, followed by August. The Scilly bird was exceptionally late, equalling the only previous November record, at Hauxley. Northumber- land, on 4th November 1967. Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicoUis (2, 7, 1) Orkney Stronsay, 31st May (.\. D. K. Ramsay). 488 Report on rare birds in 1980 (C’entral and southeast Europe, west Russia and south to Iran) A typical record. Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus (0, 2, 1 ) Kent Stodmarsh, S, 18lh May (DrC. R. Ireland). (Scattered from western Europe east to Manchuria) The previous records were at Spurn, Humberside, from 22nd to 28th October 1966 and on St Agnes, Scilly, on 25th October 1977. Thus, not only the first spring record, but also the first to find potential breeding habitat. Coincidentally, Belgium also had its third record in 1980 (Brit. Birds 74: 262). Lesser Grey Shrike Lamus minor (32, 78, 2) Kent Herne Bay, 5th June (.\. C. & C. H. Hindle). Somerset West Sedgemoor, 22nd to 23rd July (M. Clade, Dr G. P. Green, J. Oakshatt). (South and east Europe and southwest Asia) This shrike gets no commoner. Woodchat Shrike Lanins senator (101, 288, 13) Cornwall Gurnard’s Head, immature, 5th to 9th August (,]. Hawkey, P. .\. Rutter e/rt/.). Predannack .Airfield, immature, 20th September (B. Goater,J. .A. Hazell r/ a/.). Devon Lundy, 8, 6th to 8th July, trapped 6th (R. Clampey, K. Mortimer). Dorset Portland, immature, 7th to 20th .August (.M. Rogers el al.). Humberside Spurn, Hthjuly (R. P. Council, B. R. Spence). Scilly St .Mary ’s, immature, 1st to 10th September (,A. .Amery, ,M. Langman et at.). Shetland Fair Isle, immature, 25th to 26th .August, trapped 25th (P. J. Ewins, I. S. Robertson et al.)\ immature, 4th to 5th September (T. Dee, P. J. Ewins, .A. J. del .Nc\o el al.). Suffolk Near Ipswich, 3rd June (,M. 1’. Wright). Locality withheld, 8th to 16th June (C. .A. E. Kirtland, R. C. .Mansfield, .A. Smith el al.). Sizewell, 15th to 18th June (T. J. L'rbanowicz et al.). West Sussex Selsey Bill, immature, 1 7th October (O. Mitchell, M. Shrubb et al.). 1979 Essex Foulness, 16th June (R. Glover). 1979 Humberside Near Withernsea, 28th May (.Mrs Rathby, B. R. .Spence). (\\ est, central and south Europe, southwest Asia and north Africa) Also, one at Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, on 1 1 th May. These 1 3 equal the average for the 1970s. Nutcracker Nucijraga caryocatactes (45, 354, 0) 1979 Norfolk Itteringham, 25th September (,A. E. Platt). (fmrasia from Scandinavia and the Alps to Kamchatka and China) The second for 1979. Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus (160, 102, 2) Scilly .St Mary’s, juvenile, 26th September to 23rd October; same, Gugh, 14th and 15th October (B. Hill, P. D. Hyde, J. Johnson et al.). Tayside .Arbroath, .Angus, adult, 6th to 8th October (^]. .Adam, .A. Vannet). 1974 Northumberland Beal, adult, found sick 25th July, later died (_J. ,A. Ginne\er, .Mr & .Mrs E. R. .Meek). 1979 Shetland Culsetter, .Spiggie, adult, 5th June (.M. Heubeck). Fishaness, adult, 18th to at least 21st .August {Brit. Bird.'! 73: 526), present 9th to 25th .August (per R. J. Fulloch). (Southeast Europe and southwest Asia) 4'he fourth year in succession that Scilly has produced a juvenile in October. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus (1,9, 1 ) Scilly .St Mary’s, first-winter, 1 1th to 16th October (R. P. Bowman, J. 'F. Clorcoran, R. V. .A. Marshall el al.). Report on rare birds in 1980 489 (North America) Repeated sightings at two sites, separated by 800m of farmland, suggested the presence of two individuals, but intensi\e watching failed to produce simultaneous observations and the Committee could only conclude that a single commuting bird was involved. The sixth for Scilly. Serin Serinus serinus , \9) De^von Dawlish Warren, 8, 12th January (D. G. H. Mills). Budleigh Salterton. 8, in song, 3rd to about 24thjuly (Mrs E.J. Brookes, R. M.Ciox, P. W. Ellicott f/ a/.), Prawle Point, 16th November (_J. C. Nicholls). Dorset Stanpit Marsh, 8, 23rd December 1979 to at least 21st March (B. J, K Ciasuell) Portland, 16th April (D. Evans, M. Rcygers). Dyfed Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire, 9, 1st November (G. H. Rees). East Sussex Beachy Head, 16th April (N. A.G. Eord, M. E. Nolan, A. Quinn W«/.). Falmer. 8, 13th May (K. Wheatley). Humberside Spurn, 19th April (B. A. Ryan); 8, 23rd April (,J. Biglin, R. P. C:ouncil, B. R. Spence). Kent Dungeness, L'ith April (,M. W. Eankester, N. J. Riddilord, S. W. Smith); 16th May 8. Davies, P.,J. Grant). St \Iargaret’s Bay, 19th ,\pril (.\. J. Greenland). Scilly St Mary s, 9 or immature, 2nd November (D. (j. H. .Mills); presumed another. 9th ( I . Baker. A. J. Merritt, J. .\. Wolstencroft). Suffolk Eandguard, 9, 2nd .November (P. W. .Murphy etal.). Wight St Ciatherine’s Point, 31st .March (D. B. Wooldridge); 14th .\pril (P. C:astle. D. B. Wooldridge); 19th April (R. Attrill, P. Ciastle); 15th .May (I). B. Wooldridge). 1978 Devon Eannacombe, 8 , 24th j une ( lint. Birds li: 527), present 2nd to 27th ( per P. W. Ellicott). 1979 Dorset Stanpit Marsh, 8 and 9, 23rd December, 8 remaining to at least 21st .March 1980 (B.J. K.Ciaswell). 1979 Gloucestershire Sandhurst, 8, 7th .September (.j. Rowe). 1979 Kent Dungeness, 9th November (N. J. Riddiford). Pegwell Bay, 12th November (D. Beadle, E. .Solly). (West, centraf and southern Europe) Hardly a rarity now, but the rea.son for its failure to colonise in a big way remains a mysterv. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis liornemanm (30, 56, 2) Shetland Eetlar, two showing characters of northwest Cireenland race C. h. honiemantu. 13th October (J. .N. Dynujnd). (Circumpolar Arctic) The nominate Creenland race, with indi\ iduals the size of a Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, is far easier to identify in the field than is the Scandinavian race C. h. exilipes. The most-recent October record, on Bryher, Scilly, in 1977 {Brit. Birds 71: 524), was also considered to be of the nominate race. Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera (40, 23, 0) Staffordshire Gannock Cihase, 8, first seen Kith December 1979 (Bril. Birds 73: 527). to at least I 7th .March. (Northeast Europe, north-central .\sia, northern North .America and West Indies) The problems of distinguishing this species from Crossbills Loxia curvirostra with wing-bars are currently being studied by the Committee. Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus (200, 498, 56) Devon Eundy, first-winter, trapped, 1st October (_J. M. B. King) (plate 284). Fife Isle ofMay, 9 or immature, 22nd .September (^J. Clallion, T. W. Dougall el at.). 490 Report on rare birds in 1980 284. l irst-u inter Scarlet Rosefineli Carpodacus eryl/iririus, Devon. October 1980 (_/. M. B. king) Gwynedd Bardsey, first-summer 6, 30th .May to 6th June, trapped 30th (F. ). Roberts, 0. D. Rowley, D, (j. I’homas). Highland ,\oss Farm, Caithness, $ or immature, 12lh to 13th September (K. W. Banks, .S. (j. .Mackay, P. .Shand). Humberside Spurn, 9 or immature, 22nd .September (D. .A. Boyd, G. R. Kdwards); atiother, trapped, 4th Octttber (B. R. Spence, S. \V. Walker Man CallOi .Man, 6 , 11th to 13th June, trapped 12th (P. P. Jennings). Orkney Copinsay, 9 or immature, 1 1 th September; another, 19lh (B. L. Ribbands). St Ola, .Mainland, immature, trap[)ed, 26th .September (R. (». .Adam, .A. D. Rendall). Scilly St .Mary’s, three 9 9 or immatures: 8th to 14th October (M. J. Rogers, J. .A. Wolstencroft et al.)\ 20th to 29th October (P. Campbell, M. Darlow, K. Hillier et at.); 31st October to 2nd .\ovember (M. J. Crosby, D. G. H. AlillsWtt/.). St .Agnes. 9 or immature, 9th October (P. .A. Dukes, P. G. I.ansdown). Shetland Fair Isle, first-summer 6 , in song, 30th .May to 3rd June, trapped 1st; another, not trapped, 4th to 6th June; in autumn at least 13 9 9 or immatures: 24th to 28th .August, two, 26th; another three, 29th to 30th, one, 31st to 14th September, trapped 31st; three, 2nd September; two, 3rd; three, 8th to 9th; four, 10th; three, 1 1th to 12th, one trapped 1 Ith, four 13th to 14th, one trapped 14th; two, 15th; three, 16th, one to 18th; another 25th to 2nd ( )ctober, trapped 25th; others 1 1th to 12th October, 26th to27th { I. S, Robertson elal.). Fetlar, se\en 99 or immatures: 30th to 3 1st .August; 12th to 14th September, three. 12th;21st to 23rd September; another two, 23rd, one to 25th (J. N. Dymond et al.). Out Skerries. 9 or immature, 10th June ( F. 4 ait); autumn, at least six: three, 3rd to 4th September; two, 5th to 6th; one, 7th to 8tli; four. 9th, two, 10th; one, 12th; possibly another, 16th to 17th; two, 19th; one, 20th (D. .M. Pullan, E. Fait). .Skellister, 9 or immature, 2nd September (.M. Fleubeck). South Nesting, 9 or immature, 3 1st .August to 2nd September (AF J. Crosby, R. limes. .A. J. .Merritt et al.). .Sumburgh, three 9 9 or immatures: 12th .August (I. G. Davison, M. Heubeck); 30th ■ August to 4th September, two, 30th to 1st (D. Coutts, .M. Heubeck, J. D. Okill etal.). Whalsay, six 9 9 or immatures: 27th and 31st .August; another two, 29th; 20th September; 27th September (Dr B. .Marshall); 22nd .September (^J. D. Okill). 'Foab, 9 or immature, 2nd Se[)tember (P. R. Flint), possibly tine of Sumburgh individuals. Wight Near St Catherine’s Point, first-summer 6, in song, 8th June (Mr & Mrs 1), B. Wooldridge). 1979 Borders .St .Abb’s, 9 or immature, 2nd October (P. Fisher). 1979 Fife Isle of .May, 9 or immature, trapped, 1st October (.A. & L. Chinas. .A. Mai h er, R. G. .Nisbt't et al.). 1979 North Yorkshire Scarborough, 9 or immature, 27th October (R. H. .Appleby). 1979 Shetland Out Skerries, 9 or immature, 19th to 20th .August (E. Fait). Sumburgh. 9 or immature, 20th September (Brit. Birds 73: 528), again 2 1st and possibly same, 2nd ( )ctober (I. G. Sandison); 9 or immature, 29th May (Brit. Birds 73: 528), remained to 1st June (per R. J. Fulloch). Uyeasound, 9 or immature, 24th and 26th to 27th .May (1. .Spence). 491 Report on rare birds in 1980 (East Europe and across Asia, and east Turkey to Himalayas) A late Irish record is of one at Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, on 26th September 1977, and there was another there on 10th October 1980. With colonisation widely anticipated, only six in spring (all on oflshore islands) is disappointing. Expansion in Europe continues {Brit. Birds 74: 263). Evening Grosbeak Hesperiphona vespertina (0, 1, 1) Highland Ncthybridge, Badciioch & -Strathspey, adult $, 10th to 25th March (H, •Marshall). (North America) 4 he only previous record was on St Kilda on 26th March 1969. Some excellent colour photographs indicate the nominate, eastern race, but even this is apparently imported in small numbers, so, as with almost any pretty bird nowadays, the possibility of captive origin cannot entirely be excluded. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilla varia (1,4, 1 ) Dyfed Skomer, lOth September (M. & .Mrs R. .Mexander, N. J. Harding, D. Sweet). (North America) 4'he earliest autumn occurrence of ‘the ultimate American wood-warbler’. Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina (0, 2, 0) 1975 Shetland Fair Isle, immature, trapped, 6th to 18th Septemlter {Bril. Bird.s69: 3.54). last seen 2()th .September (per R. A. Broad) {Bril. Birds 74: 90-94). (North America) Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus (0, 2, 0) (North America) None in 1980, but the first Irish record isofa bird found freshly dead at Eough Carra Forest, Co. Mayo, on 8th December 1977. I he only previous record was on Out Skerries, Shetland, on 7th and 8th October 1973, though a tideline wing was found at Formby. Lancashire, on 4th January 1969. Pine Bunting Plmberiza leucocepfialos (2, 3, 2) Shetland Fair Isle, immature, 14th to 16th October (F. ,)• Fwins, J. del Ne\o. 1. S. Robertson el at.); 8 , age uncertain, 3rd to 8th No\ ember, trapped 5th (( .. D. R. Heard, I . S. & .MrsS. Robert.son) (plates 285-287). (Urals, across Asia to Sakhalin) I wo in a year is without precedent, fair Isle did e.xceptionally well for buntings in 1980, but, of the records contained in the present report, this was the high spot (a record ol \ ellow- browed Bunting E. chrysophrys is still under consideration). One or two of the British records are of suspect origin, but few would lev el that charge at these two, which tie in nicely with the hrst British record, on Fair Isle on 30th October 1911. Rustic Bunting Eimberiza rustica (34, 97, 11) Shetland Fair Isle, at least nine: 8, 25th April {P. j. Fwins); 14th .September (A. H, J. Harrop)- 22nd to 27th September, three. 23rd and 25th. two 26th to 27th. one probably ol .same, 30th to 2nd October (A. Marshall, I. S. Robertson. N. P. \Vhitehouser/«/.); 1 1th to 12th October ( \ R Kitson, K. M. .Morton. I. S. Robertson r/ a/.); another, 12th (P. j. Kwms. I. S. Robert-son el at.); another, 14th (P. J. Kwiiis. 1. S. Robertson el at.). Out Skerries. 23rd .Sej)tember to 1st Octol^er (1). M. Pullan, F. l.iit). 492 Report on rare birds in 1980 Strathclyde Port Charlotte, Islay, 23rd May (Mrs P. J. S. Dawson). 1979 Shetland Quendale, Mainland, 20th May (Sir R. Erskine-Hill). (Northeast Europe across to north Asia) Fair Isle’s best-ever showing and its earliest spring record. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla {94-, 160, 14) Humberside Spurn, trapped, 15th October (J. W. Hartley, B. R. .Spence, R. Spencer <•/«/.). Lincolnshire Boston, 4th December (P. R. Boyer). Scilly St Agnes, 22nd October (P. G. Lansdown). St Mary’s, 30th October to 2nd November (D. G. H. Mills, R. & Mrs K. Murray, J. A. Wolstencroft el al.)\ 9th November (_J. M. Turton). Shetland Fair Isle, 1 1th May (D. E. Dickson, G. Eitchett, I. S. Robertson el al.)\ first-year, 6th to 7th September, trapped 6th (A. J. del Ne\o, I. S. Robertson et al.)\ 7th October (A. R. Kitson); 12th October (P. J. Ewins, I. S. Robertson el al.). Fetlar, first-year, trapped, 14th -September (T. P. Andrews, J. N. Dymond); 23rd September (J. N. Dymond). Out Skerries, 22nd to 24th September (D. M. Pullan, E.Tait). 1979 Scilly -St Mary’s, 29th to 30th October (D. J. Holman, T. Lawrence el al.). (Northeast Europe and north Asia) Also, one at Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, on 1 1 th and 12th October. A good year, but not approaching the 25 in 1976. Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola ( 10, 76, 8) Shetland Pair Isle, 9, 4th July (P. J. Ewins, D. Paton, I. S. Robertson el al.)', six 9 9 or immatures: 27th to 28th .\ugust; two, 30th to 31st August; another, 3rd to 4th -September; another 12th to 13th (P. J. Fiwins, I. S. Robertson r/ a/.); another, 29th (P.J. Ewins). Somerset Berrow, immature, 13th September (.\. -M. & B. E. Slade). (Northeast Europe across north Asia) The only spring records are at Spurn Point, Humberside, on 14th and 15th June 1975, and at Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire, on 15th May 1977. There are eight previous late- .\ugust records (earliest 28rd), as well as the two here, but the female on Fair Isle on 4th July is unprecedented. Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala (9, 48, 1) Lincolnshire Donna .Nook, 8, 16th to 25thjune (R. & S. Lorand, G. R. -Morrison). 1978 Man GalfolMan, 1st June (Bril. Birds 72: 544), was 9, not as stated. (Southeast Pmrope and southwest Asia) Also, a late Irish record of a male at Wicklow Head, Co. Wicklow, on 13th May 1979. It is always difficult to know what to make of records of this species. Appendix 1. Category D species accepted (see Brit. Birds 64: 429) White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus (not known, 5, 0) 1973 Greater London Barn Elms Reservoirs, 22nd to 24th May (R. B. Hastings). 1977 Kent Near .\ppledore, 18th September (D. I. Jackson). (Southeast Europe, west and southwest Asia and Africa) The four records collected so far (one was of two birds) were in May, July, -September and November. Hopes of a pattern emerging seem slight. Report on rare birds in 1980 493 494 Report on rare birds in 1980 Appendix 2. List of records not accepted 1980 Pied-billed Grebe Aldcnham Rescr\oir, Hmlordshirr, 15ih Scpicmbcr. Albatross (!Ic\. Norlblk. 2 1st September. Bulwer's Petrel Worthing. \\'i*st Sussex, 12tb and 23rd Mas . Cory’s Shearwater Blakeney Point, Norlblk. se\en. 15th August; (ierrans Bay, C'ornwall, 2.5th Au^u-st. Little Egret Folkestone, Kent, 12th December. Purple Heron W eir W ood Reservoir, East/West Sussex, I4th Ma\ ; Lamarsh, Suflblk, 2nd to 6th September: Breydon Water, Norlblk. 27th .September. American Wigeon Fulst()n, Lincolnshire, 25ih June. Ring-necked Duck North Newark. Nottinghamshire, .3rd .\ugust; .•\shlK)iirne, Derbyshire. 25lh ,St‘ptember. King Eider 4'r(K>n, Strathclyde, 22nd October; Dale, Dyfed. two. 29ih Noventber. Surf Scoter Sea.salter. Kent. 18th October. Black Kite Camel Kstuarv. (iornwall. I6th JuK . Short-toed Eagle MuirofOrd. Highland. 3rd to4th Februar\ Lesser Kestrel Ruckinge, Kent. 5th May: Lundy. Devon. 3rd June. Red-footed Falcon Beckton Le\el. (Greater London. 21st May; Spurn. Humberside. 21st June; Cadair Beru-vn. Clywd, dead, 5th July; Seaton Park, (irampian, 28th September; Boguillie, .Arran, Strathclyde. 2nd .November, Gyrfalcon Spey Ba\, (jrampian. 14th January ; Kilmacolm, Strathclyde, 19th .April. Crane Loch Saugh. 4'ayside. 16th Februar\ . Semi- palmated Sandpiper Berrow. Somerset, 23rd Januar\ Buff-breasted Sandpiper I’ve Br(M)k Reservoir, Leicestershire. 8th .August. Great Snipe Washbrook, Suffolk, two, 1 1th .April: St David’s Head. Dyled, (ilh May; St .Martins, Scilly. 18th October. Long-billed Dowitcher Wissingtori, Suffolk, 16th .August. Dowitcher Ditchford (iravel-pits, .Northampton- shire. 13th .May; Spurn. Humberside, 3()th July; Fldernell Washes, Cambridgeshire, 6th .August. Slender-billed Curlew Luddenham .Marshes. Kent, lOth Mav Marsh Sandpiper Rainham. Essex. 6th to 7th July; (iibraltar Point. IJncolnshire. 4th October. Greater Yellowlegs Pennington Marshes. Hampshire. 26th Februar\ Lesser Yellowlegs .Mundon. Essex. 13th .August. Terek Sandpiper I'nst, Shetland. 14th .August. Wilson’s Phalarope I'nst. Shetland. 9th .August: Ruan Lanihorne. (lornwall, 12th September; CHeethorpes. Lincolnshire. 7th October. Laughing Gull Moreton. Mersey- side, 9th September; Theddlethorpe. Lincolnshire. 19th October; Selsey Bill. West Sussex, 26th Noventber. Franklin’s Gull Radipole. Dorset, 1 3th .April (accepted as Laughing (iull): Leigh Marsh, Essex, 30th October Bonaparte’s Gull Pett P(X)ls. East Sussex. 10th Februar\; Barra.ssie. Strathclyde. 22nd .August; .North Shields, I'yne & Wear, 3 1st December. Slender-billed Gull Bellochantly, Kiniyre. StrathcKde, 23rd Januar\. Ring-billed Gull Ir\ine, .Strathc Ivde, 1st January; 9th Oc tober; .St .Mary's, Scilly, 2nd February. Gull-billed Tem Hengistbur\ Head. Dorset, 1 1th .August; Cle\. Norfolk. 23rd .August. Sooty Tem Solent. Hampshire. 1 1 th Ma> , Whiskered Tem St Marv 's. ScilK. 13ih May; Slapton I.ey. Devon. 25th .May; Orchardleigh Lake. Somerset. 21st September White-winged Black Tem Christc hurch. Dorset. 2 1st September; Scotsman’s Flash, (irealer .Manchester, 27ih September. Snowy Owl Loch (iarten. Highland, 30ih June. Alpine Swift Hanulon Hill, Somerset, 27th JuK . Bee-eater Spurn, Humberside, 27th July, Short-toed Lark Foulness. Essex. 26th .Mav; Kempton Park, (ireaier London. 25ih July; Fair Isle. Shetland, 18th .August. Red-rumped Swallow (iibraltar Point. Lincohishire. 17th .May; Sianstead. Essex. 3 1st .May, Richard’s Pipit (»range-over-Sands, Cumbria. 6ih JuK. Tawny Pipit .Sc'olt Head. Norfolk. 1 1th .May; Penlee Point, Cornwall, 19th May. Red-throated Pipit .St .Agnes, Scillv, 28th .September; St .Marv’s, Scilly. 6th October; 19th October; South Walney. (iumbria, 12th to 14th December. Siberian Stonechat Saltlleetbv, Lincolnshire. 28th Februarv; Sandwich Bay. Kent. 1st September; (ireenan. .Strathclyde. 3rd Dec ember, Black-eared Wheatear Breakish. Skye. W estern Isles, 16th June. Fan-tailed Warbler St Mary’s. Scilly. 28th September, Moustached Warbler St .Abb's. Borders, 2nd .September. Aquatic Warbler Sevenoaks. Kent, 30ih .August; Caerthilian (iove, Cornwall. 12ih .September, Great Reed Warbler Bardsey, (iwynedd, 4ih May. Olivaceous Warbler Wells, Norfolk. 15th September, Greenish Warbler I.undy, Devon. lOth May, Arctic Warbler B<*dworth, Warwickshire, 3rd July; I'nst. Shetland. 18th to 21st August, Radde’s Warbler St .Agnes, Scilly. 18th October. Dusky Warbler Waxham, Norfolk. 8tli November. Bonelli’s Warbler .New Forest, Hampshire, 17th .Mav Nutcracker Dur- leigh, Somerset. 28th .April. Serin Brighton. East Sussex, 21st Februarv; St Catherine's Point. Wight, 26th .April; Dungene.ss. Kent. 27th .April; Coltam, Nottinghamshire, 27th April; Portland, Dorset, 26th June; Flamborough Head. Humberside, 6th ( )ctober Arctic Redpoll North Somercoates. Lincolnshire. 2nd to 4th .April; OlnesHrth. .Shetland, 1st to 8th NovembcT Little Bunting Crossens .Marsh, .Merseyside. 2nd Marc h; Farholm. .Strathclyde. 13th .April; St Marv's. Scillv, 19th Oc tober. Rose-breasted Grosbeak Croesgoch, Dyled. lOthand 17ih Mav. 1979 Cory’s Shearwater FlamlH)rough Head, Humberside. 13ih .May; Portland, Dorset. 28th May; Hunstanton. Norli)lk, 27th .\ugusi; Brancaster. Norfolk, lOtli .September; Filev Brigg. North A’orkshire, 14th .September; Blakeney Point. Norlblk. 7th October. Squacco Heron Hainault Forest. Es.sex, 23rd June Black Duck Dunfbot. Strathc lyde. lOth Julv Ring- necked Duck .Alresford Pond. Hampshire, 14th May. Canvasback Whim Pond, Borders. 8th October, Bufflehead Cley, Norfolk. 3rd February, Red-footed Falcon Hornsea Mere. Humberside. 21st .May; .Selsey Bill, West Sussex. 1 1th .August. Gyrfalcon Loch Ken, Dumfries & Galloway, 7th Januarv . Little Crake Bishopsthorpe, North Yorkshire, two. July and .August, Crane Ciate Hemsley, North Yorkshire, lOth June; .Spurn, Humberside, 1 1th September, Semipalmated Sandpiper Breydon Water, Norfolk. 1st June, Western Sandpiper Chichester Gravel-pits, West Sussex. 16ih to 17th September. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Hickling, Norfolk, 27th to 28th .August, Long-tailed Skua Flamborough Head. Flumberside, 1st October Laughing Gull Southend. Essex, 22nd October Bonaparte’s Gull Lowestoft. SuMcjlk. 7th •August. Ring-billed Gull Fairburn Ings. .North/West Yorkshire, 29th October White-winged Black Tern Carr Mill Reservoir. Lancashire, 15th .August. Crested Lark Littlehampton. West Su.s.sex, July. Richard’s Pipit (iibraltar Point. Lincolnshire. 15th September; Out Skerries. .Shetland, two, llih October; Ramsey Island, Dyfed, 26th October. Olive- backed Pipit Kirby-le-Soken, Essex, 21st October. Red-throated Pipit Stodmarsh. Kent. 14th .April; Barn’s Ness. Lothian. 3()th .September; Flamlx)rough Head. Humberside, 7th October Black-eared Wheatear Margate. Kent, 20th .\ugust. Moustached Warbler Troy Mill, Hertfordshire, !9th .Mav . Greenish Warbler St Marv 's. Scillv . 2t)th ( )ctober. Lsabelline Shrike Salthouse Heath, Norf()lk, 29th .August to 2nd September: (iorleston, Norfolk. 4ih to 5th October. Lesser Grey Shrike Bradwell-on-Sea. E.ssex, 21st .April. Rose-coloured Starling Billingham, Cleveland. 26th February. Parrot Crossbill Lerwick, Shetland. 26ih .August. Slate-coloured Junco Chester. Cheshire. 4th .Mav Little Bunting Kinnaber. 'Fayside, 5th December. 1978 Cory’s Shearwater Filey Brigg, North 5’orkshire. 3rd September; .Spurn. Hutnberside. Kith September King Eider Flamborough Head. Humberside, 1st October. Semipalmated Sandpiper 'I'resco, Scillv. 7ih and 14ih .August, Little Bunting Surtiburgh. Shetland. 3()ih Scf)tember. 495 Report on rare birds in 1980 1976 Giant Petrel Ofl Islay, Slrathclyde, (ith June. Purple Heron Near Banbury , Oxfordshire, 9th August. 1975 Red-footed Falcon Radipole, Dorset, 20th May. 1970 Isabelline Shrike St .Agues, .Scilly, 26th to 28th October. Michael J. Rogers, 195 Vicarage Road, Sunbury-on-Thames , Middlesex TWI67TP Jflftp pcarg ago ■ . . ‘Most of the estimates about the Hobby’s status are vague and uncertain. During the last twenty years it has deserted several haunts, in others it is decreasing rapidly. The desertion of old strotigholds affords a sad but interesting problem. The reason for their passing seems to be threefold: (1) I he Hobby likes a secluded haunt among the open spaces and it resents the encroachments of motorists, trippers and builders. (2) Tack of suitable f(X)d. A dearth of Larks and Pipits in certain localities mav partiallv account for the Hobby’s disappearance from them. The extermination of Carrion- Crows in suitable areas must also be remembered. (3) In many districts it is still ruthlessly shot at the nest by gamekeepers. 1 am confident that were that persecution removed it would reappear again in many an old haunt. In otie district, only, egg-collecting has been pursued to excess. It is an interesting fact that the Hobby is largely confined to a few counties to which the Merlin is a comparative stranger. This is significant, since the two species do not appreciably overlap; possibly they are unable to flourish in the same area. This may be the solution to the riddle of the Merlitis’ absence in the southern and midland districts of lingland.’ From ‘ The field habits and nestitig of the Hobby’ by Desmond Nethersoi.e-Tiiompson. {Brit. Birds 2b: 150, November 1931) Mystery photographs One out oflarge numbers of Swifts Apus apus flying over a reservoir is feeding particularly close and, in the bright light, shows more plumage detail than the others. Dark blackish brown belly and underwing- coverts contrast with lighter flight feathers and, at some angles, there is a suggestion that the outer primaries are darker than the inner. The white throat looks obvious, and apparent mottling is just discernible on the underparts and underwing-coverts. All the Swifts are gliding, flickering and stalling in all directions and the apparent shape of their wings and tails changes constantly. Swifts are such a common feature of British summer skies that they are 496 Mystery photographs rarely looked at closely. When weather conditions — particularly summer thunder-storms or cold fronts — drive them low to feed, they reveal sur- prising subtleties of plumage. The generally sooty, blackish brown plumage can look quite brown in some lights and the more translucent inner primaries may show some shading, with the outer one or two primaries looking darkest. Mottling, particularly on the underparts and underw'ing- coverts, can be made out on some individuals and, from July, the first juveniles have fine, whitish feather fringes (which, at close range, show as a clear scaly pattern all over the underparts and upperwing) and a more diffuse and extensive throat patch. In certain postures, the wings can look blunt-tipped and blade-shaped, and the spread tail may show only a slight fork {set Brit. Birds 1 A: 173, plate 105). Only one Pallid Swift A.pallidus has been accepted in Britain and Ireland (at Stodmarsh, Kent, in May 1978), but others have been claimed. So similar are Swift and Pallid Swift that some individuals may not be separ- able in the field except in the most favourable circumstances. Pallid Swift is a paler, milkier brown, with a more patchy appearance. The body feathers are darkest, the mantle and scapulars in particular contrasting with the paler wings, forming a subtle saddle effect. The scaliness or mottling is most distinct on the underparts and wing-coverts. The outer four or five primaries are consistently darker than the inner primaries and secondaries, both from above and from below. The whitish throat patch extends over the forehead and farther down the upper breast and around onto the neck sides; it is, however, diff use and, because there is less contrast with the rest of the head, may be less obvious than the smaller patch on the Swift. The large, dark ‘eye-shadow’ mark of the Pallid Swift stands out in this pale area and contributes to a large-headed effect. The Pallid Swifts of the Middle East are of the paler nominate race, and are more easily separated from Swifts than are European Pallid Swifts of the race A. p. brehmorum. Flight pattern and wing- and tail-shape vary with wind conditions, but the wings of Pallid Swifts generally look broader-based, more blade-shaped and blunter-tipped than the sharply narrowing, scythe-shaped wings of Swifts. ITe tail fork looks shallower when closed, although the points do not always look blunt. 41ie wing-shape contributes to a heavier, more gliding and less erratic flight, with less flapping (but in some weather conditions Swifts fly in a similar way). The potential problems are inadequate views, variant Swift plumages and, most important, the chance of the paler central Asian race of the Swift A. a. pekinensis with its larger throat patch, mottled underparts and contrasting dark outer primaries. An observer with a possible Pallid Swift in sight needs to obtain sustained views as close as possible and in comparison with Swifts; particular attention should be paid to the pattern of light and dark on the plumage (especially the wings), the location and extent of any mottling or scaliness, the head pattern, and the shape of wings and tail. Individual Swifts may show one or two features of Pallid Swift, so it is necessary to ascertain as many of the latter’s identifica- tion criteria as possible before making a judgment. The chances of a positive identification are greatly enhanced if the observer is thoroughly familiar with the common species in a variety of conditions: as with all Alystery photographs 497 identification problems, familiarity with the common is the best prepara- tion for tackling the rare. When our mystery bird is closely compared with its companions, it is the same dark, sooty brown, with the only contrast coming from the pale, more translucent flight feathers. 1 he throat patch is small and well defined, and the wing- and tail-shapes clearly show that it is a Swift and not a Pallid Swift. This one was photographed by Keith Atkin in Lincolnshire in June 1973. W.G.H ARVEY 288. Mystery photograph 60. Identify the species. .Answer next month Announcements Peterson Sound Guide special offer Jeflerv' Boswall has provided us with the information that the 15 discs give 1,088 recordings of 585 species, with a running time of 12 hours; the 16 cassettes give 1,250 recordings of6 12 species, with a running time of 13 hours. Discs 5001-5014 were first published during 1969-73; but disc 5015 was not published until December 1980. The special ofler to BB readers is still open during this month (discs £5 each -I- p&p, £75 post free for all 15; cassettes £20 -t- p&p for pack of four, £80 post free for all 16): for full details see September issue {Brit. Birds 74: 400-401). ‘The Natural History of Britain and Ireland’ This book, with superb photographs by Heather Angel, Just published by Michael Joseph at £12.50, is now available post free through British Birds (see page 453). ‘Wildlife and Nature Photography’ This new book, by Michael Freeman, published by Groom Helm at £13.95, is now available post free through British Birds (see page 453). 498 Announcements Special Offer Subscription Scheme We are pleased to announce that, in addition to the members of the clubs and societies listed on page \ iii in the August 1981 issue, members of the following organisations are also now eligible for the special reduced subscription rate to British Birds: British rriisl f(jr ()rnithoiog\ Leigh Ornithological Society Hiiiuingdonshire Ornithological Society Oxibrd Ornithological Society Isle ol \\ ight Nat, Hist. & Arch. Soc. .Ml holders ol a current ringing licence News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett Anti-shooting Since 1976, when it com- missioned an independent study into shooting and angling under Lord Medway (now the Lari ofCranbrook), the RSPC.\ has been re\ iewing its position on these matters. Now, a year alter receiving Cranbrook’s report, it has stated, unequixocally, that it is opposed to shooting lor spcjrt — and, inci- dentally. to the killing of predatory animals considered to be a threat to gamebirds. It has, nevertheless, clearly had to face up to the lact that shooting for sport is likely to remain part ol the British way (jflile for the foresee- able future: it advocates a fairly stringent test for shooters appKing for a first licence, as already exists in some other European Economic Community countries, and that shooters should be competent in the use of their weapons and in quarrv identilication, should know the law, should use a trained gun dog and should know how to dispatch wounded quarry humanely. Whitefronts in Ireland Ehe Wildlife and Countryside .Act will fully protect the Creenland race ol W hite-fronted Cioose Anser alhijrons Jiavirostris in .Scotland. The Irish Covernrnent has regrettably failed to follow suit, thus rejecting the advice of ornitholo- gists and conservationists in Ireland and Britain who have been concerned to halt the decline ol this rare subspecies. It numbers no more than 15,000 birds, with 8,000-9,000 in Ireland and v irtually all the rest in Scotland. .A recent paper in Irish Birds (1: 293-36.3) showed that the Irish population of Green- land \\ hite-fronted (jeese had halved in the last 20 years through shorjting, disturbance and habitat loss. Numbers in .Scotland have been inc reasing slow ly, though by much less than the decline in Ireland. Stopping shooting should bring alxnit a large drop in annual mortality, thus allowing the decline to be reversed. The authorities in Northern Ireland are now being urged to protect the Greenland Whitefront (their laws being separate from those in Britain) and pressure will be kept up on the government of the Republic. (Contributed by ,\LAO) Jeffery Harrison Memorial Trust Ehe Ernst is a registered charity formed to con- tinue the work started by Dr JelEcry Harrison and his father. Dr James Harrison, at the .Sevenoaks Reserve. .A bullet supper evening in support ol the Erust will take place at 7.30 p.m. on .Saturdav 14th November at Ehe Orchard Spot, Otham, Maidstone, Kent. \'aried entertainment will include an illu- strated talk bv Dr Pamela Harrison. Eickets (£5 each, cheques payable to ‘JHM'l") are av ailable from Jim Humphreys, Gate House, Little Chart, .Ashford, Kent. The Birdwatcher’s Logbook .A bird- watcher’s notebook is a ver\ personal possession and methods of storing notes vary greatly. Coxton Publications aims to help us by [iroducing The Birdwatcher's Logbook which is described as ‘a new' concept in keeping bird records’. It is a 22 X 1 3 cm hardback, containing a list of Western Palearctic birds with monthly columns lc)r marking when they are seen, and also space lor two holiday lists, a year list and a life list. .Migrants are listed, with space for noting arrival and departure dates. Ehere are 184 pages for notes, each page intended for two days’ records. It costs £4.95. Most birders will probably not ehange their record-keeping habits to fit this iniblication, but some may adapt it to suit their own requirements. It may, however, be valuable to beginners as an incentive to keep their records methodically, which is, alter all, an essential part of ornithologv . (Contributed by Peter Holden) Honey Buzzards .Anthony Irons has pub- lished an amended version of his paper ‘Breeding of the Honey Buzzard Bernis apirorus in Nottinghamshire’, in reprint form. News and comment 499 I his tells briefly the story ol the birds in their traditional breeding area from 1971 to 1979 and is a useful contribution to our scanty knowledge of this species in Britain. A few copies, price 75p, are still available from the I rent Valley Birdwatchers (C. (i. Hughes, 2.33 By-Pass Road, Clhilwell, Nottingham). Stackpole NNR Britain's 17(ith National •Nature Reserve (the 33rd in Wales) has just been announced — 199h;i on the .south Pembrokeshire toast, 8 km soutli of Pembroke. It includes a wide range of habitats, from the reedbeds and open water ol Bosherston Lakes through woodland, scrub and the Stackpole Warren dunes to the limestone sea-clilfs of Stackpole Head. As well as ha\ing considerable liotanital interest, it has breeding (ihoughs Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and a mi.xed colony of (iuillemots I'ria aal^e. Razorbills Alca lorda. Puffins Pratercula arctica and Kittiwakes Rissa Indactyla. Public access in the \icinitv ol beaches, the IVmbrokeshire ('.oast National Park l()ot[)ath ;ind other public footptiths will remain unrestricted, but otherwise access is by permit only, obtainable Ifom the Warden, 1). A. Henshilwood, NCC Ollice. Stackpole Home Farm, Pembroke, Dyfed. Siberian Cranes We learn from the International Council for Bird Preser\ation Newsletter July 1981 that two new wintering tireas of the Siberian Crane Grus leucos,erarws ha\e been disco\cred — good news when 1980/81 numbers at the Keoladeo (ihana .Saiutuar\ in India were only !Ff birds. One site, with lb birds present in 1980/81. is near I'credunkenar on the southeastern shore ol the Caspian .Sea in Iran, uhilc the other, Ibund by Chinese ornithologist Fu-chang Chou, is near the Yangtze River in northern jiang.xi Province in China, w here there v\ere about 100 birds in 1980/81. Fhe total known popuhition is thus 1.30 birds, rather less than the 2,30 estimated by the International Cirane foundation, hut there seems e\ery thance that new wintering areas may yet be lound elsewhere in C ihina. New bird names Every Man Own Lawyer — 7hl Edition (published, alas, by .Macmillan) not only cttntains a partially inaccurate account ol present bird legislation in this countr\ but also iiu hides a number of new bird names, such as Laidrail, Fimminch's ■Stilt, Sto\e (airlew, Cettin and .Sari's Warbler. .Such misprints are always good fun, but Ste\e .\hidge has gone oil On tmother t;i( k, (ollecting tu tual how lers m;ide by beginners ;md others: so liir his list includes .Max .Sheiirwater. Banana Pintiiil. I eroi ious Duck. Pur|)le Cranule. Flizabethan \\ heatetir ;md Rat-tailed (Radde's) WiU'bler. Who stiys the .\mericans in Peru disc()\ ('r till the new species these days? New county recorder Ron Birch. 8 I'horn- berry Close, Saughall. Chester, has now taken o\er from j. C-. Peters as county rec'order forCIwyd. Opinions expressed in this Jeature are not necessarily those oj the editors oj British Birds Recent reports R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp These are largely unchecked rep>orts, not authenticated records d'his report refers to -August unless otherwise stated. High-pressure systems dominated the weather throughout the month and mainly dry, settled conditions prevailed. During the first week, some \ery warm air arri\ed from the southeast around an anticyclone over western Furope. With a change to cooler northwesterly air after 5th, some very heavy rainstorms occurred. Responsible for the change was an anticyclone to the west which dominated the weather pattern with a northwesterly airstream for the rest ol the month. -Surface winds, however, turned 500 northeasterly from 10th to 12th and again on 23rd. Waterside birds Wader interest, not unnaturally, centred on Nearctic vagrants. White-rumped Sand- pipers C'alidris Juscicollis reached Frodsham (Cheshire) on 16th to 21st and Holme (Nor- folk) from 28th to 31st, then Spurn Point (Humberside) on 8th September; mean- while, an indi\idual in the Cley/Salthouse area (Norfolk) all month seems to have been semi-resident from last autumn. Two Baird’s Sandpipers C. bairdii appeared, one at Blacktoft Sands (Humberside) from 15th to 31st and another at Shoreham (West Sussex) on 18th and 19th. Pectoral Sand- pipers C. melanotos were not very frequent — after one at Gralham Water (Cambridge- shire) in July, there was one at Cley on 1st and 2nd, then singles at Frodsham from 29th to 5th September, Holme on 30th and 31st and Heybridge (Essex) on 1st September. Early Buff-breasted Sandpipers Tryngites sutruficoilis included one at Blacktoft on 31st, one at Cley on 5th and 6th September, one at Frodsham on 6th September and two at Spurn on 9th September. Blacktoft added another to its impressive August list with a Spotted Sandpiper Aclilis macularia on 26th and 27th. Finally, there was a Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor at C rowdy Reservoir (Cornwall) on 30th and 31st. Nearctic waders in Ireland await a further summary. Waders from the east included, most interestingly, a Broad-billed Sand- piper Lirnicolajalcinellus near Waxham (Nor- tblk) at the end of the month. Fhe Suffolk pratincole Glareola apparently moved to Old Hall Marshes (Essex) mid-month and a more easily identifiable Black-winged Pratincole G. nordmanni was near Fenstan- ton (Cambridgeshire) from 12th to 16th and again on 18th — fitting perfectly into the pattern for previous records of this species as opposed to the Collared G. pratincola. It or another then turned up in Herefordshire at the end of the month. Spotted Crakes Porzana porzana made a good showing, which increased further into September — several in Kent and twos and threes reported from Ditchford (Northamp- tonshire), Cley, Radipole Lake (Dorset) and the productive Blacktoft Sands. Nothing, however, was so unexpected or delighted its observers so much as a juvenile Sora Rail P. Carolina trapped on Bardsey (Gwynedd) on 5th — star prize of the month without a doubt! Recent reports I'he warden of this underrated observatory can still hardly believe it. A White Stork Cicoriia cicoma was reported from Elmley (Kent) on 30th. A Little Egret Egrelta garzetla was reported there regularly during the month, and others occurred at Holme about 7th and near Snettisham (Nor- folk) on 28th. 'Fhe only Purple Heron Ardea purpurea reported was also near Snettisham on 30th. A Little Bittern Ixobrychus mmulus haunted Radipole Lake from 25th to 30th and another was at Stodmarsh (Kent) early in September. Raptors Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosas dispersed rather widely on the east coast of England and the much rarer Montagu’s Harrier C. pygargus appeared at Gibraltar Point (Lin- colnshire) on 1st and at Elmley on 10th. Also at Elmley, on 14th, there was a report of a Black Kite Milvus migrans. Tw'o early Rough-legged Buzzards Buleo lagopus were seen, at Blacktoft on 28th and Filey Brigg (North Yorkshire) on 31st. Seabirds, gulls and terns Large shearwaters were few, but scattered records came from the east and southwest. Great Shearwaters Pujfinus gravis were, for example, noted in twos and threes on several dates at Strumble Head (Dyfed) and Cory’s Shearwaters Calonectris diomedea appeared three times at Filey Brigg, at Hunstanton (Norfolk), Spurn and Dungeness (Kent), all in the middle of the month. Skua passage included two Long-tailed Stercorarius longi- caudus at Filey Brigg and singles in north Norfolk and Arctic Skuas 5'. parasiticus peaked at 148 at Filey Brigg on 15th and, at Spurn, 140 on 15th, 224 on 16th and 460 on 20th. Ring-billed Culls Larus delawarensis in I reland await a later review, as do the waders there, but one was discovered at Lochbois- dale. South Lhst (Western Isles), on 13th — one wonders how many individuals there now are in Britain; just a few which wander and re-visit regular haunts? Are there any to be found summering in colonies of Common Gulls L. canus? Apart from the usual places in the south, Mediterranean Gulls L. melanoce- phalus appeared on Foulney Island (Cum- bria) on 30th July — only the second county record — at Spurn on 14th and at Seaforth (Merseyside) where there were four all July and August. Little Gulls /,. mmutus at a regular roost between Blackballs Rocks atid Horden Colliery (Durham) broke all records 501 Recent reports there lor July, with 158 on 20th being three times more than the previous best July count, and then 226 were counted on 1st. Eighty per cent ol these birds were adult. Black Terns Chlidoriias niger were generally few, but 115 appeared at Chew Valley Lake (Avon) on 7th September. White-winged Black Terns C. leucopterus were likewise scarce, with singles at Elmley from 8th to 10th, Chew Valley Lake on 13th, Erodsham from 13th to 14th, Dungeness from 22nd to 30th and at (iralham Water on 12th September. Near- passerines and passerines (Hampshire) on 29th and another was at Sizewell (SulTolk) on 1st September. Spurn Point — in a real purple-patch — attracted a Lesser Grey Shrike Lamm minor to stay from 30th to at least 8th September. Wrynecks Jynx lort/uilla reached the e.xpected places and one or two unexpected sites — the periods 23rd tt) 25th (after the day ol'northeasterlies already referred to) and 29th to 31st accounted lor most, with singles at Dungeness on 23rd and 29th, Fair Isle (Shet- land) on 23rd, 30th and 31st, Eandguard Point (Suffolk) on 27th and 30th, one at Ciibraltar Point on 25th and two on 31st, two on Eetlar (Shetland) on 30th, one at F41ey Brigg on 31st, three at Spurn on 29th followed by seven on 30th and four on 31st, three in the Greater London area and one at Portland (Dorset) on 31st, when there was also a much less expected report from Tebay (Cumbria), one on the Alt Estuary (Mersey- side) from 30th to 2nd September and the second record e\er from Chew \'alley Lake on 7th September. Early .September brought further reports from Hampshire, Sussex and Essex. Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria also came in from 23rd to 25th in the main — one at Eandguard Point on 18th was followed by three on Fetlar on 23rd, singles at Gibraltar Point, Calf of Man and up to three at Spurn from 25tfi, three in north Norfolk on 30th and one at the Alt Estuary on 6th .September. Fair Isle had 20 bird-days in .