% ■m- ♦ < ■■ t I i ISSN 0007-0335 ?s- i o f British Birds Volume 93 Number 7 Red Kites in England Bird Illustrator of the Year Sonograms Iberian Chiffchaff I THh ' HISTOiW U AUg"20"'' TC'fAjG UBR><^'--V British Birds Established 1907, incorporating T/te Zoo/o,g/s7, established 1843 Published by BB 2000 Limited, trading as ‘British Birds’ Registered Office: 4 Henrietta Street, Covent (iarden, London WC2E 8SI- British Birds Managing Editor Dr j.T. R. Sharroek Personal Assistant Frances Bucknell Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board 1. Carter, Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M, Collinson, R. J. Prythereh, N. J. Redman, Dr J.T. R. Sharroek Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Design Mark Corliss Photographic Research Robin Chittenden Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood Circulation Manager Vivienne Hunter Administration Sally Young Rarities Committee Chairman Prof, (^olin Bradshaw Hon. Secretary Michael J. Rogers Paul Harvey,John McLoughlin,John Martin, Doug Page, Adam Rowlands, Ken Shaw, Dr Jimmy Steele, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, (Irahame Walbridge Archivist John Marchant Statistician Peter Fraser Museum consultant Ian Lewington Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Prof I. Newton FRS, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J.T. R. Sharroek, Dr K. E. L. Simmons, Dr Angela Turner (Co-ordinator) Identification Notes Panel Prof Colin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R.A. Hume, T. P. Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, 1. S. Robertson, K. E.Vinicombe (Co-ordinator) Annual subscription rates Libraries and agencies £66.50, $1 16.00 Personal subscriptions UK, Europe, surface mail: £53. 50 Outside Europe, airmail: £85.00 Concessionary rates (National, Regional & (a)unty bird club members) UK - £40.00 Europe & Outside Europe, surface mail: £44.00 Young Ornithologist’s rate £26.75 (YOC UK only) Please make all cheques payable to British Birtls Ltd. Single back issues £6.50 Available from British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5JY Please make cheques payable to British Birtls Ltd. Rarities Issue £10 - available as above. CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION OFFICE The Banks, Mountfield, Nr. Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01580 882038 Subscriptions & Circulation Vivienne Hunter E-m;ril: subscriptions@britishbirds.co.uk Accounts & Administration Sally Young E-mail: accotints@helm-information.co.uk Design, Production & Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk EDITORIAL OFFICE Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01767 640025 Papers, notes, letters, cn tivork, journals, etc. Dr J.T. R. Sharroek E-mail: editor@britishbirds.co.tik Personal A ssistant Frances Bueknell www.britishbirds.co.uk BB Bookshop c/o Subbuteo Books, Pistyll Farm, Nercw}'s, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW Tel: 01 352 756551 Fax: 01352 756004 E-mail: sales@subbooks. demon. co.tik ‘News & comment’ information Bob Scott & Wendy Dickson, 8 Woodlands, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE 19 lUE Tel: 0 1 480 2 1 4904 Fax: 0 1 480 473009 E-mail: abseott@tinyworld.eo.uk ‘The Ornithological Year’ bird news Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, 7 Bloomsbtiry Close, Wobtirn, Bedfordshire MKH 9QS Tel: 01 525 290314 Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, 2 (Jiurehtown Cottages, I'owednaek, Cornwairi R26 3AZ Front-cover photograph: Red Kite Milvus /n/V/v/.v, Rhayader, Mid Wales, September 1999. (Richard brooks) BBWF 2000 SUPPORTING LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND t Jt; Sj^TROSS <5ampaig THE ^RLbIS seabirds OIMpt H00|(>- , BIRDWATCHING FAtR Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre * ^Epleton Nature Reserve, Rutland Water Friday 18 August to Sunday 20 August 2000 9.30 am - 5.30 pm daily Adult £8 • Children free All profits will be donated by Leicestershire Wildlife Sales to BirdUfe International. Leicestershire Wildlife Sales is a wholly owned subsidiary of LRWT. The RSPB, BirdLite Intemanonal and LRWT are UK registered charities Illustration by Robert Gillmor. 94/688/99-00 SPAIN, 9-16 Sep Autumn in Andalucia with top raptor expert Dick Forsman OMAN, 21 Sep-1 Oct Arabian adventure with man on the spot, Colin Richardson HUNGARY, 4-9 Oct Raptors, geese & more on our annual 'Carnival of Cranes' KENYA, 28 Oct-1 1 Nov The cream of Kenya's wildlife reserves, its lodges 8i camps GAMBIA, 17 Nov-1 Dec No finer tour than our 'Quest for the Crocodile Bird' NEPAL, 19 Nov-3 Dec Kathmandu, Chitwan & Kosi Tapu. 6th annual visit HOLLAND, 30 Nov-4 Dec Our famous wild goose chase with Arnoud van den Berg COSTA RICA, 18 Dec 2000-2 Jan 2001 Last orders for 'Christmas with the Quetzals' 2001 brochure... coming soon! Late space on our autumn tours to... Lake NeusiedI • Camargue & Pyrenees PNG & Oz • New Zealand • Brazil /V Limpsa ,1,01263 578143 •J f^J/ S t- Mb All this & more! Come & see us at the Rutland Water Bird Fair, marquee 4 .1/05/ major Pax: 01 263 579251 "TcilpieT e-mail: limosaholidays@compuserve.com Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 OLZ for autumn! GOA from £1020 4-19 November with Paul Holt Sunbirder is the choice for this Indian Ocean resort. We were one of the first companies to run tours there and Paul's knowledge of the region's birds and where to find them is unrivalled. EILAT from £cS0 29 October-5/12 November with Killian Mullarney A whole host of middle-eastern specialities, plus a wealth of northern migrants, await you on the shores of the Red Sea. BEIDAIHE from z. 1090 21 September-7 October with Paul Holt For an autumn full of Siberian migrants join us in this Chinese birding hotspot. All events offer a full, professionally-led excursion programme. For an information pack, contact Sunbird specifying which event you are interested in. Sunbird (BS), P O Box 76, Sandy, Beds, SG19 IDF Telephone: 01767 682969 Fax; 01767 692481 E-mail: sunbird@sunbird.demon.co.uk Web site; vwvw.sunbird.demon.co.uk Your money is fully protected by our own ATOL bond. Sunbird is a trading name of Condcrbury Limited Don't forget to come and see us at our stand in Marquee 2, Stands 5 & 6 at the British Birdwatching Fair, Rutland Water, August 18th to 20th. For more information about British Birds visit our website at: www.britishbirds.co.uk Just published - Summer 2000 RAPTORS AT RISK Proceedings of the 5th World Conference ■ on Birds of Prey & Owls R.D. Chancellor & B.-U. Meyburg (Eds.) 90 original papers, with diagrams, maps, drawings and photographs covering current studies on virtually every aspect of raptor biology, ecology and conservation. Size 22 X 1 5.5cm - 900 pages, cover in colour, £30 post free. WWGBlVHancock House P.O.Box 52, Towcester NN12 7ZW, UK. email: WWGBP@aol.com spccui Birding Eilat & Israel The International Birding & Research Center in Eilat and Kibbutz Eilot - country lodging Invite you to a birding experience with those who really care for your birds: Birding with expert conservation-oriented ornithologists and lodging at the kibbutz will make all the difference to your trip to Eilat and Israel. For the lowest prices contact: IBRCE, PO BOX 774, EILAT 88000. Israel Eax: 972-6335319, 6376922. email: ibrc@eilatcity.co.il Rare Bird Alert Fully comprehensive news services FOR ALL BIRDERS PAGERS and, coming shortly, TEXT MESSAGING to your mobile phone For full details tel: 01603 456789 British Birds — forecasts — For a detailed weather forecast of any region (today and the week ahead) 0891 11 00 14 For synoptic weather charts by fax (today and tomorrow) 0897 200 229 Inl0m«1ion Supotictf by i^fThe Met Office 0819 calls are charged at 50p per minute. 0897 fax calls are charged at £1.50 per minute (synoptic chart is one page) Ornithology GREATER LONDON’S SPECIALIST COLLEGE in HORTICULTURE and COUNTRYSIDE STUDU Interviewing NOW for gher National Diplomas a * a— I _ .A ^ B a Capel Manor College HNDin ^ -time or 4 years part-time with 400 hours of work experience. This course is the first of its kind in the area and will provide vocational training for anyone wishing to work in this field. It includes practically based modules on ornithology science, identification, survey and monitoring methods, conservation planning and law visitor management and interpretation. The College has a wide range of facilities nearby: The Lea Valley Park, with its Rye Meads RSPB Reserve, is of national importance for its wildfowl and the Bittern Watchpoint is visited by hundreds of people each winter. Please contact our Courses Hotline TODAY: Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex ENl 4RQ • J25/M25 www.capelmanorcollege.co.uk college.freeserue.co.uk 020 8366 British Birds The presentations for the Bird Photograph of the Year and Bird Illustrator of the Year will be made at the British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland Water on Friday 18th August at 4.00pm in the Events Marquee. All are welcome and we very much look forward to seeing you. Remember to visit us in Marquee 2, Stands 5 & 6 (next to Subbuteo Natural History Books) Birdiiews mobile phone bird messages UK rare Bird^^ws directly to your mobile phone plus email service, using the latest technology Cheaper and more convenient than the pagers For order form & information pack please leave your name, address & telephone number at email birdnews@birdnews.co.uk or phone 01603 763388. Operated by Robin Chittenden & Dave Holman Birdr>6ws you can trust from a team you know British Birds Volume 93 Number 7 July 2000 302 A new era for British Birds Dr Richard J. Chandler 304 Studies of re-established Red Kites in England Ian Carter and Phil Grice 323 Understanding sonograms Prof. PJ. B. Slater and P. J. Sellar 329 Iberian Chiffchaff in Greater London; new to Britain and Ireland Dr L A. Batten 333 Bird Illustrator of the Year 2000 Keith Shackleton, Robert Gillmor, Alan Harris, Bruce Pearson and Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Regular features 303 Rarities Committee news Request for records of nominate cr/c/7/n;/fln^, ‘Caspian Gull' 340 Note Naturalised birds in the city ofValencia Enrique Murgui 342 Letters Report of Red-billed Chough in London Ken Osborne Origin of inland seabirds Neil Trout Reliability of single-observ^er and multi- observer records John Cantelo Swamp-hen or swamphen? Mike Earp 344 Conservation research news Dr David Gibbons 345 Recent BBRC decisions M. J. Rogers 346 Monthly Marathon Steve Rooke 347 Announcements Notes Panel Co-ordinators Birding in 2001 for ‘Sfi’ subscribers Correction - Sex and age of a Montagu’s Harrier 348 Reviews Owls by Claus Konig, Jan-Hendrik Becking & Friedhelm 'Weick Julian Hughes Research and Management of the Brown-headed Cowbird in Western Landscapes by Michael Morrison et at Clive McKay One Hundred Years of Watching and Recording Birds at Sedbergh School by Ingram Cleasby Robert Gillmor Cuckoos, Cowbirds and Other Cheats by N.B. Davies Dr Angela Turner The State of the Nations ' Birds b\' Chris Mead Simon lyster Birds of Bhutan by Carol Inskipp, Tim Inskipp & Richard Grimmett Dave Earrow Checklist of the Birds of Turkey by Guy Kirw^an et al. Dr J. T. R. Sharrock 350 Looking back 351 News and comment Wendy Dickson and Bob Scott 354 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan © British Birds 2000 A new era for British Birds Wt apologise to our readers for the late arrival of the June issue, and, we trust, for the rather-less-late arrival of this copy. We hope to be back on course by the September issue. There have been major changes, in particular in owner- ship, while from the end of the year there will be editorial changes. We have already entered a new and very challenging stage in the evolution of British Birds. On 30th June, the responsibilit)' for production of the journal was taken over b\- a new company, BH 2000 Ltd, the ownership of which is to be in the hands of a trust to be established for the benefit of British ornithology. The Directors of BB 2000 Ltd and the proposed Trustees are myself (Chairman), Dr Jeremy Greenwood, Peter Oliver, Robin Prytherch and Bob Scott. Apart from catching up with the publication schedule as quickly as possible, there are three immediate tasks. We intend to review the editorial policy, while ensuring that BB retains its unique ornithological niche between the overtly scientific journals and the wholly popular birding Press; we need to recruit a new Managing Editor to succeed Tim Sharrock, who will retire in December; and, crucially, we wish to widen the body of Trustees to ensure that we have a good insight into the full range of British and Euro- pean ornithology. The Trustees will set the basic editorial policy that will be imple- mented by the Managing Editor and the Edi- torial Board (whose membership remains unchanged). Production and circulation are being handled for the new company by Helm Information Ltd. The changes outlined here have been pos- sible only because of the enormously gen- erous and enthusiastic financial, logistic and moral support of very many people. This is not the place to acknowledge them individu- alh', but our gratitude to them is immense. We feel sure that ) ou, our readers, will echo full)’ this sentiment. Our task now is to live up to the expectations of all our readers and supporters. We have an exciting list of forth- coming papers, and we have, we believe, established a stable organisation within which BB can develop and prosper. Erika Sharrock retired as Circulation Manager on 30th June, and, as noted above, Tim Sharrock will retire as Managing Editor in early December. Erika has given 19 years of devoted service to the journal. We thank her most sincerely and wish her well in her retirement. Tim’s massive contribution will need a proper acknowledgment in due course. With British Birds owned by a Trust, and supported by its Trustees and subscribers, we view the journal’s assured future with excitement and great confidence. Richard J. Chandler New Editor for British Birds As readers will have seen in the Announcement above, Lim Sharrock will be retiring in early December, and it is, therefore, nece.s.sary to appoint a new Iklitor. This is an exciting opportunity for a person with a passion for ornithology and birding to help shape the future of the journal as it embarks upon a new era. If you are interested and feel that you have the nece.s.sary drive, skills and enthusiasm for this challenging role and an ability to relate to and motivate people, plea.se write for further details (enclosing a stamped, self- addre.s.sed envelope) to Dr Richard ('.handler, 2 Rusland Avenue, Orpington, Kent BR6 8AU. 302 British Birds 93: .^02, July 2000 Rarities Committee new^4 Request for records of nominate cachinnans, ‘Cas^nTGMl JBRAR The BBRC is aware that this form is being reported with increasing frequency in Britain, though as yet is has not been formally admitted to the British List. This would require a record or records to be accepted by both the BBRC and the BOURC. We are aware that various individual gulls have been well docu- mented (e.g. Garner et cil. 1997; Brit. Birds 90: 25-62, 369-383), and some have now been for- mally submitted. The acceptance of some of these may be expected to follow shortly. The form appears to be rare but regular in small numbers, especially in East Anglia and the Midlands, but its true status is clouded by a lack of thoroughly documented and reviewed records. While it may be over- looked, it is also true that its abundance could be exaggerated by optimistic claims. We are also aware that the identification of the form can be more complex and difficult to prove than some recent articles have implied. For example, hybridisation with Herring Gulls Larus argentatus has been reported in Germany. The BBRC would like to receive details of well-docu- mented sightings from before 1st January 2000 to achieve inclu- sion on the British List and to establish a baseline of accepted records. The following guidelines are intended to encourage observers to make the high- quality submissions needed to prove the identification of this form: General Birds should have been well seen and watched over long periods, preferably by experi- enced observers who are regular gull- watchers, familiar with their local ‘large white-headed gulls’ and with ‘Western Yellow-legged Gull’ Larus cachinnans micha- hellis and ‘Northern Herring Gull’ L. argentatus argentatus. Subtle elements of size and struc- ture are important features, as with other large gulls, and these are best appreciated by those fully familiar with variation of the commoner species. Even for experienced observers, these fea- tures may be difficult to docu- ment adequately on paper, though they may nonetheless produce a distinctive ‘feel’ to the bird. For this reason, it would be preferable for good-quality pho- tographs or video footage to accompany submissions. The exact stage of moult should be noted. Records of birds at reservoir roosts are unlikely to be accepted, as the full range of structural and bare-parts features is rarely apparent under such cir- cumstances. These are subtle characteristics, which need to be observed at close range if pos- sible. Adults It must be clear that the bird is fully adult (primary pat- terns of subadults are not diag- nostic). The precise pattern of the primaries needs to be clearly established, including that of the underside of plO.This may be difficult to observe, even on bathing and preening birds, but can be captured on film or video. When comparing mantle colour with other taxa, be aware of the effects of strong light and the angle of the birds in relation to the light source and the observer. For a fuller discussion of general problems of large-gull identification, see Garner et al. (1997). Bill, leg, eye and, ideally, eye-ring colours (the last of these is usually very hard to see) should be established, and the. extent and nature of any head or neck streaking should be accu-. rately described. If the bird is observed long- calling’, the posture adopted should be noted (this can also give a chance to observe the elusive plO pattern). The call itself should be described or recorded. Juveniles and first-winters As well as vital structural features, it is important to note: the colour of the head and body, including the precise pattern and distribu- tion of any streaking or barring; the pattern of the scapulars (note any second-generation feathers), coverts (paying partic- ular attention to the greater coverts) and tertials; and the patterns of the underwing and upperwing, rump and tail. Immatures Other ages, from first-summers through to subadults, are the most problem- atic. The diagnostic plumage fea- tures shown by adults (notably the precise primary pattern) and juveniles/first-winters can not be used. Identification must be based largely on less-reliable fea- tures. Structural features are crit- ical and, in order to judge these correctly, photographs or video footage would be almost essen- tial (though an exceptionally good set of notes could suffice). Only ‘classic’ birds are likely to be accepted. © British Birds 93: 303, July 2000 303 UP(l Studies of re-established Red Kites in England Ian Carter and Phil Grice ABSTRACT The Red Kite Milvus milvus was formerly common and widespread throughout Britain, but by the end of the nineteenth centur) , as a direct result of human persecution, it had been reduced to a handful of pairs in mid Wales. In 1989, a re-establishment programme began in England and Scotland, and breeding populations have already become established in southern England, the English Midlands and northern Scotland. Intensive monitoring of released birds, and studies of the populations re-establishing themselves in England, have shown that the Red Kite is well adapted to our lowland landscapes and is able to thrive at high densities in the release areas. The Red Kite’s generalist diet and lack of specialist habitat requirements should enable it to regain its former status in Britain as one of our most widespread and familiar birds, provided that certain threats resulting from human activity can be reduced. In particular, the Red Kite is vulnerable to the use of illegal poison baits, secondary rodcnticide poisoning, and shooting. The Red Kite is generally very popular with local people, and is proving to be an extremely useful ‘ambassador species’ for raptor conservation at a time when some specialist-interest groups view increasing raptor populations as a problem. .^04 © iiritish Birds 93: .304-322, jul> 2(K)0 Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England 194. Red Kite Milvus niilvus, Rhayader, Mid Wales, September 1999. Despite its current absence from the majority of potentially suitable habitat in Britain, the Red Kite Milvus milvus is perhaps one of our most familiar and best-loved birds. Many birdwatchers will have fond memories of pilgrimages to the remote upland country of mid Wales, where the Red Kite survived, having been exterminated from the rest of Britain by the end of the nine- teenth century. The story of the recovery of the Red Kite in Wales, from its perilously low levels in the early 1900s, has been told by Lovegrove (1990), and much of what is known of the ecology and behaviour of the Welsh birds is now well documented (Newton et al. 1996; Lovegrove 1990;Walters Davies & Davis 1973)-Until recently, the Red Kite was one of only three United Kingdom species listed by the lUCN as globally threat- ened, meaning that, without effective conser- vation action, there was a danger that the species would become extinct. As a result of recent population increases in central and northern Europe its conservation status is now far more secure, although the species remains almost entirely restricted to Europe and has a highly fragmented distribution, due mainly to human persecution. There is now an ongoing Red Kite re- establishment programme in Britain, which began in 1989 and has quickly resulted in the establishment of breeding populations in lowland areas of southern England, the English Midlands and northern Scotland. Releases are continuing at a site in West York- shire and in central Scotland. Details of the methods used to re-establish Red Kites, and an evaluation of the success of the pro- gramme to date, have now been published (Carter et al. 1995; Evans et al. 1997, 1999). This paper will concentrate on what has been learnt about the Red Kite through * Red Kites are easy to observe from roads Oxfordshire. English Nature’s National Nature and Ibstone, both to the west of High Wycombe, tion is still small and vulnerable and, while many not being made known more widely at this stage. intensive monitoring of released birds and through studying populations as they become re-established. Most of the informa- tion is from our studies in England, particu- larly in the Midlands, where the first birds were released in 1995, and where the popu- lation now exceeds seven breeding pairs and 50 birds in total. As might be expected, there are many differences from the situation in mid Wales, an area where, although Red Kites survived because of reduced levels of human persecution, the upland landscape and damp climate are far from ideal. Studies in lowland England are particularly pertinent to the future prospects of the Red Kite in Britain, as there are huge areas of similar and, as yet, uncolonised habitat available. English Red Kite areas The southern Red Kite area is in the Chiltern Hills*, where the landscape is dominated by extensive plantations of Beech Fagus syl- vatica, and mixed arable/pastoral farmland. Red Kites are now well established in the Chilterns and, in 1999, at least 75 breeding pairs raised an estimated 155 young (Southern England Kite Group in litt.). In the Midlands area*, there are also large tracts of woodland but, in contrast to the and footpaths in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and Reserve at Aston Rowant and the road between Stokenchurch are reliable sites throughout the year. The Midlands popula- local birdwatchers will be aware of the release area, it is British Birds 95'. 304-322, July 2000 305 Richard Brooks I. C. Carter Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England C^hilterns, the non-vvooded areas are domi- nated by intensively managed arable farm- land. Winter-sown cereal crops predominate, but there are also small amounts of oilseed rape, field beans and other arable crops. Small areas of sheep and cattle pasture occur, mainly along river valleys and close to villages. The relatively recent introduction of long-term set-aside has added some variety to the landscape, but this makes up only a tiny proportion of the total area. Dispersal Adult Red Kites are mainly sedentary, and sightings of wing-tagged birds in the Mid- lands show that, throughout the year, they are rarely found more than a few kilometres from their breeding site. They certainly do not undertake the long-distance movements that are typical of a proportion of first->ear birds. It has long been known that some young Welsh Red Kites disperse over consid- erable distances, as ringed or wing-tagged birds have been recorded in southern England during their first year (Walters Davies & Davis 1973)- By fitting wing-tags and radio transmitters to young Red Kites released in England, it has been possible to build up a reasonably complete picture of Table 1. Autumn dispersal of Red Kites Milvus niilvus in the Midlands by release year. Dispersal is defined as a movement of at least 50 km away from the release site; figures exclude four rehabilitated birds released in the Midlands. Year No. released No. dispersing in first autumn (%) 1995 10 6 (60%) 1996 16 6 (3"^. 5%) 199" 20 8 (40%) 1998 20 3 (15%) Total 66 23 (35%) dispersal patterns. The majority of Red Kites that undertake dispersive movements do so either in earh’ autumn, within a few weeks of being released, or during the following spring. In the Midlands, as a result of intensive radio- tracking, there is a complete record of the number of birds that dispersed away from the release area in their first autumn (table 1). In total, 33% of the birds released during 1995-98 dispersed, with a higher proportion moving away in the early years of the project. In 1995, 60% left the area in their 195. Red Kite Milvus milvus being released, Midlands,July 1998. Of 66 radio-tagged individuals released in the Midlands during 1995-98, 35% dispersed from the area in their first autumn. 306 British Birds 93: 304-322, July 2()()() Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England first autumn, whereas in 1998, the final year of releases, when a population was well established in the area, only 15% dispersed. A similar pattern emerged from studies of released Red Kites in the Chilterns and northern Scotland (Evans et al. 1999). The Red Kite is a highly social species (see later), and it seems that young birds are more likely to remain in areas where a population is already well established as a result of earlier releases. A higher proportion of females than males (sexed by DNA-analysis of blood samples) dispersed away from the Midlands following release. Including both autumn and spring (for which information is not complete) movements, at least 20 of the 35 known females (57%) moved more than 50 km from the release site, while 12 of 30 males (40%) did so. This imbalance has resulted in a slight excess of adult males in the Midlands population, despite the higher number of females released. A similar sex bias in dispersal was apparent in the Chilterns (Evans et al. 1999). Eig. 1 shows all records of Red Kites released in the Midlands that dispersed more than 50 km from the point of release. Dis- persal involved movements in all directions, and the paucity of records in northern England may reflect, in part, the generally lower densities of birdwatchers there com- pared with much of the South. There are small clusters of records from central Wales and the Chilterns, probably reflecting both the social nature of the species and the fact that monitoring effort is relatively high in these areas. There is less information on dis- persal by wild-fledged young as, until recently, none had been radio-tagged. Sight- ings of wing-tagged birds suggest, however, that dispersal patterns are very similar. Wild- fledged English kites have been found in The Netherlands and Erance, and a Scottish kite was found dead in central Spain, a region where many northern and central European Red Kites spend the winter. The most impres- sive movement so far recorded was, however, made by a 1997-fledged individual from northern Scotland that turned up in Iceland, constituting the first Icelandic record of the species (Brian Etheridge in litt.). That Red Kite survived two harsh Ice- landic winters before being found, contami- Fig. 1. Recoi’ds of Midlands-released Red Kites Milvus milvus that dispersed more than 50 km from the release point, 1995-98. Some wandering individuals are represented by more than one symbol. nated with Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis oil, and taken into captivity. It was then flown by aeroplane back to northern Scotland, where, at the time of writing, it is in captivity, awaiting release. Despite such long-distance movements. Red Kites show a high degree of faitlifulness to their natal (or release) site, and many of the dispersing birds subsequently return to where they were born or released. This is one of the main reasons why the Welsh pop- ulation has not managed to recolonise other parts of Britain, and why the re-establish- nient programme was considered necessary in the first place. In recent years, however, a small number of Red Kites have been recorded breeding away from their natal/release area, including two Chilterns birds that have bred in the Midlands, and several Midlands birds that have been recruited into the Chilterns population. There have also been several pairs of Chilterns-released Red Kites that have bred in southern England well away from the main population, and a pair of untagged Red Kites, probably of Continental origin, that bred successfully in northeast Suffolk in 1996 and 1997 (Carter 1998) (plate 196, see page 308). Isolated breeding pairs may become more frequent as numbers continue to build up in the core populations, although it is likely that the majority of the kites will always remain faitloful to their natal area.Tlie extent to which the more adventurous component of the population is able to establish new British Birds 93; 304-322, July 2000 307 I. C. Carter Carter & Grice: Re-establisbecl Red Kites in Ejigknid 196. Brood of three wing-tagged Red Kites Miivns niUrns. reared by an isolated pair in Suffolk, July 1997. The same pair had reared two young at the same site in 1996, but was not seen after May 1998. populations away from the release areas will have a major impact in determining how quickly Red Kites are able to recolonise suit- able habitats throughout Britain. Survival rates In the release areas, as a result of project publicity and familiarity with the species, local people quickly accept that Red Kites do not pose a threat to gamebirds or live- stock, and levels of human persecution are relatively low. In other areas, a newly arrived, large and unfamiliar raptor may be viewed Table 2. Survival rates of Red Kites Miivns inilvns released in the Midlands. Based on radio-tracking and sightings of individually identifiable wing-tagged birds. These are minimum annual survival rates, as some surviving birds may go undetected. Period Survival rate (numbers involved) 1st year 52% (n = 46) Midlands 1st year' 100% (n = 43) 2nd year 7.3% (n = 1 1 ) 3rd year 75% (n = 8) ' Survival rate for six-month period for Red Kites remaining in the Midlands during their first winter (October-Mareh) by some with rather more concern. As a con- sequence, survival rates for birds that dis- perse are lower than for those that remain in the release areas. Of 12 Midlands-released Red Kites so far found dead, eight (67%) have been found away from the release area, despite the concentration remaining in the Midlands and the more intensive monitoring of those that do not disperse. Dispersal during the first year is the main reason for the lower survival rates of first- year Red Kites compared with older and more sedentary individuals (table 2). In order to calculate realistic survival rates for those individuals that do not disperse. Red Kites that remained in the Midlands for their first winter, between the two main dispersal periods in autumn and spring, were consid- ered. A total of 43 released Red Kites was still present in the Midlands in early October of their first year and, amazingly, all 43 sur- vived the six-month period up to March of the following year (table 2). Winter ranging and habitat use The Red Kite is a highly social species in winter, when large numbers gather each evening at communal roost sites, often remaining faithful to the same site for many years (e g. Heredia cl ctl . 