British Birds Editorial Board R. J. Chandler R. A. Hume (to 31.7.97) M. A. Ogilvie R. J. Prytherch J. T. R. Sharrock Photographic Researcher Robin Chittenden Art Consultants Robert Gillmor and Alan Harris Volume 90 1997 British Birds Ltd ISSN 0007-0335 Editorial Staff Dr J. T. R. Sharrock (Managing Editor), David A. Christie (Assistant Editor), Mrs Sheila D. Cobban (Personal Assistant to Dr Sharrock) & Mrs Alison Gathercole Circulation Staff Mrs Erika Sharrock (Circulation Manager) Rarities Committee R. A. Hume (Chairman, to 31st July), Dr Colin Bradshaw (Chairman, from 1st August), Peter Clement (to 31st March), Pete Ellis, Paul Harvey (co-opted from 1st August), John McLoughlin, John Martin (from 1st April), Doug Page, K. D. Shaw, Dr Jimmy Steele (co-opted from 1st August), Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe & Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (Museum Consultant); John Marchant (Archivist); Peter Fraser & Dr John Ryan (Statisticians); Michael J. Rogers (Hon. Secretary) Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Prof. I. Newton FRS, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock & Dr K. E. L. Simmons Identification Notes Panel Dr Colin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson & K. E. Vinicombe Tin; ‘bh’ TEAM: left to right, Dr Malcolm Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Dr R. J. Chandler, Robin Prytherch, Mrs Sheila Cobban and Mrs Erika Sharrock, at Fountains, Bedfordshire, August 1997 ( N . Wilks). David A. Christie and Mrs Alison Gathercole were not present. - British Birds Volume 90 (1997) Main contents JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1 Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom Dr Brian H. Slone, Dr Jane Sears, Peter A. Cranswick, Dr Richard D. Gregory, Dr David W. Gibbons, Dr Mark M. Rehfisch, Nicholas J. Aebischer & Dr James B. Reid 25 Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls in Britain. Part 1. Martin Garner; illustrated by David Quinn MARCH 79 European news 94 How many rarities are we missing? Peter Fraser 104 Obituary: Bobby Tulloch MBE (1929-1996) Mike Everett APRIL 123 The re-establishment of Red Kite breeding populations in Scotland and England Dr Ian M. Evans, Roy H. Dennis, Duncan C. Orr-Ewing, Nils Kjellen, Per-Olof Andersson, Magnus Sylven, Alfonso Senosiain & Felix Compaired Carbo MAY 167 Sexual recognition of Common Swifts Ench Kaiser 175 Minutes of the first meeting of the Association of County Recorders and Editors M. Shrubb 177 The Best Annual Bird Report Awards Dr J. T. R. Shairock, Robert Gillmor, R. A. Hume, John Prior & Michael J. Rogers JUNE 209 Obituary: Vero Copner Wynne-Edwards DSc FRS CBE (1906-1997) Dr W. R. P. Bourne 211 The breeding birds of Inner London, 1966-94 P. J. Oliver 231 Bird Photograph of the Year Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume & Don Smith 238 European news JULY 261 Bird Illustrator of the Year Robert Gillmor, Alan Hands, Bruce Pearson, Keith Shackleton & Dr J. T. R. Shanvck 267 Cirl Buntings in Britain Dr Andy Evans AUGUST 305 ‘The Chalice petrel’ R. A. Hume ; P. Harrison; H. W. Wallis; Keith Cutting; S. A. Young; Peter Charles; T. M. England; J. R. Ward; S. A. Young & J. R. King (329); Michael Force (339) 314 Identification of North American Herring Gull Dr Philippe J. Dubois SEPTEMBER 369 Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls in Britain. Part 2. Martin Gamer, David Quinn & Bob Glover OCTOBER 403 The Best Bird Book of the Year 404 A pale Blyth’s Pipit Doug Page 410 The Carl Zeiss Award 413 Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1995 Peter A. Fraser, Peter G. Lansdown & Michael J. Rogers 444 Bay-breasted Warbler in Cornwall: new to Britain and Ireland David Ferguson NOVEMBER 453 Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1996 Michael J. Rogers & the BBRC DECEMBER 535 Young Ornithologists of the Year Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Rob Hume, B. A. E. Man; Dr J. J. D. Greenwood, Robert Gillmor & Peter Holden 538 The ornithological year 1996 Barry’ Nightingale & Keith Allsopp 549 Black-faced Bunting: new to Britain and Ireland Peter J. Alker 562 Exotic birds in Portugal Helder Costa, Gongalo Lobo Elias & Joao Carlos Farinha 571 Identification of Hume’s Warbler Steve Madge; illustrated by David Quinn winner, bird illustrator of the year 1997 (see pages 261-265): Turnstones Arenana interpres, Old Town Beach, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, December 1993 (John M. Wallers ) I ISSN 0007-0335 r British Birds Volume 90 Numbers 1-2 January-February 1997 Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls sy'Afti/ys- MM i/rrttt /; T-"/l 1 ■>nV..AV>u. W/Jw/My. ///////'• » ^ ••■.-.I/,.' ■ . - British Birds Established 1907; incorporating 'The Zoologist’, established 1843 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 Design Deborah Felts Photographic Researcher Robin Chittenden Art Consultants Robert Gillmor, Alan Harris Circulation Manager & Advertising Manager Erika Sharrock Rarities Committee R. A. Hume (Chairman), Dr Colin Bradshaw, Peter Clement, Pete Ellis, John McLoughlin, Doug Page, K. D. Shaw, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (museum consultant); John Marchant (archivist); Peter Fraser & Dr John Ryan (statisticians); Michael J. Rogers (Hon. Secretary) Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton FRS, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Dr K. E. L. Simmons Identification Notes Panel Dr Colin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, K. E. Vinicombe Annual subscriptions Libraries and agencies £57.00, IR£66.40 or $108.00. Personal subscriptions: UK, Europe and surface mail £44.80, IR£52.40 or $85.00; personal airmail, outside Europe £75.00, IR£87.65 or $142.00. Single back copies £5.80, IR£6.65 or $11.00. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO account number 37 588 6303. Addresses Please keep correspondence on different items separate. Please supply SAE, if reply required. Papers, notes, letters, items for ‘Nezvs and comment’, drawings & photographs: Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3N]. Phone & Fax: Biggleswade (01767) 640025 Subscriptions and orders for back copies: Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Bigglesw’ade (01767) 640467 Advertising: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Advertising, do Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (01767) 640467. 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BTO WORLD BIRDING CONFERENCE Swanwick, Derbyshire. 4th/5th/6th April A new and indispensable guide from T & A D Poyser ISBN: 0.85661.076.3, Oct 1996, 350 pages, £29.95 Available from your local bookseller or directly from: T & A 1) Poyser, Marketing Department, 24-28 Oval Road, London NW1 7DX Tel: +44 (0)171 267 4466 Fax: +44 (0)171 267 0362 • Distribution maps appear opposite each plate and are annotated with details of each species status and preferred habitat. • Expert authors, each with 30 years field experience in the region . * • An entirely authoritative reference • An indispensable guide for the visiting birder • A vital tool for those engaged in conservation and study of the Middle East’s birds Features: The first comprehensive field identification guide devoted solely to the Middle East 700 FULL COLOUR illustrations of all distinctive plumages 11 British Birds Established 1907; incorporating ‘ The Zoologist’, established 1843 history (5useum 2$ JAN 1997 presented TRING UBRarv Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom Brian H. Stone, Jane Sears, Peter A. Cranswick, Richard D. Gregory, David W. Gibbons, Mark M. Rehfisch, Nicholas J. Aebischer and James B. Reid ABSTRACT A panel formed from the British Trust for Ornithology, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Game Conservancy Trust has identified the most recent reliable estimates of the breeding, wintering and passage populations of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. This paper summarises the most-up-to-date estimates in a single table with the intention of providing a useful resource for conservation. This is the first year that the Avian Population Estimates Panel (APEP) has published estimates, and it will aim to publish revisions every three years. Population estimates are one of the most widely quoted products of surveys, censuses and monitoring. They exist in numerous sources, ranging from published papers on individual species to compilations such as The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland (Gibbons et al. 1993) and The Status of [Brit. Birds 90: 1 -22, January-February 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 1 2 Stone el al .: Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK Seabirds in Britain and Ireland (Lloyd et al. 1991). Many estimates remain unpublished, in reports or unfinished papers, and are known only to a few people. For some well-studied species, a plethora of estimates exists, while for others there are no reliable estimates. This compilation of recent reliable population estimates for birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom has been prepared for three main reasons: to allow easy access to useful data in one publication; to widen the use of previously unpublished data; and to reduce the potential for confusion and dispute through the use of out-of-date or unreliable estimates. This does not purport to be a definitive list: other reliable estimates exist and these may also be used. We hope, however, that it will prove useful, and we welcome feedback which will help to update the table for future revisions. Why are population estimates useful? As well as for interest in the numbers of a species and for academic research, population estimates are widely used to promote the conservation of birds. National population estimates may be compared with biogeographical, geographical or global populations to identify those species present in internationally important numbers in any particular country' (i.e. over a threshold percentage). The status and trends of a species in one country' may be compared with those in other countries within the species’ range, to determine general status. This approach has been used within Europe to identify ‘Species of European Conservation Concern’ and to prioritise those in need of conservation action (Tucker & Heath 1994). Similarly, within a country, a population’s status and trends may be assessed by comparing current population levels with earlier estimates, as was done recently in the UK to determine bird species of conservation concern (Gibbons et al. in press). Population estimates are frequently used to determine whether a particular site qualifies for protection. For example, under the Ramsar Convention, a site qualifies for designation if it regularly supports at least 1% of a population of a species or subspecies of waterbird. Counts for particular counties, regions or countries may also be compared with national estimates to put their importance into context and to help to ensure that conservation action is taken in the most important areas. A secondary benefit of this compilation has been to highlight those species for which no recent estimate exists. The lack of recent winter estimates for most passerines is an obvious gap. Several monitoring schemes exist which between them cover common breeding species, seabirds, winter waterfowl and other species of conservation concern (Smith 1994; Carter 1995). There are, however, many bird species whose uncertain status needs to be highlighted if they are to be monitored adequately in the future. The Avian Population Estimates Panel The membership of the Avian Population Estimates Panel (APEP) in September 1996 was Dr Nicholas Aebischer (Game Conservancy Trust), Peter Cranswick (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust), Dr David Gibbons (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), Dr Richard Gregory (British Trust for Ornithology), Dr Mark Rehfisch (BTO), Dr Jim Reid (Joint Nature Conservation Committee), Dr Jane Sears (RSPB) and Brian Stone (JNCC and Panel Chair); British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 3 Methods All estimates of breeding, wintering and passage populations included within the compilation have been published or are considered worthy of publication. Many ha\ c been presented in a few key publications, outlined below, but where possible these estimates have been updated and augmented using the results of recent surveys or analyses. Geographical coverage Estimates are published separately for Great Britain (GB) and the United Kingdom (UK). For the purposes of this paper, GB includes England, Scotland, Wales and their islands with the addition of the Isle of Man, but excluding the Channel Islands. The UK includes the same areas with the addition of Northern Ireland. The Panel experienced problems deriving estimates for Northern Ireland and very few reliable estimates resulted. It is hoped, however, that these figures can be included in future revisions. Estimates for common breeding birds Many of the estimates for breeding birds were published in The New Allas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland, 1988-1991 (Gibbons el al. 1993), referred to throughout as ‘the New Allas'. Estimates were derived using a range of methods (detailed within pages 462-475 of the New Allas (Gates et al. 1993)), including the Common Bird Census, Count Method, Number of Squares Method and, in several cases, estimates provided within the species accounts (from, for example, single-species surveys). Most seabird estimates originate from The Status of Seabirds in Britain and Ireland (Lloyd et al. 1991) containing the results of the Seabird Colony Register undertaken during 1985-87. Breeding estimates are generally presented as pairs, although other units are used where appropriate. The New Atlas presented estimates for Britain and Ireland, but not for the UK. Breeding estimates for the UK have been derived from the New Atlas (previously by DWG) for inclusion in the European Birds Database (EBD) held by BirdLife International. Many of these UK estimates were published in Birds in Europe (Tucker & Heath 1994). For most species, Northern Ireland populations were calculated by multiplying the All-Ireland estimates by the proportion of the species’ population (calculated from the abundance measures, relative or absolute, from each 10-km square) that occurred in Northern Ireland. UK populations were then calculated by summing the populations for Britain and Northern Ireland. To conform with the EBD, all figures were converted to pairs and rounded according to the following convention: >1,000,000 to the nearest 100,000; 100,000 to 1,000,000 to the nearest 10,000; 10,000 to 100,000 to the nearest 1,000; 1,000 to 10,000 to the nearest 100; 100 to 1,000 to the nearest 10. The majority of UK figures presented here are from the EBD, but where necessary have been converted back to the units used in the New Atlas. It is important to note that, as a result of rounding, the UK and British estimates for a species may be the same, even though the species does breed in small numbers in Northern Ireland. 4 Stone el al.: Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK Where a more recent published estimate is available, this has been used. In some cases, estimates have been derived from sample censuses and 95% confidence limits calculated. These are presented in the table as a best estimate followed by the confidence interval in brackets. Estimates for rare breeding birds Many of the estimates of breeding populations for rare breeding birds are derived from the reports of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP). Rather than present the most recent totals for these species, many of which have populations that fluctuate significantly from year to year, we have presented the mean of the most recently published five years from 1989-93 (Ogilvie et al. 1996). The minimum value quoted is the 5-year mean of confirmed breeders (usually pairs). The maximum is the 5-year mean of the maximum value quoted by the RBBP (generally the total number of pairs — a combination of possible, probable and confirmed breeding pairs). For a few species (e.g. Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena), it is not possible to calculate a minimum, and the single figure is presented as a best estimate. Some species (e.g. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosas. Red Kite Milvus rnilvus ) which are covered by RBBP reports have been surveyed recently and, where appropriate, the APEP has quoted the survey results as the best population estimate. For several species, the APEP considered that the RBBP was likely to underestimate the population substantially (Hobby Falco subbuteo , Fieldfare Tardus pilaris , Redwing T. iliacus, Firecrest Regains ignicapillus and Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis ) . For these species, the APEP used New Atlas data to derive estimates. A few species (Black-winged Stilt Himantopus hiniantopus , Little Gull Larus minutus, Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina and Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittaais ) have bred only occasionally during 1989-93 and would have a 5-year mean of less than 1. The breeding estimate for these species is expressed as 0-1. Estimates of wintering populations Most of the GB wintering waterbird population estimates are presented from recent reviews of Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) and other national waterfowl survey data by Kirby (1995) and Cayford & Waters (1996). To derive most UK wildfowl figures, the proportion of each species’ population counted by WeBS was calculated by comparing the average of the peak total counts for die last five available winters (1989/90 to 1993/94) with the estimate in Kirby (1995). The average peak total counts for Northern Ireland for the same period were multiplied by this factor and then added to the unrounded GB estimates. In certain cases, the UK estimate was derived using other sources which contain estimates for Northern Ireland or die UK. In these cases, the additional source is quoted. The wader totals for Northern Ireland were calculated using WeBS data collected during the 1989/90 to 1993/94 winters. These Northern Ireland totals were then added to the GB population estimates (Cayford & Waters 1996), forming the UK population estimates. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 5 The GB and UK wintering wildfowl and wader estimates were rounded using the convention from Kirby (1995) and Cayford & Waters (1996): >100,000 to the nearest 1,000; 10,000-100,000 to the nearest 100; <10,000 to the nearest 10. The Ramsar Convention has recommended (Resolution C.4.6) that, for waterbirds, 1% thresholds be revised only once every nine years, yet population estimates be revised every three years. In order that the relevant estimates here also correspond to those in international usage, some may not be the most recently available. We plan to update future tables in accordance with future international revision cycles. Winter estimates for gulls are based on the BTO Gull Roost Survey of 1993. Incomplete coverage, especially of some coastal sites, in what was otherwise a complete count, means that these figures are underestimates and are described in the table as minima. Up-to-date estimates of the wintering populations for species not counted by the WeBS scheme are more difficult to obtain. The estimates in The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland (Lack 1986) are now mostly rather old and could cause confusion if compared with the more recent estimates of breeding populations. The Panel decided, therefore, not to include these figures in this review. Winter population estimates are given for a few selected species (Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris , Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus , Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris, Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta, Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus, Fieldfare, Redwing, Great Grey Shrike Lanins excubitor, Brambling Fringilla montifringilla, Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus and Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis). These are either species for which reasonably reliable estimates are available, and which occur in the UK only in the winter, or species which have winter populations that are substantially boosted by immigration. For winter estimates, a period quoted in the table as 1986-91 refers to the five winters of 1986/87 to 1990/91. Estimates of passage populations Estimates of the populations of birds on passage are particularly difficult to obtain owing to the uncertain rate at which they pass through sites where they are counted. The APEP decided to include only the higher of the autumn or spring passage population estimates, and only where this exceeded the winter estimate. Wader passage population estimates for GB and Northern Ireland were derived from WeBS counts made during the spring and autumn months of the 1989/90 to 1993/94 winter count seasons. Since only half the GB and one-quarter of the Northern Ireland coastal sites are counted, the recorded totals were multiplied up accordingly. As not all suitable sites are covered in spring, counts being restricted largely to coastal sites, the true wader passage populations are potentially seriously underestimated. Passage population estimates are, therefore, expressed as minima. Passage wader estimates have been rounded using the same convention as for wintering estimates. An attempt was also made to estimate the autumn passage population of Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola , which occurs only on passage and is a high-priority species for international conservation action. This secretive species 6 Stone et al.: Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK is extremely hard to detect and count. The estimate is based on the mean of autumn records 1987-92 and is certainly an underestimate. Using the table Terminology Each estimate in the table is assigned a ‘type’ and a ‘derivation’ to indicate how the estimate should be interpreted and broadly how it was obtained. The types of estimate are: • Best estimate (Best est.): the best available single figure; • 5-year mean (5-y mean): the average of published RBBP figures for 1989-93; • 4-year mean (4-y mean): for Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula where data were available only for confirmed breeding in 1989-92, and Common Quail Cotumix cotumix where data were presented for 1 990-93 to exclude the invasion year of 1989; • Minimum (Min.): for estimates of passage populations derived from WeBS counts that do not cover all potential sites and underestimate total populations owing to the movement of birds through sites; • Best estimate with 95% confidence limits (95%) : for estimates derived from sample censuses where confidence limits were calculated. Derivations are numbered from 1 to 4 with the following meanings: 1. Complete count 2. Expert estimate 3. Compilation 4. Extrapolation A full or near-full census; The best estimate in the opinion of experts studying the population of the species in question; An estimate derived from a number of sources (e.g. RBBP data); An estimate derived by extrapolating from sample surveys and methods based on abundance and distribution data. Quality of estimates (reliability7, date and change) The table has columns for reliability (Rel), change (+/-) and date. By examining a combination of these, the reader should be able to form a judgment concerning the quality of an estimate. The reliability figure is a simple score of 1 to 3, where 1 is good and 3 is poor. This is intended to indicate one aspect of the quality of an estimate as judged by the APEP. For example, an estimate may be assigned a good reliability score if it derives from a comprehensive count across the breeding range of the species. An estimate for a species which is secretive or occurs in inaccessible areas and is therefore difficult to survey accurately might be assigned a low reliability score. The date given is, in most cases, a range covering the census or censuses used to derive the estimate. Although recent estimates are of the greatest use, older estimates are not necessarily of poorer quality if they refer to species with stable populations. The column headed ‘+/-’ in the table is used to indicate where, in the opinion of the APEP, the published figure is likely to underestimate or overestimate the present population. Although this is an unsourced, qualitative comment, it is useful in judging how well the estimate applies to the current population, British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 7 especially in cases where the only published estimate is old. A ‘+’ symbol in this column indicates that the population has probably increased significantly since the published estimate, and a symbol indicates the converse. Use of the data The estimates provided in the table are, in the opinion of the APEP, the best available figures in each case. A number of methods have been used to derive the various estimates. Comparison of one figure with another may, therefore, produce some apparent inconsistencies or unexpected results. The APEP strongly recommends that caution is exercised when comparing these figures one with another or with other sources. It is important to pay careful attention to the date of the estimate, its assessed reliability, its method of collection and analytical derivation, and its source before drawing any conclusions. In particular, it is not possible to derive figures for Northern Ireland simply by subtracting the GB estimate from the UK estimate. In a number of cases where the species occurs in NI, the UK and GB figures are the same. This is because the NI populations often comprise a relatively small proportion of the UK totals and are ‘lost’ in the rounding applied to the estimates. Table 1. Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. Population estimates are presented for Great Britain and for the UK, with the seasons abbreviated as follows: A = Autumn migration; B = Breeding; S = Spring migration; W = Wintering. Units are abbreviated to: A = individual adults; F = females; I = individuals; M = males; N = nests; P = pairs; T = territories; W = wild pairs (some estimates use more-complex units and these are highlighted in the notes). Estimates of populations which are thought to have increased or decreased significantly are indicated with a + or - in the +/- column (this indicates a need for caution and is not an indication of trend: see text for full explanation). Reliability' (Rel) is scored from 1 (good) to 3 (poor); see text for a full explanation. The methods used to derive the estimate (Der) are described in the text and appear in the table as 1 = Complete count; 2 = Expert estimate; 3 = Compilation; 4 = Extrapolation. Notes appear at the end of the table and the reference numbers are listed in the reference section. Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- Type Rel Der Ref Red-throated Diver GB B 935-1,500 P 1994 Best est. 2 2,4 52 Gavia stellata GB W 4,850 1 1980-86 Best est. 3 2 14 UK B 935-1,500 P 1994 Best est. 2 2,4 52 Black-throated Diver GB B 155-189 P 1994 Best est. 2 1,2 52 Gavia arctica GB W 700 1 1980-86 Best est. 3 2 14 UK B 155-189 P 1994 Best est. 2 1,2 52 Great Northern Diver Gavia immer GB W 3,000 1 1983 Best est. 3 2 38 Little Grebe GB B 5,000-10,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Tachybaptus ruficollis GB W 3,290 1 1987-92 Best est. 3 4 36 UK B 5,900-12,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 UK W 4,250 1 1987-92 Best est. 3 4 36,64 Great Crested Grebe GB B 8,000 A 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Podiceps cristatus GB W 9,800 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 9,400 A 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 11,800 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Red-necked Grebe GB B 2 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 Podiceps grisegena GB W 150 1 1983 Best est. 2 2 38 UK B 2 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 UK W 150 1 1983 Best est. 2 2 38 8 Stone el al Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- • Type Rel Der Ref Slavonian Grebe GB B 70-78 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 Podiceps auritus GB W 400 1 1983 Best est. 2 2 38 UK B 70-78 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 UK W 400 1 1983 Best est. 2 2 38 Black-necked Grebe GB B 2348 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 Podiceps mgricollis GB W 120 1 1983 Best est. 2 2 38 UK B 2348 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 UK W 120 1 1983 Best est. 2 2 38 Fulmar GB B 539,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Fulmarus glacialis UK B 543,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Manx Shearwater GB B 220,000-250,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Puffinus puffinus UK B 220,000-250,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 European Storm-petrel GB B 20,000-150,000 P 1968-87 Best est. 3 3 39 Hydrobates pelagicus UK B 20,000-150,000 P 1968-87 Best est. 3 3 39 Leach's Storm-petrel GB B 10,000-100,000 P 1969-87 Best est. 3 3 39 Oceanodroma leucorhoa UK B 10,000-100,000 P 1969-87 Best est. 3 3 39 Northern Gannet GB B 201,000 N 1994-95 Best est. 1 1 41,70 Mom bassanus UK B 201,000 N 1994-95 Best est. 1 1 41,70 Great Cormorant GB B 7,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Phalacrocorax carbo GB W 13,200 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 7,600 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 14,700 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Shag GB B 37,500 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Phalacrocorax aristotelis UK B 37,500 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Great Bittern GB B 20 M 1995 Best est. 1 1 52 Botaurus stellaris GB W 50-150 1 1981-84 Best est. 2 3 38 UK B 20 M 1995 Best est. 1 1 52 UK W 50-150 1 1981-84 Best est. 2 3 38 Grey Heron GB B 10,000 N 1991 + Best est. 2 2 30 Ardea cinerea UK B 11,000 N 1991 + Best est. 2 4 22 Mute Swan GB B 25,750 A 1990 Best est. 1 1 19 Cygnus olor GB W 25,750 1 1990 Best est. 2 1 19 UK B 28,000-30,000 A 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 29,800 1 1990 Best est. 2 1 17,64 Tundra Swan GB W 7,200 | 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 Cygnus columbianus UK W 7,590 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Whooper Swan GB B 2 W 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 Cygnus cygnus GB W 5,600 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 2 W 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 UK W 8,680 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Bean Goose GB W 450 1 1989 Best est. 1 1 2 Anser f abatis UK W 450 1 1989 Best est. 1 1 2 Pink-footed Goose GB W 192,000 1 1992 + Best est. 1 1 36 Anser brachyrhynchus UK W 192,000 1 1992 + Best est. 1 1 36 'European' White-fronted Goose GB W 6,100 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 Anser albifrons albifrons UK W 6,100 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 'Greenland' White-fronted Goose GB W 13,700 1 1986-91 Best est. 1 1 61 A. a. flavlrostris UK W 13,860 1 1986-91 Best est. 1 1 61 Greylag Goose GB W 100,000 1 1992 Best est. 1 1 36 Anser anser UK W 100,000 1 1992 Best est. 1 1 36 (Icelandic population) Greylag Goose GB B 500-700 P 1986 Best est. 2 2 65 Anser anser GB W 5,250 1 1992 Best est. 1 1 36 (North Scottish population) UK B 500-700 P 1986 Best est. 2 2 65 UK W 5,250 1 1992 Best est. 1 1 36 Greylag Goose GB B 13,100 A 1991 Best est. 1 1 17 Anser anser GB W 18,900 1 1991 Best est. 2 1 17 (naturalised population) UK B 13,800 A 1991 Best est. 1 4 17 UK W 19,900 1 1991 Best est. 2 4 17,64 British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 9 Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- Type Rel Der Ref Note Canada Goose GB B 46,700 A 1991 Best est. 1 1 18 Branta canadensis GB W 61,000 1 1991 Best est. 2 4 18 UK B 47,200 A 1991 Best est. 1 4 18,64 UK W 61,600 1 1991 Best est. 2 4 18,64 Barnacle Goose GB W 26,950 1 1988 Best est. 1 1 23 Branta leucopsis UK W 26,950 1 1988 Best est. 1 1 23 (Greenland population) Barnacle Goose GB W 12,120 1 1992 Best est. 1 1 36 Branta leucopsis UK W 12,120 1 1992 Best est. 1 1 36 (Svalbard population) Barnacle Goose GB B 730 A 1991 Best est. 1 1 17 Branta leucopsis GB W 820 1 1991 Best est. 1 1 17 (naturalised population) UK B 810 A 1991 Best est. 1 1 17,64 UK W 920 1 1991 Best est. 2 1 17,64 'Dark-bellied' Brent Goose GB W 103,300 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 36 Branta bemicla bernicla UK W 103,300 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 36 'Light-bellied' Brent Goose UK W 14,600 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 1 12 8. b. hrota (Greenland population) 'Light-bellied' Brent Goose GB W 2,430 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 12 (Svalbard population) UK W 2,430 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 12 Egyptian Goose GB B 700 A 1991 Best est. 1 1 17 Alopochen aegyptiacus GB W 910 1 1991 Best est. 1 1 17 UK B 700 A 1991 Best est. 1 1 17 UK W 910 1 1991 Best est. 1 1 17 Common Shelduck GB B 10,600 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Tadorna tadorna GB W 73,500 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 10,900 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 76,400 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Mandarin Duck GB W 7,000 1 1970-87 Best est. 3 2 15 Aix galericulata UK W 7,000 1 1970-87 Best est. 3 4 15 Eurasian Wigeon GB B 300-500 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 2 30 Anas penelope GB W 277,800 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 300-500 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 291,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Gadwall GB B 770 P 1990 Best est. 2 4 30 Anas strepera GB W 8,200 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 790 P 1990 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 8,400 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 Common Teal GB B 1,500-2,600 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Anas crecca GB W 135,800 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 1,600-2,800 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 UK W 141,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Mallard GB B 100,000-130,000 P 1979-83 Best est. 3 2 44 Anas platyrhynchos GB W 500,000 1 1979-83 Best est. 3 2 44 UK B 100,000-130,000 P 1979-83 Best est. 3 2 44 UK W 527,000 1 1979-83 Best est. 3 4 44,64 Northern Pintail GB B 842 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Anas acuta GB W 27,800 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 842 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 UK W 28,100 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Garganey GB B 15-125 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Anas querquedula UK B 15-125 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Northern Shoveler GB B 1,000-1,500 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 2 30 Anas clypeata GB W 10,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 1,000-1,500 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 10,300 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Red-crested Pochard GB B 100 A 1988-91 Best est. 2 2 30 Netta rufina UK B 100 A 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 10 Stone el al.'. Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- CD CL Rel Der Ref Common Pochard GB B 251406 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 Aythya ferma GB W 43,700 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 251406 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 UK W 81,200 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Tufted Duck GB B 7,000-8,000 P 1979-83 Best est. 2 4 44 Aythya fuligula GB W 60,600 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 8,000-9,000 P 1986 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 90,100 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Greater Scaup GB B 0-3 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 Aythya maiila GB W 11,000 1 1986-91 Best est. 2 1 37 UK B 0-3 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 UK W 13,400 1 1986-91 Best est. 2 1 37 Common Eider GB B 31,000-32,000 F 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Somateria mollissima GB W 77,500 1 1986-91 Best est. 2 1 37 UK B 32,000-33,000 F 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 78,000 1 1986-91 Best est. 2 1 37 Long-tailed Duck GB W 23,500 1 1986-91 Best est. 3 1 37 Clangula hyemalis UK W 23,500 1 1986-91 Best est. 3 1 37 Common Scoter GB B 76-89 P 1995 Best est. 1 1 68 Melamtta nigra GB W 34,500 1 1986-91 Best est 3 1 37 UK B 76-89 P 1995 Best est. 1 2 68 UK W 37,550 1 1986-91 Best est. 3 1 37 Velvet Scoter GB W 3,000 1 1986-91 Best est. 3 1 37 Melanitta fusca UK W 3,000 1 1986-91 Best est. 3 1 37 Common Goldeneye GB B 83-109 P 1989-92 4-y mean 2 3 43 Bucephala clangula GB W 17,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 83-109 P 1989-92 4-y mean 2 3 43 UK W 32,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Smew GB W 250 1 1983 Best est. 3 2 38 Mergellus albellus UK W 250 1 1983 Best est. 3 4 38 Red-breasted Merganser GB B 2,200 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Mergus senator GB W 10,000 1 1986-91 Best est. 2 1 37 UK B 2,300 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 10,400 1 1986-91 Best est. 2 1 37 Goosander GB B 2,600 P 1987 + Best est. 2 4 34 Mergus merganser GB W 8,900 1 1992 Best est. 2 4 36 UK B 2,600 P 1987 + Best est. 2 4 34 UK W 8,900 1 1992 Best est. 2 4 36 Ruddy Duck GB B 570 P 1991-92 Best est 2 4 30 Oxyura jamaicensis GB W 3,500 1 1991-92 Best est. 3 4 35 UK B 590 P 1991-92 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 3,560 1 1991-92 Best est. 3 4 35,64 Honey-buzzard GB B 4-23 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 Perms apiwrus UK B 4-23 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 Red Kite GB B 160 P 1995 Best est. 1 2 52 Milvus milvus UK B 160 P 1995 Best est. 1 2 52 White-tailed Eagle GB B 10 T 1995 Best est. 1 1 52 Hallaeetus albicllla UK B 10 T 1995 Best est. 1 1 52 Marsh Harrier GB B 157-160 F 1995 Best est. 1 1 16 Circus aeruginosus UK B 157-160 F 1995 Best est. 1 1 16 Hen Harrier GB B 630 P 1988-89 Best est. 2 4 5 Circus cyaneus UK B 670 P 1988-89 Best est. 2 4 22 Montagu's Harrier GB B 7 P 1995 Best est 1 2 52 Circus pygargus UK B 7 P 1995 Best est 1 2 52 Northern Goshawk GB B 400-450 P 1993-94 Best est. 2 2 46,57 Accipiter gentilis UK B 400450 P 1993-94 Best est 2 2 46,57 Eurasian Sparrowhawk GB B 32,000 P 1986 + Best est. 2 4 42 Accipiter n/sus UK B 34,000 P 1986 + Best est 2 4 22 11 British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- Type Rel Der Ref Note Common Buzzard GB B 12,000-17,000 T 1983 + Best est. 2 2 63 Buteo buteo UK B 12,000-17,000 T 1983 + Best est. 2 4 22 Rough-legged Buzzard GB W 43 1 1986-91 5-y mean 2 3 24 Buteo lagopus UK W 43 1 1986-91 5-y mean 2 3 24 Golden Eagle GB B 422 P 1992 Best est. 1 1 33 Aquila chrysaetos UK B 422 P 1992 Best est. 1 1 33 Osprey GB B 99 P 1995 Best est. 1 3 52 Pandion haliaetus UK B 99 P 1995 Best est. 1 3 52 Common Kestrel GB B 50,000 P 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Falco tinnunculus UK B 52,000 P 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Merlin GB B 1,300(1,100-1,500) P 1993-94 95% 1 2 52 Fatco columbarius UK B 1,330 P 1990-94 Best est. 1 2 52,72 Hobby GB B 500-900 P 1988-91 + Best est. 2 2 30 Falco subbuteo UK B 500-900 P 1988-91 + Best est. 2 4 22 Peregrine Falcon GB B 1,185 P 1991 Best est. 1 2 13 Falco peregrinus UK B 1,285 P 1991 Best est. 1 2 13 Red Grouse GB B 250,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 2 30 Lagopus lagopus UK B 250,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Ptarmigan GB B 10,000 P 1990 Best est. 3 2 49 Lagopus mutus UK B 10,000 P 1990 Best est. 3 4 22 Black Grouse GB B 25,270(13,800-36,700) M 1989-93 - 95% 2 2 1 Tetrao tetrix UK B 25,270(13,800-36,700) M 1989-93 - 95% 2 2 1 Capercaillie GB B 2,200 A 1992-94 Best est. 2 2 8 Tetrao urogallus UK B 2,200 A 1992-94 Best est. 2 2 8 Red-legged Partridge GB B 90,000-250,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Alectoris rufa UK B 90,000-250,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Grey Partridge GB B 140,000-150,000 P 1988-92 - Best est. 2 4,2 30 4 Perdix perdix UK B 140,000-150,000 P 1988-92 - Best est. 2 4,2 22 4 Common Quail GB B 5-295 M 1990-93 4-y mean 3 3 43 5 Coturnlx coturnix UK B 5-295 M 1990-93 4-y mean 3 3 43 5 Common Pheasant GB B 1,500,000-1,600,000 F 1989 Best est. 2 4 51 Phasianus colchicus UK B 1,600,000-1,700,000 F 1989 Best est. 2 4 22 Golden Pheasant GB B 1,000-2,000 A 1981-84 - Best est. 2 4 38 Chrysolophus pictus UK B 1,000-2,000 A 1981-84 - Best est. 2 4 22 Lady Amherst’s Pheasant GB B 100-200 A 1991 Best est. 2 2 66 Chrysolophus amherstiae UK B 100-200 A 1991 Best est. 2 4 22 Water Rail GB B 450-900 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 2 30 Rallus aquaticus UK B 700-1,400 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Spotted Crake GB B 1-20 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Porzana porzana UK B 1-20 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Corn Crake GB B 480 M 1993 Best est. 1 2 32 Crex crex UK B 489 M 1993 Best est. 1 2 32 Moorhen GB B 240,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Gallinula chloropus UK B 260,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Common Coot GB B 46,000 A 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Fulica atra GB W 114,100 1 1987-92 Best est 2 4 36 UK B 48,000 A 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 124,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 2 4 36,64 Common Crane GB B 3 P 1995 Best est. 1 2 52 Grus grus UK B 3 P 1995 Best est. 1 2 52 Oystercatcher GB B 33,00043,000 P mid 80s + Best est. 3 2 47 6 Haematopus ostralegus GB W 359,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 UK B 34,000-44,000 P mid 80s + Best est. 3 4 22 6 UK W 378,000 1 1987-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 Black-winged Stilt GB B 0-1 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Himantopus himantopus UK B 0-1 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 12 Stone et al:. Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- Type Rel Der Ref Avocet GB B 450-492 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 Recurvirostra avosetta GB W 1,270 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 GB A 1,700 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 UK B 450492 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 UK W 1,270 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 UK A 1,760 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Stone-curlew GB B 166-180 P 1995 Best est. 1 2 52 Burhinus oedicnemus UK B 166-180 P 1995 Best est. 1 2 52 Little Ringed Plover GB B 825-1,070 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Charadrius dubius UK B 825-1,070 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Great Ringed Plover GB B 8,500 P 1984 Best est. 2 4 48 Charadrius hiaticula GB W 28,600 1 1987-92 - Best est. 2 1 9 GB S 30,000 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 UK B 8,600 P 1984 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 31,000 1 1989-94 - Best est. 2 1 9,71 Dotterel GB B 840-950 P 1987-88 Best est. 2 4,2 30 Charadrius morinellus UK B 840-950 P 1987-88 Best est. 2 4 22 European Golden Plover GB B 22,600 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 2 30 Pluvialis apricaria GB W 250,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 3 2 9 UK B 22,600 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 310,000 1 1989-94 Best est. 3 3 9,71 Grey Plover GB W 43,200 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 Pluvialis squatarola GB S 70,000 1 1989-94 Min 2 1 71 UK W 43,400 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 UK S 70,000 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Northern Lapwing GB B 190,000-240,000 P 1986-87 - Best est. 2 3 58,65 Vanellus vanellus GB W 1,500,000-2,000,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 3 2 9 UK B 200,000-250,000 P 1986-87 - Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 1,600,000-2,100,000 1 1989-94 Best est. 3 3 9,71 Red Knot GB W 291,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 Calidris canutus UK W 298,000 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 Sanderling GB W 23,200 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 Calidris alba GB S 40,000 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 UK W 23,400 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 UK S 40,200 1 1989-94 Min, 2 1 71 Little Stint GB A 770 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Calidris minuta UK A 770 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Temminck's Stint GB B 1-3 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 Calidris temminckn UK B 1-3 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 Curlew Sandpiper GB A 740 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Calidris ferruginea UK A 740 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Purple Sandpiper GB B 2-2 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 Calidris maritima GB W 21,300 1 1989 - Best est. 1 1 9 UK B 2-2 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 UK W 21,700 1 1989-94 - Best est. 2 1 9,71 Dunlin GB B 9,150-9,900 P 1980s Best est. 2 2 50,62 Calidris alpma GB W 532,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 UK B 9,150-9,900 P 1985 Best est. 2 4 50,62 UK W 549,000 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 Ruff GB B 2-24 N 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 Philomachus pugnax GB W 700 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 GB A 1,100 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 UK B 2-24 N 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 UK W 700 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 UK A 1,100 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Jack Snipe GB W 10,000-100,000 1 1987-92 - Best est. 3 2 9 Lymnocryptes minimus UK W 10,000-100,000 1 1989-94 Best est. 3 2 9 British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 13 Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- Type Rel Der Ref Note Common Snipe GB B 55,000 P 1985-91 Best est. 2 4 30,45 8 Gallmago gallinago GB W >100,000 1 1987-92 Min. 3 2 9 UK B 61,000 P 1985-91 Best est. 2 4 30,45 8 Woodcock GB B 8,500-21,500 P 1988-91 — Best est. 3 4 30 Scolopax rusticola UK B 9,100-23,000 P 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 22 Black-tailed Godwit GB B 29-53 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Limosa limosa GB W 7,410 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 GB A 12,000 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 UK B 29-53 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 UK W 7,800 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 UK A 12,400 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Bar-tailed Godwit GB W 52,500 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 Limosa lapponica UK W 56,100 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 Whimbrel GB B 530 P 1989-92 Best est. 2 2 21 Numenius phaeopus GB S 3,000 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 UK B 530 P 1989-92 Best est. 2 2 21 UK S 3,600 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Eurasian Curlew GB B 33,000-38,000 P 1985 + Best est. 3 2 47 6 Numenius arquata GB W 115,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 UK B 38,000-43,000 P 1985 + Best est. 3 4 22 6 UK W 123,000 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 Spotted Redshank GB W 120 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 Tringa erythropus GB A 420 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 UK W 140 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 UK A 420 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Common Redshank GB B 30,600-33,600 P mid 80s Best est. 2 2 47 Tringa totanus GB W 114,000 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 UK B 32,000-35,000 P mid 80s Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 122,000 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 Common Greenshank GB B 1,100-1,600 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 2 30 Tringa nebularia GB W 380 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 GB A 1,400 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 UK B 1,100-1,600 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 560 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 UK A 1,530 1 1989-94 Min. 2 1 71 Green Sandpiper GB W 750 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 Tringa ochropus UK W 780 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 Wood Sandpiper GB B 1-5 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 2 Tringa glareola UK B 1-5 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 2 Common Sandpiper GB B 15,800 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Actitis hypoleucos GB W 100 1 1987-92 Best est. 1 1 9 UK B 15,800 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 UK W 100 1 1989-94 Best est. 1 1 9,71 Turnstone GB W 64,400 1 1987-92 - Best est. 2 1 9 Arenaria interpres UK W 69,700 1 1989-94 - Best est. 2 1 9,71 Red-necked Phalarope GB B 36 M 1995 Best est. 1 2 52 Phalaropus lobatus UK B 36 M 1995 Best est. 1 2 52 Arctic Skua GB B 3,200 T 1985-87,91-93 Best est. 2 3 69 Stercorarius parasiticus UK B 3,200 T 1985-87,91-93 Best est. 2 3 69 Great Skua GB B 8,500 T 198587,91-93 Best est. 2 3 69 Catharacta skua UK B 8,500 T 1985-87,91-93 Best est. 2 3 69 Mediterranean Gull GB B 13-22 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Larus melanocephalus UK B 13-22 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Little Gull GB B 0-1 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Larus minutus UK B 0-1 P 1989-93 Best est. 2 3 43 2 Black-headed Gull GB B 167,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 3 39 Larus ridibundus GB W 1,900,000 1 1993 Min. 2 1 6 UK B 190,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 14 Stone el al:. Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- ■ Type Rel Der Ref Common Gull GB B 68,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Larus canus GB W 900,000 1 1993 Min. 2 1 6 UK B 68,500 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Lesser Black-backed Gull GB B 83,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Larus fuscus GB W 500,000 1 1993 Min. 2 1 6 UK B 85,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Herring Gull GB B 160,000 P 1985-87 - Best est. 2 1 39 Larus argentatus GB W 450,000 1 1993 Min. 2 1 6 UK B 180,000 P 1985-87 - Best est. 2 4 22 Great Black-backed Gull GB B 19,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Larus marinus GB W 40,000 1 1993 Min. 2 1 6 UK B 20,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Kittiwake GB B 490,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Rissa tridactyla UK B 500,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Sandwich Tern GB B 14,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Sterna sandvicensis UK B 17,000 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Roseate Tern GB B 64 P 1995 Best est. 1 1 52 Sterna dougallii UK B 72 P 1995 Best est. 1 1 52 Common Tern GB B 12,300 P 1984-87 Best est. 2 1 30 Sterna hirundo UK B 14,000 P 1984-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Arctic Tern GB B 44,000 P 1985-89 Best est. 2 3 30 Sterna paradisaea UK B 44,000 P 1985-89 Best est. 2 4 22 Little Tern GB B 2,400 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Sterna atbifrons UK B 2,400 P 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Common Guillemot GB B 1,050,000 A 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Uria aatge UK B 1,100,000 A 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Razorbill GB B 148,000 A 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Atca torda UK B 160,000 A 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Black Guillemot GB B 36,500 A 1982-90 Best est. 2 3 39 Cepphus grylle UK B 37,000 A 1982-90 Best est. 2 4 39 Puffin GB B 898,000 A 1985-87 Best est. 2 1 39 Fratercuta arctica UK B 903,000 A 1985-87 Best est. 2 4 22 Stock Dove GB B 240,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Columba oenas UK B 240,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Wood Pigeon GB B 2,100,000-2,600,000 T 1988-91 + Best est. 2 4 30 Columba palumbus UK B 2,200,000-2,700,000 T 1988-91 + Best est. 2 4 22 Collared Dove GB B 200,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Streptopelia decaocto UK B 210,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Turtle Dove GB B 75,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Streptopelia turtur UK B 75,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Rose-ringed Parakeet GB B 1,000-5,000 A 1991 + Best est. 3 2 30 Psittacula krameri UK B 1,000-5,000 A 1991 + Best est. 3 4 22 Common Cuckoo GB B 13,000-26,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Cuculus canorus UK B 13,000-27,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Barn Owl GB B 4,400 P 1982-85 - Best est. 2 1 56 Tyto alba UK B 4,450-4,500 P 1982-85 - Best est. 2 4 22 Little Owl GB B 6,000-12,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Athene noctua UK B 6,000-12,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Tawny Owl GB B 20,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Strix aluco UK B 20,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Long-eared Owl GB B 1,100-3,600 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Asio otus UK B 1,600-5,400 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Short-eared Owl GB B 1,000-3,500 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Asio flammeus UK B 1,000-3,500 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 European Nightjar GB B 3,400 M 1992 Best est 1 1 40 Caprimulgus europaeus UK B 3,400 M 1992 Best est. 1 1 40 British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 15 Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- Type Rel Der Ref Note Common Swift GB B 80,000 P 1968-72,88-91 Best est. 3 2 30 Apus apus UK B 85,000 P 1968-72,88-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Common Kingfisher GB B 3,300-5,500 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Alcedo atthis UK B 3,600-6,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Wryneck GB B 1-6 P 1989-93 — 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Jynx torquilla UK B 1-6 P 1989-93 - 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Green Woodpecker GB B 15,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Picus viridis UK B 15,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Great Spotted Woodpecker GB B 25,000-30,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Dendrocopos major UK B 25,000-30,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker GB B 3,000-6,000 P 1985/88-91 - Best est. 2 2 11 Dendrocopos minor UK B 3,000-6,000 P 1985/88-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Wood Lark GB B 600 P 1993 + Min. 1 2 59 Lullula arborea UK B 600 P 1993 + Min. 1 2 59 Sky Lark GB B 2,000,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Alauda arvensis UK B 2,100,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Horned Lark GB W <300 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 Eremophila alpestris UK W <300 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 Sand Martin GB B 77,500-250,000 N 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Riparia riparia UK B 85,000-270,000 N 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Barn Swallow GB B 570,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Hirundo rustica UK B 610,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 House Martin GB B 250,000-500,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Delichon urbica UK B 270,000-530,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Tree Pipit GB B 120,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Anthus trivialis UK B 120,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Meadow Pipit GB B 1,900,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Anthus pratensis UK B 2,000,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Rock Pipit GB B 34,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Anthus petrosus UK B 36,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Water Pipit GB W 100 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 Anthus spinoletta Yellow Wagtail GB B 50,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Motacilla fiava UK B 50,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Grey Wagtail GB B 34,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Motacilla cinerea UK B 38,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Pied Wagtail GB B 300,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Motacilla alba UK B 320,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Bohemian Waxwing GB W <100 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 10 Bombycilla garrulus UK W <100 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 10 Dipper GB B 7,000-21,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Cinclus cinclus UK B 7,500-22,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Wren GB B 7,100,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Troglodytes troglodytes UK B 7,600,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Hedge Accentor GB B 2,000,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Prunella modularis UK B 2,100,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Robin GB B 4,200,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Erithacus rubecula UK B 4,500,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Rufous Nightingale GB B 5,000-6,000 P 1988-91 - Best est. 2 2 30 Luscinia megarhynchos UK B 5,000-6,000 P 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Black Redstart GB B 27-74 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Phoenicurus ochruros UK B 27-74 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Common Redstart GB B 90,000 P 1988-91 Min. 3 4 30 Phoenicurus phoenicurus UK B 90,000 P 1988-91 Min. 3 4 22 Whinchat GB B 14,000-28,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Saxicola rubetra UK B 14,000-28,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 16 Stone et al. : Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- Type Rel Der Ref Note Common Stonechat GB B 8,500-22,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Saxicola torquata UK B 9,000-23,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Northern Wheatear GB B 55,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Oenanthe oenanthe UK B 56,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Ring Ouzel GB B 5,500-11,000 P 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 30 Turdus torquatus UK B 5,500-11,000 P 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 22 Blackbird GB B 4,400,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Turdus merula UK B 4,700,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Fieldfare GB B 25 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 2 30 Turdus pilaris GB W 750,000 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 UK B 25 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Song Thrush GB B 990,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Turdus philomelos UK B 1,100,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Redwing GB B 40-80 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Turdus iliacus GB W 750,000 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 UK B 40-80 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Mistle Thrush GB B 230,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Turdus viscivorus UK B 250,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Cetti's Warbler GB B 17-282 P 1989-93 + 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Cettia cetti UK B 17-282 P 1989-93 + 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Grasshopper Warbler GB B 10,500 P 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 30 Locustella naevia UK B 10,500 P 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 22 Savi's Warbler GB B 1-15 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Locustella luscinioides UK B 1-15 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Aquatic Warbler GB A 40 | 1987-92 5-y mean 3 3 25 11 Acrocephalus paludicola UK A 40 1 1987-92 5-y mean 3 3 25 11 Sedge Warbler GB B 250,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Acrocephalus schoenobaenus UK B 270,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Marsh Warbler GB B 11-34 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 2 Acrocephalus palustris UK B 11-34 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 2 Reed Warbler GB B 40,000-80,000 P 1968-72,88-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Acrocephalus scirpaceus UK B 40,000-80,000 P 1968-72,88-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Icterine Warbler GB B 0-1 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Hippolais icterina UK B 0-1 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Dartford Warbler GB B 1,600-1,890 P 1994 Best est. 1 1,2 28 Sylvia undata UK B 1,600-1,890 P 1994 Best est. 1 1,2 28 Lesser Whitethroat GB B 80,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Sylvia curruca UK B 80,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Common Whitethroat GB B 660,000 T 1988-91 + Best est. 2 4 30 Sylvia communis UK B 670,000 T 1988-91 + Best est. 2 4 22 Garden Warbler GB B 200,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Sylvia borin UK B 200,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Blackcap GB B 580,000 T 1988-91 + Best est. 2 4 30 Sylvia atricapilla UK B 590,000 T 1988-91 + Best est. 2 4 22 Wood Warbler GB B 17,200(15,830-18,570) M 1984-85 95% 2 4 4 Phylloscopus sibilatrix UK B 17,200(15,830-18,570) M 1984-85 95% 2 4 4 Chiffchaff GB B 640,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Phylloscopus collybita UK B 690,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Willow Warbler GB B 2,300,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Phylloscopus trochilus UK B 2,500,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Goldcrest GB B 560,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Regulus regulus UK B 610,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Firecrest GB B 80-250 M 1988-91 Best est. 2 2 30 Regulus ignicapillus UK B 80-250 M 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Spotted Flycatcher GB B 120,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Muscicapa striata UK B 130,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1 -2, January-February 1997 Species Region Season Number Unit Date +/- Type Rel Der Ref Note Pied Flycatcher GB B 35,00040,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Ficedula hypoleuca UK B 35,00040,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Bearded Tit GB B 339408 P 1992 Best est. 1 1,2 7 Panurus biarmicus UK B 339408 P 1992 Best est. 1 1,2 7 Long-tailed Tit GB B 210,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Aegithalos caudatus UK B 220,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Marsh Tit GB B 60,000 T 1988-91 — Best est. 3 4 30 Parus palustris UK B 60,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 22 Willow Tit GB B 25,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 30 Parus montanus UK B 25,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 22 Crested Tit GB B 900 P 1980 Best est. 2 4 10 Parus cristatus UK B 900 P 1980 Best est. 2 4 22 Coal Tit GB B 610,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Parus ater UK B 660,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Blue Tit GB B 3,300,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Parus caeruleus UK B 3,500,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Great Tit GB B 1,600,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Parus major UK B 1,700,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 European Nuthatch GB B 130,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Sitta europaea UK B 130,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Eurasian Treecreeper GB B 200,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Certhia familiaris UK B 210,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Golden Oriole GB B 1-35 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 2 Oriolus oriolus UK B 1-35 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 2 Red-backed Shrike GB B 2-8 P 1989-93 - 5-y mean 1 3 43 2 Lanius collurio UK B 2-8 P 1989-93 - 5-y mean 1 3 43 2 Great Grey Shrike GB W 60 1 1987-92 5-y mean 2 3 26 Lanius excubitor UK W 60 1 1987-92 5-y mean 2 3 26 Eurasian Jay GB B 160,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Garrulus glandarius UK B 160,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Magpie GB B 590,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Pica pica UK B 650,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Red-billed Chough GB B 340 P 1992 Best est. 1 2 3,31,54 Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax UK B 342 P 1992 Best est. 1 2 3,31,54 Eurasian Jackdaw GB B 390,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Corvus monedula UK B 430,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Rook GB B 850,000-860,000 P 1980 Best est. 2 2 53 Corvus frugilegus UK B 940,000-950,000 P 1980 Best est. 2 4 22 Carrion Crow GB B 970,000 T 1988-91 + Best est. 2 4 30 Corvus corone UK B 1,000,000 T 1988-91 + Best est. 2 4 22 Common Raven GB B 7,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Corvus corax UK B 7,500 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Common Starling GB B 1,100,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Sturnus vulgaris UK B 1,200,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 House Sparrow GB B 2,600,000-4,600,000 P 1988-91 - Best est. 3 2 30 Passer domesticus UK B 2,800,000-4,900,000 P 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 22 Tree Sparrow GB B 110,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Passer montanus UK B 110,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Chaffinch GB B 5,400,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Fringilla coelebs UK B 5,800,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Brambling GB B 0-2 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Fringilla montifringilla GB W 45,000-1,800,000 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 UK B 0-2 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 European Serin GB B 0-2 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 2 Serinus serinus UK B 0-2 P 1989-93 5-y mean 1 3 43 2 Greenfinch GB B 530,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Carduelis chloris UK B 560,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 18 Species Region Season Stone et al.: Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK Number Unit Date +/- Type Rel Der Ref Note Goldfinch GB B 220,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Carduelis carduelis UK B 230,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Siskin GB B 300,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Carduelis spinus UK B 310,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Linnet GB B 520,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Carduelis cannabina UK B 540,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Twite GB B 65,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Carduelis flavirostris UK B 66,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Common Redpoll GB B 160,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 30 Carduelis flammea UK B 170,000 P 1988-91 Best est. 3 4 22 Common Crossbill GB B 1,000-20,000 P 1968-90 Best est. 3 2 30,55 12 Loxia curvirostra UK B 1,000-20,000 P 1968-90 Best est. 3 2 30,55 12 Scottish Crossbill GB B 300-1,250 P 1988 Best est. 3 2 22 Loxia scotica UK B 300-1,250 P 1988 Best est. 3 2 22 Parrot Crossbill GB B 0-1 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Loxia pytyopsittacus UK B 0-1 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Common Rosefinch GB B 1-7 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Carpodacus erythrinus UK B 1-7 P 1989-93 5-y mean 2 3 43 2 Bullfinch GB B 190,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Pyrrhula pyrrhula UK B 200,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Hawfinch GB B 3,000-6,500 P 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 30 Coccothraustes coccothraustesCK B 3,000-6,500 P 1988-91 - Best est. 3 4 22 Lapland Longspur GB W 200-500 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 10 Calcarius lapponicus UK W 200-500 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 10 Snow Bunting GB B 70-100 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 2 30 Plectrophenax nivalis GB W 9,000-13,500 1 1981-84 Best est. 3 2 38 UK B 70-100 P 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Yellowhammer GB B 1,200,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 30 Emberiza citrinella UK B 1,200,000 T 1988-91 - Best est. 2 4 22 Cirl Bunting GB B 380 P 1995 Best est. 1 2 52 Emberiza cirlus UK B 380 P 1995 Best est. 1 2 52 Reed Bunting GB B 220,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 30 Emberiza schoeniclus UK B 240,000 T 1988-91 Best est. 2 4 22 Corn Bunting GB B 19,800(16,000-23,000) T 1993 - 95% 2 4 20 Miliaria calandra UK B 19,800(16,000-23,000) T 1993 - 95% 2 4 20 Notes 1 . The minimum figure for Red-throated Diver Gavia arctica is proven breeding pairs and the maximum is half the total number of adults recorded in Scotland in 1 994. 2. Minimum is the number of confirmed pairs. Maximum is the total number of confirmed, possible and probable pairs. 3. Unit is a combination of apparendy occupied sites and apparendy occupied nests. This depends on whether the count was made from aerial photographs or from direct field counts. Note that neither unit gives an estimate of the number of breeding pairs and not all occupied sites will have pairs associated with them. 4. Minimum is the number of territories extrapolated from 1988-91 data. Maximum is an expert estimate of the number of pairs in 1992. 5. These figures exclude the invasion year of 1989, during which the population was estimated at 2,600 singing males (Gibbons el al. 1 993) for both GB and UK. 6. Recent survey work in lowland Scodand suggests that these figures may be serious underestimates and work is currendy under way to revise them. 7. Minimum is confirmed nests, maximum is total females at leks. 8. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago breeding estimates are extrapolated using the abundance data within the New Allas and the population data from the 1985-87 census of breeding waders in Northern Ireland (Partridge & Smidt 1992). Unit for minimum is territories and for maximum is pairs. 9. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 19 10. Numbers can be substantially greater in some years. 11. The estimate for Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola is based on casual autumn observations and is an underestimate. 12. Derived from both breeding atlases. Lower figure taken from New Atlas (1988-91). Upper figure based on 5,000 pairs derived in the 1968-72 Atlas and up to 40,000 individuals in Kielder Forest during 1990 reported in the New Atlas. Future plans The APEP aims to review the estimates annually and to publish a revised table every three years to coincide with the review period for international waterfowl estimates established by the Ramsar Convention and Wetlands International. It is hoped that future updates of these estimates may include the geopolitical areas of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It may also be possible to publish separate estimates for England, for Scotland and for Wales. It would be desirable to include more -up-to-date figures for wintering populations than those available for the current list. Acknowledgments The APEP acknowledges the data, advice, opinions and other assistance provided by the following people and schemes: George Boobyer QNCC), Dr A. F. Brown (English Nature), Dr John Day (RSPB), Melanie Heath (BirdLife International, for European Birds Database figures), Dr A. N. Hoodless (GCT), Ross Johnson (Scottish Natural Heritage), John Marchant (BTO), Steve Parr (Countryside Council for Wales), Dr G. R. Potts (GCT), Helen Riley (Scottish Natural Heritage), David Stroud (JNCC), Dr Kate Thompson (JNCC), Dr Sarah Wanless (Institute for Terrestrial Ecology), Ray Waters (BTO), Dr Phil Whitfield (Scottish Natural Heritage), the Seabird Group, the Common Bird Census, the Breeding Bird Survey, the Seabird Monitoring Programme, the Wetland Bird Survey, the Rare Breeding Birds Panel and county bird recorders, the National Gamebag Census, and Raptor Study Groups. In particular, the APEP thanks all the workers and volunteers who have provided data on bird populations, without which this paper would not have been possible. References Numbers refer to those in Table 1. 1 Baines, D., & Hudson, P. J. 1995. The decline of the Black Grouse in Scotland and northern England. Bird Study 42: 122-131. 2 Batten, L. A., Bibby, C. J., Clement, P., Elliott, G. D., & Porter, R. F. 1990. Red Data Birds in Britain: action for rare, threatened and important species. London. 3 Berrow, S. D., Mackie, K. L., O’Sullivan, O., Shepherd, K. B., Mellon, C., & Coveney, J. A. 1993. The Second International Chough Survey in Ireland, 1992. Irish Birds 5: 1-10. 4 Bibby, C. J. 1989. A survey of breeding Wood Warblers Phylloscopus sibilatrix, in Britain 1984-85. Bird Study 36: 56-72. 5 & Etheridge, B. 1993. Status of the Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus in Scotland in 1988- 89. Bird Study 40: 1-11. 6 British Trust for Ornithology Gull Roost Survey 1993, unpublished data. 7 Campbell, L., Cayford, J., & Pearson, D. 1996. Bearded Tits in Britain and Ireland. Brit. Birds 89: 335-346. 8 Catt, D., Baines, D., Moss, R., Leakey, F„ & Picozzi, N. 1994. Abundance and distribution of Capercaillie in Scotland 1992-94. Unpublished report to SNH and RSPB. 9 Cayford, J. T., & Waters, R. J. 1996. Population estimates for waders Charadrii wintering in Great Britain, 1987/88-1991/92. Biol. Conserv. 77: 7-17. 10 Cook, M. J. H. 1982. Breeding status of the Crested Tit. Scot. Birds 12: 97-106. 11 CRAMP, S. (ed.) 1985. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 4. Oxford. 20 Stone et al.: Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK 12 Cranswick, P. A., Kirby, J. S., & Waters, R. J. 1992. Wildfowl and Wader Counts 1991- 92. WWT, Slimbridge. 13 Crick, H. Q. P., & Ratcliffe, D. A. 1995. The Peregrine Falco peregrinus breeding population of the United Kingdom in 1991. Bird Study 42: 1-19. 14 Danlelsen, F., Skov, H., & Durinck, J. 1993. Estimates of the wintering population of Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata and Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica in northwest Europe. Proc. Nord. Congr. Ornithol. 7th (1990): 18-24. 15 Davies, A. K. 1988. The distribution and status of Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata in Britain. Bird Study 35: 203-208. 16 Day, J. C. U., in lilt. 17 Delany, S. 1992. Survey of introduced geese in Britain, summer 1991: provisional results. Unpublished report to JNCC, Central Science Laboratory and National Trust. WWT, Slimbridge. 18 1993. Introduced and escaped geese in Britain in summer 1991. Brit. Birds 86: 591- 599. 19 , Greenwood, J., & Kirby, J. S. 1992. National Mute Swan Survey 1990. Unpublished report to JNCC. 20 Donald, P. F., & Evans, A. D. 1995. Habitat selection and population size of Corn Buntings Miliaria calandra breeding in Britain in 1993. Bird Study 42: 190-209. 21 Dore, C., & Ellis, P. M. 1994. An estimate of the population of Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus breeding in Shetland during 1989-1992 and a comparison with previous estimates. Unpublished RSPB report. 22 European Birds Database 23 Fox, A. D., Ogilvie, M. A., Easterbee, N., & Bignal, E. M. 1990. East Greenland Barnacle Geese in Scotland, spring 1988. Scot. Birds 16: 1-9. 24 Fraser, P. A., & Ryan, J. F. 1992. Scarce migrants in Britain and Ireland Part 1. Numbers during 1986-90: seabirds to waders. Brit. Birds 85: 631-635. 25 & 1994. Scarce migrants in Britain and Ireland Part 2. Numbers during 1986-92: gulls to passerines. Brit. Birds 87: 605-612. 26 & 1995. Status of the Great Grey Shrike in Britain and Ireland. Brit. Birds 88: 478-484. 27 Gates, S., Gibbons, D. W., & Marchant, J. H. 1993. Population estimates for breeding birds in Britain and Ireland. In Gibbons, D. W., Reid, J. B., & Chapman, R. A. 1993. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991 . London. 28 Gibbons, D. W., & Wotton, S. 1996. The Dartford Warbler in the United Kingdom in 1994. Brit. Birds 89: 203-212. 29 , Avery, M. I., Baillie, S. R., Gregory, R. D., Kjrby, J., Porter, R. F., Tucker, G. M., & Williams, G. In press. Bird species of conservation concern in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man: revising the Red Data List. RSPB Conservation Review. 30 , Reid, J. B., & Chapman, R. A. 1993. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. London. 31 Green, M., & Williams, I. 1993. Status of the Chough in Wales, 1992. RSPB unpublished report. 32 Green, R. E. 1995. The decline of the Corncrake Crex crex in Britain continues. Bird Study 42: 66-75. 33 1996. Status of the Golden Eagle in Britain in 1992. Bird Study 43: 20-27. 34 Gregory, R. D., Carter, S. P., & Baillie, S. R. In press. Abundance, distribution and habitat use of breeding Goosanders Mergus merganser and Red-breasted Mergansers Mergus senator on British rivers. Bird Study. 35 Hughes, B., & Grussu, M. 1994. The Ruddy Duck {Oxyura jamaicensis) in the United Kingdom: distribution, monitoring, current research and implications for European colonisation. Oxyura 7: 29-47. 36 Kirby, J. S. 1995. Winter population estimates for selected waterfowl species in Britain. Biol. Conserv. 73: 189-198. 37 , Evans, R. J., & Fox, A. D. 1993. Winter seaducks in Britain and Ireland: populations, threats, conservation and research priorities. Aquat. Conserv.: Mar. & Freshwat. Ecosyst. 3: 105-137. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 21 38 Lack, P. 1986. The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland. Calton. 39 Lloyd, C., Tasker, M. L., & Partridge, K. 1991. The Status of Seabirds in Britain and Ireland. London. 40 Morris, A., Burges, D., Fuller, R. J„ Evans, A. D., & Smith, K. W. 1994. The status and distribution of Nightjars Caprimulgus europaeus in Britain in 1992. Bird Study 4L 181- 191. 41 Murray, S., & Wanless, S. In press. The status of the Gannet in Scotland in 1994-95. Scot. Birds. 42 Newton, I. 1986. The Sparrozvhawk. Calton. 43 Ogilvie, M., & the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. 1996. Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1993. Brit. Birds 89: 61-91. 44 Owen, M., Atkinson-Willes, G. L., & Salmon, D. G. 1986. Wildfowl in Great Britain. Cambridge. 45 Partridge, J. K., & Smith, K. W. 1992. Breeding wader populations in Northern Ireland, 1985-87. Irish Birds 4: 497-518. 46 Petty, S. J. In press. History of the Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis in Britain. In: Holmes, J. S., & Simons, J. R. (eds.) 1996. The Introduction and Naturalisation of Birds. London. 47 Piersma, T. 1986. Breeding waders in Europe: a review of population size estimates and a bibliography of information sources. Wader Study Group Bull. 45: 11-12. 48 Prater, A. J. 1989. Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula breeding population in the United Kingdom in 1984. Bird Study 36: 154-159. 49 Ratcliffe, D. A. 1990. Bird Life of Mountain and Upland. Cambridge. 50 Reed, T. 1985. Estimates of British breeding wader populations. Wader Study Group Bull. 45: 11-12. 51 Robertson, P. A., Woodburn, M. I. A., Tapper, S. C., & Stoate, C. 1989. Estimating game densities in Britain from land-use maps. Report to ITE. December 1989. 52 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, unpublished data. 53 Sage, B. L., & Whittington, P. A. 1985. The 1980 sample survey of rookeries. Bird Study 32: 77-81. 54 Sapsford, A. M., & Moore, A. S. 1994. Second International Chough Census - 1992. Isle of Man report. Peregrine 7: 161-169. 55 Sharrock, J. T. R. 1976. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. Berkhamsted. 56 Shawyer, C. 1987. The Bam Owl in the British Isles; its past, present and future. London. 57 Shrubb, M. 1994. Welsh Bird Report, No. 7 (1993). Glamorgan. 58 & Lack, P. C. 1991. The numbers and distribution of Lapwings Vanellus vanellus nesting in England and Wales in 1987. Bird Study 38: 20-37. 59 Sitters, H. P., Fuller, R. J., Hoblyn, R. A., Wright, M. T., Cowie, N., & Bowden, C. G. R. 1996. The Woodlark Lullula arborea in Britain: population trends, distribution and habitat occupancy. Bird Study 43: 172-187. 60 Smith, K. 1994. Bird monitoring in the UK. RSPB Conservation Reviezu 8: 19-23. 61 Stroud, D. A. 1992. Greenland White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons flavirostris International Conservation Plan. Unpublished report to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the IWRB. JNCC, Peterborough. 62 , Reed, T. M., Pienkowski, M. W., & Lindsay, R. A. 1987. Birds, Bogs and Forestry. The Peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland. Peterborough. 63 Taylor, K., Hudson, R., & Horne, G. 1988. Buzzard breeding distribution and abundance in Britain and Northern Ireland in 1983. Bird Study 35: 109-115. 64 The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, unpublished data. 65 Thom, V. M. 1986. Birds in Scotland. Calton. 66 Trodd, P., & Kramer, D. 1991. Birds of Bedfordshire. Welwyn Garden City. 67 Tucker, G. M., & Heath, M. F. 1994. Birds in Europe: their conservation status. Cambridge. 68 Underhill, M. C., Gittings, T., Callaghan, D. A., Kirby, J. S., Hughes, B., & Dft any, S. In press. The pre -breeding status and distribution of tire Common Scoter Melanitta nigra in Britain and Ireland in 1995. Bird Study. 69 Walsh, P. M., Brindley, E., & Heubeck, M. 1995. Seabird Numbers and Breeding Success in Britain and Ireland, 1 994. Peterborough. 22 Stone et al.: Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the UK 70 Wanless, S., & Murray, S., unpublished data. 71 Wetland Bird Survey, BTO, unpublished data. 72 Whilde, A. 1993. Threatened Mammals, Birds, Amphibians and Fish in Ireland. Irish Red Data Book 2: Vertebrates. Belfast. Dr Brian H. Stone, JNCC, Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough PEI 1JY Dr Jane Sears and Dr David W. Gibbons, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL Peter A. Cranswick, WWT, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT Dr Richard D. Gregory and Dr Mark M. Rehfisch, BTO, The Nunnery, Nunnery Place, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU Nicholas J. Aebischer, GCT, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF Dr James B. Reid, JNCC, Dunnet House, 7 Thistle Place, Aberdeen AB10 1UZ Address for correspondence: APEP, do The Research Department, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL One hundred and fifty' years ago: ‘ Capture of the Bohemian Waxwing in Bedfordshire. — On the 23rd of January' last [1847], a very beautiful male Bohemian Waxwing ( Bombycilla garrula ) was shot at Luton, in Bedfordshire. He was an adult bird, and in very' good plumage. The weather was at that time very' severe, and the ground covered with snow. When first seen, he was feeding on the berries of a mountain ash, in a garden close adjoining the street, and though a crowd of boys gathered round, he evinced no fear or shyness, and did not move till he had been pelted with stones. He then flew to a neighbouring laburnum-tree, where he was killed.’ ( Zoologist 5: 1777) One hundred years ago: ‘Quite recently a specimen of Pallas’s Willow Warbler, Phylbscopus proregulus (Pall.), was forwarded to me for examination . . . This bird, which was obtained at Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, on Oct. 31st last [1896], affords another instance of the fact that most of the recent additions to our British avifauna are visitants from the East, chiefly from Northern Asia ... we may therefore look for the Siberian Chiffchaff, P. tristis, Blyth, Eversmann’s Warbler P. borealis, Blasius, the Bright-green Willow Warbler, P. nitidus, Blyth, here as all these Warblers have been obtained on Heligoland.’ ( Zoologist Ser. 4, vol. 1: 5, January 1897) Twenty-five years ago, in January 1972: ‘For the greater part of its 65-year history' British Birds has been singularly fortunate in the continuity' of its editorial direction. Its founder, H. F. Witherby, headed the editorial team with unrivalled distinction for more than 36 years, and two editors who joined soon after its inception, F. C. R. Jourdain and N. F. Ticehurst, served for 31 and 51 years respectively. The tragic exception was the early death of B. W. Tucker in 1950, only seven years after he successfully took on the difficult role as H. F. Witherby’s successor. This heavy blow faced the journal with a major crisis, and the very' real possibility of collapse was averted only by the willingness of E. M. Nicholson, already burdened with heavy responsibilities in a Government post, to take over as senior editor, while P. A. D. Hollom and W. B. Alexander then joined the existing team of A. W. Boyd, N. F. Ticehurst and J. D. Wood. Now, both E. M. Nicholson and P. A. D. Hollom have indicated their wish to resign . . . completing 21 y'ears of distinguished service ... we are pleased to announce that M. A. Ogilvie and D. I. M. Wallace have accepted the unanimous invitation of the editorial board to fill the vacancies.’ (Brit. Birds 65: 1-3, January 1972) Also 25 years ago: ‘To co-ordinate a growing interest in waders in Britain, especially among ringers, the British Trust for Ornithology' has set up a Wader Study Group.’ (Brit. Birds 65: 38, January 1972) LOOKING CONSERVATION RESEARCH NEWS Compiled by Mark Avery, assisted by Rhys Green This feature, contributed by the RSPB’s Research Department, reports the most interesting recent scientific news relevant to the conservation of Western Palearctic species. Which species deserve conservation? Two recent papers highlight a dilemma facing conservationists. Dr C. J. Hazevoet has pointed out that recent lists of threatened birds use the biological species concept (BSC). BSC species are natural populations that are reproductively isolated from one another by genetics, behaviour or physiology. The alternative phylogenetic species concept (PSC) defines distinctive groups of organisms with common ancestry that can be reliably discriminated from other groups by morphology, DNA characters or other traits. Closely related PSC species may interbreed and will often be classed as subspecies by adherents of the BSC. Application of the PSC to birds would at least double the number of known species and would probably increase the number of threatened species even more. Hazevoet has warned that taxa that qualify as PSC but not as BSC species may be neglected in the competition for scarce conservation resources because they are not included in international lists of threatened birds. Dr Nigel Collar, who decided to omit PSC species (mostly recognised as subspecies under the BSC) from BirdLife International’s Red Data Book and Birds to Watch, has suggested that PSC species are not and should not be neglected entirely by conservationists, but to assess the threat status of all the potential PSC bird species, let alone identify and apply conservation measures, would be prohibitively difficult and time consuming. To adopt PSC species as the taxonomic units for conservation would both dilute efforts to save well-marked BSC species and delay the definition of conservation priorities. This exchange gives pause for thought to those assessing national bird-conservation priorities. For example, in Birds of Conservation Concern in the UK, a pragmatic decision was made to give the Scottish Crossbill Loxia scotica the benefit of the doubt as a BSC species, and yet some rare endemic subspecies which could arguably be PSC species, such as the St Kilda Wren Troglodytes (troglodytes) hirtensis, were not considered. How should the Tenerife Kinglet Regulus teneriffae (Brit. Birds 89: 379-386) and Azores Bullfinch Pyrrhula (pyrrhula) rnurina (Brit. Birds 85: 677-680) be treated as conservation priorities on the Canaries and Azores respectively? Hazevoet, C. J. 1996. Conservation and species lists: taxonomic neglect promotes the extinction of endemic birds, as exemplified by taxa from eastern Atlantic islands. Bird Conservation International 6: 181-196. Collar, N. J. 1996. Species concepts and conservation: a response to Hazevoet. Bird Conservation International 6: 197-200. Which crossbills live where? The taxonomy of crossbills Loxia has long been a difficult, but fascinating and important, subject. The large invasion of Common Crossbills L. curvirostra into Britain in 1990 provided an opportunity' to measure many of these birds. Dr Ron Summers (of the RSPB), David Jardine (of the Forestry Commission), [Brit. Birds 90: 23-24, January-Februarv 1997] Dr Mick Marquiss (of the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology') and Bob Proctor (of the RSPB) found that the crossbills which settled in different parts of Britain differed significandy in their bill measurements. Larger birds tended to be found in woods of pine Pinus rather than spruce Picea (although some 23 24 Conservation research news differences in measuring technique between observers might have contributed to this difference). Twenty-two out of 577 presumed Common Crossbills had measurements outside the published range for Common Crossbill but within that for Scottish Crossbills L. scotica. Does this mean that ‘Scottish Summers, R. W., Jardine, D. C., Marquiss, invading Common Crossbills Loxia curvirc Migration 17: 1-10. Crossbills’ sometimes reach Derbyshire, or that we still are not sure how to separate them? Could the big-billed Scottish Crossbill in native pinewood simply be the portion of the Common Crossbill population that can cope with the thicker scales of pine cones? M., & Proctor, R. 1996. The biometrics of ttra in Britain during 1990-91. Ringing and Golden Eagle numbers stable in UK In 1992, the Scottish Raptor Study Groups, the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage repeated a census of Golden Eagles Aquita chrysaetos first carried out in 1982-83. The number of home ranges occupied by pairs had declined marginally, by 0.5%. Considering the fact that Golden Eagles used to nest much more widely in Scotland, and also in northern England and Wales, it might be said that the conservation of this species is not making much progress. The census confirmed previous findings, that eagle densities are higher in west than in east Scotland. Green, R. E. 1996. The status of the Golden Eagle in Britain in 1992. Bird Study 43: 20-27. Magpie increase stopped? A recent analysis of BTO Common Birds Census data confirms the great increase in numbers of Magpies Pica pica since 1 964, but also suggests that this increase has definitely slowed down and has perhaps stopped. Magpie numbers in both farmland and woodland have more than trebled over this period, but there is even the hint of a decline in the most recent years. Dr Richard Gregory and John Marchant point out that Magpies have increased least on arable farmland and are found there in lower densities than on mixed and grazing farmland. These results are not easily reconciled with the idea that the increase in Magpie numbers has been important in influencing songbird numbers in the UK, since many of the declines have been most marked on arable farmland (where Magpie numbers have changed least). Gregory, R., & Marchant, J. 1996. Population trends of Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws and Carrion Crows in the United Kingdom. Bird Study 43: 28-37. Beet, not wheat For half the year, the Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus is almost endemic to the UK: over 85% of the World population winters with us. The increasing numbers of geese are a conservation success story', but also a cause of conflict with farmers whose crops they graze. Dr Jennifer Gill of the University of East Anglia studied Pinkfeet in Norfolk for three years and discovered that the geese prefer to feed on the harvested remains of sugar beet (where it is accepted that they do no harm) rather than on winter wheat (where they are perceived to cause damage). The geese first use beet fields closest to their roost and gradually extend their feeding range to more distant areas as the winter progresses. Because the geese do not completely deplete their preferred food of beet, Dr Gill suggests that minimising disturbance to geese feeding on beet would help to minimise the perceived damage to winter wheat. Another measure which would help the current situation would be for more beet to be planted close to the roost. quantifying the constraints Gill, J. A. 1996. Habitat choice in Pink-footed Geese: determining winter site use. J. Appl. Ecol. 33: 884-892. Dr Mark Avery and Dr Rhys Green , Research Department, RSPB , The Drdgc, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls in Britain Martin Garner Illustrated by David Quinn Popular debate on the taxonomy and identification of Herring Gulls Lams argentatus and associated forms has become increasingly frequent. A contentious aspect for British birdwatchers is that the British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee has not (yet?) decided to ‘split’ Yellow-legged Gull L. (argentatus) cachinnans from the northwestern argentatus! argenteus Herring Gull group. The aim of this paper is not to recommend either taxonomic change nor stability; it originates from our field observations, with subsequent correspondence, literature searches and museum work flowing from what we have been able to see for ourselves. We prefer to deal with identifiable ‘forms’, or races, to which we generally refer by their scientific names for clarity. We do, however, use ‘Yellow- legged Gull’ in a general sense to distinguish the cachinnans! michahellis/barabensis complex from ‘Herring Gulls’ argentatus! argenteus, to allow a simpler discussion. The name Yellow-legged Gull is usually applied to individuals of the supposed species Lams cachinnans'. in Britain, usually of the race michahellis. Nominate cachinnans (itself a candidate for species status) and other races are increasingly suspected in Britain; thus a greater precision is required. It is unfortunate that the western/southern European Yellow-legged Gull is L. cachinnans michahellis : reference to ‘ cachinnans ’ often leaves a reader unclear whether the species is being referred to (i.e. ‘a Yellow-legged Gull’, perhaps actually of the race michahellis ) or the (in a British context, more significant, rarer) nominate race. Using the terms ‘ michahellis ’ and the clumsy ‘nominate cachinnans’’ seems to be the only way to be unambiguous. A new approach to large-gull identification Roger Tory Peterson long ago revolutionised bird identification: a few key features separated most species with relative ease. This is so ingrained in our thinking that most of us expect to put a name to an individual bird very quickly; [Brit. Birds 90: 25-62, January-February 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 25 26 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls if not, we have a wealth of literature to hand to assist. Unfortunately, this does not work well for the Herrin g/Y ellow-legged Gull complex. For example, a large gull in non-breeding plumage with a pure white head, medium-dark grey upperparts, yellow legs, bright bill colours, red orbital rings, small white tips to the black outer primaries and contrasting underwings may not necessarily be a Yellow-legged Gull michahellis , although this would be a typical description submitted to a county records committee in support of such a claim. Kaufman (1990) summarised three categories of field mark: 1 . A diagnostic feature that is absolute : species A has it, species B does not; 2. A diagnostic field mark that is relative : e.g. species A has longer wings, or a darker back, than species B; helpful only if one knows both species well or, preferably, has both present for comparison; 3. ‘Percentage differences’: e.g. species A usually has a dark iris (but not always), and species B usually does not (but sometimes does). The field marks of large white-headed gulls tend to fall into the second or third categories, with few diagnostic features that remove all possible doubt. Greatest emphasis has been placed on upperpart tone and bare-part colour in large-gull identification. We would urge greater attention to structure , moult and wing-tip patterns. Developing the right skills ‘As the study of gull taxonomy and identification becomes increasingly sophisticated, we are discovering we actually know less about these birds than we thought we did several years ago’ (Zimmer, in Kaufman 1990). While he referred to Thayer’s Gull L. (glaucoidesl argentatus) thayeri, Kevin Zimmer’s sentiments apply equally to the large, white-headed ‘Herring Gulls’. Serious gull-watchers are aware that there is more that we do not know than that we do. Effective gull-watching involves a continuous learning curve (with some downward turns), and a willingness to adjust as new information is discovered, confirmed or discarded. There is no substitute for long and detailed field study, coupled with a willingness to learn. It is especially important to say what we see , even if a well-described bird is not finally identified: it is much better to have an open mind than to jump to an uninformed or unjustified conclusion. Structure The complex mixture of characters that makes an individual gull ‘distinctive’ includes subjective ones, but others are real: they are just hard to describe on paper. They are also much more useful in the field than in the museum. Facial expression and head shape (especially in view of the alterations that take place according to posture and actions) are indeed difficult to describe, but most experienced gull-watchers agree that many species exhibit genuine characters of real value: a Glaucous Gull L. hyperboreus may have a ‘round head’ at times, but usually looks different from an Iceland Gull L. glaucoides ; a Mediterranean Gull L. rnelanocephalus has a highly distinctive ‘face’. Similarly, Yellow-legged Gulls of the race michahellis have a distinctive facial appearance and nominate cachinnans can look quite different: the head shape, bill proportions, position of the eye, the British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1 -2, January-February 1997 27 carriage of the head and neck and the stance produce a particular ‘look’ which is of prime importance in detecting an individual amongst commoner forms. Body shape, stance and posture vary greatly. Nevertheless, generalities apply and it is important to record the whole appearance of an interesting gull, including leg length, relative proportions of the head and bill (to each other and to the whole bird), wing length and primary extension, the slope of the back and the shape of the chest, in addition to more objective details. We suggest that observers try hard to learn such impressions, beginning from a sound knowledge of common forms, and do their best to describe what they see. It is, nevertheless, of immense value if unusual individuals are photographed so that subtleties of form and expression are captured for all to appreciate. Moult It is important to understand changes of plumage, with an appreciation of the timing and sequence of moult, as well as the effects of abrasion and bleaching. It is necessary to know the major feather tracts in order to understand such factors and to describe gulls in the field (or, indeed, in the museum). There are other practical benefits: for instance, it may be possible to pick out a juvenile/first-winter michahellis in Britain in August because michahellis moults on average at least two weeks and up to three months earlier than do argentatus and Lesser Black-backed Gull L. fuscus graellsii (a result of age) . Some descriptions of putative heuglinil taimyrensis in Britain, which sound promising, fail to include a vital feature: the exact state of moult, as judged by the primary moult ( heuglini moults up to two or three months later than does the similar Lesser Black-back L. f graellsii ) . Wing-tip patterns As wing tips are subject to obvious effects of wear and primary moult which disrupt their patterns, and, in flight, tend to be the most mobile parts of the bird, there has been a tendency to ignore the detail of what is one of the most vital areas for field identification. Apart from general descriptions of grey, black and white and basic assessments of their extent, little has been attempted. Yet it is possible to glean vital clues when a gull preens, stretches or droops a wing while standing (figs. 1 & 2, page 28). Detailed descriptions of primary patterns have been ignored, with the assumption that variation within populations and overlap between forms render such details of no value. While no single wing-tip pattern may be foolproof, many are crucial clues, especially in combination with other characters. For example, separation of an adult Herring Gull L. a. argentatus from Scandinavia, with pink or yellow legs, from a cachinnans- type may be resolved by the patterns of the outermost primary (P10) and the fifth primary (P5); or nominate cachinnans from michahellis by the pattern of P10. Uprperpart tones The shade of grey on a gull’s back is important but extraordinarily hard to record (even a photograph or video may be wrongly exposed). It is a matter of 28 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls Fig. 1. Wing structure of large gull Lams ( David Quinn). It is convenient that, on large gulls, the tip of P5 almost always lies directly beneath the tip of the tertials on the closed wing. P6 therefore is the first visible primary tip beyond the tertials. P10 may not show beyond P9, but the underside of P10 may be visible on the other wing (see fig. 2) underside of P10 shows long whitish ‘tongue’ separated from long white tip long white tip complete black band across P5 small spot on P4 Fig. 2. Yellow-legged Gull Lams cachinnans of nominate race ( David Quinn) comparison with other gulls alongside, so far as possible: assessments must be made in the same light conditions and, wherever possible, with individuals standing at the same angle to the observer. All gull-watchers realise that a gull may appear very dark at a certain angle, only to look remarkably pale when it turns; or it looks strikingly pale in strong sun, only to become rather dark in fading light (although dull, flat lighting is excellent for the accurate comparison of a range of greys). Pale greys are particularly subject to the effects of light and reflected light, as are underwings on gulls flying over dark earth, or over bright sand in strong sunshine, or blue water, or gleaming snow. Artists know the problems and possibilities well. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 29 Every effort should be made to record the upperpart tone as accurately as possible, preferably by comparison with several individuals of different species (a typical Common Gull L. conus , a Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus or a British Lesser Black-backed Gull might prove a more stable basis for comparison than other ‘Herring Gulls’, which are notoriously variable). Leg colour and L. a. ‘omissus’ Many Yellow-legged Gulls (obviously) have yellow legs; but some adults do not, while some Herring Gulls do. Differences in leg colour have been seen as important species-isolating mechanisms, but this has frequently been over- emphasised. Lonnberg (1933) demonstrated that a carotinoid substance in gulls’ legs and bills gives them the ‘lipochrome’ or yellow colour. It is found in the legs of non-yellow-legged Herring Gulls. In, for example, L. a. argenteus , it is possible (but unproven) that a sufficient increase in the deposition of pigment can be stimulated by the onset of the breeding season to create yellow legs. There are documented records in Britain of Herring Gulls with yellow legs, all in the breeding season (e.g. Rooke 1949; Oliver 1981; David Chapman in litt.). Northwest European Herring Gulls L. a. argentatus have a greater propensity to show yellow legs: Barth (1975) found 28 yellow-legged specimens from 180 Norwegian Herring Gulls, with no significant differences in their biometrics. He concluded that ‘The more or less yellowish tint on the feet and legs is . . . individual variation, which is more common in certain localities than others.’ There were relatively more yellow-legged birds farther north, but some occurred all along the Norwegian coast. Herring Gulls with yellow legs seen in Britain have been (and sometimes still are) referred to as L. a. ‘omissus’: something we emphasise should cease. Mierauskas & Greimas (1992) suggested that, up to the middle of the twentieth century, Herring Gulls with yellow legs (sometimes called omissus ) were patchily distributed in bogs in Latvia, Estonia, the St Petersburg region and the Vitebsk district (populations in which all the breeding gulls had yellow legs). It may then have been valid to consider them as a separate ecological group, if not a separate subspecies, supported by a difference in colour of juveniles from those of coastal and Baltic Sea populations of argentatus (with both yellow-legged and pink-legged individuals). Around 1960, these inland colonies were invaded by gulls from the eastern Baltic, including pink-legged ones, and hybridisation occurred. Thus, if there was a valid subspecies omissus , it was restricted to these inland colonies and was an unlikely migrant to Britain; present-day gulls from the region are intermediate in appearance and can no longer be ascribed to a discrete race. Herring Gulls with yellow legs in Britain are much more likely to come from the Norwegian coast: it is unlikely that we shall prove that ‘ omissus ’ ever occurred in Britain and the ‘race’ may now be defunct (though it is still upheld by some authors, e.g. Monzikov & Panov 1996). Most yellow-legged forms have a small number of individuals with flesh- coloured legs. This is less frequent among michahellis , but more common with nominate cachinnans. Some Siberian forms show a variation from ‘flesh to bright yellow’ (Yesou & Filchagov 1993). Sometimes, too, the tarsus may be differently coloured from the toes and webs (typically yellow ‘legs’, flesh-coloured ‘feet’). 30 Garner & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls Ageing large gulls Many immature gulls can be aged with confidence in the field. Many subadult argentatus and fuscus are probably aged accurately, although there is undoubted variation (Monaghan & Duncan 1979). Some cachinnarts and michahellis , however, do not fall so neatly into identifiable age classes — at least, there are more exceptions, and individuals with mixed age characters — and it is perhaps preferable to refer to plumages as, for example, ‘second-winter-type’ or ‘third- winter-type’. Other problems Further difficulties may be summarised as follows: 1. Most populations of ‘Herring Gull' show considerable intrapopulation variation, and Yellow-legged Gulls are no different. The full extent of variation is often unknown because many populations are poorly studied. Clinal differences are common, best described as ‘clinal radiation’. Various pockets of gull populations can vary clinally in any direction from a population ‘type’ — not necessarily the straightforward north-south and east-west variation described by Grant (1986). 2. The literature on ‘Herring Gulls’ is enormous, yet much of the best information is up to 70 years old, and often in French, German or Russian. Much is in obscure journals, for example a short paper on patterns of head streaking on michahellis in La Trajhasse (Burneleau 1987). 3. Relationships between forms are still unclear and controversial, while some forms are little known, e.g. barabensis, which seems similar in plumage and bare parts to armenicus (pers. obs.); and the form breeding in northwest Iberia, easily accessible yet poorly documented. 4. Much identification material is based on skins rather than field observations, a real drawback and cause of frustration for gull- watchers. This has led, for example, to the lack of information on separating nominate cachinnans from michahellis , which is not too daunting in reality. 5. Ground-breaking literature equipped enthusiasts with new field marks and greater confidence, but also led to unchallenged assumptions and over- simplification: for example, it has become ‘essential’ to regard all michahellis as ‘white-headed’, yet many post-breeding individuals actually have extensive head streaking. 6. The variety of names, e.g. antelius, lusitanicus, brittanicus and ponticus , and changes of opinion on taxonomy can be confusing and alter the apparent interest and potential for study of some forms. For example, taimyrensis has been viewed as a variable hybrid Herring Gull X Lesser Black-backed Gull; or the gulls from the geographical area given for taimyrensis in, for instance, Grant (1986) have been split into two species, Siberian Gull or Heuglin’s Gull L. heuglini taimyrensis and Vega Gull L. vega birulai, occurring sympatrically over the Taimyr Peninsula. The latter view is the one more likely to create more interest and stimulate further research. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-Fcbruary 1997 L. (c.) michahellis in Britain 31 A knowledge of jizz and precise plumage features will assist in the location and identification of michahellis. Typical individuals have an appearance which is hard to convey in words, but which, with experience, renders them quite distinct. Even the briefest of views of a head in a flock, a swimming individual in a roost or a bird in flight can be enough to invite further scrutiny. Identification of adults A typical adult compared with argenteus is average argenteus-sized, but more sturdy, powerful or chunky (although it may appear sleek and elegant). The size varies, partly with sex and age (males and older birds are larger than females and younger ones) and also because those from western Iberia are small, while those from the western Mediterranean are the largest michahellis ; both appear in Britain. The head looks chunkier, more filled-out, rather square in profile, with a steep, sometimes bulbous forehead, fuller chin and throat and a flat crown (or with just a slight dome) and square nape. Typically, argenteus! argentatus show a more obvious mid-crown peak, just behind the eye. At times, michahellis may look rounder-headed; males tend to be large, big-billed and squarer-headed, females smaller, smaller-billed and rounder-headed. The head shape is sometimes compared with that of the much smaller Mediterranean Gull. The often brighter bill appears slighdy shorter, possibly a little thicker, with a ‘pushed-in’ appearance. The neck, when extended, looks long, thick, smoothly curved and ‘muscular’, or shapely; the body has a full-chested appearance. The head, neck and chest combine to give a ‘proud’ or ‘confident’ look and the birds may seem to lean forward. Except when in the later stages of primary moult, the rear looks long and attenuated. Yellow-legged Gulls moult earlier than most argenteus! argentatus and often stand out in early winter as cleaner-looking, virtually full-winged gulls in the midst of more stumpy-ended argenteus and argentatus. In flight, the wings look long and the Yellow-legged Gull remains a particularly ‘smart’ bird. The bright white head (apart from post breeding season) and tail contrast with the grey back and upperwings; a bold white trailing edge and extensive black on the primaries (equally visible from below) heighten the effect. There are one or two white mirrors and the underside of the primaries and secondaries is clean mid-grey, generally darker than on Herring Gulls except darker argentatus and paler than on a graellsii Lesser Black-backed Gull: thus, rather distinctive. The legs are often the last feature to be seen well. They are usually bright yellow, or ‘custard’ yellow, but can look dull and washed-out, flesh-coloured or colourless in dull light. They tend to look rather longer than those of argenteus. UPPERPART TONE The grey upperparts are typically less bluish than those of fresh argenteus (worn feathers fade a fraction paler and browner) and fall between the pale grey of argenteus and the dark grey of L. f graellsii. The tone is very close to that of a 32 Garner & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls typical Common Gull or just a little darker. Some may occasionally appear as dark as the palest graellsii, but in flight the striking contrast between the black of the primaries and the grey of the upperwing is more obvious. It cannot be stressed too often that comparison is best made between individuals at the same time, at the same distance and standing at precisely the same angle. HEAD PATTERN French and German vernacular names for cachinnansl rnichahellis mean 'White- headed Gull’, but this feature is overemphasised. From late October to December, adult rnichahellis can stand out as strikingly white-headed amongst Herring Gulls with assorted streaks and dusky marks on the head, neck and chest sides. Yet most rnichahellis seen in Britain show head streaking during the post-breeding period, coinciding with the primary moult. Head streaking on rnichahellis is most obvious from late July to early November (rarely to February), while on argenteusl argentatus it is most obvious from September to January. The pattern of streaks on rnichahellis is finer, with thinner lines of streaks and less of the clouded, blotchy effect on the neck. The head therefore looks whiter, with thin lines, instead of grey-brown with dense streaking on the crown and broader blotching lower down as on argenteus. The whiteness of the head is related to age: Klein (1994) noted the presence of head streaking on adult Herring Gulls known to be four or five years old but hardly ever saw it on those older than 15 years. Of some 200 rnichahellis in Essex on 18th October 1995, nearly all showed clearly visible, sometimes extensive, head streaks (fig. 3). Burneleau (1987) studied post-breeding rnichahellis in Charente-Maritime, France, and found that 98% had head streaking in September and 96% in October. V> Fig. 3. Heads of Yellow-legged Gulls Lams cachinnans of race rnichahellis ( David Quinn ) showing variations in degree of head streaking. Left, three adults; right, young adult. The commonest pattern is a grey smudge or fine streaking around or behind the eye, extending across the rear crown and lightly over the top of the head, and/or over the ear-coverts. The streaks range from slight marks around the eye to regular, evenly spaced grey-brown pencil lines over most of the head and hindneck, ending abruptly at the base to give a pale ‘hooded’ effect with a very white fore face. On argenteusl argentatus , the face (forehead, lores, chin and throat) is streaked, less white, and the sides of the neck and chest are often broadly marked. Rare individual rnichahellis have been recorded with heavy and extensive streaking (P. Yesou in lilt.; Burneleau 1987; pers. obs.): rarely with big gulls is anything unequivocal. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 33 PRIMARY PATTERN Folded wing Most michahellis in Britain occur during the period of complete post-breeding moult, in July to September. Moult begins in late May or early June. Individuals in worn summer plumage show reduced (or no) white tips on the outer primaries; the closed wingtip appears black or brown apart from a white mirror/tip to P10. As moult continues, they can look scruffy, less immaculate than usual: a mixture of fresh grey and dull, faded, old, slightly brownish-grey or buffish-grey back feathers (and irregular areas of whitish where coverts are missing) combines with a short, stumpy rear as the outermost primaries are shed. On average, michahellis moults earlier than does argenteus/argentatus and possibly more quickly, so a new set of outer primaries with bright, perfect white tips may be seen in late September or early October. At that time, argenteus looks untidy, with a short, incomplete wingtip or retained old outer primaries. Nevertheless, the outer two primaries may not be completely grown on some michahellis until late November. When fully grown, the wings look long, with four, five, sometimes even six, white primary Ups visible beyond the closed tertials. These appear more evenly spaced than on argenteus ; the outermost white primary tip is more often visible, while on argenteus it is hidden by an equally long ninth primary. The tips vary when fresh from small and diamond-shaped to larger, rounder and more distinct, as on argenteus. Spread wing (fig. 4) The black area on the primaries is large, the inner edge slightly curved against the grey; the white tips are neatly spaced and look distinctive on a bird in flight from the rear. Some adults retain black shaft-streaks on the primary coverts. The tip of the outermost feather varies from all white (as on many western nominate cachinnans and many argentatus) to a small white tip and a large or medium-sized white mirror. The inner web shows a basal wedge of grey extending down about 40% of the visible part of the feather beyond the coverts; the grey is the same tone as the upperpart colour. More than 50% of adults show a mirror on P9 as well, although it is not always large or easy to see. In Belgium, de Mesel (1990) found that 58.5% of captured females and 67% of captured males had this second mirror, on P9. Our experience in Essex is consistent with this: the mirror on P9 may be small, restricted to the inner web, or large and across the whole feather. There are always at least six black-marked primaries on michahellis. The band on P5 is fairly broad (10-20 mm) and complete, although it can be thinner on die inner web (or narrower at the shaft). At rest, this feather normally lies beneadi the closed tertials. One museum specimen showed an incomplete band (by just 1 mm) on the inner web. On argenteus , there may be a complete black band on P5, but it tends to be thinner; many show only a small black mark on the outei web. There is often a dark mark on P4 (the fourth innermost) on michahellis and occasionally even a mark on P3. Only 14% of British argenteus have a black spot on P4 (. BWP ). Any dark-mantled ‘Herring Gull’ which lacks any mark on P5 or 34 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls michahellis Extensive black pattern. No white mirror on P9. Small grey tongue on P10. cachinnans Typical of adults seen in Essex. Long white tongue on P10. argenteus Small spot on P5. michahellis More white on P9 and P10. Longer grey tongue on P10. cachinnans White tongue less extensive, but shows broad black band on P5 and comma mark on P4. argenteus Complete black band on P5. Fig. 4. Wing patterns of adult Yellow-legged Lams cachinnans , graellsii and Herring Gulls L. argentatus ( David Quinn) L. f graellsii Lacks contrast between grey and black, but paler grey individuals do occur. hybrid argenteus x graellsii May lack black band on P5 and may show complete white tip to P10. Dark-mantled-type nominate argentatus. Note P10 similar tc that of cachinnans , but P5 has only small spot and P9 shows ‘ t haven pattern. Lesser-Black backed L. f British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1 -2, January-February 1997 35 shows a spot only on the outer web is almost certainly not michahellis (it is vital to establish that P5 is present and fully grown for this to apply). The underwing has a large area of intense black at the tip and the underside of the secondaries and inner primaries is mid grey. In July and August many adults show a less contrasted underwing owing to moult and wear. With perseverance in the field, quite precise details of wingtip patterns can be observed, especially as standing birds preen, stretch or show aggression (fig. 2). LEGS The legs of michahellis average slightly longer than those of argenteus , but the appearance varies in the field. Many are bright yellow, even orange-yellow, in spring and during the breeding season. Post breeding, the intensity of yellow may diminish, and in winter the legs often appear dull and pale. Some at close range show a straw-coloured wash to what at greater distance appear dull grey, grey- flesh or creamy legs. On some individuals, the legs appear partly flesh-coloured; webs and toes are often flesh-coloured even when the tarsi are yellow. Very rarely, apparent adults have pale, flesh-coloured legs with no yellow (but not the brighter pink typical of argenteus). Accurate assessment of leg colour in varying weather and light conditions is difficult, but it is not vital to the identification of michahellis. Kehoe (1991) summed up the problems: ‘The potential for ambiguity in leg colour is exacerbated by the use of different optical aids. It is sometimes difficult to arrive at a consensus on leg colour of an individual gull. Brief views of legs seen when a gull is bathing or in flight often lead to judgments which are later revised with ■better views.’ BELL The bill of michahellis often differs in shape from that of argenteus , but this is variable and often of no value. It tends to look shorter, chunkier, ‘pushed into the face’, enhanced by the steeper forehead. Some individuals have parallel-sided bills that are blunter-tipped than others; some have a more obvious bulge towards the gonys and a strong gonydeal angle. On L. f. graellsii, the bill is often less blunt, less parallel-sided, with a longer downcurve on the culmen, to give a slightly thinner (even drooping) shape. The bill colour can often be brighter than on argenteus , with strong yellow or orange-yellow, but some individuals in the late summer or autumn have dull bills, often in combination with flesh-coloured legs, and need more careful separation from L. c. cachinnans (see section on other forms, page 62). The red gonydeal spot is often brighter and more extensive on michahellis , regularly spreading onto the upper mandible. Blackish subterminal marks are frequent, especially during July to October (Burneleau, 1987, found black bill markings on more than 80% of adults in September and October). The marks vary from small smudges to a thick and complete black band. These black bill marks, once considered a sign of immaturity, are quite normal features of the post-breeding period, as on several Asian forms (Filchagov 1993; Garner pers. obs.). 36 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls ORBITAL RING The orbital ring of michahellis is usually red to reddish-orange, rarely brownish, looking dark at long range, so often giving a distinctly beady-eyed look. Typically, argenteus! argentatus have yellow to dull orange rings, regularly brown in winter (sometimes redder on argentatus ), and the eye looks paler and more glaring, especially on a well-streaked head. IRIS COLOUR Most michahellis have dull grey-yellow to bright lemon-yellow irides; a varying amount of darker pigmentation may be shown. Very rarely, apparent adults have dark irides (P. Stewart in litt.). Near-adults more often retain darker iris pigmentation. Other southern/Asian members of the complex show similar iris variations (Madge 1992; Hirschfeld 1992; Yesou & Filchagov 1993; Garner in prep.). Typically, the iris of argenteus is pale cream to very pale creamy-lemon, with less of a yellow hue. BEHAVIOUR Yellow-legged Gulls in Britain often consort, where possible, with Lesser Black- backed Gulls. They may be loners’: often assumed to be the same individuals noted at particular sites for several years. At large, mixed roosts in the English Midlands, for example, Yellow-legged Gulls may patrol the shoreline during the afternoon, well before the bulk of the local wintering Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls return to the roost; even then, they may soon drift to one end of a flock. Their liking for the shoreline may be in strong comrast to the behaviour of other big gulls present. Some individuals have been watched feeding over reservoirs by day, alone, long before thousands of Herring Gulls return for the night. The big numbers in southeast England, however, are noted at refuse tips, by day. Some pitfalls ARGENTEUS VERSUS MICHAHELLIS While argenteus is usually easily separated, care must always be used. By December, argenteus can be beautifully white-headed as in August/September, and, in comparison with adjacent argentatus , look very different. The contrasting white head may give an illusion of darker upperparts than is actually the case. The head then looks less aggressive and rounder, the bill brighter, and the primaries are full-grown, often with smaller white tips and with more extensive black than on argentatus, recalling michahellis. ARGENTATUS VERSUS MICHAHELLIS This is a more likely source of confusion, especially during November to March. In November and December, most argentatus are easily separated by heavy, blotchy markings on the head, neck and breast sides. The head looks long and angular, the bill long and pale. Some, however, can be white-headed and look smaller-billed. The very late moult gives a short- winged look late in the year. Growing outer primaries often show extensively white tips. Most argentatus seen British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 37 in Britain show little or no black on P5 and many have a long, pale wedge along the inner web of P9 reaching the tip, without a black bar (the so-called ‘ thayeri’ pattern) (fig. 4). In flight, most dark-backed argentatus have much more white on the wingtip than does rnichahellis, and the underside of the primaries is a paler grey. By late January, however, argentatus can look remarkably like rnichahellis , with clean white head now looking more rounded, bill much brighter, with large red spot, small, beady eyes, and a dark grey upperside matching that of Yellow-legged Gull. Many are not especially large: Coulson et al. (1984) found 71% of 213 adult argentatus in Britain to be female (and therefore small). The upperpart tone exhibits a cline from paler in the southwest to darker in the northeast of the breeding range; the grey may be more bluish, less lead-coloured, than on rnichahellis , but the tone can be identical. Not all Scandinavian argentatus lack extensive black in the wingtip (although the more migratory northern populations have the least black and are the ones most likely to be seen in Britain). Those with much black and less white look like rnichahellis , even to the darker grey beneath the flight feathers and the striking white trailing edge to the wing. Their legs look longer and are usually dusky pink or greyish-pink. Individuals with yellow legs are rarely seen in Britain (but are more frequent in Scandinavia in summer: Barth 1975). Small numbers may remain in Britain in summer (C. Keyhoe, and P. A. Lassey verbally; pers. obs.) and some immatures have been recorded in summer (Coulson et al. 1984; BWP). L. F. GRAELLSII VERSUS MICHAHELUS The upperpart tone of graellsii varies a little: a pale one beside a darker individual may invite confusion with rnichahellis. Alternatively, a typical graellsii beside a darker L. f. intermedins can lead to the same mistake. Strikingly pale graellsii do occur. Hybrids L. A. ARGENTEUS X L. F. GRAELLSII Although rare, small numbers of apparent hybrids or known hybrid pairs produce young in Britain, west and northwest France, the Netherlands and Belgium. Hybrids are usually intermediate between their parents and so superficially resemble rnichahellis. Some hybrids on Skomer, Dyfed, have a structure unlike rnichahellis and with only a partial black band on P5 (Quinn pers. obs.). Harris et al. (1978) noted orange-yellow orbital rings on some hybrids in the breeding season. L. A. ARGENTEUS X L. C. MICHAHELUS One such pair was observed at Dungeness, Kent, in 1991 (pers. obs.), apparently producing one hybrid young. The apparent rnichahellis may itself have been a hybrid. Other mixed pairs have been recorded in western France and the Netherlands; in France, they have not produced young. L. F. GRAELLSII X L. C. M1CHAHEUJS Such pairs have been recorded in western France, the Netherlands, northwest 38 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls England, northeast England and southeast England. Young are known from the Netherlands. In Spain, there are hybrid graellsii and ‘Cantabrican Yellow-legged Gulls’ (see section on Atlantic Iberian gulls in Appendix, pages 58-59). PROBABLE HYBRID ARGENTEUS X GRAEUSII X L. C. MICHAHELUS A pair bred in Cumbria in 1993, producing three young; the pair returned in 1994. L. F. FUSCUS X L. HEUGUNI HEUGUNl/L. C. CACHINNANS Various hybrid combinations have been reported mainly from the Volga basin (Filchagov 1994; Monzikov & Panov 1996). L C. CACHINNANS X L A. ARGENTATUS > * Hybrid pairings have been reported on the Polish Baltic coast (M. Elliot verbally). Immature michahellis The paucity of published records implies a lack of confidence in identifying immature Yellow-legged Gulls (especially those up to two years old). Yet Essex flocks can be 40% immatures, of which half may be in their first or second year. There seems no reason why a similar proportion of immatures may not be expected elsewhere (see also Geroudet 1992). These individuals spend more than half the year in moult. Old and new feathers on immatures can be very different in colour and pattern. We reiterate, therefore, the importance of knowing the feather groups and the effects of moult, bleaching and wear. Note that the rate of moult, especially of the body feathers, seems to be individually variable rather than related to age. Two individuals of the same age may look very different. Popular literature generally fails to illustrate the range of variation in immature gulls, especially the ‘darker’ and ‘paler’ types of juvenile argenteus. There are also erroneous assumptions, such as the invariably ‘white-headed, black-billed’ appearance of first-winter michahellis. In fact, they can have quite extensive head streaking, and some even have a pale base to the lower mandible by the first autumn. AGEING AND MOULT Typically, michahellis are two weeks to three months older than more northerly- bred argenteus and graellsii at any given time of year, so they moult earlier. The rate of progress to adult plumage is also more advanced in michahellis than in other forms. First-winters can moult inner greater coverts by September or October. First-summers tend to have more adult-type grey feathers than on argenteus (more like L. f graellsii ). Second-winter types tend to have more adult grey on the wing, especially in the median coverts, than equivalent argenteus ; some third-winter types are much closer to adult than are equivalent Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 39 ~ cachinnans michahellis P9 & 10 growing. September michahellis cachinnans P7 growing past P6. Old P9 & 10 visible. michahellis P7 growing past P6. Old P9 & 10 visible. cachinnans summer’ michahellis ‘summer’ ‘summer’ dark argentatus winter winter ow-legged individual Fig. 5. Adult Yellow-legged Larus cachinnans and Herring Gulls L. argentatus of races L. c. michahellis, L. c. cachinnans, L. a. argenteus and L. a. argentatus ( David Quinn ) 40 lst-w cachinnans juv/lst-w michahellis disi juv/lst-w michahellis juv/lst-vv argenteus lst-w michahellis juv/lst-w graellsii When it comes to birdwatching, the choice is clear — Nikon. Again in 1995, we won awards for yet another breakthrough product, the Fieldscope ED78 A. Now, by introducing our new 24x/30x Wide eyepiece, we've taken the already bright, crisp view of Nikon Fieldscopes to unprecedented new heights. 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Second-year Yellow-legged Larus cachinnans and Herring Gulls L. argentatus of races L. c. michahellis, L. c. cachinnans and L. a. argenteus ( David Quinn) A Fig. 6. Juvenile/fir st- winter Yellow-legged Larus cachinnans , Herring L. argentatus and Lesser Black-backed Gulls L. fuscus of races L. c. michahellis, L. c. cachinnans, L. a. argenteus and L. f graellsii ( David Quinn). First-winter cachinnans based on two similar individuals observed in Essex in November 1 996. Fig. 8. Third-year and fourth-year Yellow-legged Gulls Lams cachinnans of races cachinnans (four on left) and michahellis (five on right) ( David Quinn), (a) third-winter cachinnans ; (b & c) third-winter michahellis ; (d) third-summer/fourth-winter cachinnans ; (e) third-summer/fourth- winter michahellis , new P5 visible beneath tertials; (f) fourth-winter-type cachinnans showing distinctive adult wing pattern; (g) cachinnans showing less-distinctive fourth-winter-type wing pattern; (h) fourth-winter michahellis ; (i) fourth-winter-type michahellis , note extensive black on P5 and P4 visible beneath tertials, some black on primary coverts. 43 British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 Juvenile and first-winter michahellis While the extremes of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls are fairly obvious to experienced observers, there is much variation and it is difficult enough to separate some of those without throwing Yellow-legged Gull into the equation. Nevertheless, many juvenile/first-winter michahellis are identifiable and clearly ‘different’ to the practised eye. Juvenile michahellis is more like a Lesser Black-back; first-winter michahellis is more like a Herring Gull. Juvenile michahellis may appear in Britain from early July and the plumage can be seen until mid September. Some juveniles/first-winters are readily identifiable between mid August and mid September, when their older plumage looks more obviously worn than that of the pristine young Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, especially on the tertials and coverts, and first-winter scapulars and inner greater coverts begin to appear (although other individuals can be as fresh-looking as Herring or Lesser Black-backed Gulls). To an experienced gull-watcher, many michahellis can appear quite distinct as a result of a combination of factors. Many look more solidly built than do Herring and Lesser Black-backs, with a steeper forehead, more rounded rear crown or ‘squarer’ head, and a thicker, more solid-looking bill. Some stand obviously tall, and have a long primary projection. From July some, and by August many, michahellis have a whiter head than do Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls (although some in early September can still have a fully streaked head and neck) . An increasingly distinct pattern of white foreface, throat, cheeks and neck sides, dark cap and heavy streaking over the lower hindneck (sometimes joined by a thin central line of streaks) develops. The underparts become progressively paler, often with large, contrastingly dark patches on the breast sides, sometimes forming a broad ‘pectoral band’, and blotching along the flanks. The whitish-patterned head and underparts contrast strongly with the rather dark upperparts (much more than on Herring or Lesser Black-back), and the upperparts (as most are older) become clearly more worn, with variable amounts of gingery or rusty internal markings on the feathers. From early August, many show increasing numbers of first-winter greyish/buffy-ginger scapulars with double transverse bars (or anchors), not shown by Herring or Lesser Black-back until at least September. The greater-covert bar is variable, but often obviously darker than on most Herring Gulls, the inner coverts paler, but the tertials nearly always wholly dark over the visible basal half or more, with a variable but broad pale tip. In flight from below, the often whiter head and underparts are visible (especially in the vent/undertail-covert area); the black tail-band looks ‘framed’ in white, with mostly white outer feathers and a broad white tip. The underwing looks rather uniform, with mottled or barred coverts and an obvious paler inner primary window (much more obvious than from above). The upperside in flight has a distinctive dark outer wing, often with a small, dull, paler window with a dark surround (unlike Herring Gull), a bright whiter rump and tail base, and broad black tail-band outlined in white. From October to December, a first-winter michahellis looks more like a Herring 44 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls Gull, less like a Lesser Black-back. Most Lesser Black-backs have dark sooty- brown or grey-brown first-winter scapulars giving a generally grey-brown ‘muddy’ appearance; in contrast, both Herring and michahellis have paler scapulars. On michahellis, the greyish/buffy-ginger first-winter scapulars of August fade to whitish-grey (with double black bar and anchors) and the birds take on a three- tone appearance to the upperparts. This consists of pale greyish scapulars, dark brown, worn coverts and blackish primaries (and nearly blackish tertials), contrasting with a whitish head pattern and mostly whitish underparts. Both Herring and Lesser Black-back tend to look more uniformly paler and darker, respectively, over the upperparts. Most other features are valid as for juvenile, except that the tertial pattern is less reliable and the broad tail-tip wears off. Given the variation in all three forms, some will be best left unidentified. TERTIALS (fig. 9) In a good view, the tertial pattern is usually very helpful. It may, however, sometimes be best to concentrate first on the greater-covert bar, which usually narrows the options from three to two. The tertial pattern is a key difference (Dubois & Yesou 1984), but can be difficult to assess. All three forms may show tertials with thin pale fringes and weak internal markings. Most michahellis show: 1. A broad pale tip, sometimes with a thin, dark shaft-streak or anchor shape (some with pale subterminal indentation or broad curved blocks or rectangular areas subterminally). The fringe may be very short or extend towards the base of the feather, either complete or broken, but without the notches or scallops of typical Herring. Innermost tertials are sometimes brown with only a dull buff (or no) pale tip, probably linked to wear. 2. The basal half or more of the tertial is often entirely dark, with no pale fringe. michahellis michahellis michahellis cachinnans graellsii graellsii Fig. 9. Some examples of juvenile/first-winter tertial patterns of large gulls Larus ( David Quinn). Top row Herring Gull Lams argentatus argenteus ; bottom row Yellow-legged L. cachinnans michahellis (left three), nominate cachinnans (based on two first-winters seen in Essex), and Lesser Black-backed Gull L. Juscus graellsii (right two). British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 45 3. The tertials look worn earlier than on Herring and Lesser Black-back. Once worn and faded in winter, they are less useful as a field character. Lesser Black-backs usually have sooty-brown tertials with only a very thin pale fringe (also shown by some michahellis) , sometimes with a thin, indistinct, single, duller subterminal indentation or occasionally small notches. The fringe may reach the base of the feather or be cut abruptly short. There is often a paler, chestnut or gingery rectangular area towards the tip (also shown by the other two forms). Compared with this, michahellis has a broader pale tip or fringe. Herring Gulls usually have paler, milk-chocolate or creamy-brown tertials, extensively notched or at least scalloped on the fringes and with pale internal markings. Some have a thin pale fringe, but it is usually all around the visible feather margin, unlike michahellis. Rarely, a juvenile argenteus may practically match the pattern of a juvenile michahellis , so the tertial pattern is not absolutely diagnostic on its own. GREATER COVERTS The greater coverts of michahellis may appear dark (approaching those of Lesser Black-back) or paler, like Herring. Many show a half-dark, half-pale pattern: the outer (lower on closed wing) feathers are dark with small pale tips, grading progressively inwards to pale feathers with small dark bases (except for the innermost two, which are often all-dark). This ‘double triangle’ of dark above or in front and light behind or below can be quite distinct (although both Herring and Lesser Black-back can occasionally show somewhat similar patterning). Some individuals moult their inner greater coverts in autumn, with new ones patterned like first- win ter scapulars (see below), not usually seen on Herring or Lesser Black-backed Gulls. MANTLE AND SCAPULARS The lower rear scapulars on a juvenile michahellis may be close to the pattern of those of a Lesser Black-back (dark with narrow pale fringes, either of uniform width or slightly broader towards the tip on each web) or have broader fringes, rather notched or scalloped, with a much larger ‘scallop’ shape each side towards the tip (leaving a dark ‘holly-leaf centre, with a narrow terminal point). These feathers also have U-shaped or V-shaped chestnut/gingery-brown marks internally (less bright, less rusty on Herring and Lesser Black-back from July to September and usually not obvious until later, when the feathers are worn, in October or November). Some michahellis have a narrow, rectangular pale ‘notch’ on one side of the juvenile scapulars. On a first-winter, after the moult in August to October, the scapulars are gingery to cream-coloured, fading to whitish, with double transverse bars (the distal one often anchor-shaped) and a creamy tip. They are similarly pale on a newly moulted Herring Gull, usually obviously darker on a Lesser Black-back. The characteristic effect on a first-winter michahellis is of a pale scapular or mantle area (often a paler greyish ‘shawl’ effect), dark brown lesser or median coverts with few pale fringes or bars, and blackish tertials and primaries, creating a marked tricoloured impression. Herring Gulls are usually more uniformly pale, Lessers more uniformly dark. 46 Garner & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls UPPERWING PATTERN Most Lesser Black-backs are dark, with little contrast. The whole outer wing is dark, and the greater coverts almost as dark as the secondaries. On Herring, the upperwing is contrasty, with dark outer primaries and a dark secondary bar isolated by an obvious pale area (‘window’) on the inner primaries, plus pale inner primary coverts and pale secondary coverts. On michahellis, the upperwing has a dark outer wing, with at best a faint paler inner-primary window, and dark primary coverts and outer greater coverts, so the slighdy paler ‘window’ is surrounded by dark feathers, rather than showing a dark secondary' bar surrounded by pale feathers as on Herring. The often dark outer greater coverts create a ‘halfway house’ effect approaching the second dark bar of a Lesser Black-back (although they can be mostly dark, or mostly pale). The inner primaries have different patterns on the three forms. On Herring, they are pale with an obvious dark shaft and a narrow dark tip which curls around the feather onto the inner web; both webs have a subterminal paler patch. On Lesser Black-backs, they are dark on the outer web and tip (ending abruptly or extending onto the inner web, forming a club shape) with an almost equally dark inner web (or merely a slightly paler gradation towards the inner edge). On michahellis , they are dark on the outer web and contrastingly pale on the inner web, sharply divided along the shaft; the dark tip often has a blunt, club shape. The outer web may have a long, paler ‘mirror’ (on 50% of individuals; BWP). These differences may be useful on photographs of ‘difficult’ individuals and can be visible m the field sometimes. UNDERWING This is variable and of limited use. Typically, Lesser Black-backs are dark, rather ‘oily-looking’, with all the primaries dark. Herring Gulls are more contrasty, with an obvious paler inner-primary window and pallid, translucent outer primaries (the coverts vary from pale with dark tips to dark). On michahellis , the underwing is paler than on a Lesser Black-back, the coverts dark or slightly mottled or barred paler (an effect like a series of dark parallel lines), and the inner primaries slightly paler than the outers (more obvious than on the upperwing), which are rather darker, less washed-out, than on Herring. RUMP AND TAIL Typically, michahellis has the whitest rump and most contrasted black tail-band, with a few transverse bars and arrowheads. In fresh plumage, it shows more white in the outer tail feathers and a broader white tip than when worn, so the black tail-band looks ‘framed in white’. On the undertail-coverts or vent there are just a few dark bars on a very white area. (Some paler, presumably northern, argentatus types arriving from late September onwards show more white in the rump/tail region.) Usually, Herring Gull has the dullest tail, with much brown barring and more extensive barring on the undertail-coverts, while Lesser Black-back has a tail more like michahellis (and do overlap), but frequently are more marked with dark bars: some may have a much broader area of black than is ever shown by michahellis , more like the Nearctic race of Herring Gull smithsonianus. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 47 HEAD AND BELL Some first- winter michahellis are strikingly white-headed, with a blackish mark through/behind the eye. Others are streaked, but with a whiter face, throat and underparts than is usual on a Herring Gull. Most Herring Gulls have a duller, buff or cream colour to the head rather than stark white. A typical juvenile or first-winter michahellis head pattern would be a white forehead and lores, dark streaky cap from forecrown to nape and down to eye level, a broad whitish band from the chin and throat curving back and up behind the ear-coverts to the hindneck and a dark lower hindneck extending upwards in the centre (most obvious from the rear), so the main element is the whitish curved band from nape to throat between darker areas above and below. The bill colour is variable, as many michahellis gain a rather faint paler fleshy- coloured or brown area on the base of the lower mandible in their first winter, by late August or September. Others remain black-billed. Herring Gulls are variable, with more extensive reddish-brown on many, but blacker bills on others. First-summer michahellis These are confusingly variable, some so difficult that they are best left unresolved. Because michahellis moults earlier, it may show pale grey adult-type feathers on the mantle, scapulars and eventually some wing-coverts much earlier than the others. Most michahellis moult from April, and until September show a mixture of spotted, dark-centred feathers, anchor or arrowhead marks and plain grey over the scapulars. Primary moult averages earlier: inner primaries may be new, greyer ones by May or June and the outer feather (P10) is dropped by late July. The head and body streaking is often quite distinct. Both Herring and Lesser Black-backs vary from heavily streaked to plain, pale-headed; michahellis is similarly variable, but, especially in July and August, often shows a characteristic combination of white face, thin, pencil-line streaks on the crown and nape, a triangle of heavily etched lines of streaks on the hindneck (so it looks white-faced head-on but heavily marked from the rear) and a well-defined C-shape of white from the lores, around the ear-coverts and down to the sides of the neck. The heavy streaking of the hindneck extends down to bolder, rounded blotches on a whiter background than on Herring on the breast sides. Dusky eye marks add to this characteristic appearance. The bill varies from black to grey-green or flesh-coloured at the base, with a black tip. Some have a yellow bill with a black tip. The legs are flesh-coloured; some show a yellow tint by late May. These first-summer individuals still look long-winged, with thick but shortish bills, and more adult-type grey above than the other species; they look more contrasty than darker Lesser Black-backs (which develop darker grey feathers above by their second winter), with rounder blotches on the breast sides, distinct head streaking and, especially, a hind collar of heavy marks. Subsequent subadult plumages Not all individuals fall neatly into identifiable age groups. Essentially, michahellis 48 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls looks more advanced than do Herring or Lesser Black-back at a similar age, most obviously developing grey wing-coverts earlier, but they are also more likely to retain a dark iris later into their second winter. Most have a clean grey ‘saddle’ by the second winter; the brown coverts tend to be wholly dark-centred, not pale- barred as on Herring; the head and underparts (except for the dark eye mark) are whiter than on Herring, but the hindneck collar of dark spotting, often extending onto the breast sides, remains distinct. Many have mostly dark-brown-centred tertials (Herring typically has paler, more barred tertials), though by their second summer some become more barred or worn/bleached. Some have chequered and barred second-winter plumage, with no adult grey feathers; others have a mixture of brown-barred and grey feathers in the mantle and scapulars. The bill pattern of second-winters is variable, commonly developing a pale greenish or yellowish base and a darker tip. In flight, michahellis are more contrasted, with blacker outer primaries, secondary' bar and tail-band than second-year Herring Gulls, more like a huge first-winter Common Gull. By the second summer, many have rich-yellow legs and a red orbital ring, as well as a yellow bill with a black tip or band. L. c. cachinnans in Britain It seems very likely that nominate cachinnans has been occurring in Britain for some time, unnoticed or unproved. A ringing recovery from northern France in 1953 was in the same year as three from Denmark and one from Heligoland, Germany ( BWP\ Glutz von Blotzheim & Bauer 1982; Klein 1994). It may be that there have been minor influxes in some years, but the race is not yet admitted to the British List. At Mucking, Essex, a remarkable site for michahellis Yellow-legged Gulls, we found it relatively easy to locate adult cachinnans on almost every visit during the 13 months from August 1995 to August 1996, with more than 20 records (a maximum of five individuals on one visit) altogether, including some immatures. Others showing features associated with cachinnans were well seen and drawn or photographed, in Hertfordshire in December 1994 (A. Harris in lilt.) and in Gloucestershire in January 1996 (P. Stewart in lilt.). Records have been submitted to the BBRC and eventually will be considered by the BOURC for admission to the British List. Nominate cachinnans appeared from July onwards (our first second-summer type was on 5th July and first adult on 1 0th August) and it seems that cachinnans may be more likely than michahellis to remain through the winter to the following spring. In mid December at Mucking, there were about six michahellis , down from 500 in September, but still two or three cachinnans present. Klein (1994) found ringed cachinnans in February and May in northern Germany, but no michahellis there then. The French ringing recovery was also in May. Klein estimated that perhaps one-third of all Yellow-legged Gulls in a study area on the Baltic coast of Germany were nominate cachinnans. The individuals at Mucking showed characters which, in combination, clearly pointed to western nominate cachinnans (or ‘pan liens'). Having studied several British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1 -2, January-February 1997 49 hundred michahellis in detail, we found these relatively distinctive: their shape, proportions, wing-tip patterns, bare-part colours, head streaking, upperpart tone and some behavioural differences were helpful. The following is based extensively on experience in Essex plus a visit by MG to the United Arab Emirates in February-March 1996. Identification of adults Adults need to be separated with care from michahellis, but are likely to be overlooked because of their more Elerring Gull-like head shape and less brightly coloured bill and legs. It is not yet known whether the descriptions refer only to the most well-marked individuals of nominate cachinnans of the western populations (leaving less-obvious ones overlooked), since more-easterly populations appear to have head shapes, on some at least, closer to michahellis (pers. obs.), with far-eastern types variable, some with a snouty, pear-shaped look (from photographs). Stegmann (1934) separated cachinnans east and west of the Caspian Sea, naming the western population ponticus. Differences are clinal, allowing much intergradation, and general differences are visible on skins and in the field. On average, western individuals more often have a complete white tip to the outermost primary (P10), a longer white ‘tongue’ from the base of P10 along the inner web towards the tip, and look longer-billed. Eastern birds tend to have a white mirror on the tip of P10, and sometimes darker upperparts (although eastern birds remain very little studied). The general appearance is striking, as individuals can appear longer-legged, longer-billed, longer-winged and longer-necked than other large gulls seen in Britain. The head shape is distinctive, with a ‘snout’ effect caused by a long, sloping forehead merging into the profile of a long, parallel-sided bill. In this respect, individuals can be reminiscent of Great Black-headed L. ichthyaetus , California L. califomicus and even Sooty Gulls L. hemprichii. On some, the crown is particularly low and flat, with no pronounced forehead. The head shape and general structure of michahellis are obviously variable. Small females can be slender with pear-shaped heads, large males more like Great Black-headed. Nevertheless, with practice, the jizz of many nominate cachinnans remains distinct. The eye tends to appear high and well forward on the head, so much of the long head appears behind the eye. Some larger individuals have rather small heads, looking somewhat pear-shaped and too small for the disproportionately long bill. Smaller (female?) individuals are sometimes more reminiscent of Common Gull in head shape. The neck of cachinnans seems relatively long, often curved, sometimes stretched up, exaggerating an upswept, smooth-backed look, with a flat head and long bill completing a peculiar profile. Smaller individuals with a dark iris recall California Gull (pers. obs.), which inhabits a similar ecosystem (prairie) to the steppe inhabited by cachinnans. A large, pale California Gull of the form albertaensis (see Jehl 1987) would be very difficult to separate from a small cachinnans at long range, but most have the outer primary mostly (70-90%) black (grey tongues on P9 and P10 are sometimes present, but are short and hard to see). 50 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls The stance often involves a steeply sloping back, with wingtips particularly close to the ground, accentuating (or accentuated by) the long legs. There is often no obvious tertial step. Individual michahellis and argentatus more often stand nearer to a horizontal pose. This varies gready, of course, but, in a group of gulls facing one way, the peculiar stance and posture of cachinnans serves to pick it out from the crowd. In flight, the wings look long, particularly long-armed with long, thin hand (outer wing) on some, and the action is languid and relaxed. On some, the head has been held low, almost drooped, with a ‘hunch’ at the shoulder evident. HEAD PATTERN From late August to mid October, cachinnans tends to be whiter-headed than is michahellis , most of which have streaking, especially around the eye and over the rear crown. Most cachinnans in Bahrain in December nevertheless showed some streaks (P. Yesou in litt.). If there are streaks, they appear as fine, grey-brown pencil lines over the nape and hindneck, with a greater concentration around the lower hindneck as a slight collar. Many have larger brown tear-drop spots on this area, while the rest of the head is white. This pattern is less often shown by michahellis (though can appear similar on those moulting from streaky to white- headed), but is frequent on Asian forms such as heuglini and armenicus. By January, most adults are entirely white-headed. UPPERPARTS The grey varies slightly in tone individually. Most are very slightly paler than michahellis or midway between michahellis and argenteus. One Essex individual matched michahellis in tone. The hue is obviously grey, lacking blue. The white scapular and tertial crescents vary from fairly wide and obvious to weak, with the white scapular tips lacking. WING PATTERN Western L. c. cachinnans in adult plumage has a distinctive wing-tip pattern above and below: crucially important in clinching identification in combination with other characters. It is vital to note the exact pattern of the outermost primary (P10) when present; and the presence and extent of black on P5, while checking P4 and P3 as well (figs. 2, 4 & 10). At rest When the longest outermost primaries — P9 and P10 — are fully grown, nominate cachinnans looks particularly long-winged. P10 can be nearly 1 cm longer than P9 and clearly visible on some individuals (it is normal on large gulls for P 1 0 and P9 to fall approximately level with each other when closed). Most importantly, P10 shows a long white or greyish-white tongue, or panel, clearly paler than the upperpart tone, extending from the base of the exposed feather at least 50%, and up to 75%, of the length of the inner web towards the tip. This leaves a relatively narrow band of black between this tongue and the white tip (or subterminal mirror). At rest, the longest tertial tip falls approximately halfway along the British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 51 P5 P6 (new) P5 P6 (new) Fig. 10. Yellow-legged Gulls Lams cachinnans in mid to late August, illustrated at same stage of moult for comparison ( David Quinn). Even during moult, the primaries can be numbered in the field. outermost primary, so the white tongue is frequently visible from below — on the far wingtip — extending a little beyond the tertials. On michahellis , there is, at most, a wedge or tongue of grey (not white or whitish) extending at most just 40% along the feather from the primary-covert tips on the inner web of P10. This is much more difficult to see at rest (usually only on a preening bird or as a wing is raised). Also, on nominate cachinnans , both P9 and P8 tend to have long greyish-white tongues on the inner webs, with these becoming progressively greyer towards the inner primaries. The width of black between tip or mirror and whitish tongue differs ( BWP ; Shirihai 1996): nominate cachinnans P9 = 70-98 mm michahellis P9 = 96-140 mm There is nearly always a complete black band across P5 on nominate cachinnans and, on 74% of specimens, at least a black mark on P4 (BWP). The black on the outer webs of the outer primaries ranges from virtually the whole of the outer web on P8, P9 and P10 to a long black outer web on P10 only, with P9 mostly pale with a subterminal black band above the white mirror. Nominate cachinnans , especially large (male) individuals, tend to have more white on the tips of P9 and P10 than do michahellis. Many show an obvious long, virtually complete white tip to P10 and a large white mirror across both webs of P9. Kohl (1958) examined 18 specimens from the western Black Sea coast and found 15 with white tips to P10 complete or separated from the ‘mirror’ only by tiny dark spots; only three females had large white mirrors separated from the tip by a black bar. Mierauskas et al. (1991) examined a larger sample of 71 individuals of both sexes from Lake Sivash (northern Black Sea) and found the following: P10 all-white tip 74% P9 broad white mirror on both webs 86% trace of black near tip 14% white spot on both webs 12% incomplete black bar 5% ‘ thayerf pattern 2% complete black bar separating mirror from tip 7% On michahellis , there is often a dark mark on P4, sometimes on P3; P5 has a 52 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls broad (10-20 mm) black band; on argenteus, 14% of British individuals (none on the Continent) have a subterminal dark spot on P4 ( BWP ); P5 usually has a black subterminal spot on one or both webs (not a complete broad band); P9 has grey at the base (not white) with a small white tip and a white mirror often confmed to the inner web, sometimes across both and sometimes absent; P10 has a grey base to the inner web and a broad white mirror and white tip, the two frequently merging into a large white tip or separated by only small spots of black. In late August and early September, it can be particularly easy to see the patterns of the outer wing as the new inner primaries (P3-5) appear and the gap left by missing P6-8 allows the outer feathers to be examined. On 4th September, two Essex individuals had P10 remaining as the only feather protruding beyond the tertials at rest; many nearby michahellis had already dropped P10. Most nominate cachimians are not full-winged again until mid November, so the diagnostic P10 is not easily visible, if at all, between early September and November: this is the period when a firm identification is most difficult. Beware, also, the complications of part-grown feathers on other forms. For example, michahellis can have a part-grown, white-tipped P10 which merges on the closed wing with the mirror of P9, giving an erroneous impression of a long white tongue on the outer primary. In flight Most nominate cachimians show less black on the wing tip than do michahellis , but the appearance varies. On some, the black on P10 extends only along the outer web around the mirror to a subterminal black band, with the whole of the inner web whitish. The contrast is clear, as the black tends to appear denser (‘blacker’) than on argenteus or argentatus and the grey-white tongues stand out much whiter. These pale inner webs on several outer primaries produce lines or streaks of black and whitish on the outer feathers in a ‘Venetian blind’ or slotted effect. The underwing, with so much whitish on the inner webs of feathers more clearly visible from below than above, is noticeably pallid (as if ‘flying over snow’) . Some show darker grey on the inner primaries, creating some contrast, but none of the Essex individuals has shown anything like the obvious contrast between white coverts and grey primaries and secondaries seen on michahellis. The white trailing edge of the wing is of fairly uniform width, as on michahellis ; on armenicus , this is broad on the secondaries but clearly narrower on the inner primary tips. A complication may arise with very worn and moulting michahellis from July to September, when the underwing contrast can be much reduced. BILL On nominate cachimians , the bill is long, parallel-sided and relatively thin, often lacking the thickening tip evident on michahellis , with a less prominent gonydeal angle. Larger individuals have thicker bills, but still look obviously longer-billed, with more pear-shaped heads than do michahellis. The nostril shape may be longer, more parallel-sided, oblong and slit-like, rather than triangular (broader towards the bill tip) as on michahellis , but this is variable. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 53 .Most Essex cachinnans (August to December) had dull, olive-yellow or pale yellowish-green bills, sometimes more flesh-coloured towards the base. The gonydeal spot was dull orange or reddish-orange, confined to the lower mandible and not always extending fully across it (colours reminiscent of Iceland Gull). On typical adult michahellis , the bill is deep, rich yellow with an extensive bright gonydeal spot. The gape of some adult cachinnans showed vivid orange or bright red corners when open. Nearly all individuals outside the breeding season show some black on the bill, several in Essex having a prominent black subterminal band across both mandibles (sometimes obscuring the gonydeal spot, as on armenicus). IRIS COLOUR Iris colour on nominate cachinnans ranges from pale yellow to cloudy, dull yellow- brown, or completely dark, looking blackish at long range. Two-thirds of the British individuals so far reported have shown dark eyes: this is an important component of the facial expression. The dark eye is rare in the case of michahellis and almost unknown in adult argenteus and argentatus, so, if confirmed as a real character and not illusory, it can alert an observer to the presence of a likely cachinnans. Beware, however, especially, subadult michahellis and also some individuals with ‘apparent’ dark eyes, even in quite good views, which prove to be pale, with a darker outer ring, at close range. ORBITAL RING On nominate cachinnans, this often appears to be bright orange (redder on michahellis ), but was red on some. LEGS The long legs of nominate cachinnans (particularly long above the joint, giving a ‘shank-like’ effect) seem less often to be bright yellow than on michahellis-, they range from mid-yellow through milky-grey to dull, pale pinky-flesh. Most individuals in autumn have dull, slightly greenish-yellow to pale-greyish or flesh- coloured legs. BEHAVIOUR On two occasions, different individuals failed to respond to the actions of the large flock of michahellis, argentatus and fuscus, remaining on the ground when all the others took flight. This recalls similar instances with individual Mediterranean or Ring-billed Gulls L. delawarensis among flocks of commoner British species. On three separate occasions, individuals have been located amongst thousands of gulls and later joined by a second nominate cachinnans. It seems that, to each other at least, they are sufficiently distinct to be identifiable and to attract attention. CALLS None of the Essex individuals has been heard to call, but cachinnans- types in the Arabian Gulf give a clear, higher -pitched call than do michahellis-, sonagrams of 54 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls their calls clearly differ, with cachinnans having more elements and being higher- pitched. Immature nominate cachinnans Some individuals showing characteristics of immature nominate cachinnans have been seen in Essex, but more work is needed to be sure. Some immature cachinnans and rnichahellis may be inseparable (and heuglini and barabensis immatures could compound the problem), but ground-breaking work by Klein (1994) and Gruber (1995) studying ringed individuals of known origin in northern Germany revealed differences, as has field experience in Essex and the UAE. Nevertheless, much remains to be confirmed by full field-testing. Structural differences are as for adults, but the bill and skull may still be developing and their proportions less clear-cut on first-years. (Some first-winters in the UAE, and suspected individuals in Britain, are noticeably small-billed and thin-billed, not always especially long-billed.) The following descriptions need further field-testing: they are based on limited evidence and the extent of individual variation is unknown. Nevertheless, the well- marked, or ‘extreme’, individuals seem to be separable from rnichahellis , if very well seen. The descriptions concentrate on these well-marked immatures. Juvenile plumage Key features are the structure and underwing pattern. UNDERWING This is variable (pers. obs.), from mottled dark and pale underwing-coverts (overlapping with rnichahellis ) to mostly pale (as on armenicus ) with two lines of dark feather tips. The inner webs of the outer primaries can be much paler greyish or whitish, so the underside of the wingtip looks pallid, ghosdy grey; on rnichahellis it often looks darker, closer to Lesser Black-backed Gull. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Nominate cachinnans can have richer, more obvious chestnut or rufous coloration on the U-shaped subterminal bands of the mantle, scapular and wing-covert feathers than do rnichahellis ( BWP ). Klein (1994) and Gruber (1995) confirmed this and added that the streaks on the neck and breast sides are more cinnamon- brown. Note, however, that rnichahellis is variable, and some show bright rufous or gingery colours in these areas. Nominate cachinnans seems usually to have a broad white tip but no subterminal pale marks on the tertials, whereas rnichahellis has more subterminal marking (fig. 9). Some cachinnans have a juvenile plumage even closer to Lesser Black-backed Gull (P. Yesou in litt.). The head and upperparts of juvenile/first-winter nominate cachinnans are more often whiter than rnichahellis , even wholly white. On the spread wing, cachinnans typically shows no pale marks on the inner webs of the inner four or five primaries, while 50% of rnichahellis have small, pale oval patches (BWP). 55 British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1 -2, January-February 1997 First-winter plumage The key feature is the coloration of the mantle and scapular (especially the lower row) feathers. A moult in August and early September replaces juvenile scapulars and mantle feathers with paler grey feathers than on michahellis; they look cleaner, less marked internally, and may create a paler (more uniform, less barred) grey ‘shawl’ effect. The lower and rear scapulars may be almost uniform grey-buff with thin, dark anchor-shapes (rather like the pattern of the coverts of a juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla). On michahellis , these feathers tend to have dark bases and broader dark transverse bars, giving a clearly darker and barred appearance. Inevitably, some cachinnans may be more barred, but we do not know of any michahellis looking so clean and pale on these feathers. Those cachinnans with ‘classic structure’, plainer scapulars and very pale underwing look very distinct. Subsequent plumages The key features are the structural differences, the emerging adult-type grey upperpart feathers (detectably paler than on michahellis ), the retention of a dark iris (more often and for a longer period than on michahellis ), the longer, slit-like nostril shape and the bill colour, which can be more olive-green (on michahellis it begins greenish but quickly becomes brighter and yellower). The head of cachinnans tends to be whiter than on michahellis at any given age. Second-winter-type cachinnans may be ‘plain’ with mostly unmarked grey mantle, back and scapulars and barred wing-coverts mixed with grey (as on michahellis ), or ‘spotted’ with dark marks above (frequent on cachinnans , but not so on michahellis). These ‘spotted’ types show a mix of plain grey feathers, dark shaft-streaks and feathers with dark central spots scattered over the mantle, back and scapulars. Some individuals with third-year-type bare parts and tail may show these features. Open question The most marked individual adult cachinnans beside typical michahellis are very different in several respects: shape and structure; bare parts; wing-tip pattern; head streaking; and upperpart tone. Their calls are different, as revealed by sonagrams. The chick colour sometimes appears to be different, too: skins at the Natural History Museum (NHM), Tring, include a cachinnans chick with a darker, grey-brown ground colour to the body and a brown head and neck, the hindneck pale with dark spots, whereas michahellis chicks are paler creamy-yellow with a wholly pale head and bolder brown spots over the body. The long-call visual display includes ‘wing-lifting’ (Panov et al. 1991; Mierauskas et al. 1991): the long-call and this display are considered to be crucial in ensuring reproductive isolation and warrant further study and comparison with the long-call display of michahellis. Recently, michahellis and cachinnans have been found breeding close to each other near the Black Sea without extensive interbreeding. The taxonomic status of nominate cachinnans in relation to michahellis clearly needs to be reviewed. 56 Garner & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls Acknowledgments While taking final responsibility for the content, this paper is a team effort, which was completed only with shared learning and encouragement of many people: Thank you to Dave Quinn for help with the text, a shared passion, constant attention to detail and superb illustrations without which the text is of limited use; to Rob Hume for skilled editing and lots of encouragement and great wisdom; to Bob Glover for enduring a rubbish-tip to produce excellent photos (which were used for reference and some of which will appear in a future paper in British Birds ); to Steve Madge, Peter Stewart and Pierre Yesou for unhesitatingly sharing experience and information, and always being walling to answer many questions; and to David Christie, who translated several key texts and was always a cheerful encourager. At the Natural History Museum, Effie Warr was always ready to help with references; Robert Prys-Jones, Peter Colston and Mark Adams gave us ready access to the skin collections; library access and help with tracing references were given by Linda Birch and Mike Wilson at the Edward Grey Institute, Oxford, and by Ian Dawson at the RSPB; and, for allowing access to Britain’s ‘best’ rubbish tip, we sincerely thank Len Frost, Geoff Richmond and Iris Crane at Cory’s Environmental. We are also grateful to all the following, who no less have helped, encouraged, commented, shared experiences, gathered information or generously supplied photos (these were vital reference material): Ted Abraham, Mushaq Ahmed, Tony Broome, Enric Carrera, David Chapman, Bill Curtis, D. E. Davies, Tim Dean, Mark Dennis, Paul Doherty, Martin Elliot, Hanne Eriksen, Jens Eriksen, Andrei Filchagov, Dr Clemency Fisher, Mark Golley, Alan Harris, Peter Harris, Dr Mike Hounsome, T. Hutchinson, Chris Kehoe, Paul Kenyon, Jurgen Klunder, Dr Malcolm Largen, Andrew Lassey, Des McKenzie, Richard Millington, Dr David Norman and the Merseyside Ringing Group, Roy Nye, Dave Odell, Martin Palmer, Eugene Panov, Tony Parker, Andy Paterson, Christoph Randier, Graham Rees, Colin Richardson, David Rimes, Alan Roberts, Andy Stoddart, Dave Stewart, Alan Tate, Roy Travis, James Walford, David Walker, Steve White, Stuart Winter, Bryon Wright and Steve Young. References Acfield, D. L., & Mr.ler, J. 1987. Herring Gull showing characters of L. a. armenicus in Britain. Brit. Birds 80: 631-632. Barth, E. K. 1975. Taxonomy of Lams argentatus and Lams fuscus in north-western Europe. Orn. Scand. 6: 49-63. Bourne, W. R. P. 1991. Armenian Gulls. OSME Bull. 26: 49-50. 1993. The relationship between the Armenian and Heuglin’s Gull. In: Aguilar, J. S., Monbailliu, X., & Paterson, A. M. (eds.) Status and Conservation of Seabirds: ecogeography and Mediterranean action plan, pp. 57-58. Madrid. Burneleau, G. 1987. Remarques sur la livree post-nuptiale des Goelands Leucophees ( Lams cachinnans ) ‘Adultes’. La Trajhasse 16: 29-35. Buzun, V. 1993. Armenian Gull Lams armenicus Buturlin, 1934: morpho-biometrical and behavioural distinctions with indication of taxonomical status. Russ. J. Omithol. 2: 471-490. Carrera, E., Trias, J., Bermejo, A., de Juana, E., & Varela, J. 1987. Etude biometrique des populations iberiques et nord-africaines du Goeland leucophee Lams cachinnans. L'Oiseau 57: 32-38. , Monbailliu, X., & Torre, A. 1993. Ringing Recoveries of Yellow-legged Gulls in Northern Europe. In: Aguilar, J. S., Monbailliu, X., & Paterson, A. M. (eds.) Status and Conservation of Seabirds: ecogeography and Mediterranean action plan, pp. 181-194. Madrid. Chyiarecki, P. A., & Sikora, A. 1991. Yellow-legged Gulls in Poland: a comment. Dutch Birding 13: 145-148. Coui.soN, J. C., Monaghan, P., BurrrERFiEt.D, J. E. L., Duncan, N., Ensor, K., Sheden, C., & Thomas, C. 1984. Scandinavian Herring Gulls wintering in Britain. Om. Scand. 15: 79-88. , , , , Thomas, C. S., & Wright, W. 1982. Variation in the wing tip pattern of the Herring Gull in Britain. Bird Study 29: 1 1 1-120. Cramp, S., & Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) 1982. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 3. Oxford. DE MESEL, D. 1990. Geelpootmeeuwen, Lams cachinnans michahellis, in Belgie: een analyse van ringgegevens. Gerfaul 80: 25-26. Dennis, M. K. 1995. Yellow'-legged Gulls along the River Thames in Essex. Brit. Birds 88: 8-14. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 57 Dubois, P. J. 1987. Notes on the ‘Cantabrican Herring Gull’. Ini. Bird Idem. Proc. 4th Intel-national Identification Meeting, Eilat 1986 : 41-42. & Yesou, P. 1984. Identification of juvenile Yellow-legged Herring Gulls. Brit. Birds 77' 345-348. Dwight, J. 1925. The Gulls (Laridae) of the World; their plumages, moults, variations, relationships and distribution. Bull. Arner. Mus. Nat. Hist. 52: 180-361. FlLCHAGOV, A. N. 1993. The Armenian Gull in Armenia. Brit. Birds. 86: 550-560. 1994. Contact zones of Lams argentatus-cachinnans-fuscus • Gull complex in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. In: Dittami, J., Bock, W., Taborsky, M., van den Elzen, R„ & Vogel- Millesi, E. (eds.) Research Notes on Avian Biology: selected contributions from the 21st International Ornithological Congress. J. Orn. 135 (suppl.): 44. , Yesou, P., & Grabovsky, V. I. 1992. Le Goeland du Taimyr Lams heuglini taimyrensis ; repartition et biologie estivales. L’Oiseau 62: 128-148. Garner, M. S. In prep. Large white-headed gulls of the Arabian Gulf: a contribution to their identiflcation. Emirates Bird Report. Garve, E., Konigstedt, D., & Langbehn, H. 1987. Die Feldkennzeichen von Lams cachinnans. Eine Fotodokumentation. Orn. Mitt. 39: 301-308. Geroudet, P. 1992. Les classes d’age (1989-1990), et les comportements juveniles chez les Goelands leucophees Lams cachinnans du Leman. Nos Oiseaux 41: 397-403. Glutz von Blotzheim, U. N., & Bauer, K. M. 1982. Handbuch der Vogel Mitteleuropas. vol. 8. Wiesbaden. Grant, P. J. 1986. Gulls: a guide to identification. 2nd edn. Calton. Gruber, D. 1995. Die Kennzeichen und das Vorkommen der Weisskopfmowe Lams cachinnans in Europa. Limicola 9: 121-165. Harris, A., Tucker, L., & Vinicombe, K. 1989. The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identification. London & Basingstoke. Harris, M. P., Morley, C., & Green, G. H. 1978. Hybridization of Herring and Lesser Black- backed Gulls in Britain. Bird Study 25: 161-166. Hirschfeld, E. 1992. More gulls with bill bands. Birding World 5: 116. Hume, R. A. 1978. Variations in Herring Gulls at a Midland roost. Brit. Birds 71: 338-345. 1983. Herring Gulls in Israel. Brit. Birds 76: 189-191. Jehl, J. R. 1987. Geographical variation and evolution in the California Gull Lams califomicus. Auk 104: 421-428. Johansen, H. 1960. Die Vogelfauna Westsibiriens. III. Teil 9. Forts. J. Om. 101: 316-339. Joiris, C. 1978. Le Goeland argente portugais L. a. lusitanius nouvelle forme de Goeland argente a pattes jaunes. Aves 15: 17-18. Juden, K. A., & Firsova, L. V. 1990. Lams argentatus, Silbermowe. In: Il’Icev, V. D., & Zubakin, V. A. Handbuch der Vogel der Sowjetunion. vol. 6/1: 112-129. Wittenburg. Kaufman, K. 1990. Advanced Birding. Boston. Kehoe, C. 1991. Identification pitfalls and the Yellow-legged Gull at Seaforth. N.W. Region Bird Report 1 991 . Kennerley, P. R., Hoogendoorn, W., & Chalmers, M. L. 1995. Identification and systematics of large white-headed gulls in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Bird Rep. 1994: 127-156. Klein, R. 1994. Silbermowen Lams argentatus und Weisskopfmowen Lams cachinnans auf Mulldeponien in Mecklenburg — erste Ergebnisse einer Ringfiindanalyse. Vogelwelt 115: 267- 286. Kohl, I. 1958. Contributions to systematic studies of the Black Sea’s Herring Gulls. Aquila 65: 127-143. Kozlova, E. V. 1938. Field observations of the breeding of the Herring Gull Lams argentatus ponticus on the Caspian Sea. Ibis 1938: 245-253. Lonnberg, E. 1933. Some remarks on the systematic status of yellow-legged Herring-Gulls. Ibis 1933: 47-50. Madge, S. 1992. Yellow-legged Gulls with bill bands. Birding World 5: 67-68. MiERAUSKAS, P., & Grelmas, E. 1992. Taxonomic status of yellow-legged Herring Gulls in eastern Baltic. Dutch Birding 14: 91-94. , & Buzun, V. 1991. A comparison of morphometries, wing-tip pattern and vocalizations between yellow-legged Herring Gulls Lams argentatus from Eastern Baltic and Lams cachinnans. Acta Omit. Lit. 4: 3-26. 58 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls Monaghan, P., & Duncan, N. 1979. Plumage variation in known-age Herring Gulls. Brit. Birds 72: 100-103. Monzikov, D. G., & Panov, E. N. 1996. [Allopatric hybridization of gull complex Lams argentatus — cachinnans — -fuscus : structure of a mixed colony.] Uspekhi sovremenzoy biologu 116(3): 369-383. Moore, C. C. 1996. Ship-attending movements of Atlantic Yellow-legged Gulls in Portuguese waters. Dutch Birdiug 18: 18-22. Oliver, P. J. 1981. Herring Gull with yellow legs nesting in London. Brit. Birds 74: 353. Panov, Y. N., Grabovsky, V. I., & Zykova, L. Y. 1991. Biology of nesting behaviour and taxonomy of Larus cachinnans. 3. Specificity of communicative signals. Zool. Zh. 70: 73-89. Richardson, C. 1990. The Birds of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai & Warrington. Rooke, K. B. 1949. Herring Gull with yellow legs in Dorset. Brit. Birds 42: 29-30. Shirihai, H. 1996. The Birds of Israel , pp. 259-266. London. Stegmann, B. 1934. Ueber die Formen der grossen Mowen (‘subgenus Larus’) und ihre gegenseitigen Beziehungen. J. Om. 82: 340-380. Stepanyan, L. S. 1990. [Conspectus of the ornithological fauna of the USSR.] Moscow. Teyssedre, A. 1983. Etude comparee de quatre populations de Goelands argentes a pattes jaunes d’Europe occidentale. L’Oiseau 53: 43-52. 1984. Comparaison acoustique de Lams argentatus argenteus, L. fuscus graellsii, L. cachinnans (?) michahellis et du Goeland argente a pattes jaunes cantabrique. Behaviour 88: 13-33. Wilds, C., & Czaplak, D. 1994. Yellow-legged Gulls Lams cachinnans in North America. Wilson Bull. 106: 344-356. Yesou, P. 1991. The sympatric breeding of Lams fuscus, L. cachinnans and L. argentatus in western France. Ibis 133: 256-263. & Filchagov, A. V. 1993. Bare part coloration, head/eye contrast and kin recognition in gulls: the situation in Palearctic forms of the Lams argentatus-Lams fuscus group. Colonial Waterbird Soc. Bull. 17: 61. , Filchagov, A. V., & Dubois, P. J. 1994. An answer to Chylarecki’s comments on the ‘new Herring Gull taxonomy’. Brit. Birds 87: 73-78. Martin Garner, 35 Meeting House Lane, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland BT27 5 BY Appendix 1. Some other possibilities This paper is essentially concerned with nominate cachinnans and michahellis, but there are other possibilities in the ‘yellow-legged gull’ area in Britain which may be dealt with more briefly. They are worth considering here because they include some of the more tantalising and little-knowTi forms which observers may suspect but find difficult to prove and on which the literature is often obscure. Western forms Atlantic Iberian gulls Joins (1978) proposed a new form, lusitanius, on the basis of about 200 Yellow-legged Gulls seen on the beach at Peniche, Portugal (directly opposite Berlenga Island), on 27th January 1976. He considered that these birds were of lighter structure than michahellis and, in direct comparison with three streaky-headed, pink-legged gulls which he considered to be L. a. argentatus, they looked paler-mantled and white-headed. The conclusion reached by Joiris is considered inconclusive unless further observations corroborate his view. The darkest argentatus can be as dark as atlantis and, if the pink-legged birds were of this form, the Yellow-legged Gulls would look pale. Specimens of Yellow-legged Gull from Portugal (NHM) are all similar to or slightly darker than those of the west and central Mediterranean. The Portuguese specimens cannot be considered the same as those described by Teyssedre (1983, 1984), sometimes referred to as ‘Cantabrican Yellow-legged Gulls’, because of clear differences in wingtip patterns. Teyssedre compared the gull populations of the Camargue British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 59 (Mediterranean coast of France), Isle of Oleron (Atlantic coast of France) and Fuenterrabia (North Spain/French border). The two French populations were similar to typical michahellis, but the Fuenterrabia gulls differed in their long-calls and mew-calls (similar to argenteus ) and later breeding period at the same latitude; also, they had a long white tip on the outer primary and a large white mirror across both webs of the ninth primary, with a usually longer pale grey tongue on the inner webs than is typical for michahellis. The pattern is more like that of argenteus. Others have noted gulls in the Cantabrican region as being closer to argenteus in head and bill shape (P. Yesou in litt.), closer to argenteus in structure, with shorter legs, and paler than michahellis on the upperparts (Dubois 1987). Biometrics of individuals in Galicia (northwest Spain) were compared with those of two Mediterranean populations. While no differences appeared between the Mediterranean populations, the Galician birds were different enough to support ‘the tendency to see the Galician population as a new subspecies’ (Carrera et al. 1987). Genuine michahellis also occur there (as proved by ringing recoveries, Carrera et al. 1993) and DQ has seen gulls typical of michahellis , some with just a single wingtip mirror, there in July 1996. Thus, there appear to be three forms in the Atlantic Iberian region: 1 . Small, rather round-headed, as dark as or darker than west Mediterranean michahellis — at least off west Portugal. The occurrence of Portuguese birds in Britain is established by a ringing recovery (ringed Berlenga Island, July 1995, recovered Gloucester, May 1996: P. Stewart in litt.). 2. West Mediterranean michahellis occurring in and possibly expanding into this area. 3. ‘Cantabrican’ gulls first described in the Basque region of northern Spain (and a probable specimen in Liverpool Museum, from Biarritz, southwestern France). They seem to show a number of argenteus Herring Gull-like features, although there is yet to be a definitive work on this surprisingly little-known form. The precise distribution of these forms in the region is not known, nor is the extent of overlap and interbreeding, if any. The race atlantis The eastern Atlantic archipelagos have Yellow-legged Gulls of the race atlantis which were thought to be sedentary, though possibly wandering occasionally to West Africa (Grant 1986). This has been opened to question with the publication of the first three records of Yellow-legged Gull in North America (Wilds & Czaplak 1994). The first, a specimen from Quebec, Canada, collected on 18th August 1983, was remarkably like atlantis. Furthermore, Moore (1996) sighted Yellow-legged Gulls of this race attending ships for more than 1,000 km out of Madeira and the Azores. The upperpart tone of atlantis is darker than that of michahellis , although some specimens from Portugal and Morocco are very close (NHM); in the field, they may show a very faint olive tinge, unlike darker graellsii, but look silver-grey, probably a little darker than Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, in bright sun (R. A. Hume in litt.). The wing-tip pattern overlaps with that of Portuguese specimens: on the closed wing there are five white tips visible beyond the tertials, a sixth (the outermost) hidden beneath the adjacent feather; often a single large mirror is most evident from below; the white mirror on P9 is small or absent except in Canary Islands (B\VF). The black on the primaries is much more contrasted than on graellsii above and is extensive below. The head streaking is more intense than on most michahellis in August, and on a November adult specimen (NHM); in late October, adults still had fine streaking on the crown, nape and hindneck, and especially concentrated behind the eye (R. A. Hume in litt.). Individuals with upperpart tone between that of michahellis and that of graellsii , with ‘hood’ of extensive streaking as described, have been seen in Essex, but their identification and origin remain uncertain. Juveniles and first-winters apparently have darker primaries, with no paler window on the inner primaries (but see Moore 1996); they look intermediate between first-winter argenteus and graellsii. The underwing has brown coverts with a pale line across the tips of the median coverts, paler greater coverts and a dark secondary bar, dark axillaries and often a general ginger,- tinge. Juveniles have darker, sooty-grey upperparts, often as dark as those of Lffuscus (BWP). A first- winter specimen (NHM) has michahellis- like tertials, but rump and tail, mantle and scapulars close to L. f. graellsii-, in the field such individuals may look chequered on the back, but not nearly so contrasted as a Great Black-backed Gull L. marinus. Like adults in early winter, immatures can show more extensive and denser head streaking than does michahellis , usually with a white 60 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls forehead and throat. The bill is dull black with the extreme tip pale. Second-winters in October showed grey mantle and coverts, with variable brownish marks across the lesser and median coverts, dark brown primaries and secondary bar and a white rump contrasting strongly with a very broad black tail-band; the bill remained black. Third-winter types had dark outer primaries and coverts, grey secondary coverts, a dark secondary bar and striking paler grey inner primaries; the tail was white with a narrow, broken subterminal bar, the bill paler at the base (R. A. Hume in litt.). Eastern forms The race barabensis This form was originally included under a description of taimyrensis (Stegmann 1934), itself a form treated by BWP as a hybrid population within L. fuscus. In 1960, it was suggested that the large gulls of the steppe zone of northern Kazakhstan were more closely related to cachinnans and should be given subspecific stams as L. c. barabensis (Johansen 1960). Recent opinion has varied: barabensis has been lumped with cachinnans as a darker variant (Stepanyan 1990; Shirihai 1996), and linked with armenicus and taimyrensis/ heuglini (Bourne 1991, 1993; Filchagov 1993). Nowhere has there appeared a comprehensive field description: most published references refer to museum material or to breeding-area studies. In the United Arab Emirates, in February and March 1 996, MG found a number of individual gulls with constant characteristics unlike other forms present (including heuglini, taimyrensis, ‘western’ and ‘eastern’ cachinnans and fuscus). These would appear to be barabensis, but illustrate the problem of studying unringed gulls in their winter quarters, without absolute knowledge of their breeding areas. Assuming a primarily north-south migration, the wintering areas for barabensis ought to be from the Arabian Gulf to Bangladesh, but some, at least, appear to reach Hong Kong (Kennerley et al. 1995). The field appearance of the UAE individuals is interesting, because this was very similar to that of armenicus : this comparison has only been hinted at in the various papers and articles that have recently advocated specific status for Armenian Gull Larus armenicus. Also, barabensis seems a possible vagrant to Britain as it breeds as close as the western forelands of the southern Urals (Johansen 1960) and is apparently a long-distance migrant, unlike armenicus, which is a rather short-distance migrant. (Darker-mantled individuals in newer colonies between Nizhnij Novgorod and the western Urals may include barabensis-. E. Panov in litt.) Richardson ( 1 990) considered that armenicus was commoner in the UAE than cachinnans, but with his increasing awareness of other forms he has revised his view and now believes (in litt.) that he may not have seen armenicus. S. C. Madge (in litt.) believes that many visiting observers are seeing barabensis individuals in the Gulf states and assuming that they are armenicus. As a first attempt to document these barabensis types, the characteristics may be summarised as follows. The sequence of similarity in the field appears to be ‘western cachinnans'' — ‘eastern cachinnans' — barabensis — armenicus. Along this line, very generally, the features appear to range from largest to smallest, palest to darkest, most white in wingtip to least white in wingtip, longest billed to shortest billed, and least brightly coloured bill and legs to most brightly coloured bill and legs. There appears in the Arabian Gulf to be more or less a continuous dine from large, pale types to small, darker types. When well seen, however, individuals can often be assigned to a particular form. There are two possible explanations. Across a large range, there may be a continuous dine, recalling L. a. argenteus — L. a. argentatus. Or there may be relatively distinct forms with constant features, meeting in small zones of overlap and producing pockets of hybrid or intermediate types, recalling Western L. occidentalis and Glaucous-winged Gulls L. glaucescens in North America. According to Juden & Firsova (1990), birds in the range of some barabensis start laying in mid May, thus breeding one or two months later than cachinnans and a month later than armenicus (closer to the breeding cycle of individuals on the Taimyr Peninsula) (Filchagov et al. 1992). This would presumably affect the moult, possibly resulting in moult two months later than that of cachinnans , thus being complete in mid December to mid January or later. A photograph of a barabensis from Oman in February reveals a still-growing outer primary. More information is required to confirm the timing of moult and the potential value of this feature in the field. STRUCTURE The race barabensis is a small, compact form with a very well-rounded head (including a steep British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 61 forehead, unlike most nominate cachinnans ), a noticeably small (sometimes very thin) bill, and a rather light body. Some individuals are noticeably flat-chested and slender, others are more stocky, but often with a ‘straight’, deep, flat chest profile. The back looks very flat, with no tertial step; primary projection looks shorter and less attenuated than on nominate cachinnans and taimyrensis. The legs are rather short,' noticeably so on some individuals, especially compared with the leggy, sloping-backed cachinnans. The general appearance recalls Common or Iceland Gull at times. PLUMAGE As on cachinnans , the head was wholly white in February (whereas taimyrensis retained nape/hindneck streaks). One January adult in the NHM still has fine brown streaks and spots on the lower hindneck (as would armenicus and cachinnans). The upperparts appear well-saturated, or rich, pale slate-grey, darker than most nominate cachinnans , but overlapping with taimyrensis, which, although usually a fraction darker, often looked less neat and immaculate. The white scapular and tertial crescents varied, but tended to be narrower than on taimyrensis and cachinnans, the scapular crescent often absent, accentuating the smooth, flat-backed effect. The outer six or eight primaries were marked with black and the outer ones had extensive black, similar in extent to or only slightly less than that on armenicus (but without direct comparison). Some individuals had a single white mirror, on P10; some had a second mirror, on P9. The white primary tips looked small and abraded in February (usually larger on taimyrensis'). In flight, the underside of the primaries and secondaries looked contrastingly grey against the white coverts, unlike typical cachinnans ; on some at least, the white trailing edge to the wing was narrow on the primaries and broad on the secondaries, as on armenicus. Most had a clearly marked grey wedge on the inner web of P10 along 30-50% of the distance from the visible base. BARE PARTS The bill and legs looked vivid: the legs constantly bright yellow or even orange-yellow, though photographs of some individuals from early/mid winter show duller bare parts. The bill appeared bright yellow or orange-yellow with distinct but variable dark subterminal marks, ranging from a bright red gonydeal spot, black band and white tip to a complete red band across both mandibles. Some had both red and black bands across both mandibles, others lacked black and retained only a large, vivid red patch. Filchagov (1993) found that 18 of 29 barabensis had dark bill marks in the breeding season. The nostril appeared to be triangular (broader towards the tip). The iris varied from pale yellow to dark mustard or sandy-brown or completely dark. The eye looked noticeably small, so colour was hard to detect, but probably at least 50% had a pale eye: even then, with a thin red orbital ring, the eye looked small and ‘beady’. BEHAVIOUR The roosting flocks in the UAE in late evening appeared to be of mixed forms, while daytime gatherings could be found, usually near the coast, comprising 80-90% barabensis types. BARABENSIS V ARMENICUS Ascribing a potential British record to either subspecies would be extremely difficult. More armenicus have a darker iris and a more extensive area of black on the bill than barabensis, but the overlap is complete. The bill length of barabensis varies. Some looked a little longer, but obviously thin; others short-billed and clearly small-billed. The key difference was the less abrupt blunt tip than armenicus. On barabensis, there was a longer, gentle curve, giving a slight drooped effect. The inner webs of the outer primaries of barabensis have longer grey tongues, most marked on P10, which has 30-50% of the inner web grey ( armenicus has 90% of tire outer feather black: Buzun 1993). BARrWENSIS V TAIMYRENSIS The upperpart tone may be identical; taimyrensis in direct comparison tends to look a little less smart, but averages a fraction darker. While the grey of the mantle was of a similar tone, the hue is subtly different: more ashy, or even bluish, on barabensis , slaty or slightly washed brownish on taimyrensis. On taimyrensis, the outer primary is more extensively black, the grey wedge on the inner web extending only 1 5-30% of its length from the base. The taimyrensis types appear large, long-legged and thick-billed with a big, Herring Gull-shaped head and larger-looking eye; they have broader white tertial and scapular crescents, more hindneck spotting in spring and duller yellow bare parts. The moult can overlap or be one to three months later in taimyrensis. Here, 62 Gamer & Quinn: Identification of Yellow-legged Gulls ‘ taimyrensis' refers to individuals with heuglini structure and similarly extensive black on the outer wing (especially on P10), with similar (i.e. overlapping) or only slightly paler grey upperparts (cf. Stegmann 1934; Kennerley et al. 1995), a form present in the Gulf, while acknowledging the variability/taxonomic uncertainty and degree of sympatry/intergradation of these forms {taimyrensis and birulai : Stegmann 1934) occurring over a large area of northern Siberia (Stepanyan 1990; Filchagov 1994; Kennerley et al. 1995). BARABENSIS V CACHINNANS Small cachinnans seen in Britain, Germany and the UAE show a barabensu-hkc structure together with a dark eye and bill band. They differ in their paler upperparts, whitish (not grey) tongue on the outermost primary, and whitish underwing without a strongly contrasted grey area on the flight feathers. Many cachinnans have paler, less bright bare parts. It is probable, nevertheless, that some individuals are indeterminate. BARABENSIS V MJCHAHELUS This is speculative owing to lack of direct comparison, but larger, full-chested, plain-billed barabensis must be extremely difficult to separate from some michahellis. Only smaller individuals with a range of characters including dark eye, black or red bill band, slim body, thin, small bill and dark upperparts seem likely to be detected or worth considering, given the present state of knowledge. It is vital to note that this description of ‘ barabensis ’ is based on a form seen on wintering grounds. The full confirmation of these characters and the variation within this population (and degree of intergradation with other forms) can be known with full certainty only from studies over the breeding range. This is a starting point, not the last word. Nominate cachinnans/michahellis intergrades Several ‘Yellow-legged Gulls’ seen in Essex showed some aspects of the jizz, structure and bare- part colours reminiscent of nominate cachinnans (looking slightly different from nearby michahellis), but still seemed too thick-billed and bulky-headed compared with the more distinct cachinnans individuals. It was not possible to determine the exact wingtip pattern, but they seemed to be neither one form nor the other. An adult gull was caught and ringed at Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, on 5th February 1994, by Peter Stewart. The wing pattern of this individual was within the normal range of michahellis except that P10 had a short, but clearly whitish, contrasting tongue on the inner web (on michahellis it is grey). The head and bill were more unusual. The head looked long and pear- shaped, with a long, sloping forehead. The iris was clouded dark (unusual on michahellis, but common on nominate cachinnans). The bill shape was typical for michahellis but the dull yellow colour, dull orange gonydeal spot and extensive subterminal black marks are more typical of nominate cachinnans, as is the orange orbital ring. The legs were pale yellow. Thus, the individual showed a mixture of characters of michahellis and cachinnans. It is interesting to note that Yellow-legged Gulls occurring in Bulgaria and the Bosphorus are described as intergrades ( BWP ). They appear heavier, bulkier, heavier-headed and stronger- billed (closer to michahellis) than nominate cachinnans in Israel (S. C. Madge in lilt.). An excellent series of photographs taken on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast appears in Garve et al. (1987), although the birds are of unknown origin. Most are structurally close to michahellis, but one (plate 9) is reminiscent of nominate cachinnans. It is clear that there is yet much that we do not know, and some individuals are best left unidentified. MYSTERY PHOTOGRAPHS ▲ 1. Mystery photograph 202A ▲ 2. Mystery photograph 202B 'y fi'J The contrasting buff-and-black upperparts of Griffon Vulture Gyps ^ ^ ^ fiilvus and the uniform sooty-brown upperparts of Monk Vulture Aegypius monachus enable the two species to be separated with ease both at rest and, when seen from above, in flight. The more usual view, however, as reflected by this pair of mystery photographs, is of these vultures in flight overhead. Photograph A, taken by Robin Chittenden, shows an adult Griffon Vulture in Spain in April 1994, and photograph B, taken by Tony Blake, shows an adult Monk Vulture on Mallorca in May 1993. From below, separating the two is not straightforward and is often complicated by outside influences, including bright sunlight, which causes shaded underparts, and long-range views. Monk Vulture’s slightly larger size, bigger head, deeper bill, thicker-based neck, marginally longer tail and, on average, greater wingspan are useful characters only when the two species are observed together, which is a rare occurrence in Europe in all but a few favoured areas. Nevertheless, structure plays an important part in the identification of a solitary vulture overhead. The tail of Griffon Vulture is gently rounded, while that of Monk Vulture is more tightly curved at the tip and often appears to be rather pointed or even wedge-shaped. Wear affects the tail feathers to such a degree, however, that tail shape is a less useful distinguishing character than wing shape. Griffon Vulture has long, fingered outer primaries, very short innermost three primaries, long outer secondaries and comparatively short inner secondaries. These combine to give the trailing edge of the wing a generously S-curved profile, with the bulging outer secondaries and pinched-in look at the body especially eye- catching features. The wings of Monk Vulture are of a much more constant width throughout their length and have almost straight leading and trailing edges, though the outer secondaries do protrude slightly at times. At close range, the trailing edges of the wings of Griffon Vulture look comparatively smooth, while [Brit. Birds 90: 63-64, January-February 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 63 64 Mystery photographs those of Monk Vulture have a decidedly ragged, toothed appearance created by the more pointed secondaries and inner primaries. Both species spend much time soaring: Griffon Vulture on slightly raised wings and Monk Vulture on flat wings. This difference in wing-set during soaring remains a valid feature of separation at very long range. Overhead, adult Griffon Vulture’s dull yellow-brown underbody and buff- brown underwing-coverts with their off-white bands across the lesser and median coverts contrast markedly with its black flight feathers and tail. From the same angle, juvenile Griffon Vulture shows a gingery-brown underbody and rusty-brown underwing-coverts with a broad, cream-buff band across the median coverts, which offer an even greater contrast with its black flight feathers and tail. Monk Vulture usually appears to be entirely black below, though close views of an adult reveal a dark brown underbody, rows of tiny, whitish spots across the lesser and median coverts and grey flight feathers. Juvenile Monk Vulture also possesses grey undersides to the flight feathers. At all ages, therefore, a Griffon Vulture overhead is clearly palest on the underbody and underwing-coverts, while a Monk Vulture overhead is subtly palest on the flight feathers. Griffon Vulture has a creamy-white head and neck with a creamy-white ruff when adult and a pale buff-brown ruff when juvenile. Adult Monk Vulture has an off-white and sooty-brown head, with the white predominating, and a pale grey-brown ruff, while juvenile Monk Vulture has a largely black head and a dark grey-brown ruff. These differences are noticeable only at reasonably close range, however, and an individual with an unclean head following feeding may provide a pitfall. From below, the conspicuousness of the feet is a safer character of separation. Though the feet of Griffon Vulture are pale, those of Monk Vulture, notwithstanding their considerable colour variation among individuals, are noticeably paler and are viewed against the species’ much darker undertail- coverts, which offer a greater contrast and render them especially obvious. Peter Lansdown 197 Springzvood, Ldanedeym, Cardiff, Glamorgan CF2 6UG References Cramp, S., & Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) 1980. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol 2. Oxford. Gensbol, B. 1989. Collins Guide to the Birds of Prey of Britain and Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. London. Odell, D. 1991. Mystery photographs. 170. Griffon Vulture. Brit. Birds 84: 392-393. Porter, R. F., Willis, I., Christensen, S., & Nielsen, B. P. 1981. Flight Identification of European Raptors. Calton. Sharrock, J. T. R. 1990. Mystery photographs. 155. Black Vulture. Brit. Birds 83: 237-238. Shirihai, H. 1988. PhotoSpot. 25. Black Vulture. Brit. Birds 81: 75-76. , Christie, D. A., & Harris, A. 1996. The Macmillan Birder’s Guide to European and Middle Eastern Birds; including North Africa. London. MONTHLY MARATHON The rock-perching passerine (89: plate 172) created few problems, with all but five entrants identifying it as a lark (Alaudidae), and 96% correctly naming it as a Wood Lark Lullula arborea. Other answers included Sky Lark Alauda arvensis , Oriental Lark A. gulgula and Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni. After five hurdles, the Marathon field is now well stretched out, with 198 entrants on one correct answer, 152 on two, 126 on three, 90 on four and just three leading the competition, each with an immaculate five wholly correct answers: Stephen Foster (Co. Antrim), David McAdams (Germany) and Richard Patient (Cambridge). Well done, those three! The pressure is now really on them: as bad, so we are told by some previous winners, as sitting in the famous, black Mastermind chair all month every month. The eventual winner, who ac hieves a minimum total of ten correct answers (and at least one more than his or her nearest rival), will be able to choose a SUNBIRD holiday to Africa, America or Asia. Previous winners have chosen trips to Canada, China, Hong Kong, Kenya and Thailand. For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 idf; or telephone Sandy (01767) 682969. ▲ 3. ‘Monthly marathon’. Photo no. 127. Seventh stage in ninth ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the mles (see page 66), then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15th March 1997. [Brit. Birds 90: 65-66, January-February 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 65 66 Monthly marathon 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, apd be received at the British Birds Editorial Office (Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3Nj) by the stated closing date. Ever)' 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 at least ten photographs included in this competition. The ‘Monthly marathon’ will continue until the prize has been won. 5. In the event of two or more BB subscribers achieving the total of ten simultaneously, the competition will continue each month until one of them (or someone else!) achieves a longer accumulation 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. LETTER Recording areas in Great Britain Although the 1996 local-government changes do not affect any recorders’ actual area responsibilities, a number of new recording-area titles have now been designated, especially in Wales and Scotland. On behalf of the Association of County Recorders and Editors (ACRE), I had been working on this business for some time, particularly in respect of the small number of apparent anomalies. This led me to the conclusion that local organisations should choose to adopt the recording-area title of their choice and ignore the dictates of Whitehall. This is what Scotland and Wales have now done. In England, Avon and Cleveland have stated that they wish to continue to be known as such; both wish to retain the ornithological identities created for them in 1974. Tyne & Wear, on the other hand, does not and never wanted it in the first place. For British Birds Rarities Committee purposes, I have divorced Hereford & Worcester (a forced marriage if ever there was one!), to become Herefordshire and Worcestershire, with their willing agreement. The recommendation of ACRE is that the new recording-area titles should now be regarded as permanent for all time unless anybody within the ornithological system wishes to make a change. No longer should national or local government policies be allowed to bear on our system. M. J. Rogers 2 Churchtozvn Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ editorial comment The county and regional names listed on pages 67-69 are those adopted by the ornithological organisations concerned, as recommended by ACRE. We aim to use these throughout British Birds (but hope that readers will forgive us if we fall down accidentally in this commitment occasionally). [Brit. Birds 90: 66, January-February 1997] © British Birds lad 1997 COUNTY, REGIONAL AND BIRD OBSERVATORY RECORDERS IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND The main aim of this list is to encourage observers birdwatching away from their home areas to send records to the relevant county recorder. 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 county and regional names are those adopted by the ornithological organisations concerned, as recommended by the Association of County Recorders and Editors (see page 66). 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 Martin Palmer, 48 Gilbert Close, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8RN Berkshire P. E. Standley, Siskins, 7 Llanvair Drive, South Ascot, Berkshire SL5 9HS Buckinghamshire Andy V. Harding, 15 Jubilee Terrace, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK! 1 1DU Cambridgeshire ( except old county of Huntingdonshire ) Richard Allison, 29 Bagot Place, Cambridge CB4 2UL CAMBRIDGESHIRE ( old county of Huntingdonshire ) John S. Clark, 7 West Brook, Hilton, Cambridgeshire PE18 9NW CHESHIRE Tony Broome, Sibirica, 9 Vicarage Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1BG CLEVELAND Graeme Joynt, 293 Stockton Road, Hardepool TS25 5DA CORNWALL G. J. Conway, Tregenna, Cooksland, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2AR CUMBRIA Tim Dean, Echna View, Burray, Orkney KW17 2SX Derbyshire Rodney W. Key, 3 Farningham Close, Spondon, Derby DE21 7DZ DEVON M. R. Langman, 59 Sturcombe Avenue, Roselands, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7TD DORSET Shaun Robson, 5 Pine Road, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset BH2I 3DW DURHAM Tony Armstrong, 39 Western Hill, Durham dhi 4RJ ESSEX Mike Dennis, 173 Collier Row Lane, Romford, Essex RM5 3 ED GLOUCESTERSHIRE Andrew Jayne, 9 Hayes Court, Longford, Gloucester GL2 9AW GREATER MANCHESTER Mrs Judith Smith, 12 Edge Green Street, Ashton-in-Makerfleld, Wigan, Lancashire WN4 8SL HAMPSHIRE John M. Clark, 4 Cygnet Court, Old Cove Road, Fleet, Hampshire GU13 sri. HEREFORDSHIRE Keith A. Mason, Treetops, 14c Tillington Road, Hereford HR4 9GJ HERTFORDSHIRE Rob Young, 28 Tring Road, Long Marston, Hertfordshire HP23 4QL HUMBERSIDE See Lincolnshire and Yorkshire ISLE OF WIGHT Isle of Wight Ornithological Group, c/o 2 Parkside, The Causeway, Freshwater, Isle of Wight PO40 9TN; Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society, Swiss Chalet, Rylstone Gardens, Shanklin, Isle of Wight P037 6RG. (Duplicauon not yet resolved.) ISLES of SCILLY W. H. Wagstaff, 42 Sally Port, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly TR21 oje KENT I. P. Hodgson, Whitgift House, Hardy Close, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8JJ LANCASHIRE M. Jones, 31 Laverton Road, St Annes-on-Sea, Lancashire FY8 iew LEICESTERSHIRE Robert M. Fray, 5 New Park Road, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8AW LINCOLNSHIRE Howard Bunn, 16 Vivian Avenue, Grimsby, South Humberside DN32 8QF LONDON Mark A. Hardwick, The Garden Flat, 13 Southcote Road, Tufnell Park, London N19 5BJ Merseyside See Cheshire and Lancashire [Brit. Birds 90: 67-69, January-Fcbruary 1997] 67 68 Recorders in Britain and Ireland Norfolk Michael E. S. Rooney, The Old Bakery, High Street, Docking, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8NH Northamptonshire R. W. Bullock, 81 Cavendish Drive, Northampton NN3 3HL Northumberland B. N. Rossiter, West Barn, Lee Grange, Ordley, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 1SX Nottinghamshire J. A. Hopper, 4 Shipley Rise, Carlton, Nottingham NG4 1BN Oxfordshire Ian Lewington, 119 Brasenose Drive, Didcot, Oxon oxn 7BP SHROPSHIRE Geoffrey R. Smith, Church Cottage, Leebotwood, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6NE SOMERSET Brian D. Gibbs, 23 Lyngford Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 7EE Staffordshire Mrs Gilly Jones, 4 The Poplars, Lichfield Road, Abbots Bromley, Rugelev, Staffordshire WS15 3AA SUFFOLK Colin Jakes, 7 Maltward Avenue, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3XN SURREY J. J. Wheadev, 9 Copse Edge, Elstead, Godaiming, Surrey GU8 6DJ SUSSEX R. T. Pepper, Scobells Farm, Boast Lane, Barcombe, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 5DY TYNE & wear See Durham and Northumberland Warwickshire Steve Haynes, 4 Spinney Close, Arley, Coventry CV7 8PD west midlands T. Hextell, 49 Cradley Croft, Handsworth, Birmingham B2i 8HP Wiltshire R. Turner, 14 Ethendun, Bratton, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 4RX Worcestershire Richard E. Harbird, Flat 4, Buckley Court, 16 Woodfield Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 9UJ Yorkshire David Bywater, 2 High Moor Way, Eastfield, Scarborough you 3LP Ireland northern Ireland George W. Gordon, Northern Ireland Birdwatchers’ Association, 2 Brooklyn Avenue, Bangor, Co. Down, Northern Ireland BT20 ?rb republic of Ireland Rare birds: Paul Milne, 62 The Village, Bettyglen, Raheny, Dublin 5; all other species: Oran O’Sullivan, IWC, Rutdedge House, 8 Longford Place, Monkstown, Co. Dublin Isle of Man Dr J. P. Cullen, Troutbeck, Braddan, Isle of Man IM4 4QA Scotland Details of the exactly defined recording areas can be obtained from the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT. ANGUS and DUNDEE Mike Nicoll, Barrack Street Museum, Dundee ddi ipg ARGYLL Dr Tristan ap Rheinallt, 19 Shore Street, Port Wemvss, Isle of Islay, Argyll PA47 7ST Ayrshire Angus Hogg, Kirklea, Crosshill, Mavbole, Ayrshire KAI9 7Rj borders R. D. Murray, 4 Bellfield Crescent, Eddleston, Peebles, Borders EH45 8RQ BUTE Bernard Zonfrillo, 28 Brodie Road, Glasgow G2i 3SB Caithness E. W. E. Maughan, Burnside, Harbour Road, Reay, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7RG CLYDE I. P. Gibson, 8 Kenmure View, Howwood, Johnstone, Renfrewshire PA9 i dr DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY {former Nithsdale, Annandale & Eskdale ) Steve Cooper, Wildfowl & Wedands Trust, Eastpark, Caerlaverock, Dumfries dgi 4RS Dumfries & galloway ( Stewartry & Wigtown ) Paul N. Collin, Gairland, Old Edinburgh Road, Minnigaff, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire DG8 6PL fair isle Dr Roger Riddington, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland ZE2 9JU FIFE ( except Isle of May ) D. E. Dickson, 45 Hawthorn Terrace, Thornton, Fife KYI 4DZ HIGHLAND (inverness-SHIRE and ROSS-SHIRE) Colin Crooke, 6 George Street, Avoch, Ross- shire IV9 8PU isle of may Ian M. Darling, West Acres, 579 Lanark Road West, Balerno, Edinburgh EH14 7BL Lo thian Ian J. Andrews, 39 Clayknowes Drive, Musselburgh, Midlothian EH21 6UW MORAY and NAIRN M. J. H. Cook, Rowanbrae, Clochan, Buckie, Banffshire ab?6 2EQ northeast Sco tland Andy Webb, 4 Morningside Place, Aberdeen abio 7NG ORKNEY C. J. Booth, Ronas, 34 High Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1A7. British Birds, vol. 90, nos. 1-2, January-February 1997 69 ou 1 1R HEBRIDES ( Harris & Lewis only ) W. A. J. Cunningham, 10 Barony Square, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis hsi 2TQ Oti i ER HEBRIDES ( Uists , Benbecula & Barra only ) T. J. Dix, 2 Drimsdale, South Uist HS8 5RT Perthshire and kinross-shire R. E. Youngman, Atholl Bank, 20 East Moulin Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire phi 6 5HY SHETLAND ( except Fair Isle ) Kevin Osborn, 20 Nederdale, Lerwick, Shetland ZEi osa UPPER FORTH (central) Dr C. J. Henty, Edgehill East, 7B Coneyhill Road, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire l'K9 4EL Wales ANGLESEY David Wright, Graig Eithin, Mynydd Bodafon, Llanerchymedd, Anglesey LL71 sbg BRECON (Powys) M. F. Peers, Cyffylog, 2 Aberyscir Road, Cradoc, Brecon, Powys LD3 9PB Caernarfon ( Gwynedd) John Barnes, Fach Goch, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4YS Carmarthenshire R. O. Hunt, 9 Waun Road, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 3RS CEREDIGION Hywel Roderick, 32 Prospect Street, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 lj] Denbighshire and FLINTSHIRE ( Clwyd) Geoff Neal, 36 The Ridgeway, Hawarden, Deeside CH5 3ER east Glamorgan Steve Moon, 36 Rest Bay Close, Porthcawl, Bridgend CF36 3 UN Glamorgan See East Glamorgan and Gower. GOWER H. E. Grenfell, The Woods, 14 Bryn Terrace, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4HD GWENT Chris Jones, 22 Walnut Drive, Caerleon, Newport NP6 isb MERIONETH ( Gwynedd) R. I. Thorpe, 2 Tan-y-Garth, Friog, Fairbourne, Gwynedd LL38 2R| Montgomery (Powys) Brayton Holt, Scops Cottage, Pentre Beirdd, Welshpool, Powys SY21 9DL Pembrokeshire J. W. Donovan, The Burren, 5 Dingle Lane, Crundale, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 4DJ Radnor (Powys) Pete Jennings, Garnfawr Bungalow, Bettws, Hundred House, Llandrindod Wells LDl 5RP Bird observatories The names listed here are those of the recorders, not the bookings secretaries. BARDSEY A. Silcocks, Bird Observatory, Bardsey, off Aberdaron, Gwynedd LL53 8DE CALF OF man The Warden, Calf of Man Bird Observatory, do Kionslieau, Plantation Road, Port St Mary, Isle of Man IM9 5AY CAPE CLEAR K. Preston, The Rennies, Boreenmanna Road, Cork, Ireland COPELAND N. D. McKee, 67 Temple Rise, Templepatrick, Ballyclare, Co. AnU'im, Northern Ireland BT39 OAG dungeness David Walker, Bird Observatory, 11 RNSSS, Dungeness, Romney Marsh, Kent TN29 9NA fair isle Dr Roger Riddington, Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland ZE2 9JU GIBRALTAR point The Warden, Gibraltar Point NNR, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE24 4SU ISLE OF may Ian M. Darling, West Acres, 579 Lanark Road West, Balerno, Edinburgh EH14 7BL north RONALDSAY Dr K. F. Woodbridge, Twingness, North Ronaldsay, Orkney KW17 2BE Portland M. Cade, Bird Observatory, Old Lower Light, Portland Bill, Dorset DT5 2JT SANDWICH BAY Michael Sykes, Bird Observatory, Guilford Road, Sandwich Bay, Kent CT13 9PF SPURN B. R. Spence, Bird Observatory, Spurn, Kilnsea, via Patrington, Hull HU12 oug WALNEY K. Parkes, 176 Harrogate Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LAI4 5NA Please send any corrections or amendments to Mrs Sheila Cobban, British Birds, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. ANNOUNCEMENTS January-February combined issue It is normal for our January issue to be dispatched in mid January', only two weeks before dispatch of the February issue in late January (e.g. 1 1th January' and 25th January in 1996). With several very' long contributions, we have opted this year to combine issues 1 and 2, dispatched to subscribers in mid month (16th January), thereby producing — we hope — a more balanced read. Since British Birds is published by a non-profit-making company, the substantial savings on postage and packing costs (resulting from one rather than two mailings in January), less the inevitable loss of some advertising revenue, will be used to enhance issues throughout the rest of 1997. Exclusive reduced-price offers It is worthwhile scanning the British BirdShop pages every month because there are always new special reduced-price book offers available for BB subscribers. All books are sent POST FREE anywhere in the World. British BirdShop is on pages vii and viii this month. Four new British birds and some name changes Single records of two species, both already accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee, have now been accepted by the BOU Records Committee for inclusion in Category' A of the British & Irish List: Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea Land’s End, Cornwall, first-winter 6, 1st October 1995, video. Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala Pennington Flash, Greater Manchester, first- win ter 15th May 1996. Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris AUSTRIA First record: pair on 19th November 1989 (Egretta 38: 68). CANARY islands Vagrants: first-year female at El Hierro on 6th-21st November 1994, and first-year male at Tenerife from 24th November 1994 to 3rd March 1995 (Ardeola 43: 108). 82 European news Spain Vagrants: two first-winter males and three females at Aviles, Asturias, from 31st October 1994 to early 1995 ( Ardeola 43: 108). Switzerland Vagrant: female at Weesen on 9th- 10th and 12th-21st April 1996 (14 previous records). Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Bulgaria Census: at least 120 pairs in 1996, with about 92 along Danube River, about 18 along the Black Sea coast and about ten inland (. Neophron 1996 (2): 5). Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula GREECE Winter census: 12,712 in January 1995 (largest-ever number recorded in winter). Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Denmark First record: male at Bvgholm Vejle, N-Judand, on 5th-7th May 1985 (recendy accepted and becomes first record for Western Palearcuc). NETHERLANDS First record: 21st November 1994 to June 1995 ( Dutch Birding 18: 111). SWITZERLAND Vagrant: adult male at Vevey on 7th-20di January 1996. Steller’s Eider Polysticta stelleri NETHERLANDS Fourth record: adult male in Zeeland from 20th May to at least 24th July 1 996 (second summer record) . Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Spain Second record of race americana: Asturias from 29th October to 5 th November 1994 ( Ardeola 43: 108). Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula DENMARK Census: nest-box project started in 1980s successful, with 35-36 breeding pairs in 1994 {DOFT 90: 59). Goosander Mergus merganser DENMARK Censuses: 30 breeding pairs in 1993 and 45 in 1994 (DOFT 90: 60). NETHERLANDS First breeding record: pair raised young in 1996. SERBIA First breeding and establishment: in rock holes and crevices at reservoir canyon lake of the river Uvac, Nova Varos, where first confirmed in 1991, number of active nests in last five years has varied from 1 1 in 1 993 to five in 1996. Oriental Honey-buzzard Perms ptilorhyncus ISRAEL Second or third record: Nizzana on lOth-llth November 1996*. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caerukus AUSTRIA First record: 24th May 1986 ( Egret la 38: 69). Black Kite Milvus migrans NETHERLANDS First breeding record: pair raised at least one young at Voorst, Gelderland, in 1996. Red Kite Milvus milvus channel islands Fifth record for Jersey: single flying south over St Catherine’s on 7th January 1996 (previous record was on 2nd November 1981). DENMARK Increase: 28-30 breeding pairs, of which 13 pairs fledged young, in 1994 {DOFT 90: 62). White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla DENMARK High wintering and passage numbers: during winter 1992/93, about 15 wintering individuals, increasing to at least 22- 24 in 1993/94; on spring passage 38-43 in 1994, and on autumn passage 39-42 in 1994 {DOFT 90: 62-64). ICELAND Breeding status: 33 pairs nested in 1996, but only 15 pairs successfully, rearing 18 young (this is the highest total for many years, attributed mainly to mild weather). Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus BULGARIA Census: 17 breeding pairs reared 12 fledglings in 1996. Poland Vagrant: exhausted adult with French metal ring and white plastic ring caught at Zeleznica, near Kielce, on 5th June 1996. SERBIA Increase: in 1996, 37 active nests and about 60 non-breeding individuals visiting feeding stations near colonies during spring and summer. Short -toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus Netherlands Ninth record and first-ever territory: two, Hoge Veluwe, Ede, Gelderland, from mid July to late August 1996 (presumably pair, but no nest found). Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus SWEDEN Census: about 1,400 breeding pairs in 1995. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus DENMARK Census: breeding numbers stable since 1970: 39-41 pairs in 1994 {DOFT 90: 64-65). Sweden Census: about 75 breeding pairs in 1995. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus ICELAND Third to fifth records: in autumn about 1985, 20th April 1987 and 19th October 1988 {Bliki 8: 26; 10: 25; 16: 23). Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus Austria Summering: province of Salzburg since 1982 (Egret to 38: 70). British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 83 Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus ICELAND First record of Nearctic race sanctijohannis: 29th-30th April 1980 {Bliki 4- 59). Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina morocco First record: subadult at Merzouga lake on 18th April 1996*. Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga SPAIN Fourth record: 7th March 1994 (. Ardeola 43: 109). Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis HUNGARY Vagrants: near Tapioszecso on 6th April 1996* and two near Szekkutas on 26th June 1996* (ninth and tenth records). POLAND Vagrant: immature at Ostrowek, near Pila, on 21st January 1996 (eight previous records) . Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca FRANCE Fourth record: immature in Camargue from 10th to 24th May 1996*. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos GREAT Britain Census data: 422 breeding pairs in Scodand in 1992 compared well with 424 in 1982-83, but productivity was lower in the country as a whole and in seven out of eight regions {Bird Study 43: 20-27). Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus LUXEMBOURG Vagrant: light-morph at Niederanven on 14th April 1996. NETHERLANDS Fourth record: light-morph adult at Beek-Ubbergen, Gelderland, on 17di July 1996 and, possibly same individual, on 14th August 1996. Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus NETHERLANDS Second record: 17th-20th September 1995 {Dutch Birding 18: 122-126). Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Austria Breeding ceased in early 1980s {Egretta 38: 72). Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus DENMARK Influx: 475-490 records in 1994 {DOFT 90: 65). FRANCE Influx and breeding attempt: more than 100, mainly in southern and eastern France in spring 1996; unsuccessful breeding attempt in Alsace in spring 1996. ITALY First breeding record: two pairs in Emilia-Romagna in summer 1995 {Riv. Ital. Orn. 65: 147). Merlin Falco columbarius ICELAND First record of Nearctic race columbarius : male found dead on about 23rd October 1989 {Bliki 11: 41; 12: 11-14). Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae DENMARK First record: Stigsnses, Zealand, on 21st October 1987 (second and third were in October 1988 and May 1989, Brit. Birds 88: 268-270). Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus SPAIN Second record: 21st October 1994 {Ardeola 43: 109). Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus DENMARK High wintering and passage numbers: 1994 was best-ever year, with 475- 490 records {DOFT 90: 65-66). Iceland First and second records of Nearctic race tundrius : 30th July 1961 {Natturufrcedingurinn 61: 210), and 16th October 1985 {Bliki 6: 43). Corn Crake Crex crex ESTONIA Census: despite decline in numbers during last decades, 10,000-18,000 pairs of singing males in 1995 (instead of previously estimated 5,000). Allen’s Gallinule Porphyrula alleni GREECE First record: adult found exhausted on Paros Island on 18th January 1996 (previous record in 1992 now treated as escape). PORTUGAL First record: corpse found at Portimao, Algarve, on 24th April 1990 {Ardeola 43: 109). SPAIN Second record: 14th December 1975 {Ardeola AH'. 109). American Purple Gallinule Porphyrula martinica ICELAND First record: 5th- 12th September 1976 {Natturufrcedingurinn 56: 141; second was in June 1983, Brit. Birds 85: 447). Purple Swamp-hen Porphyrio porphyrio CYPRUS Third record: individual of race caspius at Evretou Dam on 24th November 1995. FRANCE First breeding record: seven adults with at least four young at Etang du Canet, Pyrenees-Orientales, at end of July and beginning of August 1996* (cf. prediction Brit. Birds 89: 31, 253). American Coot Fulica americana ICELAND First and second records: found newly dead on 7th November 1969, and found dead on 10th March 1971 {Natturufrcedingurinn 56: 150). Common Crane Grus grus DENMARK Census and high passage numbers: six to nine breeding pairs in 1994, of which five or six pairs in N-Jutland with six fledged 84 European news young and one or two pairs on Bornholm with one fledged young ( DOFT 90: 67-68); 1,420 passed Gilbjerg Hoved, Zealand, on 7th April 1996, the highest-ever one-day spring count. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax France Census: in 1995, 1,400 singing males, revealing a decline of over 80% in 16 years (7,200 males in 1979-80 and 5,000-6,000 males estimated in 1985-89; Omithos 3: 73- 77). Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus BELARUS Third record and first breeding record: nest near Tukhavichi, Liakhaviehi district, Brest region, in late May 1996 (first and second records were in 1994 and 1995, Bril. Birds 89: 31). Canary islands First breeding record: five pairs with young in Januvio’s saltpans, Lanzarote, in May 1996 (juveniles and adults observed in October 1995 in the saltpans perhaps indicate breeding in spring 1995). FINLAND First record: 8th- 12th May 1996 (. Alula 2b: 3). POLAND Second breeding record: three pairs with nests in Barycz River valley, Lower Silesia, in May 1996 (first was in 1994). Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta POLAND Second breeding record: pair with nest at Police, near Szczecin, in May 1996 (first was in 1994). Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus ICELAND First record: from about 15th July to 15th August 1957 ( Ndtturufrcedingurinn 61: 29). Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor GREECE Fifth record: Kalogria Lagoon, Peloponnese, on 21st April 1995. SPAIN Vagrant: Badajoz, 25th September 1991 ( Ardeola 43: 109). Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni ICELAND First record: 7th-8th October 1979 (Ndtturufrcedingurinn 61: 34; second and third were in October 1983 and June 1987, Brit. Birds 85: 448; 87: 6). Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius MALTA Second breeding record: pair bred for second consecutive year and raised two young at Ghadira Nature Reserve in 1996. Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus AZORES Third record: juvenile and adult on Terceira on 23rd August 1994 (Ardeola 43: 109). Killdeer Plover Charadrius vociferus iceiand First to third records: 16th March 1939, 15th December 1970, and 17th- 18th October 1980 ( Ndtturufrcedingurinn 61: 35- 36). Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus SVC 'EDEN Vagrants: singly at Homborgasjon, Vastergotland, on 10th- 14th July 1996*, Griingesberg, Dalarna, on 12th- 13th July 1996*, and Olmeviken, Varmland, on 14th- 15th July 1996* (last two may have been the same individual). TURKEY Third record: Goksu Delta on 24th August 1989 (Zool. Midd. East 11: 38-39). Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii ITALY First record: adult in Priolo Saltpans, Sicily, on 22nd-23rd July 1 994 (Riv. Ital. Om. 65: 148). NETHERLANDS Vagrants: 4th September 1994 (Dutch Birding 18: 111) and first-summer female at De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord- Holland, on 31st July and 1st August 1996 (fifth and sixth records). Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis Julva NETHERI.ANDS Vagrants: two in 1994 (Dutch Birding 18: 111). American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Netherlands Fourth to sixth records: 24th- 27th May 1994, 30th May 1994 and 16th- 28th October 1994 (Dutch Birding 18: 111). TURKEY First record: Goksu Delta on 15th May 1993 (Zool. Midd. East 11: 39). Grey Plover Pluvialis squalarola GREAT Britain Marked increase in recent years: wintering population now estimated at 43,200 (Biol. Conseru. 77: 7-17). Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregaria AUSTRIA First and second records: 2nd April 1982 and 20th March 1990 (Egretta 38: 73). Spain Vagrant: Huesca on 23rd-24th October 1994 (four previous records; Ardeola 43: 109). White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucura France Second record: adult with Northern Lapwing V. vanellus north of Meulun, Seine- et-Marne, on 19ih-20th June 1996* (first record was in 1840). ITALY Second record: 26th April 1995 (Riv. Ital. Om. 65: 148). Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus ICELAND Influx: about 90 recorded in March and April 1994, the highest total since 1987 (range 36-102 per annum). British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 85 Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Austria Deletion: 3rd-9th November 1985 report {Brit. Birds 80: 324) has now been rejected ( Egretta 38: 95). Azores Second record: juvenile on Tereeira on 23rd August 1994 (Ardeola 43: 109). Netherlands Second record: summer- plumaged adult at Lepelaarsplassen, Almere, Flevoland, on 1 8th- 19th July 1996. Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Austria Deletion: 13dt August 1984 report {Brit. Birds 80: 11) has now been rejected {Egretta 38: 95). GREAT BRITAIN Fourth record: 12th- 13th August 1995 (Brit. Birds 89: 499). ITALY First record: two adults in Bau Cerbus, Sardinia, on 17th July 1994 {Riv. Ital. Om. 65: 148). NETHERLANDS Second record: summer adult at Mokbaai, Texel, on 25th July 1996*. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla AZORES Second record: two juveniles on Tereeira on 23rd August 1994 {Ardeola 43: 109). White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis AUSTRIA Vagrants: 18th-22nd October 1986 and 18th October 1987 {Egretta 38: 74). AZORES Vagrants: two adults on Tereeira on 23rd August 1994 {Ardeola 43: 110). canary islands Exceptional autumn passage: additional juvenile on La Gomera in November 1995* (see Brit. Birds 89: 255). NETHERLANDS Second to fourth records: 19th-21st August 1994 {Dutch Birding 18: 1 1 1), adult on Texel, Noord-Holland, on 1 3th August 1996 and another adult on Ameland, Friesland, on 18th August 1996*. SWEDEN Vagrant: Norsholmen, Gotland, on 16th May 1996* (twelfth record). Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii AUSTRIA First record: 1 1th- 16th October 1988 {Egretta 38: 73); record in October-November 1985 {Brit. Birds 80: 325) is now rejected. NETHERLANDS Fourth record: adult at Katwijk, Zuid Holland, on 27th July 1996. SPAIN Second record: 1st November 1994 {Ardeola 43: 110). Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos AUSTRIA Vagrants: four records concerning five to seven individuals in 1983-89, in May, July and September-October {Egretta 38: 74). NETHERLANDS Vagrants: 20th September 1991 and 3rd-5th September 1994 {Dutch Birding 18: 111-112). NORWAY Vagrant: first-year at Valnesfjord, Fauske, Nordland, on 16th September 1995 (total of 51 records involving 57 individuals has been recorded). SPAIN Vagrants: five records involving six individuals in 1994 {Ardeola 43: 110). SWITZER] AND Vagrant: first-year at Yverdon on 16th- 17th September 1995 (thirteen previous records). Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata AUSTRIA First record: 6th-8th August 1983 {Egretta 38: 74). Stilt Sandpiper Micropalama himantopus MOROCCO First record: Oued Souss estuary from at least 28th March to 3rd April 1996*. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis AUSTRIA Vagrants: 11th September 1980 and 3rd-21st October 1986 {Egretta 38: 74). NETHERLANDS N in tli and tenth records: 29th August to 3rd September 1994 {Dutch Birding 18: 112), and at Veerse Meer, Zeeland, on 18th May 1996 (third spring record). PORTUGAL First record: Algarve on 7th-25th September 1990. Spain Vagrants: Barcelona on 1 1th September 1993, Barcelona from 2nd September to 3rd October 1994 and La Coruna on 23rd September 1994 (six other records, involving seven individuals; Ardeola 43: 111). Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Denmark Fifth to sevendi records: Kammerslusen, S-Jutland, on 9th July 1994; Sneum Sluse, S-Jutland, on 5th-6th May 1996* and possibly same individual at Romo, S-Jutland, on 18th-20th May 1996*. NETHERLANDS Vagrant: 7th May 1 994 {Dutch Birding 18: 112). Long-billed Dowitcher/Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus/ L. griseus AUSTRIA Vagrant: 7th August 1990 {Egretta 38: 75). Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa great BRITAIN Marked increase in recent years: wintering population now estimated at 7,410 {Biol. Conserv. 77: 7-17). Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica GREAT BRITAIN Moderate decline in recent years: wintering population now estimated at 52,500 {Biol. Conserv. 77: 7-17). Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris AUSTRIA Vagrants: 10th- 14th October 1980 and 16dt September 1985 {Egretta 38: 75). 86 European news HUNGARY Vagrant: on Viragoskut fishponds, near Balmazujvaros, on 1st- 10th May 1996. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata ICELAND Wintering status: average of 61 recorded annually during 1979-94 (range 36- 102 per annum). Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis BELARUS First and second breeding records: nest near Tukhavichi, Liakhavichi district, Brest region, in late May 1996 and brood of downy young near Minsk in mid June 1996. LITHUANIA First and second records: Kuronian Bay on 15th July 1995 and Nemunas Delta on 6th June 1995 (Ciconia 2: 35; 4: 69). Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes AZORES First record: Terceira on 23rd August 1994 (. Ardeola 43: 111). PORTUGAL Fourth record: 1st December 1994 (. Ardeola 43: 111). Spain Vagrants: Asturias, 3rd November 1994, and La Coruna, 30th September to 16th October 1994 (12 previous records; Ardeola 43: 111). Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Austria First record: 20th-21st October 1990 (. Egretta 38: 5-76). AZORES Third record: Sao Miguel on 25 th August 1994 (. Ardeola 43: 112). SPAIN Fourth record: La Coruna on 18th September 1994 ( Ardeola 43: 112). Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor NETHERLANDS Vagrant: 15th October to 13th November 1994 (fifteenth record; Dutch Binding 18: 112). White-eyed Gull Larus leucophthalmus turkey First record: Western Anatolia on 28th March 1988 (. Zool . Midd. East 11: 39). Great Black-headed Gull Dints ichthyaetus CZECH REPUBLIC Second record: immature near Zahlinice, central Moravia, on 16th November 1995 (first record was in September 1992, Brit. Birds 89: 256). GREECE Vagrant: adult at the Evros Delta on 20th January 1995 (third winter record). ITALY Fourth and fifth records: adults on Sicily on 5th March 1994 and on 26th January 1995 {Riv. Ital. Orn. 65: 148). Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus DENMARK High passage numbers: 1994 was best-ever year with 33 individuals, of which seven were in spring and 26 in autumn {DOFT 90: 71). Netherlands Further increase: at least 310 pairs in southwest, largest colony holding 195 nests, in 1996 (cf. 225 pairs in 1995, Brit. Birds 89: 34). Laughing Gull Lams atricilla BELGIUM First record: adult on 21st-29th October 1994 ( Mergus 10: 26-31). DENMARK Fifth record: adult at Romo, S- Jutland, on 12th- 18th May 1996*. MOROCCO Fifth record: adult at Oued Souss estuary on 16th May 1996*. Bonaparte’s Gull Dims Philadelphia Denmark Third record: second-winter at Hirtshals Harbour, N-Jutland, on 5th-7th March 1996* (possibly the same individual which stayed there from 6th November to 4th December 1995*, Brit. Birds 89: 257). NETHERLANDS Fourth record: 6di April 1994 {Dutch Birding 18: 112). NORWAY Second record: second-winter at Borhaug, Farsund, Vest-Agder, from 17th December 1995 to 20di April 1996*. PORTUGAL Vagrant: Estremadura from 29di January to 26th February' 1994 (apparendy same bird as in four previous years; Ardeola 43: 112). Slender-billed Gull loams genei AUSTRIA First record: two on 12th May 1985 {Egretta 38: 78). Ring-billed Gull Lams delawarensis canary islands Vagrants: two at Lanzarote on 3rd -4th March 1982 and first-winter at El Hierro on 6di December 1994 {Ardeola 43: 112). CZECH REPUBLIC Second record: juvenile near Tovacov, central Moravia, on 7th November 1995 (first record was in July 1994, Brit. Birds 89: 35). Netherlands '1'hird record: 6th December 1992 ( Dutch Birding 18: 112). Norway Vagrants: adults at Lundleiret, Steinkjer, Nord-Trondelag, on 3rd May 1995 and at Vardo, Finnmark, on 4th-20th July 1995. Portugal Vagrants: three records involving four individuals in 1994 (. Ardeola 43: 1 12). Spain Vagrants: 19 individuals in winter 1993/94 {Ardeola 43: 112-113). Herring Gull Dims argentatus CYPRUS First record: 5th March 1995 {Cyprus Orn. Soc. 1957 Ann. Rep. 40: 86). great Britain First and second records of North American race smithsonianus: 26th February to 4th March 1994 and 6th March 1994 {Brit. Birds 89: 504). British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 87 fellow-legged Gull Lams cachinnans Netherlands First record of Black Sea race cachinnans-. one at Geldermalsen, Gelderland, on 11th December 1991 had been ringed as nestling on Podkova, Zaporozhye, Ukraine, on 25th May 1991. Iceland Gull Lams glaucoides ICELAND Vagrants of race kumlieni : two on 20th February 1994 (Bliki 16: 28); all other records from previous years (including some skins) are still under consideration by the rarities committee. Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus CZECH republic Three records since the Second World War: 17th November 1993 (■ Sylvia 31: 93), Sumvald, central Moravia, on 13th- 18th April 1995 and Bohumin, northern Moravia, on 23rd December 1995. Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea FAROE islands Sixth record, but first since 1959: adult at Vestmanna from about 1st to 9th March 1996*. SPAIN First record: Guipuzcoa on 6th- 1 Ida April 1994 ( Ardeola 43: 113). Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica DENMARK Census: 1 994 was a very' poor year, with only four to six breeding pairs (and one probable) recorded ( DOFT 90: 73). Lesser Crested Tem Sterna bengalensis Austria First and second records: two on 4th- 5di August 1980 and one on 31st July and 1st August 1983 (. Egretta 38: 80). GREECE Third record: immature off Acarnanian coast on 17th July 1993. Arctic Tem Sterna paradisaea AUSTRIA First records: seven records concerning 13 individuals during 1981-89 (. Egretta 38: 79). Forster’s Tem Sterna forsteri ICELAND First record: adult on 22nd October 1959 ( Nattumfrcedingurinn 57: 139). PORTUGAL First record: Algarve from 31st December 1993 to 1st January 1994 (. Ardeola 43: 113). Sooty Tem Sterna fuscata ICELAND First record: found dead on 12th June 1969 ( Nattumfrcedingurinn 57: 139). White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucoptems ICELAND First record: 14th October 1965 (. Nattumfrcedingurinn 57: 141; second was in June 1989, Brit. Birds 86: 42). Razorbill Alca torda AUSTRIA First record: 14th March 1987 (. Egretta 38: 80). Crested Auklet Aethia cristatella ICELAND First record: on sea at 66°48'N 12°55'W, or 45 nautical miles ENE of Langanes, northeast Iceland, some day during 12th-20th August 1912 (DOFT 27:103-105; Nattumfrcedingurinn 57: 141). Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata MOROCCO Large concentration: over 100,000 on 7th December 1993 in area between Fouchal and Matarka (southwest of Ain Beni- Mathar), where none was recorded on previous days ( Poiphyrio 7: 89-91). Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur great BRITAIN Conservation concern: now Red -listed, breeding numbers having declined by more than 50% over the last 25 years. Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis AUSTRIA First record: Rheindelta/Vorarlberg on 23rd September 1995. ISRAEL Third record: Hula Valley on 21st October 1996. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Spain First record: Mallorca on 28 th October 1994 ( Ardeola 43: 1 13), not 28th February as previously noted (Brit. Birds 89: 36). Eagle Owl Bubo bubo NETHERLANDS Breeding: pair raised two young in southern Limburg in 1996 (cf. recent re-establishment or colonisation of Belgium, Luxembourg and Denmark, Brit. Birds 75: 270, 571; 78: 343; 80: 13; 82: 328; 85: 9; 87: 319; 88: 274). Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum BULGARIA First possible breeding record for 50 years: two calling males in Rila Mountains in March 1994 (Eco. (1996 no. 1): 22). Little Owl Athene noctua Denmark Census: 77 confirmed pairs (plus 16 possible) in 1994 (DOFT 90: 77); the population was estimated at 150 breeding pairs in 1990 (DOFT 89: 21). White-throated Needletail Swift Himndapus caudacutus NETHERLANDS First record: Middelburg and Veere, Walcheren, Zeeland, on 22nd May 1996*. NORWAY Second record: Lista fyr, Farsund, Vest Agder, on 20th May 1995. Cf. records in Finland in April 1990 and May 1991, and in Sweden in May 1 994 (Brit. Birds 85: 10, 454; 89: 259). 88 European news Pallid Swift Apt is pallidus Hungary First record: found dead at Badacsonytordemic, Transdanubia, on 22nd May 1996. Pacific Swift Aptis pacificus GREAT BRITAIN Second record: 16th July 1995 (Bru. Birds 89: 510). Alpine Swift Apus melba HUNGARY First record: adult ringed in Nyiregyhaza on 2nd April 1996. White-rumped Swift Apus caffer canary isi-ANDS Vagrant: Tenerife in April 1995. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis SWEDEN Huge decrease: hard winter of 1995/96 reduced number of breeding pairs by 93% in Ostergotland. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius ICELAND First record: adult male found dead at Kvisker i Orrefum, southeast Iceland, on 5th June 1961 (Ndttumfrcedingurinn 62: 71- 72). White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos Switzerland First record: male at Schanfigg on 15th- 18th April 1996. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor GREAT Britain Decline: 1995 numbers were the lowest for at least 25 years ( BTO News 204: 12). Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens ICELAND First record: one, probably male, found newly dead on Selfoss, south Iceland, on 4th November 1967 (. Ndttumfrcedingurinn 62: 73-74). Bar-tailed Desert Lark Arnmomanes cincturus SPAIN First record: Mallorca on 24th-26th March 1994 (Ardeola 43: 114-115). Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata SWEDEN Third record: Ostergarn, Gotland, on 27th-29th May 1996*. Crested Lark Galerida cristata Lithuania Continued decrease and probable extinction: no record since one at Ventes Ragas on 16th July 1993 ( Ciconia 3: 84). Wood Lark Lullula arborea GREAT BRITAIN Population increase: breeding numbers rose from about 250 pairs in 1986 to probably over 600 pairs by 1 993 (Bird Study 43: 172-187). Sky Lark Alauda arvensis great Britain Conservation concern: now Red-listed, breeding numbers having declined by more than 50% over the last 25 years. Homed Lark Eremophila alpestns Cyprus Second record: two at Cape Andreas on 9th March 1996. Plain Martin Riparia paludicola ISRAEL Third record: Eilat on 10th- 11th November. Cliff Swallow Hirundo pyrrhonota great BRITAIN Third and fourth records: 22nd-28th October 1995 and 4th-5th December 1995 (Brit. Birds 89: 512). House Martin Delichon urbica DENMARK Highest-ever one-day count: 7,300 passed Gilbjerg Hoved, Zealand, on 18th May 1996. Richard’s Pipit Anthus novacseelandiae AUSTRIA Vagrants: 28th April 1980, 7th October 1984, 5th May 1985, one or two on 9th-21st April 1988 and 6th May 1988 (note that most were in spring; Egretta 38: 82). CYPRUS Vagrants: two in March and one in November 1995 (Cyprus Orn. Soc. 1957 Ann. Rep. 42: 47). DENMARK High passage numbers: best-ever year, with 65 individuals in 1994 (DOFT 90: 81). PORTUGAL Vagrants: three records involving at least four individuals in 1994 (Ardeola 43: 114). SPAIN Vagrants: four records involving 17 individuals in 1994 (Ardeola 43: 114). TURKEY Vagrants: one to three on nine dates during 20th March to 29th April 1992 and one on 4th June 1992 (Zool. Midd. East 11: 41). Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii GREAT BRITAIN Second, third and fifth records: 22nd October to 1st November 1990, 31st October to 4th November 1993 and 7th November to 11th December 1994 (Brit. Birds 89: 512). Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni PORTUGAL First record: Algarve on 16th November 1994 (Ardeola 43: 115). Switzerland First record: Ins on 11th- 13th December 1995. turkey First record: Kizihrmak Delta on 13th April 1992 (Zool. Midd. East 11: 41). Yellow Wagtail Motacilla J, lava BELGIUM First record (and first breeding) of black-headed race feldegg: male paired with British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 89 female of unknown race reared two young in Hainaut during 11th June to 28th July 1992 ( Aves 32: 219-226). Denmark Highest-ever one-day count: 5,250 passed Gilbjerg Hoved, Zealand, on 22nd May 1996. SPAIN Third record of black-headed race feldegg: two in Barcelona on 30th April 1994 ( Ardeola 43: 115). Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola SPAIN Vagrants: 4th April 1994 and 20th September 1994 (. Ardeola 43: 115). SWITZERLAND Fourth record: male at Sezegnin/Avusy on 9th May 1996. Bohemian Waxwing Bomby cilia garrulus channel islands Second record for Guernsey: Rue des Grons on 3rd-4th February 1996 (first was on 7th November 1990). FRANCE Influx: from end of January to end of February 1996, about 280, mainly in north (cf. 2,200 in last invasion in winter 1988/89; Ornithos 3: 78-80). NETHERLANDS Huge influx: in winter 1995/96, up to 3,500 individuals until early April. Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus TURKEY First record: west of Agri on 1st August 1986* (Zool. Midd. East 11: 41). Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus SWEDEN First Swedish breeding record: holding territory at two localities in Norrbotten, and breeding proven at one of these (where at least four adults were present) in 1996*. Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata Austria First record of race maura : 16th May 1985 ( Egretta 38: 83). GREAT BRITAIN Second record of race variegata: 11th September 1993 (Brit. Birds 89: 515). NETHERLANDS Vagrants of race maura: 22nd October 1993 and 8th October 1994 ( Dutch Birding 18: 114). Pied Stonechat Saxicola caprata ISRAEL Third record: Eilat on 5th-7th November 1996 (plates 5 & 6, on page 91). Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina FINLAND Vagrant: 30th April 1996 (Alula 2b: 7). Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka AUSTRIA First record: 3rd June 1983 (Egretta 38: 84). CYPRUS First record: 19th April 1992 (Cyprus Om. Soc. 1957 Ann. Rep. 42: 3). Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica DENMARK Second record: male at Stevns Klint, Zealand, from 30th June to at least middle of August 1996*. Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha CYPRUS Fifth and sixth records: Xeros Potamos on 16th April 1996, and Mazotos on 12th May 1996. White-crowned Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga TURKEY First record: near Pinarbasi on 12th August 1993* (Zool. Midd. East 11: 41). Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus GREAT BRITAIN Fifth and sixth records: 28th October to 3rd November 1994 and 19th October 1995 (Brit. Birds 89: 516). Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus ISRAEL First record: Eilat on 17th October 1996. Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni AUSTRIA Vagrant: male of nominate race on 8th April 1984 (Egretta 38: 84). Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis ITALY First record of race ruficollis: male at Bergamo, Lombardy, on 30th November to 1st December 1994 (Avocetta 19: 232). Song Thrush Turdus philomelos great BRITAIN Conservation concern: now Red-listed, breeding numbers having declined by more than 50% over die last 25 years. American Robin Turdus migratorius Denmark First record: Gjerrild, E-Jutland, on 16th November 1994. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis AUSTRIA Possible first breeding record: Rheindelta/Vorarlberg on 19th August 1995. channel islands First record: St Ouens Bay, Jersey, on 25th June 1996. Switzerland Vagrants: one singing at Aristau on 14th-21st July 1995 and one at Bolle di Magadino on 25th-28th October 1995. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola NORWAY Fifth and sixth records: first-years ringed at Sklinna, Leka, Nord-Trondelag, on 27th-28th September 1995, and at Utsira, Rogaland, on 9th October 1995. Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides SWEDEN Second breeding record: Lake Takem, Ostergotland, in 1996*. 90 European news Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola ITALY Fifth record: ringed at Nonantola, Emilia-Romagna, on 17th April 1995 ( Riv . Iial. Om. 65: 148). NORWAY Third record: adult ringed at Slevdalsvann, Farsund, Vest Agder, on 17di September 1994*. Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum NETHERLANDS Second record: singing at Walem, Valkenburg aan de Geul, Limburg, from 20th June to 1st July 1996 (plate 4). TURKEY First record: Eregli Marshes on 1 5 th- 17 th August 1990 ( Zool . Midd. East 11: 42). Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palus tris SPAIN First record: Cabrera, Balearic Islands, on 27th May 1992 (there are many other reports not assessed and fully accepted; Ardeola 43: 116). Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Malta Fourth and fifth breeding records: two pairs bred at is-Simar Nature Reserve in spring 1996. Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis CYPRUS First record: trapped at Akrotiri Reed- bed on 2 1st June 1981 ( Cyprus Om. Soc. 1957 Ann. Rep. 42: 3). Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta AUSTRIA First records: 14th May 1983 and 27th May 1987 (Egret ta 38: 84). RiippelTs Warbler Sylvia rueppelli FRANCE Second record: singing male in Camargue, Bouches-du-Rhonc, on 20th May 1996* (report in April 1982, Brit. Birds 76: 275, was never formally submitted). Desert Warbler Sylvia nana CYPRUS Fifth record: 29th March 1995 ( Cyprus Om. Soc. 1957 Ann. Rep. 42: 60). NETHERLANDS Second record: 8th-9th October 1994 ( Dutch Birding 18: 114). Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Denmark Census and passage numbers: no positive records of breeding in 1994; 35-40 individuals recorded, mostly migrants ( DOFT 90: 83). Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla DENMARK Increased wintering: average of 52 per winter during 1992/93-1994/95, compared with 15-25 considered as normal ( DOFT 90: 35-37). Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides CHANNEL ISLANDS First record for Guernsey: singing male at Les Galliennes on lOth-llth June 1996. Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus DENMARK Vagrants: ten in October- November 1994 (DOFT 90: 83). NETHERLANDS Vagrants: five in 1994 ( Dutch Birding 18: 114-116). Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inomatus AUSTRIA Vagrant: 29th September 1985 (Egretta 38: 84). DENMARK Vagrants: 24 records in 1994, including 17 at Christianso, Bornholm, from 3rd September to 9th October (of which ten were on 26th September, the highest-ever one-day count; DOFT 90: 84). SPAIN Vagrant: Mallorca on 21st October 1994 (eight previous records; Ardeola 43: 116). Hume’s Warbler Phylloscopus humei NETHERLANDS Vagrants: 10th- 13th November 1994 and 26th November 1994 (Dtnch Birding 18: 116). Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus PORTUGAL Second record: Algarve on 1st November 1994 (Ardeola 43: 117). Common ChifFchaflf Phylloscopus collybita DENMARK Vagrant of the race tristis: one found dead on 12th January 1993 (Brit. Birds 89: 41) had been ringed on 18th October 1992 in GasU'ikland, Sweden (DOFT 89: 177). HUNGARY Third record of the race tristis: trapped in Nemeskut, near Sopron, on 18th September 1995. SWEDEN Vagrant of the race tristis: 7th-8th September 1994 (84 previous records; Vdr Fdgelv. suppl. 22: 142). Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Denmark High passage numbers: 1994 was best-ever year with 85-87 individuals, of which 73-75 in March-May and 12 in September-November (DOFT 90: 84). Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata great Britain Conservation concern: now Red-listed, breeding numbers having declined by more than 50% over the last 25 years. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva Portugal First and second records: 10th October 1994 and 15th November 1994 (Ardeola 43: 117). Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis NETHERLANDS First record since 1985: first- summer male on Vlieland, Friesland, on 16th- 19th May 1996. British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 91 A 4. Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum, Netherlands, June 1996 ( Amoud B. van den Berg). See page 90. A 5 & 6. Pied Stonechat Saxicola caprata, Israel, November 1996 ( Hadoram Shirihai). See page 89. Azure Tit Pams cyanus FINLAND Vagrant: 15th-20th April 1996 {Alula 2b: 6). SWEDEN Third record: at least 12th March to 7th April 1996* (Alula 2b: 6). European Nuthatch Sitta europaea SWEDEN Several breeding records of eastern subspecies asiatica in Norrbotten in 1996 as a result of invasion in autumn 1995. Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus CYPRUS Third to fifth records: first-winter at Akhna Dam on 8th-9th February 1994, male in Paphos Lighthouse area on 5th May 1995 and female in Paphos Lighthouse area on 6th May 1995 ( Cyprus Om. Soc. 1957 Ann. Rep. 42: 66). GREECE First record: adult male at Evros Delta on 28th September 1995. ITALY First record: Monte Mannu Montresta, Sardinia, on 4th August 1985 (record in 1988, Biit. Birds 86: 292, becomes second, and two records in 1992, Brit. Birds 88: 42, become third and fourth). NETHERLANDS First to third records: 18th- 19th October 1985, 21st October 1993 and 4th May 1995 ( Dutch Birding 17: 97; 18: 129- 131, 131-133). 92 European news Long-tailed Shrike Lanins schach TURKEY First record: near Birecik on 24th September 1987 (Zool. Midd. East 11: 42). Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis NETHERLANDS First record of race pallidirostris : first-winter on 3rd-22nd September 1994 (not 4th-23rd as noted in Bril. Birds 88: 278; Dutch Birding 18: 117). Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes Denmark Invasion: about 800 individuals in autumn 1994 {DOFT 90: 85-86). Daurian Jackdaw Corvus monedula FRANCE First record: 22nd June 1995 ( Ornithos 3: 145-146). Flouse Crow Corvus splendens Netherlands First records: two first- summers at Hoek van Holland from 10th April 1 994 to at least April 1 996 and adult at Renesse from 21st November 1994 to 26th December 1 995 (note date extensions to those given previously; Dutch Birding 18: 117). Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus AUSTRIA Influx: five records involving 33 individuals in May 1984 ( Egretta 38: 85). Netherlands ‘A good year’: two in June-July and two in September-October 1994 ( Dutch Birding 18: 117). Switzerland Vagrants: three at Lavin on 3rd June 1995 and one at Zernez on 10th June 1995 (nine previous records). House Sparrow Passer domesticus BULGARIA Third record of race italiae: occupied nest in Kresna Gorge on 1st May 1996 ( Neophron 1996, no. 2). Tree Sparrow Passer montanus great Britain Census data: the BTO Common Birds Census index showed a decrease of 85% during the period 1968-91, between the two breeding-bird atlases ( Conserv . Biol. 9: 1434); now Red-listed, breeding numbers having declined by more than 50% over the last 25 years. Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla CYPRUS Second and third records: seven on 6th March 1995 and four on 20th March 1995 ( Cyprus Om. Soc. 1957 Ann. Rep. 42: 69). Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica Cyprus Escapes or feral vagrants: ones and twos in August-November 1995, including one carrying nest material on 13 th September, were ‘considered to be either escapees or from a feral population in Israel and [therefore] not a new species for Cyprus’ ( Cyprus Om. Soc. 1957 Ann. Rep. 42: 73). Snowfinch Montijringilla nivalis Hungary First record: near Mariahalom on 3rd October 1995. Brambling Fringilla montijringilla Iceland Breeding: pair bred in 1994 and raised three young {Bliki 16: 42). Canary Serinus canaria canary islands First breeding record for Lanzarote: several flocks (10-12 individuals) and nests found in October 1995 (the only principal island of the archipelago where the Canary was not previously considered to breed) . Siskin Carduelis spinus morocco Large influx: during winter 1993/94, several flocks in southwest (e.g. Oued Souss and Oued Massa) and flock of 25 as far south as Tantan (28°26'N 1 1°06'W) on 3rd March 1994 ( Porphyrio 7: 142). Linnet Carduelis cannabina GREAT BRITAIN Conservation concern: now Red-listed, breeding numbers having declined by more than 50% over the last 25 years. Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea DENMARK Highest-ever one-day count: 10,252 passed Skagen, N-Jutland, on 3rd March 1996. PORTUGAL First record: Estremadura on 26th November 1994 ( Ardeola 43: 117). Arctic Redpoll Carduelis homemanni DENMARK Invasion: 70 in autumn 1994 {DOFT 90: 86). Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus DENMARK Invasion: 95 in January-May 1994 (cf. invasion in autumn 1993; DOFT 89: 179- 180; 90: 86). Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus AUSTRIA Vagrant: 12th May 1989 {Egretta 38: 86). Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus FRANCE Status: numbers apparently stable, neither decreasing nor increasing. Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator NETHERLANDS Fourth record: male at Melissant, Zuid-Holland, on 24th March 1996*. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula GREAT BRITAIN Conservation concern: now Red-listed, breeding numbers having declined by more than 50% over the last 25 years. 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With this much to see, your choice is clear. Nikon. 24x/30x Wide eyepiece ^Winner of 1994 Optical Product Awards from Bird Watching magazin ^Fieldscope ED78 A voted "top-rated telescope" and "recommended" by the readers of British Birds magazine. NIKON UK LTD. (for The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland) 380 RICHMOND ROAD, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR TEL: (0181) 541-4440 FAX: (0181) 541-4584 LITERATURE LINE: 0645-005050 (local call only) British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 93 Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina great BRITAIN Fourth record: 20th September 1995 (Brit. Birds 89: 524). Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica great Britain Second record: 18th October 1995 (Brit. Birds 89: 524). Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata ICELAND Seventh record: Seltjorn i Njarovik, on 7th-8th October 1995*. White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys great Britain Third record: 2nd October 1995 (Brit. Birds 89: 525). Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos AUSTRIA Vagrants: 20th November 1984, 5th December 1985, and two on 8th December 1985 (Egretta 38: 86). CYPRUS Fourth record: Cape Andreas on 8th- 9th March 1996. NETHERLANDS Vagrants and first winter records: three during 20th October to 4th November 1994 (21 previous records; Dutch Birding 18: 117), two males at Oirschot, Noord-Brabant, from 26th February to mid March 1996, and another male at Planken Wambuis, Gelderland, during first half of March 1996*. SWEDEN Vagrant: Karlstad individual, Brit. Birds 89: 266, stayed from 28th December 1995 until 6th April 1996*. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella GREAT BRITAIN Decline: 1995 numbers on farmland were the lowest for at least 30 years (BTO News 204: 12). Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus NETHERLANDS Fourth and fifth records: 23rd April 1994 and 13th March 1995 (Dutch Birding 18: 16-17, 118). Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioides SPAIN First record (origin unknown): Cantabria on 3rd December 1994 (Ardeola 43: 117-118). Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia Austria Second record: two adult males at Saalfelden/Salzburg on 1st May 1995. Poland Deletion: only Polish record, of five on 22nd August 1982, now rejected. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica LATVIA Third record: adult male at Lake Engure, 'falsi, on 15th May 1996* (first record was in September 1975 and first breeding record in 1985). Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola DENMARK Fifth record: male at Skagen, N- Jutland, on 12th June 1995. Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus GREAT Britain Conservation concern: now Red-listed, breeding numbers having declined by more than 50% over the last 25 years. Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala NETHERLANDS Third and fourth records: Ameland, Friesland, on 26th-27th May 1996, and Maasvlakte, Zuid-HoOand, on 31st May 1996*. Switzerland Vagrants: singing male and female at Maggiadelta/Locamo on 20th May 1996 and male there on 22nd May 1996 (seventh record this century and first record of female) . Com Bunting Miliaria calandra GREAT Britain Conservation concern: now Red-listed, breeding numbers having declined by more than 50% over the last 25 years. Lithuania Continued decrease: only one record in 1995, a single singing male in Marijampole on 28th May (Ciconia 4: 74). Official correspondents ANDORRA Jacqueline Crozier; AUSTRIA Hans-Martin Berg; BELARUS Dr Michael E. Nikiforov; BELGIUM Rene-Marie Lafontaine; BULGARIA Dr Petar Iankov; CANARY ISLANDS Juan Antonio Lorenzo; channel islands Ian Buxton; Croatia Jelena Kralj; Cyprus A. E. Sadler; CZECH republic Professor Karel Stastny; DENMARK Brian Rasmussen; EGYPT Sherif Balia El Din & Mindy Baha El Din; ESTONIA Dr Vilju Lilleleht; FAROE ISLANDS Soren Sorensen; FINLAND Pekka J. Nikander; FRANCE Dr Philippe J. Dubois; Germany Peter H. Barthel; Gibraltar Charles E. Perez; great Britain John Marchant; GREECE George I. Handrinos; HUNGARY Dr Gabor Magyar; ICELAND Gunnlaugur Petursson; IRELAND Pat Smiddy; ISRAEL Hadoram Shinhai; ITALY Marco Gustin; Latvia Dr Janis Baumanis; Lithuania Dr Petras Kurlavicius; Luxembourg Tom Conzemius; Macedonia Branko Micevski; Malta Joe Sultana; Montenegro Dr Vojislav F. Vasic; morocco Michel Thevenot; NETHERLANDS Amoud B. van den Berg; NORWAY Runar Jabekk; POLAND Dr Tadeusz Stawarczyk; PORTUGAL Dr Joao Carlos Farinha; SERBIA Dr Vojislav F. Vasic; SLOVAKIA Dr Alzbeta Darolova; SLOVENIA Iztok Geister; SPAIN Dr Eduardo de Juana; SWEDEN Tommy Tyrberg; SWITZERLAND Dr N. Zbinden; Tunisia Thierry Gaultier; Ukraine Dr Igor Gorban. How many rarities are we missing? Weekend bias and length of stay revisited Peter Fraser ABSTRACT Despite the increasing numbers of rare birds recorded each year in Britain & Ireland by an increasing number of active birders, a significant percentage of rarities may still be escaping detection in the field. This paper attempts to quantify the numbers of rarities being missed annually, using statistical analysis and a mathematical model. In 1966, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock (Brit. Birds 59: 556-558) looked at weekend bias in the records of rarities in Britain & Ireland during 1958-65. He found that 45% were discovered at weekends; and that 56% were seen on only one day, but 11% stayed over a fortnight; and he calculated that an additional 19% would have been found if coverage had been as thorough on every day of the week as it was on Sundays. The present paper examines the 1958-92 statistics in more detail, and endeavours to ascertain a minimum figure for the number of individual rarities that may be going undetected in the field. For this purpose, ‘rare’ passerines include all those considered by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC), plus those removed from the list in 1982 or subsequently, but excluding Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inomatus (removed in 1963) and Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola (whose habits preclude any proper assessment of length of stay). ‘Rare’ shorebirds include Temminck’s Stint Calidris temrninckii, Pectoral Sandpiper C. melanotos and Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis, none of which is currently on the list of species considered by the BBRC. 94 [lint. Birds 90: 94-101, March 1997] c British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 95 Weekend bias Is weekend bias becoming less marked ? Table 1 shows the number of records in the annual Reports of the Rarities Committee for 1958-92, sorted by day of the week; the Reports are grouped into five-year periods. Despite an almost three-fold increase in total number of records (from 1,845 in the period 1958-62 to 5,489 in 1988-92), and observers’ greater ‘employment flexibility’, little change has occurred in the percentage of rarities discovered at weekends. During 1988-92, 40% of rare birds were found at weekends: far greater than it would be (approximately 28%) were daily coverage uniform. It is also important to note that, despite the increase in Saturday records, even more rarities are first sighted on Sundays (in 1988-92, 21.3% of all first dates). Table 1. Daily distribution of first dates of rarities in Britain & Ireland, 1958-92. % Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun weekend 1958-62 191 194 224 214 209 368 445 44% 1963-67 194 163 200 192 175 319 379 43% 1968-72 305 283 317 295 265 531 580 43% 1973-77 418 421 411 473 470 747 837 42% 1978-82 608 549 514 528 567 931 995 41% 1983-87 537 551 604 565 615 1,036 993 41% 1988-92 665 638 710 633 625 1,050 1,168 40% Does weekend bias vary regionally? Table 2 shows level of weekend bias among rare-passerine records in different counties (using old county boundaries) during 1958-93, measured as the percentage difference from the expected level. A figure of 100% would indicate twice as many weekend discoveries as would be expected; figures around zero (0%) imply even coverage throughout the week. Counties with popular sites, well watched by weekend visitors from the big conurbations, show the most bias. Those covered more exclusively by local observers show a reduced percentage of rarities found at weekends. Even so, there is still weekend bias in Shetland. Table 2. Regional variation in weekend bias in rare-passerine records, 1958-93. % excess County at weekend Isles of Scilly 8% Shetland 16% Dorset 33% Cornwall (excluding Scilly) 34% Co. Cork/Co. Kerry 40% Sussex 46% Northumberland 47% Aberdeen/Kincardine 59% Norfolk 65% Kent 66% Yorkshire 68% Table 3. Local variation in weekend bias in rare-passerine records, 1958-93. An asterisk indicates a site with an observatory. % excess Site at weekend North Ronaldsay, Orkney* 1% Fair Isle, Shetland* 9% Cape Clear, Co. Cork* 14% St Agnes, Scilly 19% Dungeness, Kent* 27% Portland, Dorset* 29% Flamborough, Yorkshire 60% Spurn, Yorkshire* 60% FHauxley, Northumberland 85% Holkham-Wells, Norfolk 103% 96 Fraser: How many rarities are we missing? Is there weekend bias at observatories or on holiday islands? Local variation is indicated in table 3, using the same species and time period as in table 2. The least bias is shown by islands, with or without an observatory; this might be expected, as these places are visited by birders on holiday, usually for periods of at least a week. East Coast migrant- ‘hot-spots’, including an observatory site (Spurn), show a notable weekend bias, whereas South Coast sites with observatories are intermediate in this respect. In order to examine these sites in more detail, rare-passerine totals at each are listed by day of first sighting (table 4). The pattern varied significantly from constant (the ‘expected’ value being the mean of the seven daily values): for Holkham, Spurn, Flamborough, Hauxley and, surprisingly, Fair Isle, there was a probability of greater than 95% that the daily totals were not evenly distributed*. Islands show a predictably even distribution, but it is notable that both Fair Isle and St Agnes exhibit Sunday peaks, perhaps indicative of birders arriving on Saturdays and putting in greater effort on Sundays. It is also apparent that visitors to Fair Isle may have had enough rain and wind by Thursday to deter them from searching so intensively on that day. Mainland sites with observatories, although showing substantial weekend bias, had a more even distribution of records in midweek than those without observatories. Table 4. Numbers of rare passerines recorded at different sites on each day of the week, 1958-93. An asterisk indicates a site with an observatory. Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Chi-sq. North Ronaldsay, Orkney* 35 22 34 31 25 31 29 4.5 Fair Isle, Shetland* 177 155 162 143 187 175 200 13.2 Cape Clear, Co. Cork* 24 20 25 21 17 26 26 3.1 St Agnes, Scilly 22 34 31 32 30 31 45 8.7 Dungeness, Kent* 13 12 11 11 11 16 17 2.9 Portland, Dorset* 22 19 25 14 19 33 25 9.8 Flamborough, Yorkshire 19 14 9 15 7 27 27 22.6 Spurn, Yorkshire* 19 20 22 22 22 46 42 24.4 Hauxley Northumberland 6 2 5 5 6 12 15 16.9 Holkham-Wells, Norfolk 5 12 3 4 18 28 30 54.1 Is weekend bias more obvious among different species groups? On the whole, weekend bias appears more pronounced among rare ducks than among rare waders and passerines (table 5). A possible explanation for this is that finding rare ducks requires time and patience: it frequently involves sifting through large flocks of common species for the elusive rarity, a practice which would be more commensurate with weekend birding. How does weekend bias reveal the possible numbers of birds missed? Assuming that no site is searched at 100% daily efficiency, the rarities found on any given day consist of: (1) a percentage of that day’s arrivals; plus (2) a percentage of the previous day’s arrivals which were not discovered then, but remained; plus (3) a (small) number which arrived even earlier and stayed on to the current day, eluding observers until then. ★ X2 >12.6 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 97 1 able 5. Level of weekend bias in records of ducks, waders and passerines, 1958-93. % excess at weekend County Ducks Waders Passerines Shetland 13% -5% 16% Dorset 58% 31% 33% Cornwall (excluding Scilly) 79% 46% 34% Co. Cork/Co. Kerry 83% 58% 40% Sussex 65% 65% 46% Norfolk 50% 26% 65% Kent 53% 66% 66% Yorkshire 68% 43% 68% We need to know, therefore, how long birds stay at a site and how efficient observers are at finding rare birds at different sites on different days of the week. Once this information is known, a mathematical model (using a spreadsheet on a computer) can be employed to try to replicate the figures for numbers of birds present at various sites on different days of the week. This involves estimating the true numbers which do arrive, and, from these figures, subtracting the numbers actually found; this will reveal how many are missed. Model of numbers missed at sample sites See Appendix for discussion of the model. Armed with an assumption that, at well-watched sites, 90% of birds present on Sundays (including previous but as yet undetected arrivals) are located, and knowing approximately how long birds stay, we use an iterative process (‘make a guess’!) to determine how well watched the site is during the rest of the week. Using the model, we vary these figures until we get predicted daily figures which best fit those observed. Spurn (fig. I ) The ‘best-fit’ figures for Spurn indicate that 294 rare passerines have turned up, with 36% being found each weekday and 76% on Saturday. The accuracy of the model in this case is supported by the predicted reduction in the number found on Mondays compared with the rest of the ‘working’ week; increased coverage at the weekend means that many fewer birds arriving then remain undetected, to be found on subsequent days. The model suggests that, over the 35-year period, an average total of 42 rarities arrived each day of the week. Of the 22 found on a weekday, 15 had arrived that day and around seven had arrived earlier (five of these on the previous day) . Although Saturdays have a lower detection rate than Sundays, the higher Saturday total is due to the initial discovering of rarities not found before; around two-thirds of birds found on Saturdays had arrived during the three previous days. By contrast, 85% of ‘Sunday birds’ had arrived that day. A predicted minimum of 30% of rare passerines reaching Spurn have been missed. 98 Fraser: How many rarities are we missing? Fair Isle (fig. 2) Fair Isle is wardened, and is also visited almost exclusively (apart from during ‘twitches’) as a long-stay holiday location. As expected, it does not show weekend bias in the manner of a mainland site, but nevertheless exhibits variation through the week. A ‘good fit’ is obtained by assuming maximum bird-finding efficiency on Sundays, declining through the week to reach a minimum on Thursdays. A small increase in effort on Friday (the last day of the holiday) is well rewarded, as rarities are then discovered which arrived on Thursday, but were not located owing to lack of enthusiasm. The figures giving this fit were an average total of 195 birds arriving for each day of the week over the 35-year period; and efficiency of 90% for Sundays, 81% for Mondays, 72% for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, only 65% for Thursdays, but rising to 77% for Fridays and Saturdays. These figures indicate that a minimum of 1 1% of rare passerines on Fair Isle are missed. ‘ Best fits’ for other sites The Isles of Scilly (fig. 3) show less weekday variation than does Fail- Isle (fig. 2) . The reduction in numbers of birds found on Mondays points to a very high finding efficiency on Sundays (about 92%). The model suggested slightly less bird-finding effort on Saturdays (76%) than on weekdays (78%). As with Fair Isle, at least 11% of rare passerines are missed, and it is probably reasonable to assume that the same figure holds for Cape Clear Island and North Ronaldsay. Figs. 1-4. Observed (shaded) and predicted (solid) numbers of rare passerines on each day of the week: (1) at Spurn, Yorkshire, (2) on Fair Isle, Shetland, (3) in the Isles of Scilly, and (4) in Yorkshire, during 1958-93. British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 99 Spurn’s lack of weekday variation made it the ideal mainland site to be modelled. Other mainland sites do not quite have sufficient numbers of records to be amenable to statistical analysis, and we have looked instead at certain counties and modelled their figures. Fig. 4 shows the difference between observed and predicted figures for Yorkshire. Finding efficiencies are 90% for Sundays, 72% for Saturdays and 32% during the week. Over the 35 years, a total of 115 passerine rarities arrives for each day of the week. At best, as many as 40% of the county’s rare passerines are missed. The model predicts, however, that many fewer are found on Mondays than is actually the case. This could be explained by more searching being done on Mondays than on other weekdays (in fact, one -third more is required to produce the same number of new birds). If this is as unlikely as it seems, the only solution is to decrease the total finding rate (including Sundays) and increase the number of arrivals. A much better fit is obtained with efficiencies of 50% on Sundays, 45% on Saturdays and 20% on weekdays. With these figures, 57% of individuals are missed: thus, no fewer than 725 rare passerines have eluded birders in Yorkshire since 1958. A similar pattern holds for Norfolk and Kent. If 50% of birds present on Sundays are found, the model suggests that, in addition to the 435 records of sample species in Norfolk during 1958-93, a further 590 individuals went undiscovered. This is also around 57%. We can assume a broadly similar pattern along the whole British east coast. Even taking Shetland as a whole, as many as 44% may have been missed. On the South Coast, the picture is basically similar. Neither Portland, Dorset, nor Dungeness, Kent, both of which have fairly even weekday figures with elevated totals at weekends, shows a reduction on Mondays: indicating that weekend coverage is incomplete. Assuming a 50% rather than 90% level for Sunday coverage, Dorset may miss 53% of its rare passerines, Sussex 56% and Cornwall 53%. Other orders of birds Passerines are particularly well suited to this type of model, and constitute the largest single category of rarities analysed (over 25%). Once a passerine has ceased to be seen it is usually deemed to have ‘gone’ (very few proven cases exist of passerines being relocated at places remote from their original discovery site), and few passerines remain for protracted periods, making analysis of numbers of individuals and their length of stay relatively easy. By contrast, some ducks linger for years, reappearing annually and moving around, being recorded only intermittently; raptors are frequently recorded as ‘fly-overs’, while seabirds are seldom seen for more than a matter of seconds; and many herons and storks move around the country. Waders are quite amenable to analysis, as they show ‘sensible’ length-of-stay statistics, but there are considerable geographical differences. In the West, only around 40% of rare waders are recorded on one day only, whereas eastern counties show one-day rates of about 60%. A reasonable explanation is that most of the former are more likely to have flown across the Atlantic and to be in need of a recovery period, whereas those in the East include individuals which might be better considered to be on passage. 100 Fraser: How many rarities are we missing? In western areas, an estimated 33% of rare waders (around 160 individuals) in Cos. Cork and Kerry have gone undetected; probably no more than a handful have been missed in Scilly, where daily totals show no detectable bias, with more discovered on Tuesdays than on other days of the week; and 25% (110 birds) have been missed in Cornwall. In the East, an estimated 30% (about 100) have been missed in Yorkshire, about 18% (75) in Norfolk, and at least 35% (100) in Kent. All these figures assume a 90% finding rate on Sundays. Implications for the present By applying the calculated percentages of unrecorded rarities to the current totals for selected orders of birds in various counties of Britain & Ireland in the five years 1990-94, we can reach an approximate figure for the minimum number of rarities missed each year. Of 4,959 rare-bird records during 1990-94, 3,777 (755 per year) were ascribed to newly arrived individuals. Of these, 54.6% (2,063, or 413 per year) were passerines or near-passerines. This group can be broken down into geographical areas with different finding efficiencies (table 6). Table 6. Average number of rare passerines and near-passerines recorded annually 1990-94, and estimated annual number eluding observers. Area Average no. recorded % missed Average no. missed East Coast 155 57% 205 Fair Isle/N Ronaldsay 59 11% 7 Orkney/Shetland 76 45% 62 South Coast 53 53% 60 Scilly/Cape Clear 31 11% 4 Elsewhere 39 60% 58 The total number of rare passerines and near-passerines missed is estimated at around 400 per year, virtually tire same as the number found. A similar ratio could be expected for waders (i.e. about 90-100 per year). Other groups, mostly of bigger birds, are probably not overlooked in such large numbers. Currently, about 68 rare herons and storks are found each year, 56 new ducks and geese, 62 raptors and 55 gulls and terns; in addition to this total of about 240 individuals, maybe a further 100 individuals are missed each year. In summary, it can be estimated that approximately 800 rarities are overlooked in Britain & Ireland every year. We must emphasise that this estimate is conservative, with no allowance made for ‘new’ areas being better covered than before, or for existing popular areas receiving more intensive coverage at different times of the year. Our estimate is based on a pattern drawn from existing data. Go out and find these missing rarities! Length of stay of rare birds This is a vast subject. Fig. 5 shows the lengths of stay of rare passerines in Scilly and on Fair Isle and of waders in Scilly. A ‘one-day bird’ is defined as an individual recorded at a site on one date only; a ‘two-day bird’ is one recorded British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 101 50 40 30 03 "c: o £ 20 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Length of stay in days Fig. 5. Length of stay of rare birds during 1958-93. on two (and only two) consecutive dates; and so on. At well-watched sites, approximately 40% are recorded as one-day birds. The figure is much higher (up to 70%) at less well-covered sites, indicating that the latter may lose track of rarities more quickly than well-watched sites (and, of course, that fewer are found on their actual day of arrival). To put it another way, 60% of birds arriving remain beyond one day; of these, about 70% stay until the next day, 70% of the latter stay for a further day, and so on. We can assume that our experience of well-watched sites is an approximation of the actual situation. Acknowledgments I am grateful to Ray Augur for his comments on an earlier draft, and for kindly showing me full details of his own model and tests he had made on it. Peter Fraser , 1 2 Redland Court Road, Bristol BS6 7EO Appendix. Model of birds missed at sample sites For a given site, the numbers of individual rarities recorded on each day of the week since 1958 are known. The fact that these vary' through the week indicates that some birds must be missed, as there is no reason to suppose that birds preferentially arrive on any particular day of the week. Each day’s total consists of the percentage of those rarities present which was recorded. Those recorded on any day consist of the fraction which arrive that day and are detected, plus a fraction of the birds which arrived undetected the previous day and stayed on, plus a (small) number which arrived on days before that but eluded observers until the current day, and so on. (It is in fact useful arithmetically to go back only four or five days.) The approximate figure for birds remaining from one day to tine next can be determined (see above), and at well-watched sites a reasonable guess can be made of tire level of bird-finding efficiency when at its peak. If this peak is assumed, then this dictates arithmetically tire number of birds which arrive on the peak day (and hence every other day). The only other numbers which must then be tinkered with are the bird-finding efficiency figures for die remaining days. The working assumption is that, at well-watched sites (such as tiiose used as examples), 90% of rare birds present on Sundays are found. This assumption is completely arbitrary, but it seems a reasonable guess for sites of, say, 1 square mile (260 ha) in extent being watched by several dozen observers. Based on the author’s experience on St Agnes, Scilly, where 20-30 birders cover the island every day in October, very few birds are seen by only one person on a given day. This indicates that relatively few are missed. In practice, it was found that, given a 90% rate for Sundays, there was only a handful of values for the rest of the week which would fit the actual statistics. Scilly passerines Scilly waders Fair Isle passerines MONTHLY MARATHON 0 The lower of the two flying raptors that formed the sixth stage (Brit. Birds 89: plate 188) was correctly identified as Red Kite Milvus milvus by 95% of entrants (the others naming it as Black Kite M. migrans ), but the upper bird caused more of a problem, being named as Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus (73%), Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus (10%), Black Kite (7%), Marsh Harrier C. aeruginosus (6%) and Bonelli’s Eagle H. fasciatus (4%). The majority view was correct. This Red Kite and Booted Eagle were photographed by Martyn Brewer on Menorca, Spain, in June 1987. None of the three leaders — Stephen Foster, David McAdams and Richard Patient — faltered at this hurdle, and they still lead the field; there are a further 8 1 contestants with five correct answers, 110 with four, 131 with three, 1 65 with two and 136 with one. When one of the current leaders (or someone else) reaches a total of at least ten correct answers and also achieves a total higher than any other contestant, he or she will be able to choose from a selection of SUNBIRD holidays in Africa, America or Asia. What a prize! For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 idf; or telephone Sandy (01767) 682969. A 7. ‘Monthly marathon’. Photo no. 128. Eighdi stage in ninth ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 66), then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 1 5th April 1997. 102 CONSERVATION RESEARCH NEWS Compiled by Mark Avery This feature, contributed by the RSPB’s Research Department, reports the most interesting recent scientific news relevant to the conservation of Western Palearctic species. Introduced species and the Azores Bullfinch Dr Jaime Ramos of the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology in Oxford studied the Azores Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula murina (or Pyrrhula murina according to some authors) at its only World site: the mountains of the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores. In his three-year study, funded by the RSPB, he found that the World population numbered 60-200 pairs. ‘Priolos’, as they are known in the Azores, were rarely found in the lower, cultivated areas of the island, which look quite similar to the habitats of Bullfinches in Northwest Europe, but instead are found in the few remaining areas of upland native laurel forest. A botanical cocktail of introduced plants threatens the native vegetation and thus the Azores Bullfinches. Although Azores Bullfinches feed preferentially on some introduced plants, these species are out-competing native ones on which the Azores Bullfinches depend to a great extent at certain times of the year. Dr Ramos suggests that better management of the remaining areas of native flora and control of some introduced plant species are necessary to conserve this island endemic, which was once so common on Sao Miguel that it was regarded as a pest. Ramos, J. A. 1996. Introduction of exotic tree species as a dnreat to the Azores Bullfinch population. J. Appl. Ecol. 33: 710-722. ‘Farming and Birds in Europe’ This book (edited by Dr Debbie Pain and Dr Mike Pienkowski of the RSPB) includes a series of case-studies. For example, Dr Dick Potts describes the Game Conservancy Trust’s excellent study of how changes in cereal farming have affected Grey Partridges Perdix perdix and contributed to their 80% population decline since the 1930s. Additional mortality, especially from chick starvation, caused the decline. Experiments showed that shortages of insect food were brought about by use of herbicides and allowed the Game Conservancy to develop the technique of leaving unsprayed headlands around the edges of fields (conservation headlands), which if widely adopted would lead to increases in Grey Partridge numbers. Also, Dr Andy Evans of the RSPB assesses the value of mixed farming for seed-eating birds such as Cirl Buntings Emberiza cirlus. A Cirl Bunting territory would ideally include both extensively managed pasture with abundant invertebrates such as grasshoppers (for nestling food) and arable land which produces winter stubble-fields rich in broadleaved weeds (for winter feeding). Over the last 50 years, mixed farming has been lost from much of the UK and not surprisingly the Cirl Bunting has also declined. This book contains several other case studies from throughout the European Union and discusses the ways in which they can aid bird conservation. Pain, D. J., & Pienkowski, M. W. (eds.) 1996. Fanning and Birds in Europe: the Common Agricultural Policy and its implications for bird conservation. London. Dr Mark Avery, Research Department, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL [Bnt. Birds 90: 103, March 1997] 103 OBITUARY Bobby Tulloch mbe (1929-1996) In his introduction to Bobby Tulloch’ s Shetland (1988), the late Jo (Lord) Grimond tells the story of God discussing with St Michael the latter’s World tour of inspection, and saying to him \ . . when you are in Shetland do not forget to stop in Mid Yell and pay my regards to Mr Bobby Tulloch. I regard him as one of my successes.’ Like everyone who had the good fortune to do so, the Archangel would have found meeting Bobby on his home patch an unforgettable experience. Nearly 30 years have passed since it first happened to me, but the memories of our first full day in the field are still very fresh in my mind. With the simmer dim , we must have been out for about 20 hours non-stop, starting with Fetlar, going on to Hermaness and finishing up with a visit to a colony of Storm Petrels Hydrobates pelagicus. We visited the Snowy Owls Nyctea scandiaca, watched some Red- necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus and saw countless seabirds, but it is not the birds that I recall most vividly from that magical day. Instead, I remember Bobby catching a Common Seal Phoca vitulina Common Porpoise Phocoena phocoena that ▲ 8. Bobby Tulloch and his humour ( a compilation by Bobby Tulloch himself) 104 [Bril. Birds 90: pup to show me, and ‘calling up’ a came and swam with us alongside the boat. In between teaching me local bird names and much other Shetland lore besides, he told countless stories of people he’d met and places he’d been to. I have now forgotten why, but he also recited (in a slightly dodgy Yukon-type accent) lengthy extracts from Robert Service’s The Shooting of Dan McGrew. We sang, too, with the uninhibited gusto you can only really manage in a small boat well out of earshot of tire rest of the World. It was often like that with Bobby. He was one of the best field naturalists I have ever met, and a birdwatcher in the real sense of that now somewhat unfashionable word, but he was never that bane of our hobby, the bird bore. There were always so many other firings to talk about, and the laughter and tire impish humour were never far away. He had few equals as a raconteur, and was frequently tire butt of his own stories. I saw hard-nosed, horny- handed RSPB wardens reduced to tears of helpless laughter by his tale of 104-106, March 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 105 the time he and Dennis Coutts dressed in an old pantomime horse in their attempts to photograph the Fetlar Snowy Owls. Dennis has said of Bobby that he was ‘the most versatile person I have known’. He was an accomplished musician on guitar, fiddle and accordion, much in demand at social gatherings of all kinds; he often augmented the standard repertoire with his own hilarious songs and poems. As a photographer (self- taught, as with most things to which he turned his hand), he quickly became outstanding. It was the combination of his personality, his talents and his huge enthusiasm that made him one of the most brilliant and sought-after lecturers of my time. He only had to appear on the programme to double audiences at bird clubs and RSPB groups and he easily filled the Royal Festival Hall. In every way, he was a wonderful ambassador for Shetland: I find it hard to imagine that his islands could ever have a better one. Born at North Aywick in Shetland, Bobby Tulloch left school at 14 and became a baker, a trade he was to follow during his army National Service, where he became a staff sergeant in charge of a bakery in Hong Kong. But he yearned for other things and when, in 1964, the late George Waterston offered him the post of Shetland Representative of the RSPB, he jumped at the chance. He served the Society with distinction for the next 21 years before accepting early retirement. It would be simplistic (and unfair) to say that the RSPB made Bobby Tulloch what he was: the job helped, of course, but it worked both ways — the Society gained enormously from having such a talented and popular man on its books. His visits south were always looked forward to by his RSPB colleagues. He made our mouths water with his tales of the Glaucous Gull Lams hyperboreus which visited his bird-table one winter, and of the Snow Buntings Plectrophenax nivalis in his garden. There would be the latest humorous story too, such as when he received a phone call from a neighbour who was puzzled by a bird which had turned up near her house: it was bigger than a sheep, she insisted. When he went to look, Bobby found it was a Common Crane Gitis gms — when she had said ‘bigger’, the lady had really meant ‘taller’. I recall his delight when he reported seeing his very first Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, and when I showed him his first Little Owl Athene noctua — and how he felt claustrophobic in an English wood. On our visit to Havergate Island, he found a fellow sea-dog in the late Reg Partridge: they spent ages discussing different kinds of home-mixed anti-fouling paint, Bobby being as fascinated by the Suffolk variety as he was by the Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta we had gone to see. Ornithologically, Bobby’s crowning moment came when he found that Snowy Owl nest on Fetlar in 1967 (see Brit. Birds 61: 119-132), an event which brought him to the fore and undoubtedly played a part in shaping his future. It was in the 1 960s that he took it upon himself to round up the records of the then-tiny team of Shetland birdwatchers and to publish an annual bird report. Four of these were produced before, in December 1973, at a meeting in Dennis Coutts’s shop in Lerwick, it was decided to form the Shetland Bird Club. Snow prevented Bobby from attending, but he learned later that he had become, more or less overnight, both County Recorder and Club President. He held the latter post until his death. Looking back, retirement seems to have been a mere blip in Bobby Tulloch’s life. He seemed forever busy, serving on the Sullom Voe oil-terminal advisory 106 Everett: Bobby Tulloch MBE (1929-1996) group, lecturing on National Trust for Scotland cruises, and leading tours for Island Holidays. His travels took him far and wide — for example, to Novaya Zemlaya, Jan Mayen, Svalbard, Norway, Iceland, the Mediterranean, the Seychelles, Alaska and the Falklands. Shetland, though, remained the hub of his existence, with the birds he had known and loved since boyhood. His ‘formal’ ornithological publications were very few, but he wrote A Guide to Shetland’s Birds (with Fred Hunter, 1970), Migrations: travels of a naturalist (1991) and A Guide to Shetland’s Breeding Birds (1992), and provided the photographic illustrations for Scott & Palmer’s The Flowering Plants and Ferns of the Shetland Islands (1987). Beyond any doubt, though, his finest book was the superbly illustrated and beautifully written Bobby Tulloch’ s Shetland , which won him the annual Shetland literary prize in 1988. Semi-autobiographical, it gives us a wonderful insight into the world of a remarkable man. After a series of strokes, Bobby died peacefully in hospital in Lerwick. He had enriched many people’s lives and made many friends: I suspect that their affectionate memories of him would mean more to him than all the many plaudits he received in his lifetime. We could have headed this obituary ‘Robert John Tulloch’, but Bobby was ‘Bobby’ to everyone, and we feel sure that he would have approved the affectionate use of his nickname. To say that he is sorely missed seems so very inadequate. But it’s true. Mike Everett REVIEWS Atlas Zimniho Rozsireni Ptaku VCeske Republice 1982-85. By Vladimir Bejcek, Karel Stastny & Karel Hudec. Nakladatelstvi a Vydavatelstvi H&H, Praha, 1995. 270 pages; 45 line-drawings; 140 distribution maps. ISBN 80-85787-94-6. Paperback. Price not given. Although otherwise wholly in Czech, ‘The Adas of Wintering Birds in die Czech Republic, 1982-85’ has a very useful four- page section in English, giving all the essential background, including the methodology. With an average of l'/2 pages each, the 183 species wintering in the Czech Republic each have a full-page-width dot-distribution map and, for those which also breed in the Czech Republic, a small version of the 1973-77 breeding-distribution map taken from Atlas Hnizdniho Rozsireni Ptdkii VCSSR 1973/77 (Stastny, Rendik & Hudec, 1987). Whereas the Czech Breeding Bird Atlas was qualitative, this Wintering Atlas is quantitative. The 700 fieldworkers used the method which was tried in winter 1981/82 in Britain, but was then discarded in favour of a more sophisticated method involving analysis of observers’ raw counts. The Czech method involved observers not only in counting birds which they saw, but also in estimating the proportion which they had found within the areas of each habitat visited, and in assessing the proportion of each habitat which had not been visited within their recording area. Each species was 106 [Brit. Birds 90: 106-109, March 1997] c British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 107 then allocated to one of five orders of magnitude (‘1’ = 1-10 individuals up to ‘5’ — 10,001 or more). Although involving considerable observer interpretation, it is very unlikely that many estimates were ‘out’ by more than one order of magnitude, and on the swings-and-roundabouts principle, the general distributions shown by the maps should be accurate (and far more valuable than mere presence/absence would have been). Inevitably, however, the quantitative winter distribution maps are less solidly blocked in than are the qualitative breeding distribution maps, so comparison of the latter with the former inevitably gives the impression that there are fewer birds in winter than in summer, even for species which are wholly resident. It is, however, very helpful to have the breeding distributions alongside. Comparison shows, for instance, that Rooks Corvus frugilegus are numerous and widespread in winter, with a range well beyond the breeding areas, whereas all but a handful of Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris vacate the country in winter: taking the mid point of each order of magnitude (e.g. taking the 101-1,000 of ‘3’ to be 550), the respective wintering populations are 3,800,000 Rooks but only 26,000 Common Starlings. This book is, of course, an essential addition to any serious ornithological library covering European birds, and, like its predecessor dealing with the breeding birds, is an essential base for future studies. The major impression is, however, the achievement of the organisers, the observers and the compilers in producing this documentation of bird distributions in the extreme conditions prevailing in a Central European winter. J. T. R. Sharrock Atlas Saisonnier des Oiseaux du Quebec. By Andre Cyr & Jacques Larivee. Presses de l’Universite de Sherbrooke and Societe de Loisir Ornithologique de l’Estrie, Sherbrooke, 1995. 711 pages; 303 line-drawings; 1,170 maps. ISBN 2-7622-0106-3. Paperback Can$/US$56.95. The maps for the 303 bird species included in this atlas are based on more than three million records provided by 250,000 checklists accumulated during the 46 years 1950-95. Using faintly shaded, heavily- shaded and black squares, the distributions show- frequency, on a different scale for each species. There is a standard double- page-spread format, the left-hand pages with text wholly in French (though with the addition of English bird names) and decorative black-and-white illustrations, by a variety of artists, and the right-hand pages each with four maps, for spring, summer, autumn and winter. The definition of the four seasons is (like the frequency symbols) adjusted for each species to accord with its known migration periods (e.g. ‘spring’ is 16th February to 31st March for Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris, but 1 st-3 1 st May for Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina). Transparent overlays are provided showing coverage, principal towns, principal rivers, geographical regions, temperature, rainfall and so on. As with all bird atlases, there is abundant material here for everyone interested to make their own interpretations and discoveries: a book to be perused as well as used for reference. How good to see the observations accumulated during thousands of hours of fieldwork being put to such good use. J. T. R. Sharrock The Birds of Hungary. By Gerard Gorman. Christopher Helm (Publishers), London, 1996. 0-7136-4235-1. £19.99. These days, it is perhaps unusual to find that the author of a national avifauna is not a national of the country concerned; Gerard Gorman has, however, lived and worked in Hungary for the last ten years and the list of Hungarian ornithologists acknowledged shows the extent to which he has integrated 192 pages; 50 line-drawings; 363 maps. ISBN into the country’s society. The advantage to non-Hungarians is, of course, that the text is not only in English, but is also in very readable English. Of the 363 bird species on the Hungarian List, approximately half a page is given on average to all the regularly occurring species, 108 Reviews with one substantial paragraph summarising history, habitat, habits and so on, followed by one or two lines each on status in Hungary, status internationally, distribution, and timing. For these main species, there is also usually a distribution map with three different shadings, for residents, summer visitors and winter/passage visitors. There is a scattering of attractive line-drawings by John Davis throughout this part of the book. A 22-page separate section on ‘Rare visitors and vagrants’ also includes maps, with vagrant records indicated by dots in the actual locations. Only those species recognised by the Hungarian Rarities Committee have been included in this section, but it is noted that some published A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Turkey. By Ian Green & Nigel Moorhouse. Prion Ltd, Huntingdon, 1995. 122 pages; 15 ISBN 1-871 104-05X. Paperback £10.95. The latest publication of these popular birdwatchers’ guides deals with one of the most geographically and ornithologically diverse countries within the Western Palearctic. The authors have chosen to divide the country into seven main regions as outlined by the Ornithological Society of the Middle East in its journal, Sandgrouse (1986). Each region is given a brief introduction to the habitats and their associated birds, followed by the sites themselves, which are then clearly subheaded into sections on location, accommodation, strategy, birds, and other wildlife. A map accompanies each of the main records from the past were not adequately scrutinised or even examined at all. This book is valuable as an up-to-date work of reference, but perhaps its greatest value will be in prompting observers with unpublished past information in their notebooks to send in corrections to the text or amendments to the maps, and to encourage today’s birdwatchers to confirm, amend or expand upon the information by increased fieldwork. The broad-brushstroke distribution maps are, for instance, in contrast to the precision of dot-distribution atlas maps produced by some other East European countries. J. T. R. Sharrock -drawings; 30 maps. sites and these are, in general, detailed and accurate, although die clarity of some could have been improved by highlighting key areas. Useful information is provided on people, climate, food, travel and so on. The book concludes with a selected bird list featuring the specialities, with brief notes on their status, as well as a full species checklist. If you are contemplating a visit to this superb country, whether as a ‘quiet’ family holiday or as an intensive birding trip, I urge you to go out and purchase this excellent guide. Steve Williams line Where to Watch Birds in Holland, Belgium & Northern France. By Arnoud van den Berg & Dominique Lafontaine. Hamlyn, London, 1996. 216 pages incorporating 6 colour plates. ISBN 0-600-57977-8. £16.99. With all the localities included in this useful new guide no more than a four-hour drive from the Channel ports, this is quite the most interesting, and intriguing, of the Hamlyn Where to Watch series. What is more, this guide has the stamp of authority, as it has been written by two local experts: Arnoud B. van den Berg for the Netherlands, and Dominique Lafontaine for Belgium and Northern France. Details of more than 180 sites are provided, and it is notable that several of the best French sites close to the Channel, not mentioned in Where to Watch Birds in France, are included. The ornithological attractions of the Netherlands are better known than those of northern France, but even regular visitors are likely to learn of new sites. Belgium also has much to offer, and localities are given for such elusive breeding species as Hazel Grouse Bonasa bonasia and Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus. The price is high for a paperback; it could have been cheaper if the publisher had not decided to include six unnecessary colour plates. Alternatively, the money would have been much better spent on providing an alphabetical site-index, more maps, and a hardback binding. David Tomijnson \\ {a#! Uf from Zei ifv ,47 ^ v - .4 . • ! ' 1 %J:% ■ s' ; m v: !| • f f WL ’ ; % ,4 1 % • ... .4,1 It It'. V 7 'A The definitive binocular. Outstanding twilight performance, maximum contrast, optimum brilliance and first class image quality. Thanks to a totally new optical system with major improvements to many important details. A waterproof, nitrogen filled housing with DesignSelection styling for good looks and maximum ease of handling. The perfect synthesis of function, convenience and prestige: technical precision in its most attractive form. In other words a new dimension in binocular technology from Carl Zeiss, guaranteed to withstand the excesses of climate and nature for the next thirty years. The mark of Carl Zeiss quality Night Owls 7x45 B, 8x56 B, 10x56 B For the full 'Facts and Figures' about Carl Zeiss binoculars, please complete the coupon below and send to: Carl Zeiss Limited, Binocular Division, Dept. BB, PO Box 78, Welwyn Garden City, FHerts. AL7 1LU. Name Address Postcode ZEISS r Rated ‘Excellent’ by British Birds Litnosa ) holidays • France • Holland • Spain • Mallorca • Lesbos • Austria • Hungary • Slovakia • Bulgaria • Turkey • Sweden • Lapland • Finland & Arctic Norway • Morocco • Israel • Egypt • UAE • Gambia • Kenya • Ethiopia • Botswana • India • Nepal • Malaysia & Borneo • Alaska • Arizona • N Carolina • California • Nova Scotia • Texas • Trinidad • Australia • Antarctica Ask for our superb 1997 brochure NOW! Limosa Holidays, Suffield House Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 OLZ Tel: 01 263 578 143 Fax: 01 263 579 251 UK Agent for Field Guides Inc., with over 70 tours Naturetrely NATURETREK’S UNIQUE £990 COLLECTION The following action-packed, long-haul birding tours - each led by an expert local ornithologist - offer excellent value for money, and outstanding birding. If you would like further details of a particular tour, please call us now! ZAMBIA - South Luangwa National Park. 8 - 17 November ’96; 14 - 23 February ’97; 28 March - 6 April '97; 7-16 November '97. INDIA - Delhi, Ranthambore, Bharatpur & Agra. 22 - 30 November '96; 14-22 February '97; 28 March - 5 April '97; 21 - 29 November '97. ETHIOPIA - Addis, Gafersa, Awash National Park, Wondo Guenet & Rift Valley Lakes. 22 November - 1 December '96; 14-23 February '97; 28 March - 6 April '97; 21 - 30 November '97. gdecite* NEPAL - Chitwan, Kosi & Kathmandu Valley. A 1 0-day tour with departures every Friday throughout January, February & Easter '97. NAMIBIA - Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Spitskoppe, Etosha & Waterberg Mountains. 13-22 February & 27 February - 8 March '97. MALAWI - Lake Malawi, Zomba Plateau & Liwonde National Park. 17-26 February & 1 7 - 26 March '97. SOUTHERN MOROCCO - The desert, Oued Massa, Oued Sous & Marrakech. 28 February - 9 March ’97. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - with Colin Richardson 30 March - 6 April & 1 2 - 1 9 October '97. WORLD ENVIRONMENT PARTNER V For further details, call now, stating the tour(s) you are interested in. NATURETREK CHAUTARA, BIGHTON, Nr. ALRESFORD, HAMPSHIRE S024 9RB OR FAX: 01962 733368 OR PHONE: 01962 733051 aTo viii British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 109 A Checklist of the Birds of Chile. By Steve N. G. Howell. (American Birding Association, Colorado Springs, 1996. isbn 1-878788-35-3. Paperback. $4.95) Checklist with eight tick columns, English, scientific and Spanish bird names, and codes of status and abundance (c common, f fairly common, u uncommon, r rare or 1 local) within each of four biogeographic regions. JTRS A Birder’s Guide to Florida. By Bill Pranty. (American Birding Association, Colorado, USA, 1996. 388 pages, isbn 1-878788-04-3. Spiral-bound paperback $18.95) This is a really practical guide with remarkably detailed descriptions of a wide range of sites. It has sections on the history and habitats of this great birding area. There is a fold-out colour map and species lists, not only of birds, but also of amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The size and weight make this book more appropriate for the car glove-compartment than a jacket pocket, and, whereas the ‘comb binding’ makes the pages easy to turn, there is also a danger that the pages and the colour map could become detached in the field. Peter Holden Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Northern Europe. By Geoff Sample. (HarperCollins, London, 1996. 128 pages; 2 CDs. ISBN 0-00-220037-6. £19.99) There are no illustrations in this, the latest of the famous Collins Field Guides, but the text is accompanied by two CDs which have recordings of 151 species. Nine pages set the scene with a readable account of the terminology and the purpose of bird songs and calls, followed by a 20- page description of the contents of the CDs. The remainder of the book is devoted to descriptions of the songs and calls of 242 species arranged in systematic order, with the voice of Geoff Sample interjecting to identify each new species, which can be found easily through the CD numbering system. This field guide is, however, aimed more at the beginner than the expert: some of the songs and calls are very brief, and less-common calls are often missing. So, too, are many species: Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata is included, but not Black-throated G. arctica\ Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus, but not Black Redstart P. ochruros ; Goldcrest Regulus regains, but not Firecrest R. ignicapillus. Like Oliver, I was left wanting more. Peter Holden Finches, Bowerbirds & Other Passerines of Australia: National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife. Edited by Ronald Strahan. (HarperCollins, London, 1996. 301 pages; 182 colour plates; 74 distribution maps. ISBN 0-207- 18880-7. £47.50) This is the final volume of ten superb photographic books on the birds of Australia (though the first one to be submitted for review in British Birds). The collection of photographs has been compiled from the work of many of Australia’s top bird-photographers and the quality of reproduction is excellent. Tire accompanying text is also very detailed and the whole series provides an excellent photographic companion to the more traditional Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds that is currently in production. The whole series can be highly recommended, though the price is likely to put off those without a serious interest in Australia’s birds. David Fisher Top Birding Spots in Britain & Ireland. By David Tipling. (HarperCollins, London, 1996. 320 pages. ISBN 0-00220035-X. Paperback £9.99) Subtitled ‘The 130 Best Places to go Birdwatching’, this book truly gives the ‘feel’ of what many of the places will be like, through the inclusion of photographs of places and some of the birds, with 150 helpful little maps. Keep it in the glove compartment of your car. JTRS Sealife: a complete guide to the marine environment. By Geoffrey Waller. (Pica Press, Mountfield, 1996. 504 pages. ISBN 1- 873403 26-7. £30.00) Although about 15% of this book is devoted to seabirds, birdwatchers and ornithologists are most likely to purchase it for its comprehensive treatment of groups with which they are less familiar: everything from microscopic plankton to whales. The book’s subtitle genuinely does not exaggerate the comprehensive and authoritative coverage. JTRS ALSO RECEIVED Feather Reports: a chronicle of bird life from the pages of The Times. By Derwent May. (Robson Books, London, 1996. 184 pages, isbn 1-861 05-0 16-X. £12.95) Bird Sounds of Bolivia/Sonidos de Aves de Bolivia. CD-ROM for Microsoft Windows. By Sjoerd Mayer. (Bird Songs International BV, Westemieland, 1996. isbn 90-75838-01-8. US$99.00) MYSTERY PHOTOGRAPHS ▲ 9. Mystery photograph 203A. A 10. Mystery photograph 203B. 9 Within the Western Palearctic, Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata has ^ ^ declined markedly in Spain and has relinquished its former breeding areas in Algeria and Tunisia; it is now restricted to extreme southwestern Spain and northern Morocco. The similar, far more widely distributed Common Coot F. atra also, however, frequents these regions at all seasons. This apparent identification drawback often provides a unique opportunity to compare the two species and to study their differences. Mystery photograph A shows a Red-knobbed Coot in Morocco in January 1990 and mystery photograph B shows a Common Coot in Norfolk in November 1994; both photographs were taken by Robin Chittenden. The two name-giving bumps above the frontal shield of Red-knobbed Coot are a diagnostic feature. In comparison with those on adults in spring and summer, however, those on juveniles are insignificant, and those on first-winters and on adults in autumn and winter are smaller and less colourful. Even on adults in the breeding season, they are highly variable between individuals, both in size and in colour, ranging from very small to quite substantial, and from dull purplish-red to clear scarlet. Neither their size nor their colour is eye-catching, except at close range, and their inconspicuousness at longer distances places a greater emphasis on other characters, notably profile and the shape of the frontal shield. Profiles of birds vary with mood and movement, and coots are no exception. Nevertheless, Red-knobbed Coot and Common Coot not infrequently display their own distinctive profiles. In comparison, Red-knobbed Coot has a less deep and apparently more downcurved bill owing to the lower mandible’s slightly concave bottom edge, a decidedly smaller head in relation to body size and a clearly thinner and sometimes longer-looking neck. Its rather triangular head shape, which is enhanced by the presence of the knobs and the shape of the frontal shield, is created by a relatively steeper and higher forehead with the 110 [Brit. Birds 90: 110-111, March 1997] < British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 111 highest point of the crown being immediately above the shield, and a very long and gently curving nape. Common Coot shows either a comparatively rounded head, which is highest centrally, or a flat-topped head, in both cases with the forehead and nape possessing similar profiles. On the water, Red-knobbed Coot’s body is normally relatively flat and slightly forward-sloping, with the lowest point at the base of the neck and the highest point towards the tail, and thus somewhat rectangular-looking. The body of Common Coot is usually more rounded and highest centrally, with the lowest point at the tail. The white frontal shield of Red-knobbed Coot is trapeziform. It is broadest at the top, where it is often slightly indented, and narrows evenly downwards. It is only fractionally less wide than the pale bill where the two meet, and this ample contiguousness gives it a substantial look when viewed from the front. From the side, however, it shows only as a narrow, parallel-sided strip which is confined to the forehead. The white frontal shield of Common Coot is oval, with a rounded top and a narrow base where it meets the bill, giving the impression head-on of a rather weak shield only insecurely attached to the bill. From the side, though, its bulging shape renders it more visible than that of the rarer species and, in the breeding season at least, it extends onto the forecrown on many individuals. Considering the black, rather than the white, the difference in frontal-shield shape manifests itself most obviously in the different shape of the loral feathering where the bill meets the shield. This takes the form of a gentle bulge on Red-knobbed Coot and an intrusive, sharp point on Common Coot. In comparison with Common Coot, Red-knobbed Coot is slightly larger, with longer wings, generally darker plumage and a blue-grey tone to the bill. It lacks Common Coot’s white tips to the secondaries and yellow tone to the legs: when discernible, these are useful supporting characters. The identification of a Red- knobbed Coot can normally be achieved, however, by close attention to the shape of its frontal shield and its profile, supplemented at close range, of course, by its red knobs. Peter Lansdown 197 Springwood, Llanedeym, Cardiff, Glamorgan CF2 6UG References Cramp, S., & Simmons, K. E. L. (eds.) 1980. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol 2. Oxford. Forsman, D. 1991. Aspects of identification of Crested Coot. Dutch Birding 13: 121-125. Keiji., G. O., Eggenhuizen, A. H. V., & Ruiters, P. S. 1993. Identification of Red-knobbed Coot. Dutch Birding 15: 22-23. Shaw, A. 1992. The Birds of Morocco. Video-tape. Derby. LOOKING BACK Twenty-five years ago, in March 1972: ‘An astonishing influx, quite without precedent in recent years’ of Gyr Falcons Falco rusticolus, with records from seven localities, in Anglesey, Cornwall, Devon, Surrey and Sussex, during the month. There were Snowy Owls Nyctea scandiaca in Devon, Glamorgan and Scilly at the same time, the first in Britain outside Shetland since 1968. {Brit. Birds 66: 339, 344) NOTES Grey Heron exploiting behaviour of Great Cormorant, and attempting to rob it On 19th February 1991, near Flixton, Suffolk, we were watching a Grey Heron Ardea cinerea walking along the muddy margin of the River Waveney. The surrounding land was covered by about 20 cm of snow and all ponds and lakes were frozen. A Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo swam slowly upstream, diving continually. As it drew level with the heron, the latter changed direction and followed it, repeatedly darting at something in the water. Although I did not see it catch anything, the heron appeared to be taking advantage of fish flushed towards the bank by the swimming cormorant. The two disappeared upstream, still in association. On the following day, a Great Cormorant suddenly appeared in mid-river with an eel Anguilla anguilla in its beak. A Grey Heron immediately flew towards it and repeatedly attacked it with its feet, seemingly trying to get the cormorant to drop the eel rather than steal it direcdy from the latter’s bill. The cormorant dived repeatedly, but was followed by the flying heron; eventually, it changed direction underwater and took flight immediately on surfacing. The heron gave up the chase. R. E. Batty and L. Forbes Sunfields, Rectory Terrace, Pulham Market, Diss, Norfolk IP21 4SZ Grey Heron catching and swallowing Blackbird On 20th February 1991, near Flixton, Suffolk, we were watching a regularly well- stocked birdtable from inside a cottage, looking down a 45° slope towards the River Waveney about 40 m away. There was a covering of snow on the ground and all nearby standing water was icebound. A Grey Heron Ardea cinerea occasionally walked by on mud at the edge of the still-flowing river. Tits Parus were on the birdtable, with a couple of Blackbirds Turdus merula and Hedge Accentors Prunella modularis feeding on scraps beneath it. A Grey Heron started to walk purposefully up the slope, its head sunk into its shoulders, but none of the birds around the table took any notice of it. When it reached the table, it suddenly lunged at the nearest Blackbird, an adult male, ran halfway down the slope, shook its victim a few times until it appeared to be dead, and swallowed it. Despite almost continuous watching until the snow melted a few days later, this behaviour was not repeated, although the heron, or others, still patrolled the mud along the unfrozen river. R. E. Batty and L. Forbes Sunfields, Rectory Terrace, Pulham Market, Diss, Norfolk 1B21 4SZ Grey Heron catching Common Starling in flight On 23rd May 1992, at Shibdon Pond LNR, Tyne & Wear, I observed a Grey 112 [Bril. Birds 90: 112-114, March 1997] (o Rritish Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 113 Heron Ardea cinerea take a Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris in mid-air. The starling had initially attracted attention (both mine and the heron’s) by emitting a loud alarm ‘squawk’, probably after being attacked by a nearby Magpie Pica pica. As the call sounded, the heron, which had been roosting in willows Salix in the centre of the pond, stretched its neck and gazed in the direction of the call; almost immediately, it leaped from its perch and rose on a shallow upward trajectory, presumably to connect with the starling. The point of capture was hidden by tree branches, but the event was marked by a loud alarm call from the starling, and by the heron immediately swooping down to its original perch with its victim, calling incessandy, dangling by the neck from its bill. The heron proceeded to squeeze the starling until its struggles ceased, before dipping it into the water until its plumage was thoroughly saturated. It then attempted to swallow the prey, a feat which it did not manage while under observation (approximately 20 minutes); the starling’s wings seemed to be proving an insurmountable problem, protruding on each side of the heron’s bill and catching on its gape. I have observed Grey Herons attack and, occasionally, take birds, but I was surprised to find the species capable of the successful capture of such a prey item by this totally unlikely ‘flycatching’ technique. Keith Bowey 3 Alloy Terrace, Highfield, Rowlands Gill, Tyne & Wear NE39 2ND editorial comment J. Hancock & J. Kushlan (1984, The Herons Handbook ), discussing the feeding methods of herons (Ardeidae) in general, termed this technique ‘Aerial Flycatching’, but did not mention it specifically for any West Palearctic species. Mark Keighley and Andrew Hall (Brit. Birds 88: 423) described a Grey Heron capturing a hirundine in flight, after several failed attempts: the hirundine was one of a large flock feeding over open water, and the heron, rather than descending to drown its prey, continued along the same flight path. Long-tailed Ducks plunge-diving At 07.30 GMT on 20th February 1979, in good light with little wind and a calm sea, we were looking north over the sea about 100 m east of the mouth of the River Spey, Grampian. A number of ducks were on the sea, including about 45 Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis. Our attention was drawn to what was, to us, an unusual cooing sound to our left: a female Long-tailed Duck was flying east closely pursued by three males, all moving parallel to the shoreline about 100 m out and about 3 m above the water. Suddenly, the female dived into the sea at an angle of 30°, with her wings swept back, rather in the manner of a Northern Gannet Morns bassanus. The males did likewise, but the female quickly surfaced and took flight; by the time the males got going again, she had a distinct advantage in distance. BWP (vol. 1) makes no reference to Long-tailed Ducks diving other than from the surface. R. E. Batty and N. A. Bell Sunfields, Rectory Terrace, Pulharn Market, Diss, Norfolk IP21 4SZ EDITORIAL COMMENT Dr M. A. Ogilvie has commented: ‘If this was a typical courtship pursuit-flight, then landing on the water is quite a usual feature; the 114 Notes dive could have been almost accidental.’ Handbuch der Vogel Mitteleuropas (vol. 3) mentions that Long-tailed Ducks occasionally dive directly from flight and may also take flight immediately on surfacing (see also, e.g., Brit. Birds 7: 22 and The Handbook vol. 3). Turnstones feeding on fry On 21st March 1993, from a boat at Dockyard, Bermuda, I watched a flock of eight Turnstones Arenaria interpres standing on the jetty alongside. One by one, they would hover about 60 cm above the sea and then drop to take small fry, probably Reef Silverside Hypoatherina harringtonensis , from just below the surface, returning to the jetty to swallow the prey. One Turnstone even rested on the water for about two seconds, before flying back to the jetty. The event was recorded on video by my colleague, Eric Amos. In Bermuda, Turnstones most commonly feed along the rocky shoreline, along the beach tideline, and forage among stranded Sargassum Sargassum natans. I can find no reference to the above-mentioned feeding behaviour in BWP (vol. 3) or elsewhere. Andrew Dobson Warwick Academy, 117 Middle Road, Warwick PG01, Bennuda Mediterranean Gulls foot-paddling On 24th August 1990, at Aegion lagoon, southern Greece, I observed a juvenile and a first-summer Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus foot-paddling. This feeding method is used widely by other gull species, such as Black-headed L. ridibundus, Common L. canus and Herring Gulls L. argentatus , but has apparently not been recorded for Mediterranean Gull {BWP, vol. 3). Fotini Papazoglou School of Biology, University of Sussex, Palmer, Brighton, East Sussex BNl 90G Herring Gull attempting to catch Great Spotted Woodpecker in flight On 1st December 1990, while watching the pre-roost gathering of gulls Lams at Little Marlow Gravel-pit, Buckinghamshire, I heard the typical flight call of a Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major. On looking up, I saw the woodpecker with a third-summer/adult winter Herring Gull L. argentatus a few metres behind it. The gull accelerated and closed in on the woodpecker, which continued its flight but with noticeably shallower undulations. The woodpecker called again, at a higher pitch. The gull attempted to snatch the woodpecker, which evaded it; then continued its chase until the woodpecker dived into a copse, the gull pulling up and flying away. The pursuit lasted for 80 m. The woodpecker, flying in the open over a distance of at least 200 m and at an estimated height of 30 m above the water, was obviously vulnerable. Michael S. Wallen 4 Cleveland Park, Aylesbury , Buckinghamshire HP20 2BY LETTERS White-billed Divers wintering off British and Irish coasts Folvik & Mjos suggested that 100-200 White-billed Divers Gavia adamsii winter south of Norway (Bril. Birds 88: 125-129). Their observations, however, rather than representing a random sample of migration, were made mostly during 05.00-12.00 hours, and coverage was greatest in early May: times when divers were most likely to be seen. An average spring passage of 90-100 individuals is thus likely to be a substantial overestimate. With just 46 birds seen over 13 years, this population appears small. If these divers do winter off Britain and Ireland, the true figure is probably much nearer the recent average of seven records per year. Stuart A. Reeves 76 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen ABio 6HU editorial comment Asbjom Folvik has replied as follows: We maintain that our data represent a random sample of the White-billed Diver passage. While absolute numbers and coverage are connected, in further calculations we used “individuals per hour” (actual number recorded per time unit). This number is factual, and not influenced by differences in coverage (note also that coverage is high in late May, when diver numbers are far lower). Migration has been observed at dusk and at dawn, and divers are known to migrate at night, so ten hours seems a reasonable estimate of daily migration time. Total migration period was determined by the period between first and last observations; coverage was rather low in early April, and there is a distinct possibility that some migrate then (even low numbers will increase the estimate). The two “constant” parameters have possibly then been estimated conservatively. Incorporation of subsequent data from 1994 and 1995 confirms our earlier estimate, even with increased coverage, giving an “expected” total of 122 individuals in spring. Our main aim was to show that far more White-billed Divers winter south of Norway than was previously thought; we did not claim that these were all in British and Irish waters. In 1994, 15 passed western Norway on 1st May alone, so at least some are missed somewhere in winter.’ Seabirds without their toes With reference to the note by Keith Bowey (Brit. Birds 88: 111) regarding damage to the feet and legs of European Storm-petrels Hydrobates pelagicus and the subsequent letters from Jim Stonehouse, Joe Sultana, John Borg and Bernard Zonfrillo (Brit. Birds 89: 185-187), I recently came across the following passages in A History > of British Birds by William Yarrell, volume 4, revised and enlarged by Howard Saunders, London, 1884-1885, pp. 28-29, under the heading ‘The Dusky Shearwater Puffinus obscurus (Gmelin) [currently treated as the race opisthomelas of Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus ]’: ‘It appears that in The Zoologist for 1858 (p. 6096), Mr. Henry Stevenson recorded the appearance in Norfolk of a rare shearwater, thought to be a “Dusky [Brit. Birds 90: 115-116, March 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 115 116 Letters Shearwater”; the events had been recorded in the Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society , iii, (pp. 467-475). He writes that the dead bird . showed no appearance of having been shot at . . . but the inner web of one foot was partially nibbled away, as though a mouse or some other vermin had been at it.” Air. Stevenson then gives a footnote: “This was my impression at the time; but the examination of a large number of- Pomatorhine [Stercorarius pomarinus ] and other Skuas, killed on our coast in 1877, showed that the webs of the feet, in this class of birds, are frequently mutilated.’” So, for foot mutilation, it seems that skuas (Stercorariidae) can be affected as well as shearwaters (Procellariidae) and storm-petrels (Hydrobatidae) . The nineteenth-century observations on the subject must indicate that nylon lines or nets cannot be indicted as sole or major culprits at the present time. A. P. Radford Crosszvays Cottage, West Bagborough, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3EG Identification statistics When I first started birdwatching about 40 years ago, all good textbooks stated that a Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus had pale legs and a Chiffchaff P. colly bita dark ones. Apart from the song there was no other safe way to tell the difference in the field. Then — horror of horrors — it came to light that leg colour was not a safe distinction. I asked a field expert what the chances were of being right if I used the leg colour for identification, and he said about 50%. I accepted that. Now I read of identification problems in the separation of Long-toed Sunt Calidris subrninuta from Least Sandpiper C. minutilla , with one expert objecting to every ‘safe’ distinction, claiming that individuals of both species can sometimes show these features. So, even if all the identification features were present, the identity of a bird would still be uncertain. Has the time come for statistics to be applied to this matter? How frequently do ‘safe’ features for the Long-toed Stint appear in Least Sandpiper populations? What is the frequency of two or more features occurring? How often can a Least Sandpiper show all the features of a Long-toed Stint? And — if there is a finite chance of all the features occurring on individuals of species A which identify species B — must statistical confidence be placed against records of B in the annual reports? If it has, it is time I took up another hobby. D. A. C. McNeil 721 Loughborough Road, Birstall, Leicestershire LE4 4NN editorial comment Rob Hume, Chairman of the British Birds Rarities Committee, has commented: ‘I think that Dr McNeil pushes this too far. I do not believe that, for example, a Willow Warbler could ever look exactly (i.e. 100%) like a Chiffchaff. I believe that the sort of statistical summaries that Dr McNeil suggests are beyond us.’ Used in conjunction with other features, many of the ‘old’ identification criteria (such as a Chiffchaff s dark legs) are still very useful. NEWS AND COMMENT Compiled by Wendy Dickson and Bob Scott Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ NNR de-declared Braunton Burrows NNR in North Devon has the unhappy distinction of being only the third* National Nature Reserve ever to be de-declared. The problem at Braunton is that English Nature and the owners, Christie Devon Estate Trusts, cannot agree on how this 600-ha sand-dune reserve should be managed. EN wants to follow scrub control with light grazing to mimic the pre-myxomatosis cropping by Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus; CDET wants no grazing. Maybe we do not understand all the complexities of this particular game, but to outsiders it sounds as if the CDET has stubbornly refused to let EN have a say in writing the rulebook, so EN is sulking and has taken its ball home. Some heads need knocking together somewhere, for wonderful, wild, undeveloped sites such as this need to be treasured, and maintained by sympathetic, research-based management. The site is still an SSSI, and an international Biosphere Reserve, but that protection from development is of little use if the wildlife value of the dune system is destroyed by increased disturbance and lack of proper management. The Devon Wildlife Trust (Shirehampton House, 35-37 St David’s Hill, Exeter, Devon EX4 4DA) and North Devon MP, Nick Harvey, have both stressed the need for co-operative action. Come on Christie Devon Estate Trusts! Come on English Nature! Sort it out! *The other two were Tring Reservoirs in Hertfordshire, which had declined in its wildlife importance, and the site in Sussex of the ‘discovery’ of the fraudulent Piltdown skull. RSPB news from Shetland The RSPB in Shetland reports that the sandeel fishery caught just over 1,000 tonnes during the 1996 season, only one-third the permitted amount, for which fishermen blamed poor weather and the small size of most boats. With oil developments west of Shetland continuing apace, the RSPB is now a member of the new Adantic Frontier Environmental Forum, whose role is to discuss and examine environmental issues relating to oil developments on the Adantic Frontier. Birdwise, Arcdc Terns Sterna paradisaea fared less well than in 1995, with colonies in south Mainland slighdy more successful than those elsewhere. On Fedar, the total of 36 pairs of Red-necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus was the highest for almost 30 years. Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus also reached a Fedar record of 81 pairs. In south Mainland, one Corn Crake Crex crex was reported singing, but, although the crofter entered into an agreement under the RSPB/SNH/Scottish Crofters Union Corncrake Grant Scheme, it is unlikely that the bird found a mate. Red-throated Divers Gavia stellata had a poor season, particularly on Yell. Of 19 pairs of Merlins Falco columbarius, however, 16 were successful, rearing 56 young; Peregrine Falcons F. peregrinus bred for the first time since 1993, one pair rearing four young; and, for the third successive year, Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus nested successfully, rearing three cygnets. [Brit. Birds 90: 117-122, March 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 117 118 News and comment £60 for a pair of Lesser Kestrels The Convento de Sao Francisco, a former Franciscan convent, now the home and art centre of Geraldine & Kees Zwanikken, is also the site of the largest colony of Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni in Portugal. When restoring the old buildings, Geraldine and Kees ensured that as many nest holes as possible were left for the falcons and, when these were fully occupied, they ingeniously sited flask-shaped pottery hole-substitutes on the roof. Over the years, the colony has grown to its present total of 65 Lesser Kestrel nests, and there is now no more wall space left in which to create holes and no more roof space on which to fix flasks. The Zwanikkens now propose to build a ‘Falcon Tower’ of local stone, to merge widi the existing buildings, with nest sites for up to 20 more pairs of Lesser Kestrels. The cost of the Falcon Tower will be a mere £900, which for, say, 15 more pairs of Lesser Kestrels, works out at £60 per nest. A conservation bargain! John Gooders’ bird-tour company, ‘Birding’, is sponsoring the Falcon Tower and will match, penny for penny, all sums donated. There are no administrative costs, no facility costs, no design costs: every penny will go directly into stone, mortar and, of course, holes. Donations may be sent to Lesser Kestrel Tower Fund, Birding, Finches Flouse, Fliham Green, Winchelsea, East Sussex TN36 4HH. Birding information in Cyprus As many visitors to Cyprus will know, the Cyprus Ornithological Society (1957) has provided an Information Centre and telephone ‘birdline’ service for the past three years. Please note the following changes. The Information Centre will be open daily from 10.00 to 12.30 local time in the tavema adjacent to the Apollo Hotel, Lighthouse Road, Kato Paphos. The telephone number for the ‘birdline' has also changed, to Paphos 233707. Visitors to the island are reminded that all services and information are provided free of charge, but that in exchange you are requested to leave behind all the details of your observations during your visit to the island. The contact is Jeff Gordon, Director COS(57), PO Box 1 129, 8131 Kato Paphos, Cyprus. Vietnam ’96 . . . Ecuador ’97 The British Birdwatching Fair at Rudand Water in August 1996 raised £50,000 for conservation of the Ke Go Forest in Vietnam, presented to BirdLife International’s Dr Mike Rands at a special reception at The Lodge. It was revealed that next year’s Bird- watching Fair will raise funds for conservation of forest in Ecuador, close to the capital, Quito. The symbol in 1997 will be the Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruviana. We liked RSPB Chief Executive Barbara Young’s way of saying diat die annual Fair at Rudand Water is unmissable: ‘Be there, or be square!’. We also enjoyed David Wragg pointing out diat the Fair is ‘a partnership between the biggest name in nature conservation [his Leicestershire and Rudand Trust for Nature Conservation] and the smallest [the RSPB]’. Twitcher redefined We recently provided definitions for the words ornidiologist, birdwatcher, birder and twitcher (Brit. Birds 89: 479). It is interesting to compare our definition of twitcher (‘Someone who is willing to travel considerable distances, if necessary, to see rare birds already found and identified by other birders’) with that compiled totally independendy by David Ferguson, Editor of the Buckinghamshire Bird Club Bulletin (133: 1): ‘Someone who is prepared to travel a considerable distance in order to see a bird already identified by somebody else.’ Great minds, rather than plagiarism, we assure both his and our readers. David Ferguson has come up with an even more succinct definition, as a result of unsuccessfully trying to twitch the Elmley Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus, when he ‘had to listen to a group of brightly-clothed characters discussing in loud voices the relative battery lives of their pagers. My definition thus becomes “A birdwatcher with a pager”. I don’t know if die non-appearance of the bird and the bright clothes and loud voices were connected.’ To join the Buckinghamshire Bird Club, write to A. F. Brown, Riders Way, Poyle Lane, Burnham, Buckinghamshire sli slb. British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 119 Sussex shows why and how In an excellent 16-page booklet, the Sussex Ornithological Society not only gives its requirements for record submission, but also explains why records are required and what constitutes a record, and gives hints on description-writing and a model example (a Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarins at Ferry Pools, Sidlesham, on 7th September 1995, described by Roger Suckling). We like the SOS’s final quote: ‘Man, irrespective of whether he is a theologian or a scientist, has a strong tendency to see what he hopes to see.’ For details of how to join the SOS, write to John Trowell, Lorrimer, Main Road, Icklesham, Winchelsea TN36 4BS. Re-establishments in Gibraltar In ‘an ambitious programme to restore key elements in the fauna’, the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society, in co-operation with the Agencia de Medio Ambiente of the Junta de Andalucia, hopes to re-establish Common Raven Corvus corax, Red Fox Vulpes vidpes and Spanish Ibex Capra pyrenaica. As well as restoring lost species to the Rock, the GONHS hopes that the first wo will help to control Yellow-legged Gulls Lams cachinnans and that the last will control vegetation within firebreaks. Fine Finnish photos The quarterly Finnish magazine, Alula, now in its second year, always includes stunning photographs. The latest issue to hand (no. 3, 1996) contains a ‘Monthly marathon’-type compeudon (but with five mystery photos, not one), birdwatching at the wetland Liminganlahu and in the Canary Islands, die identification of Red-breasted Flycatchers Ficedula parva of the eastern race albicilla , predicted as a possible vagrant to Europe, the decline of the Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius in western Europe, the expansion of the range of the Mediterranean Gull Lams melanocephalus, studies of Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetomm, and a selection of photographs of recent Fennoscandian rarides. The text is in Finnish and English. Alula costs 170FIM in Europe or 180FLM outside Europe (both surface mail; credit-card or cash payments only, not cheques) from Alula, PO Box 85, 02271 Espoo, Finland. Good for Bushnell BirdLife Internadonal and the American- based optics company, the Bushnell Corporadon, will both be benefiting from a new co-operative link. New 8X40 and 8X42 Bushnell binoculars will carry die BirdLife International name and logo (and the recommendation that that implies), while BirdLife International will receive a rumoured five-figure (or even six-figure?) sum, as well as worldwide publicity wherever the binoculars are sold. Sounds like a perfect example of a mutually beneficial sponsorship deal; for further details, contact John Vickers at Bushnell’s UK distributors: J. J. Vickers & Sons, Unit 9, Revenge Road, Lordswood, Kent ME5 8DW; phone 01634 201284. Pyrenean migrants Named after its premier watchpoint in tire western Pyrenees, tire French study and protection association, Organbidexka Col Libre, runs co-ordinated counts of raptors and other migrants at the major crossing points at both ends of the mountain chain. Its newsletter gives details of the autumn passage of Short-toed Eagles Circaetus gallicus, the majority of which use the Eyne and Plateau de Bielle Passes towards the eastern end. The most spectacular numbers are in the second half of September, when the maximum daily count can be as high as 600. For more details, OCL’s new address is 11 Rue Bourgneuf, F-64100 Bayonne, France. ( Contributed by Ken Hall) New ground-cuckoo Collared Examining museum specimens of ground-cuckoos Carpococcvx from Sumatra and Borneo, Nigel Collar found that those from Sumatra, supposed to be the same species as those in Borneo, were 20% smaller, oil-green rather than purplish-blue on the wings and tail, and lacked the dark hood of the latter. In a paper co-authored with ground- cuckoo expert Adrian Long ( Forktail 1 1 : 135-150), the new species has been named Sumatran Ground-cuckoo C. viridis. Whilst tiie Bornean C. radiceus is widely known from lowland areas, the Sumatran Ground-cuckoo is known from only six localities and has not been recorded since 1916. As BirdLife International says: ‘It now needs to be searched for.’ 120 News and comment Boost for birds in Yemen . . . A joint production by the Ornithological Society of tire Middle East (OSME), BirdLife International and the Environmental Protection Council in Yemen has provided an impressive addition to the Yemen environ- mental education programme. Based upon a tried-and-tested formula from other parts of the World, and with financial aid from a range of bodies, including the British Council, British Gas and Shell International Petroleum, a well- illustrated, native-language identification booklet has been produced. The attractive illustrations (by Alike Langman) reproduced on an accompanying poster will, we are sure, be well received throughout the Yemen. Even if the text is beyond our understanding, there are still mouth-watering pictures of, for example, Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhyncho- struthus socotranus, Yemen Warbler Sylvia buryi, Yemen Serin Serinus menachensis and Yemen Thrush Turdus menachensis. The 10,000 copies that have been printed will be distributed to all schools in die Yemen, part of die programme being developed by Dr Omar Al-Saghier, die BirdLife representative in Yemen. Further details from Richard Porter, Head of Middle East Division, BirdLife Inter- national, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ona. . . . and Socotra Volume 17 of Sandgrouse (published 1996), the journal of OSA1E, is devoted to scientific papers and records from Southern Yemen and Socotra, the report of the OSME surveys in die spring of 1993. Anyone with an interest in the ornithology of die Aliddle East will find much to interest him or her within the 188 pages of this special volume. In addition to papers presenting the full status of species within the area, there are some fascinating reports on the region’s endemics, including Socotra cisticolas Cisticola incanus and C. haesilatus, Sunbird Nectarinia balfouri, Starling Onychognathus J rater and Bunting Emberiza socotrana. Comments on the status and taxonomic position of the buzzard Buteo (? species) and Forbes-Watson’s Swift A pus berliozi on Socotra make fascinating reading. Presented here are die results from the field work undertaken by 19 personnel under die leadership of Richard Porter, widi sponsorship from 1 2 different organisations including TeleYemen, Yemen Airways, the American Institute of Yemeni Studies and Lasmo Oil (Aden) Ltd. We hope diat diis report will be publicised far more widely than just die birding community, for, in addition to die mass of ornithological data, diere are reports on mammals, reptiles, amphibians and dragon- flies. Copies, price £10.00, are available from OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL. Authors & Artists for Conservation Like all good ideas, it is simple. Under die Public Lending Right system, payment is made from Government funds to authors whose books are borrowed from public libraries. In 1989, die World Land Trust (WLT) was formed with the intention of raising funds for the acquisition and management of land in Belize (it now owns and manages 100,000 ha there). Drawing upon the expertise gained in Belize, it went on to launch projects in Costa Rica and the Philippines. Then, in 1994, came the good but simple idea. The trustees of WLT donated the Public Lending Right on their books and encouraged odiers to do likewise. By donating one or more Public Lending Rights to die charity, writers, illustrators, photographers, editors and translators help to provide long-term support for the World Land Trust. So was formed 'Authors & Artists for Conservation’ (AAFC) and its members’ contributions currendy go towards the WLT’s latest project, saving the island of Danjugan in die Philippines, which was about to be cleared of its forest to make way for a leisure centre. Over £9,000 has been raised since the formation. At an annual reception in July 1996, David Gower obe, cricketer, commentator, wildlife endiusiast and founder member of AAFC, was guest of honour and, in addition to several amusing stories of wildlife around die World, he launched a new video, die result of three mondis’ filming on Danjugan Island. For details of the video, of AAFC and of the WLT, contact John A. Burton, Blyth House, Bridge Street, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 sab. British Birds, vol. 90, no. 3, March 1997 121 Myths and legends Mark Cocker is seeking information for a book on worldwide bird mythology and lore, particularly cultural associations in both historical times and the present day, the significance that birds have had for pre-industrial peoples and the cultural impor- tance and exploitation of birds. Please send contributions, all of which will be acknowledged, to him at 9 Primrose Road, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich nrh 4AT, or tel/fax 01603-611797. BTO moves into Ireland To develop its activities in Ireland — both in the North and in die Republic — the BTO has appointed Ken Perry as its part-time Ireland Officer. The BTO Ireland Office will be based at Ken’s home: 43 Portstewart Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland BT52 irw; phone 01265-42985. Cox’s Sandpiper’s identity unveiled First described from Australia in 1982 ( South Aust. Nat. 56: 63) — and subsequently recorded again there, in Hong Kong and in the USA — Australian DNA studies ( Condor 98: 459-463) have now revealed that ‘Cox’s Sandpiper Calidris paramelanotos ’ is not a Siberian relict species ( contra Brit. Birds 81: 253-257), but is a hybrid between a male Pectoral Sandpiper C. rnelanotos and a female Curlew Sandpiper C. ferruginea. Winter sparkles The 8th Bedfordshire Bird Conference, 47'/2 years after the first in 1949, was held at Silsoe Agricultural College, Bedfordshire, on Saturday 23rd November. Those who listened to Rob Dazley, David Kramer, Martin Palmer and Paul Trodd describing Bedfordshire bird habitats agreed that it must be a wonderful county in which to live and birdwatch. Dr Peter Lack described techniques and uses of surveys and censuses and, to contrast with Bedfordshire's birds, those in Massachusetts and on Fair Isle were described by Tony Cook and I im Loseby. Several people got only one answer wrong in the British Birds mystery photographs competition, but the winner, with all five photographs correctly identified, was Daily Star journalist Stuart Winter, who won the traditional bottle of champagne. ‘Vulture News’ A biannual scientific publication devoted solely to vultures (particularly conservation and education projects in Africa), Vulture News, founded in 1979, is the journal of the Vulture Study Group, a working group of the Endangered Wildlife Trust. The subscription price of US$30 (worldwide) includes membership of the VSG and the Group’s newsletter, Gyps Snips. Write to the VSG at PO Box 72334, Parkview 2122, South Africa. Shooting themselves in the foot As tourism becomes one of the fastest- growing activities in the World, and one of tiie biggest employers of labour, one would imagine that, in a country where unemployment is soaring, local authorities would do everything in their power to encourage visitors to their area. Not, it appears, in the French Pyrenees, where, for the second year running, die mayor of Larrau (close to Organbidexka Col Libre watchpoint) has banned walkers, cyclists, hang-gliders and naturalists from venturing onto (or over) the Pic d’Orhi and surrounding hillsides between 15th September and 15th November. This is to allow the local shooters to remain undisturbed in their ‘paisible’ (peaceful, calm, quiet) exercise of slaughtering the Wood Pigeons Columba palumbus (and what else?) that migrate over the mountain passes. The response of those promoting green tourism in the Pyrenees has so far been muted, despite the fact that registered hunters represent a mere 2.5% of the French population. In France, as elsewhere, die men with guns seem to wield an influence out of all proportion to their numbers. ( Contributed by Ken Hall) Help in America Hundreds of projects with chances for bird- watchers (sorry!, birders) to get involved in field projects from Alaska to Bolivia are listed in Volunteer Opportunities for Birders , published by the American Birding Association. ABA members get it free; to join, write to PO Box 6599, Colorado Springs, CO 80934- 6599, USA. BB subscribers can purchase it for £ 3.25 through British BirdShop (see pages iii & iv). 122 News and comment RSPB deified Under the heading ‘ Deset Zapovijedi Promatraca Ptica: The Ten Commandments for Birdwatchers’, the Croatian journal Troglodytes has published The Birdwatchers’ Code, credited to the RSPB. Good to see the message spreading internationally, even if our own part in initiating the Code has been overlooked in the shadow of the almighty Society. Tony Armstrong joins News Team Tim Cleeves has retired as the representative for Northeast England on the Regional News Team. His successor is Tony Armstrong, 39 Western Hill, Durham City' DHt 4RT. We are most grateful to Tim for his help over the past three years. Welcome Tony! Is it legal? Subtitled A plain guide to bird protection today , the latest 32-page updated edition of Wild Birds and the Law is available (price £3.00 inch p&p) from the RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL. REGIONAL NEWS TEAM Dave Allen — Northern Ireland Tony Armstrong — Northeast Dave Flumm — Southwest Frank Gribble — Midlands Barrie Harding — East Anglia Angus Hogg — Scotland Oran O’Sullivan — Republic of Ireland Don Taylor — Southeast Dr Stephanie Tyler — Wales John Wilson — Northwest RECENT REPORTS Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary covers the period 6th January to 9th February 1997. These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps South Norwood (Greater London), 28th January to 9th February; Rostellan (Co. Cork), 2nd-9th February; long-stayer present at Hayle Harbour (Cornwall), to 9th February. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Ballycotton (Co. Cork), late January to 9th February. American Black Duck Anas rubripes Alturlie (Highland), 12th January to 9th February. Blue-winged Teal A. discors Female, North Bull, Dublin (Co. Dublin), mid January to 9th February. Canvasback Aythya valisineria Welney and Wissington (both Norfolk), 21st-28th January, and, intermittently, to 7th February (potential first for Britain & Ireland). Redhead A. americana Rutland Water (Leicestershire), 4th-9th February. Lesser Scaup A. affinis Tophill Low Reservoir (East Yorkshire), 9th January to 9th February; long-stayer present at Stithian's Reservoir (Cornwall), to 9th February. Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Hornsea Mere (Humberside), 6th-22nd January; East Park Lake, Kingston upon Hull (Humberside), 27th January. Laughing Gull Lams atricilla Houghton Green Lake (Cheshire), 12th January. Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea Kinaird Head, Fraserburgh (Grampian), lst-9th February. Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Large influx, mainly on English east coast, including 49 at Gibraltar Point (Lincolnshire), 30 at Holkham (Norfolk), 40 at Titchwell (Norfolk) and 37 at Orford Ness (Suffolk). Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to ‘British Birds’. Call 0881-888-111 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate; 41p/min other times; incl. VAT) l\low from only £990 3-18/25 May 1997 with Paul Holt ALSO HOMG KONG from £1350 30 March-9 April with Steve Rooke EILAT from £490 10-17/24 March with Killian Mullarney GOA - INDIA from £790 30 October-14 November with Paul Holt For full information please write to: Sunbird (BS), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 IDF. Tel 01 767 682969. Fax 01767 692481 (Please specify which event you are interested in). 3003 Sunbird is a trading name of Conderbury Limited. irnithos The French magazine for every birdwatcher • Status and Identification of Birds of France and WP • Annual Report of French Rarities Committee • Annual Report of Rare Breeding Birds in France • French and WP Birding Spots • News and Mystery Bird 48 pages, numerous colour photographs French text with English summaries and English captions 'nT a For further information please write to : Ornithps, LPO, BP 263, F-17305 ROCHEFORT Cedex (France - '(> •+ 33 46 82 12 34) A 8B 02/96 ^ BIMONTHLY JOURNAL ON FIELD ORNITHOLOGY □ Excellent papers on identification, distribution, occurrence, movements and behaviour of Palearc- tic birds □ Regular contributions on Asian-Pacific birds □ Latest news on rare and interesting birds in the Netherlands and the Western Palearctic □ Well produced with numerous high quality colour photographs □ Yearly report on rare birds in the Netherlands □ In English or with extensive English summaries For information or a free sample issue, write to: Dutch Birding, Postbus 7561 1 , 1 070 AP Amsterdam, The Netherlands Subscribers to Dutch Birding can claim 25% off a British Birds subscription (D469) ACE OPTICS OF BATH The South West’s Largest Optical Specialist THE BEST DEALS IN OPTICS * 01225 466364 Zeiss 7x42/10x40 BGAT £679 8x20 Classic £215 10x25 Classic £249 New Nightowls 7x45 OPA £799 Nightowls 10x56 £959 Leica 8x20 BC MK2 fine, case) £259 10x25 BCA MK2 OPA' fine. case). £309 8x32 BA £619 8x42 BA £699 10x42 BA £699 8 or 10x50 BA £879 Televid 77 Scope £509 Televid 77 APO £899 32 x W £189 Kowa TSN 821 & 822 £359 TSN 823 & 824 £699 TSN 32 x W for 820 £159 TSN 20-60 for 820 £209 TSN 1 & 2 £289 TSN 3 8 4 £589 TSN30xww £139 TSN Zoom 20-60 £179 TSN 60x or 77x £105 TS 61 1/12 OPA* £209/£229 TS 613/14 OPA* £449/£499 TS27xw £105 Stay on case £42 Bausch & Lomb 8x24 Legacy OPA" £99 10x25 Legacy £119 8x24 Waterproof £189 7x35 or 10x50 Glasses on £129 8x30 Natureview £99 8x42 Natureview OPA" ..£109 New 8 x 42 Birdlife £139 10x42 Natureview £129 Bushnell Spacemaster 20x or Zoom £169/£199 Swift New Ultralite 8x32 £149 Ultralite 8 or 10 x 42 OPA* ..£199 Audubon 8.5x44 £199 New 8.5 x 44 Audubon Roof Pnsm £319 Opticron Countryman £99 Hi-Res 8/10x42 £189 8 or 1 0 x 42 BGA £329 Classic 60mm £139 HR66 £279 HR66 45 degrees £319 HR 80 GA straight/45 degrees £399/£429 20x HDF Eye Piece £79 28x HDF eye piece £109 30x ww OPA* or 20-45 Zoom £185 Nikon Spotting Scope 20x £249 Spotting Scope Zoom Angled OPA* £349 Fieldscope 11A £359 Fieldscope 78 ED OPA* £839 30 x ww OPA* or 20-40 Zoom £185 Swarovski 8x20B me case £289 8x30 SLC III me. case £499 7x42 SLC me. case £609 10x42 SLC me. case £669 AT-80 Scope £599 AT -80 HD Scope £889 30xXW Eye Piece £139 Swarovski tnpod me. strap £149 Optolyth Alpin 8 or 10 x 40 BGA-NG £309 TBS/TBG 80 £499 T8S/TBG 80 HD £749 TBS/TBG 100 HD New Model £Phone 30x ww £169 20-60 Zoom £189 Night Vision Scopes from £199 Moonlight Envy 100 £289 Accessories Stay on cases £42 SlikD3 tripod £124 Slik Observer £79 Manfrotto tnpods from .£129 Velbon tnpods from £39 Car Window mount £35 Cullman hide mount £57 Optec Brno Strap £11 16 GREEN STREET, BATH, BA1 2JZ 01 225 466364 If busy try 466975 Also available at 10 South Walk, Yate, Bristol (01454) 325302 Prices are correct at time of going to press. OPA" - Birdwatching Magazines Optical Products Award IX KIBBUTZ KFAR RUPPIN ISRAELI ORNITHOLOGY CENTER INTERNATIONAL BIRDWATCHING CENTER JORDAN VALLEY, ISRAEL Spring Migration in Northern Israel Come to visit the birdwatcher’s paradise at Kfar Ruppin, Israel: ★ This is the best place to see the largest migration of white storks, raptors and other soaring birds. ★ Over 300 species of migrating and resident birds! ★ An active ringing station where you can see a variety of species in your hand. ★ Other excellent birdwatching sites nearby. ★ The birdwatching center offers: detailed and up-to-date information, accommodation in attractive apartments, meals in the kibbutz dining room, Swimming pool in the summer months. For booking: Tel: 972-6-6589396 or Fax: 972-6-6480612 Our address: Birdwatching Center, Kfar Ruppin Beit Shean Valley, 10850 ISRAEL Israel: Year-Round Trips ♦ An evening from Eilat, Hume’s Tawny Owl or Nubian and Egyptian Nightjars. ♦ Single-day or two-day trips to the Negev-Houbara Bustard, Cream-coloured Courser, Sandgrouse, Pallid Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle and Lanner, Larks and Wheatears. Winter, Imperial Eagle, Saker and Sociable Plover. ♦ A three- to five day trip to Northern and Eastern Israel, visiting the Arava valley, the Dead Sea Depression and Bet She’an Valley as well as the Hula Valley, the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon and/or Vla'agan Mikhael. Highlights - Marbled Duck, both Spotted and Bonelli's Eagles, Sooty Falcon, Black Francolin, Great Black-headed and Armenian Gulls, Scops and Eagle Owls, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Oriental Skylark, Long-billed and Buff-bellied Pipits, Citrine Wagtail, Tristram’s Grackle, Fan-tailed Raven and Desert Finch. Also Olive-tree and Upcher’s Warblers, Sombre Tit, Rock Nuthatch, Rock and Pale Rock Sparrows, Syrian Serin and Crimson-winged Finch. Book through “Sunbird" office, PO Box 76, Sandv, Beds. SG19 IDF, Tel: 01767-682969, Fax: 01767-692481. ♦ Trips to Eastern Turkey are also available. All the specialities of the country at easy-to-visit, trouble-free locations in a 10- to 12-day trip. Contact: Hadorain or Lilly Shirihai, PO Box 4168, Eilat 88102 Israel, Tel-Fax: 972-7-6379326. JJ British Birds Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be prepaid and sent to British Birds Advertising Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Telephone 01767-640467 Fax 01767-640025 Rates excluding VAT £ 3.20 a line — average of 8 words. £10.50 a centimetre — minimum 2 centimetres Box Number counts as 2 words and is £2.50 extra per insertion Replies should be sent to the above address Series Discounts 3 for the price of 2 6 for the price of 4 1 2 for the price of 8 Copy date APRIL issue MARCH 5th Please post early to avoid disappointment HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION ENGLAND CI.EY. 3 quality cottages (sleep 4, 6 and 6+2). Quiet, comfortable, excellent value. Brochure (01353) 740770. (BB077) ISLES OF SCILLY. Mincarlo Guest House. St Mary's. Superbly situated in own grounds overlooking harbour. Write Colin Duncan. Tel: 01720 422513. (BBI 16) f CLEY NATURE RESERVE 1 m\\e\ Smallauest house offers you warm welcome. B&B opt. E/M CTv, tea/coffee, all ensuite, full C/H. Parking, singles, doubles, twins. Mon-smokers only please. IDEAL FOR BIRDWATCHERS FUNTSTONES, W IVETON. HOLT. NORFOLK NR25 7TL 01263740337 (BB076) TORCROSS. S. Devon. Sea-front apart, to let. sleeps 6. B&B for 4. Views of Start bay and Slapton Ley. Available all year. Tel. 01548 580029 or 842642. (BB054) GARA MILL. Slapton. Devon. Self-catering for 2-7 in secluded four acres overlooking river and woods. Eight detached cedar lodges, plus CH flats in 16c. cornmill. Near Slapton Ley. TVs. Dogs welcome. Free brochure: (01803) 770295. (BB074) SEATON, DEVON. Self-catering Chalets, sleeps 4/5. Weekly rates from £90.00. Also B&B Guest House accommodation. For brochures (01297) 625365. (BBI23) X TO ADVERTISE FAX 01 767 640025 SCOTLAND ELLARY ESTATE— MOST ATTRACTIVE choice of self-catering cottages and chalets situated on the shores of Loch Caolisport. While you are at Ellery 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: 01546 85223. Fax 01880 770386/776209. (BB105) NORTH RONALDSAY BIRD OBSERVATORY - ORKNEY. Comfortable dormitory and guest house accommodation in energy concious buildings. Licenced. From £100 p/w full board. Tel: Alison on 01857 633200. (BB065) LOCH GARTEN & ABERNETHY VISITORS? Locheil GH offers BB from £14; DBB from £23. For Brochure, 150 birdlist, walks, slidetalks, write: Locheil, Boat of Garten PH24 3BX. Tel. 01479-831 603. (BB 1 10) IRELAND IRISH COTTAGE. Magnificent situation on Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry. Sea and mountain birds, unspoilt beaches, wild flowers, quietness. Mod. cons, central heating, sleeps up to 4. £ 1 22-£ 1 92 p.w. plus electricity. Gerrards Cross (017653) 883082. (BB121) OVERSEAS ANDALUCIA, TARIFA, SPAIN. 3 star hotel. 5 minutes Tarifa, South West Spain, 45 minutes Gibraltar Airport. Migration often directly overhead, many excellent sites within easy distance. Bird watchers warmly welcomed. Years of experience catering for independent and group requirements. Excellent restaurant and pool. English, Dutch. German and French spoken. Send for brochure and rate to: Hotel "Balcon de Espana", 11380 Tarifa (Cadiz). Spain. Tel: 00 34 56 684326. Fax: 00 34 56 680472. (BB098) HONG KONG — Superb birding Sept-May. Richard Lewthwaite. 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen Wan, Tai Po, Hong Kong. Tel: (+852) 2665 8506. Fax: (+852) 2665 8190. (BB069) PROVENCE, CAMARGUE. 2 farm cottages, also b&b. Rogers, Mas d'Auphan. Le Sanibuc, 13200 ARLES. France. Tel: (0033) 490972041 . fax 490972087. (BB097) CASA GUILLA. Rustic British owned rural guesthouse in medieval hilltop village in Catalan Pyrenees excellent for birds (inc. Lammergeier and Wallcreeper). butterflies, botany and walking. Tel/fax 00/34/73/252080 Mobile 00/34/09/368473. ( B B 1 22) LAC DC DER. Champagne. Half-timbered farmhouse with orchard, sleeps 7. Birdlist and details. Tel: 0151 427 2213. (BBI 17) BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS ‘HIGH ISLAND’ UPPER TEXAS COAST U.S.A. Bed and breakfast for groups of 4 or 8. Tours given. 'Birder’s Haven, PO Box 309, High Island, Texas 7/623. Tel. 409 286 5362 or 214 824 5390. (BB863) NEW ZEALAND Experience our unique plant and bird community in diverse and dramatic landscapes. Personalised birding/nature tours. Information: Manu Tours, 106 Ocean Beach Road, Tairua, New Zealand. Ph/Fax (64) (7) 8647475. (BB063) AUSTRALIA Cairns is a birdwatchers paradise. World Heritage rainforests, coral islands and rugged outback, all feature spectacular birdlife. At least 15 species of raptors. 8 parrots and 6 kingfishers are found locally. Five day ground packages from £700 Limited positions, so contact me now to avoid disappointment. CHRIS HARRISS, 9/20 Girralong St„ Woree, Q. AUSTRALIA 4868. Fax: 61 70 545998 (BB l()7) BELIZE. Farmhouse holidays offer diverse habitats for over 240 species. Discover a wealth of natural history and birdlife. B. Dempsey, Box 306, Belmopan. Belize. (BB107) ISRAEL - EILAT & ARAVA VALLEY AUTUMN/WINTER/SPRING - SEPT 20-MAY 20. 1-2 week fully guided tour programme incorporating wide variety of habitats with many unique resident & migratory species. Impressive raptor migration, seabirds, waders, & songbirds in spectacular desert environment. Birds on your doorstep!! More than 100 species in a day possible within a 3 Kilometre radius of your room on Lotan. Optional cultural & historical trips with qualified tour guide. Trips to Northern Israel also available for 3-4 days by negotiation. Full board, accommodation & guiding inclusive at £375.00 per week, or $61 8.00 dollars. Rates for B & B, or half board without guiding available on request. Full details and booklet from: James Smith/Michael Livni; Kibbutz Lotan, Doar Na Chevel Eilot, 88855 ISRAEL. Fax 00-972-7-356827. Tel:-356935 (BB045) VENEZUELA birdwatching fortnights Jan/Nov 97 led by John Raines: Andes, Llanos, Henri Pittier £1.399 + flights. Also tailor-mades. Geodyssey 0171-281 7788. (BB059) SRI LANKA - ORNITHOLOGISTS PARADISE - Home to 426 species 21 of which are endemic - Specialist guides provided for tours from individuals to groups - Best period November to March - Contact Delmege Forsyth Tours, 101, Vinayalankara Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka. Telephone : 0094 1 693361 - 8, 699500 & 699984 Telex : 21320 LEWIS CE, 21536 DFSHIP. 22766 DELAIR CE Fax : 0094 1 698139. 699413, 686149 (BB072) SABAH (BORNEO) ORNITHOLOGICAL TOUR July 1977. 24 day guided tour by area ornithology expert Dr. Clive Mann. £1690 including airfares. Details Geo Vistas. Tel: 01273-47891 I. (BB086) XI TO ADVERTISE FAX 01 767 640025 AUSTRALIA, CAIRNS, JULATTEN — Located in Australia’s premier birding region, central to 7 diverse habitats offering up to 400 species including the Golden Bower Bird, Bustard and Blue Faced Finch, our 12 acre rainforest setting hosts 8 endemic birds including the Lesser Sooty Owl and is abundant with native fauna, notably the Red Necked Crake, Paradise Kingfisher and Platypus. We provide modern, spacious S/C suites and expert guiding is available. Write now for a free bird list to Kingfisher Park Birdwatchers Lodge, P.O. Box 3. Julatten 4871, Queensland. Australia. Tel: +61 70 941263 Fax: +61 70 941466 (BB062) ECUAP O R SUPREME BIRDING TOURS with AVESTRAVEL CIA. LTDA. Customized Low Budget Tours for Small Croups & Individuals. Contact Robert lonsson. Resident Director & Guide Telf. Fax Ecuador 09 446695 International 593 - 9 - 446695 P.O. BOX 17 -07 -9219 Quito - Ecuador AVI S SUNT VITA! (BB051 ) 16 year's experience in arranging affordable tailor- made birding trips for individuals, bird clubs and birding tour companies British-owned Write or fax for our expanded 1997 brochure BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA APARTADO 7911 1000-B SAN JOSE COSTA RICA - FAX (00) 506-228-1573 (BB061 ) VACANCIES THE ISRAEL ORTHITHOLOGICAL CENTER (IOC) and the Israel Bird Ringing Center (IBRC) are recruiting experienced ringers and field birdwatchers to volunteer at different ringing stations in Israel from March 1997 and onwards. There will be 3-4 active ringing stations. Depending on the length of their stay, volunteers can work at any or all of the stations. The IOC will fund accommodations for those ringers/birders staying for a minimum of 4 weeks. There is an option to come for a shorter period of time at the expense of the volunteer. All applicants should send a relevant CV to the IOC at: IOC, SPNI, 155 Herzel St, Tel Aviv 68101. Israel. Fax: +972-3- 5182644. E-mail: ioc@netvision.net.il (BBI04) ASST. WARDEN required to Skomer Island March- December. £80/wk + accom. Send CV to Dyfed Wildlife Trust. 7 Market Street. Haverfordwest SA6I INF. (BBI 12) BOOKS SECONDHAND BIRD BOOKS and Bird Art Books. Catalogue/Enquiries. Parkins. 01603 811253. (BB080) BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT & SOLD. Send A5 s.a.e. for catalogue. Visit our shop and see our extensive collection. Hawkridge Books, The Cruck Barn, Cross St, Castleton. Derbyshire S30 2WH. Tel. 01433 621999. Fax. 01433 621 862. -* (BB078) BIRD BOOKS. Out-of-print, uncommon and rare. Quarterly catalogue. Peacock Books, Box 2024. Littleton, Mass. 01460, USA. (BBI 13) BIRD BOOKS. NEW NATURALISTS bought and sold Cats, issued. West Coast Bird Books, 25 Heatherways, Freshfteld. Liverpool L37 7HL. Tel: 01704 871 1 15. (BB 109) 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 £6.75 inclusive P/P to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, Beverley, HU17 8RP. 01482 881833 (BJ BIRD BOOKS. Good secondhand books, bought and sold. Free catalogue from and offers to Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 6NJ. Tel: 01829 751804. ’ (BBI 14) BIRD AND NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS 1833-1996. S.A.E. for 1000 item catalogue. “Crack Books", Sawmill Cottages. Burton-in-Lonsdale, Carnforth. Lancs LA6 3JS. (BB 1 02 ) THE PEREGRINE SKETCHBOOK. A superb new book of sketches by C.F. TUNNICLIFFE done on Anglesey. 305mm x 270mm, 80 pages. Colour paintings & engravings. Ideal Xmas present, a must for Peregrine lovers or true Welshmen. £19.95 + £2.25 postage. THE GOLDEN EAGLE by Jeff Watson from Poyser due Feb. Approx. £30. Order now for post free delivery. Also Bird Books. New Naturalists bought & sold. West Coast Bird Books. 25 Heatherways. Freshfield. Liverpool L37 7HL. Tel: 01704 871115. (BB09I) BIRD INFORMATION PAGERS now get your bird news from just #7.95 PER MONTH!* incl Pager+Bird News and free personal paging “Pagers you can rely on” Rare Bird Alert: 01603-456789 Plus an annual lee of £30. All prices plus VAT minimum contract 12 months xii TO ADVERTISE FAX 01767 640025 BIRD REPORTS BIRDS OF OXFORDSHIRE 1995, £5.00 inc. p&p from R. Overall. 30 Hunsdon Road, Iffley, Oxford OX4 4JE. (BB108) FOR SALE PRIVATE SALE. Bird books and periodicals, BB. BWP, BW. Poyser, NN. Tel. 01305-783159. (BBI03) SIGMA 1.4 X CONVERTER, Canon Mount. Excellent condition. £100. Tel: 01223 426060. (BB 1 15) BB FOR SALE - 16 bound volumes, 1959-74. 16 vols in binders, 1978-93. £350 ono the lot. BWP full set as new £475. Tel: 0181 398 8498. KOWA TS613 with 30 x W/A eyepiece and stay on case, £525. Swarovski 10 x 42 SLC binoculars, £550 ono. Both mint, almost new. Tel: 01299 400954. (BB1 19) LEICA 7 x 42 BA. Mint, boxed. £500. Opticron HR60mm ED c/w 30 x WA. Mint, boxed. £300. Tel: 01509 852817 (after 6 pm). (BB120) WILDLIFE WATCHING/PHOTOGRAPHY Camouflage pattern materials, poles, frames and fittings. Leafscreens, scrim, olive green camera straps, padded tripod slings, belts, webbing, clothing, hats, mats, insect repellent, elastic camouflage sleeving for lenses. Outdoor safety equip., clothing etc. etc. Details: Kevin Keatley, Wildlife Watching Supplies, Town Living Farmhouse, Puddington, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8LW. (Bbo46i Tel, fax and 24 hr (01884) 860692 BRITISH BIRDS BOUND, Vols 70-81 non-standard. Vols 82-87 standard. Offers. Tel. 01502 716078. (BB106) BIRDERS DREAM HOUSE. Overlooks Fame Island and Holy Island at Bamburgh, Northumberland, 70 yards from sea. Auks, terns etc, summer and ducks, grebes, divers winter in front of house. House list 198 spp! Many migrants. Spacious semi, Everest d-g throughout, 2 reception, 2 bathroom, 4 bedrooms etc. Ideal B&B. Offers over £195,000 to Graham Bell. Tel: 01668 214232 after 10th March. , BRITISH FINCHES A set of signed Fine Art framed prints limited to just 950 of six of our best loved birds. The Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Hawfinch, Greenfinch and Crossbill are all portrayed individually by renowned bird artist Martin Salmon. For details: Emerald Publishing Ltd Queen Anne House, 11 Charlotte St, Bath BA1 2NE Tel: (01985) 219243 (BB111) OPTICAL EQUIPMENT FOCALPOINT THE BINOCULAR & TELESCOPE SPECIALISTS OPEN 9.30-5.30 MON-FRI SAT 9.30-4.00 FOCALPOINT is owned and staffed by experienced birders. We guarantee to help you find the best value for money among the maze of competing products. Good range of bird/natural history books. SKUA 'stay-on-the-scope' telescope cases (8 models). Ask for our leaflet on the world’s finest cases of their type. SUPERB VIEWING FACILITIES NEW LEICA TELESCOPES ASK BEST ADVICE • BEST CHOICE • BEST PRICES E3 (D484) FOCALPOINT Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Near Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Telephone: 01925 730399 Fax: 01606 892207 M56 Junct 10 1 mile it British Birds is most grateful to those companies which support the journal by their sponsorship Sponsors of the Rarities Committee Sponsors of Monthly marathon Canon Sponsors of Bird Photograph of the Year Pica Press & T. & A. D. Poyser Sponsors of Bird Illustrator of the Year British Birds Volume 90 Number 3 March 1997 79 European news 94 How many rarities are we missing?'' Weekend bias and length of stay revisited Peter Fraser 102 Monthly marathon 1 03 Conservation research news Dr Mark Avery Obituary 104 Bobby Tulloch mbe ( 1 929- 1 996) Mike Everett Reviews 106 'Atlas Zimniho Rozsireni Ptaku V Ceske Republice 1982-85’ by Vladimir Bejcek, Karel Stastny & Karel Hudec Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 107 ‘Atlas Saisonnier des Oiseaux du Quebec’ by Andre Cyr & Jacques Larivee Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 1 07 ‘The Birds of Hungary’ by Gerard Gorman Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 108 ‘A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Turkey’ by Ian Green & Nigel Moorhouse Steve Williams 108 ‘Where to Watch Birds in Holland, Belgium & Northern France’ by Arnoud B. van den Berg & Dominique Lafontaine David Tomlinson 1 09 Short reviews 1 1 0 Mystery' photographs 203 Peter Lansdown 1 1 1 Looking back Notes 112 Grey Heron exploiting behaviour of Great Cormorant, and attempting to rob it R. E. Batty and L. Eorbes 1 1 2 Grey Heron catching and swallowing Blackbird R. E. Batty and L. Eorbes 1 1 2 Grey Heron catching Common Starling in flight Keith Bowey 1 1 3 Long-tailed Ducks plunge-diving R. E. Batty and N. A. Bell 114 Turnstones feeding on fry Andrew Dobson 1 14 Mediterranean Gulls foot-paddling Fotini Papazoglou 1 1 4 Herring Gull attempting to catch Great Spotted Woodpecker in flight Michael S. Wallen Letters 1 1 5 White-billed Divers wintering off British and Irish coasts Stuart A. Reeves 1 1 5 Seabirds without their toes Dr A. P. Radford 1 1 6 Identification statistics Dr D. A. C. McNeil 1 1 7 News and comment Wendy Dickson and Bob Scott 1 22 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-drawing: 94 Common Nighthawk ( Peter Cartwright) Front cover: Strong breeze: Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, Welney ( David Cook): the original of this month’s cover design, measuring 18.6 X 20.8 cm, is for sale in a postal auction (see page 72 in January issue for procedure) . ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology. © British Birds Ltd 1997 ISSN 0007-0335 British Birds Volume 90 Number 4 April 1997 THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 16 APR 1997 PRESENTED TRING LIBRARY Re-establishment of Red Kites in Scotland and England Identification of pale Paddyfield Warblers British Birds Established 1907; incorporating ‘The Zoologist’, established 1843 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 Design Deborah Felts Photographic Researcher Robin Chittenden Art Consultants Robert Gillmor, Alan Harris Circulation Manager & Advertising Manager Erika Sharrock Rarities Committee R. A. Hume (Chairman), Dr Colin Bradshaw, Pete Ellis, John McLoughlin, John Martin, Doug Page, K. D. Shaw, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Grahame W albridge; Peter Colston (museum consultant); John Marchant (archivist); Peter Fraser & Dr John Ryan (statisticians); Alichael J. Rogers (Hon. Secretary) Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J. J. M. ldegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton FRS, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Dr K. E. L. Simmons Identification Notes Panel Dr Colin Bradshaw', Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, K. E. Vinicombe Annual subscriptions Libraries and agencies £57.00, IR£66.40 or SI 08.00. Personal subscriptions: UK, Europe and surface mail £44.80, IR£52.40 or S85.00; personal airmail, outside Europe £75.00, IR£87.65 or S142.00. Single back copies £5.80, IR£6.65 or $11.00. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may be made direcdy into UK Post Office GIRO account number 37 588 6303. Addresses Please keep correspondence on different items separate. Please supply SAE, if reply required. Papers, notes, -letters, items for ‘News and comment’, drawings & photographs: Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park I .ane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone & Fax: Biggleswade (01767) 640025 Subscriptions and orders for back copies: Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (01767) 640467 Advertising: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Advertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (01767) 640467. Fax: (01767) 640025 Bird news for ‘The ornithological year’: Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS. Phone: Woburn (01525) 290314 (evenings) Rarity descriptions: M. J. Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3AZ. Special book and sound-recording offers: British BirdShop, c/o Subbuteo Books, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW. Phone: Mold (01352) 756551. Fax: (01352) 756004. e-mail: sales@subbooks.demon.co.uk The journal ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology. © British Birds Ltd 1997 Copyright of photographs remains widi photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. ISSN 0007-0335. Printed in England by Newnordi Print Ltd, Kempston, Bedford. British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the West Palearctic. 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DF002 British Birds is most grateful to those companies which support the journal by their sponsorship ZEISS Sponsors of the Rarities Committee Sponsors of Monthly marathon Cation Sponsors of Bird Photograph of the Year Pica Press Sponsors of & Bird Illustrator T. & A. D. Poyser of the Year in NEW FROM T & A D POYSER The Golden Eagle Jeff Watson This is the first comprehensive monograph on the Golden Eagle for over forty years and covers all aspects of this spectacular and popular species’ biology and ecology. It is a highly readable and authoritative account that is destined to become the standard reference on the species, both in Scotland and elsewhere in the world. The text is enriched with many superb pictures of the majestic bird. Additional wash landscapes capture the very special atmosphere of Scotland’s Golden Eagle country. Hardback 0-85661-099-2 February 1997 £29.95 The Raven Derek Ratcfiffe The Raven is one of the most spectacular and romantic of British birds, but relatively neglected in the modern literature of Ornithology. Derek Ratcliffe here presents a thorough summary of our knowledge of its natural history, emphasizing also the long association of the bird with humankind. The text is brought to life through wonderful illustrations by Chris Rose. Hardback 0-85661-090-9 February 1997 £25.00 The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds Edited by Ward J M Hagemeijer and Michael J Blair Published for the European Bird Census Council This landmark volume presents, for the very first time, an integrated picture of the distribution and abundance of the breeding birds of Europe. It is a truly monumental work. The data was gathered by 10,000 ornithologists from every European country. Maps show the presence or absence of over 495 species. The accompanying text was written by an international team of artists. In addition, bar charts show the population figures and trends for key countries. Hardback 0-85661-091-7 May 1997 £55.00 Available from your local bookseller or directly from: T & A D Poyser, Marketing Department, 24-28 Oval Road, London NW1 7DX Tel: 0181 300 3322 Fax: 0171 267 0362 or E-mail: wildlife@apuk.co.uk British Birds Established 1907; incorporating ‘The Zoologist established 1843 The re-establishment of Red Kite breeding populations in Scotland and England Ian M. Evans, Roy H. Dennis, Duncan C. Orr-Ewing, Nils Kjellen, Per-Olof Andersson, Magnus Sylven, Alfonso Senosiain and Felix Compaired Carbo abstract The sight of Red Kites Milvus milvus gliding and wheeling effortlessly in the skies of Scotland and England was once very familiar. Until recently, however, Red Kites were absent from much of this former range within the UK: a long- standing legacy of past persecution. Conservation measures now in hand have started to redress this. These measures were initiated during 1989-94, when the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (initially the Nature Conservancy Council) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds undertook a joint project to re-establish breeding populations of Red Kites in Scotland and England by translocation of nestlings from Sweden, Spain and Wales to sites in northern Scotland and southern England. Totals of 93 nestlings were released at each of these two sites. As a result, Red Kites bred successfully in Scotland and England in 1992. These populations are [Brit. Birds 90: 123-138, April 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 123 124 Evans el al Rc-establishment of Red Kites in Scotland and England increasing, and wild-bred Red Kites produced by released birds are now being recruited into the breeding population. In 1996, at least 37 pairs bred in southern England and 16 pairs in northern Scotland. This paper reports on the background and progress of this project and the development of this work into a wider operational recovery programme by English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB. The Red Kite Milvus milvus has recently been classified as a Category 4 Species of European Conservation Concern, and is considered to have a favourable conservation status, with a World population of 19,000 to 37,000 pairs (Tucker & Heath 1994) confined virtually within Europe (table 1). Populations in south and east Europe, however, are declining and fragmented, while along the adjacent fringe of western Asia and North Africa Red Kites are virtually extinct. Only in northwest and central Europe are numbers recovering around the main Red Kite population centres in Germany and France. The future of these populations is by no means certain, as large numbers overwinter in southern Europe, where human pressure is reducing their range and numbers (Evans & Pienkowski 1991; Antonio Montero 1996) and recent intensification of agriculture in the eastern part of Germany is causing concern for breeding Red Kites there (M. Stubbe in litt.). Table 1. Summary of World breeding status of the Red Kite Milvus milvus. Countries ranked in order of population size. Population Country (breeding pairs) Status Census date Reference Germany 12,000-25,000 Stable - Tucker & Heath (1994) Spain 3,375-3,760 Decline 1991-94 Vinuela (1992-94) France 2,300-2,900 Increase 1979-82 Thiollay & Terrasse (1984) Sweden 650 Increase 1995 Kjellen (1996) Poland 300 Increase - Evans & Pienkowski (1991) Switzerland 235-300 Increase 1985-87 Mosimann & Juillard (1988) United Kingdom 182 Increase 1996 Unpublished Italy 130-170 Decrease 1990-92 Cortone etal. (1994) Portugal 100 Stable 1985-89 Evans & Pienkowski (1991) Russia 0-50 Decline - Tucker & Heath (1994) Czech Republic 20-25 Stable 1989 Evans & Pienkowski (1991) Morocco 20-24 Decline - Thevenot etal. (1985) Belgium 15-20 Increase 1979-89 Evans & Pienkowski (1991) Romania 10-20 Decline - Tucker & Heath (1994) Slovakia 10-20 Stable - Tucker & Heath (1994) Luxembourg 12-15 Stable 1990 Evans & Pienkowski (1991) Denmark 10-15 Stable 1980-89 Evans & Pienkowski (1991) Belarus 0-10 Decline 1990 Tucker & Heath (1994) Ukraine 5-8 Decline 1988 Tucker & Heath (1994) Austria 5-6 Increase 1991 Meyburg (1991) Latvia 0-5 Decline - Tucker & Heath (1994) Lithuania 1-2 Decline 1985-88 Tucker & Heath (1994) Moldova 1 Decline 1990 Tucker & Heath (1994) Cape Verde Isles 'Few' Decline - Evans & Pienkowski (1991) 125 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 Conservation action in the UK The first efforts to save the Red Kite began at the beginning of this century with the initiation of nest-protection schemes in Wales (Lovegrove 1990). Such efforts were ineffective initially, and the Red Kite nearly became extinct in the UK during the 1930s (Davis 1993). In the years after World War Two, however, the Nature Conservancy (superseded by the Nature Conservancy Council in 1971, and the Countryside Council for Wales in 1990) and the RSPB organised the monitoring, research and protection, and this helped the range expand within Wales (Lovegrove 1990). This work is now undertaken by the Welsh Kite Trust and, in 1996, the Trust reported at least 127 breeding pairs in Wales, with a further 28 pairs occupying territories (Welsh Kite Trust 1996). The current breeding distribution still represents a small fraction of the former range of the Red Kite within the UK, as fewer than 5% of all 10-km National Grid squares are occupied. In comparison, another medium-sized raptor with a similar ecology, the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo, breeds in 41% of Britain’s 10-km squares (Gibbons et al. 1993) and the potential range would be much larger if illegal persecution were to cease. Recolonisation of former nesting areas in England and Scotland, which still remain suitable for Red Kites, is unlikely to occur naturally, as there are three factors currently restricting the population’s ability to expand within Wales. These are: 1. Relatively low breeding productivity of the Welsh population (0.84 young per breeding pair in 1991 to 1993, Newton et al. 1994) compared with populations in France and Germany (1.5 to 1.8 young per breeding pair, Evans & Pienkowski 1991). This is due mainly to poor habitat quality and tire activities of egg- collectors (Newton et al. 1994). 