\ugust with three birds on 23rd. .A Subalpine Warbler S. can- tillans was identified at Holme on 31st. Rarer still were probable Orphean Warblers .S'. hortemis at .Stiflkey (Norfolk) on 23rd and Spurn in early .September. Other Sylvia warblers at Dungeness included 40 Gardens S. horin on 3rd, and counts of Lesser White- throats .S’, curruca reaching 40 on 2 1st, 1 30 on 23rd and 170 on 24th. Aquatic Warblers Acrocephalus paludicola turned up from late •August and early .September at Winterton (Norfolk), .Salthouse, Spurn, Elmley, Port- land Bill, Radipolc Lake and .Marazion (Cornwall). Quite remarkable, howe\er, was yet another non-F'air Isle River Warbler Locustella Jluviatilis, this time ancjthcr first- class rarity for Spurn Point where it was trapped on 24th. .Spurn scored again with an Arctic Warbler Fhylloscopus borealis from 3rd to 6th September, and then a Booted Warbler Htppolais caligata on 5th September. ( )ther .Arctic Warbler reports came from Fair Isle on 22nd and .Scarborough (.North \’ork- shire) and Hauxley (Northumberland) at the beginning of Septemlx*r — and another Booted Warbler was claimed from Land- guard Point on 18th. Greenish Warblers F. Irochiloides were noted on the Calf ofMan on 13th and 14th July, at .Sandwich (Kent) on 21st, Rimac (Lincolnshire) on 31st and at .Minsmere (.Suffolk) and Portland Bill on 1st September. Willow Warbler F. troc/iilus totals were generally low — indeed observa- tories such as Fair Isle and Gibraltar Point reported most passerines to be well under strength — but at Dungeness 200 were noted on 3rd and 250 on 9th and on Bardsey Island 750 were found on 5th which had gone on 6th, then a staggering 2,500 on 7th and over 1,000 on 15th. Icterine Warblers H. icterina occurred at Landguard Point on 13th and 14th, 18th and 23rd and 24th, Clcy on 8th, Dungeness on 9th and 31st and at Spurn on 23rd, with two early in September. Melodious Warblers //. polyglotta were on Bardsey on 5th and 3 1st, Calf of Man on 21st and 25th and also at both Walnev Island (Cumbria) and Dungeness on 25th (see Wrvneck and Barred Warbler above), and two or three were seen at Portland Bill early in September. Dungeness recorded its earliest ever Firecrest Regulus ignirapillus on 24th, when there were also 200 Yellow Wag- tails Motacilla Jiava there, a Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris on 3 1st and counts of 40, 65, 80 and 80 Wheatears Oerumtbe oenanthe on 9th, 23rd, 24th and 31st. The Wheatear was one 502 of the few passerines in good numbers on Fair Isle, where there were 170 on 14th. A Blue- throat Luscinia svecica was trapped at Top- sham (Devon) on 6th September, and one was seen at Wells (Norfolk) on 2nd Septem- ber. A Thrush Nightingale L. luscinia in Northumberland early in September was less fortunate, being found dead. Fair Isle could not manage a single Scarlet Rosefinch Car- podacus erythrinus during a moderate month there, but there were three individuals on Fetlar between 21st and 30th and one at Dungeness on 31st. Finally, Ortolan Buntings Emberiza hortulana turned up in the Recent reports form of three at Portland on 31st and, appropriately gi\ing Spurn Point the last word, one there early in September. Latest news Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus in Northumberland, another on Fair Isle, where also King Eider Somateria speclabilis, two Olive-backed Pipits Anthus hodgsoni and Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus. Scilly: Booted and Orphean Warblers, Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus and Conunon Night- hawk Ckordeiles minor. Report of Wandering Tattler Heteroscelus incanus. Review Birdwatching in the Seventies. By Ian Wallace. Macmillan, London, 1981. 183 pages; 38 line-drawings. £7.95. ‘The most ornithologically explored decade in British and Irish history’, states Ian Wallace in this new book. Surely he is right; The Atlas, ‘Seafarer’, the surge of interest in conservation and birdwatching, the development of twitching into a major growth industry: what an eventful period the Seventies was. The main part of the book is an attempt to condense the main ornithological features of the decade, describing each year in turn, split into four seasons. Much of the information used was drawn from ‘Recent reports’ in British Birds, together with data from the Cktmmon Birds Census, the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, the Wildfowl Trust, and similar sources. There is a heavy bias towards rarities, and, as ‘Recent reports’ features unchecked information, there will be some dispute about the records included — and those excluded. It is fascinating to relive the years through the pages of this book, the birds one saw, those one would have liked to have seen, the effect of hard winters, of warm summers, the irruptions, the invasions, the spread of new breeding species — they all find a place. It is very difficult to keep a list of bird species and of numbers readable, as anyone who has compiled a bird report will know; Ian Wallace has done an outstanding job here, but the reader is advised to browse, rather than read the book from cover to cover. The sheer volume of records is inclined to clog the mind after a while. 1 he text is enlivened with Ian’s delightful line-drawings which usually capture the atmosphere as well as the jizz of the subject. An interesting feature is the inclusion of abbreviated short notes from various journals, interspersed throughout the text. Besides the yearly summaries, there are chapters which set the scene of the 1970s and a look forward into the 1980s. I'he views of amateur ornithologists were sought, and summarised in the look at the future. 0154 local report editors or county recorders approached, only 27 responded, and it is unfortunate that no Scottish voice is represented, despite our 9% of the observers; Wales, with only 5%, gets in twice. It is also surprising that, in a book which deals largely with migrant birds, no comments were solicited from the bird observatories. 7 he book is not without faults. 7'here are a number of tables showing the numbers of birds in Britain and Ireland, and similar topics. Much of the information was taken from The Atlas, and no attempt has been made to up-date this in the light of recent studies. I found several of the tables rather confusing and insufficiently explicit. The author makes many generalisations, and to a certain extent the book is one man’s view of the Seventies. One might take exception to the statement that ‘only the oil-threatened seabirds . . . continue to beg for assistance.’ Not wishing to lessen the importance of oil pollution as a threat, I feel that there are many more endangered species in Britain and Ireland than our seabirds, most of which are increasing or stable, at least in the north. This book will be of interest to most birders who were acti\e during the Seventies, particularly to those who have an interest in rarities . . . and this includes most of us. Iain S. Robertson David & Charles THE BIRDWATCHER’S A-Z Alan J Richards Nominated as “Best Bird Book of the Year” by British Birds. The ideal reference book for both the beginner and experienced bird- watcher. Lavishly illustrated in colour and black and white, its helpful A-Z format makes it easy to consult for a mass of fascina- ting expected and unexpected ornothological information. “What are gallinaceous birds?”, “What is a fossorial bird and what was the elephant bird?”, “What is the stem of a feather called?”. Alan Richards provides these and hundreds of other answers which, particularly if coupled with his earlier book BRITISH BIRDS; A Field Guide (£4.95) will greatly increase your understand- ing of birds and their way of life. 130 colour & 330 black and white illustrations 328 pages £14.95 If you would like a copy of the book sent to you post free in time for Christmas write to Dept BB David & Charles Brunei House Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 4PU TWO PERFECT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS from Macmillan BIRDWATCHING IN THE SEVENTIES Ian Wallace 'Libarally decorated by Ian's own original sketches, this is a book for enjoyable browsing as well as a unique historical reference to a decade of immense change in ornithology.' British Birds £7.95 0 333 30026 2 A NOTEBOOK OF BRITISH BIRDS 1907-1980 Jim Flegg 'Jim Flegg has had the difficult task of extracting from the monthly journal 'British Birds' a wide selection of "Notes" - short observations on birds or bird behaviour ... He has done the task admirably.' Country Life Illustrated with line drawings £6.95 0 333 30880 8 VII SUNBIRD BIRDTOUR EXPERTS WE SPECIALISE IN SMALL-GROUP HOLIDAYS FOR UP TO 16 PEOPLE, CATERING FOR BEGINNER AND EXPERT 1982 TOUR DESTINATIONS EUROPE, NORTH AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST North Yemen 1-19 March Richard Porter Israel 1 6-30 March Will Russell Israel 23 March-6 April David Fisher Crete 10-24 April Cliff Davies Morocco 17 April-1 St May Tim Sharrock Majorca 18-25 April Peter Grant Turkey 1-16 May John Andrews Southern Spain 6-15 May Frank King Northern Greece 8-1 5 May Alan Vittery Northern Greece 21-28 August Frank King Eastern Austria 13-22 May David Fisher Camargue and Pyrenees 1 6-25 May Mike Everett Lapland and Arctic Norway 9-26 June Frank King The Bosphorus 17-26 September David Fisher EASTERN ASIA Thailand 3-20 February Tim Sharrock India and Nepal 1 3 February-6 March Brian Little Sri Lanka 20 February-8 March John Raines Siberia and Mongolia 26 May-15 June David Fisher Kashmir and Ladakh 28 July-14 August Mike Hodgson TROPICAL AFRICA Kenya and Rwanda Kenya Kenya The Gambia South Africa 8-29 January 29 July-14 August or 20 August 21 October-6 November or 12 November 12-27 November 1 5 Nov-6 December Don Turner Dale Zimmerman Don Turner David Fisher Don Turner NORTH AMERICA Florida* Texas* Alaska* Arizona and California* 7-1 6 January 17 April-8 May 13 June-3 July 24 July-1 6 August Jon Dunn Rich Stallcup and John Arvin Davis Finch Rich Stallcup and Jon Dunn CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA Trinidad and Tobago* Suriname* Ecuador and Galapagos* Southern Mexico 14-30 January 13 February-1 March 26July-1 8 August 5-21 November David Fisher Davis Finch Davis Finch Kenn Kaufman AUSTRALASIA New Guinea* Australia 6-29 August 1 2 October-3 November Bruce Beehler John Raines SPECIAL TOURS Tom Gullick in Spain April to June •With our associates WINGS INC. (USA) For (jetails please contact: SUNBIRD at EXECUTIVE TRAVEL (Holidays) LTD 2 Lower Sloane Street, London SW1 W 8BJ Telephone: 01-730 6609 A member company of the SERENISSIMA Travel Group Ltd ABTA LATA ATOL AITO = IX Publication 27th November ESTUARY BIRDS of Britain and Ireland by A. J. Prater The Birds of Estuaries Enquiry is the basis for this report on the British and Irish estuaries and the distribution and numbers of birds generally present. There are also chapters on estuarine ecology, the threats to estuaries and their birds, the migrations and distributions of estuary birds in western Europe, and the organisation and interpretation of the bird counts. There are 40 drawings by John Busby, and more than 170 species distribution maps. 440 pages plus 16 pages photographs £14.00 net Publication 23rd October The Birdwatcher’s Dictionary by Peter Weaver More than 1100 words and terms defined for the relative novice and the experienced birdwatcher. Illustrated by Michael Hodgson. 156 pages, £5.00 net T & A D POYSER Calton, Waterhouses, Staffs. (BB505) The Birdwatcher’s Logbook A single volume for your whole year’s records. All species on the British and Irish List included with columns for recording monthly observations, two holidays, an annual list and life list plus first and last dates of migrants and 184 pages for a daily diary. 208 pages in attractive hard binding 21.5 X 13.0cms. An ideal gift for every birdwatcher. Price £4.95 inc. \'A1 and postage and packing. From: Coxton Publications, 23 West Hill Rd, Foxlon, Cambridge CB2 6SZ. (BB501) P O Box 1 96 Planetarium Station New YORK. NY 1 0024 USA (212) 866-7923 The Asia Specialists 1982 Birding Tours HIMALAYAS Nepal/Darjeeling 2 April- 1 May Kashmir 2-9 May Both tours led by BEN KING, Asia’s foremost field birder, author of A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. Write for itinerarv. (BB306) X Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 HO LI DA }' A CCOMMODA TION HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr Bruce C:ampbell and Ted (irilliths based al die 1 alland Bay Hotel on the South Cornish Coast. Parties have identified over I 11) sjieeies. Special Birds and flowers week in May. Course dates and brochure from Talland Ba\ Hotel, Nr. I.,ooe, C-ornwall. I elephone Polperro (0503) 72067. (BB49| SOCTHWOLD AA** hotel, central heating en-suite bedrooms, good wines and food. Ideal base for Minsniere and surrounding area. VVritc/phone: Pier .\venue Hotel, Southwold 722632. (BB2H7) THE SILVERDALE HOTEL, Cumbria/ 1. ancs border, nr. Leighton .Moss Bird SaiHtuar\. Iialf- hour to tfie l.akes, lamiK run hotel offering range oi liar meals and restaurant. Lor brochure: SiUerdale, nr. Carnliirth, l,ancs. I'el: Sikerdale 70I20(). (BB3H0) HOLT — the ideal base fiir Norfolk liird- watching — a choiie ol modernised, excellently f'urnislied and e(|uipped flint cottages in ()uiet private courtyard on the edge of Holt. Central heating is included in our off-season rates and we offer weekend terms too. Lor details, please contact Jeremy Siddall, Carpenters Cottages. Carpenters Close, Holt. Lei: 0,572 56515. (BB37I) SPAIN BIRDING April-June 1982. Parties of 3 or 4 only by Range Rover. See Imperial and four other Spanish Eagles. Great and Little Bustards, Black Stork, Black Vulture, Purple Galinule, Black-shouldered Kite, V\'hite-headed Duck, Eagle Owl, plus up to 200 other species. 5, 8 and II -day holidays from £290 totally inclusi\c Lontlon/London. Lorn (iullick. c/o .Sunbird, 2 Lower Sloane St, London .S\\ 1 8B) or phone 01-730 6609. (BB365) CLEY— BIRDWATCH as you breakfast! All year round B&B in very comfortable home, directly overlooking bird reserve and salt marshes, .Man and .Sheila Hart, I he .Saltings. Coast Road, Cley. Tel: 740645. (BB1070) TITCH WELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking R.SPB Reserce. 1 he .Manor Hotel oilers comfortable accommodation and good food throughout the year. Lully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. .Special ‘Bird-Watchers' weekends monthly from .Nocember to March, and 2- or 3-day Itreaks during the same period. Postal address: King's Lynn. .Norfolk PE3I 8BB. I elephone: Brancaster (048 52 1 ) 22 1 . ( BB303) SOUTHWOLD AA** HOTEL. Ensuite bed- rooms, good food and wines. Ideal base for Minsmere and surrounding area. Open all year. Holiday house akso available to let. Write or tel: Pier Avenue Hotel, Southwold. Pel: 722632. (BB120) SNETTISHAM RESERVE. Westdene Hou.se Hotel is midway between this line reser\ e and the Sandringham estate. W e oiler debt ions lood. cos\ accommodation, attentiv e ser\ ice and restaurant and residential lii ence. Bargain breaks; ( )i t- .\pril. Lei: Dersingham 40395. (BB342) SECLUDED GEORGIAN STYLE FARM- HOUSE set in the beautiful C3un valley near the Welsh border. Lite area has an excellent wild bird population and an interesting flora and fauna. Within easy reach of Ludlow. Elan \ alley. Olla’s Dyke. Lcrngmynd. this stock rearing farm ol 400 acres has magnificent views added to its attractions. ,\t U pper House one finds complett relaxation and a pampered, intimate atmosphere B&B. L..M optional. Lei: Bucknell 319 or .S.\E: .Mrs D. .M. Williams, Upper Farm. Hopion Castle, Craven .Arms. Salop. (BB1069) ISLE OF ISLAY. .Attractive, well equipped cottages sleeping 2-4 people. Situated by beach in peaceful village of Port Charlotte. Lull details/ brochure Mrs James Roy, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, .Argyllshire P.A48 7L'D. Lei: 049 685 208. (BB269) 16TH C SUFFOLK LONGHOUSE. Luxurv accommodation within easy reac h of coast and .Minsmere. Private liathrcMims. fine English fiiiKl. lovely rural setting. Old .Swan Llouse, Creting- ham, Woodbridge. .Suffolk. Lei: Earl .Soham 633, (BB279) MID WALES. Wide choice of sell-catering farmhouse, cottages, etc., throughout mid Wales. Brochure from: .Mid Wales Holiday, Newtown. Powys, Lei: 09745 320. (BB4) NORTH NORFOLK. Coast 3 miles. I7ih centnrv barnhouse. Lriendlv welcome. Home cooking. Lovelv wooded area. B&B also E.M if ret|uired. .Mrs B. Clarke, Barn House. Hemp- stead-by-Holt, Norliilk. Lei: Holt 2473. (BBl'f' ISLES OF SCILLY— ST. MARY’S. Lriendlv atmos|ihcre in a l amilv run Licensed (iuest House overlooking the harbour. Open 1st Lebruary until the end of October. S.\E licr details or telephone I onv or Linda Dinglev 0720 22327 (BB3')3i KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE. High standard character cottages on beautiful private c'state near Castle Douglas. .Abundant wildlife. I hrt'av e and Caerlaverock nearby. S.\E (Javin Bain. .Munches, Clastle Douglas DG7 I PD. (BB396) ORKNEY. Our island hotel, ideal centre Icir ornithologists. Llabitat. moorland, shore, cliffs, within easv walking distance. Brochure from: Laversoe, Hotel. Rousay. Lei: 085 682 325. (BB401; BEAUTIFUL PEMBROKESHIRE COAST. Small hotel close to coastal path, cliffs and islands. Rich in birdlife, good food and wine. Relaxed friendly atmosphere. .All rooms have central heating, private bath, colour television, tea maker. Grove Hotel, St Dav ids (0437) 720341 . (BBI26) ,\i BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Iiadi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated Nat’onal Trust beauty area. Abundant wildlife, naturalists' paradise. To let fortnightly. S.AK; VN’hiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) ‘WARM AND COMFORTABLE Highland larm accommodation with good food, good beds h&c. Lnge. Col. T\'. Substantial Dinner B&B £10. inc. (lots of animals), Mrs Swann, Ardgarry Farm, Faichem, Invergarry (080 93) 226. Inverness-shire. 8 miles south of Loch Ness. (BB344) NEAR RYE, EAST SUSSEX. Inexpensive bargain breaks, beautiful Georgian Country House Hotel. Flamingoes, migratorv and sea birds. Tel: 079 721 381. ' ' (BB225) DUNSYRE, LANARKSHIRE. Attractive holi day cottages on private estate sleeping 4 & 6. V\'arm, comfortable and very well equipped. Variety of wildlife. Apply Lee & C'arnwath Estates, Carnwath, Lanark. Tel: Carnwath (055584) 273. (BB244) CLEY — when visiting Cley .Marshes and Blakeney Point you are welcome to call at the George and Dragon Hotel. .Accommodation, bars and meals. I arill upon application, write or tel: The George & Dragon Hotel, C4cy, Holt, Norfolk. Fcl: Cley (0263) 740652. (BB239) GALLOWAY. Excellent accommodation. Route •A7I3 to Loch Ken. Fhreave 2 miles. B&B £5.75, dinner optional. Mrs .A. Gibson, Craignair, 32 .Abercromby Road, Castle Douglas D(i7 IB.A. Tel: 0556 21 12. ' (BB299) BAMBURGH FLAT fi om 10th Oct onwards. Clentre village. Fames, Budle Bay , CUieviots. E. Wilson, Keswick Cott, Northumberland. 06684 288. (BB369) W. SUSSEX, Visit .Arundel Wildfowl Trust. Black .Mill House Hotel. Bognor Regis. .Marine Gardens, Sea — 2 mins. Games room, cocktail bar, l(jungcs, (sep T\ ). Enclosed Garden. .A.A*, ■Ashley Clourtenay Reed. From £92 pw, B&B from £10. .Mini-Breaks open Cihristmas. Own Clar Park. Tel: (0243) 821945. (BB370) FAIRWINDS, CARRBRIDGE, Inverness- shire. Three alpine chalets and 2 flats to let. Surrounded Ity woods and fields. Excellent area for birdwatching, including crested tits, S.AE: Dunlop. Tel: 240. (BB362) CLEY .Attractive house in t illage, 4 bedrooms, large garden, garage. .Available all year. Details from Mrs E. Album, 47 Lyndale ■Avenue, London NVV'2. Tel: 431 2942. (BBI 14) FAIRBURN, YORKS. Stone cottage, modern- ised, 2 bedrooms; overlooks R.SPB reserve, 139 species on house bird list; £16.000. Tel: .Steve Madge, Knottinglcy (0977) 84498. (BBI 23) ISLE OF EIGG ‘The prettiest, liveliest island of all’,- Scottish Field. Guest House, self-catering farmhouses, cot- tages, chalets and bothies with many holiday activities, sailing, fishing, ponies and expedi- tions to other remote islands. Breathtaking beauty, peace . . and adventure when you want it. For brochure write to: EIm Holiday Book- ings, Maybank, Udny, Ellon, Aberdeen- shire. Tel: (065 1 3) 367. (BB503) BETTYHILL HOTEL, Bettyhill, Sutherland, Old established family hotel in outstanding position overlooking the Naver Nature Reserve and the Pentland Firth. Paradise for bird- watchers. First class cuisine. Fuliv licensed. Tel: Bettyhill (064 1 2) 202. (BBIOl) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beeston, Travellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Fakenham. 1 ittleshall 205. ' ' (BB42) ISLE OF TIREE. The Lodge Hotel, bird- watchers' paradise island. Self-catering flats and full board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, Tiree. Tel: 08792 368. (BB46) PEMBROKESHIRE. 2 miles St David’s and sea, edge of Dowrog Nature Reserve, by a stream. Beautifully conc erted mill (sleeps 8), or detached barn (sleeps 4/6). Very comfortable with ch. .S.AE: Clannon, I'he White House, Puddington, .South Wirral. Tel: 051-336 7393 (Fives) or 078 981 307. (BB106) KING’S ARMS HOTEL, Castle Douglas. AA** R.S.AC, Egon Ronay and .Ashley Courtney recommended. 10% reduction for ornithologists. (BB4U4) TRANQUIL LAMBSQUAY HOTEL, Wye/ Dean Forest, Coleford, Glos. ,A.A*. Fixcellent food and wine, 2 nights or more £15 pp, 1), B&B. •S/C: flat let weekly. Tel: (0594) 33127. (BB405) WEST COAST, ARGYLl^Holiday cottage sleeps 4-5. Beach, wildlife, beautiful countryside. Woodland walks. House, sleeps 8, beside river. Tel: 0880 2635. (BBI 11) NATIONAL TRUST VILLAGE on Fixmoor, Self-catering holiday cottage and flats — centrally heated — near Porlock. Sea, .Moors, Woods and •Marshes within walking distance. Malcolm and .Sheila Wright. The Pack Horse, .\lleribnd. Nr .Minehead. 'Tel: 0643 862475. (BBI 10) LAKE DISTRICT, Hawkshead. Greenbank is situated in the heart of Lakeland. Ideal for walking, fell climbing, birdwatching, fishing, sailing, etc. Comfortable accommodation, B&B, evening meal, HC all rooms, CH throughout. Log fires, warm friendly atmosphere with good home cooking. Sorry no pets. S.AE: Hart, Greenbank, Hawkshead, .Amblesidc, Cumbria. 'Tel: Hawkshead 497. (BBI 18) XU WEST CORK. Fully furnished self-eatering house quiet position on private estate. Sleeps five. Beautiful unspoilt coastline and countryside, O’Donovan, Hollyhrook House, Skittcreen, Co, <^’«rk, (BBIIh) ARGYLL, Oban 12m, Faynuilt Im, 9 self- eatering fiats in country house, own grounds, beautiful surroundings, secluded and quiet, I chalet, I caravan, SAE for brochure, Lonan House, Faynuilt, Argyll, Tel: 086 62 253, (BBI 19) SNOWDONIA, modernised cottage for hve. Near coast/mountains. Keen, Tynant, Pentir, Bangor, Gwynedd, Tel: 0248 4520, (BBI2I) WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS SNOWDONIA AND LLEYN PENINSULA. Many species of birds visit here. Spend a week birdwatching in one of our small, guided groups. Beginners especially welcome, SAF. for details, John laylor, Bron-y-Maen, North Road, Caernarfon, (fwynedd, Fel: 0286 2683, (BB5!f) MID-WALES BIRD TOURS. See four different birds of prey in a day, winter or summer. For brochure S.\F to: I'oby Hodd, Red Kite Wildlife Fours, l.langeitho, Dyfcd, SY25 (iQCi or Fel: 097423 223, ' (BBI 05) BIRD REPORTS GLAMORGAN BIRD REPORT, including CJower, 1-20 post paid, Mr R, J, .Martin, 28 St David's Cresc,, Pcnartfi, South Glam, CF6 21. U, (BB367). NORTHANTS BIRD REPORT 1981. In eludes a wildfowl survey, ringing details, and the '80 list. Illustrated throughout by Rodney Ingram. £1.60 from C. J. Coe, 67 \Vcst .St, L. Weedon, .Northants. (Buy one now.) (BB108) SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1980. £1 50 post free CAVO from SOCl, 21 Regent Ferrace. Edinburgh F.H7 5B F, Earlier reports available, details on request. (BB102) AVON BIRD REPORT 1980. £1.20 post-free from .Mr P. J. Chadwick, 3 Hill Burn Henleaze, Bristol, .Avon B.S9 4RH. (BB103) SUSSEX BIRD REPORT 1980— £2.25 inc. p&p or 1970 and 1980— £2.75 inc, p&p. J. Trowell, 298 Harold Road, Hastings. (BBI22) HAMPSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1981. £2.00 incl. p&p previous copies also available, .Apply: T. Hcathcote, Beech well Cottage, Bartley, Nr. Southampton S04 2LP. (BBI 17) SPURN B.O. REPORT 1980 — £1.25 post free. Previous 2 years available from. J. .Massingham, 8 Stanmore Crescent, Leeds 4. (BB128) BOOKS BOOKS ON BIRDS. .New and secondhand, catalogue 30p. Surplus bird books urgently sought. Open I hursday to Saturday. Bird Books of Sevenoaks, House of .Seal, Church Street. Seal, .Sevenoaks, Kent. Fel: Sevenoaks 62155. (BB35) FINE NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS bought and sold. R. Norman. 1 he Book-Squirrel, Hart- on-the-Hill, Dalton Piercey. Hartlepool. C3e\e- land. (BB89) OUT-OF-PRINT BIRD BOOKS bought and sold. Catalogue on request. Please oiler your surplus books to Jay Books, 1 Roull (Jrove. Edinburgh. ' (BB34) THE BIRD BOOKSHOP (Scottish Ornitho- logists’ Club) — W e are leading specialists in new books covering all aspects of ornithology and all parts ol the world; o\ er 600 titles in stock: world- wide mail order ser\ ice; post free to S( )C mem- bers (except small orders); free 30 page booklist Irom 1 he Bird Bookshop. .Scottish Ornithologists' Club. Dept. 1, 21 Regent Ferrace, Edinburgh EH7 5B 1 ; phone (031) 556 1)042 (olFue hours only; .Mon.-Fri. 9-1. 2-5). (BBI38) NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. Nevs and secotidhand books av ailable from stot k. Foreign language books now available. Send 20p l()r catalogue. Dernam Books. St. ,\nn's. East Pet kham, Fonbridge. Kent and Philip Redman. Fes Quatre X'ents, Cap (irip-Nez t)2250 •Marquise. Frame (BB\292) BIRDS IN CUMBRIA 1980, £ 1 .30 (incl. p&p). 1972-75, 75p; 1976-79, £1; from .M. Hutcheson, Ciarden Cottage, .Sizergh Castle. Kendal L.A8 8.AE. (BBI 13) BRITISH BIRDS vols. 61-73 bound. Oilers to Kasteelc. 1 The Convent. C'.hurch Westcote. Oxford 0X7 6SH. (BBI 12) THE COUNTRV'MAN. 80 assorted issues. 1954-81. Highest oiler for all 80 will be accepted and proceeds (less postage) donated to British Birds. Write to Box No. BB367 British Birds, c/o .Macmillan Journals Ltd. 4 l.ittle Essex Street. London WC2R 3LF. (BB107) DIETS FOR BIRDS IN CAPTIVITY. One copy of book by Kenton C. Lint & .Alice .Marie Lint for sale. .As new. £10 instead of usual £19.95. Write to Box No. 115, British Birds, c/o Macmillan Journals Ltd. 4 Little Essex .Street. London WC2R 3LF’. (BBI 15) BRITISH BIRDS. Vols. 43-57, bound. £35 o.n.o. A'ols. 58-73, unbound £25. Tel: 0502 723315. (BB125) xiii FOR SALE KEEP YOUR COPIES oi British Birds for easy reference. It’s so easy and tidy with the Easibind binder to file your copies. Each binder is designed to hold 12 issues and is attractively bound and blocked with the Bnlish Birds' logo. Price UK £3.65 including postage, packing and \'AT. Overseas orders add 25p. Easibind Ltd., 4 Ux- bridge Street, London VV8 7SZ. Tel. 01-737 0686. (BB1050) WATERPROOF AND WARMWEAR, fabrics arid patterns, all accessories. For prices, stamp please: 1()R(B), 5 London Cii'o\e, Runcorn \V.\7 5PP ’ (BB27) HAWKINS. W alking Boots and Shoes, Camou- Hage Waterproofs, Outdoor .Accessories, Re- duced Prices. B. I'imson 3 Station Rd., Elmesthorpe, Leicester. .SAE for Brochure. (BB104) DOLLAND TELESCOPE Sin. O.G. 30-60 X sling case. CJood optics. £80. Phone Wakefield 0924 375928. (BB129) REPAIRS BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE REPAIRS. Fast elficient service on all makes and types by- expert teehnicians at L&L Optical, 50 Alston Road, Barnet, Herts. Pel: 01-441 0990. (BB124) SITUATIONS VACANT WARDEN, CALF OF MAN Bird Observatory, required for 1982 season (.\larch-( )ctober). Class .\ ringer and qualified mistnetter required. Wages at present £59.05 per week gross, and accommodation. Further details from the .Manx •Museum and National 1 rust, Douglas. Isle of •Man. (BB109) STOP PRESS TO LET to ornithologist or naturalist. l i\e- bedroomed house in North Wales adjoining L.N.R. and S.S.S.l. .'Apply Box No. 368. (BB130) ISLE OF ISLAY, ARGYLL in the Inner Hebrides oilers unequalled bird watching facilities. See 20,000 (ireenland Barnacle Ceese from October to .April. 1 wice daily plane and vehicle ferry services, (iood food in a conilbrtable and friendly atmosphere. Further particulars from, .Airs. J. Mottram, Bridgend Hotel, Islay. Argyll. Fel:b49 681 212. (BB127) NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. Secondhand and new bought and sold. Clatalogues: J. E. Oliver, Corner Cottage, Colkirk, Fakenham, Norfolk. Tel: Fakenham 2453. (BB131) THE NEW RINGER’S BAG from KINGSMILL-RAYMENT MARKETING Introducing the exciting new purpose- made RINGER’S BAG designed for use while working in the field, it allows you to carry your field equipment safely yet comfortably by your side. Consisting of six well designed pockets, the large S’/g in x 9 in main pocket holds weights, rules, and books, while the smaller front pocket is used to carry a selection of rings, the deep side pockets hold pliers, and pen knife in place, and the side loops accommodate a flash light for work at night. The new RINGER’S BAG is of light- weight construction yet very strong with stitched and riveted seams to withstand the demands of field work. Fits any size belt, or can be supplied with strong leather or web belts. THE RINGER’S BAG £9.95 WEB or LEATHER BELTS £3.95 Including VAT and carriage. KINGSMILL-RAYMENT MARKETING 11 Grasmere Road, Lightwater, Surrey (bb3?2) XIV cvcnui UIIIDUPE birdwatching holidays at realistic prices . . . Nepal Mountains and Terai 21 days Jan 16-Feb 5 ’82 An exciting blend of Palearctic and Oriental species is assured on this carefully designed tour which will explore the many facets of Nepal from Tiger Tops in the lowland Terai to Shyangboche high in the Himalayan mountains. Leader Peter Clement £1235 Soviet Central Asia 18 days May 11-28 ’82 During this pioneering tour we will visit Bukhara at the edge of the Kyzylkum desert, and from centres at historically evocative Samarkand and Tashkent explore the foothills and valleys of the Tien Shan and Gissar mountains. Leader Paul Dukes £880 other trips for ’82 Northern Thailand Jan 23-Feb 11 Phil Round £935 Northern India Feb 8-26 David Hunt £870 Texas April 1-17 David Holman £685 Northern Greece May David Norman Soviet Central Asia May 11-28 Paul Dukes £880 Pyrenees June 28-July 8 Ted Griffitl^ Kashmir & Ladakh August Cliff Wall4 (9, Seychelles August John Sprji- ^ Japan September Gambia Nov/ember Kenya Sri Lanka Winter 1982/3 for full information and colour brochure contact our resident ornithologist Paul Dukes. cvcnu5 uiHDim Worldwide Holidays Southwest Travel Ltd % Fore Street Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 IPY Telephone 0548 3181 Telex 45639 (Comput G) P57 • J British Birds Volume 74 Number 11 November 1981 453 Books for Christmas 453 Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1980 Michael J. Rogers and the Rarities Committee 495 Fifty years ago . . . 495 Mystery photographs 59 Swift W. G. Harvey Announcements 497 Peterson Sound Guide special offer 497 ‘The Natural History of Britain and Ireland’ 497 ‘Wildlife and Nature Photography’ 498 SjDecial Ofler Subscription Scheme 498 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 499 Recent reports R. A. Hume and K. Allsopp Review 502 Birdwatching in the Seventies Ian Wallace Iain S. Robertson Line-drawings: 499 Spotted Crake {Edward Keeble); 501 Greenish Warbler {Keith Brockie) Front cover: Ivory Gull {Laurel A. Tucker): the original, unframed drawing of this month’s cover design will be sold to the reader who sends the highest postal bid received by 30th November; send your name, address and bid (no money at this stage) to Cover Bid, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Special request Please resubscribe now Please help us by resubscribing now, even if your subscrip- tion does not become due until 1st January. This will help to avoid delays in despatching of January and February issues and will enable us to provide a better service. Questionnaire results Identification of Semipalmated Sandpiper Hoarding of carrion by Carrion Crows Warblers in mixed passerine flocks Personalities: DrJ.J. M.Flegg Mystery photographs • Notes • Letters Recent prosecutions • Diary dates • Revie British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, F ouiitains. Park Fane, Bliinham, Bedlord MK44 3\J Editorial Assistant Personal Assistant David A. Christie Sheila D. Cobban Editorial Board Stanley Cramp, P. J. Grant, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Dr R. J. Chandler & Don Smith Rarities Committee P. J. Grant (Cdiairmaii), D. J. Britton, R. H. Dennis, D. J. Holman, T. P. Inskipp, B. Little, S. C. Madge, J. R. Mather, R. F. Porter & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock; Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary ), 195 X’icarage Road. Sunbury-on-'I hamcs, Middlesex I'W 16 74'P Notes Panels behaviour Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Dr C. H. Fry, Derek Goodwin, M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; lUENTIFIC.ATION P. J. Grant, S. C. Madge, M. A. Ogilvie & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock News and comment Peter Conder & Mike Everett, 12 Swaynes Lane. Coniberton, Clambridge CB3 7KF Recent reports K. Allsopp & R. A. Hume, c/o RSPB. Flu- 1 .odgc,. SaiicK , Bed lords hi re S( 1 1 9 21 )F Publishing & Production Manager Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Mrs Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Cartwright Advertising John Barnes, Macmillan Journals Ltd, 4 Little Essex Street, London WC2R 3LF (tel: 01-240 1 101) ©British Birds Ltd 1981. Copyright of photographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd. 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedliirdshire ISS.X 0007-0335 Annual subscription ( 12 issues and index) surrace mail L'K £18 (or US$45); airmail £30 (or $75); single back copies, il available, £2 ($5). Checpies payable to British Birds Ltd. All cheques and cjueries by letter to: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Circulation, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, England. P;tvmenl ma\ also be made directb into UK Post Office GIRO 37 588 6303 British Birds publishes material dealing with original obser\alions on the birds ol the west Palearctic. Except l()r records of rarities, papers and notes are normalK accepted otilv on condition that material is not being ollered in whole or in part to any other journal. Photographs and skett lies are welcomed. ,\ll contributions should fie submitted to the .Managing Editor. Papers should be typewritteti w ith double spat ing, and wide margins, and on one side ol the sheet only. .Authors should carefully consult this issue for style oi'presentation, especialK ofreferences and tables. X ertiacular and scientific names and sequences offiirds Itillow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic ( 1978); names ol plants Ibilow Dony et at. ( 1971. English Names of Wild Flowers ); names ofmammals follow Corbet & Southern ( 1977. The Handbook of British Mammals). 'Eopographical (plumage and structure) terms should follow editorial recotn- metidalions (Brit. Birds 74: 239-242). Figures should be in Itidian ink on gtKid cpialitv trat ing paper, drawing paper, tion-absorbeiu board or liglit lilue or \ ery pale grey grajih ptiper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should be typed on a separate sheet. Authors of main papers (but not notes or letters) receive ten tree copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Priiitccl by Hciiry Burt & .Sou Ltd, College Street, Kempston, Bedford mk-12 8na Bargain Books for Bird Lovers WILDFOWL OF EUROPE Myrfyn Owen Pub Edn vfiB.oa lOclays' approval voucher WILDFOWL OF EUROJ^E Myrfyn Owen Foreword by Sir Peter Scott Colour plates by Hilary Burn An authoritative, in-depth study of each of the 55 European wild- fowl species. Based on years of pioneering research at Slimbridge, it covers wildfowl biology, be- haviour, feeding, breeding, ring- ing, conservation, identification, population, adaption, ecology, and relationships with man. Superbly illustrated throughout with colour paintings, drawings, and vital distribution maps. Rwwonl by Sir R-tcr Sawt ■ Cokxir plates h\ Hil San/e£14 today! The Birds & Natural History Book Society Whatever your interest in birds and wildlife, make the most of it through membership of the Birds & Natural History Book Society . . . approved by the Royal Society for the Protec- tion of Birds as furthering its essential role in developing interest in birds and their place in the countryside. We offer a very wide range of books on birdwatching, conservation, in-depth studies of individual species, and birds as part of the wider natural history and country scene — and there is immense choice. YOU make your selection from the free newsletter published approximately every other month, from catalogues and from special offers. Your only commitment is to buy four more books — any four from the hundreds offered. You save at least a quarter off publishers' prices, often half or more, and members especially value the way in which we make available all those important books you would otherwise have missed. Readers Union, Brunei House, Newton Abbot, Devon Reg in Hngland No 845946 YOU NEED SEND NO MONEY NOW -PLEASE POST TODAY To: Readem Union Ltd., FREEPOST, P.O. Box 6, Newion Abbot, Devon, TQI2 IXCT I would like to join the Birds & Natural History Book Society and claim Wildfowl of Europe at the special price of £1 (plus £1.26 towards p&p). If I keep the book I will automatically become a member and agree to take 4 books (in addition to the introductory offer), during my first year of membership, and I will pay upon receipt of any books I choose. After one year I may resign on one month's notice. If I am not satisfied with the introductory book, I may return it within 10 days and owe nothing. {Allow up to 21 days delivery) Mr/Mrs/Miss Address PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY 1 ; 1 Postcode 1 1 1 (Must be signe d by an adult) (BB51 4) bod j BIRDS'^ & NATURAL HISTORY BOOK SOCIETY | “ t *!fS \RSPB 1 TalktoAXHawkins about Binoculars! ^PHOHEUSm Best Makes. Largest Stocks. Fastest Service. By return Despatch and . Free Advice. A. R. HawKins only sells well known branded binoculars at lowest prices possible (up to 40% off MRP). Over 150 models to choose from with big stocks and really fast service — all orders despatched same day securely packed and fully insured. Order by telephone with Barclay/Access or C O D. Buying at A. R Hawkins Ltd., Means you get a better binocular for less than you might have paid elsewhere for an inferior brand. And if you need advice on which model to choose for your needs, please feel free to telephone us — we would be pleased to talk binoculars with you! ORDER IN CONFIDENCE FROM A. R. HAWKINS — THE WHOLE COUNTRY DOES! PLEASE ADD £1 .95 POST/INS. EACH ITEM E. andO.E. BEST SELLING SELECTION FROM OVER 150 DIFFERENT MODELS: (all prices correct press date and subject to availability) ZEISS WEST SWIFT 6x 306 0ialy1 E2M.« Bx 566GA0ialyt £3f7.2S 10i 406Dialy1 029.35 10x40eGAOialyt 021.10 10x2SBMiniOialyt 040.35 ex20eMiniOialyi 039.55 15x60ft/Afm C629.M all othef models m slock CARL ZEISS JENA KARL HARTMANN 20 X 60 Observation 10 X 50 Supreme 6 X 40 Supreme 8 5 X 44 Audubon 8 X 40 Saratoga 8 X 22 Compact 10 X 40 County 6 X 40 Grand Pnx All other models in slock Ifom £241.52 025.44 014.54 001.20 £70.44 ES5.32 £41 40 £59 36 £29.50 8 X 30 Jenoplem T3M 7 X 50 Jenoplem T3M 10 X 50 Jenoplem T3M 8 X 30 Oeniiniem T3M 10 X 50 Oekarem T3M All Monoculars in slock NEW! ZEISS JENA ROOF PRISMS 8 X 32B Notarem MC 10x406 Notarem MC £42.96 iriTy E80 95 LtITZ £75.00 £54.45 £92.55 £99 95 044.95 8 X 20CTrinovid(Min) £134.56 10 X 25CTrinovid(Min) 053.14 8x32BTrinovid £270.44 8x40eTrinovid £296.70 I0x40einnovid £367.75 New car window mount with pan and tilt head 05.95 4 O pott/liu 8 X 30 Compact Wide Angle 8 X 40 Com^ Wide Angle 10 X 40 Cornpact Wide Ar^le to X 50 Bernina Wide Angle KARL HARTMANN HIGH POWER MODELS 10 X 60 Bernina WA 12 X 60 Bernina WA 16 X 60 Bernina WA 25 X 80 Bernina WA HILKINSON 10 X 40 Lincoln 7 5* lield 10 X 40 Hawk 7 5' lield 7 X 50 Balmoral 7 5' field 20 X 60 Hioh Power 8-20 X 50 Zoom 8x21 Roof Prism Miniature 8 X 56 Olympic Root Prism R/A 8 X 30 Hylite R/Piism 10 X 40 Hyliie R/Pnsm £143.95 £159.05 £170.25 £159.95 TELESCOPES CI^ ^ £265 79 (255.79 £265 79 £549.50 £57,01 £34.55 £33.12 £67.06 £55.33 £46.12 £74.41 £56.17 £62.04 Bushnell Discoverer 15-60 x 60 £163.00 Swift Telemaster 15-60 x 60 Nickel Supra 'B 15-60 x 60 Hedei i fleuss 25-60 x 60 Nickel Supra 6/A 15-60 x 60 Greencal 22 x 60 s/scope £165.95 £135.24 £131.95 £144.95 £49.95 Bushnell Spacemaster 20-45 x 60 £112.00 NEW MODELS! Hilkin 30 X BOR arm'd £135.95 Spacemaster 22 x W/angle £99.95 Henel & Reuss 20 X 60 £139.95 (BB304) RUSSIANHELIOS 8x30Helios £21.95 7x50Helios £27.95 12x40 Helios £29.95 ORDER NO FOR IMMEDIATE DESPATCH Access/Visa accepted by phone COD service available al small extra charge All orders despatched same day received INFORMATION PACK AVAILABLE Send 50p m ^mps or PO lor tulty Illustrated price lists and colour brochures with specifications, mlormation and special oilers on all models in slock TtltplioM tor oOvtci— our lines are open Irom 9 00-5 30 daily (closed Thursday) CAUERS WELCOME We are |usl 7 mmuies from the M 1 (lunction 15 and nghi m the lown centre ou the corner ol the Market Square Call in— we would be pleased to see you and show you over 150 models in slock » AR • HAWKINS LTD 2 The Parade, Northampton Telephone (0604) 39674 EXPLORE CANADA’S ^ ARCTIC BATHURST INLET LODGE is a small, exclusive naturalist’s paraidise 30 miles north of the Arctic Circle — the ultimate arctic experience! BATHURST INLET LODGE P.O. Box 820 Yellowknife, Northwest Territories CANADA XOE 1 HO Phone; (403) 873-2595 (BB517) Migrate V Guernsey offers bird-waf!ching '*• holidays with a difference. Located at the centre of the Channel Islands, Guernsey offers easy accessibility to the traffic-free islands of Herm and Sark and to Alderney. All the islands have excellent facilities for bird-watchers and the opportunity to see the rare Darttord Warbler. And you can combine your activities with a unique holiday in an area of great national beauty and tranquility. Wide choice of fine hotels and guest houses and, "specialist packages are also available. Write or telephone now: States of Guernsey, I Room 1 3AB, P.O. Box 23, \ \ Guernsey, Channel Islands. 7 ^ Tel: 0481 2441 1. ^ (BB520) II CVGnul UNIDUPC birdwatching holidays at realistic prices . . . Nepal Mountains and Terai 21 days Jan 16-Feb 5 ’82 An exciting blend of Palearctic and Oriental species is assured on this carefully designed tour which will explore the many facets of Nepal from Tiger Tops in the lowland Terai to Shyangboche high in the Himalayan mountains. Leader Peter Clement £1235 Northern Thailand 20 days 23 Jan-l l Feb ’82 No European birdwatcher has a better knowledge of Thai birdlife than our leader Phil Round who is currently working as a field Ornithologist in this fascinating Country. Participants in our tour of Northern Thailand will be able to see a wide variety of species including many of the much prized Siberian vagrants to Britain such as Radde’s and Dusky Warblers. £935 other trips for ’82 Leader Northern Thailand Jan 23-Feb 1 1 Phil Round £935 Northern India Feb 8-26 David Hunt £870 Texas April 1-17 David Holman £685 Northern Greece May 8-22 David Norman £495 Soviet Central Asia May 11-28 Paul Dukes £880 Pyrenees June 28-July 8 Ted Griffiths Kashmir & Ladakh August Cliff Waller Seychelles August John Spry Japan September Gambia November Kenya Sri Lanka Winter 1982/3 for full information and colour brochure contact our resident ornithologist Paul Dukes. (BB516) cvcnut uiiiDim Worldwide Holidays V Southwest Travel Ltd % Fore Street Kingsbndge Devon TQ7 IPY Telephone 0548 3181 Telex 45639 (Comput G) P57 ■ MM iii wingsmn holidays designed around birds • memorable birdwatching holi- days that are limited to small groups of people with the guarantee of lots of birds. • each tour is led by two experi- enced ornithologists to ensure flexibility of itinerary and to allow for optional excursions. • we select our key sites for their variety and quantity of birds as well as their local specialities. Examples of Wingspan holidays and long weekend breaks in 1982 include: FRANCE long weekends during January and February to Fontain- bleu for its Woodpeckers, then eastwards to Troyes for the winter- ing sites of Sea Eagles and Cranes. SPAIN 14-day tours exploring the diversity of habitats which form the background to a wealth of birdlife. Our programme also in- cludes the opportunity to visit sites for the rare White-FHeaded Duck, Purple Gallinule and Black- Winged Kite. CANADA Point Pelee peninsular is unsurpassed in North America for visible migration. We will be arriving at the height of the Spring season, as will spectacular num- bers of warblers, tanagers, gros- beaks, orioles, flycatchers . . . Please send for our brochure on these and other tours — and com- pare our prices. WINGSPAN, First Floor, Arvalee House, Clifton Down Road, Clif- ton, Bristol BS8 4AH. Tel. 0272 31 1773 or 741 773. (BB509) METWOOD OPTICAL LTD Specialists in Binoculars and Telescopes Sp>ecial Notice As of December 1st, we will be Mail Order Only New Address: c/o 46 Fairfield, Gamlingay, Nr. Sandy, Beds. Tel: 0767 317077 Send for price lists. Please send stamp. Mail Order £2.00 for p/p and ins. Access and Barclay Card accepted. (BB3.S1) birdwatcher's ^earhook ‘. . . if there are half-a-dozen books which are “musts" in any birder’s collection, this surely has to be one of them.’ — British Birds BYB 1 982 has 1 0 new articles, 30 reference sections including guides to bird observa- tories and reserves, bird ringing, updated British List, Irish Rarities List, contents of bird reports, national and international directories of ornithological societies, etc. SEND £5.95* NOW FOR THE BRAND NEW BIRDWATCHER’S YEARBOOK 1982 Buckingham Press Rostherne, Hall Close Maids Moreton Buckingham MK18 1RH England ‘With overseas orders please add £1.00 (BB573) IV ORNITHOLIDAYS 1 QAQ MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ■ wUiL BRITISH TRAVEL AGENTS Holidays Organised by Birdwatchers for Birdwatchers Seventeen years’ service to birdwatchers & naturalists Programme will include: Trinidad and Tobago South Africa Sri Lanka N. India Texas Vancouver & The Rockies Arctic Nonway Tanzania Malawi Kenya The Gambia The Seychelles The Camargue Majorca S. W. Spain High Alps Lake NeusiedI Turkey The Spanish Pyrenees Yugoslavia N. E. Greece Fame Islands & Bass Rock Isles of Scilly Kingussie Isle of Islay Isle of Mull PARTICULARS SENT ON RECEIPT OF 14p STAMP TO LAWRENCE G. HOLLOWAY ORNITHOLIDAYS (Regd.) Dept. 2 (WESSEX TRAVEL CENTRE) 1-3 VICTORIA DRIVE, BOGNOR REGIS, SUSSEX, ENGLAND, P021 2PW ATOL LICENCE No. 743 Tel: 0243 821230 (BB384) ^ We offer LARGE Discounts ^ on oil these famous brands of binoculors ond telescopes BINOCULARS BY: Zeiss (East & West) Leitz Swift Kowa Greenkat Pentax Hartman Habicht Bushnell Mirador Tasco Heron Steiner, etc. o TELESCOPES BY: Schmidt & Bender Nickel Supra Televari Swift Kowa Optolyth Mirador Bushnell Discover (Bausch & Lomb) This extensive range may be viewed in the quiet and comfort of our showrooms, with views of over two miles distance We are open Mon -Fn. 9 a m - 5 p,m. (Thurs 9 30 a m -1pm) and Sat 9.30 a m. - 4.30 p.m For those who cannot call personally ALL our goods are available by MAIL ORDER and are insured during transit Despatch is normally made within thirtysix hours of receipt of the order and our FOURTEEN DAY APPROVAL scheme applies . We provide a FREE PRICE LIST and ' BUYER S GUIDE TO BINOCULAR OWNERSHIP / and orders can be placed by telephone using your Access or Barclaycard Please send 30p postage for catalogue. y TICK BOX OPTICAL COMPANY 23/25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex. CM14 4ER. (BB350) / (0277)221259/219418/210913^^^ AOd^PSS _ ^^eiescopes Bincxrulars SUNBIRD BIRDTOUR EXPERTS WE SPECIALISE IN SMALL-GROUP HOLIDAYS FOR UP TO 16 PEOPLE, CATERING FOR BEGINNER AND EXPERT Tour leaders include ; John Andrews, Bryan Bland, Cliff Davies, Mike Everett, David Fisher, Peter Grant, Tom Gullick, Mike Hodgson, Frank King, Brian Little, Richard Porter, John Raines, Will Russell, Tim Sharrock, Don Turner, Alan Vittery. ISRAEL CRETE TURKEY GREECE AUSTRIA LAPLAND CAMARGUE & PYRENEES SPAIN MAJORCA MOROCCO THE YEMEN 1982 TOURS SIBERIA & MONGOLIA INDIA & NEPAL KASHMIR & LADAKH SRI LANKA THAILAND *NEW GUINEA *SURINAME AUSTRALIA THE GAMBIA KENYA S. AFRICA *ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS *TRINIDAD & TOBAGO *S. MEXICO ^ALASKA ^ARIZONA & CALIFORNIA *TEXAS ^FLORIDA *With our associates WINGS INC. (USA) For details please contact: SUNBIRD at EXECUTIVE TRAVEL (Holidays) LTD 2 Lower Sloane Street, London SW1W 8BJ Telephone: 01-730 6609 A member company of the SERENISSIMA Travel Group Ltd ABTA LATA ATOL AITO (B1?,'’)IH) VI British Birds VOLUME 74 NUMBER 12 DECEMBER 1981 Readers’ likes and dislikes The pull-out questionnaire in the centre of the August 1981 issue was designed to enable us to take account of subscribers’ wishes when planning the future contents of British Birds. We thank the 1,544 readers who sent us their completed forms. Table 1. Results of August 1981 survey of subscribers’ likes and dislikes RKSLi;iS(7o)OF c:l RRK.M SIBSC RIBF.RS' CO I KS t:oN'i IKM'S 1H.\ 1 IHKSI' .\CK .Average Space I)K\( nr.n K) IHIS no. of occupied lOPIC ISCl RRf :.\n.Y: times in one Too .About loo 4 bpic per year year much right little Main papers (behaviour, food, ecology, etc.) 12 21% 21 65 14 Main papers (identification) 4 12% 7 48 45 Notes and letters on behaviour, ftxxl, ecology', etc. 12 12% 21 68 11 Annual report on ‘Rare birds in Great Britain’... 1 8% 6 82 12 Papers and notes on rare bird occurrences 12 7% 17 60 24 Notes and letters on identification points 12 6% 8 58 33 ‘Recent reports’ 12 .5% 10 71 19 ‘News and comment’ 12 4% 8 79 13 Annual report on ‘Rare breeding birds in the UK’ 1 4% 4 81 15 ‘Mystery photographs’ 12 3% 13 77 11 ‘Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs’ ... 1 2% 13 69 18 Obituaries 5 2% 24 75 1 ‘European news’ 2 2% 17 56 27 Main book reviews 9 2% 9 73 17 Short book reviews 2 1% 9 73 18 Special photographic articles (e.g. ‘Birds in .Action’) 1 1% 10 64 25 ‘Studies of west Palearctic birds’ 1 1% 5 54 41 ‘Bird Photograph of the Year’ 1 1% 9 82 9 ‘Personalities’ profile 3 1% 30 61 9 ‘Bird-photographers’: profile and examples of work 1 1% 18 67 14 Special articles on products (e.g. binoculars) ‘Expeditions’ 1 1 1% 1% 8 15 59 65 32 20 ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ 1 1% 1 1 83 6 European atlas: provisional maps 1 < 1% 10 61 29 ‘Viewpoint’: comment by well-known ornithologists 1 < 1% 8 64 27 ‘Diary dates’ 2 < 1% 15 80 4 ‘Directory of ornithological tours’ 1 < 1% 24 70 6 ‘Recent prosecutions’ 3 < 1% 19 69 12 503 504 Readers’ likes and dislikes Readers were asked to give their assessment of the main papers according to three categories; 83% regarded the level as about right, 3% said it was TOO ‘popular’, and 14% found it too ‘scientific’. These findings do not make us smug, for it would be strange if the subscribers to a journal did not regard its general level as ‘about right’. We have noted, however, that even among new readers (those subscribing for only one to three years) the three figures were 80%, 3% and 1 7%, which gives us confidence in the future of a basically unchanged British Birds. We shall, however, undertake some ‘fine-tuning’ as a result of analysis of the detailed results of the survey, some of which are summarised in table 1 . We have noted that most subscribers are satisfied with the space allotted to ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’, the annual rarities report, ‘Bird Photo- graph of the Year’, the annual report of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, ‘Diary dates’, ‘Mystery photographs’ (especially popular among the two- thirds of readers who have subscribed for six years or less) and ‘News and comment’ (particularly approved by those who have subscribed for seven or more years). These features will therefore be continued almost unchanged. We have also noted that many subscribers would like more space to be devoted to identification papers and notes, ‘Studies of west Palearctic birds’, special articles on ornithological products, provisional European Atlas maps, and ‘European news’ (especially requested by those who have subscribed for four or more years). We shall take this into account in our planning. It has also not escaped our notice that substantial numbers of readers consider that too much space is given to ‘Personalities’, ‘Obituaries’, ‘Directory of ornithological tours’, and papers and notes on items other than identification. We shall, however, also bear in mind that, in every case, two or three times as many readers regarded the allocated space to be about right, so there will be some slight pruning rather than any total elimination of these features. I'he results of the survey have been both encouraging and helpful. We thank again all those who filled in and posted to us their completed questionnaires. jfiftp pcarg ago . . . ‘In your issue for March, 193 1 (Vol. XXI\', p. 302), you allowed me to give the results of some experiments with Potter traps and to announce that these traps could be obtained from Messrs. Ciceri & Co. Ltd., 39-43 VVharfdale Road, King’s Cross, London N.l. . . . Messrs. Ciceri are prepared to supply them made of V2-inch mesh galvanised wire, 4 ft. long, 20 in. wide and 16 in. high, for 3.3s. each, plus the amount of carriage per passenger train. This will vary according to the distance from London, but should be about 2s. or 3s.’ VV. B, Ai.exander. Oxford University Research in Economic Ornithology. November 16th, 1931 {Bril. Birds 25: 204, December 1931) Identification of Semipalmated Sandpiper P J. Grant juvenile Little Stint Calidris niinuta (left) and juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper C. pusilla (painting by Killian Mullamey) The exceptional influx in autumn 1980 of at least seven Semipalmated Sandpipers Calidris pusilla (six in Ireland and one in Cornwall) ga\c many observers their long-awaited first chance to get to grips with what had been, until its clarification by Wallace (1974 & 1979), one of the most troublesome of identification puzzles. An instructi\e selection of photo- graphs of two of the 1980 individuals (at Stithians Reservoir, Cornwall, and Ballycotton, Co. Cork: plates 289 to 294) usefully illustrates and confirms the plumage characters which distinguish juvenile Semipalmated Sand- piper from juvenile Little fStint C. minuta, and provides an opportunitv for some of the structural and plumage criteria to be further discussed and defined. In the following review, all comparisons are with Little Stint (plate 295). The superb portrait of Juvenile Little Stint and Juvenile Semipal- mated Sandpiper (sec above) was painted by Killian Mullarney especially for this review. Age diagnosis If a suspected Semipalmated is encountered in autumn, an essential first step is to decide whether it is an adult or a juvenile, and then to make comparisons with Little Stint of the same age. On the individuals featured here, the neat pattern of pale fringes on the scapulars, tertials and wing-coverts, and the fresh or only slightly worn condition of these feathers, clearly indicate juvenile plumage. .-\n adult would be in summer plumage (generally much worn with a more variegated pattern) or winter plumage (generally plain greyish upperparts), or at an intermediate stage of moult. Bill shape Lhe typical thicker-based and more blunt-tipped bill profile (and the slightly spatulate tip when viewed head-on) is well shown on the Stithians indi\ idual, but these features seem less striking on the Ballycotton bird (plate 294), indicating the considerable variation which needs to be borne in mind. [Brit. Birds 74: .'iOS-.SO'). DrccmlK-r 1<)81 ) 505 506 Identification oj Semipalmated Sandpiper Plumage HEAD 1 he eHect of a forked supercilium, obvious on most Little Stints (formed by the fusion with the forepart of the supercilium of fine, white lateral crown stripes, and their contrast with the uniformly blackish centre of the crown), is less marked or lacking on Semipalmated Sandpiper; instead, the crown is more uniformly marked with fine lines of streaks, giving more ol a neatly capped appearance. Perhaps largely because of this, the supercilium appears to be more well-defined and whiter. .\lso, the eye-stripe and ear-coverts seem to form a more distinct dark patch at most angles. Taken separately, these are subtle differences, but together they give a neater and more contrasted head pattern, which is perhaps most evident at longer ranges. 289 & 290. juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidns pusilla, Cornwall, September 1980 (5. C. Hutchings) I' ^ 291. Juvenile Semipalmated .Sandpiper Calidris pusilla, Cornwall, September 1980 [G. P. Galley) UPPERPARTS 1 he lack ol a prominent white V at the sides of the mantle is perhaps the most consistent plumage difference (shown best in plates 289 and 294). It is important, howe\er. to distinguish clearly between this V and the lower white line formed by the white outer fringes of the third row of scapulars (five rows in all, counted outwards), which may be shown by both species but which is invariably less prominent on Semipalmated. Edward van 1 Jzendtxjrn (in litl.) has drawn attention to a dilferetice in the individual leather pattern of the lower two rows of scapulars. This difference is apparently consistent at least in good, close-range photographs, and merits further attention. On Semipalmated, each feather is extensi\ely pale grey at the base with a dark central streak which reaches to the tip in a point, breaking the otherwise complete whitish fringe, and a broad subterminal dark crescent; the dark central streak and subterminal crescent together form a dark, anchor-shaped centre to each feather, whereas on Little Stint the dark leather centre is more rounded and extensive, lackiitg the anchor shape, and the whitish fringe is complete and of rather uniform width. Beware, howe\ er, that on all waders the appearance of a large area of the upperparts can be markedly altered by the extent to which the scapulars are bunched and neatly aligned, emphasising the white scapular line and revealing more of the lowest row of lesser co\erts, whereas in plate 290 they are spread loosely and untidily, fragmenting the scapular line, concealing all but four of the lesser co\erts. and revealing the plain greyish bases of some of the scapulars. Plate 292 pnn ides an interesting demonstration of how photographic effect, too. can drastic- ally affect the apparent plumage patterns: the prominence of the w hite mantle V and scapular line would understandably ha\e raised doubts if this photograph had been the only evidence to support the identification. Jon Dunn (in litl.) has provided a series of colour transparencies (taken b\ Larr\ Sansone and H. Darrow) which demonstrate that some juve- nile Semipalmateds can show quite strong rufous tones on the crown, mantle and fringes of the scapulars and tertials. but these are still never as extensive and prominent as on a typical ju\ enile Little Stint. In surnmarv, the upperparts have a generally colder, less rufous coloration, and a more scaly, less striped pattern. 292. Juvenile .Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla, Clornwall. September 1980 (/. .\Iilln) Wing-point structure On Semipalmated, the extension of the wing-point beyond the longest tertial is usually shorter, involving the closely spaced tips of three primaries, and reaching to or just beyond the end of the tail. On Little Stint the extension is usually longer, involving four, more-widely spaced primary tips, and reaching noticeably beyond the tail. Precise determination of the wing-point strticture obviously requires optimum \ iews or sharp photographs; w hile the difl'erences seem to hold for the majority ofindividuals, they are at best marginal, and have proved to be fallible in .some cases. They are mentioned here as a prttentially useful supporting character, and to encourage a wider field-test. 508 Identification oj Semipalmated Sandpiper 293. Juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla, Cornwall, September 1980 {G. P. Catley) 294. Juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla, Co. Cork, September 1980 (Richard T. Mills) 295. Juvenile Little Stint Calidris minuta, Kent, September 1979 (R J. Chandler) 509 Identification of Semipalmated Sandpiper Other features Further distinctions, detailed by Wallace (1974 & 1979), are — in their likely order of impor- tance and practical value combined — the semipalmations (lacking on Little Stint and readily visible given good views on dry terrain); the harsher calls; the slightly larger average size; the slightly more sturdy general build; and dillerent feeding actions (the latter requiring further definition fully taking into account the normal variations according to such factors as terrain, prey, wind conditions and the physical state of the individual; see also Oddie & Marr 1981 ). The impression should not be gained from this review that the identifica- tion of Semipalmated Sandpiper is easy. Determination of the distinctions will require prolonged, close study, backed by interpretation arising from an intimate knowledge of Little Stint in all its actual or illusory plumage and structural variations. Acknowledgments I am most grateful to C. S. Balchin, G. P. Catley, Dr S. Cox, G. P, Gill, C. J. Hall, S. G. Hutchings,!. P. Inskipp,J. H. Johns, J. Miller, Roberts, G. P. Sutton and P. \'ines, whose response to the request for photographs of the Stithians .Semipalmated Sandpiper {Brit. Birds 73: 591) provided the essential basis for this review. Richard T. Mills kindly provided the photographs of the Ballycotton individual. Killian Mullarney made available his invaluable detailed field notes and sketches of several of the Irish birds, and made several improvements to the text of this paper. References Oddie, W. E., and .Mark, B. A. E. 1981. Identification of Semipalmated Sandpipers and Little Stints in autumn. Brit. Birds 74: 396-398. Wau.ace, D. I. M. 1974. Field identification of small species in the genus Calidns. Bril. Birds 67: 1-16. 1979. Review of British records of .Semipalmated Sandpipers and claimed Red-necked Stints. Brit. Birds 72: 264-274. P.J. Grant, 14 Heathfield Road, Ashford, Kent TS24 8QD Hoarding of carrion by Carrion Crows Raymond Hewson This paper describes food hoarding by Carrion Crows Conus corone (mainly of the grey-and-black ‘hooded’ race comix) feeding from mammal carcases in west Scotland. [Brit. Birds 74: 509-512, Decrmlx-r 1981 1 510 Hoarding oj carrion by Carrion Crows Study area Observations on the extent to which scavenging birds competed for food with foxes Vulpes vulpes, and how this scavenging might be limited by inter- and intra specific behaviour, were made on the 2,800-ha Drimnin estate, Argyll. About 20 pairs of Carrion Crows, including a few black (C. c corone) or hybrid crows {corone X comix), nested along the wooded coastal strip. Inland, above about 150 m, the ground was covered by moorland dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris, and was exposed and virtually without trees. Most of the detailed observations were made in an area of Hat coastal pasture surrounded by scrub birch Betula and hazel Corylus avellana. This formed part of the territory' of a pair of individually identifiable Carrion Crows. Methods Dead foxes, rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus, sheep and lambs were put out 45 m from a concealed observation point. Scavenging birds have difficulty in breaking into sheep and lamb carcases, so sheep carcases were partly skinned and incisions made in the shoulders, a lamb carcase was opened up to simulate the type of hole made by a bird scavenger, and a lamb carcase and a rabbit carcase were skinned. Wherever possible, the duration of feeding and food hoarding was timed. I he distances between the baits and the caches were sometimes measured, but usually estimated by eye. Observations normally lasted several hours, and often included several bouts of feeding by crows and other birds. Results Method and Jrequency oj hoarding Crows arriving at a carcase fed for a short time and then began to hoard, although Goodwin (1955) found that crows hoarding bread did so before they began to feed. A crow pecked at a carcase for about a minute to get enough meat to form one cache, the time varying according to the toughness of the material (flesh or viscera) that was being collected. It then walked about 1 m and wiped its bill, before walking to the nearer hiding places, or flying directly to the farther ones. CTows hid food in a seemingly random manner, but often did so on the south-facing slope between the 45 m baiting station and the observation point (table 1 ). More than half the caches were made within 30 m of the bait. A crow feeding from a sheep carcase on the open hill, however, made caches at distances of up to 250 m, more than half of them at over 160 m. Table 1. Distance of food cached by Carrion Crows Conms corone from bait provided I)IS'I .\.NCK (M) 1-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-.30 ^50 ^100 loial ■Number ofcac'hcs 5 10 9 6 2 5 5 42 Food was hidden among tufts of grass or, less commonly, in moss. 4'he meat was pushed into the base of the tuft and covered with pieces of dead Hoarding oj carrion by Carrion Crows 5 1 1 grass, the whole operation lasting only a few seconds. There was no indication that the crows used changes in vegetation pattern or prominent features of the landscape as Jays Garrulus glandarius do (Bossema 1979). d he crows hoarded food mostly during the longer spells of feeding; this is shown by grouping the data in table 2 into (a) periods of up to 20 minutes and (b) longer periods (x^=8. 1 , 1 d.f., P<0.01 ). Crows spend a large part of these longer feeding periods collecting and hiding food. Table 2. Duration of feeding periods by Carrion Crows Conms corone in which hoarding occurred MINUTES 1-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 Total Feeding without hoarding 29 4 10 34 Feeding with hoarding 5 6 1 1 13 Amounts hoarded Both individuals of the resident pair hoarded food at about the same rate. I'wo caches of rabbit meat weighed 8 g and 7 g respectively. They were oval, about 2 cm X 1.5 cm, and formed from many small fragments. I'he amounts hoarded (table 3) have been estimated using 8 g per cache; some caches, when the bird flew with its bill open or with a section of rabbit gut protruding from it, were probably larger than this. I'he largest estimated amounts, 168 g and 152 g, were removed by a pair of crows in 18 and 13 minutes respectively. Crows hoarded mainly rabbit meat, probably because it was the easiest to collect. Crows foraging along the shore were never seen to hoard. Table 3. Total weight of food hoarded by one or two Carrion Crows Conus corone during a period of scavenging, assuming 8g per cache \vek;ht((;) ^10 11-50 51-100 101-150 151-200 Total caches Number of caches 5 4 12 2 14 There was no difference in the method or frequency of hoarding between the male and female crow . They hid 75 caches in nine bouts of hoarding at the bait station, at average times of 1.1 to 5.5 minutes per cache. Much of this time was spent gathering a pouchful ot food. The crow hoarding on the open hill, although travelling farther, still took only about four minutes per cache. Recovery oj hoarded Jood Nine caches were seen to be recovered, five of them w hile a Buzzard Buteo huteo was feeding on the bait and one w hen a Buzzard was perched in a tree nearby. It was conceivable that a Buzzard was also in the vicinity when other caches were recovered. Only those caches near the bait station could be seen to be recovered, so the actual rate of recovery was probably above that observed. Crows approached caches directly, by walking up to 6-8 m to them, or by Hying to within 1 m, even when, in two instances, snow, falling since the food had been hidden, completely covered the vegetation. Hoarding oj carrion by Carrion Crows 512 Discussion Fhe abundant literature on food transportation and storage by crows (Corvidae) has been reviewed by Turcek & Kelso (1968). Much of it concerns the storage of acorns by Jays and of hazel nuts and pine seeds by Nutcrackers Nucifraga caryocatactes . In both cases, these birds are exploiting a seasonal crop for which they may not have to compete as vigorously as scavenging birds do at the gathering stage. This type of hoarding is termed secondary or final by Turcek & Kelso, who also distinguish a ‘preliminary, temporary, or emergency type’ to which the hoarding of carrion by scavenging Carrion Crows can be allocated. At a carcase, Carrion Crows were subordinate to Buzzards, Great Black- backed Gulls Larus marinus and Ravens C. corax. Food hoarding was essentially opportunistic and of value to Carrion Crows since, at their next visit, they might be prevented from feeding by one of these other species. Crows travelled only a short distance to hide food compared with Jays, which carried acorns 2-3 km (Swanberg 1969) or up to 1.2 km (Chettle- burgh 1952); Rooks C.Jrugilegus, which carried acorns 1.6 km or more from the parent tree (Richards 1958); and Nutcrackers, which transported pine seeds for as much as 15 km (Turcek & Kelso 1968). Travelling a short distance enabled more carrion to be hoarded quickly by the Carrion Crows, which, unlikejays. Nutcrackers and Rooks, could not feed at leisure. Simmons (1970) considered that the habit of hoarding food by Nut- crackers, not in single items but in stores, is associated with territorial behaviour, the stores being based in the individual’s territory, which is separate from the communal gathering area. Carrion Crows at Drimnin, however, were certainly territorial, and they hid food in single items; Jays, which transport several acorns at a time but bury them singly a short distance apart (Chettleburgh 1955; Bossema 1979), may, like most European crows, also be territorial (Coombs 1978). Like Jays (Richards 1958), and Nutcrackers (I’urcek & Kelso 1968), Carrion Crows were able to recover caches from beneath snow. Acknowledgments I am grateful toj. Anderson and A. Leitch for assistance with observations and to D. (hxxlwin, Dr M. P. Harris and Dr H. Kruuk for their comments on a draft of this paper. References Bossema, I. 1979. Jays and oaks; an eco-ethological study of a symbiosis. Behaviour 70: 1-117. Chettleburgh, M. R. 1952. ()bser\ ations on the collection and burial of acorns by Jays in Hainault Forest. Bril. Birds 45: .5.59-.364. 1955. Further notes on the recovery of acorns by Jays. Brit. Birds 48: 183-184. Coombs, C. J. F. 1978. The Crows. London. CooDWiN, D. 1955. Jays and Carrion Crows recovering hidden l(X)d. Bril. Birds 48: 181-183. Richards, I. J. 19,58. Concealment and recovery ol lixxi by birds, with some relevant observations on squirrels. Brit. Birds 51: 497-.508. Simmons, K. E. L. 1970. Further observations on food-hiding in the Corvidae. Bril. Birds 63: 17,5-177. Swanberg, P. (). 1969. Jays recovering buried Icxxl from under snow. Brit. Birds 62; 238-240. 4 tiRCEK, F. J., & Kei.so, L. 1968. Ecological aspects of IckkI transportation and storage in the Corvidae. Comm. Beiiav. Biol. { Part A) 1: 277-297. Raymond Hewson, Department of Agriculture & Fisheries for Scotland, do Institute oj Terrestrial Ecology, Blackhall, Banchory, Kincardineshire AB33PS Warblers in mixed passerine flocks in summer S. R. D. da Prato umbers of small birds are high in summer, but our knowledge of their activities is limited once territorial behaviour ceases and the young fledge. Flocking is well known, but it is not always apparent in woodland species until leaf fall, when mixed species flocks, usually dominated by tits Parus, become obvious. Edwards (1980) recorded an interesting observ- ation of an August flock of about 80 passerines in southern England, w ith nearly 50 tits but also 28 warblers (Sylviidae) of five species. .A sur\ ey into flocking is currently in progress, but is aimed towards the autumn-winter period rather than high summer {Brit. Birds 73: 267). Edwards’s Wiltshire observation was published as ‘unusual’, but flocks of mixed insectivorous passerines are well known in the tropics (e.g. Greig-Smith 1978); warblers do, however, also occur regularly in mixed-species flocks in summer in southeast Scotland. The information shown in table 1 was gathered in the course of an intensive study at Cousland, Lothian, which involved daily visits to a nesting area, checks on bird movements and a considerable amount of colour marking in adjacent woods and hedges. Thus, quantitative data on the timing and composition of the flocks can be given as well as comments on their age-structure and purpose. Data are shown for only one season (1980), but these mixed flocks are a regular feature, although easily over- looked unless the birds are moving together along a hedge or similar narrow- feature. Fortunately, the study area contains many hedges, belts of trees and other linear habitats such as disused railway lines. The 14 records quoted in the table must be a minimum; even so, flocks were seen on approximately every second day between mid July and mid August. The 20 species recorded included seven warblers and four tits; finches and other seed-eaters were relatively uncommon. Many flocks were heard before being seen, since birds constantly ‘chattered’ when moving through a strip of vegetation. Those at the rear of the flock would fly over the others, land and feed, pecking rapidly at insects on the vegetation. The birds then left at the rear would fly on, setting up a 513 [liril. Birds 74: !)<•( i-mlx-r 1981 ] 514 Warblers in mixed passerine flocks constant movement in one general direction. Flocks such as these could be encountered at any time during the day, but were most frequent from one to two hours after dawn until late morning and in late evening. Several flocks located near the main study area were followed on foot or, if possible, by car for up to 2-3 km. This was relatively easy along hedges, but became much harder when the birds reached more extensive cover. They then spread out, still calling, which seemed to attract other birds already in the area, but it was not possible to keep accurate track of the flock once in wood or scrub. Since speed of movement of flocks was not recorded, it is not possible to say whether larger groups moved faster, as found by Deadman (1973) for tit flocks in pine plantations in northeast Scotland. Warblers were not recorded in mixed flocks until mid July. This is linked to fledging dates. In southeast Scotland, the majority of Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus fledge in late June, but move around in family parties for the first two or three weeks. Other species of warblers are less closely synchronised, with young fledging from late June to late July. Flocking seems to occur once family parties break up and the young become inde- pendent. By this time, juveniles of many other species also occur in large numbers. The Willow Warbler is the commonest warbler in Scotland, which probably accounts for the frequency with which the species is recor- ded in the mixed flocks. Sightings of such flocks are, however, biased towards birds in hedges and trees, and Willow Warblers are more arboreal than the two other common species, Whitethroats Sylvia communis and Sedge Warblers Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. The Lesser Whitethroat S. curruca was recorded on four occasions, despite its supposed rarity in Scotland. Fewer flocks containing warblers were seen after mid August. By then. Table 1. Records of mixed-species passerine flocks from Cousland, Lothian, study area in 1980 Two flocks were recorded on 18th July JULY AUGUST Species 16 17 18 18 19 21 26 29 2 3 6 11 16 21 Dunnock Prunella rnodularis Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Whitethroat Sylvia communis Lesser Whitethroat S. curruca Garden Warbler 5. borin Blackcap S. alricapilla Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Chifl'chalTT collybita Goldcrest Regulus regulus Robin Erithacus rubecula Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudalus Goal Tit Parus ater Great Tit P. major Blue Tit T. caeruleus Ghaffinch Fringilla coelebs Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Greenfinch C. chloris Linnet C. cannabina Redpoll C.Jlammea d ree Sparrow Passer monlanus 1 3 1 1 6 30 10 5 1 25 1 2 2 2 10 4 8 3 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 12 1 9 12 19 10 11 20 11 15 10 8 111 12 4 4 6 7 2 2 2 4 6 9 3 5 3 4 3 2 3 2 5 8 6 30 8 10 18 17 6 3 2 2 2 4 8 4 9 3 TOTALS 47 40 20 11 16 21 40 37 34 59 34 35 37 65 515 Warblers in mixed passerine Jiocks most of the local breeding population and their progeny have left the study area and, by the end of the month, only stragglers of unknown origin are encountered (da Prato & da Prato 1977). Although early departure from the breeding area could account for the drop in warbler numbers, other more sedentary species also seem to become scarcer. Perrins (1979) stated that there is considerable mortality among juvenile tits in late summer; this may also occur with young warblers, especially in cold, wet sumhiers when insect populations and warbler feeding efficiency are adversely affected. Only with Long-tailed T its Aegithalos caudatus trapped in July has there been any evidence of family parties being involved in the flocks, since adults and juveniles were netted together from a mixed-species flock. Although it might seem obvious to attribute the break-up of family parties in other species to second brooding, this is most unlikely since the species concerned are, at least in Scotland, normally single-brooded. Perhaps moult is a factor, since the Parus tits and many of the warblers have different moult strategies between adults and young. Priority for adults by mid summer must be either to replace their plumage completely (e.g. Willow Warbler) or to leave breeding sites early on migration (e.g. Sedge Warbler). From knowledge gained by watching marked warblers of known age, these flocks are made up mainly, if not entirely, of juveniles. Juvenile warblers have a partial moult in their first summer (Spencer & Mead 1979, and own data), which, in the case of Lothian warblers, seems to take about 35-40 days. 1 hey do not migrate in this condition, but certainly wander throughout the study area, with distances of up to 4km recorded, and they probably go farther. Phis summer wandering may serve to acquaint young warblers with breeding sites for next year, since a number ofjuveniles colour-marked as wanderers in the main study site were discovered holding territory there or in surrounding areas the next summer. Adults would not need to prospect for territories, since there is good evidence from this and other studies that breeding birds are site faithful. Other explanations for flocking in birds, such as food location (Ward & Zahavi 1973), are less convincing for warblers, since their invertebrate food is fairly widely distributed. Although young warblers could wander individually, flocking probably improves predator detection without cutting feeding time, as described by Bertram ( 1978) for a variety of other vertebrates. References Beri'Ram, B. C. R. 1978. Living in groups: predators and prey. In Krebs, J. R., & D.\vies, N. B. Behavioural Ecology. Oxford. DA Prato, S. R. D., & da Pr.\to, E. S. 1977. Feeding ecolog> of warblers in a Midlothian scrub vallev. Edinburgh Ringing Group Report 3: 31-39. Deadman, .\. j. 1973. population study of the Coal Tit and the Crested Tit in a Scottish pine plantation. PhD thesis, .Aberdeen University. Edwards, S. B. 1980. L’nusual roving flock of tits and other birds. Brit. Birds 73: 265. Greig-Smith, P. \V. 1978. Formation, structure and function of mixed species insectivorous bird flocks in .African sa\ anna woodland. Ibis 120: 284-295. Perrins, C. M. 1979. British Tits. London. Spencer, R., & .Mead, C. J. 1979. Hints on ageing and sexing. Part 3. Ringers’ Bulletin 5: 63-72. W ard, P., & Z ah.w i .A. 1973. The importance of certain assemblages of birds as information centres for food finding. Ibis 1 15: 517-534. S. R. I), da Praia, 38 Caerlaverock Grove, Tranent, East Lothian Personalities 27 Dr J. J. M. Flegg Readers of BB are more likely to hear Jim Flegg expounding upon the delights of the Dunnock on Radio 4 than to sight him in the field. For Jim, whose detailed knowledge of Kentish birds extends back to the founding of the Kent Ornithological Society in 1952, that could be frustrating, but he can now spend the weekends watching Grey Wagtails and Kingfishers by the mill-pond garden of his delightful home near Maidstone. If Sundays with his wife Caroline and their two young sons are now more domestic, they are far from birdless. Jim has always enjoyed his birding, and finds the role of the enthusiastic amateur expert less harassing than that of the professional. His spell as director of the BTO marked a period of exceptional amateur involvement there, and a great deal of personal fieldwork for the breeding atlas project. He never believes that any bird is impossible, though some — like the Scops Owl in Hertfordshire that proved to be a police ‘noddy bike’ radio — are, and others, almost less likely — such as the Corncrake flushed from a mown meadow near V\ hipsnade, that remained calling defiantly at midnight — are not. Field notes have never been one of Jim’s strong points. Had they been, he would have needed to write many more rarity notes for these pages, but that doesn’t mean that he isn’t a skilled field observer when in practice. He was involved in the early days of Dungeness Bird Observatory, and is now Chairman of its Trustees, although he no longer wanders around the trapping area in khaki shorts. He enjoyed several visits to Great Saltee, and helped show its potential, at a time when Cape Clear was the more fashionable observatory for English visitors to Ireland. Long-term ringing of tits or Black-headed Gulls is rarely glamorous, but the fortunes of the Medway and Swale gulleries in the 1960s are now well documented. It is not surprising that the project found few helpers: the Medway mud has both a texture and an aroma all of its own, and to walk out to the gull islands at low tide is a refined form of masochism. Weekends off from the regular ringing often meant a trip to East Anglia, the Solway or Cornwall: a dabble at ‘twitching’. These trips were as notable for the food as for the birds, but one post-Christmas trip to Cornwall met with near disaster on a remote headland. Fortunately, however, the surprised lighthouse keepers could provide a replacement corkscrew for the wine. Apart from Saltee, he has watched and ringed seabirds at Monk’s House (that dates him too!), Skokholm and, more recently, St Kilda. He now enjoys showing young Matthew the Kittiwakes of the Gower coast, as much as leading trips to India or the Galapagos. Birding tours abroad are one of his more recent habits, and there have been other changes. Beards have come, gone and come again, but his coronal hair is definitely in retreat. His taste for Guinness has matured to one for gin-and-tonic. His transport has possibly improved, if his driving can still be fast and furious. A scooter was changed for a Ford Squire estate into which the gull-ringing boat could just 516 [Uril. Birds 74: ."i 1 6-5 1 7. Dei ember 1 98 1 1 517 296. DrJ.J. M. Flegg {Caroline Flegg) be squeezed, and then successive rapid executive saloons gave way to a BMW more suitable for the regular high speed migration of the media-man to Bristol, or else a motor bike for getting to work at East Mailing Research Station, where his agricultural research includes investigations of the damage caused by Bullfinches in Kentish apple and pear orchards. He is a member oi BB's Behaviour Notes Panel and was the compiler of the newly published anthology of BB notes: A Notebook oj Birds — 1907-1980. His ornithological writing and broadcasting is now aimed largely at a popular market, bridging the gap between professional and amateur, with sober science restricted to Bullfinches and his other academic and pro- fessional interest, nematodes. At meetings, or in the field, he will always sufter fools politely and apparently gladly, while conservation can have few ambassadors better able to var>’ their style to suit the audience, from VOC group. Women’s Institute, and Radio 4 to RSPB Council or International Ornithological Congress. Chris Cox Mystery photographs ^f \ In a fairly open grassy area, one is confronted with a long-legged O vF passerine running about on the ground. It has a fairly fine bill and one can immediately say that it is either a pipit/wagtail(MotaciIlidae) or a lark (Alaudidae). The tail is quite long and thus eliminates any west Palearctic lark. The upright stance, streaky appearance of the upperparts and rather heavy-looking bill are more in keeping w ith one of the larger 518 Mystery photographs 297. T avviiy V\yn\. Anthus campestris, France, July 1975 [Pierre Petit) pipits Anthus than a wagtail Motacilla. The dark-centred median coverts certainly make the bird look rather like a Tawny Pipit A. campestris. The obvious pale tips to the greater coverts, however, and, in life, the olive rather than sandy upperparts, are wrong for either that species (see plate 297) or the darker, more heavily streaked Richard’s Pipit A. novaeseelandiae. The combination of features fits only a wagtail, but which one? The wing bars are too prominent and the tail too short for a Grey Wagtail M. cinerea. The dark lateral crown stripe shows it to be a juvenile of one of the three other species that occur in the area. The dark stripe is much too well defined for it to be a Pied Wagtail M. alba, and of course the colour of the upperparts would quickly eliminate that species in normal circum- stances. The rather hefty appear- ance and whitish wing bars initially suggest a C'itrine Wagtail M. cilreola,{ but the pale tips to the greater covertS| and the tertial edgings are neither very wide nor very white and it can there-P fore be only a Yellow Wagtail M.JiavaA Some Yellow V\ agtails do have much' wider white wing bars and tertial edgings, but they can usually be distinguished from all plumages of Citrine (except the adult male, which has a complete yellow head) by the supercilium. On Catrine, this runs from the bill right around the ear-coverts to connect with the pale throat. "Phus, supercilium details should be carefully noted on any putative Citrine, (^n the present bird (and perhaps on all Yellow Wagtails) the short supercilium terminates at the connection between the ear-coverts and the nape. The bird shown last month (plate 288) and inset here was, however, a juvenile of 519 Mystery photographs the large, black-headed, southeast European race of the Yellow Wagtail, M- J- Jeldegg] it was photographed by Per Schiermacher Hansen at the Goksu Delta, Turkey, in July 1976. T. P. Inskipp 298. Mystery photograph 61 . Identify the species, .\nsvver next month Notes Leach’s Petrel possibly feeding on worm On 30th September 1978, at Formby Point, Merseyside, Dr B. McCarthy, myself and others were watching a large southerly movement of Leach’s Petrels Oceanodroma leucorhoa, many of which were pattering along the shore and over tidal pools. One individual was seen to pull at a small worm (identity unknown) 2-3 cm long and 2-3 mm thick, possibly already partially exposed on the sand. Most of its efTort w as with its wings, although its feet did touch the sand occasionally. It was joined by a second petrel, which took about 30 seconds to show any interest in the worm; the second petrel’s behaviour was then similar to the first’s, but more half- hearted and shorter in duration. Whether or not any of the worm was eaten is uncertain, but the two petrels appeared to treat the worm in a manner suggestive of consumption. After two or three minutes they left and con- tinued to the south. None of the many other Leach’s Petrels passing along the beach at the same time showed any interest in, or picked at, worms themselves. I have never seen such behaviour by either Leach’s or Storm Petrels Hydrobates pelagicus before, and can find no reference to it in the literature. .Andrew H. J. H.\rrop 161 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside PR84\.\ 520 Notes Nesting Kestrels tolerating excessive disturbance It is well known that the Kestrel Falco tinnunculus has adapted successfully to breeding in urban habitats (e.g. E. Simms, 1975, Birds oj Town and Suburb). Ehe follow- ing events, at a nest site in Smethwick, 4km west of Birmingham city centre, illustrate the adaptability of this species and the quite extraordinary amount of disturbance that some breeding Kestrels will tolerate. The nest itself, which had been used since at least 1975, was located in a narrow box section (internal dimensions in mm, 142 wide X 355 high X 370 deep) at the Mitchells & Butlers Brewerv' (plates 300 & 301 ). 4'he girder, about 7m above a sloping asbestos roof, was normally completely inaccessible to man, but in early April 1978 scafiblding was erected to surround the building (plates 299 & 300) for repair work. On 9th May 1978, a workman found two eggs, which he temporarily removed in order to paint inside the nest aperture to a depth of 150mm; he replaced the eggs, and within a few days a further three had appeared. The female Kestrel had by then started to incubate; despite the constant traffic of bricklayers and painters passing less than 1 m away, she sat tight on the nest (plate 300). I made an initial visit on 12th June, when the female was seen in the nest. On 23rd, I returned with N. J. Speak and S. Dodd and ringed five chicks, which I estimated at 12-16 days old. Four days later, we observed the adult female bringing prey to the nest. Her method of leaving the nest was interesting: instead of attempting to turn around in such a cramped space, she backed away until she stood on the edge of the girder, then performed a forward roll before flying off. File problem of fitting five growing and increasingly active young Kestrels into such a narrow nest became acute and, on the morning of 3rd July, a bedraggled youngster was seen sitting on the roof below the nest; ( 299-301. l op left, general view of nesting area of Kestrels Falco tinnuri- culus breeding inside girder on brewery (left of sixth visible rung of ladder); bottom left, nest site inside girder; bottom right, h\e young Kestrels in nest inside girder only 142mrn wide. West Midlands, 23rd June 1978 {G. I\ Pike) Notes 521 quite probably it had fallen or been pushed out during the preceding weekend. Despite its calls, however, the parents ignored it completely and continued to feed only the chicks left in the nest. In an attempt to save the young Kestrel, the brewery stafi'threw scraps of meat on to the roof, and the following day it started to eat these; its condition immediately appeared to improve, and on 5th July it made its first flight. Although repairs had been completed by late june, Mitchells & Butlers Limited kindly left the scaffolding in position in order to reduce disturbance to a minimum at a critical time; the last chick left the nest on 12th July, and it was only after this successful outcome that arrangements were made to dismantle it. Subsequently, one of the five young was found dead on 23rd October 1978, at Kirtling, Cambridgeshire, 165km to the east. G. \’. Pike 24 Maney Hill Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B72 IJL Feeding behaviour of wintering Sanderlings Phe hurr\ ing actions of Sanderlings Calidns alba when feeding on sandy beaches are so distinctive that they are diagnostic. It may, therefore, be of interest to bring together extracts from the literature, and from personal experience, on other feeding habits of Sanderlings. The Handbook mentions that they also feed on the remains of fish and jelly-fish (Medusae) on the shore, but does not explain how. On 24th December 1973, at New Synierna, Florida, l’S.