i British Birds Editorial Board R.J. Chandler R. A. Hume M. A. Ogikic R.J. Piytherch J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith and Roger Tidman Art Consultants Robert Gillmor and Alan Harris \Alume 85 1992 British Birds Ltd Kdiloria! Skiff l)i J. r. R. ShaiTork (Managing lifliloi), David A. Chrislic (AssislaiU Rdi(or), Mrs Sheila D. Cohhan (IVrsonal Assistant to Dr Sliarrock), Mrs Sue Holden (to 9th April) & Mrs Bonny Shirley (from 13th April) Cirnilalion Skijf Mrs Rrikti Sharrock (Cireulalion Mtinager), Mrs Alison Gathercole & Mrs Bonny Shirley RunUi’s Commillee P. (j. Dtinsdown (Chttirmtui), Di (lolin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, (j. P. Caticy, Peter Glcinent, A. R. Dean (to 31st .March), Pete Rllis, S. J. M. (ianlletl, C. D. R. Heard, R. Hnine, J. H. .Maix hant & (inthttnie VVtilhridge (['rftin 1st Apiil); Peter Clolston (Mu.setim Consulttint & .Archivist); Peter ^'r;^ser (Sttitisticiaiij; .Michael J. Rogers (Honoraiy Secrelaiy) llrhai’iimr .Nolen Panel Dr C.j. Bibhy, Dr .M. Hcgg, Derek (ioodwin. Dr I. .\cwton. Dr .M. A. OgiKie, Dr J. r. R. .Sharrock & Dr K. Ik L. .Simmons Ideiilificalion .Nolen Pane! Dr R. ,J. Chandler, ,\, R. Dean, R, .A, Hume, P. P. Inskipp, P, CP I.ansdown, S, C, Madge, I. .S, Robertson, Dr J, 1. R. Sharrock & K, Ik A’inicombe 'liRMIsil lilRlrs' si'.Mt, I.eli to right, Mrs Ikikti Slitirmtk, .Airs .Alison (lalhercole, .Mrs Bonny .Shirley, Mrs .Sheila (iohhtm, Dax'id .A. Chiistie tmd Dr J. T. R. Sharroek, l.ondon. June 1992 {Ro.»er 'lidiiiriiij British Birds Voltime 85 (1992) Main contents JA.NLAR'l’ J C'onsciA'ation: Hu- Prime Minister's personal \ ie\vs /i/ Hon. John Majoi .\ IP () Piiropean news 1() Inllnx of liule Pgrets in Britain and Ireland in 1989 Pele Combridge and Chris Pan- 'll Identilication pitfalls and assessment problems // Little Lgret R. .1. Hiime 28 CoLint\, regional and bird observatoiy recorders in Britain and Ireland I l;^.RrAR^ 58 The new DXA-DXA avian classification: what’s it all about? D) Burl L. .Monroe. Jr t)2 Identilication of Laneeolated \\'-Avb\cr .Vick Riddi/iird and Paul I'. Harcty MARCH 97 Partial breeding failure of Audouin's Gull in two Spanish colonics in 1991 .1. .M. Palerson. .1. Martinez \ Ualla andj. I. Dies 102 Seasonal rejitirts Autumn 1991 Part 1: non-passerines Iieith .HRapI) and Bany .nightingale 108 Moussier’s Redstart: new to Britain and Ireland .Mike Bairetl I 1 7 The Rare Breeding Birds Panel Robert Spencer and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel APRII. 1 H Riiptor migration at Lilat I ladomm Shirihai and David A. Chnslie MA'i' 201 Seasonal reports Autumn 1991 Part 2: passerines Bany .Viglitingale and keilh .Ut.sopp 21 1 ffverseas bird tours suivey DrJ. I. R. .Shimock 27)1 First-summer Hobbies in the X'ew Forest Brian Small JIM. 2bJ Fnglish names ol West Palearctic birds P P. Inskipp and DrJ. /■ R- Sharroek on be/ialj ij the BOl ' Records Committee and 'British Birds' 298 Bird Photograph ol the \'ear DrJ. T. R. Shanock. Dr R.J. Chandler and Don Smith 299 The British Birds' Best Annual Bird Re|)ort Award DrJ. 7. R. Shairock. Dr R.J. Chandler and Robert Cillmor |l I.V 8:!/ Blackburniiin W arbler: new to the Western P.ilcarctic Dirvid Saunders and .Mrs S/iirle}' Saunders 8 1 1 Breeding-range and po|)ulation changes of waders in the liirmer Soc iel Union Dr Pavel S. Tomkovieh 870 Lesser Scatip: new to the Western Palearctic 7- ,7- Hulian andJ. Pi. P'orty At Cl S I U .5 'Birrl Illustrator of ihe 5’ear' and ■'I'he Richard Richardson Award' Robert Cillmor, .llan Plarris. keith Shaek/elon anil Dr J. I. R. Sharroek 12b Gretit Knot: new to Britain and Ireland Peler .M. lillis 181 Fong-toed Stint: new to Britain ;uid Ireland , 7«^w P>. Diinnett 187 Idenlilit alion pitfalls and assessment problems 12 Surf Scoter .!/«)/ Brown 118 Furopean news si,pn;.\iiii:R 109 Xest-sile selection by Golden Fagles in Scotland Di J. Walson and R. //. Dennis 182 Seasonal reports Winter 1991/92 Iieith .Ulsopp and Bany .nightingale 191 Identilication pitlalls and assessment problems 13 Pallas’s Warbler C. P. ('.alley ncmiil.R .507 Report on mre birds in Great Britain in 1991 .Michael J. Rogers and the Rarities Committee \o\ l.Mliiat .578 l)is|)ersal anrl age oflirsl breeding of Buzzards in Gentrtil Wales P. li. Davis and J. li. Davis 587 Identification pitlitlls and assessment problems !4 Grane Iain S. Rohert.son 595 Golden-winged Warbler: nev\- to the Western Paletirclii Paid Doherty bOO BesI receni black-iinrl-while bird-photogiviphs Don .Smith, DrJ. 7. R. Sharroek and Roger Iiilman bl2 fhe 'British Birds' Best Bird Book ol ihe 5'ear bl3 PhotoSpot 33 White-breasted Kingfisher DrJ. 7. R. Shanock IlKClAIlll.R 1)81 Scarce migrants in Britain and Irelanrl Pari I. X’umbers during 198(5-90: seabirds to waders P. .1. p'rasn and DrJ. li Ryan ()8() Sea.sonal reports Spring 1992 Bany .nightingale and Keith .[ILsopp ()5.8 Field idenlilication of Black-faced. Bunting Dr Colin Brailshaw ()77 Sludies of West Palearclic birds I'.ll .Azores Bulllim h Dr Cohn J. Bihhy. Trevor I). Charlton and Jaime Ramos British Birds Volume 85 Number 1 January 1992 (NA"’ m 17 JAN 1992 "3 DKS ! Conservation: John Major European news Influx of Little Egrets in 1989 Identiflcation of Li -ile Egrets Stery photographs • County bird recorders • Monthly marathon Reviews • Notes • Fieldwork action • News and comment Recent reports British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, R. J. Prytherch & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith & Roger Tidman Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Rarities Committee P. G. Lansdown (Chairman); Dr Colin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, G. P. Cadey, Peter Clement, A. R. Dean, Pete Ellis, S. J. M. Gandett, C. D. R. Heard, R. A. Hume & J. H. Marchant; Peter Colston (Museum Consultant & Archivist); Peter Fraser (Statistician); Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary) Notes Panels BF.H.WtOUR Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDENI inCAnoN Dr R. J. Chandler, A. R. Dean, T. P. Insldpp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & K. E. Vinicombe ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology © British Birds I.td 1992 Copyright of j)hoto_graphs remains with photographers. British Birds is published nitmthly by British Birds Ltd, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire ISSn'(MK)7-0335 Publishing Manager, Production & Promotion Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Ciradation Mamger Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Felts Advertising Sandra Barnes Addresses Please keep correspondence on different items separate. Please address your envelope correctly. Please supply SAE, if reply required. Papers, notes, letters, drawings & photogaphs for publication Dr }. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40025 Subscriptions and orders for back copies Mrs Erika Sharrock, P’otmtains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40467 Advertising Mrs Sandra Barnes, BB Advertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Tiptree (0621) 815085 Bird news for 'Seasonal reports’ Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MKI7 9QS. Phone: Woburn (0525) 290314 (evenings); Luton (0582) 490049 (office hours) News items for ‘News and comment’ Mike F/verett & Robin Prytherch, 7 Burlington Way, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon PKlHaBS Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3A7. Special book and sound recording offers British BirdShop, NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN. Phone: Totnes (0803) 865913 Annual subscriptions (12 issues and index) Libraries and agencies £42.30, IRL49.40 or $79.80. Personal subscriptions: LIK, Europe and surface mail £34.40, IR£40.20 or $64.80; personal: airmail outside Europe £57.75, IR£67.45 or $109.00. Single back copies £4.40, IR£5.I5 or $8.20. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may also be made direcdy into LIK Post Office GIRO account number 37 588 6303. British Birds publishes material dealing with original observ'ations 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 jtiumal. Photographs and sketches are welcomed. Papers should be typt‘written 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. English and scientific names and sequences of birds follow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1984): names of plants follow Dony el ah (1980, English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals follow Corbet & Southern (1977, The Handbook of British Mammals). 'Eopographical (plumage and structure) and ageing tenninology should follow editorial recommendations (Hrit. Hirds 74: 239-242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). 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IS THERE A BETTER WAY OF CHOOSING YOUR OPTICS? WE DON'T THINK SO- TRY US Our L4>catton Wood End is situated off the A421 between Bedford and Milton Keynes Exit the Ml at Junction 13 on to the A421 to Bedford, after 3 miles turn left after Wix>d End signpost. Follow the road around for 1 mile and then turn right at The Hide' sign and we are 300m on the right Simple Ordnance Survey Landranger 153. Grid Reference 982-417. HIBH ® 0234 765151 THE HIDE Lower Wood End Farm Wood End - Nr Marston |MpB Moretaine - Beds yiy MK43 OPA MallOntor Stocks permitting, all instruments are despatched the day your order b placed and all customers receive their goods on a full 14 days approval, upon receipt of 1^11 remittance Opening Time* Tues. - Fri. 9.30am to 4.30pm (up to 5.30 by appointment only) Saturday 9.30am to Spm Closed Sunday and Monday THE AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION invites readers of British Birds into our membership. If you join the only North American association of and for birders, you will receive Birding, our bi-monthly magazine which gives active field birders the expertise they seek, and Winging It, a lively monthly newsletter with the latest happenings and rarities. Many ABA birdwatchers are available to advise or guide visitors to their local areas. These members are listed in our Membership Directory. Annual Dues: US$ 37.00 or £20.00. Sterling checks acceptable. For sample copies, send US$3.50 or £2.00 to: American Birding Association ^ PO Box 6599 Colorado Springs, CO 80934 USA (D96^ xii Mystery photographs 27 appearance is not constant throughout its range. Geographically from west to east, there is a (somewhat disjointed) dine of decreasing olive and yellow in the plumage. Six or more subspecies are advocated (while Mountain Chiffchaff P. sindianus has been incorporated within P. collybita by some taxonomists). On the race tristis from Siberia and central Asia, olive is very limited and yellow entirely lacking except on the axillaries and on the marginal coverts near the bend of the wing (while some individuals lack yellow even on these areas). On typical tristis, yellow is replaced by buff on the supercilium and underparts, the flanks frequently displaying a deep buff suffusion; the upperparts are a drab brown. The form ‘fidvescens^ (which has a disjointed distribution in western Siberia and central Asia, and is perhaps best regarded as a morph of tristis) is greyer on the upperparts and whiter below. The race abietinus of northern and eastern Europe is somewhat intermediate between the nominate race and tristis, but the characters of the various races overlap, and the subspecific identity of single individuals can rarely be asserted with confidence. Individuals which combine greyness, a deficiency of olive and yellow, and a rudimentary wing-bar are certainly of easterly origin, however, and the Cape Clear Island individual is a striking example of an ‘eastern’ Chiffchaff, with all the attendant pitfalls for the unprepared observer. Such individuals reach the coasts of Britain and Ireland with some regularity in late autumn, and are often associated with arrivals of other species of distinctly eastern origin. A. R. Dean 2 Charingworth Road, Solihull, West Midlands B92 8HT 8. Mystery photograph 175. Identify the species. Answer next month I County, regional and bird observatory recorders in Britain and Ireland The main aims of this list are to encourage observers birdwatching away from their home areas to send records to the relevant county recorders, and to provide a source for those collating records on a national basis. Several counties are divided into areas for recording purposes, but, to save space, and because we believe it is less confusing, the list generally includes only one name against each county or region. The names and addresses of observatory recorders or wardens appear separately at the end. We shall be glad to know of any errors, omissions or changes of address, which will be noted in our monthly ‘News and comment’ feature. ENGLAND Avon Dr H. E. Rose, 12 Birbeck Road, Bristol BS9 ibd Bedfordshire Paul Trodd, 17 Northall Road, Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire I.U6 2DQ Berkshire P. E. Standley, Siskins, 7 Llanvair Drive, South Ascot, Berkshire SI.5 9HS Buckinghamshire Andy V. Harding, 15 Jubilee Terrace, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MKIl IDU Cambridgeshire Eor the old county of Cambridgeshire; C. A. E. Kirtland, 22 Montgomery Road, Cambridge CB4 2F.Q. Eor the old county of Huntingdonshire: John Clark, 7 Westbrook, Hilton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PF.18 9NW Cheshire Tony Broome, Sibirica, 9 Vicarage Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SKI 2 IBG Cleveland B. Dunnett, 43 Hemlington Road, Stainton, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS8 9AG Cornwall S. M. Christophers, Bramblings, Rachel’s Way, St Columb Major, Cornwall TR9 6FP Cumbria Robert Spencer, Iredale Place Cottage, Loweswater, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 osu Derbyshire Rodney W. Key, 3 Farningham Close, Spondon, Derby DF2 7DZ Devon P. W. Ellicott, 34 Maple Road, St Thomas, Exeter, Devon FX4 IBN Dorset Martin Cade, 12 Littlemoor Road, Preston, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 6AA Durham Tony Armstrong, 39 Western Hill, Durham DHI 4RI, Essex Mike Dennis, 173 Collier Row Lane, Romford, Essex RM5 3FD, & John Miller, 450A Baddow Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex Gloucestershire Andrew Jayne, 9 Hayes Court, Longford, Gloucester Greater Manchester ]. P. Day, 41 Donnington Road, Sale, Cheshire M33 5DX Hampshire E. J. Wiseman, Normandy Farm, Normandy Lane, Lymington, Hampshire S041 8AF Herefordshire Keith A. Mason, The Sett, Common Hill, Fownhope, Hereford HRl 4QA Hertfordshire Rob Young, 28 Tring Road, Long Marston, Hertfordshire HP23 4QF Humberside See Lincolnshire and Yorkshire hie of Wight D. B. Wooldridge, ‘Pictou’, Church Street, Niton, Isle of Wight P038 2BX Isles of Scilly W. H. Wagstaff, 42 Sally Port, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly TR2I OJF Kent I. P. Hodgson & T. N. Hodge, 73 Middle Deal Road, Deal, Kent CT14 9RG Lancashire M. Jones, 31 Laverton Road, St Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire FY8 IFW Leicestershire Roger E. Davis, 31 Tysoe Hill, Glenfield, Leicester FF3 8AR Lincolnshire Graham P. Gatley, 13 West Acridge, Barton-on-Humber, North Lincolnshire dni8 5AJ Dmdon Mark A. Hardwick, Flat 12, 9/1 1 Belsize Grove, London N\V3 4UU Merseyside See Cheshire and Lancashire Norfolk P. R. Allard, 39 Mallard Way, Bradwell, Great Yarmouth Northamptonshire R. W. Bullock, 81 Cavendish Drive, Northampton NN3 3HI. Northumberland B. N. Rossiter, West Barn, Lee Grange, Ordley, Hexham, Northumberland NF46 JSX 28 County bird recorders 29 Nottinghamshire ]. A. Hopper, 4 Shipley Rise, Carlton, Nottingham NG4 IBN Oxfordshire ]o\m VV. Brucker, 65 Yarnton Road, Kidlington, Oxford 0X5 l AT Shropshire Geoffrey R. Smith, Church Cottage, Leebotwood, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6\E Somerset Brian Rabbitts, Flat 4, Osborne House, 15A Esplanade, Bumham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 IBG Staffordshire Mrs Gilly Jones, 4 The Poplars, Lichfield Road, Abbots Bromley, Rugeley, Staffordshire \VS15 3AA Suffolk Philip Murphy, 24 Henstead Gardens, Ipswich IPS 9I.N Surrey}.]. Wheatley, 6 Boxgrove .Avenue, Guildford, Surrey Gfl IXG Sussex, East and West Paul James, 23 Islingword Place, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 2XG Tyne & Wear See Durham and Northumberland Warwickshire Steve Haynes, 4 Spinney Close, Old Arley, Coventry’ CV7 8PD West .Midlands T. Hextell, 49 Cradley Croft, Handsworth, Birmingham B2l 8HP Wdtshire R. Turner, 14 Ethendun, Bratton, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 -IRX Worcestershire Steve Whitehouse, 5 .Stanway Close. Rudyard Gardens, Blackpole, Worcester WR4 9X1. Yorkshire, North, South and West, and North Humberside W. F. Curtis, Farm Cottage, Church Lane, Atwick. Driffield, East Yorkshire V025 SDH IRELAND Republic of Ireland Rare Birds: Patrick Smiddy, Ballykenneally, Ballymacoda, Co. Cork, Ireland; all other species: Oran O’Sullivan, 3 The Willows, Orwell Road, Dublin 6, Ireland Northern Ireland Chris Murphy, Northern Ireland Birdwatchers’ Association, 12 Belvoir Close, Belvoir Park. Belfast, Northern Ireland BTS 4PI, ISLE OF MAN Dr J. P. Cullen, Troutbeck, Braddan, Isle of Man 1 SCOTLAND ' Dumfries & Galloway (Nithsdale, Annandale & Eskdale) Ken Bruce, Mallaig, Wellington Street, Glencaple, Dumfries DGi 4RA Dumfries & Galloway (Stewartry & Wigtown) Paul N. Collin, Gairland, Old Edinburgh Road, ' Minnigaff, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire DG8 6P1. Strathclyde (Kyle & Garrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley, Kilmarnock & Loudoun, Cunninghame) R. H. Hogg, Kirklea, Crosshill, Maybole, Ayrshire KA19 7RJ i Strathclyde (old counties of Lanark, Renfrew, Dunbarton, and Stirling and Perth within Clyde drainage area) I. P. Gibson, c/o Beck, 1 Rosebank Terrace, Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire PAI3 4F.W Strathclyde (Arran, Bute, Cumbraes) Bernard Zonfrillo, 28 Brodie Road, Glasgow G2l 3SB Strathclyde (Argyll & Bute, except Isle of Bute)'Nl\V.e Madders, Gruinart, Bridgend, Isle of Islay ' PA44 7 PS Borders (Berwickshire, Ettrick & Lauderdale, Roxburgh, Tweeddale) R. D. Murray, 4 Bellfield Crescent, Eddleston, Peebles, Borders f,H4.5 «RQ I Lothian (East Lothian, except Musselburgh lagoons) P. R. Gordon, 4 Craigielaw, Longniddry, East I Lothian FH32 OPY 1 Lothian (except as above, but including Musselburgh lagoons) Chris C. McGuigan, 10/9 Blair Street, I Edinburgh FHl IQR Central (Clackmannan, Falkirk, Stirling) Dr C. J. Henty, 7 Coneyhill Road, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire FK9 4FI. j Fife (Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, NE Fife) D. E. Dickson, 45 Hawthorn Terrace, Thornton, Fife KYl ; 4D7. Fife (Isle of May) Ian M. Darling, West Acres, 597 Lanark Road West, Balerno, Edinburgh FM4 I 7BI. Tayside (Perth & Kinross) Wendy Mattingley, Cluny House, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PHI5 2JT 30 County bird recorders Tayside (Angus, City of Dundee) Stuart R. Green, 41 Laird Street, Downfield, Dundee DD3 9QF Grampian (except Moray) Ken Shaw, 4 Headland Court, Newtonhill, near Stonehaven, Kincardine AB3 2SF Grampian/ Highland (Moray, Naim) M. J. H. Cook, Rowanbrae, Clochan, Buckie, Banffshire AB5 2F.Q Highland (except Caithness and Sutherland) R. H. Dennis, Inchdryne, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire PH25 3F.F Highland (Caithness) E. W. E. Maughan, Burnside, Reay, Thurso, Caithness KVV14 7RG Highland (Sutherland) A. R. Mainwood, 13 Ben Bhraggie Drive, Golspie, Sutherland KW10 6SX Western Isles (Harris, Lewis) W. A. J. Cunningham, 10 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis PA87 2TQ Western Isles (Uists, Benbecula, Barra) T. J. Dix, 2 Dreumasdal, South Uist PA8I 5RT Orkney C. J. Booth, 34 High Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 lAZ Shetland (Fair Isle) Paul Harvey, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland ZE2 9JU Shetland (except Fair Isle) Dave Suddaby, 92 Sandveien, Lerwick, Shetland ZF,1 ORU WALES Clwyd (Denbighshire and Flintshire) Peter Rathbone, Wem, Llanarmon-yn-Ial, Clwyd CH7 4QD Fffed (Cardiganshire) P. E. Davis, Felindre, Aberarth, Aberaeron, Dyfed SA46 OI.P Dyfed (Carmarthenshire) D. H. V. Roberts, 6 Gery-y-coed, Pontiets, Llanelli, Dyfed SA15 5UN Dyfed (Pembrokeshire) J. W. Donovan, The Burren, 5 Dingle Lane, Crundale, Haverfordwest, Dyfed SA62 4DJ Gwent Chris Jones, 283 Malpas Road, Newport, Gwent NP9 6WA Gwynedd (Anglesey, Caernarvonshire) Alan Davies, 21 Berth-y-Glwd, Gyffin, Conwy, Gwynedd I.I.32 8NP Gwynedd (Merionethshire) R. Thorpe, Tan-y-Garth, Friog, Fairbourne, Gwynedd I,r.38 2RG Mid Glamorgan ]. R. Smith, 15 Milton Drive, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan CF3I 4QF. Powys (Breconshire) M. F. Peers, Gorse Bank, Llangammarch Wells, Powys I.D4 4AA Powys (Montgomeryshire) Brayton Holt, Scops Cottage, Pentre Beirdd, Welshpool, Powys SY21 9DI. Powys (Radnorshire) Pete Jennings, Garnfawr Bungalow, Bettws, Hundred House, Llandrindod Wells I.DI 5RP South Glamorgan Phil Bristow, 10 Lisvane Street, Cathays, Cardiff CF2 4LI, West Glamorgan H. E. Grenfell, The Woods, 14 Bryn Terrace, Mumbles, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA3 4HD BIRD OBSERVATORIES The names listed here are those of the recorders, not the bookings secretaries: Bardsey S. W. Walker, Bird Observatory, Bardsey, off Aberdaron, Gwynedd Calf of Man Norman McCanch, Calf of Man Bird Observatory, c/o Juan Clague Kionslieu, Plantation Hill, Port St Mary, Isle of Man Cape Clear K. Preston, The Rennies, Boreenmanna Road, Cork, Ireland Copeland N. D. McKee, 67 Temple Rise, Templepatrick, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland BT39 OAG Dungeness David Walker, Bird Observatory, Dungeness, Romney Marsh, Kent TN29 9NA Fair Isle Paul Harvey, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland Gibraltar Point The Warden, Gibraltar Point NNR, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE24 4SU Isle of May Ian M. Darling, West Acres, 579 Lanark Road West, Balemo, Edinburgh EH14 7BI, North Ronaldsay Dr K. F. Woodbridge, 'Fwingness, North Ronaldsay, Orkney KWI7 2BE Portland M. Rogers, Bird Observatory, Old Lower Light, Portland, Dorset DT5 gjT Sandwich Bay Michael Sykes, Bird Observatory, Guilford Road, Sandwich Bay, Kent FT13 9PF Spurn B. R. Spence, Bird Observatory, Spurn, Kilnsea, via Patrington, Hull HU12 0UG Walney K. Parkes, 176 Harrogate Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria I.N14 SNA Sponsored by Monthly marathon October’s fast-departing barred bird (plate 231) was named as: Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus (84%) SakerF. cherrug (8%) Kestrel F. tinnmculus (4%) Yi2m\iO'w\Sumiaulula (3%) with fewer votes for Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus, Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus, Levant Sparrow-hawk A. brevipes, Lesser Kestrel F. naumanni, Gyrfalcon F. rusticolus. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus, Short-eared Owl Asia flammeus and Green Woodpecker Ficus viridis. Too easy! This first-summer male Red-footed Falcon in Shetland in June 1989 {Brit. Birds 83: 458) was photographed by Larry Dalziel. The leaders in this competition to win a SUNBIRD birdwatching holiday to Africa, Asia or North America are G. P. Catley, P. A. Clark, R. J. Fowling, Roy Hargreaves, C. D. R. Heard, Erik Hirschfeld, Hannu Jannes, P. G. Lansdown, Pekka J. Nikander, Dave Nurney and Jouni Riihimaki (all on six-in-a-row sequences), with Mrs S. K. Armstrong hot on their heels, just one hurdle behind the leaders (with five in a row). The rules (see below) are very precise and should be read in detail to avoid disqualification. The next hurdle appears as plate 9. Have a go! (But do read those rules first.) For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; or telephone Sandy (0767) 682969. 9. Fifth ‘Monthly marathon’ (eighteenth stage: photograph number 67). Identify the species. Read the rules (below), then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK4+3NJ, to arrive by 28th February 1992 RULES 1. Only current individual subscribers to British Birds are eligible to take part. Entrants should give their name, address and BB reference number on their entry. Only one entry is permitted per person each month. 2. Entries must be sent by post, each one on a separate postcard, and be received at the British Birds Editorial Office (Monthly marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford mk44 3Nj) by 15th of succeeding month. Every care will be taken, but, even if negligence is involved, no responsibility can be accepted for non-delivery, non-receipt or accidental loss of entries. 3. All ‘BB’ subscribers are eligible, except members of the Editorial Board and staff of British Birds, Directors and members of staff of SUNBIRD/WINGS Holidays, and Directors and members of staff of our printers, Newnorth Print Ltd. (Members of ‘BB’ Notes Panels, the Rarities Committee, and other voluntary contributors — including bird-photographers, even if one of their photographs is used in the competition — are eligible unless proscribed above.) 4. To win, a British Birds subscriber must correctly identify the species shown in ten consecutive photographs included in this competition. The ‘Monthly marathon’ will continue until the prize has heen won. 31 32 Monthly marathon 5. In the unlikely event of two or more ‘BB’ subscribers achieving the ten-in-a-row simultaneously, the competition will continue each month until one of them (or someone else!) achieves a longer run of correct entries than any other contestant. 6. In the event of any dispute, including controversy over the identity of any of the birds in the photographs, the decision of the Managing Editor of British Birds is final and binding on all parties. 7. No correspondence can be entered into concerning this competition. 8. The name and address of the winner will be announced in British Birds. Reviews Bird Trapping and Bird Banding: a handbook for trapping methods all over the World. By Hans Bub. Translated by Frances Hammerstrom & Karin Wuertz-Schaefer. Cornell University Press, New York, 1991. 330 pages; 158 black-and-white plates; 298 line-drawings and figures. $69.50. Originally published in German in 1978, this important work by Hans Bub has now been translated into English. The subject of the book is bird capture, with some additional reference to other aspects of bird-ringing (banding), and it is the most comprehensive volume available, drawing from both a broad geographical and a historical range of sources. It will be a particularly valuable source of ideas for students of elusive species who are trying to devise effective methods to capture their subjects of study. Two forewords, by George Jonkel, Chief of the Bird Banding Laboratory, US Fish and Wildlife Serv'ice, and Chris Mead, Head of the British Bird-Ringing Scheme at the British Trust for Ornithology, both carefully explain that bird capture in most countries is now permissible only by trained and licensed bird-ringers for scientific investigation. Fears that this book might impart the secrets of mass bird-catching to illegal bird-trappers are largely allayed by its emphasis on techniques developed before about 1970. Ornithologists will learn much from the descriptions of the techniques of the Mediterranean and tropical bird- catchers, but it is unlikely that the bird-catchers would discover much of use to them that they do not know already, even if they do decide to pay the high price for the book. Nowadays, most bird-ringers use mistnets, with the largest catches resulting from the assistance of tape-recorded bird song. Although mentioned, these techniques are not covered as fully as those developed in the first half of the century and before. This is somewhat unfortunate, because great emphasis on the safety of captured birds has been placed by the main national ringing schemes in recent years, and some of the observations and techniques mentioned would now no longer be considered acceptable. Rather more than half of the book is taken up with descriptions of various types of bird traps, the most remarkable of which was a gigantic North American funnel trap designed to catch Starlings Stumus vulgaris and icterids for pest-control purposes. This trap caught 300,000 birds in three nights, out of a roost of 10-15 million. There are numerous interesting illustrations, with some of the most charming showing ancient Egyptian duck-hunting with decoy birds and a boomerang, a remarkable fourteenth- century Italian double clap net which looks identical to present-day clap nets, and seventeenth-century drag netting. Perhaps the most surprising of all, though, is that of the Dutch bird-ringer who buries himself in a refuse tip, with a plastic bag over his head, so that he can grab gulls. On good days, he can catch up to 50 per hour. I'he book concludes with an extensive bibliography. STEPHEN RUMSEY Birds. By Rob Hume. Hamlyn Children’s Books, London, 1991. 128 pages; numerous colour plates and drawings. Paperback £5.95. Open this children’s field guide for the first time and flick through the pages and the impression is of a bright and interesting book. There is a lively mix of artwork, crisp colour- photographs and snippets of text in easy-to-handle chunks. Reviews 33 The book is structured in the usual field-guide way: birdy bits and pieces, habitats, and species accounts. Each double-page spread covers a different group of birds, and project boxes add ideas for things to do and to look out for. The text is well written, with short descriptions and an introduction to each group that manages to convey a real ‘feel’ for the birds. We expect this now from the master of jizz himself. The choice of species is sometimes not obvious. Black W'oodpecker Dryocopus martius sits a little uncomfortably on the woodpecker pages, for example. Colour-coded maps help with this initially confusing mix of British birds and ‘rare visitors’. The artwork, in places, is what really lets this book down. Some is good, but there are rather too many mediocre illustrations, and the Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata stoops to a real low. This book will be most useful filling the niche between a first book of birds and an adult field guide. Three other titles — Mammals, Seashores and Butterflies and Insects — complete the set. Joan Childs Handbuch der Vogel der Sowjetunion. Band 6/Teil 1. Charad- riiformes (Lari): Stercorariidae, Laridae (Larinae und Steminae). Edited by V. D. Il’icev and V. A. Zubakin. A. Ziemsen Verlag, Wittenberg Lutherstadt, 1990. 367 pages, 16 colour plates, 87 figures and maps. DM 98.00. Following volumes 1 and 4 (see reviews in Brit. Birds 79: 269-270; 83: 30-31), this is the third part of this German translation of the ten-volume handbook of Soviet birds to appear, the original Russian edition having been published in 1988. This first part of volume 6 covers all the skuas (five species), gulls (23) and terns (ten). These include such (to Europeans) lesser-known species as South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki. Relict Gull Lams relictus. Brown-headed Gull L. bmnnicephalus, Saunders’s Gull L. saundersi, Slaty-backed Gull L. sckistisagus, Glaucous-winged Gull L. glaucescens. Black-tailed Gull L. crassirostris and Red-legged Kittiwake Rissa brevirostris, among others. Those familiar with 'Voous’s taxonomy will find a number of surprises: for example, for Little Gull L. minutus, the Russians have followed Wolters’s (1975) world list in resurrecting the genus Hydrocoloeus (Kaup, 1829). All such decisions, however, are explained: each species account has a section on systematics. Good treatment is accorded to each species. For example, the lOl/2-page text (text area 140 X 202 mm) on Great Black-headed Gull L. ichthyaetus includes over 3V2 pages on distribution and movements and over two pages on breeding, while seven pages are devoted to the little-known Relict Gull, compared with a total of 1 1 for Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus. There are two pages on the virtually unknown Saunders’s Gull, but the German edition has missed the opportunity to mention the recent discovery of the Chinese breeding grounds of this species. Within 18 pages on the Herring Gull L. argentatus, the extremely complex taxonomy of the argentatus-fuscus group is discussed, but the reader is unfortunately, but perhaps not surprisingly, left with not much clearer a picture than before. Each species has two maps (redrawn for this German edition): one gives world range and the other details distribution within the USSR, in each case showing breeding and wintering ranges and frequently (where relevant) also records of vagrants and directions of movements. Together with the comprehensive texts on distribution, wintering and movements, these maps are possibly the most valuable part of this volume for the average British Birds reader (assuming, of course, that he/she has a knowledge of German). The texts do not confine themselves solely to the situation in the USSR, but include (briefer) information from the entire range, thereby producing a more universal picture for each species; similar treatment is given to data on populations. The colour plates are rather unremarkable and should have shown more examples of non- adult plumages, the more so bearing in mind the particular problems encountered with this suborder. The second part of volume 6 of this important reference work will cover all the auks (suborder Alcae). David A. Christie Notes Little Grebes sunning in winter At 11.30 GMT on 4th November 1988, in Chichester Harbour, West Sussex, I observed three Little Grebes Tachybaptus nificollis loafing between the yachts in Birdham marina. The yachts were moored closely, side by side, and each grebe was in a similar position less than 1 m from the bows of larger vessels. All three grebes had been stationary for some time, when first one and then a second started to dive; after each dive they returned to their former positions. The third never moved off station, and remained motionless except for one brief bout of preening; this individual was facing into the sun, with its rear towards the vessel, and had both its tail- coverts and its wings slightly raised. I concluded that all three grebes were deliberately exposing themselves to the weak, but nevertheless warm, winter sunshine on a morning when the air temperature was still very low following an overnight frost. Furthermore, their exact positioning was clearly deliberate: providing complete protection from the prevailing breeze, direct radiant heat from the sun, and reflected radiation from the bows of the vessels (which, by virtue of their shape, would have been acting as parabolic reflectors). The general literature on sunning, and specifically that relating to grebes (Storer et al. 1975), gives no examples of the use of reflected sunlight. The circumstances and the grebes’ behaviour, however, seem to fit well with the sun-basking classification, proposed by Simmons (1986), for the purpose of thermoregulation. Coots Fulica atra and Tufted Ducks Aythya fuligula were also present on the water: both species were keeping in the sun, preening and diving, but they were concentrated in the channels of open water, well away from any vessels. S. W. M. HUGHES 6 West Way, Slinfold, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 7SB Dr K. E. L. Simmons has commented: ‘These winter observations nicely confirm my suggestion that grebes sun themselves mainly in order to gain heat. Such sun-basking, as Storer and his co-authors have shown, occurs only in the smaller species of grebes, with one significant exception — the Hooded Grebe P. gallardoi of Southern Patagonia, which inhabits a particularly cold and windy environment (Storer 1982). Like the smaller species, the Hooded Grebe has the skin of the back and rump and the bases of the overlying feathers darkly pigmented, an adaptation for absorbing solar heat.’ Eds REFERENCES Simmons, K. E. L. 1986. The Sunning Behaviour of Birds: a guide for ornithologists. Bristol. Stoker, R. W. 1982. The Hooded Grebe on Laguna de los Escarchados: ecology and behavior. Living Bird 19: 51-67. , SiF.GERiF.D, W. R., & Kinahan,J. 1975. Sunbathing in grebes. Living Bird 14: 45-56. Immature Little Grebe attacking Black-headed Gull On 13th Novem- ber 1988, along the River Don in industrial Sheffield, South Yorkshire, I watched an adult and four immature Little Grebes Tachybaptus nificollis Notes 35 loafing at a weir-pool close to their breeding territory. About a dozen Black-headed Gulls Lams ridibundus were feeding above the pool when one gull, hovering within 1 m of the water surface, was attacked by a nearby immature grebe; the latter jumped at the gull, almost (but not quite) completely leaving the water. This was repeated three or four times within about two minutes, the grebe never quite managing to make contact, until the gull moved to a different part of the pool. The gull had shown no aggression towards the grebe, either before or during the seemingly unprovoked assault, although the grebe presumably felt threatened by its close presence. I have not previously witnessed this type of aggressive behaviour by Little Grebes, nor is there any reference to it in BWP (vol. 1). A. J. Morris 4a Raven Road, Sheffield S7 ISB Concealing posture of Mallard On 12th November 1988, 1 was walking along the banks of Skirden Beck, near its confluence with the River Ribble at Bolton by Bowland, Lancashire. This stretch has no emergent or overhanging vegetation. As I rounded a bend, something about 25 m ahead moved rapidly to the bank, where the movement ceased and I was unable to detect what had caused it. I raised my binoculars and was surprised to see a male Mallard Anas platyrhynchos which had ‘frozen’ in an elongated posture, with its head and neck resting on the bank and its body still floating in the water. When I lowered my binoculars again, the dark head looked just like one of the many stones in that area, while the pale- coloured body merged with the water; with the naked eye it was impossible to tell what the object was until 1 was much nearer. The Mallard finally sprang from the water when I was only about 4 m away. A. A. Cooper 28 Peel Park Avenue, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 lET Feeding groups of Common Scoters containing other species BWP (vol. 1) states that Common Scoters Melanitta nigra form dense rafts in winter, but tend to feed in smaller, more scattered groups whose individuals make synchronised mass dives. No mention is made, however, of other species feeding in these groups. In 1986/87, about 500 Common Scoters wintered in Luce Bay, Dumfries & Galloway. Feeding parties were sometimes widely scattered, but, from November 1986 to February 1987, one small group of up to 42 scoters regularly fed 100-200 m off a rocky shore. At times, six other species fed in these groups of scoters (table 1), Table 1. Composition of feeding groups of Common Scoters Melanitta nigra and other species in Luce Bay, west Galloway, in winter 1986/87 Date Composition of feeding groups 15 Nov 86 28 Dec 86 4 Jan 87 12 Jan 87 14 Feb 87 21 Feb 87 17 Common Scoters, 8 Red-throated Divers Gavia stellata 9 Common Scoters, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis, 1 Razorbill Alca torda 15 Common Scoters, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Northern Diver G. immer 42 Common Scoters, 1 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 12 Common Scoters, 3 Great Crested Grebes 9 Common Scoters, 3 Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis 36 Notes and, when feeding, all the species would dive close together, sometimes in a tightly knit group, diving and surfacing synchronously. They could have been feeding on molluscs and/or fish, but none was brought to the surface. Similar behaviour occurred on four dates in the winters of 1987/88 and 1988/89, when up to four different species again fed in close proximity; the largest group, on 25th November 1988, comprised 20 scoters, two Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus, eight Slavonian Grebes P. auritus and two Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis. There was no apparent advantage to any of the species involved in feeding together; presumably, they were all exploiting an available food source. R. C. DiCKSON Lismore, New Luce, Newton Stewart DG8 OAJ Aerial prey-capture technique of Little Gull On 7th April and 8th September 1988, during two visits to Crosby Marina, Liverpool, Merseyside, I watched groups of, respectively, 17 and six Little Gulls Lams minutus feeding in a manner unlike that described in the literature. Rather than dipping down to the surface and snapping up insects, they rose sharply a metre or so from horizontal flight and then threw their heads right back, opening their bills wide in a flycatching snap, before dropping back on to their original flight path. So distinctive was this action, often with several individuals independently involved in flights containing a number of flycatching peaks, that the gulls could be picked out quite easily from the opposite side of the marina 0.8 km away. On both occasions, flying insects were abundant over the marina. P. I. MORRIS Caughall Farmhouse Cottage, Caughall Road, Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire CH2 4BW Other gulls, perhaps especially Black-headed L. ridibundus, are, of course, frequently to be seen feeding in flight on swarming flying ants, particularly in late summer. Eds Herring Gull using wind shear over land A flight technique used almost exclusively by the larger seabirds exploits vertical wind shear (the change in wind speed with altitude) in the atmospheric surface boundary layer immediately above the ocean. Such a technique, known as dynamic soaring, is probably unusual in its pure form, as the use of air currents deflected upwards by waves plays a significant part in this method of energy conservation. I should therefore like to place on record an event observed and described to me by A. W. Grice. Around midday on 4th September 1988, a Herring Gull Lams argentatus flew south across an airfield in Fife, apparently exploiting vertical wind shear. The wind direction and speed at 10 m above the ground (approximately the maximum altitude reached by the gull) were SW 10 m/s, with gusts to 15 m/s (force 5 to 7). From a level just above the ground, the gull gained height by flapping into the wind; near its maximum altitude, the flapping eased, and the gull then glided down to the ground at about 90° to the wind, whereupon it turned again into the wind to repeat the process a further three times. Apart from a tarmac runway, the terrain over which the Herring Gull flew was flat and grassy, so that, although some turbulence was present, organised thermal Notes 37 upcurrents were considered to have been absent. Some of the power used by the gull to gain height was obviously provided by the flapping, but otherwise this was clearly a case of exploitation of wind shear, with the wind speed close to the ground reduced by friction, a fact that AWG was quick to realise as he made the observation. I can find no specific reference to gull flight across the wind in this manner, and none at all of any species doing this over land. The normal lack of uniformity in land surfaces probably precludes such a flight technique in strong winds, owing to the formation of eddies in airflows over broken terrain, while the flow over flat surfaces more closely resembles that over a smooth sea. Norm AN Elkins 18 Scotstarvit View, Cupar, Fife KY15 4DX Dr J. M. \'. Rayner has commented that he is unaware of any prev ious reports of dynamic soaring by gulls, or by any species over land. Eds Breeding- range changes of Red-rumped Swallow in Yugoslavia Since the 1950s, the Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica has been recorded in increasingly greater numbers throughout Europe far outside the borders of its usual breeding area (e.g. Dymond et al. 1989). This has coincided with northward expansions of the breeding range. Prior to this range expansion, the Red-rumped Swallow bred in Yugoslavia only in the south, in Montenegro (Grossmann 1910; Rohacek 1916; Reiser 1933) and Macedonia (Makatsch 1950)(fig. 1). A scatter of Fig. 1. Breeding distribution of Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica in Yugoslavia up to 1950. Small dots show breeding records; large dots indicate non-breeding records 38 Notes non-breeding records outside the breeding range, in Dalmatia (Tutman 1956), Istria (Bernhauer 1957) and Serbia (Matvejev 1957; Antal et al. 1971), was the first indication of a spread (fig. 1). Range expansion developed in two main directions: in the eastern part (Serbia), through river valleys to the north, and along the Adriatic coast to the northwest. The first evidence of a spread to the northwest was from southern Dalmatia on the Adriatic coast (Geroudet 1960; Tutman 1980; Griinhagen 1988) and to the north from the extreme south of Serbia (Vasic et al. 1980)(fig. 2). Up to 1980, the range extension in the eastern part of Yugoslavia included the discovery of breeding localities in southern and eastern Serbia, and in the western part new breeding localities in Herzegovina (Obratil 1976, 1982)(fig. 2). Fig. 2. Breeding distribution of Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica in Yugoslavia up to 1980. Dots show breeding records Since 1980 (fig. 3), there has been further range extension, in eastern Yugoslavia in western Serbia (Marinkovic & Vuinovic 1986; Mikuska in liti^ and in western Yugoslavia across the Adriatic coast up to the Italian frontier in Slovenia. Further new breeding localities were found on the Adriatic coast, in northern Dalmatia, showing northwesterly penetration from the former breeding range. In southern Dalmatia, the number of Red-rumped Swallows also increased. Only two new breeding localities were discovered on the part of the Adriatic coast between north Dalmatia and Istria, but previously we recorded the first nest in Istria in 1987 and soon after that discovered other new breeding localities in Istria (Stipcevic Notes 39 Fig. 3. Breeding distribution of Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica in Yugoslavia up to 1990. Dots show breeding records & Lukac in press). Recently, Red-rumped Swallows have also been discovered breeding in Slovenia (Ota 1989). By 1990, following this expansion, the breeding range of the Red- rumped Swallow in Yugoslavia covered southern, eastern and western Serbia, Herzegovina, Dalmatia, part of the Adriatic coast north from the Velebit mountain coastal area, central and eastern Istria and the southwestern part of Slovenia. Considerable range expansion is obvious since 1980 in the western part of Yugoslavia, and most recent discoveries of breeding localities reveal that this spread is still continuing. Mauricio Stipcevic and Gordan Lukac Marka Marulica 29, 57000 Zadar, Croatia, Yugoslavia; Faculty of Science, Department of Botany, Marulicev trg 20/11, 41000 Zagreb, Croatia, Yugoslavia references Antal, L., Fernbach, J., Mtkuska, J., Peu.e, I., & Szlivka, L. 1971. Namenverzeichnis der Vogel der A. P. Vojvodina. Lams 23: 72-127. Bernhauer, W. 1957. Omithologische Beobachtungen an der Adriakiiste. Lams 9-10: 143- 148. Dymond, J. N., Fraser, P. A., & Gantlett, S. J. M. 1989. Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland. Calton. Geroudet, P. 1960. Observations de I’Hirondelle rousseline, Himndo daurica, en Montenegro. Lams 12-13: 37-39. 40 Notes Grossmann, E. 1910. Neue noch nicht nachgewiesene Vogel der Bocche di Cattaro. Omith. Jahrb. 21: 181-182. Grunh.agen, H. 1988. Rdtelschwalbe {Cecropis daurica) Brutvdgel in Mitteldalmatien. Die Vogelwelt 109: 38. Makatsch, W. 1950. Die Vogelwelt Macedoniens. Leipzig. M.atv'FJEV, S. D. 1957. Spreading of the Red-rumped Swallow. Aquila 63-64: 259, 329. Marinkoaic, S., & VuiNOVTC, D. 1986. Red-rumped Swallow: new breeding species of western Serbia. Lams 36-37: 327-328. Obratii., S. 1976. New data for the Ornitofauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Glasnik zemaljskog muzeja 15: 215-219. 1982. The range of Red-rumped Swallow in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Glasnik zemaljskog muzeja 21: 173-182. Ota, D. 1989. Breeding of Red-rumped Swallow Himndo daurica in the Glinscica Valley near Trieste. Acrocephalus 39-40: 2-6. Reiser, O. 1933. Mitteilung iiber Balkanvogel.J. Om. 81: 366-370. Rohacek, F. 1916. libersicht iiber die Brutvdgel der Bocche di Cattaro. Omith. Jahrb. 27: 1 lb- 129. Stipceaic, M., & Lukac, G. In press. Survey of spreading and breeding range changes of the Red-rumped Swallow in Yugoslavia. Tutman, I. 1956. Observations of the Red-rumped Swallow, Himndo daurica (L.) in Dubrovnik. Lams 8: 153-154. 1980. Composition and dynamics of different bird populations of Dubrovnik region. PhD thesis. University of Sarajevo. Vasic, V. F., Matvfjev, S. D., & Ham, I. 1980. Present range of the Red-rumped Swallow, Himndo daurica mfula Temm., in SR Serbia and adjacent countries. Zbomik radova o fauni SR Srbije, SANU, Knjiga 1, pp. 85-100. [This contribution was submitted in August 1990 and accepted for publication in November 1990. Eds] Great Spotted Woodpecker apparently feeding on nectar On several occasions during June and July 1988, in a large garden next to woodland in Bergh Apton, Norfolk, I watched an adult female Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major feeding at flowerheads of a red-hot-poker plant Kniphofia. She would perch upright on a flower stem below the flowerhead and deliberately insert her bill into the tubular florets, repeating this quickly while moving around the flowerhead. Having moved once around the flowerhead, selecting clusters of florets apparently at random, she would move on to another, usually visiting five to seven of the 1 1 flowerheads before moving off. On close inspection, a small drop of nectar was visible inside most florets, clusters of which around the flowerhead had been split open by the insertion of the woodpecker’s bill, presumably to obtain this nectar. There did not seem to be enough insects present on the plant to justify the time spent by the woodpecker, and none could be seen inside any of the florets. The adult woodpecker was sometimes accompanied into the garden by a single juvenile; the latter occasionally perched briefly on the flower stems, but was never seen feeding at the flowerheads- in the way that the adult did. Between 1st and 22nd June 1989, a male and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker visited the same plant, always separately (plate 10). A total of 1 20 visits was recorded, with a peak of 16 on 15th June. D. Lester Bell View, Hellington Comer, Bergh Apton, Norfolk NRI5 IBE British BirdShop ALL LISTED BOOKS ARE POST FREE TO ‘BRITISH BIRDS’ SUBSCRIBERS Books and other items are included in British BirdShop only if they are approved by British Birds and considered to be generally reliable, good value and useful additions to a birdwatcher’s library. 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A Field Guide to the Birds of the USSR (Princeton) Paperback £22.75 O Hardback £60.00 C Fry, Keith & Urban (Academic Press) vol. 1 £85.00 O vol. 2 £85.00 C vol. 3 £89.00 C Grant Gulls: a guide to identification (Poyser) £18.50 C Harris, Tucker & 'Vimcombe The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identification (Macmillan) £14.95 O Ha.rnson Seabirds: an identification guide Revised tdn. 1991 (Helm) Best Bird Book of 1983 £24.99 0 Hayman, Marchant & Prater Shorebirds: an identification guide to the waders of the World (Helm) Bf„st Bird Book of 1986 £24.99 O *Wer\ry Highlight the Wild: the art of the Reid Henrys (usually £25.00) £10.00 O Hilty & Brown A Guide to the Birds of Colombia (Princeton) Paperback £30.00 O Hardback £60.00 O HoWometai Birds of the Middle East and North Africa (Poyser) £16.00 O *Holmes & N^sbThe Birds of Sumatra and Kalimantan (OLIP) £6.95 O Howard & Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. 2nd edn. (Academic Press) Hardback £22.50 O *Hume & Boy tr Owls of the World (Dragon’s World) £18.95 O Inskipp & Inskipp Guide to the Birds of Nepal (Helm) 2nd edn £35.00 CH JoblingA Dictionary of Scientific BirdNames £19.95 CH Johnsgard Bustards, Hemipodes and Sandgrouse: birds of dry places (OUP) £60.00 CH h^cVThe Atlas of Wintering Birds in Bntain and Ireland (Poyser) £24.00 CH Langrand Gu'de to the Birds of Madagascar (Yale UP) £35.00 CH Lekagul, Round, Wongkalasin & Komolphalin A Guide to the Birds of Thailand (Saha Kam Bhaet) £35.00 CH *Lloyd, Tasker & B2crin&ge The Status ofSeahirds in Britain arui Ireland {Poyser) £20.00 dl *h\\ndbergThePiedFlycatcher{?oyseT) (due February) £18.00 dl Madge & Bum Wildfowl: an identification guide to the ducks, geese and swans of the World (Helm) Best Bird Book OF 1988 £22.99 □ National Geographic A Field Guide to the Birds of North America £ 1 2.95 dl Please use the British BirdShop form on page xiv to complete your order. British BirdShop (continued) ALL LISTED BOOKS ARE POST FREE TO ‘BRITISH BIRDS’ SUBSCRIBERS Please tick ^ NCC/RSPB Red Data Birds in Britain (Poyser) £18.00 I I Newman Neuman's Birds of Southern Ajrica (Southern Books) (1991 edn.) Paperback £15.95 CH Oddie Birdwatchingfor the UnderTens (Philip) £6.99 CU *Ogilvie & Winter Best Days with British Birds Birds) Exci.usiw.rf.dlcfd price (usually £14.95) £12.95 CH Pannenter & Byers .-1 Guide to the Warblers of the Western Palearctk (Bruce Coleman) £21.00 D Porter e/fl/. 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If other books ordered, £1.00 EH £1.85 EH Other titles AH the above titles are POST FREE. Any other natural history books in print may be ordered from the NHBS. Please refer to the NHBS catalogue for details of current prices and postage rates. Free copies of the NHBS catalogue are available on request; tick this box EH Binders and ties The British Birds Binder {\\o\ds 12 issues & index) £6.95 EH Ties, with Red Grouse emblem in white, £6.95 each: Blue EH Green EH Brown EH Maroon EH Recordings Please add £1. 75 p &p per order Kettle British Bird Songs and Calls (2-cassette pack) £13.99 EH More British Bird Sounds [ \ cassette) £5.99 EH Roche A// the Bird Songs of Britain and Europe (Sittelle) (4 cassettes) £29.95 EH Koche All the Bird Songs of Europe (Sittelle) 4 CDs £49.95 EH PRICES VALID DURING JANUARY 1992 for all special offers (and for overseas customers only, also during the following month). Other prices quoted are subject to any publishers’ increases. Make all cheques and POs payable to the NIIBS. Payment can be made in USS at current exchange rate. Please allow 28 days for delivery in UK, longer if abroad. NHBS Giro a/c no. 202 9200. To qualify for POST FREE please quote your BB ref. no. Address Name., Ref No. Total £ Cheque/PO enclosed EH Giro payment made EH You can also pay using these credit cards: If your address for credit card purposes is different from that above, give it here Please debit my AccessA^isa/MasterCard/Eurocard Expiry date i'.E Signature You can phone in your credit card orders, but please quote your BB ref. no. as well as your credit card no. •m.. Totnes (0803) 865913. fax. (0803) 865280 Send order to: British BirdShop, c/o NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN XIV 41 1 \ Notes 10. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major feeding from floret of flowerhead of red-hot- poker Kniphofia, Norfolk, June 1989 (D. Lester) Blue Tits as pollinators of the crown imperial At the end of April and the beginning of May in 1986, 1987 and 1988, in the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden, Cambridge, Blue Tits Pams caemleus were regularly observed visiting flowers of crown imperials Fritillaria imperialis (plates 11-13). The tits repeatedly visited the large pendulous flowers throughout the day. Some of the flowers, especially those early in the season, were damaged by an unidentified species of finch (Fringillidae). I The Blue Tits flew to the bare stems supporting the whorls of flowers and, I by climbing these, introduced their heads into the corollas, apparently to I probe one or more of the six large nectaries at the internal base of each petal. This procedure was repeated in up to seven flowers on different plants of the same clump before the tits flew to nearby trees. Visits were generally made by more than one tit at a time: usually two, but groups of 42 Notes three or four were also observed. The tits were seen to be carrying pollen grains in their plumage. Flowers in clumps known to have been visited by Blue Tits set many fruits, while clumps in other parts of the garden where no visits were 11-13. Blue T its Pants caenileus visiting flowers of crown imperials Fritillaria imperialis, Cambridgeshire, May 1988 (Alberto Burquez) Notes 43 recorded had a zero fruit set. Accounts of Blue Tits visiting flowers are numerous (e.g. Ash 1959; Ash et al. 1961; England 1969; Soper 1969; Visik 1977; Ford 1985; Kay 1985). The ‘fit’ between the tit body and the flower suggests that this plant may be pollinated by birds in its native range in Turkey, Iran and Kashmir. These observations have been reported in more detail recently (Burquez 1989). Subsequently, Dr Martin Richards {in lift.) reported seeing Blue Tits visiting the flowers of crown imperials on two occasions in his Cambridgeshire garden, and Dr Spencer C. H. Barrett (verbally) reported Orchard/Northem Orioles Icterus spurius/galbula visiting crown imperial blooms in the garden of the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Alberto Burquez Centro de Ecologm, UNAM, Apartado Postal 1354, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico REFERENCES Ash, J. S. 1959. Pollen contamination of birds. Brit. Birds 52: 424-426. , Hope Jones, P., & Mel\T1,I.E, R. 1961. The contamination of birds with pollen and other substances. Brit. Birds 54; 93-100. Burquez, A. 1989. Blue Tits, Farm camdeus, as pollinators of the crown imperial, Fritillaria imperialis, in Britain. Oikos 55: 335-340. England, M. D. 1969. Birds taking nectar. Brit. Birds 62: 288-289. Ford, H. A. 1985. Nectarivory and pollination by birds in southern Australia and Europe. Oikos 127-131. K_ay, Q. O. N. 1985. Nectar from willow catkins as a food source for blue tits. Bird Study 32: 40-44. Soper, E. A. 1969. Birds taking honey. Brit. Birds 62: 200-201. Visik, P. 1977. Blue Tits taking nectar. Brit. Birds 70: 548-549. Fieldwork action BTO news Nightjars and Com Buntings The year 1992 will be busy for BTO members. In the ‘Nightjar Survey’, initial work in 1991 by volunteers and paid teams in selected centres found far more Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus than expected, in spite of bad weather. In the New Forest, for instance, 300 churring males were found. We can hardly wait to see whether these trends are reflected in the national picture in 1992. If you would like to help in 1992, it is not too late to volunteer: just write to me. The ‘Com Bunting Survey’ will take place during the summers of 1992 and 1993, with some work at least during winter 1992/93. The survey will be organised by Dr Andy Evans at the BTO. Com Buntings Mitiaria calandra have suffered a reduction of 40% in their range in the last 20 years, a very serious contraction. Since Com Buntings are associated with agricultural land, we need to collect habitat data in order to relate bird distribution to land use and then constmct a model of their decline. It is possible that the Com Bunting could be used as an indicator of the state of agriculture and that its population fluctuations could have implications for other species. Paul Green BTO, The Nunnery, Nunnery Place, Thetford, Norfolk IF24 2PU ICBP news Progress in Malta? On a recent visit to Malta, ICBP Migratory Birds Officer Tobias Salathe witnessed the extent of the illegal shooting that occurs on the island. At Buskett Gardens, for example, the major pine forest of the Maltese islands and an attractive night roost for migrating raptors, Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus. Honey Buzzards Pemis apivorus and Hobbies Fako subbuteo were all being shot. Although all birds of prey are legally protected and Buskett Gardens is a non-hunting area, the Secretariat for the Environment seems unable to enforce existing legislation, with too few police trying to control the 8% of the population that indulges in the pastimes of bird killing and trapping. After the publication of an article in BBC Wildlife magazine (May 1991), however, publicising the extent of bird killing and trapping in Malta, and with the launch in Malta on 20th September of a public-awareness campaign for ‘A majority against hunting’ by the Democratic Alternative (an opposition political party), the movement for the introduction of standard European hunting regulations, and their enforcement in Malta (which has applied to Join the EC), may gain momentum. Increasingly, European tourists visiting the Maltese islands are complaining to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Tourism about the hunters. Since an estimated 40% of the country’s income is linked to the tourist industry, the authorities would do well to take these complaints seriously. In this difficult situation, it is encouraging to note that membership of the Maltese Ornithological Society has Just exceeded 2,100, and that the MOS is likely to be working with the Secretariat for the Environment in 1992 on the establishment of a second educational nature reserve in a temporarily flooded area at St-Pauls Bay known as Il-Samir. With support provided by other European ICBP member organisations, the MOS will be able to hire two full-time members of staff to develop its fund-raising and membership recruitment and to increase support of its island-wide network of school delegates and education programmes. Georgina Green International Council for Bird Preservation, 32 Cambridge Road, Girton, Cambridge CB3 OPJ Announcements Young Ornithologists of the Year This year’s Young Ornithologists’ Club competition was sponsored Jointly by the Young Tekgraph and British Birds. Competitors were required to submit their field notebooks for perusal by the Judges, Brough Girling {YT), Peter Holden (YOC), and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock (BB). The winners were: JUNIOR SECTION (9 years and under) 1st Kirsty Hughes (9) of Leicester 2nd Michael Benn (9) of London 3rd Tom Fieldsend (8) of Hindolveston, Norfolk INTERMEDIAIT, SEXTION (10-12 years) 1st Anna Evans (12) of Belfast 2nd Alexander Lees (11) of Grantham, Lincolnshire 3rd Lyndsay Johnston (12) of Inverness SENIOR SECTION ( 1 3 years and over) 1st David Anning (16) of Deal, Kent 2nd Dominick Spracklen (14) of Huntly, Aberdeenshire 3rd Ben Eden-Green (15) of Ware, Hertfordshire 'I'he three winners, David Anning, Anna Evans, and Kirsty Hughes, will receive their prizes at a special ceremony at The Lodge. An additional prize will be given to James Starr (14) of Wedmore, Somerset, in recognition of the high quality of presentation of his entry. 44 Announcements 45 Regular followers of this competition will have recognised several familiar names. Tom Fieldsend was last year’s Junior Section winner; Dominick Spracklen was last year’s Intermediate Section winner; and David Anning was third in the Senior Section last year. It is always pleasing for the judges to see the continued dedication of previous entrants and to note the progress being made by young ornithologists such as this year’s senior winner, David Anning. The winners of all three sections produced notebooks featuring ‘real fieldnotes’, on bird behaviour as well as identification, and on other wildlife as well as birds. ‘The Carl Zeiss Award’ This new award, announced last month (Brit. Birds 54: 589), aims to encourage the submission of potentially useful photographs to the Rarities Committee, to assist the process of indi- vidual record assessment, to increase the available reference material, and for possible publication. The sponsors, Carl Zeiss — Germany, are offering an annual prize of Carl Zeiss 10x40 B/GAT Dialyt or 7x42 B/ GAT binoculars, and runners-up will receive high- quality sew-on woven badges featuring the Garl Zeiss Award logo. Bird Photograph of the Year VVe are delighted that ‘Bird Photograph of the Year’ is once again sponsored by two long-standing friends of British Birds, the publishing firms Ghristopher Helm and HarperGollins, both very well known for their high-quality natural history books. Entrants should read the rules carefully (see Brit. Birds 84: 36, or write for a copy). The Judging panel will consist of Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Don Smith and Roger Tidman. Past winners of this competition have been Michael C. Wilkes (1977), Peter Lowes (1978), Dr Edmund C. Fellowes (1979), Don Smith (1980), Richard T. Mills (1981), Dennis Coutts (1982), David M. Cottridge (1983), John Lawton Roberts (1984), C. R. Knights (1985), Alan Moffett (1986), Dr Kevin Carlson (1987), Bob Glover (1988), Hanne Eriksen (1989 & 1990) and Philip Perry (1991). The 1992 awards (cheque for £100 and engraved salver for the winner, cheques for £40 and £25 for the second and third, and £25-worth of HarperGollins books and £25-worth of Christopher Helm books for each of the top three photographers) will be presented at a Press Reception in London in May or June. The runners-up will be welcome to attend the award presentation. The closing date for entries is 31st January 1992. Transparencies should be clearly marked ‘Bird Photograph of the Year’ and sent to Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Bird Illustrator of the Year We are delighted that this year’s competition will again be sponsored by Kowa telescopes. •\mateur and professional artists are invited to submit four line-drawings for this competition. Entrants should read the rules very carefully (see Bril. Birds 84: 36-37, or write for a copy), especially in relation to the exact sizes required. tClCSCOpCS The judging panel will consist of Robert Gillmor, Alan Harris, Keith Shackleton and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock. The winner will receive £100, a Kowa TSN-3 20-60 X zoom telescope and an inscribed salver; the second-placed artist £40 and a TSN-1 20x W Kowa telescope; and the third- placed artist £25 and a TS-601 20x W Kowa telescope (all three telescopes with cases). All three artists will also be invited to attend the award presentation at a Press Reception at The Mall Galleries in London, where a selection of the drawings will be on display. All artists whose work is displayed will also be welcome to attend the reception, which in previous years has provided a very happy occasion for meeting many of our top bird artists. The winners’ entries will also be displayed in the annual exhibition of the Society of Wildlife Artists at The Mall Galleries. Previous winners have been Crispin Fisher (1979), Norman Arlott (1980 & 1981), Alan Harris (1982), Martin Woodcock (1983), Bruce Pearson (1984), Ian Lewington (1985), Chris 46 Announcements Rose (1986), David Quinn (1987), Martin Hallam (1988), John Cox (1989), Gordon Trunklield (1990) and John Davis (1991). The closing date will be 15th March 1992; entries should be sent to ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. The PJC Award A handsome trophy, the PJC Award, is presented annually, in memory of the late Pauline Jean Cook, to the artist whose single drawing submitted for the ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ competition is selected by the judges for its individual merit. The holder of the PJC Award also receives an inscribed book as a permanent symbol of the achievement. The current holder is Dahla Scott {Brit. Birds 80: 250-251; 83; 255-261; 84: 298- 307). 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 £60) will be presented for the best work submitted for the ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ competition (see above) by an artist aged under 21 years on 15th March 1992. The winner’s entries will be displayed in the annual exhibition of the Society of Wildlife Artists at The Mall Galleries. Previous winners have been Alan F. Johnston (1979), Andrew Stock (1980), Darren Rees (1981), Keith Colcombe (1982 & 1984), Gary Wright (1983), Ian Lewington (1985), Timothy Hinley (1986), Andrew Birch (1987), John Cox (1988), Stephen Message (1989), Antony Disley (1990) and Andrew Birch & Peter Leonard (1991). 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. Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs The closing date for submission of prints for the thirty-second annual selection is 31st January 1992. 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 him 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 use in the journal unless a request for return is noted on the back of each print and a suitable stamped addressed envelope is supplied. Entries should be addressed to ‘Best recent work’. Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Latest rarity decisions Details of the latest records accepted by the Rarities Committee are updated twice weekly by Peter Lansdown on the BBRC Newsline, 0898-884-522. (The Rarities Committee is sponsored by Carl Zeiss — Germany.) Send in your 1991 records now If you have not already done so, now is the time to submit all your relevant 1991 records. The names and addresses of the County/Regional Recorders are listed on pages 28-30. Front-cover designs for sale. The original unframed drawings of the pictures on the front cover of BB are for sale each month in a postal auction. The pictures are usually 1 Vi or two times the published size. These sales help not only the artists, but also BB, since the artists donate 20% to the journal. It is also a way for BB readers to acquire — for themselves or as a present for a friend — top-class art at very reasonable prices. During the past year, successful postal bids have ranged from £59 to £226; the average has been £118. Why not send in your bid each month? If you are successful (if your bid is the highest, and it exceeds the artist’s reserve price) you will be asked to pay the sum you bid, plus £1.50 for postage and packing. Send your name, address and telephone number and your bid (no money at this stage), to arrive before the last day of the month, to Cover Bid, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Announcements 47 Photographs and drawings may he for sale Many of the photographers and artists whose pictures appear in British Birds welcome the opportunity to sell their work. Anyone who wishes to obtain either photographic prints or original drawings is welcome to write (making an enquiry about availability, making an appropriate offer, or seeking the price) to the photographer or artist concerned, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. We will forward all such letters, as a service to our readers and contributors. Free subscriptions for County/ Regional Recorders W'e are pleased, once again, to be able to offer free subscriptions to the County/Regional Recorders, as our way of saying ‘Thank you’ to them for the hard work which they contribute to British ornithology in their ‘free time’. Free advertising for subscribers For a limited period, individual personal subscribers may use the classified advertising pages Free OF Ch.vrge for advertisements selling single ornithological items (a pair of binoculars, a telescope, a book, a volume of magazines, etc.). Send your advertisement (not more than 30 words), quoting your personal BB Reference Number, to Free BB advertising. Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. ‘British BirdShop’ subsidises ‘BB’ Please order all your bird books by using the British BirdShop order forms which are included in BB each month (pages xiii & xiv, between pages 40 and 41, this month). All the profits received by BB go directly towards funding extra pages, extra photographs and the use of colour illustrations within BB itself. By using the POST FREE service provided by British BirdShop, you not only receive the quickest and most efficient mail-order bird-book service, but also help to improve the contents of BB, and hold down the subscription price, to everyone’s benefit. Thank you for supporting us. Books in British BirdShop The following books have been added to the list this month: *Bub Bird Trapping and Bird Banding *Henry Highlight the Wild: the art of the Reid Henrys *Hume & Boyer Owls of the World *Lundberg The Pied Flycatcher *Yeatman-Berthelot Atlas des Oiseaux de France en Hiver These include one new SPECIAL OFFER: *Henry Highlight the Wild: the art of the Reid Henrys, formerly difficult to obtain and costing £25.00 is now available at £10.00. For all your book orders, please use the British BirdShop order form on pages xiii & xiv, between pages 40 and 41 in this issue. Requests ‘Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World’ Corrections are required, for a forthcoming revision of the book by Charles Sibley and Burt Monroe (1990) scheduled for spring 1992. It is requested that all suggested changes, including those where ranges are incomplete or in error, be submitted before 1st March 1992. Please also note any errata or literals as these will be corrected as well; especially important are those that affect nomenclature. If taxonomic treatments (including sequences of species) are felt to be in error, please also submit these, preferably with a rationale for the change and a publication citation, if available. Opinions on English-name usage should also be sent; these will be incorporated into discussions by the committee of the IOC dealing with the English name issue (which will report to the Vienna congress in 1994). Please send all information directly to Burt L. Monroe Jr, PO Box 23447, Anchorage, Kentucky, USA; Fax 502-588-0725. 48 Requests Rare breeding birds Observers with any outstanding information on rare breeding birds in Britain in 1991 are requested to send full details now to the relevant county bird recorder (see pages 28-30) or to the Rare Breeding Birds Panel’s Secretary, Robert Spencer, Iredale Place Cottage, Loweswater, Cockermouth, Cumbria CAI3 0SU. Moroccan bird records and photographs The Croupe d’Omithologie du Maroc Central requests that visiting birders submit details of their observations and send copies of photographs and transparencies. This newly formed club also requests copies of any notes or papers on Moroccan birds which visitors to Morocco may have published elsewhere, so that it can establish a reference library for its members. The Croupe has just published the latest issue of its Journal Porphyria (volume 3, numbers 1 & 2 combined). Please write to Jacques Franchimont, President du GOMaC, Departement de Biologie, Faculte des Sciences, B.P. 4010 Beni-M’hamed, Meknes, Morocco. News and comment Robin Prytherch and Mike Everett Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ Illegal hunting in Italy We have recently received some interesting information from Beverly Lewis, a reader who lives in Bruxel- les, concerning European Parliament ques- tions and answer on the subject of poaching in southern Italy and elsewhere. The two questions, both apparently written by Italian MEPs, press the Commission for more action to ensure an end to the illegal poaching of birds of prey and other pro- tected species in the provinces of southern Italy adjoining the Strait of Messina. Both questions are worded very strongly, but the answer is somewhat tamer. It does, however, indicate that the Commission is planning to make a financial contribution to a project designed to educate hunters about the law. Let us hope that the MEPs continue to monitor this action and apply pressure. Fhey have our backing. Rutland Water Last October, Rutland Wa- ter, Leicestershire, became England’s twenty-ninth Special Protection Area for birds and a Wetland of International Im- portance under the Ramsar Convention. It was already an SSSI, but we welcome this extra protection, a recognition that was certainly overdue. Rutland Water is espe- cially important for wildfowl in winter, with one-fifth of Britain’s Gadwalls Anas strepera (11% of the northwest European popula- tion). English Nature admit to having another 63 sites worthy of Ramsar and/or SPA status. We must hope for more announ- cements soon, but we would be lucky, as these matters seem to take an age to resolve; the last site was declared in January 1989. It is difhcult, though, for ordinary folk to understand why the process does take so long. Nikon in the Gulf The ICBP has received help from Nikon UK Ltd in the form of 37 EDII Fieldscopes, although we should quickly add that it was the Dutch govern- ment which provided the money (but we have little doubt that it was a very special deal). Eight of the Fieldscopes will be going to a team of researchers in the Gulf, where they will be assessing the effect oil spillages have had on bird populations. Other scopes will be going to the Baltic states of the USSR, Romania and Bulgaria amongst others. Focus your cameras The first International Photographic Competition on the Environ- ment, ‘F'ocus on Your World’, is being organised by the United Nations Environ- ment Programme (UNEP) and Canon Inc. It is a worldwide competition aimed at height- ening international environmental aware- ness and is open to professional and ama- teur photographers, with a special category for children. There will be 206 awards, and prizes, including cash and Canon cameras, will total US$147,000 in value. The organis- ers are looking for entries that depict the i News and comment beauty of our planet as well as those which I encourage improvements in the control of : pollution or help to prevent the destruction of natural resources and other activities which now plague the global environment. So, why not look through all those photos ! which you have taken recently to see if you have an offering? The closing date for entries is 29th February 1992. Full details and entry forms can be obtained from any Canon camera dealer, or write to UNEP Photographic Competition, Dentsu UK Ltd, Berger House, 36-38 Berkeley Square, Lon- don wix 5DA. ‘The Birds of Stronsay’ John Holloway has sent us a copy of this new booklet which he has both written and illustrated with over 20 black-and-white vignettes and two colour plates and cover. It is basically a list of all species (over 200) which have occurred in the period from 1987 to 1991, and therefore tends to highlight the rarities. Although all the breeding species are mentioned, it would be nice to hope that a future edition will include more complete information, including censuses, of the breeders. Its 48 pages can be yours for £3.00 plus postage, from John Holloway, Castle, Stronsay, Orkney Kwi7 2AS. Cape Clear report The 21st Cape Clear Bird Observatory report, covering 1989 and 1990, includes not only the standard chro- nological reports and a systematic list, but also papers on ‘A breeding survey of sea- birds and other selected species on Cape Clear 1990’ by D. R. Bird and ‘Seabird movements off Cape Clear Island in winter’ by J. F. Dowdall. Compared with previous censuses, there have been dramatic declines in the breeding numbers of Shags Phalacro- corax amtotelis, Herring Gulls Lams argentatus and Great Black-backed Gulls L. marinus, while Guillemot Uria aalge. Razorbill Alca torda and Puffin Fratercula arctica all look doomed to extinction, with small breeding populations dwindling rapidly (whereas Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle has main- tained its numbers and ‘is one of the largest concentrations in Ireland’). The number of Choughs Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax has remained : steady over the past 30 years, with five or six pairs annually, but Yellowhammers Emberiza • citrinella continue to decline (35 pairs in 1965, 15 pairs in 1986 and only five in 1990), ' a trend also apparent elsewhere. In contrast to the declines of the other two 49 large gulls. Lesser Black-backed Gull L. fisais is increasing. Copies of this report are available, price £3.00 (plus p&p outside the Republic), from Ken Preston, The Rennies, Boreenmanna Road, Cork, Ireland. Heligoland report The first issue of a new annual report, covering the birds of that most famous of migrant-bird islands, Heli- goland, has just reached us. It covers the year 1990, and is devoted largely to the traditional systematic list, with detailed records for each species, and a good sprink- ling of black-and-white photographs; a com- plete checklist of birds recorded on Heligo- land is appended. Highlights during 1990 included Olive-backed Pipits Anthus hodgsoni. Pied Wheatears Oenanthe pleschanka and Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata. The photo- graphs include one — likely to be unique — of a Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus sitting in an armchair. The report is available through membership of the Omithologische Arbeits- gemeinschaft Helgoland, which costs DM15.00 (or £5.00 in cash, not by cheque) from the OAG Helgoland, WSA, Ton- nenhof, D-2192 Helgoland, Germany. ‘Birdwatch’ Just six years ago, British Birds was the only monthly birdwatching maga- zine in the world. Now, there are three in the UK alone, and others — quarterly or bimon- thly or whatever — are sprouting in all direc- tions. The latest of which we hear is being produced by Solo Publishing Ltd, with Dominic Mitchell — a well-known BB name, from his photographs and drawings — as Managing Editor. By the time this appears in print, his first issue should be available for inspection. Dare we wish him good luck? On the assumption that Birdwatch will ex- pand rather than duplicate the range of reading material available to birdwatchers, we do so. There are rumours of at least two other birdwatching magazines due to be launched soon, but we have no details — secrecy, whispers, and plans being ‘kept under wraps’ are turning birdwatching-magazine publishing into something resembling the motor trade before new models are revealed. Perhaps BB should beware of industrial espionage . . . Back on the subject of the new, bimon- thly, subscription-only Birdwatch magazine, we hear that the bigwigs at EMAP — the publishing giant which is responsible for I 50 News and comment that splendid monthly Bird Watching — are none too pleased at the similarity in names. Personally, from our 85-year-old, long- established position of eminence, we’ll be watching events with interest as the ‘new’ magazines all jostle each other in pursuit of your spare cash. If you want to know more about Birdwatch, the address of Solo Publishing is PO Box 1786, London Ei7 7JG. Colombian news A postcard from Paul Salaman, sent during the Cambridge Rain- forest Expedition to Colombia (Brit. Birds 84: 293), tells of three new species for the country, including Ecuadorian Hillstar Oreotrochilus chimborazo, which was previously regarded as endemic to Ecuador, and an as- yet-unidentified mystery bird (new to sci- ence?): the gilt on the gingerbread of routine survey and census work. ‘Best of all’, says Paul, ‘the locals are very keen for our work and look forward to us returning next summer’. First ‘Euro Bird Week’ With rather unfor- tunate timing for British birders, the first Euro Bird Week, combined with an Interna- tional Identification Meeting, took place on the Dutch island of Texel during 12th-20th October 1991. There was good participation from most north and mid European coun- tries and North America, which produced a highly successful event for which the Dutch Birding team must be congratulated. Following initial discussions amongst rarities committee members centred upon the workings of various committees, includ- ing a review of the situation in the US by Don Roberson, the necessity for a European/West Palearctic Committee, and lengthy discussion of the thorny problem of escapes, there was a series of half-day identification meetings, linked with half days to go out birding. As if in anticipation of later discussions, a Hume’s Yellow- browed Warbler Phylloscopus inomatus humei appeared for all to see and hear, but other bird highlights were few: a ridiculously tame Nutcracker Auc^aga caiyocatactes, a ‘Siberian’ Stonechat Saxicola torquata maura! stejnegeri, and a number of Long-tailed Skuas Sterco- rarius longicaudus and Little Auks Alle alk during the last days, while Short-toed Tree- creepers Certhia brachydactyla were present for anyone wishing to swot up on their ID. The international nature of the identifica- tion meetings added greatly to everyone’s understanding of the problems involved with such topics as ‘large orange-billed terns’ Sterna, Blyth’s Reed 'Wa.rhler Acrocepha- lus dumetorum, ‘Thayer’s Gull’ Lams glaucoides thayeri, American/Pacific Golden Plovers Plu- vialis dominica/P. fulva, Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewstdi and Citrine Wagtail Motacilla cit- reola to name some of the more controver- sial. Dick Forsman’s talks on the large falcons Falco and buzzards Buteo were most revealing, and on such subjects as Arctic Redpolls Carduelis hornemanni and Two- barred Crossbills Loxia leucoptera the large number of useful slides developed some new understanding of the subjects. Obviously, further discussions took place over dinner and at the bar, and later proved that ‘The return of feldegg (Motacilla Jiava feldegg) may appear on the next meeting’s programme. A series of evening lectures for all the birders on the island was again well attended and most informative and success- ful. Following an introduction to birding on Texel by Adriaan Dijksen, a 50-slide mys- tery competition from Lasse Laine, includ- ing flying side-on Spoonbill Sandpiper Eury- norhynchus pygmeus, was won by Lars Jonsson, with Per Alstrom second and Kil- lian Mullamey third. Paul Lehman’s acroba- tic talk on nominate Iceland, Kumlien’s L. g. kumlieni and Thayer’s Gulls put everyone in the picture on the complex, while some stunning visual images of the USSR were part of the talk by Dr Algirdas Knystautas, with further mouth-watering shots of Far Eastern goodies in the lecture on the Kolyma Delta by Lasse Laine and Lars Jonsson. Dick Forsman’s illustrated evening on buzzards (species and subspecies) and Per Alstrom and Urban Olsson on interest- ing Phylloscopus warblers left some people head-scratching, and the latter’s balance sheet of lumping the ‘Greenish Warbler complex’ P. trochihidesIP. plumbeitarsus/P. niti- dus, while splitting Pallas’s P. proregulus into three, one species new for science, will do little for most British listers but reduce their totals. Gunnlaugur Petursson gave a sum- mary of the Nearctic vagrants reaching Iceland, while Amoud van den Berg again showed stunning photos from his work in the Persian Gulf, tempered by a more pessimistic view of the damage to migrant bird populations caused by the recent mili- tary and related events. The finale of the week was an entertaining view of birding in the USA by Don Roberson. Various Euro- pean journals were represented at the even- ing venues, along with the Dutch travel News and comment 51 reports service, a bookshop and, of course, the bar. A thoroughly enjoyable and informative week was had by all participants. With further thanks to the Dutch organisers, we now all look forward to the next event, in Poland, California, or wherever. (Contributed by Graham P. Catley) received their prizes, including Kowa tele- scopes, at the traditional Reception at The Mall Galleries, London, on 1st August 1991 (plates 14 & 15). We are delighted that in 1992 the competition will again be spon- sored by Kowa telescopes. The closing date for this year’s entries is 15th March 1992 (see Announcement on pages 45-46). John Andrews After 21 years with the RSPB, John Andrews has left to set up as an independent consultant on nature conserva- tion. In recent years, John has led the Society’s increasingly important and suc- cessful advisory team, but before that he was the prime mover in establishing and de- veloping the Conservation Planning Depart- ment. It is in no small way due to his commitment and expertise that the RSPB’s voice is listened to, and its views respected, wherever developments threaten birds and habitats. John’s flair, his personality and his sense of humour — not to say a certain sartorial elegance — will be missed at the RSPB, but it is good to know that he is remaining ‘in the field’. We wish him well. BIY ’91 Over 150 artists, guests and members of the Press attended when last year’s Bird Illustrator of the Year winners 15. John Davis, winner of the title Bird Illustrator of the Year 1991, receiving his Kowa TSN3 telescope from Mr Y. Koyama oi Kowa, London, August 1991 (Steve Hickey) 14. Bird Ii.i.ustrator of the Year 1991. Left to right: Keith Shackleton (judge), Mr Y. Koyama (Kowa), Alan Harris and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock (judges), Richard Tilt (Pyser), Andrew Shaw (3rd BIY), Andrew Birch (Richard Richardson Award Joint winner), John Davis (winner BIY), Andrew Hutchinson (2nd BIY), Peter M. Leonard (RRA joint winner), Dafila Scott (PJC Award winner), Robert Gillmor (judge), Bruce Pearson and Jane Knight (presenters), David A. Cook, and MrJ. Nishi (Kowa), London, August 1991 (Steve Hickey) ( I 52 News and comment Changes at Minsmere After 16 years as warden at the RSPB’s Minsmere reserve, Jeremy Sorensen has left (to become a Jehovah’s Witness minister). The new warden at Minsmere is Geoff Welch, previously warden at the Fairbum Ings (North Yorkshire) and Nene Washes (Cambridgeshire) RSPB reserves. Ukrainian trips The ornithological society in the Ukraine is planning to organise short- duration excursions for birdwatchers from abroad, to interesting places such as the Carpathian Mountains and local lakes and wetlands. Anyone interested should contact Igor Gorbah, L’vov 290005-SU, Grushewski St 4, L’vov University, Department of Bio- logy, Ukraine. If you’re in Florida in April/May Trips to the Dry Tortugas can be very expensive, but pelagic seabirds and the likelihood of huge falls of migrants on almost-treeless islands make the area exceedingly attractive to birders. The bird-tour company Wings is running eight three-day trips there, with departures between 12th April and 4th May 1992. It is prepared to supply transport for campers, as well as those staying on the boats, so trips can be made ‘on the cheap’. If you are interested in getting details, write to Wings Inc., PO Box 31930, Tucson, Arizona 85751, USA; phone 602-749-1967; Fax. 602- 749-3175. Recent reports ‘BB’ Fax — thanks No sooner had the BB Editorial Board decided that a Fax machine was a luxury beyond BB's means than Conservation Concepts Ltd (the chaps be- hind Twitch-line and the other National Bird News phone-lines) offered to supply one free to BB. It is now installed (our Fax number is 0767-40025), and has been much in use. Many thanks, NBN! Overheard Salesperson at optical stand at the Birdwatching Fair: '’What is an IttieT It was then gently explained that there were no ‘Common Itties’, just ‘Rare Itties’, which twitchers found of especial interest. Comprehension dawned with a pink flush. Change of Recorder for Jersey A. R. Paintin, 16 Quennevais Gardens, St Brelade, Jersey JE3 8FQ, has taken over from Trevor Copp as Recorder for Jersey. New County Recorders Andrew Jayne has taken over from Gordon R. Avery as County Recorder for Gloucestershire. J. P. Day has taken over from Peter Hill as County Recor- der for Greater Manchester. Philip Murphy has taken over from R. B. Warren as County j Recorder for Suffolk (but 1991 records j should still be sent to R. B. Warren, at 37 i Dellwood Avenue, Felixstowe, Suffolk IPII { 9HW). Paul N. Collin has taken over from j Donald Watson as County Recorder for Dumfries & Galloway (Stewartry & Wig- town). For the new addresses, see pages 28-30. i 1 !' Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary covers the period 8th November to 19th December 1991 These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Male, Oxford Island (Co. Armagh), to at least 15th De- cember. Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus White- phase, Lough Akeragh (Co. Kerry), 16th- 17th November; Sandwich Bay (Kent), 24th November. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus alhicilla Eirst-winter or second-winter, Lough Ennell (Co. Westmeath), at least 12th-23rd November (apparently untagged). Amer- ican Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Broughton (Buckinghamshire) and Cran- fleld (Bedfordshire), 13th November to 2nd December. Pacific Golden Plover P. fulva Cley (Norfolk), 3rd-6th December. Chim- For the latest, up-to-date news, pi {,36p/min cheap rate; 48p/i ney Swift Chaetura pelagica St Andrews (Fife), 8th- 10th November. Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris Up to 50 in November and 26 in December, mainly along British east coast. Waxwing Bomtycilk garrulus Small invasion from mid November, with most in Scotland and northeast England, including 220 at Edinburgh (Lothian) and 200 at Sunderland (Tyne & Wear). Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Near Dover (Kent), 24th November; Guernsey (Channel Islands), 24th-28th November. Mugiinaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki Stone Creek (Humberside), 16th- 17th November. lone ‘Twitchline’ on 0898-884-501 nin other times; inch VAT) We are grateful to National Bird News for supplying information for this news feature. To advertise - phone 0621 815085 Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be PREPAID and sent to British Birds Advertising Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Telephone 0621 815085 Fax 0621 819130 Rates (including 17V2% VAT) £2.94 a line — average of 6 words £9.98 a centimetre — min. 2 centimetres Box Number counts as 2 words is £1 .00 extra per insertion Replies should be sent to the above address Series Discounts 3 insertions for the price of 2 6 insertions for the price of 4 Copy Date February Issue January 5th Please post early to avoid disappointment British Birds is most grateful to those companies which support the magazine hy their sponsorship: Sponsors of the Rarities Committee Sponsors of ‘Monthly marathon’ Christopher Helm ^ sponsors of and Bird HaiperCoUins SIS Sponsors of ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ Photograph of the Year’ telescofjes ZEISS Germany British Birds has over 10,000 subscribers: a total of around 40,000 readers in 63 coun- tries, and 99.6% of them keep their copies of ‘BB’ permanendy, for future reference. HOUDAY ACCOMMODATION ENGLAND LAKE DISTRICT — RYDAL. Two cottages, sleep 6 each, weekly lets. Fisher Hoggarth, 52 Kirk- land, Kendal. Tel: 0539 722592 in office hours. (BB609) YORKSHIRE DALES (GRASSINGTON). BB & EM. Eileen & Allan invite you to share their idyl- lic 17c. riverside cottage. Private fishing. (Bird- watching courses.) Brochure (0756) 752463. (BB607) WEST SUSSEX, Pagham Harbour/Selsey. Beau- tiful Georgian Farmhouse, with purpose built B&B accommodation. All facilities provided. Warm, friendly atmosphere, children welcome. Open all year. Tel: 0243 602790. (BB530) ISLES OF SCILLY, Mincarlo Guest House, St. Mary’s. Superbly situated in own grounds over- looking the harbour. Write to: Colin Duncan or Tel: 0720 22513. (BB855) EXMOOR for country and animal lovers. Farm- house accommodation, bed and breakfast and evening meal, or self-catering cottage. Details from: French, Brendon Barton, Lynton, Devon. Tel: 059 87 201. (BB793) BIRDWATCHERS travel many miles in the pursuit of their hobby. Over half of British Birds subscribers use hotel or guest house accommodation. Phone 0621 815085 for advertising details. (BB681) CLEY. Attractive house in village, four bed- rooms, large garden, garage, c.h. Available all year. Details from Mrs E. Album, 47 Lyndale Avenue, London NW2. Tel: 071-431 2942. (BB918) FARM COTTAGES between Lindisfarne Reserve and The Fames. Comfortable and well equipped. Sorry no pets. Brochure: MrsJ. Sutherland, Ross Farm, Belford, Northumberland NE70 TEN. Tel; 0668 213336. (BB766) COUNTRY COTTAGES at Ellingham between Alnwick and Belford, sleep 6. Fully equipped, self-catering, available Easter to October. Well placed for Holy Island, Fame Islands, Cheviot Hills and many places of natural beauty. S.A.E., Lady Gadsden, 606 Gilbert House, Barbican, London EC2Y8BD. (BB935) J, XV To advertise - fax 0621 819130 CLEY. 3 Quality cottages (sleep 4, 6 and 6 + 2). Quiet. Comfortable. Excellent value. Brochure: (0353) 740770. (BB858) WEYMOUTH, Birchfields Licensed Guest House, close to RSPB reserves. BB from £14. Evening meal optional. Ideal winter/spring breaks. Parties welcome. For details pbone 0305 773255. (BB969) .The Lawns Ele^t Georgian Hotel bcflliTii Food k Accommodation 3 crovsns commended Clo' 5 miles; Bargain Breaks DBib £39 Station Road, Holt, Norfolk. Tel; 0263 713390 (BB963) N. W. NORFOLK COAST - Snettisham. Two warm and pretty cottages (Tourist Board 'Com- mended' - 4 key). Sleeps 4. Ideally situated close to major bird reserves. Averil Campbell, Tel, 0485 541179. (BB938) WAREN HOUSE HOTEL RAC ^ AA ★ HIGHLY COMMENDED ★★ Beautiful traditional country house hotel. 6 acres wooded grounds at Budle Bay Bird Sanctuary. 5 miles from Fame Islands and Holy Island. Peace and tranquility assured. No children or pets. All rooms No Smoking except Library. WAREN MILL, BELFORD, NORTHUMBERLAND NE70 7EE. Tel: Bamburgh <06684) 581 (BB900) WELLS, NORFOLK. 'The Cobblers’ Guest House. Central heating, H&C, tea and coffee facilities and TVs in all rooms. Tel: (0328) 710155/711092. (BB981) SLAPTON — Well equipped, self-contained wing/bungalow in '/a acre. Sleeps 4-6. Seaview. Beautiful beaches. Nature reserve. Dartmouth 7 miles. Pets welcome. From £110. Tel: (0548) 580952 for brochures, SAE 'Hillcrest’, Wood Lane, Slapton, Kingsbridge, Devon, (BB030) fcLEY NATURE RESERVE 1 milel Small guest house offers you warm welcome. B&B and optional evening meal. Colour TV, tea-making facilities, all private facilities and central heating in all rooms. Parking facilities and sorry, no smoking. IDEAL FOR BIRDWATCHERS THE FUNTSTONES, WIVETON, HOLT. ^ NORFOLK 0263 740337 (BB903) J EXMOOR. Peaceful s/catering c/heated holiday homes in National Trust Village. Marshes, woods and moorland — rich in birdlife. Reduced spring/autumn terms. Open all year. Resident Proprietors, Pack Horse, Allerford, nr Mine- head. Tel: 0643 862475. (BB026) GARA MILL. Slapton, Devon. Self-catering for 2- 7 in secluded four acres overlooking river and woods. Eight detached cedar lodges plus 2 CH flats in 16th c. cornmill. Near Slapton Ley. TVs. Dogs welcome. Free brochure: (0803) 770295. (BB987) Churchwood Vhll(^y Quality Log Cabins Conservation Area Varied Birds and Wildlife ’ Coastal Country Setting * Estuaries and Moorland Colour brochure: 11 Churchwood, Wembury Bay, Near Plymouth, Devon PL9 ODZ Telephone: (0752) 862382 (24 hr) SCOTLAND SPEY VALLEY. Maureen and Larry once again invite guests to sample their highland hospitality. Set in five acres, our home has uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. Bird register available. Good home cooking and a warm welcome await you. D/B/B £130 p.w. (All rooms en-suite). Brochure: Maureen Taulbut, “Braes of Duthil', Dulhil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire PH23 3ND. 047984 395. (BB879) SPEY VALLEY. Beautiful secluded informal country hotel, 2 miles from village of Carr- bridge. Home cooking, full central heating. All rooms en-suite. Perfect base for birdwatchers and walkers. Discount available for parties. Terms from £180.00 per week DB&B. Brochure from Mrs Y Holland. The Old Manse Hotel, Duthil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84278. (BB920) ALL OVER SCOTLAND. Comfortable cot- tages and chalets in attractive locations through- out Scotland. Stamp please for free 84-page colour brochure. Holiday Cottages (Scotland) Ltd, Lilliesleaf, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6 9JD. Tel: 08357 481. (BB936) STRATHSPEY SELF CATERING. 1 crown to 5 crowns highly commended. Colour brochure from S.S.C., Ballingtomb Cottages, Dulnain Bridge PH26 3LS. Tel. 047 985 322. (BB937) ISLE OF ISLAY, HEBRIDES. Five superbly equipped cottages, open throughout year. Per- fect situation with views, minutes to charming vil- lage, Short drive to RSPB reserve at Gruinart. Brochure: Mrs Sarah Roy, Lorgba Holiday Cot- tage, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, Argyll. Tel: 049 685/208. (BB999) THE STRATHSPEY BIRDING CENTRE. Guest house run by birders for birders. Latest sightings and helpful information, plus daily bird trips. BB&EM. Details from 'Heatherlea', Deshar Road, Boat of Garten, Inverness PH24 3BN or ring 0479 83674. (BBOlO) SEE PUFFINS, skuas, seals and a lot more. Private boat takes you among otherwise inac- cessible colonies. A nature-lover’s dream. Full board in castle, or stay in self-catering cottages. Send for details: Balfour Castle, Shapinsay, Orkney. Tel: 085 671 282. Fax: 0856 5039. (BB970) XVI To advertise - phone 0621 815085 ELLARY ESTATE— MOST ATTRACTIVE choice of self-catering cottages and chalets situ- ated on the shores of Loch Caolisport. WTiile you are at Ellary you are free to go wherever you please. There are hill walks, many lochs and burns where you can fish, numerous wildlife, birds, flowers, etc. The perfect location for the true country lover. For full colour brochure please write to: The Booking Office, Ellarv 7. Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 SPA Tel: 08808 232/ 209 or 054685 223. (BB983) ANGLESEY. Superb waterside position with magnificent views. Ideal centre for bird watchers and botanist in area of outstanding natural beautv'. Elegant en suite rooms available for bed and breakfast. Highground, Ravenspoint Road, Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd LL65 2YV. Tel: (0407) 860078. ^ (BB009) OVERSEAS ISLAY, GEESE. Warm cottages sleep 8, 7 or 2. Lady Wilson, Gala na Ruadh, Port Charlotte. Tel: 289 (BB943) THE HOTEL, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA61 7YP. Demi-pension (Private bath) from £48.00. De- tails, brochures, map (bird list on request). Tel: 09512 316. (BB965) OSPREY VISITORS to Loch Garten & Aber- nethy? Locheil GH offers BB: £11.50; DBB: £18.50; or self-eater Cottage (sleeps 6) rental £22 nightly, and Chalet (sleeps 4) £17 nightly. For de- tails + 150 birdlist, walks, slide-talks, etc., write: Locheil, Boat of Garten, Inverness-shire. Tel: 047 983 603. (BB986) SPEY VALLEY. Uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. All rooms en-suite; tea and coffee making facilities: Db&b £130. Brochure from: Penny Bailey, The Lodge, Easter Duthil, Carr- bridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84503. (BB961) GALLOWAY. Hills, lochs, forests and sea. Speciality, birds of prey and waterfowl. High quality selfcatering houses, cottages, flats. De- tails G. M. Thomson & Co, 27 King Street, Castle Douglas. 0556 2973. (BB964) WALES SOUTH STACK, ANGLESEY. Tan-y-Cytiau Country Guest House. Lovely comfortable Edwardian house peacefully situated on slopes of Holyhead Mountain. Gardens bordering South Stack RSPB Reserve. Friendly atmo- sphere, excellent fresh cuisine. Licensed. S.C. Lodge in grounds sleeps 7. Phone Pam or Stan Keating on 0407 762763 for brochure. (BB832) RED KITE COUNTRY. Tregaron — Guest- House standing in 22 acres, overlooking the Cambrian Mountains and on the doorstep of the Cors Caron Nature Reserve. Central for Dinas and Ynys-hir RSPB reserves. Parties welcome. V/TB — 3 crowns. For brochure, phone Mar- garet Cutter, 0974 298965 or 298905. ( BB9 1 9) YSBYTY YSTWYTH, s.c. cottage. 4/5, kite country, all year. Brochure 021-744 1947. (BB939) HEART OF CAMARGUE. Secluded well equipped farm cottage. Mas d’Auphan, Le Sam- buc. 13200 .ARLES, France (01033) 90972041. (BB901) S. E. SPAIN - comfortable house, convenient major wetlands. All mod cons. Sleeps 3/4. Bird list and details. Tel: 0233 628547. ( BB02 1 ) BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS NEW ZEALAND For the best of NZ birding, write Nature Quest New Zealand. Box 6314, Dunedin, New Zealand for custom departures or details of self drive consultancy. Tel: & Fax: (03) 489 8444 (BB031) GUIDED BIRDWATCHING. Kenya 1st March, one week safari, one week Malindi. Full guidance 1st March £1520. Eastern Turkey Two weeks internal flights, transport. Full guidance by I. Green, who is writing book - Birdwatching in Turkey, May £980. Spanish Pyrenees One week June 12th £5.50. Activity Holidays, Tall Trees, Ball Rd, Ryhall, Stamford, Lines PE9 4NT or answerphone 0780 66280 (state birdwatching). (BB914) (BB007) xvii To advertise - fax 0621 819130 The Travel Agency for Birdwatchers DISCOUNT FLIGHTS-Worldwide Return fares from London from EUROPE £69 M. EAST £139 CARIBBEAN £289 C. & S. AMERICA £399 AFRICA £99 N. AMERICA £199 ASIA £299 AUS/NZ £549 SEA TRAVEL : CAR HIRE ; INSURANCE PACKAGE HOLIDAYS (Save up to £150) ACCOMMODATION : EXPEDITIONS & GROUPS ANTARCTICA & FALKLANDS Tours from £2795. pp. Brochure & Video available. Ask tor leaflet detailing our services. nO70_0fiQQQQ 2IPENNST., Ufcl dm dmUViJW BRIST0LBS13AU or DICK FILBY 0603-767-757 (BB002) PAPAWESTRAY, ORKNEY An island with superb birdlife, rare plants, seals and archaeology. Europe’s largest tern colony. For informalion on travel/ accommodation: B.B., Papay Community Co-operative Ltd, Beltane House, Papa Westray, Orkney. Telephone 08574 267 (BB008) HONG KONG. Superb birding September to May - variety of accommodation - trips into China. Richard Lewthwaite, 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen Wan, Tai Po NT, Hong Kong. Phone/Fax: (HK) 665 8190. (BB877) TAKING BIRDWATCHERS TO EUROPE AND BEYOND SIBERIA • NEPAL • THE GAMBIA MALLORCA • CAMARGUE EGYPT • DANUBE DELTA • ICELAND BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS IN SMALL GROUPS WITH EXPERT LEADERS FREE BROCHURE, PHONE OR WRITE TO: 0532 586555 (24 Hour) 59 HUNGER HILLS DRIVE, LEEDS LS18 5JU^ (BB989) BIRDING IN SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA. The diversity of habitats makes Gipsy Point an ideal place to begin your Australian holiday, with over 100 species likely to be seen during a relaxing four day stay. Regular pelagic bird trips. Gipsy Point Lodge, Gipsy Point, Victoria 3891 Aus- tralia. (BB897) OVER HALF of British Birds subscribers travel abroad birdwatching each year, averaging 19 days per trip. To reach this audience, phone 0621 815085 for advertising rates. (BB682) SEAWATCHING HOLIDAYS SHEARWATER JOURNEYS: seabirding and whale watching u ips year-round from Monteray, California. Albatross, Shearwaters, Storm-petrels, Alcids and Jaegers. Humpback and Blue whales; Aug to Nov. Gray whales: Jan. Schedule available from: Debra L. Shearwater, PO Box 1445, Dept BB, Soguel, CA 95073, USA. Tel: 408-688-1990. (BBOll) SKOKHOLM ISLAND, off the Pembrokeshire Coast. Courses in Art, Birdwatching, Photogra- phy. Thousands of Puffins, Manx-shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills and other birds. Send SAE to Dept BB, 7 Market Street, Haverfordwest, Dyfed SA61 INF. Tel: (0437) 765462. (BB032) BIRDWATCHING TOURS mmLMi PHILIP NdHER IHUH0BIIID TOURS STRZELECKI TRACK TOUR 1 2-27 Sept. (S.W.-Q'ld; N.W.-N.S.W.; N.E.-S.A.; N.W.-Vic.). Inland endemics, 200-1- species including 4 sp Grasswren, grey & black Falcon, Plainswanderer, Inland Dotteral (camping). SOUTH-EAST AUST. 2-1 3 Oct. All S.E. endemics, 300-i- species including Superd Lyrebird, Gang Gang Cockatoo, Powerful Owl. Pelagic trip. Optional 4-day Tasmanian extension (camping or accommodated). KAKADU/GULF COUNTRY 1-30 June. Further information: PHILIP MAHER, 94 Hunter Street, Deniliquin 2710 N.S.W. Australia Ph.(058)813378. (bb979) xviii To advertise - phone 0621 815085 Small-Group Binding Enjoy Morocco's desert birds (£925), Sweden's Owls (£1045), Israel's wintering raptors (£825), the Danube delta (£895), Egypt (£875) etc.... in groups of 6 or less. Unbeatable value. For details of these and many other special holidays, contact.... GOSTOUR^ 29 Marchwood Road Sheffield S6 5LB V Tel: 0742334171 ^ (BB998) AUSTRALIA - Send for our Birding brochure. Tours throughout Australia from individuals to groups. We welcome enquiries from both private customers and tour agents. Falcon Tours. 1 Si- mons Drive, Roleystone, Perth, Western Aus- tralia. PH/FAX (09) 397 5125. Lie. Tour Operator. (BB871) BIRDING CANADA, UNITED STATES, COSTA RICA? For information re site guides, maps etc, write to Dunnock Enterprizes 2409 Speyside Dr., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5K 1X5. (BB033) BIRD INFORMATION RARE BIRD NEWS 0898 700 222 News you can trust from the team you know Phone YOUR News in on 0263 74 1 140 NEW. ALL THE NEWS FROM AVON. WILTSHIRE. SOMERSET. DEVON. DORSET. CORNWALL. ISLE OF SCILLY. BIRDLINE SOUTH WEST 0898 700241 CAttSTO ALL 0898 NUMBERS COST 36p/MIN CHEAP RATE. 48p/MIN PEAK/STD. INC VAT BIRD INFORMATION SERVICE. STONERUNNER. COAST ROAD. CLEY, HOLT. NORFOLK (BB024) PHONE-LINES Latest rare bird news: 0898-884-501 Latest Rarities Committee* decisions: 0898-884-522 (36p/min cheap rate; 48p/min other times) * The Rarities Committee is sponsored by Carl Zeiss -Germany (BB931) ALL THE RARE BIRD NEWS AS SOON AS IT BREAKS! paged directly to the screen of your pocket pager . . . Nationwide RARE BIRD ALERT details TEL: FREE! 0800 246 246 (BB972) BIRD REPORT BIRDS IN NORTHUMBRIA 1990. £3.75p inc. p&p, from Mrs M. Cadwallender, 22 South View, Lesbury, Northumberland NE66 3PZ. (BB899) ‘BIRDS IN CORNWALL 1990’ available price £4 from Stanley Christophers, ‘Bramblings’, Rachel’s Way, St Columb Major, Cornwall, TR9 6EP. (BB915) HONG KONG BIRD REPORT 1990. 214 pp plus colour plates. Regular features plus many papers inc. 10 first sightings, Status of Oriental White Stork, Penduline Tit ‘Invasion’, Observa- tions in Yunnan, Liaoning and Qinghai, China, etc. £8.50 inc. p&p from S. Anstruther, Barlav- ington Estate, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 OLG. (BB988) CAMBS. BIRD REPORT 1990, 90pp, £4 W. Jor- dan, 61 Lonetree Ave., Impington, Cambs. (BBOOl) DERBYSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1990. Full colour cover plus colour photos inside. £4.00 inc p&p from Rodney Key, 3 Farningham Close, Spondon, Derby DE2 7DZ. (BB006) 1989 KENT BIRD REPORT. 17 colour plates. £5 (inci p&p) Steve Davies, 13 Crown Lane, Bromley BR2 9PG. (BB023) BIRDS OF OXON, 1990 £4 inc p&p, from R. Overall, 30 Hunsdon Road, Iffley, Oxford 0X4 4JE. 1BBC‘>7) GWENT BIRD REPORT 1990. Many articles, £3.35 from Jerry Lewis, Y Bwthyn Gwyn, Cold- brook, Abergavenny, Gwent. Also past reports. Birds of Gwent and Breeding Atlas available. (BB982) HERTFORDSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1990. £4.50 inc p&p from B. Taggart, 2 Yewtree Cottages, Colliers End, Ware, Herts SGI 1 lEQ. (BB022) XIX To advertise - fax 0621 819130 SnUAIIONS VACANT GIBRA1.TAR POINT NATIONAL NATURE RE- SERVE. Contract assistant warden required for one year, April 1992 to March 1993 with respon- sibility for shorebird protection, £60 per week and full board. Also, shorebird warden at Donna Nook, £85 per week. Tel: 0754 762677 for details and application form. (BB984) GIBRALTAR POINT NATIONAL NATURE RE7 SERVE. Voluntary shorebird assistant required for June & July 1992. Food and accommodation provided. Tel: 07.54 762677 for deutils and appli- cation form. (BB985) BOOKS BOOKS ON BIRDS, MAMMALS, ETC., BOUGHT & SOLD. Also Field Sports, Big Game, Travel, Science, the Arts, etc. Catalogues issued. David Grayling, Crosby Ravensworth, Pen- rith, Cumbria CAIO 3JP. 09315 282. (BB6I3) BOOKS ON BIRDS. New and secondhand cata- logue. 30p stamps. Surplus books urgently sought. BB botight and sold. Viewing by appoint- ment. Grant Demar, Old Forge, Stone Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 OLP. Tel: 0732 810482. (BB004) Wide selection of ornithological &t natural history titles available from stock, also ttavel books & irtaps. FREE Mail order catalogue on request Tel: 0352 770 681 Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. (BB) Fax: 0352 771690 Treuddyn, Mold, Clwyd, North Wales. CH7 4LN (BB868) MEINERTZHAGEN, RICKMAN, MOREAU and LACK. Rare lines by these and other authors. For catalogue write to: Barn Hill Books, Old Schoolhoiitse, Kilmory, Isle of Arran K/\27 8PQ. Tel: 0770 87368. (BB005) THE NAT. HIST. OF WALNEY ISLAND by T. Dean. £11.99 post free. Bird books bought/ sold. Cat. avail. West Coast Bird Books, 25 Heather- ways, Freshfield, Liverpool L37 7HL, Tel: 07048 71115. (BB944) MOROCCO. A BIRDWATCHER’S GUIDE TO MOROCCO by P. & F. Bergier. £8.75. Prion Ltd (Perry). Vital lor travellers to Morocco. From bookshops or NUBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon. Tel: (0803) 86.5913. (BB020) THE BIRD & WILDUFE BOOKSHOP Britain ’s leading ornithological booksellers where you can find our comprehensive range of new and secondhand books and reports on birds and natural history, including all new titles as they are published. Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Mail errder catalogue available on request THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP 2A Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y6DS Tel: 071-287 1407 (BB977) THE AVERAGE British Birds reader will spend over £100 on bird books yearly. They could be buying your books. To advertise, 'phone 0621- 815085. (BB683) ‘BIRD BOOKS’. Good secondhand books bought and .sold. Free catalogue from, and offers to Brian! Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 ONJ. Tel: 0829 51804. (BB917) The original BIRDWATCHER’S LOGBOOK The most concise way to record your observations. Monthly, annual and life columns for 762 species, plus 159 diary pages. Send £5.95 to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, Beverley, N. Humberside HU17 8RP (BB913) VIDEOS LATEST RARE BIRD VIDEO The very best, high-tech, moving pictures of most re- cent rarities (1990/91 ). Commentary and index. Satis- faction, or money refunded. £20, from Alan Shaw, Holmfields, Breach Lane, Melbourne, Derby. DE7 IDF. Send SAE for list, or telephone 0332 862075 for details. (BB916) XX To advertise - phone 0621 815085 FOR SALE FOR SALE - Individual BB subscriben can adver- tise here FREE (up to 30 words, selling a single item, e.g. binocular, book, set of journals). Quote your BB Ref. No. and address envelope to ‘Free BB Advertis- ing’. (BB753) BRITISH BIRDS SUBSCRIBERS spend between £300 and £1,000 a year on bird- watching equipment. They could be buying your equipment. To advertise, phone 0621 815085. (BB684) ! BIRD JOURNAL BACKNUMBERS SUPPLIED. (BB. Bird study. County Reports, etc.), David Morgan. MTiitmore, Umberleigh, Devon. (BB921) BIRDING CB SPECIALISTS Highly rec MIDLAND PORT-A-PAC CB £99 + £3.50 pp. Mobiles from £58 • H/held from £69 * Base Stat. from £159 SAE for Details/Price List Rech Batts(10xAA)£10 Cheques payable • Omega Systems 43 Hemlington Rd, Stainton, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS89AG 0642595845 (B09O2) BIRD PHOTOGRAPHS BY JACK LEVENE. Many Briti.sh rarities including all Scilly birds in 1991, also prints and slides of Birds of the USA and Canada, Israel, Spain, Hong Kong I etc. 6x4 prints £1 .50 plus 30p post and pack- 1 ing. Please send a SAE for a catalogue. Jack Levene, 6 Fiddlers Lane, East Bergholt, Colchester C07 6SJ. Phone 0206 298345. ! (BB003) BRITISH BIRDS Vol 73—79 inclusive. Unbound. Offers to Tel: 0222 626919. (BB025) Please mention BRITISH BIRDS when replying to advertisements VARIOUS MAGAZINES - British Wildlife, British Birds, Birding World, Birds (RSPB), Bird Study, BTO Wildfowl/Wader Counts. Also books. Phone 0202 722014 after 6 pm for details. I (BB018) 1 jBANNERMAN - History of Birds of Cape Verde j slands (1968), fine in bw. £79 inc p&p. Tel: 0483 |766517after7pm. (BB019) TRIPOD TAMER 2" wide black webbing shoulder strap only £8.50 inc. post from: Vital Equipment, Colwyn Bav, Clwyd LL29 SAT (sae for details). (BB960) NICKEL SUPPA ZOOM TELESCOPE. 20-60x. .£45 with case. Zeiss Notarem 10 x 40 binoculars, £55; both excellent condition. 051-342 2815. (BB926) BRITISH BIRDS Vols. 71-84, i.e. from 1978 to 1991, complete, excellent cond., in binders and with indexes, £150. Phone 0689 (Orpington) 826301. (BB990) ROSS STEPRUVA 9 x 35 (original) binoculars, offers. Leitz 8 x 20B binoculars, £79. Phone B, Wright 0472 750970. (BB991) BRITISH BIRDS Vol. 71-Vol. 82 (1978-1989). Unbound, in excellent condition; offers. Tel: 061-330 2607. (BB992) LINE DRAWINGS by Alan Harris from Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland, by Dymond, Fraser and Gantlett. £20. For details tel. 0279 424,307. (BB993) POYSER — Natural History of Cape Clear Island, any offers? Tel: 0235 535720. (BB994) ROSS 7 X 50. Steplux binoculars, recently over- hauled, collectors item, any offers? Tel: 0235 535720. (BB995) BANNERMAN’S BRITISH BIRDS: With dust- jackets £285, without £215. P&P extra but can de- liver Norfolk-Suffolk. Tel: 0379-6519,58. (BB996) OPTOLYTH AUPIN 10 x 40 binoculars, very good condition. £150 o.n.o. Tel: 0686 628637. (BB997) BARGAIN BUY. Optics, excellent, Bushnell Spacemaster well used! Complete with Kowa 27x and 20x eyepieces and Slik Master tripod. £125. BWP Vol. 1-3 inclusive £140. C. P. Catley. Tel: 0652 34752. (BB012) BRITISH BIRDS 1979-81, £12 per year + p&p. Tel: (0703) 464641. (BB013) 10 X 50 JENOPTEM BINOCULARS, including case. As new £50 ono. Tel: 0924 275603. (BB014) BIRDWATCHING IN CRETE (2nd ed.) £3.75 inc p&p, Stephanie Coghlan, 25 Thorpe Lane, Almondbury, Huddersfield, W Yorks HD5 8TA. (BB015) BWP, Vols 1-5, mint condition, £220. The Birds of Africa, Vol 1-3, mint condition, £1 40. Ring any- time 081-393 6608. (BB016) GOODERS (Ed.): Birds of the World, 9 vols. En- cyclopaedia of Birds, 7 vols, all in binders. Col- lect Esher. Offers: 081-644 8499. (BBOl 7) British Birds Volume 85 Number 1 January 1992 1 Editorial 2 Conservation: the Prime Minister’s personal views Rt Hon. John Major MP 5 Seventy-five years ago . . . 6 European news 16 Influx of Little Egrets in Britain and Ireland in 1989 Pete Combridge and Chris Parr t 21 Identification pitfalls and assessment problems 7/ Little Egret R. A. Hume 25 Mystery photographs 174 Chiffchaff A. R. Dean 28 County, regional and bird observatory recorders in Britain and Ireland 31 Monthly marathon Reviews 32 ‘Bird Trapping and Bird Banding’ by Hans Bub Stephen Rumsey 32 ‘Birds’ by Rob Hume Joan Childs 33 ‘Handbuch der Vogel der Sowjetunion’ vol. 6, part 1 edited by V. D. Il’icev & V. A. Zubakin David A. Christie Notes 34 Little Grebes sunning in winter 5. W. M. Hughes 34 Immature Little Grebe attacking Black-headed Gull A. J. Morris 35 Concealing posture of Mallard A. A. Cooper 35 Feeding groups of Common Scoters containing other species R. C. Dickson 36 Aerial prey-capture technique of Little Gull P. I. Morris 36 Herring Gull using wind shear over land Norman Elkins 37 Breeding-range changes of Red-rumped Swallow in Yugoslavia Mauricio Stipcevic and Gordon Lukoc 40 Great Spotted Woodpecker apparently feeding on nectar D. Lester 41 Blue Tits as pollinators of the crown imperial Dr Alberto Burquez 43 Field work action BTO news Dr Paul Green 44 ICBP news Georgina Green Announcements 44 Young Ornithologists of the Year 45 ‘The Carl Zeiss Award’ 45 Bird Photograph of the Year 45 Bird Illustrator of the Year 46 The PJC Award 46 The Richard Richardson Award 46 Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs 46 Latest rarity decisions 46 Send in your 1991 records now 46 Front-cover designs for sale 47 Photographs and drawings may be for sale 47 Free subscriptions for County/Regional Recorders 47 Free advertising for subscribers 47 ‘British BirdShop’ subsidises ‘BB’ 47 Books in British BirdShop Requests 47 ‘Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World’ Dr Burt L. Monroe Jr 48 Rare breeding birds Robert Spencer 48 Moroccan bird records and photographs Jacques Franchimont 48 News and comment Robin Prytherch and Mike Everett 52 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-drawings: 16 Cormorants and Little Egret [Thelma K. Sykes)\ 18 and 19 Little Egrets (Chris Parr) ^ Front cover: Pintails courting i"" the Rushy Pen at Slimbridge, February 1991 Slj (Dafila Scott): original drawing cT .his month’s cover design, measuring 18.6 X 20.8 cm, is for sale in a postal auction (see page 46 for procedure) k.1 British Birds Volume 85 Number 2 February 1992 The new DNA-DNA avian classification Identification of Lanceolated Warbler Reviews • Mystery photographs • Notes • Letters fews and comment • Monthly marathon • Recent reports t British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, R. J. Prytherch & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith & Roger Tidman Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Rarities Committee P. G. Lansdown (Chairman); Dr Colin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, G. P. Catley, Peter Clement, A. R. Dean, Pete Ellis, S. J. M. Gandett, C. D. R. Heard, R. A. Hume & J. H. Marchant; Peter Colston (Museum Consultant & Archivist); Peter Fraser (Statistician); Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary) Notes Panels BEHAVIOUR Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; rnENTiFiCATiON Dr R. J. Chandler, A. R. Dean, T. P. Insldpp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & K. E. Vinicombe “ ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for Publishing Manager, Production & Promotion the benefit of ornithology Dr J. T. R. Sharrock j (^British Birds I, id 1992 Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Copyright of photographs remains with Design photrigraphers. British Birds is Deborah Felts published monthly by British Birds l.td, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire Advertising -fZ ^ ISSN 0007-0335 Sandra Barnes Addresses Please keep correspondence on different items separate. Please address your envelope correctly. Please supply SAP, if reply required. Papers, rmtes, letters, drawings & photographs for publication Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40025 Subscriptions and orders for back copies Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK+4 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40467 Advertising Mrs Sandra Barnes, BB Advertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Tiptree (0621) 815085 Bird news for ‘Seascmal reports’ Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MKI7 9QS. Phone: Woburn (0525) 290314 (evenings); Luton (0582) 490049 (office hours) News items for ‘News and comment’ Mike Everett & Robin Prytherch, 7 Burlington Way, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon PEI8 9BS Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3A7. Special book and sound recording offers British BirdShop, NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN. Phone: Totnes (0803) 865913 Annual subscriptions (12 issues and index) Libraries and agencies £42.30, IRE49.40 or $79.80. Personal subscriptions; UK, Europe and surface mail £34.40, 1R£40.20 or $64.80; personal: airmail outside Europe £57.75, IR£67.45 or $109.00. Single back copies £4.40, IR£5.15 or $8.20. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO account number 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. Papers should be typewritten with double sparing, 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. English and scientific names and sequences of birds follow The ^British Birds' List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (I9H4): names of plants follow Dony et al. {1980, English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals follow Corbet & Southern (1977, The Handbook of Bridsh Mammals). Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations {firii. Birds 74; 239-242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). Figures should be in Indian ink on gtHid-quality tracing paper, drawing paper, non-absorbent Ixiard or light blue or very pale grey graph paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should b<* typed on a separate sheet. Authors of main papiers (but not notes or letters) receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Printed in Englond by Nawrtorth Print LimltMl, Kempston. Bedford I 204 HIGH STREET BARNET, HERTS. EN5 5SZ OPEN 7 DAYS 9am-6pm PHONE 081-4491445 PHONE 081-441 7748 FAX; 081-440 9999 FREE NORFOLK TWO DAY BREAK AT BRIARFIELDS HOTEL, TITCHWELL When new goods to t value of £400 or over purchased Phone for details BAUSCH S LOMB £ Elite 8X42BGA ..629.00 Elite 10X42BGA ...629.00 .229.00 Custom lOx40BGA .24900 Legacy 6x24 89.00 Elite 22x60B ..289.00 Elite 22x60B6A ..309 00 Elite l5x-45x60BGA . . .349 00 LEICA £ Tfinovid 8x20BC .199.00 Trinovid 10x25BC .226.00 Tnnovid 8x206CA .226.00 Tnnovid 10x25BCA .239,00 Case for Mini 15.00 Tnnovid 7x42BA .628.00 Trinovid 10x42BA .62800 CARL ZEISS £ Droigner 8x20BT'P . -.295.00 Designer 10x25BrP .31900 Dialyt 6x20B .236.00 Dialyt 10x25B 25900 Dialyt 8X20BGA 305.00 Dialyt 8x308GAT 509.00 DiaJyt 7x428GAT . 589.00 Oialyt10x40BGAT , .. , 599 00 Dialyl 10x40BT 639 00 Oialyt 8x56BGAT 729.00 15x50 Porro GAT Accessories; ,119000 Rainguard .. ..8.00 Eye Cups (Set) ,...16.00 Eye Cups Hard (Set) ....16.00 Lanyard 5.00 Wide Lanyard ..15.00 Spare Case from . ..1900 NIKON £ 7X20CFIM .... 69 00 9X25CFIII 10X25CFII 8x200CF ...135.00 9X30DCF ...249 00 12X36DCF .... . .279 00 7x35E ..229.99 10x35E 6x-12x240CF .329.00 Fieldscope 20x6C Fieldscope 20x-45x.. .. ...379.00 Fieldscope ED II 20x60... ...555.00 20x-45x60 ...629.00 15X&20X 30x & 40x . 6500 60x .65.00 20x-45x Zoom ...147,00 ) Hoya Multi Coat Filter . . . ,20.00 1 Rubber Hood . .. 10 00 ' Photo Kit ...168 00 Stay-on Case 45.00 1 Spotting scope 20x60GA -.-199 00 ; 15x-45x60GA 265,00 in focus THE BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE SPECIALISTS WINTER FIELD EVENT PROGRAMME The ideal way to test optics for birdwatching is to watch birds! Our field events at well known Reserves countrywide will enable customers to test and select from our complete range of equipment. Information packs are available on all events - please apply in writing or by phone. Two day events are usually run on an appointment basis and preference will be given to those with an advanced booking. All events open between 10 am - 4 pm daily ADUR ESTUARY SHOREHAM SAT 21st & SUN 22nd MARCH CHEW VALLEY AVON SAT 22nd & SUN 23rd FEB. GRAFHAM WATER CAMBS. SATIsta SUN 2nd FEB. DUNGENESS KENT SAT 29th FEB. & SUN 1st MARCH MAIN STREET, TITCHWELL, NORFOLK PE31 8BB OPEN 7 DAYS 9am-6pm PHONE 0485 210101 ICBP WORLD ENVIRONMENT PARTNER 1991 LEMSFORD SPRINGS HERTS. SUN 9th FEB & SUN 8th MARCH HAUXLEY NORTHUMBERLAND SAT 14th & SUN 15th MARCH BLACKTOFT SANDS HUMBERSIDE SAT 1 5th & SUN 16th FEB. LODMOOR DORSET SAT 28th & SUN 29th MARCH 20x 34 95 SWIFT £ Triton 10x50 99 00 Trilyte 7x42BGA 132.00 Trilyle 8x42BGA 135.00 Trilyte 10x42BGA 139 00 Audubon HRS 199.00 Audubon 7x35BGA . .. 329 00 Viewmaster 60 Body ..... 149 00 QUESTAR £ Field Model 3* Broad Band Coating. Supplied with 50x-80x Hood, Case ... 2200.00 80X-130X... 120.00 OPTOLYTH £ Alpin 8x30BGA 227.00 Alpin 7x42BGA 257.00 Alpin 6x408GA .. .. 246 00 Alpin 10x40BGA .. .249.00 Alpin 10x508GA .. 268.00 Touring 8x32BGA 395.00 Touring 7x42BGA 445.00 Touring 10x40BGA . .. 445 00 TBS HD Body 549 00 TBG Body 358.00 20x WA 122.00 30x WA 77.00 30x WW 135.00 40x WA 77.00 22x-60x Zoom . 159.00 29 00 Stay-on Case for TGS/TBG .45 00 KOWA £ 20x-60x Zoom 99 00 1995 TSN-1 295-00 TSN-2 20x-60x Zoom 139 00 30xWA 11900 Skua Case 39 95 Rear Dust Dome 1500 Spare O.G. Cover 6.00 27xWA (Screw Fit) 59.00 Screw/Elay Adaptor , . .20,00 Case for TSN 24.95 Photo Adaptor 800mm. .. .107.00 OBSERVATION BINOCULARS Photo Adaptor 1200mm. .. .179.00 Opticron 20x00.. ...390.00 OPnCRON £ Opticron 30x80.. .. .395.00 Vega II 8x30 , 44.00 Vega II 8x40 . .49.00 HR 8x32MC .142.00 HR 7x42MC .146.00 .148.00 HR10X42MC .153 00 .171.00 HR Body 80mm ,255.00 32.00 27x-80x Zoom 7800 HR Body. 22x & Case .164 95 HR GA, 22x & Case .174 95 BUSHNELL £ HR 45’. 22x & Case 204.95 Spacemaster Body .145.00 HR Body, 20x'60x & Case Spacemasier Body GA . ...165.00 .214.95 . 49.00 HR 45=, 20x-60x & Case . 234.95 22xWA 32.00 25x, 40x, 22x WA . .32.00 Classic IF60 .110.00 . 30 00 18xWA 24 00 25x 24 00 VELBON £ 25x HP 27.00 New Fluid Head Tripods Classic IF 75mm 140.00 0-500 . 59 95 22xWA 2400 D600 6995 30x 27.00 22x-47xZoom 61-00 Piccolo .128.00 CULLMANN £ Eyepieces from ,, 29 00 Hide Clamp . . 49.95 Piccolo ED 20x60 .355.00 Shoulder Pod . . 24.95 Piccolo ED 20x-60x60 .. . .399.00 Q/R System 9.95 Photo Kits from 30.00 Q/R Plate 4.95 Cases for Scopes 15.00 .50 00 72 95 MIRADOR £ 89.95 8x328 .110.00 7x42B .112.00 MANFROTTO £ 10x428 115.00 10x50B .127.00 Merlin 60mmx25 109.00 l90BBase ... 58.50 Merlin 18x-40x60 139.00 144 Base .. 54.00 Merlin 75mmx30 .129.00 144B Base . ... 58.50 Merlin 22x-47x75 169.00 128 Head 45.00 .15.00 REDFIELD £ Tripod Strap 10.95 Spare Q/R Plate 5.95 10X50BA 249.00 20-45X60GA .299.95 ACCESSORIES £ 22.00 PENTAX £ 22.00 8x40PCF 9995 10X50PCF .104,95 Rainguards from 3.50 12X50PCF 109.95 Pentax Cleaning Cloth , 3 95 BRESSER £ Pentax Cleaning Kit . . 3.99 Aclion 8x40 69.00 Tnpod Strap 6.95 3.95 9.95 ROSS £ Tamrac 60/80mm Scope Cavendish 8x42B 139-95 Hanover 10x426 149.95 Also in slock Binoculars from Regent 8x42B 169.95 Fujinon, Ranger, Adlerblick, Kensington 10x42B 179.95 Minolta etc IN FOCUS CARE PLAN At a cost of |us1 £15 any new equipmeni can be covered for a period of 3 years from purchase. In the event of equipment failing lor whatever reason it will be rectified by ourselves at no charge Ask for full details. PERSONAL CALLERS Can choose and select from our comprehensive range of equipment. Compare Zeiss with Leitz and Bausch & Lomb, Kowa with Nikon and Opiolyth We are a completely independent company, whose only concern is that our customers select the correct instrument lor their personal needs PHONE ORDERS Discuss your requirements with our technical staff and orders placed with Access or Visa Cards will be despatched same day. MAIL ORDER Just add £2 to help towards P&P and insurance and your order will be sent the same day as we receive your cheque All goods supplied on 14 days approval upon receipt of full remittance SECONDHAND Instruments are always available. Turnover IS fast so we do not pnnt a list. Phone for information PART EXCHANGE Top prices paid for good condition Bins and Scopes HOW TO FIND US (NORFOLK) We are 500 yds east of the RSPB Reserve at Titchweil on the A149 between Hunstanton and Brancaster, and we have our own pn- vale car parking. HOW TO FIND US (BARNET) We are 10 mins from M25 and AIM moionivays and 15 mms walk from High Barnet Tube Station. TELESCOPES AND TRIPOD OUTFITS If you purchase a scope and tripod at the same time we can otter you a very special pace' PHONE FOR A QUOTE INTEREST FREE CREDIT ON SELECTED Zeiss, Leitz, Kowa and Nil(on products Phone or write for details. ANNUAL SALE OF DEMONSTRATION EQUIPMENT KOWA, OPTOLYTH, NIKON, ZEISS, B&L, LEICA, etc. First come first served E&OE (D970) T W I C K E R S WORLD The natural world Two unique tours researched and accompanied by our naturalist, Tony Pym. Wildlife of Belize, Costa Rica & Guatemala 20 days from 8 March. Price from £2639. Polar Bears & Whales (Newfoundland & NWT) 17 days from 8 July. Price from £2980. 22 Church Street, Twickenham, TWl 3NW Telephone 081-892 8164 24 hour brochure service 081-892 7851 Fax 081-892 8061 ABTA No 60340 (D968) S. HRARE BIRD ALERT h MUGIMAKI FLYCATCHER HUMBERSIDE AT... This new bird pager ensures that you get to hear of all British rarities as the news breaks. To find out more and to get an information pack & order form: • Phone FREE 0800 246 246 •or call Dick Filby of the Rare Bird Alert team on 0603 767799 [•DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU DIP Get a pager, NOW! I • Please phone in sightings of rarities to the Rare Bird Alert HOTLINE 0426 952 952. ! Hotline calls charged at local rates. A donation to conservation for every call. •ElO donated to RSPB for every pager ordered] Inter-City Paging Ltd. Marsh House, 500 Montagu Road, Edmonton, London, N9 OUR. INTER-CITY PAGING INTER-CITY PAGINGE (D950) 1st Floor, 89(B) London Road, MORDEN, Surrey, SM4 5HR 1 -648 8822 (24 HR) AX: 081-687 2021 OPEN MON - SAT 9am - 5pm (Lunch 1-2pm Mon-Fri) Sales & Servicing of: BINOCULARS - TELESCOPES - TRIPODS, etc VIEWING FACILITIES for the best equipment. COMPETITIVE PRICES. LONG-ESTABLISHED WORKSHOP. CALLERS WELCOME. PHONE/MAIL ORDER SERVICE. (Bracket prices while stocks last) PACKAGE DEALS Special prices arranged for multi-purchases. We also try to match any genuine offers. ZEISS l0x25BDialyt 10x25 B/TP (NewDS) 8 X 20 B/TP (New DS) 8 #30 BGA/T(P) 7 X 42 BGA7T (P) 10X40BGA/T (P) 15x60 BGA/T 8 X 56 BGA/T (without case) BAUSCH & LOMB 8 X 42 BA Elite 10x42 BA Elite Custom 8 X 36 B Custom 10 X 40 BGA 22 X 60 B Elite Scope 22 X 60 BGA Elite Scope 1 5-45x BGA Elite Scope SWAROVSKI * 7x30 SLC 8 X 30 SLC 1 0 X 40 Diana AT80 scope (body) 22x (WA) eyepiece 20-60x zoom eyepiece AT80 case LEICA 8 X 20 BC Trinovid 8 X 20 BCA Trinovid 10 X 25 BC Trinovid 10 X 25 BCA Trinovid 7 X 42 BA Trinovid 8 X 42 BA Trinovid 10x42 BA Trinovid SWIFT 7 x 35 roof prism S'/z X 44 HR5 Audubon FUJINON 8 X 40 BFL NIKON 8 X 23 waterproof 1 0 X 25 waterproof 8 X 20 F roof prism 1 0 X 25 F roof prism 9 X 30 roof prism 8 X 30 ECF porro WF £ 259 319 295 509 589 599 1.190 669 629 629 229 249 289 309 349 353 365 372 535 70 160 91 199 226 226 239 628 628 628 239 199 157 157 135 150 244 199 10x35 ECF porro WF Fieldscope II 20 x 60 Fieldscope II 20-45 x 60 ED II 20 X 60 * ED II 20-45 X 60 * 30x. 40x or box eyepieces 20-45x eyepiece Camera adaptor Mod- for other cameras Quality filter Rubber hood Stay-on-case Spotting scope 20 x 60 GA Spotting scope 20-45x GA KOWA* TSN-1 (45^) body TSN-2 body TSN-3 body TSN-4 body 25x or 40x eyepiece 20x (WA) eyepiece 30x (WA) eyepiece 20-60X zoom eyepiece 60x eyepiece 77x eyepiece Camera adaptor 800mm Camera adaptor 1200mm Kowa case Weathershield case Spare OG cover 27x (WA) eyepiece (Screw fit) Eyepiece dust dome VIEWMASTER 45° scope with zoom EP OPTOLYTH * 8 X 30 Alpin 8 X 40 Alpin 1 0 X 40 Alpin 10 X 50 Alpin 12 X 50 Alpin 7 X 42 Alpin TBG80 telescope body TBS 80 (45°) body TBG/TBS 80 Fluorite £ 229 304 379 555 629 65 147 168 18 13 8 40 199 265 295 295 555 555 63 96 119 139 96 99 107 179 24 38 5 59 15 199 £ Slay-on-case TBG/S 45 22-60X zoom eyepiece (150) 1 59 TB nylon case (35) 36 (205) 227 (225) 246 (230) 249 (241) 268 (247) 273 (238) 257 (350) 390 (350) 390 549 OPTICRON 8x32 (HRII) 8x42 (HRII) 10x42 (HRII) 10x50 (HRII) 7x42 (HRII) 8 X 32 Dioptron 8 X 42 Dioptron 10 X 42 Dioptron 10 X 50 Dioptron 7 X 35 Elite 9 X 35 Elite 7 X 40 Minerva 9 X 35 Minerva 8 X 40 Minerva 10 X 40 Minen/a 7 X 24 MCF HR 60mm scopes:- Std w/22x & case Std w/zoom & case GA w/22x & case GA w/zoom & case 45° w/22x & case 45° w/zoom & case HR Photokit Filter Rubber hood Piccolo Mk II ED. with case: 20x60 20-60X 60 BUSHNELL Spacemaster body 15-45X zoom EP 22x (WA) EP 25x or 40x EP Photokit Nylon padded case 152 157 162 178 155 117 122 125 135 150 190 172 172 175 179 80 180 220 190 230 220 250 64 355 399 148 49 32 30 62 15 30x (WW) new eyepiece (119) 135 40x (WA) new eyepiece (65) 77 REDFIELD (waterprooO 7 X 30 RA roof prism 1 99 1 0 X 50 RA roof prism 249 GREENKAT * FFS 7 X 35 Focus Free 8X40ZWCF SGN-III 60mm scope body 20x, 30x. 40x 50x or 60x EP Close-up lens Photo tube Padded nylon case OBSERVATION Vixen 20 X 100 Vixen 30 x 80 Greenkat 20 x 60 Greenkat 20 x 80 MONOCULARS 8 X 20 RP with microscope 8 X 30 GA RP 10x30GARP NIGHT VISION Sentinel 70mm image intensifier 1,790 * Infra-red monocular 225 * Infra-red binocular 300 * Infra-red goggles (mask-mounted) 350 * NOTE: These need infra-red illumination. A searchlight can be supplied for - ROSS 8 X 42 2CF Regent 10 X 42 ZWCF Kensin0on TRIPODS etc. Slik D2 Slik SL67 Manfrotto 1 44/200 Manfrotto 144/128 Manfrotto 1 90/200 Soligor 550 Universal clamp Hide clamp II Car window mount Shoulder pod Cullmann hide clamp Tripod case Tripod Straps from T-mounts, from 100 170 180 73 107 105 100 93 40 23 38 24 30 50 13 7 10 ★ SHORT-TERM INTEREST-FREE CREDIT available on £150 and over (three payments). ★ REPAIRS carried out in our own workshops (our policy is to get your optics bird-watch operational with minimal delay). FREE TRIPOD WORTH £40. (SOLIGOR) with certain * telescopes or pay the extra for different tripod. U We will be at the Visitor/lnformation Centre in each case. Repairs can also be handed in. A^PAGHAM HARBOUR LOCAL NATURE RESERVE on the B2145 into Selsey (nr Chichester, W. Sussex) on SUNDAYS 26th January, 23rd February and 29th March (10.00am to 4.00pm approx.) ★WARNHAM NATURE RESERVE just off the A24 (northern roundabout for HORSHAM) on the B2237, on SUNDAY 9th February (10.00am to 5.00pm) ★SUSSEX WILDUFE TRUST at WOODS MILL, Henfield, W. Sussex, (A2037) on SUNDAY 8th MARCH (10.00am to 4.00pm) ★SEVENOAKS WILDFOWL RESERVE, ontheA25 between Riverhead and Sevenoaks Bat and Ball Station, on SUNDAYS 2nd February, 1st March and 5th April (10.00am to 4.00pm) ★BOUGH BEECH NATURE RESERVE/RESERVOIR, about, 4 miles south of the A25/A21 junction (with access from the B2042 or B2027; the oast house Information (Oentre is to the north of the reservoih on SUNDAYS 16th February and 15th March, (10.00am to 4.00pm). We are only 15 minutes’ drive from the M25 (e.g. via the A3 and then the Merton Turn-off) or 2 minutes’ walk from Morden Underground. Parking: 1 st left past our entrance (50 yds). (D967) ] iii COSTA RICA Costa Rica, one of the top three hireling spots worldwide, has more birds than the whole of North America and 1 0% of the world's species! Birduiotch Costa Rico specialise In tailor-made birding trips for individuals and small groups at affordable rates year-round. Our advice and assistance based on over 1 1 years of first-hand experience in Costa Rica. Write for brochures, checklists, trip itineraries; | I BIRDUJRTCH COSTR RICR I APARTADO 7911 - lOOB SAN JOSE - COSTA RICA TELEPHONE +506-284768 • FAX +506-281573 [ (D952) .Topical, lively and informative BIRMNC WORLD invites you to experience the magic of birds... Enjoy our unique blend of articles, tailored to today's birdwatchers; everything from practical identification guides, clear and concise in style and lavishly illustrated, bird-finding tips, evocative photo-essays, and gripping accounts of all the current rarities through to birding hotspots, mouth-watering excursions abroad, monthly British and Western Palearctic news summaries, a myriad of special features, all our regular items including big-prize quizbirds, and much, much more... New for 1992, the bigger and even better Birding World is • 50% larger, 100% more colour^ ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION (12 issues) UK i L OVERSEAS £31, AIRMAIL outside Europe! e Special introductory off ' (6 months trial) UK £12.50, OVERSEAS £15 '■ Cheque to Birding World (Sterling on To: Birding World, Stonerunner, Coast Roi Cley, Holt, Norfolk NR25 71 Name Address . Postcode Tel.. THE NEW SLDC D3 SHOULD NOW BE IN STOCK ( latest information ) at £89.95. Limited supplies of D2s are still available. Do you wish to make night-time observations? Now you can at an affordable price with the new Fujinon PS901 image intensifier from £1600.00 for bright unobtrusive watching of nocturnal wildlife. The sparrowhawk is becoming as familiar a visitor as the kestrel to our site. Excellent sightings have been enjoyed of his spectacular flight through our conservation area. Leading |l specialists in BINOCULARSand TELESCOPES ZEISS WEST 10i40 BGAT’P 599.00 7i42 8GAT‘P 589.00 8i30 BGAT'P.. 509.00 Dtsign selection 8i20 0T*P...._ 295.00 Uli25 BT»P 319.00 LEICA Trinovid 8*20 BCA 226.00 Tfiiiowid 10x25 BCA 239.00 7x42 BA 628 00 8x42 BA 628.00 10x42 BA 628.00 OPTOLYTH Alpin 8*40 BGA_..., 246.00 Alpin 10x40 BGA 249 00 Tpuring 10x40 445.00 TBS/G 80 Body 390.00 T6S/G 80 Fluorita 549.00 22* G0xzoom EP 159.00 20* WA.. 122 00 30xWA 135.00 NIKON 7x20 CF III 69.95 8x30 ECf 229.00 10x35 ECl 249.00 Fitldcope Mk II 20-45x60.. 379.00 ED Mk II 20-45x60 629.00 30*40* 79.95 Spotting jcopi 20x60 RA 199.00 15-45*60 RA 265.00 ADLERBLICK MultiCMt 8x42 169.95 Multicott 10*42 179.95 Multitoot 10*50 198.95 Add £15 for rubber armoured Multicoat Focus Optics KOWA TS601 Body TS 602 Body 20*WA 25x40* 20x-60* zoom EP Case for 601 and 602... TSN-1 Body TSN-2Body TSN-3 Body TSN-4 Body 20xWA 30xWA 25*40i 20x-G0x zoom EP Case for TSN 1and2.... Skua case for TSN Rioio adaptor 800mm. 179.00 179.00 .. 54.00 ... 48.00 ,. 99.00 . 19.95 295.00 295.00 .555.00 .555.00 .. 96.00 .. 119.00 .. 63.00 , 139.00 24.95 39 00 107.00 . 157.00 . 162.00 . 178.00 OPTICRON Compact 7 * 24 80.00 Compact 8x24 81.00 Compact 10 * 24 83 00 H.R. 8x42 HR. 10*42 H.R. 10*50 TELESCOPES Classic I F. 60mm 102.00 Classic I.F. 75mm Body 140 00 25x/30x .. 24.00 18x-40*/22x-47* zoom EP 66 00 H.R. 22*60 179.95 H.R. 20-60x60 219 95 H.R. 22x60 RA 189 95 H.R. 20-60x60 RA 229.95 60mm H R Telescopes include Free case. ) l5x,20x.22xWA 25x.40x 31.00 20x-60xzoom EP 85.00 Universal Mount 25.50 Car Window Mount 26.50 Hide Clamp Mk II 42.00 HABICHT Compact 8x20 B 220.00 'Diana' 10x40 WM 372.00 S.L. 10x40 493.00 SLC 8x30 365.00 AT 80 Body 547 00 22* EP 72,00 20x-60x zoom EP. 164.00 BAUSCH&LOMB Custom 8*36 229.00 Custom 10x40 RA 249.00 Elite 8x42 HA 629.00 Elite 10x42 RA 629.00 EliteTelescope 22x60 RA .... 309.00 ElileTelescope15-45x60RA 349.00 BUSHNELL SpacemasterSOmm Body 145.00 SpacemasterBOmm Body RA. 159.00 15-45* zoom EP 49.00 SWIFT Audubon 8,5x44 199.00 ROSS Hegent8x42 169,95 Kensington 10x42 179 95 TRIPODS MANFROTTO 144 Legs . 52.00 190 Legs 41.00 055 Legs 200 Video Head 1 28 RC Video Head SLIK 02.. WE ARE OPEN ON SUNDAYS! 10 am— 4 pm (Closed on Mondays) IN ADDITION TO THE RANGE LISTED, WE ALSO STOCK: QUESTAR»FUJINON»FUMOTO MIRADOR*BRESSER*PENTAX REDFIELD«OPTIMA»PRAKTICA BOOKS & VIDEOS We stock books from the leading natural history publishers. Poyser, Helm, Collins, RSPB, Hamlyn, Macmillan, Mitchell Beazley, Oxford University Fyess.Whittet, Witherby, Kingfisher, etc. Also videos from RSPB, World of Survival. BBC, and National Geographic. Send for a price list or come and browse I 03 2901 . CULLMAN ; 3400 ClampMagic B&S .. 2 Way Video Head .. Shoulder Pod - The friendly experts professionals recommend ! ]COUNTRYSIDEm VIEWING m Our showroom is set in seven acres of private grounds in the very heart of our beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Testing facilities are probably the best in the country. Viewing from the showroom is across a large poo! with its various bird visitors and to more distant views of the countryside. Why not try the unhurried experience of testing the latest optical equipment in a relaxed atmosphere with experts who care! />nva/^0 Ample free safe parking. OPTICS Church Lane. Corley. Coventry CV7 8BA Telephone:0676-40501 &42476 Fax: 0676-40930 ACCESS0RIES:Wide range of eyecups, rainguards, lens caps, lanyards, cases etc. USED BARGAINS: Guaranteed secondhand equipment at bargain prices. EXPORT FACILITIES: Personal and postal orders welcomed. PACK AG E D EA LS : Attractive discounts. Phone for quotations. MAILORDERS: Orders over £100 insured P& P free of charge. (UKonly). Orders less than £100 P&PE2.00. Goods are despatched promptly upon receipt of full re'mittance. Use your ACCESS or VISA card to order by telephone. (D971) E&OE V CygnusWIiailfe cMalidcuf^ jjcm. BlnduudckeAi. f992 Escorted bird tours by experienced leaders, catering for all levels of expertise. Please request a brochure if you are planning a holiday to one of the following destinations: India, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Texas, Majorca, Austria, Camargue, Hungary, Poland, USSR, Pyrenees, Arizona & California, Gambia, Argentina, Ecuador & Galapagos, Ethiopia, Kenya, Canada, Australia and Nepal CYGNUS WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS, 57 FORE STREET, KINGSBRIDGE, DEVON TQ71PG lA B T Al Telephone 0548 856178' 62948 FAX; 0548 857537 (D954, NATVRETREK BIRDING TREKS & TOURS in NEPAL - KASHMIR LADAKH ■ ZANSKAR BHUTAN - CHINA ROMANIA - PYRENEES INDIA - INDONESIA MALAYSIA - TURKEY GREECE - CYPRUS KENYA - TANZANIA EGYPT • ETHIOPIA BOTSWANA - ZAMBIA AUSTRALIA - MALAWI NAMIBIA - MOROCCO RWANDA - ZAIRE GALAPAGOS - CRETE NEW ZEALAND NEWFOUNDLAND Independent Travel ■ Tailor-made Tours ■ Private Safaris ■ Flights For our brochure/expert advice phone 0962 733051 CHAUTARA, BIGHTON, NrALRESFORD, HANTS. S024 9RB J (D917) Q FOCALPOINl S The binocular and telescope specialists Run by birders for birders FORTHCOMING DEMONSTRATIONS Try and buy your new optics at these Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Reserves (10.30am-4pm) SUN 16th FEB MARTIN MERE Lancs. (M6,Jct27) SUN eth MAR SLIMBRIDGE Glos. (M5, Jet 13) SUM 5th MAR MARTIN MERE. Lancs. (M6,Jcl27) SUN 12th APRIL WASHINGTON Tyne & Wear {District 15). FINE ART DEPT. — Ask for full price list SKUA stay-on-the- scope cases Fittings for KOWA, OPTOLYTH, NIKON & PICCOLO MAIL ORDER OR CALLERS WELCOME SUPERB VIEWS OPEN MON-FRI 9.30-5.30 CLOSED SUNDAYS &BANK HOLIDAYS LEICA - New 'olive-drab' Safari models - all sizes from stock NOW. BOOK SHELF Good selection of titles from Poyser, Macmillan, Collins, etc. e.g. Rare Birds. Warblers. Herons of Europe 4 DIRECTIONS M56 Jet 10 take A559 towards Northwich for 1 mile to the Birch & Bottle. Turn right into Bentleys Farm Lane, we are on the left after V2 mile. FOC4LPOINI Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Tei: 0925-730399 (D969) Please order all your BIRD BOOKS from ‘BRITISH BIRDSHOP’ Please use the form on the cut-out page in this issue. The purchase of books and recordings through ‘British BirdShop’ subsidises every subscription, and adds extra pages and extra photographs to every issue of British Birds (BB515) VI Bird Illustrator of the Year competition, sponsored by Kowa Telescope; Red-breasted Mergansers displaying. Nik Borrow's award winning 1990 BIY Competition eny “First, and most important, this telescope is optically magnificent, with phenomenal clarity and a superbly large field of view. If you are a birder who is seeking the best possible telescope . . . the optical gain is significant, especially in the worst viewing conditions. It is an elite instrument, to be treasured by those fortunate enough to own one.” Dr J T R Sharrock, testing the Kowa TSN-3 with x20W eyepiece, British Birds June 1990. Kowa TSN Fluorite lens scope, available angled or straight A superb image Officially appointed distributor for Kowa Telescopes Pyser-SGI Ltd., Fircroft Way, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6HA (D915) British Birds VOLUME 85 NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY 1992 The new DNA-DNA avian classification What’s it all about? Burt L. Monroe, Jr In 1988, a new avian classification system was published (Sibley et al. 1988) that arranged and classified birds in a new hierarchy and sequence, significantly different from that currently used in ornithology, based entirely upon a laboratory technique known as DNA-DNA hybridisation (shortened hereafter in this article to just DNA-DNA). Although a large portion of the data supporting parts of this classification had been published during the decade of the 1980s through the many papers by Sibley and Ahlquist, it was not until December 1990 that the full documentation was available (Sibley & Ahlquist 1990). That monumental work was accompanied by a companion volume (Sibley & Monroe 1990) that placed all the bird species of the world in the DNA- DNA-based classification and updated their distribution, ecology, and taxonomic information pertinent to that listing. The first reaction most birders experience when seeing these two massive books and confronted with this system for the first time ranges from complete frustration to stark terror, as exemplified by these comments: ‘Having just spent the better part of my life learning the classification of birds so that I can use all the books, am I going to have to trash all that and learn a new system all over again?’, or ‘Why can’t professional ornithologists leave well enough alone and keep the system as it is?’, or perhaps even ‘Why do we need a classification system — can’t we just list birds in alphabetical order?’. The answer to all these questions is simple: it is the goal of biological scientists everywhere, whether studying plants, butterflies, fish, birds, or any other of the myriad groups 53 [Bril. Birds 85: 53-6 1 , February 1992) 54 The new DNA-DNA aman classification of living things, to express the natural world in terms of the relationships of organisms one to another and, thus, to classify animals and plants in a natural system, not an artificial one. That is why whales are always listed with other mammals, and not with fish, which they resemble superficially much more closely than they do their nearer relatives. The big question in taxonomy is how to determine who is related to whom. This new classifica- tion of birds is intended to do this better than any system heretofore. So now the ornithological world is faced with the problem of what to do with a system that purports to be the best at showing true relationships. The decision will have to be faced either to accept this system or to discard it in favour of one already in place; in other words, is the new system real and of value in our understanding of ornithology, or is it just another system based on data that may or may not improve upon our present classification? In order for one to make judgment in such a case, it is essential to know just what the system is supposed to show, and whether there are sufficient data from other sources to indicate that this classification warrants supplanting any other in existence. I am going to give you an insight into the background of this system, expressed from the viewpoint of one who is not a biochemist or geneticist and who has not been involved directly in the detailed laboratory experiments that developed the database for the system. Up to now, all classification systems have been based primarily upon morphology, the hierarchy in taxonomy being developed by comparing similarities and differences between birds and deciding through a set of procedures which of these factors are important in showing the true relationship between kinds of birds. Two problems exist with any system of this sort; (1) there has to be a degree of subjectivity in any decision as to the weight (importance) of similarities, leading often to incorrect groupings of non-related birds, and (2), perhaps more importantly, evolutionary convergence (such as we see with whales and sharks) often obscures the true relationships, sometimes leading to major errors in taxonomy (refer to the songbird case when you get to it later in this article). The DNA-DNA system is designed to remove all subjectivity by showing which birds are more closely related genetically to which others, the idea being that the more alike genetically two birds are, the more recently in geological time they shared a common ancestor and thus are more closely related to one another. The DNA-DNA hybridisation technique is not all that new in science, but Sibley and Ahlquist were the first to apply the technique seriously to bird systematics, examining literally thousands of species to determine genetic relationships. And here’s how the system basically works. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a double-stranded molecule that is found in every living organism; it contains the coding system that makes specific animals what they are. Think of the DNA double strand as a ladder, with two parallel sides connected by the cross pieces (rungs); grab each end of the ladder and give the whole thing a twist, and the resultant twisted, spiral piece can be likened to the DNA molecule. At each side where a rung joins the side pieces, there is a nucleotide in the DNA 55 The new DNA-DNA avian classification molecule; in a single copy (which would be one side of the ladder) of the whole genome of one bird, there are about 1.7 billion nucleotides. Despite this staggering number, there are only four different kinds of nucleotides in DNA, each with a different nitrogenous ‘base’ in its chemical structure (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine, abbreviated A, C, G, and T, respectively). The sides of the ladder represent the two strands, which are complements of each other; that means that where there is an ‘A’ on one strand there is a ‘T’ on the opposite end of the rung on the other side, and where there is a ‘C’ it pairs with a ‘G’. The rungs of the ladder correspond to the hydrogen bonds that hold A-T and G-C together; if any other combination is there on the opposite sides of the rung (e.g., an ‘A’ on one side and a ‘C’, ‘G’, or another ‘A’ on the other side), the hydrogen bond cannot form and the rung is ‘missing’. These hydrogen bonds are what hold the two strands together. The more matches there are (i.e. the more rungs there are), the stronger the strands are bound together. This principle is the basis of the DNA-DNA hybridisation technique, for it is known that the more closely related two organisms are, the more alike is their DNA (i.e., more matches and ‘rungs’ would be present if complementary strands of their respective DNAs were matched); con- versely, distantly related things are more different, and there would be fewer matches in their respective DNA strands. The laboratory technique is generally as follows. The DNA from a bird is extracted from red blood cells or tissue and purified of RNA, protein, and other materials. The long DNA strands are ‘sheared’ into shorter pieces (about 500 bases long) so that pairing is made easier. Through a special technique, multiple copies of DNA are removed so that but a single copy of each gene remains. The technique takes advantage of the fact that, when DNA is heated to boiling (thus breaking the hydrogen bonds between the two strands) and then cooled, the hydrogen bonds are again established between comple- mentary bases, and the double-stranded structure is re-formed. The trick is to label the DNA of one species with a radioactive tracer and make hybrids, first with itself (as a control) and then with the DNAs of other species. For the control, both strands of the hybrids consist of DNA of the same species, so the amount of base-pair matching is the greatest. When these ‘hybrids’ are subjected to a controlled elevation of temperature, in which they are heated incrementally up to boiling, a melting curve is produced beginning with 0% single-stranded DNA (= 100% double-stranded) at 60‘’C and ending with 100% single-stranded DNA at about 95°C after all the hydrogen bonds are broken. The temperature at which the curve intercepts the 50% line is called the ‘T50H’, or the temperature at which half the strands are double and half are single. For birds and, indeed, most vertebrates, that is somewhere around 85°C. That gives the base T50H figure for that species. Next, a small number of these radio-labelled single strands are mixed with a large number of single strands from a second species (not radioactively tagged). Now, when the complementary strands find each other, most of them form ‘hybrid’ 56 The new DNA-DNA avian classification molecules consisting of a radioactive half from the first species paired with a non-radioactive half from the second species. These hybrid DNA molecules do not pair up exactly, the degree of non-match reflecting the amount of genetic difference between the two species. When these hybrids are subjected to an elevation in temperature, they produce a curve with a T50H at a lower temperature (say, 75° in this case); that is because, with the fewer base matches and fewer hydrogen bonds, the strands break apart more easily (i.e., at a lower temperature). By comparing the two T50H temperatures, one gets a difference of 10°; this figure is called the ATr,QH (‘delta T50H’), and it is that figure that dictates the hierarchy of classification. For example, if the two species that were tested above gave a AT50H of 10, they would be classified in separate families of birds; to be sufficiently closely related to be placed in the same family, the delta T50H would have to be less than 9. If above 1 1, the two species would not only be in separate families, but also in separate superfamilies; the number would have to be 20 or greater for the birds to be classified in different orders. And so on, through the entire classification system. The correlation between AT50H figures and the taxonomic categories is given in both Sibley et al. (1988, p. 412) and in Sibley & Ahlquist (1990, p. 254). The big advantage to such a system is that the classification is totally objective: there is no subjective guess as to weight or importance of any characters, and the classification is based entirely , on a single value showing genetic relationship. The biggest disadvantage is that it is totally cladistic: it does not pay any attention to morphological divergence (different from genetic divergence, because of the adaptive nature of some characters and the resultant rapid way external characters may evolve in nature). Thus, morphologically divergent groups such as falcons and penguins have a AT5„H of only 16.4 and end up being sufficiently closely related to be placed in the same order instead of the traditional separate orders. For the most part, however, the DNA-DNA classification is closely similar to the morphological systems that are currently used, and the higher categories are the same. Perhaps the most surprising thing to be discovered as a result of the technique, and which appeared unexpectedly, was the fact that most of the Australian songbirds (oscines) are related to one another, thus having gone through an adaptive radiation in Australia similar to that which we find with the marsupial mammals. This fact remained hidden to science until the DNA-DNA data revealed it because the birds do not have a shared, external morphological character similar to the marsupial pouch by which we long ago realised the true relationships between the mammals. There have been a number of other surprises, including the close relationship of starlings and mockingbirds, and of New World vultures and storks; most of these had been suggested before, but the evidence for them had been considered insufficient to cause a change in classification. The second book (Sibley & Monroe 1990), which is perhaps of more direct interest to birders, is an entirely different sort of publication. It is a world list that follows the DNA-DNA classification for purposes of higher 57 The new DNA-DNA avian classification taxonomic categories (tribe on up), but species are usually so closely related (with resultant low AT50H figures) that the DNA-DNA technique becomes less reliable at showing relationships; the AT50H figures approach the level of experimental error, and, thus, exact relationships at this level cannot be easily ascertained. Limits in species (and to a lesser degree genera) were determined primarily on the basis of the most recent studies made on the group. A modified biological species approach was taken for the species level, and those taxa that displayed differences, particularly in vocalisations, ecology or behaviour, indicating an isolating mechanism to prevent free interbreeding, were treated as different species rather than subspecies. And it was my intention in preparation of the manuscript to provide a reference for all situations in which there were controversial or conflicting classifications, so there is extensive documen- tation and many literature citations throughout the book. Other sections were designed to make the book more ‘user friendly’ (such as the world numbering system for computerising lists, the maps and accompanying gazetteer, and the extensive index). Perhaps the most controversial feature (and one that is controversial in nearly all books and lists) is that of the English names that were used. Although I formed an international group to provide input on the best choice of names, there are some obvious problems in any attempt to have a list of standardised English names. It is hoped that a new international committee, established by the International Ornithological Congress for the purpose of developing a worldwide list of standardised English names, will be more successful and attain a better selection. Of the 11 members on this committee, two are from the United Kingdom (your editor, Tim Sharrock, and Tim Inskipp); in the next few years, if you have any input regarding names in the Sibley-Monroe book that you think need to be changed, please contact one of these two and supply them with reasons for using a different name. As chairman of this committee, I want to assure all readers that all input of this nature to the committee will be considered in the final selection of names. I cannot tell you how all this classification business is going to end. I can only say that, for more than a decade, a myriad of people have taken aim at trying to discredit the DNA-DNA classification or technique, even to the point of accusing Sibley and Ahlquist of fraud. Not only have the system and the authors withstood all that criticism, but there have also been more and more data supporting the basic elements of the classification. For example, after the Australian radiation news hit the bird journals (Diamond 1983; Gould 1985), a morphological character (the number of fossae in the head of the humerus) was re-evaluated throughout the thousands of songbird species and showed a higher-than- 90% correlation with the DNA-based classification. In the case of the condors (New World vultures) and storks, an extensive morphological study done previously by J. David Eigon (1967) indicated the same condor-stork relationship. Another surprising relationship revealed in the DNA study was the close relationship between pelicans and the Shoebill Balaeniceps rex, an African stork-like bird. After publication of the DNA 58 The new DNA-DNA avian classification data, however, it came to light that Patricia Cottam, a graduate student in England, had discovered the same relationship through a morphological study in her thesis (Cottam 1957), but nobody believed it at the time, thus burying the information for almost three decades. If one looks at all the data — and literally thousands of DNA-DNA comparisons have been made — the amount of correlation with the generally known and accepted relationships among birds is impressive. There do not seem to be major discrepancies, such as finding a species of duck closely related to a dove, or a finch among the woodpeckers. It is beginning to look as if the DNA-DNA system may become the basis for avian classification in the future. So, take a deep breath and dig into the taxonomy. I know for a fact that at least a few field guides or lists already in press will follow the DNA-DNA classification, and I’m sure that more will come along in the future. References Cottam, P. y\. 1957. The pelecaniform characters of the skeleton of the Shoebill Stork, Balaenicepi rex. Bull. Bril. Miis. (Nat. Hist.) Zool. 5; 49-72. Diamond, J. K4. 1983. Taxonomy by nucleotides. Nature 305; 17-18. Goit.d, S. J. 1985. A clock of evolution. Nat. Hist. 94 (4): 12-25. LiCiON, J. D. 1967. Relationships of the cathartid vultures. Occas. Papers Univ. Michigan Mus., no. 651, 26 pp. SiBI.F.V, C. G., & .\hi,qitst, j. E. 1990. Phytogeny and Classification of Birds. New Haven, Connecticut. , Ahi.QITst, J. E., & Monrof., B. L., Jr. 1988. A classification of the living birds of the world, based on DNA-DNA hybridisation studies. Auk 105: 409-423. & Monrof, B. L., Jr. 1990. Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World. New Haven, Connecticut. Dr Burt L. Monroe, Jr, Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA Simplified summary of Sibley & Monroe (1990) bird classification ORDFRS and Families only; groups including at least one species on the West Palearctic list are shown in bold; figures in parentheses are total number of species in each Family, followed by number of species on the West Palearctic list, if any. STRUTHIONIFORMES Struthionidae Ostrich (!. 1) Rheidae rheas (2) Casuariidae cassowaries. Emu (4) Apterygidae kiwis (3) riNAMIFORMES I'inamidae tinamous (47) CRACIFORMES Cracidae guans, chachalacas, etc. (50) Megapod iidae megapodes (19) GALLIFORMES Phasianidae , groM.se, turkeys, pheasants, partridges, etc. (177, 23) Numididae gMi«ea/oM'/,s (6, I ) Odontaphoridae New World quails (6, 2) 59 The new DNA-DNA avian classification ANSERIFORMES Anhimidae screamers (3) Anseranatidae Magpie Goose ( 1) Dendrocygnidae whistling-ducks (9, 2) Anatidae ducks, swans, geese (148. 65) TURNICIEORMES Tumicidae butlonquaib (17, I) PICIEORMES Indicatoridae koneyguides ( 17) Picidae woodpeckers (215, 13) Megalaimidae Asian barbets (26) Lybiidae African barbets (42) Ramphastidae New World barbets. toucans (55) GALBULIFORMES Galbulidae jacamars (18) Bucconidae puffbirds (33) I i I BUGEROTIFORMES Bucerotidae hombills (54) Bucorvidae ground-hombills (2) UPUPIEORMES Upupidae hoopoes (2, 1) Phoeniculidae woodhoopoes (5) Rhinopomastidae scimitarbills (3) Ts=s TROGONIEORMES Trogonidae trogons (39) CORACIIFORMES Coraciidae rollers ( 12, 4) Brachypteraciidae ground-rollers (5) Leptosomidae Courol (1) Momotidae motmots (9) Todidae todies (5) Alcedinidae .Alcedinid kingpshers (24, 1) Dacelonidae Dacelonid kingfishers (61, 2) Cerylidae Cerylid kingpshers (9, 2) Meropidae bee-eaters (26, 3) \ COLIIFORMES I Coliidae mousebirds (6) I i CUCULIFORMES I Cuculidae Old World cuckoos ( 79, 5) I Centropodidae coucals (30, 1) 1 Coccyzidae American cuckoos ( 18, 2) ; Opisthocomidae Hoatzin (!) I Crotophagidae anis, Guira Cuckoo (4) . Neomorpbidae roadrunners, ground-cuckoos (11) \ I PSITTACIFORMES j Psittacidae parrots, etc. (358, 2) I 60 The new DNA-DNA avian classification APODIFORMES Apodidae swifts (99, II) Hemiprocnidae crested-swifts (4) IROCHILIFORMES Trochilidae hermits, hummingbirds (319) MUSOPHAGIFORMES Miisophagidae turacos, plantain-eaters (23) STRIGIFORMES Tytonidae barn-owls, grass-owls (17, I) Strigidae owls ( I6I, 16) Aegothelidae owlet-nightjars (8) Podargidae Australian frogmouths (3) Batrachostomidae Asian frogmouths (II) Steatornithidae Oilbird ( I) Nyctibiidae potoos (7) Eurostopodidae eared-nightjars (7) Caprimulgidae nighthawks, nightjars (76, 3) COLUMBIFORMES Ra|3hidae Dodo, solitaires (3: all extinct) Columbidae pigeons, doves (310, 13) GRUIFORMES Eurypygidae Sunbittem (I) Otididae bustards (25, 6) Gruidae cranes ( 15, 4) Fleliornithidae Limpkin, sungrebes (4) Psophiidae trumpeters (3) Cariamidae seriemas (2) Rhynochetidae Kagu (I) Rallidae rails, gallinules, coots (142, 15) Mesitornithidae rnesites (3) CICONIIFORMES Pteroclidae sandgrouse (16, 7) Fhinocoridae seedsnipes (4) Pedionomidae Plains-wanderer (I) Scolopacidae woodcocks, snipes, sandpipers, curlews, phalaropes (88, 57) Rostratulidae paintedsnipes (2, I) Jacanidae jacanas (8) Cbionididae sheathbills (2) Burhinidae thick-knees (9, 2) Charadriidae oystercatchers, avocets, stilts, plovers, lapwings (89, 22) Glareolidae Crab-plove?-, pratincoles, coursers ( 18, 6) Laridae skuas, skimmers, gulls, terns, auks (129, 64) Accipitridae Osprey, hawks, eagles (240, 40) Sagittariidae Secretarybird (I) Falconidae caracaras, falcons (63, 13) Podicipedidae grebes (21, 6) Phaethontidae tropicbirds (3, I) Sulidae boobies, gannets (9, 5) Anhingidae anhingas (4, I) Phalacrocoracidae cormorants (38, 6) Ardeidae herons, bitterns, egrets (65, 25) Scopidae Hammerkop (I) Phoenicopteridae flamingos (5, 2) Threskiomithidae ibises, spoonbills (34, 5) Pelecanidae Shoebill, pelicans (9, 3) 61 The new DNA-DNA avian classification Ciconiidae \’ew World vultures, storks (26, 4) Fregatidae frigate birds (3, 1) Spheniscidae penguins (17) Gaviidae divers (5, 4) Procellariidae petrels, shearwaters, diving-petrels, albatrosses, stonn-petrels (115, 26) PASSERIFORMES Acanthisittidae Xeiv Zealand wrens (4) Pittidae pittas (31) Eurylaimidae broadbills (14) Philepittidae asities (4) Tyr?Lnnidae Mionectine flycatchers, tyrant-flycatchers, tityras, becards, cotingas, manakms, etc. (537, 2) Thamnophilidae antbirds (188) Fumariidae ovenbirds, woodcreepers (280) Formicariidae ground-antbirds (56) Conopophagidae (8) Rhinocrv’ptidae tapacidos (28) Climacteridae .Australo-Papuan treecreepers (7) Menuridae lyrebirds, scrub-birds (4) Ptilonorhynchidae bowerbirds (20) Maluridae fairywrens, emuwrens, grasswrens (26) Meliphagidae honeyeaters, etc. ( 182) Pardalotidae pardalotes, bristlebirds, scrubwrens, thombills, etc. (68) Eopsaltriidae .Australo-Papuan robins (46) Irenidae fairy-bluebirds, leafbirds ( 10) Orthonychidae Logrunner, Chowchilla (2) Pomatostomidae Australo-Papuan babblers (5) Laniidae shrikes (30, 8) Vireonidae vireos, peppershrikes, etc. (51, 3) Corvidae quail-thrushes, whipbirds, Australian Chough, Apostlebird, sitellas, shrike-tits, whistlers, shrike-thrushes, crows, birds-of-paradise, currawongs, wood-swallows, orioles, cuckooshrikes, fantails, drongos, monarchs, magpie-larks, ioras, bush-shrikes, helmet-shrikes, etc. (647, 18) Callaeathidae New Zealand wattlebirds (3) Picathartidae rock-jumpers, rockfowls (4) Bombycillidae Palmchat, silky-flycatchers, waxwings (8, 1) Cinclidae dippers (5, 1) Muscicapidae thrushes. Old World flycatchers, chats (449, 62) Stumidae starlings, mynas, mockingbirds, thrashers, catbirds ( 148, 9) Sittidae nuthatches, Wallcreeper (25, 8) Certhiidae treecreepers. Spotted Creeper, wrens, gnatcatchers, gnatwrens (97, 3) Paridae tits, penduline-tits (65, 10) Aegithalidae long-tailed-tits, bushtits (8, 1) Hirundinidae river-martins, swallows (89, 11) Regulidae kinglets (6, 4) Pycnonotidae bulbuls (137, 3) Hypocoliidae Grey Hypocolius (1,1) Cisticolidae African warblers (119, 3) Zosteropidae white-eyes (96) Sylviidae leaf-warblers, grass-warblers, laughingthrushes, babblers, Wrentit, scrub-warblers (552, 62) Alaudidae larks (91, 23) Nectariniidae sugarbirds, flower-peckers, sunbirds, spiderhunters (169, 3) Melanocharitidae berrypeckers, longbills (10) Paramythiidae Tit Berrypecker, Crested Berrypecker (2) Passeridae sparrows, rock-sparrows, wagtails, pipits, accentors, weavers, Estrildine finches, whydahs (386, 41) Fringillidae Olive Warbler, chaffinches, Cardueline finches, Hawaiian honeycreepers, buntings, I longspurs, towhees. New World wood-warblers, tanagers. Neotropical honeycreepers, seedeaters, I flower-piercers, cardinals, troupials, meadowlarks. New World blackbirds, etc. (993, 96) I 1 Identification of Lanceolated Warbler Nick Riddiford and Paul V. Harvey The warbler genus Locustella contains seven species, six of which have j occurred in Europe. Lanceolated Warbler L. lanceolata is the smallest, ’ usually the most heavily streaked, and shows clearly the characteristics of | the genus: markedly rounded tail, long undertail-coverts, and secretive, skulking behaviour (and a reeling grasshopper-like song in summer). It most closely resembles Grasshopper Warbler L. naevia, and a further i potential confusion species is Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler L. ceiihiola. It ; is unlikely to be confused with other Locustella species, unless views are particularly poor. Generalised description and habits A detailed description, drawn from notes on 13 Lanceolated Warblers studied closely in the field and/or in the hand on Pair Isle, Shetland, and j many individuals studied by PVH in southeast Asia, is given below. Additional notes, taken from examination of skins at the British Museum (Natural History), Tring, are also incorporated. Particular attention has i been paid to the individual feather patterns of certain plumage tracts; although this may seem to favour in-the-hand circumstances, Lanceolated Warblers are frequently tame enough to allow very close approach, and, furthermore, correct determination of those patterns is the major key to unequivocal identification. The description is inevitably generalised, as the species is variable in a number of plumage features. Size and structure The species is tiny to very small, in body bulk being similar to, or even smaller than, Chiffchaff P/o’//o5co/jjo collybita, and with a relatively short tail. The bill is short and, because of its dark upper mandible and the bird’s size, often looks rather fine. The legs are stouter than those oi Phylloscopus warblers of similar size, but do not look so sturdy as those of other, larger, Locustella warblers. 62 [Rnl. 85; 62-78, February 1992) 63 Identification ofLanceolated Warbler Plumage and bare parts UPPERPARTS The majority of upperpart feathers are heavily and darkly streaked, producing a rather dark, drab upperpart appearance. The other major colour on the upperparts, comprising the fringes of individual feathers, varies from dull olive-grey to dull ginger-brown. Crown and mantle feathers always have very well defined blackish centres. CROWN Individual crown feathers are small, and the dark crown-streaking often does not, therefore, appear so heavy as that of the mantle. Nevertheless, crown feathers are predominantly dark grey to grey-black, with dull olive-grey to ginger-brown fringes (and on some individuals are as heavily streaked as mantle feathers). Thus, crown is clearly and closely, if often narrowly, streaked. NAPF. The dark streaking of the nape feathers varies from little more than a mesial line to streaking as heavy as on crown. The former pattern is slightly commoner (only 30% of skins showed nape-streaking as heavy as on crown and mantle), and so nape often, but by no means always, appears rather plain, in contrast to crown and mantle. MANTFE Although intensity of markings varies individually, mantle always appears streaked, frequently heavily. This is due to the size of the feathers and also, at least in some cases, to the streaks being darker compared with those on the crown (grey- black rather than dark grey) and occupying a larger proportion of the feather. Mantle- feather fringes are ginger-brown to dull grey-olive, and are relatively narrow (occupying 10-20% of feather at its widest point). The dark streaking usually reaches the tip of each feather, often broadly, and consequently fringing does not continue onto feather tip (fig.l). BACK AND RUMP The amount of streaking, particularly on rump, is much more variable than on mantle. The proportion of fringing on back is greater than on mantle feathers, so this tract tends to appear less heavily marked than mantle. Rump often appears as heavily streaked as mantle (although the dark centres do not occupy so much of the feather), though on about 40% of skins it appeared less heavily streaked. Rarely, rump can appear almost unstreaked in the field. UPPERT.AII.-COVF.RTS Feathers greyish-brown or ginger-brown, with about equal number of individuals (25% each among skins) hav- ing either no dark centres, poorly defined dark centres, obvious dark centres, or bold dark centres (= streaks) as prominent as on mantle. There was no correlation between markings of mantle, rump and uppertail- coverts: i.e. individuals with heavily marked rumps often had poorly marked uppertail- coverts, etc. UPPERWING The wing-coverts follow the same general pattern as mantle. The alula and primary coverts, however, are grey- centred, with no hint of black; lesser coverts are broadly fringed ginger-brown to pale greyish-brown, so that the grey-black cen- tres can be obscured; and median coverts, too, are relatively broadly fringed. Greater coverts have dull black centres, darker than all other wing-feather tracts apart from tertials, and slightly narrower pale ginger- brown to greyisb-brown fringes which are complete (uniting at feather tip). Primaries and secondaries are grey, matching primary coverts in colour. Outermost tertial is dark and the other two tertials darker still, appearing matt black with neat pale ginger- brown to greyish-brown fringes. These fringes contrast markedly with feather cen- tres and also are well demarcated, heighten- ing the contrast; at the feather tip, they can appear very narrow and whitish. TAIE Tail feathers are grey-brown above, with very narrow pale grey-brown or ginger- brown fringes to outer webs. SIDES OF HEAD There is usually a very indistinct off-white supercilium from above bill to just behind eye (often with slight, but distinct, rusty tone above lores), a very faint dark loral stripe, and dull olive-grey or brown-grey ear-coverts poorly mottled dark- er: giving species a very ‘pl^'f^'f^ced’ appearance. UNDERPARTS The major features of the underparts, and often assumed to be characteristic of the species, are a pectoral band or gorget of streaks across 64 Identification ofLanceolated Warbler L. n. straminea blackish brown centre In fresh plumage, fringing is broadest at tip pale fringe L. lanceolata blackish centre Fig. 1. Mantle feather patterns of Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia of eastern race straminea (left) and Lanceolated Warbler L. lanceolata (right) the throat/upper breast and marked streaking on the flanks. Both features, however, are variable. The general ground colour is white with a dull huffish or even greyish wash. Rarely, individuals have a yellow wash to chin and throat (plate 21). CHIN White, generally with slight dirty-bulT wash; well-marked individuals often with a few ver\' small brown-grey spots. THRO.M As chin, but (usually) with dark, relatively broad mesial lines to most feath- ers, .giving a gorget of short grey streaks right across throat. I I.ANKS Flank streaking is very variable (table 1). Fore flanks usually have short streaks formed by brown-grey centres to feathers, representing a continuation of the streaked pectoral hand, but are sometimes unmarked. There are generally much broader brown-grey mesial streaks to rear- flank feathers (and on outermost undertail- cov'erts); thus, rear flanks are often strongly marked with broader streaks, this streaking continuing onto at least the border of imdertail-cov'erts. Ground colour of flanks (i.e. the general feather tone) is buO-brown. BRF.xsr White with a dull bufTtsh or greyish wash, upper and occasionally entire breast overlaid with dark brown to blackish streak- ing. This overlay of streaking often extends onto sides of breast. Some individuals, however, can apparently virtually lack streaking on breast (Alstrom 1989). HF.I.I A White with a dull buITish or greyish wash. fNDl R lAII -(:o\'KK r.s Undertail-coverts tend to look dark and mottled, as the majority are a mixture of browns and greys, all with a strong huffy or gingery wash. The shortest ones have well-defined dark brown-grey to grey-black ‘teardrop centres’ (though one skin had no dark centres to any undertail- coverts). Longest ones often have no dark centres (65% of skins), and, even when present, dark centres do not extend to base of feather; the visible part of feather (i.e. that part not overlain by other coverts) can, however, under field conditions, show a dark centre (fig. 2). Longest undertail-coverts are invariably tipped white or off-white; this tipping can be as much as 5 mm long, but, although obvious in the hand, it is of doubtful value in the field (see Discussion). I NDERWING ^Vhitish, but with a strong rich ginger-buff wash. Some mid-grey to dark- grey spots are often present on under primary coverts. BARE PARTS BU I, Upper mandible dark horn with pale cutting edge; lower mandible pale pink, darkening slightly towards tip, so that tip is pinkish-grey and can look dark. I.F.GS Pale pink, with feet and soles pale yellowish-pink. lA F Dark hazel-brown, but looks black in the field. 16, 17 & 18. Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata. Fair Isle, Shetland. Top, September 1987 (Tim Loseby)\ centre, 30th .September 1990 (David Tipling); bottom, I6th/17th September 1989 (Fete F.wer). Note rusty lone to fore part of supercilinm (centre and bottom); heavily streaked upperparts (including back and rump, especially visible on bottom portrait), with black extending to lips of feathers; and ‘classic’ tertial patterns; top and centre birds both comparatively poorly marked Top binocula^^or the future ’k Most popular binoculars Most:popular make'of binocular Recf»m£nended by British BifSs. |l Zeiss experience and quality has i(hieved a world wide reputation excellence Ihoif latest Binocular Survey, the of the universally respected. British Birds magazine voted Carl Zeiss. Top Binocular for the Future’, an accolade which was awarded to Carl Zeiss in the two previous surveys. The 7x42B/GA T' Dialyt is renowned for its high twilight performance and field of view. With easy-gnp rubber armouring to minimise reflection and noise, it is unsurpassed for dawn and dusk observation. The naturalist's definitive binocular ENGLAND BERKSHIRE Link Cameras & Video Reading. 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(The Republic of Ireland) TEL: (01) 773173 X (D864) 67 Identification ofLanceolated Warbler LANCEOLATED GRASSHOPPER Shortest Shortest examples Longest often unmarked Longest but occasionally (35%) : usual occasional Under normal viewing, short undertail-coverts overlie long, thus: LANCEOLATED GRASSHOPPER variant variant Fig. 2. Undertail-covert patterns ofLanceolated Warbler Loruite/Za lanceolata and Grasshopper Warbler L. naevia Voice The call is normally described as ‘chirr-chirr’ (e.g. Dementiev & Gladkov 1954), but, judging from vagrants on Fair Isle, the species may be mainly silent on migration. At least some of the many Lanceolated Warblers wintering in Thailand, however, call frequently (Dr J. T. R. Sharrock in litt. and I. S. Robertson in litt.), noted as ‘a diagnostic, explosive “rink-tink- tink” ’ by Lekagul & Round (1991). The song is a long reel, ‘tinny, rhythmic and frail compared with Grasshopper Warbler’s; it has a hesitant character, whereas Grasshop- per’s has an assertive, confident delivery’ (A. R. Dean in litt.). It has been captured on tape by Mild (1987). Song may not assist with identification of autumn vagrants, but it did lead to the discovery of at least one recent summer individual in Finland (Heikki Karhu in litt.). Habitat and behaviour Vagrant Lanceolated Warblers on Fair Isle have demonstrated that, on passage, this species can occur in any habitat. Damp places, particularly muddy ditches and boggy grassland, are favoured sites, but drier habitats such as gardens have also played host to it; the essential ingredient appears to be cover, whether it be an overgrown ditch, the engine of a disused road-roller or a cluster of milk pails. Various types of damp ! grassland and tussocky thickets are also favoured breeding (Dementiev & I Gladkov 1954) and wintering (King et al. 1975) habitats, j All Locustella warblers have a reputation for skulking, but none more j spectacularly than Lanceolated. Fair Isle vagrants habitually burrow, i mouse-like, into tussocks of grass and other dense vegetation until lost to I 19, 20 & 21. Lanceolated Warblers Locustella lanceolata. Fair Isle, Shetland. Top, 16th/ 17th September 1989 (Pete Ewer); centre, 23rd September 1990 (Phil Palmer); bottom, 30th September 1990 (Alan Roberts). Top and centre both show ‘classic’, well-marked individuals; bottom, comparatively poorly marked individual, especially in regard to streaking on upperparts and broad fringes to tertials, which, nevertheless, are still clear and exhibit considerable contrast with matt-black centres ^ /| I he inclusion of plates 16-21 in colour has been subsidised by a donation from C'.art Zeiss — Germany. view, only to emerge at some other point a few seconds, or even minutes, later. The species is secretive, but not shy. Most Lanceolated Warblers pay scant attention to human beings, prompting accounts of standard- lens photographs and individuals running over footwear (e.g. Brit. Birds 84: plate 269). This is apparently also the case in the species’ winter quarters (Dr J. T. R. Sharrock in litt.). If one settles in a more open habitat, such as a recently cleared ditch, it can often be in view more or less continuously for long periods; locomotion in these circumstances is normally a fairly deliberate and slow stalking gait with frequent changes of direction, interspersed with short, rather rapid runs with horizontal carriage. Individuals foraging along walls or ditch banks occasionally cock their tail in a manner reminiscent more of some Sylvia warblers than of Locustella. Lanceolated Warblers will fly, but often not until they are virtually trodden on; their flight then, though fast, is low and appears weak, probably owing to their short, rounded wings and relatively short (for a Locustella) tail. Discussion ‘Lanceolated Warbler is a tiny, heavily streaked Locustella with a string of streaks across the throat and/or upper breast forming an obvious gorget.’ This statement is true, but with qualifications. Lanceolated Warblers are extremely variable. No two Fair Isle individuals in the last ten years, for instance, have been identical in every aspect of plumage and/or size. There is a small overlap in size between Lanceolated and Grasshopper Warblers; Lanceolated tends to have a shorter primary projection, but, again, there is overlap. Considerable individual variation exists in the extent of the gorget of streaks, with an equally large variation in the extent of flank streaking. In addition, the ground colour of the upperparts is influenced by the colour of individual feather fringes. A gorget of spots or streaks and heavy flank streaking are often quoted as major characters of the species. We assessed variations in the amount 69 Identification ofLanceolated Warbler and intensity of underpart streaking by examining the skin collection at the British Museum (Natural History), Tring (see tables 1 & 2). This suggested that throat streaking is indeed a character of the species, though its extent is extremely variable: from heavy and extensive streaking on entire chin, throat and breast to a single line of streaks across the throat or upper breast. Flank streaking was not universal, though only 7% of skins had completely unstreaked flanks. Some, however, were extensively marked, with heavy lanceolate streaks on the rear flanks extending onto the lower belly or vent area. Two were streaked ‘like a pipit Anthus’ on the entire underparts, except for a narrow central strip of belly. Gorget and flank streaking ranged in colour from mid-brown to brownish-black. There was no correlation between the intensity of the gorget and the amount of streaking on the flanks. For instance, the individual with the most heavily marked and extensive gorget (on chin, throat and entire breast) had just three or four very poorly demarcated, light flank streaks, and two with heavily marked gorgets had no obvious flank streaks. So, bearing this in mind, what are the potential confusion species? Table 1. Intensity of flank streaking on 98 skins of Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata in British Museum (Natural History), Tring Intensity Fore flanks Rear flanks No streaking 15 5 A few streaks 54 34 Moderate streaking 24 44 Heavy streaking 5 15 Table 2. Amount and intensity of underpart streaking on 98 skins of Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata in British Museum (Natural History), Tring Intensity Gorget Flanks Heavy 24 31 Medium 49 36 Light 25 24 None 0 7 Unlikely candidate species and Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler We are assuming a level of competence among British Birds readers above that of mistaking a small pipit or waterthrush Seiurus for Lanceolated Warbler, and make no further reference to those species other than to warn that such simplistic errors (at least in the case of skulking pipits) have been made. Similarly, Fan-tailed Warbler Cisticola juncidis should be relatively easily separated by, among other features, its unstreaked underparts, rufous rump, and short, white-tipped tail. Among the Locustella warblers, size and absence or near absence of streaking quickly rule out Gray’s Grasshopper L. fasciolata, Savi’s L. luscinioides and River Warblers L. fluviatilis. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler shares a number of characters with Lanceolated, including very heavy and dark upperpart streaking and a tendency (on Fair Isle, at least) to run along ditches and to go through, rather than around, clumps of 70 Identification ofLanceolated Warbler 23. Grasshopper Warbler Lociistella naevia singing, Netherlands, April 1973 {P. Munsterman). Note tertials and shape of dark centres to feathers of upperparts vegetation; young (the species apparently migrates in juvenile plumage: Alstrom 1989) can also show a marked gorget of throat spots and heavy flank streaking. Pallas’s Grasshopper is, however, noticeably larger and, even when judgment of size is difficult, it appears markedly sturdy, particularly with respect to legs and bill. Its rusty rump and tail-tip pattern are diagnostic, but the latter can be difficult to see in the field. Most Pallas’s Grasshoppers, however, show obvious pale, usually white, tips to the innermost tertials (Riddiford & Harvey in prep.), and this feature can be more readily seen than the tail-tip pattern. Tail-tip pattern is never shared with Lanceolated, nor does the latter ever show such markedly pale tips to the tertials. We believe that Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler could not be misidentified as Lanceolated or vice versa provided care is taken to observe the above features. Grasshopper Warbler The greatest confusion candidate is Grasshopper Warbler. Most Grass- hopper Warblers are larger than most Lanceolated, but there is a small overlap in measurements sufficient even to make in-the-hand identifica- tion less straightforward in a few cases (of 22 Lanceolated Warblers trapped on Fair Isle, three overlapped in wing length by 0-2 mm with the smallest Grasshopper Warbler trapped there). In the field, the problem is compounded by the difficulty of judging size, particularly as Locustella warblers are rarely seen alongside other birds. On Fair Isle, unfamiliarity Identification ofLanceolated Warbler 71 24. Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia singing, Norfolk, May 1979 (Kevin Carhon). Note patterns on tertials and upperparts with either species away from thick cover has also led to errors in size judgment. The tail of Lanceolated Warbler, in proportion to its body, appears shorter than that of Grasshopper; this is most noticeable in flight, but also on the ground when the larger Grasshopper Warbler tail often flaps up and down or gets caught in the wind. Differences in plumage between Lanceolated and all races of Grasshop- per Warbler include general tone of upperparts, feather patterns of upperparts and tertials, tail length, amount and position of flank streaking, shape of throat/upper-breast streaks, coloration of underwing, and undertail-coverts pattern. Differences in upperpart-feather patterning are sufficient to separate even the most heavily marked Grasshopper Warbler from Lanceolated. There is, however, one caveat: a few Grasshopper skins (all autumn adults of the nominate race) had some upperpart feathers with the pale fringing virtually worn away, and completely so at the tips. All Grasshopper W'arblers are likely to exhibit the winter moult regime of the nominate race (Williamson 1960), so individuals of the eastern race straminea (see below) may also have worn upperpart-feather tips in autumn and consequently appear more streaked than spotted. This is not so great a pitfall as may first seem. The inner two (and most visible) tertials are the darkest part of the upperparts on Lanceolated (even in fresh plumage Grasshopper’s tertials look browner and no darker than upperpart spots). Grasshopper Warblers in worn plumage also have very faded tertials, appearing mid-brown to pale-brown, and contrastingly paler than the dark mantle pigments. Worn Lanceolated Warblers still show relatively dark 72 Identification ofLanceolated Warbler 25. Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia singing, Cornwall, June 1972 (/. B. & S. Bottomley). Note slight gorget, but also pattern on undertail-coverts tertials, which remain as dark as or darker than the dark mantle pigments. In all plumage conditions, the tertial fringe of Grasshopper merges with its duller feather centre (fig. 3), thus giving the tertials a less neat and less contrasted appearance. We consider that the tertial pattern is one of the most consistent and reliable differences between the two species. Nevertheless, assessment of upperpart-feather patterns should always be accompanied by careful observation of plumage condition. Autumn vagrants in Europe will probably not be a problem in this respect: those we have seen on Fair Isle have all been in fresh plumage, and, so far, all 22 Lanceolated Warblers trapped on Fair Isle have been fresh-plumaged first-years. The amount and position of breast/flank streaking is a useful supporting identification character. Both species can have quite strong streaking on the rear flanks. On many Lanceolated, the gorget of streaks is Typical I.ANCF.OI.ATF.D: matt-black centre, neat pale fringe Fig. Typical grasshopper: duller, browner centre, broader, less-well- defined fringe Most Lanceolated-type GRASSHOPPER; but still less-well-defined inner web 3. Inner-tertial and middle-tertial patterns of Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata and Grasshopper Warbler L. naevia 73 Identification ofLanceolated Warbler complete to the sides of the breast; Grasshopper Warblers with ‘gorget’ spots usually have them confined to the central part of the throat/upper breast. Thus, there is a tendency for the breast-sides, and frequently also the fore flanks, to be streaked on Lanceolated but not on Grasshopper. This is not, however, an invariable character, and should be used only in conjunction with others. There is usually no problem, as the gorget streaks are markedly longer than they are wide on Lanceolated, whereas on Grasshopper any gorget markings are in the shape of round or slightly elongated spots. This character, however, needs to be checked very carefully, as individual feather spots on Grasshopper can merge to appear as one larger streak. Underwing coloration — pale rusty-brown on Lanceolated and pale olivaceous-buff or pale buff on Grasshopper (Svensson 1984) — is of no use as a field character. Heavy undertail-covert streaking, including on the longest coverts, has been suggested as a character of Grasshopper Warbler (Alstrom 1989). Some Lanceolated, however, including individuals trapped on Fair Isle, are also strongly streaked on all undertail-coverts, although the streaks do not extend to the base of the feather and are a different shape (fig. 2). In field conditions, however, the undertail-covert markings can look similar on the two species. A difference already well documented is Lanceolated’s long whitish tips to the longest buffish-brown to rusty-brown undertail- coverts (Svensson 1984), a pattern not shown by any Grasshopper Warblers; the value of this feature in field identification, however, is not very high, at least in situations where the bird chooses to skulk at ground level. The predilection of Fair Isle Lanceolated Warblers for ditches and bogs adds another problem: the longest undertail-coverts frequently get wet and the tips then become matted and take on a dull grey or even grey- brown colour, hardly distinguishable from other undertail-covert colours (recognising the true colour of wet undertail-covert tips can be a problem even in the hand). Clearly unmarked longest undertail-coverts are, however, diagnostic of Lanceolated Warbler. Observers should also be aware of the racial variations of Grasshopper Warblers. These include further differences from Lanceolated, which are outlined below. NOMINATE RACE OE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Major differences between nominate Grasshopper Warbler and Lanceola- ted are that on the former the upperparts tend to be subtly rather than heavily marked, comprising a series of rounded spots merging into the background colour rather than the strongly contrasting blackish streaking of Lanceolated; and flank streaking is absent or very thin, not lanceolate, not obvious, and confined to the mid to rear flanks. Nevertheless, 23 of 75 skins (31%) of nominate Grasshopper in the British Museum (Natural History) collection had a gorget. The upperparts of Lanceolated Warbler appear more heavily streaked because the dark centres are blacker, well demarcated and often broader Identification ofLanceolated Warbler 26 & 27. I.anceolated Warbler Locuslella lancenlata (left) and Grasshopper Warbler L. naevia (right), Pair Isle, Shetland, September 1984 (Kevin Osborn). Note differences in shape and extent of dark centres to feathers of undertail-coverts (as discussed in text); these differences would be hard to see in the field than on Grasshopper. On the latter, the feather centres are duller and tend to merge into the fringes, giving a less contrasted appearance; unlike those on most Lanceolated, the dark feather centres do not extend to the tip (apart from on a few, generally worn, individuals). There is a very important difference in tertial pattern (fig. 3). On Lanceolated, the centres are broader and darker, and the tertial tips are often the palest part of the upperparts. On nominate Grasshopper, the tertial centres are duller and the fringes broader and less well defined (i.e. Identification ofLanceolated Warbler 75 28. First-winter Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naeina,¥^\r Isle, Shetland, September 1984 (Kevin Osbom). Note upperparts less heavily marked than those ofLanceolated Warbler L. lanceolata, with dark feather centres not extending to tips of feathers seeming to merge with the darker centres); even the ‘best-marked’ Grasshopper shows only a poorly defined fringe on the inner web. With regard to tertial appearance, therefore, nominate Grasshopper Warbler does not offer the impression of neatness and contrast shown by Lanceolated. Rarely, nominate Grasshopper can show fairly extensive breast markings, though these always appear to be spots (each measures 2 mm or less in length and tends to be as broad as it is long), rather than streaks as on Lanceolated. Furthermore, the markings are often heaviest in the centre of the breast, rarely form a pectoral band, and rarely extend down the flanks. Grasshopper Warblers show dark triangular centres to all undertail- coverts and these extend to the base of the feather. This, however, is very difficult to ascertain under field conditions. The shape of the centre of the longest undertail-coverts is diagnostic, but can be rendered useless as a character owing to overlying shorter undertail-coverts (fig. 2). Grasshop- per generally has a less warm wash to the undertail-coverts, but some individuals can show a buff wash. Other differences include the rump, which on Grasshopper generally shows very poorly defined dark feather centres; and the uppertail-coverts, whose dark centres (on those Grasshoppers showing any at all) are generally poorly defined. EASTERN RACE OF GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Most Grasshopper Warblers occurring in Britain are unlikely to be confused with Lanceolated: they are much more subtly marked and lack the heavy and obvious streaking of even the least-marked Lanceolated. Unfortunately, in plumage as in size, there is an area of overlap, and the majority of individuals of the eastern race straminea of Grasshopper are more heavily marked and, superficially, closely resemble Lanceolated. We are not aware of any British occurrences of straminea, but, as this race breeds from eastern Russia to the western foothills of the Altai and probably winters west of Lanceolated in Asia (Dementiev & Gladkov 76 Identification ofLanceolated Warbler 29. Grasshopper Warbler iMCustella naevia singing, Netherlands, April 1989 (Hans Gebuis). Note pattern on undertail-coverts 1954), we consider it a potential vagrant to Britain. It would certainly be a pitfall for the unwary in any areas where the two species overlap. Published descriptions of straminea are few and brief (e.g. Dementiev & Gladkov 1954; Williamson 1960) and do not specify any significant plumage differences from Lanceolated. We have, therefore, evolved our own, based on skins at the British Museum (Natural History), Tring; this collection contains 141 Grasshopper Warblers (60 of the race straminea, 75 of the nominate race and six of the race mongolica). No mongolica skins showed any throat/breast spotting, and that race is probably not a confusion risk. Of the straminea skins, however, 14 (23%) had upper-breast spots forming a marked gorget, 14 (23%) had a moderate number of upper-breast spots, and 21 (35%) had a few upper-breast spots; only 11 (18%) had no spots. Thus, over 80% of straminea had at least some dark brown spots on the upper breast, and on three spotting extended to the throat. Four had a few lanceolate, dark-brown flank streaks, but on the rear flanks only. Four (including the only one with both a gorget of spots and rear-flank streaks) had a strong ochre-yellow wash to the underparts; the remainder were whitish-buff below, with some fulvous-brown wash, particularly on the flanks. Grasshopper Warbler of the race straminea is larger than Lanceolated (four skins were markedly so), but is clearly a major potential source of confusion. Although some Grasshopper Warblers have gorgets of spots, and in the case of straminea more heavily marked upperparts, there were consistent differences from Lanceolated. On straminea, the upperparts, although 77 Identification ofLanceolated Warbler strongly marked, did not appear so heavily streaked; and the tertials were not so dark-centred (thus less prominent than on Lanceolated) and had marginally broader pale edgings. In addition, the tertial fringes merged into the duller centres and were not so clear and contrasting as on Lanceolated, though slightly better defined than on nominate Grasshop- per Warbler. On straminea, the dark centres to all upperpart feathers were more rounded in shape, owing to the broad pale fringes which ran broadly around onto the tip; on Lanceolated, each feather of the crown and mantle had a broad blackish stripe continuing broadly to the tip, while the generally narrower pale fringes were in most cases interrupted by the streak and so did not run onto the tip (and on other feathers continued only as a very narrow line). On straminea, the fringing was in fact broadest at the tip (fig. 1); this is the key upperpart difference that determines the more subtle dark markings and scalloped or scaly appearance of Grasshopper (of all races) and the more heavily streaked appearance of Lanceolated. There was a consistent difference, too, in underpart markings. On straminea, these were rounded or ‘teardrop’ spots about 2 mm long X 1 mm wide. Lanceolated had streaks rather than spots: these varied enormously in strength and number, but individual streaks were always at least three times as long as they were broad, broadening slightly towards the tip and thus appearing as straight or lanceolate marks; their visual strength depended on colour (ranging from light brown to blackish) and breadth, broader streaks tending to be the darkest in colour. Table 3. Main characters differentiating Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata and Feature Grasshopper Warbler L. Lanceolated naevia Grasshopper Crown, nape & mantle Darker, broader, clearly defined centres, often reaching tip of feather Duller, browner centres, merging into less well-defined fringes; cen- tres rarely reach tip of feather Rump Often shows obvious dark centres to feathers Generally poorly defined feather centres Tertials Black centres, with well-defined narrow pale fringes occasionally becoming whitish at tips Duller, browner, less clearly de- fined centres merging into broader pale fringes Breast Usually with gorget of streaks, these extending to fore flanks Often shows a few spots in centre of breast, these rarely forming a gorget Flanks Streaks often extending along flanks Rarely shows flank streaking Undertail- coverts Washed ginger; longest often un- marked, or with dark lanceolate centres extending only one-third towards base Rarely washed ginger; all feathers with dark triangular-shaped centres extending to base 78 Identification ofLanceolated Warbler Summary Careful observation of a series of characters, in particular upperpart plumage tone, feather patterns of upperparts and tertials, tail length, amount and position of flank streaking, and shape of throat/upper-breast streaks should determine whether an individual is a Lanceolated Warbler or a heavily marked (and probably eastern) Grasshopper Warbler. Of these, the upperparts pattern is the most important, with the tertial pattern probably the most reliable of all features. Table 3 summarises the differences between the two species. Concluding remarks The Lanceolated Warbler is still a very rare bird in Britain, but it is remarkably regular on Fair Isle, where one to three have occurred almost annually in the last 20 years. The uncanny ability of a Fair Isle Lanceolated to disappear behind, or even into, the smallest tuft of grass gives a clear indication of why the species goes almost unrecorded elsewhere, and the paucity of mainland records is undoubtedly due more to its covert behaviour than to any lack of ability on the part of observers to identify it. There are, however, potential confusion species, so identification requires attention to plumage details — and, away from Fair Isle, it may also require more than a modicum of good luck. Acknowledgments We are extremely grateful to the British Museum (Natural History), Tring, and its staff, particularly Peter Colston, for access to skins; to J. B. & S. Bottomley, Dr Kevin Carlson, Pete Ewer, Hans Gebuis, Tim Loseby, Andrew Moon, P. Munsterman, Kevin Osborn, Phil Palmer, Alan Roberts and David Tipling for provision of photographic material; to the members of the Identification Notes Panel for their helpful comments; and to Robin Prytherch for redrawing figs. 1-3. References Al.STRCtM, P. 1989. Bestamning av trasksangare Locustella lanceolata. Var Fagelvdrld 48; 335-346 (with English summary). Df.MKNTIF.V, G. P., & G1..ADKOV, N. A. (eds.) 1954. Birth oftheSomet Union, vol. 6. Israel Program for Scientific Translation, Jerusalem. Ei.int, V. E., Boehmr, R. L., Ko.stin, Y. V., & Kuznf.t.sov, A. A. 1968 (1984). A Field Guide to the Birds of the USSR. Princeton, New Jersey. King, B., Woodcock, M., & Dickin.SON, E. C. \*ilb. A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. London. Lf.KAGUI,, B., & Round, P. D. 1991. T Guide to the Birds of Thailand. Bangkok. Mii.d, K. 1987. Soviet Bird Songs. Stockholm. SVT.NSSON, L. 1984. Identification Guide to European Passerines. Third edn. Stockholm & Tring. WlU.IAMSON, K. 1960. Identification for Ringers, I. The Genera Cettia, Locustella, Acrocephalus and Hippolais. BTO Guide no. 7. Oxford. Nick Riddiford and Paul V. Harvey, Fair Isle Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland ZE2 9JU Reviews The Herons of Europe. By Claire Voisin. Illustrated by G. Brusewitz, P. L. Suiro 8c F. Desbordes. T. & A. D. Poyser, London, 1991. 364 pages; four colour plates; 83 line-drawings. £22.50. Wot! Not another book on herons? (1 here seems to have been a spate recently, the appeal of this group obviously almost matching that of owls.) T his, however, is not just another book about herons. It is something rather special. With the look and "feel’ of a traditional Poyser, the contents also match up to the very best volumes in the distinctive white dust-jackets. The author. Dr Claire \ oisin, clearly has a love of the subject, as well as very wide-ranging knowledge. This is far from being a mere rehash of old material, organised into potted accounts of each species. There are chapters on each of Europe’s nine breeding species, but there are also a further nine chapters on subjects such as classification, origin, breeding behaviour, habitat, feeding behaviour, and protection. The reader is likely, time and again, to come across the sorts of facts which intrigue, surprise or amaze. Whether or not herons are your especial interest, this book will provide fascinating reading, as well as being a useful work of reference. Green-backed Heron Butorides striatus fishing with bait: (1) picks up a dry pellet and carries it in its bill, (2) drops it into the water, then (3) hides, waiting for the bait to attract fish (drawing by P. L. Suiro from ‘The Herons of Europe') It is not only well produced, interesting and well written, but also superbly illustrated: the evocative chapter headings and four colour plates are by the Swedish master, Gunnar Brusewitz, and within the text there is a splendid scattering of behavioural drawings by P. L. Suiro. In all respects, this book is a match for any previous Poyser, and is as readable, enjoyable, informative and attractive as Hilary Fry’s The Bee-eaters (1984). I can give no higher praise. J. T. R. Sharrock The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Ornithology. Edited by Michael Brooke & Tim Birkhead. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1991. 362 pages; 223 colour plates; 6 black-and-white plates; numerous illustrations and diagrams. £24.95. At first glance, this is another attractive-looking, large-format bird book for the insatiable popular market. It does not go directly for the coffee-table niche: coloured illustrations are abundant, but most are less than postcard-sized. The majority of the paper is covered by words, with very large margins, boxed snippets on tinted backgrounds, and even graphs and tables. r.he waiting is by a collection of authors, most of whom are active in their fields, and eminent. As a result, the book is up to date and provides good, clear discussions on a range 79 80 Reviews of subjects, especially those which are currently fashionable. It would be possible to read from cover to cover, since the arrangement is in 11 distinct chapters. Contributions from different authors have been spliced into this format, which makes for some discontinuity of style, but avoids the more traditional format for an encyclopedia. I read a selection of topics and, without fail, found them interesting, but they were very variable in their depth of coverage. There are no formal references, so it would be difficult to find additional detail on a particular point. Further reading is recommended chapter by chapter: these are mainly books, together with a small number of papers on very specific topics, whose citations did not survive in the text. Especially when findings are reported to the detail of a figure, table or particular study, I should have liked to have been able to find the original paper. The most distinctive feature of the Cambridge Encyclopedia is that it is an encyclopedia of ornithology rather than of birds. The difference is the greater weight given to the way in which ornithologists have discovered what we know. Exemplary studies, especially those with an experimental element, are described in some detail. Authors have tried to address ‘How?’ and ‘Why?’ questions, as well as describing straight facts. This book would appeal to those with an enquiring inclination, but no great experience of birds. On casual dipping, they might well find sufficient of interest to fire them to learn more about ornithology and possibly to read much of the book. It could be used as a reference work, but A Dictionary of Birds (1985) would be an alternative with its more thorough coverage and indexing of subjects and its inclusion of references. Of the two, the Cambridge Encyclopedia offers the better read. At today’s expectation, the price is reasonable for the size and quality of product. Recommended. CoLiN J. Bibby Where to Watch Birds in Devon and Cornwall. Second edn. By David Norman & Vic Tucker. Illustrated by Peter Harrison & Steve Bird. Christopher Helm, London, 1991. 307 pages; 38 line-drawings; 62 maps. Paperback £11.95. fhis book, first published in 1984 (see ‘Short review’ Brit. Birds 77: 639), was the start of a series of ‘where to watch’ bird guides. Having been asked to write the review as County Recorder for a nearby county, I will say I have always had mixed feelings about such books and have therefore never read one before. The introductory section includes birdwatching areas, listed under habitat types, which are awarded one to three stars. Details of 70 sites are given — if a pelagic seabird trip can be classified as such — including 16 additional sites from the first edition, most of the latter being upgraded from the Appendix. Each site has headings of ‘Habitat’, ‘Species’, ‘Timing’, ‘Access’ and ‘Calendar’. Included in individual chapters are maps covering all major sites, but there is none for additional sites, which have been linked to an appropriate major site. Site accounts vary in length from 19 pages (sub-di\ided into six sites) for the Dartmoor area to about a page for most of the additional sites. The species accounts are very interesting and contain a lot of information, but the value of identification hints every now and again is questionable and, indeed, at times is mildly irritating; for example, Greenshank Tringa nebularia, Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta, Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus of Scandinavian origin and Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor are all described as ‘pale-fronted’, while the calls of Whimbrel Numenius phaeoptis are given both as ‘seven notes’ and ‘multiple whistling’. Also, owing to the authors’ differing styles, there are inconsistencies in the way birds from different regions are named; for example ‘an American species . . . Pectoral Sandpiper [Calidris melanoto.s]’ and, annoyingly, ‘American Pectoral Sandpiper’. A minor error refers to pairs of Woodcock Scolopax rusticola: so far as I am aware, they do not form pairs. Illustrated by Peter Harrison and Steve Bird, most of the line-drawings are quite pleasing, but a few fail totally to convey the true look of the bird. These minor criticisms apart 1 found the book very informative, interesting to read and well researched. If you want to ‘do your own thing’, however, buy it to see the sites to avoid, especially those with three stars; I suspect there are many more places not mentioned which are well worth a visit. Brian Rabbitts Short reviews Fantastic Journeys: the marvels of animal migration. Consultant Editor: Robin Baker. (Merehurst, London. 1991. 240 pages. £25.00) Interesting, authoritative te.xts, written in a very' readable style, and scores of stunning photographs combine to make this popular, ‘coffee-table’ book on migration (other animals as well as birds) both entertaining and educational. First-rate in its class. The Mitchell Beazley Pocket Guide to Birds- of Prey of the World. By Martin Walters. (Octopus Publishing Group, Lon- don, 1991. 192 pages. £6.99) .\nother useful addition to the ‘Pocket Guide’ series. .'\11 295 species of raptor are illustrated in colour, including flight patterns where relevant. The accompanying text explains their main identification features, basic ecology, world distribution and conseivation status. The illustrations are rather simplified, and im- mature plumages are not always illustrated. This is, however, a very comprehensive guide, and much cheaper than any of the alternatives. [Pf.TFR M. Effis] Mystery photographs -g A single glance at last month’s mystery photograph (plate 8, JL / ^ repeated here) should have been sufficient to alert the observer that we are dealing with a species of cormorant or shag Phalacrocorax. This genus is of ancient lineage, combining features such as a long neck and bill, bare facial skin and an elongated body to give a unique, somewhat prehistoric appearance. Globally, the genus contains 30-40 species, but in the Western Palearctic we need concern ourselves with only six of these. Our mystery bird, depicted swimming, has a relatively well- proportioned feel to it, except perhaps for the steep forehead topped with a pronounced tuft. This last feature alone makes our task a simple one, for only one of the West Palearctic species has such a crest on its forehead: our bird is a Shag P. aristotelis. The prominence of the forehead tuft denotes a bird well into its second calendar-year, a fact confirmed by the narrow and pointed shape of at least some covert and scapular feathers (indicating retained juvenile plumage); the all-dark plumage reinforces the approximate age of the bird (first-winters are much paler) in a genus 81 {Rrit. Rird< H5: K I -8:i, Februan, 1 992) 82 Mystery photographs in which accurate ageing is generally problematic owing to an ongoing body moult from juvenile to two-year old. In addition, the mystery bird’s proportions and head shape are quite unlike those of the round-headed, short-necked Pygmy Cormorant P. pygmeus or the more elongated Long-tailed Cormorant P. africanus, while the larger Socotra Cormorant P. nigrogularis, an endemic of the Persian Gulf region, has a slimmer neck and less angular forehead (and, incidentally, pale irides at all ages). A much more likely confusion species in most of the West Palearctic region is Cormorant P. carbo. Key differences between the two species at all ages are size, structure, head shape and bare parts. Shag is smaller, slighter and more sinuous than Cormorant, with a subtly different head shape characterised by a steep forehead (although this can appear flatter when diving); its bill is slim and parallel-edged, lacks a heavy-hooked tip, and forms a neat narrow gape line below the eye; and, as our bird clearly shows, the eye is surrounded by feathering which extends to the base of the upper mandible. In contrast, the Cormorant’s powerful wedge-shaped bill is exaggerated by a varying degree (always more than on Shag) of facial skin. Another, more subtle, pointer towards Shag is the uniform curve of the back (Cormorant quite often shows a higher ‘stern’). Following events at Billingham, Cleveland, in January-April 1989, however, we must now also consider another species, the Nearctic Double-crested Cormorant P. auritus, so it’s back to bare parts, with particular emphasis on the ‘face’. Double-crested, as well as being larger and having a more elongated head shape, also exhibits a thicker, strongly hooked bill and, in contrast to Shag, extensive bare skin above the gape line, forming a prominent loral stripe (features which also apply broadly to Cormorant, though that species’ bare facial skin is less orange in colour). In the field, certain behavioural niceties come to the fore, such as the Shag’s deliberate leap clear of the water prior to diving (though Cormorant may sometimes do this, and Shags occasionally omit doing so). When moving over open sea. Shags invariably hug the surface while Cormorants often fly quite high. A further trait of Shag is its apparent tameness on inland waters, usually brought about by exhaustion following strong onshore gales. Such individuals, if handled, can often be readily identified by counting the rectrices (bearing in mind any tail moult): Shag has 12 and Cormorant has 14. For the land-locked birdwatcher of central England, the Shag holds a particular appeal, often occurring in atypical surroundings — such as our mystery bird, photographed by Rob Dazley on 4th March 1988 on a tiny mill-pond at Stotfold, Bedfordshire. Recently, Shags have been noted in Bedfordshire roosting on bridges in Bedford town centre and even waddling along a busy street in Luton; but surely nothing could be so bizarre as a ‘wreck’ of 20-30 which were found on the evening of 24th January 1958 at Shillington Church, Bedfordshire, perched on the building and on the graveyard tombstones. Paul Trodd / 7 Northcdl Road, Eaton Bray, Bedfordshire LU6 2DQ Mystery photographs 83 Plumage variation of Clamorous Reed Warblers in Israel The Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus is represented in the Western Palearctic by the nominate race, which breeds in Egypt, Jordan 32. Dark first-winter Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus, Israel, October 1989 (William Laird) The inclusion of plates 31-34 in colour has been subsidised by a donation from Carl Zeiss — Germany. 84 Notes 33. First-winter Great Reed W a^rh\er Acrocephalits amndinaceus (left) compared with dark first- winter Glamorous Reed Warbler d. stentoreus (same individual as in plate 32), Israel, October 1989 (William Laird) 34. ' Fypicar, pale first-winter Clamorous Reed Warbler dcroce/t/ta/to stentoreus, Israel, October 1989 (William Laird) » a and Israel; farther east, the race bmnnescens, which occurs in Iraq and Iran, is less rufous above and paler below than the nominate race. The upperparts of those breeding in Israel tend to be olive-brown to dark l)rown in colour. British BirdShop ALL LISTED BOOKS ARE POST FREE TO ‘BRITISH BIRDS’ SUBSCRIBERS Books and other items are included in British BirdShop only if they are approved by British Birds and considered to be generally reliable, good value and useful additions to a birdwatcher’s library. Any item ordered through British BirdShop which fails to meet your approval can be returned and your money will be refunded without question. 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Lnglish and scientific names and sequences of birds follow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic ( 19H4); names of plants follow Oony et al. (1980, English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals follow Clorbet & Southern (1977, The Handbook of British Mammals). Tojfographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations (htil. fiirds 74: 239-242; 78: 419-427; 80: .502). Figures should be in Indian ink on good-quality tracing paper, drawing pap-45x60 •' 5x & 20x , > 4 40x )x . .. )x*45x Zoom oya Multi Coal Filter , jbber Hood , note Kit ay-00 Case xitting scope 20x60GA >x-45x60GA .629.00 ...629,00 .229 00 . 