1991). In this Hritish birds 93: 304-322, July 2()0() 308 Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in Erigia>id respect, they offer a complete contrast to the highly territorial Common Buzzard Bnteo biiteo, a species that often occurs in the same areas. Whereas it is advantageous for Common Buzzards to defend exclusive, well- defined hunting areas (e.g. Tubbs 1974), the Red Kite appears to benefit from gathering together in large groups. The most likely explanation for such behavioural differences between the two species lies in the relative efficiency of their respective foraging strategies. Because Red Kites often scavenge at animal carcases large enough to feed several birds, there are advan- tages in searching for food in groups, so- called ‘network foraging’ (Hiraldo et al. 1993). Several pairs of eyes are more likely to locate a potential food source than is a single bird foraging on its own, and, when a carcase is located, all the birds in the group can fly in to feed. It has even been suggested that com- munal roosting may allow less-successful individuals to follow the more-successful ones from the roost in an attempt to dis- cover food sources (Ward & Zahavi 1973), although this ‘information-centre’ hypothesis has not been demonstrated for Red Kites. Red Kites begin arriving at roost sites from mid afternoon onwards, the exact timing depending on the time of year, on weather conditions and, probably, on how successful they have been in finding food during the day. The majority of those attending communal roosts are in their first or second year and have yet to breed. The more-experienced, paired adults do some- times attend, but are seen less regularly and probably roost close to their nest site on most nights. On some evenings, particularly if there is a strong breeze, groups of Red Kites circle together above the roost wood, often indulging in spectacular chases and mock fights, before dropping down into the trees. In Wales, these gatherings were termed ‘cir- cuses’ by Walters Davies & Davis (1973), but their function is unclear. Perhaps the most likely explanation is that the birds are simply ‘playing’ and, in so doing, are helping to improve their flying skills. On several occa- sions in the Midlands, Red Kites flying above the roost area have been watched dropping down to tree-top height and repeatedly snatching at foliage with their feet, another Fig. 2. Winter range of Midlands Red Kites Mili’us November-February 1996/97, based on radio-tracking locations and sightings of wing-tagged individuals (the background is a 1-km- grid). form of behaviour probably best interpreted as play. Roost sites may also serve a social function, acting as a place where birds can get together with potential future mates, as has been suggested for harriers Circus (Gurr 1968). In the Chilterns, counts of well over 100 Red Kites have been made at roost sites, and, for the observer, seeing such a huge gath- ering of large raptors in lowland England is both an exhilarating and a somewhat surreal experience. There are now several active roost sites in the Chilterns, but in the Mid- lands, where the total population is far smaller, the majority still use the same roost area as that which was first occupied by kites released in 1995. Fig. 2 shows the area utilised by Red Kites in the Midlands during the 1996/97 winter, this being based on locations determined by radio-tracking and sightings of wing-tagged individuals. The two release sites are 8-10 km away from the main communal roost site, and the kites presumably settled to the north of the release points because they found an area with more suitable habitat and a better food supply. Although the Midlands popula- tion has increased to approximately 50 birds since the 1996/97 winter, and competition for food has presumably increased in parallel, the winter home range for the population as a whole remains much as shown in fig. 2. British Birds 93: 304-322, July 2000 309 Dan Foil'd/ Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England adult Fig. 3. Rfcl Kites Mih'iis inili’iis. Adults top left, top right and bottom left. Juveniles top centre, and two in centre, k = wing tag. Note adult's distinct dark feather-centres on underbody (a); rich rufous undertail-coverts (b)^wide, pale bar across greater coverts (d); bright yellow eye (i);and rich yellow base to bill (j). Note juvenile's indistinct streaking on underbody (h); pale brown undertail-coverts (g); white line on upperw'ing formed b> tips to greater coverts (c); dull brow n eye (e); and pale yellow ba.se to bill (f). 310 Ih itish Birds 93: 304-322, July 2000 Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England Elsewhere in Europe, Red Kites are reported to travel considerable distances when foraging away from the roost. Heredia et al. (1991) found average daily maximum distances from roosts of between 2 km and 35 km for individual Red Kites in southern Spain, with an average for all birds of approximately 10 km, and Glutz von Blotzheim et al. (1971) reported German Red Kites travelling up to 15-20 km from roosts. In the Midlands, despite many hundreds of observations, it was unusual to find an individual more than 5 km from the roost during the day, and the majority of locations for each bird were within 3-4 km of it (fig. 2). The maximum distance from the Midlands roost at which a kite that subsequently returned to that roost was found was only 12 km. Young Red Kites will certainly travel much greater distances when dispersing in autumn or spring, but, when settled during the winter, they are able to find food within a relatively small area, and wander less than might be expected from European studies. Table 3 shows the proportion of the major land-use classes utilised by Red Kites outside the breeding season in relation to the amount of each available in the Midlands study area as a whole. In all, 62% of field observations of Red Kites were associated with arable land, 26% were associated with grassland, and most of the remaining 12% of observations involved kites associated with woodland. A key finding was that arable and grassland habitats were used in roughly the same proportions as they are present in the area. Winter cereals were by far the most fre- quently used arable crop (table 4), reflecting the large area of this crop that is available in the Midlands. Bare/ploughed and stubble fields were frequently used by foraging birds in autumn, when most widely available. The observations in tables 3 and 4 refer mainly to records of Red Kites in flight, and it was often impossible to distinguish between those that were actively foraging for food and those simply travelling from one site to another. The relative proportions of the dif- ferent non-woodland habitats used by kites were, however, similar when only observa- tions involving feeding birds were consid- ered (Carter & Clarke in prep.), although, in this case, the sample size is much smaller. These results indicate that farmland com- British Birds 93: 304-322, July 2000 Table 3- Habitat utilised by Red Kites Milviis milviis in the Midlands (September-February 1995-99). n = 411. Habitat Percentage of all Red Kite observations Proportion of habitat in study area (%)’ Arable 62 60 Grassland 26 20 Woodland 11 15 Other^ 1 5 ' Approximate values based on 1996 MAFF farm census data for agricultural land, and Ordnance Survey data for woodland. - Built-up areas, open water and scrub. Table 4. Use of arable habitats by Red Kites Milviis milvus in the Midlands (September- February 1995-99). n = 255. Habitat Percentage of all Red Kite observations Winter cereals 44 Oilseed rape 6 Field beans 3 Set-aside 4 Bare/ploughed 28 Stubble 15 prising a high proportion of intensively managed arable fields provides perfectly suit- able foraging habitat for Red Kites, at least in autumn and winter, when growing crops do not restrict the kites’ access to the ground. There were relatively few records of Red Kites associated with woodland outside the breeding season (except at roost sites), and none involving any actively foraging for food. Studies have shown, however, that animal species which utilise woodland habitats are important in the kite’s diet in winter, sug- gesting that woodland is an important com- ponent of the landscape for Red Kites throughout the year (Carter & Clarke in prep.). Nest sites In the Chilterns, the great majority of nest sites are in Beeches, reflecting the domi- nance of that tree in local woodlands. In the Midlands, although Pedunculate Oak Qiierciis robiir is the most common decid- uous tree, woodland diversity is relatively 311 Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England Table 5. Nest sites of Red Kites Milvus niilvus in the Midlands. Tree species No. of nests Broadleaf Pedunculate Oak Qnercus robiir 10 Turkey Oak (2- cerris 1 Field Maple Acer canipestre 1 Sycamore A. pseudoplatanus 1 Conifer Norway Spruce Picea abies 2 Scots Pine Pinas syluestris 1 Larch Larix 2 high, and, despite the comparatively low number of nests built so far, a total of seven different tree species has already been used (table 5). Nest height and the size of tree used vary considerably, although nests are nearly always at least 8 m above the ground and there is a tendency for the more mature trees to be favoured. The average height above ground level of 18 nests in the Mid- lands was 14 m (range 8-20 m). One thing common to almost all breeding sites is the presence of a direct aerial route to the nest allowing easy access for the long- winged adults. Nests are therefore situated close to the edge of a wood, usually within 100 m, or close to a clearing or ride. The need for such an aerial fh’way is probably the main reason why dense plantations tend to be avoided. C4f 18 nests in the Midlands, the average distance to the woodland edge was 70 m, and only four nests were more than 100 m inside a wood. Woodland size appears to be unimportant, as Red Kites have nested near the edge of the largest woods available in the Midlands study area, and have also occurred in woods of less than 10 ha. In the Chilterns, even narrow shelter- belts and small clumps of mature trees have been used. Red Kite nests are typically large and untidy, and are often ‘decorated’ with pieces of cloth, plastic or paper, unlike the other- wise similar nests built by (a)mmon Buz- zards. In Shakespeare’s time, the Red Kite- had a reputation for stealing clothes from washing-lines for this purpose, and was even referred to as the ‘hat bird’ for its supposed habit of taking hats from people’s heads. In recent > ears, all manner of items have been found at nest sites, including gloves, under- wear, teddy bears, and even the pol} styrene- encased data-gathering box from a weather balloon. The function of such decorations is not clear, but they perhaps serve to demon- strate the nest-building prowess of the male, and may act as a sign to other Red Kites in the area that the nest site is occupied. Red Kites are renowned for remaining faithful to nesting territories for long periods in Wales (Walters Davies & Davis 1 973) and, although the data are based on a much smaller run of years, the same is generally true with the re-established populations. Some territories in the Chilterns have now been in use for at least seven years (Peter Stevens in lift.) and, of seven territories used in the Midlands up to 1998, all but one has been used again in a subsequent year, although not always b>- the same pair. Estab- lished pairs do sometimes move to alterna- tive sites and, in the Midlands, movements of 2.5, 4 and 5 km have been recorded, in two of the three cases these involved pairs that had bred unsuccessfully at the initial site. Red Kites in England sometimes use the same nest for two or more years, but often build a new nest close by, within the same territory. The Red Kite has a reputation for being highly sensitive to disturbance during the breeding season (Cross & Davis 1998), and it is undoubtedly true that excessive human disturbance, particularly at the egg stage or small-chick stage, can be detrimental. There are several instances involving nests in the Chilterns where frequent disturbance is thought to have resulted in breeding failure, and there is always the chance that, when an incubating adult is flushed from a nest, the eggs may become chilled or be taken by crows (Corvidae). Red Kites are, however, relatively tolerant of what might be termed routine incidental disturbance, and they often nest successfully close to inhabited buildings, roads or footpaths. Despite the higher human population and the increase in recreational activities since the time when Red Kites were last common in England, shortage of suitable breeding sites is unlikely to be a factor restricting population increase and spread. 312 British Birds 93: 304-322, July 2(M)() Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England Habitat use and ranging behaviour in the breeding season The ranging behaviour of breeding Red Kites in the re-established populations has not been studied intensively by radio-tracking, but regular sightings of wing-tagged adults in the Midlands show that they spend the majority of the time foraging within 2-3 km of the nest. In Wales, Walters Davies & Davis (1973) also found that the home range of breeding pairs normally extended to 2-3 km from the nest although, in some cases, the kites foraged as much as 15 km away from the breeding site. Foraging flights of up to 10 km from the nest were thought to be typical for Red Kites in Germany (Ortlieb 1989). As in Wales, the foraging ranges of neighbouring pairs in England frequently overlap and only a small area around each nest site is defended from other Red Kites. Breeding pairs in the Chilterns have been recorded with nests as close together as 100 m (Evans et al. 1999). In order to assess the degree to which Red Kites favoured particular land-uses for foraging during the breeding season, areas of 25 km-, centred on nest sites in the Mid- lands, were mapped (Carter & Clarke in prep.). For each of five sites, the areas of arable, pasture, rough grassland (including long-term set-aside), open water, built-up areas and woodland were quantified to the nearest 1 km-. Small strips of habitat, such as roadside verges, were not quantified, although these may have some importance as foraging areas. The results show that, on average, the proportions of arable, grassland and wood- land in the areas around nest sites were similar to the proportions in the study area as a whole (table 6). It is perhaps surprising that Red Kites did not choose sites with a lower proportion of arable in the surrounding area, as most arable fields are essentially 197. Nestling Red Kite Milvns milvus being wing-tagged, England, June 1997. Fitting wing- tags to the nestlings allows a variety of information to be gathered, including survival rates, dispersal patterns and foraging ranges. unavailable to foraging Red Kites during the breeding season, when growing crops prevent access to the ground. Kites were never seen to land in fields where crops were well grown. The high levels of breeding productivity in the Midlands suggest that, despite the effective loss of between 44% and 72% of the area around nests to arable Table 6. Breeding-season habitat of Red Kites Milvus milvus in the Midlands. A to E represent five individual nest sites. Habitat Proportion (%) of habitat in 25-km^ area around nest site % in Midlands Red Kite area* A B C D E Mean Pasture 16 4 24 20 14 16 Rough grassland 4 - - 4 4 2 Total grassland 20 4 24 24 18 18 20 Arable 72 72 44 56 60 61 60 Woodland 8 24 28 16 22 20 15 Open water - - - - - 1 2 Built-up area - - 4 1 2 ' Approximate values based on 1996 MATE farm census data and Ordnance Survey data. British Birds 93: 304-322, July 2000 313 I. C. Carter /. C. Carter Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England crops, adults had no difficulty in finding suf- ficient food to feed growing young. The proportion of woodland was slightl)' higher in the areas around nest sites than in the study area as a whole, but this may be a result of the nest sites necessarily being situ- ated in woodland. In particular, nests B and E (table 6) were near the edge of very large areas of woodland. Although Red Kites are unlikely to utilise closed-canopy woodland for foraging, they may use more-open areas, particularly clear-fells, as suggested by some of the food remains found at nest sites (see Diet, below). Breeding productivity and density Red Kites in Wales have long suffered from poor breeding success, and this is one of the main factors that has prevented a more rapid recovery in the population (Newton et al. 1994). Productivity has improved somewhat in recent years as the breeding range has extended into more productive lowland areas, but it is still well short of the levels found in other parts of Europe (table 7). The re-established Red Kites in both England and Scotland have consistently out- performed the Welsh ’population, and their productivity is as high as or higher than else- where in Europe. Whereas in Wales most suc- Table 7. Breeding .success of Red Kites Milrus milvus in Europe. Data from Newton et al. (1994), Evans & Pienkowski (1991 ), Southern England Kite Group (in lilt.') and Scottish Natural Heritage/ RSPB (in litt.). Area Young per breeding pair (no. of pairs) Southern England 2.0 (n = 292) English Midlands 1.8 (n = 15) Northern Scotland 1 .8 (n = 92) Sweden 1.5 Eastern Germany 1.8 (n = 491) France 1.5 (n = 53) Wales: 1946-90 0.7 (n = 1,061) 1991-98 0.9 (n = 943) cessful pairs fledge one or two chicks, in the re-established populations the majority of pairs manage to rear two or three. Indeed, there have now been at least four occasions in England when four chicks have fledged from a nest, something that has never been recorded in Wales. Age of first breeding is also generally lower in the re-established populations than in central Wales, and pairs involving birds only one year old have bred in both the English release areas. It is perhaps too soon to assess realisti- cally the densities of breeding Red Kites that 198. Ne,stling Red Kite Milvus milvus. Midlands, May 1999. .Some pairs in England manage to rear only one chick, but two or three is the normal brood size, and there have been .several in.stances of four being reared. .314 British Birds 9.-^: .304-322, July 2000 Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England may be achieved in lowland England in the future, but it is possible to speculate from the current situation. In the Chilterns, the main area of the breeding range contained a density of around 0.25 pairs/km^ in 1999, but the distribution of nests was patchy, and infilling in future years may well push this figure higher. Even at current levels, densities are far higher than is t>'pical in central Wales, no doubt as a result of the more suitable habitat and greater availability of food. Con- siderably higher densities are found in other parts of Europe. In northeastern Germany, for example, 0.3-0. 5 pairs/km- have been recorded across a wide area and an incred- ible 136 pairs were counted in the 13- km- Hakel Eorest in this region (Hage- meijer & Blair 1997); in this case, the total foraging area used by these pairs extended over a far greater area of open coun- tryside and nesting occurred in a semi- colonial fashion in the forest. In Spain, a recent breeding survey found an average of 0.03 pairs/km^, and only limited areas sup- ported more than 0.1 6 pairs/km- (Viiiuela et al. 1999). If the densities currently occurring in the Chilterns were to be replicated throughout lowland England, the English Red Kite population alone would easily exceed 20,000 pairs. This figure is clearly some way off, given the currently small population, but there is no reason to suppose that it will not be achieved at some time in the future. British Birds 93: 304-322, July 2000 Diet The diet of the Red Kite has been studied intensively in the Midlands by direct field observations, recording food remains at nest sites, and analysing regurgitated pellets found both at nests and at winter roosts (Carter & Clarke in prep.) (tables 8 «& 9). Field observations showed that, with the exception of invertebrates, the majority of the diet was made up of carrion. This was especially true in winter, when, during hun- dreds of hours of fieldwork, aided by radio- tracking, only one attempt to catch live prey was witnessed. This involved a Red Kite pouncing into long grass, probably in an Table 8. Non-breeding-season diet of Red Kites Milvus milviis in the Midlands. From field observations of feeding Red Kites and food identified from pellets (observations August-April 1995-99, n = 135; pellets collected October-Marcli 1996-97, n = 236). Species/group Red Kite feeding Occurrence in observations (%) winter pellets (%) * Rabbit Oryctolagus cnnicnlits 44 _ Brown Flare Lepus europaeus 6 - Total lagomorphs 50 47 Common Rat Rattiis norvegicus 6 27 Wood Mouse Apodennis sylvaticus 0 19 Field Vole Microtus agrestis 0 14 Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus 10 7 Pigeons/doves Coliiniba/Streptopelia 1 9 Earthworms 18 \V- Other 15 21 ‘Total exceeds 100% as some pellets contain more than one item. 2 From a sample of only 18 pellets. Table 9. Breeding-season diet of Red Kites Milvus milvus in the Midlands. Food remains from a sample of 191 items found at nine nest sites, 1997-99; pellet analysis based on 65 pellets collected from three nest sites in 1997. Species/group Occurrence as Occurrence in food remains (%) breeding-season pellets (%)' Lagomorphs 27 82 Common Rat Rattus norvegicus 8 12 Mole Talpa europaea 3 0 Small mammals 1 12 Other mammals 4 8 Gamebirds 25 11 Pigeons/doves Columba/Streptopelia 19 28 Crows (Corvidae) 10 3 Other birds 2 14 Fish 1 0 Earthworms 0 3 'Total exceeds 100% as some pellets contain more than one item. 315 Chris Cioiiiersdll Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England 199 Adult Red Kite Milvus ntilrus in flight. Kites frequently fly with their heads tilted downwards, scanning the ground for food. attempt to catch a small mammal. The proportion of carrion taken in the breeding season is less clear, and some of the juvenile Wood Pigeons Columba paliunbus and crows found at nest sites were almost certainly taken as live prey. Several of the Wood Pigeon chicks were of pre-fledging age, and were presumably seized from nests. The taking of such immobile and defenceless prey is in keeping with the Red Kite’s pre- dominantly scavenging lifestyle. As shown by tables 8 & 9, Brown Hares Lepiis eiiropaeiis and Rabbits Oryctolagus ciniiciilits (lagomorphs) were the most important food throughout the year. Almost half of the winter pellets contained lago- morph remains, and the figure increased to 82% in the breeding season. Feeding observa- tions and food remaiils at nests confirmed that Rabbits were taken much more often than were Brown Hares, as would be expected from their relative abundance in the stud)' area. Rabbits were also found to be the most important fo()d throughout the year in northern Scotland (Wildman et al. 1998). C.ommon Rat Rattiis norregicits and small mammals were both important sources of food, particularly outside the breeding 316 season, (iommon Rat occurred in 27% of winter pellets, making it second only to lago- morphs in importance. Wood Mouse Apodeiiius sylvciticns and Field Vole Microtns agrestis were the most frecpicnth taken small mammals, being found in 19% and 14% respectively of winter pellets. Medium-sized/large birds, particularly gamebirds, pigeons and crows, formed a major part of the diet during the breeding season. Gamebirds, mainly full-grown Common Pheasant Phasiatius colchicns, were second in importance to lagomorphs as determined by food remains at nest sites, and were also recorded regularly in winter. Crows and pigeons, mainly Wood Pigeons, were important in the breeding season, and a high proportion of carcases found at nest sites were of juveniles. Many bird and mammal species were recorded very infrequently in pellets or at nest sites, but, in total, these amounted to a significant proportion of the diet. For example, 21% of the items recorded in pellets outside the breeding season involved six different mammal and 16 different bird species, each recorded in 2% or less of pellets. Fhe list included some unexpected liritish Birds 93: 304-322, July 2()0() species such as Common Kestrel Falco tin- Woodcock Scolopax nisticolci. Green Woodpecker Piciis viricUs and Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis, showing that the Red Kite is not at all fussy in its eating habits and will take carrion of almost any kind. Some species probably become available to the scavenging Red Kite only when they are killed by road vehicles. Others, including Rabbits, Common Rats and Wood Pigeons, are also likely to be killed as a result of pest- control campaigns or, as in the case of game- birds, suffer high mortalip' because they are released for shooting in such high numbers. Red Kites may also benefit from the increasing number of people now actively putting out food for them. They are not par- ticularly wary of people, and will even visit village gardens, as was reported in The Sunday Telegraph (17th May 1998). In this case, the householder regularly provided chicken scraps and dead mice on the back lawn, and informed the reporter that Red Kites flew in like Stuka bombers' for the feast. It is somewhat ironic that a species almost wiped out in Britain as a result of (.after £~ (dice: Re-established Red Kites in EngUuul human persecution is now dependent on human support, either directl)' or indirectly, for much of its food. An obvious difference between Red Kites in the Midlands and those in central Wales is the almost total absence of sheep carrion in the diet of kites in the Midlands. In Wales, sheep carrion is one of the most important components of the diet and is found in the majority of pellets analysed (Walters Davies & Davis 1973). In the Midlands, sheep numbers are much lower and more intensive management means that dead animals are usually found quickly and buried. Even if this were not the case, it is known that the rela- tively weak-billed Red Kite has difficulty in breaking open sheep carcases, often relying on Red Foxes Vulpes viilpes or Common Ravens Corvus corax to do this in Wales (Davis & Davis 1981). In the Midlands, the abundance of more accessible, smaller species means that Red Kites can probabl)' afford to ignore the larger carcases that are more difficult to handle. Invertebrates can be an important source of food for Red Kites, and earthworms and beetles are prominent in the diet in Wales 200. Dead Red Kite Milrns niilrns. England, July 199'. Illegal poisoning remains the main cause of death for Red Kites in England. British Birds 9.3: 30-t-322, July 2000 317 /. C. Carter Chris Gomersull Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England 201. First-year Red Kite Milrns niilrns in flight, Immatures ha\e a washed-out appearance compared with that of adults, with a pale line formed by the tips of the greater coverts, and a duller, less deeply forked tail. (Davis & Davis 1981). Earthworms may be imcler-recorcled by pellet analysis but were still found in 3% of breeding-season pellets and 1 1% of a sample of winter pellets, and Red Kites were regularly seen taking earth- worms from the surface of fields in damp conditions outside the breeding season. On warm days in late summer. Red Kites in England have been watched hawking like Hobbies Fa/co subhiiteo for crane-flies (Tip- ulidac), snatching them from the air and transferring them delicately from foot to bill. It is hard to believe that the rewards from such small prey are worth the energy expended in tr) ing to catch them, and it may be that this behaviour is more a form of play activity than a serious t|uest for food. Or perhaps they are delicious? Current threats Since the start of the re-establishment project, more than 50 Red Kites have been found dead in England, cither by project workers or by members of the public. When carcases are not too badly decomposed, they are sent to the Institute of Zoology, at London Zoo, for a full post-mortem examina- tion, and, if poisoning is suspected, organ samples are sent for analysis to MAEF's (ientral Science Laboratory in York. As a result, it has been possible to determine the main threats currently faced by birds in the re-established populations, and to compare these with the situation in Wales and elsewhere. It has been estimated, on the basis of the number of kites in the re-established popula- tions, and from survival rates determined by radio-tracking and sightings of those that are wing-tagged, that only about one in five of tbe Red Kites that die in England are recov- ered while fresh enough to allow a full post- mortem examination (Holmes et al. 2()()()). The rest either are found some time after death, by which time they are badly decom- posed, or are not found at all. The numbers found dead from the various causes described below (sec also table 10, p.3l9) are therefore likely greatl> to underestimate the true extent of mortality. Illegal poisoning This is the major cause of death for re-estab- lished Red Kites in England, as it is in Scot- land, Wales, and much of the rest of Europe (Evans & Pienkowski 1991; (Toss & Davis 1998; Villafuerte el al. 1998). Since the start of the project, 13 kites from the two English release areas have been found dead as a result of illegal iioisoning; a further one was poisoned, but recovered, and was subse- 31« British Birds 93: .304-322, July 2()()() Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England quently released back into the wild. The two poisons most frequently involved were mev- inphos (five incidents) and alphachloralose (three incidents, including the one in which the bird recovered). The majority of inci- dents almost certainly involved poison baits deliberately placed out in the open, probably with the intention of controlling Red Foxes or crows, rather than being targeted at Red Kites. Poison baits are, however, completely indiscriminate and Red Kites are particularly vulnerable, owing to their predominantly scavenging lifestyle. Illegal poisoning was one of the main factors that led to the extinction of the Red Kite in England and Scotland, and the reduc- tion in use of poison baits was an important consideration in the decision to proceed with the re-establishment programme. Notwithstanding changes in the law, however, and despite the existence of effec- tive legal methods for controlling crows and foxes, illegal poisoning remains a significant problem. It is hoped that publicity associated with the re-establishment project, together with stricter enforcement of legislation, will result in a reduction in the use of poison baits in the future. This will reduce the number of premature Red Kite deaths, and will also benefit other species, such as the Common Buzzard, another frequent victim of illegal poisoning. Rodenticide poisoning In many parts of Britain, the so-called ‘second-generation’ anticoagulant rodenti- cides are now commonly used to control rodents, particularly Common Rats. They are effective in areas where rodents have devel- oped resistance to warfarin, but are up to several hundred times more toxic, so there is a far greater risk of secondary poisoning of predators and scavengers. Potential problems have already been highlighted for Barn Owls Tyto alba (Newton et al. 1990) and Polecats Mustela putorius (Shore et al. 1995). Studies carried out in the Midlands have suggested that Red Kites may be particularly vulnerable to this form of secondary poi- soning. This is because (i) Common Rats form a major part of their diet throughout the year, (ii) the Red Kite’s scavenging lifestyle means that most food will be taken as carrion, with which there is a greater chance of contamination by rodenticides, and (iii) Red Kites are generally not wary of people, a factor that aided persecution in the past, and they often forage around farm buildings, where rodent control is frequently carried out (Carter & Burn 2000). 