\, I found an immature Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus feeding on a large fish, an amber-jack Seriola dumerili: much of its side had been torn away, exposing large patches of edible matter, and, while the gull fed, a Sanderling waited nearby to take items scattered by it. When the gull departed, the Sanderling, together with a Furnstone Arenaria interpres. stood on the carcase, pulled at the flesh and quickly swallowed beakfuls. On lOth March 1978, at the same locality, areas of the beach were strewn with jellyfish rotting in the sun. Sanderlings probed into the transparent sticky material, then, walking backwards a few paces, swallowed long strands as they came; the behaviour never varied. The many Semipalmated Plovers Charadrius semipalmatus and Willets Catoptrophoms semipalmatus in the area made no attempt to feed on the jellyfish while I was there. Stuart Smith {Brit. Birds ■\W. 281) described Sanderlings in north Wales making narrow furrows in soft dry sand as they mo\ ed forward, to turn up a mass of sandhoppers Talitnis saltator. In contrast, in winter 1978/79, at Marazion beach, Cornwall, when tidewrack was plentiful, single Sander- lings fed in association with I'urnstones. Phe latter pushed aside some of the weed and exposed wet sand beneath, while the Sanderling. a few centimetres away, benefited by feeding on the uncov ered food. .\. C. Bent (1962, Life Histories of North American Shore Birds), however, described Sanderlings picking up small objects exposed by feeding Turnstones and then being sav agely attacked and driv en away by them. 1 can find only one instance of Sanderlings taking objects made and provided by man: pieces of bread {Brit. Birds 59: 94). Sanderlings also occur inland. In late winter/early spring, at Cheddar Reservoir, Somerset, I have sometimes found them taking two-winged insects (Diptera) — on the ground and in the air — on the concrete parapet 522 Notes surrounding the water. During a torrential rainstorm on 17th May 1955, near Bath, Avon, a Sanderling ran across a flat, single-storey building, and also alighted on a metalled road nearby, searching for food {But. Birds 48: 544-545), and on 10th September 1978, Alan Parker watched a Sanderling feeding on a wet road near Neusiedl in Austria {Brit. Birds 74: 228). By contrast, on 31st January 1971, near Whitley Bay, Northumberland, I counted 40 Sanderlings on elevated grassland, eagerly seeking food in their distinctive hurrying manner. Bernard King Gull Cry, 9 Park Road, Neivlyn, Penzance, Cornwall Territorial behaviour of Little Stints on spring migration On 30th April and 1st May 1978, several Little Stints Calidris minuta were present on the shallow pool at Ghadira, Malta, and some appeared to be holding territories. The stints fed in shallow water as well as on the exposed mud (the pool’s usable area being about 0.9 ha). There were 19 stints present on 30th April, and 15 on 1st May. When one overstepped another’s boundary, the latter flew at it, calling with a rapidly repeated ‘chit’; the intruder usually flew off, or returned to its own (adjacent) territory. On the few occasions when the intruder persisted, direct conflict ensued: both stints fluttered vertically upwards together to about 1 m, this being repeated up to five times before one crouched with its neck sunk into its shoulders, the other standing about 1 m away; the former then retreated, frequently walking backwards for a short distance initially, and was never attacked further. On four occasions, fighting immediately preceded apparent copulation (lasting two or three seconds), and, once, the stints continued fighting in the air afterwards. Mounting was also observed on 29th April, by R. Galea. On 30th, two stints were singing with a soft, flat trill while flying around their territories. C. Gauci described this as more subdued but of longer duration than that of Temminck’s Stint C. teniminckii. Areas defended were roughly 20 X 20 m and generally static, but in one instance a boundary moved about 10 m during six hours. Four stints were recognisable individually and, during six hours’ observation on 1st May, they always returned to the same respective territories after disturbance. Moult into breeding plumage was well advanced in a higher proportion of those stints behaving territorially than in those not. Five Curlew Sand- pipers C. Jerruginea and a Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola produced no hostile reactions from the stints. In the only previously published description of mounting by migrant Little Stints (in autumn), the presumed females kept moving out of the way, probably preventing coition; K. D. Smith occasionally saw courting in the early months of the year in Eritrea, the male trilling and driving ofl other species from the female, but he never witnessed any attempt at coition (King 1960). In neither case was territoriality described and what appears to be the only other record of this in the Little Stint (in autumn) appears below (Catley 1981). The phenomenon has, however, been noted outside the breeding season in a number of other waders, and is now accepted as widespread in the New World (see recent reviews by Myers et al. 1979). Both C. Gauci and J. Sultana have observed territorial defence and singing 523 Notes at Ghadira regularly in spring; we thank them for their comments. William J. Sutherland and Duncan J. Brooks Edward Grey Institute oj Fietd Ornithology, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford 0X1 3PS REFERENCES ( .ATi.EY, Ci. P. 1981 . Little Stint holding territory on autumn migration. Bril. Birds 74: 523. King, B. 1960. Attempted coition by Little Stints on autumn passage. Brit. Birds 53: 357. Myers, J. P., C.onnors, P. G., & Pitelka, F. .\. 1979. Territoriality in non-breeding shore- birds. Studies in Avian Biology 2: 231-246. Little Stint holding territory on autumn migration On 9th September 1978, following a sizeable influx of Little Stints Calidris minuta at North Killingholme, south Humberside, I observed a first-autumn indi\idual which appeared to be defending v igorously a feeding territory. Five other first-autumn stints were feeding on the same two shallow pools. The territorial stint was on the larger pool, about 10m X 20m; it was slightly bigger than the others and often stood with its neck stretched and head held up, giving a twittering ‘zi zi zi’ call. It fed along a 10-m stretch of the perimeter and, when another stint entered the area, either ran or flew at the offender, uttering the ‘zi zi zi’ call or a ‘tit trriiippp’, and drove it from its own ‘patch’. Although it left the area when chasing others, it was seen to feed only in the area it defended, d’he normal ‘chip chip’ call of migrants was heard only once, but a further call — ‘zect zeet’ — was heard on a few occasions. Fhe stint was watched for about one hour on 9th and was still in the same area on 1 1th. I have found no other record of territory holding by Little Stints at this time of the year. G. P. Catley Graemar, Southend, Goxhill, south Humberside D.\I9 7I.T Field identification of Great Black-headed Gull P. J. Grant has provided an admirably detailed and accurate description of the plumages of the Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus (Brit. Birds 73: 1 13-158). The following notes are based on field experience in south India of several tens of individuals in all months between October and March in 1980-81, includ- ing individuals passing up to 500 m offshore as well as at close range at rest. ADULTS Striking feature in all but the brightest light is the relative darkness of the grey mantle and scapulars when compared with Brown-headed L. bnmnicephatus and Black-headed Gulls L. ridibundus. This is as dark as on Clommon Gulls L. canus, but lacks the bluish tinge of that species. It is certainly not pearly grey (a description which Grant also used (or Mediterranean Gulls L. melano- cephalus). 'Phis relatively dark grey mantle becomes paler on the coverts and progres- sively acro.ss the secondaries. The white trailing edge to the .secondaries is very clear- cut, and the white on the primaries is very extensive, with the black spotting at the tip looking very isolated. In distant views at sea, the black tips are very didicult to see and the wing looks largely white from the carpal joint, reminiscent of a (jiaucous Gull L. hyperboreus. i.MM.Mi RES The juvenile and hrst-winter plumages are often as strikingly contrasting as those of .Mediterranean Gulls, with a dominance of grey over brow n (unlike simi- lar plumages of the large gulls). The pale panel on the coverts stands out at a great distance, and the contrasting dark wing- tip accentuates the pointed shape. Fi.iGHT APPEAR.vNCE Great Black-headed Gulls are, in my experience, among the easiest of gulls to identify in flight at a distance. Fhey combine the hea\ iness of the largest gulls — as shown by the bowed wings, large, hea\y head and downward piointing bill, and low, purposeful flight — with the wing-shape of the smaller gulls. The wings look long and narrow and, even on adults, fxiinted. .\t a distance, the mantle of adults contrasts with the outer wing in a manner reminiscent of distant adult Kittiwakes Rissa 524 Notes tndactyla. Observers of suspected adult Great although the shallow, bowed wing-beats and Black-headed Gulls must look carefully for low flight make it dilhcult to get a satisfactory the dark wing-tips. These are rather more view of the underside in sustained flight, extensive and obvious on the underwing, VV. G. HarVEY British Council (Madras), c/o FCO, King Charles Street, London swia2AH Glaucous Gull with unusually small bill The long, powerful bill of Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus is generally held to be diagnostic in its field separation from Iceland Gull L. glaucoides. On 10th February 1980, I watched a small adult Glaucous Gull in the gull roost at Balgray Reservoir, Strathclyde, at a range of about 50 m using a telescope on X 40. Structurally, it was clearly a Glaucous except for its bill, which seemed unusually short. Direct comparisons between this bird and Herring Gulls L. argentatus {argenteus-X.y\)t) and Lesser Black-backed Gulls L.Juscus showed its bill to be a little shorter but more noticeably less deep and with a narrower base than either of those species. Although clearly smaller, the bill seemed to be of the normal Glaucous Gull shape, being steeply decurved at the tip and with a noticeable gonys. I identified the bird as a Glaucous Gull on the following points: 1. SIZE Only very slightly longer but clearly heavier and stockier than Herring Gulls. Large and broad winged in flight. 2. HEAD SHAPE Typical Glaucous, with low, flattish crown and quite sharply angled nape. 3. BILL SHAPE Unlike Iceland Gull (see above). If this bird had been alone and only distant or unsatisfactory views had been obtained, identification could have proved difficult. Its bill size and rather long wings (projecting over one bill-length beyond tail) could have led to identification as an Iceland Gull, or at least an ‘indeterminate’. Hume ( 1975) suggested that the bill of Glaucous Gull is never less than half its apparent head length, while that of Iceland Gull is never more. After examining skins and photographs of both species, however, I have come to the conclusion that the bill of the Balgray bird approached closely that of an Iceland Gull, at least in length. Kay (1947) gave a description and photographs of a Glaucous Gull possibly even smaller than the Balgray bird, but with a bill which was not markedly smaller than a Herring Gull’s. From this and the lack of similar small-billed Glaucous Gull records, it would seem that a relatively small bill is not a typical feature of very small Glaucous Gulls. I should like to thank R. A. Hume for comments on an earlier draft, and Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. John J. Sweeney 44 Newton Avenue, Barrhead, Renfrewshire G782JY REFERENCES Hume, R. A. 1975. Identification and ageing of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls. Brit. Birds 68: 24-37. Kay, G. r. 1947. The Glaucous Gull in winter. Brit. Birds 40: 369-373. 1950. 4'he Iceland Gull in winter. Brit. Birds 43: 399-402. Examples of birds which arc genuinely undersized or have atypical structure are generallv extremely rare, yet rcpiorts of so-called ‘small’ Glaucous Gulls are not infrequent. It is, of course, extremely difficult to decide whether such birds really are pure Glaucous Gulls, or whether they arc, for example, exceptionally large Iceland Gulls, leucisticor albinistic Herring Gulls, or Glaucous X Herring Gull hybrids. Indeed, we are unaware of any indisputable proof that ‘small’ Glaucous Gulls actually occur at all; this should be borne in mind in this case. Eds Notes 525 Rock Pipit territory densities in Britain Between 28th June and 5th July 1977, territories of Rock Pipits Anthus spinoletta around the 18.6km coast of the island ofCumbrae, Strathclyde, were mapped. The whole of the mean spring tide high-water line was surveyed on foot three to five times, in the latter stages particular attention being paid to areas apparently without territories (Rock Pipits remain territorial throughout the year, but post- breeding dispersal might have caused some territories to be missed). The estimate of 39 territories is considered correct to within two or three. Territories were markedly clumped, some stretches of coastline being more favoured than others, and their distribution departed significantly from that which might be expected by random placing (Poisson test, p <0.001). Densities per kilometre were; around the whole island, 2.1; excluding the harbour (no territories), 2.5; and along a favoured stretch holding 14 territories, 4.3. These figures are compared in table 1 with densities obtained in other studies. While the total for Cumbrae is low, the density for the northwest section is similar to that for most other localities studied. C. J. Mead {in lilt.) has traced densities of up to ten pairs per kilometre (from a part of the Calf of Man) among the records of the B'FO C’ommon Birds Census (the figure of 15 territories per kilometre, cited by CJM in Sharrock (1976), cannot be retraced and is presumed to be an error). Sharrock ( 1976) gave a total of 1 ,028 occupied 10km squares in Great Britain and Ireland. I estimated the average length of tidal coast per 10km square as follows. On 1 inch Ordnance Surv ey maps 4, 45, 56 and 1 16, all 10km squares contain- ing tidal coastline were determined and their coast-lengths measured. Numbers of squares and (in parentheses) average coast-lengths per map were, respectively: 19 (26.2), 12 (22.9), 12 (20.5) and 4 (20.8). The average coast-length for all 47 squares was 23.48km. These coastal determinations include an 8% correction factor to reach the figures obtained from more detailed Admiralty maps {ca 7 inch). The average stocking density from table 1 is 3.48 territories per kilometre. Extrapolation from the above figures gives a British and Irish population of about 84,000 breeding pairs (cf. Sharrock’s 50,000). I have assumed no inland breeding, which is documented only for St Kilda, Western Isles (Williamson 1964). The above Table 1. Densities of territories of Rock Pipits Anthus spinoletta in Britain and Ireland Clornwall: ( 1 ) = three seasons, optimal habitat; (2) = sub-optimal habitat (less indented coastline) No. of Locality territories Skokholm Clornwall ( 1 ) Isle of May Caimbrae Clevedon Clornwall (2) Salen Bay (Loch Sunart) Clape Cllear Island Boreray Sussex Soav per km Reference 4.8-6.0 Clonder. in Gibb (1936) 3. 6-6.0 Gibb (1936) 4.8-5.4 Southern, in Gibb ( 1936) 2. 1-4.3 Present studv 4.2 Gibb ( 19.36) 3.0-4.2 Gibb (19.36) 3.0-4. 2 C^ampbell. in Gibb (1936) 3..0 Sharrock & \\ right (1968) 2.3 Harrison & Lack ( 1934) 1.3 Sharrock ( 1976) 0.9 Harrison & Lack ( 1934) 526 Notes is a gross estimate and also an overestimate, sinee the average density from table 1 will be biased in favour of well-studied, and presumably well- occupied, areas. I'he true figure is probablv nearer Sharrock’s estimate of 50,000. I should like to thank DrJ. H. Lawton and Dr Ch J. C. Rees for comments on this note and on an earlier, more e.xtensive account. ]. ]. Tucker 1 Sutton Park Grove, Kidderminster, Worcester DYII 6Pl. REKERENt:ES (iiBB, J. I9.')6. Food, feeding habils and lerriioiy oi'llie Roek Pipit. Ibis 98: .'MKi-.iSO. Harrison, 1'. H., & Lack, D. 1934. The breeding-birds ofSt Rilda. Scot. Nat. ( 1934): ,39-()9. j Lack, D. 1971. Ecological Isolation in Birds. London. .Sh.arrock, J. r. R. 1976. Atlas oj Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. & W right, P. .\. 1968. Censuses of the elilf-breeding birds of Cape Clear Island. Cape | Clear Bird Obs. Rep. 9: 33-47. j W ii.i.iAMSO.N, K. 1S)64. census of breeding land-birds on Hina, St Kilda, in summer 1963. ' Bird Study 11: 1.33-167. i Catbird in the Channel Islands Early in December 1975, 1 was informed by F. R. Lawrence of a Catbird Dumetella carolinensis which had been caught in Jersey during the autumn of that year. Being curious about the bird’s identity, the finder had eventually consulted FRL, who immediately recog- nised it and reported it to my wife, M. L. Long, and myself . We were able to see the bird, and a number of photographs were taken, although in poor light conditions. We compiled the following description: .■\bout size and proportions of Blackbird black cap, not extending to bill, eye or nape. Tardus rnerula; plumage almost uniform sooty .Striking, deep mahogany-coloured under- grey; underparts when \iewed from some tail-eo\erts. angles appeared slightly paler grey. Small According to the finder, he first noted the bird while he was feeding crumbs to House Sparrows Passer domeslicus in some public gardens near the southwest coast of the island on a fine day in the middle of October 1975. It was apparently too timid to approach him closely, but eagerly took food thrown towards it. Mystified as to its identity, the finder later returned with a paint tray, which he propped upside-down on a short stick to which he attached a long string. He baited this classic bird-trap and easily caught the bird, plus several sparrows. According to W. B. Alexander and R. S. R. Fitter [Brtl. Birds 48: 1-14), there are two earlier records of Catbirds in Europe: on Heligoland, Federal German Republic, in October 1840 and at Anklam, German Democratic Republic, in May 1908. I can find none later, so this seems to be the third European record. The possibility of its being an escaped cage-bird was considered, but enquiries by FRL indicate that noClatbirds have been kept as cage-birds in any of the Channel Islands. T. P. Inskipp {in till.) has commented: ‘The only Catbirds I saw at Heathrow during 1972-76 were four dead among 76 dead birds from a consignment, originally of 100, which was illegally exported from Canada to Brussels in September 1975. I think that the similar date to the one in the Channel Islands is probably just coincidental and that a wild origin for the latter is more likely than an escaped captive. ’ Notes 527 OfNearctic landbirds not yet on the British and Irish list, the Catbird was rated by Chandler S. Robbins {Brit. Birds 73; 448-457) as the most likely candidate species for autumn transatlantic vagrancy. The mid- October date also makes a wild origin probable. R. Long Socike Jersiaise, The Museum, 9 Pier Road, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands Eye-browed Thrush in Strathclyde On 22nd October 1978, at the RSPB reserve at Lochwinnoch, Strathclyde, I heard an unfamiliar ‘tchup’ or ‘tchuck’ call-note coming from nearby hawthorns Crataegus. On investigation, I found several hundred Redwings Turdus iliacus feeding along two rows of hawthorn bushes which lined a damp ditch overgrown with dead vegetation, mostly willow-herb Epilobium. I heard the call again, but, unable to see the bird, suspected that it was coming from a very low perch or from the ground. I then approached the area from a different angle. After 20 minutes, I saw the bird fly up to the lower branches of a hawthorn bush and was able to examine it through binoculars for several minutes as it perched and preened about 15m away. I suspected that it was one of the Siberian thrushes, and made the following notes at the time: Thrush about size of Redwing. Entire creamy-white; throat similar, but with trace upperparts olive-brown except for slightly of grey wash. Upper breast brownish-buff; paler (grey) crown and sides of head. Con- flanks more richly coloured. Belly and spicuous, pale (almost white) supercilium. undertail pure white. No streaks or spots Another, shorter, almost white stripe detected on underparts. Pale tips to wing- extending from base of bill down at an angle coverts. Bill dark, to below and behind eye. Chin white or When I tried to move closer, nearby Redwings took to flight and the other thrush followed them and was lost to view. In flight, it appeared to be shorter tailed than the Redwings. .After consulting field guides, I identified the bird as an Eye-browed Thrush T. obscurus. I left the area in the late afternoon, but returned about an hour later and attempted to relocate the Eye-browed Thrush among the Redwings. .After much searching, I found it feeding on the ground below a tall hawthorn hedge, a short distance away from the original site. I obtained brief views in fading light before it moved away again, eventually coming down in very damp ground underneath willows Salix close to the lochside. In flight, it uttered a call-note similar to that of a Redwing: a quite harsh ‘seee’. It was not seen subsequently, despite searching by RSPB staff the following day. .All three previous British records of this Siberian thrush, which winters in southeast .Asia, were in 1964; in Northamptonshire on 5th October, on North Rona, Western Isles, on 16th October and on St .Agnes, Isles of Scilly, on 5th December {Brit. Birds ^\ \2\^-22‘i). Recent European records include an adult male and a female or immature in the Netherlands from 24th to 26th April 1977; the first and second Finnish records, in spring 1978; and the second Norwegian record, on 29th December 1978 {Brit. Birds 71: 585- 72: 279-280; 73: 259-260). The Dutch records were, however, regarded by Gerald J. Oreel {Dutch Birding 2; 7 1 ) as relating to escapes: the immature or female was tame and could be approached to within 5m, and the locality was close to the .Amsterdam International .Airport, Schiphol (Noord- Holland), where consignments of birds arrive regularly; Eye-browed 528 Notes Thrushes are kept in captivity in the Netherlands and in 1976 ‘many were ohered tor sale’. Since, however, the Strathclyde individual was seen on a very likely date for a Siberian vagrant and there is no evidence of captive origin, it has been accepted as the fourth record for Britain and Ireland. D. L. Clugston 14 Rosewood Avenue, Paisley, Strathclyde Riippell’s Warbler in Devon At about 15.30 GM l on 1st June 1979, D. Carey found an unfamiliar Sylvia warbler feeding in sallows Salix in an old granite quarry on the east side of Lundy, Devon. Having watched it for half an hour and then consulted field guides, he concluded that it was a male Notes 529 Ruppell’s Warbler S. rueppelli. He informed M. Davis and others, who quickly relocated it and were able to watch it at ranges down to 5m for over an hour. I’hey confirmed its identity and took field notes; later they were joined by RJC, who photographed it (plates 502-305). In general appearance, it was a solidly-built Sylvia warbler, about the size of a Whitethroat S. communis, with grey upperparts, black head and throat, conspicuous white moustachial stripe and reddish eye-ring and legs. The following description was compiled from field notes: Head and throat black, with white brown with pale Cringes. Tail dark grey with moustachial stripe not quite reaching edge of w hite outer feathers, particularly eon- black on side of neck; the black shaded spieuous from below. L'nderparts uniform gradually into grey on nape and ear-co\erts. oll-whitc. Bill dark, with horn-coloured base. .Mantle and wing-coverts mid-grey; rump Iris and eye-ring red. Legs dull reddish, slightly paler. Flight feathers dark grey- ()n subsequent days, the warbler remained in the same area, on a boulder-strew'n, bracken-co\ered slope, with scrub patches ot sallow, elder Sambucus nigra and rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum growing in the shelter of old quarry workings. It spent most of its time in the sallows, feeding in the upper parts of the trees, but usually remaining inside the leaf canopy. It often gave an impression of clumsiness as it crashed boldly through the vegetation, hopping from branch to branch, but it also dis- played acrobatic skills when reaching for insects on leaves above or below it. When active, it had a characteristic tail action, repeatedly flicking it up into a half cocked position. On 2nd June, it began singing quietly, and on subsequent days it developed a full song, which was reminiscent of a Whitethroat's but also contained a distinctive loud, harsh rattle. On the evening of 4th June, AMT found the bird by the mouth of a 530 Notes Heligoland trap and was able to catch it. It was ringed and the following description was recorded: HEAD Forehead, crown and lores black; ear- coverts black, shading into dark grey nape and sides of neck. White moustachial stripe. Chin and throat black, upperparts Darkish grey, with faint traces of brown on mantle. WINGS Lesser and median coverts darkish grey. Greater coverts, alula and tertials black with grey fringes. Innermost secondary on each wing black with narrow white fringe on outer web; remaining secondaries, primaries and primary coverts grey-brown, clearly older than rest of wings: more worn and faded, with heavy sun-bleaching and wear on primary tips where they were not overlapped by next feather in folded wing, tail Feathers blackish apart from central pair, which were dark grey, and outer, which were white with some black at base of inner web. The second outermost feathers had white tips extending 1 he heavily worn flight feathers and traces of brown on the mantle suggest that the bird was in its second summer. It was seen in the hand by several observers including RJC before being returned to its favoured area for release. It remained on Lundy until 10th June and was seen by many observers, notably on Othjune when a steamer excursion visited the island. This constitutes the second accepted record of Ruppell’s Warbler in Britain and Ireland. Considering the species’ limited breeding range in the east Mediterranean, it followed surprisingly closely after the first, on Main- land, Shetland, in August and September 1977 {Brit. Birds 74: 279-283). A. M. Taylor and R. J. Campey Apple Tree Cottage, Mill End, Damerham, Fordingbridge, Hampshire a short way up their shafts to form triangular patches. Feather tips worn, particularly on two outer pairs, underparts Breast, flanks and vent pinkish-buff, darker and greyer on upper flanks. Belly white. Undertail-coverts white with pale grey centres, bare parts Bill blackish with pale brownish-grey basal two- thirds to lower mandible. Iris pale orange- brown; eye-ring similar but darker. Tarsus orange-brown, lighter behind; feet dark brown, with pale orange-brown soles. Claws black, measurements Wing 69 mm; tail 60 mm; bill 14 mm; tarsus 20 mm; weight 1 3.9 g. WING FORMULA Ist primary 1 mm shorter than primary' coverts; 3rd and 4th longest; 2nd —1 .5 mm; 5th —1 .5 mm; 6th -4 mm; 7th —5 mm; 8th —8 mm; 9th —9.5 mm; 10th —12 mm; 3rd, 4th and 5th primaries emarginated. Great Tits and Pied Flycatcher sitting on empty nests Three notes on tits sitting on empty nests {Brit. Birds 70: 394; 71: 594, 600) lead us to take the discussion a little further. In the area of Oulu, Finland, we have twice noted a female Great Tit Parus major and once a female Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca on empty nests. The first Great Tit was seen on the nest on 15th and 23rd June 1972: on the first visit, she seemed to incubate intensively, and on the second we confirmed that she was sitting on an empty nest and was not seen again. The second Great 4’it was seen sitting on 2nd, 7th, 12th and 20th June 1974; on 20th we captured her and found the nest empty. On 25th June, we found the same female on a new, empty, nest about 100m from the deserted one; we collected her, as her weight (24g on 20th June, and 25. 4g on 25th) and inability to lay suggested that all was not well with her. Autopsy and histological study revealed an adenocarcinoma in the ostium which prevented the ripe ova from reaching the oviduct; the alimentary canal from the stomach to the cloaca had metastases, as also did the pancreas, liver and kidneys (see Ojanen, M., Orell, M.,& Rasanen,0. \^lb, Acta Zool. Pathol. AntwerpiensiaCT. 143-148). Notes 531 It is worth noting that the same female had the previous year (when aged at least two years) successfully reared nine young from ten eggs. In 1977, we observed a Pied flycatcher’s nest completed on 16th June and empty when the female was seen to sit on 22nd; the following day she was again sitting. As we had not experienced this behaviour by a Pied Flycatcher, we collected the specimen. Autopsy and histological study did not reveal any pathological findings, but there were no enlarged ova in the ovaries. Although the reasons for not laying remain obscure, the case resembled in a sense that of the second Great Tit abo\ e. During 1969-78, about 830 pairs of Great Tits and 1,700 of Pied Fly- catchers have bred in our nestboxes. I he frequencies of females sitting on empty nests are, therefore, 0.24% and 0.06% respectively: about the same as quoted by Dhondt & fiyckerman for Great and Blue Tits P. caenileus in Belgium {Bnt. Birds 1 1 : 600). It may be that all the cases reported in\ol\ed females which were unable to lay, as Dhondt & Eyckerman suggested. The observed in an empty nestbox by Kittle [Brit. Birds 71; 593) may ha\ e been from a different female from that which sat on an empty nest nearly three weeks later. We have similar observations of single eggs in nestboxes in which no nest was made. It would seem important to collect females sitting on empty nests for close examination; such studies mav reveal the true reason for inability to lay, and are important for tracing the occurrence of cancers among birds living in close proximity to man. .\IiKKO OjANEN and .\1.\RKKU Orell University of Oulu, Department of Zoology, Kasamiintie 8, SF-90100 Oulu 10, Finland Northern Waterthrush in the Channel Islands .\i about 7.30 in the evening of 17th April 1977, while ringing migrants at Grouville Marsh, Jersey, David Buxton found in one of his nets a small pipit-like bird which he did not recognise. It was taken to their home by DB and C. E. Buxton and examined by them and by I. J. Buxton, M. L. Long and myself. We fairly quickly identified it as a Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis. The guide to the separation of Northern and Louisiana Waterthrushes 5'. motacilla by D. I. M. Wallace [Brit. Birds 69: 27-32) was a great help. The bird was roosted overnight, and early next morning was seen by several people before being photographed and released at Grouville Marsh. .\s it flew from hand to a hedge 20 m away, it uttered a series of clear call-notes which were well recorded on tape by IJB. The following description was taken in the hand; Size slightly smaller than .Meadow Pipit tending well around to back ol head, but not Anthiis pralensis with short tail and longish, joining. Small section of lower eyelid cream, narrow bill. Crown, mantle and tail uniform Base of undertail-coverts pale grey, olive-brown. Underparts creamy-yellow, me.vsurements ^\ ing 77mm; tail 51 mm; bill with sides and flanks heavily streaked brown, to skull 14mm; longest primarv 3rd; 1st Fine, dark streaks under chin across upper minute; 3rd, 4th and 5th (weakly) emargin- breast. Underwing speckled creamy white, ated. Conspicuous broad cream supercilium cx- This was the fourth Northern Waterthrush to be recorded in Europe (and the first in spring), the others having been on the He d’Ouessant, 532 Notes France, in September 1955, and in the Isles of Scilly in September-October 1958 and October 1965. R. Long Societe Jersiaise, The Museum, 9 Pier Road, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands Cretzschmar’s Bunting in Shetland On 9th June 1979, breakfast time at Fair Isle Bird Observatory was enlivened by Nigel Jones’s unusually late return from the morning trap round — always a good sign! — and his account of how, at about 07.00 GMT, he heard an unfamiliar song, which he noted as ‘doobeedoobeedoo’, in the area of the Double Dyke trap. A frivolous reference to Frank Sinatra was quelled by his further news that he had seen a small bird fly from a wall and land on top of the Gully Trap, where he had managed to ‘scope’ it briefly and see that it had a greyish hood, reddish underparts and general similarity to an Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana. It had then flown off across moorland in the direction of Sheep Craig, calling ‘tsee up’. He felt sure that it must have been a male Cretzschmar’s Bunting E. caesia. So did we all. After breakfast, everyone set off to comb the island. Together with a couple of other observers, I spent all morning lurking around a field of growing oats known as Bull’s Park, which we felt was the most appropriate feeding habitat closest to where the bird had been seen. By lunchtime, however, there was still no sign of it, and several despondent birders had to leave the island on the Observatory’s charter flight. Immediately after the plane had gone, Iain Robertson, the Observatory warden, set off with splendid resolution, went straight to Bull’s Park and found the bird again: feeding, at the end of a row of House Sparrows Passer domesticusl He was immediately able to confirm the identification, but, by the time that the others and I arrived, the bunting had flown away again. There then followed a frustrating hour during which the bird always seemed to be ‘over the next wall’. Finally, it gave up this game and returned to Bull’s Park, where we felt it belonged! It often fed near a small party of sparrows, but not in direct association with them. It was a skulking feeder, often difllcult to see in the short vegetation, despite its colours. It did not show the species’ supposedly characteristic tameness, and usually flew if approached closer than about 20m, then perching briefly on stone walls or fences before dropping back into the field. Eventually, I managed to stalk it down to about 15m and, between us, we compiled the following descrip- tion. SIZE AND jizz Basically reminiscent of Orto- lan, but rather stockier and tail a little shorter, mantle and back Mid buffy brown, quite heavily streaked with dark brown on mantle and scapulars. Background yellower on upper mantle, rump Brown. Unstreaked. TAii. Darker brown, with white outer tail feathers; a little more distinct on right, owing to misplaced feather, wings Median coverts dark brown with paler tips and edgings, forming short pale wing-bar. (ireater coverts with complete pale edgings, not really form- ing second wing-bar. Remiges also with paler edgings. Whole of upperparts and especially wings appeared rather ‘sun bleached’, head Crown and nape smooth, 'pale bluish grey: colour very striking, and, in some lights, showed very faint mauve tinge. Sub- moustachial stripe pale buff. Malar stripe blue-grey, like head. Chin, throat and upper breast pale bull, like sub-moustachial stripes, but becoming, on upper breast, very washed- out and almost greyish/off-white. under- parts Pectoral area rich apricot-colour extending to underbelly and fading just in front of legs. Pectoral band merged into off- Notes 533 white of upper breast. Flanks and undertail paler buffish/apricot, palest on undertail- coverts. BARE PARTS Bill Striking pale pink, redder at tip. Legs dull flesh pink. Eye dark and very conspicuous, with narrow ofl-white orbital ring. T he rather complex detail of the head pattern was discernible only at close range or through a telescope. The basic impression was of a totally bluish grey hood, apricot underparts and Ortolan-type upperparts. The facts that the bluish grey did not extend right across the breast and that the underparts faded to paler suggest that it was a male not yet in full breeding plumage. The bird was seen only briefly the next day, lOthJune, again on the Bull’s Park wall. I his is the second record of Cretzschmar’s Bunting for Fair Isle and Britain. I’he first was 12 years earlier, on 10th June 1967 {Brit. Birds 62: 144- 148). The species breeds in southeast Fiurope, Asia Minor and the Near East, and winters in Africa, chiefly in the Sudan. In the previous week. Fair Isle observers had enjoyed the occurrence of several other birds of a southeasterly origin, including Britain’s first spring Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata. \V. E. Oddie 74 South Hill Park, London .Vlf.? Letters Wintering Bitterns in Britain The recent paper by Dr C. J. Bibby on wintering Bitterns Botaurus stellaris in Britain {Brit. Birds 74: 1-10) illustrated that the population is supplemented in winter by immigration to this country of Bitterns from Continental Europe. Dr Bibby also suggested that the number of Bitterns correlates well with hard-weather movements. Whereas this may be true, there is a slight possibility that in fact all that is being recorded is an increased proportion of those present being obser\ ed. In cold weather, when the reed-beds are frozen. Bitterns need to fly more in order to find suitable feeding areas. They are thus much more readily observed and it may be that this is the only reason for the increased observations in hard-weather. When the weather is warmer, the marshes are not frozen and the Bitterns have less need to fly from place to place. The number of observations could reflect behaviour rather than variations in the population. R- E. C. Collins Chalk Garden, The Length, St Nicholas-at-Wade, Birchington, Kent Dr Bibby has replied as follows; ‘I agree with .Mr C:ollins that Bitterns forced to move in cold weather may be more likely to be seen than those which remain in dense reed-bed breeding sites. For this reason, I used records only of those away from breeding areas (i.e. those w hich were known to have mo\ ed). From a general impression of the records, 1 doubt w hether many were of birds actually in flight in search of unfrozen areas. Furthermore, the colder w inters 534 Letters were characterised by more sightings not only during but also after freezing periods. I agree that the number of records may not be exactly proportional to the number present in any winter, but I doubt whether any bias of conspicuousness would have sufficient effect to cause the pattern which I described.’ Eds Taxonomy of shrikes In 1977, Professor Dr K. H. \'oous published his new ‘List of recent Holarctic bird species’ which has already been received as a major standard work on Holarctic taxonomy, and rightly so. Some of the changes in nomenclature, however, have caused bewilderment among ornithologists. For instance, as a student of plovers, I should like to know the reasons why Prof. Voous lumped the Blackhead tectus. Grey-headed cinereus, and Red-wattled Lapwings indicus -wuh. Spur-winged Plover in the genus Hoplopterus. In a long-awaited paper in the December 1979 issue oi British Birds, Prof. \ oous discussed the complicated taxonomy of the Red-backed- Isabelline- Brown Shrikes Lanius collurio-isabellinus-cristatus . Prof. Voous explained why he changed his mind from 1960 [Atlas oj European Birds), when he considered all three as members of the same species, to 1977 (List of recent Holarctic bird species), when he treated them as three valid species. I'he basic data leading Prof \’oous to his new opinion refer mainly to plumage, reproduction, migration and moult. Using the same premises, 1 have arrived at another judgment; at least, I find his decision less con- clusive than might appear at first sight. Plumage. Differences in plumage patterns are neither greater nor smaller than in other similar cases of closely related forms with frequent hybridisation. .\ crucial point may be the sexual differences (sexual dimoq:)hism) among the three Ibrms. It is not quite correct, however, when \’ooLis states that there is no sexual dimorphism in isabellinus and cristatus. In L. i. phoenicuroid.es . the sexes, though admittedly not as different as in L. collurio. are so different that they may be recognised in the field (male much more brightly coloured). 1 ha\e no field experience of cristatus, but, according to the skin collection in the Zoological .Museum of Clopenhagen, the females in breeding [tlurnage have cross-barring on the underparts, lacking in the males; otherwise, the sexual difference is very slight. It is correct that the sexes are almost alike in nominate isabellinus, the facial mask of the male just being more black than in the female. .\ varv ing degree of sexual dimorphism among races of the same species is not completely unknown in continental birds (for various reasons I disregard the much more frequent examples in island birds). The Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula is such a case: the male of the .Siberian subspecies cineracea being coloured like a female. Concluding this part of the argu- ment, I find the evidence based on plumage characters inconclusive. Reproduction. Prof. \’oous mentioned the existence of widespread hybridisation between co/Zt/no and isabellinus, but few cases between these two and cristatus. I'he \ ery large zone of sympatr\ (geographical overlap in breeding range) between isabellinus and cristatus almost without hybridisation indicates a high degree of reproductive isolation between these two. .\pparently there are much smaller zones of sympatry between isabellinus and cotturio, so small that they might even be called parapatric (breeding ranges very close to each other), but there are a large number of instances of hybrids from these small zones in central ,\sia, and the hybrids seem to be almost exclusively colturio X isabellinus, thus indicating a much lower degree of reproductive isolation between collurio and isabellinus. I find that the evidence based oti reproduction stiggests a close relationship between collurio and isabellinus. whereas cristatus seems to be more distant. Migration. I he recent distribution and migration routes o[ collurio indicate a colonisation of Europe from the southeast, and, thus, an area of origin veiv close to the recent isabellinus distribution. Ffoth forms winter in East and .South .\lrica, with large areas of overlap in East .