249 00 ...89.00 289 00 .309 00 ..349.00 .199.00 .226.00 226.00 239.00 ....15.00 628 00 628 00 .628.00 .295 00 . .319.00 .236.00 .259 00 .305.00 509-00 589.00 .. 599 00 . 639.00 729 00 1190 00 800 16.00 ...16.00 ...5.00 1500 .1900 .69 00 .. .79.00 . .85 00 .69 00 . 135,00 . 150 00 24900 ,279 00 .539 00 199 00 .229 99 . .249 00 .329 00 .304 00 .379.00 .555.00 629 00 .65,00 .65,00 ,65 00 .147 00 . .20 00 . .10.00 .168 00 -.45 00 .199 00 .265.00 15-45x Zoom . .100.00 SWIFT £ County 10x40 . 09.00 Tnlyte 7x42BGA .. 132.00 Trit^e 8X428GA ...135.00 Tnlyte 10x42BGA ...139.00 Audubon 7x35BGA . . .329 00 Viewmasier 60 Body 14900 15-45xZoom.. ... 49.00 Case 15.00 OUESTAR £ Field Model 3' Broad Band Coating Supplied with S0x-80x Hood, Case .2200.00 Erector Prism 209 00 OPTOLYTH £ Alpin 8x30BGA . . 227 00 Alpin 7x428GA . . .. . 257.00 Alpin 6x40BGA . 246.00 Alpin 10X40BGA 249.00 Alpin lOxSOBGA 268 00 Touring 8x32BGA .395 00 Touring 7x42BGA 445.00 Tounng l0x40BGA. .. 445.00 TBGHDBody ...549.00 TBS Body . .398.00 TEG Body 398.00 20x WA 122.00 30x WA 77 00 22x-60xZoom 15900 Soft Case .29 00 Hard Case 35.00 Slay-on Case for TGS/TBG 45 00 KOWA £ 20xWA .... 55.00 25xWA . 48.00 20x-60x Zoom 99.00 TSN-1 ,. . 77x OPTICRON E Vega II 8x30. 49 95 Vega II 8x40 54.95 HR 8x328 152.00 HR7X42B 155 00 HR Bx42B 157 00 HR 10x428 162 00 HR 10x508 178 00 HR 80 Body 269 00 30xWA 33.00 27x-80x Zoom .78 00 HR 60 22x4 Case .. 179 95 HRGA 22x4 Case 189 95 HR 60 45“ 22x 4 Case 229 95 HR 60 20x-60x 4 Case 219 95 HR 60 GA. 20x-60x 4 Case 229 95 HR 60 45“ 20x-60x 4 Case.249 95 25x, 40x. 22x WA 32 00 Classic IF60 110 00 18xWA 24 00 25x. .. 24 00 25x HP 27 00 18x-40xZoom 61.00 Classic IF 75mm 140.00 22xWA 24,00 30x 27.00 22X-47X Zoom 61 00 Piccolo 128 00 Eyepieces from . 29 00 Piccolo ED 20x60 355.00 Piccolo ED 20x-60x60 . .399 00 Photo Kits from 30.00 Cases for Scopes 15.00 Macro Monocular 50.00 MIRADOR £ 8x32B 7x420 8x428 10x428 10x508 . . 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Screw/ELay Adaptor Case (or fSN ...39.95 .15.00 6.00 . 59,00 . .20.00 .24.95 PENTAX 8x40PCF lOxSOPCF 12x50PCF BRESSER Action 8x40 Action 10x50 Linear 8x42 Linear 10x42 ROSS Cavendish 8x428 Hanover 10x428 Regent 6x428 Kensington 10x428... .110 00 11200 11300 .115.00 ...127.00 10900 ...139.00 . .129.00 ...169 00 .. . 1500 £ 199 00 .. 249.00 299 95 £ ... 99.95 ,,.104 95 .109 95 £ .. .69.00 79.00 ...119.00 ...124 00 £ . .139.95 149.95 169.95 179.95 OBSERVATION BINOCULARS OptiCfon 20x80 390.00 Opficron 30x80 . 395.00 HABICHT £ 10x40 Diana 372 00 7X30SLC 353.00 0x30 SLC 365.00 22xWA 72 00 20x-60x Zoom . ... 164 00 BUSHNELL £ Spacemaster Body 145 00 Spacemaster Body GA 165 00 22xWA 32 00 VELBON £ New Fluid Head Tripods’ Victory 350 39 95 D-500 59 95 CULLMANN £ SLIK £ MANFROTTO C 0558 Base 75 00 190BBase 58 50 144B Base . . . 58 50 Tripod Strap 1095 ACCESSORIES £ Car Window Mount 22 00 Universal Mount 22.00 Rainguards from . 350 Pentax Cleaning Cloth 3.95 Pentax Cleaning Kit 3.99 Tripod Strap 6.95 Lanyards .... .. .. from 4 00 Dust Away 3.95 Double Eyepiece Case .9 95 Tamrac 60/80mm Scope Case 24.50 IN FOCUS CARE PLAN At a cost of |ust £15 any new equipment can be covered (or a period of 3 years from purchase In the event of equipment failing (or whatever reason it will be rectified by ourselves at no charge Ask for full details PERSONAL CALLERS Can choose and select from our comprehensive range of equipment Compare Zeiss with Leitz and Bausch 8 Lomb, Kowa with Nikon and Optoiyih We are a completely independent company, whose only concern s that our customers select the correct instrument (or their peisona! needs PHONE ORDERS Discuss your requirements with our technical staff and orders placed with Access or Visa Cards will be despatched same day. MAIL ORDER Just add £2 to help towards P8P and insurance and your order will be sent the same day as we recave your cheque All goods supplied on 14 days approval upon receipt of full rermtlance. SECONDHAND Instruments are always available. Turnova is fast so we do not print a list Phone for information PART EXCHANGE Top prices paid for good condition Bins arxl Scopes. HOW TO FIND US (NORFOLK) We are 500 yds east of (he RSP8 Reserve at TitchweR on the A149 between Hunstanton and Brancasta. and we have our own pri- vate car parking HOW TO FIND US (BARNET) We ae 10 mins from M2S and AIM motorways and 15 mins wik from High Barnet Tube Station TELESCOPES AND TRIPOD OUTFITS ff you purchase a scope and tnpod at the same time we can offa you a very special price! PHONE FOR A QUOTE Also in stock Binoculars from Fujinon, Ranger, Adlerblick. Minolta etc. INTEREST FREE CREDIT ON SELECTED Zeiaa, Leitz, Kowa and Nikon products Phone or write for details. W FREE TRIPOD WITH ALL NEW AND ™ SECONDHAND SCOPES E&OE (D975) Cygnus WIMUfe cM(Mdcufd- jpA. f992 CANADIAN ADVENTURE with Peter Roberts - 25 June-9 July 1992 Southern Manitoba, Hudson Bay, plus optional 3 days in Newfoundland. An opportunity to gain an insight into the wildlife of this beautiful and often desolate country. Our itinerary will guide us through woodland, prairies, mountains and marshland in pursuit of species such as Great Grey Owl, Spragues Pipit and Con- necticut Warbler. Churchill on the edge of Hudson Bay boasts a wide range of arctic species, the star attraction of which should be Ross’s Gull. A steady passage of migrants should also keep us busy, and last but not least a boat trip on the Churchill River should ensure close-up views of Beluga Whales. The Newfoundland extension affords excellent opportunities to observe the magnifi- cent Humpback Whale, Brunnich's Guillemot and also to sample the marvellous seafood of the region. Full tour report available and also our 1992 brochure which contains details of all our 1992 tours spanning six continents CYGNUS WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS, 57 FORE STREET, KINGSBRIDGE, DEVON TQ7 1 PG Telephone 0548 8561 78 Fax: 0548 857537 ■’iZT Checklist of Birds of BRITAIN AND IRELAND Sixth Edition A.G. Knox The sixth edition of the most authoritative list of British and Irish birds prepared by the Records Committee of theBritish Ornithologists’ Union. First published in the 1890’s, this edition of the checklist includes all 544 species and the many sub-species accepted up to the end of 1991, together with notes on their status. It is also timely because it includes for the first time the suggested revised English names. PUBLICATION 19, MARCH 1992 £4*95 Paperback 0-907446-15-19 Available from booksellers, or from the BOU, c/o The Natural Histwy Museum, Tring, Herts. HP23 6AP Please add £1 for P&P - BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION (D977) NATURETREK BIRDING TREKS & TOURS m NEPAL- KASHMIR LADAKH - ZANSKAR BHUTAN - CHINA ROMANIA - PYRENEES INDIA - INDONESIA MALAYSIA - TURKEY GREECE - CYPRUS KENYA - TANZANIA EGYPT - ETHIOPIA BOTSWANA ■ ZAMBIA AUSTRALIA - MALAWI NAMIBIA • MOROCCO RWANDA - ZAIRE GALAPAGOS • CRETE NEW ZEALAND NEWFOUNDLAND Independent Travel ■ Tailor-made Tours ■ Private Safaris Flights For our brochure/expert advice phone 0962 733051 CHAUTARA, BIGHTON, Nr.AIiR£SFORD, HANTS. S024 9RB For great birding... ...the only way to go! HONG KONGnr £1060 Leaders: Jon Dunn and Steve Rooke BIEDAIHE "r’ £ Leaders: Paul Holt and Martin Williams £1150 POINT PELEE’^^r £950 Leaders: Sean McMinn and Stu Tingley CAPE MAY "Tor Leaders: Paul Holt and Bob Behrstock £990 Details from Sunbird, PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF. Tel: 0767-682969. (Please specify which event you are interested in). (D917) , Topical, lively and informative BIRDING WORLD invites you to experience the magic of birds... Enjoy our unique blend of articles, tailored to today's birdwatchers; everything from practical identification guides, clear and concise in style and lavishly illustrated, bird-finding tips, evocative photo-essays, and gripping accounts of all the current rarities through to birding hotspots, mouth-watering excursions abroad, monthly British and Western Palearctic news summaries, a myriad of special features, all our regular items including big-prize quizbirds, and much, much more... ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION (12 issues) UK OVERSEAS £31, AIRMAIL outside Europe Special introductory of (6 months trial) UK £12.50, OVERSEAS £1 Cheque to Birding World (Sterling oi ’ To Birding World, Stonerunner, Coast R ' Cley, Holt, Norfolk NR25 Name . Address . New for 1992, the bigger and even better Birding World is >50% larger, 100% more colour > Postcode Tel.. (D974) I ) IV - 6 MAR 1992 Our own Conservation Area m£ unique. A pool and woodland adjarent to the showroom attract numerous birds, enabling our visitors to test equipment in field conditions. Recent publications now in stock. Warblers of Western felearctic [Coleman] £21.00 Field Guide to Rare Birdsof Britain & Europe [Collins] £14.99 Herons of Europe [Poyser] £22.50 In Search of Arctic Birds [Poyser] £20.00 Birds of the Straits of Gibraltar [Poyser] £27.00 Birds of Fair Isle (signed copies) [Dymond] £ 1 1 .95 Leading |l specialists in BINOCULARSand TELESCOPES ZEISS i 10k40BGAT*P.„ 9.00 7x42B6AT*P.._ 589.00 8*30BGAT*P.. 509.00 I Ofsign snitctjon I 8k20BT»P 295.00 ; 10«25BT’P 319.00 LEICA Trinowid 8 * 20 8CA 226.00 Trinovid 10x25 BCA 239.00 7x42 BA 628.00 8*42 BA 628.00 10*42 BA 628.00 OPTOLYTH Atpift 8*40 8GA_ 246.00 Atpin 10*40 BGA 249.00 Touring 10x40 445 00 TBS/G 80 Body 390.00 TBS/6 80 Fluorita 549 00 22i-60*zoom EP 159.00 20* WA 122.00 30*WA 135.00 NIKON 7*20 CF III 69.95 8*30 ECF 229.00 10*35 ECF 249.00 FitIdKopeMk II 20-45x60.. 379.00 EOMkII 2045x60 629.00 30*40* 79.95 Spotting tcopi 20x60 flA..... 199.00 1545x60 RA 265.00 ADLERBLICK Multicoat 8x42 169.95 Hulticoat 10*42 179.95 Multicoit 10x50 198.95 Add£15forrubberarmouredMulticoat Hide Clamp Mk II. KOWA TS 601 Body 179.00 TS 602 Body 179.00 20xWA 54.00 25*40* 48.00 20*-60* zoom EP 99.00 Case for 601 and 602 19.95 TSN-1 Body 295.00 TSN-2 Body 295 00 TSN-3 Body 555.00 TSN-4 Body -..555.00 20xWA 96.00 30xWA 119.00 25x40* 63.00 20*-60xzoom EP 139.00 Case for TSN 1and2 24.95 Skua case for TSN 39.00 Photo adaptor 800mm 107.00 OPTICRON Compact 7 x 24 80.00 Compact 8x24 81.00 Compact 10 x 24 83.00 H.R. 8x42 157.00 H.R. 10*42 162.00 H.R. 10x50 178.00 TELESCOPES Classic I.F.eOmm 102.00 Claaic I.F. 75mm Body 140.00 25x/30x 24.00 18x-40x/22x47xzoomEP 66.00 H.R. 22x60 179 95 H.R. 20-60x60 219.95 H.R. 22x60 RA 189.95 H.R. 20-60*60 RA 229.95 ( 60mm H.R Telescopes include Free case. ) 15*,20x,22xWA 25x,40x 31 00 20*-60xzoomEP 85.00 Universal Mount 25.50 Car Window Mount 26.50 42.00 HABICHT Compact 8x20 8 .... 'Diana' 10x40 WM .. S.L 10*40. SLC8*30... AT 80 Body 22xEP .220.00 372.00 493.00 365.00 547.00 72.00 20x-60* zoom EP. 164.00 BAUSCH&LOMB Custom 8x36 229.00 Custom 10x40 RA 249.00 Elite 8x42 RA 629.00 Elite 10x42 RA 629.00 EliteTelescope 22x60 RA .. 309.00 Elite Telescope 15-45x60RA 349.00 BUSHNELL Spacemaster60mm Body 145.00 SpacemasterBOmm Body RA. 159.00 15-45* zoom EP 49.00 SWIFT Audubon 8.5x44 199.00 ROSS Regent 8*42 169.95 Kensington 10x42 179 95 TRIPODS MANFROTTO 144 Legs 52.00 190 Legs ... 055 Legs. 200 Video Head 128 RC Video Head .. SLIK 02 03 CULLMAN 2901 3400 Clamp Magic B&S .. 2 Way Video Head .. Shoulder Pod WE ARE OPEN Tuesday-Saturday 9am until 5pm Sunday- 10am until 4pm [Closed on Mondays] IN ADDITION TO THE RANGE LISTED WE ALSO STOCK; QUESTAR»FUJINON*FUMOTO MIRADOR«BRESSER*PENTAX REDFIELD«OPTIMA«PRAKTICA BOOKS & VIDEOS We stock books from the leading natural history publishers. Poyser, Helm, Collins, RSPB, Hamlyn, Macmillan. Mitchell Beazley, Oxford University FVess.Whittet, Witherby, Kingfisher, etc. Also videos from RSPB, World of Survival, BBC, and National Geographic. Send for a price I ist or come and browse ! ^Focus Optics- The friendly experts professionals recommend ! ]COUNTRYSIDE VIEWING Our showroom is set in twenty acres of private grounds in the very heart of our beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Testing facilities are probably the best in the country. Viewing from the showroom is across a targe poo! with its various bird visitors and to more distant views of the countryside. Why not try the unhurried experience of testing the latest optical equipment m a relaxed atmosphere with experts who care! M ri n I „ rx j-, Ample free safe parking. OPTICS Church Lane. Corley. Coventry CV7 8BA Telephone:0676-40501 &42476 Fax: 0676-40930 ACCESSORIES:Widerangeof eyecups, rainguards, lens caps, lanyards, cases etc. USED BARGAINS: Guaranteed secondhand equipment at bargain prices. EXPORTFACILITIES:Personal and postal orders welcomed. PACKAGE DEALS: Attractive discounts. Phone for quotations. MAILDRDERS: Orders over £100 insured P& P free of charge. (UKonly). Orders less than£1 00 PSP £2.00. Goods are despatched promptly upon receipt of full remittance. Use your ACCESS or VISA card to order by telephone. ESOE rran (D985) FOCALPOINl The binocular and telescope specialists Run by birders for birders FORTHCOMING DEMONSTRATIONS Try and buy your new optics at these Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Reserves (10.30am-4pm) SUN 8th MAR SLiMBRIDGE Glos. (M5, Jet 13) SUN 15th MAR MARTIN MERE, Lancs. (M6. Jet 27) SUN 12th APRIL WASHINGTON Tyne & Wear (District 15). SUN 26th APRIL MARTIN MERE Lancs. (M6. Jet 27) FINE ART DEPT - Ask for full price list SKUA stay-on-the- scope cases Fittings for KOWA, OPTOLYTH. NIKON & PICCOLO MAIL ORDER OR CALLERS WELCOME SUPERB VIEWS OPEN MON-FRI 9.30-5.30 OPEN SATURDAY 9,30-4.00 CLOSED SUNDAYS & BANK HOLIDAYS LEICA - New 'ollve-drab' Safari models - all sizes from stock NOW. BOOK SHELF U A DIRECTIONS Good selection of M56Jct10takeA559 titles from Poyser, towards Northwich for 1 Macmillan, Collins, mile to the Birch & Bottle. etc. e.g. Rare Birds, Turn right into Bentleys Warblers. Herons Farm Lane, we are on the of Europe y/ left after V2 mile. FOCALPOINl Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Tel: 0925-730399 (D981) UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Directly for sale from the Dutch bird painter and wildlife artist AD CAMERON the original artwork from OWLS OF THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE ("Best Bird Book of 1 989", British Birds) Each colour painting with corresponding black and white sketches will be sold as a set. Fixed price (per set) is £1 ,300. Artwork same size as in book, and unframed. For information and orders {only by mail or fax): Ad Cameron, Nesserweg 2, NL-9141 TKWierum The Netherlands fox NL-5 199-9460 Payment only after confirmation. Future soles through naileries. (D980) PRIBILOF ISLANDS AND SOUTH EAST ALASKA DEPARTS 13 JULY 1992 Red-legged KIttIwakes, Least & Rhinoceros Auklets, Horned and Tufted Puffins are just some of the specialities of the Pribilof Islands, along with Blue Arctic Foxes and over a million Northern Fur Seals. South East Alaska is home to the magnificent Bald Eagles and we will hope to see huge rafts of Red-necked Phalarope and Surf Scoters. Grizzly Bears feed on salmon and we also include whale-watching. The fully inclusive cost is £3,885 with no hidden extras. Write or telephone for more information on this and other destinations. Island Holidays, Ardross, Comrie, Perthshire PH6 2JU. Tel: 0764 70107. (D983) BIRDNET LTD A 5* Service for £30 per year * MEGANET - All the cripplers networked to you as soon as the news breaks. * INFOLINE - Manned telephone lines so you get straight to the information you require. * ANSWERLINE - Out of hours answering machines give a review of the days birds. * BONUSLINE - We will pay for your rare bird information. Phone: 0298 73052. * CLUB DISCOUNTS - A variety of discounted goods and services will be offered to club members. * PAGERS - A wide range to choose from. Prices from as little as £15 per month. (Note - all phones and answerline at standard rates). For further information write to: BIRDNET LTD, OAKLANDS MANOR, LONG HILL, BUXTON, DERBYSHIRE SK17 6ST or phone 0298-73054 vi 1 RARE BIRD ALERT I This new bird pager ensures that you get to hear of all British rarities as the news breaks. To find out more and to get an information pack & order form: • Phone FREE 0800 246 246 • or call Dick Filby of the Rare Bird Alert team on 0603 767799 • DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU DIP Get a pager, NOW! • Please phone in sightings of rarities to the Rare Bird Alert HOTLINE 0426 952 952. Hotline calls charged at local rates. A donation to conservation for every call. • £10 donated to RSPB for every pager ordered Inter-City Paging Ltd. Marsh House, 500 Montagu Road, Edmonton, London, N9 OUR. up INTER-CITY PAGINGF (D950) SONY SPECIALIST ‘V ARE THE LARGEST OPTICAL DEALER ON THE YORKSHIRE COAST BINOCULARS - TELESCOPES - VIDEO CAMERAS - LENSES - TRIPODS * MINOLTA * ZEISS * KOWA * BUSHNELL * LEITZ * TASCO * SWIFT PRUSSIAN * PENTAX * BAUSCH & LOMB OUR PRICES ARE TOO LOW TO PRINT DISCOUNT 92 BUSHNELL SPACEMASTER II £199 70mm BODY & 15x-I5x ZOOM RUSSIAN BINOCULARS 8 X 30 & CASE £27 1 0 x 50 & CASE £30 20 X 60 & CASE WAS £71.99 £59.99 WALKL1Z(| LTD 70 ST THOMAS ST ^ SCARBOROUGH YOU 1DY 0723 365024 FAX 0723 363334 World Bird Recorder The Complete Computer Package For Birders Why compromise when you can have the best? Bird Recorder is the proven, user friendly bird records system for IBM compatible PCs. Not just an- other computer *Tick" list but a complete system for recording all your birding trips and sightings while automatically keeping up to 255 lists. As used by birders in the UK, 9 European countries, the USA and Australia. Comes complete with comprehensive user documentation and full World Species Database at £55. Western Palearctic species version £40. Prices include UK postage. Can also be used to record other natural history sightings, European Butterfly Database available at £10. What the Press Say...“Probably ihe most comprehensive hirdwatching softH'are ... easy lo use and comprehensive" Bird Watch- ing, August 1991. “The retrieval time from the indices is impressively fast ... The package is easy to use and performs well the junctions for which it has been designed...! can thoroughly recommend the package." British Birds, August 1991. “Bird Recorder represents good value for money... For the individual birdwatcher it represents a good choice" BTO News, May/June 1991. Wildlife Computing Services, 6 Fiddlers Lane, East BerghoU, COLCHESTER C07 6SJ Tel. 0206 298345. Overseas add postage £3 for Europe, £7 rest. Make cheques payable to WCPS and state disks required 5.25 or 3.5 inch. Send S.A.E. for full details. (BB929) UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE Alternative venues to Morden, at which you can try and buy our equipment IN THE FIELD are given below. Kay Optical will be at the Visitor/ Information Centre in each case. Repairs can also be handed in. * Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve on the B2145 into Selsey, W. Sussex, on Sundays 29th March, 26th April and 31st May (1 0.00am to 4.00pm). * Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve on the /\25 between Riverhead and Sevenoaks Bat andBall station on Sundays 1st March, 5th April and 3rd May (10.00am to 4.00pm). tr Bough Beach Nature Reserve/Reservoir about 4 miles south of the /\25/A21 junction (with access from the B2042 or B2027; the Information Centre is to the north of the reservoir) on Sundays 15th March, 19th April and 17th May (10.00am to 4.00pm). ★ Bewl Water on the /\21 , just south of Lamberhurst. In the Education Centre on Sunday 22nd March and in the Visitor Centre on Sunday 26th April (10.00am to 4.00pm). ‘Show this advert for half price parking. ★ Sussex Wildlife Trust at WOODS MILL, Henfield, W. Sussex (A2037) on Sunday 8th March (10am to 4pm). ★ Wat Tyler Country Park on a minor road off A1 3 south of Basildon, Essex, on Sunday 12th April (10.00am to 4.00pm). ★ Slimbridge, Glos. (M5, Jet 13) Village Hall (on the left, halfway along village road into the W&WT). Monday 20th April (1 0.00am to 4.00pm). FREE TRIPOD, WORTH £40 (SOLIGOR) with certain* telescopes - or pay the extra for a different tripod. Kay Optical Est.1962 SALES & REPAIRS ' BINOCULARS - TELESCOPES - TRIPODS etc • Viewing facilities Some examples of our stocks; # At least £50 allowance for your old binos when buying these # Zeiss models ZEISS 10 X 25 B Dialyl 10x25 B^P (New DS) 8 X 20 B/TP (New DS) 8 X 30 BGA/T (P) 7x42 BGA/T (P)# 10x40 BGA/T (P)^^ 15x60 BGA/T 8 X 56 BGm (without case) BAUSCH & LOMB 8 X 42 BA Elite 10x42 BA Elite Custom 8 X 36 B Custom to X 40 BGA 22 X 60 B Elite Scope 22 X 60 BGA Elite Scope l5-45x BGA Elite Scope SWAROVSKI * 7 X 30 SLC 8 X 30 SLC 10 X 40 Diana AT80 scope (body) 22x (WA) eyepiece 20-60X zoom eyepiece AT80 case LEICA 8 X 20 BC Trinovid 8 X 20 BCA Trinovid 10 X 25 BC Trinovid 10x25 BCA Trinovid 7 X 42 BA Trinovid 8 X 42 BA Trinovid 10 X 42 BA Trinovid SWIFT 7 X 35 roof prism B'h X 44 HR5 Audubon FUJINON 8 X 40 BFL £ TSN-2 body 295 TSN-3 body 555 TSN-4 body 555 25x or 40x eyepiece 63 ^ 20x (WA) eyepiece 96 30x (WA) eyepiece 119 20-60x zoom eyepiece 139 60x eyepiece 96 77x eyepiece 99 Camera adaptor 800mm 1 07 Camera adaptor 1200mm 179 Kowa case 24 Weathershield case 38 Spare OG cover 5 27x (WA) eyepiece (Screw fit) 629 59 629 Eyepiece dust dome 15 229 249 VIEWMASTER 289 45^ scope with zoom EP 1 99 309 295 509 589 599 1,190 NIKON 8 x 23 waterproof 10x25 waterproof 8 X 20 F roof prism 10 X 25 F roof prism 9 X 30 roof prism 8 X 30 ECF porro WF 10x35ECF porro WF Fieldscope II 20 x 60 Fieldscope II 20-45 x 60 ED II 20 x 60 * ED 1120-45 x 60* 30x. 40x or box eyepieces 20-45x eyepiece Camera adaptor Mod. for other cameras Quality fitter Rubber hood Stay-on -case Spotting scope 20 X 60 G A 199 Spotting scope 20-45x GA 265 KOWA* (Bracket prices while stocks last) Piccolo Mk II ED, with case: 20 X 60 20-60X 60 ; BUSHNELL Spacemaster body 1 5-45x zoom EP 22x (WA) EP 25x or 40x EP Photokrt Nylon padded case REDFIELD (waterproof) 7 X 30 RA roof prism 10 X 50 RA roof prism : OPTOLYTH 8 X 30 Alpin 8 X 40 Alpin 10x40 Alpin 10 X 50 Alpin 12x 50 Alpin 7 X 42 Alpin (205) 227 (225) 246 (230) 249 (241) 268 (247) 273 (238) 257 GREENKAT FFS 7 X 35 Focus Free 69 8 X 40 ZWCF 75 SGN-III 60mm scope body 165 20x,30x,40x50xor60xEP 25 Close-up lens 24 Photo tube 23 Padded nylon case 15 160 TBG80 telescope body TBS 80 (45') body TBG/TBS 80 Fluorite 30x (WW) new eyepiece (350) 390 390 549 OBSERVATION Vixen 20x100 Vixen 30 x 80 Greenkat 20 x 60 Greenkat 20 X 80 199 239 239 255 649 649 22-60x zoom eyepiece (150) 159 TB nylon case 36 239 199 40x (WA) new eyepiece Stay-on-case TBG/S 135 45 OPTICRON 8x32(HRII) 179 8x42(HRII) 10x42(HRII) 10x50(HRII) 7x42 (HRII) 8 X 32 Dioptron 8 X 42 Dioptron 10x42 Dioptron 10x50 Dioptron 7 X 35 Elite 9 X 35 Elite 7 X 40 Minerva 9 X 35 Minerva 8 X 40 Minerva 10x40 Minerva 7 X 24 MCF HR 60mm scopes:- Std w/22x & case Std w/zoom & case GA w/22x & case GA w/zoom & case 45° w/22x & case 45° w/zoom & case HR Pholokit Filter MONOCULARS 8 x 20 RP with microscope 80 8X30GARP 80 10x30GARP 81 NIGHT VISION Sentinel 70mm image intensifier 1,790 * Infra-red monocular 225 * Infra-red binocular 300 * Infra-red goggles (mask-mounted) 350 * NOTE: These need infra-red illumination, A searchlight can be supplied for - 100 ROSS 8 X 42 ZCF Regent 170 10x42 ZWCF Kensington 180 TSN-1 (45°) body 295 Rubber hood TRIPODS etc. Slik D2 Slik D3 Manfrotto 1 44/200 Mantrotto 144/128 Manfrotto 1 90/200 Soligor 550 Universal damp Hide clamp II Car window mount Shoulder pod Cullmann hide damp Tripod case Tripod straps from T-mounts. from • Hours Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm (Lunch 1 to 2pm). • Location Southern edge of Greater London. 15 minutes’ drive from M25 (via the A3, then the Merton turn-ofO or 2 minutes’ walk from Morden Underground. • Parldng \ 50 yards past our j premises -1st left. I • Long- established workshop Optical instrument | experience ' unrivalled [ • Mailorder | • Personal Exportsl including VAT ! claw-back • Interest-free short-term credit (3 payments). • P/x arranged. • Used items j • Package deals | Special prices arej given in many i cases where a i combination of j goods are boughlj E.&O.E. I Phone: j 081-6^ 882^ Fax: 081-687 2021 (D978, KAY OPTICAL (1962), 89(B) London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5HP (1st Floor) British Birds VOLUME 85 NUMBERS MARCH 1992 Partial breeding failure of Audouin’s Gull in two Spanish colonies in 1991 A. M. Paterson, A. Martinez Vilalta & J. I. Dies During the 1991 breeding season, there was low breeding success at two of the Spanish colonies of Audouin’s Gull Lams audouinii. It was approximately half that of recent years in the colony at the Ebro Delta (Tarragona), and there was a virtually total failure in the smaller colony on the Columbretes Islands (Castell6n)(see fig. 1). It seems desirable, I therefore, to document briefly what is known of this failure and the probable reasons for it. I Previous breeding history I The history of the Ebro colony has been one of rapid growth since breeding was first reported in 1980, and since 1989 the colony size has fluctuated around 4,000-4,200 pairs, with an annual reproductive success [Bril. Birds 85: 97- 1 00, March 1 992] 97 100 Breedingfailure of Audouin’s Gull sources, such as the surrounding rice fields of the Ebro, it is assumed that these resources were insufficient over a prolonged period to guarantee the adults feeding themselves adequately, much less the chicks, hence the widespread dispersal along the eastern seaboard of Spain between Alicante in the south and Gerona in the north, the large-scale desertions during the incubation period in the Columbretes, and the visible malnutrition of chicks on the Ebro. Those from the Columbretes colony had no recourse to such alternative food sources, hence breeding failure there was proportionately much greater. Casual observations from Malaga after 10th August and in September indicated that numbers of juveniles were between one-third and one- quarter of those normally encountered (AMP). The majority of Audouin’s seen in Malaga are believed, on the basis of colour-ringing observations, to come very largely from the Ebro, with apparently very little movement across the Sea of Alboran from the Chafarinas Islands colony off the Moroccan coast to the Spanish coast until close to the Strait of Gibraltar. This one-off breeding failure will probably have few noticeable medium ' (4-5 years) or long-term consequences on the breeding populations either in the Ebro Delta or on the Columbretes, as observations in spring and early summer 1991 from Malaga and Valencia regions indicate an ample reservoir of second-year and third-year birds. There will, however, be a relatively obvious short-fall of individuals in the 1991 age-group in censuses until these reach adult plumage. Breeding both on the Chafarinas and on the Balearic Islands was apparently completely normal, and age-group recruitment from these colonies will be normal. Summary Coincident with a voluntary moratorium on inshore fishing during May-June 1991, there was a serious decline in breeding success of Audouin’s Gulls Larus audouinii at two Spanish colonies (at the Ebro Delta and on the Columbretes Islands) in adjacent areas where the adult and young gulls rely on food usually provided by the commercial fishing activities. j I References [ I)F, Juana, E., & Paif.rson, A. M. 1986. The status of seabirds in the extreme western Mediterranean. In MEDMARAVIS & Monbaii.UU, X. (eds.) Mediterranean Marine Avifauna: population studies atui conservation, pp. 39-106. Berlin. Doi.z, C., Gimrnez, M., & Gomez, J. A. 1986. [Note on Larus audouinii] Ardeola 33: 208. iBORRA, F. J. C., Verdu DEE Campo, M., & GARCiA Y Gan.s, F. J. 1990. [Contribution to the study of the trophic ecology of L. audouinii and L. cachinnans michahellis in the Columbretes Islands.) Medi Natural 2: 97-102. Mar einez Vieae'ea, a. (1988) [Spectacular increase of gulls and terns in the Ebro Delta.] GIAM Ihl. 3: 3. Pater.son, a. M. 1990. Aves de Marinas de Malaga y Mar de Alboran. Sevilla. Troya, a., MAR i iNEZ Vieaeta, a., Mayoe, j., & Gomez, J. A. (in press) [Actual state and preliminary results of the Coordinated Action Plan for the conservation of Audouin’s Gull in Spain.) Rroc. 2nd MEDMARAVIS Conference, Calvia, 1989. A. M. Paterson, Edificio San Gabriel 2-4° -A, Escritor Adolfo Reyes, 29620 Torremolinos (Malaga), Spain A. Martinez Vilalta, Parc Natural del Delta de I’Ebre, Plaza 20 de Maig, 43580 | Deltebre (Tarragona), Spain j \ /. /. lyies, Estacion Omitol. Albufera, Av. los Pinares 106, 46012 Valencia, Spain j Sponsored by Monthly marathon Although mostly submerged, that bird flopping in the water {Brit. Birds 84: plate 296) was very distinctive. Answers given were: Sabine’s Gull Lams safrini (88%) GdiXmet Sula bassana (2%) Osprey Pandion haliaetus (1%) Great Black-backed Gull Lams marinas ( 1 %) with a few votes for White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons. Pintail Anas acuta. Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus and Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. It was a Sabine’s Gull, photographed by Larry Dalziel in Shetland in autumn 1989. There are now seven people in the leading group, all of whom have achieved eight consecutive correct answers (G. P. Catley, P. A. Clark, Roy Hargreaves, Hannu Jannes, P. G. Lansdown, Pekka J. Nikander and Dave Nurney), with one contestant (Mrs S. K. Armstrong) close on their heels, with a seven-in-a-row sequence. The prize of a SUNBIRD birdwatching holiday to Africa, Asia or North America (worth well over £1,000) is almost within one contestant’s grasp. It’s not the time to slip up . . . As soon as the prize is won, a new ‘Monthly marathon’ will start. Don’t miss the first one in the new sequence, which couldhe this month’s picture (plate 38). For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, .Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI9 lot; or telephone Sandy (0767) 682969. 38. ‘Monthly marathon’ (twentieth stage in hfth contest or hrst stage in sixth contest: photograph number 69). Identify the species. Read the rules on pages 31-32 in the January issue, then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 1 5th April 1 992 I 101 Seasonal reports Autumn 1991 Part 1: non-passerines Keith Allsopp and Barry Nightingale This report includes some unchecked reports, as well as authenticated records General weather pattern and seabird movements After the very cool spring weather through tojune, temperatures in July were generally above average, with mild air arriving from the southwest and southeast. The Azores anticyclone, staying to the south, and the Continental high pressure now combined to keep the cold northerly air at bay. The westerlies, however, brought a string of cyclones whose weather fronts and develop- ing wave depressions gave frequent periods of wet and changeable conditions across the whole of Britain and Ireland into August; the high-pressure systems pushed the pat- tern northwards, giving increasingly settled, dry periods, with the winds still in the west until the last week. Then, high pressure centred over Britain and Ireland brought northeasterlies to southeasterlies to Eng- land. Some 25 wandering solitary Cory’s Shearwaters Calonectris dinmedea were seen over this period, mainly in the southwest and in the Irish Sea except for one off the Fame Islands (Northumberland) on 15th August and another at Girdleness (Gram- pian) on 26th August. On the majority of occasions, sightings were on weather fronts not necessarily with associated high winds. Numbers of Great Shearwaters Puffinus gravis, sighted over the period in the Western Approaches, increased during August, with 65 olf Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork) on 25th after 20 off Borthgwarra (Cornwall) on 23rd. 102 On the same day at Pendeen (Cornwall), 40 Sooty Shearwaters P. griseus was the highest English count, followed by 48 off Cape Clear Island on 25th. A slow-moving weather front, orientated north to south there on 21st, channelled 1,600 Storm Petrels Hydro- bates pelagicus past the island. The anticyclone remained over Scotland into September, keeping an easterly drift over England. Throughout the second half of August, 13 single Long-tailed Skuas Stercorarius long^caudus had been noted, mainly on the North Sea coast, but during 6th- 1 1th September the 3,000 counted inshore along the English northeast coast greatly exceeded all previous autumn totals. A vigorous de- pression which brought westerly gales to North Norway on 4th may have induced them to move south, but such a pelagic bird would not be expected to be blown off course. Either a temporary anomaly in the earth’s magnetic field from this year’s (1991’s) exceptional ionic activity entrained in the frontal Jet streams affected naviga- tion, or simply North Sea feeding conditions were too good to ignore. A flight across land to the Atlantic would present no difficulties, as they normally cross the Norwegian mountains. Individual seawatch counts were 194 at Hartlepool (Cleveland) and 170 at Flamborough Head (Humberside) on 6th, and 255 at Whitburn (Tyne & Wear) and 197 at Hound Point (Lothian) on 7th, with very few being seen farther south (plate 42). [Bril. Hirdsy,b: 102-107, March 1992] Autumn 1991 103 Twenty off Suffolk on 7th was notable, as was 66 in Orkney on 9th. Over this period, 144 Sooty Shearwaters were counted at Whitburn. The high pressure declined from 12th, and westerlies resumed, bringing large flocks of Great Shearwaters into Cornish waters, with 1,553 seen off Porthgwarra on 14th and 812 on 15th, and an estimated 1,000 from the MV’ Scillonian III on 14th, together with 30 Cory’s Shearwaters. Further unsettled weather came in from the west, and a rapidly developing cyclone in the Bay of Biscay on 28th brought strong easterlies across the North Sea and a further 107 Long-tailed Skuas inshore to Whitburn. Warm unsettled westerlies remained into October, a further 1,500 Storm Petrels passing Cape Clear on 2nd at another weather front. The pattern continued until 17th, when a high-pressure ridge in mid Atlantic turned the winds northerly and temperatures dropped, bringing the Long- tailed Skua saga to a magnificent finale with a fly-past of 485 at Flamborough on 19th. The next day, a new saga began there, with a parade of 1,735 Little Auks Aik alk, while, farther south, 200 passed Sheringham (Nor- folk), and a few strays were found inland. As the high pressure drifted eastwards, the northerlies warmed as maritime air replaced the polar, finally transferring the winds to the south as the anticyclone moved to western Europe. More exotic seabirds inclu- ded three Soft-plumaged Petrels Pterodroma mollis, two off Ireland and one at Flambor- ough on 6th September, a Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii at Hornsea (Humberside) on 8th September, and ten Little Shearwaters Puffinus assimilis, four in the North Sea, three off Wales, two off Scotland and one off Ireland. Leach’s Petrels Oceanodroma leucorhoa were blown inshore on westerly gales in western Scotland; on South Uist (Western Isles), 117 were seen on 24th September, and there were 54 at Troon (Strathclyde) on the same day. On an October blow on 17th, 48 passed Kintyre (Strathclyde). Counts of Pomarine Skuas S. pomarinus were also impressive in October, with over 800 reported, including 165 on 19th at Flamborough and 130 on 18th at Strumble Head (Dyfed). Divers, grebes and wildfowl An immature White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii was an intriguing find at Gosford Bay (Lothian) on 31st July, another being found on 24th August, and sightings continued into September, when two were reported in flight past Flamborough on 19th. Gosford Bay also held 62 Red-necked Grebes Podi- ceps grisegena by mid September, and subsequently there was the usual scatter inland as well as on the coast (plate 39); a Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps was reported at Crianlarich (Central) on 15th October. A Lesser White-fronted Goose Amer erythropus was found among the return- ing Pink-footed Geese A. brachyrhynchus at Martin Mere (Lancashire) on 4th October, and a Red-breasted Goose Branta rujicollis accompanied the 12,000 Barnacle Geese B. leucopsis returning to Caerlaverock (Dum- fries & Galloway) on 2nd October. New migrant Nearctic ducks must add to the existing vagrant population, an immature American Wigeon Anas americana at Helston (Cornwall) on 1st to 4th September being a likely newcomer, but six others found in October were adult and less likely. Tbe Martin Mere ‘Green-winged’ Teal ,4. crecca carolinensis returned by 26th September and another was found at Blithfield Reservoir (Staffordshire) on 27th October. Three Blue-winged Teals A. discors were reported, one possible newcomer being found on St Kilda (Western Isles) on 18th September, with others in Co. Wexford on 21st and at Helston on 2nd October. Most of the nine records of Ring-necked Ducks Aythya collaris probably referred to returning long-stayers, but one in the Isles of Scilly on 23rd September might have been new. A Falca- ted Duck Anas falcata, of unknown origin, stayed at Bideford (Devon) from 19th Octo- ber. King Eiders Somateria spectabilis were reported from Shetland and Grampian, with two in each area, and another from Strumble Head on 2nd October. Six Surf Scoters Melanitta spectabilis were off Murcar (Gram- pian) on 21st July and by October four singles were reported farther south: three on 104 Autumn 1991 the east coast of England and one in Start Bay (Devon). A notable concentration of 360 Goldeneyes Bucephala clangula was found at Hound Point (Lothian) on 20th October. Birds of prey As well as those breeding in Devon, Hamp- shire and elsewhere during July, four other Honey Buzzards Pemis apivoms were seen, in Kent, Wales and Scotland, and nine return- ing migrants in September-October. Three Black Kites Milvus migrans was a normal number for autumn, as were eight Rough- legged Buzzards Buten lagopus. Ospreys Pandion haliaetus were quite common pausing on passage throughout September and October, with some 50 records, A Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, a potential new bird for Britain and Ireland, was reported from Margate (Kent) on 14tb August, with another record following from Guernsey on 1st September. Just four Red-footed Fal- cons Falco vespertinus were seen, all between 20th August and 22nd September. Wading birds Little Egrets Egretta garzetta arrived once more in force during August, with up to 70 individuals, including 13 at Slapton (Devon) on 19th, and dispersing mainly into Devon and Cornwall. Some 45 could be accounted for in September, but were down to fewer than 20 by October. Only two Purple Herons Ardea purpurea were seen, at South- wold (SulTolk) on 2nd August and in the Isles of Scilly on 13th October. 4’here were 22 reported sightings of Black Stork Ciconia nigra between 3rd July and 30th September, probably involving four or five birds which ranged from East Anglia to the Western Isles. Apart from two singles in .Scotland and two in Merseyside, Spoonbills Platalea leucor- odia were in ones and twos in East Anglia and along the Channel coast, and a flock of four ranged from Dungeness (Kent) to Benacre (Suflolk) and down to Titchfield Haven (Hampshire). A Spotted Crake Por- zana porzana was calling at Minsmere (.Suffolk) until 10th July and was seen occasionally until early October; 1 1 others were reported along the east and south coasts of England. A Sora P. Carolina found in the Isles of Scilly on 4th October remained throughout that month (plate 44) but a Baillon’s Crake P. pusilla on Eair Isle on 28th September died on 1st October. The third-ever British record of a Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis came from Exnaboe (Shetland) on 17th September (plate 40). The return wader passage was well under way in July. At Elmley (Kent), 240 Black- tailed Godwits Limosa limosa had collected by 19th, and 70 Sjxttted Redshanks Tringa erythropus were there earlier, on 6th, with 3 1 being the maximum count at Minsmere, on 10th. A Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii at Bridge of Don (Grampian) in mid August was still largely in its attractive breeding plumage (plate 43). Northerly winds down the North Sea on 20th assisted many Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus south- wards, counts of over 60 being made at several East Coast watches, but few being seen subsequently. Green Sandpipers T. ochropus were also early and numerous, with 35 at Tophill Low Reservoir (Humberside) and 24 at Blacktoft being atypically large concentrations. Eour of the six autumn records of Temminck’s Stint Calidris tem- minckii came in early July. At Cliffe (Kent), the 46 Curlew Sandpipers C. ferruginea seen at this time were presumably adults, but few were noted elsewhere until juveniles began arriving in late August. A few inland reser- voirs attracted over 20, including 26 at Blithheld Reservoir on 30th, but most were in Humberside, 58 at Blacktoft, and along the River Mersey, 90 at Erodsham on 24th, where they remained numerous into Sep- tember. Little Stints C. minuta were less numerous, Blacktoft again being favoured, with 22 at the end of August, and inland there were nine at Rutland Water (Leices- tershire) on 13th September. Four Black- winged Stilts Himantopus himantopus and eight Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus were notable vagrants from the south. The frequent spells of westerlies gave many opportunities for misguided Nearctic wad- ers to cross the Atlantic. The 14 American Golden Plovers Pluvialis dominica found were located from Shetland to the Isles of .Scilly 39. Lop, Red-necked Grebe Podiceps gruegena, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, October 1991 (Steve Seat) 40. Centre, Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis, Exnaboe, Shetland, September 1991 (Dennis Coutts) 41. Bottom, .American Golden Viover Pluvialis dominica, .St Agnes, Scilly, October 1991 (David Tipling/ Avian Photos) ^ I'he inclusion of plates .39-44 in colour has been subsidised by a donation from Carl Zeiss — Germany. THE DEFINITIVE BINOCULAR Top biiioculafefor the future Most popular binoculars Most popular make of binocular Rechsjniended by British 'siflts^ K Aiss e«perience and qiialily ha |ved a world wide reputatio scellence If’Jir latest Binocular Survey, th the universally respecter British Birds magazine voted Carl Zeiss, 'Top Binocular for the Future', an accolade which was awarded to Carl Zeiss in the two previous surveys. The 7x42B/GA T' Dialyl is renowned for its high twilight performance and field of view. 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Moiay INVERNESS Sporl in Scrdlaml Ltd ROSS SHIRE Mai.li'od & Son Tam PERTH Perllisliif.- Field Sports Plus all hraiK lies of LONDON CAMERA EXCHANGE LTD Ihrnughoul the i oiintry If you ii’C|uiK' fuilhi-i inloimrihoM aboul Carl /eiss Biiionilars please wnle lo Carl /piss (Obeikochen) Lid Bmor itlai Division Dept BB P 0 Box 78, Woodlield Ro.id Welwyn Gaideii Cily llerlloKKhiie AL7 ILU ZEISS Germany Carl Zeis: (D961 THE CHOICE OF THE ELITE MADE BY LEICA Take a look on the wild side through the ‘new’ eyes of Bill Oddi Whenever I’m doing a serious study, I take my new Leica 10 x 42’s. Their timeless desig and superior optical performance initially took me by surprise, but like most innovation I immediately enjoyed the benefits and I soon wondered how I ever got along without the The picture really is brilliantly sharp and bright. The extra close focus is tremendous useful too . . . especially if you are a naturalist who not only watches approachable birds, bi also butterflies, dragonflies, bats et al. Another good point is the independent ‘personi eye setting. Simply lock in the number, and you never need worry about it ‘slipping’ during use. Overall the new waterproof Leica 10 x 42’s are as you would expect - brilliant and a bit more besides. 0**MENp? Address Telephone Telephone and service enquiries (0908) 666663 LBB 31 For further information on Leica products tick the appropriate box and send the coupon to Leica, P.O. Box 10, Buntingford, Herts SG9 9BT. Leica BinocularsG Leica KSG Leica R6G Leica M6G Leica ProJectorsD 45. Bridled Tem Sterna anaethetus, Tresco, Scilly, August 1991 (Brian Clasper) (plate 41) and four Pacific Golden Plovers P. fulva from Siberia were also identified. A lone Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla reached Co. Donegal on 29th Septem- ber, and Least Sandpipers C. rninutilla were found at Kilnsea (Humberside) on 28th July and at Landulph Marsh (Cornwall) on 25th August. Four White-rumped Sandpipers C. fusckollis, three Baird’s Sandpipers C. bairdii and 23 Pectoral Sandpipers C. melanotos were recorded. Two reports of Stilt Sand- pipers Micropalama himantopus, one of the rarer species, came from Co. Cork. The 13 Buff-breasted Sandpipers Tryngites sub- ruficollis seen were well scattered, but the only Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda was on Dursey Island (Co. Cork) during 18th-24th September. Four Lesser Yellow- legs Tringa flavipes and three Spotted Sand- pipers Actitis macularia also arrived, as did 13 elegant Wilson’s Phalaropes Phalaropus trico- lor. surprisingly exceeding the eight sight- ings of Red-necked Phalarope P. lobatus. Gulls and terns Three reports of Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan from mid August to September, from Flamborough to Teesmouth, perhaps involved the same individual. Sabine’s Gulls L. sabini were sighted regularly on the extensive seawatches, with 85 being logged, and the 25 reported Ring-billed Gulls L delawarensis were mostly from the expected coastal sites. Six Gull-billed Terns Gelocheli- don nilotica and 1 1 Caspian Terns Sterna caspia are both good autumn totals. The Bridled Tem S. anaethetus in the Isles of Scilly (plate 45) and the Least Tern S. (aUnjrons) antillarum on the English southeast coast brightened many a late-summer day, and nine White-winged Black Terns Chlido- nias leucopterus paused briefly over marshes and reservoirs during the season. Acknowledgments This summary' was compiled from contribu- tions from: M. Dryden, A. Jewels, I. Kinley, E. R. Meek, P. Murphy; and published information including that in the news- letters of the Bristol Ornithological Club, Buckinghamshire Bird Club, Derbyshire Ornithological Society, Devon Bird Watch- ing and Preservation Society, Fife Bird Club, Guernsey Bird News, Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society, Leigh Ornithological Society, London Natural History Society, Shetland Bird Club, Shrop- shire Ornithological Society, South East Scotland Bird Bulletin, Sussex Ornithologi- cal Society, West Midlands Bird Club, Cape Clear Bird Observatory, Eair Isle Bird Observatory, Gibraltar Point Bird Observa- tory and Whitburn Bird Observ'atory. We are especially grateful to National Bird News, which supplied copies of all the records reported to its phone service ‘Twitch-line’. Request W'e seek to make these quarterly summaries as comprehensive as possible. Please send all reports to us at the address below, or telephone BN on the numbers listed each month on the inside front cover. Keith Allsopp & Barry Nightingale, 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS 42. Top, juvenile Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus, Stolford, Somerset, October 1991 (David Tipling) 43. Centre, Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii. Bridge of Don, Grampian, August 1991 (S. M. D. Alexander) 44. Bottom, Sora Porzana Carolina, St Mary’s, Scilly, October 1991 (David Tipling/ Avian Photos) Moussier’s Redstart: new to Britain and Ireland Mike Barrett On 24th April 1988, I was one of a party of five following the Pembrokeshire Coast Path northwards at Dinas Head in Dyfed, southwest Wales. Also known as Dinas Island, although it is actually joined to the coast by a low-lying stretch of land, Dinas Head is a high, rocky promontory which separates Fishguard and Newport Bays. Our leader was Graham Walker, the day was fine with some distant haze, and there was a cool but intermittent easterly wind. By the early part of the afternoon, we were halfway around the headland, not far past the stone triangulation pillar. I had been watching a male Stonechat Saxicola torquata darting backwards and forwards across the gorse Ulex in what seemed to be some agitation; the other members of the group had moved on, and I was about to follow after a final sweep of the area with my binoculars. The Stonechat again drew my attention with his behaviour, and it was then that I noticed another small bird which had appeared on a rock nearby. My instinctive reaction — that it was a male Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicunis — was almost immediately revised when I saw that the bird’s crown and upperparts were completely black, with a pronounced white eyebrow extending across the forehead, and down the side of its ‘face’ to its neck, and that there was also a vivid white wing- patch. The body and tail were orange, the wings black, and the general impression was strongly that of a redstart of some sort. The bird was visible for less than two minutes before the Stonechat — accompanied by his mate — put it to flight. By now, I had called the other members of the party back, but only two of them had seen the bird. After what seemed an interminable few minutes, however, it obligingly reappeared and we were all then able to obtain fine views for much of the next hour, during which time I obtained a series of photographs (plates 46-49). Although there was some uncertainty as to identification — a tentative assessment as a male Moussier’s Redstart P. rnoussieri was not confirmed until later, with the help of field guides — there was no uncertainty at all that this handsome 108 I0«-1 1 1 , March 1992] Moussier’s Redstart: new to Britain and Ireland 109 46-49. Male Moussier’s Redstart Phoenicums moussieri, Dyfed, April 1988 {Mike Barrett) bird was something very special indeed. These details were noted: SHAPE AND SIZE Structure recalled short- direct comparisons, highlighting that it was tailed Redstart (see plates). Compact, about slightly smaller than Redstart. same size as Stonechat, determined in close, GENERAL IMPRESSION Redstart-like; strikingly — ^ The inclusion of plates 46-50 in colour has been subsidised by a donation from Carl Zeiss — Germany. 110 Moussier’s Redstart: new to Britain and Ireland 50. Male Moussier’s Kedsidivt Phoenicurus moussieri, Morocco, December 1987 {AmoudB. van den Berg) black, white and orange; particularly attrac- tive and distinctive. PI.UMAGE Head black, with white supercilia which extended across forehead (see plates) and continued down and around nape, widening to form partial collar; as with many male Redstarts, white on head more prominent in field than is suggested by many field guides. Underparts orange. Up- perparts and wings black, with conspicuous white wing-patch (see plates). Tail orange, medium-length, and notched; no Redstart- like shivering noted. B.ARF, P.\RT.s Bill, eyes, legs and feet dark. BF.H.AVIOl'R Active and lively; alert and wary of any close approach; flight low and direct; no call heard. The bird was quite agile, moving quickly between the ground, rocks and gorse, and often perching. In the hour or so that it was observed, it did not move far from the place where I had first seen it, and, although it did sometimes fly from view, its uniquely contrasting colours enabled us to relocate it fairly easily. It was harassed periodically by the two Stonechats, which were almost certainly nesting in the gorse and which much resented the presence of the intruder, but it showed a marked reluctance to stray any great distance, favouring the rocks as perching places. Our last view of the bird was just before 15.00 GMT, and, despite extensive searches by others later that afternoon and again during the following day, it was not seen again. The news was not immediately broadcast, as it was clear that the bird was no longer present, and the initial reports that the sighting had been at Strumble Head, Dyfed, on 27th April {Brit. Birds 81: 298, 41 1) were incorrect, the result of a misunderstanding. The one and only observation was at Dinas Head on 24th April. Moussier’s Redstart is a Northwest African resident, although Birds of the Western Balearctic (vol. 5, 1988) does state that it is ‘perhaps migratory over relatively short distances, normally staying within North Africa.’ Reports of the species in Europe are few and far between, the only recent Moussier’s Redstart: new to Britain and Ireland 111 records being in Malta (the seventh record was of three together in April 1982), Italy (the second record was in Sicily in February 1987), and Greece (the first record was on 30th March 1988) {Brit. Birds 76: 275; 82: 21, 349). This Welsh record is the first away from the Mediterranean area. Interestingly, while we did not see any Redstarts on 24th April, we had seen several on the previous day, and there were good numbers on 25th in the same general area. The fact that there had been southerly winds for the week up to 22nd April, coupled with what may have been a minor Redstart fall, could suggest that the Moussier’s Redstart had somehow got itself involved with a migrating flock crossing its home territory. Whatever the reasons for its unexpected appearance in Dyfed on that Sunday afternoon, it made five people very happy. Mike Barrett, 65 Squires Way, Wilmington, Kent DA2 7NN Peter Lansdown (Chairman, British Birds Rarities Committee) and Dr Alan Knox (Chairman, British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee) have commented as follows: ‘The unanimous acceptance of the identification by the BBRC and the BOURC on a single circulation of each Committee was made straightforward by the individual being a male in spring, and by the series of photographs which accompanied the written record submission. The BOURC considered that the combination of Moussier’s Redstart’s restricted world range, the lack of any regular bird trade from North Africa and the species’ several previous extralimital records from the Mediterranean made the task of categorisation a simple one, and Moussier’s Redstart was accepted onto Category A of the British and Irish list (Brit. Birds 82: 540; 83: 475; Ibis 133: 218-222).’ Late April is not usually an especially good time for rarities in Britain and Ireland, but the second half of April 1988 produced not only this Moussier’s Redstart, but also two Red- rumped Swallows Hirundo daurica (Kent and Dorset), a Rock Tbrush Monticola saxatilis (Dorset), no fewer than eight Subalpine Warblers Sylvia cantillans (Devon, Merseyside, Suffolk, Cornwall, Scilly, Shetland, Kent and Norfolk), a Sardinian Warbler S'. meUmocephala (Orkney) and two Woodchat Shrikes Lanius senator (Scilly and Lancashire) (Rn't. Birds 82: 505- 563; 83: 439-496). Ed.s ^efientp-fibe ptarg ago... ‘ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM NORFOLK FOR 1916. The great autumnal migration took place in the ordinary way, but few notes came to hand, there being no observers to make them. The influx of Redwings on October 17th was steady, numerous flocks, some of them numbering as many as a hundred birds, passing west and north-west in the vicinity of Cromer and Holt. Fieldfares and other well-known species were also to be seen dropping in. But the most important movement was that of the Pomatorhine Skuas in September.’ (Brit. Birds 10: 230, March 1917). Mystery photographs ^ ^ Last month’s mystery photograph (colour plate 31, repeated A / here in black-and-white) was obviously a sea tern Sterna. No gull (Laridae) has the long-headed, long-billed appearance or crested rear crown shown by this bird. The thick, long bill with obvious gonydeal angle and the generally heavy build would have brought most readers to the conclusion that it is one of the five ‘orange-billed’ large terns on the Western Palearctic list. . . . . Since the photograph was reproduced in colour, it should have been relatively easy to dismiss at least one of these five species: Caspian Tern S. caspia has its bill deep red with a dusky subterminal area, although juveniles can have an orange component to the red. Elimination of the other four rests primarily on bill colour and structure, although ageing the bird is of initial importance as juveniles of all species have the bills considerably duller, and, indeed, often appreciably shorter, than adults. The absence of obvious dark markings on the wing-coverts and the grey primaries (latter become blackish with wear) show that it is an adult, and that the bill therefore is at maximum growth. Having eliminated the possibility of its being a dull-billed juvenile, it is seemingly straightforward to assume that, as only one species has a greenish-yellow bill, the Crested Tern S. bergii, we have a definite identification. Observers familiar with Crested Tern in the Western Palearctic will, however, have realised quickly that the mystery tern does not have the distinctive, dark, slate-grey upperparts of Crested Tern, which enables it to be picked out at long range from amongst tern flocks on the Red Sea coast long before the bill is seen or accurate size assessment can be made. Although this could be explained by the effect of light intensity or viewing angle, this does not seem a likely explanation, judging by the general colour tone of the photograph. The mottled forecrown shows that the bird is not in full breeding plumage; could this account for the dull bill colour? Putting aside bill colour for a while, we shall have to work on other possibilities. Elegant Tern S. ekgans does not have the heavy build of this tern and, importantly, its bill is proportionately longer and finer than those of the other orange-billed terns, with stronger decurvature to the upper mandible. Our bird has a markedly decurved upper mandible, but the bill 112 [Brit. BirdiSi: 112-114, March 1992] Mystery photographs 113 is far too stout and deep-based for an Elegant, which incidentally never shows any greenish tinge to the bill and always has an orange component to its colour. Lesser Crested Tern S. bengalensis has a deeper-based bill than Elegant and can show a slight decurvature of the upper mandible, but the bill appears relatively slighter and more finely-pointed than that of the mystery tern, more reminiscent of that of Sandwich Tern S. sandvicensis in proportions. The bill is often wholly yellow on juveniles and first-winters, but, like Elegant, never shows any green tinge. Royal Tern S. maxima is bulkier than either Elegant or Lesser Crested Terns and, being the only remaining possibility, this solution looks quite promising. Royal typically shows an even taper to both mandibles, which produces almost a dagger shape. Our bird shows a distinct downcurve to the upper mandible and a very slightly concave lower mandible, contributing to a gentle droop, which is an effect not shown by Royal. Non-breeding Royal normally shows clear white forecrown, lacking obvious mottling, extending farther back on the crown centre than in the case of the mystery bird; but, even in full breeding plumage, extensive white can remain on the forecrown, which could account for this anomaly. Once again, the bill-colour problem comes to the fore: although non- breeding adult Royals have deep yellow bills, there is normally an orange tinge to the yellow and BWP (vol. 4) mentions that the bill colour of juvenile Royal can be greenish-yellow, but seemingly never on adults. The build of the bird, however, and the tone of the grey upperparts do fit Royal — indeed, had the photograph been reproduced in monochrome, it could well have gone down as a Royal. The race of Crested Tern which occurs in our region, velox, is the largest and darkest of the races; interestingly enough, its nearest neighbouring race is the pale and relatively smaller thalassina of East Africa and western Indian Ocean islands. This adult Crested Tern nearing the end of its moult to breeding plumage was photographed in the Seychelles by Howard Nicholls in March 1987, a location which reveals that it is of the pale race thalassina. Readers might feel it a bit naughty to have included a shot of this race (which has the upperparts close in tone to the grey of Common Tern S. hirundo), but it could very well turn up as a vagrant to the southern limits of our region, being regular north to the coast of northern Kenya, and this race was not featured in the papers dealing with orange- billed large terns which have appeared in this journal {Brit. Birds 80: 257- 276; 81: 211-222). Although the bill of the mystery bird is typically stout, other individuals are finer-billed, but the bill is normally relatively longer, thicker and more drooping than that of Lesser Crested Tern and usually has a distinctive green tinge, although Heard {Brit. Birds 82: 413) commented that he had seen individuals with ‘washed-out yellowish- orange’ and ‘pale orangey-yellow’ bills. Incidentally, it has been suggested that Royal and Crested Terns geographically replace each other, and could in effect be treated as a superspecies(5IEPvol. 4, page35). Simon R. Colenutt Green Edge, Chale Green, Ventnor, Isle of Wight P038 2JR 114 Mystery photographs Review Atlas des Oiseaux de France en Hiver. By Dosithee Yeatman- I Berthelot, assisted by Guy Jarry. Societe Ornithologique de France, | Paris, 1991. 575 pages; 271 line-drawings; 351 distribution maps. ( Fr.350.00. 1 he late Laurent Yeatman — a name perhaps not known to the latest generation of British i birdwatchers — was the driving force behind the pioneer French breeding bird atlas. Scarcely ! had he finished it, Jean Dorst recounts, when he proposed an even more revolutionary atlas t of winter bird distribution. The Council of the Societe Ornithologique de France urged him I [ to launch the new project. He hesitated, for his health was fast failing, but his daughter ] Dosithee promised to help, and to take charge when he could no longer manage. i Review 115 No matter how interesting it was in breaking new ground, the Atlas des Oiseaux Nicheurs de France (1976) was, to be frank, a somewhat hurried and drab publication. In contrast, the atlas here reviewed is a most elegant volume, deserving a place on the bookshelf of both bibliophile and active birdwatcher. Fieldwork for this atlas covered the four winters 1977/78 to 1980/81, winter being defined as the period from 1st December to 20th February . As in the breeding atlas, the area unit — the equivalent of the British 10-km square — was a rectangle measuring 20km X 27km. Of the total of 1,087 units, 14 were not visited at all and 13 were very superficially covered. Most rectangles (504) produced 61-80 species, the maximum score being 164 species for ‘Rue’ in the Baie de Somme. In the detailed and informative introduction, the Blackbird Tardus rnerula is noted as the most ubiquitous species in France in winter. The main body of the atlas takes the now familiar form, v\ith a vignette and signed text on the left-hand page and a main map on the right. The maps show departement boundaries, not rectangles, but a very' effective bookmark/overlay allows one to identify the rectangle in which any dot lies. In addition to the main map, small maps are used to show summer distribution, where appropriate, or distribution in contrasting winters (1977/78 mild, 1978/ 79 "rigoureux’). Species regularly present in winter receive full treatment; 56 irregular winterers receive shortened treatment, only nine with maps. Some of the maps are of particular interest to the British reader. For example, the British Redpolls Carduelis Jlammea cabaret wintering in France are geographically separated from those of ,\lpine origin. Fieldworkers attempted to estimate numbers, by orders of magnitude on a hve-band scale from 0-10 to over 10,000. Some texts quote numbers, and a few maps (e.g. that for Rook Comas frugilegus) plot abundance using different-sized symbols. Dosithee Yeatman-Berthelot, assisted by Guy Jarry, has produced an admirable volume, but one must criticise the inordinate delay in publication, ten years after heldwork hnished. What would the present-day maps for Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius or Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus — both species extending their ranges — look like now? We are told where some of the blame for the delay lies. Maps were sent out to authors in September 1987, with instructions to submit texts by 15th January 1988. Alas, some texts did not reach the editor until 1990. Robert Spencf.r Short reviews The Pocket Guide to Birds of Prey of North America. By Philip Burton. Illus- trated by Trevor Boyer, Malcolm Ellis and David Thelwell. (Dragon’s World, London, 1991. 142 pages. Paperback £6.95) Very disappointing and misleading. The title suggests that this book will assist in identify- ing raptors in North America, but this is barely the case. The illustrations are largely of perched, classic, adult birds, certainly not I helpful for flight identification, which is how most tend to be seen, and the text relating to I identification is very skimpy. Misleading, considering the title, is the array of Gentral American species which is included. The explanation is in small print inside the fly- leaf: coverage includes Mexico. The space would have been better used by concentrat- I ing on North America or on Mexico. 1 would I not consider taking this book into the field in North America, nor in Mexico, and there is insufficient substance in it even to warrant a place on my library shelf [David J. Hoi, man] The Birds of Scodand. By Emilio Dicerbo. (Lochar Publishing, Moffat, 1991. 192 pages. £19.99) Attractively produced, but not the ‘indispensable guide and reference’ the publishers claim. It is based around 100 or so colour photographs taken by the author or by Robert T. .Smith (though which are which is not said). Many are nice to look at, but, by modern standards, too many show birds at the nest, too few show birds in action, and some of the waterfowl look like collection birds. Many Scottish specialities are not illustrated, including Crested Tit Paras cristatus. Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus. Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus. Dotterel Charadrius morinellus, Bonxie Stercorarius skua, Tystie Cepphus grylle and even the widespread 116 Short reviews Hooded Crow Corvus corone comix. The text provides very basic information on 200 species (i.e. under half the Scottish list). Some bird names are wrong (e.g. Oyster Catcher and Yellow Hammer), and so is some information: Puffins Fmtercula arctica do not desert their young, Storm Petrels Hydrobales pelagicus do not breed just in the Northern Isles; and suppositions passed off as fact include the comments on sandeels around Shetland and the effect of disturb- ance on Dotterels. [St.an d.a Prato] The Travelling Birder: 20 five-star bird- ing vacations. 1991-92 edition. By Clive Goodwin. (Doubleday, New York, 1991. Paperback $13.00) Apart from four (Eng- land, Spain, Kenya and Trinidad & Tobago), all of the 20 trips described in this entertaining and readable book take place in North America. Although no substitute for a conventional trip report, it contains useful information on where to stay (with tele- phone numbers and prices), how to get there, relevant guides to read and even non- birding attractions. [Stf.VF, Rookf] Birds of the World: wading birds. By John P. S. Mackenzie. (Swan Hill Press, Shrewsbury, 1991. 144 pages. £19.95) A coffee-table book, with many large photo- graphs, some of which are striking, others less so. A broad definition of wading birds is used: storks and herons, as well as waders. Most of the photographs are of North American species, but European, Asian and Australasian species are also included. The text is limited to a brief introduction to each species group, together with extended cap- tions to the photographs. The latter contain a number of inaccuracies, particularly re- lated to distribution. The ‘African Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus stumiii on page 30 appears to be a Green-backed Heron Butorides striatus. Onlv if you are a sucker for pictures. [ RJ C ] Memories of Three Lives: an autobiogra- phy. By Guy Mountfort. (Merlin Books, Braunton, 1991. 228 pages. £10.95) An apt title for the autobiography of a man who has made a great success of three careers: serving with distinction during the Second World War with the Honourable Artillery Company; after the war becoming managing director of an international advertising agency; then, after retiring in 1961, begin- ning his third and most important career, as a conservationist and founder-member of the World Wildlife Eund. The expeditions which he organised to such places as Spain, Jordan and Pakistan have been well docu- mented in other books he has written; his autobiography, however, brings this infor- mation together in a very readable way, and also outlines the way in which modern conservation has developed over the last 30 years. [David Hosking] The Birdwatcher’s Yearbook and Diary 1992. Edited by John R. Pemberton. (Buckingham Press, 1991. 320 pages. £10.50; available from: Buckingham Press, 25 Manor Park, Maids Moreton, Bucking- ham MKI8 IQX) This annual publication has established itself as an indispensable source of reference. As usual, it is crammed with names, addressej and numbers. Every single birdwatcher should buy it once, and most will then want to purchase it annually. Personally, it is the reference parts which I hnd most useful, and the 48 pages of topical articles could happily be dropped, or, even better, replaced by extra pages of reference material. These articles take up only 15% of the space, however, and the other 272 pages are exceedingly good value at the very reasonable price. Alfred Russel Wallace: an anthology of his shorter writings. Edited by Charles H. Smith. (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1991. 471 pages. £40.00) Overshadowed in his own day by Darwin, despite his indepen- dent discovery of the principle of natural selection, Wallace’s fascinating studies of biogeography and evolution are brought together in this anthology with his work on anthropology, social reform and even the occult, to reveal the character of ‘one of the most enduring and impressive characters of the modern age’. [DoMlNIC MrrCHFFI.j ALSO RFCFIVFD The Scientific Names of the British Lepidoptera: their history and meaning. By A. Maitland Emmet. (Harley Books, Colchester, 1991. 288 pages. Hardback £49.95, paperback £24.95) Owslebury Bottom. By Peter Hewett. (Sumach Press, St Albans, 1991. 223 pages. £13.99) Where to Watch Birds in Kent, Surrey & Sussex. Second edn. By Don Taylor, Jeffery Wheatley & Tony Prater. (Christopher Helm, London, 1991. 270 pages. Paperback £1 0.99)(f’irst edn reviewed Brit. Birds 81: 672-673) The Rare Breeding Birds Panel Robert Spencer and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel In 1968, the RSPB Council established a subcommittee which it named the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. It was small, but from the outset had both a Nature Conservancy Council and a British Birds presence. Five years later, a report commented ‘While many records were received by the Panel, the response was less complete than had been hoped’ and, as a result of this limited success, in December 1972 it was reconstituted as an autonomous body, separate from the RSPB, financed jointly by the BTO, the RSPB, British Birds and, somewhat later, by the NCC. At this stage the Panel’s role was publicly defined as follows: ‘The aims of the Panel are to collect in one place all information on rare breeding birds so that changes in status — both increases and decreases — can be monitored, and so that essential information is not lost (as has happened in the past) through the deaths of those keeping rare breeding records secret.’ The Panel’s wide associations, continued to this day, are important in that they have encouraged the support of observers who formerly hesitated to impart their data to any single body. The autonomy of the Panel, likewise, helps to secure the widespread acceptance of its status and mission, for it is thus able and willing to collaborate with conservation bodies while avoiding allegiance to any one of them. It can maintain a considered balance between the confidentiality appropriate to scarce breeders, and adequate conservation action for them. Such an arrange- ment has proved better able to serve the interests of the birds than relying solely on the wisdom and actions of many individual observers of rare breeding birds. Members The autonomy of the Panel is secured because its members are appointed in a personal capacity: to be effective as gatherers and receivers of confidential data, they must have the trust and goodwill of observers and recorders. At the same time, each is also selected because of his or her knowledge of the interests and needs of one of the sponsoring bodies. Thus, each prospective member must not only be acceptable to all the existing members, but the appointment must also be approved by all the 117 [Brit. Bird^ 85; II 7- 1 22, March 1 992] 1 1 8 The Rare Breeding Birds Panel sponsoring bodies. Members’ names are published annually in the Panel’s report. Funding Until 1991 the Panel received most of its funding from the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) and the RSPB, but the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (see pages 121 & 122) has now taken over the NCC’s former role. Small annual contributions are also made by the BTO and by British Birds. Administration and publication The day-to-day affairs of the Panel are managed by an administrative secretary, whilst the Panel members meet at intervals to determine courses of action and to hnalise outline reports. A detailed report is prepared each year for the guidance of the NCC and the RSPB, and a summary, designed to enable readers to take an intelligent interest in trends and their implications, and as feedback to contributors, is published annually in British Birds. Species What is a ‘rare breeding species’? Today, the Panel collects annual records for species with average breeding populations below 300 pairs in Britain. Certain species (such as Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata and Quail Cotumix cotumix) have populations which may fall below this level in some years, and are therefore included. For a few species, records are collected from only part of the range — for example, Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus away from the Northern Isles. A list of Panel species is set out in the Appendix, to which should be added any wild species breeding in Britain and Ireland for the hrst time, or for the first time in recent years. Many of the species in the list do not breed with us annually, whilst a few others have yet to be proved to breed but summer fairly frequently in habitat apparently suitable for breeding. Records for such species are collected by the Panel because they may be the hrst indication that colonisation is a possibility. For conservation purposes, the most important data are those for rare but regular breeders. Collecting the data Panel data are collected from three major sources and one minor one. The single most important source is the network of county and regional recorders, who, year by year, collect reports from held observers and pass them on to the Panel. The second important source lies in the returns to the NCC of those who hold licences to disturb Schedule 1 species and are obliged as a condition of receiving a licence to report their hndings. Thirdly, the RSPB and the NCC staff supply data, either from reserves or gathered during the course of specihc held surveys. Finally, a small number of report forms are received directly from individual observers, often — in the case of holidaymakers — because they do not know who is the relevant recorder. The Rare Breeding Birds Panel 1 1 9 Confidentiality Almost by definition, rare breeding birds are vulnerable to the illegal activities of egg-collectors, certain bird-keepers of all descriptions, the occasional rogue gamekeeper and, it must be admitted, birdwatchers and bird-photographers. Not unnaturally, therefore, those who discover and monitor breeding pairs of rare birds are anxious to protect them by exercising the utmost secrecy. The Panel understands and supports the need for secrecy, and county recorders are routinely enabled to indicate to the Panel the degree of security they feel to be appropriate for each record. This may be a matter for negotiation: circumstances can arise where the presence of rare breeding birds needs to be divulged to a third party in order to prevent some form of development which would be inimical to their well-being. But the accepted need for secrecy can pose problems of verification. A sight record of a rare vagrant is likely to be vetted by a county records committee, and probably also by the British Birds Rarities Committee. Reports of rare breeding birds reaching the Panel via a recorder are, as a minimum, checked by one person who is familiar with both the habitat concerned and the competence of the observer in question. Data drawn from licence returns, or from forms sent directly to the Panel, may have to be taken on trust. Both for this reason and to reinforce the county network, it is the Panel’s policy to invite all observers to report in the first instance to the appropriate county recorder. The widespread concern, shared by the Panel, is that knowledge of breeding sites will leak out. The Panel’s own security is therefore extremely strict, and only exceptionally are sites named in published reports — e.g. Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta at Havergate — and then only with the permission of the observer or recorder concerned. For a number of species, not even the county is named, but instead a region such as ‘SE England’, whilst, for a few, only the country is named: for example, the normal practice is to give only two population figures for the Goshawk Accipiter gentilis, one for England and Wales, and one for Scotland. Data storage and retrieval From the earliest days of the Panel, the physical security of the data has received much attention, bearing in mind the risks of both fire and theft. As a precaution against fire, two sets of forms are kept in safe accommodation in two different localities, with access at each strictly limited to Panel members. In the early years of the Panel, this system was entirely satisfactory, but in recent years the volume of forms has come to pose serious problems. Today, the combined annual number of Panel report forms and Schedule 1 licence returns may total one hundred for a much protected species such as Goshawk, while the sum total for all species may exceed one thousand and require three new lever-arch files to store a single year’s intake. This volume of data makes increasing demands on the secure storage, and poses considerable problems when it comes to manual analysis — even the simple analysis involved in the preparation of the annual report. To extract biological data — such as 1 2 0 The Rare Breeding Birds Panel clutch size, or habitat preference — is today a much bigger task than it was a few years ago, and is much more time-consuming. For reasons similar to this, in 1988 the RSPB, which is a major supplier of data to the Panel, decided to computerise its own information about rare breeding birds, and has been able to do so in a way that, even if a storage disk were stolen, its contents could not be read by an unauthorised person. In the light of the unqualified success of the RSPB’s computerisation exercise and the unremitting growth in volume of the Panel’s files and the associated problem of providing secure storage, the Panel has, after careful assessment, concluded that it, too, must computerise all its data. The system chosen is one which will closely match the advantages of the RSPB’s already effective system, with absolutely no chance of hackers penetrating it because there are no lines to the outside world. Site-related data are stored at the level of six-figure grid-references, but can be plotted or otherwise assessed on a range of scales so that confidentiality of individual sites can readily be preserved. Data can be sought through the use of a number of ‘fields’, either individually or collectively. These include species, date, location, site survey type, grid-reference, county, region and country. The computer is free-standing, with no link to any other, and its records are accessible only to those with a key, with the password, and with knowledge of the system. Those county recorders who have already adopted the use of personal computers to facilitate their work will require no convincing of the advantages which will result from the Panel’s decision to computerise. Conservation uses of Panel data Monitoring the breeding fortunes of rare birds contributes to an annual audit of the health of British wildlife. Rare breeding birds are particularly important in this respect because they tend to be sensitive to adverse changes in their environment. Such an audit is important because it is the route to highlighting problems and seeking remedies. It is needed not only in detail by conservation organisations, but also, more broadly, by the Government, for the monitoring of rare European breeding species is obligatory. The conservation uses of data collected through the Rare Breeding Birds Panel are as follows: (a) Declines in numbers can alert ornithological, conservation and research bodies to the need for conservation action, which might include further survey or ecological study. Species recently highlighted for such needs have included Stone-curlew Burhinus oedknemus. Bittern Bolaurus stellaris and Girl Bunting Emberiza cirlus, which are now all subject to detailed research and targeted conservation action. (b) Knowledge of status and changes can assist conservation bodies in determining their priorities. I'he recently published book of Red Data Birds draws on information from the RBBP in setting out a programme of conservation priorities for Britain’s most important and most threatened bird populations. (c) If a species is threatened, details of changes in different areas can help the understanding of likely causes so that conservation actions can be recommended. Studies of .Str)ne-curlews, Bitterns and Girl Buntings have compared habitats in areas where declines have been more or less severe and suggested likely causes, which are being The Rare Breeding Birds Panel 1 2 1 studied further. Comparisons between different Avocet colonies have revealed the role of water salinity in determining whether food supplies are adequate for breeding. (d) Conservation actions are expensive and it is important to test how well they are working and whether they need changing. This is done by continuous monitoring of vulnerable populations. (e) When status changes are identified, legislation may be altered, such as by adding species to Schedule 1 of the VV'ildlife and Countryside Act or to Annex 1 of the EC directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds. (f) The NCC uses information on the status of rare birds to assess the implications of granting licences for photography and scientific nest visits. Regional implications are considered. It is important that scientific licencees give the best return for the disturbance they may cause, which is why the NCC and the RBBP seek to reconcile returns and ensure that the information on rare birds that has been collected under licence is actually used for conservation benefit. (g) Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) can be declared to protect habitats and species. This can be done only if the information is known to the NCC. Sites supporting Britain’s small population of Slavonian Grebes Podiceps auritus have recently been declared as a result of cases being made, supported with survey data. (h) SSSI and reserve boundaries or management might be changed as a result of the presence of a rare breeding species. It is also possible to reach agreement with private or state landowners (such as the Forestry Commission) to safeguard rare-bird sites. Secrecy is unreliable as a security technique, as is shown by recent cases of felling of the nesting tree of Honey Buzzards Pemis apivorus in England and destruction of the breeding site of Spotted Crakes Porzana porzana in Wales. In both cases, the information was known locally to individuals, but had not been passed to anyone in a position to take action to safeguard the sites. Successful protection has been negotiated with landowners for Red Kites Milvus milvus. Ospreys Pandion haliaetus. Goshawks, Black-necked Grebes Podiceps nigricollis and many other species. The way ahead Since the Panel was reformed in 1972, the emphasis placed on its work has changed markedly. There does remain an archive element — of preserving a record for posterity — but the cost of running the Panel could not be justified for that reason alone. There is a statutory application, in that some of the data collected by the Panel are needed by Government to meet its obligations under the terms of the European Community directive on ‘The Conservation of Wild Birds’ (paper 79/409/EEC). Most importantly of all, however, as the previous section makes clear, there is the often urgent application to the needs of conservation — to detecting declines at a sufficiently early stage for causes to be investigated, solutions proposed, and individual sites protected. There are individual observers, and occasionally county recorders, who co-operate with the Panel by reporting numbers but do not name sites, because they believe that they can deal locally with all potential threats, or possibly from the conviction that the fewer people who know of the presence of rare breeding birds the safer those birds will be. Their intentions are exemplary, yet experience has proved repeatedly that their assumptions are wrong: both sites and breeding pairs have been lost (e.g. those Spotted Crakes and Honey Buzzards noted earlier). With the splitting in April 1991 of the NCC into three separate bodies, one each for England, Scotland and Wales {Brit. Birds 84: 396), nationwide activities such as national monitoring have become the special province of 1 2 2 The Rare Breeding Birds Panel the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and it is this body which, appropriately, is now the major funder of the Panel’s work. No less than the NCC, it will look to the network of voluntary observers, channelling their results through the Panel, to provide it with the biological data on which to base its planning. Two developments could enhance the excellent co-operation which already exists. One would be a more prompt pattern of reporting (a few counties may take up to 17 months after the end of a breeding season before submitting any data). The second will occur when those individuals who still cannot bring themselves to name sites overcome their misgivings and fall into line with the overwhelming majority of the Panel’s contributors. Local voluntary action can, and does, give temporary security to nests. Specialist groups can, and do, play a vital role in checking all suitable habitat for signs of presence or evidence of breeding. In either situation, to allow the information collected to form part of a national picture can only enhance its value, and thus justify even more the effort of collecting it. Rare Breeding Birds Panel, Iredale Place Cottage, Loweswater, Cockermouth, Cumbria CAI3 OSU Appendix. Species currently monitored by the Rare Breeding Birds Panel Species nesting in the United Kingdom even less frequently than these are also on the Panel’s list Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Slavonian Grebe P. aurilus Black-necked Grebe P. nigricollis Bittern Botaurus stellaris Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Pintail Anas acuta Garganey A. querquedula Pochard Aythya ferina Scaup d. mania Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Honey Buzzard Prniis apivorus Red Kite Milvus milvus White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Montagu’s Harrier C. pygargus Goshawk Accipiter gentilLs Osprey Pandion haliaetus Hobby Falco subbuteo Quail Columix cotumix Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Corncrake Crex crex Crane Gnis grus Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantnpus A voce t Recumiroslra avoselta Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Dotterel C. nwrinellus I'emminck’s Stint Calidris lemminckii Puqile Sandpiper C. marilima Ruff Philomachus pugnax Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Whimbrel Numenius phneopus Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii Black Tern Chlidonias niger Snow)' Owl Nyctea scandiaca Hoopoe Upupa epops Wryneck Jyrrx torquilla Woodlark Lullula arborea Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochniros Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Redwing T. iliacus Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Hartford Warbler Sylvia undata Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Serin Serinus serinus Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus ■Scarlet Rosefmch Carpodacus erythrinus Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus ■Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Girl Bunting Emberiza cirlus Product reports Items included in this feature have been submitted by the manufacturers or their agents. The reviews are the personal opinions of the reviewers; they are not the result of technical tests, but are assessments made after use in appropriate conditions (e.g. in the field). Neither British Birds nor the individual reviewers can accept responsibility for any adverse consequences of opinions stated, and items are accepted for review on this understanding. We aim, however, to be helpful both to our readers and to manufacturers of goods used by birdwatchers. Eds Beecher Mirage 7 X 30 wide-angle binoculars The manufacturer’s notes for this product claim ‘the first significant innovation in binoculars since Ignazio Porro invented the right angle prism’. They may be right: this product certainly looks very different from ‘normal’ binoculars because they are worn like spectacles (but attached to a head-band) and not intended to be held in the hand. The manufacturer intends these binoculars to be positioned in front of the eyes so that the wearer can see under and around the binocular, as they are effectively ‘rimless’, and can then, with a swift eye movement, look through it, rather like someone wearing bifocal glasses. The image, when properly aligned, is sharp, bright and undistorted. The standard price is currently £445.00, including VAT. It would, in my opinion, take considerable personal courage to wear these binoculars-cum-spectacles in public, and, apart from cries of derision from other birders in the Isles of Scilly in autumn, they could bring the wearer into danger when approaching a cliff-edge or some other hazard. This product should not, however, be dismissed too quickly, as it may have applications for the specialist. Only a few days after receiving these binoculars for review, I was watching the televised Test Match highlights and there, on the screen, was a spectator wearing Beecher Mirage binoculars. No doubt the opera-buff would also find them valuable. This, then, is a clue to their best use. Used in a static position, the observer will enjoy the high-quality lenses and the lightweight housing (the whole product weighs only 84 g — about the same as a Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major). This makes the product ideal for the handicapped observer, and may be of assistance to the bird artist. Unfortunately, each eyepiece needs to be adjusted separately, but the close-focus facility is exceptional, and I could even focus on my own foot (though goodness knows why I should need to do so). The depth of focus is from 6m to infinity without the need to refocus. This binocular system uses ‘super-thin’ mirrors and quality lenses. If this technology is used on a more practical instrument, then Mr Porro may lose his reputed supremacy and Dr Beecher may gain it. Peter Holden [If any reader would like further details of this product, please send a SAE to Sandra Barnes, BB Advertising, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 -3NJ.] [Bri/. Bir*85: 123, March 1992] 123 • • • If the caption fits Of the many suggested captions to Mike Weston’s photograph of two Black-headed Gulls Lams ridibundus (Brit. Birds 84: plate 15, repeated here), we enjoyed the following: 'Decent, respectable gulb keep their sexual affairs to the proper season, and are not still wearing summer plumage in January. ’ (David Armitage, Hertfordshire) 'One, two ... oh Hell! / always forget.’ (Nicholas Barlow, West Midlands) ‘You mean I’m supposed to eat that!’ (G. M. Buchanan, Lothian) 7 dare you to jump. ’ (Mrs O. Drake, Devon) 7 know bleeding prumage when / see it. Who was it?!’ (R. H. Langdon-Davis, Avon) ‘Now do you believe me? Your right foot IS bigger. ’ (J. C. Maxwell, Strathclyde) 7 told you posing like that would make it too easy for “Monthly marathon”. ’ (A. Morris, Zimbabwe) ‘It’s no use sulking — there’s no way they'll stringyou into a Bonaparte’s.’ (Nicholas Ostler, Northamptonshire) ‘If you really loved me, you’d buy me a ring.’ (Keith Vinicombe, Avon) Nicholas Barlow’s caption prompted our biggest chuckle, so we have ' awarded him the book prize. I Fieldwork action ! BTO news Piloting towards the future Do you feel frustrated that your birding is j not helping conservation? Now, assuming also that you can spare some I time on a regular basis (ten mornings a year in fact for a number of years J to come), you have lots to gain from the BTO through the CBC, that’s the I Common Birds Census. Walking a set route on your local patch, noting I on a map which species you see and hear, gives a picture of how many birds of which species are present. Repeated each year, this gives an idea of how breeding populations in your area are rising or falling. Multiplied by the many hundreds of participants, this gives us increased confidence in the results. To Join in, simply contact John Marchant at BTO HQ. If, however, this is too much for you, there is good news. We have something new on offer in 1992. We know that we can improve the quality of the CBC results, by improving on geographical spread and on how well species and habitats are covered. We hope also to improve the enjoyability of the CBC for participants. We are launching a Pilot Census project which does not include the mapping method, but does involve new I i methods for the CBC, such as noting the birds you see and hear when walking along predetermined straight lines (transects). Another trial method is a combination of walking the line and making counts from a ; fixed point. : 124 Fieldwork action 125 By volunteering to help in this study, you will be making a real contribution to the conservation of birds and their habitats, and, what’s more, it requires only five mornings work. If you would like to help, call John Marchant for details immediately. We still need mappers, though, who can spend ten mornings during the coming (and future) breeding seasons. The important difference between the BTO and other organisations is that we can give a purpose to your birding: it is birding with a difference, and the easiest way for you to get directly involved with today’s major conservation issues. So why not join the BTO, get involved with one of our surveys, and make your birding count on a national scale? For those interested in bird distributions in Britain, there will be a joint BTO/Linnean Society meeting on 26th March. For further details contact the meetings secretary at the Linnean Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W IV OLQ. Paul Green BTO, The Nunnery, Nunnery Place, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU ICBP news Birding abroad Last summer, Mark Pearman, a British birder now living in Argentina, rediscovered one of the world’s least-known birds, Kaempfer’s Tody-tyrant Hemitric- cus kaempferi, in humid lowland forest in southern Brazil. This species was described from just a single specimen in 1929, and three searches in 1987 in the area where the specimen was taken failed to record the bird. Rediscovering a species is obviously a very special event, but many of the increasing number of birdwatchers travelling to ever-more-exotic locations can contribute to conservation in a number of ways. The most obvious of these is the revenue they take to the areas visited. A less tangible but nonetheless valuable contribution can be made, particularly by those visiting remoter areas, if any threatened species are sighted. In many parts of the world, very little is known about the avifauna simply because the number of ornithologists visiting the areas has been limited. This is demonstrated by the current remarkable rate of rediscoveries, and indeed discoveries, in the Americas. In addition to the tody-tyrant, 199Ts batch included the Cocha Antshrike Thamnophilus praecox, Esmeraldas Woodstar Acestrura berlepschi and Western Antvireo Dysithamnus occidentalis, and 1990 saw the description of at least three new species: Cip Canastero Asthenes luizae, Rondonia Bushbird Clytoctantes atrogularis and Manu Antbird Cercomacra manu. Discovering or rediscovering a species will not happen to everyone. But if you do travel abroad this year and make a reliable sighting of a threatened species — i.e. one that is listed in ICBP’s Birds to Watch (Collar & Andrew 1988) — please report it to ICBP. Every piece of information helps us build up the knowledge that is a prerequisite for any conservation action. Birds to Watch, the ICBP’s checklist of threatened birds, can be obtained, price £12.50, from the ICBP address below. Georgina Green ICBP, 32 Cambridge Road, Girton, Cambridge CBS OPJ Requests Scarce migrant records To ensure that accurate and comprehensive accounts of scarce migrants and other rarities can be prepared, detailed records of the following species are requested: inland Black-throated Gavia arclica and Great Northern Divers G. immer and Red-necked Grebes Fodiceps gmegena (England only), Cory’s Calonectris diomedea and Great Shearwaters Puffinus gratis, Leach’s Petrel Oceanodwma leiicorhoa, all pelicans Pelecanus, Little Egret Egretta garzelta. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea. White Stork Cicnnia dconia. Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber, ‘Whistling’ Swan Cygnus columbianus tolumhianus. Bean Goose Anser fabalu. Snow Goose A. caerulescem. Ruddy Shelduck Tadoma ferruginea. Marbled Duck Mamiaronetta angustirostris. Red-crested Pochard Netta rujtna. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca. Honey Buzzard Pemis apivorus, Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus. Rough-legged Buzzard Buleo lagopus. Osprey Pandion haliaetus. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana. Corncrake Crex crex. Crane Grus grus, Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus. Dotterel C. morinellus, Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii. Pectoral Sandpiper C. melanotos. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis. Red-necked Phalaropus lobalus and Grey Phalaropes P. fulicarius, Pomarine Stercorarius pomarinm and Long-tailed Skuas 5. tongicaudus, Mediterranean Larus nielanocephalus, Sabine’s L. sabiui. Ring-billed L. delawarensis, Iceland L. glaucoides (including Kumlien’s L. g. kumlieni) and Glaucous Gulls L. hyperboreus. Little Auk Alle alle. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis. Eagle Owl Bubo bubo. Hoopoe Upupa epops, W'ryneckjfvnr torquilla. Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris, Richard’s .Anthus novaeseelandiae and Tawny Pipits A. campestris, black-headed Yellow Wagtail Motadlla flava feldegg. Waxwing Bombydlla gamilus, black-bellied Dipper Cinclus dnclus dnclus, Bluethroat Lusdnia svedca, Savi’s Locuslella lusdnioides. Aquatic Acrocephalus paludicola. Marsh A. palustris, Icterine Hippolais kterina. Melodious H. pnlyglotta. Barred Sylvia niwria and Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inomatus. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ekedula parva. Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus. Red-backed Lanius collurio and Woodchat Shrikes L. senator. Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erylhrimis. Ortolan Emberiza hortulana and Red-headed Buntings E. brunkeps, and any interesting escapes or subspecies. Reports should be sent in the usual way, with supporting descriptions, to the relevant County Bird Recorder (see pages 28-30 in January issue) or, wdth the basic information on numbers, age, sex, locality and dates, for inclusion in a privately published book, Rare Birds in Britain 1991 (companion to Rare Birds in Britain 1990, published in September 1991), to Lee G. R. Evans, 8 Sandycroft Road, Little Chalfont, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP6 6QI.. Details of all records sent to LGRE will automatically be passed by him to the relevant County Bird Recorders (and to the Rarities Committee, if appropriate) and to Pete Fraser and Dr John Ryan, who are collating such records for periodic — rather than annual — summaries (Brit. Birds 83: 211). Autumn 1992 migration survey in Israel Experienced, fit birdwatchers, capable and willing to watch migration for a minimum of eight hours a day are invited to join an international counting team for the annual ‘Raptor, Stork and Pelican Migration Survey’ in northern Israel during 10th August to 20th October 1992. (In 45 days in autumn 1991, some 806,000 migrating birds were counted in the skies above Israel, including 580,000 raptors of 30 different species, 190,000 White Storks Ciconia dconia and 36,000 White Pelicans Pelecanus onocrntalus.) Participants must join the team for a minimum of three weeks, and cover the cost of travel to and from Israel themselves, but food and basic lodging in Israel will be provided free. Please apply as soon as possible, enclosing details of your previous experience, to Haim Alfia, Autumn Survey, Israel Raptor Information Center (IRIC), Har-Gilo, Doar Na Zfon Yehuda, 90907 Israel; phone 972-2-932383/4; Fax: 972-2-932385. Announcements Books in British BirdShop The following books have been added to the list this month: *Simms British I arks. Pipits and Wagtails *Smith Alfred Rus.sel Wallace I 'rodd & Kramer The Birds of Bedfordshire For all your book orders, please use the British BirdShop order form on pages xiii & xiv. 126 Announcements 127 Rarity decision The record of an Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus anliquus on Lundy, Devon, from 23rd May to June 1990 (and reported again in summer 1991) has now been accepted by both the British Birds Rarities Committee and the BOU Records Committee. It will be added to Category A of the official British list when published in the BOURC’s next report in The Ibis. The ‘BB’/‘Sunbird’ tour to Israel and Egypt, September 1991 When people returning from diving trips in the northern Red Sea reported to HS that they had seen large concentrations of seabirds, he suggested that British Birds and ‘Sunbird’ should run a joint tour to the area. This pioneering trip took place in September 1991 and proved to be a great success. Five days were spent aboard a comfortable 70-ft (21-m) ketch looking for seabirds, whilst the remainder of the tour concentrated on the birds of the Negev Desert and northern Israel, especially the raptor passage through that area. The boat set sail from Eilat and called in at Sharm el Sheik in Egypt before heading out past Ras Muhammed and into the Gulf of Suez. There, we explored many of the reefs and sheltered areas on both sides of the Gulf, as well as landing on several of the uninhabited islands. Most of the seabirds were found close to these islands and reefs, but a few large feeding concentrations were found in open water. Dense flocks, consisting mainly of White- eyed Gulls Lams leucophthalmus and White-cheeked Terns Sterna repressa, were feeding on shoals of fry which were jumping clear of the water in a frantic attempt to escape marauding tunny TTiunnus (plate 55). White-cheeked Terns proved to be the most numerous species, with just over 4,000 seen, including 350 breeding pairs. The terns displayed a variety of plumages, but the majority were adults either progressing into or already in winter plumage. We found about 200 pairs of White-eyed Gulls (plates 56 & 57) nesting in loose colonies, some of which were in the centre of large, low-lying islands. Around 2,000 individuals were seen altogether, compared with only 60 Sooty Gulls L. hemprichii (plate 58), a few pairs of which were also nesting, usually singly on the edge of White-eyed Gull colonies. Lesser Crested Sterna bengalensis and Bridled Terns S. anaethetus were present in equal numbers, and a colony of 100 Bridled Terns was found. Star birds of the trip were five Saunders’s Little Terns S. saundersi found resting on a sand-bar and a single Persian Shearwater Puffinus persicus. Originally thought to be a subspecies, this dusky version of Audubon’s Shearwater P. Iherminieri is now generally considered to be a full species, and, if accepted, this record will constitute the first for Egypt. 55. Feeding frenzy of White-eyed Gulls Lams leucophthalmus and White-cheeked 4'erns Sterna repressa, Red Sea, September 1991 (Sunbird) 128 Announcements 129 56 & 57. Top & centre, adult White-eyed Gulls Lams leucophthalmus. Red Sea, September 1991 (Sunbird) 58. Bottom, adult Sooty Gull Lams hemprichii, Red Sea, September 1991 (Sunbird) Sooty Falcons Falco concolor were reasonably common, and we saw 13 pairs and found one nest (almost in the middle of a White-eyed Gull colony) with a two-week-old chick. Migrants seen ranged from RiippeH’s Sylvia meppelli and Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris (which landed on the boat) to large flocks of Night Herons Nycticorax nycticorax and Black Storks Ciconia nigra. There was also a steady stream of Marsh Circus aemginosus. Pallid C. macrourus and Montagu’s Harriers C. pygargus crossing the Gulf to the Egyptian mainland. One highlight in the Negev was a flock of 30 Houbara Bustards Cklamydotis undulata. This British fit>dlj/‘Sunbird’ trip will be repeated in 1992, with HS and Killian Mullamey as leaders. Full details can be obtained from SR, David Fisher or Jennifer Thomas at Sunbird, POBox76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF. Steve Rooke and H ador am Shirih ai The inclusion of plates 55-58 in colour has been subsidised by a donation from Carl Zeis.', — Germany. Notes Roosting Hen Harrier killed by fox On the morning of 14th December 1985, while collecting pellets at a communal roost site of Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus on Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, I discovered a quantity of grey and white harrier feathers on a flattened patch to one side of a well-trodden, narrow animal run through an area dominated by blunt-flowered rush Juncus subnodulo- sus. I picked up a particularly thick clump of feathers and found myself holding a grey male Hen Harrier’s head. No other body parts remained, and the only other signs were a very few feathers up to 2 m away along the run. The head smelled of fox Vulpes vulpes, but showed no signs of damage other than where it was severed; the condition of the eyes indicated that death had occurred that night. The loose feathers were not sheared off, but were body feathers of the type which would have been dislodged as the bird was seized. The field had been cut to the ground in 1984, but the rush had grown to full height and, in its dead state, lay about 50 cm deep. The head and the bulk of the feathers lay on what had obviously been an elongated roosting platform or ‘hammock’, a depression in the rush supporting the harrier , above the damp peat. It seemed that the hammock would have been about 60 cm in length, lying at 90° to the run and 80 cm away; the end farthest , from the run was whitened with harrier droppings. I have not found any , great accumulations of pellets and droppings in such hammocks on the 1 fen, showing that they are not used many times. It is likely that this was I the first occasion on which this hammock had been used. Competition for i places was negligible, with just this male and one female present. 130 Notes This incident suggests that the Hen Harrier’s instinct for roosting in rank vegetation does not extend to vetting it for potential access by predators. Several other recently used hammocks lay nearby, the nearest as close as 2 m to the run. A few of the hammocks I found the previous winter were very close to a mown drove (wide pathway), where the birds were flushed at least once by a passer-by at dusk. ROGER Clarke New Hythe House, Reach, Cambridge CBS OJQ Roger Clarke has asked us to point out that both Donald Watson and he, organisers of the Hen Harrier Winter Roost Survey, stress that no roost-site of this species should be entered, unless with very good cause and at a time when no harriers are likely to be in the vicinity. Any trampling of the vegetation is detrimental to the birds’ safety. Eds Effect of freezing conditions on roosting Hen Harrier On the morning of 26th December 1984, at a communal roost site of Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in southern England, we discovered a ‘ringtail’ (female or immature) which was unable to fly. When the harrier was caught and examined, we found that its flightless condition was due to its tail and primary feathers being frozen stiff with ice. It had rained for most of the previous day, and the combination of roosting among very wet vegetation and the onset of a hard frost had obviously posed a real hazard for this bird. We would point out that we had entered this site for another purpose, and our find was totally unexpected. On other occasions we have observed harriers showing obvious signs of icing, with primaries stuck together and in some cases laboured flight, leaving this and other roost sites on frosty mornings. A similar occurrence was reported from Illinois, USA, in January 1982, when a Northern (Hen) Harrier was discovered with its right leg covered with ice to 1.5 cm above the toes on the tarsometatarsus (/. Field Om. 54; 328). M. C. COMBRIDGE and P. Combridge 44 Ethelred Gardens, Totton, Southampton S04 3UA ■, Sparrowhawk roost The Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus is not commonly I associated with communal roosting. On 2nd February 1991, however, I was privileged to be shown a communal winter roost site in the | Netherlands. It was occupied on that evening by about six individuals, ( spread through several adjoining small blocks of fairly open silver birch , Betula pendula woodland, within a coastal area of open farmland and creeks t where no Sparrowhawks breed. * The birch woodland seemed to be used exclusively, in preference to an j adjoining mature conifer plantation. The roosting Sparrowhawks were 4 well separated, one bird to each small area of wood (but I was informed \ that there have been exceptional instances of two using the same tree and ^ even the same branch). In the calm conditions prevailing at the time, the ) Sparrowhawks were perched on semi-horizontal branches not necessarily ) close to the trunk and about 3-5 m above the ground. I was informed that 1 they roost lower in a fresh wind (so that the perch sways less, or for better i shelter?) and that certain trees are favoured. The roosting places were characterised by splashes of white droppings beneath them. Notes 131 59. First-winter female Sparrovvhawk Accipiter nisus at roost, Netherlands, December 1989 {Cees Riemslag) y y, _ClThe inclusion of plates 59-61 in colour has been subsidised by a donation from Carl Zeiss — Germany 60 8c 61. Above, adult male and, below, 6rst-winter male Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus, Netherlands January 1991 and February 1987 (Cees Riemslag) (D864) f alue and quality are two reasons Wildlife and Bird Watching rated these Nikon Binoculars and Fieldscopes among the best in their classes. For instance, Bird Watching awarded the Nikon 8 x 30ECF WF binoculars a full five stars, their highest value-for-money rating. What’s more, they acclaimed the 8 X 30s “Excellent in every way optically— very sharp and bright.”* That’s because they share the Nikon heritage of optical excellence. So take a look through the leaders today. *By courtesy of EMAP Pursuit Ltd.: Quoted from an article BEST BUYS IN BINOCULARS, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Bird Watching, May 1990. And, BEST BUYS IN TELESCOPES, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Bird Watching, June 1990. By courtesy of BBC Publications; JUST THE BEST, by Chris Harbard and lan Dawson, Wildlife, March 1989. Fieldscope II, Fieldscope EDII and 8 x 30 ECF have been recommended by British Birds. Nikonimmbts NIKON U.K. LTD. (United Kingdom) 380 RICHMOND ROAD. KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR TEL: (081) 541 4440 FAX: (081) 541 4584 Somerton Foto Ltd. (The Republic of Ireland) TEL: (01) 773173 “Tough and totally functional, yet elegant in the simplicity of its design” /Announcing a specTAae TH€ UUORLD'S MOST RDVnNC€D BINOCULRR 7x30 BEECHER “disappears WIDE before your ANGLE miRPGE NOT THIS NOT THIS BUT THIS THE FINAL BINOCULAR sapphire-glint of multicoating B€ST BINOCULAR €V€R UJITH NRSR MIRRORS THE BEECHER MIRAGE IS ONLY A SIXTH THE WEIGHT AND BULK OF CONVEN- TIONAL BINOCULARS. FIRST OF ALL, RARE EARTH LENSES PERMIT THE SHORTEST OPTICAL SYSTEM POSSIBLE IN A 7 x 30 WIDE-ANGLE GLASS. SECOND, BULKY PRISMS ARE REPLACED BY SUPER-THIN MIRRORS IN A BODY SHELL TAILORED TO FIT THE LIGHT PATH EXACTLY. FINALLY, THE 14 MULTI- COATED LENSES AND 8 MIRRORS ARE 99% EFFICIENT, TRANSMITTING ALL THE LIGHT TO THE EYE THAT SPACE-AGE TECHNOLOGY AFFORDS. INTRODUCTORY OFFER TO READERS OF BRITISH BIRDS 7x30 £397 10x30 £465 plus £5 P&P Available from B B PHOTOSUPPLIES 118 Wembley Park Drive, Wembley, Middx The only choice for sports, theater and nature “wall to wall mirrors” THE SPY BtNOCULAR-lt Only LOOKS Small. ACCESS and VISA accepted Dealer Enquiries Welcome 081-903 9906 Callers Welcome (D988) ■ Essential reading Have you seen BIRDWATCH, Britain’s widely-acclaimed new birding magazine? Published bi-monthly fromjanuary 1992, each issue features a wide range of articles with superb colour and black-and-white photos and illustrations in a stylish A4 format. Issue 1 Bam Owl conservation - sea duck - bird observatories - vagrant American warblers - Jamaican birds - the first 1 991 UK rarity photo report - Bulgaria - photography - sound recording Issue 2 Birding the Western Isles - passage of Little Gulls in NW England - Great Bustards and grasslands - hunting in Britain - Ibisbills at the nest - birding days to remember - photo gallery - photography with scopes Plus world trip report, local patch’ feature, conservation and birding news, competitions, letters, book reviews and birding gossip Subscribe today to guarantee your copy and join thousands of birders in over 30 countries world-wide. , jor8»03f»8w!''' •WTSEUli Wm»|iatr0f UiiatDi^Sit SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM Name Individuals (UK) Address Organisations (UK) Europe & surface mail Postcode Air mail (outside Europe) I enclose a cheque/eurocheque/sterling draft/PO for & payable to Solo Publishing Ltd RETURN FORM TODAY TO: Subscription Dept, Solo Publishing Ltd, P O Box 1786, London E17 7JG £12.90 £18.00 £19.20 £44.90 (D987) Notes 133 As many as 22 Sparrowhawks have been counted roosting at this site and, occasionally, especially early in the winter (November), one or two Merlins Fako columbarius. The photographs were taken by Gees Riemslag, who was first shown the roost by his grandfather and father in the 1930s. Newton (1986) stated that Sparrowhawks are normally solitary at night, but that, in open areas, a number of Sparrowhawks may use the same small wood for roosting. Ortlieb (1987) quoted instances of roosts of up to six Sparrowhawks, and van Duin et al. (1984) found a mixed communal winter roost of Sparrowhawks, Merlins and Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in reeds and willows in another coastal part of the Netherlands where Sparrowhawks did not breed. Leduc & Tombal (1989) described a winter roost in northern France of up to seven Sparrowhawks in one small area of a disused quarry overgrown with birch and willow Salix. An adjacent area of the quarry was used as a communal roosting site by Merlins. At Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, I have often noted a few Sparrowhawks flying, shortly before dusk, to the same area of scrub adjoining a Hen Harrier communal winter roost. Roger Clarke New Hythe House, Reach, Cambridge CB5 0JQ_ REFERENCES Lf.DUC, a., & Tombal, J.-C. 1989. Observations au dortoir de Faucons emerillons Falco columbarius et d’Eperviers d’Europe Accipiter nisus de Neuville-sur-Escant (Nord). Le Heron 22: 91-99. Newton, L 1986. Text on ‘Sparrowhawk’. In Lack, P. (ed.) The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland. Calton. Ortlieb, R. 1987. Die Sperber. Wittenberg Lutherstadt. VAN Dltn, G., Vogelzang, F., Sjouken, R., Stet, R., Schoevaart, S., & Buker, J. 1984. , Gemeenschappelijke slaapplaats van Sperwers Accipiter nisus, Smellekens Falco columbarius I en Blauwe Kiekendieven Circus cyaneus. Limosa 57: 97-103. I Dr Ian Newton has commented: ‘This may not be “communal” roosting in the sense that 1 finches. Starlings Stumus vulgaris and harriers roost, but simply a case of limited woodland in I an area of good feeding, to which any hunting Sparrowhawks are automatically drawn. 1 have I heard of similar cases of several Sparrowhawks entering the same small wood at dusk on moorland, where the wood concerned provided the only cover in a large area of open hunting i grounds. L'nless the trees were very tall and open, I would have expected the conifer wood to I have been preferred, at least by some of the Sparrowhawks. Their preference for the birch I woods is surprising.’ Eds I Male Sparrowhawk rearing half-grown young single-handed During I the making of a wildlife film at Woodwalton Fen, Cambridgeshire, we kept . the nest of a Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus under close observation from the I day before the first egg was laid until the young dispersed. The nest was ! first located on 12th May, at a height of 4 m in willow scrub Salix. The , female, identified as a one-year-old individual by her mainly brown dorsal plumage, was observed on the nest on 18th May, when three eggs were present, a fourth being laid later. Three eggs hatched on 19th June, but , one chick quickly died; the remaining egg failed to hatch. The female remained in constant attendance, leaving only to collect food brought by her mate, a one-year-old male. The nest was filmed again on 30th June, when the two chicks, apparently one of each sex, were 11 days old; the female still ripped up food for them at this time. On 3rd July, the female 134 Notes did not appear during an eight-hour observation stint and had presum- ably died; during this period, the male brought only two food items to the nest, each time departing within four seconds (at 14 days old, the chicks were able to tear their own food). For the following 24 days, the male parent was seen on several days to deliver food directly to the nest at intervals of 45-180 minutes: for the first few days after the disappearance of his mate, he called softly on approaching the nest, but thereafter he remained silent; he never stayed longer than six seconds at the nest. The male chick left the nest on 16th July, when 27 days old (which is within the usual nestling period: Newton 1986), but returned to it whenever his parent brought food. The female chick left the nest on 19th July, at 30 days old. For the next week, both fledglings spent most of each day only a few metres from the nest, often calling for food, but both returned to it promptly when their father brought food. The young apparently stopped visiting the nest from 27th July (1 1 days after the first of them fledged), but were heard calling in the vicinity until 10th August (24 days after fledging). This is the usual age for dispersal of young (Wyllie 1985; Newton 1986). We can find no record of a male Sparrowhawk without a mate | successfully rearing young. This male’s success was due in part to the fact ! that his young were 14 days old when he became a single parent, so they , did not need brooding and were able to tear up their own food, and to the brood’s comprising only two young. The fact that he was inexperienced makes his achievement even more remarkable. Ian Wyllie and Maurice Tibbles Monks Wood Experimental Station, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PEI7 2LS REEERENCES Newton, I. 1986. The Sparrowhawk. Calton. I VVvi.I.IE, I. 1985. Post-fledging period and dispersal of young Sparrowhawks Accipiter rtisus. Bird | Study 32: 196-198. " 1 I Dr Ian Newton has commented that he knows of no previous records of a male ' Sparrowhawk rearing young on its own. Eds I Reaction of Pheasant to warning thump of rabbit At 1 7.00 GMT on 18th | September 1985, in pasture near West Bagborough, Taunton, Somerset, I I saw a male Pheasant Phasianus colchicus walking and feeding among the ! grass about 20 m away. I was sitting in cover watching through binoculars j when a rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus ran towards me; when it was about 7 m i away, it stopped and, after a pause, thumped the ground twice with a hind , foot before turning and running off. The Pheasant, on hearing the first I thump, at once stopped its feeding activities and became quite immobile ! for several seconds; then, after gradual relaxation of its rigid posture, it ran off to the cover of a hedge, uttering strident, but relatively ‘low-key’ alarm calls, ‘kwor-kork’. At the time, there was considerable background ^ noise from aircraft and nearby motor traffic, but the response of the Pheasant to the rabbit’s warning stamp on sighting me was almost immediate. A. P. Radford j Crossways Cottage, West Bagborough, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3EG I Notes 135 Stone-curlew killing adult Linnet At about 09.45 GMT on 7th June 1985, from the eastern hide at Weeting Heath, Norfolk, we observed a pair of Stone-curlews Burhinus oedicnemus feeding a well-grown chick with uniden- tified insects and other food. Both parents were engaged in this activity, and the chick itself also collected food on occasions. In the same area there were a number of Wheatears Oenanthe oenanthe and Skylarks Alauda arvensis and groups of Linnets Carduelis cannabina, all feeding or standing on the ground within a short distance of the Stone-curlews. Without warning, one of the Stone-curlew parents moved rapidly into a flock of adult and immature Linnets, seized an adult in its bill, and killed it by banging it on the ground several times. The Stone-curlew chick was presented with the prey, but a ‘tug-of-war’ developed and eventually the parent made off with it; on several occasions over the next quarter of an hour, we saw the adult Stone-curlew apparently eating the Linnet. We reported our observation to the reserve warden, who informed us that, on the previous day, he had also seen a Stone-curlew make forays into a group of Linnets, although he had never seen one catch and kill a Linnet. BWP (vol. 3) records invertebrates, small vertebrates and birds’ eggs among the food of Stone- curlews, but there is no mention of live birds being taken by this species. Peter Rathbone ancl Marie Rathbone Wem, Llanarmm-yn-Ial, near Mold, Clwyd CH7 4QD Exceptionally tame Skylark allowing itself to be picked up In June 1985, near Taunton, Somerset, I was walking down a wide grassy track through standing com; a number of Skylarks Alauda arvensis were aloft. One lark emerged from the side of the track and proceeded to adopt the ‘broken-wing’ posture, as if to lead me away from its nest. It allowed me, however, to get nearer and nearer, and, when I was within about 1 m, it simply lay on its side. Thinking that it might possibly really be injured, I picked it up, whereupon it lay quietly in my hands. I examined the lark, found nothing wrong, and put it down and walked away. After I had gone about 10 m, the Skylark took off and flew back perfectly naturally. To avoid causing the lark any further distress, I did not investigate further to ascertain whether it was protecting its nest or young. Derrick Warren 52 Stoke Road, Taunton, Somerset TAl 3EJ This observation seems extraordinary. Derek Goodwin has commented; ‘If the bird did have eggs or young, it is of great interest as showing how the distraction displays can go wrong. The reason they seldom do is, of course, that, if the observer had been a fox Vulpes vulpes, crow Corvus, weasel Mustela nivalis or primitive human being, that Skylark would now be “selected out”.’ Eds Presumed aberrant Redwing showing characters of Eye-browed Thrush On 26th October 1987, near Newford duck-pond on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, DJH noticed an unfamiliar thrush Turdus in the furrows of a bulb field. Unfortunately, he was alone, and no other observers appeared during the few minutes before it flew off. Farther along the road, however, he relocated it feeding among some Blackbirds 7! merula in a grassy field. 136 Notes There, prolonged views down to about 6 m were had, but again, atypically, no other observers appeared on the scene, and eventually the thrush flew off. This time it was not relocated. DJH mentioned this unusual bird to many observers, but found only one other (DW) who had seen it. The bird’s ‘interesting’ appearance caused an immediate reaction, because of its similarity to Eye-browed Thrush T. obscurus, but it soon became clear that Redwing T. iliacus was involved so, regrettably, neither of us made comprehensive notes. The notes that DJH did make clearly showed, however, that it was a very odd-plumaged bird: SIZE AND SHAPE As Redwing, having same, rather flat-crowned look. UPPERPARTS Whole upperparts, including wings and tail, rather plain, earthy brown; tertials rather darker, narrowly edged and tipped with pale buflish; greater coverts with white tips, forming narrow but very clear-cut and prominent white wing-bar. Broad, creamy white supercilium extended back to just beyond ear-coverts and curved slightly downwards at rear. UNDERPARTS Long, quite broad, creamy white submoustachial stripe curled back under lower edge of facial area and extended a little way up towards ear-coverts. Promin- ent, quite broad, dark malar stripe ended in wedge on side of lower throat. Chin and throat pale creamy buff. Whole of breast area warm orange, marked with rows of rather indistinct, fine, dark streaking; slightly more noticeable was a concentration of ill-defined dark spots on sides of lower breast. From sides of lower breast, broad band of warm orange extended along flanks, ending about level with vent. Orange of breast looked a shade or two darker than that on flanks, doubtless owing to the dark streaking, which was lacking on flanks. Whole of belly, vent and undertail-coverts clear white, except for some noticeable black spotting on undertail-coverts. BARE PARTS Typical of Redwing. VOICE Flight call not noticeably different from Redwing’s. Fig. 1. ‘Mystery thrush’ Turdm, probably aberrant Redwing T. iliacus, St Mary’s, Scilly, 26th October 1987 (left), and Eye-browed Thrush T. obscurus, St Agnes, Scilly, 27th October 1987 ( right )(/rom colour sketches by D. J. Holman) By an amazing coincidence, DJH was present on St Agnes the next day, when an Eye-browed Thrush was located. The similarities to the St Mary’s bird were remarkable. The main differences were as follows. The Eye-browed Thrush: ( 1 ) showed a rather more domed crown; (2) showed a grey-brown (rather than earthy brown) tone to the head, ‘face’ and hindneck; (3) showed a shorter, narrower and whiter supercilium; (4) lacked the long, curving, creamy submoustachial line; instead, showed a white crescent under the eye and a longer white crescent along the lower edge of the ‘face’, and curling under ear-coverts; it also showed a small white spot on lower rear edge of ear-coverts; (5) showed a narrow grey band extending from lower edge of ‘face’ across lower throat, thus dividing the white chin and throat from the orange breast; Notes 137 (6) had a clear orange breast-and-flanks area, lacking even subtle streaking; and (7) had a yellower tinge to legs. This account demonstrates that caution is always necessary. With only distant, brief views, the St Mary’s thrush could have been claimed as an Eye-browed Thrush, whereas in our opinion it was either an aberrant Redwing or, perhaps, a hybrid Redwing x Eye-browed Thrush (there is a wide area of overlap in the two species’ breeding ranges in central Siberia). David J. HoLMAN and David Walsh 9 Salisbury Road, Norwich NRl ITH These notes and two colour sketches (shown here in black-and-white: fig. 1) by David Holman were circulated for interest and information to the Rarities Committee, as an example of an aberrant bird resembling a rarity. The members of the Rarities Committee were unanimous in the view that, while such a bird might, on brief views, be claimed as an Eye-browed Thrush, it would not be accepted. Opinions differed concerning its identity, the majority favouring aberrant Redwing rather than a hybrid, but three expressing the view that a poorly marked Eye-browed Thrush was not entirely eliminated as a possibility. Ens Plumage and behaviour of aberrant Redwing On 12th February 1990, whilst searching fields around Little London, Hampshire, I located a flock of approximately 1,000 Redwings Turdus iliacus ranging over grass paddocks and the adjoining oak Quercus and holly Ilex woodland of Pamber Forest. A very strikingly plumaged thrush (fig. 1) was feeding in the farthest paddock, some 200 m away. Observations were difficult because the flock was constantly put to flight by the forest-edge patrols of a female Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. The odd thrush was present on the following morning, but could not be found again until the afternoon of 16th February, when I watched it with G. A. Allport and A. Swash, at a range of 30 m. The following description was obtained: SIZE AND SHAPE As Redwing. PI.UMAGE Crown brown, appearing darker than those of accompanying Redwings, ow- ing to contrast with whiteness. White crescent-shaped supercilium, narrow before eye, wider behind eye, tailing off towards nape. Eye-stripe dark brown (darker than crown), thin in front of eye, and thickening around and below eye, before tailing off to very thin line separating supercilium from ear-coverts. Ear-coverts, throat and breast pure bril- liant white, except for two very small brown feathers/shafts in region of left malar (visi- ble only with scrutiny at close range). Between breast and belly, grey wash formed complete pectoral band, becoming rusty-red wash on breast adjacent to carpal joint. This band interspersed with streaks, extending halfway down flanks, but not onto belly. Flanks, belly and undertail-coverts slightly off-white, contrasting strongly with brilliant white of upper breast and ear-coverts. Man- tle, back and rump as Redwing; wings as Redwing. BARF. PARTS As Redwing. We identified the bird as a partially albino Redwing on the following characteristics: (1) size and shape as Redwing; (2) bill coloration and bill shape as Redwing; (3) brown flecks in region of left malar. The bird’s behaviour in the field was consistently diflFerent from that of the rest of the flock with which it was associated. It showed a marked preference for the bare, muddy areas of the paddock, often being the only member of the flock to be feeding on these patches. Upon disturbance (e.g. by a raptor), the partial albino would be one of the last to seek the 138 Notes Fig. 1. Partial albino Redwing Turdus iliacus, Hampshire, February 1990 {from colour painting by ■ Rob Still) i shelter of nearby trees, preferring to crouch on the ground instead. Similarly, once flushed, it would be amongst the last to return from the trees and recommence feeding. Even though it was eventually identified as ‘only a Redwing’, it exhibited a plumage striking enough to cause four days of consternation. ROB STILL ! Mniotilta, 46 Badgers Bank, Lychpit, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG26 6TH j As recently noted in relation to a partial albino Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs (Brit. Birds 84: 516- | 517), aberrantly plumaged common birds can look very exotic at times. When they resemble 1 a rarer species, confusion is possible. In this case, the careful documentation and the - behavioural differences noted warrant publication. We are interested in other similar instances, but most will be filed for future reference or summary, not for publication individual!)’. Eds Jackdaws feeding on horse-chestnuts On 29th September 1984, in the streets of Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland, a party of three Jackdaws Corvus monedula was seen feeding on the seeds (‘conkers’) of horse-chestnuts i Aescidus hippocastanum. In order to expose the flesh of the conkers, by j rupturing the hard testa, the Jackdaws carried them to a height of about ( 10 m and then dropped them upon the pavement. This behaviour was j very reminiscent of that of Carrion Crows C. corone feeding on mussels on rocky shores. Chris Gibson English Nature, All Saints House, High Street, Colchester CGI IVG Derek Goodwin ha.s commented as follows: T have never seen references either to Jackdaws eating conkers or to their dropping food to break it. I have often thought that, if | palatable, horse-chestnuts would seem a good food supply for many animals and have | watched out for anything feeding on them. All that I have seen do so is the grey squirrel ij Sciurus carolinemis.' El)S ! t News and comment Robin Prytherch and Mike Everett Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ Emergency Zones in Peru In the light of recent killings of British birdwatchers in Peni (Brit. Birds 83: 515, 567; 84: 239). it should be noted that there are a number of regions there which have been termed 'emergency zones’ by the British Embassy in Lima. These areas are where the activities of the Sendero Luminoso or other terrorist groups make the presence of Westerners extremely inadvisable. Anyone travelling to Peru should consult either the Peruvian Embassy in London, or the Foreign Office to get an up-to-date map of which areas should be avoided (these areas change swiftly). There are ‘safe’ areas in Peru for tourists; restrict- ing visits to these should help to avoid any more unfortunate incidents in the future. (Contributed by BrinleyJ. Best) British Birdwatching Fair helps Romania The ICBP’s Danube Delta fund benefited by £20,000 from the British Birdwatching Fair, held at Rutland Water in August 1991 (Brit. Birds 84: 522). The Pair’s organisers — the Leicestershire & Rutland Trust for Nature Conservation and the RSPB — and its spon- sors, ‘in focus’, presented the cheque to Dr Christoph Imboden, Director-General of the ICBP, at a reception at The Lodge in December 1991 (plate 62). Tim .Appleton, Warden of the Rutland Water LRTNC reserve, and Martin Davies, the RSPB’s East .Midlands Regional Officer, have now established not only a marvellous annual get-together for Britain’s birdwatch- ers, but also a major source of funding for international conservation. The holding of the presentation ceremony at Fhe Lodge quite rightly provided official national en- dorsement of the Fair and acknowledgment of their achievements. . . . and Spain This year’s Fair, at Rutland Water during 4th-6th September, will raise money in aid of tbe ICBP’s appeal concern- ing Spanish Steppe Grasslands, the last remaining extensive steppe area in Europe, where the typical birds are Great Otis tarda and Little Bustards Tetrax tetrax. Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni, .Stone-curlews Burki- nas oedicnemus and a variety of larks (Alaudi- dae). The main risks to the region are afforestation and intensification of agricul- ture, especially irrigation, which would con- vert the area from wheatlands and grazing to cultivation for strawberries and vegetables. 62. British Birdwatching Fair £20,000-cheque presentation to ICBP, at RSPB headquarters, Bedfordshire, December 1991. Left to right: Bruce Hanson (in focus), Martin Davies (RSPB Regional Officer), Tim Appleton (LRTNC) and Dr Christoph Imboden (ICRP)(RSFB/ C. H. Gomersalt) DANUBE • SVPPOKnDC’i EUROPE'S [PORTANT ICBP STATUS: BVHITE-TAa BRITISH BIRDWATCHING FAIR URGES! BED EUROPE'S REED GER IN DAN RED- BREASTED 1 DALMATIA coosL .am I 139 140 News and comment Khao Yai closure The hundreds of Euro- pean and American birders who have visited I'hailand’s wonderful forest reserve, Khao Yai National Park, will be dismayed to hear the news that there are plans to close all visitor accommodation there. Instead of staying in delightful bungalows (managed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand) in the midst of the forest — with hornbills (Bucerotidae), gibbons Hylobales, Great Eared Nightjars Eurostopodus macrotis and needletail swifts Hirundapus for company — those wishing to visit the area will be expected to stay in recently built ‘resort hotels’ outside the park. This high-handed action has been mooted without advice being sought from the conservationists, naturalists and scien- tists, including birdwatchers, who make most use of the facilities. The presence of visitors aware of the importance and value of the area, for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, has helped to ensure that the area is relatively safe from poachers, and these same visitors have been largely responsible for the accumulation of the scientific infor- mation which demonstrates the international status of Khao Yai as a forest wildlife reserve. We hope that the Thai government will amend its policy, which would deprive many visitors to Thailand of one of their most memorable experiences: the reason that many of them visit the country at all. If you want to express your views, you should write to Mr Anand Panyarachun, Prime Minister, Government House, Phitsa- nuloke Road, Bangkok, Thailand. The Most Loyal Secretary Award Who was able to attend an informal Ghristmas luncheon for those who help BB through the year only because his secretary told his boss that it was ‘an important Board Meeting of an international ornithological Journal’? We hope that he took a mince pie back to the office for her. Change of County Recorder Alert readers will have noticed from our list of county, regional and bird observatory recorders in Britain and Ireland that Alan Davies has taken over from Tom Gravett as County Recorder for Gwynedd (Anglesey, Caernar- vonshire) (Rnf. Birds 85: 30). Recent reports Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary covers the [jeriod 17th January to 14th February 1992 These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records Little Egret Egretta garzetta At least 40 in Britain (about 25 in Cornwall and Devon and one in Scotland), and at least two, Co. Cork and Co. VV^aterford, throughout Janu- ary; I'acumshin (Co. Wexford), 9th Febru- ary. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Wintering male returned to Oxford Island, Lough Neagh (Co. Armagh), late January to at least 11th February. Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata Two, South Harris (Western Isles), 20th January; Dun- drum Bay (Co. Down), late January; Broad- strand (Co. Cork), 9th February; two in Largo Bay (Fife), and one at Hele Bay, Ilfracombe (Devon) still present to 13th February. Gyrfalcon Ealco rusticohis Kirkwall, 25th January, and South Ronaldsay (both Orkney), 31st January; Shirley Moor/ Dungeness area (Kent), 19th-28th January. Spotted Crake Forzana porzana Killed by cat, St Agnes (Scilly), 26th January. Iceland Gull L arm glaucoides Adult of North American race kumlieni. The Lough, Cork City (Co. Cork), 9th- 10th January. Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos Cress- well Ponds (Northumberland), 29th January to at least 14th February; Dagenham Chase (Greater London), 12th to at least 14th February. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Tregonetha Downs, 1 8th-3 1st January, and Bude (both Cornwall), from at least 2nd-12th February. For the latest, up-to-date news, phone ‘Twitchline’ on 0891-884-501 (!i6p/inin cheap rate; 4Hp/min other times; incl. VAT) We are grateful to National Bird News for supplying information for this news feature. British BirdShop ALL LISTED BOOKS ARE POST EREE TO ‘BRITISH BIRDS’ SUBSCRIBERS Books and other items are included in British BirdShop only if they are approved by British Birds and considered to be generally reliable, good value and useful additions to a birdwatcher’s library. Any item ordered through British BirdShop which fails to meet your approval can be returned and your money will be refunded without question. It is our aim to provide British Birds subscribers with the best and most reliable service possible. Items ordered through British BirdShop are despatched for British Birds subscribers by the Natural History Book Service. 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Excellent value. Brochure: (0353) 740770. (BB097) SCOTLAND SPEY VALLEY. Maureen and Larry once again invite guests to sample their highland hospitality. Set in five acres, our home has uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. Bird register available. Good home cooking and a warm welcome await you. D/B/B £130 p.w. (All rooms en-suite). Brochure: Maureen Tatilbtit, “Braes of Dtithif, Duthil, Carrhridge, Inverness-shire PH23 3ND. 047984 395. (BB879) ALL OVER SCOTLAND. Comfortable cot- tages and chalets in attractive locations through- otit Scotland. Stamp please for free 84-page colour brochure. Holiday Cottages (Scotland) Ltd, Lilliesleaf, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6 9JD. Tel: 08357 481 . (BB936) STRATHSPEY SELF CATERING. 1 crown lo 5 crowns highly commended. Colour brochure from S.S.C., Ballingtomb Cottages, Dulnain Bridge PH26 31.S. Tel. 047 985 322. (BB937) THE STRATHSPEY BIRDING CENTRE. Guest house rtm by birders for birders. Latest sightings and helpful information, plus daily bird trips. BB&EM. Details from ‘Heatherlea’, Deshar Road, Boat of Garten, Inverness PH24 3BN or ring 0479 8.3674, (BBOlO) GALLOWAY. Hills, I ochs, forests and sea. Speciality, birds of prey and waterfowl. High qtiality self-catering houses, cottages, flats. De- tails G. M. Thomson & Co, 27 King Street, Castle Douglas. 0556 2973, (BB964) ISLE OF ISLAY, HEBRIDES. Five superbly equipped cottages, open throughout year. Per- fect situation with views, minutes to charming vil- lage. Short drive to RSPB reserve at Gruinart. Brochure: Mrs Sarah Roy, Lorgba Holiday Cot- tage, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, Argyll. Tel: 049 685/208. (BB999) SPEY VALLEY. Uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. All rooms en-suite; tea and coffee making facilities: Db&b £130. Brochure from: Penny Bailey, The Lodge, Easter Duthil, Carr- bridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84503. (BB089) OSPREY -VISITORS to Loch Garten & Aber- nethy? Locheil GH offers BB: £11.50; DBB: £18.50; or self-cater Cottage (sleeps 6) rental £22 nightly, and Chalet (sleeps 4) £17 nightly. Eor de- tails + 150 birdlist, walks, slide-talks, etc., write: Locheil, Boat of Garten, Inverness-shire. Tel: 047 983 603. (BB986) ELLARY ESTATE— MOST ATTRACTIVE choice of self-catering cottages and chalets situ- ated on the shores of Loch Caolisport. While you are at Ellary you are free to go wherever you please. There are hill walks, many lochs and burns where you can fish, numerous wildlife, ^ birds, flowers, etc. The perfect location for the | true country lover. For full colour brochure I please write to: The Booking Office, Ellary 7, | Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8PA. Tel: 08803 232/ ! 209 or 054685 223. (BB983) | GALLOWAY. Country cottage, sleeps 4. Mid- way Glen Trool/coast. 0858 880709. (BB041) j ISLE OF MULL. A stable converted into two warm, comfortable flats. Frachadil Farm, Cal- j gary. Tel: 068 84 265 or (0453) 833323. (BB037) ISLE OF GIGHA, Argyllshire, For a holiday sur- rounded by natural beauty, sandy beaches, exotic gardens, birds, wild flowers, good food and comfortable accommodation. Also self catering accommodation. Please contact Mrs. Mc- Sporran, Post Office House 058-35 251 . (BB036) THE HOTEL, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA61 7YP. Demi-pension (Private bath) from £48.00. De- tails, brochures, map (bird list on request). Tel: 09512 316. (BB965) | SPEY VALLEY. Beautiful secluded informal j | country hotel, 2 miles from village of Carr- j bridge. Home cooking, full central heating. All rooms en-suite. Perfect base for birdwatchers and walkers. Discount available for parties. Terms from £180.00 per week DB&B. Brochure from Mrs Y. Holland. The Old Manse Hotel, Duthil, Carrhridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84278. (BB067) ISLAY, GEESE. Warm cottages sleep 8, 7 or 2. Lady Wilson. Cala na Ruadh, Port Charlotte. Tel: 289 (BB943) NORTH BERWICK. Family run hotel with warm, friendly atmosphere, comfortable rooms and home cooking. Open all year round. Over- looking Craigleith Rock and within easy reach of Bass Rock, Fidra and Aberlady nature reserve. Small groups welcome (max 15). Belhaven Hotel, Westgate, North Berwick. Tel: (0620) 3009 for brochure. (BB758) SUMBURGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, SHET- LAND. Spectacular clifftop location. Seabird colonies, seawatching, passage migrants, all around. Selfcatering cottage sleeps 5, central heating, newly furnished, fully equipped except linen. Road to door. Virkie Pool, Grutness, white- sand beaches, Restaurant/Bar, Airport, all within 2'/2 miles. Also unfurnished Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage for long let. Details from Torquil John- son-Ferguson, Solwavbank, Canonbie, Dum- friesshire, DG14 OXS. 03873 72240. (BB087) I : SEE PUFFINS, skuas, seals and a lot more. Private boat takes you among otherwise inac- ] cessible colonies. A nature-lover’s dream. Full board in castle, or stay in self-catering cottages. Send for details: Balfour Castle, j Shapinsay, Orkney. Tel: 085 671 282. Fax: ^ 0856 5039. (BB107) I BOAT OF GARTEN, OLD FERRYMAN’S I HOUSE. BB £13.50, DBB £22, PL £3, Bird regis- . ter. Open fire in sitting room. Few minutes walk I to RSPB reserve. Tel: 047983 370. (BB112) I WALES I SOUTH STACK, ANGLESEY. Tan-y-Cytiau i Country Guest House. Lovely comfortable ' Edwardian house peacefully situated on slopes of Holyhead Mountain. Gardens bordering 1 South Stack RSPB Reserve. Friendly atmo- I sphere, excellent fresh cuisine. Licensed. S.C. 1 Lodge in grounds sleeps 7. Phone Pam or Stan 1 Keating on 0407 762763 for brochure. (BB832) I i ANGLESEY. Superb waterside position with magnificent views. Ideal centre for bird watchers j and botanist in area of outstanding natural 1 beauty. Elegant en suite rooms available for bed and breakfast. Highground, Ravenspoint Road, Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd LL65 2’yV Tel: (0407) 860078. (BB009) YSBYTY YSTWYTH, s.c. cottage, 4/5, kite country, all year. Brochure 021-744 1947. (BB939) 1 RED KITE COUNTRY. Tregaron — Guest- j House standing in 22 acres, overlooking the j Cambrian Mountains and on the doorstep of the Cors Caron Nature Reserve. Central for Dinas I and Ynys-hir RSPB reserves. Parties welcome. WTB — 3 crowns. For brochure, phone Mar- garet Cutter, 0974 298965 or 298905. (BB083) IRELAND IRISH COTTAGE Magnificent situation on Dingle peninsula, Kerry. Sea and mountain birds, unspoilt beaches, countryside full of flowers, quietness. Mod cons, sleeps 4. £99- £162 weeklv plus electricity. Gerrards Cross (0753) 883082. (BB044) OVERSEAS HEART OF CAMARGUE. Secluded well equipped farm cottage. Mas d’Auphan, Le Sam- buc, 13200 ARLES, France (01033) 90972041. (BB051) S. E. SPAIN - comfortable house, convenient major wetlands. All mod cons. Sleeps 3/ 4. Bird list and details. Tel: 0233 628547. (BB02 1 ) SEAWATCHING HOLIDAYS SHEARWATER JOURNEYS: seabirding and whale watching trips year-round from Monterey, California. Albatross, Shearwaters, Storm-petrels, Alcids and Jaegers. Humpback and Blue whales; Aug to Nov. Gray whales: Jan. Schedule available from: Debra L. Shearwater, PO Box 1445, Dept BB, Soquel, CA 95073, USA. Tel: 408-688-1990. (BBOll) BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS OVER HALF of British Birds subscribers travel abroad birdwatching each year, averaging 19 days per trip. To reach this audience, phone 0621 815085 for advertising rates. (BB682) DIVISION OF NICK'S TRAVEL 100 LONDON ROAD, LEICESTER LE2 OQS ‘FLIGHTS FOR BIRDWATCHERS’ EXPERTS IN LOW COST AIRFARES - WORLDWIDE. DISCOUNT CAR HIRE/INSURANCE SPECIALIST ADVISER - ANDY HOWES 0533 881318 (EVES) BEST QUOTES / 1992 GROUP RATES (BB007) HONG KONG. Superb birding September to May - variety of accommodation - trips into China. Richard Lewthwaite, 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen Wan, Tai Po NT, Hong Kong. Phone/Fax: (HK) 665 8190. (BB877) xvii lOitoWto The Travel Agency for Birdwatchers DISCOUNT FLIGHTS...Worldwide Return fares from London from EUROPE £69 M. EAST £139 CARIBBEAN £329 C. & S. AMERICA £409 AFRICA £99 N. AMERICA £169 ASIA £299 AUS/NZ £399 SEA TRAVEL : CAR HIRE : INSURANCE PACKAGE HOLIDAYS (Save up to El 50) ACCOMMODATION : EXPEDITIONS & GROUPS ANTARCTICA & FALKLANDS Tours from £2795. pp. Brochure & Video available. Ask for leaflet detailing our services. 0272-259999 BIlfsTOLBSISAU or DICK FILBY 0603-767-757 TAKING BIRDWATCHERS TO EUROPE AND BEYOND SIBERIA • NEPAL • THE GAMBIA MALLORCA • CAMARGUE EGYPT • DANUBE DELTA • ICELAND BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS IN SMALL GROUPS WITH EXPERT LEADERS FREE BROCHURE, PHONE OR WRITE TO: 0532 586555 (24 Hour) 59 HUNGER HILLS DRIVE, LEEDS LS18 5JU (BB085) BIRDING IN SOUTHEAST AUSTRAUA. The diversity of habitats makes Gipsy Point an ideal place to begin your Australian holiday, with over 100 species likely to be seen during a relaxing four day stay. Regular pelagic bird trips. Gipsy Point Lodge, Gipsy Point, Victoria 3891 Aus- tralia. (BB897) (bB048) PAPAWESTRAY, ORKNEY An island with superb birdlife, rare plants, seals and archaeology. Europe’s largest tern colony. For informnlion on Iravel/accommodation: B.B., Papay Community Co-operative Ltd, Beltane House, Papa Westray, Orkney. Telephone 08574 267 (BB008) ERYRI BIRDS Come birdwatclwig until us in 1992 S. MOROCCO - MARCH S. SPAIN - MAY & SEPTEMBER N. GREECE - MAY & SEPTEMBER E. AUSTRIA - MAY/JUNE Informal small group holidays with experienced guides Send for a brochure to: Colin Thomas, 24 Tan-y-Bwlch Rd, Llanllechid, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 3HU Tel: (0248) 600167 (BB090) xviii NEW ZEALAND For the best of NZ birding, write Nature Quest New Zealand. Box 6314. Dunedin. New Zealand fo custom departures or details of self drive consultancy. Tel: & Fax: (03) 489 8444 (BB082) WILD BIRDS DOWN UNDER TOURS FOR BIRDOS 1992/93 Sydney & The Bush Mar 21 - Apr 5 New Guinea May 31 - June 14 NORTHERN AUSTRALIA - The Kimberleys July 2-16 Darwin & Kakadu July 17 - Aug 1 Caims/Atherton Tableland Aug 15 - 29 Cairns To Cape York Sept 4 • 19 NEW ZEALAND - Southern NZ & Stewart Is. Oct 9 - 18 Wild Birds NZ-wide Oct 31 • Nov 14 THE ENDS OF THE EARTH - Stewart Island Dec 13 - 19 Chatham Islands Jan 18 • 26, 1993 AUSTRALIA - The South East Mar 6 - 21, 1993 Sydney & The Bush Mar 27 - Apr 1 1 Send for individual itineraries to:- WILD BIRDS DOWN UNDER Andy Anderson Box 1, Tarras, Ph 64-3-445 2825 Otago, New 2^aland Fax 64-3-443 8876 (BB100)| BIRDS OF SPEYSIDE: A week of crossbills, | crested tits, ospreys and lots more; small grcupi with very experienced leader. Also departures to| ISLAY, OUTER HEBRIDES, ORKNEY & SHET' LAND, Write to: Natureguide (Caledonia)j Shiresmill, Dunfermline KY12 8ER. (BBO,50)| t'WILD SIERRAS & LAGUNAS IN EXTREMADURA & LA MANCHA' 8 days from May 1 1992 £735 inclusive of all excursions k 7 Wingfield Street, London SEl 5 4LN 071-629 1257 (evening) F (BB114) COSTA RICA More birds than ttie whole of North America! Tailor-made birding trips for individuals and small groups. Brochures: BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA APARTADO 7911 - lOOB SAN JOSE COSTARICA FAX: -t- 506-28 1573 (BB108) BIRDWATCHING TOURS fioxnwufi phiuphuher INUfDDIRDTOClRS STRZELECKI TRACK TOUR 1 2-27 Sept. (S.W.-Q'ld; N.W.-N.S.W.; N.E.-S.A.; N.W.-Vic.). Inland endemics, 200-f spedes including 4 sp Crasswren, grey & black Falcon, Plainswanderer, Inland Dotteral (camping). SOUTH-EAST AUST. 2-1 3 Oct. All S.E. endemics, 300-f species including Superd Lyrebird, Gang Gang Cockatoo, Powerful Owl. Pelagic trip. Optional 4-day Tasmanian extension (camping or accommodated). KAKADU/GULF COUNTRY 1 -30 )une. Further information: PHILIP MAHER, 94 Hunter Street, Deniliquin 2710 N.S.W. Australia Ph.(058)813378. (bb979) AUSTRALIA - Send for our Birding brochure. ‘ Tours throughout Australia from individuals to I groups. We welcome enquiries from both private '.customers and tour agents. Falcon Tours. 1 Si- Imons Drive, Roleystone, Perth, Western Aus- jtralia, PH/FAX (09) 397 5125. Lie. Tour pperator. (BB871) ®Small-Group Birding Enjoy Morocco's desert birds (£925), Sweden's Owls (£1045), Israel's wintering raptors (£825), the Danube delta (£895), Egypt (£875) etc.... in groups of 6 or less. Unbeatable value. For details of these and many other special holidays, contact.... GOSTOURi^ 29 Matchwood Road Sheffield S6 5LB Tel: 0742 334171 y (BB081) BIRD INFORMATION PHONE-UNES Latest rare bird news: 0891-884-501 Latest Rarities Committee* decisions: 0891-884-522 (36p/min cheap rate; 48p/min other times) * The Rarities Committee is sponsored by Carl Zeiss - German'y ( 1 ) ALL THE RARE BIRD NEWS AS SOON AS IT BREAKS! paged directly to the screen of your pocket pager . . . Nationwide RARE BIRD ALERT details TEL: FREE! 0800 246 246 (BB972) BIRD REPORT HONG KONG BIRD REPORT 1990. 214 pp plus colour plates. Regular features plus many papers inc. 10 first sightings. Status of Oriental White Stork, Penduline Tit ‘Invasion’, Observa- tions in Winnan, Liaoning and Qinghai, China, etc. £8.50 inc. p&p from S. Anstruther, Barlav- ington Estate, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 OLG, (BB988) XIX CAMBS. BIRD REPORT 1990, 90pp, £4 W. Jor- dan, 61 Lonetree Ave., Impington, Cambs. (BBOOl) DERBYSHIRE filRD REPORT 1990. Full colour cover plus colour photos inside. £4.00 inc p&p from Rodney Key, 3 Farningham Close, Spondon, Derby DE2 7DZ. (BB006) BIRDS OF OXON, 1990 £4 inc p&p, from R. Overall, 30 Hunsdon Road, Iffley, Oxford 0X4 4JE. (BB027) HERTFORDSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1990. £4.50 inc p&p from B. Taggart, 2 Yewtree Cottages, Colliers End, Ware, Herts SGI 1 lEQ. (BB022) BIRDS IN DURHAM 1990. Classified list with papers (Lesser Crested Tern, Herring Gull, AJec- toris Partridges, Red-eyed Vireo). £3.50 post free from D. Sowerbutts, 9 Prebends Field, Gilesgate Moor, Durham. (BBlll) COURSES SKOKHOLM ISLAND, off the Pembrokeshire Coast. Courses in Art, Birdwatching, Photogra- phy. Thousands of Puffins, Manx-shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills and other birds. Send SAE to Dept BB, 7 Market Street, Haverfordwest, D>fed SA61 INF. Tel: (0437) 765462. (BB032) PERSONAl. BIRDING CANADA, UNITED STATES, COSTA RICA? For information re site guides, maps etc, write to Dunnock Enterprizes 2409 Speyside Dr,, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5K 1X5. (BB0.33) RARE BIRD NEWS ■ ^ J 0891 700 222 News you can trust from the team you know Phone YOUR News in on 0263 741 140 ALL THE NEWS FROM AVON. WILTSHIRE. SOMERSET. DEVON. DORSET. CORNWALL. ISLE OF SCILLY. BIRDLINE SOUTH WEST 0891 700241 CALLS TO ALL 0898 NUMBERS COST 36p/MIN CHEAP RATE. 48p/MIN PEAK/STD, INC VAT BIRD INFORMATION SERVICE, STONERUNNER, COAST ROAD, CLEY, HOLT, NORFOLK (BB024) BOOKS BIRD BOOKS, 1988-1989. SAE for 900 item cat- alogue. Crack Books, Sawmill Cottages, Burton- in-Lonsdale, Carnforth, I.ancs. (BB046) THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP Britain ’s leading ornithological booksellers where you can find our comprehensive range of new and secondhand books and reports on birds and natural history, including all new ddes as they are published. Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Mail order catalogue available on request THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP j 2-4 Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y6DS j Tel: 071-287 1407 , (BB080)| j I FINE BOOKS ON ORNITHOLOGY, Natural History purchased & for sale. Also field sports & other rural subjects. Catalogues issued. David i A.H. Grayling, Crosby Ravensworth, Penrith, Cumbria. CA10 3JP (Tel. 09315-282). (BB066) JUST IN! NEW NAT; LARKS, PIPITS & WAG- TAILS. £30 post free. Cat. new/secondhand books avail. Books bought. West Coast Bird books, 25 Heatherways, Freshfield, Liverpool L37 7HL. Tel: 07048 71 115. (BB096) BIRDWATCHING IN CRETE 2nd Ed. £3.75 inc. I , p&p. Stephanie Coghlan, 25 Thorpe Lane, Hud- j I dersfield, West'Yorks HD5 8TA. (BB099) j I BOOKS ON BIRDS. New and secondhand cata- j , logne. 30p stamps. Surplus books urgently j r .sought. BB bought and sold. Viewing by appoint- j , ment. Grant Demar, Old Forge, Stone Street, • Sevenoaks, Kent TN 1 5 OLP. Tel: 0732 8 1 0482. I ■ (BB004) i I MEINERTZHAGEN, RICKMAN, MOREAU and ! ‘ LACK. Rare lines by these and other authors. i For catalogue write to: Barn Hill Books, Old I Schoolhouse, Kilmory, Isle of Arran KA27 8PQ. j Tel: 0770 87368. (BB005) j 1 MOROCCO. A BIRDWATCHER’S GUIDE TO I j MOROCCO by P. & F. Bergier, £8.75. Prion Ltd i (Perry). Vital for travellers to Morocco. From bookshops or NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Tomes, Devon. Tel: (0803) 865913. (BB020) THE AVERAGE British Birds reader will spend over £100 on bird books yearly. They could be buying your books. To advertise, ’phone 0621-j 815085. (BB683) XX The original BIRDWATCHER’S LOGBOOK The most concise way to record your observations. Monthly, annual and life columns for 762 species, plus 1 59 diary pages. Send £5.95 to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beveriey Rd, Walkington, Beverley, N. Humberside HU17 8RP (BB053) ‘BIRD BOOKS’. Good secondhand books bougtit and sold. Free catalogue from, and offers to Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarporlev, Cheshire C\V6 ONJ. Tel: 0829 51804. (BB917) BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD. Send ,S.\E envelope to Dr J. Tierney, 'Hawkridge', Nether Padley, Grindleford, Sheffield S30 IHQ. Tel. 043.3 6.30137. (BB109) SWEDEN & FINLAND. 2 new birders guides. Detailed maps & notes, up to date (1991), essen- tial. £3.50 including p&p. From Gostours, 29 Marchwood Road, Sheffield S6 5LB. Tel: (0742) 3.34171. (BBlOl) FOR SA1£ FOR SALE — Individual BB subscribers can adver- tise here FREE ( up to 30 words, selling a single item, e.g. binocular, book, set of journals}. Quote your BB Ref. No. and address envelope to ‘Free BB Advertis- ing’. (BB753) BRITISH BIRDS SUBSCRIBERS spend between £300 and £1,000 a year on bird- watching equipment. They could be buying your equipment. To advertise, 'phone 0621 815085. (BB684) BIRD JOURNAL BACKNUMBERS SUPPUED. (BB. Bird study. County Reports, etc.), David Morgan, WTiitmore, Umberleigh, Devttn. (BB921) BIRDING CB SPECIALISTS : Hishly rec. MIDLAND POUT-A-PAC CB £99 -t £3.50 pp. ; Mobiles from £58 • H/held from £69 ' Base Stat. from £1 59 SAE for Details/Price List Rech Batts (10 x AA) £12 Cheques payable • Omesa Systems 43 Hemlinston Rd, Stainton, Middlesbroush, 1 Cleveland TS89AG 0642 595845 I (BB040) I CHUBB, BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIANA, 2 Vol- lumes (1916-21), number 218 of 250, wrappers, I includes extensive expedition reports £550 plus 'hipping. John Wall, 19 Tisdale Road, Scarsdale, New York 1058.3, USA. (BB092) TRIPOD, Cullman. Excellent condition, £30. I’hone New Milton (0425) 614.396. (BB091 ) A. DAVIDSON - A BIRDWATCHER IN SCAN- DINAVIA 1954 — V. g. in torn d/w £19 inc. p.licp. Tel. 0483 766517 after 7pm. (BB093) BIRDS OF SOMERSET bv Somerset Ornitholog- ical Society published bv Alan Sutton (1988). Mint condition. New price was ,£14.95. Will ac- cept £10-1- postage. Tel: 0395 273426 evenings. (BB094) WORLD MAGAZINE. Complete. Vol 1 (No. 1 ) to October, 1991 (No. 53). Offers by end oi April to Ian Keymer, Edgefield, Melton Constable', Norfolk, NR24 2AL. or 'phone 026 387 .365. (BB095) CAVE & McDonald Birds of the Sudan' £110.00. Hancock 'The Herons of the World', mint in d/w £.30. Delacour, Ctirassows and re- lated birds, mint in d/w £30. Plus a long list of other bird books, many rare and hard to obtain. Ring anytime. 081-.393 6608. (BBl 15) BRITISH BIRDS VOCABULARY 12 -cassette series in 6 vols. Also Sound Guides and other productions. SAE to Lewis, Rosehill, Lyonshall. HR5 SHS. (BB049) RED DATA BIRDS IN BRITAIN. Original line drawings £25 to £75. Ian Willis. 20 Albert Street, Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbrightshire DG5 4JP. Tel; 0556 611158. (BB045) Zeiss Kowa Opticron Bausch & Lomb Adlerblick Swift Optolyth etc. The Stockport Binocular and Telescope Centre Suppliers of quality binoculars and spotting scopes. Mail order, or callers welcome. Open 6 days 9-6. Repair service on the premises. QT&L Optical Instruments 26 Middle Hillgate, Stockport SKI 3AY Tel. 061 -429 8002 ,RRn49l ‘CHECKLIST TO BIRDS OF THE LONDON BOROUGH OF BARNET’. 245 species listed in 3 categories, plus notes on highlights. 50p + SAFI. C. Herbert, 67a Ridgeway Avenue, East Barnet, Herts. (BB102) PENTAX AE PROGRAMMED 35nun 1.7 LENS with Tokina zoom lens 35-200mm and Pentax flash 200 SA - both in mint condition. Tripod and long cable release £285. Telephone 0743 ,344926. (BBl 0.3) ORIGINAL LINE DRAWINGS from The Birdlife of Mountain and LIpland', £15— £30 plus po.stage. Ghris Rose. Tel: 0835 22547. (BB104) COOPER AND FORSHAW - The Birds of Par- adise and Bower Birds, mint in slip case £240, Ching - The Bird Paintings, mint in slip case £1.50. Ring 0225 315879. (BB105) BIRD REPORTS - Manchester Ornithological .Society 197.3-84, £25. Cheshir e Bird Report 1977- 85, £18. Birds in Northumbria 1975,1976, £4. All good condition and plus postage. 0748 81 1758. (BBI06) BB FOR SALE. 1978-85, complete. LInboimd, in- dexes. Offers. Tel: 081-.341 6618. (BBl 10) British Birds Volume 85 Number 3 March 1992 97 Partial breeding failure of Audouin’s Gull in two Spanish colonies in 1991 A. M. Paterson, A. Martinez Vilalta and J. /. Dies 101 Monthly marathon 102 Seasonal reports Autumn 1991 Part 1: non-passerines Keith Allsopp] and Barry Nightingale 108 Moussier’s Redstart: new to Britain and Ireland Mike Barrett 1 1 1 Seventy-five years ago . . . 112 Mystery photographs 776 Crested Tern Simon R. Colenutt Review 1 14 ‘Atlas cies Oiseaux de France en Hiver’ by Dosithee Yeatman-Berthelot Robert Spenceri 1 1 5 Short reviews 1 1 7 The Rare Breeding Birds Panel Robert Spencer and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel 123 Product reports Beecher Mirage 7 X 30 wide-angle binoculars Peter Holden 124 If the caption fits . . . 124 Fieldwork action BTO news Dr Paul Green 125 ICBP news Georgina Green Requests 126 Scarce migrant records Lee G. R. Evans 126 Autumn 1992 migration survey in Israel Haim Alfia Announcements 126 Books in British BirdShop 127 Rarity decision 127 The ‘BBV'Sunbird’ tour to Israel and Egypt, September 1991 Notes 129 Roosting Hen Harrier killed by fox Roger Clarke 130 Effect of freezing conditions on roosting Hen Harrier A/. C. Cambridge and P. Cambridge 130 Sparrowhawk roost Roger Clarke 133 Male Sparrowhawk rearing half-grown young single-handed Ian Wyllie and Maurice Tibbies 134 Reaction of Pheasant to warning thump of rabbit Dr A. P. Radford 135 Stone-curlew killing adult Linnet Peter Rathbane and Marie Rathbone 135 Exceptionally tame Skylark, allowing itself to be picked up Derrick Wairen 135 Presumed aberrant Redwing showing characters of Eye-browed thrush David J. Holman ar,di.L^steiid.Wakh M 137 Plumage and behaviour of aberrant Redwing Rob Still J 138 Jackdaws feeding on horse-chestnuts Chris Gibson 139 News and comment Robin Prytherch and Mike Everett 140 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-drawings: 97 Audouin’s Gulls (y4, M. Paterson)-, 102 Long-tailed Oucks (Mike Pollard)-, 103 King Fader (Mark Simmonds)-, 108 Moussier’s Redstart (Bruce Pearson)-, 1 17 Avocets (Richard Allen) Front cover: Mallard, Rievaulx Abbey (Andrew Hutchinson): the original drawing of this month’s cover design, measuring 18.6 X 20.8 cm, is for sale in a postal auction (see page 46 in January issue for procedure) J British Birds Volume 85 Number 4 April 1992 nrnsHMUsEu PMT1JRAL mSTOR - 3 APR 1992 PURCHA5B) ZOOLOQY LffiMARY I iptor migration at Eilat Supported by El Al Israel Airlines es • Letter • Reviews « and comment • Monthly marathon • Recent reports British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, R. J. Prytherch & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith & Roger Tidman Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Rarities Committee P. G. Lansdown (Chairman); Dr Colin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, G. P. Catley, Peter Clement, Pete Ellis, S. J. M. Gantlett, C. D. R. Heard, R. A. Hume, J. H. Marchant & Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (Museum Consultant & Archivist); Peter Fraser (Statistician); Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary) Notes Panels HF.HWIOL R Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDENTIFICATION Dr R. J. Chandler, A. R. Dean, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & K. E. Vinicombe “ ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for Publishing Manager, Production & Promotion the benefit of ornithology Dr J. 1'. R. Sharrock I ® British Birds I.td 1992 Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Copyright of photographs remains with Design photographers. British Birds is Deborah Felts published monthly by British Birds I.td. 93 High .Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire Advertising >. ISSN 0007-033.5 Sandra Barnes Addresses Please keep correspondence on difTerent items separate. Please address your envelope correctly. Please supply SAF, if reply required. Papers, notes, letters, drawings & photographs for publication Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40025 ,‘subscriptions and orders for back copies Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40467 Advetiising Mrs Sandra Barnes, BB Advertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Tiptree (0621) 815085 Bird news for ‘Seasonal reports' Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MKI7 9QS. 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Photo adaptor 1200mm 199.00 OPTICRON Compact 7x24_ 80,00 Compact 8x24 81.00 Compact 10x24 83.00 H.R. 8x42 157.00 HR. 10x42 162.00 H.R. 10 x 50 178.00 TELESCOPES Classic I.F. 25x60mm 126.00 Claaic I.F. 75mm Body 140.00 25/30xH.E.P 27.00 18x-40x/22x-47xzoomEP 66.00 H.R. 22x60 179.95 H.R. 20-60x60 219.95 H.R. 22x60 RA 189.95 H.R. 20-60x60 RA 229.95 { 60mm H.R.Telescopes include Free case. 1 15x,20x,22xWA 25x,40x 31.00 20x-60x zoom EP 85.00 Universal Mount.. 25.50 Car Window Mount 26.50 Hide Clamp Mk II 42.00 HABICHT Compact 8x20 8 .. •Diana' 10x40 WM S.L. 10x40 SLC 8x30 AT 80 Body 22xEP 20x-60xzoom EP.. .. 220.00 372.00 493.00 365 .00 547.00 . 72.00 .164.00 BAUSCH&LOMB Custom 8x36 Custom 10x40 RA Elite 8x42 RA Elite 10x42 RA EliteTelescope 22x60 RA .. 229.00 249.00 629.00 629.00 309.00 EliteTelescope 15-45x60 R A 349.00 BUSHNELL Spacemaster 60mm 8ody 145 00 Spacemaster60mm Body R A. 159.00 15-45xzoomEP 49.00 SWIFT Audubon 8.5x44 239.00 ROSS Regent 8x42 169.95 Kensington 10x42 179 95 TRIPODS MANFROTTO 144 Legs. 52.00 190 Legs 055 Legs 200 Video Head 128 RC Video Head SLIK 02 03 CULLMAN 2901 3400 Clamp Magic B&S 2 Way Video Head Shoulder Pod ^Focus Optics- The friendly experts professionals recommend ! )COUNTRYSIDE VIEWING Our showroom is set in twenty acres of private grounds in the very heart of our beautiful Warwickshire countryside. 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E&OE (D994) Christopher Helm _ new books for Spring 1992 Tracks & Signs of the birds of Britain and Europe AN IDENTIFICATION GUIDE Roy Brown, John Ferguson, Michael Lawrence and David Lees The most comprehensive coverage of the tracks and signs of many European birds; resident, visiting or migrant. This new paperback edition includes detailed information on feeding and behavioural signs, pellets, droppings, feathers and sculls. 0 7136 3523 1 47 colour plates 232pp £14.99 pbk A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad & Tobago 2nd edition Richard ffrench Lllustrated by John O’Neil and Don Eckelberry Trinidad and Tobago offer the visiting birder an unparalleled ornithological richness as members of nearly all the South American families can be found on the islands. Species accounts make up the bulk of this new edition with habitat and status, range and subspecies, field description and basic measurements, voice, food, nesting and behaviour covered in detail. 0 7136 3518 5 29 colour plates 464pp £25.00 pbk Where to watch birds in France Ligue Francaise pour la protection des oiseaux litei This latest title in the Where to Watch Birds series explores one of the most exciting birding regions in Europe. It covers 279 sites in detail and each site has a season-by-season guide to the species most likely to be seen as well as detailed instructions on access and tips on what to watch out for in different habitats within the same site. 0 7136 8107 1 120 maps and 25 line drawings £12.99 pbk ■■iio Order through your bookshop Christopher Helm an imprint of A&C Black (Publishers) Ltd 35 Bedford Row, London WCIR 4JH British Birds VOLUME 85 NUMBER 4 APRIL 1992 Raptor migration at Eilat Hadoram Shirihai and David A. Christie Recent work has shown that Eilat in southern Israel is one of the best places in the world for observing migrating Palearctic raptors. This paper describes the huge raptor migration passing through Eilat, but shows that there is plenty of scope for further research and aims to encourage many volunteers to come and help study migrating raptors in the Eilat area. In addition, an overview is presented of the migration of raptors 'through the Middle East region in general. Background ,fn the northern hemisphere, millions of raptors breed for four to seven [summer months north of latitude 35°N. When not breeding, they winter mostly in areas south of 30°N, a few species continuing farther, I o below 30°S. 1 I The publication of this long paper in a single issue of British Birds would not have been j)ossible without the co-operation of EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES. i Bril. 85: 141-186, April 1992] 141 142 Raptor migration at Eilat Three species dominate the mass migrations on the American continent: Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni, Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura and Broad-winged Hawk B. platyptenis (Nagy 1976; Roberts 1985; Smith 1985; Mindell 1986), for each of which autumn record totals have reached at least 300,000-700,000 in Panama, with corresponding numbers in total from different parts of the United States. In the Palearctic, but chiefly through the Middle East (see pages 177- 183), two main species migrate in hundreds of thousands during a single season: Buzzard B. buteo (up to 465,000) and Honey Buzzard Pemis apivorus (up to 850,000). In addition, four species each include record totals of tens of thousands or more in a single migration season: Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis* (76,000), Lesser Spotted Eagle A. pomarina (141,000), Black Kite Milvus migrans (36,000) and Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes (49,000) (Bijlsma 1983; Christensen et al. 1981; Dovrat 1991; Porter & Beaman 1985; Shirihai 1987, 1988; Tsovel & Allon 1991; Welch & Welch 1988). By adding together the peak numbers of the six most abundant species in the Middle East, the total population is about 1,610,000 migrant raptors, but the true figure is probably well above 3 million. Whereas some raptors migrate singly or in small flocks (usually either rare species or ones which migrate only short distances or make merely ' local movements, exceptions to this being some species of falcon Falco I and harrier Circus), most migrate in more or less dense flocks for a short ! period over a long distance (3,000-20,000 km). A significant part of this passage is done under daily near-fasting conditions, so, in order to conserve energy, the raptors are forced to adopt a passive flight, soaring ' and gliding, exploiting the thermals that develop only over land. This explains why they migrate almost exclusively over the landmasses, i avoiding large bodies of water over which passive flight is difficult. There ; are areas where large concentrations of raptors migrate over straits and ' through narrow corridors, which facilitates observation. The main West j Palearctic raptor watchpoints are shown in fig. 1 . Raptor surveys at Eilat During 1977-88, migration surveys were conducted in a total of nine seasons (six springs, three autumns). Fig. 2 shows the various watchpoints in the Eilat area. Spring 1977 A total of 83 days was covered during 2nd February to 17th May, and 763,961 raptors were counted (Christensen et al. 1981). Five observers manned one or two regular stations on Coral Island and another station 7 km northwest of Eilat. Spring 1983 A total of 107 days was covered during 15th February to 31st May, and 474,124 raptors were counted (Shirihai 1987). Two observers manned one or two stations, one in i Eilat and the other in Kibbutz Eilot. Counting was neither systematic nor comprehensive, but took place mainly on days when large numbers of raptors were seen; the emphasis was j on hrst and last dates of appearance of each species. Spring 1985 A total of 100 days was covered during 16th February to 23rd May, and 1,193,229 raptors were counted (Shirihai 1987). About 30 volunteers participated, manning two to *ln this paper, Steppe Eagle is treated as a full species, Aquila nipalensis, separate from, not conspecific with. Tawny Eagle A. rapax. Fig. 1. Major raptor migration watchpoints in the West Palearctic. 1 = Gibraltar, 2 = Falsterbo, 3 = Bosporus, 4 = Borgka, 5 = Iskenderun-Belen, 6 = Kfar Kasem, 7 = Suez, 8 = Eilat seven stations daily; radio transmitters and vehicles were available on most days, enabling co-ordination of counting and preventing duplication. Great numbers of raptors were sighted west and north of Eilat, towards the central Negev, at hours when very few were seen at Eilat. Spring 1986 A total of 97 consecutive days was covered during 15th Eebruary to 20th May, and 873,388 raptors were counted (Shirihai 1987). Thirty volunteers participated and methods were as in 1985, but improved, with a more extensive area covered (at times reaching 100 km north of Eilat). Spring 1987 A total of 99 consecutive days was covered, during 15th February to 25th May, and 778,228 raptors were counted (Shirihai 1988). About ten observers participated, manning two main counting posts, and methods were otherwise as in 1985. Spring 1988 A total of 87 days was covered during 15th February to 15th May, and 688,659 raptors were counted (Shirihai & Yekutiel 1991). Observers and methods were as in 1987. Uatamn 1980 A total of 88 days was covered during 25th August to 30th November, and 25,998 raptors were counted (Shirihai 1982). The survey was conducted by HS and covered ilhe area between the North Beach at Eilat and 6 km north of it. ' Autumn 1986 A total of 26 days was covered during 15th October to 14th November, and 12,357 raptors were counted. Survey conducted by HS. iutumn 1987 A total of 25 days was covered during 16th October to 15th November, and '12,548 raptors were counted. Survey conducted by HS. I Aurvey methods and accuracy I Counting of small flocks of tens and hundreds was usually done with great iiccuracy, counting individual birds or blocks of ten; flocks numbering 144 Raptor migration at Eilat Fig. 2. Observation posts in Eilat area in spring, showing heights (m above sea level) of | mountain sectors j several hundreds or even thousands were recorded (by blocks of ten) to | an accuracy estimated as within 10% or better. Exact time, weather i ! conditions, height and direction of flight, and particular behaviour in j j relation to the weather were all recorded precisely. | Observation points were placed along the width of the route (fig. 2), I enabling good coverage across the route front. This also provided closer- j 145 Raptor migration at Eilat Total = 1,193,229 Total = 778,228 Total = 688,659 I 2025 2 7 12 17 22 27 1 6 11 16 21 26 1 6 11 16 21 Feb Mar Apr May iFig. 3. Total raptors of all species counted at Eilat in springs of 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988 ! range observation of all raptors, thus reducing the number of unidentified jindividuals. Double counts were eliminated by the use of radio links between posts and by comparing recording sheets at the end of the day. 146 Raptor migration at Eilat Table 1. Counts of migrating raptors at Eilat in nine different migration seasons (six springs, three autumns) during which coverage complete or significant Observation periods (and number of days on which counts made) were as follows: Springs (= S): 1977, 2nd Feb-17th May (total of 83 days); 1983, 15th Feb-31st May (107 days); 1985, 16th Feb-i 23rd May (100 days); 1986, 15th Feb-20th May (97 days); 1987, 15th Feb-25th May (99 days); 1988, 15th Feb-15th^ May (87 days). Autumns (= A): 1980, 25th Aug-30th Nov (88 days); 1986, 15th Oct-14th Nov (26 days); 1987, | 16th Oct- 15th Nov (25 days) Data from Christensen el al. (1981), Shirihai (1987, 1988) and Shirihai & Yekutiel (1991) t- Species Season 1977 1980 1983 1985 1986 1987 Honey Buzzard S 225,952 277,426 851,598 341,777 293,658 Pemis apivoTUs A 114 Black-shouldered Kite S 1 1 (also see text) Elaniis caeruleus A Black Kite S 26,770 26,541 28,320 24,728 31,363 Milvus migrans A 236 4 96 Red Kite S Milvus milvus A 1 White-tailed Eagle S (see text) Haliaeetus albicilla A Egyptian Vulture S 802 270 541 385 308 Neophron percnopterus A 45 2 25 Griffon Vulture S 22 3 17 14 2 G\ps fulvus A 45 24 21 Black Vulture S Aeg),pius monachus A 3 Short-toed Eagle S 220 132 345 151 59 Circaetus gallicus A 141 61 243 Bateleur S I'erathopius ecaudatus A Marsh Harrier S 125 371 242 93 171 Circus aeruginosus A 63 37 75 Hen Harrier S 1 1 Circus cyaneus A 2 Pallid Harrier S 7 104 113 17 88 Circus macrourus A 10 12 Montagu's Harrier S 7 55 17 8 14 Circus pygorgus A 14 Pallid/Montagu’s S 26 44 41 13 29 Harrier A 13 Goshawk S 1 3 3 1 Accipiter gentilis A 6 Sparrowhawk S 155 456 138 76 102 Accipiter nisus A 177 39 Shikra S 1 Accipiter hadius A Levant Sparrowhawk S 5,958 2,573 905 17,034 49,836 Accipiter hrevipes A 202 36 Accipiter sp. S 1,360 143 42 143 A Buzzard S Puteo huteo buteo A 9 vSleppe Buzzard S 315,767 142,793 225,460 465,827 380,441 Buteo b. vulpinus A 167 8 343 Long-legged Buzzard S 28 33 105 47 29 Buteo nijinus A 32 Buteo sp. S 18 A Buteo/Pemis/ Milvus sp. S 149,258 6,460 3,757 19881 ►- 26i Raptor migration at Eilat 147 pedes Season 1977 1980 1983 1985 1986 1987 1988 .esser Spotted Eagle s 65 40 74 58 67 21 Aguila pomarina A 2 1 17 potted Eagle S 8 10 5 6 4 5 Aguila clanga A 13 teppe Eagle S 19,288 22,726 75,053 22,762 17,443 10,922 Aguila nipalensis A 24,243 12,199 11,629 Tiperial Eagle S 95 30 61 35 47 12 Aguila heliaca A 64 8 12 rolden Eagle S 7 Aguila chrysaetos A quila sp. S 9,083 1,111 17 31 ooted Eagle s 175 146 140 109 105 150 Hieraaetus pennatus A 19 onelli’s Eagle S 1 6 1 5 2 Hieraaetus fasciatus A sprey S 130 87 49 64 96 73 ParuUon haliaetus A 7 isser Kestrel S 27 55 13 34 1 Fako naumanni A 20 estrel S 11 190 37 22 55 26 Falco tinnunculus A 298 , d-footed Falcon S 1 12 1 Falco vespertinus A 18 erlin S 1 1 Fako columbarius A 6 jbby S 6 35 20 54 7 13 Fako subbuteo A 21 eonora’s Falcon S 6 16 21 9 8 Fako ekonorae A 4 12 oty Falcon S 2 1 Fako concolor A nner S 3 1 7 3 1 , Fako biarmkus A ker S 2 Fako cherrug A 1 regrine S 4 4 Fako peregrinus A 3 rbary Falcon S 1 3 ^'ako pekgrinoides A 1 CO sp. S 46 27 68 24 jiidentified raptors S 8,601 2,138 204 il'M-S, ALL RAPTORS s 763,961 474,124 1,193,229 873,388 778,228 688,659 A - 25,998 — — 12,357 12,548 — 1 Total results The results for all nine seasons are shown in table 1. Fig. 3 (see page 145) shows the totals by five-day periods for all species combined for the springs of 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988. Dynamics of migrating raptors over Eilat The extensive information collected to date on migrating raptors at Eilat throws light on their daily behaviour patterns in the area (see also Christensen et al. 1981; Shirihai 1982, 1987). With each survey, however. 148 Raptor migration at Eilat new questions arise and new phenomena are discovered that establish a correlation between the raptors’ behaviour and the weather. Since massive migration of raptors occurs at Eilat mainly during February-May, it is primarily the spring season that is referred to in the following paragraphs. Geographical features Bordering Eilat to the east and north is a narrow rift (part of the Syro- African Rift Valley) lying roughly in a north-south direction; to the east are the Edom Mountains (reaching 1,800 m above sea level), to the west is the Eilat massif (up to 800 m), to the south is the Bay of Eilat (Gulf of Aqaba), while to the north the Arava Valley continues for a further 200 km to the Dead Sea. Both sides of the valley are mountainous, with numerous large wadis or dry ravines. The Moon Valley and the Negev are situated to the west of the Eilat massif and are of a similar height above sea level; this area is composed mainly of sand and bare rock, with very sparse vegetation. Until recently, it was thought that the Syro-African Rift provided a particularly convenient flyway which the raptors exploited. Today, after many observations, it is clear that they cross the valley in certain areas: i coming from Sinai as a part of the bypassing of the Red Sea, they usually j (but variably, depending on wind and daily pattern of shift: see below) | cross at the northern end of the Bay of Eilat, or somewhat farther north. | This Rift-Valley crossing is problematic for raptors, as conditions are not so favourable as in the mountains: many difficulties include strong, unstable head winds, and unstable thermal conditions, causing some I raptors to lose height. It appears that the geographical factor is significant, and raptors temporarily migrate a very short distance along the Rift Valley when they have difficulty in crossing it. Climate The Eilat region is dry and desert-like, with an average annual rainfall of 25 mm. During spring it is usually hot, with clear skies and bright sunshine. Observation conditions are generally comfortable and visibility i excellent; on some days, heat haze blurs the horizon, but only in extreme ; cases do sandstorms hamper observation. EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE In Eilat, maximum shade temperatures during February-March are 20- 30°C, rising occasionally above 40°C in April-June. In April and May, thermal conditions develop by early morning, so very soon after sunrise i there is much movement of small and medium-sized raptors. During February and March, however, the mornings are chillier and the medium- i sized and large raptors start their migration later, using active (flapping) | flight and proceeding northwards along the mountains west of the Arava until favourable thermal conditions develop and enable them to cross the valley in passive flight. Raptor migration at Eilat 1 49 EFFECT OF CLOUD AND RAIN Cloud cover in spring is usually non-existent (0 oktas) to partial (2 oktas), and thus hardly affects the behaviour of migrating raptors, but rain, though also scant in the area, does have a significant effect, forcing large numbers of raptors to land in the mountains for several hours. Those which do not stop are blown off course to the west of Eilat. Rain also causes termites to take to the air. This immediately attracts large flocks of raptors, especially Black Kites, which hunt the termites in the fields of Kibbutz Eilot. EFFECT OF WIND The winds in the Eilat region are usually northerly or northeasterly, but they change dramatically within short time periods. It is common for wind currents to blow simultaneously in different directions at different altitudes, which makes interpretation of the dynamics of high-flying migrants difficult. Wind direction and force do not significantly affect the general migration, but do change its path. The prevailing wind, blowing mainly in the Rift Valley, is north-northeasterly (owing mainly to a combination of local land-breeze augmented by Mediterranean sea- breeze), which facilitates regular migrations. Thus, the raptors pass over the Eilat massif in a northeasterly direction and cross the Arava in the Bay area north and south of Eilat. In southerly or easterly winds (caused mainly by well-developed North African low-pressure systems over Egypt and Israel area: see fig. 4), but also often on windless days, the passage route drifts up to tens of kilometres westwards into the Negev, while in moderate westerlies the route tends to pass close to the shore and the mountains (or more or less as in northerly winds); in very strong westerlies, however, raptors cross the Gulf of Aqaba, somewhat more to the south than normal, but often also move into the Negev to obtain head winds. Of all the climatic factors, the northerly or northeasterly (head) wind appears to be the most convenient for migrating raptors, also pushing/ concentrating them into the Eilat region, more or less near the Gulf. Conversely, all other winds, but chiefly southerly, easterly and westerly Fig. 4. Typical pattern of pressure systems in spring: A = the ‘North African low’ (the principal system), B = the ‘Sudanian low’ (scarcer) (from Atlas of Israel, 1970; Jaffe 1988). When these approach Egypt and Israel, the former from the west and the latter from the south, chiefly after the end of March, they cause southerly and easterly hot, dry, desertic winds (often accompanied by dust and even sandstorms) which considerably affect the passage path of raptors (largely Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus, Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes and Honey Buzzard Pemis apworus): passage streams are drifted and blown tens of kilometres off course well west of Eilat region, over the Negev 150 Raptor migration at Eilat (tail) winds, have an adverse effect on the passage and direction of migrants; when northerly winds return after a few hours or days, there is a gradual re-determined stream back towards the normal passage zone (i.e. Eilat area). This is also confirmed in autumn observations. Pattern of daily migration in spring During the morning, migration begins in the mountains west of Eilat, as well as in the lower areas around Eilat itself. The hour at which it starts varies during the season for different species. As the region heats up and thermal conditions develop, the migration becomes stronger, higher and Time Time Height of mountains above sea Q 400-750 m I 200-400 m I 0-200 m Fig. 5. Peak five days of passage of each of the five commonest raptors in spring at Eilat, recorded by time of day and location; figures in columns show percentages of total in each two-hour period passing over each mountain sector (see fig. 2). A = Steppe Buzzard Buteo hulen vulpinus (1985), B = Honey Buzzard Perms apivorus (1985), C = Levant Sparrowhawk Arripiier brevipes (1986), D = Black Kite Milvus migrans (1985), E = Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis 151 Raptor migration at Eilat denser in the sky, and it drifts eastwards at varying speeds (figs. 5 & 6). In the early morning, the raptors cross the Arava up to some tens of kilometres north of Eilat, and, as crossing conditions improve, they cross nearer to the town. During the hot midday hours when thermal conditions are best, the raptors rise to 1 ,500 m and more above ground level and fly at such speeds that they are hard to spot with the naked eye. It should be noted that during 12.00-16.00 hours the passage is blown off course south of Eilat, and the crossing of the Rift Valley then takes place high above the Bay of Eilat or well west of Eilat, over the Negev. Later in the afternoon, the raptors lose height and return to migrate above the Eilat mountains, where many of them also roost. This pattern is very general, but varies among the species in different areas in varying climatic conditions (see under species accounts). There are also indications of nocturnal migration, especially on cloudy nights. Some small and medium-sized raptors have been observed migrating until total darkness, showing no signs of roosting, while there are many sightings of buzzards and kites actively migrating at high altitudes very soon after first light. Fig. 6. Two general migration patterns over Eilat area in spring in different wind conditions. A = NE or N winds; B = S or E winds, or no wind The extent of the migration front in spring The ‘Eilat migration route’ is spread over a front of up to 100 km or more. When conditions are suitable, the raptors cross the Rift Valley near the northern end of the Bay of Eilat. When crossing conditions there are not good, or when the passage is deflected by southerly or easterly winds, the route is likely to pass above the central Negev and across the Rift Valley dose to the Dead Sea. Eor example, on 9th May 1985, with a southeasterly wind in the early morning, a small migration of Honey Buzzards was observed above Eilat; later in the morning, the route was pulled westwards to the Negev and no further movement of Honey Buzzards was visible that day above the Eilat area, but 7,600 were seen at Beer Sheva in the central Negev. j Observations made from a vehicle that followed the passage as it drifted . over the Negev showed that the dynamics of the migration front seemed to vary. The stream of birds constantly flew northeast, but, because of 152 Raptor migration at Eilat changes in wind direction and/or thermal conditions, the stream was deflected east or west of the main passage zone followed during northerly winds. Autumn migration The autumn migration in general is much smaller than that in spring. Of the five abundant species in spring (see table 2), only the Steppe Eagle migrates in numbers approaching those in spring. Observations show a clear pattern in the Steppe Eagles’ daily migration in autumn in the Eilat area. Until 09.00 hours, they cross from east to west over the Arava Valley, singly or dispersed, 20-60 km north of Eilat, then continue in a west-southwesterly direction above the Moon Valley; as the northerly wind strengthens, the passage is shifted southwards and crosses above the fields of Kibbutz Eilot and the North Beach of Eilat. The peak hours of migration are 11.00-12.00. An interesting occurrence is observed in autumn: as the eagles come from over the Edom Mountains Qordan), they are met by a strong northerly wind blowing in the Arava Valley; they turn northwest into the wind, which helps them quickly across the valley. This movement against the general direction of migration continues for 10 km north of Eilat. After j they have crossed the Arava, the Steppe Eagles resume a westerly or j southwesterly course, which is the regular migration direction in autumn. On most days, passage above the North Beach almost completely ceases by 13.00 hours; only on a few peak days are Steppe Eagles sighted ! continuously from the earlier morning hours until 15.00 hours. After midday, passage is normally drifted southwards, and the eagles cross east j to west above the Bay; later in the afternoon, they return to the Jordan | Mountains (fig. 7). j A B i Fig. 7. Migration of Steppe F.agle /ti/wt/o over Eilat in autumn. A = general migration direction; B = general temporal pattern of crossing Arava Valley List of raptors migrating through Eilat I'able 2 shows the status of each raptor species that migrates through Eilat in spring. Only the Steppe Eagle occurs in significant numbers in autumn. Raptor migration at Eilat 153 Table 2. Status according to level of abundance of raptors migrating through Eilat, Israel, in spring See table 1 for scientific names of species ABUNDANT SPECIES Level 1 Level 2 COMMON UNCOMMON RARE hundreds of tens of SPECIES SPECIES SPECIES thousands thousands hundreds tens singles Honey Buzzard Steppe Buzzard Black Kite Levant Sparrowhawk Steppe Eagle Lesser Spotted Eagle Imperial Eagle Booted Eagle Osprey Kestrel Hobby Egyptian Vulture Pallid Harrier Short-toed Eagle Montagu’s Marsh Harrier Harrier Sparrowhawk Long-legged Goshawk Spotted Eagle Bonelli’s Eagle and all remaining species ABUNDANT SPECIES This group includes five species which together comprise more than 90% of all raptors passing through Eilat. In spring 1985 they accounted for 96% of the total. Fig. 8 shows the temporal pattern in the peak year for each one. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis This eagle accounted for 6.4% of the total raptor migration in the record spring of 1985, and constitutes 99.9% of all Aquila eagles passing through Eilat. Spring The first migrants appear in January, but a more massive migration starts from the third week in February and continues until the third week in March, with the last observed up to the middle of May. Two main migration waves: the first, when most fly over, takes place from the end of February to mid March; the second, smaller, wave is scattered over the remainder of the period, peaking during the second week of April. Peak day was 6th March 1985, when 14,164 were counted (table 3). The largest number in one season was 75,053, in spring 1985 (fig. 8), and the multi-year variation was 84% (table 4). Autumn The first migrants appear in the third week of September, with the peak period usually between the third week of October and the first week of November; the last are seen in the second week of December. In 1980, the peak period was 22nd-28th October, when 16,100 were counted; the peak day was 23rd October, when 7,295 eagles passed (fig. 9). Ages In the springs of 1977, 1985 and 1986 and in autumn 1980, special emphasis was placed on this aspect. In February and the first week of March virtually all Steppe Eagles recorded are adults; up to the third week of March, adults and sub-adults (5th calendar-year or older) predominate. From the end of March and throughout April, many immatures (3rd-5th calendar-years) pass, while by mid April the majority are juveniles (= first-summer, 2nd calendar-year) (fig. 10). In autumn, mainly juveniles (= first-winter and second-winter, lst-2nd calendar-year) j pass up to the third week of October. Within the peak period the majority are adults, sub- adults and immatures (3rd-7th calendar-years); on the peak day of 23rd October 1980, I almost equal numbers of adults/sub-adults (5th-7th calendar-years) and immatures/ I juveniles (lst-4th calendar-years) passed, while in November nearly all were adults (fig. 10) 154 Raptor migration at Eilat Table 3. Peak days of migration of raptors at Eilat, Israel, in spring in seven different years Data from Christensen el al. (1981), Shirihai (1987, 1988) and Shirihai & Yekutiel (1991) 1977 1980 1983 1985 1986 1987 1988 Honey Buzzard Date 16 May — 6 May 7 May 6 May 9 May 8 May Pemis apivonts no. 36,7,38 — - 223,100 227,799 106,394 70,987 64,498 Black Kite Date 26 Mar 29 Mar 31 Mar 22 Mar 31 Mar 29 Mar 1 Apr XUlvu.s migrans no. 2,489 20,450 6,000 9,316 5,810 9,956 5,943 Egyptian Wilture Date 30 Mar 17 Mar 3 Apr 15 Apr 28 Mar 28 Mar 2 Apr Neophron percnopterns no. 42 29 34 30 28 31 27 Short-toed Eagle Date 21 Mar — 12 Mar 1 1 Mar 15 Mar 9 Mar 14 Mar Circaetu.s galUcus no. 20 — 13 29 20 7 4 Marsh Harrier Date 20 Apr — 3 Apr 3 May 19 Apr 28 Mar 15 Apr Circus aeruginosas no. 9 — 17 22 16 22 15 Pallid Harrier Date — — 3 Apr 1 ,\pr 20 Apr 29 Mar 10 & 25 Mar Circus macrouTus no. — — 38 11 4 29 2 Montagu’s Harrier Date — — 7 .Apr 3 dales 8 .Apr 14 dates 1 1 Apr Circus pygargus no. — 8 2 9 1 4 SpaiTowhawk Date 1 7 Apr — 6 .May 16 Apr 24 Apr 1 1 Apr & 7 & 1 1 Apr Acdpiter nisus no. 31 30 26 14 9 May 9 5 Levant Sparrowhawk Date 20 Apr 19 Apr 28 Apr 22 Apr 25 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr Acdpiter hrevipes no. 2„356 2,000 650 600 6,377 22,747 12,609 Steppe Buzzard Date 9 Apr 29 Mar 31 Mar 22 Mar 2 Apr 29 Mar 2 Apr Buteo h. vulpinus no. 51,562 108,050 31,000 37,805 1,30,000 65,021 72,991 Long-legged Buzzard Date — — 7 Apr 23 Mar 28 Mar 22 Mar 1 .Apr Buteo rujinus no. — — 4 12 8 3 8 Lesser Spotted Eagle Date — — — 4 May 2 Apr 26 Mar 5 Apr Aquila pomarina no. — — — 7 12 9 5 Steppe Eagle Date 21 Feb 28 Feb 14 Mar 6 Mar 4 Mar 7 Mar 5 Apr Aquila nipalensis no. 2,829 3,804 7,000 14,164 2,977 3,034 1,239 Imperial Eagle Date 25 Feb — 3 Mar 4 Apr 25 Mar 1 Apr 1 Apr Aquila keliaca no. 11 3 6 & 6 Apr 3 10 2 Booled Eagle Date 20 Apr — — 16 Apr 4 Apr 29 Mar 5 Apr Hieraaetus pennatus no. 17 — — 11 13 9 30 1 Osprey Date 8 Apr — — 22 Mar 25 Mar 4 Apr 5 Apr 1 Pandion haliaetus no. 23 — — 6 8 12 30 At the beginning and end of the passages the populations flying over are of more or less similar age groups. Towards the middle of the migration seasons (autumn: third and fourth ‘ weeks in October; spring: third and fourth weeks in March) different age groups migrate in i mixed flocks; during these periods, ageing is difficult and requires more study. Christensen et al. ( 1981 ) estimated that in spring 1977 (and other years) adults constituted , 60% of the total Steppe Eagle passage. From the 1985 and 1986 surveys, however, we estimated the percentage of adults passing through Eilat in spring to be about 70% of the i total; the figure for autumn 1980 was estimated at 75%. The general impression is that about 60-70% of Steppe Elagles migrating through Eilat are of breeding age (5th calendar-year and older). Faced with the question of the whereabouts of the juveniles, we offer the following hypotheses: \ 1. Adults that winter in north and east Africa migrate en masse, passing over Eilat within a short period, whereas juveniles, wintering in more extensive areas to the south and west of the adults, migrate in a more scattered fashion. It seems that juvenile passage occurs over a broad front and along many secondary routes, making accurate estimation of population size difficult. 2. Possibly, different age groups prefer different routes. In spring, about 70% of Steppe Eagles at Eilat are adults, whereas in the central Negev, Beer Sheva and the Dead Sea area the main part of the migration involves non-adults. These Negev and Judean Desert areas are almost devoid of passage from mid February to mid March (the peak period of passage at Falat): for example, at Beer Sheva in spring 1985, Raptor migration at Eilat 155 Feb Mar Apr May Fig. 8. Highest seasonal totals of the five most abundant raptors over Eilat in spring, by five-day periods. Broken lines show average five-day totals over the springs 1977, 1983, and 1985-88 156 Raptor migration at Eilat Table 4. Multi-year variation in counts of raptor species at Eilat over six springs, 1977, 1983, 1985-88 Coefficient of variation is the standard deviation expressed as a percentage of the mean. Data from Christensen et al. (1981), Shirihai (1987, 1988) and Shirihai & Yekutiel (1991) Standard Coefficient ANNUAL SPRING COUNT deviation of Species Mean Range (n = 6) variation All species totalled 795,228 474,124-1,193,229 236,752 30% Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis 28,032 10,922-75,053 23,444 84% Black Kite Milvus migrans 28,249 24,728-31,774 2,808 10% Steppe Buzzard Buteo b. vulpinus 326,278 142,793-465,827 123,751 38% Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes 16,281 905-49,836 18,349 113% Honey Buzzard Pemis apivorus 363,221 188,914-851,598 245,111 67% Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 138 105-175 26 19% Osprey Pandion haliaetus 83 49-130 28 34% Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus 428 263-802 210 49% Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 163 52-456 148 91% Short-toed Eagle Circaelus gallicus 162 59-345 107 66% adults represented only 9.38% of the total passage, as against about 90% non-adults, counted mainly in April (Ben Zohar 1986). Similarly, at northern Suez in spring 1982, 15,778 migrants were counted during February-May, with more than 70% passing during the peak period for non-adults (from mid March, mainly during the second half of April) (Wimpffieimer et al. 1983; Bruun 1985). It appears that the majority of adults, plus some non-adults which arrive from eastern Egypt, tend to cross the southern Gulf of Suez and central and eastern Sinai and continue over the Eilat area, thus bypassing the Gulf of Aqaba; by contrast, others, mostly non-adults, continue I north along the western bank of the Gulf of Suez, bypass the latter and proceed over | northern Sinai to the central Negev and Dead Sea area. Differences in need to reach | the breeding grounds may explain the disparity in ages along the different routes: I although Steppe Eagles prefer an overland route, the adults’ urgency to start breeding (in Asia) makes them less hesitant to cross the broader southern end of the Gulf of Suez, whereas juveniles and immatures can take a longer, but safer and easier, j overland route. Further comparative studies would be instructive. i 3. As with Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus and Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, part of the juvenile population of Steppe Eagles may remain in Africa in summer (Christensen et al. 1981; Christensen & Sorensen 1989). Migration patterns in .spring Compared with smaller species. Steppe Eagles, needing well- developed air currents, begin their passage later in the morning. In February and March, | they start migrating north above the middle (200-400 m) mountains west of Eilat between 08.00 and 10.00 (usually after 09.00). At around 10.00 hours, as the eagles begin to reach altitudes for more favourable thermals, the passage becomes denser and drifts eastwards, hugging the Bay; the crossing from west to east takes place over the town of Eilat and a little to the north of it. From 10.30 to 12.30 hours the cross passage becomes denser and Raptor migration at Eilat 157 Sep Oct Nov Fig. 9. Migration of Steppe Eagles Aquila nipalensis over Eilat in autumn 1980 by five-day periods the migration direction more easterly. Around 13.00 hours the eagles have gained great height and the passage is drifted southwards; the eastward crossing occurs above the Bay itself, south of Eilat. Towards 16.00 hours, when thermal conditions deteriorate, the eagles stop crossing the sea and return to migrate above the Eilat mountains. At night, they can be found roosting on inland cliffs west of Eilat and in the Moon Valley. On some March days, mainly in unusual cloudy and rainy weather with southerly or easterly winds, passage is drifted westwards to the Moon Valley region or to the southern Negev (less often to the central Negev) and is not then visible above the Eilat region (fig. 6; see also Shirihai & Yekutiel 1991). Fig. 10. Age composition of migrating Steppe Eagles Aquila nipalensis at Eilat in autumn 1980 and spring 1977 In Eilat, an interesting occurrence has been observed during the morning migration (up to 13.00 hours). Steppe Eagles trying to cross the Bay of Eilat from west to east in the region of Coral Island were forced to return to the western shore, where they were seen arriving from the sea at Taba, north of their starting point. At Taba they tried to gain height to cross at narrower points, but once more had to retreat, eventually crossing overland in the Eilat region. Because of their high wing-loading. Steppe Eagles find it difficult to cross bodies of water even as narrow tis the Gulf of Aqaba, particularly when they lose altitude owing to i unfavourable thermal conditions combined with northeasterly winds. They do not retreat in their paths above land, however, further emphasising how difficult a sea crossing the Bay of Eilat is for them. I Migration patterns in autumn See page 152 and fig. 7. 158 Raptor migration at Eilat Black Kite Milvus migrans The Black Kite formed approximately 3.5% of the total spring raptor migration in 1977, 2% in 1985, 4% in 1987 and as much as 4.6% in 1988. Spring The first Black Kites appear in the last week of February, followed by mass regular migration from the second week of March to the last week of April, when they disappear almost completely (though the last are seen as late as early June). The peak period is the third week in March until the first week in April. The peak days are usually between 22nd March and 1st April (table 3). In some years, the migration is in two waves: the main one during the last two weeks of March, and the second one during the second week of April. The highest daily count was of 9,956, on 29th March 1987, and seasonal totals ranged between 24,728 (1986) and 31,774 (1988), with a 10% multi-year variation (Shirihai 1987, 1988; Shirihai & Yekutiel 1991; tables 1 & 4). In spring 1980, an exceptional 36,690 were counted between 26th February and 5th April, with a peak of 20,450 on 29th March (Christensen el al. 1981). Autumn This species is irregular in small numbers in autumn. Ages Up to tbe end of March most are ‘adult-looking’ individuals, while in April these are mixed with younger birds; from late April/early May typical second-calendar-years are seen, but not in great numbers. Migration patterns in spring Together with the Honey Buzzard, this medium-sized raptor is the first to leave the roost, around sunrise, and the last to go to roost at night. Most roost in the mountains west of Eilat, with others in trees (mainly in cultivated patches) in the southern Arava Valley. Between 06.00 and 08.00 hours, the latter advance from the fields in active flight above the Arava in a northerly or north-northeasterly direction. Later in the morning, those roosting in the mountains also actively fly north-northeast. As thermals develop, from about 07.30, Black Kites cross the Arava 20-30 km north of Eilat. Until about 10.00 hours, the passage is deflected southwards, and many cross the Arava at medium altitudes in the vicinity of Eilat and Kibbutz Eilot. Around midday, when the kites are at high altitudes and thermal conditions are good, they are drifted southwards and cross the Bay of Eilat above the sea. This is why, on many days. Black Kites were not visible in the afternoons; only towards 15.00 hours did the migration return northwards to the Eilat region, and the birds were then seen crossing eastwards slightly north of Eilat until roosting time (most come to roost during the last hours of light and sometimes even after dark). In the region of Eilat massif. Black Kites characteristically migrate at low altitudes and close to the Bay, especially over mountains not exceeding 400 m. In 1985 and 1986, on a number of occasions, a stream of Black Kites passed low between the two observation stations without being counted; on other occasions they passed to the west of the line of observation stations, then flew northeast, bypassing the Eilat mountains and the Moon Valley, so that no station could sight them (see figs. 2 & 5). Although both ‘Steppe’ Buzzards Buteo buteo vulpinus and Black Kites migrate at the same periods during most hours of the day, their routes are clearly separate; only in the afternoon does a partial mingling of the two species occur. Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus Steppe Buzzards formed 41.3% of the total spring raptor migration in 1977, 18.8% in 1985, 53.2% in 1986, 48.8% in 1987 and 62.3% in 1988. Spring The first migrants appear in mid February, followed by regular passage from the start of the second week in March until the end of April (during 17th March-20th April, over 10,000 may be seen on any day); the last pass as late as the first week of June, with juveniles and sick or weak individuals even after the end of June. Two main migration waves are recognisable: the first, when most are recorded, is at the end of March and early April; the second is in the third week of April. The record season was spring 1986, when 465,827 were counted (fig. 8), and the multi-year variation was 38% (table 4). Autumn This species migrates in very small numbers throughout autumn. Ages and morphs Adults predominate up to the middle of April, while the second migration wave comprises mainly juveniles (Christensen el al. 1981; Gomey & Clark 1984; HS, personal observations). Two dominant morphs are observed: (a) those with a rufous appearance (‘fox-red morph’); 159 Raptor migration at Eilat (b) those with a grey-brown appearance, but with some pale rusty colour on tail and underparts (‘grey-brown morph’). In addition, there is an intermediate morph, a blackish morph and a rare whitish morph. The proportions are roughly as follows: fox-red, 60%; grey- brown, 20%; intermediate, 15% (this may be part of the grey-brown morph); blackish-brown, 2-5%; whitish, 1%. Much work remains to be done on the definition of and relations between the various morphs (see also Shirihai & Dohertyl990; Shirihai & Forsman 1992). Migration patterns in spring The Steppe Buzzard’s migration starts between 06.30 and 08.00 hours (slightly later than Black Ivite). Two typical patterns are evident: 1 . On days with a northerly or northeasterly wind, there are two peaks, during 09.00- 1 1.00 and during 16.00-18.00 hours. During 1 1.00-16.00, passage virtually ceases over the area. This is due to a change in direction and location of the passage: the migration direction is easterly, and the crossing of the valley occurs south of Eilat above the Bay. 2. The second pattern is observed in southerly or easterly winds, or on windless days, when the route is pulled west towards the Negev for a day or two. When the wind reverts to northeasterly, the passage returns to the Eilat region. This is why only a few Steppe Buzzards were seen over the Eilat area during the peak period in 1985: on 18th April only five were seen throughout the Eilat region, when 50,000 crossed within a period of a few hours about 250 km to the north and many were observed in the Negev. (In the 1986 survey, in prevailing northeasterlies, more passed over Eilat than over the Negev during the peak days.) Steppe Buzzards go to roost from about 17.30 hours until after sunset. In the massif region west of Eilat, Steppe Buzzards, unlike Black Kites and Steppe Eagles, usually migrate above the 400-700-m mountains (see figs. 2 & 5). Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes This species formed 6.4% of the total raptor migration in the peak spring of 1987. Spring The first appear during the last week of March (earliest recorded was on 25th March 1986), and regular migration of tens or more daily occurs only from mid April, with the peak period (thousands per day) usually during 16th-28th April; passage of hundreds per day continues until early May, with the last ones towards the middle of May. The migration is characterised by its great density and short time span during which more than 90% of the total passes. The largest number counted in one season was 49,836, in spring 1987 (fig. 8), and the multi-year variation was 1 13% (table 4). The highest daily count was of 22,747, on 25th April 1987. Autumn This species usually migrates in small flocks of tens of individuals during the second half of September, though, in some autumns, larger flocks are recorded (e.g. a flock of 1,500 on 25th September 1986). In autumn 1980, two flocks roosted in the fields of Kibbutz Eilot: 63 on 17tb September, and 100 on 25th September. Ages In spring, males were the first to migrate in large numbers, followed a few days later by females and immatures. (It is worth noting that a large population of second-calendar- year individuals passes Eilat.) In autumn, adults and juveniles pass in mixed flocks, but on days when large numbers are recorded the percentage of juveniles is relatively high. Migration patterns in spring This small raptor migrates in flocks of hundreds and thousands, 90% of the total passing the Eilat area within a small number of consecutive days. This mass appearance results in great annual fluctuations, for several reasons: (a) the species is relatively small and hard to detect as it flies past at high altitudes during most hours of the day; (b) on peak days, when southerly winds blow or during other weather changes, the route is pushed westwards to the Negev, and most birds are consequently missed by counters at the regular sites. Levant Sparrowhawks rise at or before sunrise from roosting sites, hunting singly or in small flocks. By 07.30-08.30 hours, most gain height and, within a short time, disappear in a more or less northerly direction (the predominant passage heading); in contrast to all other species, Levant Sparrowhawks have not been seen to cross the Arava Valley or the Gulf of Aqaba. This may be attributed to this species’ relatively western breeding 160 Raptor migration at Eilat distribution (with most birds heading for the Black Sea area), whereas other species breed chiefly farther east and consequently show a more eastward migration, crossing the Rift Valley to Jordan. Migration is observed above the Eilat mountains up to 11.00 hours, after which the route is noticeably pushed westwards above the eastern Negev; only in the late afternoon, close to sunset, does passage return eastwards, and is then seen in the mountains above the roosting areas and in the Arava Valley. On many days, it was difficult to determine whether the route was invisible to watchers because it was blown westwards, or because of the high altitude of flight and the difficulty in discerning these small raptors during their rapid migration. In southerly or easterly winds, the passage drifts westwards and passes over the central Negev: for example, in spring 1985, when southerly winds occurred during the second half of April, only 905 Levant Sparrowhawks were counted at Eilat, but over 30,000 at Hazeva (just south of the Dead Sea), the latter coming from the central Negev; in the same spring, about 3,500 were counted at Beer Sheva and about 7,000 in the Judean Desert. Independent migration by this species, without other raptors, occurs in Israel; only on some non-peak days are individuals seen with other species. Honey Buzzard Pemis apivorus Honey Buzzards accounted for 39.2% of the total spring raptor migration in 1977, 72.6% in 1985, but only 27.4% in 1988. Spring The first migrants usually appear in mid April, but singles can arrive even earlier (earliest were two on 2nd April 1986). Regular migration of tens and thousands per day starts from the last week of April. The peak period occurs during lst-13th May (table 3), when about 90% of the total passage passes; the bulk of this involves adults and near-adults, with a huge amount of plumage variation (see plates 70-81). The migration normally ends between 20th and 25th May, but flocks of tens and hundreds, including also many immatures, still occur up to mid June (latest date 17th June 1985). In 1977 and 1985, there were two distinct migration waves, the first, main, one in the first week in May and the second in the third week in May, though in 1983 and 1986 there was a very dense fly-past with no clear distinction between waves. The largest number counted in one season was 851,598, in spring 1985, with the peak day on 7th May, when 227,799 passed (fig. 8). Multi- year variation was 67% (table 4). Autumn Very small numbers of Honey Buzzards are observed throughout the autumn months. Migration patterns in spring Honey Buzzards leave their roosts in the mountains at sunrise (05.30 hours). During 06.00-07.00 movement is seen in the vicinity of Ein Netafim and the Moon Valley and sometimes north and west of there, the direction fluctuating between north-northwest and north-northeast. Between 07.00 and 08.00 hours, the flocks become larger and denser, but their movement is still low and dispersed. Many are observed in active flight, flapping and gliding without soaring; others land at the edges of wadis and on inland clifls. This is because the northerly morning wind, which enables the birds to advance into it and gain altitude, stops and the buzzards are forced to wait until it freshens or the air warms up. As the morning proceeds, the birds gain height, change flight direction to northeast, and cross the Arava Valley at a 50“ angle 30-60 km north of Eilat. In the Eilat massif Honey Buzzards fly chiefly above the 450-700-m mountains (see figs. 2 & 5). In the springs of 1985 and 1986, special attention was given to the dynamics of this species’ passage, and it is now evident that the main part of the migration occurs to the west, over the Negev. One of the reasons is that on many days (especially in late April and May) the winds are southeasterly and strongly deflect the route (see fig. fib). On days with prevailing northeasterlies, the Honey Buzzards tended to migrate, during most hours of the day, a little west of Eilat, in the southern Negev. When the route was drifted westwards, the return to the mountains west of Eilat took place at about 17.00 hours, and during these late- aftemoon hours huge numbers were observed within a short period crossing the Arava from west to east above the fields of Kibbutz Eilot. Frequently, when the passage is drifted towards the Negev, it does not return to the Eilat mountains in the afternoon, but continues to pass over the Negev for a further day. Only on a few days does the movement drift south of F-ilat to cross over the Bay, recalling the daily pattern of Steppe Eagle and Black Kite. (On many days in spring 1977, however. Honey Buzzards crossed the Gulf of Aqaba above the Coral Island area: Christensen et al. 1981.) 161 Raptor migration at Eilat COMMON SPECIES Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus Spring The first migrants appear as early as the second half of February, with regular migration from the beginning of March, and the last in the third week of May; subsequently only vagrants and local resident adults are seen. Three migration waves occur, two major and one minor: the first during the second and third weeks of March, the second from the last days of March until mid ,\pril, and the third in the first week of May. Despite this division into waves, the peak period is not fixed, but varies annually. In spring 1977, a total of 802 was counted, more than in any following year (fig. 1 1); migration counts at Eilat show a significant decrease in the Palearctic population of this species. Autumn Only occasional migrants are observed in autumn. .4g« During spring 1985, 94.8% of Egyptian Vultures passing through Eilat were adults. Non-adults passed mainly during the first half of May (clearly, some Juveniles do return to Europe in the spring). Fig. 1 1. Migration of Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus over Eilat in spring 1977 by five- day periods Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus Spring The first migrants appear in mid February, while migration proper is observed from the first week in March. Most pass during the second and third weeks of March, with the peak at any time between the last week in February and the end of March; the last are observed during the first week in May. The largest seasonal total to date was 345, in spring 1985, with a peak of 29 on 1 1th March (fig. 12). Autumn This species migrates in small numbers in autumn, but in 1987 243 were counted, most in the second half of October. Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Spring This species migrates in small numbers in a regular fashion from mid February until mid May, most passing between the second week in April and the first week in May. The largest seasonal total was 456, in spring 1983, with a peak of 30 on 6th May. Autumn Fewer than in spring, chiefly from mid September to mid October, with a maximum of 177 in autumn 1980. Age and sex From observations and trapping in spring and autumn, it appears that females. 