202. First-year Red Kites Milvus milviis often disperse away from their natal or release area in their first autumn or the following spring. British Birds 95' 304-322, July 2000 319 Chris Goinersall Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England Eight dead Red Kites in England have been found to contain residues of rodenti- cide, all involving one of three commonly used second-generation products; brodifa- coum, difenacoum and bromadiolone. Post- mortem analyses showed that three of the kites had been killed by rodenticide poi- soning. In the other five incidents, the signifi- cance of the rodenticide residues was not clear, so no definite conclusions could be drawn. All eight incidents have occurred since May 1998, and it is likely that this problem has been overlooked in the past. Rodenticide poisoning has not been a major problem in central Wales, where Common Rats are far less numerous and are not an important part of the kites’ diet (Walters Davies & Davis 1973). There have, however, been several recent cases in Scot- land, including a brood of three recently fledged young all found dead close to the nest site in northern Scotland in 1999 (Brian Etheridge in litt.^.h. particularh alarming mass- mortality incident involving the use of broma- diolone to control voles in Switzerland was reported by Beguin (1983): an estimated 25 Red Kites, 185 Common Buzzards and a smgle Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis were all killed as a result of secondan^ poisoning. As in the case of illegal poisoning. Red Kites are acting as highly sensitive indicators of the availability of rodenticide-contami- nated prey in the countryside, and have helped to raise the profile of this issue con- siderably'. There is now regular discussion between project staff and the MAFF agencies responsible for rodenticides, as well as with rodenticide-manufacturers, to try to find ways of reducing the risk of secondary poi- soning. Shooting It is difficult to determine the true extent of illegal shooting of Red Kites, as those shot and killed, or injured badly enough to be captured, will inevitably be concealed by the perpetrator. Those that are injured but able to avoid immediate capture may be found later and reported, and, since the start of the project, incidents involving four shot Red Kites have been detected in this way in England. When X-rayed, all were found to contain lead pellets from shotgun cartridges. Following treatment at the Institute of Zoology, three of the kites recovered suffi- ciently to be released back into the wild. The fourth individual failed to respond well enough to treatment and was destroyed. Collision with powerlines and electrocution A total of ten Red Kites from the re-estab- lished populations in England has been found dead under powerlines since the start of the project. In three cases, scorch marks were visible on the feet, and it was clear that the kites had been electrocuted. Red Kites are \ailnerable to electrocution, as their large size enables their wings to span the distance between two energised wires, particularly where wires are close together, such as when entering transformer boxes. In the other seven cases, the bodies were badly decomposed when found, and it was impos- sible to determine whether the kites had died through electrocution, collision with wires, or other, unrelated, causes. All ten inci- dents involved the standard three-wire elec- tricity powerlines, supported by' wooden poles, that are a familiar sight throughout most of Britain. Although collision with wires and electro- cution are serious problems for large raptors in some parts of the World, the number of proven incidents in England is relatively low. So far, there have been no incidents in the Midlands, despite a high density of power- lines in the main Red Kite area. Collision with vehicles There have been five recorded incidents of Red Kites found dead or injured on roads where collision with vehicles was suspected. Such events may occur when kites attempt to scavenge on road kills, and this behaviour has been observed on several occasions in the Midlands. In each case, the bird was extremely wary about landing or fly ing low over the road, preferring to swoop down quickly, pick up the carcase and fly off to feed elsewhere. The kites seemed aware of approaching vehicles when they were still some distance away, and gained height long before the vehicle reached them. This behav- iour suggests that Red Kites should not nor- mally be at high risk from collision with vehicles, and it differs significantly from the 320 British Birds 93: 304-322, July 2000 Carter & Grice: Re-established Red Kites in England Table 10. Mortality of re-established Red Kites Milvus milvus in England. Mortality factor No. of incidents Notes Illegal poisoning 14 The major cause of death for re-established Red Kites: 13 incidents resulted in death; one bird recovered and was released back to the wild. Rodenticide poisoning Powerlines: 8 3 cases where cause of death confirmed by post- mortem; 5 cases where residues detected, but their significance was unclear. Electrocution 3 3 confirmed cases of electrocution. Unknown 7 7 other birds found dead under wires, but cause of death not established. Traffic accidents 5 3 birds found dead on roads, 2 found injured, one of which was released back to the wild. Shooting 4 All 4 found shot and injured: 3 treated and released back to the wild; fourth destroyed in captivity. Lead poisoning 0 No confirmed cases, but Red Kites in England are known to ingest lead from shotgun-killed prey. foraging behaviour of the Barn Owl, a species known to be a frequent victim of such collisions. Barn Owls hunt by quar- tering low over the ground and may fly into the path of oncoming vehicles or be caught in the slipstream of high-sided vehicles (Shawyer 1998). Red Kites are perhaps most likely to be at risk from collisions with road traffic when recently fledged and inexperi- enced, or if not fully fit. Lead poisoning Birds of prey that feed on animals killed or wounded by lead pellets from shotgun car- tridges may be vulnerable to lead poisoning, as has been reported in the case of Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus in southern France (Pain et al. 1993). It is known that Red Kites in England and Scotland do some- times ingest lead from this source by scav- enging on shot Rabbits, gamebirds and pigeons (Wildman et al. 1998; Carter & Clarke in prep.), but, as yet, no deaths of re- established kites have been attributed to this cause. Conclusions The general impression from studying the Red Kite in England is of an extremely adapt- able, generalist scavenger, well suited to the English lowlands, despite the habitat changes that have occurred since the species was last common in the area. The Red Kite does not have exacting requirements for nest sites or roosting areas, and its extremely catholic diet British Birds 93: 304-322, July 2000 means that there is an abundance of suitable food available throughout the year. As a result, and in contrast to the situation in central Wales, breeding productivity is high and the re-established populations have increased rapidly. Partly because the countryside is so well suited to Red Kites, they are able to thrive in the release areas at high density, and popula- tions have been slow to spread out to new areas. Red Kites usually breed close to their natal site and are highly social in winter, factors that have also acted to slow the rate at which new areas are recolonised. Although the Red Kite is well suited to lowland countryside in Britain, and is, in general, very popular among local people in the release areas, it remains vulnerable to human persecution. Its scavenging habits make it a regular victim of deliberate illegal poisoning and of secondary poisoning by rodenticides, and its lack of fear of people makes it vulnerable to shooting. Other threats resulting from human activities include collision with vehicles through scav- enging on roads and electrocution by over- head powerlines. While deaths from these causes have not prevented Red Kites from becoming re-established in England, they will undoubtedly have slowed the rate of popula- tion increase. Provided that such threats can be managed in the future, the Red Kite should continue to increase and spread, and, eventually, return to its former status as one of our most widespread and familiar birds. 321 Carter & Grice: Re-establisbecl Red Kites in England Acknowledgments The Red Kite Project in England is funded jointly by English Nature (as part of its Species Recovery Programme) and the RSPB. Forest Enterprise is a partner in the Midlands project; it has provided land for the release sites, and Karl hens has pla\ed a major role in the project throughout, including monitoring of the re-established population. Monitoring of the Chilterns population is carried out by the Southern England Kite Group: .Mick McQuaid, Nigel Snell and Peter Ste%ens. Dr Sue Thornton, Dr James Kirkwood and Dr Andrew Cunningham at the Institute of Zoology, London Zoo, carried out post-mortem examinations and health checks of captive birds. Sexing from DNA in blood samples was carried out b\' Prof David Parkin at the Department of Genetics, Nottingham University, and University Diagnostics Ltd. Chris Monk entered radio-tracking and wing-tag data onto a database and helped with the subsequent anahsis. We are particularly grateful to the Spanish authorities for supph ing the majoritv’ of Red Kites for release in England, in particular, Gobierno de Navarra, Gobierno de Aragon, and Junta de Castilla y Leon (Direccion General del Medio Natural). Rod Hall of the British Airw'ays A.s.sisting Conservation Programme organi.sed flights to and from Spain. We should like also to thank Tony Cross and the Welsh Kite Trust, Peter Newbery (RSPB), Dr Nick Fox, Derek Holman, Ian Wyllie and Prof Ian New ton at the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, John Cornell, Dr Ian Evans, the Joint Nature Conser\ation Committee and all who have, over the years, served on project steering groups or otherwise assisted with the project. We are also extremely grateful to the landow'ners, farmers anti gamekeepers in the release areas who have supported the w'ork by reporting their observations and allowing access to land for monitoring. References Beguin, J. 1983. Report on the Chemical Control of Voles. Department of Agriculture of the Republic and Canton of Neuchatel. Carter, I. C. 1998. The changing fortunes of the Red Kite in Suffolk. Suffolk Birds 46: 6-10. — & Burn, A. 2()()(). Problems with rodenticides: the threat to Red Kites and other British wildlife. Brit. Wildlife 11: 192- 1 9"’. — , Evans, I. ,VL, & Crockford, N. 1993. The Red Kite Re- introduction Project in Britain: progress so far and future plans. Brit. Wildlife 18-25. Cross, A. V, & Davis, P. E. 1998. The Red Kite of Wales. Llandrindod Wells. Davis, P E., & Davis,J. E. 1981 The food of the Red Kite in Wales. Bird Study 28: 33-40. Evans. I. M., Summers, R. W., O’Toole, L., Orr-Ewing, D. C., Evans, R., Snell, N., & Smith, J. 1999. Evaluating the success of translocating Red Kites Milvus milrus to the UK. Bird Study 46: 129-144. — , Dennis, R. H., Orr-Ewing, 1). C., Kjcllen, N., Andersson, P-O., Sylven, M., Senosiain, A., & Ciarbo, F. (L 199~.The re-establishment of Red Kite breeding populations in Scotland and England. /fr/f Birds 90: 12.3-1.38. — & Pienkow ski, ,M.U. 1991. World status of the Red Kite: a background to the experimental re- introduction to England and Scotland. ZJ/vY. Birds 84: l''l-18’’. Glutz von Blotzheim, U., Bauer. K. ,M., & Bezzel, E. 19’’1 . Handbucb der Vogel .Mitteleuropas. vol. 4. Frankfurt. Gurr, L. 1968. Communal roosting behaviour in the Australasian Harrier Circus approximans in New Zealand, ibis 1 10: 3.32-33^. Hagemeijer.W. J. M., & Blair, M.J. 199". The HBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds: their distribution and abundance. London. Heredia. B , Alonso, J. C., & Hiraldo, F. 1991. Space and habitat u.se by Red Kites Milrus milrus during w'inter in the Guadalquit ir marshes: a comparison between resident and wintering populations. Ibis 13.3:3"4-.381. Hiraldo, F, Heredia, B., & Alon.so,J. C. 199.3. Communal roosting of wintering Red Kites Milrus milrus: Social feeding strategies for the exploitation of food resources. Ethology 9.3: 1 1"-124. Holmes. J., Walker. D., Davies, P, & Carter, I. 2000 The illegal persecution of raptors in England. English Nature Research Report. Peterborough. Kjellen. N. 1996. Project Glada-Arsrapport 1995. [The Red Kite Project 1995.] Anser ,35: 17-25. Lo\egrove, R. 1990. The Kite’s Tate: the story of the Red Kite in Wales. Sand\ . Newton, L, Davis, P. E., & Moss, D. 1996. Distribution and breeding of Red Kites Milrus mili iis in relation to afforestation and other land-use in Whales. / A])pi Ecology 33: 210-224. — , Davis, P. E., & Moss, D. 1994. Philopatry and I'xjpulation growth of Red Kites Milrus milrus in Whiles. Proc. R. Soc. Loud. B 257: 31 "-32.3. — , W\ llie. L, & Freestone, P. 1990. Rodenticides in British Barn Owls. IPtr. Pollution 68: 101-1 1". Ortlieb, R. 1989. Der Rotmilan Milvus milvus. Wittenberg. Pain. D. J., Amiard-'Friquet, C., Bavoux, C., Burneleau, G., Eon. L., & Nicolau-Ciuillaumet, P. 199.3. Lead poisoning in w'ild populations of Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus in the Camargue and Charente- Maritimc. France. Ibis 1.35: .379-386. Shaw)’er, C. 1998. The Barn Oui. Chelmsford. Shore, R. E, Birks.J. D. S., Freestone, P, & Kitchener. A. C. 1995. Second generation rodenticides and Polecats Mustek! putorius in Britain. Enr. Pollution 91(3): 279-282. Tubbs, C. R. 1974. The Buzzard. Newton Abbot. Villafuerte,R.,Vifiuela,J.,& Blanco, J.C. 1998. Extensive predator persecution caused by population crash in a game species: the ca.se of Red Kites and Rabbits in Spain. Biol. Conseri’ation 84: 181-188. Vifiuela.J., Marti, R., & Ruiz. A. 1999. El Milano Real en Espana. Madrid. Walters Davies, P, & Davis, P E. 19"3.The ecology and conservation of the Red Kite in Wales. Bril. Birds 6(i: 18.3-224, 241-270. Ward, P, & Zahavi,A. 19"3.The importance of certain a.ssemblages of birds as information centers' for food finding. Ibis 115: 51^-3.34. Wildman, L., O'Toole, 1... & Summers, R. W'. 1998. The diet and foraging behaviour of the Red Kite in Scotland. Scot Birds 1 9: 1 34- 1 40. /. C. Carter and P. V. Grice, English Natnre, Northniinster House, Peterborongh PEI llfA .322 British Birds 9.3: .304 .322, July 2()()0 Harold E. GretifeU Understanding sonograms P.J. B. Slater and P. J. Sellar 203. Male Yellowhammer Ember iza citrinella singing, Gower, June 1991 . ABSTRACT Although sonograms are being used more and more to portray bird sounds, many people find them hard to understand. Once understood, however, they can be useful to the amateur as well as to the professional, so long as one does not try to read too much into them. To those of us who study bird song, the sound spectrograph, or sonograph, is an invaluable piece of equipment. With it, we are able to make pictures of bird sounds (sonograms ’) that enable us to study them in far more detail than would ever be possible by ear, even with slowed-down tape- recordings. On the other hand, to those who do not make a special study of bird sounds, sonograms are something of a mystery: pretty at times, perhaps, but hard to under- stand and interpret. ‘Do come and give us a talk about song, but don’t show any of those awful diagrams’ is a refrain one gets used to. By publishing sonograms, the Birds of the Western Palearctic brought them to the widespread attention of birdwatchers, and various other texts and field guides have fol- lowed suit. Publication of the volumes of BWP in Voous sequence did not, however, help to popularise sonograms: the grunts, shrieks and quacks of non-passerine birds hardly look impressive. ^ ‘Sonagram’ is an alternative spelling, which has been more usual in the literature. This spelling, however, is the registered trademark of one particular manufacturer (Kay), whose equipment is now less commonly used, so that the more general and, in fact, correct English spelling adopted here may be preferable. © British Birds 93: 323-329, July 2000 323 Slater & Sellar: Uiiclerstaiulliig sonograins What exactly is a sonogram, and how is one maciei^ Traditional sonographs were connected to a tape recorder, and the sounds on the tape transferred onto a rotating drum within the machine. The drum revolved once every 2.5 seconds, recording as it did so, but, at any one time, storing only the last 2.5 seconds of sound. If one heard on the tape something worth translating into a sonogram, the flick of a switch from ‘record’ to ‘reproduce’ made the machine preserve what was played into it in the 2.5 seconds just before that. Although these older sonographs have today been largely superseded by digital machines and by specialist computer packages, the quality of the printouts that they provided has not been surpassed (the figures for this paper were prepared on one of these older machines: a Kay 7800). The new, computer- based systems do, however, have many advantages. Not only do they have longer memories, so that several minutes’ worth of sound may be stored for analysis, but some also provide a continuous display on a screen, so that the sounds may be visualised flowing past at the same time as they are heard on the tape. Having recorded a sound into a sono- graph or the memory of a computer, a sono- gram can now be prepared. This can be done in various ways: burning a trace with a heated needle on special paper is the tradi- tional method, but linking the computer that has memorised the data to a laser printer is now more normal. Whichever method is used, the standard plot that is produced is one of frequency against time, with a dark trace where there is energy at that particular point. For a low grunt, thunder or speech, much of the recording is near the bottom of the chart; high-pitched whistles come near the top; and, unless slowed down on the tape, the cries of bats are right off the scale. For most bird recordings, the scale used need go up to only 8, ()()() cycles per second, usually referred to as 8 kiloHertz (kFIz). While the sonogram is a plot of pitch or fre- quency against time, it has a third aspect, and this is loudness: the louder a sound, the darker the trace. File most important point to grasp about sonograms is that you are not meant to read them like a book. It is not often easy to imagine or imitate a sound when all one has to go on is a sonogram. There have been people who could look at sonograms of human speech and tell what the words are, but such talented individuals are few and they need a tremendous amount of practice to achieve the skill. Bird songs are less com- plicated than speech, but most of us will gain only a rough impression of what they sound like from looking at sonograms. What, then, can they tell us? If a sound is simple, its sonogram can give a very clear impression of what we would hear from that sound. The churr of a Grasshopper Warbler Lociistella naevia (fig. 1) is clearly not musical, but is ver)' precise in its timing: we can measure that exact timing off the sonogram. The ‘seeep’ alarm call of a Song Thrush Tiirdiis philonielos (fig. 2) , b)' contrast, is much more musical, as the sound is entirely within a narrow pitch range. It is also rather high in frequency, and one can measure that pitch from the sono- gram and even, in this case, whistle an imita- tion (which could be made into a sonogram to check that it was accurate). But most bird sounds, especially songs, are much more complicated than these. One of the difficul- ties we have with them is that they are so rapid. With the song of a Chaffinch fiingllla coelebs (fig. 3), for example, we can hear that there is a trill of different notes succeeding one another, followed by a rather compli- cated flourish. If we listen carefully, we can perhaps detect differences in speed within the trill, such as exist in the two songs shown in fig. 3. Such a description is about the most that we can make of a Chaffinch song by ear because, compared with birds, we are rather slow on the uptake so far as our hearing is concerned. What to us sounds like a buzz will sound like a trill to birds, the notes that are run together by our ears being clearly separated by theirs. What to us sounds like a trill of similar notes may sound quite different to the bird, the exact form of each note being clear and subtle differences between notes being audible. Perhaps the best evidence for the details that birds can hear in each others’ songs is from the way in which they often copy songs when they are young, so that two birds come to produce precisely the same pattern of sounds. They Ihitish lilnls 93: 323-329, July 2()()() 324 Slater & Sellar: Understanding sonograms Fig. 1. Sonogram of the song of a Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia (recording by PJ. Sellar). Fig. 2. Sonogram of the seeep’ alarm call of a Song Thrush Tardus philomelos (recording by P. J. Sellar). Fig. .3. Sonograms of two Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs song types (recordings by S.A. Ince). must hear all the details if they can repro- duce them so exactly. All this adds up to the fact that the tremendous detail we can see on sonograms of bird songs, which may be hard to match British Birds 93: 323-329, July 2000 with the sounds that we hear, is not lost on the birds themselves. The detail is relevant to them and, if we want to understand every- thing about their song, it is therefore relevant to us, too, even if we need a sonograph to 325 Slater & Sellar: i'nclerstancling sonograms Fig. 4. Sonognims of two Yellowhammer Emberiza eitrinella song types (recordings by F J. B. Slater & P.j. Sellar). reveal it. But when we study these fine details on sonograms we do not need to imagine what they sound like. This is pos- sible only with the simplest of sounds, and is quite unnecessary even with these: the infor- mation on the paper is simply the same as that in the sound, only it is in visual form. This makes it much easier for us to study in detail and at leisure than is the sound of the song itself, geared as that is to the hearing of birds rather than that of human beings. The fact that it is easier for the human eye to see fine details than it is for the human ear to hear them also means that sonograms are extremely useful for making comparisons. Place two next to each other, such as those in figs. 3 and 4, and it is immediately apparent how the sounds involved differ in structure, in frequency and in timing. But such a comparison would be largeh lost on a human listener, who would, apart from ati)- thing else, have to retain the memory of what one sounded like while listening to the other. Translating back into sound This is all very well for those used to looking at sonograms to study song, but what should the newcomer make of them? If one just remembers that one does not need to imagine what the sounds are like, there is no reason to be put off by their complicated 326 Hritish Hirds 93:323-329, July 2000 Slater & Sellar: Understanding sonograms appearance; there is not much skill involved in looking at sonograms and comparing them as if they were ordinary pictures of any other sort. But what about translating them back into sound? If that could be done, it would surely be helpful to the amateur as an aid to identification, even if it is not an important requirement when studying song. It is certainly a skill that can be developed, although it will always be easier with some sounds than with others. The uninitiated might identify the relatively simple sound of a singing Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella (fig. 4) from a sonogram, but would be unlikely to tell the song of a Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis (fig. 5) from that of other similar warblers. Of course, the same could be said of the sounds them- selves. The most important information that sonograms can give in this respect is on timing and on pitch. The rate at which notes follow each other in the trill of a Chaffinch song has already been referred to: the trill is split into sections between which the rate may vary, but within which it does not (see fig. 3). The Yellowhammer song also has a trill, but the rate is the same throughout. In the Common Whitethroat song, successive notes are quite different from each other in form and in length, so that one would never call it a trill. The relative lengths of notes may also be gleaned from sonograms and matched up with a singing bird: the flourish at the end of the Chaffinch song and the ‘cheese’ note of the Yellowhammer can both be heard in the field and be seen on the sonogram to be longer than earlier notes in the song. Pitch is more tricky than timing, for assessing it may depend a lot on whether one has a ‘good ear’ or not. Looking at a sonogram, the wider the range of pitch covered by the black trace at a particular point, the noisier the song will sound. That of the Common Whitethroat is harsher than those of the Chaffinch or the Yellowhammer; the flourish at the end of the Chaffinch song is less pure and musical than is the earlier part of its song. The relative pitch of different elements can also be determined. Chaffinch songs usually descend in pitch during the course of the trill; this can be heard, and also seen on the sonogram. Again, it does not take much musical ear to detect that the Yellowhammer’s ‘cheese’ note is purer in pitch than is its trill, as well as sometimes being double, with a very thin and high initial component, as in the upper trace in fig. 4. The sonograms showing these features can thus give a good idea of what the sound will be like.Wliat it cannot do, however, is to indicate exactly what the individual notes during a song will sound like, unless these cover a wide range of pitches (are noisy) or are near-pure tones (are whistles) or rise and fall in a slow and simple way (like a glis- sando note on a musical instrument). There is just too much detail in the sonogram for a human being to translate all the features of a note from the song of a Chaffinch or Common Whitethroat into an image of its sound. So, it is possible, by looking at a sono- gram, to get a general idea of what a song will sound like without ever having heard it. This is particularly true in relation to its timing and its general quality; how high- pitched or low-pitched it is, and whether it is noisy or musical. The simpler and more structured the song, the more one can glean from its sonogram. For the recordist, what may make the exercise easier is to tape the sound and compare it with published sono- grams while playing it back at half or quarter speed so that its details can be heard. But there are dangers in this: individual birds usually have repertoires of different phrases or song types; song may also vary from one individual to another in an area; and, as is well known, bird songs tend to show dialects, so that they vary from one region to another as well. One should not, therefore, expect the song of a particular individual of a given species to be similar in detail to a sonogram made from a recording of another of that species. For any species, however, the general pattern tends to be similar from bird to bird, so that features, such as how long the song is, whether or not notes within it are repeated, and their approximate pitch, vary rather little. This is obvious to anyone used to identifying birds by song. But it is less obvious that the detailed structure of indi- vidual notes and their precise timing can vary a great deal, and these features are not, therefore, a very useful guide to the specific identification of a singing bird. For studying bird songs, sonograms must be looked at in British Birds 93: 323-329, July 2000 327 Slater & Sellar: Understanding sonograms the greatest detail, right down to the timing and form of individual notes; for identifica- tion purposes, determining what it is that makes the song of one species different from that of another, these details are less rele- vant. The important clues as to species iden- tity are more likely to lie in the general form of the song, so this, rather than its finer points, is what should be picked up from the sonogram. Why make sonograms}' A great deal of work has been devoted over the past 50 years to the scientific study of bird song (Catchpole & Slater 1995). This may sound like a rather limited area, but these studies have shed light on a wide range of fundamental biological principles, and an important reason for this is the avail- ability of the sound spectrograph. It was first used by Thorpe (1958), in his classic study of song-learning by Chaffinches, and sonograms have been essential sources of information for those studying bird song ever since. To the birdwatcher, sonograms will be of interest largely as a means of identifying species and examining the differences between them. But differences at a more subtle level may also be revealed, and it is these that have led to the main scientific advances. The sonograms that Thorpe pre- pared showed that young Chaffinches deprived of hearing others sang simpler and more rudimentary songs, yet other birds which heard tape recordings of songs copied these with a fine degree of precision. The dis- covery and description of dialects in the songs of many species have again relied to a large extent on the study of sonograms (e.g. (-orn Bunting Miliaria calanclra. McGregor & Thompson 1988). That individual birds can have large, but finite, repertoires of song types, rather than improvising endlessly, is also something that would have been very difficult to detect without sonograms (e.g. Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris: Dow.sett-Lemaire 1979). Most recently, sono- grams have also proved a useful tool when estimating the population size of rare and elusive species, because of individual differ- ences in their calls (e.g. Great Bittern Botaurus slellaris and Black-throated Diver Gavia arcticcr. (filbert et al. 1994; (T)rn (Take Crex crex: Peake et al. 1998). Do it yourself Sound recordists interested in visualising their recordings can now do so with a variety of packages. The Kay DSP Sonagraph is a machine specifically designed for this purpose, but is exceedingly expensive. To a large extent, it has been superseded by pack- ages that operate on standard desktop com- puters, such as the relatively cheap Canary package for Mac and Avisoft for PC. Signal for PC is rather more expensive. While all of these packages will prepare and print out sonograms, they also have a wide variety of other facilities that the specialist can use in the examination of sounds, making possible, for example, the analysis of their frequency spectrum or the comparing of two sounds by correlating them with each other. They are, thus, really useful only for serious or pro- fessional study of sounds, and their costs reflect this. For the amateur interested in making sonograms of recordings, perhaps for the purposes of comparing his or her own with those published in books such as BWP, there are now packages that can be downloaded free from the worldwide web. One of these is a demonstration version of the Avisoft package referred to above (http://home.t- online.de/home/raimund.specht/avisoft_. htm). Two other simple programs for gener- ating sonograms are Cool Edit (www. syntrillium.com/cooledit/index.html) and Spectrogram v. 2.3 Freeware (www.winsite. com/info/pc/win3/sounds/gram23.zip/). All of these packages can be used on a PC running Windows. To the amateur, the spec- trograms that these packages produce are likely to be their most useful feature and, as the user gains some experience, they will come to be traces not just of awe, but of interest and delight. Sonograms are here to stay. Acknowledgments We arc grateful to Richard Ranf't for comments on the typescript and for information about the computer packages mentioned above. References Catelipole, C. K., & Slater, P J. H. 199S. Bird Song. Biological Themes and Variations. Cambridge. Dowsett-I.emaire, F. 1979. Tlie imitatiw range ol the song of tlie Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palnstris, with s]ieeial reference to imitations of African birds. this 12I:4S.V46H. (iilbert. (■., MeCregor, R K., & IVler, C. 1994. Vocal 328 British Birds 93: .323-329, July 2000 Slater & Sellar: U7iclerstanding sonograms individuality as a census tool: practical considerations illustrated by a study of two rare species./ Field Orn. 65: 335-348. McGregor, P. K., & Thompson, D. B. A. 1988. Constancy and change in local dialects of the Corn Bunting. Ornis Scand. 19: 153-159. Peake, T. M., McGregor, P. K., Smith, K. W., Tyler, G., Ciilbert, G., & Green, R. E. 1998. Individuality in Corncrake Crex crex vocalizations. Ibis 140: 120- 127. Thorpe, W. H. 1958. The learning of song patterns by birds, with especial reference to the song of the Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. Ibis 100: 535-570. Prof.PJ B. Slater, School of Biology, University of St Andreivs, St Andrews, Fife KYI 6 9TS P.J. Sellar, 89 Riddlesdown Road, Parley, Surrey CR8 IDH Iberian Chiffchaff in Greater London: new to Britain and Ireland L A. Batten While carrying out a Common Birds Census at the Brent Reservoir, Greater London, on 3rd June 1972, J. H. Wood heard an unfamiliar, loud, clear song coming from the top of a group of willows Salix. It was somewhat reminiscent of the song of a Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti, but lacked the power of delivery of that species. After several minutes, the bird was seen by JHW, who was a little surprised to find that it was a Phylloscopus warbler. His first thought was that it was, perhaps, a Willow Warbler P. trochilus with an aberrant song; but the legs appeared blackish. After taking a brief description, JHW returned to his car to consult the ‘Peterson’ field guide. © British Birds 93; 329-332, July 2000 This suggested that the bird might be a Greenish Warbler P. trochiloides, on account of its song. JHW had not noted any wing-bar, but he was aware that some Greenish War- blers could lack a wing-bar, as a result of wear. At this stage, JHW telephoned me and reported his observations. Unfortunately, although we tried to contact them, none of the other birdwatchers who regularly visited the reservoir was available at the time. We therefore arranged to meet at the Brent Reservoir, where, luckily, the bird was still singing when I arrived. I made a long series of recordings with a cassette tape recorder, and noted the fol- lowing description of the bird; 329 John Davis Batten. Iberian Cbiffcbaff in Greater London Head and uppcrparts olive-brown. Distinct creamy- white superciliiim. which terminated well beyond the eye. Dark line through the eye, broader behind than in front. From certain angles, an indistinct yellow bar visible, produced by pale tips to primary coverts. OHW could not detect any bar on the greater coverts, although I detected a slight indication of one and felt that it was possibh’ caused by wear to the tips of the greater coverts: in an\- case, it was no more distinct than the wing-bar shown by a small proportion of [Common] Cdiiffchaffs B coliybita.) Underparts washed greyish, with a light, ill-defined, yellow band across the breast, and, slightly, onto the lower sides of the neck. Undertail-coverts light yellow, contrasting with light creamy-gre\ lower belly. Legs appeared dark brown in good light. General appearance was dumpier than that of either Willow Warbler or [ Common ] (diiffchaff The bird sang and called frequently. The call was C[uite unlike the ‘hooeet’ call of Willow Warbler or Common Chiffehaff, being more reminiscent of a young chicken’s anxiety call. It was uttered several times in a disconnected seciuence before the song, and sounded rather similar to the one repeated in the full song. It was also not unlike the ‘chiff in a Common Chiffehaff’s song. A ‘tic- tic-tic’ call, heard on one occasion, may have been an alarm note. The song consisted of about ten to 12 ‘chip’ notes, the first five or six of which were delivered at a slower rate than the remaining ones, with the whole song lasting two to two-and-a-half seconds. The habitat that the bird frequented was a narrow strip of land forming the reservoir bank between some factories and the reser- voir itself. This area included many medium- sized willows, with some Elder Sambiicus nigra and hawthorn Crataegus. There was a lush growth of Common Nettle Urtica ciioica and Bramble Rabas friiticosns in the clearings. The bird fed solely in the willows, and remained at a height of at least 6 m, coming lower only once, when flying across an open space. Despite subsequent searches of the area on the following days, the bird was not heard or seen again. Identification At this stage, we were not able to identify' the bird and were not even aware of the existence of a distinctively different Iberian form {brehmii) of what was then ‘the Chiff- chaff. We were favouring the idea that the bird had been a Greenish Warbler, and this impression was reinforced later, on hearing recordings of the song of that species. Although the song of our’ bird had lacked the high-frequency trill, the speed of delivery and the variety of the Greenish Warbler’s song, that was the closest match that we could get to it, and this was the view of a number of other people to whom we play'ed the recordings. We remained uneasy, however, and continued to look for more recordings. It was not until several weeks later, when I met I. J. Ferguson-Lees on the stairs of the BTO’s headquarters at Beech (irove, Tring, Hertfordshire, where I worked at the time, that we were able finally to iden- tify' the bird. I played the tape to him and he immediately identified the song as that of Iberian Cihiffehaff, a bird with which he was familiar in Spain. Soon afterwards, I found a set of record- ings by Jean-Claude Roche that included Iberian (ihiffehaff The song sounded identical kHz 0 0.1 I i ^ m m «r 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 Fig. 1. Sonogram of warbler singing at Brent Reservoir, Greater London, .Srd June 1972, identified siibsecjiiently as Iberian Chiffehaff /^/n7/o.s'co/t//s' brebniii. siihmitted to the British Birds Rarities (atmniiltee as part of the evidence in support of the record. /.. ,1. Batten .3.30 British Birds 9.3: .329-332, July 2000 Batten: Iberian Cbiffcbaff in Greater London to that of the Brent Reservoir bird, and left no doubt as to the latter’s identity. Sono- grams of the Brent Reservoir bird (fig. 1) and parts of the Roche tape showed very similar patterns. Status This Brent Reservoir observation seemed to represent the first occurrence of this form to be reported in the UK. The record was sub- mitted to the London Natural History Society, which accepted it and published an account of the occurrence in the London Bird Report (Batten & Wood 1974). Since Iberian Chiffehaff was considered to be ‘only a race’ in those days, the record attracted little further interest, although it was men- tioned in several books (Batten et al. 1973; Simms 1985; Clement 1995). Interest was resurrected when phyloge- netic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences indicated that the Iberian form was sufficiently distinct from Common Chiff- chaff P collybita to merit being considered a separate species, the Iberian Chiffehaff P. brehmii (Helbig et cil. 1996). Other accounts of the rationale behind the split can be found in Clement et al. (1998) and Richards (1999). The record has now been accepted by both the British Birds Rarities Committee and the BOU Records Committee. References Batten, L., Flegg,)., Sorensen, J.,Wareing, M.J., Watson, D., & Wright, M. 1973. Birdwateber's Year. Berkhamsted. — & Wood,). H. 1974. Iberian Chiffehaff at the Brent Reservoir. London Bird Report 37: 78. Clement, P. 1995. Tbe Cbiffcbaff. London. — , Helbig, A. )., & Small, B. 1998. Taxonomy and identification of chiffehaffs in the Western Palearctic. Brit. Birds 91 : 361-376. Helbig, A.)., Martens.)., Seibold, I., Henning, E, Schottler, B., & Wink, M. 1996. Phylogeny and species limits in the Palearctic Chiffehaff Pbyiloscopus collybita complex: mitochondrial genetic differentiation and bioacoustic evidence. /b/s 138:650-666. Richards, C. 1999. The Iberian Chiffehaff in Dorset. Bircling World 12: 193-200. Salomon, M., Bried, )., Helbig, A.)., & Riofrio, ). 1997. Morphometric differentiation between male Common Chiffehaffs Pbyiloscopus (c.) collybita Vieillot 1817 and Iberian Chiffehaffs P. (c.) brebniii Homeyer 1871 in a secondary contact zone. Zool. Anzetger 236: 25-36. Simms, E. 1985. British Warblers. London. Dr LA. Batten, 41 Turpins Chase, Oaklands, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL6 GRP; e-mail LeoBatten @aol. com EDITORIAL COMMENT Prof. Colin Bradshaw, Chairman of the BBRC, has commented as follows: ‘The members of the BBRC all heard the tape of this individual at their 1999AGM.We agreed unanimously that, from the tape recording, this “had to be” an Iberian Chiffehaff P. brehmii. Because there was little else to circulate, the record was accepted on the basis of the tape recording and sonograms studied at that meeting. Subsequent information on the species’ identification came out of the more detailed notes that circulated to the Com- mittee with 1999 records from Verne Common, Portland, Dorset, and Start Point, Devon (which will be discussed in a forth- coming paper in the series “From the Rarities Committee’s files”). ‘On current knowledge, the characteristic song is essential for field identification and, because of the presence of mixed singers, a tape recording is necessary for record assess- ment. Many observers liken the song of Iberian Chiffehaff to that of either Cetti’s Warbler or Greenish Warbler, in that it is quite loud and abrupt. It starts with three to five slow notes (‘chu-chu-chu’ or ‘jeet-jeet- jeet’) before accelerating into a chatter at the end. The call - a thin reedy note with a downward inflection - is also different from that of Common Chiffehaff and is, perhaps, diagnostic of the species. ‘From the two 1999 records, however, come a suite of subtle field characters which may be useful in separation from Common Chiffehaff These include a stronger “face pattern”, with more strongly marked super- cilium, but a less-obvious eye-ring; greener- toned upperparts; a bright yellow flash (of the underwing-coverts) at the bend of the wing; suffusion on the supercilium and some of the underparts; longer primary projection; paler base to the lower mandible and cutting edge; and paler legs and feet. The general effect is to produce an appearance halfway between a Willow Warbler and a Common British Birds 9.3: .329-3.32, july 2000 331 Batten: Iberian CAiiffcbaff in Greater London (Ihiffchaff. Although these are useful confir- matory features, many overlap completely with those of Common Chiffchaff, so we are still a long way short of being in a position to consider assessing reports of non-singing individuals. ‘In the hand, Iberian Chiffchaff and (Common Chiffchaff can be separated by their biometrics. A complex formula, postu- lated by Salomon et al. (1997), uses a combi- nation of wing length, position of wing point, tarsus length and wing formula to sep- arate the two species.’ Tony Marr, Chairman of the BOURC, has commented as follows: ‘This taxon breeds in the Iberian Peninsula and northwest Africa. There is an overlap with nominate collybitci in the French western Pyrenees, with birds in this area giving mixed song. It apparentl}’ winters mainly within Iberia at lower levels, although there are winter records from as far south as Mali and Burkina Faso (Clement 1995). The taxon was split off as a separate species by the BOURC in January 1998, fol- lowing research in Germany by Andreas Helbig, Jochen Martens and colleagues, which showed that “the (diiffchaff Phyllo- scopus collybitci" should be split into at least four separate species. Evidence from acoustics, morphology and molecular biology (Helbig et al. 1996) revealed that chiffchaffs from Iberia R (c.) brehniii are clearly distinct. ‘In December 1997, at a BOU meeting in London, Professor Martens discussed some of these findings in a symposium devoted to the study of avian acoustics. Following the meeting, he was sent a tape recording of the Brent Reservoir bird of June 1972, and, after analysis, was able to confirm that this recording contains many elements of the song of Iberian Chiffchaff P. brehmii. The descriptions and Professor Martens’ analysis were then examined by the BBRC, which accepted the identification, and the papers and tape recording were then passed to the BOURC. ‘There was no problem for the members of the BOURC in accepting the Brent Reser- voir record as being an Iberian Chiffchaff, on the basis of the call and song. By then, several members of that committee had seen and heard the bird at Portland Bill, Dorset, in the spring and summer of 1999, and com- mented on the similarity in appearance and in song between these two birds. ‘The species, although mostly sedentary, was considered to be a likely vagrant to Britain, which could have been under- reported in the past. With specific status and more published information about its song and appearance, it could well become more regularly reported in the future. Indeed, there were other reports in 1999 that are now being considered by the BBRC. ‘This 1972 record provides a good example of the benefit of a good field description taken at the time, which, com- bined with the foresight of the observ^ers in making a recording of the call and song, enabled both the BBR(- and the BOURC to assess the claim without too much difficulty. ‘There have been a number of reports well north of the normal range, in, for example, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. Several of these birds have, however, given the songs of both brehmii and typical collybitci . A. bird in Belgium giving only the song of brehmii was trapped and, in the hand, appeared morphologically to be typical collybitci .There have been other reports of chiffchaffs in Britain with a song matching that of brehmii, with or without typical collybitci song. These records indicate that any future British claims will need to be accompanied by sound-record- ings as well as field descriptions.’ „ Request: Photographs of Corsican Nuthatch required For a forthcoming feature, wc .seek good-quality colour prints or transparencies of Corsican Nutliatch Sitta u'biteheacli. Plea.se send these, together with the usual details of locality and date, to ITances hucknell. Foun- tains, Park Lane, Hlunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. 332 British Birds 93: 329-332, July 2000 Bird Illustrator of the Year 2000 Bird Illustrator of the Year 1st Daniel Cole 2nd Rosemary Watts/Powell 3rd Simon Patient Runner-up: George Brown The Richard Richardson Award 1st Simon Patient Runners-up: Jerome Gremaud Graham Brittain The PTC Award 1st Szabolcs Kokay Runners-up: George Brown (two drawings) Daniel Cole Michael Webb Judging does not come easily to me: the fact that I paint pictures myself does not seem adequate grounds for passing judg- ment on the work of others. Together with all my fellow judges, I do at least feel able to pass an opinion; and that is what we all did. Fortunately, the requirements of the British Birds brief make an assessment that much more focused and therefore easier to achieve. Ornithological accuracy, precise measurements for each drawing, and detailed documentation are the major part of the requirement, and a shortfall of any single cri- terion will rule out an entire entry. Running through it all, however, is that elusive ‘some- thing’ that we seek - craftsmanship, compo- sition, creativity, imagination or whatever - the ‘art’ as distinct from the bird side of things. I wonder sometimes how judges of the Turner Prize (the poor man must be spin- ning in his grave) come to terms with the responsibility of committing huge sums of our money on their decisions. How does an unmade bed equate as ‘art’ with a half-sheep pickled in formaldehyde - or even a pile of used tractor tyres? One must need to be pretty cool to make such subtle distinctions. (St Austell, Cornwall) (Fareham, Hampshire) (Maldon, Essex) (Braintree, Essex) (Maldon, Essex) (Switzerland) (Whitby, North Yorkshire) (Hungary) (Braintree, Essex) (St Austell, Cornwall) (Lake, Isle of Wight) To the unpretentious, however, ‘art’ is still expected to offer evidence of serious thought, interpreted with a measure of craftsmanship. The rest, to my mind, is just another form of harmless recreation and should be judged as such. It would be nice if British Birds were able to offer £20,000 to the winner of Bird Illustrator of the Year - but British Birds is not funded by the taxpayer, nor does it seek in its awards for illustration a reputation for being out there with the trendies. It is some ten years since I first enjoyed the privilege of sitting with the judges on what Tim Sharrock describes as the most enjoyable day of his working year. He is the only one who lays no claim to being an artist - but, through intimate knowledge of every subject that comes up (its jizz in the field), a sense of design learnt, so he says, from his fellow judges over the years, and a quarter of a century of experience with what will or will not reproduce well when printed, he is able to level out and rationalise any little flut- ters of whimsy that might emerge among the rest of us. It works pretty well. Controversy is both rare and amicable. © British Birds 93: 333-339, July 2000 333 Bird Illustrator of the Year During these years interesting patterns have developed. A notable one is that a winner seldom sends in for a second year - as if a goal has been achieved and a new challenge is beck- oning. There are many possible explanations and not the least plausible is that good illus- trators are much in demand. Success is the inevitable springboard to more and more work. With surprising speed, the newly launched illustrator reaches a conclusion that 24 hours in a day is not enough. Exhausting it may be, but also stimulating. When it comes to statistics, Robert Gillmor is a tower of strength. Though he has lived in the 24-hours-in-a-da)-is-not-enough category since the last few decades of the last millennium, he always finds a moment to analyse things and takes a deep interest in the progress of others. It was he who drew attention to some interesting facts for this year's awards, which, themselves, echoed similar events in the past. Dan Cole for instance, the winner of Bird Illustrator of the Year, had won the FK! Award in 1996 for an exceptional drawing and was runner-up in the main event for 199H and 1999 before winning outright this year. What will he do, I wonder, in 2001? In the Richard Richardson Award for illus- trators aged under 2 1 , Simon Patient has won in every year since 1996 - including the present. Next year he will be too old. He was, however, third in the Bird Illustrator of the Year, so the challenge is still there and waiting . . . Meanwhile, The Richard Richardson Award goes from strength to strength, with more entries this year than ever. This is nothing if not both significant and encour- aging, because it is those in the ‘Richard Richardson’ age bracket on whom the future depends - not just for illustration, but for the whole field of wildlife art. As is always the way. The PJC Award gives us the chance to stretch the brief and allow personal foibles of artistic appreciation a chance to express themselves. Very often, it is won by a single drawing of originality and charm by an artist who has won nothing in the other categories. This year w'as no excep- tion. Szabolcs Kokay won it with a coura- geous study in architectural perspective - an upward view of St Stephen’s Cathedral in Budapest, in which the ornithological content w^as minimal, a minute accent but beautifull}' placed, the unmistakable image of a Peregrine Falcon. I have experienced that fleeting joy myself - and with different birds. I think we all have. A spectacle of majestic histor)’ and culture is suddenly upstaged by the passage of a special and instantly recog- nisable bird. The priorities of birders may be a bit out of kilter with mankind as a w hole, but not, I would think, to their loss. Szabolcs Kokay’s work underlined another important feature of the whole British Birds initiative. This year, the overseas clement w'as stronger than ever, w4th submis- sions from Hungary, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the Republic of Ireland. Returning to Dan Cole’s success: this w^as a unanimous decision by the jLidges, without persuasion or significant arm-twisting. From four excellent drawings, it is ironic that the most familiar bird subject brought the most comment - Common Starlings rummaging among fallen apples in the autumn. This illus- tration says much about starlings: the con- trast between their pristine gloss and their aggressive bickering in a disphp' of frenetic competition. Dan C4)le’s choice of attitudes and their grouping made each bird relate to its neighbour in the most starlingcsque w'a)’. The careful planning of relative size, with the birds arranged in a diagonal composition gave the whole scene depth and conviction. One bird, the most distant, arriving to join the melee was something of a masterstroke. The two runners-up - second Rosemary Watts/Powell and third Simon Patient - proved how much ‘judging’ depends on the arcane personal values of the judges. These so-nearly-winning drawings were all lovely and deserving of a host of other charitable adjectives. Let them speak for themselves now that they are seen here in print. 334 British Birds 93: 333-339, July 2000 Bird Illustrator of the Year BIRD ILLUSTRATOR OF THE YEAR winner and PJC runner-up: European Nuthatches Sitta europaea Daniel Cole BIRD ILLUSTRATOR OF THE YEAR winner: Autumn Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris Daniel Cole 335 British Birds 93: 333-339, July 2000 Bird Illiistnitor of the Year BIRD ILLUSTRATOR OF THE YEAR winner: Male Pied El\'catclier Ficedula hypoleuca Daniel Cole BIRD ILLUSTRATOR OF THE YEAR winner: Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanlhe Daniel Cole BIY second: Roosting Hen Harriers Circus cyanens Rosemary Watts/Pou 'ell BIY second: Female Blackbird Tardus inerula Rosemary Watts/Pou 'ell British Birds 93: 333-339, July 2000 336 Bird Illustrator of the Year BH' second: Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Rosemary Watts/Poivell BIY third and THE RICHARD RICHARDSON AWARD WINNER: White's Thrush Zootbera dauma, St Agnes, Isles of Scilly Simon Patient BIY third and THE RICHARD RICHARDSON AWARD winner: Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarias, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilh Simon Patient 337 British Birds 93: 333-339, July 2000 Bird niustmtor of the Year THE PjC AWARD winner: Peregrine Falcon Falco peregriniis above Saint Stephen's (^athednil, Ikidapest Szabolcs Kokay 338 British Birds 93: 333-339, July 2000 Bird Illustrator of the Year PJC runner-up: First-winter Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea teucorodia and Moorhens Gallinida cbloropus, Bembridge Ponds, Isle of Wight, November 1998 Michael Webb Keith Shackleton, on behalf of the judges, including Robert Gillmor, Alan Harris, Bruce Pearson and J.T.R. Shar'rock * fi c/o Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ 339 British Birds 93: 333-339, July 2000 Naturalised birds in the city of Valencia Valencia, and part of its municipality (73 km-), is a flat landscape in which, along with the built-up area (about 800,000 inhabi- tants), there are other habitats, mostly horti- cultural fields. In the last ten years, a total of 16 exotic bird species has been recorded in Valencia. Nine species are breeding or pos- sibly/probably breeding and six of them have become naturalised in the study area. Budgerigar Melopsittaciis unclulatus is a rel- atively common species, but there is weak evidence of breeding. Yellow-collared Love- bird Agaponiis personatus is the scarcest species, but has occasionally bred in the study area. The others are occasional escapes. Data from the Atlas of Breeding and Wi}i- tering Birds of Valencia (Murgui 1998; Murgui unpublished) reveal that most of the exotic species have a restricted distribution, occupying ().5%-l()% of 196 0.3-km squares. These species are found mainly in the built- up area, especially in the city centre, where there is a large number of sites suitable for feeding, breeding or roosting, such as big parks, with suitable trees for feeding, and old buildings. While urban parks account for only 2% of the study area, they are the favourite habitat for exotic species. The pref- erence for Valencia s largest parks can be attributed to the presence of adequate trees for feeding, along with a low level of human disturbance, or the possibilit}' of avoiding it. Streets, even those with adequate trees for feeding, are scarcely used. The presence since 1991 of a naturalised urban population of Red-masked Parakeets Aratinga erythrogenis is unique in the Western Palearctic, and shared, so far as we know, only by southern California ((iarrett 1997). This is the most arboreal parrot species in Valencia, the birds breeding and roosting in holes at the fifteenth-century tower beside the Botanical Garden. Since 1996, Greater Blue-eared Glossy Starlings I.aniprotornis chalybaens have inhabited Valencia’s largest park, feeding on insects and on discarded human food (fruits, bread, etc.) from litter bins. 1’his behaviour is similar to that of their relative, the C.ape Glossy Starling L nitens, when that species is found in urban areas (Feare et al. 1 998). All the naturalised species in Valencia, or related species, make use of urban areas in their native range, and have successfully colonised urban areas outside it. Their success in our stud) area can be attributed to three main factors. First, Valencia climati- cally matches the native areas of species whose origin is tropical or subtropical. Sec- ondly, predators are rare: onh' Yellow-legged Gulls Laras caebinnans and domestic Cats Felix cat us could be important. Thirdly, com- petition with native bird species does not seem to be important, since a great number of tree species are used only by parrots for feeding; and, in other cases, the food supply seems to be ample for both the feral and the native frugivorous birds. African starlings perhaps suffer the strongest competition for food from native species, in particular from Blackbird Tardus nierida and Spotless Star- ling Stnrnns nnicolor. It should be noted that Spain was the World’s second-highest importer of Red- masked Parakeets during 1983-88, and Rose- ringed Psittacnla kranieri and Monk Parakeets Myiopsitta nionacbns are also popular pets. There have, therefore, been high numbers introduced, by chance or deliberately, which greatl)' increases the like- lihood of successful establishment. The smallest parrot species. Budgerigar and Yellow-collared Lovebird, despite fre- quent sightings suggesting a great number of introduced birds, have not established breeding populations in Valencia - or else- where in Europe or in southern California - perhaps because they suffer the heaviest pre- dation or competition with native hole- nesting species. All Valencia’s parrot species can be agri- cultural pests in their natural range, but, at their present population level, they seem far from representing any real threat within our study area. It seems that they prefer to use the nesting and feeding resources available in the city rather than those in the sur- rounding agricultural area, and no significant damage to crops has been reported, nor any 340 British Birds 93: .340-34 1 , July 2()()() Notes Table 1. Summary of status of exotic birds recorded in the wUd in Valencia, Spain. Status: O Occasional; R Regular throughout the year, but not breeding; PB Possible or probable breeding; B Breeding. Abundance: number of individuals. Asterisks indicate species recorded in 1996-98 Atlas. Species Origin Status Abundance Population trend Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Australia PB 2 Llnknown Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatiis * Australia PB 10 Unknown Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacuta krameri * Africa B 15 Increasing Yellow-collared Lovebird Africa B 2 Llnknown Agapornis personatus* Senegal Parrot Poicephalus senegalus* Africa R 1-2 - Red-masked Vmikeet Aratinga erythrogenis* South America B 21 Increasing Nenday Parakeet Aratinga nenclay South America O 1 - Burrowing Parakeet South America O 1 - CyanoHseus patagoniis Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta niofiachus * South America B 40 Increasing Blue-fronted Amazon /iwazonr/ aestiva * South America PB 2 - Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedins Africa O 1 - Greater Blue-eared Glossy Starling Africa PB 5 Increasing LamprotonUs chalybaeus* Long-tailed Glossy Starling Africa PB 4 Unknown Lamprotornis caudatiis* Common Hill Myna Gracula religiosa Asia O 1 - Canary Serinus canaria Africa O 1 - Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild * Africa O 4 - impacts on native bird species. This appar- ently placid view is not, however, an excuse for indolent attitudes towards what could be a real problem in the future, and an adequate monitoring of the populations and preven- tive actions when deemed necessary could avoid future conflicts between citizens, farmers and conservationists (Holmes & Simmons 1996). These actions should not necessarily involve eliminating the alien birds, but could concentrate on limiting the number of available nest-sites. If such mea- sures prove effective for every species, we could enjoy the presence of limited, free- living populations of these attractive birds. This could be of conservation value for the Red-masked Parakeet, which is a globally declining and little-studied species (Best et cil. 1995). References Best, B. J., Krabbe, N., Clarke, C.T., & Best, A. L. 1995. Red-masked Parakeet Amtinga erythrogenis and Grey-cbeeked Parakeet Brotogerts pyrrhopterus: two threatened parrots from tumbesian Ecuador and Peru. Bird Conservation Internationai 5: 233- 250. Feare, C. J., Craig, A., Croucher. B., Shields, C., & Komolphalin, K. 1998. Starlings and Mynas. London. Garrett, K. L. 1997. Population status and distribution of naturalised parrots in Southern California. Western Birds 28: 181-195. Holmes, J. S., & Simmons. J. R. (eds.) 1996. The Introduction and Naturalisation of Birds. London. Murgui, E. 1998. First results of the wintering bird atlas of Valencia City. Biologia e Conservazione della Fauna 102: 155-162. Enrique Murgui Societal Valencia na d’Ornitologia, G.V. Marques del Tiiria 28, 46005 Valencia, Spain; e-mail: svo@apdo. com British Birds 93: 340-341, July 2000 341 Report of Red-billed Chough in London A look back one hundred years in British Birds (93: 84; February 2()()0) to the Zoolo- gist (4; 82; February 1900) unearthed a Red- billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax which had been shot near Hendon, Mid- dlesex, in the summer of 1899 (Glegg 1930, 1935). Publication in British Birds implies a wild origin, whereas the circumstances suggest otherwise. It must be remembered that the Red- billed Chough had not bred inland in England since the 1700s (Holloway 1996). Even on the coast, it had become extinct in the Southeast by 1845 (Ticehurst 1909; Har- rison 1953; Taylor ef i://. 