\lfica. Eherefitre, besides zones of sympatry (w ith hybridisation), there is also an area of synhiemy (overlap of winter quarters) in collurio and isabellinus. So, 1 cannot see \ ery much Letters 535 dillcrciUT in . . . migration routes’ (p. 577) between collurio and isabellinus. On the eontrarv , tlie migration route oi collurio could easily be interpreted as an extension of that oi' isabellinus. (.ompared to this, crislalus has a much more easterly occurrence, regarding both breeding distribution and winter quarters, rather dillerent Irom collurio and isabellinus . C’onsequentlv, I see about the same conclusion as in the evidence based on reproduction. Moult. It is a little surprising to see moult pattern used as taxonomic e\idence. and the text of \ oous (p. 576) is not clarifying. In my opinion, moult patterns are so easilv adaptable, to a very large degree depending on migratory habits, that they must be ol \ er\' slight taxonomic \ altie. ( )ne just needs to consider the cases where dillerent populations within the same subspecies have dillerent moult patterns owing to dillerent migratorv' habits. For instance, it is well known that British-breeding Ringed Plovers Charadnus hiaticula, which are sedentars . ha\e a dillerent moult pattern from Scandinavian ones, which are long-range migrants. If such dillerence can e.xist within a single subspecies ( C. h. hiaticula), it is hardly surprising that similar or even greater dillerences will be Ibund between well dillerentiated subspecies or semispecies (borderline case between species and subspecies) such as collurio (long-range migrant) and isabellinus (short-range migrant or resident). L’ntil the importance of moult pattern has been more well documented, I will reject this criterion as practically useless in taxonomic questions. I o summarise: among the lour criteria ofe\ idence leading Prof. \'oous to recognise three species, I find one inconclusive, one useless, and two suggesting a very close relationship between collurio and isabellinus, whereas enstatus seems to stand more independently. I his conclusion is more in accordance with Hartert (1907), Stegman (1930), Hartert & Steinbacher ( 1933), \'aurie ( 1959), and Wolters ( 1978) — all quoted by X’oous. Indeed. Prof. Voous does not seem quite convinced himself about the validity ofall three species, as he admits that this arrangement is not the last word. When he states, however, that it ‘more or less gi\es the specific status within the group the benefit of the doubt’ (p. 578), one should like to know whether this is a new approach in modern taxonomy. If so. it will really ha\ e an overwhelming impact on many similar borderline cases. Finally, I find it regrettable that Prof. Voous puts these three semispecies in a superspecies. All three have zones ofsympatry and are consequently not allospecies (closely related species with no geographical overlap). In order not to confuse ideas, I think we should stick to the allospecies as the basis of the superspecies. With these lines, I ha\e not tried to disprove Prof. \'oous's treatment, merely to point to the fact that the criteria used are insufficient for his judgment. Maybe we can expect more substantial evidence from Ricssian students? I should like to see a really thorough investigation of existing hybrids, and also studies on behaviour, vocalisation, and sexual dimorphism in central Asia. Bent Pors Nielsen Brydes Alle 281338, 2300 Copenhagen S. Denmark REFERENCES Hartert, K. 1907. Die Vogel Her paldarktischen Fauna, vol 1. Berlin. & Steinbacher. F. 195:F Die Vogel der paldarktischen Fauna, vol S. Berlin. Stegman, B. 19;t0. t’berdic Formen der paliiarkiiscben Rotriieken- imd Rotseliwanz-Wiirger iind deren taxonomiselion Wert. Orn. Sionatsber. .t8: 106-1 18. \'aurie. C. 1959. The Birds of the Falearctic Fauna. Passeriformes. London. \’oous. K. H. \9V(). Atlas of Furopean Birds. Fdinburgh & l.ondon. 1977. List of recent Holaretic bird species. Passerines. Ibis 1 17: :W1. \\ OTTERS, M. lf)78. Die Vogelarten der krde. \'ol. ,L Hamburg. Pr()fcs.sor Dr K. H. Voous has replied as Ibllows: ‘I am glad to state that 1 could not agree more with ,\Ir Bent Pors .Nielsen, and 1 thank him for his comments. 1 lear, however, that he 536 Letters has overlooked the lacl that the characteristies ofplumage, moult and migration have not been presented in an absolute way, but instead were mereb intended to emphasise the former geographic isolation ol the three groups of shrikes invoked. Although it is generally accepted that patterns of moult are noteworthily adapti\ e, differences seem to ha\ e e\oK ed only after long periods of isolation. My main purpose, therefore, w as to show that there are three groups of independent isolation, and that the present reproductiv e relations of these groups are too tmcertain to have them all united in one species. Thus. I have tried to e.xplain w hy the situation has led to diverging ta.\onomic views in the past, and 1 ftjresee that detailed research in the luture will lead to ever more capricious interpretations. L nl()rtunately, lew ornithologists seem to live in the large regions ofalleged overlaj:). which are wholly w ithin the I'SSR. W'e can, however, aim to stimulate their research. 'L’niting allopatric (or parapatric) population groups of birds, from Hartert's time onward, has led to fruitful activ ities of synthetic systernatics. Eight decades later, we are in a position to wonder whether the basic facts have been sound or could be interpreted othervvise. Ehis is what has been done for the “brown shrikes”. It will undoubtedly happen to other groups as well. ‘As to the use of the category of superspecies: no category in nature is absolute. Ehe “brow n shrikes” may be considered a group ol niarginally overlapping allospecics for which the term superspecies, because of the reconstructable origin of its components, does tioi seem to be tmrealistic. E.. Mayr also adheres tothis broad definition (c.^. Animal Species and Evolution. 1963. p. .’tOl ). .\re the .\siatic “brown shrikes” disjunct and parapatric. ecologically separated, or sibling and syrnpatric? We do not know the answer yet: that is the doubt to which I have referred. ‘I have not answered .Mr .Nielsen’s Cjuerv relating to the plovers. I'hat is a story in itself.' Eds Birds with broken necks I read with interest D. M. Todd’s note concern- ing a Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos killing a Buzzard Buleo huteo (Brit. Birds 73: 536-537), especially the statement that ‘its neck had been broken’. This diagnosis often accompanies corpses handed to me, especially if they have flown into windows. In some 30 years’ experience, and having skinned or examined hundreds of corpses, I have, however, never seen one with a broken neck, although such injuries are a possibility with wildfowl. The floppy action of a dead bird’s head before — or after — rigor mortis invari- ably suggests this condition, but careful examination to establish disloca- tion of the vertebrae should be made before assuming that a bird’s neck is broken. John R. Mather Eagle Lodge, Aspin Lane, Knares borough. North Yorkshire .\E .\. Ogilvie has confirmed that the Wildfowl Trust records broken necks ‘not infrequently’ in post mortem examination of ducks, geese and swans which collide with buildings in fog. Eds North Sea gas flares Over the last 14 months, I have conducted similar work, though not as systematic as that by Peter Hope Jones {Brit. Birds 73: 547-555), on Mobil’s Beryl Alpha platform, which lies approximately midway on a latitudinal line from Fair Isle, Shetland, to the southwest Norwegian coast. Most of the 100 or more hours of flare watching at night has been in the peak migration periods of March to May and September to November and under a wide range of meteorological conditions. Over the whole period, which includes many hundreds of hours of daytime observa- tion, I have never witnessed a single bird death as a result of flare incinera- tion. My personal view is that any mortality caused by incineration at flares is likely to have a negligible efiect on population levels. 4'he ‘holding effect’ mentioned by PH] may be of more significance. I'he Letters 537 general pattern emerging for attractions on the Beryl is of birds arriving after 0 1 .00 hours in both spring and autumn and leaving within one hour of dawn. On departure, most birds take the presumed correct heading (i.e. northeast to southeast in spring and west to SSW in autumn). Calculating the exact time that any individual bird spends circling an installation is extremely difficult at night, due to unseen arrivals, departures and re- groupings. In the cases (38) where this has been possible on the Beryl, due to specific sex and/or species ratios, the range of circling times is one to 9Vi hours with a mean of 4 hours. The largest attractions occur in similar conditions to those which ground migrants on the British east coast (i.e. a light to moderate northeast to southeast wind with full cloud cover and poor visibility, preferably from a high-pressure system over Scandinavia or Russia). Under such conditions, birds tend to circle the platform for a longer period. Clearly, there is a tremendous amount of fieldwork and analysis to be done before any meaningful conclusions can be drawn on the effects of gas flaring. I hope that anyone with the opportunity to carry out work on this subject will not only do so, but also ensure that the results are published. .\ndy VVai.lis c/o Dresser Alagcobar, Poem Quay, Aberdeen Birds and insect swarms G. H. Forster’s response {Brit. Birds 72: 392) to my letter about insectivorous birds avoiding twirling insect swarms (71: 366) calls for comment. It has never been suggested that birds might fly through such swarms, which are compact and discrete with much free air-space in between. It does not, however, seem to me beyond the power of such manoeuvrable birds as hirundines to take stragglers from the edges of the swarm tops. Moreover, it was the swarms’ \ orte.x-like kinematics that I stressed, rather than their resemblance to smoke; smoke-bathing would, in any case, occur in plume-like or thermal-like clouds of smoke. L nless an insect expert can explain the form of these swarms, then the charge of paralogy in Mr Forster’s letter may be premature. L. J. D.xvenport 68 First Avenue. Gillingham. Kent Dr C:olin |. Bibby, who watched such swarms o\ er a period, has commented as follows: ‘The swarms have l)oth vortex- and smoke-like forms with fairly rapid alteration, and are far too detise for a bird to fly through without collision. 1 ha\ e seen Swifts .Apus apm feeding near them (and probably on the same species of chironomid), passing within feet of. but ne\ er through, the dense swarms. I would mamtam that the birds know the s\%aims are potential prt\. but can take otilv the indi\ iduals at the edge. No doubt the swarm gives .some protection to the indi\ iduals in it, but the edge ones are certainly not immune from bird attack. I have looked liir, but not seen, any less agile aerial insecticores. such as Reed Warbler Acrocephotus sarpaceus or Willow Warbler Phyllnscopus Irochitus. taking these insects. I should have thought the hazard-of-collision theory a more realistic explanation of why birds have diflicultv with these swarms than their a\ ersion to vortices per se. bos Effect of wind and salt in Shetland One minor point arises from Frank Hamilton’s review of the excellent book by Bern & Johnston. The \atural History oj Shetland {Brit. Birds 73: 433). Hamilton commented that the book noies'the fact that ‘the vegetation in the islands is affected by man's grazing animals and not by wind and salt’. While the first part of this phrase is true, the second, as a generalisation, is not, and it was not put that \\a\ b\ R. J. 538 Letters Berry and J. L. Johnston. In any event, for example, wind exposure is considerable throughout the islands and in some locations, such as Ronas Hill, is a crucial factor in the composition and form of the vegetated/non- vegetated ground-cover pattern (see appropriate chapters in The Natural Environment oj Shetland edited by R. Goodier, Edinburgh 1974). This environmental factor is of sufficient importance to be likely to be relevant to the bird populations in many areas of Shetland. D. F. Ball 6 Lon-y-FJrwd, Eithinog, Bangor, Gwynedd Frank Hamilton has replied as follows: 'In a short re\iew one has to generalise, but nevertheless there are many references in the book to the elfect that 5,000 years of grazing and burning has had on the Shetland en\ ironment. Ob\ iously, exposed areas are se\ erely aflected by the climate, but if stock was remo\ ed or greatly restricted the elTect on much of Shetland would be dramatic.’ Eds Judgment of structure and proportion in the field Descriptions of shape, structure and proportions of a given bird so often differ quite markedly between observers that it must be concluded that such judgments in the field present greater problems than do assessments of pattern and perhaps even colour. Such anomalies as the recent descriptions of two American Kestrels Ealco sparverius {Brit. Birds 74: 199-203, 227) — one asserting that it was shorter-winged than Kestrel F. tinnunculus, the other that it was longer-winged — prompted another look at this problem which has interested me for years (right back to my earliest serious birdwatching, in fact, when I decided that all the books were wrong and that the wingtip of the Great Skua Stercorarius skua is pointed, not round). Problems arise in three interrelated fields. First, the simple difficulty of accurate assessment, especially on a moving bird. Secondly, difficulties of description and semantics, particularly when comparisons are implied and not explicit: the bill of a Redshank Tringa totanus can be described as long (for a bird) or short (for a wader) , whereas a ‘long’ or ‘short’ bill on a dowitcher Limnodromus has different implications altogether. Thirdly, the difficulties of obtaining an objective view without recourse to preconceived ideas and textbook descriptions. I do not think that shortcomings in the capabilities of the human eye or brain are involved; after all, everyone can instantly recognise hundreds of individual people, using often somewhat indefinable variations in expression, posture and the like, though we may find it extremely difficult to say why. Perhaps it is a matter of difficulty in interpretation of what we perceive which creates problems in bird identification and description. Proportions, of course, are variable, because birds move, stretch, ruffle feathers and so on, and an average assessment has to be made from a whole range of impressions: D. I. M. Wallace has coined the apt phrase ‘multiple image’. Once this has been assessed, it has to be described, introducing the second major source of variance, especially once the mental assessment is put down on paper. Too often, descriptive material is loose and ambiguous; more tangible guidance is probably necessary. Bill length might, for instance, be compared with the distance between the base of the culmen and the eye, primary projection with the length of the exposed tertials, and so on, instead of vague descriptions. And there is always the problem, Letters 539 already referred to, of implied comparisons (a Skylark Alauda arvensis is big , a Little Tern Sterna albifrons ‘tiny’; a Mediterranean Gull Lams melanocephalus has a heavy bill’, a Common Gull L. canus a ‘slim bill’; but has a Little Tern got long wings or short wings?). Further, different people use different reference points. Objectivity is not easy to achieve, partly, perhaps, because of the need to submit acceptable records to committees (a submission of a large-headed Iceland Gull L. glaucoides, for instance, might not get very far). I have heard observers standing beside me describe an Iceland Gull as slim and small- headed when, to me, the bird looked large-headed and pigeon-chested; or Honey Buzzards Perms apivoms as narrow- and pointed-winged, when I considered that their wings looked broad and floppy. There are many differences which are valid (e.g. structure of smaller skuas Stercoranus, harriers Circus, falcons Falco), but they may not be easy to use. Behaviour, actions and plumage patterns are often more tangible distinctions in average field conditions. Photographs, or outline tracings of them, isolate shape from other features and show how difficult it is, using shape alone, to separate some groups or pairs of species. Too much reliance should not be placed on what one thinks one sees! I should like to thank P. J. Grant for helpful discussion of the points made above. R. A. Hume 56 Western IVay, Sandy, Bedfordshire Recent prosecutions Of the numerous incidents that have been reported to the RSPB investigations section, the following is a selection of those that resulted in prosecutions. Unless otherwise stated, the investigations and prosecu- tions were undertaken by the RSPB. Alphachloralose misuse The need for the RSPB’s current campaign against the illegal use of poison was recently demonstrated in Presteigne Magistrates’ Court. farmer and his employee, who appeared on separate dates, were both given absolute discharges after being found guilty of using alpha- chloralose to kill wild birds. Kidney tissues of a Buzzard Buteo huteo found dead on his land had contained 20 ppni of alphachloralose; the bird had also recei\ ed a severe blow to the rear of the skull. In an interview following this discoveiT, the farmer and his employee both claimed that they were unaware that it was illegal to put down alphachloralose as a poison for wild birds. Iliey did admit that, during the lambing sea.son, alphat hloralose powder had been placed in the carcases ol dead lambs, in particular around the eyes, in order to poison crows (Corvidae). I'he regional pest olTicer's ad\ ice on cro\% control had not been sought. .Alphachloralose can be used legally without a licence only for the control of rats and mice indoors, but it is readily obtainable from se\eral outlets. It may also be used, under a strict licensing system, to control ‘pest’ species of birds. These licences are issued by the .Ministry of .Agriculture, Fisheries & Fotxl or the Department of .Agriculture for Scotland. For further infor- mation see Silent Death: the destruction oj birds and mammals through the deliberate misuse of poisons in Britain (RSPB, 1980). Taxidermist fined I he destruction of birds of prev is an old problem, but the activities of a few unscrupulous taxidermists are often ONcrlooked. Following thedisco\er\ of a taxi- dermist's price list that included se\eral 540 Recent prosecutions Schedule 1 species, a Durham man appeared at Consett Magistrates’ Court in April 1981. He pleaded guilty to having in his possession for sale the skins of two Peregrines Falco peregrinus and two Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus. For this offence, he was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment, which was sus- pended for one year. He also pleaded guilty to having in his possession for sale the skin of a Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, for which he was fined £25, and for selling the skin of a Buzzard Buteo buteo, for which he received a further fine of £25. The RSPB was assisted in this case by the Wildfowl Trust which kindly made available its X-ray examination facili- ties. Detailed examination often reveals lead shot still present in poorly cleaned areas of skins, or shattered leg bones indicative of pole traps having been used. Pole trap I'he pole trap, illegal since the Wild Birds Protection Act of 1904, is still used with some degree of regularity. Although the purpose-made trap is no longer available, small ground-vermin traps pro- vide a more than adequate substitute. At Leyburn Magistrates’ Court in North York- shire in February, a man was fined a total of £60 on two charges relating to setting a pole trap. As is usual, the trap was located next to a gamebird release-pen, in this instance one containing Red-legged Partridges Alectoris ruja. The accused allegedly set the trap for crows to offset the large losses he was suffer- ing. The release pen was situated, however, on a wet bog, enclosed by stone walls, in an area of open moorland! Stolen Golden Eagle fledges successfully The Protection of Birds Act 1954 makes pro- vision for the Government, through the Department of the Environment (in Scotland the Scottish Home & Health Department) to issue a number of licences each year for birds of prey to be taken from the wild for the purpose of falconry. Licences are usually available for most species, but in limited numbers. In January 1981, a Lincolnshire man who had a licence to take a Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos from Scotland in the previous year, pleaded not guilty at Inver- ness Sheriff’s Court to a charge of contra- vening the licence. The sheriff found him guilty and he was admonished. RSPB staff discovered that the bird had not been taken from the site stipulated on his licence, but had been acquired from elsewhere with the help of a local shepherd. The bird was confis- cated by the police and returned by RSPB staff to the nest from which it had been taken. It eventually fledged successfully after an absence from the nest of 18 days. The un- fledged young had been removed from the nest on 20th June and not replaced until 8th July, when the parents recommenced bringing in food. This case was prosecuted by the Procurator Fiscal’s office with assistance from the RSPB. Auk eggs stolen Egg-collecting is not a dying practice. Five youths from Liverpool, all aged from 15 to 20, appeared at Holyhead Magistrates’ Court charged jointly with taking the eggs of auks (Alcidae). They were discovered using ropes to descend the cliffs at South Stack, the RSPB reserve on Holyhead, Anglesey, and when searched were found to be in possession of eight eggs of Razorbills Alca lorda and Guillemots Uria aalge. Prison for man who stole Peregrines A case involving the illegal possession of nine recently taken Peregrines Falco peregrinus reached a conclusion in June 1981 when, at the Crown Court in Chelmsford, the defen- dant lost his appeal and was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of £1,500. This was the first time that a prison sentence had been given under the 1954 Protection of Birds Act. The defendant claimed that he had bred the birds, but was unable to produce an adult female. Before the case could be brought to court, the adult male that he did have died. A post-mortem examination showed that it had died from hardening of the arteries, probably caused by stress; more interestingly, however, exami- nation of the testes revealed no evidence of spermatogenesis, and neither did the semini- ferous tubules contain any mature sperma- tozoa. During June, when the bird died, the testes should have been active with large numbers of mature spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules. This examination strongly suggested that it had not bred during 1980, and the small size of the testes suggested that the bird had never produced spermatozoa. Any suspected contravention of wild bird legislation should be reported at once to the RSPB Species Protection Department, telephone Sandy (0767) 80551, which will advise and then liaise with the local police as Recent prosecutions 54 1 necessary. If you cannot contact the RSPB, then please contact the local police directly. The RSPB would, however, still welcome a full report as soon as possible. Graham Elliott, Investigations OJjicer, Species Protection Department, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI92DL Diary dates This list covers events taking place during January to December 1982. We welcome submission of details for coveringjuly 1982 tojune 1983. 8th- 10th January bto ringing and migra- tion CONFERENCE. Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire. Applications to BTO, Beech Grove, I ring, Hertfordshire HP23 5NR. 12th January British ornithologists' CLUB. Dr T. J. Sellers on ‘Are Bullfinches and fruit crops really incompatible?’ Central London. Non-members should write (enclos- ing SAE) at least two weeks before to Hon. Secretary, R. E. F. Peal, 2 Chestnut Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN 13 3AR. 30th January Closing date for entries for ‘Bird Photograph of the Year’. 12th- 14th February bto seabird conference. Llttoxeter. Applications to BTO. 19th-21st February bto spring confer- ence. ‘Birds in Winter’. Hayes Conference Centre. Applications to BTO. 2nd March boc. Professor Gordon H. Orians on ‘Mates and real estate in Black- bird social systems’. Central London. Information from Hon. Sec. 5th-7th March all-ireland conference on BIRD CONSERVATION. Jointly Organised by the Irish Wildbird Conservancy and the RSPB. Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo. Details from IWC, Southview, Church Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. 13th March rspb i.akeland members' da'\'. Full details from RSPB Conference Organ- iser, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL. 16th March- 18th May YOUNG ORNITHOLO- GISTS' CLUB MIGRATION PHONE-IN. Telephone Sandy (0767) 80.6,61. T'uesdays only, 6 p.m.- 7.30 p.m. Records from adults welcomed. 26th-28th March rspb members' weekend. University of York. Speakers include Jelfeiy Boswall and Ian Wallace. Full details from RSPB Conference Organiser. possible inclusion in the next list, 27th March BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION AGM. Edward Grey Institute of Field Orni- thology, Oxford. Lunch at Wolfson Hall. Afternoon excursion to Wytham Woods. Applications to Meetings Secretaiy, BOL , c/o Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW 1 4RY. 27th March bto regional conference. Norwich. Applications to BTO. 31st March Closing date for entries for ‘Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs’. 31st March CTosing date for entries for ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’. 4th May rspb/yoc annual sponsored bird- watch. 18th May boc. P. J. Conder on ‘Wetlands ol Sind’. C'.entral London. Information from Hon. Sec. 28th July- 16th August (provisional) SOCIETY OF WILDLIFE ARTISTS' ANNU.AL EXHIBITION. T he Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SWl. Open 10-6 Mon.-Fri.; 10-1 Sat. 28th September boc. Dr D. C. Houston on ‘\ ultures’. Central London. Information from Hon. Sec. 9th October rspb London day & agm. Cunard International Hotel. Hammersmith. Full details from RSPB Conference Organ- iser. 2nd November (provisional) bou autumn scientific meeting. Royal Entomological Society room (evening). Information from Meetings Secretaiy , BOL'. 3rd-5th December bto annual confer- ence & AGM. Hayes Conference Centre. Applications to BT'O. 3rd-5th December (provisional) n.ational EXHIBITION OF CAGE AND .WIARY BIRDS. Announcements Gift subscriptions Readers are reminded that special gift cards are available so that British Birds can be given as a present to a friend. You may obtain such gift subscriptions at the same rate as your own; the gift card will be sent separately, telling the recipient when to expect the first of the 12 issues. Send your name, his/her name and address and the appropriate cheque to: Gift Subscriptions, British Birds (Circulation), Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford .MK44 3NJ. J. C. Harrison’s ‘The Birds of Prey of the British Isles’ The normal price of this limited-edition book with 20 specially commissioned water- colour mounted plates is £450. David Evans, the author and publisher, has generously offered to donate one of the 275 signed copies to raise funds for British Birds. This copy, as bound in choice half morocco, is now for sale to BB readers. The highest offer over £250 received by 3 1st March 1982 will be accepted and the proceeds will be devoted wholly to British Birds. This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a high-value book, and, at the same time, to help BB. Offers (no money at this stage) should be sent to J. G. Harrison Book Offer, British Birds, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford .\1K44 3NJ. ‘Wings and Seasons’ by Gunnar Brusewitz This book of magnificently evocative bird and wildlife paintings (see review on page 549), just pub- lished by Groom Helm at £12.95, is now available, post free, from British Birds Book Offers, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford .\1K44 3NJ. Special offers Please consult the November issue (pages 453 and 497) for details of the books and recordings currently available through British Birds. Sponsored by Photo;iraph of thelfearj We are pleased to announce that this annual competition will again be sponsored by Matthew Gloag & Son Ltd, proprietors of ‘The Famous Cirouse’ scotch whisky. British Birds will be running the competition, and the rules will be the same as in previous years: Up to three colour transparencies, each taken during 1981, may he submitted hv each photographer. They will be judged tiot only on technical excellence, hut al.so on originality and scientific interest, and aesthetic appeal and artistic composition. Preference will be gi\en to photographs taken in Britain and Ireland, but those of species on the Ih itish and Irish list taken elsewhere are also eligible. ,\ brief account (not more than 200 words) should be eiu losed with each, giving the circumstances in which obtained, the method used, technical details (focal length of lens and make of camera and film), locality, date and photographer's name and address, transparencies will be returned only if accompanied by a suitable S.\K. 542 Announcements 543 We hope that the judging panel will comprise Dr R. J. Chandler, Eric Hosking, Michael W. Richards, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock and Don Smith. Past winners of this competition have been Michael C. Wilkes (1976), Peter Lowes (1977), Dr Edmund C. Fellowes (1978), Don Smith (1979) and Richard T. Mills ( 1980). Their prizes were presented at London Press Receptions by Sir Peter Scott, Mrs Joyce Grenfell, Bill Oddie, Jeffery Boswall and Humphrey Lyttelton. The 1981 award (cheque for £100 and engraved Red Grouse trophy) will be presented to the winning photo- grapher by a well-known personality at a similar ceremony in London. The runners-up will be welcome to attend the award presentation. The closing date for entries is 30th January 1982. Transparencies should be clearly marked ‘Bird Photograph of the Year’ and sent to the editorial office at Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford .\IK44 3NJ. Requests Winter Atlas 4’hc B4'0 and the Irish Wildbird Conservaney ha\ e launched a major i^roject, the Winter Atlas. Fieldwork starts in mid November and eontinues until the end of February in each ol the next three winters (in 1981/82, the precise dates are 14th November and 28th February). 4’he object is to produce a winter distribution map lor each species. Within each 10-km square, observers are asked to record not only the presence of every species obser\ ed, but also to provide counts. The final maps will show, in addition to the distribution, where each species is commoner and where scarcer. F'or most species, especially landbirds, detailed information on winter distribution is lackitifi; at present. For waterbirds, the main coticentrations ol many wildfowl and waders are known from the Wildfowl Counts, the Birds of F’.stuaries Finquir>- and the Irish Wetlands laiquin, . but, even lor these species, we do not know the complete distributions, and those of some wader species in particular are very poorly known. Special timed counts lasting at least one hour will be especially valuable, although casual records will also be incorporated. Help is needed from everyone, not just BIO and IWC. members. Records should be submitted on special forms and cards. Please write for full details (a 25 cm X 18 cm SAE would be appreciated) to your Regional Organiser, if you know his name and address, or to Dr Peter Lack, B4 O, Beech Grove, Fring, Hertfordshire HP23 5NR. Rhododendrons and wildlife Fo assist a research project, records of birds and mammals nesting in rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum, or using rhododendron for roosting or for cover, are required bv Ian D. Rotherham, Department of Botany, L ni\ ersity of Sheffield. VS’estern Bank, Sheffield SIO 21'N. News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett New NNRs Fhe Nature Conservancy- Council has announced the creation of two new National Nature Reserves. The Cots- wold Commons and Beechwtxxls NNR, covering some 300 ha, has been formed with three major additions to the former V\ ork- mans NNR: the complex includes some of the finest remaining beechwoods in the C.ots- wolds, with some individual trees as old as 300 years. Holton Heath NNR (over 100 ha), which has been established through the generosity of the Rank Organisation, w hich has granted the NCC a 999 year lease, covers an important area of southern heathland as well as useful pieces of w(x>dland, scrub, reedbed, saltmarsh and intertidal mud 544 News and comment adjoining Poole Harbour. Among the ‘special’ birds are Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, Woodlark Lullula arborea, Stonechat Saxicola torqmta and Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata] there are also nationally important populations of sand lizard Lacerta agilis and smooth snake Coronella austriaca. Well done Milton Keynes! Whatever you may think of ‘new towns’ in general and Milton Keynes in particular, you have to hand it to the Milton Keynes Development Corporation which, after many years of care- ful work, has established the Stony Stratford Wildlife Conservation Area: 22 ha with a public area and car-park and a reserve area with lagoons, islands, scrub and wet grass- land. The management of the reserve area has been entrusted to the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Natural- ists’ Trust (BBON'l ) and access details can be obtained from Mrs Sue Mayes, BBONl' Ltd, 122 Church Way, Iffley, Oxford 0X4 4EG (telephone 0865-775476). Serious conservation setback We note with regret that the Council of Ministers of the FTXi has deleted an earmarked £8 million from the 1982 budget of the European Environment Fund, which has been shelved for the time being. Whale 8c Seabird Cruise 1980 Fhe cruise of the mv Quattro Vend II around Irish and Scottish waters in the late summer of 1980, sponsored jointly by the Mammal Society and the Seabird Group, is thoroughly docu- mented in a 40-page typed report, illustrated with several maps and photographs of various whales. The editor is Dr P. G. H. Evans, from whom copies can be obtained (price £1.00) at Edward Grey Institute of Eield Ornithology, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford 0X1 3PS. European atlas and international census Fhe most recent conference organised by the International Bird Census Committee and the European Ornithological Atlas Commit- tee was held at Leon in Spain in September 1981. Following the resignation of Dr Soren Svensson (Sweden), the IBCX' elected Dr Jacciues Blondel (France) as its new President; the Secretary, Dr Ludwik Fomialojc (Poland), was re-elected, and Rob Fuller (UK) was elected as Joint Secretary (with responsibility for eastern and western Europe now split between the two joint secretaries). Fhe EOAC delegates present selected the finches in the genus Carduelis for the next set of provisional Continent-wide maps. I'he officers of the EOAC are cur- rently: Chairman Drj. T. R. Sharrock (UK), Joint Secretaries Professor Francisco Purroy (Spain) and Dr Karel Sfastny (Czechoslo- vakia), and Treasurer Dr Pierre Devillers (Belgium). "Fhe next bird census and bird atlas confer- ence, including the \TII meeting of the IBC!C and the V! meeting of the EOAC, will be held in September 1983 in England. Potential participants should write now for provisional details, to IBCCVEOAC, c/o BTO, Beech Grove, 1 ring, Hertfordshire HP23 5NR. Grafham birds The Birds of Grajham Water 2: 1976-1980 by Arnold Cooke updates the first issue and includes notes on both the drought of 1976 and the big freeze of 1979, as well as on winter wildfowl, breeding species and disturbance problems. There is also a check- list of species recorded since 1965 — which is, unfortunately, merely a list of names with no comments on status, etc. It is available, price £1, from the Bedfordshire and Huntingdon- shire Naturalists’ Trust (38 Mill Street, Bedford MK40 3HD). New county recorders for five areas Ron Birch, 8 Fhornaby Close, Saughall, CTester, has now taken over from J. C£ Peters as recorder for Clwyd (Flintshire). A. \V. Brown and L. M. Brown, 7 Trelawney 1 errace, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 ONB, have now taken over from R. . J. Smith as recorders for West Lothian, Midlothian and Forth islands (except Isle of May). Dr E. C. Fellowes, West Isle, Islesteps, Dumfries DG2 8ES, has now taken over from Derek Skilling as recorder for Dumfriesshire. Ivor McEean, Gwenfro, 13 Ty’n Rhos Estate, Caergeiliog, near Holyhead, Anglesey, Gwynedd, has now taken over from Dr P. J. Dare as recorder for (iwynedd (.Xnglesey, Ciaernarvonshire and Merionethshire). Richard G. Smith, 29 Marlborough Close, Llantwit Fardre, Mid Glamorgan CF'38 2NP, has now taken over from P. G. Lansdown as county recorder for South Glamorgan. Champagne winner British Birds was invited to run a mystery bird photograph competition at the BIO one-day conference held at Sheffield in late September. Only two entrants correctly identified all five photo- graphs: John Hornbuckle and Simon Roddis; the traditional bottle of champagne was, af ter a draw, won by John Flornbuckle. 545 News and comment Can you beat this? Some time has passed since we began this sporadic feature, but interest might be rekindled by a letter we have received from H. Harrestrup Andersen, Peder Jacobsen, Per Schlutter and Lars Norregaard Andersen of Denmark. In October 1976, at the southern tip of Sinai, near Ras Mohammed, they had the extra- ordinary experience of seeing a prey-carrying Hobby being chased by a Sooty Falcon, a Lanner and two Sakers! The naked truth Our never-ending search for all sorts of avian records has unearthed another gem, this time from the Game Fair, held this year at \\ elbeck. Did you know that this gathering includes the World Wood- pigeon Plucking Championships, and that the winner in 1981 plucked a bird in 48 seconds? The same man did it in 30 seconds in 1980, the second-fastest time ever. The all-time record is 23 seconds in 1971. Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those oj the editors o/ British Birds Recent reports K. Allsopp and R. A. Hume These are largely unchecked reports, not authenticated records the east, but unsettled westerly weather pre- dominated. From 18th, the Continental high pressure declined and a series of \ igorous depressions crossed the country, bringing periods of strong westerly winds and heavy rain. Passerines In addition to the records reported last month for the first few days of easterly weather in September, there was a further Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis at Hauxley ( Fyne & W ear) on 4th, a Greenish Warbler P. trochiloides at Wells (Norfolk) on 1st, and yet another River Warbler Locus- tella fluviatilis, this time on Great Saltee (Co. Wexford) on 5th. .\ few Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria were reported along the British east coast, with six at Wells on 1st; Icterine Dates in this report refer to September unless otherwise stated. During the first halfof the month, pressure remained high over the Continent, with the Atlantic depressions tracking to the north of the British Isles. For short periods, the weather was influenced by air moving from 546 Recent reports Warblers Hippolais icterina were present at Landguard Point ( Suffolk) on 5th and 9th; and there was a Serin Serinus serinus at Dungeness (Kent) on 8th. The numbers of commoner migrants were generally low in mo^ East Coast areas. I'he next influx started after 12th on the English south coast, with a Melodious Warbler H. polyglotta at Portland Bill (Dorset), and Aquatic Warblers Acrocephalus paludicola at I.odmoor (Dorset) and Dungeness on 20th. Tawny Pipits Anthus campestris were found at Colne Point (Essex) and at Dungeness on 13th, where another Barred Warbler arri\ed together with a Bluethroat Luscinia svecica. On the same day, a Bonelli’s Warbler Phyl- loscopus honelli was discovered at Landguard Point. On 17th, the action moved north to Pair Isle, when a slow-moving weather front opposing a light anticyclonic westerly air movement from Scandinavia grounded a Pallas’s Reed Bunting Emheriza pallasi and a Short-toed Lark Calandrella cinerea. I'he following days brought a Pallas’s Grass- hopper Warbler Locuslella cerlhiola on 21st, three Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inomatus and a Richard’s Pipit Anthus novae- seelandiae on 22nd, a Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola on 23rd, and a Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus on 30th. By this time, the southwest had become the centre of attention, the strong westerlies bringing a Yellow -billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus to St Mary’s (Scilly) on 23rd, Red- eyed Vireos Vireo olivaceus to Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork) on 24th, two to St Mary’s on 27th, another to Prawle Point (Devon) also on 27th and one to Hook Head (Co. Wexford) at about the same time. Also on 27th, a new recruit for the British List arrived on St Agnes (Scilly) in the shape of the long-awaited Magnolia Warbler Den- droica magnolia. A near miss, unfortunately, was a Purple Martin Progne subts sighted in the Western Approaches olfUshant (Erance) on 25th. The area was not without its eastern rarities either, with a Citrine Wagtail Motaalla cilreola on St Mary’s on 25th and a Booted Warbler on St Agnes on 28th. Earlier, on 24th, there were an estimated ten Icterine Warblers and three Red-breasted 547 Recent reports Flycatchers Ficedula pari’a in Scilly, and, on 26th, three Rose-coloured Starlings -SVi/rnuy roseus. I'he latter species had also been seen on Guernsey (Ghannel Islands) earlier in the month. Elsewhere, few rarities had been reported, but included two Richard’s Pipits at Gley (.Norlolk) on 26th, a Thrush Night- ingale Luscinia luscinia on Lundy (Devon) and a Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola near Tynemouth, both late in the month, d'he most spectacular concentrations of migrants reported were of Swallows Hinmdo rustica at Dungeness where 45, ()()() were estimated moving on 22nd, and 20,000 on 30th. Birds of prey On 13th, 15th and 23rd, Honey Buzzards Pernis apivorus were noted at Dungeness, probably displaced from the Gontinent, and Clornwall was again (avf)ured, with Red- footed Falcons P'alco vespertinus on the Lizard on 1 1 th and St Mary’s on 2nd October, and a Goshawk Accipiter genlilis on the Lizard on 19th. Wading birds Only moderate concentrations of European birds were reported and Dunlins Calidrts atpina were particularly scarce inland and sometimes outnumbered by Little Stints C. rninuta and Curlew Sandpipers C.Jermginea. \ few Dotterels Charadrius morinellus were reported, coinciding with the passerine dis- placements: four on Redhill Aerodrome (Surrey) on 29th .August, ten on 2nd at Porthgwarra (Cornwall) and one at Oxerstrand (Norfolk) oti 13th. .A Great Snipe Galliriago media on Lair Isle on 22nd was the only eastern rarity reported, western vagrants providing the most excitement. Blacktoft (Humberside) continued its purple patch when a Hudsonian Godwit Lmosa haernastica arrived during late September, staying long enough for many to observe it. Late .August records from Ireland were of a Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla at lacumshin (Co. Wexford) on 15th and a Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes at Bann Mouth (Co. Derry) on 24th. Early arrivals of Buff-breasted Sandpipers Tryngiles subruji- collis were given last month, additional reports of singles coming from Crowdy Re- servoir (Cornwall), the Isles of Scilly and, on 12th, from Perry Oaks (.Middlesex). Other early September records were of another Baird’s Sandpip>er Calidris bairdii at Crowdy Reservoir and two Wilson’s Phala- ropes Phalaropiis tricolor at Lodi of Kin- nordy (.Angus) on 13th. Ihc strong westerlies in late September brought another spate of reports. .More Wilson’s Phalaropes arrived, with singles at Land's End (C.ornwall), on St .Marx's, in Ciuernsex and at Frodsham (Cheshire), and additional Baird’s Sandpipers at Davidstoxv (Corn- wall) on 22nd and at .Marazion (Cornxxall) on 29th. Fhat faxoured county also held three Lesser Golden Plovers Plunalis dominica at Stithians Reserx oir from 23rd and a Lesser Yellowlegs at W adebridge from 27th. More xvidespread xvere Pectoral Sand- pipers Calidris melanotos: at Ciantlex 306. juvenile Cmrfew Sandpiper Calidnsjernigmea, Dyfed, September 1981 [Peter M. Hams) ft 548 Recent reports (Norfolk), Rutland Water (Leicestershire) and Dunstable (Bedfordshire), but most were in the far west, with four in Cornwall and four more on the Isles of Scilly from 20th onwards. Storm-blown Grey Phalaropes Phalaropus Julicanus numbered 200 at Bryher (Isles of Scilly ) on 23rd, and, later, 12 were found in Falmouth Bay (Cornwall), two in Guernsey on 29th, one at VValton-on-the- Naze (Essex) on 26th, and a couple inland in Oxfordshire. Late Red-necked Phalaropes P. lobatus were also seen, at King George Reservoir (Essex) and Titchwell (Norfolk), both on 27th, and at Pett Level (East Sussex) on 3rd October. Ducks and seabirds Single vagrant Nearctic ducks are now regular, but flocks, albeit small, are special. One of Blue-winged Teals Anas discors at St Ives (Cornwall) numbered hve by 3rd Octo- ber, after two arrived on 24th, and other flocks, of American Wigeons A. americana, were noted at Skewjack (Cornwall), four on 26th, and at Hayle (Cornwall), six on 26th increasing to nine by 4th October. Seabird records were rather sparse, but a Sooty Tern Sterna Juscata was claimed at Redcar (Cleve- land) on 12th and a Black-browed Alba- tross Dwmedea melanophris at St Ives on 25th. Inland, a Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucor- hoa w'as found at Staines (Surrey) on 12th. On 12th and 13th August, 2,000 Cory’s Shearwaters Calonectris diomedea were counted off Cape Clear Island, but shear- water movements in the North Sea area have not been notable. In the Channel, however, Dungeness reported a record 39 Sooty Shearwaters Pujfinus griseus on 26th. One Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus was seen at St Ives on 27th. Landguard Point Derek Moore has asked us to draw attention to the fact that Landguard Common and Point is a Suffolk Trust for Nature Conserva- tion nature reserve and not a ‘public open space’ as we noted incorrectly (Bril. Birds 74: 404). He also commented: ‘I am pleased to report that during the stay of the Lark Sparrow [Chondestes grammacus] behaviour of twitchers was exemplary.’ Latest news In first halfof November: American Bittern Botaurus lenliginosus at Magor (Gwent); and — deja vu from September 1956? — Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa laliroslris on Holy Island (Northumberland). Reviews The Natural History of Britain and Ireland. Photographs by Heather Angel. Michael Joseph, London, 1981 . 256 pages; 350 colour photographs. £12.50. I'he bird-photographs — in most of which the bird is small and almost an insignificant part of the picture, with the emphasis on the surroundings — are perhaps the least exciting part of this marvellous book. Most of the photographs, which cover many of Britain’s famous natural sites, were taken by Heather Angel on specially commissioned trips during a year of photo- Reviews 549 graphy in Britain and Ireland. The 350 selected photographs provide a wonderful series of glimpses, through which it is a delight to browse; there are those places which one has \ isited and which bring back happy memories; there are those places of which one has heard and which Heather Angel now makes seem even more enticing. Insects, flowers, mammals, views, geological formations — the range is wide, every page is full of interest and the selection is both aesthetically and intellectually pleasing. Design and presentation match the photographs: the whole book has clearly been given a great deal of careful thought. 1 he texts within the eight sections (‘Coastlands and islands’ by Heather Angel, ‘Freshwater wetlands’ by M. A. Ogilvie, ‘Lowland, grasslands and heaths’ by Eric Durtey, ‘Uplands’ bv John Miles, ‘Woodlands and hedgerows’ by Eric Simms, and ‘Towns and suburbs’ by W. G. 1 eagle) include very little new information and are unlikely to be used for reference by British Birds readers. 1 hey are, however, a perfect complement to the photographs, which is, after all, their purpose. Good word-pictures are painted of the categories of habitat, and they make interesting as well as informative reading. A reviewer’s task is a real pleasure when such a book comes to hand; hopefully, many thousands of readers will similarly be delighted by the tour of the British Isles and its natural history provided by Heather Angel’s inspired masterpieces. If you are British or Irish, this book should be enough to persuade you never to emigrate! It is not essential for reference; but it will give you a lot of pleasure. Have a look at a copy: 1 shall be surprised ifyou do not decide to buy it. ]. r. R. Sh.arrock Wings and Seasons. By Gunnar Bnisewitz. Groom Helm, London; and VVahlstrom & Widstrand, Stockholm, 1981. 1 19 pages; colour illustrations on most pages; some black-and-white illustrations. £12.95. Even ifyou usually buy books only if they are essential for reference, make an exception with this one. Fhe Swedish artist Gunnar Brusewitz has, with his superbly evocative paintings and drawings, captured the birds, the wildlife and the atmosphere of the landscape of northern Europe. Each page has had me so enthralled that 1 have returned again and again to this magnificent book. Opinions ol an artist’s work are personal. I have great admiration for the work ot the late Eric Ennion and for that of Larsjonsson, both of whom manage not only to illustrate the bird accurately, but also produce a feeling of the circumstances ol the observation on which the painting is based. Gunnar Brusewitz has this same magic talent. This book is sheer delight. Picking one or tw'o of his illustrations to name as examples proved almost impossible; I found myself browsing right through the book and then turning back to the beginning again. C!ranes, Black-throated Divers, a Kingfisher and a totally identifiable Woodcock the size of a match head, a badger walking through the snow, a swimming grass snake, and the displays ofGreat Snipe: these and many more images are brought to life stunningly. The text complements the illustrations. I have praised this book highly. But it deserves it. Gunnar Brusewitz's beautiful, evocative and delightful illustrations have given me enormous pleasure. 1 cannot recall a book that I have enjoyed more in the past ten years ... if ever! j. 1 . R. ,Sh.\rroc.k Wildlife 8c Nature Photography. By Michael Freeman. Groom Helm, London, 1981. 224 pages; 150 colour photographs; over 3.50 black-and- white plates and drawings. £13.95. 3'his book succeeds at two levels — a quick glance is sufficient to show that it contains an attractive, world-wide selection of natural historv photographs (many with supporting photo- graphic details), but a more careful perusal is needed to appreciate that it is also a comprehen- sive introduction to natural historx photography. Nor will the bird-photographer be disap- pointed; though only a small portion of the book is nominally concerned with birds, many of the other topics discussed are relevant to bird-photography. .\nd, after all, there tan be \er\ few bird-photographers who do not photograph other natural history subjects from time to time, and who will find interest in the other sections of the btxik. 550 Reviews After an introduction and discussion of photographic equipment, the remainder ol the book is divided into fi\e sections. I’he hrst, ‘Basic heldwork’, deals with stalking, the use of long-focus lenses, working from vehicles, birds in flight, the use of hides, and remote control and close-up techniques. Under ‘The environment’ are discussed such topics as landscape, while the third section, ‘Special locations’, discusses the problems of photography and care of equipment in such different environments as polar regions, deserts, rainforest, underwater, underground, and photography from the air. ‘Studio photography’ discusses vivaria, aquaria, zoo-photography, photomicrography, and so forth. The final section, a ‘Gazetteer’, lists some ol the better known locations on a world scale — many are national parks — where there are good opportunities for natural history photography. \\ ith such a broad canvas, many topics cannot be covered in great depth; thus, the book is best regarded as an introduction to natural history photography. As such, it can be warmly recommended. R. J. C:handler Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1982. Edited by John E. Pemberton. Buckingham Press, Maids Moreton, 1981. 320 pages. £5.95. When rex'iewing the original, 1981 edition of this book {Brit. Birds 73: 603-604), I concluded that it was a ‘must’ for every birdwatcher: certainly, my own copy has proved invaluable to me in many ways. But what of the 1982 edition? Cian I recommend this too, bearing in mind that perhaps 50% of its contents are the same as last time? Is it worth almost £6 for the new information it contains? .My answer has to be a slightly qualified ‘yes’. The ten new feature articles would not make me buy this book, even though they are all interesting and, in the case of those dealing with rarity records, 10km squares and county bird recording, useful for reference. For me, the comprehensive reference sections (250 of the 320 pages) are the meat of the book. Fhey have been thoroughly revised, are as up-to-date as we can reasonably expect and include six entirely new sections: ‘Articles in bird reports’; a map of sea areas; ‘Bird ringing’; ‘Bird care and hospitals’; a list of international and foreign organisations; and an Irish rarity list to comple- ment the new (updated to May 1981) British and Irish reference list. Once again, 1 think that the Yearbook will prove to be a constantly used source of information. I am, however, looking at it from the point of view of someone who works full-time in birds: I find it hard to assess whether every part-time birder will really need the 1982 edition, or whether, in all honesty, he would not be better to renew his copy, say, every two years. Of one thing, however, I am certain: if you didn’t buy the 1981 version, you should certainly invest in this one. .Mike Everett Tbe Birdwatcher’s Dictionary. By Peter Weaver. T. & A. D. Poyser, Calton, 1981. 155 pages; some line-drawings. £5.00. Several books have appeared in recent years that aim to provide the birdwatcher with explanations and definitions of key ornithological terms and words. Peter Weaver’s The Birdwatcher's Dictionary is the latest of these. But is it the best? Another recent addition to this field is The Birdwatcher's A-Z by Alan Richards (reviewed in Brit. Birds 74: 409-410), which makes lavish use of excellent photographs to illustrate the text, and has been selected by British Birds as its ‘Best Bird Bcxrk of the Year’. At £5.00, however, The Birdwatcher's Dictionary is only one-third of the price of The A-Z, this economy being achieved by making no use at all of photographs. The Dictionary defines many of the words and terms found in The A-Z and, indeed, co\ ers a few more. It makes a feature of several of the slang expressions used with easy familiarity by ‘birders’, elucidating such mysteries as ‘Sibes’ and ‘dipping-out’ (although the range of such terms covered is not nearly so extensive as those used in Bill Oddie's Little Black Bird Book\). Unfortunately, I got the impression that the need to keep the price down had been a paramount consideration and the author had been forced to give cut-price definitions. ‘Ringtail’, for example, is defined as ‘.'\ female Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus or a female Montagu’s Harrier C. pygargus.' Surely room could have been found to explain that it also refers to immatures of these species? ( It is only lair to mention that The A-Z does not mention ‘Ringtail’ at all!) Reviews 551 V\ ithin the text, there are a great many cases of cross-referral to alternati\e or more precise terms, against which the definition or explanation may be found. This happens so frequently, however, that it becomes irritating after a few minutes’ browsing. V\ ithin The Dictionary there are some crisp pen-and-ink drawings bv Michael Hodgson, which compare most favourably with those by Rob Hume in the larger d-Z. 1 was particularlv impressed by Michael Hodgson’s illustrations of a Little Ow'l’s head (to demonstrate the nictitating membrane) and a Peregrine’s head (to show the cere), but in neither case is the feature being referred to made clear by means of a line, arrow’ or label. There is, however, a useful labelled diagram of the top>ography of a generalised bird, using many, but not all, of the terms shown in the definitive diagrams published recently in BrUish Birds (74: 239-242). Unfortunately, the labels have been omitted from lines pointing to the moustachial stripe and the ear-coverts, although both are clearly defined elsewhere in the book. There is also an interesting diagram of the ‘general skeleton of a typical bird’, but some explanation that it was cut away to show only half of the skeleton should have been given. The Birdwatcher's Dictionary provides the newcomer to birdwatching with an introduction to many of the ornithological terms that he may not have encountered before. But he gets what he pays for, and the more affluent birdwatcher may opt for TheA-Z. Both will get value for mone\ . D.'Wid Li.c:omf. Short reviews Animals at Home. By Althea. (Dinosaur Publications, 1981. Hardback, £ 1 .85; paper- back, 7()p) d'en British mammals and a toad. Simply illustrated and described for the three- to six-year-old. Leaves from Trees. By Althea. (Dinosaur Publications, 1981. Hardback, £1.85; paperback, 7()p) Eleven deciduous species described in big print for little children. A Second Chance: the story of the New Quay Bird Hospital. By Alan Bryant. (Dent, 1981. £7.95) Story of attempts — some successful, some unsuccess- ful— to rehabilitate ill, injured or orphaned animals, such as Moses the seal, Wendy the swan, and Biggies the buzzard. Animal Migration. By Federica Colombo. (Burke Books, 1981. £4.95) English version of 1979 book Les Animaux et leurs Migrations. Short, popular texts and lots of colour photographs (some misidentified in their captions). Birds — their Latin names explained. By A. F. Gotch. (Blandibrd Press, 1981. £10.95) Since many of the scientific names of animals and plants are derived from the Creek, the title of this book perpetuates a common error. Roughly one-fifth of the world's birds are included, with usually alx)ut four or five lines devoted to each. ,\s well as information relevant to the title, range, diet, size and other apparently randomly chosen snippets are included. I his book would ha\ e been lar more useful if it had been comprchensi\ e and the author had restricted the text to the main subject. To take just one example, only two species of Phylloscopus warbler are included (Chilfchaff and Wood Warbler). This incompleteness makes the book a most frus- trating reference source, but it does never- theless provide interesting browsing. All the Birds of the Air; the names, lore and literature of British Birds. By Francesca Greenoak. (Penguin Books, 1981. Paper- back, £3.95) Prex'iously re\ieucd {Brit. Birds 72: 495); now in paperbac k. The Integrated Study of Bird Populations. Edited by H. Klomp and J. W. Woldendorp. (North- Hollancl Publishing Company, 1981. Paper- back, $4 1 .50; DEI .85.00) The proceedings of a symposium held at Wageningen in the Netherlands during 17th-23rd September 1979. Ellis was a most successful symposium and the published texts of the papers will be needed by researchers in this field. Der Buchfink. By Peter Kragenow. (Die Neue Brehm-Biicherei 527, Ziemsen \ erlag, 1981. DM10.30) .\notherin this useful series of monographs, this one covering the Chaf- finch Fringilla coelebs. The Birds of Sable Island, Nova Scotia. By Ian A. McLaren. (Nova Scotia Institute of .Science, 1981. $1 .50) Sable Island is a sand-bar in the North .Atlantic, lying 150 km from the nearest land. In its list of vagrants, it resembles that other famous isolated island, Eair Isle. This report consists largely of a systematic list of the island's species, together with black-and- white photographs of 17 of them. Migration students can obtain copies from the NS Institute of Science, Macdonald Science Eibrarv. Dalhousie University, Halifax. NS, Canada B3H 4J3. Flight Identification of European Raptors. 3rd edition. By R. F. 552 Short reviews Porter, Ian Willis, Bent Pors Nielsen & S. Christensen. (T. & A. D. Poyser, 1981. £9.60) Every European birdwatcher should have a copy of this title available for reference. If most of your birdwatching is carried out in Britain and Ireland and you already own the first or second edition, then it would be difficult to justify spending nearly £10 on this third edition. If, however, you regularly make a trip abroad, you can hardly afford not to have the up-to-date \ersion of this raptor-watcher’s bible: the texts ha\e been revised, many drawings have been amended and some added, and there are 70 new photographs. I hope that the authors are busy working on this book’s successor. Flight Identification oj West Palearctic Raptors. Water- side Birds. By Alan Richards. (Adam & Charles Black, 1981. £2.95) Seventeen species illustrated by photographs, with short texts suitable for the five- to ten-year- old. Animal Communication. By Paul Schanenberg. (Burke Books, 1981. £4.95) English translation of the 1972 book Les Animaux et leur Langage: a popular account, illustrated with many colour photographs. British Birds. The Reverend F. O. Morris. A selection from the original work. Edited by Tony Soper. (Webb & Bower, 1981. £20.00) Morris was the hrst populariser of birds; with an original print run of 1,000 copies, 24-page booklets, each covering four species, were produced regu- larly each month for the se\en years from June 1850, at a price of one shilling per copy. Full of errors and hearsay, and frowned on by the ornithological establishment of the time, this — the hrst bird part-work — did much to popularise ornithology and, like Morris himself, contributed considerably to the attitudes which led to the formation of the RSPB. Today’s birders will have no use for this book; those interested in the history of ornithology and the attitudes of the past w'ill. Swallows. By Peter Tate. (Witherby, 1981. £5.95) This small (96-page) book is delight- fully illustrated with two coloured paintings and a score of black-and-white drawings by Alan Harris. The text is well written and, as the author says, ‘is intended for all those who see and admire swallows and wish to know more about them, even though they may not be in any way serious ornithologists.’ Ne\ er- theless, many ornithologists will find facts about the Swallow which are new to them: did you know, for instance, that Swallows formerly figured in the preparation of certain medicines? One horrific recipe instructed the preparer to: ‘Take forty or fifty swallows when they are ready to fly, bruise them to pieces in a mortar, feathers and all together, you should put them alive in the mortar.’ A nicely produced book, in a rather different style from the usual scientific monograph. Birds at Risk: a comprehensive world- survey of threatened species. By Ralph Whitlock. (Moonraker Press, 1981. £10.95) Recommended by the World Wildlife Fund. Extinct and threatened species (the latter defined rather broadly) are surveyed by regions. Authors and publishers of books on this subject need to tread a careful path to avoid criticism that they have produced either a worthless, glossy, colTee-table book or a dry, uninteresting catalogue. This one has strayed slightly of!' the path, with rather too much padding in the text (too many species dealt with, rather than too much written about the important ones) and rather fewer illustrations than might be expected by a potential purchaser of a book at this popular level. JTRS Corrections Volume 74 Pages 200 Caption to fig. 1 should read ‘May 1976’ not ‘June 1976’. 260 ‘Phalacrocorax car/)o’ should read ‘ Phalacrocorax aristolelis’. 350 Herring Gull with characters of Mediterranean race in Kent. Line 2 of small print should read 'argenteus in having bright orange-yellow legs’. Line 9 of small print; insert bracket before ‘pink-legged’. 417 We apologise to I). I. M. Wallace and Dr W. R. P. Bourne for the printing and proof- reading lapses which resulted in their paper appearing as ‘Seabird movements along the east coast of England’ rather than as ‘Seabird movements along the east coast of Britain’, which was the title used by the authors in their typescript. Christmas puzzles As some light-hearted fun for the holiday period, we offer our readers these two puzzles. The first can be solved by pure logic; the second demands some ornithological knowledge and a bit of devious deduction. Raptor reasoning Of my three companions, one always told the truth, one always told lies, and the third one alternated. ‘Was that a Buzzard, a Kestrel or a Sparrowhawk?’ I asked the three observers, all of whom had seen the raptor more clearly than I had. I didn’t catch what one of them said, but the other two answers were; ‘It was a Sparrowhawk. It really was. ’ and ‘It wasn ’t a Kestrel. That is not a lie. ’ Which species had I glimpsed? Where there’s a Will Great-grandfather was an eccentric ornithologist. He hid his will some- where in his mansion, but the only clues he left for his heirs were a few cryptic numbers and some doggerel. Can you discover the hiding place? Ciranite perhaps, a friendly talk, On top of the gorse, seen during a walk. Policeman in ship approaching low turn. Vagrant with ears has a whistle we learn. Name that shows that the plumage is pied. Nests in a burrow and floats on the tide. For a start could precede frog, fighter or whip, Takes off the buds with many a nip. Rarer than Bonxie along our shore wends, .A clue in the first line shows how it ends. Luscious naiads five and four, bar one. Svelte cicadas three and four, bar none. The sound of its whinny comes from the reeds. For ponds, lakes and meres are where it breeds. It picks up its young and takes to flight. Its croak and a squeak may be heard in twilight. Judge’s adornment, a thing once to fear, A woodland songster we all love to hear. Exotic, though has been here for hundreds of years. With a squawk of surprise, o’er the brake it whirrs. On the bed of the sea it finds its food. For down on the bed its nest we denude. (;>nce thought to come from where the sea laps, Winters with us — and makes puppy-like yaps. Rare warbler with bill long and wide. Lacks yellow beneath, and in bushes may hide. Expanded northwards, then nested here, .A rinse of some sort — really small beer. Fourteen birds and 28 numbers. Now find my will — but don’t disturb my slumbers! Entries will be held until 15th January- 1982; the sender of the first correct entry drawn on that date will receive a copy Birdwatching in the Seventies, A Notebook oj Birds 1907-80 or Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1982 (please indicate your choice on your entry as well as gi\'ing your name and address). Send answers on a postcard please, to Christmas Puzzles, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 2 3 5 6 9 10 2 3 5 64 5 1 24 5 45 12 Vll Spring 1982 Birdquests ISRAEL See for yourself why Israel is now the most sought-alter spring birdwatching destination in the Western Palearctic. Our leaders’ experience of this superb country is quite unrivalled and we can show you the local specialities and many other birds at the best time of year. Israel is also an excellent place for bird photography. Departures 22 March & 5 April. 15 days, £665. FLORIDA V'isit the magnificent Everglades, the beautiful Florida Keys and other exciting areas at the height of northbound migration. Sub-tropical specialities such as Anhingas, Limpkins and Everglade Kites are mixed with impressive concentrations of migrants, many of which are occasional stragglers to Europe. Large numbers of very approachable birds make this a splendid trip for bird photography. Departure 4 April. 15 days, £660. MOROCCO Experience the best of North African birdwatching amidst the spectacular scenery of the Sahara and the Atlas. A classic itinerary to the prime areas for local specialities at an excellent time for spring migration. Morocco is undeveloped and ‘dilferent’, appealing to anyone with a love of travelling. Another good choice for photographers. Departure 24 April. 15 days, £655. THE CAMARGUE A perfect spring setting for a first birdwatching holiday overseas or a return to one of Europe’s greatest ornithological Meccas. This beautiful region’s well-deserved reputation owes much to a diverse range of environments, including lagoons, marshes, stony wastes and jagged limestone hills, that brings together in a small area such species as Greater Flamingo and Little Bustard, or Bonelli’s Eagle and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. Departure 18 May. 10 days, £425. LAKE NEUSIEDL I .ate spring is the optimum time for a visit to Neusiedl with its eastern specialities and other fine birds. I’his attractive area of wetlands, steppe, forests and Alpine peaks rivals the Camargue in ornithological appeal and yet is quite different in character with its W’hite Storks and Great White Egrets, Lesser Spotted Eagles and Great Bustards, or Syrian Woodpeckers and River Warblers. Departure 29 May. 10 days, £410. Other 1982 Birdquests include: THAILAND (£990), INDIA (£880), INDIA Sc NEPAL (£1,085), SRI LANKA (CEYLON) (£870), KENYA (£1,095), KENYA Sc RWANDA (£1,195), TEXAS (£695), PERU (£1,190), LAPLAND (£795), THE BOSPHORUS (£460). SIBERIA (£650), SIBERIA, CENTRAL ASIA Sc THE CAUCASUS (£950) For our brochure please contact: BIRDQUEST Ltd., 8 Albert Road East, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 9AL. Tel: 061-928 5945. Birdquest Ltd. are agents for C.S.R. Travel (Manchester) Ltd., 1 Clarence Street, Manchester M2 4DE. ABTA ATOL 1190B lATA. uijr.jM viii The Birdwatcher’s Logbook A single volume for your whole year’s records. All species on the British and Irish List included with columns for recording monthly observations, two holidays, an annual list and life list plus first and last dates of migrants and 184 pages for a daily diary. 208 pages in attractive hard binding 21.5 X 13.()cms. An ideal gift for every birdw'atcher. Price £4.95 inc. VA'I' and postage and packing. From; Coxton Publications, 23 West Hill R(l, Fox ton, Cambridge CB2 6SZ. (BB5()I) ^\irujJLJird ^ou ours P O Box 1 96 Planetarium Station New YORK. NY 1 0024 USA (212) 866-7923 The Asia Specialists f // 1982 Birding Tours / HIMALAYAS Nepal/Darjeeling 2 April- 1 May Kashmir 2-9 May Both tours led by BEN KING. Asia's foremost field birder, author of A Field Guide to the Birds of Soufh-Eo.st Asia. Write for itinerarx . (BB.fOb) ORNITHOLOGY IN TURKEY Backed by an organisation with years of experience in specialist holidays in Turkey. So planned that your time can be fully devoted to observation. An opportunity to birdwatch some of the most exciting areas, with the widest range of species! 1 . Birecik and Sultan Marshes 1 5.5.82-29.5.82 Amanus Mountains: observation White-throated Robin, passage raptors; camp site at River Euphrates near Birecik: Bald Ibis colony, many south-eastern species; 2 days in eastern Taurus mountains, then camp at Sultan Marshes near Kayseri: Flamingo and White Pelican colonies, White-hd. Duck; much more! 2. Birecik and Lake Van 29.5.82-13.6.82 After a day at Birecik. camp at Bendimali Delta. Lake Van. This enormous lake near the Iranian border, with its many river deltas and marshes, holds a very broad range of breeding and passage birds — plus the chance of "overshoots from Asia Both tours can be combined at a considerable saving. Also of very great interest to botanists! Turkish-speaking direction . Leader Chris Husband. Full details and bookings: Mike Read, Claremont, Redwood Close. Ringwood, Hants BH24 1PR (BB515) Plas Tan Y Bwich Snowdonia National Park Study Centre SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK STUDY CENTRE BIRD WEEKENDS 1 1 th-1 5th December, 1 981 8th-1 2th January, 1 982 5th-8th March, 1982 2nd-5th April, 1982 22nd-25th April, 1982 also EASTER BIRDS 12th-16th April, 1982 An opportunity to see overwintering birds and early migrants in North Wales, and including a course on bird ringing. Send for full details to: PO Box 1(BB), Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd LL41 3YU. Tel: (076 685) 324 IX British Birds Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be PREPAID £3.60 for 3 lines (minimum) £1.20 for each whole or part extra line. Classified display £5.00 a centimetre (min. 2 centimetres) tor the use of a box number there is a charge oj £1.00 Replies to: The .-1 D I ER TISEMENT MA NA GER British Birds, .Macmillan Journals Ltd., 4 Little Essex Street, London IVC2R 3LE HO LI DA Y A CCOMMODA TION WAVENEY VALLEY, BUNGAY, on the Norlolk Snllolk border b\ the beantiihl Ri\er Wavene\. SeU'-eaiering, eenlralK healed, (i\e- Ijerth waterside chalet. hilK ec|tiipped liar winter and Slimmer. Central lor all .N’orfolk and Snlliilk rcser\es. l’ri\ate water Ironlage. garden, lishing and rowboat. .Special 'winter break' weekend and parlweek lettings, lllnslrated broeluire; ,\Irs Jerim. 'Ri\erside', Ihe Siaithe. Bungay .NRS.a IKC. I'el: (d, lulb ecpiipped. Sell- eaiering. available throughout the year. Well [daeed lor HoK Island and Larne Islands, ( ihe\ iol Mills and many places ol natural beauty . S.\K to Mrs !’. loster. (ioxons. Craster .South l arm. .\lnwii k. .Northumberland, l ei: (0()b (>1(1 or telephone Ol-bSB BSdb. (BHI,a4) LOCH KEN/RIVER DEE .Marshes. 1 idly ser\ieed luxury b-berth eara\ans lijr hire with colour IV. Bitches for louring eara\ans. motor \ans and tents. Shop, showers, launderette on site. S.M’, t()r colour brochure, l.oeh Ken llolithu Centre. Barton. Castle Douglas. Dumfries and (ialloway. Bel: 0()4 47282. (BBI HI) NR HOLT. S .C. apartment, secluded modern liirmhonse. ,\djaeent woods, healhiand. 4 miles coast. Ideal birdw alt her's holiday. .Sleeps 2-1. no pets/small ( hildren. S.\B, with dales, etc. 1,1. Burrow l arm. High Kelling. Holt R2,’) liQl ' . (BB14.a) BETTYHILL HOTEL, Bettyhill, Sutherland. Old established family hotel in outstanding position overlooking the Naver Nature Reserve and the Bentland Firth. Paradise for bird- watchers. First class cuisine. Fullv licensed. Fel: Bettyhill (06412) 202. ' (BBIOI) NORFOLK, B&B. Friendly cottage in quiet hamlet. Home baking. Liz Beeslon, I'ravellers Cottage, Horningtoft, nr. Fakenham. Tittleshall 205. ‘ (BB42) ISLE OF TIREE. The Lodge Hotel, bird- watchers’ paradise island. Self-catering flats and full board available. Fully licensed. Further details: Lodge Hotel, Tiree. Fel: 08792 368. (BB46) PEMBROKESHIRE. 2 miles St David’s and sea, edge of Dowrog Nature Reserve, by a stream. Beautifully converted mill (sleeps 8), or detached barn (sleeps 4/6). Very comfortable with ch. SAB7: Cannon, Fhe White House, Puddington, South Wirral. Tel: 051-336 7393 (Eves) or 078 981 307. (BB106) KING’S ARMS HOTEL, Castle Douglas. AA*» RSACi, Egon Ronay and ,\shley Courtney recommended. 10% reduction for ornithologists. (BB404) TRANQUIL LAMBSQUAY HOTEL, Wye/ Dean Forest, Coleford. Clos. Bixcellent food and wine, 2 nights or more £15 pp, I), B&B. S/C flat let weekly. Tel: (0594) 33127. (BB405) WEST COAST, ARGYLL— Holiday cottage sleeps 4-5. Beach, wildlife, beautiful countryside. Woodland w'alks. House, sleeps 8, beside river. Tel: 0880 2635. (BBlll) NATIONAL TRUST VILLAGE on Exmoor. Self-catering holiday cottage and flats — centrally heated — near Porlock. Sea, Moors, W(kk1s and Marshes within walking distance. Malcolm and .Sheila Wright. Fhe Pack Horse. .MIerfond. Nr Minehcad, Tel: 0643 862475. (BBl 10) LAKE DISTRICT, Hawkshead. (ireenbank is situated in the heart of Lakeland. Ideal for walking, fell climbing, birdwatching, Ashing, sailing, etc. Comlitrlablc accommodation, B&B. evening -meal, HCi all rooms, CH throughout. Log Ares, warm friendly atmosphere with good home ctxtking. Sorry no pels. SAF,: Hart, (ireenbank, Hawkshead, .\mbleside, Cumbria. Bel: Hawkshead 497. (BBl 18) X Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 SOUTHWOLD AA** HOTEL. Ensuite bed- rooms, good food and wines. Ideal base for Minsmere and surrounding area. Open all year. Holiday house also available to let. Write or tel: Pier Avenue Hotel, Southwold. Tel: 722632. (BB120) ARGYLL, Oban 12m, Taynuilt Im. 9 self- catering flats in country house, own grounds, beautiful surroundings, secluded and quiet. 1 chalet, 1 caravan. SAE for brochure. Lonan House, Taynuilt, Argyll. Tel: 086 62 253. (BBl 19) BIRDWATCHING IN SCOTLAND. Iradi- tional stone cottages on west coast farm in dedicated .Nai-onal Trust beauty area. Abundant wildlife, naturalists’ paradise. To lei fortnightly. SAE: Whiteridge, Inverlael, Lochbroom, Ross- shire. (BB54) ‘WARM AND COMFORTABLE Highland farm accommodation with good ftx)d, good beds h&c. Lnge. C'.ol. TV. Substantial Dinner B&B £10. inc. (lots of animals), Mrs Swann, Ardgarry Farm, Faichem, Invergarry (080 93) 226. Inverness-shire. 8 miles south of Loch Ness. (BB344) NEAR RYE, EAST SUSSEX. Inexpensive bargain breaks, beautiful (ieorgian Country House Hotel. Flamingoes, migratorv and sea birds. I'el: 079 721 381. ' ’ (BB225) DUNSYRE, LANARKSHIRE. Attractive holi- day cottages on private estate sleeping 4 & 6. Warm, comfortable and \ery well equipped. \ ariety of wildlife, .\pply Lee it Carnwath Estates, Carnwath, Lanark. Tel: Carnwath (055584) 273. (BB244) CLEY — when visiting Ciley Marshes and Blakeney Point you are welcome to call at the George and Dragon Hotel. .Accommodation, bars and meals. Tariff upon application, write or tel: The (feorge it Dragon Hotel, Cley. Holt, Norfolk. I'el: C:iey (0263) 740652. (BB239) GALLOWAY. Excellent accommodation. Route A7I3 to Loch Ken. 4'hreave2 miles. B&B £5.75, dinner optiontil. .Mrs A. Gib.son, Craignair, 32 .Abercromby Road, Clastle Douglas DG7 IB.A. Tel: 05.56 21 12. ' (BB299) ISLE OF EIGG ‘The prettiest, liveliest island of all'- Scottish Field. Guest House, self-catering farmhouses, cot- tages. chalets and bothies with many holiday activities, sailing, fishing, ponies and expedi- tions to other remote islands. Breathtaking beauty, peace and adventure when you want it. For brochure write to: EIgg Holiday Book- ings, Maybank, Udny, ^lon, Abiardaan- ahW Tel: (065 13) 367. (BB503) WESTER-ROSS, Nr. Poolewc. .\ccominodation from £ 1 2.50 daib . Poolcwe 354 (044 58t)). (BBl 33) MID WALES. Wide choice of self- catering farmhouse, cottages, etc., throughout mid Wales. Brochure from: .Mid Wales Holiday, Newtown, Powys. Tel: 09745 320. (BB4) ISLES OF SCILLY — ST. MARY’S. Friendly atmosphere in a fainiK run Licensed Guest House overlooking the harbour. Open 1st February until the end of October. S.AE Ibr details or telephone Tony or Linda Dinglev 0720 ^^327. (BB393) KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE. High standard character cottages on beautiful private estate nearC.astle Douglas. .Abundant wildlife. Threave and Gaerlaverock nearby. S.AE CJavin Bain, .Munches, Ciastle Douglas D(;7 I PD. (BB396) ORKNEY. Our island hotel, ideal centre for ornithologists. Habitat, m(K)rland, shore, clilfs, within easy walking distance. Brochure from: Faversoe. Hotel, Rousay. Tel: 085 682 325. (BB401) BEAUTIFUL PEMBROKESHIRE COAST. Small hotel close to coastal path, clifl's and islands. Rich in birdlife, gtxxl food and wine. Relaxed friendly atmosphere. .All nxtms have central heating, private bath, colour television, tea maker. Grove Hotel, St Davids (0437) 720341 . (BBI26) LOCH KEN/RIVER DEE reseivation. 3-bed- room farm (ottage. .Spacious and \cr\ comfort- able. sleeps t). Maivellous birduatihing, lishing and walking area. S.\E: .Mrs P. Br\,son. Boreland of Pat ton. Gastle Douglas. Kirkcudbrightshire. I'el: 061-47 282 iBBIfl) OVERLOOKING LOUGH DERG. Half bungalow to let june. )ul\. late .\ugust. Sept. .Self-contained, sleeps 5/6. Boating asailable. K. 1). Johns. .Sedborough. Dromineet Nenagh. Go. l ipperatv . (BBl 46) NORTH CORNW.ALL. Grackingion Ha\en. F.\-rector\ guesthouse. PeacefulK secluded in four acres. ( .ompleteK unspoilt countiv side w ith breathtaking views, ilills and sea. Interesting sea. woodland birds, (itxtd liKtd, own garden (troduce. .Norton. St Gennvs House. .St Gennvs. Bude, Lei: .St Gennvs 384. (BBI.50) PEMBROKESHIRE NATIONAL PARK. lot) cottages and farmhouses bv the sea and in the peaicful countivside of the Prescii hills. Brochure: B. B. Howells. 9 Hamilton Street. Fishguard. Dvfed. l ei: 0348 872041). (BBl 32) XI Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 CHRISTMAS IN SUSSEX. N'isit Aniiulci \\ ildlowl I rust. 15l;u'k Mill House Hold, Hosrnor Regis. .Marine Cardens, sea — 2 mins, (iames room, eoeklail bar. lonnges (sep lA'). Knelosed garden. .\.\*. .\shle> Conrlenax Reed. I'rom pu . He's H Irom I'll). .Mini-breaks. ( )u n car park. I'd: (1)2 t:i) H2l>) l.'i. (15151 tH) FAIRWINDS, CARRBRIDGE, Inverness- shire, 'I'hree alpine chalets and 2 flats to let. ■Surrounded by woods and fields. Exeelleni area for birdwatching, including crested tits. S.\E: Dunlop. I'el: 240. (BB362) SCOTLAND, GALLOWAY. Ddighilul mod- ernised collages in grounds. Small eoimirx estiite, Slee|)s 1/0. I’nlK etpiipped. o|)en fires, central hciiling, colour I'N'. .Near Lodi Ken. ( )pen all year. I'd: DO 1 12 2I5L (15151:5!)) HOLIDAYS FOR BIRDWATCHERS with Dr Bruce Campbell and Ted Crilfiths based at the 1 alland Bay Hotel on the South Cornish Cioasl. Parties have identified over 1 10 species. Special Birds and flowers week in .May. Course dates and brochure irom Lalland Bay Hotel, -Nr. Looe, Cornwall. l elephone Polperro (0,303) 72667. (BB49) TITCHWELL, NORTH NORFOLK COAST. Overlooking RSPB Reserve. 'I’he Manor Hotel oilers comfortable accommodation and good food throughout the year. Fully licensed and catering particularly for needs of ornithologists and countryside enthusiasts. Special ‘Bird-Watchers’ weekends monthly from November to March, and 2- or 3-day breaks during the same period. Postal address: King's Lynn. .Norfolk PE31 8BB. Telephone: Brancaster (048 ,321) 221. (BB303) ISLE OF BUTE. Comliirtable bungalow oxer- looking sea. near.\scog. S.\F, for details: .Siewarl. 1,3 Oxliird Street, lidinburgh 8. (15151 1:5) SEAHOUSES. Nexx holidax t haleis. .\lso BdtB. \’erx comliirtable. Fames. Hoix Island. I'el: 0))(i3 7201 I'). (BBI:!b) CLEY .Attractive house in village, 4 bedrooms, large garden, garage. .Axailable all year. Details from .Mrs E. .Album, 47 Lyndale .Avenue, London NW2. Tel: 431 2942. (BBI 14) SOUTHWOLD AA** hotel, central heating en-suile bedrooms, good wines and food. Ideal base for .Minsmere and surrounding area. Write/phone: Pier .Avenue Hotel, Southwold 722632. (BB287) YORKSHIRE DALES, (iuesllionse in ideal birdwalcliin.g comilrx. S.\L liir broc Imre. .Mrs Biillerlield. Dale House. Kelllexxcll. .\. 3’orks. I'el: 07.3(i76 83l). (BBI 14) PEMBROKESHIRE, . liaracter collage, mod- ernised. electric eenlral healing. .Sleeps 3. .Naturalist's |)aradise. beautiful oiastal path. Cardill 732 1 12. (1515133) WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA. Cottage, sleeps (i. (:.H. )l33-)l73. (:lose llaiboiir. I Bi'll's (:iHiri. ( iastle Street. C iambridge. ( 1515 1 :59) COTTAGE BY THE SEA for your holidax. Well etpiipped. comfortable. .Marxcllous countrx and coastal xvalks. beat lies and bird xvatt hiiig. (ireeiiwood. Talland, Looe. Pol|)erro 722()3. (BB1.36) SEPARATE COTTAGES sleeping 6 and 1. Coniliirtabix etpiipped on estate near Lot li Ken. Details from Frocpiliain Estate ( )llice, Balmac- lellan. Castle Douglas. (BBI, 3,3) MID WALES. \S'ide choice of self-catering farm- houses, cottages, and flats throughout mid Wales. Brochure from: .Mid Wales Holidavs, Newtown, Powys. Tel: 09745 320. (BBL37) WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS SNOWDONIA AND LLEYN PENINSULA. Many species of birds visit here. Spend a xveek birdxvatehitig in one of our small, guided groups. Beginners especially welcome. S.AF, for details. John I'aylor, Bron-y-.Maen, North Rtiad, Caernarfon, (ixvynedd. I'el: 0286 2(>83. (BB.39) MID-WALES BIRD TOURS. See four dillerent birds ol prey in a day, winter or summer. For brochure S.AF, to: I'oby Hodd, Red Kite Wildlife Fours, Llangeitho, Dvied, SY2.3 6k,X; or lei: 097423 223. (BBIO.3) THE HEAR I OF ENGLAND Peaceful Country Cottages, Cotswolds, .Malvern Hills, Wye Valley, Shropshire, Warwickshire, .Mid Wales. Brochure 24p stamps C0 I"I .A(;E holidays (Dept BB) Blackmore End, Hanley Swan. Worcester WR8 OEE I'el: (068 43) 786 xii (BB16I) Classified Advertisements 01-240 1101 PROPER TY FOR SA LE FOR SA LE FAIRBURN, YORKS. Slone cottage, modern- ised, 2 bedrooms; overlooks RSPB reserve, 139 species on house bird list; £16.000. Tel; Steve Madge, Knottingley (0977) 84498. (BBI23) PROPERTY TO LET TO LET to ornithologist or naturalist. Five- bedroomed house in North Wales adjoining L.N.R. and S.S.S.I. Apply Box No. 368. (BBI30) BOOKS BOOKS ON BIRDS. .New and secondhand, catalogue 30p. Surplus bird books urgently sought. Open Thursday to Saturday, Bird Books ol'.Sevenoaks, House ol'Seal, Church Street, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent. Tel: .Sevenoaks 621.5.5. (BB35) FINE NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS bought and sold. R. Norman. The Book-Sc|iiirrel, Hart- on-the-Hill, Dalton I’iercev, Hartlepool, Cleve- land. ’ (BB89) OUT-OF-PRINT BIRD BOOKS bought and sold. Catalogue on request. Please oiler your surplus books to Jay Books, I Roull Crove, F.diuburgh. (BB34) THE BIRD BOOKSHOP (Scottish Ornitho- logists’Club) — We are leading specialists in new books covering all aspects o( ornithology and all parts of'the world; over 600 titles in stock; world- wide mail order serc ice; post free to .SOC mem- bers (except small ordersl; free 30 page booklist from The Bird Bookshop, .Scottish Ornithologists' Club, Dept. 1, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH 7 5B T; phone (031) 556 6042 (olhce hours only; Mon.-Tri, 9-1, 2-5). (BB138) BANNERMAN’S Birds ol British Isles, com- plete. Cood condition with jac kcts. £300. Scal(>rd 895173. (BBI.51) NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. Secondhand and new bought and sold. Catalogues: J. E. Oliver, Corner Cottage, Colkirk, Fakenham, Norfolk. Tel; Fakenham 2453. (BB131) PANDION BOOKS offer for sale hne and scarce bird and natural history biwks. .Send for latest catalogue: 81 Moorside Dale, Ripon, N. 5 orks HG4 2RY. (BB163) REPAIRS BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE REPAIRS. Fast efficient service on all makes and types by expert technicians at L&L Optical, .50 .Alston Road, Barnet, Herts. Fel: 01-441 09‘K). (BBI24) KEEP YOUR COPIES of British Birds for easy reference. It’s so easy and tidy with the Easibind binder to file your copies. Each binder is designed to hold 12 issues and is attractively bound and blocked with the British Birds’ logo. Price UK £3.65 including postage, [jacking and V.AT. Overseas orders add 25p. Easibind Ltd., 4 Ux- bridge Street, London W8 7SZ. Tel. 01-737 0686. (BB1050) WATERPROOF AND WARMWEAR, fabrics and patterns, all accessories. For prices, stamp) please: 'FOR(B). 5 Lvndon (move. Runcorn WA7.5PP. (BB27) HAWKINS. Walking Bts and Shoes, Camou- flage Waterproofs, Outdoor .Accessories, Re- duced Prices. B. I'irnson 3 Station Rd.. Filmesthorpe, Leicester. S.AE for Brochure. (BB104) C.ARL ZEISS. 8 X .5l> B( >.\ binn( ulai s w iih < asc and rainguard. .As nev\. immaculate, shall be son \ to pait with them but due to rccctit onset ol arthritis utiabic to use them tiou . £3IUo.ti.o. Box .N umbel 366. ( BB 1 3 t i NICKEL SUPRA TELESCOPE. Excellent coudiliou. hardK used. £'•.). Hoghlon (tl2.5l8.5l 38.52. H5BI371 ANIMALS/WILDLIFE A'ols 1-22 in easibind binders. .Mint condition. £1.50. lei: 0,502 723315. (BBI60) ZEISS WEST 10 X 40 BCA 'T' Coated Binoculars purchased September 81 . Barely used practically mint condition. Perfect. £275.(K). Tel: 01 -.527 7915. (BB162) BIRD REPORTS SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1980. £1 50 post free CiWO from SOC, 21 Regent Terrace. Fidinburgh FiH7 5B'r. F.arlier reports axailable. details on request. (BB102) WILTSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETA Hobb\ ■ 1981 ( Bii d Rc|)orl l()i 1980). £1.10 incl. p.|). From Mike Poinlon. .\1..\.C..\. Hostel. Cliarlollc Mews. ( )ld Town. Swindon. \\ illshire. B.iik i.ssucs l!»7l). 'll and '79. .50p each. 1980 £1.00. (BBI42) LANCS BIRD REPORT 1980. £1 t)5 ind post ). E. .\shworlh. i.it F\ldc Road. Maishsidc. Souih|)ori. .Mersex side PR9 9\ I . iBBI.)2- xiii WANTED BRITISH BIRDS and Bird Study wanted, any quantity, bound or unbound. Box No. BB1.5B. (BB158) A permanent bind PENPAL WE ARE TWO BOYS in Sweden, who are members ol a bird waleliinir elub. W e are soon 14 and 1,') \ears old and we would \ ery mueh like to write to other bos s in Great Britain about bird- watehiiiK. We are brotliers and live in Orebro. Our names and address are: I’er-Krie and .\ndrea.s Gullberg. Sandg. 12, 70217 Orebro. .Sweden. (BB13,i) PERSONAL PUT YOUR NAME ON THE MAP W'oitlcl yon like a woodland grove — or even a eompicte wood — dedicated as a perniancni tomniemoration of yoitr name or the name t)fa loved one? Please write lor details of the size of gift or legacy that makes this possible or for information about the Wtxxlland 1 rttst. (Reg. Charity No, 2b478l). The Woodland Trust, Ref. Westgate, Grantham, Lines NG31 6LL (BBI47) STOP PRESS It’s SO easy and tidy with the Easibindbindertofileyourcopies away. Each binder is designed to hold twelve issues and is attractively bound and blocked with the BRITISH BIRDS logo. Price UK £3.65 including postage, packing and VAT, overseas orders add 25p. Why not place your order now and send the completed coupon below with remittance to; BRITISH BIRDS Vols. .54-58 unbound; Sept 65 missing. What offers? Jones, Verdons, Sutton, Newport, Shropshire. (BB164) BIRD WATCHING HOLIDAYS TURKEY— MAY NORTHERN GREECE^UNE BOSPHORUS— SEPTEMBER Small groups — Fly Hotels — 2/3 weeks from £365 CHRIS SLADE 8 The Grange, Elmdon Park, Solihull, West Midlands Telephone: 021-742 5420 (BB165) BAMBURGH FLAT, Easter onwards. Centre of village. Fames, Cheviots, I.indisfarne. E. Wilson, Keswick Cott, Northumberland. Tel: 01 -.582 871.5. (BB166) EASIBIND LTD, 4 UXBRIDGE STREET, LONDON W8 7SZ. Tel: 01 -727 0686 Please allow 3-4 weeks for fulfilment of order. Nat. Giro No. 5157552 Uneasy with r Easibiiid lid .4 tJUxidge SUlx3)dan.W8 7SZ. — — — — — — — ^ Older Ibxm British Birds j I enclose PO/Cheque value for binders. Years required BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE Name Date Registration No. 307469 XIV Fur alle Vogelkundler und Vogelschutzer Omilhologi/clie millcilungeii 12 Hefte jahrlich OfflilholoQi/che fnilleilungen 77 Oifiilhologi/che fHilleilungen Ornithologische Mitteilungen: Seit uber 30 Jahren erscheint ORNITHOLOGISCHE MITTEILUN- GEN, begrundet und redigiert von Prof. Dr. Herbert Bruns, als einzige Monatszeitschrift fur Vogelkunde und Vogelschutz in der Bundesre- publik Deutschland. Nur „Ornithologische Mitteilun- gen” bietet monatlich aktuelle Information aus Vogelkunde und Vogelschutz. Aus dem Inhalt der letzten Hefte: Zur nistOkologischen Potenz der Kustenseeschwalbe im arkti- schen Brutgebiet. Populations- studien an Berliner Baumfalken. Erfolgreiche Ansiedlung von vier zoogebohrenen Uhus. Ei- und Nestdaten vom Schwarzhalstau- cher. Ornithologische Beobach- tungen auf dem Balkan. Beitrag zur Brutbiologie der Bekassine. Uferschwalbe als Beute des Sperbers. Bitte fordern Sie unverbindlich ein Probeexemplar an Kilda-Verlag • MiinsterstraBe 71 • D-4402 Graven British Birds Volume 74 Number 12 December 1981 503 Readers' likes and dislikes 504 Fifty years ago . . . 