162 Raptor migration at Eilat Fig. 12. Migration of Short-toed Eagles Circaetus gallicus over Eilat in spring 1985 by five-day periods especially juvenile females, dominate the passage, followed by juvenile males and adult males. Marsh Harrier Circus aeru^nosus Spring Regular in small numbers throughout the season, particularly from the second week in March until the second week in May. An especially large total of 371 was counted in spring 1983. The peak day was 3rd May 1985, when 22 passed. Autumn Regular in small numbers, mainly mid October to mid November; in 1987, 75 were counted during this period. The unusually large number of 15 Marsh Harriers was recorded on 25th September 1986. Age, sex and morphs In spring, from March until mid April, adult males and females dominate the passage (adult males formed 8% of the spring total in 1985) From mid April and particularly during the first half of May, virtually all are females and juveniles. In spring 1984 and subsequent springs, individuals of a black morph were sighted in March and April (see Clark 1987a). In autumn 1980, the percentage of adult males was 12.6%. UNCOMMON SPECIES Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca Spring The first migrants appear in mid February, with regular migration from the fourth week in February until mid April; from the third week of April, passage almost completely ceases, with only latecomers observed up to mid May. The eagles migrate in two main groups, the first from the end of February to mid March and the second during the first week of April. The largest seasonal total was 95, in spring 1977, with a peak of 1 1 on 25th February (Christensen el al. 1981). A noticeable reduction in numbers was recorded in 1985 (61) and 1986 (35), despite the fact that the methods employed enabled better coverage; only 12 were counted in 1988. Autumn Numbers are similar to those in spring. In autumn 1980, a total of 64 was counted between 6th October and 30th November, most during the second half of October, with a peak of 31 on 24th. Ages (fig. 13) In spring, during the first wave (end February to mid March), adults predominate; sub-adults and immatures appear by the end of February, but most of them pass during the second week in March. Juveniles (second and third calendar-years) fly past 163 Raptor migration at Eilat Feb Mar Apr Oct Nov Spring 1977 Autumn 1980 Fig. 13. Migration of Imperial Eagles Aquila heliaca over Eilat in spring 1977 and autumn 1980 by five-day periods, divided according to age from mid March until mid April (more numerous during first week of April). In autumn, juveniles pass first, then immatures and sub-adults, and finally adults in dispersed fashion. The percentage of adults was 37.8% in spring 1977 and 32.7% in spring 1985, but only 7.8% in autumn 1980. Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina Spring Considered scarce in Eilat, but appears in constant numbers each year, from mid March until mid May. An unusual peak occurred on 26th March 1979, when 211 were counted (the peak period for this species in the Negev is the third week of March to the first week of April; on days with westerly winds the stream is blown off course eastwards, resulting in a very small number flying past Eilat). Autumn The Lesser Spotted Eagle is a rare migrant in autumn (e.g. only two throughout autumn 1980). Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Spring The first migrants usually appear during the fourth week in February, with regular migration from mid March until the first week in May (most during the first half of April), and the last up to the third week in May (for 1987, see fig. 14). The peak seasonal total was 175, in 1977 (table 1), and the highest daily count 17, on 20th April 1977. Autumn Far fewer than in spring. In autumn 1980, 19 were observed during 23rd August to 16th November. Morphs In spring, the morphs were equal in numbers in 1976, while in 1977 63% were light morph (Christensen et al. 1981). The light morph comprised 56% of the total in spring 1983 and 55.7% in spring 1985. In autumn, 57% of 1,176 Booted Eagles at Kfar Kasem in 1982 were of the light morph (Dovrat 1982). From a comparison of data from Eilat with those from Kfar Kasem, it appears ! that the two morphs are almost equal in number. The slight preponderance of the light ! morph may stem from difficulties in identifying the dark morph, especially when passing I with flocks of Black Kites at high altitudes. A pale-rufous variant of the dark morph is j recognisably different: having rufous underbody and lesser underwing-coverts, and dark under primary, median and greater coverts forming a distinct dark band on the underwing i (see Holmgren 1984; Clark 1987b). 164 Raptor migration at Eilat Mar Apr May Fig. 14. Migration of Booted Eagles Hieraaetus pennatus over Eilat in spring 1987 by five-day periods Osprey Pandion haliaetus Spring A rather scarce migrant, but regularly observed from mid February until mid May, particularly between the end of March and mid April. The largest seasonal total was 130, in spring 1977, with a peak of 23 on 8th April. Autumn Rare (e.g. only seven in autumn 1980). (Note: this species is a resident breeder in south Sinai, from where singles visit Eilat throughout the year.) Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus Spring Migrates in small numbers from the end of February until mid May, especially during the second half of March (a few migrate with flocks of Steppe Buzzards, when it is hard to distinguish them: see Shirihai & Forsman 1992). Generally migrates singly and is often seen hunting and resting in the fields of Kibbutz Eilot. The largest seasonal total was 105, in spring 1985, with a peak of 12 on 23rd March. Autumn A rare migrant, generally seen singly at Kibbutz Eilot fields. In autumn 1980, 32 were recorded between 22nd August and 1 1th November, most during the second and third weeks of October. Ages and morphs In both spring and autumn, most migrants are juveniles of a rufous, pale- brown morph (adults of this morph breed in western Asia, southeast Europe and south to Levant). The blackish-brown morph (breeds in eastern Europe and in Asia, including Asia Minor) forms 5-10% of the passage in both seasons. Single individuals of the yellowish-white form, which appears to be a variant of the rufous morph and which breeds in the Negev and Syrian Deserts, are also recorded at Eilat. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus Spring This species is scarce, migrating singly from the first week in March until mid May, especially from mid March to mid April. The largest seasonal total was 113, in spring 1985 (fig. 15). The peak day at Eilat was 3rd April 1983, when 38 (28 males, ten females) were recorded. Autumn In autumn 1980, ten flew over between 4th September and 16th October, The inclusion of plates 63-68 & 70-93 in colour has been assisted by a donation from Carl Zeiss — — ^ Germany. 63. Adult female Pallid Harrier Circus macroums. Israel, March 1988 (Klaus Bjerre) 64. Adult male Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, Israel, May 1987 (Hadoram Shirihai) 65. Immature Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Israel, November 1987 (Hadoram Shirihai) 166 Raptor migration at Eilat Fig. 15. Migration of Pallid Harriers Circus macrourus through Eilat in spring 1985 by five- day periods, showing percentages according to age/sex concentrated during the third week in September, while in 1987 a total of 12 was recorded during 16th October to 15th November. Age and sex Of the 1 13 in spring 1985, 35 (31%) were adult males. Most males pass in March and early April, while from the end of March more females are observed. Third-calendar- year individuals also pass in spring, as well as a few juveniles (second-calendar-years), chiefly during the second half of April. The general impression is that most Pallid Harriers passing Eilat in spring are adult males and females (fig. 15); it is possible that Juveniles spend the northern summer in Africa. In autumn 1980, only one of the ten individuals recorded was an adult male. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus Spring A scarce but regular migrant, appearing later and in smaller numbers than Pallid Harrier, from the end of March until the third week in May (especially in mid April). The earliest spring date was 19th March 1986 (two males). The peak day was 7th April 1983 (eight individuals). Autumn Smaller numbers than in spring (e.g., in 1980, 14 between 31st August and 8th October). Age and sex Of 55 recorded in spring 1983, 16 were adult males. It appears that the spring passage consists of about 25% adult males, 40% adult females and 35% immatures. (Note: There are problems in separating Pallid and Montagu’s Harriers in non-adult-male plumages, resulting in approximately one-third of individuals remaining unidentified; these latter are not included in the figures here, but see table 1.) Hobby Falco subbuleo Spring Small numbers (table 1) are recorded from the end of March until mid June, chiefly during the third week in April. The migration is dispersed, and many which fly over the fields are missed by counters. 67. Adult Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, Israel, October 1989 (Hadoram Shirihai) 68. Adult Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina, Israel, April 1987/88 (Yossi Eshbol) 66. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Israel, March 1987 (Hadoram Shirihai) 168 Raptor migration at Eilat Autumn Fewer than in spring, mostly from the second half of September until the second half of November, with the peak period during October and the first week of November. In autumn 1980, a total of 21 was recorded. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus It is difficult to determine whether those moving past Eilat are migrating or simply making local movements. Only those displaying a clear migratory pattern in association with other raptors were recorded as migrants. Spring Regular passage occurs from the beginning of February until mid June, concentrated from mid March to mid April. Maximum 190, in spring 1983. Autumn Passage occurs from mid August to the end of November. In autumn 1980, a total of 298 was observed. RARE SPECIES Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus A rare vagrant. Five spring records (between 28th March and 9th April) during 1977-85, and one autumn observation (August 1989). Red Kite Milvus milvus Only two records: on 19th October 1982 and 28th October 1986. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla Only four individuals (juveniles/immatures) recorded to date: two in spring (last week of February and first week of March) and two in autumn (November). Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus A rare but regular migrant. Highest spring total 22, in 1977 (21st February to 7th May). Small flocks of 10-30 may be seen migrating with flocks of Steppe Eagles in October- November. (Although this species’ migratory behaviour seems similar to that of all other raptors, we believe that at least some individuals are juveniles making local movements.) Black Vulture Aegypiiis monachus An extremely rare migrant, both in spring (February-March) and in autumn (October- November). Usually only one or two in any season, accompanying flocks of Steppe Eagles. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus During 1982-89, five (all first-winter/first-summer) recorded in Eilat and Sinai, between December and May. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus An extremely rare migrant, both in spring (mid February to end of March) and in autumn (mid October to mid November), with no more than two recorded in any season. Goshawk Accipiter gentilis A very rare migrant, with single Juveniles passing in spring (February-May) and autumn (October-November). Highest seasonal total was six, in autumn 1980. Shikra Accipiter badius One ringed at Eilat on 20th April 1987. Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga Infrequently observed. In spring, most pass during mid March to mid April (highest seasonal total ten, in 1983); in autumn, most are recorded during end of September to mid November (total of 13 in 1980). Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus A very rare migrant, both in spring and in autumn, with no more than six individuals, mainly Juveniles or immatures, recorded in any one season. Most spring records were between the 169 third week of February and mid April, with only a few as late as May; in autumn, mainly in October-November. (A resident pair of Bonelli’s Eagles nests in the mountains west of Eilat.) Lesser Kestrel Falco mumanni A rare but regular migrant. In spring it migrates from the beginning of February until mid May, especially during the first week of April (peak of ten on 5th April 1983). Recorded in autumn from the third week in August until the second week of November, particularly in the first half of October; in autumn 1980, a total of 20 was observed. Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus A rare migrant in spring (chiefly mid April to the end of May) and in autumn (mainly October), seen mostly in the fields of ICibbutz Eilot. The maximum number in one day was eight, on 8th May 1982. Merlin Falco columbarius A rare migrant. A few are seen in spring, mainly from the end of February until the beginning of April (seasonal maximum three, in 1982). More frequent in autumn, when most are females an^ juveniles; in autumn 1980, six were recorded during 17th October to 14th November. 69. First-winter Spotted Eagle Aqiiila clanga, Israel, November 1986 (Flyal Baiiov) 70-75. Acluk male Honey Hn/.zarcls Feniis apivoms, showing range of plumage variation, Israel, 1987 & 1988 (Hadomm Shirihai) "t!3m 1§ Top binocular for the future . Most popular binoculars Most popular make of binocular Rec&Ktmended by British }rl Zeiss experience and quality Jchieved a world wide reputai [or excellence. 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Other prices quoted are subject to any publishers’ increases. Make all cheques and POs payable to the NHBS. Payment can be made in IJS$ at current exchange rate. Please allow 28 days for delivery in UK, longer if abroad. NHBS Giro a/c no. 202 9200. To qualify for POST FREE please quote your BB ref. no. Name. Ref. No. Address Total £ Cheque/PO enclosed CD Giro payment made CD You can also pay using If your address for credit card purposes is different from that above, give it here these credit cards; Please debit my AccessA'isa/MasterCard/Eurocard Expiry date Signature EDED You can phone in your credit card orders, but please quote your BB ref. no. as well as your credit card no. IT.I.. Totnes (0803) 865913. fax. (0803) 865280 Send order to; British BirdShop, c/o NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN xii 7j}l. Adult female Honey Buzzards Pemis apivorus, showing range of plumage variation, Israel, May 1987 & 1988 (Hadomm Shirihai) 82. Second-summer Steppe Eagle Aqiiila nipalensis, Israel, April 1986 (Liora & Ofer Bahat) 83. First-summer Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis, Israel, April 1988 (Hadoram Shirihai) 84. First-summer Steppe Eagles Aquila nipalensis. Israel, March 1987 {Yossi Eshbol) 173 Raptor migration at Eilat Eleonora’s Falcon Falco elemorae Spring Occurs from the third week in April until the third week in May, chiefly during the first week in May; singles may be seen as late as mid June. Some have been seen migrating with Sooty Falcons F. concohr 'm the Eilat mountains. Highest seasonal total was 21, in spring 1986. Autumn Singles are seen from the beginning of October until mid November, chiefly during the third week of October. In autumn 1986, 12 individuals were recorded. Sooty Falcon Fako concolor \ rare migrant. Singles have been recorded from the end of March, becoming more frequent from the end of April to the end of May (only adults have been recorded in spring). Adults as well as juveniles have been observed from mid October to mid November. This species breeds in the Negev and the Dead Sea area; those migrating over Eilat may belong to this population. Six pairs breed in the Eilat area. Saker Fako cherrug A rare migrant. One to four individuals observed in almost every spring (mainly in third week of March, with records up to early May) and autumn (mid October to end of November). Most are immatures. The daily maximum was three, on 3rd November 1981. (The true number of Sakers is somewhat greater; owing to problems in separating this species from Tanner F. biarmicus, many individuals are recorded as ‘Lanner/Saker’.) Peregrine Fako peregrinus A rare migrant in spring (mainly February to early May) and in autumn (September- October). To date, there are 17 definite records of the northern race calutus, one of which was trapped on 9th May 1984. RESIDENT SPECIES AND LOCAL MOVEMENTS The following six species are resident breeders in the Eilat area and often show a pattern of local movement, and/or occasionally even some true passage. . Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus A rare vagrant during migration and in winter. Single Juveniles were observed in February 1979 and in December 1980, and a sub-adult moved north-northeast on 3rd April 1985. One I pair bred in the area up to 1960s. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus During the 1970s and early 1980s, when there were over ten pairs of these vultures in the southern Arava, local movement southwards into Sinai and back was frequently observed, often reaching Eilat. This population is now reduced to only one or two individuals, and the species last bred in 1989. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos One to three pairs nest in the mountains west and north of Eilat. Juveniles from these and from other pairs nesting in the Negev fly over the Eilat area. Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila vmreauxii , One or two pairs nest in Sinai, apparently not far from Eilat. In some years, adults and I juveniles are seen almost daily in the mountains west of Eilat, particularly in the Ein Netafim area. Lanner Fako biarmicus I Spring totals of up to seven (1985), mostly immatures, are recorded as migrants from mid February to the beginning of May, mainly during the second half of March. Totals of up to two (1982) are observed in autumn (mainly September). The race tanypterus breeds in Eilat and Negev area, and juveniles show local movements in the Eilat area; to prevent their being mistakenly recorded as migrants, only individuals seen migrating with other raptors or otherwise identified as adults of the European race feldeggt were recorded as migrants. 85. Adult Black Kite Milvus migrans, Israel, November 1987 (Hadoram Shirihai) 86. First-winter Black Kite Milvus migrans, November 1987 (Hadoram Shirihai) 87. Adult ‘Steppe’ Buzzard Buleo buteo vulpinus, Israel, April 1988 (Hadoram Shirihai) 88. First-summer ‘Steppe’ Buzzard Buteo buleo vulplnus, Israel, April 1988 (Hadnram Shirihai) 89. Immature ‘Steppe’ Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinm, Israel, April 1987 (Benid Thies) 90. Light-morph Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, Israel, April 1988 (Hadoram Shirihai) 91. F irst-suminer female Levant Accipiter breiipes. Israel, April 1987 {Hadoram Shirihai) 92. Female Levant Sparrowhawks Accipiter breihpes, Israel, April 1987 {Hadoram Shirihai) 93. Adult male Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes, Israel, April 1988 {Hadoram Shirihai) 177 Raptor migration at Eilat Owing to difficulties in separating the races of this species in non-adult plumages, it is in most cases impossible to determine whether individuals are true migrants or dispersing local birds. Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides A resident breeder in the Eilat area. Although individuals have displayed migratory patterns, we believe these to have been dispersive or short-distance movements (of juveniles and immatures) only. Migration routes of raptors in the Middle East Observations in recent years at various points in the Middle East have provided an insight into the migration routes of those raptors which breed in eastern Europe and westem/central Asia and winter in Africa. Major bottleneck areas exist not only at Eilat, but also, for example, at both ends of the Black Sea, in southeast Turkey, at Suez, and at the Bab-el-Mandeb strait between Yemen and Djibouti. Fig. 16 summarises the routes used by the commonest species in spring and autumn, and table 5 gives peak Fig. 16. Migration routes of raptors and major watchpoints in Middle East. Routes; A = Lesser Spotted Eagle AquUa pomarina. Steppe Eagle A. mpaJensis and Black Kite Mibnis migrans; B = Stepfje Eagle, Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus. Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes and Honey Buzzard Perms apivorus; C = Black Kite, Honey Buzzard, Steppe Buzzard, Lesser Sptotted Eagle and Levant Sparrowhawk; D = Black Kite, Honey Buzzard, Steppe Buzzard (and a few Steppe Eagles, Lesser Spotted Eagles and Levant Sparrowhawks); E = Honey Buzzard, Levant Spturowhawk and Lesser Spotted Eagle; F = Lesser Spotted and Steppe Eagles; G = Steppe Eagle; H = Steppe Eagle, Steppe Buzzard and Black Kite. Watchpoints: 1 = Bosporus, 2 = East Pontics, 3 = Iskenderun, 4 = Southeast Caspitui, 5 = Kfar Kasem, 6 = North Negev and Dead Sea, 7 = Suez, 8 = Eilat, 9 = Kuwait, 10 = Strait of Hormuz, 11 = North Yemen, 12 == Bab-el-Mandeb 178 Raptor migration at Eilat Table 5. Peak seasonal totals (with years) of mor Autumn observations were made from end of August to mid November, except I November 1985) and Iskenderun (August to end of September); these limite Spring observations were made frol In addition to the figures given, 115 Lesser Spotted Eagles were counted passif passing Kuwait during two days (no dates given) in autumn (Welch & Welc Vultures, 134 Short-toed Eagles, 13 Steppe Eagles and 953 Booted Eagl' Lessf Season Steppe Honey Black Steppe Spott AREA Buzzard Buzzard Kite Eagle Eagl , Autumn TCRKEY Bosporus 32,000 26,000 2,700 2 32,2; (1971) (1971) (1971) (1971) (198 EjPontics 205,000 138,000 5,800 430 7: (1976) (1976) (1976) (1977) (197' Iskenderun 470 16,000 506 — 3,1 ¥ (1965) (1976) (1976) (197 ISR.AEL Kfar Kasem/ 2,166 437,432 1,734 456 141, Oi northern valleys (1989) (1990) (1990) (1987) (191 Eilat 150 100 100 24,000 I (1980) (1980) (1980) (1980) (191 EGYFE 1 Suez 850 100 100 65,000 31,C| (1984) (1981) (1981) (1981) (191 N YEMEN 703 3 82 2,400 i (1985) (1985) (1985) (1985) S RED SEA Djibouti 98,000 17 580 76,000 (1987) (1987) (1987) (1987) (19| Spring (few data available) ISRAEL 1 Eilat 465,000 850,000 36,000 75,000 l4 (1986) (1985) (1980) (1985) (1) (1985) (1985) (1985) 0 1,200 450 3,000 Wimpfheimer et al. 1983; Bruun 1985 ^1) (1982) (1982) (1982) Mediterranean coast and move through Israel towards Sinai, the Lesser Spotted Eagles crossing the Gulf of Suez at its northern end and the other two crossing in its central and southern parts. All three migrate along a single route (the ‘Kfar Kasem route’) through Israel, mostly between the end of August and mid October. A fourth species, the Steppe Eagle, enters the Middle East from breeding grounds in Central Asia mainly via the Caspian Sea area; it reaches the Arava Valley, passes over Sinai, and crosses the Gulf of Suez mostly in its northern parts. Autumn passage of Steppe Eagles in Israel is more or less restricted to the Eilat area, from mid October to mid November. The second major route crosses the southern Red Sea and involves mostly eastern populations, but also some western ones, of three of the 182 Raptor migration at Eilat commonest species. Steppe Eagles and Steppe Buzzards arrive mainly via the eastern end of the Black Sea and from north and south of the Caspian Sea. The Black Kite arrives via east and west of the Black Sea and probably also from both ends of the Caspian. All three pass along various routes between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf towards the southern Arabian Peninsula, where the routes converge to cross the southern Red Sea to Djibouti at the strait of Bab-el-Mandeb, between mid September and mid November. It should be noted that, although no systematic counts have been made at Bab-el-Mandeb before October, most of 1,000 unidentified raptors observed from a light aircraft on 26th September 1987 were thought to be Honey Buzzards (Welch & Welch 1988); the bulk of this species’ movement would probably occur during the preceding four weeks, and the possibility of a large autumn passage of Honey Buzzards at Bab-el-Mandeb cannot be discounted. Spring In contrast to the autumn, the bulk of the spring movement of raptors through the Middle East appears to follow the northern route, bypassing the Red Sea and the east Mediterranean. This migration involves all six of the most numerous species. They cross Sinai at various points and continue mainly through the southern and central Negev, the majority passing over ‘the Eilat route’. Only one species, the Lesser Spotted Eagle, does not reach the Eilat region in any numbers in spring, passing instead over the Gulf of Suez, north Negev and Dead Sea area (see also Christensen & Sorensen 1989). From the direction of movement in Israel and numbers recorded from Turkey, as well as the location of the known breeding areas, it seems that Lesser Spotted Eagles and Levant Sparrowhawks continue north to the eastern and western ends of the Black Sea. Steppe Buzzards and Steppe Eagles, however, continue on eastward routes direct to the area between the Black and Caspian Seas and probably also to the southern Caspian. Black Kites and Honey Buzzards break off on various routes, taking them to both ends of the Black Sea and to the Caspian Sea area. In Eilat, the flight directions of the last two species, as well as of Steppe Eagle and Steppe Buzzard, show a strong eastward tendency. Unfortunately, data on raptor passage through the Middle East in spring are far from complete. The greatest mystery that still exists is to what extent spring movement takes place across the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. Large-scale passage of Steppe Eagles and Steppe Buzzards, and possibly also of Black Kites, at this latter site seems a strong likelihood, but the discovery there of a significant spring migration of Honey Buzzards would be very surprising. Three consecutive days’ observation in Djibouti during 5th-7th March 1990 (i.e. during the peak period for Steppe Eagle passage at Eilat), however, recorded very few Steppe Eagles, (only 1.3) (Welch & Welch 1991), so this possibility remains open until more fieldwork is done in this area in spring. Interestingly, Welch & Welch (1991) also recorded, during their three-day watch, totals of 733 Egyptian Vultures, 953 Booted Eagles and 134 Short-toed Eagles, I Raptor migration at Eilat 183 indicating that the Djibouti route is almost certainly a major one for these species in spring. If future studies show that at least some of the above three abundant species (Steppe Eagle, Steppe Buzzard and Black Kite) do migrate in significant numbers through Djibouti and Yemen in spring, this would partly explain why there is such a great annual variation in numbers recorded at the northern end of the Red Sea. When weather conditions at Bab-el-Mandeb are suitable, many raptors may cross there instead of continuing along the western side of the Red Sea to Sinai and Eilat, and numbers passing Eilat would consequently be low. The excellent pioneering work of Welch & Welch (1988, 1991) in Djibouti deserves to be complemented by similar and extensive follow-up studies, particularly in spring and also if possible in early autumn. Other sites (e.g. Suez area, and the region between the eastern Black Sea and the Persian Gulf) also merit more intensive investigation, both in spring and in autumn. Concluding remarks Recent events in the Middle East, and the continuing instability of the political situation in many parts, serve to underline the importance of constant monitoring of the globally important migration routes of raptors (and many other species) that pass through this area. In addition, detailed information on bird migration through Israel has already helped in the successful opposition to planned projects which would have had disastrous consequences for migrants (e.g. the proposed ‘Voice of America’ transmitter in the Negev: Brit. Birds 83: 296). Any temporary or long-term effects on raptor migration of the environmental devastation wreaked by the war in parts of the Middle East remain to be seen, although it is difficult to assess impact in the absence of detailed numerical data in such places as Kuwait. Observers are urged to attempt systematic counts in as many places as possible, thereby helping to fill in the existing gaps in our knowledge and at the same time determine the precise numbers and routes of the vast hordes of raptors which travel each year between Eurasia and Africa. Finally, the importance of counting raptors on migration should not be underestimated. For migratory birds these counts are often the only methods of obtaining a reasonably accurate estimate of the total world population of the species concerned. For example. Cramp & Simmons (1980) indicated a population of 800-900 breeding pairs of Lesser Spotted Eagles for half of this species’ entire breeding range, but counts on the main migration routes of this eagle have produced peak seasonal totals of 30,000-140,000 (see above): giving an obviously far higher population than previously supposed. Acknowledgments Thanks are due first and foremost to the several hundred volunteer observers from many countries who participated in the surveys and manned observation posts across the migration front; space precludes mentioning them all individually, but without their 184 Raptor migration at Eilat expertise coupled with lengthy hours of hard work and dedication this paper could not even have been attempted. Special thanks are owed to the Israel Raptor Information Center and to the International Birdwatching Center at Eilat for the considerable financial support they provided to HS, enabling the surveys to be conducted; to Bill Laird, Anders Jonsson and Jeffrey Brown for their much-appreciated assistance and useful suggestions in the course of fieldwork and in co-ordinating the surveys; to Ehud Dovrat for his expert guidance and advice in all aspects of this work; and to Steen Christensen and Bill Clark for commenting so helpfully on an earlier draft of this paper (which did not then include 1987 and 1988 data). We are grateful to Shmulik Taggar for his invaluable assistance. Finally, we wish to thank Dr J. T. R. Sharrock for his encouragement and understanding during the preparation of this paper. Summary Within a world context, Eilat, at the northern end of the Red Sea in Israel, is one of the most important watchpoints for migrating raptors. Eilat lies on the edge of the Syro-African Rift Valley and is flanked by mountains reaching heights of 800 m to the west and 1,800 m to the east, with the Gulf of Aqaba immediately to the south and the Gulf of Suez to the southwest. From Eilat, the Rift Valley continues northwards for 200 km to the Dead Sea. During 1977-88, migration surveys of raptors were conducted in nine seasons (springs of 1977, 1983 and 1985-88, autumns of 1980, 1986 and 1987), and studies were also made (mainly in spring) of the dynamics of migrating raptors in relation to local geographical features and weather factors. The prevailing northerly or northeasterly (head) wind is the most favourable one for raptor migration at this site, southerly or easterly winds pushing the route westwards and strong westerlies forcing raptors to cross the Gulf of Aqaba at a point farther south. The timing of the start of migration in the morning varies among species. In very general terms: in the earlier hours, raptors cross the valley some tens of kilometres north of Eilat, later crossing nearer to the town; during the hot midday hours, they rise to 1,500 m or more and move at greater speeds; during 12.00-16.00 hours, passage is blown off course and the crossing of the valley occurs high above the Bay of Eilat, or well west of the town over the Negev Desert; later in the afternoon, the raptors lose height and return to migrate above the Eilat mountains, where many also roost. Combined totals of all raptors were as follows: (springs) 1977 — 763,961, 1983 — 474,124, 1985—1,193,229, 1986—873,388, 1987—778,228, and 1988—688,659; (autumns) 1980— 25,998, 1986 — 12,357, and 1987 — 12,548. Of the 42 raptor species recorded at Eilat, the most abundant (tens or hundreds of thousands each spring) are: Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis (max. 75,053, in 1985); Black Kite Milvus migrans (max. 31,774, in 1988; also, an exceptional 36,690 recorded in spring 1980); Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus (max. 465,827, in 1986); Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes (max. 49,836, in 1987); and Honey Buzzard Pemis apworus (max. 851,598, in 1985). ‘Common’ species (up to 1,000 per season) are Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnoplervs. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, while a further nine species were recorded as ‘uncommon’ (normally up to 100 or so per season) and 18 as ‘rare’ (generally only in single figures); an additional six species which are resident in the Eilat/Sinai area were recorded on local movements. In addition, the various routes followed by Palearctic raptors through the wider Middle East region in spring and autumn are examined and discussed. There is a need for further systematic counts at many localities in order to fill in the existing gaps in our knowledge and to determine more exactly the population numbers and precise routes of the raptor species concerned. References Beaman, M. 1973. Bosphorus migration, autumn 1971. Bull. Om. Soc. Turkey 8: 3-4. Ben Zoiiar, E. 1986. Survey of migration of birds of prev at Beersheba, spring 1985. Torgos 5: 44-59. [In Hebrew, with English summary.] Bijesma, R. G. 1983. The migration of raptors near Suez, Egypt, autumn 1981. Sandgrouse 5: 19-44. 1987. Bottleneck areas for migratory birds in the Mediterranean region. ICBP Study Report No. 18. 185 Raptor migration at Eilat Bruun, B. 1985. Spring migration of raptors at Suez compared with Eilat. Dutch Birdingl : 6-10. Christensen, S., Lou, O., Muller, M., & Wohlmuth, H. 1981. The spring migration of raptors in southern Israel and Sinai. Sandgrouse 3: T42. & Sorensen, U. G. 1989. A review of the migration and wintering otAquila pomarina and Aquila nipalensis orientalis. In MeybL’RG, B.-U., & CHANCELLOR, R. D. (eds.). Raptors in the Modem World. WWGBP: Berlin, London & Paris. Clark, W. S. 1987a. The dark morph of the Marsh Harrier. Brit. Birds 80: 61-72. 1987b. The rufous morph of the Booted Eagle. Proc. 4th International Identification Meeting, Eilat Ist-Sth November 1986: 21-27. Cramp, S., & Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) 1980. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 2. Oxford. Dovrat, E. 1982. Summary of five years’ survey of raptor migration at Kfar Kassam. Torgos 2: 53-115. [In Hebrew, with English summary.] 1991. The Kefar Kassem raptor migration survey, autumns 1977-1987: a brief summary. In Yekutiel, D. (ed.), Raptors in Israel: passage and wintering populations. IBCE, Eilat. Gorney, E., & Cl.ark, W. 1984. Trapping and ringing diurnal raptors in Eilat, spring 1984. Torgos 4: 61-78, 97. [In Hebrew, with English summary.] Holmgren, V. 1984. Booted Eagles in intermediate plumage seen at Eilat, Israel. Sandgrouse 6: 76-79. J.AEFE, S. 1988. Climate of Israel. In Yom-Tov, Y., & Tchernov, E. (eds.), The Zoogeography of Israel. Netherlands. Mindei.L, D. P. 1986. Migration of North American breeding raptors: endogenous versus environmental control, biogeography and hazard to aircraft. Dissertation Abstract International (B) 46 (8): 2590. N.agy, a. C. 1976. Population trend indices based on 40 years of autumn counts at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in north-east Pennsylvania. In CHANCELLOR, R. D. (ed.), Proc. World Conference on Birds of Prey, Vienna 1975. ICBP, Cambridge. Porter, R. F., & Beaman, M. A. S. 1985. A resume of raptor migration in Europe and the Middle East. In Newton, L, & Chancellor, R. D. (eds.). Conservation Studies on Raptors. ICBP Tech. Publ. No. 5. & Christensen, S., 1987. The autumn migration of raptors and other soaring birds in North Yemen. Sandgrouse 9: 121-124. & Willis, I. 1968. The autumn migration of soaring birds at the Bosphorus. Ibis 110: 520-537. Roberts, P. M. 1985. The Hawk Migration Association of North America. WWGBP Bull. 2: 141-146. Shirihai, H. 1982. The autumn migration of Steppe Eagles at Eilat, Israel, 1980. Sandgrouse 4: 108-110. 1987. Eilat — an intercontinental highway for migrating raptors. In Eilat — an intercontinen- tal highway for migrating birds. IBCE, Eilat. 1988. Raptor migration at Eilat in spring 1987. Torgos 13: 47-53. [In Hebrew, with English summary.] & Doherty, P. 1990. Steppe Buzzard plumages. Birding World 3: 10-14. & FOR.SMAN, D. 1992. Steppe Buzzard plumages and identification problems with Long- legged Buzzard on migration. Dutch Birding 14. & Yekutiel, D. 1991. Raptor migration at Eilat — spring 1988. In Yekutiel, D. (ed.), Raptors in Israel: passage and wintering populations. IBCE, Eilat. Smith, N. G. 1985. Dynamics of the transisthmian migration of raptors between Central and South America. In Newton, I., & Chancellor, R. D. (eds.). Conservation Studies on Raptors. ICBP Tech. Publ. No. 5 (pp. 271-290). SUTHERl.AND, W.J., & Brooks, D. J. 1981. Autumn migration of raptors, storks, pelicans and spoonbills at Belen Pass, Southern Turkey. Sandgrouse 2: 1-21. Tsovt.L, a., & Al.I.ON, D. 1991. Soaring bird migration survey in the Northern Valleys of Israel — autumns 1988-1990. In Yekl'TIEL, D. (ed.). Raptors in Israel: passage and wintering populations. IBCE, Eilat. VAN Diggei.EN, R., et al. Unpubl. Raptor migration over Suez in the autumn of 1984. Welch, G. R., & Welch, H. J. 1986. Djibouti II — Autumn 1985. Privately published. & 1988. The autumn migration of raptors and other soaring birds across the Bab- el-Mandeb Straits. Sandgrouse 10: 26-50. & 1991. Spring raptor observations from Djibouti. OSME Bulletin 26: 25-27. 186 Raptor migration at Eilat VVIMPFHEIMER, D., Bruun, B., Baha EE DiN, Sherie M., & Jennings, M. C. 1983. The migration of birds of prey in the northern Red Sea area: report of the 1982 Suez Study. Holy Land Conservation Fund, New York. Hadoram Shirihai, PO Box 4168, Eilat 88102, Israel David A. Christie, 4 Steventon Road, Harefield, Southampton S02 5HA ^ Volunteers who would like to participate in the Raptor Migration Survey in Eilat and at other places in Israel should write to IBCE, PO Box 774, Eilat 88106, Israel, or to IRIC, Doar Na Zfon-Yehuda 90907, Israel. I Notes Griffon Vulture drowning in sea In the afternoon of 18th September 1988, we visited Cabo Trafalgar, Cadiz, southwest Spain, to look at seabirds. The wind was not very favourable, being strong easterly. After a while, we discovered a Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus flying about 50 m above the shore to the west of us, and heading out over the sea away from land in a southerly direction. We followed the vulture for a long time through our telescopes. When it was about 1 km from land, it headed southeastwards, apparently to keep land in sight, but the strong wind drifted it farther away and, when 3-4 km out, it suddenly lost i height and continued flying close above the surface; about 5 km from | land, it stretched out its legs as if intending to land, reduced speed by j | flapping its wings forward, and alighted on the water. During the next few [ j minutes, we saw the wings flapping between the waves as if the vulture j ) were trying to get airborne again. Finally, the movements ceased and the ! Griffon Vulture disappeared. Kenneth Bengtsson and Erik Hirschfeld j Jacob Pers vdg 7, S-232 00 Arldv, Sweden | I The possibility that this individual was sick, or sufiering from the effects of poisoning, has to be considered. This observation is also interesting in view of other reports of Griffon | Vultures seen flying out to sea. In this context, it is worth drawing attention to the / 1 extraordinary observation at noon on 1st September 1965 of five huge eagle-like birds flying past Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, and the suggestion, 1 1 years later, by Dr C. J. Henty that they were perhaps Griffon Vultures (Cape Clear Bird Obs. Rep. 7: 16-17; Cape Clear Bird Obs. Bull. 37: 3-5). Ed.s One Hen Harrier nestling feeding another In their monograph on the Bam Owl Tyto alba, Bunn, Warburton & Wilson (1982) mentioned young owlets of that species feeding their younger siblings in the nest, something that no other British or Irish bird species apart from Moorhen Gallinula Notes 187 chloropus. House Martin Delichon urbica and Swallow Hirundo rustica is known to do. Certainly, it is not normal behaviour among raptors. 94. Nestling Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus, Co. Cork, June 1974 (Richard T. Mills) In June 1974, on open moorland in Co. Cork, I watched the nest of a Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus from a hide less than 4 m away. The female harrier had just left, having fed the older and larger of the two nestlings, when the younger one crawled back into the nest from the cover of the surrounding vegetation where it had been hiding, calling all the time. The older chick then apparently responded to these hunger calls: it made its way over to its sibling, and proceeded to feed it with some of the left-over prey items (plate 94). At times the older nestling covered the other with one of its wings, in a most protective manner, while presenting it with small morsels of food. I observed this remarkable event on only one occasion. As there was another harrier’s nest containing five unhatched eggs less than 400 m away on another slope of the same hill, where the male put in only sporadic appearances, this was a possible case of polygamy, resulting in the female with young having to spend a lot of time hunting, thus leaving the young on their own for long periods. Nevertheless, at the first sign of rain or drizzle, she immediately reappeared to brood them. Rich.vrd T. Mii.ls Redwing, 44 Halldene Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland Donald Watson has commented: 'I have no experience or knowledge of such an incident, nor have I seen any reference to it in the literature. Clearly, it would be most likely to be detected by someone watching from a hide, as was the case with Richard Mills. I would not like to comment further, but I am not convinced that the long absences of the female would have made sibling-feeding more likely than normal.’ Eds Buzzard with live common eel On 10th October 1985, while driving I along a road by Colliford Reservoir on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, Colin i Reed and I saw a Buzzard Buteo buteo fly up from the roadside a few metres i 1 I 188 Notes ahead of us with something dangling from its talons. We stopped and watched as it flew around, followed by a second Buzzard. Eventually, we were able to identify the very dark and glistening prey as a common eel Anguilla anguilla; it was alive, and we could see it coiling up as the Buzzard held it with one foot by or near the head. We judged the eel to be 30-35 cm in length. Where and how the eel was obtained were not known, but it seems possible that it had been scooped from shallow water at the reservoir edge, or picked up while it crossed damp ground. Eels are not specifically mentioned among the foods of Buzzard listed in BWP (vol. 2), which states: ‘Fish rarely taken and then dead or incapacitated.’ Brown (1976, British Birds of Prey) recorded that ‘oddments such as eels or trout might even be taken, perhaps picked up dead’. Graham Madge 8 Lame John’s Field, Crediton, Devon EX17 lEB Kestrel apparently robbing Short-eared Owl Between 12.30 and 14.30 GMT on 22nd December 1985, at Netherfield Gravel-pits, near Notting- ham, I was watching four Short-eared Owls Asio flammeus quartering the area when one was suddenly attacked by a female Kestrel Falco tinnunculus. The two locked feet for a moment about 1 m above the ground, before the Kestrel flew off. The owl continued to hunt, dropping into the grass onto prey. The Kestrel returned, hovered over and defecated onto the owl, and then dropped down next to it and started pulling at the prey; the falcon flew off with something in its talons to a nearby post. The owl remained on the ground for some ten minutes, after which the Kestrel flew away; the owl then rejoined the other three and continued quartering the surrounding area. Greg Scott 152 Surgeys Lane, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 8GB Kestrel preying on House Martin nest On 1st July 1986, at Winchester College, Hampshire, I watched a male Kestrel Falco tinnunculus attempt to remove young House Martins Delickon urbica from their nest. The falcon patrolled back and forth along the eaves of the building for about a minute, mobbed by several adult martins; it then swiftly turned inwards and clung to one of the nests, its tail fanned against the wall for support, rather in the manner of a Green Woodpecker Picus viridis, but flapping its wings vigorously in an attempt to keep its hold. Surprisingly, it succeeded in removing one young martin, but it dropped this, together with considerable amounts of nest material, on to the ground directly below. BWP (vol. 2) makes no mention of Kestrels preying on other birds at the nest, and I have never seen a Kestrel perform (under any circumstances) such acrobatic behaviour as this. S. K. WooLLEY Willingale House, 2 Butts Farm, Butts Green, Lockerley, near Romsey, Hampshire S051 OJG Non-aggressive behaviour of Peregrine On 19th February 1989, at the Connah’s Quay DNS Reserve, Cheshire, we saw an adult male Peregrine Falco peregrinus rise from a ditch with a freshly killed Teal Anas crecca and land on a bank some 200 m from the hide. After five minutes, during which the falcon plucked the prey, two Carrion Crows Corvus corone landed Notes 189 25 m from it. One of the crows approached the Peregrine and, without any threat display from the latter, was allowed to take a portion of the kill. This attracted several more crows, and the falcon took off with the prey and flew a short distance before resuming feeding. The crows followed and made many further attempts to take the Teal: in each case the Peregrine took off and fled from them, showing no aggressive behaviour and not once attempting to ‘mantle’ the prey. L. Fairman and R. H. Harvey 62 Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5HZ Robin ‘anting’ with millipede On 30th June 1985, while working in my garden at Stapleford, Cambridge, I turned up a millipede (Diplopoda), which I cracked with my thumbnail and threw down on the ground. Within seconds, a Robin Erithacus rubecula flew down, took the creature in its bill and began to ‘ant’ with it. The Robin seemed in a state of great excitement as it pushed the millipede through the fluffed-up feathers on its back and the primaries of both wings; it soon flew into cover, however, and I was unable to determine whether it ate the millipede or not. 1 subsequently obtained a specimen of the millipede, and this was identified as Tachypodoiulus niger (the common black millipede) by the Ministry of Agriculture in Cambridge. B. Harrlip 49 Priam’s Way, Stapleford, Cambridge CB2 5DT Dr K. E. L. Simmons has commented as follows: ‘Application to the back is not usual for a chat, flycatcher or thrush. I have no doubt, however, that the bird was “anting”, but with this millipede instead of the more usual ants (for which there are now several records). I would refer you to the note and mv appended comment in Bril. Birds 62; 284-285.’ This contribution was submitted prior to the publication of BWP vol. 5, where it is stated (pages 604-605) in the entry for the Robin: ‘Active anting with Formica and Lasius ants occasional . . . but more frequently uses millipedes, especially lulus [which includes T. rdger] . . . Holds millipede or ant (exceptionally up to 4) in bill and rubs it on underside of extended and raised wing, with spread tail thrust sideways and forward to press behind.’ VVe apologise to Brian Harrup for the delay in publication. Eds Letter Priorities for conservationists I read with interest Sir Derek Barber’s ‘Viewpoint’ article {Brit. Birds 84: 432-435) and am in broad agreement with many of his points. I think, however, that education is the most basic item that conserva- tionists should be addressing. Education is essential to develop an understanding of the way that politics, economics, scientific research and the environment interact together. This understanding is vital for effective conservation. Rather than concentrating on where an installation should be put, we should first establish that it is really needed under a programme of sustainable development (improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems). 190 Letter We are often told that money is better spent on research and buying reserves than on education. In view of the unprecedented losses of semi- natural habitats since 1949, this claim seems hard to substantiate. Education, research and reserve acquisition are equally important, and should be given equal resources by conservation organisations. Simon Albrecht 12 Hemingford Road, Cambridge CBl 3BZ Reviews A Field Guide to the Rare Birds of Britain and Europe. Illustrated by Ian Lewington. Text by Per Alstrdm & Peter Colston. HarperCollins, London, 1991. 448 pages; 129 colour plates; 409 line-drawings. £14.99. Little more than four years ago, a general assessment of field guides in this journal (Brit. Birds 80: 401-403) concluded that a successful field guide must include all the species likely to be seen within a given geographical area. Laudable though this ideal may be, it has become increasingly unrealistic. In the early days of field guides, few observers encountered vagrants and accidentals more than two or three times a year, and such species could reasonably be dealt with in a cursory manner. In recent years, however, rare birds have become the primary (sometimes sole) target of an increasingly large and mobile body of observers, who require frequent access to accurate and precise texts, covering what are sometimes very difficult identification problems. Even birders who rarely travel abroad now include on their bookshelves a variety of North American and Asiatic field guides, or guides dealing with species groups on a world scale (such as the superb Christopher Helm series). Such guides will always provide the most complete sources of reference for extralimitals, but, as it is not feasible to take such a library into the field, a clear need has emerged for a single volume dealing exclusively with the rare birds of Britain and Europe. Given the increase in recent years of relatively sophisticated identification techniques for a whole spectrum of species, and the need for great precision in both text and illustrations when dealing with tricky identification problems, provision of such a book is no simple task. I’he credentials of the three who have produced A Field Guide to the Rare Birds of Britain and Europe are certainly sound: one of the most prolific of authors on critical identification topics; a curator of the national collection of bird skins at Tring, who is Museum Consultant to the British Birds P.arities Committee (BBRC); and the winner of the British Birds ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ award in 1985. So, my expectations of this guide were high. Have they been met? Almost unreservedly so. The 300 or so species covered are: 1. true vagrants, not breeding in Europe and which are only rarely recorded, and 2. very rare breeding birds (generally fewer than 100 pairs), and not seen in large numbers on migration. The authors bend the above definitions to include very localised but more prolific breeding species, such as Audouin’s Gull Lams audouinii and Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae. Species which are relatively common on the Continent, and are rare only in a British context, are, however, not included. At the rear of the book is a list of 78 such species which featured on the list of species considered by the BBRC up to the end of 1990 (Little Egret Egretta garzetla, Bee-eater Merops apia.ster and Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator have subsequently been dropped Reviews 191 from the BBRC list). As the authors point out, these species are all dealt with in the main European field guides, but, nevertheless, it will disappoint British observers that they will still need a second reference when confronted by a putative Great Snipe Gallinago media or Pallid Swift Apm pallidus, for example. To have included an additional 80 species, however, would have made the book unmanageably large, or resulted in less comprehensive detail per species, so the compass chosen seems reasonable. A general introduction includes a discussion of the mechanics of vagrancy and an admirably detailed but rather detached discussion of topography, moult and ageing. It is a pity that the opportunity was not taken to relate these latter topics to the practical techniques of bird identification; a brief section along the lines of Grant & Mullamey’s The New Approach to Bird Identification could usefully have been incorporated. The main body of the book comprises 272 pages of text, and 129 pages of plates and captions, the latter all together at the centre of the book. It is thus difficult to consult the main illustration and text at the same time, but each text is accompanied by a thumb-nail sketch which, although small, manages to display a great amount of detail, and ‘whole bird’ sketches are sometimes accompanied by supplementary sketches of crucial features, such as the tail patterns of certain wheatears and warblers. Each text describes features common to all plumages, followed by details of each distinct seasonal and age-related plumage. Finally, there are brief paragraphs on habitat, normal range, and status in Europe. Texts average three-quarters of a page of relatively small print. When dealing with species which are inherently difficult to identify, or difficult to distinguish from commoner congeners, the texts include masterly summaries of all the most recently perceived or reported identification features. The amount of information provided is second-to-none and, indeed, raises a question over the concepts inherent in a field guide. The text on Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis, for example, is in excess of 1,100 words and is some 10% longer than that in ‘Shorebirds’, while (to no-one’s great surprise, given one of the authors) the combined texts on Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi (sic) [Anthus novaeseelandiae] and Blyth’s Pipit A. godlewskii occupy four pages. In only a very few instances do the texts fail to provide adequate treatment. Differentiation of the nominate North American race of Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus from C. c. bewickii is oversimplified (in the field, the extent of yellow on the bill of a small number of bewickii can be deceptively small, close to that of an extreme columbianus)-, the discussion of ‘Black Brant’ Branta bemicla nigricans makes no mention of those from east Siberia (sometimes separated as orientalis), which can be less distinctive than American nigricans-, the treatment of waterthrushes Seiurus is rather cursory; there is no mention of a grey-and-white variant of Varied Thrush Zoothera naevia, despite the only British and European record of this species involving an individual of this type. Generally, however, the texts are a mine of detailed information and constitute quite easily the most expert and comprehensive discussion of such a range of species yet published in a pocket guide. The texts are admirably complemented by Ian Lewington’s colour plates. Distinct juvenile, immature and adult (winter and summer) plumages are all illustrated and, where appropriate, species are depicted in flight as well as at rest. Jizz and plumage detail are first- rate, great attention having been given to feather detail while retaining a realistic and three- dimensional total image. There are up to ten illustrations per species (Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus, the Aquila eagles, and Dusky/Naumann’s Thrush Turdus naumanni), and up to 23 illustrations on each plate. This high density has generally been achieved successfully, but just occasionally has led to cramping and a slightly truncated appearance (e.g. the Phylloscopus warblers and some of the Dendroica warblers). I found the illustrations of the herons, the wildfowl, and some of the thrushes particularly pleasing. Readers will no doubt find their own favourites, but the final ‘postscript’ plate — depicting five species and one putative (sub)species (Thayer’s Gull Larus glaucoides thayeri) recorded only very recently in Britain & Ireland and not covered in the text — will no doubt be received very favourably. To criticise such a fine set of plates would be churlish, and I will merely ‘note’ that the wing-point of Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina is a little long, and ' that the illustration of Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus of the nominate race is a little too I dark and contrasted for a classic individual, and looks more akin to an intergrade with I phoemcurmdes. i i 192 Reviews The book concludes with an appendix listing nomenclatural differences from Voous (the preference for irezXmg Phylloscopus (inomatus) humd as a distinct species will please listers, the suggested lumping of P. nitidus and P. plumbeitarsus with P. trochiloides will not), and finally a comprehensive bibliography. This guide will find a ready market among today’s birders, and I cannot imagine anyone with a keen interest in rarities who will not wish to own it. Apart from the wealth of information, it is a tremendously exciting book to consult. The front cover depicts an American Robin Turdus migratorius, a White-winged Lark Melanocoryplui leucoptera and a Yellow- browed Bunting Need Isay more? A. R. Dean A Guide to the Warblers of the Western Palearctic. By Tim Parmenter & Clive Byers. Bruce Coleman Books, Uxbridge, 1991. 143 pages; 23 colour plates; 2 pages of black-and-white line-drawings; 52 black-and- white distribution maps. £21.00. This book deals with the identification of 60 Old World warbler species that have been recorded in the Western Palearctic. The text style and the quality of the plates make it ‘ suitable for field identification; the title — A Guide . . . — might make a potential buyer think that it is also a guide for identification in the hand, but it is not. The text is good, clear and easy to understand for identification to the species level; on more detailed aspects, however, such as plumage variation, plumage description and age determination, the text is short, lacking in detail and full of mistakes. The drawings and the text for Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melamcephala, for example, are contradictory; the colour of the legs is described as pale-brown, but illustrated as red (it should actually be dark reddish- ' brown); similarly, the base of the lower mandible is described as pale horn, whereas it is actually pale bluish-grey. These are just examples: the bare parts of many species are inaccurately or incorrectly described or illustrated in the text and plates. The information on moult is very poor. There are also some mistakes concerning plumage variation. For instance, the Sardinian Warbler text says: ‘First year male similar to adult female, but greyer on crown, lores and ear-coverts.’ Nothing is correct in this sentence, since the first-year male looks like the adult male except for a few differences in moult, iris colour and, to a minor | degree, the general tone of the plumage. j The drawings are the surprise bonus. Clive Byers, by the evidence of this book, is one of ' the artists who has advanced very much in recent years. In my opinion, the drawings make ■ this book the best one that includes all the Western Palearctic breeding warblers and the ) Asiatic vagrants. There are, however, two major problems: first, the structure of the birds is i inaccurate in many cases (except for some species of Sylvia and Phylloscopus, which are well j depicted), and, secondly, plumage variation (including that for different ages) is not shown. | The taxonomic (subspecies) approach to identification is very poor. For example, there is i a lack of comparison between the southeastern race of Sardinian Warbler S. m. momus and | Menetries’s Warbler S. mystacea, which is actually the only problem in separating these two species. In the text on Fan-tailed Warbler Cisticolajuncidis it is written that ‘possibly nominate j breed in Lebanon’; but C.j. neurotica breeds in Lebanon and, indeed, the type locality of the | latter subspecies is Sidon (Saida) in Lebanon. j The maps are quite good and give the necessary information. The book does, however, i lack reference to work that has been published in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and j Sweden, and even to important books such as Birds of the Mediterranean and Alps by Lars Jonsson | ( 1 980) and The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identification by Alan Harris, Laurel Tucker & Keith Vinicombe (1989). In summary, this is a good book, which I recommend: within its 140-or-so pages, it includes a great deal of information with good drawings. It forms part of a series of books (by various publishers) dealing with specific groups that started in the 1980s; but, so far, none of | them has achieved the level of the first and leading one. Gulls: a guide to identification by Peter | Grant(1982). Hadoram Shirihai | j Fieldwork action BTO news ‘Nesting’ helps bird conservation If, during the course of the spring and early summer, you come across the odd nest in a hedgerow or even in your garden, recording what you see on a card we supply can help towards the understanding and the conservation of Britain’s birds and their habitats. This is the essence of the BTO’s easiest mass-participation project, the Nest Record Scheme. The NRS is simplicity itself. We supply you with cards. Each time you find a nest, enter the details on the card, and visit the nest at regular intervals until the young fledge, each time noting details requested, such as the number of eggs or young, and whether the female is sitting, and so on. You are also asked questions about the nature and location of the nest. Cards returned to BTO HQ are used to make comparisons between years, different areas of the country, and different habitats, for example. Since so many people send us information on birds’ nests, we can say with some certainty if a particular species is having a particularly good — or bad — ^year. Even if you can find only one or two nests a year, because this is multiplied by so many people, you can make a really useful contribution. The Nest Record Scheme feeds into our monitoring programme with other schemes to give an authoritative account of the state of Britain’s birds. Write to Humphrey Crick at the BTO HQ and he will send you a free starter pack. Even if you can’t participate, you can support the work of the BTO by joining as a member. Membership of the BTO starts at just £14, and in return we can offer you birding with a difference, and numerous ways to make your birding count towards conservation of our birds and their habitats. P AUI, Green BTO, The Nunnery, Nunnery Place, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PV ICBP news Racing for the steppes Next month there is the annual County Bird Race; a chance to test your birding skills, as well as raise money for top-priority conservation. If you had taken part in the County Bird Race 200 years ago, and were competing in East Anglia, you would have had a reasonable chance of including on your list a species with one of the most extraordinary calls and spectacular displays in the world, the Great Bustard Otis tarda. The last Great Bustard bred in Britain in 1832. Changes in agricultural practices meant that the English countryside no longer provided a suitable habitat for the species. Now, it is suffering a similar fate throughout its range. The ICBP, with the help of the County Bird Race and the British Birdwatching Fair, is working to save it in its last stronghold on the Spanish steppes (see last month’s issue, page 139). The Great Bustard has already disappeared from much of Europe, and is declining dramatically where it does still occur, in Yugoslavia, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Portugal, Hungary and the USSR. Data from China, Mongolia, Iraq and Syria are hard to come by, but declines have almost certainly taken place in those countries, too. In short, there is little I doubt that this species is at risk of global extinction. The Spanish steppes provide a last stronghold for this magnificent bird, with an estimated 13,500-14,000 individuals. The steppes are traditionally used for non-intensive cereal I cultivation and sheep grazing, the large open cereal fields interspersed with fallow land and , tough grassland providing an ideal habitat for the species. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax and 194 ICBPnews Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, also globally threatened species, and a number of declining or restricted-range species — such as Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus, Dupont’s Lark Chersophilus duponti, and Black-bellied Pterocks orientalis and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse P. alchata — also occur. This habitat is now under threat. Since Spain joined the EC in 1986, the Government has been forced to reduce the subsidies paid to farmers working the land in the traditional, non- intensive manner. Large areas of steppe are faced with agricultural intensification, or with abandonment, leading to scrub encroachment. These threats are exacerbated by the Spanish Government’s intention to use EC funding {known as ‘Structural Eunds’) for irrigation schemes on the steppe-lands, thereby allowing cultivation of more profitable crops, such as strawberries, melons and cucumbers. These changes would be disastrous for the Great Bustard and the other steppe birds. HOW YOU CAN HELP The ICBP, in conjunction with the Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO) and the RSPB, is mounting an appeal to save the Spanish steppes, and the birds that rely on them. The appeal has two objectives. One is to raise money to purchase an area of steppe to be run as a reserve. Lhe other is to campaign for the protection of the steppes, and the designation of five of the most important areas as ‘Environmentally Sensitive Areas’. This designation means funds can be made available from the EC to subsidise the farming practices necessary for the birds’ survival. The campaign urgently needs your support. By taking part in the County Bird Race and raising sponsorship for your team, you will be helping. The Great Bustard will probably never breed in Britain again, but, if it survives, maybe one day you will be lucky enough to see it strutting proudly across the grasslands of Spain. If you have not already entered the County Bird Race, write for details to Mike Parr at the address below. Georgina Green International Council for Bird Preservation, 32 Cambridge Road, Girton, Cambridge CBS OBJ Announcements With ‘BB’ to Israel After the very successful exploratory trip in 1991 (Brit. Birds 85: 127- 129), BB subscribers now have a second chance to join Hadoram Shirihai watching raptor migration, searching for migrants and cruising on the Red Sea looking at seabirds. The trip will again be run by Sunbird, and will this year be led jointly by Killian Mullarney. The dates are 9th-23rd September 1992 and there are still a few places left. Eor full details write or phone to Sunbird, PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDE; Sandy (0767) 682969. Books in British BirdShop This month there are special prepublication offers on The Birds of .Africa vol. 4, and on vol. 1 of the new mammoth work Handbook of the Birds of the World. Five other books have been added to the list. Eor all your book orders, please use the British BirdShop order form on pages xi & xii. Rarities Committee: new member As previously announced (Brit. Birds 84: 290-291), a vacancy arose on the Rarities Committee* from 1st April 1992. Three nominations were ' received by the closing date of 31st December 1991. In consequence, a postal vote has been conducted, each county/ regional bird recorder and bird observatory voting using a 3-2-1 points system. Ehe candidates, and votes cast by the closing date of 15th February, were as follows: Peter Combridge (Southampton, Hampshire) 77 DaveElumm (Sennen, Cornwall) 104 Grahame Walbridge (Portland, Dorset) 149 I’he new member elected to serve from 1st April is, therefore, Grahame Walbridge. * The Rarities Committee is sponsored by Carl Zeiss — Germany ^ A Request Photographs of King Eiders For a forthcoming paper in British Birds, by Pete Ellis, Dave Suddaby and Ken Shaw, photographs are required of King Eiders Somateria spectabilis, particularly of females and non-adult males. All photographs will be acknowledged on receipt by letter and also in the paper. Please send prints or transparencies to Ken Shaw, 4 Headland Court, Newtonhill, near Stonehaven, Kincardine .AB3 2SF. Mystery photographs This regular feature is held over to next month, when the identity of the bird in plates 52 & 53 will be revealed and a new identification problem posed. ^ehentp-fite pearg ago... ‘The note uttered by these Northern Willow-Wrens was distinctly shriller than that of our resident bird. It seems remarkable that there should be a clear distinction between the call- notes of Ph. t. trochilus and Ph. t. eversmanni, as well as between Ph. c. collybita and Ph. c. tristis, although the call-notes of our resident Chiff-chaff and Willow-Wren are, as far as I can judge, absolutely identical, though I understand that some ornithologists have been able to distinguish them . . . H. G. ALEXANDER.’ (Brit. Birds 10: 265, April 1917). News and comment Mike Everett and Robin Prytherch Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ EC Habitats Directive European wildlife conservationists saw December 1991 as a month to remember. After years of wrang- ling, European Community Environment Ministers at last agreed to adopt the long- awaited EC Habitats Directive, a move which was widely heralded as the most important breakthrough for a decade. The UK Government was quick to pledge itself to effective implementation of the Directive; let us hope they really mean it. This I country’s record in honouring its internatio- nal obligations in respect of Ramsar sites and Special Protection Areas has all too I often been likened to the famous curate’s I egg; official attitudes towards safeguarding Sites of Special Scientific Interest have I sometimes lacked real commitment and, at , times, have been positively cavalier. The ; Directive presents our elected representa- tives (whoever they turn out to be) with an ' opportunity to show that they do care. The next decade will reveal the truth, one way or the other. The Curate’s Egg Many readers, like the compilers of this feature, must have won- dered from time to time about the origin of this well-known quasi-ornithological ex- pression. The source is a Punch cartoon of 1895, showing a nervous young curate at breakfast wth a bishop. The caption has the Right Reverend Host remarking to the curate ‘I’m afraid you’ve got a bad egg, Mr Jones!’ — and the curate replying ‘Oh no, my lord, I assure you! Parts of it are excellent!’ England’s largest NNR In December 1991, by leasing the foreshore and river channel from the Duchy of Lancaster and purchas- ing two areas of saltmarsh grazing on Hesketh and Becconsall Out Marsh, English Nature increased the size of the Ribble Estuary National Nature Reserve to over 4,000 ha. These welcome moves make it the largest NNR in England and come at a time when most of our internationally important estuaries are under increasing pressure. Up to 100,000 waders, including 60,000 Knots 195 196 News and comment Calidris camitus and 15,000 Bar-tailed God- wits Limosa lapponica, arrive on the Ribble in early autumn. Many remain for the winter, regularly including 12% of the world’s Knots and 11% of the Bartails. Two important SPAs The EC Birds Direc- tive (which will run in tandem with the new Habitats Directive) promotes the designa- tion of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds. December 1991 saw the addition of two important English sites to the SPA list, bringing the LIK total to 43 (covering 137,000 ha). These were Abberton Reser- voir, Essex, which supports up to 34,000 winter wildfowl, and Walmore Common, Gloucestershire, which is important for Bewick’s Swans Cygtius columbianus. Walmore Common was also designated a ‘Wetland of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat’ under the Ramsar Con- vention, making it the 51st UK Ramsar site. Young Ornithologists of the Year The three winners (see announcement on page 44) received their awards and prizes from the RSPB’s Chief Executive, Barbara Young, at a special ceremony at The Lodge on 2nd Januar)'. All three had been compli- mented by the judges on the excellent notes in their field notebooks (plate 95). Hungarian owls project Late last year, we were pleased to get a letter from our friends in the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conserc'ation Society about the Zemplen Hills Owl Project. The project is aimed at finding out more about this important area’s declining numbers of Eagle Owls Bubo bubo and Ural Owls Strix uralensis. The Society would welcome support, comments, advice and, if possible, donations. For more infor- mation, write to either Gerard Gorman (Project Co-ordinator) or Gabor Firmanszky (Project Leader) at Magyar Madartani es Termeszetvedelmi Egyesiilet, 1121 Buda- pest, Kolto U.21, Hungary. John Dony (1899-1991) We were very sad to learn recently of the death on 24th March last year of Dr John Dony. Although an historian by training and an eminent botan- ist by profession and inclination, he was a good friend to ornithologists, and co- operated with, advised on and helped to obtain funding for several projects on birds, especially in his native Bedfordshire. We shall always remember his friendship and his youthful enthusiasm, which made him such an exciting field companion, even in his eighties and nineties. (JTRS) 95. YOLING ORNITHOLOGISTS OF THE YEAR. Left to right: junior winner, Kirsty Hughes; intermediate winner, Anna Evans; and senior winner, David Anning: Bedfordshire, January' 1992 (Chris Sargeanl/RSPB) News and comment 197 Andorra Atlas The Associacio per a la Defensa de la Natura (ADN) is starting work on a 1-km square atlas of the breeding birds of Andorra. Fieldwork begins at the start of May on lower altitudes, continuing until mid July higher up. Help from knowledge- able birders visiting or passing through the area, and who might be free for even just a few days, would be most welcome. ADN cannot pay expenses, but could almost certainly find free bed and breakfast accom- modation with some of their members. For more details, write, as soon as possible, to J. Crozier, Cortal de la Solana, Anyos, La Massana, Principat d’Andorra (tel. 033-628- 35931). Private trips in Israel Hadoram Shirihai, main author of this month’s major paper, has asked us to mention that anyone wishing to avail themselves of a private guided tour involving raptor migration, identification or photography in the Eilat area or in the Negev should contact him at PO Box 4168, Eilat 88102, Israel (telephone 010-9727-376404; fax 375669). Hong Kong 1990 The Hong Kong Bird Report 1990, 212 pages long, includes not only the usual systematic list of birds recorded there during the year, but also accounts of no fewer than ten species new to Hong Kong (three with colour plates subsidised by Nikon) and a paper by A. C. Galsworthy on ‘Separation of first-winter Pallas’s Grass- hopper Warbler [Locustella certhiola] from Lanceolated Warbler [L. lanceolataY , with four colour plates (subsidised by Zeiss). The Report is available, price £8.50 inch p&p, from Sebastian Anstruther, Barlavington Estate, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 oi.G, or for HKSllO (surface mail) from the Hong Kong Birdwatching Society, PO Box 12460, GPO, Hong Kong. Local avifaunas Our comments on the relative scarcity of local avifaunas {Brit. Birds 84: 592) drew rapid responses from two areas, drawing our attention to a couple of very worthwhile but possibly little-known publications. The first of these is The Birds of Seb^ Bill, compiled by Owen Mitchell and available from him (price £3.00 including p&p) at 21 Trundle View Close, Bamham, Bognor Regis, West Sussex P022 OJZ. The other is The Birds of Great Yarmouth by Peter Allard, published by the Norfolk and Nor- wich Naturalists’ Society in conjunction with David Eerrow, and available from the Society (price £8.00 including p&p) via D. A. Dorling, St Edmundsbury, New Road, Hethersett, Norwich, Norfolk NR9 3HH. Northumbrian Birdwatchers’ Festival Take a large lake and sprinkle it with an assortment of wildfowl; take a large grassy area and garnish it with marquees; take a purpose-built Visitor Centre and mix it with information, refreshments, and a warm wel- come, and top it all off with that well-known personality, Tony Soper, to open the event and give generously of his time over the weekend, and you have the ingredients for the Eirst Northumbrian Birdwatchers’ Festi- val. This event, which took place at the Druridge Bay Country Park over the weekend of 23rd/24th November, was orga- nised jointly by the Northumberland Natio- nal Park & Countryside Department and the northeast office of the RSPB, and was generously sponsored by British Coal Open- cast on one of whose original opencast sites the Country Park now stands. Over the course of the weekend, well over 5,000 people visited the Festival and were able to try out a selection of optical equip- ment, partake of guided walks along the Bay, watch videos and learn about bird- ringing. Entertainment for the children was not forgotten either. There was no lack of things on which to spend your money: paintings, books, wildlife sound recordings, bird food, pottery, even wildlife holidays, and a wide variety of gifts as suitable Christmas presents. But numerous prize draws meant you also had the opportunity to win something as well. The BTO was well represented, as were both the regional office and local members’ group of the RSPB, along with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust; indeed, many people felt that the local flavour of the event added to its undoubted success. This flavour was much enhanced by the refreshments put on by the local Broomhill Women’s Institute. Finally, thanks should be given to the weather men for arranging a fine if crisp weekend. Canjou afford not to be there next year? (Contributed by Weruly Dickson) December Swanwick The BTO Annual Birdwatchers’ Conference 1991 was entitled ‘Raptors in Britain’ and attracted a very full house over 6th-8th December at Swanwick in Derbyshire. On the Friday evening, Don Smith gave 198 News and comment us the concept of owls as flying cats, and advised us to avoid Ural Owls Strix uralensis unless accompanied by a good command of Swedish. Richard Howard, President of the BTO, formally opened the Conference on Satur- day morning. Ian Newton outlined the evidence for natural regulation of the breed- ing density of raptors, described some un- natural control factors, and concluded that most raptors could occur over much wider ranges and at higher densities. Peter Hud- son focused on one raptor prey item: the Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus, the effects of raptors being seriously negative only when Red Grouse populations are low for other reasons. The Witherby Memorial Lecture by John Goss-Custard covered the importance of scale in the study of bird populations. After lunch, a wide variety of workshops was available, the alternatives being a bird- watching trip with the Derbyshire Ornitho- logical Society or informal chats. Later, Roger Clarke told us about Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus winter-roost surveys. Will Cresswell discussed studies of raptor preda- tion on wintering waders on a site in East Lothian, and Geoff Home gave an account of some of the more dangerous aspects of monitoring the recovery of the Lakeland population of Peregrine Falco peregrinus, with his exploits at the end of a rope documented by spectacular photographs. After dinner, the membership was de- lighted to welcome Max Nicholson, who was awarded the Founder’s Medal (plate 96). He regaled us with stories of the early days of the BTO and those involved in establishing both Beech Grove and The Lodge. The audience gave him a spontaneous standing ovation. Awards of the Jubilee Medal to Tony Norris and Bruce Campbell were celebrated in their absence, and Mike Shrubb’s work was amusingly described by Tony Marr and recognised by the award of the Tucker Medal (plate 97). On .Sunday morning, Humphrey Crick revealed the latest (though still incomplete) infomiation from the Peregrine survey, with the 1991 population at around 147% of the 1939 level. Recovery and spread is mainly in the south and east, with populations in the Northern and Western Isles decreasing. David Gamer expanded on the provision of artificial nests (wicker baskets) for Long- eared Owls Asia olus, described and illus- trated by him nine years ago in British Birds (75: 376-377, plate 140). Mike .Shrubb’s studies of Kestrels Falco tinnunculus showed how nest-site preferences have changed over the years. Paul Johnson’s talk on Barn Owls Tyto alba in Norfolk was greatly enhanced by the full-colour graphic slides produced for him by Philip Burton. The final session included Roy Dennis on the threats to and prospects for Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos and Ospreys Pandion haliaetus, followed by Mike Pienkowski on ‘Kite flying for beginners’: not only did he tell us about the Red Kite Milvus milvus reintroduction scheme, but also gave details of how other possible reintroductions should be evaluated and monitored. The ‘fringe events’ were as excellent as usual, and the art exhibition organised by Robert Gillmor was always busy. There were no fewer than four competitions: two audio competitions arranged by Keith Betton, a 96. E. M. Nicholson CB (left) receiving Founder’s Medal from BTO President, Richard Howard, Derbyshire, December 1991 (Gordon Langsbuty) 97. Mike Shrubb (right) receiving Tucker Medal from Tony Marr, Derbyshire, Decem- ber 1991 (Gordon Langsbury) News and comment 199 tunately, the BB Rarities Committee spot- ted Greenwich Warbler in the proofs of its report before that name, too, burst on an unsuspecting public. Numerous people wrote to us about Press reports of the Surf Scooter in North Devon: a predictable one, this, but no mere misprint, as is shown by the Western Morning News headline ‘Twitchers Scoot’. Our favourites this month, though, were spotted by Peter Wilkinson in a Mas- sachusetts paper, the Boston Sunday Globe. ‘Marble Godwit’ is a classic^ (related to the Stone Curlew, possibly?), while ‘Thick This- tle’ is New England rhyming slang of the very highest order! Isle of Wight records Regrettably, there are two organisations collecting records for the Isle of Wight. We gave only one address in the January issue (page 28). The two addresses are: Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society Swiss Chalet, Rylstone Gardens, Shanklin, Isle of Wight P037 6RG Isle of Wight Ornithological Group c/o Pictou, Church Street, Niton, Isle of Wight P038 2BX County and regional recorders The fol- lowing amendment should be made to the list of ‘County, regional and bird observa- tory recorders in Britain and Ireland’ (Brit. Birds 85: 28-30): all Northern Ireland records should be sent to George W. Gordon, Northern Ireland Birdwatchers’ Association, 2 Brooklyn Avenue, Bangor, Co. Down, Northern Ireland BT20 5RB. Sponsored by Monthly marathon This issue went to press before the closing date for the receipt of entries relating to the , January photograph (plate 9). The answer will be revealed in the May issue. The next problem picture is shown in plate 98 (which is either the twenty-first stage in the fifth ‘Monthly marathon’ or the first or second I stage in the sixth competition). The prize to be won is a SUNBIRD ‘ birdwatching holiday in Africa, Asia or North America, i I For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; or ! telephone Sandy (0767) 682969. 1 i I general one and another, much more dif- ficult, on raptor calls; Alan Knox’s ‘Grizzly Competition’, which, as usual, provided an exciting and interesting challenge, was won by David Jardine, with a score of 27 out of 30; and our own BB mystery photographs competition, which attracted 1 15 entries, of which three, John Marchant, Bob Scott and Tim Inskipp, got all five identities correct; John Marchant was the lucky winner of the bottle of champagne. (Contributed by Eve Tigwelt) BTO boob If you do not already know the link between Kylie Minogue and iMda cars, ask anyone who attended the BTO’s Decem- ber conference at Swanwick. (P.S. Don’t ask if you yourself own a Lada car.) Congratulations! We recently recorded Jeremy Sorensen’s retirement (Brit. Birds 85: 52). The genial, splendidly eccentric and universally liked former RSPB warden, who enlivened visits to the Ouse Washes and Minsmere for so many of us, received the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List. Well done! ‘Seventy-five years ago . . As noted by a recent correspondent, this feature ‘seems to be the only part of “BB” which has not yet been filched by your look-alike imitators.’ Doubtless they’ll get around to it, in time . . . More new species Mike Rogers tells us that ‘Fedral Rock Dove’ (best pronounced, he says, with a Cornish accent) is now in common usage in Cornwall following the misprint in the 1990 Birds in Cornwall. For 98. ‘Monthly marathon’ (photograph number 70). Identify the species. Read the rules on pages 31-32 in the January issue, then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15th May 1992 Monthly marathon Recent reports Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary covers the period 14th February to 12th March 1992 These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii From Rousay Ferry (Orkney), 14th February. Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythro- pus Isle of Sheppey (Kent), 24th February to 8th March; 4’itchfield Haven (Hampshire), 20th February to 8th March (suspect origin). American Wigeon Anas americana Male, Ballintubrid (Co. Cork), up to 7th March. Garganey Anas querquedula Hornsea Mere (Humberside), 16th-23rd February; Pagham Harbour (West Sussex), 29th February. Lesser Scaup Aythya ajfinis Wintering male moved to Hillsborough Lake (Co. Down), 1st March. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Gouthwaite Reservoir (North Yorkshire), from at least early February to 8th March. Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus Grey-phase, Man- gaster Voe, Mainland (Shetland), 17th Feb- ruary; Dungeness (Kent) individual moved to Romney March until 19th February, then Isle of Sheppey from 23rd-29th February; white-phase, Fetlar (Shetland), 22nd Febru- ary; white-phase, Myroe, Lough Foyle (Co. Londonderry), 23rd February. Bonaparte’s Gull Lams Philadelphia Fowey Estuary (Cornwall), 8th March. Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaea Presumed first- winter female, Achill Island (Co. Mayo), 19th February. Alpine Swift Apus melba New Brighton (Merseyside), 6th March. Hoopoe Upupa epops Slapton I.ey (Devon), 29th February to 6th March. Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Skomer Island (Dyfed), 11th March. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis homemanni North Ronaldsay (Orkney), 16th February; Fetlar, 19th February. For the latest, up-to-date news, phone ‘Rare Bird News’ on 0881-888-111 (25p/rnin cheap rate; 39p/min other times; inch VAT) We are grateful to Rare Bird News for supplying information for this news feature. St. Anns Books Rectory House, 26 Priory Road, Great Malvern, Worcestershire. WR14 3DR Tel: 0684 - 562818 Fax: 0684 - 566491 We are international mail-order specialists dealing Exclusively in Bird Books, with an ever-changing stxk of approximately 2000 Secondhand titles always available, including Rare and Desirable items. We also stock 800 New titles Efficient, Friendly Service • Prompt Despatch t Expert Packing Catalogues are regularly issued, and are Free on request Being fully computerised, we would be pleased to record your "Wants". We would then quote you (without obligation) when copies became available. 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Departs 26 June, 24 days £1750. 22 Church Street, Twickenham, TWl 3NW Telephone 081-892 8164 24 hour brochure service 081-892 7851 Fax 081-892 806 1 ABTA No 60340 (D99°) Essential reading Have you seen BUmWATCH, Britain’s widely-acclaimed new birding magazine? Published bi-monthly fromjanuary 1992, each issue features a wide range of articles with superh colour and black-and-white photos and illustrations in a stylish A4 format. Issue 1 Bam Owl conservation - sea duck - bird observatories - vagrant American warblers - Jamaican birds - the first 1 991 UK rarity photo report - Bulgaria - photography - sound recording Issue 2 Birding the Western Isles - passage of Little Gulls in NW England - Great Bustards and grasslands - hunting in Britain - Ibisbills at the nest - birding days to remember - photo gallery - photography with scopes Plus world trip report, local patch' feature, conservation and birding news, competitions, letters, book reviews and birding gossip Subscribe today to guarantee your copy and join thousands of birders in over 30 countries world-wide. SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM Name Individuals (UK) £12.90 Address Organisations (UK) £18.00 Europe & surface mail £19.20 Postcode Air mail (outside Europe) £44.90 I enclose a cheque/eurocheque/sterling draft/PO for£ payable to Solo Publishing Ltdj RETURN FORM TODAY TO: Subscription Dept, Solo Publishing Ltd, P O Box 1786, London E17 7JG I (D987) Sunbird take more birdwatchers to Israel than any other bird tour company. For details of these and all our other tours, please write for your free brochure to Sunbird, P,O.Box 76, Sandy, Beds, SG19 IDF, Sunbird The best of birdwatching tours (D998) FOCALPOINI The binocular and telescope specialists Run by birders for birders FORTHCOMING DEMONSTRATIONS (10.30am-4pm) Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre, Washington, Tyne & Wear Sunday 12th April (District 15) Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre, Martin Mere, Lancashire Sunday 26th April (M6, Jet 27) SALTHOUSE, Cley, Norfolk BIRDWATCHERS WEEKEND Sat 2nd, Sun 3rd & Mon 4th May. Binoculars, Telescopes, Books, Art and Clothing. We shall be overlooking 'The Duck Pond’ CHURCH STRETTON, Shropshire, Sun 10th May ORNITHOLOGISTS OPEN DAY at WESTHOLME', Hazier Road, Church Stretton. Binocs, scopes, books and art with a special feature on 'Merlin' ventlle clothing — the birder's choice. BROWNHILL VISITOR CENTRE, Dobeross, nr Oldham, Gtr Manchester. Sunday 17th May. O.S. SD995063 SALTHOUSE, Cley, Norfolk, BIRDWATCHERS WEEKEND, Sat 23rd, Sun 24th & Mon 25th May. Binoculars, Telescopes, Books, Art and Clothing. We shall be overlooking ‘The Duck Pond' FOCALPOINl Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Tel: 0925-730399 (D992) New Books From T & A D POYSER THE ANCIENT MURRELET A Natural History in the Queen Charlotte Islands Anthony J, Gaston Breeding along the northern Pacific coast from British Columbia to Japan, this little known bird dwelt in obscurity until it became the focus of a conservation debate which has resulted in a new National Park in the Queen Charlotte Islands where half the world’s population breeds. This is a seabird that breeds in burrows, sings in treetops and rears its young entirely at sea. Truly an extraordinary subject for a species monograph. February 1992, £17.00 C.200 pages, ISBN: 0.85661.070.4 Available from all good booksellers or from: T & A D POYSER 24-28 Oval Road London NW1 7DX Telephone: 071-267-4466 (di03) XV A 5* Service for £30 per year MEGANET - All the cripplers networked to you as soon as the news breaks. INFOLINE - Manned telephone lines so you get straight to the information you require. ANSWERLINE - Out of hours answering machines give a review of the day’s birds. BONUSLINE - We will pay for your rare bird information Phone: 0298 73052 CLUB DISCOUNTS - A variety of discounted goods and services will be offered to club members. Mercury f COMMUNICATIONS*^ PAGER OFFER As a dealer for MERCURY PAGERS BIRDNET can offer a range of pagers giving national coverage, with prices from as little as £13 per month. NON-MEMBERS can phone for the latest rare bird information on; 0839-007-712 ask for extension 3162. On this number calls are charged at 36 pence per minute cheap rate and 48 pence per minute at all other times. For further information write to: BIRDNET LTD, GARLANDS MANOR, LONG HILL, BUXTON, DERBYSHIRE SK17 6ST or phone: 0298 73054 or fax: 0298 73053 ^Topical, lively and informative BIRtNNC WORLD invites you to experience the magic of birds... Enjoy our unique blend of articles, tailored to today's birdwatchers; everything from practical identification guides, clear and concise in style and lavishly illustrated, bird-finding tips, evocative photo-essays, and gripping accounts of all the current rarities through to birding hotspots, mouth-watering excursions abroad, monthly British and Western Palearctic news summaries, a myriad of special features, all our regular items including big-prize quizbirds, and much, much more... New for 1992, the bigger and even better Birding World is • 50% larger, 100% more colour ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION (12 issues) UK£2i OVERSEAS £31, AIRMAIL outside Europe £5j Special introductory offe (6 months trial) UK £12.50, OVERSEAS aS.sl Cheque to Birding World (Sterling onljj To: Birding World, Stonerunner, Coast Roa« Cley, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7R Name Address . Postcode Tel.. (D974) XVI SEYCHELLES A Birdwatchers' Guide to Seychelles MOROCCO A Birdwatchers' Guide to Morocco NEPAL A Birdwatchers' Guide to Nepal BIRD (\ Prion Ltd PEI 8 ODJ £8.75 each from bookshops or NHBS Totnes TQ9 5XN (0803) 86591 3 (D996) Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be > PREPAID and sent to British Birds Advertising Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Telephone 0621 81 5085 ' Fax 0621 819130 HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION ENGLAND WEST SUSSEX, Pagham Harbour/Selsey. Beau- tiful Georgian Farmhouse, with purpose huilt B&B accommodation. All facilities provided. Warm, friendly atmosphere, children welcome. Open all year. Tel: 0243 602790. (BB530) EXMOOR for country and animai lovers. Farm- house accommodation, hed and breakfast and I evening meal, or self-catering cottage. Details from: French, Brendon Barton, Lymon, Devon. I Tel: 059 87 201. (BB793) CLEY. Attractive house in village, four bed- rooms, large garden, garage, c.h. Available all year. Details from Mrs E. Album, 47 Lyndale ' Avenue, London NW’2. Tel: 071-431 2942. (BB918) CLEY. 3 Quality cottages (sleep 4, 6 and 6 + 2). i Quiet. Comfortable. Excellent value. Brochure: I (0353) 740770. (BB097) CLEY NATURE RESERVE 1 mile Small guest house offers you warm welcome. B&B and optional evening meal. Colour TV. tea-making facilities, all private facilities and central heating in all rooms. Parking facilities and sorry, no smoking. IDEAL FOR BIRDWATCHERS THE FUNTSTONES. WIVETON, HOLT. NORFOLK 0263 740337 (BB065) WEYMOUTH. Birchfields Hotel’. Close to Radipole/Lodmoor/Portland & The Fleet. Ideal Winter/Spring breaks, local info’. Parties wel- come. Details phone 0305 773255. (BB098) GARA MUX. Slapton, Devon. Self-catering for 2- 7 in secluded four acres overlooking river and woods. Eight detached cedar lodges plus 2 CH flats in 16th c. cornmill. Near Slapton Ley. TVs. Dogs welcome. Free brochure: (0803) 770295. (BB987) TTjr Decant Georgian Hotel wltiL Lxcelkm Food k Accommodadon L^/AVNS 3 owns commended J ^lyrF.!. ^ Bai^n Breaks DB4b £39 Siauon Road, Holu Norfolk. Tel: 0263 713390 (BB963) FULLY EQUIPPED HOUDAY FLAT in private house, suitable for married couple. Borders of Bournemouth/Christchurch, convenient for shops and buses, 7 minutes by car to sea, and 15 minutes to Bournemouth centre. Terms from £80 weekly, 23 Exton Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH6 5QF. (BB047) EXMOOR. Peaceful s/catering c/heated holiday homes in National Trust Village. Marshes, woods and moorland — rich in birdlife. Reduced spring/autumn terms. Open all year. Resident Proprietors, Pack Horse, Allerford, nr Mine- head. Tel: 0643 862475, (BB026) N. W. NORFOLK COAST - Snettisham. Two warm and pretty cottages (Tourist Board ‘Com- mended’ - 4 key). Sleeps 4. Ideally situated close to major bird reserves, Averil Campbell. Tel. 0485 541179. (BB938) FARM COTTAGES between Lindisfarne Reserve and The Fames. Comfortable and well equipped. Sorry no pets. Brochure: MrsJ. Sutherland, Ross Farm, Belford, Northumberland NE70 7EN. Tel: 0668 213336. (BB766) SCOTLAND ALL OVER SCOTLAND. Comfortable cot- tages and chalets in attracdve locations through- out Scotland. Stamp please for free 84-page colour brochure. Holiday Cottages (Scotland) Ltd, Lilliesleaf, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6 9JD. Tel: 08357 481, (BB9.36) STRATHSPEY SELF CATERING. 1 crown to 5 crowns highly commended. Colour brochure from S.S.C., Ballingtomb Cottages, Dulnain Bridge PH26 3LS. Tel, 047 985 322. (BB937) XVII BOAT OF GARTEN, OLD FERRYMAN’S HOUSE. BB £13.50, DBB £22, PL £3, Bird regis- ter. Open fire in situng room. Few minutes walk to RSPB reserve. Tel: 047983 370. (BBl 12) ISLAY, GEESE. Warm cottages sleep 8, 7 or 2. Lady Wilson, Gala na Ruadh, Port Charlotte. Tel: 289 (BB943) GALLOWAY. Country cottage, sleeps 4. Mid- way Glen Trool/coast. 0858 880709. (BB041) ISLE OF MULL. A stable converted into two warm, comfortable flats, Frachadil Farm, Cal- gary. Tel: 068 84 265 or (0453) 833323. (BB037) ISLE OF GIGHA, Argyllshire. For a holiday sur- rounded by natural beauty, sandy beaches, exotic gardens, birds, wild flowers, good food and comfortable accommodation. Also self catering accommodation. Please contact Mrs. Mc- Sporran, Post Office House 058-35 251. (BB036) THE HOTEL, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA61 7YP, Demi-pension (Private bath) from £48.00. De- tails, brochures, map (bird list on request). Tel: 09512 316. (BB965) SPEY VALLEY. Beautiful secluded informal country hotel, 2 miles from village of Carr- bridge. Home cooking, full central heating. All rooms en-suite. Perfect base for birdwatchers and walkers. Discount available for parties. Terms from £180.00 per week DB&B. Brochure from Mrs Y. Holland. The Old Manse Hotel, Duthil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84278. (BB067) GALLOWAY. Hills, 1 ochs, forests and sea. Speciality, birds of prey and waterfowl. High quality self-catering houses, cottages, flats. De- tails G. M. Thomson Sc Co, 27 King Street, Castle Douglas. 0556 2973. (BB964) ISLE OF ISLAY, HEBRIDES. Five superbly equipped cottages, open throughout year. Per- fect situation with views, minutes to charming vil- lage, Short drive to RSPB reserve at Gruinart. Brochure: Mrs Sarah Roy, Lorgba Holiday Cot- tage, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, Argyll. Tel: 049 685/208. (BB999) SPEY VALLEY. Uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. All rooms en-suite; tea and coffee making facilities: Db&b £130, Brochure from: Penny Bailey, The Lodge, Easter Duthil, Carr- bridge, Inverness-shire, Tel: 0479 84503. (BB089) ELLARY ESTATE— MOST ATTRACTIVE choice of sell-catering cottages and chalets situ- ated on the shores of Loch Caolisport. While you are at Ellary you are free to go wherever you please. There are hill walks, many lochs and burns where you can fish, numerous wildlife, birds, flowers, etc. The perfect location for the true country lover. For full colour brochure please write to: The Booking Office, Ellary 7, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8PA. Tel: 08803 232/ 209 or 054685 223. (BB983) xviii SUMBURGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, SHET- LAND. Spectacular clifftop location. Seabird colonies, seawatching, passage migrants, all around. Selfcatering cottage sleeps 5, central heating, newly furnished, fully equipped except linen. Road to door, Virkie Pool, Grutness, white- sand beaches. Restaurant/ Bar, Airport, all within 2>/2 miles. Also unfurnished Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage for long let. Details from Torquil John- son-Ferguson, Solwaybank, Canonbie, Dum- friesshire, DG14 OXS. 03873 72240. (BB087) ORKNEY ISLES; Glen, Rackwick, Isle of Hoy. Small hill farm adjacent to RSPB Reserve, or- nithologist's paradise; sea birds, moorland, meadow, birds of prey. Bed and breakfast. 1 dou- ble, 1 twin; evening meal optional. Special rate for 3 days. DBB £45 per person. Also well equipped self-catering chalet and small cottage. Tel; Rendall 0856 79262. (BB039) SPEY VALLEY. Maureen and Larry once again invite guests to sample their highland hospitality. Set in five acres, our home has uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. Bird register available. Good home cooking and a warm welcome await you. D/B/B £130 p.w. (All rooms en-suite). Brochure: Maureen Taulbut, “Braes of Duthil’, Duthil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire PH23 3ND. 047984 395. (BB138) WALES SOUTH STACK, ANGLESEY. Tan-y-Cytiau Country Guest House. Lovely comfortable Edwardian house peacefully situated on slopes of Holyhead Mountain. Gardens bordering j South Stack RSPB Reserve. Friendly atmo- , sphere, excellent fresh cuisine. Licensed. S.C. Lodge in grounds sleeps 7. Phone Pam or Stan | Keating on 0407 762763 for brochure. (BB832) | YSB'YTY YSTWYTH, s.c. cottage, 4/5, kite | country, all year. Brochure 021-744 1947. I (BB939) I RED KITE COUNTRY. Tregaron — Guest- | House standing in 22 acres, overlooking the | Cambrian Mountains and on the doorstep of the j Cors Caron Nature Reserve. Central for Dinas , and Ynys-hir RSPB reserves. Parties welcome. WTB — 3 crowns. For brochure, phone Mar- garet Cutter, 0974 298965 or 298905. (BB083) PRESIU, WEST WALES. Cottage available most dates April-September. 2-4 persons. Suit bird watchers, walkers. All amenities close (0222) 615176. (BBl 20) ANGLESEY. Superb waterside position with magnificent views. Ideal centre for bird watchers and botanist in area of outstanding natural beauty. Elegant en suite rooms available for bed i and breakfast. Highground, Ravenspoint Road, Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd LL65 2YY. Tel: (0407) 860078. (BB135) | OVERSEAS HEART OF CAMARGUE. Secluded well equipped farm cottage. Mas d'.Auphan, Le Sam- buc, 13200 ARLES, France (01033) 90972041. (BB051) CAMARGUE— TOWN HOUSE. Sleeps 10. £15O-£250 pw (0624) 676151 Fx 662787. (BB122) S. E. SPAIN — comfortable house, convenient major wetlands/beach. All mod cons. Sleeps 3/4. Bird list and details. Tel: 0233 628547. (BB134) BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS The Travel Agency for Birdwatchers DISCOUNT FLIGHTS...Worldwlde Return fares from London from U.K./EUROPE E79 M. EAST El 39 CARIBBEAN E349 C. & S. AMERICA E365 AFRICA £99 N. AMERICA £159 ASIA E299 AUS/NZ E549 SEA TRAVEL : CAR HIRE : INSURANCE PACKAGE HOLIDAYS (Save up to El 50) ACCOMMODATION : EXPEDITIONS & GROUPS ANTARCTICA & FALKLANDS Tours Irom £2900. pp. Brochure & Video available. Ask for leaflet detailing our services. 0272-259999 eafsT^^MU orDICKFILBY0603-767-757 (BB121) HONG KONG. Superb birding September to May - variety of accommodation — trips into China. Richard Lewthwaite, 2 Villa Paloma, Shiien Wan, Tai Po NT, Hong Kong. Phone/Fax: IHK) 665 8190. (BB137) BIRDING IN SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA. The diversity of habitats makes Gipsy Point an ideal place to begin your Australian holiday, with over 100 species likely to be seen during a relaxing four day stay. Regular pelagic bird trips. Gipsy- Point Lodge, Gipsy Point, Victoria 3891 Aus- tralia. (BB897) COSTA RICA More birds than the whole of North Americal Tailor-made birding trips for individuals and small groups. Brochures: BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA APARTADO 7911 - lOOB SAN JOSE COSTARICA FAX: -1-506-281573 ERYRI BIRDS Come hirdwatching with us in 1992 -MAY & S. SPAIN N. GREECE E. AUSTRIA SEPTEMBER -MAY & SEPTEMBER - MAY/JUNE Informal small group holidays with experienced guides Send for a brochure to: Colin Thomas, 24 Tan-y-Bwlch Rd, Llanllechid, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 3HU Tel: (0248) 600167 (BB090) BIRDS OF SPEYSIDE: A week of crossbills, crested tits, ospreys and lots more; small group with very experienced leader. Also departures to ISLAY, OUTER HEBRIDES, ORKNEY & SHET- LAND. Write to: Natureguide (Caledonia), Shiresmill, Dunfermline KY12 8ER. (BB050) TAKING BIRDWATCHERS TO EUROPE AND BEYOND SIBERIA • NEPAL • THE GAMBIA MALLORCA • CAMARGUE EGYPT • DANUBE DELTA • ICELAND BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS IN SMALL GROUPS WITH EXPERT LEADERS FREE BROCHURE, PHONE OR WRITE TO: 0532 586555 (24 Hour) 59 HUNGER HILLS DRIVE, LEEDS LS18 5JU (BB085) DIVISION OF NICK S TRAVEL 100 LONDON ROAD, LEICESTER LE2 OQS ‘FLIGHTS FOR BIRDWATCHERS’ EXPERTS IN LOW COST AIRFARES - WORLDWIDE. DISCOUNT CAR HIRE/INSURANCE SPECIALIST ADVISER - ANDY HOWES 0533 881318 (EVES) ALWAYS RING US LAST (BB1 33^ XIX ALL THE RARE BIRD NEWS AS SOON AS IT BREAKS! SFAWATCHING HOLIDAYS SHEARWATER JOURNEYS: seabirding and whale watching trips year-round from Monterey, California. Albatross, Shearwaters, Storm-petrels, Alcids and Jaegers. Humpback and Blue whales; Aug to Nov. Gray whales: Jan. Schedule available from: Debra L. Shearwater, PO Box 1445, Dept BB, Soqucl, C:A 95073, USA. Tel: 408-688-1990. (BBOll) BIRDWATCHING TOURS AUSTRALIA - Send for our Birding brochure. Tours throughout Australia from individuals to groups. We welcome enquiries from both private customers and tour agents. Falcon Tours. 1 Si- mons Drive, Roleystone, Perth, Western Aus- tralia. PH/FAX (09) 397 5125. Lie. Tour Operator. (BB871) BIRDWATCHING ADVICE LINE 1 ‘PLANNING A BIRDWATCHING TRIP ABROAD’ | Thomas Cook Travel urrtK Tuu A TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS LINE: 0257262317 ?r experienced Birdwatcher. dude: * Worldwide Airfares * rlidays * Ferries * Overseas Rail Accommodation * Cmises * iividuals or groups catered for. A number 296«l (BB117) Ask for Keith HUk Details available ini Car Hire * Package Hi * Visas * Health * Foreign Money * Ini ABT SITUATIONS VACAKT KILCOLMAN WILDFOWL REFUGE. Assistant required for approx six months from Autumn, 1992. Accommodation provided plus small re- muneration. Apply in writing with current CV and references to Mrs Margaret Ridgway, Kilcol- man W'ildfowl Refuge, Buttevant, Co. Cork. (BB139) APPLICATIONS INVITED: EDITOR to assist with revising and updating a manuscript on cor- morant behaviour (750 typewritten pages). Should be familiar with Tinbergian ethology. Work is not urgent. Dr Adrian Kortlandt, 88 Woodstock Road, Oxford 0X2 7ND, phone 0865 515602. (BB136) BIRD INEORMATION PHONE-UNES Latest rare bird news: 0881-888-111 (25p/min cheap rate; !^9p/min other times) latest Rarities Committee* deci.sions: 0891-884-522 (36p/min cheap rate; 48p/min other times) * rhe I^rilies (vommittee is sponsored by Carl Zeiss -Germany (BB931) paged directly to the screen of your pocket pager . . . Nationwide RARE BIRD ALERT details TEL: FREE! 0800 246 246 (BB972) COURSES SKOKHOLM ISLAND, off the Pembrokeshire Coast. Courses in Art, Birdwatching, Photogra- phy. Thousands of Pufftns, Manx-shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills and other birds. Send SA£ to Dept BB, 7 Market Street, Haverfordwest, Dyfed SA61 INF. Tel: (0437) 765462. (BB032) PERSONAL. RUSSIAN SPEAKING ENGUSH BIRDER seeks birding companion for bird trips in Russia, Siberia, Caucasus. Winter ’92-Summer ’93. Con- tact: K. Turner, 240 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 lUU. (BB038) BOOKS •BIRD BOOKS’. Good secondhand books bought and sold. Free catalogue from, and offers to Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 ONJ. Tel: 0829 51804. (BB917) BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD. Send SAE envelope to Dr J. Tierney, Hawkridge', Nether Padley, Grindleford, Sheffield S30 IHQ. Tel. 0433 630137. (BB109) Wide selection of ornithological & natural history titles available from stock, also travel books & maps. Mail order catalogue on request Tel: 0352 770SB1 Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. (BB) Fax: 0352 7 71S90 Treuddyn. Mold. Clwyd. North Wales. CH7 4LN (BB119) BIRD BOOKS, 1988-1989. SAE for 900 item cat- alogue. Crack Books, Sawmill Cottages, Btirton- in-Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancs. (BB046) FINE BOOKS ON ORNITHOLOGY, Natural History purchased & for sale. Also field sports & other rural subjects. Catalogues issued. David A.H. Grayling, Crosby Ravensworth, Penrith, Cumbria. CAIO 3JP (Tel. 09315-282). (BB066) BIRDWATCHING IN CRETE 2nd Ed. £3.75 inc. p&p. Stephanie Coghlan, 25 Thorpe Lane, Hud- dersfield, West Yorks HD5 8TA. (BB099) JUST IN! NEW NAT; LARKS, PIPITS Sc WAG- TAILS. £30 post free. Cat. new/ secondhand books avail. Books bought. West Coast Bird books, 25 Heatherways, Freshfield, Liverpool L37 7HL. Tel: 07048 71 1 15. (BB096) XX THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP Britain ’s leading ornithological booksellers where you can find our comprehensive range of new and secondhand books and reports on birds and natural history, including all new tides as they are published. Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Mail order catalogue available on request THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP 2-4 Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y6DS Tel: 071-287 1407 (BB116) BIRDERS GUIDES to Turkey, Israel, Sweden, Finland and Majorca, detailed, up to date (1991), superb maps. £3 each + 50p p/p. From Gostours, 29 Marchwood Road, Sheffield S6 5LB. Tel: (0742) 334171. (BB140) The original BIRDWATCHER’S LOGBOOK The most concise way to record your observations. Monthly, annual and life columns for 762 species, plus 1 59 diary pages. Send £5.95 to: Coxton Publications, ^ Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, § Beverley, N. Humberside HU1 7 8RP s NAT, HISTORY BOOK FAIR. Sat. 25th April. RSPB Reserve, Silverdale, Carnforth, Lancs. Make it a day & enjoy superb birdwatching. (BB141) FOR SALE BRITISH BIRDS VOCABULARY 12 -cassette series in 6 vols. Also Sound Guides and other productions. SAE to Lewis, Rosehill, Lyonshall. HR5 3HS. (BB049) BIRD JOURNAL BACKNUMBERS SUPPLIED. (BB. Bird study. County Reports, etc.), David Morgan, Whitmore, Umberleigh, Devon. (BB921) BIRDING CB SPECIALISTS Hl3hly rec. MIDLAND PORT-A-PAC CB £99 + £3.50 pp. Mobiles from £58 * H/held from £69 * Base Stat. from £159 SAE for Details/Price List Rech Batts(10x AA)£19 Cheques payable • Omesa Systems 43 Hemlington Rd, Stainton, Middlesbrough, Cleveland T58 9AG 0642 595845 (BB040) Zeiss Kowa Opticron Bausch & Lomb Adlerblick Swift Optolyth etc. The Stockport Binocular and Telescope Centre Suppliers of quality binoculars and spotting scopes. Mail order, or callers welcome. Open 6 days 9-6. Repair service on the premises. BRITISH BIRDS. Bound volumes 77-82 (1984- 89) £95 or £17 per volume. Telephone (Brad- ford) 0274 871074 (evenings). (BB118) RED DATA BIRDS IN BRITAIN. Original line drawings £25 to £75. Ian Willis, 20 Albert Street, Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbrightshire DG5 4JP. Tel: 0556 611158. (BB045) TRIPOD TAMER 2" wide black webbing shoul- der strap only £8.50 inc. post from: Vital Equip- ment, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 8AT (sae for details). (BB123) WALKE * ZEISS * KOWA *PENTAX * 1 Are the largest optical dealer on the 1 bT Yorks coast. Binoculars - telescopes - video cameras - ■ * lenses - tripods *BUSHNELL * LEITZ * SWIFT PRUSSIAN BAUSCH & LOMB * MINOLTA * TASCO OUR PRICES ARE TOO LOW TO PRINT ZEISS & LEITZ increased their prices in March but we still have some stock at old prices SWIFT & KOWA increase 1st April BUY NOW!! WALI-a ^ LTD 70 ST THOMAS ST ‘ ^ — SCARBOROUGH YOU 1DY 0723 365024 FAX 0723 363334 I i British Birds Volume 85 Number 4 April 1992 1 4 1 Raptor migration at Eilat Hadoram Shirihai and David A. Christie Notes 186 GrifTon Vulture drowning at sea Kenneth Bengtsson and Erik Hirschfeld 186 One Hen Harrier nestling feeding another Richard T. Mills 187 Buzzard with live common eel Graham Madge 188 Kestrel apparently robbing Short-eared Owl Greg Scott 188 Kestrel preying on House Martin nest .S’. K. Woolkv 1 88 Non-aggressive behaviour of Peregrine L. Fainnan and R. H. Harvt)> 189 Robin ‘anting’ with millipede B. Harrup Letter 1 89 Priorities for conservationists Simon Albrecht Reviews 1 90 ‘A Field Guide to the Rare Birds of Britain and Europe’ by Per Alstrom & Peter Colston, Illustrated by Ian Lewington A. R. Dean ® 1 92 "A Guide to the Warblers of the Western Palearctic’ by Tim Parmenter & Clive Byers Hadoram Shirihai 193 Fieldwork action BTO news Dr Paul Green 1 93 ICBP news Georgina Green Announcements 194 With ‘BB’ to Israel 194 Books in British BirdShop 194 Rarities Committee: new member Request 1 95 Photographs of King Eiders Ken Shaw 195 Mystery photographs 195 Seventy-five years ago . . . 195 News and comment Mike Everett and Robin Piytherch 1 99 Monthly marathon 200 Recent reports Bany Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-drawings: 141 Immature Steppe Eagle with ‘Steppe’ Buzzards (Alan Harris) Front cover: Moorhens {Kim Franklin): the original drawing of this month’s cover design, measuring 18.6 X 20.8 cm, is for sale in a postal auction (see page 46 in January issue for procedure) !i k British Birds Autumn 1991: passerines Overseas bird tours survey First-summer Hobbies in the New Forest Review • Notes • Letters • Mystery photographs Fieldwork action • ICBP news • News and comment ^ British Birds Mana^ng Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, R. J. Prytherch & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith & Roger Tidman Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Rarities Committee P. G. Lansdown (Chairman); Dr Colin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, G. P. Catley, Peter Clement, Pete Ellis, S. J. M. Gantlett, C. D. R. Heard, R. A. Hume, J. H. Marchant & Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (Museum Consultant & Archivist); Peter Fraser (Statistician); Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary) Notes Panels BEHAVIOUR Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Godwin, Dr I. Newton, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDENTIFICAI ION Dr R. J. Chandler, A. R. Dean, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & K. E. Vinicombe ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology © British Birds Lid 1992 Copyright of photographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire ISSN 0007-0335 Publishing Manager, Production & Promotion Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Felts Advertising Sandra Barnes Addresses Please keep correspondence on different items separate. Please address your envelope correctly. Please supply SAE, if reply required. Papers, notes, letters, drawings & photographs for publication DrJ. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Plwne: Biggleswade (0767) 40025 Subscriptions ami orders for back copies Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40467 Advertising Mrs Sandra Barnes, BB Advertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Tiptree (0621) 815085 Bird news for ‘Seasonal reports’ Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire mki7 9QS. Phone: Woburn (0525) 290314 (evenings); Luton (0582) 490049 (office hours) News items for ‘News ami comment’ Mike Everett & Robin Prytherch, 7 Burlington Way, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon PEI8 9BS Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3AZ Special book and sound recording offers British BirdShop, NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN. Phone: Totnes (0803) 865913 Armual subscriptions (12 issues and index) Libraries and agencies £42.30, IR£49.40 or $79.80. Personal subscriptions: UK, Europe and surface mail £34.40, IR£40.20 or $64.80; personal: airmail outside Europe £57.75, IR£67.45 or $109.00. Single back copies £4.40, IR£5.15 or $8.20. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO account number 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. 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. English and scientific names and sequences of bicds follow TTie ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1984); names of plants follow Dony et al. (1980, English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals follow Corbet & Southern (1977, The Handbook of British Mammals). Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations {Hril. Birds 74: 239-242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). 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) receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). k Printed in Er>giand by N#wno«th Print Limited, Kemption. Bedford 204 HIGH STREET BARNET, HERTS. EN5 5SZ NOW OPEN 7 DAYS 9am-6pm PHONE 081-4491445 PHONE 081-441 7748 FAX: 081-440 9999 in focus THE BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE SPECIALISTS BRITISH BIROWATCHING FAIR EGLETON NATURE RESERVE RUTIAND WATER FRI4T>H,SAT 5TH, SUN 6TH SEPT. “IN FOCUS” at SLIMBRIDGE NEW SHOWROOM AT WWT, SUMBRIDGE, GLOS. OPEN THE SECOND WEEKEND OF EACH MONTH STARTING 9th & 10th MAY; 13th & 14th JUNE; 11th &12thJULY& 8th & 9th AUGUST. MAIN STREET, TITCHWELL, NORFOLK PE31 8BB OPEN 7 DAYS 9am-6pm PHONE 0485 210101 ICBP WORLD ENVIRONMENT PARTNER 1992 SPRING HELD EVENT PROGRAMME n focus are pleased to offer our cus> omers some of the best viewing facill- ies throughout the UK In conjunction vith the RSPB, County Trusts and ither organisations. Full optical demon* rtratlons are presented, usually from vorking hides. Information and loca- Ion pa^ are available for all events dilch are held from 10.00 am-4.00 pm. Ve advise, for your convenience, ap* lolntments for the two*day events yhich can be arranged by writing or elephoning either of our showrooms. BAUSCH 8 LOMB £ Elite 7x30 BGAP 599.00 Elite 8x42BGA 659.00 Elite 10X42BGA 659.00 Custom 8x36B 229.00 Custom 10x40BGA .249.00 Legacy 8x24 69.00 Elite 22X60BGA 309.00 Elite 15x-45x60BGAP.. 369.00 20xWA 2660x Zoom 198.00 Case .... 33.95 Photo Adaptor 169.00 LEICA £ Trinovid 0x2O6C 199.00 Trtr>ovid 10x25BC 239.00 Trinovid 8x20BCA 239.00 Trinovid 10x25BCA 255.00 Trinovid 7x42BA 649.00 Trinovid 8x42SA 649.00 Trinovid 10x42BA 649.00 CARL ZEISS £ Deisgnef exZOBTP 295.00 Oeisgner lOxaSBTP ... 319.00 Dlalyt 8x20BP 249.00 Oiaiyt 10X258P 269.00 Oiai^8x20BGA 315.00 Dlalyt 8X30BGATP 529.00 Dialyt 7x42BGAT .. 639.00 Diaiyt 10X40BGAT 639.00 DiaVlOx40BT Diaiyt 8x568QAT 769.00 15x60 PorroGAT 1190,00 20x50 BGA -£2850.00 ACCESSORIES Painguard B.OO Eye Cups (set) 16.00 Eye Cups Hard (set)..,. 16.00 Lanyard . 5.00 Wide Lanyard 15.00 Spare Case from.... 19.00 RUTLAND WATER LEICS. SAT 2ND MAY SUN 3RD MAY PORTLAND BIRD OBSERVATORY, DORSET SUN. 16TH MAY RNGRINHOE NR. COLCHESTER ESSEX SUN. 17TH MAY BLACKTOFT SANDS HUMBERSIDE SAT 23RD MAY SUN 24TH MAY DUNGENESS KENT SAT30THMAY SUN 31STMAY LEMSFORD SPRINGS HERTS SUN. 10TH MAY GWYADAR92 FESTIVAL OF BIRDS 92 SUN24THMAY MON 25TH MAY LLANELLI WWT DYFED SAT. 6TH JUNE SUN. 7TH JUNE ARUNDEL WWT WEST SUSSEX SAT 20TH JUNE SUN 21STJUNE BROOMHILL FLASH BARNSLEY SAT 2HH JUNE SUN 28TH JUNE NIKON 7X20CFIII 9*25CFIII 8X23CFII 10X25CF1I 8*200CF„. , 10X250CF... SkjODCF iar36DCF 8X40DCF 7x35E 8*30E 10x35E 6x-12x24DCF Pl®W»Copell 20x60... 20x-45x ...69.00 79.00 85.00 89.00 ...135.00 ...150.00 ...249.00 ..279.00 ...539.00 ...199.00 ...229.00 .249.99 ...329.00 ...304.00 ...379.00 Rekfscope EDM 20x60 .. . 20x-45x60 .555.00 .629.00 Hoya MC Filter 20.00 Stay-on Case 45.00 Spotting Scope 20x60GA .199.00 SWIFT E Trilyte 7x42BGA .148.00 Trityte 8x42BGA .148.00 Trilyte 10X42BGA 150.00 Audubon HRS 8.5x44 . .. 230.00 Audubon 7x35BGA 329.00 Viewmaster 60 Booy .149.00 15-45x Zoom ...49.00 20x OUESTAR £ Field Model 3.5' Broad Band Coating. Supplied with 50x-80x Hood. Case .. . 2200.00 30X-50X .130 00 80X-130X .130 00 Erector Prism ..289.00 OPTOLYTH £ Alpin SxXBGA ,227.00 Alpin 7X42BGA .257,00 Alpin 8X40BGA .246.00 Alpin 10x40BGA .249.00 Alpin lOxSOBGA .266.00 Touring 8x30BGA .395.00 Touring 7x42BGA .445 00 Touring 10x40BGA .445 00 TBS HD Body .549.99 TBGHDBody .549.00 TBS 80 Body .390.00 T8G 80 Body .390.00 20x WA , , .122.00 30x WA (new) .135.00 40x WA (new) .77.00 Soft Case 29.00 Stay-on Case forTBS/TBG ..45.00 KOWA £ 20x WA 64.00 20x-60x Zoom .109.00 Case 22.95 TSN-2 316.00 TSN-3 636.00 TSN-4 636.00 20x-60xZoom 169.00 20x WA 109.00 25x 69.00 30x WA 139.00 40x 69.00 60x 119.00 77x 109.00 Skua Case 39 95 Rear Dust Dome 15.00 Spare OG Cover 6.00 27x WA (screw fit) 59.00 Screw/Bay Adapter 20.00 Case forTSN 24.95 Photo Adapter 800mm 129.00 Photo Adapter 1200mm 199.00 OPTICRON t Vega II 8x30 49.95 Vega II 8x40 54.95 DIOPTRON 8x32 122.00 DIOPTRON 10x42 125.00 DIOPTRON 10x60 135.00 HR8X32MC 152.00 HR 7x42MC 157.00 HR8X42MC 155.00 HR10X42MC 162.00 HRIOxSOMC 178.00 HR Body 80mm 269 00 30x WA 33.00 27x80xzoom 85 00 HR Body, 22x8 case 179.95 HR GA, 22x & case 189.95 HR 45. 22x&case 219.95 HR Body, 20X-60X & case . 21 9.95 HR GA 20-60x8 case 229.95 HR 45 20-60X 8 case 249.95 25x, 40x. 22x WA 32.00 Classic IF60 110.00 18X40WA. 24.00 25x 24.00 25x HP 27.00 18X-45X zoom 6100 Classic IF75 140.00 22xWA 24.00 30x 27.00 22x-47x zoom 61.00 Piccolo 128.00 Eye pieces from 29 00 Piccolo ED 20x60 355-00 Piccolo ED 20-60x60 399.00 Photo kits from 30.00 Cases for scopes 1 5.00 Macro monocular 50.00 ROSS £ Cavendish 8x428 139.95 Hanover 10x42B 149.95 Regent 8x42B 169.95 Kensington 10x42B 179.95 REOHELD £ 7x35BA 249.00 lOxSOBA 299.00 20-45X60GA 299.55 OBSERVATION BINOCULARS E Opticron 20x80 390.00 Opticron 30x60 395.00 SWAROVSKI 10x40 Diana 7xXSLC 8X30SLC 8x20B AT80 Body 22x WA 32x WA 20x-60x Zoom . Case .372.00 .353.00 .365.00 .220.00 . .547.00 ... 72.00 ,124.00 . 164 00 ... 93.00 BUSHNELL £ Spacemaster Body 145.00 Spacemaster GA Body 176.00 15x-45x Zoom 79 00 22x WA 32.00 Case 20-00 Photo Kit 30.00 CAnnjM At a cost of just £15 any new equipment can be covered tor a 3 year period from date of purchase. In the event of equipment failure for whatever reason it will be rectt- lied by ourselves at no charge. Ask for full details. PIRSONAL CAIXBRS Can choose and select from our comprehensive range of equip- ment. We are a completely inde- pendent company whose only concern is that our customers se- lect the corect instrument for their persona) needs. VELBON Victory 350. . D-SOO D-600 D-700 CULLMAN Hide Clamp Shoulder Pod Q/R System . Q/R Plate. MANFROTTO 290/128 290B/128 144/128 144B/128 Tnpod Strap Q/R Plate Monopod 079B . Just add £2.00 to help towards P8P and insurance and your order will be sent the same day cis we receive your cheque All goods supplied on 14 days approval upon receipt of full remittance .39 95 ,59.95 .69.95 ...79.95 .54.95 29 95 ...10.95 5.95 ... 95.00 .... 99.00 .105,00 ..109.00 10.95 5.95 29.95 Monopod 134B 29 95 BENBO £ Trekker with Cullman Video Head Trekker Monopod 29.95 ACCESSORIES Car Window Mount... £ 26.00 Rainguards Lens Cleaning Cloth ... ...from 3.50 3.00 Lanyards ....from 4.00 Discuss your requirements with our technical staff and orders placed with Access or Visa cards will be despatched same day. 8BCONDHAND Instruments always available. Turnover is fast but we now pro- duce a comprehensive list. Phone or write. PART aXCHANOB Top prices paid for good condition Bins and S<»pes. HOW TO FIND US (NORPOUQ We are 500 yds east of the RSPB reserve at 'ntchwell on the A149 between Hunstanton and Bran- caster and have our own private car park. HOW TO PIHD US (BARNST) We are 10 mins from M25 and A1M motorways and 15 mins walk from High Barnet Tube Station. Dust Away 3.95 Double Eyepiece Case 9.95 Tamrac 60/80mm Scope Case 24.50 FREE TRIPOD WITH ALL NEW AND SECONDHAND SCOPE. Aak lof detail*. FREE NORFOLK TWO DAY BREAK St Brlarflalds Hotel, TItchwell when goods to the value of £400 or over are purchased. INTEREST FREE CREDIT ON SELECTED ZEISS, LEITZ, KOWA, B8L etc. Ask for deUlis. As the UK's number one birdwatching optics supplier, In focus is proud to sponsor the 'County Bird Race' and The British Birdwatching Fair'. As a result of these and other ventures, In focus has directly contributed over £30,000 to local, national and international bird conservation over the last twelve months. (D131) V HELM Covering some of the most varied habitats in Britain, this new guide follows the usual Where to watch birds formula. Site descriptions look at habitat, species, access, timing and calendar plus all the practical information required to make the most of each trip. ISBN; 0-7136-3519-3 £10.99 Order through your local bookshop or in case of difficulty please contact; A&C Black, PO Box 19, Huntingdon, Cambs PE19 3SF. Tel; (0480) 212666, Fax; (0480) 405014. (D128) Where to watch birds in Cumbria, Lancashire & Cheshire Jonathan Guest and Malcolm Hutcheson I FOCALPOINI The binocular and telescope specialists Run by birders for birders FORTHCOMING DEMONSTRATIONS (10.30am-4pm) SALTHOUSE, Cley, Norfolk BIRDWATCHERS WEEKEND Sat 2nd, Sun 3rd & Mon 4th May. Binoculars, Telescopes, Books, Art and Clothing. We shall be overlooking 'The Duck Pond' CHURCH STRETTON, Shropshire, Sun 10th May ORNITHOLOGISTS OPEN DAY at WESTHOLME', Hazier Road, Church Stretton. Blnocs, 'scopes, books and art with a special feature on 'Merlin' ventlle clothing — the birder’s choice. BROWNHILL VISrTOR CENTRE, Dobcross, nr Oldham, Gtr Manchester. Sunday 17th May. O.S. SD995063 SALTHOUSE, Cley, Norfolk. BIRDWATCHERS WEEKEND. Sat 23rd, Sun 24th & Mon 25th May. Binoculars, Telescopes, Books, Art and Clothing, We shall be overlooking 'The Duck Pond' WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST CENTRE, Martin Mere, Lancs (M6, Jet 27). Sunday 21st June. WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST CENTRE, Washington, Tyne & Wear (District 15). FOCALPOINI Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Tel: 0925-730399 (D1 1 7) CAPE MAY "Tor £990 Leaders; Paul Holt arid Bob Behrstock EILAT ‘Sr £465 Leaders: Killian Mullarneyand Steve Rooke BHARATPUR’S“£1050 Leader: Paul Holt EILAT '"-"rr £475 Leaders: Killian Mullarney and Steve Rooke Details from Sunbird, PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF. Tel: 0767-682969. (Please specify which event you are interested in). (D130)~ Get the full story behind the news So everyone heard about the Pine Grosbeak in Shetland last month. But I what was it doing there? What makes ; birds like Pine Grosbeaks, Nutcrackers, i Waxwings and Pallas’s Sandgrouse occur i far outside their normal range in some ■years, but not others? Find out by reading Eric Simms’ fascina- ting examination of irruptive birds in the j latest issue of BIRDWATCH magazine. Also in Issue 3: birding Ireland with Anthony McGeehan and Chris Murphy - Rock, Water and Buff-bellied Pipits in colour - photography with mirror lenses - Hungary - New Zealand - ICBP Lifesong competition - birding day to remember - plus many more regulars. If you’re looking for intelligent read- ing, original ideas and high quality pres- entation, fill out the coupon below. RIRDWATCH MAGAZINE SPECIAL OFFER FOR 12 ISSUES 1 I ORDER FORM jName Individuals (UK) £.12.90 S,25.50 SAVE £2.30 [Address Organisations (UK) £18.00 &55.00 SAVE £3-00 1 Europe & s/mail £19.20 &54.00 SAVE £4.40 I Postcode Airmail £44.90 &75.00 SAVE £14.80 I enclose a cheque/eurocheque/banker’s draft/ PO for£ payable to Solo Publishing Ltd return form today TO: Subscription Dept, Solo Publishing Ltd, P O Box 1786, London E17 7JG NATURETREK BIRDING TREKS & TOURS in NEPAL- KASHMIR LADAKH • ZANSKAR BHUTAN - CHINA ROMANIA - PYRENEES INDIA - INDONESIA MALAYSIA - TURKEY GREECE - CYPRUS KENYA - TANZANIA EGYPT - ETHIOPIA BOTSWANA • ZAMBIA AUSTRALIA • MALAWI NAMIBIA - MOROCCO RWANDA ■ ZAIRE GALAPAGOS ■ CRETE NEW ZEALAND NEWFOUNDLAND Independent Travel ■ Tailor-made Tours Private Safaris ■ Flights For our brochure/expert advice phone 0962 733051 CHAUTARA, BIGHTON, Nr.ALR£SFORD, HANTS. S024 9RB ( The DORSET NATURALIST WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS IN DORSET AND BEYOND Most of our clients have been back to us at least once, and some more than a dozen times in the last • four years. i j Join us this year to find out why (take care though - we can be addictive . . .). For our latest brochure, contact: Jamie McMillan The Dorset Naturalist, 9 Little Britain, Dorchester, Dorset, DTI INN Tel: 0305 267994 (D119) 48 - 25 - 36 I These are the sort of statistics we like, why pay this amount per minute for bird news when BERDNET offers you peace of mind by informing you of all the major rarities for less than lOp PER DAY. However, if you like to keep in touch with all the Ring- necked Ducks and Ring-billed Gulls, then as a BIRDNET | member you can phone our information service for a j fraction of the cost of the premium rate phone lines. Our j operators give you the information you require (No gimmicks or commercials). Information is our business, phone us on 0298-73052. We will pay for your rare bird news. If you want to stay in touch even when you are out what better way than a MERCURY PAGER. As agents BIRDNET can offer a range of pagers with prices from as little as £13 per month. NON-MEMBERS can phone for the latest rare bird information on: 0839-007-765 ask for extension 3162. On this number calls are charged at 36 pence per minute cheap rate and 48 pence per minute at all other times. For further information write to: BIRDNET LTD, OAKLANDS MANOR, LONG HILL, BUXTON, DERBYSHIRE SK17 6ST or phone: 0298 73054 or fax: 0298 73053 | (D124j Mercury r COMMUNICATIONS «r V ^ o <6 UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE I^y Optic^ — SALES & REPAIRS BINOCULARS - TELESCOPES - TRIPODS etc Alternative venues to Morden, at which you can try and buy our equipment IN THE FiELD are given beiow. Kay Opticai wili be at the Visitor/Information Centre in each case. Repairs can also be handed in. *Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve on the B2145 into Seisey, W. Sussex, on Sundays 26th April, 31st May, 28th June and 2^ July (1 0.00am to 4.00pm). *Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve an the A25 between Riverhead and Sevenoaks Bat andBail station on Sundays 3rd May, rth June and 5th July 10.00am to 4.00pm). * Bough Beach Nature Reserve/Reservoir about 4 miies south of the a25/A21 junction (with access rom the B2042 or B2027; the nformation Centre is to the north af the reservoir) on Sundays 17th May, 14th June and 19th luly (1 0.00am to 4.00pm). ^Bewl Water an the A21 , just south of amberhurst in the Education Centre on Sundays 26th April, list May, 28th June and 26th luly (1 0.00am to 4.00pm). Show this advert for half price larking. Refund with purchase. t Alton Water Suffolk, near Ipswich, on the 11080 between Holbrook and Itutton. In the Visitor/Information lentre on Sunday 21st June ind 19th July (10.00am to ■.00pm). 'College Lake Wildlife Centre learTring, Herts., on the B488 aff the A41) close to Bulbourne. ■ 1 the Visitor Centre (main, entrai hide) on 10th May and ^ 4th June (1 0.00am to 4.00pm). IrSlimbridge, Glos. i15. Jet 13) Viiiage Haii (on the itt, haifway along village road ' ito the W&WT). Mond^ 3rd >ugust (1 0.00am to 4.00pm). REE TRIPOD, WORTH £40 aOUGOR) with certain* , ilescopes - or pay the xtra for a different tripod. Some examples of < # At (east £50 allowance for your old blnos when buying these ^ Zeiss models ZEISS £ 10x25 BDialyt 269 10x25B/TP(NewDS) 319 8x20B/TP(NewDS) 295 8x30BGA/T(P) 529 7x42BGA/T(P)# 639 10x40BGA/T(P)# 639 15x60BGA/T 1.190 8x56BGA/T (without case) 699 BAUSCH & LOMB 8x42 BA Elite 629 10x42BAEIte 629 7x36BA(PC3)Erite 599 8x42BA(PC3)Elite 659 10x42BA(PC3)Elite 659 Custom 10 X 40 BGA 249 22 X 60 B Elite Scope 289 22 X 60 BOA Elite Scope 309 1 5-45x BGA Elite Scope 349 77mm Elite body 375 77mm Elite (ED) body 775 20x (WA) eyepiece 149 30x (LER) eyepiece 1 35 20-60X zoom eyepiece 1 98 800m m camera adaptor 1 59 SWAROVSKI * 7x30SLC 353 8x30SLC 365 LEICA 8x20 BCTrinovid 199 8x20BCATrinovid 239 10x25 BCTrinovid 239 10x25BCATrinovid 255 7 X 42 BA TrinovkJ 649 8 X 42 BA Trinovid 649 10x42BATrinovid 649 SWIFT 7 X 35 roof prism 239 8'/z X 44 HRS Audubon 239 FUJINON 8X40BFL 179 NIKON 8 X 23 waterproof 157 10x25 waterproof 157 8 X 20 F roof prism 135 10 X 25 F roof prism 150 9 X 30 roof prism 244 8x30ECFporroWF 229 10x35ECFporroWF 249 Reldscope II 20 x 60 304 ReWscope 1120-45 x 60 379 EDII20 X 60 * 555 ED II 20-45 X 60 * 629 30x, 40x or box eyepieces 65 2045x eyepiece 147 Camera adaptor 168 Mod. for other cameras 1 8 Quality filter 13 Rubber hood 8 Stay-on-case FREE Spotting scope 20 X 60 G A 199 Spotting scope 20-45xG A 265 ur stocks: KOWA * £ TSN-1 (45®) body (295) 316 TSN-2body (295) 316 TSN-3 body (555) 636 TSN-4 body (555) 636 25x or 40x eyepiece 69 20x (WA) eyepiece 1 09 30x (WA) eyepiece 139 20-60X zoom eyepiece 1 69 60x eyepiece 109 77x eyepiece 119 Camera adaptor 800mm 1 29 C^nera adaptor 1 200m m 1 99 Kowa case (24) 25 Skua case 40 Spare OG cover 5 Eyepiece dust dome 15 27x (WA) screw-in eyepiece 64 TS 601 scope body (45*) 179 TS 602 scope body (45*) 179 27x (WA) eyepiece 100 2Cfc( (WA) eyepiece 55 25x(WA) 48 20-60X zoom 99 Case 20 VIEWMASTER 45® scope with zoom EP 199 OPTOLTTH * 8 X 30 Alpin 227 8 X 40 Alpin 246 10 X 40 Alpin 249 10x50 Alpin 268 12x50 Alpin 273 7 X 42 Alpin 257 TBG80 telescope body (350) 390 TBS 80 (45*) body 390 TBG/TBS 80 Fluorite 549 30x (WW) new eyepiece 135 40x (WA) new eyepiece 77 Stay-on-case TBG/S 45 22-60x zoom eyepiece 159 TB nylon case 36 OFTICRON 8x32(HRII) 152 8x42 (HRII) 157 10x42 (HRII) 162 10x50 (HRII) 178 7x42 (HRII) 155 8 x 32 Dioptron 117 8 X 42 Dioptron 122 10x42 Dioptron 125 1 0 X 50 Dioptron 135 7 X 35 Elite 150 9 X 35 Elite 190 7 X 40 Minerva 172 9x35 Minerva 172 6 X 40 Minerva 175 10x40 Minerva 179 7 x 24 MCF 80 HR 60mm scopes:- Std w/22x & case 180 Std w/zoom & case 220 GA w/22x & case 190 GA w/zoom & case 230 45* w/22x & case 220 45® w/zoom & case 250 (Bracket prices while stocks last) £ HR Photokit 64 Rtter 8 Rubber hood 5 Piccolo Mk II ED, with case: 20x60 355 20-60x 60 399 BUSHNELL Spacemaster body 148 15-45xzoomEP 49 22x (WA) EP 32 25xor40xEP 30 Photokit 62 Nylon padded case 1 5 REDRELD (waterproof) 7 X 30 RA roof prism 249 10 X 50 RA roof pnsm 299 GREENKAT * 8X402WCF 75 SGN-III 60mm scope body 165 20x,30x,40x 50xor60xEP 25 Close-up lens 24 Photo tube 23 Padded nylon case 15 OBSERVATION Vixen 20x 100 750 Greenkat 20 X 60 150 Greenkat 20 X 80 215 MONOCUURS 8 X 20 RP with micxoscope 80 8X30GARP 80 10X30GARP 81 NIGHT VISION Sentinel 70mm image intensifier 1290 ROSS 8x42 ZCF Regent 10X42ZWCF 170 Kensington 180 TRIPODS etc. Slik D2 73 SlikDS 85 Manfrotto 144/200 105 Manfrotto 144/128 100 Manfrotto 190/200 93 Uni-Loc 90 Sollgor 550 40 Universal clamp 23 Hide damp II 38 Car window mount 24 Shoulder pod 30 Cullmann hide damp 56 Tripod case 13 Tripod straps from 7 T-mounts, from 10 Lens deaning kit 4 • Viewing faciiities e Hours Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm (Lunch 1 to 2pm). e Location Southern edge of Greater London. 15 minutes' drive from M25 (via the A3, then the Merton turn-off) or 2 minutes’ walk from Morden Undetground. e Parking 50 yards past our premises- 1st left. a Long- established workshop Optical instrument experience unrivalled eMail Order e Personal Exports including VAT claw-back e Interest-free short-temt credit (3 payments). eP/xananged. e Used items e Package deais Special prices are given in many cases where a combination of goods are bought. E&O.E. Phone: 081-648 8822 Fax: 081-6872021 (D126) KAY OPTICAL (1962), 89(B) London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5HP (IstRoor) V NEW COST SAVING OPTIONS Now Available RELIABLE comprehensive! service! H RARE BIRD ALERT h It’s about time you discovered for yourself \why our pagers have proved to be the best way of getting all the rarity news, and directions; • INDOORS or IN THE FIELD - simply read all the latest news and directions from the screen in your pocket • Phone FREE 0800 246 246 • or call Dick Filby of the Rare Bird Alert Team on 0603 767799 • DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU DIP Get a pager, NOW! • Please Phone in sightings of rarities to the Rare Bird Alert HOTLINE 0426 952 952. Hotline calls charged at local rates. A donation to conservation for every call • £1 0 donated to RSPB for every pager ordered • NEWS OF ALL BB RARITIES - EVERY DAY (and many sub- rarities too), with full directions on the message pagers when a bird turns up or if it moves • REMEMBER once you’ve paid your basic rental there are no extra charges, no matter how many messages we send you, and no matter how much news there is. YOU’LL SEE MORE with a Rare Bird Alert pager ... Inter-City Paging Ltd. Marsh House, 500 Montagu Road, Edmonton, London N9 OUR. Tel: 0800 246 246 MUGIMAKI FLYCATCHER HUMBERSIDE AT. .. INTER-CITY PAGING INTER-CITY PAGING K (D12: L^ Overseas Are your birdwatching skills developed to their fullest? The FSC offers you expert tuition in birding with a wide range of courses to destinations overseas inciuding Hungary, The Netherlands, Majorca, Islay and The Camargue. The courses are designed to suit all levels of ex- perience, alternatively ‘tailor-made’ tours can be arranged for individual groups. Many other tours such as botanical and wildlife courses are included in our 1992/93 programme, to provide an exciting variety of 'Courses for all’. For a copy of our full programme contact: FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL (Overseas-BBS), Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury, SY4 1HW. Tel: (0743) 850164 (D118) Birding holidays for the discriminating birdwatcher Gourmet Birds holidays are personally researched, planned and led by David and Jan Tomlinson, and cater for those who prefer , Margaux to Liebfraumilch, or I purple-throated fruit crows to | carrion crows ' Future destinations include France, Menorca, South Africa, Costa Rica ■ and Australia ' For details contact David Tomlinson, Windrush, Coles Lane, Brasted, Westerham, Kent TN16 INN Tel: 0959 563627; Fax: 0959 562906 VI HlfTOTI - 8 IVIAY 1992 ECOLOGY AND CONSERVE NEOTROPICAL MIGRANT LANDBIRDS Edited by John M. Hagan III and David W. Johnston This is the first technical volume to focus exclusively on the question of northern hemispheric migratory landbird declines and their conservation. More than 100 leading scholars working in the Americas and the Caribbean report on the problems facing these birds and suggest strategies for research and conservation. 1 color, 45 b&w illus. 576 pp. Cloth: 1-56098-1 13-X £37.50 $55.25 Paper: 1-56098-140-7 £13.95 $21.50 ^ NEW WORLD PARROTS IN CRISIS Solutions from Conservation Biology Edited by Steven R. Beissinger and Noel E. R. Snyder Detailing the plight of one of the most threatened groups of birds in the world, this book also proposes a range of possible conservation solutions. The essays explore such topics as the role of economics in parrot conserva- tion, ecotourism and parrot ranching, and legal regulation of international parrot trade. 9 b&w illus. 304 pp. Cloth: 1-56098-110-5 £27.25 $41.95 Paper: 1-56098-136-9 £13.25 $20.25 V I 'T CRANE MUSIC A Natural History of American Cranes Paul A. Johnsgard A lyrically written natural history of the two North American crane species. Crane Music fol- lows the sandhill and the whooper through a yearly cycle, detailing in nontechnical terms their migratory journeys and formations, natural habi- tats, call patterns, and exuberant dancing. Johnsgard also presents an overview of the other 13 species of cranes roaming the earth. 23 b&w illus. 144 pp. Cloth: 1-56098-051-6 £15.50 $23.95 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION PRESS U.K. sales information: University Press Marketing • The Old Mill • Mill Street Wantage, Oxfordshire • 0X12 9AB England • 02357-66662 U.K. and European distribution: IBD Ltd. • Campus 400, Maylands Ave. Hemel Hempstead Herts • HP2 7EZ England • 0442-881900 (D125) I St. Anns Books Rectory House, 26 Priory Road, Great Malvern, Worcestershire. WR14 SDR Tel; 0684 - 56281 8 Fax: 0684 - 566491 We are international mail-order specialists dealing Exclusively in Bird Books, with an ever-changing stxk of approximately 2000 Secondhand titles always available, including Rare and Desirable items. We also stock 800 New titles Efficient, Friendly Service • Prompt Despatch # Expert Packing Catalogues are regularly issued, and are Free on request Being fully computorised, we would be pleased to record your "Wants". 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Questar (Europe), Catsheuvel 6, 2517 IZ The Hague, Holland phone (+31) 70 3558315, fax (+3D 70 3512411 QUESTAI^ the optical innovators (D1 British Birds VOLUME 85 NUMBER 5 MAY 1992 Seasonal reports Autumn 1991 Part 2: passerines Barry Nightingale and Keith Allsopp This report includes some unchecked reports, as well as authenticated records Southern jewels July is not noted for its movements of passerines, and rarities tend to receive even more attention than usual. The outstanding feature of an other-wise quiet start to the autumn was the continued influx of Bee- eaters Merops apimter. For the last ten years, annual occurrences have averaged 20 indi- viduals, but this number had already been seen during May and June. Thirteen more were reported during lst-5th July, with three south over Flamborough Head (Humber- side), four in Essex, two at Elvaston Quarry (Derbyshire), and singles in East Sussex, Kent, West Sussex and Suffolk. On 10th July, singles were at Spurn (Humberside) and Titchwell (Norfolk), with two at Blakeney (Norfolk), and the next day at Stronsay (Orkney), when there were also five at Old Hall Marsh (Essex). Perhaps these last five were the same as those seen at Cliffe (Kent) on 21st July, when there was also one at Sandwich Bay (Kent). Five going north over Dungeness (Kent) on 27 th were followed by singles at Rye Harbour (East Sussex) and Formby (Lancashire) on 28th July. Another six reports followed in August, and eight more in September, seven of which were together at Lochar Water (Dumfries & Galloway) on 12th. This brought the total for July-September to over 50, and, although there will have been some duplication as groups moved around the country, 1991 will almost certainly exceed the record year of 1988, when 31 were accepted. Winds during July had remained mostly between southwest and southeast (more frequently than is usual for July), and with temperatures some 2°C above average this no doubt encouraged more southern exotica to reach our shores. Three Woodchat Shrikes Lanius senator, eight widely scattered Alpine Swifts Apus melba, from Cornwall to Orkney, a Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala in Co. Clare on 17th July and a [flii 85: 201-210, Ma> 1992] 201 202 Roller Coracias garrulus in Holkham Pines (Norfolk) on 29th were among them. Of the commoner species, large move- ments of Swifts A. apus were particularly noticeable early in the month, with 1,700 over Climping Beach (West Sussex) on 4th July, 25,000 passing south over Spurn during 7th-8th, and on the next day in Lincolnshire 1.000 per hour over River Witham and 15.000 over Gibraltar Point. During 9th- 15th July, 300 flew south daily past Whitburn (Tyne & Wear). Crossbills Loxia curvirostra were reported from many areas, including almost daily at Flamborough Head, 36 at Holkham NNR on 3rd July, 30 at Landguard (Suffolk) on 19th, 45 at Holme (Norfolk) on 20th and 12 at Rutland Water (Leicestershire) on 31st. A total of 355 was counted at Gibraltar Point during July, and many other coastal observations from Scilly to Fair Isle indicated fresh arrivals. Siskins Carduelis spinus, too, were on the move much earlier, and in larger groups than is usual. Records from Orkney included only their second and third breeding records, and there were influxes into Lin- colnshire, with 25 at Gibraltar Point on 11th July, a noticeable movement through Wor- cestershire on 22nd, and flocks of over 100 in Tyne & Wear. Many other counties, particularly along the English south coast reported unprecedented numbers for July. A post-breeding flock of 7 1 Mistle Thrushes Turdus viscivorus at Billinge Hall (Greater Manchester) on 21st July was a good local record at least, as was a showy Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides in North- amptonshire, which gave many observers unusually prolonged views. A Shore Lark Eremophila alpestm at Lowestoft North Denes Autumn 1991: passerines (Suffolk) on 19th July was unseasonal, but hinted at the good numbers to come, and, on the same day, an early Wryneck Jynx torquilla appeared at Weir Wood Reservoir (East Sussex). Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava were also on the move, with flocks passing through Dungeness. A Serin Serinus serinui in Nottinghamshire on 27th July was that county’s first, and one in Bedfordshire on 30th was only the second. Nottingham- shire then chalked up its second addition within a few days, with an Alpine Swift at Flintham on 2nd August, the same day as a Roller appeared in Dyfed. The first half of August, however, re- mained generally quiet for landbirds. The weather was unhelpful, to observers at least, being mostly hot and sunny, and reports from different areas of the country used such terms as ‘very average’ and even ‘mediocre’. Westerly winds and some local- ised heavy thunderstorms set the weather pattern, and from 17th August a north- westerly airflow became established across Britain and Ireland. Aquatic Warblers Acrocephalus paludicola are typical of August, and they showed well this year, with 25 reports, the first from the Lizard (Cornwall) on 12th August. The majority were in southwest England, as expected, but one at Donna Nook on 21st was a good Lincolnshire record. I On 20th August, an anticyclone moved | through the English Channel into Germany, i introducing a southerly airflow and rising ( temperatures. This, combined with a deep j area of low pressure to the south of Ireland j on 22nd August, brought the first real movement of Scandinavian drift migrants, I with single Barred Warblers Sybia nisom, I on Stronsay and Fair Isle, followed by seven others between 23rd and 31st August. A Woodchat Shrike in Scilly was new on 22nd, as was a Greenish Warbler Phylbsco- pus trochiloides on the Fame Islands (North- umberland), narrowly beating three more in Shetland on 26th. Five Wrynecks and 1 1 , Icterine Warblers Hippolais bterina appeared j before the end of the month. ' Of the common migrants, there were | ‘hundreds of Wheatears’ Omanthe oenanthe on | Jersey on 23rd August, 7,000 Swallows Hirundo rustica south over Gibraltar Point on 24th, and, the next day, Dungeness, Sand- wich Bay and Gibraltar Point all received their first autumn falls, with Reed Warblers A. scirpaceus, Yellow Wagtails and Willov Warblers P. trochilus featuring prominently 99. Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, September 1991 {David Knight) 100. Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopns schwarzi. Priory Country Park, Bedfordshire, October 1991 {David Kramer) 101. Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes, Cocknage Wood, Staffordshire, October 1991 {Clifford Hged) 204 Many coastal observatories, however, noted a dearth of the last species, and also of Goldcrests Regulus regulus, which were to remain scarce all autumn. More landfalls occurred on 26th August, with PenduUne Tit Remiz pendulinus. Ortolan Bunting E. hortulana and Marsh Warbler A. palustris in Kent and a Red-headed Bunting E. brunkeps in Dorset. Swallows moved over Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork), 5,000 in all, on 27th, and good numbers of Yellow Wagtails were reported from many locali- ties. Our resident population of Starlings Sturnus vulgaris has decreased these last few years, but 6,000 arriving at Gibraltar Point helped to swell the numbers. From 26th August, the area of high pressure over Germany moved northeast to settle over northern Scandinavia and thus brought a shift of interest from the southeast of England to the northeast. Between 28th and 31st August, a Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris, two Red-backed Shrikes L. col- lurio, two Barred Warblers and an Ortolan Bunting appeared at Flamborough Head, Autumn 1991: passerines an Arctic Warbler P. borealis at Hartlepool (Cleveland), Icterine Warblers at Filey (North Yorkshire) and Spurn, and a Blyth’s Reed Warbler A. dumetorum at Hauxley (Northumberland). On a more sober note, but of much more importance than these strays, were Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus making news by ex- tending their normal East Anglian strong- hold. Four at Mugdrum Island (Fife) from 22nd to 24th August were the first in Scotland since 1972; they also bred in the London area and, for the first time, in Avon. September — full of eastern promise Sunny and very warm weather dominated the first week of September and new arrivals had a real eastern flavour. Seven more Icterine Warblers in the first two days came in with Greenish Warblers to Norfolk and Grampian, a Lesser Grey Shrike L minor in Norfolk, two Bonelli’s Warblers P. bonelli in Ireland — where there are still fewer than 20 records — and two Booted Warblers H. cali- gata, at Spurn (plate 106) and North Ronaldsay (Orkney). Another Bonelli’s Warbler at Southwell (Dorset), a Red- throated Pipit A. cervinus in Dyfed and two Yellow-breasted Buntings E. aureola on Fair Isle were reported on 6th, followed by the autumn’s third Roller on 8th, at Orfordness (Suffolk). There were also eight Ortolan Buntings during 7th- 1 1th. A southwesterly airflow covered Britain and Ireland during 13th-21st September, but, despite this, the emphasis continued from the east, no doubt encouraged by a high-pressure area which developed over Greece and moved quickly north to Germany. Assisted by these conditions came Red-rumped Swallow and Richard’s Pipit A. novaeseelandiae to Norfolk, two Arctic Warblers to Fair Isle, where Yellow- breasted Buntings had increased to three, and Short-toed Lark Calandrella 102. Top left, juvenile Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus and Starling S. vulgaris, St Mary’s, Scilly, October 1991 [Steve Toung) 103. Top right, juvenile Red-backed Shrike Lanius isabellinus. West Bexington, Dorset, September 1991 [Bany Mitchell) 104. Centre left, Desert Warbler Sylvia nana, Isle of Wight, November 1991 (David M. Cottridge/ Avian Photos) 105. Centre right, Stonechat Saxkola lorquata of eastern race mama, Gugh, Scilly, October 1991 [David Tipling/ Avian Photos) 106. Bottom, Booted Warbler Hippolais pallida. Spurn, Humberside, September 1991 [Steve Toung) The inclusion of plates 102-109 in colour has been subsidised by a donation from Carl ,^eiss — German)/. ENGLAND BERKSHIRE Link Cameras & Video Reading. Vic Odden. Maidenhead CAMBRIDGESHIRE Campkins Cambridge Camera Exchange. Cambridge CHESHIRE Focalpoint. Higher Whitley Wildings Photographic. Wilmslow. Crewe Camera Exchange Ltd Crewe Crev^e Camera Exchange Ltd Stockport. Crev^e Caijiera Exchange Ltd Chester Wildings Photographic Ltd. Northwich CO DURHAM Risbeys Modern Camera Shop. Darlington CUMBRIA J N Murray. Keswick. I L & J L Robson Ltd Carlisle DEVON Devon Camera Centre Exeter ESSEX E J Markham & Son Ltd. Colchester GTR MANCHESTER Beavers ol Bolton Ltd Bolton. Pennine Photographic & Binocular Centre. Rochdale HANTS Link Cameras & Video Basingstoke HERTFORDSHIRE In Focus Barnet KENT Pantiles Camera Centre. Tunbridge Wells. Owens Photographic Bromley LANCASHIRE Abbey Photographic Blackpool. 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Moray INVERNESS Spoil in Scotland Lid ROSS-SHIRE Macleod & Son Tam PERTH Perthshire Field Sports Plus all branches ol LONDON CAMERA EXCHANGE LTD throughout the country Top binoculafeTpj- the future Most popular binoculars Most popular make'of binocular Rec&tumended by British Birtti^ It you require lurther information about Carl Zeiss Binoculars please vmte to Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen) Ltd Binocular Division Dept 6B P 0 Bor 78 Woodfield Road Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 ILU Zeiss experience and quality has iieved a world wide reputation excellence heir latest Binocular Survey, the of the universally respected. British Birds magazine voted Carl Zeiss, for its high twilight performance and field Top Binocular for the Future', an accolade of view. With easy-gnp rubber armouring which was awarded to Carl Zeiss in the to minimise reflection and noise, it is two previous surveys unsurpassed for dawn and dusk observation. The 7x42B/GA T’ Dialyt is renowned The naturalist's definitive binocular. IZEISSI Our 1992 brochure is now available, write to Sunbird, P. O. Box Sandy, Beds, SG19 IDF for your copy today! XIV (D889) Autumn 1991: passerines brachydactyla to Humberside. Several hundred Meadow Pipits A. pratensis moved south over Whitburn on 15th and 100 Sedge Warblers A. schoenobamus landed on Lundy. Appearing in strength, too, were Rose- coloured Starlings Stumus roseus, with seven arriving between 15th September and the end of the month, scattered between Uist (Western Isles) and SciUy. Two more arrived in SciUy during October (plate 102), together with three in Scotland, one at Spurn and two more in southwest England, to make this a bumper autumn for this once extreme rarity. Greenish Warblers, Arctic Warbler and Little Buntings E. pusilla on 17th September made an impressive trio in the Northern Isles, but were overshadowed by the arrival that day of a Bobolink Dolkhonyx oyzworus in Devon (plate 107), Britain’s first mainland record. Also making history was Bedford-shire’s first Penduline Tit, found on 18th September at Priory Country Park. Siskins were still abundant, with good numbers reaching CornwaU, 300 at TrevaU for instance, and there were 200-300 on most days from 20th September to the end of the month at Dungeness. On 21st September, a deep depression tracked northeastwards between Scotland and Iceland, bringing extremely windy con- ditions to Britain and Ireland, and with it more transatlantic visitors. Britain’s earliest Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus ar- rived in SciUy on 22nd, the same day as a Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus in Co. Cork. Also in Ireland was a Lesser Grey Shrike at Dungarvan (Co. Waterford), from 21st-24th September (plate 99). Rare migrants were arriving by now from both east and west, with Greenish Warblers in SciUy on 22nd, another in Kent on 23rd, the first of two Citrine Wagtails M. citreola in Shetland, Olivaceous Warbler H. pallida in SciUy and Rustic Bunting E. rustica on North Ronald- say. Exceptionally, five Pechora Pipits A. gustavi arrived in the Northern Isles in just three days, during 20th-22nd September. A passage of 20,000 House Martins Delichon urbica headed south over Sandwich Bay on 23rd September, and on 25th a Yellow-biUed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus was found dead on North Ronaldsay. A rapidly developing cyclone to the west of Ireland on 27th September moved into the Bay of Biscay on 28th, dragging strong easterUes and stormy weather across Britain and, with it, ten Barred Warblers, seven Wrynecks and six Red-backed Shrikes L. collurio to Norfolk; 5,000 House Martins moved south in less than an hour over the Parrett Estuary (Somerset) and 1,100 were grounded by heavy rain at Barn Elms Reservoir (London). 107. Top, BoboUnk Dolkhonyx aryzwoms, Soar Warren, Devon, September 1991 {David Tipling/ Avian Photos) 108. Centre, YeUow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inomatus, SciUy, October 1991 (R. C. Kilgour) 109. Bottom, Nutcracker Nucijraga cayocatactes, Cocknage Wood, Staffordshire, October 1991 (Steve Youn^ 208 Over 30 Yellow-browed Warblers P. inomatus and 20 Red-breasted Flycatchers Fkedula pawa arrived during 28th-30th Sep- tember, with 18 of the former and 12 of the latter between Holy Island (Northumber- land) and Gibraltar Point, together with six Wrynecks and three Great Grey Shrikes L. excubitor. A White’s Thrush ^oothera dauma arrived on 27th to tantalise many observers in Highland, a Great Reed Warbler A. arundinaceus was in Shetland the same day, and the hrst Lanceolated Warbler L. lan- ceolata came to Fair Isle on 28th. A male Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus showing characteristics of the southeastern race samamisicus appeared at Southwold (Suffolk) on 29th, and during 28th-30th September eight Stonechats Saxicola torquata of the eastern race mama/ stejnegeri arrived. Rich autumn fimts October is, for rarity-seekers, the most exciting period of the year, and many observers make their own temporary, south- westerly dispersal, mostly in the hope of meeting transatlantic visitors coming the other way. Certainly the weather pattern was in their favour, for during lst-6th October a series of lows moved quickly between Newfoundland and Iceland and birds caught up in the southern fringes of the rapidly moving airstream were deposited in Britain and Ireland. Cornwall had the first to arrive, with a Red-eyed Vireo on 2nd, and a Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla, a potential first for the Western Palearctic, reported in Cot Valley on 3rd. Another Red-eyed Vireo reached Suffolk on 6th, when a Tennessee Warbler V. peregrina was reported from Highland, and on 7th a Swainson’s Thrush C. ustulatus landed in Scilly, with a Bobolink there the next day. With a low developing in the Bay of Biscay on 9th October, and high pressure Autumn 1991: passerines over Scandinavia, the resulting easterly airflow brought movement from a different quarter. Thrushes were much in evidence on 9th, with enormous numbers of Redwings T. iliacus arriving in Orkney, together with Olive-backed Pipit A. hodgsoni and Rustic Bunting on North Ronaldsay. A Pied Wh eatear 0. pleschanka was found in Shedand and a Desert Wheatear 0. deserti in Dorset, with another in Lincolnshire the following day. Redwings continued to pour in, with 25,000 on Fair Isle on 10th, together with 600 Bramblings Fringilla montijringilla, and there were 8,000-10,000 Redwings at St Abbs (Borders). During 12th- 16th, a remarkable series of sightings occurred, with Isabelline Shrike L. isabellinus, Eye- browed Thrush T. obscurus and Isabelline Wheatear 0. isabellim in Scilly, three Red- eyed Vireos, in Cleveland, Co. Wexford and Lothian (only Scotland’s third). Pine Buntings E. Imcocephabs on North Ronaldsay and at Flamborough, Gray-cheeked Thrushes in Co. Clare and Scilly, Paddy- field Warbler A. agricola in Co. Cork, Desert Warbler S. nana in Humberside, Citrine Wagtail in Orkney, Pied Wheat- ear in Shetland and a Nutcracker Nucifraga caiyocatactes in Staffordshire (plates 1 0 1 & 1 09). During 5th- 15th October, a remarkable 19 Radde’s Warblers P. schwarzi were reported, including one inland at Bedford’s Priory Country Park (plate 100), 12 Richard’s Pipits, 26 eastern Stonechats (plate 105), nine Pallas’s Warblers P. proregtihs, over 130 Yellow-browed Warblers (plate 108), two Dusky Warblers P. Juscatus, eight Short- toed Larks and 1 1 Olive-backed Pipits. From mid October, the airflow shifted around to the northwest, and a very exciting period came briefly to an end, except for rail commuters on 1 7th, when a Yellow-billed Cuckoo was found on Oxted Railway Station platform (Surrey). It was taken into veterinary care and later released. Fieldfares T. pilaris had been slow in coming, but they were to feature prominen- tly in a massive movement of thrushes on 20th October, which was particularly notice- able in the midland counties of England. From Mayfield (West Midlands) 1,700 Red- wings and over 2,000 Fieldfares were re- ported, with similar numbers of Fielilfares from Leicestershire, but these numbers were totally eclipsed by the 20,000 Redwrings and 10,000 Fieldfares in a massive movement over Grafham (Cambridgeshire). Equally impressive were 37 Shore Larks arriving at 209 Autumn 1991: passerines Hornsea (Humberside) to bring the total reported in the month to over 70. Another easterly surge arrived on our shores during 25th-31st October, with De- sert Wlieatear on Fair Isle, Isabelline Shrike in Humberside, Pied Wheatear in Lothian, Dusky Thrush T. naumanni in Dyfed, and Desert Warbler in the Isle of Wight (plate 104). Orkney’s first Isabelline Shrike appeared on North Ronaldsay (what a fantastic autumn that island had), and there was another Nutcracker, this time in Kent. A further 21 Pallas’s Warblers ar- rived, mainly in eastern Britain, seven more Dusky Warblers and four Red-throated Pipits (to add to the six earlier in the month), making this October one of the best ever for eastern vagrants. An area of high pressure over Spain at the end of October brought mild southerly winds across the Continent, and with it a Little Swift A. affinis to Fair Isle on 1st November, and a Desert Warbler to Seasal- ter (Kent) on 3rd. On this day and the next, you could actually choose which of three Desert Warblers to see in Britain, with the earlier arrivals stiU lingering on at Flambor- ough Head and in the Isle of Wight. Colder air spread from the west on 2nd November, lasting until 9th, which surpris- ingly brought two more transatlantic visi- tors, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak Phmctkus ludovicianus, the first since 1988, to Bridlington (Humberside) on 7th and a Chimney Swift Chaetura pela^a to St Andrew’s (Fife) on 8th. By mid November, many of the new reports hinted at winter around the corner, with about 44 Shore Larks taking up resi- dence, ten widely scattered Great Grey Shrikes, Arctic Redpoll C. homemanni on Fair Isle, and the first Waxwings Bombycilla , garrulus, with singles on North Ronaldsay j and Fair Isle on 8th. Two more in Evie on 15th heralded a substantial arrival in Orkney over the next few days, with 23 in Kirkwall, 22 in Stromness and 14 in Fins- town. Over the next ten days, reports of Waxwing flocks became more widespread, with the largest concentrations in Scotland and the north of England, and, by 24th, 120 had gathered in Aberlady village (Lothian), and there were flocks of 80 in Berwick (Northumberland) and Pitlochry (Tayside) and 140 in Edinburgh (Lothian) by the end of November. Smaller groups were being seen farther south, mainly in single figures, but 25 were at Snettisham (Norfolk) and 15 at Gibraltar Point, both on 21st. Three more Desert Wheatears appeared in November, on 5th at Fleetwood (Lan- cashire), and on 24th at Dover (Kent) and on Guernsey, but perhaps the most unlikely record, in name at least, was the immature male Mugimaki Flycatcher F. mugimald at Stone Creek (Humberside) on 16th-17th November, a remarkable record in what proved to be an outstandingly rich autumn. Acknowledgments This summary was compiled from contributions from: B. Condoumi, M. Dryden, J. Holloway, A. Jewels, I. Kinley, E. R. Meek, P. Murphy, R. F. Porter, M. Waller; and published information 210 including that in the newsletters of the Bristol Ornithological Club, Buckinghamshire Bird Club, Derbyshire Ornithological Society, Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society, Fife Bird Club, La Societe Guernesiaise, Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society, Leigh Ornitholo- gical Society, London Natural History Society, Shetland Bird Club, Shropshire Ornithological Society, South East Scotland Bird Bulletin, Sussex Ornithological Society, West Midlands Bird Club, Cape Clear Bird Observatory, Fair Isle Bird Observatory, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Whitburn Bird Observatory. We are especially grateful to National Bird News, which supplied Autumn 1991: passerines copies of all the records reported to its phone service ‘Twitch-line’, and to Birding South West. Request We seek to make these quarterly summaries as comprehensive as possible. Please send all reports to us at the address below, or telephone BN on the numbers listed each month on the inside front cover. The next ‘Seasonal report’ will cover winter 1991/92 (November to March). Records should be submitted now, plettse. Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, 7 Bbomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS Review Britain’s Birds in 1989-90: the conservation and monitoring re- view. Edited by David Stroud & David Glue. NCC/BTO, Thetford. 1991. 216 pages; 23 black-and-white plates; 12 kne-drawings. Paperback ^(^6.95. The purpose of monitoring bird numbers is to help conservation to be speedy and effective. The idea is that declining species are recognised as threatened. Special studies might be needed to di- agnose the cause of declines, but a lot can be inferred from analysis of monitoring data, for in- stance by relating regional patterns to habitats and their changes. Action plans to alleviate threats can follow from diagnosis. Many of the problems to be tackled are political and economic. Con- servation needs to speak with a clear and united voice to government and decision-makers if it is to tackle problems larger than those directly soluble with its own small resources. Another way to view monitoring is as financial accounts, but for nature rather than money. Conservation aims to use natural resources wisely. Ideally, the capital should survive for our suc- cessors while we live off no more than the interest (i.e. sustainable use). It is axiomatic that no one would run a modem country or a business without financial accounts presented each year to the electors or share-holders. Why not for nature? We need simple annual accounts of nature so as to be able to see and resist undesirable trends and object to inadequate policies. Such a process is taken for granted in economic affairs. Publication of bird-monitoring results is at the moment fragmentary. Individual programmes are reported in various journals, newsletters and one-off publications. This is not satisfactory be- cause it means that the conservation community is failing to give a clear and united message to government and other decision-makers about the state of natural resources. Britain’s Birds in 1989-90 is an important attempt to rectify this problem. It is packed with the most up-to-date in- formation from many different schemes. Although much of the information is published else- where, this one book provides an easy single source on numbers and trends. A miscellany of small articles describes various conservation and research projects, which show a strong bias to work conducted or commissioned by the NCC. This is an important publication and it is good value. It deserves to be widely read and to be developed further. It shows how much volunteers contribute to bird conservation in Britain and has the potential to become an important annual audit of some key indicators of Britain’s nature. I hope future editions will more fully embrace the range of work conducted by the voluntary sec- tor. More thought needs to be given to the political part of the audience, so that a clearer mes- sage emerges. Attention also needs to be given to its appearance. At the moment, it looks more solid and unattractive than the content deserves. Ornithologists are used to reading rather heavy material, but better editing and better production is needed to spread the message more widely. Colin J. Bibby Overseas bird tours survey J. T. R. Sharrock Readers’ opinions, based on 511 foreign trips with 44 travel companies to 80 different countries In 1986, we published the results of a survey of the opinions of British Birds subscribers of the foreign trips which they had made with commercial bird- tour companies {Brit. Birds 79: 622-641). Now, five years on, we have repeated our survey, based on returns of a questionnaire included in the September 1991 issue (see reduced-size version of first page on page 212). Deliberately, to assist comparisons between the two surveys, the questions asked were the same as those in 1986. A few additional questions were included however, as a re- sult of suggestions solicited from the half-dozen largest bird-tour operators. This report analyses the 5 1 1 responses given on questionnaires completed by British Birds subscribers*. We do appreciate that this is not a random sam- ple of bird-tour participants. British Birds subscribers will include a Piigh pro- portion of the keenest birders, likely to be ultracritical in their appraisal of any service offered to birdwatchers. Like everyone, however, they will have wanted to enjoy themselves while on holiday and most, though admittedly not all, will have expected more than just a large number of exciting birds resulting in a long ‘trip list’. The majority of people on an overseas holiday also want to ex- perience the other attractions of a foreign country: the scenery, the culture, and the food. Participants either being provided with an unexpectedly enjoy- able experience, or being subjected to a disastrous trip are both more likely to want to report their praise or their criticism than is the person who merely had a reasonably good time. Our questionnaires gave the opportunity to com- ment— obviously grasped with enthusiasm — to both of the first two classes: there was abundant exuberant praise and quite a bit of vitriolic criticism (and who can blame someone who has had a ruined holiday for feeling fairly acid?). *In addition, 105 survey forms were returned by non-subscribers, but have not been included in the survey results presented here. These covered 17 different companies, but the majority related to just four tour operators: BIRDING (29), DORSET NATURALIST (21), UMOSA (17), and the FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL OVERSEAS (15). We assume (and in two cases know) that these companies distributed photocopies of our survey form to their clients, in a helpful attempt to boost the survey response. For obvious reasons, such forms had to be eliminated, since (1) the sur- vey was intended to relate to British Birds subscribers, all of whom fall within a known (high) range of interest level in birds, (2) additional returns for some companies and not others would bias the proportions relating to each company, and (3) it would not be possible to ensure that selected (likely-to-be-favourable) clients had not been differentially recruited, though we do not, of course, suggest that this was done deliberately by the companies named above. [BriL Birds 85: 21 1-237, May 1992] 211 212 Overseas bird tours surv^ Overseas bird tours survey If you have participated in a trip organised by a bird tou complete this form and send it by I5th October 1991 t British Birds, Freepost BF955. Blunham, BEDFORD MKH 3BR. company, please : Bird tours survey , which you have panicipaied [ | supply details of all (hose ilional phnlocopy(ies) o ou have participated). e by the company, and not the r only poor-ctualily roads, or u ance of the travel company in We hope that this report will not only help anyone planning to take an overseas trip with a bird-tour com- pany to choose wisely, but will also help to promote the better bird-tour companies by highlighting their com- petence and expertise. We also hope that bird-tour companies which do less well in the survey will — rather than making excuses to themselves or to the public — try to learn from the results and spot ways in which they can improve the service which they provide. Subscribers to British Birds range from the average to the most highly skilled among birdwatchers. Those with less competence are unlikely to want to take part in a ten-day (or longer) almost-always-birding over- seas trip; there are plenty of wildlife- oriented general holidays for those who are SO incuned. 1 he tours which we cover here in these survey results will almost all be those designed for peo- ple who want the major (but probably not the sole) purpose of the trip to be birdwatching. Readers should bear this in mind. The most popular bird-tour companies { Our impression from perusal of the advertising was that there had been a ! mushrooming of bird-tour companies since 1986. That was not, however, i borne out by the survey returns. A total of 44 companies was covered in the | completed questionnaires this time, compared with over 60 five years ago. In 1986, 89% of the returns referred to just five companies. There was not quite such a top-heavy loading in 1991, but 76% of the returns related to five com- panies. There were, however, two dramatic changes, with PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS dropping out of the top five (to twelfth position) and BIRDING rising from sixth to third position, and a coveted place among the ‘big five’ (table 1). SUNBIRD has risen to take top spot (and would have been further clear of the field if those TOM GULLICK tours which were booked through SUNBIRD had been incorporated rather than considered separately). OR- NITHOLIDAYS, on the oTier hand, dropped from first position (with 33% of the market share in 1 986) to fourth (with only 1 3%). The companies represented by only a small number of completed question- naires may often occupy an unjustified high (or low) position in the tables, owing to their small samples. It is valid, however, to compare the relative po- sitions of the most popular companies: those with larger samples (54 to 101 questionnaires). The ‘big five’ companies, which between them account for over three-quarters of all the bird tours taken by British Birds subscribers, are 213 Overseas bird tours surv^ Table 1. Most popular tour companies Number of tours for each company for which completed questionnaires returned by British Birds subscribers Position No. of questionnaires Now (1986) Company (1986) Now 1st (3) Sunbird (48) 101 2nd (2) Birdquest (66) 92 3rd (6=) Birding (18) 71 4th (1) Omitholidays (168) 68 3th (4) Cygnus (46) 54 6th (15=) Tom GuUick (4) 14 7th (13=) Branta (5) 13 8th= - Limosa - 10 8th= (6=) RSPB (18) 10 10th (13=) Field Studies Council (5) 7 llth= - Eryri - 5 llth= - Hilton Hotels - 5 13th= (9) Caledonian Wildlife (11) 4 13th= - Field Guides - 4 13th= - Gostours - 4 13th= (5) Peregrine (31) 4 13th= - Wings - 4 18th= (10) Birdwatching & Wildlife (9) 3 18th= - Dorset Naturalist - 3 18th= - Gourmet Birds - 3 18th= - Naturetrek - 3 therefore highlighted throughout the tables in this report by the use of a bold typeface. The most popular destinations The 5 1 1 questionnaires related to tours to 80 different countries. By far the most popular destination was Spain, followed by Israel, India, Kenya and the USA (table 2a). This is not surprising, since Spain is relatively close by, so is cheap and easy to reach; the cost of accommodation and food is also rela- tively low; it is in the warmer south, so attractive as a holiday destination; and the birds include spectacular exotics such as Bee-eaters Merops apiaster, which are a magnet for North European birdwatchers. The questionnaire also asked respondents to name the country which they planned to visit next. Since most people are likely to want to visit a different country from that which they went to on their previous tour, it is not unex- pected that Spain dropped from first place to eighth (table 2b); there can be little doubt that Spain would be top of the list if those asked were those who had not yet been birdwatching abroad. Top countries chosen for future trips were, however, Kenya and India, with Israel, Morocco and the USSR (now CIS) tying for third place. Since future participants in bird tours will consist not just of old hands, but also newcomers, the fairest indication of booking intentions may perhaps be obtained by amalgamating the totals in tables 2a and 2b; this suggests that Spain will remain the most popular destination in the mid 1990s, followed by India, Kenya and Israel (table 2c). Naturally, aU such predictions have to as- sume political stability. (It is noticeable that Yugoslavia had been the sixteenth 214 Overseas bird tours surv^ Table 2. Most popular destmations Numbers in brackets show (a) number of tours included in this survey; (b) number of respondents naming country in their future plans; and (c) combined totals from a and b. NOTE that respon- dents are unlikely to list as a future destination a country already visited, hence, for example, the low rating in list b for the top country, Spain, in list a. List c probably provides the best indication of future booking plans (of new as well as repeat participants) (a) visited during 1986-91 (b) for additional trips in the future (c) both past and future 1 Spain (56) 1 Kenya (15) 1 Spain (62) 2 Israel (34) 2 India (14) 2= India (45) 3 India (31) 3= Israel (10) 2= Kenya (45) 4 Kenya (30) 3= Morocco (10) 4 Israel (44) 5 USA (25) 3= USSR(CIS) (10) 5 USA (31) 6 France (20) 6= Thailand (9) 6 USSR(CIS) (27) 7 Poland (19) 6= Venezuela (9) 7 Morocco (25) 8 USSR (17) 8= Argentina (6) 8 Thailand (24) 9 Austria (16) 8= China (6) 9 Poland (23) 10= Morocco (15) 8= Costa Rica (6) 10 France (22) 10= Thailand (15) 8= Hong Kong (6) 11= Austria (18) 12= Gambia (13) 8= South Africa (6) 1 1 = Hungary ( 1 8) 12= Hungary (13) 8= Spain (6) 13 Gambia (15) 14 Mallorca (12) 8= USA (6) 14 Turkey (14) 15 Turkey (10) 15= Australia (5) 15= Australia (13) 16= Canada (9) 15= Hungary (5) 15= Costa Rica (13) 16= Yugoslavia (9) 15= Madagascar (5) 15= Mallorca (13) 18= Australia (8) 18= Czechoslovakia (4) 18 China (11) 18= New Zealand (8) 18= Namibia (4) 19= Canada (10) 18= Seychelles (8) 18= Poland (4) 19= Sweden (10) 18= Sweden (8) 18= Turkey (4) most popular destination, but did not feature at all in future plans — doubdess a reflection of events that were current at the time of the survey.) Since West European birdwatchers are, not unnaturally, mostly concerned with Palearctic birds, it is perhaps surprising to find Venezuela, Argentina and Costa Rica all within the top dozen or so choices for future destinations. Who goes on bird tours? At one time, it was considered infra dignitatem for a serious birdwatcher to join a commercial bird tour — this was only for ‘dudes’. That attitude soon changed, however, once birdwatchers’ horizons extended beyond Europe, and on-a-shoestring, crowded-one-car, rough-it-and-don’t-wash expeditions were found to be difficult or impossible. The great breakthrough was probably psy- chological, when it was discovered by the masses that respected names were appearing on the lists of bird-tour companies’ clients, when the only feasible way of getting to Siberia and Mongolia was as part of an organised commer- cial group. It was suddenly the fashion to take advantage of the benefits of having the grind of pre-tour organisation and the logistics of a trip being car- ried out not only by somebody else, but by professionals who ensured a worry-free trip during which participants could relax and concentrate on the birding rather than buying food or reconfirming tickets. Those who did so also found that it was far more efficient to travel with an ornithological leader who not only knew the birds of the area, but also where, when and how to find them (thus avoiding wasting time looking in the wrong place or in the 215 Overseas bird tours survg wrong habitat or at the wrong time of day). The modem bird tour was bom, with participants ranging from naturalists with an interest in birds to the world’s top bird-identifiers; from 16-year-olds to those decidedly long in the tooth; from those who have saved for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to those who participate in five or six foreign bird tours every year; lords, ladies and riifraff: a wonderful mix, which helps to make every such trip memorable for many more reasons than the birds or the scenery alone. The bird-tour habit is growing. Not only are more people going on a bird tour, but those who have been once are going again. With the sole exception of those joining CYGNUS, those travelling recently with the top five compa- nies have all, on average, taken part in more tours than was the case five years ago (table 3). The samples are too small to make a full table meaningful, but the range was from an average of 2.0 previous tours for the three NATURETREK participants to 1 1.2 previous tours for the 13 participants in BRANTA trips. Table 3. Average number of bird tours in which respondents have participated Only the top five companies are listed here Average no. of previous tours undertaken Company (1986) Now Cygnus (5.1) 4.1 Sunbird (4.9) 5.7 Birdquest (3.7) 5.9 Birding (5.8) 6.7 Omitholidays (5.2) 7.6 Length of trip The duration of any birdwatching trip will depend on a compromise between the time needed adequately to cover the area visited and the time available (or money available) to do so. Some companies specialise in short trips to rela- tively close-to-home destinations, others in longer tours to distant, exotic loca- tions; and two companies covering the same country may choose to offer holidays of differing lengths. The average length of trips (table 4) varied from 4.8 days for those ar- ranged by HILTON HOTELS to 27.0 days for NATURETREK expeditions (both fignres based on small samples). Among the ‘big five’ companies, BIRD- ING clearly specialises in trips of just over one week in duration; most SUN- BIRD trips are about two weeks in duration; ORNITHOLIDAYS and CYGNUS both average slightly longer, at between two and three weeks; and BIRDQUEST trips are generally the longest, most being three weeks or more in duration. Travel arrangements Trouble-free travelling, with aU the worries taken care of by somebody else, is one of the main reasons for choosing to use the services of a commercial com- pany rather than making the arrangements oneself. British Birds subscribers were asked to rate this aspect of the tour companies’ services on a six-point scale; Excellent (6), Very good (5), Good (4), Adequate (3), Poor (2), and Very poor (1). In general, the bird-tour companies were considered to be doing a 216 Overseas bird tours survey Table 4. Length of trip in days DAYS Company <7 7-13 14-20 >20 Av. days Hilton Hotels 5 0 0 0 4.8 Branta 9 4 0 0 5.9 Dorset Naturalist 0 3 0 0 7.0 RSPB 1 6 3 0 7.7 Sunbirder* 1 12 4 0 8.9 Birding 6 52 12 1 8.9 Eryri 0 3 2 0 9.8 l orn Gullick 0 10 4 0 10.2 limosa 1 6 3 0 10.9 Field Studies Council 1 3 3 0 10.9 Caledonian Wildlife 0 3 1 0 1 1.3 Sunbird 0 43 30 7 12.8 Birdwatching & Wildlife 0 2 1 0 13.0 Peregrine 0 1 3 0 13.3 Ornitholidays 1 9 55 0 14.4 Cygnus 0 18 35 1 14.7 Wings 0 0 3 1 17.8 Birdquest 0 11 22 56 19.8 Field Guides 0 1 1 2 20.5 Gostours 0 2 2 0 23.3 Gourmet Birds 0 1 1 1 26.3 Naturetrek 0 0 0 3 27.0 Others 1 11 12 2 10.8 good job, with the top 20 operators all achieving an average rating of at least ‘Very' good’. Of the ‘big five’, BIRJDING, SUNBIRD and BIRDQUEST were all rated as ‘Excellent’ (table 5). Although based on very' small samples, it may be noted that GOURMET BIRDS and ERYRI topped the table, and that, at the other end of the scale, some of those who travelled with the RSPB and with GOSTOURS were far from happy with the arrangements made on their behalf j Accommodation arrangements j Most birders do not worry too much about the accommodation, provided I I there is the chance of a shower or a bath, sufficient edible food, and a bed of | some sort at the end of each day. Tour companies obviously to some extent j tailor their arrangements to suit the requirements of their clients — up-market, high-cost holidays in four-star hotels, or cheap-as-possible, down-market ac- . commodation for the fanatical dawn-to-dusk brigade. There are, however, , plenty of avid birders who also like (and can afford) a bit of luxury when on ( | their annual holiday. With group discounts, it is also often possible for the | ' good tour company with efficient ground agents to book rooms at top-class i j hotels at a price hardly more (or even less) than that of more mediocre ac- , ; commodation. In some remote places, of course, and eastern Turkey comes to *Iii this table, and some others, the SUNBIRI) trips known as ‘SUNBIRDER’ are listed sepa- rately, since tliey difTer significantly from most others: participants’ travel and accommodation are arranged, but birdwatching can be in a group with a leader, or individually without a leader, whichever is preferred. Inclusion of the very different statistics with those for ‘traditional-style’ SUNBIRD holidays would falsify the figures; separation is intended to be helpful to those using these tables for reference. 217 Overseas bird tours survey Table 5. Participants’ assessments of each company’s travel arrangements Excellent = 6, \'ery good = 5, Good = 4, Adequate = 3, Poor = 2, Very poor = 1 Assessments Average Position Company 6 5 4 3 2 1 assessment 1 Gourmet Birds 3 • • Excellent 6.00 2 Eryri 4 1 • • • • Excellent 5.80 3 Birding 57 12 2 • • • Excellent 5.77 4 Sunbirder 12 5 • • • • Excellent 5.71 5 Naturetrek 2 1 • Excellent 5.67 6 Limosa 6 4 • • Excellent 5.60 7 Sunbird 55 22 5 1 1 • Excellent 5.54 8 Birdquest 61 22 6 3 • • Excellent 5.53 9 Field Guides 2 2 • • • • Excellent 5.50 10 Cygnus 27 21 4 • 2 • Very good 5.31 11 Wings 2 1 1 • • Very good 5.25 12 Tom Gullick 6 5 3 Very good 5.21 13 Dorset Naturalist • 3 • Very good 5.00 14 Omitholidays 22 26 17 3 Very good 4.99 15 Branta 6 4 • 2 1 Very good 4.85 16= Peregrine • 3 1 • Very good 4.75 16= Caledonian Wildlife • 3 1 • Very good 4.75 18 Birdwatching & Wildlife • 2 1 • Very good 4.67 19 Hilton Hotels 1 2 1 1 Very good 4.60 20 Field Studies Council • 5 1 1 Very good 4.57 21 = RSPB 1 4 2 1 1 1 Good 4.00 21 = Gostours • 3 • • • 1 Good 4.00 Others 9 9 5 4 1 1 Very good 4.62 Table 6. Participants’ assessments of each company’s accommodation arrangements Excellent = 6, Very good = 5, Good = 4, Adequate = 3, Poor = 2, Very poor = 1 Assessments Average Position Company 6 5 4 3 2 1 assessment 1 Gourmet Birds 3 « • • Excellent 6.00 2 Naturetrek 2 1 • • Excellent 5.67 3= Field Guides 2 2 • • Excellent 5.50 3= Wings 3 • 1 • Excellent 5.50 5 Birding 52 8 7 2 2 • Very good 5.49 6 Field Studies Council 3 4 • • Very good 5.43 7= Eryri 2 3 • • Very good 5.40 7= Hilton Hotels 3 1 1 • Very good 5.40 9 Limosa 6 2 2 • Very good 5.40 10 Sunbird 50 23 8 1 2 • Very good 5.38 11 Birdquest 44 23 23 1 • 1 Very good 5.16 12 Sunbirder 5 9 3 • • • Very good 5.12 13 Cygnus 20 22 8 3 1 • Very good 5.06 14= Tom Gullick 4 6 4 • • Very good 5.00 14= Dorset Naturalist • 3 • • • Very good 5.00 16 Caledonian Wildlife 1 2 • 1 • Very good 4.75 17 Omitholidays 16 25 19 3 4 1 Very good 4.63 18 Branta • 8 3 1 1 Good 4.31 19 Peregrine • 1 3 • • Good 4.25 20 RSPB 2 2 3 2 1 Good 4.10 21 Birdwatching & Wildlife • • 2 1 1 Good 3.67 22 Gostours • • 3 • 1 Adequate 3.25 Others 4 16 6 2 1 Very good 4.66 218 Overseas bird tours surv^ mind, there is no suitable accommodation available, and everyone has to make the best of what is there. Respondents were asked not to judge the ac- commodation, but to judge the tour company’s performance in making ap- propriate arrangements. Top of the ‘big five’ companies was BIRDING, with a ‘Very good’ rating only just short of achieving the ‘Excellent’ accolade which was awarded by the small sample of participants with GOURMET BIRDS (a 100% rating which it can hardly expect to maintain), NATURETREK, FIELD GUIDES and the American company WINGS (table 6). At the opposite extreme, GOS- TOURS, BIRDWATCHING & WILDUFE, RSPB and PEREGRINE did not live up to their participants’ expectations (though note the small samples). Areas visited Of over 500 tours, only 2.3% did not visit a representative selection of the re- gion’s habitats and result in participants seeing a satisfactory number of bird species (table 7). The only companies to fail to satisfy over 90% of their clients were PEREGRINE and RSPB. No fewer than 16 companies obtained 100% approval, with this achievement being especially noteworthy in the cases of SUNBIRD and BIRDING, in view of their large sample sizes. Table 7. Participants’ assessments of whether trip visited a representative selection of the region’s habitats to provide a satisfactory bird-list % Position Company Yes No Yes 1= Sunbird 83 • 100% 1= Birding 71 • 100% 1= Sunbirder 17 • 100% 1= Tom Gullick 14 • 100% 1= Limosa 10 • 100% 1= Field Studies Council 7 100% 1= Eryri 5 100% 1= Hilton Hotels 5 100% 1= Wings 4 100% 1= Field Guides 4 100% 1= Caledonian Wildlife 4 • 100% 1= Gostours 4 • 100% 1= Birdwatching & Wildlife 3 • 100% L Nature trek 3 • 100% 1= Dorset Naturalist 3 100% 1= Gourmet Birds 3 100% 17 Birdquest 91 1 99% 18 Cygnus 53 1 98% 19 Omitholidays 65 3 96% 20 Branta 12 1 92% 21 Peregrine 3 1 75% 22 RSPB 7 3 70% Others 27 2 93% Group size Birdwatching is usually best alone or in a small group, to avoid disturbance. It is, however, much cheaper to arrange travel and accommodation for a large party. The size of the groups organised by bird-tour companies is, therefore, 219 Overseas bird tours surv^ always a compromise. Some companies choose to specialise in ideal, small-size groups; others intentionally opt for a larger-than-ideal group size, in order to cut costs and, therefore, prices, and undercut their competitors. In some cases, of course, what was intended to be a large group becomes only a small one because a tour is underbooked. Interpretation of tour-group size is, therefore, not necessarily straightforward. Group size varied in our survey from the small GOSTOURS (average of 4.5 people) and TOM GULLICK trips (5.0 people) to RSPB (20.7) and HILTON HOTELS (26.6) with hordes (and the specialist SUNBIRDER trips averaging 48.9 people) (table 8). Table 8. Average number of people (including leaders) on each trip Av. no. Company people Gostours 4.5 Tom GuUick 5.0 Eryri 8.4 Naturetrek 9.5 Branta 10.2 Dorset Naturalist 10.3 Limosa 11.1 Birdwatching & Wildlife 11.7 Sunbird 12.2 Field Studies Council 12.3 Gourmet Birds 12.7 Field Guides 13.0 Caledonian Wildlife 13.8 Cygnus 14.2 Birding 14.7 Wings 14.8 Birdquest 15.6 Peregrine 16.8 Ornitholidays 17.5 RSPB 20.7 Hilton Hotels 26.6 Sunbirder 48.9 Others 11.9 While a large group can sometimes be a positive advantage in easy terrain where birds are few and far between, such as plains or desert, or on a pelagic trip at sea, where many eyes are helpful, it is a disadvantage in most habitats, and becomes a disaster in enclosed habitats, such as on narrow jungle trails in tropical rainforest. Good companies adjust their group-size ceiling accordingly; bad ones accept every booking, perhaps not understanding that they are dooming many of their clients to a frustratingly birdless holiday. Among the ‘big five’ companies, the smallest groups are usually those with SUNBIRD (12.2), and the largest with ORNITHOUDAYS (17.5). The opposing attractions of small groups for good birdwatching and large groups for cheapness can be reconciled partially by providing more than one ornithological leader with large groups. The large group still receives dis- counted travel and accommodation, but can split into two or more subgroups, thus reducing disturbance of individual birds and increasing the assistance which can be given to participants; such subgroups may take vehicles to two 220 Overseas bird tours survgi different destinations or be separated by a mere 50 m or so: the effect is the same. Not all tour companies do provide a second leader, however, even with their larger groups, choosing once again to opt for reduced prices compared with their competitors, rather than better service. The trips with ERYRI provided intimate groups, with the lowest partici- pant-to-leader ratio (3.2, based on a small sample). At the other end of the scale, the average RSPB leader found himselP at the head of a 20-strong group (table 9). Table 9. Average number of participants per leader on each trip Av. no. participants Company per leader Ervri 3.2 Gostours 3.5 Tom Gullick 4.0 Gourmet Birds 6.0 Sunbird 6.3 Wings 6.4 Naturetrek 6.4 Branta 6.5 Limosa 6.5 Cygnus 7.3 Birdquest 7.6 Field Guides 7.7 Dorset Naturalist 9.3 Field Studies Council 9.4 Caledonian Wildlife 9.4 Birdwatching & Wildlife 10.0 Birding 10.6 Ornitholidays 11.8 Peregrine 15.3 Hilton Hotels 15.6 Sunbirder 18.8 RSPB 19.4 Others 9.6 Among the ‘big five’ companies the best ratio was that of SUNBIRD, with 6.3 participants per leader, compared with almost double that for the ORNITHOLIDAYS groups (1 1.8). The figures suggest that most of the larger SUNBIRD, CYGNUS and BIRDQUEST trips have two leaders, but that rather fewer do in the cases of BIRDING and ORNITHOEIDAYS (compare tables 8 and 9). What, however, do the participants think of the groups of which they found themselves a part? Those going with four companies considered the group size to be ‘Perfect’, so congratulations must go to DORSET NATURAEIST, BRANTA, NATURETREK and the FIEIT) STUDIES GOUNGIL (smaU samples, but all happy participants). Interestingly, the average group sizes of the.se four varied from 9'/2 to 13, and the participants-to-leader ratios from 6V2 to 9. The only companies to field groups v/hich were criticised for being unacceptably too large were ORIVITEIOEIDAYS (17.5 people, with 11.8 per leader), WINGS (a small sample, 14.8 people, with 6.4 per leader) and, the worst of the lot, RSPB (20.7 people, with 19.4 per leader). *Currcnlly, mo.st (if not all) bird-tour leaders are male. i. 221 Overseas bird tours survey The best of the ‘big five’ were BIRDING and SUNBIRD, with virtually the same degree of approval (yet differing group sizes: 14.7 people, with 10.6 per leader for BIRDEVG; 12.2 people, with 6.3 per leader for SUNBIRD). In total, almost 1 1 % of participants considered their group to be too large to be acceptable. Only 0.5% (three people) complained of groups being too small — ^presumably socially active people who wanted companionship on a trip, or who found that their group contained nobody with the same interests, or contained someone whom they wished would more often get lost in a crowd. Despite these three protests, bird-tour companies clearly need con- stantly to remember that group size should (costings allowing) be kept to a minimum. Table 10. Participants’ opinions of tour group size To determine the average, ‘Perfect' was rated as 4, ‘Acceptable' as 3, and both ‘Too large’ and ‘Too small’ as 1 Too Too Average Position Company Perfect Acceptable large small rating 1 Dorset Naturalist 3 • « • Perfect 4.00 2 Branta 10 3 • • Perfect 3.77 3 Nature trek 2 1 • • Perfect 3.67 4 Field Studies Council 4 3 • • Perfect 3.57 5 Limosa 6 3 1 • Acceptable 3.40 6 Birding 38 28 4 1 Acceptable 3.39 7 Sunbird 43 36 5 • Acceptable 3.39 8= Gourmet Birds 1 2 • • Acceptable 3.33 8= Birdwatching & Wildlife 1 2 • • Acceptable 3.33 10= Field Guides 1 3 • • Acceptable 3.25 10= Gostours 1 3 • • Acceptable 3.25 10= Peregrine 3 • 1 • Acceptable 3.25 13 Cygnus 19 30 3 1 Acceptable 3.20 14 Birdquest 30 54 7 1 Acceptable 3.15 15 Sunbirder 4 10 2 • Acceptable 3.00 16 Tom Gullick • 14 • • Acceptable 3.00 17 Eryai 2 2 1 • Acceptable 3.00 18 Hilton Hotels • 4 1 • Acceptable 2.60 19 Caledonian Wildlife • 3 1 • Acceptable 2.50 20 Omitholidays 5 41 22 • Too large 2.43 21 Wings 1 1 2 • Too large 2.25 22 RSPB • 4 6 • Too large 1.80 Others 10 19 • • Acceptable 3.34 Leader’s ornithological ability Those taking a commercial bird-tour holiday have every right to expect that an ornithological leader wiU accompany the trip (unless they are informed otherwise before booking) and that he will not only be a top-class birdwatcher, but will also be familiar with the country being visited and, especially, its birds. Indeed, the leader of a trip is perhaps the single most important ele- ment, for a good leader will make the holiday enjoyable and worthwhile whereas a bad one can ruin it. Some tour companies employ professional leaders, whilst others choose to make use of the services of birdwatchers who, whether amateur or profes- sional ornithologists, are non-professional tour-leaders. The latter may get a cheap or free trip for themselves as ‘payment’ for leading the tour. In general. 222 Overseas bird tours surv^ the professional leader not only has the necessary experience to be more suc- cessful, but is also less likely to need to satisfy his own personal wishes or inter- ests and is more likely to be dedicated to ensuring that paying group-members are given what they want. On the debit side, maintenance of a team of profes- sional leaders is more expensive for a tour company than the casual use of amateur leaders, as and when required, so the use of professional leaders will increase the cost of a birdwatching holiday. Some terrible tales are recounted concerning bad leaders, including leaders whose primary concern was their own bird-photography; leaders who had never visited the country before and wasted time visiting the wrong places; and even leaders who were considerably less competent at bird-identification than those they were supposed to be leading. The leader’s ornithological ability was assessed in the survey on the usual rating scale, from ‘Excellent’ (6), to ‘Very poor’ (1). Only three companies failed to achieve at least a ‘Very good’ average rating, and 13 were rated as ‘Excellent’ (table 1 1). Apart from those with small samples, the top-rated com- pany was SUNBIRD, with BIRDQUEST close behind and both BIRDING and CYGNUS also meriting that ‘Excellent’ accolade. Despite the small num- bers, it should be noted that those who took holidays with GOURMET BIRDS and PEREGRINE had high opinions of their leaders. At the other end of the scale, their own clients’ low opinions of the ornithological abilities of the leaders accompanying tours run by RSPB, DORSET NATURALIST and BIRDWATGHING & WILDLIFE should give those companies cause to reconsider their policies concerning the appointment of these key people. Table 11. Participants’ assessments of leader’s ornithological ability Excellent = 6, Very good = 5, Good = 4, Adequate = 3, Poor = 2, Very poor = 1 Assessments Average Position Company 6 5 4 3 2 1 assessment 1 = Gourmet Birds 3 • Excellent 6.00 1 = Peregrine 3 • Excellent 6.00 3 Sunbirder 16 1 Excellent 5.94 4 Sunbird 77 7 Excellent 5.92 5 Birdquest 81 8 3 Excellent 5.85 6= Lmosa 8 2 Excellent 5.80 6= Eryri 4 1 Excellent 5.80 8 Birding 57 12 2 Excellent 5.77 9= Field Guides 3 1 Excellent 5.75 9= Wings 3 1 Excellent 5.75 11 Nature trek 2 1 Excellent 5.67 12 Tom GuUick 10 2 2 Excellent 5.57 13 Cygnus 39 9 3 2 1 Excellent 5.54 14 Branta 8 4 • 1 Very good 5.46 15 Hilton Hotels 2 3 • • Very good 5.40 16 Caledonian Wildlife 2 • 1 • Very good 5.33 17 Field Studies Council 2 4 1 • Very good 5.14 18 Omitholidays 25 26 14 1 2 Very good 5.04 19 Gostours • 2 2 • • Very good 4.50 20 RSPB 4 2 1 1 1 1 Good 4.40 21 Dorset Naturalist • • 3 • • Good 4.00 22 Birdwatching & Wildlife • • • 2 1 Adequate 2.67 Others 11 9 4 1 2 Very good 4.96 223 Overseas bird tours surv^ Coping in a crisis Everyone hopes that their holiday will be crisis free. None is, however. Every trip that ever there was has had a crisis of some sort — double-book- ings, overfull hotek, late or absent transport, unreliable drivers, vital habitat loss (lake drained or forest felled), access closed for military purposes or by weather conditions, illness (or worse), injury, political coup, hijacking, war, packed lunches unavailable, documents unstamped, visas invalid, passports lost, money lost or stolen, whole group arrested on suspicion of taking part in a bank robbery. You name it, it’s happened. The good group leader, how- ever, acts as a buffer between the crisis and the participants, and, if he is very competent, and ako lucky, everyone can go through a holiday believing that there was no crisis. Believe us, that’s highly improbable. A small proportion of those returning the questionnaires, however, did not answer the question con- cerning their leader’s ability to cope in a crisis on the grounds that there had not been a crisis. Lucky them! The leaders for two of the ‘big five’ companies gained an average rating of ‘Excellent’: BIRDLNG and SUNBIRD (table 12). Indeed, the general stan- dard was high, with all but three companies being rated as ‘Very good’ or better. It surely ought to be of great concern to RSPB tours, however, that the high proportion of three out of their ten leaders were considered to be ‘Very poor’ at coping with a crisk. On the other hand, participants in trips with GOURMET BIRDS, LIMOSA and ERYI had a high level of confidence in their leaders’ abilities in this respect. Table 12. Participants’ assessments of leader’s ability to cope in a crisis Excellent = 6, Very good = 5, Good = 4, Adequate = 3, Poor = 2, Very poor = 1 Assessments Average Position Company 6 5 4 3 2 1 assessment 1 Sunbirder 12 2 • Excellent 5.86 2 Gourmet Birds 2 1 • Excellent 5.67 3 Birding 57 6 4 4 • Excellent 5.63 4= Limosa 6 4 • Excellent 5.60 4= Eryri 3 2 • Excellent 5.60 6 Sunbird 47 26 4 • Excellent 5.56 7 Field Guides 2 2 • Excellent 5.50 8 Tom GuUick 6 7 1 • Very good 5.36 9 Caledonian Wildlife 1 2 • Very good 5.33 10 Birdquest 50 26 6 8 • Very good 5.31 11 Wings 1 3 • Very good 5.25 12= Hilton Hotels 1 3 1 Very good 5.00 12= Dorset Naturalist • 3 • Very good 5.00 12= Naturetrek 1 1 1 • Very good 5.00 12= Peregrine 1 1 1 • Very good 5.00 16 Cygnus 20 21 5 4 1 2 Very good 4.92 17 Field Studies Council 1 4 2 Very good 4.86 18 Omitholidays 14 30 11 10 2 Very good 4.66 19 Gostours 1 • 3 • Very good 4.50 20 Birdwatching & Wildlife • 2 • 1 • Good 4.33 21 Branta 1 4 3 3 1 Good 4.08 22 RSPB 3 2 • 2 3 Good 3.70 Others 7 11 4 5 • Very good 4.74 224 Overseas bird tours surv^ Leader’s flexibility So, you want a birdwatching holiday with birding every day from dawn to dusk, and nocturnal trips to look for owls, too, and you have no wish to waste time looking at old ruins or snorkelling over the coral reef or visiting the restaurant reputed to be the best in the Far East? Your newly met compan- ion, however, wants to spend most of the time birdwatching, but also wants to experience the local cultural, architectural, culinary and natural history spe- cialities, as well as the birds, and also likes to have at least an hour before din- ner at night to shower, relax and have a drink in the bar. Incompatible? Every tour group will inevitably include people with differing desires and requirements. A degree of compromise is essential, with both sides willing to forgo their perfect holiday ‘menu’, in order to achieve a group-size which brings the financial advantages which make travelling feasible. It is the job of the leader to ensure that everyone gives up as little as possible. With care and planning, it is often practicable to arrange an owl-and-nighqar expedition which is optional, so that those preferring an early night can choose to do so; or to split the day’s birding into sections, so that anyone wanting to visit a temple, shop at the souk, or swim can do so without missing the whole day’s birding. Maybe nobody will opt for ‘acting the tourist’, but, if the opportunity is offered, there will be far fewer complaints from those who hanker for some time away from constant birding. Such opportunities may come only a few times during a long trip (often it just is not praeticable), but the good leader will manufacture them whenever possible and offer his companions the Table 13. Pardcipants’ assessments of leader’s efforts to be flexible, and to ensure that the whole group enjoyed the trip Excellent = 6, Very good = 5, Good = 4, Adequate = 3, Poor = 2, Very poor = 1 Assessments Average Position Company 6 5 4 3 2 1 assessment 1 Sunbirder 15 2 • • Excellent 5.88 2 Eryri 4 1 • • Excellent 5.80 3= Caledonian Wildlife 2 1 • • Excellent 5.67 3= Naturetrek 2 1 • • Excellent 5.67 5 Sunbird 58 22 3 1 Excellent 5.63 6= Birding 48 14 6 3 Excellent 5.50 6= Field Guides 2 2 • • Excellent 5.50 8 Hilton Hotels 2 3 • • Very good 5.40 9= Gourmet Birds 2 • 1 • Very good 5.33 9= Peregrine 1 2 • • Very good 5.33 11 Tom GulHck 5 6 3 • Very good 5.14 12= Cygnus 24 16 9 2 1 2 Very good 5.00 12= Limosa 4 2 4 • Very good 5.00 14 Birdquest 47 20 6 9 9 1 Very good 4.91 15 Dorset Naturalist • 2 1 • Very good 4.67 16 Wings 1 1 1 1 Very good 4.50 17 Omitholidays 15 24 14 9 5 1 Good 4.47 18 Branta 2 7 • 3 1 Good 4.38 19 Birdwatching & Wildlife • 2 • 1 • Good 4.33 20 Field Studies Council 1 1 4 • Good 4.29 21 Gostours • 1 1 2 • Good 3.75 22 RSPB 2 2 1 1 4 Adequate 3.30 Others 13 7 1 5 1 • ■ Very good 4.96 225 Overseas bird tours surv^ choice; the bad leader will not even try to compromise from the course which he decides the group ought to want (or, even worse, which he personally wants) to follow. The flexible approach by a leader benefits everyone in the group. Even if you are an avid ‘dawn-to-dusker’, it is better not to have with you all day the person who is hankering to look at the ancient city, or to get back for a late- aftemoon swim. It is surprising how easily grumbles about ‘too much birding’ from the less-keen elements in a group can be silenced by the offer of an op- tional early return to base; and also surprising how often nobody actually takes up the offer. Flexibility from a leader reduces tension between the ele- ments in a group, and, in the long run, also makes the life of the leader .easier. Enough of theory. What did those going on bird tours actually think of their leaders’ efforts to be flexible and to ensure that the whole group enjoyed the trip? Among the ‘big five’, SUNBIRD and BIRDING were easily top, and both achieved an average rating of the leaders as ‘Excellent’ (table 13). Although only small samples, those going with ERYRJ, CALEDONIAN WILDLIFE, NATURETREK and FIELD GUIDES also rated their leaders’ efforts to be flexible as ‘Excellent’. The five companies using leaders who were rated as ‘Poor’ or even ‘Very poor’ should perhaps seriously consider providing better briefing for their lead- ers, or providing tuition sessions for them (or even appointing different lead- ers). Leader’s general attitude Tales, perhaps sometimes apocryphal, tell of leaders ignoring their group while they watch a bird (usually some small, skulking brown job) that they alone want to see; or telling their group to stay back while they spend time trying to obtain photographs; or insisting on early starts or late returns con- trary to everybody else’s wishes; or denying the opportunity to visit the Pyra- mids or take a helicopter flight around Everest or take the ski-Uft to the top of a mountain because ‘We won’t see any birds there’; or hogging the best posi- tion and the best telescope when a good bird is found. Other tales teU of lead- ers who refused to go birdwatching until after a late breakfast or who paid more attention to their accompanying spouse, children or girlfriend than to their group; we even know of two instances where a leader unsuccessfully combined leading a bird-tour group with his honeymoon. A leader’s attitude can, thus, be selfless or selfish, and can vary from excessive zeal to downright laziness and inattention to the needs of those he is meant to be leading. How did the leaders’ general attitude rate in the eyes of those they led? It is good to see almost half of the companies achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating (table 14). Among the ‘big five’, SUNBIRD had the most highly rated leaders, but BIRDING also achieved an average rating of ‘Excellent’, and, despite ( their small samples, we should also note the high positions of ERYRI, I UMOSA, DORSET NATURALIST, CALEDONIAN WILDUFE, NA- TURETREK, TOM GULUCK and HELD GUIDES. At the other end of i the scale, it is sad to see the lowly position of the ‘big five’ operator that was I once the largest and most popular bird-tour company, and the Royal Society 226 Overseas bird tours survey Table 14. Participants’ assessments of leader’s general attitude Excellent = 6, Very good = 5, Good = 4, Adequate = 3, Poor = 2, Very poor = 1 Assessments Average Position Company 6 5 4 3 2 1 assessment 1 Sunbirder 15 2 • Excellent 5.88 2 Eryri 4 1 • Excellent 5.80 3 Sunbird 68 13 3 • Excellent 5,77 4 Limosa 7 3 • Excellent 5.70 5= Dorset Naturalist 2 1 • Excellent 5.67 5= Caledonian Wildlife 2 1 « Excellent 5.67 5= Nature trek 2 1 • Excellent 5.67 8 Tom GuUick 9 5 • Excellent 5.64 9= Birding 45 19 6 1 • Excellent 5.51 9= Field Guides 2 2 • Excellent 5.50 11 = Gourmet Birds 1 2 • Very good 5.33 11 = Peregrine 1 2 • Very good 5.33 13 Cygnus 29 18 2 2 1 1 Very good 5.30 14 Birdquest 56 17 11 6 2 • Very good 5.29 15 Hilton Hotels 1 4 • • • Very good 5.20 16 Wings 2 • 2 • • Very good 5.00 17 Branta 3 8 1 1 • Very good 4.92 18 Held Studies Council 1 4 2 • • Very good 4.86 19 Gostours 1 1 2 • • Very good 4.75 20 Birdwatching & Wildlife • 2 1 • • Very good 4.67 21 Ornitholidays 16 23 13 10 6 • Good 4.49 22 RSPB 2 3 1 1 1 2 Good 3.80 Others 14 6 4 1 2 • Very good 5.07 for the Protection of Birds is hardly likely to be proud of the even poorer showing of the leaders for the tour organisers which use its initials. Clearly, | there is something very wrong if those who holidayed with ORNITHOLI- i DAYS and RSPB have such a relatively poor opinion of the general attitude I of those who led their trips. j In what ways were these leaders’ attitudes unsatisfactory? Not surprisingly, more were considered to be ‘too fanatical’ than ‘too relaxed (or even lazy)’. Often chosen mainly for their ornithological abilities, the leaders are inevitably i likely to be keener than most of those accompanying them, some of whom / merely want ‘a holiday with a few birds’. A total of 26 was criticised for being over-keen, compared with 19 for being not keen enough (table 15). In view of this, it is remarkable that one of the ‘big five’ achieved a 100% record, with not a single leader (on any of 82 trips) regarded as either too fanatical or too I • relaxed. Well done, SUNBIRD! If aU bird-tour participants at all levels of I ' competence are happy, the whole trip is likely to be a success for everyone. I Almost as highly praised was BIRDING, with just two leaders criticised, from j j a total of 70 trips. Of the other ‘big five’ companies, CYGNUS leaders were | i generally considered to have about the right attitude, but almost one in six of i the leaders for BIRDQUEST were regarded as being too fanatical and single- minded, while almost one in six ORNITHOLIDAYS leaders were also criti- cised, more for being not keen enough than for being too keen. A new question in this survey asked ‘Did the leader show genuine concern for environmental matters and behave appropriately?’. Most (87%) did, but j one in eight (12%) did not (table 16). The most noticeably environmentally concerned leaders were those with BIRDING and SUNBIRD among the ‘big 227 Overseas bird tours suru^ Table 13. Participaiits’ opinions of the leader’s attitude Too About Too relaxed % with Position Company fanatical right (or even lazy) poor attitude 1= Sunbird • 82 • 0% 1= Sunbirder • 17 • 0% 1= Tom Gulhck 14 0% 1= Limosa 10 0% 1= Field Studies Council 7 0% 1= Eryri 5 0% 1= Hilton Hotels 5 0% 1= Field Guides 4 0% 1= Dorset Naturalist 3 0% 1= Caledonian Wildlife 3 0% 1= Gourmet Birds 3 0% 1= Natirretrek 3 0% 1= Peregrine 3 0% 14 Birding 1 68 1 2.9% 15 Branta • 12 1 7.7% 16 Cygnus 3 49 2 9.3% 17 Omitholidays 2 57 9 16.2% 18 Birdquest 15 77 • 16.3% 19 Birdwatching & Wildlife • 2 1 33.3% 20 RSPB 1 6 3 40.0% 21 = Wings 2 2 • 50.0% 21 = Gostours 2 2 • 50.0% Others • 25 2 7.4% Table 16. Participants’ assessments of the leader’s concern for environmental matters In assessing concern, Yes = 2, Not noticeably = 1, No = 0 Not Position Company Yes noticeably No Average rating 1= Sunbirder 16 • Yes 2.00 1= Eryri 5 • Yes 2.00 1= Hilton Hotels 5 • Yes 2.00 1= Field Guides 4 • Yes 2.00 1= Dorset Naturalist 3 • Yes 2.00 1= Caledonian Wildlife 3 • Yes 2.00 1= Gourmet Birds 3 • Yes 2.00 1= Peregrine 3 • Yes 2.00 1= Naturetrek 3 • Yes 2.00 10 Birding 66 2 • Yes 1.97 11 Sunbird 73 8 • Yes 1.90 12= Limosa 9 1 • Yes 1.90 12= RSPB 9 1 • Yes 1.90 14 Birdquest 79 12 • Yes 1.87 15 Field Studies Council 6 1 • Yes 1.86 16 Cygnus 43 10 • Yes 1.83 17 Omitholidays 55 12 1 Yes 1.79 18= Gostours 3 1 • Yes 1.75 18= Wings 3 1 • Yes 1.75 20 Birdwatching & Wildlife 2 1 • Yes 1.67 21 Tom GuUick 9 5 Yes 1.64 22 Branta 9 3 1 Yes 1.62 Others 23 3 • Yes 1.88 228 Overseas bird tours surv^ five’. Leaders for the more lowly rated companies perhaps need to reassess their personal attitudes to such matters as disturbance of habitats, birds or other wildlife, and to ensuring that all picnic waste is retrieved and taken home, or to improve the briefing that they give to members of their group be- fore or during field trips. Couriers A locally based courier is compulsory in some countries, and sensible in sev- eral more, especially those where English plus a smattering of French or Ger- man is insufficient, or where tricky political problems or police regulations may need to be circumvented subdy. In other places, a courier is merely an expensive and unnecessary luxury, or even a liability. Who is and who is not a courier is also not always clear to participants (or even to a leader); the service of the courier may have been hidden within the charges made by the ground agents, or that helpful person dealing with aU the administrative problems may actually be the driver’s girlfriend or merely someone who cadged a lift up country. Nevertheless, on the assumption that those taken to be couriers were indeed couriers, 38% of tours covered in our survey were accompanied by a courier (compared with 34% in 1986). Two companies, GOURMET BIRDS and BRANTA, always had a courier (on the tours included in our survey) and six never did (table 17). Of the ‘big five’, BIRDING used couriers most often (64%) and SUNBIRD least often (17%). As with several other aspects of the bird- tour business, there are advantages and disadvantages. Table 17. Presence of courier (or other person, in addition to the ornithological leader, dealii^ with administrative arrangements) Courier present % Company Yes No with courier Gourmet Birds 3 • 100% Branta 13 • 100% Caledonian Wildlife 3 1 75% Peregrine 3 1 75% Birdwatching & Wildlife 2 1 67% Naturetrek 2 1 67% Birding 45 25 64% Birdquest 45 46 49% Field Studies Council 3 4 43% Omitholidays 25 43 37% Cygnus 18 36 33% Limosa 3 7 30% RSPB 3 7 30% Sunbirder 5 12 29% Sunbird 14 69 17% Gostours • 4 0% Hilton Hotels • 5 0% Dorset Naturalist • 3 0% Eryri • 5 0% Field Guides • 4 0% Tom GuUick • 14 0% Wings • 4 0% Others 6 23 21% Ivory Gull at the floe-edge, Baffin Island For our 1992 catalog of over 70 birding tours worldwide please contact Field Guides Incorporated, P.O. Box 160723, Austin, TX 78716. Phone (512) 327-4953 or FAX (512)327-9231. field guides INCORPORATED Excellence in birding tours worldwide (D892) 1992 BIRDING TOURS XV Cyguus WiMlife JicpUdcu^ jjon- f^lnJw Appendix. Names and addresses of bird-tour companies [ABTA members indicated by asterisk*] ABERCROMBIE AND KENT Sloane Square House, Holbein Place, London SWIW 8NS* ANGLO-ISRAEL ASSOCIATION 9 Bentinck Street, London WIM 5RP ARCTURUS EXPEDITIONS PO Box 850, Gartocham, Alexandria, Dunbartonshire G83 8RL B AND W TRAVEL 22 South Street, Rochford, Essex BAREFOOT TRAVELLER 13 Millpond Court, Boumeside Road, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 ^A BARN OWL TRAVEL Derek Tutt, 21 Heron Close, Lower Halstow, Sittingboume, Kent ME9 7EF BIRDING Periteau House, Winchelsea, East Sussex TN36 4EA BIRD GUIDES 3 1 South Park Road, Gadey, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 4AL BIRDQUEST Two Jays, Temple End, Birdy Brow, Stonyhurst, Lancashire BB6 9QY BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA Apartado 7911, lOOB San Jose, Costa Rica BIRDWATCHING BREAKS Mark Finn, 26 School Lane, Heme, Heme Bay, Kent CT6 7AL BIRDWATCHING & WILDLIFE Chris L. Slade, 8 The Grange, Elmdon Park, Solihull, West Mid- lands B92 9EL BRANTA TRAVEL 7 Wingfield Street, London SE15 4LN CALEDONIAN WILDLIFE 30 Culduthel Road, Inverness IV2 4AP CAL NATURE TOURS SVL7310, Victorville, CA 92392, USA COX & KINGS TRAVEL St James Court, 45 Buckingham Gate, London SWIE 6AF* CYGNUS WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS 57 Fore Street, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 IPG* DORSET NATURALIST Jamie McMillan, 9 Litde Britain, Dorchester, Dorset DTI INN DREAMBIRD SAFARIS 1 Bell Street, Wellington, Telford TFl ILS ERYRI BIRDS Colin Thomas, 24 Tan-y-Bwlch Road, Uanllechid, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 3HU EXODUS 9 Weir Road, Balham, London SW12 OLT EXPLORE WORLDWIDE 1 Frederick Street, Aldershot, Hampshire GUI 1 ILQ FALCON TOURS 1 Simons Drive, Roleystone, Perth, Western Australia HELD GUIDES INCORPORATED PO Box 160723-C, Austin, Texas 78716, USA HELD STUDIES COUNCIL Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury SY4 IHW FLAMINGO HOLIDAYS 59 Hunger HiUs Drive, Horsforth, Leeds LSI 8 5JU FOOTPRINT ADVENTURES 5 Malkham Drive, Lakelands, Lincoln LN6 OXD GAMBIA EXPERIENCE Julia Pursey, 28 The Hundred, Romsey, Hampshire S051 8BW* GOSTOURS 29 Marchwood Road, Sheffield S6 5LB GOURMET BIRDS David Tomlinson, Windmsh, Coles Lane, Brasted, Westerham, Kent TNI 6 INN GRAHAM FAITHFULL ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS Tall Trees, Balk Road, Ryhall, near Stamford, Lin- colnshire PE9 4ET HILTON HOTELS Birdwatching Events Dept, PO Box 137, Watford, Hertfordshire WDl IDN HOSKING TOURS Pages Green House, Wetheringset, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 5QA ISLAND HOLIDAYS Ardross, Comrie, Perthshire PH6 yU JUST FLIGHTS 100 London Road, Leicester LE2 OQS LEARN AT LEISURE 14 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NGl 41J LEISURE PLAN HOLIDAYS 4 Barrington Drive, Southport PR8 2PR LIMOSA BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS Chris and Barbara Kightley, Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 OLZ MUNDI COLOR HOUDAYS 276 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SNIV IBE* NATURETREK Chautara, Bighton, Alresford, Hampshire S024 ORB NORTHUMBRIA TRAVEL 82 Front Street East, Bedlington, Northumberland NE61 3LT* ORNTFHOLIDAYS 1/3 Victoria Drive, Bognor Regis, Sussex P021 2PW* DAVID OSWIN EXPEDITIONS Millgarth, Kirklington, Cumbria CA6 6DW PAPYRUS TOURS Roger Mitchell, 9 Rose Hill Court, Doncaster DN4 5LY PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS 4 1 South Parade, Summertown, Oxford 0X2 7JP* PINGRUM NATUREWATCH TOURS Woodend House, Woodend, Little Horwood, Milton Keynes MK17 OPE PORTMAN TRAVEL GROUP St John’s Road, Edinburgh EH 12 7SJ* RSPB Dudwick House, Buxton, Norwich NR 10 5HX RUSSIAN NA7URE TOURS Achterom 31, 1621 KR Hoorn, Netherlands 237 Overseas bird tours surv^ SIMPLY TRAVEL 8 Chiswick Terrace, Acton Lane, London W4 SLY* SPANTREK 79 Egmont Street, Mossley, Ashton, Lancashire OL5 9NF STEEL’S WILDLIFE COACH TOURS Coachways, Main Street, Addingham, Ilkley, West Yorkshire LS29 OPD SUNBIRD PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 IDF SWAN HELLENIC 77 New Oxford Street, London WCIA IPP* TOM GULLICK c/o Mrs M. Parker, 5 Tile Bam Close, Famborough, Flampshire GUI 4 8LS TROPICBIRD Dr David Blakesley, 15 Norfolk Crescent, Bath BAl 2BE TWICKERS WORLD 22 Church Street, Twickenham TWl 3NW* VOYAGES JULES VERNE’S NATLIRAL WORLD 21 Dorset Square, London NWl 6QG* WILDLIFE TRAVEL 7 Crendon Park, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 QBE WILDWINGS 21 Penn Street, Bristol BSl 3AU* WINGS PO Box 31930, Tucson, AZ 85751, USA WISH-LIST GUIDE SERVICE Scott Rea, General Delivery, Mission, Texas 78572, USA Notes night speed of Cormorant On 31st December 1985, as I was driving with my son along the AIO(T) from Littleport, Cambridgeshire, towards Downham Market, Norfolk, an adult Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo rose from the River Great Ouse. It flew along the course of the river in the same direction as I was travelling for a little more than 2 miles (3.2km), when it veered sharply and descended to the river. I was hard pressed to keep up with it. As we travelled in close company, however, I was able to judge its speed accurately. Where bends in the road occurred, I had to increase speed to about 63 mph (101 kph) to keep up with it, and when I reduced my speed to 50 mph (80 kph) I quickly fell behind. On a straight stretch I was able to get alongside for several hundred metres, and the Cormorant’s speed was a constant 58 mph (93 kph). The weather at the time was cold, with most of the local waters iced over, and there was virtually no wind. T. B. Bamber 91 Fomham Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 6AS In his paper on the speed and altitude of bird flight, R. Meinertzhagen (1955, Ibis 97: Bi- ll 7) listed three records of flight speeds for this species: 27 mph and 35 mph (43 kph and 56 kph), measured by speedometer, the higher speed being of a frightened bird; 45 mph (72 kph), measured by speedometer, with a slight tail-wind; and 60-70 mph (97-113 kph), measured by airspeed indicator, when migrating, regarded as of doubtful accuracy. Eds 238 Notes Cormorant’s method of dealing with large flatfish In early February 1986, at low tide on the River Taw, Devon, I watched an adult Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo bring a large flatfish to the surface. It shook the fish before attempting, unsuccessfully, to swallow it. The Cormorant then swam towards the nearest sandbank and clambered out, still holding the live fish crosswise in its bill; I estimated the breadth of the fish to be about the same as the length from the tip of the Cormorant’s bill to the back of its head. On the sandbank, the Cormorant flung down the fish and struck it about four times in the region of the head, before picking it up and trying, and again failing, to swallow it. The fish was once more thrown down and the procedure repeated, as before unsuccessfully. The Cormorant threw down the fish yet again, just as a Herring GuU Lams argentatus landed about 5m away and moved towards the fish. The Cormorant became agitated by the gull’s presence to such an extent that it delivered three blows to the flatfish and then promptly swallowed it. I noted that its neck/throat became grossly distended as the fish passed down the throat, the head, neck/throat and body being held as erect as possible during swallowing. The Cormorant then remained on the sandbank for over ten minutes. This method of deafing with large flatfish is not mentioned in BWP (vol. 1), and The Handbook states simply that large fish are sometimes brought ashore. Chris Snook 31 Central IVay, Carshalton Beeches, Surr^ SMS 3NF Food piracy by Grey Herons on Great Crested Grebes On 16th February 1986, at Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire, 395 Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus had gathered in an area of open water, 80% of the reservoir surface being frozen. Fourteen Grey Herons Ardea cinerea were standing on the edge of ice in the centre of the reservoir, but one or two would fly out over the grebes, sometimes moving quite fast and flapping vigorously, and swoop at any grebe with a fish. If the fish was dropped, one or more herons would dip to the surface to pick it up, often settling in the water for up to five seconds. Once this had been managed successfully, it seemed to trigger off other herons on the ice and for a few minutes six or eight would circle over the grebes together. R . A . H U M E 15 Cedar Gardens, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 lEY Goosanders stealing fish from Great Crested Grebes On 9th February 1986, at Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire, on a very cold, calm day when the reservoir surrounds were under snow and ice, but with the water remaining unfrozen, over 500 Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus had gathered near the dam. At one end of this loose aggregation, about 50 grebes were accompanied by 20-30 Goosanders Mergus merganser and Notes 239 several Common Gulls Lams canus. The grebes appeared relatively inactive, but, perhaps because so many were present, it seemed that one would surface with a fish every two or three minutes. As a grebe surfaced, with or without a fish, or dived, Common Gulls would swoop towards it, sometimes attempting to take a fish. More interestingly, drake Goosan- ders were doing the same. Once I watched a Great Crested Grebe with a fish in its biU with a ‘redhead’ (female or immature) Goosander Im away; the latter took Uttle notice, but an adult drake quickly appeared from several metres away. Drake Goosanders either snatched at a fish in a grebe’s bill on the surface, or caused the grebe to dive and pursued it underwater. Unless a grebe surfaced very close by, they would approach it in one of two ways. Usually the Goosander would patter across the surface at speed, using its feet and wings together like a paddle-steamer, either setthng near the grebe or going under head-first at a shallow angle, leaving a long V-shaped wave as it continued beneath the surface. From a greater distance, a Goosander would fly towards the grebe: if the latter dived, the Goosander drake would simply splash down and dive immediately, or, quite often, close its wings and dive in head-first at an angle, like a shallow-diving Gannet Sula bassana but from just a metre or so high; both it and the grebe would then reappear, a few metres apart, a few seconds later, neither with a fish held opeitiy in the bill. R. A. HUME 15 Cedar Gardens, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 lET Goosander spinning On 11th December 1985, at Morehall Reservoir, South Yorkshire, I watched a ‘redhead’ (female or immature) Goosander Mer- gus merganser spinning on the water at the edge of the reservoir. During my 40 minutes’ observation, it spent at least 30 minutes at this particular spot. From when it was first noticed (at 09.20 GMT) until 09.36, it was spinning first in a clockwise and then in an anti-clockwise direction (no longer than 20 seconds in either direction); it stopped on 18 occasions for up to 30 seconds, but al- ways remained in the same spot. At 09.38 hours, it swam close to the bank for 50 m or so, and dived and caught a fish in the normal manner. At 09.48, it returned to the original location and again begtm spinning, continuing to do so until my departure at 10.00; I made no timings on this second occasion. While spinning, the Goosander held about two-thirds of its biU length below the surface. On two occasions, it raised its biU high in the air as if swallowing a large prey item, although none was seen. Unfortunately, I was unable to ascertain whether it was foot-paddUng to bring prey to the surface or feeding from just below the surface. This observation recaUed those by Dr J. T. R. Sharrock and J. C. MaxweU concerning very similar spinning behaviour by a female MaUard Anas platyrhyn- chos and a male Shoveler A. clypeala {Brit. Birds 77: 355; 79: 591), but those species’ normal feeding habits are completely different from that of the Goosander. This behaviour is not mentioned in BWP (vol. 1). Martin Wells 715 Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, Sheffield S30 5D(l 240 Notes Knot with cockle shell attached to leg In September 1985, I visited Snettisham, Norfolk, to photograph wader movements and roosts. Some 30,000-40,000 Knots Calidris canutus flew in from The Wash, most of them passing farther inland. One, however, setded and hopped down to the water’s edge, when I noticed that it had a cockle shell Cardium attached to its leg. I took one photograph (plate 1 1 0) before the Knot flew off, with cockle stiU at- tached. G. McCarthy 53 Brighton Road, Horsham, West Sussex 110. Knot Calidris canutus with cockle shell Cardium attached to leg, Norfolk, September 1985 (G. McCarthy) 111. Dunlin Calidris alpina with cockle shell Cardium attached to bill (the bird was unable to dis- lodge the shell, but the cockle released its grip and fell off when the Dunlin took flight), Nether- lands, September 1991 (Piet Munsterman) I Notes 241 Although it is not uncommon for live shells to become attached to the legs or feet of waders, we welcome Mr McCarthy’s photographic documentation of this phenomenon. We also take the opportunity to include a similar photoeraph of a Dunlin C. alpina with a cockle attached to its bill (plate 1 1 1). Eds Purple Sandpipers feeding ixdand outside breeding season On 5th April 1985, in mild and sunny weather, while driving along an . unclassified road between Upper Loch Bornish and Rubha Ardvule, South Uist, Western Isles, my wife and I stopped to examine a flock of small waders actively feeding on a stretch of grassy machair. We were surprised to discover that the flock of 50 consisted entirely of Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima, three Redshanks Tringa totanus being the only other waders in the vicinity. The sandpipers were quite clearly picking and lightly probing at the surface of the field, and apparently finding a satisfactory food source. This site was at least 0.5 km from the coast, and perhaps still farther from the much-favoured rocky feeding grounds at Rubha Ardvule, where we had previously encountered over 100 Purple Sandpipers. It is possible that some remnants of this species’ typical rocky-coast food were still lying on these fields, which had at some stage been ‘manured’ with local seaweed (a common practice among machair farmers). There seems to be no reference in the standard literature to Purple Sandpipers feeding away from the coast outside the breeding season, and certainly not in grassy fields. STEPHEN J. RiLEY 25 Abbots Way, Formby, Liverpool L37 6DR A note on Purple Sandpipers feeding on grass at high tide on the Isle of Man appears below. Eds Purple Sandpipers feeiling by probing in turf At high tide on 12th January 1986, on the north side of Peel Castle, Isle of Man, a strong westerly wind was blowing the sea over all but the highest edge of the rocks. Three Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima, later joined by two more, were walking about on the nearby short, damp turf, probing vigorously in it and sometimes finding something to swallow; a Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus fed with them at one stage. When some people walked past, the birds flew away, but three sandpipers later returned; at first they stood on the rocks just below, but later they fluttered up to resume probing in the water- logged turf. They were sfill feeding when I left, ten minutes later. I have also observed similar behaviour on two or three subsequent occasions during 1986-91. Allen S. Moore Lyndale, Derby Road, Peel, Isle of Man This is the normal feeding behaviour of this species on tundra and wet moss areas in the breeding season (see BWP vol. 3), but is less usual on the wintering grounds. Eds Exceptionally large roost gathering of Common Sandpipers BWP (vol. 3) records a largest roost gathering of Common Sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos of 100 individuals, in Zimbabwe. On 2nd October 1984, at 242 Notes Mumiang, on the northeastern coast of Borneo (thus outside the area relevant to BWP], I observed a roost gathering of over 2,000 Common Sandpipers. They were very vocal as they flew in, in flocks of up to 150, from the large mangrove and riverbank feeding area at the mouth of the river; they continued arriving after it was too dark to count them. On arrival in the roost area, most bathed before moving to the roosting spot, which was over a sandbar only some 50m away (to which many walked); there, the sandpipers were still very vocal, and roosted packed tightly together. Similar large numbers were observed over a period of weeks, but this was the largest concentration recorded. ANDREW WHITTAKER Westerly, 5 Bryn Grove, Hest Bank, near Lancaster LA2 6EX Juvenile House Martin singing On 27th and 28th September 1985, at Brundall, Norfolk, two young House Martins Delichon urbica fledged from a nest. One of the juveniles returned on at least three occasions to the nest, where it remained for several hours and was observed being fed. On one oc- casion, when it was peering out of the nest following a feed, it was seen and heard to burst into typical full House Martin song, albeit for only a short pe- riod (perhaps 30 seconds). The nest was not in a colony, the nearest House Martin nests being about 180 m away. B. D. HARDING 6 Braydeston Avenue, Brundall, Norwich, Norfolk NRI3 5JX Professor David M. Bryant has commented as follows: ‘It is not unusual for juvenile migrants (as well as some residents, of course) to come into song in autumn. While doing dawn-to-dusk watches at a martin colony near Stirling, Central, Scodand, I have no record over three years of nestlings or Juveniles in song, so I am sure it is at least unusual. I do recollect hearing autumn song, however, but not whether it was by a Juvenile. Such an observation would anyway be diffi- cult to confirm in a busy colony, since it would be difficult to distinguish singing adults from youngsters in the nest. Lind (1960, Ann. Soc. .