1981; James 1996). By 1899, its distribution in England was limited to isolated coastal sites in Cornwall and North Devon (Holloway 1996). The 1899 Hendon bird was out of natural habitat when shot and was with Rooks Corrus friigilegiis. It seems unlikely to have been wild. In the nineteenth century, as it is even today, the species was regularly kept in captivity and was bred in aviaries (Martin 1980). Birdkeepers knew it as the ‘Cornish Chough’. In London, Fitter (1949) took the view Keti Osborne 10 Ellice Road, Oxted, Surrey RH8 OPY that all London records were of escapes from captivity. In Surrey, Parr (1972) found no evidence that the species had occurred naturally in the count)’. For Middlesex, Glegg (1930, 1935) cited just the Hendon record. In Sussex, Walpole-Bond (1938) considered that all records after 1830 referred to escapes. References Bucknill.J.A. 1900. of Surrey. London. Fitter, R. S. R. 1949. London 's Birds. London. Glegg, W. 1930. Birds of Middle.sex since 1866. London S’cdnralist for 1929. 1933. A History of the Birds of Middlesex. London. Harrison,). M. 1933. Birds of Kent, London. Holloway, S. \99h. Historical Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. London. James, F 1996. Birds of Sussex. Sussex Ornithological Sociep’. .Martin. R. M. 1980. Cage and Aviary Birds. London. Farr, 1). 19"'2. Birds of Surrey. London. 'Fn lor, 1). W., Davenport, D. L., & Flegg, J. J. M. 1981. Birds of Kent. Kent Ornithological Society. Ticeliurst, N. F. 1909. History of the Birds of Kent. London. Whiting,). E. 1900. Note on Chough .shot at Hendon 1 899. Zoologist 4: 82, Walpole-Bond, ). 1938. A History of Sussex Birds. London. Origin of Inland seabirds The recent letter from Phil Palmer {Brit. Birds 93: 204) and the appended editorial comment, ‘Perhaps the initial parts of their unintentional inland journeys may be in wide estuaries?’, reminded me of an incident at Llandegfedd Reservoir, Gwent, on 15th July 1986. The Reservoir is situated some 18 km north of the Gwent coast on the Severn Estuary. My notes record the weather on that day as hot, dry and sunny, with a southerly, force 3 wind, and 1 recall abandoning a visit to the Gwent foreshore because of fog. The Reservoir held, inter alia, a Manx Shearwater Puffintts puffinus and six (4)mmon Scoters Melanitta nigra, and the submission to the Gwent Bird Report qualified the somewhat unusual sighting with the fact that the Manx Shearwater was sitting on the water in calm conditions. This incident gives some support to Mr Palmer’s statement that not all occurrences of seabirds are the result of gales and storms, and adds some credence to the involvement of wide estuaries. Neil Trout 5 Blackeren Close, Roborough, South Devon Pl.6 VAX 342 British Birds 93: .342-34.3, July 2()()() Letters Reliability of single-observer and multi-observer records I fed that Michael Shrubb, in his letter {Brit. Birds 93; 150), betrayed a singular lack of understanding of the problem with single- observer records. The fact is that we are all, individually or collectively, potentially unreli- able witnesses. This may be due to deliberate falsehood, but is far more often a matter of defective memory, variable perception, and many other factors. The remarkable thing about the claimed ‘mass hallucination’ regarding the Titchfield Haven Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti, and accounts as to what transpired vary, is that it was, and is, so unusual {Brit. Birds 57; 365-366; 58: 225-227, 516-520; 59: 204-206). That collective recol- lection and judgment are generally superior to those of an individual has long been recognised and is, indeed, the principle of our jury system. The tendency of individuals to make honest errors in observation is so commonplace as to be unremarkable. I know that 1 do so virtually every time that I go birding, even if few errors are vocalised before correction, and, I hope, fewer still reach my notebook. As to the rhetorical question at the close of Michael Shrubb’s letter, I feel that the honest answer is that ‘mass hallucination’ could still happen, but is very much less likely to be sustained than it would have been in the past. As noted in the original cor- respondence about the Titchfield Haven John Cantelo 17 Clyde Street, Canterbury, Kent CTl INA Cetti’s Warbler, a ‘Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor' , which appeared in the spring of 1940 and wintered for the two subsequent winters, was eventually correctly identified as an aberrant Great Grey Shrike L. excubitor only in 1942. The identity of the Titchfield Haven Cetti’s Warbler became clear only some two weeks after its arrival. More-recent cases of misidentification have, so far as I know, lasted for only a few hours, have been founded on very brief views, or have involved species where the criteria for iden- tification were still unclear. Compared with today’s globetrotting birders, very few bird- watchers in the early 1960s (and earlier) had the opportunity to travel widely abroad to pursue their hobby. Hence, many ‘ordinary county birdwatchers’ of today enjoy a level of experience and expertise that would have astonished the ‘great and good’ of 40 or more years ago. There can be very, very few species likely to turn up in the UK of which dozens of county birdwatchers, let alone national twitchers, have not had previous, and often extensive, experience. Add to this the ubiquity of still and video photogra- phers, improvements in field identification (pioneered by British Birds and now dis- tilled into various superb guides), and far better optics, and there is now a very dif- ferent picture from that of the early 1960s. EDITORIAL COMMENT It could be argued, conversely, that mass hallucination is more (rather than less) likely when large numbers of observers are aware of what a particular species ought to look like, and that objective observations are more likely when this is not the case. The desire to see the rare rather than the commonplace, and to have one’s observations universally approved by formal acceptance by the appropriate vetting body, will, however, perhaps always inevitably lead to some observers ‘stretching’ the evidence, perhaps unconsciously in some cases, but intention- ally in others. Swamp-hen or swamphen? Contrary to your contribution in April’s swamphen. Just think of, for example, ‘News and comment’ {Brit Birds 93: 21 1), I haphazard, shepherd, loophole, and peephole, believe that there is no need for a hyphen in Mike Earp 40 Station Road, West Hordon, Brentwood, Essex CM 13 3TW British Birds 93; 342-343, July 2000 343 Conservation research news Compiled by David Gibbons Introduced predator creates a prickly problem The islands of North Uist, Benbeciila and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides support inter- nationally important numbers of breeding waders, principally Cireat Ringed Plover Chcinulriiis hiaticulci. Northern Lapwing Vaiiellus I'cinellus, Oystercatcher Ihiematopus ostralegus, Dunlin CciUclris alpina, Common Redshank Triitgci totanus and Ck)mmon Snipe Gallincigo gcillinago. About one-third of the UK's breeding Dunlins are found on the machair at the western edge of the islands. The Hedgehog Erimicens europaetis was introduced to South Uist in 1974 and has since spread. A recently published study by the RSPB ylackson & Green 2000) compared wader populations and their nesting success on the machair before and after the arrival of Hedgehogs, and the incidence of predation of wader eggs by Hedgehogs. During 1983-95, the largest declines were of Dunlins (-58% to -82%, depending on the site). Common Redshanks (-66% to -84%) and Great Ringed Plover (-65% to -100%), with Common Snipes (-43%) and Northern Lapwings declining less (-27% to -58%) and Oystercatcher actualh increasing (0 to -i-83%). In the mid 1980s, young hatched in 43‘^o-60% of Dunlin nests, compared with 8%-9% in the mid 1990s. Similarly, young hatched in 20%-60% of Common Redshank nests in the mid 1980s, compared with 3% in the mid 1990s. Close examination of nests showed that, although Hedgehog predation was not observed in the mid 1 980s, it w as a frequent cause of failure in the mid 1990s, particularly so for Dunlins. Comparing across all wader species, those that had undergone the greatest decline were generally the ones that had lost the highest proportion of their clutches to Hedgehogs. It is thought that the larger species. such as Oystercatcher, are able to defend their nests from predators, so w'ere not depre- dated by Hedgehogs and have not declined. The smaller waders do not actively defend their nests, but reh more on nest concealment to avoid predation. Interestingly, the importance of wader eggs to Hedgehogs is minimal, as they constitute less than 5% of the mammal's energy requirements. The impact of Hedgehogs on waders, however, is great, and local extinctions of susceptible wader species are likely if no action is taken to reduce Hedgehog predation. Methods of excluding Hedgehogs from wader breeding grounds are currently being considered. Jackson, D. B,, & Green, R. E. 2000. The importance of the introduced Hedgehog {Erinaceus etiropcieiis') as a predator of the eggs of w^aders on machair in South Uist, Scotland. Biological Conserration 93: 333-348. How many Sky Larks are there? Few readers can have failed to notice the plight of the Sky Lark Alauda arrtoisis, its population having declined by more than half since the mid 1970s. Many fewer people, however, would be able to guess the actual numerical loss: from 100 million pairs to 50 million perhaps, or from 1()0,00() to 5(),()()0? While, in general, information on population trends of widespread and common species are well known from the results of monitoring by the BTO, the RSPB and governmental agencies, knowledge of population size for such species is less well known. The most recent listing of population estimates (Stone cl cd. 1997) contains those of common species, though for the most part these were based on the New Breeding Adas (Gibbons et cd. 1993), which, in turn, was based on density estimates from Common Birds Census plots. Such estimations can introduce a host of potential biases (e.g. because observers choose non-rei> resentative plots of land to survey). Browne et al. (2(K)0) documented a survey of Sky Larks that overcame such biases by asking BTO volunteers to count within more than (4)0 randomly allocated 1-km squares across Britain in 1997. The maximum Sky Lark population was estimated at a nice round 1 million pairs, with approx- imately 330,000 of these in Scotland, 50,000 in Wales and the rest, some 620,000 pairs, in England. As might be expected, arable areas supported nearly half of the British Sky Lark population, with 6.0 pairs per km-. Upland and marginal upland areas held lower densities, of 2.7- 4.0 per km-, but nevertheless supported more than one-third of the entire population. Several studies have shown that the well- known decline of Sky Lirks in arable areas may be being matched in the uplands of Britain. Browne, S., Vickery, )., & Chamberlain, 1). 2000. Densities 344 © British Birds 93: 344-345, July 2000 Conservation research news and population estimates of breeding Skylarks in Britain in 1997. Bird Study 47; S2-65. Gibbons, D. W., Reid, J. B., & Chapman, R. 1993 -The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-91 . London. Stone, B.H., Sears, J.,Cran,swick,P. A., Gregory, R. D., Gibbons, D. W., Rehfisch, M. M.,Aebischer, N. J., & Reid, J. B. 1997. Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. Brit. Birds 90: 1-22. Dr David Gibbons, Conservation Science Department, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL This feature, contributed by the RSPB’s Research Department, reports the most interesting recent scientific news relevant to the conservation of Western Palearctic species. jzEjs^Rccent 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 1999 unless stated otheiwise. Accepted; White-billed Diver Gavia adainsii Machir Bay, Islay (Argyll), 21st September; Filey (North Yorkshire), 12th- 17th November; Selsey Bill and Church Norton (West Sussex), 28th November, 7th-8th December. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbiis podiceps Loch Fada, Benbecula (Outer Hebrides), 28th November to 11th December. Madeira/Cape Verde Petrel Pterodroma madeira/feae off St Agnes (Scilly ), 31st August. Black Duck Anas rubripes Stithians Reser- voir (Cornwall), 4th October to 2000; Bowcombe Creek (Devon), 29th October to 8th November. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Tresco (Scilly), 26th October to 11th November. Least Sand- piper Calidris ininutilla Black- toft Sands (East Yorkshire), 17th-23rd October. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis maciilaria Willington Gravel-pits (Der- byshire), 28th September. Laughing Gull Laras atricilla Preston (Lancashire & North Merseyside), 1st May. Frankbn’s Gull Lams pipixcan Blackpill, Swansea (Gower), 2nd-6th July. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica Wey'bourne (Norfolk), 7th November. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyziis aniericana Tresco, 12th-20th October. Common Nighthawk Chor- deiles minor Bryher (Scilly), 23rd-30th October. Chimney Swift Cbaetiira pelagica Axmouth (Devon), 22nd October; St Marys’s (Scilly), 22nd, 25th October. PaUid Swift Apus pallidas Trimingham (Norfolk), 24th October; Hartlepool Head- land (Cleveland), 25th October; Flamborough Head (East York- shire), 25th-28th October, two, 26th; Sizewell (Suffolk), 31st October; Sheringham (Norfolk), 5th, 7th, 15th November. Pied Wheatear Oenantbe pleschanka Slains (Northeast Scotland), 28th October to 1st November. White’s Thrush Zoothera daama St Agnes (Scilly), 6th October to 9th November. Pad- dyfield Warbler Acrocephalas agricola Fisher's Green (Essex), 26th-28th October. Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalas dametornm Dungeness (Kent), 3 1 St May. M.J. Rogers, Secretary, BBRC, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ Request: Olivaceous Warblers Doug Page and Bill Harvey are currently writing a paper for publication in British Birds on the identification of Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida, together with an account of the protracted review of past British records. There appears to be a marked paucity of substantive information on the field charac- ters of the species, notably the Iberian/North African form opaca and the North African form reiseri.lhe latter is also a long-distance migrant and could conceivably overshoot. Details of any field observations of any of the subspecies at any season, and including habitat preferences and behaviour, would be most welcome. The authors are partic- ularly interested in any perceived differences between opaca and reiseri in North Africa, where they both breed. Please send any details to Bill Harvey at Pound Farm, Blackltam, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9TV, or c/o FCO (New Delhi), King Charles Street, London SWIA 2AH, or billharvey@ukonline.co.uk British Birds 93: 344-345, July 2000 345 The large bird flying away from us in plate 138 (repeated here as plate 204) is clearly a raptor of some kind, and the broad fingered’ wing points to some kind of eagle. It is amazing how many views of raptors are like this; tail-on as the bird just keeps heading farther and farther away. In this photograph we can, however, still see a good part of both the upperside and underside of the wings, and this should provide us with all that we need to reach the correct identification. The upperwing shows largely dark primaries and secondaries with contrasting paler upperwing- coverts. This is a feature of several species, most notably Booted Eagle Hienuietus pc/t- natiis. Black Kite Milrus niigniiis and some of the larger Ac/tiilci eagles, and does not immediately solve the problem, so we need to find an easier route. Perhaps the most striking fea- tures on this photograph are the very pale body and very pale underwing, the latter almost devoid of any of the usual raptor 204. Juvenile Short-toed Eagle Circcietiis gallicus,i>piun, August 1993- identification features, such as dark carpal patches, trailing edges or barring. E\en the under- side of the primaries appears to be fairly pale, and the only relief on this expanse of white is a series of uniformly scattered dark spots. The underwing also gives us a feel of just how broad- winged this bird is. There are not many raptors on the Western Palearctic list that are so pale and plain underneath. Osprey Pandion haliaetiis has a white body, but the flight feathers on the underwing are finely barred. Some Bonelli's Eagles H. fasciatus can be very pale underneath, especially on the body and underwing-coverts. 205. Monthly Marathon'. Photo no. 168. Sixteenth stage in eleventh Marathon . Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 54), then .send your an.swer o;/ a poslccml to Monthly Marathon, Eountains, Park Kme, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, lo cmive by Hth September 2000. but adults w'ould always show' the classic dark line through the centre of the underwing. Although juveniles lack the dark central line, even a pale one would have darkish secondaries contrasting w4th the unmarked whitish underwing-coverts and body. In fact, the combination of broad wings, dark upperparts and almost gleaming white underparts, flecked with dark spots, points to only one species: Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gat- liciis, which is what it is. The clean white underparts indicate a juvenile, as on adults that faint dark spotting usually resolves into more pronounced narrow- broken bars on the underwing and there is heavier flecking on the body. It was photographed in Spain in August 1993 by Olaf Lessow'. Amazingly, every competitor (except one) identified this Short-toed Eagle. Would that have happened a couple of decades ago, when most birders were le.ss familiar with non-British raptors, or even a vear or so ago. before the species found its way to Britain? The one misidentifica- tion was as a lloubara Bustard Cblamydolis innliilalci. Steve Rooke Simbird IIk hesi of birdwatching tours ; For a free brochure, write to SUNBIRl) (MM), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshia* SGI 9 IDF; or telephone 01767 (>82969. 346 Hritisb Hints 93: .346, July 2000 Olof Lessow Our Behaviour Notes Panel and Identification Notes Panel will be benefiting from the recent appointment (in an honorary capacity) of Co-ordinators, who will collate the submitted mate- rial before circulation to the rele- vant Panel, and follow up, after circulation, suggestions made in the Panel members’ comments. Dr Angela Turner, well known for her classic A Handbook to Notes Panel Co-ordinators the Swallows and Martins of the World (1989) and the revealing account of the sex life of the Barn Swallow Hirnndo rnstica in our series ‘Studies of "West Palearctic birds’ {Brit. Birds 84; 559-569), is now the Co-ordi- nator for the Behaviour Notes Panel. Keith 'Vinicombe, equally well known as former BBRC member and author or co-author of papers on many topics, including, most recently, the 1994 invasion of Ruddy Shel- ducks Tadorna ferrnginea {Brit. Birds 92: 225-255) and the identi- fication and status of Ferrugi- nous Ducks Aythya nyroca {Brit. Birds 93; 4-21), is now the Co- ordinator for the Identification Notes Panel. Birding in 2001 for ‘BB’ subscribers Subscribers can claim a 10% reduction on the following over- seas birdwatching trips in the year 2001 with the bird-tour company ‘Sunbird’. 24tb March to 8th April EGYPT, ‘Birds and History’, with Bryan Bland and Mindy Baha El Din, for all the Egyptian speciali- ties, including Painted-snipe Ros- tratiila henghalensis, Senegal Coucal Ce)itropns se)iegalensis and Nile Valley Sunbird Anthreptes metalliciis, as well as visits to all of the main historical sites of Ancient Egypt - the P\'ra- mids, the Valley of the Kings, the temples at Abu Simbel and Karnak, and much more. Tim & Erika Sharrock accompanied this trip in 1990 and commented that it was ‘A marvellous experience, with the perfect balance between birding and the antiqui- ties.’ 6th-J3th May HUNGARY, with Bryan Bland, for Eastern Imperial Eagle Acjnila heliaca. Great Bustard Otis tarda, Saker Ealcon Falco Cher rug, Ural Owl Strix uralensis, and up to nine species of woodpecker, on the western edge of the Asian steppe. 7th-l4th June CAMARGUE and PYRENEES, with Sean McMinn, for the spec- tacle of Greater Elamingos Phoenicopterus ruher, Lam- mergeier Gypaetus harhatus. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax. Black ■Woodpecker Dryocopus martins, Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris, Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis, and Citril Finch Serinus citrinella, amongst some of Europe's most spectac- ular scenery. Ist-Sthjuly CORSICA, Birds and Butterflies’, with David Fisher and Richard Lewington, for Marmora’s Warbler Sylvia sarda, Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi, ‘Cor- sican’ Citril Finch Serinus cit- rinella Corsicana , Corsican Swallowtail Papilio hospiton. Two-tailed Pasha Charaxes jasius, Corsican Fritillary ynnis elisa, and a good selection of southern Europe’s more colourful butterflies. 22nd-29th September PORTUGAL, with Domingos Leitao and Sean McMinn, for autumn migration through western Iberia, as well as Black- shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus. Purple Swamp-hen Porphyrio porphyrio , Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax. Great Bustard Otis tarda, and Azure- winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus. All of these trips have been planned jointly with Sunbird. British Birds subscribers may claim a 10% reduction on the normal price of these trips (quote your British Birds sub- scriber’s reference number when booking). For more details, please contact Sunbird (BBS), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 IDF; telephone 01767-682969; fax 01767-692481; e-mail: sunbird@sunbird.demon.co.uk Sunbird The best of bird watching tours Correction Sex and age of a Montagu’s Harrier As scores of readers have pointed out, Alan Petty’s wonderful photograph of a hunting Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus that won this year's Bird Photograph of the Year (plate 171) shows a second-calendar-year (first-summer) male, not a female as stated incorrectly in the caption. Mea culpa. British Birds 93; 347, July 2000 347 Reviews OWLS B\ Claus Konig, Fricdhelm Weick & Jan-Hendrik Becking. Pica Press, Mountfield, 1999. 462 pages; 64 colour plates; 212 distribution maps; numerous line-drawings. ISBN 1-873403-74-7. Hardback, £33.00. Given their popularity, it is sur- prising that this is the first com- prehensive identification hand- book on the World's owls. This is, therefore, a landmark publica- tion, recognising and featuring 2 1 2 species. Man)' prospective buyers will judge such a book by its illustra- tions, but do not be put off by the rather flat’, old-fashioned style of the plates. They lack life, but are remarkably detailed - how tempting it might have been to cut corners when painting the barred plumage on the 64 plates. Each species is shown in several poses, enabling readers to appreciate the number of si^ecies that have predator-deterrent eyes’ on the backs of their head. The overview chapter, with some lively black-and-white illus- trations, is a helpful introduction to the ecology and morphology of the group, highlighting some of the unique and remarkable facets of owls - imagine wit- nessing a Patagonian P\ gm)’ 0\\4 Glaiicidiinn luniiini gulping down a young Austral Thrush Tiirdns fcdcklcuidii. By contrast, the chapter on molecular evolu- tion and systematics is hard work for all but taxonomists: while certainly important, it would surely have been better pub- lished in a scientific journal? The text for each species is disappointingly brief, often less than a page, though in some cases this doubtless reflects the paucity of published informa- tion. For Western Palearctic species, Heimo Mikkola’s Owls of Europe (1983) is much more detailed. Equal emphasis is given to vocalisations and to visual identification, since voice is so important (and so Ifequently the only hint of an owl’s presence). RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT OF THE BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD IN WESTERN LANDSCAPES B) Michael M. Morrison, Linnea S. Hall, Scott K. Robinson, Stephen 1. Rothstein, D. Caildwell Hahn & Terrell D. Rich. Studies in Avian Biology No. 18, edited by John T. Ro.senberry, Cooper Ornithological Society, California, 1999. 312 pages. ISBN 1-891276-06-9. Paperback, $ 18.00. This publication presents 33 papers from a symposium on the ecology, management and control of Brown-headed Cow- birds Molothriis (Iter, held during 23rd-23th October 1997, in Sacramento, (adifornia. The complications of host-parasite relationships and parasite control result in more questions being raised than an.swered. dive McKay RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT OE THE BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD IN WESTERN LANDSCAPES MICH.-UJ. I. MORRISON. LINNEA S. HALL. SCOTFK ROBINSON. STI'PHI.N I HOTHSTtJN. D CAIXlWm.L HAHN. A>*D TERRhl-I l> RIHI OWLS Cuitif (II (III (hi'ls oj (hr W tnltl (.liiu^ Ki>ntg. I rii'dlK'Ini Wrick .ind J.u)-liriidrik RrckinK A planned CD to complement the book will be vital in bringing the whistles and hoots to life. The maps are clear and precise: especially important for those difficult-to-see endemics. Owl fans and regular visitors to owl-rich regions will want this book; indeed, most birders should consider having a cop)', since there is so much here to intrigue and to fascinate. Julian Hughes ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF WATCHINCi AND RECORDING BIRDS AT SEDBERGH SCHO(4L By Ingram (deasb), 1999. 149 pages; 26 line-illus- trations; 8 black-and-white photograjihs. ISBN 0-9333941-0-6. Paperback, £1 1 .30. School ornithological societies have insjiired mam', aiul this fas- cinating account of continuous birdwatching and recording in the Dales is introduced by Max Nicholson (who was Secretar) of the .Society in 1920). It concludes with the status of birds in the Sedbergh area. Robert Gilhnor 348 lirilish lUrds 93: 348-330, July 2000 Reviews This book is not just about cuckoos; rather, it is a fascinating investigation of how bird para- sites trick and manipulate their hosts and how the latter defend themselves by deserting or rejecting the alien eggs. Dr Nick Davies surveys a wide range of brood parasites - birds that lay eggs in other birds’ nests - from our own Common Cuckoo Ciiculiis canoriis and the New World cowbirds Molotbrus, which victimise other species, to the Cliff Swallow Hirundo pyrrbo)iota and Common Star- ling Stiirnus vulgaris, which dump eggs in their neighbours’ nests. Several chapters are devoted to the Common Cuckoo, however, and to such questions as why the female removes a host’s egg when she lays her own, why Reed Warblers Acrocepbalus scirpaceus recog- nise their own eggs but not their own chicks, and what induces them to feed the oversize cuckoo chick. CUCKOOS, COWBIRDS AND OTHER CHEATS By N. B. Davies. T. & A. D. Poyser, London, 2000. 312 pages; 28 illustrations; 3 1 colour plates. ISBN 0-85661-135-2. Hardback,£,24.95. The various species of cowbird, whose chicks are reared alongside those of the host, are also examined in detail. The Brown-headed Cowbird M. ater is of particular interest. As its range has increased dramati- cally since the mid 1700s, many of its host species are new, with no experience of this parasite and few or no defences. Davies speculates that, given time, these hosts will evolve similar defen- sive capabilities to those of their Old World counterparts. There are also chapters on other Old World cuckoos and the parasitic finches of Africa, whose nestlings and songs mimic those of the host species. Finally, Davies reviews the numerous species that lay eggs in the nests of their own kind and considers the possible origins of the brood- parasite’s singular lifestyle. Davies and his students have been responsible for much of the work on the arms race’ between cuckoo and host, but he also meticulously reviews the work of many other researchers. The result is an authoritative book that is still very accessible to the amateur ornithologist. Davies’s writing style is highly readable: he mixes a wealth of facts and ideas with descriptions, histor- ical accounts and anecdotes to piece together a natural-history puzzle. The book is attractive and well produced, with colour pho- tographs and delightful illustra- tions by David Quinn. This is an excellent, must-have addition to the Poyser list. Angela Turner THE STATE OF THE NATIONS’ BIRDS By Chris Mead, illustrated by Kevin Baker. Whittet Books Ltd, Stowmarket, 2000. 