505 Identification of Semipalmated Sandpiper P.J. Grant 509 Hoarding of carrion by Carrion Crows Raymond Hewson 5 1 3 Warblers in mixed passerine flocks in summer S. R. I), da Prato 516 Personalities 27 Dr J. J. M. Flegg Chris Cox 517 Mystery photographs 60 Yellow Wagtail T. P. Inskipp Notes 519 Leach’s Petrel possibly feeding on worm Andrew H. J. Harrop 520 Nesting Kestrels tolerating excessive disturbance C. \ .hke 5'i I Feeding behav iour of wintering Sanderlings Bernard King 522 Territorial behax iourol' Little Stints on spring migration H 'illiam J. Sutherland and Dunian J. Brooks 523 Little Stint holding territory on autumn migration C. B. Callev 523 Field identification ofGreat Black-headed Gull IF. G. Harvey 524 (JIaucous (jull with unusually small bill John j. Sweeney 525 Rik k Pipit territory densities in Britain J. J. Tucker 526 Catbird in the Channel Islands R. Ivong 527 Kye-browed Fhrush in Strathclyde 1). /.. (dugslon 528 Kuppell's W arbler in Devon .4. 3/. Taylor and K. J. Camper 530 (Jreat Fits and Pied Flycatcher sitting on empty nests Mikko O/anen and Markka Orel! 531 Northern W aterthrush in the Channel Islands R. Ijrng 532 Cretzschmar's Bunting in Shetland W.E.Oddie Letters 533 Wintering Bitterns in Britain R. E. C. Collins 534 Taxonomy of shrikes Bent Pars Sielsen 536 Birds with broken necks John R. Mather 536 North Sea gas flares Andy Wallis 537 Birds and insect swarms Davenport 537 Kflect of wind and salt in Shetland Dr 1). E. Ball 538 Judgment of structure and proportion in the field R. .4. Hume 539 Recent prosecutions Graham Elliott 54 1 Diary dates Announcements 542 Clift subscriptions 542 J. C. Harrison’s ‘'The Birds of Prey of the British Isles' 542 ‘Wings and Seasons’ by Gunnar Brusewitz 542 Special oflers 542 Bird Photograph of the 5'ear Requests 543 Winter Ati^s Dr Petrr iMck 543 Rhexiodendrons and wildlife !an 1). Rotherham 543 News and comment Peter Conder and Mike Everett 545 Recent reports K. Allsopp and R. A. Hume Reviews 548 The Saturat History oj Britain and Ireland photographs by Heather Angel Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 549 llin^j (instal auction, see page 47 in janiiars issue lor prtKedure, ,s’7a- Index to volume 74 1981 Binding Volumes for binding should be sent not to the publishers but direct to the binders, P. G. Chapman & Co Ltd. The charge is £8.00 per volume, which includes the cost of packing and return postage (UK only). The binding will be in the same style as in previous years, with the volume number blocked in Arabic numerals; earlier volumes can also be bound at this rate. Please complete the form on the back cover and send it with all the parts and the correct money to: P. G. Chapman & Co Ltd Kent House Lane Beckenham Kent BR3 iLD Please complete the binding form on the back cover and note that orders for binding are not to be sent to the publishers Index to volume 74 Compiled by Mrs N. D. Blamire Entries are in single list with reference to; (1) every significant mention of each species, not only in titles, but also within the text of papers, notes and letters, including all those appearing in such lists as the ‘Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1980’, but excluding those in ‘Recent reports’, ‘News and comment’, requests and reviews; (2) scientific nomenclature under generic names only and following The 'British Birds' List oj Birds oj the Western Falearctic ( 1978); (3) authors of all papers, notes, reviews and letters, and photographers; papers are referred to by their titles, other contributions as ‘note on’, ‘review of, etc.; (4) a few subject headings, i.e. ‘Announcements’, ‘Breeding’, ‘Display’, ‘fiditorials’, ‘Held characters’, ‘Food’, ‘Migration’, ‘News and comment’, ‘Obituaries’, ‘Rarities C^ommittee’, ‘Recorders’, ‘Recent reports’, ‘Requests’, ‘Rtxtsting’ and ‘\’oice’; (5) ‘Reviews’, which are listed together under this heading in alphabetical order of authors re\iewed. Accipiter gentilis, see CJoshawk nisus, see Sparrowhawk Acrocephalus arundinaceus, see Warbler, Great Reed melanopogon, see Warbler, Moustached paludicola, see Warbler, Aquatic palustris, see Warbler, Marsh schoenohaenus, see Warbler, Sedge scirpaceus, see Warbler, Reed Actitis macularia, see Sandpiper, Spotted Aegithalos caudatus, see Tit, Long-tailed Aegolius Junereus, see Owl, 'I’engmalm’s Aegypius monachus, see Vulture, Black Aix galericulata, sec Mandarin sponsa, see Duck, Wood Alauda ariensis, see Skylark Albatross, Black-browed, accepted records 1979-80, 455 Alca torda, see Razorbill Alcedo atthis, see Kingfisher Alder, E. P., note on Brent (ieese ‘shooting the rapids’, 440 Alford, J. A., note on White-tailed Plover in Dorset, 228 Alibone, \E R., note on Little Egrets with green legs and feet, 41 Al'lsopp, k„ and Hume, R. A., recent reports, see Recent reports Anas acuta, see Pintail arnericana, sec Wigeon, .American clypeata, see Shoveler crecca, see Teal discors, see Teal, Blue-winged jalcata, see Duck, f alcated formosa, see Leal, Baikal penelope, sec Wigeon platyrhynchos, see .Mallard qiierquedula, see Gargancy rubripes, see Duck, Black strepera, see Gadwall ■Atidrews, Peter, note on Bittern-like posture of juvenile Whinchat, 266-7 .Announcements: Book offers, 5oung Orni- thologists of the Year, 1980, Bird Photo- graph of the 5'ear, best recent black-and- white bird-photographs, postal auction of cover design. Bird Illustrator of the Year, the Richard Richardson .Award, 45-8; Birds \eic to Britain and Ireland, Goshawk conference, postal auction of cover design, 100-1; a British Birds Workshop: North .American birds. Frontiers oJ Bird Identipca- tion, Ixxik offers, binding BB, .4 Notebook oj Birds — 1907-1980, postal auction of co\er design. Bird Illustrator of the Year and riie Richard Richardson .Award. 153-5; .4 553 554 Index to volume 74 Notebook oj Birds — 1907-1980, Book oilers, 188-9; postal sale of original paintings from the Collins Gem Guide to Birds, book oilers, Z?Z?-Sunbird Tour of T hailand February 1982, T Notebook oJ Birds — 1907- 1980, 230- 1 ; A Notebook oJ Birds— 1907-1980, book oilers. Working Group on (irani- \orous birds, 269; Birdwatching in the Seven- ties, Shetland jumper oiler, book oilers, 302-3; book oilers, baek issues oi 'BB', 355; Peterson Sound Guide discs and cassettes special oiler, new edition of ‘Birdwatcher’s Y earbook’, book oilers, 400-1; Peterson Sound Guide discs and cassettes special oiler, please resubscribe now, ‘Popular Handbook’ and ‘Rarer Handbook’, book oilers, 447; Peterson Sound Guide special oiler. The Natural History oJ Britain and Ireland, Wildlife and Nature Photography, Special Oiler Subscription Scheme, 497-8; gift subscriptions, J. C. Harrison’s ‘The Birds of Prey of the British Isles’, ‘Wings and Seasons’ by Gunnar Brusewitz, special book oilers. Bird Photograph of the ^'ear, 542-3 Anser alhijrons, see Goose, White-fronted anser, see Goose, (jreylag brachyrhynchus, see Goose, Pink-footed erythropus, see Goose, Lesser White- fronted Jabalis, see Goose, Bean Anthus campestris, see Pipit, Paw ny cervinus, see Pipit, Red-throated godlewskii, see Pipit, Blyth’s hodgsoni, see Pipit, Olive-backed novaeseelandiae, see Pipit, Richard’s spinoletta, see Pipit, Rock trivialis, see Pipit, Tree Apus afpriis, see Swift, Little apus, see ,Swift tnelba, see Swift, Alpine patlidus, see Swift, Pallid Aquila chrysaetos, see Eagle, Golden pomarina, see Eagle, Lesser Spotted rapax, see Eagle, Lawny Ardea cinerea, see Heron, Grey purpurea, see Heron, Purple Ardeola ralloides, see Heron, Squacco Arenaria interpres, see Turnstone ,‘\rlott, Norman, Bird Illustrator of the ’t ear 1981,275-6,448, plate 266 Asio flammeus, see Owl, Short-eared otus, see Owl, Long-eared Athene noctua, see Owl, Little Atkin, Keith, photograph of Black-throated Diver, 64, plate 18; of Red-necked Cirebe, 67, plate 20; of Black-necked Grebe, 72, j)late 24; of \’elvet Scoter, 73, plate 25; ol Dusky Warbler, 105, plate 34; of Little Gulls, 116-7, plates 42, 44; of Sabine’s Gull, 131, plates 70-1; of Kittiwake, 136, plate 77; of Dotterel, 361, plate 191; of Swift, 439, plate 262 Avocct, British breeding records 1979, 28; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 336 Aythya collaris, sec Duck, Ring-necked Jerina, see Pochard juligula, see Duck, Tufted niarita, see Scaup Ball, D. F., letter on effect of wind and salt in Shetland, 537-8 Barnard, C. C., note on Buzzard preying on Short-eared Owl, 226 Batten, L. ,\., review of Oclkc: Bird Census Work and Nature Conservation, 313-4 Baumanis,J., European news, 260-3 Beaman, Mark, photograph of ‘i?/?’-Sunbird trip to Israel, 1981, 354, plate 187 , , and Knox, Alan (T, note on Isabclline Wheatear in Grampian, 182-5, plates 111-4 , , and Porter, Richard, expedi- tions, sec Expeditions Beasley, P., photograph of Jay, 432, plate 25 1 Bee-eater, European news, 261; breeding in .\lderney 1956, 331; Channel Islands records 1951-80, 340; accepted records 1979-80,480 , Blue-cheeked, 1921 record accepted, 347 Beerc, W., note on camouflage of crouching Jack Snipe, 440-1, plate 263 Belsey, j. 1 ., photograph of Black-winged Stilt, 466, plate 269 Bengtsson, Bengt, photograph of Sabine's Gull, 129, plates 65-6; of second-winter Iceland Gull, 382, plates 215-6 Berry, Rob, and Bibby, Ciolin ]., a breeding study of Nightjars, 161-9, plates 95-8 Berry, Ron, note on Coots eating fish, 440 Best recent black-and-white bird-photo- graphs 428-37, plates 247-60 Bibby, Ciolin ]., wintering Bitterns in Britain, 1-10, plates 1-3 , , sec Berrv, Rob Bird Illustrator of ' the Year 1981, 27,5-8; award presentation, 448, plate 266 Bird Photograph of the 5’ear 1980, 215-8, plates 131-4; award presentation, 305, plate 177 Bird topography, 239-42 Bittern, wintering in Britain, 1-10, plates 1-3; status in Europe since 1976, 10-6, |)latcs Index to volume 74 4-6; British breeding records 1979, 20-1; influx in winter 1978/79, 55, 533 , Little, summering in Britain 1979, 21; Channel Islands records 1951-80, 339; presumed advertising flight, 396; accepted records 1979-80,456-7 Blackbird, Yellow-headed, record rejected as escape, 347 Blackcap, in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 Bloch, Dorete, European news, 260-3 Bluetail, Red-flanked, European news, 262; Channel Islands records 1951-80, 341 Blucthroat, status in Channel Islands 1951- 80, 337 Bobwhite, retained in Category D, 346 Bombycilla garndus , see VVaxwing Bond, Anthony ]., photograph of Magpies, 433, plate 253 Books for Christmas, 453 Borrow, Nik, 3rd place. Bird Illustrator of the Year 1981, 276-8, 448, plate 266 Boswall, Jeffery, photograph of Glaucous Gull, 378, plate 206 Botaiirus stellaris, see Bittern Bottomley, J. B. and S., photograph of Greenshank, 95, plate 31; of Little Gulls, 1 16-9, plates 43, 47, 49; of Ross’s Gull, 123, plate 54; of Glaucous Gulls, 371, 379, plates 192, 208; of Iceland Gull, 382, plate 214; of derelict tin mine where Swallows bred underground, 442, plates 264-5 Bourne, VV. R. P., see Wallace, D. 1. M. Braae, Lasse, European news, 260-3 Brambling, British breeding records 1979, 36; European news, 263; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 338 Branta bemicla, see Goose, Brent caerulescens, see Goose, Snow canadensis, see Goose, Canada leucopsis, see Goose, Barnacle rujicotlis, see Goose, Red-breasted Breeding: Nightjar, 161-9, plates 95-8; Nests: Kestrel, 520-1, plates 299-301; Oyster- catcher, 41-2, plates 9-11; Herring Gull, 264-5; Swallow, 442-3, plates 264-5; Fledging: Little Tern 291-8, plates 170-5 ‘British Birds’ Best Bird Book of the \ ear, 41 1 ‘BB’-Sunbird Tour of Israel, April 1981, 354- 5, plate 187; Tour ofd'hailand, 399-400 Britton, David, note on undertail-coverts of Little Grebe, 146; on Spanish Sparrow in Isles of Scilly, 150-1; mystery photograph 56: Pectoral Sandpiper, 344-5 Britton, P. L., photograph of Stxny Gulls, 387, plate 220 Broad, Roger A., renne.ssee Warblers: new to Britain and Ireland, 90-4, plates 29-30 5.5.9 Brooke, Duncan see Sutherland, William J- Brown, L. H., obituar\-, 223-6, plate 135 Bubo bubo, see Owl, Eagle Bubulcus ibis, see Egret, Cattle Bucanetes githagineus , see Finch, Trumpeter Bucephala albeola, see Bufflehead clangula, see Goldeneye islandica, see Goldeneye, Barrow’s Budgerigar, not included in Categor\- D, 346 Bufflehead, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 339; accepted record 1980, 464 Bullfinch, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 334 Bulweria butwerii, see Petrel, Bulwer’s Bunting, Black-headed, European news, 263; accepted records 1978-80, 492 , Chestnut, added to Categoiy D, 346 , Cirl, request, 189; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 334 , Corn, abnormal song, 187-8 , Cretzschmar's, in Shetland, June 1979, 532-3 , Indigo, added to Categoiy D, 346 , Lapland, British breeding records 1979, 36; mystery photograph, 39; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 3.38 , Lazuli, record rejected as escape, 346-7 , Little, Channel Islands records 1951- 80, 343; accepted records 1979-80, 492 , Ortolan, status in CTannel Islands 1951-80, 338 , Painted, added to Category D, 346 , Pallas’s Reed, added to British and Irish list, 346 , Pine, accepted records 1980, 491, 493. plates 28.5-7 , Reed, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 329, 334-5 , Rustic, European news, 263; accepted records 1979-80,491-2 , Snow, British breeding records 1979, 36 , Yellow-breasted, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 343; accepted records 1980. 492 Burgess, Bob, photograph of juvenile Long- tailed Skua, 204, plate 124 Burhinus oedicnemus, sec Stone-curlew Buteo buteo, see Buzzard mjinus. see Buzzard. Long-legged Bustard, Little, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 340 Butorides strialus. see Heron, Green Buzzard, preying on Short-cared Owl, 226; catching stick in flight, 226-7; European news, 261 , Honev. summering in Britain 1979, 23 , Long-legged, European news, 261 Index to volume 74 f)56 Calandrella brachydactyla, see Lark, Short-toed Calcarius lapporiicus, see Bunting, Lapland Calidris alba, see Sanderling bairdii, see Sandpiper, Baird's cariulus, see Knot Jerrugiriea, see Sandpiper, Curlew Juscicollis, see Sandpiper, White- rum ped melanotos, see Sandpiper, Pectoral minuta, see Stint, Little rniriutilla, see Sandpiper, Least pusilla, see Sandpiper, Semipalmated lemminckii, see Stint, Temminck’s Calonedris diomedea, see Shearwater, Cory’s Campbell, Bruce, review of Flegg; A Notebook oj Birds— 1907- 1980, 311-2 Campbell, \\ . D., tiote on unusual death of (jreen Woodpecker, 149 Campey, R. J., photographs of Ruppell’s Warbler, 528, plates 302-5 , , see I'aylor, A. M. Caprimulgus europaeus, see Nightjar Carduetis carinabiria, see Linnet carduetis, see Goldfinch chloris, see Greenfinch Jtammea, see Redpoll homemanni, see Redpoll, Arctic spinus, see Siskin Iristis, see Goldfinch, American Carlson, Kevin, photograph of Melodious Warblers, 434, plate 256 Carpodacus erylbrinus, see Rosefinch, Scarlet Ciatbird, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 341; in Channel Islands December 1975, 526-7 Catharus Juscescens, see \'eery guttatus, see Thrush, Hermit minimus, see Thrush, Grey-cheeked ustulatus, see Thrush, Swainson’s Catley, Graham P., photograph of Dipper C. c. cinclus, 236, plate 138; note on tail-wagging by Isabelline Wheatear, 443; photographs of juvenile Semipalmated vSandpiper, 507-8, plates 291, 293; note on Little Stint holding territory on autumn migration, 523 Catoptrophorus semipalmalus, see Willet Cawkell, Harry, see Rogers, Mick Cepphus grylte, see Guillemot, Black Certhia brachydactyla, see Treecreeper, Short- toed Jamiliaris, see Treecreeper Ceryle alcyon, see Kingfisher, Belted Cettia cetti, see Warbler, Cetti’s Chalfinch, feeding young Hawfinches, 151; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 338; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 Chandler, R. ]., influxes into Britain and Ireland of Red-necked (irebes and other waterbirds during winter 1978/79, 55-81, plates 16-28; photograph of Red-necked Grebes and Great Crested Grebes, 70, plate 22; of Slavonian Grebe, 71, plate 23; of Kittiwake, 135-8, plates 76, 78-81, 83, 85; of Barnacle Geese, 236, plate 138; of Humphrey Lyttelton presenting trophy to Richard T. Mills, 305, plate 177; of Pied Wagtail of nominate race, 309, plate 1 79; of Wryneck, 310, plate 180; of first- summer Glaucous Gull, 374, plate 198; of Bird Illustrator of the Year award presen- tation, 448, plate 266; of Spoonbills, 450, plate 267; of juvenile Little Stint, 508, plate 295; mystery photograph 61, 519, plate 298; review of Freeman: Wildlije and Nature Photography, 549-50 , , see Sharrock, J. I . R. , , et at.. Bird Photograph of the Year 1980, 215-8 CTannel Islands, review of birds of, 1951-80, 327-44, plates 182-5 Chapman, Paul, Young Ornithologist of 1980, 158, plate 94 Charadrius atexandrinus, see Plover, Kentish asiaticus, see Plover, Caspian dubius, see Plover, Little Ringed hiaticula, see Plo\ er, Ringed le.Khenaultii, see Plover, Greater Sand marginatus, see Plover, White-fronted Sand morinellus, see Dotterel semipalrnatus, see Plover, Semipalmated vocijerus, see Killdeer Charlwood, R. H., note on Spanish Sparrow in the Isles of Scilly, 150 Chettusia gregaria, see Plover, Sociable leucura, see Plover, White-tailed Chifi'chaff, in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 Chlidonias hybridus, see Fern, Whiskered leucopterus, see 4'ern, White-winged Black Chondestes grarnmacus, see Sparrow, Lark Christmas books, 453 Ciconia ciconia, see Stork, \\ hite nigra, see Stork, Black Cinclus cinclus, see Dipper Cisticola juncidis, see Warbler, Fan-tailed Circaetus gallicus, sec Laglc, Short-toed Circus aeruginosus, see Harrier, Marsh cyaneus, see Harrier, Hen Ctangula hyemalis, see Duck, Long-tailed Clark, F.'see McNeil, I). A. C. ' Clarkson, J. R., note on Bitlcrn-like posture of juvenile Song Fhrush, 267, plate 161 Clugston, D. L., note on Lye-browed Fhrush in Strathclyde, 527-8 Coccothraustes coccothraustes, see Hawfinch Index to volume 74 557 Coccyzus americanus, see CuckfX), \'cllow- billed Coleman, Brian, note on female Kestrel stealing prey from male, 263-4 Coles, Royston K., photograph of Red- throated Diver, 63, plate 17; of Great Northern Diver, 66, plate 19; of Red- necked Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser, 69, plate 21; of Pallas’s Warbler, 106, plates 36-9; of juvenile Arctic Tern, 345, plate 186 Colinus virginianus, see Bobwhite Collins, R. E. C., letter on wintering Bitterns in Britain, 533 Columba oenas, see Dove, Stock Conder, Peter, and Everett, Mike, news and comment, see News and Comment Cook, S. CE D., photographs of White-eyed Gulls, 393, plates 233-4 Cooper, Kenneth V., photograph of Ameri- can Kestrel, 202, plate 123 Coot, breeding status in CTannel Islands 1951-80, 330; eating fish, 440 , American, photograph, 237, plate 139 Coradas garrutus, see Roller Coragyps alratus, see Vulture, American Black Ciormorant, perching on overhead cables, 181; breeding on Alderney, 329; unusual feeding behaviour, 348 , Brandt’s, perching on power lines, 181 , Double-crested, perching on power lines, 181 Corncrake, colour photograph, 215, plate 131 Coitus cowrie, see Crow, Carrion see Rook Cottridge, David M., photograph of River Warbler, 357, plate 188; of Caspian Tern, 404, plate 237 Columix cotumix, see Quail Courser, Clream-coloured, accepted record 1980, 466 Coutts, Dennis, photograph of Ross’s Gull, 123, plate 55; of Riippell’s Warbler, 280, plate 164 Couzens, Dominic, note on Cormorants perching on o\ erhead cable, 181 Cox, Chris, personalities 27: Dr J. J- M- Flegg, 516-7 Cirake, Baillon’s, voice and breeding habitat, 146-7 , 1-ittle, Channel Islands records 1951- 80,’ 340 , Spotted, British breeding records 1979, 28; photograph, 436, plate 260 Ch'amp, Stanley, review of .Nelson: Seabirds, their biology and ecology, 108; rev iew of Rat- clilfe: The Peregrine Falcon, 310- 1 Crane, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 340; accepted records 1979-80, 465 , Sandhill, added to British and Irish list, 346 Crex crex, see Corncrake Crippin, H. S., note on Cormorant perching on overhead cables, 181 Crossbill, Scottish, ranktxl as species, 347 , Two-barred, accepted record 1980, 489 Croucher, .A. J., photograph of Killdeer, 466, plate 270 Crow, Carrion, hoarding carrion, 509-12 Cuckoo, European news, 261 , Yellow-billed, accepted record 1980, 478 Cucutus canorus, sec Cuckoo Curlew', Slender-billed, European news, 261 Cursorius cursor, sec Courser, Cream-coloured Cygnus colurnbianus, see Swan, Bewick’s cygnus, see Swan, W hooper da Prato, S. R. I)., photograph of Ivory Chill, 141, plate 90; of first-winter Iceland Gull, 192-3, plates 119-20; warblers in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 513-5 , , and .S., photograph of Iceland (hill, 382, plate 2 1 7 Davenport, E. J., letter on birds and insect swarms, 537 Davies, N. R., note on feeding habits of juvenile Red-backed Shrike, 187 Davies, Stephen, development and be- haviour of Little Tern chicks, 291-8, plates 1 70-5 Day, J. C. U., status of Bitterns in Europe since 1976, 10-6, plates 4-6 Delichon urbica, see .Martin, House de Liedekerke, Rene, European new s, 260-3 Dendrocopos major, see Woodpecker, Great Spotted minor, see \N oodpccker. Lesser Spotted syriaais, see Woodpecker, Syrian Dendroica coronala, see Warbler, 5’ellow- rumped palmarum. see Warbler, Palm striata, see Warbler, Blackpoll tignna. sec Warbler, Cape May Dent, C.laire, Young Ornithologist of 1980, 158, plate 94 Diary dates, 270; 54 1 Diomedea melanophris, sec .Albatross, Black- browed Dipper, photograph of C. c. cinclus, 236, plate 137 558 Index to volume 74 Display: Grey Plover, 97-8; Pied Wagtail, 98-9" Diver, Black-throated, influx in winter 1978/ 79, 55-62, 64-5, 78-81, plate 18; wintering otrGhannel Islands 1951-80, 335 , Great Northern, influx in winter 1978/ 79, 55-62, 65-6, 78-81, plate 19; wintering ofTCihannel Islands 1951-80, 335 , Red-throated, influx in winter 1978/79, 55-64, 78-81, plate 17; wintering oil Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 335 , White-billed, photograph, 235, plate 136; European news, 260; accepted records 1979-80, 455 Dixey, E., et at., Aleutian 4'ern: new to the western Palearctic, 41 1-6, plates 238-45 Dotterel, British breeding records 1979, 28-9; excavating resting hollow, 301; food on autumn passage, 348-9; photograph, 361, plate 191 Dougall, Robert, demonstrating use of l i r night-vision monocular, 306, plate 178 Dove, Gollared, swimming, 265; breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 331 , Laughing, record rejected as escape, 346 , Stock, breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 33 i , Turtle, diurnal migration, 265-6 Dowitcher, accepted records 1980, 471 , Long-billed, Ghannel Islands records 1951-80, 340; accepted records 1963-80, 471 Dubois, P., letter on Chag Martins in France, 152-3; European news, 260-3; letter on Greater .Sand Plox ers in Europe, 268 Duck, Black, female breeding with male Mallard 1979, 21; accepted records 1979- 80, 461 , Falcated, record rejected as escape, 346 , Harlequin, European news, 260 , Long-tailed, wintering in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 336 , Ring-necked, accepted records 1978-80, 462-3 , Ruddy, influx in winter 1978/79, 55-6 , 'Lufted, status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 330, 336 , Wood, breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 330; retained in Gategory D, 346 Dukes, P. A.,and Wallace, D. 1, M., letter on diagnostic characters of ruby throats, 99 Dumetella carolinensis, see ( latbird Dunnett, John B., photograph of White- billed Diver, 235, plate 136 Dunnock, in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 Eagle, Bald, added to Gategory D, 346 , Golden, European news, 261; killing Buzzard, 536 , Lesser Spotted, European news, 261 , Short-toed, European news, 260 , Tawny, European news, 261; record rejected as escape, 346 , White-tailed, European news, 260 Edelstam, Garl, see Meltofte, Hans, el at. Editorials, 195-6; 239; 315; 503-4 Egret, Gattle, photographs, 193, plates 121- 2; Ghannel Islancis records 1951-80, 339; accepted records 1980, 457-8 , Great White, accepted record 1980, 458 , Little, with green legs and feet, 41; Ghannel Islands records 1951-80, 399; accepted records 1979-80, 458 Egretla alba, see Egret, Great White garzetta, see Egret, Little gularis, see Heron, Western Reef Eider, wintering in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 336 , King, mating with female Eider 1979, 22; accepted records 1978-80, 463 , Steller’s, European new's, 260; accepted records 1978-80, 464 Elcome, David, review of Weaver: The Birdwatcher's Dictionary, 550- 1 Elliott, G. D., note on albino harassed by own species, 266 Ellis, Norman, note on albino harassed by own species, 266 Emberiza aureola, see Bunting, 5'ellow- breasted caesia, see Bunting, CTetzschmar’s cirlus, see Bunting, Girl hortulana, see Bunting, Ortolan leucocephalos, see Bunting, Pine melanocephala, see Bunting, Black- headed pallasi, see Bunting, Pallas’s Reed pusilla, see Bunting, Little rustica, see Bunting, Rustic rutila, see Bunting, Ghestnut schoeniclus, see Bunting, Reed Eremophila alpestris, see Lark, Shore Erithacus ntbecula, see Robin European news, 260-3 Everett, Mike, obituarv of Leslie Hilton Brown, QBE, B.Sc, PhD ( 1917-1980), 22.3- 6; review of Pemberton: Birdwatcher's Yearbook 1982, 5,50 , , see Gonder, Peter Expeditions, 218-23 Eairbank, Richard ]., note on Kentish Plover with pale legs, 148 Index to volume 74 Fa/co cherrug, see Saker columharius, see Merlin eleonorae, see Falcon, Eleonora’s naimanni, see Kestrel, Lesser peregrinus, see Peregrine rusticolus, see CJyri'alcon span’erius, see Kestrel, American suhbuteo, sec Flobby tinnunculus , see Kestrel vespertinus, see Falcon, Red-looted Falcon, Eleonora’s, added to British and Irish list, 345 , Red-footed, accepted records 1976-80, 465 hellowes, E. (]., photograph of Grey Herons, 435, plate 25-7 Eerguson, A., see Dixey, A. E., et at. Ficedula alhicollis, see Elycatcher, Collared hypoleuca, see Elycatcher, Pied p(irva, see Flycatcher, Red-breasted slropfiiata, see Flycatcher, Orange- gorgeted Field characters: Little (irebe, 146; Hniwer's Petrel, 188; Little Egret, 41; Baikal l eal, 324-5; l eal, 324-5; Garganey, 324-5; Bhic- winged l eal, 324-5; Kentish Plover, 147-9; W hite-fronted Sand Plo\er, 148-9; Semi- palmated Sandpiper, 396-8, 505-9, plates 289-95; Little Stint, 99, 396-8, 505-9, plate 295; skuas, 257-9, plates 159-60; Sooty Gull, 383-90, plates 218-28; White-eyed Gull, 383-6, 390-3, plates 229-34; Great Black-headed Gull, 523-4; Little Gull, 111- 9, plates 40-9; Iceland Gull, 363-70, 380-3, plates 210-7; (jlaucousGull, 363-79, plates 192-209; Ross’s (full, 1 19-25, plates 50-62; Kittiwake, 133-9, plates 76-86; Kory Gull, 139-42, plates 87-91; Whiskered Tern, 43- 5, plate 12; Puffin, 246-56, plates 144-57; Swift, 171-8, plates 105-9; Pallid Swift, 171-8, plates 99-104; 01i\e-backed Pipit, 268; Free Pipit, 444; rubythroats, 99: Isabelline W’hcatear, 443; Swainson's I'hrush, 301-2; Grey-cheeked Fhrush, 301-2; Moustached Warbler, 446; .Sedge Warbler, 444; Marsh Warbler, 445-6; Reed Warbler. 445-6 Fieldfare, British breeding records 1979, 31; European news, 262 Fifty years ago, 40; 81; 110; 169; 196; 270; 278-326; 399; 4 1 6; 495; ,504 Finch, I'rumpeter, European news. 263; Channel Islands records 1951-80, 343; added to British and Irish list, 346 Firecrest, British breeding records 1979, 34: breeding status in Channel Islands 1951- 80, 334 ' Fisher, G. H., photograph of Sabine's (hill. 1 28, plate 63 .'),■)<) Flegg, Caroline, photograph of Dr j. j. .M. Flegg, 517, plate 296 Flegg, Jim, personalities 26: David (hue, r26-8; personal account of, 516-7, plate 296 flycatcher. Collared, European ,\tlas map. 290, plate 169; accepted record 1980, 487-8 , Orange-gorgeted. record rejected as escape, 346 , Pied, European news, 262; European •Atlas map, 288-9, plate 168; status in (channel Islands 1951-80, 337; sitting on empty nest, 5.30-1 , Red-breasted, European .Atlas map, 288-9, plate 167; status in Clhannel Islands 1951-80, 337 , Spotted, catching burnet moth, 150; European .Atlas map. 286-7, plate 166; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951- 80, 334 l-'ood: Leach’s Petrel, 519; Buzzard. 226; Peregrine, 97; Coot, 140; Dotterel, 348-9; ■Sanderling, .521-2; Great Skua. 398; Little Owl, 3.54; Short-eared Owl, 149; Skylark. 98; House .Martin, 1,50; Carrion Grow. .509-12 Francis, Fom, photograph of Sabine's Gull. 130, plate 69 Fratercuta arctica, see Puffin Freeman, H. j., note on .Alpine Swifts feeding by artificial lights at night, 149 Fringilla roelehs, see Chaffinch monlifringilla, see Brambling Fulka amerkana, see Coot, .American (lira, see Coot Fulmar, sca\enging at trawlers in Irish .Sea. 82-90; request, 304; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80. 329; mo\ements off east coast of Britain, 417-20 Fulmams glacialis, see Fulmar Furse, Chris, photograph of Little and Black- headed Gulls, 1 19, plate 48 CJadwall, European news. 260; wintering in Channel Islands 1951-80, 335 Gallagher. ,M. D.. photographs of Soot\ Gulls, 389-90. plates 2244i. 228 Gallinago media, see Snipe, (meat Callifiula chloropus. see Moorhen Gallinule. .Allen's, added to British and Irish list. 345 . Purple, record rejected as escape. 346 Galloway, Bryan, note on .Merlin recovering floating prey. 264 Gannet, .scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 82-90; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80. 329-30; movements off east coast of Britain, 4 1 7 560 Index to volume 74 Garganey, request, 189; field characters, 324-5; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 330, 336 Garrulus glandarius, see Jay Gaud, Charles, see Sultana, Joe Gauntlett, F. M., letter on tail shape of Bulwer’s Petrel, 188; on back pattern of Olive-backed Pipit, 268 Gavia adamsii, see Diver, White-billed arctica, see Diver, Black-throated immer, see Diver, Great Northern stellata, see Diver, Red-throated Gelochelidon nilotica, see Tern, Gull-billed Gill, G. P., photograph ofSmew, 74, plate 26; of Red-breasted Merganser, 76, plate 27 Gillmor, Robert, and Sharrock, J. T. R., ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ and ‘The Richard Richardson Award’, 275-8 Glareola nordmanni, see Pratincole, Black-winged pratincola, see Pratincole, Collared Glover, Bob, note on Kentish Plover with pale legs, 148 Glue, David, personal account of, 426, plate 246 Godwit, Black-tailed, British breeding records 1979, 30; displaying over heath- land, 398 Goldcrest, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 334; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 Goldeneye, British breeding records 1979, 22-3 , Barrow’s, records under review, 346-7 Goldfinch, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 334; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 , American, record rejected as escape, 346 Gomes Oliveira, Nuno, European news, 260- 3 Goosander, influx in winter 1978/79, 55-62, 77-81, plate 28 Goose, Barnacle, photograph, 236, plate 138; wintering in Channel Islands 1951-80, 335 , Bean, influx in winter 1978/79, 55 , Brent, wintering in Channel Islands 1951-80, 335; photograph, 429, plate 247; ‘shooting the rapids’, 440; accepted records of B. b. nigricans 1979-80, 459-60 , Canada, flying with trap attached to foot, 439-40 , Greylag, wintering in Channel Islands 1951-80, 335 , Lesser White-fronted, accepted records 1980, 459 , Pink-footed, European news, 260; ranked as species, 347 , Red-breasted, European news, 260 Goose, Snow, European news, 260 , White-fronted, wintering in Channel Islands 1951-80, 335 Goshawk, British breeding records 1979, 24- 6; European news, 260 Goss-Custard, J. D., Oystercatcher counts at roosts and at feeding grounds, 197-9 Granstrom, Gunnar, see Meltofte, Hans, et at. Grant, P. J., mystery photograph 50: Greater Yellowlegs, 94-6; review of Hollom: Popular Handbook oj Rarer British Birds, 2nd edition, 108; field identification of west Palearctic gulls, part 4. Little, Ross’s, Sabine’s and Ivory Gulls and Kittiwake, 111-42, plates 40-91; part 5. Glaucous, Iceland, Sooty and White-eyed Gulls, 363- 94, plates 192-234; mystery photograph 51: Briinnich’s Guillemot, 144-5; note on Kentish Plovers with pale legs, 147-8; mystery photograph 55: Eranklin’s Gull, 298-9; review of Roberson: Rare Birds oJ the H’est Coast, 312; Rarities Committee news and announcements, 314; identification of Semipalmated Sandpiper, 505-9, plates 289-95 , , and Hume, R. A., note on Herring Gull with characters of Mediterranean race in Kent, 350 Grebe, Black-necked, British breeding records 1979, 20; influx in winter 1978/79, 55-62, 72-3, 78-81, plate 24; wintering otf Channel Islands 1951-80, 335 , Great Crested, influx in winter 1978/ 79, 55-62, 66, 78-81, plate 22; wintering otf Channel Islands 1951-80, 335 , Little, undertail-coverts, 146 , Pied-billed, accepted record 1980, 455 , Red-necked, summering in Britain 1979, 20; influx in winter 1978/79, 55-62, 67-70, 78-81, plates 21-2 , Slavonian, British breeding records 1979, 20; influx in winter 1978/79, 55-62, 70-2, plate 23; European news, 260; wintering off Channel Islands 1951-80, 335 Green, Alan, and King, Bernard, note on Swallows breeding in derelict tin mine, 442-3, plates 264-5 Green, Dennis, photographs of Merlin, 208- 13, plates 125-7, 129; of Greenshank, 432, plate 252 Greenfinch, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 334; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 Greenhalf, P. J., photograph of Glaucous Gull, 378, plate 207 Index to volume 74 561 Greenshank, photograph of juvenile, 95, plate 31; European news, 261; photo- graph, 432, plate 252 Grenfell, Harold E., photograph of juvenile Little Gull, 1 15, plate 40 Grosbeak, Black-headed, record rejected as escape, 346 , Blue, added to Category D, 346 , Evening, accepted record 1980, 491 , Rose-breasted, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 343 Grus canadensis, see Crane, Sandhill grus, see Crane Guille, P. J., photograph of Banquette V'alley, Sark, 341, plate 184 Guillemot, at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951- 80, 331 , Black, status in Channel Islands 1951- 80, 337 , Brunnich’s, mystery photograph, 96, plate 33; accepted records 1980, 478, plate 279 Guiraca caerulea, see Grosbeak, Blue Gull, Black-headed, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; photograph, 1 19, plate 48; photograph, 435, plate 258 , Bonaparte’s, photographs, 274, plates 162-3; accepted records 1979-80, 475 , Franklin’s, mystery photograph, 257, 298, plate 158; accepted record 1980, 474-5 , Glaucous, breeding in Scotland paired with Herring Gull 1979, 31; scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 337; field identification, 363-79, plates 192-209; with unusually small bill, 524 , Great Black-backed, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 82-90; breeding status in Clhannel Islands 1951-80, 330 , Great Black-headed, accepted record 1967, 473-4; field identification, 523-4 , Herring, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 82-90; inland ground-nesting, 264-5; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 330; origin of yellow-legged records in France and England, 349-53 , Iceland, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; photographs ol adult, 192, plates 1 17-8; of first winter, 192-3, plates 1 19-20; photograph, 238, plate 140; status in Clhannel Islands 1951-80, 337; field identi- fication, 363-70, 380-3, plates 210-7 , Ivory, field identification, 139-42, plates 87-91; accepted records 1980, 47,5-0. plate 278 , I.aughing, accepted records 1980, 474, plates 276-7 Gull, Lesser Black-backed, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 82-90; request, 304; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951- 80, 330 , Little, field identification, 111-9, plates 40-9; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 337 , Mediterranean, British breeding records 1979, 31; photograph, 51, plate 14; European news, 261; status in Channel Islands, 337 , Ring-billed, sun-bathing, 181; photo- graph, 238, plate 141; added to British and Irish list, 346; accepted records 1978-80, 475 , Ross’s, field identification, 119-25, plates 50-62; numbers seen in Arctic pack- ice, 316-20; accepted record 1980, 475 , Sabine’s, field identification, 125-33, plates 63-75; European news, 261; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 337; move- ments oil east coast of Britain, 423 , .Sooty, field identification, 383-90, plates 218-28 , White-eyed, field identification, 383-6, 390-3, plates 229-34 Gyps Julvus, see V’ulturc, Griffon Gyrfalcon, accepted records 1980, 465 Haapala, J., photographs of first-winter Glaucous Gull, 372, plates 194-5 Haemalopus ostralegus, see Oystercatcher Haliaeetus albicilla, see Eagle, White-tailed leucocephalus, see Eagle, Bald Hall, H., note on perched Swallows feeding from hogweed, 98 Hammar, Johan, see Meltofte, Hans, et at. Hansen, P. S., photograph of Yellow Wagtail M. J.Jeldegg, 497, plate 288 Harrier, Hen, influx in winter 1978/79, 55 , .Marsh, British breeding records 1979, 24 Harris, .Man, 2nd place. Bird Illustrator of the Year 1981, 266-7, 448, plate 266 Harris, .M. P.. age determination and first breeding of British Puffins, 246-56, plates 1 44-5 / Harris, Peter M., photograph of adult winter Mediterranean Gull, 51, plate 14; of Iceland Gull, 192, plates 117-8; of Cattle Egret, 193, plates 121-2; of Curlew Sand- piper, 547, plate 306 Harrisoti, Pamela, photograph of juvenile Greater ^■ellowlegs, 40, plate 8; of juvenile Lessor 'S'ellowlegs, 95, plate 32; of Kitti- wake, 138, plate 84 562 Index to volume 74 Harrop, Andrew H. J., note on Leach’s Petrel possibly feeding on worm, 519 Harvey, \\ . G., Pallid Swift: new to Britain and Ireland, 1 70-8, plates 99- 104; mystery photograph 59: Swift, 495-7; note on field identification of Cireat Black-headed (full, 523-4 Hawfinch, young fed by Ghaffinch, 151 Hawkes Brian, photographs of Sabine’s (jull, 132, plates 72-3 Hedgren, Stellan, photograph of l\orv Gull, 142, plate 91 Heron, Green, added to British and Irish list, 345 , Grey, request, 356; photograph, 435, plate 257 , Night, Ghannel Islands records 1951- 80, 339; accepted records 1971-80, 457 , Purple, summering in Britain 1979, 2 1; Ghannel Islands records 1951-80, 339; accepted records 1979-80, 458-9 , Squacco, Ghannel Islands records 1951-80, 339; accepted record 1979, 457 , Western Reef, European news, 260 Hesperiphona vespertina, see Grosbeak, E\ ening Heubeck, M., and Okill,J. D., noteon Short- eared Owl carrying Moorhen, 149 Hewson, Raymond, hoarding of carrion by Garrion Grows, 509-12 Heywood, R., see Dixey, A. E., et at. Hill. Alistair, European news, 260-3 Hill, Da\id, photograph of Nuthatch, 434, plate 255 Hill, M. CL, photograph of \’ale Marais, Guernsey, 342, plate 185 Hill, M. R., colour photograph of Moorhens, 216, plate 133; photograph of Brent Cfeese, 429, plate 247 Himantopus hirnantopus, see Stilt, Black-winged Hippolais caligata, see Warbler, Booted icterina, see Warbler, Icterine pallida, see Warbler, Olivaceous — polyglotta, see Warbler, Melodious Hirst, W . R., photograph of Ring-billed Gtill, 238, plate 141; of Little Swift, 361, plates 189-90; of first-winter Glaucous Gull, 373, plate 196 Hirundo daurica, see Swallow, Red-rumped ruslica, see Swallow Histrionicus histrionicus, see Duck, Harleciuin Hjort, Ghristian, see Meltofte, Hans, el al. Hlasek, Ivubomir, photographs of Nightjar, 167-8, plates 96, 98 Hobbs, R. N., photographs of (flaticous (;ulls,373, 379, plates 197, 209 Hobby, British breeding records 1979, 26-7; threat of disturbance from research, 152; European news, 261 Hodge, r. N., see Mallalieu, M. Hogg, R. H., photograph of Little CJull, 1 17, plate 45 Holman, D. ]., mystery' photograph 55: Blackpoll Warbler, 203-4 Hopkin, Peter ]., photograph of Laughing Gull, 474, plate 277 Hosking, David, photograph of Blackpoll Warbler, 180, plate 110; colour photo- graph of Tawny Ow 1, 217, plate 1 34 Hosking, Eric, see Ghandler, R. J., et al. Houtkamp, Erits, photograph of Reed Warbler, 436, plate 259; of Spotted Grake, 436, plate 260 Hume, R. A., mystery photograph 57: Arctic Tern, 394-5; letter on judgment of structure and proportion in the field, 538-9 , , see Allsopp, K. , , see Grant, P. J. , , and Porter, R. E., note on identi- fication of a Whiskered Tern in first-winter plumage, 43-5, plate 12 Humphreys, G. R., obituary, 142-4, plate 92 Hunt, D. B., photograph of Sabine's Ciull, 1 29, plate 64 Hutchings, S. G., photograph of Laughing Gull, 474, plate 276; of juvenile Semi- palmated Sandpiper, 506, plates 289-90 Hutchinson, Glive, obituary of Cfeorge Rayner Humphreys (1886-1980), 142-4; re\ iew of Dy mond: The Birds oj Lundy, 3 1 2 Hydrobales pelagicus, see Petrel, Storm Ibis, (flossy, European news, 260; accepted record 1980, 459 Inskipp, r. P., mystery photograph 60: Yellow Wagtail, 5 1 7-9 Irish Wildbird Gonsereancy, Richard Nairn appointed Director, 49, plate 13 Isakson, E., photograph of juvenile Iceland (full, 380, plate 210 Ixobrychus minulus, see Bittern, Little Janes, E. A., photograph of Starlings, 429, plate 248; of Woodpigeon, 430, plate 249; of Stock Dove, 43 1 , plate 250; of Rook, 433, plate 254 Jay, photograph, 432, plate 251; hoarding food, 512 Johns, J. H., photograph of juvenile Lesser (folden Plover, 53, plate 15; of Baird’s Sandpiper, 468, plates 271-2; of Broad- billed Sandpiper, 469, plate 273; of BufV- breasted Sandpiper, 470, plate 274; of Lesser 5'ellowlegs, 472, plate 275 Jones, Golin W., letter on bill-base feathering and apparent bill thickness of some waders, 99 Jynx torcfuilla, see Wryneck Index to volume 74 Kestrel, I'cmale stealing prey from male, 263- 4; tolerating disturbanec at nest, 520-1, plates 299-301 , Ameriean, on Fair Isle May 1976, 199- 203, plate 123; in Ciornvvall, 227; added to British and Irish Fist, 345 , Lesser, Furopean news, 261 Kihlman, J., photograph of first-winter leeland Gull, 381, plate 212 Killdeer, Ghannel Islands rceords 1951-80, 340; aeeepted reeords 1980, 466-7, plate 270 King, Bernard, note on Behaviour ol I'urn- stones on elevated perches, 43; on display hy wintering Grey Plover leading to attemjjted coition, 97-8; on Semipalmated Sandpiper feeding on ploughed land, 149; on Gaspian Ferns sun-hathing with Ring- hilled (fulls, 181; on Gaspian Ferns dropping and retrieving objects, 228; on inland ground-nesting by Herring (fulls, 2()4-5; on Dotterel excavating hollow and resting in it, 301; on lood ol Dotterel on autumn passage, 348-9; on presumed acK ertising flight of Little Bittern, 396; on feeding behaviour ofwintering Sanderling, 521-2' , , see (freen, Alan King, J. M. B., photograph of Scarlet Roselinch, 490, |)late 284 Kingfisher, breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 331 , Belted, in Go. Mayo, December 1978, 242-4, plates 142-3; in Gornwall, November 1908, 244-5; added to British and Irish list, 346; accepted record 1980, 480 Kist, J., photographs of Ross's (full, 124, plates 57-8 Kistchinski, ,\. A., photographs of Ross’s (full, 124-5, plates 59-61 Kite, Black, Ghannel Islands records 1951- 80, 339; acceptc'd records 1978-80, 464-5 , Red, British breeding records 1979, 23-4; Furopean news, 260 Kittiwake, scavenging at trawlers in Irish .Sea, 82-90; field identification, 133-9, plates 76-86; bre-eding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 330; movements offcast coast of Britain, 417,419 Knot, status in Ghannel Islands, 1951-80, 33(i Knox, .Alan (f., photographs of Isabelline W heatear, 183, plates 111-4; ol Pied Wheatear, 186, plate 1 16 , , see Beaman, Mark , , and Fills. Pete, note on Picxl W heatear in (frampian, 185-7, plates 1 1.)- 6 ,5f)3 Ladhams, D. F., note on Gollared Do\e swimming, 265 Lanius collurio, see .Shrike, Red-backed crislatus, see Shrike, BrovMi isabellinus, see Shrike, Isabelline minor, see Shrike, Lesser (f rey senator, see .Shrike, W cjodchat Lapw ing, breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80,330 Lark, Shore, status in Ghannel Islands 1951- 80, 338 , .Short-toed, Furopean news. 262; Ghannel Islands records 1951-80, 340; accepted records 1980,480 Larus arsrentatus, see (full. Herring atricilla, see (full. Laughing delaivarensis, see (full, Ring-billc'd Juscus, see (full. Lesser Black-backed glaucoides, see (full, Iceland fiernprir/iii, see Gull, .Sooty liyperboreus, see (full, (flaucous ichthyaetus, sc*e (full, (freat Black- headc-d leucophthalmus, see (full, \Vhite-eyc‘d marinus, see (full, (freat Blac k-backc-d melanocephalus, see (full. .Mc-diterranean rniniilu.s, see (full. Little Philadelphia, see (full, Bonaparte's ptptxcan, see (full. Franklin's ridibundus, see (full. Black-headed sahini, .see (full. Sabine's Lilleleht, X’ilju, Furopean news, 260-3 I.imicola /atcinellus, see Sandpiper. Broad- billc'd ' Limnodromus scotopaceus. see Dow iicher, Long- billc’d Litnosa limosa, see (fodwit. Black-tailc'd Linnet, in mixed passerine flocks in summer. 514 Locustella Jliivialilis. see \\ arbler. Ri\ er lameolata. see W arbler. Lanceolated luscinioides, see W arbler, Sa\ i's naevia, see W arbler, (frasshopper Long, Roger, review of birds in the (ihannel Islands, 1951-80. 327-44. plates 182-5; note on Gatbird in the Channel Islands. 