2. Illegal poisoning, which reduces the number of individuals recruited into the breeding population and also removes a proportion of established pairs each year. During 1971-93, a total of 44 Red Ktes was confirmed to have been poisoned in the UK (Cadbury 1991; Fletcher & Hunter 1993; Fletcher et al. 1991, 1992, 1994). 3. A low rate of immigration from larger Continental populations (May et al. 1993) has meant that the rate of population growth within the UK has, until recently, been dependent upon the breeding productivity and survival of the population within Wales. Re-establishment proposals Following natural recolonisation by the Osprey Pandion haliaetus (Waterston 1971) and the successful re-establishment of the White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (Love 1983), attention in Scotland turned to the Red Kite. A proposal to translocate Red Ktes from Wales to Scotland was made in 1981 (by RHD), but this was unsuccessful. A further proposal, to re-establish Red Ktes in Scotland with potential donor stock coming from continental Europe, was raised again within the RSPB in 1984. This resulted in the formation of a joint NCC/RSPB Project Team in 1 986 to assess measures to facilitate range recovery of tire Red Kite within the UK. The Project Team recognised that the long-term existence of any species is dependent upon maintaining as wide a disU'ibution as possible. Once populations 126 Evans et al. : Re-establishment of Red Kites in Scotland and England are fragmented or restricted, they become increasingly vulnerable to local environmental pressures. Hence, conservation measures which make Red Kites less dependent on events in just one area would not only help to restore a significant member of our fauna throughout Britain, but also make a major contribution to the international conservation of this species, and help to safeguard a part of the World’s biodiversity. After two years of careful consideration, the Project Team concluded that re-establishment was an appropriate conservation measure and should be undertaken in Scotland and England. IUCN criteria (Green 1979) were used to assess the eligibility of the Red Kite as a candidate for re-establishment. This assessment (Evans 1994) is summarised as follows: 1 . There should be good historical evidence of former natural occurrence. The Red Kite was once an abundant resident and migratory breeder over most of Britain, but became extinct as a nesting species in England in 1871 (Fisher 1947) and in Scotland in 1917 (Baxter & Rintoul 1953). A small population swvived in a remote area of central Wales which is nozv recovering slozvly as a result of protection. 2. There should be a clear understanding of zvhy the species zvas lost. In general, only those lost through human agency and unlikely to recolonise naturally should be candidates for re-establishment. Human persecution zvas the key factor responsible for the disappearance of Red Kites over most of the UK. Persecution zvas first recorded in the fifteenth to sixteenth centuries, after legislation encouraged persecution through bounty payments. It continued through the seventeenth to twentieth centuries, as a result of indiscriminate killing and collecting. 3. The factors causing extinction should have been rectified. These have largely been corrected by changes in legislation and public altitudes. Persecution that occurs today is illegal and unlikely to exterminate Red Kites in the UK, but it still undermines population growth and range expansion. 4. There should be suitable habitats of sufficient extent to support the re-established population and allozv it to expand. It is considered that the majority of the Red Kite’s former range in the UK still remains suitable in terms of nesting, feeding and roosting habitats. The current range occupied in Wales appears not to be the preferred habitat, but zvas simply the last refuge from human persecution. 5. The donor population from which individuals are translocated should be as dose as possible genetically to that of the original native population. Obtaining all birds for re-establishment from within Britain (i.e. from Wales) zvas not feasible on account of small population size and slozv rate of growth. Recent evidence (May et al. 1993) suggests that there are unlikely to be any major natural genetic differences between British and Continental populations (as these were parts of a continuous population that has recently become fragmented by persecution). 6. The loss of individuals taken for re-establishment should not prejudice the survival of the population from which they zvere taken. Red Kite nestlings zvere obtained from populations which could compensate for their loss (Continental populations) or from nests at zvhich nestlings zvere unlikely to fledge (Welsh population). Leading on from these decisions, the NCC and the RSPB initiated a joint translocation experiment in 1989 to evaluate whether and how Red Kite British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 127 population centres could be re-established in formerly occupied areas outside Wales. In 1990, as a result of reorganisation of the NCC by Government, the work was taken forward by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, being undertaken by a large team of ornithologists. Re-establishment stage by stage Selecting release sites The Project Team recommended that experimental release sites should be established in the eastern districts of northern Scotland and in southern England. The Project Team agreed that potential sites should be judged on the following criteria (Lovegrove, Elliott & Smith 1990). They should be: a. In a sufficiently large area of suitable habitat and not an isolated patch of good habitat in an otherwise unsuitable area. b. In a region with a sustainable food supply in both winter and summer. c. In an area where the breeding success of Common Buzzards (if present) indicated an abundant food supply. d. In an area free of illegal poison baits. e. In an area of low annual rainfall, below an altitude of 350 m above sea level. f. In an area where the local community was favourable to the project. In 1 988-89, landowners and farmers were approached in several areas that the Project Team had identified as suitable, and release sites were selected. Establishing release sites Fig. 1 gives the approximate locations of the release areas (exact details are not publicised by the country agencies, the JNCC or the RSPB). In northern Scotland, two aviary complexes (Appendix 1) were built about 12 km apart in an area of farmland interspersed with woodland and rough grazing, which included several villages as well as a network of public roads. In southern England, another two aviary complexes, based on a design by Llewellyn (1990), were built 0.5 km apart on two adjacent estates with areas of woodland and mixed farming covering a combined area of 2,600 ha. The aviaries (Evans et al. 1994; Appendix 1) complied with Government quarantine standards (Anon. 1989). Food for the Red Kite nestlings was collected mainly from local gamekeepers and stored frozen until needed. The main food items in northern Scotland were Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus shot with a .22-calibre rifle. In addition, young crows, mainly Rooks Corvus frugilegus , farmed Atlantic Salmon Salrno salar, trout ( Oncorhynchus my kiss and S’, trutta ) and smaller numbers of assorted mammals (road kills) were obtained. In southern England, fewer rifle-shot Rabbits were available and more legally trapped items (Grey Squirrels Sciurus carolinensis , Rabbits, mustelids and crows) were supplied by gamekeepers and were not killed specifically for the project. Trapping by gamekeepers is undertaken annually in spring as part of game management practice (mustelids and crows) and pest control (Grey Squirrels and Rabbits). Prey items killed with shotguns were avoided to prevent ingestion of lead shot. 128 Evans el at .: Re-establishment of Red Kites in Scotland and England Fig. 1. Approximate locations of popula- tions of Red Kites Milvus milvus in the UK. Shaded grey area denotes breeding range within Wales. Filled circles refer to where Red Kates were released in northern Scotiand and southern England in 1989 to 1993/94, and where Red Kates are now breeding. Open circles refer to the new release areas in central Scotland and the East Midlands of England, established in 1995/96. Obtaining release stock In 1988, the Swedish Red Kite Project (Sylven 1976) indicated that it might be possible to collect Red Kite nestlings from nests in Skane, southern Sweden, during the period when they were being ringed as part of an intensive study (Kjellen 1995). The WWF-funded project has undertaken winter feeding and annual monitoring of the Swedish Red Kite population since 1976 (Kjellen 1994) and has recorded its rapid recovery from 50 pairs in the 1970s to an estimated 650 pairs in 1995 (Kjellen 1996). This led to an official request, from the RSPB, to collect Red Kite nestlings, which was granted by the Swedish Government. The first young were collected on 10th June 1989. It was decided to take young kites of approximately four to six weeks of age because they could thermo- regulate without parental brooding and could feed themselves. Smaller nestlings would have required a greater level of artificial care, with a greater risk of imprinting on and/or conditioning to humans. As the sex of each nestling could not be ascertained, nestlings of appropriate age were selected arbitrarily, since concentrating solely on large or small nestlings could, unwittingly, have introduced a heavy sex bias into the founder population. As nests in Skane often contained three or even four nestlings, two young were collected from nests with four nestlings and one young from nests with three nestlings. This ensured that pairs always continued to rear a brood, since successful nests are more likely to be re-used in subsequent years (Walters Davies & Davis 1973). Young were also collected from nests throughout the population, so that genetic variability was as high as possible. These guidelines for collecting Red Kite nestlings were followed each year. British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 129 The collection of nestlings covered a period of three days. In 1989, ten were collected, and in the following four years 20-24 per year. Each nestling was ringed and kept separately in a cardboard box at Lund University field station. The nestlings were fed by hand twice a day on small fish; they were given a full crop each time. In 1989, four of the ten Swedish nestlings were taken to England, while during 1990-93 all those imported from Sweden were released in Scotland (table 2). Table 2. Origins of Red Kites Milvus milvus released in England and Scotiand during 1989-94. Origin Release site 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 Skane Scotland 6 19 20 24 24 Skane England 4 - - - - - Wales England 1 2 4 - - - Navarra England - 11 11 10 10 - Aragon England - - - 10 10 20 During 1990-94, the central and provincial governments in Spain agreed to license the collection of Red Kite nestlings from the provinces of Navarra and Aragon (table 2) as their Red Kite populations were comparatively large (Elosegui Aldasoro 1985; Compaired Carbo in litt.) and productive and could compensate for the loss of a small number of nestlings. Nests were located in early March, when Red Kites were in the early stages of incubation but before the nest trees had acquired foliage. The main method used was to drive along a road or track, scanning the surrounding trees for likely nest structures. The best areas to find nests were in trees growing along river banks, as these provided the most suitable nest sites. Nest sites in large forests (especially in Navarra) were much more difficult to locate, while those close to villages were often located with help from local inhabitants. The most frequent nest trees used were Black Poplar Populus nigra and oak Quercus. Once an occupied nest was located, a rough hand-drawn sketch map was made, to ensure that the nest could be re-found for further checks. The nestlings were collected during the last week of May or the first week of June, following the same guidelines as those used in Sweden. In Navarra, nestlings were collected from a total of 41 nests during 1991-93; single nestlings were taken from 38 broods, and two nestlings were taken from three broods (two nestlings were not released). In Aragon, nestlings were collected from a total of 23 nests during 1992-94 (some nests were ‘harvested’ more than once); single nestlings were collected from 30 broods, and two nestlings were collected from five broods. The average brood size of nests from which nestlings were taken was 2.4 nestlings. Depending on weather conditions and work commitments of the Spanish conservationists, it took five to seven days to collect 20 nestlings from Aragon and Navarra. After collection, the nestlings were ringed and kept together in aviaries at a raptor-rehabilitation centre in Navarra and then flown to England during the period 31st May to 8th June. The English operation benefited also from the donation of seven Red Kite nestlings from Wales (table 2), where field workers have been operating a small- scale rescue service since 1986. The nestlings were taken as eggs from five nests that were at risk from egg-collectors. Dummy eggs (some of which were stolen subsequently by egg-collectors) replaced the original clutch to ensure that the 130 Evans et at. : Re-establishment of Red Kites in Scotland and England pair continued to incubate. The real eggs were incubated artificially and the chicks were reared by a captive female Common Buzzard until four to six weeks old. At that age, they were transferred to the release aviaries in southern England. The applicability of captive breeding was investigated by JNCC. Seven adult females and two adult males that could not be rehabilitated were provided by Grupo de Rehabilitacion de la Fauna Autoctona (GREFA) and the Buitrago Raptor Rehabilitation Centre in Spain in November 1989. A further male and female were obtained in 1991, when a released Red Kite from southern England and a wild Red Kite from Wales could not be rehabilitated. No nestlings have yet been reared, although two pairs have laid infertile clutches. Captive breeding is an extremely difficult technique and the use of wild stock in the release programme was therefore appropriate, particularly as IUCN criteria 5 and 6 were not violated. Care of Red Kites in captivity The care of nestlings in captivity was essentially the same each year, so no distinction is made between years. Nestlings were matched with nestlings of similar age and size and placed on an artificial nest platform. Depending on numbers available, two to four nestlings were placed in each aviary compartment. They were fed on finely minced meat and bone during the first few days after import. Then, depending on age, the food was either chopped up finely or minced (four to six weeks old), skinned (six to nine weeks old) or given whole (after ten weeks). Food was supplied daily in excess amounts through a small lockable hatch beside the nest platform. Initially, two feeding visits were made per day, but this was reduced to a single visit as the birds got older. The amount of food required varied and was adjusted depending on the amount consumed. An indication of the food required is shown from the records kept in southern England (table 3). Contact with the birds was kept to an absolute minimum, to reduce the chance of imprinting on and conditioning from their human keepers. Inspections were normally made through tiny inspection holes in the wooden- panelled sides of the aviaries, which reduced human contact considerably by providing a suitable screen. A veterinary officer made at least one visit to each release site during the period of captivity to check the health of each bird. This involved taking a 2-ml blood sample from each nestling for haematological examination, sex determination and DNA ‘finger-printing’ studies, and a physical examination to ensure that each nestling was suitable for release. Three imported Red Kites, representing 1 .6% of the total, could not be released into the wild. One of these was imported from Sweden in 1990 and, despite veterinary attention, died soon after it was introduced to the aviary in Scotland. The cause of this problem was unknown. The two others were taken from nests in Spain and imported into England in 1991. One (the runt of a brood of three) was found to have abnormal bone growth only three days after importation, while the other died from an acute infection (trichomoniasis, caused by the flagellate protozoan parasite Trichomonas gallinae) five days after importation. Two other nestlings caught this infection, but were successfully treated with antibiotics (metronidazole). British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 131 I able 3. Individual lood items supplied to Red Kites Milvus milvus reared and released in southern England during periods in June, July and August 1990 and 1991. Note: not all food was consumed, but is included here to give an indication of how much was required. None of the items was killed specifically for the project. 1 Jun-28 Jul 1990 7Jun-10Aug 1991 25 Jun-27 Jul 1991 No. of days 58 65 32 No. of Red Kites 11 11-15 2 BIRDS Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 1 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus - 3 _ Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 15 22 - Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius - 4 - Magpie Pica pica 81 41 8 Carrion Crow Corns corone 56 24 1 Rook C. frugilegus 20 - - Jackdaw C. monedula 3 1 1 MAMMALS Stoat Mustela erminea 4 4 - Weasel M. nivalis 4 8 - Fox Vulpes vulpes 10 3 - Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus small 22 40 3 medium 82 43 14 large 25 42 - Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 18 136 9 To facilitate visual identification of individual Red Kites in the field, both wings of each nestling were marked with a uniquely labelled wing-tag, which was coloured to denote the year of fledging (table 4, Appendix 2). A tail-mounted radio transmitter was also fitted to the Red Kites released during 1989-93 (Appendix 2), to facilitate the collection of information on the daily movements of individual birds. During the period of captivity, there were no recorded instances of aggression between nestlings, and by the time of release (at ten to twelve weeks old) all birds were proficient fliers and showed surprisingly good manoeuvrability within the confines of their relatively small aviary. Table 4. Wing-tag colours used for each cohort of Red Kites Milvus milvus released or naturally fledged in Scotland and England. Year Scotland England 1989 Orange Orange 1990 Blue Blue 1991 Yellow Yellow 1992 Lime-green Black 1993 Red Green 1994 White Orange 132 Evans el at.: Rc-cstablishmcnt of Red Kites in Scotland and England Release into the zvild Releases took place during the period 26th July to 3rd August in northern Scotland and during 10th July to 3rd August in southern England. A total of 93 Red Kites was released in each area, and releases were suspended in southern England in 1994 and in northern Scotland in 1993 (table 2). Prior to opening the release doors, food was placed on or near the aviaries, and the birds were released in batches of up to ten per day. In northern Scotland, the release doors were opened before dawn. In southern England, however, no particular time of day was chosen and releases were undertaken sometimes in the presence of people. It was important that releases were not undertaken during periods of heavy rain. In both release areas, Red Kites settled in the vicinity of the aviaries after release and remained together in loose groups, returning to feed at food stations established on or near the release aviaries. In northern Scotland, up to ten Rabbits or an equivalent amount of fish was placed on top of each aviary each night whilst the Red Kites were roosting. In southern England, it was found that small food items on their own would be carried off by individual Red Kates, depleting the food supply very quickly. To prevent this happening, large items, such as carcases of Fox or deer (Fallow Deer Dama dama, Muntjac Muntiacus reevesi ), were provided, but these had to be slit open in several places as the skin was too tough for the Red Kites to break through by themselves. The food stations were maintained daily for a period of up to three to four weeks in both areas. During this time, the number of juveniles visiting the food stations declined as they began exploring the surrounding countryside in search of natural foods. Red Kites released in previous years and Common Buzzards also visited food stations. Establishment of breeding centres After release, juvenile Red Kites moved around considerably, and many individuals left tire release areas at some point during their first year. Radio telemetry and wing-tag observations allowed the dispersal of some birds to be tracked. In northern Scotland, some Red Kites dispersed south to southern and southwestern Scotland and Northern Ireland, and a few even reached the Republic of Ireland and Cornwall in their first autumn. Survivors returned in the following spring. In southern England, Red Kites dispersed either in their first autumn or during the following spring, and were recorded in Wales, East Anglia, Cornwall, Kent and northern France. Survivors varied considerably in the time taken to return to southern England: some returned after a few days, while others took several months. Those individuals that did not disperse formed communal roosts. The numbers attending these roosts during winter increased over die years as more kites were released and as juveniles and subadults returned to their subsequent release areas after dispersal. In England, 76% of all released Red Kites survived dieir first year and at least 62% of those released during 1989-92 bred at least once during 1991-94. In northern Scotland, at least 34% of released Red Kites are known to have been recruited into the breeding population in 1994. In March 1995, the population was estimated to be 117 individuals in southern England and 50 individuals in northern Scotland. The first signs of courtship and breeding behaviour by kites in their first year were observed in 1991 in both areas. Two pairs bred (i.e. laid eggs) in southern British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 133 England, but both attempts failed. In 1992, Red Kites released by the translocation programme bred successfully in both areas. This achieved a major target for the project and represented the first successful breeding in England and Scotland for over a century. The breeding populations in both release areas have increased each year since 1991 (table 5), and in 1994 Red Kites reared in the wild by pairs established by the release programme themselves reared young for the first time. table 5. Status and breeding success of populations of Red Kites Milvus milvus established as a direct result of the release programme in northern Scotland and southern England in 1991-96. Note: in 1995 and 1996, not all breeding pairs were located. No. of single Year males on territory SCOTLAND ENGLAND No. of non-breeding pairs located SCOTLAND ENGLAND No. of breeding pairs located SCOTLAND ENGLAND No. of successful pairs SCOTLAND ENGLAND No. of young fledged SCOTLAND ENGLAND 1991 - - _ _ _ 2 _ 0 _ 0 1992 3 - 1 3 1 4 1 4 1 9 1993 4 1 3 3 5 9 3 8 7 14 1994 5 - 3 2 8 20 6 17 13 37 1995 - - 2 2 15 24 11 22 26 55 1996 - - 5 - 16 37 15 33 38 80 All nests were built at heights ranging from 8-25 m in mature trees. In Scotland, Red Kites nested mainly in Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris, but also in other trees, including Beech Fagus sylvatica , oak Quercus, Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii and Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis. The tree species favoured for nesting in southern England were Beech and oak, but other species — notably Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus and White Poplar Populus alba — have also been utilised. The nest position varied depending on the suitability of the site, and was built either from scratch or on top of another structure such as an old Red Kite nest, other raptor nest or squirrel drey. The performance of each breeding population created by the re-establishment project is similar to or better than that of the donor populations from which they were taken (Newton et al. 1994; Kjellen 1994; A. Senosiain in litt.). In comparison with the isolated but self-sustaining population in Wales, the re- established populations are more productive (with several cases of four-egg clutches and fledged broods of four young) and initiate breeding at an earlier age. At least 1 1 5 young have fledged in southern England and 47 young in northern Scotland during 1992-95. In 1996, not all nests were located; even so, 80 young were reared by 37 breeding pairs in southern England (Snell, McQuade & Stevens 1996), while in northern Scotland 38 young were reared by 16 breeding pairs. Predictions of population growth based on breeding and survival data indicate that the populations are self-sustaining and should continue to expand without the need for further releases at these locations. Conclusions and future implications The joint JNCC/RSPB re-establishment project has been a success and its 134 Evans et al:. Re-establishment of Red Kites in Scotland and England achievements can be summarised as follows: 1. The Red Kite was a suitable candidate for re-establishment in the UK as assessed against IUCN criteria. 2. The Red Kite can be successfully translocated and released into the wild without jeopardising donor populations, demonstrating that such a scheme is practical using the techniques developed. 3. The released Red Kites became independent in the wild and a significant number has survived. 4. The breeding performance of successful pairs established by the project is at least as good as those of the populations from which the released birds were taken, demonstrating the suitability of the environments into which they have been released. 5. Nestlings reared in the wild by pairs established by the project are breeding in the re-established populations. 6. Effective monitoring has demonstrated that die established populations are expanding. We have learnt much from this project. The collection and translocation of Red Kites from one country to another was a successful operation. It appears that much of the UK is suitable for Red Kites so long as they are not illegally persecuted. The breeding populations re-established in northern Scotland and southern England demonstrate that the most productive areas for Red Kites are not necessarily where the remnant Welsh population now survives. Past persecution removed the species from areas of high human population, which often coincided with the most productive land. By re-establishing Red Kites in such areas, the project has demonstrated that, when persecution is absent or where it can be reduced, a faster rate of population growth can be achieved. The Government nature conservation agencies and the RSPB are now utilising the techniques developed in a programme to facilitate restoration of the Red Kite throughout its former range in the UK. This will be achieved by linking the existing breeding populations in England, Scotland and Wales, since one large population is less vulnerable than several smaller isolated populations. To promote linkage, English Nature and the RSPB (Carter et al. 1995) have established a new release site in the East Midlands of England (fig. 1) and released 11 Red Kites in 1995 and 16 in 1996. These birds were mainly imported from Segovia and Salamanca in Spain, although one was obtained from Wales and another (from Aragon) was rehabilitated from southern England. In Scotland, the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage have established a new release site in central Scotland and released 19 Red Kites (imported from Germany) in 1996. The country agencies and the RSPB will continue with the effective monitoring of the established breeding populations to ensure that their favourable conservation status is maintained. It is hoped that, by the year 2000, there will be five breeding populations in the UK, exceeding 350 breeding pairs in total. Acknowledgments We are grateful to the organisations helping in the provision of Red Kites: WWF-Sweden, Skanes Ornitologiska Forening and The Swedish National Environmental Protection Board in Sweden, and Gobierno de Navarra (Servicio de Medio Ambiente) and Gobiemo de Aragon (Departamento de Medio Ambiente) in Spain. In particular, we arc grateful for the help received British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 135 trom Johnny Karlsson, Ulf Sandnes and Lis-Britt Ingelog in Sweden. In Wales, we thank Dr N. Fox, P. Walters Davies, A. V. Cross, P. E. Davis, and members of the Welsh Kite Trust for their help in the provision of seven Welsh Red Kites to the project. We acknowledge the support received from Instituto Nacional para la Conservacion de la Naturaleza (especially Dr B. Heredia and V. Garcia), Institute of Zoology at London Zoo (Dr J. K. Kirkwood), Department of Genetics at Nottingham University (Dr D. T. Parkin) and the estates that provided the release facilities (which at present have to remain anonymous). The Royal Air Force (Commanding Officers at RAF Kinloss and FI. Lt S. Rooke) transported Red Kite nestlings from Sweden. Malmo Airport kindly waived landing fees. British Airways Assisting Conservation programme (R. Hall MBE) provided JNCC with air travel and Conoco UK Ltd and die Mrs Gillman Trust gave financial support to the RSPB. The operational work in England was undertaken and funded by NCC (1989-90) and JNCC (1990-95), while WWF- Sweden helped to fund work in Sweden. Gobierno de Navarra (Servicio de Medio Ambiente) and Gobierno de Aragon (Departamento de Medio Ambiente) funded the work in Spain. Since 1994, die work in Scodand has been funded joindy by Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB, while in England the work has been funded by English Nature and die RSPB since April 1995. The experimental re-establishment project was a joint JNCC/RSPB programme; the RSPB took the operational lead in Scodand, and the JNCC (initially NCC) in England. Officers responsible for the project in Scodand were: R. H. Dennis, assisted by C. Crooke in 1988-91, R. F. Porter (1989-91), Dr T. J. Stowe (1991-94), Dr M. I. Avery (1994) and Dr I. P. Bainbridge (1995) for the RSPB, and Dr G. P. Mudge (1994-95) for SNH; in England, die officers responsible were Dr M. W. Pienkowski (1989-91) and Dr C. A. Galbraidi (1991-95) for NCC and JNCC. The project officers who undertook the work for the RSPB in Scodand were: D. Doody (1989), A. Knight (1990), D. C. Orr-Ewing (1991-93), R. Evans (1993) and L. O’Toole (1993-95). In England, the project officers for NCC and JNCC were I. M. Evans (1989-95), J. Smith (1993-94) and N. Snell (1994-95), while Dr E. Bignal (JNCC) and E. E. Green (EN) gave invaluable help. A project team advised; this comprised Dr M. W. Pienkowski (Chairman, JNCC), Dr C. A. Galbraith (JNCC), Dr M. I. Avery (RSPB), N. Crockford (RSPB), Dr N. Fox, R. H. Dennis, Professor I. Newton (Institute of Terrestrial Ecology), together with representatives from the RSPB, English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and die Countryside Council for Wales. A large number of individuals (including gamekeepers, farmers and naturalists), organisations and sporting estates have already helped in the project, but, for reasons of site-security, it is not yet possible to acknowledge their help publicly. We are nonetheless extremely grateful, and hope to be able to say more at a later date. Finally, we drank Drs R. W. Summers, M. I. Avery, I. P. Bainbridge, R. E. Green, T. J. Stowe and C. A. Galbraidi for their helpful and constructive comments on earlier drafts. References Anon. 1989. Summary of Controls and Conditions Relating to the Import of Birds of Prey, Exhibition Poultty and Specimens for Zoological Gardens and Scientific Collections (including their hatching). Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scodand and Welsh Office Agriculture Department. IM189 (Revised 1989). Antonio Montf.ro, J. 1996. Milanos reales cogidos en Espana han sido reimroducidos en el Reino Unido. Quercus 126: 34-35. Baxter, E. V., & Rintoul, L. J. 1953. The Birds of Scotland. London & Edinburgh. Cadbury, J. 1991. Persecution: birds of prey and ozuls killed in the UK, 1979-1989. RSPB/NCC, Sandy. Carter, I., Evans, I., & Crockford, N. 1995. The Red Kite re-introduction project in Britain: progress so far and future plans. Brit. Wildlife 7: 18-25. CORTONE, P., MlNGANTI, A., PELLEGRINI, M., RIGA, F., SlGISMONDI, A., & ZOCCHI, A. 1994. Population trends of die Red Kite Milvus milvus in Italy. In: Meyburg, B.-U., & Chancellor, R. D. (eds.) Raptor Conserv. Today. 29-32. Berlin. Davis, P. E. 1993. The Red Kite in Wales: setting die record straight. Brit. Birds 86: 295-298. Ei.OSEGUI Aldasoro, J. 1985. Navarra: atlas de aves mdificantes (1982-1984). Pamplona. Evans, 1. M. 1994. The experimental re-establishment of the Red Kite to England and Scodand. Raptor 21 : 22-25. 136 Evans el al:. Re-establishment of Red Kites in Scotland and England , Love, J. A., Galbraith, C. A., & Pienkowski, M. W. 1994. Population and range restoration of threatened raptors in the United Kingdom. In: Meyburg, B.-U., & Chancellor, R. D. (eds.) Raptor Conserv. Today. 447-457. Berlin. & Pienkowski, M. W. 1991. World status of the Red Kite: a background to the experimental re-establishment to England and Scodand. Brit. Birds 84: 171-187. Fisher, J. 1947. Natural history of the Kite. RSPB Annual Report. Fletcher, M. R., & Hunter, K. 1993. Pesticide Poisoning of Animals 1992: investigations of suspected incidents in the United Kingdom. A report of the Environmental Panel of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. MAFF, London. , & Barnett, E. A. 1994. Pesticide Poisoning of Animals 1993: investigations of suspected incidents in the United Kingdom. A report of the Environmental Panel of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. MAFF, London. , , Quick, M. P., & Grave, R. C. 1992. Pesticide Poisoning of Animals 1991: investigations of suspected incidents in Great Britain. A report of the Environmental Panel of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. MAFF, London. , , , Thompson, H. M., & Greig-Smith, P. W. 1991. Pesticide Poisoning of Animals 1 990: investigations of suspected incidents in Great Britain. A report of the Environmental Panel of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. MAFF, London. Gibbons, D. W., Reid, J. B., & Chapman, R. A. 1993. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. London. Green, B. H. 1979. Wildlife introductions to Great Britain. Report by the Working Group on Introductions of the UK Committee for International Nature Conservation. NCC, London. Unpubl. Kenward, R. E. 1978. Radio transmitters tail-mounted on hawks. Oni. Scand. 9: 220-223. Kjellen, N. 1994. Gladan: en Rovfagel pa Frammarsch i Sverige. Var Fagelv. 6: 6-19. 1995. Projekt Glada — Arsrapport 1994. Anser 34: 11-16. 1996. Projekt Glada — Arsrapport 1995. Anser 35: 17-25. Llewellyn, P. 1990. Assessing aduli raptors prior to release. Proceedings of the Raptor Rehabilitation Workshop. 33-47. The Falconry Centre, Newent, Gloucestershire. Love, J. A. 1983. The Return of the Sea Eagle. Cambridge. Lovegrove, R. 1990. The Kite’s Tale: The story of the Red Kite in Wales. Sandy. , Elliott, G., & Smith, K. 1990. The Red Kite in Britain. RSPB Conservation Review 4: 15-21. May, C. A., Wetton, J. IT, Davis, P. F., Brookfield, J. F. Y., & Parkin, D. T. 1993. Single locus profiling reveals loss of variation in inbred populations of the Red Kite ( Milvus milvus). Proc. Roy. Soc. Land. ( Series B) 251: 165-170. Meyburg, B.-U. 1991. Meeting on raptors and owls in Austria. Newsletter of the World Working Group on Birds of Prey and Ozuls (WWGBP) no. 15. Berlin. Mosimann, P., & Juillard, M. 1988. Brutbestand und Winterverbreitung des Rotmilans Milvus milvus in der Schweiz. Orn. Beobachter 85: 199-206. Newton, 1., Davis, P. E., & Moss, D. 1994. Philopatry and population growth of Red Kites, Milvus milvus, in Wales. Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. (Series B) 257: 317-323. Snell, N., McQuaid, M., & Stevens, P. 1996. Report of the Southern England Breeding Season. Unpubl. report to English Nature and RSPB. Syi.ven, M. 1976. Projekt Glada — en presentation. Var Fagelv. 35: 307-310. Thevenot, M., Bergier, P., & Beaubrun, P. 1985. Present distribution and status of raptors in Morocco. In: Newton, I., & Chancellor, R. D. (eds.) Conservation Studies on Raptors. ICBP Technical Publication 5: 83-101. Thioliay, J. M., & Terrasse, J. F. (eds.) 1984. Estimation des Effectifs de Rapaces Nicheurs Diumes et Non-rupestres en France. La Garenne-Colombes. Tucker, G. M., & Heath, M. F. 1994. Birds in Europe: their conservation status. BirdLife International, Cambridge. ViNUEl.A, J. 1992-94. Stattts of the Red Kite in Spain. RSPB Research Reports (unpubl.). Sandy. Walters Davies, P., & Davis, P. F. 1973. The ecology and conservation of the Red Kite in Wales. Bril. Birds 66: 183-224, 241-270. Waterston, G. 1971. Ospreys in Speyside. Edinburgh. Welsh Kite Trus t. 1996. The Red Kite Breeding Season in Wales 1996. Unpubl. British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 137 Dr I. M. Evans, Conservation Services Team, English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough PEI 1UA R. H. Dennis, Inchdryne, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire PH25 3EF D. C. Orr-Ewing, South and West Scotland Regional Office, RSPB, West of Scotland Science Park, Kelvin Campus, Glasgow G20 OSP N. Kjellen, Department of Animal Ecology, Ecology Building, 223 62 Lund, Sweden P.-O. Anders son, Torddnsvag 4E, 222 27 Lund, Sweden M. Sylven, WWF International, Ave. du Mont-Blanc, 1196 Gland, Switzerland A. Senosiain, Servicio de Medio Ambiente, Gobiemo de Navarra, CL Alhondiga 1-2, 31002 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain F. Compaired Carbo, Departamento de Medio Ambiente, Diputacion General de Aragon, Plaza de los Sitos 7, 50071 Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain Appendix 1. Release aviaries In northern Scotland, an aviary containing two compartments was constructed in 1 989 in an area of mature Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris and birch Betula woodland overlooking hay meadows and rough grazing, adjacent to a large commercial conifer wood. In 1990, a three-compartment aviary complex was established at another site 12 km away in a small stand of mature pine trees overlooking meadows and a wooded valley. In 1993, one further compartment was added at the original aviary. The dimensions of each avian' compartment were 3.66X3.05X2.44 m high. Each compartment had a double layer of wire-mesh netting with a gap of approximately 1 cm that covered the front section as well as half of the side. The wire mesh was dug into the ground to a depth of 1 m to exclude mammalian predators. A double release door was situated in die top front section of the aviary and could be opened and shut by means of a pulley system operated from the back of die aviary. Entry into each compartment was gained dirough a double door at the back of the aviary. In one corner of each compartment, diere was an artificial platform on which a stick nest, lined with moss, grass and wool, was placed. This was sheltered by a wooden roof on top of die aviary. The floor of the aviary was covered with softwood bark, and natural dead trees, leading out from die nest platform, provided perches. A lockable food hatch provided direct access to die nest platform. In southern England, two single-compartment aviaries were built in 1989 about 0.5 km apart on one estate in a secluded area some distance away from public footpadis on opposite sides of a small wooded valley, in sight of each other. In 1990, one aviary was destroyed during severe gales and this site was abandoned. To accommodate more kites in 1990, a furdier two compartments were added to the surviving aviary and a new diree-compartment aviary was established about 0.5 km away in a large woodland clearing on an adjacent estate. Each aviary compartment was 2.44 m high and covered an area of 6.10x2.44 m constructed of wood with all four sides panelled. The front of each aviary was fitted with a release door (2.44 X 1.22 m) which was opened only on the day of release. This was covered on tire outside by 1.25-cm wire- mesh netting and on the inside with 2.50-cm mesh of soft plastic ‘Netlon Parkguard’. A wooden platform (0.75x0.75 m) was built in a back corner of each compartment on which newspaper and green foliage was placed as a crude nest. This was sheltered by a wooden section of roof 2.44 X 1.22 m. The remaining area of the roof was covered by the same double layer of mesh netting as the release door. Access to the aviary was gained only through a double-door system at the rear. Two horizontal perches were provided across the full 2.44-m width of each aviary, near the front and rear. The rear perch was connected to tine nest platform on one side and to the floor on the other by a diagonal perch, allowing a grounded bird access to the nest platform. Each aviary was protected by a skirt of wire mesh around the outside. An inner layer of wire mesh covered die entire basal area and supported a ‘Permalite’ roofing-felt floor. Appendix 2. Fitting of monitoring marks When nestlings were six to eight weeks old, both wings were marked with a wing tag which was coloured to denote the year of fledging. The tags were made from sheets of PVC-coated nylon mesh, which had die advantage of being light in weight, durable and flexible. Initially, the shape 138 Evans et al Re-establishment of Red Kites in Scotland and England of the tag denoted whether the bird was of Welsh, English or Scottish origin, but in 1993 a common shape was adopted. Later versions of Scottish tags incorporated additional coloured (Sericol screen ink) strips painted along die trailing edge of the tag, the colour combination being unique to each bird. An alphanumeric label was painted onto the front of the tag for identification of each bird. White (Sericol screen ink) labels were favoured as they could be read at much greater distances than black labels. A contact telephone number was also painted on the reverse of each tag so that, if the bird was found, the JNCC or the RSPB could be contacted immediately. ., The tags were fitted to each wing by piercing the patagium about 3 cm from the carpal joint with a 1 .6-mm-diameter nylon pin or a stainless-steel wire (0.9-mrn-diameter). The tag was attached to the pin above and below die wing and held in place by two 9.5-mm-diameter nylon washers on the upper wing surface and a single washer on the lower wing surface. The ends of the nylon pin were melted with a naked flame and flattened into a plug to prevent the washers sliding off. A pin length of 22 mm between washers was found to be adequate, as this prevented the tag from twisting on the pin whilst ensuring that the tag remained proud of the lesser coverts and scapulars. These visual markers could be read up to 0.7 km away using a X60 telescope and were especially valuable for identifying individuals in the field without die need for capture. The life span of the markers was limited, since degradation of die nylon washers on the upper wing surface by ultraviolet light caused them to become britde with age. This was accentuated by plastic fatigue caused by the plastic tag continually flapping in die wind. Consequendy, washers failed and tags were lost three to five years after they were fitted, although tag life could be extended by fitting more than one washer. Steel-pinned tags apparendy lasted longer. At the time of fledging (7 to 8 weeks old), the primary, secondary and tail feathers are ‘soft- penned’ (i.e. feather quills contained blood and were easily damaged) as dieir development is still incomplete. At about 10 weeks old, however, they become ‘hard-penned’ (i.e. feather quills contained no blood). At the latter stage, a tail-mounted TW2 Biotrack 20-g radio transmitter was fitted to all the Red Kites released during 1989-93 in southern England using the method described by Kenward (1978). This technique ensured (hat the transmitter would be shed with the tail feathers during the bird’s first moult in June and July in the following year. In northern Scotland, the same method was used during 1989-91; during 1992-93, however, an undertail- mounting technique was employed. This method concealed the TW2 transmitter in die undertail-coverts and involved attaching the transmitter to a 2-cm length of hollow pipe which was inserted over die rachis, pushed down to the base of die tail feadier and glued into position. A single aerial was attached to the rachis with glue and dental floss and trimmed to the length of the tail feather. REQUEST Red Kite observations Reporting records of Red Kites Milvus milvus can help with monitoring die expanding English and Scottish populations. In particular, any Red Kites suspected of breeding or holding breeding territories in England should be reported to Ian Carter, Red Kite Project Officer, English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough PEI iua. In addition, as Red Kites move around considerably during their first year, non-breeding records are of particular value if the colour of the wing tags, and if possible die inscription on the wing tag, is recorded. Such records, from anywhere in England, should be sent, along with any other enquiries, to Ian Carter at die above address. In Scodand, all reports of Red Kites are requested, and diese should be sent to Lorcan O'Toole, South and West Scodand Regional Office, RSPB, West of Scotland Science Park, Kelvin Campus, Glasgow G20 osp. It is extremely helpful if records include die date and time of die sighting, die location (ideally a six-figure grid reference) and the name and address of die observer. The latter is particularly important as it allows fieldworkers to follow up any reports, should they require further details. If, for any reason, die above contacts cannot be reached, reports can be routed via die RSPB's Wildlife Enquiry Unit at The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2111 (phone 01767 680551). CONSERVATION RESEARCH NEWS Compiled by Mark Avery This feature, contributed by the RSPB’s Research Department, reports the most interesting recent scientific news relevant to the conservation of Western Palearctic species. Cold comfort for farmland birds The population levels of many birds may be determined by winter food availability. A study by Dr Jeremy Wilson, Roy Taylor and Lis Muirhead of Oxford University looked at habitat use by wintering birds on farmland in the Thames Valley. Two of the most striking findings are that seed-eating species, such as Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, Greenfinch Carduelis chloris, Goldfinch C. carduelis, Linnet C. cannabina, Y ellowhammer Emberiza citrinella and Reed Bunting E. schoeniclus, strongly prefer stubble fields and use winter cereals far less than expected on the basis of their area. The switch from spring-sown to autumn-sown cereals has removed stubble fields from the landscape of much of the country, and studies such as this one suggest that this change must have reduced the general quality of farmland for many birds. Nowadays, rotational set-aside is the main source of winter stubble fields and its area will be halved next year, with probable harmful effects for seed-eating birds. Wilson, J. D., Taylor, R., & Muirhead, L. B. 1996. Field use by farmland birds in winter: an analysis of field type preferences using resampling methods. Bird Study 43: 320-332. Crested Tits are stumped Crested Tits Pants cristatus often excavate nest-holes in stumps of rotting wood and it has been suggested that the availability of nest sites may limit population densities in many woodlands, but particularly in plantations. A study by Rebecca Denny and Dr Ron Summers in the RSPB Abernethy Forest nature reserve has shown that Crested Tits are surprisingly selective about where they nest. Only trees with a diameter of more than 20 cm are used, but, almost perversely it would seem, Crested Tits avoid the southwest side of trees (where the depth of soft sapwood is greatest), preferring more northerly or easterly aspects. These results provide useful information to guide future schemes to provide nest sites for Crested Tits. They also, perhaps, explain why attempts to provide rotting stumps suitable for Crested Tits at Abernethy have been unsuccessful: the stumps were probably slighdy too small. Denny, R. E., & Summers, R. W. 1996. Nest site selection, management and breeding success of Crested Tits Pams cristatus at Abernethy Forest, Strathspey. Bird Study 43: 371-379. Dr Mark Avery, Research Department, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL MYSTERY PHOTOGRAPHS ▲ Plate 11. Mystery photograph 204A. ▲ Plate 12. Mystery photograph 204B. Only in Northwest Africa do the ranges of Black Wheatear Oenanthe ^ ' leucura and White-crowned Black Wheatear O. leucopyga overlap. The former breeds also in extreme southern France, in Spain and in Portugal, while the latter’s range extends eastwards to eastern Saudi Arabia. The name-giving white crown makes the identification of an adult White- crowned Black Wheatear straightforward, but non-adults, which may be encountered in all months of the year, have black crowns, as do Black Wheatears of all ages. Mystery photograph A, taken by G. D. & Y. S. Dean, shows an adult Black Wheatear in Spain in June 1984, and mystery photograph B, taken by Robin Chittenden, shows a first-year White-crowned Black Wheatear in Morocco in January 1990. The latter bird’s non-black bill and legs and the off-white tips to its alula, greater primary coverts, primaries and tertials enable us to age it as a non-adult. The excessive paleness of its bill strongly indicates that it is a White-crowned Black Wheatear, and this is confirmed by the extent of white below. On White- crowned Black Wheatears of all ages, the white covers the undertail-coverts, vent, lower belly and rear flanks and ends in a point centrally between or in front of the legs. On Black Wheatears of all ages, however, the white is more restricted, and covers only the undertail-coverts and extreme rear flanks and ends squarely well behind the legs. Except for the presence of white on the forehead and crown, the most striking character for separating the two species is tail pattern. This applies to individuals of all ages, and is detectable, though not fully appreciable, in the two mystery photographs. The rump-and-tail pattern of Black Wheatear is very like that of Northern Wheatear O. oenanthe , with a white rump and uppertail-coverts and a white tail except for black central tail-feathers, and a thick, black terminal or subterminal bar. White-crowned Black Wheatear differs in the extension of the white onto its lower back and, more significantly, in its lack of a black terminal or subterminal bar. This makes an isolated feature of the black central 140 [Bril. Birds 90: 140-141, April 1997] (0 British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 141 tail-feathers, though sometimes there are small black spots or small grey patches on the tips of the other tail-feathers, most often on the outermost. White-crowned Black Wheatear’s distinctive tail pattern shows more clearly in plate 13. Though difficult to see, and overshadowed in importance by the tail patterns, the two species’ underwing patterns are noticeably different. Black Wheatear’s underwing is uniformly black, while White-crowned Black Wheatear has black underwing-coverts and contrasting grey flight-feathers. Despite being variable according to season, moult, age, sex and race, the tone and colour of the plumage generally differ between the two species. Black Wheatear is normally decidedly less glossy, more brown-toned and consequently more contrasting between adjacent feather tracts than White-crowned Black Wheatear. Further, more subtle characters of separation are White-crowned Black Wheatear’s sleeker appearance, more slender bill and slightly longer and narrower wings with more pointed wing-tips. A surprisingly reliable identification feature is choice of habitat: Black Wheatear is essentially a bird of cliffs and mountains, while White-crowned Black Wheatear is typically a desert-dweller, occurring there in both flat and mountainous areas. ▲ Plates 13 & 14. White-crowned Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga , Morocco, January 1990 ( Robin Chittenden ) The forehead and crown of a White-crowned Black Wheatear can show every mixture of black and white between all black, as in mystery photograph B, and all white, as in plate 14. Intermediate extremes include Britain and Ireland’s only White-crowned Black Wheatear, in Suffolk in June 1 982, which had just a single white feather on its forehead, and the individual in plate 1 3, with its black- flecked, largely white forehead and crown. Peter Lansdown 197 Springwood, Llanedeym, Cardiff, Glamorgan CF2 6UG References Brown, B. J. 1986. White-crowned Black Wheatear: new to Britain and Ireland. Brit. Birds 79: 221-227. Clement, P. 1987. Field identification of West Palearctic wheatears. Brit. Birds 80: 137-157, 187-238. Cramp, S. (ed.) 1988. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol 5. Oxford. FROM THE RARITIES COMMITTEE’S FILES Identification of pale Paddyfield Warblers On 24th September 1993, Kevin Shepherd found an unusual, unstreaked Acrocephalus warbler at Sheringham, Norfolk. At first glance, it seemed to show a prominent supercilium and relatively short wings, which suggested Paddyfield Warbler A. agricola, but all thought of that was dispelled by the concolorous, cold greyish- brown upperparts, which were, at times, noticeably washed olive and clearly lacked rufous. Steve Votier was called, and the bird was quickly caught in a mist- net. The warbler was carefully examined in the hand and a detailed description and a series of photographs was taken. The bird was identified as a Blyth’s Reed Warbler A. durnetorurn, following careful reference to Svensson (1992) and Lewington et al. (1991), on a combination of biometrics, uniformity and colour of upperparts and more especially the wing, a supercilium widest in front of the eye and the absence of a dark line above the supercilium. A full description of the bird, including all relevant biometrics and a pair of sketches (fig. 1), appears below. Upper mandible horn-grey with pale horn cutting edge, the pale cutting edge broadest just the distal side of nostril. Lower mandible wholly pale horn with a small area of grey suffusion 2 mm short of the bill tip. Entire upperparts from forehead to upperside of tail almost uniform greyish-brown with a slight olive cast to entirety. Uppertail-coverts slighdy warmer-coloured than rest of upperparts, being pale brown with a buff tinge. No rufous on upperparts. Supercilium broad and white with very slight buff suffusion, broadest in front of eye and fading behind eye to finish level with rear of ear-coverts. No dark upper edge to supercilium. Iris dull greyish-olive. Lores with grey-brown suffusion. Ear-coverts wholly greyish-brown, with restricted buff feathering below eye. Chin white. Throat white with restricted buff tipping. Breast white with more extensive buff tipping than throat, most buff on side of breast. Belly white. Flanks with extensive buff extending to sides of uppertail-coverts, where most buff. Undertail- The bird was released, details were phoned in to ‘Birdline’, and a crowd of observers gathered to watch this ‘first’ for Norfolk, which showed well in the field for the first time. It quickly became apparent that many observers questioned the identification. In the field, the supercilium was fairly obvious, and there was a clear dark line above it which had not been visible in the hand. Some observers were convinced that the bird was a Paddyfield Warbler, and SV, later, agreed with this; KS was more cautious, preferring to wait until the photographs were coverts off-white, tips suffused buff. Wings uniform pale greyish-brown with buff tinge. All wing feathers with pale buffish-brown fringes, broadest on tertials and most narrow on all feathers of alula, hence alula looking darker. Primaries diffusely tipped off-white, less than 0.4 mm at broadest tip (i.e. almost nothing there). Primaries all fresh. Tertials slighdy worn (typical for first-winter Acrocephalus). Tail moderately worn with lots of castellations (typical for first-winter Acrocephalus). Legs pinkish-grey; rear of legs paler. Soles pale yellow; claws mid grey. Full biometrics were included. Details of the more relevant biometrics included a wing length of 61.5 mm, emarginations on 3rd, 4th and slight on 5th; wing-point 3rd = 4th; 2nd primary = 6th; notch on 2nd - 3.8 mm less than secondaries; notch on 3rd = 8th/9dt; 1st primary' -- 3.45 mm longer than primary coverts; bill 15.8 mm to skull, 10.4 mm to feathers; tail 54.5 mm. ZEISS 142 [Brit. Birds 90: 142-147, April 1997] <. British Birds Lid 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 143 returned and could be used to check the identification. Eventually, a combination of the biometrics and photographs left neither of the original observers in any doubt that this was indeed a Paddyfield Warbler, and it was accepted as that species by the British Birds Rarities Committee (Brit. Birds 88: 538, plate 182). We can sympathise completely with the observers’ feelings, described by KS in his original BBRC submission: ‘For a long, long time we had both dreamed of finding a new species for Norfolk. To find one and then completely “mess up” the identification is an experience neither of us wants to go through agam. Following a day of suicidal despair, we both decided the only way to overcome it was to get out there and find something better. We hammered the site and were justly rewarded with Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata (another county first) only five days later and Black-throated [Dark-throated] Thrush Turdus ruficollis in October. We feel much better now!’ Several lessons can be learned from this tale. First is the fact that field characters are not necessarily in-hand characters. Many fairly obvious features in the field change considerably when a bird is observed in the hand or close up. Most observers are aware of how ‘jizz’ changes when close to a bird; for instance, how small Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris and Long-eared Owl Asio otus can look when close up, yet how large Mistle Thrush T. viscivorus can appear. Plumage features also vary. The classic example of this is the wing-bar of Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides. This species often shows good wing-bars in the field which can ‘disappear’ when the bird is caught. A similar thing happens to the dark shadowing above the supercilium of Radde’s Warbler P. schwarzi, and Peter Lansdown (in litt .) reports in-the-hand Firecrests Regulus ignicapillus appearing to have no supercilia. In general, head patterns are more obvious on birds in the field than in the hand and subtle differences in shading, which are obvious when a bird is seen from a distance, can be missed from close up. The dark mark above the supercilium of this bird was not obvious in the hand (plates 18 & 19), but was clearly visible in the field and in some of the photographs, though it is not visible in others. Both observers feel that they missed this because they examined the bird too closely and they expected the feature to be more obvious than it was. In addition, the supercilium was considered to look more obvious in front of the eye and not to flare out behind the eye. Two other important lessons are that once one gets on the wrong track with an identification it can be very difficult to get back on the right track, and that even very good and careful birders can still make mistakes. The two observers involved, from their past track record and the details submitted with this record, definitely fall into the category of top-class birder. They are to be congratulated for allowing us to ‘go public’ on this record. They are also to be congratulated for documenting the record with such detail that they were able, retrospectively, to confirm the identification from all the data they had already gathered. Perhaps the most important lesson, however, is that birds do not always look like you expect them to. This cold grey-brown Paddyfield Warbler was different from any that the observers had previously seen or read about. The literature available at the time suggested that Paddyfield Warbler was generally a rufous bird which, even at its most dull, showed rufous on the rump, and which showed a striking head pattern. This bird had no hint of rufous in its cold grey-brown plumage. Whilst in the hand, it was compared directly with the illustrations of 144 Bradshaw: Identification of pale Paddyfield Warblers Fig. 1. Colour sketches of Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola , Norfolk, September 1993 (. Martin Elliott) is many a binocular user knows, anything more than 8x mnagnification is enough to turn a warbler into a wobbler. lie problem is, powerful binoculars amplify your move- ments just as efficiently as they magnify what you’re watching. Canon's extraordinary 12x36 IS binoculars are ann exception. They incorporate the world’s first optical naased image stabilisation system, Pushing the button icctivates a built-in vibration gyro sensor. 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Nikon. 10x42SE CF Fieldscope ED78 A *Fieldscope ED78 A voted "top-rated < telescope" and "recommended" by the readers of British Birds magazine. ’‘Winner of 1994 Optical Product Awards from Bird Watching magazine. NIKON UK LTD. (for The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland) 380 RICHMOND ROAD, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR TEL: (0181) 541-4440 FAX: (0181) 541-4584 LITERATURE LINE: 0645-005050 (local call only) British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 145 A ► 15-17. Unidentified warbler, perhaps Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola, Kazakhstan, June 1984 (C. Bradshaw ) T 18 & 19. Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola, Norfolk, September 1993 ( Kevin Shepherd) 146 Bradshaw: Identification of pale Paddyfield Warblers Blyth’s Reed and Paddyfield Warblers in Lewington et al. (1991): it was very similar to the former, but bore no resemblance to the illustration of Paddyfield Warbler. This, however, is not an isolated event with this species. In June 1984, a group of birders, including CB, trapped a strange warbler at Tselinograd, Kazakhstan, USSR. The bird was in a scrub area with breeding Blyth’s Reed Warblers and Booted Warblers Hippolais caligata. The bird was examined quickly, photographed and released. No biometrics or wing-formula were taken by the ringer who handled the bird. It was identified as Booted Warbler, with everyone •4 happy about the identification. All the other Paddyfield Warblers in the area were a pale chestnut or pale tawny-brown. When the photographs were returned, however, both CB and Alan Dean, who had also been present, became suspicious that the identification was incorrect, as the bill seemed too big and dark, the undertail-coverts perhaps too long, and there was no sign of white on the outer tail feathers (plates 15-17). It was difficult to be sure what species it was, but the very short wings and relatively prominent supercilium suggest that it may have been a Paddyfield Warbler, and one photograph (plate 16) showed the tail- cocking typical of the species. Once again, this bird showed uniform grey- brown upperparts with no sign of any rufous in the plumage or dark tertial centres, and neither the eye-stripe nor the dark line above the eye was particularly prominent, although there was a dark spot in front of the eye. Conclusions Neither bird should have been bleached at the respective times of year, as the Norfolk bird was a first-year and the Kazakhstan bird should have completed its pre-breeding moult one month earlier (Cramp 1992), although Williamson (1976) suggested that adults can be faded to a grey-brown, retaining warmth only on the rump, by mid June. No other Paddyfield Warbler seen in Kazakhstan around this time approached this individual in plumage tones. A somewhat similar episode concerning a pale adult Paddyfield Warbler, on St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, during 30th September to 15th October 1974, was described in detail by D. S. Flumm and N. A. G. Lord, with photographs by D. B. Hunt (Brit. Birds 71: 95-101). It seems unlikely that these three were ‘freak’ birds, and we presume that pale Paddyfield Warblers showing reduced or no rufous, uniform upperparts and a less obvious head pattern occur regularly, though infrequently. Svensson (1992) alluded to this, but BWP suggests that Paddyfield Warbler should always show dark-centred tertials and, at least, rufous on the rump. Perhaps this shows, as demonstrated previously by Pine Buntings Emberiza leucocephalos (Brit. Birds 86: 378-386), that there are gaps in our collective knowledge of the range of variation of plumage of lesser-known species, particularly those exhibiting marked geographical variation. Identification of Paddyfield Warbler is usually relatively straightforward, with a combination of prominent supercilium flaring behind the eye, a dark shadow above the supercilium, short wings and rufous-toned upperparts, particularly the rump and base of the tail, with marked contrast between dark tertial centres and pale rusty edges. First-winters are frequently paler, as are individuals of the races septima from the Black Sea area and capistrata from Central Asia, although there British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 147 seems some doubt as to whether colour differences for capistrata are caused by more rapid wear of plumage rather than genuine pigment differences. If an observer were confronted with one of these pale Paddyfield Warblers, however, identification would be much less easy. The combination of structure, head pattern and thrush-like bill would seem to be the best features, but it is, perhaps, doubtful that a sight-only record would be acceptable. We would be pleased to hear opinions about the identity of the 1984 bird and details of any other variant Paddyfield Warblers. Acknowledgments The Rarities Committee is indebted to Kevin Shepherd and Steve Votier for allowing it to use their notes and photographs, and to discuss their record fully. We have tried to ‘open up’ the workings of the Committee with several similar cases in the past, but have been thwarted by observers who have refused permission to use their records as examples of problems of identification or assessment. We understand observers’ natural reluctance to have their mistakes published, but feel that, because of this, Kevin and Steve are to be congratulated for allowing this rather painful experience to appear in print. We are also indebted to Martin Elliott for the use of his excellent sketches. Colin Bradshaw 9 Tynemouth Place, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 4BJ References Cramp, S. (ed.) 1992. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 6. Oxford. Lewington, I., Alstrom, P., & Colston P. 1991. A Field Guide to the Rare Birds of Britain and Europe. London. Svensson, L. 1992. Identification Guide to European Passerines. 4th edn. Stockholm. Williamson, K. 1976. Identification Guide for Ringers: the genera Cettia, Locustella, Acrocephalus and Hippolais. Tring. editorial COMMENT There is further discussion of Paddyfield Warbler identification in a letter from Lars Svensson and reply by Dr Colin Bradshaw & Jimmy Steele on pages 152-158. THE CARL ZEISS AWARD All prints or transparencies of 1996 rarities sent to the Rarities Committee for circulation during record assessments will be eligible for consideration for The Carl Zeiss Award. The year’s winner will be able to choose a pair of Zeiss binoculars (10x40, 7X42 or Night Owl 7X45), and die runners-up (and all those whose rarity photographs are published in British Birds) will receive a voucher for a free six- month subscription to British Birds. For circulation to the Committee, send prints or duplicate transparencies to M. J. Rogers, Hon. Secretary BBRC, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR6 3AZ. For publication in BB, send prints or original transparencies to Mrs Sheila Cobban, British Birds, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. ZEISS NOTES These contributions have all been assessed by the eight members of either the Behaviour Notes Panel or the Identification Notes Panel. Daytime roosting behaviour of Alpine Swifts On 8th April 1992, while visiting Fes, Morocco, we observed many Alpine Swifts Apus melba feeding very low over the city, some foraging only 3 m above the ground and between the buildings. Many were evidently in poor condition; three were picked up from the ground, exhausted, and a small number were found dead along the city walls. The roosting behaviour of these swifts was noteworthy. Very large numbers were seen roosting on the city wall during the day. Along one 20-m secdon which was particularly sheltered from the wind, three dense clusters of roosting Alpine Swifts totalled approximately 350 individuals; the largest contained an estimated 150 swifts, the composition constantly changing as individuals landed or dropped awray from the cluster. Although this behaviour is described and illustrated in BWP (vol. 4), it is believed that clusters of this size roosting during the day are perhaps exceptional and are a reaction to extreme weather conditions. The previous few days had been particularly cold, with much snow in the mountains. Durwyn Liley and Laura Watson 259 Dereham Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3 TO Green Woodpecker visiting hot-air balloonists At about 08.00 hours on 26th June 1993, while floating in a Viva 77 hot-air balloon at 100-150 m over the woods, rivers and chateaux of a quiet part of north France, our peace was interrupted when a Green Woodpecker Pious viridis flew up to the basket, ‘yaffled’ at us and flew away. A few minutes later, we heard the call again and I felt the bird alight on my shoulder. I turned and squealed, and the three of us — Julia Bayly, Martin Phipps and I — watched it fly off to the trees. The ballooning magazine Aerostat reported a racing pigeon Columba livia hitching a ride on a balloon about 60 m up, the pigeon resting near the top of the balloon envelope for some ten minutes, but I know of no other instances of a woodpecker behaving in the manner described. Mary Fox Meadowside, The Kennels, Bryans ton, Blandford Forum, Dorset DTI I 0DT EDITORIAL COMMENT David A. Christie has commented: ‘I know of no comparable records. Although the Green Woodpecker is certainly very inquisitive, and will investigate any strange intrusion, physical or aural, into its territory, it does seem surprising that this individual should have ascended to an altitude of 100 m or more to “check out” the balloon; generally, Green Woodpeckers are reluctant to rise much above treetop level. That it landed on the balloonist’s shoulder, delightful though the experience may have been, is less surprising in the circumstances; a human being floating in a (presumably) slow-moving aerial object would appear far less of a threat than one walking along a woodland edge.’ 148 [Brit. Birds 90: 148-149, April 1997] <0 British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 149 Magpies flying out to sea apparently to migrate On 10th March 1993, from the top of sand-dunes at Waxham, Norfolk, I was watching a party of six Magpies Pica pica , which was then joined by a further 11 individuals which flew in from various points during the next 15 minutes. After some ten minutes of heated activity, followed by a short period of silence and inactivity, seven Magpies detached themselves from the group, circled up to about 60 m, and flew straight out to sea. I watched them through my telescope until they disappeared from sight, about 5 km out and still flying strongly. They were on a bearing of approximately 100°, which would have taken them to the Dutch coast about 190 km away. According to the literature, Magpies are non-migratory and sedentary. The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland (Lack 1986) states that there is no winter influx of Magpies from the Continent. Nevertheless, it would appear that these individuals were in fact on a return migration; nothing else seems to fit the bill. Over the years, I have seen several landbirds either coming ashore in autumn or leaving in spring, including Eurasian Jays Garrulus glandarius. Great Spotted Woodpeckers Dendrocopos major, a Barn Owl Tyto alba and a Common Coot Fulica atra, as well as all the usual migrants. Since Waxham is one of the main landfall sites in East Anglia, I would expect the occasional odd sighting. T. W. Fairless 18 Gatacre Road, Cobholm, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 OBO editorial comment BWP (vol. 8) describes the Magpie as sedentary, with limited dispersal, and reluctant to cross sea; at Falsterbo, Sweden, small groups have been seen attempting to cross the 24 km to Denmark in autumn, apparendy without success, although spring crossings from Denmark to Sweden are occasionally successful. Magpies were unknown in Ireland until about 1676, when they appeared in Co. Wexford, presumably having crossed the sea either from EnglandAJf ales or from France/Iberia. Carrion Crow attacking milk cartons On 4th June 1993, at Leuchars, Fife, two standard 568-ml cartons of full-cream milk were found badly damaged shortly after delivery. One had a hole measuring 6.5 cm by 3 cm, with strips of cardboard torn away completely; the other carton had a hole 3 cm by 1 cm. About 30 minutes after these were removed, a Carrion Crow Corvus corone was observed pecking at further cartons nearby, and there is little doubt that this individual was the culprit. On 14th June, what was probably the same bird was seen close to another vandalised carton, with a large amount of spilt milk on the ground. I cannot find any reference to milk cartons being opened by birds. It requires a relatively powerful species, such as a Carrion Crow, to obtain access to the contents of a carton: after all, even human beings occasionally have difficulty. Norman Elkins 18 Scots tarvit View, Cupar, Fife KYI 5 5DX LETTERS Ruddy Ducks A great deal has been written concerning the fate of the Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis in Britain and Ireland (e.g. Brit. Birds 86: 338; 87: 394-395, 494; 88: 243-244). While I have no wish to add any weight to the emotive rhetoric which has sometimes been used, I should declare here and now that I feel that these birds should be left alone, and for good reason. The Ruddy Duck belongs to a small subfamily, the Oxyurinae, which diverged from the rest of the Anatidae some 40 million years ago (Sibley, Ahlquist & Monroe 1988; Sibley & Ahlquist 1990) and, as such, is the sister group to all other waterfowl except the whistling-ducks (Dendrocygnidae) and the aberrant Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata. Their behaviour and appearance have often led to their segregation in earlier classifications. Sibley & Monroe (1993) recognised seven species of Oxyura, of which only two include populations with substantially white heads: the Nearctic and Neotropical Ruddy Duck and the Palearctic White-headed Duck O. leucocephala. The sub-Saharan Maccoa Duck O. rnaccoa, a dark-headed species, has been suggested as a likely candidate for the closest relative of the White-headed Duck (Johnsgard, in Mayr & Cottrell 1979, p.503). If, however, all the reports that the White-headed Duck ‘readily’ interbreeds with the Ruddy Duck, producing ‘viable hybrids’ {Brit. Birds 86: 338), are true (and I have no reason to doubt them), then the inescapable conclusion is that they may , in fact, be conspecific. The likelihood is that the White-headed Duck is the remnant of a ‘first-wave’ invasive spread of white-faced stiff-tails into preglacial or, more likely, interglacial Europe. In the current interglacial, the White-headed Duck’s distribution is of the ‘Caspian and Mediterranean glacial refuge’ type (Harrison 1982, pp. 28-39), from which it clearly has not made a particularly successful recovery; indeed, it has been in general decline throughout much of its range since the last century. The corollary of this probably means that, in the not too distant past, northern Europe possessed a common white-faced stiff-tail. The effect of the Ruddy Duck in Europe is, therefore, identical to that of other ‘second-wave’ invasions: either the separation has been long enough for the isolating mechanisms to be ‘in place’ for them to behave as separate ‘species’, or they freely interbreed. Of course, I am being disingenuous here, as we all know that the Ruddy Duck has been popular with aviculturists since at least 1936 and ‘escaped’ from the then Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge during the 1950s and later. This single fact is, however, central to the muddled thinking that has characterised much of the debate to date: the rather ‘Victorian’ notion that Man is somehow ‘outside’ nature, and that any of his actions are therefore ‘not natural’. In a deterministic sense, it could be said that the Ruddy Duck ‘used’ Man to maximise its breeding success, and that, as a ‘method’ of range expansion, introduction has no peer. Indeed, one of the reasons I am prompted to write this letter was a recent radio news item which said that, and I quote, ‘The Ruddy Duck is destroying the White-headed Duck’. This typical example of alarmist journalism is, 150 [Bril. Birds 90: 150-158, April 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 151 unfortunately, little different from anything we have heard so far from people who ought to know better. ‘Saving ’ (rather than ‘destroying’) would be closer to the truth, for, if we could move several thousand generations ahead in time, we would probably find a strong and thriving European stiff-tail, not the Ruddy Duck as such, nor yet the White-headed Duck, but as much ‘part of nature’ as any other living organism and probably more tolerant of Man-modified habitats. Just as DNA-DNA hybridisation techniques have revolutionised ideas on the classification of birds, so detailed mtDNA studies are revealing that strictly morphological and ‘museum-based’ notions of species and speciation are quite wrong and give a false sense of stability, not unlike the pre-Darwinian ‘fixity of species’ concept. One of the outcomes of this exciting research is that morphologically different populations can be conspecific, whilst seemingly identical populations with ‘seamless’ distributions can be several, or many, reproductively isolated species. This being the case, and given that the White-headed Duck is breeding with the Ruddy Duck, then I should say that it is already too late to do anything about it, certainly for the Iberian population. That said, there are still many questions that require answers. Are hybrids as fertile as, or less fertile than, the offspring of pure pairs? Are White-heads accepting Ruddy mates because no White-heads are available, or through positive selection? Are the hybrids breeding with one or both of the parent forms or selecting other hybrids? How are hybrids identified in the field? Is the zone of hybridisation expanding? I suspect that little or no research has been conducted in these areas and that these and mtDNA studies are urgently required and should be viewed as an interesting study opportunity. Steven M. S. Gregory 35 Monarch Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire NN2 6EH References Blake, E. R. 1977. Manual of Neotropical Birds, vol. 1. Chicago & London. Harrison, C. 1982. An Atlas of the Birds of the Western Palaearctic. London. Mayr, E., & Cottrell, G. W. 1979. Check-list of Birds of the World, vol. 1, 2nd ed. Cambridge, Mass. Sibley, C. G., & Ahlquist, J. E. 1990. Phytogeny and Classification of Birds. New Haven & London. , Ahlquist, J. E., & Monroe, B. L. 1988. A classification of the living birds of the World based on DNA-DNA hybridization studies. Auk 105: 409-423. & Monroe, B. L. 1993. A World Checklist of Birds. New Haven & London. Status of swift species on Gran Canaria The literature implies diat the Common Swift Apus apus occurs only as a non-breeder in the Canary Islands, where Pallid Swift A. pallidus is described as ‘scarce’ ( BWP , vol. 5), while the endemic Plain Swift A. unicolor is said to be common in all habitats, including urban ones (Chantler & Dnessens, 1995, Swifts: a guide to the swifts and treeswifts of the World). On numerous occasions in early June 1995, while holidaying at Maspalomas at the south end of Gran Canaria, I watched a flock of swifts around a construction site in the ‘urbanisation’, where they flew up into crevices in the ceilings of the unfinished building. They appeared identical to Common Swifts 152 Letters in build and coloration, and showed a distinct white throat patch as often as would Common Swifts in Britain. Screaming parties of over 20 swifts flew around the area each evening. About 3 km away, swifts fed every day over a brackish lagoon just inland from Maspalomas beach; the vast majority, up to hundreds, appeared indistinguishable from Common Swift. Single-figure flocks of Pallid Swift were sometimes present, both here and at various points farther inland. Also inland, there w'ere numbers of dark swifts west of the town of Telde and at the summit of Pozo de las Nieves (about 1700 m), where I also saw one Pallid, while sw'ifts near the west coast matched the book descriptions of Plain Swift. I suggest that Common Swifts are present in some numbers in midsummer, apparently nesting, at least in the Maspalomas area of Gran Canaria. The distribution of Common and Plain Swifts may need to be reassessed. R. Allan Reese 4 Thorpe Leys, Beverley, Yorkshire Y025 9SP EDITORIAL COMMENT Tony Clarke has commented: ‘It has been known for some time that Common Swifts breed on Gran Canaria, but I have been unable as yet to find out exactly where. I have been informed that there are a few locations, but am unaware of the total number of pairs involved. The species has also been seen entering holes on Tenerife, but the locations are inaccessible without climbing experience. Identification of the three swift species breeding in the Canary Islands is not easy, especially as Plain Swift can show a pale throat; anyone reporting Common Swift or, on Tenerife, Pallid Swift outside migration periods may be asked to provide detailed descriptions. I should be interested to hear from anyone who believes that he or she may have found breeding Pallid or Common Swifts on Tenerife, so that I could visit the areas concerned.’ Tony Clarke would welcome calls from observers visiting Tenerife, where his home telephone number is 52-42-91. Mystery warblers in Tselinograd Dr Colin Bradshaw and Jimmy Steele invited further comments on the unidentified bird featured in 'Mystery photographs 195’ (Brit. Birds 88: 561-564, plates 199 & 200), photographed in arid scrub near Tselinograd, Kazakhstan. To me, it is a typical Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata of the nominate race caligata , the subspecies which breeds commonly in the area and in the very same type of scrub (which I recognise from four visits). Since several similar birds were seen in the same habitat, this seems the obvious solution to the mystery, rather than speculating about their being of die much more southerly Central Asian subspecies ratna , or hybrids with Olivaceous Warbler H. pallida. Even an undescribed subspecies of Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola is mentioned as a vague possibility. So, what caused die problem? Could the observers have been misled by a slight misconception of what a normal nominate Booted Warbler should look like? I would say that it looks very British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 153 much like the bird(s) in plates 199 & 200. This possibility was dismissed, however, and readers were referred to plate 201 for a typical nominate Booted; yet the latter shows what looks to me to be a Paddyfield Warbler. Single photographs can be deceptive, and can sometimes convey an impression quite uncharacteristic of the species and even, occasionally, more typical of another species. The very long and evenly broad, light supercilium of the bird in plate 201, however, strongly suggests Paddyfield, as does the rather strong bill (original transparency, with additional picture of the same bird, examined by courtesy of CB) with pale pinkish-yellow base of lower mandible; the head shape (with flattish forehead) and the rather strong tarsi are also better for Paddyfield than for Booted, and the bird is rather long-tailed and apparently has reasonably long undertail-coverts. In the same region there were said to have been numerous Olivaceous Warblers. I have failed to find this species at this locality, including in June 1987 (when CB’s photographs were taken), as also, so far as I know, have all other Scandinavian and Finnish groups. After all, Tselinograd lies over 800 km north of the known range of Olivaceous Warbler, which breeds north to the Syr-Darya river but does not enter the main Kazakh steppe. Booted Warbler (of both races) has a supercilium which is off-white and rather prominent in front of the eye, narrowing over the eye (‘waisted supercilium’), often widening again behind the eye but usually being much less distinct there, and narrowing quickly and being tinged more buffish-grey at the rear; it is never broad and distinct over the eye and never extends a long way back over the ear-coverts as on Paddyfield Warbler. A few black-and-white photographs of trapped Booted do show a rather long and prominent supercilium, but this could be caused by reproduction from colour slides; in life. Booted Warblers do not have this appearance, but look just like the bird(s) in plates 199 & 200. It may even be productive to reassess all records of Booted showing a very long and broad supercilium, one example being the Fair Isle, Shetland, record of 25th August to 2nd September (captioned October) 1976 (Brit. Birds 70: 434). Typically, the bill of Booted Warbler is pinkish-brown with a darker culmen and a diffusely darker area on the distal portion of the lower mandible, but not showing particularly strong contrasts. Paddyfield Warbler’s bill is somewhat variable, but generally rather pale straw-coloured or pinkish on the base of the lower mandible, with a more contrasting blackish smudge towards the tip. In reasonably fresh plumage, Paddyfield Warbler has a rufous-tinged rump, but in summer much or all of this warm tinge may be abraded, inviting confusion with Booted Warbler (in museum collections in both Stockholm and Tring, and more recently in Copenhagen, I have found July Paddyfield mislabelled as Booted). Most fresh-plumaged Paddyfield Warblers characteristically have a fairly obvious contrast on the tertials (darkish centres and paler edges), again becoming much subdued in worn plumage; Booted shows less obvious (but some) contrast on the tertials, even when fresh. After checking these important features, I would consider song and habitat. (My experience of the calls is still too limited to enable me to differentiate the two species on calls alone.) Only then would I consider the finer and more variable features such as tail graduation and length, length of undertail-coverts, primary projection, darkness 154 Letters of crown sides, and so on. Paying too much attention to these often overrated, mostly jizz-related characters can so easily lead the observer astray. Booted Warbler’s tail, for instance, is not completely square, often having a graduation of 4, 5 and even 6 mm; with total tail length of around 50 mm, such a graduation can appear rather obvious. I would even place general plumage coloration among these subordinate characters. Judging mostly from skins and photographs, I have found Paddyfield the most variable of all the Western Palearctic warblers: some are rich tawny-brown above, with a strong rufous tinge on the rump and creamy-buff breast sides and flanks; others are very pale and grey-brown. A varying degree of feather abrasion appears to be the main reason for this, but (poorly understood) geographical differences, or the appearance of different colour morphs, could add to it. Be that as it may, I have more than once initially mistaken a typical Paddyfield for something else just because of this variability of plumage colours. Even the shape can at times be misleading, with some individuals resembling a Hippolais warbler and others looking like a long-tailed Phylloscopus. That Paddyfield Warbler can sometimes look confusing is amply demonstrated by Flumm & Lord (Brit. Birds 71: 95-101). Compare also CB’s plate 201 with plate 31 in Flumm & Lord: there is a remarkable similarity. The ‘mystery' bird’ has a rich buff-brown wash on its underparts, strongest on the flanks. This further supports identification as nominate Booted. If any obvious difference in colours can be detected between the two races, nominate caligata is a little darker buff below and rama paler. The latter can be slightly more greyish- brown above, too (making it difficult to separate from Olivaceous Warbler in the field), but not always; the Copenhagen museum skin series of rama from southwest Afghanistan shows warm brown upperpart coloration almost identical to nominate caligata. I must conclude that nominate caligata and rama are so similar that the greatest care is required to separate them (if at all possible in the field) . I realise that others are of a different opinion, but one should bear in mind that a difference of about 1-1.5 mm in bill length (and slightly paler underparts) is not much to go on; there is also a slight overlap in bill measurements, and a few apparent breeders in eastern Afghanistan and Baluchistan have just as fine a bill as the nominate race (Siberia and Kazakhstan). The picture may prove to be more complex than we wish to believe. Incidentally, bill depth (measured at feathering) of rama is identical to that of caligata, at least in a substantial part of its range. I and others have stated that rama has a stronger (meaning heavier, thicker) bill; judging from about 70 skins from various parts of Iran, Afghanistan and Baluchistan, it is not stronger, but is only slightly longer. It will be interesting to examine birds from farther north and northeast (‘ annectens") to see if these have thicker bills. If I am right in my assumption about the birds in plates 199 & 200 and in plate 201, it is still strange that slightly different song was noted from the ‘mystery birds’ and from those regarded as nominate caligata. Were these differences only imagined? Apparently so, although it is difficult to evaluate this afterwards, especially with some doubt concerning some of file identifications. Lars S\ 'ensson Sturegatan 60, S-114 36 Stockholm, Sweden British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 155 We are grateful to Lars Svensson not only for the detail of his response but also tor the measured nature of it. We were initially surprised by the response but should not have been, as something else that CB had written should have made us think twice about the identification (see below). We agree that the mystery photograph (Brit. Birds 88: plate 199) is of a spring nominate Booted Warbler. We also agree with LS over the range of Olivaceous Warbler; the latter were seen both before and after the ‘mystery bird’, but CB’s notes reveal that these observations were made much farther south, at Frunze and Tashkent. We apologise for our misleading comments in this respect. It is obvious that there is a significant difference between the appearance of Booted Warbler in spring and in autumn. In our experience, autumn Booted are not particularly Hippolais- like and are more likely to be confused with a Phylloscopus warbler than with an Olivaceous Warbler. Our experience of spring Booted Warblers is limited, but photographs of those in Britain show them to be much more Olivaceous-like, including an ‘apparently bigger’ bill, perhaps a function of head shape, which appears less rounded in spring. In Tselinograd, the party of birders present ‘identified’ two types of Booted. The first, the original mystery bird (88: plate 199), differed from the fairly pale sandy, Phylloscopus- like Booted we are used to seeing in autumn; these birds looked more like Olivaceous Warblers, with a relatively large bill. The second type (88: plate 201) was a pale sandy bird — apparently, the ‘real’ mystery bird — seen in a dried wadi on the rolling steppe at Sobhiika, about 20 km out of Tselinograd: with about ten of these in the area, CB concentrated on getting photos rather than examining them properly; they looked so like autumn Booted that he did not think twice. CB was at Tselinograd in 1984 as well, and had a rather odd (and similar) experience concerning a misidentified Paddyfield Warbler (see pages 142-147 in this issue). Comparison of photographs of this bird (90: plates 15-17) and the one considered earlier (88: plate 201) suggests that these are the same species, but we have no idea what the actual species is. If considered in isolation, the 1984 bird could be an aberrant Paddyfield Warbler. With a further ten identical birds in the Tselinograd area in 1987, we are less sure. Furthermore, both birds were in similar habitat, which differed noticeably from that of ‘normal’ Paddyfield Warblers nearby. The 1984 individual was trapped in an area of dry scrub a couple of hundred metres from reeds fringing the river; the site, now very dry, had obviously suffered spring flooding. The birds in 1987 were also in thorny scrub in a ditch that was bone-dry, but would clearly have been wet earlier in the spring. We did, however, see considerable numbers of ‘normal-looking’ Paddyfield Warblers in the area, but all were in reedbeds. It seems unlikely that, in the same area, normal-looking Paddyfield Warblers would be nesting only in reedbeds and ‘odd-looking’ Paddyfield Warblers only in drying thorny scrub. Is it not more likely that the latter are of a different species? But what is the species? Plates 20 & 21 show two further photographs of the 1987 warbler. We agree with LS that some features displayed by these birds seem too marked for any Hippolais , especially the prominent supercilium behind the eye (plate 20) and the dark spot on the lores (plate 21). Compare this, however, with plates 30 & 31, a Booted Warbler photographed in the Isles of Scilly in October 1985. There is little 156 Letters A 22 & 23. Mystery warbler, Kazakhstan, May 1984 ( Colin Bradshaw) A 24 & 25. Paddyfield Warblers Acrocephalus agricola , Kazakhstan, June 1987 ( Colin Bradshaw) A 20 & 21. Mystery warbler, Kazakhstan, June 1987 ( Colin Bradshaw) British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 157 A 26 & 27. Paddyfield Warblers Acrocephalus agricola , Kazakhstan, June 1987 and May 1984 ( Colin Bradshaw ) A 28 & 29. Paddyfield Warblers Acrocephalus agricola , Kazakhstan, May 1984 ( Colin Bradshaw) A 30 & 31. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata, Scillv, October 1985 {Colin Bradshaw) 158 Letters difference in supercilium length between the latter and the bird in plates 20 & 2 1 , and none between it and the birds in plates 22 & 23 (which we think are the same species). We cannot explain the dark lores. Further Paddyfield Warblers in the Tselinograd area are illustrated in plates 24- 26 (taken in 1987) and 27-29 (1984). All show a rounded tail and longer undertail-coverts than in plates 20 & 21 — and these last two, and perhaps plate 22 as well, also seem to show white outer webs to the outer tail feathers. We still think that the jizz of the bird in plate 201 (vol. 88) is closer to Hippolais than to Acrocephalus , but we remain unsure what species it is. If, as seems likely, the original mystery photograph (88: 199) is of a Booted Warbler of the nominate race, and there are large numbers of ‘normal-looking’ Paddyfield Warblers in reedbeds around Tselinograd, what are these pale pot-bellied birds with a prominent supercilium, short undertail-coverts and perhaps white outer tail feathers found in scrub growing in dried-up inundation areas? We shall be fascinated to know what others make of them with this additional information. Coun Bradshaw and Jimmy Steele 9 Tynemouth Place, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 4BJ LOOKING BACK One hundred and fifty years ago: ‘ Occurrence of the Scops Eared Oivl at the Scilly Islands. — I received yesterday [12th April 1847] from Mr. James, the steward of the lord-proprietor of the Scilly Islands, a very good specimen of the scops owl. It was reported to me to have been caught in die past week on the grounds of Mr. Smith, the lord-proprietor in die island of Tresco, and 1 should imagine diat it must have been disabled from flying, by exhausdon, after having performed a migratorial flight, as the bird does not exhibit any bodily injury. The finding of this bird at the present season of die year in such a locality, seems to confirm die supposidon that diis species visits Europe in the summer from Africa and the warmer regions of the eardi.’ (. Zoologist 5: 1777) One hundred years ago: ‘Breeding of the Roseate '1 'em in Britain. — I have pleasure in reporting die fact that diis elegant and most beautiful of our Sea-swallows, Sterna dougalli, is not yet extinct as a Brifish breeding species, and diat it still has a regular nesting haunt in the Bridsh Isles. Your readers will be aware that eminent and leading ornithologists have for some years been of opinion that the Roseate Tern only visited our coasts as a casual summer migrant, and diis has been so stated in all recent works on Bridsh birds. However, for the past few years I have known of a colony of these birds nesting annually in Britain; but of course, for obvious reasons, I must refrain from naming die precise locality7. In 1895, I sent Mr. J. T. Proud, of Bishop Auckland, specimens of their eggs, and informed that gendeman of the whereabouts of the locality, and last year he visited the place, saw the birds, and obtained their eggs himself; and I understand he has had the pleasure of supplying the Bridsh Museum widi such specimens, and has satisfied the British Museum authorities diat this Tern is still a British-breeding species. ‘It is satisfactory7 to know that diese rare birds have selected a portion of our islands for rearing tiieir young where they are not likely to be much molested by man . . .’ ( Zoologist Ser. 4, vol. 1: 165, April 1897) Twenty-five years ago, on 8th April 1972, P. G. Lansdown and D. C. Palmer watched a Crested Lark Galerida cristata at Steart Point, Somerset, die sixteenth British record and die first since 1965. (Brit. Birds 66: 345) REVIEWS Atlante degli uccelli di Piemonte e Valle d’ Aosta in invemo (1986-1992). By M. Cucco, L. Levi, G. Maffei & C. Pulcher. Museo Regionale Naturali, Torino, 1996. 365 pages; 170 line-drawings; 288 distribution maps. ISBN 88-86041-15-2. L120.000. This is the ‘Atlas of the Birds of Piedmont and Valle d’ Aosta in Winter’: the area bordered by France, Switzerland and Lombardia to the west, north and east, respectively, surveyed by standard 10-km squares, and presented in die standard style (with blue dots on an oudine shaded usefully in grey to indicate altitude, up to and over 400 m and 1,000 m), with small breeding-distribution maps alongside for comparison. The text is wholly in Italian, altiiough the captions to the figures in the introductory sections are also given in English, and there is a first-rate 1 '/2-page English summary, which has been so carefully written that it will enable English-speaking non- Italian-speaking readers to make full use of tiiis book. The bulk of die data was collected during the six winters 1986/87-1991/92 (almost 71,000 records), supplemented by a further 1,300 during 1992/93. It is fascinadng for us in Britain, where the Hedge Accentor Prunella modularis is a lowland, garden-and-hedgerow bird, to find that die breeding ranges of both Hedge Accentor and Alpine Accentor P. collaris are almost wholly within the area of squares containing land over 1,000 m, but diat in winter 90% of die former species have made an altitudinal migration to overwinter in areas below 1,000 m: the breeding and wintering distribution maps of Alpine Accentor are almost identical, whereas diose for Hedge Accentor are almost complete opposites. As well as the maps, tiiere are histograms to show die altitudinal distribution of each species in winter, and also die proportions witiiin each of the species’ main habitat types (the latter a littie difficult for a non-Italian- speaking, non-botanical ornithologist to interpret, but the information is there for anyone wishing to make the effort). Not surprisingly, far more species overwinter in the lowlands (178 species below 200 m) than in die mountains (15 species above 2,500 m). Much more use is made of die data than merely dot-distribution maps, demonstrating just what can be achieved by careful analysis, even with die data from just one part of a country. J. T. R. Sharrock The Birds of Britain & Europe. Bird Images Video Guides, vols. 5-7; 5: larks to thrushes; 6: warblers to orioles; 7: shrikes to buntings. Filmed by Paul Doherty. Narrated by Bill Oddie. Bird Images Video Guides, Sherbum-in-Elmet, 1996. Running time approximately 80 minutes per video. £16.95 each or all three for £44.95. Over 200 species are covered by these tiiree video tapes. The general quality is superb, and I strongly recommend them. The camera work is excellent: for example, look at the footage of the Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus on the ground, the Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria clambering over the rock face, or the Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis feeding. For the few species not shown moving, there is a still image of die bird. Used in conjunction with a good field guide, these tapes capture both their jizz and their beauty and are an ideal way to enjoy and study the birds of Britain and Europe. Some vagrant species are missing, and many of the birds have been filmed on their breeding grounds, but species are shown in a variety of plumages, not just adult males, but also females and juveniles. The calls and songs are covered by the addition of good sound recordings. Bill Oddie’s commentary is professional, informative and interesting. There are enough vagrants to Britain (e.g. the 1996 Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis at Werrington, Cambridgeshire, and die Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis in Cumbria) to keep ardent twitchers happy, and both the novice and the experienced birdwatcher could learn from these video guides. They represent extremely good value for money. Buy diem! Dave Odell [Bril. Birds 90: 159-160, April 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 159 160 Reviews Rare Birds Day by Day. By Steve Dudley, Tim Benton, Pete Fraser & John Ryan. Illustrations by Dave Nurney. T. & A. D. Poyser, London, 1996. 392 pages; 31 line-drawings, isbn 0-85661-102-6. £25.00. The simple aim of this book is to give a day- by-day account of the rarer species seen in Britain and Ireland. Thus, throughout the year, records are listed in systematic order with information such as county7, locality and die first date (and last date when different). Each account is preceded by a summary' outiining the more important events of dial day. Thus, with this book, a new kind of birdw'atching is born: ‘forward-looking’ birdwatching. But, unfortunately, birdwatching, like meteorology', is not an exact science! And, as a point of fact, birdwatching depends on weather, too. So, don’t dream too much. If you choose 9th May to look for an ‘overshot’ Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans in Shedand, you run the risk of being disappointed. And to what extent does a total of 139 Red-footed Falcons Falco vespertinus seen in June add to die likelihood of seeing one in that month this year? To my eyes, diis book never will replace its famous predecessors, Scarce Migrant Birds in Britain and Ireland (1974) and Rare Birds in Britain and Ireland (1976, 1989), with dieir clear distribution maps and good and detailed diagrams based on seven-day periods, from w'hich a reader can get a clear picture of each rare bird’s occurrence pattern. For die w'ould- be rarity-finder, there are no shortcuts: one has to pryr a lot to see a sought-after species, even in the right place at the right time. First and foremost, Rare Birds Day by Day is a book for fun and entertainment (and nothing more). Philippe J. Dubois A Guide to the Identification and Natural History of the Sparrows of the United States and Canada. By D. J. Rising. Illustrated by David D. Beadle. Academic Press, London, 1996. 365 pages; 27 colour plates, isbn 0-12-588970-4. £30.00. This informative and attractive book covers those species of die subfamily Emberizinae occurring in North America — die North American sparrows, longspurs and Old World buntings. There is an account for each species which includes identification, habits, habitat and range, breeding, history and geographical variation. There are plates of each relevant plumage of each species, including two plates demonstrating the geographical variation of Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis and one each for Song Melospiza melodia and Savannah Sparrow's Passerculus sandwichensis. The quality of the plates is excellent. What is wrong with die book? Well, principally timing. It is published less than twelve months after the excellent Buntings and Sparrows by Byers, Olsson & Curson (Brit. Birds 89: 217) and inevitably has to be compared with that. The identification text is less detailed, as is that on geographical variation (although this is more than compensated for by the plates), the sections on habits and range are similar, but this book scores with the fascinating ‘history’ section detailing the discovery of each species: an excellent innovation, particularly for those already hooked by Meams & Mearns (1988, 1992). Beadle’s plates are excellent, with detailed, life-like birds. In comparison, Byers’ plates are more sketchy and somew’hat ‘cartoon-like’ but sometimes display the key identification features more clearly. In summary, I highly recommend this excellent book. If y'ou are working on a tight budget, however, and can afford only one book on the group, I would have to recommend the earlier Byers el al. Coun Bradshaw ALSO RECEIVED Broedvogels van het Noordelijk Deltagebied 1991: een overzicht van de broedvogels van Beschcrmde- en Staatsnatuurmonumenten. By N. D. van Swelm. (Ministerie LNV, Dordrecht, 1996. 161 pages. ISBN 90-6816-009-5. No price given) NEWS AND COMMENT Compiled by Wendy Dickson and Bob Scott Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ Young Ornithologists of the Year A 32. Young Ornithologists of the Year, 1996. Oscar Campbell (Senior Winner) and Matthew Harding (Intermediate Winner) with their Young Ornithologists of the Year certificates and prizes of a complete set of BWP, Swarovski binoculars, Barbour jackets and over 30 bird books (courtesy of co-sponsors Christopher Helm Publishers, Hamlyn, Harper Collins, Oxford University Press, PanMacmillan , Pica Press and T. & A. D. Poyser ), at BTO Annual Conference, Derbyshire, December 1996 ( Derek Toorner) Potential entrants in the 1997 competition should now be spurred on by their mentors to keep up their notebook entries until the closing date of 1st September 1997. The two 1996 winners (Brit. Birds 89: 539-541) received their awards at the BTO Annual Conference (plate 32). Their achievement also received coverage in the magazine BBC Wildlife (14 (12): 10). [Bril. Birds 90: 161-165, April 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 161 162 News and comment Bird Observatory for Gibraltar Ornithologists in Gibraltar — one of the best places in Europe to watch the spring and autumn migration, especially of raptors and storks — are planning to establish an observatory and ornithological centre, where data could be stored and information exchanged, scientists could study and birding enthusiasts could meet others with the same interest. To convince the national and local governments that this proposal deserves assistance, letters of support are needed from universities, societies, associations, groups, clubs and individuals, in fact from anyone who can testify to the value of this unique location, where two seas and two continents meet. Please write to Proyecto Estacion Ornitologica en el Estrecho de Gibraltar, C/Lope de Vega n° 6, 11370 Los Barrios, Cadiz, Spain; or Fax (56) 685162. ( Contributed, by Maria Cristina Parkes and Francisco Montoya ) Eric Hosking Trust bursaries Two awards have been made: to the Loru Environment Education Centre, Santo Island, Vanuatu, in the Pacific Ocean, to fund a leaflet (in English, French and Bislama Pidgin) about the rainforest on the island; and to the Lake District National Park for a project with children during its Bird Day on 4th May 1997. For details of the bursaries (past awards and also how to apply), write to the Eric Hosking Charitable Trust, Pages Green House, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket, Suffolk Il'i-i 5QA. Boost for Stone-curlews Of 13 awards made in 1996 under a new Species Action Grants Scheme for work to enhance populations of some of England’s most endangered animals and plants, one was for work on a bird: the Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus. The awards, totalling over £75,000, are part of English Nature’s contribution to the UK Biodiversity7 Action Plan and complement their Species Recovery Grants Scheme. For further information, telephone 01733- 318436 or write to English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough PEI 1UA. English names of birds Congratulations to the Oriental Bird Club on producing by far the best and most logically reasoned principles for deciding on uniform treatment of English bird-names. Based on a draft by Edward Dickinson, David Wells & Martin Woodcock, the three-page explanation in the OBC’s An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region by Tim Inskipp, Nigel Lindsey & William Duckworth (1996) should be compulsory reading for anyone interested in (or critical of) the use of standardised English names. We hope that the American-dominated group currently compiling a list of standardised English names of all the World’s birds on behalf of the International Ornithological Congress will pay heed to the OBC’s words of wisdom. If not, the OBC may rue its statement that it ‘will adopt the standardized list of names when it is published’. While complimenting the OBC on its excellent set of principles, we do not necessarily approve of all the names which it has adopted: with numerous fork-tailed swift species, it seems less than helpful to use Fork- tailed Swift (in place of Pacific Swift) for Apus pacificus, and the possible confusion between Pallas’s Warbler and Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler is surely better solved by calling the former Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus than by devising a wholly new name for the latter, Rusty-rumped Warbler Locustella certhiola, even if its song is not a buzz. While praising the OBC’s published criteria, two not listed seem to us to be helpful (especially to biologists, conservationists and others who are not ornithologists): (1) that whenever possible the English name should reveal the bird’s affinities, and (2) that, unless inappropriate, a newly devised name should correspond with die scienufic name. Thus, for example, we prefer Chukar Partridge (rather than Chukar) for Alectoris chukar and Siberian Flycatcher (rather than Dark-sided Flycatcher or Sooty Flycatcher) for Muscicapa sibirica. The English-naming section is only 1% of this excellent Checklist ; a full review will appear in due course. It is available for £9.95 (plus £2.00 p&p) from the OBC, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire set 19 2DL, or £10.00 post free through British BirdShop (see pages ix & x). British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 163 Bill Oddie recognised In appreciation of his contribution to ornithology through his broadcasting and writing, the Editorial Board of British Birds has unanimously elected Bill Oddie as an Honorary Subscriber. As revealed in his perceptive and educational (as well as humorous) Bill Oddie’ s Little Black Bird Book (1980), which became an ‘instant classic’, and his autobiographical Gone Birding (1983), Bill is a long-standing subscriber to BB. He has always emphasised the constructive aspects of birding and birdwatching, and encouraged his viewers on TV, listeners on radio and die readers of Iris books to record and submit their observations for tire benefit of the science of ornithology and of conservation (though he would not put it so pompously), as well as to have fun watching birds. It is this responsible guidance to new birdwatchers, young and old, that has gained die admiration not only of BB, but also of all those who have invited him to write a foreword for their book or to speak at their local society7 meeting, to introduce events at the British Birdwatching Fair, or to carry7 out such duties at similar events. Bill Oddie’s many talents have been a great asset to British (and to Irish!) birdwatching in die last three decades and have been given generously and willingly by him. We are delighted tiiat he has accepted our invitation. Bill joins Brian & Sheila Bottomley, I. J. Ferguson-Lees, P. A. D. Hollom, Guy Mountfort, E. M. Nicholson, M. J. Rogers, Major R. F. Rutdedge, Dr P. O. Swanberg, Prof. Dr K. H. Voous and D. I. M. Wallace, who are the journal’s only otiier Honorary Subscribers. Raptors reviewed With fierce controversy in die local Press on claims by local game interests, pigeon-racers and Beatrix Potter devotees that songbird populations are being depressed by raptors and that culling programmes are required for birds of prey, the second North of England Raptor Conference, held in Newcasde upon Tyne on 9th November, was very timely. A full house of 150 delegates heard accounts of key species. Roy Dennis highlighted the success of Ospreys Pandion haliaetus in the Highlands of Scodand and described die Rudand Water ‘hacking’ project. Steve Petty described the success of die Northern Goshawks Accipiter gentilis in colonising large areas of forestry around the English/Scottish border. Brian Etheridge contrasted the breeding performance of Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in Scotland on managed and on unmanaged moors, with persecution at such a high level on die former that the species would soon become extinct if this were the only habitat available to it (luckily, unmanaged moors produce surplus young which then attempt unsuccessfully each year to colonise managed areas). Brian Litde described the 30-year story of Merlins Falco columbarius in Northumberland, including the detrimental effects of pesticides on the population in die past and the versatility of die species in adapting to the large new forestry areas at Kielder. Geoff Horne showed tiiat the population density-' of Peregrine Falcons F. peregrinus in Lakeland is die highest in Europe. The Conference, organised joindy by the Northumbria Ringing Group and the Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club under a steering group consisting of Tom Cadwallender, Bryan Galloway, Bill Johnson and Nick Rossiter, provided a boost to morale, reinforcing delegates’ determination to see tiiat biodiversity targets continue to include die restoration of raptors to tiieir historic position in the countryside. ( Contributed by Nick Rossiter) New English bird names The English names recommended by the BOU/.B.S (e.g. Common Kingfisher Alcedo at this. Bam Swallow Hirundo rustica, Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe ) are now being used in 38% of the county bird reports. A good compromise, adopted for instance by Avon, Isles of Scilly and Northamptonshire , is to include, during this interim period, botii ‘new’ and ‘old’ English names in the headings in die systematic list. 164 News and comment Swanwick ’96 The first weekend in December is synonymous with the BTO’s Annual Bird-watchers’ Weekend at Swanwick in Derbyshire. With the theme of ‘Birds and water’, the 1996 conference started with Tim Appleton describing the making of Rutland Water. The complex and controversial subject of fish-eating birds versus fish stocks (and fishermen’s tales) was tackled by Mick Marquiss, Mark Feltham and Chris Spray, with the Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo being seen as the real black bird by the fisheries lobby, closely followed by Goosander Mergns merganser. The Witherby Lecture, by Dr Myrfyn Owen, Director of the Wildfowl & Wedands Trust, on the dieme ‘Wildlife and water: partnerships for effective action’, described a number of schemes culminating in the ambitious project at the site of Bam Elms Reservoirs adjacent to Heathrow Airport. This, and other sessions, encouraged participation in the WeBS counts. Recipients of the Jubilee Medal and the Tucker Medal were Karl Partridge and John Callion, in recognition, respectively, of atlas exploits along the Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland border and a range of projects in Cumbria. Between the formal sessions were all the informal quizzes, meetings and presentations that make Swanwick what it is. A great pity, therefore, that the number of participants was significantly down this year. At least in part, this was caused by clashes with meetings in London of the Oriental Bird Club and the Royal Naval Birdwatching Society. Surely this can be avoided in the future? The BB mystery photographs champagne was won by Dawn Balmer with tire only all-correct set of identifications, showing that her Buckinghamshire success (Brit. Birds 90: 75) was no fluke. Cornucopia The latest report on Birds in Cornwall 1995 contains a systematic list overflowing with facts, maps, histograms, photographs and drawings. A sign of the times, however, is a list of over 40 putative records for which no documentation has been submitted and an appeal for details of them from anyone who can help. Papers include reports by Keith Grant, Derek Lord and David Ramsden on a sample census of Barn Owls Tylo alba in 1994, which found 51 breeding pairs, leading to an estimate of 100-200 pairs for the county, and by D. S. Flumm on tire occurrence of Aquatic Warblers Acrocephalus NYPEN A major new environmental youth pro- gramme has been launched. Known as the National Young People’s Environment Network (NYPEN), and co-ordinated by five national organisations including the RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts, it aims to help young people aged 13-19 to plan and run their own environmental projects, by providing a three- year package of money, advice and guidance. If you are a youth worker or involved with an agency and would like to know more about the scheme or even become a regional co- ordinator, please contact Bud Simkin, National Youth Programme Co-ordinator, Council for Environmental Education, University of Reading, London Road, Reading RFi 5AQ. paludicola at Marazion Marsh in 1995; and accounts of three birds new to Britain: the 1970 Marazion Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta by Philip D. Round, the Land’s End Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea by D. Ferguson, and a Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae ‘showing characteristics of the race “ dauricus ’” (which needs to be assessed by tire BOURC) by M. Southam and D. Lewis. Copies cost £5.50 (incl. p&p; cheques payable to CBWPS) from Greg Conway, Tregenna, Cooksland, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2AR. The birds of . . . where? At a recent meeting of the Bristol Ornithological Club, I heard members talking about the ‘Birds of Cuba’ amidst a certain amount of chortling. Breaking into the conversation, 1 discovered that they were not talking about the island in the Caribbean, but about tiie ‘County which Used to Be Avon’ — CUBA. The former county of Avon has been split in a most undignified way into four Unitary Authorities (ugh!). I gather that the editors of the Avon Bird Report (joint winners of BB' s Best Bird Report for 1994) have decided, sensibly, to retain the title Avon Bird Report to cover the area of the four UAs, which is the same as that of the former county. (RJP) British Birds, vol. 90, no. 4, April 1997 165 Paula’s sponsored trek Paula Lawrence, Sales & Marketing Manager Qf Zeiss, sponsor of the British Birds Rarities Committee, is herself seeking sponsorship, for a 100-km trek in the Anti Atlas mountains of Morocco in aid of the Cancer Research Campaign. One hundred people will take part during eight days in May 1997. Paula’s personal aim is to raise at least £1,800 for cancer research. If you would like to sponsor Paula (or know a company or organisation which is likely to do so), ring her at Zeiss on 01707 871323. REGIONAL NEWS TEAM Dave Allen — Northern Ireland Tony Armstrong — Northeast Dave Flumm — Southwest Frank Gribble — Midlands Barrie Harding — East Anglia Angus Hogg — Scotland Oran O’Sullivan — Republic of Ireland Don Taylor — Southeast Dr Stephanie Tyler — Wales John Wilson — Northwest MONTHLY MARATHON December’s scaly-plumaged bird was obviously a swift Apus, and most entrants (80%) identified it as a Common Swift A. apus\ other suggestions were Pallid Swift A. pallidus (16%), Pacific Swift A. pacificus (3%) and White-rumped Swift A. caffer (1%). It was a juvenile Common Swift, photographed in Russia by G. D. Serov. The leaders (Stephen Foster, David McAdams and Richard Patient) all got it right and now have accumulated seven correct answers; 58 contestants are on six, 93 on five, 114 on four, 136 on three, 148 on two and 98 on one. This month’s hurdle is plate 33, below. For a free SUNBIRD brochure, write to PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 idf; or telephone Sandy (01767) 682969. A 33- ‘Monthly marathon’. Photo no. 129. Ninth stage in ninth ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 66), then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15di May 1997. RECENT BBRC DECISIONS This monthly listing of the most-recent decisions by the British Birds Rarities Committee is not intended to be comprehensive or in any way to replace the annual ‘Report on rare birds in Great Britain’. The records listed are mostly those of the rarest species, or those of special interest for other reasons. All records refer to 1996 unless stated otherwise. ACCEPTED: Madeira/Cape Verde/Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodrorna madeira/P. feae/P. mollis Fame and Hauxley (Northumberland), 5th September 1993; Formby Point (Lancashire), 8th September 1995. Redhead Aythya americana Bleasby (Nottinghamshire), 8th-27th March*. Lesser Scaup A. affinis Kingsmill Reservoir (Nottinghamshire), 1 5th April; Tyttenhanger Gravel-pit (Hertfordshire), 7th- 18th April. Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus two, Girvan (Ayrshire), 13th-27th April. American Coot Fulica americana Stodmarsh (Kent), 16di to at least 29th April*. Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus Skellberry (Shetland), 3rd-4th June. Brunnich’s Guillemot Una lomvia Ardnamurchan (Argyll), 27th March. Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Beachy Head (East Sussex), 8th October 1995. Cedar Waxwing Bornbycilla cedrorum Nottingham (Nottinghamshire), 20th February to 18th March*. Veery Cathanis fuscescens North Uist (Outer Hebrides), 20th-22nd October 1995. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola Fair Isle (Shetland), 17th September. Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum Fair Isle, 4th-6th June; 1 1 th- 13th June; 24di September; Holm (Orkney), 16th- 19th October. Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos Bibby’s Hollow NR (Worcestershire), 6th-20th February1. identification accepted by the BBRC; status still to be assessed by die BOURC. M. J. Rogers, Secretary, BBRC, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ ZEISS RECENT REPORTS Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary covers the period 10th February to 16th March 1997. These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records. White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii Flying over Pordand Bill (Dorset), then, presumably same, Exmouth (Devon), 13th March. Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus White-phase individuals singly: Valencia Island (Co. Kerry), 3rd March; Blennerville (Co. Kerry'), 6th March; Fanore (Co. Clare), 8di March. Laughing Gull Lams atricilla First-winter, Newry (Co. Down), 30th February to 12th March. Herring Gull L. argentatus Two first- winters of Nearcdc race smithsonianus, Belfast City Dump (Co. Antrim), intermittendy from 15th February to 13th March. Iceland Gull L. glaucoides First-winter of race thayeri. Belfast City Dump, 1st & 7th March; of race kumlieni : Benbecula (Western Isles), 27di February; first-winter, near Wexford (Co. Wexford), 27th February and second-winter diere, 4th March; two second-winters, Belfast City Dump, 5th- 16th March. Ross’s Gull Rhodostelhia rosea Adult winter, Bullock Harbour, Dublin (Co. Dublin), 12th February to 16th March. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni Brixham (Devon), from at least 12th February to 27th February. Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Studland (Dorset), 5th-6di March. Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to ‘British Birds'. Call 0881-888-111 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate; 41p/min other times; incl. VAT) 166 [Bril. Birds 90: 166, April 1997] < British Birds Ltd 1997 British BirdShop Listed books are POST FREE to ‘British Birds’ subscribers^. 1 he hooks included in British BirdShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and valuable additions to any birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide 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, do Subbuteo Books, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW. Books All listed books are POST FREE BEST BIRD BOOKS OF THE YEAR All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year’ during 1983-96 (listed in full on p. vii in January-February 1997) are available POST FREE. 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Years of experience catering for independent and group requirements. Excellent restaurant and pool. English, Dutch, German and French spoken. Send for brochure and rate to: Hotel "Balcon de Espana”, 11380 Tarifa (Cadiz). Spain. Tel: 00 34 56 684326. Fax: 00 34 56 680472. (BB098) HONG KONG — Superb birding Sept-May. Richard Lewthwaite, 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen Wan. Tai Po. Hong Kong. Tel: (+852) 2665 8506. Fax: (+852) 2665 8190. (BB069) PROVENCE, CAMARGUE. 2 farm cottages, also b&b. Rogers. Mas d'Auphan. Le Sambuc, 13200 ARLES. France. Tel: (0033) 490972041, fax 490972087. (BB097) BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS ‘HIGH ISLAND’ UPPER TEXAS COAST U.S.A. Bed and breakfast for groups of 4 or 8. Tours given. ‘Birder’s Haven, PO Box 309, High Island, Texas 77623. Tel. 409 286 5362 or 214 824 5390. (BB863) SABAH (BORNEO) ORNITHOLOGICAL TOUR July 1977. 24 day guided tour by area ornithology expert Dr. Clive Mann. £1690 including airfares. Details GeoVistas. Tel: 01273-47891 1. ' (BB 133) CLARINBRIDGE, for Galway City, the Burren. Terraced VENEZUELA birdwatching fortnights Jan/Nov 97 led by house recently renovated. Sleeps 5. Tel: 01 13 228 9020. John Raines: Andes. Llanos, Henri Pittier £1,399 + flights. (BB127) Also tailor-mades. Geodyssey 0171-281 7788. (BBI25) XI TO ADVERTISE FAX 01 767 640025 COME VISIT THE ISLES OF CHAUSEY, the most southerly of the Channel islands, off the bay of Mont Saint Michel: 63 islands, only two of which are inhabited, comprising a total of 63 hectares at high tide, 5000 hectares uncovered at low tide. The tides, which can vary by 14 metres, are amongst the largest in Europe, 192 species of birds have been recorded. Very large colonies of marine birds. Excellent site for observing the spring and autumn migrations. Many wintering birds. Classed as a reserve, without hunting. Guided tours in spring and autumn. Twenty rooms in the old farm of Maitresse ile. with all comforts. Open from March to December, inclusive. Weekly stays (or weekends during certain periods). For further information, please contact: 'La Ferme de Chausey', lies Chausey. 50400 Granville. France. Tel: (00 33) 02 33 90 90 53, Fax (00 33) 02 33 90 93 50. (BB138) ISRAEL - EILAT & ARAVA VALLEY AUTUMN/WINTER/SPRING - SEPT 20-MAY 20. * 1-2 week fully guided tour programme incorporating wide variety of habitats with many unique resident & migratory species. ‘ Impressive raptor migration, seabirds, waders, & songbirds in spectaculur desert environment. ' Birds on your doorstep!! More than 100 species in a day possible within a 3 Kilometre radius of your room on Loton. * Optional cultural 8. historical trips with qualified tour guide. ' Trips to Northern Israel also available for 3-4 days by negotiation. ' full board, accommodation & guiding inclusive at £375.00 per week, or $61 8.00 dollars. Rates for B & B, or half board without guiding available on request. Full details and booklet from: James Smith/Michael Livni; Kibbutz Loton, Door Na Chevel Eilot, 88855 ISRAEL. Fax 00-972-7-356827. Tel:-356935 (BB045) HE WORLDS MEGADIVERSITY HOTSPOT AVESTRAVEL SUPREME BIRPIN6 it NATURAL HISTORY TOURS A.V E S V ■ T>V. MIGHTY ANDES - WINDSWEPT PARAMO ■ ELFIN FOREST VERDANT CLOUDFOREST • COASTAL SEMIDESERT DECIDUOUS WOODLANDS • WILD AMAZONIA Roberl lansMtn. Resident Director & Guide ■ P. O. BOX 17-07-9219 TEL / FAX ECUADOR 0*1-446 695 • INTERNATIONAL 593 9 446 695 QUITO -ECUADOR • SOUTH AMERICA AUSTRALIA: LOTUS LODGE, 200+ species of birds. Resident naturalists, oulback experience. Extensive variety of flora and fauna in far north Queensland, 1/ hour flight north of Cairns. Superior accommodation. Excellent cuisine. Tel: (800) 884-2848. (BB131) VENEZUELA birdwatching holidays led by expert guides: Andes. Llanos. Henri Pittier. La Escalera from £1,399 + flights. Also tailor-mades. Geodyssey 0171-281 7788. (BBI25) SRI LANKA - ORNITHOLOGISTS PARADISE - Home to 426 species 21 of which are endemic - Specialist guides provided for tours from individuals to groups - Best period November to March - Contact Delmege Forsyth Tours, 101. Vinayalankara Mawatha, Colombo 10. Sri Lanka. Telephone 0094 1 693361 - 8. 699500 & 699984 Telex : 21320 LEWIS CE. 21536 DFSHIR 22766 DELAIR CE Fax : 0094 1 698139, 699413. 686149 (BB134) AUSTRALIA Cairns is a birdwatchers paradise. World Heritage rainforests, coral islands and rugged outback, all feature spectacular birdlile. At least 1 5 species of raptors. 8 parrots and 6 kingfishers are found locally. Five day ground packages from £700 Limiled positions, so contact me now to amid disappointment. CHRIS HARRISS, 9/20 Girralong St„ Worce, Q. AUSTRALIA 4868. Fax: 61 70 545998 (BBI07: NEW ZEALAND Experience our unique plant and bird community in diverse and dramatic landscapes. Personalised birding/nature tours. Information: Manu Tours. 106 Ocean Beach Road. Tairua, New Zealand. Ph/Fax (64) (7) 8647475. (BBI32) BIRD REPORTS BIRDS OF OXFORDSHIRE 1995, £5.00 inc. p&p from R Overall. 30 Hunsdon Road. Iffley. Oxford 0X4 4JE. (BB 108) EMIRATES BIRD REPORT (1994) 136pp. 28 colour plates. Checklist, large Gulls ID and other articles. Cheques for £8 inc p&p please to Colin Richardson. PO Box 50394, Dubai. United Arab Emirates. (BBI37) BOOKS SECONDHAND BIRD BOOKS and Bird Art Books. Catalogue/Enquiries. Parkins. 01603 81 1253. (BBOSO) BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT & SOLD. Send A5 s.a.e. for catalogue. Visit our shop and see our extensive collection. Hawkridge Books. The Cruck Barn. Cross St. Castlcton. Derbyshire S30 2WH. Tel. 01433 621999. Fax. 01433 621 862. (BB078) BIRD BOOKS. Out-of-print, uncommon and rare. Quarterly catalogue. Peacock Books. Box 2024. Littleton. Mass. 01460. USA. (BB 1 13) BIRD BOOKS, NEW NATURALISTS bought and sold Cats, issued. West Coast Bird Books. 25 Heatherways, Freshfield. Liverpool L37 7HL. Tel: 01704 871 1 15. (BB 109) BELIZE. Farmhouse holidays offer diverse habitats for over 240 species. Discover a wealth of natural history and birdlife. B Dempsey, Box 306. Belmopan. Belize. (BBI07) Xll BIRD BOOKS: sae for list to Brazier. 'Sandalwood'. Coniston Drive. Ryde. l.o.W.. P033 3AE. Tel: 01983 564201 (BBI26) TO ADVERTISE FAX 01767 640025 KIRI) BOOKS. Good secondhand books, bought and sold. Free catalogue from and offers to Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall. Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 6NJ. Tel: 0IB29 75 1 804. (BBI14) BIRD AND NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS 1833-1996. S.A.E. for 1000 item catalogue. "Crack Books", Sawmill Cottages, Burton-in-Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancs LA6 3JS. (BB 102) WARBLERS OF EUROPE by Baker, published by Helm. Available in British BirdShop in June. £22.99. (BF007) FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF NEW ZEALAND by Heather & Robson. Published by OUP. Due in May in British BirdShop. £50 hardback, £25 paperback. (BF008) THE LARGER ILLUSTRATED guide to the birds of South Africa by Sinclair el at. Published by New Hollandf. New in British BirdShop £24.99. (BF005) BIRDS OF AFRICA by Urban, Fry and Keith (Academic Press). Due in June in British BirdShop. Special introductory offers £85 each or all five for £329.00. (BF006) WORLD CHECKLIST OF BIRDS by Monroe & Sibley, published by Yale University Press. Paperback version. New in British BirdShop £14.95. (BF003) THE LONG-EARED OWL by Scott. Published by the Hawk & Owl Trust. New in British BirdShop £17.97. (BF004) MONTAGU’S HARRIER by Clarke, published by Arlequin Press. New in British BirdShop £18.95. (BF001) PHOTOGRAPHIC HANDBOOK of the Rare Birds of Britain, by Mitchell & Young, published by New Holland. New in British BirdShop, £24.99. (BF002) 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 £6.75 inclusive P/P to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, Beverley, HU17 8RP. 01482 881833 (BB00I WILDLIFE WATCHING/PHOTOGRAPHY Camouflage pattern materials, poles, frames and fittings. Leafscreens, scrim, olive green camera straps, padded tripod slings, belts, webbing, clothing, hats, mats, insect repellent, elastic camouflage sleeving for lenses. Outdoor safety equip., clothing etc. etc. Details: Kevin Keatley, Wildlife Watching Supplies, Town Living Farmhouse, Puddington, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8LW. Tel, fax and 24 hr (01 884) 860692 (BB046> BWP — vols: 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9 — all in mint condition in boxes: £60 each. Tel: 01825 712360. (BB 1 29) BB 1977-82. bound £72. 1983-86. unbound £32 + p&p. All vgc. Tucker. Tel: 01752 401096. (BB130) THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB has a large selection of back numbers of British and Overseas journals, reports, magazines etc. for sale. Send details of your requirements or sae for summary list, to The Librarian, SOC, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT or Fax 0131 558 9947. (BB128) LEICA 7 X 42BA. Mint. Boxed. £400. Tel: 01509 852817 (after 6 pm). (BB136) LEICA TELEVID 77 SCOPE angled 20xww eyepiece, box, new unwanted prize. £550. Tel: 01342 300840 evenings. (BB139) OPTICAL EQUIPMENT FOCALPOINT THE BINOCULAR & TELESCOPE SPECIALISTS OPEN 9.30-5.30 MON-FRI SAT 9.30-4.00 FOCALPOINT is owned and staffed by experienced birders. We guarantee to help you find the best value for money among the maze of competing products. Good range of bird/natural history books. SKUA ‘stay-on-the-scope’ telescope cases (8 models). Ask for our leaflet on the world’s finest cases of their type. | BEST ADVICE • BEST CHOICE • BEST PRICES I SUPERB VIEWING FACILITIES NEW LEICA TELESCOPES ASK (D484) FOCALPOINT Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Near Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Telephone: 01925 730399 Fax: 01606 892207 M56 Junct 10 1 mile FOR SALE BIRD INFORMATION It’s been worth waiting for! COUNTYPAGER The NEW birders news service from Rare Bird Alert Tel 01603 456789 for an information pack xiii PRIVATE SALE. Bird books and periodicals, BB. BWP. BW, Poyser, NN. Tel. 01305-783159. (BB103) Jt: British Birds Volume 90 Number 4 April 1997 123 The re-establishment of Red Kite breeding populations in Scotland and England Dr Ian M. Evans, Roy H. Dennis, Duncan C. Orr-Ewing, Nils Kjellen, Per-Olof Anders son, Magnus Sylven, Alfonso Senosiain and Felix Cornpaired Carbo Request 138 Red Kite observations 139 Conservation research news Dr Mark Avery > 140 Mystery photographs 204 Peter Lansdown From the Rarities Committee’s files 142 Identification of pale Paddyfield Warblers Dr Colin Bradshaw 147 The Carl Zeiss Award Notes 148 Daytime roosting behaviour of Alpine Swifts Durwyn Liley and Laura Watson 148 Green Woodpecker visiting hot-air balloonists Mrs Mary Fox 149 Magpies flying out to sea apparently to migrate T. W. Fairless 149 Carrion Crow attacking milk cartons Norman Elkins Letters 1 50 Ruddy Ducks Steven M. S. Gregory 1 5 1 Status of swift species on Gran Canaria R. Allan Reese 152 Mystery' warblers in Tselinograd Lars Svensson; Dr Colin Bradshaw and Dr Jimmy Steele 158 Looking back Reviews 159 ‘Atlante degli uccelli di Piemonte e Valle d’Aosta in inverno (1986-1992)’ by M. Cucco, L. Levi, G. Maffei & C. Pulcher Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 1 59 ‘The Birds of Britain & Europe. Bird Images Video Guides’, Vols. 5-7, by Paul Doherty Dave Odell 160 ‘Rare Birds Day by Day’ by Steve Dudley el al. Dr Philippe J. Dubois 1 60 ‘A Guide to the Identification and Natural History of the Sparrows of the United States and Canada’ by D. J. Rising Dr Colin Bradshaw 1 6 1 News and comment Wendy Dickson and Bob Scott 165 Monthly marathon 166 Recent BBRC decisions M. J. Rogers 1 66 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-drawing: 123 Red Kite and Rooks (G. Russell) Front cover: Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula {Mark James): the original of this month’s cover design, measuring 16.9 X 16.7 cm, is for sale in a postal auction (see page 72 in January issue for procedure). ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology. © British Birds Ltd 1997 ISSN 0007-0335 TD3 l0<-4" British Birds Volume 90 Number 5 May 1997 THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM -7 IV1AY 1997 PRESENTED TRING LIBRARY Sexual recognition of Common Swifts Minutes of the first meeting of ACRE The Best Annual Bird Report Awards Separation of Arctic and Greenish Warblers British Birds Established 1907; incorporating ‘The Zoologist’, established 1843 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 Design Deborah Felts Photographic Researcher Robin Chittenden Art Consultants Robert Gillmor, Alan Harris Circulation Manager & Advertising Manager Erika Sharrock Rarities Committee R. A. Hume (Chairman), Dr Colin Bradshaw, Pete Ellis, John McLoughlin, John Martin, Doug Page, K. D. Shaw, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (museum consultant); John Marchant (archivist); Peter Fraser & Dr John Ryan (statisticians); Michael J. Rogers (Hon. Secretary) Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr 1. Newton FRS, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. 1'. R. Sharrock, Dr K. E. L. Simmons Identification Notes Panel Dr Colin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdowti, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, K. E. Vinicombe Annual subscriptions Libraries and agencies £57.00, IR£66.40 or $108.00. 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HILARY FRY STUART KEITH Colour Plates by Martin Woodcock Line Drawings by Ian Willis Acoustic References by Claude Chappuis Bibliography and Indexes by Lois Urban Universally recognised as by far the most authoritative and comprehensive work ever published on the birds of Africa, this fifth volume in the set is the second of four dealing with the Passerine birds of the continent. The families treated fall into the following groups: thrushes, Old World warblers, Old World flycatchers, monarch flycatchers, wattle-eyes and puffback flycatchers. Birds of Africa Volume V is a superb reference in which encyclopaedic texts on every species are complemented by accurate and detailed paintings and drawings of the birds themselves. Order your copy now! Special price of £85.00 apphes until 31 July 1997 " This series of books is bound to be the standard by which all others will be judged for many years to come. " - Paul Donald. 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Newman 0-12-137301-0 Aug 1982 521 pages £85.00* ‘Special price of £72.50 applies until 31st July 1997 HAVE YOU MISSED OUT ON THE PREVIOUS VOLUMES 7 Volumes I-V inclusive are available at the special price of £329.00*! (Make a saving of £1 10.00) * Offer applies until 31st July 1997 mt IMA UnAL HISTORY MUSEUM British Birds Established 1907; incorporating ‘The Zoologist’, established 1843 ~7 MAY 1997 PRESENTED TRING LIBRARY — ; — — n cum Sexual recognition of Common Swifts Erich Kaiser abstract It is quite a joke that Common Swifts Apus apus have been flying around our houses for hundreds of years, shouting their sexes for anyone to hear, yet we have until recently not understood their messages. Although they look identical, male and female Common Swifts utter different calls, and make duetting screams. Our ability to sex these birds has at last allowed detailed behavioural studies to be carried out. As with most swifts (Apodidae), the human eye is unable to see any differ- ence between the sexes of the Common Swift Apus apus , not even in museum specimens. Until now, dissection has been the only safe method of sexing individuals of the species. There is no fundamental difference between the eyes of swifts and of human beings, so it is highly unlikely that they are able to see differences which we have been overlooking for hundreds of years. This is even more improbable when one keeps in mind that swifts see each other either in the air or within their dark nest holes. Some tropical swiftlets nest in large caves in complete darkness, where they depend on sonar orientation. As mutual recognition is of greatest importance at the nest, their method of sexing cannot be visual. The fact that they changed from visual to acoustical orienta- tion in these dark caves suggests that they may use the same method in sexing each other. [Brit. Birds 90: 167-174, May 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 167 168 Kaiser: Sexual recognition of Common Swifts Background Most workers on the Common Swift are familiar with the ‘duetting’. Lack (1956, Swifts in a Tower ) gave a good description of this behaviour and, in addition, gave examples of other (tropical) birds where the characteristic call is a combined effort of both members of the pair. I cite from page 27: . . they usually sit side by side in the entrance and scream in duet, one giving a higher note than the other. This, we think, must be the “swee-ree” call of the swift, mentioned in The Handbook of British Birds and other standard works; it is really two notes, one given by each member of the pair.’ Theoretically, therefore, Lack had solved the problem of sexing. He was aware that this duetting is composed of two different notes, and that one member of the pair is responsible for the ‘swee’ and the other for the ‘ree’ of the duetting. I could never understand why he did not take the next step: to watch a mating, or a female laying, and then keep the birds under observation until the next duetting occurred. Many years have passed since Lack’s Swifts in a Tower , and some research has been carried out on duetting. In many species, die contribudon of the male and the female to the duet is clearly defined. Surprisingly, duetting is not restricted to monomorphic species, but is also found to some extent in dimorphic species. In the latter cases, the duetting is often woven into a com- plicated ritual of optical presentations, which often dominate the acoustical part (Farabaugh 1982). Study site Swifts have always fascinated me. In 1957, I bought Lack’s Szvifts in a Tower and in 1958 I visited the Oxford colony. A student named Christopher Perrins picked me up at the train station with his Lambretta motor-scooter and then showed me around the Museum Tower, where I was permitted to spend a whole day alone, to observe as much as I could. In 1965, I installed the first two boxes in my house in Kronberg, near Frankfurt, Germany, the first of which was occupied in 1966. From then on, my colony grew steadily to 34 pairs in 1995, plus another 15 pairs in the nearby church and in a neighbour’s house. All pairs are in wooden boxes, 25 inside buildings, the rest in boxes fixed to the outside. In Oxford, there were 40 pairs in 1958, but an observer could never watch more than one box at a time, which could become quite boring with feeding intervals of up to two hours. So, I installed 17 boxes into the triangular front wall of a small gable in my house, which are now all occupied. There, the observer can watch all 17 nests simultaneously at close range. All boxes have glass backs (or are open at the top in the lowest level). With this construction, the observer sits in the middle of the colony and nothing escapes his atten- tion, not even at dawn or dusk. Lack and his students had to stop their observations at dusk, because visibility in the boxes was close to zero. I there- fore installed a small adjustable light above each nest. The birds soon became used to this gadget and completely ignored it. British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 169 ▼A 34 & 35. Two views of study site with breeding Common Swifts Apits apus in loft of house in Kronberg, Germany ( Erich Kaiser ) Material and methods For three years (1970-72), I marked all Common Swifts in the gable colony with a paint dot on their tails. Those uttering ‘swee’ had the dot on the left, and those uttering ‘ree’ a dot on the right tail tip. With a soft paint brush and a little 170 Kaiser: Sexual recognition of Common Swifts patience, it was possible to mark the birds without any disturbance in their boxes; most of them appeared not even to notice the procedure. This method showed that the female is responsible for the ‘swee’ and the male for the ‘ree’ part of the duetting. The fact that more than 90% of the adults in my colony are ringed was a valuable additional help in my studies. In the course of three breeding seasons, I had many opportunities to confirm, by watching matings or females laying, that this method of sexing is completely reliable. Over the years, I have become so familiar with this method of sexing that I never even think about it. As the ‘ree’ is lower pitched than the ‘swee’, people with a musical ear may be able to sex a calling individual from the pitch of its call, but I mostly need to hear the duetting to tell the ‘swee’ apart from the ‘ree’. Results Fights Once I had solved the problem of sexing, I was able to solve some other problems, of which Lack was well aware but could not explain. For instance, he noticed that in a fight one member of the pair behaved as if it was indif- ferent: it continued building or incubating, or it simply left the box. The fact that Lack could not tell the sexes apart made it impossible for him to see the very simple rules in these fights. He expressed his uncertainty in the following sentence: ‘As our birds were not marked, we do not know for certain whether the active bird was the male.’ After long years of observation, these rules are now obvious. When, in fine weather in the mornings or evenings, the non-breeders (bangers) bang at or scream into occupied sites, the established pairs enter their boxes and sit at the entrances. When one of the prospectors screams (questions) into a box, the pair duets in reply, indicating that the site is occupied. If the banger demonstrates by its ree-call that it is a male, and if it ignores the facts and enters the box, the male of the pair will attack and fight it. If the banger is a female (swee-call), however, the female of the pair will attack it. Thus, the two birds involved in a fight are either both males or both females. To investigate this matter, I ringed 34 such fighting couples, or noted their ring numbers if already ringed. So far, I have not proven a fight between a male and a female, except for short-term scuffles. It is well known that some swifts desert when taken out of the box for ringing. Lack was well aware of this danger. ‘Once we realised it might happen, we stopped ringing the birds, though this unfortunately meant that we could not recognise each bird individually, which would have helped some aspects of our work.’ In 1981, I found out that fighting swifts can be handled without any such problems', they always fight with their eyes closed. In the gable colony, all boxes have glass backs, which can be opened noiselessly, and it is possible to lift such fighting couples carefully out of their boxes. The birds are so concentrated on their fight that they do not seem to notice addi- tional bodily contacts. They are, however, sensitive to unusual noises and bright lights. When lifted out of the nest box, the fighters are put into a closed cardboard box, which is taken to the flat below. Upon the box being opened, some of the fighters separate, but others continue fighting and have British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 171 to be separated. After the procedure of handling (noting the ring numbers, weighing, and marking the plumage) they are released through an open window. There has not been a single desertion following this procedure, and often the two fighters were back in the box only ten minutes after handling, to resume the fight that had been interrupted without it being decided. Before I discovered this safe method of handling adult swifts, I too lost — through desertion — a few established breeders after ringing, and the others remained extremely nervous for the rest of the season. Individuals ringed in a fight, however, return to their box normally. Net catches I also ring or control adult Common Swifts by net catches from a window underneath the gable colony. During 1986-94, I caught and ringed 368 non-breeders with this net, when they were inspecting the colony for vacan- cies during fine weather in the early morning. Many were recaught in later years, controlled in a fight or had found a vacancy in the colony. All the swifts that I handle are marked with a system of paint dots on the plumage, so that I can identify up to 92 birds individually for the rest of the season without further ring controls. It was quite a surprise when I found out how long these colour marks remain visible. De Roo (1966) showed that about 30% of the adult Common Swifts return from Africa with their outer- most (10th) primaries unmoulted. As my system of marking involves one wing tip in 47% and both wing tips in 9% of the marked birds, it was to be expected that some of them would return with such an unmoulted and still-marked outer primary. When this actually happened (repeatedly), I could hardly believe the discovery that the previous year’s colour marks were almost as bright as they had been more than nine months earlier. Pair formation When a banger pokes its head into the entrance hole, light is cut out com- pletely and the inside of the box becomes pitch-black. In this darkness, identification is nevertheless of the greatest importance, but cannot be achieved optically by the birds. Sometimes, a single Common Swift has occupied a box. Let us assume that it is a male; then, if the banger, screaming into the entrance, is also a male, they both shout (to simplify matters) ‘Boy! Boy!’, and, if the stranger ignores this warning and enters, he will be attacked. If the banger is a female, however, she will shout ‘Girl! Girl!’, while the owner will answer ‘Boy! Boy!’, and this may be the beginning of a new pair formation. It is obvious that the members of an established pair know each other by their voices. So, a male is well aware when a strange female enters his box. Nevertheless, he would never attack her, because a female is no challenge to him, nor does she stake a claim to his ownership of this box. Short scuffles may ensue, but never severe fights lasting up to several hours as with two individuals of the same sex, where both opponents stimulate each other, by their identical calls, to ever new aggression. When, however, in great excite- ment, a scuffle has started between a male and a female, both calm each 172 Kaiser: Sexual recognition of Common Swifts other by their calls, and within a few minutes they separate. So, a male is pro- grammed primarily to fight off rival males, because, if he fails to do so, he will lose not only his box, but also the chance to reproduce. The same system works with females, and for the same reasons. Especially at the beginning of pair formation in spring, the swifts seem to be absolutely indifferent about their mate. Obviously, the primary goal of a swift during the breeding season is the possession of a nesting site. If a partic- ular swift (male as well as female) has reached this goal, the problem of a mate in most cases solves itself, at least in densely populated areas such as Kronberg or Oxford, where some of the non-breeders are three or even four years old before they find a vacancy (Perrins 1971; Kaiser 1992). If two members of the opposite sex compete for the box of a particular swift, he or she leaves the decision to them, and, without interfering, accepts the victo- rious bird as his or her mate for that season. Such behaviour seems hardly compatible with the findings of Weitnauer (1947), that some pairs return to their nests year after year. In my colony, too, there are many examples of such constancy. This pair constancy is based, however, on a different factor: the return of both members of the pair within a few days. In instances where discrepancy between the arrival dates is more than ten days, the first bird has usually found a new mate before his or her old partner returns. Most of these late returnees, therefore, risk a fight to win back their previous year’s position (a good chance for me to control them), but the outcome of such fights is uncertain, and my findings are diat birds returning late year after year often change their site and, finally, are dis- placed from the colony. Importance of identification at the nest If a second swift enters the box, the incubating bird on the nest will call, which is either a question or a warning, depending on who is entering. Nor- mally, it is its mate, which will answer the call (question) and the matter is settled. When the bird on the nest is brooding the unfeathered chicks, and its mate enters with its pouch packed with food, the latter is often reluctant to answer the questioning call, because of its full pouch. Sometimes, the bird on the nest accepts this silent approach of its mate. At other times, especially when it is alarmed by the presence of bangers around the colony, it immedi- ately attacks the silent intruder. The new arrival is now in a conflict: usually, it tries to ignore the attacks, get to the nest, feed the chicks and then give the identifying call to calm its mate. When, however, the attacks become too fierce, the incoming bird is often forced to utter its call, which sounds muffled by the food in its throat. The fact that these attacks are not merely continued, but actually get more and more fierce, until tire incoming bird is literally forced to utter the identifying call, is a clear proof diat swifts have no ways of identifying each other except by vocalisations. I have often witnessed an adult attack one of the older and more mobile chicks near the entrance. This happens especially when bangers are around the colony and the parents are alarmed. The young then identifies itself by begging. So, Common Swifts have three different ‘identifying calls’: one for British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 173 Fig. 1. Sonagrams of two duets between Common Swifts Apus apus ( Ulrich Tigges). Top, both birds in ‘relaxed mood’; and, bottom, duet of an established pair reacting to the call (not recorded) of a prospecting non-breeder at the entrance hole, widt bodi birds very excited and die difference between the ‘swee’ and the ‘ree' very disdnct. males, one for females and one for neutral (begging). If the chick remains silent, it runs the risk of being seriously injured. Swifts compete for holes not only among themselves, but also with other species (e.g. starlings Sturnus, sparrows Passer). Returning so late in spring, Common Swifts regularly have to expel such competitors from their tradi- tional sites. They have adapted their behaviour to this situation: a swift will attack any bird in its site that fails to answer its questioning call and identify itself vocally as the resident’s mate or another member of the opposite sex. During prolonged cold weather, weak non-breeders that have not taken part in a weather movement may alternatively spend the night in occupied boxes. This does not, however, happen very often in my colony. I have seen it only twice since 1966: once, there were two strangers, each in a different corner of a large nestbox, while the pair sat on the nest; the second time, three swifts slept peacefully in another nestbox. These ‘bad-weather guests’ seem to know instinctively that they must remain absolutely silent. Even a single call would reveal the sex of such an intruder, and alarm and challenge the member of the same sex of the resident pair. The cold weather that causes the ‘energy shortage’ of these homeless birds and forces them to look for such a shelter also helps them. In fine 174 Kaiser: Sexual recognition of Common Swifts weather, all 'house-owners’ are active and alert, and the slightest knock causes them to rush to their entrance hole, eager to expel any possible intruder. In extended poor weather, however, they usually sit on their nests with fluffed-out feathers and reduce all activities to a minimum. So, their hosts’ apathy helps these weakened homeless birds to find a safe roost for the night and to conserve their badly reduced fat reserves. In cooler regions, where periods of poor weather are more common, such ‘silent guests’ (I prefer this to the often-used term ‘tolerated guests’) in occupied nests occur fairly regu- larly, especially during spring migration (Lack 1956). This behaviour clearly has survival value for the species. Since our Common Swifts become silent in Africa (Brooke 1971), they must lose sexual identity as they will have no means of knowing which of them is male and which is female, a truly astonishing aspect. Even if the members of a pair arrive on the same day at the nesting site in spring, it must be very unlikely that, with no way of identifying each other, they have kept in contact during their nine months in Africa. Conclusion Finally, I believe that all species of swifts (at least those that nest in dark places, and where the sexes look alike) identify each other vocally. With a little patience, it should be possible to find out the different calls of males and females for each species. References Brooke, R. K. 1971. Breeding of Swifts in Ethiopian Africa and adjacent islands. Ostrich 42: 5-36. DE Roo, A. 1966. Age-characteristics in adult and subadult swifts, Apus a. apus (L.), based on interrupted and delayed wing-moult. Gerfaut 56: 113-134. Farabaugh, S. M. 1982. The Ecological and Social Significance of Duetting. vol. 2. London. Kaiser, E. 1992. Populationsdynamik einer Mauersegler- Apus apus Kolonie unter beson- derer Berucksichtigung der Nichtbriiter. Vogelwelt 1 13: 71-81. Lack, D. 1956. Swifts in a Toiuer. London. Perrins, C. 1971. Age of first breeding and adult survival rates in the Swift. Bird Study 18: 61-70. Weitnauer, E. 1947. Am Neste des Mauerseglers, Apus apus apus (L.). Orn. Beob. 44: 133-182. Witherby, H. F., Jourdain, F. C. R., Ticehurst, N. F., & Tucker, B. W. 1940. The Handbook of British Birds, vol. 2. London. Erich Kaiser, Margarethenstr. 16, D-61476 Kronberg, Gennany How you can help Swifts The BTO and the RSPB, in liaison with architects and the building industry, have produced a leaflet, Concern for Swifts , with advice on providing nest-sites and nest-boxes for Swifts. For a free leaflet, send an SAE to the BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk 1P24 2PU, or to the RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI9 2D1.. 4 & Minutes of the first meeting of the Association of County Recorders and Editors Historically, meetings of County Report Editors have been held under the aegis of the BTO, and meetings of County Recorders have been arranged by British Birds. The two came together, under the independent umbrella organi- sation, the Association of County Recorders and Editors, in 1993 {Brit. Birds 86: 230). A meeting of ACRE was held, at the joint invitation of the BTO and British Birds , at Swanwick, Derbyshire, on 8th December 1996, during the course of the BTO’s Annual Birdwatchers’ Weekend. The meeting was attended by 21 delegates, representing Avon, Bedford- shire, Borders, Breconshire, Carmarthenshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Shrop- shire, Surrey, Sussex, Stirlingshire and the Welsh Ornithological Society, with observers attending from British Birds , the BOU Records Committee and the BTO Ringing Committee. The meeting was chaired by Mike Shrubb. The full Minutes of this meeting have been made available to all the members of ACRE, but a much-shortened summary will be of wider interest. The main conclusions are summarised below. 1 . ACRE itself It was agreed that ACRE provides an extremely useful medium for discussing the work and problems surrounding the production of county bird reports and for the exchange of ideas. It provides an excellent link between counties which otherwise tend to work in isolation. It was agreed that ACRE should remain independent but should look to the BTO and British Birds for logistic back-up and support. It was agreed that ACRE’S basic aim should be to continue to promote best practice in the business of producing county bird reports, in the work of Recorders and in problems arising in managing record systems and archives. It was agreed to formalise an annual subscription to be paid by county societies/clubs. Since those most likely to benefit from membership were perhaps those least likely to join, the aim should be to establish the principle of 100% participation. 2. Volume of records The number of records handled annually by counties appeared to range from 20,000 to 100,000. Discussion suggested that the best way to organise collation was to have a single collection point, the Recorder, with work then split by species to a team of not more than a dozen assistants. It was agreed that, since they otherwise lose both impact and marketability, the aim should always be for Reports to appear within the following calendar year (e.g. 1995 in 1996). The important question of data verification on computer data-bases will be discussed fully in the Association’s newsletter, newsACRE. \ Brit. Birds 90: 175-176, May 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 175 176 Shrubb: Minutes of the first meeting of ACRE Most counties already have a Records Committee to assess records of scarce species; all should. Most use postal circulation, and there was a clear consensus that all members of records committees should, if practicable, receive records simultaneously, to avoid members playing ‘follow my leader’ rather than forming independent opinions. 3. Observers’ initials in Reports Lengthy discussion concluded that observers’ initials are an integral part of any record (not just of rarities), that inclusion encourages young observers to contribute, and enables errors in the published record to be spotted and traced. Guidelines for the best practice in using initials in Reports will be featured in newsACRE. 4. Computerisation Ownership of the copyright of submitted records should be established by each organisation (writing this into its Constitution), to avoid disputes over use of computerised data. Atten- tion was drawn to the legal requirements of registration with the Data Protection Registrar. 5. Archiving records Most counties keep archives for future research; all should. The basic archive should be kept on paper, under species. Long-term storage of data on computer disks might create serious problems (many systems have a maximum life of ten years) and changing technology might render data unexpectedly inaccessible. Again, this subject will be covered in detail in nezvsACRE. It was recommended that, whenever possible, archive storage should be at the local museum or county environmental records centre: a central site, but with ownership of the records resting unequivocally with the Society or Club. 6. Working with Ringing Groups and Birdlines Methods of achieving an efficient transfer of valuable ringing information (not only descrip- tions of rarities, but also summaries of numbers of common species ringed at specific sites) would be discussed between ACRL and the Ringing Committee. Relations between Birdlines and County Recorders varied regionally: good in some areas, but non-existent in others, and ‘bridges need to be built’, a matter which ACRE will pursue. The unanimous opinion of all present was that undocumented records of scarce species, from Birdlines or any other source, should not be used in County Reports. The unanimous view was that all rarity records, identified by a list of species requiring documentation, must have acceptable descriptions before publication. The very constructive discussion and comments, and the desire for co- operation and the sharing of ideas between counties, under the aegis of ACRE, bode well for the future. M. Shrubb do ACRE, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Tozvednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ The Best Annual Bird Report Awards AVON BIRD REPORT 1995 AVON ORNITHOLOGICAL GROUP T|le BIRDS by 3XX*'± RTfOROSHIRP BIRO REPORT The criteria used for judging the annual regional, county and local bird reports have become established over the past five years. General standards continue to improve, as demonstrated, for instance, by the top 1995 report achieving a score of 85% and the report in fifteenth position achieving die same score as that in tenth position in 1994. Design, typefaces, quality of decorative illustrations and similar points were assessed by Robert Gillmor, representing the Society of Wildlife Artists; the inclusion of histograms, graphs, special articles, ringing report and census results were assessed by John Prior, representing the British Trust for Ornithology; the inclusion of reports on the year’s weather and ornithological events, rarities descriptions and a list of species for which descriptions are required were assessed by Rob Hume, representing the British Birds Rarities Committee; the inclusion of a map of the area, migrant dates and thorough listing of known and probable escapes from captivity were assessed by Mike Rogers, representing the Association of County Recorders and Editors; and the usefulness of documentary drawings and photographs and a status summary were assessed by Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, representing British Birds. All five judges made separate assessments of the systematic list, scoring each from 0 to 5, since this is the essential core of every annual bird report. At the end of the day’s judging, all the individual scores were summed. Thus, the reports were, as usual, assessed independently, though with discussion throughout the day as each judge came across interesting, good, bad or [Brit. Birds 90: 177-179, May 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 177 178 Sharrock el al .: The Best Annual Bird Report Awards amusing points. A little bit of extra detail can add interest to the bare bones of a record (e.g. the fact that the European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, on 1st October 1995 ‘spent the entire day sat on the top of a washing line post in a garden’). The occasional lighthearted touch was also appreciated by the judges, and probably also would be by a report’s usual readers. Perhaps editors might bear those points in mind. Essex has ‘done it again', achieving first place for the fourth successive year (see table 1). Hampshire , in second place, and Avon and Cornwall , in equal third place, all set an exceedingly high standard. The smaller organisations, with fewer members, were led by Hertfordshire (first in the medium-membership category) and SK58 (devoted to the single 10-km square spanning the South Yorkshire/Nottinghamshire border, which was first in the small-membership category). Table 1. The top 15 annual bird reports for 1995. County (with positions in Position top ten in 1990-94) Editor(s) Score 1st Essex (- 2111) D. J. Rhymes & S. D. Wood 85% 2nd Hampshire (- - - 5 -) Trevor Carpenter 83% CO Q_ II Avon (-59-1) A. H. Davis 80% 3rd= Cornwall (2 2 4 5 4) Greg Conway 80% 5th= Hertfordshire (--22-) Bruce Taggart 77% 5th= SK58{ ) Rob Hardcastle & Andy Hirst 77% 7th Leicestershire & Rutland ( ) A, J. MacKay 74% 8th= Derbyshire (5 6 7 - 10) R. M. R. James 73% 8th= Nottinghamshire ( ) Bernie Ellis 73% 10th Isles of Scilly( ) Peter Robinson 71% 1 1th= Greater Manchester ( ) Mrs A. J. Smith 70% 1 1th= Northamptonshire ( ) Bob Bullock 70% 11th= Somerset ( ) B. D. Gibbs 70% 1 1th= Wiltshire (- 6 5 9 -) Paul E. Castle 70% 15th Shetland (4 - 7 - 7) Paul Sclater 68% In medium-membership category (200-400 members): 1st Hertfordshire, 2nd= : Somerset and Wiltshire. In small-membership category (under 200 members): 1st SK58, 2nd= Greater Mancheste r and Northamptonshire. As last year, a summary of the judges’ votes and comments has been made available to the Association of County Recorders and Editors, and will be summarised in that organisation’s newsletter, nezvsACRE. Comments on tire good and bad points in annual bird reports have been made in past years (Brit. Birds 85: 299-308; 86: 163-165; 87: 171-173; 88: 218-220; 89: 214-216). While the judges were delighted with the generally high standard diroughout the county reports, there was a feeling of considerable disappoint- ment at the much lower standard among bird-observatory reports. We use the word ‘disappointment’ deliberately, for we had anticipated exciting reading. Not a single observatory report achieved a score of over 50%, yet die exciting birds and the background of regular daily recording over many years should, theoretically, have given the observatories a head start over the majority of British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 179 counties. We hope that these words of criticism will spur the observatory edi- torial teams to peruse the best of the county reports and assess ways to improve their standards, so that one or more bird-observatory reports feature in our top-ten list next year. This year’s best reports can be obtained as follows: ESSEX Antony Harbott, 5 Allnutts Road, Epping CM16 7BD (£8.00) Hampshire Mrs Margaret Boswell, 5 Clarence Road, Lvndhurst, Hampshire S043 7AL (£6.00) AVON Dr H. E. Rose, 12 Birbeck Road, Bristol BS9 ibd (£4.00 + 50p p&p) CORNWALL Greg Conway, Tregenna, Cooksland, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2AR (£5.50 inch p&p) HERTFORDSHIRE Bruce Taggart, 195 Milton Court, Smarts Green, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire EN7 6BD (£6.50 + 50p p&p) SK58 R. Hardcastle, 1 Hunters Green, Throapham, Dinnington, Sheffield, Yorkshire S3 1 7UF (£4.95 inch p&p) LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND Andrew MacKay, 68 Leicester Road, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9RE (£4.95 inch p&p) DERBYSHIRE R. W. Key, 3 Farningham Close, Spondon, Derby DE21 7DZ (£5.60 inch p&p) NOTTINGHAMSHIRE G. Ellis, 16 The Chancery, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 3AS (£5.00) ISLES OF SCEJLY Peter Robinson, Riviera House, Parade, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly TR21 olp (£5.00) greater MANCHESTER Mrs A. J. Smith, 12 Edge Green Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan WN4 8SL (£4.50 + 50p p&p) Northamptonshire Bob Bullock, 81 Cavendish Drive, Northampton NN3 3HL (£5.00 inch p&p) SOMERSET Tony Parsons, Barnfield, Tower Hill Road, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8BJ (£5.00 inch p&p) Wiltshire N. J. Pleass, The Curlews, 22 Ferrers Drive, Grange Park, Swindon SN5 6HJ (£5.00 inch p&p) SHETLAND Ian Sandison, 9 Burnside, Lerwick, Shedand (£4.00) J. T. R. Sharrock (BB), Robert Gillmor (SWLA), R. A. Hume (BBRC), John Prior (BTO) and Michael J. Rogers (ACRE) c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MI<44 3Nj LOOKING BACK One hundred years ago: ‘Although die Stone Curlew [Burhinus oedicnemus ] is a bird of extreme wariness, it is possible on Thetford Warren to get within ten yards of flocks numbering from twelve to twenty in the months of May and June. In the “Fauna of Norfolk”, Lubbock says that they were sometimes observed in docks of from eighty to a hundred prior to their autumnal migration, but personally I have never seen a dock containing more tiian twenty-five. This may possibly be accounted for by the fact diat, whereas in Lubbock’s time the country was practically bare, and formed one vast heath, now, by die extensive planting of quick-growing trees, numerous plantations divide the headiland into sections, and it may be drat only the birds of these smaller sections at present collect togedier, where of yore tiieir area was much more extended.’ ( Zoologist Ser. 4, vol. 1: 249, May 1897) FROM THE RARITIES COMMITTEE’S FILES How certain are the separation features of Arctic and Greenish Warblers? When Alstrom & Olsson (1987) published their views on the field identification of Arctic Phylloscopus borealis and Greenish Warblers P. trochiloides, there was a prevalent feeling in Britain that they had been over-cautious. The impression gained in more recent years is that this view has apparently not changed. Are these two species relatively easy to separate, or, as with Dusky P. fuscatus and Radde’s Warblers P. schwarzi (Bradshaw 1994), is there more reason for confusion than popular opinion in Britain would have us believe? The following two events illustrate that mistakes can still be made, and that not all individuals are as straightforward as we may like to believe. ZEISS ‘The Prior’s Park warbler’ The following is an edited version of Colin Bradshaw’s notes for the BBRC: At about 09.00 GMT on 16th September 1994, Tom Tams informed me that he had that morning seen both Arctic Warbler and Yellow-browed Warbler P. inomatus in Prior’s Park, Tyne & Wear. After several hours of searching with Mary Carruthers, a warbler with a short wingbar and prominent supercilium leapt into a dead tree and began feeding vigorously. It darted back and forth into the foliage before coming out again onto the dead branches, where it fought with Willow Warblers P. trochilus, allowing direct size comparison. My first impression was that it was an Arctic Warbler. It was a bit dingy, with none of the vivid green above or silvery white below associated with Greenish Warbler; it was pot-bellied, and had what was, for a Phylloscopus warbler, an ‘enormous’ bill. Over the next 15 minutes, we watched it in excellent light. Careful note was taken of several features, and especially the head pattern (regarded as one of the best criteria for separating Arctic and Greenish). SIZE & .fizz One thing that immediately worried me was that the bird was small, definitely smaller than Willow Warbler, and not noticeably long-winged (although I find the latter feature particularly unhelpful in the field). It was also fairly resdess, moving about die tree as much as or more than the other warblers, and was not so ponderous as ‘normal’ Arctic. It was, nevertheless, distincdy pot-bellied and ‘neckless’, with a reladvely large head and very large bill. BARE BARTS Large bill, looking more like that of Hippolais than Phylloscopus , with gendy curved upper mandible from about halfway along to the up, at no time showing retrousse look characteristic of Greenish Warbler. Lower mandible yellow-orange with dark dp. Legs pale brown, slighdy paler dian those of Willow Warbler. head Supercilia very long, and noticeably very broad and white behind eye, but narrower in front; they seemed to stop just short of the bill above the ‘hinge’ on each side, and did not extend onto die forehead. Also, apparendy a solid line from eye to bill, with no evidence of bulge in front of eye or diffuse area nearer bill typical of Greenish Warbler. Ear-coverts, while not motded as on typical Arctic, did not have the hollow-centred appearance of Greenish; 1 described them as being ‘sullied’. Grown dull olive. Chin and throat were whitish, but not pure white. 180 [Brit. Birds 90: 180-184, May 1997) <■ British Birds Ltd 1997 As dusk falls the dedicated watch on - using Zeiss Dialyt binoculars. These timeless Classics are renowned for their exceptional high light gathering optics which give outstanding twilight performance. Rugged, functional, yet surprisingly light in weight, Zeiss Classics are traditional in design yet provide the very latest in optical technology. With full phase correction and T* anti- reflection coatings they achieve unbeatable low light transmis- sion and colour quality. Classic binoculars, crafted in the perfect form to match their function. Traditional Zeiss quality with a thirty year guarantee for the future. 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Nikon. *Fieldscope ED78 A voted "top-rated telescope" and "recommended" by the readers of British Birds magazine. ^Winner of 1994 Optical Product '«g- Awards from Bird Watching magazine. jm-d mm NIK0N UK LTD. (for The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland) If On 380 RICHMOND ROAD, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR TEL: (0181) 541-4440 FAX: (0181) 541-4584 LITERATURE LINE: 0645-005050 (local call only) 10 -YEA I LRRANTY British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 181 A 36 & 37. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides, with large bill and other features recalling Arctic Warbler P. borealis (see text), Tyne & Wear, 18th September 1994 ( Frank Golding ) upperparts & upperwings Upperparts were dull grey-green, lacking the brightness of Greenish. Both wings had a quite broad but short bar starting about halfway along the greater coverts, where it was broadest, and narrowing on tire outer covert, thus giving die impression of a short, broad downward-facing spike. On the left wing there seemed to be a pale tip to at least one of the median coverts, but this did not form a second wingbar. No evidence of any obvious greener tinges on edges of remiges or rectrices. underparts Sullied pale greyish-yellow, more noticeably on the breast sides, and with none of the silky whiteness of Greenish. CALL No call was heard. Although the bird was small and very active, and its legs were not straw-coloured, I considered it to be an Arctic Warbler. The combination of bill size, supercilia not meeting above bill, solid line from eye to bill, lack of pale-centred ear-coverts, and drab upperparts and sullied underparts, together with the pot-belly, all added up to Arctic Warbler. Nobody had good views of the warbler for the next two days. Then, on 18th September, I heard in my garden (about 180 m from the initial site) a single disyllabic call typical of Greenish Warbler; the call was given only once. I had to go out, but the crowd of observers later told me that excellent views had been had of an Arctic Warbler, which had also been heard calling. I was, however, completely nonplussed when told that the call had been shrill and disyllabic like that of a Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba : this was incompatible with the harsh ‘zic’ of Arctic, but was a perfect description of the call of Greenish. Two hours later, the bird was trapped (and ringed) by Mark Cubitt, who reidentified it as a Greenish Warbler (plates 36 & 37). I saw the bird again on 21st, just before dusk, when it gave a classic sibilant, disyllabic Greenish Warbler call. It was small, quite slim, very silky white below, with bright edges to the wing feathers but with a short, spiky wingbar. It also bore a ring. The wing formula taken by MC rules out Arctic Warbler, and one of the in- hand photographs shows an emarginated sixth primary. The bill, at 12.9 mm, was above Svensson’s (1992) range for Greenish (11.7-12.7 mm), although the other measurements were relatively small. The supercilia stopped 2 mm short of the bill, even though photographs seem to show that they might meet above the bill. 182 Bradshaw & Riddington: Separation of Arctic and Greenish Warblers The photographs show a continuous stripe from eye to bill, a large bill, slightly mottled ear-coverts and darkish lateral breast patches; ‘flash effect’ has apparently whitened the rest of the underparts, which MC described as pale yellow, but the edges of the primaries do look very bright. I considered that the trapped Greenish Warbler was the same individual as that seen in Prior’s Park on 16th. To me, it seems inconceivable that there were, in the same place and at the same time, a Greenish Warbler with plumage and structural features suggesting an Arctic and an Arctic Warbler with some characteristics of Greenish. There are too many similarities in the two descriptions for them to refer to two different birds. Some observers claimed that one Arctic, two Greenish and at least two Yellow- browed Warblers were present in the area. There was certainly a Greenish Warbler, identified by call and by wing formula (and accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee: Brit. Birds 88: 541). Furthermore, I suspect that there was in fact only one warbler with a wingbar, although the canopy was so thick and the wind so strong that others could easily have been missed. I found this whole episode both confusing and instructive. Perhaps the warbler had just arrived on 1 6th and had fluffed out its belly feathers, making it look pot- bellied and sullied below, but the combination of large bill and the ‘wrong’ supercilium and eye-stripe details really worried me. ‘The Fair Isle warbler’ The following is an edited version of Roger Riddington’s notes for the BBRC: On 20th September 1994, Nick Ward found a small warbler at Bulls Park, Fair Isle, Shetland, which he identified as a Greenish Warbler. I was a little surprised, as this would have constituted the latest date for the species on the island. Two other aspects also aroused my suspicions: the upperparts were described as dark olive-green, and the legs as pale. The bird was, however, said to be diminutive, with a very small bill: features consistent with Greenish Warbler. After lunch, NW and I, together with several other birders, quickly relocated the warbler and over the next hour had good views of it, although it stubbornly refused to call. My first reaction was ‘Where are the wingbars?’. The bird showed the faintest pale tips, visible only at very close range, to the outermost three greater coverts. Three further things struck me: it had dark olive-green upperparts, even in bright sunlight; the legs were pale, showing orange tones in the sunlight; and the supercilium was white, washed with a little yellow, clearly stopped short of the bill, and did not flare behind the eye. These factors greatly fuelled my suspicion that this was an Arctic Warbler. The only negative point was the bill, which seemed tiny. Other points noted were cold grubby-white underparts, a solid loral and post-ocular stripe, and a primary projection roughly one-third to one-half the length of the exposed tertials. Despite good and prolonged views, the consensus was confusion. Most people were pro-Greenish; I still strongly favoured Arctic, but was concerned by the size of the bill. Fortunately, the bird was easily trapped (plates 38 & 39), and on wing formula was clearly an Arctic Warbler (accepted by the BBRC: Brit. Birds 88: 541). Although it was on the small side, its wing length (64.0 mm) and weight (8.6 g) were within published ranges for Arctic. The bill, however, was amazingly short British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 183 (11 mm), well below the range quoted by Svensson (1992) for both Arctic and Greenish Warblers, but its depth (3.2 mm) was within the range for both. NW and I checked the bill length independently and arrived at the same figure. The warbler was aged as an adult, having heavily worn plumage; this was presumably the cause of the indistinct wingbar. These observations may have some implications for the use of bill length as one of the more reliable identification pointers in the field. Discussion Evidently, some Arctic and Greenish Warblers are very difficult to tell apart. The above events are not isolated occurrences. A warbler on Whalsay, Shetland, in 1990, was initially identified as Arctic, but was later reidentified as Greenish, and there is still controversy surrounding a 1991 record of a Phylloscopus in Hartlepool, Cleveland. There have been several reports of autumn Greenish Warblers with indistinct median-covert (second) wingbars (P. Ellis in litt.), and even a calling spring individual with an obvious second wingbar (P. Harvey in litt.). It seems that, for field identification, only the call is 100% reliable, and even this must be treated with some caution. Birders at Prior’s Park on 18th September, believing that they were watching an Arctic Warbler, may have been expecting a ‘sharp’ or ‘harsh’ call as described in books and not unlike the second part of a Pied Wagtail’s ‘chissik’ call, but were apparently satisfied when they heard a call more like the wagtail’s ‘chewee’. To those who know them, the calls Table 1. Important features differentiating Warblers P. trochiloides. Feature Arctic Arctic Phylloscopus borealis and Greenish Greenish Call Short, hard 'dzit' or 'zic' Loud disyllabic 'tsee-wee', more strident when alarmed Legs Pale, straw or pale grey-brown; often yellow feet Usually dark grey, but can be pale brown, occasionally straw Bill Lower mandible orange with obvious dark tip Orange lower mandible but dark tip often restricted Wingbars Usually on greater coverts, and often showing median-covert bar Usually only single greater-covert bar, rarely a second Supercilia Begin above nostrils, do not join across forehead; often narrow in front of eye; uniform in width behind eye Often bridge across top of bill; always seen to reach bill; wide just in front of and behind eye, before tapering off Eye-stripe Darker than crown; continuous from bill to eye Concolorous with crown; usually broken on lores, giving dark spot just in front of eye Ear-coverts Usually mottled, 'dirty' Often clean, or at least appearing hollow-centred Upperparts Often dark olive-green or dull grey-green Often relatively bright, especially on edge of primaries Underparts Basically white, but dingy or grey, especially on sides of breast White and clean, sometimes almost silvery Size Usually larger than Willow Warbler P trochilus Usually smaller than Willow Warbler Wing-point Longer than Greenish (but difficult to judge) Shorter (difficult to judge) Shape Often quite pot-bellied Often quite slim, but often 'neckless' Bill size Longer and deeper than Greenish Smaller than Arctic (but larger than Willow Warbler) Behaviour Often looks quite ponderous and slow-moving for a Phylloscopus Extremely active, moving quickly through foliage; wing-flicks 184 Bradshaw & Riddington: Separation of Arctic and Greenish Warblers A 38 & 39. Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis , with small bill and other features recalling Greenish Warbler P. trochiloides (see text), Fair Isle, Shetland, 20th September 1994 (Nick Ward) of Arctic and Greenish Warblers are very distinct and easily separable, but to the inexperienced or uninformed ear this is not necessarily the case. Other features of Arctic and Greenish Warblers were fully covered by Alstrom & Olsson (1987) and are summarised in table 1, but it is well to realise that the typically cautious approach of those authors is appropriate: ‘With silent birds, great care must be taken. It is essential to remember that there are no diagnostic features (except call) separating Arctic and Greenish in the field. All of the characters distinguishing the two are more or less variable . . .’. With a non-calling individual, safe identification requires that it should have the appropriate size, structure, head markings, plumage tones and bare-part coloration. Any variation from the normal demands reappraisal of the identification. Acknowledgments We should like to thank Maty Carruthers, Mark Cubitt, Pete Ellis, Graham Gordon, Paul Harvey, Tom Tams, Guy Thompson, Steve Votier and Nick Ward for help with these and similar records; Keith Vinicombe for reading the manuscript; and Per Alstrom, Alan Dean, Iain Robertson and Urban Olsson for their pioneering work on the identification of this pair of species. Coijn Bradshaw 9 Tynemouth Place, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE30 4BJ Rogi-r Riddington Fair Isle Bird Observatory, Fair Isle, Shetland ZE2 9JU References Als trom, P., & Olsson, U. 1987. Field identification of Arctic and Greenish Warblers. International Bird Identification , I BCE, Eilat. Proc. 4th International Identification Meeting 1986: 54-59. Bradshaw, C. 1994. Separating Radde’s and Dusky Warblers. Brit. Birds 87: 436-441. Svhnsson, L. 1992. Identification Guide to European Passerines. 4th edn. Stockholm. MYSTERY PHOTOGRAPHS Two small, dark swifts with white rumps are found in the Western Palearctic: Little Swift Apus affinis , which, though recorded in Britain and Ireland on ten occasions up to the end of 1994, breeds no nearer than Northwest Africa, and White-rumped Swift A. caffer, which, though unrecorded here, nests in small numbers as close as southern Spain. Mystery photograph A, taken by F. G. H. Allen, shows a White-rumped Swift in Spain in June 1966, and mystery photograph B, taken by W. R. Hirst, shows a Little Swift in Cornwall in May 1981. Though variable, depending upon mode of flight, tail shape is always different between the two species. White-rumped Swift has a very long tail, the length of which comfortably exceeds wing width. It is deeply forked with particularly attenuated and pointed outermost feathers, though these are shorter and more round-tipped on the nevertheless obviously forked tail of a juvenile. In direct flight, as opposed to during manoeuvres, White-rumped Swift’s tail is held closed, despite which it presents an equally distinctive profile, looking like an elongated spike. Little Swift has a much shorter, fuller tail, the length of which is similar to the wing width. It frequently appears wider than the body and is round-ended when spread. In straight flight, Little Swiff’s tail is held closed and is square-ended, though often with a very shallow notch centrally. Tail shape influences both general appearance and flight. White-rumped Swift’s elegant tail is complemented by its comparatively narrow, pointed wings and its slim body, which tapers evenly from breast to tail. These characters contribute to its slender, delicate, attenuated appearance and its light, graceful flight. In contrast, Little Swift’s rather stubby tail seems suited to its blunter-tipped wings and its sturdier body, which tapers little from breast to vent. These features give the species a compact, quite stocky look and a less flowing flight, with alternate bouts of fluttering wing-beats and steady gliding. [Brit. Birds 90: 185-186, May 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 185 186 Mystery photographs A further major character of separation is the white on and adjacent to the rump. On White-rumped Swift, this takes the form of a narrow, though conspicuous, curving rump-band which just touches the rear flanks, thus enabling some white to be seen from the side but not from below. Little Swift possesses a much wider, even-more-striking rump-band, which wraps around to encompass the rear flanks and thus allows some white to be seen from all angles, including from directly underneath. Its prominence from a lower than side-on viewpoint can be appreciated by reference to the Little Swift in plate 42. j [Ml ™ -4 42. Little Swift Apus affinis , Cornwall, May 1981 (W. R. Hirst ) Other differences between the two species are of lesser importance. White- rumped Swift has a slim, white trailing edge to the secondaries and frequently also to the inner primaries. This is affected by wear, however, and its appearance can be approached by the pale trailing edge of a freshly moulted Little Swift. Whilst Little Swift’s darkest underwing-coverts are uniform with the underparts, those of White-rumped Swift often appear paler. Conversely, the upper- tail-coverts and undertail-coverts of White-rumped Swift are as dark as the body, while those of Little Swift are contrastingly paler, especially the outermost. Similarly, White-rumped Swift’s tail is noticeably darker than that of Little Swift. Indeed, when Little Swift’s spread tail is viewed from below, its outer tail-feathers are seen as two translucent triangles which contrast markedly with the tail’s darker centre and the underparts. Both species possess a large, contrasting, white patch on the chin and throat. When worn, that of White-rumped Swift shows some dusky streaking, while that of Little Swift is more obscured by dark markings, as on the individual in photograph B and plate 42. Peter Lansdown 197 Spnngwood, Llanedeym, Cardiff, Glamorgan CF2 6UG References Chantler, P. 1993. Identification of Western Palearctic swifts. Dutch Birding 15: 97-135. Cramp, S. (ed.) 1985. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol 4. Oxford. Rogers, M. J., & the Rarefies Committee. 1992. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1991. Brit. Birds 85: 533. LETTERS Osprey establishment There is understandable controversy regarding the attempt to establish breeding Ospreys Pandion haliaetus at Rutland Water in England (Brit. Birds 89: 152-153, 321-324), with valid views put forward on both sides. The letter from David Sergeant (Brit. Birds 89: 568), in which he suggested that the provision of basic nest structure and a little patience are all that are required to tempt Ospreys to breed, is, however, not a useful contribution to the debate. He mentioned that this practice has been successful in North America, but ignored the crucial fact that it has been successful only where a breeding population of Ospreys is already resident in the locality. The farthest that Ospreys have been tempted from other breeding pairs is probably only 20 km (Poole 1989). In fact, nesting structures are already present at Rutland Water, but there is, of course, no breeding population within 400 km. Ospreys appear reluctant to make breeding attempts where there is no evi- dence of successful breeding by other Ospreys. This reluctance has obvious evolutionary benefits among stable populations, but is a barrier to the recolonisation of suitable habitat where a short-lived extinction event (in this case anthropogenic) has occurred. It is the attempt to overcome this reluc- tance, by exploiting their strong natal-site fidelity, that requires the translocation of Scottish Ospreys in the current (re-) establishment scheme. Of course, spontaneous colonisation of new regions can occur, as at the Boat of Garten in the 1950s, but we have no way of knowing the likely timescale of this happening again in England, and the presence of non-breeding Ospreys at the site should not be taken as a guarantee that breeding attempts will follow. Jason Godfrey Department of Biological & Molecular Sciences, University of Stirling, Scotland FK8 1PD Reference Poole, A. F. 1989. Ospreys: a natural and unnatural history. Cambridge. The earlier breeding records of Icterine Warbler in England The recent report of a pair of Icterine Warblers Hippolais icterina breeding in Scotland in 1992 (Brit. Birds 88: 90) inevitably sharpens interest in the two previous published accounts of breeding in Britain. One of these (Yorkshire, 1 970) has never received full acceptance and has been persuasively questioned by Paul Doherty (Brit. Birds 85: 247). The other (Wiltshire, 1907) found acceptance in The Handbook of British Birds (vol. 2, page 63) and has not, so far as I know, been given any serious critical reassessment. Briefly, the story is that on 3rd May 1907 Geoffrey Pye-Smith, then a 14-year- old schoolboy at Marlborough College, flushed an unidentified bird from a nest with two eggs at Mildenhall, Wiltshire. Two days later, the bird was flushed again, this time off three eggs. By 8th May, it was clear that the nest had been deserted, [Brit. Birds 90: 187-189, May 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 187 188 Letters and it and the three eggs were taken by Pye-Smith. He apparently had no idea of their potential interest, for there is no mention of the finding of such a nest in the contemporary Reports of the Marlborough College Natural History Society to which Pye-Smith was a contributor. In fact, nothing at all seems to have been heard about this record until 1 9 years later when, at a meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Club held on 10th February' 1926, the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain introduced Pye-Smith, bearing his nest and eggs, which he (Jourdain) confidently identified as ‘typical Icterines, being distinctly larger and paler in colour than those of the Melodious Warbler [H. polyglotta ]’ (Bull. BOC 46: 74). Pye-Smith then for the first time published (Brit. Birds 19: 311) his account of the finding of the nest, and this was picked up and quoted in full in the 1926/27 Report of the Marlborough College Natural History > Society — by obvious inference as a record previously unknown to the editor. Curiously, in his British Birds note Pye-Smith made no mention at all of Jourdain. We have no idea, therefore, whether the initial identification of the eggs was made by Pye-Smith or by Jourdain. In any event, Jourdain’s involvement was sufficient to ensure that the record had an easy passage into the Handbook , of which, of course, Jourdain was one of the authors. For the research into the old local literature, I am greatly indebted to Sean Dempster, Head of Biology at Marlborough College. But today, with the benefit of 70 years’ more experience of the ornithological scene, this breeding record looks even more improbable than it must have looked at the time. It rested exclusively on the identification of eggs that had been taken 1 9 years previously. Jourdain was apparently confident that Icterine eggs could be specifically identified. Other authorities have been less sure. The data in BWP (vol. 6, pages 296 & 308) indicate that it is only on average that Icterine’s eggs measure larger than those of Melodious: there is a wide measure of overlap between the two, and there does not seem to be any constant difference in the colour of the markings. Bannerman ( The Birds of the British Isles, vol. 3, page 105) quoted Col. Meiklejohn’s opinion that ‘there is no certain character by which the eggs of the icterine and melodious warblers can be distinguished’, and added that this was also the view of Savile Reid as expressed in the Catalogue of Birds’ Eggs in the British Museum. The nest and eggs are still with the Marlborough College Museum. At the instigation of Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, and with the very kind co-operation of Sean Dempster, two of these eggs were submitted for examination by Michael P. Walters, Curator of Eggs at The Natural History Museum, Tring. I quote at some length from his subsequent report, because it contains much informed comment of a kind that we seldom hear nowadays: ‘I have now had a look at the two eggs you left with me, and tire short answer is that, in my view, it is not now possible to say with any certainty whether they are H. icterina or H. polyglotta. They are, however, undoubtedly the eggs of a Hippolais warbler. The eggs of the Sylviidae are very diagnostic at generic level, and Hippolais produces an egg which is quite unlike anything else. ‘The identification of eggs is a highly subjective matter, and the fact that it is not now possible to identify these eggs does not mean that it might not have been so at one time. Jourdain was an extremely competent oologist (perhaps one of tire best there has ever been) and I would not be inclined to disregard him, on the basis of what Bannerman or Reid may have said . . . Meiklejohn is another matter British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 189 entirely he was a very experienced oologist, but we are left with a plain difference of opinion between two experts . . . ‘I have no experience of fresh eggs of either of the two species involved. I think it is quite likely that it is possible to distinguish fresh eggs by the criteria which Jourdain gives . . . These disputed eggs have been around for nearly 90 years, and many of ours are even older. In more recent specimens there appears to be a tendency for eggs of icterina to be larger and paler than those of polyglotta, but the difference is very slight. In addition Pye-Smith’s eggs have been poorly blown, some contents have been left in at least one of the two, which has unnaturally darkened it. It is thus impossible to look at it now with the eyes of Pye-Smith or Jourdain. Thus, while I have no good reason to doubt the accounts of Pye-Smith and Jourdain, I don’t think there is any way to confirm the identity after such a long lapse of time.’ But even if one accepts (as I am inclined to do) that Jourdain’s identification of the eggs was probably correct, one is still left wondering why he was so ready to accept this as a genuine breeding record. That a first British breeding record should depend on a chance find by a 14-year-old schoolboy in itself must inspire general disbelief But Jourdain was singularly well placed to extend this disbelief into virtual certainty. When passing judgment on the eggs, he had already contributed the ‘Breeding-habits’ sections in A Practical Handbook of Bntish Birds , as he was later to do again in the Handbook , and in both of these the relevant particulars for Icterine Warbler were identical: ‘ Breeding-season . — From end May or early June: mid-June in Scandinavia.’ The Mildenhall nest already held two eggs when first found on 3rd May. This indicates that the presumed pair (no second bird was actually seen) must have become established not much later than mid April. But the Icterine Warbler (as indicated by Jourdain’s own breeding dates) is a late migrant, with few reaching northern Europe before May, and the main arrival not taking place until mid May. The annual-cycle diagram in BWP (vol. 6, page 296) indicates the earliest egg-laying as taking place at the beginning of May, but the accompanying text suggests that in northern Europe egg-laying does not begin until late May at the earliest. Against this background, it seems inconceivable that an exU'alimital pair of Icterine Warblers could have met up and commenced breeding by the end of April — especially in a western county of southern England which is so remote from the NE quadrant of Britain, from which most Icterine records come. Melodious Warbler is only marginally earlier than Icterine in its arrival and breeding dates, so this is not a more likely possibility. I suggest that the only rational conclusion is that some mistake, misplacement or other confusion occurred during the 1 9 years that the nest and eggs lay in limbo, and that the eggs seen by Jourdain were not those found at Mildenhall in 1907. Pye-Smith seems to have been abroad for most of those 19 years, including active service throughout the First World War. There must, therefore, have been very ample scope for confusion. Dougal G. Andrew Muirfield Gate, Gullane, East Lothian EH 31 2EG EDITORIAL COMMENT We concur with Dougal Andrew’s conclusion. NOTES These contributions have all been assessed by the eight members of either the Beha viour Notes Panel or the Identification Notes Panel. Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Common Kestrel perching in close proximity At 08.21 GMT on 13th October 1989, in the Valle del Palmar (Buenavista), northwestern Tenerife, Canary Islands, I saw a male Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and a female Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus perched less than 40 cm apart on two adjacent branches of an American Aloe Agave americana. During about 30 seconds’ observation through a 420-mm tele-lens from a hide 17 m away, the sparrowhawk remained inactive, showing no reaction to the very close proximity of the kestrel; the latter gave only some rapid twitching movements of the head. No perceptible sound w^as heard from either raptor. Felipe Siverio Rodelundvej 12, Rodelund, 8653 Them, Denmark A 43. Female Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (left) and male Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus perching in dose proximity, Canary Islands, October 1989 (F. Siverio) Female Common Kestrel carrying stick from nesting cavity At about 09.00 GMT on 18th June 1993, in a pasture field near West Bagborough, Taunton, Somerset, I saw a female Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus emerge from a cavity about 4 m up in an isolated Ash Fraxinus excelsior about 25 m from me. The kestrel was holding a twisted stick about 30 cm long in one talon. Through binoculars, I watched it fly across the field with the stick until it disappeared into a copse; the stick was not entangled with 190 [Bril. Birds 90: 190-193, May 1997] C British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 191 the bird’s foot. A pair of Common Kestrels had a nest with young in the tree cavity, where plenty of sticks were present following previous nesting by Eurasian Jackdaws Corvus monedula. Kestrels do not normally convey materials to their nesting sites, but, even so, this individual was carrying a stick away from what was, presumably, its own nest. I can suggest no explanation for this behaviour. A. P. Radford Crossways Cottage, West Bagborough, Taunton, Somerset TA4 3EG editorial comment Prof. Ian Newton has commented that this action may perhaps have been ‘analogous to carrying off prey remains, which they do regularly.’ Collared Dove showing threatening behaviour towards Magpie On 17th May 1993, at West Lavington, Wiltshire, I was watching a pair of Collared Doves Streptopelia decaocto feeding on bread on our lawn. A Magpie Pica pica flew down and was immediately threatened by one of the doves, which sank its head between its shoulders, puffed out its breast, and advanced towards the Magpie in a series of springy hops; the Magpie retreated and then flew away. Shortly afterwards, the Magpie returned and was again threatened by the Collared Dove, which was joined by its mate, both adopting the posture described. The Magpie took off again, followed by one of the doves, and did not return. Geoffrey L. Boyle Strawberry Lee, White Street, West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 4LW editorial comment Derek Goodwin has commented that this is a ‘very typical and usual reaction of territorial, breeding Collared Doves towards Magpies; they also fly at Magpies.’ Although BWP (vol. 4) refers to Collared Doves attacking Magpies, it gives no details of the behaviour or the postures adopted. Magpie catching House Martin On 15th May 1990, at Capel, Surrey, I was watching about 25 House Martins Delichon urbica collecting mud from the side of a pond. A Magpie Pica pica was also watching the martins from a distance of 5 m. After about ten minutes, the Magpie slowly approached the edge of the busy flock and got within a few centimetres of one of the martins; it suddenly lunged with its beak and struck the martin on the head, then held it down with one foot and finished it off with three more blows. The Magpie flew off towards its nest nearby, carrying its victim. While this was happening, the other House Martins showed little or no reaction to the Magpie and continued to collect mud. Although I walked the area daily, I did not see the Magpie repeat this behaviour. Wesley Attridge Dungeness Bird Observatory, 1 1 RNSSS, Romney Marsh, Kent TN29 9NA 192 Notes editorial comment Birkhead (1991, The Magpie ) noted that ‘Magpies are sometimes sufficiently agile to catch small birds.’ Derek Goodwin has commented that Wesley Attridge’s observation ‘Seems a nice example of a predator “grasping” the situation’ and that ‘many birds, if adult and without dependent young, show very little or no fear of predators that normally cannot catch them.’ Eurasian Jackdaw preying on House Martin In May 1993, in Bowburn, Co. Durham, I was watching House Martins Delichon urbica collecting mud for their nests. A Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula suddenly swooped down, picked up a martin and took it to the roof top, where it began to eat it. Richard Evans 61 Steavenson Street, Bowburn, Co. Durham editorial comment BWP (vol. 8) states for Eurasian Jackdaw: ‘Few records of adult songbirds being killed and eaten’ (page 125) and ‘adult songbirds, up to size of [Common] Starling Sturnus vulgaris ’ (page 126); House Martin is not mentioned, although the list of avian prey species is not exhaustive. Apparent whole brood of Common Starlings exhibiting albinism On 28th May 1991, at Elmley RSPB Reserve, Kent, I found a family of Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris consisting of one normal adult and three albino offspring. The juveniles were virtually identical, with wholly creamy- white plumage, dull yellow-orange bills (pinker towards the base), plum- coloured eyes and deep pinkish legs. All three were behaving in a manner suggesting that they had recently fledged: sticking closely with the adult, regularly begging, and occasionally being fed by the adult. There may have been other, possibly normal offspring from this brood, although none was noted in the immediate area. Albinism is fairly common among certain species, and has even been noted in individuals from successive broods of the same adults. I can, however, find no reference to entire broods being completely albinistic, as seemed to be the case here. This is not surprising, as albinism is thought to be genetically controlled and is usually a recessive characteristic. I am not a genetics expert, but is it possible for a recessive trait to be phenotypically present in a whole brood, or does this observation tell us something new about albinism? Martin S. Garner 35 Meeting House Lane, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland BT27 5BY editorial comment Bryan Sage has commented: ‘Mr Garner’s observation is of exceptional interest, referring to an event that is evidently rare in nature. The only comparable record of which I am aware refers to entire coveys of Northern Bobwhites Colinus virginianus seen in Georgia, USA, in the early British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 193 A 44-46. Albino juvenile Common Starlings Stumus vulgaris (centre, with one adult), Kent, May 1991 (Martin S. Gamer) 1930s. The genetics of albinism were explained and illustrated in my 1962 paper (Brit. Birds 55: 201-225), and Mr Garner is correct in saying that pure albinism is usually recessive. It is due to a single, autosomal (i.e. not sex- linked) recessive gene, although there is evidence from the Blackbird Turdus merula that the pied plumage condition may sometimes be both hereditary and sex-linked. Without knowing for certain that there were no normal young in this Common Starling brood, and lacking plumage details of the other adult of the pair, further comment on the genetics of this case would be purely speculative.’ NEWS AND COMMENT Compiled by Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson Opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily those of ‘British Birds’ British birds exported in wildlife trade We are all aware of the vast array of birds caught and imported from the less- developed parts of the World into the UK for the bird trade. It may surprise readers, however, to note that during 1995 MAFF processed health certificates permitting the export from the UK of 2,628 finches, of which 1,129 were Greenfinches Carduelis chloris. Up to July 1996, health certificates had been processed for a further 4,931 finches, of which 2,241 were Greenfinches. All these birds were bound for Malta, where there is a thriving interest in cage-birds. At no point in the UK were these birds subject to checks on their origin. Reports from BirdLife Malta suggest that, of those arriving in Malta, some if not most appeared to be wild-taken. Such trade would have been subject to licence, and shipments open to inspection, until 1993, when the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976 was effectively made redundant by the issuing of a general licence by the Department of the Environment. This licence effectively allows the free import and export of all species not listed on the appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Although possession and sale of wild-taken British birds remains an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, this legislation is virtually unenforceable where international trade is involved. With two Government departments both apparendy turning a blind eye to such trade, it could become increasingly difficult for die UK to induence trade in threatened species elsewhere in the World. ( Contributed by Graham Elliott ) Sensible move from the Spanish To allow autumn and winter hunting on a Spanish wetland that held 30% of the European Marbled Ducks Marmaronetta angustirostris and some 10% of Spain’s White-headed Ducks Oxyura leucocephala would seem crazy in the extreme. Until recently, however, this was die situation at the Spanish wetland of El Hondo, at a time when the rest of Europe was attempting to save Spain’s White-headed Ducks. Now, at last, the Regional Administration has seen sense and agreed to die imposition of a hunting ban at El Hondo. ‘BB’ in ‘Wings’ The latest issue of Wings, the magazine of IWC BirdWatch Ireland, pictures Oscar Campbell of Co. Armagh receiving his certificate and a host of other prizes after winning the senior section of BB' s Young Ornithologists of the Year Award. The latest edition of the new-look Wings includes a thought-provoking letter from Antarctica, die latest information on some of die most important coastal sites for birds in Ireland, recent reports and a host of other articles. Details from BirdWatch Ireland, Rutdedge House, 8 Longford Place, Monkstown, Co. Dublin, Ireland. 194 [Brit. Birds 90: 194-199, May 1997) io. British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 195 National Nest Box Week launched Having chosen the highly appropriate date of 14th February, the BTO is to be congratulated on launching what will undoubtedly become an annual feature of the birding calendar. So simple: why has it not been thought of before? There are many instances where the lack of available nest sites is the controlling factor in bird populations. It was Chris Mead, whose influence is clearly behind this new initiative, who stated ‘Britain needs more holes’. The Suffolk Wildlife Trust provided its Lackford Wildlife Reserve for the launch of National Nest Box Week, and, with impressive sponsorship from Jacobi Jayne & Co., Bird Watching magazine, BoxWatch and British Sugar pic, Tony Soper declared die Week open. The future seems assured, as Cellnet has agreed to help in 1998 and is fixing nestboxes to many of its new aerials throughout the country. ‘Each one equipped with a mobile phone!’ commented Jeremy Greenwood. As part of the opening ceremony, a series of nestboxes for species as diverse as Blue Tit Pams caeruleus, Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea, Tawny Owl Strix aluco and Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis was installed on the reserve and within the grounds of British Sugar at Bury St Edmunds. The latter were just a few of the 328 nestboxes now installed on British Sugar land. For more details of Nadonal Nest Box Week, contact the BTO, The Nunnery', Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. Lancashire atlas The newly formed Lancashire Bird Club has launched its first major enquiry: a tetrad adas of Lancashire and Nortii Merseyside. The fieldwork will cover three years, starting this year. The northern part of the area has already been mapped recendy using tetrads, but the two clubs involved, the Lancaster Bird Watching Society and the Fylde Bird Club, have agreed to support fully the new adas and to resurvey their areas. The atlas work is sponsored and supported by North West Water. There are stewards for all of die 10-km squares, but further observers are needed to cover tetrads throughout the area. Offers of help should be made to Dr Peter Golborn, 48 Earlswood, Skelmersdale wns 6AT, for south of the River Ribble, and to Bob Pyefinch, 12 Bannistre Court, Tar- leton, Preston PR4 6HA, for north of the Ribble. {Contributed by John Wilson ) Nest Record Scheme The Nest Record Scheme, one of the longest- running BTO surveys, has now collected a huge wealdi of data on Britain’s breeding birds. This year sees the fiftieth anniversary of die Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca nestbox scheme on the Nagshead Reserve in Gloucestershire, inaugurated by Bruce Campbell and continued today by Ivan Proctor, the RSPB warden, and a willing team of volunteers. A starter pack for the Nest Record Scheme is available from Caroline Dudley, BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. National Wood Lark Survey This year, die BTO, the RSPB and English Nature are conducting a national survey of die Wood Lark Lullula arborea, a repeat of the first survey that was undertaken in 1 986, when 24 1 territories were discovered throughout southern England. We can confidentiy expect a higher total this year. If you have any spring (February-May) records of Wood Larks for 1997, please send them to Simon Wotton, Research Department, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL. Who’s who? John Pemberton, editor and publisher, since 1981, of die well-established Birdwatcher’s Yearbook, has just published Who’s Who in Ornithology at £29.95. It is available through British BirdShop (see pages xi & xii). Irish PO shows Royal Mail the way to do it With a set of five definitive bird stamps, An Post, the Irish Post Office, has not made die mistakes our own Royal Mail made recendy giving us grotesque Robins Erithacus rubecula at Christmas (and tiien missing the opportunity of using Peter Scott paintings: Brit. Birds 88: 571; 89: 287). Painted by top bird-artist/ornidiologist, Killian Mullarney, the An Post stamps feature Blue Tit Pams caeruleus (28p), Robin (32p), Puffin Fratercula arctica (44p), Barn Owl Tyto alba (52p), and White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons {£1). A special presentation pack costs IR£4.50 from Irish Stamps, PO Box 1991, Dublin 1, Ireland. 196 News and commeni ▲ 47. bird photograph OF THE YEAR 1996. Winner, Roger Tidman (centre), is congratu- lated by David King, Professional Services Manager of Canon , the sponsors, with Guest Presenter, Mrs Dorothy Hosking, holding the salver ( Chris Knights) Looking as happy as a winner should, Roger Tidman received Canon accessories, cheque and salver at the Bird Photograph of the Year reception at the Forte Crest Regent’s Park Hotel in London on 3rd July 1996 (plate 47). Maintaining the welcome tradition which started with the late Eric Hosking’s involvement as Photographic Editor of British Birds and senior judge of BPY, his widow, Mrs Dorothy Hosking, again presented the awards. OBC boxes clever A collecting-box in the shape of a Robin Erithacus rubecula , given by the RSPB to the Oriental Bird Club, has been repainted by OBC Council member, Peter Morris, as a Firethroat Luscinia pectardens (plate 48). The funds it attracts for the OBC will be spent on conservation projects in the Orient, where the OBC has already awarded almost 100 grants for research on threatened Asian birds and habitats. ► 48. The OBC’s newly painted Firethroat Luscinia pectardens collecting-box receiving its first donation, from Emily Redman, daughter of Nigel Redman, past Chairman and current Council member of the OBC. Canon IMAGE STABILIZER 12x36IS 5.6° ; many a binocular user knows, anything more than 8x Magnification is enough to turn a warbler into a wobbler, ee problem is, powerful binoculars amplify your move- ents just as efficiently as they magnify what you're fetching. Canon's extraordinary 12x36 IS binoculars are i exception, They incorporate the world's first optical ised image stabilisation system. Pushing the button itivates a built-in vibration gyro sensor. This is linked ja system of vari-angle prisms which change shape to compensate for your movemenfs, The result is a rock- steady image with pin-sharp detail. Such a technological leap demands state of the art lenses to match. (We think it’s safe to say Canon has a working knowledge of the subject.) As well as the 12x36 IS, and its still more powerful 15x45 IS sibling, Canon make a wide range of binoculars starting with the 8x23 A at £69.99rrp. Why not try them out at your dealer? The moment you press that button, it'll become clear what all the fuss is about. BIRDQUEST The Ultimate in Birding 66 TOURS in 1997 to: Hungary • Bulgaria Finland & Norway • Morocco • Egypt • Turkey Cyprus • Israel • Yemen • UAE & Bahrain • Turkestan Siberia • Mongolia • Hong Kong • China • India • Nepal • Bhutan Sri Lanka • Thailand • Malaysia • Philippines • Indonesia • Ivory Coast Cameroon • Gabon, SaoTome & Principe • Ethiopia • Kenya • Tanzania Uganda • Zimbabwe • Namibia • South Africa • Seychelles & Mascarenes Madagascar • Australia • Papua New Guinea • Mexico • Costa Rica • Cuba Venezuela • Ecuador • Galapagos • Peru • Bolivia • Brazil • Argentina Unsurpassed birding with great leaders! Why accept anything but the best? also: ANTARCTICA ^ from £2150! Brochures from: BIRDQUEST, Two Jays, Kemple End, Stonyhurst, Lancashire BB7 9QY Tel: 01254-826317 Fax: 01254^826780 E-mail: birders@birdquest.co.uk ATOL 2937 (JtiDUiwtfS Tkavii h/LWS RET. FLIGHTS FROM BANGKOK DELHI USA CANADA . MEXICO I QUITO DISCOUNT FLIGHTS CAR HIRE ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE HOLIDAYS SEA TRAVEL* GROUPS AND EXPEDITIONS WORLDWIDE £311 £313 £184 £199 £394 £494 Subject to taxes Tot/M AtJV tlouPArs Cape May Bird Festival with David Rosair 12-22 October, from £945 per person. Hungarian Bird Festival with David Rosair A Hp\ and Gerald Gorman, 16-23 August TEL 0117 S$4 804Q OR 01603 4S6 700 INTERNATIONAL HOUSE. BANK ROAD. BRISTOL BS15 2LX FAX 0117 967 4444 http://www wildwtngsco.uk BRITISH BIRDS TIES Available to BB subscribers only Green Blue Brown Maroon £6.95 BRITISH BIRDS T-SHIRTS AND SWEATSHIRTS Sweatshirts with ‘Holiday Survey’ logo from £12.99 plus £1 p&p T-shirts with Red Grouse logo from £6.99 plus £1 p&p From: Alison Gathercole, BB, Fountains, Park Lane, Blnnham, Bedford MK44 3NJ (DFOOI ) viii Skuas and Jaegers by Klaus Mailing Olsen Illustrated by Hans Larsson 12 colour plates, 192 pages March 1997 £24.00 SKUAS AND JAEGERS A f>ki(lr *• f hi Stint* /at'ffrr* ^ lilt IU*M Shrikes by Norbert Lefranc Illustrated by Tim Worfolk 16 colour plates, 192 pages May 1997 £25.00 SHRIKES -A Gmrii to IW vA.nln Ikf Hqri/ 'V^ A Fu4d Guide to Birds of the Gambia a Tim WorfnR A Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal by Tim Wacher and Clive Barlow Illustrated by Tony Disley 48 colour plates, 384 pages June 1997 £28.00 MUNIAS AND MANNIKINS Kobin futull Munias and Mannikins by Robin Restall 80 colour plates, 264 pages Just published £28.00 “...quite simply, the best book I have ever owned ” Ian Hinze For further information or a catalogue please phone or fax: Christopher Helm, Pica Press, The Banks, Mountfield, nr. Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 0 1 580 88056 1 Fax: 0 1 580 88054 1 PRESS BEIDAIHE from £990 3-18/25 May and 20 September-5 October AGADIR from £590 17-24 October EILAT from £490 26 October-2/9 November GOA from £790 30 October-14 November Details from Sunbird (BS). PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 IDF. Tel 01767 682969. Fax 01767 692481. (Please specify which event you are interested in) Sunbird is a trading name of Conderbury Limited, &l. British Birds is most grateful to those companies which support the journal by their sponsorship ZEISS Sponsors of the Rarities Committee Sponsors of Monthly marathon Canon Sponsors of Bird Photograph of the Year Pica Press Sponsors of & Bird Illustrator T. & A. D. Poyser of the Year IX NEW from RARE BIRD ALERT introducing the COUNTYPAGER The biggest news since the birding pager itself The pager news service specifically for where YOU live! Don’t miss the fantastic introductory offers you could get 3 months free service Available April: Send an SAE for information incl details of how to upgrade your existing top pager for £15 COUNTYPAGER, Rare Bird Alert, 17 Keswick Close, Norwich NR4 6UW Or simply telephone for your info pack on 01603 456789 Birdwatching Holidays... Sunbird The best of bird watching tours Sunbird >s a trading namp ot Condprbury Limited To receive a free brochure offering: • A choice of over 70 tours to the world's best birding destinations • A team of first-class professional leaders • Competitively priced tours giving good value for money • Also a range of relaxed tours combining birds with music, history, butterflies and bats In groups! Write to: Sunbird (BS), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 IDF Telephone 01767 682969 Fax 01 767 692481 Email sunbird@sunbird.demon.co.uk British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 197 Raptor battle ahead? There can be very few birdwatchers who have not heard the stories/complaints. ‘Peregrine Falcons Falco peregrinus are decimating the Racing Pigeons Columba livin'] ‘Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus are removing the Red Grouse Lagopus lag opus'; and even that ‘Sparrowhawks Accipiler nisus have caused die song-bird decline.’ It has been suggested that die conservation movement has acted in a radier half-hearted manner to contradict these claims. Although this is far from true, it certainly has not been shouted from the roof tops. Now, some would say at last, there seem to be changes ahead. The latest issue of Birds magazine (spring 1997) contains two very relevant articles. The first, by RSPB Conservation Director Graham Wynne, examines the Hen Harrier controversy and tells the story as it really is; the second, by Angus Nurse, looks at how the RSPB assists Police Wildlife Liaison Officers. At the same time, the RSPB has published four leaflets: Birds of Prey and Domestic Pigeons , Birds of Prey and Songbirds , Birds of Prey and Red Grouse and Birds of Prey and their Recovery. The conservation movement seems to be flexing its collective muscles at a time when the RSPB is about to enrol its one- millionth member. In this case, strength does come from size, for diere are many individuals and interests that remain to be convinced. Details from RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL. Don’t ignore Egyptian Geese If you see an Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus with colour rings, do not assume that it is a local escapee. The naturalised population of Egyptian Geese around Brus- sels, Belgium, estimated to total 500 individuals in 1995, is being marked by the Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique with a darvic colour ring (each engraved with a unique three-number or three-letter code) on one leg and a metallic ring on the other. So far, there have been recoveries in France and the Netherlands. (■ Contributed by Didier Vangeluwe ) As with all observations of colour-ringed, wing-tagged (or otherwise marked) birds, details should be reported to the addresses given on page 207. Where have the Song Thrushes In disputes at food, belligerent Blackbirds Turdus merula almost invariably dominate and expel the smaller and more timid Song Thrushes T. philomelos. In hard weather, food scattered in a garden will attract more Blackbirds, which will lead to fewer Song Thrushes in the immediate vicinity. Since those people recording the birds which occur in a garden in winter will be those who provide food, they are bound to record far more Blackbirds than Song Thrushes. Neighbouring gardens, where there is no food provided, are likely to have fewer Blackbirds, but perhaps all the Song Thrushes. Thus, winter garden counts by birdwatchers are likely to underestimate the Song Thrush population. The food taken by the Blackbirds will, of course, also benefit the Song Thrushes, for they may find havens, away from the con- centrations of bullying Blackbirds, where they can feed quietly on natural food. gone? In my own garden, my lawn currently has 16 voracious Blackbirds squabbling over apples and bread, but no Song Thrushes. The latter can be found scavenging in the leaf-litter under a hedge, well away from the food which I have put out. When there is no supplementary food, there are fewer Blackbirds, but also several Song Thrushes on the lawn. The decline in Song Thrush numbers over the past several decades is certainly real, but could it perhaps be less cata- strophic than some winter, garden counts may suggest? Anyway, it is about time that we had a repeat quantitative Wintering Atlas , using the same methodology as in 1981/82- 1983/84 (Lack 1986): not only interesting results, but voted by many people as pro- viding the most satisfying and enjoyable fieldwork of all the many BTO censuses and surveys. (JTRS) 198 News and comment Indian projects win OBC awards The Forktail-Leica Award — worth £1,500 — will fund a ten-month research project by Pratap Singh in six locations in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, home to 19 endemic bird species. The OBC-WildWings Conservation Awareness Award — worth £1,000 — went to a team led by Sunita Rao for work on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in the Bay of Bengal between India and Burma, which will emphasise the need for islanders to cherish their rainforests, mangroves and coral reefs. RSPB gets new man in Wales After heading the RSPB operations in the Principality for many years, Roger Lovegrove is retiring and the RSPB has acquired a new Director, Wales. Tim Stowe has moved to the national office in Newtown from his previous post in the north of Scotland. He is no stranger to Wales, having worked there in a research capacity' in the past. With future possible political changes, and with farmland birds in Wales at an all-time low, Tim has some conservation challenges in front of him: everything from the uplands and Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus to the coastlands with Red-billed Choughs Pyirhocorax pyrrhocorax and Roseate Terns Sterna dougallii. We wish him w'ell. Are you ‘Wildbrain of Britain’? The BBC Natural History Unit is seeking contestants for a new' Radio 4 quiz to find the ‘Wildbrain of Britain’: the person with tire greatest knowledge of British and global wildlife. With Lionel Kelleway from BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Living World’ as question-master, ‘Wildbrain’ will be recorded in September- October and will go on air on BBC Radio 4 in the run-up to Christmas. For an application form, send a SAE before 30th May to Wildbrain, BBC Naairal History Unit, Broadcasting House, Bristol BS8 2LR. Ospreys welcome! A 40-page booklet published in 1994 by the Environmental Conservation Branch of the Canadian Wildlife Service (Environment Canada, 25 St Clair Ave East, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1M2, Canada), Artificial Nest Structures for Ospreys: a construction manual by Peter J. Ewins, should be useful to anyone washing to attract Ospreys Pandion haliaetus to suitable waters. ( Contributed by Dr D. E. Sergeant) NBC meets in May The spring meeting and AGM of the Neotropical Bird Club will be held at Blakeney Village Hall, Norfolk, on Sunday 25th May. Doors open at noon; meeting starts at 2 p.m. For further details, contact the NBC, do The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2D1.. ROC 50 Belated congratulations to the Reading Ornithological Club on the fiftieth anniversary' of its formation on 29th January 1947. The Club has celebrated by the publication in February of a 20-page account, by President Emeritus Dr Eric V. Watson, of Birdwatching in the Reading Area at the Time of the Founding of the Reading Ornithological Club. The ROC’s Recorder for 25 of those 50 years (during 1965-83 and 1990 to the present), Peter Standley, notes that, in those 50 years, seven to nine species have been lost as breeding species (Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago , Wryneck Jynx torquilla, Whinchat Saxicola rubetra, Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix, Red-backed Shrike Lanins collurio , ’Free Sparrow Passer montanus, Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus , and, perhaps, Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes and Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra). The ten gains in the same period are Greylag Goose Anser anser, Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus, Gadwall Anas strepera , Common Buzzard Buteo buteo , Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius, Great Ringed Plover C. hiaticula , Common Tern Sterna hirundo , Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto, Black Redstart Phoenicians Phoenicians and Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti. In the ROC’s recording area (approximately 8-km radius from the centre of Reading), 1 95 species had been reported up to 1947; 60 have been added since, to bring tire current Reading total to 255. The address of the ROC is: A. J. Hannan, Robin Cottage, Turner’s Green, Upper Bucklebury, Reading RG7 3HH. 199 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 New Recorders After an amazing 30 years of service, Harold E. Grenfell has retired as Recorder for West Glamorgan/Gower. The new Recorder is Robert H. A. Taylor, 285 Llangyfelaeh Road, Brynhyfryd, Swansea SA5 9LB. The task of Recorder for Norfolk is now to be shared between Giles Dunmore and Neil Lawton. All records should be sent to Giles at 49 The Avenues, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 3QR. T. J. Dix has resigned as Recorder for Outer Hebrides (Uists, Benbecula & Barra). The new Recorder is Brian Rabbitts, 6 Carinish, Lochmaddy, North Uist HS6 5HL. David Wright has resigned as Recorder for Anglesey. The new Recorder is David Rees, Dragon Isaf, Penmynydd, Llanfair P.G., Anglesey LL66 6PN. Douglas E. Dickson, Recorder for Fife (except Isle of May), has moved to 2 Bur- relton Court, Glenrothes, Fife KY7 4 UN. REGIONAL NEWS TEAM Dave Allen — Northern Ireland T ony Armstrong — Northeast Dave Flumm — Southwest Frank Gribble — Midlands Barrie Harding — East Anglia Angus Hogg — Scotland Oran O’Sullivan — Republic of Ireland Don Taylor — Southeast Dr Stephanie Tyler — Wales John Wilson — Northwest MONTHLY MARATHON The members of the tideline gang (plate 7), photographed by Richard T. Mills in Co. Cork in September 1975, were correctly identified as Common Redshanks Tringa totanus , Oystercatchers Hacrnatopus ostralegus, Black-headed Gulls Larus ridibundus and a Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa by almost all competitors, though the godwit was also named as Hudsonian L. haemastica, and some entrants managed to find non-existent Ruffs Philomachus pugnax, Spotted Redshanks T. erythropus, Little Gulls Larus minutus or Common Gulls L. canus and a Lesser Yellowlegs T. flavipes. Stephen Foster, David McAdams and Richard Patient fell into no such traps, and all advanced to eight correct answers. Hot on their heels, 58 entrants are on seven, 84 on six, 100 on five, 118 on four, 130 on three, 108 on two and 54 on one. The SUNBIRD trip to Africa or Asia will be won by the first person to achieve a higher total (of ten or more) than any other competitor. A 49. ‘Monthly marathon’. Photo no. 130. Tenth stage in ninth ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 66), then send in your answer on a postcard to Mondily Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 15dt June 1997. REVIEWS A Birdwatchers’ Guide to the Canary Islands. By Tony Clarke & David Collins. Prion Ltd, Huntingdon, 1996. 110 pages; 15 Paperback £10.75. The Canaries have at least five endemic bird species, plus three more shared with other Atlantic islands, and a dramatic flora with high endemism. For island evolution, this is Europe’s nearest thing to the Galapagos. In recent years, the Canaries have become a desirable birding destination. The resulting watching has turned up a growing list of migrants and vagrants. Many of the good spots are small and quite hard to find. With this excellent guide, this will no longer be the case. If I had had it on mv own visits to line-drawings; 48 maps. ISBN 1-871104-06-8. the islands, 1 would have had even better times than I did without. Clear maps and good site descriptions provide all you will need. Do not get too carried away by the mouth-watering species lists for some of the sites: many species are only vagrants. Look out for the dragonflies, reptiles and butterflies also listed. Do not miss some of die well-marked subspecies either — they will be classed as species before too long. Coun Bibby Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 3. Hoatzin to auks. Edited by Josep del Hoyo, Andrew Elliott & Jordi Sargatal. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, 1996. 822 pages; 60 colour plates; 389 colour photographs; 577 distribution maps. ISBN 84-87334 20-2. £105.00. The two previous mammoth volumes in this mammoth series have already received rave reviews in British Birds (86: 190-191; 88: 323) and elsewhere in the ornithological press. ‘Mammoth’ is used intentionally, for this 822- page tome takes some lifting (it weighs over 4 kg). 'Phis is likely to be the most widely purchased of the first three volumes (by those who are not collecting the full set), for 56% of die space is devoted to three very popular groups: waders, gulls and terns. As with the other volumes, the photographs are well chosen (many of them being ones I have never seen published elsewhere), almost all of an exceedingly high standard, and similarly very well reproduced. The artwork (60 colour plates) is by ten well-known and highly accomplished artists and matches the photographic quality. The species accounts (roughly three to a page), each with a very clear distribution map, are in small print, but die choice of typeface and ample space makes even diis easy to read. The more-general family accounts, with details of systcmatics and morphology, habitat, habits, voice, food and feeding, breeding, movements, relationship widi Man, and status and conservation, are in larger type, but again are very easy to read because they are written in such excellent prose. Unlike some other gigantic works of reference, Handbook of the Birds of the World is a real pleasure to read. Not only is it a first- rate work of reference, but its pages are eminendy browsable. Open almost anywhere and you will find a topic which instandy grabs your attention, covered in up-to-date detail, discussed intelligendy and in a style which encourages you to read on and on. Since over 30 authors are involved, tiiis suggests dial much of the credit must go to die editorial team involved in bringing the whole gigantic work togedier. It is almost impossible to praise diis book too highly. Text, paintings and photographs are all of a staggeringly high quality. It cannot be denied that the cost of each volume is also high, but die average bird book these days costs £24.95, on which basis (or on any other) Handbook of the Birds of the World is excellent value for money. 1 very strongly recommend anyone who has not yet examined one of tiiese volumes to do so. If you can possibly scrape togedier sufficient to start the long-term investment involved, purchase this one (and die previous two). JTRS 200 [Brit. Birds 90: 200-203, May 1997] C British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 201 Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East. By R. F. Porter, S. Christensen & P. Schiermacker-Hansen. Illustrated by A. Birch, J. Gale, M. Langman & B. Small. 1 . & A. D. Poyser, London, 1996. 460 pages; 112 colour plates; 722 distribution maps. ISBN 0-85661-076-3. £29.95. On many occasions when I am consulting field guides, I find myself wondering if die late Roger Tory Peterson had any inkling of what he was spawning when he produced the very first Eastern Field Guide in the 1930s. I wonder what he would have thought of this publication? There are now very few areas of die World widiout a ‘field guide to the birds of . . indeed, many have several such publications. Each guide that is produced should be better titan die one before, not only in quality of content and production, but also with innovations. Here we have a clear, state-of-the-art guide that has me wondering how it could be bet- tered — but no doubt, in the years ahead, it will be. The authors and artists are to be congratulated, and how nice to see die pub- lication dedicated to P. A. D. Hollom, so accurately described as ‘a pioneer of modern bird identification’. Although die 112 colour plates, averaging some six or seven species each, are the work of four separate artists, the book flows seamlessly widiout any obvious change from plate to plate. They are truly a veritable delight of excellence, and I, for one, now know of the existence of the Gambaga Fly- catcher Muscicapa gambagae and what it looks like. All the standard components of a field guide are here: a map of the area covered, an explanation of the text and layout, and the topography of a bird, yet all confined to a mere six pages, leaving the bulk of the book to the nitty-gritty. The innovation is that each plate has a facing page with a very clear map showing the breeding distribution and a statement as to the species’ status in the region and the habitat in which it is found. An individual species number leads you to the 200 pages of identification text which form the second half of the book. I took the opportunity to use the guide to check a photograph of a bunting taken in Iran in 1970, die identity of which had been queried. The result: a quick conclusion that the original identification as Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana was indeed accurate (regrettably!). If you intend to visit Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, the UAE, or any- where else in the Middle East, this must be in your luggage. Bob Scott The Tree Sparrow. By J. Denis Summers-Smith. Summers-Smith, Guisborough, 1995. 205 pages; 4 colour plates; numerous black-and-white illustrations; 10 maps. ISBN 0 9525383 OX. £24.00. The audior is already well known from his previous three books on sparrows, including his classic on the House Sparrow Passer domesticus (1963). As in his earlier books, he brings to this new book an unusually wide perspective, synthesising a large and scattered literature on die Tree Sparrow P. montanus from around the World. The international scope of the book is one of its strengths, as it reveals how die ecology of a single species can vary markedly across Eurasia, according to conditions, including the presence or absence of competing sparrow species. Also, as an amateur in the best sense, Denis Summers-Smith is uncon- strained by die dictates of current scientific fashion, and ranges widely over aspects of biology that receive scant attention in most otiier bird monographs. The book is arranged in nine main chap- ters, which between them deal with the evolutionary and distributional history of the species, its annual and breeding cycles, numbers and movements, feeding habits, and relationships with other species, including Man. The bird has a wide range, and the chapter on breeding includes some of the best data yet assembled on latitudinal trends in laying dates, clutch-sizes and annual productivity (young per female). One of the curious features of the Tree Sparrow is the huge fluctuations in its abundance which have occurred in Britain and elsewhere over at least the last 200 202 Reviews years. In Britain, it reached especially high numbers in the 1890s and again in the 1970s. This most recent rise and fall in national numbers coincided with the fall and rise of the Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus, raising suspicions of a causal relationship. The recent decline in Tree Sparrow numbers, however, also coincided with a decline in weed-seed food-supplies, caused by herbicide use and the switch from spring to autumn ploughing of stubble Birding in Kent. By Don Taylor. Pica Press, Mountfield, 1996. 168 pages; 20 £H.95. This is not a county avifauna, nor is it a county bird-finding guide. Indeed, it is perhaps easier to say what this book is not than what it is. Divided into seven sections, this is Don Taylor’s personal reminiscences of ten years’ birding in a county that is ‘inexhaustibly rewarding’. If you are a Big Day, Bird Race or Local Patch enthusiast, there will be much to interest you. I enjoyed the ‘Birdwatching calendar’, as it brought back many memories. Almost 50% of the book is a fields. Also, at the time of earlier fluctua- tions, both weed seeds and Sparrowhawks were presumably plentiful. Nothing in ecology is simple. In conclusion, the author has done an excellent job, presenting a mass of informa- tion in a clear and readable manner. The book is nicely produced and a pleasure to read. I. Newton line-drawings. ISBN 1-873403-53-4. Paperback 1985-94 systematic list, with simple bar charts indicating annual patterns of occurrence. For tingling excitement, read the account of finding the White-throated Needletail Swift Hirundapus caudacutus. Some standardised English bird names are used throughout die book, but others not; the inconsistencies jarred somewhat. Kentologists will love this book. Bob Scott Cley Marsh and its Birds. By Billy & Bernard Bishop. (Revised second edn, Hill House Press, Cley, 1996. 145 pages; 24 black-and-white-plates, isbn 0-9528031-0-0. Paperback £12.95) This new soft-back edition includes the main text by Billy Bishop originally published in 1983 (reviewed in Brit. Birds 76: 600). His son Bernard, who succeeded him as Reserve Warden, continues the story up to 1996. The diary-extracts mainly concern birding events, with a few references to the more important developments of the Reserve. The great flood of February 1 996 is recorded, complete with four photographs showing the terrible devastation to the Marsh and hides. The checklist of birds has been updated, with useful notes on current status and recent records. David Clugston The Birds of Togo. By Robert A. Cheke & J. Frank Walsh. (BOU, Tring, 1996. 230 pages, isbn 0-907446-18-3. £22.00 UK; £24.00 overseas) The latest (no. 14) in the BOU’s invaluable checklist series, with each of Togo’s 624 species listed (an average of five to a page), with habitats and status summarised in a brief but thoroughly referenced paragraph. A total of 39 colour photographs gives a first-rate picture of the range of habitats (and a further 14 photographs show some of the typical birds). JTRS Teach Yourself Bird Sounds. Cassette 8: coniferous and mixed woods. Compiled and written by Dominic Couzens & John Wyatt. (Waxwing Associates, Tring, 1996. £6.99) The previous seven tapes in this series have covered habitats from gardens and woods to moors, marshes and seacliffs. This cassette lasts 75 minutes and includes 46 species less commonly found in typical woodlands, preferring poplar, birch or conifers. Useful recordings are included of Golden Chrysolophus pictus and Lady Amherst’s Pheasants €,. amherstiae — not found on other tapes. Tracks last about 30 seconds each, and are compared with similar species. The narration is useful, with tips that can be used to good effect. More tapes are on the way from Waxwing, and the whole set would make an excellent present for birders, ranging from beginners to those who have a good knowledge. The recordings are well produced and are in a mixture of stereo and mono. Keith Button British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 203 \\ ings of the Orient. By Geoffrey Davison, Chew Yen Fook, Ken Scriven & Karen Phillipps. (Sony Systems Design Inter- national, Singapore, 1996. 200 species. CD- ROM. £45.95) An interactive CD-ROM reference guide to birds of Malaysia. An enjoyable dip into the many facets of birdwatching in the region, with many features that are hidden from the casual user. I was immediately drawn to the slide show of stunning photographs of over 200 species. I felt, however, that the ‘breath-taking . . . fly- through’ of different habitats, and the ‘360° panoramic view of 28 different virtual-reality environments’ fell way short of reality, and I found the ‘beautiful acoustic music’ invasive. Useful features are the 80 or so recordings of vocalisations and checklists for Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Worth having if you are planning to visit the region. Tim Inskipp Bird in the Nest. By Bill Oddie & Peter Holden. (Robson Books, London, 1995. 146 pages. ISBN 1-86105-039-9. Paperback £12.99) The book of the BBC Natural History Unit’s very successful TV series of (mostly) live from-the-nest transmissions. JTRS The Butterflies of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. By R. D. Penhallurick. (Dyllansow Pengwella, Truro, 1996. 180 pages. ISBN 0 9515-785-1-0. £14.75) Well- written, readable accounts, full of interest even for those who do not regularly visit the area. Decorated with the author’s attractive black- and-white illustrations. JTRS Cross Your Legs and Wish. By Christopher Pilling. (Redbeck Press, Frizinghall, 1994. 44 pages. ISBN 0-946980- 20-9. Paperback £5.95) Award-winning modern poet’s verses on British birds. JTRS A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Namibia. By Ian & Jackie Sinclair. (New Holland, London, 1995. 144 pages. ISBN 1-86825-730-4. Paperback £7.99) This pocket guide to suit the novice contains most of the species that might be seen on a short tour. As an identification aid, it has the limitations typical of the genre: few plumages are shown and the choice of species has more to do with the availability of good photographs than with the needs of the keen birdwatcher. Nevertheless, many fine photographs are included. Those of the larks are a useful addition to the illustrations in the otherwise far superior ‘Sasol’ guide ( Illustrated Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa , 1993). A. R. Baker Carving Realistic Birds. By David Tippey. (Guild of Master Craftsmen Publications, Lewes, 1996. 166 pages. ISBN 1-86108-010-7. Paperback £14.95) This comprehensive and informative book is packed with illustrations, covering everything from tools and techniques to step-by-step descriptions of how to complete three subjects: Dipper Cinclus cinclus, Green Woodpecker Picus viridis and Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Patterns are provided, as are details on painting, finishing and final assembly of these birds. Also included are patterns for a further seven subjects along with information on colour application. A book which will be appreciated by both woodcarvers with some experience and enthusiastic beginners. Rosemarie Cooke The Peregrine Sketchbook. By C. F. Tunnicliffe. (Excellent Press, London, 1996. 79 pages. ISBN 1-900318024. Hardback £19.95) The work of Charles Tunnicliffe is well known to all with an interest in wildlife. In this quality book, Robert Gillmor has brought together all 26 of the 1 948 sketches of Peregrine Falcons Falco peregrinus that Tunnicliffe made at an Anglesey eyrie. Tunnicliffe was to use these sketches as a basis for some terrific scraperboards and narrative in his book Shorelands Summer Diary (1985). In full circle, these now accompany the original colour sketches. To have both source and product of a particularly inspiring summer for Tunnicliffe together in one book is really rather nice. Alan Harris ALSO RECEIVED A Birder’s Guide to New Hampshire. By Alan Delorey. (American Birding Association, Colorado Springs, 1996. 222 pages. ISBN 1-878788-11-6. Paperback, spiral-bound, US$16.95) Country Foxes. By Hugh Kolb. (Whittet Books, London, 1996. 128 pages. ISBN 1- 873580-29-0. Paperback £7.99) Newman's Birds of Southern Africa. 5th edn. By Kenneth Newman. (Southern Book Publishers, South Africa, 1996. 512 pages. ISBN 1-86812-611-0. Paperback £16.95) CONSERVATION RESEARCH NEWS Compiled by Mark A very This feature, contributed by the RSPB’s Research Department, reports the most interesting recent scientific news relevant to the conservation of Western Palearctic species. European solutions for global problems A tenth of the World’s 10,000 bird species are threatened with global extinction and 24 of these are found in Europe (about one in 20 of Europe’s bird species). Dr Borja Heredia, Laurence Rose and Mary Painter provide action plans for 19 of these, as well as for three species which are not consid- ered to be globally threatened (Monk Vulture Aegypius rnonachus, Azores Bullfinch Pyrrhula (pyrrhula) murina and Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata ) but are of great conservation concern. The plans for a further three globally threatened species (Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Steller’s Eider Polysticta stelleri and Spotted Eagle Aquila clanged) are in preparation. An action plan for Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregaria will not be produced owing to its mainly non-European distribution, and one for Scottish Crossbill Loxia scolica has been published by the UK Government. The species covered range from Madeira Petrel Heredia, B., Rose, L., & Painter, M. (eds.) action plans. Council of Europe, Strasbourg. Pterodroma madeira (<30 pairs nest on one Madeiran island) to the Corn Crake Crex crex, which is still widespread and numerous but has declined rapidly throughout its range. The proposals cover conservation actions from reform of agricul- tural policy to nature-reserve acquisition and management. The plan for the White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala should be required reading for those who doubt the need for control of Ruddy Ducks O. jamaicensis. This conservation first-aid kit was com- piled by BirdLife International, with help from Wetlands International, funded by the RSPB and European Union LIFE and has been published by the Council of Europe. It draws on the knowledge of about 370 experts across the continent. A similar level of co-ordination and co-operation will be needed to implement these plans. 1996. Globally Threatened Birds in Europe: Slender hope for tenuirostris ? The Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris is one of Europe’s 24 globally threatened species and must be one of the least known. We know little of how many individuals survive in the wild (the estimate is 50-270 individuals, but this is a complete guess), where they winter (except the one(s) that occurred at Merza Zerga, Morocco) or where they nest (somewhere in Russia, but the last nest was found in 1924). The species action plan (see above) puts great emphasis on eventually using satellite tags to give us many of the simple answers about this bird’s distribution and numbers, but tags light enough (<12 g) are not currently available. Two recent papers consider the whereabouts of this bird’s breeding grounds. Dr Georg Bojko and Dr Eugenius Nowak report seeing a Slender-billed Curlew in west Siberia, Russia, in July 1996. The bird was seen once and there was no evidence of nesting. More searches are planned for 1997. Dr Alla Danilenko, Dr Gerard Boere and Dr Elena Lebedeva review past records and adopt a habitat-based approach to narrow down the area of search for the breeding grounds. They suggest that Slender-billed Curlew habitat use may vary with hydrological conditions and that forest-steppes should be searched in the 204 [Bril. Birds 90: 204-205, May 1997] c British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 205 next tew, relatively wet, years of a climatic the drier conditions expected after the year cycle, whereas bogs may be a better bet in 2000. Bojko, G. W., & Nowak, E. 1996. Observation of a Slender-billed Curlew Numerous tenuirostris in west Siberia. Wader Study Group Bull. 81: 79. Danilenko, A. K., Boere, G. C., & Lebedeva, E. A. 1996. Looking for the recent breeding grounds of Slender-billed Curlew: a habitat-based approach. Wader Study Group Bull. 81: 71-78. Grey Partridges benefit from predator control The numbers of Grey Partridges Perdix perdix have been declining in Britain for about 40 years. The role of herbicides and insecticides in reducing the food supply of the largely insectivorous chicks is well estab- lished as important in the decline, but the impact of predators of partridge eggs and incubating females is less well established. Dr Stephen Tapper, Dr Dick Potts and Malcolm Brockless of the Game Conser- vancy Trust carried out an elegant six-year experiment in Wiltshire to measure the effects of reducing numbers of crows, Red Foxes Vulpes vulpes and Stoats Mustela erminea on the partridge breeding population and production of young. Predators were killed (legally) in one of two large farmland study areas and left undisturbed in die other area. After three years, the treatments were switched between areas and die study then continued for a further three years. Most of die effort to control predators was concen- trated in spring and early summer, so predators recolonised die treated area every year and their numbers recovered rapidly in the previously treated area after the switch- over. Breeding success and population size of partridges bodi increased when predators were controlled. The effect on population size was mainly the result of better breeding, rather dian survival, though female survival improved because fewer incubating females were killed by mammalian predators. After three years of predator control, the breeding-population density in the treated area was 2.6 times that on the untreated area. The contributions to diis improvement from controlling each of the several predator species cannot be assessed separately from this experiment, but Carrion Crows Corvus corone. Red Foxes and Stoats are all known from other studies to be important preda- tors. This important study has clarified a con- tentious issue by careful application of the experimental method. Could die conclusions from diis study be generalised to other areas and other species? There is little reason to suppose that diey would not apply to par- tridges in other parts of the country. Whether they apply to other species is, however, less certain, because the Grey Par- tridge is one of a group of species in which autumn population size, which is strongly dependent on breeding success, is a good predictor of numbers of breeding adults in the following spring. This tends to be the case for gamebirds and waterfowl, but is less often so for odier taxa, such as passerines. Tapper, S. C., Potts, G. R., & Brockless, M. H. 1996. The effect of an experimental reduction in predation pressure on the breeding success and population density of Grey Partridges Perdix perdix. J. Appl. Ecol. 33: 965-978. Dr Mark Avery and Dr Rhys Green, Research Department, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL &SL RARITIES COMMITTEE NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Peter Clement retired in rotation at the end of March 1997. We wish to put on record our thanks to Peter for his efforts on behalf of birdwatchers and County Recorders everywhere during his membership of the Committee. No doubt we shall turn to him from time to time for his expert knowledge on a wide range of specialist subjects, and we are already taking note of his con- structive views on the way the Committee works and can progress. We had two excellent candidates for Committee membership, to replace Peter Clement. After an election, organised by ACRE, involving County Recorders and their Records Committees and the Bird Observatories, we are pleased to announce that John Martin of Bristol (with 108 votes) has been elected to BBRC membership as from 1st April 1997. The second candidate, Chris Bradshaw of Kent, received 37 votes. We are grateful to both John and Chris for agreeing to stand, and to their respective nominators, as well as to all those electors who responded in the postal vote, and to ACRE for admin- istering the election. RAH ZEISS ANNOUNCEMENT Christmas puzzle: the solution MANZANILLA LA GHANA The key to the first part of the solution to the puzzle on page ix in the December 1996 issue (pictures repeated here) was the phrase ‘brain- power initially’, as tire word BRAINPOWER contains the initial letters, in order, of each species illustrated: Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica, Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus, Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea, Iceland Gull Lams glaucoides, Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, Poma- rine Skua Stercorarins pomarinus, Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni, Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator , Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius and Rook Corvus frugilegus. 206 [Brit. Hints 90: 206-207, May 1997] < British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 5, May 1997 207 The key to the second part of the solution was the term 'scientific formula’. The number in the bottom-right-hand corner of each box represented the formula and ‘scientific’ referred to each of the ten species’ scientific name. So, Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica has G as its first ‘scientific’ letter, Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus has ‘R’ as its third, and so on. Continued, this spells ‘Great Snipe’ Gallinago media, the eleventh bird. 1 his Christmas puzzle was devised by Peter Lansdown and illustrated by Ren Hathway. The three postcards drawn from those giving an all-correct answer were sent by R. J. Walker (Swaffham, Norfolk), Barry Weston (Edmonton, London) and Simon Woolley (Winchester, Hampshire), each of whom wins a case of three botdes of La Ghana sherry supplied by the sponsor of the Christmas puzzle, Vinicola Hidalgo SA. REQUESTS Photographs needed For forthcoming papers, colour transparencies or colour prints of the following species are needed: Saker Falco cherrug , Lanner F. biarmicus , Gyr F. rusticolus and Barbary Falcons F. pelegrinoides. Greater Sand Charadrius leschenaultii, Lesser Sand C. mongolus and Kittlitz’s Plovers C. pecuarius. Water Anthus spinoletta, Rock A. petrosus and Buff-bellied Pipits A. ntbescens. Please send to Mrs Sheila Cobban, British Birds, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Photographs of 1996 rarities needed Colour prints, black-and-white prints and colour transparencies are needed to illustrate the Rar- ities Committee’s next report. We rely on readers’ help, so that we can include the best possible selection. Those published (as well as those circulated to the Rarities Committee) are eligible for The Carl Zeiss Award (see page 73). Please send prints or slides (as soon as possible) to Mrs Sheila Cobban, British Birds, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Colour-marked birds: a reminder Although colour-marking may be used in purely local studies (e.g. of behaviour), the majority of studies of marked populations depend upon co-operation from all observers who sight the marked individuals. Only in exceptional instances do we publish separate requests on this subject (there are far too many such studies to include them all). If you see a marked bird (other than with an ordinary BTO ring), please report it as follows: cormorants: Dr Robin Sellers, Rose Cottage, Ragnall Lane, Walkley Wood, Nailsworth, Gloucester GL6 oru. SWANS AND geese: Carl Mitchell, Wildfow'l & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucester GL2 7BT. waders: c/o Stephen Browne, BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. GULLS: Large gulls: Peter Rock, 32 Kersteman Road, Redlands, Bristol BS6 7BX; small gulls: Kjeld Pedersen, Daglykkevej 7, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark. ALL OTHER SPECIES: Jeremy Blackburn, BTO. RECENT BBRC DECISIONS This monthly listing of the most-recent decisions by the British Birds Rarities Committee is not intended to be comprehensive or in any way to replace the annual ‘Report on rare birds in Great Britain’. The records listed are mostly those of the rarest species, or those of special interest for other reasons. All records refer to 1996 unless stated otherwise. ACCEPTED: White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii Dungeness (Kent), fly-by record, 1st May. Steller’s Eider Polysticta stelleri Fetlar (Shedand), wing only, 31st March. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii Pilsey Island (West Sussex), 28th July. Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Dravcote Water (Warwickshire), 28th September. Pallid Swift A pus pallidus North Ronaldsay (Orkney), moribund, 26th October. Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii St Mary’s (Scilly), 20th-22nd October 1993. Desert Wheatear Oenanihe deserti Barton Gravel-pits (Staffordshire), 23rd-30th May. Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola Marazion (Cornwall), 16th October to at least 28th December. Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis Holland-on-Sea (Essex), 18th-23rd November. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia Beachy Head (East Sussex), 2nd-3rd October; Tresco (Scilly), 20th-25th October; Norwich (Norfolk), 9th- 15th November. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Bardsey Island (Caernarfonshire), 27th September. M. J. Rogers, Secretary, BBRC, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2AZ ZEISS RECENT REPORTS Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony AIcGeehan This summary covers the period 17th March to 13th April 1997. These are unchecked reports, not authenticated records. Gyr Falcon Falco msticolus Hoy (Orkney), 22nd March. Little Crake Porzana parva Bough Beech Reservoir (Kent), 23rd-30th March. American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Tacumshin (Co. Wexford), 1 3th April. Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Peak of 12, in gull roost at Sandymount (Co. Dublin), 22nd March. Alpine Swift Apus melba Malahide (Co. Dublin), 23rd-27th March. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Five together, Soldier’s Point (Co. Louth), 6th April (unprecedented number for Ireland, where species averages only two records a year). Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Peak winter count of 56 together at Bangor (Co. Down), on 13th April. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis Waterside (Cumbria), long-stayer from 14th July 1996 still present. Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to ‘British Birds’. Call 0881-888-111 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate; 41p/min other times; incl. VAT) 208 [I hit. Ihnls 90: 208, May 1997] o British Birds Ltd 1997 British BirdShop Listed books are POST FREE to ‘British Birds’ subsc The books included in British BirdShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and valuable additions to any birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide 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, do Subbuteo Books, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW. Books All listed books are POST FREE BEST BIRD BOOKS OF THE YEAR All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year’ during 1983-96 (listed in full on p. vii in Januarv-February 1997) are available POST FREE. Use this write-in line (or use an additional sheet) special OFFERS Please lick / British Birds/IBCE International Bird Identification exclusive reduced price (usually £10.50) Paperback £9.50 □ Flegg & Hosking Eric Hosking’s Classic Birds Limited Edition (HarperCollins) EXCLUSIVE REDUCED PRICE (usually £50.00) £28.00 □ Ogilvie & Winter Best Days with British Birds (British Birds) exclusive reduced price (usually £14.95). ..£10.95 □ Parmenter & Byers A Guide to the Warblers of the Western Palearctic (Bruce Coleman) (half original price) ..£10.50 □ Urban, Fry & Keith Birds of Africa (Academic Press) vol. V. thrushes to Puffback Flycatchers due lUNe. special introductory OFFER (normal price £99.00) £85.00 □ vols. I-IV special offer £72.50 each vol. I □ vol. II □ vol. HI □ vol. IV □ SPECIAL SET PRICE vols. 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TO ADVERTISE FAX 01 767 640025 British Birds Classified Advertisements All advertisements must be prepaid and sent to British Birds Advertising Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Telephone 01767-640467 Fax 01767-640025 Rates excluding VAT £3.20 a line — average of 8 words. £10.50 a centimetre — minimum 2 centimetres Box Number counts as 2 words and is £2.50 extra per insertion Replies should be sent to the above address Series Discounts 3 for the price of 2 6 for the price of 4 1 2 for the price of 8 Copy date JUNE issue MAY 5th Please post early to avoid disappointment SERVICES BIBLIOGRAPHIES, REVIEWS, TRANSLATIONS from Russian into English of materials on all birds inhabited the former Soviet Union: Dr. Jevgeni Shergalin. Sopruse 175- 58 Tallinn EE0034 Estonia. Fax: 3722-453956. E-mail: merktal@online.ee. WANTED BBs SOUGHT - 1959-74. £10 per volume + postage. Svend Rpnnest, Kronprinsensgade 104. 6700 Esbjerg. Denmark. Tlf 0045 7512 7958. 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Richard Lewthwaite. 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen Wan, Tai Po, Hong Kong. Tel: (+852) 2665 8506. Fax: (+852) 2665 8190. (BB069) PROVENCE, CAMARGUE. 2 farm cottages, also b&b. Rogers, Mas d'Auphan. Le Sambuc, 13200 ARLES. France. Tel: (0033) 490972041. fax 490972087. (BB097) BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS ‘HIGH ISLAND’ UPPER TEXAS COAST U.S.A. Bed and breakfast for groups of 4 or 8. Tours given. ‘Birder's Haven, PO Box 309, High Island, Texas 77623. Tel. 409 286 5362 or 214 824 5390. (BB863) SABAH (BORNEO) ORNITHOLOGICAL TOUR July 1977. 24 day guided tour by area ornithology expert Dr. Clive Mann. £1690 including airfares. Details GeoVistas. Tel: 01273-47891 1 . " (BB133) VENEZUELA birdwatching fortnights Jan/Nov 97 led by John Raines: Andes, Llanos. Henri Pittier £ 1 .399 + flights. Also tailor-mades. Geodyssey 0171-281 7788. (BB125) xiii TO ADVERTISE FAX 01767 640025 COME VISIT THE ISLES OF CHAUSEY, the most southerly of the Channel islands, off the bay of Mont Saint Michel: 63 islands, only two of which are inhabited, comprising a total of 63 hectares at high tide, 5000 hectares uncovered at low tide. The tides, which can vary by 14 metres, are amongst the largest in Europe, 192 species of birds have been recorded. Very large colonies of marine birds. Excellent site for observing the spring and autumn migrations. Many wintering birds. Classed as a reserve, without hunting. Guided tours in spring and autumn. Twenty rooms in the old farm of Maitresse ile, with all comforts. Open from March to December, inclusive. Weekly stays (or weekends during certain periods). For further information, please contact: 'La Ferme de Chausey', lies Chausey, 50400 Granville, France. Tel: (00 33) 02 33 90 90 53. Fax (00 33) 02 33 90 93 50. (BB 1 38) ISRAEL - EILAT & ARAVA VALLEY AUTUMN/WINTER/SPRING - SEPT 20-MAY 20. * 1-2 week fully guided tour programme incorporating wide variety of habitats with many unique resident & migratory species. * Impressive raptor migration, seabirds, waders, & songbirds in spectacular desert environment. ' Birds on your doorstep!! More than 100 species in a day possible within a 3 Kilometre radius of your room on Lotan. ' Optional cultural & historical trips with qualified tour guide. * Trips to Northern Israel also available for 3-4 days by negotiation. ' Full board, accommodation & guiding inclusive at £375.00 per week, or $61 8.00 dollars. Rates for B & B, or half board without guiding available on request. Full details and booklet from: James Smith/Michael Livni; Kibbutz Lotan, Doar Na Chevel Eilot, 88855 ISRAEL. Fox 00-972-7-356827. Tel: 356935 (BB045) SRI LANKA - ORNITHOLOGISTS PARADISE - Home to 426 species 21 of which are endemic - Specialist guides provided for tours from individuals to grt>ups - Best period November to March - Contact Delmege Forsyth Tours. 101, Vinayalankara Mawatha, Colombo 10. Sri Lanka. Telephone : 0094 1 693361 - 8. 699500 & 699984 Telex : 21320 LEWIS CE. 21536 DFSHIP. 22766 DELAIR CE Fax : 0094 1 698139, 699413. 686149 „ ^ (BB134) AUSTRALIA Cairns is a birdwatchers paradise. World Heritage rainforests, coral islands and rugged outback, all feature spectacular birdlife. At least 15 species of raptors. 8 parrots and 6 kingfishers are found locally. Five day ground packages from £700 Limited positions, so contact me now to avoid disappointment. CHRIS HARRISS, 9/20 Girralong St„ Woree, Q. AUSTRALIA 4868. Fax: 61 70 545998 16 year s experience in arranging affordable tailor- made birding trips for individuals, bird clubs and birding tour companies British-owned Write or fax for our expanded 1 997 brochure BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA APARTADO 7911, 1000-B SAN JOSE COSTA RICA - FAX (00) 506-228-1573 (BB061 ) BIRD REPORTS EMIRATES BIRD REPORT (19941 136pp. 28 colour plates. Checklist, large Gulls ID and other articles. Cheques for £8 inc p&p please to Colin Richardson. PO Box 50394, Dubai. United Arab Emirates. (BB137) BIRDS IN THE SHEFFIELD AREA 1995. Contains Rookeries Survey Report, breeding Firecrest, Black- throated Thrush at Redmires, systematic accounts. From Tony Morris, 4A Raven Road. Sheffield S7 1SB at £4.50 inc. p&p. (BB 14 1 ) WILTSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1995. £5 inc. p&p from N Pleass, 22 Ferrers Drive. Swindon SN5 6HJ. Back Copies available. AUSTRALIA: LOTUS LODGE, 200+ species of birds. Resident naturalists, outback experience. Extensive variety of flora and fauna in far north Queensland. 17- hour flight north of Cairns. Superior accommodation. Excellent cuisine. Tel: (800) 884-2848. (BB 1 3 1 ) NEW ZEALAND Experience our unique plant and bird community in diverse and dramatic landscapes. Personalised birding/nature tours. Information: Manu Tours. 106 Ocean Beach Road. Tairua. New Zealand. Ph/Fax (64) (7) 8647475. (BB 132) BOOKS BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT & SOLD. Send A5 s a c. for catalogue. Visit our shop and see our extensive collection. Hawkridge Books, The Cruck Barn. Cross St. Castleton. Derbyshire S30 2WH. Tel. 01433 621999. Fax. 01433 621 862. (BB078) BIRD BOOKS. Out-of-print, uncommon and rare Quarterly catalogue. Peacock Books. Box 2024. Littleton. Mass. 01460. USA. (BB1 13> BIRD BOOKS, NEW NATURALISTS bought and sold. Cats, issued. West Coast Bird Books. 25 Heatherways. Frcshfield. Liverpool L37 7FIL. Tel: 01704 871 1 15. (BB 109) BIRD BOOKS. Good secondhand books, bought and sold. Free catalogue from and offers to Brian! Books. 94 Quarry Lane. Kelsall. Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 6NJ. Tel: 01829 751804. (BBII4) MIGHTY ANDES ■ WINDSWEPT PARAMO ■ ELFIN FOREST VERDANT CLOUDFOREST ■ COASTAL SEMIDESERT DECIDUOUS WOODLANDS • WILD AMAZONIA AVESTRAVEL SUPR EME Bl R DING & NATU R A L HISTORY TOURS /WES S EJ MT VIT/V Robert jonsson, Resident Director & Guide ■ P. O. BOX 17-07-9219 TEL / FAX ECUADOR 09-446 695 ■ INTERNATIONAL 593 9 446 695 QUITO - ECUADOR - SOUTH AMERICA XIV TO ADVERTISE FAX 01767 640025 BIRD AND NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS 1833-19%. S.A.E. for 1000 item catalogue. “Crack Books", Sawmill Cottages. Burton-in-Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancs LA6 3JS. (BBI02) WARBLERS OF EUROPE by Baker, published by Helm. Available in British BirdShop in June. £22.99. (BF007) FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF NEW ZEALAND by Heather & Robson. Published by OUP. Due in May in British BirdShop, £50 hardback. £25 paperback. 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Tel, fax and 24 hr (01884) 860692 (BB(I46> BIRDERS DREAM HOUSE. Overlooks Fame Island and Holy Island at Bamburgh, Northumberland, 70 yards from sea. Auks, terns etc, summer and ducks, grebes, divers winter in front of house. House list 198 spp! Many migrants. Spacious semi, Everest d-g throughout, 2 reception, 2 bathroom, 4 bedrooms etc. Ideal B&B. Offers over £179,995 to Graham Bell. Tel: 01668 214232 after 10th March. (BB 118) OPTICAL EQUIPMENT FOCALPOINT THE BINOCULAR & TELESCOPE SPECIALISTS OPEN 9.30-5.30 M0N-FRI SAT 9.30-4.00 FOCALPOINT is owned and staffed by experienced birders. We guarantee to help you find the best value for money among the maze of competing products. Good range of bird/natural history books. SKUA ‘stay-on-the-scope’ telescope cases (8 models). Ask for our leaflet on the world’s finest cases of their type. I BEST ADVICE • BEST CHOICE • BEST PRICES I E3 (D484) FOCALPOINT Unit 8, Marbury House Farm, Bentleys Farm Lane, Higher Whitley, Near Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4QW Telephone: 01 925 730399 Fax: 01 606 892207 FOR SALE THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB has a large selection of back numbers of British and Overseas journals, reports, magazines etc, for sale. Send details of your requirements or sae for summary list, to The Librarian, SOC, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT or Fax 0131 558 9947. (BB128) LEICA TELEVID 77 SCOPE angled 20xww eyepiece, box, new unwanted prize, £550. Tel: 01342 300840 evenings. (BB139) NEW NATURALIST BOOKS for sale, sae for list to Mr Ransom, 22 The Vikings. Romsey, Hants S051 5RG. BIRD INFORMATION It’s been worth waiting for! COUNTYPAGER The NEW birders news service from Rare Bird Alert Tel 01603 456789 for an information pack XV Jt British Birds Volume 90 Number 5 May 1997 167 Sexual recognition of Common Swifts Erich Kaiser 175 Minutes of the first meeting of the Association of County Recorders and Editors M. Shrubb 177 The Best Annual Bird Report Awards D r J. T. R. Sharrock, Robert Gillmor, R. A. Hume, John Prior and Michael J. Rogers 179 Looking back From the Rarities Committee’s files 180 How certain are the separation features of Arctic and Greenish Warblers? Dr Colin Bradshaw and Dr Roger Riddington 185 Mystery photographs 205 Peter Lansdown Letters 187 Osprey establishment Jason Godfrey 1 87 The earlier breeding records of Icterine Warbler in England Dougal G. Andrew Notes 190 Eurasian Sparrowhawk and Common Kestrel perching in dose proximity Felipe Siverio 190 Female Common Kestrel carrying stick from nesting cavity Dr A. P. Radford 191 Collared Dove showing threatening behaviour towards Magpie Geoffrey L. Boyle 191 Magpie catching House Martin Wesley Allridge 192 Eurasian Jackdaw preying on House Martin Richard Evans 1 92 Apparent whole brood of Common Starlings exhibiting albinism Martin S. Gamer 194 News and comment Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson 199 Monthly marathon Reviews 200 ‘A Birdwatchers’ Guide to the Canary Islands’ by Tony Clarke & David Collins Dr Colin Bibby 200 'Handbook of the Birds of die World, vol. 3. Hoatzin to auks’ edited by Josep del Hoyo, Andrew Elliott & Jordi Sargatal Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 20 1 'Field Guide to the Birds of die Middle East’ by R. F. Porter, S. Christensen & P. Schiermacker-Hansen Bob Scott 201 ‘The Tree Sparrow’ by J. Denis Summers-Smith Dr I. Newton 202 ‘Birding in Kent’ by Don Taylor Bob Scott 202 Short reviews 204 Conservation research news Dr Mark Avery and Dr Rhys Green 206 Rarities Committee news and announcements R. A. Hume Announcement 206 Christmas puzzle: the solution Requests 207 Photographs needed 207 Photographs of 1996 rarities needed 207 Colour-marked birds: a reminder 208 Recent BBRC decisions M. J. Rogers 208 Recent reports Bany Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan Line-drawing: 167 Common Swifts {Norman Arlott ) Front cover: Red-necked Grebes Podiceps grisegena {Gary Wright)-, die original of this month’s cover design, measuring 16.8 X 16.9 cm, is for sale in a postal auction (see page 72 in January issue for procedure). ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology. © British Birds Ltd 1997 ISSN 0007-0335 British Birds Volume 90 Number 6 June 1997 THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM -3 m 1997 Canon Bird Photograph of the Year PRESENTED TRING LIBRARY Vero Copner Wynne-Edwards DSc FRS OBE (1906-1997) The breeding birds of Inner London European news It British Birds Established 1907; incorporating ‘The Zoologist’, established 1843 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 Design Deborah Felts Photographic Researcher Robin Chittenden Art Consultants Robert Gillmor, Alan Harris Circulation Manager & Advertising Manager Erika Sharrock Rarities Committee R. A. Hume (Chairman), Dr Colin Bradshaw, Pete Ellis, John McLoughlin, John Martin, Doug Page, K. D. Shaw, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Grahame Walbridge; Peter Colston (museum consultant); John Marchant (archivist); Peter Fraser & Dr John Ryan (statisticians); Michael J. Rogers (Hon. Secretary) Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Derek Goodwin, Dr I. Newton FRS, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Dr K. E. L. Simmons Identification Notes Panel Dr Colin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, K. E. Vinicombe Annual subscriptions Libraries and agencies £57.00, IR£66.40 or $108.00. Personal subscriptions: UK, Europe and surface mail £44.80, IR£52.40 or $85.00; personal airmail, outside Europe £75.00, IR£87.65 or $142.00. Single back copies £5.80, IR£6.65 or $11.00. Make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Payment may be made directly into UK Post Office GIRO account number 37 588 6303. Addresses Please keep correspondence on different items separate. Please supply SAE, if reply required. Papers, notes, letters, items for ‘News and comment ’, drawings & photographs: Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone & Fax: Biggleswade (01767) 640025 Subscriptions and orders for back copies: Mrs Erika Sharrock, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (01767) 640467 Advertising: Mrs Erika Sharrock, BB Advertising, c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Phone: Biggleswade (01767) 640467. Fax: (01767) 640025 Bird news for ‘The ornithological year’: Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, c/o 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS. Phone: Woburn (01525) 290314 (evenings) Rarity descriptions: M. J. Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3AZ. Special book and sound-recording offers: British BirdShop, c/o Subbuteo Books, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW. Phone: Mold (01352) 756551. Fax: (01352) 756004. e-mail: sales@subbooks.demon.co.uk The journal ‘British Birds’ is published by a non-profit-making company for the benefit of ornithology. © British Birds Ltd 1997 Copyright of photographs remains with photographers. British Birds is published monthly by British Birds Ltd, 93 High Street, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. ISSN 0007-0335. Printed in England by Newnorth Print Ltd, Kempston, Bedford. British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of tire 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 or magazine. Photographs and drawings 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 sequence of birds follow The ‘British Birds’ List of English Names of Western Palearctic Birds (1993); or, for non-West-Palearctic species, Monroe & Sibley (1993, A World Checklist of Birds); names of plants follow Dony cl al. (1986, English Names of Wild Flowers); names of mammals follow Corbet & Harris (1991, The Handbook of British Mammals, 3rd edn). 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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This book sets out to redress this imbalance. 0 Provides a thorough summary of the Raven’s natural history 0 Emphasizes the long association of the bird with humankind The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds Ward J M Hagemeijer, Michael J Blair 0-85661-091-7 June 1997 Hardback 900 pages £55.00 A picture of bird distribution on a scale never before realised in Europe! • Data gathered by 10,000 ornithologists from every European country • Maps show the presence or absence of over 495 species • Accompanying text written by a team of 450 authors from 38 countries • Lively illustrations by an international team of artists The Golden lag Jeff Watson 0-85661-099-2 February 1997 Hardback 340 pages £29.95 This highly readable and authoritative account is destined to become the standard reference on the species, both in Scotland and elsewhere in the world. 0 The first comprehensive monograph on the Golden Eagle for 40 years 0 Text enriched with many superb pictures by Keith Brockie 0 Additional wash landscape and a colour frontispiece by Donald Watson capture the very special atmosphere of Scotland’s Golden Eagle country The Golden Eagle JEFF WATSON Text brought to life through wonderful illustrations by Chris Rose T&AD POYSER Available from your local bookseller or directly from: Academic Press Marketing Department 24-28 Oval Road, London NWI 7DX tel: 0181 300 3322 or fax: 0171 267 0362 Why not e-mail your order? wildlife@apuk.co.uk IV ^British Birds Established 1907; incorporating ‘ The Zoologist’, established 1843 THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM '3 JUM 1997 PRESENTED TRING LIBRARY OBITUARY Vero Copner Wynne-Edwards DSc FRS CBE (1906-1997) In the death of Vero Wynne- Edwards (‘Wynne’) aged 90 on 5th January, we have lost a fine athlete, a versatile naturalist, a constructive Head of Department, and a controversial theoretician of international stature. The third son of the Rev. Canon J. R. Wynne- Edwards, born on 4th July 1906, he was reared in the Yorkshire Dales and educated at Leeds Grammar School, Rugby School and New College, Oxford, where he was awarded a First and became Senior Student. On asking him what part he played in the renaissance of British Ornithology taking place at Oxford at that time, I was told facetiously by Max Nicholson that he came on one of the censuses, disappeared into a field with Jeannie Morris, and failed to return any counts, and then by Wynne that he also had a copy of Max’s seminal work How Birds Live with interleaved blank pages so that he could make notes throughout. Wynne next moved to the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, where he surveyed the local Common Starling Stumus vulgaris roosts while cycling to visit Jeannie in Exeter (at least 74 km each way), and they married when he moved on to Bristol. In his Starling report in British Birds (23: 138-153, 170-180; 24: 346-353), he was already speculating about the reasons for birds’ social behaviour. In 1930, he became Associate Professor at McGill University, Montreal. There, he made his name with a major review of the seabirds of the North Atlantic, based on his transects between Britain and Canada, and expeditions to the Arctic, also contributing to a census of gannetries {Morns bassanus ) and speculating about non-breeding by some Fulmars ▲ 50. Professor V. C. Wynne-Edwards (1906-1997), Aberdeen, 1970s {Andy Lucas) [Brit. Birds 90: 209-210, June 1997] < British Birds Ltd 1997 209 210 Vero Copner Wynne-Edwards DSc FRS CBE (1906-1997) Fulmarus glacialis and seabird population dynamics. The first seabird atlas in the World, for eastern Canada, was dedicated to him, Les Tuck and Finn Salomonsen; and his son, Hugh, and daughter, Janet, have founded a dynasty of biologists in Canada, including seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In 1945, he returned, as Regius Professor of Natural History', to Aberdeen, where he remained until he retired in 1974. He built up the Department from a small but happy band lurking in a rat-hole in a comer of Marischal Quadrangle to garrison a huge new mock-medieval fortress in old Aberdeen. His student, George Dunnet, undertook more work on Fulmars and then other forms of oil pollution in the Scottish islands, and established the famous Culterty Field Station on the Ythan Estuary up the coast. One associated unit under David Jenkins worked on Grouse and Moorland Ecology inland, and another on birds at sea, until they were nationalised. Wynne also served on numerous committees, becoming chairman of several, including the Natural Environment Research Council during 1968-71, also President of the BOU from 1965 to 1970; details will be found in obituaries by his successor, Paul Racey, in The Independent of 1 1th January and in The Times of 4th February. Wynne’s most important contribution to biology, possibly the most important since that by Charles Darwin, was to direct more attention to the role of social behaviour in population dynamics. He disagreed with the emphasis placed on competition for food by David Lack in his book The Natural Regulation of Animal Numbers in 1954, and embarked on a vast review of Animal Dispersion in Relation to Social Behaviour (1962) to show that animals have developed ways to limit its effect. Unfortunately, instead of taking as much care as the Original Evolutionist to forestall critics, he left an opening for complaints that he was not a good Darwinist because his ‘group selection’ conferred no advantage on individuals. All around the World, obscure people emerged from back rooms to declare such a novel suggestion heretical, editors began to refuse his contributions, and it became academic suicide for a student to mention him. Perhaps, now that more examples of organisms co-operating successfully emerge daily, posterity may give him more credit? While it is possible to find political parallels to the argument over whether the world works through competition or co-operation, he showed no awareness of it. Indeed, he was rather conservative in his views, until, at the end of his career, he signed the Blueprint for Survival, calling for limits to economic growth during tire most expansive phase of the Heath government of the early 1970s. When I later found him sitting alone in the Common Room and congratulated him upon his CBE, he gave me a little lecture about how people are assessed for these honours, while I thought sadly ‘If only you had not signed that document, you might have made a useful Life Peer.’ In person, he was lightly built and wiry, with an open, engaging manner. While firmly convinced of the rightness of his own ideas, he did not impose them on others, and was always interested in their problems; so, while not a strong chairman of committees, he was universally liked. Socially, he was elusive, spending his spare time on feats of endurance in the hills, preferably on skis. To us, he embodied the spirit of tire sunlit uplands, and we hope that he is now happy surveying tire wildlife of die Elysian Fields. W. R. P. Bourne The breeding birds of Inner London, 1966-94 P. J. Oliver ABSTRACT The breeding birds of a defined area of 40 square miles (103.5 km2) in the centre of London (‘Inner London’) have been monitored regularly since at least 1929 and were covered by Atlas surveys in 1968-72 and 1988-94. This paper reviews the changes since the last full review in 1966 and reveals that at least 66 species bred in Inner London in the 27 years to 1994. In that period, only two species were lost as breeding birds, while 24 species increased in abundance. The varied habitat of the Royal and other central parks, together with the temporarily attractive site of the derelict Surrey Docks, were important in attracting such a wide range of species to nest in an omithologically unpromising area. [Brit. Birds 90: 211-225, June 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 211 212 Oliver: The breeding birds of Inner London, 1 966-94 From an ornithological perspective. Inner London must be one of the most intensively studied urban areas in the World. While full details of the birds of Finer London appear annually in the London Bird Report , there has been no review of its avifauna since that by Cramp & Tomlins (1966).