285 pages; 87 illustrations. ISBN 1-873580-42-2. Paperback, ±12.99. Chris Mead’s The State of tbe Nations’ Birds is an absolute delight. Whether you are a hard- bitten professional conserva- tionist like me or just mad about birds, this is an essential and thoroughly enjoyable read. As you would expect from someone like Chris who has been at the forefront of bird research and bird conservation for so long, his book oozes knowledge and authority about which birds are doing well and which are not - and why. It is technically brilliant, which is why it is compulsory reading for conservationists, but it is also very readable, which is why it will appeal to all with an interest in birds. There are wonderful touches, such as the face with a smile or scowl to represent how a species is faring, and it is full of fascinating facts. I did not, for example, realise that by far our commonest bird is the Wren Troglodytes troglodytes, with almost 10 million pairs in Britain and Ireland. The book tells an interesting story. Rare birds, by and large, are not doing too badly, because of concerted efforts by conserva- tion organisations such as the RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts. Yet many familiar farmland birds, such as Turtle Dove Streptopelia tiirtur. Sky' Lark Alauda arvensis and Yellowhammer Emberiza citrineiia are doing appallingly, as a result of modern farming methods. In general, and perhaps surprisingly, there are more smiles than scowls. Indeed, the whole message of the book is reasonably optimistic. It is not too late, and, if we can reverse the financial incentives that have impoverished biodiversity on so much of our farmland, Britain and Ireland can once again be rich in birds and other wildlife. Simon Lyster the state of the nation s’ birds Chris Mead § X '. British Birds 93: 348-350, July 2000 349 Reviews BIRDS OF BHUTAN B\ Carol Inskipp, Tim Inskipp & Richard Grimmctt. (Christopher Helm, London, 1999. 70 colour plates; 192 pages, ISBN 0-7136-5163-6. Paperback, Jbl 6.99. This great little book covers all the birds recorded in Bhutan (up to 1999) and is essentially a cut- and-paste’ of the same authors’ Birds of the Indian Subconti- nent, with comprehensive addi- tional material in the introduction covering habitat types, the country's importance for birds and a description of accessible birdwatching areas. The main text, opposite the plates, includes the range of each species by districts. This book's portability is a big plus: it is light- weight, durable and pocket- sized. Dave Farrow CHECKLIST OF THE BIRDS OFTIIRKF)^ By Guy M. Kir\\ an, R. P. Martins, Guven Eken & Pete Davidson. The Ornithological Societ) of the Middle East, Bedfordshire, 1999. iSandgronse Supplement 1.) 32 pages. £5. 00. The nine-page checklist includes the 453 species admitted to the Turkish List up to 1996. It is pre- ceded b}’ three pages of introduc- tion, and followed b\' 1 7 pages of notes, mostly concerned \\ ith tax- onomic questions concerning 17 species, a list of rejected records (with considerable detail), refer- ences and bibliograph)'. J. T. R. Sbarrock ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS AGO: 'Occurrence of the Masked Gull (Larus capistratus) on the Dart - A specimen of that rare bird, the Masked Gull, was shot on the river Dart, in December last. It was in winter plumage, agreeing exactly with Mr. Yarrell's description. . Alfred Newton: FJveden Hall. Thetford! {Zoologist 8: 2825; July 1850) ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: It has occurred to me that you may be interested in knowing that another Albatross [Dioniedea nielanophris] has been shot near the Faroes this year (the last one being the Albatross of Mygganoes, shot in 1894). This one was shot at sea, on the Faroe Banks, about seventy or eighty miles south-west of Thorshavn.’ {Zoologist Fourth Series 4: 324; July 1900) FIFTY YEARS AGO: ‘On April 28th, 1948, Mr. J. Dawson, a noted local fowler, saw a pair of Hoopoes {IJpnpa epops) in a large, heavily timbered, walled garden at a locality in Kent ...There was no access to the walled garden save by way of a gate lodge, and the keeper told me he coidd admit no one without his employer’s permis- sion. I applied for leave to visit the garden. The owner replied that she knew the birds were in the garden and that she would allow no one to disturb them or to enter the garden. She could not be induced to change her mind. ..on July 9th, 1948, |Mr. H. C. Collis] telephoned that there were four young Hoopoes in his garden. ..The birds returned in April, 1949... unfortu- nately the large house and garden had changed hands, the greater part of the timber was being felled, and though the birds laid again their tree was felled before incidsation was completed. .W. S. NEVIN.’ {Brit. Birds 43: 224-225;July 1950) TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: ‘Viewpoint M. Shrnhh We are fre- quently told of the artificial nature of the English country- side. Artificial, that is, in the sen.se that it has been manipulated by man for his own purposes for centuries. There is no chance that we will stop such manipula- tions, being far too dependent on the end prtiducts, such as raw materials and food. (Changes in the forms of management are inevitable, and marked changes in management will affect popu- lations of wild animals and plants, sometimes very consider- ably.’ {Brit. Birds 68: 289; July 1975) Also 25 years ago: On 12th July 1975, J. E. Fortey, Mrs E. Green and E. G. Phillips discov- ered Britain’s first White-tailed Lapwing Vanellns lencnrns, at Packington, Warwickshire. It remained until 18th July and was seen by several hundred observers from all over Britain’. {Brit. Birds 70: 465-47 1 ) 350 British Birds 93: 348-350, July 2000 Compiled by Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson Red Kite poisoning in Europe The widespread use of the anti- coagulant Bromadioline in the departments of Doubs and Jura, France, is thought to be causing the deaths of large numbers of birds of prey, most notably the Red Kite Milvns niilvus.This poison is being used to control rodents on agricultural land, but conservationists are calling for its use to be more strictly con- trolled. In that part of France, Red Kite breeding numbers have decreased by up to 70% in recent years, but migrants are also being affected. In 1998, a kite from the German population was found dead from the poison. Formal complaints have recently been made to the European Commission and to relevant local authorities, and requests that a way should be found to deal with the rodent problem without producing unwanted side-effects. We understand that this has been achieved in Switzerland, but we do not have the details. ‘New' birds for South Africa We may think that the whole question of names and species is a strangely European and North American debate, but the effects of BSC (Biological Species Concept) and PSC (Phylogenetic Species Concept) go far beyond these shores. The Newsletter of BirclLife South Africa (vol. 2, no. 1 , 2000) includes a short article by Callan Cohen in which he states: ‘While many twitchers welcome these new additions to boost their life lists, some birders remain sceptical. Nostalgic birders, blowing the dust off their old Roberts ' Birds from the 1940s and 1950s, might notice that many of these species are not new at all: many appear in the old fieldguides, onl)' to have mysteriously vanished in future editions! Wliy were these species removed, and why their recent resurrection?’ This all sounds a little familiar! The addresses for more information are: BirdLife South Africa, PO Box 515, Randburg, 2125 Lewis House, 89 Republic Road, Ferndale, Gauteng, South Africa; e-mail: info@birdlLfe.org. za Tumbes 2000 Project Under the above title, Mark Wliiffin will be leading an ornithological research project to undertake survey work on threatened birds and their habitat association in northwestern Peru during 2000. The project is undertaken in conjunction with the National University of Piura and ProAvesPeru, the country’s leading non-government bird-conservation society. There are 1 5 threatened or near-threatened species within the study area, including the endangered Grey-backed Hawk Leiicopternis occidentalis and Grey-headed Antbird Myrmeciza griseiceps. The project is supported by the Royal Geographical Society. If you feel that you can assist or have anything to contribute, please contact Mark Whiffin by e-mail: WliiffinM@aol.com AI and the Spanish Eagle News has reached us that scien- tists in Spain have successfully produced a nestling Spanish Imperial Eagle Aquila adalberti conceived through artificial insemination. Following injection of a captive female with semen from several males, the fertilised egg was successfully incubated and hatched by a Golden Eagle A. chrysaetos. With only some 100 pairs (or less) in the wild, this captive-breeding technique may be one weapon in the armoury to ensure the species’ survival, but nothing can replace protecting the bird’s natural habitat and preventing destruc- tive poisoning and trapping. Cambridge celebrates 75 years To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the Cambridge Bird Club is holding a one-day conference and celebratory dinner. The present club officials are hoping that as many Cambridge old boys' as possible will attend. Speakers at the conference include Dr Norman Moore, Dr Bill Bourne, Ian Wallace, Chris Mead and several other past residents of the town. Full details of the conference and dinner, both to be held on Saturday 7th October 2000, can be obtained from Bruce Martin, 178 Nuns Way, Cambridge CB4 2NS. Bird Numbers 2001 The l4th International Conference of the European Bird Census Council will be held at Nyiregyhaza, Hungary, during 26th-31st March 2001. Titled Bird Numbers 2001: monitoring for nature conservation’, the conference aims to share knowledge of all aspects of bird monitoring and census work across Europe. To obtain further details, indicate an interest or submit a preliminary registration, contact Bird Numbers 2001, MME, Nyiregyhaza 1, Pf286, H-4401, Hungary; e-mail: szept@zeus.nyfhu; or for further information and online registration visit the website: http://zeus.nyf hu/~szept/ebcc.htm British Birds 93: 351-353, July 2000 351 Xeu’s and comntent BOU Bird Action Grant Scheme In 1999, the British Ornitholo- gists' Union launched the Bird Action Grant Selieme, funded by money raised from its Christmas Bird Watch competition. The launch was part of the Ihiion's annual flagship production of The British List, the official list of birds of Great Britain. The Grants are to be used to assist UK-based projects aimed at researching and protecting the UK's most vulnerable declining bird species as listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The first three awards have now been made. The Tywi Valley Tree Sparrow (Passer niontaniis) Group is to receive £300 to help it to con- tinue with the study started in 1998, which included survey ing breeding and wintering popula- tions, provision of nest-boxes and winter feeding, and pro- moting the stud)' and conserva- tion of the species within the local farming community. The Norfolk Bird Atlas Project has received £1,000 to collect and anal)'sc data on a tetrad basis for breeding and non-breeding species, including nine Biodiver- sity Action Plan species. The results to be published in a book as a companion to the recently published The Birds of Norfolk. The Filey Brigg Ornitholog- ical Group has received £1,700 to help secure land adjacent to its current reserve at Parish Wood. The extension will be managed for the benefit of four action plan species. Grey Par- tridge Perdi.x perdi.x. Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra, Reed Bunting Hmberiza schoeniclas and Tree .Sparrow. The next grants will be awarded in 2001. For further information and an application form apply to Bird Action (irants, British Ornithologists' Union, The British Museum, Tring, Herts HP23 6AP, tel: 0 I 442-B90080, e-mail: bag@bou.org.uk Winter storms in France The storms that ravaged France just after Christmas 1999 caused con- siderable damage to several of the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux's (LPO) reserves. In Charente-Maritime, the sea broke through the coastal defences and flooded the reserves of Moeze and Yves with up to 2.5 m of seawater, destro\ ing much of the infrastructure of the sites, including ditches, sluices and observation hides. The salt water has killed many of the amphibians and fish which lived in the reserves' freshwater areas. At Moeze, 60 of the sheep which graze the marshes as part of the management regime were drowned. Thousands of birds, both large and small, were direct!)’ killed by the force of the winds, and this takes no account of those killed b)’ the oil spilt from the wrecked tanker Erika. Elsewhere, nesting platforms for White Storks Ciconia ciconia and nest-boxes for Barn Owls Tyto alba, not to mention tens of thousands of trees, have been blown down. We must hope that the loss of trees will prove to be no more disastrous to the environment in the long term than was the storm that hit southern England in October 198'^. For more details, contact LPO, La Corderie Royale, BP263, F-l’’305 Rochefort, Cedex, France. Ringed birds reveal extent of ‘Erika ’ devastation Only now, some months after the Erika broke in two and dumped her cargo of heavy oil off northwest France, are sufficient records of ringed birds caught up in the disaster reaching BTO headquarters. A minimum of 60, ()()() birds are known to have been oiled, the majority were C4)mmon Guillemots Uria aaige and Razorbills Alca torda in a 10:1 ratio, with smaller numbers of Red-throated Divers Gavia stellata. Northern Gannets Moras bassanas. Great Cormorants Pba- lacrocora.x carbo. Great Skuas Stercorarias skua and Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla. The 69 reports of ringed birds received so far comprise 57 (iommon C.uillemots (21 from south Irish Sea colonies, 31 from western Scotland and five from north Scotland/North Sea), six Razor- bills (four from Great Saltee, one each from Scilly and Shetland), two Northern Gannets and one each of the other species. The oil was so thick, however, and clean-up attempts so rapid, that a percentage (if rings will not be found and details of others have yet to arrive from the Paris ringing office. The incident is well on the way to becoming the biggest single cause of ringing recoveries in the 90-year history of the British and Irish Ringing Scheme - not a record to celebrate. For further details, contact the BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk 1P24 2PU. International Diary of Ornithological Events The BTO now maintains an International Diar)' in which it records details of future events in the ornithological calendar. It is an extremely useful tool for event organisers who wish to ensure that their planned event does not clash with that of another organisation. For the scheme to work, it requires input from all event organisers. Each entry in the diary contains the following information: • nature of the event and title • the date and venue • details of contact • closing date for bookings. For further information, contact Ghris Morley, BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford IP24 2PU; tel: 0 1842-75()050; e-mail: chris.morley@bto.org British Birds 9.3: .331-353, .Inly 2000 352 Birds in new farm woods Since 1988, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) has been encouraging farmers to plant woodlands on their land, firstly through the Farm Woodlands Scheme and more recently the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme. In 1998, MAFF requested Cranfield Uni- versity and the BTO to look at the value of some of these new wood- lands for their biodiversity. Although relatively small (averaging only some 3 ha), they were found to contain ten species on the Biodiversity Action Plan Priority list. These included Song Thrush Turdus Philomelas, Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra. Grey Partridge Perdix perdix. Linnet Cardiielis cannabina and Sk\' Lark Alauda aruensis. Survey results show that new woods planted alongside existing wood- land or thick hedges are more quickly utilised by birds. As the trees grow older, so additional species (e.g. European Nuthatch Sitta europaea) move in. By this stage, these woodlands are an extremely valuable biodiversity site. For further details, contact the BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU. Our Virtuosos The number of CDs being produced that faithfully reproduce bird songs is growing almost by the day. Many are intended to educate, aid identification or promote some aspect of conservation. Just a few are intended for ‘easy listening’, although it must be said that many of them are far from that. If you want a set of superb recordings that claim to be nothing other than that (and it is playing in the back- ground as I pen this piece) can I recommend ‘Nos Virtuosos’, with over 50 minutes of the songs of 15 bird species, ranging from Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina and Bluethroat Luscinia svecica to Black- bird Tardus nierula and Sky Lark Alauda arvensis. ‘The Natural History of Cape Clear Island’ This Poyser book, first published in 1973 and long out of print, has now been republished as a paperback by Comharchumann Chleire Teo, the island’s co-operative, with text unchanged but man}' new archive photographs. Anyone interested in Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, and the bird observatory’s work can now obtain a copy for IlLfclO.OO (post free) from Cape Clear Bird Observatory, c/o BirdWatch Ireland, Ruttledge House, 8 Longford Place, Monkstown, Co. Dublin, Ireland (a more-reasonable price than the £.350.00 which copies of the first edition are fetching). All royalties go to support the work of Cape Clear Bird Observatory. Clive Hutchinson memorial on Cape Clear On 17th June 2000, some 40 members of the Cork branch of the Trinity College Dublin Graduates’ Association unveiled a plaque in memory of Clive Flutchinson at the bird ob.servatory on Cape Clear Island. In addition, they are presenting some books (to be known as the Clive Hutchinson Memorial Library) which will be put in place when refurbishment currently being carried out on the observator}' building has been completed. British Birds 93; 351-353, July 2000 News and comment Manx Shearwater Workshop There is still time to take part in the Manx Shearwater Pnffinus piijfimis workshop to be held on Madeira, Portugal, during 12th- 15th September 2000. For full details, contact SPEA, Riia dos Murcas 4, 3^andar, sala A, 9000- 058 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; tel; -1-35-129-124-1210; e-mail: speamad@mail.telepac.pt or visit website : www. uma . pt/wkpuffinus DBA No, not the Dutch Birding Associ- ation, but a brand-new initiative aimed at lobbt'ing for more user- friendly resources, services and facilities for birders ever}'where. The Disabled Birders Association was launched on 1st April 2000. An inauspicious date, but not one that should imply that the DBA is in any way frivolous. It has been started by Bo Beolens, a Kent birder who has a minor dis- ability himself. (Some of you ma}' know him from his website as ‘The Fat Birder’). Bo has been arranging, along with a tour company, a trip to Kenya next year for a mix of dis- abled and able-bodied birders whether they be wheelchair users or just find walking diffi- cult. In the course of investi- gating how to go about this. Bo was astonished to find that no group existed to promote better responses to special needs in the birding community. So, after a couple of weeks of research he decided to set one up. The Asso- ciation will be international because, astonishingly, nothing like it seems to exist aii}'where. Efforts will concentrate, to start with, on setting up the UK chapter and anyone wishing for further information should send an SAE to Bo Beolens at 18 St Mil- dreds Road, Margate, Kent CT9 2LT. Details will shortly be avail- able on the Fatbirder website http://www.fatbirder.com or from Bo via e-mail bo@fatbirder.com 353 Stei V > rdwat ch Recent reports Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary of unchecked reports covers the period 15th May to 18th June 2000. Black-browed Albatross Diomede a melanopbris 6 km southwest of Corbiere Point, Jersey (Channel Islands), first for Channel Islands. Little Bittern Lxobrychns niimitus Guernsey (Channel Islands), 31st May. Squacco Heron Ardeola ral- loides Pett Level (East Sussex), 10th June. Little Egret Egrettci garzettci Unst (Shetland), 2nd May, Britain's most northerly record. Great White Egret Egretta alba Tiree (Argyll), 18th May and 18th June; Withernsea (East Yorkshire), 19th May;Alve- cote Pools (Warwickshire), 21st May; Longhirst Flash (Northum- berland), 22nd-23rd May; Dawlish Warren (Devon), 31st May;Ashle- worth Mam Nature Reserve (Gloucestershire), 2nd-5th June; Penclacwydd WWT (Car- marthen), 7th- 12th June; Beal Carrs (West Yorkshire), 1 1th June; Blacktoft Sands (East York- shire), 1 1th June; Coatham Marsh (Cleveland), 12th June; Ather- stone Reservoir (Warwickshire), 12th June; Langness Point (Isle of Man), 18th June. Short-toed Eagle Circaetas gal/icus Dunge- ness (Kent), 20th May. Red- footed Ealcon Falco vespertimis Beaulieu Road Station (Hampshire), 21st IVlay to 13th June; Hickling (Norfolk), 31st May; Winterton (Norfolk), 31st May; Beccles (Suffolk), 2nd June; Pegwell Bay (Kent), 2nd June; Deal (Kent), 4th June; Harg- reaves Quarry (Cleveland), 9th- 10th June; Felixstowe (Suffolk), 9th June; Bray Gravel-pits (Berk- shire), 12th June; Carnhedryn (Pembroke), 13th June; Alton (Hampshire), l6th June; Porth- gwarra (Cornwall), I'^th June. Peregrine Ealcon Ealco pere- griniis First breeding record for Jersey for over 40 years, three young fledging on 31st May. American Golden Plover Fla- vians donii)iica St Mary’s (Scilly), 30th May to Sth June. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryii- gites sabraficol/is Fetlar (Shet- land), 30th May. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Marshside RSPB (Lancashire and North Merseyside), 15th June. Terek Sandpiper Xeiias ciiiereas Seaforth Nature Re.serve (Merseyside), 9th June. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis »iac- idaria Chatsworth (Derbyshire), 30th May. Bonaparte’s Gull Laras pbiladelpbia Farmoor Reservoir (Oxfordshire), 17th- 18th May; Seaforth, 24th-25th May. Slender-billed Gull L. geaei Cley (Norfolk), 22nd May; Dungeness, 30th-31st May. Gull- billed Tern Sterna nilotica Two, Tacumshin (Co. Wexford), lOth-llth June. Whiskered Tern Cblidonias bybridas Flam- borough Head (East Yorkshire), 4th June; Fairburn Ings (West Yorkshire), Sth June. White- winged Black Tern C. lea- copteras One at Swords (Co. Dublin), 22nd-26th May. Little Swift Apas affiids Beaulieu Road Station, 4th June. Short-toed Lark Cala)idrella bracbydactyla St Mary’s, 9th- 17th June; Broad- stairs (Kent), 15th June. Red- rumped Swallow Hirando daarica Hilfield Park Reservoir (Hertfordshire), 27th-28th May; Hide Moss (Borders), 4th June. Thrush Nightingale Lascinia iasciuia Fair Isle (Shetland), 4th June. Zitting Cisticola Cisticoia jaacidis Portland (Dorset), 15th- I6th May; Hengistbury Head (Dorset), 20th-30th May. Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocepbalas dametoram Fair Isle, 1 5th May and 1 1th- 12th June; Nigg Bay (Highland), 7th- 18th June. Great Reed Warbler A. arandinaceas Near Chapel St Leonards (Lin- colnshire), 29th May to 6th June; Earl’s Barton Gravel-pits (Northamptonshire), 1 Oth- 1 8th June. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia caatillans Great Saltee (Co. Wexford), 8th-l4th May; perhaps 206 & 207. Blackpoll Warbler Deadroica striata, Seaforth, Merseyside, June 2()()() 354 Hritisb Birds 93: 354-356, July 2()0() Mike Malpass David Nutb Jini Pallinson Recent reports same individual lOth-1 1th June. Following the masses in the last Recent reports’, Llandudno (Conwy), 18th May; St Agnes (Scilly), 20th May; Noss (Shet- land), 20th May; 'Whalsay (Shet- land), 31st May; Fair Isle, 2nd-3rd June and 10th June; Flamborough Head, 5th-6th June; Spurn (East Yorkshire), 6th June; Bardsey (Caernarfon), 1 lth-13th June. Western Bonelli’s Warbler Pbylloscopns boiielli Landguard (Suffolk), 27th-29th May. Iberian Chiffchaff P brebmii Dunmere Wood, Bodmin (Cornwall), 19th May to 5th June. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficediila parva Southwold (Suffolk), 31st May; South Care (Cleveland), 5th June. Penduline Tit Remix pen- diiUniis Gibraltar Point (Lin- colnshire), 13th June. Woodchat Shrike Lanins senator Thurstaston (Merseyside), 31st May; West Somerton (Norfolk), 3rd June; Holme (Norfolk), 4th June; Carnsore Point (Co. Wexford), lOth-llth June, perhaps same individual at Tactimshin, 17th June; Sheepcote Valley (East Sussex), 13th-15th June. Rosy Starling Stiirniis roseiis Portland Bill, 4th-5th June and 16th June; Skokholm (Pem- broke), 8th June; Bedlington (Northumberland), 8th- 1 6th June; Dyce (Aberdeenshire), 9th June; Rendall (Orkney), 8th-9th June; Sand Bay (Somerset), 8th June; Portland, 11th June; Evie (Orkney), 12th June; Beckfoot (Cumbria), 15th June; near Beer (Devon), 3rd June; Plodda Falls (Highland), 18th June; two, Birsay (Orkney), 18th June. Pallas’s Rosefinch Carpodacns rosens Rimac (Lincolnshire), 15th May. Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata Seaforth Nature Reserve, 2nd June. Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rntila Wliitburn (Tyne & Wear), 17th-20th May. Black- headed Bunting E. melano- cepbala Bardsey, 6th June; Creag Meagaidh (Highland), 1 5th June; Birsay, 17th-18th June. Grey- headed Bullfinch Pyrrbula erytbaca Landguard, 15th-l6th May (two container ships from China docked at Felixstowe on 15th). 208. Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rntila. Whitburn, Tyne & Wear, May 2000. 209. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors, Saltmarsh Delth, Yorkshire. May 2000. 210 & 211. Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanopbris.b km southwest of Corbiere Point, Jersey, Channel Islands, June 2000. Britisb Birds 93: 354-356, July 2000 3- David Nntb / Uarriman Mere >o//»j:i/Birti\vatch Keith Stone Inin Leach Recent reports 213. Black-eared Wheatcar Oenanthe hispanica, Upton Heath, Dorset, June 212. Grent Reed W'dThler Acrocephalns a rinutinacens, >000 (diapel Point, Lincolnshire, June 2000. 214. Black-headed Bunting Eniberiza ineUniocephala. Broadwater, Gw) nedd,June 2000. 215. Tawny Pipit Anthns canipestris. Spurn, East Yorkshire, May 2000 216. Terek Sandpiper YeH/z-s' cinerens, Seaforth, Merseyside, June 2000. 217. Rosy Starling Stnrnns rosens. Bedlington. Nortliumherland, June 2000. > Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to British Bints. C^all 0H81-888-1 1 1 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate; 1 Ip/niin other times; including VAT) 356 British Birds 93: 354-356, July 2000 Brian Clasper Robert Snell Geori>e Reszeter Classifieds RATES Text: 40p per word. Minimum IS words. Semi-display: Mono.itlS per see (width 4()mm) or £32 per dee (width 8Smm). Minimum 2em. Series: S% diseouni for 6. 10% diseouni for 1 2. (All rates cxelude vat at I .i\ ment for all classified advertisements must be made in advance b\' VISA, Mastercard or b)' cheque payable to British Birtls Ltd. Copy deadline: lOth of the month. Contact: Philippa Leegood, Bints, Tlie Banks, Mouiitfield, Ea.st Su.sscxTN32 SJA'. Tel: 01580 882039. Fax: 01580 882038. E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk BOOKS BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD. Send As s.a.e. for catalogue. Visit our shop and see our extensive eollection. Hawkridge Books, The Cruck Barn, Cross St, Castleton, Derbyshire S30 2WH.Tel: 0 1 433 62 1999. Fax: 01433 62 1862. Web:\vww.ha\vkridge.co.uk R.ARE AND OUT OF PRINT books on Ornithology. Isabelline Books. Tel; 01392 201296. Fax: 201663 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 £6.95 inclusive P/P to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, Beverley, HU17 8RP. 01482 881833 WANTED NEWTON/WOLLEY: Ootheca Wolleyana STC. Please write to: David Ellison, 2 Second Avenue, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 OIU. HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Scotland MORVERN (DRIMNIN) HOLIDAY COTTAGES. Beautifully situated by Sound of Mull. Superb walking and wildlife. No pets. Open all year il00-ibl"'3 fully inclu.sive. Tel/Fax: 01967 421308 Overseas PROVENCE, CAMARGUE. Farm cottage, also b&b. Rogers, Mas d'Auphan, Le Sambuc, 1 3200 ARLES, France.Tel: (0033) 49097204 1 , Fax: (0033) 490972087 SOUTH AFRICA CAPE COAST, HERMANUS. Excellent bird and whale watching. Comfortable 3 bedroomed house, self catering, sleeps 6. Exceptionally close to beach and lagoon. Pool, tennis courts and laundry available. Car essential. Phone Leonie 020-8423-2632 BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS AT TITCHWELL overlooking rc.serve :mcl sea THE THREE HORSE.SHOES INN offers en-suite rooms, home cooked food, classical music, convivial atmo.sphere. BIRDERS BREAKS - Summer rate until 31st October 2()00:ib33.75 pppn for DB-l-B, min. 2 nights, 2 persons sharing, excluding Bank Holidays, Please telephone 01485-210202 for brochure/reservations. BIRDWATCHING HOUDAYS CASSOWARY HOUSE Rainforest (iuest House Cassowaries! Rifle-birds! Red necked Crakes = A great birding destination, ta regional endemics around Atherton Tablelands, plus also Cairns/Great Barrier Reef. Beautiful relaxing location, excellent food, expert local guiding. Phil and Sue Gregory. Phone: (61) 9.37318 Fax: (61) "aO 939833 E-mail; .sicklebill@internctnorih.com.au Website: www.cassowary-housc.com.au C.issowary House, Blackmountain Road, PO Box 387, Ktir.inda a872, Queensland. Australia. NEW ZEALAND / SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS. Join us for rare and interesting endemics, the world's finest collection of seabirds and spectacular scenery: MANU TOURS, 106 Ocean Beach Road, Tairua 2833, New Zeakind. Phone/Fax: (64) (7) 864- ■'473. Email: manutours@nzbirding.co.nz Website: www.nzbirding.co.nz BIRD HOLIDAYS. Professionally led worldwide birding tours. Relaxed pace. Free brochure: write to Bird Holidays, 10 Ivegate, Yeadon, Leeds, LSI 9 7RE or phone 01 133 910310 (ATOL 3386). AUSTRALIA: LOTUS LODGE, 200-1- species of birds. Resident naturalists, outback experience. Extensive variety of flora and fauna in far north Queensland. l!