^oo/. Bot. Perm. 21) is quite clear, however, that in south Finland “the young birds sometimes sing very intensively and sometimes for even more than one minute”. With regard to Mr Harding’s observations, “one Juvenile” may have in fact been different individuals making successive visits. Only a Juvenile would be fed in this way, so if it sang right afterwards it would be reasonable to assume it was a Juvenile. Passing birds, mainly Juveniles, commonly enter nests in autumn; also, adults and Juveniles at a colony often enter other nests. The possibility of stray birds being in a nest in autumn is therefore quite high; they could even be fed by an adult on a quick visit (martins do make “mistakes” sometimes).’ Eds Feeding interaction between House Martins and Pied Wagtails At the end of August 1985, at Brundall, Norfolk, a family of Pied Wagtails Motacilla alba (two adults and three juveniles) appeared on the school playing-field, where they remained until the end of October. Each day, they arrived at first light, spent the whole day feeding, and departed about an hour before dusk to a local roost. On three occasions, I observed an interesting interaction between the feeding wagtails and the local House Martins Delichon urbica. In the first incident, a Pied Wagtail, which had been feeding on the field, chased a House Martin at great speed across the field and around the surrounding trees. In the second, a wagtail chased a martin vertically upwards for approximately 6m, before returning to feed on the field. On these two occasions, the weather was fine, and House Martins were feeding at different levels, but not really low. The third occasion provided a reverse situation in the aggressor/defender roles: the Notes 243 weather was overcast with a low cloud base, forcing the martins to feed low over the field; three times, a House Martin dive-bombed a feeding wagtail in a manner reminiscent of a skua Stercorarius, causing it to take evasive action by either ducking or making a short flight. It is interesting to note this apparent competition for food. B. D. Harding 6 Braydeston Avenue, Brundall, Norwich, Norfolk NR13 5JX Dr N. B. Davies has commented: ‘Pied Wagtails have been recorded chasing Meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis and Grey Wagtails M. cinerea out of their winter feeding territories, so are known to be aggressive to other species which are competitors for food. This, however, is the first record I am aware of where they chased off House Martins.’ Eds House Martins obtaining food from moss on roof On 24th June 1985, at SHnfold, West Sussex, I noticed that two of a flock of 12 House Martins Delichon urbica flying low over the church were persistently landing at a specific spot on the Horsham-stone roof Both were deliberately dislodg- ing large clumps of moss, from which they collected food, and this was taken direct to two nearly fledged young in a nest less than 100 m away. It was impossible to identify the exact nature of the food being collected, but I assumed that flying insects were hatching from the moss. Certainly the food must have been abundant, as 16 feeding visits to the nest were made by the pair in 20 minutes. The weather at the time was sunny and warm; this was, however, the first break in a spell of cold wet weather which had lasted for several days and which may have resulted in food shortages, thus forcing the martins to take advantage of this rather unusual source of food. S. W. M. Hughes 6 West Way, SHnfold, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 7SB House Martins sunning on ground At 14.30 GMT on 8th September 1988, at SHnfold, West Sussex, my attention was drawn to a party of House Martins Delichon urbica resting on the cricket pitch. Individuals were arriving and leaving continuously, but at any one time there were at least 80 sitting in a tight group on the centre square. All faced the same way, with their backs towards the sun; some had their wings partially open, and some engaged in occasional bouts of preening. I observed them for approximately 15 minutes, before they were disturbed by a dog. I then inspected the square, which had been prepared for a match: the grass was extremely short, and the ground very hard and warm to the hand. The air temperature, recorded nearby in the village, was 29°C in the shade. Parties of House Martins had been seen sunning on south-facing roofs and walls in the area on previous days, but this was the only time they were seen on the ground. Most references to hirundines sunning relate to ‘sun-basking’ in hot places on otherwise cool or windy days (see Simmons, 1986, The Sunning Behaviour of Birds: a guide for ornithologists). The circumstances of my observations, however, suggested that the House Martins were sunning for a purpose other than thermoregulation. The American Uterature does contain one similar reference to other hirundine species being attracted to hot tarmac in conditions of high temperature and humidity [Condor 65: 438-440). S. W. M. Hughes 6 West Way, SHnfold, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 7SB 244 Notes House Martins associating with hot-air balloon At approximately 17.45 GMT on 4th September 1988, two hot-air balloons flew low over Birstall, north Leicester, in an easterly direction. The sky was overcast, and the balloons had approached very close before I noticed a number of House Martins Delichon urbica circling around the top of the nearer one; occasionally, one martin fell back a short distance and then made a deliberate effort to catch up. After a few seconds, both balloons were obscured by a row of houses. A telephone call to the pilot established that this association had occurred on other occasions. House Martins (as well as many other birds) are known to associate with grass and bush fires, feeding on insects disturbed by the fire. The present observation may be an extension of this behaviour. D. A. C. McNeil 175 Byron Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire LEU OJN Dr K. E. L. Simmons speculated that the martins may have been gaining lift, so that they could feed higher. Alternatively, perhaps the martins were taking advantage of invertebrate confusion in the eddies inevitably caused by the passage of the balloons, or were engaged in an avian equivalent of dolphins’ behaviour when riding the bow-waves of a boat. We welcome further observations and comments. Eds Blackbird eating ice-cream On 18th June 1985, at Elsham Hall, South Humberside, a discarded tub of ice-cream lay on a lawn. The contents, which appeared to be chocolate-flavoured, had spilled and were partly melted. An adult female Blackbird Turdus merula spent several minutes ‘grazing’, by tearing up and devouring beakfuls of grass, liberally coated with the ice-cream (fig. 1); this continued until she was disturbed by passers-by. Blackbirds are noted for the catholicity of their diet, but, although they have been known to open milk bottles (E. Simms, 1978, British Thrushes), I have been unable to find any reference to their eating either ice-cream or grass, or (as in this case) a combination of these items. Frederick J. Watson St Margarets, Brierylaw, St Abbs, near Eyemouth, Berwickshire TDM 5 PH Derek Goodwin has commented: ‘The eating of so much grass to ingest just a Little ice- cream seems of interest.’ Eds Fig. 1. Female Blackbird Turdus merula eating grass and ice-cream, South Humberside, June 1985 {Frederick J. Watson) Notes 245 Golden Orioles drinking in flight On 30th July 1984, by the River Marne at Tours-sur-Mame, France, I noticed a number of Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus about 45m away crossing the river from side to side, mosdy drinking by means of a quick dip of the bill (as the accompanying hirundines were also doing). The orioles were aU females or juveniles; the only visible male remained high up in the trees and was not seen to fly. The crossing was made at the edge of a small weir, and the birds flew from tall willows Salix. Without being able to identify specific individuals, I had the impression that each participated more than once, since, after the activity ceased, the flock of orioles, joined by the male, seemed few in number, perhaps six in all. The cross-river flights and drinking lasted about five minutes, and I did not see the behaviour again during the hour or so in which I was in the area. JOHN V. MiLLER Old Coxhome, London Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL52 6UX David A. Christie has commented as follows: ‘K.-D. Feige, in his monograph (1986, Der Krot}, stated that the Golden Oriole drinks rarely from puddles on the ground, more frequently takes residual water from tree hollows or drops of dew, and has been recorded drinking raindrops from branches; but drinking in flight is not mentioned. It should be noted, however, that the normal bathing method of this species involves diving down rather steeply from a tree or bush, splashing briefly onto the surface of water and immediately returning to the original perch or one opposite (see e.g. Brit. Birds 68: 245-246).’ Eds Rooks feeding on carrion Early on the morning of 29th December 1985, while driving along the M6 from Manchester to the Lake District, Cumbria, I noticed a large number of crows Corvus feeding on animal traffic casualties (mainly lagomorphs: rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus or brown hares Lepus capensis). Most were Carrion Crows C. corone, but some were Rooks C. Jrugilegus. Coombs (1978, The Crows: a study of the corvids of Europe) makes no mention of carrion-eating by Rooks; and Hope Jones, in a paper on avian scavengers on Orkney roads [Brit. Birds 73: 561-568), recorded only one instance of a Rook feeding in this way, even though Rooks were often seen feeding in fields near the roads he studied. This suggests that such behaviour is quite rare. For several days before I made my observations, there had been very cold weather and the ground was frozen; this would cause many of the Rooks’ normal food sources to be unavailable to them. David M. WILKINSON 35 Meadow Lane, Worsley, Manchester M28 4PL Crossbill eating slug On 28th June, near the lighthouse on the island of Auskerry, Orkney, we saw an adult male Crossbill Loxia cuwirostra fly up from the ground with a slug in its bill and perch on the roof of a nearby shed. , fhe Crossbill held the slug, which was about 5 cm long, with its feet, and then proceeded to tear off pieces of flesh with its beak and eat them. This sighting, and a flock of 35 Crossbills seen earlier in the day, coincided with an irruption of this species into Britain in June-July 1985. Apart from their main food of conifer seeds. Crossbills have been recorded feeding on a variety of berries, seeds of thistles and grasses, buds, peas, spiders, aphids, caterpillars, 1 small beetles and flies (Witherby et al. 1938; Nethersole-Thompson 1975). 246 Notes Auskerry has neither trees nor shrubs, and it was too early in the season for plants such as thisdes to have set seeds. In such an environment, in which food resources for Crossbills were clearly limited, it is perhaps not surprising that this opportunistic behaviour occurred. So far as we are aware, slugs have not previously been recorded in the diet of the Crossbill. Chris J. Booth and Peter Reynolds Ronas, 34 High Street, Kirkwall, Orkney REFERENCES Nethersole-Thompson, D. 1975. Pine Crossbills. Berkhamsted. WnwERBY, H. F., JouRDAiN, F. C. R., Ticehurst, N. F., & Tucker, B. W. 1938. The Handbook of British Birds, vol. 1 . London. Letters Yellow-legged Herring Gulls in Essex The note on yellow-legged Her- ring Gulls Lxtrus argentatus in Essex in 1973-74 {Brit. Birds 84: 342-343), detailing the increase in southwest Essex, failed to mention the dramatic change in status in Essex since 1980. Although very few were indeed recorded in Essex between 1973 and 1982 (Cox 1984), a sudden increase in yellow-legged Her- ring Gull numbers has been apparent since 1985. This has been particularly noticeable along the Inner Thames, from Rainham Marsh to East Tilbury, the larger counts being associated with gull flocks attracted by large-scale rubbish-tipping. Most have occurred between early July and mid October, with a peak usually in August and September. This increase has accelerated in recent years, with counts of over 200 at both Rainham Marsh and East Tilbury during the summer of 1991. Most adults in summer show characteris- tics of the southern race michahellis and largely replace the pink-legged races, which are rare or absent at this time of the year along the Inner Thames. This increase appears to be real and is not due to increased observer awareness. All Inner Thames sites have been monitored regularly since the J late 1960’s, yet very few yeUow-legged Herring Gulls were recorded until the mid to late 1980s. It is a pity that David Melville was not aware of this or of ■ the detailed results of more recent data-monitoring in the London and Essex | bird reports. A paper detailing this change in status of yeUow-legged Herring | Gulls along the Inner Thames is currently in preparation for British Birds. | Mike Dennis ' 173 Collier Row Lane, Rornford, Essex RMS 3 ED j REFERENCE ! Cox, S. 1984. A Mew Guide to the Birds of Essex. Essex Bird Watching and Preservation Society. i Death of a Hume’s Short-toed Lark The letter from J. C. Wood {Brit, j Birds 84: 443) concerning the accidental death of one vagrant Hume’s Short- i toed Lark Calandrella acutirostris is typical of the confused, oversentimental | and unscientific thinking prevalent in some quarters. I It is difficult to see how there can be adequate series of skins for study | and research unless birds have been, and are being, collected. ' Letters 247 The annual death rate of small passerines (33%-66%) is such that whether a particular bird survives or succumbs is of no significance. Vagrants far from their normal range are unlikely to return to the breeding grounds and perpetuate the species. It is the survival of the species, not of individuals, which is important. The key to bird study is correct identification: authors and illustrators of textbooks, researchers, records committees and observers need to refer to collections. Additions should be made on a selective basis to facilitate study. There are two arguments against collecting vagrants: first, the fact that the bird is a vagrant reduces the scientific value of the skin, and, secondly, observers may be deprived of the chance of studying the species in the field. There are, however, occasions, albeit infrequent, when the addition of an unusual specimen to a collection available to ornithologists would be of great value. There are two rational answers to the rhetorical question ‘Surely the welfare of the bird comes first?’: one is ‘No’, the other ‘Not always’. If, however, the answer is ‘Yes’, some of the work published in learned journals is far more reprehensible than the taking of an occasional specimen. J. G. Parker Clavering House, Oxborough, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE33 9BL Breeding record of Icterine Warbler in Yorkshire in 1970 In its report on ‘Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1988’ [Brit. Birds 83: 353-390), the Rare Breeding Birds Panel gave brief details of a 1970 report of breeding by Icterine Warblers Hippolais icterina in Yorkshire. It stated that the ‘record . . . appears not to have been submitted to any national body . . . but was pubhshed byj. R. Mather in The Birds of Yorkshire (1986).’ The details in J. R. Mather’s book are surprisingly sketchy. On the birds’ identification we are told that they had an unfamihar song, were at first thought to be Wood Warblers Phylloscopus sibilatrix, but the bill was too large — and not much else. Indeed, the observer admits to being ‘completely confused as to the exact species’. Heavy reliance seems to have been placed on the fact that ‘The observer is well known to a prominent Yorkshire ornithologist who vouches for his countryside experience and reliability’, a sentence which I find unconvincing given the difficulties of warbler identification (e.g. ‘The Wandlebury warbler’, Brit. Birds 75: 183-185). Other unhelpful features of this record are the anonymity of the observers, the 16-year gap between the event and publication, and the disappearance of the nest when the site was revisited six days later. I suggest that this record does no more than raise the interesting possibility that Icterine Warblers may have nested in Yorkshire in 1970. Unless further details are available, I do not see how the identification can be regarded as having been established beyond reasonable doubt. Paul Doherty 28 Carousel Walk, Sherbum in Elmet, North Yorkshire LS25 6LP 248 Letters Habituation I read the introduction to ‘Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1989’ {Brit. Birds 84: 349-352) the day that I returned from leading a splendid bird tour to Kenya. The sentence ‘Habituation is the process which enables motorway bird populations to ignore constant traffic, provided that vehicles do not stop’, in reference to the problems of human disturbance of rare breeding birds, intrigued me. It seems to be so, here in the UK, but surely it is not so simple? Some breeding birds — Dotterel Charadrius morinellus and Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus come to mind — can, I believe, be remarkably tame at the nest (and, of course, we know of birds such as Eiders Somateria mollissima, that can be touched while on eggs), while migrant waders such as Little Stint Calidris minuta and Ruff Philomachus pugnax may feed around one’s feet. Try to get close to a Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos, however, and it will be off over the skyline while you are stiU a couple of kilometres away, even if, most likely, it has never experienced a gun or a trap or a threatening gesture in its hfe. In Kenya, my group and I walked to within 10m of a tree with a Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus in it, and it did not bat an eyelid. Such a diversity of species, large and small, as Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax, Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus, Marabou Leptoptilos crumeniferus, waxbills Estrilda and sunbirds Nectarinia pose happily a matter of metres from admiring birdwatchers who openly approach them. Practically everything is tame. I had a Cisticola all but on my fingertip (not that I could identify it, even then) and Common Fiscals Lanius collaris sharing a bush with J me in a storm, but try getting so close to a Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla or ) a Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor here, or in Spain, and there is no such ' luck. i It is not just a matter of habituation, or current persecution or I disturbance. The remote Scottish Highlands eagle may not have been | disturbed more than the remote African one, but they have an inbuilt I difference in their responses to human approach. Why, I wonder? j R. A. Hume I 15 Cedar Gardens, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 lEY pEars ago... i ‘The repeated notices of the Common Buzzard having been seen in the east and south-east ^ of England are very gratifying to those who have taken much trouble in preserving the i ! nesting areas of this bird in other parts of the British Islands. It points to a possible extension ( | of range and that at some future date the Common Buzzard may again merit its designation | | of “Common.” . . . These are Common Buzzards, not Rough-legged, which are in my j experience by far the commoner species in the eastern and south-eastern counties. I think it is to be regretted that localities such as the New Forest should be mentioned as breeding | areas, and thus drawing attention to the fact, especially as the New Forest Buzzards have been most carefully preserved, or at least as carefully as possible, during the last thirty-five years by H.M. Office of Woods. E. G. B. Meade-Wai.DO.’ [Brit. Birds 10: 295, May 1917). Mystery photographs mThe March mystery photographs (plates 52 & 53, both repeated here) show an elongated yet strong-looking passerine with a I substantial, bi-coloured bill, very large feet, long undertail-coverts and a long ' tail. Its plumage is rather nondescript: unmarked upperparts and generally dull underparts with a paler chin and throat. Despite the apparent lack of critical characters at first glance, these features nevertheless combine to ' narrow the field within the Western Palearctic to Gray’s Grasshopper ! Warbler Locustella fasciolata. Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stmtoreus, ' Great Reed Warbler A. arundinaceus, Oriental Reed Warbler A. [amndinaceus) i orientalis, Basra Reed Warbler A. [arundinaceus) griseldis and Thick-billed Warbler A. aedon. \ These larger warblers can mostly be separated by a combination of ! bill structure and head pattern. Each of the six has a long, deep-looking bill, with Thick-billed Warbler’s the shortest and proportionally j deepest, and Clamorous Reed Warbler’s the longest and, apart from ' that of Basra Reed Warbler, proportionally the most slender. Great Reed Warbler and Oriental Reed Warbler each has a more massive bill than either Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler or Basra Reed Warbler. The bills of these two are of similar length, though that of the latter is noticeably the shallower. Thick-billed Warbler has a bland head : pattern, lacking the pale supercilia and dark eye-stripes of the other five, the supercilia of which vary in prominence with posture and state i of moult, though those of Clamorous Reed Warbler are generally the I least conspicuous. It is unfortunate, however, that the angle of the I mystery bird’s head in the photographs does not allow the subtleties of ! its bill structure and head pattern to be appreciated. I The tail is worn, but it is evident that the outer pair of rectrices is j shorter than the adjacent pair. Nevertheless, the mystery bird clearly I does not possess the strongly graduated tail of Gray’s Grasshopper ■Warbler, nor does its tail look sufficiently rounded for it to be ! Clamorous Reed Warbler or Thick-billed Warbler. An extra feature of I Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler is the strongly curved outermost long ! primary with its dusky-white outer web, which is characteristic of the 250 Mystery photographs genus Locustella and which the mystery bird lacks. Furthermore, in the field, Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler would be distinguished also by its orange-brown undertail-coverts. Clamorous Reed Warbler and Thick- billed Warbler are ruled out, in addition to tail shape, by the mystery bird’s long primary projection beyond the tertials. A close look at the wing reveals that the third primary is emarginated, and that the fourth primary is not. Both Clamorous Reed Warbler and Thick-billed Warbler have the fourth primary emarginated, and this provides a further reason for their elimination. Alan Dean {in litt.) has commented that the size, structure and bland head pattern of Thick-billed Warbler combine to give it a special character which, particularly in flight, may give the observer the impression of a bulbul Pycnonotus or a Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus rather than a warbler. We are left with Great Reed Warbler, Oriental Reed Warbler and Basra Reed Warbler. A paper entitled ‘Characters and taxonomic position of Basra Reed Warbler’ was published in British Birds in 1988 (81: 171-178). Readers are recommended to refer to that paper for detailed discussion on the points of distinction between Great and Oriental Reed Warblers and Basra Reed Warbler. Those features of separation that do not assist in the identification of the mystery warbler are size, colour of supercilia, degree of warmth of upperparts, darkness of tail (useful primarily in fresh plumage), throat pattern and, from Great Reed Warbler only, colour of legs and feet. As has been noted earlier, the important character of bill structure is of little use in this instance, though the bill does look proportionally rather deep for Basra Reed Warbler. Comparison of the mystery warbler’s primary projection beyond the tertials and its tail length produces a result less in keeping with the structure of Basra Reed Warbler, too, with its proportionally shorter tail. This is a subtle judgment and not easily quantified by hard facts, though measurements show that Great Reed Warbler and Oriental Reed Warbler each has a lower wing-to-tail ratio than Basra Reed Warbler. The dull-coloured underparts are also inconsistent with | identification as Basra Reed Warbler, which has comparatively whiter underparts with a cold huffish wash confined to the flanks. ■ Only the closely related Great Reed Warbler and Oriental Reed | Warbler remain to be separated, but the latter’s white in the rectrices in i fresh plumage, its shorter and comparatively more rounded wings and | its greyer legs and feet are of no assistance here. The lack of any quite ' distinct streaks on the lower throat and upper breast of the mystery | warbler, however, does eliminate the Far Eastern bird (which has i occurred once in Austria) and confirms identification as Great Reed , Warbler. i The mystery photographs were sent to British Birds by Commander M. B. ! Casement of the Royal Naval Birdwatching Society. They were taken in , May 1989 by Captain Roy Westwater on board the mv Sfy Clipper in the j western Mediterranean, some 25 nautical miles off the coast of Algeria. | Peter Lansdown j 197 Springwood, Llanedym, Card^, South Glamorgan CF2 6UG ' British BirdShop ATT. LISTED BOOKS ARE POST FREE TO ‘BRITISH BIRDS’ SUBSCRIBERS Books and other items are included in British BirdShop only if they are approved by British Birds and considered to be generally reliable, good value and useful additions to a birdwatcher’s library. Any item ordered through British BirdShop which fails to meet your approval can be returned and your money will be refunded without question. It is our aim to provide British Birds subscribers with the best and most reliable service possible. Items ordered through British BirdShop are despatched for British Birds subscribers by the Natural History Book Service. 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Answer next month First-summer Hobbies in the New Forest €■ Gensbol (1987) mentioned that the Hobby Falco subbuteo has a ‘distinctive’ first-summer plumage, but he failed to describe it, merely stating that the majority of such individuals presumably remain farther south during the summer. Observations in the New Forest, Hampshire, indicate, however, that brown-backed first-summer Hobbies reach Britain quite regularly, and G. P. Catley [in litt.) has also observed them in Derbyshire. Inexperienced or unwary birdwatchers could perhaps confuse these one-year-old Hobbies, especially in flight and under certain viewing ' conditions, with first-summer female Red-footed Falcons F. vespertinus, which they can sometimes resemble in both plumage and behaviour. \ I have watched Hobbies in the New Forest, particularly at Bishop’s [Bn/. Birds 85: 251-255, May 1992] Fig. 1. Hobby Fako mbbuteo (top four) and female Red-footed Falcon F. vespertirms (bottom three) in plumages {Brian Smalt). Top four: first-summer Hobbies showing range of observed variation. Bottom three: Red-footed Falcons in plumage resembling first-summer Hobby First-summer Hobbies in the New Forest 253 Dyke, for many years, and have become aware of the existence of distinctive, pale brown individuals in early summer. During each of the four summers 1986-89, I visited the area on up to five days per week in May, June and early July and made detailed notes and sketches of six first- summer Hobbies (one in 1986, two in 1987, two in 1988 and one in 1989). These birds were absent in late July and August, possibly having left the area. As well as being brown above, these Hobbies were notable for their conspicuousness, being visible, if not active, throughout the day (adults typically tend to be more obvious from mid-morning until _1_1. 30 hours, and then from around 14.30 onwards); often they hunt from dr simply rest on prominent perches, in this respect resembling Red-footed Falcons, but remaining ‘wild’ and not allowing close approach. Their flight was generally low, short and of varying speeds. This ‘loafing’ behaviour can be explained by the fact that these are non-breeding birds, and are not defending territories. Description Fig. 1 illustrates four first-summer Hobbies and three first-summer femeile Red-footed Falcons. First-summer Hobby closely resembles juvenile Hobby, but is generally a more washed-out, faded brown above; it lacks the pale buff margins to mande, scapulars and upperwing-coverts and also the pale trailing edge to the wing. Juvenile Hobby has blackish-brown or blue upperparts with buff feather fringes, and has a prominent pale trailing edge to the wing. The following is a detailed description of first-summer Hobby: HEAD Forehead pale, varying from pale brown to cream, generally extending as thin superciha to just behind eye; crown brown, shading darker towards rear; area surround- ing eye evenly dark brown-black, blackest immediately around eye, and extending as ‘moustache’. At rest and in flight, shows noticeable pale cream area(s) on nape separ- ating crown and mantle, with crown joining the mantle via either broad dark bands on side of neck or a central dark line from crown (see fig. 1). Variability in head colora- tion great: one individual in May and June 1987 had an extensive pale forehead, minimal ‘bleached-out’ brown on crown, and a complete pale cream collar (fig. 1, top centre). UPPERPARTS Mantle, scapulars and upperwing-coverts chocolate-brown, with slight rufous tinge in some lights, upperwing-coverts contrasting markedly with the darker remiges. (G. P. Catley in litt. noted a blue-grey tinge to the centre of brown mantle.) Uppertail and rump as mande, but faint dark barring discernible on outer tail feathers, especially when tail spread on landing. As with juvenile, tail may be tipped pale buff. UNDERPARTS Base colour shading from an off-white chin and cheeks, deepening through a rich buff on breast and flanks to cinnamon-buff tibial feathers (‘pale orangey apricot’: G. P. Cadey in litt), latter lacking the rich rufous colour of adult. Breast, belly and flanks streaked with brown-black (not black as on adult), streaking variable in width, being generally narrower on belly, and clustered on upper breast to form heavy ‘necklace’. Undertail pale rusty-cream, bar- red brown or black. BARE PARTS Legs pale yellow-ochre or sandy; eye, bill and cere as on adult, but with bluish basal area on bill. Discussion Cramp & Simmons (1980) stated that after post-juvenile moult, which occurs in March or April, the Hobby’s plumage resembles that of the S The inclusion of plate 1 14 and fig. 1 in colour has been subsidised by a donation from Carl ^eiss-Germar^. 254 First-summer Hobbies in the New Forest adult; as well as failing to describe the plumage, they show no illustration. Presumably, the first-summer plumage is acquired through fading and wear — it certainly looks like a faded juvenile plumage. There is, however, a possibility that it is a definite plumage phase acquired by moult, as with first-summer Red-footed Falcon. More research, and observations on the wintering grounds, are obviously needed in this area. Behavioural features and shape are usually diagnostic. The Hobby has long and pointed wings, as opposed to the broad-based, shorter and rather blunt wings of Red-footed Falcon (which, to my eyes, can be nearer to Kestrel F. tinnunculus in shape and flight action). Hobby has a dashing flight, catching prey on the wing, compared with Red-footed’s more deliberate perching or hovering when hunting. On several occasions, however, I have seen first-summer Hobbies perch in prominent positions, resting or hunting like shrikes Lanius, dropping on prey and then returning to the same exposed perch, a behaviour reminiscent of Red-footed Falcon; and sometimes hover briefly before the final ‘pounce’. In addition, my notes made in 1989 on a first-summer female Red- footed Falcon reveal some plumage similarities with first-summer Hobby. This Red-footed’s plumage was basically as that of a juvenile, but differed in its paler, slightly greyer, mantle, scapulars and upperwing-coverts, which also had a less ‘scalloped’ effect (I was surprised at how brown the bird could look in flight); its rich yellow-ochre underside and lesser underwing-coverts, with thin dark streaks strongest on breast and flanks; and its orange-red cere and eye-ring. First-summer Hobbies can show some plumage characters normally associated with juvenile and first- j summer female Red-footed Falcon: pale cream forehead, supercilia and collar; small restricted area of brown on crown; Hmited amount of brown- black around the eye (Hobby will always show a longer moustache); brown back and upperwing-coverts, occasionally with a blue-grey tinge to mantle, and darker, contrasting remiges; and also some barring on the uppertail. While most birdwatchers would not, given good views, misidentify Hobby as Red-footed Falcon, some caution is required when claiming flight-only views of first-summer Red-footed Falcon. I find it strange that neither Cramp & Simmons (1980) nor Porter et at. (1976) mentioned first- summer Hobby, failing even to recognise such a distinctive plumage phase. Harris et at. (1989) depicted, and in their second edition (1990) described, first-summer female Red-footed Falcon, but in their illustration the underside is too richly coloured and is not streaked enough. There is concern that the British population of the Hobby, as a rare breeding bird, may be slightly overestimated, since some of those reported may well be first-summer and thus non-breeding individuals. Spencer et at. \ (1990) stated that reports in 1988 from 321 localities indicated between 101 and 361 breeding pairs in Britain. Presumably, these numbers were inflated by a small percentage of first-summer Hobbies. Perhaps, if observations were made in late July and August, a more accurate assessment of breeding numbers could be attained. First-summer Hobbies in the New Forest 255 Acknowledgments I should like to thank the British Birds Rarities Committee, and especially G. P. Catley, for their invaluable help and encouragement with this paper. Summary A first-summer plumage exists for the Hobby Falco subbuteo, and individuals in this plumage reach Britain with some frequency (albeit in small numbers). Observers need to be aware of such a plumage when evaluating breeding numbers. Claims of first-summer female Red- footed Falcon F. vespertiniis should eliminate Hobby in this plumage stage. References Cramp, S., & Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) 1980. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 2. Oxford. Gensbol, B. 1987. Collins Guide to the Birds of Pr^ of Britain and Europe, North Africa and the Middle Blast (revised edn). .London. Harris, A., Tucker, L., & Vinicombe, K. 1989 (revised 1990). The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identfcation. London. Porter, R. F., Willis, L, Christensen, S., & Nielsen, B. P. 1976. Flight Identification of European Raptors. Berkhamsted. Spencer, R., & the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. 1990. Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1988. Brit. Birds 83: 353-390. Brian Small, 20 Willow Green, Worlin§Juorth, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP 13 7LP Fieldwork action BTO news Churring the night away During this month. Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus will be returning to our shores, and breeding in a variety of places. The last ten years have seen a great change in the available habitat for breeding Nightjars. Traditional habitats have diminished as the result of a variety of pressures, whilst others have been managed for conservation purposes. Two violent storms in October 1987 and January 1990 caused a fair amount of wind-throw damage in wood- land, creating potential Nightjar breeding habitat, whilst much of Britain’s commercial forest now enters its second rotation, again presenting new potential breeding habitat. So that we can get to grips with the effects of these changes, it is clearly time for another sur- vey. As the Nighqars return this year, an army of volunteers will be ready to greet them. You could be part of this great event. Taking part in the Nightjar survey will be an ideal way for you to help in the conservation of this truly magical species. With the RSPB, the BTO organised a pilot survey in 1991, to test our methods and to cover areas difficult to survey. The teams were pleasantly surprised by the number of Nightjars discov- ered, even though the birds arrived back around three weeks late, the first ones being sighted in the third week of May. The teams also discovered that pre-dawn visits are better for discovering Nighqars than dusk visits, and recommend that torches and compasses are standard equipment for Nighqar surveyors. You are surely itching to get involved, to go and discover the churring males, and to do your bit for the conservation of this species. If you want to get involved, write to Dave Burges c/ o my- self at the BTO HQ, The Nightjar survey is but one of the surveys that the BTO has on offer. This year, the Com Bunting Miliaria calcmdra is also singled out for a two-year survey, and there is a new project aimed at assessing the influence of organic farming methods on our bird populations. These mass-partici- pation events are in addition to a number of other long-term surveys. If you want to know more, and the benefits of joining the BTO, write to me at BTO HQ. See for yourself that the BTO of- fers you birding with a difference. Paul Green BTO, The Nmnety, Nunnery Place, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU ICBP news War damage in Croatia The recent war in (what was) Yugoslavia has had serious environmental impacts, according to ICBP representatives in the country. Access to many areas is still difficult, but it is clear that much habi- tat has been destroyed, and the presence of ttinks and troops has killed or disturbed wildlife in many sites. Of the country’s 57 Important Bird Areas (IBAs — as identified by ICBP in 1989), 19 are in Croatia where the fighting occurred, and several have been badly affected. Of particular concern are Kopacki Rit, a world-famous area of riverine forest at the confluence of the rivers Danube and Drava, and probably the most important site in central Europe for the globally threatened White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus aWidUa (15-20 pairs). The area has been occupied by the army for a long time, and many mines have been laid. The Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, also important for the White-tailed Eagle (15 pairs) and Corncrake Crex crex (120-200 pairs), as well as over 30 seri- ously declining species, is almost entirely in the war zone and army activities are considerable. The reproductive success of birds in these areas is likely to be disastrously low if the disturbances continue through the breeding season. Large areas of woodland in the country (40,000 ha in the Dubrovnik area and 2,500 ha in the Krka National Park, for example) have been burnt. An oil refinery at Sisak was attacked repeat- edly, releasing large quantities of oil into the river Sava, which floods important alluvial wetlands. The war has meant that all conservation activities have ceased, and there is no control over hunting or other human activities inside protected areas. ICBP has expressed concern to the EC and requested that assessments of the damage be made, and assistance to rehabilitate and restore the status of protected areas be given, as soon as hostilities have ceased. Meanwhile, ICBP’s IBA co-ordinator in Yugoslavia, Tibor Mikuska, is doing his best to collect information on IBAs and the birds they support, under these extremely difficult circumstances. Georgina Green Intematiorud Council for Bird Preservation, 32 Cambridge Road, Girton, Cambridge CB3 OPJ Announcements ‘BB’ in Thailand 1992 The highlights of the ‘BB’-SUNBIRD trip to Thailand during 16th | February to 1 1th March included Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficeduk mxi§maki and Coral-bUled Ground Cuckoos Carpococgix renauldi in Khao Yai National Park; Tristram’s Buntings Emberiza tiistrami, pro- longed close views of several ‘difficult’ skulking sjiecies such as Streaked Wren-Babbler Napothera brevicaudala, Pygmy Wren-Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla and Slaty-bellied Tesia Tesia olivea, and both Dark-sided Thrush ^oothera marginala and Grey-sided Thrush Turdus feae in the northern moun- tciins; and Masked Finfoot Hetiopais personata and Gurney’s Pitta Pitta gum^ during the week in peninsular Thailand. Totals of 18 species of thrush/chat and 31 species of warbler included all the usual Siberian winterers, such as Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope, Siberian Blue Robin L. (yane, Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger gianurus, Eye-browed Thrush Turdus obscurus, Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus juscatus, Radde’s Warbler P. schwarzi. Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephabis aedon, Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locuslella ceri/tiola and Lanceolated Warbler L. lanceokda. To assist with plans for the 1993 British Birds trip, provisional enquiries should be made now, to Sunbird, PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; telephone Sandy (0767) 682969. Books in ‘British BirdShop’ Note the REDUCED PRICE SPECIAL PREPUBUCATION OFFERS in this month’s British BirdShop. ^Handbook of the Birds of the World by Del Hoyo, Elliott & Sargatal *The Birds of Afirico by Fry, Keith & Urban For all book orders, please use the British BirdShop order form on pages xix & xx. 256 Announcements 257 ‘The Famous Grouse’ Scotch \^iusky Christmas puzzle: the solution The out-of-sequence bird in the grid on page xix in the December 1991 issue was KINGFISHER and the last one was SERIN. p F E E N C E R p C I N S R I E F C U U P E H G N I E s R H C E K u A N H U E S W w A T T F R I o L C L H O R I s O O H T G K N 6 8 5 52 64 47 50 48 4 12 10 2 60 53 63 46 9 14 7 13 51 49 40 58 11 3 61 1 62 59 54 45 15 26 20 25 55 57 41 39 19 24 29 27 30 37 44 34 16 21 31 22 32 56 42 38 18 23 17 28 43 36 33 35 The unique solution is shown here in the numbered grid. The nine birds were Snipe, Puffin, Cuckoo, Swallow, Nuthatch, Kingfisher, Treecreeper, Chough and Serin. All, except Kingfisher, are in current Voous systematic sequence. The first bird (Snipe) was suggested by ‘take a shot’ in the instructions. There were even more entries than for last year’s Christmas puzzle. The three winners of bot- tles of The Famous Grouse Scotch whisky were Phil Jones (Staffordshire), Bob Scott (Cambridgeshire) and John Simms (also Cambridgeshire). Additions to the British List The BOU Records Committee has recently accepted the fol- lowing records, which have also been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee: Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor St Mary’s, Scilly, 6th- 10th June 1990 Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo Jlavifrons Kenidjack, Cornwall, 20th-27th September 1990 These two species will officially be added to Category A of the British List upon publication in autumn 1992 of the Seventeenth report of the BOURC in The Ibis. The Sixteenth report, published in April 1992, notes the transference of five species from Cate- gory A to Category B (the latter now referring to species not recorded in an apparendy wild state in Britain or Ireland since 31st December 1957): Magnificent Frigatebird Fregaia magnifkens (one in 1953), Ruddy Shelduck Tadoma ferru^nea (last record of apparently wild individual in 1946), Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (last in 1952), Black Wheatear Oerumthe leucura (last in 1954) and Summer Tanager Piranga rubra (one in 1957). Bturow’s Goldeneye Bucephak iskndka, formerly in Category D, is now included in Category A on the basis of the adult male at Irvine, Strathclyde, from 4th November to 28th December 1979. With the rejection of all four British records of the species, the sole remaining accepted record of Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus is the Juvenile at Tacumshin, Co. Wexford, from 30th September to 2nd October 1985 {Irish Birds 3: 596-600, 649- 652). Identification of the adult male Daurian Redstart Phoenkurus auroreus on the Isle of May, Fife, during 29th-30th April 1988 was accepted, but the species is not added to any category of the British List, since the race concerned, kucopterus, is a short-distance migrant, there have been im- portations of the race in recent years to Britain and elsewhere in Western Europe, and feather wear of the specimen suggested a period in captivity. Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutik is retained in Category D after reconsideration of the four 1974-86 records, since the risk of captive origin is considered to be high. ‘British BirdShop’ subsidises ‘BB’ Please order all your bird books by using the British BirdShop order forms which are included in BB each month (pages xix & xx, between pages 250 and 251, this month). All the profits received by BB go directly towards funding extra pages, extra photographs and the use of colour illustrations within BB itself. By using the POST FREE service provided by British BirdShop, you not only receive the quickest and most efficient mail-order bird-book service, but also help to improve the contents of BB, and hold down the subscription price, to everyone’s benefit. Thank you for supporting us. Request Photographs of 1991 rarities needed Colour prints, black-and-white prints and colour trans- parencies are needed to illustrate the Rarities Committee’s next report. Please send prints or slides (as soon as possible) to Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, British Birds, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bed- ford MK44 3NJ. We rely on readers’ help, so that we can include the best possible selection.Thank you. News and comment Robin Prytkerch and Mike Everett Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ Magpies innocent Didn’t we know it al- ready? Now we have some proof. A newly- published study has failed to find any evidence that recent increases in Magpie Pka pka num- bers has made any difference, countrywide, to the numbers of small birds. Steve Gooch, Stephen Baillie and Tim Birkhead have anal- ysed the extensive records of bird population levels held by the BTO to come to their conclusions Qoumd of Applied Ecology 28: 1068-1086). They looked at the records for Magpies and 15 species of songbirds over a 21 -year period from 1966 to 1986. Magpies increased by 4%- 5% a year on average, with highest rates in the southwest of England and in suburban and scrub habitats. None of the 15 species of songbird decreased; indeed, four increased and, furthermore, the regional success of the song- birds was in no way related to Magpie num- bers. In woodland, songbird numbers increased most where Magpie numbers were high and increasing! This important piece of research will help to restore a more balanced approach to the arguments about Magpies and song- birds. Research is continuing where Magpies may be having an effect on local bird popula- tions. If you would like further information and can’t obtain the paper, send a large SAE to MAGPIES, BTO, The National Centre for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. White Storks via satellite Following the exciting results from satellite tracking of alba- trosses Diomedea and caribou Ranker larandus, it will be fascinating to see the results of a similar tracking experiment on White Storks Ciconia ci- conia which is to be undertaken by French sci- entists based in Strasbourg. We may have to wait, though, as they are hoping to improve the life of the transmitters from a few months to three years. Following individual birds on their migrations and winter wanderings may provide invaluable, and maybe surprising, in- formation which will contribute to the species’ protection. Jamaica’s birds The now familiar story of hunting, and destruction of rainforest for agri- culture, industry and housing is one that ap- plies to the Caribbean island of Jamaica. Its 25 species of endemic birds are particularly vul- nerable. As part of the plan to raise funds to encourage protection and education, Martin Woodcock has donated a painting, to be re- produced in a limited edition of 850 prints, of Jamaica’s national bird, the exquisite Red- biUed Streamertail TrochHus polytmus. Martin, in his letter to BB wrote ‘I am very pleased to be able to make a contribution towards such a desperately needed programme, especially be- cause of the wonderful birding experiences I myself have had in Jamaica.’ If you would like more information, or to buy a print, write to ‘Save the Birds of Jamaica Appeal’, c/o Supe- rior Creative Services Ltd, Melksham, Wilt- shire SN12 6TS. R&M Conference 1992 The weekend of 3rd-5th January 1992 saw 375 bird-ringers gathering at Swanwick for the 24th Annual Ringing and Migration Conference. Roger 258 News and comment 259 Beecroft and Stephen Rumsey’s Friday evening talk ‘With the migrants to Senegal’ revealed a country where literally millions of European summer visitors and passage mig- rants spend the winter. Large-scale ringing has recendy begun and a good sales job was going on to persuade more ringers to go there and help. The Saturday morning ringers’ AGM dealt with matters of specific concern to ringers and included the information that the ringing scheme costs about j{j300,000 per annum to run. Funds come from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and from the BTO itself, but the ringers’ own contri- bution is very substantial, through permit fees, purchase of rings and other sales. Value for money is difficult to measure, but the remainder of the conference gave ample evidence of the quantity and quality of much of the data that ringers generate. Rhys Green kicked off with a talk, notable for its clarity of presentation, on the Stone- curlew Burhinus oedknemus, showing how vital conservation management was being aided by ringing and radio-tracking. Those well- known Dipper-enthusiasts, Stephanie Tyler and Steve Ormerod, then told us about Welsh Dippers Cinclus cincliis, followed by an analysis of ringing recoveries of Lapwings Vanellns vanellus, by Patrick Thompson and Will Peach. Will then combined with Stephen BaiUie to describe how populations of migrant warblers may be regulated. After tea came two short talks, on num- bers and biometrics of Melodious Hippolais polyglotta and Icterine Warblers H. icterim at British Bird Observatories, by Mick Rogers and Dave Okill (standing in for Paul Har- vey), respectively. I was not alone in think- ing that a comparative study might have been a better approach. The day was conclu- ded by Fernando Spina from Italy, describ- ing the ambitious and very successful, project to man ringing stations in April-May on small islands off the west coast of Italy to follow the course of small migrants as they cross the Mediterranean and head north into Europe. We were all sad that illness prevented W. D. Campbell from regaling us on ‘Birds, Bugs and Berries’ on the Saturday evening. That was not the only blight cast over the evening’s proceedings. A most shame-faced manager of the Conference Centre confes- sed that the draught bitter had run out, through an ordering cock-up. I do not know what profits he lost as a consequence, but the local pubs must have felt that every one of their prayers for a prosperous New Year had been answered. Back to work on Sunday morning with equally fascinating accounts of the results of marking Pink-footed Geese Anser brachyrhyn- chus in Lancashire, Iceland and Greenland from John Turner and marking Brent Geese Branta bemicla in Arctic Canada from Terry Carruthers. Oh, to be in the Arctic, when the geese are there! Nigel Clark had a grim tale of the mortality suffered by Redshanks Tringa totanus in the Wash during severe weather in February 1991. This cold spell was long enough to kill at least half the wintering Redshanks in the Wash, yet was apparendy not long enough to trigger a ban on fore- shore shooting. An unsatisfactory state of affairs. The final talks were on Nightjars Caprimul- gus europaeus in Dorset and on Dotterels Charadrius morimllus in Scodand. Brian Cress- well has shown by radio-tracking that Night- jars may hunt several kilometres from their nest site and use very different habitats. Philip Whitfield explained some of the difficulties in censusing Dotterels and how the females indulge in polyandry. Ringing has revealed rapid movements across the North Sea, raising the possibility of Dotterels breeding in Scodand and in Norway in the same year. And so we dispersed, old acquaintances renewed and new information absorbed, along with perhaps not quite as much bitter as usual. {MAO} Dr Boonsong Lekagul One of the pioneers of conservation in Asia, Dr Boonsong died on 10th February 1992 at the age of 85. He had been severely incapacitated ever since May 1985 when he suffered a massive stroke. Though most familiar to readers of British Birds in connection with the field guides to Thai birds which bear his name. Dr Boonsong was a natural historian of the old school rather than an ornithologist. Large mammals, espe- cially the wild catde, were his first love, though in later years he also became deeply interested in bats, at least one of which, Hipposideros leka- guli (Dr Boonsong’s roundleaf bat), betu^ his name. He tirelessly promoted conservation among his own countrymen and successfully fought for the passage of Thailand’s first wildlife and national parks legislation, which led to the creation of Khao Yai National Park. He was unstinting in the help he gave to the Request Photographs of 1991 rarities needed Colour prints, black-and-white prints and colour trans- parencies are needed to illustrate the Rarities Committee’s next report. Please send prints or slides (as soon as possible) to Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, British Birds, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bed- ford MK44 3NJ. We rely on readers’ help, so that we can include the best possible selection.Thank you. News and comment Robin Prytherch and Mike Everett Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ Magpies innocent Didn’t we know it al- ready? Now we have some proof. A newly- published smdy has failed to find any evidence that recent incretises in Magpie Pka pica num- bers has made any difference, countrywide, to the numbers of small birds. Steve Gooch, Stephen Baillie and Tim Birkhead have anal- ysed the extensive records of bird population levels held by the BTO to come to their conclusions (Joumal of Af^Bed Ecology' 28: 1068-1086). They looked at the records for Magpies and 15 species of songbirds over a 21 -year period from 1966 to 1986. Magpies increased by 4%- 5% a year on average, with highest rates in the southwest of England and in suburban and scrub habitats. None of the 15 species of songbird decreased; indeed, four increased and, furthermore, the regional success of the song- birds was in no way related to Magpie num- bers. In woodland, songbird numbers increased most where Magpie numbers were high and increasing! This important piece of research will help to restore a more balanced approach to the arguments about Magpies and song- birds. Research is continuing where Magpies may be having an effect on local bird popula- tions. If you would like further information and can’t obtain the paper, send a large SAE to MAGPIES, BTO, The National Centre for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. White Storks via satellite Following the exciting results from satellite tracking of alba- trosses Diormdea and caribou Rangifer tarandus, it will be fascinating to see the results of a similar tracking experiment on White Storks Ciconia ci- conia which is to be undertaken by French sci- entists based in Strasbourg. We may have to wait, though, as they are hoping to improve the life of the transmitters from a few months to three years. Following individual birds on their migrations and winter wanderings may provide invaluable, and maybe surprising, in- formation which will contribute to the species’ protection. Jamaica’s birds The now familiar story of hunting, and destruction of rainforest for agri- culture, industry and housing is one that ap- plies to the Caribbean island of Jamaica. Its 25 species of endemic birds are particularly vul- nerable. As part of the plan to raise funds to encourage protection and education, Martin Woodcock has donated a painting, to be re- produced in a limited edition of 850 prints, of Jamaica’s national bird, the exquisite Red- billed Streamertail Trochilus polytnms. Martin, in his letter to BB wrote ‘I am very pleased to be able to make a contribution towards such a desperately needed programme, especially be- cause of the wonderful birding experiences I myself have had in Jamtiica.’ If you would like more information, or to buy a print, write to ‘Save the Birds of Jamaica Appeal’, c/o Supe- rior Creative Services Ltd, Melksham, Wilt- shire SNI2 6TS. R&M Conference 1992 The weekend of 3rd-5th January 1992 saw 375 bird-ringers gathering at Swanwick for the 24th Annual Ringing and Migration Conference. Roger 258 News and comment 259 Beecroft and Stephen Rumsey’s Friday evening talk ‘With the migrants to Senegal’ revealed a country where literally milhons of European summer visitors and passage mig- rants spend the winter. Large-scale ringing has recendy begun and a good sales job was going on to persuade more ringers to go there and help. The Saturday morning ringers’ AGM dealt with matters of specific concern to ringers and included the information that the ringing scheme costs about ^^300, 000 per annum to run. Funds come from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and from the BTO itself, but the ringers’ own contri- bution is very substantial, through permit fees, purchase of rings and other sales. Value for money is difficult to measure, but the remainder of the conference gave ample evidence of the quantity and quality of much of the data that ringers generate. Rhys Green kicked off with a talk, notable for its clarity of presentation, on the Stone- curlew Burhinus oedimemus, showing how vital conservation management was being aided by ringing and radio-tracking. Those well- known Dipper-enthusiasts, Stephanie Tyler and Steve Ormerod, then told us about Welsh Dippers Cinclus cinclus, followed by an analysis of ringing recoveries of Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, by Patrick Thompson and Will Peach. Will then combined with Stephen Bailhe to describe how populations of migrant warblers may be regulated. After tea came two short talks, on num- bers and biometrics of Melodious Hippolais polygbtta and Icterine Warblers H. kterina at British Bird Observatories, by Mick Rogers and Dave Okill (standing in for Paul Flar- vey), respectively. I was not ttione in think- ing that a comparative study might have been a better approach. The day was conclu- ded by Fernando Spina from Italy, describ- ing the ambitious and very successful, project to man ringing stations in April-May on small islands off the west coast of Italy to follow the course of small migrants as they cross the Mediterranean and head north into Europe. We were all sad that illness prevented W. D. Campbell from regaling us on ‘Birds, Bugs and Berries’ on the Saturday evening. That was not the only blight cast over the evening’s proceedings. A most shame-faced manager of the Conference Centre confes- sed that the draught bitter had run out, through an ordering cock-up. I do not know what profits he lost as a consequence, but the local pubs must have felt that every one of their prayers for a prosperous New Year had been answered. Back to work on Sunday morning with equally fascinating accounts of the results of marking Pink-footed Geese Anser brackyrhyn- chus in Lancashire, Iceland and Greenland from John Turner and marking Brent Geese Branta bemicla in Arctic Canada from Terry Carruthers. Oh, to be in the Arctic, when the geese are there! Nigel Clark had a grim tale of the mortality suffered by Redshanks Tringa totanus in the Wash during severe weather in February 1991. This cold spell was long enough to kill at least half the wintering Redshanks in the Wash, yet was apparently not long enough to trigger a ban on fore- shore shooting. An unsatisfactory state of affairs. The final talks were on Nightjars Caprimul- gus europaeus in Dorset and on Dotterels Charadrius morinellus in Scotland. Brian Cress- well has shown by radio-tracking that Night- jars may hunt several kilometres from their nest site and use very different habitats. Philip Whitfield explained some of the difficulties in censusing Dotterels and how the females indulge in polyandry. Ringing has revealed rapid movements across the North Sea, raising the possibility of Dotterels breeding in Scotland and in Norway in the same year. And so we dispersed, old acquaintances renewed and new information absorbed, along with perhaps not quite as much bitter as usual. {AAAO) Dr Boonsong Lekagul One of the pioneers of conservation in Asia, Dr Boonsong died on 10th February 1992 at the age of 85. He had been severely incapacitated ever since May 1985 when he suffered a massive stroke. Though most familiar to readers of British Birds in connection with the field guides to Thai birds which bear his name. Dr Boonsong was a natural historian of the old school rather than an ornithologist. Large mammals, espe- cially the wild cattle, were his first love, though in later years he also became deeply interested in bats, at least one of which, Bipposideros kka- guh (Dr Boonsong’s roundleaf bat), bears his name. He tirelessly promoted conservation among his own countrymen and successfully fought for the passage of Thailand’s first wildlife and national parks legislation, which led to the creation of Khao Yai National Park. He was unstinting in the help he gave to the 260 News and comment many foreign biologists and other visitors who called on him, and his dusty, wood-panelled study, lined with books and animal specimens, was an essential first stop in Bangkok for many car-loads of British birdwatchers during the late 1970s and early 1980s. {Philip Round) European Bird Art Awards Carefully de- signed by Bird Watching magazine to be com- plementary to (and not to compete with) BB% ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’, this competition is sponsored in 1992 by Swarovski Optik KG. This is its second year, and it is again organ- ised jointly by Bird Watching and the Wildlife Art Gallery. The top prize is 1,000 in cash and a Swarovski crystal trophy. The full rules are obtainable from The Wildlife Art Gallery, 70-71 High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk COlO 9FF, phone 0787-248-562, but huny. the closing date for entries (35-mm transparencies of up to three works of art) is Friday 22nd May. Congratulations — and apologies Our apologies to Roy Dennis for omitting to men- tion him last time: Roy, too, was included in the New Year Honours List, where he re- ceived a well-deserved OBE in recognition of more than a score of years’ work for ornithol- ogy and conservation in Scotland. More congratulations First, to Dr Ian Newton, who has received the RSPB Medal. Ian is head of vertebrate ecology at the Natu- ral Environment Research Council’s Monks Wood Experimental Station: an outstanding research scientist who readily applies his work to the understanding of bird-conservation problems. Many BB readers will be familiar with his work on raptors and finches and know that his name appears each month inside the front cover of this magazine: he is a member of our Behaviour Notes Panel. Well done, Ian. Secondly, to the RSPB, whose magazine Birds was named as Best Corporate Magazine of the Year in The Publisher magazine awards last November. A well-deserved award, so well done RSPB and the Editor, Rob Hume, and his team. We have a link with Rob, too: he is one of the valued members of the BB Rarities Committee. ‘Birding’ The latest issue (December 1991) of Birding, the journal of our sister organisation, the American Birding Association, contains beautifully illustrated papers on US records of Aztec Thrush i^oothera pinitola, and on the Aleutian Tern Sterna akutica, and the first of two articles on Hong Kong’s waders (‘shore- birds’ in the USA, where, apparently, wader enthusiasts are classified as either ‘peep-ophiles’ or ‘plover lovers’). As usual, there are lots of other features, including the ABA equivalent of ‘Mystery photographs’, ‘Photo Quiz’, which has three problems (not one) in every issue. A whole page is devoted to the feature ‘Twenty Years Ago in Birding, not just the snippet which we give for our ‘Seventy-five years ago . . .’ remi- niscences. It costs just £20.00 (or USS37.00) to join the ABA, or you can obtain a sample copy for £2.00 (or USS3.50). Write to American Bird- ing Association, PO Box 6599, Colorado Springs, Co 80934, USA. New member for ‘Birding South West’ ‘Birding South West’, the telephone news- service which donates all its profits to conser- vation, has announced that Mashuq Ahmad has joined as a full team-member. This follows the merging of the telephone information side of ‘Birdlink’ with ‘Birding South West’. Sight- ings can be reported on 0426-923923, and all up-to-the-minute news can be heard on 0891- 884500. ‘Rare Bird News’ This is the name of the new, independent bird-information service which came on line on 1st April. ‘Rare Bird News’ operates wholly on a cheaper phone-caU tariff, thus significandy re- ducing the cost of bird news to birdwatchers. Furthermore, its hotline number (to phone in news of bird sightings) is charged at local rates from anywhere in the country. A proportion of the profits is being donated to conservation. The number on which to leave details of your bird sightings is 0426-923-923, and the number to phone for the cheapest bird news is 0881-888-1 1 1. All calls will be charged at 25p cheap rate and 39p at other times. New publication Peter Cunningham has sent us a copy of his Checklist of the Birds of the Western Isles. It gives a one-line or two-line entry for each of the 315 or so species which have occurred there, including brief informa- tion on status and distribution. It is well printed, will fit easily into pocket or field guide and costs only 80p (plus 30p by post). It is available from The Western Isles Tourist Board, South Beach, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis PA87 2XY, Welsh Bird Report The fourth Webh Bird Report, for 1990, has recendy appeared. Apart from the systematic list, there is also a ringing report and several notes and papers. Most in- terestingly, the Welsh OmitiiologictJ Society News and comment 261 has published its report with the help of a sponsor. The species list contains much infor- mation, but it is also a pleasure to read. Its 80 pages cost £3.00 from the Report Editor, Mike Shrubb, Hillcrest, Uanwrtyd Wells, Powys LD5 4TL. What they think of us? The binocular and telescope company, ‘in focus’, writing to invite BB to enter a team in this year’s County Bird Race, said that it ‘will be pletised to find a team to represent you if you are unable to find four birdwatchers within your organisation . . .’. Monthly marathon The January stage (plate 9) was intended to be tricky, showing only half a bird, but few people found any need for the full picture (shown below). Answers were as follows; Swallow Hirundo rustka (96%) Eastern Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pkata (2%) Pied Wheatear 0. pleschanka ( 1 %) Sand Martin Riparia riparia (1%) The February stage (plate 39) provided a slightly tougher test. Answers were as follows: Twite Carduelis Jlcwirostris (86%) Arctic Redpoll C. homemanni (5%) Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens (4%) with a few votes for Linnet Carduelis cannabina, Lapland Bunting Cakarius lapponicia and Litde Bunting Emberiza pusilla (and one for the ineligible non-West-Palearctic Yemen Serin Serinus men- achensis). It was, indeed, a Twite, photographed in the Netherlands by Marc Raes in November 1983. The eight leading contenders all survived these two hurdles, with G. P. Cat- ley, P. A. Clark, Roy Hargreaves, Hannu Jannes, P. G. Lansdown, Pekka J. Nikander and Dave Numey all on ten-in-a-row sequences, and Mrs S. K. Armstrong with a run of nine correct answers. When only one of them re- mains, he or she will win the prize of a SUNBIRD birdwatching holiday in Africa, Asia or North America. For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; or tele- phone Sandy (0767) 682969. 115. Swallow Hirundo rustka, Norfolk, May 1984 (Steve Youn^ Sponsored by 262 Monthly marathon 116. ‘Monthly marathon’ (twenty-second stage in fifth contest or first or second stage in sixth contest: photograph number 71). Identify the species. Read the rules on pages 31-32 in the January issue, then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15th June 1992 Recent reports Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeeham This summary covers the period 13th March to 9th .^ril 1992 These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis Cley (Norfolk), 26th March. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Brand’s Bay, Poole (Dorset), 19th March. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea St Kilda (West- ern Isles), 10th-20th March (died); Guernsey (Channel Islands), 25th-27th March; Poole, 8th to at least 9th April. Conunon Scoter Melanitta nigra Individual of North American race americam, Casdegregory (Co. Kerry), 14th-22nd March (first Irish record). Laughing Gull Lams atricilla Gronant Beach (Clwyd), 28th March. Bonaparte’s Gull Lams Philadelphia Camel Estuary (Cornwall), 29th March. Caspian Tern Stmia caspia Lackford Wild- fowl Reserve, near Bury St Edmunds (Suffolk), 5th-7th April. Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus Lundy (Devon), 9th April. I Tawny Owl Strix aluco Picked up injured (sub- j sequently died). Lame (Co. Antrim), 22nd ( March (first Irish record). j Alpine Swift Apus melba Westcliff-on-Sea j (Essex), 18th March; Dun Laoghaire (Co. i Dublin), 19th-20th March; three singles (per- haps same individual) up to 10 km south of Dun Laoghaire and flock of five at KilUney (6 km south of Dun Laoghtdre), 20th March. Hoopoe Upupa epops North Slob (Co. Wex- ford), 7th April. Grey*headed Woodpecker Ihcus conus Jer- sey (Channel Islands), 13th March. Pallas’s Warbler Phylhscopus proregulus Bog- nor Regis (West Sussex), 14th-23rd March. Pine Grosbeak Ihnicola enucleator Lerwick (Shedand), 25th March to at least 9th April. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica New Salt- fleetby (Lincolnshire), 22nd March. For the latest, up-to-date news, phone ‘Rare Bird News’ on 0881-888 111 (25p/min cheap rate; 39p/min other times; incl. VAT) We are grateful to Rare Bird News for supplying information for this news feature. THE ALL NEW INDEPENDENT TELEPHONE INFORMATION SERVICE RARE BIRD NEWS 0881 888 111 CHEAPER & BETTER VALUE BIRD NEWS CALLS COST 25p/MIN CHEAP RATE & 39p/MIN ALL OTHER TIMES INCLUDING VAT, PAY LESS FOR RARE BIRD NEWS HOTLINE TO REPORT YOUR SIGHTINGS ON LOCAL RATES 0426 923 923 RARE BIRD NEWS IS HELPING CONSERVATION / RARE BIRD NEWS IS A BUSINESS NAME OF ACE LINE MANAGEMENT LTD, 146 KEW ROAD, RICHMOND, SURREY TW9 2AU XXI HOSKING TOURS WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHIC HOLIDAYS to KENYA July 24th, - Aug 7th.1992 July 23rd. - Aug 6th.1993 THE FALKLAND ISLANDS Nov 30th. - Dec 17th.1992 TANZANIA Jan 21st. - Feb eth.1993 INDIA March 5th. - 19th.1993 SEYCHELLES May 22nd. - June Sth.l 993 CHURCHILL October 1993 For further details & brochures contact HOSKING TOURS LTD Pages Green House, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket, Suffolk. IP14 5QA Tel. (0728)861 1 1 3 Fax. (0728)860222 (D120) NOS OISEAUX The Swiss ornithological journal appears four times a year (approximately 250 pages) and publishes articles and reports in French, with abstracts in German and English covering the central European avifauna, particular emphasis is placed on original contributions. Annual subscription: 33 Swiss Francs A free copy may be obtained by writing to the following address: Administration, Nos Oiseaux Case Postale 54 CH1 197 PRANGINS (Switzerland) (di32) THE AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION invites readers of British Birds into our membership. If you join the only North American association of and for birders, you will receive Birding, our bi-monthly magazine which gives active field birders the expertise they seek, and Winging It, a lively monthly newsletter with the latest happenings and rarities. Many ABA birdwatchers are available to advise or guide visitors to their local areas. These members are listed in our Membership Directory. Annual Dues: US$ 37.00 or £20.00. Sterling checks acceptable. For sample copies, send US$3.50 or £2.00 to: American Birding Association ^ PO Box 6599 Colorado Springs, CO 80934 USA (D96^ XXII Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be PREPAID and sent to British Birds Advertising Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Telephone 0621 815085 Fax 0621 819130 HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION ENGLAND WEST SUSSEX, Pagham Harbour/Selsey. Beau- tiful Georgian Farmhouse, with purpose built B&B accommodation. All facilities provided. Warm, friendly atmosphere, children welcome. Open all year. Tel; 0243 602790. (BB530) EXMOOR for country and animal lovers. Farm- house accommodation, bed and breakfast and evening meal, or self-catering cottage. Details from; French, Brendon Barton, Lynton, Devon. Tel; 059 87 201. (BB793) CLEY. Attractive house in village, four bed- rooms, large garden, gtirage, c.h. Available all year. Details from Mrs E. Album, 47 Lyndale Avenue, London NW2. Tel; 07M31 2942. (BB918) CLEY. 3 Quality cottages (sleep 4, 6 and 6 + 2). Quiet. Comfortable. Excellent value. Brochure; (0353) 740770. (BB097) WEYMOUTH. ‘Birchfields Hotel’. Close to Radipole/Lodmoor/Portland & The Fleet Ideal Winter/Spring breaks, local info’. Parties wel- come. Details phone 0305 773255. (BB098) TJU Elemt Gcoigun Hotel wUitt Excclmt Food & Accommodation I 5 crowns commended jjrnvi Qcv 3 miles: Bareain Breaks DBib £39 tTdi= StadonRiMd,HolLWoliLTel:02tt7l3890 (BB963) EXMOOR. Peaceful s/ catering c/heated holiday homes in National Trust Village. Marshes, woods and moorland — rich in birdlife. Reduced spring/autumn terms. Open all year. Resident Proprietors, Pack Horse, Allerford, nr Mine- head. Tel; 0643 862475. (BB026) N. W. NORFOLK COAST - Snettisham. Two warm and pretty cottages (Tourist Board ‘Com- mended’ - 4 key) . Sleeps 4. Ideally situated close to major bird reserves. Averil Campbell. Tel. 0485 541179. (BB938) 1 FARM COTTAGES between Lindisfarne Reserve and The Fames. Comfortable and well equipped. Sorry no pets. Brochure; Mrs J. Sutherland, Ross i Farm, BelJFord, Northumberland NE70 'TEN. Tel; 0668 213336. (BB766) GRACIOUS GEORGIAN HOUSE in private grounds. Central to the Yorkshire Dales, Gouth- waite. Scar and Angram reservoirs. High stan- dard of accommodation. Private bathrooms. Interesting home cooking. Friendly quiet atmo- sphere. E.T.B. 3 crovm commended. Residential licence. Ideal birdwatching area. Sae; brochure; Mrs P. B. Garforth, Grassfields Country House Hotel, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate. Tel; Harrogate 711412. (BB088) fcLEY NATCIRE RESERVE 1 mUel Small guest house offers you warm welcome. B&B and optional evening meal. Colour TV, tea-making facilities, all private facilities and central heating in all rooms. Parking facilities and sorry, no smoking. IDEAL FOR BIRDWATCHERS THE FUNTSTOIiES, WIVETON, HOLT. NORFOLK 0263 740337 (BB160) J SCOTLAND ALL OVER SCOTLAND. Comfortable cot- tages and chalets in attracUve locadons through- out Scotland. Stamp please for free 84-page colour brochure. Holiday Cottages (Scotland) Ltd, Lilliesleaf, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6 9p. Tel; 08357 481. (BB936) SPEY VALLEY. Beautiful secluded informal country hotel, 2 miles from village of Carr- bridge. Home cooking, full central heating. All rooms en-suite. Perfect base for birdwatchers and walkers. Discount available for parties. Terms from £180.00 per week DB&B. Brochure from Mrs Y Holland. The Old Manse Hotel, Duthil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. Tel; 0479 84278. (BB163) STRATHSPEY SELF CATERING. 1 crown to 5 crowns highly commended. Colour brochure from S.S.C., Ballingtomb Cottages, Dulnain Bridge PH26 3LS. Tel, 047 985 322. (BB937) BOAT OF GARTEN, OLD FERRYMAN’S HOUSE. BB £13.50, DBB £22, PL £3, Bird regis- ter. Open fire in sitnng room. Few minutes walk to RSPB reserve. Tel; 047983 370. (BBl 12) ISLAY, GEESE. Warm cottages sleep 8, 7 or 2. Lady Wilson, Gala na Ruadh, Port Charlotte. Tel; 289 (BB943) ISLE OF MULL. A stable converted into two warm, comfortable flats. Frachadil Farm, Cal- gary. Tel; 068 84 265 or (0453) 833323. (BB037) ISLE OF GIGHA, Argyllshire. For a holiday sur- rounded by natural beauty, sandy beaches, exotic gardens, birds, wild flowers, good food and comfortable accommodation. Also self catering accommodation. Please contact Mrs. Mc- Sporran, Post Office House 058-35 251. (BB036) THE HOTEL, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA61 TYP. Demi-pension (Private bath) from £48.00. De- tails, brochures, map (bird list on request). Tel; 09512 316. (BB965) GALLOWAY. Hills, 1 ochs, forests and sea. Speciality, birds of prey and waterfowl. High quality self-catering houses, cottages, flats. De- tails G. M. Thomson & Co, 27 King Street, Casde Douglas. 0556 2973. (BB964) ORKNEY ISLES; Glen, Rackwick, Isle of Hoy. Small hill farm adjacent to RSPB Reserve, or- nithologist’s paradise; sea birds, moorland, meadow, birds of prey. Bed and breakfast. 1 dou- ble, 1 twin; evening meal optional. Special rate for 3 days. DBB £45 per person. Also well equipped self-catering chalet and small cottage. Tel: Rendall 0856 79262. (BB039) SPEY VALLEY. Maureen and Larry once again invite guests to sample their highland hospitality. Set in five acres, our home has uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. Bird register available. Good home cooking and a warm welcome await you. D/B/B £130 p.w. (All rooms en-suite). Brochure: Maureen Taulbut, “Braes of Duthil’, Duthil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire PH23 3ND. 047984 395. (BB138) ELLARY ESTATE— MOST ATTRACTIVE choice of self-catering cottages and chalets situ- ated on the shores of Loch Caolisport. While you are at Ellary you are free to go wherever you please. There are hill walks, many lochs and burns where you can fish, numerous wildlife, birds, flowers, etc. The perfect location for the true country lover. For full colour brochure please write to: The Booking Office, Ellary 7, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8PA. Tel: 08803 232/ 209 or 054685 223. (BB983) SOUTH STACK, ANGLESEY. Tan-y-Cytiau Country Guest House. Lovely comfortable Edwardian house peacefully situated on slopes of Holyhead Mountain. Gardens bordering South Stack RSPB Reserve. Friendly atmo- sphere, excellent fresh cuisine. Licensed. S.C. Lodge in grounds sleeps 7. Phone Pam or Stan Keating on 0407 762763 for brochure. (BB832) YSBYTY YSTWYTH, s.c. cottage, 4/5, kite country, all year. Brochure 021-744 1947. (BB939) RED KITE COUNTRY. Tregaron — Guest- House standing in 22 acres, overlooking the Cambrian Mountains and on the doorstep of the Cors Caron Nature Reserve. Central for Dinas and Ynys-hir RSPB reserves. Parties welcome. WTB — 3 crowns. For brochure, phone Mar- garet Cutter, 0974 298965 or 298905. (BB083) PRESIU, WEST WALES. Cottage available most dates April-September. 2-4 persons. Suit bird watchers, walkers. All amenities close (0222) 615176. (BB120) OVERSEAS S. E. SPAIN - comfortable house, convenient major wedands/beach. All mod cons. Sleeps 3/4. Bird list and details. Tel: 0233 628547. (BB134) ISLE OF ISLAY, HEBRIDES. Five superbly equipped cottages, open throughout year. Per- fect situation with views, minutes to charming vil- lage. Short drive to RSPB reserve at Gruinart. Brochure: Mrs Sarah Roy, Lorgba Holiday Cot- tage, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, Argyll. Tel: 049 685/208. (BB999) HEART OF CAMARGUE. Secluded well equipped farm cottage. Mas d’Auphan, Le Sam- buc, 13200 ARLES, France (01033) 90972041. (BB146) BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS SPEY VALLEY. Uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. All rooms en-suite; tea and coffee making facilities: Db&b £130. Brochure from: Penny Bailey, The Lodge, Easter Duthil, Carr- bridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84503. (BB089) SUMBURGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, SHET- LAND. Spectacular clifftop location. Seabird colonies, seawatching, passage migrants, all around. Selfcatering cottage sleeps 5, central heating, newly furnished, fully equipped except linen. Road to door. Virkie Pool, Grutness, white- sand beaches, Restaurant/Bar, Airport, all within 2‘/s miles. Also unfurnished Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage for long let. Details from Torquil John- son-Ferguson, Solwaybank, Canonbie, Dum- fnesshire, DGl 4 OXS. 03873 72240. (BB087) WALES ANGLESEY. Superb waterside position with magnificent views. Ideal centre for bird watchers and botanist in area of outstanding natural beauty. Elegant en suite rooms available for bed and breakfast. Highground, Ravenspoint Road, Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd LL65 2YY. Tel: (0407) 860078. (BB135) The Travel Agency (or Birdwatchers DISCOUNT FLIGHTS...Worldwide Return fares from London from U.K./EUROPE E79 M. EAST £129 CARIBBEAN £323 C. & S. AMERICA £399 AFRICA £104 N. AMERICA £175 ASIA £299 AUS/NZ £599 SEA TRAVEL : CAR HIRE : INSURANCE PACKAGE HOLIDAYS (Save up to El 50) ACCOMMODATION : EXPEDITIONS & GROUPS ANTARCTIC & FALKLANDS Tours from C2750 pp. Brochure & Video availabis. Ask tor leaflet detailing our services. 0272-259999 BnfsT0?BSnAU orDICKFILBY0603-767-757 (BB121) TAKING BIRDWATCHERS TO EUROPE AND BEYOND SIBERIA • NEPAL • THE GAMBIA MALLORCA • CAMARGUE EGYPT • DANUBE DELTA • ICELAND BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS IN SMALL GROUPS WITH EXPERT LEADERS FREE BROCHURE, PHONE OR WRITE TO: 0532 586555 (24 Hour) 59 HUNGER HILLS DRIVE, LEEDS LS18 5JU (BB085) BIRDS OF SPEYSIDE: A week of crossbills, crested tits, ospreys and lots more; small group with very experienced leader. Also departures to ISLAY, OUTER HEBRIDES, ORKNEY & SHET- LAND. Write to; Natureguide (Caledonia), Shiresmill, Dunfermline KY12 8ER (BB050) ERYRI BIRDS Come birdwatching with us in 1 992 S. SPAIN N. GREECE E. AUSTRIA -MAY & SEPTEMBER -MAY& SEPTEMBER - MAY/JUNE Informal small group holidays with experienced guides Send for a brochure to: Colin Thomas, 24 Tan-y-Bwlch Rd, Llanllechid, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 3HU Tel: (0248) 600167 (BB090) COSTA RICA More birds than the whole of North Americal Tailor-made birding trips for individuals and small groups. Brochures: BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA APARTADO 7911 - lOOB SAN JOSE COSTA RICA FAX: -F 506-28 1573 NEW ZEALAND For the best of NZ birding, write Nature Quest New Zealand, Box 63 14, Dunedin, New Zealand for custom departures or details of self drive consultancy. Tel: & Fax: (03) 489 8444 (BB031) HONG KONG. Superb birding September to May - variety of accommodation - trips into China. Richard Lewthwaite, 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen Wan, Tai Po NT, Hong Kong. Phone/Fax: (HK) 665 8190. (BB137) DIVISION OF NICK'S THAVEL too LONDON ROAD, LEICESTER LE2 OQS ‘FLIGHTS FOR BIRDWATCHERS’ EXPERTS IN LOW COST AIRFARES - WORLDWIDE. DISCOUNT CAR HIRE/INSURANCE SPECIALIST ADVISER - ANDY HOWES 0533 881318 (EVES) ^ ALWAYS RING US LAST (BB1 33^ BIRDING IN SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA. The diversity of habitats makes Gipsy Point an ideal place to begin your Australian holiday, with over 100 species likely to be seen during a relaxing four day stay. Regular pelagic bird trips. Gipsy Point Lodge, Gipsy Point, Victoria 3891 Aus- tralia. (BB897) Affordable'^^^:^^ ANTARCTICA & THE FALKLANDS BIRDING & WILDUFE TOURS from E2,750 Dec. 1992, Jan/Feb 1993 If you are looking for the best birding experience In the world don't miss our Affordable Antarctica programme lor birders. These 19 day tours, In December, January and February are based on I SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS W OF NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA BIRDING & WILDLIFE CRUISES from £2,279 Dec. 1992, Jan/Feb 1993 5 exdtlng new small boat aulses In search of seabirds and Island endemics from New Zealand. There are only a lew places available so II you want to go, conlaa us soon... John Brodia Good “ 0272 259999 21 PENN ST.. BRISTOL BSl 3AU 0603 767 757 A.B.TJ^. 65077 (BB150) BIRD REPORT SEAFORTH BIRD REPORT 1990-91. £2,40 inc. p&p. Seaforth Nature Reserve, Liverpool, L21 IJD. (BB147) J XXV BIRDUNE SOUTH EAST 1991 REPORT now available, containing; • Systematic list • Full colour photographs • Illustrated article by Chris Heard on the identification of Rock and Water Pipits • Guide to birdwatching access at London Reservoirs. For your copy send £5 to; Birdline South East, PO Box 481 , London SE20 8LZ (BB149) BIRDWATCHING TOURS AUSTRALIA - Send for our Birding brochure. Tours throughout Australia from individuals to groups. We welcome enquiries from both private customers and tour agents. Falcon Tours. 1 Si- mons Drive, Roleystone, Perth, Western Aus- tralia. PH/FAX (09) 397 5125. Lie. Tour Operator. (BB871) SEAWATCHING HOLIDAYS SHEARWATER JOURNEYS: seabirding and whale watching trips year-round from Monterey, California. Albatross, Shearwaters, Storm-petrels, Alcids and Jaegers. Humpback and Blue whales; Aug to Nov. Gray whales: Jan. Schedule available from: Debra L. Shearwater, PO Box 1445, Dept BB, Soquel, CA 95073, USA. Tel: 40&B88-1990. (BBOll) BIRDWATCHING ADVICE LINE 1 ‘PLANNING A BIRDWATCHING TRIP ABROAD’ | Thomas Cook Travel Ut-rtK lUU A TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS LINE: 02572 62317 •r experienced Birdwatcher. :lude: * Worldwide Airfares * ilidays * Ferries * Overseas Rail Accommodation * Craises * lividuals or groups catered for. \ number 29600 (BB117) Ask for Keith HilU Details available inc Car Hire * Package He * Visas * Health * Foreign Money * Inc ABT, BIRD INFORMATION The Paging Service for Birders RARE BIRD ALERT Tel. 0800 246 246 New cost saving options now available (BB163) SITUATIONS VACANT BIRDWATCHER/TWITCHER required to help run rapidly expanding information service. To find out more, phone: 0839007-765 ask for extension 3166 Calls charged at 36p per minute cheap rate arui 48p per minute at all other times. (BB162) COURSES SKOKHOLM ISLAND, off the Pembrokeshire Coast. Courses in Art, Birdwatching, Photogra- phy. Thousands of Puffins, Manx-shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills and other birds. Send SAE to Dept BB, 7 Market Street, Haverfordwest, Dyfed SA61 INF. Tel: (0437) 765462. (BB032) BOOKS ‘BIRD BOOKS’. Good secondhand books bought and sold. Free catalogue from, and offers to Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 ON]. Tel: 0829 51804. (BB151) BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD. Send SAE envelope to Dr J. Tierney, ‘Hawkridge’, Nether Padley, Grindleford, Sheffield S30 IHQ. Tel. 0433 630137. (BB109) Wide Mtectkin of ornitholoefcad & natural history tit1es«tt«lable from stock, alto travel books & Mail order catalogue on regeMWt Tel: 0352 770H1 Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. (BB) Fax: 03S2 771890 Treuddyn, Mold, Clwyd.North Wales. CH7 4LN (BB119) , The original i BIRDWATCHER’S I LOGBOOK I i The most concise way to record your I observations. Monthly, annual and life ' columns for 762 species, plus 1 59 diary pages. Send £5.95 to; Coxton Publications, s Eastwood, Beveriey Rd, Walkington, ^ Beveriey, N. Humberside HU17 8RP ® ‘RARE BIRDS IN BRITAIN 1991’ This, the sec- ond annual compilation by Lee G. R. Evans is due to be published in the first week of May. It will include details of about 15,000 records of over 150 species of rarities and scarce migrants reported in Britain during 1991. Gopies can be obtained, price £7.95 (including p&p), from Lee Evans Enterprises, 8 Sandycroft Road, Little Chalfont, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP6 6QL. (BB161) I BIRDWATCHING IN CRETE 2nd Ed. £3.75 inc. p&p. Stephanie Coghlan, 25 Thorpe Lane, Hud- dersfield, West Yorks HD5 8TA. (BB099) XXVI FINE BOOKS ON ORNITHOLOGY, Natural History purchased & for sale. Also field sports & other rural subjects. Catalogues issued. David A.H. Grayling, Crosby Ravensworth, Penrith, Cumbria. CAIO 3JP (Tel. 09315-282) . (BB066) JUST IN! NEW NAT; LARKS, PIPITS & WAG- TAILS. £30 post free. Cat. new/secondhand books avail. Books bought. West Coast Bird books, 25 Heatherways, Freshfield, Liverpool L37 7HL. Tel: 07048 71115. (BB096) THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP Britain ’s leading ornithological booksellers where you can find our comprehensive range of new and secondhand books and reports on birds and natural history, including all new tides as they are published. Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Mail order catalogue available on request THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP 2-4 Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y6DS Tel: 071-287 1407 (BB142) FOR SALE BIRD JOURNAL BACKNUMBERS SUPPLIED. (BB. Bird study. County Reports, etc.), David Morgan, Whitmore, Umberleigh, Devon. (BB144) THE BIRDS OF SOUTH AMERICA Vol. 1. By Ridgely & Tudor. Current price £50.00, for sale £40.00. Box 101, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, (BBl 52) ..Zeiss Kowa Opticron Bausch & Lomb Adlerblick Swift Optolyth etc. The Stockport Binocular and Telescope Centre Suppliers of quality binoculars and spotting scopes. Mail order, or callers welcome. Open 6 days 9-6. Repair service on the premises. OPTOLYTH ALPIN 10 x 40 binoculars, very good condition £150. Tel: Fareham (0329) 42456. (BB131) TAMRON 500mm f.8 mirror lens (incl. original case) Adaptall-2 custom mount + 2x tele-con- verter. £145 o.n.o. Tel: 081-472 1123 (evenings). (BB132) BIRDING CB SPECIALISTS Hishly rec. MIDLAND PORT-A-PAC CS £99 -s £3.50 pp. Mobiles from £58 * H/held from £69 * Base Stat. from £159 SAE fa Details/Price List Rech Batts(10xAA)£12 Cheques payable • Omega Systems 43 Hemlington Rd, Stainton, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS89AG 0642 595845 (BBl 64) PRISMA TELESCOPE +20 xW.A. and 30x eye- pieces. £80 (incl. p. & p.). (0243) 786487. (BBl 29) GUIDE TO BIRDING IN NEW ZEALAND (2nd Edition). Sites for all endemics, maps, contacts, pelagics, species lists etc. £5.50 inc. p. Sc p. from Hugh Harrop, Mew House, Bigtou, Shetland ZE2 9JA (BB128) TRIPOD TAMER 2" wide black webbing shoul- der strap only £8.50 inc. post from: Vital Equipr- ment, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 8AT (sae for details). (BB123) WANTED PETER SCOTT Original painting required. 0524 701801. (BB148) WALKE * ZEISS * KOWA *PENTAX *E largest optical dealer on the Yorks coast. Binoculars - telescopes - video cameras - B lenses - tripods * BUSHNELL * LEITZ * SWIFT PRUSSIAN lAUSCH&LOMB * MINOLTA * TASCO ; OUR PRICES 1 ARE TOO 1 LOW TO PRINT Bushnell SPACEMASTER II 70mm Body -i- 1 5x -45x Zoom £1 99 LEITZ, ZEISS & KOWA. At OLD prices, while stocks last Russian 7 x 35, £27 1 0 x 50, £30 20 x 60, £59 LTD 70 ST THOMAS ST ' SCARBOROUGH YOU IDY 0723 365024 FAX 0723 363334 Volume 85 Number 5 May 1992 201 Seasonal reports Autumn 1991 Part 2: passerines Bany Nightingale and Keith Allsopp Review 210 ‘Britain’s Birds in 1989-90: the conservation and monitoring review’ edited by David Stroud & David Glue Dr Colin J. Bibby 21 1 Overseas bird tours survey Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Notes 237 Flight speed of Cormorant T. B. Bamber 238 Cormorant’s method of dealing with large flatfish Chris Snook 238 Food piracy by Grey Flerons on Great Crested Grebes R. .-1. Hume 238 Goosanders stealing fish from Great Crested Grebes R. A. Hume 239 Goosander spinning Martin Wells 240 Knot witli cockle shell attached to leg G. McCarthy 241 Purple Sandpipers feeding inland outside breeding season Stephen J. Rily 24 1 Purple Sandpipers feeding by probing in turf Allen S. Moore 241 Exceptionally large roost gathering of Common Sandpipers Andmv Whittaker 242 Juvenile House Martin singing B. D. Harding 242 Feeding interaction between House Martins and Pied Wagtails B. D. Harding 243 House Martins obtaining food from moss on roof S. W. M. Hughes 243 House Martins sunning on ground S. W. M. Hughes 244 House Martins associating with hot-air balloon Dr D. A. C. McNeil 244 Blackbird eating ice-cream Frederick J. Watson 245 Golden Orioles drinking in flight John V. Miller 245 Rooks feeding on carrion David M. Wilkinson 245 Crossbill eating slug Chris J. Booth and Peter Rynolds Letters 246 Yellow-legged Herring Gulls in Essex Mike Dennis 246 Death of a Hume’s Short-toed Lark J G. Parker 247 Breeding record of Icterine Warbler in Yorkshire in 1970 Paul Doherty '248 Habituation R. A. Hume 248 Seventy-five years ago . . . 249 Mystery photographs 777 Great Reed Warbler Peter Lansdown 25 1 First-summer Hobbies in the New Forest Brian Small 255 Fieldwork action BTO news Dr Paul Green 256 ICBP news Geor^na Green Announcements 256 ‘BB’ in Thailand 1992 256 Books in British BirdShop 257 ‘The Famous Grouse’ Scotch whisky Christmas puzzle: the solution 257 Additions to the British List 257 ‘British BirdShop’ subsidises ‘BB’ Request 258 Photographs of 1991 ran des needed 258 News and comment Robin Prytkerch and Mike Everett 261 Monthly marathon 262 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-drawings: 201 Redwing (Tim Worfolk); 202 Bobolink (Dan Powelty, 204 Isabelline Shrike [Dan Powelt); 207 Rose-coloured Starling and Starlings (Phil Jones)', 207 Shore Lark Jan Wilczur)', 208 Desert Warbler (Dan Powell)', 209 Great Grey Shrike John Wright)', 209 Waxwing (Richard Theuiis)', 2 1 I birdwatcher on camel (Norman Arlott)', 25 1 Hobby (Brian Smalt) Front cover: Shovelers at Stockers I^ake, Rickmansworth {Ernest Dahy)'. the original drawing of this month’s cover design, measuring 18.6 X 20.8 cm, is for sale in a postal auction (see page 46 in January issue for procedure) British Birds English names of West Palearctic birds Bird Photograph of the Year Sponsored by Christopher Helm^ HarperCoUins Best Annual Bird Report Award Mystery photographs • Notes • Letters • Reviews dates • News and comment • Monthly marathon • Recent reports British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Assistant Editor David A. Christie EStorial Board Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, R. J. Prytherch & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith & Roger Tidman Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Rarities Committee P. G. Lansdown (Chairman); Dr Colin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, G. P. Cadey, Peter Clement, Pete Ellis, S. J. M. Gantlett, C. D. R. Heard, R. A. Hume, J. H. Marchant & Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (Museum Consultant & Archivist); Peter Fraser (Statistician); Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary) Notes Paneb BEHAVIOUR Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Godwin, Dr I. Newton, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDENTIFICATION Dr R. J. Chandler, A. R. Dean, T. P. Insldpp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & K. E. Vinicombe ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology © British Birds Ltd 1992 Copyright of photographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire ISSN 0007-0335 Publishing Manager, Production & Promotion Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Felts Advertising Sandra Barnes Addresses Please keep correspondence on different items separate. Please address your envelope correctly. Please supply SAE, if reply required. Papers, notes, letters, drawings & photographs for publication Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40025 Subscriptions and orders for back copies Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40467 Advertising Mrs Sandra Barnes, BB Advertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Tiptree (0621) 815085 Bird news for ‘Seasonal reports’ Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MKI7 9QS. PPone: Woburn (0525) 290314 (evenings); Luton (0582) 490049 (office hours) News items for ‘News and comment’ Mike Everett & Robin Prytherch, 7 Burlington Way, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon PEI8 9BS Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3AZ Special book and sound recording offers British BirdShop, NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN. Phone: Totnes (0803) 865913 Annual subscriptions (12 issues and index) Libraries and agencies £42.30, 1R£49.40 or $79.80. Personal subscriptions: UK, Europe and surface mail £34.40, IR£40.20 or $64.80; personal: airmail outside Europe £57.75, 1R£67.45 or $109.00. Single back copies £4.40, 1R£5.15 or $8.20. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO account number 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. 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. English and scientific names and sequences of bicds follow The ‘British Birds' List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1984): names of plants follow Dony et ol. (1980, English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals follow Corbet & Southern ( 1977, The Handbook of British Mammals). Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations {Brit. Birds 74: 239-242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). 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FISHERS GREEN LEE VALLEY ESSEX SUN 14TH JUNE SUN 12TH JULY SUN9THAUG DUNGENESS KENT SAT 30TH MAY SUN 31 ST MAY CLEY VISITOR CENTRE NORFOLK TUES 2ND JUNE TUES7THJULY TUES 4TH AUG LLANELLI WWT DYFED SAT 6TH JUNE SUN 7TH JUNE ARUNDEL WWT SUSSEX SAT 20TH JUNE SUN 21 ST JUNE BROOMHILL FLASH BARNSLEY SAT 27TH JUNE SUN 28TH JUNE TRIMLEY MARSH FELIXSTOWE SUN 28TH JUNE CARLTON MARSH LOWESTOFT SUN 5TH JULY PORTUND BIRD OBSERVATORY DORSET SAT 11 JULY ABBERTON NR COLCHESTER ESSEX SUN 19 JULY CHEW VALLEY LAKE AVON SAT 25 JULY SUN 26 JULY BUCKTOFT SANDS HUMBERSIDE SAT 1ST AUG SUN 2ND AUG BAUSCH&LOMB Elite 7x30 BGAP Elite 8X42BGA EIiIG 10x42BGA Custom 8x36B Custom 10x40BGA Legacy 6x24 Elite 22x60BGA . . Elite 15x-45x60BGAP . Elite 77 .. , Elite 77ED ... 20xWA 30x 20-60x Zoom .... Case Photo Adaptor LEICA Tfinovid 8x208C . . Tnriovid 10x25BC Trinovid 8x20BCA Tfinowid 10x25BCA Case for Mini Trinovid 7x42BA Tnnovid 8x42BA Trinovid 10x42BA . , CARL ZEISS Oeisgner 8x208T‘P . . Oeisgner 10x25BTP 0ialyiex20BP . . Dialyt 10x25BP ... . Otalyt 8X20BGA Dia!^ 8x30BGATP i Cialyt 7x42BGAT . . I dialyt 10X40BGAT, Oialyt 10x40BT , . .. Dial^ 8x56BGAT 'SxMPorroGAT .. ?0x50 BGA ACCESSORIES lainguard ;/e Cups (set) .. . :ye Cups Hard (set) , anyard i/ide Lanyard , pare Case from . 'IKON X20CFIII 1X25CFIII , 1 X23CFII I )x2SCFII irZCOCF )x250CF l'30DCF .. ?x36DCF 400CF. , 35E. 30E .599 00 ...659.00 659 00 .229 00 ...249.00 . 8900 .309.00 - 369.00 .385.00 ...775.00 .. 148.00 .138.00 ...198.00 33.95 . 189.00 199.00 ...239.00 .239.00 ,.255.00 .. .16.00 -649.00 .. 649.00 .. 649.00 Fieldscope EDII 20x60 ... 20x-45x60 15x & 20x 30x & 40x 60x 20x-45x Zoom Hoya MC Filter Rubber Hood Photo Kit Slay-on Case Spotting Scope 20x60GA 15x-45x60GA 20x 15-45x Zoom SWIFT Trilyle 7x42BGA Trilyte 8x42BGA Trilyle 10x42BGA Audubon HRS 8.5x44 ... Audubon 7x35BGA Viewmaster 60 Body 15-45xZoom. . . 20x Case .555.00 .629.00 .65.00 . ,.65.00 ... 65.00 147.00 ....20.00 . .10.00 .168 00 . .45.00 . 199 00 . 265.00 .34 95 - 100.00 .148 00 ...148 00 -.150 00 . 230.00 .32900 14900 . .49.00 20.00 15.00 .. -.295.00 .319.00 .249.00 269.00 .31500 .529.00 .639.00 639 00 ...689.00 769 00 . 1190.00 .£2850.00 8.00 .16.00 . 16.00 . -.5,00 1500 . 19.00 QUESTAR Field Model 3.5" Broad Band Coating. Supplied with 50x-80x Hood. Case. 30x-50x 80x-130x Erector Prism .2200.00 130 00 ...130 00 ...289.00 >x35E 12X24DCF . 1 ildscope II 20x60 69.00 .79.00 .85.00 . . .89 00 135.00 150.00 .249.00 .279.00 539.00 199.00 .229.00 .249.99 .329.00 304.00 . .379.00 OPTOLYTH Alpin 8x306GA Alpin 7x42BGA . Alpin 8x40BGA .. Alpin 10x40BGA Alpin lOxSOBGA ... Touring 8x30BGA. . Touring 7x42BGA Touring 10x40BGA . TBS HD Body TBGHDBody .. . TBS 80 Body .... TBG 80 Body 20x WA 30xWA 30x WA (new) 40x WA (new) 22x-60x Zoom Soft Case Hard Case.,. 227.00 .257 00 ...246.00 . 249.00 . 268 00 ...395.00 ..445.00 , 445.00 549 99 .. 549.00 .. 390.00 ,39000 ...122.00 77.00 . .135.00 77 00 .,,159.00 29.00 ...35,00 TSN-2 TSN-3 TSN-4 ... 20x-60x Zoom 20x WA 25x 30x WA 40x 60x 77x Skua Case Rear Dust Dome Spare OG Cover 27x WA (screw fit) Screw/Bay Adapter Case for TSN .. Photo Adapter 800mm. Photo Adapter 1200mm OPTICRON Vega II 8x30 Vega il 8x40 DIOPTRON 8x42 . . DIOPTRON 10x42 DIOPTRON 10x60 HR 8x32MC HR 7x42MC HR 8x42MC HR 10X42MC HR lOxSOMC . . HR Body 60mm 30x WA 27x80xzoom . .. HR Body. 22x & case HR GA. 22x & case HR 45, 22x8 case- .. HR Body. 20x-60x & casi HR GA 20-60X & case HR 45 20-60x8 case ... 25x, 40x, 22x WA Classic IF60 18x40WA ..316.00 .636.00 . 636 00 169 00 ...109 00 . 69 00 ...139.00 .... 69.00 .11900 ...109.00 39 95 .. .15.00 6.00 . .59 00 . -20.00 . 24 95 .129 00 ,..199.00 OBSERVATION BINOCULARS £ Stay-on Case for TBS'TBG 45 00 KOWA TS-601 TS-602 . . .. 20x WA 25x 27xWA . 20x-60x Zoom.. Case TSN-1 ...219.00 . 199.00 64.00 54 00 94.00 ...109.00 22.95 -.316 00 25x 25x HP 18x-45xzoom . . Classic IF75. . . 22xWA 30x- .. 22x-47xzoom , ... Piccolo Eye pieces Piccolo ED 20x60 . Piccolo ED 20-60x60 Photo kits Cases for scopes ... Macro monocular .. . ROSS £ Cavendish 8x428 139.95 Hanover 10x428 149.95 Regent 8x42B 169 95 Kensington 10x42B 179 95 REDFIELD E 7x35SA lOxSOBA 20-45x60GA . 49 95 54 95 122.00 125.00 135 00 152.00 157.00 155.00 .16200 . 178.00 269.00 . . 33.00 85.00 179 95 189.95 .. 219.95 se . 219 95 . 229 95 - 249.95 ... .32.00 . ,. .110.00 . -24,00 .. .24.00 27 00 .61.00 140.00 24.00 . .27,00 . .61.00 128,00 from 29 00 . . 355 00 .. .399.00 from 30.00 15.00 .. . .50.00 . 249 00 .299.00 . 299 55 Opticron 30x80 .. . ...395.00 SWAROVSKI £ 7x30SLC 6x30SLC 8x20B AT60 Body 353 00 ... .365.00 . .220 00 ... ,547.00 32x WA 20x-60x Zoom . . . 124 00 ... 164.00 BU5HNELL £ ... .14500 Spacemaster GA Body .. 178 00 Case . .. .20 00 VELBON £ CULLMAN £ SLIK £ MANFfiOTTO E 144/128 144B/128 - ..105 00 109.00 29.95 BENBO £ Trekker with Cullman Video Head Trekker Monopod . 29 95 ACCESSORIES £ Hide Clamps 38 00 Lens Cleaning Cloth ... 3.00 Oust Away 3.95 Double Eyepiece Case 9.95 Tamrac 60/80mm Scope Case 24.50 CARE PLAN At a cost of just £15 any new equipment can be covered for a 3 year period from date of purchase In the event of equipment failure for whatever reason il will be recti- fied by ourselves at no charge Ask for full details PERSONAL CALLERS Can choose and select from our comprehensive range of equip- ment We are a completely inde- pendent company whose only concern is that our customers se- lect the correct instrument for their personal needs. MAIL ORDERS Just add £2 00 to help towards P8P and insurance and your order will be sent the same day as we receive your cheque All goods supplied on 14 days approval upon receipt of full remittance PHONE ORDERS Discuss your requirements with our technical staff and orders placed with Access or Visa cards wilt be despatched same day SECONDHAND Instruments always available Turnover is fast but we now pro- duce a comprehensive list. Phone PART EXCHANGE Top prices paid for good condition Bins and Slopes. HOW TO FIND US (NORFOLK) We are 500 yds east of the RSPB reserve al Titchwell on the A149 between Hunstanton and Bran- caster and have our own private car park. HOW TO FIND US (BARNET) We are 10 mins from M25 and A1M motorways and 15 mins walk from High Barnet Tube Station FREE TRIPOD WITH ALL NEW AND SECONDHAND SCOPE. Ask for details. FREE NORFOLK TWO DAY BREAK al Briarflelds Hotel, Titchwell when goods to the value of £400 or over are purchased. INTEREST FREE CREDIT ON SELECTED ZEISS. LEITZ, KOWA, B8L etc. Ask for details. “In focus Equipment Guide" Fully lllusfrated 82 page Paperback 1st Edition £3.95 As the UK's number one birdwatching optics supplier, in focus is proud to sponsor the 'County Bird Race' and 'The British Birdwatching Fair'. As a result of these and other ventures, in focus has directly contributed over £30,000 to local, national and international bird conservation over the last twelve months. (D139) NEW COST SAVING OPTIONS Now Available RELIABLE COMPREHENSIVE SERVICfli H RARE BIRD ALERT h It’s about time you discovered for yourself why our pagers have proved to be the best way of getting all the rarity news, and directions: • INDOORS or IN THE FIELD - simply read all the latest news and directions from the screen in your pocket • Phone FREE 0800 246 246 • or call Dick Filby of the Rare Bird Alert Team on 0603 767799 • DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU DIP Get a pager, NOW! • Please Phone in sightings of rarities to the Rare Bird Alert HOTLINE 0426 952 952. Hotline calls charged at local rates. A donation to conservation for every call • £10 donated to RSPB for every pager ordered • NEWS OF ALL BB RARITIES - EVERY DAY (and many sub- rarities too), with full directions on the message pagers when a bird turns up or if it moves • REMEMBER once you’ve paid your basic rental there are no extra charges, no matter how many messages we send you, and no matter how much news there is. ,i YOU’LL SEE MORE with a Rare Bird Alert pager ... I Inter-City Paging Ltd. Marsh House, 500 Montagu Road, Edmonton, London N9 OUR. Tel; 0800 246 24€jj Hip INTER-CITY PAGING h St. Anns Books Rectory House, 26 Priory Road, Great Malvern, Worcestershire. WR14 3DR Tel; 0684 - 56281 8 Fax: 0684 - 566491 We are international mail-order specialists dealing Exclusively in Bird Books, with an ever-changing stock of approximately 2000 Secondhand titles always available, including Rare and Desirable items. We also stock 800 New titles Efficient, Friendly Service • Prompt Despatch • Expert Packing Catalogues are regularly issued, and are Free on request Being fully computorised, we would be pleased to record your "Wants". We would then quote you (without obligation) when copies became available, (D991) 11 Summer’s here. The migration is over. ; Birds are busy, and scarce. : You’ve nothing to do. E But there is a cure for those British Trust for Ornithology Summer-time Blues For BTO members, summer is one of the most interesting times of the year, and the busiest. ' This year they are busy discovering Nightjars and , Corn Buntings, or they are treading their local * , patch on a regular basis, taking part in one of the : many projects the BTO has to offer you. ‘The BTO offers fun, enjoyable ways for you to ^ 'discover more about birds, for both oeginners and experts. io come on in, get involved, and join the BTO - today! \nd if you’ve no time for fieldwork, show your support with your subscription. Enjoy the thrill of discovery ivith the BTO! I. I I Die BTO. The National Centre for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. Registered charity no. 216652 n 5 0 to join Benefits on joining es, I want to join the BTO now. Brnish Birds June 92 enclose my cheque/PO for £17.00 □ or. I want a £3.00 discount, so ease send me a Direct Debit form □ or. Please charge my credit card ' ccess □ Visa □ Amount £ ipiry Date: Name on card; rd holder's signature; me: ; dress: j Postcode: ! 3. The National Centre for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU £5.00 Poyser book token & a £5.00 WildSounds CD/Cassette token. Our bimonthly magazine BTO News. Your own local contact in our Regional Network. The chance to take part in any of our field projects on birds. Training courses in ringing and census methods. Reduced subscriptions to British Birds, British Wildlife, Bird Study and Ringing & Migration journals. A chance to get directly involved with today’s major conservation issues. (D144) T W I C K E R S WORLD The natural world INDIA’S ANCIENT ELEPHANT FAIR - THE SONEPUR MELA Including time in Agra, Jaipur, Delhi, Calcutta & Bombay. 15 days departing 4 Nov. FB de luxe accom. from £2095. WILDLIFE OF INDIA & NEPAL Visiting Bharatpur, Ranthambhor, Dudwa & Chitwan Nat. Parks, Agra, Jaipur, Delhi & Kathmandu. 22 days departing 4 Nov. from £2654. 22 Church Street, Twickenham, TWl 3NW Telephone 081-892 8164 24 hour brochure service 081-892 7851 Fax 081-892 8061 ABTA No 60340 (D134) THE ALL NEW INDEPENDENT TELEPHONE INFORMATION SERVICE RARE BIRD NEWS 0881 888 1 11 THE CHEAPEST & BEST VALUE BIRDLINE CALLS COST 25p/MINUTE CHEAP RATE | RING US AND SAVE £££’s WHY PAY MORE ON HIGHER PREMIUM RATES? HOTLINE TO REPORT YOUR SIGHTINGS ON LOCAL RATES FROM ANYWHERE IN THE U.K. 0426 923 923 JOIN OUR NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF NEWS PROVIDERS RARE BIRD NEWS IS HELPING CONSERVATION ENQUIRIES: BIRDING U.K. 146 KEW ROAD, RICHMOND, LONDON TW9 2AU CALLS TO 0881 NO'S CHARGED AT 25p/MIN CHEAP RATE 39p/MIN ALL OTHER TIMES INC. VAT (D100) h"” * Phase Cor«rt«> Binocu'ars [ ° ntrsotTseV" J ^ £68.00 each PATim HlfTQBY) 12 101^1992 j Our bird table has boasted four tree sparrows 1 and brambling. All three woodpecker species I have visited our site recently. 1 The moorhens hatched their first brood 1 of eight chicks on 18th April. The adults are .i„ady,e.funi.H,n„Hen..,for,i„i, BINOCULARSand TELESCOPES Leading |l specialists in next brood. ZEISS 10»40 BGAT’P 7x42 BGAT*P....„ 8x30 BGAT*P Oaign selection 8x20 BT»P 10x25 6T»P 639.00 639.00 529.00 KOWA TS 601 Body 219.00 TS 602 Body 199.00 I LEICA ' Trinovid 8x20 BCA.... 239.00 ' Trinovid 10x25 8CA 255 00 I 7x42 BA 649.00 ? 8x42 BA 649.00 10x42 BA 649.00 OPTOLYTH . 246.00 . 249.00 . 445.00 . 390.00 . 549.00 . 159.00 . 122.00 .. 135.00 Alpin 8x40 BGA Alpin 10x40 BGA fouring 10x40 rBS/G80Body TBS/G 80 Fluorite !2x-60x zoom EP lOxWA.... :0xWA NIKON X20CFIII 69.95 30 ECF 229.00 x35 ECF 249.00 ridscope Mk II 20-45x60.. 379.00 ED Uk II 20-45x60 629.00 30x40x 79.95 pottif\g scope 20x60 RA„.„ 199.00 15-45x60 RA 265.00 ADLERBLICK ullicoat 8x42 169.95 ulticoat 10x42 179.95 ulticoai 10x50 198.95 id E15 for rubber armoured Multicoat Car WirTdow Mount. Hide Clamp Mk II. 64.00 54.00 109.00 22.95 316.00 316.00 636.00 636.00 109.00 139.00 69.00 169.00 24.95 39.00 20xWA 25x40x. 20x-60x zoom EP.... Case for 601 and 602. TSN-1 Body TSN -2 Body TSN-3 Body TSN-4 Body 20xWA„ 30xWA.. 25x40x. 20x-60x zoom EP Case forTSN Range.. Skua case for TSN..„. Photo adaptor 800mm 129.00 Photo adaptor 1200mm„ 199.00 OPTICRON Compact 7x24...„ 80.00 Compact 8x24 81.00 Compact 10x24 83.00 H.R. 8x42 157.00 H.R. 10x42 162.00 H.R. 10x50 178.00 TELESCOPES Classic I.F. 25x60mm 126.00 Classic I.F. 75mm Body 140.00 25/30xH.E.P 27.00 18x-40x/22x-47x zoom EP 66.00 H.R. 22x60 179.95 H.R. 20-60x60 219.95 H.R. 22x60 RA 189.95 H.R. 20-60x60 RA 229.95 I 60mm H R Telescopes include Free case. 15x.20x,22xWA'25x.40x 31.00 20x-60x zoom EP 85.00 Universal Mount 25.50 26.50 4200 HABICHT Compact 8x20 6 220.00 'Diana' 10x40 WM 372.00 S.L. 10x40 493.00 SLC 8x30 365.00 AT 80 Body 547 00 22xEP 72.00 20x-60x zoom EP 164.00 BAUSCH&LOMB Custom 8x36 Custom 10x40 RA... 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Send for a price 1 1st or come and browse ! ^Focus Optics- The friendly experts professionals recommend ! \COUNTRYSIDE VIEWING Our showroom is set in twenty acres of private grounds in the very heart of our beautiful \A/arwtckshire countryside. Testing facilities are probably the best in the country. Viewing from the showroom is across a large poo! with its various bird visitors and to more distant views of the countryside. Why not try the unhurried experience of testing the latest _ optical equipment in a relaxed atmosphere with experts who care! Ample free safe parking. FOCUS OPTICS Church Lane. Corley. Coventry CV7 8BA Telephone;0676-40501 &42476 Fax; 0676-40930 ACCESSORIES:Widerangeof eyecups, rainguards, lens caps, lanyards, cases etc. USED BARGAINS: Guaranteed secondhand equipment at bargain prices. EXPORTFACILITIES:Personal and postal orders welcomed. PACKAGEOEALS:Attractive discounts. Phone for quotations. MAILORDERS: Orders over £1 00 insured P& P f ree of charge. (UKonly). Orders less than £100 P&PE2.00. Goods are despatched promptly upon receipt of full remittance. Use your ACCESS or VISA card to order by telephone. E&OE (D144) SLC BINOCULAR MODEL ILLUSTRATED 8 x 30 SIX MODELS IN THE RANGE The compact SL model has a new roof prism system to provide a neat and lightweight binocular you can take anywhere. Like its big brother the prisms are first laser aligned then secured so they are shock resistant. This process also eliminates those slight mis-alignments which you can't usually see, but can cause eye-strain and sometimes headaches. AT80 TELESCOPE With a large 80mm diameter objective lens, the latest AT80 observation scope gives optimal performance even In poor light. Exchangeable oculars with bayonet catch and replaceable turn-back eyecups make for comfortable viewing, whilst ultra-fast focusing down to 6m provides a good all-round range. An integrated optik adapter enables the connection of a reflex camera for a new dimension in close- up photography. 8 X 20 B COMPACT BINOCULARS The pocket sized Habicht 8 x 20 B binoculars represent the latest in state-on-the-art technology. Featuring a wide field of view with high-resolution Image, they are the latest in a superb range of binoculars from Swarovski Optik, noted for its excellence in high quality optical performance. All Swarovski Optik products are manufactured in Austria and carry a lull warranty. For further information and a full colour brochure please write to: SWAROVSKI UK LIMITED, One The Boulevard. Blackmoor Lane, Watford, Herts. WDI 8YW. Telephone 0923 816366. Telefax; 0923 816005. Telex: 24958 SWARO G. The natimil choice. i i I (D138) I VI English names of West Palearctic birds Voting sheet The BOU and British Birds differ in their opinions concerning the names of these 26 species. Your votes will help to resolve the conflicting views. Please (1) vote only after you have read the relevant note on pages 282-288 in the paper in this issue; (2) vote only on those names on which you have a firm reason for pre- ferring one name (otherwise, leave both boxes empty) (3) put bold X in box of each preferred name. i Read ‘ note no. Scientific name .Alternative English names 1 GoL’ia arctica Arctic Diver □ Black-throated Diver D 6 Puffinus cameipes Flesh-footed Shearwater □ Pale-footed Shearwater D 14 Geronticus eremita Hermit Ibis □ Northern Bald Ibis D 23 Aegfpius monarhus Cinereous Vulture D Monk Vulture □ 26 Buteo swainsoni Swainson’s Buzzard D Swainson’s Hawk CD 31 Atectoris chukar Chukar D Chukar Partridge CD 32 Porzana Carolina Sora D Sora Crake D 33 Porphyrula martinka American Purple Gallinule D Puiple Gallinule D 37 Burhinus oedknemus Eurasian Thick-knee D Stone-curlew- CD 40 Charadrius dubins Little Plover 1 q Ringed Plover j Little Ringed Plover ) q Great Ringed Plover) 40 Charadrius hiatkula 41 Charadrius vociferus Killdeer □ Killdeer Plover D 43 Charadrius morineltus Eurasian Dotterel D Mountain Dotterel CD 47 Stercorarius parasitkus Arctic Skua □ Parasitic Skua D 57 Otus brucei Pallid Scops Owl D Striated Scops Owl D 61 Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail □ White-throated Needletail Swift D 75 Molacitla alba Pied Wagtail ) q African Wagtail) White Wagtail ) q African Pied Wagtail) 75 XloUuilla aguimp 78 Luscinia megarhynchos Common Nightingale [D Rufous Nightingale D 79 Tarsiger cyanurus Orange-flanked Bush-robin [d Red-flanked Bluetail D 1 ^oothera dauma Scaly Thrush D White’s Thrush CD 101 Panurus biarmkus Bearded Tit □ Reedhng D 1 109 Petronia pelronia Rock Petronia D Rock .Sparrow CD 1 110 Euodke malabarka Indian Silverbill [Zl White-throated Silverbill □ 1 111 1 111 Fringilla coekbs Fringilla Ifydea Chaffinch I q Teydean Finch ) Common Chaffinch ) q Canary Islands Chaffinch) If you have noted any errors or omissions in the list on pages 265-282, please give details here (or on a separate sheet): Your name and address and phone no. (unless you wish to remain anonymous) I Please send any detailed comments on other names to Burt L. Monroe Jr, PO Box 23447, Anchor- I age, Kentucky, USA; fax 502-588-0725. I Please return this voting sheet before 15th July to: BB/BOU English names, British 0 I Birds, Freepost BF955, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3BR. vii 1 Do you like ‘BB’ as it is? If you think the balance is about right, please still return this form to tell us so. If you would like more of some features, and less of others, please mark the appropriate boxes at the right. If you indicate that you want more of some features, please also show which ones you want decreased or omitted. Your preferences will determine the fiiture contents of ‘BB’. More - put [T] Same - leave blank IZH Less — put ED None - put rb~l Contents Now wanted Contents of ‘British Birds’ % (+, - , oi 01 Main papers (distribution, behatiour, conservation, etc.) 12.9 I I 01 02 Rarities Committee annual report 9.4 I I 02 03 Notes and letters (distribution, behaviour, etc.) 7.8 I I 03 04 Main papers (identification) 7.0 I I 04 05 Book reviews 6.2 ED 05 06 Rare Breeding Birds Panel report 5.8 I I 06 07 Seasonal reports 5.6 I I 07 08 Notes and letters (identification) 5.0 I I 08 09 'News and comment’ 4.4 I I 09 10 ‘British BirdShop' (the post-free book seivice to subscribers) 4.3 I I 10 11 'Mystei-y photographs' 4.0 I I 11 12 'European news’ 3.6 I I 12 13 Suiv'eys (such as 'Binoculars and telescopes’) 2.6 I I 13 14 'Studies of West Palearctic birds’ (e.g. Swallow in December 1991) 2.4 I I 14 15 'Monthly marathon’ competition 2.0 ED 15 16 'Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs’ 1.7 □ 16 1 7 ‘Announcements’ 1.6 □ 17 18 'Bird Illustrator of the Year’ 1.5 □ 18 19 'ICBP news’ 1.4 ED 19 20 'Bird Photograph of the Year’ 1.4 I I 20 21 'Recent reports’ 1.4 I I 21 22 Illustrated accounts of countries (e.g. Morocco recently) 1.2 ED 22 23 ‘Fieldwork action’ (BTO news and IWC news) 1.0 ED 23 24 ‘Birdcraft’ articles 1.0 I I 24 25 'Birds in action’ (black-and-white photographs) 0.8 I I 25 26 'Product reports’ 0.6 I I 26 27 ‘PhotoSpot’ 0.6 I I 27 28 'Identification pitfalls and assessment problems’ 0.6 I I 28 29 ‘Viewpoint’ 0.5 I I 29 30 'Diary dates’ 0.5 I I 30 31 ‘Requests’ for information or help 0.3 ED 31 32 Obituaries ;....0.3 ED 32 33 ‘If the caption fits . . .’ 0.2 I I 33 34 ‘Seventy-five years ago . . .’ 0.2 ED 34 35 ‘ “The Famous Grouse” Christmas puzzle’ 0.2 I I 35 Features that yoti want tts to add: Alternatively: I like ‘BB’ as it is and want no changes made: I I (tick if that’s your view) I - li I i I ! I I I I I I Please send this form to BB Contents Vote, British Birds, Freepost BF955, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3BR. British Birds VOLUME 85 NUMBER 6 JUNE 1992 English names of West Palearctic birds T. P. Inskipp and J. T. R. Sharrock on behalf of the BOU Records Committee and ‘British Birds’ rn a previous paper [Brit. Birds 81: 355-377; Ibis 130; Supplement), the British Ornithologists’ Union’s Records Committee put forward proposals (based on groundwork by the late P. J. Grant, TPI and JTRS) for revising the names of birds on the West Palearctic list and invited comments and counter- proposals from the world’s English-speaking ornithologists. Over 200 people ; responded, with suggestions and mostly constructive criticism. In December 1990, a Round Table Discussion on the world standardisation ■ of English names was convened by P. William Smith at the XX International , Ornithological Congress held in Christchurch, New Zealand. As a result, a Working Group on English names was olficially formed, under the auspices : of the IOC and the chairmanship of Burt E. Monroe Jr, with the remit from , the IOC to make proposals for a single list of standardised English names for jthe world’s birds. It was agreed that the base-line for these names should be jhose in the recently published book, Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the \ . BiWi 8S: 263-29(1, June 1992] 263 264 English names of West Palearctic birds World (1990) by Charles G. Sibley & Burt L. Monroe Jr, which had benefited from advice given by an international group of 15 ornithologists (including JTRS). Following the IOC meeting, TPI and JTRS analysed the responses to the earlier paper, and made modified proposals, taking into consideration not only the comments received from BOU members and British Birds readers, but also the implications of the names adopted by Sibley & Monroe (1990). These re- vised proposals were discussed by the BOU Records Committee and, with a few exceptions, were presented to the BOU Council in late 1991. The C’ouncil agreed that these names should go forward as the BOU’s recommen- dations to the IOC Working Group, accepting that further discussion would inevitably lead to some of the proposed names being changed. In the instances where opinions on names remain divided, both options are listed here. j Thus, whereas the earlier BOURC paper {Brit. Birds 81: 355-377; Ibis 130: i Supplement) explained reasons for suggesting changes from current British j practice {Tlw ‘British Birds’ List oj Birds of the Western Palearctic, 1984, and the j BOU’s The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland, 1971 with modifications as noted j in BOURC reports), this present paper aims to give publicity to the relevant names in Sibley & Monroe (1990), of which the BOU has accepted 88.0% and British Birds has accepted 87.2%, and to explain the reasons for suggesting that 1 17 of the Sibley & Monroe names (less than 14%) might be bettered. The resulting list of proposed names is, thus, a combination of proposals re- sulting from work by the BOURC, by Sibley & Monroe (1990) and their 15 : international contacts, by the even-wider international forum resulting from the BOURC’s earlier correspondence request, and by British Birds. ] Anyone viewing these proposed names should be aware of the significant i moves towards resolving differences between American and British names which have already been made by Sibley & Monroe (1990) and, earlier, by the American Ornithologists’ Union [Check-list oj .North American Birds, 6th edn, 1983). Some problem areas remain (e.g. loons versus divers, jaegers versus skuas), and these will have to be resolved within the next few years. The list presented here contains 200 changes from current British practice which have been agreed by both the BOU and British Birds. On the outstanding differ- ences— 26 names over which the BOU and British Birds differ — we now seek to determine readers’ opinions by means of a postal vote (page \4i). On the re- maining discrepancies between the list published here and the Sibley & Mon- roe names, we hope that readers with constructive comments will send them, as reejuested [Brit. Birds 85: 47), to Burt L. Monroe Jr. The opportunity has been taken here to update the West Palearctic list maintained by British Birds, with additions and corrections up to 31st August 1991. [, The sequence and scientific nomenclature continue to follow the long- | established and familiar order (K. H. Voous, 1977, List of Recent Holarctic Bird j Species), apart from the following changes adopted by the BOURC: Pujfinus yelkouan is separated from P. pujfinus. Moms bassanus replaces Sula bassana, Pluvialis filva is separated from P. dominica, and Anthus petrosus and A. mbescens arc separated I'rom A. spinolettw, and the splitting of one non-British species: Acjuila nipalerisis is separated from A. rapa.x. English names of f t est Palearctic birds 265 The ‘British Birds’ /British Ornithologists’ Union List of Birds of the Western Palearctic: proposed new English namest WTiere the recommended new name or the taxonomy differs from that used by Sibley & Monroe ( 1990), explanations are listed under numbers 1-117. .■\n asterisk against the scientific name indicates a species not included in The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1984); the basis for each of these additions to the list is given in the Appendix (pages 289-290). enrific name Proposed formal Ens^lisli name Cunent English name used by British Birds or the Britisli Ornithologists' Union, if difierent Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if difierent Note ' ^lTHIONID.\£ 1 ithio camelw Ostrich \IIUAK via stelkla Red-throated Diver Red-throated Loon 1 via arctica Arctic Di\ er >BE 1 Black-throated Di\cr fBOU) Black-throated Diver Arctic Loon 1 via immer Great Northern Di\ er Common Loon 1 i via adamsii Yellow-billed Diver White-billed Diver Yellow -billed Loon 1 i )ICIPF.DII)AE iilymbus pndiceps Pied-billed Grebe vl^bafdus ruficnllls Little Grebe (Ueps cristatus Great Crested Grebe iiceps grisegma Red-necked Grebe liceps auritm Slavonian Grebe Homed Grebe 2 . ’iceps nigncollis Black-necked Grebe iMEDEIDAh medea melanophris Black-browed .^batross medea cauta Shy Albatross ml medea exulans Wandering Albatross IB: ICELIARMDAE In narm glanalis Northern Fulmar Fulmar >tion capeme* Cape Petrel QI!., ^ odroma mollis Soft-plumagcd Petrel 3 1 odroma kasitata Capped Petrel Black-capped Petrel 4 odroma incerta Schlegel’s Petrel Atlantic Petrel 5 vena bulweni Bulwer’s Petrel r. vena fallax* Jouanin’s Petrel fr ^ mectris dwmedea Cory’s Shearwater < mctm leucomelas* Streaked Shearwater i inus cameipes Flesh-footed Shearwater (BOU) Pale-footed Shearwater (BB) Pale-footed Shearwater Flesh-footed Shearwater 6 1. 'nui grams Great Shearwater 1 mus paafuus* Wcdee-tailed Shearwater le, h'nus griseus Sooty Shearwater l\ 'nus puffinm Manx Shearwater 1 nusjelhuan* Mediterranean Shearwater Yelkouan Shcarw'ater 7 / nus Iherminieri* Audubon’s Shearwater 8 1 nus assimilis Little Shearwater t ROBATIDAI, !(*■■ niles oceanicus Wilson’s Storm-petrel Wilson’s Petrel /i 'odroma marvia White-faced Storm-petrel White-faced Petrel [BB] \ Frigate Petrel (BOU) ita grallana* VVTiite-bcllicd Storm-petrel [ 7 These new names are not being adopted immediately, either by us or by the BOU, to give time for further comments to be received. The Brilish Birds Editorial Board plans, however, to adopt a I final version of these names within one or two years. Eds 266 Scientific name Hydrohates pelagicus Oceanodroma lemorhoa Oceanodroma monorhis Oceanodroma castro PHAKl HOXMDAK Phaethon aethereus SL'I.inAK Sula sula* Su/a dactylatra* Sula leucogaster Moms bassanus Monts capmsis* l’HAL\CR(K:ORAC:inAi: Phalacrocorax carbo P/ialacrocorax aufitus* Phalacrocorax aristolelis Phalacrocorax nigrogularis PhalacrocorcLX pygmeus Phalacrocorax africanm ANHINGIDAK Anhinga melanogaster pi;i.Fx:,\NinAi-: Pelecamis onocrotalus Pelecanm crispm Pelecanus rufescens IRKGAilDAK Fregata magnijlcens ARDRIDAE Botaurus stellaiis Botaurus knliginosus Ixobrychus exilis IxobrychiLS minutus Ixobiychus eurhyOmius Ardeirallus slunnii Nydicorax nyclicorax Bulorides stnatus Ardeola ralloides Ardeola ^ayii Ardeola bacchus* Bubulcus ibis llydranassa caemlea llydranassa tricolor* llydranassa ardesiaca Egretta thula* Egretta gularis Egretta garzetta Egelta intermedia Egetta alba . 1 rdea cinerea Ardea imodias* Ardea purpurea Ardea goliath English names of West Palearctic birds Propt)sed fonnal Ens^lish name European Storm-petrel Leach’s Storm-petrel Suinhoe’s Storm-petrel Madeiran Stomi-petrcl Current English name used b\’ British Birds or the British Ornithologists’ Union, ifdiflercnt Storm Petrel Leach's Petrel Swinhoc’s Petrel Madeiran Petrel Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if dilTercnt Note 9 Band-mmped Storm-petrel 10 Red-billed Tropiebird Red-footed Booby Masked Booby Broun Booby Northern Gannet Gannet Cape Gannet Great Cormorant Cormorant 1 1 Double-crested Coimorant European Shag Shag Socotra Cormorant P\;gmy Cormorant Long-tailed Cormorant Darter Great White Pelican Dalmatian Pelican Pink-backed Pelican Magnificent Fngatcbird Great Bittern American Bittern Least Bittern Little Bittern Schrenck's Bittern Dvvaii' Bittern Black-cnw'ned Night Heron Striated Heron Squacco Heron Indian Pond Heron Chinese Pond Heron Cattle Egret Little Blue Heron Tricolored Heron Black Heron Snov\y Egret Western Reef Egret Litde Egret Intermediate Egret Great Egret Grey Heron Great Blue Heron Puiple Heron Goliath Heron White Pelican Bittern Schrenck’s little Bittern Night Heron Green-backed Heron [BB] Green Heron (BOU) Black Egi'ct Western Reef Heron Yellou-l)iUed Egret Great White Egret Heron (BOl^) 12 , i English names of West Palearctic birds 267 Scientific name Proposed formal English name Current English name used b\- British Birds or the British Ornithologists' Union, if different Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if different Note .:ic;ONllD.\E Myctena ibis Ciconia nigra Ciconia ciconia \ieptopti(os cTumenifenis Yellow-billed Stork Black Stork White Stork Marabou Stork Marabou ! HRESKIORNITHIDAE i ^legadis falanellus I 'reronticiLS eremita '■ Thresldomis aethiopicus ' ^latalea Uucorodia ^lalalea alba* Glossy Ibis Hermit Ibis [BB] Northern Bald Ibis fBOU) Bald Ibis Sacred Ibis Eurasian Spoonbill Spoonbill African Spoonbill Waldrapp ' •HOE\IC:OPrhRII)AE ^hoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo '^hoenicnplerus minor Lesser Flamingo NATIDAE ^endrocy^ bicolor Fulvous Whistling Duck )endrocygna vidualu White-faced Whisding Duck ygnus olor Mute Swan ygnus alratus* Black Swan ' ygnus columbianus Tundra Swan ygnus ygnus Whooper Swan ' [riser fabalis Bean Goose 1 \mer brachyrhnehus Pink-footed Goose ■ \nser albijrons Greater White-fronted Goose [riser ervthropm Lesser White-fronted Goose \nser anser Greylag Goose ' \nser indicus* Bar-headed Goose inser caemlescens Snow Goose i \nser rossii* Ross’s Goose : iranta canadensis Canada Goose iranta leucopsu Barnacle Goose hanta bemicla Brent Goose • hanta ruficollis Red-breasted Goose \Uopocken aeg)iptiaav< Egyptian Goose ''adoma ferru^nea Rudd>' Shelduck 1 ^adoma ladnma Common Shelduck \*lerlroptem\ gambensu Spur-winged Goose i'etlapus coromandelianus* Cotton Pygmy-goose j lix sponsa Wood Duck ‘ ix galericulala Mandarin Duck nm penelope Eurasian Wigeon ' nos americana American Wigeon nos falcata Falcated Duck nos strepera Gadwall nos formosa Baikal Teal nos crecca Common Teal nas capensis Cape Teal nos platyrhyncho^ Mallard nos rubnpes American Black Duck 1 nas acuta Northern Pintail j nas eydirorhyncha* Red-billed Duck \ nas querqueduk Garganey * nas discors Blue-winged Teal nas smithii Cape Shovcler 1 nas clypeata Northern Shovcler larmaronetla angustiroslris Marbled Duck etla rufina Rcd-crcstcd Pochard vthya Jenna Common Pochard Bewick’s Swan White-fronted Goose Shelduck Mandarin [BB] Wigeon Teal Black Duck (BOU) Pintail Shovcler Marbled 7'cal Pochard 15 268 English names of West Pakarctic birds Current Faiglish nanic used b\' Bntish Birds or Name in Siblcv & the British Ornithologists' Monroe (1990), Scientific name Pt oposed formal Faig^lish name L'nion, il different if different Avtfiva valisinena* Canvasback .iyt/iva coUaiis Ring-necked Duck Aythra nyroca Ferruginous Duck Ferruginous Pochard Aythya fuligula T ufted Duck Aylhva marila (ireater Scaup Scaup Aythya qffinh* Lesser Scaup Sornatena mollusima Common Eider Eider Sornaleria spei labilis Ring Eider Sornatena fischen Spec tacled Eider Polysficta itelleri Stcllcr's Eider Uvitnoniem histrionicus Harlequin Duck Clan^ila hyemalu Long-tailed Duck Melanitla nigra Black Scoter Common Scoter /\ lelariitta perspicillafa Surf Scoter Melanilta fusca \ elvct Scoter White-winged Scotei' Biuephala albeala Bulllehead Bucephala nlandica Barrow 's Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Common Goldeneye Goldeneye lergiLs cucullatiLs Hooded Mergansei Mergui albel/us Smew Mergus senator Red-breasted Merganser i\ lergus merganser Goosander Common Merganser Osryura jamaicensis Ruddy Duck Oxyura leucocephala Wliite-headed Duck ACCnm'RlDAl, Penns apwoms European Honey-buzzard Honey Buzzard PJanus caendeus Black-shouldered Kite Black-winged Kite MUvus migrans Black Kite Mihm milvus Red Kite Haliaeetus vocifer yVlHcan Fish Eagle lialiaeetus leucorvphm Pallas’s Fish FLagle Piillas’s Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus albkilla White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeicr .Neophron perawpterus Egyptian Wilture .Necrosyrtes rnonaduLs Hooded V’ulturc Gyps Julim Eurasian Griifon Vulture Griffon Vulture Eurasian Giifibn Gyps rueppellu Ruppelfs Ciritfon Vulture Rueppcll's Griffon Torgos tracheiiotus Lappet-faced \ ulturc Aegypius monachm Cinereous Vulture (BOLI) Monk X'ultLire iBB) Black Vulture Cinereous Vulture Circaetus gallkus Short-toed Snake Eagle Short-toed Eagle Teralhopius ecaudatus BatcTeur Circus aerugnosus Eurasian Marsh Fiarricr Marsh Harrier Western Marsh Harner Circus cyaneus Hen Hariicr Northern Harrier Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier Circus' pygargus Montagu’s Harrier AlelieroA metabates Dark Chanting-goshawk Dark Chanting Goshawk Micronisus gabar* Gabar Goshawk . \ccipiter genlilis Northein Goshawk Goshawk Accipiter nisus Euriisian Sparrow haw k Sparrow hawk . iccipiter ha/lius Shikra Accipiter breuipes Lc'vant Sparrowhavc’k Buteo swainsoni* Swainson’s Buzzard (BB) Swainson’s Hawk [BOU) Swainson’s Hawk Buteo buteo Common Buzzard Buzzard Buteo n/finus I^ong-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopiis Rough-legged Buzzard Rough-legged Hawk . \(pdla pornanna Lesser Spotted F^.igle Afjuila c/anga (irealer Spotted Fiagle Spotted F^agle Note 16 1 17 18 2Q 2 2 2 2 S I English names of \ \ est Palearctic birds 269 Current English name used by Bntish Birds or Name in Sibley & the British Ornithologists' Monroe (1990), Scientific name Proposed formal English name L'nion. if different if different Note Aquila rapax Tawny Eagle Tawny/Steppe Eagle African Tawiiy-Eagle 27 Aqmla nipalmsu* Steppe Eagle 27 Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle 28 Aquila chiysaetos Golden Eagle Aquila verreauxii \’erreaux's Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle Hieraaetus fascialus Bonelii’s Eagle — - P.\NDtONID.-\E Pandion haliaetus Osprey F.UCONIDAE Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel Kestrel Falco sparverius .American Kestrel Falco vespertinus Red-footed Falcon Falco columbarius Merlin Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobbv Hobbv Falco eleonorae Eleonora's Falcon Falco concolor Soot\- Falcon Falco biarmicm Lanner Falcon Lanner Falco cheirug Saker Falcon Saker Falco rusticolus Gyr Falcon Gvrfalcon {BBj Gvri'alcon 29 Falco peregrines Peregrine Falcon Peregrine Falco pelegrinoides Barbarv' Falcon rETR.\OMDAE Bonasa bonasia Hazel Grouse Lagopus lagopus Willow Ptarmigan Willow/Rcd Grouse (BB) Red Grouse fBOU) 30 Lagopus mutes Rock Ptarmigan Ptarmigan Tetrao telrix Black Grouse Tetrao mlokosiewiczi Caucasian Grouse Caucasian Black Grouse Tetrao urogallus Western Capercaillie Capercaillie Pa\SIAMDAE Callipepla califomica* California Quail Colinm virgimanus Northern Bobwhite Bob-white Quail (BOU) Tetraogalles caucnsicus Caucasian Snowcock Tetraogallus caspius Caspian Snowcock Alectons chukar Chukar (BOL^) Chukar Partridge [BBj Chukar Chukar 31 Alectoris graeca Rock Partridge Alectons mja Rcd-leggcd Partridge Alectons barbara Barbary Partridge Ammoperdix griseogularis See-see Partridge See-see 31 Ammoperdix heyi Sand Partridge Francolmm Jrancolinm Black Francolin Francolinus bicalcarahts Double-spurred Francolin Perdix perdix Grey Partridge Partridge (BOU) Perdix dauuricae* Daurian Partridge Crtliimix cotumix Common Quail Quail Svrmalicus reeverii* Reeves’s Pheasant Phasimus colchkm Common Pheasant Pheasant ChiyiolophiLs pictus Golden Pheasant Ch^solophus amhersliae Lady Amherst’s Pheasant \l MIDIDAE \umida meleagns Helmeted Guincafowl 1 MKI.LNCRIDIDAK j SMtagns gallopmv* W'ild Turkey 270 English names of West Palearctk birds Current English name used by British Birds or the British Ornithologists’ Scientific name Proposed formal English name Union, if different TURNICIDAE Tumix fplvatica Small Button-quail Andalusian Hemipode RALLIDAE Rallus aquaticus Water Rail Porzana porzana Spotted Crake Porzana Carolina Sora Crake [BB) Sora (BOU) Sora Rail (BOU) Porzana parua Little Crake Sora {BB) Porzana pusilla Baillon’s Crake Porzana marginalis Striped Crake Limnocorax Jlavirostra Black Crake Crex crex Com Crake Corncrake Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen Moorhen Porphyrula alleni Allen’s Gallinule Porphvrula mariinica American Purple Gallinulc [BB] Purple Gallinule (BOU) American Purple Gallinule Porphyrio porphyria Purple Swamp-hen Purple Gallinule Fulica aira Common Coot Coot Fulica americana American Coot Fulica cristata Red-knobbed Coot Crested Coot GRUIDAE Grus grus Common Crane Crane Grus monacha* Hooded Crane Grus canadmsis Sandhill Crane Grus leucogeranus Siberiim Crane Siberian White Crane Anthropoides virgo Demoiselle Crane OriDIDAE Tetrax tetrax Little Bustard Neotis denhami Denham’s Bustard Neotis nuha Nubian Bustard Chlamydolis undulata Houbara Bustard Ardeolis arabs Arabian Bustard Otis tarda Great Bustard ROSTRvVnJI.lDAE Rostratula benghalensis Greater Painted-snipe Painted Snipe HAEMArOPODII)/\E Haematopus oslralegus Eurasian Oystercatcher Oystercatcher I laematopus moquini African Black Oystercatcher RECURVIROSIRIDAE Himantopus himanlopus Black-vsingcd Stilt Recurvirostra avosetta Pied Avocet Avocet DROM/VDIDAE Dramas ardeola Crab-plover Crab Plover BURHINIDAE Burhmus oedicnemus Eurasian Thick-knee {BB) Stone-curlew (BOU) Stone-curlew [BB) Burhinus senegalauis Senegal Thick-knee Stone Curlew (BOU) (;iAREOUl)AE Pluvianus aegyptim Egyptian Courser Egyptian Plover Gursorius cursor Cream-coloured Courser Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if different Note Sora 32 Purple Gallinulc 33 Purple Swamphen 33 Stanley Bustard 34 Canary/African 0>’stcrcatcher3f 31 Eurasian Thick-knee 3 Crocodile-bird 3 Cream-colored Courser 3 English names of West Pakarctic birds 271 Current Ejiglish name Scientific name Proposed formal Ene:lish name used by British Birds or the British Ornithologists’ Union, if different Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if different Note Glareola maldwanan Oriental Pratincole Glareola nordmanm Black-winged Pratincole CHAR.ADRIIDAE Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover [BB\ Little Plover (BOU) Little Ringed Plover Little Ringed Plover 40 Charadrius kiatkula Great Ringed Hover [BE) Ringed Plover (BOU) Ringed Hover Common Ringed Plover 40 Ckaradnus semipalmatus Semipalmated Plover Charadnus vociferus KUldeer (BOU) KUIdeer Plover {BB} Killdeer Killdeer 41 Ckaradnus pecuarius Kittlitz’s Plover Kittlitz’s Sand Plover Charadrius adexaridrtrms Kentish Hover Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover Mongolian Hover 42 Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Hover Charadnus asiaticus Caspian Hover Charadrius morinellus Eurasian Dotterel (BOU) Mountain Dotterel [BB] Dotterel Eurasian Dotterel 43 PliwiaUs Juba* Pacific Golden Plover Lesser Golden Plover Ptuvialis domimca American Golden Plover Lesser Golden Hover Pbwialis apricaria European Golden Plover Eurasian Golden Plover 44 Ptuuialis squaiarola Grey Hover Hopbptmis spinosus Spur-winged Lapwing Spur-winged Plover Hoploptems tectus Black-headed Lapwing Blackhead Hover Hopbptmis irubcus Red-watded Lapwing Red-wattled Hover Chettusia gr^aria Sociable Lapwing Sociable Hover Chettusia leucura White-tailed Lapwing White-tailed Plover Vanellus vanellus Northern Lapwing Lapwing SCOLOPACIDAE Calidris teramostris Great Knot Calidris canutus Red Knot Knot Calidris alba Sanderling Calidris pusiUa Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris maun Western Sandpiper Calidris mfUalUs Red-necked Stint Rufous-necked Stint 45 Calidris minuia Little Stint Calidris temminckii Temminck’s Stint Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint Calidris minutilla Least Sandpiper CaJidris juscicoUis Calidris bairdit Cahdris melanotos Caiidris aaoninala Calidris femtginea Calidris rriantma Calidris alpina Eujynorkynchus pygmeus* Umkola fakinellus ■ Mtcropalmrui htmmtopus Ttyngites subrufuollis ■ Phtlomachus puffiax LymnocrypUs rrimmus Gallviago gallinago GaUmagp media Gallinago sUnura Gallinago megala Limnodromus griseus Limnodromus scolopaceus \ Scolopax rusticola \ Limosa limosa White-rumped Sandpiper Baird’s Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Curlew Sandpiper Purple Sandpiper Dunlin Spoonbill Sandpiper Broad-billed Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper Ruff Jack Snipe Common Snipe Great Snipe Pintail Snipe Swinhoe’s Snipe Short-billed Dowitcher Long-billed Dowitcher Eurasian Woodcock Black-tailed Godwit Snipe Woodcock I 272 Scientific name Limosa haemastua Limosa lapponka Numenius minutus Numenius borealis Numenius phaeopus Numenius tenuirostris Numemus arquata Bartramia lon^auda Trmga eiythropus Tringa totmus Tringa stagnatilis Tringa nebularia Tringa mehmokuca Tringa Jlavipes Tringa solitana Tringa ochropus Tnnga glareola Xenus cinereus Actitis hypoleucos Actitis maculana Heteroscelus brevipes Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Arenana mterpres Phalaropus tricobr Phalmopus bbatus Phalaropus jiilicarius STERCORARIIDAE Stercorarius pomarinus Stercorarius parasitkus Stercorarius longicaudus Stercorarius skua Stercorarius maccormicki L\R1I)AE Larus hemprichii Lams leucophthalmus Larus khthyaetus Larus melanocephalus Larus atrkilla Larus pipixean Larus minutus Larus sabini Larus Philadelphia Imtus ridibundus Larus bmnnkephalus* Larus cirrocephalus Larus germ Larus audouinii Larus delawarensu Larus conus Ijarus fiiscus Larus argentaius Ijirus glaucoides Imtus hyperboreus Lams marinus Rhodnstethia rosea Rissa tridactyla Pagnphila ebumea English names of West Palearctic birds Current English name used by British Birds or Name in Sibley & the British Ornithologists’ Monroe (1990), Proposed formal English name Union, if different if different Note Hudsonian Godwit Bar-tailed Godwit Little Curlew Eskimo Curlew Whimbrel Slender-billed Curlew Little Whimbrel Eurasian Curlew Curlew Upland Sandpiper Spotted Redshank Common Redshank Redshank Marsh Sandpiper Common Greenshank Greenshank Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Solitary Sandpiper Green Sandpiper Wood Sandpiper Terek Sandpiper Common Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Grey-tailed Tattler Willet Grey-rumped Tatder {BB) Ruddy Turnstone Wilson’s Phalarope Red-necked Phalarope Grey Phalarope Turnstone Red Phalarope 46! ! Pomarinc Skua Pomarine Jaeger 47 Arctic Skua (BOU) Parasitic Skua [BB) Arctic Skua Parasitic Jaeger 47 Long-tailed Skua Great Skua Long-tailed Jaeger 47 South Polar Skua Sooty Gull I White-eyed Gull Pallas’s Gull Great Black-headcd Gull Great Black-headed Gull Ai Mediterranean Gull Laughing Gull Franklin’s Gull Ijttle Gull Sabine’s Gull Bonaparte’s Gull Black-hcaded Gull Brown-headed Gull Grey-headed Gull Slender-billed Gull Audouin’s Gull Ring-billed Gull Mew Gull Common Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Herring Gull Iceland Gull Glaucous Gull Great Black-backed Gull Ross’s Gull Black-legged Kittiwakc Kittiwakc Ivory Gull Common Black-headed GuU 41 4 English names of I Vest Palearctic birds 273 Current English name Scientific name Proposed formal English name used by British Birds or the British Ornithologists' Union, if different Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if different STERNID.\E Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern Sterna caspia Caspian Tern Sterna maxima Roval Tern Sterna bergii Greater Crested Tern Crested Tern Great Crested Tern Sterna bengalmsis Lesser Crested Tern Sterna sanduicensis Sandwich Tern Sterna elegans* Elegant Tern Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern Sterna hinmdo Common Tern Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern Sterna aleutica Aleutian Tern Sterna forsteri Forster’s Tern Sterna repressa White-cheeked Tern Sterna anaethetus Bridled Tern Sterna Juscata Sooty Tern Sterna (dbifrons Little Tern Sterna saundersi* Saunders’s Tern Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern Chlidonias niger Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Tern White-winged Black Tern Anous stolidus Brown Noddy RYNCHOPIDAE Rynchops Jlamrostris African Skimmer •\LCIDAE Uria aalge Common Guillemot Guillemot Common Murre Uria Imwia Briinnich’s Guillemot Thick-billed Murre Aka lerda Razorbill Pinguinus impennis Great Auk Cepphus g/ylU Black Guillemot Synthliboramphus antiquus* Ancient Murrelet AlUaUe Little Auk Dovekie Aethia cristatella Crested Auklet Cyclonhynchus psittacula* Parakeet Auklet Fratercula arctica Adantic Puffin Puffin PTEROCUDIDAE Pterocles Ikbtemteinii Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles akkata Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus Pallas’s Sandgrouse COLUMBIDAE Cohmba livia Rock Pigeon Rock Dove Columba oenas Stock Pigeon Stock Dove Cohmba eversmanni Yellow-eyed Pigeon Yellow-eyed Stock Dove Pale-backed Pigeon Cohmba palumbus Common Wood Pigeon Woodpigeon Cohmba trocaz Trocaz Pigeon Long-toed Pigeon Cohmba boUii BoUe’s Pigeon Bolle’s Laurel Pigeon Columba junoniae Laurel Pigeon Streptopelia roseogrisea African Collared Dove Pink-headed Turde Dove Streptopelia decaecto Eurasian Collared Dove Collared Dove Streptopelia turtur European Turde Dove Turde Dove Streptopelia onentalis Oriental Turtle Dove Rufous Turde Dove 1 Streptopelia senegedensis Laughing Dove ■ Oena capensis Namaqua Dove Z^oida mdcroura* Mourning Dove Note 50 51 52 53 54 274 English names of West Palearchc birds Current English name used by British. Birds or Name in Sibley & the British Ornithologists’ Monroe (1990), Scientific name Proposed formal English name Union, if different if different Note PSITTACIDAE | Myiopsitta monachus* Monk Parakeet i Psittacula krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet Ring-necked Parakeet ' I CUCULIDAE I Clarrulior ja£obinus Jacobin Cuckoo Pied Cuckoo 55 Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo Chysocoeg/x capnus Didric Cuckoo Dideric Cuckoo 56 Cuculus canorus Common Cuckoo Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus Oriental Cuckoo CoegzMs eryihrophihahmus Black-billed Cuckoo Coctyzus ameriemus Yellow-billed Cuckoo j Centropus senegalensts Senegal Coucal 1 1 1 TYTONIDAE 1 Tyto alba Bam Owl STRIGIDAE i Otus brucei Pallid Scops Owl (BOU) I Striated Scops Owl {BB) Striated Scops Owl Pallid Scops-Owl 57 j Otus scops Eurasian Scops Owl Scops Owl 1 Bubo bubo Eurasian Eagle Owl Eagle Owl 58 i Ketupa zglonensis Brown Fish Owl Nyctea scandiaca Snowy Owl 1 Sumia ulula Northern Hawk Owl Hawk Owl ! Glaucidiim passerinum Eurasian Pygmy Owl Pygmy Owl j Athem noctua Little Owl Strix aluco Tawny Owl 1 Strix butleri Hume’s Owl Hume’s Tawny Owl j Strix uralensis Ural Owl 1 Strix nebulosa Great Grey Owl 1 1 Asia otus Long-eared Owl j Asia Jlammeus Short-eared Owl i Asia capensis Marsh Owl AegoUus Jmereus Tengmalm’s Owl Boreal Owl 59 J CAPRIMULGIDAE 1 Caprmiulgus nubicus Nubian Nighqar i Caprvnul^ europaeus European Nightjar Nighgar Eurasian Nighgar 60 j Cc^rnmulgus ruficoUis Red-necked Nighgar 1 Caprtmui^ aegyptixis Egyptian Nightjar 1 Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk Nighthawk (BOU) 1 1 APODIDAE 1 1 Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail (BOU) 1 White-throated Needletail Swift {BB) Needle-tailed Swift White-throated Needletail 61, Chaetura pelagka Chimney Swift 1 Apus alexandn Cape Verde Swift Alexander’s Swift 62I Apus unicoloT Plain Swift 1 Apus apus Common Swift Swift 1 Apus palddus Pallid Swift Apus paaficus Pacific Swift Fork-tailed Swift 63 Apus melba Alpine Swift Apus cc^er White-mmped Swift Apus affinis Little Swift Cypsmrus parvus African Palm Swift Palm Swift ALCEDINIDAE Halcyon smymensis Smyrna Kingfisher White-breasted Kingfisher White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon leucocepheda Grey-headed Kingfisher Alcedo allhis Common Kingfisher Kingfisher English names of West Palearctic birds 275 Scientific name Proposed formal English name Cer^U mdis Pied Kingfisher Ceiyle alg>on Belted Kingfisher MEROPIDAE Merops orimtalis Merops supercilwsus Merops apiasier CORAaiDAE Coracias garrulus Coronas at^ssinicus Coracias benghalensis Eurystomus glaucurus UPUHDAE Upupa epops PICIDAE Jynx torquilla ColapUs auratus Piais conus Picus viridLS Picus voillantu Dyocopus martius Spfyrapicus varius Dendrocopos ma^cn Dendrocopos syriacus Dendrocopos medius Dendrocopos leucotos Dendrocopos minor Pkoides tridactylus TYRANNIDAE Empidonax virescens ALAUDIDAE Eremoptenx signata* Eremopterix rdgriceps Ermaiauda dimrd Amnwmam cincturus Ammomarus deserti Alaenwn alaudipes Chersophilus duponti Rampkocons dotb^ Melanocoiypha calandra Melanocoypha bimaculala Melanocoypka UucopUra Melaruxorypha yeltonimsis I Calandrella hrachydactyla I Calandrella acudrostris* Calandrella rufescens Galerida cristaia Galerida theJdae , hdlula arborea Alauda arvensis i Alauda razae Eremophila alpestns ; Eremophila bilopha Little Green Bee-eater Blue-cheeked Bee-eater European Bee-eater Chestnut-headed Sparrow-lark Black-crowned Sparrow-lark Dunn’s Lark Bar-tailed Lark Desert Lark Greater Hoopoe Lark Dupont’s Lark Thick-billed Lark Calandra Lark Bimaculated Lark White-winged Lark Black Lark Greater Short-toed Lark Hume’s Lark Lesser Short-toed Lark Crested Lark Thekla Lark Wood Laiic Oriental Lark Sky Lark Raso Lark Homed Lark Temminck’s Lark Current English name used by British Birds or the British Ornithologists’ Union, if different Bee-eater Black-crowned Finch-lark Bar-tailed Desert Lark Hoojx)e Lark Short-toed Lark Woodlark Skylark Razo Lark Shore Lark Temminck’s Homed Lark European Roller Roller Abyssinian Roller Indian Roller Broad-billed Roller Hoopoe Eurasian Wryneck Wryneck Northern Flicker Grey-headed Woodp>ecker European Green Woodpecker [BB) Green Woodpecker (BOU) Green Woodpecker Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker [BB] Levaillant’s Woodpecker (BOU) Black Woodpecker Yellow-bellied S^sucker Great Spotted Woodpecker Syrian Woodpecker Middle Spotted Woodpecker White-backed Woodpecker Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Three-toed Woodpecker Acadian Flycatcher Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if different Note Eurasian Hoopoe 65 Grey-faced Woodpecker 66 Eurasian Green Woodpecker 67 67 68 Oriental Skylark 69 Eurasian Skylark 69 Razo Lark 69 276 English names of West Palearctk birds Current English name Scientific name Proposed formal English name used by Bntuh Birds or Name in Sibley & the British Ornithologists’ Monroe (1990). Union, if different if different Note HIRLWDINIDAE Riparia paiudicola Ripana npana Ripana cincta* Tachynneta bicobr* Plain Martin Sand Martin Banded Martin Tree Swallow Brown-throated Sand Martin Ptyonoprogne fu/t^la Rock Martin 70 Ptyonoprogne mpestm Eurasian Crag Martin Crag Martin Hirundo rustica Hirundo aethiopica* Hirundo daunca Hirundo pyrrhonota Bam Swallow Ethiopian Swallow Red-rumped Swallow Cliff Swallow Sw'allow Deluhon urbica House Martin Northern House Martin 71 MOTACILLIDAE Anthus novaeseelandiae Anthus godlewsfai Anthus campestris Anthus berthelotii Anthus similis Anthus hodgsoni Anthus trivudis Anthus gustavi Anthus pratensis Anthus cervinus Anthus petrosus* Richard’s Pipit Blyth’s Pipit Tawny Pipit Berthelot’s Pipit Lx)ng-billed Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Tree Pipit Pechora Pipit Meadow Pipit Red-throated Pipit Rock Pipit 72 Anthus spinoletta Water Bpit Rock Pipit Anthus rubescens* Motacilla Jldim Buff-bellied Pipit Yellow Wagt^ American Pipit (BOU) American Pipit 73 1 Motacilla citreola Motacilla cinerea Citrine Wagtail Grey Wagtail Yellow-hooded Wagtail 74* 1 Motacilla alba Pied Wagtail {BBj Pied Wagtail {BB) Motacilla a^imp White Wagtail (BOU) African Wagtail {BB} Pied/White Wagtail (BOU) White Wagtail 75! 1 f African Pied Wagtail (BOU) African Pied Wagtail African Pied Wagtail 75, PYCNONOTIDAE Pycnonotus leucogenys White-checked Bulbul 76 1 Pycnonotus xanthopygos White-spectacled Bulbul Yellow-vented Bulbul I\cnonotus barbatus Garden Bulbul Common Bulbul i 1 BOMBYCIUJDAE | Bombyalla garrulus Hypocolius ampelinus Bohemian Waxwing Grey Hypocolius Waxwing i CINCLIDAE Cinclus cinclus White-throated Dipper Dipper 1 \ mOCLODniDAE ; Troglodytes troglodytes MIMIDAE Mimus polyghttos Winter Wren Northern Mockingbird Wren 1 1 Toxostoma mjum Brown Thrasher ! Dumetella carolinensis Grey Catbird Gray Catbird PRUNEUJDAE Ibnnella modulans Ihvnella montanella Hedge Accentor Siberian Accentor Dunnock Ibnnella ocularis Ihnnella atrogularis Prunella collars Radde’s Accentor Black-throated Accentor Alpine Accentor Spdt-throated Accentor 7: English names of West Palearctic birds 277 Current English name Scientific name Proposed formal English name used by British Birds or the British Ornithologists’ Union, if different Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if different Note TLTU)ID.Jl£ Cercotnchas galactotes Rufous-tailed Scrub-robin Rufous Bush Robin (BB) Rufous Bush Chat (BOU) Cercotrichas podobe Black Scrub-robin Black Bush Robin Erii/iacus nibecula European Robin Robin Luscinia luscinia Thrush Nightingale 78 Luscinm megarkyTichos Common Nightingale (BOU) Rufous Nightingale {BB} Nightingale Common Nightingale 78 Luscinia calliope Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia svecica Bluethroat Luscinia cyane Siberian Blue Robin Tarsiger cyamrus Orange-flanked Bush-robin {BB} Red-flanked Bluetail fBOU) Red-flanked Bluetail Orange-flanked Bush-Robin 79 Irania gutturalis White-throated Robin Phoenicums erythronotus Eversmann’s Redstart Rufous-backed Redstart 80 Phoenicurus ochmros Black Redstart Phoenicums phoenuums Common Redstart Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri Moussier’s Redstart Phoenicums eythrogaster Giildenstadt’s Redstart White-winged Redstart 80 Cercomela melanura Blacks tart Saxicola mbetra Whinchat Saxicola dacoliae Fuerteventura Chat Canary Islands Stonechat Canary Chat 81 Saxicola torquata Common Stonechat Stonechat 82 Saxicola caprala Pied Bushchat Pied Stonechat Myrmecocichla aethiops Northern Anteater-chat Ant-chat Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear Wheatear Ommihe pkschmka Pied Wheatear 83 Oenanthe hispanica Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear Oenanthe Jinschii Finsch’s Wheatear Oenanthe moesta Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe xantkoprymna Red-tailed Wheatear Rufous-tailed Wheatear 84 Oenanthe picata Variable Wheatear Eastern Pied Wheatear Oenanthe lugens Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe monacha Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe alboniger Hume’s Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga White-tailed Wheatear White-crowned Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura Black Wheatear Monticola saxatilis Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Rock Thrush Montkok solitarius Blue Rock Thrush Zoothera dauma Scaly Thrush [BB) White’s Thrush (BOU) White’s Thrush Scaly Thrush 85 gaothera sibirica Siberian Thrush i^oothera naeiha Varied Thrush Hybcichia mustelina Wood Thrush Gothams ^ttatus Hermit Thrush Cathams ustulatus Swainson’s Thrush Olive-backed Thrush (BOU) Gothams minimus Grey-cheeked Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush [BB] 39 Gothams Juscescens Veery Turdus micolor Tickell’s Thrush Indian Grey Thrush 86 Turdus torguatus Ring Ouzel Turdus memla Common Blackbird Blackbird Eurasian Blackbird 87 Turdus obscums Eyebrowed Thrush Eye-browed Thrush Turdus naumanm Dusky Thrush Dusky/Naumann’s Thrush Turdus ruficotlis Dark-throated Thrush Black-throated/ Red-throated Thrush Turdus pilaris Fieldfare Turdus phUomelos Song Thrush ^ Turdus iliacus Redwing Turdus viscivoms Misde Tlirush 278 English names of West Palearctie birds Current English name Scientific name Proposed formal English name used by British Birds or the British Ornithologists’ Union, if different Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if different Note Turdus migratoriiLs American Robin SVXVIIDAE Cettia cetti Cetd’s Warbler Cisticola junadis Zitting Cisticola Fan-tailed Warbler i Prinia gracilis Graceful Prinia Graceful Warbler 1 Scotocerca inquieta Streaked Scrub Warbler Scrub Warbler 1 Locustella. certhiola Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Pallas’s Warbler 88 1 Locustelia lanceolata Lanceolated Warbler j Locustella naevia Common Grasshopper Warbler Grasshopper Warbler Grasshopper Warbler 88 1 Locustelia Jbwiatilis River Warbler Eurasian River Warbler 89 Locustella luscimoides Savi’s Warbler 1 1 Locustelia fascwlata Gray’s Grasshopper Warbler Gray’s Warbler 90 : Aaocephalus melanopogon Moustached Warbler } I Aaocephalus paludicola Aquatic Warbler Aaocephahxs schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler Aaocephalus agncola Paddyfield Warbler Aaocephalus dumetomm Blyth’s Reed Warbler Aaocephalus brevipennis Cape Verde Warbler Cape Verde Cane Warbler Cape Verde Swamp Warbler 91 Aaocephalus palustns Marsh Warbler Aaocephalus sarpaceus Eurasian Reed Warbler Reed Warbler i Aaocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler j Aaocephalus aTundtnaceus Great Reed Warbler 92 Aaocephalus aedon Thick-billed Warbler LLippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler 1 LLippolais cahgaia Booted Warbler j LLippolais languida Upcher’s Warbler 1 1 LLippolais olivetorum Olive-tree Warbler } LLippolais utenna Icterine Warbler 1 LLippolais polygbtta Melodious Warbler j Sylvia sarda Marmora’s Warbler I Sylvia undata Daitford Warbler 1 Syhna deserticola Tristram’s Warbler j Sylvia conspicillata Spectacled Warbler 1 Sylvia cantdlans Subalpine Warbler Sylvia mystacea Menetries’s Warbler Menetries’s Warbler Sybia melanocephala Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanothorax Cyprus Warbler Sylvia rueppellii Riippell’s Warbler Rueppell’s Warbler Sylvia nana Desert Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena Arabian Warbler Red Sea Warbler 93 Sylvia horteusis Orphean Warbler Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler Sylvia cinruca Lesser WTitethroat 1 Sylvia communis Common Whitethroat Whitethroat Greater Whitethroat 94| Sylvia borin Garden Warbler Sylvia atneapilla Blackcap j L^ylloscopus mtidus Bright Green Warbler Green Warbler Yellowish-breasted Warbler 9^ Phylloscopus trochiloides Greenish Warbler 1 Fiylloscopus plumbeilarsus* Two-barred Warbler Miylloscopus borealis Arctic Warbler J Phylloscopus pToregulus Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Pallas’s Warbler Lemon-rumped Warbler LLiylloscopus momatus Yellow-browed Warbler Inornate Warbler 92 Phylloscopus sckwarzi Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus juscatus Dusky Warbler L^yUoscopus bonelli Bonelli’s Warbler Plylloscopus sibilatrix Wood Warbler Phylloscopus neglectus Plain Leaf Warbler Plain Willow Warbler L^Uoscopus sindianus Mountain Chiffehaff Hiylloscopus collybita Common Chiffehaff Chiffehaff Eurasian Chiffehaff 9( Ptylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler English names of West Palearctic birds 279 Current English name used by British Birds or the British Ornithologists’ Scientific name Proposed formal Engflish name Union, if different Re^dus calendula* Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regius regulus Goldcrest R^lus ignicc^nllus Firecrest MUSCICAPLDAE Musckapa dauunca Asian Brown Flycatcher Brown Flycatcher Musckapa striaia Spotted Flycatcher Ftcedula parva Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula smilarquata Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicoUis Collared Flycatcher Ficedula kypoleuca Red Flycatcher TIMALirDAE PanuTus hiarmiais Bearded Tit (BOU) Reedling {BBj Bearded Tit Turdouks alUrostris Iraq Babbler Turdoides caudaius Common Babbler Turdoides squamiceps Arabian Babbler Brown Babbler Turdmdes Juhm Fulvous Babbler .\FX}ITHALiDAE AegUhalos caudaius Long-tailed Tit PARJDAE Pams pahistm Marsh Tit Pams lugubns Sombre Tit Pams montanus Willow Tit Pams cinctus Siberian Tit Pams cristatus Crested Tit Pams oler Coal Til Pams caemleus Blue Tit Pams cyamis Azure Til Pams mtpor Great Tit SITTIDAE Sitta kruepen Kruper’s Nuthatch Sitta wfnieheadi Corsican Nuthatch Sitta ledanh Algerian Nuthatch Sitta canadensis Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta europaea Wood Nuthatch Nuthatch Sitta tephronota Eastern Rock Nuthatch Great Rock Nuthatch Sitta nearrmer Western Rock Nuthatch Rock Nuthatch nCHODROMADroAE Tuhodroma muraria Wallcreeper , CERTHIIDAE , Certhia famiUaris Eurasian Treecreeper Treecreeper , Certha hrad^dacfyla Short-toed Treecreeper \ rlmizidae Remil pendulinus Eurasian Penduline Tit Penduline Tit VECTARINIIDAE j Anthreptes platurus* Pygmy Sunbird inthrepUs metaUicus Nile Valley Sunbird • Vectarinm osea Palestine Sunbird Orange-tufted Sunbird 1 )RiOLlDAE ' 'Molus oriolus 1 Eurasian Golden Oriole Golden Oriole Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if different Common Goldcrest European Red Flycatcher Bearded Parrotbill Fulvous Chatterer Krueper’s Nuthatch Kabylie Nuthatch Eurasian Tree-Creeper Short-toed Tree-Creeper Note 99 100 101 102 103 104 104 280 English names of West Palearctic birds Current English name used by British Birds or Name in Sibley & the British Ornithologists’ Monroe (1990), Scientific name Proposed formal English name Union, if different if different Note * '.f LANIIDAE Tchagra senegala Black-crowned Tchagra Black-headed Bush Shrike I Lanius aistatus* Brown Shrike 1 Lanins isabellinus Isabelline Shrike Rufous-tailed Shrike 10! Lanius colluno Red-backed Shrike Lanius schach Long-tailed Shrike Iji Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike 1 Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike Northern Shrike lOf il Lanius senator Woodchat Shrike Lanius nubicus Masked Shrike CORVIDAE Garrulus glandarms Eurasian Jay Jay Perisoreus infaustus Siberian Jay 1 Cyanopica cyana Azure-winged Magpie Pica pica Black-billed Magpie Magpie Nuajraga ca^ocatactcs Spotted Nutcracker Nutcracker fynhocorax graculus Yellow-billed Chough Alpine Chough 107 ; lyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Red-billed Chough Chough 1 Corvus monedula Eurasian Jackdaw Jackdaw ; CoTvus dauuncus Daurian Jackdaw Corvus splendens House Crow Indian House Crow J Corvus Jhigilegus Rook i Corvus corone Carrion Crow 1 Corvus albus Pied Crow 1 Corvus rujicollis Brown-necked Raven Corvus corax Common Raven Raven ! Corvus rhipidurus Fan-tailed Raven ' STURNIDAE Onychognaihus tristromii Tristram’s Starling Tristram’s Crackle Stumus stuminus* Daurian Starling FNjrple-backed Starling lOf Stumus vulgaris Common Starling Starling Stumus unicolor Spodess Starling Stumus roseus Rosy Starling Rose-coloured Starling Acndotheres tristis* Common Myna 1 PASSERJDAE i Passer domesticus House Sparrow 1 Passer hispaniolensis Spanish Sparrow 1 1 Passer moabiticus Dead Sea Sparrow Passer iagoensis Cape Verde Sparrow Rufous-backed Sparrow ) Passer simplex Desert Sparrow Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow Tree Sparrow Passer luteus Sudan Golden Sparrow Golden Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla Pale Rockfmch Pale Rock Sparrow 10 Petronia xanthocollis Chestnut-shouldered Petronia Yellow-throated Sparrow 10 Petronia petronia Rock Petronia {BB) Rock Sparrow (BOU) Rock Sparrow Rock Sparrow i«! Montijhngilla nivalis White-winged Snowfinch Snowfmch ' PLOCEIDAE 1 Ploceus manyar Streaked Weaver i ESTRimiDAE 1 Lagonosticla senegala Red-billed Firefinch Senegal Firefinch Estnlda astnld Common Waybill i Amandava amandava Red Avadavat Avadavat Euodice maiabarica* Indian Silverbill (BOU) 1 White-throated Silverbill {BB) White-throated Silverbill ll Euodice cantons * African Silverbill English names of West Palearctic birds 281 Current English name Scientific name Proposed formal English name used by Bntish Birds or the Biiush Ornithologists’ Union, if different Name in Sibley & Monroe (1990), if different Note \TREON'tDAE Vmo Jlamjrom* Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo pkiladelphicus* Philadelphia Vireo Vireo olivaceus Red-eyed Vireo FRINGILUD.'VE Frwgilla coelebs Chaffinch (BOU) Common Chafl^ch [BB\ Chaffinch Chaffinch 111 Frmgdla t^dea Canary' Islands Chafilnch {BB} Teydean Finch fBOU) Canary Islands Chaffinch Teydefinch 111 Fringilla rrumti/nngilla Brambling Sennas pusillus Fire-fronted Serin Red-fronted Serin Serinus serinus European Serin Serin Sennas syriacus Syrian Serin Tristram’s Serin Serinas comna Island Canary Canary Serinos citrinella Citril Finch Carduelis chbris European Greenfinch Greenfinch Cardaelis carduelis^ European Goldfinch Goldfinch Carduelis spinas Eurasian Siskin Siskin Carduelis cannabina Common Linnet Linnet Eurasian Linnet 112 Carduelis Jlamrostris Twite Carduelis jlammea Common Redpoll Redpoll Carduelis homemarmi Arctic Redpoll Hoary Redpoll 113 Loxia leucopt^a Two-barred Crossbill White-winged Crossbill 114 Loxia curvirostra Common Crossbill Crossbill Red Crossbill 115 Loxia scotica Scottish Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus Parrot Crossbill Rhodopechs sanguinea Crimson-winged Finch Rhodospiza obsoleta Desert Finch Bucanetes mongolicus* Mongolian Finch Bucanetes githagineus Trumpeter Finch Carpodacus erythrinus Common Rosefinch Scarlet Rosefinch [BB] Scarlet Grosbeak (BOU) Carpodacus synoicus Sinai Rosefinch Pale Rosefinch 116 Carpodacus roseus Pallas’s Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilla Great Rosefinch Pinicola enacleatm Pine Grosbeak Uragus sibiricus* Long-tailed Rosefinch fyrrhula pyrrhula Common Bullfinch Bullfinch Eurasian Bullfinch 117 Coccothrausles coccothraustes Hawfinch Hesperiphona vespertina Evening Grosbeak PARL'UDAE Mniotilta varia Black-and-white Warbler Vermiuora chrysoptera* Golden-winged Warbler Vermwora peregrina Tennessee Warbler Panda amencana Northern Panila Parula Warbler (BOU) Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler Dendroica pensybanica* Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica caerulescens* Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica virens* Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica Jusca* Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica tigrina Cape May Warbler Dendroica magnolia Magnolia Warbler Dendroica coronata Yellow-rumped Warbler Myrtle Warbler (BOU) ; Dendroica palmarum Palm Warbler 1 Dendroica striata BlackpoU Warbler Setophaga ruticilla American Redstart ' Seiurus aurocapillus Ovenbird 1 Seiurus noveboracensis Northern Waterthrush ' Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat Yellowthroat (BOU) 1 WUsonia citrina i Hooded Warbler 282 English names of West Palearctic birds Current English name Scientific name Proposed tbrmal English name used by British Birds or Name in Sibley & the British Ornithologists’ Monroe (1990), Union, if different if different Wibonia pusilla* Wilson’s Warbler Wilsonia canadensis* Canada Warbler THRAUPIDAE Piranga rubra Summer Tanager Piranga olwacea Scarlet Tanager EMBERIZIDAE l\piljo erythrophthalmus Rufous-sided Towhec Chondestes grammacus Lark Sparrow Ammodramus sandunehensis Savannah Sparrow ^onotnchia iliaca Fox Sparrow ^onotrichm melodia Song Sparrow’ ^onotnckia leucophrys White-crowned Sparrow ^onotnchia albicollis White-throated Sparrow Junco hyemalis Dark-eyed Junco Slate-coloured Junco (BOU) Calcarius lapponkus Lapland Longspur Lapland Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Snow Bunting Embenza spodocephala Black-faced Bunting Emberiza leucocephahs Pine Bunting Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer Embenza cirlus Cirl Bunting Embenza eta Rock Bunting Embenza cioides* Meadow' Bunting Emberiza stnolata House Bunting Embenza Udiapist* Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Embenza cineracea Cinereous Bunting Emberiza hortulana Ortolan Bunting Emberiza buchanani Grey-necked Bunting Embenza caesia Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza chrysophrys Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza rustica Rustic Bunting Emberiza pusilla Little Bunting Emberiza rutila Chestnut Bunting Embenza aureola Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza schoenklus Reed Bunting Embenza pallasi Pallas’s Bunting Pallas’s Reed Bunting Emberiza brumceps Red-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala Black-headed Bunting Miliana calandra Corn Bunting Spiza ameruana* Dickcissel Pheuetkus ludovicianus Rose-breasted Grosbeak Guiraca caendea Blue Grosbeak Passerina cyanea Indigo Bunting Passerma ciris Painted Bunting ICTERIDAE Dolickonyx oryzkorus Bobolink Molothrus ater* Brown-headed Cowbird Quiscalus quiscula* Common Crackle Xanthocephnlus xanihocephalus * Yellow-headed Blackbird Icterus galbula Northern Oriole BcUtimore Oriole (BOU) Notes 1 . The European use of ‘diver’ and the American use of ‘loon’ have not been reconciled, but confusion could be reduced by the introduction of Arctic Diver (which accords with the specific name arctica) and Yellow-billed Diver (which is marginally more accurate, although ‘Ivory-billed Diver’ would be more precise); it is to be hoped that North Americans may opt for Great North- ern Loon for G. immer. English names of West Palearctic birds 283 2. ‘Slavonicin’ is no more inappropriate than Kentish Plover, Sandwich Tern or Dartford War- bler, and is unique; several grebes have ‘horns’. We see no advantage in a change. 3. If Soft-plumaged Petrel is split into three species, the names suggested by Sibley & Monroe (1990), ‘Cape Verde Petrel’ and ‘Madeira Petrel’, are more acceptable than Bourne’s (1983) sug- gestions of ‘Gon-gon’ for P. feae and ‘Freira’ for P. madeira. ‘Gon-gon’ has been applied to both species in the past, and neither it nor ‘Freira’ is English, and neither indicates the affinities of the species. 4. There is no other ‘. . .-capped Petrel’, so the word ‘Black’ is unnecessary; it is also inaccurate, since the cap can be dark brown; the simpler name is preferred. 5. ‘Schlegel’s’ is a unique name; there are lots of other petrels which occur in the Atlantic Ocean. 6. The bird’s feet are pinkish (i.e. flesh-coloured), not covered with flesh. 7. This is the only shearwater species endemic to the Mediterranean; the main argument against this name is that it was applied for a time to Calmectiis dwmedia, but very few of today’s birdwatch- ers remember that or would be confused by the application of ‘Mediterranean Shearwater’ to the newly separated species P.yeUwium. 8. If persicus is split from Audubon’s Shearwater, then the obvious name for the new species is ‘Persian Shearwater’. 9. A recent paper [Ibis 133: 351-356) has suggested that nwnorhis may be a distinctive race of leu- corhoa rather than a separate species. 10. ‘Band-rumped’ is longer, more awkward-sounding and no more appropriate for this species than for several others. ‘Madeiran’ is unique, and no more inappropriate than, say, Kentish Plover. 1 1 . If the Afrotropical lucidus is split from the Great Cormorant, the name ‘White-breasted Cor- morant’ accurately describes its appearance. 12. If the Darter is split into three species, it is rufa which occurs in the West Palearctic and the Sibley & Monroe name of ‘African Darter’ is appropriate. 13. If virescens is split from striatus, the most appropriate names for the two West Palearctic forms are ‘Striated Heron’ for B. stnatus and ‘Green Heron’ for B. virescens. 14. Resurrection of the old name ‘Hermit Ibis’ would retain the useful word ‘Ibis’ which shows the bird’s relationships, and would release the name ‘Bald Ibis’ for G. cakrus. The alternative name, ‘Northern Bald Ibis’, already adopted by Collar & Stuart (1985), is helpful in showing that there are two closely related species and that this one is the more northern of them. ‘Waldrapp’, which is German for Wood Raven, is inappropriate for adoption as an English name. 15. Not closely related to Anas crecca or other teals. 16. No good reason to change from the established name, since the genus Aylhya contains species named ‘Duck’ as well as others named ‘Pochard’. 17. ‘Velvet-duck’ dates from Ray (1678) and ‘Velvet Scoter’ from Fleming (1828); ‘White-winged’ is not especially appropriate for a species that has white only on its secondaries. 18. Not the commonest species of merganser in many areas; the long-established (Ray 1678) name ‘Goosander’ is more appropriate. 19. The ‘shoulder area’ (not the whole wing) is black, so it would be difficult to justify a retro- grade change. The similarly plumaged Elanus axillaris of Australia requires another name to avoid confusion. 20. If lineatus is split from the Black Kite (and we are not convinced that this is justified), the name ‘Black-eared Kite’ is available. 21. This is not a marine species; the other Haliaeetus species on the West Palearctic list are not called ‘Sea-eagles’. 22. It is helpful to retain the group name ‘Vulture’ for these two species. 23. The BOURC, at our suggestion, previously recommended the use of ‘Cinereous Vulture’ {Bril. Birds 81: 355-377; Ibis 130: Supplement) tmd this was adopted by Sibley & Monroe (1990), but that name was disliked by international correspondents; an alternative is ‘Monk Vulture’, after the German, Dutch and sfiecific scientific names (cf Monk Parakeet). (This reduces confusion with the totally unrelated Black Vulture Coragfps atratus of America.) 284 English names of West Palearctic birds 24. If the extralimital spihnotm is given specific status, the names ‘Western Marsh Harrier’ for aeruginosus and ‘Eastern Marsh Harrier’ for spibnotus are appropriate; ‘Eurasian’ is a suitable modi- fier for the species in the broad sense, 25. Presumably, in the days of Ray (1691), this species harried domestic chickens; let’s retain a touch of history. 26. The name ‘Buzzard’ dates from around AD 1300 and could usefully be applied to all Buteo species. 27. The African rapax and Eurasian nipalensis are now treated as specifically distinct by many au- thors. Sibley & Monroe (revised edition in press) have spUt the group into three species with ‘Asian Tawny-Eagle’ A. vindhiam, extralimital to the West Palearctic. 28. If the Spanish form adaiberti is treated as a separate species, ‘Adalbert’s Eagle’ (used by Sibley & Monroe) is appropriate. 29. Separation of the two elements of the name indicates that this is indeed a falcon, not an unre- lated species resembling a falcon (cf. Sky Lark; Common Buzzard, Honey-buzzard). 30. The old name ‘Red Grouse’ remains dear to our hearts, but ‘Willow Ptarmigan’ is appropri- ate on a world scale. 31. It is helpful for the name to include the group name, ‘Partridge’. 32. All other Porzam species are called ‘Crake’; formerly ‘Sora Rail’, this American species is known ais ‘Sora’ in North America, but the addition of the word ‘Crake’ would be helpful in showing its aflinities (cf. See-see Partridge, Peregrine Falcon). 33. ‘Purple GaUinule’ provides a unique name for P. martinica, but is currendy still applied in Eu- rope to Porphyrw porphyrio. The retention of the modifier ‘American’ for, say, a decade, until the name ‘Purple Swamp-hen’ becomes accepted as the new name for the latter species, would help to avoid confusion. (The hyphen is needed in ‘Swam[)-hen’ since the combination ‘ph’ would oth- erwise be pronounced ‘f in English.) 34. The name ‘Denham’s Bustard’ corresponds with the species’ scientific specific name, whereas the name ‘Stanley’ is linked with one race, stankyi 35. If meadewabtoi is treated as specifically distinct from H. rnuquini, the name ‘Canary Islands Oystercatcher’ would be appropriate. 36. Addition of a hyphen is the minimal change necessary to indicate that this species is not closely related to the true plovers (cf. Honey-buzzard), 37. The old East Anglian name ‘Thick-knee’ is applied to all of the other nine species in the fam- ily Burhinidae. The addition of a hyphen to ‘Stone Curlew’, to give ‘Stone-curlew’, was adopted by British Birds in 1978. 38. This strange bird seems to be more closely related to the coursers; it is not a plover, and has no special association with crocodiles. ‘Egyptian Courser’ retains part of its old name, and indi- cates its probable affinities. 39. Sibley & Monroe (1990) have attempted to reconcile American versus British spelling of English words by adopting the British ‘Grey’ (in place of tire American ‘Gray’) for species such as Grey Wagtail Molacilb cinerea and Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinmsis, but expressing the hope that British ornithologists will respond by adopting ‘colored’ (instead of ‘coloured’) for species such as Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor. We, on the other hand, can see no difficulty in using dif- fering spellings, such minor discrepancies being of no importance. (In any case, printers, and non- omithological editors, in die two continents will probably ignore any such subde attempts at compromise.) 40. ‘Litde Plover’ for C. dubius is a newly proposed name, which allows the retention of ‘Ringed Plover’ for C. hiaticub. Litde Ringed Plover, is, however, long established colloquially as ‘LRP’ and it is perhaps preferable to retain this name and call the latter ‘Great Ringed Plover’. ‘Great’ would be a more appropriate adjective than ‘Common’ for this species, which is not always the commonest plover even within its normal range. 41. The other 30 species of Charadrius are ail called ‘plover’; it would be helpful in showing the affinities of the species for all 3 1 to include the word ‘Plover’ in their names (cf Sora Crake, See- see Partridge). 42. This species and C. kscherumltii are very similar and it is helpful for them to have similar names; despite its .scientific name, C. mongolus has been recorded only relatively recendy in Mongolia. English names of West Palearctic birds 285 43. ‘Eurasian Dorterel’ is not an inappropriate name, but ‘Mountain Dotterel’ is more eupho- nious and is also descriptive of the species’ usual breeding areas. 44. Although not strictly confined to Europe, P. aprkaria is more widespread there than in Asia. 45. Earlier, we recommended the change from ‘Red-necked’ to ‘Rufous-necked’, but the majority of the international correspondents who wrote to the BOU as a result of the proposals (Bnt. Birds 81: 355-377; Ibis 130: Supplement) were in favour of retention of ‘Red-necked’. 46. The European ‘Grey’, describing the winter plumage, is as long established as the American ‘Red’, describing the breeding plumage. Adoption of ‘Red Phalarope’ would, however, bring it into line with ‘Red Knot’, which has a similar change of plumages. 47. Another ‘lift’ versus ‘elevator’ problem, Americans referring to the smaller skuas as jaegers (German for ‘hunters’). A possible compromise solution would be to amend the name of S. parasiticus to ‘Parasitic Skua’; it is, after all, less of an Arctic species than either pomarinus or longicaudus, and the new name corresponds to the scientific name (cf Smyrna Kingfisher, European Nightjar). 48. Finding an alternative name for L khthyaehis obviates the addition of ‘Common’ to the English name of L. ridibundus. The name ‘Pallas’s Gull’, proposed by the BOURC, would acknowledge the contribution by Pallas in describing the species in 1773. The word ^khdyaetus' means ‘fish- eagle’, so perhaps a name such as ‘Fish-eating Gull’ could be coined? 49. If, as proposed by Sibley & Monroe, and adopted by a number of other European countries, the Herring Gull is split into three species, the names ‘Yellow-legged Gull’ for L. cachinrums and ‘Armenian Gull’ for L. armmkus are appropriate. 50. Great and Little; but Greater and Lesser. This rule is not followed uniformly within current English bird names, but should be when a new name is proposed. 51. Cf divers versus loons (1) and skuas versus jaegers (47). 52. We are loth to lose the historical link. 53. The American name ‘Dovelde’ is certainly cute, but, unlike the long-established European name, gives no indication of the bird’s affinities. 54. We propose minimum change from the usual West Palearctic name, rather than a wholly new name. 55. Not all individuals are black and white, so ‘Pied’ is inappropriate; the unique ‘Jacobin’ corre- sponds with the scientific name (cf. Smyrna Kingfisher). 56. ‘Didric’ is the spelling used in The Birds of Ajrka (vol. 3, 1988). 57. Not all races are pale, though all are paler than 0. serfs:, all are striated, though so are some 0. scops. 58. If the North African ascalaphus is split from bubo, the name ‘Pharaoh Eagle Owl’ is appropriate. 59. Throughout much of its range, this is not a boreal species, so the name Tengmalm’s Owl is more appropriate. 60. Although not strictly confined to Europe, C. europaeus is more widespread there than in Asia, and the inclusion of ‘European’ in the English name corresponds with the scientific name. 61. It is helpful to retain ‘Swift’ in the name to show the species’ affinities (cf Peregrine Falcon, See-see Partridge). 62. ‘Cape Verde Swift’ is a more informative, and more widely used, name than ‘Alexander’s Swift’. 63. Many swifts have forked tails; the name ‘Pacific’ corresponds with the scientific name. 64. Discussion on the relative merits of ‘White-breasted’ and ‘White-throated’, both of which are used widely within the species’ large range, was encouraged {Brit. Birds 81: 355-377; Ibis 130: Sup- plement). Supporters of those names were almost equal in numbers, but even more international correspondents urged a return to the name of ‘Smyrna Kingfisher’, which corresponds with the scientific name. 65. If qfrkana is split from epops, the name ‘Eurasian Hoopoe’ is appropriate for the latter. 66. The name ‘Grey-headed’ is long-established for conus, especially in the West Palearctic. It has been given also to the newly proposed East African split Dendropkos spodocephalus, but a different name should be found for that species. 67. ‘European’ describes the range of P. viridis better than does ‘Eurasian’. Sibley & Monroe (1990) have lumped P. vaillantii with P. viridis. I 286 English names of West Palearctic birds 68. If chekensis is split from C. rufescens, the name ‘Asian Short-toed Lark’ is appropriate for the former. 69. To avoid calling A. arvensis ‘Eurasian Sky Lark’, we suggest that A. gulguk should become ‘Oriental Lark’, A.japonica Japanese Lark’ and A. razae ‘Raso Lark’. (Note that the island where A. razae occurs is now usually called Raso rather than Razo or Raza.) 70. If obsokta is split from jukffila, the name ‘Pale Crag Martin’ is appropriate. 71. This is the only Delkhm species regularly associated with houses; the word ‘Northern’ can be omitted if the other species in the genus are given names omitting the word ‘House’: D. dxis^pus could be called ‘Asian Martin’ and D. nipaknsis ‘Nepal Martin’. 72. If novaeseelandiae is split, with the Afrotropical ‘African Pipit’ cinrumwmeus, ‘Cameroon Pipit’ cameroonensis and ‘Mountain Pipit’ hoeschi, the Oriental ‘Paddytield Pipit’ mjvhu, the ‘Australasian Pipit’ ruwaeseelandiae and ‘Richard’s Kpit’ rkhardi aU separate, the last-named is the form which oc- curs in the Western Palearctic. 73. The name ‘American Pipit’ has long been used for the American populations, but, when treated as a species with japonicus, we feel that a new name is needed; ‘Buff-bellied Pipit’ has been proposed, originally by Per Alstrom. 74. ‘Citrine Wagtail’ is a well-established name in the West Palearctic, and is appropriate, so we see no need for the newly devised name ‘Yellow-hooded Wagtail’. 75. The name ‘Pied Wagtail’ was applied especially to the British nctyarrella and ‘White Wagtail’ to the nominate Continental race. The latter has also been used for the species M. alba in coun- tries other than Britain. The specific scientific name, alba, makes the use of ‘White’ not inappro- priate, but every race of M alba is pied in appearance and none looks white, so Pied Wagtail seems the more suitable of the two English names for the species. Omission of the word ‘Pied’ from the English name of M. aguimp obviates the need for a modifier for the English name of M. alba. 76. If kucods is split from P. leTKOgmys, the name ‘White-eared Bulbul’ is appropriate for the for- mer (and ‘Himalayan Bulbul’ for the latter). 77. Radde described this species in 1884 and we see no need to change its English name. 78. In many parts of the ranges of the two nightingale species, L imgark)nchos is not the com- moner of the two, so ‘Common’ is an inappropriate modifier. 79. The name Orange-flanked Bush-robin is firmly established in the English-speaking areas where this species occurs regularly, so it is difficult to support the retention of the delightfully eu- phonious British ‘Red-flanked Bluetail’. 80. Why discard the links with Eversmann and Guldenstadt, who named these species in 1841 and 1775, respectively? 81. The word ‘canary’ is a colour and this is not a yellow bird; its affinities are not certain, so ‘Chat’ is preferable to ‘Stonechat’; it occurs on Fuerteventura, not all the Canary Islands. 82. If maura is split from torqimta, the name Siberian Stonechat is often used (and was adopted by Sibley & Monroe 1990), but ‘Asian Stonechat’ would be geographically more correct. 83. If (ypriaca is split from pkschanka, ‘Cyprus Wheatear’ is the obvious name. 84. A minor colour difference does not warrant the changing of a long-established name. 85. ‘Scaly Thrush’ has long usage within much of the range of the species in Asia; the alternative view is to retain the old British name of ‘White’s Thrush’ in memory of Gilbert White. 86. ‘TickeU’s Thrush’ is the only name used for the species in the literature referring to the Indian subcontinent, to which it is almost endemic. 87. With two-dozen ‘Blackbirds’ scattered throughout the world, the name ‘Eurasian Blackbird’ is more accurate on a world scale, but the alternative name, ‘Gommon Blackbird’, reflects the species’ widespread distribution and familiarity. 88. Many thousands of birdwatchers know Phylloscopus proregulus as ‘Pallas’s Warbler’, so the adop- tion of that English name for Locustella certbiola is inappropriate. Retention of the current English name does, however, necessitate the addition of a modifier (‘Common’ is proposed) for L naeuia. 89. We suggest that BasUeutmis rimlaris be given a unique name (e.g. ‘Stream Warbler’) to avoid that distantly related species having a name (‘Neotropical River Warbler’) which suggests close affinities with, and necessitating a modifier for, Locustella Jhaiiatilis. 90. Whilst we do not propose the addition of ‘Grasshopper’ to the English name of all Locusklla English names of West Palearctk birds 287 species, the dropping of that word here is unnecessary if our proposal explained in 88 is adopted. 91. Neither ‘Cane’ nor ‘Swamp’ are especially helpful, nor needed. 92. If the Great Reed Warbler is split into three species, the names ‘Basra Reed Warbler’ for A. griseldis and ‘Oriental Reed Warbler’ for A. orimtalis are appropriate; the latter has occurred in Austria. 93. Without a hyphen, the inclusion of which (i.e. ‘Red-Sea Warbler’) we would not favour, this name is ambiguous; why change from the established name? 94. ‘Greater Whitethroat’ contrasts with ‘Lesser Whitethroat’ for 5. curruca, but ‘Common Whitethroat’ was first used by Latham (1787) and, recendy, has been adopted more frequendy than the alternative. 95. Not all individuals of this species are yellowish-breasted, but all are green and, indeed, a brighter green than most other Phylbscopus species; an additional modifier (‘Bright’) is needed be- cause of the North American ‘Black-throated Green Warbler’ Dendroka mens. 96. Long known as ‘Pallas’s Warbler’ in Britain, the restoration of ‘Leaf to its name helps to avoid ambiguity with the alternative name for Locustella certhiola. There are currendy proposals to split the south Asian chbronotus group and the name ‘Lemon-rumped Warbler’ would be available for that new species. 97. The word ‘inornate’ means unadorned or plain, which is hardly applicable to a bird with a huge, sweeping supercilium and (usually) two wingbars, one of which is broad and highly conspic- uous. It has carried the name ‘Yellow-browed Warbler’ for generations, and the fact that the ‘brow’ is cream-coloured rather than yellow seems insufficient reason to institute a change. 98. There are only two species called ‘Chiffchaff in the world, tmd one htis a tiny range (which is also within Eurasia); ‘Common’ is a highly appropriate modifier for the commoner of the two species. 99. The status and affinities of teneriffae, treated as a separate species by Sibley & Monroe (1990), are uncertain, but it is probably more closely related to the Firecrest R. ignicapillus, making the name ‘Tenerife Goldcrest’ inappropriate; in addition, this form is not confined to Tenerife; the name ‘Canary Islands Kinglet’ appears to be the most suitable, and obviates the need for a modi- fier for either of the other two species. 100. The use of a unique name for F. westermmni (e.g. ‘Westermann’s Flycatcher’, or ‘Sharpe’s Fly- catcher’ after its describer), which is currently known as ‘Little Pied Flycatcher’, although it is nei- ther closely related nor significantly smaller, would obviate the need for a modifier for F. hypoleuca. 101. Sibley (& Monroe (1990) adopted the name proposed by us, but, since the affinities of this bird are still uncertain, it now seems premature to name it as a parrotbill; we prefer to return to its old East Anglian name of ‘Reedling’, pending further study of its relationships. The alternative suggestion is to retain the current name, ‘Bearded Tit’, even though it seems unlikely to be related to the other species named as ‘Tits’. 102. All but three of the 28 species of Turdouks tu-e called ‘Babbler’ by Sibley & Monroe (1990); we believe all should be. 103. This newly discovered species is not confined to the Kabylie Mountains, although all known sites are within Algeria. 104. ‘Treecreeper’ has long-established usage as a single word for members of this family. The in- troduction, by Sibley & Monroe (1990), of a hyphen and a capital letter, to distinguish this group from the Australasian treecreepers Climacteris, is unlikely to gain favour, and the subtle distinction would almost certainly be overlooked by most people. 105. Retention of the current name links with the specific scientific name, isabellinus. 106. Of the two established names, we prefer that used in the Western Palearctic, contrasting as it does with the name ‘Lesser Grey Shrike’ for L. minor. In addition, although it is the more north- ern of the two North American species, excubitor breeds farther south in Africa and India than any other Palearctic shrike. 107. Although the name ‘Alpine Chough’ has been long established in the West Palearctic, in Asia, which comprises more of its range, it has been known generally as the ‘Yellow-billed Chough’ since at least the 1890s. 108. All other world checklists, and Flint et. al. (1984), use ‘Daurian Starling’, which in this case is preferred to the plumage-related name. 288 English names of West Pakarctk birds 109. The transfer of generic scientific names to English names (e.g. ‘Cisticola’, ‘Tchagra’, ‘Petro- nia’) may be convenient and meaningful for ornithologists, but is inevitably meaningless to the or- dinary person (who would understand ‘warbler’, ‘bush-shrike’ or ‘rock sparrow’). It would be preferable to avoid introducing ‘Petronia’ into the English names, but four of the five sfjecies of Petronia (till except Rock Sparrow) are named ‘Petronia’ by Sibley & Monroe. They also placed brachydactyla in a septirate genus, Carpospiza, of uncertain affinities, hence the use of ‘Rockfinch’ rather than ‘Petronia’. 110. This Asiatic species is largely confined to India and the name ‘Indian Silverbill’ would con- trast with ‘African Silverbill’ for E. cardans. 111. The use of ‘Teydean Finch’ (or, even yvorse, ‘Teydefinch’) unnecessarily hides the probable relationships of F. te)>dea, if ‘Chaffinch’ is included with the English name of F. t^dea, however, F. coelebs needs a modifier, and ‘Common Chaffinch’ seems appropriate. 112. International correspondents responding to the BOURC’s appeal for comments did not favour the old British name ‘Brown Linnet’; the name ‘Common Linnet’ draws more attention to the other two linnet species’ very limited ranges than does the alternative name ‘Eurasian linnet’. 1 13. ‘Arctic Redpoll’ is as well established on this side of the Adantic as is ‘Hoary Redpoll’ in America. The bird breeds in a more northerly zone than the Common Redpoll and, because of the variation in plumage of the two species and the uncertain taxonomic status of some forms (e.g. C. fiammea islandkd), it seems preferable to use a distributional modifier rather than a plumage- related one. 1 14. Two long-established names; for a species with two white bars on each wing, we believe the name used in Europte is preferable to that used in North America. 115. This is not the only crossbill Loxia that is red; nor are even the males of all races of L curvi- rostra red; the name 'Common Crossbill’ is a long-established British name and more appropriate than ‘Red Crossbill’. 1 16. The existing English name reflects the scientific specific name, pftwkm, and we prefer this to a new, plumage-related name. 117. ‘Northern Bullfinch’ was disliked by the BOURC’s international correspondents because of possible confusion caused by former use of this name for northern races of P. pyrrhula. The other five species of fyrrhula all have relatively limited ranges and all are Asian; we consider that ‘Com- mon’ is, therefore, a more appropriate modifier than ‘Eurasian’. Acknowledgments This paper distils the comments and advice given by over 200 correspondents in response to the request made by the BOU and British Birds. Information concerning additional species has been supplied by national representatives on the West Palearctic List Committee and by Mark Beaman, co-author of the forthcoming Handbook of Bird Identfication. We are also most grateful for the support given by our colleagues within the BOU Records Committee and the British Birds Rarities Committee, and for the friendly co-operation of Burt L. Monroe Jr. References Bourne, W. R. P. 1983. The Soft-plumaged Petrel, the Gon-gon and the Freira, Pterodroma rrwlhs, P.feae and P. madeira. Bull. Brit. Om. Club 103: 52-58. Collar, N. J., & Stuart, S. N. 1985. Threatened Birds of Africa and Related Islands. Cambridge. Fleming, J. 1828. A History of British Animals. Exlinburgh. Font, V. E., Boehme, R. L., Kostin, Y. V., & Kuznetsov, A. A. 1984. A Field Guide to Birds of the USSR. Princeton. JOBIJNG, J. A. 1991. T Dictionary of Scientfc Bird Names. Oxford. Latham, J. 1787. A SupplemerU to General Synopsis of Birds. London. Ray, J. 1678. The Omithologj) of Francis Willoughby. Translated into English, and enlai^ed by J. Ray. London. 1691. T Collection of English Words. 2nd edn. London. SiBiXY, C. G., & Monroe, B. L., Jr. 1990. Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World. New Haven. T. P. Inskipp, 1 Hemeside, March Road, Weln^, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PEI 4 9SB Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Bkinham, Bedford MK44 3NJ 289 English names of West Pakarctk birds ^^penflJx. Explanation of reasons for inclusion of additional species Daption capense Sicily 1964 (Rw. Ital. Om. 54: 6) Butweria faUax Italy 1953 (Bull. BOC 105: 29-30; Rizi. Ital. Om. 61:4) Calonectris leucomelm Israel 1981 (Hovel 1987, Check-list of the Birds of Israel) Puffinus pacifiais Egypt 1989 (Brit. Birds 84: 2) Puffinus yelkouan Split from P. puffimis (Bril. Birds 81: 306-319; 83: 299-319; Ibis 133: 438) Puffinus Iherminieri Israel 1984, 1989 (Brit. Birds 81: 14; 83: 222) Fregetta grallaria Near Cape Verde Islands 1986 (Ardea 76: 210) Sula sula Cape Verde Islands 1986 (^ool. Meded. 61: 405-419) Suk daetylatra Spain 1985 (Ardeok 35; 167-174) Moms capensis Spain 1985 (Ardeok 34: 123-133; Cormorant 13: 162-164; Brit. Birds 83: 519-526), off Mauritania (Brit. Birds 83: 519-526) Phakcrocorax auritus England 1990, 1991 (stiU under review) Ardeok bacchus Norway 1973 (Cinclus 1: 8-1 1) Hydranassa tricolor Azores 1985 {Dutch Birding 9: 17-19) Egretta thuk Iceland 1983, 1985; Azores 1988 (Lewington et al. 1991, ^4 Fiek Guide to the Rare Birds of Britain and Europe) Ardea herodks Azores 1984 (Dutch Birding 8: 55-57) Pktalea alba Spain 1989 (Ardeok 38: 152-153); other records under review Austria 1987, France 1987, 1990, etc. (Bril. Birds 82: 322; 84: 228) Cygnus atratus Feral breeding in Slovenia (Iztok Geister in litt.) Anser indicus Feral breeding in Czechoslovakia, Italy, Germany and Norway (e.g. Vdr Fuglefauna 9: 243-247), vagrant 1985 Russia (V. A. Margolin per J. Baumanis in litt?) and Hungary (Laszlo Haraszthy in litt.) Anser rossii Netherlands 1985 (Dutch Birding 8: 57-59) Nettapus coromandelianus Iraq 1970s (Bull. Basrah Nat. Hist. Mus. 3: 107-109) Anas erythrorhyncha Israel 1958 (Hovel 1987) Aytiya valisinma Iceland 1977 (Lewington et al. 1991) Aytkya qffnis England 1987 (Brit. Birds 82: 517; Ibis 133: 218), Ireland 1988 (Irish Birds 4: 87) Micronisus gabar Egypt, several old undated records (Goodman & Meininger 1989, The Birds of Egfft) Buteo swainsoni Norway 1984 (Vdr Fuglefauna 1 1: 87-98) Aquik nipalensis Split from A. rapax (Sibley & Monroe revised edn in press) Callipepk califomica Feral breeding in Corsica, Italy (Akuda 53: 34-63), Germany (Klafs & Stubs 1977, Die Vogelwelt Mecklenburgs), Denmark Perdix dauuricae Feral breeding in Ittdy (Riv. Ital. Om. 54: 3-87), Ukraine and Russia (V. V. Serebryakov & M. I. Braude per J. Baumanis in litt.) Syrmaticus reevesii Feral breeding in France (Akuda 53: 34-63), Czechoslovakia (World Pheasant Assoc. J. 12: 75-80) Meleagns galkpavo Feral breeding in Germany (Niethammer et al. 1964, Die Vogel Deutschlands ArtenUste) Grus rrumacha Russia (Y. A. Belousov per J. Baumanis in lilt) Pluvialis fuba Split from P. dominica (Brit. Birds 80: 482-487; Ibis 128: 602) Euiynorhyruhus pygmeus Ukraine (two records, V. V. Serebryakov per J. Baumanis in litt.) Lams brunnicephalus Israel 1985 (Dutch Birding 9: 120-122, but see also 13: 104-106) Sterna elegans France 1974-91 (Akuda 57: 281), Ireland 1982 (Irish Birds 3: 362; Ibis 133: 219) Sterna saundersi Egypt 1982 (Gerfaut 77: 109-145), Israel 1988 (Brit. Birds 82: 19) Synthliboramphus antiquus 1990-91 (Ibis 134: 211-214) Cyclorrhynchus psittacuk Sweden 1860 (SOF 1987, Sveriges Fagkr) genaida maaoura England 1989 (still under review) Myiopsitta monachus Feral breeding in Italy (Rw. Ital. Om. 56: 231-239), Belgium (Aves 22: 127-129), ; Spain (Misc. goal. 9: 407-41 1) Eremopterix signata Israel 1983 (H. Shirihai in litt.) Cakndrelk acutirostris Israel 1986 (Brit. Birds 83: 262-272) Akuda gulguk Israel 1984 (Sandgrouse 1: 47-54; Brit. Birds 78: 186-197) Ripana cincta Egypt 1988 (Sandgrouse 12: 55-56; Brit. Birds 85: 10) i Tachycineta bicolor England 1990 (Ibis in prep.) 290 English names of West Palearctic birds Hmmdo aethiopka Israel 1991 ifint. Birds 85: 10; Torgos 9(2): 73) Anthus petrosus Split from A. spinoletta {Brit. Birds 81: 206-21 1; Ibis 128: 602-603) Anthus rubescens Split from A. spinoletta {Brit. Birds 81: 206-21 1; Ibis 128: 602-603) Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus England 1987 (still under review), Netherlands 1990 {Dutch Birding 14: 7-10) Regulus calendula Iceland 1987 {Bliki 8: 59-60) Anthrepks platurus Chad {L’Oiseau et RFO 24: 1 -47) Lanius cristatus Scotland 1985 {Brit. Birds 81: 586; Ibis 113: 219), Denmark 1988 {Dansk Om. Foren. Tidssk. 85: 30) Stumus stuminus Scodand 1985 {Brit. Birds 81: 587; 82: 603-612; Ibis 133: 219), Norway 1985 {Var Fuglefaurm 10: 94-95) Acridotheres tristis Feral breeding in Russia {Ann. Om. 1 1: 97-1 1 1; V. A. Zubakin per J. Baumanis in litt.) Euodke malabarka Feral breeding in Israel {OSME Bull. 23: 42-43; Brit. Birds 82: 354) Euodke cantans Algeria 1970 {Bull. BOC 90: 136) Vireo Jlavifrons England 1990 {Ibis in prep.) Vireo philadelphicus Ireland 1985 {Irish Birds 3: 327; Ibis 130: 335), England 1987 {Brit. Birds 81: 588; 84: 572-574) Bucanetes mongolkus Armenia (/^fF. Kawkaz- Mus. 8: 193; /^IF. Gorsk. Sel. — Choz. Inst. 3: 98), Turkey {OSME Bull. 24: 38), Russia (V. V. Bianki per J. Baumanis in litt.) Uragus sibirkus Kazakhstan (Bashkir) and Russia (O. V. Borodin, M. I. Braude, V. D. Ilyichev & V. E. Fomin per J. Baumanis in litt.', Birds of the Volga-Kama Area, 1978), Finland 1989 {Brit. Birds 84: 11, 235) Vermiziora chrysoptera England 1989 {Brit. Birds 83: 489; Ibis 133: 220) Dendroka pensybanka Scodand 1985 {Brit Birds 81: 590; Ibis 133: 220) Dendroka caerulescens Iceland 1988 {Bliki 8: 59) Dendroka virens Germany 1858 (Niethammer et al. 1964; Limkola 2: 35), Iceland 1984, dead on boat {Bldd 4: 57-67) Dendroka jusca Wales 1961 {Brit. Birds 83: 489; Ibis 133: 220), near Iceland 1987 {BUki 8: 59), Scodand 1988 {Brit Birds 83: 489) Wilsonia pusilla England 1985 {Bnt Birds 81: 590; 83: 404-408; Ibis 133: 220) Wilsonia canadensis Iceland 1973 (Lewington et al. 1991) Emberiza cioides Italy 1910 {Rw. Ital. Om. 54: 24), Finland 1987 {lintumks 23: 198) Emberiza tahapisi Egypt 1984 {OSME Bull. 13: 13-14; Goodman & Meininger 1989) Spiza amerkana Norway 1981 {Far Fugkfaurta 8: 52) Mobthrus ater Fiorw&y 1987 {Var Fuglefaurm. 12: 101-109) Quisccdus quiscula Denmark 1970 {Dansk Om. Foren. Tidssk. 65: 133-139) Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus Iceland 1983 {Bli/d 4: 57-67), Norway 1979, but not on ftdl list {Var Fuglefaurm 3: 266) pEars ago... ‘This year (1917) some disease has attacked Barn-Owls {Tyb a. alba) over a great part of Ireland. During March and the first week in April I examined no less than one hundred and sixty exam- ples all in the same condition. They were gready emaciated, the body being so thin and wasted that litde more than feathers, skin and bones, were left, the stomachs were entirely empty, but the plumage was in excellent condition. At first I thought that this condition might have been caused by the birds picking up poisoned vermin, but if this was the cause the Long-eared Owl would suf- fer similarly, and I have only examined one Long-eared Owl in this emaciated condition.’ {Brit Birds 1 1: 2 1-22, June 1917). Mystery photographs ^ The mystery bird, perching chat-like on top of a pile of weeds X / C# (plate 1 14 in colour, repeated here in black-and-white) shows a mainly grey coloration to the back, and a white rump. The combination of relatively upright stance, the rump patch, the habit of perching in the open on a vantage point, and fairly strong legs point to some kind of wheatear Oemnthe, but which one? Greyish upperparts could belong to a Northern 0. oenanthe, a Red-tailed 0. xanthoptymna, a Finsch’s 0. finschii, a Pied 0. pleschanka, a Black-eared O. melanoleuca, or a Mourning 0. lugens of the race habphila. The white rump has already excluded Red-tailed (of which the eastern subspecies chysopygia has a notably cold-grey back) with its rusty rump. Male Northern Wheatears are the greyest, but would either be less brown, in spring/summer, or less grey — buffy-brownish on the back — in autumn and winter. What about a Finsch’s, then? The grey upperparts (which are found on females; males are more bully or beige) would be of a lighter shade and (especially on the scapulars) contrast more strongly with darker wing-coverts and flight feathers. The contrast on the mystery bird is not that strong, so we have now ruled out all species ex- cept for Pied, Black-eared and Mourning Wheatears. The crown of the first two of those species is much the same tone as the back, whereas the crown of Mourning Wheatear is noticeably paler. On our mystery bird, the crown and back are concolorous. We need, therefore, to concentrate on features of the upperparts and wings to decide between the two remaining species. The cold grey upperparts favour Pied, since Black- eared is normally more warmly sandy-buff or golden-coloured there, but the eastern subspecies melanokuca, which can be much duller on the back, must be kept in mind. A melanoleuca would, however, probably show some warmth in the upperparts coloration, but let us check more characters before we come to a conclusion. An organised scalloped pattern on the mande, consisting of huffish tips to the feathers, can be discerned, and the effect is also visible on the crown. The scallops are arranged in rows, and not scattered as they would be on a Black- [Bnt. Birds 85: 291-292, June 1992] 291 292 Mystery photographs eared (if they had been present at all). The crown feathers would not be scal- loped on a Black-eared, so the bird is a Pied Wheatear. UUman noted [Birding World 3: 68-69) that the primary projection of Pied Wheatear is considerably longer than the exposed tertials, whereas that of Black-eared Wheatear ranges between slightly longer than to shorter than the tertials. This character is good for typical individuals such as our mystery bird. But what about sex and age? Males would have blackish mantle feathers with huffish tips (most pronounced on adults), making the scalloped effect even more discernible, or the back blacker (solid or patchy) when the tips have started to wear off The throat and sides of the head on an autumn adult male consist of blackish feathers which, especially on the throat, can be fringed huffish. These fringes, as with the scallops on the mantle, gradually wear off as the winter proceeds. Further- more, a dark-throated female is distinguished from a dark-throated male by not having a pronounced contrast between dark throat and breast. A first- winter male would have brownish flight-feathers, while an adult male would have blackish. It is also likely that an adult male would have whitish feathers break- ing through on the nape in late autumn. As the flight-feathers are blackish on this individual, and no white is visible on the nape, it obviously is a light- throated female. Clement & Harris {Brit. Birds 80: 137-157, 187-238) implied that the pale, almost whitish wing-bar formed by the tips of the greater coverts (rather than a buffish, warmly coloured wing-bar) is a character of adult females and that there might be differences in the paleness/darkness of the lores between first-winter and adult females. The mystery bird has a warmly brownish-buff wing-bar, but I am sceptical whether those characters are of any validity. It is better to leave the bird unaged. Pied Wheatear is the most common migrant wheatear in Bahrain and I photographed this individual there in November 1990. Erik HiRSCHFELD c/ 0 lAL, PO Box 144, Manama, State of Bahrain 118. Mystery photograph 179. Identify the species. Answer next month X Bird Photograph of the Year Sponsored by HarperCollins mm and Christopher Helm ^ Judging for this year’s competition was as difficult, but also as enjoyable, as in other recent years. The standard is so high that the majority of the en- tries are potential winners. From an initial selection of 47 transparencies, a final short-Hst of 20 was chosen, and, following a vote, placed in the following sequence: 1st Bird Photograph of the Year Redshank Tringa totanus (plate 119) Bob Glover, Essex 2nd Greater Flamingos Phomicoptmis ruber (plate 120) Philip Perry, East Yorkshire 3rd Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (plate 121) Gordon Langsbury, Berkshire 4th Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (plate 122) Chris Knights, Norfolk 5th Collared Doves Streptopelia decaocto (plate 123) Tony Hamblin, Warwick- shire 6th Purple Heron Ardea purpurea (plate 124) C. M. Greaves, North Yorkshire 7th Woodpigeon Columba palumbus (plate 125) Mike Weston, Netherlands 8th Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes (plate 126) T. R. Button, Kent 9th White throat Sylvia communis Tony Hamblin 1 0th Snipe Gallinago gallinago T. R. Button 1 1th Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Hanne Eriksen, Sultanate of Oman 1 2th= Razorbill Aka torda Peter Basteifield, Avon 1 2th= Ross’s GuU Rhodostethia rosea A. de Knijff, Netherlands 1 2th= Ruff Phikmachus pugnax Gordon Langsbury 1 5th Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis E. A. Janes, Hertfordshire 16th Osprey Pandion haliaetus Ray Tipper, East Sussex 17th= Spoonbills Plataka kucorodia Dr Kevin Carlson, Norfolk 17th= Gannets Sula bassarm David Tipling, Kent 1 9th Lapwings Vanellus vanelbis E. A. Janes 20th Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Roger Wilmshurst, West Sussex Runners-up: Peter Basterfield (Guillemot), Dr Kevin Carlson (Rock Thrush), Stan Craig (Reed Bunting), A. de Knijff (Ross’s Gulls; Ross’s Gulls), Hanne Eriksen (Scops Owl), Jens Eriksen (Wood Sandpiper), Bob Glover (Redshank), C. M. Greaves (Egyptian Vulture; Whiskered Tern), Axel Halley (Peregrine), Mark Hamblin (Greenshank; Common Gull; Ring Ouzel), Tony Ham- blin (Red Grouse), Clifford Heyes (Black-winged Stilt), David Kjaer (Magpies), Chris Knights (Brambling), Marc Raes (Dartford Warbler), W. Richardson (Mallard), Hans Schouten (Parrot j Crossbills), Robert T. Smith (Oystercatchers), Ray Tipper (Lesser Sand Plover; Fieldfare), Roger Wilmshurst (Kingfisher) and Kerre Yesou (Willow Grouse). Thanks to the sponsorship of Christopher Helm Publishers Ltd and HarperCollins Ltd, the 28 photographers whose work was chosen in the initial selection will all be invited to attend the Press Reception in London at which the award and prizes will be presented to the top three photographers. ' Five photographers submitted transparencies of such a uniformly high stan- dard that all three of their entries were chosen in the initial selection. [Brit Birds 85: 293-299, June 1992] 293 294 Bird Photograph of the Year Congratulations are due for this achievement to A. de Knijff, C. M. Greaves, Mark Hamblin, Tony Hamblin and Ray Tipper; a further eight photogra- phers had two selected (Peter Basterfield, T. R. Button, Dr Kevin Carlson, Bob Glover, E. A. Janes, Chris Knights, Gordon Langsbury and Roger Wilmshurst). It will also be noted that four photographers earned the judges’ accolade by having two of their three transparencies selected in the final short- list of 20. This distinction was earned by T. R. Button, Tony Hamblin, E. A. Janes and Gordon Langsbury. With such consistency, it is likely that these names will feature among future winners of this competition. Every one of the short-listed photographs (indeed the majority of the trans- parencies submitted) deserves to be shown here. With generous support from the competition’s publisher-sponsors, we can show not only the top three, but also five additional runners-up (plates 119-1 26). The winning photograph (plate 1 1 9) shows to perfection an adult Redshank bathing. The plumage has not yet been thoroughly wetted, so the bird does not look bedraggled as in many shots of bathing birds. The spraying water and every part of the bathing bird are perfectly sharp in Bob Glover’s portrait of this common — but very shy — bird engaged in behaviour essential for feather maintenance. This is, of course, the second occasion on which Bob Glover has won the award for Bird Photograph of the Year. Readers will re- member his Brent Geese Branta bemkla flying over frozen Essex saltings {Brit. Birds 81: plate 137); he and Hanne Eriksen (winner in 1989 and 1990) are the only photographers to have won this award more than once. The flying Greater Flamingos (plate 120), photographed by Philip Perry in the Camargue, France, is one of those ‘lucky shots’, with beautiful composi- tion within the frame, which are usually not the result of luck at all, but of dedication. In this instance, Philip Perry considered that this was the only photograph (out of 400 which he took) which was ‘just right’. Philip Perry is, of course, also a previous winner of this award, with his portrait of a family of Mute Swans Cygnus olor last year {Brit. Birds 84: plate 1 1 9). As a flight portrait of a flying wader, Gordon Langsbury’s Black-winged Stilt (plate 121) is as perfect as any known to the judges. This individual was one of several which were constantly flying backwards and forwards over sewage-beds in The Gambia (if taken within the Western Palearctic, this pho- tograph might have edged its way even higher in the ratings). The Sparrowhawk at its plucking-post in a small Norfolk wood (plate 122) was photographed by Chris Knights using a spot meter to judge the exposure, since the bird was in shade but the background well lit. The bird and the sloping tree-trunk used as a plucking-post are pin-sharp, but the habitat is also evocatively suggested by the shafts of sunlight and dark tree-trunks in the out- of-focus background. Chris Knights is another former winner, with his photo- graph of an adult Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus passing a feather to its chick {Brit. Birds 78: plate 88). Tony Hamblin was photographing birds that came to bathe at his garden pond when the pair of Collared Doves (plate 123) flew in and started to allo- preen; they stayed over half an hour and became so relaxed that, as shown, the female was sunning herself while the male continued to preen. The juvenile Purple Heron (plate 1 24) is eating a Snipe which it had just Bird Photograph of the Tear 295 119. Bird Photograph of the Year 1992. Adult Redshank Tringa loUmus bathing, Essex, April 1991 (Nikon FM2; 600 mm; 1 /500th, f.8; Kodachrome 200)(/?. Glover) 120. Greater Flaniingos Phoenkopterus ruber, France, May 1991 (Nikon F4; Nikon 300 mm AF; 1 /500th, f.5.6; Kodachrome (>V}{Philip Perry) 121. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, The Gambia, January 1991 (Nikon F4s; Nikkor 300 mm AF; 1 /500th, f.4; Kodachrome 64) (Gordon Langsbury) 122. Adult male Sparrowhawk AccipUer nisus at plucking-post, Norfolk, July 1991 (Canon T90; Canon 600 mm; Kodachrome 200 ASA)(Chris Knights) 8X40DCF WP V: alue and quality are two reasons Wildlife and Bird Watching rated these Nikon Binoculars and Fieldscopes among the best in their classes. For instance, Bird Watching awarded the Nikon 8 x 30ECF WF binoculars a full five stars, their highest value-for-money rating. What’s more, they acclaimed the 8 X 30s “Excellent in every way optically— very sharp and bright.”* That’s because they share the Nikon heritage of optical excellence. So take a look through the leaders today. ■^By courtesy of EMAP Pursuit Ltd.: Quoted from an article BEST BUYS IN BINOCULARS, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Bird Watching, May 1990. And, BEST BUYS IN TELESCOPES, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Bird Watching, June 1990. By courtesy of BBC Publications; JUST THE BEST, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Wildlife, March 1989. Fieldscope II, Fieldscope EDII and 8 x 30 ECF have been recommended by British Birds. Nikon NIKON U.K. LTD. (United Kingdom) 380 RICHMOND ROAD. KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR TEL: (081) 541 4440 FAX: (081) 541 4584 Somerton FotO Ltd. (The Republic of Ireland) TEL: (01) 773173 Alternative venues to Morden, at which you can try and buy our equipment IN THE FIELD are given below. Kay Optical will be at the Visitor/Information Centre in each case. Repairs can also be handed in. * Pagham Hartwur Local Nature Reserve on the B21 45 into Selsey, W, Sussex, on Sundays 31st May, 28th June, 26th July and 30th August (10.00am to 4.00pm). * Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve on the A25 between Riverhead and Sevenoaks Bat and Ball station on Sundays 7th June, 5th July and 2nd August (10.00am to 4.00pm). * Bough Beach Nature Reserve/Reservoir about 4 miles south of the A25/ A21 junction (with access from the B2042 or B2027; the Information Centre is to the north of the reservoir) on Sundays 14th June, 19lh July and 16th August (10.00am to 4.00pm), * Bewl Water on the A21 , just south of Lamberhurst in the Education Centre on Sundays 31st May, 28th June. 26th July and 30th August (10.00am to 4.00pm). 'Show this advert for half price parking. Refund with purchase. * Alton Water Suffolk, near Ipswich, on the B1080 between Holbrook and Stutton, In the Visitor/Information Centre on Sunday 21st June and 19th July (10.00am to 4.00pm). * College Lake Wildlife Centre near Tring, Herts,, on the B488 (off the A41) close to Bulbourne. In the Visitor Centre (main, central hide) on 10th May and 14th June (10.00am to 4.00pm). * Warnham Nature Reserve Just off the A24 (northern roundabout for Horsham, W, Sussex) on the B2237 on Sunday 21st June (1 0.00am to 4.00pm) * Slimbridge, Glos. (M5, Jet 13) Wage Hall (on the left, halfway along village road into the W&WT). Saturday 20th June and 25th July and Monday 3rd August (10,00am to 4.00pm). FREE TRIPOD, WORTH £40 (SOLIGOR) with certain* telescopes - or pay the extra for a different tripod. UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE I^y Optic^ ' SALES & REPAIRS ' BINOCULARS - TELESCOPES - TRIPODS etc •Viewing facilities Some examples of our stocks: # At least £50 allowance kowa * for your old binos when buying these # Zeiss models ZEISS 10x25 6 Dialyt 10x25 B/TP (New DS) 8 X 20 0/TP (New DS) 8 X 30 BGA^’ (P) 7 X 42 BGA/T (P)# 10x40 BGA/T(P)^ 15x60 BGA/T 8 X 56 BGA/T (without case) BAUSCH & LOMB 7 X 36 BA (PC3) Elite 8 X 42 BA (PC3) Elite 10x42 BA(PC3) Elite Custom 10 X 40 BGA 15-45X BGA Elite Scope 77mm Elite body 77mm Elite (ED) body 20x (WA) eyepiece 30x (LER) eyepiece 20-60X zoom eyepiece 800mm camera adaptor SWAROVSKI * 7x30 SLC 8 X 30 SLC LEICA 8 X 20 BC Trinovid 8 X 20 BCA Trinovid 10 X 25 BC Trinovid 10x25 BCATnnovid 7 X 42 BA Trinovid 8 X 42 BA Trinovid 10x42 BA Trinovid TSN-1 (45°) body TSN-2 body TSN-3 body TSN-4 body £ 25x or 40x eyepiece 269 20x (WA) eyepiece 319 30x (WA) eyepiece 295 20-60x zoom eyepiece 529 60x eyepiece 639 77x eyepiece 639 Camera adaptor 800mm 1 , 1 90 Camera adaptor 1 200mm Kowa case 699 Skua case Spare OG cover Eyepiece dust dome (We still have a few items at pre-increase prices) 599 27x (WA) screw-in eyepiece 64 559 TS 601 scope body (45°) 1 79 559 TS 602 scope body (45°) 179 249 27x (WA) eyepiece 100 349 20x (WA) eyepiece 55 375 25x (WA) 48 775 20-60x zoom 99 149 Case 20 135 198 VIEWMASTER 1 59 45° scope with zoom EP 1 99 OPTOLYTH * 363 8x30Alpin 227 365 8 x 40Alpin 246 10x40Alpin 249 lOxSOAIpin 268 12x50Alpin 273 7 X 42 Alpin 257 TBG80 telescope body (350) 390 HR Photokit Filter Rubber hood Piccolo Mk II ED, with c 20x60 20-60X 60 BU5HNELL Spacemaster body 15-45x zoomEP 22x (WA) EP 25x or40xEP Photokit Nylon padded case REDRELD (waterproof) 7 X 30 RA root prism 249 10 X 50 RA roof prism 299 GREENKAT 8X40ZWCF 75 SGN-III 60mm scope body 165 20x,30x,40x50xor60xEP 25 TBS 80 (45°) body TBG/T0S 80 Fluorite 30x (WW) new eyepiece Close-up lens Photo tube Padded nylon case OBSERVATION Vixen 20x100 Greenkat 20 x 60 Greenkat 20 x 80 MONOCULARS SWIFT 40x (WA) new ey^iece 77 8 X 20 RP with microscope 80 7 X 35 roof prism 239 Stay-on-case TBG/S 45 8x30 GARP 80 8'/2x44HR5 Audubon 239 22-60x zoom eyepiece 159 10x30 GA RP 81 TB nylon case 36 FUJINON 8 X 40 BFL 179 OPTICRON NIGHT VISION 8x32 (HRII) 152 Sentinel 70mm image intensifier NIKON 8x42 (HRII) 157 1290 6 X 23 waterproof 157 10x42 (HRII) 162 10 X 25 waterproof 157 10x50 (HRII) 178 ROSS 8 X 20 F roof prism 10 X 25 F roof prism 135 150 7x42 (HRII) 8 X 32 Dioptron 155 117 8 X 42 ZCF Regent 10x42 ZWCF 170 9 X 30 roof prism 244 8 X 42 Dioptron 122 Kensington 180 8 X 30 ECF porro WF 229 10x42 Dioptron 125 10x35 ECF porro WF 249 10x50 Dioptron 135 Fieldscope II 20 x 60 304 7 X 35 Elite 150 TRIPODS etc. Fieldscope II 20-45 x 60 379 9 X 35 Elite 190 Silk D3 85 ED II 20 X 60 * 555 7 X 40 Minerva 172 Manfrotto 144/200 105 ED II 20^5 60 * 629 9 X 35 Minerva 172 Manfrotto 190/200 93 30x, 40x or box eyepieces 65 8 X 40 Minerva 175 Uni-Loc 90 20-45x eyepiece 147 10 X 40 Minerva 179 Soligor 550 40 Camera adaptor 168 7 X 24 MCF 80 Universal clamp 23 Mod. for other cameras 18 HR 60mm scopes:- Car window mount 24 Quality filter 13 Std w/22x & case 180 Shoulder pod 30 Rubber hood 8 Std w/zoom & case 220 Cullmann hide clamp 55 Stay-on-case GA w/22x & case 190 Tripod case 13 # FREE WITH SCOPE • GA w/zoom & case 230 Tripod straps from 7 Spotting scope 20 x 60 GA 199 45° w/22x & case 220 T-mounts, from 10 Spotting scope 20-45x GA 265 45° w/zoom & case 250 Lens cleaning kit 4 •Hours Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm (Lunch 1 to 2pm). • Location Southern edge of Greater London. 15 minutes’ drive from M25 (via the A3, then the Merton turn-off) or 2 minutes’ walk from Morden Underground. • Parking 50 yards past our premises -1st left. • Long- established workshop Optical instrument experience unrivalled •Mail Order •Personal Exports including VAT claw-back • Interest-free short-term credit (3 payments). • P/x arranged. • Used items • Package deals Special prices are given in many cases where a combination of goods are bought. E.&O.E. Phone: 081-6488822 Fax: 081-687 2021 (D133) KAY OPTICAL (1962), 89(B) London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5HP (1st Floor) DPA NEW VISION MADE BY LEICA "You've got to htind it to Lcicti... these superb biiios tire ii real eye opener." RILLODDIE At first sight an exemplary, functional tind timclcssly beautiful design. On second sight a convincing and superior optical performance. A long-term view observes and confirms the unsurpassed reliability of precision mechanics. The new binocular generation from Leica. Made for the demanding observer who wishes to sweep the horizon yet never miss the nearby detail. There is a choice of three outstanding models. The universal and popuhir LEICA (S X 42. the powerful LEICA 10 x 42 and the brillitint professional binocular LEICA 7 x 42. JJ ^ The rreeclom to see. For further information about Leica products and a list of dealers, send the coupon to Leica, PO Box 10. Buntingford, Herts SG9 9BT. Telephone and Service enquiries (0908) 666663. LEICA Binoculars n LEICA Compact Binoculars D LEICA Cameras MbD R [U Compact ED XI (D143) THE DEFINITIVE BINOCULAR Iarl Zeiss experience and quality has British Birds magazine voted Carl Zeiss, for its high twilight porlonnanco and field achieved a world wide reputation Top Binocular for the Future', an accolade of view With casy gnp nihboi armouring for excellence which was awarded to Carl Zeiss in the to minimise roficaion and noise. il is In their latest Binocular Survey, the two previous surveys unsurpassed for dawn and dusk observation readers of the universally respected. The 7x42B/GA T' Dialyt is renowned The naturalist s definitive binorular ENGLAND BERKSHIRE Link Cameras H. Virleo RiMding. Vii Odclon M.iirli’nlicatl CAMRRIDGFSHIRE Campkins CamluKlgi* Camma E*( li.mf.e C.iml)ri(lgi> CHt'SHIRr Foc.ilpnint Hii^ln-i Whilli'v WiUliiU’s Phnloi’j.ipliic Wiliii‘.lfii.v Cinwo Camera E*chaiine Lid Crewe Crewe Camera Exrh.inge I '<1 kjintl Crewe Cam»-ra Exdiange Ltd Ctiesler Wilftiiigs Phdlogiaphir I Id. Nrirthwir h CO DURHAM Risbeys Mndetn C.irner,. Shop. Darlington CUMBRIA J N Murray. Keswick. I L & J L Robson Ltd. Carlisle DEVON Devon Camera Centre Exeter ESSEX E J Markham & Son Ltd Colchester GTR MANCHESTER; Beavers nl Bolton Ltd. Bolton: Pennine Pholographir & Binocular Centre. Rochdale HANTS Link Cameras & Video Basingstoke HERTFORDSHIRE In Focus, Etarnei KENT Pantiles Camera Centie Tunlifulgc Wells. Owens Pholograuhn Bmniley LANCASHIRE Abbey Plu)lograi>hii Blackpool. Lamberts Ltd. Laiuast.'i l.EICESTERSHIRE Youngs Caineras Leicester LONDON. Asprey & Company Ltd City Camera Exchange Lid, Cannon Slnrei City Camera Exchange Ltd, Fleet Slreel Swaine & Adeney. Piccadilly, City Camera Exchange Ltd, Victoria Street Harrods Ltd: City Camera Exchange Lid. High Holborn: Vic Odden Photographic Ltd. London Bridge Walk; Sonic Terhiiiral (Rother Cameras). Tottenham Court Road. Selfridges Ltd. Wallace Heaton Ltd. Tecno City. Moorgalc; Tecno City Kensington High Road. Fox Talbr>i Llil Tottenham Court Road. Fox Talhol Llrl The Stiand; Richard Caplan SWl MERSEYSIDE Scope City Ltd, Livei|innl NORFOLK Norwich Canu'ra Cenlie Norwich SHROPSHIRE ShrewslHiry Camer.i Exchange Ltd, Slircwshiiry SUFFOLK Charles Frank lid Saxmiinrlham SURREY City Camera Exchiinge Liti Croydon Kay Optical. Morden SUSSEX City Camera Exchange I Id Biiglrton. Haniiington Ltd. Brighton Wni thing Sale & Exchange Wui Hum' TYNE & WEAR J Bniiser Ltd Newcaslln on Tyne W MIDLANDS Focus Opins Cnurnlrv Shffwonds PhotograpliK Lid Birminghiim, Shrewslniry Caiin'ia Exchange Ltd Wolverlirimiilnn. Cequip Photo A Video Centre Snliluill Ceciiiip Photo A Vidi'f) Centre, Dmlley YORKSHIRE Bradford Camera F«i h.ini’.c Ltrl. Bradford. Janid Green PlmlDgi.iphii Halilax. Bligli Camei.i A Opli- ,il I <'i'd'. Bass A Bligh Ltd ler-ds Coueirl.ili' A rielchei Lid York ) H PieMun A Suii', Haimgali'. Walkers Studios Sr .iilimmigli Shnllield Phologfaphir Cenln' Sh.'tli"lil CHANNEL ISLANDS GUERNSEY Grills Llrl IFRSFY liihnson A Jnhnsnn NORTHERN IRELAND CO DOWN niiurhlirl-l Opti' ■ SCOTLAND ABEKUFEN .) Li/ais I hi f.ounli ,.v'.n Ballater EDINBURGH ll.i/,ie. lid r.h.iilc . fMid GlASGf)W ILiAirslId GRANTOWN.ONSPFY fMiln". Giiiinirywe.ii -Mni.iy INVFRNISS SpnrlinSrotl.iodll'i ROSSSHIRF Maih'odASon l.in> I’lRIM h•ltll',lllM'll.■ldS|l^ll■. Plus all 1)1,111- hesril I ONIHIN ( AMI PA r.x,( HANt;i I ID tlm.ih'hi-iil ".it- , II vmi re(|iiir<' hn M”'' minima (■,iil Biiki' trill'', |ll'■•l'■l' ■ ('all /ei'.'. (Olii’ikm Ill'll) 1 hi • Biiiiii iil.M Drvi'.ion Di'lil Hit I Wnii'lheh) Rii.id Wi'lwyii (i.ml Heill-iid'.hii-- A| / II II IZElSSl Germanyl QQf\ 2e»S Bird Photograph of the Tear 123. Pair of Collared Doves Steptopelia decaocto, female sunning, mzile preening, Warwickshire, July 1991 (Canon T90; 500 mm; 1 /250th, f8; Kodachrome 64) {Tony Hamblin} 124. Juvenile Purple Heron Ardea purpurea with captured Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Oman, September 1991 (Canon F. 1 ; 300 mm; 15.6, auto; Kodachrome 200) [Conrad Greaves) 125. Woodpigeon Columba palum- bus, Netherlands, April 1991 (Canon Al; 600 mm; 1/60, f.4.5; Kodachrome 64) (Mike WesUrri) 126. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coc- cothraustes drinking, Kent, Au- gust 1991 (Nikon F801; Nikon 600 mm with 1.4 converter; 1/ 125th, f.5.6; Kodachrome 64) (Terry Button) 299 Bird Photograph of the Tear caught. The herons of the Sultanate of Oman seem to be particularly preda- tory in their behaviour towards other birds, this being the second occasion on which Conrad Greaves has captured the habit in a photograph (cf Grey Heron Ardea cirmea eating a Hoopoe Upupa epops, Brit. Birds 84: 57-58, plate 56). This Purple Heron spent a considerable time breaking the Snipe with its bill, with much shaking of its head; it later tried to swallow the Snipe, but failed, abandoning the carcase. Although constantly looking for action shots, especially those depicting in- teresting bird behaviour, the judges are sometimes so attracted by an aestheti- cally pleasing photograph that it forces its way into the short-list. The Woodpigeon amongst the red cherry blossoms (plate 125) is just such an in- stance. The tree is one of two in the garden below Mike Weston’s flat in The Hague, and every year for many years he has set up his tripod and camera with 600-mm lens, as soon as the trees come into flower, in the hope of get- ting just such a photograph against this pleasing background. T. R. Button’s portrait of a drinking Hawfinch (plate 126) is the result of the ‘wait-and-see’ technique. It was not until five days after first erecting his hide near a puddle in a farm track through a small copse that he saw the first Hawfinch, and it was only after another two weeks of patient waiting that one came when photographic conditions were right and the puddle was not in shade. As Terry Button himself commented, it is unusual for a reflection to be so clear and to show almost as much detail as the bird itself Several of this year’s other entries will be pubhshed later, in PhotoSpot or accompanying notes on behaviour depicted in the photographs. J. T. R. Sharrock, R. J. Chandler and Don Smith Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ The ‘British Birds’ Best Annual Bird Report Award This, the first annual competition, was very well supported, with 47 entries (see Appendix). As expected, the general standard was very high, for the production of an annual report has for around half a century been one of the major aims of each of the county and regional bird clubs which cover Britain and Ireland, and which have served as models for many others throughout the world. We were, for example, assessing the sixtieth report on Birds in Corn- wall, the fifty-fifth London Bird Report and the forty-third Sussex Bird Report, though there were also several relative newcomers, such as the twelfth Borders Bird Report and the twentieth Leigh Omithologkal Society Annual Report. [Brit. Birds 85: 299-308, June 1992] 300 Best Annual Bird Report Award How can reports be compared fairly when they come in differing shapes, sizes and lengths; may have differing aims; cover areas ranging in size from less than a dozen 10-km squares to several neighbouring counties combined; and are funded, in some cases, out of their own pockets by a dozen or so indi- viduals, but in others by a thriving parent society with hundreds of members, sales oudets and commercial sponsorship? With difficulty! The judges had themselves, however, all been involved in the compilation or publishing of annual bird reports, and two had been closely connected a decade or so ago with the preparation of guidehnes for bird-report editors at specialist meetings of the Bird Report Editors’ Committee, held in Oxford, Bristol and Swanwick, under the aegis of the BTO. Two of us had also made extensive use of material gleaned from published bird reports in our own or- nithological studies. In addition, an article entitled ‘The County Bird Re- port— a critique’ by Cohn Whiteman [The Birdwatcher’s Yearbook and Diary 1985, pp. 18-22) had set out in a very clear fashion many of the points that the judges also considered to be important. In the event, 23 separate aspects of annual bird reports were assessed (some on presence/absence, scored as 1 or 0; and others on quahty, scored on a scale from 0 to 3). These ranged from the thoroughness and usefulness of the systematic hst (considered to be the es- sential core to any report) and the inclusion of a map of the area covered, a review of the chmate and weather during the year, and so on, to the layout and design, clarity for the reader (typefaces used and spacing) and attractive- ness of front-cover design, and any drawings or photographs with the text. It was the aim of each individual judge to select the best report on the basis of the quality of its contents, not on the lushness of its production. Even be- fore the assessments started, each judge separately expressed his personal hope that the winner might be a cheaply produced (even, perhaps, a cyclo-styled) report compiled by a tiny local group of enthusiasts. Certainly, such a report would not have been at any disadvantage during the judging process. The in- clusion of numerous, expensive colour photographs or a large number of pages did not bias any of the judges in favour of the reports produced by large, rich bird clubs or societies. These explanations are necessary, since this year’s winner and runners-up are mostly thick, beautifully produced reports. That, however, was not why they were selected. The top reports all have the high-quahty factual information which is the raison d’etre of any regional bird report — to summarise what has been seen in the area during the past year for the club’s members and also for posterity. Enough of the background; the winner and runners-up this year were: Best Annual Bird Report of the Year 1990 1st Suffolk Birds 1991 vol. 40 incorporating the County Bird Report of 1990 Editor S. H. Piotrowski Assistant Editor P. W. Murphy Photagraphk Editor^. Levene Ehiblished by Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 301 Fig. 1. The Best Annual Bird Report of the Year; winner (Suffolk) and the four runners-up (Cornwall. Ncnfolk. Shetland and Derbyshire] 2nd Birds IN Cornwall 1990 Sixtieth Annual Report 1990 Editor S. M. Christophers Assistant Editor E. J. Cook Published by Cornwall Bird-Watching and Preservation Society 3rd Norfolk Bird & Mammal Report 1990 Editors Michael J. Seago (birds) and Rex Haney (mammals) Published by The Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists Society in conjunction with Norfolk Ornithologists Association 4th Shetland Bird Report 1990 Editor Kevin Osborn Published by Shetland Bird Club 5th Derbyshire Bird Report 1990 Editor R. M. R. James Published by The Derbyshire Ornithological Society Other short-listed bird reports (and their editors): ArgfU (S. J. Petty); Borders (R. D. Murray); 1 Caradon (Steve Madge); Cheshire and Wirral (D. J. Steventon); Cork (Peter Leonard & Mark Shorten); J Cumbna (M. F. Carrier); Irish East Coast (Tom Cooney, Brian Madden & Michael O’Donnell); Isle of Wight NH & A Soc. J. Stafford); Isk of Wight Om. Group (P. McAndrew & D. B. Wooldridge); Leigh (Paul Pugh); London (M. A. Hardwick); Martin Mere Refuge (Dominic Rigby); Northamptonshire (Robert W. Bullock); Qrkne)/ (Chris Booth, Mildred Cuthbert & Eric Meek); Shffield (J. Hombuckle I & S. J. Roddis); Sussex (P. F. Bonham); Upton Warren (Stuart Croft &John Belsey). i I 302 Best Annual Bird Report Award Those responsible for the compilation and production of all of the 22 short- listed reports deserve congratulations, for every one contained features which particularly impressed the judges. Indeed, the labour involved in the prepara- tion of all 47 reports submitted amounts to a phenomenal effort, almost wholly by amateur birdwatchers in their spare time. The closing date of the competition (15th December 1991 for 1990 reports) automatically makes relatively prompt publication a major criterion. The judges do appreciate that this currently disqualified certain excellent reports (e.g. Kent, for which the 1989 report was submitted for the judges’ interest, even though the editor realised that it was ineligible), and also that, once a county society has ‘got behind’ in its publishing schedule, there may be finan- cial difficulties in ‘catching up’, since this would mean publishing and mailing two reports in one year. Nevertheless, it is an important service to members that their annual report should appear reasonably soon after the events which it summarises, so we believe that publication within the following year is a jus- tifiable rule of eligibility. This summary cannot cover the large number of aspects of bird-report compilation and production which were discussed by the judges. Some flavour of the visual aspects can, however, be given by a selection of some of the best cover designs. We particularly liked the simple, uncluttered, bold, eye-catching designs of the Cork, Northamptonshire and Orkn^ reports (featuring drawings by Russ Heselden, Rodney Ingram and Donald Watson, respectively), and the imaginative wrap-around design (by P. Leonard) used on the Sheffield report (see fig. 2). CORK BIRD REPORT M ~ - 1990 Northamptonshire Bird Report 1991 ORKNEY BIRD REPORT 1990 303 Best Annual Bird Report Award Many reports included a selection of photographs, sometimes in black-and- white but surprisingly frequently (in view of the high cost) in colour. While the addition of high-quality photographs can enhance the appearance of a report, and perhaps increase casual sales, the judges did not regard this as an essential element. If photographs are included, however, they clearly have to be rele- vtuit and well produced; this was not always the case. Some reports included a selection of photographs of rarities; these were occasionally of high quality, but more often were out-of-focus or with the bird half hidden, but, if valuable as documentation of the record, this was not regarded as a fault. It is, however, obviously better to have no photographs than to have poor-quality ones of common birds. Several reports featured very good photographs or excellent line-drawings, but one stood out by having both. The quality of illustrations in the Norfolk Bird Report reflects not only the talent among the photographers and artists fea- tured, and the skill of the editorial team in bringing these together, but also the funds available to the societies responsible for the report’s production. The judges greatly admired this report, but those produced with more modest bud- gets were at no disadvantage in the scoring. We did remark, however, how lucky some counties are to have local talent, such as Dennis Coutts and Larry Dalziel [Shetland Bird Report), Stan Dumican and Jack Levene [Suffolk Birds) or Robin Chittenden and Chris Knights (Norfolk). Design and layout — ^particularly the use of capitals, bold type, italics, spac- ing and so on — essential if the masses of data are to be made easy on the eye and easy to refer to, was very variable, but almost all reports gave the impres- sion that someone had tried to do a good job. Many failed, however, usually owing to poor division of the space between and within separate sections. We thought that Suffolk was one of the best (fig. 3), with clearly separated entries, bold headings that stood out, and good use of tables, and that Leigh was a first-rate example amongst the more cheaply produced reports. Fig. 3. Example of good design and typography {Suffolk) 304 Best Annual Bird Report Award All but one of the reports included a scattering of decorative line-drawings, often by several accomplished artists. Fewer included annotated drawings in documentation of records, which is an aspect which could usefuUy be devel- oped; we especially Hked Andrew Birch’s drawings of Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator in Isle of Wight Birds (see fig. 4), John Waters’s drawings of Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi in Birds in Cornwall and Brian Small’s drawing of Baird’s Sand- piper Calidris bairdii in Suffolk Birds. Fig. 4. Example of annotated documentary drawings (by Andrew Birch from Isle of Wight JtH&AS) In acknowledgment that it is the single most important part of every annual report, each systematic list was subjected to detailed examination. Most in- cluded many data, but an analytical and explanatory approach was consid- ered to be especially helpful, for the benefit of present members (especially the education of beginners) and for posterity. ‘One on 25th May’ is pretty mean- ingless unless accompanied by a comment such as ‘the first migrant of the year’, ‘the latest-ever lingering winterer’, ‘only the fifth record for this isolated island’, or whatever. Similarly, ‘450 on 19th March’ is a useless record until we learn that it represents ‘the peak winter count’ or ‘the only record of over 150 for six years’, or whatever. Many reports included a status summary for each species, varying from a simple (or a complicated) code of letters/numbers to a one-line or two-line summary sentence at the start of each species entry. This was recommended some years ago and the majority of current report editors still heed the advice. It is very helpful to beginners and also to anyone from outside the recording area. Two of the best examples of this were in Birds in Cornwall and the Der- byshire Bird Report (fig. 5). This is actually one of the few ways in which even our winner, Suffolk Birds, could be improved. That report, however, was one of the few which had an interesting and readable systematic list; several were dauntingly solid accumulations of numbers and dates which would have bene- fited from considerable sifting, sorting, and selection, with the space gained thereby being used for explanations. Almost all reports included each species’ scientific name as well as its English name. All should. Most systematic lists included every species recorded Best Annual Bird Report Award 305 REDSTART - Phoenicurus phoenicurus Uncommon summer resident, almost exclusively confined to Bodmin Moor and the broadleaved woodlands around Bodmin. Breeds. Passage migrant. Spring passage commenced with a male at Kelsey Head Mar 26th - the earliest since 1984 and the third earliest ever. PJD. A total of C.38 migrants was reported - the best passage since 1980. 26 (66<7o) of these were noted Apr 22nd to 24th and included 16 at Rame Head on SNIPE. Gallinago gallinago. A fairly common summer visitor to gritstone moorland but now scarce as a breeding species in the lowlands, where it is a common winter visitor and passage migrant. No definite breeding records were received but drumming/displaying birds were recorded from early April at: East Moor, three pairs — APH APM; East Moor/Gibbet Moor, seven/eight territories located during survey — APM etal; Ramsiey Res., four in May — SBSG; Elvaston Quarry, one on 22nd Apr. — RWK; Ironbower Moss, four in May — DPM; and also from Broadhurst Edge, Ollersett Moor, Totley Moss, Ringinglow Bog, White Edge and Dovestones Tor. Outside the breeding season, there were records of up to 30 birds from many localities with the maxima at various sites: R. Erewash at Bennerley, 1 23 on 7th Mar. — MP; Williamthorpe, 83 on Fig. 5. Examples of good summary paragraphs in the systematic list (Cornwall and Dert^shire) during the year. Those that didn’t should. Surprisingly, our third-placed re- port, Norfolk, so good in many other ways, failed on both these points. A review of the year’s climate and weather in the area is a valuable adjunct to the year’s bird records. The review by John H. Grant in our winner, Suffolk Birds, was especially impressive, with relevant weather maps (fig. 6). When funds allow, a month-by-month review of the year’s highlights (of common birds as well as rarities) is a useful addition to the systematic list. Recording-area maps varied from those showing merely the boundaries and a few major towns, to excellent maps with 10-km square limits and aU the major bird localities. Birds in Cornwall included an excellent example, with 306 Best Annual Bird Report Award Fig. 7. Example of good area map (Comwalt) handwritten (but clearly readable) place names on a double-page spread (fig.7). All the reports submitted are listed in the Appendix. This list includes two reports from Norfolk, but we are glad to see co-operation between the organi- sations concerned and Httle or no overlap in coverage. It also, however, in- cludes two from the Isle of Wight, one produced by the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society and the other by the Isle of Wight Or- nithological Group. There is great overlap; some records appear in both re- ports, some in just one, but neither gives the complete picture. We do not want to enter into the ‘politics’ involved, but do urge the two groups con- cerned to bury their differences and, in the interests of ornithology, both within and beyond the Isle of Wight, to join forces and co-operate to produce just one comprehensive report for the island. Both reports have great merit, and both were short-Usted by us. Clearly, both organisations contain dedicated enthusiasts. Ornithology can only gain by co-operation between them. Finally, we give our congratulations to the winning team within the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society which produced Suffolk Birds 1991, future issues of which are now entitled to carry the British Birds logo, and to its editor, S. H. Piotrowski, who has received an inscribed book of his choice as a permanent personal memento of this achievement. J. T. R. Sharrock, R. J. Chandler and Robert Gillmor Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3J4J Appendix. Annual reports submitted for consideration for the ‘British Birds’ Best Bird Report of the Year Award The tide of the current issue is given, followed by the address from which a copy can be obtained and, if known, its current price (please supply a suitable SAE or add an appropriate sum for postage and packing). Alderl^ Park and Radnor Mere Wildlife Report 1990 A. H. Pulsford, 21 Swaledale Avenue, Congleton, Cheshire CWI2 2BY. Angus and Dundee Bird Report 1990 Martin S. Scott, 33 John Street, Arbroath, Angus, Tayside DDll IBT. £3.00. The Seventh Argyll Bird Report N. J. Scriven, Ardentinny Centre, Ardentinny, Dunoon, Argyll. 307 Best Annual Bird Report Award Avon Bird Report 1990 H. E. Rose, 12 Birbeck Road, Bristol BS9 IBD. Borders Bird Report No. 12 R. D. Murray, 4 Bellfield Crescent, Eddleston, Peebles EH45 8RQ. £3.75. The Caradcm Field & Natural History Chib 1990 Annual Report Steve Madge, 2 Church Row, Sheviock, Torpoint, Cornwall PLll 3EH. £3.25. Cheshire & Wirral Bird Report 1990 D. J. Steventon, Welland House, 207 Hurdsfield Road, Mac- clesfield, Cheshire SKIO 2PX. £3.50. The Birds of Ckristehurch Harbour 1990 Paul Morrison, 33 Minteme Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3LD. £2.00. County of Cleveland Bird Report for 1990 (ineligible, received after closing date, indeed after judging completed) J. B. Dunnett, 43 Hemlington Road, Stainton, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS8 9AG. Cork Bird Report 1990 Peter G. Leonard, 12 Douglas Hall Lawn, Off Well Road, Cork, Ireland. £3.00. Birds in Cornwall 1990 Stanley M. Christophers, 5 Newquay Road, St Columb Major, Cornwall TR9 6RW. £4.00 (including p&p). Birds of Cumbria: A County Natural History Report for 1990 M. F. Carrier, Tiree, 6 Brackenrigg, Ar- mathwaite, Carlisle, Cumbria. £3.00. Derltyskire Bird Report 1990 R. M. R. James, 43 Briar Lea Close, Sinfin, Derby DE2 9PB. £4.00 (in- cluding p&p). East Laruaskire Ornithologists Club Bird Report 1990 Eric Davis, 7 Rock Lane, Trawden, Colne, Lan- cashire BBS 8RR. Ffe Bird Report 1990 45 Hawthorn Terrace, Thornton, Fife KYI 4DZ. Filty Brigg Bird Report 1990 ]ohn Harwood, 13 West Garth Gardens, Canton, Scarborough, York- shire. £3.00. Gwent Bird Report 1990 B. J. Gregory, Monmouth School, Monmouth NP5 3XP. £3.00. Herfordshire Bird Report 1990 Bruce Ta^art, 2 Yew Tree Cottages, Colliers End, Ware, Hertford- shire SGll lEQ,. Htyrwood Bird Report 1990-1991 (ineligible, received after closing date, indeed after judging com- pleted) M. C. Cooper, 3 Brook Gardens, Heywood, Lancashire OLIO SEP. £1.50. Irish East Coast Bird Report 1990 Tom Gooney, 42 All Saints Road, Raheny, Dublin 5, Ireland. IR£4.00. Isk of Wight Birds 7 990 John Stafford, Westering, Moor Lane, Brighstone, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 4DL. £3.25. IsU of Wight Ornithological Group Bird Report 1990 D. B. Wooldridge, Kctou, Church Street, Niton, Isle of Wight P038 2BX. £3.00. Kent Bird Report 1989 (ineligible, 1990 report not yet published) Don Taylor, 1 Rose Cottages, Old Loose Hill, Loose, Mai^tone, Kent meisobn. £4.50. Lancashire Bird Report 1990]. M. Butterworth, 7 Hayling Road, Sale, Cheshire. £3.00. Leicestershire & Rutland Bird Report 1990 Dave Gamble, 2 Shanklin Gardens, Leicester Forest East, Leicester LE3 3JR. £3.00 (plus 34p p&p). Leigh Ornithological Society Annual Report 1990 C. A. Darbyshire, 48 Tennyson Drive, Billinge, Lan- cashire WN5 7EJ. Lincolnshire Bird Report 1990 (ineligible, received after dosing date, indeed after judging completed) R. K. Watson, 8 High Street, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 3NW. £3.75. Lemdon Bird Report 1990 Mark A. Hardwick, Flat 12, 9-11 Belsize Grove, London NW3 4UU. £3.50. Lothian Bird Report 1990 Onagh McGary, c/o The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Ter- race, Eidinburgh EH7 5BT. £4.00. Birds on the Mabiem Hills and Commons in 1990 Mrs J. Parr, 24 Christchurch Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WTtH 3BE. £1.50. Martin Mere Refuge Report 1990/91 Dominic Rigby, The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Martin Mere, Burscough, Nr Ormsldrk, Lancashire L40 OTA. £2.50. Merstyside Ringing Group Annual Report 1990 6 The Spinney, Parkgate, South Wirral L64 6RX. £2.50. Nar Vallty Ornithological Society Fourteenth Annual Report 1990 R. J. Walker, Restensgeo, The Street, Sporle, Swaffham, Norfolk PE32 2DR. New SwiUington Lngs Bird Group 2nd Annual Report 1990 P. R. Morris, 43 Highthome Drive, Leeds LSi7 8NY. 308 Best Annual Bird Report Award Norfolk Bird & Atammal Report 1990 Mrs M. Dorling, 6 New Road, Hethersett, Norwich NR9 3HH. £3.00. Norfolk Omithohgists Association Annual Report 1990 Peter Clarke, Aslack Way, Holme Next Sea, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 6LP. Northamptonshire Bird Report 1991 Robert W. Bullock, 81 Cavendish Drive, Northampton NN3 3HL. £3.95 (including p&p). North Cotswold Bird Report 1990 P. H. Dymott, Green Acres, Swindon Lane, Swindon Village, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 9QC. Birds in Northumbria 1990 Ian Kerr, 27 Eddrington Grove, Chapel House, Newcasde-upon-Tyne NE5 IJG. £3.40. Orkney Bird Report 1990 C. J. Booth, 34 High Street, Kirkwall, Orkney. £2.50. Outer Hebrides Bird Report 1989 and 1990 T. J. Dix, 2 Dreumasdal, South Uist, Western Isles PA81 5RT. £3.50. Birds in the Sheffield Area 1990 Tony Morris, Sheffield Bird Study Group, 4A Raven Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield S7 ISB. £2.50. Shetland Bird Report 1990 Kevin Osborn, 20 Nederdale, Lerwick, Shedand ZEl OSA. £4.00 (including p&p). Shoreham District Ornithological Society Report 1990 R. A. Ives, 90 Downlands Avenue, Worthing, West Sussex. £2.00. Soar 1990 Bird Report A. C. Cole, 39 Weymouth Park, Hope Cove, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 3HD. .‘Suffolk Birds 1991 The Editor, c/o The Museum, High Street, Ipswich IPl 3QH. £5.00. The Sussex Bird Report No. 43 J. E. Trowell, Lorrimer, Main Road, Ickleham, Winchelsea TN36 4BS. £3.50 (including p&p). Birds of Upton Warren 1989/ ’90 C. H. Roe, Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill, Hindlip, Worcester WR3 8SZ. £2.00. The Birds of Valley Park and Dunstall Park 1990 F. Dickson, 1 1 Arthur Greenwood Court, Corona- tion Road, BUston, West Midlands VW14 0HS. Welsh Harp ReportNo. 4 November 1991 John Colmans, 52 Grange Avenue, London NI28DL. £1.00. Notes Foot-trembling behaviour of Dotterel On the evening of 29th March 1989, on the top of Pendle Hill, east Lancashire, I spent 40 minutes observing three Dotterels Charadrius morinellus at ranges down to 10 m, using a X 25 telescope. Two of the three were foot- trembling throughout my period of observation. According to BWP (vol. 3), foot-trembhng by this species has been observed on bare soil, but these individuals were on a stony area interspersed with short sheep-grazed turf, where they were feeding. They rapidly vibrated .sometimes the right foot, sometimes the left. Occasionally the prey items thus obtained (apparendy insect larvae) were in reach, but in most cases the Dotterels would dash forward 10-20 cm to seize items by Notes 309 probing in the turf; after a successful foray, they would move on a metre or so and repeat the process. I estimated that all three Dotterels, whether foot- trembling or not, were obtaining food at the rate of about one item per minute; thus, the non-trembling individual was just as successful as the two foot-tremblers. I was unable to determine the sex of the individuals concerned, as they had barely started to develop their breeding plumage. Anthony A. Cooper 28 Peel Park Avenue, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 lET Sequential polyandry by Golden Plovers In a population study of Golden Plovers Plmialis apricana on moorland at Kerloch, Kincardineshire, I found that most individuals paired for life (Parr 1980). Whenever they had new mates, their original mates were usually absent and presumed dead. Nethersole-Thompson & Nethersole-Thompson (1961) thought that some females might have two males when the latter were in excess, but found no evidence to support this. At Kerloch, I recorded three cases of polyandry, involving pairs in which both sexes were colour-ringed. CASE 1 Pair A successfully hatched young on 16th May 1981. Two days later, the female was 700m away on a different territory with an unringed male; on 27th May, she laid in her second nest. Meanwhile, her original mate reared her first brood on his own. In 1982, this femtile was with her new mate and male A had a different mate. CASE 2 Pair B successfully hatched young on 18th May 1981. Four days later, the female was on a territory 1,200m away with an unringed male; the two showed courtship behaviour, but no nest was found. In 1982, the female had returned to her original mate. CASE 3 In 1983, pair Cs behaviour strongly suggested the existence of a nest. When the pair deserted its territory on 12th May, however, I assumed that the nest had been robbed. Female C was later seen on 16th May on a different territory 500m away with an unringed male; both plovers were excited, showing spring-like activity, with much calling and chasing, but no nest was found. In 1984, this female was paired with male A (SEE CASE 1, above). None of these females was seen with a second mate while still paired with the first, and vice versa. Among other species in which polyandry sometimes occurs, such as Dotterel Charadrius morinellus (Nethersole- Thompson 1973), females seldom incubate, so they can have two mates at the same time. Female Golden Plovers, however, share incubation with the male (Parr 1980), and polyandrous females would have difficulty incubating at two nests. Having two mates in sequence overcomes this problem. Raymond Parr Institute of Terrestrial Ecolog)/, Banchory, Kincardineshire AB3 4BY REFERENCES Nethersole-Tho.MPSON, D. 1973. The Dotterel. Glasgow. , & Nethersoit-Thompson, C. 1961. The breeding behaviour of the British Golden Plover. In Bannerman, D. A., The Birds of the British Isles, vol. 10. Edinburgh & London. Parr, R. 1980. Population study of Golden Plover Plmialis apricaria, using marked birds. Omis I 11: 179-189. Feeding behaviour of Little Stints On 22nd October 1985, at Swakop- mund, Namibia, I observed about ten Little Stints Calidris minuta feeding in a sheltered part of the estuary where the water was about 15 cm deep and 310 Notes 127 & 128. Little Stint Calidris minuta walking on floating plant fragments, Namibia, October 1985 (Philip Perry) its surface completely covered by small plant fragments about 1-2 cm long. The stints fed from this surface by walking forward while flapping their wings high above their backs to prevent themselves from sinking; in this way they were able to peck at food items on or near the surface (plates 127 & 128). Between feeding bouts, the stints rested on floating branches that could support their weight. PHILIP PERRY 10 Troutsdale Close, Marlon Park, Bridlington, East Yorkshire T016 5GN Notes 311 Redshank habitually swimming to avoid human beings It is well known that Redshanks Tringa totanus and other waders will swim on occasions: to cross a saltmarsh creek or other channel, when feeding in deep water (e.g. Brit. Birds 39: 319; 62: 154), or even forming rafts when large numbers are disturbed from a high-tide roost [Brit. Birds 68: 429- 430). Diving in the manner of a Litde Grebe Tachybaptus rujicollis has also been noted [Brit. Birds 73: 221-222). I can, however, put on record a series of observations concerning two individuals which habitually swam when disturbed by human beings. This species is a rare migrant on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, so that daily observations of one and later two there for a week in October 1968 can be assumed to have related to the same individuals each day. They frequented a 4.5-ha freshwater lake. Lough Errul. When disturbed by a birdwatcher or islander walking around the margin of the lake, they did not merely fly to another part of the lake edge, but always flew out to the centre of the lake (where the water is several metres deep) and swam there, looking like phalaropes Phalaropus, until the disturbing human being departed. Thus, this was not an isolated instance of behaviour induced by an unexpected or unusual event, but was a deliberate escape tactic, used repeatedly. The first individual used it from the first time that it was seen; the second individual, which arrived a couple of days later, appeared to learn the strategy. J. T. R. Sharrock Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3FJ Exceptionally bold Pomarine Skua At about 1 1 .00 GMT on 26th October 1985, I was informed that some Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus were present near the Belmont pier, Unst, Shetland, and that one in particular seemed to be fairly tame. I proceeded to Belmont, armed with camera and binoculars. On arrival, I saw five Pomarine Skuas some distance off, flying or resting on the sea. One pale-phase, ‘tatty-tailed’ individual then took off about 300m away, headed towards my car and started circling it a few times, eyeing me through the windscreen every time it went past. It settled on the car bonnet and started to peck at the windscreen; I took one photograph, only to find that the camera lens was not fitted properly, and the skua flew off. About one minute later, the skua returned and settled on the car roof; wtiiting for it to come down on to the bonnet, I slowly put my hand out of the window and on to the roof, and was rewarded with a peck before the skua flew off again. Assuming that the skua was hungry, but having no food with me, I tore some bits off a kitchen roll, chewed them up until soggy and threw them on to the bonnet; once again the skua settled on the roof, eyeing the paper suspiciously, and only when I tapped on the windscreen did it jump down on to the bonnet, enabling me to photograph it (plates 129 & 130). It took off once more, flew in a wide circle and landed on the roof again; I put my hand up towards it and this time found its foot, at which it retaliated with four or five pecks, one of which drew a little blood. It then flew off in pursuit of a Kittiwake Rissa eriods (1948-60, 1961-73 and 1974-87) to plot additional histograms which show changes in abundance or migration patterns. Breeding species are analysed in graphs. Only 25 species bred annually in the FIBO period, although usually there are over 30, and 53 species have bred at least once. The text is concise, readable, full of information and explanation, and high- lights important trends. Interesting ringing data are scattered through the accounts. Fair Isle is famous for its well-studied breeding seabirds, its sometimes abundant regular mi- grants (once 65,000 Redwings Turdus diacus on one day) and its astonishing list of rarities. Few years pass without a new bird for the Fair Isle list, and 25 species have been added to the British list fix)m Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica to Daurian Starling Sturrms stuminus via such variety as Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus and Song Sparrow ^onotrkhm melodia. Some species are surpris- ingly rare. We all know that Blue Tits Pams caemleus (eight records) and Magpies Pka pica (one) are rare up there, but so are some ‘expected’ rarities such as Serin Serinus serinus, Radde’s PhyUoscopus schwarzi and Pallas’s Warblers P. proregubis, and oddities such as Black Chlidonias niger and Roseate Terns Sterna dougaUn (one record each), Garganey Arm querquedula and Black-throated Diver Gavia arctka (only three reports). The book has many excellent drawings by Dave Pullan and is well produced. Island-hoppers, seabird-fans, migrant-watchers and rarity-consumers will all love it. R. A. Hu ME Bustards, Hemipodes and Sandgrouse: birds of dry places. By Paul A. Johnsgard. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1991. 276 pages; 51 colour plates; 53 line-drawings; 39 distribution maps. ^{^60.00. This addition to the author’s well-known series of monographs of families departs from past practice by treating three which lack close phylogenetic relationships: the Otididae, the Tumicidae — including here the ‘aberrant’ monotypic ‘Quail-Plover’ (Lark Buttonquail) Ortyxelos meiffrenii — and the Pteroclididae. These families are primarily associated with arid or semi-arid habitats within the Old World and include many poorly-knowm species. Whatever the merits of treating them between the same covers, the 51 species accounts are the only readily accessible overview for a majority of the birds covered. This part of the book is a proficient collation of information from standard works, amplified by detailed information drawn mainly from recent technical papers. The sptecies accounts treat, under standard subheadings, description, measurements, identification, general and reproductive biology, ecology, social behaviour, evolutionary relationships, status and conservation. The identification sections properly adopt a museum-based style, but the lack of any serious attempt to address the behaviour and actions (i.e. jizz) of the birds in the field is disappointing. Identification in the field of Lark Buttonquail, for example, is covered merely by a single sentence, which fails to mention the astonishingly distinctive behaviour and flight-action of the bird in life. Species accounts vary considerably in length. Certain bustards which have been studied in detail are extensively treated (often drawing heavily on papers published in the journal Bustard Studies). In contrast, the lack of detailed information for many species htis clearly been an unavoidable limitation. Almost till species are illustrated by a very attractive series of plates by the late Major Henry Jones, dating from the early twentieth century. These are of a high standard. Ignoring a few inaccuracies associated with over-reliance on skins, they are useful for field identification. Through presentation of Jones’s paintings, this book reveals a significant and apparently unacknowledged talent. His work compares favourably with that of several of the more celebrated artists of the time. As Jones’s plates are a central feaure of this book (and similar previously published monographs), it seems odd and inappropriate that no information on the artist is included. Despite lacking the hallmarks of field-acquaintance, this attractive and well-produced book is unquestionably worth having. Compared with the cost of the author’s other recent monographs in an identical format, however, it seems rather highly priced. Rod Martins Short reviews Parametros Demograficos, Seleccion de Habitat y Distribucion de La Avutarda Otis tarda en Tres Regiones Espanolas. Edited by Juan C. Alonso & Javier A. Alonso. (Coleccion Tecnica, ICONA-FEPMA, Madrid, 1991. 123 pages. No price given) De- scribes government-sponsored census work on Great Bustards Otis tarda carried out in central Spain during 1987-89. The authors provide a wealth of detail on the population status and ecology of the 4,400 individuals involved, in tables, maps and figures (with English cap- tions)— so that no-one armed with this book has any excuse for not seeing bustards in Spain. There is an English summary and ex- tensive bibliography. This well-produced book would grace the collection of any Iberian bird enthusiast. [Paul Gorilt] Breeding Birds of Kashmir. By R. S. P. Bates & E. H. N. Lowther. (Oxford Univer- sity Press, India, 1991. 367 pages, 5 colour plates, 151 monochrome photographs. /) 16.00) Reprint of 1952 original on poorer- quality paper. Not a field guide and applic- able only to the Vale of Kashmir and surroundings, not the whole state. Centred around Bates’s photographs (taken mostly at the nest), which include many of species rarely photographed, but are rather poorly reproduced. English names used are confus- ing, but typical of that period of Indian ornithology. Of high historical value, in- teresting reading, and will amply grace the shelves of those hooked on Indian birds. [Steve Madge] Seton Gordon: the life and times of a Highland gentleman. By Raymond Eagje. (Lochar Publishing, Moffat, 1991. 305 pages. j020.00) A comprehensive biography of this author, naturalist, photographer and authority on piping, who inspired so many people with his writings on the natural history and natural beauties of the Scottish Highlands. The biographer and publisher have done a fine job. The illustrations include some of Seton Gordon’s classic photographs of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos. [MAO] A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande Val- ley of Texas. By Harold R. Holt. (Ameri- can Birding Association Inc., Colorado Springs, 1992. 189 pages. Paperback SI 4.95) This revised ‘Lanes Guide’ is invaluable for a visitor. It details birding sites, with some guid- ance on accommodation, the time to visit, etc. Some new areas are covered, notes on estab- lished sites are updated, and it has extra or im- proved maps. The new ‘springback’ format may not instantly appeal, but it works: the book lies flat at the page opened, a boon, par- ticularly for those birding alone (the old book tended to flop shut at vital junctions). Despite having been there several times, I would not venture along the Texas Rio Grande Valley without this revised work. [David Holman] Owls of the World. By Roh Hume. Illus- trated hy Trevor Boyer. (Dragon’s World, London, 1991. 192 pages. 19.85) A large, beautifully produced book on this ever- popular group of birds. Trevor Boyer’s paintings of aU 148 species are both accurate and delightful, while Rob Hume’s text is authoritative without ever being dull. A short introduction covers basic classifica- tion, biology and threats; the species accounts vary from two or three pages to a mere ten lines. Apart from two minor grumbles — the distribution maps would have been improved with some country boundaries, and I was disappointed to find merely a ‘reading list’ and not a full biblio- graphy to back up the mass of information contained in the text — this is a lovely book and excellent value for money. [MAO] Rutland Breeding Bird Atlas. By Terry Mitcham. (Spiegl Press, Stamford, 1992. 136 pages. Paperback /[6.50) The 1 1 7 tetrads in the former county of Rutland were surveyed during 1988-90 by 32 members of the Rutland Natural History Society. The results are dis- played in the traditional way, though there are only two symbols (a small dot indicating ‘pre- sent’ and a large dot indicating ‘breeding’) in line with the second BTO/IWC breeding bird atlas, rather than the standard, internationally agreed, European Ornithological Atlas Com- mittee criteria with three grades (‘possible breeding’, ‘probable breeding’ and ‘confirmed breeding’). The maps take up about one-sixth of a page; there is about half a page of text for each species, and the remaining space is often filled with a line-drawing (by Paul Leonard or Chris Park). The maps (the essential part of any atlas) are crisply produced, presenting the 320 Short reviews 321 results clearly. Every collector of breeding bird adases will want to own a copy of this one, and so will every birdwatcher living in or likely to visit Rudand. Bird Watching on the North Kent Marshes. By Peter Oliver. (Peter Oliver, Oxted, 1991. 180 pages. 18.95) Despite changing land-use and even the inroads of in- dustry, the North Kent Marshes offer some of the most exciting birdwatching anywhere in southern England, thanks largely to the exten- sive reserves of the RSPB, KTNC and English Nature. In this pleasing book, Peter Oliver charts the changing fortunes of the marshes since Gillham & Homes (1950, Th^ Birds of the North Kent Marshes), and puts into perspective their current importance. The story is a sur- prisingly encouraging one, for many birds — ranging from Marsh Harriers Circus aemginosus to Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta — are now much more numerous than they once were. Dr Richard Chandler’s photographs — all taken within this area — are pleasing, but more would have increased the book’s visual appeal. The author is, however, to be congratulated on both writing and publishing a guide that all who know the marshes will want to have. All royalties go to the RSPB. [David Tomlinson] Seasons with the Kestrel. By Gordon Riddle. (Blandford Cassell, London, 1991. 160 pages. £16.95) A personal account of the Kestrel Fako tinnunculus, as seen through the eyes of an ex-schoolteacher turned wildlife ranger who, in his spare time, has studied the bird for nearly 20 years in southwest Scodand. This book is as much about the techniques and tribulations of study as about the bird it- self Most of the ‘hard’ data are given in spe- cial ‘information windows’, scattered through a leisurely narrative which includes lengthy diary extracts and descriptions of the Scottish coun- tryside and local characters. Less ‘science- based’ than the Poyser volume on the Kestrel by Andy Village, but a pleasant read. The photographs (by the author) give a good im- pression of the bird, the landscape and the fieldwork. [I. Newton] In Search of Arctic Birds. By Richard Vaughan. Illustrated by Gunnar Bruse- witz. (T & A D Poyser, London, 1992. 431 pages. £20.00) The title suggests and the preface states that ‘This is a book about the pursuit of birds in the Arctic, not a mono- graph on the birds of the Arctic.’ The text wanders over a whole range of subjects, at the whim of the author, so it is impossible to predict what is or is not included. In view of the Arctic’s stunning birds and stunning scenery, the photographs are a great dis- appointment. Gunnar Brusewitz’s drawings, however, are a delight; and who can resist reading about birds such as Spoonbill Sand- piper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus and Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea? ALSO RECEIVED Tracks & Signs of the Birds of Britain and Europe: an identification guide. Second edn. By Roy Brown, John Ferguson, Michael Lawrence & David Lees. (Christopher Helm, London, 1992. 232 pages. Paperback £14.99)(First edn reviewed Brit. Birds 80: 443) Bibliography of Chinese Ornithology. Edited by Yao-Kuang Tan, Chieko Katsura & Hiroyoshi Higuchi. (Wild Bird Society of Japan. Tokyo, 1990. 633 pages. Paperback Y5,500) Fieldwork action BTO news Organic farming and birds Organic farming methods result in a return to something akin to traditional systems of mixed farming and crop rotations, in order to maintain productivity. Rota- tions might include cereals, root crops and nitrogen-fixing grass-clover leys. Fertility is maintained with the help of applications of animal and plant manures, crop residues and mineral-bearing rocks, and weed control is achieved by mechanical rather than by chemical means. Organic sys- tems replace the more specitilised regimes of many modem farms, which employ high inputs of inorganic fertilisers and pesticides and may reduce greatly the availability of insect and weed-seed food resources for birds. Intuitively, we might expect the greater habitat variety and food avail- ability created on organic farms to support greater numbers of a greater variety of birds. Circum- stantial evidence supports this. Stone-curlews Burhinus oedicnemus prefer to nest in root crops and feed on grassland and hence benefit from mixed farming, and Grey Partridges Perdix perdix raise more chicks if pesticide spraying of field margins is reduced. 322 Fieldwork action The BTO aims to discover the real benefits of organic farming to birds in a new project in which you can take part, funded jointly by MAFF and the World Wide Fund for Nature. It pre- sents us with a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of modem agricultural practice on our breeding and wintering bird populations. During 1992-94, we need volunteers to survey bird populations of specific organic farms and their traditional neighbours. If you would like to help or know more, please contact Drjeremy Wilson at BTO HQ. PAUL Green British Trust for Omitholog)i, The National Centre for Omithobgj), The Nunneiy, Theford, Norfolk IP24 2PU ICBP news EC countries slow with protection EC countries are not fulfilling their legal obligation to protect the most important habitats for birds. This is the finding of an ICBP report on the designation of Special Protection Areas (SPAs). SPAs were introduced to the EC with the adoption of the Wild Birds Di- rective in 1979. The Wild Birds Directive requires that EC Member States designate as SPAs the most important areas for priority bird species, which are listed on Annex 1 of the document. The deterioration of any SPA must be avoided. Since the Directive came into force in 1981, only 504 of the 1,681 sites that qualify (as identi- fied by the ICBP in the book Important Bird Areas) have been partially or wholly designated as SPAs. These sites amount to just 30% of the total area that should be protected by the SPA scheme. Extrapolation shows that, if the current rate of designation continues, it will take until the year 2053 for all the sites to receive protection under EC law. The United Kingdom is one of the worst offenders with, by 1991 , just 39 of the 238 qualifying sites having received SPA status. On current rates of designation, the UK would be the second slowest country to complete the task, with only the Netherlands taking longer. The priority that should be given to protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat has been recognised by the EC. It is now up to member governments to fulfil their commitments. Georgina Green International Council for Bird Preservation, 32 Cambridge Road, Orton, Cambridge CBS OPJ Diary dates This list covers July 1992 to June 1993 14th July BRinSH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB. Dr Storrs L. Olson on ‘Prehistoric birdlife of the Hawaiian Islands.’ Central London. Non- members should write (enclosing SAE) at least 21 days before to Hon. Secretary, Mrs Amber- ley Moore, 1 Uppingham Road, Oakham, Rudand LEI5 6JB. 28th July BOC. Dr Angela Turner on ‘The hirundines: a most entertaining tribe of birds.’ Central Ixtndon. Details from Hon. Secretary. 30th July to 14th August SOCIETY OF WILDUFE ARTISTS’ ANNUAL EXHIBITION (includ- ing display of winning entries in ‘Bird Illustra- tor of the Year’ and ‘The Richard Richardson Award’ competitions). The Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SWI. Open 10a.m.-5p.m. Admis- sion ;{(2.00 (free to SWLA members). 30th August ORIENTAL BIRD CLUB MEETING. Blakeney Village Hall, Blakeney, Norfolk. De- 323 Diary dates tails from OBC, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bed- fordshire SG19 2DL. 4th-6th September BRITISH BIRDWATCHING F.AIR. Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland Water, near Oakham, Leicestershire. Enquiries to Tim Appleton, Fishponds Cottage, Stamford Road, Oakham, Leicestershire LEI5 8.AB. 4th-6th September W.ADER STUDY GROUP ANNL'AL CONFERENCE. Hajduszoboszlo, Hun- gary'. Details from WSG Conference Secre- tariat (Attn Tamas Szekely), Department of Zoology, Kossuth Llniversity, Debrecen, Hun- gary. 7th-llth September IX INTERNATIONAL W.VTERFOWL ECOLOGY SYMPOSIUM. Hajduszo- boszlo, Hungary. Details from RV'RB, Shm- bridge, Gloucester GL2 7BX. 13th-17th September IV INTERN.ATION.AL WETLANDS CONFERENCE. Ohio State Univer- sity, Columbus, Ohio, USA. Details from William J. Mitsch, School of Natural Re- sources, Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. 14th-18th September INTERNATION.AL BIRD CENSUS COMMITTEE/EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGI- Cv\L ATLAS COMMITTEE CONFERENCE. Noord- wijkerhout. The Netherlands. Details from Conference Secretariat; Van Namen & Wester- laken. Congress Organization Services, PO Box 1558, 6501 BN Nijmegen, The Nether- lands. 15th September BOC. Dr W. Thiede and Dr U. Thiede on ‘Japan — Britain of the East?.’ Central London. Details from Hon. Secretary. 15th-20th September PAN-MEDITERRANEAN SVAIPOSIUM. Chios, Greece. Management of island and coastal ecosystems in the Mediter- ranean. Details from Xavier Monbailliu, MEDMARAVIS, BP2, 83470 Saint Maximin, France. 17th-20th September BOU AUTUMN .MEET- ING. University of Liverpool. ‘The history of ornithology.’ Details from Miss Clem Fisher, Curator of Birds and Mammals, Vertebrate Zoology Department, Liverpool County Mu- seum, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 SEN. 3rd October BTO/BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BIRD CLUB JOINT ONE-DAY CONFERENCE. Further de- tails from John Wyatt, Little Okeford, Christchurch Road, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4EF. 3rd-4th October NORTHU.MBERLAND BIRD F/\IR. Druridge Bay Country Park, Northum- berland. 10th October RSPB .AGM. Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London. Details from RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL. 17th October RSPB FIL.M PRE.MIERE. Royal Festival Hall, London. 5 p.m. Tickets from Box Office, Royal Festival Hall. 15th October OBC .MEETING. Isles of Scilly. Details from OBC. 30th October to 1st November SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB ANNUAI- CONFERENCE. Badenoch Hotel, Aviemore. Details from SOC, 2 1 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EE7 5BT. 10th November BOC. Dr A. G. Gosler on ‘Bill adaptations in the Great Tit — or a mandible for all seasons.’ Central London. De- tails from Hon. Secretary. 20th-22nd November SCOTTISH RINGERS’ CONFERENCE. Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar. De- tails from Robert Rae, 1 1 Millend, Newburgh, Ellon, Aberdeen AB4 OGD. 4th-6th December BTO ANNUAL CONFER- ENCE & AGM. ‘Farming and Birds.’ Hayes Con- ference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire. Details from BTO, The Nunnery, Nunnery Place, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. 4th-6th December NATIONAL EXHIBITION OF CAGE .AND AVIARY BIRDS. National E.xhibition Centre, Birmingham. Details from Brian Byles, Editor, ‘Cage and Aviary Birds’, King’s Reach Tower, Stamford Street, London SEI 9LS. 12th December OBC AG.M. Zoological Society meeting rooms. Regent’s Park, London. De- tails from OBC. 8th-10th January B TO RINGING AND MIGRA- TION CONFERENCE. Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire. Details from Ringing Office, BTO. 29th-31st January 1'OUNG ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB GARDEN BIRDWATCH. Details from YOC, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI9 2DL. 31st January Closing date for entries for ‘Bird Photograph of the Year’. 31st January Closing date for entries for ‘Best recent black-and-white bird photographs’. 5th-7th March RSPB/IRISH WILDBIRD CONSER- VANCY ALUIRELAND CONFERENCE. The Ever- glades Hotel, Londonderry. Details from RSPB, Northern Ireland Office, Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast BT8 4Q_T, Northern Ireland. 15th March Closing date for entries for ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’. 324 Diary dates 15th March to 16th May ^'OC FLIGH'I'UNE. Migration phone-in. Details from YOC. 26th-28th March Bou anneial conference. ‘Reproductive competition — sperm competi- tion and intraspecific brood parasitism.’ Lose- hill Hall Field Centre, Derbyshire. Details from Dr C. S. Lessells, Zoology Department, The University, Sheffield SIO 2T.N. 2nd-4th April RSPB MEMBERS' WEEKEND. Lan- caster University. Details from Events Depart- ment, RSPB. April SALE OF VINTAGE PRINTS B'l’ ERIC HOSK- ING. Proceeds to the Eric Hosking Trust. Lavenham Wildlife Art Gallery, 70-71 High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk CO10 9FF. May IN FOCUS’ BIRDRACE. County birdwatch. In association with International Council for Bird PreseiTation and county Nature Conser- vation Trusts. Prize-giving presentation at British Birdwatching Fair, Rutland Water. De- tails and entry forms from Da\id Tomlinson, Windrush, Coles Lane, Brasted, Westerham, Kent TN16 INN. Mrs S. D. Cobban, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3MJ Announcements Forthcoming ‘BB’-SUNBIRD birdwatching trips 23rd August to 5th September 1992 Volga Delta and Tien Shan Mountains (see Brit. Birds 84: 243) led by A1 Knystautas & Paul Holt 9th-23rd September 1992 Israel, including Red Sea pelagic trip (sec Bri/ Birds 85; 127-129, 194) led by Hadoram Shirihai & Killian Mullamey 27th November to 14th December 1992 Fcbruary-March 1993 April 1993 May-June 1993 September 1993 Yemen {see Brit. Birds 84: 589) led by Rod Martins & Jon Dunn Thailand Special trip being arranged - details will be published shortly Camargue and Pyrenees Israel, including Red Sea pelagic trip Further details are obtainable from David Fisher/Jennifer Thomas, Sunbird, PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI9 IDF; or telephone Sandy (0767) 682969. Books in British BirdShop The following books have been added to the list this month; *Guest & Hutcheson li^ere to Watch Birds in Cumbria, Lancashire and Cheshire *Marzluff & Baida The Pinyon Jay For all your book orders, please use the British BirdShop order form on pages xiii & xiv. Requests ‘British BirdShop’ subsidises ‘BB’ Please order all your bird books by using the British BirdShop order forms which are included in BB each month (pages xiii & xiv this month). All the profits received by BB go directly towards funding extra pages, extra photographs and the use of colour illustrations within BB itself By using the POST FREE service provided by British BirdShop, you not only receive the c[uickest and most efficient mail-order bird-book service, but also help to improve the contents of BB, and hold down the subscription price, to everyone’s benefit. Thank you for supporting us. Volunteers for ringing of waders in Bahrain A pilot ringing scheme of waders in Bahrain took place during three weeks in September and October 1991. In 1992, the study will be re- peated during 1st August to 15th October. For this we require experienced licensed ringers (preferably with experience of wader-ringing) willing to travel at their own expense and able to stay at least three weeks in Bahrain. Persons prepared to stay for longer periods will have an ad- vantage. No pay can currently be offered, but accommodation, visa and local transport is free. I'hose interested should write at once for more details, to Dr Saeed Mohammad and Erik Hirsclifeld, Biology Department, College of Sciences, Bahrain University, PO Box 32038, State of Bahrain. Requests 325 Vagrants in Seychelles A Records Committee has been established to collate data on birds in the Republic of Seychelles, v\ hich also includes the coral limestone atolls of the ,Amirantes, Pro\i- dence. Farquhar and Aldabra groups. It vsill assess and publish records of vagrants, as well as monitoring the populations of breeding species and migrants, with the ultimate aim of producing a full check-list. The members are Ian Bullock, Dr Chris Feare, James Ferguson-Lees (chairman), David Fisher, Ron Gerlach. John Phillips, and -Adrian Skerrett (secretaiy), all of whom have spent much time in the islands. Past and present observations are needed of any species that have been reported less than annually. Lists are available from (and all observations should be sent to) .Adrian Skerrett, PO Box 336, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles. Do you like ‘BB’ as it is? \ ou can influence the future contents of BB by filling in the ques- tionnaire on page viii (opposite page 263) in this issue and sending it to us. We want British Birds to provide you, its subscribers, with what you want. New ideas are also welcome. Please send us your completed form. News and comment Mike Everett and Robin Prytherch Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ Bam Owl on Schedule 9 In late February, the Government made the welcome announce- ment that the Bam Owl Tyto alba is to be added to Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Coun- tryside Act, 1981. In short, this means that it I will be illegal to release Bam Owls into the ! wild except under licence; it also means that, over the next few years, the new system will 1 enable a code of good practice to be drawn up which, for the first time, will result in proper ! regulation and evaluation of owl releases. The I Hawk and Owl Trust has estimated that there ' are 20,000-30,000 Barn Owls in captivity and j that over 3,000 are currently released every year by over 600 amateur operators; a few of these release schemes are well controlled, and seem to be making a useful contribution, but the majority are not, and it is highly improb- able that they are doing anything constmctive for Bam Owl conserv'ation. despite the un- ) doubted good intentions of the operators. The I Bam Owl’s problems are habitat-related and ^ simply releasing large numbers of captive-bred individuals into an environment where their ! wild predecessors have failed is largely a mat- ter of putting the cart before the horse. The media have not helped because, with such a photogenic bird, captive owls sitting on peo- ple’s heads and hands make good news stories, which obscure the true nature of the problem. A recent Am' Scientist article (8th Febmary 1992) by John Cayford (RSPB) and Steve Per- cival (BTO) showed that survival rates of re- leased first-year owls (10%) and adults (15%) compared very unfavourably with those of their wild counterparts (19% and 55% respec- tively), further demonstrating the flaws in the captive-breeding-and-release system as it has operated until now. Hootline As part of their own conservation programme, the Buckinghamshire Barn Owl Group (part of the Hawk and Owl Tmst’s Bam Owl Conservation Network) is urgently seeking information on Bam Owl sightings in the county. All information received will be treated in confidence. Contact the ‘Hootline’ number 0296-415474, or write to Mark Chester, 10 Twitchell Lane, Aston Clinton, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP22 5JJ. Sea Fisheries Bill There was jubilation at the RSPB in March when the Private Mem- bers’ Bill it had drafted, and which was pro- moted by Phillip Oppenheim MP, received Royal Assent and became the Sea Fisheries (W'ildlife Conservation) Act, 1992. F’or a long time, one of the biggest problems facing con- servation in UK coastal waters has been the lack of any formal powers to control the im- pact of fisheries on wildlife. The Act requires fisheries ministers to protect wildlife, impos- 326 News and comment ing on them duties like those which already exist for agiiculture ministers. VVe congratulate all concerned, and hope that this means the start of a new era in which fisheries and wildlife interests are better balanced than they have been in the past. 1992 Fair The British Birdwatching Fair 1992 will be held at Rutland Water during 4th-6th September. This popular and now- annual event will once again be organised by the RSPB and the Lxiicestershire and Rutland 'Frust for Nature Conservation, with sponsor- ship from optical retailers in focus and two new- comers, I’he Bird and Wildlife Bookshop and Anglian Water. Last year, the Fair raised over /^20,000 for the ICBP Danube Delta project in Romania (see Biit. Birds 85: 139); this year, funds will be raised for the ICBP Spanish Steppe Grasslands Appeal (Brit. Birds 85: 139, 193-194). Entrance is fb, or fl for tw'o or three days, with group booking rates of per ticket for parties of ten or more. More details from the British Birdw'atching Fair Office, Fishponds Cottage. Stamford Road, Oakham, Ixicestershire LEI 5 8,\A; phone 0572-724101. New SPAs In March 1992, the Exe Estuary (Devony Old Hall Marshes (Essex) and Lindis- farne (Northumberland) were all designated Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the EC Directive on the Conserv'ation of Wild Birds. Along with Chippenham Fen (Cam- bridgeshire), they were also declared wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. These are very welcome moves, but it is a sorry fact that only 46 out of a pos- sible 238 sites had been declared SPAs by March, ten years after the EC Directive came into force. Whitefront record Dave Paynter, Assistant Curator at the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust’s Slimbridge centre, tells us that the February 1992 Wildfowl Count on the Dumbles pro- duced the best winter total of White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons since 1973 and the best February total since 1971. Fherc were 4,600 individuals, with an above-average proportion of juveniles at 37%. KOS Conference We enjoyed our participa- tion in the one-day conference of the Kent Ornithological Society at Canterbury in ■Manh, when the theme was Bird Conserva- litm in Europe. Particular praise (and .some sympathy!) goes to Chris Ct)x, who bravely stc|)|red into the breach and delivered Jim I'legg’s paper oti seabirds, Jim being an absen- tee following a family bereavement. The BB Mystery Photographs Competition entries in- cluded only two wholly correct sets of answers, from Paul Hale and Brian Short: Paul won the draw for the customary bottle of champagne. The new magazine 'Here it is — the maga- zine that eveiy keen birdwatcher has been waiting for.’ That’s how the editorial of the new Birdwakh magazine proclaims its arrival. Forgetting the hyperbole, w'hat’s in it, you’ll be wondering? It has a mix of articles on conser- vation (both home and overseas), identification, bird observatories, bird photography and sound recording. Regular features include new's, a gallery (rare birds in 1991) and ‘My local patch', as well as book and equipment re- views. It contains no news of latest rarities, which would be difficult, anyway, for a bi- monthly publication. Just over a third of the pages hav'e colour photographs and there is a sprinkle of black-and-white photographs else- where. Since only nine of its 50 pages are de- voted to the regular features, it’s difficult to say just how the magazine will look after a few more issues. At least it’s different and doesn’t appear to want to' compete with us or other birdwatching magazines. It may well appeal to birdwatchers w'ho claim no special knowledge, are not twitchers, but are keen enough to sup- port the RSPB, or a local club or society. Little Barrier Island Fhe haunt of some of New Zealand’s rarest birds — the Stitchbird ,Vo- liotnystis cincta, the Kokako Callcuas cinerea and the Saddleback Creadion carunculatiis, as well as the nocturnal flightless parrot, the Kakapo Strigops habroptilus — must be one of the most lonely places for any warden. Even lonelier, perhaps, for the w'arden’s wife. Robin Smuts- Kennedy, her husband, Chris, and their son are the only human residents on Little Barrier. Robin would greatly welcome a female pen- pal from among British Birds readers. The address to w'rite to is Mrs Robin Smuts-Kennedy, Little Barrier Island, Private Bag 92041, Auckland, New Zealand. (Con- iributed by Digby Munns) Cetacean Alert This is the name of a new venture which deserves the support of all bird- ers who put in any time seawatching or afloat. In association with the charity Care of the Wild, Cetacean Aerl provides both an up-to- date information service on whales, dolphins and porpoises around our coasts (telephone the charge-line 0891-664670) and a hotline for your own sightings (0532-485357). More infor- mation from Nathan Gricks, 6 Bayswater Mount, I eeds LSH 5LP. News and comment 327 Deadlines Once again, we have been unable ; to mention several interesting events owing to 1 lack of notice. Our normal copy date is about I two-and-a-half months before publication, so I to be safe you need to try to let us have event i information at least three months in advance. ‘The new avian classification’ The meth- ods and results of DNA-DNA hybridisation :i (Sibley & Ahlquist 1990; Sibley & Monroe : 1990), explained in layman’s terms to us in January [Brit. Birds 85: 53~61j, have not, of |j course, been endorsed universally. The ;j ‘discussion’ is likely to continue in the scientific l; community for some time. Those with an interest should not miss the sal\'o fired by Scott M. Lanyon in his long review of Sibley & .Ahlquist (1990) in the journal of the Cooper Ornithological Society {Condor 94: 304-307), which has been drawn to our attention by Louis R. Bevier. i'll- mv£ 9t and North Africa (Poyser) £16.00 O ' Howard & Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. 2nd edn. (Academic Press) Hardback £22.50 C ; Hume & Boyer Owls of the World (Dragon’s World) £18.95 C ‘ Inskipp & Inskipp Guide to the Birds of Nepal (Helm) 2nd edn £35.00 C Jobling.i Dictionary of Scientific Bird .Names (OUP) £19.95 C I Lack The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland (Poyser) Best Bird Book of 1987 £22.50 C Langrand Guide to the Birds of Madagascar (Yale LiP) £35.00 C ' Lekagul, Round, Wongkalasin & Komolphalin A Guide to the Birds of Thailand (Saha Karn Bhael) £35.00 D Lloyd. Tasker & Partridge The Status of Seabirds in Britain and Ireland (Poyser) £20.00 C ; LPO Where to Watch Birds in France (Helm) Paperback £12.99 C Lundberg The Pied Flycatcher (Poyser) £19.00 C ' Madge & Burn Wildfowl: an identficalion guide to the ducks, geese and swaru of the World (Helm) I Bust Bird Book of 1988 £22.99 □ ; Marchant & Higgins The Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds vol. 1 (RAOU/OLIP). ... £125.00 C *Marzluff & Baida The Pinyonjay (Poyser) £20.00 Q Please use the British BirdShop form on page xiv to complete your order. British BirdShop (continued) AT T. LISTED BOOKS ARE POST FREE TO ‘BRITISH BIRDS’ SUBSCRIBERS Please tick / National Geographic A Field Guide to the Birds of North Amenca Bes'I Bird Book OF 1984 12.95 D NCC/RSPB Red Data Birds in Britain (Poyscr) £18.00 D Norman & Tucker Where to Watch Birds in Devon and Cornwall (Helm) Paperback £1 1.95 EH *OgiI\ie & Winter Best Days mth British Birds {BRI TISH Birds) ExCLUSr\'E REDUCED PRICE (usually £14.95}.... £12.95 □ Oliver Bird Watching on the J\orth Kent Marshes (Oliver) £18.95 EH Parmentcr & Byers A Guide to the Warblers of the Western Palearctic (Bruce Coleman) £21.00 EH Porter et al. Flight Identification of European Raptors (Poyser) £16.50 EH Ridgeiy & Tudor The Birds of South America (OUP) {4 vols.) vol. 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(0803) 865280 Send order lo: British BirdShop, c/o NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN XIV Ill- |s-§ g-s s2:<| I &■ S rj fC 'O ^ S S -S § 2 2 ■§ ^ o' Ph -g « Ji o PU H >, C m " rt ■3 (0 >H M E 1= >-■ ° OS 2^ a '^ g a “la G ° -3 0) •!) n) J3 D>'-'' O 5 -O w rt d) 73 u "3 C X fM <1} (0 a, nJ W Q, OJ T3 -O s-s •3 S 0) c - 0) ST 8 g’8 e-8 S e g I * I j-i Q Qj C 0< CO O New Books From T & AD POYSER S' THE PIED FLYCATCHER Arne Lundberg and Rauno Alatalo The Pied Flycatcher is one of Europe's best studied species. A Palearctic migrant, it is notable for its very variable male plumage and complex territorial and polygymous breeding system. They take readily to nest bwxes and have provided excellent opportunities for the study of a wide range of biological problems. This broad review of the species provides not only a detailed biology of this fascinating bird, but al.so a commentary on many of the most interesting problems in bird behaviour. The Pied Flycatcher is one of the classic species, the subject of research over many decades in many parts of northern Europe. Recent work by the authors has built on this background and looks particularly at the influence of plttmage variations on mating stjccess, the details of singing behaviour, territoriality and breeding systems. February 1992, £19.00, 280pages ISBN: 0.85661.072.0. Available from all good booksellers or from: T & A I) POYSER 24-28 Oval Road I.ondon NWl 7DX (01421 Telephone: 071-267-4466 ' ’ FOCALPOINI The binocular and telescope specialists Run by birders for birders FORTHCOMING DEMONSTRATIONS (lO.SOam^pm) WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST CENTRE, Martin Mere. Lancs (M6, Jet 27). Sunday 21st June. WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST CENTRE, Washington, Tyne & Wear (District 15). Sunday 28th June. FINE ART DEPT. — Ask tor full price list SKUA OPEN stay-on-the- MAIL SUPERB MON-FRI scope cases ORDER VIEWS 9.30-5.30 Fittings for OR CLOSED CALLERS OPEN SUNDAYS NIKON & WELCOME SATURDAY & BANK PICCOLO 9.30-4.00 HOLIDAYS LEICA - New 'olive-drab' Safari models - all sizes from stock NOW. BOOK SHELF V ^ DIRECTIONS Good selection of MSB ,)ct in take 45,19 titles from Poyser, towards Northwich for 1 Macmillan. Collins. mile to the Birch ft Bottle. etc. e.g. Rare Birds, Turn right ihto Behtleys Warblers, Herons Farm Lane, we are on the of Europe J1 left after Vt mile. FOC4LPOINI Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Tel; 0925-730399 (D135) CUBA Departs 9 February 1 993 - 1 5 days Cost £1 ,825 -I- travel insurance A serious birding holiday with records of endemic and/or threatened species being submitted to the ornithological section of the Academy of Sciences in Havana. Timed to coincide with the peak migration period, this tour concentrates on the Pinar del Rio Province and Playa Laga, taking in a wide variety of habitats. For full information and a detailed itinerary contact Island Holidays, Ardross, Comrie, Perthshire PH6 2JU. Tel: 0764 70107. innm XVI News you can trust from the team you know i 1 fhe Birdline team of experts includes pix of the top twelve British life-list holders, :hree British Birds Rarities Cornmittee t members and nii^e County Bird Recorders Snd Records Committee members Ifo r^ort your sightings, Ihqi1e0263 741140 liRD INFORMATION SERVICE, CLEY, NORFOLK, NR25 7RZ la 0891 CALLS COST .]6p/MIN CHEAP RATE, 48p/MIN PEAK'STD INC VAT For all the Rare Bird News phone BIRDUNE 0891 700 222 24-hour bird news simply available to any caller THE AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION invites readers of British Birds into our membership. 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SEND FOR YOUR COPY NOW ONLY £1.80 PLUS70pP&P. CREATIVE PUBLICATIONS 17 CASTLE COTTAGES THORNHAM NORFOLK PE366NF TEL. 048 526 451 (0 1 40) EXMOOR. Peaceful s/catering c/heated holiday homes in National Trust Village. Marshes, woods and moorland — rich in birdlife. Reduced spring/autumn terms. Open all year. Re.sident Proprietors, Pack Horse, Allerford, nr Mine- head. Tel: 0643 862475. (BB026) .The Lawns fpTEL Ele^t Georgian Hotel « I.Mclti-niF(XKl& Accommodation " ScrouTiscommcndcd Qev 5 miles: Bargain Breaks DB&b £39 * Sution Road, Holi, Norfolk. Tel: 0263 713390 Mat (BB963) EXMOOR for country and animal lovers. Farm- house accommodation, bed and breakfast and evening meal, or self-catering cottage. Details from: French, Brendon Barton, Lynton, Devon. Tel: 0.59 87 201. (BB793) CLEY. Attractive house in village, four bed- rooms, large garden, garage, c.h. Available all year. Details from Mrs E. Album, 47 Lyndali- Avenue, London NW2. Tel: 071-431 2942, (BB918) CLEY. 3 Quality cottages (sleep 4, 6 and 6 + 2). Quiet. Comfortable. Excellent value. Brochure: (0353) 740770. (BB097) fcLEY NATORE RESERVE 1 milel Small guest house offers you warm welcome. B&B and optional evening meal. Colour TV. tea-making facilities, all private facilities and central heating in all rooms. Parking facilities and sorry, no smoking. IDEAL FOR BIRDWATCHERS THE FLINTSTONES. WIVETON, HOLT. ^ NORFOLK 0263 740337 (BB160)j WEYMOUTH. ‘Birchfields Hotel’. Close to Radipole/Lodmoor/Portland & The Fleet. Ideal Winter/Spring breaks, local info'. Parties wel- come. Details phone 0305 773255. (BB169) WEST SUSSEX, Pagham Harbour/Selsey. Beau- tiful Georgian Farmhouse, with purpose built B&B accommodation. All facilities provided. Warm, friendly atmosphere, children welcome. Open all year. Tel: 0243 602790. (BBl 70) FARM COTTAGES between Lindisfarne Reserve and The Fames. Comfortable and well equipped. Sorry no pets. Brochure: MrsJ. Sutherland. Ross Farm. Belford, Northumberland NE70 7EN. Tel: 0668 213336. {BB171) SCOTLAND ISLE OE MULL. A stable converted into two warm, comfortable flats. Frachadil Farm, Cal- gary. Tel: 068 84 265 or (0453) 833323. (BB037) SPEY VALLEY. Maureen and Larry once again invite guests to sample their highland hospitality. Set in five acres, our home has uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. Bird register available. Good home cooking and a warm welcome await you. D/B/B £130 p.w. (All rooms en-suite). Brochure: Maureen Taulbut, ‘Braes of DuthiF, Duthil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire PH23 3ND. 047984 395. (BB138) ELLARY ESTATE— MOST ATTRACTIVE choice of selfcatering cottages and chalets situ- ated on the shores of Loch Caolisport. While you are at Ellary you are free to go wherever you please. There are hill walks, many lochs and burns where you can fish, numerous wildlife, birds, flowers, etc. The perfect location for the true country lover. For full colour brochure please write to: The Booking Office, Ellary 7, Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 SPA. Tel: 08803 232/ 209 or 054685 223. ( BB983) SPEY VALLEY. Uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. All rooms en-suite; tea and coffee making facilities: Db&b £130. Brochure from: Penny Bailey, The Lodge, Easter Duthil, Carr- bridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84503. (BB184) ISLE OF ISLAY, HEBRIDES. Five superbly equipped cottages, open throughout year. Per- fect situation with views, minutes to charming vil- lage. Short drive to RSPB reserve at Gruinart. Brochure: Mrs Sarah Roy, Lorgba Holiday Cot- tage, Port Charlotte, Isle of Islay, Argyll. Tel: 049 685/208. (BB999) SUMBURGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, SHET- LAND. Spectacular clifftop location. Seabird colonies, seawatching, passage migrants, all around. Selfcatering cottage sleeps 5, central heating, newly furnished, fuliv equipped except linen. Road to door. Virkie Pool, Grutness, white- sand beaches, Restaurant/Bar, Airport, all within 2 V2 miles. Also unfurnished Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage for long let. Details from Torquil John- son-Ferguson, Solwaybank, Canonbie, Dum- friesshire, DG14 OXS. 03873 72240. (BB087) ISLE OF GIGHA, Argv'llshire. For a holiday sur- rounded by natural beauty, sandy beaches, exotic gardens, birds, wild flowers, good food and comfortable accommodation. Also self catering accommodation. Please contact Mrs. Mc- Sporran, Post Office House 058-35 251. (BB036) SPEY VALLEY. Beautiful secluded informal country hotel. 2 miles from village of Carr- bridge. Home cooking, full central heating. All rooms en-suite. Perfect base for birdwatchers and walkers. Discount available for parties. Terms from £180.00 per week DB&B. Brochure from Mrs Y. Holland. The Old Manse Hotel, Duthil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84278. (BB163) NORTH BERWICK. Family run hotel with warm, friendly atmosphere, comfortable rooms and home cooking. Open all year round. Over- looking Craigleith Rock and within easy reach of Bass Rock, Fidra and Aberlady nature reserve. Small groups welcome (max 15). Belhaven Hotel, W'estgate, North Berwick. Tel: (0620) 3009 for brochure. (BB168) THE HOTEL, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA61 7YP. Demi-pension (Private bath) from £50.00. De- tails, brochures, map (bird list on request). Tel: 09512 316. (BB183) BOAT OF GARTEN, OLD EERRYMAN’S HOUSE. BB £13, DBB £21, PL £3, Bird register. Open fire in sitting room. Few minutes walk to RSPB reserve. Tel: 047983 370. (BB182) IRELAND IRISH COTTAGE Magnificent situation on Dingle peninsula, Kerry, Sea and mountain birds, unspoilt beaches, countryside full of flowers, quietness. Mod cons, sleeps 4. £99- £162 weekly plus electricity. Gerrards Cross (0753) 883082. (BB044) XIX WALES ANGLESEY. Superb waterside position with magnificent views. Ideal centre for bird watchers and botanist in area of outstanding natural beauty. Elegant en suite rooms available for bed and breakfast. Highground, Ravenspoint Road, Trearddur Bav, Gw>Tiedd LL65 2'VY. Tel: (0407) 860078. (BB135) SOUTH STACK, ANGLESEY. Tan-v-Cytiau Country Guest House. Lovely comfortable Ed- wardian house peacefully situated on slopes of Holyhead Mountain. Gardens bordering South Stack RSPB Reserve. Friendly atmosphere, excel- lent fresh cuisine. Licensed. S.C. Lodge in grounds sleeps 7. Phone Pam or Stan Keating on 0407 762763 for brochure. (BB832) YSBYTY YSTWYTH, s.c. cottage, 4/5, kite country, all year. Brochure 021-744 1947. (BB939) PRESILI, WEST WALES. Cottage available most dates April-September, 2-4 persons. Suit bird watchers, walkers. All amenities close (0222) 615176. (BB120) RED KITE COUNTRY. Tregaron — Guest- House standing in 22 acres, overlooking the Cambrian Mountains and on the doorstep of the Cors Caron Nature Reserve. Central for Dinas and Ynys-hir RSPB reserves. Parties welcome. WTB — 3 crowns. For hrochure, phone Mar- garet Cutter, 0974 298965 or 298905. (BB190) OVERSEAS S. E. SPAIN - comfortable house, convenient major wetlands/beach. All mod cons. Sleeps 3/4. Bird list and details. Tel: 0233 628547. (BB134) HEART OF CAMARGUE. Secluded well equipped farm cottage. Mas d'Auphan, Le Sam- buc, 13200 ARLES, France (01033) 90972041. (BB146) CAMARGUE— TOWN HOUSE. Sleeps 10. £150-£250 pw (0624) 676151 Ex 662787. (BB122) BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS HONG KONG. Superb birding September to May - variety of accommodation - trips into China. Richard Lewthwaitc, 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen W’an, Tai Po NT, Hong Kong. Phone/Fax: (HK) 665 8190. (BB1.37) BIRDS OF SPEYSIDE: A week of crossbills, crested tits, ospreys and lots more; small group with very experienced leader. Also departures to ISL/\Y, OUTER HEBRIDES, ORKNEY & SHET- LAND. W'rite to: Natureguide (Caledonia), Shiresmill, Dunfermline KYI 2 8ER. (BB0.50) BIRDING IN SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA. The diversity of habitats makes Gipsy Point an ideal place to begin your Australian holiday, with over 100 species likely to be seen during a relaxing four day stay. Regular pelagic bird trips. Gipsy Point Lodge, Gipsy Point, Victoria 3891 Atis- iralia. (BB897) The Travel Agency lor Birdwatchers DISCOUNT FLIGHTS...Worldwlde Return fares from London from U.K./EUROPE £69 M. EAST £139 CARIBBEAN £345 C. & S. AMERICA £399 AFRICA £129 N. AMERICA £180 ASIA £280 AUS/NZ £549 SEA TRAVEL : CAR HIRE : INSURANCE PACKAGE HOLIDAYS (Save up to El 50) ACCOMMODATION : EXPEDITIONS & GROUPS ANTARCTIC & FALKLANDS Tours from £2750 pp. Brochure & Video available. Ask tor leallel detailing our services. BRISTOL BS13AU or DICK FILBY 0603-767-757 (BB121) COSTA RICA More birds than the whole of North America! Tailor-made birding trips for individuals and small groups. Brochures: /L BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA ^ APARTADO 7911 - lOOB SAN JOSE COSTA RICA FAX: -1-506-281573 ERYRI BIRDS Come birdimtching until us in 1992 S. SPAIN SEPTEMBER N. GREECE SEPTEMBER Informal small group holidays with e.xperienced guides Send for a brochure to: Colin Thomas, 24 Tan-y-Bwlch Rd, Llanllechid, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 3HU Tel: (0248) 600167 (BB186) XX (BB108) BIRDWATCHING TOURS AUSTRALIA - Send for our Birding brochure. Tours throughout Australia from individuals to groups. We welcome enquiries from both private customers and tour agents. Falcon Tours. 1 Si- mons Drive, Roleystone, Perth, Western Aus- tralia. PH/FAX (09) 397 5125. Lie. Tour Operator. (BB871) SEAWATCHING HOLIDAYS SHEARWATER JOURNEYS: seabirding and whale watching trips year-round from Monterey, California. Albatross, Shearwaters, Storm-petrels, Alcids and Jaegers. Humpback and Blue whales; Aug to Nov. Gray whales: Jan. Schedule available from: Debra L. Shearwater, PO Box 1445, Dept BB, Soquel, CA 95073, USA. Tel: 408-688-1990. (BBOll) BIRDWATCHING ADVICE LINE ‘PLANNING A BIRDWATCHING TRIP ABROAD' OFFER YOU A TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS LINE: 02572 62317 Ask for Keith Hiller experienced Birdwatcher. Details available include: * Worldwide Airfares * Car Hire * Package Holidays * Ferries * Overseas Rail (BB117) BIRD INEORMATION BIRD REPORT OUTER HEBRTOES BIRD REPORT FOR 1991. Comprehensive Report plus rarities reports, Dave Davenport with a full description of Skua Passage off Balranald, Birdwatching on St Kilda, Gazeteer etc. Price £4.50 inc p&p from Tim Dix, 2 Drimsdale, S. Uist PA81 5RT. Cheques made outtoOHBR. (BB187) BIRDLIME SOUTH EAST 1991 REPORT now available, containing; • Systematic list • Full colour photographs • Illustrated article by Chris Heard on the identification of Rock and Water Pipits • Guide to birdwatching access at London Reservoirs. For your copy send £5 to: Birdline South East, PO Box 481 , London SE20 8LZ (BB149) PERSONAL RUSSIAN SPEAKING ENGUSH BIRDER seeks birding companion for bird trips in Russia, Siberia, Caucasus, Winter ’92-Summer '93. Con- tact: K, Turner, 240 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 lUU. (BB038) COURSES SKOKHOLM ISLAND, off the Pembrokeshire Coast. Courses in Art, Birdwatching, Photogra- phy. Thousands of Puffins, Manx-shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills and other birds. Send SAE to Dept BB, 7 Market Street, Haverfordwest, D>fed SA61 INF. Tel: (0437) 765462. (BB032) SITUATIONS VACANT SANDWICH BAY BIRD OBSERVATORY Assistant Wardens Applications are invited tor positions on Employment Action Scheme if unemployed for more than 6 months. Must be competent birders or bird ringers. Write to The Warden. Sandwich Bay Bird Obsen/atory, Old Downs Farm, Sandwich Bay, Kent CT1 3 9PF or phone 0304 617341. (BB185) The Paging Service for Birders RARE BIRD ALERT Tel. 0800 246 246 New cost saving options now available (BB163) PROPERTt'EOR SALE EASINGTON, NORTH HUMBERSIDE COAST. Adj. Spurn Head. Job change forces sale, 18th century cottage, 3 beds, 2 wood panelled recep- tions, kitchen, bathroom, garage, garden etc. £65,000 o.n.o. Tel: 0904 612825 anytime. (BB191) XXI BOOKS THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP Britain 's leading ornithohgical booksellers where you can find our comprehensive range of new and secondhand books and reports on birds and natural bistory, including all new titles as they are published. Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Mail order catalogue available on request THE BIRD & WILDUFE BOOKSHOP 2-4 Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y6DS Tel: 071-287 1407 (BBie.!) The original BIRDWATCHER’S LOGBOOK The most concise way to record your observations. Monthly, annual and life columns for 762 species, plus 1 59 diary pages. Send £5.95 to: Coxton Publications, g? Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, g Beverley, N. Humberside HU17 8RP a FINE BOOKS ON ORNITHOLOGY, Natural History purchased & for sale. Also field .sports & other rural subjects. Catalogues issued. David A.H. Grayling, Crosby Ravensworth, Penrith, Cumbria. CAIO 3JP (Tel. 09315-282). (BB066) ‘BIRD BOOKS’. Good secondhand books bought and sold. Free catalogue from, and offers to Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 ON). Tel; 0829 51804. (BB151) Wide seteclion of ornithological & natural history titles available from slock, also travel books & ma;>s. Afa/7 order calalof’ue on request Tel: 0352 770681 Subbuleo Natural Hisloo Books Ltd (BB) Fax: 0352 7 7 1890 Tieuddyn. Mold, Clwyd, North Wales. CH7 4LN (BB119) BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD. Send SAE envelope to Dr J. Tierney, Hawkridge', Nether Padley, Grindleford, Sheffield S30 IHQ. Tel. 0433 630137. (BB109) FORSAKE TRIPOD TAMER 2" wide black webbing shoul- der strap only £8.50 inc. post from: Vital Equip- ment, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 8AT (sae for details). (BB123) BIRD JOURNAL BACKNUMBERS SUPPLIED. (BB. Bird study, County Reports, etc.), David Morgan, WTiitmore, Umberleigh, Devon. (BB144) ..Zeiss Kowa Opticron Bausch & Lomb Adlerblick Swift Optolyth etc. The Stockport Binocular and Telescope Centre Suppliers of quality binoculars and spotting scopes. Mail order, or callers welcome. Open 6 days 9-6. Repair service on the premises. al&L Optical Instruments 26 Middle Hillgate, Stockport SKI SAY Tel. 061-429 8002 iRRiaqi BAILEY, Birds of New Mexico (1928), leather- bound signed edition limited to 350 copies. Cover cracks and wear, contents VG. £200 plus shipping. John'Wall, 19, Tisdale Road, Scarsdale, New York 10583, U.S.A. (BB124) BB VOLS. 42 (1949), 49 (1956), 50 (1957) bound £13 each. Vols. 62-73 (1969-1980) £150, £180 the lot. IBIS Vols. 99-122 £180 ono. Bird Study 1-27 £100 ono. Chris 0253 700149. (BB125) BIRDING CB SPECIALISTS Hishly tec. MIDLAND PORT-A-PAC CB £99 + £3.50 pp. Mobiles from £58 * H/held from £69 * Base Stat. from £159 SAE for Details/Price List Rech Batts (10 x AA)£12 Cheques payable * Omesa Systems 43 Hemlinston Rd, Stair.ton, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS8 9AG 0642595845 (BB164) CAVE & McDonald. Birds of the Sudan, £85. L. Batten, Birdwatchers Year, £33. Telephone 0760 725486. (BB156) BIRDING WORLD Vol. 2. Nos 6,9,11,12. Vol. 3 No. 1, £2 each. BB Nov. 79, Nov. 80, Dec. 81, Jul. 82, Sep. 82, Jun. 87, Aug. 87, Oct. 88, Sep. 89, Sep. 90, Oct 90, £1.50 each. Tel: 0395 273426 evenings only. (BB157) COLLECTION OF BIRD BOOKS/MAGS El C. Incl. Poyser, Bannerman/Witherby/New' Nats etc. Rare items plus many current books at re- duced prices. Will sell singly. Send stamp for list to R. Smith, 30 Chtzrch Fenton Lane, Ulleskelf, Tadcaster, N. Yorks LS24 9DW. Tel: 0937 834428. (BB172) SLIDES. Professional 35mm bird slides no longer required for lectures. Reduced prices to clear limited stock. SAE for full details and .species lists. C. Herbert, 67a Ridgeway Avenue, East Barnet, HerLs. (BB17.3) XXII WALKE * ZEISS * KOWA *PENTAX *E ^ largest optical dealer on the Yorks coast. Binoculars - telescopes - video cameras - B lenses - tripods * BUSHNELL * LEITZ * SWIFT * RUSSIAN lAUSCH&LOMB * MINOLTA * TASCO OUR PRICES ARE TOO LOW TO PRINT Bushnell SPACEMASTER II 70mm Body -i- 1 5x -45x Zoom £199 LEITZ, ZEISS & KOWA. At OLD prices, while stocks last Russian 7 x 35, £27 10 x 50, £30 20 x 60, £59 WA L ,ka LTD 7Q ST THOMAS ST — SCARBOROUGH YOl 1 1 DY ^ 0723 365024 FAX 0723 363334 GOLDEN OLDIES by AVIAN PHOTOS Dave Cottridge, Tim Loseby, David Tipling Avian have gone back through the archives to produce a collection of the very best I photos of rare birds dating back to 1980. All are 6x4 colour prints priced at £1 .50 each, add 30p p&p. Send SAE for Golden Oldies and current catalogue to David Tipling, 99 Noah’s Ark, Kemsing Park, Kemsing, Nr Sevenoaks, KentTN15 6PD. (BB166) FEW BOOKS (Private). SAE, N. Gartshore, Crin- i nis. Church Knowle, Dorset BH20 5NG. (BB167) BARGAIN TELESCOPE, Bausch & Lomb/Bush- nell Discoverer 15-60 x 60. Superb condition, ex- cellent optics. £100. Mike Evans, 18 Eachard Road, Cambridge. Ring (0223) 467571. (BB188) PRISMA TELESCOPE +20 xW.A. and 30x eye- pieces. £80 (incl. p. & p.). (0243) 776487. I (BB129) LEITZ TRINOVID 10 x 40 B, with case. Good ; condition. £195. Evenings 0755 30249. (BB155) j BWP Volumes \A, RSPB Edition. Excellent con- dition except dust wrappers faded on spines. . £200 including p&p. Telephone 0509 212952 ] (evenings). (BB176) I BIRDS OF THAILAND (Lekagul & Round 1991). Unwanted, mint condition copy. £25 + ! postage. Tel. 0582 573807. (BB174) BANNERMAN - BIRDS OF BRITISH ISLES. ; Vol. 1 (no d/w); Vols 2 & 3 (with d/ws), all vgc, I £40 each; Vol. 5 (used) £50 inc p&p. Tel. 0483 766517 after 7pm. (BB175) Wl l HERBY Sound Guide to British Birds, Miles, North, Simms and Fisher. 2 L.P. boxed as new. Offersu B. J. Hill, 0278 784161. (BB126) BWP (RSPB Edition). Vols 1-5, £250. Ring Hawkins 0322 225323. (BB 1 79) BRITISH BIRDS. Bound volumes 64-81 inclu- sive (1971-1988). Complete £250. Unbound with indexes 82-84 inclusive £10 each. Telephone (0537) 55480. (BB181) BRITISH BIRDS August 1976 (Vol. 69) to 1991 (Vol. 84) with indices. As new. Offers. Haddy, 5 Southill Garden Drive, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9UP. (BB180) BIRDS OF AFRICA, Vol. 1-3, mint condition, £140. Compact edition of Birds of India and Pak- istan, Alan & Ripley, Ed. 1, good condition £32. Evenings 0224 312173. (BB127) BRITISH BIRDS. Vol. 64-84 (1971-1991) un- bound, complete with indices. Mint condition. £10 per vol. + p&p. Entire proceeds to RSPB BARNOWLAPPEAL. Tel. 05447 216. (BB130) SUK D2 TRIPOD - Very good condition. Offers please to Lincoln (0522) 754373. LEWINGTON’S Field Guide to the Rare Birds of B & E. Duplicate copy, in mint condition - £12 (inc. p&p). Tel. 086 730 7308 (eves). (BB153) L. JONSSON - Birds of Mountains (£13) and Med/Alps (£17) inc. p.p. - Tel. 0483 766517 after 7p.m. (BB154) BRITISH BIRDS FOR SALE. Volumes 1957- 1962 bound. Volumes 1971-1988 unbound. With indexes. Offers, tel. 0934 416185. (BB177) BRITISH BIRDS Volumes 1947-1984. Complete including indexes. Mainly unbound. Single vol- umes and/or runs for sale. Offers, tel. (031) 668 4950. (BB178) BIRDWATCHING IN LESBOS. Find out the sites to visit, the birds to see. Full description of sites with maps plus bird list. 45 pages. £4.75. Williams, 87 Learn Terrace, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 IDE. (BB189) WANTED PETER SCOTT Original painting required. 0524 701801. (BB148) British Birds Volume 85 Number 6 June 1992 263 English names of West Palearctic birds T. P. Inskipp and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock on behalf of the BOU Records Committee and ‘British Birds’ 290 Seventy-five years ago . . . .291 Mystery photographs / 75 Pied Wheatear Erik Hirschfeld 293 Bird Photograph of the Year Dr J. T R. Sharrock, Dr R. J. Chandler and Don Smith 299 The ‘British Birds’ Best Annual Bird Report Award Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Dr R. J. Chandler and Robert Gillmor Notes 308 Foot-trembling behaviour of Dotterel Anthony A. Cooper 309 Sequential polyandry by Golden Plovers Raymond Parr 309 Feeding behaviour of Litde Stints Philip Perry 31 1 Redshank habitually swimming to avoid human beings DrJ. T. R. Sharrock 3 1 1 Exceptionally bold Pomarine Skua Ian Spence 3 1 2 Black-headed Gull drinking flooding water E. C. Brett 3 1 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull corpse scavenged by sheep Peter McDougatl 313 Grey Wagtail dividing clutch between two nests P. I. Morris 3 1 3 Feeding behaviour of Marsh Tit P. I. Morris 3 1 4 Feeding association between Coal Tits and Woodcock Dr A. P. Radford 3 1 4 Use of House Martin nests by Blue Tits for breeding Dr D. A. C. McNeil 315 Attempted copulation by Great Tits during snowfall and freezing conditions Greg Alexander 3 1 5 Great Grey Shrike eating hawthorn berries The late Johann C. Eyre Dickinson Letters 316 Reidentification Simon Aspirmll 3 1 7 Spectacled Warbler moult David Norman 3 1 7 Binocular and telescope warranties and ‘grey imports’ R. Allison 3 1 8 Apparent tameness of rarities P. /. Morris 3 1 8 Conservation Dr Stan da Prato Reviews 318 ‘The Birds of Fair Isle’ byj. N. Dymond R. A. Hume 319 ‘Bustards, Hemipodes and Sanc^ouse: birds of dry places’ by Paul A Johnsgard Rad Martins 320 Short reviews 32 1 Fieldwork action BTO news Dr Paul Green 322 ICBP news Georgina Green 322 Diary dates A4rs Sheila D. Cobban Announcements 324 Forthcoming ‘BB’-SUNBIRD birdwatching trips 324 Books in British BirdShop Requests 324 ‘British BirdShop’ subsidises ‘BB’ 324 Volunteers for ringing of waders in Bahrain Dr Saeed Mohammad and Erik Hirscffeld 325 Vagrants in Seychelles Adrian Skerrett 325 Do you like ‘BB’ as it is? 325 News and comment Mike Everett and Robin Prytherch 327 Monthly marathon 328 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-drawing: 263 Black-throated Diver {David Quinn) Front cover: Pied Wagtails (John M. Walters): the original drawing of thisi month’s cover design, measuring 18.6 X 20.8 cm, is for sale in a postalj auction (see page 46 in January issue for procedure) British Birds I Rarities Committee news and announcements y Points of view: exotics l>^]Eburnian Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic Ji - Waders in the Soviet Union J| Lesser Scaup: new to the Western Palearctic 'i photographs * Reviews * Notes * News and comment * Recent reports British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, R. J. Prytherch 8c Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith & Roger Tidman Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Rarities Committee P. G. Lansdown (Chairman); Dr Colin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, G. P. Catley, Peter Clement, Pete Ellis, S. J. M. Gantlett, C. D. R. Heard, R. A. Hume, J. H. Marchant & Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (Museum Consultant & Archivist); Peter Fraser (Statistician); Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary) Notes Panels BF.n.W'iOL’R Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDENTIFICATION Dr R. J. Chandler, A. R. Dean, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & K. E. Vinicombe ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology © British Birds I.td 1992 Cop\ right of photographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds I.td, 9v3 High Street, Biggleswade. Bedfordshire ISSN 0007-0335 Publishing Manager, Production & Promotion Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Felts Advertising Sandra Barnes Addresses Please keep correspondence on different items separate. Please address your envelope correctly. Please supply S.-XE, if reply required. Papers, notes, letters, drawings & photographs for publication Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Bhmham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40025 Subscriptions and orders for back copies Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40467 Advertising Mrs Sandra Barnes, BB Advertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Tiptree (0621) 815085 Bird news for ‘Seasonal reports’ Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS. Phone: Woburn (0525) 290314 (evenings); Luton (0582) 490049 (office hours) News items for ‘News and comment’ Mike Everett & Robin Prytherch, 7 Burlington Way, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon PFI8 9BS Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3az Special book and sound recording offers British BirdShop, NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN. Phone: Totnes (0803) 865913 Annual subscriptions (12 issues and index) Libraries and agencies £42.30, IRE49.40 or $79.80. Personal subscriptions: UK, Europe and surface mail £34.40, IR£40.20 or $64.80; personal: airmail outside Europe £57.75, IR£67.45 or $109.00. Single back copies £4.40, IR£5.15 or $8.20. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO account number 37 588 6303. British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the West Palearclic. Except for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted only on condition that material is not being olTered in whole or in part to any other journal. Photographs and sketches are welcomed. 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. English and scientific names and sequences of birds follow The 'British Birds’ Li.st of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1984): names of plants follow Dony et al. (1980, English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals follow Corbet & Southern (1977, The Handbook of British Mammals). Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendaiions {/iril. Birds 74: 239-242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). 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 [lencil; ca[)tions should be typed on a separate sheet. Authors of main papers (but not notes or h’tters) receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Printed in Englor>d by N^wnofth Print Limited, Kempston, Bedford )4 HIGH STREET ^RNET, HERTS. ^I5 5SZ OW OPEN 7 DAYS wn-6pm ^ONE 081-449 1445 HONE 081-441 7748 in focus THE BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE SPECIALISTS BRITISH BIRDWATCHING FAIR EGLETON NATURE RESERVE RUTLAND WATER FRI4TH.SAT 5TH, SUN 6TH SEPT. “IN FOCUS” at SLIMBRIDGE NEW SHOWROOM AT WWT, SUMBRIDGE, GLOS. OPEN THE SECOND WEEKEND OF EACH MONTH STARTING 9th & 10th MAY; 13th & 14th JUNE; 1 1th & 12th JULY & 8th & 9th AUGUST. MAIN STREET, TITCHWELL, NORFOLK PE31 8BB OPEN 7 DAYS 9am-6pm PHONE 0485 210101 ICBP WORLD ENVIRONMENT IT PARTNER 1992 SUMMER ELD EVENT PROGRAMME focus are pleased to offer our stomers some of the best view- facilities throughout the UK in rjunction with the RSPB, County ists and other organisations. Full Ileal demon- strations are pre- )ted, usually from working hides, rmnation and location packs are tllable for all events which are d from 10.00 am-4.00 pm. We ad- for your convenience, appoint- nts for the two-day events which ■\ be arranged by writing or tele- inlng either of our showrooms. RSHERS GREEN LEE VALLEY ESSEX SUN 12TH JULY SUN9THAUG CLEWISTTOR CENTRE. NORFOLK TUES7TRJULY TUES4THAUG AUG BANK HOLS SAT 29 AUG SUN 30 AUG MON 31 AUG TUESISEPT BROOMHILL FLASH BARNSLEY SAT 27TH JUNE SUN 28TH JUNE TRIMLEY MARSH FELIXSTOWE SUN 28TH JUNE CARLTON MARSH LOWESTOFT SUN 5TH JULY ARUNDEL WWT SUSSEX SAT 18TH JULY SUN 19THJULY &SAT15THAUG SUN 16THAUG ABBERTON, NR COLCHESTER ESSEX SUN 19THJULY SPECIAL OPEN DAY MEET TONY SOPER CHEW VALLEY LAKE AVON SAT 25TH JULY SUN 26TH JULY LANDGUARD BIRD OBSERVATORY FELIXSTOWE SUN 26TH JULY (OPEN DAY) BLACKTOFT SANDS HUMBERSIDE SAT 1ST AUG SUN 2ND AUG PORTLAND BIRD OBSERVATORY DORSET SAT 11TH JULY MEDWAY WILDUFE WEEKEND RIVERSIDE PARK GILLINGHAM SAT22NDAUG SUN23RDAUG >USCH a LOME e ite 7«30 BGAP .599.00 «8 8ri2BGA 669.00 ite 10X42BGA 659.00 jStom 8x36B 229.00 jstom 10X408GA ...249.00 >gacy8x24 89.00 ite 22x60BGA 309.00 i1el5x-45*60eGAP 369.00 He 77 385 00 ite77E0 775.00 ixWA 148 00 lx 138.00 i-60xZoom 198.00 ise 33.95 '1010 Adaptor 189.00 OCA £ inovid8x20BC 199.00 inovid 10x25BC 239 00 inovid 8x20BCA 239 00 inovkM0x25BCA 255.00 ise for Mini 16 00 inovid 7x42BA 649 00 inovid 8x42BA 649 00 inovid 10x42BA 649.00 ^RL ZEISS £ 3isgner8x20BT*P 295.00 jisgner 10x2SBT*P 319.00 aly18x20BP 249.00 aly110x25BP 269.00 aly18x20BGA 315.00 al^ 8X30BGATP 529.00 alyt7x42BGAT 639.00 al^ 10x40BGAT . 639.00 at^ 10x40BT 689.00 alyl 8x56BGAT 769.00 1x60 Porro GAT 1190.00 1x50 BGA £2850.00 xessories £ lingoard 8.00 f0 Cups (set) 16.00 i '6 Cups Hard (set) 16.00 uiyard 5 00 , ide Lanyard 15.00 lare Case from 19.00 KON £ ; 20CFIII 69.00 I 25CFIII 79 00 23CF11 85.00 IX25CFII 89.00 20DCF 135.00 ’ IX250CF 150.00 32 BGA 379.00 IX42BGA 399 00 . 40DCF 539.00 ' 35E 199,00 30E... 229.00 , 'if3SE 249.99 •12X24DCF 329.00 Bldscope II 20x60 304.00 ■*-45x 379.00 Fieldscope EDM 20x60. .555.00 20x-45x60 629 00 15x4 20x 75.00 30x & 40x 75.00 60x 80.00 20x-46x Zoom 147 00 Hoya MC Filter 20.00 Rubber Hood 10 00 Photo Kit 168 00 Stay-on Case 45 00 Spotting Scope 20x€0GA . 199.00 15x-45x60GA 265 00 20x 34 95 1S-4Sx Zoom 100.00 SWIFT E Tnlyte7x428GA 148 00 Tnlyte 8x428GA 148 00 Tnlyte 10X42BGA 150 00 Audubon HRS 8.5x44 230 00 Audubon 7x35BGA 329 00 Viewmaster 60 Body 149 00 15-45X Zoom 49.00 20x 20.00 Case 15.00 OUESTAR £ Field Model 3 S' Broad Band Coating Supplied with 50x-80x Hood, Case 2200 00 30x-50x 130.00 0OX-13OX 130.00 Erector Prism 289 00 OPTOLYTH £ Alpin 8X30BGA 227,00 Alpin 7X42BGA 257.00 Alpin 8X40BGA 246.00 Alpin 10X40BGA 249 00 Alpin lOxSOBGA 268.00 Touring 8x30BGA 395.00 Touring 7x42BGA 445.00 Touring 10x40BGA 445.00 TBS HD Body 549 99 TBGHOBody 549 00 TBS 80 Body 390.00 TBG 80 Body 390.00 20xWA 122.00 30xWA 77 00 30x WA(new) 135.00 40x WA (new) 77.00 22x-60x Zoom 159.00 Soft Case 29.00 Hard Case 35.00 Stay-on Case for TBS/TBG .45.00 KOWA £ TS-601 219 00 TS-602 199.00 20xWA 64 00 25x 54.00 27x WA 94.00 20x-60x Zoom 109.00 Case 22 95 TSN-1 31600 TSN-2 ,31600 TSN-3 . .636 00 TSN-4 636.00 20x-60x Zoom 169.00 20xWA. ,.109,00 25x 69.00 30xWA 139 00 40x 69.00 60x 119 00 77x 109 00 Skua Case 39 95 Hear Dust Dome 15.00 Spare OG Cover 6 00 27x WA (screw lit) 59.00 Screw/Bay Adapter 20.00 Case for TSN 24.95 Photo Adapter 800mm 1 29.00 Photo Adapter 1 200mm . ..19900 OPTICflON £ Vega It 8x30 49.95 Vega 1(8x40 54.95 DIOPTRON 8x42 122.00 DIOPTRON 10x42 125.00 DIOPTRON 10*60 135.00 HR8X32MC 152.00 HR7x42MC 157.00 HH8X42MC 155.00 HR10X42MC 162.00 HRtOxSOMC 178.00 HR Body 80mm 269.00 30xWA 33.00 27x80x zoom 85,00 HR Body, 22x & case 179,95 HR GA, 22x & case 189,95 HR45, 22x & case 219.95 HR Body, 20x-60x & case. 219.95 HR GA 20-60X & case 229.95 HR 45 20-60X & case 249.95 25x. 40x, 22x WA 32 00 Classic IF60 110.00 18X40WA ...24.00 25x 24.00 25xHP 27 00 18x-45x zoom 61 00 Classic 1F75 140 00 22xWA 24 00 30x 27,00 22x-47xzoom 61.00 Piccolo 128 00 Eye pieces from 29.00 Piccolo ED 20x60 355.00 Piccolo ED 20-60x60 399.00 Photo kits from 30,00 Cases for scopes 15 00 Macro monocular 50 00 ROSS E Cavendish 8x42B . .139 95 Hanover 10x42B 149.95 Regent 8x42B ..169 95 Kensington 10x42B 179.95 REDFIELD E 7x35BA 249.00 lOxSOBA 299.00 20-45x60GA 29955 OBSERVATION BINOCULARS £ Opticron 20x80 . . 390.00 Opticron 30x80 . . 395 00 SWAROVSKI £ 10x40 Diana. . . -.372 00 7X30SLC .353.00 AT80 Body 547 00 22x WA . .72.00 32x WA .. .124.00 20x-60x Zoom .. 164 00 BUSHNELL £ Spacemaster Body . 145 00 Spacemaster GA Body 178 00 15x-45x Zoom 79 00 VELBON £ D-600 69 95 CULLMAN £ Shoulder Pod 29 95 SLIK £ MANFROTTO £ 144B/128 . .109 00 5.95 . . 29.95 Monopod 134B . . . 29 95 BENBO £ Trekkerwith Cullman Video Head Trekker Monopod 29.95 95 Monopod . . .34.95 ACCESSORIES £ Car Window Mount . 26 00 Universal Mount . .. .. 26 00 Lens Cleaning Cloth . . .3.00 Lanyards .from 4.00 Double Eyepiece Case 9.95 Tamrac 60/B0mm Scope Case CARE PLAN At a cost of just £15 any new equipment can be covered for a 3 year period from date of purchase In the event of equipment failure (or whatever reason it will be recti- fied by ourselves at no charge Ask (or full details PERSONAL CALLERS Can choose and select from our comprehensive range of equip- ment We are a completely inde- pendent company whose only concern is that our customers se- lect the correct instrument for their personal needs MAIL ORDERS Just add £2 00 to help towards PSP and insurance and your order will be sent the same day as we receive your cheque. All goods supplied on 14 days approval upon receipt of full remittance. PHONE ORDERS Discuss your requirements with our technical staff and orders placed with Access or Visa cards will be despatched same day. SECONDHAND Instruments always available Turnover is fast but we now pro- duce a comprehensive list. Phone PART EXCHANGE Top prices paid for good condition Bins and Scopes HOW TO FIND US (NORFOLK) We are 500 yds east of the RSPB reserve at Titchwell on the A149 between Hunstanton and Bran- caster and have our own private car park. HOW TO FIND US (BARNET) We are 10 mins from M25 and A1M motorways and IS mins walk from High Barnet Tube Station. FREE TRIPOD WITH ALL NEW AND SECONDHAND SCOPE. Ask for details. FREE NORFOLK TWO DAY BREAK at Briarflelds Hotal, Tlichwell when goods to the value of £400 or over are purchased. INTEREST FREE CREDIT CM SELECTED ZEJSS, LEITZ, KOWA,B&Letc. Ask for details. ‘in focus Equipment Guide" Fulty Illustrated 82 |>age Paperl^k 1st Edition £3.95 §As the UK's number one birdwatching optics supplier, In focus is proud to sponsor the 'County Bird Race' and The British Birdwatching Fair'. As a result ot these and other ventures, In focus has directly contributed over £30,000 to local, national and international bird conservation over the last twelve months. (D154) C Hilary t ry, Kathie Fry aiid Alan Harris KINGFISHERS KINGFISHERS BEE-EATERS & ROLLERS BEE-EATFRS & ROLLERS A HANDBOOK C Hilary Fry, Kathie Fry and Alan Harris A single volume of all that is known about the world's 1 23 species of kingfishers, bee-eaters and rollers. Text and 40 superb colour plates are co-ordinated with emphasis on behaviour, field characteristics and identification. 40 colour plates and 32 figures cased and jacket • £27.99 Available through bookshops or in case of difficulty contact: Christopher Helm-A&C Black, PO Box 19, Huntingdon, Cambs PEI 9 3SF tel; (0480) 212 666 fax:(0480)405014 (0^52) V HELM The Cambridge Guide to Ornithology MICHAEL BROOKE and TIM BIRKHEAD Widely acclaimed since publication, this uniquely comprehensive, highly-illustrated reference manual is a must for all bird enthusiasts. ‘... if nw ornithology library had to be reduced from its current 1000-plus strength to just 4 or 5 books, this is one of the volumes that would stay in ...a rarity among bird books, for it really does break new ground David Tomlinson, New Scientist £24.95 HB 372 pp, 261 x 268 mm Cambridge UNIVERSITY PRESS The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge, CB2 2RU UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE Itemative venues to Morden, at 'hich you can try and buy our • ' quipment IN THE FIELD are given ■ , elow. Kay Optical will be at the ■iisitor/Information Centre in each ase. Repairs can also be handed in. ' Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve n the B2145 into Selsey, West ussex, on Sundays 28th June, 6th July, 30th August and 27th eptember (1 0.00am to 4.00pm). Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve I n the A25 between Riverhead and evenoaks Bat and Ball station on undays 5th July, 2nd August nd 6th September (10.00am to .00pm). Bough Beach Nature Reserve/Reservoir Dout 4 miles south of the A25/ 21 junction (with access from the 2042 or B2027; the Information entre is to the north of the rservoir) on Sundays 19th July, 6th August and 20th eptember (1 0.00am to 4,00pm). Bewl Water n the A21, just south of amberhurst in the Education entre on Sundays 28th June, 6th July, 30th August and 27th eptember (10.00am to 4.00pm). 5how this advert for half price arking. Refund with purchase. Alton Water uffolk, near Ipswich, on the 1080 between Holbrook and tutton. In the Visitor/Information entre on Sunday 21st June and 9th July (1 0.00am to 4.00pm). Collie Lake Wildlife Centre ear Tring, Herts., on the B488 (off le A41) close to Bulboume. In the isitor Centre (main, central hide) n 14th June, 23rd Aug and 20th eptember (10.00am to 4.00pm). Hanningfield Reservoir j ff the A130 north of Basildon, ssex, on Sunday 9th August 0,00am to 4.00pm) Siimbridge, Glos. 1 45, Jet 13) Village Hall (on the , ^ft, halfway along village road into ^ le W&WT). Saturday 25th July id Monday 3rd August 0.00am to 4.00pm). REE TRIPOD, WORTH £40 , 50LIGOR) with certain* ■ ilescopes - or pay the extra pr a different tripod. Kay Optical Est.1962 SALES & REPAIRS ■ BINOCULARS - TELESCOPES - TRIPODS etc Some examples of our stocks: .Viewing facilities ZEISS 10x25BOiatyt 10x25B/TP (New DS) 8 X 20 B^P (New DS) 8 X 30 BGA/T (P) 7 X 42 BGA/T (P) 10x40BGAn-(P) 15x60 BGAH- 8x56 BGA/T (without case) BAUSCH & LOMB 7x36 BA (PCS) Elite 8x42 BA (PCS) Elite 10x42 BA (PCS) Elite Custom 1 0 X 40 BGA 1 5-45x BGA Elite Scope 77mm Elite body 77mm Elite (ED) body 20x (WA) eyepiece SOx (LER) eyepiece 20*60x zoom eyepiece 800mm camera adaptor 800mm RA mirror lens kit SWAROVSKI * 7x30 SLC SxSOSLC LEICA 8x20BC Trinovid 8 X 20 BCA Trinovid 10 X 25 BC Trinovid 10 X 25 BCATnnovid 7x42 BA Trinovid 8 X 42 BA Trinovid 10x42 BA Trinovid SWIFT 7 X 35 root prism 8’/2 X 44 HR5 Audubon FUJINON 8x40 BFL NIKON 8 X 23 waterproof 10 X 25 waterproof 8 X 20 F roof prism to X 25 F roof prism 9 X 30 roof prism 8x30 ECF porroWF 10x35ECF porroWF Fieldscope II 20 x 60 Fieldscope II 20-45 x 60 ED II 20 x 60* ED II 20-45 x 60 * 30x, 40x or box eyepieces 20-45x eyepiece Camera adaptor Mod. for other cameras Quality fitter Rubber hood Stay-on-case * FREE WITH SCOPE * Spotting scope 20 x 60 GA Spotting scope 20-45x GA KOWA* TSN-1 (45") body TSN-2 body 269 TSN-3 body 319 TSN-4body 295 25x or 40x eyepiece 529 20x (WA) eyepiece 639 30x (WA) eyepiece 639 20-60X zoom eyepiece 1,190 60x eyepiece Tlx eyepiece 699 Camera adaptor 800mm i Camera adaptor 1 200mm 1 99 Kowa case 25 599 Skua case 40 659 spare OG cover 5 659 Eyepiece dust dome 15 249 27x (WA) screw-in eyepiece 64 349 TS 601 scope body (45°' ^ 375 TS 602 scope body (45' 775 27x (WA) eyepiece 149 20x (WA) eyepiece 135 25x(WA) 198 20-60x zoom 159 Case 299 VIEWMASTER 45° scope body 25x eyepiece 27x (WA) eyepiece OPTOLYTR 8 X 30 Alpin 8 X 40 Alpin 10x40 Alpin 10 X 50 Alpin 12x50 Alpin 7 X 42 Alpin TBG80 telescope body 390 TBS 80 (45°) body 390 TBG/TBS 80 Fluorite 549 30x (WW) new eyepiece 1 35 40x (WA) new eyepiece 77 Stay-on-case TBG/S 45 22-60x zoom eyepiece 1 59 TB nylon case 36 OPTICRON 8x32(HRII) 8x42 (HRII) 10x42 (HRII) 10x50 (HRII) 7x42 (HRII) 8 X 32 Dioptron 8 X 42 Dioptron 10x42 Dioptron 10 X 50 Dioptron 7 X 35 Elite 9 X 35 Elite 7 X 40 Minerva 9 X 35 Minerva 8 X 40 Minerva 10x40 Minerva 7X24MCF HR 60mm scopes:- Std w/22x & case Std w/zoom & case GA w/22x & case GA w/zoom & case 45° w/22x & case 45° w/zoom & case (We still have a few Items at pre-increase prices) E HR Photokit 64 Filter 8 Rubber hood 5 Piccolo Mk II ED, with case: 20x60 355 20-60X 60 399 BUSHNELL Spacemaster body 20-60x zoom EP 22x (WA) EP 25x or 40x EP Photokit Nylon padded case 227 246 249 268 273 257 152 157 162 178 155 117 122 125 135 150 190 172 172 175 179 180 220 190 230 220 250 REDFIELD (waterproof) 7 X 30 RA roof prism 249 10 X 50 RA roof prism 299 GREENKAT * 8 X 40 ZWCF 75 SGN-III 60mm scope body 165 20x,30x,40x50xor60xEP 25 Close-up lens 24 Phototube 23 Padded nylon case 15 OBSERVATION Greenkat 20 X 60 150 Greenkat 20 X 80 215 MONOCULARS 8 X 20 RP with microscope 80 8 X 30 GA RP 80 10X30GARP 81 NIGHT VISION Sentinel 70mm image intensifier 1290 ROSS 8 X 42 ZCF Regent 10x42 ZWCF Kensington TRIPODS etc. Slik D3 Slik444 'Sport' Slik 'Shogun' Manfrotto 144B/200 Manfrotto 1 90B/200 Manfrotto 290B/200 Soligor Universal clamp Car window mount Shoulder pod Cullmann hide clamp Tripod case Tripod straps, from T-mounts, from Lens cleaning kit • Hours Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm (Lunch 1 to 2pm). • Location Southern edge of Greater London. 15 minutes’ drive from M25 (via the A3, then the Merton turn-off) or 2 minutes' walk from Morden Underground. • Parlcing 50 yards past our premises - 1st left. • Long- established workshop Optical instrument experience unrivalled • Mailorder • Personal Exports including VAT claw-back • Interest-free short-term credit (3 payments). • P/x arranged. • Used items • Package deals Special prices are given in many cases where a combination of goods are bought. E.&O.E. Phone: 081-648 8822 Fax: 081-687 2021 (D151) KAY OPTICAL (1962), 89(B) London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5HP (1st Floor) NEW COST SAVING OPTIONS Now Available RELIABLE COMPREHENSIVE IT’S THE BEST H RARE BIRD ALERT h BIRD PAGERS IT’S ABOUT TIME YOU DISCOVERED THE BENEFITS FOR YOURSELF: The BEST news service I There’s no longer any need to wonder WHAT the latest bird news is; WHEN you’re going to find out (or even HOW MUCH you’ll spend finding it). Simply read all the news, as it happens, on a Rare Bird Alert message pager, including updates, directions, and negative news. | It’s reliable, comprehensive and extremely cost effective, with no nasty surprises when the bills come in. For an info pack with a sample print-out of a days messages and an order form: call Dick Filby on 0603 767799 or call Inter-City, Free, and ask for Rare Bird Alert Inter-City Paging Ltd. Marsh House, 500 Montagu Road, Edmonton, London N9 OUR. Tel: 0800 246 246 Hip INTER-CITY PAGING h (D15£ For great birding... ...the only way to go! CAPE MAY 20 SEPT-3 OCT rtlVIMI FROM Leaders: Paul Holt and Bob Behrstock £990 EILAT .AT "'S” £465 Leaders: Killian Mullarney and Steve Rooke BHARATPUR’™r£1050 Leader: Paul Holt EILAT 10-1 7/24 MARCH FROM £475 Leaders: Killian Mullarney and Steve Rooke Details from Sunbird, PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire 8019 IDF. Tel: 0767-682969. (Plea.st* specify which event you are interested in). (D130) FOCALPOINl The binocular and telescope specialists Run by birders for birders FORTHCOMING DEMONSTRATION (10.30am-4pm) WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST CENTRE, MARTIN MERE, Burscough, Lancs (M6, Jet 27). Sunday 1 6th August. FINE ART DEPT. — Ask for full SKUA stay-on-the- scope cases Fittings for KOWA, OPTOLYTH, NIKON & PICCOLO MAIL ORDER OR CALLERS WELCOME price list SUPERB VIEWS OPEN SATURDAY 9.30-4.00 OPEN MON-FRI 9.30-5.30 CLOSED SUNDAYS & BANK HOLIDAYS LEICA - New ‘olive-drab’ Safari models - all sizes from stock NOW. BOOK SHELF Good selection of titles from Poyser, Macmillan, Collins, etc. e.g. Rare Birds, Warblers, Herons of Europe 4 DIRECTIONS M56Jct10takeA559 towards Northwich for 1 mile to the Birch & Bottle. Turn right into Bentleys Farm Lane, we are on the left after Vz mile. ♦ i FOCALPOINT Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Tel: 0925-730399 (D150) 1 lb 1 tv A craftsman who is also a keen birderwhilst working recently on our site ticked 52 species. Plainly the habitatweare creating is attracting more and more birds! fie kestrels have yet again produced chicks and a cond brood of moorhen chicks appeared on the 3rd June. earn Focus Optics’ achieved 103 ticks in the National Bird Race in May. 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Coventry CV7 8BA Telephone:0676-40501 &42476 Fax: 0676-40930 ACCESSORIES:Widerangeof eyecups, rainguards, lens caps, lanyards, cases etc. USED BARGAINS: Guaranteed secondhand equipment at bargain prices. EXPORT FACILITIES : Personal and postal orders welcomed. PACKAGE DEALS: Attractive discounts. Phone for quotations. MAILORDERS: Orders over £100 Insured P& P free of charge. (UKonly). Orders less than £100 P&P£2.00. Goods are despatched promptly upon receipt of full remittance. Useyour ACCESS or VISA card to order by telephone. E&OE Bird Illustrator of the Year competition, sponsored by Kowa Telescopes Red-breasted Mergansers displaying. Nik Sorrow's award winning 1990 BIY Competition enti “First, and most important, this telescope is optically magnificent, with phenomenal clarity and a superbly large field of view. If you are a birder who is seeking the best possible telescope the optical gain is significant, especially in the worst viewing conditions. It is an elite instrument, to be treasured by those fortunate enough to own one.” Dr J T R Sharrock, testing the Kowa TSN-3 with x20W eyepiece, British Birds June 1990. Kowa TSN Fluorite lens scope, available angled or straight A superb image Officially appointed distributor for Kowa Telescopes Pyser-SGI Ltd., Fircroft Way, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6HA D9i:' British Birds VOLUME 85 NUMBER 7 JULY 1992 New Editorial Board member We are pleased to announce that Rob Hume has accepted our invitation to join the Editorial Board of British Birds. Rob’s name will be very well known to BB readers. His first contribution was in 1970 - a note, jointly with P. L. Garvey, on ‘Possible display-flight of four Sparrowhawks [Accipiter nisusY {Brit. Birds 63: 132) - closely followed by the write-up of his trail-blazing discovery of ‘Ring-billed Gull \Larus delawarensis] in Glamorgan: a species new to Britain and Ire- land’ {Brit. Birds 66: 509-512), and papers on the numbers and plumage variation of Mediterranean Gulls L. melanocephalus at BlackpiU, Glamorgan (with P. G. Lansdown), and on the separation of Common Skma hirundo and Arctic Terns S. paradisaea (with the late P. J. Grant) {Brit. Birds 67: 17-24, 133- 136). Since then, his contributions have increased to an average of half-a- dozen a year, with the variety maintained: identification, patterns of records, and behaviour, with increasing emphasis on informed comment. For over four years, from November 1979 to March 1984, Rob was joint compiler (with Keith AUsopp) of the monthly summary of migrants and rari- ties, ‘Recent reports’ (now replaced by the quarterly ‘Seasonal reports’). His views on identification methods are that careful observations of jizz and of plumage details are both important, as expressed in a 1985 letter {Brit. Birds 78: 356-357), and his expertise has been pgissed on via a variety of fieldguides, including Birds by Character: the faldguide to jizz identification (1990), and through his membership of the Rarities Committee, which he joined in 1988. His pro- file, by Trevor Gunton, was published in 1983 {Brit. Birds 76: 215-216). ' Rob Hume has been a professional ornithologist with the RSPB for 16 years. He is now Editor of Birds, having previously been Editor of Bird Life for six years, both magazines winning major awards under his editorship. We are ; still congratulating ourselves that we have persuaded this modest and multi- , talented (but very busy) expert to devote even more of his ‘spare time’ to help- I ing BB. We are delighted to welcome Rob onto the editorial team. Eds 329 Rarities Committee news and announcements P. G. Lansdoim and the Rarities Committee Committee membership is listed on the inside front cover each month, and on the back of the title page. Following a postal vote by county and re- gional bird recorders and bird observatories, Grahame Walbridge started his term of membership on 1st April 1992 [Brit. Birds 85: 194). Grahame replaced Alan Dean, who retired as the longest-serving member after eight years on the Committee. Alan’s all-round identification expertise, which includes a special interest in leaf-warblers Phylbscopus and shrikes Lanius, his most thorough and instructive comments on records, and his balanced judgments will be sorely missed by the Committee, though not by British Birds, on whose Identification Notes Panel he will continue to serve. The following points of interest arise from the Committee’s annual meeting at Blunham, Bedfordshire, on 4th April 1992. j Records of subspecies Two years ago, the BBRC decided to cease consideration and publication of ' records of all rare subspecies of species not on its list [Brit. Birds 83: 412). This difficult decision was taken in response to a significant increase in the amount of time that the BBRC was having to devote to records of rare subspecies. Many such records were poorly documented, there were too many claims of sight records of subspecies that are safely identifiable only in the hand, and there seemed to be a general lack of appreciation of the variation to be found in the so-called familiar race. The Committee’s unwillingness to dismiss records without thorough consideration resulted in a great deal of research and in recirculations of many records, and the time thus spent was quite out of proportion to the number of such records which eventually proved to be fully acceptable. Nevertheless, in response to pleas from county and regional recorders and from overseas rarities committees, and following discussions with the BOURC, I the BBRC has decided once again to consider records, dated 1st January j 1991 onwards, of rare subspecies of species not on its list. Records of Teal |' Anas crecca of the race carotinensis (‘Green-winged Teal’) dated tifter 31st De- j cember 1990 wiU, however, no longer be considered by the Committee and | should be submitted to the appropriate county or regional recorder for assess- | ' ment. The BBRC firmly believes that more research should be carried out by ! observers before the submission of records of rare subspecies. It needs to be | i appreciated that the Committee will accept records only of birds that can be i i assigned positively to a particular, distinctive race; that certain subspecies can I i I I [5ni. 85: 330-333, July 1992] j | 1 i Sponsored by Germany 330 Rarities Committee news and announcements 331 i be identified only in the hand; that photographs and/ or sound recordings are necessary to establish some races; and that, for cUnal species, only the well- marked ‘classic’ individuals will gain acceptance. The Rarities Committee is looking for well-researched, well-documented records which contain all or 1 most of the distinctive characters of a race. No characters of that race should ! be noted as absent and no features should be contrary to the appearance of a i ‘classic’ individual. Records of ‘possibles’ and of presumed cUnal intermediates i between a rare race and the familiar race cannot be accepted, and the BBRC j asks observers and recorders to appreciate its difficulties with such records. I New record form ' It would be most helpful to the BBRC if as many records as possible were I submitted on the standard record form. To encourage both observers and recorders in its use, the Committee has a new British Birds Rarities Commit- tee record form, as well as a new fact sheet and an updated list of species con- j sidered by the Committee. The BBRC is grateful to Ray Murray, Chairman ; of the Scottish Local Recorders’ Conference, for his initiation of and design ' input to these documents. Copies of all three are available from the Secretary, Michael J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall 1 TR26 3AZ. Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope of suitable size when requesting any of these items, each of which has been produced at A4 size. 134. Rarities Committee annual meeting, Bedfordshire, April 1992. Left to right: J. H. Marchant, S. J. M. Gantlett, R. A. Hume, P. M. Ellis, C. D. R. Heard, G. Walbridge, G. P. Catley, P. G. I Lansdown (Chairman), M. J. Rogers (Secretary), Dr C. Bradshaw, P. Clement; DrJ. T. R. I Sharrock (Managing Editor). (Alan Brown was travelling abroad.) Q. T. R. Sharrock) j Standards of record submissions j Most of the reports submitted to the BBRC are of a good standard; indeed, j many are excellent. The small percentage of poorly documented claims of I rare birds appears, however, to be increasing. Some of these come from non- 332 Rarities Committee news and announcements birders, and their rather basic standard is understandable. Disappointingly, a number come from apparendy capable observers who seem to be deciding for themselves the minimum content necessary for a record to be accepted by the Committee. This is a risky judgment. Every aspect of a bird’s appearance should be covered in a description, unlike in a recent claim of Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris, when the bill was described somewhat scantily and the rest of the bird was not mentioned at all: the BBRC was left wondering what colour the plumage was and, indeed, even whether or not it was a duck. This problem was discussed amusingly but perceptively in the classic Bill Oddie’s Lit- tle Black Bird Book (1980, pages 71-87). Before submitting a completed record form, an observer should ask himself or herself if everything seen and heard has been included and if what is on the form proves the identification as claimed. The responsibility for proving identifications on paper should be accepted by observers and recorders as well as by the Committee, and identifications should be researched thoroughly, particularly when ‘difficult’ species are involved. Inexperienced observers should consult more widely, both with their colleagues and with their local recorders, who are in a position to offer expert advice, and experienced ob- servers should make every effort to set a good example and avoid submitting reports which are badly documented or relate to very marginal identifications. It is reasonable for the Committee to assume that all available details are in- cluded on a record form and that nothing further is to be gained from refer- ring back to the observer. The BBRC continues to encourage observers to submit their rarity records via county and regional recorders, and to rely upon the recorders to obtain further descriptions in cases where they consider the initial report to be inadequate and more than one observer is involved. Offshore rarity records In 1985, the BBRC announced its intention to consider records of rarities ‘at sea’ around Britain {Brit. Birds 78: 472-473), and this policy is to continue. The Committee is grateful to Andy Webb, Leader of the Seabirds at Sea Team, for correcting two points in that original announcement and expanding on a third issue. First, the boundaries inside which rarities are considered by the Committee are more correctly referred to as the UK Economic Exclusion Zone. Secondly, except where the median line between Britain and neigh- bouring countries is closer, the boundary is 200 nautical miles (370 km), not 200 statute miles (320 km). Thirdly, the exact position of the median line be- tween Britain, Ireland and France is disputed by the governments of the three countries, so the boundary as drawn may change when the differences are re- solved. Election of new member The Committee’s nominee for the next vacancy, which will arise on or before 1st April 1993 from resignation or the longest-serving member’s automatic re- tirement, is Andy Stoddart. Andy lives in Norwich, Norfolk, and is well known to the Committee for his full and constructive approach to the submission of records of rarities. He has had several contributions published in British Birds and elsewhere on a variety of identification topics. Rarities Committee news and announcements 333 As usual, we invite other nominations, which should be sent to me by 31st December 1992. If further nominations are received, a postal election will take place, in which county and regional recorders and bird observatories will be invited to vote. P. G. Lansdoum, 197 Sprin^ood, Llaned^m, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF2 6UG Mystery photographs ^ First spotted with binoculars (plate 118), a rapidly disappearing X / small speck is quickly picked up in a telescope (as shown here). It is gliding on long, pointed wings. Is it a high-flying seabird? Probably not; the cheeks appear to be white and the underparts appear to be blotchy or streaked: no seabird in the Western Palearctic would show this combination. Size is impossible to judge, for there is no fea- ture to show how far away it is, and no other bird with which to compare it. Could it be a hirundine or a swift? There is a strong su- perficial resemblance, but the proportions are not right. How about a raptor? It has long, pointed wings: is it a Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatusi The tail, however, is not wedge-shaped and the white cheeks contrast- ing with the rest of the bird are wrong for that species. Now, with raptors in mind, the long wings and tail and the general proportions help us to conclude that we are watching a powerful falcon Falco. Could it be a Hobby F. subbuteol It does have something of the shape of a Hobby, and the apparently strongly streaked underparts would fit. We do, however, need to consider several other, robust falcons: Peregrine F. peregrinus, Saker F. cherrug, Tanner F. biarmicus, Gyr F. rusticolus and Eleonora’s F. eleonorae. Plumage features (apart from the white cheeks) cannot be seen clearly, so we must concentrate on structure. The wings are quite broad, but are very long. The tail is foreshortened, but also looks quite long for a falcon. The wings are certainly far too long and far too narrow, proportionately, for a Gyrfalcon or a Peregrine, both of which also look stockier than our bird, with robust bodies. [Bru. Birds 85: 333-334, July 1992] 334 Mystery photographs We now realise that the apparently dark underwing is another plumage fea- ture that may be relevant, for both Saker and Lanner would have either pale underwing or dark underwing-coverts with pale flight feathers. We did briefly consider the possibility of a swift at one stage, but the shape is actually not swift-like, which it would be if we were looking at a Hobby. The wings are, indeed, even longer in proportion than are those of a Hobby, giving it an extremely rakish appearance. That would fit Eleonora’s Falcon, as would the dark underwing, and, for that matter, the paleness that we now no- tice around the vent (another reason for dismissing Hobby). Everything seems to fit a pale-phase Eleonora’s Falcon (though woe betide anyone who claims a British record on a single such view). If, from the start, it had been known that the bird was being watched from sea-cliffs on a Mediterranean island, the task of identification would have been much easier. I photographed this Eleonora’s Falcon in Cyprus in August 1989. The species has been discussed in a previous ‘Mystery photographs’ text by R. F. Porter {Bht. Birds 73: 472-474, plate 212). Dave Odell 74 The Links, Kempston, Bernard MK42 7LT 136. Mystery photograph 180. Identify the species. Answer next month Points of view Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ 18. Should exotics be condemned or cherished? | It is now illegal to release any non-native species of bird in Britain, other than j the Pheasant Phasianus cotchicus and the Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa. i Many other developed countries similarly ban all introductions of foreign I birds, other than species intended for ‘sport’. ! \Brl. Birds Sb: 334-335, July 1992] 335 Points of view Such bans are likely to have far more baleful results than earher over- enthusiasm for introductions. I have discussed elsewhere the pros and cons of introduced and reintroduced species in Britain (Goodwin 1987). A notable moral thinker and ornithologist (Skutch 1985) contended that, as products of evolution, we ought to make value judgments on other organisms. I agree, and think that, when a choice has to be made, we should favour the more distinct or more beautiful species. If a foreign species is very distinctive, has a limited world range in which it may be at risk, and may be able to live in modem Britain, there is a good case for welcoming it here, even if it might compete with some native bird that is plentiful elsewhere. We already have three long, but precariously, established species to which the above qualifications apply: Mandarin Aix galericulata, Golden Pheasant Chiysolophus pictus and Lady Amherst’s Pheasant C. amherstiae. The adult male of each is not only extremely beautiful, but also very unlike any other bird in the world. The Mandarin is the most widely established here (Lever 1987, 1991). The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) forbids further releases or translocations of it. Attempts to naturalise it outside Britain failed, except for one population in the USA (Lever 1987), which, ironically, is the one country where it ought not to have been introdueed because of the presence there of the related Wood Duck Aix sponsa. Golden and Lady Amherst’s Pheasants both have much more .restricted ranges in Britain (Ridley 1986), and many attempts to introduce them else- where have failed (Lever 1987). Few would disagree that ‘the male Lady Amherst’s Pheasant is perhaps the most beautiful of all British breeding birds’ (Sharrock 1976), and Ridley (1986) is not alone in thinking that it ‘is one of the most elegant and colourful of all birds.’’ Even if we forget the aesthetic considerations, these three species have greater claim to our attention than do any of our native landbirds, purely on conservation grounds. We ought to encourage them and endeavour to in- crease their ranges in Britain, which, without human help, the Mandarin may not, and the two pheasants certainly will not, be able to do. By forbidding any human assistance, the authorities have rendered unlikely the long-term survival here, and possibly everywhere, of these uniquely beauti- ful birds. These same authorities, however, not only condone but even posi- tively encourage the rapid spread throughout Britain of the Goshawk Accipiter gentilis, a predator which is likely to have an impact on some populations of species which we profess to wish to protect. I question the standards which are being applied. Derek Goodwin 6 Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent BR5 IBT REFERENCES Goodwin, D. 1987. Introduced and re-introduced birds in Britain. Auicult. Mag. 93(4): 226-237. Lever, C. 1987. Naturalized Birds of the World. New York & Harlow. 1991. The Mandarin Duck. Princes Risborough. Ridley, M. 1986. Golden Pheasant and Lady Amherst’s Pheasant. In Lack, P. The Atlas of Win- tering Birds in Britain and Ireland. Calton. SHjVRROCK, J. T. R. 1976. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. Skutch, A. F. 1985. Dfe Ascending. Texas. Product reports Items included in this feature have been submitted by the manufacturers or their agents. The reviews are the personal opinions of the reviewers; they are not the result of technical tests, but are assessments made after use in appropriate conditions (e.g. in the field). Neither British Birds nor the individual reviewers can accept responsibility for any adverse consequences of opinions stated, and items are accepted for review on this understanding. We aim, however, to be helpful both to our readers and to manufacturers of goods used by birdwatchers. Eds Swifit Viewmaster telescope This small, neat telescope, with a 45° eyepiece, bears a very close resemblance to the Bushnell ‘Spacemaster’. Indeed, experiment shows that the lenses supplied with these telescopes are interchangeable. I enjoyed putting this telescope through its paces, comparing its performance with other telescopes as and when the opportunity arose. It is a compact, lightweight instrument, only 34 cm long, and weighing 1.1 kg. It has a 60-mm objective, and the test instrument was supplied with an interchangeable 15 X to 45 X zoom eyepiece. The body has a pleasing, dull green finish. A case is not available from Swift (it would be a useful addition), but the telescope came with substantial plastic screw- fitting eyepiece and objective covers. There is the usual '/f-inch (6.4-mm) Whitworth thread tripod mount, though for some tripods this may not project far enough to avoid contact between the telescope barrel and the tripod head. The review instrument quickly became scratched because of this design detail, though this did not in any way restrict the use of the telescope with my perhaps larger- than-average tripod head. This was my first experience of a telescope with a 45° eyepiece; I had no difficulty using it, and found that I adapted much more easily than I expected. Indeed, there was an advantage, since, when using the telescope on a tripod, you do not need to raise the tripod so high, so a shorter tripod may be used. A disadvantage is that car windows and the viewing windows in many reserve hides tend to be a litde too high for comfortable viewing with the angled eyepiece. Optically the Swift ‘Viewmaster’ was a match for aU but those (generally significantly more expensive) telescopes that have a larger-diameter objective. Even then, I rated it highly in good fight, but in poor fight at similar magnifications there was some reduction in performance, perhaps as a result of the use of a zoom lens as well as the smaller objective on the review telescope. The zoom eyepiece worked well up to magnifications of about 30 X , beyond which a certain amount of image deterioration occurred. This was no doubt associated with the lesser amount of fight transmission at larger magnifications. I was also aware of a reduced field of view compared with other telescopes, but I was not able to compare the Swift eyepiece with any other zoom eyepiece of comparable magnification range. I would expect a fixed-focal-length eyepiece of around 20 X magnification to give a wider field of view and better fight transmission, and this would probably be my 336 [Brit. Birds 85: 336-337, July 1992] 337 Product reports preference compared with a zoom eyepiece. Swift recommend a 27 X Kowa eyepiece, which is available on special request, but this has not been reviewed. As a spectacle-wearer, I found the main drawback of the instrument to be the absence of a fold-down eye-cup or high eye-point optical construction, for it has a solid rubber eyepiece surround which results in a very restricted field of view if you do not push up your spectacles. Never- theless, I happily used this ’scope for several months before writing this review, enjoying its excellent combination of optical performance and compact size. For its price, this is an excellent telescope; if you do not wear spectacles, or are content to push them up, and if low weight and small bulk are important — as when travelling by air — this telescope can be recommended. R. J. CHANDLER [If any reader would like further details of this product, please send a SAE to Sandra Barnes, BB Advertising, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford .MK44 3NJ.] Blackburnian Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic David Saunders and Shirley Saunders On 5th October 1961, DS was nearing the end of his early-morning war- den’s patrol of the Skomer Island National Nature Reserve, Pem- brokeshire (now part of Dyfed). It had been a fruitful walk in overcast conditions, with a number of migrants seen, including Swallows Hirundo rustica, Meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis, Blackbirds Turdus mmila, Song Thrushes T. phihmebs, Blackcaps Sylvia atrkapilla, Goldcrests Regulus regulus, Blue Tits Parus [BriL Birds 85; 337-343, July 1992] 338 Blackburnian Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic caeruleus. Starlings Stumus vulgaris and Chaffinches Frin^lla coelebs. Pausing to ex- amine the sheltered cliffs above the North Haven landing beach, he observed a strange bird, the first impression of which, at a distance of some 75 m, was of a grey bird about the size of a Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca, but with the build of a warbler. The cliffs are largely covered by ivy Hedera helix at this point, and were well sheltered from the wind, which was south to southeast, force 4-5. The bird worked its way among the vegetation and DS was soon able to obtain clearer views, being astonished to see that it had a bright sulphur-yellow breast, and ' at once realised that it was a bird new to him. SS was quickly summoned from the warden’s house, just a few metres away, and together we watched the bird as it moved about the cliff. The path, immediately above, and the J main track to the landing beach, below, both provided ideal vantage points jj from which to watch without disturbance, at ranges down to some 10 m. j The bird remained on the cliff, being active for most of the day, which ; turned wet as the rain moved in during the afternoon. Mosdy, it was easily i seen, but on occasions would disappear for short periods among the thicker 1 ivy. Other species present on the cliff were Robins Erithacus rubecula, ; Stonechats Saxicola torquata. Blackbirds, a Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata, * Blue Tits and a Great Tit P. major. A search the following morning failed, \ alas!, to locate the mystery bird, while the Spotted Flycatcher and Great Tit | were also missing, and there were generally fewer birds elsewhere on the : island. The wind had freshened overnight to force 6-7, and later in the day ^ veered to the southwest; indeed, it remained stormy until 10th. None of the books in the small reference library in the warden’s house was of assistance in trying to identify the mystery bird. There were no other resi- i dent human beings on the island, while the last overnight visitors had left the previous day because of the deteriorating weather conditions (the last day- j visitors having landed on 19th September). There was no radio communication j. with the mainland or with nearby Skokholm, so no means of consulting with I anyone who might be able to throw light on the mystery bird. * Description : The following description is based on field notes taken by DS: | UNDERPARTS Chin and breast sulphur-yellow, I gradually fading to white on flanks and belly. | At close quarters, a number of brownish stria- I tions were visible on flanks. When seen from | below, two small dark marks were noted on j outer tail feathers. j I { BARE P/\RTS Legs dark brown. Bill black or j very dark brown. | BEHAVIOUR Spent most of the rime foraging, presumably for insects, amongst the ivy, mak- ing only occasional short flights. Discussion Fhe subsequent events surrounding the mysterious bird moved rather slowly. SIZE AND SHAPE About that of Pied Flycatcher, but with longer tail and stance of a Phylloscopus warbler. HEAD AND NECK Crown and nape brownish colour, with yellow stripe running from base of bill to above and a little beyond eye. Small, dull yellow patch on ear-coverts. UPPERPARI'S Mantle, back, rump and upper- side of tail all grey-black. Two somewhat pale huffish stripes ran lengthways down mantle. Wings greyish, with two small white wing-bars. When seen at close quarters, wings seemed to be finely lined with white. Blackburnian Warbler: new to the Western Pakarctk 339 Fig. 1 . Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica Jusca, Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, Dyfed, October 1961 [P. Fulkgar) I. J. Ferguson-Lees, then executive editor of British Birds, in a letter to the au- thors dated 15th December 1961, said: ‘Your description of the strange bird you saw on 5th October is rather puzzling and I am proposing to send that round the Rarity Records Committee to see if other members of it agree with my suggestions.’ Nearly a year later, in a letter to the authors dated 15th October 1962, the then Secretary of the Rarities Committee, C. M. Swaine, wrote: ‘We have at last got your “queer passerine” of 5th October 1961 round this Committee twice; it has been to James Baird in the U.S.A. also. The outcome is that we are almost certain the bird was a Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica Jusca, a bird of the evergreen woodlands of Manitoba, the Gulf of St Lawrence etc. We cannot be quite sure, however, and feel we must agree with James Baird that it is best regarded as a “probable”. Congratulations on taking a very thorough description. ‘The Editors of British Birds are considering the advisability of publishing a note on it in the magazine.’ In the event, no note was published, and the only references to the occur- rence were in Nisbet (1963), where it is listed as a '’Dendroica warbler, probably The inclusion of fig. 1 and plates 137-138 in colour has been subsidised by a donation from Carl ^eiss — Germany. 340 Blackburnian Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic 137. Blackburnian Warbler Dendroka Jusca, Texas, USA, May 1990 {Phil Palmer) 138. Blackburnian Warbler Dendroka Jusca, Ontario, Canada, May 1984 (J. Hombuckle) THE DEFINITIVE BINOCULAR Jrl Zeiss experience and quality has jchieved a world wide reputation dr excellence their latest Binocular Survey, the fs of the universally respected. British Birds magazine voted Carl Zeiss. Top Binocular for the Future', an accolade which was awarded to Carl Zeiss in the two previous surveys. 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I *By courtesy of EMAP Pursuit Ltd.: Quoted from an article BEST BUYS IN BINOCULARS, I by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Bird Watching, May 1990. And, BEST BUYS IN TELESCOPES, ' by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Bird Watching, June 1990. j By courtesy of BBC Publications; JUST THE BEST, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Wildlife, March 1989.i Fieldscope II. Fieldscope EDII and 8 x 30 ECF have been recommended by British Birds. j Nikon NIKON U.K. LTD. (United Kingdom) 380 RICHMOND ROAD, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES. SURREY KT2 5PR TEL: (081) 541 4440 FAX: (081) 541 4584 Somerton Foto Ltd. (The Republic of Ireland) TEL: (01) 773173 (0145) Blackburnian Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic 341 a Blackburnian Warbler but it was not definitely established as such’, in Saun- ders (1963), and in Sharrock (1971). There the matter rested. The years passed, and the occurrence of North American passerines in western Europe, and in particular in Great Britain and Ireland, has become an accepted, but no less exciting, part of the ornithological year. For several years in the mid 1980s, the County Bird Recorder for Pem- brokeshire, J. W. Donovan, had been urging that we resubmit the record for assessment, and eventually, in late September 1988, we copied the original submission, which in turn he passed to the Rarities Committee. The Commit- tee, following a re-examination of the record, agreed that the bird in question was a Blackburnian Warbler. The record was then sent to the Records Committee of the British Or- nithologists’ Union, which, in 1990, also accepted the record as being of a Blackburnian Warbler, the first for the Western Palearctic (BOURC 1991). Autumn 1961 The autumn of 1961 was notable for the number of North American waders seen throughout Britain & Ireland (Swaine 1962), including five species in Wales. Among these was an Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda on Skomer on 19th-20th October and a Lesser YeUowlegs Tringa Jlavipes on Skokholm on 9th- 10th October. In addition, a Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus on Bardsey on 10th October was found dead the following day. Finally, an American Redstart Setophaga ruticilk was seen on Ouessant, France, on 10th October, the first for the Western Palearctic. The two passerines may well have been sent on their transatlantic journey by hurricane ‘Frances’, which had swept northeastwards along the eastern seaboard of North America on 8th-9th October. One can ponder on the riches which lurked unnoticed and undreamed of in the Isles of Scilly, and indeed elsewhere, that autumn. Subsequent records There have been two further records of Blackburnian Warbler in western Europe: one in Iceland in October 1987, and then, on 7th October 1988, a first-winter male on Fair Isle, Shedand (Rogers et al. 1990), the latter’s depar- ture on autumn migration having most probably occurred at the same time as the commencement of the resubmission of the Skomer record. In his predic- tions concerning Nearctic birds in Europe, Robbins (1980) placed the Black- burnian Warbler with some 34 other species in the lowest category of probabilities for a successful transatlantic crossing. With two records in 28 years, how long will eager British ornithologists have to wait before the third? Distribution The Blackburnian Warbler is a widespread breeding bird through much of northeastern North America. Coniferous or mixed woodlands with tall mature trees are its main requirement, and there it spends most of its time in the high canopy, so much so that Bohlen (1989) referred to it as ‘the pain in the neck bird’. 342 Blackburnian Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic In Canada, it breeds in central Alberta, then eastwards from central Saskatchewan through central and southern Ontario, southern Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and the extreme southwest of Newfoundland (Godfrey 1986). In the United States, it occurs from central Minnesota eastwards to the Atlantic seaboard, and south in the Appalachian Mountains to northwestern South Carolina and northwestern Georgia (AOU 1983). In the autumn, Blackburnian Warblers move south through the eastern United States, parts of Central America and the Caribbean, to winter from Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela south through Ecuador to Peru and Bolivia (AOU 1983). As in its breeding range, the Blackburnian Warbler is primarily a bird of the canopy, though it will forage at all levels, and in small groups will accom- pany mixed bands of tanagers, flycatchers and other species (Ridgely & Tudor 1989). Why Blackburnian? Many authors have commented upon the bright and unmistakable colours of the adult male Blackburnian Warbler, especially the fiery orange breast and contrasting black upperparts. In assessing the merits of the wood-warblers. Tufts (1961) said ‘Those who have seen a male Blackburnian Warbler in spring plumage, the sun glinting on his flaming breast, with his other contrast- ing colours, perhaps agctinst a background of grey poplar buds bursting into leaf, generally admit that he merits a place high on the list. His song is not in keeping with his fine feathers.’ Chapman (1966) wrote ‘he seems like some bright plumaged tropical bird i who has lost its way and wandered to northern climes’; ‘Like a diminutive oriole’ in the words of Murray Spiers (1985); while Forbush (1955) said that i ‘no engraver can represent in full intensity the beautiful flaming colours of this j warbler’s throat.’ ! With such plumage and descriptions it would be easy to assume the origin of its name to be the fiery colours. Not so; it was named after Anna Black- bume (1726-1793) of Warrington, Lancashire. Although referred to as Mrs Blackbume, she in fact never married, but devoted her life to the establish- \ ment of a natural history museum, first at the family home at Orford Hall, , and then, on the death of her father, at nearby Fairfield (Wystrach 1974, j 1977). j Anna Blackbume’s fifth brother, Ashton, resided for many years in the New J York area and collected birds for his sister’s museum. One of the numerous ' specimens was that of a warbler which was reported by Latham (1783) from a description by Thomas Pennant, who also published this in 1785. Although ! originally named Motacilla blackbumiae, it had previously been described in ' 1776 from a specimen collected in French Guiana and named Motacilla Jiisca from its dark upperparts. Acknowledgments We should like to thank R. M. Lockley for his encouragement at the time of our observations and | the publication of the first details in Nature in Waks. Thanks also to J. W. Donovan and G. Rees | Blackburnian Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic 343 for their persistence with regard to the resubmission of the record. To S. B. Evans for assistance in tracking down Anna Blackbume. To Miss Linda Birch, Librarian at the Edward Grey Insti- tute, and to Peter Morgan, Keeper of Zoology at the National Museum of Wales, for help with references. Finally, to Dr P. FuUagar, who, having missed the bird by less than 24 hours through leaving a day early because of deteriorating weather, then painted it from our description. Summary \ Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica Jusca seen on Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, on 5th October 1961 was at first considered only a ‘probable’. In the Light of increasing knowledge of transatiantic vagrancy by passerines from North America, the record was eventually resubmitted and is now accepted as the first for the Western Palearctic. There has been one subsequent occurrence in Britain and Ireland, on Fair Isle, Shetland, on 7th October 1988. References American Ornithologists’ Union. 1983. The AOU Check-list of North American Birds. 6th edn. Lawrence. Bohlen, H. D. 1989. The Birds of Illinois. Bloomington & Indianapolis. Brihsh Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee. 1991. Fourteenth report (August 1990). Ibis 133: 218-222. Chapman, F. M. 1966. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America. New York. Forbush, E. H. 1955. A Natural History of American Birds in Eastern and Central North America. Boston. Godfrey, W. E. 1986. Birds of Canada. 2nd edn. Ottawa. Latham, J. 1783. A General Synopsis of Birds. London. Murray Spiers, J. 1985. Birds of Ontario. Ontario. Nisbet, I. C. T. 1963. American passerines in western Europe, 1951-62. Brit. Birds 56: 204-217. Pennant, T. 1785. Arctic Zoology. Vol. 2. London. Ridgely, R. S., & Tudor, G. 1989. The Birds of South America. Vol. 1: the Oscine Passerines Oxford. Robbins, C. S. 1980. Predictions of future Nearctic landbird vagrants to Europe. Brit. Birds 73: 448-457. Rogers, M. J., & the Rarities Committee. 1990. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1989. Brit. Birds 83: 439-496. Saunders, D. R. 1963. Notes on a probable Blackburnian Warbler on Skomer and other Ameri- can birds in Wales, Autumn 1961. Nat. in Wales 8: 155-157. Sharrock, J. T. R. 1971. Scarce migrants in Britain and Ireland during 1958-67. Part 5. Pec- toral Sandpiper, Sabine’s Gull and American land-birds. Brit. Birds 64: 93-1 13. SWAINE, C. M. 1962. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1961. Brit. Birds 55: 562-584. Tufts, R. W. 1961. The Birds of Nova Scotia. Halifax. Wystrach, V. P. 1974. A note on the naming of the Blackburnian Warbler. J. Soc. Biblphy Nat. Hut. 7 [1]: 89-91. — 1977. Anna Blackbume [1726-1793] — a neglected patroness of natural history. J. Soc. Biblphy Nat. Hut 8 [2]: 148-168. David Saunders and Shirl^ Saunders, Woosung, Hakin, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 3EB Peter Lansdown (Chairman, British Birds Rarities Committee) and Dr Alan Knox (Chairman, British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee) have commented as follows: ‘During the circu- lation of this record to the current Rarities Committee, its members expressed full agreement with their predecessors’ identification of the bird as Blackburnian Warbler. With the advantage of the now-famihar pattern of dates and localities for Nearctic passerines which reach Britain and Ire- land, however, the current Committee considered that the earlier caution should not continue to be applied and unreservedly accepted the identification. This decision was endorsed by the BOURC, which had no hesitation in accepting the Blackburnian Warbler as being of natural ori- gin (Brit. Birds 83: 489; Ibis 133: 220), and the species was accorded Category A status on the British and Irish list.’ Eds Breeding-range and population changes of waders in the former Soviet Union Pavel S. Tomkovich The ever-increasing impact on the environment of human activities has long since been comparable to the great geological upheavals of the past. It is therefore not surprising that there are quite frequent changes in birds’ distributions and population levels. Waders are one group of birds for which one might expect the most significant modern population changes, since typical wader habitats (wedands) have undergone the most marked transformation over the last half-century. Large-scale measures leading to the destruction of natural wetlands within the area of the former USSR* include the ploughing of water meadows and steppes and their subsequent use for arable culdvation, draining bogs, and the disappearance of the formerly large number of millponds in association with the destruction of watermills. On the other hand, certain artificial waterbodies and wetlands have created favourable habitat for waders: these include canals and water-collection tanks where irrigation is used in agriculture in the south of the Soviet Union, and also fishponds, rice-fields (paddyfields), water-settlement tanks, and certain barrages used for the generation of hydroelectricity. Unfortunately, the population and range changes of many birds, in particular waders, are usually not studied with the desired degree of thoroughness. There are two main reasons for this. First, the low and extremely uneven ‘density’ of ornithologists in the Soviet Union. The number of Soviet ornithologists has increased in recent decades and there are now about 1,000 (Ilyichev & Flint 1982), though, bearing in mind the *Notwithstanding recent political changes which have led to the break-up of the Soviet Union or USSR, these terms are retained here for convenience and are used throughout this paper to signify the territory occupied by the former union of 15 now-independent republics. 344 [Bm. Birds 85: 344-365, July 1992] Waders in the Soviet Union 345 huge size of the country (22,400,000 km^), this means, at a rough estimate, over 22,000 km^ per ornithologist. Nor should it be forgotten that amateur ornithologists, who give such invaluable help to professionals in the West, are very few in the USSR. The second main reason is to some extent related to the first: this is the fact that population-monitoring and census studies are poorly developed in the Soviet Union, so that it is almost impossible to make strict quantitative comparison between different time periods. The result of the above is that any analysis of wader population changes usually has to be based on only very approximate estimates of numbers, which will reveal only the really big changes; in the majority of cases, relevant data on numbers are simply not available. This paper is based, therefore, mainly on data from faunistic studies. As such studies have been carried out by different ornithologists at different times, with varying degrees of thoroughness and often in adjacent rather than exactly the same area, it is not always possible to distinguish with certainty between changes in our knowledge and real changes in the distribution and population of particular species. There are two Soviet handbooks which provide a detailed account of wader distribution in the country: Dementiev & Gladkov (1951) and Kozlova (1961, 1962), the work by Kozlova adopting a more critical approach in its review of the available data. Attempts in recent decades more accurately to define wader distributions and to identify any changes taking place have invariably taken these books as their baseline, and it seems sensible, therefore, to make comparisons in the present paper with the information presented in these same handbooks. In many cases, present knowledge suggests that wader breeding ranges differ significantly from the picture presented by Dementiev & Gladkov (1951) and Kozlova (1961, 1962). This is primarily the result of more precise information being obtained during studies in previously unex- plored areas. As examples, one may cite the especially important contribution from studies on the Yamal peninsula (Danilov et at. 1984). Chukotka (Portenko 1972; Kondratiev 1982), the Koryak Highlands (Kistchinski 1980), and Kamchatka (Lobkov 1986). In the many cases where breeding ranges have been redefined, it cannot be stated with complete certainty that actual changes have taken place, as distribution maps may previously have been based on only very inadequate informa- tion. Thus, for example, the Little Whimbrel Numenius minutus was formerly considered a rare species with a restricted and fragmented range (Dementiev & Gladkov 1951; Kozlova 1962), this being the basis for its inclusion in the Red Data Book of the USSR (Borodin 1984). More recent information (Labutin et at. 1982; Volkov 1986; Artyukhov 1988) indicates a much more extensive breeding range, while counts have shown that at least 250,000 Little Whimbrels spend the winter in Australia (Lane 1987). Nevertheless, it is not clear whether this change of status is the result of a real increase in the population of the species. For many wader species, there are indications of regional population declines or increases, expansion or contraction of the breeding range. The 348 Waders in the Soviet Union Fig. 2. Breeding distribution of Collared Pratincole Glareola (rratincola in the Soviet Union. Solid line — after Gladkov (1951); dotted line — current range Pratincole numbers fell sharply in the 1970s and early 1980s. Breeding success is extremely low owing to nests being trampled by cattle and preyed upon by Carrion Crows Corvits corone (of the race comix). A census in 1984 showed the southern Ukrainian population to number slightly above 600 breeding pairs, with the majority in the east of the region (Molodan & Kabakov 1986; Voinstvenskiy 1988). In the area north of the Caucasus, the Collared Pratincole was long known only from near the Caspian Sea. In the west of this region, the first nest was found in 1953 in the Kuban’ delta. By the second half of the 1960s, Collared Pratincoles were already quite widely distributed in the area north of the Caucasus, though all the colonies were small. There were reports of nests being trampled by cattle and destroyed by farm vehicles (Kazakov et al. 1983). Farther east in the breeding range of the Collared Pratincole, there has been only some redefining of the distribution limits (fig. 2), and the only report of the species expanding its range in the 1970s refers to the Chu valley in Kirgiziya (Fedyanina et al. 1981). Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni The general outline of the Black-winged Pratincole’s breeding range has changed only slightly over the last half-century or even a longer timespan. In contrast, there have been considerable population changes in some regions of the European part of the USSR. According to a survey by G. N. Molodan (in Voinstvenskiy 1988), at the end of the last century in the Ukrainian steppes, the Black-winged Pratincole was described as a numerous breeding bird, with roving flocks numbering several thousand individuals. Then, at the beginning of the twentieth century, on the northern coast of the Sea of Azov, a marked decline was noted as a result of the rapid reduction in areas of virgin steppe. The Black- winged Pratincole has now almost vanished from the extreme southwest Ukraine, and is rare and still declining on the northern Azov coast. Reasons for the poor breeding success are the same as those described for Collared Pratincole (Voinstvenskiy 1988). A census in 1984 showed only 31 pairs of Black-winged Pratincoles breeding in the northern Black Sea/Sea of Azov coastal belt lying within the Ukraine (Chernichko el al. 1990). A similar trend was observed farther north, on the Dnepr river in Dnepropetrovsk region Waders in the Soviet Union 349 Fig. 3. Breeding distribution of Golden Plover Pliwialis apricaria in the Soviet Union. Solid line — after Kozlova (1961); dotted line — current range; dashed portion — approximate The greatest changes in the distribution and population of this wader have occurred in the south. It was known to nest there in the Baltic- republics (Gladkov 1951; Kozlova 1961). Despite the widely practised drainage and reclamation of raised bogs which caused a reduction in numbers or the bird’s complete disappearance (e.g. Stasaitis & Margis 1984), the general trend was for an increase and an expansion of the breeding range. The Golden Plover has only recendy been reported to breed in Kaliningrad region (Grishanov 1987). In Lithuania, it is rare and is included in the Red Data Book of that republic (Jankevicius et at. 1981), but, in the 1980s, it began to nest on raised rather than low mires at Lake Zuvintas reserve (Nedzinskas 1990). In Latvia, the Golden Plover was thought to be declining with the reduction in raised-bog habitat, but counts by ornithologists actually showed an increase from 30-40 breeding pairs in the 1950s to over 100 pairs in the 1970s (Vlksne 1983), while the most recent censuses (1980-84) indicate a population of 300-400 pairs (Priednieks el at. 1989). According to Kumari (1973), the Estonian population had shown no changes up to the beginning of the 1970s, In the Leningrad region, which is well researched ornithologically, the Golden Plover was thought earlier to be nesting, but proof came only in 1966-67, and the species was later (Gubkin 1973). Elsewhere in the Ukraine and in steppelands on the right (east) bank of the Volga, the Black-winged Pratincole is rare, its colonies being small and unstable. In Saratov region on the left (west) bank of the Volga and in the area north of the Caucasus, many nests are destroyed during agricultural work, through flooding, or through predation by Rooks C. Jhjgikgus, though the population in these areas remains relatively high (Kazakov et at. 1983; Mishchenko 1988). In the region adjoining the southern Urals, the Black-winged Pratincole is rare, showing a persistent tendency to decline (Ilyichev & Fomin 1988). There is no information on population trends farther east. Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria A number of reports from the north of the Golden Plover’s range cannot be attributed to range expansion in what are relatively httle-known areas. Furthermore, it is perhaps simply a lack of information which explains the gap in the species’ range between northern and southern parts of Karel’skaya ASSR close to the border with Finland (fig. 3). 350 Waders in the Soviet Union 140. Golden Plover Pkamlis apricaria, Soviet Union, July 1985 [Igcrr Bysknev) shown to be widespread on raised bogs in the region (Mal’chevskiy & Pukinskiy 1983). In 1975-78, nests were found on some of the extensive bogs of the Zapadnaya Dvina river basin in Vitebsk region, northern Belorussiya (Kozlov & Ivanovskiy 1980), and later, slightly farther south in the same region, on bogs in the Berezina Biosphere Reserve, in the Dnepr basin (Byshnev & Tishechkin 1990). A survey of bogs in the southwest of Novgorod region in 1989 (A. L. Mishchenko verbally) showed the Golden Plover to be common there (about 100 pairs). Recent fieldwork by Nikolaev (1990) in Kalinin (now Tver’) region found the species to be widespread, mainly on extensive raised bogs south to the border with Smolensk region, and east roughly to Kalinin (Tver’). Studies of the local fauna in Berezina reserve and the Central Forest reserve (Tver’ region) have been carried out at various times since the 1930s and it is clear that the Golden- Plover must have arrived there not later than the beginning of the 1980s, when a new study was undertaken (Avdanin 1983; Byshnev & Tishechkin 1990). Lapwing Vanellus vanellus This species has shown a tendency to expand north, almost everywhere (fig. 4). The southern range limit has been clarified, but there is no information on changes. Alongside the gradual spread north. Lapwings have also established isolated outposts which later merged with the general nesting range. It is impossible to present the complete picture of range changes over recent decades owing to the lack of definite information. According to data collected by Semenov (1980) in Arkhangel’sk region (northern European Russia), the Lapwing was nesting only in the extreme southwest of the region in 1930-33. A large influx into the Severnaya Dvina estuary area of Arkhangel’sk in 1939 led to the establishment of an isolated breeding outpost. An increase in the population and expansion of the range both in the south of the region and near Arkhangel’sk then allowed the two parts of the range to merge in the early 1960s (or, more likely, at the end of the 1950s). Over 15 years. Lapwing arrival dates gradually became earlier, until they were starting to appear up to a month earlier than hitherto (Belopol’skiy et al. 1970). In 1958-59, Lapwings were already nesting at several sites along the southern White Sea coast, and, by 1965-66, the northern limit of the breeding range had reached the Arctic Circle, on both the west (Belopol’skiy et al. 1970) and the east coast (Leonovich 1986). Lapwings are now colonising the Kola peninsula: a nest was found near Kandalaksha in 1970, nesting has been regular at the southern end of Lake Imandra since 1975, and a small colony was discovered near Murmansk in 1980 (Kokhanov 1983), while a probable nesting pair was recorded in the east-central Kola peninsula in 1976 (Mikhaylov & Fil’chagov 1984). On the Kanin peninsula, the northward range expansion stopped just north of the Arctic Circle (Zubtsovskiy & Ryabitsev 1976; Leonovich 1986). Farther east, in the Pechora river basin, there was no indication that the Lapwing bred before the 1950s, though regular sightings of this species on the upper Pechora were the basis for the inclusion of this area within the breeding range by Kozlova (1961). In 1965, the l.apwing was the second most numerous wader during spring passage on the upper Pechora Waders in the Soviet Union 351 Fig. 4. Breeding distribution of Lapwing Vanellus vanellus in the Soviet Union. Solid line — after Kozlova (1961); dotted line — range in 1980s; crosses — recent vagrant records (Vengerov 1982). At the beginning of the 1970s, Lapwings were found to be widely spread along the Pechora and its tributaries north to latitude 65°30'N (Demetriades 1976; Estafiev 1977; Rubenstein 1983). In the middle Ob’ basin in western Siberia, the Lapwing was distributed only in the south of Tomsk region at the beginning of the present century. At latitude 59° on the Ob’, it appeared in 1952-54 (Strelkov 1976), and by 1963 had spread downstream to latitude 65°30'N (Braude 1973), then crossing the Arctic Circle in the southern Yamal peninsula in 1988 (Grichik 1989). The fact that the middle and lower Yenisey valley has hardly been developed agriculturally is evidently the reason why there has been a less marked spread northward there than in other aretis. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Lapwing bred on the Yenisey north to 58°N, and breeding was recorded there at latitude 59°N in 1977 (Burskiy & Vakhrushev 1983). There were no records of Lapwings on the middle Yenisey in the 1950s, then regular observations in the 1970s, and the species now breeds north to at least 60°30'N (Rogacheva 1988). At Lake Baykal and in southern Transbayktdia, the Lapwing was rare up to the 1960s, and did not occur at all at the northern end of the lake. Then, over a period of 20 years, following a population increase in the south, the range limit shifted more than 700 km to the north. By the early 1970s, Lapwings were common, locally numerous, in inter-montane depressions of northern Baykal and northern Transbaykalia (Polushkin 1980; Tolchin 1984; Popov 1987). In 1967, the Lapwing was proved to breed on meadows bordering the middle Vilyuy river in Yakutiya, a considerable distance from the main breeding range. Further evidence of nesting by this species at various localities on the middle Lena came during the period 1972- 80 (Larionov 1984b). According to this author, colonisation of new areas in Yaikutiya by the Lapwing took place from west to east, though the evidence presented is not convincing. Observations in 1979-82 showed the Lapwing to have increased sharply as a breeding species north of Yakutsk. The isolated Yakutsk breeding area perhaps merged with the main range in the 1980s, but there is no definite information from the relevant areas to support this. In the Amur river basin and in the south of the Soviet Far East (Ussuriland), as in Transbaykalia, the Lapwing was formerly rare, but is now a common breeder virtually everywhere where there is suitable habitat. By the 1960s, the species was distributed along the Amur downstream to Komsomol’sk-na-Amure (Kistyakovskiy & Smogorzhevskiy 1973), 352 Waders in the Soviet Union 141. Lapwing Vanellus vanelius, Soviet Union, May 1987 {Igor Byshnev) and was even not rare at Lake Chukchagirskoe at latitude 52°N (Nechaev 1963). By the 1970s, Lapwings were found along all the rivers and lakes of the Lower Amur region, wherever there are water meadows (Roslyakov 1980), and it was probably during the same years that the species spread north along the middle Amur tributaries where the valleys had been developed agriculturally (Leonovich & Nikolaevskiy 1976; Il’yashenko 1986). The species is now common at about 54°N on coastal saltmarshes of the Sea of Okhotsk (V. Y. Pronkevich in lilt.). There was also some expansion north in the estuaries of small rivers which run down from the Sikhote-Alin’ mountains to the Sea of Japan (Elsukov 1984). Waders in the Soviet Union 353 An analysis of the Lapwing’s distribution in areas into which it has expanded makes it clear that the spread almost exclusively followed the extensive water meadows, which are mosdy man-made (created for stock grazing or hay-making), and only to a lesser extent other types of fields. It was only later that Lapwings colonised natural habitats, such as the White Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk saltmarshes or areas of steppe with lakes near Yakutsk. The range expansion was probably also aided by adaptive changes by the Lapwing, which allowed it to occupy new habitats. In particular, Kumari (1973) wrote about the spread of the Lapwing in Estonia by way of open raised bogs in the 1950s and 1960s; according to Dorofeev & Kozlov (1980), this process led to the formation of a special raised-bog population vrith specific ecological features. The complete cessation of stock-grazing, with meadows consequently becoming overgrown, overgrazing, drainage and ploughing of meadows, and cultivation using toxic chemicals are factors leading to a reduction in Lapwing numbers in many parts of its range (Utinov & Zaborskaya 1980; Golovina 1987; Nedzinskas 1990). White-tailed Plover Chettusia leucum In the mid twentieth century, the White-tailed Plover was distributed in the desert regions of Soviet Central Asia and Kazakhstan to the south and east of the Aral Sea (Gladkov 1951; Kozlova 1961; Dolgushin 1962; fig. 5). Surveys of the area to the north of the Aral Sea during the years 1947-60 confirmed that the species’ range did not extend farther north than the lower Syr-Dar’ya river. Then, in 1966, the White-tailed Plover was recorded in the Aral Kartikumy desert (northeast of the Aral Sea), and the discovery of a colony 300 km north of the Aral Sea in 1975 was a clear indication of range expansion (Khrokov et at. 1979). These last authors suggested that the extension of the range northwards was a result of the severe drought in southern Kazakhstan in 1974-75, a wide-ranging survey of the same areas in the very wet year of 1971 having produced no records of the species. There have been more recent breeding records in the same area, in the 1980s. White-tailed Plovers were unknown along most of the eastern seaboard of the Caspian, but the first record from the Mangyshlak peninsula dates from 1960, and was apparently linked to irrigation schemes (Zaletaev 1968); there has, however, so far been no proof of breeding. Fig. 5. Breeding distribution of White-tailed Plover Chettusia Leucura in the Soviet Union. Solid line — after Kozlova (1961); dotted line — current range; crosses — recent vagrant records 354 Wcders in the Soviet Union Range expansion has probably also taken place on the western side of the Caspian Sea: a colony was discovered on lakes in central Azerbaydzhan in 1961, and the species may well have been breeding there since 1954 (Vinogradov 1963). On the north Caspian coast, the White-tailed Plover started nesting in the late 1970s, a probable breeding pair being shot in May 1980 and nests found in 1987 (Belik 1989). The increasing number of reports of colonies and the colonisation of man-made lakes in the deserts of Central Asia are probably an indication of population growth within the species’ original range. In Uzbekistan, for example, it is now breeding not only at natural waters, but also in cultivated areas, at filtration tanks on land being developed for agriculture, lakes taking run-off from irrigation schemes (sumps), reservoirs, and water- bodies formed by Artesian wells (Kashkarov & Ostapenko 1990). Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis This species inhabits water meadows with an abundance of small bodies of water mainly in the steppe and forest-steppe zones. Population trends are to some extent contradictory. There are many reports of a sharp decline in Europe during the present century (Spangenberg & Zhuravlev 1967; Popov 1977; Ilyichev & Fomin 1979; Zinoviev 1980; Zubakin 1988). At the same time, a clear tendency to range expansion had been noted in recent decades (fig. 6). It seems likely that the wide distribution of treeless farmland, especially extensive grazing meadows in river valleys, has been the reason for the almost universal slight extension of the Marsh Sandpiper’s range to the north. The first reports of nesting in Latvia came in the years 1974-75 (Viksne 1983; Priednieks et al. 1989), but the alleged discovery of a Marsh Sandpiper’s nest in Leningrad region (Mal’chevskiy & Pukinskiy 1983) is based on an error in identification. Nevertheless, a nest was found on the outskirts of Leningrad (now St Petersburg) in 1 986 by A. M. Sokolov (plate 1 42). Marsh Sandpipers were first recorded breeding near Moscow in 1966 (Spangenberg & Zhuravlev 1967), and the species was later found to be more widely spread in Moscow region (Zubakin et al. 1986), Tver’ (Zinoviev 1980), Kirov (Litun & Makarov 1984), and Perm’ region (Bolotnikov el al. 1989). A series of records in western Siberia (Sharonov 1963; Gyngazov & Milovidov 1977; Yaskov 1981) suggests that the northern range limit has also shifted farther north there. KAPTA CCCP Fig. 6. Breeding distribution of Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilii in the Soviet Union. Solid Kozlova (1961); dotted line — current range Waders in the Soviet Union 355 A gap still existed in the Marsh Sandpiper’s range between southwest Siberia and Transbaykaha at the beginning of the twentieth century (Gladkov 1951; Kozlova 1961). The southern edge of the taiga forests in the eastern part of western Siberia and Krasnoyarsk region merged with the montane taiga on the northern extensions of the Altai-Sayan mountain system, thereby dividing the forest-steppe zone, which is relatively poorly developed at this point, into two separate sections. Forest clearance and the creation of new tracts of farmland during the Soviet period have changed the natural landscape of southern Siberia beyond recognition (Rogacheva 1988). Creation of these new conditions undoubtedly helped typical steppe and forest-steppe bird species to become more widely distributed, and also allowed the two parts of the Marsh Sandpiper’s range to merge. Records from a number of observers (Gyngazov & Milovidov 1977; Tolchin 1976; Kuchin 1983; Zhukov 1988) suggest that the former gap in the range has been filled. 142. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagmtilis on nest, Soviet Union, summer 1986 {A. M. Sokolov) Important changes have taken place in eastern Siberia. In the view of Tolchin (1983a), the Marsh Sandpiper has considerably expanded its range in the south of eastern Siberia, penetrating into the Upper Angara and Muya depressions of Transbaykaha in the early 1970s. Intensive agricultural development along the middle Lena valley, near Yakutsk, has evidently caused considerable changes to the landscape and the resulting new habitat has proved attractive to both Lapwing and Marsh Sandpiper, allowing them to colonise the area. Previously known in Yakutiya from a single vagrant specimen (Vorobiev 1963), the Marsh Sandpiper was found breeding in the area between the Lena and Amga rivers in 1979, and had become common in some places (Larionov 1984a). In the 1980s, Marsh Sandpipers began to be recorded regularly along the Vilyuy river (a tributary of the Lena), where it is now also presumed to be nesting (Andreev 1987). A nest was found in 1985 on the middle reaches of the Amur, not far from Blagoveshchensk (S. M. Smirenskiy verbally), this indicating that the species is starting to colonise the Amur valley farther downstream than its upper reaches. Rufif Phihmachus pugnax As with other widely distributed species, population and distribution changes vary in different parts of its breeding range. In intensively farmed land in most administrative regions 356 Waders in the Soviet Union Fig. 7. Breeding distribution of Ruff Philomachus pugnax in the Soviet Union. Solid line — after Kozlova (1962); dotted line — current range; dashed portions — approximate of the European part of the USSR, there has evidently been a gradual decline in the numbers of breeding Ruffs over recent decades, and the species has become more irregularly distributed owing to habitat loss through the reclamation and ploughing of water meadows. There are, for example, reports of a sharp decline in Latvia (Viksne 1983), and the Ruff is included in the Red Data Book of Lithuania as a rare and endangered species threatened by habitat loss (reclamation of bogs for agricultural use) and hunting (Jankevicius et al. 1981). In Moscow region, the species is now confined to a single locality in the Moskva river valley (Zubakin et al. 1986), and no longer breeds in Bashkiriya (Ilyichev & Fomin 1979). On the other hand, the population was reported to have increased in Estonia in the late 1960s (Kumari 1973), and in Kirov region (Zlobin 1973), while there has been a marked extension of the range in Siberia (fig. 7). Apart from clarification of the range limits in some areas, there has also been confirmation j of breeding Ruffs from the beginning of the 1970s in many localities on Lake Baykal and in adjoining areas (Tolchin 1983b), from the 1980s near Yakutsk (Larionov 1984b) and in the middle Viluy valley (Andreev 1987). Breeding was confirmed near Magadan on the Sea of Okhotsk coast in 1972 (Leonovich 1981), in northern Sakhalin in 1976 (Nechaev 1979), and on the Kamchatkan isthmus in 1977 (Kistchinski 1980; Lobkov 1986). The Ruff was formerly only a rare visitor to the Chukotka (Chukchi) peninsula (Portenko 1972), but records became frequent in the 1970s and there were reports of breeding (not annual) along the north coast east almost as far as Uelen (Kondratiev 1982; Tomkovich & Sorokin 1983). Breeding was also recorded on Wrangel Island in 1981 (Dorogoy 1985). x, The discovery of new Ruff nesting localities in Chukotka and in the Koryak Highlands } (south to Kamchatka) was cautiously interpreted by Kistchinski (1980) as either the result of > possible fluctuations in the eastern distribution limit of the species or as the beginning of a 4 progressive range change. A noticeable increase in numbers of Ruffs on migration in the Crimea from the end of the 1960s (Kostin 1983), Transbaykalia (Shkatulova 1979) and the start of regular though light passage in Ussuriland (Soviet Far East)(Glushchenko 1979; Polivanova & Glushchenko 1979) bear witness to positive changes in the status of the species which have probably also led to an extension of the range. Fhe reason for the population growth of the Ruff has perhaps been an improved food-base AIL ORDER HOTLINE - TEL 0703 221597 SAME DAY DESPATCH - 14 DAY HOME TRIAL - MAJOR UK STOCICESTS IX For all the Rare Bird News phone News you can trust from the team you know 24‘hour bird news : simply availabie to any caller The Birdline team of experts includes six of the top twelve British life-list holders, three British Birds Rarities Committee members and nin^ County BirrfRecorders ar^ Records Cortimittee members )or1 your sightings, 0263 741140 BIRD INFORMATION SERVICE, CITY, NORFOLK; NR257RZ ALL 0891 CALLS CG,ST36p/MIN CHEAP RATE, 48p/MIN PEAK/STD INC VAT (D146 ALAUDA Journal of the Societe d*Etudes Orniihologique * 4 issues a year, 320 pages * scientific articles on field studies of wild birds, ethology, breeding biology, ecobgy, population dynamics, vocal behaviour... * coverage is world*wide but mainly western palearctic and particularly French. * papers have an English summary * illustrated with photographs, both black and white and colour Annual subscription of 260 FF Also available : sound recordings of tome of the more difficult West African birds (set : 1 ILP records : 850 FF New book : Birds of French Guyana : 280 Frs S.E.O.- ALAUDA MNIIN - 4, av. du petit chAteau 91800 Brunoy- FRANCE (D149) X i. British Birds Volume 85 Special Supplement July 1992 A life for ornithology; Stanley Cramp (1913-1987) K. E. L. Simmons It is now nearly five years since the untimely death of Stanley Cramp: the obituaries have been written, the dust has settled, and the time has come, I think, for a more detailed and frank biographical profile of this remarkable man before he sinks into the anonymity of history with his story incompletely told. No journal could be more suitable for this than British Birds, whose highly influential Senior Editor he was for 24 years. To many, Stanley Cramp was the leading ornithological figure of his time. In his capacity as Chief Editor of BWP (Cramp & Simmons 1977, 1980, 1983; Cramp 1985, 1988) and through his work in what we might call the politics of British ornithology, his was an increasingly familiar and respected name to ornithologists, birdwatchers and conservationists alike. Here we come to an anomaly: so well known to all by reputation, and to many in the flesh, he remained to the last a shadowy, strangely enigmatic figure, his origins, background, private life and interests outside ornitho- logy being almost totally unknown to most. Even to those of us who were his colleagues in the production of BWP, Stanley always remained something of a mystery. Although I worked closely with him for some ten years, and shared the main responsibility with him in getting out the first three volumes, communicating with him almost daily for long periods, meeting him frequently, and coming to know him quite well, I learned little about him outside BWP other than that we shared an interest in Publication of this tribute to Stanley Cramp as a special supplement to British Birds has been assisted by a substantial grant from The Royal Society, and by donations from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Oxford University Press. [Bm. Bird! 85: 387.414, July 1992] 387 388 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) music. Even when I wrote the citation for his BOU Medal in 1984 (see Ibis 126: 451-452), the personal information I squeezed out of him was minimal. Only after his death, in researching for this account of his life and work, have I managed to lift the veil a little (see also Simmons 1989). This situation arose not through any excessive modesty on Stanley’s part, but because of his almost obsessive reticence and strong tendency to arrange his busy life into discrete, seldom-overlapping spheres of activity. One major result of this compartmentalism was that the scope of his interests before he became active in London ornithological circles in the late 1 940s remained largely unknown, earning him the reputation of being a rather slow starter who was handicapped by the unfortunate limitations of his northern provincial background. Nothing, in fact, could be farther from the truth. Northerner he was, and proud of it, deliberately preserving the flavour of his Mancunian accent right up to the end, but his interests — mostly intellectual and cultural — were surprisingly wide, and he had long since transcended his humble origins when he first became known to ornithologists in the capital. Clear-minded and highly organised as he was, it was inevitable that — by dint of strength of character, determination, and a driving ambition — he would succeed in nearly every- thing he chose to do. Early life and influences Stanley Cramp was born on 24th September 1913 at 28 Rae Street in the Edgeley district of Stockport, Cheshire, the eldest son of Edith Cramp (nee Fell) and Thomas Edward Cramp, then a clerk in the Post Office, the family being completed some two years later by the birth of a second son, Leslie. By all reports, they were a happy clan, dominated — in the best possible sense — by Edith, who, though not well educated, was a most unusual woman. Highly intelligent, literate and remarkably prescient, ‘Nana’, as she was known, saw to it that her two sons were independently minded and self-sufficient, and would never feel tied to her apron strings. Stan (as he was then invariably called) took after his mother, to whom he was particularly close, the two of them contrasting markedly with the much more extrovert Ted and Les. Short, stout, and jovial, with a penchant for making excruciating puns, Ted Cramp (who died in 1950) was much better educated than his wife. He was known to his family as ‘Chek’, presumably after the Russian author, Chekhov. A Freemason, he resembled Stan only in his tendency to become chairman of everything with which he was associated: the local union branch, tennis club, masonic lodge, and so on. The Cramps made sure that the boys had as good a schooling as was possible for lower-middle-class parents with a limited income in those difficult times after the Great War. Stan received his elementary education at Alexandra Park Council School in Stockport and later, after ‘passing his scholarship’, went to Stockport Secondary School, where he eventually obtained high marks in both the School and Higher School Certificates, the examinations for which he took when almost a year younger than the majority of his classmates. Like his brother, he also received music lessons. 155 & 156. Above left, infant Stanley Cramp, with his mother, Edith (‘Nana’); right, Stanley Cramp’s father, Thomas Edward Cramp (‘Chek’) 157-159. Below, left, Stanley Cramp aged 3 years 4 months, with his younger brother, Leslie (1 year 7 months), February 1917; top right, Stanley Cramp (left) with Frank Rhodes, about 1930; bottom right, Stanley Cramp (centre) with RAF colleagues, Canada, 1945 390 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) and they both became accomplished amateur pianists, though of quite different tastes: while Les’s inclined towards jazz and popular music (he showed a fine aptitude for improvisation, playing and vamping any given tune by ear), Stan’s were wholly classical, with Beethoven and Chopin as his idols. At secondary school, Stan was a quiet lad with few friends, his dour, uncommunicative manner and rather negative attitude to life earning him the nickname ‘Silas’ from his school-mates (after the sad eponymous hero of Dickens’s Silas Mamer). All changed, however, with the advent of a new boy — Frank Rhodes — with whom Stan struck up a life-long friendship when he found that, in spite of their very different characters and oudooks on life, they shared the same very off-beat sense of humour as well as a number of common interests. The friendship with Frank — who, in effect, became almost the third brother in the Cramp household — liberated the introverted and reticent Stan. Although he lacked confidence in himself — even then conscious of what were, or what he thought were, his limitations — he became the leader and organiser of many of their activities. Together they played tennis, table tennis and snooker, attended the theatre, went to concerts of the Halle Orchestra in Manchester, took up fell- walking, and (almost secretly, fearing ridicule from their peers) started birdwatching. The two lads’ interest in birds was initiated quite spontaneously by Stan when they were both aged 14; there were no outside influences, nor did they belong to any society or wish for other company. Only much later, when they were both working, did Stan approach a local expert for advice and, as was always to be his custom, he aimed high, that person being the doyen of Cheshire ornithology, A. W. Boyd, who exerted a kind and friendly, if rather brief, influence, as did Reg Wagstaffe, then Curator of Stockport Museum. Stan also read avidly, the books of E. M. Nicholson (1927, 1931) being a further and important stimulus to him, and it was about this time (1932) that he wrote to Nicholson inquiring about the possibility of jobs in ornithology. Though both boys had matriculated and would have liked to have gone to university, that goal was far beyond the financial means of their respective families. So, while Frank took an apprenticeship in pharmacy, Stan obtained a stop-gap job as a clerk in the Borough Treasurer’s department at Manchester Town HaO just after his sixteenth birthday, in September 1929. There he remained until October 1934 while working at night-school for an external degree in business studies from Manchester University, receiving his BA (Admin.) in 1934, his three years’ hard graft having embraced political philosophy as well as economics and statistics. A brilliant mathematician, he had set his sights on a post in the Civil Service and, in March of the same year, took, without further study, the entrance examination for the Customs and Excise Department. This he passed with great ease, coming third out of a long list of 18-21 -year-old applicants from all over the country, and he took up his duties as an Officer of Customs and Excise in the Manchester Collection area on 22nd October. With just a move to the excise division in 1936, he 391 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) remained in Manchester for the next S'A years until applying, with his mother’s encouragement, for a transfer to London, where he assumed his new post in the office of the West Collection area on 2nd April 1938, when aged 24. Stan’s years in Stockport and Manchester had been highly formative. With his brother, Les, he often spent his summer holidays walking and climbing on the Continent, from Switzerland to the Pyrenees. With Frank Rhodes, he further developed his interests in music, the visual arts, theatre (including ballet), cinema, poetry, literature (particularly the novels by contemporary American writers such as Hemingway, Dos Passos, and Faulkner), philosophy, politics, and environmental issues. Of strong left-wing bent, they belonged to an intellectual circle of Fabian socialists and formed a group — one of the first in the provinces — affiliated to the London-based Federation of Progressive Societies and Individuals (in which men such as Bertrand Russell, C. M. Joad and Julian Huxley were leading lights), organising meetings, seminars, film clubs, and amateur theatricals. Joan Littlewood was ‘one of the girls’ and several more members went on to higher things subsequently (in the theatre, politics, and other professions), including the writer, Eric Burgess, and Dan (later Sir Dan) Chester, who became the right-hand man of the economist William (later Lord) Beveridge. In group discussions, Stan and Frank often joined forces and were considered by their friends to be ruthlessly formidable. Although he took the lead in matters ornithological, Stan did not actively participate in the theatricals (which were Frank’s province). The two of them would often write ephemeral doggerel for their own private amusement, but, while he once provided new verses for a song in one of the group’s pohtical reviews, Stan left serious poetry to his friend. A mutual interest in philosophy, however, was something rather special to them — though a matter of reading rather than of contacts (when they actuaUy met Joad and Russell, they found them far too grand for them) — both firmly believing that the highest attribute of humanity was scientific rationality. They discussed religion, but neither was a believer; to take refuge in religion (or patriotism), they thought, was ‘a cop-out’. Even in those days, it was difficult to fathom Stan’s character fully. With deeply held ideas and prejudices, his outlook on life was essentially fatalistic and pessimistic. Although he was keen to succeed, he recognised that his was a strong ambition that needed to be kept in check. He drew limits for himself (never, for instance, learning to drive a car, being convinced that it was beyond him) and believed that he lacked creativity and imagination and needed the help of an alter ego if he were to achieve anything. He cast himself as a follower, and once quoted to Frank, seriously, but with a touch of tongue in cheek, knowing that he was too ambitious to be wholly content with the sentiments in it, this passage from T. S. Eliot’s The Love Song ofj. Alfred Prufrock. ‘No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;/ Am an attendant lord, one that will do/ To swell a progress, start a scene or two,/ Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,/ 392 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) Deferential, glad to be of use,/ Politic, cautious, and meticulous;/ Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;/ At times, indeed, almost ridiculous — / Almost, at times, the Fool.’ He also still felt awkward in company, one result being that, having realised that the ritual of offering and taking a cigarette helped others to break the ice, he himself started smoking when aged about 18 by asking Frank for a ‘fag’ one day while on a boat trip to Jersey. For many years, he never inhaled, but the habit was later to take such a hold on him that he became a heavy chain-smoker to the extent that he was utterly miserable without a strong cigarette between his lips — and hang anybody else who might suffer or object — earning him, in late middle age, the nickname, among the staff of one national society, of ‘Old Fag Ash’. Nor was ornithology neglected in those heady Mancunian days. In the winter of 1932/33 — the family having moved by this time into a bigger house (12 Valley Road) in the village of Bramhall, a much more attractive area south of Stockport — Stan, with the help of J. H. Ward, another friend of the time, made a study of roosts of the Starling Sturnus vulgaris in northeast Cheshire, following up the earlier work of A. W. Boyd and A. G. Haworth, the result being his first known publication — a paper, no less — when he was 19 (Cramp 1933). Two more papers followed, both published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, a rather unexpected place for an unknown young birder (Cramp & Ward 1934, 1936). The first of these was inspired by the earlier work of P. A. D. Hollom, to whom Stan had written for further information, and gave the results of a 1933 census of House Martins Delichon urbica and Swallows Hirundo rustica near Manchester. The ! second paper, a survey of the rookeries in the neighbourhood of south Manchester, was also a follow-up of earlier work elsewhere, in this case by W. B. Alexander, the Nicholson brothers and others. Thus was the pattern of Stan’s ornithological interests established early: census work and distribution, such studies being a notable feature of British amateur i birdwatching in those years immediately before and after the founding of ^ the British Trust for Ornithology in 1933, largely owing to the seminal work | of Max Nicholson and others at Oxford, the outstanding examples being I Nicholson’s own long-term national census of heronries (begun in 1928) I and the national inquiry into the status of the Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus organised by T. H. Harrisson and Phil Hollom in 1931. ! Tom Harrisson and Mass-Observation I Stan thought the grebe survey an incredible performance for two young men who were only slightly older contemporaries of his. Already an | admirer of Tom Harrisson, Stan wrote to him in 1937 after reading his ' book Savage Civilisation, being much in sympathy with the political philosophy it endorsed. At that time, Harrisson — through the census work j that he and other ornithologists (like Stan) had been doing — had come to ' realise that, in several important ways, we were becoming better informed about birds than we were about people. Together with Gharles Madge and I others of like mind, therefore, he was in the process of establishing the Mass-Observation organisation (‘M-O’). This aimed to do for the ordinary British man what the BTO was then starting to do for the British j 393 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) bird, namely to conduct detailed scientific study on aspects of contempor- ary society by using a large body of amateur observers and interviewers. Stan visited Harrisson in Bolton several times, the two of them immediately establishing a good rapport; they had a mutual interest in birds, of course, and also shared a dislike of academic sociologists. Stan was soon enrolled into the ranks of M-O, as an observer, but mainly as statistician and adviser. He was not the only ornithologist who became involved with M-O, then or later, others including James Fisher, Max Nicholson and Richard Fitter; indeed, as Fitter was to point out (in Harrisson’s Britain Revisited, 1961), it was no accident that several of the early mass-observers were birdwatchers when one remembers the similarity between the new methods that M-O was pioneering in social anthropology and those with which Max Nicholson and others had revolutionised field-ornithology in the 1920s. While still living in Cheshire, in 1937-38, Stan started work for a M-O book. Politics and the Non-voter, which Harrisson and Walter Hood were writing, his main task being the statistical analysis of the canvassing and local-election results in ‘Worktown’ (i.e. Bolton) and some Parliamentary by-elections elsewhere. He continued with this after settling in London, seeing much of Harrisson, who had moved there too; but, though it reached the proof stage in 1940, the book was never published. This was not, however, the end of Stan’s work for M-O or, rather, for Harrisson, whom he greatly admired and believed would be one of the great men of the future. To Frank Rhodes, he described Tom as a charismatic figure whose talk was a continuous outpouring of ideas: four-fifths totally impractical, one-fifth brilliant. For his part, Harrisson thought highly of Stan, seeing his statistics as ammunition against the enemy of academia; they made a good team, Stan being just the man to pour cold water on the fantasies and encourage the brilliances. Probably because he was a voluntary helper, Stan found that his mentor — who had a reputation for being overbearing — was reasonable and easy to work with. He assisted him, therefore, with two more book projects which also came to nothing, mainly owing to the outbreak of the Second World War. He read through Harrisson’s Poverty of Freedom (written for the Liberal Book Club), checking the facts and earning himself a dedication, and worked with Harrisson and Madge on an even bigger book on politics for which he did some research in the library of the London School of Economics. Long afterwards, in 1960, when he had already begun to make a name for himself in ornithology, Stanley (to give him the name by which he was almost invariably known later) devoted much time to a re- examination of the non-voting statistics for Harrisson’s Britain Revisited. Although Harrisson spent most of his time abroad, the two of them continued to keep in touch until Tom’s untimely death in January 1976, characteristically meeting for a gossip and a ‘bender’ together on Harrisson’s last evening in London before his fateful return to Thailand, where he and his wife were killed in a motoring accident. (It is one of the absurdities of our science that T. H. Harrisson — who as ornithologist, anthropologist, sociologist, biologist, museum curator, conservationist, and 394 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) adventurer became one of the great polymaths of his time — is largely unknown to birdwatchers today.) The move to London When he came to London in April 1938, Stan found a home from home in Frank Rhodes’s flat in Trinity Court on the Gray’s Inn Road, Frank having come to the capital to work as a pharmacist a few years earlier. Where it suited him, Stan entered into the circle that Frank had already established, the flat becoming a meeting centre for friends old and new. The two of them picked up where they had left off, birdwatching and going to concerts and the theatre together; among a number of memorable events, the Toscanini concerts at the Queen’s Hall and the acting of Olivier, Gielgud and the young Peggy Ashcroft stood out. Nor was romance absent from their lives. Stan, on a hohday in Germany just before the war, met and was attracted by a young fraulein who later visited him in London. The outbreak of hostihties, however, put an end to that, but, in late summer 1940, after Frank had married and settled elsewhere, Stan himself was wedded to Doris Strong, a girl of 2 1 whom he had met on the periphery of Frank’s circle and later fallen in love with. They set up home together in a flat in Clare Court, Judd Street, Bloomsbury, where they lived happily for the next four years. In the meantime, his work for Tom Harrisson finished, Stan took up serious birdwatching again. From June 1943 to June 1944, he studied the territorial behaviour and nesting of the Coot Fulica atra in St James’s Park, publishing the results in British Birds three years later (Cramp 1947), his first contribution to that journal. Two events in 1944 then shattered his domestic bliss. First, in June, a temporary transfer took him to Liverpool. Next, on 15th July, he was called up for military service, his work as a civil servant having until then given him exemption (though he had ‘done his bit’ for the war as a member of the Home Guard, serving for a while in the rocket battery based in Hyde Park). Stan followed Frank and Les into the Royal Air Force, in which he remained until 22nd April 1946, serving at first (mainly as a clerk in equipment and accounts) in a number of UK postings. In 1945, however, with the rank of Leading Aircraftsman, he was sent to Canada for aircrew training — characteristically breaking all records by obtaining 100% in his final examination as a navigator — but the war ended before he received his ‘wings’ (while in Canada, he had taken the opportunity to visit the United States, where he saw the Lunts performing on the stage). After demobilisation, on returning to his London home, Stan found his domestic life unexpectedly disrupted, his wife having formed another attachment during his absence abroad. Bitter and heart-broken, he divorced her; indeed, so traumatic were Stan’s experiences at this time that they were later used, Frank Rhodes believes, by their friend Eric Burgess in his novel A Knife for Celeste (1949). The breakdown of his marriage was a key event in Stanley’s life and he was never the same man again; because of that great hurt, it seems that he lost most of his trust in human nature and found it difficult to form close 395 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) bonds thereafter. He soon gave up his home in Clare Court and settled down, still in Bloomsbury, at Queen Court. There, in a tiny flat (no. 9 at first, later the more familiar no. 32, with its view from his desk over the central gardens of Queen Square), he remained until shortly before he died. As he became better known, he deliberately fostered the image of a confirmed bachelor; although he never married again, he was not without women friends, but they occupied a world from which his ornithological colleagues were strictly excluded. One of them — the late Jean Stewart, a well-known figure in The City whom Stanley had known for many years — proved a great help and comfort to him in those terrible last months of increasing debility and terminal illness. Customs and Excise When he resumed his Civil Service duties in April 1946, Stanley (as we must now call him) again worked as an Officer of Customs and Excise in the London West Collection area. It is appropriate, at this juncture, to examine his professional career in a little more detail, for it throws a useful light on his character and other achievements. That career was, on the face of it, remarkably static: he had entered the Department as an Officer, was confirmed in that grade in 1935 after his probation period, and remained an Officer (albeit in increasingly responsible posts, involving tax sums running into millions of pounds sterling) until he took early retirement in 1970 to devote himself to BWP, neither gaining nor seeking any significant promotions. This was quite deliberate, of course, and allowed him to pursue his real interests outside his job. Now defunct, the Officer-of-Customs-and-Excise grade was most prestigious in its day, bringing with it (when Stanley entered) a King’s Commission, the powers of a superintendent of police, and a dress-uniform with cocked hat and sword. As Geoffrey Berry (his colleague of over 30 years) told me, pay and conditions provided a reasonable prospect even without further promo- tions, which were, in fact, very limited and called for a long commitment to private study. In this approach to his career, Stanley was following a long-established tradition, competition for entry into the service being so intense that it attracted candidates of far more impressive capabilities than were necessary to carry out the duties; a high proportion of the Officers, therefore, developed outside interests that gave greater scope for their talents and intellectual energy, many eventually becoming national figures in their fields. Stanley’s personality — then more charismatic than the public one he adopted in later years — made him a popular character among his colleagues, his enthusiasm for birds being contagious (he would at one time, for instance, take parties of them on tours of the London bomb sites in his lunch hour to see breeding Black Redstarts Phoenicurus ochruros). In his professional work, he was held in high esteem, recognised as a very able man in every way, expert but approachable, and with an outstanding ability for chairing informal meetings. As a committed trade-unionist, he took a strong interest in staff-association affairs and held office on a number of committees of the Customs and Excise Federation, serving as 396 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) national President from 1958 to 1968. He was an important negotiator in dealings with the Board of Customs and Excise, some of which were protracted and often acrimonious; for many years, too, he represented the Federation in its dealings with other Civil Service unions and in giving evidence to the Parker Committee for its momentous reorganising review. He also served on various Whitley Committees, including a 21 -year stint as Vice-President on the London West local one. After all that experience, he told a friend years later, the conduct of ornithological business was ‘child’s play’. Characteristically, when offered a well-merited civic honour in recognition of his union work, he refused it. Ascent in ornithology: the LNHS For many people, such activity would have precluded serious pastimes; for Stanley, however, it was the tip of the iceberg. Once more a single man, he threw himself into his hobby of ornithology, determined to make his mark and reach the top. After he left the RAF, he at first centred his energies on the London Natural History Society, which he had joined in 1942, contributing a number of papers to the London Bird Report between 1949 and 1967, with an outlier (on the effects of the Clean Air Acts) in 1975 (see Teagle 1988). First elected to the Committee in 1957, he served as a Vice-President from 1960 until 1976 and was later made an honorary VP of the Society for life, in 1957 and 1958 also being Chairman of the Ornithological Section. His chosen field at first — for which, as a resident, in Bloomsbury, he was particularly well placed — was the distribution and status of the birds in that central built-up area of the capital known to naturalists as ‘Inner London’, the study of urban birds being a rather neglected field in those days. The royal parks provided a particularly important habitat and, in October 1946, he started to keep regular records of the birds of Kensington Gardens (the scene of an earlier study by the Nicholson brothers) and Regent’s Park. Later, Stanley teamed up with W. G. Teagle and they conducted winter censuses in Kensington Gardens (1948/49) and in St James’s and Green Parks (1949/50), following this up with counts of birds on two stretches of the Thames (1951-53), their work later stimulating other members of the LNHS to undertake more detailed, longer-term studies of the bird-life of London’s open spaces. Starting in 1949, the two of them also took part in the watches for diurnal migrants over Central London that had been initiated by Leslie Baker and John Parrinder, and they were part of the team which counted roosting Starlings in 1949-52, helping too with the ringing of those using Trafalgar Square, Stanley comparing the hair- raising happenings there to something out of one of the Marx Brothers’ hlms (of which he was a keen fan). In the summer of 1949, Stanley himself organised a count of nesting Swifts Apus apus, Swallows and House Martins in the London area; with John Gooders, he also documented the return of the House Martin as a breeding bird in Inner London. In 1952, the partnership of Gramp and Teagle produced a paper (published in British Birds) listing the birds recorded for Inner London during 1900-50, collating the annual rejtorts on this subject which had appeared in that journal since 160 & 161. Above, Stanley Cramp catchine; Starlines Stumm vulsaris at roost in I^ondon for rineine, about 1950 [Em Hoshng) 162. Below, ringing beside Heligoland trap at Spurn Bird Observatory during the big fall of Robins Erith- ams rubecula in October 1951. Left to right, Eileen Parrinder, George Edwards, E. R. Parrinder, unidentified helper, Stanley Cramp and C. B. ,'\shby (Eric Hosking) 398 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) 1929. This was supplemented by a joint article in the LNHS’s book The Birds of the London Area since 1900, for which Stanley also wrote (with E. R. Parrinder and B. A. Richards) the article on roosts and fly-lines (1957). Stanley brought the work on the birds of Inner London up to date in the second edition of the book (1964), which he and D. I. M. Wallace had helped R. C. Homes to revise, and in a paper in British Birds (Cramp & Tomhns 1966). Later — in 1955 and 1956, and again in 1961 — he ran the LNHS’s census of the Mute Swan Cygnus olor. In W. G. (‘Bunny’) Teagle, Stanley had found another rare friend in ornithology with whom he shared some interests outside it: good music, the arts, literature, and politics. Theirs was a happy partnership: they enjoyed one another’s company and sense of fun, sometimes correspond- ing in humorous verse. A visit to the Isle of May together in 1949 was a succession of hilarious events, the one to Prance in 1951 full of incident. With his northern common sense, drive, and worldly experience, Stanley acted as sound mentor, adviser, and older-brother figure for Bunny, who much admired his sense of humour, love of the ridiculous, and dedication to ornithology. That dedication, however, was not made at the cost of other interests for, as he made plain, he had no time for those whose lives were focused solely on birds. He was scathing, for instance, in his condemnation of birdwatchers who went to Provence and had no knowledge of the artists who had worked there or of the Roman buildings, mentioning one group who could be persuaded to visit the Pont du Card only because they might see Crag Martins Ptyonoprogne rupestris there. He also once delighted in introducing a reference to the Beethoven string quartets into a discussion at the exclusive 1937 Bird Club for the benefit of those fellow members whose conversation never strayed from paths ornithological. By then, his tastes in music had broadened since the Stockport days, taking in West End musicals and opera; and he spoke enthusiastically to Bunny of a performance of Gershwin’s ‘Porgy and Bess’ at the old Stoll Theatre. (He later told me that he loved the works of Puccini, but preferred to listen to them than to see them on the stage, the sight of a large Prima Donna quite spoiling the illusion for him.) Lor Bunny Teagle, Stanley was a wise and sympathetic friend. The friendship for Stanley, however, with his busy and highly organised timetable and private life kept apart, was, though genuine, very much a controlled one, reducing mainly to Christmas-card contact once Bunny left London in 1963 and Stanley had become a senior figure in British ornithology. He tended to treat other friends and colleagues similarly once they had passed out of his life or ceased to be useful to him, this representing the other — practical, unsentimental, dispassionate, calculat- ing, even ungrateful — ‘Goshawk’ side of his nature which, if it was the only one that people encountered, gave them an incomplete picture of him. One ornithologist who saw the better, warmer side of him, both in his active LNHS days and later, was D. I. M. (Ian) Wallace — a close colleague for 20-30 years — who first came under Stanley’s firm and slightly stern wing as a young birdwatcher, earning his approval and receiving encouragement and guidance: ‘he sowed more seeds of 399 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) discipline into me than anyone else, enjoyably though, and made me care for common birds (counting them, etc.).’ Stanley, who liked human contact more than he would admit, proved an excellent mentor, evidently feehng a strong sympathy for loners and adventurers like Ian, busy people who still found time to do more. In 1949, Stanley initiated a 20-year study of the Woodpigeon Columba palumbus in the squares and streets of Bloomsbury and Westminster and in the royal parks; this was to become the most important of his contributions on urban birds. In order to accommodate the work within his busy hfe, he used simple held techniques, mainly census work and the hnding of nests. At hrst, however, with the help and under the guidance of Derek Goodwin, he looked also at behaviour; the results (Cramp 1957) reveal that the great surge of interest in the methods and theory of classical ethology which swept over us in post-war Britain, especially after Niko Tinbergen took up residence in Oxford, had not passed Stanley by. Moreover, although it was to be his only signihcant venture into this held, bird behaviour never really being his forte, the 1957 paper was also an early example of the application of the ideas of behavioural ecology, well ahead of its time. Subsequently, the study dealt more and more with the basic aspects of reproductive biology (especially breeding season and success), the eventual report (Cramp 1972, in which comparisons were made vtith the work on rural Woodpigeons by R. K. Murton) being the only major paper of his to be published in The Ibis. Stanley’s interest in the Lon/ion parks and gardens continued throughout the 1950s. Between 1952 and 1956, he acted as the LCC voluntary watcher for Holland Park. Then, in 1957, he was appointed to the Official Committee on Bird Sanctuaries in the Royal Parks, remaining a member until this body — so important to the encouragement and conservation of bird-life in the parks — was abolished (as an unnecessary ‘quango’) in 1979, serving for some years as its last Chairman in succession to Lord Hurcomb. During 1960-63, Stanley was also involved in the survey of the fauna and flora of the Buckingham Palace garden initiated by D. McClintock, Maxwell Knight, W. S. Bristowe, and O. W. Richards. Robert Spencer — who, with David McClintock and Bruce Campbell, used to broadcast in a BBC radio programme called ‘Naturalist’s Notebook’ — also became involved and proposed bringing in Stanley to do the avifauna, not only because he was an acknowledged expert on urban birds, but also because he actually lived in central London and could more conveniently make the early-morning start required. Later, the two of them wrote the bird section for the series of papers on the natural history of the garden which appeared after the initial survey had ended (Cramp & Spencer 1963). Stanley continued to visit the royal garden long afterwards, sitting there quietly and noting what he saw and heard, eventually earning for himself the popular but wholly unofficial title of ‘The Queen’s Birdwatcher’: ‘I always ring up first’, he told a reporter in 1979, ‘to let them know I am coming, and usually go before dawn so I won’t get in the way of the Queen if she is walking in the garden.’ 400 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) The BTO and the RSPB During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Stanley became increasingly active in the affairs of three national ornithological bodies: the British Trust for Ornithology, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and the journal British Bird's,. He had joined the BTO in 1946, been a local organiser for the Mute Swan censuses in the years already mentioned, and was Regional Representative for the London area from 1958 to 1964. But it was his paper analysing the nest- records of the Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus (Cramp 1955) which revealed his fuller capability, and two years later he was appointed to the Scientific Advisory Committee of the BTO, becoming Chairman of the Nest Records and Roosting Sites sub- committee in 1958. Membership of Council itself followed later the same year and in 1959 he took over as Chairman of the SAC for three years (it was at this time that I first met him when I served briefly on the Committee before departing for two years on Ascension Island). In 1963, he rejoined Council as a Vice-President, then, after a brief gap, was elected to Council for a second time in 1970. Surprisingly, however, he never became President, but perhaps the offer, if it was ever made, came too late, for by then he was too engrossed in BWP to give the job the attention it needed. The BTO was not neglected in the 1970s, however, and Stanley continued to serve on three of its committees: SAC again. Ringing and Migration, and Populations and Surveys (of which he was Chairman for a while). He also represented the Trust for a number of years on the Advisory' Council of the Edward Grey Institute. Characteristically, once his last term on Council ended in 1974, he quietly slipped out of sight, no longer even attending the Annual Conference at Swanwick — at which he had been a fixture for so many years (‘I’ve earned a rest from all that’, he told me) — but he did return to deliver the eleventh Witherby Lecture (on ornithology and bird-conserv'ation) in 1979. He had served the BTO well, not least as a member of the ad hoc' research committee which formulated the new policies that led to the move to Tring (in 1963) and the appointment of the Trust’s first Director of Research (D. W. Snow) in 1964. Further, in a remarkable solo effort, he had produced a policy document for the future development of the Trust which was so advanced that it is still being implemented today (see Hickling 1983). Stanley was also a long-standing member (and, before long, a Life Fellow) of the RSPB, though it was not until 1960 that he was elected to Council, becoming its Chairman for five years from 1966; he was voted 163-166. Facing page, top, group at Scottish Ornithologists’ Club conference at Dunblane in Oct- ober 1965, left to right, Malcolm Ogilvie, Dr Adam Watson, Dr Ian Pennie, Prof V. C. Wynne- Edwards and Stanley Cramp Qas. MacGeoch)\ centre, HRJd the Prince of Wales, at RSPB film show in Cardiff in 1972, meeting Stanley Cramp, Peter Conder, Anthony Clay and Trevor Gun- ton i South Waks Eiming Post]; bottom left, Stanley Cramp cutting British Birds' seventy-fifth-birthday cake in June 1982, left to right in background, Gwen Bonham, Dr Richard Chandler, DrJ.J. M. Degg, Dr Ravtnond O’Connor and Keith /Vllsopp; bottom right, Stanley Cramp in typical pose in his 'BUT' office 402 Stanlg) Cramp (1913-1987) back onto Council in 1972 and served on it until 1976: altogether an exceptional record. At the RSPB, Stanley formed a notable partnership with P. J. Conder, first when they were both members of the BTO/RSPB Joint Committee on Toxic Chemicals. Increasingly during the 1950s, there had been a marked concern — shared by these and other bodies (including the Nature Conservancy and the Game Research Association) — about the disastrous effects that certain agricultural chemicals were having on bird-life and the natural environment. In 1959, the Scientific Advisory Committee of the BTO (of which Stanley was then Chairman) had established a small working party (the Toxic Chemicals Group) under W. D. Campbell to look into the matter and produce a report based on a study of the literature (Campbell 1962). At the RSPB, Peter Conder (then Assistant Secretary and jack-of-all-trades there) had also started to investigate the problem and, in August 1960, Stanley (who had been a member of the original BTO sub-committee, now disbanded) became Chairman of the Joint Committee, with Conder as Secretary. In a telling series of six reports (published by the RSPB and co- authored by Cramp, Conder, John Ash and P. J. S. Olney in various combinations but always with Stanley as first author), this team spearheaded the successful campaign that was waged throughout the 1960s against the continued use of persistent chemicals (pesticides, seed- dressings and the like) in agriculture. Stanley, who edited and sharpened up the RSPB-written reports, proved to be an excellent chairman — ‘the very best I have ever known’ (Peter Conder) — and a highly proficient leader at meetings with the agro-chemical industry, the government ministry (MAFF), and other bodies, his shrewdness, common sense, ability to keep everybody to the point, and toughness in argument being invaluable. Partly because of his work on the Joint Committee, Stanley (having already received the Tucker Medal of the BTO in 1963) was awarded the Gold Medal of the RSPB in 1966. His sterling work for the Society did not end there, however, for he served as well at one time or the other (often as Chairman) on the Finance and General Purposes, the Reserves, and the Research Committees. In all, he devoted much time and thought to the business of the RSPB, bringing to it (in the words of the medal citation) ‘great penetration, knowledge of men and affairs, deftness in procedure, and a “common sense” of quite uncommon excellence.’ After his last stint on Council ended in 1976, he finally bowed out and was made an Honorary Fellow the next year. In October 1988, the year after he died, a plaque was unveiled in the RSPB hide at Copperas Bay, Essex, to commemorate his long involvement with the Society. With Stanley’s determined support and help, Peter Conder (Director during 1963-75) had started to modernise the RSPB by re-organising it, employing professional specialists, improving the staff’s conditions of pay and service, and greatly enlarging the membership. With the co-operation of its increasingly diverse and experienced staff — and of a new-style Council versed in other areas of expertise (finance, advertising, personnel management, pensions, computers, etc.) — they had given the fortunes of Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) 403 the Society a huge boost. With their going, an important era in its history had ended and the foundations for its continuing expansion firmly laid. Other work in conservation Stanley was also active on other national conservation bodies. For the Nature Conservancy Council, he served as a member of the Advisory Committee for England and later as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Birds (1982-85), having previously been a member of the Home Office Committee on the Protection of Birds Act. At one time or another, he belonged also to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Committee that organised the British contribution to European Conservation Year 1970 and later to the Council for the Preservation of Rural England; to the Committee for Environmental Conservation; to the Council for Nature, as the RSPB’s representative; and to the British Section of the International Council for Bird Preservation, as the BOU representative for many years and as Honorary Treasurer during 1971-81. To all these institutions, Stanley brought all his experience and common sense. At the CPRE from 1970 to 1976, for instance, he helped the then Director (Christopher Hall) to establish a sensible constitution giving its branches responsibilities as well as powers in the running of the organisation, regularly exhorting the Executive Committee to ‘get out of the Dark Ages and move into the Twentieth Century’. It was mainly as a result of these reforms, and later ones in the 1980s, that the CPRE became the dynamic and successful body it is today. For his services to bird conservation, Stanley was created an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1975. This time he accepted the honour, his mother accompanying him to Buckingham Palace for the investiture, coming up to town especially for the great event (since the death of her husband, she had lived with Les and his wife Dorothy, who described her to me as ‘a lovely person’). Over the years, Stanley took every opportunity to press home the conservation point of view by writing articles in a variety of outlets (including British Birds, Bird Notes, Birds, BTO News, New Scientist, and Nature). also contributing the entry on ‘Toxic Chemicals’ to The New Dictionary of Birds (1964). His most distinguished essay in this field, however, was the booklet on bird conservation in Europe (Cramp 1977) published as a report of the Nature Conservancy Council for the Environment and Consumer Protection Service of the Commission of the European Communities (EEC). In this, the result of an assignment from the EEC, Stanley gave a detailed historical perspective of the vicissitudes which I have faced the European avifauna over the past hundred years and then I put forward the conservation measures that he thought should be i adopted, thus aiding the EEC to develop a sound policy of bird protection based on biological principles. ^ ‘British Birds’ We now come to BB itself, the third of our core national ornithological institutions with which Stanley was closely associated. Ever since its 404 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) founding by the ornithologist and publisher H. F. Witherby in 1907, the journal has exerted a great influence in charting and directing the course of general ornithological activity in twentieth-century Britain. It nearly came to grief, however, with the unexpectedly early death (at the end of 1950) of B. W. Tucker, Witherby’s close associate and chosen successor, but was rescued by the dedication and efforts of a series of Senior Editors (E. M. Nicholson, P. A. D. Hollom, and Stanley Cramp) and of an outstanding full-time Executive Editor (I. J. Ferguson-Lees). Stanley had first joined the editorial team as a member of the Notes Panel in the mid-1950s, ascending to the Editorial Board in 1960 and becoming Senior Editor in 1963, continuing to hold the reins until his death in 1987, making him the longest-serving editor after Witherby himself (1907-43). In 1973, he saw BB through another crisis: the transfer to a new publisher (Macmillan) after the firm of Witherby had decided it could no longer afford to support the journal, and the departure of James Ferguson-Lees to the RSPB after 21 years as Executive Editor. With the appointment of J. T. R. Sharrock as full-time Managing Editor in 1976, Stanley (now heavily involved in BWP) was happy to relax the strong, almost dictatorial grip he had exerted over BB for so long, now assuming a mainly advisory, supporting role, his wise counsel always available. In 1980, when Macmillan decided to sell BB and gave its Managing Editor first option to purchase, Stanley played an important part in the financial negotiations which led to the journal being owned, for the benefit of ornithology rather than private profit, by its own Editorial Board, thus putting the new company (British Birds Ltd) on the same footing as the BTO and certain other societies. Subsequently, Stanley (though still nominally Senior Editor) acted mainly as Chairman both of the company and of the board of editors at meetings held four or five times a year, performing his duties in a characteristically efficient manner, firmly, swiftly, and without ‘waffle’, soon cutting short any member who went adrift from the logical argument or entered unfruitful avenues of discussion. Some years before his death, it had been agreed by all concerned that his position with BB was unique, so, as planned, the title of ‘Senior Editor’ died with him. Before Stanley became an editor of BB, his only contribution, apart from his paper on the Coot (1947) and the joint paper on the birds of Inner London (1952), had been a typically terse note on an incident of courtship-feeding by Jackdaws Corvus monedula (1950). The year 1960, however, saw the publication in the journal of an impressive three-part report on the inquiry organised by A. Pettet and J. T. R. Sharrock into the unprecedented irruption of tits (mainly Pams) and a few other birds into England and northwestern Europe during the autumn of 1957. Stanley (who had also compiled his own report for the London area in the London Bird Report the same year) played a key part in the writing-up and analysis of the data and emerged as first author of the larger paper. In 1963, he followed this up with another (solo) paper in BB on the later movements of tits in Britain, Ireland and Europe, the same year also seeing his paper there on toxic chemicals and birds-of-prey. Except in joint authorship, he 405 Stank)) Cramp (1913-1987) was to contribute only one other major paper subsequently to the journal: a report on the nesting of gulls on buildings (1971). He also wrote some texts to accompany the special photographic studies of individual species and prepared the occasional obituary, the last, and his own last pubHshed work, being that for W. H. Thorpe (a good friend of BWP). Otherwise, he confined himself chiefly to reviewing books — over 50 between 1961 and 1986 — a task he enjoyed and did with flair. Mention of books gives me an excuse to relate that, although he was an avid reader (of good literature, biography, history, and pohtical commen- tary as well as of ornithological and other scientific and conservation- orientated texts, mostly obtained from the public library), his own collection was strictly limited by the space it occupied within the glass- fronted cases which lined the study-lounge of his small, neatly kept flat. If he bought a new book, he said, an old one had to go: no easy decision, though he was released from this dilemma to some extent by being able to keep books in his BWP office from 1970 (after which his rate of reviewing bird books also increased). Stanley’s joint papers in BB on the birds of Inner London and the tit irruption have already been mentioned. In 1963, he also published a paper there (again as senior author) with I. J. Ferguson-Lees on the status and conservation of the birds of the Danube Delta, this important survey being based on their 17-day visit (ten in the company of Phil Hollom) to Romania in May 1961. In James Ferguson-Lees, the expert ornithologist, Stanley had found another of his rare close friends and an invaluable colleague; associates also in the affairs of the BTO and RSPB, and in each other’s personal confidence far more than anyone else’s, they worked together in harmony for many years on BB, complementing one another in just the sort of partnership that Stanley needed — James, the perfect alter ego, possessing that depth of ornithological knowledge, the field experience, and flair in constructive and painstaking editing that Stanley, for all his other gifts, somehow seemed to lack. The Seabird Group Stanley’s gull paper of 1971 in BB was an offshoot of the 1969-70 survey ‘Operation Seafarer’ set up by the Seabird Group, on the instigation of W. R. P. Bourne and James Fisher, to make a census of all the breeding seabirds of Britain and Ireland; organised by the Executive Committee (first Chairman: G. M. Dunnett) and a special Census Committee (first Chairman: James Fisher), it had David Saunders as full-time organiser of the fieldwork (and main compiler of the results). Stanley played no part either in the early development of the Seabird Group (founded 1965) or the formation of Operation Seafarer, but, after he had joined the group (in 1967), his offer to help with the running of the census was gratefully received. When George Dunnett departed on a sabbatical year in New Zealand, Stanley’s high standing in British ornithology made him an appropriate choice as Chairman of the Executive Committee in his place, and he then took over also as Chairman of the Census Committee itself after the tragic death of James Fisher in 1969. Subsequently, having by 406 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) now set up his BWP office in London, he was asked to handle the publication of the book which was to give the results of the census. Stanley, of course, proved to be an excellent Chairman, always available and co- operative, and it was largely through his efforts — and quick, clear decisions — that the book appeared so promptly. Rather surprisingly, however, as most of the writing and editing had been done by others, he emerged as senior author (Cramp, Bourne & Saunders 1974). The BOU and other societies Though he joined the British Ornithologists’ Union in 1951, Stanley played little part in its affairs until 1965, when he became a member of Council for three years. There was then another lull until 1974, when he was elected a Vice-President, after which he succeeded Sir Hugh Elliott as President in 1979. That term of office ended in 1983, and he was awarded the Union Medal in 1984. He had represented the BOU on the ICBP (British Section), as we have seen, and was also a member of the advisory committee set up in 1979 to assist the editors of the Union-sponsored A Dictionary of Birds (which finally appeared in 1985). Of Stanley’s presidency, there is little to say, for it was not a time of innovation or expansion at the BOU like that which the BTO and RSPB had seen when he served so dynamically on their Councils. As chairman of the BOU Council, he was splendidly efficient as usual, clear-thinking and fair, and rattled through its business in record time — in part, it was suspected, because he was not allowed to smoke in the Council Room of the London Zoological Society where the meetings were then held — though there was no question of discussion ever being prevented or unnecessarily cut short. Stanley, it would seem, took the BOU presidency in his stride, accepting it largely as an honour rightly due to him, but the term had come too late in his busy life for him to do it full justice. Moreover, during the later part of it, he had started to show signs of the failing health that was to lead eventually to his death, being already a sick man when he attended the BOU Annual Conference at Southampton in March 1983, though indignant at the suggestion that anything was wrong with him. His BOU presidency over, Stanley undertook no further senior duties in any ornithological body, saving what remained of his energies mostly for BWP. I have not attempted to trace his membership of other societies, but he must have belonged to a number. A Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London for many years, he received its Stamford Raffles Medal in 1978 on the recommendation of V. C. Wynne-Edwards. Travels Stanley did belong to OSME (the Ornithological Society of the Middle East), of which he was Vice-President from its inception in 1978, having made several field-trips to the area over the years. He went, for example, to Azraq, Jordan, with DrJ. S. Ash and others in 1966; to the Kufra oasis, Libya, in 1968 with Peter Conder (Cramp & Conder 1970); to southern Iran in 1969 with Conder and others, and to Turkey in 1970 with Richard Porter (Cramp 1971a); to Turkey in 1973 (‘atlassing’) and 1975, and to 407 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) Baluchistan in 1972, again with Porter; to Tunisia in 1977 with Geoffrey Beven, M. D. England, M. G. Wilson and others; and to Israel in 1980 and Italy in 1981. Journeys farther afield were few, but he got to The Gambia in 1978 and Belize in 1982. In Europe, as well as his visit to Romania in 1961, he paid a highly influential visit with Bruce Campbell to Poland in 1959 (see Campbell 1979; Dyrcz 1988), the first by any British ornithologists to an east European country since the war, and to the Goto Donana, Spain, in 1965. Nearer home, he travelled to Ireland and widely in Britain, especially around the RSPB reserves. Until her death in 1982, a few months before her 100th birthday, Stanley would, after each trip, send home to his mother photographs taken of him (some at his special request), ever the loving and dutiful son. Though some of the foreign expeditions produced scientific results (as noted), or provided material for BWP, most of Stanley’s field-trips were essentially recreational, giving him a much-needed break from the demands of his busy life and a chance to birdwatch and add new species to his life-Hst. In Britain, with the need to preserve his dignity as a senior ornithological figure, he could appear reserved or even bossy in the field; but abroad, away from it all with his friends, he would relax, let his hair down, and enjoy himself, by all accounts being excellent company, fortified by as huge a supply of duty-free cigarettes as could be mustered (by all members of the party, non-smokers included) and by the local beverages. There are a number of stories of hilarious, even scurrilous goings-on, but these, I fear, lie outside the scope of this profile, wide- ranging as it is. Three other things emerge, however: Stanley’s calm and phlegmatic character, even under the most trying or alarming conditions; his authority in organising himself and others; and his practicality and kindness in adversity (here, in particular, I am thinking of the way he came to the rescue when his friend Derrick England was taken seriously ill in Tunisia, nursing him and getting him safely back home). Rather surprising, especially in view of his keenness and the obvious enjoyment he obtained from birding, was his evident lack of skill in identification, thus showing that even distinguished ornithologists do not necessarily make good field men. ‘BWP’ We now come, finally, to Stanley’s greatest achievement: BWP. Plans for a comprehensive modern replacement for The Handbook of British Birds (Witherby 1938-41) had been under consideration by the Editors of British Birds since the 1950s and these gathered pace after 1962. The Chief Editor designate was E. M. Nicholson, who hoped to see the task through as a retirement job (just as Witherby himself had done for The Handbook), thus maintaining the link with that great work, with which Nicholson had been closely associated. It was he who now set up the non-profit company (West Palaearctic Birds Ltd), whose Board of Directors would oversee the new project, and found just the sort of publisher that it needed (Oxford University Press). Before long, however, the scientific necessity to cover a much wider faunal area than Britain and Ireland had been realised, and 408 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) the scope of the new handbook was expanded to embrace the whole of the western Palearctic. In view of this, and because of his increasingly heavy involvement in environmental matters, Max Nicholson now decided that he must take a back seat and be succeeded (both as Chairman of the WPB Ltd Board and as Chief Editor) by someone able to give the project his full time over a number of years. More and more, and rather unexpectedly, the finger began to point at Stanley (who had by now taken up his turn of duty as Senior Editor of BB) as the one person with the quahfications, strength of character, and motivation to see the great task through: ‘I now felt quite happy’. Max Nicholson told me, ‘to step down in his favour, in view of the judgment, integrity and dedication to the highest ornithological standards which he had demonstrated.’ By 1966, plans for BWP had advanced far enough for them to be announced and, in July, just before they were published in BB, the chance was taken to air and discuss them at a special meeting at the XIV Internadonal Ornithological Congress, at Oxford (for which Stanley was acting as Treasurer). With the promise of considerable international help with the projeet, Stanley and his BB/'WV'B colleagues went ahead to find the necessary (and substantial) finance needed to float and sustain it until BWP was self-sufficient through its own royalties. Unforeseen difficulties in raising enough money to make a start, however, delayed it for a further three years. Then, with the aid of a substantial advance from OUP and a grant from the Pilgrim Trust and a loan from the BOU (both obtained through the good offices of Sir Landsborough Thomson, another invaluable friend of the project), Stanley felt able to go ahead. On 1st February 1970, ten days before his early retirement from Customs and Excise officially commenced, Stanley started working full time as Chief Editor of BWP, his salary paid by WPB Ltd (not OUP). At first, he worked from his flat — no. 32 Queen Court, in fact, remaining the official address of BWP until his last illness — but was soon established, with his own secretary, in the fully equipped WPB Ltd office at 7 1 Gray’s Inn Road, only a short walking distance away from his home. During his years with Customs and Excise, he had enjoyed much freedom and he could then usually be contacted at his office in Harwood Place (and later Berwick Street) only before ten in the morning, after which he would disappear out of official ken upon his rounds; but now he could give all his time to ornithology for the first time in his life. There was, however, still a huge amount to do before the actual work on the first volume began and Stanley — in his element with the challenge of it all — began to tackle the task with great determination and efficiency. To help him, he had the half-time assistance (from May 1970) of his BB lieutenant James Ferguson-Lees as co-editor, his salary also paid by WPB Ltd; together they were a formidable partnership, tried and tested. By this time, the full BWP team consisted of nine people making up the Editorial Board: five Directors of the WPB Ltd Board — the four BB editors (Cramp, Ferguson-Lees, Hollom, and Nicholson) and Robert Spencer (then Deputy Director of the BTO) — plus K. H. Voous and Jan Wattel (of the Instituut voor Taxonomische Zoologie, University of Amsterdam), 409 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) Robert Gillmor (Art Editor), P. J. S. Olney (Curator of Birds, Zoological Society of London), and me. In a series of formal meetings, written exchanges, and consultations during 1970, the scope of the book, the area it was to cover, and its organisation and format were discussed and the allocation of the various sections amongst the editors decided. As well as overseeing the whole thing, Stanley’s own immediate task was to help Ferguson-Lees (and Hollom) compile the species list for the first volume. Further, being himself responsible for what were to become the Distribution and Population sections, he had to start on the long and tedious task of setting up a network of foreign consultants (eventually 43 in aU) to provide the basic data for his texts and for the ambitious maps he was planning (these latter also involving detailed discussions with the cartographical department of OUP). The exact eastern boundary of the area was problematical, so the views of Russian ornithologists were sought; indeed efforts were made to recruit specialists from the whole of Europe to serve as advisory or associate editors and consultants for all aspects of the book. In September, the XV IOC, held in the Netherlands, presented another opportunity for discussion and recruitment. For this, Stanley prepared a document for circulation outlining the nature and scope of BWP-, there were to be seven volumes, the first to appear in the autumn of 1974 and the rest at yearly intervals thereafter. The whole project, then, was to be completed by the end of 1980, thus taking some 1 1 years in all, a daunting prospect. The years that followed, up to the publication of volume I, were not easy for any of us, with a series of crises, delays, and early disappoint- ments, not least the lack of support (Cambridge and W. H. Thorpe apart) from the professional centres of ornithology in Britain, though this was more than made up for in later years. There was a strong feeling, initially, that BWP was unnecessarily duplicating the work started by the German Handbuch der Vogel Mitteleuropas, three volumes of which had already appeared by the time our work started; there were doubts, too, about Stanley’s ability (as an amateur) to oversee the scientific side of the project, a translation of the Handbuch being seen as a preferable solution by some leading ornithologists who might otherwise have thrown their weight behind BWP. Stanley, indeed, was always sensitive about his lack of a higher scientific degree; being addressed as ‘Dr Cramp’ by his foreign correspondents embarrassed him and he hinted to me that the award of an honorary doctorate from some British university would be very acceptable (alas, the offer never came). There were also early editorial changes. Two new section editors joined the team: Robert Hudson (for Robert Spencer) and M. A. Ogilvie; like most of the rest, they worked unpaid and in their own time. A key loss came with the departure of James Ferguson-Lees for the RSPB, depriving Stanley of his chosen co-editor and right-hand man. I now replaced James in March 1973 — three-quarter time at first, full time from 1975 — having first been associated with the project as a consultant (on behaviour) since 1966 and as a section editor since late in 1969. Work on volume I continued slowly — much too slowly for Stanley’s liking — and it finally 410 Stanle)/ Cramp (1913-1987) appeared in 1977, three years late. There were many reasons for the delay, not least the great increase (as the book evolved) in the scope and complexity of most of the sectional treatments, which now far outstripped the original conception. This threw great pressure on the available space (then watched much more rigorously than in later volumes) and caused many editorial problems, and even more serious financial ones. With the huge expense of the London office, money was always tight and Stanley was faced — then and later (when D. J. Brooks was engaged as his assistant and a long-overdue editorial team set up at Oxford) — with the urgent need to find more and more of it so as to keep the project ahve, a chronic and ever-worrying chore which engaged a great deal of his time, ingenuity, advocacy and energy. Matters came to a crisis early in 1975, when the money nearly ran out and OUP threatened to withdraw because of delays on the agreed timetable; going without salary for several weeks, Stanley and I weathered the storm, having made a private pact together to complete the work on the vital first volume, come what may. It is not the place here to go into the detail of the subsequent history of BWP. Stanley and I worked together well, complementing each other, and remained on friendly terms throughout; although there were rough patches and disagreements, and he went his own way in the end, when poor health reduced my own participation, he was always pleasant and courteous to me — if at times exasperatingly stubborn and unapologetic, and always overdemanding — and I retained a soft spot for him until the end. When I nagged him about his smoking, he took it well, explaining that his late father (a heavy smoker also) had given up cigarettes to the detriment of his mental health, the cure being worse than the ill. Two more volumes appeared under our joint names (in 1980 and 1983) and a further two under Stanley’s alone (in 1985 and 1988), the last posthumously. In view of his record elsewhere, it must be admitted that Stanley was far from the perfect boss; so obsessive were his efforts to keep the project afloat that the welfare of the staff and others working for it had a much lower priority (it was a considerable relief to me when I received a special five-year grant from the Science Research Council which gave me a large measure of independence from him). Though he kept his section editors continually on their toes, exhorting them to better efforts and keeping meticulous records of progress, most of them received little help from him once the ground-rules had been established. It seems that, not having to undertake any substantial literature research or analyses himself, Stanley never fully realised just how difficult the task was: many of the problems about timing arising from his editors’ inability to meet the deadlines that he had agreed independently for quite other reasons (mainly financial). Organisation was his metier, even if it seemed at times almost an end in itself Discussions with him could have an air of unreality about them: matters agreed, deadlines established, end of problem. There is a myth that he planned and wrote 5 MTP practically single-handed — an omnipotent spider in the centre of a web, spinning gold from flax — but that harms his memory as much as any underwriting of his true role would do, and pays scant justice to his hard-working colleagues (the unsung heroes of BWP): Stank)) Cramp (1913-1987) 411 HANDBOOK OF THE BIRDS OF EUROPE THE MidDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA THE BIRDS OF THE WESTERN PALEARCTIC Volumel: Ostrich to Ducks ^ lEtiited by tey.Q|inpandK.E.L^^ 167. Stanley Cramp, sporting typically flamboyant tie, beside poster featuring his life’s greatest achievement, ‘BWP’ (Tofnx) 412 Stanley Cramp (1913-1987) Duncan Brooks and Ruth Wootton (Stanley’s secretary from the start); the Behaviour Team at the EGI, Oxford (E. K. Dunn, M. G. Wilson, and Dorothy J. Vincent); the long-serving Voice Team (Joan Hall-Craggs and P. J. Sellar); and the other editors, past and present (N. J. Collar, C. S. Roselaar, D. W. Snow and D. I. M. Wallace as well as those already mentioned). In fact, Stanley’s input to the text was small — that for his own sections being deliberately kept to a minimum, pressure to make them more comprehensive being strongly resisted — his main involvement being with the excellent maps that are such a notable feature of BWP. As for his editing, it may perhaps tactfully be said that he worked on the broad canvas and that the detailed, constructive work fell to others. Stanley, then, was no paragon; but, as has been said of a famous general, nice people do not win wars. BWP had been the great challenge of his life and he rose to it magnificently. Without his perseverance and unremitting efforts, it would have floundered on a number of occasions: it needed the strong, even ruthless hand of a level-headed, down-to-earth realist to hold it together, and this is just what Stanley provided. Indeed, looking back at events — and over the huge files containing his letters, directives, and other communications — I am lost in admiration and can think of no-one else who could have organised it better. His expertise and energy were remarkable, especially during the early years when the book had to be evolved from scratch. He presided firmly but benevolently over Editorial Board meetings, taking notes and issuing his own concise, lucid, and neatly laid-out minutes. While leaving it to the other editors to plan, research, and draft their own sections, he supervised everything, critically reading over all the texts as they came in and keeping everybody on the rails. There was never any doubt who was in charge; he maintained a strict centralisation, discouraging editors from communicating with each other directly and insisting that they channelled all material through him. Above all, he constantly urged them to meet the agreed deadlines which were so important to the financial survival of the project. He was a hard taskmaster, earning himself appropriate nicknames from some editors: ‘Chairman Mao’, ‘The Ayatollah’, and even ‘God’. Though most of the text initiatives came from others, he would give them his full support once (and if) persuaded: this he did, against much opposition, in the case of the greatly expanded behaviour sections that I introduced, even though they remained the main target of his cuts thereafter. Only in the last years of decline did Stanley relax his grip, and by then most of the work had long been done by others anyway. Final years With Stanley already a sick man in the spring of 1983, there was growing concern for his health, especially towards the end of 1984, with rumours of a mild stroke and smoking-induced emphysema circulating at the BTO conference at Swanwick. When I wrote to him in January 1985, however, not having seen him since October 1982, he denied that he was unwell. By then, in fact, he was seriously ill with a chronic respiratory disease and should have handed over the reins to his successor, his speech being 413 Stanlg) Cramp (1913-1987) affected, his breathing painfully restricted (so that he easily became exhausted), and his handwriting, which had got progressively worse, now almost indecipherable (it had always been poor, largely because of the peculiarly twisted way he held a pen, itself a consequence of the posture he was forced to adopt while writing up his diary on his lap during wartime air-raids). Later in the year, he did admit to me that he had suffered a bad attack of the shingles (which kept him off work for some three months) and in December 1986 reported that he was having trouble with his legs, making walking difficult; but he struggled on, albeit now half-time, refusing to give up even though, by now, there was not all that much work that he could do and the business affairs of BWP were in disarray (and had to be rescued later by OUP). So, by one of those cruel twists of providence, Stanley Cramp eventually became a liability to the very project he had done so much to foster, a sad outcome which he certainly did not deserve. His health continued to decline during 1987 until, in July, he suffered a stroke and was taken into St John and St Elizabeth Hospital, St John’s Wood, where he died on 20th August, foUowing a bout of pneumonia. His funeral, at Golders Green Crematorium on 26th August — attended by a number of his ornithological colleagues and the representatives of many of the bodies on which he had served — was a strangely muted affair, with few private friends, no personal words said, and none of his close family present (his brother Les having predeceased him two months earlier). I have never met anyone quite like Stanley Cramp. A rule to himself, he was predictable only in his unpredictability, seldom taking the line one expected of him. Highly organised, he remained to the last a fatalist, as exemplified by his attitude to his own excessive smoking (which, together with the worries of BWP, undoubtedly hastened his death). Right at the centre of projects disseminating huge amounts of knowledge, he was no communicator. Highly dependent as he was on the help and co-operation of others, he remained to the end an autocrat, keeping everybody firmly in their allotted place within a strict hierarchy and often maintaining what seemed to be a compulsive and unnecessary secrecy about matters of mutual concern. Throughout his life, he exploited people and their ideas, taking advantage of their devotion to the progress of ornithology, but he was the one to get things done where softer souls would have failed. He had a persuasive way about him of getting the best out of you even while you were silently cursing him. Capable of evoking great devotion, he would draw intense hatred, even from former close friends and colleagues, some of whom no longer spoke to him. Hard-boiled and insensitive, he was capable of compassion and had a fondness for children. To the end, he remained an enigma, but about his greatness as a leading ornithologi- cal figure of the second half of the twentieth century there can be no doubt, not least for the legacy of BWP. There, as Max Nicholson has said, he ‘turned in a performance much greater than could reasonably be expected of him’, and for that we should all be grateful. 414 Stanly Cramp (1913-1987) Acknowledgments This profile would have been much less complete without the help of many others who answered my queries and provided additional information, my special thanks being due to Frank Rhodes and W. G. Teagle. I am also most grateful to E. M. Nicholson, Peter Conder and Geoffrey Berry; to Mrs D. M. Cramp and A. R. Stewart; to Dr W. R. P. Bourne, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock and D. I. M. Wallace; to Duncan J. Brooks (now Executive Editor, BWP), Dr N. J. Collar, Dr E. K. Dunn, P. A D. HoUom, P. J. S. Olney, Dr D. W. Snow, Sir William Wilkinson (now Chairman, WPB Ltd), M. G. Wilson and Miss Ruth Wootton; to Richard Fitter, DrJ. J. D. Greenwood, Dr A. Melland, Dr J. F. Monk, Richard Porter, Ian Prestt and Robert Spencer; to the late M. D. England and Mrs Joan England; and to D. A. Bone (Customs and Excise), Keith Betton, David Conder (CPRE), M. J. Earp, Dr D. C. Houston, Dr C. Imboden, Dr Janet Kear, D. McClintock, D. Robinson (RAF records), Don Smith and Peter Sontag (Superintendent Registrar). I have also consulted: an unpublished interview given by Stanley Cramp to Angus Calder of Mass-Observation in March 1980; profiles by Ferguson-Lees (1966) and Barber (1979); newspaper obituaries in The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, and The Times (all published in 1987, soon after Stanley’s death); and other obituaries by Bourne (1987), Nicholson (1988), Hudson (1987), Teagle (1988), and Collar (1988). References Barber, D. 1979. Personalities 21: Stanley Cramp. Brit. Birds 72: 471-473. Bourne, W. R. P. 1987. Obituary: Stanley Cramp. Sea Swallow 36: 70. Campbell, B. 1979. Birdwatcher at Large. London. Campbell, W. D. 1962. Purposes of chemicals used in agriculture: a threat to wildlife. Bird Study 9: 245-251. Collar, N. J. 1988. Stanley Cramp. Riv. Ital. Om. Milano 58: 74. Cramp, S. 1933. Starling roosts in North West Cheshire, 1932-33. North West. Nat. 8: 111-1 14. 1947. Notes on territory in the Coot. Brit. Birds 40: 194-198. 1950. Courtship feeding of Jackdaw. Brit. Birds 43: 1 13. 1955. The breeding of the Willow Warbler. Bird Study 2: 121-135. 1957. Territorial and other behaviour of the Wood Pigeon. Bird Study 5: 55-66. 1963a. Toxic chemicals and birds of prey. Brit. Birds 56: 124-139. 1963b. Movements of tits in Europe in 1959 and after. Brit Birds 56: 237-263. 1971a. Dead Sea Sparrow: further breeding places in Iran and Turkey. Ibis 1 13: 244-245. 1971b. Gulls nesting on buildings. Brit. Birds 64: 476-487. 1972. The breeding of urban Woodpigeons. Ibis 1 14: 163-171. 1977. Bird Conservation in Europe. London (HMSO). (ed.) 1985-88. The Birds of the Western Pakarctic. vols 4-5. Oxford. , Bourne, W. R. P., & Saunders, D. 1974. The Seabirds of Britain and Irelarui. London. & Conder, P.J. 1970. A visit to the oasis of Kufra, spring 1969. Ibis 112: 261-263. & Ferguson-Lees, I. J. 1963. The birds of the Danube Delta and their conservation. Brit Birds 56: 323-339. , Pettet, a., & Sharrock, J. T. R. 1960. The irruption of tits in autumn 1957. Brit. Birds 53: 49-77, 99-117, 176-192. & Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) 1977-83. The Birds of the Western Pakarctic. vols 1-3. Oxford. & Spencer, R. 1963. [The natural history of the gardens of Buckingham Palace:] Birds. Proc. S. Land. Ent. Nat. Hist. Soc. for 1963: 40-45. & Teagle, W. G. 1952. The birds of Inner London, 1900-1950. Brit. Birds 45: 433-456. - & Tomlins, A. D. 1966. The birds of Inner London, 1951-65. Brit Birds 59: 209-233. & Ward, J. H. 1934. A census of House Martins and Swallows near Manchester, 1933. J'. Anim. Ecol. 3: 1-7. & 1936. The Rookeries of South Manchester and District. J. Anim. Ecol. 5: 351-355. Dyrcz, a. 1988. Passed away: Stanley Cramp (1913-1987). Ring 136-137: 89-91. Ferguson-Lees, I. J. 1966. Personalities — 51: Stanley Cramp. Birds 1: 117. Hickling, R. (ed.) 1983. Enjoying Ornithology. Calton. Hudson, B. 1987. Obituaries: Stanley Cramp (1913-1987). BTO News 152: 3. Nicholson, E. M. 1927. The Way Birds Live. London. 1931. The Art of Bird Watching. London. 1988. Obituary: Stanley Cramp OBE, BA (1913-1987). Brit. Birds 81: 10-13. Si.MMONS, K. E. L. 1989. Obituaries: Stanley Cramp (1913-1987). Ibis 131: 612-614. TeagUv, W. G. 1988. Stanley Cramp, OBE, BA, FZS, MBOU, 1913-1987. land. Nat. 67: 179-182. Dr K. E. L. 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Other prices quoted are subject to any publishers’ increases. Make all cheques and POs payable to the NHBS. Payment can be made in USS at current exchange rate. Please allow 28 days for delivery in UK, longer if abroad. NHBS Giro ac no. 202 9200. To qualify for POST FREE please quote your BB ref no. Name ... Address. Ref No. Total £ Cheque/PO enclosed D Giro payment made D You can also pay using If your address for credit card purposes is different from that above, give it here these credit cards: Please debit my Access/Visa/MasterCard/Eurocard Expiry date Signature You C2U1 phone in your credit card orders, but please quote your BB ref. no. as well as your credit card no. TEL. Tomes (0803) 865913. fax. (0803) 865280 Send order to: British BirdShop, c/o NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN xii Waders in the Soviet Union 357 for passage and wintering birds associated with an expansion in the area of cultivated land. In Ussuriland, for example, Ruffs are mostly recorded on rice-fields (Glushchenko 1979), and the huge numbers which congregate in autumn in the south of the European USSR also feed on waste grain in harvested cereal fields or paddyfields (Kazakov et al. 1982; Kostin 1983). Great Snipe Gallinago media The Great Snipe’s breeding distribution shows a close association with river valleys in the humid belt. This wader occupies a relatively narrow ecological niche, occurring only on especially rich water meadows with an abundance of earthworms (its main food). The area occupied by meadows on a natural river flood-plain is not great, as they exist at the early stages of a succession. The transformation of river flood-plains into meadows for hay-making and grazing, which took place in past centuries, encouraged the creation of large and flourishing Great Snipe populations. In the present century, cultivation of river valleys following drainage (reclamation) and subsequent ploughing has meant the destruction of the water-meadow habitats. The new agricultural land is unsuitable for the Great Snipe and the consequence is a steady decHne in numbers and fragmentation of the breeding range; in such conditions, the species is now endangered according to Nikiforov & Gipet (1981). This is true, but not entirely so. First, the Great Snipe’s decline began at the end of the nineteenth century (Buturlin 1902; Gladkov 1951), so that land reclamation could not have been the original and main cause of the population changes. Secondly, the Great Snipe is typical of boglands rather than meadows (e.g. Buturlin 1902; Popov 1977). The preferred breeding habitat is slighdy damp but not wet tussocky bogs with a sparse growth of small shrubs. Breeding in meadows should evidently be viewed as a secondary development. Further, it is for this reason that the Great Snipe, unlike the Marsh Sandpiper, was always widely distributed in the forest zone, even penetrating into the tundra, making do with relatively small bogs in river valleys. The decline in Great Snipe numbers is probably still continuing. Whereas in the last century and beginning of the present century hunters quite often used to bag hundreds per season in the spring and autumn (Popov 1977; Zinoviev 1980), the maximum bag for a good hunter specifically going after this quarry in the 1950s and 1960s was 38 Great Snipe over an autumn setison, and the average was less than one bird per hunting trip (Pavlov 1973). The Great Snipe is now one of the rare waders of the central European USSR and, as suggested reasonably by Zubakin (1988), its present status is due not only to habitat loss, but also to poisoning by toxic chemicals. The species has been proposed for inclusion in the Red Data Book of the RSFSR (Russian Federation). In Latvia, it was a common breeder in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and nesting was confirmed in the republic in 1953 (Viksne 1983). It is included in the Estonian Red Data Book (Kumari 1982). The Great Snipe is rare in Leningrad region, and the 1960s and 1970s saw a decline in the number of leks and of birds visiting them (Mal’chevskiy & Pukinskiy 1983). Drainage has led to a sharp decline in the Ukraine (Voinstvenskiy et al. 1981), such that censuses in the years 1982-88 showed a total of only ten to 15 ‘pairs’ in the republic’s western regions (Gorban’ 1990). Only a few breeding sites are still occupied in Bashkiriya (Ilyichev & Fomin 1988). There is no information on population trends in western Siberia. Information is insufficient to determine the limits of the present breeding range, but data from the sources mentioned above indicate not only retreat in some western and southern parts of the range, but also, above all, a fragmentation of the range (i.e. a change in its structure). Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Observations indicating an expansion of the Long-billed Dowitcher’s range were summa- rised by Kistchinski (1988), with a map showing distribution in Siberia up to 1920 and the state of knowledge at the end of the 1970s. During the present century, this species has spread from Chukotka and the Anadyr’ lowlands both to the south, where it has colonised all the Koryak Flighlands, and west to the Yana delta. In fact, it has spread even farther west (fig. 8). In 1977, downy young were recorded in Buor-Khaya bay (Tomkovich 1988), and, in 1982-83, there were a number of sight records and some were also collected in the Lena delta (including a female with egg ready for laying)(Labutin et al. 1985). The situation farther west is 358 Waders in the Soviet Union RAPTA CCCP Fig. 8. Breeding distribution of Long-billed Dowdtcher Limnodromus scolopaceus in the Soviet Union. Shaded area — supposed range before 1920; solid line — range in 1970s (both after Kistchinski 1988); dotted line — range in mid 1 980s; crosses — recent summer records of adults not clear as no serious ornithological fieldwork has been carried out on the tundra between Taymyr and the Lena delta over the last quarter of a century. Summer records of adults on the lower Anabar in 1961 (Gladkov & Zaletaev 1964) and in southeast Taymyr in 1981 (Chupin 1987) suggest that the species is continuing to spread westwards. Chupin (1987) commented that ‘judging by the birds’ behaviour, they had a nest or chicks nearby’, but he 143. Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus, Soviet Union, June 1977 (P. S. Tomkovkh) Waders in the Soviet Union 359 unfortunately gave no further details. There is thus still no proof that the Long-billed Dowitcher has bred west of the Lena river. Conclusion Among the wader species for which population changes have been established and which are considered here in detail or briefly mentioned in the Introduction, the changes have been largely positive for eight species: Little Whimbrel, Black-winged Stilt, Golden Plover, Lapwing, White-tailed Plover, Terek Sandpiper, Ruff, and Long-billed Dowitcher. For two other species (CoUared Pratincole and Marsh Sandpiper), the changes have been generally positive, but in some areas in the European part of the Soviet Union numbers have declined significantly. Finally, four species show predominantly or exclusively negative trends: Black-winged Pratincole, Sociable Plover, Great Snipe, and Slender-billed Curlew. On the basis of simple arithmetic, it may appear that positive trends predominate slightly 144. Little Whimbrel Nvmenm minuius on nest, Soviet Union, June 1978 (M. Omelko) over negative trends. This, however, is evidendy not the case. The fact is that it is much easier to record an increase in numbers and the appearance of new species in areas where they have not been observed previously than the reverse processes. Confirmation of population declines requires, as was noted at the outset, monitoring and census studies, which have hardly been developed in the USSR. Moreover, even where there is a considerable population decline, isolated pockets of breeding birds survive for a certain period in most cases, so that only the structure of the range changes while its general outline remains the same. This also tends to mask negative population trends. It may therefore be supposed that population declines and range contractions among the waders of the Soviet Union are a more 360 Waders in the Soviet Union widespread phenomenon than might appear from the information presented in this paper. The data presented here allow another important conclusion regarding the way in which new areas are colonised by expanding species. For many species, the spread may take the form of both a gradual expansion (i.e. as it were an opening-up of the range limits) and a colonisation of areas well away from the main breeding range and the establishment there of independent centres of distribution. In the examples considered here, the range expansions of Black-winged Stilt, Lapwing and Marsh Sandpiper have proceeded simultaneously in both the ways described above. The Ruff, which shows virtually no fidelity to breeding site, has a greater tendency than other species to establish isolated pockets of distribution. It is striking that the changes apply mainly to species which breed in southern and central regions of the former USSR. Ruff and Long-billed Dowitcher are the only northern species and they are both increasing and expanding their breeding ranges. The difference is readily understandable and reflects the varying level of man-made changes to the environment in different regions. For most species, explanations have been suggested for the changes which have taken place. All the explanations relate to human activity, primarily to agricultural development. For example, ploughing of steppes has led to the fragmentation of populations, or complete disappearance, of Black-winged Pratincole, Sociable Plover, and perhaps Slender-billed Curlew and Marsh Sandpiper. Forest clearance and the creation of new open tracts of farmland far to the north have encouraged a northward spread by Lapwing and Marsh Sandpiper. The widespread development of irrigation and rice-cultivation in the south of the Soviet Union and in other countries has perhaps become the main reason for the population growth of Black-winged Stilt and Ruff; irrigation in Central Asia probably enabled the White-tailed Plover to increase its population and consequently to expand its range. In contrast, the reasons are not at all clear for population and distribution changes of Collared Pratincole (range expansion), Golden Plover, Terek Sandpiper and Long-billed Dowitcher, but, even in these cases, some human factors may be at work, affecting, for example, survival in the winter quarters. Acknowledgments riiis paper was translated from the Russian by M. G. Wilson. For permission to use their unpublished data, I wish to thank A. L. Mishchenko, V. V. Pronkevich, S. M. Smirenskiy, A. M. 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V., AuEZOV, E. M., Berezovskiy, V. G., & Grachev, A. V. 1979. Expansion of White-tailed Lapwing breeding range in Kazakhstan. Omitologiya 14: 200-202. Kistchinski, a. a. 1980. Ptitsy Koryakskogo nagor’ya [The birds of the Koryak Highlands]. Moscow. 1988. Omitofauna severo-vostoka Azii: istoriya i sovremennoe sostoyanie [The bird fauna of north- east Asia: history and present status]. Moscow. Kistyakovskiy, a. B., & Smogorzhevskiy, L. a. 1973. A report on the bird fauna of the Lower Amur. In: Voprosy geografi Dal’nego Vostoka 11: 182-224. Khabarovsk. Kokhanov, V. D. 1983. Ecology of Little Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Curlew in Murmansk region. Tex. Dokl. XI Pribalt. orn. Konf: 110-112. Talhnn. Kondratiev, A. Y. 1982. Biologiya kulikov v tundrakh Severo-Vostoka Azii [Biology of waders on the tundras of north-east Asia] . Moscow. Kostin, Y. V. 1983. Ptityy Kryma [The birds of the Crimea]. Moscow. Kozlov, V. P., & Ivanovskiy, V. V. 1980. Nesting of Golden Plover in the Poozerye (‘lake district’) of Belorussiya. In: Flint, V. E. (ed.) Novoe v izuchenii biologii i rasprostranenii kulikov [New data from studies of wader biology and distribution]: 148-149. Moscow. Kozlova, E. V. 1961. Rzhankoobraznye. Podotryad kuliki. Fauna SSSR. Ptityy. Tom 2. Vypusk 1. Chast’2. (Charadriiformes — Suborder waders. In: Fauna of the USSR. Birds. Vol. 2, No. 1, Part 2). Moscow-Leningrad. 1962. Rzhankoobraznye. Podotryad kuliki. Fauna SSSR. Ptitgy. Tom 2. Vypusk 1. Chast’ 3. Waders in the Soviet Union 363 (Charadriiformes — Suborder waders. In: Fauna of the USSR. Birds. Vol. 2, No. 1, Part 3). Moscow-Leningrad. Kuchin, A. P. 1983. Ecology and nesting of waders in the Altai region. In: Ptit^ Sibiri. Tez- Dokl. Vtoroy Sihirsk. om. Konf. 186-188. Gorno-Altaysk. & Chekcheev, I. P. 1987. Short communications on rare bird species. Black-winged Stilt in the Kulunda lake depression. In: Il’YASHENKO, V. Y. (ed.) Problemy okhrany redkikh zhivotnykh [Problems associated with the conservation of rare animals]: 142. Moscow. KumaRI, E. V. 1973. Changes in distribution and numbers of waders in Estonia over recent decades. In: FUNT, V. E. (ed.) Fauna i ekolo^a kulikov [Waders and their ecology] 2: 50-52. Moscow. Kumari, K. E. 1982. Punane Raamat. Tallinn. [Estonian.] Kydyrauev, a. K. 1982. Breeding waders new to Kirgiziya. Omitologiya 17: 169. Labutin, Y. V., Leonovich, V. V., & Veprintsev, B. N. 1982. The Litde Curlew Numenius minutus in Siberia. Ibis 124: 302-319. , Degtyarev, A. G., & Bukhin, Y. Y. 1985. Birds. In: Andreev, V. N. (ed.) Rastitel’nyi i zhivotnyi mir del’ty reki Leny [Flora and fauna of the Lena river delta]: 88-1 10. Yakutsk. Lane, B. A. 1987. Shorebirds in Australia. Melbourne. Larionov, A. G. 1984a. Waders in the northern part of the Lena-Amga interfluve. In: Mordosov, I. I. (ed.) Ekohgya nazemnykh pozvonocknykh taezhnoy Takutii [Ecology of terrestrial vertebrates in the taiga of Yakutiya]: 34-45. Yakutsk. Larionov, G. P. 1984b. Changes in the bird fauna of the taiga part of western Yakutiya over recent decades. In: MORDOSOV, I. I. (ed.) Ekologya nazemnykh pozuonochnykh taezhnoy Takutii [Ecology of terrestrial vertebrates in the ttuga of Yakutiya]: 3-17. Yakutsk. Leonovich, V. V. 1981. New data on bird distributions in Magadan region. Omitologiya 16: 154-155. 1986. Changes in the avifauna of the southern Kanin peninsula. Omitologiya 21: 136-137. & Nikolaevskiy, L. A. 1976. Distribution and numbers of Far Eastern Curlew. Trudy Okskogo gos. Zo-poved. 13: 153-157. Litun, V. I., & Makarov, V. A. 1984. Ornithological discoveries in Kirov region. In: Problemy okhoty, vosproizvodstva i okhrany pramystavykh zjoer^ i ptits [Problems associated with the hunting, renewal and conservation of economically important animal and bird resources]: 23-26. Perm’. Lobachev, V. S. 1968. Little Bustard and Great Bustard in the deserts of the north-east Aral Sea region. Omitologiya 9: 358-360. Lobkov, E. G. 1986. Gnezdyashchiesya ptitsy Kamchatki [The breeding birds of Kamchatka]. Vladivostok. Mal’CHEVSKIY, a. S., & PUKINSKIY, Y. B. 1983. Ptitsy Leningradskoy oblasti i siopredel’nykh territoriy: istoriya, biologya, okhrana [The birds of Leningrad region and adjoining territories: history, biology, conservation] vol. 1. Leningrad. Mikhaylov, K. E., & Fil’chagov, A. V. 1984. Characteristics of the distribution and spread of some bird species in the Kola peninsula tundra. Omitologiya 19: 22-29. Minoranskiy, V. A., & Dobrinov, A. V. 1990. The Black-winged Stilt in a man-made landscape. Priroda (2): 54-57. Mishchenko, A. L. 1988. Additions to the new edition of the Red Data Book of the RSFSR. In: Il’YASHENKO, V. Y. (ed.) Resursy redkikh zhivotnykh RSFSR, ikh okhrana i vosproizvodstvo [Resources of rare animals in the RSFSR, their conservation and renewal]: 32-^1 . Moscow. Molodan, G. N., & Kabakov, A. N. 1986. CoUared Pratincole and Black-winged Pratincole in the northern Black Sea region. In: SOKOLOV, E. V., Syroechkovskiy, E. E., & Kuzyakin, V. A. (eds.) Vsesryuznoe soveshehanie po probleme kadastra i ucheta zhiuotnogo mira. Tez. Dokl. 2 [All-Union symposium on the problem of mapping and censusing animal populations. Abstracts Part 2]: 355-356. Moscow. Nechaev, V. A. 1963. New data on the birds of the Lower Amur. Omitologiya 6: 177-183. 1979. New information on bird distribution and biology on Sakhalin Island. Omitologiya 14: 108-111. Nedzinskas, V. S. 1990. The present status of waders in Lake Zuvintas reserve. Omitologiya 24: 154-157. Nikiforov, L. P., & Gipet, L. A. 1981. Factors regulating numbers and dispersion of Great Snipe in natural and man-made habitats. Tez. Dokl. X FUbalt. om. Konf. 2: 147-150. Riga. 364 Waders in the Soviet Union Nikolaev, V. I. 1990. Status of Golden Plover and Whimbrel in the Upper Volga region. Omitobgiya 24: 157-158. Osipova, M. A., & Golovushkin, M. I. 1986. Data for the mapping of bird distributions in south-east Transbaykalia. In: SoKOLOV, V. E., Syroechkovskiy, E. E., & Kuzyakin, V. A. (eds). Vsesqyuznoe soveshchanie po probleme kadastra i ucheta zhivotnogo mira. Tez- Dokl. 2 [All-Union symposium on the problem of mapping and censusing animal populations. Abstracts Part 2]: 366-369. Moscow. Pavlov, M. P. 1973. Nature and intensity of the impact of hunting on waders in habitats of the mid-Volga basin. In: Flint, V. E. (ed.) Fauna i ekobgijya kulikov [Waders and their ecology] 1 : 1 21-124. Moscow. POLIVANOVA, N. N., & Glushchenko, Y. N. 1979. Nesting of Black-winged Stilt at Lake Khanka. Byull. Mask. Obshch. Ispyt. Prir. Otd. Bwl. 84(4): 85-87. POLUSHKJN, D. M. 1980. Ornithological observations on north-west Baykal near the Baykal- Amur railway. Omitobgiya 15: 201-202. Popov, V. A. (ed.) 1977. Ptitsy Volzhsko-Kamskogo kraya. Nevorob’inie [Birds of the Volga-Kama region. Non-passerines]. Moscow. 1987. New data on the bird fauna of the Bauntov depression. Omitob^ya 22: 191-193. PORTENKO, L. A. 1972. Ptitsy Ckukotskogo poluostrova i oslrova Vrangelya [Birds of the Chukchi peninsula and Wrangel Island], vol. 1. Leningrad. Priednieks, J., Strazds, M., Strazds, a., & PetrinS, A. 1989. Latvian Breeding Bird Atlas 1980- 1984. Riga. Rogachev.A, E. V. 1988. Ptity Sredney Sibiri: rasprostranenie, ckislennost’, zoogeografiya [The birds of Central Siberia: distribution, population, zoogeography]. Moscow. Roslyakov, G. E. 1980. The Lapwing in the Lower Amur region. In: Flint, V. E. (ed.) Novae V izuchenii bbbgii i rasprostranenii kulikov [New data from studies of the biology and distribution of waders]: 164. Moscow. Rubenstein (Rubinshteyn), N. A. 1983. Wader fauna of the Pechoro-Ilych Nature Reserve. Omitobgyya 18: 179-180. Samigullin, G. M. 1987. Short communications on rare bird species. Black-winged Stilt in Orenburg region. In: Il’yashenko, V. Y. (ed.) Problemy okhrany redkikh zhwotnykh [Problems associated with the conservation of rare animals]: 141-142. Moscow. Semenov, B. T. 1980. Range expansion by Lapwing in Arkhangel’sk region. In: FLINT, V. E. (ed.) Novoe v izuchenii bbbgii i rasprostranenii kulikov [New data from studies of the biology and distribution of waders]: 165-167. Moscow. Sharonov, a. D. 1963. Ornithological observations in the environs of Tyumen’. Omitob^ya 6: 485-486. Shkatulova, a. P. 1979. Data on the bird fauna of the Buryat ASSR. Omitobgya 14: 97-107. Spangenberg, E. P., & Zhuravlev, M. N. 1967. Changes in the breeding range and population of Marsh Sandpiper [Tringa stagnatilis). Byull. Mask. Obshch. Ispyt. Prir. Otd. Biol. 72(3): 129-130. Spasskaya, T. K. 1989. Eco-morpho-physiological characteristics of the Black-wdnged Stilt. In: Khokhlov, A. N. (ed.) Omitob^heskk resursy Sevemogo Kavkaza [Ornithological resources of the northern Caucasus]: 77-80. Stavropol’. StaSaitis, J., & Margis, G. 1984. Kamanu rezervato aukstapelkes pauksciu fiticenozinis ir sezoninis pasiskirstymas bei gausumas. Nauch. Trudy Vuzov Litovsk. SSR. Biobgya 22: 18-25. [Lithuanian, with Russian and English summaries.] S trelkov, V. E. 1976. Waders and gulls of the Tyma river basin. Tmdy nauchno-issled. Inst. Bbl. Bbfiz. Tomsk. Unw. 7: 30-40. Tolchin, V. A. 1976. Distribution and ecology of Marsh Sandpiper in Central Siberia. Nauch. Dokl. tyssh. Shk. Bbl. Nauki (5): 42-48. 1983a. Breeding waders of inter-montane depressions in north-east Transbaykalia. In: Egorov, A. G. (ed.) Ekobgiya pozvonochnykh Vostochnoy Sibiri [Ecology of vertebrates in Eastern Siberia]: 90-101. Irkutsk. 1983b. Distribution and ecology of Ruff in the south of Eastern Siberia. In: Egorov, A. G. (ed.) Ekobgiya pozvonochnykh Vostochnoy Sibiri [Ecology of vertebrates in Eastern Siberia] 75-90. Irkutsk. 1984. Distribution and ecology of Lapwing [Vanellus vanellus) in eastern Siberia. In Tolchin, V. A. (ed.) 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Composition of the spring wader fauna in the Troitsko-Pechorsk district of Komi ASSR. Omitologya 17; 1 60- 161. VKSNE, J. (ed.) 1983. Birds of Latvia: territorial distribution and number. Riga. Vinogradov, V. V. 1963. Nesting of White-tailed Plover in Transcaucasia. Omitologiya 6; 303- 305. VoiNSTVENSKJY, M. A. (ed.) 1988. Kobniainye gidrofl’nye ptity yuga Ukrainy [Colonial waterbirds of the southern Ukraine] . Kiev. , Kryzhanovskiy, V. I., & Legeyda, I. S. 1981. Changes in the fauna of the Ukrainian Poleseye in association with drainage and land reclamation. Vestnik Zool. (5); 3-9. Volkov, A. E. 1986. Nesting of Little Curlew on the Anabar Plateau. Omitobgya 21; 129-130. VOROBIEV, K. A. 1963. Ptity Takutii [The birds of Yakutiya]. Moscow. Yaskov, V. a. 1981. New and vagrant bird species in the Lower Ob’ region (Western Siberia). In; Yurlov, K. T. (ed.) Ekob^ya i bbtsenoticheskie svyazi perebtnykh ptits Z^podnoy Sibiri [Ecology and habitat links of migratory birds in Western Siberia]; 180-181. Novosibirsk. Zaletaev, V. S. 1968. Prirodnaya sreda i ptitsy sevemykh pustyn’ Z^ttuupiya [The natural environment and birds of northern Transcaspian deserts] . Moscow. Zhukov, V. S. 1988. Marsh Sandpiper in the forest-steppe zone of Central Siberia. Omitobgiya 23; 208-209. Zinoviev, V. I. 1980. Ptity bsnoy zony Evropyskoy chasti SSSR {Rzhankoobraznye) [Birds of the forest zones in the European part of the USSR (Charadriiformes)] . Kalinin. Zlobin, B. D. 1973. Waders as gamebirds in Kirov region. In; Flint, V. E. (ed.) Eauna i ekob^ya kulikov [Waders and their ecology] 1; 110-112. ZuBAKiN, V. A. 1979. Nesting of Black-winged Stilt in Chita region. Omitobgiya 14; 191-192. 1988. Birds in the European part of the Soviet Union — candidates for inclusion in the Red Data Book of the RSFSR. In; Il’yashenko, V. Y. (ed.) Resursy redkikh zhwotnykh RSFSR, ikh okhrana i vosproizvodstvo [Resources of rare animals in the RSFSR, their conservation and renewal]; 25-32. Moscow. , Mishchenko, A. L., Abonsimova, E. V., Voloshina, O. N., Koval’kovskiy, S. Y., Krasnova, E. D., Mogil’ner, A. A., Nikolaeva, N. G., Sobolev, N. A., Sukhanova, O. V., & Shvarts, E. a. 1986. Present status of some rare bird species in Moscow region. Non-passerines. Omitobgiya 21; 77-93. ZuBTSOVSKlY, N. E., & Ryabitsev, V. K. 1976. New information on the birds of the Kanin peninsula. Omitobgiya 12; 228-231. Dr Pavel S. Tomkovich, Department of Ornithology, fpobgcal Museum of Moscow State University, Herzen St 6, 103009 Moscow, Russia Sponsored by Monthly marathon That preening, streaky passerine (plate 98) was named as: Robin Erithacus rubecula (80%) Blackbird Turdus memla (7%) Starling Stumus vulgaris (3%) Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos (2%) with a few votes each for Black Lark Mekmcorypha yeUoniensis, Bluethroat Luscinia svecica. Black Redstart Phoenkurus ochruros. Redstart P. phoenicurus, Stonechat Saxi- cola torquata, Treecreeper Certhia familiaris and Redpoll CardueUs Jlanmua. It was a juvenile Robin, photographed by Graham Catley in South Hum- berside in July 1989. Once again, none of the leading contenders fell at that hurdle, so we still have no winner of the SUNBIRD birdwatching holiday to Africa, Asia or North America. The race continues and it really is a marathon this time. The next hurdle is provided by plate 145. For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; or tele- phone Sandy (0767) 682969. 145. ‘Monthly marathon’ (twenty-fourth stage in fifth contest or first or second in sixth contest: photograph number 73). Identify the species. Read the ruks on pages 31-32 in the January issue, then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15th August 1992 Fieldwork action BTO news BTO Low-tide Estuary Counts, a new national scheme The BTO co-ordinates the Birds of Estuaries Enquiry, whereby teams of volunteers document the species and numbers of birds using 1 1 7 of the UK’s estuaries and 60 selected non-estuarine sites. Their activities allow us to Dunnock Prunella modularis, 366 Fieldwork action 367 monitor annual variation in population levels, seasonal population fluctuations and information on roosting distribution, and have been doing so since 1969. But the BoEE does not collect informa- tion on the distribution of feeding birds within estuaries, the sort of information w'hich is especially important for preparing a sound case when tackling the problem of piecemeal development of prime sites. The new BTO Low-tide Count Survey which is being launched aims to target each of the larger UK estuaries once every five winters. The survey will consist of a series of low-tide counts undertaken by local volunteers. Counters will be involved only in half a dozen counts within a specified time period, unlike the ongoing commitment required by the BoEE programme. To begin with, a list of 14 sites lacking recent coverage htis been drawn up. We welcome hearing from local people or groups who are keen that their local estuary should be covered. Those who have organised a low-tide count programme have found that the interest and satisfaction gained from the results greatly outweigh the not inconsiderable effort. The programme, backed by the RSPB and the JNCC, will begin in winter 1992/93. Please contact the Head of the Estuaries Unit at BTO HQ if you are interested. Paul Green Bribjh Trust for Omithohgji, The Natimal Centre for Omithologf, The Nutmeg, Theford, Norfolk 1P24 2PU ICBP news Indonesia - challenge and opportunity The opening of an ICBP pro- gramme office in Bogor, Indonesia, is an exciting step forward for the ICBP’s conservation programme. Indonesia has the most threatened bird species of any country in the world (see Birds to Watch, Collar & Andrew, 1988) arid has also been identified as a top priority by the ICBP’s Biodiversity Project, because of its high num- ber of restricted-range species. Indonesia is also home to many celebrated bird families, such as megapodes, birds of paradise, cockatoos and hombiUs. With over 60% of the country forested and nearly 7% of the land area with some kind of con- servation status, it may initially seem that the environment is in comparatively good shape, and the prospects for the avifauna reasonable. A look at the human statistics, however, paints a differ- ent picture. Indonesia’s current population of 180 million is growing at 2.3% a year, and agricul- ture and industry are being developed, financed largely by revenue from oil and timber. The threats are enormous, but, with the significant amount of habitat that remains, the opportunities for conservation are equally large. The opening of the ICBP office is associated with the signing of an agreement between the ICBP and the Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (PHPA), the In- donesian government body, for a collaborative conservation programme. The programme is wide-ranging, involving field research, public awareness and the implemen- tation of conservation measures. The promotion of conservation organisations in Indonesia and training of prospective conservationists are key elements, since building a strong in-country conser- vation movement is crucial to the long-term prospects. An assessment of the ecology and status of wild populations of traded birds, especially parrots, will be made, with a view to setting limits for their sustainable use. The endemic bird areas identified by the ICBP’s Biodiversity Project will be priority targets for field action. The conservation of the wildlife of Indonesia’s 17,500 islands is a challenging task, but it is cen- tral to the goal of conserving the world’s biodiversity, and the ICBP is well equipped to play a central part in meeting that challenge. Any birders visiting Indonesia may like to get in touch with Paul Jepson at the ICBP Indonesia Programme Crf- Jice, for admce on the best areas to visit. Paul is very willing to help and can be contacted at the ICBP Indonesia Programme Office, PO Box 212/ BOO, J L Cihsari, Block XII, No. 1, Bogor Barn, Bogor 16001, Irulonesia; teL (62) 251 325862; fax: (62) 251 325755. Georgina Green ICBP, 32 Cambridge Road, Girton, Cambridge CB3 OPJ Review Birds of the Strait of Gibraltar. By Clive Finlayson. Illustrated by Ian Willis. T. & A. D. Poyser, London, 1992. 534 pages; 29 black-and-white plates; 25 line-drawings; numerous figures and tables. j(^27.00. Not a little of what is known about the birds of southern Spain is based on pioneering work by Gibraltar-based workers. Principal among these was Lt Col. Howard Irby, whose 1875 account of the Ornithology of the Straits of Gibraltar remains a fascinating snapshot of the landscape and wildlife of a then-unspoilt comer of the Western Palearctic. Clive Finlayson’s book is a natural successor to Irby’s, but is true to latter-day ornithological traditions in being much more discursive than de- scriptive. An introduction describing the area precedes four lengthy chapters on migration: of soaring birds, other landbirds, waterbirds and seabirds, respectively. Each will be obligatory reading for students in these fields, containing much unpublished material, including what are in effect mini- papers on the key species. The accounts of Audouin’s Gull harm audouinii (9 pages and 6 figures) and the author’s work on Pallid Swifts Apm pallidas (and Swifts A. apus) in Gibraltar are particu- larly noteworthy. Finlayson has done his work well, and the literature has been fully researched and skilfully combined with the data amassed by local ornithologists. Comparisons with other areas are detailed and interesting. For example, the raptor passage at Gibraltar is set in the con- text of all the flyways between Eurasia and Africa. Two chapters on terrestrial and wetland com- munities are useful, but would have benefited from wider comparison with other Western Mediterranean communities. The final chapter deals with seasonality and distribution, and with the ornithological importance of the Gibraltar area. This book is a veritable mass of information, mainly well presented. Those numerous figures giving dispersion and abundance indices will, however, be largely unintelligible to those not schooled in community ecology and might well have been omitted. In any case, figures should al- ways be self-explanatory, and readers may be irritated by the use of barely meaningful species- codes (e.g. BLUT, GRIT, CRST and COLT in figs. 211/214 on tits Pams), instead of full names. Perhaps some of the community analyses could have been replaced by a fuller treatment of conservation issues. The Gibraltar area is currently subject to pressures from industrial pollu- tion, tourism, urbanisation and competition for scarce water resources. The environmental impact of these merited detailed consideration and the opportunity has not been taken to compare fully the situation of the region’s birds and habitats, as documented by Irby and others a century and more ago, with the status quo. These are but minor criticisms, however, of a thorough and valu- able work. Ernest F. J. Garcia Short reviews Distribucion y Demografia de la Grulla Comun (Grus grus) en Espana. Edited by Javier A. Alonso & Juan C. Alonso. (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimenta- cion, ICONA, Madrid, 1991. 192 pages. No price given) This attractively presented book in Spanish (with English summaries and descrip- tions of figures) maps the distribution of the 45,000 or so Cranes wintering in Spain, of which 43% gather in four main areas. Popula- tion modelling indicates that annual recruitment rates of less than 10% would result in extinc- tion; actual rates are only just over this critical level. [Leo Batten] Le RoUier d’Europe. By Alain Christof. (Les fiditions du point Veterinaire, Maisons- Alfort, 1991. 192 pages. Paperback 198F) Enthusiasm and extensive personal, indeed intimate, experience underlie this concise biography. All aspects of European Roller Coracias garrulus biology are detailed informatively and accurately, with useful illustrations, including many stunning colour photographs by the author. Thoroughly recommended even for those with mediocre French — and a pattern that UK publishers might note and follow. [fiM Flegg] Das Rebbuhn. By Rolf Dwenger. (Die Neue Brehm-Bucherei 447, A. Ziemsen Ver- lag, Wittenberg Lutherstadt, 2nd edn, 1991. 144 pages. Paperback DM29.80) The Grey Partridge Perdix perdix was declared ‘Bird of the 368 Short reviews 369 Year 1991’ in recognition of the pressing need to address its catastrophic decline. This Ger- man monograph gives a good, albeit dated and slighdy muddled, all-round view of par- tridge biology. Nevertheless, the reason for the decline is clearly stated: agricultural intensifica- tion leading to habitat loss and low brood sizes. Co-operation between farmers, hunters and conservationists is the key to reversing the trend. The Feuchtwangen Project aims to do this; it is introduced by Dwenger and is a glim- mer of light in an otherwise gloomy situation. [Dick Potts] The Birds of the Balkan Peninsula. By Simeon Simeonov & Taniu Michev; illustrated by Gueorgi Pchelarov. (Peter Beron, Sofia, 1991. 250 pages. No price quoted) This is the first-ever Bulgarian-pro- duced field guide. Apart from scientific names and certain references, the text is wholly in Cyrillic script. The interest for western or- nithologists, however, wiU largely be in the maps, which show each species’ distribution (in red, pink, blue and yellow) not only for Bul- garia, but for the whole of the Balkan Penin- sula south of about 47°N (so including the whole of mainland Greece and Albania, as well as a large part of Romania and the for- mer Yugoslavia). The major impact of this book, however, will certainly be within Bulgaria and its neighbours. The illustrations match those in many other field guides, with differing age/sex-related plumages being illustrated, as well as appearance in flight, and a serious attempt to display each species’ different jizz. Some deficiencies are apparent in critical cases such as the Phylbscopus warblers, but this book is likely to revolutionise the general public’s interest in birds and the competence of field ornithologists in southeast Europe. QTRS] The Complete Garden Bird. By Les Stocker. (Chatto and Windus, London, 1991. 184 pages. ;(j9.99) From an horrific opening sequence describing how birds caught in a factory explosion were rehabili- tated (and in some cases rebuilt), subse- quent chapters deal with ways of providing shelter, nest-sites and food for familiar, and not so familiar, garden birds. It is in this respect that the book is often over- ambitious, advising the planting of gorse to attract nesting Bramblings Fringilla monti- Jringilla, and including, in an otherwise use- ful list of nestbox dimensions, one for Hoopoe Upupa epops. Such criticisms apart, this book will answer many questions which we, as birders, are often asked by non- birders, and should help to encourage every reader to unlock the tremendous potential of gardens as bird reserves. [Barry Nightingale] In Search of Sparrows. By Denis Summers-Smith. (T. &. A. D. Poyser, London, 1992. 141 pages. ;^17.00) The author of The House Sparrow (1963) and The Sparrows (1988) describes his adventures travelling in search of all of the world’s sparrows Passer (only Saxaul Sparrow P. ammoekndri has so far eluded him). It is always fun to read about other birders’ adventures and mishaps in places such as the Sahara, the Cape Verde Islands, Thailand and Afghanistan. QTRS] ^Eljentp-fibe pears ago... THE SEVERE WINTER OF 1916-17 AND ITS EFFECT ON BIRDS IN THE SOUTH OF IRELAND by C. J. CARROLL. ‘In the south of Ireland, hard relentless frosts and unprece- dented snowstorms began in November, 1916, and lasted — with interruptions — until the middle of April 1917, causing the destruction of birds in incredible numbers. A continuous three weeks’ frost was followed early in February by heavy snow, which drifted to a depth of over ten feet, ren- dering many roads quite impassable. ‘Birds were then dying everywhere, and a Brambling, one of the wildest of small birds, came several times beneath the window to feed with other pensioners. All species were very resdess, ever on the move searching for unfrozen ground. Black-headed Gulls swung backwards and for- wards in front of windows to fetch up eventually beside the food which my wife spread daily near the house, while Curlews forced from the marshes became comparatively tame, and wandered through the open fields in little bands. White-fronted Geese were seen in unexpected places, and Snipe from all parts congregated on the river banks. Nevertheless, they quickly became mere atoms of fluffy skin and bone, and died in quantities. Numerous Woodcocks came down from the mountains to delve about in mossy hollows and under the shelter of thorn bushes. Unlike the Snipe they remained rather well conditioned throughout, though what they found to eat goodness only knows. 370 Seventy-Jwe years ago .. . ‘The Thrush family fared badly, but Fieldfares less so than the other members. Redwings, al- ways the first to collapse in hard weather, suffered dreadfully and were strewn around everywhere dead. For warmth at night, they stuffed themselves into every available hole, and when 1 was saw- ing timber I found their frozen remains tightly wedged into narrow cracks. Soon after that they all disappeared and I have not since seen any Redwings. Here, in the south. Blackbirds and Song- Thrushes were seriously thinned out, but in Co. Mayo Mr Ruttledge finds the former in their usual numbers now, whUe Song-Thrushes have been almost exterminated there, as they have been in Co. Dublin, according to Canon Benson. Mistle-Thrushes quickly succumbed, and those left have been singularly silent. For a few weeks Fieldfares entirely disappeared, but in spring they turned up again in flocks preparatory to leaving the country. ‘Underneath Starling roosts the ground was thickly littered with corpses, and Rooks in a semi- starved condition eked out an existence by drinking the blood of the feeble birds they slaughtered. All the Corvida seemed to win through, doubtless by indulging their natural carnivorous tenden- cies. ‘Lapwings even came into stable-yards — those individuals that were not starved or frozen. However, Golden Plover fared better and did not become the least tame, while I noticed little or no diminution of Coots or Waterhens. ‘Golden-crested Wrens have almost ceased to exist: I have not seen one since mid-winter and I doubt if more than one per cent survives. The Tits obviously suffered, especially Long-tailed Tits and Coal-Tits; and Stonechats and Grey Wagtails are now quite scarce. The latter birds appear to be as delicate as they look and are always most susceptible to weather changes. Pied Wagtails, on the other hand, seem unaffected by weather, and are now as numerous as heretofore. Robins have decreased slightly. Wrens more so, and Meadow-Pipits paid a very heavy toll. ‘The winter had, of course, no effect on the hardy Crossbill, while Buntings and Finches came out of it well, especially Chaffinches, which are evidently exceptionally robust, and never once looked starved and miserable like almost everything else. ‘Throughout the whole of Ireland the mortality amongst the birds must have been desperately heavy, for even along the western seaboard there was no respite from the awful frost. I am told of Lapwings which lay dead in bunches in Kerry, a county which has often proved the assured refuge of the hordes fleeing there to escape the icy grip of winter.’ {Brit. Birds 1 1: 26-27, July 1917). Lesser Scaup: new to the Western Palearctic ' ■ ” ■ .If’’- J.J. HoLian andj. E. Forley '• At about 09.45 GMT on 8th March 1987, JJH stopped at JefTerys Swag, Chasewater, West Midlands, to look for a long-staying male Scaup Aythya rnarila. He found, instead, a small, immature Scaup-type duck asleep amongst {/Inl. Birds 8.'): 370-376, July 1992] 371 Lesser Scaup: new to the Western Palearctic the wintering flock of Tufted Ducks A. jiiligula. As there was obviously some- thing ‘different’ about this bird, he brought it to the attention of A. D. Barter andj. J. Oliver, who were also present. Together they set about examining it in greater detail. After half an hour or so, they were still uncertain about the identity of this duck and so decided to obtain a comparison with the drake Scaup which had, by then, been located on the main pool. After studying the Scaup for a while, they returned for another look at the small bird on the Swag and spent an hour observing it and taking field notes. Unfortunately, the bird was asleep most of the time, but the following points were noted: Small Scaup-type duck, similar in size to Tufted Duck. Vermiculated back, ‘broken’ brown breast markings and brownish pri- maries, indicative of immature drake. Head not so noticeably rounded as that of Scaup, having pronounced ‘bump’ at rear, and look- ing uniformly dark in colour without any sheen (maybe owing to dull conditions). Habit- ually held tail erect, showing ragged tail feath- ers. Undertail bullish or off-white, with hint of darker brown on feather tips. Bill Scaup-like, blue/grey in colour, with small black nail. Eyes yellow, but somewhat duller than those of ad- jacent Tufted Ducks. After some discussion, they agreed that the bird was probably a Scaup X Tufted Duck hybrid. Later in the day, the bird was independently observed by another regular Chasewater birdwatcher, G. Evans, who subsequently came to the same conclusion. Over the next week, the bird received scant attention until, on the evening of 15th March, JEF, T. E. Giles, A. Keatley and A. I. Whatley, unaware of the bird’s presence, paid a brief visit to the Swag to have a quick look at the ducks before moving on to view the gull roost on the main pool. They soon saw the adult drake Scaup and then noticed a second Aythya some distance away, under overhanging willows. At first they thought that it resembled Pochard A. ferina X Tufted Duck hybrids with which they were all familiar, but, although the crown shape was similar, the bird’s head looked blacker and lacked any red coloration, and the mantle was paler. A Scaup X Tufted Duck hybrid was suggested, although this combination was not known to any of them. Lesser Scaup A. affinis was jokingly mused, but, as more and more iden- tification features were seen that they could remember as characteristics of that species, that possibility seemed increasingly likely. The bird was distant and offered tantalising views as it swam in and out of the cover of the over- hanging willows. The low sun gave the bird’s head a greenish gloss, which seemed a slightly worrying feature, but Tufted Ducks’ heads looked similar in this light. Its bin was all blue, with a narrow black nail, making a hybrid ori- gin unlikely. AK and JEF had brief views of strong black vermiculations on the scapulars, and noted that the bird’s size was slightly less than that of drake Tufted Ducks. When the bird flew a short distance, TEG and AIW saw the upperwing, which looked white on the secondaries and grey on the primaries. That evening, JEF and TEG examined a slide taken at Slimbridge and consulted the available literature, and became fairly certain that the bird was a Lesser Scaup. The following evening, JEF and GE - who had considered the bird to be a hybrid - discussed the identification and came to the conclu- sion that it was a Lesser Scaup. News of this brought people to Chasewater from places as far apart as Scotland and the Continent, but no-one seemed to have any literature relating to the immature plumage of the species. Many hours spent observing the bird 372 Lesser Scaup: new to the Western Palearctk seemed to raise more unanswered questions about various aspects of the plumage. Available reference books suggested that the Lesser Scaup should have a dark purple gloss to the head, something that the Chasewater bird showed in good light. There was, however, also a noticeable green sheen around the cheek area that seemed to extend down onto the sides of the neck. On 21st March, A. R. Dean pointed out that this feature is illustrated in The Birds of Canada', that book, however, does not show the green on the cheek ex- tending onto the neck. On the following day, the bird was quite active, giving comparatively good views of its head, including a new feature: a small, pale blue margin, much paler than the rest of the bill, situated immediately behind the black nail. This feature had also been noted by E. G. Phillips, but we had no idea whether this ‘fitted’ Lesser Scaup; we were also concerned about the colour of the un- dertail. The only way to resolve the various problems was to compare the bird at Chasewater with other specimens of Lesser Scaup, so on 29th March JJH visited SUmbridge to examine those in the collection. Unfortunately, there were no immatures present, but it was a bright day and the glossy purple sheen on the drakes’ heads was obvious; all of the drakes observed also had the green sheen on the cheeks, and it did indeed extend down onto the sides of the neck in the same manner as on the bird at Chasewater. All of the drakes also showed the pale area on the bill, behind the nail, although this did vary in extent from one individual to another. By 1 1 th April, two small, dark spots were noticeable on the undertail; as the days passed, this flecking increased, until, by 25th April, it had become very prominent. The bird was last seen at Chasewater on 26th April, and was photographed {Brit. Birds 80: plate 175; 85: plates 146-149). The following is a summary of notes taken during 40 hours of observation: SIZE AND SHAPE Approximately same as Tufted Duck, but appeared flatter on back: an impres- sion probably heightened by bird’s tendency to hold tail more or less continuously erect. Bill less steeply arched than that of Tufted Duck. Head distincdy ‘bumped’ at the rear. BARE P;\R I'S Bill slighdy darker in colour than those of Tufted Ducks; small black terminal ‘nail’, separated from Scaup-Uke blue-grey bill by pale blue margin. Eyes yellow, but less bright than those of drake Tufted Duck. Legs seldom seen, apparently greyish. UPPERPARTS Head and neck dark; head with purple gloss, and iridescent green sheen on ‘cheeks’ extending onto sides of neck (in dull conditions, head and neck appeared uniformly dark). Uppeiparts predominantly grey with black tips to feathers, giving same general ap- pearance as Scaup, except that black was more prominent, particularly on mantle. On closed wings, the primaries appeared dark brown, but in flight seemed more greyish-brown. Wing- stripe very bright white on the open wing, re- stricted to secondaries and not extending onto primaries (unlike Scaup). Tail feathers brown, and seemed ragged. UNDERP/\RTS Breast broken, medium chestnut- brown, broken up with pale buff areas; during bird’s stay, small black patch appeared, initially on sides of upper breast, progressively increas- ing until by late April upper breast was black and lower breast broken-brown. Flanks duU, off-white, with fine vermiculations. Shape of flank patch differed from that of Tufted Duck, showing gentler ‘S’ shape to top edge. Ixrwer edge of flanks (just on, but mainly below, the waterline) had a prominent line of brown, im- mature plumage, visible on both sides, but this feature gradually faded and broke up as the bird continued to moult. (The belly was white: P. G. I-ansdown in lilt.). When first observed, undertail pale buff/off-white, with slightly darker edges to the feathers; during bird’s stay, black spots/blotches gradually developed. (The underwings were mainly white with some brown, including a line just inside the leading edge: J. H. Marchant in litl). THE AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION invites readers of British Birds into our membership. If you join the only North American association of and for birders, you will receive Birding, our bi-monthly magazine which gives active field birders the expertise they seek, and Winging It, a lively monthly newsletter with the latest happenings and rarities. 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Telephone: 0923 816366. Telefax; 0923 816005. Telex: 24958 SWARO G. The natumidiotee. AT80 TELESCOPE With a large 80mm diameter objective lens, the latest AT80 observation scope gives optimal performance even in poor light. Exchangeable oculars with bayonet catch and replaceable turn-back eyecups make for comfortable viewing, whilst ultra-fast focusing down to 6m provides a good all-round range. An integrated optik adapter enables the connection of a reflex camera for a new dimension in close- up photography. (D138) XIV 146-149. First-winter male Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis, West Midlands, March 1987 [Damd M. Cottridg^ 374 Lesser Scaup: new to the Western Pakarctic E5 The inclusion of plates 146-151 in colour has been subsidised by a donation from Carl ,^eiss — Germany. 150. First -winter male Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis, Florida, USA, January 1 987 {R. J. Chandler) 151. Adult male Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis, California, USA, March 1978 [A. Rogers) 375 Lesser Scaup: new to the Western Palearctic 152 & 153. Adult male Scaup Aytt^a mania (left) and Lesser Scaup A. affirm (right) to show differences in extent of wing-stripe and bill pattern, especially nail shape; Ontario, Canada, April 1981 (A. D. Breuoer) This record of a first-year male Lesser Scaup was the first to be accepted for the Western Palearctic. A male occurred in Co. Down during 1 3th Febru- ary to 14th April 1988, and again in Co. Down and Co. Armagh during 4th September 1988 to 3rd May 1989, 13th December 1989 to 27th April 1990, and 7th December 1990 to February 1991 {Irish Birds 4: 87; Brit. Birds 82: 517, plate 287; 84: 463). A male was seen in Nottinghamshire on 22nd-23rd April 1990 {Brit. Birds 84: 463). J. J. Holian, 45 Heath Road, New Irwention, Willenhall, West Midlands \W12 5EP J. E. Fort^, 56 Dulwich Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham B44 OER 376 Lesser Scaup: new to the Western Palearctic Peter LansdowTi (Chairman, British Birds Rarities Committee) and Alan Knox (Chairman, British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee) have commented as follows: ‘Over the years, observers in Britain have discovered a number of ducks which have resembled male Lesser Scaup. Whenever one of these has remained long enough and come close enough to be studied in suffi- cient depth for a positive identification to be made, it has turned out to be a male Tufted Duck X Pochard hybrid or, more rarely, a male Tufted Duck X Scaup hybrid. As our knowledge of the appearance of such hybrids has grown, so the initial optimism and panic have decreased. When a bird resembling a male Lesser Scaup was found at Sutton Courtenay, Berkshire, in December 1957, staying until March 1958 and reappearing for periods of similar length in the winters of 1958/59 and 1959/60, opinions on its identification differed so widely that it was eventually de- cided to obtain a permit to collect it. It was shot on 3rd March 1960, under a licence issued by the Nature Conservancy, so that its identification could be established. It was a Tufted Duck X Pochard hybrid [Brit. Birds 54; 49-54). Thankfully, and initially because of this episode and its published outcome, the level of field-identification expertise has risen gready in the years since. ‘Lesser Scaup’s size, head-shape, bill-shape, bUl-tip pattern, gloss on head, upperparts pattern and extent of wing-band are important characters in the identification and record-assessment pro- cesses. At Chasewater, with a male Scaup for direct comparison, all of these characters, including the Lesser Scaup’s subdy smaller black nail on the bill-tip, could be used to separate the two species. During its consideration of the record, the BBRC was well aware that, although hybrids tend to conform to certain types, great variation does occur in both structure and plumage. It is worth noting, too, that Scaup and Lesser Scaup have started interbreeding in recent years in Newdbundland (Keith Vinicombe in Hit). Nevertheless, the Chasewater bird’s tiny black bill-tip, the coarse black vermiculations on its mande and scapulars and its white wing-band being con- fined to its secondaries satisfactorily ruled out the possibility of a hybrid and confirmed it as a Lesser Scaup. The BBRC unanimously accepted it as such on a single circulation of the record, and this decision was endorsed by the BOURC. ‘In addition, the BOURC had to make a judgment on the bird’s likely origin. Lesser Scaup breeds in northwestern North America from central Alaska and western Canada south to north- ern Idaho, northeastern Colorado, Nebraska and Iowa and has spread northeastwards recently to Newfoundland. It winters mainly from southern British Columbia, Colorado, Arkansas, southern Illinois and eastern Maryland south to northern South America and the West Indies. The only previous record to the east of North America is of one at Amerloq Fjord, Greenland, on 12th May 1985. In 1987, Lesser Scaup was to be found in Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust collections and in at least two other collections in Britain. The WWT reared 19 Lesser Scaups in 1986. There had been no known imports into Britain since 1980. ‘The BOURC took all of these factors into consideration when assessing the likely origin of the Chasewater Lesser Scaup and the Committee was unanimous in its decision to accept it as being of natural occurrence {Brit. Birds 82: 517; Ibis 133: 218-222). This resulted in Lesser Scaup being placed in Category A of the British and Irish list.’ Eds Notes First-brood juvenile Great Crested Grebe ‘helping’ second-brood chicks On 31st August 1987, at Whiteknights Lake, Reading, Berkshire, PG was watching two Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus chicks riding on the back of a parent when, at 15.15 GMT, a first-brood juvenile fed a small fish to one of the chicks. The juvenile had hatched as an only chick Notes 'ill on about 22nd June and was therefore ten weeks old; it was still being fed by its parents. The two second-brood chicks were probably two to six days old. On 7th September, RO watched the same family: one adult was still carrying the chicks on its back, the well-grown first-brood young was loafing nearby, and the second parent was fishing at the other end of the lake. The latter caught a fish and started to carry it towards the other grebes; it was met halfway by the first-brood juvenile, which accepted the fish, but, instead of swallowing it, swam towards the adult carrying the second-brood chicks and gave the fish to one of the chicks. Between 8th September and 2nd October, the same ‘helping’ behaviour was observed again on a number of occasions by PG, who formed the impression that it occurred frequently; in some instances, a parent had first caught a small fish and passed it to the juvenile. RO, however, felt that the fishing adult seemed to take positive steps to avoid the first-brood young, swimming around it and diving to confuse it, although on one occasion it was intercepted by the juvenile, which it presented with a fish, but this time the latter ate the fish immediately. Helping behaviour by first-brood Great Crested Grebes has apparently never been recorded before in Britain, although it is briefly noted for other European countries in BWP (vol. 1, page 83). P. Gipson and Richard Orton 1 7 Christchurch Gardens, Reading RG2 7 AH Department of Pure & Applied ^oology, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 2AJ Harrier-like hunting technique of female Sparrowhawks Each au- tumn-winter since 1986, at several sites on the Ouse Washes, Cam- bridgeshire/Norfolk, I have regularly observed large female Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus individually hunting the open, flooded washland. When hunting Snipes Gallinago gallinago — favoured as prey on the Washes — a hawk flies 1-2 m above wet areas, quartering the ground Kke a harrier Circus, with a slow wing action (high upstroke) and irregular flight path. During its hunting bouts, it frequently panics thousands of ducks, mostly Mallards Anas platyrhynchos, Wigeons A. penelope, Teals A. crecca and Pintails A. acuta: as it passes through these rising and wheeling flocks for up to 1 00 m at a height of 2-5 m, it performs a slow, relaxed flapping display flight with an exaggerated wingstroke, the wings being raised particularly high on the upstroke; it does not appear to be actively hunting at this point, and I believe that the display is probably prompted by the hawk’s feeling ‘intimidated’ when surrounded by these relatively large birds. No other Sparrowhawks have been present in the vicinity during these displays. The general effect of the display flight and slow hunting methods is to create the impression of a much larger bird; indeed, these Sparrowhawks have in the past been misidentified as Goshawks Accipiter gentilis by some ob- servers. J. B. Kemp 2 Northfield Farm, Hundred Foot Bank, fymore, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 2EL Dr Ian Newton has commented: ‘The slow wing flap is normally given as a form of territorial defence, often in the presence of other Sparrowhawks. One might therefore conceive of the same flight being given by a bird which felt “intimidated”.’ Eds 378 Notes Lesser Black-backed Gull apparently begging from Great Black- backed Gull On 24th October 1980, at Chew Valley Lake, Avon, I was watching a Lesser Black-backed Gull Lams Juscus feeding on a dead fish. It drove away a Carrion Crow Corvus corone which tried to approach the carcase. A Great Black-backed Gull L. marinus flew down and displaced both species. While the larger gull was feeding, the Lesser Black-back approached in submissive attitude, body horizontal, with upward tossing of its head; it repeated this several times. Both gulls appeared to be fuUy adult, but the posture adopted by the Lesser Black-back resembled the food-begging attitude of a juvenile gull or a breeding female. D. Warden Centaur, Ham Lane, Bishop Sutton, Bristol BS18 4TZ Derek Goodwin has commented: ‘I suspect a submissive display, comparable to that of some corvids, of which I wrote in Crows of the World (2nd edn, 1 986, p. 42): “A common factor in all the situations in which the quivering display may be given in non sexual situations is that it appears always to be shown as an alternative to either attacking or fleeing”.’ We cannot resist also quoting Dr J. J. M. Flegg’s light-hearted comment: ‘I would have been submissive in similar circumstances.’ Eds Woodpigeon attempting to feed from suspended peanut-holder On 29th October 1989, in my garden at Newbury, Berkshire, I watched a feeding Woodpigeon Columba palumbus fly to and p'erch on top of a hanging wire peanut-holder, which was half full. It remained there for nearly one minute, attempting to feed, but, unable to reach the nuts, it eventually flew off. It re- turned twice more and repeated the exercise, but gave up after the third at- tempt. BWP (vol. 4) states that this species is ‘remarkably agile, and will even hang upside down in trees to reach food’, but I can find no reference to this particular feeding method or food item. NiGEL Cleere 25 Bedford Close, Newbwy, Berkshire RG14 6SU David Glue has commented: ‘The record neatly described by Nigel Gleere is of interest and worth reporting, though the BTO has accumulated a number of cases of this species feeding thus over 22 years of the Garden Bird Feeding Survey.’ A paper summarising the records of a wide variety of species at nut-holders, reported to the BTO’s Garden Bird Feeding Survey, is in prepa- ration for British Birds by David Glue. Eds Barn Owls and Jackdaws sharing nest site On 10th April 1988, a pair of Bam Owls Tyto alba which I was studying in Wiltshire had five eggs in the - narrow central cavity in the rotten stump of an elm Ulmus. There were ! three narrow entrances to the cavity, only one of which was large enough J for the owls to use. Throughout the owls’ egg-laying period, there had \ been much courtship activity by Jackdaws Corvus monedula in the area of the , stump. By 29th April, all three entrances had a Jackdaw nest inside I containing eggs which were being incubated; the owl entrance was ' completely blocked off. Quite what happened during the hours of darkness when food was brought to the young owls is a matter for j conjecture, but in every case the Jackdaw blocking the main access must | have had to move out or be trodden over; there was no other way in for tire | Barn Owls. By early June, two juvenile owls remained in the cavity, the i Notes 379 remainder having been decapitated over a period, presumably by the adult owls. The Jackdaw nest in the main entrance was reduced from five eggs to three, all of which hatched, but by early June only one chick remained. The activities that took place in the entrance tunnel are a mystery, but for more than one month the owls had access to their young only by climbing over the centre of the Jackdaw nest, and all four nests were within an area of 0.5 m^. The fate of the Jackdaw chicks is also a mystery. Did the adult Bam Owl prey on the young Jackdaws while the latter’s parents were foraging for food? Of a total of 1 3 Jackdaw eggs, six hatched, but only three young fledged. A. J. CREASE The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Lumsden Barracks, Fallingbostel, BFPO 38 Barn Owls and Tawny Owls nesting close together As part of a Forestry Commission nestbox project for Barn Owls Tyto alba, modified ten-gallon plastic drums were erected on trees at numerous locations within the Newton Stewart forest district in Dumfries & Galloway, southwest Scotland. Each site contained two dmms, one placed vertically and the other horizontally, as part of an experiment to try to determine if the owls had a preference for either. During visits to one such site in both the 1987 and the 1988 breeding seasons, we discovered the vertical dmm occupied by Bam Owls and the horizontal dmm occupied by a pair of Tawny Owls Strix aluco. Both species reared young in each year, despite the dmms being only 34 m apart and in view of each other on the edge of a conifer plantation. In 1988, a similar situation was recorded 14 km from the above site and where the drums were 40 m apart; this resulted in the Bam Owls rearing young and the Tawny Owls failing at the egg stage. In most cases, strongly territorial species such as the Tawny Owl will not tolerate smaller birds of prey nesting nearby, and it is not advisable to place nextboxes for other species near to a Tawny Owl nest site (Mikkola 1976; Petty 1987). Although Barn Owls will nest very close to each other (CaUion 1973; G. Sheppard in litt), it is not usual to find the above two species successfully nesting so close to each other. Andy Dowell and Geoff Shaw 12 Glentrool Village, Bargrmnan, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire DG8 6ST REFERENCES Cau.ION, J. 1973. Bam Owls nesting close together. Scot. Birds 7: 260. Mikkola, H. 1976. Owls killing and killed by other owls and raptors in Europe. Brit. Birds 69: 144-154. Petty, S. J. 1987. The design and use of a nest box for Tawny Owls in upland forests. Qmrt. J. Forestry 8\: 103-109. Rapid occupation of tree nursery by Woodlarks The use of tree nurseries by breeding Woodlarks Lullula arborea in Hampshire and Surrey is well known (e.g. Sitters 1986), and it may be of interest to record how rapidly this man-made habitat can be occupied by the species. In spring 1985, small trees and shmbs were planted on an 80-ha Hampshire farm. 380 Notes One year later, on 1st June 1986, I recorded a male Woodlark singing over the site, and on almost ev'ery subsequent visit that I made, at all seasons, I heard one or two individuals; in August 1987, a family party of four was present (the first proof of breeding there), and a maximum of four singing males was reached in spring 1989. Although the Breeding Atlas showed confirmed breeding in the relevant 10-km square (Sharrock 1976), I had never seen Woodlarks in the area before, despite having made regular visits since 1971. The habitat fitted two of the three characteristics mentioned by Sitters (1986) as being typical of Woodlark territories: the site is slighdy sloping, and is on dry, well-drained soil; it is not, however, a warm situation, tending to be a frost hollow, but is otherwise well suited to Woodlark colonisation. Owing to human activities, no Woodlarks have been seen at the site since spring 1990. Robin GRIFFITHS 2 Hallsjield, Cricklade, Wiltshire SN6 6LS REFERENCES Sharrock, J. T. R. 1976. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. SiTfERS, H. P. 1986. Woodlarks in Britain, 1968-83. Brit. Birds 79: 105-116. Woodlarks feeding under cover At 09.00 GMT on 13th September 1985, in South Devon, we saw three Woodlarks Lullula arborea feeding inside a large polythene tunnel at a horticulture experimental station. Although this was at first considered to be an isolated occurrence, a similar observation was made on 25th September, when, as before, the larks were reluctant to leave the tun- nel. On this second occasion, the larks began responding to a fourth individ- ual which flew in to the area from elsewhere, calling loudly; after circling above the tunnel, the latter was joined by the others, and all four then flew a short distance to adjoining horticultural land. To enter the tunnel, the Wood- larks would have had to fly in over a 1.3-m windbreak; they could not have walked in while feeding outside. This suggests that they habitually fed there, and probably first discovered the site by walking in at a time when the wind- break was not in position. They often fed in a small patch of wallflowers Cheiranthus just outside the tunnel and, if the windbreak was not in place, would find the tunnel’s ground litde different from that outside. Unfortunately, however, their food source in the tunnel was never positively ascertained, but among the possibilities were aphids, found in abundance on sweetcom and tomato plants, and beetles, which frequented the bare dry ground between the plants. No Woodlarks were subsequently seen in the tunnel, although the flock remained in the area throughout the autumn and winter. A. M. Jewels and Ian Kendall Lundy Island, via Bideford, Devon EX39 2LY Misde Thrush singing in flight at 60 m At 09.55 GMT on 16th March 1986, on Pitsea Marsh, Essex, I heard the song of a Misde Thrush Turdus viscivorus and located a pair of this species flying straight and strongly, at a height of about 200 feet (60 m), and 30 feet (10 m) apart, in a Notes 381 southwesterly direction across the saltings. The song was delivered vigorously and was audible for about 25 seconds. JOHN H. SMART 34 Tyelands, Billericay, Essex CM 1 2 9PA As noted in BWP (vol. 5), song is delivered ‘normally from high perch . . . exceptionally from ground . . . and not infrequently in flight’. When flying across a valley, from one piece of woodland to another, song can be given at considerable heights, but 60 m seems high for a relatively flat area such as Essex saltmarsh. Eds Bark-tearing by Goldcrest On 16th October 1985, near Durham, Co. Durham, I watched a Goldcrest Regulus regulus feeding in the hawthorns Crataegus monogma of a hedge at the edge of a woodland. Although it fed mosdy by picking small items off the twigs, it also spent some few minutes tearing off loose bits of bark (as tits Pams often do) and pecking at the exposed areas of twig. I can find no reference in the literature to Goldcrests feeding in this way. David M. Wilkinson 35 Meadow Lane, Worslg, Manchester M2 8 4PL Dr M. A. Ogilvie conjectured that the Goldcrest could perhaps have learned this behaviour from tits. Eds Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits and Coal Tits eating algae The note on Long-tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus apparendy eating lichen [Brit. Birds 80: 169) interested me. On many occasions in winter and early spring, I have watched parties of Long-tailed Tits feeding in this way on the green algae covering the bark on trunks and branches of ash Fraxinus excelsior, sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and, occasionally, birch Betula. The rapid, intensive pecking on a small area of smooth bark is quite different from the selective searching for invertebrate food. I have also seen Blue Tits Pams caemleus and Coal Tits P. ater feeding in just the same way, though much less frequentiy. Professor G. E. Fogg, an expert on algae, has informed me {in lilt.) that algae of the genera Pleurococcus and Chlorella, those probably involved, ‘could accumulate as much as a third of their dry weight in the form of fat’, and it seemed to him likely that birds could derive a considerable amount of nourishment, in the form of both protein and fat, from algae on tree trunks. Further details are provided in my book The Titmice of the British Isles (1975, pages 1 13-1 14). The late J. A. G. Barnes Possible sap-sucking by Long-tailed Tits and Blue Tits After a week of snow in January 1987, in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, I passed some sycamore trees Acer pseudoplatanus which had been lopped the previous day. Long icicles hanging from the cut ends of the branches were being visited by a flock of Long-tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus together with a few Blue Tits Pams caemleus. Both species appeared to be drinking from the melt-water which was slowly dripping from the icicles. There were no icicles on other parts of the tree, but only on the upward-facing raw wood. 382 Notes and I presumed that the tits were taking advantage of the escape of sap (although they may, of course, have been seeking water). A. J. Macfarlane Martin’s Close, 11 Wycombe Road, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP17 OEE Foster & Tate (1966, Living Bird 5: 87-113) recorded a number of passerines visiting ‘sapsucker trees’ in North America to drink the sap. Eds Blue Tits drinking sap In very cold weather in February 1987, in Winchester College Water Meadows, Hampshire, I watched up to three Blue Tits Pams caemkus drinking sap from a fresh cut on a Caucasian wing- nut Pterocarya fraxinifolia. None of the accompanying Great Tits P. major and Long-tailed Tits Aegithalos caudatus was seen to drink the sap. Close inspection of the cut confirmed that the liquid was indeed sap, and not water. S. K. Woolley Willingale House, 2 Butts Farm, Butts Green, Lockerl^, near Romsy, Hampshire S051 OJG Letter Looking ‘Fisons’ gift horse in the mouth Now that the dust has settled a litde on the announcement by Fisons and English Namre concerning low- land raised peat mires, a litde stocktaking of the situation seems appropriate. Fisons has made much of its intention to hand over a total of 8,100 acres (3,280 ha) of freehold land to English Nature. Consider this, however. Of the total, only 2,800 acres (1,130 ha) have been handed over immediately. That leaves 5,300 acres (2,145 ha) of SSSIs still being mined for peat. Much of that land has already been heavily worked; some of the remainder has had at least the vegetation stripped. Fisons might feel that, having damaged the natural history interest of those areas that much, it might as well go the whole hog. True it intends to leave a half-metre average depth to aid regeneration. Would it not be better, though, to leave all of the remaining depth of peat, and give regeneration an even better chance of success? I do not hold the view that English Nature has ‘sold out’. Unless the DoE had been prepared to give sufficient grant to local authori- ties to allow them to buy out the extant planning permission, under the 1981 Minerals Act, there was litde more that the Fisons deal could go for. Without the extra Government cash, local authorities would get charge-capped if they paid out the sort of sums involved from existing funds. Unfortunately, it does tie their hands. If the restoration and regeneration plans do not work, what will they do? Pull out of the deal? Unlikely. Fisons will no doubt already have visited the senior buyers at Texas, Home- base, B & 0^ Tesco and so on, urging them to relax their moratorium on peat products extracted from SSSIs. Fisons would not want to admit that the ban has affected its sales, but I believe that it did. Letter 383 Now, it is vital that conservation groups redouble their efforts in the cam- paign against peat extraction from lowland raised mires. Local authorities which have not signed the Peat Charter should be contacted, ‘to check progress’. Those bodies which have signed should be refreshed. A publicity campaign promoting alternatives should be launched. Most im- portant of all, individuals should write to the major retail chains, urging them not to accept peat from any SSSI site, and to promote alternatives. They should also write to local authorities and pubHc bodies on a similar basis. The Fisons deal may excite the habitat creators. There may be good wildlife sites created from the worked-out mires, but they will never match the uniqueness of the bogs which they replace. Not for the individually important species, nor for the sense of wilderness that they evoke. In a letter to its customers, Fisons says that the views of environmental groups which have criticised the deal ‘are not representative’. These groups in- clude the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Royal Society for Na- ture Conservation, the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Friends of the Earth and Plandife. There is a fair bit of expertise in that list, and a massive public membership. Now is the time for them to make their voices heard. Pete Bowler 259 South Street, Kimberworth, Rotherham S6I 2MV Announcements Change of address of ‘BB’ binders The binders are now trading as London Journal Bindery and subscribers should send their issues for binding to their new address at Roshn Road, London W3 SDH (telephone: 081-752-0552). Books in British BirdShop The following book has been added to the list this month: *Hancock, Kushlan & Kahl Storks, Ibises and Spoonbills of the World For all your book orders, please use the British BirdShop order form on pages xi & xii. Request Reprints on owls Authors of articles or publications dealing with owls and wishing them to be listed in the second edition of a Working Bibliography of Owls of the World are asked to send reprints to: Professor Richard J. Clark, The Owl Bibliography, c/o Department of Biology, York College of Pennsylvania, York, PA 17405-7199, USA. News and comment Robin Prytherch and Mike Everett Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ CITES and the wild-bird trade The Convention on International Trade in Endan- gered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) held its latest conference in Kyoto, Japan, during the first two weeks of March 1992. Governments from the 113 countries which have signed CITES sent delegations, and a huge number of wildlife conservation and trading organisations sent representatives. More than 1,400 people attended, and the ac- companying media interest, particularly in is- sues linked with elephants, ivory, tuna, bears, rhinos and birds, made it a lively and fascinat- ing event. A number of resolutions were discussed re- lating to the trade in wild-caught birds. The UK government delegation, after discussions with staff from the RSPB, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Environmental Investigation Agency, sup- ported the need for stronger measures to re- strict trading in heavily traded species and greater control to limit the high mortality asso- ciated with much of the trade. Resolutions dealing specifically with signifi- cant trade in bird species were dropped in favour of an all-embracing resolution on trade in animals. At the centre of the resolution was Article rV of CITES, which stipulates that any trade must be shown to be non-detrimental to the species involved. A new resolution, drafted and promoted by the UK delegation, included strong clauses calling for suspension of trade from countries which do not fulfil their obliga- tions under Article IV. This was weakened by other countries during debate and the resulting proposal merely allowed for suspension of trade tis appropriate. Heavy opposition to any moves which would restrict trade came from exporting countries such as Guyana and Indonesia. Bel- gium and the Netherlands even took the op- portunity to complain about the major airlines which have stopped carrying wild-caught birds. A resolution relating to mortality in the wold-bird trade provided for the suspension of trade in wold-bird species woth persistently high mortality rates following transport and quaran- tine. I’he UK strongly defended the need for a low maximum allowable mortality rate, but was eventually defeated. The final resolution merely allows for suspension of trade as appro- priate where mortality is significantly high. Head of the UK delegation, Robin Sharp, summed up much of what is wrong with CITES when he stated: ‘The history of this conference is littered with statements of gener- alities, with apologies later on for non-imple- mentation.’ Some positive steps were taken to include several species on Appendix I of CITES, which calls for a total halt to trade in those species in this category. Coffin’s Cockatoo Cacatm gqffini has now been placed on Appendix I, having previously been on Appendix II, which is sup- posed to restrict trade to a sustainable level. With nearly 73,500 Coffin’s Cockatoos ex- ported from the Tanimbar Islands of Indone- sia during 1983-89, it is little wonder that the future of the species causes great concern. The elevation of this and other species to Appendix I is merely a reflection of the fact that CITES has not been able to restrict trade as it sets out to do. Too many species are being traded at unac- ceptable levels, with excessive mortality. As CITES appears to be unable to control this trade, the RSPB will continue to urge individ- ual governments to introduce their own restric- tions. As the biggest importers of wild-caught birds, the European Community, the USA and Japan must be the first to take the lead. The conference hall was set next to a lake, allowing early-morning birdwatching and the chance to see Varied Tit Pams varius, Japanese Pygmy Dendrocopos kizuki and Japanese Green Woodpeckers Picus awokera, Japanese Wagtails Motacilla grandis and an obligingly tame White’s Thrush ^oothera dauma. Local birdwatchers from the Wild Bird Society of Japan arranged a day out for birders at Biwa-ko, the large lake north of Kyoto. The assembled group of 35 birders gave a multi-lingual cheer when the highlight of the day, an adult Steller’s Sea Eagle Haliaeetus pelagms appeared. {Contributed by Chris Harbard) Thailand converted? We must ail be grate- ful that Thailand’s National Assembly has at last passed new wildlife legislation which will enable it to implement the Convention on In- ternational Trade in Endangered Species 384 News and comment 385 (CITES). This action has come as a result of pressure applied by \V\VF UK. Thailand should be congratulated on going this far, but it will aU be worthless unless the authorities now set about proper implementation of the regulations. Welsh Conference 1992 The Welsh Or- nithological Society held its fifth annual confer- ence at Aberystwyth on 28th March 1992. Robin Prytherch opened the proceedings with fascinating interpretations of the territorial be- haviour of Buzzards Buteo buteo, ingeniously il- lustrated by his own drawings. A1 Venables provided a whistle-stop tour of the birds of Gwent using Atlas maps to relate species to the varied habitat of the county. David Saunders followed with an account of the bird history of Grassholm. Besides charting the growth of the huge colony of Gannets Moms bassanus, he re- lated many of the epic efforts of the pioneering ornithologists who contributed so much to the extensive documentation he had assembled. After lunch, Harold Grenfell presented a lively, sometimes hilarious, bird quiz which was won by Graham WiUiams. Graham re- ceived a prize donated by Subbuteo Natural His- toiy Books. Richard Meyer was due to follow with an account of the ecology of the Chough Pynhocmax pyrrhocorax but was unavoidably un- able to attend. He ftixed through some of his information and Hywel Roderick nobly worked into the night so that he could present this, related to his own work on the species in Ceredigion. Twm Elias’s animated account of the part played by birds in Celtic folklore was gripping: nobody who attended wiU ever hear the hoot of an owl with equanimity again! Terence Lambert ended the day with an ab- sorbing talk on bird painting, illustrated by slides of his consummate bird portraits; his de- bate on the division between illustration and art added a new dimension for many of us who like to look at bird paintings. [Contributed by Graham Rees) Yorkshire artist We are delighted to hear that Richard Whittlestone, runner-up in the British Birds/Young Ornithologists’ Club cover- design competition in 1978 (Brit. Birds 71: 139, 367), is now an established and successful artist, producing cards and prints for the Wildlife & Country Gallery (Boroughbridge, York Y05 lAL; telephone 0423-324374). Join Bruce Pearson Bird Illustrator of the Year winner (1984) Bruce Pearson is "The Artist in the Natural World' at a five-day sum- mer school during 3rd-7th August 1992. For details, write to Short Course Unit, Norfolk In- stitute of Art & Design, St George Street, Nor- wich NR3 IBB, phone Norwich (0603) 610561. Gillmor exhibition From 20th September, the Wildlife Art Gallery in Suffolk will be hold- ing the first one-man exhibition for over 20 years by our art consultant, Robert Gillmor. Actually it will be a two-person e.xhibition, as he is sharing the gallery with his wife, the landscape artist Susan Norman. She will be exhibiting pastel paintings of East Anglia. Most of Robert’s picmres will be based on his visits to the north Norfolk coast, where he has spent much time in recent years at Titchwell and Cley. The exhibition runs until 4th October and is open daily, except \V'ednesdays, during 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Fur- ther details from the Wildlife Art Gallery, 70-71 High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk; tel. Lavenham (0787) 248562. How big is a Cattle Egret? The reference to the Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus in an arm- chair [Brit. Birds 85: 49) prompted me to dive back in history and dig out an old slide of a Cattle Egret Bubuleus ibis (plate 154) which ap- peared on the Sussex/Hampshire border in 154. Cattle Egret Bubuleus ibis, Sussex, Decem- ber 1964 [Gordon R. Hopkins) 386 Nous and comment winter 1964/65 and was taken into protective custody before it expired [Brit. Birds 58: 356). Note the objects used for size comparison: pint size, Imperial Palearctic standard. {Contributed by Gordon R. Hopkins) AOS request The Army Ornithological So- ciety is keen to hear from birdwatchers who are serving or retired members of the Army, their families, or civilians employed by the Army. The Society (formerly the Army Bird- watching Society) has close links with many other ornithological and conservation organisa- tions and has, during its 32-year history, per- formed a great deal of valuable ornithological research. Details from: AOS, c/o MOD Lands 3, Block B 3/22, Leatherhead Road, Chessing- ton, Surrey. Those Israeli beauties Following our re- quest [Bril. Birds 85: 95) for an appropriate sci- entific name for ‘Glamorous Reed Warbler’, we have received the following suggestions: Acrocephalus bimba (Tony Soper), Acrocephalus cur- vaceus (M. H. Murphy), Acrocephalus houri (Anon.), Aaocephalus salome (Anon.) and, per- haps the subtlest of all, Acrocephalus tri- pagosolomis (F. M. Gauntlett). Is 57 the record? Following our comment concerning the late Horace Alexander’s 82 years as a BB subscriber {Brit. Birds 84: 524), we have heard from Stephen Marchant of Moruya, NSW, Australia, who started with vol. 30 (1936-37), no. 1, which is 57 years, and counting. Can anyone beat that? New County Recorder D. H. Ball, 254 Goldington Road, Bedford MK40 3EB, has taken over from Paul Trodd as County Recorder for Bedfordshire. Recent reports Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary covers the period 15th May to 12th June 1992 These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Tacumshin (Co. Wexford), 20th May. Honey Buzzard Pemis apivorus Cahirciveen (Co. Kerry), 27th May (first in Ireland for over 20 years). Lesser Kestrel Fako namumrd Hampstead (Greater London), 31st May. Red-footed Falcon F. vespertinus Major influx: over 100. Black-winged Stilt Himmtopus hmumto- pus Four. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratimola Portland BiU (Dorset), 31st May. Litde Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Belfast Harbour Estate (Co. Down), 2nd- 3rd June. Long-billed Dow- itcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Sidlesham Ferry (West Sussex), 21st-23rd May; Unst (Shetland), 25th May. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Ouse Washes (Cambridgeshire), 24th May. Franklin’s GuU Lams pipixcan Musselburgh Ash Lagoons (Lothian), 4th June. Gull-billed Tern Cehchelidon nilotka North Ronaldsay (Orkney), 27th May. Briinnich’s Guillemot Uria brrwia St Kilda (Western Isles), 27th May. Bee-eater Merops apiasler Tacumshin, 8th June (plus 15-20 in England). Short-toed Lark Calandrella bracfy- dacfyla Great Saltee (Co. Wexford), 1st June. Red- throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Influx: up to 40. Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia North Ronaldsay, 25th May. Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pk-vlianka St Kilda, 28th May. Black-eared Wheatear O. hispanka Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork), 26th May. Paddyfield Warbler Acro- cephahis agricola Fair Isle (Shetland), 9th- 10th June. Great Reed Warbler A. arundinaceus Four. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata Hartlepool Headland (Cleveland), 7th-8th June; Spurn (Hum- berside), 1 1 th- 1 2th June. Icterine Warbler H. kterirm Large influx: up to 150. Marmora’s Warbler Sybia sarda Spurn, 8th-9th June (potential second for Britain & Ireland). Spectacled Wai^ bier S. conspicillata Filey Country Park (North Yorkshire), 24th-31st May (potential first for Britain & Ireland). Subalpine Warbler S. cantillans Ten. Sardinian Warbler S', melanocephala North Ronaldsay, 25th-27th May; Formby Point (Merseyside), 28th-31st May. Greenish Warbler Phyttoscopus trochiloides Eleven. Spotted Flycatcher Musckapa striata Huge fall on 27th May, including 350 on Fair Isle, over 400 on North Ronaldsay and 70 on Sanday (Orkney). Red-backed Shrike Ijmius collurio About 150. Lesser Grey Shrike L. minor Hook Head (Co. Wexford), 1st June. Red-fronted Serin Serirms pusillus Trimley St Mary (Suffolk), 6th June (potential first for Britain & Ireland). White-throated Sparrow Zonatrkhia albkollis Trimley St Mary, 31st May to 8th June. Black-headed Bunting Emberiza mekmocephala St Martin’s (Scilly); 18th-23rd May; Gwithian (Cornwall) 20th May; Trimley St Mary, 4th-6th June; Danarmon-yn-lal (Clywd), 9th- 10th June; four. Fair ble, 9th- 1 0th June. 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Available all year. Details from Mrs E. Album, 47 Lyndale Avenue, London NW2. Tel: 071-431 2942. (BB918) CLEY. 3 Quality cottages (sleep 4, 6 and 6 -t 2). Quiet. Comfortable. Excellent value. Brochure: (0353) 740770. (BB097) EXMOOR for country and animal lovers. Farm- house accommodation, bed and breakfast and evening meal, or self-catering cottage. Details from: French, Brendon Barton, Lynton, Devon. Tel: 059 87 201. (BB213) fcLEY NATURE RESERVE 1 milel Small guest house offers you warm welcome. B&B and optional evening meal. Colour TV, tea-making facilities, all private facilities and central heating in all rcioms. Parking facilities and sorry, no smoking. IDEAL FOR BIRDWATCHERS THE FUMTSTOMES. WIVETON, HOLT. ^ NORFOLK 0263 740337 (BB160)j WEYMOUTH. ‘Birchfields Hotel’. Close to Radipole/Lodmoor/Pordand & The Fleet Ideal Winter/Spring breaks, local info’. Parties wel- come. Details phone 0305 773255. (BB169) WEST SUSSEX, Pagham Harbour/Selsey. Beau- tiful Georgian Farmhouse, with purpose built B&B accommodation. All facilities provided. Warm, friendly atmosphere, children welcome. Open all year. Tel: 0243 602790. (BBl 70) FARM COTTAGES between Lindisfarne Reserve and The Fames. Comfortable and well equipped. Sorry no pets. Brochure: MrsJ. Sutherland, Ross Farm, Belford, Northumberland NE70 7EN. Tel: 0668 213336. (BB171) GRACIOUS GEORGIAN HOUSE in private grounds. Central to the Yorkshire Dales, Gouth- waite. Scar and Angram reservoirs. High stan- dard of accommodation. Private bathrooms. Interesting home cooking. Friendly quiet atmo- sphere. E.T.B. 3 crown commended. Residential licence. Ideal birdwatching area. Sae: brochure: Mrs P. B. Garforth, Grassfields Country House Hotel, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate. Tel: Harrogate 711412. (BB088) GARA MILL. Slapton, Devon. Self-catering for 2- 7 in secluded four acres overlooking river and woods. Eight detached cedar lodges plus 2 CH flats in 16th c. cornmill. Near Slapton Ley. TVs. Dogs welcome. Free brochure: (0803) 770295. (BB987) XV ISLES OF SCILLY, Mincarlo Guest House, St. Mary’s. Superbly situated in own grounds over- looking the harbour. Write to: Colin Duncan or Tel: 0720 22513. (BB208) SCOTLAND ISLE OF MULL. A stable converted into two warm, comfortable flats. Frachadil Farm, Cal- gary. Tel: 068 84 265 or (0453) 833323. (BB037) SPEY VALLEY. Uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. All rooms en-suite; tea and coffee making facilities: Db&b £130. Brochure from: Penny Bailey, The Lodge, Easter Duthil, Carr- bridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84503. (BB184) SUMBURGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, SHET- LAND. Spectacular clifftop location. Seabird colonies, seawatching, passage migrants, all around. Selfcatering cottage sleeps 5, central heating, newly furnished, fully equipped except linen. Road to door. Virkie Pool, Grutness, white- sand beaches, Restaurant/Bar, Airport, all within 2'/2 miles. Also unfurnished Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage for long let. Details from Torquil John- son-Ferguson, Solwaybank, Canonbie, Dum- friesshire, DG14 OXS. 03873 72240. (BB087) ISLE OF GIGHA, Argyllshire. For a holiday sur- rounded by natural beauty, sandy beaches, exotic gardens, birds, wild flowers, good food and comfortable accommodation. Also self catering accommodation. Please contact Mrs. Mc- Sporran, Post Office House 058-35 251. (BB036) SPEY VALLEY. Beautiful secluded informal country hotel, 2 miles from village of Carr- bridge. Home cooking, full central heating. All rooms en-suite. Perfect base for birdwatchers and walkers. Discount available for parties. Terms from £180.00 per week DB&B. Brochure from Mrs Y. Holland. The Old Manse Hotel, Duthil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84278. (BB163) THE HOTEL, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA61 7YP. Demi-pension (Private bath) from £50.00. De- tails, brochures, map (bird list on request). Tel: 09512 316. (BB183) BOAT OF GARTEN, OLD FERRYMAN’S HOUSE. BB £13, DBB £21, PL £3, Bird register. Open fire in sitting room. Few minutes walk to RSPB reserve. Tel: 047983 370. (BB182) THE OSPREY VILLAGE OF BOAT OF GARTEN. Farmhouse accommodation, B.B. or B.B.E.M. also s/c house to sleep 5/6 persons. Clark, Dochlaggie, Boat of Garten, Inverness- .shire. Tel. 047 983242 (BB214) waij:s YSBYTY YSTWYTH, s.c. cottage, 4/5, kite country, all year. Brochure 021-744 1947. (BB939) SOUTH STACK, ANGLESEY. Tan-y-Cytiau Country Guest House. Lovely comfortable Ed- wardian house peacefully situated on slopes of Holyhead Mountain. Gardens bordering South Stack RSPB Reserve. Friendly atmosphere, excel- lent fresh cuisine. Licensed. S.C. Lodge in grounds sleeps 7. Phone Pam or Stan Keating on 0407 762763 for brochure. (BB832) RED KITE COUNTRY. Tregaron — Guest- House standing in 22 acres, overlooking the Cambrian Mountains and on the doorstep of the Cors Caron Nature Reserve. Central for Dinas and Ynys-hir RSPB reserves. Parties welcome. WTB — 3 crowns. For brochure, phone Mar- garet Cutter, 0974 298965 or 298905. (BB190) ANGLESEY. Superb waterside position with magnificent views. Ideal centre for bird watchers and botanist in area of outstanding natural beauty. Elegant en suite rooms available for bed and breakfast. Highground, Ravenspoint Road, Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd LL65 2"^ Tel: (0407) 860078. (BB205) WEST WALES smallholding. BB/EM or self cater in our cosy cottage for 2/4 or luxury 6 berth caravan. Ideal for Pembs Islands, National Park Tregaron. WTB approved. Tel: 0239 831265. (BB209) OVERSEAS HEART OF CAMARGUE. Secluded well equipped farm cottage. Mas d’Auphan, Le Sam- buc, 13200 ARLES, France (01033) 90972041. (BB146) AUSTRALIA, CAIRNS, JULATTEN. At King- fisher Park we provide accommodation and camping facilities in a rainforest sanctuary for native birds and animals. We are central to a vari- ety of habitats and cater for the interests and en- thusiasms of birdwatchers and naturalists. Geoff and Sandra Nicholson, Kingfisher Park, Rex Hwy, Julatten, Queensland, Australia. Tel. (070) 941 263. (BB197) BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS DIVISION OF NICK’S TRAVEL 100 LONDON ROAD. LEICESTER LE2 OQS ‘FLIGHTS FOR BIRDWATCHERS’ EXPERTS IN LOW COST AIRFARES - WORLDWIDE. DISCOUNT CAR HIRE/INSURANCE SPECIALIST ADVISER - ANDY HOWES 0533881318 (EVES) ALWAYS RING US LAST (BB204) xvi COSTA RICA More birds than the whole of North America! Taiior-made birding trips for individuals and small groups. Brochures: BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA APARTADO 7911 - lOOB SAN JOSE COSTARICA FAX: +506-281573 CO o CD CD ERYRI BIRDS Come birdwatching until us in 1 992 S. SPAIN SEPTEMBER N. GREECE SEPTEMBER Informal small group holidays with experienced guides Send for a brochure to; Colin Thomas, 24 Tan-y-Bwlch Rd, Llanllechid, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 3HU Tel: (0248) 600167 (BB186) The Travel Agency lor Birdwatchers DISCOUNT FLIGHTS-Worldwlde Return fares from London from U.K./EUROPE £71 M. EAST £139 CARIBBEAN £369 C.&S. AMERICA £399 AFRICA £129 N. AMERICA £183 ASIA £280 AUS/NZ £599 SEA TRAVEL : CAR HIRE : INSURANCE PACKAGE HOLIDAYS (Save up to £150) ACCOMMODATION : EXPEDITIONS & GROUPS ANTARCTIC & FALKLANDS Tours from £2750 pp. Brochure & Video available. Ask tor leaflet detailing our services. 0272-259999 orDICKFILBY0603-767-757 (BB193) BIRDWATCHING TOURS AUSTRALIA - Send for our Birding brochure. Tours throughout Australia from individuals to groups. We welcome enquiries from both private customers and tour agents. Falcon Tours. 1 Si- mons Drive, Roleystone, Perth, Western Aus- tralia. PH/FAX (09) 397 5125. Lie. Tour Operator. (BB871) BIRDING IN SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA. The diversity of habitats makes Gipsy Point an ideal place to begin your Australian holiday, with over 100 species likely to be seen during a relaxing four day stay. Regular pelagic bird trips. Gipsy Point Lodge, Gipsy Point, Victoria 3891 Aus- tralia. (BB897) THE GAMBIA: paradise for birdwatchers. Basic, clean accom. in prime forest/ shore area, transport and packed meals, extended trips with Mass Cham, foremost Gambian ornithol- ogist. Interested - please call Gee Cross Travel. 061-368 7005. Eve: 061-367 8335. (BB206) NEW ZEALAND I For the best of NZ birding, write Nature Quest New Zealand, Box 6314, Dunedin, i New Zealand for custom departures or details of self drive consultancy. Tel: & Fax: (03) 489 8444 (BB031) SEAWATCHING HOLIDAYS SHEARWATER JOURNEYS: seabirding and whale watching trips year-round from Monterey, California, Albatross, Shearwaters, Storm-petrels, Alcids and Jaegers. Humpback and Blue whales; Aug to Nov. Gray whales: Jan. Schedule available from: Debra L. Shearwater, PO Box 1445, Dept BB, Sequel, CA 95073, USA. Tel: 408-688-1990. (BBOll) BIRDWATCHING ADVICE LINE ‘PLANNING A BIRDWATCHING TRIP ABROAD’ OFFER YOU A TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS LINE: 0257262317 Ask for Keith Hitler experienced Birdwatcher. Details available include: * Worldwide Airfares * Car Hire * Package Holidays * Ferries * Overseas Rail * Visas * Health * Accommodation * Cruises * Foreign Money * bdividuals or groups catered for. ABTA number 29600 (BB117) xvii 1 BIRD INFORMATION The Paging Service for Birders RARE BIRD ALERT Tel. 0800 246 246 New cost saving options now available (BB207) PERSONAL WEALTHY AMERICAN GENTLEMAN, age 57, handsome, athletic, and avid birder, seeks attrac- tive non-smoking female, age 30-50, also ardent birder, as guest companion for birdwatching hol- iday to tropical America. Send letter/ photo to Donald Mann, P.O. Box 1014, Highland Park, IL. USA 60035. (BB195) BIRD REPORT OUTER HEBRIDES BIRD REPORT FOR 1991. Comprehensive Report plus rarities reports, Dave Davenport with a full description of Skua Passage off Balranald, Birdwatching on St Kilda, Gazeteer etc. Price £4.50 inc p&p from Tim Dix, 2 Drimsdale, S. Uist PA81 5RT. Cheques made out to OHBR. (BB187) BIRDUNE SOUTH EAST 1991 REPORT now available, containing; • Systematic list • Full colour photographs • Illustrated article by Chris Heard on the identification of Rock and Water Pipits • Guide to birdwatching access at London Reservoirs. For your copy send £5 to; Birdline South East, PO Box 481 , London SE20 8LZ (BB149) THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP Britain ’s leading ornithological booksellers where you can find our comprehensive range of new and secondhand books and reports on birds and natural history, including all new tides as they are published. Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Mail order catalogue available on request THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP 2-4 Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y6DS Tel: 071-287 1407 (BB192) The original BIRDWATCHER’S LOGBOOK The most concise way to record your observations. Monthiy, annuai and life coiumns for 762 species, pius 1 59 diary pages. Send £5.95 to: Coxton Publications, s Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, ^ Beverley, N. Humberside HU1 7 8RP £ FINE BOOKS ON ORNITHOLOGY, Natural | History purchased & for sale. Also field sports & | other rural subjects. Catalogues issued. David | A.H. Grayling, Crosby Ravensworth, Penrith, I Cumbria. CA10 3JP (Tel. 09315-282). (BB066) j WILTSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1990. £3.75 inc. p&p from N. Pleass, 22 Ferrers Drive, Swindon, Wilts SN5 6HJ. (BB194) ORKNEY BIRD REPORT 1991 available from Vishabreck, Erie, Orkney. £2.85 including p&p. (BB200) BOOKS BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD. Send SAE envelope to Dr J. Tierney, ‘Hawkridge’, Nether Padley, Grindleford, Sheffield S30 IHQ. Tel. 0433 630137. (BB109) ‘BIRD BOOKS’. Good secondhand books i bought and sold. Free catalogue from, and i offers to Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, j Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 ONJ. Tel: 0829 5 1 804. | (BB151) I Wide selection of ornilhologicat & natural history titles available from stock, also travel books & maj». Mail order catalogue on request Tel: 0352 770881 Fax: 0352 771890 Subbuteo Natural Histoiy Books Ltd. (B0) Treuddyn, Mold, Clwyd, North Wales. CH7 4LN {BB119) xviii SHROPSHIRE BREEDING ATLAS. Based upon fieldwork 1985-1991. Maps plus text and illustrations for 129 species. Chapters on habi- tats, populations, fieldwork. 204 pages. £9.95 + £1 p&p from Shropshire O.S., 6 St Annes Road, CoUegefields, SHREWSBURY, SV3 6AU (BB196) SEYCHELLES. A Birdwatchers’ Guide to Sey- chelles by Skerrett & Bullock. £8.75. Prion Ltd (Perry). From bookshops or N.H.B.S. Tel: (0803) 865913. (BB201) FOR SALE BIRD JOURNAL BACKNUMBERS SUPPLIED. (BB. Bird study. County Reports, etc.), David Morgan, Whitmore, Umberleigh, Devon. (BB144) ..Zeiss Kowa Opticron Bausch & Lomb Adlerblick Swift Optolyth etc. The Stockport Binocular and Telescope Centre Suppliers of quality binoculars and spotting scopes. Mail order, or callers welcome. Open 6 days 9-6. Repair service on the premises. aT&L Optical Instruments 26 Middle Hillgate, Stockport SKI 3AY Tal n/11 A-ta oono Tel. 061 -429 8002 (BB145) BIRDING CB SPECIAUSTS Hishly rec. MIDLAND PORT-A-PAC CB £99 + £3,50 pp. Mobiles from £58 • H/held from £69 • Base Star from £1 59 SAE for Details/Price List Rech Batts (lOxAA) £12 Cheques payable * Omesa Systems 43 Hemlinston Rd, Stainton, MIddlesbroush, Cleveland TS8 9AG 0642595845 (BB164) POYSER “Hen Harrier”. Offers, 0326 240919. (BB215) CLUBMAN 500mm 18 lens. Lens surface in ex- cellent condition, unscratched, £35. Tel. 081-472 1123. (BB198) NEW NATURALIST monographs - a complete set - will consider splitting. Sae for details. M. B. Gray, 26 Chaucer Road, Bath BA2 4QX. Tel: 0225 315879. (BB212) GOLDEN OLDIES by AVIAN PHOTOS Dave Cottridge, Tim Loseby, David Tipling Avian have gone back through the archives to produce a collection of the very best photos of rare birds dating back to 1980. All are 6x4 colour prints priced at £1.50 each, add 30p p&p. Send SAE for Golden Oldies and current catalogue to David Tipling, 99 Noah’s Ark, Kemsing Park, Kemsing, Nr Sevenoaks, KentTN15 6PD. (BB166) AT LAST! A CHECKLIST RELEVANT TO BIRDERS. The total British & Irish list is or- dered by relative abundance, not taxonomic order. Contains details on record totals, breed- ing, migrational and wintering data. 2.25 inch p&p. Cheques to: Ivan Lakin, 33 Carmarthen Ave, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hants. P06 2AG. (BB199) B.B. for sale 1960-1966 incl. Bound brown cloth. Offers. Phone 0442-253994. (BB202) PODSTRAP - the 2" wide black webbing shoul- der strap only £8.50 inc. p&p from: Vital Equip- ment, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 8AT (sae for details). (BB203) B.W.P. Vols 1 , 4 (RSPB) and 5, very good condi- tion. £50.00 each or £130.00 for 3. Contact Mar- tin Garner. Tel: 0582 20082. (BB210) TELESCOPE Nickel Supra 154)0 x 60 zoom, in good working order. Original leather case. £35 or £30 if buyer collects. Phone 0483 730323 (Woking, Surrey). (BB211) WANTED PETER SCOTT Original painting required. 0524 701801. (BB148) WALKERS Are the largest optical dealer on the Yorks coast. Binoculars - telescopes - video cameras - lenses - tripods - SLRs - compacts * ZEISS * KOWA * BUSHNELL * LEITZ * SWIFT * RUSSIAN * PENTAX * BAUSCH & LOMB * MINOLTA * OPTOLYTH * ADLERBLICK OPTOLYTH AND OPTICRON NOW IN STOCK SPECIAL JULY PRICES KOWA - ZEISS - LEITZ TSN1 or 2 & 30x £400 Zeiss 7 x 42 £589 Leitz 7 X 42 £599 Pentax 1 0 x 42 £1 60 Russian 7 x 35 £27, 10 x 50 £30, 20 x 60 £59 VALK^IZ(| LTD 70 ST THOMAS ST ‘ SCARBOROUGH YOU 1DY 0723 365024 FAX 0723 363334 British Birds Volume 85 Number 7 July 1992 329 New Editorial Board member 330 Rarities Committee news and announcements P. G. Lansdown and the Rarities Committee 333 Mystery photographs 179 Eleonora’s Falcon Dave Odell 334 Points of view 18 Should exotics be condemned or cherished? Derek Goodwin 336 Product reports Swift Viewonaster telescope Dr R. J. Chandler 337 Blackburnian Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic Damd Saunders and Mrs Shirk)) Saunders 344 Breeding-range and population changes of waders in the former Soviet Union Dr Pavel S. Tomkovkh 366 Monthly marathon 366 Fieldwork action BTO news Dr Paul Green 367 IGBP news Geor^na Green Review 368 ‘Birds of the Strait of Gibraltar’ by Clive Finlayson Dr Ernest F. J. Garcia 368 Short reviews 369 Seventy-five years ago . . . 370 Lesser Scaup: new to the Western Palearctic J. J. Holian and J. E. Fort^ Notes 376 First-brood juvenile Great Crested Grebe ‘helping’ second-brood chicks Dr P. Gipson and Richard Orton 377 Harrier-Uke hunting technique of female Sparrowhawks J. B. Kemp 378 Lesser Black-backed Gull apparendy begging from Great Black-backed Gull D. Warden 378 Woodpigeon attempting to feed from suspended peanut-holder iNigel Cleere 378 Bam Owls and Jackdaws sharing nest site Mcgor A. J. Crease 379 Bam Owls and Tawny Owls nesting close together Andy Dowell and Geoff Shaw 379 Rapid occupation of tree nursery by Woodlarks Robin Griffiths 380 Woodlarks feeding under cover A. M. Jewels and Ian Kendall 380 Misde Thmsh singing in flight at 60 m John H. Smart 38 1 Bark-tearing by Goldcrest David M. Wilkinson 381 Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits and Coal Tits eating algae The late J. A. G. Barnes 38 1 Possible sap-sucking by Long-tailed Tits and Blue Tits A. J. Macfarlane 382 Blue Tits drinking sap S. K. Woollgi Letter 382 Looking ‘Fisons’ gift horse in the mouth Pete Bowler Announcements 383 Change of address of ‘BB’- binders 383 Books in British BirdShop Request 383 Reprints on owls Professor Richard J. Clark 384 News and comment Robin Prytherch and Mike Everett 386 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-flrawings: 337 Blackburnian Warbler {Dave Numff)\ 344 Marsh Stmdpiper and Black-taile Godwit {Dan Powelt); 370 Lesser Scaup, Tufted Duck and Pochards {Andrew Birch) Front cover: Coots {Michael Webb): the original drawing of this month’s covdj design, measuring 18.6 X 20.8 cm, is for sale in a postal auction (see page in January issue for procedure) SPECIAL STANLEY CRAMP] MEMORIAL supplement] pp. 387-414, inserted in centre between pp. 356 and 357 British Birds Volume 85 Number 8 August 1992 mim Wxmxm ^ (NATOAl surroKYj 1 5 AUG 1992 mmmmm ZOOLOGY immY Bird Illustrator of the Year Sponsored by Great Knot: new to Britain and Ireland iXiOng-toed Stint: new to Britain and Ireland Tiidentification of Surf Scoter telescopes "■ ^ [ European news British Birds Alaiiaging Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, R. J. Prytherch & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith & Roger Tidman ,4;/ Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Rarities Committee P. G. Lansdown (Chairinan); Dr Colin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, G. P. Catley, Peter Clement, Pete Ellis, S. J. M. Gantlett, C. D. R. Heard, R. A. Hume, J. H. Marchant & Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (Museum ConsultanI & Archivist); Peter Fraser (Statistician); Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary) Notes Panels Bin W’lOl'R Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; II)F,\ HI ICATION Dr R. J. Chandler, A. R. Dean, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & K. E. Vinicombe ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology © Britisli Birds l.ld I992 Copyriy^ht of photoj^raplis remains wiili phoroi^rapliers. Britisli Birds is published inonthl) bv British Birds I-ld, High Street, Fhggleswade, Bedfordshire ISSN 0007-03:15 Publishing Manager, Production & Promotion Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Felts Adveiiising Sandra Barnes Addresses Please keep correspondence on difl'erent items separate. Please «iddress your envelope correctly. Please supply SAF, if reply required. Papers, notes, letters, drawings & photographs for publication Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK+4 :INJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40025 •Subscriptions and orders for back copies Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 SNJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40467 .Advertising Mrs Sandra Barnes, BB Advertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 :tN|. Phone: Fiptree (0621) 815085 Bird news for ‘Sea.sonal reports' Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MKI7 9QS. Phone: W'oburn (0525) 290314 (evenings); Luton (0582) 490049 (office hours) News items for 'News and comment' Mike Everett & Robin Prytherch, 7 Burlington Way, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon PKi8 9HS Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Fowednack, Cornwall TR26 :!AZ Special book and .sound recording offers British BirdShop, NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon rQ9 5XN. Phone: Totnes (0803) 865913 Annual subscriptions (12 issues and index) Libraries and agencies £45.80, IR£53.50 or $86.50. Personal subscriptions: UK, Europe and surface mail £37.20, 1R£43.60 or $70.00; personal airmail outside Europe £62.50, 1R£72.95 or $118.00. Single back copies £4.75, IR£5.50 or $9.00. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO account number 37 588 6303. British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the West Palearctic. Except for recorfls of rarities. [lapers and notes are normally accepted only on condition that material is not being ofTered in whole or in p to Britain and Ireland 175-177. Juvenile L.ong-tocd Stint Calidris suhminuta (lower two with Dunlins C. alpind), Cleveland, September 1982 (P. A. Dolierty) Alternative venues to Morden, at vi/hich you can try and buy our equipment IN THE FIELD are given below. Kay Optical will be at the Visitor/Information Centre in each case. Repairs can also be handed in. * 10.00 am to 4.00 pm ★ ★ Hanningfield Reservoir off the At 30 north of Basildon, Essex, on Sunday 9th August (near fishing lodge). ★ Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve on the B2145 into Selsey, West Sussex, on Sundays 26th July, 30th August and 27th September. ★ Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve on the A25 between Riverhead and Sevenoaks Bat and Ball station on Sundays 2nd August 6th September and 4th October. * Bough Beach Nature Reserve/Reservoir about 4 miles south of the A25/ A21 junction (with access from the B2042 or B2027; the Infonnation Centre is to the north of the resen/oir)on Sundays 16th August 20th September and 18th October. ★ Bewl Water on the A21, just south of Lamberhurst in the Education Centre on Sundays 26th July, 30th August and 27th September. ’Show this advert for half price parking. Refund with purchase. * Alton Water Suffolk, near Ipswich, on the B1080 between Holbrook and Stutton. In the Visitor/lnfomiation Centre on Sunday 19lh July. * Collie Lake Wildlife Centre nearTring, Herts., on the B488 (off the A41) close to Bulbourne. In the overlook hide on 23rd Aug, 20th September and 18th October.. * Durlston Country Park I off the A351 near Swanage, ^ Dorset. In the visitor centre on Sunday 13th September. A I migrant bird walk will be held. ■ A The Sussex Widlife Trust at Woods Mill, Hanfield, W. Sussex (A.2037) on Sunday 13th September. FREE TRIPOD, WORTH £40 (SOLIGOR) with certain* telescopes - or pay the extra for a different tripod. UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE Kay Optic^ ' ‘ ' SALES & REPAIRS ■ BINOCULARS - TELESCOPES - TRIPODS etc •Viewing facilities To celebrate 30 years in the optical business, we are offering 'k 1 0% OFF all prices ir (Offer closes 15th September 1992 at 5,00 pm. Some examples of our stocks: ZEISS 10x25BDialyt 10x25 BfTP {New DS) 8 X 20 &TP (New DS) 8 X 30 BGA/T (P) 7 X 42 BGA/T (P) 10x40 BGA/T (P) 15x60 BGA/T 8 X 56 BGA/T (without case) BAU5CH & LOMB 7x36BA(PC3) Elite 8 X 42 BA (PC3) Elite 10x42 BA(PC3) Elite Custom 10 X 40 BGA l5-45x BGA Elite Scope 77mm Elite body 77mm Elite (ED) body 20x (WA) eyepiece 30x (LER) eyepiece 20-60X zoom eyepiece 800mm camera adaptor 800mm RA mirror lens kit SWAROVSK! * 7 X 30 SLC 8 X 30 SLC LEICA 8 X 20 BC Trinovid 8 X 20 BCA Trinovid 10x25 BC Trinovid 10 X 25 BCA Trinovid 7 X 42 BA Trinovid 8 X 42 BA Tnnovid 10x42 BA Tnnovid SWIFT 7 X 35 roof pnsm 8'/2 X 44 HRS Audubon FUJINON 8x40 BFL 269 319 295 529 639 639 1,190 699 329 239 Spotting scope 20 x 60 GA 199 Spotting scope 20-45x GA 265 KOWA* TSN-1 (45"*) body TSN-2 body TSN-3 body TSN-4 body 25x or 40x eyepiece 20x (WA) eyepiece 30x (WA) eyepiece 20-60X zoom eyepiece 60x eyepiece 77x eyepiece Camera adaptor 800mm Camera adaptor 1200mm Kowa case Skua case Spare OG cover Eyepiece dust dome 27x (WA) screw-tn eyepiece 64 TS 601 scope body (45®) 219 TS 602 scope body (45®) 27x (WA) eyepiece 20x (WA) eyepiece 25x (WA) 20-60X zoom Case 199 VIEWMASTER 45® scope body 25x eyepiece 27x (WA) eyepiece OPTOLYTH * 8 X 30 Alpin 8 x 40 Alpin 10x40 Alpin 10x50 Alpin 12x50 Alpin 7 X 42 Alpin TBG80 telescope body TBS 80 (45°) body 8 X 40 Minerva 10 X 40 Minerva 7x24 MCF HR 60mm scopes:- Std w/22x & case Sid w/zoom & case GA w/22x & case GA w/zoom & case 45® w/22x & case 45'- w/zoom & case HR Photokit Filter Rubber hood Picojlo Mk II ED. with case; 20x60 20-60X 60 8USHNELL Spacemaster body 20-60x zoom EP 22x (WA) EP 25x or 40x EP Photokit Nylon padded case REDRELD (waterproof) 7 X 30 RA roof prism 249 10 X 50 RA roof prism 299 GREENKAT * 8 X 40 ZWCF 75 SGN-III 60mm scope body 165 20x, 30x, 40x 50x or 60x EP 25 Close-up lens 24 Photo tube 23 Padded nylon case 15 SPECIAL OFFER KESTREL ED WATERPROOF SCOPES: 20 X 60 EDS £03ir £280 30 X 60 ED Eastf* £290 NIKON TBG/TBS 80 Fluorite 549 ROSS 157 30x (WW) new eyepiece 135 8 X 42 ZCF Regent 170 8 X 23 waterproof 40x (WA) new eyepiece 77 10x42 ZWCF 10x25 waterproof 157 Stay-on-case TBG/S 45 Kensington 180 8 X 20 F roof prism 135 22-60x zoom eyepiece 159 10 x25 F roof prism 150 TB nylon case 36 TRIPODS etc. 9 X 30 r.x>f prism 244 Slik D3 85 8x30 ECFporro WF 229 OPTICRON Slik 444 'Sport 79 10x35 ECF porroWF 249 8x32(HRII) 152 Slik 'Shogun' 99 Fieldscope II 20 x 60 304 8x42(HRII) 157 Manfrotto 144B/200 105 Fieldscope II 20-45 x 60 379 10x42(HRII) 162 Manfrotto 190B/200 93 ED II 20 x 60* 555 10x50 (HRII) 178 Manfrotto 290B/200 95 ED 11 20-45 X 60 * 629 7x42(HRII) 155 Soligor 40 30x, 40x or box eyepieces 65 8 X 32 Dioptron 117 Universal clamp 23 20-45x eyepiece 147 8 X 42 Dioptron 122 Car window mount 24 Camera adaptor 168 1 0 X 42 Dioptron 125 Shoulder pod 30 Mod. for other cameras 18 1 0 X 50 Dioptron 135 Cullmann hide clamp 55 Quality filter 13 7 X 35 Elite 150 Tripod case 13 Rubber hood 8 9 X 35 EIrte 190 Tripod straps, from 7 Stay-on-case 7 X 40 Minerva 172 T-mounts, from 10 * FREE WITH SCOPE * 9 X 35 Minerva 172 Lens cleaning kit 4 KAY OPTICAL (1962), 89(B) London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5HP • Hours Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm (Lunch 1 to 2pm). • Location Southern edge of Greater London. 1 5 minutes' drive from M25 (via the A3, then the Merton turn-off) or 2 minutes’ walk from Morden Underground. • Parking 50 yards past our premises - 1st left. • Long- established workshop Optical instrument experience unrivaiied • Mail Order • Personal Exports including VAT claw-back • Interest-free short-term credit (3 payments). • P/x arranged. • Used items • Package deals Special prices are given in many cases where a combination of goods are bought. E.&O.E. Phone: 081-648 8822 Fax: 081-687 2021 (D158) * (1st Floor) Your last chance to buy SLIKD2 TRIPODS stocks limited TEST THE NEW NIKON 10x40 and 8x32 armoured roof prism binoculars ♦ Wheelchair access to our showroom is greatly improved with the addition of a wide ramp to our entrance. Disabled customers most welcome! ♦ The kestrels have fledged four chicks, and the greater spotted woodpeckers have brought their young to the bird table. Leading |l specialists in BINOCULARSand TELESCOPES ZEISS 10k40 BGAT'P 7a42 BGAfP 8«30 BGAT*P Design selection 8a20 BT*P . 10x25 GT*P ., KOWA 639.00 639.00 529.00 HABICHT LEICA Trinovid 8x20 BCA Trinovid 10x25 BCA .. 7x42 BA ... 8x42 BA . .. 10x42 BA . 239.00 255.00 . 649 00 649.00 . 649.00 TS 602 Body 199.00 20xWA 25x40x 20x-60x zoom EP 109.00 Case for 601 and 602 22.95 TSN-1 Body 316.00 . 316.00 TSN -3 Body 636.00 TSN -4 Body 636.00 20xWA 109.00 30xWA 139.00 Compact 8x20 6 'Diana' 10x40 WM S.L. 10x40 SLC 8x30 AT 80 Body ,. 22xEP 20x-60xzoomEP . 220.00 . 372.00 493.00 .365 00 .547.00 72.00 . 164.00 OPTOLYTH Alpin 8x40 BGA... Alpin 10x40 BGA... Touring 10x40 TBS/G 80 Body TBS/G 60 Fluorite.. 22x eOxzoom EP... 20xWA 30xWA . 246.00 249.00 445.00 390.00 549.00 . 159.00 122.00 135.00 69.00 169.00 24.95 39.00 . 129.00 . 199.00 NIKON 380.00 400.00 .229.00 8x32 OCF RA... 10X40DCF RA. 8x30 ECF FiHdtcope Mk II 20-45x60.. 379 00 ED Mk II 20-45x60 629.00 30x40x 79.95 Sporting scope 20x60 RA 199.00 15-45x60 RA 265.00 ADLERBLICK Multicoat 8x42 169.95 Multicoat 10x42 179.95 Multicoat 10x50 198.95 Add £15 for rubber armoured Multicoat 25x40x 20x-60x zoom EP , .. Case for TSN Range . Skua case for TSN . Photo adaptor 800mr Photo adaptor 1200m OPTICRON Compact 7x24 80.00 Compact 8x24.. 81.00 Compact 10x24 83.00 H R 8x42 157.00 H R 10x42 162.00 H.R 10x50 178.00 TELESCOPES Classic l.F, 25x60mm 126.00 Classic l.F. 75mm Body 140.00 25/30x H.E.P 27.00 18x 40x/22x-47x zoom EP 66.00 H.R. 22x60 179.95 H.R 20-60x60 219.95 H R. 22x60 RA 189.95 H.R. 20-60x60 RA 229.95 ( 60mm H R Telescopes include Fiee case. 15x.20x,22xWA 25x,40x 31.00 20x-60xzoomEP 85.00 Universal Mount 25.50 Car Window Mount 26.50 42.00 BAUSCH&LOMB Custom 8x36 229.00 Custom 10x40 RA 249.00 Elite 7x36 RA.p 599.00 Elite 8x42 RA.P 659.00 Elite 10x42 RA.P 659.00 Elite Telescope 15-45x60RA 349.00 BUSHNELL Spacemaster60mm Body 169.00 SpacemasterBOmm Body RA. 169.00 I5-45xzoomEP 79 00 SWIFT Audubon 8 5x44 239.00 ROSS Regent 8x42 169.95 Kensington 10x42 179 95 TRIPODS MANFROTTO 144 Legs. 190 Legs 055 Legs 290 B 200 Video Head .. . . 128 RC Video Head .. SLIK 02 03 CULLMAN 2901 3400 Clamp Magic B&S .. 2 Way Video Head . Shoulder Pod WE ARE OPEN Tuesday-Saturday 9am until 5pm Sunday- 10am until 4pm ( Closed on Monday ) IN ADDITION TO THE RANGE LISTED WE ALSO STOCK: QUEST AR»FUJINON*FUMOTO MIRADOR»BRESSER«PENTAX REDFIELD»OPTIMA*PRAKTICA Billingham Equipment Bags. —BOOKS & VIDEOS We stock books from the leading natural history publishers. Poyser, Helm, Collins, RSPB, Hamlyn, Macmillan, Mitchell Beaziey, Oxford University FVess.WhIttet, Witherby, Kingfisher, etc. Also videos from RSPB, World of Survival, BBC, and National Geographic. Send for a price 1 1st or come and browse ! Hide Clamp Mk II... iFOCUS OPTICS- The friendly experts professionals recommend ! )COUNTRYSIbEcfr> VIEWING Our showroom is set in twenty acres of private grounds in the very heart of our beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Testing facHitiesare probably the best in the country. Viewing from the showroom is across a large poo! with its various bird visitors and to more distant views of the countryside. Why not try the unhurried experience of testing the latest optical equipment in a relaxed atmosphere with experts who care! Ample free safe parking. FOCU5 OPTICS Church Lane Corley. Coventry CV7 8BA Telephone:0676-40501&42476 Fax: 0676-40930 ACCESS0RIES:Wide range of eyecups, rainguards, lens caps, lanyards, cases etc. USED BARGAINS: Guaranteed secondhand equipment at bargain prices. EXPORT FACILITIES: Personal and postal orders welcomed. PACKAGE DEALS: Attractive discounts. Phone for quotations. MAILORDERS: Orders over £100 insured P& Pfree of charge. lUKonly). Orders less than £100 P&P£2,00. I Go ods are despatched promptly upon receipt of full remittance. Use your ACCESS or VISA card to order by telephone. E&OE VI (D166) Long-toed Stint: new to Britain and Ireland 435 436 Long-toed Stint: new to Britain and Ireland Acknowledgments I am grateful to R. T. Me Andrew for his initial support on 28th August 1982, when it was as- sumed that the bird had departed; to D, Sowerbutts for a supporting description; and to A. J. VV'heeldon for his detailed description, for obtaining the original text on the Swedish individual, and for persuading Ingrid and Benny Duffin to translate it. Summary A juvenile Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta was present at Saltholme Pool, Cleveland, from 28th August to 1st September 1982. This constitutes the first record of this species in Britain and Ire- land, and the second in the Western Palearctic, the first being at Ottenby, Sweden, in October- November 1977. References Kt r.SON, A. R. 1978. Identification of Long-toed Stint, Pintail Snipe and Asiatic Dowitcher. Bnt. ftrA 71: 558-562. Peitkrsson, J., O.S I'F.RBERG, J., & KjELLEN, N. 1978. Langtasnappa Calidris subminuta funnen vid Ottenby— en ny art for Europa. Far Fagebiarld 37: 333-338. W.-VLIACE, D. 1. M. 1974. Field identification of small species in the genus Calidris. Brit. Birds 67: 1-16. John B. Dunnett, 43 Hemlington Road, Stainton, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS8 9AG Peter Lansdown (Chairman, British Birds Rarities Committee) and Dr Alan Knox (Chairman, British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee) have commented as follows: ‘The BBRC’s and the BOURC’s acceptance of the identification was made relatively straightforward by the time of year and by the fresh feathers of the upperparts and wings and their regular pattern, which read- ily enabled the bird to be aged as a juvenile. As such, the only real confusion species for Long- toed Stint is Least Sandpiper. As revealed initially byjonsson & Grant {Brit. Birds 77: 293-315), and refined more recently by Alstrom & Olsson {Brit. Birds 82: 360-372) and Doherty [Birding World 4: 279-281), juveniles of the two species are easily separable given good views and carefully taken field notes, which is the case here. The Saltholme Pool bird is identifiable as a Long-toed Stint on a number of characters: the small-headed, long-necked, long-legged appearance; the un- marked, white, bulbous fore-end to the supercilium coupled with a loral line which is exception- ally slender centrally and which widens towards the eye and towards the bill, where it meets the dark feathering of the forehead; the cleanly striped mantle; the richness of the rufous edges to the mantle feathers, scapulars and tertials; the wliitish component in the fringes of the wing-coverts; the dark extreme tips to the lesser and median coverts fonning a break in the otherwise pale sur- round to each feather; the rather line streaking on the sides of the breast and its extension onto the upper Hanks; the pale base to the lower mandible; and the low, rolling call. ‘ rite BOLIRC encountered no difficulties during its categorisation of the species. Long-toed Stint is highly migratory, breeding in Siberia and vrintering mainly in southeast Asia and the Philippines, with numbers reaching both India and Australia; it is a most unlikely species to be found in captivity, and particularly so a juvenile; and its appearance coincided with that of Britain and Ireland’s first IJltle Whimbrel .Numenius minutus. Acceptance of this Long-toed Stint as being of natural occurrence {Bril. Birds 78: 546; Ibui 128: 601) resulted in the species being accorded Cate- gory A status on the British and Irish list. ‘i\n earlier record, of a small, pale-legged wader in summer plumage at Marazion Marsh, Cornwall, in June 1970, currently accepted as Least Sandpiper {Brit. Birds 64: 351), is under recon- sideration by the BBRC as a potential Dtng-toed Stint, at the request of some of the observers. ‘The Saltholme Pool Long-toed Stint file, containing the comments of the members of the BBRC and preliminary notes from the BOURC, was one of a batch of files lost in the post to the USA in 1984 during the BOURC circulation. The file was reassembled without the comments and votes of the committees. The BOURC now operates a system of copying that will enable any such lost files to be rebuilt with ease.’ Eds Identification pitfalls and assessment problems* This series, which started in January 1983 [Brit. Birds 76: 26-28), is not intended to cover all facets of the identification of the species concerned, but only the major sources of error likely to mislead the observer in the field or the person attempting to assess the written evidence. The species cov- ered are mostly those which were formerly judged by the Rarities Committee*, but which are now the responsibility of county and regional recorders and records committees. 12. Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata The decision of the British Birds Rarities Committee to delete Surf Scoter from the list of species it considers, with effect from 1st January 1991, re- flects the increase in occurrence of this Nearctic duck on this side of the At- lantic. In the 16-year period 1958-73 there were 28, but there has been an upsurge since then with at least 246 in the following 16 years, from 1974 to 1989. Surf Scoter nevertheless continues to be a rare bird in England and Wales. It has become increasingly commoner in Scotland, where small parties are now regular at favoured sites and where, for example, a minimum of 1 1 different individuals was recorded at one such site on the East Lothian coast in 1989. These parties have included paired birds, and there has been much display as well as aggressive interaction between paired males and unpaired males. There must be a prospect of breeding occurring sooner or later on this side of the Atlantic — if it has not already occurred. With good views, there should be no real problem with the identification of adult male Surf Scoters. They are slightly shorter in length than Velvet Scot- ers M. jusca. Compared with that species and with Common Scoter M. nigra, they are proportionately bigger-headed and appear shorter-necked, squatter and bulkier. The proportionately bigger head of Surf Scoter is accentuated further by its larger biU, which is obviously deeper than that of Velvet or Common, and which has a markedly swollen base. The bill, a long sloping forehead and a flattish crown combine to give Surf Scoter a head profile remi- niscent of Eider Somateria mollissima. This head profile is quite different from that of Common Scoter, which has a smaller and shorter biU and a very rounded head. The profile of Velvet Scoter is intermediate, with sloping bUl and forehead, but a more rounded crown. The multicoloured biU of Surf Scoter, with yeUow, black, white and orange, is readOy visible at long range, even if the detaUed pattern can be discerned only at closer range. Also strik- ingly visible at very long range are a large shield-shaped white patch covering most of the nape and a smaUer white patch on the forehead. During summer and autumn eclipse, the white nape patch disappears or is obscure, but the forehead patch is stiU prominent. Surf Scoter, like Common Scoter, lacks the white secondaries of Velvet Scoter. When Velvet is on the water, the white ‘This paper, like those earlier in the series [Bril. Birds 76: 26-28, 78-80, 129-130, 203-206, 304- 305, 342-346; 77: 412-415; 78: 97-102; 81: 126-134; 84: 145-148; 85: 21-24), is a publication of the Rarities Committee, which is sponsored by CARL ^EISS — Germany. E2 [Bril. Birds Sb: 437-439, August 1992] 437 438 Ident^cation of Surf Scoter secondaries may show as a small patch or line on the wing, but they are often hidden by the scapulars. The all-black wings of Surf are best confirmed in fliglit or when, as Surf Scoters frequendy do, the bird stretches up from the water and flaps its wings. First-summer male Surf Scoters have the same general appearance and structure as adult males, but the bill is less developed and not so swollen. The bill colours are duller and paler, the nape patch tends to be smaller and duller, the forehead patch is absent, the retained juvenile wing feathers are browner, and the belly is pale. When seen together in flight, the wingspan of Surf Scoter is noticeably shorter than that of Velvet Scoter. Surf Scoter also tends to sit lower in the water than do other scoters. In summaiy, males are straightfomard to identify on bill and head struc- ture and shape, bill colour, one or two sticking white head patches and the absence of white secondaries. So what possible pitfalls could there be? The an- swer usually lies in observers being unwary or too ‘keen’ when looking through distant scoter flocks in rough seas when birds are bobbing into view only momentarily. On several occasions in such circumstances, I have seen observers convince themselves, particularly when Surf Scoter is known to be present, that they have seen the striking white head patch of Surf, when they have almost certainly seen the flashing white secondaries of a Velvet Scoter wing-flapping as it bobbed into view or the white of a Long-tailed Duck Clan- gula hyemalis. Conversely, it is also worth noting that the smaller nape patch of first-summer males may not be visible when the bird is in full profile. This could lead to such birds being overlooked in a distant scoter flock. Adult females and juveniles are more difficult. Juveniles are similar to adult females, but are paler than the dark sooty-brown females, lack the pale nape patch which is present on some females, and have pale beUies. Assessment problems arise when the bill and head shape and pattern are not well enough described. In such cases, and where the lack of white secondaries has not been noted, Velvet Scoter may not be ruled out. Where absence of white secon- daries has been noted, for example on a bird flying past, the question is whether Common Scoter can be eliminated. Female and juvenile Surf Scoters share the same Eider-like bill and head profile of males. Although the dark greyish-black bill is not obviously swollen as it is with males, it is still deeper- based and heavier than that of Velvet. At least some first-winter females have a less well-developed bill (and therefore also a less extreme head shape) than adult females (Peter Lansdown verbally). The head pattern is variable, but all individuals show a darker crown and paler ‘face’, producing a capped effect which is rarely, if ever, shown by Velvet. The paler face of Surf Scoter is, however, stiU dark compared with the very pale and strongly contrasting face of Common Scoter. Female Surf can show a pale nape patch, which is never shown by Velvet or Common Scoters. This can be as extensive as the nape patch on males, although duller, and is then readily visible at long range. On other females and on juveniles, it is not present and these birds require partic- ular care to ensure that they are not overlooked as Velvet Scoters. Like Vel- vet, the two ofi-white patches on the face, one in front of and one behind the eye, are variable and can be absent. At very close range, and when present, a flifl'erence can often be seen in the shape of the patch in front of the eye on 439 Identification of Suf Scoter Surf and \"elvet Scoters. On Surf, the anterior edge of the patch is more or less straight and vertical, whereas the whole of the patch on Velvet is oval or egg-shaped. Some Common Scoters, especially juveniles in autumn, can show dusky- patches on their pale faces, producing a pattern which could be con- fused with that of Surf Scoter, but the smaller bill and different head profile should preclude confusion. The key to the safe identification of female and juvenile Surf Scoters is con- firmation of the absence of white secondaries and precise observation of the bill and head profile and head pattern. Observers should alsoj^e careful not to assume that a female accompanying a male Surf Scoter must also be that species. In the Firth of Forth, unpaired male Surfs have frequently associated very closely with female Velvets, and have also joined in with displaying groups of male and female Common Scoters. Females should therefore be confirmed on positive identification features and not by association. Killian Mullamey [Dutch Birding 5: 24-25) drew attention to the diving and wing-flapping behaviour of scoters. Briefly, Surf dives with partially opened wings and often jumps forward; Velvet dives with partially opened wings, often revealing a flash of its wliite secondaries, but with no jump; and Com- mon dives with closed wings and an energetic jump. When wing-flapping, both Surf and Velvet keep their heads and bills pointing above the horizontal and their necks rigid, whereas Common usually droops its neck with a down- ward thrust during the wing-flap. I agree with these general differences, but would stress, as Killian Mullamey did, that such behavioural characteristics should be used only as good indicators of the species concerned. Positive iden- tification should then be made, using the criteria described earlier in this sum- mary. If that proves impossible, an observer should accept that it ‘got away’. Firm claims need to be based on stmcture and plumage, not behaviour. Alan Brown 23 King’s Court, Longaiddry, East Lothian EH32 OQP \ paper by Jon Dunn on the identification of Surf Scoter is in preparation and will be pub- lished in a future volume of British Birds. Eds. Points of view Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ 19. Crashes ‘Sixty years ago Red-backed Shrike [Lanius collurio], Wryneck \Jynx torquilla] and Cirl Bunting [Emberiza cirlus\ were all common and widespread breeding birds. Two hardly breed in Britain and the Cirl Bunting is close to extinction in this country. At the present rate of decline, the Corn Bunting [Miliaria cakindra] may well also be extinct in Britain in sixty years time.’ [BTO News 178; 8). \Bm. Birds 85: 439-440, .August 19921 440 Points of view: crashes ‘The much cooler springs of recent decades, together with land drainage and the loss of over 50% of farm ponds, has led to a decline in numbers of many of the larger insects, such as dragonflies. Numbers of hirundines, espe- cially Sand Martins Riparia nparia, have also declined. Our southern heath- lands have been eroded away and fragmented by urbanisation, and hedgerow trees (which supply nest-sites) have been removed by man or destroyed by gales over much of southern Britain. It is Little surprise, therefore, to note the resulting decline in numbers of Hobbies Falco subbuteo and the great contrac- tion in range of this attractive small falcon, which formerly graced England’s southern heathland and farmland, but now seems doomed to extinction here.’ [Bnt. Birds 85: 440). The first quote is genuine; the second is not. The Hobby has increased and expanded its range to a striking extent in the past 20 years. Why? If the Hobby had declined, we would have plenty of reasons to explain the disaster. Are our other explanations any more reliable? The decline of the Wryneck was once attributed to the loss of orchards, then to climatic change and re- duced food supplies (fewer ants). Let’s face the truth. We are groping in the dark. How many of the declines (which we bemoan) and increases (which we tend to ignore) are actually re- flecting the long-tenn ebb and flow of constantly changing populations and ranges? When these are on a short-term cycle (e.g. lemmings Lemmus), biolo- gists can recognise them, but any with a rhythm longer than about 100 years will not yet have been detected, for bird-population studies have a much shorter history. If, at some time in the future, papers appear in BB documenting ‘The re- turn of the Wryneck’ or ‘The return of the Red-backed Shrike’, my shade may perhaps be heard murmuring ‘Told you so.’ J. T. R. Sharrock Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3.NJ Sponsored by Monthly marathon May’s bird on a frosty branch (plate 1 1 6) was named as: Siberian Jay Perisoreus infmstus (59%) Marsh Tit Pams palustris (27%) W'illow Tit P. montanus (14%) with a few votes each for Oqjhean Warbler Sylvia hortensu. Blackcap S. alricapilla and Coal Til P. ater. It was a Siberian Jay, photographed by Henry Lehto in Finland in January 1991. Monthly marathon 441 .•\U of the leading contenders got it right, so this long-running current ‘Marathon’ continues, with eight entrants still in the hunt, on 13-in-a-row sequences. The winner wdU be able to claim a SUNBIRD birdwatching holi- day to Africa, Asia or North America. The next stage in the competition ap- pears below. For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 iDt; or tele- phone Sandy (0767) 682969. 181. ‘Monthly marathon’ (twenty-fifth stage in fifth contest or first or second in sLxth contest: photograph number 74). Identify the species. Read the rules on pages 31-32 in the January issue, then send in your answ'er on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford .MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 1 5th September 1 992 ICBP news Agriculture in eastern Europe — a call for co-operation A major con- cern that w'as highlighted at the ICBP’s European Continental Section Confer- ence in Aachen, Germany, this May w'as that agricultural developments in eastern Europe should not result in declines in the wildlife similar to those seen in the West. Western Europe’s birds have been greatly decreased by agricultural practices since the Second World War. In particular, the EC Common Agricultural Policy has hugely reduced the amount of suitable habitat for birds. Farmland in eastern Europe, w'hich is w'orked much less intensively than in the West, still hosts great numbers of birds, and species such as Corncrake Crex aex and White Stork Ciconia ckonia, now rare in western Europe, are stiU relatively common. Thirty-six delegates from 13 countries in central and eastern Europe and the former USSR participated in the Conference, making it one of the most significant meetings for the conserva- tion of Europe’s birds ever to take place. The delegates from the East requested that western Eu- ropean conservationists should assist them in trying to prevent the mistakes of the West being repeated in their countries. The ICBP, under its ‘ tVings Across Europe’ programme, is already providing financial and techni- cal aid to develop non-govemmental conservation organisations in six countries in the region, and is seeking ways to help more. Support is provided by several of the ICBP's member organisations in western Europe, particularly the RSPB in the UK, the Schweizer Vogelschutz in Switzerland, the Vogelbescherming in the Netherlands and the Dansk Omitologisk Forening in Denmark. The aim is that these new organisations in the East wiU dev'elop into pow'erful voices for the protection of the environment and, with help from Western partners, will be able to influence de- cision-makers and policy-makers. The organisations will also stimulate and encourage interest in wildlife conservation amongst the public. Georgina Green International Council for Bird Preservation, 32 Cambridge Road, Girton, Cambridge CB3 OPJ Fieldwork action BTO news Once in a while, BTO survey results bring great cheer. The Peregrine Survey of 1991 is one such instance. The suiv'ey has revealed that the Peregrine Falco pmgrinus has reached a new high in its population level in Britain. There are now at least 1,050 occupied Peregrine territories in Britain, more than have ever been recorded before. Peregrines are counted every ten years by BTO members. In 1963, the shocking results of the survey revealed only 400 occupied territories in Britain, and many of the birds were not breeding successfully. Subsequent research revealed that pesticides, such as DDT, Dieldrin and Aldrin, were poisoning the birds to death and, in addition, the calcium metabolism of the female was being disrupted. This resulted in the laying of thin-shelled eggs which were inadvertently broken by the incubating birds. The results of the early 1960s eventually resulted in the restriction and eventual banning of the harmful chemicals. The recovery was slow owing to the persistence of organo-chlorine pesticides in the environment. But by 1981 the BTO survey revealed 800 occupied breeding territories, and the first results of the 1991 survey, published in BTO Mews (180), show a total of 1,050 occupied territories. The recovery has been aided by a host of factors, which include volunteer protection measures to thwart egg and chick thieves, and a more responsible attitude from gamekeepers and shooters. The recovery poses some problems for pigeon-fanciers, since wild and feral Rock Doves Columba livia feature among the Peregrine’s favourite prey species. Over two million pigeon rings are issued annually, and many pigeons are lost every year during races and training. The increase in Peregrine numbers will have an insignificant effect on racing pigeons. To tackle the problem perceived by pigeon-fanciers, Bristol Ornithological Club have dreamed up an innovative scheme. They are generating a feral pigeon flock between the Avon Gorge, which now contains a pair of Peregrines in a pre-war site just 2 km from the centre of Bristol, and the pigeon area to the south of the city. Lxtcal mills are supplying com free of charge. BTO Regional Secretary' John Tully does not think the buffer flock will solve the problem, but hopes that it will take the heat out of the situation. GuUs are now a favourite prey item of the Bristol Peregrines, to the great relief of the BOG. PAUL Green BTO, The Matronal Centre for Omitholog)!, The Munnery, Thetfard, Morfolk IP24 2PU Review The Birds of Bedfordshire. By Paul Trodd & David Kramer. Illus- trated by Andrew P. Chick. Castlemead Publications, Welwyn Garden City, 1991. 349 pages; 16 colour plates: 19 black-and-white plates; 56 line- drawings; 112 distribution maps. 18.95. County bird books are traditionally written by dedicated amateurs, well known locally, and pub- lished by small local publishers to air impressively high standard. This one is no exception. As al- ways with a good, well-researched, thorough county avifauna, one wonders how the authors had the time and energy to complete the task while maintaining both active birdwatching and a nor- mal life and still finding time for more jobs. Paul Trodd, for example, had the extra burden of being county recorder during the preparation of the book, while Dave Kramer was secretary of the county natural history society. One reason for putting birds on record and spending so much time ‘getting the record straight’ — whether through local and national records committee vetting procedures, census work or atlas work — is to leave something with which future generations can compare their situation. As we are ‘posterity’ ourselves where old records are concerned, I think it both right and interest- ing that the findings of earlier generations of birdwatchers are included in modern accounts hrtherwise, why did they bother?). I am pleased, therefore, that this new Bedfordshire book looks 442 British BirdShop .\LL LISTED BOOKS ARE POST FREE TO ‘BRITISH BIRDS’ SUBSCRIBERS Books and other items are included in British BirdShop only if they are approved by British Birds and considered to be generally reliable, good value and useful additions to a birdwatcher’s library. Any item ordered through British BirdShop which fails to meet your approval can be returned and your money will be refunded without question. It is our aim to provide British Birds subscribers with the best and most rehable service possible. Items ordered through British BirdShop are despatched for British Birds subscribers by the Natural History Book Service. 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Other prices quoted are subject to any publishers’ increases. Make all cheques and POs payable lo the NHBS. Payment can be made in USS at current exchange rate. Please allow 28 days for delivery in UK, longer if abroad. NHBS Giro ac no. 202 9200. To qualify for POST I'REE plea.se quote your BB ref no. Name Ref No. Address. .Total £ Cheque/PO enclosed D Giro payment made D If your address for credit card purposes is different from that above, give it here Please debit my Access/Visa/MastcrCard/Eurocard Expiry date Signature You can phone in your credit card orders, but please quote your BB ref no. as weU as your credit card no. I LL. J'otnes (0803) 865913. fax. (0803) 865280 Send order to; British BirdShop, c/ o NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ_9 5XN viii BROADBILLS TO CHATS Volume IV edittd by Stuart Keith, Emil K. Urban and C.Hilary Fry By far the most authoritative and comprehensive work ever published on the birds of Africa. The editors and artists have worked closely with the nine authors of this volume - all internationally acknowledged experts on their bird famiUes - to produce encyclopaedic accounts of each species. Volume rv covers the first 312 of the 1200 or so passerine species which occur in continental Africa and its outlying islands. As in the first three volumes, each breeding species receives fuU coverage with sections on range and status, description, voice, general habits, food and breeding biology. Non-breeding visitors to the continent are treated more briefly with a text concentrating on the birds’ status and biology while in Africa. Range maps are shown for each bird and superspecies maps are given where appropriate. Once again Martin Woodcock has done full justice to the brilliant plumages of African birds. The large plates show the birds to their best advantage or adopt a more formal, field guide style to emphasise the identification points of the more difficult groups. Ian Willis’s line drawings elaborate on displays and other patterns of behaviour described in the text. The beauty and scholarship of this now standard reference on African birds must ensure its place on every ornithologists book shelf. To Be Published: July 1992 * c.£85.00 ISBN: 0.12.137304,5 * A special Introductory Price of £72.00 will apply until September 30th 1992 Available from all good bookseller.s or Academic Press 24-28 Oval Road London NWl 7DX Telephone: 071-267-4466 FOCALPOINI FIELDSHOWS The binocular and telescope specialists THE way to try and buy (1 0.SOam^pm) WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST CENTRE, MARTIN MERE, Burscough, Lancs (M6, Jet 27). Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th August Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th September Saturday 1 7th & Sunday 1 8th October CHURCH STRETTON. SHROPSHIRE Sunday 9th August & Sunday 13th September Westholme, Hazier Road (in association with MERLIN outdoor clothing) SALTHOUSE, CLEY, NORFOLK (opp. Duck Pond) Sunday 23rd August 1 992 (come and check out the Cley specials) All are welcome at these events. They are staffed by experienced birders who will help you choose. Information packs and appointments on request - let us know your specific requirements. MAJOR ART EVENT AT MARTIN MERE 18th Sepf- 18th Oct inclusive DIRECTIONS M56 Jet lOtake A559 towards Northwich for 1 mile to the Birch & Bottle. Turn right into Bentleys Farm Lane, we are on the left after 'k mile. FOCALPOINI Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Tel: 0925-730399 Fax: 0606-892207 (D1 61 ) Where to Watch Birds in Wales ' 2nd edition David Saunders The essential guide for resident and visiting birdwatchers. This new edition has been fully updated with a wealth of new information. It follows the successful Where to Watch Birds formula; focusing on habitat, species, access, timing and calendar combined wtih lots of practical information. 0 7 1 36 3587 8 264 pages 65 maps and line drawings paperback £10.99 A&C Black, Po Box 19, Huntingdon, CambsPE19 3SF tel: ( 0480 ) 2 1 2666 fax: (0480 ) 4050 1 4 (D163) (D167) Review 443 back to the early county ornithologists rather than (as sometimes happens) deciding on a purely recent review. It is, nevertheless, recent years that inevitably interest most of us most of the time. The book scores very well here, too. Renewed atlas work is currendy being completed, so it relies on older (1968-77) mapping studies for breeding birds (Harding 1979, Bedfordshire Bird Atlas), but the text is up-to-date, informative and digestible. W'inter adas studies are, of course, more recent (1981-84: Lack 1986, The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland) and, as one would expect, passage migrants (which include so many of the ‘best birds’) are given extensive treatment. The species accounts manage to be detailed without getting too ‘listy’, but there are many lists of records of scarcer species and good counts (for example, all 38 counts of 100 or more VVigeons Anas penelope since 1946 — it is not a great county for that species!) w'hich add precision to the review. There is a valuable site gazetteer and some useful location maps (for example of the complex of flooded pits west of Bedford). Ev'en after 14 years, I fit rather uneasily into Bedfordshire, I must admit. All of us, though, have a particular affinity with our native county, its birds and its special sites, and Bedfordshire has plenty of interest. The 267 species in the book make up a decent inland-county List. This book will stimulate me to work harder close to home and should open up new horizons to county resi- dents and visitors, whether they come to look at winter gull roosts, exotic pheasants, downland migrants, a good range of breeding birds or whatever else this land-locked but varied county has to oflFer. R . A . Hume European news This thirty-first biannual report includes information from a record 34 countries. We are delighted to be able to draw attention to the addition of Iceland and Moldova to the list of countries represented. New contacts in unrepresented West Palearctic countries will be very welcome. The official cor- respondents whose detailed six-monthly reports are summarised here are acknowledged at the end. This feature is intended as a news service; anyone requiring further information or quoting records in other publications should refer to the literature of the relevant country. If you have made observations in any of the countries included here, and do not know to whom records should be sent, we suggest that you send a copy of your records to the relevant ‘European news’ correspondent listed at the end of this summary; for countries not included here, we suggest that you send them to British Birds, and we shall do our best to pass them on to the appropriate person. Records awaiting formal verification by national rarities committees are indicated by asterisks (’'‘). Unless otherwise stated, all records refer to single individuals Black-necked Grebe Podkeps nigrkollis CA- NARY ISLANDS Second record for Tenerife: winter 1991/92. Netherlands Decrease: 230- 250 breeding pairs in 1989, about 150 in 1990 and 90 in 1991 (cf. decline in Sweden, Brit. Birds 84: 227). Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophru DENMARK First record: Hanstholm, NW-Jutland, on 23rd September 1991*. NOR- WAY Fifth and sixth records: adult at Utsira, Rogaland, on 10th May 1989, and subadult at Andemes, Andoya, Nordland, on 8th August 1990 (fourth was in 1987, Brit. Birds 85: 6). Bulwer’s Petrel Bukoeria bulwerii PORTUGAL Second to fifth records: at 40°12'N 10‘’15'W on 21st August 1987, ten on 6th August 1989 {Ardeola 38(1): 150), five between 38‘^28'N 11 “04^ and 38°34'N 10°30'W on 22nd July 199H and Monte Velho beach, Lagoa de St Andre, on 14th October 1991* (first was in September 1 964, Ardeola 1 1 : 59). Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea NOR- WAY Third and fourth records: Eftang, Larvik, Vestfold, on 7th August 1987, and Molen, Larvik, Vestfold, on 2nd October 1988 (second record was in 1985, Brit. Birds 82: 321). [Bnl. Birds 85: 443-463, August 1992] 444 Mediterranean Shearwater Puffinus yel- kouan si'AIN Breeding confirmed on Minorca: four colonies discovered and population esti- mated at about 300 pairs in 1991. Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis GERAtANV' Vagrant: Heligoland on 2+th September 1988 [Limu'oki 5: 190). Wilson’s Petrel Oceanites oceankus ICELAND First record: Bjamarey, Vestm., on 31st July 1988. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster MOROCCO I'hird and fifth records: Essaouira in May 1985 and Sidi-Rbat, Oued Massa, on 9th Jan- uary 1992* (1987 record, Bnl. Birds 81: 330, becomes fourth). Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo BELARUS First vianter record: adult at Berioza, Brest region, on 26th January 1988. n'AI.Y First breeding in Piedmont: five pairs (increase for Italian popu- lation, about 200 pairs). MOLDOVA Increase: considered rare during 1960-70, but, with es- tablishment of fish-farm in Cahul, increased to 600-650 pairs in 1982, and 1,000-1,200 in 1987. NE:theri.ands Continuing increase: more than 15,000 breeding pairs in 1991. (Cf. increases, colonisation or recolonisation in at least ten other European countries, Brit. Birds 84: 227; 85: 6.) Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis EGYPT Third record: two off Salum’s cliffs on 28th Septem- ber 1990. Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus AUS- TRIA Wintering: at least 1 1 at River Danube in Lower Austria in winter 1991/92 (now winter- ing regularly). THANCE Third record: Camar- gue on 1st December 1991* (second was also in Camargue, in 1990, Brit. Birds 84: 2). MOLDOVA Increase: first nesting in 1982, near Cahul, with one colony of 30 pairs by 1985; three colonies in 1990, with total of 300-400 pairs (cf first breeding in Hungary in 1988, Bnt. Birds 83: 222). White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus AUSTRIA Vagrant: adult at Secwinkel, Burgenland, dur- ing 29th April to 3rd May 1991 (probably of wild origin). Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens ERANCIE Escapes/vagrants: in Deux-Sevres on 22nd-23rd and 25th August 1988 and in Alpes-Maritimes on 15th- 16th May 1989 (Alauda 59: 245), both predating the one in Vendee in April 1990 (Bril. Birds 84: 2), but all three considered to be escapes. GERMANY Va- grant: Rhcinland-Pfalz on 5th-8th July 1989 (Idmicola 5: 191). European news American Bittern Botaurus Imtiginosm ICE- LAND Sixth record: found dead on 8th October 1989 (Bhki 11: 36). Night Heron .Nyclicorax nyctkorax UKRAINE Census: 40-50 pairs in western Ukraine in 1991. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides FINLAND Fourth record: first-winter at Reisjarvi during 28th September to 21st October 1990. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis BELARUS First record: adult shot in Luninets district, Brest re- gion, in August 1979. LI THUANIA First record: Obelija Lake on 29th May 1971. Snowy Egret Egretta thula ICEKXND Vagrant: 6th June 1983 (BUM 4: 16). Little Egret Egretta garzetta BELARUS Correc- tion: first record of Cattle Egret Bubukus ibis (see above) was incorrectly listed as Little Egret (Brit. Birds 84: 227). ICELAND First and second records: during April-May 1985, found dead on 16th June, and on 22nd May 1989 (Bliki 11: 37). Great White Egret Egretta alba FRANCE Highest-ever number in Camargue: 98 on 26th January 1991. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea SPAIN Range expan- sion: first breeding record in Ebro Valley in 1990 and at least 16 successful pairs in two colonies in Navarra province in 1991 (cf in- creases and range expansions already noted for Spain and also Italy and Belgium, Brit. Birds 84: 228). Ukraine Census: 2,100-2,400 pairs in western Ukraine in 1989-91, with 30-50 indi- viduals wintering. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea ICEIAND First record: 5th October 1983 (Bliki 4: 17). NE'THERIANDS Decline: 270-290 breeding pairs in 1987-89, about 230 in 1990 and about 190 in 1991. Black Stork Ckonia nigra MOLDOVA Recoloni- sation: extinct from 1945 to 1980, when nested near Prut; five pairs during 1989-90, in Straseni and Nisporeni (cf increase in eastern Germany and recent breeding in Belgium and France, Brit. Birds 83: 9). Glossy Ibis Plegadis fakinellus GIBRALTAR Sec- ond record: two flying south on 15th Septem- ber 1991* (first was in September 1975). MOROCCO Large winter influx: 25 at Meija Khaloufa on 1st November 1991 and 20 at Massa on 30th December 1991. Bald Ibis Gerontkus eremita MOROCCO Unusu- ally high numbers: 98 at Oued Massa Estuary European news 445 on 7th November 1991 and up to 95 on 31st December 1991 iflocks there usually of 10-501. Sacred Ibis Threskiomis aethiopicus C.VN.VRV IS- L\.\DS First record: immature found dead on coast of Fuerteventura in March 1991*. EG\TT First record since 1891; .\svvan on 3rd May 1990. Spoonbill Pkitalea leucurodia .VL'srRl.v Contin- ued absence: no breeding record at Lake Neusiedl. Burgenland, in 1991. nwi.Y Second breeding record: seven pairs at Puma .\lberete Reserve, Emilia Romagna, in .\pril 1990. Afidcan Spoonbill Platalea alba FR.v.\CE Es- capes/vagrants: in Charente-Maritime in September 1987, in Camargue from 24th September to 6th November 1989, in .-\in from 13th April to 10th October 1990 and in Somme from 6th May to 28th July 1990, but all considered to be escapes (Alauda 59: 246); these details of the four French records replace those published earlier (Bril. Birds 84: 2). GER- .M.ViW Escape/vagrant: Hessen on 13th July 1987, but considered to be possible/probable escape (Limicola 5: 217; cf. records in Austria and France in 1987, and in France and Spain in 1988, 1989 and 1990, Bnt. Birds 84: 228). Greater Flamingo Phoenicoptems rairr JORD.VN Fourth and fifth records; three adults at ,\zraq on 14th December 1991, and immature there from 10th January to at least 14th February 1992. Mute Swan Cygnus olor ICEI-VND First record; 2nd June to 5th July 1989 iBHki 1 1: 37). Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnu BELVRUS First to third winter records: adult with Mute .Swans C. olor near Brest in January-February 1987 and in Januarv -March 1988 and near Grodno on 1st February 1992. SWEDEN Range expan- sion: about 35 breeding pairs in L’ppland province in 1990 survey (compared with 160 pairs of Mute Swans C. olor which could in the long teiTn be displaced by Whooper Swans from many inland sites); cf. increase in Fin- land, colonisation of Latvia, and breeding in Poland and Estonia, Brit. Birds 83: 9. Bean Goose Anser fahaHs ICELVND Inllux: 25- 30 in October 1981 (cf only two previous Ice- landic records; Bliki 1 : 43-46). White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons JORD.VN Second record: eight at Azraq on 14th Decem- ber 1991 (first was in 1979). Greylag Goose Anser anser C.VN.VRV I.SLVNDS First record: on Tenerife from 15th December 1991 to at least 20th February 1992. Ross’s Goose Anser rossii GERM.VNV Escape/va, grant; two adults in Niedersachsen on 4th-5th May 1988, but considered to be es- capes (Limieola 4: 189-190). NEI HERLVNDS Va- grants: two adults in Zuidholland and Friesland in January-March 1989 regarded as probably the same as those in 1988 (Dutdi Bird- ing 13: 43). 182. Ross’s Goose Anser rossii amongst Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis, Netherlands, February 1991 (Mike Weston) 446 Canada Goose Bnmta canadensis BKIARUS Sec- ond and third records: six adults with Mute Swans C. olor near Brest in Felrritary-March 1988 ;ind seven ackilts near Kamenets, Brest region, on 2nd February 1988 (first was near Grodno on 29th January 1 983; cf. increase in Finland and records in Lat\ia. lithuania and Ukraine, Brit Birds 81: 331; 82; 15; 85: 7). Barnacle Goose Branla leucopsis PORTUGAL Influx: up to 100 in small groups in January 1991 (usually scarce and irregular winter visi- tor). SLCJVENIA Second record: Lake Cernica from 23rd Febrtiary to 16th March 1990. Brent Goose Branla bankia C:ANAR'i’ I.SIj\ND.S First record: on Tenerife during January to h'ebruary 1992. MOROC.c:o Fourth and fillh records: two of nominate dark-bellied race at Oualidia on 24th Januaiy 1992 and ten of same race at Meija Zerga on 29th-30th January 1992 (second was in 1988, Brit Birds 83: 9). Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna Jhncginea JORD/VN 1 hire! record: live at ,\zraq on 7th February 1992 (first and second were in 1955 and 1979). .\IOROC:t:o Large post-breeding concentration: more than 500 on Barrage El Massira, Oued Oum-Er-Rbia, during summer 1991. Shelduck Tadorna tadorna JORDAN Highest- ever count: 3,490 at Azraq on 10th January 1992. Wood Duck .4t.v sponsa ICEIAND Vagram: 26th-27th April 1984 \B!iki 5: 26). Mandarin .l/.v galericulala ICELAND First record: two males in Nesjar, A-Skaft., during 18th-20th May 1988. Falcated Duck Aiim falcata FR.VNC:E Amend- ment: the 1986 record (Brit Birds 80: 322) con- cerned a subadult male from 28th November to 21st December, and is considered to have been a possible escape (Alauda 56: 318). Gadwall Anas slrepera UKR.UNE Gensus: 30-50 pairs in western LTraine in 1990-91. Teal Anas crecca .vu.s'l Rl.\ Second record of Nearctic race carolinensis: adult male on 30th November 1991 at Seewinkel, Bttrgenland. UKR.M.NE Gensus: 10-12 pairs in western Ukraine in 1990-91. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors GER.M.ANY Va- grant: Nordrhein-Westfalen on 3rd May 1989 {IJmicola 5: 193). NEIHERIjVNDS Vagrants: pair in April-May 1987, three males in 1988, in .April, .April-May and August (Dutch Birding 10: 169; 11: 153). Shoveler Anas clvpeata UKR.MNE Gensus 1990- 91: 60-80 pairs in western Ukraine. European news Marbled Duck Marmaroneita angustiroslris ER,\NCE Vagrant: Le Quesnoy, Oise, from 22nd August to 1st September 1991*, and in Camargue at the end of August 1991 (cf. in- creases and range expansions in Spain and Morocco, Brit Birds 85: 2). Canvasback Ajiliya valisineria GERALVNY Es- cape/vagrant: Saarland on 6th- 14th March 1987, but considered to be escape [Limkola 4: 191). (This species has not previously been mentioned in a 'European news’ summary.) Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca .MOROCCO Only recent breeding record: at least three pairs nesting in lower Ixmkkos Valley, near Earache, in April 1991. UKR.MNE Census: 35- 40 pairs in w'estern Ukraine (mainly concen- trated in Volyn, Rivno and Lviv region) in 1990-91. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula SPAIN First breed- ing record: three young raised at Rosarito Dam, in the Tagus Valley, in 1988. Eider Somateria mollissima UKR.\INE First sum- mer record in w'estern Ukraine; adult at Pule- mecke Lake in Shack National Park, Volyn Region, on lOthJuly 1987. King Eider Somateria spectabilis lAIA'LV Second record; si.x males on eastern coast of Riga Bay on 3rd September 1991* (first record con- cerned female in 1990, Bnt. Birds 84: 228). Steller’s Eider Polystkta stelleri ICEOVND First, second and third records: 5th- 16th June 1981, 2nd July 1986 and 30th October to 19th November 1989 (Bltki 1: 22; 7: 29; 11: 39). Harlequin Duck Histrionkus histrionkus GER- .M.v.NY Vagrant: Schleswig-Flolstein on 20th March [Limkola 194). Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis FRANCE Increased wintering records: at least two sepa- rate flocks of 37 in baie de Douarnenez, Fin- istere, and Vilaine Estuary, Morbihan, in January 1992 (and many inland records). Bufflehead Bucephala albeola IC:F.UVND .Second record: 15th May 1988 to at least 29th De- cember 1 990 (Bind 1 0: 23; 1 1 : 39; first was in November 1956). Hooded Merganser Alergus cucullatus GER- .M.VNTV Escape/vagrant: in Schleswig-Holstein on 17th-29lh December 1984, but considered probably to be escape (Limkola 3; 168). ICE- lAND First record: male on Heimaey, Vestm., from about 7th-l 7th June 1988 (other recent records have included Norway 1985, 1986, 1991, Finland May and October-Novemher 1989, and individuals considered perhaps to 447 European news have been escapes in France 1990 and the UK 1989, Bnt. Btrdi 83: 325; 84: 4, 228). Goosander Mergus merganser si,0\ EM.\ First breeding record: female with six young at Lake Zbilje in June 1991 (cf recent first breeding records in Ukraine and Belarus, and range ex- pansion in Austria and Czechoslovakia, Brit. Birds 83: 224; 85: 7). Ruddy Duck Osyura jamakensis FINI.