526-7; on Northern W'aterthrush in the Ghannel Islands, 53 1-2 Longton, Carol, Young Ornithologist of 1980, L58, plate 94 l.o\ia leucoptera. see (irossbill. lAvo-barred scolica. see (irossbill. Sc'ottish Lnllula arborea. see W'cxxllark Lusania calliope, see Rubythroat, Siberian cyane, see Robin, Silx'rian Blue luscima, see Nightingale, 'Fhrush meparhynchos, see Nightingale pecloralis, see Rubythroat, Himala\an s'cecica, see Bluethroat 564 Index to volume 74 Lymnocryptes minimus, see Snipe, Jack Lyttelton, Humphrey, presenting trophy to Richard T. Mills, 305, plate 177 McC ianch, N. V'., note on predation on Manx Shearwaters by grey seals, 348 McGeehan, A., photograph of Ivorv Gull, 141,plate87 MacGeoch, James, photograph of Dr George \\ aterston, 37, plate 7 Mackrill, Ed, note on Kentish Plover with pale legs, 148; photograph of Belted Kingfisher, 245, plate 143; of Franklin’s (full, 257, plate 158 Macmillan, Andrew 4'., obituar\ of George \\ aterston, OBE, LED, ERSE (1911- 1980), 36-9 McNeil, D. A. G., and Glark, F., note on House Martins feeding young on lady- birds, 150 Madge, S. G., mystery photograph 52: Pied Wheatear, 179-80; photograph of second- summer White-eyed Gull, 391, plate 230; letter on Tree Pipits showing pale ‘ear’ spot, 444 Magpie, photograph, 433, plate 253 Makatsch, Use, photograph of Red-breasted Flycatcher, 289, plate 167 Maker, Peter A., see Mellow , Brian K. Mallalieu, M., and Hodge, T. N., note on yellow-legged Herring Gulls in north Kent, 351-2 Mallard, breeding status in Ghannel Islands, 1951-80, 330 Mandarin, breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 330 Marchant, E. L., photograph of Kittiwake, 139, plate 86 .Markham, John, photograph of Nightjar, 168, plate 97 .Marr, B. A. E.,seeOddie W. E. Martin, Cirag, possible breeding in northern f’ ranee, 152-3 , House, feeding young on ladybirds, 150; albino harassed by own species, 266; breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951- 80, 331-2 , Sand, European news, 262; breeding status in G.hannel Islands 1951-80, 33‘i; feeding on ground, 441; resting on close- mown turf, 441-2 .Martins, Rodney P., Riippell’s W arbler: new to Britain and Ireland, 279-83, plate 164 .Mason, G. E., note on .Sand .Martins feeding on ground, 441 Mather, John R., mystery photograph 54: Long-tailed Skua, 257-9, plates 1.59-()0; letter on l)irds w ith broken necks, 536 .Matthews, G. \'. T., re\iew of Baker: The Evolutionary Ecology oj Animal Migration, 451-2 .Meeth, Piet, photographs of Sabine’s Gull, 130-3, plates 67-8, 75 Melanitla Jusca, see Scoter, V’eh et nigra, see Scoter, Gommon perspicillata, see .Scoter, Surf .Mellor, .M., note on tail-cocking by Sedge Warbler, 444 Mellow, Brian K., and Maker, Peter .\., note on .\merican Kestrel in Gornwall, 227 Melopsittacus undulatus, see Budgerigar .Meltofte, Hans, et ai, Ross’s Gulls in the .\rctic pack-ice, 316-20 .Merganser, Red-breasted, influx in winter 1978-79, 55-62, 75-81, plates 21, 27 Mergus albetlus, see .Smew merganser, see Goosander serrator, see Merganser, Red-breasted .Merlin, breeding numbers, habitat and success in Wales, 205-14, plates 125-30; recovering floating prey, 264 Merne, Oscar J., review of Owen: Wild Geese oJ the World, 409 Merops apiaster, see Bee-eater superciliosus, see Bee-eater, Blue-cheeked Migration: seabird movements along east coast of Britain, 417-26; Turtle Dove, 265- .Mikkola, Karno, European news, 260-3 Miliaria calandra, see Bunting, Gorn .Miller, ]., photographs of Bonaparte's Gull, 274, plates 162-3; of Semipalmated Sand- piper, 507, plate 292 Mills, David G. H., note on cannibalism among Little Owls, 354 .Mills, Richard T., photograph of Pied Wheatear, 105, plate 35; Bird Photograph of the 5’ear 1980, Gorncrake, 215, plate 131; award presentation, 305, plate 177; photograph of .\merican Goot, 2.37, plate 139; of second-winter Glaucous Gull, 375, plate 201; of Ivory Gull, 476, plate 278; of juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper, .508, plate 294 Milsom, 4’. P., photograph of Pied Wheatear, 185, plate 1 15 Milvus migrans, see Kite, Black milvus, see Kite, Red Mimus polyglottos. see Mockingbird, Northern Mniotilta varia, see Warbler, Black-and-w bite .Mockingbird, Northern, record under re\ iew, 346-7 .Moorhen, prey of Short-eared Owl. 149; colour |)hotograph, 216, plate 133 Mori, S., photographs of Ross’s Gulls, 122, plates ,50-3 Index to volume 74 565 Motacilla alba, see Wagtail, Pied cinerea, see Wagtail, Grey citreola, see Wagtail, Gitrine Jtava, see Wagtail, Yellow Mountlort, Guy, note on diurnal migration ol Turtle Doves, 265-6 Mullarney, Killian, Belted Kingfisher; new to Britain and Ireland, 242-5, plates 142-3; painting of juvenile Little Stint and Semipalmated Sandpiper, 505 Munsterman, P., photographs of Bittern, 3, 8, plates 1 -2; of Goosanders, 78, plate 28; of Pied Flycatcher, 289, plate 168 Muscicapa striata, see Flycatcher, Spotted Mystery photographs: 50, plate 8; 51, plate 33; 52, plate 93; 53, plate 1 10; 54, plate 124; 55, plate 158; 56, plate 176; 57, plate 186; 58, plate 235; 59, plate 262; 60, plate 288; 6 1 , plate 298 , answers to: 49, 39-40; 50, 94-6; 5 1 , 144-5; 52, 179-80; 53, 203-4; 54, 257-9; 55, 298-9; 56, 344-5; 57, 394-5; 58, 438-9; 59, 495-7; 60, 517-9 Nairn, Richard, appointed IWG Director, 49, plate 13 News and comment, Director li)r IWG, \\ ildlife and Gountryside Bill, WW'F and birds, Malta bird laws, Australasian Raptor Association, The Birds of the Gambia, Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to Rachel (’.arson, complete revision ol .4 Field Guide to the Birds by R. 1’. Peterson, Dusky Seaside Sparrow to be bred in cap- ti\'ity, new recorder lor Dorset, record birdwatches. Shell pro\ides mobile Bird Reception Lhiit for RSPG.A, September in Shetland, 49-51; Furopean wildlife and natural habitats, European Habitat Pro- tection Gonference, Studland Heath NNR extension. Loch Ken, Kirkcudbrightshire, Strumpshaw Fen and Rockland, Max .Nicholson GBE elected President o( RSPB, new president Ibr B FO, ,S()G Gonlerence, .American .Atlas, B'FO at Swanwick, dis- carded fishing tackle, Mersey bird deaths mystery, ringers' conference in the south- west, Hampshire cotmtryside calling, Botswana Birdwatching Club, Geofl Pyman MBE, 102-4, 102-4; Little Tern Svmposium, German Peregrines, .Ic-« reassurance, L’S.A news: good and bad. ho[)c lor .Alaska in .Alaska Lands Bill, enlarged N.NR at .Studland Heath, Dorset, tough for Gockatiels, 5 outig ornithologists of 1980, new recorder for Orkney, 157-8. plate 94; Greenland Whitelfonts, W\\ F record grants, some bird, twitcher extra- ordinaire, Sandgrouse No. I , Phyllis Barclay- .Smith Memorial .Appeal, Lundy excur- sion, help the Dipper, R. & .M. Confer- ence, .SOC Conference, Malta — correc- tion, 189-91; the \\ ildlife and Countryside Bill, damage to wildlife habitat, Ramsar Convention at Cagliari, European Environment Bureau, conservation in the Mediterranean, international nature photo competition. Advice J or young Natura- lists, workshop on .American southeastern coastal and estuarine birds, some results of 1980 Common Birds Census, Irish Birds No. 4, 4’unniclifle Exhibition and .Appeal, garden twitching, Norfolk atlas... and other atlases, 233-5; conservation .SOS, poisons again, naughtv' Penguins, ICBP expands activities, honour f(>r Major Ruttledge, new-kx)k Dungeness, new recorder lor Durham, Sandgrouse No. 2, B( )L' conference, that record again, 271-2; the dessication of .Azraq marsh, Italian referendum to abolish hunting, reprieve Ibr (ireat Bustard, Bird Photograph of the 5’ear presentation, Shetland Bird Club Newsletter, two new breeding species for Gyjtrus, ‘Cireen' movie makers to meet in Bath, high technology aids bird protec- tion, Roderick Dobson award, tip for twitchers, 304-7, plates 177-8; .\ulla Conference, .Nordic Congress, Dungeness on line. Lines atlas, the problems with rari- ties: River Warbler in Norfolk, French Colloquium, Bucks Bird Club, Tunniclille pictures bought by -.Anglesev Borough Council, .Moroccan .Atlas, those records . . . and other silly things, new countv recorders, l.och of .Spiggie now an R.SPB reserve. 356-8, plate 188; inter- national ornithological politics. Kestrel kites, Jons.son field guides. Magpie, bird- watching weekend at Portland. .Stanlev Cramp OBE appointed to NCC. what the papers say, 402-3; .North Sea Bird Watch, Bird Illustrator of the Year award presen- tation. no Italian referendum to abolish hunting, save an Irish site for birds. IWRB wetland invetitorv, the Sale Porcus oasis nature reserve. .Moroccan reserve for Bald Ibis, fishing is fun, but . . ., the Royal Naval Birdwatching Society. Rarities committee for southern .Africa, new recorder for Camhridgeshirc. The Birds oj Kent, The Birds oJ Wiltshire, list of the birds of .Spain. Birds oJ .Malta, 447-9, plate 266; anti-shooting statement by RSPC.A, no protection for Whitefronts in Ireland. jelVerv Harrison .Memorial Lrust, The Index to volume 74 ;)6() Birdwatcher's Logbook, reprints available ol Breeding oj the Honey Buzzard in Nollingharn- shire, Slackpole N.\R, new wintering areas ol Siberian Cranes, new bird names, 498-9; new NNRs, well done Milton Keynes!, serious conservation setback. Whale & Seabird Cruise 1980, Kuropean atlas and international census, (jratham birds, new county recorders litr fi\ e areas, champagne winner, can you beat this?, the naked truth, 548-5 Nicholls, Howard, photograph of Pectoral Sandpiper, 299, plate 176 Nicholson, C!arl F., note on Sand Martins resting on close-mown turl, 441-2 Nicholson, F. M., lor the sake ol accuracy (letter), 229-80 Nielsen, Bent Pors, letter on taxonomy of shrikes, 584-6 Nightingale, status in C.hannel Islands 1951- 80, 877; record not assigned to named species, 847 , 4'hrush, Kuropean news, 262; Channel Islands records 1951-80, 841 Nightjar, breeding study, 161-9, plates 95-8; request, 189; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 881 S'ucijraga caryocalactes, see N utcracker Sumenius tenuirostris, see Curlew, Slender-billed Nutcracker, Kuropean news, 268; COiannel Islands records 1951-80, 848; hoarding food, 512 Nuthatch, photograph, 484, plate 255 S'yctea scandiaca, see Ow l, Snowy Sycticorax nycticorax, see Heron, Night Obituaries: George Waterston, 86-9, plate 7; G. R. Humphreys, 142-4, plate 92; L. H. Brown, 228-6, plate 185 Oceanites oceanicus, see Petrel, Wilson’s Oceanodroma leucorhoa, see Petrel, Leach’s Oddie, W. K., note on Ciretzschmar’s Bunting in Shetland, 582-8 , , and Marr, B. K., note on identification of Setnipalmated Sand- pipers and Kittle Stints in autumn, 896-8 Oenanihe deserti, see Wheatear, Desert hispanica, sec Wheatear, Black-eared isahellina, see Wheatear, Isabellitie oenanihe, see Wheatear pleschanka, see Wheatear, Pied Ojanen, ,Mikko, and Orell, Markku, note on (ireat Fits and Pied Flycatcher sitting on empty nest, 580- 1 Okill, J. I)., see Fleubeck, M. Oli\er, P. J., note on Herring (iull with yellow legs nesting iti Kotidon, 858 Oreel, (ierald J., note on discovering Baillon’s Crakes, 146-7; letter on tail-cocking by .Moustached \\ arblers, 446 Orell, Markku, sec Ojanen, Mikko Oriole, (Jolden, British breeding records 1979, 85; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 884 Oriolus oriolus, see Oriole, Golden Osborne, Ken, note on adult Skylark feeding Ju\ enile w ith bread, 98 Osprey, British breeding records 1979, 26 Otus scops, see Owl, .Scops Ouzel, Ring, records not assigned to named races, 847 0\enbird, added to British and Irish list, 846; accepted Irish record 1980, 491 Owl, Barn, breeding status in Cbannel Islands 1951-80,881 , Kaglc, placed in Category B, 846 , (ireat Cirey, Kuropean news, 261 , Kittle, status in Cihannel Islands 1951- 80, 887; cannibalism in, 854 , Kong-eared, influx in winter 1978/79, 55; status in Cihannel Islands 1951-80,881. 887 , Scops, accepted records 1980, 478-9, plate 280 , .Short-cared, taking Moorhen, 149; prey of Buzzard, 226; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 887 , Snowy, females summering in Shet- land 1979, 81; accepted records 1979-80, 479 , Fawnv, colour photograph, 217, plate 184 , Fengmalm’s, Kuropean news, 261; accepted record 1980, 479 Oxyura jatnaicensis , sec Duck, Ruddy Oystercatcher, excavating tops of fence posts, 41-2, plates 9-11; comparison of counts at roosts and feeding grounds, 197- 9 Pagophila eburnea, see Gull, l\ ory Paine, .\, R. note on Spotted Flycatcher catching burnet moth, 150 Pandion haliaetus, see ( )sprey Panurus biannicus, see Fit, Bearded Parakeet, Ring-necked, added to Categorv D, 846 Parker, .Man, note on .Sanderling feeding on wet road, 228 Parker, .\K, photograjrh of first-winter Ice- land Gull, 881, plate 218 Parus ater, see Fit, Coal caerideus, see Fit, Blue major, see Fit, Great Index to volume 74 Passer hispanwlensis, see Sparrow, Spanish monlanus, see Sparrow, 'Free Passerina amoena, see Bunting, Lazuli ciris, see Bunting, Painted cvanea, see Bunting, Indigo Patten, David E., note on ChafFinch feeding young Hawfinches, 151 Pauli, David FF, note on Buzzard catching stick in flight, 226-7 Pearson, D.J., letter on identification of first- winter Marsh and Reed Warblers, 445-6 Pelecanus crispus, see Pelican, Dalmatian ouocrotalus, see Pelican, White Pelican, Dalmatian, record rejected as escape, 546 , White, added to Category D, 346; accepted records 1973-7, 492 Peregrine, feeding Herring (iull chick to young, 97; fishing at sea, 97; European news, 261; method of attacking cluc ks on water, 264; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 330 Pemis apivorus, see Buzzard, Honey Perry, J. \\ ., note on Brandt’s and Double- crested Cormorants perching on power lines, 181 Personalities: 25, R. E. Scott, 283-5, plate 165; 26, David Clue, 426-8, plate 246; 27, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, 516-7, |>late296 Petit, Pierre, photograph of Fawnv Pipit, 518, plate 297 Petrel, Bulwer’s, tail shape, 188; movements ofl east coast of Britain, 42 1 , Leach’s, movements oil east coast ol Britain, 421; possibly feeding on worm, 519 , Storm, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; breeding status in Cfliannel Islands, 329; movements oil east cc:>ast ol Britain, 42 1 , Wilson’s, in Cornwall, 229-301 Phalacrocorax arislotelis, see Shag auritus, see Cormorant, Double-crested carho, see Cormorant penicillatus, see Connorant, Brandt's Phalarope, Red-necked, British breeding records 1979, 30; status in C.hannel Islands, 1951-80,336 , Wilson’s, European news, 261; Channel Islands records 1951-80, 340; accepted records 1979-80; 472-3 Phalaropus lohatus, see Phalarope, Rc-d-neckc'd tricolor, see Phalarope, WiLson's Pheasant, Ree\es’s, rc'ciuest. 156 Pheucticus Indovicianus, see Croshcak, Rose- breasted rnelanocephatus, see (rmshc'ak. Black- headed ;5(')7 Phillips, X. R., photograph of Pied Wheat- ear, 146, plate 93 Philomachus pugnax, see Rulf Phoenicurus ochruros, see Redstart, Black phoenicurus, see Redstart Phylloscopus bonetli, see Warbler, Bonelli’s borealis, see Warbler, ,\rctic collybita, see Chiffchalf Juscatus, see W arbler. Dusky inornatus, see \\ arbler, \’ellow-browed plumheitarsus, see Warbler, 4\vo-harred Creenish proregulus, see W arbler, Pallas's schwargi, see Warbler, Radde’s tenellipes, see W arbler. Pale-legged Leaf trochiloides, see Warbler, Cireenish trochilus, see \\ arbler, W illow Photcjgraphic- rec|uests, 155-6 l^ica pica, see .Magpie Pick, Jell, photograph of first-winter W hiskered Fern, 44, [)late 12; of Kory Cull, 111, plates 88-9; of first-winter Clauc’ous Cull, 371, plate 193; ol Lark Sparrow, 403, plate 236; of Pallas's W arbler, 487, plate 283 Picus ciridis, see Woodpecker. Crecn Pike, C. V., note on nesting Kestrels tolera- titig excessi\e disturbance, 520-1, plate's 299-301 Pintail, British hrc'cding records 1979. 21-2; wintering in Channel Islands 1951-80,336 Pipit, Blvth's, added to British and Irish list, 346 , Olive-backed, hack pattern. 268; 1948 record accepted. 347: accepted records 1979-80,482, plate 281 , Red-throated, call, 228-9; accepted records 1979-80,482-3 , Richard's, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 340; acceptc'd records 1976-80. 481 , Rock, status of .1. s. spinoletta in Channel Islands 1951-80, 337; territory densities in Britain, 52,5-6 . Tawnv, European news, 262; C.hannel Islands rc'cords 1951-80, 341; accepted records 1978-80. 481-2; photograph. 518, plate 297 . Free, status in Cfliannel Islands 1951- 80, 337; showing pale "ear' sfxct. 444 Piranga otivacea. see 'Fanager. Scarlet Ptatalea leucorodia, see Spcx)nbill Plectrophenax nivalis, see Bunting, Snow Plegadis falcinellus, see Ibis, (ilossy Plcncr, Caspian, European news, 261 , Creater .Sand, French records. 268; added to British and Irish list, 346; accep- tc'd records 1979-80, 467 , Crey, display by wintering birds, 97-8 568 Index to volume 74 Plover, Kentish, British breeding record 1979, 28; with pale legs, 147-9; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 330 , Lesser Golden, photograph oi juvenile, 53, plate 15; European news, 26 1 ; accepted record 1980,467 , Little Ringed, European news, 261 , Ringed, status in Clhannel Islands 1951-80,^330, 336 , Semipalmated, added to British and Irish list, 346 , Sociable, accepted record 1980, 467 , White-fronted Sand, pale legs, 148-9 , White-tailed, in Dorset, 228; added to British and Irish list, 346 Pluvialis dorninica, see Plover, Lesser Golden squatarola, see Plover, Grey Pochard, wintering in Channel Islands 1951- 80, 336 Podiceps auritus, see Grebe, Sla\ onian cristatus, see Grebe, Great Crested grisegena, see Grebe, Red-necked nigricollis, see Grebe, Black-necked Podilymbus podiceps, see Grebe, Pied-billed Polysticta stetleri, see Eider, Steller’s Pop, Rene, photograph of Briinnich’s Guillemot, 96, plate 33 Porphyria porphyria, see (iallinule. Purple Porphyrula alleni, see Gallinule, Allen’s Porter, R. F., photographs of Sooty Gulls, 388, plates 222-3; of White-eyed Gulls, 392, plates 231-2; review of Weick and Brown; Birds oj Prey oj the World, 410 , , see Beaman, Mark , , see Hume, R. A. Porzana parva, see Crake, Little porzana, see Crake, Spotted pusilla, see Crake, Baillon’s Prater, A. J., review of Hale: Waders, 313; mystery photograph 58; Willet, 438-9, plates 235, 261 , , see Tubbs, Colin R. Pratincole, accepted record 1980, 466 , Black-winged, European news, 261 , Collared, accepted record 1980, 466 Preston, K., note on feeding behaviour of Cormorants, 348 Prins, G. ]., photograph of first-winter Ice- land Gull, 380, plate 21 1 Prokop, Peter, European news, 260-3 Prunella modularis, see Dunnock Psillacula krameri, see Parakeet, Ring-necked Ptyonoprogne mpestris, sec Martin, Crag Pufhn, age determination and first breeding, 246-56, plates 144-57; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 331 Pujfinus assimilis, see Shearwater, Little gravis, see Shearwater, Great griseus, sec Shearwater, Sooty Pujfinus pujfinus, see Shearwater, Manx Pyrrhula pyrrhula, see Bullfinch Quail, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 330'" Radford, A. P., note on bittern-like posture of adult Wren, 266 Rail, Water, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 330 Rallus aquaticus, see Rail, Water Rare Breeding Birds Panel, rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1979, 17- 36 Rarities Clommittee, news and announce- ments, 314; report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1980, 453-95, plates 268-87 Razorbill, at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86 Readers’ likes and dislikes, 503-4 Recent prosecutions, 231-3; 539-41 Recent reports, 51-4, plates 14-5; 105-8, plates 34-9; 159-60; 191-4, plates 117-22; 235-8, plates 136-41; 272-4, plates 162-3; 359-62, plates 189-91; 403-5, plate 237; 450-1, plate 267; 499-502; 545-8, plate 306 Recurvirostra avosetta, see Avocet Redman, Philip S., note on yellow-legged Herring Gulls in France and Britain, 349- 50 Redpoll, status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 338; in mixed passerine Hocks in summer, 514 , Arctic, accepted record 1980, 489 Redshank, Spotted, status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 336 Redstart, status in Channel Islands 1951-80. 332, 337 , Black, breeding status in Clhannel Islands 1951-80, 332; records not assigned to named races, 347 Redwing, British breeding records 1973-9, 31-2 ' Rees, Darren, winner, the Richard Richard- son Award, 1981, 277-8, 448, plate 266 Rees, G. H., note on Black-tailed Godwit displaying over heathland, 398 Regulus ignicapillus, see Firecrest regulus, see Goldcrest Retniz pendulinus, see 4'it, Penduline Requests: rare issues of BB, Cor\’s Shear- waters in autumn 1980, Gwent Breeding Bird Atlas, birds in Thailand, 101-2; status of Reeves’s Pheasant, Roving Tit Flocks Project, 156; (farganey and Girl Bunting records. Nightjar census 1981, 189; birds feeding in foam lines, 23 1 ; donations to aid speedy publication of papers and notes. Index to volume 74 569 yellow Fulmars from St Kilda, colour- marked Lesser Black-backed Gulls, gales of 25th/26th April 1981, 303-4; readers’ likes and dislikes, wing-tagged Grey Herons, 356; W inter Atlas, rhododen- drons and wildlife, 543 Reviews: Angel: The Natural Hutory oj Britain and Ireland, 548-9 Baker: The Evolutionary Ecology oJ Animal Migration, 451-2 Brusewitz: H'ings and Seasons, 549 Dymond: The Birds of Lundy, 3 1 2 Flegg: A Notebook oJ Birds— 1907-1980, 311- 2 Freeman: Wildlife and Nature Photography, 549-50 Hale: Waders, 313 Hollom: Popular Handbook of Rarer British Birds, 2nd edition, 108 Hume: Usborne Guide to Birds oJ Britain and Europe, 408-9 Nelsoti: their biology and ecology , 108 Oelke: Bird Census Work and Nature Consetra- tion, 313-4 Owen: H'itd Geese oJ the World, 409 Pemberton: Birdwatcher’s Yearbook 1982, 550 Ratcliffe: The Peregrine Ealcon, 310- 1 Richards: The Birdwatcher’s A-Z, 409-10 Roberson: Rare Birds of the West Coast, 3 1 2 Ferres: The Audubon Society Encyclopedia oj North American Birds, 4 1 0 \\ allace: Birdwatching in the Seventies, 502 Weaver: The Birdwatcher’s Dictionary, 550- 1 Weick and Brown: Birds of Prey of the World, 410 Reynolds, J. F., photographs of juvenile Sooty Gulls, 386, plates 2 1 8-9 Rhodostethia rosea, see Gull, Ross’s Richard Richardson Award 1981, 275-8; award presentation, 448, plate 266 Richards, Gharles E., note on Corn Bunting with abnormal song, 187-8 Richards, Michael W., photograph of N ight- jar, 164, plate 95; of R. E. Scott, 284, plate 165 , , see Chandler, R.J., et at. Riparia riparia, see Martin, Sand Rissa tridactyla, see Kittiwake Robertson, I. S., photograph of Lapland Bunting, 39; of Briinnich’s Cfuillemot, 478, plate 279; of Olive-backed Pipit. 482. plate 281; of Arctic Warbler, 486, plate 282; of Pine Bunting, 493, plates 285-7; review of VN'allace: Birdwatching in the Seventies, 502 Robin, in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 , American, 1891 record accepted, 347 Robin, Siberian Blue, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 341 Rogers, M.J., noteon Isabelline Wheatear in Norfolk, 181-2; on call of Red-throated Pipit, 228-9; report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1980, 453-95, plates 268-87 Rogers, .Mick, and Cawkell, Hariy, person- alities 22: R. E. Scott, 283-5 Roller, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 340; accepted records 1980, 480 Rook, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 334; hoarding food, 512 Rosefinch, Scarlet, European news, 263; accepted records 1979-80, 489-91, plate 284 Round, Philip D., letter on future Palearctic vagrants, 100; note on call-notes of migrant Bonelli’s Warblers, 444 RSPB .Species Protection Department, recent prosecutions, 231-3; 539-41 Rubythroat, Himalayan, field characters, 99 , .Siberian, field characters, 99; added to British and Irish list, 34(i Ruff, British breeding records 1979, 29-30; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 336 Russell, J., photograph of Spotted Fly- catcher, 286, plate 166 .Saker, added to Categorv D, 346 Sanderling, feeding on wet road, 228; feeding behaviour in winter, 521-2 Sandpiper, Baird’s, accepted records 1979- 80, 468-9, plates 271-2 , Broad-billed, accepted record 1980, 469, plate 273 , Buff-breasted, European news, 261; Channel Islands records 1951-80, 340; accepted records 1976-80, 469-71, plate 274 , Curlew, status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 3,36; photograph, 547, plate 306 , Least, European news, 261 , Pectoral, displaying in Caithness in May 1974, 29; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 336; mysteiy- photograph, 299, 344-5, plate 1 76 , .Semipalmated. feeding on ploughed land, 149; identification in autumn, 396-8; accepted records 1980. 467; field identifi- cation ofjuvenilc 505-9, plates 289-95 , SolitarN', accepted record 1980, 472 , Spotted, accepted records 1977-80. 472 , Terek, European news, 261 , White-rumped, Fiuropean news, 261; accepted records 1980,468-9 , \\ o(xI, British breeding records 1979, 30; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 336 370 Index to volume 74 Sapsuc'kor, \’cllov\ -bellied, added to British and Irish list, 346 Saxicola rubetra, see W'hinehat turquata, see Stonechat Scaup, British breeding records 1979, 22; influx in winter 1978/79, 55-6; wintering in Channel Islands 1951-80, 336 Sehill'erli, Luc, European news, 260-3 Schipke, R., photographs of Bittern, 11-16, plates 4-6 Scoter, Common, British breeding records 1979,22 , Surf, accepted records, 1978-80, 464 , X'clvet, influx in winter 1978/79, .55-62, 73, 78-81, plate 25; wintering in Channel Islatids 1951-80, 335 Scott. R. E., personal account of, 283-5, plate 165 Seeviour, J., photograph of Ross's (iull, 124, plate 56 Seiurus aurocapillus, see Ox enbird rioveboracensis. see W’aterthrush, Northern Serin, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 334; accepted records 1978-80, 489 Serinus serinus, sec Serin Shag, European news, 260 Sharrock, J. I'. R., rare breeding birds in the I'nited Kingdom in 1979, 17-36; mystery photograph 49: Lapland Bunting, 39-40; the European Atlas: flycatchers, 286-90, plates 166-9; changes to the British and Irish list. .345-7; short reviews, 405-8; rexiew of Hume: I'sborne Guide to Birds oj Britain and Europe, 408-9; of Richards: The Birdwatcher's A-Z. 409-10; of Terres: The Audubon Society Encyclopedia oj North American Birds. 410; ol Wngcl: The Natural History oj Britain and Ireland. 548-9; of Brusewitz: flVngi' and Seasons. 549; short rex icws, 551-2 , , sec Chandler, R..J., el al. , , see Ciillmor, Robert . , Cdiandlcr, R.J., and Smith, Don, best recent black-and-white bird-photo- graphs, 428-37, plates 247-(iO Shearwater, Cory's, European news, 260; CMiannel Islands records 1951-80, 339; moxements olf east t oast of Britain, 420; accepted records 1979-80, 455-() , (ireat, moxements olf east coast of Britain, 419-20 , Little, moxements olf east coast of Britain, 421; possible Irish record 1980, 456 , .Manx, scaxenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; passage offChannel Islands 1951- 80, 335; prex of grey seals, 348; mox ements offcast coast of Britain, 4 1 7, 420 Shearwater, Sooty, scaxenging at traxvlers in Irish .Sea, 86; moxements oil east coast of Britain, 4 1 7, 420 Shelduck, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 330, 336 Short rexicws: .Aerts, 405; .Althea, 551; ■Ardley, 405; Banko, 406; Bozhko, 406; Britton, 406; Bryant, 551; Bub, 406; Bub and Oclke, 406; Catchpole, 406; Colombo, 551; Ciornell, 406; Creutz, 406; Eischer, 406; Gallagher and Woodcock. 406; (iore, 406; Gotch, 551; Greenoak, 551; Hoxvard and .Moore, 406; Klomp and Woldendorf, 551; Kruger, 407; Eint and Eint, 407; Lloyd, 407; .McLaren, 551; .Munsterborg, 407; Nero, 407; Parmelee, 407; Pizzey, 407; Pettifer and Brown, 407; Porter et al.. 552; Richards, 552; Riley and .Andrews, 407; Saxage, 407; .Schanenberg, 552; .Schmidt, 407; Shrubsall, 407; Soper, 552; 'Late, 552; I’homas and W hile, 407; 4'omkics, 407; Warnett and I’hornhill, 407; Whitlock, 552; Williams and .Arlotl, 407-8; Wood- cock and Perry, 408; W right, Ingles and Ecare, 408 Shoxelcr, wintering in Cihanncl Islands 1951- 80, 336 Shrike. Broxvn, taxonomy of, 534-6 , Isabelline, ranked as species, 347; taxonomy of, 534-6 , Lesser Grey, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 342; accepted records 1980, 488 , Red-backed, British breeding rectjrds 1979, 35, feeding habits of juxenile, 187; European news, 262-3; taxonomy of, 534-6 , Woodchal, C.hannel Islands records 1951-80, 342-3; accepted records 1979-80, 488 Sinclair, J. Cf, photograph ol Sabine's (iull 133, plate 74 .Siskin, status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 338 Silla europaea. see Nuthatch Skjelstad, H. B., photographs of (daucous Gull, 376-7, plates 202-5 Skua, .Arctic, scaxenging al trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; tail of Jux enile, 259, plate 159; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 337; moxements of] east coast of Britain, 419, 422 , (ireat, scaxenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 337; Juvenile eating insects, 398; moxe- mentrs ofl east coast of Britain, 422 , Eong-tailed, in Irish Sea, 86; mystery photograph, 204, plate 124; skins of Juveniles, 2.59, plates 159-60; status in Index to volume 74 D/ C.hannel Islands 1951-BO, 337; accepted records, 1978-9, 473; movements oil east coast ol Britain, 419, 422 , Pomarine, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; tail of juvenile, 259, plate 159; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 337; movements oil east coast ol Britain, 419, 422 Skylark, feeding ju\enile with bread, 98 Smew, summering in Britain 1979, 23; influx in winter 1978/79,55-62, 73-5, 78-81, plate 26 Smith, Don, photograph of Bittern, 9, plate 3; note on Oystercatchers excavating tops of fence posts, 41-2, plates 9-11; photo- graph of Kittiwake, 137, plate 82; note on Peregrine’s method of attacking thicks on water, 264; photographs of Claucous Gulls, 374-5, plates 199-200 , , see (^handler, R.J., et al. , , see Sharrock, j. T. R. Smith, R. N., note on Common I'erns perch- ing on power lines, 181 Snipe, (Jreat, accepted record 1980, 471 , Jack, camouflage of crouching bird, 440- 1 , plate 263 Somateria mollissima, see Eider spectabilis, see Eider, King Sparrow, Lark, photograph, 403, plate 236 , Spanish, on Lundy June 1966, 109-10; in Isles of Scilly, 150- 1 , Tree, in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 , W hite-crowned, added to British and Irish list, 346 Sparrowhawk, breeding status in C.hannel Islands 1951-80, 330 ' Sphyraptcus mrius, see Sapsucker, \'ellow- bellied Spoonbill, European news, 260; in Kent, 4,50, plate 267 Starling, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 334; photograph, 429, plate 248 , Rose-coloured, Channel Islands records 19,51-80, 343; accepted records 1974-80,488 Sfastny, Karel, European news, 260-3 Stercorarius loni’icdudus, see Skua, Long-tailed parasiticus, see Skua, .Arctic pomarmus, see Skua, Pomarine skua, .see Skua, (freat Sterna albijrons, see I ern. Little aleutica, see 1 ern, Aleutian anaethetus, see I ern. Bridled ben^alensis, see I ern. Lesser C. rested caspia, see I'ern, C.aspian dougallii, see 1 ern. Roseate forsteri, see I ern, hors ter s fuscata, see 1 ern, S(X)ty Sterna hirundo, see Tern, Common paradisaea, see Tern, Arctic sandvicensis, sec Tern, Sandwich Stewart, A. G., note on juvenile Great Skua eating insects, 398 Stevn, Peter, photograph of Dr Leslie Brown, 224, plate 135 Stilt, Black-winged, accepted records 1980, 466, plates 268-9 .Stint, Little, bill shape obscured by feather- ing, 99; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 336; identification in autumn, 396-8; field identification of juvenile, 505-9, plate 295; territorial beha\iour on spring migration, 522-3; on autumn migration, 523 , Eemminck’s, British breeding records 1979, 29; status in Channel Islands 1951- 80, 336-7 Stonechat, accepted records of .S', t. maura or stejnegeri 1974-80, 483 .Stone-curlew , British breeding records 1979, 28 Stork, Black, Channel Islands records 1951- 80, 33f); accepted record 1980. 459 , \\ hite, European news, 260; Channel Islands records 1951-80, 339; accepted records 1978-80,459 Streptopelia decaocto, see Dove. Collared senegalensis, see Do\ e, Laughing turtur, see Dove, I'urtle Strix aluco, see Ow l, fawny nebulosa, see Ow l, Great Grey Sturnus roseus, see Starling, Rose-coloured vulgaris, see Starling Sula bassana, see (iannet Sultana, Joe, and Gaud, Charles. European news, 260-3 Sutherland. William J., and Brooke. Duncan J.. note on territorial behaviour of Little Stints on spring migration. 522-3 Swallow, feeding from hogweed, 98; albino harassed b\ own species. 266; status in C.hannel Islands. 1951-80. 329; breeding underground, 442-3, plates 264-5 . Red-rumped. European news. 262; accejned records 1979-8(), 480-1 ■Swan, Bewick's, wintering in Cihannel Islands 1951-80.335 , WlKKiper, summering in Britain 1979. 21 Sweeney. John J., note on Glaucous Gull with utuisually small bill. 524 .Swift, field characters compared with Pallid .Swift, 171-8, plates 10.5-9; mystery photo- graph. 439, 495-7. plate 262; feeding on itisect swarms, 537 . .Alpine, feeding at night hy artificial light, 149; European news. 261; (ihannel 572 Index to volume 74 Islands records 1951-80, 340; accepted records 1980, 480 , lattle, photographs, 361, plates 189-90 , Pallid, in Kent, May 1978, 170-8,- plates 99-104 Sylvia atricapilla, see Blackcap borin, see \\ arbler. Garden canlitlans, see Warbler, Subalpine communis, see Whitethroat curruca, see Whitethroat, Lesser rnelanocephala, see Warbler, Sardinian nana, see Warbler, Desert rueppelli, see Warbler, Riippell’s undata, see Warbler, Dartford Synnaticus reevesii, see Pheasant, Reeves’s Tacfiybaptus rujicollis, see Grebe, Little Tadorna tadoma, see Sheldiick Panager, Scarlet, added to British and Irish list, 346 Tarsiger cyanurus, see Bluetail, Red-flanked Taylor, A. M., American Kestrel: new to Britain and Ireland, 199-203, plate 123; photograph of adult Puffin in winter plumage, 255, plate 157 , , and Ciampey, R. J., note on Rtippell’s Warbler in Devon, 528-30, plates 302-5 I'aylor, A. R., see Dixey, A. L. et at. Taylor, Kenneth, photograph ofDa\id (flue, 427, plate 246 4'eal, field characters, 324-5, wintering in Cfhannel Islands 1951-80, 336; accepted records of ,4. c. carolinensis 1979-80, 460-1 , Baikal, new to Britain and Ireland, 321-6, plate 181; accepted records 1958- 73, 460 , Blue-winged, European news, 260; field characters, 324-5; accepted records 1979-80, 461-2 Tern, Aleutian, in Northumberland Mav 1979,411-6, plates 238-45 , Arctic, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 337; mystery photograph, 345, 394-5, plate 186 ’ ‘ , Bridled, accepted record 1980, 477 , Gaspian, sun-bathing, 181; dropping and retrieving objects, 228; photograph, 404, plate 237; accepted records 1979-80, 476 , Gommon, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; perching on power lines, 181 ; dropping and retrie\ing object, 228; breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951- 80, 33 1 ' , Forster’s, accepted record 1980, 476 Tern, Gull-billed, accepted records 1978-80, 475-6 , Lesser Grested, European news, 261 , Little, development and behaviour of chicks, 291-8, plates 170-5 , Roseate, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86 , Sandwich, scavenging at trawlers in Irish Sea, 86; breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 330-1 j Sooty, accepted records, 1979-80, 477 , Whiskered, characters of first-winter plumage, 43-5, plate 12; accepted record 1969,477 , White-winged Black, Ghannel Islands records 1951-80, 340; accepted records 1979-80,477-8 Tetrax tetrax, see Bustard, Little Ehrush, Dusky, European news, 262 , Eye-browed, in Strathclvde October 1978,527-8 , Grey-cheeked, identification of, 301-2 , Hermit, added to British and Irish list, 346 , Song, Bittern-like posture of juxenile, 267, plate 161 , Swainson’s, identification of, 301-2; accepted record 1980, 484 , White’s, accepted record 1979, 484 Ttchodroma rnuraria, see \\ allcreeper Tit, Bearded, European news, 262; breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 334 , Blue, breeding on Alderney, 329; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 , Goal, breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 334; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 , Great, in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514; sitting on empty nest, 530-1 , Long-tailed, European news, 262; breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951- 80, 329, 334; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514-5 , Penduline, European new's, 262; Ghannel Islands records 1951-80, 342; accepted record 1980,488 4’its, request, 156 Tomkovitch, P., photograph of Ross’s (Jull, 125, plate 62 Tomlinson, David, photograph of Iceland Gull, 238, plate 140; of Belted Kingfisher, 245, plate 142 Ereecreeper, European news, 262; status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 338 , Short-toed, breeding status inG.hannel Islands 1951-80, 334; added to Britisli and Irish list, 346 Ereleaven, R. B., note on Peregrine feeding Herring Gull chick to young, 97 Index to volume 74 573 Tnnga erylhropus, see Redshank, Spotted Jtavipes, see Yellowlegs, Lesser glareola, see Sandpiper, Wood melanoleuca, see Yellowlegs, (Greater nebularia, see Greenshank solilaria, see Sandpiper, Solitar\- Troglodytes troglodytes, see Wren d'rubridge, Michael, letter on Hobbv studies, 152 Tryngites suhrujicollis, see Sandpiper, Buil- brcasted I'ubbs, Golin R., and Prater, A. J., letter on conservation in the New Forest, 269 Tucker, J.J., note on Rock Pipit densities in Britain, 525-6 I'ucker, Nigel, photograph of Black-winged Stilt, 466, plate 268 Fucker, V'. R., note on VX'ilson’s Petrel in Clornwall, 299-301 Turdus iliacus, see Redwing migratorius, see Robin, American naumanni, see Thrush, Dusky ohscurus, see Fhrush, Kye-browed phdomelos, see 'Fhrush, Song pilaris, see Fieldfare torquatus, see Ouzel, Ring Furnstone, behaviour on elevated perches, 43 Tyler, Michael W., note on Lesser White- throat dust-bathing, 187 Tvto alba, see Owl, Barn L ria aalge, see Guillemot lomvia, see Guillemot, Briinnich's I 'anetlus vanellus, see Lapwing van Swelm, N., photographs of Sooty Gulls, 387, 390, plates 22 L 227 Vaughan, Richard, photographs of Little Gull, 115-8, plates 41, 49 \’eery, added to British and Irish list, 346 \ enables, W. note on song flight of Pied \\ agtail culminating in copulation, 98-9 Vermivora peregrina, see Warbler, I ennessee Vinicombe, Keith, note on yellow-legged Herring (lulls in Britain, 352-3 I 'ireo olivaceus. see \’ireo, Red-ev ed \'ireo. Red-eyed, accepted record 1980, 488- 9 \'isser, J., photograph o( W hitc-eyed (lulls, 39 1 , plate 229 Vittery, Alan, note on Kentish Plover with pale legs, 148-9 Voice: Baillon’s Chake, 146-7; Red-throated Pipit, 228-9; Bonelli's Warbler, 444; Clorn Bunting, 187-8 \ olpi, L., photograph of George Humph- reys, 143, plate 92 \ ulture, .American Black, record rejected as escape, 346 , Black, record rejected as escape, 346 , Griffon, Kuropean news, 260; placed in Gategory B, 346 Wagtail, Gitrine, European news, 262 , Grev, breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 332 , Pied, song flight ending in copulation, 98-9; photograph of adult female of nominate race, 309, plate 179; breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 332 , Yellow, breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 332; mysterv photograph of M. J. feldegg, 497, 5 1 7-9, plate 288 Walker, A. F. G., note on Ganada Goose flv ing with trap attached to one foot, 439- 40 Wallace, I). 1. .\L, Baikal leal: new to Britain and Ireland, 321-6, |)late 181; letter on tail-cocking by Moustached Warblers, 44(i , , see Dukes, P. .\. , , and Bourne, W . R. P., seabird movements along the east coast of Britain. 417-26 YSallcreeper, Ghannel Islands records 1951- 80, 342 Waller, G. S., Spanish Sparrow: new to Britain and Ireland. lOff-lO Wallis, .Andy, letter on North Sea gas flares, 536-7 Warbler, .Aquatic, Kuropean news. 262; status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80. 337; accepted records 1979-80, 485 , .Arctic, accepted record 1980, 486, plate 282 , Black-and-white, accepted record 1980,491 , Blackpoll, mysterv- photograph. 180. 203-4. plate 1 10; Cdiannel Islands records 1951-80. 343 , Bonelli's, call-notes of migrants, 444; accepted records 1980,487 , Booted, accepted records 1980. 485 . Gape .May, added to British and Irish list, 346 , Cletti's. British breeding records 1979, 32-3; European news. 262; breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 329. 332; accepted record 197fi. 484 , Dartliird, British breeding records 1979, 34; brceditig areas in New Forest burnt, 268-9; breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80.333 574 Index to volume 74 Warbler, Desert, added to British and Irish list, 346 , Dusky, photograph, 105, plate 34; European news, 262; C^hannel Islands records 1951-80, 342; accepted records 1980, 487 , Fan-tailed, European news, 262 , Garden, status in Guernsey, 329; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 , Grasshopper, European news, 262; status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 332, 337 , Great Reed, summering in Britain 1979, 33-4; Channel Islands records 1951- 80, 341; accepted record 1980, 485 , Greenish, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 342 , Hooded, added to British and Irish list, 346 , Icterine, status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 338 , Lanceolated, accepted record 1979, 484 , Marsh, British breeding records 1979, 33; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 333; identification of first-winter birds, 445-6 , Melodious, European news, 262; status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 337; photo- graph, 434, plate 256 , Moustached, tail-cocking, 446 , Olivaceous, European news, 262 , Pale-legged Leaf, possible future vagrant, 100 , Pallas’s, European news, 262; Channel Islands records 1951-80, 342; accepted records 1979-80, 486-7, plate 283 , Palm, added to Category D, 346 , Radde’s, European news, 262; Channel Islands records 1951-80, 342 , Reed, colour photograph, 216, plate 132; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 333; photograph, 436, plate 259; identification of first-winter birds, 445-6 , River, in Norfolk, 357, plate 188 , Riippeirs, in Shetland August 1977, 279-83, plate 164; added to British and Irish list, 346; in Devon June 1979, 528-30, plates 302-5 , Sardinian, Clhannel Islands records 1951-80, 342; accepted record 1980, 486 , Savi’s, British breeding records 1979, 33; status in Channel Islands 1951-80,333, 341; accepted records 1972-80, 484 , Sedge, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 333; tail-cocking, 444; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 , Subalpine, Cfiiannel Islands records 1951-80, 342; accepted records 1979-80, 485-6 , Tennessee, on Pair Isle, 90-4, plates 29-30; added to British and Irish list, 346; accepted record 1975, 491 , Two-barred Greenish, possible future vagrant, 100 , Willow, breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 333; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 5 14 , Yellow-browed, status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 338; records not assigned to named races, 347 , Yellow-rumped, Pmropean news, 263 Waterston, George, obituary, 36-9, plate 7 Waterthrush, Northern, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 343; in Channel Islands April 1977, 531-2 Watson, Philip S., seabird observations from commercial trawlers in the Irish Sea, 82-90 Waxwing, European news, 262 Wheatear, breeding status in Channel Islands, 1951-80, 332 , Black-eared, Channel Islands records 1951-80, 341; accepted record 1980, 483 Wheatear, Desert, European news, 262 , Isabelline, in Norfolk May 1977, 181-2, in Grampian October 1979, 182-5, plates 111-4; tail-wagging, 443; accepted record 1980,483 , Pied, photograph, 105, plate 35; mystery photograph, 146, 179, plate 93; accepted Irish record 1980, 483 Wheeler, P., photograph of Scops Owl, 479, plate 280 Whinchat, Bittern-like posture of juvenile, 266-7 Whitethroat, in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 , Lesser, dust-bathing, 187; breeding status in Channel Islands 1951-80, 333; in mixed passerine flocks in summer, 514 Wigeon, wintering in Channel Islands 1951- 80, 336 , American, European news, 260; accep- ted records 1979-80, 460 Wilkes, Michael C., colour photograph of Reed Warbler, 216, plate 132 Willet, mystery photograph, 395, 438-9, plates 235, 261 Williams, G. A., the Merlin in Wales: breeding numbers, habitat and success, 205-14, plates 125-30 Williams, Keri, photograph of Merlin, 212, plate 128 Wilsonia cilrina, see Warbler, Hooded Witherick, M. E., letter on conseiwation in the New Forest, 268 Index to volume 74 0/0 Withers, Martin B., photograph of Black- headed Gull, 435, plate 258 Woodlark, breeding areas in New Forest burnt, 268-9 Woodpecker, (ireat Spotted, breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 331 , Green, unusual death, 149 , Lesser Spotted, breeding status in Ghannel Islands 1951-80, 331 , Syrian, European news, 261-2 Wren, Bittern-like posture ol adult, 266 Wryneck, British breeding records 1979, 31; photograph, 310, plate 180 Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus. see Blackbird, Yellow-headed Xenus cinereus, see Sandpiper, Ferek 5'ellowlegs, Greater, mystery photograph. 40, 94-6, plate 8 , Lesser, photograph of ju\enile, 95, plate 32; accepted records 1979-80. 471-2. plate 275 Young Ornithologists of the War 1980, 46; award presentation, 158, plate 94 Zotwirichia leucophrys, see Sparrow. White- crowned Zool/iera dauma, see Fhrush. \\ hite's BOOKS — Handle with Care Name . Address If undelivered, please return to P. 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