* This paper reviews changes among the breeding birds since 1965, based on information in the forthcoming New Atlas of Breeding Birds of the London Area (Betton in prep.). It reveals not only the remarkable diversity of bird-life that lives successfully in the inherently hostile environment of a major conurbation, but also the adaptability and speed of response of many species to new opportunities as habitats change. Inner London, as a biological recording area, was first defined by Holte Macpherson and Witherby in 1929 (Earp 1991) as ‘. . . an oblong area: the cenU'es of the upper and lower boundaries being 2'A miles [4 km] due north and south of Charing Cross, and those of the two sides 4 miles [6.4 km] due east and west of that point.’ This definition has remained unchanged ever since and is followed in this paper (fig. 1). The summary that follows draws on the preliminary maps for the Nezv London Atlas , based on fieldwork in 1988-94, compared with diose in Montier (1977), which were based on fieldwork in 1968-72; it also takes account of breeding-season records published in the London Bird Report for the years 1 966- 94. A more detailed analysis will appear in the London Bird Report (Osborne in prep.). Habitats Inner London is by no means all bricks and mortar. The western half contains not only the Royal Parks, but also a number of other open spaces, while in the northwest there remain some comparatively large and mature gardens. The Royal Parks, together with Battersea Park, all in the western half, account for over 600 ha, while Victoria and Southwark Parks in the eastern half amount to another 1 1 3 ha. In aggregate, these open spaces, all of which have substantial areas of mature trees and many of which have lakes attractive to waterfowl, account for about 7% of the area of Inner London. Areas of dense scrub and shrubberies are, however, in short supply, even in the more mature parks, where the preference of the authorities is mainly for mature trees, open grassed areas and flower-beds, with only limited plantings of dense shrubberies. The eastern half, lacking the same extent of open spaces, has for long been less suitable for birds, but for the past 25 years the disused Surrey Docks, lying at the eastern edge of Inner London, have proved something of an ornithological Mecca in the context of an otherwise largely inhospitable environment. Inner London, in common with all other conurbations, is subject to constant change as buildings are demolished and replaced by others. Usually this gives rise to very temporary changes of habitat, but these are often exploited by birds remarkably quickly. Less often, the changes are longer-lasting or more profound. In the latter category is the abandonment and subsequent redevelopment of the Surrey Docks. These were closed to commercial shipping in 1970 and were for some years left untouched, with the result that the comparatively undisturbed derelict ground and waterbodies attracted a remarkable range of species (Grant 1971; George 1974; Alderton 1977). Even following the redevelopment of the * This important paper w ill be cited frequently, and is henceforth referred to as ‘C&T. British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 213 Fig. 1 . Inner London, showing principal parks and open spaces and locations of other sites mentioned in text. ( Redrawn by Robin Prytherch ). Stippling = River Thames and park lakes; cross-hatching = parks. 1 Bankside 10 Euston Road 19 Primrose Hill 2 Battersea Park 1 1 Holland Park 20 Regent’s Park 3 Battersea Power Station 12 Hyde Park 21 Southwark Park 4 Brompton Cemetery 13 Kensington Gardens 22 St James’s Park 5 Buckingham Palace 14 King’s Cross 23 Su'and 6 Burgess Park 15 Limehouse Basin 24 Surrey Docks 7 Cadogan Square 16 Regent’s Park (London Zoo) 25 Victoria Park 8 Charing Cross 17 Mile End Road 9 County' Hall 1 8 Paddington Street area, mostly for housing, but with some waterbodies and parkland being retained for leisure purposes, it remains attractive to many species not otherwise associated with Inner London and, from an ornithological perspective, represents the greatest change to the area since the wartime blitz in the 1940s. The general cleaning-up of the metropolis, in particular the clean-up of the Thames and the reduction in air pollution, was substantially complete by the early 1970s, and resulted in demonstrable improvements in the bird population (Cramp 1975; Harrison & Grant 1976). Changes in distribution and abundance All species known to have bred in Inner London since 1 966, or that were mapped as present in the breeding season in either of the Atlas surveys, are listed in table 1 . This shows the number of tetrads from which each species was recorded in each of the surveys and indicates those species for which there has been a sustained increase or decrease over the past 30 years. The judgment on whether a species has shown such a change in status is, to a degree, subjective, not only taking into 214 Oliver: The breeding birds of Inner London, 1 966-94 Table 1. Species that bred or were present in the breeding season in Inner London during 1966-94, showing number of tetrads (maximum possible 24) in which recorded in Atlas surveys. Trend + = sustained increase. - = sustained decrease. * not mapped by Montier (1977). Totals under ‘present’ include those under ‘confirmed breeding’. 1968-72 ■* 1988-94 Confirmed Confirmed breeding Present breeding Present Trend Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 1 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 2 2 5 7 + Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 4 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 1 ★ 2 14 + Mute Swan Cygnus olor 3 6 4 13 Greylag Goose Anseranser 3 5 + Canada Goose Branta canadensis 5 5 6 11 + Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata 1 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 15 18 14 21 Garganey Anas querquedula 1 Common Pochard Aythya ferina 5 5 5 7 + Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 6 7 9 13 + Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 1 3 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus ★ 3 4 + Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 7 17 18 24 + Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 7 7 9 13 Common Coot Fulica atra 5 5 9 12 Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 1 2 Great Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus ★ 13 Common Gull Larus canus ★ 5 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus 2 3 10 + Herring Gull Larus argentatus 3 4 3 12 + Common Tern Sterna hirundo 1 Rock Dove Columba livia 13 20 24 24 Stock Dove Columba oenas 3 3 4 5 Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 24 24 21 24 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 1 1 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri 1 Tawny Owl Strix aluco 6 13 5 9 — Common Swift Apus apus 3 9 4 23 + Green Woodpecker Pious viridis 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 2 3 6 + Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor 2 Sky Lark Alauda arvensis 1 1 Sand Martin Biparia riparia 1 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 1 1 4 House Martin Delichon urbica 3 7 11 20 + Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis 2 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava 2 2 2 2 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 6 10 + Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba 9 12 8 19 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes 12 17 20 23 Hedge Accentor Prunella modularis 14 19 20 23 + Robin Erithacus rubecula 11 14 19 24 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 1 7 11 12 Blackbird Turdus merula 24 24 23 24 Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 18 22 17 24 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus 16 21 17 20 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 215 1968-72 1988-94 Confirmed breeding Present Confirmed breeding Present Trend Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus 1 3 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca 1 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis 1 Garden Warbler Sylvia borin 1 1 1 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 3 7 7 11 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 1 3 2 7 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 2 3 2 10 Goldcrest Hegulus regulus 2 4 3 6 Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata 7 8 9 13 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 3 3 9 10 + Coal Tit Parus ater 7 9 7 9 Blue Tit Parus caeruleus 18 20 21 24 Great Tit Parus major 10 16 15 20 European Nuthatch Sitta europaea 1 1 2 5 + Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris 1 2 4 6 + Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 8 13 7 14 Magpie Pica pica 1 3 19 22 + Jackdaw Corns monedula 2 3 _ Carrion Crow Corns corone 15 21 22 24 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 22 23 24 24 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 23 24 24 24 Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 1 1 — Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 5 12 7 9 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 14 20 16 23 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 8 14 8 18 Linnet Carduelis cannabina 1 4 6 12 Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea 1 4 6 + Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula 5 6 4 8 Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 1 1 1 account records published in the London Bird Report , but also allowing for the fact that the coverage in the eastern half of Inner London was far from complete in 1968-72; as a result, increases in the number of tetrads from which a species was recorded between the two surveys are sometimes more apparent than real. For example, whereas the Robin'*" was recorded in both surveys breeding in most of the western tetrads, it was apparently absent from all but two in the eastern half in 1968-72, but present in all of those (and breeding in all but three) in 1988-94. It seems unlikely that such a marked change in a species well distributed elsewhere in London represents anything other than better coverage in the more recent survey. One of the most encouraging features is that just two species — -Jackdaw and Tree Sparrow — have been lost as breeding birds in Inner London since 1965, with only three more — Tawny Owl, Song Thrush and Spotted Flycatcher — showing a constant decline. In contrast, at least 24 species are now more common than they were 30 years ago, and 20 species recorded in 1988-94 were absent in the earlier survey. Comments follow on selected species. These principally describe the changes which have occurred between the two Atlas surveys, the earlier one having commenced shortly after the close of C&T’s (1966) review. *Scientific names are given in table 1. 216 Oliver: The breeding birds of Inner London, 1966-94 Grebes and heron The Little Grebe has always been erratic as a breeding species in Inner London, C&T noting occasional nesting on the lakes in Regent’s and St James’s Parks and the grounds of Buckingham Palace. This pattern has continued, but with an unusually long series of records from St James’s Park during 1983-88, breeding being confirmed in four of those years. Little Grebes also nested at Surrey Docks in 1977 and 1978. In contrast, C&T documented the first nesting of the Great Crested Grebe in Inner London, in Regent’s Park in 1964. This was an isolated event, but in 1971 a pair attempted to nest in Hyde Park and this proved to be the start of regular nesting on lakes in the larger parks, including, since 1983, Victoria Park. It has nested only erratically at Surrey Docks and Burgess Park. In the mid 1980s the total breeding population in Inner London ranged from 14 to 16 pairs, but in other years rarely reached double figures. Grey Herons began breeding in Inner London in 1968, when two pairs nested in Regent’s Park, but failed to rear young. Since then, they have bred there successfully every year, with ten pairs raising 19 young as early as 1970, although, apart from an isolated peak of 18 pairs in 1979, numbers otherwise rarely reached double figures prior to 1989. From that time, however, there was a marked increase, with over 20 pairs every year during 1 989-93 and a maximum of 28 occupied nests in 1991. A second heronry was established, at Battersea Park, in 1990, when there were two occupied nests, rising to nine by 1993 and 15 in the following year, so that the combined totals of nests in Inner London in these last two years were 31 and 30, respectively. Wildfowl The Mute Swan remains scarce in Inner London. C&T referred to a breeding population of one to five pairs, and this has remained the norm ever since; most records come from the central parks. In contrast, the status of both Greylag and Canada Geese has been transformed. The Greylag was not recorded in 1968-72, but, as elsewhere in Britain (Owen & Salmon 1988), it has established a feral population in Inner London, the origin of which appears to have been the collection in St James’s Park, where free-flying individuals were noted from 1977. Expansion of this population was limited by control measures, and there have rarely been more than ten broods in St James’s Park. Nesting was first reported in Regent’s Park in 1985, but there, too, the number of breeding pairs has not reached double figures. In spite of these low nesting numbers, large flocks occur in the parks, and in die summer survey of 1991 the combined total for St James’s, Regent’s and Hyde Parks and Kensington Gardens reached 200, of which 158 were in St James’s Park (Baker 1992). Early in 1994, more-severe control measures were taken, with the majority of the geese being rounded up and removed (reportedly killed rather than translocated), so that for about 18 months very few were present in the parks. By late 1995, however, numbers had increased again, presumably by immigration. The expansion of the Canada Goose population began earlier, was even more substantial and also reflected the national picture. As with the Greylag, the extent of the increase has been limited by control in die central parks, so that, throughout British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 217 the period under review, breeding pairs in each of Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens, and Regent’s and St James’s Parks have not reached double figures. By contrast, in Battersea Park, five pairs bred in 1975, but by the time the next records were received from this locality, ten years later, some 40 pairs were estimated to have nested, though they reared only 110 young. In spite of the control measures, the total population using the parks has increased remarkably. In the summer survey in 1983, a total of 417 was reported, whereas by the summer of 1992 there were 1,154 (Baker 1992). As with the Greylag, this species was rounded up in large numbers in the winter of 1993/94, but, like that species, had begun to increase again by late 1995. C&T referred to the Common Pochard’s spread in the 1 950s from St James’s Park to other central parks. It was for long restricted to those localities, though in increasing numbers, but by the early 1990s it had also been reported from parks in the eastern half of Inner London. C&T estimated five to 1 5 breeding pairs; today, the breeding population in Inner London is usually 15 to 30 pairs. The Tufted Duck has increased throughout the London Area. Based on a survey conducted in 1984, Oliver (1985) estimated the Inner London nesting population at a minimum of 1 26 pairs at eight localities. This is far higher than reported before or since, but, judging by the records in the London Bird Report for subsequent years, it seems likely that numbers have remained at around the same level. That other nationally expanding species, the Ruddy Duck, has bred in Regent’s Park and probably in St James’s Park, but has not yet firmly established itself in Inner London away from the park collections. Raptors The Eurasian Sparrowhawk had nested only once (unsuccessfully) in Inner London, in Holland Park in 1953, prior to the 1988-94 survey, so, in spite of its recent resurgence elsewhere in London, its establishment as a breeding species in the inner area is as surprising as it is welcome. It was present and probably breeding in three tetrads and recorded in one other; sightings of this raptor over Inner London are now widespread, even away from known breeding areas. In the case of the Common Kestrel, the opening of our review period saw the beginning of its recovery as a breeding species in Inner London, for in 1963 none bred, but single pairs were reported to have nested in both 1964 and 1965 (Montier 1977). By the time of the 1988-94 survey, it was recorded in all 24 tetrads and bred in 18; the summering population was thus probably well in excess of 20 pairs. Waders Given the widespread distribution in the London Area of the Little Ringed Plover and the fact that it bred just outside the Inner London boundary in 1968-72, its appearance as a breeding bird at the then-derelict Sun-ey Docks was not unexpected, a pair nesting there in most years during 1973-84, though not apparently subsequently. Perhaps more remarkably, a pair nested at Battersea Power Station in 1992. The temporarily suitable habitat at the Surrey Docks also resulted, in 1973, in the first recorded nesting in Inner London of single pairs of Great Ringed Plover and Northern Lapwing. Great Ringed Plovers bred there again in 1978 and 1980, but neither species has done so since, the habitat now being unsuitable for any of these waders. 218 Oliver: The breeding birds of Inner London, 1 966-94 Gulls and terns While both Black-headed and Common Gulls were present during the 1988-94 survey, neither has shown any suggestion of breeding behaviour. By contrast, Herring Gulls had already established a tenuous foothold as a nesting species near an outside aviary at the London Zoo by the end of the period reviewed by C&T. Breeding has continued there annually, but in very small numbers. From 1967, one or two pairs have nested in most years in St James’s Park or on nearby buildings, but from the early 1980s reports of nesting, usually of only a pair or two, began to come from other sites, for example on buildings alongside or close to the River Thames at County Hall, and the Strand and in Cadogan Square, some l'/4 km north of the river, though these sites were rarely occupied for more than one season. Then, in 1988, a pair probably nested at King’s Cross, and this led to the establishment of a small colony of up to six pairs at a development site there. In 1994, a colony of eight pairs was discovered nesting at Primrose Hill, about 2'/2 km from the King’s Cross site. Although the Lesser Black-backed Gull had been present or attempted to nest in both St James’s and Regent’s Parks during the previous survey, and had been reported elsewhere in Finer London in subsequent years, nesting was not proved until 1987, when a pair bred at Euston Road. This was repeated in the two following years, in the second of which another pair nested at the King’s Cross development site. The latter has proved particularly suitable for this species, and by 1 994 there was a small colony of 1 1 pairs there, when a further six pairs nested at Primrose Hill. Lesser Blackbacks have also begun nesting elsewhere in Inner London, often on rooftops but also, in 1995 and 1996, on a barge moored on the Thames. Both this species and the Herring Gull look set to become the familiar rooftop nesters that they now are in other cities in Britain. Inner London must be an unlikely area for nesting terns, yet a pair of Common Terns bred in Limehouse Basin in 1989 and four pairs nested on rafts in disused docks just outside the Inner London boundary in 1994. Other non-passerines C&T documented the extinction of the Stock Dove as a breeding bird in Finer London by 1961, attributing this to toxic chemicals used on seed-dressings (the birds nesting inside but feeding outside Inner London). By the time of the 1968-72 survey, however, it had re-established itself and it remains today a scarce but regular breeder in Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens. Breeding by the Collared Dove in Inner London is unsurprising, but has been reported in only one tetrad (figs. 2- 4). Although the Rose-ringed Parakeet was also present in 1988-94 in only one tetrad in the southwest of the area, this appears to be an extension of die gradually spreading population from one of the early strongholds of the species in southwest London. It may therefore be the beginning of the establishment of this introduced species in Inner London. The Tawny Owl has apparently suffered a decline, having disappeared from the eastern half (previously present in three tetrads, in one of which it bred) and reduced from ten tetrads (seven breeding) to nine (five breeding) in the western half. C&T commented that the Common Swift, having managed to remain as a scarce breeder in the west of the area during the worst period of air pollution, might British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 219 •• ••••• ••••• •• »•••• • • • »•••••••••• >t> »♦)••• . rii rigs. orccuxilg UISUIUUUUII WA v>uuaivu " » 1988-94 (top, large map) and during 1968-72 (small map, bottom left), with differences between these distributions highlighted (bottom right); in fig. 4, solid dots show tetrads colonised and open circles tetrads vacated between the two surveys. (On all maps, some gaps in East London north of the River Thames in 1968-72 reflect incomplete coverage in that earlier survey.) Note that, despite considerable expansion to occupy almost all parts of outer London, the central area, including Inner London, has barely been penetrated. (Maps from the forthcoming New Atlas of Breeding Birds of tire London Area, edited by Keith Belton ) 220 Oliver: The breeding birds of Inner London, 1966-94 increase in the future. In fact, it has remained scarce in Inner London, though nowadays it is also found away from the previously favoured western edge of the area. The large number of tetrads in which it was present but not proved to be breeding in 1988-94 probably indicates feeding rather than nesting. There seems no doubt that all three species of woodpecker are better represented in Inner London than 30 years ago. Both Green and Lesser Spotted were absent in 1968-72 (though the Green Woodpecker had previously nested in the comparatively secluded grounds of Holland Park), and, although neither has since been confirmed as nesting, the Lesser Spotted is reported regularly from Regent’s Park. The Great Spotted is now well established in Inner London: it was recorded in 1988-94 in six tetrads (breeding in three), compared with two (breeding in only one) in 1968-72. Passerines The House Martin did not breed in Inner London between 1889 and 1966, when six pairs were found nesting in the residential area of St John’s Wood. It has since bred annually in Inner London, with a rapid build-up to 19 nests at St John’s Wood by 1969. Numbers reported thereafter fluctuated markedly, probably at least partly because of variations in observer effort, but with more than 50 pairs annually since 1980, and a maximum of 120 pairs in 1982. In the 1988-94 survey, it was widely reported in both the eastern and western halves of the area. The Bam Swallow, never an urban breeder, has failed to penetrate Inner London, having bred there only once since 1908 (in Regent’s Park in 1968). The appearance of Sky Lark and Meadow Pipit as breeding species is attributable mainly to the change in habitat suitability of the Surrey Docks. Up to about ten pairs of Sky Larks nested annually there during 1971-92, though apparently not since, and the Meadow Pipit bred regularly until 1987. The Yellow Wagtail, too, has benefited from the suitability of the Surrey Docks, as many as 1 5 territories having been recorded there, with up to ten pairs successfully nesting. This species is an opportunist, for in recent years it has also nested in the southwest of the area at sites that have become temporarily suitable because of redevelopment. The Grey Wagtail was not recorded in the 1968-72 breeding seasons, the British population still being at a low level following the severe winters of 1961/62 and especially 1962/63. In the 1988-94 survey, it was recorded in ten tetrads, breeding in sLx, and can now be regarded as a regular breeder in Inner London. The Black Redstart has long been established as an Inner London breeder, though its faithfulness to sites is often of short duration, presumably because of changes in the suitability of habitat. Thus, of the 79 sites from which nesting pairs or singing males were reported in the London Bird Report during 1966-94, one (the mainly industrial area of Bankside) was occupied for 16 years and another (Surrey Docks) for 15 years, 14 for three to 11 years, 12 for only two years, but as many as 51 sites in only one season. This predilection for changing sites and the fact that it occurs in locations frequently of little other interest to birdwatchers make an assessment of its population difficult. Based on records in the London Bird Report , numbers have varied markedly from year to year and show no obvious long-term trend. The totals of pairs and singing males have British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 221 occasionally reached double figures, and there were 15 in 1987, 17 in 1993 and 24 in 1994. The Song Thrush is widely reported to have declined in Britain (Marchant et al. 1990) and this is reflected in Inner London, where it had previously increased during the period reviewed by C&T. In 1968-74, breeding was confirmed in all the western tetrads, compared with only two-thirds of them in 1988-94; an apparent improvement over the same period in the eastern half is probably at least partly attributable to improved coverage in the later survey. Sanderson (1995) reported a substantial decline in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, from an average of 36 territories in the period 1967-80 to only nine in 1994. Although another nationally declining species, the Spotted Flycatcher (Marchant et al. 1990), bred in the eastern half in 1988-94, but was not recorded doing so in 1968-72, it has declined sharply in the western half, from breeding in eight tetrads to only three in 1988-94, with presence in another two. This decline is confirmed by the numbers reported from the central parks, in several of which it nested regularly until the end of the 1970s, with up to ten territories in Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens, up to nine in Regent’s Park and up to three in Holland Park. Lower numbers occurred in the early 1980s and none has been reported from Regent’s Park since 1983 or from Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens since 1989. On the other hand, there has, in recent years, been a scattering of isolated breeding reports from the periphery of the Inner London area. Unsurprisingly, warblers remain scarce in Inner London, most species that are recorded occurring only sporadically. Nevertheless, it is interesting that both Common Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat were recorded in 1988-94, but not in 1968-72; that Reed Warblers were singing (but apparently unmated) in two localities in 1994; and that the Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus was reported from several places only just outside the Inner London boundary. Likewise, the three regularly nesting species — Blackcap, Common Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler — were all reported in 1988-94 in more tetrads than previously. There seems little doubt that the Long-tailed Tit, European Nuthatch and Eurasian Treecreeper have all become better established since the earlier survey, though not surprisingly they are all associated with the larger, comparatively well-wooded parks in the west (fig. 1). The Magpie was initially also dependent on the parks as it became established in Inner London, but it has shown itself capable of exploiting much less ‘green’ habitats, and C&T’s comment that ‘it may yet penetrate into the centre’ has been amply justified (figs. 5-7, on page 222). In 1966, records of six separate individuals in various central parks were thought worthy of comment in the London Bird Report. Breeding was attempted, unsuccessfully, in Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens in 1969, and by 1971 it nested successfully both there and in Regent’s Park. Numbers increased slowly, with up to six and eight pairs respectively at those two localities by the end of the decade, by when breeding had also occurred in several other central parks. Nesting away from parks was first reported in 1982, at Brompton Cemetery, though a pair had been present in the breeding season at Surrey Docks in 1980. During the 1980s, nesting was reported more and more widely and was not restricted to parks and squares, with records from, foi example, Mile End Road and Paddington Street in 1986. By the beginning of the 1990s, around 30 pairs were reported nesting in Inner London, but the true total is 222 Oliver: The breeding birds of Inner London, 1 966-94 *• 1 • * • • • • ••• • 1 }©©•• • # •• • • • • • • • • • • *••© •••* • • • • •••• _ »•••* • ••••••■ • • ••••*••••• Etlti *••»!!!•*■« ••••••* #jl _ _ ■••■••••••••••• •••••• • *•••••••••••••• »••>•••• ••• M >•••• •««>» d «»>d ..«»»■ . •• • •• •••••••< «•••••• • • • •«••••••« •• • •• ••• • ••• ; •• :*• • mm* v ©•©•© ©•©•©•••• ••• ©••••••••©•• 9 Brredtng • Prwml »©•©•••• •©•©•••©••••• >••••••••••> • .••••• *•••••••••• • 1M *••••••••• • •• • •■••••••••■ •••« 1 — • •• • • • ©•L_, ' ©©1 ' □ • ^ © © © © ©©©©© • ©© © ©© ©!•» © »•© • • • 4, © tfr ©©••© ©I fl | © TL j • . / * ' • • • • 1 • • •• • • • • #©• ©© • • ©©©©© ©©•© • • • TQ o • • • • • • • • ©• o • •• • • ••• • ••©• • ••©• • ••: :© • ©j>© © • •• • ••• • ••• • ©. ~^W •• •••• M • • • m • • ©if • • • • • • *- ' • ©••• • •• o -. - ... • • • • M • © •• • ©©••© • • © • •• • • ©•©© • ••• • ©©•© • ■r a • ©•©•© • • _ © Gtia Both limn O U*. Figs. 5-7. Breeding distribution of Magpie Pica pica in London during 1988-94 (top, large map) and during 1968-72 (small map, bottom left), with differences between these distributions highlighted (bottom right); in fig. 7, solid dots show tetrads colonised and open circles tetrads vacated between the two surveys. Note that, unlike Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto (figs. 2-4), which had a similar distribution in 1968-72, the Magpie has successfully colonised the whole area, including Inner London. {Maps from the forthcoming New Atlas of Breeding Birds of the London Area, edited by Keith Betton) British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 223 probably greater, since many scattered pairs are now unlikely to be reported, the species being regarded as commonplace in the built-up area. This dramatic increase reflects the success of this controversial species elsewhere in Britain. In conti ast, the Eurasian Jay has become somewhat less widespread in the western half, breeding reports coming from six tetrads, compared with ten in 1968-72. As already noted, the Jackdaw has been lost as an Inner London breeding bird. For many years, a pair or two hung on in Kensington Gardens, but none has bred there since 1969. Seven were released in Regent’s Park in 1978, but no subsequent breeding has been reported. The Tree Sparrow, previously nesting in the southwest corner of Inner London, has also been lost as a breeding bird, no doubt reflecting its national decline (Marchant et al. 1990). Among the finches, the Greenfinch has declined in the western sector, where breeding had earlier been reported from all 12 tetrads; in 1988-94, it was absent from one and merely present in another three. The Linnet was found breeding in six tetrads in the more recent survey, but as all of these were in the eastern sector there must be doubt as to whether it was truly absent previously. By contrast, the Common Redpoll, recorded in six tetrads (breeding in four), principally in or near the parks, was clearly more widespread than in 1968-72, when it was breeding in only one tetrad. C&T documented the Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes as possibly having nested in the 1950s and 1961 and 1962, but it has not since been recorded in Inner London in the breeding season. Finally, the Reed Bunting, present but not breeding at Surrey Docks in 1968-72, has bred there almost annually since 1973. Discussion In the 27 years to 1994, a minimum of 66 species bred in Inner London, at least 48 of them regularly. That number would have been much lower had not the derelict land and water of the Surrey Docks become available, while the number of regular breeders would probably have been halved but for the trees, shrubs and lakes of the larger parks. In 1988-94, ten species were present and almost certainly breeding throughout the area: Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Wren, Hedge Accentor, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Common Starling and House Sparrow. Another five were present almost throughout the area: Mallard, Mistle Thrush, Great Tit, Magpie and Greenfinch. Allowing for incomplete coverage in 1968-72, and with the notable exception of the now-widespread Magpie, the same situation probably existed at the time of the previous survey, although, as already noted, there may have been a decline in the case of the Greenfinch. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Hedge Accentor is in fact now more widespread, for it is by no means confined to parks and gardens, but can even be found singing from shrubs planted in containers in otherwise wholly concrete environments, continuing the trend of increase noted by C&T. Its numbers in the parks can be substantial, with, for example, frequently upwards of 30 territories in Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens and 78 ‘pairs’ reported from Regent’s Park in 1978. Suggestions that the House Sparrow is declining have so far been confirmed by quantified data from Inner London only by winter counts in Kensington Gardens, which revealed a decrease from 544 in 1975 to only 46 in 1995 (Sanderson 1995). 224 Oliver: The breeding birds of Inner London, 1 966-94 The importance of the parks, predominantly in the western half, will have become apparent from the comments on changes in status, but an increasing number of species has demonstrated an ability to spread out from these favoured areas and exploit the urban environment. Good examples are the Hedge Accentor and the Magpie. Other species are becoming established or increasing in the parks, among them the woodpeckers, Long-tailed Tit, European Nuthatch and Eurasian Treecreeper. In contrast, two species, Goldfinch and Linnet, are plainly more widespread in the eastern half of the area than in the ‘greener’ western half. The tits provide another interesting contrast, for, whereas both the Blue and the Great Tits have managed to sustain themselves in the bricks and mortar of the eastern half as well as in the parks and gardens of the west, the Coal Tit and the Long-tailed Tit are strictly confined to the latter. A different form of exploitation is illustrated by the large gulls, which are beginning to treat London’s buildings as breeding cliffs. All these species, of course, need adequate food supplies as well as secure nest sites. While the clean-up of the River Thames resulted in many more birds feeding there, it is not immediately obvious that this has affected any of the breeding birds in Inner London. One might speculate, however, that the Great Cormorant, now seen feeding on the Thames in Inner London throughout the year, and nesting at Walthamstow Reservoirs, only some 4 km north of the boundary, might be the next new breeding species for Inner London. The cleaner air, and thus the probability of greater abundance of insect food, following the Clean Air Act of 1956, has already been cited as a possible reason for the increase of some breeding species in Inner London (Cramp 1975). In comparing the periods 1940-56 and 1957-73, Cramp (1975) noted a net gain of three insectivorous species and commented that this might ‘. . . soon rise to five if the Long-tailed Tit and Goldcrest succeed in establishing themselves as regular breeding species.’ Both had in fact done so by the time of the 1968-72 survey, and the Long-tailed Tit has since increased further. The majority of the other passerine species that have increased between the two surveys are at least partly insectivorous, as are most of the much smaller number of species that have declined. Several of the latter are also becoming scarcer elsewhere in Britain (Song Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher and Tree Sparrow: Marchant et al. 1990; though not Eurasian Jay, Jackdaw or Greenfinch), and it is tempting to conclude that the further net increases can be linked to continuing improvements in the availability of insect food. While this may be true, the evidence is only circumstantial and tire factors affecting bird distribution are many and complex. With our present knowledge, conclusions on the reasons for tire changes in Inner London can be no more than tentative. Inner London has provided numerous examples of birds’ abilities to exploit areas that become newly suitable for them as a result of some change in use by Man. The wide range of species that made use of the Surrey Docks is the best example of this, but others have been commented on earlier in this paper. Such exploitation requires, however, a pool of available individuals outside the area capable of moving in when conditions become suitable. To this extent, therefore, the ornithological prosperity of die centre of a major metropolis depends as much on what happens outside its confines as on events widiin it. It is clear from dais survey, however, that the balance sheet for Inner London over the last 30 years British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 225 has been favourable. Perhaps the appearance of Peregrine Falcons Falco peregrinus in the breeding season in 1994 and 1995 augurs well for the centre of our capital city as we approach the millennium. Acknowledgment I thank Ken Osborne, formerly the London Natural History Society’s Ornithological Recorder for Inner London, for providing much information about the birds of the metropolis and for commenting on a draft of this paper. References ALDERTON, R. E. 1977. Birds in Surrey Commercial Docks, January' 1973 to December 1975. Lond. Bird Rep. 40: 85-90. Baker, H. 1992. Status of the Canada Goose, the Greylag Goose and other introduced geese in Greater London and Middlesex, 1991. Lond. Bird Rep. 56: 175-182. Betton, K. In prep. A New Atlas of London’s Breeding Birds. Cramp, S. 1975. The influence of cleaner air on the breeding birds of Inner London. Lond. Bird Rep. 38: 65-72. & Tomlins, A. D. 1966. The birds of Inner London 1951-65. Brit. Birds 59: 209-233. [Referred to as ‘C&T’ in this paper.] Earp, M. J. 1991. The origins of the Inner London Recording Area. Lond. Bird Rep. 54: 138-140. George, R. W. 1974. Birds at Surrey Commercial Docks, April 1971 to December 1972. Lond. Bird Rep. 37: 67-70. Grant, P. J. 1971. Birds at Surrey Commercial Docks. Lond. Bird Rep. 35: 87-91. Harrison, J., & Grant, P. 1976. The Thames Transformed. London. Marchant, J. H., Hudson, R., Carter, S. P., & Whittington, P. 1990. Population Trends in British Breeding Birds. Tring. Montier, D. J. (ed.) 1977. Atlas of Breeding Birds of the London Area. London. Oliver, P. J. 1985. Breeding Tufted Ducks in the London Area. Lond. Bird Rep. 49: 104-110. Osborne, K. C. In prep. The breeding birds of Inner London, 1970-95. Lond. Bird Rep. Own, M., & SaI-MON, D. G. 1988. Feral Greylag Geese Anser anser in Britain and Ireland, 1960-1986. Bird Study 35: 37-45. Sanderson, R. F. 1995. The birds of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. In Nicholson, E. M., Bird-watching in London. London. P. J. Oliver, The Briar Patch, Limpsfield Chart, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0TL Publication of the New Atlas of Breeding Birds of the London Area is expected in early autumn 1997. It will be available post free through British BirdShop. CONSERVATION RESEARCH NEWS Compiled by Mark Avery This feature, contributed by the RSPB’s Research Department, reports the most interesting recent scientific news relevant to the conservation of Western Palearctic species. Fewer Lesser Kestrels The Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni is one of 24 globally threatened species found in Europe. Once very numerous, this species has crashed in numbers. Studies of survival and productivity of Lesser Kestrels in the Guadalquivir valley, Spain, provide a nice example of how fieldwork, analysis and common sense need to be combined to produce conservation recommendations. Field studies show that productivity of Lesser Kestrels is very poor, probably because changes in agriculture have reduced the availability of the large insects on which nestlings are fed. Analyses suggest that increasing survival would have a greater impact on Lesser Kestrel numbers than would increasing productivity, yet, thinking through the practicaliues of conser- vation acuons, the authors decide that tiiere is relatively little scope for increasing sur- vival above current levels. The authors recommend a suite of measures, such as proper enforcement of protective legislation (to aid survival but with relatively low impact on the population) as well as changing farming practice near colonies (which will improve breeding success dirough food availability). Hirai.do, F., Negro, J. J., Donazar, J. A., & Gaona, P. 1996. A demographic model for a population of the endangered Lesser Kestrel in soudiern Spain. J. Appl. Ecol. 33: 1085- 1093. A biological uncertainty principle Why is studying nesting success like studying elementary particles? Answer: if you do not study nests, you cannot know about their outcome, but, if you do study them, how do you know that you haven’t influenced their outcome? Analysing data collected in the 1960s, Henry Maver-Gross, Dr Humphrey Crick and Dr Jeremy Greenwood of the British Trust for Ornithology show that passerine nests visited by human beings do not suffer lower breeding success than unvisited ones. Thrushes Turdus and insectivores might actually have benefited from nest visits, aldiough the opposite may have been true for finches (Fringillidae) . Clearly, care must be taken when visiting nests, but might it be diat we have feared too much diat visiting nests attracts predators whereas perhaps the trudi is diat predators avoid areas where people are seen or leave dieir scent? This is an area which needs more study, as it has big implications bodi for the validity of many scientific studies and also for how we diink about disturbance in general. Mayer-Gross, H., Crick, H. Q. P., & Greenwood, J. J. D. 1997. The effect of observers visiting the nests of passerines: an experimental study. Bird Study 44: 53-65. Dr Mark Avery, Research Department, RSPB , Die Didge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG 19 2DL 226 [Brit. Birds 90: 226, June 1997] NOTES These contributions have all been assessed by the eight members of either the Behaviour Notes Panel or the Identification Notes Panel. Feeding association of Little Grebes with Ring-necked Duck In winter 1992/93, an adult male Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris was present intermittently on the River Kent at Kendal, Cumbria, where it often associated with a small group of Tufted Ducks A. fuligula. During the same period, up to seven Little Grebes Tachybaptus ruficollis were on the river. In mid January 1993, I became aware that two grebes appeared to be closely connected with the ducks, and that, when the Ring-necked Duck dived, they immediately followed. Since BWP (vol. 1) makes no mention of a feeding association for either species involved, I carried out four ten-minute systematic observations in late January and early February. I recorded 23 feeding dives by the Ring-necked Duck and 35 by the Tufted Ducks: on each of the three occasions when the Little Grebes were present, their dives were apparently co-ordinated to follow the Ring-necked Duck, rather than the Tufted Ducks; in the majority of cases, the grebes surfaced a few seconds after the Ring-necked Duck and stationed themselves within 1 m of it, so as to follow the next dive. No other interactions were noted between the birds in this loose grouping. It is likely that a degree of apparent co-ordination will occur when birds are exploiting the same food source. In this case, however, the close timing of the dives would suggest that the Little Grebes were taking opportunistic advantage of the larger duck, whose dives may disturb, dislodge or scatter small prey items. Why the behaviour was more directly associated with the single Ring-necked Duck is more difficult to deduce. John Peatfield 44 Kendal Green, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 5PP editorial comment Dr K. E. L. Simmons has commented: ‘The Little Grebe is known to associate with feeding Common Coots Fulica atra (see Brit. Birds 49: 501; 50: 351-352) and I have seen this myself; it has also been seen attending domestic ducks and two species of shoveler Anas {Brit. Birds 68: 293-294). On 12th August 1975, Robert Gillmor and I spent seven hours watching grebes at Theale Old Gravel-pit, Berkshire, and noted a Little Grebe diving where several Mute Swans Cygnus olor were dipping and upending; the same or another bird also surfaced quite near us at times and we realised that it was going the rounds of all the fishermen dotted around the banks, probably looking for small fish attracted by their bait.’ Black-necked Grebe associating with Tufted Ducks During 26th December 1993 to 16th January 1994, a Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigncollis was present at Fort Henry Ponds, Leicestershire. Thioughout its stay, it associated closely with two male 4 ufted Ducks Aythya fuligula. The grebe swam very close to the ducks and was rarely more than 1 m away from either; all three frequently dived almost simultaneously, the grebe lagging slightly [Bril. Birds 90: 227-229, June 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 227 228 Notes behind. On one occasion, the grebe began to preen immediately after a Tufted Duck started to roll-preen. When disturbed, the group sought shelter together in a small reed-fringed bay. Terry Mitcham 30 Sutherland Way, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2TB editorial comment This is surely a feeding association, as observed between Little Grebes Tachybaptus ruficollis and a Ring-necked Duck A. collaris (see preceding note). Treetop -hunting by Hen Harriers Pre-roost treetop-hunting by Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus {Brit. Birds 84: 570) is quite common in west Galloway, Dumfries & Galloway. In this area, two roosts are bordered by large areas of willows Salix, mostly forming dense cover 5-8 m in height. In over 30 years of watching harrier roosts, I have seen treetop-hunting on most visits: the harriers fly at slow speeds across the top of the willows, systematically coursing from one end to the other and back again, sometimes several times before entering the roost. These hunts are typically like those used by this species when hunting over tall rank vegetation in open country. This behaviour may stem from a need to replenish energy stores before roosting if the harrier has been largely unsuccessful during the day. R. C. Dickson Lismore, New Luce, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire DG8 OAJ Merlin falling down chimney with prey During February 1993, Mrs Ferry of Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire, recounted to me the following details. In late January' 1993, Mrs Ferry was in her living room when she heard a commotion in the chimney. Suddenly, a small raptor clutching a headless Common Starling Stumus vulgaris shot out of the fireplace. She secured the bird and released it in her backyard, where it flew a short distance and dropped to the ground, apparently exhausted or perhaps injured. She retrieved the raptor and, after looking through her bird books, identified it as a Merlin Falco columbarius. She sought advice by telephone from the Hawk Conservancy at Weyhill, Hampshire, who convinced her that the chances of a Merlin coming down her chimney were non-existent and that it must be a Common Kestrel F. tinnunculus or some other species. Feeling unable to care for the falcon herself, she took it to Weyhill, where the staff, much to their disbelief, were forced to confirm that she had indeed had a first-winter female Merlin down her chimney. The sad end is that the Merlin died the following day. In her obvious great excitement in recounting this event, Mrs Ferry informed me that the headless Common Starling was ‘almost completely dead’! I was unable to follow that with any sensible comment. Keevil Airfield is immediately next to Mrs Ferry’s house, and a Merlin would not be unexpected in the area. In mid March 1993, the Imber Ranges military training area, about 8 km to the south, held certainly two or possibly three overwintering Merlins. M. H. Smith 42 Bellefield Crescent, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA 14 8SR British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 229 Aberrant tail pattern of adult Black-headed Gull On 11th May 1995, at Shibdon Pond, Tyne & Wear, we discovered a Black-headed Gull Lams ridibundus which had been killed by a bird of prey. It had not been eaten, and we examined the corpse. It was a well-marked adult in relatively fresh summer plumage, with a very bright red eye-ring and small, neat, white tips to the black primaries; it showed no contrast in col- oration, or difference in feather generation, among any of the grey upperwing-coverts. It was, therefore, in at least second-summer or, more likely, third-summer plumage, second-summers tending to show less white on the black primaries. The tail feathers were of the same generation, but the two pairs on each side of the central pair had a black mark towards the tip of each feather; the pattern was symmetrical, although the black mark on the third tail feather on the right was more crescent-shaped, slightly broadened at one end, and somewhat less heavy than those on the other three feathers. The markings were undoubtedly due to pigmentation, and not to any contamina- tion. The spotted feathers showed no other abnormalities, appeared ‘sound’ in every respect, and, as they exhibited a similar degree of wear to the other rectrices, they were not retained from a previous moult sequence. They appeared to illustrate a remnant representation of a feather pattern normally found in a younger age-class of this species (e.g. first-winter). It would seem that this individual had managed to grow four adult tail feathers which, for some reason, showed a patterning of dark spots of a type associated with first-calendar-year Black-headed Gulls. Keith Bowey and Brian Pollinger 3 Alloy Terrace, Highfield, Rowlands Gill, Tyne & Wear NE39 1AU Carrion Crow attacking and grounding Herring Gull On 3rd June 1993, near the Cob at Pwllheli, Gwynedd, I became aware of loud angry calls from a Carrion Crow Corvus corone flying about 5 m overhead in pursuit of a juvenile Herring Gull Larus argentatus. The gull, which was not carrying any food, was clearly trying to evade the crow, which followed it at speed around a roughly circular course about 100 m in diameter. The crow managed to seize the tips of the outer primaries of the gull’s left wing, hanging on until the gull crashed out of control into the shallow water of a nearby drainage ditch. Still holding on, the crow landed heavily, largely on the gull itself, and then, with a violent jerk of its head, threw the gull on to its back, almost completely submerging it, before flying off. The gull preened for a couple of minutes and then flew away, apparently none the worse for the encounter. In fights between Herring Gulls on the ground, one or both individuals often seize the opponent’s primaries and pull or swing it around by this hold, but I had never before seen a Carrion Crow do this, either on the ground or in flight. David G. P. C hatfield Rhizvenfa, Rhizv, near Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 8AE LETTER Marsh Warblers breeding in Orkney: first Scottish breeding record A pair of unstreaked Acrocephalus warblers nested in Orkney in 1993 (Adam & Meek 1994; Ogilvie et al. 1996). Based on (1) comparison of measurements with Walinder et al. (1988), (2) the birds’ general coloration and (3) the comparative frequency of Marsh Warblers A. palustris and Reed Warblers A. scirpaceus in Scotland in spring, identification as Marsh Warblers was felt to be almost certain, but could not be conclusively proved. We are most grateful to Jorg Hadasch (in litt.) for drawing to our attention Inis own work on a Marsh Warbler population in Germany and also to the identification criteria established by Dorsch (1983). As a result, using our measurements, he has now positively identified one of the Orkney adults and all three juveniles as Marsh Warblers (the identity of the second adult could not be established conclusively). Details of this breeding record will, therefore, now be submitted for publication in Scottish Birds. E. R. Meek and R. G. Adam RSPB, Smyril, Stenness, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3JX References Adam, R. G., & Meek, E. R. 1994. Did Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris breed in Orkney in 1993? Orkney Bird Report (1993): 73-76. Dorsch, H. 1983. Bewertung verschiedener Merkmale zur sicheren Unterscheidung von Teieh- und Sumptrohrsanger ( Acrocephalus scirpaceus , A. palustris) mit einer praktischen Bestimmungshilfe. Ber. Vogelwarte Hiddensee 4: 111-120. Ogilvie, M. A., & THE Rare Breeding Birds Panel. 1996. Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1993. Brit. Birds 89: 61-91. Walinder, G., Karlsson, L., & Persson, K. 1988. A new method for separating Marsh Warblers trom Reed Warblers. Ringing and Migration 9: 55-62. LOOKING BACK Twenty-five years ago, in June/July 1972: \ . . after 10th June, a total of probably several hundred [Common Crossbills Loxia curvirostra] being reported in many parts of Britain from Shetland to Lundy [Devon] by the end of the month . . . The largest gathering reported was one of 300 at Haldon (Devon) on 18th July; on 23rd a flock of 70 came in off the sea at Hengistbury Head (Hampshire) . . .’ (Brit. Birds 65: 452) 230 [I hit. Birds 90: 230, June 1997] r British Birds Ltd 1997 BIRD PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR 1st Jens Eriksen (Sultanate of Oman): Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (plate 51) 2nd Pekka Helo (Finland): Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis (plate 53) 3rd Bob Glover (Essex): Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (plate 52) Junior (25 years and under) winner David Norton (Essex): Lesser Black-backed Gull Lams fuscus (plate 56) The general standard of entries continues to rise, and it 1 \y 1 1 was only as a result of ruthless pruning that the judges reduced the original 127 entries to an initial short-list of 33. Many of the photographs discarded at this early stage nevertheless attracted comments such as ‘That’s one I would have been proud to have taken’ or ‘That’s superb! (But we have seen one like it before.)’. Reducing the first short-list further was even more difficult, the judges having to search for reasons to eliminate each transparency. The final selection of 20 was then subjected to an individual, independent vote by each judge, ranking the set from 1 to 20. The difficulty experienced in doing this is demonstrated by the facts that no fewer than 13 entries were ranked in the top five by at least one judge, and, similarly, eight of the 20 were placed in the first three. The initial short-list of 33 represented the work of 25 different photographers, and the final short-list of 20 included photographs by 14 (see table 1, on page 237). Eight photographers had two of their three entries included in the first short-list of 33 (Pascal Bourguignon, Dr Kevin Carlson, Bob Glover, Pekka Helo, Chris Knights, Ben Phalan, Wayne Richardson and Ray Tipper), while one (Jens Eriksen) had all three of his entries (the maximum allowed in the rules) included in this short-list. After the second sifting, Pascal Bourguignon, Bob Glover, Pekka Helo and Wayne Richardson still had two transparencies included, and all three of Jens Eriksen’s survived all the weeding processes. In view of their consistency, it is entirely fitting that one of Jens Eriksen’s three transparencies should have won, and that photographs by Pekka Helo and Bob Glover were placed second and third. In the competition between entrants aged 25 or under, the judges unanimously chose a transparency by David Norton (plate 56), but also admired work by die two runners-up, a Willow Tit Parus montanus photographed by Tristan Millen and a group of Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus on Great Saltee photographed by Ben Phalan. The senior winner, Jens Eriksen, described the circumstances concerning his Cattie Egret (plate 51) as follows: ‘Checking out the birdlife in the southern part of Oman, at Salalah, I came across a flock of over 60 Cattle Egrets. Many were in beautiful breeding plumage, which is not often seen here. Using the car as a hide, I edged closer and closer over a period of an hour. One by one the egrets [Brit. Birds 90: 231-237, June 1997] © British Birds Ltd 1997 231 232 Sharrock el at.: Bird Photograph of the Year moved a bit farther away, but before moving on they often stretched their wings and lowered their heads. The photograph shows this stretching behaviour.’ Pekka Helo’s adult male Northern Goshawk (plate 53) was photographed in Oulu, Finland, in April. The bird is beautifully lit, with light reflected by the snow, and the photograph perfectly composed. Since 1971, Pekka Helo had been providing winter food for Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos, but during winter 1995/96 had to move the site. The eagles did not find the new site, but Northern Goshawks did: three juveniles from October, then later two adults. In March, the provided carcase was frozen solid, but the female Goshawk rested on it for a long time, the flesh thawed out and she then ate from it. In April, the female was usually at the nest, but the male visited the carcase almost daily and Pekka obtained many hundreds of photographs. On 14th April, after feeding for more than two hours on the carcase, the male flew to the rootstock of a fallen pine and preened for 15 minutes. The sun was setting, and soft light came through the trees directly onto the left side of the bird. Pekka took about 100 photographs, the best, he thinks, of all those he had obtained during the winter. Bob Glover, previous winner of Bird Photograph of die Year in 1988 (Brit. Birds 81: 226-232) and 1992 (Brit. Birds 85: 293-299), described obtaining his Sedge Warbler photograph (plate 52) as follows: ‘Very early one misty morning, on my way to a wader hide, I encountered a Sedge Warbler singing along a dyke. The whole area was saturated in dew and die cobwebs were everywhere, so I lay low and waited for the sun to light it up. The bird came up the stems to catch the warmth of the sun and I grabbed a few shots before the dew and the magic evaporated and it became yet another stagnant summer day.’ Fourth-placed David Tipling described obtaining his Brambling photograph (plate 55) as follows: ‘During September I started a feeding station in the orchard at Bough Beech Reservoir. By feeding daily I soon had plenty of birds coming down in front of my hide. Then, in early November, Bramblings started to appear and by mid month over 30 would visit daily. This picture of a male perched in a Larch Larix decidua is one of many shots I have taken of this species.’ Pekka Helo’s adult male Snow Bunting (plate 54) was photographed in Finnmark, Norway, in April. Pekka Helo had failed to get good photographs of Snow Buntings on his many trips to Norway, but in April 1996 put out food near his parked car. ‘The Snow Buntings were feeding before I was back in the car! Only a very little idea, and so simple.’ He then took about 200 photographs of the Snow Buntings in the next two days, but, despite one of these coming fifth, Pekka was still not content with the quality and planned to try again in 1997. Winner of the HarperCollins under-26 prize, David Norton, described his Lesser Black-backed Gull photograph (plate 56) as follows: ‘This bird was calling for some time and I wanted to get a close picture of it while showing tire type of habitat it was in. This involved slowly walking around tire bird at a distance so as to include part of the island and the sea as the background and a tuft of grass in the foreground. This picture shows the bird at full stretch.’ So many others of the short-listed photographs greatly impressed tire judges, such as an incredibly camouflaged female Capercaillie nicknamed ‘Mrs Invisible’ A 51. BIRD PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR 1997: Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis , Sultanate of Oman, May 1996 (Nikon F4s; Nikkor 600 mm AF-1 + 1.4X converter; 1/1 80th, f5.6; Fujichrome Velvia) (Jens Erikseri) ▼ 52. THIRD PRIZE: Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, Essex, July 1996 (Nikon F601; 600 mm; l/500th, f5.6; Fuji Provia)(J5o6 Glover ) A 53. SECOND PRIZE: Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis, Finland, April 1996 (Minolta 9xi; Minolta 600 mm AF; 1/1 25th, f4; Kodachrome 200) (Pekka Hclo ) IS IT A BIRD? IS IT A PLANE? FOR FULL DETAILS, PRESS THIS BUTTON. Canon IMAGE STABILIZER 12x36 IS 5.6° Ass many a binocular user knows, anything more than 8x magnification is enough to turn a warbler into a wobbler, the problem is, powerful binoculars amplify your move- nnents just as efficiently as they magnify what you’re ■watching. Canon's extraordinary 12x36 IS binoculars are inn exception. They incorporate the world's first optical aased image stabilisation system. Pushing the button motivates a built-in vibration gyro sensor. This is linked ;oo a system of vari-angle prisms which change shape to compensate for your movements. The result is a rock steady image with pin-sharp detail. Such a technological leap demands state of the art lenses to match. (We think it’s safe to say Canon has a working knowledge of the subject.) As well as the 12x36IS, and its still more powerful 15x45 IS sibling, Canon make a wide range of binoculars sfarting with the 8x23 A at £69,99rrp, Why not try them out at your dealer? The moment you press that button, it'll become clear what all the fuss is about. he totally bilingual birding magazine in full coloui Alula is the talk of the town! Erik Hirschfeid, Malmo, Sweden After reading Alula more carefully / am now sure that Alula is the best birdmagazine today! Arie Ouwerkerk, The Netherlands I want to order Alula volume 3 (1997, 4 issues): Europe: surface mail 170 FIM G. air mail 180 FIM G. Outside Europe: surface 200 FIM □, air mail 210 FIM □. Special offer!! Alula volumes 1-3 (10 issues) Europe: surface mail 370 FIM G. air mail 380 FIM G. Outside Europe: surface 380 FIM G, air mail 400 FIM G 3lease fill the order form and send it to: Mula, P.O.Box 85. Fin-02271 Espoo, Finland Marne: Address: enclose FIM (or in any convertible :urrency of the same amount, no cheques please) 3lease debit my /ISA/MASTERCARD/EUROCARD >ard no. Expiry date signature Should you subscribe? Of course you should - this is a wonderful magazine which deserves to succeed. Anthony McGeehan, Ireland Alula is certainly one of the most attractive birding magazines in the world. Per Alstrom, Sweden Where to Watch Birds in: Devon & Cornwall Including the Isles of Stilly third edition DAVID NORMAN & VIC TUCKER Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, p Worcestershire & the former West Midlands County second edition GRAHAM HARRISON & JACK SANKEY Scotland third edition MIKE MADDERS & JULIA WF.LSTEAD Cumbria, Lancashire & Cheshire second edition JONATHAN GUEST. & MALCOLM HUTCHESON Kent, Surrey & Sussex third edition DON TAYLOR, JEFFERY WHEATLEY & DAVID BURGES The London Area dominic mitchell Dorset, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight second edition GEORGE GREEN & MARTIN CADE Also available in the series Where to Watch Birds in: Northeast England • East Anglia • Somerset, Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire • Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire • Yorkshire A nnrl Mnrfh Hnmhprsidp • Irpland • Walps CHRISTOPHER HELM ORNITHOLOGY is an imprint of A & C Black Publishers A PO Box 19, Huntingdon, Carnbs PE19 3SF tel: 01480 212666 fax: 01480 405014 vii The TO WATCH BIRDS series covers the whole of the UK! NIKON UK LTD. (for The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland) 380 RICHMOND ROAD, KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES, SURREY KT2 5PR TEL: (0181) 541-4440 FAX: (0181) 541-4584 LITERATURE LINE: 0645-005050 (local call only) It's all part of the Nikon tradition, raising the benchmark of optical excellence for over 70 years. Check out our full line of birdwatching products, especially our other top-rated model — 10x42SE CF binoculars. Lighter, brighter and more durable than ever, they're as close as your local dealer. When it comes to birdwatching, the choice is clear — Nikon. Again in 1995, we won awards for yet another breakthrough product, the Fieldscope ED78 A. Now, by introducing our new 24x/30x Wide eyepiece, we've taken the already bright, crisp view of Nikon Fieldscopes to unprecedented new heights. Eagerly anticipated by birders everywhere, this eyepiece not only helps you find your favourite falcon faster, its expanded field of view marks the beginning of a whole new era in birdwatching. With this much to see, your choice is clear. Nikon. etdscope ED78 A *Fieldscope ED78 A voted "top-rated telescope" and "recommended" by the readers of British Birds magazine. ^Winner of 1994 Optical Product Awards from Bird Watching magazin ▲ 54. FIFTH: Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis , Norway, April 1996 (Minolta 9xi; Minolta 600 mm AF + 1.4X converter; 1/1 80th, f5.6; Fuji Provia 100 )(Pekka Helo) 'ti ▲ 55. FOURTH: Brambling Fringilla montifringilla, Kent, November 1996 (Nikon F4; Nikkor 600 mm; f5.6; Fuji V elvia) (David Tipling) ▼ 56. UNDER-26 WINNER: Lesser Black-backed Gull Lams fuscus, Lothian, July 1996 (Nikon F801s; Sigma 500 mm; 1 /250th, OS; Kodachrome 64) (David Norton ) British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 237 Table 1 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5 th 6th= 6th= 8th= 8th= 10th 11th 12th= 12th= 14th 15th 16th= 16th= 18th 19th 20th . The top 20 entries. Catde Egret Bubulcus ibis (plate 51) Jens Eriksen (Sultanate of Oman) Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis (plate 53) Pekka Helo (Finland) Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (plate 52) Bob Glover (Essex) Brambling Fnngilla montifringilla (plate 55) David Tipling (Kent) Snow Bunting Plecirophenax nivalis (plate 54) Pekka Helo Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Jens Eriksen Sanderling Calidris alba Wayne Richardson (Cleveland) Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus Christer Kalenius (Finland) Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Roger Tidman (Norfolk) Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Bob Glover Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus Chris Knights (Norfolk) Short-eared Owl Asio Jlammeus Pascal Bourguignon (France) Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Philip Newman (Kincardineshire) Cyprus Warblers 5. melanothorax Dr Kevin Carlson (Norfolk) Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Pascal Bourguignon Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Hanne Eriksen (Sultanate of Oman) Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus Dr Edmund Fellowes (Dumfries & Galloway) Common Kestrel Tony Clarke (South Yorkshire) Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Wayne Richardson Kentish Plover Charadnus alexandrinus Jens Eriksen The following photographs were also included in the initial short-list: Greater Sand Plover Charadnus leschenaultii (Klaus Bjerre), Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis (Neil Bowman), Carrion Crow Corvus corone (Dr Peter Gasson), Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (Ernie Janes), Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes (Chris Knights), Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris (Henry Lehto), Willow Tit Pants montanus (Tristan Millen), Lesser Black-backed Gull Lams fuscus (David Norton) (plate 56), Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis (Ben Phalan), Oystercatchers Haemaiopus ostralegus (Ben Phalan), Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (Ray Tipper) and Dipper Cinclus cinclus (Ray Tipper). by Finnish photographer Christer Kalenius, an evocative four Whooper Swans ‘walking on air’ as they came in to land at Welney Washes, Norfolk (Chris Knights), and a Short-eared Owl hunting in the French departement of Aube (Pascal Bourguignon). One of us commented, having driven all the way from Scotland to Bedfordshire to take part in the judging, ‘As always, the most enjoyable day of the year. Well worth the journey!’: sentiments endorsed by the other judges who had travelled less far. We all look forward to seeing next year’s selection. J. T. R. Sharrock, R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume and Don Smith do Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ EUROPEAN NEWS All records have been accepted by the relevant national rarities committee, unless marked by an asterisk(*). Records are included only if they have been sent by the official national representative, each of whom is listed at the end of this report, or have been published in the relevant national journal (these sources are always acknowledged) . As well as covering the whole of Europe, records notified by the national representatives for adjacent countries within the Western Palearctic are also included. This forty-first six-monthly report includes officially notified records from 37 countries. These summaries aim to include all records of: (1) significant breeding-range expansions or contractions; (2) major irruptions of erupting species; (3) Asiatic vagrants; (4) Nearctic species (excluding ducks, waders and gulls in Great Britain and Ireland, where they are regular); (5) other extralimital vagrants; and (6) major national rarities, including the first five national records even if the species is common elsewhere in Europe. Unless otherwise stated, all records refer to nationally accepted records of single individuals. Great Northern Diver Gavia immer LUXEMBOURG First record: first-winter at Esch-Sure on 8th-15th December 1996. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps FRANCE Second record: 2nd January to 12th February' 1995 ( Omithos 3: 154). Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis NETHERLANDS Census: 266 pairs in 1994 (cf. 230-250 in 1989, 150 in 1990 and 90 in 1991, Brit. Birds 85: 443). SLOVENIA First confirmed breeding: pair with two young (and two other adults) in 1996 ( Acrocephalus 17: 43-46). Albatross Diomedea BELGIUM First record: Zeebrugge on 16th December 1980 (accepted as either Yellow- nosed D. chlororhynchos or Black-browed D. melanophris; Oriolus 62: 40). FRANCE Vagrant: Ouessant on 16th September 1995 ( Omithos 3: 154). ITALY Vagrant: Sicily on 9th March 1991 {Riv. Ital. Om. 65: 66). Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Ukraine First record: injured bird at confluence of Rivers Limnyts and Dnister on 6th August 1995. Atlantic Petrel Pterodroma incerta ISRAEL See Slovakia. Slovakia Rejection: old specimen record from 1870 now rejected (Tichodroma 8: 7-21), so the Eilat, Israel, records on 3 1 st May 1 982 and 18th April 1989 {Dutch Birding 9: 152-157; 11: 170-172) are the only accepted records for the Western Palearctic {Dutch Birding 18: 309-310). Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii NETHERLANDS First record: feeding along and from exposed tidal sandbanks at Westplaat on 21st April 1995 {Dutch Birding 18: 221-226). Ship-assisted occurrence: found alive on ship in Europoort, Zuid-Holland, in last week of November 1993, later died in captivity {Dutch Birding 18: 231-234). Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea Norway Fifth record: Lista Fyr, Farsund, on 22nd July 1995. Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus MALTA First record: first-year in September 1995. Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Oceanodrorna monorhis Norway First record: ringed at Revtangen, Klepp, Rogaland, on 13th August 1996*. 238 [Brit. Birds 90: 238-250, June 1997] c British Birds Ltd 1997 British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 239 Red-footed Booby Sula sula NORWAY First record rejected: Molen, Vestfold, record on 29th June 1985 (Brit. Birds 82: 321) has, after reconsideration, now been rejected. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster PORTUGAL First record: Ponta da Piedade, Lagos, Faro, from 29th July to at least October 1996. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Bulgaria Mid-winter census: considerable decrease, with only 4,600 in early 1997 (15,534 in early 1996, Important Bird Areas in Bulgaria , 1996). SWITZERLAND High passage numbers: in autumn 1996, including total of 6,661 migrating over Monthey during 6th September to 9th December. Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus BULGARIA Mid-winter census: 272 in 1996/97. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens FRANCE Escape: Saclay, Essone, on 25th-29th August 1996. ITALY Escapes: all records have now been rejected as escapes from captivity (Riv. Ital. Om. 65: 149). Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris NETHERLANDS Census: 158 pairs in 1994. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis LATVIA First record: adult near Kekava, Riga, from 13th September to 4th October 1996. POLAND Second record: adult at Slonsk Reservoir, western Poland, on 27th April 1996 (first was in July 1994). Little Egret Egretta garzetta POLAND Largest-ever influx: at least 75 in August-September 1996 throughout eastern and southern Poland, with largest concen- tration of 18 at Biebrza Marshes on 20th August. Great White Egret Egretta alba CHANNEL ISLANDS First record: Fort Le Crocq, Guernsey, on 23rd October 1996. GERMANY Influx: 133 records in 1994 (cf. 162 during the 17 years 1977-93, and only 23 records of Little Egret E. garzetta in 1994; Limicola 10: 217-220). Grey Heron Ardea cinerea SWITZERLAND Range expansion: first breeding in Orisons and in Ticino in 1993 (Om. Beob. 93: 316). Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Netherlands Census: 285 pairs in 1994 (cf. 900 in 1977 and 450-500 in 1982, Brit. Birds 77: 233). White Stork Ciconia ciconia ESTONIA Continued increase: 2,300-2,900 pairs in 1994 and 2,600-3,200 pairs in 1995. ITALY First breeding record: Piedmont in 1994 (Riv. Ital. Om. 65: 65). Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus DENMARK Influx: six records during September-December 1994 (cf. 19 previous records; DOFT 90: 142-143). Netherlands Influx: 1 5 records involving up to 37 individuals, including groups of seven, eight and ten, tire majority being first-winters, during 17th August to 11th November 1994, with one staying to 20th May 1995 (Dutch Birding 18: 293-301). Eurasian Spoonbill Plalalea leucorodia DENMARK First breeding since 1969: at least one pair with one juvenile in 1996 (cf. influx in spring 1996, Brit. Birds 90: 80). Greater Flamingo Phoenicoptems ruber CANARY islands Vagrant: juvenile ringed on Tenerife in November 1996. Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus GERMANY First and second records of nominate race: 5th January' 1994 and 9th January 1994 (Limicola 10: 221). Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus FRANCE Influx: about 120 in northeastern France during January-February 1997. White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons BULGARIA Highest mid-winter census total for 21 years: 323,430 in January 1997. DENMARK Highest-ever count: 11,590 passing Gudhjem, Bornholm, on 28th September 1996. Brent Goose Branta bemicla BULGARIA Second to fourth records: 22nd November 1996, 9th February 1997 and 13th February 1997. Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis Bulgaria Highest-ever numbers: 62,653 at main wintering sites at Shabla and Durankulak Lakes on 30th January7 1997. Ruddy Shelduck Tadoma ferruginea SLOVENIA Second record: 7th September 1991 (Acrocephalus 17: 77). Common Shelduck Tadoma tadoma HUNGARY First breeding records this century: three single pairs with young at three sites in 1996 (Tuzok 1: 126-127). American Wigeon Anas americana FRANCE Vagrants: female on 30th-31st 240 European news October 1993 and male on 3rd October 1995 (■ Omithos 3: 155). GERMANY Vagrant: 5th-10th May 1994 (. Limicola 10: 224). Sweden Vagrants: two males, in May & July 1995 and June 1995 ( Var Fdgelv. suppl. 25: 126). Baikal Teal Anas formosa DENMARK Escape: male at Vejleme, N-Jutland, was on 10th-13th April 1995 (not just lOth-llth April 1995, Brit. Birds 89: 28). Common Teal Anas crecca BELGIUM Vagrant of Nearctic race carolinensis: 27th-28th February 1994 (sixth record; Oriolus 62: 41). Germany First record of race carolinensis-. 7th May 1994 (. Limicola 10: 224). SWEDEN Vagrants of race carolinensis-. four in April-May 1995 {Var Fdgelv. suppl. 25: 81). American Black Duck Anas mbripes NORWAY Second record: adult male at Vasshusvannet, Klepp, Rogaland, from 5th March to 15th June 1995. SPAIN Second record: Llobregat delta, Barcelona, on 13th November 1996*. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Austria Second record: adult male at Asteu, near Linz, Upper Austria, on 26th May 1996. CZECH REPUBLIC First record/escape: male near Tovacov, central Moravia, on 24th April 1996. prance Vagrants: males on 28th March 1995 and 23rd October 1995 ( Omithos 3: 156). SWEDEN Vagrants: four records involving dime males in 1995 (Var Fdgelv. suppl. 25: 126). Switzerland Fourth record: male at Nuolener Ried on 26th June 1996. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Switzerland Range expansion: first breeding in Valais in 1994 ( Om . Beob. 93: 317). Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris BELGIUM Vagrants: two overwintering from 1993 and two new individuals in 1994 (now nine records; Oriolus 62: 41). CANARY islands Vagrants: six on Tenerife in January 1997*. FRANCE Vagrants: six records involving two individuals in 1995 ( Omithos 3: 156). GERMANY Vagrants: three in 1994 ( Limicola 10: 224). SWEDEN Vagrants: two males, in January 1995 and May & November 1995 {Var Fdgelv. suppl. 25: 126). SWITZERLAND Vagrants: female on 1 7th-l 8th March 1991 (Orn. Beob. 93: 332) and female or first-year at Pfaffikon during 25th September to 7th October 1996. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Sweden Decline: though there are about 35 records in all, one at Hulusjon, Vastergotland, on 23rd-25th September 1996* is only the third or fourth record in the 1990s. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Switzerland Escape/vagrant: adult male from 10th February to 31st March 1995 (not just 20th March, Bril. Birds 89: 29), included in Category D {Om. Beob. 93: 341). King Eider Somateria spectabilis CZECH republic First record: male near Nymburk, central Bohemia, on 19th February 1996. Common Scoter Melanitta nigra France Fourth record of race americana: 2nd April 1995 {Omithos 3: 156). Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata FRANCE Vagrants: three records in 1995 {Omithos 3: 156). Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus DENMARK Escapes: male at Faborg Havn, Fuen, during January 1991, and female or immature at Staunings 0, Zealand, on 8th-l 1th August 1994 {DOFT 90: 144). Red-breasted Merganser Mergus senator SWITZERLAND First and second breeding records: 1993 and 1994 {Om. Beob. 93: 319). Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis SWEDEN First breeding record: Tansetjam, Halsingland, in 1996. European Honey-buzzard Pemis apivorus SWITZERLAND Low passage numbers: 2,897 in 1996 (cf. 5,143 in 1995). Egyptian Vulture Neophron perenoptems BELGIUM Second record: 15th May 1994 (■ Oriolus 62: 41). Monk Vulture Aegypius monachus FRANCE First feral breeding record this century: from 23 released in gorges de la Jonte, Lozere, since 1992, pair reared one young in spring 1996. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus Gibraltar Second record: male on 26th March 1996. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus CYPRUS First breeding record: pair with two young in Paphos Forest during 5th-29th August 1996. British Birds, vol. 90, no. 6, June 1997 241 Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes MOROCCO First record: adult female at Meknes on 3rd April 1996*. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus SPAIN First and second records: Lobeira, Ourense, on 29th April 1995 and Algeciras, Cadiz, on 7th August 1995 (La Garcilla 97: 46). Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus FRANCE Influx in east: 30 in Franche-Comte, more than 20 in Champagne and scattered records elsewhere in January-February 1997*. Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina NORWAY First record rejected: Molen, Vestfold, record on 23rd September 1983 (Bnt. Birds 79: 287) has, after reconsideration, now been rejected. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax ISRAEL Second record: Negev on 22nd November 1996. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis DENMARK Vagrant: immature at Stevns Klint, Zealand, on 7th September 1992 (14 previous records; DOFT 90: 144). Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca GREECE Breeding: pair in Epirus in May 1996, ‘perhaps the only breeding pair in Greece’. Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus DENMARK Influx: about 45 individuals during August-September 1996. LATVIA Irruption: up to more than 30 daily at Pape, Liepaja, from 19th August to middle of September 1996 (similar to irruption in 1995, Brit. Birds 89: 253). SWEDEN Influx: about 123 in 1995 ( Var Fagelv. suppl. 25: 81). Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae DENMARK Fourth and fifth records: Tipperne, W-Jutland, on 24th May 1995 and Christianso, Bornholm, on 14th August 1996 (first three were in 1987, 1988 and 1989, Bnt. Birds 90: 83). POLAND Fifth record: Zywiecki Reservoir on 15th September 1996. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus CYPRUS Second record: Phassouri Reedbeds on 23rd September 1996. Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus id ft and Census: in 1996, covering 5,200 km* and 80 traditional territories, revealed 45 occupied territories, these pairs producing 18 young, with average of 3.1 young per nest, a decrease in number of occupied territories of 25% since 1989, following decrease in number of Ptarmigans Lagopus mutus. Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus ICELAND Population fluctuations: setting index at 1.0 in 1981, censuses in northeast Iceland during 1981-94 showed increase to 3.1 in 1986 and drop to 0.7 in 1994; mean density of males over this period was 6.3 per km: (Ndtturfrce&ingurinn 65: 137-151). Little Crake Porzana parva Switzerland Record influx: 16 records involving 17 individuals in 1995 (Orn. Beob. 93: 333). Com Crake Crex crex Ireland Continued increase: 186 singing males in 1996, mainly in North Donegal, the Shannon Callows and Co. Mayo, represented 7% increase on 1995. Purple Swamp-hen Porphyrio porphyrio CYPRUS Deletion: record of individual of race caspius on 24th November 1995 (Brit. Birds 90: 83) now rejected. France First breeding: suspected in 1995 (Brit. Birds 89: 31, 253), then three pairs reared at least seven young at etang du Canet, Pvrenees-Orientales, in 1996 (Ornithos 3: 176-177; tins information replaces that published in Brit. Birds 90: 83). Common Crane Grus gms BELGIUM Strong passage: longer and heavier migration than usual in autumn 1994, with peak on 4th November (Aves 33: 65-75). DENMARK Highest-ever count: 3,350 passing Gudhjem, Bornholm, on 20th October 1996. Great Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula UKRAINE Second breeding record: ten pairs nested in May 1996. Killdeer Plover Charadrius vocifents HUNGARY First and second records: 1st November to 30th December 1986 and 16th August 1992 (Tuzok 1: 20). Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii DENMARK First record: Agger Tange on 4th-6th August 1994 (not just 4th-5th August 1994 as noted Brit. Birds 88: 32; DOFT 90: 145). FRANCE Vagrant: male in Camargue on 14th- 16th May 1995 (Ornithos 3: 160). HUNGARY First record: 7th-14th July 1992 (Tuzok 1: 20-21). Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva DENMARK Fourth record: Nyord, Moen, on 3rd October 1995. 242 European news Finland Influx: about 45 juveniles and one adult during 14th September to 15th October 1996* {Alula 3: 40). FRANCE First record: adult male at Saint- Valery-sur-Somme on 17th July 1994 (not 15th July 1994 as noted Brit. Birds 89: 254; Omithos 3: 160). Sweden Vagrants: two, in June 1995 and August 1995 {Var Fagelv. suppl. 25: 129). American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Denmark First record: Nekso, Bornholm, on 24th-25th August 1996*. FRANCE Vagrant: 9th-25th September 1995 {Omithos 3: 160). Amendment: adult in Ain on 12th- 13th August 1995 (given as just 12th August 1995 in Brit. Birds 89: 254) accepted as P. dominical fulva {Omithos 3: 160). SWEDEN Vagrant: juvenile in September 1995 {Var Fagelv. suppl. 25: 129). Spur-winged Lapwing Hoplopterus spinosus HUNGARY First record: 17di-24th October 1993 (not just 17th October 1993 as noted Brit. Birds 88: 270; Ttizok 1: 21). Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregaria AUSTRIA Third record: adult male at Rheindelta, Lake of Constance, Vorarlberg, on 23rd March 1996. FRANCE Vagrants: 28th-30th October 1994, 22nd-23rd March 1995 and 3rd November 1995 {Omithos 3: 160-161). GERMANY Vagrants: singly in March, August and September 1994 {Limicola 10: 229). SWEDEN Third record: 12dt September to 9di October 1995 {\7dr Fagelv. suppl. 25: 129). SWITZERLAND Vagrant: 2nd August 1995 (Om. Beob. 93: 334). Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla FRANCE Vagrant: 14th August 1995 (not 13th August 1995 as noted Brit. Birds 89: 254; Omithos 3: 161). Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri FRANCE Second record: 22nd-23rd July 1995 (not 22nd-30th July 1 995 as noted Brit. Birds 89: 33; Omithos 3: 161). IRELAND Second record: The Cull, Co. Wexford, on 20th-21st August 1996*. Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis SWEDEN Vagrant: adult on 17dt-18dt July 1995 (nine previous records; Var Fagelv. suppl. 25: 129-130). Little Stint Calidris minuta CHANNEL ISLANDS Record numbers: on Guernsey during 12th-23rd September 1996, with maximum of 1 6 on 1 8th September; and on Jersey during 7th- 10th September 1996, with maximum of 56 on 20th September. DENMARK Highest-ever numbers: 2,246 at Vejleme, N-Judand, on 18di September 1996 and 1,570 at Fano, S-Judand, on 21st September 1996. France Very large indux: record numbers inland, involving thousands, with up to 400 together, mainly in nordtem half of France, in September 1996. IRELAND Record numbers: in autumn 1996, with unprecedented flock of up to 300 at Tacumshin Lake, Co. Wexford, in late September. SWITZERLAND Heavy passage: many localities in autumn 1996, with maximum 75 at Rhine delta on 20th September. Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta IRELAND First record: Ballycotton, Co. Cork, on 15th-16th June 1996*. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla FRANCE Vagrant: 26dt October to 1 1th November 1995 {Omithos 3: 161). White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis FRANCE Vagrant: 25di October 1995 {Omithos 3: 161). IRELAND Influx: up to ten in August-October 1996, with a record six at Tacumshin Lake, Co. Wexford (largest-ever single flock)*. Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii FRANCE Vagrant: 1 1 di-1 2th September 1995 {Omithos 3: 161). GERMANY Fourdi record: 2nd-6dt August 1994 {Limicola 10: 228, 229). Iceland Second and third records: Seltjarnarnes, Gull., on 30th August 1996*, and Hafurbjamarsta British Birds Ltd 1997 British BirdShop ‘'"^commended by BM Birds as reliable, goo, reliable and ftSSSleS^ We *» *» ■»•»<* d* ^ Ls Subbm» nS hZ^BooS UdBMSc„°P tSPaKhed f°r Brhish BMs «*>«**• b !T - British b BEST BIRD BOOKS OF THE YEAR — srsi,ris isssiSo" - p - - SPECIAL OFFERS British Birds/IBCE International Bird Identification \ .Please tick ✓ Cfc“ £9-5° D Vr^: rr/ss 4 v — - » — “ , : ° .£27.99 □ NEW THIS MONTH Baker Warblers of Europe. 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Also B&B Guest House accommodation. For brochures (01297) 625365. (BB123) IRELAND CLARINBRIDGE, for Galway City, the Burren. Terraced house recently renovated. Sleeps 5. Tel: 01 13 228 9020. (BB127) IRISH COTTAGE. Magnificent situation on Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry. Sea and mountain birds, unspoilt beaches, wild flowers, quietness. Mod. cons, central heating, sleeps up to 4. £122-£I92 p.w. plus electricity. Gerrards Cross (017653) 883082. " (BB121) SCOTLAND LOCH GARTEN & ABERNETHY VISITORS? Locheil GH offers BB from £14; DBB from £23. For Brochure. 150 birdlist, walks, slidetalks, write: Locheil, Boat of Garten PH24 3BX. Tel. 01479-831 603. (BB1 10) ELLARY ESTATE— MOST ATTRACTIVE choice of self-catering cottages and chalets situated on the shores of Loch Caolisport. While you are at Ellery 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: 01546 85223. Fax 01880 770386/776209. (BBI05) Historical Creetown - surrounded by 5 local RSPB Galloway & Solway nature reserves - by-passed by the A75, so peace reigns. Another world. Relaxing. Comfortable. Rural but not remote. Just lOen-suite rooms with colour T.V. and tea /coffee makers. Extensive menu - bar snack to banquet. Ideal for small parties. 2 Star RAC, 3 Crown STB Commended. Doorstep parking. Slow down. Enjoy. So much to see... far from the maddening crowd. Local Information Pack & Brochure on request. Ellangowan Hotel 01671 820201 [ St John Street, Creetown, Dumfries 4k Galloway DG8 7JF BB145 NORTH RONALDSAY BIRD OBSERVATORY - ORKNEY. Comfortable dormitory and guest house accommodation in energy concious buildings. Licenced. From £1 00 p/w full board. Tel: Alison on 01 857 633200. (BB065) OVERSEAS ANDALUCIA, TARIFA, SPAIN. 3 star hotel. 5 minutes Tarifa, South West Spain. 45 minutes Gibraltar Airport. Migration often directly overhead, many excellent sites within easy distance. Bird watchers warmly welcomed. Years of experience catering for independent and group requirements. Excellent restaurant and pool. English, Dutch, German and French spoken. Send for brochure and rate to: Hotel “Balcon de Espana". 11380 Tarifa (Cadiz), Spain. Tel: 00 34 56 684326. Fax: 00 34 56 680472. (BB098) MONTHLY MARATHON This photograph (plate 49) was reproduced badly in many copies of the May issue. It is reprinted here for the benefit of Alonthly marathon competitors, and the deadline for entries is extended from 15th June to 15th July 1997. The four-page section involved (pages 177-178 & 199-200) will be reprinted, supplied to the binders and included in bound volumes at the end of the year. Anyone else wishing to have one of these reprinted four- page sections may write for one to Bob Ratcliff, Newnorth Print Ltd, College Street, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8NA. Newnorth Print Ltd apologises to British Birds readers for this inconvenience. XI TO ADVERTISE FAX 01767 640025 PROVENCE, CAMARGUE. 2 f arm cottages, also b&b. Rogers. Mas d'Auphan. Le Sambuc. 13200 ARLES. France. Tel: (0033) 490972041, fax 490972087. (BB097) HONG KONG — Superb hireling Sept-May. Richard Lewthwaite. 2 Villa Paloma, Shuen Wan. Tai Po. Hong Kong. Tel: (+852) 2665 8506. Fax: (+852) 2665 8190. (BB069) BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS AUSTRALIA: LOTUS LODGE, 200+ species of birds. Resident naturalists, outback experience. Extensive variety of Bora and fauna in far north Queensland. I 7: hour flight north of Cairns. Superior accommodation. Excellent cuisine. Tel: (800) 884-2848. (BB13I) NEW ZEALAND Experience our unique plant and bird community in diverse and dramatic landscapes. Personalised birding/nature tours. Information: Manu Tours. 106 Ocean Beach Road. Tairua. New Zealand. Ph/Fax (64) (7) 8647475. (BB132) \\ Outstanding year round birding \\ on the scenic New River AX— igoon. Over 300 species in five diverse habitats. Truly a magical place in the midst of ancient Maya civilization. Packages, tours, guides, and checklists available. Comfortable accommodations. V'sit us .it: www.belizenet.com/lamanai.html phone/fax +.501 2 33578 email: lamanai@btl.net BB142 ^ II D A Birdwatching in National Parks and Nature Reserves. U DM Endemic species observation. 14 days tours for small groups with two specialised guides of the SCV (Vertebrates Conservation Society). All benefits will be destined to our non-lucrative association's projects. Departures from October. £1295 Contact: SCV. c/Dr Maranon, 16, 2’’ B, 28220 Majadahonda (Madrid), SPAIN. Fax: 00-34-1-6382564. (BB143) ISRAEL - EILAT & ARAVA VALLEY AUTUMN/WINTER/SPRING - SEPT 20-MAY 20. * 1-2 week fully guided tour programme incorporating wide variety of habitats with many unique resident & migratory species. * Impressive raptor migration, seabirds, waders, & songbirds in spectacular desert environment. ' Birds an your doorstep!! More than 100 species in a day possible within a 3 Kilometre radius of your room on Lotan. ‘ Optional cultural & historical trips with qualified tour guide. ' Trips to Northern Israel also available for 3 4 days by negotiation. ' Full board, accommodation & guiding inclusive at £375.00 per week, or $618.00 dollars. Rates for B & B, or half board without guiding available on request. Full details and booklet from: James Smith/Michael Livni; Kibbutz Lotan, Doar Na Chevel Eilot, 88855 15RAEL. Fax 00-972-7-356827. Tel: 356935 (BB045) AVESTRAVEL SUPREME BIRPIN6 NATURAL HISTORYTOURS A.VE5 SUIMT V'lTA MIGHTY ANDES ■ WINDSWEPT PARAMO ■ ELFIN FOREST VERDANT CLOUDFOREST ■ COASTAL SEMIDESERT DECIDUOUS WOODLANDS • WILD AMAZONIA Robert lonsson, Resident Director & Guide • P. O. BOX 1 7-07-9219 TEL / FAX ECUADOR 09-446 695 ■ IfVTERNATfONAE 593 9 446 695 QUITO -ECUADOR • SOUTH AMERICA 16 year s experience in arranging affordable tailor- made birding trips for individuals, bird clubs and binding tour companies British-owned Write or fax for our expanded 1 997 brochure BIRDWATCH COSTA RICA APARTADO 7911, 1000-B SAN JOSE COSTA RICA - FAX (00) 506-228-1573 (BB061) SRI LANKA - ORNITHOLOGISTS PARADISE - Home to 426 species 21 of which are endemic - Specialist guides provided for tours from individuals to groups - Best period November to March - Contact Delmege Forsyth Tours. 101, Vinayalankara Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka. Telephone: 0094 1 693361 - 8. 699500 & 699984 Telex : 21320 LEWIS CE. 21536 DFSHIP, 22766 DELAIR CE Fax : 0094 1 698139, 699413. 686149 /or,«o AUSTRALIA Cairns is a birdwatchers paradise. World Heritage rainforests, coral islands and rugged outback, all feature spectacular birdlife. At least 15 species of raptors, 8 parrots and 6 kingfishers are found locally. Five day ground packages from £700 Limited positions, so contact me now to avoid disappointment. CHRIS HARRISS, 0/20 Girralong St„ Woree, Q. AUSTRALIA 4868. Fax: 61 70 545098 ibbio?. SABAH (BORNEO) ORNITHOLOGICAI. TOUR July 1977. 24 day guided tour by area ornithology expert Dr. Clive Mann. £1690 including airfares. Details GeoVistas. Tel: 01273-47891 1 . " (BBI33) VENEZUELA birdwatching fortnights Jan/Nov 97 led by John Raines: Andes, Llanos, Henri Pittier £1.399 + Bights. Also tailor-mades. Geodyssey 0171-281 7788. (BB125) BIRD REPORTS EMIRATES BIRD REPORT (1994) 136pp. 28 colour plates. Checklist, large Gulls ID and other articles. Cheques for £8 ine p&p please to Colin Richardson, PO Box 50394, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (BBI37) BOOKS BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT & SOEI). Send A5 s u e |(,r catalogue. Visit our shop and see our extensive collection. Hawkridge Books. The Crock Barn. Cross St. Castleton, Derbyshire S30 2WH. Tel. 04433 621999. Fax. 01433 621 862. (BB078) TO ADVERTISE FAX 01767 640025 BIRD BOOKS. Out-of-print, uncommon and rare. Quarterly catalogue. Peacock Books, Box 2024. Littleton, Mass. 01460. USA. ( BB 113) BIRD BOOKS. NEW NATURALISTS bought and sold. Cats, issued. West Coast Bird Books, 25 Heatherways, Freshfield, Liverpool L37 7HL. Tel: 01704 871 1 1 5. (BB 109) BIRD BOOKS. Good secondhand books, bought and sold. Free catalogue from and offers to Briant Books, 94 Quarry Lane, Kelsall, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 6NJ. Tel: 01829 751804. (BB 1 14) BIRD AND NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS 1833-1996. S.A.E. for 1000 item catalogue. “Crack Books”, Sawmill Cottages, Burton-in-Lonsdale, Carnforth. Lancs LA6 3JS. (BB 102) RARE BIRDS IN BRITAIN & IRELAND by Vinicombe & Lotteridge. Published by HarperCollins in British BirdShop soon. (BF010) 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 £6.75 inclusive P/P to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, Beverley, HU17 8RP. 01482 881833 (BB00I , It’s been worth waiting for! COUNTYPAGER The NEW birders news service from Rare Bird Alert Tel 01603 456789 for an information pack FOR SALE WILDLIFE WATCHING/PHOTOGRAPHY Camouflage pattern materials, poles, frames and fittings. Leafscreens, scrim, olive green camera straps, padded tripod slings, belts, webbing, clothing, hats, mats, insect repellent, elastic camouflage sleeving for lenses. Outdoor safety equip., clothing etc. etc. Details: Kevin Keatley, Wildlife Watching Supplies, Town Living Farmhouse, Puddington, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8LW. Tel, fax and 24 hr (01884) 860692