\M5 Sec- ond record: male at Espoo during 29th June to 20th July 1991* (first was in 1989. Bril. Birds 84: 4). ICELAND Vagrants: flocks at two locali- ties in 1984 [Bliki 5: 28). White-headed Duck Oryura leucocephala GER- XL\N\' V’agrants: Schleswig-Holstein on 18th- 20th April 1989 and 25th-27th December 1989 (Umkola 5: 194). NETHERi.vNDS Nindi and tenth records: females or immatures in Zuidholland during 9th December 1988 to 8tli March 1989 and in Limburg on 22nd January 1989 {Dutch Birding 11: 153; 13: 44). SP/MN Continuing increase: 545 individuals in 1991 (from only 22 in 1977). Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus GF:r- M.VNV Vagrants: Saarland on 1 1 th August 1984, Hessen on 19th April 1987, and Nieder- sachsen on 1st June 1989 (Limkola 3: 169; 4: 192; 5: 194). Black Kite Alilvus migrans .MOROCCO South- ward extension of breeding range: pair at nest on electricity pylon about 50 km south of Goulimine on 31st March 1991. Red Kite Mibms mihus ICEIAND First record: 24th October 1982 [Bldd 3: 24). Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopierus GER- .\L\NY Vagrant: two adults and one immature in Bayern on 17th June 1988 (Limkola 5: 194). POLAND Fifth record: adult at Karlino, near Koszalin, on 1st June 1991 (first since 1936). Griffon Vulture Gyps jubms MALTA Second record: two in October 1991 {first wtis in 1847). Short-toed Eagle Circaetus galliots BEIARUS Population estimate: 200-250 pairs during 1987-91, at least 60 of which in Poozerie (northern lake region). Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus E;o'tTT Vagrant: juvenile at Ras Mohammed on 18th June 1988 and it or another at Sharm El Sheikh on 1st January’ 1989 (perhaps same individual as seen in Eilat, Israel, in April/May 1989, Brit. Birds WS: 10). Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus NORWAY fourth breeding record: pair raised three young in Ostfold county in summer 1990 (pre- vious breeding records w’ere in \’est-Agder county: two young reared in 1975; two young reared in 1976; nest built in 1978; attempted breeding in 1977 and 1979). SP.MN Census: 417-448 breeding pairs (far more than previ- ous estimates) in 1990. Buzzard Buteo buteo ICEIAND First record: 17th June 1982 (BliMA. 24). Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus .VUSTRLV Small influx: sev'en records, concerning at least three individuals, in eastern .Uustria in 1991. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos SP.VIN Census: 1,265 pairs and ‘population apparently stable’ in 1987-88, Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii EGVTE First record outside usual range: adult male at Gebel Silsila near River Nile, about 40 km north of Aswan, on 16th April 1990 (rare resi- dent breeder in Gebel Elba region and in South Sinai). Red-footed Falcon P'ako vespertinus ICEL.-\ND Eirst and second records: adult males on 26th- 27th Julv 1980 and 20th April 1981 {BhM 4: 57-67). Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae SWEDEN Fourth and fifth records: Skanor on 4th September 1988 (Jar Fagekdrld 48: 452) and Alius, Scania, on 24th Julv 1991* (tliird w’as in 1988, Bnt. Birds 82: 324). ' Saker Fako cherrug FR.\NCE Filth record this century: Orx, Landes, from beginning of November 1991 to at least February 1992*. Peregrine Fako peregrinus SWEDEN Breeding numbers increasing: 30 pairs in 1991. Water Rail Rallus aquatkus UKRAINE First w'in- ter record in western Ukraine: Poltva River, Lviv region, in January 1992. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana ICEIAND Fifth record: 23rd-28th June 1 989 (Bliki 1 1 : 42). Allen’s Gallinule Porphyrula alkni CAN/VRY IS- LANDS First and second records: immatures on Fuerteventura in December 1990 and on Tenerife in December 1991*. GER.VLANY Va- grant: Schleswig-Holstein on 1 4th December 1986 (Ximicofa 3: 171). American Purple Gallinule Porphyrula mar- tinka ICEIAND Vagrant: 26th June 1983 (Bliki 4: 23). Crested Coot Fulka cristata SPAIN Population estimate: 50 adults, 35 in Cadiz province, in 1990. Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis NETHERIjVNDS First record: Paesens, Friesland, on 28th-30th 448 September 1991 (cf. Shetland record in September 1991, Brit. Birds 85: 104). (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata CA- NAR’i' ISLANDS Census: 60-67 of Canary Island race Juertaventurae on Lanzarote in April 1991 (total gready exceeds previous population esti- mates). Great Bustard Otis tarda MOROCCO Con- firmed presence: small flocks regularly reported in Tangier Peninsula, with up to 20 males on 1st February 1992, despite increasing human disturbance. African Jacana Actophilomis africana GERMANS’ Escapes/ vagrants: Schleswig-Holstein on 14th June 1988, and lst-25th August 1988, consid- ered to be escapes (Limicola 4: 192). (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) Stone-curlew Burhinus oedwrwnus CZECHOSLO- VAKIA Near extinction: only one pair confirmed breeding near Znojmo, southern Moravia, in 1991 (not more than one to five pairs annually; cf. extinction/near extinction in eastern Ger- many and Belarus, Bril. Birds 85: 8). Egyptian Plover Phwianus aegfptius POLAND First record: adult at Vistula mouth during 27th October to 21st November 1991; origin unknown. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ sum- mary.) Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor AUSTRIA Second record: RJieindelta, Vorarl- berg, on 25th September 1991. Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni ICELAND Vagrant: 8th October 1983 {Bliki 4: 24). Greater Sand Plover Charadrius kschenaultii SWEDEN Fifth record: Udangan on 26th July 1 990 ( Var Fageladrld 50(8): 20). American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominka DENMARK First record: adult at Bygholmsen- gen, NVV Jutland, on 19th August 1991*. ICE- I-AND First to seventh records: 5th May 1979, 20th May 1980, 19th October 1980, 26th Oc- tober 1980, 11th August 1981 and 8th August 1984 iBliki 1: 25; 5: 29) and Gardskagi, Gull., on 8th- 15th September 1990’*. SWEDEN Sixth record: Skanor, Scania, around 20th July lOOl-*. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis Jiilva EGN'IH Second and third records: two at Zaranik on 18th and 21st August 1990, and one at Lake European news Q_arun on 15th September 1990 (first was in April 1990, Brit. Birds 84: 6). finiand Correc- tion: reports from Tauvo and Jurmo in September 1990 never submitted, so record at Narpio in September 1990 (Brit. Birds 85: 8) becomes ninth. FRANCE Deletions: one in September 1990 and one in May 1991 (Brit. Birds 84: 230; 85: 8) not accepted. GERALANV' Vagrant: Schleswig-Holstein on 30th July to 6th August 1988 [Limkola 4: 193); this record predates the two already published (Brit. Birds 83: 1 1). SWEDEN Ninth record: Vastergam on 20th September 1990 (Vdr Fdgebarld 50(8): 20). American/Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis dominka/Juba NORWAY Sixth record: individual not specifically identified at Utsira, Rogaland, on 22nd September 1990 (there are accepted records of two American Golden Plovers and three Pacific Golden Plovers). POLAND All four records of P. Juba and one of P. dominka now considered indeterminate P. dominka/Juba. Red-wattled Lapwing Hopbptmis indkus IS- RAEL First record: Eilat from 28th December 1991 to 17th February 1992 (plate 186): first record for Western Palearctic outside breeding range. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) Sociable Plover Chettusia gregaria FINLAND Third record: one incubating two eggs (never hatched) in Pori during 6th May to 1 3th June 1990 (first and second were in 1951 and 1988, Brit. Birds 83: 1 1). FILWCE Vagrants: Nangis, Seine-et-Marne, on 30th September 1989’*, Henamenil, Meurthe-et-Moselle, during 10th October to 12th November 1989’*, and Indre- et-Loire on 1st December 1989’*. .SWEDEN First record: Hjalstaviken on 23rd May 1989 (Vdr Fdgebarld 49: 470) predating two in Scania from 28th May 1989 (Brit. Birds 83: 1 1), which becomes second record. Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris NETHERKVNDS First record: juvenile at Oostvaardersdijk, Flevoland, on 19th-25th September 1991, and same individual at Camperduin, Noordhol- land, from 29th September to 6th October 1991 (plates 183 & 184)(only previous Euro- pean records were in Spain in 1979, Morocco in 1980, Israel in 1985, eastern Germany and Norway in 1987 and Scotland in 1989, Brit. Birds 78: 342; 81: 333; 83: 12; 84: 469; 85: 426-429). Sanderling Calidris alba JORDAN Second record: Qasr Burqu on 22nd September 1991 (first was in 1964). Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla FRANCE Fourth and fifth records: Ouessant, 449 European news Finistere, on 16th- 17th June 1989, and Xeriz- elec on 21st-26th September 1991* (third was in September 1988, Brit. Birds 82: 325). Ice- land First to third records: immature on 1st October 1989 [Bliki 11: 43), adult at Fiafurb- jarnastadir a Midnesi. Gull., on 8th July 1990* and immature at first locality on 15th October 1991*. SP/\IN First record: juvenile at Malpica de Bergantihos, La Coruna, on 5th October 1991*. and. probably same, on 7th- 10th October 1991* at nearby Ensenadede la Insua. 450 Red-necked Stint Calidris rufkollis SWEDEN Fourth record: Grangesberg on 1st August 1 989 ( I ar FageMrU 49;" 470). Least Sandpiper Calidris rninutilla GER.M.VN\' Vagrant; Niedersachsen on 20th-21st Septem- ber 1985 (Umicnla 3: 172-173). ICEL.\ND Third record: Gerdar i Gardi, Gull., on 23rd September 1990*. White-rumped Sandpiper Calidns jvscicollis DENM.VRK Fourth record: Tipperne, VVJutland, on 30th May 1984 (Dansk Oni. Foren. Tidssh. 85; 25; those in July 1985 and July 1986, Brit. Birds 82: 325, become fifth and sixth). GER- NL\NY Vagrants: Sclileswig-Holstein on 29th May 1979, Baden-Wtirttemberg on 14th Octo- ber 1984, and Niedersachsen on 30th-31st May 1985 and 23rd-25th May 1986 {Limicola 3; 173). ICEL,\ND Vagrants: three in August 1981, one on 17th October 1982, five in 1983, one on 16th July and four in October, and two in September 1984 {Bliki I: 26; 3: 26; 4: 24; 5: 30); thirty-fifth record: 8th October 1 989 {Bliki 1 1 : 43). NORWA^' Fhird record (e.x- cluding Spitsbergen); Grudavatn, Klepp, Roga- land, during 24th August to 1st September 1984 (two records in July 1987 now become fourth and fifth. Brit. Birds 82; 325; 83: 225). SP.MN Sixth record: juvenile at Traba Lagoon, La Goruna province, on 21st-22nd October 1989* (fourth and fifth were in October 1987, Bnt. Birds 82: 18). Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris hairdii ER,\NCE Seventli and eighth records: Gamargue on 18th September 1991* and Truiwel, Finistere, on 27th-29th September 1991*. GER.\I.\N^’ Va- grant: Baden-VViirttemberg on 2nd-5th August 1984 {Umknla 5: 198). SWEDEN Fourth record: Torliamns udde. Blekinge, on 25th July 1991* (third was in October-November 1989, Brit. Birds 83: 225). Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos CZEC.'HtlsLO\'.\KL\ Sixth record; Rozkos Reser- voir, near Geska Skalice, eastern Bohemia, in October 1989 (fifth was in September 1987, Brit. Birds 83: 225). DENM.VRK 'I'welfth record: Vejlerne, NJutland, on 9th- 12th June 1989 three have been in May, one in June, three in July, two in .August and three in September, Damk Oni. Foren. Tidsskr. 85; 25). KR,\NCE Va- grants: 14 in 1989 and five in August-October 1 990, compared with previous peaks of 1 7 in 1973, 21 in 1984 and 19 in 1985 {Alauda 59: 234). (tER.MANY Vagrants: two in 1975, one in 1978, one in 1979, one in 1980, two in 1982, four in 1983, five in 1984, two in 1986, one in 1987, two in 1988 and two in 1989, with five in .May, four in July, three in August, eight in European news September and three in October [Limicola 3: 173; 4; 194; 5; 198). HUNGARY Third record; juvenile in the Hortobagy on 6th- 7th October 1991 (first and second were in September/Oc- tober 1987 and 1988, Brit. Birds 84; 230). ICE- LAND Vagrants; 30th August to 6th September 1981, 7th July 1983 and 25th-28th September 1983 [Bliki 1; 26; 4; 25); fifteenth to eighteenth records; singly in May and July and two in October 1989 [Bliki 11: 43). IT.ALY Fourth record: mouth of Imera’s River, Sicily, on 20th March 1984. NETHERJLVNDS Vagrants: one in 1987, five in 1988 and fiv'e in 1989, bringing total to 35, sev'en in Mayjune, 27 in July- September and one in November [Dutch Birding 10: 170; 11; 154; 13: 45-46). .SWEDEN Va- grants; three in 1988, one in May and two in August, five in 1989, one in May and four in August-October, and three in 1990, singly in May, July and September, bringing total to 60 [Var Fageharld 48: 453; 49: 471; 50(8): 21). SWTr/.ERIWND Thirteenth record: near Nuolen, Lake of Zurich, on 11th- 16th October 1988. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcindlus GREE;ce First record for Peloponnese: Alyki La- goon, Aejion, on 13th August 1989. .MOROCCO Second record: Oued Sous on 4th January 1992*. Stilt Sandpiper Micropalama kimantopus FR/VNCE Second to fourth records; adult at marais d’Olonne, Vendee, on 5th-6th August 1991*, juveniles at Plovan, Finistere, on 17th September 1991* and at Ouessant on 26th September 1991* (first was in July 1989, Brit. Birds 83: 225). IC:el\ND First record: adult male on 17th June 1985 [Bliki k: 57-67). Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subrujicol- lis FINLAND Sixth record: Jurmo bird observa- tory on 11th- 12th May 1990 (fifth was in .September 1988, Brit. Birds 83: 12). FRANCE Vagrants: juveniles in Finistere on 11th- 18th September 1989 and in Vendee on 8th- 10th September 1990 [Alauda 59: 235). GER,\L\NA Vagrants: two together in 1978 (already noted, Brit. Birds 72: 278), one in 1981, two together in 1982, one in 1983 (already noted, Bril. Birds 79: 287), three in 1985, one in 1986 and two in 1987, singly in May, July, three in August, six in .September and one in October [Uinkola 3: 174; 4: 194; 5; 199). NETHERLANDS Fifth and sixth records; adults in Zuidholland on 16th- 19th August 1986 and in Groningen on 1 8th- 19th October 1988 [I}ulch Birding 10: 170; 11: 154). POLAND Eighth and ninth records: Turawa Reservoir near Opole on 27th July 1989, and Turawa Reservoir on 30th Septem- ber 1990 (seventh was in August 1988, Biit. free PAGER! Win one at our stand at the RUTLAND BIRD FAIR RELIABLE COMPREHENSIVE THE BEST SPECIAL AUGUST OFFERS including NOW! NEW ECONOMICAL NUMERIC PAGERS \ RARE BIRD ALERT | BIRD PAGERS IT’S ABOUT TIME YOU DISCOVERED THE BENEFITS FOR YOURSELF; The BEST news service There’s no longer any need to wonder WHAT the latest bird news is; WHEN you’re going to find out (or even HOW MUCH you’ll spend finding it). Simply read all the news, as It happens, on a Rare Bird Alert message pager, including updates, directions, and negative news. It’s reliable, comprehensive and extremely cost effective, with no nasty surprises when the bills come in. For an info pack with a sample print-out of a days messages and an order form: call Dick Filby on 0603 767799 or call Inter-City, Free, and ask for Rare Bird Alert Inter-City Paging Ltd. Marsh House, 500 Montagu Road, Edmonton, London N9 OUR. Tel: 0800 246 246 Hip INTER-CITY PAGING h BRITISH BIRDWATCHING FAIR 4 EGLETON NATURE RESERVE, RUTLAND WATER Nr Oakham, Leicestershire Friday 4th, to Sunday 6th September, 1992 Open 10-5.30 daily. Entrance £5 per adult, children free, 3-day pass £7. 1992 EVEN! SLPPORTISt; T^*»C|CBP SPANISH STEPPES APPEAI in focus - ^^TAnglian Water Thf BifiJ & Wildlife Book'hup XI 1 THE ALL NEW INDEPENDENT TELEPHONE INFORMATION SERVICE RARE BIRD NEWS 0881 888 1 1 1 THE CHEAPEST & BEST VALUE BIRDLINE CALLS COST 25p/MINUTE CHEAP RATE RING US AND SAVE £££’s WHY PAY MORE ON HIGHER PREMIUM RATES? HOTLINE TO REPORT YOUR SIGHTINGS ON LOCAL RATES FROM ANYWHERE IN THE U.K. 0426 923 923 JOIN OUR NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF NEWS PROVIDERS RARE BIRD NEWS IS HELPING CONSERVATION ENQUIRIES; BIRDING U.K. 146 KEW ROAD, RICHMOND, LONDON TW9 2AU CALLS TO 0881 NO'S CHARGED AT 25p/MIN CHEAP RATE 39p/MIN ALL OTHER TIMES INC. VAT (D100) European news Birds 82: 326). PORTUG.M. First record: ringed at Alvor in the Algarve on 7tli-25th September 1990. SWEDEN Twelfth and thirteenth records: Falsterbo on 1st October 1988 and Ottenby on 5th- 14th October 1989 [Var Fagelodrld 48: 453; 49: 471). Short-billed Dowitcher limnodrorrms grisms GERAIANV V'agrant: Niedersachsen on 9th- 16th October 1981 (Umicola 3: 174). Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodrorrms scolopaceus FINLAND Fifth record: juvenile in Pori on 18th-20th September 1990 (fourth was in September 1984, Brit. Birds 78: 342). F'R.’iNCE Nineteenth and twentieth records: juvenile in Loire-Adantique on 30th September to 2nd October 1990 [Alaiuh 59: 235) and adult at Dunkerque, Nord, on 4th-7th May 1991*. GER.MANY Vagrant: West Berlin on 25th September 1984 {Umicola 3: 174). NETHER- LANDS Correction and additional information: record during llth-30th July (Brit. Birds 82: 326) referred to 1987, not 1986 {Dutch Birding 10: 170), and what may have been the same individual was seen agetin at Lauwersmeer, Groningen, on 4th-7th May 1988 and 11th- 16th May 1989; adult at same locality on 3rd- 5th November 1989 may have been different (Dutch Birding 11: 154; 13: 46). SWEDF:n Tenth record: Oland on 13th-21st October 1990 {Far FagebdrU 50(8): 21; there were singles in 1959, 1961 and 1966, four in 1978, one in 1986, and ninth was in October-November 1987, Brit. Birds 81: 333). Dowitcher Umnodromus MOROCCO Vagrant wintering: Oued Massa estuary during Decem- ber 1987 tojanuary 1988. Slender-billed Curlew Nummius tmuirostris GREECE Up to three at Evros Delta on 1 1 th April 1988 (there had been seven on 4th April, Brit. Birds 85: 9). HUNGARY Singles at Sark- eresztur on 19th May 1991 and in the Florto- bagy on 27th October 1991, and three near Balmazujvaros on 31st October 1991, two re- maining until 1st November 1991. MOROCCO j Two at Meija Zerga from 23rd October 1991, 1 up to five from 1st November to 30th Decem- ber 1991, two remaining to 30th January 1992 ' (highest numbers in recent years). (We are j publishing all records received of this species.) I Curlew Numenius arquata ICEIAND Second breeding record in Northeast Iceland: summer 1988. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) j Marsh Sandpiper Tringa slagnatilis NORWAY ! Fourth record: Gaulosen, Sor-Trondelag, on 451 4th May 1987 (record in June 1987, Brit. Birds 82: 326. becomes fifth). Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes FRANCE Tw’enty-second to twenty-fourth records: in Morbihan on 23rd-24th August 1988, in Vendee on 9th-24th October 1990 {Alauda 59: 236) and at Blanzy, Saone-et-Loire, on 7th September 1991*. ICELAND Vagrant: 8th September 1984 (Bliki 5: 32). NETHERL/VND.S First and second records: Zeeland on 18tii- 19tii November 1979 (Dutch Birding 13: 48) and Zierikzee, Zeeland, on 7th- 11 tit October 1991. SWEDEN Fourth record: Ottenby on 1st June 1990* (Vdr Fagebarld 50(8): 22; third was in November 1985, Brit. Birds 79: 287). Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus UKR.‘VINE Census: 230-240 pairs in western Ukraine in 1990-91. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola ICEIAND First confirmed breeding record: Myvatn in June-July 1981 (Bliki 1: 25). Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos ICE- U\ND Fourth record: 21st May 1989 (BUM II: 45). UKRAINE First winter record in western Ukraine: Ivano-F'rankovo, Lviv Region, in De- cember 1990. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia CAN/\RY ISLANDS Fourth record: south of L.a Gomera on 16th November 1991*. GERALYNY Vagrant: Baden- Wurttemberg on 1 3th May 1 986 (IJmi- cula 3: 175). icei-AND Vagrant: 28th July 1984 [Bliki 5: 32). Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor FIN- IWND Fourth record: first-winter, I^appeenranta during 14th- 1 7th September 1989 (all previous records were adults in May to June; third was in 1985, Brit. Birds 78: 641). ITCANCE Vagrants: three in 1990, in July, September and Septem- ber-October {Alauda 59: 236). GERMANY Va- grants: one in 1974, two in 1977 (one already noted, Brit. Birds 70: 495), and singly in 1978, 1979, 1982 and 1984, three in May, and singly in June, July, September and October (Umicola 3: 176). NETHERLANDS Vagrants: two in 1985, in July and September, three in 1987, two in April and one in June [Dutch Birding 10: 171), and one on 10th May 1988 [Dutch Birding 11: 1 54), bringing total to 1 5 (not 1 4 as noted Brit. Birds 82: 326). Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longdaudus DEN- MARK Large influx: more than 1 00 (mainly ju- veniles) in September 1991, FRANCE Highest-ever passage during autumn 1991*: at least 140 (95% juveniles), mainly at Dunkerque, Nord, with at least ten inland, from end of August to beginning of September 452 1991 (compared with usual average of six an- nually). MOROCCO Fourth record this century: adult off Oued Sebou Estuary, Mehdya, on 3rd December 1991. SWEDEN Highest-ever numbers: over 200, at least 100 recorded in- land, during autumn 1991* (in 1988 invasion, most records were along West Coast). (Cf highest-ever numbers on British North Sea coast in September 1991, Bnl. Birds 85: 102.) South Polar Skua Slercorarius maccormicki EGYPT First record: intermediate morjrh off Hurghada, on way to Giftun Saghir Island, on 10th June 1991. (This species has not previ- ously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) Mediterranean Gull Lams melanocephalus Population decrease: 867 pairs in Co- macchio Valley in 1990. lATVlA Third record: tr\'o immatures at Pape on 3rd September 1991* (first and second were in 1970 and 1990, Brit. Birds 84: 7). NETHER1.,\NDS Continu- ing increa.se: about 125 breeding pairs in 1991, of which 60 in one colony in Zeeland (cf total of 90 pairs in 1990, Brit. Birds 84: 230). SWE- DEN Highest-ever numbers: at least 1 3 records during June-November 1991* (about 70 previ- ous records). Laughing Gull Lams atrkilla FRANCE Eighth to tenth records: Goulven, Finistere, on 23rd August 1988*, juvenile at Ouessant on 28th August 1988*, and Port-Bail, Manche, on 18th September 1988* (seventh was in 1987, Brit. Birds 81: 334). ICEIAND Sixth record: first- udnter on 28th October 1989 (Bliki 1 1: 46). Franklin’s Gull Lams pipixcan GER.\L\NY Va- grant: Niedersachsen on 20th-24th September 1986 {Liniicola 3: 177). ICEIAND First record: 21st-26th September 1984 (Bliki 5: 32). SWE- DEN Seventh record: Tenhult, Smaland, on 19th-2 1st July 1991* (fifth and sixth were in April and May 1987, Bril. Birds 81: 18). Sabine’s Gull Lams sabini CZECHO.SEOVAKJA Second record: immature on Novomlynske Jezero Lake, southern Moravia, on 16th Febmary 1990 (first was in December 1985, Brit. Birds 80: 1 2). FINI AND Third record: juve- nile at Orimattila (150 km inland) on 15th- 28th September 1991* (first and second were in 1929 and 1982, Brit. Birds 77: 237). Bonaparte’s Gull Ijims Philadelphia ICEDYVI.) Vagrants: 4th October 1981 and 12th June 1983 (BUM 1: 27; 4: 26). poR'I'UGAI. First to third records: adult between Carcavelos and Caxias on 28th February to 8th April 1980, adult in same area on 3rd February to 30th March 1991* and first-Mnter near Cascais (20 European news km west of Lisboa) from 1 2th February to 8th March 1991*. SWEDEN First record: Getteron on 1st February 1990 (Var Fdgelvarld 50(8): 22). Black-headed Gull Lams ridibundus ITALY Population decrease: 257 pairs in Comacchio Valley in 1990. Slender-billed Gull Lams germ CANARY IS- lANDS Breeding absence: pair at former breed- ing site on Fuerteventura in February 1991, but none during June and only one adult in mid July. GERMAMY Vagrant: Rheinland-Pfalz on 23rd June 1989 [Limkola 5: 204). SLOVENIA Second record: Secovlje salinas from 10th March to 7th April 1991. Audouin’s Gull Lams audouinii MOROCCO Large winter concentration: 916 at Khnifiss Lagoon on 29th December 1991. Ring-billed Gull Lams delawarensis FRANCE Influx: immature at He d’Olonne, Vendee, on 1 1th April 1990* and up to 19 along Atlantic coasts and one in Paris, with maximum of five together at Cap Breton/Hossegor, Landes, from beginning of December 1 99 1 * to Febru- ary 1992*. ICELAND Twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth records: 2nd May 1989 and 28th-31st October 1989 (Bliki 11: 46). mo- rocco Sixth to eleventh records: first-winter in Agadir harbour on 27th December 1988*, Oued Sous estuary on 7th February 1989, first-winters into first-summers at Oued Massa estuary from 24th January to 2nd April 1990, at Oued Sous estuary on lst-2nd April 1990, adults at Oued Ixjukkos estuary on 2nd Jan- uary 1992 and at OuaUdia (possibly same indi- vidual) on 14th- 17 th January 1992 (fifth was in January 1988, Brit. Birds 82: 19). NORWAY Fifth and seventh records: second-winter at Molen, Larvik, Vestfold, on 13th December 1986, and first-winter on 3rd October 1987 January 1987 record, Brit. Birds 83: 12, becomes sixth). SWEDEN Fourth and fifth records: Getteron, Halland, on 9th May 1991 and 31st October 1991* (third was in July 1987, Bnt. Birds 81: 18). Herring Gull Lams argentatus CZECFIOSLO- \AKLA First breeding record: nest with two eggs destroyed at Novomlynske Jezero Lake, southern Moravia, in May 1990. IT AI.Y Popu- lation increase of race michahellis: 648 pairs in Comacchio Valley in 1990. Great Black-backed Gull Lams marinus EGYPT First record: adult 12 km south of Hurghada on 22nd January 1989, reported without details (OSME Bull. 26: 32-36). Ross’s Gull Rhodoslethia rosea ESTONIA First 453 European news record; near Tallinn on 23rd-24th May 1988 (cf. May 1988 records in Denmark and Swe- den, Brit. Birds 82: 19). Kittiwake Rissa tridactfla EG^Tl First summer record: second-summer on Lake Bardawil, North Sinai, on 14th July 1990. Ivory GuU Pagophila ebtimea CZECHOSLO\’.\KL\ First record: Opato\icky Pond, Trebon, south- ern Bohemia, on 16th May 1991. Gull-billed Tern Gelochetidon nilotica SLO\ ENI.\ Second record; Ljubljansko baije on 25th May 1990. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis nWL'i' Confirmed breeding: pair in Comacchio Val- ley in 1990. Sandwich Tern Skma sandvicensis Pop- ulation increase; 496 pairs in Comacchio \'al- ley in 1990 (steady increase since 1979). Elegant Tern Sterna elegans FR.\.\CE IndKidual from ,\rcachon Sandwich Tern .S', sandvicensis colony, Gironde, at Saint-Nazaire, I^ire-Atlan- tique, 300 km north of colony, on 22nd Au- gust 1991*. Common Tern Sterna hirundo rr.M.'i' Popula- tion decrease: 1,257 pairs in Comacchio Valley in 1990 {cf 1,820 pairs in 1987, Brit. Birds 81; I9i. Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea HUNC:.\R^■ First and second records: first-winter at Szeged- Ferto on 10th- 14th October 1991 and adult winter in the Hortobagy on 8th November 1991. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethelus er,\.NC:e Fourth record: adult off cap Gris-Nez, Pas-de-Calais, on 1 8th August 1 99 1 * (cf Isles of St illy record in .August 1991, Brit. Birds 84; 107; third French record was in May 1990, Brit. Birds 84: 71. Little Tern Sterna aLbifrons EGYPT Southern- most breeding: six pairs nesting on small island near ,\bu Simbel on 15th June 1990 (normally breeds along Mediterranean coast and on northern Delta lakes). TT.VEV Population in- crease; 1,773 pairs in Comacchio V'alley in 1990 (second-best breeding year since 1977). MOROCt:o First inland breeding: colony of about 15 pairs with eggs at Banage El Mas- sira, Oued Oum Er Rbia, on 18th June 1991. Black Tern Chlidonias niger ICEI.VND First breeding records; summer 1983. but nest de- .stroyed by high tide in late July; summer 1984, one young hatched from nest within colony of ■Arctic Terns Sterna paradisaea, but probably died {Blifd 2: 48-55; 4: 26, 39: 5: 3-5, 34, 46). ' African Skimmer Rynchops Jlavirostris EG^■p^ Twenty at .Abu Simbel on lst-3rd May 1991 (also recorded in June). Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto GIBR.\ET,\R Third record: 10th- 15th October 1991* (second w'as in .April 1991. Bnt. Birds 85: 9). PORI L'G.VE First record in the .Algaive: Salir .Algarve on 20th .April 1991 (breeding recorded in north- ern Portugal and south to Lisboa, with recent observations at Troia, Setiibal). TUMSi.v First record: 14 regularly in Bizerte, North Tunisia, since mid December 1991. (Cf colonisation and expansion in Spain and Morocco, Bril. Birds 84: 7.) Rufous Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis EGYPT First record: .Abu Simbel on 20th November 1990 [Courser 3: 20-21). FR.VNCE First record; immature on Ouessant. Finistere. on 10th- 12th October 1991*. SW EDEN Winter- ing again: individual wintering for eighth suc- cessive year at Mbrbyianga. Oland, from 1 0th October 1991* onwards. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis TR.\.\c:e Escape/vagrant: male singing in Nord on 6th .August 1989, considered to be likely escape but a possible candidate for full acceptance [Alauda 59: 246); cf October 1989 record [Brit. Birds 83: 226: Alauda 58; 265). Namaqua Dove Oena capensis EGYPI Fourth record for Sinai: Nuweiba. South Sinai, on 26th .April 1990. Black-billed Cuckoo Cocevgus eiythrophllialmus ICEI.VND A'agrant: 21st-25th October 1982 '.Bliki 3: 29). Striated Scops Owl Olus brucei ISRAhl, Twelfth record: Eilat on 22nd-23rd Januaiy 1990. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) Bam Owl Tyto alba CZECHOSLOV.vktv Breed- ing population estimate: 400-700 pairs in 1985-89. Eagle Owl Bubo bubo C/ECHOSi.ovakt\ Breedine population estimate; 600-950 pairs in 198,5-89. Pygmy Owl Claucidium pas.seriniim C/.ECHOSl.o- V .VKI.V Breeding population estimate: 900-1,300 pairs in 1985-89. Little Owl Athene noclua c:/ECHOsi.ov.vkia Breeding population estimate: 700-1.100 pairs in 1985-89. Tawny Owl Slrix aluco C/ECHOSI.OV.VKTV Breeding population estimate; 6,000-9,000 pairs in 1985-89. (This species has not previ- ously been mentioned in a ‘European news' summary.) 454 Ural Owl Strix uralensis CZECHOSLOX’AKIA Breeding population estimate; one to five pairs in 1985-89. Long-eared Owl Asia olus CZF.C:HOSLOV.\KX\ Breeding population estimate: 4,000-7,000 pairs in 1985-89. Short-eared Owl JIammeus CZECHOSLO- Breeding population estimate: up to five pairs in 1985-89. Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus CZECHOSl.O\'.\KI.\ Breeding population esti- mate: 550-800 pairs in 1 985-89. Needle-tailed Swift Himndapus caudaculus FINLAND Ihirci record: Hanko on 5th May 1991 (first and second were in 1933 and 1990, Brd. Birds 85: 10). Pallid Swift Apus palHdus SWEDEN First record: Falsterbo, Scania, on 3rd July 1991*. Alpine Swift Apus melbu ICELAND First and second records: 15th April 1980 and 16th June 1981 4: 57-67). Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis EGA’PI 1 bird record of blue-headed race Q’tinophrvs: two 25 km south of Taba, South Sinai, on 26th .April 1990. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Mmps supmilwsus FI.\LV.\D First record: Sodankyla on 7th-9th July 1991*. Bee-eater Merops apiaster CAN.ARA' I.SL.AND.S First record lor La Gomera: flAing over laurel forest in July 1991. ICELA.ND First record: 8th- 15th June 1989 [BPki 1 1: 48). Hoopoe L 'pupei epops .SWEDEN Breeding record: pair bred on Gotland (has bred ttnnually on Oland since 1986). Wryneck Jynx luripiilla FR.ANCE Winter record: .Mousterlin. Finistere, from 4th to at least 26th January 1992. Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni FXiA'Pr fhird recoicl: seven 43 km south of El Arish on 29th Augttst 1991 (cf first and second records in 1981 and 1990, Bnt. Birds 84: 9; OSME Bull. 25: 27-28). Calandra Lark Melanoconpha calandra SWE- DEN Gorrection: record on 1 0th October 1988 (Bril. Birds 8.3; 14) was third, not second (cf, Brit. Birds W: 13; Idr Edgelvarld -^8: 455). Short-toed Lark Calmidrella hrachydactyla ,SWF> DF..N Highest-cver numbers: five during spring 1991 and si.\ during July-October 1991. European news Crested Lark Galerida cristata NETFIERIjA.NDS Continuing decrease: fewer than 400 breeding pairs estimated in 1991 and almost disap- peared from northern provinces (3,000-5,000 pairs in 1979 and 1,000-2,000 pairs in 1985- 86; cf declines in western Germany and Swe- den and extinction in Switzerland, Bril. Birds 85: 10). Thekla Lark Galerida theklae EGYPT First record since 1931: pair 10 km east of Salum on 11th September 1991 and six at the same locality on 18th September 1991. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘Euro- pean news’ summary.) Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula EGVFE First record: tw'o near Shaim El Sheikh on 14th October 1990 [Courser 3: 20-21). Shore Lark Eranophik alpeslris ICELAiND First record: adult male ‘collected’ on 17th Novem- ber 1981 [Bliki 1: 30, 40-41). URR.-AINE Inva- .sion: Hocks of hundreds from January 1991 onwards in Volyn Region. Brown-throated Sand Martin Riparia palu- dicola EGYPT First record: two at Suez on 20th April 1990 (not May 1990, Brit. Birds 84: 9; Ehikk Birding 1 3: 98-99). Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo dauriea ICE- LAND First record; Selfoss, Am., on 3rd-9th June 1988. NORW.ay Fifth and seventh records: Eie, Egersund, Rogaland, on 7th June 1984, and adult at Moldstad, Smola, More & Roms- dal, on 22nd June 1988 (record in Alay 1988, Brit. Birds 83; 227, now- becomes sixth). PtVLVND Fhird record: adult at Zgliniec, near Leszno, on 6th May 1991 (first and second were in 1982 and 1987, Brit. Birds 81: 335). Richard’s Pipit Anthus nouaeseelandiae KRyVNC:E Vagrants: four in September-October 1990, compared with seven (including one on 8th May) in 1988 and the peak of 20 in 1970 [Alauda 59: 240). GER.VLVNY Vagrants: three in- dividuals in 1981, and singly in 1984, 1985 and 1986, singly in April, May, September and December, and two in October (Limicola 3: 187); eight individuals in 1987, two in September, five in October and one in De- cember; ten individuals in 1988, one in .April, four in .September, three in October and two in November {Limicola 4: 202); and seven indi- viduals in 1989, two in May, four in October and one frttm I2th December to 1st January 1990 [Limicola 5: 210). morocco Tenth to thirteenth records: Douyiet on 24th January 185. Fop, tuiile White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis, Netherlands, November 1986 [Rene van Rnssum) 186. Bottom, Red-wattled Lapwing Uoplnplmts indicus, Israel, December 1991 [Hadoram Shiiihai) 187 & 188. Black-tliroated Thrushes Turdm nificollis alrogularis: left, Denmark, December 1991 (Jem Froms^er Tlwmsen)', right, Germany, February 1992 (£. A. J. Opperman) 189. Juvenile Citrine Wagtail Motacilh cilreola, Finland, 5th July 1991 (Petri Rissanen)[xe also plate 191) 190. Adult female Rock 'Fhmsh Montkvla saxalilis, Finland, October/November 1991 Jouni Riihimafcij / alue and quality are two reasons Wildlife and Bird Watching rated these Nikon Binoculars and Fieldscopes among the best in their classes. For instance, Bird Watching awarded the Nikon 8 x 30ECF WF binoculars a full five stars, their highest value-for-money rating. What’s more, they acclaimed the 8 X 30s “Excellent in every way optically— very sharp and bright.’’* That’s because they share the Nikon heritage of optical excellence. So take a look through the leaders today. *By courtesy of EMAP Fhirsuit Ltd.: Quoted from an article BEST BUYS IN BINOCULARS, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson. Bird Watching. May 1990. And, BEST BUYS IN TELESCOPES, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Bird Watching, June 1990. By courtesy of BBC Publications; JUST THE BEST, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Wildlife. March 1989. Fieldscope II, Fieldscope EDII and 8 x 30 ECF have been recommended by British Birds. iv/iroffBinocuhrs NIKON U.K. LTD. (United Kingdom) 380 RICHMOND ROAD, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR TEL; (081) 541 4440 FAX: (081) 541 4584 Somerton Foto Ltd. (The Republic of Ireland) OPA NEW VISION MADE BY LEICA "You've got to hand it to Leica... these' superb binos are a real eye opener." .BILLODDIE At first sight an exemplary, functional and tim'elessly beautiful design. On second sight a convincing and superior optical performance. A long-term view observes and confirms the unsurpassed reliability of precision mechanics. The new binocular generation from Leica. Made for the demanding observer who wishes to sweep the horizon yet never miss the nearby detail. There is a choice of three outstanding models. The universal and popular LEICA 8 X 42. the powerful LEICA 10 x 42 and the brilliant professional binocular LEICA 7 x 42. The freedom to see For further information about Leica products and a list of dealers, send the coupon to Leica, PO Box U), Bunlingford, Herts SG9 9B1 . Telephone and Service enquiries (09()S) 666663. LEICA Binoculars [Z] LEICA Compact Binoculars Ell LEICA Cameras MbEII R EJ Compact ED Name Address Telephone LBB0892 (D162) xiv 457 European news 1989*, up to 13 at Meija Zerga, from at least 6th December 1989 to 13th January 1990, Tamri on 1st January 1991 and Khnifiss La- goon, Tarfaya, on 27th March 1991 (southern- most record); also two in January 1992, at Oued Massa and Oued Loukkos. SWEDEN Va- grants; 51 in September-November 1988 and 16 in September-October 1989, taking grand total to 210 {Var Fagebarld 48: 456; 49: 474). Blyth’s Pipit Anthui godlewskii BELGIUM First record: trapped at De Moeren on 16th November 1986 (cf. three in Finland in Octo- ber-November 1986, Brit. Birds 80; 326). Olive-backed Pipit Anthus kodgsoni FRANCE Fourth record: Ouessant, Finistere, on 20th October 1991* (third was in 1989, Bril. Birds 83: 227). Sweden Fourth record: Stenasabadet, Oland, on 14th October 1991* (third was in October 1990, Brit. Birds 84: 233). Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi SWEDEN First record: Stora Fjaderagg, V^terbotten, on 5th- 20th September 1991*. BufiT-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens ICELAND Third and fourth records: 5th October 1983 and 21st October 1989 {Blih 4: 28; 11: 50). (This species has not previously been men- tioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) Yellow Wagtail Motadlla Jlmia NORWAY Sec- ond record of black-headed race feldegg. male at Nordre Oyeren, Raslingen, Akershus, on 25th May 1990. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola ESTONIA First record; first-year male ringed near Haademeeste, Pamu District, on 21st August 1990; found nesting with female Yellow Wag- tail M. Jhwa near ringing-site during 16th May to 17 th June 1991, six young apparendy fledg- ing successfully. FINLAND First breeding record: pair with four to five young in Pori during 191. Juvenile Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola, Finland, 22nd June 1991 {Tapeni Lilja){see also plate 189) summer 1991 (plates 189 & 191) (male paired with female Yellow Wagtail nested for five suc- cessive years 1983-87, Brit. Birds 77: 589; 78: 643; 80; 13; 81: 20). FRANCE Fifth record: juve- nile at Ouessant, Finistere, on 14th October 1991* (fourth was in May 1991, Brit Birds 85: 11). GER\L\N\’ Vagrants: West Berlin on 2nd May 1984 and Niedersachsen on 19th May 1985 {Limicola 3: 187), predating the 1986 record already noted (Brit. Birds 80: 327); Bay- ern on 26th April 1986, and Nordrhein-West- falen on 22nd-23rd April 1988 (Limicola 4: 202; 5: 210). ICELAND Second and third records: 29th October 1982 {Bldd 3: 30) and Hvalsnes a midnesi. Gull., on 20th October 1990*. LATVIA Sixth and seventh records: female near Pape on 22nd May 1990 and male near Lake Lubaha in June 1990 (first to fifth were in 1982-89, Bnt Birds 11: 589; 79: 289; 83: 227). SPAIN Third and fourth records: first-years ringed on 5th and 7th September 1991* (first and second were in April 1987 and September 1990, Brit. Birds 81: 335). Grey Wagtail Motacilla cirwrea FAROE ISIAND.S Second record and first this century: male at Mykines bygd on 5th July 1991. Pied Wagtail ALotacilla alba NORWAY First record of race subpersonata: Herdla, Askoy, Hordaland, on 1st May 1990 (BWB states that movements of this subspecies are largely altitu- dinal, but the record is documented by a colour photograph). Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus ICEIAND Influx: about 40 in late October to November 1981, the first influx since 1975 (Bliki 1: 41-42). Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella SWEDEN Seventh record: Landsort, Sbdermanland, on 13th October 1991 (first to sixth records were one in 1976, four in 1987 and one in 1988, Bnt Birds 71: 256; 82: 349). Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos ICELAND Fifth record: 5th October 1989 (Bliki 11; 51). Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus CYPRUS Third record: Bishop’s Pool on 27th October 1991* (first and second were in November 1957 and November 1990, Brit. Birds 84: 233). FINLAND Second breeding record: adult male, female and six young in Kuusamo at Valtavaara on 19th June 1990 (first breeding was in 1972); at least four sec- ond-year males singing at Valtavaara. SWEDEN Tenth record: adult male at Furilden, Gotland, on 28th July 1990*. White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis EGYFf Second and third records: males at Wadi El Natroun on 29th April 1985 and at El Arish 458 on 3rd May 1990 (first was collected 8 km north of Abu Zenima. South Sinai, on 30th .May 1984. Bull. BOC 105; 84-85). .\kther- LVXDS First record, details published Brit. Birds 81; 20. see plate 185. Stonechat Saxicola torquata DENM.VRK \’agrant records of race maura\ 27th .\pril 1988. 13th October 1988, 1 5th October 1988 and 23rd October 1988. GKR.\1.\NX’ V'agrant of race maura: Heligoland on 21st-22nd November 1987 [Limicola 4; 202). ll.vi.v First record of race mmira: ringed in Natural Reserve of Palo Laziale on 1st October 1988. .NEIHERI.VNDS Thirteenth and fourteenth records of race maura'. Zuidholland on 17 th No\ ember 1986 and 13th November 1989, the first in Novem- ber [Dutch Birding 13; 51). .\OR\\'.\'i' Second to fifth records of race maura'. 9th- 1 1 th October 1981, 22nd September 1985, 5th and 7th July 1988, and 17th October 1988. Sweden Va- grants of race maura'. eight in 1988, four in 1989 and eight in 1990, with one in .Npril, three in May, one in July, three in Augiist and 12 in Sejjtember-October, taking grand total to 67 [Vdr Fdgelvarld 48; 458; 49; 475; 50(8); 24). Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschauka DENM.VRK Second record: first-year male at Christianso, Bornholm, on 28th-31st October 1991* (first was in June 1991, Bnt. Birds 85: 1 1 j. ir.U.V Seventh and eighth records: Giannutri Isle, Fuscany. on 27th May 1988, and on Capraia Isle, 1 uscany, on 31st October 1989. SWEDEN First, second and eighth records: Flacksjbn on 5th-7th October 1975, Segerstads on 24th Oc- tober 1982 ilnr Fdgelvarld 49: 475; 50(8); 25) and Faludden. Gotland, on 1 2th October 1991* (live records in 1987-88. Brit. Birds 82:- 349. become third to seventh). Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica liEEGILM First record; Bastogwe, ProGnee of Luxembourg, on 23rdjuly 1991* (plate 192). Desert Wheatear Oenanthe de.seili HUNG.\R'i’ First record: first-winter or adult vtiruer female near Balmuzajtaros on 18th-21st November 1991. SWEDEN Fourteenth to seventeenth records; 23rd .November 1986, 8th- 11th Octo- ber 1988. 2()th-21st May 1989 (I'dr Fdgelvarld 18: 458; 49: 475) and Ostergarn. Gotland, on 22nd September 1991*. Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe .xantlwprqmna ISR.M.I, Tenth record: Lilal during November 1989 to February 1990, (This species has not preciously been mentioned in a 'Luropean news’ summary.) White-crowned Black Wheatear Oenanthe European news leucopyga GER.\I.\.\X’ \’agrant: Bayern on 9tli- 13th May 1986 (Limicola 3: 188). Rock Thrush Monlkola saxatilis FI.NUVND First record: adult female at \'alassaaret from 24th October to 3rd November 1991* (plate 190). GER.\1.\.NY Vagrants: Heligoland on 10th De- cember 1983 and Nicdersachsen on 12th May 1986 (Limicola 3; 188; 5: 211). White’s Thrush l^oothera dauma GERM.-vw \'agrant; immature male on Heligoland on 11th October 1988 (Umicola 4: 203). ICELAND X’agrants: 9th October 1982 and 5th-9th November 1982 {Bliki 3: 33). netherla.\T)S Fourteenth record: Gelderland on 17th March 1988 (Dutch Birding 11: 157). norw.av Sixth record; juvenile at Jomfruland. Kragero, Tele- mark, on 28th October 1988. POLVND Seventh record: Dorotowo, near Olsztyn, on 8th Februaiy 1989. Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus ICE- LAND \'agrant: 30th October 1983 (Bliki A'. 28). Pale Thrush Turdus pallidus GER.\L\,NA’ Es- cape/vagrant: Heligoland on 16th July 1986, but considered to be escape {Limicola 5; 218). Eye-browed Thrush Turdus obscums CATRUS First record: up to two on Mount Olympus on 16th December 1991*. S\Vt:DE:N First record: male at Holmsund on 28th December 1989 (Vdr Fdgelvarld 49: 475). 192. Male Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe his- panica, Belgium, July 1991 (Die Venoken) European news Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni GERM.WS' \'agrants: male of nominate race in Nord- rhein-Westfalen on 27th March to 5th April 1979 (Limkola 3: 188) and one on Heligoland, Schleswig-Holstein, on 22nd-23rd April 1987, Black-throated Thrush Turdus npcollis DEN- NL\RK Fourth record; first-year male of race atrogularis at Frederiksvaerk, Zealand, on 11th- 16th December 1991* (plate 187). FLNL.\.\D Sixteenth record of race atrogularis: male in Helsinki on 1st and 3rd January 1991 (thir- teenth to fifteenth records were all in 1988, Bril. Birds 83: 15). GER.nla.Vi' \'agrant: Februaiy 1992 (plate 188i. Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti EGVPI First record; at sewage-pools of Sidi ,\bd El Rah- man Hotel on 30th September 1990 (two pre- vious reports not fully accepted!. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locuslella certhiola .\e:theri.N.VDS First record: trapped at Castricum. Noordholland, on 5th October 1991*. Lanceolated Warbler Locustella kinceolata FIN- [.VVD Twelfth record: Lagskar Bird Observa- tory, Aland archipelago, on 27th-29th September 1989 (third autumn record; eleventh was in October 1988, Bnt. Birds 82: 350). Moustached Warbler Acrocephahis melano- pogon GERALNW \'agrants: Hessen on 5th ,\u- gust 1972 and 7th September 1986 (Limkola 3: 189). Spring and breeding records: Bayern on 6th-7th May 1982 and one or two adults with two or three fledged young during 26th June to 1 3th July 1 984 iUmkola 5: 211; cf probable pair in Bayern from May to July 1981. Brit. Birds lb: 271). Aquatic Warbler Aaocephalus paludkola EGN'Fl' First record: Tenth of Ramadan sewage-pools on 3rd March 1988. Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephahis agricola HLNNC;E First to third records: Upei.x. Hautes- ■Alpes, on 26th September 1990, adult at Trunvel/Finistere on 2nd July 1991*. and at I^a Colancelle, Nievre, on 10th July 1991*. IS- R.NEI, Third record: trapped at Eilat on 20th November 1991. .NETHERUVVD.S Vagrants: im- matures in Hevoland and Zuidholland, both on 8th September 1987 (Dutch Birding 10: 173). SWEDEN Eight to twelfth records: Eggegrtind on 26th May 1988, Bjarred on 9th September 1989, Falsterbo on 5th August 1990, Skiirstad on 29th September 1990 (I dr Fdgelvarld 48: 459; 49: 475; 50(8): 26). and Segerstad, Oland, on 19th October 1991* (seventh was in Octo- ber 1987. Bnt. Birds 81: 337). 459 Thick-billed Warbler Aa 'ocephaliis aedon EGYFI Eirst record: St Katherine in November 1991. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a 'European news' summary.) Booted Warbler Hippotais caligata EGNTF First record: specimen found amongst hundreds of 5Villovv 5Varblers Phylloscopus trochilus offered for sale at Rosetta birdmarket on 23rd September 1991. SWEDEN Fourth or fifth record: Dalsbyn, Dalarna. on 23rd .August 1991* (previous record was in June 1991, Brit. Birds 85: 12). Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais langdda EGVPr Second record: three at Sharm El Sheikh on 24th .August 1991 (first was in May 1990, Brit. Birds 84: 10). Menetries’s Warbler Syh'ia mystacea EGNTF First autumn record: Wadi Digla. 40 km southeast of Cairo, on 23rd October 1990, IS- RAEL First winter record: Eilat on 23rd Jan- uary- 1990. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a 'European news' sum- mary.) Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala FI.N- LV.N'D Second record: male at Rdnnskar Bird Observatory in Kirkkonumrni on 13th May- 1991 (first was in May 1986, Bril. Birds 81: 21). ICELN.N’D First record: male on 22nd October 1989 (Bliki 11: 56). ne i herl.nnds Third record; male trapped on Rottumeroog, Groningen, on 20th .April 1991 (second was in May 1983, Brit. Birds 76: 569). Desert Warbler Sylvia nana SWEDEN Tenth record: Brdttoipsdren, Oland, on 16th-24th October 1991* (ninth was in October 1988, Vdr Fdgelvarld 48: 459). Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria NORW AY Sixth breeding record: pair raised three young in Telemark county during summer 1990. Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis SWEDEN Increase: at least six singing males* in northern Sweden (unusually high number), and one ringed on Stora Fjaderagg, Vasterbotten, on 31st .August 1991* (rarely recorded on migra- tion). Pallas’s Warbler Phylloscopus proregubis liEI- GIL'.M Twelfth record: one trap]3cd at Meel- kerke, West-Vlaanderem, on 27th October 1990*. DENMARK A'agrants: four at Christianso, Bornholm, during autumn 1990*. FRNNGE Va- grants; Oue.ssant, Finistere, on 17th October 1988*. 24th October 1990 (Alauda 59: 242) and 27th October 1991*, and in Herault on 2nd December 1990 (Alauda 59: 242). Ge;rm.\NV \’a- grants: Wvo in October 1980 (including one al- ready noted, Brit. Birds 75; 29), one in October 1985, two in Octobcr-November 1987, one in 460 Nordrhein-Westfalen on 24tli May 1988, one in October 1988, and seven in October 1989 [Limu'ola 3: 1 9 1 ; 4; 204; 5: 2 1 3). i.sr.\el First record: 24th-25th No\ 'ember 1991. NE'IHER- LVNDS Vagrants: four in 1987, all on 24th Oc- tober, live in 1988, one on 24th-28lh April and four in October, and the best-e\’er year in 1989, with at least nine in October-November, these bringing the Dutch total to 41 (Dukh Bird- mg 10: 173; 11: 159; 13: 53). Yellow-browed Warbler Phvllosiopus irioma- tus EINE.\.\'D Second record of race hurnei: ringed at Lagskar Bird Obseivators' on 7th October 1982. FR.VNCE Vagrants: 27 in September-October 1990, all but three in Fin- istere, compared with precious peaks of 28 in 1985, 30 in 1986 and 24 in 1987 (Alauda 59: 243). GER.M.VNY Vagrants: one in October 1978, six in October 1986, two in September- October 1987, one in April 1988 (already- noted, Brit. Birds 82: 352), one in Bayern on 1st May 1988, at least 36 in September- October 1988 (but probably over 50 on Hel- igoland alone), one in April 1989 (already noted, Brit. Birds 83: 16) and 12 in September- October 1989 (Limirok 3: 191; 4: 204; 5: 213). ICEIjCND Vagrants: 4th October 1982, and five in September-November 1984 (Bliki 3: 38; 5: 41); three in 1989 [Bliki 11: 57). LVr\'l.\ Small numbers: onlv two trapped at Pape in autumn 1991. .MCJROCCO First record of nominate race: between Oulma and Immouzer Ida- Ou-Tanane on 13th November 1988*. NETHEREMVDS Fifth to eighth records of race hurnei'. Dc Cocksdoip, Texel, Noordholland, on 6th-7th November 1990, Wassenaar, Zuidhol- land, from 11th December 1990 to 4th Jan- uary 1991, Rijnsburg, Zuidholland, on 12th- 13th December 1990, and De Blocq van Kulfeler, Flevoland, from 24th December 1990 to 26th Januarc' 1991. SE0\'E,'VL-\ First record: female trapped at Vrhnika on 2nd October 1991. .SWEDEN Third record of race hwner. Faluddcn on 29th October 1989 [Vdr Fdgebarld 49: 476), the Ottenby record on 4th-6th November 1989 {Brit. Birds 83: 229; Vdr Fdgelvarld 50(8); 27) becoming the fourth. Radde’s Warbler Phvlloscojms .schwarzi HEE- GIU.M Fourth record: 18th October 1990* (not 1991 as given in Brit. Birds 85: 13). ER.\j\GE I'hird record: Ouessant, Finistere, on 18th Oc- tober 1991* (second was in 1990, Bril. Birds 85: 13). NEIHERlAND.s Fifth, sixth and seventh records: Maasvlakte, Zuidholland, on 6th-8lh November 1990, Terschelling, Friesland, on 1 0th October 1991, and at Nleijendel, Zuid- holland, on 12lh October 1991 (third and fourth were in 1981, Brit. Birds 75: 271). ,S\VI> European news DEN Vagrants: Grotlingboudd on 8th-9th Oc- tober 1989, Faludden on 10th October 1989, ringed at Stora Fjaderagg on 24th September 1990 {Vdr Fdgelvarld 50(8): 27), another (un- ringed) there on 28th September 1990*, Egge- grund on 6th October 1990, two at Utklippan, Blekinge, on 5th October 1991* and one at Landsort. Sodermanland, on 6th- 13th October 1991* (thirteenth and fourteenth were in 1988, Blit. Birds 82: 352; with the late acceptance of one on 22nd October 1982, Vdr Fdgelvarld 48: 459, the grand total reaches 23). Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus juscatus DEN^L•\RK Influx: eight at Christianso, Bornholm*, and one at Blavand, \V Jutland, on 21st October 1991*, and one at Gilleleje, Zealand, on 1 1 th- 15th October 1991* (13 previous records, in- cluding 12 in 1987, Brit. Birds 83: 229; these ten bring total to 23). NETHERL/\NDS Tenth record: Zuidholland on 20th October 1988 [Dutch Birding 11: 159). POL.\ND Eighth record: Mikoszewo at mouth of Vistula on 25th September 1989 (sLxth and seventh were both in 1988, Bnt. Birds 82: 353). SWEDEN Twentieth to twenty-fifth records: Utklippan on 3rd Octo- ber 1988, Eggegrund on 1st October 1989, Faludden on 6th October 1989, Sandby on 5th November 1989 and Svenska Hogarna on 7th October 1990 [Idr Fdgebarld 48: 459; 49: 476; 50(8): 27), and Vastergarn, Gotland, on 14th- 15th October 1991*. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus CtREECE First breeding record: pair in Evros district, Thrace (cf range expansion into Slovenia, Bril. Birds 80: 328), " Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus SWEDEN Highest- ever numbers: about 37 records in 1989 and about 35 records in 1990, First breeding record: at least seven young fledged from nest at Jaravallen, Scania, in 1990. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva NORWA'-i' First and second breeding records: pair with fledglings at Rogen, Grue, Hedmark, on 26th July 1982, and female with fledgling near Moss, Ostfold, on 10th June 1989. Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis MO- ROC:c:o Second record: two males at Merzouga Oasis on 1 3th April 1 99 1 (first concerned 1 1 trapped near Figuig during 29th March to 10th April 1965, Ibis 1 10: 462). Bearded Tit Panurus biarrnicus MOROCC;o I'hird record: Oued Massa Estuary on 18th- 21st January 1991 (second was in April 1987, Bnt. Birds 81: 21). SWEDEN High numbers: ‘After several good years, numbers are the highest ever and Bearded Tits are now almost 461 European news ubiquitous in reedbeds in southern Sweden’ (cf. high numbers in Denmark, colonisation of Finland and influx into Norway during 1988- 91. Brit. Birds 82: 353; 85: 13). lkr.\ine In- crease: 35-40 pairs in western Ukraine in 1991. Azure Tit Pams cyanus SWEDEN Hybrid Azure X Blue Tit P. caemkus: Landsort on 16th Oc- tober 1991* (Azure Tits recorded once in eight- eenth century and in 1985, Brit. Birds 79: 291). Great Tit Pams major ICELAND Fourth record: 1 1th March to 19th April 1989 {Bliki 1 1: 58). Nuthatch Sitta europaea LAT\I.\ Second to fourth records of race asiatica: three trapped at Pape in autumn 1990* (cf invasions into Fin- land in 1962, 1976 and 1983, But. Birds 70: 218. 495; 77: 242). Penduliue Tit Remiz pendulinus NETHERLANDS Continuing increase: 110 nests outside Flevoland, where about 20 near Lelystad alone and unknown number in vast marshlands, in 1991 (cf Brit. Birds 84: 234). norwaa' Third record: female at Fomabu, Bserum, Akershus, on 16th-20th April 1990 (first and second were both in 1989, Brit. Birds 85: 13). Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor CYPRUS Second record: Ayia Napa Forest on 25th Au- gust 1991* (first was in April 1989, Brit. Birds 83: 229). NORWAY First record of Iberian race rruridionalis'. Orrevannet, Klepp, Rogaland, on 5th October 1984. Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax EGV'FE First record: one reported between Abu Rawash and Cairo- Alexandria desert road on 1st May 1984. Raven Cotvus corax NETHERLANDS Reintroduc- tion success: three breeding pairs in Veluwe, Gelderland, in 1976, nine in 1979, four in 1983, 46 in 1990 and 64 in 1991 (reintroduced at the site during 1 969-86). Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus EGYFE First record for eight years: Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, on 23rd August 1991. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) Rose-coloured Starling Stumus roseus ICE- LAND Influx: five individuals during 27th June to 26th July 1983 (cf only five previous records; Bldd 4: 36). Tree Sparrow Passer rrwntanus EGVTT Third record: male at Gebel Asfar on 15th May 1987 (two previous records were at Suez on 29th April 1982 and at Safaga on 12th- 13th March 1985, Goodman & Meininger 1989, The Birds of Egiipt). Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla EGYFL Fifth record: just south of Baghdad, North Sinai, on 12th October 1990. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a 'European news’ summary.) Twite Carduelis JUwirostris LVTVTA Highest-ever numbers: 51 at Pape on 7th- 18th November 1991*. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) Crossbill Loxia curvirostra ICELAND Influx: more than 700 from beginning of June 1990, some staying well into 1 99 1 (much greater than 1985 influx; cf eruption from Sweden and irruption noted in Belgium, Britain, Den- mark, Faroe Islands, France, Gibraltar, Hun- gary, Malta, and the Netherlands, Brit. Birds 85: 15). Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus NETHERLANDS Continuing increase: more than 20 breeding pairs in 1991, including about 1 1 pairs on islands of the VVaddensea and about eight in Flevoland (cf first breeding in 1987 and 15 pairs in 1989, Brit. Birds 84: 1 1). Pine Grosbeak Pinkola enucleator FR.ANCE First record: male at Rocquencourt, Yvelines, on 8th February 1992* (cf Shetland report in March-April 1992, Bnt. Birds 85: 262). Japanese Grosbeak Eophona pmonata NOR- WAY First and second records: adults at Ilseng, Loten, Hedmark, in June 1989, and at Borre- vannet, Borre, Vestfold, on 8th April 1990 (added to Norwegian ‘B list’ because of escape possibility). (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ sum- mary.) Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes EGYPT First record for about ten years: El Arish on 13th January 1990 (cf first and second records for Jordan in November-December 1989, Brit. Birds 83: 229). Northern Parula Pamla americana ICEIvVND Sixth and seventh records: 27th September 1989 and 29th September 1989 [Bliki 1 1: 59). Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens ICELAND First West Palearctic record: male on Heimaey, Vestm., on 14th- 19th September 1988 [Bliki 8: 59; one also oc- curred in Greenland on 2 1 st October 1 988, Dansk Om. Form. Tidsskr. 85: 31). (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘Euro- pean news’ summary.) Black-throated Green Warbler Dmdroka virens ICELAND First record: found freshly dead I 462 on board ship in Reykjavik harbour on 19th September 1984 [Bliki 4: 57-67; 5: 44, 46). (This species has not previously been men- tioned in a ‘European news’ summary'.) Yellow-rumped Warbler Dmdroka coronala ICELAND Fifth to seventh records: 26th September 1980 (two), and 1st October 1989 (Bliki 1 : 36; 1 1 : 59). (This species has not previ- ously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) White-throated Sparrow ^omlrkhia albkollis ICELAND Vagrants: 21st-29th November 1981 and 13di-14th April 1982 [Bliki 1: 36; 3: 39). Si.\th record: Hofn t Homafrrdi, Askaft., on 18th-20th January 1990*. Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephabs NETHER- LANDS Twentieth record: immature male in Zuidholland on 29th October 1988; first record was in May 1873, since when there have been 14 in October and five in Novem- ber (Dutch Birding 13: 55). SPAIN Second record: male at Columbretes Island, off Castellon de la Plana, on 14th November 1989*. SWEDEN Sev- enth record: male at Lulavan, Norrbotten, on 1st April 1990 (sLxth was in March 1989, Bril. Birds 83: 1 6). Cinereous Bimting Emberiza cineracea EGYFE Fifth record: male of race semenowi at Sharm El Sheikh. South Sinai, on 7th April 1990. (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortuhna NE'EHER- LVNTIS Continuing decrease: about 24 breeding European news pairs in 1991, including 19 in northern Lim- burg (cf 33 pairs in 1989 and decreases in Austria and Norway, Brit. Birds 84: 1 1). Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica FR.ANCE Eleventh record this century: Les Sables d’Olonne, Vendee, on 26th October 1991*. PORTUG/\L First record: juvenile male at Alvor Estuary on 12th Nov'ember 1990. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla EGATT Fourth record: two at Sharm El Sheikh on 17th Octo- ber 1991. Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola DENWLARK Third record: first-year at Chris- tianso, Bornholm, on 30th August 1991* (first and second were in 1984 and 1990, Brit. Birds 84: 1 1). EGV'FI' Second record: female/juvenile at Sharm El Sheikh on 17th October 1991 (first was on 3rd September 1972, Goodman c& Meininger 1989, The Birds of Egfpt). Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala ICELA.ND Third record: male on Heimaey, Vestm., from about 15th-20th September 1990*. Indigo Bunting Passerina eyatua SWEDEN First record: MaUby on 28th April to 1st May 1989 {Vdr Fdgebarld 49: 478). (This species has not previously been mentioned in a ‘European news’ summary.) Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus ICELANT) First record: adult male on 23rd-24th April 1980 (Bliki 4: 57-67). Correspondents j Austria Hans-Martin Berg, Osterreichische Gesellschaft fur Vogelkunde, c/o Naturhistorisches j Museum Wien, A-1014 ^Vien 1, Burgring 7, Postfach 417 ' Belarus M. E. Nikiforov, Lab. Ecol. Terrestrial Animals, Inst. Zoology, Byel. Acad. Sci., Skoriny ! St 27, 220733 Minsk i C.ANARY Islands Juan Antonio Lorenzo Gutierrez, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidad de la ! Laguna, 38206 I^ Laguna CvTRUS C. J. L. Bennett, PO Box 4319, Nicosia CzECHOSI.OV.AKI.A Professor Karel §tastny, Faculty of Forestry, Agricultural University in Prague, 281 63 Kostclec n.C.lesy Denmark Brian Rasmussen, Kastanie .Alle 27, DK-3250 GUleleje ' Egvpi Sherif & Mindy Baha El Din. Executiv'e Business Service, Cairo Marriott Hotel, PO Box | 33, Zamalek, Cairo ( Estoni.a Dr Vilju liUeleht, Institute of Zoology and Botany, 21 Vanemuise St, EE-2400 Tartu i Faroe Islands Soren Sorensen, BratskovA'ej 5, DK-2720 Vanlose, Denmark ! Fi.nlanT) Hannu Jannes, The Finnish Ornithological Society, Zoological Museum, P. Rautatiekatu I 13, SF-00 100 Helsinki 10 F R-ANCE Dr Philippe J. Dubois, 2 rue Mozart, 92000 Nanterre GibR/VETAR Charles E. Perez, 7 Kensington House, Laguna Estate Greece George I. Handrinos, 50 El Venizelou Str, 166 75 Gl)fada Hungary Zoltan W'aliczky, H-1039 Budapest, Juhasz Gy.u. 15. Iceland Gunnlaugur Petursson, Gautlandi 21, 108 Reykjavik 463 European news ISR.\EL Hadoram Shirihai, Israel Trust for Ornithology, PO Box 4168, Eilat 88102 It.\lv Marco Gustin, SROPU, via Palo Laziale 2, c/o Bosco \V'\VT di Palo Laziale, Ladispoli, Rome JORD.VN lanj. Andrews, c/o British Embassy, PO Box 87, Amman L\T\X\ Dr Janis Baumanis, Laboratory of Ornithology, Miera 3, 229021 Saiaspils Lithu.vnlv Dr Petras Kurlavicius, Institute of Ecology, Academijos 2, MTP, Vilnius Mvlta Joe Sultana & Charles Gaud, The Ornithological Society, PO Box 498, Valletta Moujov'a Dr I. M. Ganea, Institute of Zoology, str. Academiei 1, Chi|inau, Repubhca Moldova 277028 Morocco Michel Thevenot, Laboratoire de Biogeographie et Ecologie, Case 94, Univ'ersite de Montpellier 2, F-34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France Netherlands Drs. Amoud B. van den Berg, Duinlustparkweg 98, 2082 EG Santpoort-Zuid Norway Andrew \V. Clarke, GronUa, Kyrresvingen 21, 3186 Horten Poland Dr Tadeusz Stawarczyk, Wroclaw University, Museum of Natural History, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-335 Wroclaw PoRTUG.AL Dr Joao Carlos Farinha, Servigo Nacional de Parques, Reservas e Conservagao da Natureza, Rua Filipe Folque 46, 3°, 1000 Lisboa Sloa'ENIA Iztok Geister, 64202 Naklo, Pokopaliska pot 1 3 Sp.AIN Dr Eduardo de Juana A., Sociedad Espanola de Omitologia, Facultad de Biologia, PI. 9, 28040 Madrid Sweden Tommy Tyrberg, Kimstadsv. 37, S-610 20 Kimstad Tunisla Thierry Gaultier, Les .Vouettes, rue Cuvier, Champfleuri, 38300 Bourgoinjallieu, France UkR-AINE Igor Gorbah, Grushewski St 4, Lviv, 290005-SU No information was received from Albania, Andorra, Bulgaria, Luxembourg or Romania. Notes ‘Water-boiling’ display by Whooper and Bewick’s Swans From tJie mid 1980s, at Welney, Norfolk, we have noticed a regularly occurring display by Whooper Cygnus cygnus and Bewick’s Swans C. columbianus feeding in high densities on waste potatoes tipped out for them. Usually, but not always, it follows an aggressive encounter with a conspecific, and entails the swan lifting itself clear of the water and paddling vigorously (fig. 1), producing a loud churning noise and creating a pool of ‘boiling’ water; the wings are not opened during this activity. The intensity of this ‘water- boiling’ varies greatly: from a simple light paddling, barely lifting the swan clear of the water, to an impressive violent two-second or three-second burst of paddling with body well clear of the water, leaving a disturbed pool that may take ten seconds to subside. In a mild form. Fig. 1. ‘Water-boihng’ display by Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus (J. B. Kemp) 464 Notes this aggressive display sometimes occurs as part of the more usual aggressive wing-flapping encounters between swans. The display is most impressive and loudest when given by Whooper Swan. J. B. Kemp and J. Revett The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Weln^, Norfolk Drake Mallards attempting to mate with dead female In March 1985, in the Netherlands, I came across a male and a female Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, the female of which appeared to have just met with an accident, either by ha\dng been hit by a passing car or through having flown into the concrete pillar in the right-hand side of the photograph (plate 193). Her assumed mate seemed not to know how to react to the dead body: several times he lifted her head in his beak, then let it fall again; he moved away a metre or so, returned, performed various displacement activities (pecking at the ground and half-heartedly preening himself), and then stood beside the corpse. At this point, a second drake flew down and attempted immediately to copulate with the dead female. The first male then tried the same, and it quickly became impossible to distinguish between mating and fighting. Ev^entually, the intruder flew off and the original drake continued trying to stimulate the dead female, before finally giving up and starting to preen himself again. MlKE VVeston f. van Oldenbameveltlaan 15^, 2582 NP ’s-Gravenhage, Netherlands 193. Two male Mallards Anas platvrhynchos disputing opportunity to attempt to mate with dead female Mallard, Netherlands, March 1985 [Mike Weston) Derek Goodwin has commented as follows: ‘I have seen very similar behaviour from a cock Feral Pigeon Columba livia towards an obviously recently dead and apparently uninjured corpse of presumably (but not certainly) his mate. If we assume (as I believe to be the case) that (a) Mallards, like some (but not all) species, appear to have no innate “realisation” of death, that (b) there is a strong bond within mated pairs, that (c) drakes try to rape ducks other than their own mates, that (d) the latter try to prevent their mates being raped, but, if they arc (in their presence), “follow up” the rape, and that (e) a female lying Hat, with back upwards, stimulates copulation attempts (though Mallard drakes do not need this stimulus to attempt rape), then all the behaviour shown is what one would expect.’ Eds Notes 465 Escape reaction of Knot from Peregrine On 11th February 1988, at Meols, the Wirral, Merseyside, I saw an interesting interaction between a female Peregrine Falco peregrinus and a Knot Calidris canutus. The falcon struck the Knot in mid air, but did not hold on to it. Two short aerial chases then ensued, with the Knot dodging the Peregrine only at the last second. Free from the Peregrine for a few seconds, the Knot landed on the sea, half way along and direcdy against the hull of a moored boat. On her return, the Peregrine hovered over the boat, but was not able to take the Knot, and, after around two minutes, she flew off. .\fter about a further two minutes, the Knot had been washed out from the stern of the boat by wave action, where it would have been easy prey. Instead, it flew to the shore and preened frenetically. P. I. MORRIS Caughall Farmhouse Cottage, Caughall Road, Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire CH2 4BW Cloaca-pecking by Great Tit At about 16.00 GMT on 31st March 1986, at West Bagborough, Taunton, Somerset, I saw a male Great Tit Parus major pecking at the cloaca of a female Great Tit on a branch. The female, closely followed by the male, then fluttered about 0.5 m along the branch, stopped and raised her tail slightly, when repeated cloaca-pecking was resumed. The duration of the pecking behaviour was about 45 seconds; both tits then flew off. Before the incident, a singing Great Tit, presumably the same male, had been heard nearby. Probably the activity was of sexual origin, although, during the pecking, there was no wing- fluttering by the female and no raising of the crown feathers by the male. No calls were uttered by either tit during the cloaca-pecking behaviour. I I can find no reference to cloaca-pecking by Great Tits, either during 1 aggressive encounters or in sexual displays. A. P. Radford 1 Crossways Cottage, West Bagborough, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3 EG I Dr C. M. Perrin,s has informed us that he has never seen this behaviour by Great Tits, although it is regular among Dunnocks Prunella modularis (see e.g. Bril. Birds 80: 604-624). So far I as we are aware, cloaca-pecking has not been recorded for any tit species; similar observations ' are therefore welcomed. Eds ! I fgtebentp-fittg pearg ago... I 'SWALLOW NESTING IN A DUG-OUT IN FRANCE. My son, 2nd-Lieut. EUot Wallis, writes to me that, seeing a Swallow (Himndo r. ruslica) come out of a deserted German dug-out in north- j east France, he looked and found a nest “with four spotted eggs’’ about six feet six inches from I the floor of the dug-out, and about on ground level, for it was approached by several steps down. ; As every chimney, house and shed had been levelled by the retreating enemy the birds had evi- I dently returned to the usage of an earlier day, for few of us have seen a Sw’allow’s nest in a cave. H. M. W/\i.Lis’ {Brit. Birds 1 1: 67, Augtist 1917). Letter Little Grebe apparently imprinted on female Mallard With refer- ence to the note on a juvenile Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis apparently im- printed on a female Mallard Anas platyrhynchos {Brit. Birds 82: 1 16), might it not be that the Mallard hatched the grebe egg, hence her apparently swimming ‘aimlessly’ (i.e. only to human eyes) and her avoiding flight? Her behaviour appears to be pretty consistent with that of a mother tending her hatchling. i Angela Rogers ; Heathjield House, Peel, Isle of Man I Dr K. E. L. Simmons has commented: ‘The whole thing is a puzzle. Young grebes need feed- ing as well as sheltering aboard the adult or on the brood-nest; a female Mallard would provide | none of this, which suggests that the association - grebe attaching itself to duck - came later r rather than sooner.’ Eds i Announcements Books in British BirdShop The following books have been added to the list this month: *Brucker, Gosler & Heryet The Birds of Oxfordshire *T rodd & Kramer The Birds of Bedfordshire For all your book orders, please use the British BirdShop order form on pages vdi & viii. Come to the Fair! The British Birdwatching Fair is at Rutland Water from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September. The BB stand is no. Ml/28 (no. 28 in marquee no. 1). Come and say ‘Hello!’ News and comment Mike Everett and Robin Ptytherch Opinions expressed in this feature are French disgrace On behalf of the RSPB, ME took part in a protest in early May against the spring shooting of migrant Turtle Doves .Slreplopelia lurlur in Medoc, France. The protest was led by the Eigue Fran^aise pour la Protec- tion des Oiseaux (LPO) and was the 1992 ver- sion of what has become, sadly, an annual event ‘sadly’ because spring shooting is illegal under both French and EC law and the au- thorities seem powerless to stop it. Perhaps that is being far too charitable: what they really seem to lack is the pt)litical will to take on the powerful hunting lobby and enforce the law, even though claims that they were going to do so have repeatedly come from the highest lev- not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ els. A four-hour meeting with the hunters achieved nothing: their intransigence and sheer bloody-mindedness beggars belief They ap- pear totally unconcerned about shooting some 30,000 Turtle Doves each spring (plus many other ‘protected’ migrants passing at the same time) and unable (or unwilling) to accept the fact that spring shooting in any shape or form is oudawed by sportsmen virtually everywhere else in Europe. The whole affair was made worse by the ever-present threat of mob vio- lence. The local representatives of the state no doubt felt they had done a good job in pre- venting any action beyond the throwing of rot- ten eggs and paint-bombs. Indeed, the News and comment 467 rank-and-file members of the Gendarmerie handled things very well. Their masters, how- ever, stand condemned: they halted the protest halfvvay through Medoc because they were un- able to guarantee the physical safety of the protesters. As one local newspaper remarked afterwards, it seems as if the laws in Medoc are made by the hunters, not the State. The protests will continue and various ac- tions are being planned to put pressure on the French government to sort things out once and for all. Meanwhile, LPO needs all the sup- port it can get. Any BB reader who is willing to help by wiiting a letter of protest to the French environment minister should write to us at the usual ‘N&c' address for further infor- mation. Estuaries and coastal planning In late .•\piil, the RSPB revealed the results of its lat- est survey of our threatened estuaries. The pic- ture looks increasingly bleak. Four years ago, it listed 43 estuaries as facing irreversible dam- age; the figure has now risen to 57. The main threats come from marina developments, land claim, port expansion and pollution. Other major problems include recreational pressures, bait-digging and cockle-fishing. At almost the same time, the House of Commons Environ- ment Committee on Coastal Zone Protection and Planning published a report which makes nonsense of recent Government claims that ex- isting arrangements for coastal protection are working ‘extremely well’. The Committee was quite clear in its view that present-day coastal management and planning structures are wholly inadequate and uncoordinated. Isn’t it time that Government stopped making fine noises about coastal conserv'ation and actually did something? Fair Isle bus After years of coping with an- cient or dilapidated vehicles to transport visi- tors and their luggage across the island. Fair Isle Bird Observatory now has a ‘new’ bus, all thanks to the Scottish Post Office. One of its former buses has been refurbished and re- painted and in April was presented to the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust. No doubt, the sea, the weather and a busy workload will soon mtike it look a part of the place. New members for BOURC Two very fa- miliar BB names — B. A. E. Marr and R. F. Porter — were appointed to fill the vacancies on the BOU Records Committee created by the retirement of Peter Colston and Brian Little. Tony Marr is a member of the Rarities Com- mittee’s Seabirds Advisory Panel, having been interested in seawatching ever since his Selsey Bill days in the 1950s/ 1960s. Richard Porter was also a Selsey Bill regular in those days, but subsequently has become especially known for his work on raptors, in Turkey and elsewhere, his co-authorship of the classic Flight Identifica- tion of European Raptors (based on papers pub- lished in British Birds) and his work for the RSPB, where he is head of Species Protection. Richard has been featured in our series ‘Per- sonalities’ [Brit. Birds 70: 113-115). ‘Windrush’ windfall Bob Glover — whose bathing Redshank Fringa btanus photographed in Essex (plate 1 19) won this year’s title ol Bird Photograph of the Year — had a very pleasant surprise at the Press Reception in London when he discovered that he had also won the newly-instituted ‘Windrush Photos Prize'. This cash prize (currently /(lOO) will be presented annually by David Tomlinson, who runs ‘Windrush Photos’, to the photographei with the highest-placed photograph taken in the United Kingdom. David has commented that he wants to encourage bird-photographers to submit their British-taken transparencies, since he appreciates that it is often easier to obtain photographs abroad (he is also, of course, pro- prietor of the bird-tour company, ‘Gourmet Birds’). Richard Richardson remembered The 1 99 1 Norfolk Bird Report will not only feature ex- amples of the late Richard Richardson’s own artwork, but will also include drawings by every one of the 13 winners of I’he Richard Richardson Award since its inauguration in 1979 [Brit. Birds 72: 46). 4'he Report (due to be published on 1st August) will be a ‘must’ for all Richard Richardson art aficionados and will be available, price ;£^4.00 including p&p (cheques payable to Norfolk & Norwich Natur- alists’ Society), from Mrs Mary Dorling, 6 New' Road, Hethersett, near Norwich NR9 ,3HH. Beds Bird Club Formed by Bedfordshire birdwatchers, within the aegis of the Bedford- shire Natural History Society, the new Bed- fordshire Bird Club aims to promote increased interest in the ornithology of the county. It will be publishing an annual Bedfordshire Bird Re- port and a bimonthly newsletter. The Hobby. The County Bird Recorder is Dave Ball, 254 Goldington Road, Bedford ,\IK40 3EB, tele- phone Bedford (0234) 214617; and the Editor of The Hobby is Dave Odell, 74 The links, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7i;r. Membership of the BBC is £7.50 per annum (cheques payable to the Bedfordshire Natural History Society, please); the Membership Secretary is Mrs 468 News and comment Mar)’ Sheridan, 28 Chestnut Hill, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 7TR. Birders’ ‘Who’s Who’ John Pemberton, of Birdwatcher’s Yearbook fame, tells us that he plans to launch a new publication: W^o’s Mio in Birdwatching and Omithologr. At the moment, he is building up a comprehensive list of potential candidates for inclusion and invites us aU to submit these to him (at Buckingham Press, 25 Manor Park, Maids Moreton, Buckingham MKI8 IQX). There are no specilic criteria at present — just whoever you feel should go in the book. Make no assumptions that this or tliat person will be included — submit his or her name. Your submissions can be made anonymously if you so choose. All persons listed and chosen for inclusion in the eventual tome will be contacted by John before his list is finalised and pubhcation details are agreed. Fancy a trip to Colonsay? Regular adver- tisers within the pages of BB, Kevin & Christa Byrne, have oflered free accommodation for two or three days to the first BB subscriber (and partner) who applies to them in writing or by phone. Kevin & Christa are the propri- etors of ‘The Hotel’, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA61 7\T; phone Colonsay (09512) 316. You had better hurry; having read the blurb, it’s on the cards that you may find The Hotel already filled with ‘News and comment’ compilers and BB proof-readers (and their respective part- ners), for the island sounds idyllic. Welsh Bird Report Costs (not £3 as stated in May, 85: 261), from Mike Shrubb, Hillcrest, IJanwrtyd Wells, Powys I.D5 4TL. A swinging time at TitchweU? Or, at least, it seems to have been, according to the Eastern Daily Press (9th May 1992), where it was noted that unusual birds at the RSPB reserv'e at TitchweU ‘have included the pendulum tit’. Thanks are due to Michael Seago for sending us that one. Change of address of County Recorder P. W. Ellicott, County Recorder for Devon, now lives at 10 Chapel Road. Alphington. Ex- eter, Devon EX2 STB. Recent reports Compiled by Bony Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary covers the period 13th June to 17thjuly 1992 These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records Cory’s Shearwater Catonedris diomedea Cape Clear island (Co. Cork), 15th July. Great Shearwater Pufjinm gravis 30, Cape Clear Island, 14th- 15th July. Great White Egret Egretta alba Breydon Water (Norfolk), 14th June: near Newcastle- u|5on-’l'yne (Tyne & Wear), 4th July; Stanford Rcserv'oir (Northamptonshire/Leicestershire), 5th to at least 17th July; Brandon Morse Reserv'oir, near Coventry (West Midlands). 7th- 12th July; Durleigh Reservoir (Somerset), 1 1th- 14 th July. Black Stork Ciconia nigra Bath (Avon), 1 3th June. Pacific Golden Plover PtuvialLs Jiilva Needs Oar Point. Lymington (Hampshire), I7th-27th June; Fair Isle (Shetland), 2nd July. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellm Oreenabella Marsh (Cleveland), 26th June; Cley (Norfolk), lst-2nd July. Lesser YeUowlegs Iringa Jlmtipes Douglas Es- tuary (Co. Cork), 19th June. Mediterranean Gull Ijirus melanocephalus Pair feeding young, TitchweU RSPB Reserc'e (Nor- iolk). ' Sabine’s Gull Lams sabini 15, Cape Clear Is- land, 1 4th- 1 5th July. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Titch- well, 27th June. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Belvide Reservoir (Staflbrdshire), 21st June; Messitigham (Hum- berside), 23rd June. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius Blakeney Point (Norfolk), 8th and 1 1th July. Alpine Swift Apus melba Bridlington (Humber- side), 1 5th July. Roller Coracias garmlus Monkton (Kent). 15th June; Walney Island (Cumbria), 27th June. Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica Fair Isle, lst-2ndjuly. Black-headed Bunting Emheriza rnelanncephata North Ronaldsay (Orkney), 15th July. For the latest, up-to-date news, phone ‘Rare Bird News’ on 0881-888 111 (25p/min clioap rate; 39p/min other limes; incl. VA T) We are grateful Ur Rare Bird News for sujrplying information for this news feature. Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be PREPAID and sent to British Birds Advertising Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Telephone 0621 815085 Fax 0621 819130 Rates (These prices do not include VAT) £2.50 a line — average of 6 words £8.50 a centimetre — min. 2 centimetres Box Number counts as 2 words is £1 .00 extra per insertion Replies should be sent to the above address Series Discounts 3 insertions less 1 0% 6 insertions less 1 5% 12 insertions less 20% Copy Date September issue August 5th Please post early to avoid disappointment British Birds is most grateful to those companies which support the magazine by their sponsorship: Sponsors of the Rarities Committee Sponsors of ‘Monthly marathon ’ Chzistopher Helm ^ Sponsors of and ‘Bird HarperCollmsfi Photograph of the Year' Sponsors of ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year telescopes ZEISS Germany HOLIDA Y A CCOMMODA TION ENGLAND .The DiVNS fplEL Ele^t Georgian Hotel Exccllem food ScAccommcxIadon 3 aov.n5 commended Qev 5 miles: Bar^n Breaks DB&b £39 Stauon Road, Holt Norfolk. Tel: 0263 713390 (BB963) CLEY. Attractive house in village, four bedrooms, large garden, garage, c.h. Available all year. Details from Mrs E. Album, 47 Lyndale Avenue, London NW2. Tel: 071-431 2942. (BB918) CLEY. 3 Quality cottages (sleep 4, 6 and 6 + 2). Quiet. Comfortable. Excellent value. Brochure: (0353) 740770. (BB097) EXMOOR for country and animal lovers. Farmhouse accommodation, bed and breakfast and evening meal, or self- catering cottage. Details from: French, Brendon Barton, Lynton, Devon. Tel: 059 87 201. (BB213) WEYMOUTH. ‘Birchfieids Hotel’. Close to Radipole/ Lodmoor/Portland & The Fleet. Ideal Winter/Spnng breaks, local info'. Parties welcome. Details phone 0305 773255. (BB169) WEST SUSSEX, Pagham Harbour/Seisey, Beautiful Georgian Farmhouse, with purpose built B&B accommodation. All facilities provided. Warm, friendly atmosphere, children welcome. Open all year. Tel: 0243 602790. (BB170) FARM COTTAGES between Lindisfarne Reserve and The Fames. Comfortable and well equipped. Sorry no pets.Brochure: Mrs J. Sutherland. Ross Farm, Belford, Northumberland NE70 7EN. Tel: 0668 213336. (BBI7I) ISLES OF SCILLY, Mincarlo Guest House. St. Mary’s. Superbly situated in own grounds overlooking the harbour. Write to: Colin Duncan or Tel: 0720 22513. (BB208) ISLES OF SCILLY. Self catenng units for 2/5. Linen, towels, TV included. Well furnished & equipped. Guest House accommodation also available. All rooms en suite, colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities. Conveniently situated. D. Williams, The Bylet Guest House, St Mary’s, Isle of Scilly. Tel: 0720 22479. (BB224) CLEY NATURE RESERVE 1 mile Small guest house offers you warm welcome. B&B and optional evening meal. Colour TV. tea-making facilities, ail private faciliOes and central healing in all rooms. Parking facilities and sorry, no smoking. IDEAL FOR BIRDWATCHERS THE FUMTSTOMES, WIVETOM, HOLT. NORFOLK 0263 740337 (BB160) SCOTLAND SPEY VALLEY, Uninterrupted views of the Cairngorms. All rooms en-suite; tea and coffee making facilities; Db&b £130. Brochure from: Penny Bailey, The Lodge, Easter Duthil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84503. (BB184) THE HOTEL, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA61 7YP. Demi- pension (Private bath) from £50.00. Details, brochures, map (bird list on request). Tel: 09512 316. (BB183) BOAT OF GARTEN, OLD FERRYMAN’S HOUSE, BB £13, DBB £21, PL £3, Bird register. Open fire in sitting room. Few minutes walk to RSPB reserve. Tel; 047983 370. (BB182) SUMBURGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, SHETLAND. Spec- tacular clifftop location. Seabird colonies, seawatching, passage migrants, all around. Selfcatering cottage sleeps 5, central heating, newly furnished, fully equipped except linen. Road to door. Virkie Pool, Grutness, white-sand beaches, Restaurant/Bar. Airport, all within 2^^ miles. Also unfurnished Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage for long let. Details from Torquil Johnson-Ferguson, Solwaybank, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire, DG14 OXS. 03873 72240. (BB087) XV SPEY VALLEY. Beautiful secluded informal hotel, 2 miles from village of Carrbridge. Home cooking, full central heating. All rooms en-suite. Perfect base for birdwatchers and walkers. Discount available for parties. Terms from £180.00 per week DB&B. Brochure from Mrs Y. Holland. The Old Manse Hotel, Dulhil, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire. Tel: 0479 84278. (BB163) STALES YSBYTY YSTWYTH, s.c. cottage, 4/5, kite country, all year. Brochure 021-744 1947. (BB939) SOUTH STACK, ANGLESEY. Tan-y-Cytiau Country Guest House. Lovely comfortable Edwardian house peacefully situated on slopes of Holyhead Mountain. Gardens bordering South Stack RSPB Reserve. Friendly atmosphere, excellent fresh cuisine. Licensed. S.C. Lodge in grounds sleeps 7. Phone Pam or Stan Keating on 0407 762763 for brochure. (BB832) RED KITE COUNTRY. Tregaron — Guest house standing in 22 acres, overlooking the Cambrian Mountains and on the doorstep of the Cors Caron Nature Reserve. Central for Dinas and Ynys-hir RSPB reserves. Parties welcome. WTB — 3 crowns. For brochure, phone Margaret Cutter, 0974 298965 or 298905. (BB190) ANGLESEY. Superb waterside position with magnificent views. Ideal centre for bird watchers and botanist in area of outstanding natural beauty. Eleganten suite rooms available for bed and breakfast. Highground, Ravenspoint Road, Trearddur Bay. Gwynedd LL65 2YY. Tel; (0407) 860078. (BB205) WEST WALES smallholding. BB/EM or self cater in our cosy cottage for 2/4 or luxury 6 berth caravan. Ideal for Pembs Islands, National Park Tregaron, WTB approved. Tel: 0239 831265 (BB209) OVERSEAS AUSTRALIA, CAIRNS, JULATTEN. At Kingfisher Park we provide accommodation and camping facilities in a rainforest sanctuary for native birds and animals. We are central to a variety of habitats and cater for the interests and enthusiasms of birdwatchers and naturalists. Write now for a free birdlist to Kingfisher Park, P.O. Box 3, Julatten, Queensland, Australia 4871. (BB221) CAMARGUE— TOWN HOUSE. Sleeps 10. £150-£250 pw (0624) 676151. Fx 662787. (BBI22) HEART OF CAMARGUE. Secluded well equipped farm cottage. Mas d’Auphan, Le Sambuc, 1 3200 ARLES, France (01033)90972041. (BB229) BIRD WA TCHING HO LID A YS BIRDING IN SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA. The diversity of habitats makes Gipsy Point an ideal place to begin your Australian holiday, with over 100 species likely to be seen during a relaxing four day stay. Regular pelagic bird trips. Gipsy Point Lodge, Gipsy Point, Victoria 3891 Australia. (BB897) THE GAMBIA; paradise for birdwatchers. Basic, clean accom. in prime forest/ shore area, transport and packed meals, extended trips with Mass Cham, foremost Gambian ornithol- o^st. Interested - please call Gee Cross Travel. 061-368 7005. Eve: 061-367 8335. (BB206) The Travel Agency for Birdwatchers DISCOUNT FLIGHTS... Worldwide Return fares from London from U.K./EUROPE £69 M. EAST £185 CARIBBEAN £345 C. & S. AMERICA .... £399 AFRICA £129 N. AMERICA £180 ASIA £280 AUS/NZ £599 SEA TRAVEL : CAR HIRE : INSURANCE PACKAGE HOLIDAYS (Save up to £1 50) ACCOMMODATION : EXPEDITIONS & GROUPS ANTARCTIC & FALKLANDS Tours from £2895 pp. Brochure & Video available. Ask for leaflet detailing our services. f1979 9RQQQQ ^ipennst. BRIST0LBSI3AU or DICK FILBY 0603-767-757 f'l DIVISION OF NICK’S TRAVEL 97237 100 LONDON ROAD, LEICESTER LE2 OQS ‘FLIGHTS FOR BIRDWATCHERS’ EXPERTS IN LOW COST AIRFARES - WORLDWIDE. DISCOUNT CAR HIRE/INSURANCE SPECIAUST ADVISER - ANDY HOWES 0533881318 (EVES) ^ ALWAYS RING US LAST (BB204)^ ERYRI BIRDS I I Come bndwatching mth us in 1992 ^ S. SPAIN SEPTEMBER j N. GREECE SEPTEMBER | Informal small group holidays with experienced guides Send for a brochure to: Colin Thomas, 24 Tan-y-Bwlch Rd, Llanllechid, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 3HU Tel: (0248) 600167 (BB186) XVI (BB217) BIRD REPORT COSTA RICA More birds than the whole of North America! Tailor-made birding trips for individuals and small groups. Brochures: BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA APARTAOO 7911 ■ lOOB SAN JOSE ^ COSTARICA FAX: -1-506-281573 CO o CQ HONG KONG. Superb birding September to May — variety of accommodation — trips into China. Richard Lewthwaite, 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen Wan, Tai Po NT. Hong Kong. Phone/Fax: (HK) 665 8190. (BB228) BIRDWATCHING TOURS AUSTRALIA — Send for our Birding brochure. Tours throughout Australia from individuals to groups. We welcome enquiries from both private customers and tour agents. Falcon Tours, 1 Simmons Drive, Roleystone, Perth, Western Australia. PH/FAX (09) 397 5125. Lie. Tour Operator. (BB871) OUTER HEBRIDES BIRD REPORT FOR 1991. Com- prehensive Report plus rarities reports. Dave Davenport with a full description of Skua Passage off Balranald, Birdwatching on St Kilda, Gazeteeretc. Price £4.50 inc p&p from Tim Dix, 2 Drimsdaie. S. Uist PA81 5RT. Cheques made out to OHBR. (BB187) WILTSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1990, £3.75 inc. p&p from N. Pleass, 22 Ferrers Drive, Swindon, Wilts SN5 6HJ. (BB194) ORKNEY BIRD REPORT 1991 available from Vishabreck, Evie, Orkney. £2.85 inc p&p. (BB200) LINCOLNSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1991. £4 inc p&p, available from Lines Bird Club, 8 High Street, Skegness PE25 3NN. (BB227) DEVON BIRD REPORT 1990. £4.00 inc. p&p. A.W.G. John, Brook Cottage, Sampford Spiney, Yelverton, Devon. (BB226) CHRISTCHURCH HARBOUR 1991. £2.50 inclusive. Paul Morrison, 33 Minterne Road, Christchurch, Dorset. (BB225) BIRDS IN CORNWALL 1991 now available. £5 (inc. postage) from Stanley Christophers, ‘Bramblings’, Rachels Way, St Columb Major, Cornwall TR9 6EP. (BB222) SEA WA TCHING H OLID A YS BOOKS SHEARWATER JOURNEYS: seabirding and whale watching trips year-round from Monterey, California. Albatross, Shearwaters, Storm-petrels, Alcids and Jaegers. Humpback and Blue whales; Aug to Nov. Gray whales; Jan. Schedule available from: Debra L. Shearwater, PO Box 1445, Dept BB, Soquel, CA 95073, USA. Tel: 408-688-1990. (BBOII) BIRD INEORMATION The Paging Service for Birders RARE BIRD ALERT Tel. 0800 246 246 NOW! Economical Numeric Pagers too (BB207) BIRD WA TCHING AD VICE LINE I ‘PLANNING A BIRDWATCHING TRIP ABROAD’ I Tbomas Cook Travel ut-rtK ruu A TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS LINE: 0257262317 •r experienced Birdwatcher. :lude: * Worldwide Airfares * tiidays * Ferries * Overseas Rail Accommodation * Cruises * iividuals or groups catered for. A number 29600 (BB117) Ask for Keith Hilk Details available inc Car Hire * Package He * Visas * Health * Foreign Money * Inc ABT, To Advertise Phone 0621 815085 or Fax 0621 819130 BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD. Send SAE to Dr J. Tierney, ‘Hawkridge’, Nether Padley, Grindleford, Sheffield S30 IHQ. Tel: 0433 630137. (BB109) FINE BOOKS ON ORNITHOLOGY, Natural History purchased & for sale. Also field sports & other rural subjects. Catalogues issued. David A.H. Grayling, Crosby Ravens- worth, Penrith, Cumbria CAIO 3JP (Tel: 09315-282). (BB066) 'BIRD BOOKS’. Good secondhand books bought and sold. Free catalogue from, and offers to Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 ONJ. Tel: 0829 51804. (BB1517 The original BIRDWATCHER’S LOGBOOK The most concise way to record your observations. Monthly, annual and life columns for 762 species, plus 159 diary pages. Send £6.45 inclusive p/p to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, ^ Beverley, N. Humberside HU17 8RP S Wide s^ection of ornitholodcid & natural history titles avitilable from stock, also travel books & Mail order catalogue on requeft T#l: 0392 770M1 Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. (BB) Fax: 0352 771690 Treuddyn. Mold. Ctwyd, North Wales. CH7 4LN (BB119) XVll THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP Britain 's leading ornithological booksellers where you can find our comprehensive range of new and secondhand books and reports on birds and natural history, including all new titles as they are published. Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Mail order catalogue available on request THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP 2-4 Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y6DS Tel; 071-287 1407 (BB192) WANTED DESPERATELY WANTED Birds Illustrated Vol I Number 1 . Name your price to Ole Jensen, Oernevej 122, DK-5210 Odense NV, Denmark. (BB220) WANTED: DEMENTEV-GLADKOV: Birds of the U.S.S.R : Vols 1 and 2 (English edit.) Any condition — any price. Write: PO Box 20006, 1 1810 Athens, Greece. (BB219) FOR SALE BIRDING CB SPECIAUSTS Hishly rec, MIDtAND PORT-A-PAC CB £99 + £3.50 pp. Mobiles from £58 ' H/held from £69 • Base Stat. from £159 SAEfor Details/Pnce List Rech Batts (10 xAA) £12 Cheques payable * Omesa Systems 43 Hemlinston Rd, Stainton, Middlesbroush, Cleveland TS8 9AG 0642 595845 (8B164) I BIRD JOURNAL BACK NUMBERS SUPPLIED. (BB. Bird ' study. County Reports, etc.), David Morgan, Whitmore, j Umberleigh, Devon. (BB144) | B.B. for sale 1960-1966 inch Bound brown cloth. Offers. | Phone 0442 253994. (BB202) j PODSTRAP — the 2" wide black webbing shoulder strap I only £8.50 inc. p&p from : Vital Equipment. Colwyn Bay, | Clwyd LL29 8AT (sae for details). ; BIRDWATCHING IN LESBOS. Find out the sites to visit, j SEYCHELLES. A Birdwatchers’ Guide to Seychelles by Skerrett & Bullock. £8.75. Prion Ltd (Perry). From bookshops or N.H.B.S. Tel: (0803) 865913. (BB20I) BIRD & NAT. HIST. BOOKS. Regular catalogues. SAE to Mrs A. Gipps, I Woodside Cottages, Westwell Lane, Ashford, Kent TN 26 IJB. (BB218) SHROPSHIRE BREEDING ATLAS. Based upon fieldwork 1985-1991. Maps plus text and illustrations for 129 species. Chapters on habi- tats, populations, fieldwork. 204 pages. £9.95 + £1 p&p from Shropshire O.S., 6 St Annes Road, Collegefields, SHREWSBURY, SYl 6AU (BB196) the birds to see. Full description of sites with maps plus bird I list. 45 pages. £4.50. Williams, 87 Learn Terrace, Leamington I Spa, Warwickshire CV3 1 IDE. (BBI89) J ..Zeiss Kowa Opticron Bausch & Lomb Adlerblick Swift Optolyth etc. The Stockport Binocular and Telescope Centre Suppliers of quality binoculars and spotting scopes. Mail order, or callers welcome. Open 6 days 9-6. Repair service on the premises. WALKERS Are the largest optical dealer on the Yorks coast. Binoculars - telescopes - video cameras - lenses - tripods - SLRs - compacts * ZEISS * KOWA * BUSHNELL * LEITZ * SWIFT * RUSSIAN * PENTAX * BAUSCH & LOMB * MINOLTA * OPTOLYTH * ADLERBLICK OPTOLYTH AND OPTICRON NOW IN STOCK SPECIAL AUGUST PRICES KOWA - ZEISS - LEITZ TSN1 or 2 & 30x £400 Zeiss 7 x 42 £589 Leitz 7 X 42 £599 Pentax 1 0 x 42 £1 60 Russian 7 x 35 £27, 10 x 50 £30, 20 x 60 £59 LTD 70 ST THOMAS ST ' SCARBOROUGH YOU 1DY 072.3 36.S024 FAX 0723 303334 xviii Overhead cables underground _ , Theme park Quarry plan prevented defeated Green belt test case won against urban sprawl scheme Broadleaf woodlands protected Legal hedgerow protection brought closer Straw and stubble burning banned Water conservation case, to remedy drying rivers, officially accepted New grants for environmentally sensitive farming Proposed motorway Advertising hoardings diverted along stopped less harmful route Can you see what CPRE has achieved? The countryside protectors' monument is often what is not there. Please join us to protect the countryside. Reg. Charity No. 233179 X YES, I would like to join CPRE I ENCLOSE □ £12 (individual) □ £16 (joint) □ £350 (life) And/or □£ (donation) I am paying the total of £ by □ Cheque/PO (payable to CPRE) □ Access/ Visa No. Expiry date Cardholder's signature PLEASE PRINT Name(s) Address Postcode 'vO PLEASE POST TO COUNCIL FOR THE PROTECTION OF RURAL ENGLAND (CPRE) § FREEPOST, GOLDTHORPE, ROTHERHAM S63 9BR (D'69) British Birds Volume 85 Number 8 August 1992 415 ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ and ‘The Richard Richardson Award’ Robert Gillmor, Alan Harris, Keith Shackleton and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 424 Mystery photographs 180 Thckla Lark Peter Lansdown 426 Great Knot: new to Britain and Ireland Peter M. Ellis 43 1 Long-toed Stint: new to Britain and Ireland John B. Dunnett 437 Identification pitfalls and assessment problems 12 Surf Scorer Alan Brown 439 Points of view 19 Crashes DrJ. T. R. Sharrock 440 Monthly marathon 441 ICBP news Georgina Green 442 Fieldwork action BTO news Dr Paul Green Review 442 ‘The Birds of Bedfordshire’ by Paul Trodd & David Kramer R. A. Hume 443 European news Notes 463 ‘Water-boiling’ display by Whooper and Bewick’s Swans J. B. Kemp and J. Revett 464 Drake Mallards attempting to mate with dead female Mike Weslon 465 Escape reaction of Knot from Peregrine R. I. Morris 465 Cloaca-pecking by Great Tit Dr A. P. Radford 465 Seventy-five years ago . . . Letter 466 Little Grebe apparently imprinted on female Mallard Mrs Angela Rogers Announcements 466 Books in British BirdShop 466 Come to the Fair! 466 News and comment Alike Everett and Robin Prytherch 468 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-drawings: 415 Richard Richardson {Bryan Bland)', 426 Great Knot {Alan Harris)', 431 l-ong-1 toed Stint {Dave Mmiey) Front cover: Wood Warbler John Gale): the original drawing of this nionth’.| cf)vcr design is not for sale British Birds oliime 85 Number 9 mmM J«Y) 10 SEP 1992 py^K2v..^-^ ^r.O 700iOQY L*!'*^LE.Y -’Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles Winter 1991/92 " Identification of Pallas’s Warbler Letter • Mystery photographs • News and comment Monthly marathon • Recent reports British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, R. J. Prytherch & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith & Roger Tidman .4)7 Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Rarities Committee P. G. Lansdown (Chairman); Dr Colin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, G. P. Catley, Peter Clement, Pete Ellis, S. J. M. Gantlett, C. D. R. Heard, R. A. Hume,J. H. Marchant & Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (Museum Consultant & .ArchivLst); Peter Fraser (Statistician); Michael J. Rogers (Honoraiy' Secretaiy) Notes Panels HRllW'Iot'K Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDK.N nriC.M ION Dr R. J. Chandler, A. R. Dean, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & K. E. Vinicombe ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology ® Brilish Birds l.fd 1992 Co|)yright of pholoj^raphs remains with photo, !t.l8 9R.s Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, 4’owednack, Cornwall I R2fi .'special book and sound recording offers British BirdSho|3, NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 f>XN. Phone: Lotnes (0803) 865913 Annual subscriptions (12 issues and index) Libraries and agencies £45.80, IRE53.50 or $86.50. Personal subscriptions: UK, Europe and surface mail £37.20, IR£43.60 or $70.00; personal airmail outside Europe £62.50, IR£72.95 or $118.00. Single back copies £4.75, IR£5.50 or $9.00. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO account number 37 588 6303. British Birds publislies materi.ii dciiliiyti; with original obst-rwations on tlio birds of the West Palearctic. F.xcept for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted tmly on condition that material is not beint^ offered in whole or in part to any other journal. Photographs .md sketches are welcomed. Papers should be typewritten with doulile s[)ac in^, ai'.d wide margins, and on one side of the sheet only . .\uthors should carefully consult this issue lor style of presentation, especially of references and tables. Fnglish and scientific names and sequences of birds follow The 'British Birds' List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1984); names of plants follow Dony el al. ( 1980. English Names of Wild Flowers): names of mammals follow Clorliel & Southern (1977, The Handbook of British Mammals). Fopographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations {Hril. Birds 74: 239-242: 78: 419-427; 80: 502). Figures should be in Indian ink on good-C]uality tracing paper, drawing paper, non-absorbent board or light blue or very |>ale grey graph paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in peru il; ca[)lions should be typed on a separate sheet, .\uthors of main papers (but not notes or letters) recei\e ten free copies of the journal (five eac h to two or more- authors). 204 HIGH STREET, BARNET, HERTS. EN5 5SZ OPEN 7 DAYS 9 am - 6 pm Phone 081 449 1445 Phone 081 441 7748 Fax 081 440 9999 HOW TO FIND US IBarnel) We ore 1 0 mins from M25 and A 1 M motorways and 15 mins walk From High Barnet Tube Station. in focus THE BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE SPECIALISTS BRITISH BIRDWATCHING FAIR B EGLETON NMURE RESERVE H RUTLAND WATER Fri 4th, Sat 5th, Sun 6th September MAIN STREET, TITCHWELL, NORFOLK PE31 8BB OPEN 7 DAYS 9 am - 6 pm Phone 0485 210101 HOW TO FIND US |Nor(olk| We are 500 yards east of the RSPB reserve at Titchwell on the A1 49 between Hunstanton ond Broncosler and hove our own privote cor porting FORTHCOMING FIELD EVENTS We Gte pleosed to offer our customers the best viewing focilities Ground the UK ot RSPB, WWT ond County Trusts' Reserves. Demonstrotions ore usuoily from hides. Informotion and locotion pocks ore ovoiloble for oil events which ore held from 10 om • 4 pm. For your convenience we odvise oppointments for the tw'o doys whch con be orronged by contocting either shop. RSPB DUNGENESS KENT Sot 29tti & Sun 30th August CLEY VISITOR CENTRE NORFOLK Sot 29fh, Sun 30th & Mon 31st August Tue 1st September Tue 6th October WWT SLIMBRIDGE GLOUCESTERSHIRE From Sot 12th to Fri 25th September Sot 10th & Sun 1 1 fh October FRAMPTON MARSH BOSTON UNCOLNSHIRE Sun 13rfi September ^'leTvALLEY ^ ¥ SWILLINGTON INGSl ESSEX I YORKSHIRE [ Sun 13lh September I 5ot 1 9th & Sun 20th Sun 11th October ^ September FINGRINGHOE COLCHESTER ESSEX Sun 20tb September RSPB LODMOOR WEYMOUTH DORSET Sot 26th & Sun 27th September WWTLUNELLI GLAMORGAN STH WALES Sot 26fh & Sun 27th September POHERICCARR DONCASTER YORKSHIRE Sot 3rd & Sun 4th October NORTHUMBRIAN BIRDWATCHERS FESTIVAL DRURIDGE BAY Sot 3rd & Sun 4th October ^LACKFORD RESERVE^ BURY ST. EDMONDS | SUFFOLK Sot 10fh& Sun 11th October ADUR WATER ACTIVITY CENTRE SHOREHAM WEST SUSSEX Sot 1 7th & Sun 18fh October IN FOCUS PUDGES THAT IF ANY OF THE ITEMS USTED HERE ARE ADVERTISED ELSEWHERE AT A LOWER PRICE WE WIU NOT ONLY MATCH THAT PRICE WITHOUT ICBP WORLD ^ environment’ PARTNER M HESITATION BUT ALSO INCLUDE FOR Ail OUR MAIL AND TELEPHONE ORDER CUSTOMERS AN IN FOCUS BLUE RIBAND CARE PLAN WORTH £15 FREE OF CHARGE 5x/20x/30x/40x BAUSCH & LOMB £ Elite 7.36BGAP 599 00 Elite 8x42BGAP Eliie IOx42BGAP Cu$iom 8x36B Custom 10x40BGA Legocy 8x24 Elite 22x60BGA Elite 15«-45x60BGAP Elite 77 Body 20^0xZoem Cose Phoio Adopter LEICA Trinovid 8x20BC rimovo 10x256C Irmov.d 8x20BCA Tr>f,ov.d t0x25BCA Trinovid 7x42BA T-.nov.d 8x426A trinovid 10x42BA CARL ZEISS Designer 8x20BT*P Designer i0x25BT*P Clossic 8x20BP Cossic 10x25BP Oiolyi 8x20BGAP Diatyi 8x30BGATP Diolyt 7x42BGATP Diolyl 10x40BGATP Diolyl 10x40BT Diolyi 5x56BGAT 1 5i60 Perro GAT 20x60 S . . Koinguord Cups lonyoid Wide lanyord NIKON 7.20CF III 9.25Cf III 10x25CFlll 8-32BGA iOX42BGA 8x400CF 8x30E iOx35E Tieldscope II 20x60 20x.4Sx60 Fieldscope EDII 20x60 20x45x60 659 00 659.00 229.00 249 00 . 89 00 . 309 00 369 00 365.00 775 00 14900 135 00 198.00 33 95 159 00 £ 199 00 239 00 239 00 255 00 16.00 649 00 649 00 649.00 £ 295 00 31900 249 00 269 00 315.00 529 00 639 00 -639 00 689 00 769 00 1190 00 2850 00 8 00 16 00 5 00 15 00 £ 00 89 00 109 00 379 00 399 00 539 00 229 00 . 249 00 60x 20x-45x Zoom . . . Hoyo MC Filter . . Rubber Lens Hood Photo Kit Stoy-on Cose Spotting Scope 20x60GA 1 5x-45x60GA . 75.00 85 00 . 147,00 20.00 1000 168.00 .. 45 00 15-45xZoom SWIFT Trilyle 8x426GA Trylile 10x426GA Audubon HR5 8.5x44 Viewmosler 60 Body 15x-45xZoom 199.00 265.00 34 95 100.00 £ 148 00 150 00 239.00 149 00 49 00 . 20.00 Cose 15,00 QUESTAR £ Field Model 3 '^2" Brood Bond Coating Supplied with 50x-80x Hood. Cose 2200.00 30x-50x 80x1 30x Erector Prism OPTOLYTH Alpm 8x30BGA . Alpin 8x408GA Alp.n 10x40BGA .. Alpin 10X50BGA . Touring 8x32BGA. . Touring 7x426GA Touring 10x40BGA. TBS HD Body TBG HD Body TBS 80 Body. .. TBG 80 Body 20xWW , 30xWA 30xWW (new) . . 40xWA (new) 22x-60xZoom . . Sloy on Cose for TBS/TBG KOWA TS-601 Body TS602 Body 20xWA 25x ... Cose . TSN-1 Body TSN-2 Body TSN-3 Body TSN-4 Body 20x-60x Zoom.. 20xWA 60x 77x . 636 00 636.00 169.00 109 00 -.69 00 139.00 69 00 119.00 109.00 ..39 95 15.00 ...59 00 Reor Dust Dome 27xWA (Screwfit) Screw Boy Adopio Cose forTSN 24 95 Photo Adopt 800mm Photo Adopt 1200mr OPTICRON Vego II 8x30 Vego II 8x40 .. Diopiron 8x32 . Dioptron 8x42 . Dioptron 10x42. Dioptron 1 0x50 555 00 629 OC INTEREST FREE CREDIT Three monihs interest-free credit available on all orders for new equipment of £400 ond obove. 30.00 130.00 .289 00 £ ..227.00 . 246 00 ,249.00 ,.268.00 .395.00 445.00 .445.00 645.00 . 645.00 ..390.00 390.00 122.00 . 77 00 ...135.00 .. 77,00 ...159 00 45.00 £ . .219,00 . 199 00 . 64.00 . 54 00 94.00 . 109.00 2295 .316.00 316 00 HR 8x32 MC HR 8x42 MC. HR 10x42 MC HR lOxSOMC HR Body 80mm 30xWA 27x-80x Zoom ... . HR Body 22x & Cost HR GA, 22x & Cose HR 45, 22x &Cose . 219 95 HR Body 20x-60x & Cose ,2 1 9 95 HR GA20x-60x & Cose 229 95 HR 45 20x-60x & Cose 249 95 25x, 40x. 22xWA .... Clossic IF60 Clossic IF75 1 8xWA Of 22 x WA SWAROVSKI 10x40 Diono 7x30SLC II 8x30SlC II 8x20B 10X25B .. AT80 Body 22xWA .. 20x-60x Zoom .. , Cose .. . . BU5HNELL 20 00 Spocemosler Body S/Mosler Body ED 129 00 S/Moster GA Body . 199 00 15x-45xZoom 22xWA Photo Kit VELBON Victory 350 .. D-600 . . D-700 CULLMANN Hide Clomp , , Shoulder Pod Q/R System Q/R Ploie SLIK £ 49 95 54 95 1 19.00 122 00 125 00 135.00 152 00 155.00 162 00 178.00 269 00 . 33 00 85.00 179 95 Mosler D-3 MANFROnO 290/128 290B/128 . 144/128 ... 144B/128 . 372.00 . 353.00 365 00 ,220 00 230 00 547.00 . 72 00 . 164 00 . 93.00 £ .145.00 . 299 00 178.00 . 79,00 ... 32.00 20.00 .. 30 00 £ . 39 95 69 95 .. 79 95 £ .. 54 95 . 29.95 .. 10.95 5 95 ...95.00 ... 99,00 .105.00 . 109.00 25x Of 30x .. 18x-45xof 22-47x 200 Piccolo MKII Body Eye Pieces horn . Piccolo ED 20x60 Piccolo ED 20x-60x60 Photo Kits from Coses for scopes . Mocro Monoculof 32 00 Tripod Strop I 4 95 O/RPIoie 5 95 Monopod 079B or 134B 29.95 BENBO Trekker with Cullmon Video Heod 89.95 Trekker Monopod 29 95 95 Monopod 34 95 ACCESSORIES 30.00 Cor Window Mount 26.00 15 00 Umversol Mount 26 00 50.00 Hide Clomp 38 00 Roinguords from 3.50 . 110,00 . 140 00 .24.00 .. 24,00 n 61 00 128.00 29 00 355.00 399 00 OBSERVATION BINOCULARS , Opticron 20x80 390.00 lens Cleonmg Cloth .. .. 3 00 Opticfon 30x30 . ,, .395.00 ^ Lonyords from , £ Dust Awoy 3.95 13995 Double eyepiece Cose .. 9 95 149 95 Tomroc 60/80mm Scope 169 95 Cose 24.50 Equipment Guide . . .. 3.95 ROSS Covendish 8x426 Honover 10x428 Regent 8x428 . . Kensington 10x42B SECOND HAND ITEMS Instruments alwoys ovoiloble. On receipt of o stomped, addressed velope we con supply current price lists of binoculars and lelescopi 179 95 BLUE RIBAND CARE PLAN For 0 single payment of £ 1 5 the new in Focus Blue Riband Coreplon offers ;• ♦ Accidental damoge cover for three years from date of purchase on oil new binoculars and telescopes. ♦ Guaranteed part-exchonge trade-in volue on ony further purchases with In Focus - rising to 100% of original pur- chase price after five years. MAIL AND TELEPHONE ORDERS Any orders received by mail or telephone will automatically qualify for a free Blue Riband Care Plan worth £15. Please remember to odd £2.00 towords the cost of insured Trokbok postoge ond packing - whether poying by cheque, Viso, Access or Mastercard - ond goods will be des- patched with full 14 days approval the same day on receipt of your remittance. BIRD ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS Write or phone for details of our new intensive one-day bird illustration and photogrophy workshops being held ot the Lemsford Springs Reserve near Welwyn in Hertfordshire. Led by the wildlife artist, John Cox, ond the bird photographer, Dave Cottridge, bookings ore now being token for the autumn programme. As ploces on each workshop ore limited apply now to ovoid disappointment. FREE TRIPOD WITH ALL NEW AND SECOND HAND SCOPES ASK FOR DETAILS FREE NORFOLK TWO DAY BREAK at the Briarfields Hotel at Titchwell in Norfolk on all purchoses of £400 or more at the current In Focus list prices. PART EXCHANGE Top prices paid for good condition telescopes and binoculors. D183 J FIRST CHOICE IN AFRICA The African Experts - offering the finest, most wide-ranging programme j of African hirding tours and the smallest group size limit (10-12). i; The Pioneers - exploring new areas across the continent in 1993 including the rainforests of Ivory Coast and Gabon, the endemic-rich islands of the Gulf of Guinea and the deserts, grasslands and mountains of interior South Africa. The Leaders - finding Birdquesters the birds that others only dream about. Our latest Kenya group, for example, saw more East African specialities than any previous tour whilst setting a new British hirding tour record of 75 1 species. BIRDQUEST ... Smaller Groups, Better Birding! Two Jays, Kemple End, Birdy Brow, Stonyhurst, Lancashire BB6 9QY. Tel: 0254-8263 17. Fax: 0254-826780. D176 1 Alternative venues to Morden, at which you can try and buy our equipment IN THE FIELD are given oelow Kay Optical will be at the Visitor/Information Centre in each case Repairs can also be handed in. Any entrance or parking fees refunded with purchase. * 10.00 am to 4.00 pm * * Hanningfield Reservoir off the A130 north of Basildon. Essex on Sunday 11th October (near fishing lodge). * Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve on the B2145 into Selsey, West Sussex, on Sundays 30th August, 27th September and 25th October. * Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve on the A25 between Riverhead and Sevenoaks Bat and Ball station on Sundays 6th September, 4th October and 1st November. ■k Bough Beach Nature Reserve/Reservoir about 4 miles south of the A25/A21 junction (with access from the B2042 or B2027; the information Centre is to the north of the reservoir) on Sundays 20th September, 18th October and 15th November. k Bewl Water on the A21, just south of Lamberhurst in the Education Centre on Sundays 30th August, 27th September and 25th October. k Alton Water Suffolk, near Ipswich, on the B1080 between Holbrook and Stutton. In the Visitor/Information Centre on Sunday 29th November. k College Lake Wildlife Centre near Tring. Herts., on the B488 (of the A41 ) close to Bulbourne. In the overlook hide on 20th September, 18th October and 8th November. k Durlston Country Park off the A351 near Swanage, Dorset. In the visitor centre on Sundays 13th September and 4th October. (A migrant bird walk will be held after 13th Sept.) * The Sussex Wildlife Trust at Woods Mill Henfield, W Sussex (A2037) on Sunday 13th September. ★ SLIMBRIDGE, GLOS (off M5) Village Hall (on the left, halfway along village road into the W&WT), SATURDAYS 19th September, 10th October and 21st November. ★ N.T.WICKEN FEN off the A1123, north-east of Cambridge. In the visitor centre on Sunday 8th November. * DINTON PASTURES COUNTRY PARK near Reading (M4, A329(M) Woodley turnoff) and then A329 to Winnersh and Winnersh Station (B3030) on Sunday 22nd November in the Loddon Room UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE I^y Optic^ ' ' ' SALES & REPAIRS ' BINOCULARS - TELESCOPES - TRIPODS etc • Viewing facilities To celebrate 30 years in the optical business, we are offering ★ 1 21/2% OFF all prices ★ (Oiler closes 15th September 1992 at 5.00 pm, but we will continue to match any genuine prices) Some examples of our stocks; ZEISS 10 X 25 6 Dialyt 10x25B/TP(New OS) 8 X 20 B/TP (New DS) 8 X 30 BGA7T (P) 7 X 42 BGATT (P) 10x40 8GA/T(P} 15x60BGA7T 8 X 56 BGA/T (without case) BAUSCH & LOMB 7 X 36 BA (PC3) Elite 8 X 42 BA (PC3) Elite 10x42 BA(PC3) Elite Custom 10 X 40 BGA 15-45x BGA Elite Scope 77mm Elite body 77mm Elite (ED) body 20x (WA) eyepiece 30x (LER) eyepiece 20'60x zoom eyepiece 800mm camera adaptor 800mm RA mirror lens kit SWAROVSKI 7 X 30 SLC 8 X 30 SLC LEICA 8 X 20 BC Tnnovid 8 X 20 BCA Trinovid 10 X 25 BC Tnnovid 10 x25 BCA Trinovid 7 X 42 BA Tnnovid 8 X 42 BA Trinovid 10x42 BA Trinovid SWIFT 7 X 35 roof prism 8V2 X 44 HRS Audubon FUJINON 8 X 40 BFL NIKON 8 X 23 wateiproof 1 0 X 25 waterproof 8 X 20 F roof prism 10 X 25 F root prism £ 269 319 295 529 639 639 1.190 FREE TRIPOD WITH ALL TELESCOPES — ask for details Spotting scope 20 X 60 GA 199 Spotting scope 20-45x GA 265 KOWA TSN-1 (45=) body 316 TSN-2body 316 TSN-3body 636 TSN-4 body 636 25x or 40x eyepiece 69 599 20x (WA) eyepiece 1 09 659 30x (WA) eyepiece 1 39 659 20-SOx zoom eyepiece 1 69 249 60x eyepiece 1 09 349 77x eyepiece 119 Camera adaptor 800mm 129 Camera adaptor 1 200mm 1 99 Kowa case 25 Skua case 40 Spare OG cover 5 Eyepiece dust dome 15 299 27x (WA) saew-in eyepiece 64 TS 601 scope body (45°) 21 9 TS 602 scope body (45°) 1 99 353 27x (WA) eyepiece 94 20x (WA) eyepiece 64 25x (WA) 54 20-60xzoom 109 Case 22 699 VIEWMASTER 45= scope body 25x eyepiece 27x (WA) eyepiece OPTOLYTH 8 x 30 Alpin 8 X 40 Alpin 10 X 40 Alpin 10 X 50 Alpin 12x50 Alpin 7 X 42 Alpin TBG80 telescope body TBS 80 (45°) body 157 TBG/TBS 80 Fluorite 155 30x (V\/W) new eyepiece 40x (WA) new eyepiece 179 157 150 9 X 35 Elite 7 x 40 Minerva 9 X 35 Minerva 8 x 40 Minerva 10x40 Minerva 7 X 24 MCF HR 60mm scopes;- Std w/22x & case Std w/zoom & case GA w/22x & case GA w/zoom & case 45° w/22x & case 45° w/zoom & case HR Photokit Filter Rubber hood Piccolo Mk II ED, with case: 20x60 20-60X 60 BUSHNELL Spacemaster body 20-60X zoom EP 22x (WA) EP 25x or 40x EP Photokit Nylon padded case REDFIELD (waterproof) 7 X 30 RA roof prism 10x50 RA roof prism GREENKAT 8 X 40 ZWCF SGN-llI 60mm scope body 165 20x,30x.40x50xor60xEP 25 Close-up lens 24 Photo tube 23 Padded nylon case 15 75 SPECIAL OFFER KESTREL ED WATERPROOF SCOPES: 20 X 60 EDS faStT £280 30 X 60 ED £290 TRIPODS etc. 9 X 30 roof prism 244 Stay-on-case TBG/S 45 Slik D3 85 8 X 30 ECF porro WF 229 22-60x zoom eyepiece 159 Slik 444 Sport' 79 10x35 ECF porro WF 249 TB nylon case 36 Slik 'Shogun' 99 Fieldscope II 20 x 60 304 Manfrotto 144B/200 105 Fieldscope II 20-45 x 60 379 OPTICRON Manfrotto 190B/200 93 EON 20x60* 555 8x32 (HRII) 152 Manfrotto 290B/200 95 ED 11 20-45 x 60 * 629 8x42(HRII) 157 Soligor 40 30x, 40x or box eyepieces 65 10x42 (HRII) 162 Universal clamp 23 20-45x eyepiece 147 10x50 (HRII) 178 Car window mount 24 Camera adaptor 168 7x42 (HRII) 155 Shoulder pod 30 Mod. for other cameras 18 8 X 32 Dioptron 117 Cullmann hide damp 55 Quality filter 13 8 X 42 Dioptron 122 Tripod case 13 Rubber hood 8 10 X 42 Dioptron 125 Tripod straps, from 7 Stay-on-case 10 X 50 Dioptron 135 T-mounts, from 10 * FREE WITH SCOPE # 7x35 Elite 150 Lens cleaning kit 4 • Hours Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm (Lunch 1 to 2pm). • Location Southern edge of Greater London. 15 minutes’ drive from M25 (via the A3, then the Merton turn-off) or 2 minutes' walk from Morden Underground, • Parking 50 yards past our premises -1st left. • Long- established workshop Optical instrument experience unrivalled • Mail Order • Personal Exports including VAT claw-back • Interest-free short-term credit (3 payments). • P/x arranged. • Used items • Package deals Special prices are given in many cases where a combination of goods are bought. E.&O.E. Phone; 081-648 8822 Fax: 081-687 2021 KAY OPTICAL (1962), 89(B) London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5HP (D173) (1st Floor) FREE PAGERS win one at our stand at the RUTLAND BIRD FAIR SPECIAL PRICING OFFERS including NOW! NEW ECONOMICAL NUMERIC PAGERS 1 RARE BIRD ALERT \ BIRD PAGERS RELIABLE COMPREHENSIVE THE BEST IT’S ABOUT TIME YOU DISCOVERED THE BENEFITS FOR YOURSELF: The BEST news service INTER-CITY PAGING r'.w: ' There’s no longer any need to wonder WHAT the latest bird news is; WHEN you’re going to find out (or even HOW MUCH you'll spend finding it). Simply read all the news, as it happens, on a Rare Bird Alert message pager, Including updates, directions, and negative news. It’s reliable, comprehensive and extremely cost effective, with no nasty surprises when the bills come In. For an info pack with a sample print-out of a days messages and an order form: call Dick Filby on 0603 767799 or call Inter-City, Free, and ask for Rare Bird Alert Inter-City Paging Ltd. Marsh House, 500 Montagu Road, Edmonton, London N9 OUR. Tel: 0800 246 246| (D168) Hip INTER-CITY PAGING h RUSSIAN NATURE TOURS A COMPLETELY NEW EXPERIENCE Escorted tours with English speaking ornithologists visiting areas of the former Soviet Union never before possible. May 4 Boreal Forest of Russia June 14 May 5 Great Caucasus Mountains June 15 May 1 1 Boreal Forest of Russia June 16 May 19 Ussuriland & Amur Delta May 20 Kazakhstan & Altai June 17 July 15 & June 5 Taimyr & Central Siberia August 1 Amur Delta, Sakhalin & Kamchatka Altai & Mongolia Tuva, Central Asia & Lake Baikal The Best of the Siberian Arctic The Best of the Tien Shan Mountains you’ve dreamed about them, now it’s Independent birding trips for small groups possible! Relict & Ross’s Gulls, Ibisbill, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, five species of Snowcock, Pander’s Ground Jay — need we go on! Contact Paul Dukes RUSSIAN NATURE TOURS 57 Fore Street Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 1PG Tel: 0548 856437 Fax: (0548) 857537 (0186) ABTA V FIELD EVENT AT HINCHINGBROOKE COUNTRY PARK In conjunction with Huntingdon RSPB group Meet us at Hinchingbrooke Park on Sunday 13th September where we will have a range of optical equipment for testing and sale. 10am - 4.30pm. Please phone us if you have specific requirements. Free Admission for a day of birding activities for the family to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Huntingdonshire RSPB Group. * Please note that BOOK TOKENS MAY NOW BE PURCHASED AND EXCHANGED FROM OUR BOOK DEPARTMENT. Leading specialists in ZEISS 10*40 BGAT'P 7*42BGAT‘P 8*30 BGAT’P Design selection 8*20 BT*P 10*25 BT*P . 639.00 639.00 , 529.00 LEICA Trinovid 8*20 BCA 239.00 Trinovid 10*25 BCA 255.00 7*42 BA 649 00 8*42 BA 649.00 10*42 BA 649.00 OPTOLYTH 219.00 199.00 64.00 54.00 109.00 22.95 316.00 316.00 636.00 636.00 109.00 139.00 69.00 169.00 24.95 Alpin 8*40 BGA ... Alpin 10*40 BGA..., Touring 10*40 TBS/G 80 Body TBS/G 80 Fluorite 22x-60xzoomEP... 20*WA 30xWA 246.00 249.00 445.00 390.00 549.00 , 159.00 . 122.00 135.00 NIKON 8*32 OCF RA 380.00 10*400CF RA 400.00 8*30 ECF 229.00 FieldscopeMk II 20-45*60.379.00 EO Mk II 20-45x60 629.00 30*40* 79.95 Spotting scope 20*60 RA 199.00 15-45x60 RA 265.00 ADLERBLICK Multicoat 8*42 169.95 Multicoat 10*42 179.95 Multicoat 10 x 50 1 96.95 Add £15 for rubber armoured Multicoat KOWA TS 601 Body TS 602 Body 20xWA 25*40*.., 20*-60* 20om EP Case for 601 and 602 TSN-1 Body TSN-2 Body TSN-3 Body TSN -4 Body 20xWA 30*WA 25*40} 20x-GO* zoom EP Case for TSN Range Skua case for TSN 39,00 Photo adaptor 800mm 129.00 Photo adaptor 1200mm 199.00 OPTICRON Compact 7x24 80.00 Compact 8*24.. 81.00 Compact 10x24..... 83.00 H R. 8*42 157.00 HR. 10*42 162.00 HR, 10*50 178,00 TELESCOPES Classic l.f. 25x60mm 126,00 Classic I F. 75mm Body 140.00 25/30* H E P 27.00 18x-40*/22*-47xzoomEP 66.00 H.R. 22x60 179.95 H R. 20-60*60 219.95 H R. 22*60 RA 189.95 H R. 20-60*60 RA 229.95 ( 60mm H.R . Telescopes include Fiee case. 15*.20*.22*WA 25*. 40* 31.00 20x-60* zoom EP 85.00 Universal Mount 25.50 Car Window Mount 26.50 BINOCULARSand TELESCOPES *5^N0TE; New opening times HABICHT Compact 8*20 6 'Oiana' 10*40 WM.. S.L. 10x40 SLC 8*30 AT 80 Body 22*EP 220,00 372.00 493.00 365.00 547.00 72.00 20x-60* zoom EP 164.00 BAUSCH&LOMB Custom 8x36 229.00 Custom 10*40 RA... Elite 7x36 RA.p. . Elite 8x42 RA.P . Elite 10*42 RA.P... 249.00 599.00 659.00 659.00 Elite Telescope 15-45*60RA 349.00 BUSHNELL Spacemaster GOmm Body 169.00 239.00 SWIFT Audubon 8 .5x44.. .... ROSS Regent 8*42 169,95 Kensington 10x42 179 95 TRIPODS MANFROTTO 144 Legs 190 Legs 065 Legs 290 B 200 Video Head 1 28 RC Video Head . ... SLIK 02 03 CULLMAN 2100 3400 Clamp Magic B&S 2 Way Video Head Shoulder Pod Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm (closed Sundays) IN ADDITION TO THE RANGE LISTED WE ALSO STOCK: QUESTAR»FUJINON»FUIVIOTO MIRADOR»BRESSER»PENTAX REDFIELD»0PTIIV1A«PRAKTICA Billingham Equipment Bags. BOOKS & VIDEOS We stock books from the leading natural history publishers. Poyser, Heim, Collins, RSPB, Hamlyn, Macmillan, Mitchell Beazley, Oxford University FYess.Whittet, Witherby, Kingfisher, etc. Also videos from RSPB, World of Survival, BBC, and National Geographic. Send for a price I ist or come and browse ! \^FOClJS OPTICS- The friendly experts professionals recommend PLEASE NOTE NEW OPENING TIMES Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Closed Sundays D185 COUNTRYSIDE, VIEWING Our showroom is set in Twenty acres of private grounds in the very heart of our beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Testing facilities are probably the best in the country. Viewing from the showroom is across a large poo! with its various bird visitors and to more distant views of the countryside. Why not try the unhurried experience of testing the latest optica! equipment m a relaxed atmosphere with experts who care! ______ Ample fr-e safe parking POCUo OPTICS Church Lane Corley. Coventry CV7 8BA Telephone:0676-40501 &42476 Fax: 0676-40930 ACCESSORIES:Widerangeof eyecups, rainguards, lens caps, lanyards, cases etc. USED BARGAINS: Guaranteed secondhand equipment at bargain prices. EXPORT FACILITIES: Person! and postal orders welcomed. PACKAGE DEALS:Attractive| discounts. Phone for quotation! MAILORDERS: Orders over £1 00 insured P& P free of charge (UKonly). Orders less thanflO! P&P£2.00. j Goods are despatched promptly; upon receipt of full remittance Use your ACCESS or VISA can to order by telephone. E&OE VI British Birds VOLUME 85 NUMBER 9 SEPTEMBER 1992 Emm mumm KfSTOHY) 1 0 SEP 1992 mimmmD 'mcmsYmmw --- Iiu—Mi yMwq, Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles in Scotland J. Watson and R. H. Dennis A comprehensive survey of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos in Britain was carried out in 1 982 (Dennis et at. 1 984) and, during this, information was collected on a range of nest-site features. While these data were collected inci- dentally to the population survey, they nevertheless provide valuable insights into nest-site selection by Golden Eagles; they also give an opportunity to test whether variations in breeding success are linked to nest-site features. Despite the extensive literature on Golden Eagles in Scotland (e.g. Gordon 1955; Brown & Watson 1964; Brown 1969; Everett 1971; Dennis et at. 1984; Watson et at. 1989), few quantitative data have been published describing the characteristics of nest sites used. By contrast, a number of studies have been done in Continental Europe (Jordano 1981; Tjernberg 1983; Bergo 1984; Fernandez 1989) and the United States (Mosher & White 1976), and these provide valuable comparative data. [Bril. Birds 85: 469-481, September 1992] 469 Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles 470 Methods Full details of the survey methods used in 1982 have been given elsewhere (Dennis et at. 1984). The principal aim was to visit all potential nesting areas and to document the numbers, distribution and breeding success of Golden Eagles throughout Britain. Observers also collected the following information on nest sites, and this forms the basis of the present paper: 1 1 ) t>pe of nest site used (cliff or tree); (2) altitude of site abo\ e sea level; (3) direction of exposure of site; (4) distance from site to nearest public road; (5) extent to which site was accessible to people; (6) extent of deliberate or casual disturbance of site by people. A pair of Golden Eagles usually has a number of alternative eyries (Brown 1976), and this was certainly true in the present study. Observers recorded infonnation on all known alternative nests, although, for the purposes of anal- ysis, and to retain statistical independence among the data, in this paper only one nest has been used for each pair of eagles. Analysis of additional-nest-site data within each home range will form the subject of a further paper in which we shall also investigate nest-site selection by pairs in different years. For the present study, we included nests known to contain eggs or young in 1982, but also, where eggs or young were not seen, nests which were built up and lined in that year. Only rarely was more than one nest lined within the home range of a pair, and in such cases the nest with the most recent history of occupa- tion was used in the analysis. For pairs where no nest was built up, and there- fore no preference shown for a site, the analysis was done on the site wlrich had been used most recently. Not aU nest-site variables were collected for all , pairs of eagles, and, therefore, sample sizes vary. I Infonnation on type of nest site was reported as cliff (including bank or j bluff) or tree, with the species of tree recorded. Altitude above sea level was I extracted from 1:50,000 maps and was expressed in metres. Distance (km) by straight line to nearest public road was measured from 1:50,000 maps, and a ! pubhc road was defined as one on which vehicular access by members of the | public was allowed. For each nest site, the direction of exposure was allocated ( to one of eight compass segments (N-NE, NE-E, etc.); where a nest was ex- i posed to a range of directions, from, say, northwest to east, the direction of exposure was allocated to the segment which contained the bisector of the angle of the full range of exposure (in the example NW to E, this would be segment N-NE). Objective assessments of measures of ‘accessibility’ and ‘disturbance’ were more clifFicult to obtain because the survey forms had been completed by a ! variety of observers and limited guidance had been given on criteria for recording this infonnation. Nevertheless, we were able to place most responses into reasonably distinct categories which we believe could be used with consistency in any future survey. Wc considered ‘accessibility’ under three cat- egories: (1 1 Ilf St site could Itc reached safely v\ithout the aid of a rope; (2) a rope was advisable lor safety, but not essential; (3) it was physically impossible to reach the site without a rope. Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles 47 1 Similarly, we interpreted the returns on ‘disturbance’ and placed these into three categories: (1) no e\idence of disturbance detected by the observer in 1982, nor in the recent past (pretious 5-10 years); (2) some evidence of unintentional disturbance by hill-walkers, or occasional evidence of visits by egg-coUectors either in 1982 or in recent past; i3) evidence of use of poisons within the home range, killing of adult eagles, destruction of nests and contents, or persistent egg-collecting in 1 982 and/ or in recent past. Geographical variation across the Scottish highlands and islands Dennis et al. ( 1 984) reported a minimum of 424 home ranges occupied by pairs of Golden Eagles in Britain, with over 98% of these in the Scottish high- lands and islands northwest of a line from Glasgow to Aberdeen (see fig. 1). This, therefore, is the area to which the nest-site data chiefly refer, although all pairs for which some nest-site data were available were included in our analysis. There is pronounced geographical and ecological variation across the high- lands and islands, and this is most marked from west to east. The highly oceanic climate of the western seaboard contrasts markedly with the drier, more continental climate of the eastern highlands. A detailed account of the vegetation of the highlands is given by McVean & RatcUffe (1962). One of the most conspicuous and ecologically profound changes from west to east is the increasing importance of ericaceous plants (principally heather Calluna vulgaris) among ground vegetation, and a consequent reduction in the importance of graminoid vegetation (grass-dominated communities). This has a bearing on the amount of prey available to Golden Eagles, which, over much of Scot- land, feed extensively on two species, the mountain hare Lepus timidus and the Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus (Watson et al. 1987); both these animals depend heavily on heather and are consequently much more plentiful in the eastern highlands Jenkins et al. 1963; Hewson 1976; Savory 1986). There are also important topographic differences between west and east. On the western seaboard and the islands, much of the ground is generaUy low-lying, although there are exceptions such as the Cuillins on Skye and the Harris hills. Inland, the ground rises steeply and hills tend to be rocky, with extensive crags and sharp peaks and ridges. The mountains of the eastern highlands are more rounded, with fewer crags and extensive high-level mon- tane plateaux; remnant Scots pine Finns sybestns woodland is more extensive in the east, and the natural tree-line is generally at a higher elevation (Nethersole-Thompson & Watson 1981). Linked to these important differences in climate, vegetation and topogi'aphy arc key differences in land-use. In the western highlands, the emphasis is on hill-sheep farming, with some red deer Cewus elaphus management for sport, and, increasingly in recent years, conifer afforestation. In the central high- lands, red deer management predominates, and in the east the land is managed for game, with deer on the higher ground and grouse moor at lower elevations (McVean & Lockie 1969; Watson et al. 1987; Ratcliffe 1990). In recognition of these important west-east differences, we used longitudinal divisions based on the national grid to subdivide the eagle population and, within these bands, nest-site data were, where appropriate, pooled for analysis. 472 Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles l''ig. 1. Map showing distribution ol 10 x 10 km squares from vvliich nests of Golden Eagles Aquila chiysMtos were reported in Britain in 1982. Veiticiil ‘bands’ (1-9) indicate west-east longitudi- nal divisions used in subsequent analysis. Sample sizes for eagle nests located in each band are given in table I. For reasons of coniidentiality, four 10 X 10 km squares are omitted from ma]j, although data from the sites involved are included in text The hands used are shown in fig. 1 (the variation in band width was dictated by the need to retain roughly equal and statistically adequate sample sizes). We investigated the possibility that there might be other patterns which rellectcd a north-south gradation, but none was detected and wc therefore re- st licted our geographical analysis to the west-cast comparison. 473 Aest-site selection by Golden Eagles Results In the present study, nest-site information was a\ailable for around 400 pairs of eagles, although data on ‘accessibility’ of and ‘disturbance’ to nest sites were fewer. Results are presented under the sLx headings ‘nest type’, ‘altitude’, ‘di- rection of exposure’, ‘distance to road’, ‘accessibility’, and ‘disturbance’. The first three relate to the question of nest-site selection by eagles; and the last three to the potential effect of direct or indirect human actions on the site, and thereby on the probability of successful nesting. Nest type Nest t\pe was recorded for 410 pairs, of which 392 (95.6%) used cliffs and 18 (4.4%) used trees. Of the latter, all but one were in Scots pines, the other being in a larch Larix. Among nests not used in 1982, there were two records of sites in oaks Quercus. The distribution of tree nesting is heavily skewed to the east (table 1), with less than 1% of pairs using trees in the western part (bands 1-5) and nearly 10% in the eastern part (bands 6-9). Table 1. Number of pairs of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaelos using clifiF or tree nests in different parts of British range in 1 982 For definition of bands, see fig. 1 B/WD 123456789 Total Cliff 45 45 33 49 55 57 53 36 19 392 Tree 0 0 10 0 3 1 3 10 18 TOT.\L 45 45 34 49 55 60 54 39 29 410 Altitude .\ltitude in metres was recorded for 410 nests and is shown for the nine longitudinal bands (table 2, fig. 2). The measure of the mean maximum altitude for land in the nine bands w'as derived by recording the maximum elevation in each of the 10 X 10 km squares from which eagles with nests were reported in 1982, and averaging this figure for each of the nine bands. The mean ele- vation of sites is given as a percentage of the mean maximum elevation of the surrounding land- scape. Table 2. Mean altitude above sea level (m ± 2s.e.) of nest sites of Golden Eagles Aquik chrysaeU)! in different sectors of population in 1982, with mean maximum altitude (m ± 2s. e.) for 10 X 10 km squares within each respective band For definition of bands, see fig. 1 BAND , 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 I ;a) Mean nest-site 154±29 211±42 208±38 281135 372134 442138 402133 474156 460155 j eletation i (b) Mean maximum 345172 446189 459198 640185 855173 904157 844163 777183 778191 j elevation I % a/b 44.6 47.3 45.3 43.9 43.5 48.9 47.6 61.0 59.1 The results show a steady rise in the mean elevation of sites from west to east, with an indica- Uon of levelling off from band 6 eastwards (this is approximately east of the line of the watershed). For bands 1-7, there is remarkable conformity in the elevation of nests in relation to maximum ele- vation of the surrounding land, with eagles nesting consistently at just under 50% of the maxi- mum elevation. In the two easternmost bands, nests were located higher in relation to the mapmum surrounding altitude, at around 60% of the mean ma.ximum elevation. 474 JVest-site selection by Golden Eagles Fig. 2. Mean altitude in metres (m ± 2se) of nest sites of Golden Eagles Aquib chrysaetos in nine ‘bands’ across Scotland. See fig. 1 for explanation of ‘bands'. For reference, positions of six key localities across Scotland are indicated (Barra, Portree, Fort W'illiam, Inverness, Braemar, Aberdeen). The horizontal scale is comprised of 2 X 1 0-km lengths passing across Scotland from west to east, starting arbitrarily at the first 100-km National Grid line west of the Hebrides Direction of exposure Information on direction of exposure w'as available for 407 nest sites. All data are presented on the basis of the number or proportion of nests with their principal direction of exposure recorded in one of eight segments (table 3, fig. 3). By our own convention, the segment N-NE included all directional-exposure records reported by observers as either N or NNE, segment NE-E included all records reported as NE or ENE, and so on. To investigate the extent to which any skewed dis- tribution of the direction of exposure of hill slopes (and therefore potential nesting places) may have influenced the direction of exposure of nest sites, we selected a point at random within each 10 X 10 km square in which Golden Eagles were reported nesting in 1982. The exposure of the slope at each of these points was then ascribed to one of the eight segments using the same con- ventions as for nest sites. Results, given alongside nest-site data in fig. 3, indicate that the direction of e.xposure of slopes prevailing in nature across the highlands and islands is not significantly dif- ferent from a null hypothesis which predicts an equal distribution among the eight segments. The direction of exposure of nest sites, however, was significantly different from the distribution ex- pected on the same null hypothesis (x‘ = 96.2; df = 7; p<0.001). There were many more nests with exposures in the three segments between N\V and E (58.3%) than in the three segments be- tween SE and W (2 1 .4%). Table 3. Principal direction of exposure in eight compass segments of Golden Eagle Aquib chiysaelos nests, with exposure directions of hill slopes selected at random &om 10 X 10 km squares within nesting range N-NE NE-E E-SE SE-S S-SVV SVV-W W-NW NW-N Nest no. 100 76 48 32 23 32 35 61 sites (%) (24.6) (18.7) (11.8) (7.9) (5.6) (7.9) (8.6) (15.0) Mill no. 42 28 39 42 40 34 3.4 24 slopes (%) (14.8) (9.9) (13.8) (14.8) (14.1) (12.0) (12.0) (8.5) 283 Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles 475 SLOPE as. NEST P<0001 Fig. 3. Direction of exposure of 407 nest sites and of hill slopes at 283 localities (stratified random sample, see text) across range of Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos. Length of each arrow indicates proportion of nests/slopes recorded in each compass segment (for numerical data see table 3) Distance to road It might be expected that Golden Eagles, which are considered particularly vulnerable to human disturbance, would abandon active nest sites situated close to public roads more readily than those farther away. If this hypothesis is correct, then the proportion of nesting attempts which fail alto- gether should be highest close to public roads and decrease progressively as distance to nearest road increases. Distance to nearest public road was recorded for 406 nest sites, and for analytical purposes the numbers of nests were pooled for distance interv'als of 1-km width; all nests more than 8 km from a road were pooled in order to avoid small samples. Table 4 gives the proportion of nests which failed to produce any young in 1982 in relation to distance from public road. There was no .significant relation.ship (r = 0.1 16; n.s.), indicating that probability of nesting failure was not related to distance between nest site and public road. Table 4. Number of Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos nest sites located at different dis- tances &om public roads, with respective percentages of 1982 nesting attempts which failed DIS'I /VNCE TO PUBLIC ROAD (km) 0.1-1 1.1-2 2.1-3 3.1-4 4.1-5 5.1-6 6.1-7 7.1-8 >8 No. of nests 31 66 76 57 49 44 28 25 30 % failed 51.6 62.1 56.6 57.9 59.1 52.3 64.3 64.0 43.3 Accessibility Are eagles which use nest sites that are more accessible to people more prone to failure than tho.se at sites that are difficult to reach? Table 5 shows the incidence of nesting failure at sites which were classified as easy (1), moderate (2) and difficult (3) in terms of accessibility. Pairs using class 3 sites were significantly more likely to fledge young successfully than were those using sites classified as 1 (x‘ = 6.37; df = 1; p<0.05); sites classified as 2 were intermediate, as would be ex- pected. Interestingly, the eagles using class 1 sites, if they were successful at all, raised broods of two chicks more frequently than did those at class 3 sites, although the difference was not statisti- cally significant (x' = 2.81; df = 1; p<0.1); again, class 2 sites were intermediate. 476 Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles Table 5. Incidence of breeding failures together with fledging success at Golden Eagle AquUa chrysaetos nest sites classified as easy (1), moderate (2) or difficult (3) in terms of accessibility See text for definition of terms 1-3 Failed (%) NO. OF YOUNG 1 2 h.edgf;d (% H-2) Total Easy 47 (69.1) 15 6 (30.9) 68 Moderate 73 (54.9) 47 13 (45.1) 133 Difficult 73 (49.7) 66 8 (50.3) 147 Disturbance Data on disturbance were available for 335 pairs in 1982 (table 6). These show that, while breed- ing failure was reported for 46.2% of pairs which were not considered subject to disturbance (class 1), this figure rose to 74.3% for class 2 (some threat identified) and to 93.1% for class 3 (serious persecution reported). The incidence of class 3 disturbance among the population as a whole was comparatively low, at 8.7%, and class 2 was Irigher, at 20.9%, leaving 70.4% with no serious dis- turbance reported in 1982. Table 6. Assessments of level of disturbance according to three classes (low, mod- erate or severe) at nest sites of 335 pairs of Golden Eagles Aquila dnysaetos in 1982, together with respective fledging success See te.xt for definition of classes of disturbance NO. OF YOUNG R.EDGED Disturbance 0 {%) 1 2 (% 1-F2) Total % Diw 109 (46.2) 107 20 (53.8) 236 (70.4) Moderate 52 (74.3) 14 4 (25.7) 70 (20.9) Severe 27 (93.1) 2 0 (6.9) 29 (8.7) lO'IAI. 188 123 24 335 Table 7. Number of nests subject to disturbance according to three classes (low. moderate or severe) in different parts of Golden Eagle’s Aquila chrysaetos range across Scotland in 1982 See text for definition of classes of disturbance, and fig. 1 for definition of bands BAND Disturbance 1 2 3 4 5 (% 1-5) 6 7 8 9 (% 6-9) Low 21 23 21 32 42 (74.3) 44 28 13 12 (65.6) Moderate 10 7 2 15 9 (23.0) 8 9 7 3 (18.2) Severe 2 2 0 1 0 (2.7) 0 4 13 7 (16.2) Totals 33 32 23 48 51 52 41 33 22 rO'I'AL NO. OF NE.S FS 335 The distribution of each level of persecution across the range of the species is shown in table 7. ; The number of sites subject to moderate disturbance (class 2) was not significantly different be- ! tween the western and eastern segments of the population (bands 1-5, 23.0%; bands 6-9, 18.2%). | The frequency of occurrence of serious persecution, however, was significantly higher in the east I than in the west (bands 6-9, 16.2%; bands 1-5, 2.7%: X' = 17.49; df = 1; p<0.001). Much the highest incidence of serious disturbance was among sites in the two bands farthest east (8 and 9), where the combined figure was 36.4%. These data allowed us to estimate the number of young which might have been reared to fledging in the absence of moderate or severe disturbance. Assuming that the 99 pairs reported to experience either moderate or severe disturbance were allowed to produce at least as many young as the pairs reportedly suffering no disturbance, then the figures for young fledged per pair should match the 0.62 per pair for undisturbed nests. This would suggest that a minimum of 22 chicks failed to fledge from 70 nests in disturbance class 2 and another 16 from 29 nests in class 3: giv- ing an estimated loss of 38 chicks from a potential annual production figure of 209 from the 335 477 Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles pairs for which the disturbance level was documented, or an annual loss through disturbance of 18%. This is undoubtedly an underestimate since most losses from disturbance occurred in the eastern half of the range, where breeding performance in the absence of persecution was signifi- cantly higher than in the west, mainly because food in the form of live prey is much more plenti- ful on the eastern moors (Watson et al. 1987, 1989). Discussion Nest-site selection Typically, Golden Eagles in Scodand nest on cliffs, at elevations between 150 and 450 m above sea level and with the principal direction of exposure lying between northwest and east. The frequency of tree nesting is higher in the eastern half of the range, where nesting is also at higher elevations compared with the ‘oceanic’ west. Judging by the distribution of the directions of expo- sure of hiU slopes, there is a clear preference for nesting with a northerly rather than a southerly exposure. Eagles were most Ukely to nest at elevations of just under half the maximum altitude of the surrounding landscape, al- though in the most easterly part of the range nests were at around 60% of the maximum elevation. Throughout most of Europe, tree nests make up less than 1 0% of the total (e.g. Bulgaria — Michev et al. 1989; Spain — Fernandez 1989; Italy — ^Fasce & Fasce 1984; Switzerland — Haller 1982; France — Mathieu & Choisy 1982; Yu- goslavia— Grubac 1988), and the results from Scotland are therefore typical. Nests in trees are in the majority in Sweden (Tjemberg 1983), Finland (Sulkava in litt.) and Czechoslovakia (Voskar et al. 1969); in Estonia and Be- larus, Golden Eagles are exclusively tree-nesting (T. Randla in litt.', V. V. Ivanovsky in litt). In the Baltic States and eastern Fennoscandia, the species inhabits mainly relatively flat wooded-bog landscapes, where there is simply no option but to nest in trees. Most mountain landscapes offer an abundance of cliff nest sites, and it would appear that, where cliffs are available, they arc the preferred choice (Haller 1982). The relatively high proportion of tree nest- ing in eastern Scotland is consistent with this, since the rounded hillsides offer many fewer crag-nesting options than do the rocky hills of the west. Indeed, since most of the original forest of Britain has been lost, and given a lack of suitable cliffs in many eastern areas, it is likely that nest-site availability is one factor limiting Golden Eagle distribution in parts of eastern and southern Scodand and northeast England where otherwise there would appear to be abundant food. The steady rise in the altitude of nest sites from the western seaboard east- wards indicates that eagles are choosing sites in relation to some environmen- tal variable which changes across this part of Scotland. The most likely variable is food, and more particularly where that food occurs. In western Scotland, the amount of prey, in particular Red Grouse and mountain hare, available in mountain and moorland habitats is a fraction of that available far- ther east (Watson et al. 1987), and eagles must therefore hunt more low- ground prey such as rabbits Onyctolagus cuniculus and seabirds. The need to minimise the transportation of such prey ‘up the hill’ to nests probably dictates the preferred elevation of sites here. While eagles in the central and eastern highlands have nests at a similar mean elevation of around 450 m, there are subtle differences: those in the central highlands nest at around 48% of the 478 Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles maximum surrounding elevation, while eastern birds are at 60% of the maxi- mum. Again, we believe this to be food-related and suggest that the high numbers of Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus. Red Grouse and mountain hares on the extensive rounded summits and mountain plateaux are sufficient to allow suc- cessiul breeding at these relatively high elevations, even though there is com- paratively less hunting ground above the nesting sites. It may also be that levels of persecution in the eastern highlands (see below) have favoured the se- lection of nesting sites at higher elevations which may be more secure, but which may not be optimal in terms of providing food for nestlings. The average altitude of nest sites varies widely across Europe and is cer- tainly related to the availability of suitable hunting ground and food. In Nor- way and Sweden, the mean elevation is around 500-600 m (Bergo 1984; Tjernberg 1983) and coincides closely with the natural tree-hue; here, eagles hunt extensive open land above the tree-line and are therefore almost always able to transport prey downhill to nests, giving potential energy savings (Glutz von Blotzheim et al. 1971; Haller 1982). In Spain, there are populations at two distinct altitudinal levels, with eagles nesting in some parts of the peninsula at around 600 m (Jordano 1981) and in the Pirineos (Pyrenees) at nearer 1,500 m (Fernandez 1989); a similar chchotomy is reported in France (Matltieu & Choisy 1982) and Italy (Fasce & Fasce 1987; Magrini et al. 1987). In each case, the explanation is related to availabihty of food and suitable hunting ground. In the arid landscapes of the Iberian peninsula, Prov-ence in France and the Appennines in Italy, fire combined with pastoral activity has provided open ground for hunting at comparatively low elevations, and with it prey such as rabbits, brown hares Lepus capensis and Red-legged Partridges Alectom rufa (Watson 1991). By contrast, in the truly alpine mountains (the Alps and Pyrenees), dense forest cover over low and intermediate slopes excludes ' Golden Eagles, and they reappear at about the tree-hne (1,500-1,800 m), where they nest, transporting their favoured prey of marmots Mannota mannota i downhill from alpine meadows. One final example of food and hunting habi- I tat dictating nesting altitude comes from Estonia, where virtually the whole landmass, and therefore each nest site, is situated below 200 m altitude. A:td | yet, here again, the Golden Eagle is occupying a ‘tree-line’-like habitat with j patchy woodland interspersed with open bog (Zastrov 1946; Randla in litt.). Here, it is the high watertablc, rather than low temperatures, the effects of grazing, fire or drought, that prevents tree growth and thereby offers suitable terrain for eagles to hunt; this time, their favoured prey is the Gapercaillie Tetrao urogallus (Zastrov 1946). Given the evidence from Gontinental Europe, it is interesting to speculate that the extant variation in mean elevation of nesting j .sites across Scotland may reflect an ancestral tree-line. j Despite the availability of slopes facing equally all segments of the compass. Golden Eagles in Scotland appear to choose nests with a northerly rather than a southerly exposure. There are several possible reasons for this and we offer Iw'o explanations, both of which invoke the effects of weather: (1) (joklc-ii Kagles in Scotland may preier site.s lacing north by east to provadc maximtini protec- tion from jrrcvailing inclement weather, which comes mainly from the southwest; (2) they cotild prefer north-facing sites to avoid e.xcessive exposure to sun, and thereby reduce risks to nestlings of overheatitig. 479 Xest-site selection by Golden Eagles E\idence from elsewhere in Europe is re\’ealing. In Norway and Sweden, where eagles nest at higher elevations (500-600 mi than in Scotland and yet receive inclement weather on the same southwesterly airstream, the principal direction of exposure in both cases is southerly (Bergo 1984; Tjemberg 1983). In southern Europe, the Itigh-altitude s 1 ,500- 1 ,800 m; nesting populations in the .\lps and Pyrenees both show preference for south-facing sites (Fernandez 1989; Henninger et al. 1987), while comparath ely low-altitude populations at 600-900 m in Spain, Italy, Sicily and Yugosla\ia all avoid southerly aspects ijordano 1981; Magrini et al. 1987; Seniinara et al. 1987; Grubac 1988). Thus, populations at similar latitudes but differing altitudes show a complete shift in direction of exposure; these results are consistent with the second explanation (above). The sites at higher elevations, where temperatures are cooler, may, we suggest, gain from increased insolation, while eagles nesting at low-le\el sites wTich risk overheating must take avoiding action. These findings support a similar analysis of nest-site exposure in the USA (Mosher & W'hite 1976). .\est-site characteristics and breeding success We found no evidence that proximity to public roads increased the probability of nesting failure. Similar findings have been reported from Sweden (Tjern- berg 1983). In Norway (Bergo 1984), there was a reported dearth of nests situ- ated less than 500 m from public roads, and this was inteipreted as avoidance of such locations on account of disturbance. In Scotland, a number of nest sites very close to public roads have been abandoned over the past 40 years (J. Watson, unpublished data). It may, therefore, be that any detrimental effect caused by road-users leads relatively quickly to the abandonment of a site, and thereby precludes the detection of suppressed breeding performance linked to proximity to roads. If abandonment of such sites is the Golden Eagle’s re- sponse to disturbance from road-users, then this may ultimately be detectable during subsequent surveys, when the mean distance between sites and public roads should increase. Our analysis showed that pairs using nest sites judged to be easily accessible to people were more likely to fail completely than were pairs using inaccessible eyries. 4’here was no detectable pattern across the species’ range in the distri- hution of nests of a particular ease or difficulty of access. Glcarly, nests which arc accessible without the aid of a rope would be more likely to rcceiv'c the at- tentions of egg-collectors and others wdth a desire illegally to destroy the con- tents of the eyrie. Such nests might also be v'ulnerable to pine martens Martes martes. red foxes Vulpes vulpes or to the risk of trampling by wild goats Capra, al- though it is unlikely that the impact of any of these is as marked as that of people. We have found no ec|uivalent analysis of breeding failure in relation to nest-site accessibility in the European literature. fhe key finding of the disturbance analysis related to the distribution of the most serious tvpe of disturbance (severe persecution). Ehe vast majority of sites subject to severe persecution, which was defined as frequent destruction of eggs and young, killing of adults and/or use of poisoits, were in the eastern one-third of the range. Specifically, there was substantial evidence of such per- secution in Caithness, east Sutherland, Speyside, Deeside and Perthshire, and in each case this coincided with areas managed principally for Red Grouse. 480 Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles There were isolated instances of severe persecution in sheep-farming areas on the western seaboard, but these amounted to a small fraction of the cases linked to grouse moors. The frequency and extent of this phenomenon will be documented during the course of future national surveys of Golden Eagles and, as such, may indicate whether the problem is receding or increasing. So far, we have evidence that, since 1982, the locations suffering severe persecu- tion have changed (J. Watson and R. H. Dennis, unpublished data; A. G. Payne in litt.), although there is stiU no ecidence that levels of persecution gen- erally have declined (RSPB & NGC 1991). Acknowledgments The success of the 1982 Golden Eagle survey was due to the many hours of fieldwork, often in dilficult weather and terrain, by a dedicated group of eagle enthusiasts. We are extremely grateful to the following for their efforts: R. Ashcroft, G. & I. Bates, B. D. & P. M. Batty, W. Bracken- ridge, R. A. Broad, K. Brockie, H. Brown, N. E. Buxton, E. Cameron, D. N. Carstairs, J. Car- ruthers, J. Chapman, D. A. Coleman, R. V. Collier, M. J. H. Cook, D. Counsell, the late P. S. Coxon, K. Crane, E. Cross, W. A. J. Cunningham, K. Davies, D. Dick, D. W. Duncan, E. Duthie, P. J. Ellis, M. J. Everett, K. Fairclough, G. Flogdale, C. Geddes, D. Gowans, M. J. P. Gregory, J. J. Hardey, M. I. Harvey, T. W. Henderson, I. Hopkins, E. Jensen, T. Johnson- Ferguson, R. Kirk, D. R. Langslow, J. A. Love, P. Madden, M. Madders, E, MacDonald, M. MacGregor, D. & B. MackaskiU, P. McKenna, L. MacNaUy, A, R, Mainwood, E. R. Meek, J. Mitchell, K. Nellist, M. Nicoll, A. G. Payne, S. J. Petty, B. Philp, D. Pierce, D. M. PuUin, R. Rae, S. Rae, A. D. K. Ramsey, G. Rebecca, J. Rhead, M. Richards, A. B. Richie, A. Rollo, J. Rowbottom, R. Roxburgh, P. W. Sandeman, A. Scott, N. Sharp, J. Smith, P. Stirling-Aird, D. & J. Stroud, R, L. Swann, T. Talbot, R. Thaxton, M. Tomkies, the late P. J. Tullet, D. G. Walker, M. Walker, A. Watson, D. N. Weir, R. Wood, S. J. Woolfall. We also thank Sandy Payne and Martin Nugent for improving an earlier draft. The 1982 Golden Eagle survey was jointly funded by the Nature Conservancy Council and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Summary In 1982, the population of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaelos in Britain was surveyed and this pro- vided an opportunity to document a range of nest-site features. Information was collected on type of site (cliff or tree), altitude, direction of exposure, distance to nearest public road, accessibility of the site to people, and extent of human disturbance. Variation in a number of these features was assessed along west-east climatic and ecological gradients across Scotland. Less than 5% of pairs used tree sites, and these were mainly towards the east of the range. Mean elevation of sites ranged from around 1 50 m in the west to over 450 m in the east. The majority of nests were ori- entated between NW and E, and the greatest percentage lay between N and NE. There was no significant relationship between the incidence of nesting failure and distance to public road; nests judged to be more accessible to people, however, failed more frequently than those in inaccessible sites. The incidence of disturbance attributable to people was highest in the eastern half of the range and generally coincided with moorland areas which were managed for Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus. Results are discussed with the benefit of comparable studies of nest-site features through- out Continental Europe. References Bkrgo, G. 1984. Habitat and nest-site features of Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaelos (L.) in Hordaland. Fauna now. Ser. C., Cinclus 7: 109-1 13. Brown, L. H. 1969. Status and breeding success of Golden Eagles in northwest Sutherland in 1967. Bnt. Birds 62: 345-363. 1976. British Birds of Prey. London. & Watson, A. 1964. i’he Golden Eagle in relation to its food supply. Ibis 106: 78-100. Dennis, R. H., Ei.i.is, P, M., Broad, R. A., & Langslow, D. R. 1984. The status of the Golden Eagle in Britain. Brit. Birds 77: 592-607. Ev'ERE'IT, M. j. 1971. The Golden Eagle survey in Scotland in 1964-68. Brit. Birds 64: 49-56. Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles 48 1 Fasc:e, P.. & Fasce. L. 1984. LAquila Reale in Italia: Eeologia e Comen'azione. Lega Italiana Pro- tezione Uccelli, Serie Scientifica. Parma, & 1987. L'.\igle Royal en Italie. In MlCHEL. S. led.), L'.Aigle Royal en Europe. Actes du Premier CoUoque IntemationaL Arvieux: 23-28. Fer.\.v\T)E/,, C. 1989. El .Aguila Real \Aquila chysaelos L.) en Xa\arra: Utilizacion del espacio, bi- ologia de la reproduccion y eeologia trofica. Resumen de tesis doctoral, Uni\ ersidad de Leon. Glltz \'0\ Beot/.HEI.M. U. X., B.\UER. K. M., & Be/ZEL. E. 1971. Handbuch der \ugel Mitteleuropas. Band 4. Falconiformes. Frankfun. Gordon, S. 1955. The Golden Eagle: king of birds. London. Grl'B.\C. B. R. 1988. The Golden Eagle in Southeastern Yugoslaxia. Lams 38/39: 95-135. H.vleer. H. 1982. Raumorganisation und Dynamik einer Population des Steinadlers Aquila chrysaetos in den Zentralalpen. Om. Beob. 79: 163-21 1. Henninger. G„ B.\.\DERET. G.. Bi.vn'C. A., & C.VNTIN, R. 1987. L’.Xigle Royal dans une partie des Prealpes Suisses. In MlCHEL. S. (ed.), L’,\igle Royal en Europe. Actes du Premier CoUoque In- ternational. Arvieux. 54-58. Hewson, R. 1976. Grazing by Mountain Hares Lepus timidus. Red Deer Cavus elaphus. and Red Grouse Lagopus 1. scoticus on heather moorland in NE Scotland. J. Appl. Ecol, 13: 657-666. Jenkjns. D., W.tTSON, & Miller, G. R. 1963. Population studies on Red Grouse Lagopus lago- pus scoticus il,ath.) in north-east Scotland. J. Anm. Ecol. 32: 317-376. JoRD.ANO. P. 1981. Relaciones interespecificas y coexistencia entre el Aguila Real (Aquila chiysaetos] y el .\guila Perdicera [Hieraaetus fasciatus) en Sierra Morena central. Ardeola 28: 67-87. Mc:\’e.A.\, D. X.. & Lockje, J, D. 1969. Ecology and Land-use in Upland Scotland. Edinburgh. -- - & R.\rCLIFFE, D. 1962. Plant Communities of the Scottish Highlands. Monograph of the Xature Conservancy Xo. 1, HMSO, London. .\L\GRINI, M.. R.\G.NI, B., & .\raie.NT.a.NO. L. 1987. L’Aigle Royal dans la partie centrale des Ap- pennins. In MlCHEL, S. (ed.), L’.Aigle Royal en Europe. .Actes du Premier CoUoque International. Arvieux. 29-32. M.M'HIEU, R.. & CHOIS't’, J. P, 1982. L’.Aigle Royal .Aquila chiysaetos dans les TMpes .Meridionales fran^aises de 1964 a 1980. Essai sur la distribution, les elFectifs, le regime alimentaire et la re- production. 4; 1-32. Michev, T., Petrov, T., Proitrox', L., Y.vnkov, P„ & G,\\’r,\ilo\', S. 1989. [Distribution and nature-defensive status of the Golden Eagle in Bulgaria.] Bull. Mus. S. Bulgaria 25: 79-87. Mosher, J. A., & White, C. M. 1976. Directional exposure of Golden Eagle nests. Canadian Field-.Nat. 90: 356-359. NeIHERSOLE-ThOMPSON, D., & \V.ATSON, A. 1981. The Cairngorms. Perth. R. \ rCLlKEE, D. 1990. Birdlfe of Mountain and Upland. Cambridge. RSPB & XCC. 1991. Death by Design: the persecution of birds of prey and owls in the UK 1979-89. Sandy & Peterborough. S. AXORX'. C. J. 1986. Utilisation of different ages of heather on three Scottish moors by Red Grouse, Mountain Hares, sheep and Red Deer. Holarctk Ecolog 9: 65-7 1 . Se.\IINj\R.\, S., Gi.arr,\ r.AN.A, S., & F.W.ARyX, R, 1987. L’Tkigle Royal en Sicilie, centrale des Appen- nins. In MlCHEL, S. (ed.), L’Aigle Royal en Europe. Actes du Premier Coll, hit., Arvieux. 33-36. IjERN'BERG, M. 1983. Habitat and nest site features of Golden Eagle, Aquila chiysaetos (L.), in Swe- den. Swed. Uildl. Res. 12; 131-163. VosK.\R, J., Mos.ANSKY, a., & P.MjXS THY, J. 1969. Zur Bionomie und dkologischen Verbreitung des Steinadlers (Aquila chiysaetos L.) in der Ostslowakei. ypologicke Usly 18: 39-54. W.vrsON, A.. P.WNE, S., & R.\E, R. 1989, Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos: land use and food in northeast Scotland. Ibis 131: 336-348. Waison, J. 1991. The Golden Eagle and pastoralism across Europe. In CuRI'IS, D., & BiGNALL, E. (eds.). Proceedings of the Second Symposium on Birds and Pastoralism. ]NCC. Peterborough: 56-57. , Langslow, D, R., & Rj\e, S. R. 1987. The impact of land-use changes on Golden Eagles in the Scottish Highlands. CSD Report No. 720, NCC, Peterborough. Zastrox', M. 1946. Om Kungsomens (Aquila chrysaetos) utbredning och biologi i Estland. Var Fagelziarld 5: 64-80. Dr J. Watson, Scottish Natural Heritage, 9 Culduthel Road, Inverness IV2 4AG, Scotland R. H. Dennis, Inchdryne, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire PH25 3EF, Scotland Seasonal reports Winter 1991/92 Keith Allsopp and Barry Nightingale Some unchecked reports are included, as well as authenticated records The winter weather was unexceptional: average monthly temperatures were a little above the long-term means in all areas, and occaswnal harsh spells oj icy conditions did not last very long. European temperaiures were also above their averages. As a result, the wintering bird populatiom remained static ajier the late-autumn in- flu.xes. Divers, grebes and wildfowl A notable concentration of Red-throated Divers Gavia stellata was found in the northern part of Cardigan Bay (Gvcynedd) on 20th November, when 407 were counted; subse- quently, 390 were found farther south, at Borth (Dyl'ed) on 1 7tli January. Groups of up to ,300 were also found ofl' the north Sulfolk shore in early January. Only a few individuals were seen inland. Three White-billed Divers G. adamsii were seen from north Scot- tish islands and one other was seen from a cross-Channel ferry olf Kent on 1 .3th Decem- ber. About 40 Red-necked Grebes Pudiceps grisegena were reported across the southeastern half of Hngland during November: mostly coastal with a few singles sta'^ing longer inland. A concentration off the Lothian coast — 43 at Aberlady Bay on 16th November and 52 on 5th January- had dispersed by Febntary. ,\n immature Night Heron .Nycticorax nycticorax at Loch Leven (Tayside), found on 2nd Novem- ber, stayed into February (plate 194), and oth- ers appeared briefly in Bedfordshire on 28th November, Co. Wexford on 30th November and on the Isle of Man on 12th January. The developing pattern of Little Egrets Egretta gargetta wintering in the soutliwest of England continued. Their numbers increased from 194. Juvenile Night Heron .Nycticorax nycticorax. Vane Farm RSPB Reserve, Tayside, November 1991 {S. AT. D. Alexander) m \Bnl. Birds 482-489. Scpicmhcr 1992] Winter 1991/ 92 483 about 20 in November to over 40 in Decem- ber, thereafter decreasing to 30, with a small dispersal to Wales and Ireland. The viability of this population group will be tested with the ne.xt bad winter. In contrast to the last species. Spoonbills Plalalea leuiorodia w ere scarcer than in previous winters, with only four staving in the West Countrv. Groups of Bewick’s Swans Cygnus columbkmm are now well at- tached to their managed winter havens, with some small past wintering sites rarely visited. Numbers peaked at W'elnev’ (Cambridgeshire) with 4.641 on 13th January, at Martin Mere I Lancashire) with 848 in January' and at Slim- bridge (Gloucestershire) with 320 in February. 4\'elney also attracted most Whooper Swans C. g/gnus, with 778 on 26th February, and the Martin Mere flock peaked at 619, also in February . Numbers of Pink-footed Geese Amer brachyrtynckus in I.ancashire were esti- mated at 41,000 by mid November, and 3,700 White-fronted Geese .4. alhifrons had col- lected at Slimbridge by January'. The flock on Islay (Strathclyde) of the Greenland race was estimated at 10,000 in December. Two of the seven reports of Lesser White-fronted Geese .4. etythropus were of marked individuals from re-introduction programmes in Scandi- navia. Establishing a successful migration pat- tern for survival may prove very difficult lor these gregarious birds. \ Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis remained with the 12.000 Barnacle Geese B. leucopsis at Gaerlaverock (Dumfries & Galloway) until March. An estimated 81,000 Wigeons Anas penehpe on the Ribble Estuary (Lancashire) on 10th November was an impressive total, as was 9,500 Pintails A. acuta on the Dee Estu- ary (Clwyd) on 9th November. Lip to eight American Wigeons .4 ammcana, nine Teals A. crecca of the Nearctic race carolinensis and seven Ring-necked Ducks Aythya collaris were reported in each month, and three Blue- winged Teals Anas discors on the Lamar Lakes (Devon/Comwcdl) in January was an unusual concentration. A feature of the winter was a noticeable increase in the numbers of Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis (plates 198 & 199 1 off the English and Welsh coasts and inland. Some 50 were scattered in the Southwest and 30 across the Southeast and Midlands, with a similar number inland in the Northwest. Off Criccieth. Cardigan Bay (Gwynedd), 45 were counted in December. 4 hese numbers steadily declined into the new year, a good proportion of the immatures at atypical inland sites probably dying. Docks of Common Scoters Melanilla nigra were also commoner than usual: 5,500 were off the North Norfolk coast. 6,500 in Cardigan Bay oft Gwynedd, and 1 ,900 off the north shore at PenmaenmawT. A spring return movement in March was witnessed at Dungeness (Kent) on 31st, involving 4,700 birds. X'agrants of the North .American race ammcana were reported in December, one briefly on 1 1 th at Dornoch (Highland) and another at St Brides Bay (Dyfed) on 26th, which stayed into March, Velvet Scoters M. Jusca accompanied the Common Scoter flocks, with 200 off Norfolk in December and over 70 off Penmaenmawr. and several individuals staying inland. Smews Mergus albellm were found inland in cjuite good numbers, with 22 in Midland counties in Jan- uary and 26 in the .Southeast in February. 195. Long-eared Owl Asia olui, Uxbridge, Greater I /rndon, January 1992 [Peter Gasson) 486 \agrants included not only the expected Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deseiii (Bnt. Birds 85: 209), but also a Pied Wheatear 0. pleschanka at Penare (Cornwall), a Tawny Pipit Anthiis campestris at Easton Bavants (Suf- folk) (plate 203), and three Pallas’s War- blers Phflloscopus proregultis in early Xo\'ember. Of greater interest w'as a Pallas’s Warbler at Bognor Regis (5V^est Sussex) from 14th to 23rd March. A few Yellow-browed Warblers P. momatiLs also survic’ed into the vsinter, and one in Plymouth (Devon), with the characteristics of the race humei. remained into March. There w as onl)’ one report of Penduline Tit Remiz penduhnns, from Dungeness on 30th and 31st January, the hoped-for establishment of a British population being dimmed. Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excuhiior showed no change, with wintering numbers continuing to decline. I'he three Nutcrackers .Miafragn care- ocatactei which had arrived in autumn stayed into eark Xovember. the Staffordshire indicid- ual being found dead. E\en rarer was the Pine Grosbeak Pinuola enuckator at Leiv\ick (Shetland) on 25th March (plates 201 & 205). ,4 more usttal species from northern climes, the Lapland Bunting Calcanus lappomcm w as pre- sent in unexceptional numbers, the largest Hock being seen near Boston (Lincolnshire), vrith 100 on 22nd Februaiy. Three \agrant Pine Buntings Emberiza leucocepkalos en- livened the winter for many; one was in Orkney from 1st to 5th November, another at Cresswell (Northumberland) from 29th January to 24th February and the tliird at Dagenham Chase (Greater London) from 12th February to 16th March (plates 204 & 207). Four Little Buntings Fi. pusilla vrintered in southwest England, a pattern which has been developing over the past few years. Acknowledgments riiis summaiy was compifcd Ifom contributions from: IX Bird, D. Broome, .M. Diydeii, J. Holloway, .4. M. Jewels. 1. Rinley, F. R. Meek, P. Muiphy and NF W'allci; and published information including that in the newsletters of the Bristol Ornithological Club. But kinghamshirc Bird Club, Derbyshire Ornithological Society. Dex'on Bird Watching and Prcscrc'ation Society. Fife Bird Club, La Socictc Gucrncsiaisc. Feiccstcrshire and Rutland Ornithological Society, Fcigh (Ornithological Society, Fondon Natural History Society, Shetland Bird Club. Shropshire Ornithological Society, South East Scotland Bird Bulletin, Sussex Ornithological .Society , West Midland Bird Club, Cape Clear Bird Obseivatory, Fair Isle Bird Obseivatoiy, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Whitburn Biid Observatory. We arc especially grateful to Rare Bird News, which supplied copies of till the records reported to its phone service, and to Birding South West. OPI’O.Sli'K 198 & 199. Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hremalis: top, Crosby Marina, Merseyside, Xovember 1991; centre, Shotwick. Clwvd, January 1992 [Steve Ibwig) 200. Bottom, Dotterel Ckamdrm mnrineilus. Rye Harboitr Nature Reserve, East .Sussex, January 1992 {Teny Button) CKNi Kt, SI>Rt,.\l) 201 & 205. Fop left and top right, I’ine Grosbeak Pmuula enuckator. Lerwick, Shetland, April 1 992 (Jack I.eoene) 202. Ix.'ft-hand page, centre left, Water Pipit Anthiis .spinoktta. Neston, Cheshire, March 1992 [Steve I hung) 203. Ix-ft-httnd page, centre right, l awny Pipit Anthm campe.stris, Easton Bavants, Sttlfolk, November 1 99 1 Jack Lame] 204 & 207. B, )ttom left and bottom right, Pine Btinting Emberiza kucncephahs. Chase Nature Reseive. Dagcnhtim, (ireater London, February 1992 [IJt, David M. Cotlridge/ Avian Photos; light. Jack iMiene) 206. Right-hantI page, centre. Lattghing (Jtill I/iius atricillci. Norliilk, December 1991 Jack leven^ i he inclusion ol j^lalcs I9fi-2I0 in colour lias been subsidised by a donation from CAIU. ^EISS (jERAIAN) The Best Buys and the Brightest. . . V: alue and quality are two reasons Wildlife and Bird Watching rated these Nikon Binoculars and Fieldscopes among the best in their classes. For instance, Bird Watching awarded the Nikon 8 x 30ECF WF binoculars a full five stars, their highest value-for-money rating. What’s more, they acclaimed the 8 X 30s “Excellent in every way optically— very sharp and bright.”* That’s because they share the Nikon heritage of optical excellence. So take a look through the leaders today. *By courtesy of EMAP Fhirsuit Ltd.: Quoted from an article BEST BUYS IN BINOCULARS, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Bird Watching, May 1990. And, BEST BUYS IN TELESCOPES, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Bird Watching, June 1990. By courtesy of BBC Publications; JUST THE BEST, by Chris Harbard and Ian Dawson, Wildlife, March 1989. Fieldscope II, Fieldscope EDII and 8 x 30 ECF have been recommended by British Birds. Nikon NIKON U.K. LTD. 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British Birds magazine voted Carl Zeiss, ‘Top Binocular for the Future', an accolade which was awarded to Carl Zeiss In the two previous surveys. The 7x42B/GA T’ Dialyl is renowned for its high twilight performance and field ol view. With easy-grip rubber armouring to minimise reflection and noi5e. it is unsurpassed for dawn and dusk observation. The naturalist's definitive binocular. IZEISSl Germany I Carl ;9issi j096ii F7| CARL ZEISS - GERMANY sponsors the Rarities Committee, and subsidises by donations the inclusion of many of the colour photo- graphs published in British Birds 208-210. Pallas’s Warblers PhvUosco- pus proreguliLv. left, W'eybourne. Nor- folk. October 1989 [K. B. Shepherd]-, below left, Marsden Hall. Tvne & Wear, October 1990 (Mike K. Wat- son)-. below right, Flamborough, Humberside, October 1985 (Gra- ham P. CatlW] Identification pitfalls and assessment problems This series, which started in January- 1983 {Brit. Birds 76: 26-28), is not intended to cover all facets of the identification of the species concerned, but only the major sources of error likely to mislead the observer in the field or the person attempting to assess the written evidence. The species con- cerned are mostly those which were formerly judged by the Rarities Committee*, but which are now the responsibility of county and regional recorders and records committees. 13 Pallas’s Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Pallas’s Warbler is, for most people, the epitome of a rare bird: a long-dis- tance migrant, breeding no closer to Britain than 5,600 km away in central Siberia, only the size of a Goldcrest Regulus regulus, a mass of stripes of yeUow and green, and hyperactive into the bargain. ^Although it has occurred in in- creasing numbers since 1967, it is still a rare bird, averaging 39 indixaduals a year during 1981-1990, with most records on the British east and south coasts in October and November. Prior to 1958, there were only three records in Britain and Ireland, and it maintained this true-vagrant status until 1968, which saw the first of what has since become a series of autumn influxes, with 18 in 1968, 13 in 1974, 30 in 1975, 33 in 1981 and then the amazing total of 127 in 1982. A total of 540 has been accepted for the years 1958-1990, with 72% in the last ten years, including 59 in 1987 and 64 in 1988. Pallas’s War- bler was dropped from the Rarities Committee’s list after 1990 (Brit. Birds 83: 411-412). The recent trend towards increasing numbers has been mirrored in Scandinavia, the Baltic countries and north-Europcan coastal countries. All British and Irish records so far have been between 23rd September and 28tfi December, peaking during October to mid November. Interestingly, all the December records, four in number, have been since 1986, and future win- tering, perhaps followed by spring records, is a distinct possibilityt. As with many eastern species, the early-autumn records are mostly in the northeast and the very late ones are usually on the south coast from Kent to Scilly. In general terms, it is a later migrant than the Yellow-browed Warbler P. inomatus, but there is a full overlap of dates, and arrivals in October, especially, often coincide. The principal confusion species in Britain are the Yellow-browed Warbler and, to a lesser extent, the Firecrest R. ignicapillus. If seen well — and the species often does give extended good views- Pallas’s Warbler is not difficult to iden- tify; indeed, once the clear-cut pale -yellow rump-patch is seen, then a small Goldcrest-sized Phylloscopus warbler in the Western Palearctic is almost cer- tainly a Pallas’s Warbler. Gonfusion with Yellow-browed and Firecrest can occur, however, in brief views or diffiicult viewing conditioits, especially when *This paper, like those earlier in the series {Bnt. Birds 76: 26-28, 78-80, 129-130, 203-206, 304- 305, .342-346; 77: 412-415; 78: 97-102; 81: 126-134; 84: 145-148; 85: 21-24, 437-439), is a publi- cation ol the Rarities Commiuee, which is sponsored by C/\RL gElSS -Germany. tSince this was written, one has occurred in spring 1992, in West Sussex in March [Brit. Birds 85: 262, 486), l/inl. Ilirds 8.5: 490-494, Seplcmbcr 1992] 491 492 Identification of Pallas’s Warbler the bird is feeding high in dense canopy such as coastal sycamores Acei' pseudo- platanwi in the late autumn. Pallas’s Warbler and Firecrest are similar in size and proportions, both being large-headed and short-tailed, brightly coloured and highly active. Pal- las’s has a deep-yellow, very prominent supercilium, a broad but short deep- yellow greater-coverts bar, and a pale-yellow central crown stripe with dark olive-green lateral crown stripes. Firecrest has an obvious, white supercilium which bridges the forehead (where it is buffish-orange), a white greater-coverts bar, and a yellow or orange central crown stripe bordered with black lateral crown stripes. Pallas’s is relatively unifonn whitish to off-white below, some- times with a giey wash on the breast sides, whereas Firecrest has obvious bright bronze patches on the sides of the upper breast and an obvious short Itlack moiistachial streak. Firecrest of course also lacks the yellow rump of Pal- las’s Warbler. Compared with Yellow-browed Warbler of the nominate race, Pallas’s ^Varbler has similar coloration, but the general appearance is usually brighter, with olive, gieen, yellow and white predominating. Both species show two pale vring bars, the upper on the tips of the median coverts being shorter and nar- rower than that on the tips of the greater coverts, and sometimes rudimentary, jjarticularly on a worn Yellow-browed; pale creamy-yellow tips and edges to the tertials, bright olive-green upperj^arts, darker olive remiges and rectrices with brighter greenish-yellow outer webs to the secondaries, forming brighter wing panels; whitish undeiparts sullied with pale yellow or greyish on the neck sides and throat; clear, broad, striking, long supcrciha, underlined by dark eye- stripes; a small, line bill; and restless, very active bchariour. A principal dilference is the pale-yellow, even whitish-yellow, rump of Pal- las’s Warbler: a striking feature when seen well, being clear-cut, sharply de- fined and square across the lower back to the uppcrtail-coverts. It is, however, often hidden by the wings, and is most obvious when the bird hovers whilst feeding, a common habit, or when flying away, oi' when the wings are flicked open while feeding, another regular habit with small Phylloscopus warblers. Yel- low-browed may show a difl'uscly edged, paler, greenish rump, but never any- thing approaching the brilliance of that of Pallas’s. Pallas’s also shows a clearly marked yellow central crown stripe bordered by dark-olive lateral crown stripes; the prominence of the central crown stripe varies with posture and among individuals, but is usually obvious, narrow at the front and broadening towards the nape, and is often most clearly seen from behind. Many Yellow- browed Warblers also sliow a paler central crown line, which is, however, very narrow, rarely clean-cut and only paler yellowish-green; it does not con- trast so strongly with the green lateral crown stripes, which arc paler than those on Pallas’s. Some individuals show this feature quite well, but it is never so contrasting and obvious as f)u Pallas’s. Fhc supcrcilia on Pallas’s arc deep, often turning up slightly over the eye, long, reaching nearly to the nape and turning up or down at the rear depend- ing on posture. They are deep, bright yellow, whereas those of Yellow-browed are generally paler yellow to whitish, not so thick, but equally as long as Pal- las’s. Owing t(j the large-headed, neckless appearance of Pallas’s, however, and the generally slicker, more elongated profile of Yellow-browed, the super- Identification of Pallas’s Warbler 493 cilia may look quite different shapes. The whole head of Pallas’s is more con- trasting, with darker and brighter areas than on Yellow-browed. In general appearance, Pallas’s is more dumpy-looking and squat, being- more bull-necked, larger-headed, and shorter-tailed, and with more contrasts throughout the plumage than \Tllow-browed. The legs of Yellow-browed tend to be quite bright yellov\- or orange-tinged, compared with the dull grey ol those ot Pallas’s, but the latter can have yellowish feet, and the former can have duher legs. Bf)th species are usually hyperactive: constantly on the move, flicking wings and tail, and sometimes difficult to follow through foliage and especially when in the canopy of trees. Pallas’s has a very obvious habit of liovering, Gold- crest-like, at the ends ol branches to pick insects from beneath leaves. Both species will feed in whatever cover is available on migration, from ground level to the upper canopy of large trees, but there is a general ten- dency for Pallas’s to feed low'er down in scrub such as hawthorn Crataegus and even in ditches and rough glass, willow-herb Epilobium and nettles Urtica, whereas, given the choice, \'ellow--browed Warblers tend to feed in willows Salix and the canopy of taller trees, mainly sycamores. Yellow-browed War- blers have, however, been noted on occasion to feed persistently on the ground iBrit. Birds 83: 428-429). Calls, once known, are an easy way of separating the three species. That of ^'ellow-browed of the nominate race is very distinctive and loud, somewhat similar to that of a Goal Tit Pams atei'. It is monosyllabic, thin, with emphasis on the latter part, which has an upward inflection. It is usually transcribed with a central ‘eee’ sound and ends emphatically with a ‘t’ or ‘st’ sound: 'weesl'. 'sweeet', zzweet'. 'vveeest’, 'swee-ee’ or ‘szweeet’. 4’hey often call repeatedly, especially if there are a number of individuals in the same area, and the call is a very easy way of locating them in dense canopy. The call of the nominate race of Pallas’s Warbler is very different: usually weak and high-pitched, but sometimes quite loud, again monosyllabic, and of a similar length to the call of Yellow-browed, but on a more even pitch. It is less far-carrying, does not ‘grab the attention’ like that of Yellow- browed, and is sometimes likened to that of Chiffehaff P. collybita. The call is usually transcribed with more of an ‘eeee’ sound in the middle and less of a definite clipped finish: 'seeep’, ‘sweeep’ or ‘seeit’. Southern races of Pallas’s Warbler have calls (and song) quite dissimilar to those of the nominate race. Firecrest’s call is very distinctive, being monosyl- labic, short and clipped, but often with notes run together in sequence: 'sit’, ‘zit" or ‘zil-zit-zit’. Pallas’s Warbler is one of a number of Far-Eastern Pliylloscopus warblers, sev- eral of which possess a slightly lighter to clearly contrasting yellow rump- patch. Of the.se, to judge from the distribution and movements of each, only Pallas’s and Yellow-browed Warblers arc likely to occur in the Western Palcarctic. For detailed information on the other species, readers are recom- mended to read Kenneth Williamson’s Identification for Ringers 2 — The Genm Phylloscopus, a Bl’O guide. For Western Palearctic completeness only, and not because confusion with Pallas’s Warbler is a problem, brief mention should be made of the southwest- 494 Identification of Pallas’s Warbler ern race of Yellow-lrrowed Warbler, P. i. linmei, which is considered by some to be a full species. It has been claimed in Britain on some 13 occasions, aU in late autumn and often in association with Pallas’s Warbler occurrences. Com- pared with the nominate race of Yellow-browed, it is generally more drab, greyish-tinged on the uppeqaarts, with the median-coverts bar restricted or ab- sent, with less-striking superciHa lacking yellow, dirty-white underparts which rarely show any yellow, and, usually, an all-dark bill. It is similar in size and structure to the nominate race, except that its bill is often noticeably shorter and finer. The call is rather different, however, being more disyllabic and with a downw'ard inflection on the last syllable, transcribed: ‘tissyip’, ‘te tweeup', 'chiliup', 'zwee-eist’, 'sweelon', ‘tsulu’ or ‘psee-up’. Although this final paragi'aph will undoubtedly be read with astonishment by cltied-in observers, it is nevertheless a i'act that Siskin Carduelis spinus is oc- casionally mistaken for Pallas’s Warbler. On paper at least, a non-adult male Siskin may seem superficially similar to Pallas’s, being small, green above, and white or whitish below, with a yellow supercilium, double yellow' w'ing-bars, cleanly edged and clearly tipped tertials, and a yellow' rump. Records-vetting committees, therefore, need more than this sort of brief description to accept a record of Pallas’s Warbler. First of all, it is \4tal for identification as a warbler, rather than a finch, to be established, vrith bill-shape and tail-shape important factors to look for. 4Te most important distinguisliing plumage characters are Pallas’s Warbler’s lack of streaking above and below and lack of yellow bases to the otiter tail-feathers (though these, being negative characters, have limited \ alue in written descriptions), and presence of central crown-stripe, supercilia and rump-patch, particularly with respect to their shape and clean-cut nature. G. P. Catlev 13 West Acridge, Barton-on-Humbei', North Lincolnshire DM8 5AJ pears ago... ‘CORRi:C r PRONUNCIATION OF CHOUCH AND POCHARD. To ihe FIditoi-s ol' Bnlish Birds. .Sirs,- I lliiiik I am correct in stating that t|-ie generally accepted pronunciation of the word Cliough is like the word rough. The other day, however, when talking to a Cornishman, he spoke ol the Choughs, pronouticing the word in the same way as plough. On rellection, it seems to me that this may he the original and correct ])ronuncialion .since, as is the case in the names of many of our British birds, the name would then be onomatopci’ic. ‘As regards the vsord Pochard, 1 have heard competent ornithologists pronounce the first sylla- ble as in pock, in poke, in |)oach and as in potch; a dclinite ruling as to the coned pronunciation ol this word would be welcome. lIutiH .S. Giad.stonk’ (Bril. Bird', 1 1: 96, September 1917). Notes Wildfowl eating potatoes In recent years, on the Ouse Washes, Cambridgeshire, Whooper Cygnus cygnus and Bewick’s Swans C. columbianus have taken to feeding on arable land, harvested potato fields, with their residue of waste potatoes, being particularly favoured in early winter. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Welney has attracted a substantial number of wildfowl in front of its hides by the strategic tipping of waste potatoes. Other species have utilised this food source, most notably Mute Swan C. olor, Greylag Goose Anser anser, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Pochard Aythya jerina. Tufted Duck A. fuligula and Coot FuUca atm, while two small parties of Scaups Aythya marila also fed by diving for potatoes in deeper water and bringing pieces to the surface to swallow. Coots often carry off a potato to a quiet spot to consume it, whereas the Aythya ducks feed on potatoes only in water. Wigeon Anas penelope. Pintail A. acuta. Red-crested Pochard Netta mfina. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca and Moorhen Gallinula chloropus have also been recorded eating this food. During flooding, when the swans are unable to reach the potatoes in the deep water, some Whoopers spend their time among the Pochards, waiting for them to dive and bring up potatoes, whereupon the swans chase after them with their necks outstretched; this causes the Pochards to dive, generally dropping the food when doing so. Whooper Swans similarly parasitise Tufted Ducks and Coots. Of all these species, BWP (vol. Ij mentions potatoes in the diet of only four: Whooper and Bewick’s Swans, Greylag Goose and Mallard. J. B. Kemp 2 Northfield Farm, Hundred Foot Bank, Pyrnore, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 2EL Black Kite feeding on House Sparrows During the late afternoon of 19th March 1988, at Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt, Black Kites Mibus migraris were drifting past in ones and twos towards a roost. One individual paused to quar- ter an area of semi-cultivated land fringed with scrub and a line of trees. Hap- ping and gliding in typical Black Kite fashion about 10 m above the ground. It was seen to capture and eat three House Sparrows Passer domesticus, the first two in a little under fiv'e minutes and the third five minutes later. In each case, the sequence was the same: a neat, almo.st vertical stoop, with wings partly closed, and a capture at or very close to the ground (the actual point of impact was obscured by bushes); the kite then rose and circled the area in a leisurely way, plucking and eating the sparrow in flight before returning for the next attempt. It was not possible to see whether the sparrows were adults or juveniles, but they were certainly taken alive. There were a great many of them in this area, both feeding and moving around in flocks, and it was inter- esting that none of them, not even those where the kite was hunting, took any notice of any of the Black Kites that were present; in fact, in my experience, most small passerines appear to ignore Black Kites and seldom show the mob- 495 496 .Notes bing or panic reactions exhibited towards other raptors. Black Kites are well known as highly versatile predators and scavengers; the literature describes their foraging and feeding habits in some detail and lists small birds (often, ap- parently, young or incapacitated individuals) among their live prey, but little is stated about active hunting techniques or catching and feeding rates. M. J. Everett c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL Talon-locking between Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon S. J. Hay- how’s note [Blit. Birds 81: 324) recalled the following. On 2nd June 1976, at Old Hall Marshes, Essex, 1 observed two raptors sparring together. After a short time, they locked talons and tumbled together into the reeds. When they emerged, I saw that they were a Kestrel Falco tmnunculus and a first-summer male Red-footed Falcon F. vespeitmus. The latter flew to a point nearer to where I was standing, and there were no further encounters. Two other Kestrels were also in the vicinity. M. Co.VI’H 77 Oakhill Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 l.NV Red-footed Falcon robbing Kestrels Notes on food piracy by Red- footed Falcon Falco vespertinus (Biit. Birds 70: 220; 80: 283; 83: 548) prompt us to record the following. In May 1978, in Hampshire, we spent four hours watching a male Red-footed Falcon at a site where a pair of Kestrels F. tinnun- culiis was feeding young in a nearby Scots pine Pinus ^bestris. On two occa- sions, a Kestrel, as it carried prey back to the nest, was chased and forced to drop the prey by the Red-footed Falcon, which then retrieved the food. M. C. COMBRIDGE and P. COMBRIDGE 44 Ethelred Gardens, Totton, Southampton S04 3UA Talon-locking between Merlin and Peregrine The note on talon-locking between Hobby Fako subbuteo and Kestrel F. tinnunculus [Brit. Birds 81: 324) prompts me to record the following. On 6th March 1988, at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, I watched a male Merlin F. columbarius repeatedly dive at a Peregrine F. peregnnus which was perched on the ground. After the Merlin had made approximately ten dives, the Peregrine rose about 0.75 m on the former’s next approach and then perched again. After a further four dives, the Peregrine took off and flew higher. The Merlin gave chase, and, as it rapicOy approached the Peregrine, the latter rolled up- side-down with talons facing skywards. The two then made contact (I could not determine which one ‘grabbed’ the other), and I could clearly see that they had interlocked talons as they fell towards the ground; at a height of ap- proximately 8 m, they separated and flew in different directions. Michael S. Wallen 25 Commonside, Downl^, Fligh Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HPI3 .5XG Notes 497 Merlins hunting at sea Between 23rd February and 20th April 1988, at Dungeness, Kent, a total of 34 Merlins Fako columbarius was seen coming in olf the sea. On six occasions, the individuals involved were seen to chase and catch passerines before making landfall, and on a further five they were seen to be carrying prey; one unsuccessful chase was observed. On other occasions, the Merlins coming in were not seen well enough to determine whether they were carrying prey, but in many cases it was suspected that they were. On each of the days when this behaviour was observed, visible migration was poor or non-existent, and at times the only passerines seen to come in were in the talons of Merlins. At Dungeness, Merlins have been seen on previous oc- casions coming in off the sea. In my opinion, and also that of other observers, they are not, however, migrating in, but are individuals from the locally win- tering population that have gone out to sea to hunt: an interesting behaviour for a basically land-based predator. Only twice during the period mentioned above were Merlins seen going out. I thank Barry Banson, S. P. Clancy, D. L. Davenport, Sean McMinn and Ray Turley for commenting on this note. NiGEL Odin Landguard Bird Observatory, Viewpoint Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IPII 8T\V Dr Ian Newton has commented that there is, of course, no ‘cover’ at sea for passerines or other birds. Eds Aggression of Hobby towards other raptors On 6th July 1986, in Leicestershire, I located the nest of a Hobby Fako subbuteo in one of a pair of oak trees Qmrcus near a clump of maples Acer. The male flew in with prey, calling, and perched in the oak adjacent to the nest tree, where he was joined by the female olf the nest. Almost immediately, a male Kestrel F. tinnmculus flew to perch in the nest tree. The female Hobby, calling, flew to perch next to the Kestrel and forced him into flight; both Hobbies, the male still clutch- ing the prey, mobbed him until he left the area. The Hobbies then flew back to the oak tree, from where I could hear a lot of calling. Eventually, the male perched prominently in the open, and later the female returned to the nest. The male Hobby then flew to the northeast to perch in an elm Ulmus. Soon, the Kestrel returned, flying to the west, and the male Hobby was straight out in pursuit of him; the two briefly locked talons, and the Kestrel was chased off to the southwest. The male Hobby returned to the elm. This observation contrasts with notes I made at a Hobby’s nest, also in Leicestershire, in 1982. On that occasion, the Hobbies were quite tolerant of other birds near their nest, ignoring Jays Garrulus glandarius and Magpies Pica pica and occasionally briefly mobbing Carrion Crows Corvus corone, particularly when the latter approached too close to the nest; of the two other raptor species regularly present in the area. Kestrels were largely ignored, but, in sharp contrast, Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus were viciously mobbed at every opportunity. Dave Gamble 2 Shanklin Gardens, Leicester Forest East, Leicester LE3 3JR 498 Notes Peregrines nesting beside Kestrels on urban chimney In February - March 1989, a pair of Peregrines Falco peregriniis arrived in Darwen, Lan- cashire, choosing a nest site almost at the top of the 93-m-tall India Mill chimney (which was still in use). The chimney is about 550 m from the centre of Darwen and less than 50 m from the busy A666; the site is entirely urban, the mill itself being surrounded by other industrial units, houses and a school. Fhe Peregrines chose the south-facing ledge of the chimney, even though a pair of Kestrels F. tmnunculus was already in residence on the east-facing ledge (the two nests were probably only about 3.5 m apart). While the female Pere- grine was incubating, the male Kestrel regularly sat immediately outside her nest, causing her much distress, but she never managed to dislodge him. On the evening when the oldest Kestrel chick took its first flight, the male Pere- grine launched from his roosting place at the top of the chimney and attacked the young Kestrel, which escaped uninjured. During the particularly hot spring of that year, the presumably inexperienced Peregrines left their nest in order to take shelter on the north-facing side of the chimney, thus leaving the nest contents fully exposed to the heat of the sun. Jim McElroy saw two tiny Peregrine chicks on 22nd June, but these were never seen again and presum- ably died when just a few days old. In 1990 and 1991, the Peregrines moved around to the north-facing ledge and successfully fledged four young in each year. In both years, the Kestrels moved only a very short distance away, but did not nest on the chimney itself M.WIS B. S.MITH 47 Baron Street, Damm, Lancashire BBS L\T Dr Ian Newton ha.s commented: ‘The fact that the Peregrines nested on a chimney is more in- teresting than lire fact that Kestrels earlier used the site. I know plenty of cliff sites where Kestrels nested during the low Peregrine years, only to be ousted when Peregrines returned.’ Eds Ringed Plovers nesting in covered sites During 1987, on North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 18 nests of Ringed Plovers Charadrius hiaticula were located, of which seven were in unusual covered sites. In one case, the nest was protected merely by the overhang of a large stone; another was in a recess at the base of a dry-stone wall; while the remaining five were all beneath stones or boulders near the shore. The most extreme site was about 150 cm under a flat slab, with a clearance of less than 75 mm at the entrance. All the nest scrapes were on sand. Covered sites fared better than those in the open. Only three of the 1 1 uncovered nests successfully hatched young, compared with five of the seven covered nests. One pair hatched two broods from covered .sites, although none of the other 24 pairs on the island achieved this. Of the two failed covered nests, one was deserted and the other, at the base of the wall, was engulfed by sand. Covered sites must provide added protection against predation, particularly from birds, but on North Ronaldsay it is perhaps the sheep that are the main danger to nests. Sheep on the island arc restricted to the shore, and there is heavy trampling pressure, especially on the softer substrates preferred by the plovers. In addition, these sheep have been ,\otes 499 recorded eating Ringed Plo\er eggs (by Ken Walker, in Mary Scott’s Island Sagci), and are suspected of taking the eggs of a number of species. Their unusual diet of seaweed presumably requires \ arious mineral supple- ments: tideline bird coipses in\ariably ha\ e their feet chewed olf by sheep icf also Brit. Birds 85; 313). The only references I ha\-e found to Ringed Plo\ers using cox’ered sites other than among growing \egetation are a note on a nest under the o\'erhang of a dune Brit. Birds 70: 500-501, plate 140) and mention of this species’ occasional use of sites beneath stones in Orkney i Booth et al., 1984, Tlie Birds of Orkney) . M . G . P E ,\ .\ I .\ G T () X 9 Daisy Park, Baltasound, L 'nst, Shetland ~E2 9Ki Dr M. .\. Ogikie has commented that, on Islav. Stratlicixde. he has found Ringed Plover nests under slight overliangs of boulders, and once under a sewage pipe ift i30 cm? in diameter, but none as covered as those described by Mr Pennington, and suggests tliat site selection on XMrth Ronaldsay may perhaps be a reaction to the strong winds and rain tvpical of exposed islands as well as to the local sheep problems. El)s Spanish Sparrow eating lizard On 14th May 1987, in the Funchal Botanic Gardens, Madeira, my attention was drawn to a disturbance in the nearby undergrowth. A female Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis had seized and decapitated a small Madeiran lizard Lacerta diigesi, and was devouring parts which it had snipped from the neck and body. This continued for some minutes, until the bird was disturbed by passers-by and flew off. Several insectivorous passerines have been observed taking small reptiles, mice and shrews, and many seed-eaters sw'itch to invertebrate prey while rearing young. Flouse Sparrows P. domesticus frequently pursue large moths and have been recorded eating frogs (Stimmers-Smith, 1988, The Sparrows). B. Zoxi-'RlELO 28 Brodie Road, Glasgow G2I 3SB 211. Female S])anish Sparrow Passer tiLspaniolensis feeding on Madeiran lizard Ijuerla diigesi. Madeira, May 1987 (B. gjinfriltn) Letter Eastern vagrants in Britain in autumn 1988 The paper by Norman Elkins {Bnt. Birds 84: 402-404) was most helpful in explaining the meteorologi- cal conditions leading to the massive falls of Continental migrants on the British east coast in October 1988, but I remain unconvinced as to the southerly route supposedly taken by the eastern vagrants. During 12th-23rd October, I spent seven days ringing and watching on the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR {Lines. Bird Rep. 1988: 2-4, 8-10). At Theddlethorpe, rain from the occluded front mentioned by Elkins started to fall at 21.30 GMT on 11th October, with a gale-force southeasterly wind. By 04.00 on 12th, the wind had eased down to around force 4, with overcast and low cloud remaining; half an hour later the sky was totally clear, and the wind had dropped further and moved more southerly. Many thrushes Turdus were arriving in the dark, dropping down on to the dunes, or passing on inland, and this large movement continued throughout the morning. We also ringed many Robins Erithacus mbecula and Goldcrests Reguliis regains, as well as a vari- ety of other migrant passerines, including a Yellow-browed Warbler Phyllosco- pus inomatus and a Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger yanurus. A further large arrival on 16th October included a Radde’s Warbler P. schwarzi (two more Radde’s and one Pallas’s Warbler P. proregulus were recorded between Norfolk and Humberside). Elkins stated that the ‘first fall began on 12th in northeastern England . . . associated with an occlusion moving north over the North Sea and eastern Britain, with the arrivals on its northern side.’ He calculated a required flight- time for the eastern vagrants of 30 hours from the Crimea. Why would the arrivals be on the northern side of the front if they were ‘non-oriented mi- grants dispersing downwind’? Surely, if they flew into the rear edge of the front from the southeast (as must have been the case under Elkins’s hypothe- sis), they would have dropped as soon as they reached land? But how likely is it that they were flying downwind? Without wishing to re-enter the Lack- Williamson arguments of the 1960s, I think it can be agreed generally that birds flying for 30 hours, largely over hospitable land and under clear skies, would not just drift downwind. A more plausible explanation is that the east- ern vagrants recorded on 12th October were drifted west or southwest to the British east coast, after leaving the northern Continental North Sea coastline; once into the leading edge of the cloud front and rain, they may well have flown downwind until they reached land. Before then, their direction was likely to have been the resultant between their heading (probably southerly rather than northerly) and the wind. Elkins claimed that few eastern vagrants were recorded from the Scandina- vaan region. ‘European news’ {Brit. Birds 82: 349-355), however, shows that eight eastern species were recorded from northern European countries shortly before 1 2th October, and there appear to have been good numbers of a wide v'ariety of Siberian species in Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Germany, the Netherlands and France during the first three weeks of October. It is worth noting that 1 1 Yellow-browed Warblers were Letter 501 recorded in Lincolnshire before 12th October [Lines. Bird Rep. 1988; 70). The ‘multiple arrivals’ in southeast Europe, used by Elkins to support his theory, apparently consisted of four (unconfirmed) Eye-browed Thrushes Turdus obscu- rus in Hungary' on 27 th October, and four Pine Buntings Emberiza leucocephalos in Yugoslavia on 12th and 13th November 1988. Large falls of other passerines coincided with the arrival of the eastern va- grants. Six Goldcrests, ringed between 28th September and 16th October (three in Denmark and one each in Finland, Estonia and Norway), were re- covered between 20th and 26th October, all on the East Coast. There were two recoveries of Finnish-ringed Robins, one in Yorkshire on 17th October (ringed 11th October) and another in Sussex on 21st October. Several ex- tremely unusual recoveries during 16th-23rd October, mainly on the East Coast, included a Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus from Denmark and Reed Buntings E. schoeniclus from Denmark and from Sweden [Ringing and Migr. 10: 159-196). These recoveries, and their timing, do not support the sug- gestion of a southerly route for the eastern vagrants. Elkins suggested that most vagrants are ‘birds of the year ... on non-ori- ented exploration movements’. October arrival, however, would seem too late in the year for this explanation to be valid. First-year birds of such species as Barred Warbler Sybia nisoria undoubtedly reach our shores on post-juvenile wanderings, but from breeding areas that are much closer, and considerably earlier in the year. It seems more likely that genetic variation in migratory ori- entation may play some part. Dr Peter Berthold and his co-workers in Ger- many have recendy shown that there can be considerable genetic variation in migratory behaviour within bird populations, which allows rapid evolution in response to changing conditions. For example. Yellow-browed Warblers have wintered in Britain and in France, and we may be seeing the start of a regular migratory pattern, as has developed for some central European Blackcaps S. atricapilla and Chiffehaffs P. colly bita which now winter regularly in Britain. Weather conditions are undoubtedly an important aspect influencing the ar- rival of Siberian vagrants in Britain, and I accept the link between arrival numbers and the intensity of anticyclones over Central Asia. I do not, how- ever, consider that the route proposed by Elkins is necessarily that which was taken. There seems Utde evidence (other than meteorological) to support such a southerly route, and considerably more to suggest arrival on the British east coast from a more easterly or northeasterly direction. MiKE Boddy 51 Welham Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 6T\V Norman Elkins has replied as follows; ‘While preparing my paper, I guessed that some contro- versy would arise, and for that reason I was, as always, careful (perhaps not careful enough) to emphasise that there are inherent difficulties in assessing the “route” of vagrants. My purpose was to investigate, in a meteorological context, the route taken by Central Asian vagrants arriving in Britain in 1988, It transpired that, owing to dissimilar large-scale weather patterns over Eurasia in the Octobers of 1982 and 1988, the route appeared to differ markedly from those suggested by Howey & Bell for 1982 [Brit. Birds 78: 381-392), in turn resulting in the paucity of these vagrants in Scandinavia in 1988 compared with 1982. ‘Mike Boddy claims that there were a number of records from that region in 1988. In my long- term research into eastern vagrants, I have used a group of 1 3 passerines whose breeding grounds are in Central Asia (i.e. to the southeast, often well to the southeast, of the Urals). These are; Siberian Rubythroat Lttsdnia calliope, Siberian Blue Robin L. cyane. White’s ^othera dauma. Dusky 502 Letter Turdus naumamii. Black-lhroated T. ntfuollis and Eye-brovved Thrushes; Pallas’s Grasshopper Lo- cuslella cerlhiola, Pallas’s. Radde’s and Dusk\- Warblers P. fuscatus\ and Pine, Yellow-browed E. clnysophm and Pallas's Reed Buntings E. pallasi. In practice, the Phvlloscopus v\arblers (particularly Pallas’s) far outnumber all the rest during falls in northern Europe. I do not include Wllow- browed Warbler in my list, as it has a much wider range and more northerly breeding limit, and cannot be called a true Central Asian species. “Ettropean news” listed the number of indi\iduals of the aboN'e species as fi\-e during 3rd-9th October and two during 22nd-24th October; the only reports oi Pallas’s Warblers were three (undated), in Denmark. These ten records compare with over 100 in 1982. while Finland and Sweden recorded over 90 Pallas’s ^Varblers in autumn 1982. ‘Although both Octobers showed a strong southeasterly wind anomaly o\er the North Sea (i.e. sotitheast w inds were more frequent than normal), the situation farther east (north of 55° N) was \ery dilfcrent. East of 20° E, October 1982 showed an easterly anomaly, but in 1988 a W-NW anomaly prec ailed east of 30° E, which was even stronger farther east again. This prompted me to suggest that the rotites implicated by Howey & Bell for 1982 could not have been used in 1988. 'I accept that the route I proposed may not necessarily be the “correct” one, and I may have given the impression that no other could be possible, Boddy comments on my statement that the first fall began on 12th. with the arric'als on the occlusion’s northern side. This perhaps should ha\'e been qualified by the adjectite “first” (arri\'als), as subseqtient records must have been south of the front as it mo\ed away northwards to clear Britain the following night. Many migrants do fly throtigh fronts withotit going to grotind. particularly where the front is weak (e.g. w'ell aw'ay from the depression centre —in this case nearer the high pressure over the Continent). My notes tell me that the clotid tops o\'er the North Sea along the front were around 3,000 m, not unduly deep for an occlusion. My calculations of llight-time were based, as I stated, on the assumption that the birds flew non-stop. This was to highlight the possibility of a movement within the line sotitheasteiiy windflow that prevailed over eastern kitirope for a considerable period from 11th. Scandinavia, on the other hand, particularly north of 60° N, had been beset by a series of fronts crossing the region in strong SW-W airstreams prior to 11th, although a ridge of high pressure did e.xist across Denmark and the sotithern Baltic for a time up to 4th. perhaps the mechanism by which more northerly breeders turned up earlier in the month. ‘I realise, of course, that a variety of migrants from Scandinavia and Siberia arrived with the Central Asian birds, but then Nearctic vagrants can also arrive at a similar time and place to those from the opposite direction: it does not necessarily mean that they share the same origin or track. As it happens, the final leg of the movement of Central Asian birds in the second wave after 20th could have been over southern Scandinavia, as the high pressure was also situated far- ther north by then. It does not, however, alter the basic tenet of my paper regarding the dilfer- ence in route from that of 1982, and one would have expected the Danes to hav'e ttirned up a few more vagrants if this had been the case. As regards “non-oriented” movement, I have be- come aware of Berthold’s work since I wrote my paper, and also of Thomas Alerstam’s suggestion [Expeiienlia 46: 405-415) that magietic anomalies may be involved in the consistent misorientation (in line weather with tail winds) of Central Asian migrants, so perhaps 1 stand corrected. 'I welcome the opportunity to set my own view's straight, and confess that my arguments may have not been set out as well as they could have been, and also that 1 did not stress the meteoro- logical dillerences between the two autumns. I do not have access to literature from the former Soviet republics, and I wonder if there is any reference to the frequency of records away from the Baltic states? It would be fascinating to discover the whereabouts of these birds betw'een early September, when they have apparently left their breeding grounds, and mid October, w'hen they ttrriv'e in North kiuropc.’ Eds Announcements ‘BB’ goes owling A special 5B-SUXBIRX) trip to Finland in search of owls has been arranged for 9th-18th May 1993, led by Finnish raptor expert Dick Forsman and Killian Mullamey. In the south, we expect to find Eagle Bubo bubo. Pygmy Glaucidium passeiinum. Ural Strix umlmsis and Tengmalm’s Aegolius Junereus, while farther north, in Lapland, we shall seek Hawk Sumia ulula and Great Grey Strix nebulosa, as well as Siberian Tit Parus cindus, Siberian Jay Perisoreus irifauslus. Pine Grosbeak Pinkola mucleator and breeding waders. BB subscribers are entitled to claim a 10% dis- count. For fuU details, contact Sunbird. PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF, phone Sandy (0767) 682969. Binders The British Birds Binder, into which 12 issues and the index can be inserted, is tem- porarily unavailable. announcement concerning new-style binders will be made shortly. Books in British BirdShop The following books have been added to the list this month: *Mundy. Butchart, Ledger & Piper Vultures of Africa *Snow Birds, Discaveiy and Conservation: 100 years of the British Ornithologists’ Club For all your book orders, please use the British BirdShop order form on pages xi & xii. Request Rare breeding birds Observers with information on rare breeding birds in Britain are re- quested to send full details now to the relevant county bird recorder (or to the Rare Breeding Birds Panel’s Secretary, Robert Spencer, Iredale Place Cottage, Loweswater, Cockermouth, Cum- bria C.M3 OSU). Please do not wait until the end of the year. Mystery photographs 212. Mystery photograph 181. Identify the species. Answer next month News and comment Robin Piytherch and Mike Everett Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ Extra protection for Minsmere and Walberswick I'he extensi\e wetlands and other habitats at Minsmere and W'alberswick, Suflolk, have been declared a Special Protec- tion ,\rea, with the boundaries of the existing Ramsar site extended to include an additional 306 ha, increasing the area now protected to 2,003 ha. This extra protection should reduce to a minimum any threats that might affect the integiity of this spectacular area. It is still re- garded by many as the best birdv\atching site in the country — but the real beneficiaries of this action will be the breeding and wintering birds which rely on the area, as well as other rare animals and plants. New Honorary Subscriber It is a pleasure to announce that Robert Spencer's name has been added to those of the select band of ornithologists v\ho are Honorary Subscribers to British Birds (I. J. Ferguson-Lees, P. A. D. Hollom, E. M. Nicholson, Major R. f’. Rutdedge, Dr P. O. Swanberg and D. I. M. Wallace). Long-serving Bd'O staff member, as Ringing Officer and Deputy Director, Bob then, on his retirement, became Secretary to the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, of which he had previ- ously been an ordinary member. He is still County Recorder for Clumbria, and an expert author/ compiler/ editor, with his services being eagerly utilised by a variety of ornithological clubs, societies and publishers. Bob’s contribu- tion to British and European ornithology is such that we are proud to add him to our list of Honorary Subscribers. Ens White Storks via satellite Professor Dr Peter Berthold has sent us a copy of his paper detailing a pilot stud>' of satellite tracking of White Storks Cicunia ckonia during autumn (J- Om. 133: 155-163). This is in re.sponse to our note tibout similar studies to be earned out by French scientists {Bril. Birds 85: 258). Peter and his colleagues carried out their experiments in 1991, when four birds were fitted with trans- mitters in eastern Germany and tracked via the ,\RCiOS system. I’hree birds followed the eastern migration route and were tracked from 610 u|) to 1,700 km the latter reaching the borders of Egypt and Sudan. Fhe bird which headed west towards the I’yrcnecs was fol- lowed for 1,400 km. Two of the birds mi- grated more or less continuously (to Sudan and the Pyrenees), but the other two rested for longer periods. The storks covered up to 370 km in a day, and the average for one individ- ual was 224 km/day for 21 days. Speed of mi- gration varied between 30 and 90 km/hour. It is hoped that future studies with improved transmitters will allow greater detail to be gathered over longer periods. Morocco with ‘BB’ Under the expert guid- ance of Bryan Bland and Peter Lansdown, the R5/SUNT3IRD trip to Morocco during April 1992 was very enjoyable and a great success. \VT saw such Moroccan specialities as Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita, Double-spurred Francolin Francolinus bkalcaralus, Houbara Bustard Chlamy- dotis undulata. Plain Swift Apus mkolor. Dupont’s Lark Chersophilus duponli. Thick-billed Lark Rhamphocoris clotbey, Tristram’s W'arbler Sybia deserticola. Black-headed Bush Shrike Tchagra senegala and Desert Sparrow Passer simplex, but the 12 participants (plate 213) voted the superb daytime views of Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegfptius the highlight of the trip. {EMSj ‘Birding’ Identification of juvenile Le Conte’s Sparrows Ammodramus leconleii, studies of Teng- malm’s (Boreal) Owi Aegolitis Junereus, finding the Short-crested Coquette Lophomis brachylopha in Mexico, more on the standardisation of En- glish bird names, identification of Black- throated Diver (Arctic Loon) Gavia arciica, mystery photograph quizzes (and one disputed identification), revhews, views and news. That’s what’s in the latest issue (April 1992) of the American Birding /Association’s journal, Birding (vol. 24, no. 2). Membership of the /ABA costs S37.00 or ,{(20.00; or you can get a sample copy for S3. 50 or £2.00 (the /ABA accepts sterling cheques). VAMte to /ABA, PO Box 6599, Col- orado Springs, CO 80934, USA. Another silly Mrs O. Drake has sent us a cutting from the Exeter Express and Echo dated 4th May 1992 which reports the rare sighting of a ‘march marrier’ in the fields of Exminster marshes. It no doubt engaged a lot of atten- tion. ,'i()4 Aews and comment 505 213. 'BB'-SUNBIRD trip to Morocco. Middle .\tlas. .\pril 1992. Back, lefi to right. John Cllark. Biiice Garrick. Tony Summers. Jenny Baker. Juliet Bloss. .-Man Shaw. Kath\ Williams, Midge Glark. Herb Williams; front, left to right, Erika Sharrock. Bnan Bland leader, and creator of the snowbird), .\ndrew Drake. Peter Lttnsdow ii (leaden and Peter Thompson \John Clark) Monthly marathon June’s bathing bird (plate 132) was named as a greater variety of species than any previous photograph in this series: Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba (63%) Hoopoe Upupa epops (6%) Citrine Wagtail M. citreola (“1‘’5)) with other notes for Barnacle Goose Braiila lemnpsis. Red-breasted Goose B. ni/icni/is. Peal Anas crecca. Pintail .1. acuta, Steller's Eider Polrslida stelleri. Red Kite Milriis milriis. Red-leggcd Partridge A/rcInris riija. Broad-billed Sandpi]jer Limicola jalcinelliis, Riill’ Fhiinmacluis piigmn, 1 urnstone Arenana hilerpres. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus Inlialu.s, Gre\ Phalaropc P. juluarius, Mediterranean Gull Ijirus melaiincephalus, tN'oodpigcon Columhn palambiis, ’Eurtle Dc)\-e Streptopelia turtur. Dipper Cindus cinilus. Great Pit Para.': major, Challint h Fringilla coclch.s, and a lurther 15 species with jitst one \ ote each. Clearly, either it was ‘obvious’ what the bird was, or it was almost totally confusing. The most-named species was the right answer: this Pied Wagtail was photographed in Germany in May 1991 by Axel Halley. None of the leading runners stumbled at this hurdle, leaving all seven (closely followed by one other) sprinting neck and neck towards the jrrize of a SUNBIRD birdwatching holiday in Africa, Asia or North America. Perhaps July’s wader (plate 145) or August’s plummeting bird (plate 181) will have sorted out the winner. Por a free SL'XBIRD brocluire, write to PC) Box 76, Sandy, Bcdfordsliire S(;i'i inr; or tcleplione Sandy (0767) 682969. 506 Monthly marathon 214. ‘Monthly marathon’ (twenty-sixth stage in fifth contest or first or second in sixth contest: photograph number 75). Identify the species. Read the rules on pages 31-32 in the January issue, then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15th October 1992 Recent reports Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary covers the period 18th July to 14th August 1992 These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis Old Head of Kinsale (Co. Cork), 4th August. Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea Good numbers olf the southwest coast of England during first half of August, including 641 olf Forth, gwarra (Cornwall) on 1 1th. Greater Sand Plover Charadriwi leschenaultii Cley/Bkikeney (Norl'olk), from at least 6th-8th August; River Thames at East Tilbury (Essex), 10th to at lea.st 13th August. American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Probably first-summer. Strand Lough (Co. Down), 2nd to at lea.st 13th August. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fuliia Bowling Green Marsh, I'opsham (Devon), 29th July to 2nd August; North Ronaldsay (Orkney), 2nd Augttsl. Red-necked Stint Calidris rufi.nllis Cley, 2nd to at least 3rd August. Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scokpaceus Pitsford Reservoir (Northamptonshire), 10th- 12th August. Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan Titchwell (Norfolk), 2 1st July; Camelford (Cornwall), 2nd August. Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini Spurn (Humberside), 28th July; 12, Bridges of Ross (Co. Clare), 3rd August. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus Flamborough Head (Humberside), 19th-2 1st July. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala I^erwick (Shetland), 24th July to 2nd August. Greenish Warbler PhvHoscopus trochiloides Fair Isle (Shetland), 12th August. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Near Didcot (Oxfordshire), 18th-2lst July. For the latest, up-to-date news, phone ‘Rare Bird News’ on 0881-888 111 (25p/min cheap rate; 39p/miii other times; incl. VAT) W'e arc grateful to Rare Bird News for supplying information for this news feature British BirdShop ALL LISTED BOOKS ARE POST FREE TO ‘BRITISH BIRDS’ SUBSCRIBERS Books and other items are included in British BirdShop only if they are approved by British Birds and considered to be generally reliable, good value and useful additions to a birdwatcher’s library. Any item ordered through British BirdShop which fails to meet your approval can be returned and your money will be refunded without question. 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Possible sightings include the Great Black-Headed Gull, Pale Rock Sparrow, White-Throated Robin, Hume’s Wheat- ear, Long-Billed Pipit and Purple Sunbird to name out a very few. Colin Richardson, ornithologist and author of ‘Birds of the United Arab Emirates’ will be your expert guide throughout. Other tours visit the Falkland Islands, Brazil, the Galapagos Islands, Kenya and Alaska. For further details call us today on (0732) 741612 or write to Animal Watch, Manama House, Hollybush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3TL quoting reference BBl. (D180) ABTA 90172 rOCALPOINI FIELDSHOWS The binocular and telescope specialists THE way to try and buy (lO.SOam^pm) WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST CENTRE, MARTIN MERE, Burscough, Lancs (M6, Jet 27). Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th September Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th October CHURCH STRETTON, SHROPSHIRE Sunday 13th September Westholme, Hazier Road (in association with MERLIN outdoor clothing) SHEFFIELD R.S.P.B. MEMBERS GROUP, Botanical Gardens, Clarkes House Road, Sheffield S10 2LN. Saturday 3rd October & Sunday 4th October All are welcome at these events. They are staffed by experienced birders who will help you choose. Information packs and appointments on request - let us know your specific requirements. MAJOR ART L A DIRECTIONS EVENT AT M56 Jet 1 0 take A559 MARTIN MERE towards Northwich tor 1 milp to thp Rirnh A Rnttip 18th Sept- Turn right into Bentleys 18th Oct V) Farm Lane, we are on the inclusive left after Vs mile. FOCALPOINT Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Tel: 0925-730399 Fax: 0606-892207 (0177) (D147) NOS OISEAUX The Swiss ornithological journal appears four times a year (approximately 250 pages) and publishes articles and reports in French, with abstracts in German and English covering the central European avifauna, particular emphasis is placed on original contributions. Annual subscription: 33 Swiss Francs A free copy may be obtained by writing to the following address: Administration, Nos Oiseaux Case Postale 54 CH1 197 PFiANGINS (Switzerland) (D132) CAPE MAY £990 Leaders: Paul Holt and Bob Behrstock EILAT ’■S” Leaders: Killian Mullamey and Steve Rooke BHARATPUR'™“£1050 Leader: Paul Holt EILAT 'Tir £475 Leaders: Killian Mullamey and Steve Rooke Details from Sunbird, PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 IDF. Tel: 0767-682969. (Please specify which event you are interested in). (D174) RARE BIRDS IN BRITAIN 1991 An authoritative and highly informative report containing detailed records for over 150 species of scarce migrants and vagrants that occurred in Britain during 1991. Not only is every individual record included for each species, but there are also many additional distribution maps and graphs to evaluate certain species status, by far the most comprehensive report available. Amongst its 128 pages of detailed information, it analyses some 15,000 records of rare and scarce migrant birds to Britain, enabling readers to see, for example, exactly how many Wrynecks and Barred Warblers were sighted in 1991, information not generally available. ORDER FORM Please send me copy/ies of Rare Birds in i Britain 1991 @ £7.95 per copy (inclusive of p&p). I Limited number of 1990 reports still available at I special price of £4.95 whilst stocks last. i I enclose a cheque/postal order for £ ; (Made payable to Lee Evans Enterprises). | Name i Address I Postcode Send your order with payment to; 8 Sandycrott Road. Little Chalfont, Amersham, Bucks HP6 6QL. (D179) PAY LESS FOR RARE BIRD NEWS 0881 888111 FAST RELIABLE 24 HOUR NEWS UP TO 30% CHEAPER THAN ANY OTHER BIRDLINE HOTLINE TO REPORT YOUR SIGHTINGS 0426 923 923 CALLS COST 25p/MIN CHEAP RATE 39p/MIN ALL OTHER TIMES BIRDING SOUTH WEST 0891 884 500 RARITY, MIGRANT AND SEA-WATCHING NEWS. 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Attractive house in village, four bedrooms, large garden, garage, c.h. Available all year. Details from Mrs E. Album, 47 Lyndale Avenue, London NW2. Tel: 07L431 2942. (BB918) CLEY. 3 Quality cottages (sleep 4, 6 and 6 + 2). Quiet. Comfortable. Excellent value. Brochure: (0353) 740770. (BB237) EXMOOR for country and animal lovers. Farmhouse accommodation, bed and breakfast and evening meal, or self- catering cottage. Details from: French, Brendon Barton, Lynton, Devon. Tel: 059 87 201. (BB213) WEYMOUTH. ‘Birchfields Hotel’. Close to Radipole/ Lodmoor/Portland & The Fleet. Ideal Winter/Spring breaks, local info’. Parties welcome. Details phone 0305 773255. (BB235) WEST SUSSEX, Pagham Harbour/Selsey, Beautiful Georgian Farmhouse, with purpose built B&B accommodation. All facilities provided. Warm, friendly atmosphere, children welcome. Open all year. Tel: 0243 602790. (BB170) FARM COTTAGES between Lindisfarne Reserve and The Fames. Comfortable and well equipped Sorry no pets. Brochure: Mrs J. Sutherland, Ross Farm, Belford, Northumberland NE70 7EN. Tel: 0668 213336. (BBI71) ISLES OF SCILLY, Mincarlo Guest House, St. Mary’s. Superbly situated in own grounds overlooking the harbour. Write to: Colin Duncan or Tel: 0720 22513. (BB208) ISLES OF SCILLY. Self catering units for 2/5. Linen, towels. TV included. Well furnished & equipped. Guest House accommodation also available. All rooms en suite, colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities. Conveniently situated. D. Williams, The Bylet Guest House, St Mary’s, Isle of Sciily. Tel: 0720 22479. (BB224) GARA MILL, Slapton, Devon. Self-catering for 2-7 in secluded four acres overlooking river and woods. Eight detached cedar lodges, plus 2 CH flats in 16th c. commill. Near Slapton Ley. TVs. Dogs welcome. Free brochure; (0803) 770295. (BB236) fcLEY NATCIRE RESERVE 1 milel Small guest house offers you warm welcome. B&B and optional evening meal. Colour TV. tea-making facilities, all private facilities and central heating in all rooms. Parking facilities and sorry, no smoking. IDEAL FOR BIRDWATCHERS THE FUMTSTONES, WIVETON, HOLT. NORFOLK 0263 740337 (BB243) SCOTLAND THE HOTEL, Isle of Colonsay. Argyll PA6I 7YP. Demi- pension (Private bath) from £50.00. Details, brochures, map (bird list on request). Tel: 09512 316. (BB183) SUMBURGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, SHETLAND. Spec- tacular clifftop location. Seabird colonies, seawatching, passage migrants, all around. Selfcatering cottage sleeps 5, central heating, newly furnished, fully equipped except linen. Road to door. Virkie Pool, Grutness, white-sand beaches Restaurant/Bar. Airport, all within 1^2 miles. Also unfurni.shed Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage for long let. Details from Torquil Johnson-Ferguson, Solwaybank, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire, DG14 OXS. 03873 72240. (BB087) XVI ABERNETHY & CAIRNGORM — up to Deluxe 5 crowns, 1993 brochure from Strathspey Self Catering, Grant Road, Grantown on Spey, PH26 3LA. Tel: 0479 2939. (BB232) SOUTH UIST Luxury self-catering in twitcher’s paradise from £ lOOpw. Two newly built bungalows sleeping six each. Tel: 08784 494. (BB240) WALES RED KITE COUNTRY. Tregaron — Guest house standing in 22 acres, overlooking the Cambrian Mountains and on the doorstep of the Cors Caron Nature Reserve. Central for Dinas and Ynys-hir RSPB reserves. Parties welcome. WTB — 3 crowns. For brochure, phone Margaret Cutter, 0974 298965 or 298905. (BB248) YSBYTY YSTWYTH, s.c. cottage, 4/5, kite country, ail year. Brochure 021-744 1947. (BB939) SOUTH STACK, ANGLESEY. Tan-y-Cytiau Country Guest House. Lovely comfortable Edwardian house peacefully situated on slopes of Holyhead Mountain. Gardens bordering South Stack RSPB Reserve. Friendly atmosphere, excellent fresh cuisine. Licensed. S.C. Lodge in grounds sleeps 7. Phone Pam or Stan Keating on 0407 762763 for brochure. (BB238) ANGLESEY. Superb waterside position with magnificent views. Ideal centre for bird watchers and botanist in area of outstanding natural beauty. Elegant en suite rooms available for bed and breakfast. Highground, Ravenspoint Road, Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd LL65 2YY. Tel: (0407) 860078. (BB205) WEST WALES smallholding. BB/EM or self cater in our cosy cottage for 2/4 or luxury 6 berth caravan. Ideal for Pembs Islands, National Park Tregaron, WTB approved. Tel: 0239 831265 (BB209) OVERSEAS AUSTRALIA, CAIRNS, JULATTEN. At Kingfisher Park we provide accommodation and camping facilities in a rainforest sanctuary for native birds and animals. We are central to a variety of habitats and cater for the interests and enthusiasms of birdwatchers and naturalists. Write now for a free birdlist to Kingfisher Park, P.O. Box 3, Julatten, Queensland, Australia 4871. (BB22I) HEART OF CAMARGUE. Secluded well equipped farm cottage. Mas d’ Auphan, Le Sambuc, 1 3200 ARLES, France (01033)90972041. (BB229) BIRD WA TCHING H OLID A YS BIRDING IN SOUTHEAST AUSTRALIA. The diversity of habitats makes Gipsy Point an ideal place to begin your Australian holiday, with over 100 species likely to be seen during a relaxing four day stay. Regular pelagic bird trips. Gipsy Point Lodge, Gipsy Point, Victoria 3891 Australia. (BB897) THE GAMBIA: paradise for birdwatchers. Basic, clean accom. in prime forest/ shore area, transport and packed meals, extended trips with Mass Cham, foremost Gambian ornithol- ogist. Interested - please call Gee Cross Travel. 061-368 7005. Eve: 061-367 8335. (BB206) HONG KONG. Superb birding September to May — variety of accommodation — trips into China. Richard Lewthwaite, 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen Wan, Tai Po NT, Hong Kong. Phone/Fax: (HK) 665 8190. (BB228) The Travel Agency for Birdwatchers DISCOUNT FLIGHTS... Worldwide Return fares from London from U.K./EUROPE £69 M. EAST £145 CARIBBEAN £319 C. & S. AMERICA .... £399 AFRICA £99 N. AMERICA £215 ASIA £280 AUS/NZ £499 SEA TRAVEL ; CAR HIRE : INSURANCE PACKAGE HOLIDAYS (Save up to f 1 50) ACCOMMODATION : EXPEDITIONS & GROUPS ANTARCTIC & FALKLANDS Tours from £2850 pp. Brochure & Video available. Ask for leaflet detailing our services. 0272-259999 BRiJSflAu or DICK FILBY 0603-767-757 f"' 'HIGH ISLAND' UPPER TEXAS COAST U.S.A. Just opened Bed and breakfast for groups of 4 or 8 ’Birder's Haven, P.O. 309, High Island, Texas 77623. Tel: 409 286 5362 or 214 824 5390. (BB242) DIVISION OF NICK’S TRAVEL 97237 100 LONDON ROAD. LEICESTER LE2 OQS ‘FLIGHTS FOR BIRDWATCHERS’ EXPERTS IN LOW COST AIRFARES - WORLDWIDE. DISCOUNT CAR HIRE/INSURANCE SPECIAUST ADVISER - ANDY HOWES 0533 881318 (EVES) ALWAYS RING US LAST (BB204^ NEW FOR 1993 A New Concept in Budget Birding Holidays FULLY-ESCORTED WEEKS FOR UNDER FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS! 52 We are now able to oiler seif-catering options to a new' and exciting area of Southeastern Spain at bargain prices. ★ Wetlands, Mountains, Coasts — excellent, varied lists. ★ Experienced English leader. ★ Quality accommodation, with choice of self-catering or very reasonable meals. it Small, relaxed groups. Varied and flexible birding arrangements. ★ Several departures. Write for details: Calandra Holiday, P.O. Box 89, Ashford, Kent TN24 9TE, or call 0233 628547. Also fully-inclusive tours — options available — details on request. (B6245) XVll NEW ZEALAND For the best of NZ birding, write Nature Quest New Zealand, Box 6314, Dunedin, New Zealand for custom departures or details of self drive consultancy. Tel & Fax: (03) 489 8444 (BB031) COSTA RICA More birds than the whole of North America! Tailor-made birding trips for individuals and small groups. Brochures: jf BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA ^ APARTADO 7911 - lOOB SAN JOSE COSTARICA FAX: 4-506-281573 (BB108) BIRDWATCHING TOURS AUSTRALIA — Send for our Birding brochure. Tours throughout Australia from individuals to groups. We welcome enquiries from both private customers and tour agents. Falcon Tours, 1 Simmons Drive, Roleystone, Perth, Western Australia. PH/FAX <09) 397 5125. Lie. Tour Operator. (BB871) ABROLHOS ISLANDS BIRDWATCHING TOUR, Western Austr Jia — December. Also available small personalised tours in Natural History/Flora & Fauna for individuals and groups. For brochure contact — Coate’s Wildlife Tours. PO Box 150, North Beach, Perth, Western Australia 6020. PH (09) 4476016, FAX (09) 2461995. (BB246) SEA WA TCHING H OLID A YS SHEARWATER JOURNEYS: seabirdingand whale watching trips year-round from Monterey, California. Albatross, Shearwaters, Storm-petrels, Alcids and Jaegers. Humpback and Blue whales; Aug to Nov. Gray whales: Jan. Schedule available from: Debra L. Shearwater, PO Box 1445, Dept BB. Soquel, CA 95073, USA. Tel: 408-688-1990. (BBOl 1) BIRD INFORMATION The BEST service ■ RARE BIRD ALERT ■ BIRD PAGERS B PROVEN, RELIABLE, QUALITY SERVICE relax with a Rare Bird Alert Pager. For details Call 0800 246 246 or call Dick Filby on 0603 767799 NEW! Economic Numeric Pagers as well BIRD WA TCHING AD VICE LINE 1 ‘PLANNING A BIRDWATCHING TRIP ABROAD’ | Thomas Gook Travel OftbK YOU A TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS LINE: 0257262317 •r experienced Birdwatcher. :lude: * Worldwicte Airfares * tlidays * Ferries * Overseas Rail Accommcxlation * Cruises * iividuals or groups catered for. A number 29600 {BB117) Ask for Keith Hille Details available inc Car Hire * Package He * Visas * Health * Foreign Money * Inc ABT, BIRD REPORT WILTSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1990, £3.75 inc. p&p from N. Pleass, 22 Ferrers Drive. Swindon. Wilts SN5 6HJ. (BB194) ORKNEY BIRD REPORT 1991 available from Vishabreck, Evie. Orkney. £2.85 inc p&p. (BB200) BIRDS IN CORNWALL 1991 now available. £5 (inc. postage) from Stanley Christophers, ‘Bramblings’. Rachels Way, St l Columb Major, Cornwall TR9 6EP. (BB222) j NEW EXPANDED 76-page Lindisfame’s Birds now available. ! History, seasons, migration, research, 293 species detailed. j £3.65p inc. p&p from NTBC, West Farm, Kirkheaton, | Northumberland NE 19 2DQ. (BB234) BOOKS THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP Britain 's leading ornithological booksellers where you can find our comprehensive range of new and secondhand books and reports on birds and natural history, including till new titles as they are published. Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Mail order catalogue available on request THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP 2A Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y6DS Tel: 071-287 1407 (BB230) BIRD BOOKS: Out-of-print, uncommon and rare. Quarterly catalogue. Peacock Books, Box 2024, Littleton. Mass, 01460, USA. (BB239) BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD. Send SAE to Dr J. T'icrney, 'Hawkridge', Nether Padley, Grindleford, Sheffield S30 IHQ. Tel: 0433 630137. (BB247) The original BIRDWATCHER’S LOGBOOK The most concise way to record your observations. Monthly, annual and life columns for 762 species, plus 1 59 diary pages. Send £6.45 inclusive p/p to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, ^ Beverley, N. Humberside HU17 8RP S FINE BOOKS ON ORNITHOLOGY, Natural History purchased & for sale. Also field sports &, other rural subjects. Catalogues issued. David A.H. Grayling, Crosby Ravens- worth, Penrith, Cumbria CAIO 3JP (Tel: 09315-282). (BB066) ’BIRD BOOKS’. Good secondhand books bought and sold. Free catalogue from, and offers to Briant Books. 94 Quarry Lane. Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 ON J. Tel: 0829 5 1 804. (BB151) Wide sdection of ornithologkid & natural history titles available from stock, also travel books & Mail order catalogue on reqaeft Tol: 0352 770M1 Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. (BB) Fax: 0352 771S90 Treuddyn. Mold. Owyd.North Wales CH7 4LN (BB119) SEYCHELLES. A Birdwatchers’ Guide to Seychelles by Skerrett & Bullock. £8.75. Prion Ltd (Perry). From bookshops or N.H.B.S. Tel: (0803) 865913. (BB201) BIRD & NAT. HIST. BOOKS. Regular catalogues. SAE to Mrs A. Gipps, 1 Woodside Cottages, Westwell Lane, Ashford, Kent TN 26 UB. (BB2I8) SHROPSHIRE BREEDING ATLAS. Based upon fieldwork 1985-1991. Maps plus text and illustrations for 129 species. Chapters on habi- tats, populations, fieldwork. 204 pages. £9.95 + £1 p&p from Shropshire O.S., 6 St Annes Road, Collegefields, SHREWSBURY, S\3 6AU (BB196) FOR SALE BIRDING CB SPECIAUSTS Hishly tec. MIDLAND PORT-A-PAC CB £99 + £3.50 pp. Mobiles from £58 * H/held from £69 • Base Stat. from £159 SAE for Details/Pnce bst Rech Batts(10xAA)£12 Cheques payable * Omesa Systems 43 Hemlinston Rd, Stainton, Middlesbroush, Cleveland TS89AG 0642 595845 (0B164) BIRD JOURNAL BACK NUMBERS SUPPLIED. (BB. Bird study. County Reports, etc.), David Morgan, Whitmore, Umberleigh, Devon. (BBI44) B.B. for sale 1960-1966 inch Bound brown cloth. Offers. Phone 0442 253994. (BB202) PODSTRAP — the 2" wide black webbing shoulder strap only £8.50 inc. p&p from : Vital Equipment, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 8AT (sae for details). (BB203) ZEISS West Dialyt 7 x 42 BGAT'P, 20 months old, boxed, mint condition. £495. Tei: 0789 841211. (BB233) KOWA TS602, 27 x WA lens, tripod and strap, absolutely mint, virtually unused, complete original packaging, £275. Tel; (0829) 782485. (BB244) ..Zeiss Kowa Opticron Bausch & tomb Adlerblick Swift Optolyth etc. The Stockport Binocular and Telescope Centre Suppliers of quality binoculars and spotting scopes. Mail order, or callers welcome. Open 6 days 9-6. Repair service on the premises. WANTED BIRDS OF THE WESTERN PALEARCTIC SET. In good condition. Telephone: 04535 8795 in Germany. (BB249) WALKERS Are the largest optical dealer on the Yorks coast. Binoculars - telescopes - video cameras - lenses - tripods - SLRs - compacts * ZEISS * KOWA * BUSHNELL * LEITZ * SWIFT * RUSSIAN * PENTAX * BAUSCH & LOMB * MINOLTA * OPTOLYTH * ADLERBLICK SEPTEMBER SALE WHILE STOCKS LAST RRP LEITZ 7 X 42 £689 £599 KOWA 15% DISCOUNT PENTAX 9 X 63 £349 £250 LEITZ 8 X 42 £649 £599 SWIFT 15% DISCOUNT HABICHT 10x50 £533 £300 LEITZ 10x42 £649 £599 ADLERBLICK ZEISS 10x40 £639 £589 BeLOMB 8 x 42 £629 £575 10% DISCOUNT ZEISS 7 X 42 £639 £589 RUSSIAN 20x60 STILL £59 PENTA 10% DISCOUNT LTD 70 st THOMAS ST SCARBOROUGH YOU 1 DY 072:5 ;50,t024 FAX 072.5 :50.5;5:54 British Birds Volume 85 Number 9 September 1992 469 Nest-site selection by Golden Eagles in Scotland Dr J. J Vatson and R. H. Dennis 482 Seasonal reports Winter 1991/92 Keith AlLsopp and Bany Nightingale 49 1 Identification pitfalls and assessment problems 13 Pallas’s Warbler G. P. Catley 494 Seventy-five years ago . . . Notes) 495 Wildfowl eating potatoes J. B. Kemp j 495 Black Kite feeding on House Sparrows M. J. Everett 496 Talon-locking between Kestrel and Red-footed Falcon M. Coath 496 Red-footed Falcon robbing Kestrels M. C. Combridge and F. Cambridge 496 Talon-locking between Merlin and Peregrine Mkhael S. Wallen 497 Merlins hunting at sea Nigel Odin 497 Aggression of Hobby towards other raptors Dave Gamble 498 Peregrines nesting beside Kestrels on urban chimney Mrs Mavis B. Smith 498 Ringed Plovers nesting in covered sites M. G. Penningbn 499 Spanish Sparrow eating lizard B. gjjnfiiUo Letter 500 Eastern vagrants in Britain in autumn 1988 Mike Baddy Announcements 503 ‘BB’ goes owling 503 Binders 503 Books in British BirdShop Request 503 Rare breeding birds 503 Mystery photographs 181 504 News and comment Robin Prytherch and Mike Everett 505 Monthly marathon 506 Recent reports Bany Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-drawings: 469 Golden Eagle {Keith Brockie)\ 482 Long-eared Owls {Dan Powell}-, 484 Laughing Gull {Alan Harris)-, 485 Shore Lark {Dan Powell); 486 I Desert Wheatear [Phil Jones), Little Bunting and Reed Bunting {Dan Powell) IP Front cover: Wheatear {Antony S. Disley)-. the original drawing of this month’s j ■ cover design, measuring 18.6 X 20.8 cm, is for sale in a postal aucdon (sec J page 46 in January issue for procedure) 1 Volume 85 Number 10 October 1992 THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM -1 OCT 1992 PURCHASED ZOOLOGY LIBRARY *e birds in Great Britain in 1991 Sponsored by Mystery photographs • Notes • Letters ICBP news • Reviews • News and comment Monthly marathon • Recent reports British Birds Managing Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, R. J. Prytherch & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith & Roger Tidman Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Rarities Committee P. G. Lansdown (Chairman); Dr Colin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, G. P. Catley, Peter Clement, Pete Ellis, S. J. M. Gantlett, C. D. R. Heard, R. A. Hume, J. H. Marchant & Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (Museum Consultant & Archivist); Peter Fraser (Statistician); Michael J. Rogers (Honorary Secretary) Notes Panels BEHAVIOUR Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDENTIFICATION Dr R. J. Chandler, A. R. Dean, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & K. E. Vinicombe ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for Publishing Manager, Production & Promotion the benefit of ornithology DrJ. T. R. Sharrock (^ British Birds Ltd 1992 Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Copyright of photographs remains with Design photographers. British Birds is Deborah Felts published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire Advertising ISSN 0007-0335 Sandra Barnes Addresses Please keep correspondence on different items separate. Please address your envelope correctly. Please supply SAE, if reply required. Papers, notes, letters, drawings <2? photographs for publication DrJ. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40025 Subscriptions and orders for back copies Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40467 Advertising Mrs Sandra Barnes, BB Advertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Tiptree (0621) 815085 Bird news for ‘Seasonal reports’ Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MKI7 9QS. Phone: Woburn (0525) 290314 (evenings); Luton (0582) 490049 (office hours) News items for ‘News and comment’ Mike Everett & Robin Prytherch, 7 Burlington Way, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon PEI8 9BS Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3AZ Special hook and sound recording offers British BirdShop, NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5XN. Phone: Totnes (0803) 865913 Annual subscriptions (12 issues and index) Libraries and agencies £45.80, IR£53.50 or $86.50. Personal subscriptions; UK, Europe and surface mail £37.20, IR£43.60 or $70.00; personal airmail outside Europe £62.50, IR£72.95 or $118.00. Single back copies £4.75, IR£5.50 or $9.00. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO account number 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. 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 ol presentation, especially of references and tables. English and scientific names and sequences of birds follow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1984); names of plants follow Dony et al. { 1 980. English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals follow Corbet & Southern (1977, The Handbook of British Mammals). Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations (Hrit. Birds 74; 239-242; 78; 419-427; 80: 502). 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) receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Printed in Englond by N«wnorth Print Limited, Kempston. Bedford in focus 1 OCT 1992 PURCHASED 204 HIGH STREET, BARNET, HERTS. EN5 5SZ OPEN 7 DAYS 9 am - 6 pm Phone 081 449 1445 Phone 081 441 7748 Fox 081 440 9999 HOW TO FIND US |Barnel| We are 10 mins from M25 ond AIM motorwoys and 15 mins walk from High Barnet Tube Station. OLOGY'^BRA^tV TITCMWCf ■ THE BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE SPECIALISTS BRITISH BIRDWATCHING FAIR 9 S EGLETON NATURE RESERVE RUTLAND WATER Fri 4fh, Sat 5th, Sun 6th September NORFOLK PE31 8BB OPEN 7 DAYS 9 am - 6 pm Phone 0485 210101 HOW TO FIND US (NorFolk) We are 500 yords eosi of the RSPB reserve otTitchwell on the A 149 between Hunstonton and Broncoster - ond have our own private cor porking FORTHCOMING FIELD EVENTS We ore pleased to offer our customers tfie best viewing focilities oround the UK ot RSPB, WWT ond County Trusts' Reserves. Demonstrations ore usuoliy from hides. Information ond locotion pocks ore ovoifflble for oil events which ore held from 1 0 om - 4 pm. for your convenience we advise appointments for the two days whch con be orronged by contocting either shop. RSPB DUNGENESS KENT Sot 29th & Sun 30th August CLEY VISITOR CENTRE NORFOLK Sot 29fh, Sun 30th & Won 3 1 st August Tue 1st September Tue 6fh OcTober WWTSLIMBRIDGE GLOUCESTERSHIRE From Sot 1 2th to Fri 25th September Sot 10th & Sun 11th October FRAMPTON MARSH BOSTON LINCOLNSHIRE Sun 1 3th Septembei FISHERS GREEN LEA VALLEY ESSEX Sun 13fh September Sun 11th October rSWILLINGTON INGSl LEEDS, YORKSHIRE [ Sntl9tb&Sun 20th September FINGRINGHOE COLCHESTER ESSEX Sun 20tb September RSPB lODMOOR WEYMOUTH DORSET Sot 26th & Sun 27th September WWT LLANELLI GLAMORGAN STH WALES Sot 26th & Sun 27th September POHERIC aRR DONCASTER YORKSHIRE Sot 3rd & Sun 4th October NORTHUMBRIAN BIRDWATCHERS FESTIVAL DRURIDGE BAY Sot 3rd & Sun 4fh October '^LACKFORD RESERVE^ BURY ST. EDMONDS SUFFOLK SoM 0th & Sun 11th October BAUSCH & LOMB Eliie 7x36BGAP Etiie 8x42&GAP_ Elite 10x426GAP ... Cvsiofti 8x366 Custom tOxAOBGA legocy 8x24 Elite 22x60BGA .. Eliiel5xwi5x608GAP El’te 77 Body Elite 77E0 Body 20xWA 30x 20-60xZoom Cose Photo Adopte LEICA Tfinovid 8x20BC Tfinovid 10x25BC Tnnovid 8x20BCA Trmovid l(>x256CA , Cose lor Mini .... Tfirrovid 7x42BA . . Trmovid 8x42BA Tfinovid 10x42BA . CARL ZEISS Designer 8x208T'P Designet 10x258T’P Classic 8x20BP Clossic 10x25BP . Diolyi 8x20BGAP Diolyi 8x30BGATP Oiolyt 7x42BGATP D«lyl 10x40BGATP _639 00 Diolyi 10x40BT 689 00 Oiolyt 8x56BGAT 15x60 Poffo GAT 20x60 S 599.00 . 659 00 659 00 . 229.00 249 00 .. 89 00 . 309 OO 369 00 365 00 . 775 00 . 14900 ,135 00 . 198 00 33 95 .159 00 £ 199 00 239 00 239 00 255 00 16 00 649 00 . 649 00 649 00 £ 295.00 31900 249 00 269 00 315.00 529 00 639 00 1 5x/20x/30x/40x .75 00 60x 85.00 20x-45x Zoom 147 00 Hoyo MC Filler . . 20.00 Rubber Lens Hood . 10 00 Photo Kit Stoy-on Cose . Spotting Scope 20x60GA 15x-45x60GA 20x . 1 5-45x Zoom SWIFT Trilyte 8x428GA Trylite t0x42BGA Audubon HR5 8 5x44 Viewmoster 60 Body ... I5x-45x Zoom . . 20x QUESTAR Field Model 3 Brood Bond Cooting. Supplied with 45.00 199 00 265 00 34 95 too 00 £ 148.00 150.00 239 00 . 149.00 49 00 .20 00 1500 £ 2200 00 ..130.00 . 130.00 ,2'89 00 £ Rom^uoid Lonyofd Wide lonyord NIKON 7x20CF III 9x25CF III iOx25CF III 8x32BGA 10X42BGA 8x40DCF 8x30E . 10x35E . Fieldscope II 20x60 20x45x60 Fieldscope EDII 20x60 20« 45x60 769 00 1190 00 2850.00 8 00 1600 5.00 15 00 £ 00 69 00 .10900 379 00 399 00 539 00 229 00 249 00 50x-80x Hood Co: 30x-50x 80x-130x . Erector Prism .. . OPTOLYTH Alpm 8x306GA . Alpin 8x40BGA . Alpm 10x40BGA Alpin 10X50BGA Touring 8x326GA 395.00 Touring 7x42BGA 445 00 Toufirq 10x40BGA TBS HO Body TBGHDBody .. TBS 80 Body . TBG 80 Body . 20xWW . 30xWA 30xWW (new) 40xWA (new} 22x-60xZoom Stoy on Cose for TBS/T6G KOWA TS601 Body . ... 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HR Body 80mm 30xWA 227 00 27x-80x Zoom 246 00 HR Body 22x & Cose HR GA, 22x & Cose , 189 95 HR45,22x&Cose ., 219.95 HR Body 20x-d0x & Cose 219 95 HR GA20x-60x & Cose . 229 95 HR 45 20x-60x & Cose 249 95 25x, 40x, 22i Clossic IF60 Classic IF75 140.00 ISxWAor 22 x WA 24 00 25x or 30x 24.00 18x-45xof22-47xzoom 6100 Piccolo MKIl Body . . 128 00 Eye Pieces from . , . Piccolo ED 20x60 Piccolo ED 20xh60x60 Pholo Kits from Coses for scopes Mocfo Monoculor 50 00 OBSERVATION BINOCULARS ... 29 00 . 355 00 399 00 Opipc opiic ROSS Cavendish 8x42B Honover 10x42B Regent 8x426 . ADUR WATER AGIVin CENTRE SHOREHAM WEST SUSSEX Sol 17th i Sun 18lh October IN FOCUS PLEDGES THAT IF ANY OF THE ITEMS USTED HERE ARE ADVERTISED ELSEWHERE AT A LOWER PRICE WE WIU NOT ONLY MATCH THAT PRICE WITHOUT HESITATION BUT ALSO INCLUDE FOR Aa OUR MAIL AND TELEPHONE ORDER CUSTOMERS AN IN FOCUS BLUE RIBAND CARE PLAN WORTH £1 5 FREE OF CHARGE . 372 00 353 00 365.00 8x20B 220,00 10X258 230.00 AT80 Body 547,00 22xWA 72.00 20x-60x Zoom 164.00 Cose 93,00 BUSHNELL £ 20.00 Spocemoster Body 145 00 S/Moster Body ED 299 00 129 00 S/Mo$ter GA Body . 178 00 199 00 15x-45xZoom 79 00 22xWA 32 00 Cose 20-00 Pholo Kit . ... .30 00 £ 39.95 69 95 7995 £ 54.95 29 95 10.95 5.95 £ 89 95 VELBON Victory 350 . . . D-600 .. D-700 CULLMANN Hide Clomp . Shoulder Pod . , O/R System O/RPfote .. 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On receipt of a stamped, addressed velope we con supply current price lists of binoculars ond telescopes 95 00 99,00 .105.00 109 00 .. 14.95 5.95 rl34B 29.95 89 95 ...29.95 34.95 , 26 00 26.00 . 38.00 3 50 ICBP WORLD ENVIRONMENT 5^ PARTNER mi BLUE RIBAND CARE PLAN For o single payment of £ 1 5 the new in Focus Blue Riband Coreplon offers ♦ Accidental domage cover for three yeors from dote of purchose on all new binoculars and telescopes. ♦ Guaranteed part-exchange trade-in value on any further purchoses with In Focus - rising to 100% of original pur- chose price after five years. MAIL AND TELEPHONE ORDERS Any orders received by mail or telephone will automatically qualify for a free Blue Riband Core Plan worth £15. Please remember to add £2.00 towards the cost of insured Trokbok postoge ond packing - whether paying by cheque, Visa, Access or Mastercard - and goods will be des- patched with full 14 days opprovol the some day on receipt of your remittance. BIRO ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS Write or phone for details of our new intensive one-day bird illustration and photography workshops being held at the Lemsford Springs Reserve near Welwyn in Hertfordshire. Led by the wildlife artist, John Cox, and the bird photographer. Dove Cottridge, bookings are now being token for the autumn progromme. As places on eoch workshop ore limited apply now to ovoid disoppointment. FREE TRIPOD WITH ALL NEW AND SECOND HAND SCOPES ASK FOR DETAILS FREE NORFOLK TWO DAY BREAK at the Briarfields Hotel at THchwell in Norfolk on oil purchases of £400 or more ot the current In Focus list prices. PART EXCHANGE Top prices paid for good condition telescopes and binoculars. D183 T W I C K E R S WORLD The natural world INDIA’S ANNUAL ANCIENT ELEPHANT FAIR THE SONEPUR MELA Escorted from London. 15 days, departing Nov. 4. FB de luxe accomm. From £2095. WILDLIFE OF INDIA & NEPAL Escorted by Cliff Jones. 22 days, departing Nov. 4 ’92 =ipH- SUU-Y ' I 4-3>0^ |0)0| I £uq-H7 5CALL€pM<^ 04 "TMAMits ■( vppeei Lci^s iSre oTi4uI IcXMS CdcWN |W^iJ7ti3 fSrJ'T rrSru;'/ Sncor &o- Pirt/"nN<;-s To£>f&£ upp32.Tfit tonshirc, 6th December, Bonaparte’s Gull St Mary’s, Scilly, adult, I4th June; Inner Marsh Farm, Cheshire/Clwyd, 2nd December. ‘Kumlien’s Gull’ Towan Head, Cornwall, 30th-31st December. Gull- 554 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1991 billed Tern Atherficld Point, Isle of Wight, two, 13th September. Caspian Tern Fiamborough Head, Hum- berside, 14th May. White-winged Black Tern Hinldey Point, Somerset, 3rd May. Ea^e Owl At sea. Sea area Humber, 8th December. Common Nighthawk Newport, Gwent, 30th October. Plain Swift Scolt Head, Norfolk, I5th June. Alpine Swift River Wansbeck, Northumberland, 27th May. Bee-eater Barnard’s Green, Hereford & Worcester, two, 16th July; Isle of Man, 1st August. Roller Berriedale, Highland, 1 7th July. Short-toed Lark Land’s End, Comuall, 21st October. Crested Lark Elmley, Kent, 10th March. Red- rumped Swallow Corscombe, Dorset, 8th August; Brighstone, Isle of Wight, 19th October. Pechora Pipit St Kilda, Western Isles, 23rd September. Red-throated Pipit Wem Halog, West Glamorgan, 26th Septem- ber; St Mary's, Scilly, second individual, 17th October; Chester-le-Strect, Durham, 26th October. ‘Siberian’ Stonechat Holyhead, Gwynedd, 8th October; Hastings, East Sussex, 20th October. Black-eared Wheatear Rame Head, Cornwall, 7th November. Red-throated Thrush Easington, Humberside, 7th October. Great Reed Warbler Chapel Rossan Bay, Dumfries & Galloway, 10th June. Subalpine Warbler Portland, Dorset, 9th May. Sardinian Warbler Newquay, Cornwall, 25th February. Greenish Warbler Near Wellington, Shropshire, trapped, 13th September. Arctic Warbler St Kilda, Western Isles, 26th September. Pallas’s Warbler The Lizard, Cornwall, 18th October. Woodchat Shrike St Martin’s, Scilly, 3rd May; Stockton-on- Tees, Cleveland, 22nd October. Siberian Jay At sea, North Sea, 2nd January. Nutcracker Penhow, Gwent, 15th, 26th September, 6th November; Croydon, Surrey, 4th October. Arctic Redpoll Rueval, South Uist, Western Isles, 1st October. Two-barred Crossbill Wark Forest, Northumberland, 21st February. Parrot Crossbill Colt Crag, Northumberland, four, 24th December. Common Yellowthroat Mynydd Rhiw, Gwynedd, 29th April. Rustic Bunting Fcdar, Shedand, 6th June; Tresco, Scilly, 3rd-4th October. Little Bunting Fhe lizard, Cornwall, 1st May; Benbecula, Western Isles, 6th, 20th October; Keyhaven Marsh, Hampshire, 3rd November. 1989 Bulwer’s Petrel Spurn, Humberside, 9th September. Little Shearwater Seahouses, Northumber- land. 1 0th September. Madeiran Petrel Pendeen, Cornwall, 22nd September. Double-crested Cor- morant Rudand Water, Leicestershire, 3rd March. Night Heron South Clifton, Nottinghamshire, 14th May; Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, 5th July. Great White Egret Hayle, Cornwall, 17th October. Black Stork Corwen and Denbigh Moors, Clwyd, 16th July. Ring-necked Duck Loe Pool, Cornwall, 12th September; Pendine, Dyfed. 18th September; Minsmerc, Suffolk, nine, 14th October; Lochgilphead, Strathclyde, 29th Oc- tober. Black Kite Silverdale, Lancashire, 21st May; Litde Paxton, Cambridgeshire, 28th May; Easington, Humberside, 17th September. Gull-billed Tern Worthing, West Sussex, 16th June. Eastern Kingbird Inner Hope, Devon, 9th May. Bee-eater Blacktoft Sands, Humberside, 3lst May. Red-rumped Swallow West Bexington, Dorset, two, 21st May. ‘Siberian’ Stonechat Bishop Auckland, Durham, 16th February. Lanceolated Warbler Mappleton, Humberside, 15th September. Sardinian Warbler Up-Sydling, Dorset, 16th May. 1988 Black-browed Albatross At sea, Sea area Plymouth, 9di July. Little Shearwater Cowden, Hum- berside, 8th September. Blue-winged Teal Lakenheath, Suffolk, 14th May. Ring-necked Duck Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, 12th-l3th April; Sutton Bingham Reservoir, Dorset/Somerset, 26th-27th October. Lesser Yellowlegs Weir Wood Reservoir, West Sussex, 25th July. Terek Sandpiper Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, 1st May. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, 24th September. Bee-eater Rye, East Sussex, 31st July. Short-toed Lark Tresco, Scilly, 9th- 13th October. Red-rumped Swallow Rye, East Sussex, two, 23rd April. Gray Catbird Cot Valley, Cornwall, 28th October. Isabelline Wheatear Portland, Dorset, 23rd October. Pied Wheatear Barmston, Humberside, 20th October. River Warbler Thome Moors, South Yorkshire, 14th June. Arctic Warbler St Agnes, Scilly, 12th- 13th October. Dusky Warbler Machir Bay, Islay, Strathclyde, 30th October. Parrot Crossbill Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, 16th April. Rustic Bunting Dungeness, Kent, 30th October. 1987 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Nevem Estuary, Dyfed, 29th-30th August. Bluethroat L. s. ma^a Fiambor- ough Head, Humberside, 4th April. Parrot Crossbill Danwrtyd \\^eils, Powys, 26th October. 1986 Gyrfalcon Dyfi Estuary, Dyfed, 28th September. 1985 Lesser White-fronted Goose Exe Estuary, Devon, 30th December. Alpine Swift St Mardn’s Down, Isle of Wight, 1st July. Arctic Redpoll Vane Farm, Highland, 26th-29th January. 1983 Common Nighthawk Churchill, Avon, 23rd October. 1982 Little Bunting Haywards Heath, East Sussex, two, 27thjuly. 1974 Semipalmated Sandpiper Unst, Shedand, 20di June. Laughing Gull Kenfig, Mid Glamorgan, 29lh September. 1972 Arctic Redpoll Holy Island, Northumberland, 2nd October. Michael J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ Notes Breeding productivity of Little Grebe Surprisingly few published data are available on the productivity of the Litde Grebe Tachybaptiis ruficollis in Britain. Those given by Vinicombe (1982) relate to one locality, Chew Valley Lake, Avon, where the species is well established. In Sussex, where single pairs are typically found on small undisturbed waters, the Little Grebe has always been a scarce breeder (fewer than 50 pairs in 1985); concern that it may have de- clined prompted a retrospective assessment of breeding suc- cess, the results of which may be of more than local interest. Reported broods of this species normally consist of medium-sized or large young. Consequendy, it can be assumed that the majority of chick mortality will have already occurred and that brood size at fledging will be only marginally less than that observed. The percentage distribution of reported brood sizes in Sussex was very similar to that in Avon (table 1). The mean brood size in Sussex has varied annually from 1.6 to 2.5, with a mean of 1.77 (176 broods over 21 years), compared with a mean of 1.76 in Avon (116 broods over nine years). Some of the largest broods in Sussex (four to six) were reported from new breeding sites, usually in the first year of occupancy, and these opportunistic pairs often succeeded in raising two broods in the same year. Known second broods accounted for less than 10% of the total broods reported. Table 1. Distribution (%) of brood sizes of Little Grebes Tachybaptus ruficollis in Sussex (1966-86), compared with Chew Valley Lake, Avon (1971-79) Data for Chew Valley Lake from Vinicombe (1982) BROOD SIZE No. broods 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sussex 176 50 29.5 12.5 5.7 1.7 0.57 Avon 116 47.4 32.8 17.2 1.7 0.9 Table 2. Breeding success (including second broods) of Little Grebes Tachybaptus rufkollv, at Rye Harbour and Chichester Gravel-pits, Sussex No. of No. of YOUNG PKR PAIR PER YEAR i years pairs Mean Range ' Rye Harbour 13 129 1.55 0.125-2.43 1 Chichester 8 53 1.53 0.4-3.75 1 Because of the difficulties caused by this species’ habit of brood division, , records from the two breeding strongholds in Sussex ~ the gravel-pits at Rye I Harbour and at Chichester - have been excluded from the calculations of I brood size. The breeding success at both sites has, however, been calculated: j giving mean figures of 1.55 and 1.53 young per pair per year for Rye and 556 Notes Chichester, respectively (table 2). During a survey in 1985, breeding success over Sussex as a whole was 1.2 young per pair. S. W. M. HUGHES 6 West Way, Slinfold, Horsham, West Sussex RHI3 7SB REFERENCE VlNico.viBE, K. E. 1982. Breeding and populadon fluctuations of the Little Grebe. Bril. Birds 75; 204-218. Wilson’s Petrel with legs ensnared in fishing mesh In August 1989, while watching petrels at 37°45'N, 10°22'W off Portugal, my attention was drawn to two Wilson’s Petrels Oceanites oceanicus in the wake of the vessel. They eventually approached to within a few metres, when it became obvious that one had its legs entangled in fine fishing mesh or nylon line. The tangle of material loosely bound the petrel’s legs together from the toes to the true ankle, but did not seem to upset its balance: the petrel continued to feed nor- mally, with its characteristic skipping action apparently unhindered. After ten minutes, the petrel flew away from the wake, legs dangling slightly, still clearly ensnared. C. C. MoORE V/ V Monte Mar, R/ C, Monte Sta Luzia, 2775 Parede, Portugal This record of Wilson’s Petrels in Portuguese waters has been accepted by the Iberian Rarities Committee. Eds Leach’s Storm-petrels visiting ships at sea During the last 30 years, 97 (32%) of 303 forms recording details of 59 species of seabird examined in the hand when they came on board ships at sea filled in for the Royal Naval Bird-watching Society have related to Leach’s Storm-petrels* Oceanodroma leu- corhoa encountered throughout the year in all parts of their range, while an- other 47 (16%) of the records relate to other storm-petrels (Hydrobatidae) (summaries listed Sea Swallow 39: 37, map Sea Swallow 22: facing p. 32). While many of these birds were reported to have come to lights on dark nights with a poor visibility, when indeed it may be difficult to persuade them to go away, seabirds of this family and also some larger species certainly also appear to have developed social displays around not only headlands and rocks, which in the case of Leach’s Storm-petrels have even been reported at islets off South Africa (R. M. and B. M. Randall, Ostrich 57: 157-161) and the Chatham Is- lands oil New Zealand (M. J. Imber and T. G. Lovegrove, Notomis 29: 101- 108), but also objects at sea. It would indeed be interesting to discover what a yachtsman might catch if he were to sail around the world playing a tape recording and replacing one of his sails with a mist net. W. R. P. Bourne Zoolog)) Department, Aberdeen University, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB9 2TN *The use of this English name is at the request of Dr Bourne. Notes 557 Fig. 1. Leach’s Storm-petrels Oceanodroma leucorhoa examined in the hand. Figures show position and month of occurrence, with circle around museum specimens of Ixach’s Storm-petrel and tri- angle around Swinhoe’s Storm-petrels 0. (1.) monorhu of northwest Pacific collected by Roger Bai- ley in Arabian Sea (Ibis 110: 27-34). In Atlantic, most are in east in autumn, along Equatorial Counter-current when most strongly developed in early winter, in South Adantic in late winter, and in west in spring. In Pacific, most recorded in east, with two records from northwest in March and August. Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel appears to move from northwest Pacific to Indian Ocean with northeast monsoon, some possibly overshooting into Adantic and returning north there, and returns with southwest monsoon, when Leach’s Storm-petrel may also move north in Indian Ocean. Birds in south in northern summer may be immature Behaviour of Leach’s Petrels at dusk and night around yacht in mid Atlantic Dr W. R. P. Bourne (Brit. Birds 81: 400-401) mentioned the boarding of ships by seabirds and the fact that small species not uncommonly come to ships’ lights at night, while E. Jones (Brit. Birds 8 1 : 399) recorded two Storm Petrels Hydrobates pelagicus and a Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa landing on a ship in thick fog off southeast Ireland. During a yacht crossing of the Atlantic, I made observations on the behaviour of Leach’s Petrels which suggest that, for this species at least, neither attraction to light nor inclement weather are prerequisites for the boarding of ships. During 4th- 12th July 1988, from 33°10'N, 5r30'W to 44°40'N, 32°10'W (roughly from 660 nautical miles/ 1,220 km east of Bermuda to 300 nautical miles/550 km WNW of Flores, Azores), Leach’s Petrels were by far the most ' frequently seen species (estimated minimum: 80 individuals). During this period the seas were calm, the skies generally clear, and the winds very light; i 558 Notes full moon had been on 29th June. By day, the petrels flew no more than 2-3 m above die water and came no closer to the yacht (travelling usually at 5-6 knots/9-11 kph) than 15-20 m. By sunset, however, before navigation lights had to be turned on and when up to six individuals were following the yacht’s general northeasterly course, their behaviour began to change: they flew increasingly liigher and closer behind and alongside the yacht, eventually reaching at least the level of the masthead (25 m above the water) and coming to within 1 m of crew members on deck; in complete darkness, a petrel could often be seen near the masthead light. Their continued presence was evinced in two other ways: their calling, and on two, probably three, occasions the un- expected arrival of petrels on the yacht itself The first was caught by the resi- dent cat at 22.00 hours on 4th July; after confirming its identity and ensuring that it had come to no apparent harm, I released the bird, which promptly flew away. Six nights later, at 02.00 hours on 10th July, another petrel (proba- bly a Leach’s, but I did not see it) landed in the cockpit; and, in the night of the new moon, at 01.30 hours on 12th July, a second confirmed Leach’s Pe- trel entered an unlit cabin via a deck-top hatch. There was no reason to doubt that these landings were other than deliberate and were not, for exam- ple, tiie result of colliding with the rigging. I heard calls only in complete darkness. They were mainly abbreviated versions of the longest call, which I remembered as a quick, shrill, nasal ‘chu-chu chu chi-chu’ with a rising and falling inflection. Both these calls and the increasing ‘confidence’ of the petrels with the onset of darkness reminded me of what I had experienced in June 1987 at the Leach’s Petrel colony on Dun, St Kilda, Western Isles. Neither Wilson’s Petrels Oceanites oceanicus nor Storm Petrels, which were each the dominant (indeed, virtually sole) petrel species in successive, more northeastern stages of the voyage, showed any similar interest at all in the yacht. The be- haviour of Leach’s Petrels recorded here may indicate the possibility of tape- luring tiiis species to small ships at sea. H. D. V. Prendergast Acorn Cottage, Tu^ford, Horsted Keynes, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RHI7 7DH Extra-pair copulation by breeding male Mute Swan During March 1989, on the River Thame, Oxfordshire, a pair of Mute Swans Cygnus olor nested for the fifth consecutive year in their well-established territory at Holton Mill. While the pen {Darvic ring number ‘H37’) was incubating the eight eggs on the nest 100 m upstream of the mill, the cob (ring ‘DFB’) spent most of his time some 200 m downstream below the mill. On the adjacent territory at Cuddesdon Mill, about 3 km downstream of Holton Mill, an 1 8- year-old female Mute Swan (ring ‘X98’) who had lost her 15-year-old mate in March 1989 was ousted by a new pair of swans. On 19th April, she swam up- stream to Holton Mill, where she met male ‘DFB’. Given the latter’s previous record of vigorous territory defence, it was suqjrising to find that he accepted this intruder, and within a few days female ‘X98’ and male ‘DFB’ were seen in active courtship display; during late April, they were seen to copulate on at least four separate occasions, each time out of view of female ‘H37’, who con- tinued incubating. So far as is known, ‘X98’ and ‘DFB’ made no attempt to nest following their coftulations; ‘X98’ was not seen from early May onwards. Notes 559 On 9th May, ‘H37’ hatched six cygnets, which ‘DFB’ and she both raised to fledging. JANE SEARS RSFB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL Birkhead & Perrins (1986, The Mute Swan) stated (page 93) that, during incubation (by the fe- male), ‘the male has plenty of time, if he gets the opportunity, to seek e.xtra copulations ... In one case, an unattached femtile copulated with an already mated male, building a nest only 10 m away from the first nest and successfully hatching a brood of cygnets.’ Such behaviour appears, however, to be uncommon. Eds Montagu’s Harriers taking prey disturbed by farm machinery The note on Steppe Eagles Aquila (rapax) nipalemis taking prey disturbed by farm machinery {Brit. BirT 82: 330) recalled the following. On 13th August 1984, in East Anglia, I watched a female Montagu’s Harrier Circits pygargus hunting be- hind a tractor that was cultivating a barley field. The crop had already been harvested, and the stubble and straw burnt on 12th August, and the tractor was breaking up the ground using a heavy drag. The harrier pair had nested in an adjacent cereal field, and the three young had fledged, but were still de- pendent on the parents for food. Within minutes of the tractor starting work, both adult harriers were hunting near it, at times approaching to within about 40-50 m, and catching prey, which they took back and passed to the juveniles perched on a grassy bank some 200 m away. The machine spent three days working in this field, and during this time the female Montagu’s Harrier con- tinued to hunt it for up to 30 minutes at a time. Apart from his initial interest, the male spent very little time in the area, preferring to hunt farther afield. On several occasions, the female would hunt directly behind the working trac- tor for some minutes, closely quartering the area which had just been culti- vated, and maintaining a distance of approximately 40-60 m, intermittently pouncing on prey and taking it back to the juveniles. The harrier continued to hunt the field after the tractor had departed, but catching success soon dimin- ished and she lost interest. During the period that the tractor was working in the field, the male was seen to catch two prey items and the female 12, almost certainly all small mammals. In 1 985, a pair of Montagu’s Harriers nested in a field of winter wheat next to a pea field. On 29th July, contractors started vining the peas, resulting in considerable human and vehicular activity 24 hours per day. Despite this, the female hunted harvested areas of the field several times during the day, catch- ing at least two prey items. Harvesting of the peas was completed on 31st July, and the next day she was seen to catch four prey items in the field; these were taken back to the four well-grown young in the nest. It was not possible to identify individual prey items, but, since several pairs of Skylarks Alauda ar- vensis were nesting in the crop, it is possible that she was taking not only small mammals, but also chicks from nests devoid of cover. In 1989, a pair again nested in a field of winter wheat next to a field of peas. On 5th July, the peas were being harvested with a vining machine, and the female spent periods hunting and catching prey along a grassy bank close to where the machines were working. At no other time during the breeding season was she seen to hunt this bank, so I concluded that she was catching small mammals that had been disturbed by the machinery. Bob IMAGE 26 Mount Drive, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 2BP 560 Notes Nest cup of Moorhen composed of polythene At South Walney Nature Reserve, Cumbria, Moorhens Gallinula chloropus often create their nests in clumps of soft rush Juncus effiisus, making use of dead material of the same vegetation for its construction. The cup of one particular nest, located in late May 1988, was composed entirely of scraps of polythene, on which eight eggs had been laid (plate 243). The nest was preyed on in the following week. When disassembled, it yielded 19 pieces of polythene, the largest of which was approximately 30 cm x 15 cm; the total area of polythene utilised was calcu- lated to be 0.26 m5 Close by was an unused platform containing a further eight pieces of polythene totalling 0.12 m'5 TiM Dean Coastward Cottages, South Waln^ Nature Reserve, Barrow-in-Fumess, Cumbria LAM 3Td Human mbbish, when available, and if vaguely like natural materials, is not uncommon in the nests of many species. Ens 243. Nest of Moorhen Galtinula chbropus containing polythene, Cumbria, May 1988 (71m Deari) Knob-nibbling by Crested Coot On 22nd December 1987, at Lac de Sidi Bourhaba, near Mehdija Plage, Morocco, I photographed a pair of ( Crested Coots Fulica cristata (plates 244 & 245) and observed their I behaviour. Both appeared to be in breeding condition and had conspicuous frontal knobs, dark red on one and red-and-yellow on the other. They had I no nest, although several other coots elsewhere at the lake carried nesting [ material. The two birds were foraging in the submerged vegetation and, i several times, they swam quietly towards each other. When close together, j one bowed its head, holding its bill underwater and presenting its knobs j forwards; the other gently nibbled the first’s knobs, but sometimes it also i bowed its head in a submissive manner. This heterosexual behaviour, to | which 1 can find no reference for this species, was seen several times in the i course of a few hours. It appeared very similar to the bowing-and- | nibbling ceremony of Coots A. fl/ra. ArnouD B. VAN DEN BerG ' Duinlustparkweg 98, 2082 EC Santpoort-^uid, Netherlands I Notes 561 Savannah Sparrow in Shetland: second record for the Western Palearctic On Fair Isle, Shetland, 30th September 1987 was a day of mod- erate SSW winds, mainly dull, but with brighter periods. PME was walking quietly beside a turnip rig at Shirva when he saw a small bird hop out of the crop about 10 m ahead of him. He was able to get an extremely brief rear view with binoculars before it hopped around the corner of the rig and out of sight. His first impression was of a bunting, perhaps a Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla. From the top of the rig, he obtained a brief side view, mainly of the bird’s head, before it hopped around the next corner and back into the crop. It was a bunting-like bird, with heavily streaked upperparts and underparts. It had a complex head-pattern, with a thin whitish central crown-stripe, a pale eye-ring, a white submoustachial stripe and a supercilium w'hich was strikingly lemon-yellow in front of and above the eye. The bill was long and pointed, with a fairly straight culmen, somehow quite unlike that of any Eurasian bunting he had seen. It was the bill shape that suggested that it was an Ameri- can sparrow, and the yellow supercilium immediately suggested Savannah Sparrow Ammodramus sandwichensis. The bird also, however, showed an obvious clumping of the breast streaks, forming a large central spot. This was reminis- cent of Song Sparrow ^onotrichia rrielodia. It was nearly ten years since PME had seen either of these species and he could not remember much more about them, particularly their structural differences. Although he suspected that it was a Savannah Sparrow, PME decided to err on the side of caution, particularly after such brief views. PME left the bird and called the observatory from the nearby phone box. He told Elizabeth Riddiford that he had found an American sparrow, proba- 562 Notes 246. Savannah Sparrow Ammodramus sandwichensis, Shetland, September 1987 [K. Osbom) bly Savannah or Song, and asked her to bring an American field guide. He then returned to the crop and tried to gain further views of the sparrow, but succeeded in seeing it only briefly in flight, noticing that the bird showed a very short tail with pale grey outer tail feathers. The breast spot also appeared to be much smaller than earlier, and seemed to consist of just a couple of clumped, wet feathers. This made him suspect that it could not be a Song Sparrow. When NJR and the other birders arrived, the sparrow was skulking amongst the turnips. The field guide they had brought (Robbins et al. 1966) did not prove to be very helpful as it showed no structural details. Despite lots of conflicting suggestions from the assembled throng as to the identity of the bird, PME was now fairly sure that it had to be a Savannah Sparrow, but was still reluctant to commit himself R. J. Johns, however, provided the clinching piece of information. He explained that, whilst Song Sparrows have propor- tionately long tails. Savannah Sparrows are very short-tailed. As soon as he said this, PME was convinced that the bird was a Savannah Sparrow. Eventu- Notes 563 ally, the bird gave excellent views to aU those present, and later that afternoon it was trapped and ringed by NJR, was aged as a first-winter on the shape and amount of wear of the rectrices (Pyle et al. 1987) and was photographed (plate 246). It was still present on 1st October, but was not seen subsequently. The following description was taken in the hand: SIZE AND SHAPE Similar in size and build to Reed Bunting E. schoemcbis, except for propor- tionately very short tail. Tail projection beyond wing tips less than length of exposed tertials. Wings very short, tips of primaries extending only just beyond tertials. Bill proportionately long for Emberizid, very pointed and with straight culmen. HEAD AND NECK Crown-stripe Creamy-white (individual feathers black with creamy fringes), very clearly defined, broadest at rear and much narrower than lateral crown-stripes. Lat- eral crown-stripes very dark brown, each feather black with dark chestnut fringe. Super- cilium white above base of bill, washed bright lemon-yellow, becoming richer lemon-yellow immediately in front of and above eye, with yellow colour curving up to form drawn-out backward-facing point just behind eye. Super- cilium behind eye pale grey-brown, flaring to- wards rear and ending at rear crown. Eye-ring very prominent, lemon-yellow on upper lid and yellowish-white on lower lid. Lores dull brown. Eye-stripe thin just behind eye, black with chesmut admixed, but broadening into oval-shaped patch over the upper rear ear- coverts. Ear-coverts brown with slight chestnut tone, faintly mottied paler buff. Moustachial stripe very dark brown, thin and slightly bro- ken near base of bill, but broader at rear, with very distinctive upwtird kink just below eye and downward kink at rear of ear-coverts where it almost joined malar stripe and eye- stripe. Submoustachial stripe very prominent, white, vaguely tinged buff, with sparse tiny greyish-brown spots, the stripe broader at rear and with upper margin kinked in similar man- ner to moustachial stripe. Mtilar stripe grey- black, beginning 3 mm from base of lower mandible, very thin initially, but widening to- wards rear, where it almost joined moustachial stripe and heavy breast streaking. Chin and throat white, with sparse, diffuse, tiny grey chevrons. Nape feathers black with rich chest- nut fringes except in centre, where there was buffer tone to fringes. Lower nape feathers grey with greyish-brown edges, this area show- ing very little streaking. UPPERPARTS Mantle and scapulars grey-brown with thick dark brown streaks, each feather black with rich chestnut fringe, but some with greyer or buffy fringes forming two pairs of prominent pale braces on each side of darker mantle centre. Rump and uppertail-coverts had dark grey centres with broad greyish- brown fringes with a slight chestnut tone, so appearing finely streaked. Uppertail dark grey, with pale chestnut-buff fringes to outer web of each feather, and pale brown tips with very faint chestnut tone to second and slightly to third outermost feathers. Outermost tail feath- ers pale buff-grey, with paler buff-brown fringes on outer webs and paler buff-brown tips. WINGS Tertials: longest tertial grey-black with very broad chestnut fringe and chestnut tip to inner web; middle tertitil grey-black with very broad chesmut fringe becoming paler, white with faint chesmut tone, at tip; shortest tertial dark grey with chesmut band between dark centre and broad white fringe. Greater coverts grey-black with fairly rich chestnut outer webs, and white with slight chesmut tone on tips forming thin wing-bar. Median coverts grey- black with broad chestnut fringes to outer webs, and inner webs and tips white with slight chestnut tone forming wing-bar. Lesser coverts darkish grey, fringed pale grey with slight chesmut tone. Alula dark grey, with faint chesmut-brown fringe to middle feather and very thin whitish fringe to largest feather. Pri- mary coverts dark grey with thin pale chestnut fringes, and medium pale grey tips to inner ones. Secondaries dark grey with quite broad, rich chestnut fringes. Primaries dark grey with thin pale chesmut fringes. Underwing-coverts greyish-white with slight yellow tone on lesser secondary coverts. Underside of remiges pale grey. UNDERPARTS Upper breast yellowish-buff with heavy grey-black streaking, richer and more chesmut at sides. Each feather had grey-black centre surrounded by dark chestnut and fringed buffish-white. Central breast-spot seen initicilly in field later disappeared and had been caused by wet feathers clumping together. Lower breast and upper belly paler buffish- white, less densely and heavily streaked grey- black. Flanks pale buffish-white with two lines of broad grey-black streaks, each feather pat- terned similarly to upper breast. Centre of 564 Notes belly white. Undertail-coverts and vent white with slight yellowish-buff tone. Longest under- tail-coverts had dagger-shaped broad, brown central streaks similar to those on ‘Mealy’ Red- poll Carduelis Jlammea Jlammea. Undertail pale grey. slightly darker with pale pink soles. Nails pink- ish-horn, darkening towards tips. Eye very dark nut-brown. .MEASURE.MENTS Wing 75 mm, tail 50 mm, bill from skull 12.5 mm, tarsus 22.5 mm, weight 21.1 g. B.\RE P.VR I'S Upper mandible mainly dark grey- hom, darkest on culmen, but with broad paler cutring edge. Ixtwer mandible pinkish-horn, darkening from middle towards dark grey tip. Legs pale pink, palest on rear of tarsi. Feet BEHAVIOUR Quite skulking, although some- times fed for considerable period out in open close to edge of crop. W’hen feeding or shuf- fling about on ground, short tail held horizon- tally, but when hopping tail angled upwards. The Savannah Sparrow is common in farmland and grassland throughout North America. Northerly populations are migratory and the species regularly occurs on passage on the eastern seaboard during spring and autumn. The first record for the Western Palearctic concerned one at Portland, Dorset, dur- ing 1 1 th- 1 6th April 1 982 (Broyd 1 985). The Pordand individual was of the race A. s. princeps, colloquially known as ‘Ipswich Sparrow’, which is character- isdcally larger and greyer than other subspecies. The race of the Fair Isle indi- vidual was not princeps. There have been no subsequent Western Palearctic records of this species. We should like to thank K. Osborn for the photograph, and P. V. Hanley and Dr A. G. Knox for commenting on the manuscript. Peter M. Ellis and Nick J. Riddiford Seaview, Sandwich, Shetland ZE2 9HP Fair Isle Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland ZE2 9JU REFERENCES Brom), S. J., 1985. Sav'annah Sparrow: new to the Western Palearctic. Brit. Birds 78: 6+7-656. 1^'I.E, P., Howei.e, S. N. G., Yunick, R. P., & DeSante, D. F’. 1987. Identijkation Guide to .North American Passerines. Bolinas. Rc:)Bbins, C. S., Bruun, B., & Zi.m, H. S. 1966. A Guide to Field Identification: Birds of .North America. New York. Peter Lansdown (Chairman, British Birds Rarities Committee) has commented as follows: 'Given good views of a Savannah Sparrow' and thorough attention to detail by the observers, as is the case here, the identification is straightfoi'ward. As Pete Ellis c)uickly realised, the lemon-yellow in the supercilia suggested Sat’annah Sparrow, and the well-streaked breast and flanks, short tail and pink legs confirmed the identification.’ Dr Alan Knox (Chairman, British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee) has commented: ‘ fhe only jrrevious British record of Savannah Sparrow', in Dorset in 1982, belonged to the sub- species princeps, which breeds only on Sable Island, off Nova Scoria (Ibis 1 33: 440). The Fair Isle bird was much darker and clearly did not belong to this distinctive race, and the record w'as passed to the BOURC as “race undetermined’’. Geographic variation in the Savannah Sparrow' is clinal over much of its range, making it dillicult, if not inappropriate, to assign the F'air Isle bird to sttbspecies. After consulting Dr Jim Rising in Canada and examitiing skins at the British Mu- sctim (Natural History) at fring, it was decided that the Fair Isle bird appeared closest to ohlitus or luhmdorius (BOURC, Ibis in press). These races breed from Manitoba to NewTottndland, wintering in southern USA. northern Mexico and Cuba. ‘ The BOURC was able to consider this record at all only because it had been photographed in the hand and measured. T'he races of many species arc not determinable in the field or even when trapped. Where at till possible, claims of rare races should be stipported by the maximum of detail, including several phoUygra|ths of the bird in the hand, with a colour standard in each pho- tograph to assist judgement of the photograph’s colour balance.’ Fins Mystery photographs mThe stout, but straight, omnivore’s bill, long legs, dark eye, and gen- eral body proportions make last month’s mystery bird (plate 2 1 2, re- peated here in colour in plate 247) a thrush (Turdidae), an identification no doubt reached immediately by almost everyone. The presence of considerable spotting on the pale underparts narrows this down further to a species of ei- ther Turdus or Catharus, or Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina. The only other birds which may have been considered are Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum, which has a curved biU, long tail and pale (yellow) eyes, and female Siberian Thrush ^oothera sibirica, which has a much darker ground colour to the under- parts as well as more extensive spotting extending onto the belly, and a fairly prominent supercilium. The mystery bird shows an eye-ring and a bar from the eye to the bill, but no other obvious head markings, whilst the small, dark, slightly pear-shaped spots below are most prominent on the lower throat and upper breast, fading onto the flanks, where they become much less distinct. This rules out most species of Turdus, leaving only Song Thrush T. philomelos, the four Catharus thrushes — Gray-cheeked C. minimus, Hermit C. guttatus, Swainson’s C. ustulatus and Veery C.juscescens — plus Wood Thrush. Most readers will be familiar with Song Thrush, and there is something ‘not quite right’ about the mystery bird. Whilst it is impossible to judge size, because of the lack of comparative objects, our bird looks too slim and dainty for Song Thrush, with a comparatively thin bill and long legs. This is in con- trast to the rather pot-bellied look of Song Thrush, which also shows a thicker bill and more extensive spotting below, being as obviously spotted on the upper belly and flanks as it is on the breast. Wood Thrush is also boldly marked with black spots on a white background extending onto the upper belly and flanks, and often shows noticeable contrast between the rich rusty- coloured cap and the grey cheeks. It also has a distinct eye-ring, even more prominent than on our mystery bird, since it is white rather than off-white and does not show the pale supra-loral and dark loral lines, having instead a pale-grey patch on the lores. We are thus left with the small Nearctic Catharus thrushes and we have al- ready seen enough to make a confident identification. The bird shows a broad, buffy eye-ring which is joined to a prominent supra-loral line forming a ‘pair of spectacles’ with a noticeable dark bar on the lores. There are blackish spots on the lower throat and upper breast which fade to an indistinct pale greyish on the sides of the lower breast and flanks. The ground colour of the upper breast is buffy (seen as off-white on a black-and-white photograph), con- trasting with the white of the lower breast, beUy and flanks. Neither Gray-cheeked Thrush nor Veery shows this facial pattern, both species exhibiting a thin, usually indistinct, pale grey eye-ring, which is often missing altogether, and a triangular mid-grey patch on the lores which fades into the cap and ‘cheeks’ and lacks the contrast shown on the bird in the pho- tograph; they also tend to show less extensive spotting than that on our bird. The underparts of Veery have brown spots on a buff background - usually [Bnl. Birds 85: 565-568, October 1992] 565 566 Mystery photographs only as a small gorget, but sometimes surprisingly extensive - and a greyish suffusion on the flanks. Veery has rufous tones to all the upperparts, and bright pink legs, though these latter points may not be obvious if the bird is in shade. It has a distinctive, down-slurred ‘whee-u’ call. Gray-cheeked Thrush has a similar call, black rather than brown spots on its breast, more obvious than on Veery, but, on average, less obvious and less extensive than on either Swainson’s or Hermit Thrush. As on the bird in the photograph, these spots tend to be most obvious on the upper breast and to fade quickly on the flanks. The upperparts are olive-brown or oHve-grey, and the colour of the cheeks, upper breast and flanks is distinctly grey, with none of the warm tones dis- played by both Veery and Swainson’s Thrush. Hermit Thrush can show a ‘spectacle’ pattern to the face, though not usu- ally so obvious as on this bird, and the underparts tend to have a whiter base colour and to be more heavily spotted. Hermit Thrush has a rusty tail, some- what like that of a Thrush Nightingale Luscinia Imcinia, but the rest of the up- perparts tend to be colder in tone than on Swainson’s Thrush. It has a range of calls, the commonest of which are ‘chuck’ or ‘tuk-tuk’. This bird, then, is a Swainson’s Thrush, which I photographed at Point Pelee in August 1988. Anyone who decided on Hermit Thrush could feel suit- ably aggrieved given this view. Swainson’s Thrush always shows this facial pattern of broad bufly spectacles (though it is occasionally less obvious than on this bird) and has a similar-coloured suffusion to the breast and cheeks. It has a distinctive, liquid call, like a water drop falling into a rain barrel — ‘wink’ or ‘quilp’ - and it tends to have warmer upperparts plumage than either Gray- cheeked or Hermit Thrush. There is considerable overlap in the plumages of the three ‘spotted’ Cathams thrushes, due both to individual and to racial variations. The breast spotting is said to be heaviest on Hermit and lightest on Gray-cheeked Thrush (and even lighter on Veery), whilst the plumage tones are warmest on Swainson’s and coldest on Gray-cheeked Thrush (though Veery is the warmest of the lot), but there is considerable overlap between aU three species. These differences should, therefore, be used critically in separating the species. For a confident identification in Britain, all of the following features should be noted: size (to eliminate Song Thrush); facial pattern; colour of breast, cheeks and tail; extent of spotting on the breast; and finally upperparts coloration, paying due attention to the effects of variations in light intensity. Optional extras include the underwing pattern and call. COLIN BRADSHAW 9 Tynemouth Place, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 4BJ FURTHER READING Delin, H., & SVENSSON, L. 1988. A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe. London. FarranDjJ. 1983. The Audubon Society Master Guide to Birding, vol. 3. New York. H,^RDING, B. D. 1979. Identification of Gray-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes. Brit. Birds 72: 346-348. PAGE 567 : 247 & 248. MYSTERY PHOTOGRAPH 181. Top left, Swainson’s Thrush Cathams ustulatus, Ontario, Canada, October 1988; top right, Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, Scilly, October 1989 (C. Brarbhaw). 249. Centre, Hermit Thrush C. gultatus California, USA, April 1982 [H. Clarke/ Vireo) 250. Bottom, Veery C. Juscescens, Ontario, Canada, Au^st 1988 (C. Bradshaw) PAGE 568: 251 & 252. Top and centre left, Gray-cheeked Thrush Cathams minimus, Scilly, October 1991; 253. Centre right. Wood Thrush Hylocichk muslelirm, Ontario, Canada, August 1988 (C. Bradshaw) Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Mystery photograph 1 8 1 ^ CARL ZEISS - GERMANY sponsors the Rarities Com- mittee, and subsidises by donations the inclusion of many of the colour photographs published in British Birds, including plates 247-254 Hermit Thrush Catharm guttatus Veery Cathams Juscescens 1 Gray-cheeked Thrush Calharus minimus Gray-cheeked Thrush Cathams minimus Wood Thrush Hyhckhla mustelina 254. Mystery photograph 182. Idcntily the species. Answer next month Letters Identifying Spanish egrets It is not without misgivings that one challenges so accomplished and widely acknowledged an authority as Rob Hume, but we must point out an error in his paper on the identification of the Little Egret Egretta garzetta {Brit. Birds 85: 21-24). Having lived in southern Spain for three years during 1986-89, we can say with some authority that it is not the elegant Little Egret which is the main confusion species for the White Supermarket Carrier-bag Porto tesco, but the plainer Cattle Egret Bubukus ibis. In the dusty fields of the Campo de Gibral- tar, white plastic bags abound amidst the grazing herds, as do Catde Egrets, and it is often impossible to tell them apart. A field of white bags, seemingly arranged in neat rows by the local farmer, often becomes a flock of Cattle Egrets on closer inspection. And that lone Cattle Egret standing in the middle of a herd of cows is invariably a white plastic sack. Only once in three years did we see a Little Egret in a field of cows, and then in a damp comer with no paper bags in sight. But in the marshes of Pal- mones and the Guadiaro Estuary, which appear to hold the entire world pop- ulation of the Little Egret, paper bags are a rarity and present no obstacle to successful identification. L. Ghandler and C. CHANDLER 9 St Thomas Close, Helmshore, Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 4PY Rob Hume has commented; ‘I would add a serious note to this response to my ‘Identification pitfalls’ paper. On my last visit to southern Spain, I found the whole countryside was so com- pletely covered by white plastic, for agriculture, that to spot a carrier bag would have been practi- cally impossible. The chances of a real egret, or warbler, or shrike, or even butterfly, being found were practically nil over vast areas of lowland, wetland edge and once-terraced slopes. The prolif- eration of ‘plastic greenhouses’ which cover whole swathes of countryside is extremely worrying, unless plastic sheets are all we are expected to enjoy in future.’ Eds Sexual plumage dimorphism of adult Sparrowhawks I have always accepted that marked sexual dimorphism exists in the plumage of adult Spar- rowhawks Accipiter nisus, but recent examination of four standard ornithological works has led me to question this belief BWP (vol. 2) describes marked sexual dimorphism of adult plumage: the male having dark slate-grey upperparts (paler and bluer on some), and white underparts closely barred with mfous (appearing uniformly orange at a dis- tance); and the female having dark brown or grey-brown upperparts, with pale underparts barred brown (sometimes rufous on flanks). The illustrations on plate 18 of BWP show the male with mid-grey (not dark slate-grey) upper- parts and the female with dark brown upperparts; the male depicted on plate 17 is much bluer than the male on plate 18. The descriptions in The Handbook, although similar to those in BWP, are less extreme. The male is described as having dark slate-grey upperparts, with white underparts barred more or less rufous (often strongly so); no reference is made to males having blue-grey plumage. The female’s upperparts are said to be much browner than the male’s, sometimes only tinged slate, but often slate-brown with dark slate crown; and her underparts white to pale buff, closely barred dark brown, with varying amounts of rufous tinge (most often 569 570 Letters on flanks). The female illustrated on plate 69 is grey-brown, much greyer than the female on plate 18 of BWP. The plumage descriptions in Brown & Amadon (1968) are very similar to those in The Handbook, with no mention of blue-grey male plumage. The male illustrated on plate 65 has extremely dark slate-grey plumage. Newton (1986) stated (page 30): ‘Plumage differences between the sexes are slight. As a rule, cocks are bluer (less brown) on the dorsal surface than are hens, more orange and less distinctly barred on the underside, and have less white on the head in the form of eye stripes and crown patch.’ The descrip- tion continues on page 31, where the emphasis is repeatedly placed on vari- ability of plumage rather than marked sexual dimorphism: ‘In both sexes, some individuals are generally darker than others, having more orange on the underside and broader breast bars’; and ‘Sparrowhawks don the bluish adult dress when approximately one year old. Until then, they have the brownish “juvenile” plumage, acquired in the nest. The basic pattern of the two plumages is similar, but feathers which are blue-grey in the adult are dark brown with buff-red tips in the first-year bird.’ (Note the use of ‘blue-grey’ when describing the adult plumage of both sexes.) The only colour illustration appears on the dust-jacket, the bird portrayed being my idea of a typical male. We have, therefore, a situation where the definitive reference work on Eu- ropean birds, BWP, advocates marked sexual dimorphism of plumage, while a scholarly monograph on the species describes plumage differences between the sexes as slight. In my experience, views of Sparrowhawks that allow plumage details to be discerned are usually brief In most cases, my own encounters have been with Sparrowhawks in ‘brown’ plumage, and, having studied the literature, I have little confidence in sexing them. Considering the relative abundance of the Sparrowhawk and the great deal of study devoted to it, I am disappointed with, and confused by, the lack of conformity found in the literature. PAUL Marshman 36 Church Street, Llu^n-y-pia, Tonypandy, Mid Glamorgan CF40 2M> REFERENCES Brown, L. H., & Amadon, D. 1968. Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of the World. Feltham. CrA-MP, S., & SiM.MONS, K. E. L. 1980. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 2. Oxford. Newton, I. 1 986. The Sparrowhawk. Calton. Wri HERBY, H. F., JouRDAiN, F, C. R., Ticehurst, N. F., & Tucker, B. W. 1940. The Handbook of British Birds, vol. 3. London. Dr Ian Newton has commented as follows: ‘Mr Marshman has highlighted what might be re- garded as an error on page 158 of BWP, where the adult female is twice described as “brown”; this is true for the first-year plumage, acquired in the nest, but not of subsequent plumages, which are basically blue-grey or slate-grey dorsally. Fie also seems to place great faith in the colour re- production in BWP, in my copy, the plates are nothing like the real thing. 'In practice, the most marked dimorphism is in size, which gives 100% separation of sexes in the hand. Plumage differences could be described as slight, compared with those of, say. Kestrel Falco tinnuneulus or Merlin F. columbarius, and the individual variaUon is so great as to give almost complete overlap between the sexes. In adult plumage, however, most males have more orange or “rufous” on the underside, with less obvious barring, while most females have more white on the head (the stripe above the eye and the patch on the nape), and some also have a slighdy brown cast to the blue-grey back. But any Sparrowhawk which clearly looks brown is in first-year plumage. Letters 571 ‘Considering the view one usually gets, I would not attempt to sex a Sparrowhawk in the field on plumage, but with experience I think one can often sex them accurately on size and on speed of wlngbeat. In good light, one can also often separate first-years from older individuals on colour.’ Eds ICBP news Puna Grebe news Bad news on the Puna Grebe Poditeps taczanowstdi, en- demic to Lake Junin in Peru and one of the world’s most threatened birds. Once abundant, the population was estimated to have dropped to 200-300 in- dividuals in 1987, but terrorist activity in the area has prevented any conserva- taken. This year, however, two Peruvian ornithologists, Thomas Valqui and Javier Barrio, visited the site on behalf of the ICBP. Although unable to make a population estimate on their brief visit, Valqui and Barrio found two (and possibly three) dead Puna Grebes along a 2-km stretch of shore in just three days, all of which were thought to have died in the past 10-15 days. Discussions with a local fisherman re- vealed that this death toll was not unusual. Clearly, if this is the case, the species will not long sur- vive. The chief cause of the species’ decline is believed to be pollution. The 14,000-ha lake is ex- tremely polluted by a nearby mine, and dead plants, fish and birds are found frequently. Large fluctuations in the water level, due to a hydroelectric station that supplies the mine, are also a problem. In addition, the area is currendy experiencing an exceptionally dry period, which is ad- versely affecting the water levels. With the political situation in the area now more stable, further work is being carried out to clarify the precise problems and what needs to be done to save the species. Georgina Green International Council for Bird Preservation, 32 Cambridge Road, Girton, Cambridge CB3 OPJ don action being Announcement Books in British BirdShop The following books have been added to the list this month: *Cramp Birds of the Western Palearctic vol. 6 ‘•Jonsson The Birds of Europe For edl your book orders, please use the British BirdShop order form on pages xi & xii. ^elientp-tilie pearg ago... ‘SPOTTED REDSHANK IN NORFOLK. It may be of interest to record that on September 7th, 1917, I saw a Spotted Redshank [Tringa erythropus) standing beside a dirty pond on the main road between Syderstone and Docking, practically in the village of Syderstone. I stopped my car and watched the bird for about five minutes, during which time it flew round the pond once or twice, setded again and fed round the edge, and eventually flew off in a straight line for the sea, in the direction of Wells-next-the-Sea. ‘Though a regular visitor to this coast, this is the first time I have seen this species, though I know the birds well, having had them in confinement.’ (Brit. Birds 1 1: 1 18, October 1917). Reviews The Birds of Oxfordshire. Edited by J. W. Brucker, A. G. Gosler & A. R. Heryet. The Nature Conservation Bureau, Newbury, 1992. 288 pages; 8 colour plates; 150 line-drawings; 92 maps; 57 liistograms. ^27.95. The species accounts occupy one-third of this county acifauna, and a further 10"/o is devoted to the results of the ‘Atlas of breeding birds in Oxfordshire’ (by tetrads) during 1985-88. The other major chapters are ‘An introduction to the ornithology of Oxfordshire’, ‘Bird habitats in Oxford- shire’, ‘The climate of Oxfordshire’ and ‘A future for birds in Oxfordshire’. Those are the dry bones, but in this book the traditional framework is fleshed out voluptuously. This is a large book (21.7 cm X 29.7 cm), with easy-to-read print, excellent, spacious design, attractive line-drawings (by Martin Elliott, Andrew Forkner and Ian Ixwington) and an abundance of small tables, his- tograms and maps. The text is not only full of interesting information, but is also well vtTitten and, therefore, very readable as well. Collectors of county bird books will, of course, want to own this one, but it will also be of interest to all birdwatchers living not only in O.xfordshire itself, but also in neighbouring counties, since trends in one are likely to be reflected in others. Nightjars Caprimulgus europams have not been proved to breed since the mid 1960s, and Redstarts Phoenkurus phoenkums, which for- merly bred in pollarded willows along streams and rivers and in old trees, dry-stone walls and nest-boxes in woods and parks, have steadily withdrawn from the county, those nesting in pol- larded willows disappearing first ‘suggesting that this was the less favoured of the two main habitat types’. This w'hole book is filled with such interesting snippets. Very good use has been made of the information gathered by the county’s birdwatchers over the years. The authors have clearly gone to a great deal of trouble not merely to summarise what has previously been published in the annual county bird reports, but also to delve into the stored, previously unpublished data. I do not know a better county avifauna. J. T. R. Sharrock Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers: a handbook. By C. Hilary Fry, Kathie Fry & Alan Harris. Christopher Helm (Publishers), London, 1992. 324 pages; 40 colour plates; Hue-illustrations and diagrams. £21 .99. This is the latest in the Helm identification guide series and matches the high standard of its pre- decessors. It covers 1 23 species in 40 full-colour plates by Alan Harris. The layout is good, with lots of space, intelligent use of bold captioning in the text, and small vignettes dropped in here and there. The introductory chapters on the groups cov'ered are fascinating. I did not know of the Shovel- billed Kingfisher (Shovel-billed Kookaburra) Clyloce^x rex, but now that I do I want to see one. Reading the early chapters enticed me into reading the rest of the text, where, as is stated by the authors, a lot more is known about the habits of some species than others: compare Pied King- fisher Cayk rudis (4'/2 pages) with Timor Kingfisher (Cinnamon-backed Kingfisher) Hakyon aus- Iralmia (1 page). The plates are up to /Van Harris’s usual high standard: the birds are good, and the background hints very nice, the only thing that niggled being the white background — but that is a minor point. Oil a professional level, I liked plate 2 especially, for the feather technique. Kingfishers and rollers, and to a lesser extent bee-eaters, are ‘wait-and-see hunters’, so the simi- larity of poses creates a problem for the artist. I’his does, however, facilitate easy comparisons. My personal favourite was plate 5 (I wish I had painted it). On the down side, some of the birds look a bit too [lale: Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubkus. Woodland Kingfisher Hakyon senegalmsis, Belted Kingfisher Megacetyk akyon and European Roller Coradas garrulux, the Dollarbird Euryslomus orkntalis looks a bit squashed; and the wings of the flying Black-capped Kingfisher Hakyon pikata are per- haps a trifle short. Some plates (e.g. 13, 14, 33) are a little packed for my taste, but whenever I gaze at plates 2 and 6 1 think ‘Ixively!’. In short, this book is nice to look at, with good dust cover, is reasonably priced, easy to read and a splendid addition to this excellent series. Put it on your Christmas present list or buy it now. Dave Nurney 572 Reviews 573 Where to Watch Birds in Cumbria, Lancashire & Cheshire. By Jonathan Guest & Malcolm Hutcheson. Christopher Helm (Publishers), London, 1992. 225 pages; 51 maps; 33 illustrations. Paperback /) 10.99. Authors of ‘Where to Watch' guides face the problem of which places to omit. These authors admit to a sensible bias towards coastal sites, ‘pardy because it is difficult to identify agricultural and moorland sites that can absorb visitors without consequential harm to the birds.’ That same spirit of consideration has ensured that they are discreet in their references to rarer breeding birds. All the larger localities are treated under tiie headings ‘Habitat’, ‘Species’, ‘Access’, ‘Timing’ and ‘Calendar’. In compiling their species lists, authors typically seek to sell the attractions of lo- calities, but I wonder whether it would be more realistic if such lists were limited to — say- the past five years. 1 fancy 1 recognise some of my own one-off binding highlights from a decade or two ago. Access is dealt with in conjunction with the maps, and with OS map references. There are use- ful hints about car parking, and public services, and exhortations about the need to maintain good relationships with landowners. ‘Where we are aware of restrictions on access, these are de- tailed’; but there can be slip-ups, for a private hide on Bassenthwaite Lake is listed. ‘Timing’ gives sensible tips on the best time of day, tide or week to choose for your visit, while ‘Calendar’ lists how the bird populations change with the changing seasons. The guide, which is generously illustrated by delicate bird portraits from the pen of David Mead, should provide the key to many enjoyable days a-birding in these three northern counties. Roberi' Spencer News and comment Mike Everett and Robin Prytherch Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ BOC 100 Congratulations! The British Or- nithologists’ Club was founded on 5th October 1892. Over the past 100 years, the club has provided its members with 820 meetings, fea- turing lectures by many of the world’s top or- nithologists, and has published 1 1 2 volumes of its respected and much-referred-to Bull. BOC, currently edited by Dr D. W. Snow. Membership of the BOC (£8.50 or USS22 p.a.) is open only to members of the British Ornithologists’ Union, but the Bulletin may be purchased by non-members (£18 or US640 p.a.). Hon. Treasurer: S. J. Farnsworth, Ham- merkop, Frogmill, Hurley, Maidenhead, Berk- shire ,SL6 5NL; Hon. Secretary: Mrs A. M. Moore, 1 Uppingham Road, Oakham, Rut- land I.EI5 6JB. Worldtwitch request The recent arrival of an envelope bearing the name of an American law firm caused us to wonder — until we looked inside and found a letter from a birding lawyer, John Wall. He tells us that Wining It, the newsletter of the American Birding Associ- ation, now includes the feature ‘Worldtwitch’, which reports on significant bird observations and twitching trips from around the world, but excluding North America and Europe. Reports (including tapes) are welcome and these and any correspondence should be sent to John W. Wall, 19 Tisdale Road, ScarsdaJe, New York 10583, USA (tel. 914 725 6049; FAX 914 725 1018), Requests for confidentiality over any particulars of a report will be honoured. In search of the Crested Shelduck Re- ports concerning the rediscovery of the Crested Shelduck Tadoma cristata in a remote region of southwest China (Da ^ran 3 (1991); Oriental Bird Club Bulletin 14 (Nov. 1991); and Brit. Birds 85: 92) recently aroused considerable interest among ornithologists. The news was, however. 574 News and comment received rather sceptically by the small interna- tional team which has been actively involved in the setirch for the Crested Shelduck since a campaign was launched in 1980 to save the species. Since then, numerous unconfirmed ob- servations and reported sightings have been collated. During 1983-86, six observations in- volving one to five birds have been reported; these show some interesting patterns which give some indication as to when and where we should be looking for this elusive species. The Da ^ran report was investigated by our Chinese colleague Prof Zhao Zhengjie of the Jilin Forestry Division, Changchun, Northeast China, who visited Yunnan province in De- cember 1991. Local environment officials in- formed him that they believed they might have seen Crested Shelduck. Prof Zhengjie encour- aged the officials to continue with observations on the lake and to photograph the ducks they saw. In June 1992, however, we learned, via Hong Kong, that Prof Yang of the Southwest Forest College, Kunming, reports that ‘There has been some Chinese follow-up on the sight- ings in Yunnan and people had concluded that the birds seen there were not Crested Shel- ducks.’ Meanwhile, we shall continue with our own investigations and are going ahead with plans for an expedition scheduled for March-April 1993 to eastern Russia, where we believe there is a possibility of finding the bird in its winter quarters. This expedition is all the more im- portant since we recently received information from our Russian contact in Vladivostok of a multilateral project to develop a huge infra- structure in the border region of Russia, Northeast China and North Korea. If it is al- lowed to go ahead, it will destroy not only thousands of hectares of natural coastal wet- land habitat, but also what may be the last refuge of the Crested Shelduck. Funds are needed, so we appeal to private and international organisations and individuEils interested in sponsoring this expedition to con- tact the organiser, John G. Walmsley, La Bergerie, Mats de Petit Badon, 13129 Salin- de-Giraud, France. {Contributed by John Walmsl^) ‘Yorkshire Birding’ Yet another new bird- watching magazine, but this time very defi- nitely a labour of ornithological love rather than a commercial venture, has just been launched: Yorkshire Birding. Edited by Andy Gibson, John Hewitt, Graham Speight and Mick Turton, all well-known, active birders, it covers the old county area of Yorkshire and is clearly aimed at the more active end of the market. Copies were selling like hot cakes at a recent twitch to Spurn Point (one of the locali- ties that will always be in Yorkshire, whatever Westminster politicians would have us believe). The first issue of this surprisingly glossy, though entirely black-and-white, quarterly in- cludes a definitive list of Yorkshire birds (likely to attract some debate), articles on potential new species for Yorkshire, the first Least Sand- piper Calidris minutilla in Yorkshire, the contro- versial Spurn Point Rufous-sided Towhee PipUo erythrophthalmus and a personal view on sea- watching. Also, the first of regular features on well-known Yorkshire birders, Yorkshire bird- ing days to remember, local news, a detailed quarterly summary of interesting birds in the county and the now obligatory mystery bird j photograph (originated by BB). Useful plat- ' forms are provided for the YNU and RSPB. ! This excellent magazine deserves to succeed i and is obtainable (annual subscription of £8 ■ payable to ‘Yorkshire Birding’) from Andy | Gibson at 8 St Peter’s Avenue, Anlaby, Hull, | HU 10 7AP. {Contributed by Dave Britton) j Well done, Cambridge! It makes a pleas- \ ant change to be able to record our apprecia- | tion of an act by a local authority, but in the i case of Cambridgeshire County Council this is | well justified. Working closely with Paul Mason : and the Golden Oriole Group, the County | Council’s Rural Group is encouraging farmers j on suitable fenland sites to plant poplars and | manage the sites with Golden Orioles Oriolus | oriobis in mind. Habitat loss and a fall in the | amount of poplars being planted in East Anglia have put in jeopardy the future of the bird in England: Cambridgeshire at present holds about a quarter of the UK breeding population. Oriental etiquette Excellent guidelines on how to behave correctly when meeting officials in the Orient (and many could usefully be ap- plied worldwide) are set out by Paul Jepson in the latest Oriental Bird Club BuHetin (15: 42-43). The Bulletin itself has been revamped, with larger format (from A5 to B5), higher-quality paper and colour photographs. All this is in addition to the Club’s excellent journal, Forktail. Interested? Write to the OBC, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DI.. JTRS) Radde’s, Dusky, Thick-billed guaran- teed The BB trip to Thailand in February- March 1993 will once agtiin be led by local experts Kamol Komolphalin and Phil Round, artist and author of the new Guide to the Birds of News and comment 575 Thailand, will be organised by the leading bird- tour company SUNBIRD, and will be run in three sections: (a) a week at Khao Yai Na- tional Park, (b) a week visiting the forested mountains around Chiang Mai, and (c) a week in Peninsular Thailand seeking Siberian waders and Gurney’s Pittas Pitta gum^i. A huge selection of thrushes, chats, warblers and flycatchers is guaranteed, including many Fair Isle/Scilly September/ October/November spe- cialities, such as Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata, Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope and Eye-browed Thrush Turdus obscurus. For details write or phone to SUNBIRD, PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; Sandy (0767) 682969. BB subscribers can claim a 10% reduction on the usual price. SOC it to me Any birders with a sense of pun should beg, borrow or steal a copy of Scot- tish Bird News (no. 26, June 1992) and read the article by Richard & Barbara Meams entitled ‘A Comitholiday in Scoterland’. Or join the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club: write to 21 Re- gent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT. New bird name Obviously artificial, a name recently manufactured, either by Les Stocker or his publishers, Chatto and Windus, appears in The Complete Garden Bird. Created Tit. Scientific name Pams edeni or Pams jrankm- steinii, perhaps? 255. ‘Kowa telescope, BB sticker ... so where’s the binoculars?’ Nutcracker Nu- cifraga caryocatactes, Netherlands, December 1991 {Amoud B. van den Berg) Monthly marathon uly’s wader (plate 145) wzis named as: Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanokuca (86%) Lesser Yellowlegs T. Jlavipes (6%) Wood Sandpiper T. glareola (5%) Greenshank T. nebularia (2%) 1 a total of 1 1 other wader species. It was a Greater Yellowlegs, photographed in Eorida, USA, in April by Gordon Langsbury. Sponsored by 576 Monthly marathon Of the leading contestants, none fell at this hurdle. The eventual winner of this competition, which is turning into a real endurance test, will be able to choose a SUNBIRD birdwatching holiday to Africa, Asia or North America. The next stage of the competition appears below. For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; or tele- phone Sandy (0767) 682969. 256. ‘Monthly marathon’ (twenty-seventh stage in fifth contest or first or second in sixth contest; photograph number 76). Identify the species. Read the rules on pages 31-32 in the January issue, then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15th November 1992 Recent reports Compiled by Barry Mghtingale and Anthony McGeehan This suiimary covers the period 15th August to 3rd September 1992 These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records Little Shearwater Pujfmus assimilis Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork), 21st August. Pacific Golden Plover Pluuialis Jiiba Pagham Harbour (West Sussex), 15th August. White-rumped Sandpiper CaUdris Jiiscicollis Blackrock Strand (Co. Kerry), 20th-22nd August . Baird’s Sandpiper CaUdris bairdii Cantley Beet Factory (Norfolk), 18th-20th August. Great Snipe Gallinago media Fair Isle (Shet- land), 26th and 31st August. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidnn niloliea Two, Filey Brigg (North Yorkshire), 18th August. Forster’s Tern Sterna forsteri Formby Point (Merseyside), 16th August. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus Flamborough Head (Humberside), 18th Augu.st. Rufous Bush Robin Cercotrichas galactoles Woodbury Common, near Exmouth (Devon), 19th August . Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia Kirkwall (Orkney), lst-2nd September. Riippell’s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli Holme (Norfolk), 3 1 St August to at least 3rd September. Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia North Ronaldsay (Orkney), 24th August. For the latest, up-to-date news, phone ‘Rare Bird News’ on 0881-888 111 (2,'jp/min cheap rate; 39p/min other times; inch VAT) We are grateful to Rare Bird News for supplying information for this news feature British BirdShop ALL USTED BOOKS ARE POST FREE TO ‘BRITISH BIRDS’ SUBSCRIBERS Books and other items are included in British BirdShop only if they are approved by British Birds and considered to be generally reliable, good value and useful additions to a birdwatcher’s library. 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Simply read all the news, as it happens, on a Rare Bird Alert message pager, including updates, directions, and negative news. It’s reliable, comprehensive and extremely cost effective, with no nasty surprises when the bills come in. For an info pack with a sample print-out of a days messages and an order form: call Dick Filby on 0603 767799 or call Inter-City, Free, and ask for Rare Bird Alert Inter-City Paging Ltd. Marsh House, 500 Montagu Road, Edmonton, London N9 OUR. Tel: 0800 246 246 Hip INTER-CITY PAGING h (D196) ■m| rOCALPOINI FIELDSHOWS The binocular and telescope specialists THE way to try and buy (10.30am-4pm) WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST CENTRE, MARTIN MERE, Burscough, Lancs (M6, Jet 27). Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th October. ★ A MAJOR EVENT WITH MANY SPECIAL OFFERS ★ THE B.T.O. NATIONAL CENTRE FOR ORNITHOLOGY, THETFORD, NORFOLK. Saturday 10th October 1992. A great day out — All the Best in binoculars, telescopes & accessories, plus FINE ART, and NEW and SECONDHAND books. All are welcome at these events. They are staffed by experienced birders who will help you choose. Information packs and appointments on request - let us know your specific requirements. MAJOR ART EVENT AT MARTIN MERE 18th Sept- 18th Oct inclusive i DIRECTIONS M56 Jet 10 take A559 towards Northwich for 1 mile to the Birch & Bottle. Turn right into Bentleys Farm Lane, we are on the left after V2 mile. FOCALPOINI Unit 8, Marbur/ House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Tel: 0925-730399 Fax: 0606-892207 (D1 61 ) Want To Go Birdwatching But Leave The Car At Home? Then "Birdwatching By Train" may help. This 128-page booklet contains details of 50 sites easy to reach by rail, the local rail service and network, and the birds likely to be seen there. Professionally- produced, also included are photographs (some in colour), and details of the habitats and local facilities, as well as advice on the best deals for travelling by rail in Britain. Written by bird enthusiasts Alison and Nigel Harris, with assistance from British Rail. Priced at £5.95, the booklet is available through bookshops or from: BBT OFFER 43A PALACE SQUARE LONDON SE19 2LT at £7 inc. p&p. (Cheques only please, made payable to A&N Harris). BUY NOW - IDEAL FOR CHRISTMAS fofl ■m IK® (D194) (D187) XIV For ALL the Rare Bird News 24-hour bird news simply available to a^^iier '£1 can trust from thk team j/ou know our sightings, pil|pney6263 741140 ^FORMATION SERVICE, C^Y^NORFOLK NR25 7RZ I^MIN CHEAP RATE. 48p^MIN P||K/ST0 INC VAT RUSSIAN NATURE TOURS A COMPLETELY NEW EXPERIENCE Escorted tours with English speaking ornithologists visiting areas of the former Soviet Union never before possible. May 4 Boreal Forest of Russia May 5 Great Caucasus Mountains May 1 1 Boreal Forest of Russia May 19 Ussuriland & Amur Delta May 20 Kazakhstan & Altai Junes Taimyr & Central Siberia June 14 Amur Delta, Sakhalin & Kamchatka June 15 Altai & Mongolia June 16 Tuva, Central Asia & Lake Baikal June 17 The Best ofthe Siberian Arctic July 15 & The Best of the Tien Shan August 1 Mountains you’ve dreamed about them, now it’s Independent birding trips for small groups possible! Relict & Ross’s Gulls, Ibisbill, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, five species of Snowcock, Pander’s Ground Jay — need we go on! Contact Paul Dukes RUSSIAN NATURE TOURS 57 Fore Street Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 1PG Tel: 0548 856437 Fax: (0548) 857537 (D'86) TiW\ ABTAl 62948 XV (D172) SENEGAL West Africa One week tours. Second week beach/birds option. Weekly Flights November-April. Max. 8 in party. Small friendly groups. Official tour accompanying the International Ornithological Expedition. Meet the scientists and visit the ringing study sites. Learn about the migrations of birds. The wetland birds are spectacular — Pelicans, Flamingoes, Spoonbills, vast numbers of Ducks and Waders. Also Bustards and Raptores. European birds in their winter quarters with exotic African species. Comfortable hotels and park lodges. Non-profit making: any surplus helps to finance the Expedition. For details write to: Stephen Rumsey The Wetland Trust, Pett Lane, Icklesham, East Sussex TN36 4AH (D188) SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE with Peter Clement A relaxed birding holiday to these little explored islands on the Equator off the West Coast of Africa with lots of general interest as well. It may be possible to add on an extra week for an expedition to find the four rare endemics in the south-west of the island. Departs 2 & 9 August 1993 Max in group 8 Cost £2,375 + travel insurance. Full details from Island Holidays Ardross, Comrie, Perthshire PH6 2JU Tel: 0764 70107 Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be PREPAID and sent to British Birds Advertising Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Telephone 0621 815085 Fax 0621 819130 Rates (These prices do not include VAT) £2.50 a line — average of 6 words £8.50 a centimetre — min. 2 centimetres Box Number counts as 2 words is £1 .00 extra per insertion Replies should be sent to the above address Series Discounts 3 insertions less 10% 6 insertions less 15% 12 insertions less 20% Copy Date November issue October 5th Please post early to avoid disappointment British Birds is most grateful to those companies which support the magazine by their sponsorship: ZEISS Germany Sponsors of the Rarities Committee Sponsors of ‘Monthly marathon ’ ChrirtopherHelm^ sponsors of ‘Bird and HarperCollins £ Sponsors of ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ Photograph of the Year’ telescopes (D189) XVI H OLID A Y A CCOMMODA TION ENGLAND ,2h£ Dms ffOIIL □e^i Georgian Hotel txcftOTi Food & .Accommodadon 3 cnw*Tis commended Qe\' 5 miles: Bai^n Breaks DB&b £39 Sation Road, Holi, Norfolk. Tel; 0263 713390 (BB963) CLEY. Attractive house in village, four bedrooms, large garden. garage.-Cjb. Available aU year. petailsfrom-MFs£. AJJbujH,4I Lyndale Avenue, London NW2. Tel: 071-431 2942. (BB918) CLEY. 3 Quality cottages (sleep 4, 6 and 6 + 2). Quiet. Comfortable. Excellent value. Brochure: (0353) 740770. (BB237) EXMOOR for country and animal lovers. Farmhouse accommodation, bed and breakfast and evening meal, or self- catenng cottage. Details from: French, Brendon Barton, Lynton, Devon. Tel: 059 87 201. (BB213) WEYMOUTH. ‘Birchfields Hotel’. Close to Radipole/ Lodmoor/Portland & The Fleet. Ideal Winter/Spring breaks, local info’. Parties welcome. Details phone 0305 773255. (BB235) WEST SUSSEX, Pagham Harbour/Selsey, Beautiful Georgian Farmhouse, with purpose built B&B accommodation. All facilities provided. Warm, friendly atmosphere, children welcome. Open all year. Tel: 0243 602790. (BB170) FARM COTTAGES between Lindisfarne Reserve and The Fames. Comfortable and well equipped. Sorry no pets.Brochure: Mrs J. Sutherland. Ross Farm, Belford, Northumberland NE70 7EN. Tel: 0668 213336. (BB171) ISLES OF SCILLY, Mincarlo Guest House, St. Mary's. Superbly situated in own grounds overlooking the harbour. Write to: Colin Duncan or Tel: 0720 225 13. ( BB208) ISLES OF SCILLY. Self catering units for 2/5. Linen, towels, TV included. Well furnished & equipped. Guest House accommodation also available. All rooms en suite, colour TV. lea/coffee making facilities. Conveniently situated. D. Williams, The Bylet Guest House, St Mary’s, Isle of Scilly. Tel: 0720 22479. (BB224) RAVINE COTTAGE, FILEY (Gem of the Yorkshire coast) Mr. 8i Mrs. Craig Clay*Thomas (Finder of the speckled warbler) warmly welcome you to their tastefully furnished guest house. Run by birders for birders and ideally situated within 2 mins of the Country Park, Brigg and Dams Nature Reserve and 20 mins from Flamborough and Bempton Cliffs. Local bird information available at all times Good home cooking (vegetarians catered for). Tel: Ravine Cottage Guest House on Scarborough (0723) 514656 or 512595 (Special rates for B/B readers). BB260 fcLEY NATURE RESERVE 1 milel Small guest house offers you warm welcome. BOB and optional evening meal. Colour TV. tea-making facilities, all private facilities and central heating in all rooms. Parking facilities and sorry, no smoking. IDEAL FOR BIRDWATCHERS THE FUMTSTONES, WIVETON. HOLT. NORFOLK 0263 740337 (BB243) ^ SCOTLAND SUMBURGH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, SHETLAND. Spec- lacular clifftop location. Seabird colonies,, seawatching, pa.ssage migrants, all around. Selfcatering cottage sleeps 5, central heating, newly furnished, fully equipped except linen. Road to door. Virkic Pool, Grutness. white-sand beaches, Restaurant/Bar, Airport, all within miles. Also unlurnished Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage for long let. Details from Torquil Johnson-Ferguson, Solwaybank, Canonbic. Dumfriesshire. DGI4 0XS. 03873 72240. (BB087) ABERNETHY & CAIRNGORM — up to Deluxe 5 crowns, 1993 brochure from Strathspey Self Catering, Grant Road, Grantown on Spey. PH26 3LA. Tel: 0479 2939. (BB232) THE HOTEL, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll PA6I 7YP. Demi- pension( Private bath) from £50.00. Details, brochures, map (bird list on request). Tel: 09512 316. (BBI83) WALES RED KITE COUNTRY. Tregaron — Guest house standing in 22 acres, overlooking the Cambrian Mountains and on the doorstep of the Cors Caron Nature Reserve. Central for Dinas and Ynys-hir RSPB reserves. Parties welcome. WTB — 3 crowns. For brochure, phone Margaret Cutter. 0974 298965 or 298905. (BB248) YSBYTY YSTWYTH, s.c. cottage. 4/5, kite country, all year. Brochure 021-744 1947. (BB939) SOUTH STACK, ANGLESEY. Tan-y-Cytiau Country Guest House. Lovely comfortable Edwardian house peacefully situated on slopes of Holyhead Mountain. Gardens bordering South Slack RSPB Reserve. Friendly atmosphere, excellent fresh cuisine. Licensed. S.C. Lodge in grounds sleeps 7. Phone Pam or Stan Keating on 0407 762763 for brochure. (BB238) OVERSEAS AUSTRALIA, CAIRNS, JULATTEN. At Kingfisher Park we provide accommodation and camping facilities in a rainforest sanctuary for native birds and animals. We are central to a variety of habitats and cater for the interests and enthusiasms of birdwatchers and naturalists. Write now for a free birdlist to Kingfisher Park, P.O. Box 3, Julalten, Queensland, Australia 4871. (BB221 ) CAMARGUE — TOWN HOUSE. Sleeps 10. £150-£250 pw (0624) 676151. Fx 662787. (BB122) HEART OF CAMARGUE. Secluded well equipped farm cottage. Masd’Auphan, LeSambuc, 1 3200 ARLES, France (01033) 90972041. (BB229) BIRD WA TCHING HOLIDA YS DIVISION OF NICK'S TRAVEL 100 LONDON ROAD, LEICESTER LE2 OQS ‘FLIGHTS FOR BIRDWATCHERS’ EXPERTS IN LOW COST AIRFARES - WORLDWIDE. DISCOUNT CAR HIRE/INSURANCE SPECIAUST ADVISER - ANDY HOWES 0533 881318 (EVES) ALWAYS RING us LAST (BB204)^ COSTA RICA More birds than the whole of North America! Tailor-made birding trips for individuals and small groups, Brochu es: BIRDWA CH COSTA RICA APARTADO 7911 - lOOB SAN JOSE COSTARICA FAX: -1-506-281573 (BB251) (BB245) UiidWikj^S The Travel Agency for Birdwatchers DISCOUNT FLIGHTS... Worldwide Return fares from London from U.K./EUROPE £69 M. EAST £145 CARIBBEAN £325 C. & S. AMERICA .... £399 AFRICA £99 N. AMERICA £199 ASIA £280 AUS/NZ £499 SEA TRAVEL : CAR HIRE : INSURANCE PACKAGE HOLIDAYS (Save up to £1 50) ACCOMMODATION : EXPEDITIONS & GROUPS ANTARCTIC & FALKLANDS Tours from £2850 pp Brochure & Video available. Ask for leaflet detailing our services. BRIST0LBS13AU or DICK FILBY 0603-767-757 ““N -fri \w A n 1 A 6S077 1 'HIGH ISLAND' UPPER TEXAS COAST U S. A. Just opened. Bed and breakfast for groups of 4 or 8 'Birder's Haven. P 0. 309, High Island, Texas 77623. Tel: 409 286 5362 or 214 824 5390. (BB242) SRI LANKA Combine serious bird watching (21 endemic species) with a wonderful holiday in our superb Island. For tailormade trips (individuals and groups) contact the experienced specialists: A BAUR & CO (TRAVEL) LTD PO BOX 1 1 , COLOMBO 1 FAX NO. 0094-1-448493 (BB256) NEW FOR 1993 A New ConcepI in Budget BIrding Holidays FULLY-ESCORTED WEEKS FOR UNDER FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS! We are now able to offer self-catering options to a new' and exciting area of Southeastern Spain at bargain prices. ★ Wetlands. Mountains. Coasts — excellent, varied lists. ★ Experienced English leader. ★ Quality accommodation, with choice of self-catering or very reasonable meals. ★ Small, relaxed groups. ★ Varied and flexible birdmg arrangements. ★ Several departures. Write for details: Calandra Holiday, P.O. Box 89, Ashford. Kent TN24 9TE, or call 0233 628547. Also /ully-inclusive tours — options available — details on request. DISC'OVKR TUE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA with Emu Tours. PO Box 4. Jamberoo. NSW 2533. Gipsy Point Lodge. Gipsy Point. Vic 3X91 . Philip Maher Inland Bird I'ours, 94 Hunter Sired. Ucniliquin. NSW 2710. Cassowary House, Kuranda, Queensland 4872. Fourgreal opportunities tosec the unique birdlilc ol Au.slralia. (BB259) HONG KONG. Superb birding September to May — variety | of accommodation — trips into China. Richard Lewthwaite, I 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen Wan, Tai Po NT, Hong Kong. 1 Phone/Fax: (HK) 665 8190. (BB228) ■ SEA WA TCHING HO LID A YS SHEARWATER JOURNEYS: seabirdingand whale watching - trips year-round from Monterey, California. Albatross, j Shearwaters, Storm-petrels, Alcids and Jaegers. Humpback and Blue whales; Aug to Nov. Gray whales: Jan. Schedule i available from: Debra L. Shearwater, PO Box 1445, Dept BB, ; Soquel.CA 95073, USA. Tel: 408-688-1990. (BBOll) | BIRD INFORMATION The BEST service ■ RARE BIRD ALERT ■ BIRD PAGERS B PROVEN, RELIABLE, QUALITY SERVICE relax viiith a Rare Bird Alert Pager. For details Call 0800 246 246 or call Dick Filby on 0603 767799 BIRD REPORT BIRDS IN CORNWALL 1991 now available. £5 (inc. postage) from Stanley Christophers, ‘Bramblings’, Rachels Way, St Columb Major, Cornwall TR9 6EP. (BB222) NEW EXPANDED 76-page Lindisfame’s Birds now available. History, seasons, migration, research, 293 species detailed. £3.65p inc. p & p from NTBC, West Farm, Kirkheaton, Northumberland NEI9 2DQ. (BB234) | BOOKS THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP Britain 's leading ornithological booksellers | where you can find our j comprehensive range of new and i secondhand books and reports on birds and natural history, ; including all new titles as they are published. j Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 6 pm Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Mail order catalogue available cm request THE BIRD & WILDLIFE BOOKSHOP 2A Princes Arcade, Piccadilly, London SW1Y6DS Tel: 071-287 1407 (B8250) The original BIRDWATCHER’S LOGBOOK The most concise way to record your observations. Monthly, annual and life columns for 762 species, plus 1 59 diary pages. Send £6.45 inclusive p/p to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood. Beverley Rd, Walkington, ^ Beverley, N. Humberside HU17 8RP S FOR SALE BIRDING CB SPECIAUSTS Hishty rec, MIDIAND PORT-A-PACCBC99 + £3.50 pp. AAobiles from £58 * H/held from £69 * Base Stat. from £1 59 SAE for Details/Price List Rech Batts (lOxAA) £12 Oieques payable * Omesa Systems 43 Hemlinston Rd, Stainton, Middlesbroush, Cleveland TS89AG 0642 595845 BIRD JOURNAL BACK NUMBERS SUPPLIED. (BB Bird study, County Reports, etc.), David Morgan, Whitmore, Umberleigh, Devon. (BB144) FINE BOOKS ON ORNITHOLOGY, Natural History purchased & for sale. Also field sports & other rural subjects. Catalogues issued. David A.H. Grayling, Crosby Ravensworth, Penrith, Cumbria CAIO 3JP (Tel: 09315-282). (BB066) ‘BIRD BOOKS’. Good secondhand books bought and sold. Free catalogue from, and offers to Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 ON J. Tel: 0829 5 1 804. (BB151) Wide selection of ornithologkad & natural history titles available from stock, also travel books & m^. Mail order catalogue on reqaett Toi: 0352 770BI 1 Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. (BB) Fax: 0352 77UI90 treuddyn, Mold. CNvyd.Noith Wales. CH7 4lN (BB119) BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD. Send SAE to Dr J. Tierney, ‘Hawkridge’, Nether Padley, Grindleford, Sheffield S30 IHQ. Tel: 0433 630137. (BB247) BIRD BOOKS: Out-of-print, uncommon and rare. Quarterly catalogue. Peacock Books, Box 2024, Littleton, Mass. 01460, USA. (BB239) ..Zeiss Kowa Opticron Bausch & Lomb Adlerblick Swift Optolyth etc. The Stockport Binocular and Telescope Centre Suppliers of quality binoculars and spotting scopes. Mail order, or callers welcome. Open 6 days 9-6. Repair service on the premises. “BANNERMAN’S BIRDS OF BRITISH ISLES. Perfect condition in dust jackets. 12 vols. £240 plus half delivery. Phone: 0297 33250. (BB254) BIRDWATCHING IN LESBOS. Find out the sites to visit, the birds to see. Full description of sites with maps plus bird list. 45 pages. £4.50. Williams, 87 Learn Terrace, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 IDE. (BB189) ‘BRITISH BIRDS’ 1979-1991, complete, in Easi-binders. Will not split. Offers? Also 14 issues (loose), Jan ’62-June ’63 (includes Aug ’62 — Hastings Rarities). 0733 243095 (eves). (BB258) BWP VOLS 1-5. Excellent condition. £200.00. Tel: 0243 374574. (BB257) ZEISS DIALYT 10 x 40 BGAT ‘P’ (mint). case and box. £375. Tel: 0202 535074. (BB255) PERSONAL WANTED CHRISTIAN SINGLES. Social activities. Friendship. Fellowship groups. Holidays. CFF Dept B124, Edenthorpe, Doncaster. (BB252) URGENTLY REQUIRED. Ornithological Society of Turkey Bird Reports Nos 1-4 (1966-75). 0603 661964 (Guy Kirwan). (BB253) WALKERS Are the largest optical dealer on the Yorks coast. Binoculars - telescopes - video cameras - lenses - tripods - SLRs - compacts * ZEISS * KOWA * BUSHNELL * LEITZ * SWIFT * RUSSIAN * PENTAX * BAUSCH & LOMB * MINOLTA * OPTOLYTH * ADLERBLICK PRACTIKA SPORT 8x25 ARMOUR SRP £54.99 £32.50 RUSSIAN 7x35 £27 8x30 £27 8x40 £30 10x50 £30 12x40 £33 20x60 £59 PENTAX 9 X 63 (NEW) £250 MINOLTA 8 X 32 (NEW) £1 25 AUTOFOCUS AlCO FOCUS FREE (NEW) 8x30 £60 10x50 £70 SECONDHAND ZEISS 15x60 £300 OPOLVTH 10 x 42 £90 OPTICRON 22 X 70 £200 LTD 70 ST THOMAS ST SCARBOROUGH YOU I DY 072T :U).",024 FAX 072:5 :5h:5:5 54 (BB164) British Birds e Volume 85 Number 10 October 1992 507 Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1991 Michael J. Rogers and the Rarities Committee Notes 555 Breeding productivity of Litde Grebe 6’. W. M. Hughes 556 Wilson’s Petrel with legs ensnared in fishing mesh C. C. Moore 556 Leach’s Storm-petrels visiting ships at sea Dr W. R. P. Bourne 557 Behaviour of Leach’s Petrels at dusk and night around yacht in mid Atlantic Dr H. D. V. Prendergast 558 Extra-pair copulation by breeding male Mute Swan Dr Jane Sears 559 Montagu’s Harriers taking prey disturbed by farm machinery Bob Image 560 Nest cup of Moorhen composed of polythene Tim Dean 560 Knob-nibbling by Crested Coot Drs. Amoud B. van den Berg 561 Savannah Sparrow in Shetland: second record for the Western PaJearctic Peter M. Ellis and Nick J. Riddiford 565 Mystery photographs 181 Swainson’s Thrush Dr Colin Bradshaw Letters 569 Identifying Spanish egrets L. Chandler and C. Chandler 569 Sexual plumage dimorphism of adult Sparrowhawks Paul Marshman 57 1 ICBP news Dr Georgina Green Announcement 57 1 Books in British BirdShop 57 1 Seventy-five years ago . . . Reviews 572 ‘The Birds of Oxfoidshire’ edited by J. W. Brucker, A. G. Cosier & A. R. Heryet Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Harris Dave Nume)i 573 ‘Where to Watch Birds in Cumbria, Lancashire & Cheshire’ by Jonathan Guest & Malcolm Hutcheson Robert Spencer 573 News and comment Mike. Everett and Robin Ptytherch 575 Monthly marathon 576 Recent reports Bany Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Front cover: Red-breasted Flycatcher in traveller’s-joy [Gary Wiight): the original drawing of this month’s cover design, measuring 18.6 X 20.8 cm, is for sale in a postal auction (see page 46 in January issue for procedure) I 572 ‘Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers: a handbook’ by C. Hilary Fry, Kathie Fiy & Alan I I British Birds fei»lume 85 Number 11 November 1992 THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ”6 NOV 1992 PURCHASED 700! onv I IRRARY Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards Identification of Crane olden-winged Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs The ‘British Birds’ Best Bird Book of the Year PhotoSpot: White-breasted Kingfisher ‘The Carl Zeiss Award’ Notes • Letters • Review • News and comment British Birds M (Hinging Editor Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Personal Assistant Sheila D. Cobban Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, R. J. Prytherch & Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Consultants Don Smith & Roger Tidman Consultants Robert Gillmor Sc Alan Harris Rarities Committee P. G. Lansdown (Chairman); Dr Colin Bradshaw, Alan Brown, G. P. Catley, Peter Clement, Pete Ellis, S. J. M. Gantlett, C. D. R. Heard, R. A. Hume, J. H. Marchant & Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (Museum Consultant & Archivist); Peter Fraser (Statistician); Michael J. Rogers (Honoraiy Secretary) Sotes Panels m il WIot'R Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons; IDI.N 1 11 ICA I ION Dr R. J. Chandler, A. R. Dean, R. A. Hume, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson & K. E. Vinicombe 'British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology ® Briiish Birds l.(d 1992 Cop\right of pliotographs remains witfi phofojjrapliers. Britisli Birds is published inoiitlily b\ British Birds I.ttI, 93 Higli Street, Bit^t^leswade. Bedfordshire ISSN 0007-0335 Publishing Manager, Production & Promotion Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Circulation Manager Erika Sharrock Design Deborah Felts Advertising Sandra Barnes Addresses Please keep correspontlence on different items separate. Please address your emelope correetl). Please suppb SAF-, if reply required. Papers, notes, letters, drawings & photographs for publication DrJ. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 INJ. Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40025 Subscriptions and orders lor back copies Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 IN). Phone: Biggleswade (0767) 40467 Advertising Mrs Sandra Barnes, BB /\dvertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 ;1NJ. Phone: Tiptree (0621) 815085 Bird news for ‘Seasonal reports' Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS. Phone: Woburn (0525) 290314 (evenings); Luton (0582) 490049 (office hotirs) News items for 'News and comment' Mike Ev'erett & Robin Prytherch, 7 Burlington Way, Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon I’F.lB 9BS Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, Bag End, Churchtown, Towednack, Cornwall 1R26 :t\Z .Special hook and .sound recording offers British BirdSho|3, NHBS, 2 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon tq9 5XN. Phone: 'Fotnes (0803) 865913 Annual subscriptions (12 issues and index) Libraries and agencies £45.80, 1R£53.50 or $86.50. Personal subscriptions: UK, Europe and surface mail £37.20, IR£43.60 or S7(LTO; personal ainnail outside Europe £62.50, 1R£72.95 or $118.00. Single back copies £4.75, IRE5.50 or $9.00. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may also be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO account number 37 .588 6303. Briti.sh Birds publislies m.iteri.ii dealing with original obsetA afions on the birds of the West Palearctit . F.xt ept for records of rarities. j)apers and notes are norm.dlv accepted only on condition th.it material is not being offered in whole or in part to any other journal. I’hotographs and sketches are welcomed. I’apers should be typewritten with dtiuble spacing, and wide margins, and on one side of the sheet only, .\uthors should carefully consult this issue for st\le of presentation, especialK of references and tables. Knglish and scientific names and secpiences ol birds follow The ‘British Birds' List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1984): names of plants follow Dony et ai ( 1980. English Names of Wild Flowers): names of Tiiainnials follow Corbel & Southern (1977. The Handbook of British Mammals). I'opographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminolog>- should follow editorial recommendations {Hrit. Hird.s 74: 239-242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). I'igures should tie in Indian ink on good-cpiality tracing paper, drawing paper, non-absorbent board or light blue or ven pale grey graph paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should be t\'ped on a sejjarate sheet. .Authors of main papers (but not notes or letters) receive ten free co|)ies of the journal (five eac h to two or more autliors). HISTORY MUSEUM '6 NOV 1992 PURCHASED 204 HIGH STREET, BARNET, HERTS. ENS SSZ OPEN 7 DAYS 9 am - 6 pm Phone 081 449 1445 Phone 081 441 7748 Fox 081 440 9999 HOW TO FIND US (Barnet) We ore 10 mins from M25 ond AIM | motorwoys and 1 5 mins walk from High Bornef Tube Station. in focii^ OL QGYLIBH' vironmcnt^T BTNER 1992 THE BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE SPECIALISTS '^WWT SLIMBRIDGE GLOUCESTER We ate now open two weeks in eveiy montti from 1 0 am • 4 pm doily offering superb viewing from the McNeice Room. Sot 7fh to Fri 20fh November Sot 1 2th to Wed 23rd December Sot 9th to Fri 22nd Januory Tel; 0836 311398 ANGLIAN WATER BIRDWATCHING CENTRE I EGLETON RESERVE,RUTLAND WATER | New showroom in ossociotion with Bird ond I Wildlife Bookshop offering superb viewing over I logoons. Open from 9 om to4 pm every doy except Thursdays. Tel: 0572 770656 NORFOLK PE31 8BD OPEN 7 DAYS 9 am - 6 pm Phone 0485 210101 HOW TO FIND US (Norfolk) We ore 500 yards east of the RSPB reserve at Titchwell on the A 1 49 between Hunstanton and Broncoster I ond hove our own privote cor parking ^BARONS HAUGH MOTHERWELL SCOTLAND Sot 3 1st October , Sun 1 5t November rGRAfHAM WATER! NATURE RESERVE 1 CAMBRIDGESHIRE | k Sun 1st November i FORTHCOMING FIELD EVENTS We ore pleosed to offer our customers the best viewing focilities around the UK ot RSPB. WWT ond County Trusts' Reserves. Oemonstrotions ore usuolly from hides. Informotion ond locotion pocks ore ovoiloble for oil events which ore held from 10 om - 4 pm. HAUXIEY NATURE RESERVE NORTHUMBERLAND Sotl2lh&Sunl3t»i Detemter ^ FISHERS GREEN'^ DAWUSH ABBERTOH^^ f)SPB LEA VALLEY, I WARREN I COLCHESTER, I BLACXTOFT SANDS| ESSEX I EXETER, DEVON I I HUMBERSIDE Sun 8th November I Sot 14th & Sir 15th 1 I Sot 21st & Sun 22nd kSun 1 3th OecembH^^ Novembei 6th December^^^ November KENFIG MID-GLAMORGAN SOUTH WALES Sot 28th & Sun 29th Novemtet RSPB DUNGENESS KENT |SotSttl&S(jn6lli I Decembei BROOMHIU^^ VVWT FIASH I ARUNDEL BKRNSIET, I I YORKSHIRE I I SoM9iliSun20ili|5i"l™S5un20l De(emb€i December IMPORTANT! IN FOCUS PLEDGES TO MAINTAIN THEIR PRICE-MATCHING POLICr SUBJECT TO INCREASES NOW IN FORCE FROM MANY MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS FOLLOWING BRITAIN'S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE EXCHANGE RATE MECHANISM. PHONE FOR LATEST NEW OPTICS AT BIRDFAIR Nikon and Swarovski announced new product lines at Birdfair - Nikon their long-awaited angled-eye- piece version of their Fieldscope, and Swarovski the new fully waterproofed SLCII 7x42 & 10x42 binocular. Both now available from In Focus. PHOTOKINA ANNOUNCEMENTS Leica release their new compact 8x32 BA bin- ocular which has excellent field of view and close focusing characteristics and further prod- uct lines are expected from Nikon - a 30xWA eyepiece - and a new 'scopes from Kowamustbe a likely development for 1993. FREE TRIPOD WITH ALL NEW AND SECOND HAND SCOPES ASK FOR DETAILS PART EXCHANGE Top prices paid for good condition telescopes and binoculars. SWAROVSKI £ SLC II 8x30WBGA., .365.00 SLC II 7x42 BGA .. . .528.00 SLC II 10x42 BGA ... .571,00 CARL ZEISS DIALYT £ 8X30BGAT*P . 529 00 7X42 BGAT*P .639.00 10x40 BGAT*P .639.00 NIKON £ 8X30E 229.00 10x35E 249,00 S/Scope 20x60 .199.00 S/Scope 15-45x60.. 265.00 Fieldscope II 20x60 . .304.00 Fieldscope ED II 20x60 .555.00 (angled version P.O.A). KOWA £ TS 601/602 Bodies .219.00 TSN 1 n Bodies 360.00 TSN 3/4 Bodies 725.00 W/A eyepieces from 124.00 Other eyepieces from ,79.00 OPTOLYTH £ IBG/IBb Bodies 390.00 TBG/TBS HD Bodies 645.00 Eyepieces from .77 00 TITCHWELL SHOP Our Norfolk shop at Titchwell now carries a wide range of birding books in association with the Birds and Wildlife Bookshop in addition to being linked to the Rare Bird Alert Paging system - all sightings now being logged on the board outside the shop door. Richard Campey now manages the Titchwell shop on a perma- uenl basis and being a keen birder in his own right brings a particular level of practical exper- tise to our Norfolk customers. I BAUSCH & LOMB ELITE £ 7x36 BGAP 599 00 8x42/10X42 BGAP ...659,00 LEICA TRINOVID £ 8x32BA 668.00 7X42/8X42/10x42BA738,00 BLUE RIBAND CARE PLAN For a single payment of £15 the new In Focus Blue Riband Careplan offers ♦ Accidental damage cover for three years from date of purchase on all new binoculars and tel- escopes. ♦ Guaranteed part-exchange trade-in value on any further purchases with In Focus - rising to 100% of original purchase price after five years. MAIL AND TELEPHONE ORDERS Any orders received by mail or telephone will automatically qualify fora free Blue Riband Care Plan worth £15. Please remember to add £2.00 towards the cost of insured Trakbak postage and packing - whether paying by cheque. Visa. Ac- cess or Mastercard - and goods will be despatched with full 1 4 days approval the same day on receipt of your remittance. BIRD ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS Write or phone for details of our new intensive one-day bird illustration and photography work- shops being held at the Lemsford Springs Re- serve near Welwyn in Hertfordshire. l_Ajd by the wildlife artist, John Cox, and the bird photogra- pher, Dave Cottridge, bookings are now being taken for the autumn workshop programme. BIRD IDENTIFICATION COURSES Write or phone for details of our new bird identification courses being offered from our Titchwell shop on the North Norfolk Coast. Bookings now being taken for the autumn and winter programme. I INTEREST FREE CREDIT Three months interest-free credit available on all orders for new equipment of £400 and above. SECOND HAND ITEMS Instruments always available. On receipt of a stamped, addressed envelope we can supply current price lists of binoculars and telescopes. FREE-NORFOLK TWO DAY BREAK at the Briarfields Hotel at Titchwell in Norfolk on all purchases of £400 or more at the current In Focus list prices. D213 r FIRST CHOICE FOR RUSSIA DISCERNING BIRDERS CHOOSE US EOR: OUR UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE IN RUSSIAN BIRDING i TOURS, ALREADY AMOUNTING TO OVER 30 SUCCESSEUL | TOURS IN TEN YEARS. (BIRDQUEST HAVE TAKEN MORE ; BIRDERS TO RUSSIA THAN ALL OTHER BIRD TOUR COM^ I PANIES COMBINED!) | i BETTER BIRDING IN SMALLER GROUPS (LIMIT 10H2) | I EXPERT LEADERS WITH THE ABILITY TO EIND THOSE,' SOUGHT-AETER SPEGIALITIES i BIRDQUEST First in the Field | Eor our brochure please contact us at: Two Jays, Kemple End, Birdy Brow, Stonyhurst, Lancashire BB6 9QY. Tel: 0254'8263I7. Eax: 0254'826780 d34 UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE Alternative venues to Morden, at which you can try and buy our equipment IN THE FIELD are given below. Kay Optica) will be at the Visitor/Information Centre in each case. Any entrance or parking fees refunded with purchase. Repairs can also be handed in. if 10.00 am to 4.00 pm ir ★ PAGHAM HARBOUR LOCAL NATURE RESERVE on the B2145 Into Selsey, West Sussex, on Sundays 25th October, 29th November and 20th December. ★ SEVENOAKS WILDFOWL RESERVE on the A25 between Riverhead and Sevenoaks Bat and Ball station on Sundays 1st November and 6th December. ★ BOUGH BEACH NATURE RESERVE/RESERVOIR aoout 4 miles south of the A25/A21 junction (with access from the B2042 or B2027; the information Centre is to the north of the reservoir) on Sundays 15th November and 13th December. ★ 8EWL WATER on the A21 . just south of Lamberhurst in the Education Centre on Sundays 27th September, 25th October and Saturday 19th December. ★ ALTON WATER Suffolk, near Ipswich, on the B1080 between Holbrook and Stutton. In the Visitor/Information Centre on Sunday 29th November. ★ COLLEGE LAKE WILDLIFE CENTRE near Tring. Herts., on the B488 (off the A41) close to Bulbourne. In the overlook hide on Sunday 6th November and Saturday 12th December. * SLIMBRIDGE, GLOS (off M5) Village Hall (on the left, halfway along village road into the W&WT), Saturday 21st November. * N.T. WICKEN FEN off the A1 123, north-east of Cambridge. In the visitor centre on Sunday 8th November. ★ DINTON PASTURES COUNTRY PARK near Reading (M4, A329(M) Woodley turnoff) and then A329 to Winnersh and V/innersh Station (B3030) on Sunday 22nd November in the Loddon Room Kay Optical Est.1962 SALES & REPAIRS ' BINOCULARS - TELESCOPES - TRIPODS etc • Viewing facilities PRICES: General price increases, partly due to floating currencies, areexpected but an accurate price list cannot be prepared at the time of advertisement preparation. However, as always, we will do our utmost to avoid price increases — particularly while present stocks last. In any event, we will endeavour to offer you the best possible deals. Some examples of our stocks: ZEISS £ 10x25BDialyt 269 10x25B/TP(NewDS) 319 8 X 20 BATP (New DS) 295 8x30BGA/T(P) 529 7x42BGA/T(P) 639 10x40BGA/T(P) 639 15x60BGA/T 1.190 8x56BGA/T 699 (without case) BAUSCH & LOMB 7x36BA(PC3)Elite 599 8 X 42 BA (PC3) Elite 659 10x42BA(PC3}Elite 659 Custom 10 X 40 BGA 249 1 5-45x BGA Elite Scope 349 77mm Elite body 375 77mm Elite (ED) body 775 20x (WA) eyepiece 149 30x (LER) eyepiece 135 20-60X zoom eyepiece 1 98 800mm camera adaptor 1 59 800mm RA mirror lens kit 299 SWAROVSKI 7X30SLC 353 8X30SLC 365 10x42SLC(NEW) 571 LEICA 8 x20 BC Trinovid 8 X 20 BCA Trinovid 10 x25 BC Tnnovid 10 X 25 BCA Trinovid \ 0 7 X 42 BA Trinovid | N 8 X 42 BA Trinovid | E 10 x42 BA Trinovid SWIFT 8’/^ X 44 HR Audubon 239 10x50 Audubon 249 NIKON 8 X 23 waterproof 157 10x25 waterproof 157 8 X 20 F roof prism 135 1 0 X 25 F roof pnsm 150 9 X 30 roof prism 244 8 X 30 ECF porro WF 229 10x35ECFporroWF 249 Fieldscope II body 229 Fteldscope ED II body 480 Angled Fieldscope IIA body 259 Angled EDIIA body 510 15x, 20x, 30x or40x eyepiece 75 60x eyepiece 85 20-45X Zoom eyepiece 147 Camera adaptor 168 Mod. for other cameras 1 8 FREE TRIPOD WITH ALL TELESCOPES — ask for details Quality filter 13 Rubber hood 8 Stay-on-case • FREE WITH STRAIGHT SCOPE • Spotting scope 20 X 60 GA 199 Spotting scope 20-45x GA 265 KOWA TSN-1 (45=) body 316 TSN-2body 316 TSN-3body 636 TSN-4 bocfy 636 25x or 40x eyepiece 69 20x (WA) eyepiece 1 09 30x (WA) eyepiece 139 20-60X zoom eyepiece 1 69 60x eyepiece 109 77x eyepiece 119 Camera adaptor 800mm 1 29 Camera adaptor 1 200mm 1 99 Kowa case 25 Skua case 40 Spare OG cover 5 Eyepiece dust dome 15 27x (WA) screw-in eyepiece 64 TS 601 scope body (45=) 219 TS 602 scope body (45=) 1 99 27x (WA) eyepiece 94 20x (WA) eyepiece 64 25x (WA) 54 20-60xzoom 109 Case 22 VIEWMASTER 45= scope body 149 25x eyepiece 30 27x (WA) eyepiece 64 OPTOLYTH 8x30Alpin 227 8 X 40 Alpin 246 10x40Alpin 249 10x50 Alpin 268 12x50 Alpin 273 7 X 42 Alpin 257 TBG80 telescope body 390 TBS 80 (45=) body 390 TBG/TBS 80 Fluorite 549 30x (WW) new eyepiece 1 35 40x (WA) new eyepiece 77 Stay-on-case TBG/S 45 22-60x zoom eyepiece 1 59 TB nylon case 36 OPTICRON 8x32 (HRII) 8x42(HRII) 10x42 (HRII) 10x50 (HRII) 7x42 (HRII) 8 X 32 Dioptron 8 X 42 Dioptron 10 X 42 Dioptron 10 X 50 Dioptron 7 X 35 Elite 9 X 35 Elite 7 x40 Minerva 9 X 35 Minerva 8 X 40 Minerva 10 X 40 Minerva 7 X 24 MCF HR 60mm scopes;- Std w/22x & case Std w/zoom & case GA w/22x & case GA w/zoom & case 45° w/22x & case 45= w/zoom & case HR Photokit Filter Rubber hood Piccolo Mk II ED, with c 20x60 20-60X 60 BUSHNELL Spacemaster body 1 48 20-60x zoom EP 72 22x (WA) EP 32 25xor40xEP 30 Photokit 62 Nylon padded case 15 REDFIELD (waterproof) 7 X 30 RA roof prism 249 1 0 X 50 RA roof prism 299 GREENKAT 8 X 40 ZWCF 75 SGN-III 60mm scope body 165 20x, 30x, 40x 50x or 60x EP 25 Close-up lens 24 Photo tube 23 Padded nylon case 1 5 TRIPODS etc. Slik D3 85 Slik 444 'Sport 79 Slik Shogun' 99 Manfrotto 1448/200 105 Manfrotto190B/200 93 Manfrotto 290B/200 95 Soligor 40 Universal clamp 23 Car window mount 24 Shoulder pod 30 Cullmann hide clamp 55 Tripod case 13 Tripod straps, from 7 T-mounts, from 10 Lens cleaning kit 4 • Hours Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm (Lunch 1 to 2pm). • Location Southern edge of Greater London. 15 minutes’ drive from M25 (via the A3, then the Merton turn-off) or 2 minutes’ walk from Morden Underground. • Parking 50 yards past our premises - 1st left. • Long- established workshop Optical instrument experience unrivalled • Mail Order • Personal Exports including VAT claw-back • Interest-free short-term credit (3 payments). • P/x arranged. • Used items • Package deals Special prices are given in many cases where a combination of goods are bought. E.&O.E. Phone: 081-648 8822 Fax: 081-687 2021 (D203) KAY OPTICAL (1962), 89(B) London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5HP (1st Floor) Another 1st for FOCUS OPTICS ! A NEW ADDITION TO OUR POPULAR BINOCULAR AND TELESCOPE BUSINES MIDLANDS LEADING OPTICS SPECIALISTS HAVE CREATED A NEV BIRDand CONSERVATIOI WE STOCK ONLY THE BEST ROHAN’ and CRAGHOPPERS’ A full range of Top Quality outdoor clothing for Bird Watchers and Ramblers. BreathableWaterproof Jackets. Many sizes and colours to choose from. BOOKS ^ Birds, Natural History, Wild' Flowers, Insects, Field Guides, Monographs, Reference Books etc. from leading publishers. WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Book Tokens available and exchanged. ‘BRASHER’ Boots Comfortable, Lightweight Waterproof and Strong. MEPHISTO’ Boots and Shoes. Sturdy and stylish- ideal for town and country! AUDIO CASSETTES Bird call and song cassettes of birds in Britain and Europe. VIDEO CASSETTES RSPB, National Geographic, World of Survival, BBC. to entertain and increase your knowledge 1 BILLINGHAM’ Camera & Equipment Bags Waterproof, Adaptable and Strong. BAROMETERS German movement. Double diaphram. Hand turned in various wood surrounds. BIRD TABLES and NEST BOXES. A complete range of nest boxes and bat boxes, made to BTO specifications by a local craftsman. GREETINGS CARDS & Limited Edition Prints byWildlifeArtist David Fish BIRD FOOD and FEEDERS C.J.WildbirdFood. All types and quantities with feeders to match. Simple wire cages to sophisticated large perspex feeders. MAGAZINES BIRDWATCH BIRDINGWORLDand BIRDWATCHING are available from our showroom. RSPB and BTO membership is available through Focus Optics. JOIN NOW! OPENING TIIVIEI Monday to Saturdi 9am until 5pm Plenty of FREE safe par Send NOW for ourlat j Price Lists or visit oq showrooms. Use your ACCESS or\ card toorderbyteleph E&OE The friendly experts professionals recommend ! roots OPTICS Covcntry"i^7*m Set in twenty acres of private grounc adjacent to our Optics Showroom, of^ring a comprehensive range of qua Bird and Conservation product INOCULARSai TELESCOPES! Wide range -Top qualil You can select and test the worldsfinest optical instrume| from our centrally located showroom. ZEISS-LEICA-HABICHT-BAUSCH & LOMB-OPTOL' QUESTAR-NIKON-ADLERBLICK-BUSHNELL-OPT KOWA • BRESSER • OPTICRON • MIRADOR • REDFI PENTAX-FUMOTO-SWIFT-FUJINON-PRAKTICA-R We carry one of the most extensive ranges of Binoculars Telescopes in the country, with the needs of the ornithoU in mind. Our own conservation area makes us unique. A and woodland adjacent to our showroom attract numel birds, enabling visitors to test equipment in field conditij Tripods include: SLIK, MANFROTTO and CULLMAI We also offer a wide range of accessories : EYECUPS, RAINGUARDS, LENS CAPS, LANYARDj CASES, CLEANING KITS etc. Telephone:06i6-40501 &4247G Fax: 0676-40|^ (1971 I IV EASY ON THE EYE The New High-Performance Lighter Weight 8 X 32 BA. These good looking all purpose binoculars offer brilliant viewing and easy handling, with an optical system that gives optimal freedom from flare and perfect colour fidelity. With less than one rotation of the central drive the entire focusing range is revealed. Now it’s easy to cover the ground, with a 135 metre field of view (at 1,000 metres) and close focusing to 3.25 metres. The New Leica 8 X 32 BA. Easy on the eye but very hard to put down. The LEICA 42 series - 7 X 42 BA, 8X42 BA and 10 X 42 BA. Now with the new 8 X 32 BA. |j EICA BC/BCA range of compi I Jiars: 8 X 20 BC/BCA and 15 BC/BCA. To Leica Camera Ltd. P.O. Box 10, Buntingford, Herts. SG9 9BT. Or Telephone (0908 666663) Please send me full details of LEICA Binoculars. Name Address Telephone D202 LBB1192 naturetrekI PIONEERING BIRD TOURS YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS! Our 1993 Programme includes ROMANIA 2nd -9th January £790 A winter tour of the Danube Delta, in search of Europe's greatest concentration of wildfowl, waders : and raptors. VIETNAM 9th - 31st January £2,500 I A tour of the national parks and bird sanctuaries of southern Vietnam. MANAS... & THE JUNGLES OF BHUTAN 13thjanuary- 5th February £2,990 1 One of the most exciting and pioneering of all bird tours. Black-necked Cranes, Ibisbills, and a selection of some of the rarest Babblers are amongst the highlights. 20 new species were added to I , the Bhutan list in 1992! I ■ SOUTHERN INDIA 23rd January- 10th February £2,290 A tour of national parks and sanctuaries m search of southern India’s endemic birds and mammals. BHUTAN’S NORTHERN FRONTIER 7th - 30th April £2,990 The most challenging of all bird tours! Trekking the high terrain along Bhutan's northern border I with Tibet, we will be the first ever naturalists to visit this area, and will be making a serious attempt j to log its birdlife. New records for Bhutan are guaranteed; the enigmatic Takin is a possibility! NEPAL’S LANGTANG TREK 30th April - 23rd May £1,890 A classic trek for those wishing to see the best of Nepal's upland breeding birds. Naturetrek leaders have trekked this route over 20 times, giving us an unrivalled knowledge of the region and where best to find such rarities as Gould’s Shortwmg and Satyr Tragopan. I FORBIDDEN FORESTS OF PAKISTAN 6th -24th May £1,700 A quest for the 'Western Tragopan, perhaps the world’s rarest pheasant, NEPAL’S KANCHENJUNG A TREK 21st May - 20th June £1,990 j Long and hard, but undoubtedly Nepal’s best birding trek. f NORTHERN ETHIOPIA 12th - 28th November £1,890 j A search for the endemic birds of the forests, lakes and spectacular gorges of northern Ethiopia. [ NEW ZEALAND’S SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS 28th December- 14th January 1994 /rom £2, 000 The most comprehensive cruise of the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand & Australia ever } organised. To include the Chathams, Bounties, Antipodes, Campbell, Macquarrie, Auckland, Snaresj and Stewart Islands. A must for any seabird fanatic! i PLUS j GALAPAGOS • TANZANIA • KENYA ■ NAMIBIA ■ MALAWI ■ BOTSWANA ■ ZAMBIA MOROCCO • NORTHERN INDIA • LADAKH • CHINA ■ TURKEY • AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ■ THAILAND ■ NORTH BORNEO ■ NEWFOUNDLAND • CYPRUS j CRETE ■ CZECHOSLOVAKIA • CORSICA ■ GREECE ■ SPANISH & FRENCH PYRENEES For OUT brochnie please contact: NATURETREK, CHAUTARA, BIGHTON, ALRESFORD, HANTS S024 9RB. TEL: (0962) 733051 ^57 VI British Biixls VOLUME 85 NUMBER 11 NOVEMBER 1992 Past, present and future Ever since its inception in 1907, British Birds has served the birdwatching community by providing a balanced mixture of items covering almost all aspects of ornithology. Wp shall be continuing this record of service by intro- ducing a number of exciting new developments in the near future; you will find ‘BB’ more valuable than ever. Under the benevolent auspices of the publishing firms H. F. & G. Witherby (1907-72) and Macmillan (1973-80), British Birds provided the opportunity for serious amateurs as well as professional scientists to publish their work, rang- ing from papers on long-term studies carried out by an individual or team, and comprehensive summaries of the observations of many observers, to short notes on single observations. Many birdwatchers have seen their first words in print within the pages of British Birds', the same helping hand has been given to many young artists and photographers. British Birds is now held in trust by members of the Editorial Board, being published by a non-profit-making company. It has been our aim to continue British Birds’ long tradition of service. We aim to ensure that British Birds re- mains the journal of record, documenting for posterity — as well as for its cur- rent readers — the changing patterns of the birds of Britain and Ireland, within a European or West Palearctic context. Papers on topics such as the irruption of Jays Garrulus glandarius in 1983 and the recent invasion of Little Egrets Egretta garzetta {Brit. Birds 78: 611-637; 85: 16-21), the identification of marsh terns Chlidonkts [Brit. Birds 82: 296-319) and the life of the Swallow Hirundo rustica [Brit. Birds 84: 555-569), together with the official annual reports of the Rarities Committee and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, make up the essence of British Birds. We also aim to use our influence to continue to encourage the very best in bird photography and bird illustra- tion, through the annual competitions ‘Bird Photograph of the Year’ and ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’.* British Birds will be developing in line with the changing interests of birders, and the changes which are ‘in the pipeline’ will make ''BB’ essential reading over the next few years. At the same time, we aim to maintain our reputation for being authoritative and reliable — the journal of the official record — whilst also being accessible and readable for the ordinary birdwatcher. The answers to our questionnaire in the June issue have been collated and form the basis for the directions in which 'BB’ will develop. Certain less-popular items will be severely pruned, the more popular features expanded, and new ones intro- duced. Watch these pages! Eds *Thc sponsorship from Carl ^eiss — Germany (the Rarities Committee), Christopher Helm Publishers and Harper- Collins Publishers (Bird Photograph of the Year) and Kowa telescopes (Bird Illustrator of tlic Year) provndes extra pages within British. Birds for these features. 577 Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards in Central Wales P. E. Davis and J. E. Davis During the four years 1975-78, we studied the ecology of carrion- feeding birds in the uplands of Central Wales. The Buzzard Buteo buteo was one of the species investigated. Most of our observations were made within a defined study area, about 35 km from north to south, and about 13 km east to west, in the southwestern part of the Cambrian Mountains, between Devil’s Bridge and Rhandirmwyn in Dyfed. Among previous j pubhcations from the project, one in particular relates to Buzzard ecology, j and also describes the study area in some detail (Newton et al. 1982). j The area contained about 140 Buzzard breeding territories and, after j partial coverage in 1975, we located the nests in most of them during j 1976-78. Some 234 young Buzzards were ringed (mostly broods of one j chick), and 215 of them were also fitted with numbered plastic patagial I wing-tags, on both wings. A difierent colour was employed for each year- class (yellow 1975, white 1976, green 1977, orange 1978), so an individual’s age could easily be determined, even if the inscription could not be read. Some tags were lost or broken after about four years, but others remained legible for up to 12 years, and several marked Buzzards j were still known in 1990. The results from this marking programme are j the subject of the present paper, which is concerned mainly with' movements and age of first breeding. j The Buzzard project ended just as those marked were beginning toj enter the breeding population, and no resources were available to support a systematic search for them after 1978. Fortunately, however, we had other duties in the general area in succeeding years, and a good many I marked Buzzards came to our notice, or were reported by colleagues and the public, within and outside the original study area. 578 [Bril. Birds 85: 578-587, November I992| 579 Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards Records of marked Buzzards In this section, ‘winter’ means August to March, the period outside the breeding season, while ‘summer’ is April to July, the Buzzard breeding season. First winter Seventy marked Buzzards were seen during their first winter of life, of which 46 were individually identified. Out of the 46, 18 had remained local to their birthplace (1 km or less); they were seen in August (3), September (1), October (2), November (5), December (3), January (4) and February (5), so most of them did not move out in early autumn, and some certainly stayed all winter. It was common to hear juveniles railing, soliciting food, through September, and some even later. Twenty-eight Buzzards made recorded movements of more than 1 km from their birthplace in the first winter. Distances travelled ranged from 3 to 200 km, average 3 1 km (but this figure will be biased towards shorter movements, since we were more likely to see and record the marked birds ourselves). The longer movements, mostly revealed by dead Buz- zards reported by the general public, included records from 200 km southeast (Hampshire), 1 10 km SSE (South Glamorgan), 70 km northeast (Shropshire), 72 km ENE (Herefordshire), and 70 km WSW and 50 km west (both within Dyfed). Of the 24 Buzzards not individually recognised, 18 were still in the study area (4 in September, 1 October, 5 November, 1 December, 3 January, 2 February, 4 March), while six were outside it, having travelled minimum distances of 1 1-80 km from the nearest nest where young were marked. The two longest movements were over 80 km WSW (Dyfed) and over 73 km northeast (Clwyd). Although two Buzzards had shifted 36 km and 43 km by late August, and a third 37 km by mid September, none of the movements over 50 km was reported before December. During August to November, 1 1 records averaged only 1 7 km. From December to March, 22 records averaged 37 km. Clearly, some of the longer movements could have been completed earlier in the season, but the general implication of the records seems to be that both the time of departure from the natal territory and the subsequent dispersal of young Buzzards may be spread over several months, and not contained within a short ‘dispersal season’ in the early autumn. Some indication of nomadic behaviour by a few individuals is provided by multiple tag sightings. One individual was 6 km west of its birthplace on 28th October, then 6 km farther northeast (and 6 km NNW of the nest) by 28th November. A second was seen 4 km SSE of the nest on 10th and 16th November, 7 km farther northwest (and 5 km from the nest) by 15th December, and 2 km farther west the next day. A third had shifted 15 km northwest by 20th December, but moved again 2 km southwest by 30th January and another 1 km south by 2nd February (it was still at the latter site in May). Others, having shifted in the autumn, evidently became sedentary later in the season. One that had moved 70 km by late December was still in the same place in March. Two individuals 4 km and 7 km from the nest by January stayed there through February. Several were located in subsequent years, in sites they had reached in the first winter. .Apart from those Buzzards that remained within the natal territory all winter, juveniles tended to live in places known to be peripheral to the territories of adults, or to congregate around good food sources such as abattoirs, refuse tips, and sheep carcases. Presumably, harassment by territorial adults, or competition with them, contributed to the choice of locality and to the wandering behaviour of some individuals. First summer At least 18 different Buzzards were seen, of which ten were individually identified. Sixteen were within the study area, two just outside it. At least five were local to their birthplace, and none had shifted more than 9 km. Only three of those identified had been certainly recorded m the first winter; one had moved 5 km farther northeast since the previous November, and the other two were in the same location. Most of these individuals were living in gaps in the pattern of breeding territories, or near territorial boundaries. Eight were in open hill ground with few or no potential nest sites. None was known to be mated, and apparently none attempted to breed. Three multiple 580 Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards sightings in the same places (April twice, April-May, Apriljune) showed, however, that some had setded. Second muter Some 23 Buzzards were located, and 13 certainly identified. Of these, only one was within 1 km of its birthplace, though four others were within 5 km and five within 20 km. One, however, was 295 km NNE (Cumbria, August), and another 72 km northeast (Shropshire, January); a third was 28 km southwest. Only two had previously been identified with certainty in their first year. One was 6 km southwest by December, having spent most of its first winter (to at least January) on its home territory. The other, in its second November, was still where it had been seen in April. Seven unidentified individuals were still within the study area, two only 2 km and 6 km outside it, but one at least 21 km east (Powys, March). Several repeat sightings (August-September, September-October, September-December, December-February, December-March, early and late January) showed the sedentary behaviour of some individuals; and, indeed, there was no clear evidence of any significant movement during the second winter. Most Buzzards could have stayed in locations they ' reached in the first winter. Second summer \ Thirteen Buzzards, seven individually identified, were found during their second summer of | life. One of them, a male, bred successfully only 2 km west of its birthplace, and close to j where it had been seen the previous November. Another male, unidentified, was reported | copulating in early April, at a location where it had previously been found in March of its j first winter, at least 73 km northeast of its birthplace (Clwyd). We do not know if it bred, but 1 clearly it had settled and paired, after making a distant movement as a juvenile. i Of the remaining 1 1 individuals, ten were certainly non-breeders, all within the study area, one still on the edge of its natal territory, and none was known to be more than 10 km from its birthplace. The other one died in July, outside the area, 8 km from its original nest, and its status is unknown. Two were summering (in May) in a different place from earlier winter sightings; one 5 km from its first-winter site (January-February), the other 5 km from its second-winter location (November). Only three of the second-summer individuals could be said to be in fringe locations unsuitable for breeding; and, again, there were multiple records (April-May, April-July) which showed attachment to one locality. Third winter I Probably 1 7 different marked Buzzards were seen during the third winter; ten certainly and two probably identified. One died in August, 104 km NNF of its birthplace (Clwyd), and another died in December, 31 km SSF (Powys). A third was seen, but not identified, at least 10 km west of the nearest marking-site, in August; a fourth was found dead just outside the study area in October, and a fifth was seen in the same place in March. The remaining 12 were all within or on the fringes of the study area. Two were local to their birthplace; the others had shifted 2-12 km. They included the second-summer breeder, still on territory in October, and at least three other individuals, in March, on territories they were to occujjy during the third summer. Several, however, wintered near the abattoirs (one October-March, two in February), or were seen in other places peripheral to breeding territories. At least two, besides the second-year breeder, wintered in the same place as the) had the previous year. Third summer Eleven Buzzards located and seven identified, all within the study area. Four males and oni female bred for the first time: the males at locations between 4 km and 10 km from th( birthplace, the female under 2 km. In each case, they replaced a different, untaggei individual of the previous year. Two of the males and the female reared young, two maF failed. Two other males were paired and holding territories, but apparently did not breec one only I km, the other less than 2 km from the natal site. The latter territory was ver small, sandwiched between two other well-established ones. Two further individuals wer certainly non-breeders and apparently unmated. The remaining two were detected only one (April, May), and nothing is known about them. 581 Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards One breeding and two non-breeding males had previously been recorded on the same territories in March of their third winter, but not earlier. Another breeding male had been seen in its second winter (December to March) 10 km \VN\V of its birthplace, and had subsequently shifted 10 km northeast to breed 10 km north of its natal site the longest movement recorded for any of our Buzzards after its second winter. The breeding female had been around her birthplace in her first winter and probably first summer, also in her second summer (July), and had subsequently moved a very short distance to fill a vacancy in a neighbouring territoiy. None of the other birds had been certainly identified before. Fourth winter Twelve Buzzards found, and nine of them identified. They included five of the seven paired individuals of the previous summer, and very probably the two whose status was then 257. Buzzard Buteo huteo at nest with young, Dyfed, summer 1984 {Roger W'ilmshurst) Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards unknown, all in the same locations. One turned up again near the abattoir where it had spent the two preceding winters; its summer location was never discovered, but could have been very near. Another, previously undetected, was found dead at the boundary of the study area in March. One was recorded all winter in the same fringe area where it had been observed in its first summer and second winter, only 1 km from its birthplace. The other two, both unidentified, had no previous recorded history. Fourth summer Sixteen Buzzards seen, nine positively identified. Ten were known to be breeding, including four of those that bred in the third summer. The two males paired in their third summer now bred for the first time, 1-2 km from where they were reared; the one with the very small territory in the third summer had now enlarged it considerably at the expense of its neighbours, one of which was also a first-time breeder. This latter individual, a female, was never certainly identified. Another female bred for the first time, 3 km from where she was reared. The other two breeders, neither of them identified, were of uncertain sex and previously unknown status. One was within the study area, the other was 3 km outside it. The six remaining individuals included at least three on territory, one known to be paired, but status otherwise uncertain; two seen only on single occasions, one in a remote open hill location very unlikely to be a breeding territory; and finally one seen in April 210 km southeast of the study area (Dorset). Ffth winter Five Buzzards located, but only one identified, a breeding male of the previous summer, on his territory. Three others were in the study area, but none appeared to be any known individual among the summer residents. The fifth individual was reported twice, in February and March, at least 15 km northwest of the nearest territory in the study area, and presumably it had settled there. I Fifth summer | Again only five Buzzards known, four of them identified. All five were breeding, including | four from the previous year. The other was almost certainly a first-time breeder, a female i nesting 34 km from her birthplace, just outside the study area, but in a location visited | regularly by us in earlier years. 258. Buzzard Buko buko at prey, with Carrion Crow Corvus corone and Magpie Pica pica, Dyfed, mid January 1983 [A. T. Moffett) 583 Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards Later years A small number of marked Buzzards continued to be seen in every year, up to the thirteenth summer. Most seen in summer, from the sixth summer onwards, were shown to be breeders, and none was proved or suspected to be a non-breeder. Many records referred to individuals already recorded as breeders by the fifth summer, but new ones were discovered in several years, most if not all presumably overlooked before. In the sixth summer, seven individuals included one previously unrecorded breeding female, just outside the study area, and only 2 km from her birthplace. Another breeding male had hitherto been reported only outside the breeding season, but in the same general area only 1 km from where he was reared. Six records in the seventh summer included two previously unknown breeders, both unsexed and unidentified, one in the study area, the other about 7 km outside it. Another, of unknown status, but near a known nesting site, was 15 km from the nearest site in the study area. Other ‘new’ individuals were first recorded in the ninth winter (February), status unknown, within the study area; in tenth winter (August) 8 km from the birthplace and outside our area; in tenth summer (April), sex and status unknown, dead, 4 km from where it was reared; in eleventh summer, unsexed and unidentified, breeding at the edge of the study area; and in twelfth summer, a breeding male within the area, 8 km from his birthplace. This last individual had previously been identified some 8 km to the east (and 10 km north of his natal site) in his second April, the second-longest movement known to have been made by any of our Buzzards after its first winter. Records from before 1975 Five recoveries of Buzzards ringed in the study area before 1975 supplement the records from the main study period. Two were in the second summer; one ‘local’ in April, the other 80 km ESE (Herefordshire) in May. One was found 60 km SSE (South Glamorgan) in December of the fifth winter, and another 6 1 km north (Gwynedd) in January of the sixth winter. One veteran died in July or August, at the age of just over 19 years, 45 km NNW of its birthplace (Gwynedd). Conclusions Juvenile Buzzards from Central Wales varied greatly in their mobility, ranging from the completely sedentary to one which travelled 200 km from its birthplace. Most juveniles shifted away from their natal territory at some time during their first autumn and winter, though many moved only a few kilometres. The period during which this movement took place seemed to be rather protracted, not limited to a short season in the autumn. The most distant recoveries were later in the season, from December onwards. Some juveniles remained nomadic well into the new year, while others soon settled in a new location and remained there. Those that remained in or near the study area tended to live in loose groups near good food sources, or to occupy places on the periphery of adult territories, or in gaps in the breeding distribution (usually resulting from the absence of viable nest sites). From the first summer onwards, at all seasons. Buzzards of all age- groups, in and near the study area, remained remarkably sedentary. There is no firm evidence of any movement of more than about 10 km, and hardly any of more than 2-3 km. Distant recoveries continued to be reported, however, up to the twentieth year of life. In view of the sedentary condition of local Buzzards, after their first year, these distant birds had probably emigrated in the first winter, and stayed away. In fact, one second-summer male is known to have setded and mated in a locality at least 73 km from the study area, where he was first recorded over a year earlier. Evidently, the Central Wales population exports a proportion of 584 Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards its juveniles, some to as far as Cumbria, Hampshire and Dorset. This is an interesting finding, since it shows the potential for recolonisation of areas where Buzzards have been exterminated by man, provided a healthy donor population can be maintained in Wales. The longer movements are plotted in fig. 1. Fig. 1 . Movements of over 20 km of Buzzards Buko buleo marked in Central Wales study area (shaded). Figures give elapsed time (in months) between marking and recovery Recorded directions of movement during the juvenile dispersal appear to be random, allowing for the fact that any shifting northwestwards were more likely to be seen by us, because we lived in that sector of the study area. The most distant recoveries were inevitably in the eastern half of the compass, since westerly movement was contained by the proximity of the west coast. Buzzards were also more likely to be recovered dead if they had penetrated the lowland areas where rearing and preservation of Pheasants Fhasianus colchicus is general, on the English borders and beyond. The pattern of movement in the first winter is broadly confirmed by recoveries and sightings in later years, as would be expected if they resulted from the same juvenile dispersal (see table 1). The median distance of movement for 38 ‘random’ recoveries and sightings reported by the general public is 40 km. There is as yet no evidence of a return movement after emigration, but this would be more difficult to obtain. 585 Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards Table 1. Movements of Buzzards Buteo buteo marked in Central Wales Includes all recorded movements of over 2 km of identified birds, and those more than 20 km outside the study area of unidentified birds. Repeat sightings at one location not included DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT N-ENE E-SSE S-VVSW W-NNW First winter/ summer 9 6 8 17 Second winter onward 10 10 10 11 Totals 19 16 18 28 Previous studies of marked British Buzzards, notably those in the New Forest (Tubbs 1974) and in the Spey Valley in northeastern Scotland (Picozzi & Weir 1976), also show a probably random dispersal, mostly over rather short distances, during the first winter. Some Scottish Buzzards were able to defend sizeable territories in their first winter, but this was mainly associated with the artificial removal of adults. Such territories tended to be ephemeral, and most first-summer individuals in Speyside lived rather secretively in small ranges (Weir & Picozzi 1983). In Central Wales, there was little indication of settlement into viable territories by the first summer (though two were seen close to where they subsequently bred). Even by the second summer, only a small proportion of Welsh Buzzards were able to establish themselves on full territories, and, out of 12 individuals well documented in that season, only one male bred. This is in marked contrast to the situation on Speyside, where one first-summer individual nested and was suspected to have laid eggs, and probably a majority of second-summer Buzzards bred, though some did not (Picozzi & Weir 1974; Picozzi in litt.). Persecution by gamekeepers and shepherds was commonplace on Speyside, evidently creating many vacancies. Very little persecution occurred in Central Wales, and Buzzard population densities were greater; almost all suitable breeding areas were in use, so that young Buzzards could have experienced difficulty in finding vacancies within the existing breeding distribution. By the third summer, however, most marked Buzzards in our study area had established territories of normal extent, and five (four males, one female) bred for the first time, out of nine well-documented individuals. By the fourth summer, at least ten out of 16 Buzzards were breeding, four certainly for the first time (two males, two females), and only one was definitely a non-breeder. One female apparently did not breed until her fifth summer; otherwise, most of those of five summers or older were known to be breeding, and none was certainly not breeding. It seems reasonable to accept that virtually all Buzzards in this population will be breeding by the fifth summer. No Buzzard, having bred, was ; located in later years, summer or winter, outside its original breeding j territory, from records of 33 in summer and 16 in winter. Adults in Speyside, while tending to remain attached to one territory, were often obliged by persecution to shift some distance, to find new mates (Weir & j: Picozzi 1983). Only eight breeders in our area had been identified as pre-breeders • after their first winter. Six of these had remained within 2-3 km of their natal site throughout, and eventually established themselves as breeders 586 Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards without moving farther afield. The other two provided the only significant evidence of movement after the first year of life. One spent its second winter 10 km WNW of where it was reared, then shifted a further 10 km northeast to breed in its third summer, now 10 km north of its birthplace. The other was seen 10 km NNE of its natal site in April of its second summer, but moved 8 km west at some later time, to be located eventually, in its twelfth summer, breeding 8 km NNW of its birthplace. In total, 18 of our marked Buzzards were found on breeding territories within the study area, and four just outside it. They included nine males, five females, and eight unsexed. Five others were recorded only in winter, in their fifth or later years, but presumably they too were on breeding territories. Five more were reported well outside the study area, from their fifth year onwards, two over 60 km away. The age at first breeding was recorded for 1 1 individuals. They entered the breeding population at the age of two to five years, average 3.5 years. | The remainder could have been present and breeding before they were found. Available data for all the breeders and presumed breeders are given in table 2. The apparent lack of marked females recruited to the , breeding population in the study area could be due to wider dispersal by | young females, as was found for the Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus by Newton ! (1979); but most of those we located had moved only very short distances. The data also hint that females in this population may start breeding later ! than males (seven males first bred at average 3.1 years, four females at 4.0 years), but this needs confirmation. ! Table 2. Breeding records of ta^ed Buzzards BtUeo buteo in Central Wales j ‘W’ or ‘S’ refers to approximate direction, since exact point of origin unknown j Age at first Distance and direction details Sex breeding (years) from birthplace Orange N4 Male 2 2 km W Yellow CO Male 3 5 km E Yellow Cl Male 3 10 km N Yellow E2 Male 3 4 km SW White J5 Female 3 2 km N Green L4 Male 3 4 km N Yellow D2 Female 4 3 km NNW Orange N9 Male 4 1 km E Orange P3 Male 4 2 km SE Orange - Female 4 - Orange P4 Female 5 34 km NNW White - - by 4 - Green - - by 4 3+ km ‘W’ White 18 Female by 6 2 km E Orange 02 Male by 6 1 km S Green - - by 7 - Green PO - by 7? 1 km N Orange - by 7 7+ km ‘S’ Green T4 - by 9? 8 km NNW Orange P6 - by 10? 4 km SW Green - by 1 1 - Yellow El Male by 12 8 km NNW 587 Dispersal and age of first breeding of Buzzards Acknowledgments The 'Carrion-feeding Birds in Central Wales’ project was commissioned by the Nature Conservancy Council from the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, and was supervised by Dr Ian Newton, who commented on the first draft of the present paper. We are grateful to N. Picozzi for instruction in the art of wing-tagging and for other advice; and to J. A. Humphrey, H. Ostroznik, H. W. Roderick, and many others who assisted in the field. Summary The movements and settlement of ringed and colour-marked Buzzards Buteo buteo from a Central Wales study area are described. While many juveniles remained relatively sedentary, some shifted up to 200 km. Departure and movement continued through the first winter of life. The direction of movement seemed to be random. Older Buzzards, after their first winter, were remarkably sedentary, and many which had travelled to distant places as juveniles remained there. Few Buzzards in Central Wales were able to establish themselves on viable territories by their second summer, though most did so by their third. The age of first breeding of 1 1 individuals ranged from two to five years, average 3.5 years. References Newton, I. 1979. Population Ecology of Raptors. Berkhamsted. , Davis, P. E., & Davis, J. E. 1982. Ravens and Buzzards in relation to sheep-farming and forestry in Wales. J. Appl. Ecol. 19: 681-706. Picozzi, N., & Weir, D. N. 1974. Breeding biology of the Buzzard in Speyside. Brit. Birds 67: 199-210. & 1976. Dispersal and causes of death in Buzzards. Brit. Birds 69: 193-201. Tubbs, C. R. 1974. The Buzzard. London. Weir, D. N., & Picozzi, N. 1983. Dispersion of Buzzards in Speyside. Brit. Birds 76: 66-78. P. E. Davis, Wildlife Surveys (Wales), Felindre, Aberarth, Aberaeron, Dyfed SA46 OLP J. E. Davis, Nature Conservamy Council, Minaivel, Ffair Rhos, Tstrad Meurig, Efyfed ST25 6BN IdentiHcation pitfalls and assessment problems* This series, which started in January 1983 (Brit. Birds 76: 26-28), is not intended to cover all facets of the identification of the species concerned, but only the major sources of error likely to mislead the observer in the field or the person attempting to assess the written evidence. The species con- cerned are mostly those which were formerly judged by the Rarities Committee, but which are now the responsibility of county and regional recorders and records committees. 14. Crane Grus grus The Crane is a regular visitor to Britain and by the time it was removed from the Rarities List after the end of 1987 there had been over 1,242 records in the previous 30 years. During the period 1965-74, the average number of records per year was six, but the corresponding figure for 1975-84 (excluding 1982) was 28. There have been large influxes of Cranes in some years, no- *This paper, like those earlier in the series (Brit. Birds 76: 26-28, 78-80, 129-130, 203-206, 304- 305, 342-345; 77: 412-415; 78: 97-102; 81: 126-134; 84: 145-148; 85: 21-24, 437-439, 491-494), is a publication of the Rarities Committee, which is sponsored by CARL ^EISS — Gerrrumy. [Bril. Birds 85: 587-592, November 1992] 588 Identification of Crane tably over 500 in 1963, over 200 in 1982 and 1 1 1 in 1985. In recent years, Cranes have made a welcome return to East Anglia as a breeding species. The biggest problem of identification and of assessing records of Cranes is one of assumption and of prior image. Most birders could write a fairly accu- rate description of a Crane (even if they have never seen one) far more easily than they could describe in detail the plumage of a Blue Tit Paras caerukus. In fact, observers need to exercise caution when claiming records of Crane, as there are a number of similar pitfall species that need to be eliminated. Al- though it is probably more likely that any large crane-Hke bird is in fact a Crane rather than a Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo, a Sams Crane G. antigone or a Sandhill Crane G. canadensis, any acceptable description still needs to rule out these superficially similar species. Records of cranes seen only in flight, at great range or in poor light may not be specifically identifiable. Apart from other species of cranes, it is also necessary to eliminate Grey Heron Ardea cinerea. Although this might sound facile — the sort of mistake that only a complete beginner would make — there are circumstances when Grey Herons can appear remarkably crane-like. I have seen a flock of 16 Grey Herons in a V-formation coming in high over the sea with their necks held outstretched for some minutes. The strongly bowed wings, with characteristic deep flaps, and white ‘leading lights’ on the edge of the forewing, however, to- gether with the long, pale yellow or pinkish bill, should be obvious. The nor- mal flight shape of a retracted neck with a deep bulge at once separates any heron from any species of crane. On the other hand, skeins of Ganada Geese Branta canadensis have been mistakenly claimed as Cranes, so other species of broad-winged birds may need to be eliminated. 259. Adult Crane Grus grus, Norway, June 1951 (Edvard K. Barth) 589 Identification of Crane The most likely confusion species is Demoiselle Crane, a species which is becoming increasingly scarce on its breeding grounds in eastern Turkey and the southern CIS, but which is commonly kept in captivity both in Britain and, especially, on the Continent (T. P. Inskipp verbally). This is a smaller, more delicate bird, which is best distinguished from Crane by its blackish breast feathers, white tuft on hindneck, pale crown and shorter biU. When standing, the tertials can be seen to be long, pointed and sleek in appearance, rather than broad and rather ‘untidy’ as are those of Crane. The white stripe on the head may resemble that of Crane at times, although, when seen clearly, the tufted appearance is diagnostic. Perhaps the most important fea- ture, both in flight and when standing, is the extent of black on the breast. Often, the long, black breast feathers hang down loosely, giving a slightly shaggy appearance, although, at times, these feathers may be held closely against the body and appear quite smooth. In flight, these black feathers reach to about as far as the centre of the wingbase, which is diagnostic. On Crane, the black extends from the face to the lower neck, but never reaches the breast. On some occasions, however, especially in a side view, it can be very difficult to assess the extent of black on the breast. The paler grey, less brown- ish upperparts of Demoiselle Crane are a useful feature, but this may also be difficult to judge if the bird is viewed against strong Ught. One should also be 260. Adult Demoiselle Crane Anlhropoides virgo, Kazakhstan [E. Gobanova) 590 Identification of Crane 261. Cranes Grus grus, France, November 1985 {Chris Steeman) 262. Adult Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo, Turkey, August 1985 (Oran O’Sullivan) 263. Adult Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo, Mongolia, June 1981 (Giinter Rinnhofer) Identifkation of Crane 591 aware that the eastern race of Crane, G. g. lilfordi, may appear paler than Eu- ropean individuals, and that the red patch on the crown of adults of that race is restricted or lacking. In flight, the wings of Crane generally appear more even in width than those of Demoiselle Crane. The wings usually narrow towards the body, whereas the wings of Demoiselle Crane are slighdy broader at the base than at the ‘hand’. Both species have blackish primaries, greater primary coverts and secondaries, which contrast with the grey underwing-coverts or upper- wing-coverts. Despite its smaller size, the wingbeats of Demoiselle Crane are actually slower than are those of Crane: Demoiselle Crane flaps the entire wing, while Crane moves only the outer part of the wing, in shallower wing- beats. Although there are only three records of Sandhill Crane in Britain and Ire- land, and one in the Faroe Islands, it is worth remembering that the one which occurred on Fair Isle, Shetland, in April 1981 was initially dismissed by some observers as a Crane. Sandhill Cranes are rather variable in size, and fall between Demoiselle Crane and Crane. The plumage of adults is uniformly pale grey, with a dark red patch on the forehead and crown. The long, rather fine bill is dark greenish, and the legs are grey. The plumage may be stained with iron oxide, which can give a reddish or sandy-brown tinge, sometimes 264. Juvenile Crane Grus grus, Karel’skaya, Russia, September 1955 (/. Js'eufeldt) 592 Identification of Crane with a blotchy pattern. Immatures are more reddish-brown or bufly-grey in colour, and have pale, flesh-coloured bills, which become darker with age. The tertials are broad-tipped and hang down in a bunch, in a similar manner to those of Crane. In flight, the outer primaries are black, contrasting slightly with the dark grey secondaries. The lack of a prominent ‘face pattern’ and the uniformly grey or bufly-grey plumage are the best features for separating this species from Crane, but note that juvenile Cranes have relatively plain brown- ish heads and, in this respect, are similar to juvenile Sandhill Cranes. Sams Crane, which may be encountered as an escape from collections, is very large and uniformly pale grey, with whitish tertials and lower neck, dull pinkish legs, a rather long, grey biU, and, on adults, a red ‘face’, throat and nape. In flight, only the outer primaries are black, the secondaries and inner primaries being pale grey. Other species of crane may also escape from captivity. The first crane that I saw in Britain was a crowned crane Balearica perched in a treetop near the River Thames in Surrey. Both Grey Crowned Crane B. pavonina and Black Crowned Crane B. regulorum are kept in captivity and have been reported as escapes. These two species are so distinctive, however, that they are unlikely ] to be confused with Crane. Iain S. ROBER.TSON 1 Central Avenue, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 2PZ ! Monthly marathon The plummeting raptor (plate 181) was named as: Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus (78%) Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus (8%) Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus (6°/o) with a few votes each for Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus. Dark Chanting Goshawk Mdierax metabates, Goshawk Accipiter gentilis, Eleonora’s Falcon Fako ekonarae and Peregrine F. peregrinus, and two votes for Woodpigeon Columba palumbus. It was indeed a Booted Eagle, photographed by Pierre Petit in France in 1966. Of the eight leading contenders, one failed at this stage — very tough luck after succeeding with 15 in a row. Those still in the hunt are G. P. Catley, Roy Hargreaves, Hannu Jannes, P. G. Lansdown, PekkaJ. Nikander and Dave Numey (all on 16 in a row) and Dr S. K. Armstrong (on 15 in a row). The September and October photographs (plates 214 and 256) may have proved to be stumbling blocks, and we may by now have a winner. Plate 265, therefore, may be the first or second photograph in a new, sixth ‘Marathon’, or be the twenty-eighth stage in the fifth, long-running ‘Marathon’. The winner will be able to choose a SUNBIRD birdwatching holiday in Africa, Asia or North America as his/her prize. For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF, or telephone Sandy (0767) 682969. Sponsored by [Bril. Birds 85: 592-593, November I992| 593 Monthly marathon 265. ‘Monthly marathon’ (twenty-eighth stage in fifth contest or first or second in sixth contest: photograph number 77). Identify the species. Read the rules on pages 31-32 in the January issue, then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15th December 1992 Mystery photographs O Even with it in silhouette, the majority of readers would surely recog- AO^nise the dagger-like biU, flat crown with crest, fairly elongated wings and shortish tarsi of last month’s mystery bird (plate 254, reproduced here in black-and-white) as a tern (Stemidae). With the original photograph in colour, the elimination process is further hastened by noting the orange bill, white forehead and black rear crown, grey mantle and dark primaries, plus black legs and feet. Yes, this is another of those much-discussed, large, orange- billed terns of which five species are initially ‘in the frame’. This discounts the South American race of the Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis eurygnatha, some- times known as ‘Cayenne Tern’, the bill of which is usually yellow (some pop- ulations have variable amounts of black, and rarely the bill may be orange-red or red), and is, in any case, far slimmer. Crested Tern S. bergii is usually depicted as being much darker on the man- tle and wings than this individual — note that much of the wings in the photo- graph appears darkened by shadow — but in an earlier text in this series {Brit. Birds 85; 1 12-1 13) it was pointed out that the race thalassina of East Africa and the western Indian Ocean islands is much paler. Crested Tern can, however, be quickly eliminated, as its biU is usually greenish-yellow (and never bright or- ange) and has a- more pronounced decurvature to the upper mandible, creat- ing a drooping appearance. At this juncture, it is worth pointing out that this [Bni. Birdi 85: 593-595, November 1992] 594 Mystery photographs bird shows none of the darker feathers that would indicate juvenile plumage and, furthermore, the white forehead is indicative of a bird out of full breed- ing dress. Although our mystery bird has quite a robust look, it does not have the truly massive bill that characterises Caspian Tern S. caspia, which is by some way the largest of the group. Furthermore, the adult bill of that species is gen- erally more of a blood-red, often with a dark subterminal area and, some- times, also a paler tip. We are now left with three species to consider: Royal Tern S. maxima, Lesser Crested Tern S. bengalensis and Elegant Tern S. ekgans. Adults of aU three can have genuinely orange bills, white foreheads in winter and signifi- cant crests. Royal is substantially larger than the other two, but the size of a lone individual is difficult to judge. A number of British-based observers will by now have had the opportunity to compare Lesser Crested with the only fractionally smaller Sandwich Tern and win have noted that the former’s biU, though sUghdy deeper-based, still retains a fairly slender, pointed look. Also, its mande is a sHghdy darker shade of grey than that of Sandwich, whereas the mystery bird’s is pale and the bill is quite hefty. In contrast, there are, as yet. West Palearctic records of Elegant Tern only in Ireland and France. With its normal range confined to the west coast of the Americas, far fewer British birdwatchers have field experience of it, myself in- cluded, but the literature indicates a proportionately long bill, often with a dis- tinct droop, and, in winter plumage, the black on the rear crown and crest extends farther forward to enclose the eye. We are left, therefore, with Royal Tern and this is, indeed, the correct solu- tion to last month’s ‘Mystery photograph’. The picture was taken by Dr Michael Hollings in the Morrocoy National Park, Venezuela, on 9th March 1988, which conveniendy places it in the nominate American race. The West African race albididorsalis is said to have a finer, more tapered bill, less dagger- like than its New World counterpart. Other identification points not brought out by the photograph include, first, rump and tail colour. On Royal, Elegant and Caspian, these are white or pale grey; on Lesser Crested, bluish-grey; and, on Crested, dark grey. Royal and Crested Tern are, of course, both appreciably bigger than Lesser Crested and Elegant, approximating in size to Black-headed Gull Lams ridibmdus, with Caspian even larger. It is also worth noting that Royal Tern only briefly re- tains the wholly black crown of full breeding plumage, so that the appearance as shown in the photograph is the one most frequendy encountered. The discerning reader will note that I have not, so far, discussed the gony- dcal angle of the bill. Among the species compared above, this feature is most pronounced on Caspian Teni and is generally said to be more evident on Royal (nominate race) and Lesser Crested than on Elegant. Rarely, on the last species, a slight angle is apparent, but in a more proximal position, only about half-way along the lower mandible. Certainly, there are individual variations in this character, which, to my eye, is not a striking feature of the mystery bird . Simon Cox 754 St John’s Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex C0I6 8BN Ttic iiu lusion in colour of plate 267 has been subsidised by a donation from Carl geiss - German)!. Mystery photographs 595 267. Mystery photograph 183. Identify the species. Answer next month Golden-winged Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic Paul Doherty On 24th January 1989, Mrs C. Miller noticed a colourful bird feeding in the garden of her house at Larkfield, Kent. Though not a birdwatcher, she realised that it was unusual, and made a drawing of it. Three days later, it reappeared, and IVIr Miller managed to take some photographs of it. En- quiries were begun as to the identity of tliis strange bird. 1*7/. limis 8,i: November I992| THE DEFINITIVE BINOCULAR Top binocLilt^s for the future Most popular binoculars Most popular make of binocular [j arl Zeiss experience and quality has ■ achieved a world wide reputation y for excellence. ■In their latest Binocular Survey, the fers of the universally respected. British Birds magazine voted Carl Zeiss. Top Binocular for the Future', an accolade which was awarded to Carl Zeiss in the two previous surveys. The 7x42B/GA T’ Dialyt is renowned for its high twilight performance and field of view. With easy-grip rubber armouring to minimise reflection and noise, it is unsurpassed for dawn and dusk observation. The naturalist s definitive binocular. ENGLAND BERKSHIRE Link Cameras & Video. Reading Vic Odden Maidenhead CAMBRIDGESHIRE Campkins Cambiidge Camera Exchange. 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Its one-piece advanced prism design reflects 100% light for brighter viewing from dawn to dusk. And a new 30x wide eyepiece offers a wider view field at higher magnification. For a closer look at the best range of binoculars and Fieldscopes in the world, zoom into your nearest Nikon dealer or binocular specialist. Nikon's advanced prism design Fieldscope EDII / II and 8x30ECF WF recommended by British Birds magazin( Nikon Binoculars NIKON UK LTD. (United Kingdom) 380 RICHMOND ROAD, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR TEL; (081) 541 4440 FAX: (081) 541 4584 Somerton Foto Ltd. (The Republic of Ireland) TEL: (01) 773173 10- YEAR WARRANTS ' Golden-winged Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic 597 In the meantime, on 7th February, whilst on my way to post a letter at the opposite end of the Lunsford Park Estate, I chanced upon the same bird. It was very striking. There were obvious lemon-yeUow patches on the crown and greater coverts, a black patch running back from the bill and around the eye, and a broad black bib. The remainder of the upperparts were basically greyish, and the underparts were whitish. I judged the size as similar to that of a Wood Warbler Phylbscopus sibibtrix. I did not have any binoculars with me, but the bird was remarkably tame and I was able to watch it for about three minutes at ranges down to 2 m be- fore it flew off. My first reaction was that it was an American wood-warbler (Parulidae). After only a few seconds’ thought, however, I dismissed that possibility as far too fanciful. The date and place were all wrong; also, I do have a basic knowledge of the American warblers on the British list and this bird did not fit any of them. If it was an American wood-warbler, it had to be a species new to Britain and Ireland, and that seemed to take it into the realms of fantasy. I returned home and, lacking any books on cage birds, the first reference that I checked was the Field Guide to the Birds of North America (National Geo- graphic Society 1983). I flicked idly through the warbler plates with no great expectations, but then stopped at page 354, stunned. The bird I had been watching was clearly a male Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera. Over the next few hours, I considered various other options and went through aU my field guides. In the end, though, the only conclusion that I could reach was that I had indeed seen a Golden-winged Warbler. I spoke to S. J. M. Gantlett, who agreed that, in the circumstances (a single observer with no binoculars), confirmation of my sighting was required. The next morning, with the help of Bill Jones, Terry Laws, Tim Loseby and Alan Woodcock, an unsuccessful search was carried out in rather murky weather, the sole bright spot being a Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus discovered in the large number of ornamental bushes surrounding the car park of the nearby Tesco supermarket. In the early afternoon, the weather improved and I returned to check the bushes around Tesco’s again. To my great relief, one of the first birds that I saw was the Golden-winged Warbler, and I was able to confirm all the main plumage points before it flew off across the car park. I obtained the following detailed description: SIZE ;\ND SHAPE Size about that of Wood War- bler, but with more robust appearance. UPPERPARTS Lemon-yellow patch on forehead, extending back onto crown. Black mask run- ning back from lores and around eye. Borders of these patches whitish-grey, paler than rest of upperparts, which were greyish. WINGS Most obvious feature was another lemon-yellow patch, on greater coverts. Pri- maries, tertials, median and lesser coverts grey- ish, but tertials were suffused with greenish wash. UNDERPARTS Uniform grey, paler than upper- parts. Only noticeable feature was broad, black bib. TAIL Average length. Uppertail and the under- tail-coverts grey. Undertail feathers paler, con- trasting with the darker undertail-coverts. BARE P/VRTS Eye, legs and bill blackish. Bill longer than that of any similarly proportioned Palearctic warbler. 268-270. Male Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera, Kent, February 1989 (top and bottom) and April 1 989 (centre) (Paul Doherty) The inclusion in colour of plates 268-270 has been subsidised by a donation from Carl geiss — Germany. 598 Golden-winged Warbler: new to the Western Pakarctic Later in the afternoon, the bird was relocated nearby and was last seen heading towards a patch of rough ground leading down to the River Med- way. It had been heading in the same direction when I had last seen it on the previous day. As the riverside vegetation often held wintering Chiffchaffs P. collybita, I guessed that the Golden-winged Warbler was spending most of its time in the same area, only occasionally straying to the fringes of the housing estate. Blithely assuming, therefore, that the Golden-winged Warbler was resi- dent in an area of open ground with public access, I felt that it was safe to re- lease the news, and a message was put on ‘Birdline’. Over the next two days, contrary to my expectations, the Golden-winged Warbler was seen in the bushes surrounding Tesco’s car park and the gardens of the housing estate. With such an extreme and beautiful rarity, in the densely populated southeast of England, with convenient motorway access, and at a quiet time of year with little else competing for birdwatchers’ atten- tion, it seemed certain that the weekend would bring large numbers of bird- watchers. Even so, I was surprised by the horde which descended on the estate. The actual number will of course never be known, but, from a rough count carried out on the Sunday, I believe there were about 1,200 people pre- sent then, with a minimum of 3,000 people on the Saturday [Brit. Birds 82; plate 187; 85: plate 271). Although the Golden-winged Warbler was a tame and distinctive bird (and was photographed: Brit. Bir^ 82; plates 186 & 188; 83: plate 271; 85: plates 268-270), keeping track of it was often difficult, particularly after the initial crowds had melted away. It would occasionally settle in a garden, but more typically it moved quickly from garden to garden and so was easily lost. Relo- cating it could then be difficult, as it travelled widely. With large numbers of birdwatchers roaming around a housing estate, there 271. Twitchers watching Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera, Lunsford Park Estate, Larkfield, Kent, February 1989 [Paid Doherty) 599 Golden-winged Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic was ob\ious potential for friction with local people. Indeed, had I known that the Golden-winged W'arbler would spend all of its time on the estate, I would probably have felt that it was unwise to release the news. In the event, that would have been a mistake, as most local people seemed to enjoy hosting an a\ian celebritv’. Some minor problems did occur, but most birdwatchers be- haved \'eiy responsibly, and I am not aware of any serious incidents. (Local radio reported that a wall had been pushed over in the melee, but my at- tempts to track down this alleged damage met with a blank, and I suspect that the incident never happened.) There is, however, no room for complacency. This 'event’ was widely reported on television and in the press (and even made the front page of the Daily Telegraph). Public opinion tends to generalise, and if one unpleasant incident had been filmed, there could have been unfor- tunate consequences for the public perception of birdwatchers. Clearly, at events such as this, birdwatchers’ behaviour must be impeccable. After the initial excitement had died down, the Golden-winged Warbler re- mained, but, with much smaller numbers of birdwatchers looking, it some- times went unreported for days at a time. Luckily, it benefited from unusually mild weather, which enabled it to surviv'c. As spring approached, there were reports of it singing. So far as I am aware, the last sighting was on 10th April, when I saw it in the bushes sur- rounding Tcsco’s car park (where else!). It seems a reasonable assumption that it then began a northward migration. A rumour reached me the following winter that it had returned, but nothing came of this, so it was doubtless in- correct. The date when the Golden-winged W arbler arrived in Britain will never be known. The most likely explanation for its occurrence, however, is that it made landfaO in the Southwest in the autumn, made its way east to Kent, and found the mild climate of the Medway v'alley to its liking. It may not be too far-fetched to suggest that it went from Tresco to Tesco. (Soriyi) By w'hat seemed an amazing coincidence, another y\mcrican warbler, a Common Ycllowthroat Geothlypis tiichas, was present just 25 km away on very similar dates: 6th January to 23rd April 1989. Unfortunately, it was on private land with no access for general birdwatching. The third American passerine of this period was a Northern Oriole Icterus galbula at Roch, Dyfcd, from 2nd January to 23rd April. The dates of all three birds were remarkably similar, perhaps suggesting something more than simple coincidence. In the case of the Northern Oriole, a collection for the Dylcd Wildlife Trust raised a substantial sum of money. My one regret of the Golden-winged War- bler episode is that no similar collection was made for one of the Kentish con- servation bodies. I do not think donations would have been begrudged by the thousands who obviously obtained such enjoyment from this wonderful bird. Paul Doherty, 28 Carousel 1 1 hlk, Sherbum-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire LS25 6LP Peter Lansclown {Chairman, British Birds Rarities Ciommittee) and Dr .Man Knox (Chairman, British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee) have commented as follows: 'tVith Golden- uingecl Warbler having no eonlusion s|3ccies, and with the Larkfield individual being a particu- larly stunning male, the BBRCk and stibsequcmly the BOURC, had no hesitation in accepting the identilication on a single circtilation of the record to each committee. 600 Golden-winged Warbler: new to the Western Palearctic 'The BOURC’s task of assessing the likely origin of the bird was not so straightforward. Nei- ther the date nor the locality fitted the familiar pattern of vagrancy for Nearctic passerines in Britain. Also, Golden-winged Warbler is a scarce breeding species in the USA and is rare as a mi- grant on the eastern seaboard. It is, however, a long-distance migrant. The first record for New- foundland, on 15th September 1988, and the first wintering records for the USA, both from Texas in winter 1989/90, are recent departures from the species’ normal pattern of occurrence. It is exceptionally rare for an American passerine to winter in Britain, yet from January to April 1989, in addition to the Golden-winged Warbler, there was the Common Yellowthroat Geolhlypis trkhas in Kent {Bril. Birds 83: 489) and the Northern Oriole Icterus galbula in Dyfed {Brit. Birds 83: 492), already noted in Paul Doherty’s paper. Furthermore, autumn 1988 was unusual in that the English east coast received more than its normal share of Nearctic passerines, with a Cliff Swallow Hirundo pyrrhonota in Cleveland, Red-eyed Vireos Vireo olwaceus in Northumberland and Suffolk, and a Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracetisis in Lincolnshire {Brit. Birds 82: 505-563). Finally, North American warblers are extremely rare in captivity in Britain and Europe. The BOURC considered aU of the above points before coming to the unanimous conclusion that the Golden- winged Warbler was most likely of natural origin, and the species was admitted to Category A of the British and Irish list {Brit. Birds 83: 489; Ibis 133: 220).’ Eds Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs Those of us involved in the judging regard it as a pleasure and a rare privi- lege to view the submissions of photographers for the twin features of ‘Bird Photograph of the Year’ and ‘Best recent black-and-white bird-pho- tographs’. Normally, we look at them in this order, and not infrequendy we see both coloured and black-and-white versions of the same subject, if not the same picture. It is difficult to make judgments on their relative merits, but it is probably easier to be objectively critical about black-and-wlrite as appreciation of the coloured image can be much more subjective. Certainly, those of us who have worked in black-and-white, either in the present or in die past, gain a great deal of satisfaction from achieving the perfect balance of density and contrast in a negative which perfeedy complements a medium-grade printing paper, thereby ensuring the maximum possible tonal range. This is hard to match in colour printing as we seek only to reproduce the ‘correct’ image of colour balance and contrast. At least, this is normally the case when printing photographs of birds, where we want a natural result. The frustrating part is that machines are exceedingly capable of analysing coloured transparencies or negatives and producing an excellent result which can be bettered by only a very few hand printers. Then, too, we have to accept that, with colour trans- parencies, our photographic involvement is over at the moment we press the 272. Glaucous Gull Imcus hyperboreus. West Glamorgan, December 1990 {Harold E. GrmfeltfNWson FA; 400mm Sigma APO; XPl) 273. Common Terns Sterna hirundo displaying, Northamptonshire, April 1991 {R. J- Chandler)(giWson FE2; 600mm Nikkor; XPl) [ISril. Birds 8f>: 600-61 I, November I992| m f ^r S^^^HUh 'I 609 Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs shutter release. Perhaps this e.xplains the lure to some of black-and-white pho- tograph}'. There is tremendous satisfaction in creating a print with a full range of tones, and one can never forget the magic moment as an image swims to life in the dim, red light of the darkroom. It is interesting to note which film stocks photographers prefer. Last year, out of a total of 1 4 prints selected, four were taken on conventional Ilford FP4, while aU the rest were captured on the relatively new chromogenic film, either Ilford XPl or XP2 (one only). This year, we still have four taken on FP4 and two others on the conventional film, Fuji Meopan 400. Chromogenics are still in the majority, with nine on XPl and one on XP2. This year, we had submitted for our delectation a total of 67 prints by seven photographers, from which we have chosen to publish 16 by six photo- graphers. As might be expected, we find names which are well known to us, and Harold Grenfell, Dr Kevin Carlson, Dr Richard Chandler and Tony Hamblin each have three prints selected, while David Taylor and Mike Weston have tw'o. You will notice that these have been put down in alphabetical order of Christian-name appellation, not by rank, seniority or merit. Now to the pictures themselves. Sometimes, the photographers provide fairly full details of the situation, but frequendy the judging panel has to spec- ulate on the most likely course of events. The first photograph by Richard Chandler (plate 273) is of two Common Terns Sterna hirundo displaying to a third which is flying overhead carrying a small fish. With its uncluttered background and the simplicity of the perches, this makes a most interesting and attractive picture. There are two other 274. Adult male Killdeer Charadrius voeijerus. Florida. USA, September 1988 {R- J- Chandler){tR\kon FE2; 600mm Nikon + 1.4x converter; XPl) 275. Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, Guvnedd. August 1991 (/?. J. Chandler)CS,\ko\\ FE2: 600mm Nikkor; XPl) 276. Curlew .Xumenius arquala regurgitating pellet, Powys, May 1990 [Tony Hamblin){Cdnon T90; Canon 500L; XP 1 i 277. Dunlin Calidris alpina, Powys, May 1990 (Tori}' Hamblin){Cdnon TOO; Canon 500L; XPl) 278. Spoonbill Plataka kucorodia, Portugal, May 1991 (Kwin Cflr/(ton)(Nikon 501; 300mm Nikkor; kT4) 279. Male Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus, Portugal, May 1991 [Ka’in C'a)7so«)(Nikon FE; 135mm Nikkor; FP4) 280. King Eider Somateria speclabilis, Netherlands, February 1991 (Mike ir«/o«)(Canon Al; Canon FD600mm; XPl) 281. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Netherlands, May 1991 (Mike 1 1 Mto«)(Canon EOS600; Sigma AF 75-300mm; XPl ) 282. 5'eUowhammer Emberiza cilrinelta singing on bramble. West Glamorgan, June 1991 i Harold E. ! Grenfelt][y,\kon F3; 600mm Sigma Mirror; XP2) ' 283. Melodious W'arbler Hippolais polyglolla, Portugal, May 1991 (Kevin Car/ro«)(Pentacon Six; i 180mm Sonnar; FP4j j 284. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus, Germany, July 1991 (David Taylor)(N\kon F3; 500mm mirror lens I vrith 2x converter; Fuji Neopan 400) j 285. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus, Warwickshire, May 1986 (Tony Hamblin)(OW2tR', 300mm Olympus; kT4) 286. Little Gull Lams minutus and Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus, Germany, July 1991 (David Taylor)(\\kon F3; 600mm lens + 1 .4x converter; Fuji Neopan 400) 287. Common Scoter Melanilta nigra, West Glamorgan, December 1990 (Harold E. Grenfelt)(Nikon FA; 400mm Sigma APO; XPl) 610 Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs pictures by Richard and it is no surprise that they are of waders: an adult male Killdeer Charadrius vociferus in Florida (plate 274) and a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper Calidris fermgnea in Anglesey (plate 275). All these were taken using a 600-mm lens, but for the Killdeer shot a 1 .4-times converter was used as well. The splendid and evocative sight of a Glaucous Gull Lams hyperborens wheel- ing over spindrift off the storm-tossed West Glamorgan coast (plate 272) is by Harold Grenfell. Not only has he captured the spirit of the moment, but he has also managed to keep the horizon level, which can be very difhcult to do when one’s attention is riveted upon the subject. Also at Port Eynon on the Gower Peninsula, within a few days of the Glaucous Gull, Harold has come up trumps again, with a superb shot of a Common Scoter Melanitta nigra tak- ing flight (plate 287). In his notes, he mentions that he was using a 400-mm Sigma APO on a monopod. This is the kind of picture one often tries for but misses, since the quarry usually takes flight at exactly the wrong moment. As in the Glaucous Gull picture, the movement of the water adds great pictorial interest. In a totally different vein is his third picture to be shown here: a Yel- lowhammer Emberiza citrinella (plate 282). Perched on a bramble stem, this singing male shows well the distinctive bill shape peculiar to the buntings. Beautifully composed, this fine picture reveals that it was taken through a 500- mm mirror lens by the twinned out-of-focus effect of the rearmost branch at top left. Let us now look at Kevin Carlson’s selection. Kevin has forgotten more about hide photography at or near the nest than most of us will ever learn. He has developed a distinctive style of black-and-white work that is easily recognised by those of us familiar with the metier. This year, Kevin has had three of his photographs selected (plates 278, 279 & 283). The SpoonbiU Pbtalea kucorodia was photographed in Portugal, a country which Kevin and his wife Christine have made very much their stamping ground and where they have greatly assisted the Portuguese to develop a coherent wildlife policy. We presume that this picture was taken at the same colony where last year’s picture was obtained. The hide, which was placed 12 m from the nest, was erected over the course of the week, and a 300-mm lens was eventually used. The Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus was photographed at its nest in a Por- tuguese reedbed. Carefully ‘gardened’ (as we caU judicious pruning and tem- porary tying back of surplus vegetation), this shows the male stepping forward before brooding the clutch of eggs. This hide also took a week to introduce, but was situated 3 m from the subject, necessitating the use of a 1 35-mm lens. The final picture in this group is of a pair of Melodious Warblers Hippolau polyglotta at the nest, where the male is passing food to the female. Yet again in Portugal, the hide was only 1.2 m away from the nest, while a 180-mm lens on 6cm .x 6cm film format was used. , Tony Hamblin can always be relied upon to furnish a good set of prints, i and this year is no exception. Plate 276 shows a Curlew Numenius arquata j which we guess to be near the nest, judging by the habitat. We are told that the strange lump in its throat is a pcUet being regurgitated. Taken with the same focal length of lens, 500-mm, is the superb portrait of a Dunlin Calidris | alpina in breeding plumage (plate 277). Like that of the Curlew, this photo- I graph was obtained in Powys, Wales, where we assume that it was near its I 611 Best recent black-and-white bird-photographs nest. A very different approach is shown in Tony’s fine picture of a Cuckoo Cuculus canorus (plate 285) perching on a branch to which, doubtless, the bird was lured by a taped Cuckoo call. It was photographed in \Varwickshire using a 300-mm lens. .■\n interesting contrast to the first Cuckoo picture is that taken by David Taylor of a rufous female Cuckoo in Germany (plate 284). Whether calling or panting in the heat we cannot tell, but it was photographed using a 500-mm mirror lens and a 2-times converter from the car window at a distance of about 50 m. Plate 286, of Little Gull Lams minutus and Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus, shows well the differences between the two species. This time, David utilised a 600-mm lens with a 1 .4-times converter. The final group of uvo is by Mike Weston, who took both pictures in the Netherlands. The first one (plate 280) is of a splendid adult male King Eider Somateria spectabilis at the Hook of HoUand, rising out of the water to flap its wings. A 600-mm lens was used for this. The second shot is a fine action pic- ture of a Grey Heron Ardea cinerea (plate 28 1 ) which, having just captured a small fish, has had its image captured by a 75-300-mm zoom lens as it spread its wings to take flight. All in all, a very fine selection and our thanks to aU those who submitted prints. May we, as usual, request all photographers to take heed of the provi- sions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) w'hen intending to photo- graph at or near a nest. May we also caution those who might use tape lures to do so with circumspection, as they can cause serious disturbance to breed- ing birds. Don Smith, J.T.R. Sh.vrrock and Roger Tidmax ICBP news Bald Ibis workshop I'his summer, over 50 experts, including represen- tatives from ICBP, attended a workshop to discuss measures to save the Bald Ibis Gmntmis eremita. Once distributed through central Europe, North .Africa and the Middle East, the Bald Ibis is reduced to 430 wild birds, all of w hich occur in Morocco. The penultimate population, in Turkey, became extinct in 1989. (Captive-bred birds have been released in Turkey, but they are not regarded as a viable population.) .Agricultural intensification is believed to be largely responsible for the decline, with a number of drought years in northern .Africa at the end of the 1970s also contributing. Birders should be aware that human disturbance is also a problem, and Moroccan children hav'e learnt to throw- stones at the birds to Hush them for visiting birdwatchers, in return for a tip. The recent designation of the Oued Massa National Park in Morocco provides some hope. Approximately 250 of the remaining 430 wild individuals occur in the Park, and the Government of .Morocco deserves congratulations for the designation. It is essential, howev’er, that effectiv'e pro- tection for the Bald Ibis is introduced in .Morocco immediately, if the species is to have a chance of survival. GkORGIN.V GrKKN Inlemalinnal Council for Bird Preservalion, 32 Cambridge Road, Girlon, Cambridge CBS 01^ 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 annu- ally 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 1992 is Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers: a handbook. By C. Hilary Fry, Kathie Fry & Alan Harris. Christo- pher Helm (Publishers), Lon- don. ^27.99. (Review: Brit. Birds 85: 572) KINGFISHERS BEE-EATERS & ROLLERS C Hilary Fry, Kathie Fry and Alan Harris Two other books were close contenders and are also strongly recommended by us: The Magpies: the ecology and behaviour of Black-billed and Yellow-billed Magpies. By Tim Birkhead; iUustrated by David Quinn. T. & A. D, Poyser, London. /(18.00. (Review: Bril. Birds 84: 577-578) The Herons of Europe. By Claire Voisin; illustrated by G. Brusewitz, P. L. Suiro and F. Desbordes. L. & A. D. Poyser, Ixtndon. ,{(22.50. (Review: Bril. Birds 85: 79) 612 British BirdShop Listed books are POST FREE to ‘British Birds’ sub The books included in British BirdShop are recommended by British Birds as rehable, good value and valuable additions to any birdwatcher’s library. It is the aim of British Birds and Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd to provide British Birds subscribers with the best, most reliable and friendliest service possible. Items ordered through British BirdShop are despatched for British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books Ltd. All correspondence concerning British BirdShop should be sent to British BirdShop, c/o Subbuteo Books, Treuddyn, Mold, Clwyd CH7 4L\. Books .“Ml listed books are POST FREE. SPECIAL OFFERS Pleose lick / British Birds/IBCE International Bird Identijicatwn (usuallly 10.50) Paperback ;{)9.50 EH Ogilvic & Winter Best Days with Brituh Birds (British Birds) E\CLUSI\'E REDUCED PRICE (usually £14.95) £6.95 □ NEW COUNTY ATLASES AND AVIFAUNAS I Orders for any three titles under this heading qualify for a 5% discount] Brucker. Gosler & Heryet Birds of Oxfordshire (Pisces) £27.95 D Cook Birds of Moray and .Nairn (Aberdeen UP) DUE LATE 1992 (Orders accepted) Paperback £7.95 D Deans et al. An Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Shropshire (SOS) Paperback £9.95 D D\Tnond Birds of Fair Isle Paperback £1 1 .95 D Guest, Elphick, Hunter & Norman The Breeding Bird Atlas of Cheshire and Wirral (CAWOS) £16.95 EH Mitcham Rutland Breeding Bird Atlas (Spiegl Press) Paperback £6.50 Q NEW BOOKS THIS MONTH .Axell Of Birds and Men iBook Guild) £14.95 D Bibby Putting Biodiversity on the Map: priority areas for global conservation (ICBP) Paperback £12.95 D Bibby. Burgess & Hill Bird Cencus Techniques (BTO/RSPB) £19.50 D Davies Dunnock Behaviour and Social Evolution (OUP) Paperback £13.50 D Hardback £35.00 D Kaufman Peterson Fieldguides: Advanced Birding (Houghton Mifflin) Paperback £10.95 D Hardback £15.95 D Knox Checklist of Birds of Britain and Ireland Sixth edition (BOU) Paperback £4.95 D Koepeke The Birds of the Department of Lima, Peru ( Harrovvood) Paperback £14.95 D Meams & Meams Audubon to Xantus: the lives of those commemorated in North American bird names (Academic) £29.50 D Roberts The Birds of Pakistan vol. 2 (OUP) £40.00 D COMING SOON - ORDER NOW Cramp Birds of the Western Palearctic vol. 6 (OUP) DUE DECEMBER .£75.00 D Ferns Bird Lfe of Coasts and Estuaries (CUP) DUE DECtiMBER approx £22.50 D RECOMMENDED BOOKS Mi & Ripley Compact Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan, 2nd edn (OUP) £75.00 EH .Alstrom, Colston & Lewington A Field Guide to the Rare Birds of Britain and Europe (HarperCoUins) £14.99 D Brooke & Birkhcad Cambridge Enyclopedia of Ornithology (CUP) £24. 9d D Campbell & Lack .4 Dictionaiy of Birds (Poyscr) Best Bird Book OE 1985. £49.50 □ Clements Birds of the World: a check list (Ibis) £20.00 □ del Hoyo, Elliot & Sargatal Handbook of the Birds of the World vol. 1 (Lynx) £95.00 D DvTnond, Fraser & Gantlett Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland (Poyser) £19.00 D Flint et al. A Field Guide to the Birds of the USSR (Princeton) Paperback fTl.lb D Hardback £60.00 D Fiy-, Fry & Harris Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers: a handbook iWeXva) BEST BIRD Book OE 1992 £27.99 □ Fry, Keith & Urban The Birds of Africa (Academic) ... vol. 1 £8 1 .00 D vol. 2 £8 1 .00 D vol. 3 £8 1 .00 D vol. 4 £85.00 D Grimmett & Jones Important Bird Areas of Europe (ICBP) Paperback £2 1 .00 D Hancock, Kushlan & Kahl Storks, Ibises and Spoonbills of the World (Academic) £65.00 D Harris, Tucker & Vinicombe The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identification (Macmillan) £14.95 D Harrison Seabirds: an identification guide Revised edn. 1991 (Helm) Best Bird BcxjK OE 1983. £24.99 □ Hayman, Marchant & Prater Shorebirds: an identification guide to the waders of the World (Helm) Blsi Bird Book of 1986 £24.99 □ HoUom et al. Birds of the Middle East and North Africa (Poyser) £16.00 D Howard & Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. 2nd edn. (Academic) £22.50 D Hume & Boyer Owls of the World (Dragon’s World) £18.95 D Inskipp & Inskipp Guide to the Birds of .Nepal 2nd edn (Helm) £35.00 D Jonsson Birds of Europe with .North Africa and the Middle East (Helm) £25.00 D lAck The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland (Poyser) Blst Bird Book of 1987. £22.50 □ Langrand Guide to the Birds of Madagascar N 3\c UP) £35.00 EH Please use the British BirdShop form overleaf to complete your order. IX British BirdShop (continued) Listed books are POST FREE to ‘British Birds’ subscribers RECOMMENDED BOOKS (coiU.) tick / Lckat