/> hour flight north of Cairns. Superior accommodation. Excellent cuisine. Tel: 6l7 4039 0773. Fax: 617 4039 070.3. Web: http://www.cairns.aust.com/lotus bird NORTH WEST BIRDS. Go on your foreign holicLay but take a short relaxed break in the UK as well. Super Bircliug - Very Small Groups - Easy Access. Brochure - Mike Robinson 013393 6,3191, Barn Close, Bcetham, Cumbria LA7 7AL. Email: nwbird.s@compu.serve.com http://ourworld.compuserve.com/ homepage.s/nwbirds INSURANCE PHOTOCOVER A specialist insurance policy for binoculars, tele.scopes, camcorders, cameras, photo equipment etc. At home, outdoors, in vehicles. Free info pack from Golden Valley Insurance, The Olde Shoppe, E'wyas Harold, Herefordshire, HR2 OES Freephone: 0800-015-4484 Fax: 01981 241062 OPTICAL EQUIPMENT Ace Optics of Bath THE BEST DEALS IN OPTICS ALL TOP BRANDS INC. QUESTAR TEL: 01225-466364 16 Green Street. Bath BA I 2JZ Binoculars & Telescopes Top Makes, Top Models, Top Advice, Top Deals, Part Exchange Show Room Sales 01925 730399 07000 247392 Credit/dehit cards accepted Wide Angle is/ature of Hartlepool Binoculars & Scopes Expert advice Special deals Opticron - Kowa - Bushnell Showroom open Sat 9-5, The Arches, 79 Park Road, Hartlepool 01429 295496 (24 hrs) To place your Classified Advertisement in BB contact: Philippa Leegood at British Birds Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01580 880541 or e-mail your requirements to: design ©britishbirds. co. uk New from PICA PRESS Albatrosses WLN Tickell Hardback 246 x 1 86mm; 448 pages £40 ISBN 1-873403-94-1 This major new book summarises everything that is known about this enigmatic and impressive family of seabirds. This is the first comparative account of the albatross family, exploring their natural history in a scholarly but eminently readable form. The book is extensively illustrated with numerous maps, tables, diagrams and stunning colour photographs. For more information or a brochure contact: Pica Press, The Banks. Mountfield, Nr Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 0 1 580 880S6 1 Fax: 0 1 S80 88054 1 BB Bookshop Listed books are POST FREE to British Birds subscribers The books included in BB BookShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher s library. We aim to provide the most prompt, efficient and friendliest service possible. Iterns ordered through this service are despatched to British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books (a Division of CJ Wildbird Foods Ltd). All correspondence concerning the BB BookShop should be addressed to BB BookShop, c/o Subbuteo NHB, Pistyll Farm, Nercwys, Mold, Flintshire CH7 4EW, United Kangdom. Best Bird Books of the Year All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year 1983-99’ (listed in full Brit. Birds 93; 54) are available POST FREE. Please order here, giving title(s) and author(s), or on an additional sheet. (Note: BBBY 1996 - Hadoram Shirihai The Birds of Israel (Academic Press) now £19.^5.) Book of the Month MacKinnon & Phillipps A Field Guide to the Birds of China (OUP) Paperback £29.99Q Hardback£60.00 Q Special Offers Ehrlich, Dobkin & Wheye The Birdwatcher’s Handbook Flegg & Hosking Eric Hosking’s Classic Birds Limited Edition (HarperCollins) Ridgely & Tudor The Birds of South America (OUP) vol.l £62.50 Q Snow (ed.) The Birds of the Western Palearctic 2-VOLUME CONCISE Edition (OUP) New this Month (was £8.95) (usually £50.00) vol.2 (was £150.00) Johnsgard Trogons and Quetzals of the World (Smithsonion) Hardback Simmons Harriers of the World: Their Behaviour and Ecology (OUP) Hardback Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling The Birds of Norfolk (Pica Press) Paperback Tickell Albatrosses (Pica Press) Hardback Coming Soon - Order Now Fry & Keith Birds of Africa, Volume 6, Picathartes to Oxpexkers (Academic Press) DUE MID AUGUST (Normal price Cl 15 - pre-publication offer £78.00) Garrido & Kirkconnell Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba (Helm) DUE AUGUST PaperbacK Havv'is St Franklm Shrikes & Bush-Shrikes (Helm) DUE AUGUST Hardback Kennedy, Gonzales, Dickinson, Miranda & Fisher A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines (OUP) Paperback Hardback Kren Birds of the Czech Republic (Helm) DUE SEPTEMBER Paperback Ranfc & KonigH Sound Guide to Owls (Pica Press) DUE AUGUST Douole CD Rodner, Lentino & Restall Checklist of the Birds of Northern South America^'ica Press) DUE AUGUST Paperback Sibley The North American Bird Guide (Pica Pres^ DUE AUGUST Hardback Swash & Still Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands (Pica Press) Hardback Recommended Books Europe & Western Palearctic Adamian & Klem A Field Guide to the Birds of Armenia (AUA) Field cover Hardback Baker Warblers of Europe, Asia and North Africa (Helm) Beaman & Madge The Haridbook of Bird Identification: Europe and the Western Palearctic (Helm) British Birds The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic Cramp Birds of the Western Palearctic (OUP) volumes 1-7, 9 - £90 each volume 8 - £95 ^ vol.l Q vol.2 □ vol.3 Q vol.T[Tvol.5 □ vol.6 □ vol.7 □ vol.8 □ vol.9 Hagem^er & Blair The EBCC Atlas ^European Breeding Birds ij’oyse.f) Harris, Tucker & Vinicombe The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identification (Macmillan) Heath & Evans Important Bird Areas in Europe: Priority Sits for Conservation 2 Vol set (Birdlife Int) Paperback Hardback Jonsson Birds of Europe With North Africa and the Middle East (Helm) reprint Paperback Hardback Kightley, Madge & Nurney Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe (Pica Press) Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Collins Bird Guide - The Most Complete Field Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe (HarperCollins) Best Bird Book of 1 999 Peterson, Mountfort & Hollom Collins Field Guide: Birds of Britain & Europe 5 th Edition (HarperCollins) (5.50 ^8.00 ^62. 50 t99.00 :32.95 :27.50 :25.00 TO.OO 119.99 35.00 34.95 60.00 25.00 24.99 14.95 25.00 14.95 35.99 39.99 32.00 ^65. 00 £2.00 159.95 14.99 75.00 99.98 15.99 29.99 11.95 24.99 14.99 a North America Griggs Collins Pocket Guide: Birds of North America (HarperCollins) Lockwood, McKinney, Paton & Zimmer A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande (ABA) Ringbound National Geographic A Field Guide to the Birds of North America 3rd Edition Paperback Pranty A Birder’s Guide to Florida (ABA) Pyle Identification Guide to North American Birds Part 1 . Columbidae to Ploceidae (Slate Creek) Schram A Birder’s Guide to Southern California (ABA) Taylor H Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona (ABA) 116.99 25.95 12.99 21.00 27.95 25.95 18.50 South & Central America & Caribbean r- n % de la Pena & Rumboll Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (HarperCollins) £19.99 ffrench A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (Helm) Paperback £32.00 Howell & Webb Where to Watch Birds in Mexico (Helm) Paperback £1 9.99 Raffaele, Wiley, Garrido, Keith & Raffaele Birds of the West Indies (Helm) £35.00 Stiles & Skutch A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Helm) £40.00 Africa, Middle East & Indian Ocean Islands, , , ^ , . , „ , /r> r. n /--.o Barlow, Wacher & Disley A Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal (Pica Press) £28 Garbutt Mammals of Madagascar (Pica Press) Keith, Urban & Fry The Birds o/4/rfca (Academic) Volumes: 1 £85 □ 2 £85 □ 3 £85 □ 4 £85 □ 5 £99.00 Kemp Sasol Birds of Prey of/Hrica and its Islands (New Holland) £19 Kingdon The Kingdofi Field Guide to AfricuH Aioifiuicils (Academic Press) Morris 8t Hawkins Birds of Madagascar: a Photographic Guide (Pica PTess) £28 Porter, Christensen & Schiermacker-Hansen Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle hast (1 oyser) £29 Sinclair, Hockey & Tarboton Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland) £19 Sinclair & Langrand Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands (New Holland) £17 van Perlo Collins Illustrated Checklist Birds of Southern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback van Perlo Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Eastern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Birds ■ /A . ,A C w, CANADA*S BAY OF FUNDY 17-25 May 2000 ETHIOPIA 17-26 Nov 2000 16-25 Feb 2001 13 -22 Apr 2001 16 - 25 Nov 2001 ETHIOPIAN ENDEMICS 24 Nov - 03 Dec 2000 23 Feb -04 Mar 2001 20 -29 Apr 2001 23 Nov -02 Dec 200 1 FLORIDA 17-25 Feb 2001 GAMBIA 27 Oct - 05 Nov 2000 26 Oct -06 Nov 200 1 INDIA 17-25 Nov 2000 16 - 24 Feb 2001 13 - 21 Apr 2001 16 - 24 Nov 2001 KAZAKHSTAN 10 - 18 May 2001 17-25 May 2001 24 May -01 Jun 2001 MALAWI 16 - 25 Feb 2001 09- 18 Mar 2001 NAMIBIA 19 - 28 Jan 2001 02 - I I Feb 2001 16 - 25 Feb 2001 NEPAL Departures every Friday throughout Jan & Feb 200 1 04-13 May 2001 18 -27 May 2001 NEPAL - THE TRAGOPAN TREK 11-20 May 2001 25 May - 03 Jun 2001 SOUTH AFRICA 15-24 Sep 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20 -29 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE BIRDING 23 Mar -01 Apr 2001 24 Aug -02 Sep 2001 southerI^n morocco 15-24 Sep 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 02-11 Mar 2001 13 -22 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SRI LANKA 18-27 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 16-25 Mar 2001 16 - 25 Nov 2001 TANZANIA 27 Oct -05 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct -04 Nov 200 1 TEXAS 13 - 21 Apr 2001 THAILAND 10- 19 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct - 04 Nov 2001 UAE & OMAN 12-19 Nov 2000 ^ 25 Feb - 04 Mar 2001 15 -22 Apr 2001 07 - 14 Oct 2001 WASHINGTON STATE 14 - 22 Apr 2001 ZAMBIA 03-12 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20 - 29 Apr 2001 26 Oct -04 Nov 200 1 K ■C6 lOiv British Birds Volume 93 Number 8 THE NATURAL HISTORY 11 :£P 2r: P^FbfcivJTED < iu UBRARV British Birds Established 1907, incorporating Hte Zoo/o^'/'s7, established 18-i3 Published b)' BB 2()()() Limited, trading as ‘British Birds’ Registered Otfice: 4 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8SF British Birds Managing Editor Dr J.T. R. Sharroek Personal Assistant Frances Bueknell Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board I. Carter, Dr R. j. Chandler, Dr M. Collinson, R. J. Prythereh, N. j. Redman, Dr J.T. R. Sharroek Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Design Mark Corliss Photographic Research Robin Chittenden Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood Circulation Manager Vivienne Hunter Administration Sally Young Rarities Committee Chairman Prof, (iolin Bnidshaw Hon. Secretary Michael J. Rogers Paul Harvey, John McLoughlin,John Martin, Doug Page, Adam Rowlands, Ken Shaw, Dr Jimmy Steele, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Cirahame Walbridge Archivist John Marchant Statistician Peter Fraser Museum consultant Ian Lewington Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C.J. Bibby, Ian Dacyson, Dr J.J. M. Flegg, Prof I. Newton FRS, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J.T. R. Sharroek, Dr K. E. L. Simmons, Dr Angela Turner (Co-ordinator) Identification Notes Panel Prof Colin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, T. P Inskipp, P G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, K. E. Vinicombe (Co-ordinator) Annual subscription rates Libraries and agencies £66.50, $1 16.00 Personal subscriptions UK, Europe, surface mail: £53.50 Outside Europe, airmail: £85.00 Concessionary rates (National, Regional & County bird club members) UK - £40.00 Europe & Outside Europe, surface mail: £44.00 Young Ornithologist’s rate £26.75 (YOC UK onh ) Please make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Single back issues £6.50 Available from British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5JY Please make cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Rarities Issue £10 - available as abov e. CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION OFFICE The Banks, Mountfield, Nr. Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01580 882038 Subscriptions & Circulation Vivienne Hunter E-mail: subseriptions@britishbirds.co.uk Accounts & Administration Sally Young E-mail: accounts@helm-information.co.uk Desigti. Production & Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk EDITORIAL OFFICE Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01767 640025 Papers, notes, letters, artwork. Journals, etc. Dr J.T. R. Sharroek E-mail: editor@britishbirds.co.uk Person cd A ssista 1 1 1 Frances Bueknell www.britishbirds.co.uk BB Bookshop c/o Subbuteo Books,The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Tel: 01743 709420 Fax: 01743 709504 E-mail: info@wildlifebooks.eom ‘News & comment’ information Bob Scott & Wendy Dickson, 8 Woodlands, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE 19 lUE Tel: 01480 214904 Fax: 01480 473009 E-mail: abscott@tinyworld.co.uk ‘The Ornithological Year’ bird news Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, 7 Bloomsbury C.lo.se, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS Tel: 01 525 290314 Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, 2 Churehtown Cottages, 'Ft)wednaek, Cdrnwall 'FR2(> 3AZ Front-cover photograph: Little Ringed Plover Cbaradrius duhius, Israel, March 1999. (Richard Chandler) For more information about British Birds visit our website at: www.britishbirds.co.uk For your advertising enquiries contact: Philippa Leegood Tel: 01580 882039 design@britishbirds.co.uk TH' MATUr AL HiST( BritishWMS,. DataFase An Access 97 database of 342 birds and 174 fields concerning conservation, distribution, habitat, anatomy, breeding and population data etc. View various sample bird and invertebrate databases at: www.bird-insect-databases.co.uk www.invertebrate-surveys.co.uk www.environmental-entomology.co.uk Contact Dr M D Eyre at EMSDATA: 13 Manor Grove, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7XQ. Tel; 0191-2920291 Fax: 0191-2920292 E-mail: emsdata @blueyonder.co. uk D RY SOUTH AFRICA, 12-26 Aug Best of the Cape, Natal & Zululand as spring arrives SPAIN, 9-16 Sep Autumn in Andalucia with top raptor expert Dick Forsman OMAN, 21 Sep-1 Oct Arabian adventure with man on the spot, Colin Richardson NEW GUINEA & AUSTRALIA, 24 Sep-1 5 Oct Birds of paradise on this special Millennium tour MADAGASCAR, 11-28 Oct Endemic birds & lemurs with Ian Davidson & Steve Madge GAMBIA, 17 Nov-1 Dec No finer tour than our 'Quest for the Crocodile Bird' NEPAL, 19 Nov-3 Dec Kathmandu, Chitwan & Kosi Tapu. Our 6th annual visit COSTA RICA, 18 Dec 2000-2 Jan 2001 join us for Christmas with the Quetzals. Booking now! ... Just a small selection of trips from our acclaimed 2000 brochure featuring dozens of great birding tours. Ask for your copy TODAY! Limpsa j-jj 0 ^ X, 01263 578143 iM Don't miss our latest Newsletter with a \ ^ complete listing of all our 200/ tours ) Most major Pax: 01263 579251 ‘"'ac%pteT e-mail: limosaholidays@compuserve.com Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 OLZ with a place at Myerscough College . Not yet decided what to do? We have a whole range of full and part-time ecology and countryside courses, from Diploma to Degree level. For more information and a prospectus call 01995 642211 All ASSociAn COUEGI or THE UNIVERSITY or CEKTKAL LANCASHIRE Or come to our Career Advice Session on Saturday 19th August 10.00am - 12.30pm Saturday 26th August 10.00am - 12.30pm Saturday 2nd September 10.00am - 12.30pm Bilsborrow, Preston, Lancashire PR3 ORY Tel: 01995 642222 Fax: 01995 642333 Email: mailbox@myerscough.ac.uk www.myerscough.ac.uk Just published - Summer 2000 RAPTORS AT RISK Proceedings of the 5th World Conference on Birds of Prey & Owls R.D. Chancellor & B.-U. Meyburg (Eds.) 90 original papers, with diagrams, maps, drawings and photographs covering current studies on virtually every aspect of raptor biology, ecology and conservation. Size 22 X 15.5cm - 900 pages, cover in colour, £30 post free. WWGBP/Hancock House P.O.Box 52, Towcester NN12 7ZW, UK. email: WWGBP@aoI.com Ornithology GREATER LONDON’S SPECIALIST COLLEGE in HORTICULTURE and COUNTRYSIDE STUDII Interviewing NOW for gher National Diplomas in Ornitholofly Capel Manor College HNDin l-~time or 4 years part-time with 400 hours of work experience. This course IS the first of its kind in the area and will provide vocational training for anyone wishing to work in this field. It includes practically based modules on ornithology science, identification, survey and monitoring methods, conservation planning and law visitor management and interpretation. The College has a wide range of facilities nearby: The Lea Valley Park, with its Rye Meads RSPB Reserve, is of national importance for its wildfowl and the Bittern Watchpoint is visited by hundreds of people each winter. Please contact our Courses Hotline TODAY: 020 8366 Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex ENl 4RQ uww.capelmanorcollege.co.uk college.freeserve.co.uk J25/M25 Birding Eilat & Israel The International Birding & Research Center in Eilat and Kibbutz Eilot - country lodging Invite you to a birding experience with those who really care for your birds: Birding with expert conservation-oriented ornithologists and lodging at the kibbutz will make all the difference to your trip to Eilat and Israel. For the lowest prices contact: IBRCE, PO BOX 774, EILAT 88000. Xsi*dd Fax: 972-6335319, 6376922. email: ibrce@eilatcity.co.il BIRD NEWS Free Trial of New Service 20 August - 3 September From 20 August to 3 September try our new SMS service absolutely free of charge, and with no obligation whatsoever. Get reliable news sent directly to your mobile phone as soon as the news breaks. Another great service from the team to rely on Rare Bird Alert Call us now on 01603 456789 and sign up for the free offer British Birds — forecasts — For a detailed weather forecast of any region (today and the week ahead) 0891 11 00 14 For synoptic weather charts by fax (today and tomorrow) 0897 200 229 ti? Informction SupplM by i^The Met Office 0819 calls are charged at 50p per minute. 0897 fax calls are charged at £1.50 per minute (synoptic chart is one page) SUBBUTEO NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS is now a division of C. J. WildBird Foods Ltd located at: The Rea Upton Magna Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Tel: 00 44 (0)1743 709420 Fax: 00 44 (0)1743 709504 E-mail mfo@wildlifebooks. com Check out our new website on www.wildIifehooks.com We will continue to offer a selection of books in BB Bookshop recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. New from PICA PRESS The definitive guide to North American birds The North American Bird Guide Written and illustrated by David Sibley Softback 241 x 1 53mm; 544 pages £25 ISBN 1-873403-98-4 T David Sibley’s stunningly detailed paintings of the various plumages of more than 800 species of North American birds, accompanied by his precise descriptions, notations and up-to- date range maps, make this beautiful, comprehensive volume the indispensable guide and reference tool for every birder. For more int'ornialion or a brochure ctmlaci: Pica Press, The Banks. Mounlliclil, Nr Robcrlsbricli>c, Past Sussex TN32 .SJ Y Tel: 0 1 .380 880.36 1 Fax: 0 1 380 88034 1 British Birds Volume 93 Number 8 August 2000 358 Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1998 Dr Malcolm Ogilvie and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel 402 Obituaries: Charles Grahame des Forges (1913-2000) Tony Marr Ronald Mathias Lockley (1903-2000) David Saunders Regular features 394 Letters Ruddy Ducks Bernard Zonfrillo Are Ruddy Ducks and Wliite-headed Ducks the same species? Kevin G. McCracken, J. Harshman, Michael D. Sorenson and Kevin P Johnson Origin of the first Lesser Frigatebird in the Western Palearctic Norman D. van Swelm 399 Notes Eurasian Curlew capturing and killing Pied Wagtail Simon King Male Blackbird brooding young Ian F.Hill Common Bullfinches nesting in disturbed site Keith Bowey First breeding record of Wliite-tailed Lapwing in Romania (and Europe outside Russia) Dr J. B. Kiss and L. Szabo 405 @ Monthly Marathon Killian Mullarney 406 Looking back 407 Reviews The Directory of Australian Birds, Passerines by R. Schodde and I. J. Mason John Leonard Directory of Importan t Bird Areas in Egypt by Sherif M. Balia El Din Mike Everett Atlas of the Birds of Huesca: Birdwatching in the Central Spanish Pyrenees and the Ebro Valley by Kees Woutersen and Maarten Platteeuw Laurence Rose Gardening for Birds by Stephen Moss Barry Nightingale Garden Bird Songs and Calls by Geoff Sample Barry Nightingale 408 S Rarities Committee news Progress in the assessment of the Druridge Bay Slender-billed Curlew’ 409 News and comment Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson 411 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Arithony McGeehan © British Birds 2000 A. P. Benson Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1998 Malcolm Ogilvie and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel Roseate Terns displaying The Rare Breeding Birds Panel presents its twenty-sixth annual report on the status of Britain’s rarest breeding birds. Because of the ever-continuing threat of nest robbery or intentional disturbance, actual localities are rarely given. Instead, totals are set out b}' county, region or, occa- sionally, country. Where counties are given, these are grouped within the Panel’s ten regions (see below). This report will be published just over 18 months after the end of the calendar year with which it deals, and roughly two years after that year’s breeding season. The Panel has been discussing ways in which publica- tion might be brought forward so that the valuable information contained in the report can be made available more expeditiously, but recognises the constraints under which the county recorders, who provide .so many of the Panel's records, have to work. We would, though, urge observers to submit their records in good time, so that recorders can begin their task of collation and reporting as soon as possible after the breeding season. The Panel The current (May 2()()0) membership of the Panel is Dr L. A. Batten, Dr C. J. Bibby, Dr H. Q. P. Crick, Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, Mrs A. j. Smith, Dr K. W. Smith, D. A. Stroud and Dr M.A. Ogilvie (Secretary). The individual members of the Panel serve in a personal capacity, but four of them are additionally able to reflect the interests and needs of the respective sponsoring bodies. I'he work of the Panel is supported financially by the .|N(X; (on behalf of the country conservation agencies) and the RSPB, with additional support coming fn)m the BTO and British Birds. 358 ® British Birds 9.5: 3S8-.593, August 2000 Ogilvie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Coverage The Panel collects records from the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, but not from the Republic of Ireland. Coverage in 1998 was very good, with at least some records (or nil returns) received from virtually every county and region. Infor- mation for some species is, however, lacking from Herefordshire, the Isle of Wight, York- shire, the Isle of Man, Clwyd, Glamorgan, Gwent, parts of both Gwynedd and Powys, and from Moray and Nairn. Review of the year 1998 For the third year running, cold and wet weather disrupted the breeding season in many parts of the United Kingdom, variously causing high water levels on Scottish lochs, floods on English marshes, and problems for some tree-nesting species. In addition, high tides washed out nests of some coastal- nesting species. The breeding success of both Red- throated Gavia stellata and Black-throated Divers G. arctica was poor, owing largely to high water levels and bad weather, which similarly affected Slavonian Grebes Podiceps auritus. Black-necked Grebes P. nigricollis, however, despite a drop in the number of localities, had a good season, with the highest number of confirmed pairs ever recorded. Great Bitterns Botaurus stellaris made a welcome recovery from what, it must be hoped, will turn out to be the low point of the previous year. That recent coloniser, the Little Egret Egretta garzetta, continued to increase and spread, while the undoubted highlight of the year was the suc- cessful breeding, for the first time in over 300 years, by a pair of Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea leucorodici. Reports of Gadwalls Anas strepera increased substantially, and Pintail A. acuta numbers were up on the previous year’s low figure. Garganeys A. cjuerqiiedida had their best year since 1993- The re-established populations of Red Kite Milvus milvus and White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla both reached record twentieth-century numbers of breeding pairs, as did the native populations of the former and of the Osprey Pandion haliaetus. The three species of harrier British Birds 93: 338-393, August 2000 Circus had mixed fortunes, with Marsh Har- riers C. aeruginosus producing more young than ever before, though from only a very few more pairs than in the previous year, while a full census of Hen Harriers C. cyaneus revealed a population little changed from that of ten years previously, persecution continuing to hold down the numbers. The numbers and productivity of Montagu’s Har- riers C. pygargus were both the worst for several years, not helped by bad weather at critical periods in the breeding cycle. The number of Common Quails Coturnix coturnix was down from the previous year’s high, but there were more Spotted Crakes Porzana porzana than in any of the last four years. There was a full UK census of Corn Crakes Crex crex, for the first time since 1993, revealing a total of 577 singing males, which compares with 480 in 1993 and 574 in 1988. It was a relatively poor year, espe- cially in the Western Isles, but there was a slight increase in mainland Scotland. As is now usual, productivity of the Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta was badly affected by predation and high tides, but nev- ertheless record numbers of pairs and young reared were recorded. The numbers of Stone- curlews Burhinus oedicnernus also con- tinue to increase. Many breeding pairs of Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa were flooded out. Red-necked Phalaropes Phalaropiis lobatus had a disastrous year, with the lowest total of breeding males since 1990. Mediterranean Gulls Larus melano- cepbalus continue to increase and expand, but also to hybridise with other species. Roseate Terns Sterna dougallii struggled to maintain even last year’s poor showing. Reporting of both Barn Owl Tyto alba and Common Kingfisher Alcedo attbis improved again. The latter species is very poorly known in some counties and a prime candidate, one would have thought, for a full census; it is a very useful indicator of water quality. Britain’s two rarest breeding warblers continue to give cause for concern: Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides has not been proved to breed for five years, while numbers of Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris fell back after the previous year’s slight increase. Bearded Tits Panurus biarrnicus have 359 Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 been reported to be in decline in recent years, but nearly complete surveys throughout the species’ UK range showed that it is still present in very similar numbers to those found at the time of the census in 1992. Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus had a poor year, with one of only ten known clutches stolen. The number of Girl Buntings Emberiza cirlus was revealed by a full census to have continued to increase in the four years since the previous one. Conservation uses of Panel data The Report of the UK Raptor Working Group was published early in 2000. This important document relied very heavily for its information on the status of birds of prey in the United Kingdom on the data gathered by the Raptor Study Groups, which exist more or less throughout Scotland, as well as in Wales and some parts of England, and on the information gathered by the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. The Report recognised the importance of the Raptor Study Groups, and the first two of its 25 recommendations urged the continuation of adequate moni- toring of all species, through the Raptor Study Groups and the Panel, and strongly encouraged the continued close co-opera- tion between them. The Panel is very happy to work with the Raptor Study Groups and looks forward to even closer relations in the future. It is also to be hoped that new groups will form to co-ordinate raptor studies in those regions not yet covered. It is the policy of the Panel to make data available for conservation uses where this is compatible with the constraints of confiden- tiality. As well as site-specific information (e.g. for reviews of Special Protection Areas), national data sets have been used by the RSPB for planning surveys. Panel data have also played a key role in reviews of birds of conservation concern and national popula- tion estimates, together with the develop- ment of recovery plans for certain species. Publications The bibliography at the end of this report gives details of published results of censuses and surveys of the numbers and distribution of Panel species. Acknowledgments The Panel, and in particular its Secretary, very gratefull)' acknowledges the willing co- operation of all the many county, regional and local recorders throughout the United Kingdom. Completing the forms is just one more burden put upon their willing shoul- ders, and their help is greatly appreciated. The following specialist contributors are also deserving of thanks; Jake Allsopp and the Golden Oriole Group, Colin Crooke, Peter E. Davis and the Welsh Kite Trust, Roy Dennis, Dr Andy Evans, Ian Carter, Dr Gillian Gilbert, Dr Rliys Green, Bob Image, Malcolm Henderson and Dr Ron Summers. We are grateful to the licensing officers of the three country agencies - John Holmes (English Nature), John Ralston (Scottish Natural Heritage) and Sian Wliitehead (Coun- tryside Council for Wales) - for their ready co-operation in supplying information. We should also like to express our sincere thanks to all the very many individuals whose fieldwork produced the observations that form the basis for this report. Key to geographical regions used in this report Note that recent further reorganisation of local government throughout Britain has made some of the names below obsolete. Exactly as happened after the last major reor- ganisation, in 1974, however, some English county and area bird societies have changed their recording areas and others have not. So, without defining the precise boundaries of the ‘counties’ given below, these are, so far as possible, the names used by the local recorders who sent the Panel their informa- tion. Eor Wales and for Scotland, it has been decided, again so far as possible, to use the names of the recording areas included in the respective annual bird reports of those two countries. Each publishes a map showing the names and boundaries, that for Wales being based on the Watsonian vice-counties, and that for Scotland on the local bird-report areas. England, SW Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Wight, Somerset, Wiltshire 360 British Birds 93: 338-393, August 2000 England, SE Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Bucking- hamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, London & Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Sussex (East and West) England, E Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Lin- cohishire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Suffolk England, Central Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire (with Rutland), Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Mid- lands, Worcestershire England, N Cheshire, Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, Greater Manchester, Isle of Man, Lan- cashire, Merseyside, Northumberland, North Hum- berside,Tyne & Wear, Yorkshire (North, South and West) Wales The Watsonian vice-counties of Anglesey (Mon), Brecon (Brycheiniog), Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin), Caernarfon, Ceredigion, Denbigh (Dinbych), Flint (Fflint), Glamorgan and Gower (Morgannwg), Gwent, Meirionnydd, Montgomery (Trefaldwyn), Pembroke (Penfro), Radnor (Maesyfed) Scotland, S The local bird-recording areas of Dumfries & Galloway, Borders, Lothian, Ayrshire, Clyde (comprising W and E Dunbartonshire including that part now in Argyll & Bute, N and S Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, City of Glasgow, Inver- clyde, Stirling-Clyde drainage), Clyde Islands Ogilvie et aL Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 (Arran, the Cumbraes, Bute) Scotland, Mid The local bird-recording areas of Angus & Dundee, Fife, Forth (Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Stirling), Perth & Kinross, Northeast Scot- land (Aberdeenshire), Moray & Nairn Scotland, N & WThe local bird-recording areas of Argyll & Bute (except Bute and former W Dunbar- tonshire), Caithness, Highland (Badenoch & Strath- spey, Inverness, Ross & Cromarty, Sutherland), Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides Northern Ireland Co. Antrim, Co. Armagh, Co. Down, Co. Fermanagh, Co. Londonderry, Co. Tyrone Systematic list The definitions of ‘Confirmed breeding’, ‘Probable breeding’ and ‘Possible breeding’ used in the Panel’s reports follow those rec- ommended by the European Ornithological Atlas Committee (now part of the European Bird Census Council) (Hagemeijer & Blair 1997). Within tables, the abbreviations ‘Con- firmed (pairs)’ and ‘Possible/probable (pairs)’ mean ‘Number of pairs confirmed breeding’ and ‘Number of pairs possibly or probably breeding’, respectively. Red-throate(i Diver Gavia stellata Two long-term surveys continued. Other, more casual, breeding observations not listed. Scotland, N & W ORKNEY Of 104 sites with pairs, breeding occurred at 86, and 51 pairs were successful, rearing 51 young (1.0 per pair) to at least two- thirds grown. SHETLAND Surveys carried out on three islands located 43 breeding pairs, but they fledged only 17 young (0.39 per pair), one of the lowest pro- ductivity figures recorded. Success was best on Hermaness (eight pairs raised six young), average on Fetlar (23 pairs raised nine young) and very poor on Foula (12 pairs raised just two young). In the report for 1997, it was wrongly stated that the Shetland survey was a complete one. There, and on Orkney, only a sample of nests is monitored. The total British breeding population was estimated at 935 pairs in 1994 (Stone et al. 1997). Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica The RSPB monitored 114 sites, of which 82 were occupied. Rafts have been put on several lochs to provide nesting sites that are safer from flooding than those on banks and islands. Sites Sites Rafts used/ Young fledged (av. chicks per pair) Year monitored occupied available Rafts Natural Total 1996 120 96 27/45 19 (0.70) 28 (0.41) 47 (0.49) 1997 98 82 32/41 17 (0.53) 12 (0.10) 29 (0.35) 1998 114 82 38/45 19 (0.50) 12 (0.28) 31 (0.38) The number of rafts used increased again, but productivity dropped, probably linked to the pro- longed cold, wet weather in May and June. Breeding success at natural sites was even poorer for the same reason, plus persistently high water levels. The following detailed information is included in the totals in the table. British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 361 Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in i998 Scotland, N & W ARGYLL Ten pairs were monitored, of which eight (three natural, five rafts) bred, producing just two young, both at raft sites. TAYSIDE Of four monitored sites, one produced a single young. WESTERN ISLES Two pairs bred at monitored sites, producing three young. The provision of rafts improved chick productivity of the Scottish population by over 40% in the period 1987-97 (Hancock 2000). Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Ten localities in six counties: four or five pairs and five adults in summer plumage. England, SE Two localities: (1) two adults and one juvenile in August, plus sightings of at least two other adults; (2) two adults and one juvenile in August. England, E Two localities: (1) adult from 27th March to 21st August at usual site; (2) summer-plumaged adult (perhaps same bird). England, Central One locality: adult from 5th May to 6th October, calling and holding territory^ England, N Three localities: (1)(2) same adult in summer plumage seen at both, June to August; (3) adult in summer plumage on 24th June, believed to be different bird. Scotland, S One locality: pair on 27th June. Scotland, Mid One locality: pair, copulation and nest-building observed on 6th May, but not seen subsequently'. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 8 6 5 3 9 7 10 6 8 4 10 No. pairs 3 3 2 1 3 0 1 4 2 1 4-5 No. individuals 12 9 3 4 12 7 13 10 10 3 5 A better showing than for a few years. The long-standing pair in South Scotland, which had been attempting to breed almost every year since 1983, failed to put in an appearance. Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus 25 localities: 42 pairs breeding, fledging 16 young. Scotland, Mid and N & W 25 localities: (1><25) total of 42 pairs bred, fledging 16 y'oung; also eight unpaired singles. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 22 39 36 31 34 33 32 31 24 22 25 Confirmed (pairs) 31 70 74 61 72 73 51 58 49 53 42 Possible/ probable (pairs) 6 8 12 13 5 4 8 7 6 3 8 Max. total pairs 37 78 86 74 77 77 59 65 55 56 50 Productivity remained below the long-term average for the second year running. Heavy rain around the time of hatching is thought to have caused several breeding failures. The Panel is grateful to the North of Scotland Regional Office of the RSPB for information on numbers and breeding performance. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis 18 localities in 1 1 counties: 35-48 pairs bred, fledging at least 51 young. England, SW One locality: one pair. AVON One locality: pair bred, two small young in early June, not known if fledged. England, E Seven localities: 2-8 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE One locality: three adults in May. HUNTINGDON & PETERBOROUGH One locality: pair in late May, single in June. LINCiOLNSHlRE 14vo localities: (1) two pairs fledged five young; (2) pair fledged two young. NORTHAMltyONSHIRE Three localities: (1) pair displaying on 30th May; (2) pair in summer 362 British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 Ogilvie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 plumage on 1 4th June; (3) summer-plumaged adult in late April. England, Central Five localities; 3-7 pairs. LEICESTERSHIRE Eour localities: (1) two summer-plumaged adults in May; (2)-(4) single summer-plumaged adults inApril-May. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE One locality: three pairs bred, two successfully, fledging five young. England, N Eour localities: 28-3 1 pairs. CHESHIRE One locality: nine pairs bred successfully, fledging 9-12 young, tenth pair present. GREATER MANCHESTER Two localities: (1) two pairs fledged eight young; (2) two pairs present March to May and July-August. NORTHUMBERLAND One locality: 17 pairs bred, 16 fledging 27 young. Scotland, Mid One locality: one pair. TAYSIDE One locality: at least one pair, incubating in May, success unknown. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 22 19 19 25 29 31 32 30 32 26 18 Confirmed (pairs) 15 25 21 19 26 24 27 30 20 17 35 Possible/ probable (pairs) 20 15 16 34 34 26 54 47 33 29 13 Max. total pairs 35 40 37 53 60 50 81 77 53 46 48 Although the number of localities felt to the lowest since 1986, the number of confirmed breeding pairs was the highest ever recorded, with the two key sites, in Cheshire and in Northumberland, both having an excellent year. Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris 14 localities, of which 12 had a minimum of 13 and a maximum of 18 booming males; at least 17 young fledged from minimum of 13 nests. England, SW Three localities; (1) booming male (intermittent), early March to mid May; (2) booming male late April and in mid May; (3) single seen at intervals through summer. England, SE One locality: booming male until 10th May, one seen until 15th. England, E Six localities: (1) two, possibly three, booming males, six nests hatched 14 young, at least ten fledged (one female double-brooded); (2) two, possibly three, booming males, three nests, at least one young fledged; (3) booming male, two nests each fledged at least one young; (4) booming male, one nest fledged one young; (5) booming male; (6) booming male (intermittent). England, N Four localities: (1) three booming males, one nest fledged three young; (2) booming male; (3) booming male (intermittent); (4) single flushed on 29th March. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. booming localities 14 14 12 13 14 13 16 13 10 10 12 Confirmed nests 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 11 8 15 13 Booming males (min.) nc nc 18 16 18 15 15 19 22 11 13 Booming males (max.) 30 30 20 17 19 17 16 20 22 12 18 A small increase in the number of localities and booming males. At two sites where booming was heard, nesting may have been prevented or ended by flooding. Strict criteria are applied to records of booming males, with records included in the minimum figure of 13 only where (1) sound analysis of the boom showed that the bird was different from those nearby, (2) the booming period overlapped those at nearby sites or (3) booming was heard at the same time as those in nearby territories. In addition, the birds must be heard for at least a week and reported by a reliable observer (e.g. site wardens, county recorders). The additional five booming males heard this year were confirmed but did not meet enough of the above criteria. Totals in the table British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 363 O^ilvie ct al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 since 1990 have been adjusted to take these criteria into account. Research effort sponsored by the RSPB and EN continues. The Panel is grateful to both organ- isations for supplying many of these data. Little Egret Egrettci garzetta Six localities: 14-18 pairs bred. England, SW Five localities; 14-17 pairs. CORNWALL One locality: juvenile in late July prtjbably locally bred. DORSET Two localities: (1)9-11 pairs bred, number of fledged young unknown; (2) pair fledged two or three young. HAMPSHIRE One locality" two pairs bred, one fledging one young. SOMERSET One Breeding has now spread from the original Dorset site where the first pair bred in 1996. There were many other sightings of individuals and small flocks, but these were the only definite breeding or possible breeding records. Eurasian Spoonbill Plataleci leiicorocUci Two localities; 1-2 pairs bred. England, E Scotland, Mid One locality: pair bred and fledged two young. One locality: pair May'-July, seen copulating, no nest built. I bis splendid record is believed to be the first successful breeding in Britain since about 1668. In earlier times, it certainly bred in Norfolk, Suffolk, Middlesex, Sussex and Pembrokeshire. There have been signs of potential breeding in Britain in recent years, mainly in Eastern and Northern England, where nest-building has been reported, presumably by colonists from that part of the Continent adjoining the North Sea. No activity of this kind has previously been reported from Scotland. Whooper Swan Cygniis cygnus 20 localities: 2-9 pairs bred unsuccessfully; at least 14 singles. Scotland, N & W Northern Ireland 19 localities; (1) pair laid two eggs, but none One locality: three pairs and a single; not known hatched; (2) pair built nest, but driven off by Mute whether breeding attemi^ted. Swans C. olor, 0)-(6) single pairs; (7)-( 19) singles. The above are all thought to be of wild origin. Records of escaped birds are now included in the Panel’s report on non-native breeding birds. Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Breeding reports were received as follows: England, SW AVON Up to three males and one female at two localities. SOMERSET Four pairs and two males at four localities. England, SE ESSEX Single summering pairs at five localities. GREATER LONDON Young of captive pair left full- winged. KENT Pair bred at one locality, pair present at second. SUSSEX Single pairs at three localities. England, E NORFOLK Single pairs may have bred at two localities; summering birds at nine more. NORTHAMFFONSHIRE Single pairs may have bred at three localities; summering birds at two more. England, Central LEICESTERSHIRE Summering pairs or birds at three localities. NOTl’lNCiHAMSHIRE Summering pairs, including display, or birds at four localities. WARWICKSHIRE Summering pairs or birds at three localities. England, N (IHESLIIRE Summering birds at three localities. NORTHUMBERIAND Nine broods seen at three localities. Scotland, Mid ABERDEENSHIRE Six pairs at two localities; two bred. FIFE Single summering pairs at two localities. locality: two pairs bred, fledged four or five young. England, Central One locality : 0-1 pair. NORTHAMIM'ONSHIRE One locality: adult in summer plumage during 23rd June to l"’th August, seen carry ing sticks and displaying to two Mute Swans Cygnus olor. 364 British Birds 93; 358-393, August 2000 Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Scotland, N & W ARG\ LL Pairs bred at two localities; present at third. HIGHLAND Pair bred at one locality. ORKNEY Seven pairs bred at four localities; 23 pairs suspected of breeding at five more. SHETLAND Single pairs at three localities. WESTERN ISLES Five pairs bred at three localities. The number of pairs represented above remains at the level of around 100 reported in the pre- vious two years, though with more reports from England and fewer from Scotland. The most recent estimate of the British population is 300-500 pairs (Gibbons et al. 1993). Gadwall Anas strepera Breeding reports were received as follows: England, SW AVON Seven pairs at two localities. DEVON Two pairs bred at one localip^ DORSET Lip to ten pairs. GLOUCESTERSHIRE 30-40 pairs at and around Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre at Slimbridge. HAMPSHIRE At least 33 pairs. SOMERSET 56 pairs. WILTSHIRE Six broods at two localities. England, SE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 15 pairs. ESSEX 68-70 pairs with broods at three localities. GREATER LONDON Number of young left full- winged at one locality, from captive stock. HERTFORDSHIRE 1 1 broods at four localities. KENT 66 pairs, increasing. MIDDLESEX Pair bred at one locality, present at second. OXFORDSHIRE Ten pairs. SURREY Pairs present at ten localities. SUSSEX Present at eight localities. England, E CAMBRIDGESHIRE 30 pairs at one locality, 23 at second, only two broods seen. HUNTINGDON & PETERBOROUGH 17 pairs. LINCOLNSHIRE Four pairs. NORFOLK 115 pairs at 25 localities, but county total probably 150-1- pairs. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Nine pairs raised young at five localities; pairs present at ten more. SUFFOLK 63 pairs at main localities only. England, Central DERBYSHIRE At least ten pairs. LEICESTERSHIRE Five pairs bred at three localities; pairs at seven others. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE 28 pairs at three localities. STAFFORDSHIRE 14 pairs fledged \2~' young at one locality. WARWICKSHIRE At least 1 3 pairs. WORCESTERSHIRE Two pairs. England, N CHESHIRE 1 8 broods at one locality; single broods at two more. CLEVELAND Single pairs bred at three localities. GREATER MANCHESTER Eight broods at three localities. LANCASHIRE Seven pairs bred at five localities. NORTHUMBERLAND Seven pairs bred at four localities. Wales ANGLESEY At least one pair bred. BRECON Pair in April. CARMARTHEN Five pairs at two localities. Scotland, S DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY Single males at two localities. Scotland, Mid FIFE Pair bred. STIRLING Three pairs at one locality'. ABERDEENSHIRE Three pairs at one locality. TAYSIDE Male in early May. Scotland, N & W SUTHERLAND Pair bred. ORKNEY About 15 pairs, with five broods at two localities, pairs at four more. WESTERN ISLES Pair bred. This was the best year yet of reporting of this species, the above records totalling nearly 800 pairs, compared with 500-550 in 1996 and 1997. The 27 pairs reported from Scotland compares with eight in 1996 and six in 1997. The most recent estimate of the British population is about 770 pairs (Gibbons et al. 1993). Northern Pintail Anas acuta 28 localities: 13-50 pairs breeding. England, SW One locality: 0-1 pair. AVON One locality: pair in late May and early June, no breeding evidence. England, SE Nine localities: 0-12 pairs. ESSEX One locality: pair displaying in early spring. GREATER LONDON One locality: pair from March. KENT Four localities: (1) male and two females in May-June;(2) pair in June; (3)(4) single females in June or July. OXFORI4SHIRE One locality; pair summered. SURREY Two localities: (1) up to three pairs in June; (2) pair in May. England, E One locality: 0-1 pair. CAMBRIDGESHIRE One locality': male until June. England, Central Two localities: 0-2 pairs. LEICESTERSHIRE One locality; pair in early May. WARWICKSHIRE One locality'; pair April-June, male seen later than female. England, N Four localities: 0-12 pairs. CHESHIRE Three localities: (1) six pairs and three males in early May, some display, but no proof of breeding; (2) pair in May; (3) male in June. CUMBRIA One locality: pair in late April. British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 365 OgiU'ie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Scotland, N & W localities: (1) six pairs bred; (2) four pairs bred, fifth 1 1 localities: 13-22 pairs. INVERNESS One localit}': pair present; (3) two pairs bred; (4) two pairs; (5>(9) pair March-May, breeding suspected. ORKNEY Nine single pairs. WESTERN ISLES One locality, pair bred. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 20 16 20 28 23 23 49 25 33 22 28 Confirmed (pairs) 14 11 9 4 13 4 20 11 8 5 13 Possible/ probable (pairs) 15 28 27 39 35 43 56 34 45 28 37 Max. total pairs 29 38 36 43 48 47 76 45 53 33 50 A good year after the previous year’s disappointing reports. Orkney always dominates the total; there was no full survey there, but the nine localities monitored held 12 confirmed breeding pairs and eight possibles, compared with three and ten, respectively, in 1997. Garganey Anas querqueclulci 86 localities: 22-144 pairs breeding. England, SW Six localities: 3-14 pairs. AVON One locality: male in May. DEVON One locality: pair bred, SOMERSET Four localities: (1) pair bred, five other pairs including display; (2) pair bred, and two males; (3) pair and male; (4) pair. England, SE 24 localities: 6-40 pairs. BERKSHIRE One locality: male in May and June. ESSEX Five localities: ( 1 ) pair bred; (2)-(4) single pairs; (5) two singles in June. KENT 1 1 localities: ( 1 ) three pairs believed to have bred; (2)(3) single pairs bred, probably unsuccessfully; (4) two pairs in May; (5) pair and four males; (6) pair and two males; (7) pair to late May, male into June; (8)(9) single pairs in June; (10) up to four males in May; (11) single in mid June. MIDDLESEX Two localities: (1)(2) singles in May and June. SURREY One locality: pair and single from April to July. SUSSEX Four localities: ( 1 )(2) two pairs at each; (3) pair; (4) single. England, E 22 localities: 11-43 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE Three localities: ( 1 ) two broods seen, nine other pairs present; (2) four pairs fledged 24 young, plus three males; (3) pair and single in June. HUNTINGDON & PETERBOROUGH Three localities: (l)-(3) single males in late May and June. LINCOLNSHIRE Two localities: (1) pair from May to September; (2) female in June. NORFOLK Five localities: (l)-(4) single pairs bred: (5) pair and male. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Six localities: ( 1 ) two pairs in March-April; (2) pair and single; (3)(4) single pairs; (5)(6) singles. SUFFOLK Three localities: (1) pair bred; (2) two pairs; (3) pair. England, Central Three localities: 0-8 pairs. DERBYSHIRE One locality: pair and male. LEICESTERSHIRE One locality: three pairs and two males, display and mating seen. WARWICKSHIRE One locality: male in late May and June. England, N 12 localities: 33-50 pairs. CHESHIRE Seven localities: ( 1 ) pair may have bred unsuccessfully; (2)-(4) single pairs; (5) two males; (6)(7) single males. CLEVELAND One locality: pair bred. GREATER MANCHESTER One locality: three singles. lANf^ASHIRE Three localities: (1) two pairs; (2) pair; (3) three males in June. Wales 12 localities: 0-12 pairs. CEREDIGION One locality: pair. OTHER WELSH COUNTIES II localities: (1)- (11) singles. Scotland, S Three localities: 0-3 pairs. DUMFRIES & (iALLOWA4' One locality: pair in April, male in May. LOTHIAN One locality: pair, AYRSHIRE One locality: male. Scotland, Mid Three localities: 0-3 pairs. ABERDEENSHIRE One locality: male, FIFE One locality: male.TAYSlDE One locality: male. Scotland, N & W One locality: 1-3 pairs, ORKNEY One locality: pair bred, two other pairs. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1 996 1997 1998 No. localities 37 81 87 90 90 73 65 80 60 85 86 (ionfirmed (pairs) 1 1 18 14 12 16 14 13 9 15 10 22 Possible/ probable (pairs) 40 80 97 82 144 149 98 108 63 1 19 122 Max. total pairs 51 98 1 1 1 94 160 163 1 1 1 1 17 78 129 144 A bcttcr-than-avcragc year, though fewer than usual reached as far nortli as Seotland. 366 iiritisb Birds 93: .358-393, August 2000 Ogilvie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Common Pochard Aythya ferina At least 96 localities or areas (unspecified for some counties): 386-444 pairs breeding. England, SW Ten localities: 12-18 pairs. AVON One locality: seven pairs bred. HAMPSHIRE Four pairs bred; has declined. SOMERSET Five localities: pair bred, plus six pairs. England, SE Minimum 24 localities: 220-236 pairs. BERKSHIRE Two localities: pair bred, plus two pairs. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE One locality: two pairs bred. ESSEX 52 pairs bred, plus ten pairs. HERTFORDSHIRE One locality: two pairs bred. MIDDLESEX/INNER LONDON Six localities: 35 pairs bred. KENT 117 pairs bred. OXFORDSHIRE Two localities: three pairs bred. SURREY Seven localities: five pairs bred, plus four pairs. SUSSEX Three localities: three pairs bred. England, E At least ten localities: 82-84 pairs. HUNTINGDON & PETERBOROUGH One locality: pair bred. LINCOLNSHIRE 36 broods at five localities. NORFOLK 44 pairs bred (incomplete, county total about 100 pairs). NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Three localities: pair bred, plus two pairs. England, Central 29 localities: 7-34 pairs. DERBYSHIRE Six localities: six pairs. LEICESTERSHIRE Ten localities: ten pairs. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Four localities: four pairs bred, plus one pair. SHROPSHIRE One locality: one pair. STAFFORDSHIRE One locality: pair bred. WARWICKSHIRE Five localities: pair bred, plus eight pairs. WEST MIDLANDS One locality: pair bred. WORCESTERSHIRE One locality: single summering. England, N 15 localities: 36 pairs. CHESHIRE Five localities: 12 pairs bred. CLEVELAND One locality: four pairs bred. CUMBRIA One locality: pair bred. GREATER MANCHESTER Two localities: three pairs bred. LANCASHIRE Three localities: 1 1 pairs bred. NORTHUMBERLAND Three localities: five pairs bred. Wales Four localities: 29-30 pairs. ANGLESEY One locality: one pair. CARMARTHEN Two localities: 26 pairs bred. GLAMORGAN One locality: three pairs bred. Scotland, Mid Four localities: 0-6 pairs. FIFE Three localities: three pairs. TAYSIDE One locality: three pairs. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 138 116 133 I6l 145 117 158 142 98-1- 96-f 96-1- Confirmed (pairs) 185 260 207 284 266 237 347 309 269 246 386 Possible/ 162 76 86 144 292 179 291 185 100 134 58 probable (pairs) Max. total pairs 347 336 293 428 558 416 638 494 369 380 444 This is the best year since this species was transferred to the Less Scarce Species list and full details were no longer requested. It is to be hoped that reporting continues to improve. Common Scoter Melanitta nigra 16 localities: 6-41 pairs. Scotland, S eight pairs. HIGHLAND Nine localities: ( l)-(9) three One locality: prospecting pair in late May. pairs bred, plus 22 pairs. Scotland, Mid Northern Ireland Two localities: (1)(2) two pairs bred, plus male and One locality: two males, female. Scotland, N & W ARGYLL Three localities: (l)-(3) pair bred, plus 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 36 7 9 14 32 38 47 61 10 8 16 Confirmed (pairs) 14 8 6 9 9 16 5 nc 11 2 6 Possible/ 76 32 23 21 62 72 79 76-89 32 33 35 probable (pairs) Max. total pairs 90 40 29 30 71 88 84 89 43 35 41 A few important localities are being covered annually, but most of the range will be surveyed only at intervals. The last full census was in 1995 (Underhill et al. 1998). British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 367 Ogilrie ct al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Common Goldene^^e Encephala clangula Breeding occurs predominantly in two nestbox schemes in Scotland for which only sample data are available, so there is no longer an estimate of the total number of breeding pairs. No breeding occurred away from the core range. England, E Six localities: 0-8 pairs. HUNTINGDON & PETERBOROUGH Two localities: (1) two males summered, female from August. NORTHAMPTON- SHIRE Eour localities: (1)(2) single males summered; (3)(4) single females summered. England, Central Three localities: ( 1 >(3) 0-3 pairs. LEICESTERSHIRE One locality: single summered. NOTTINGHAM- SHIRE Two localities: (1)(2) single females summered. England, N Two localities: 0-2 pairs. CHESHIRE Two localities: (1) male summered; (2) female from May to early June. Scotland, Mid Three localities: 0-7 pairs. TAYSIDE Three localities: (1) pair in May, plus male; (2) three females summered; (3) two birtls summered. Scotland, N & W About 124 pairs. HIGHLAND Two localities: (1) RSPB Abernethy Reserve: only 12 pairs nested in boxes (23 in 1997) and raised total of 39 young (81 in 1997); (2) RSPB Insh Marshes Reserve. 52 pairs bred, 47 in boxes, five in natural sites, 30 successful, hatching 267 young, fledging success unknown. An estimated 60 pairs bred elsewhere in the region. The results from Highland Region refer to onh' a sample of the many boxes available to the species. Elsewhere, no successful breeding was reported, though the number summering in England continues to increase slowly. European Honey-buzzarcJ Pern is api varus 32 localities in 16 counties: l"^ pairs breeding; minimum of 12 young reared. Great Britain 32 localities: (1) pair fledged two young; (2) pair fledged one young, second male in July; (3)-(ll) single pairs each fledged one young; (12) pair bred and thought to have fledged one young; (13) pair bred, but failed; (14) pair bred, result unknown; second female present; (16) two pairs almost certainly bred; (17) pair plus female all summer; (18) pair plus single all summer; (19)-(26) single pairs; (27) adult male, plus immature male and female; (28) one, possibly two, birds in August; (29)- (32) singles. (15) pair built nest and male seen carrying food. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 199'" 1998 Confirmed (pairs) 1 2 3 2 8 6 9 9 14 14 17 Max. total pairs 10 20 19 22 26 27 28 30 34 39 37 Although conclusive proof of breeding was lacking at two nests, the total represents a further satisfactory increase in the number of pairs, though the number of young known to have fledged is well down on last year’s 18. As Roberts et al. (1999) suggested, the true population of this species in Britain is probably over 50 pairs. A census, organised by the Panel, is taking place in 2000. Red Kite Milviis milviis 200 pairs in Wales reared 174 young, and at least 100 breeding pairs from released stock in England and Scotland reared 195 young. Wales 167 pains were proved to breed, of which 1 10 were successful, rearing 171 young. All these totals are the highest in the twentieth century, while it is particularly welcome that the fledging success was equal to the highest recorded, after some poor years. As usual, nest failures could in most ca.ses be attributed to bad weather, especial!) heavy rain, though it is known that at least three ne.sts were robbed by egg-collectors. In addition to the breeding pairs, there were 33 non-breeding pairs and 132 unmated singles were counted during the spring. The total population stood at 536 in April and 700 in Augiust. 368 iiritisb Birds 93: .358-393, August 2()()() Ogilvie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 The known breeding range changed very little this year, with most of the increase occurring through infilling. More and more non-breeding birds are, however, living in peripheral areas, and further range expansion is likely. Wales 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Total pairs 68 71 84 92 101 115 138 146 l6l 180 200 Breeding pairs 49 54 65 76 84 104 111 127 130 152 167 Successful pairs 27 33 47 41 60 61 70 79 90 99 112 Young reared 38 49 73 62 96 82 99 117 119 129 174 Young/territorial pair 0.6 0.7 0.9 0.7 1.0 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.9 The Panel wishes to thank Peter Davis and the Welsh Kite Trust for the above information. England A total of 78 pairs of the re-established population was located at or around the release site in the Chilterns; of these, 71 pairs bred, 65 successfully fledging 143 young. In the East Midlands release area, five pairs bred, but only two were successful. fledging three young between them. Four more pairs built nests, but did not lay. A further 21 individuals were released at this site. An un tagged pair, perhaps of Continental origin, bred for the third year, but failed. England 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Total territorial pairs 2 7 12 22 26 nc 61 87 Breeding pairs 2 4 9 20 24 37-1- 57 76 Successful pairs 0 4 8 17 22 nc 50 67 Young reared 0 9 14 37 55 80 111 146 Young/territorial pair - 1.3 1.2 1.7 2.1 - 1.8 1.7 Scotland site, with two pairs breeding. )oth successfully. A total of 28 pairs was located in the area of the rearing three young between them. One of these North of Scotland release site; of these, 23 laid and pairs comprised a male reared in the North of 20 of them fledged 44 young. In addition, the first Scotland area in 1996 paired to a female released in breeding took place at the Central Scotland release Central Scotland the same year. Scotland 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Total territorial pairs 2 8 11 17 22 27 30 Breeding pairs 1 5 8 15 17 23 25 Successful pairs 1 3 6 11 16 19 22 Young reared 1 7 13 26 39 39 47 Young/territorial pair 2.0 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 1.4 1.6 The Panel is grateful to Ian Carter of English Nature and Colin Crooke of the RSPB for the above information. Note that, in previous reports, breeding success has been expressed as young per successful pair. This has been changed in the tables above to young per territorial pair, which we consider to be a better measure of the average output of the breeding pairs in the population. White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus alhicilla Re-establishment . Scotland A total of 18 pairs or trios of territory-holding birds laid an estimated 16-17 clutches. Nine of these were known to have hatched and at least one young fledged from each of the nine nests, to produce a total of 13 fledged. This is the most successful breeding result since the re- establishment began back in 1975, and might have been even better had not two nests been robbed by egg-collectors. The year 1998 was the last in the current chick-release programme: a further 12 birds were brought from Norway and all were successfully released. British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 369 Ogilvie et al.. Rare breecihig birds in the UK in 1998 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Breeding pairs/trios 6 6 9 8 9 6 8 9 12 11 18 (min) Successful pairs 1 3 2 4 4 4 4 5 7 5 9 Young reared 2 5 2 7 7 5 5 /' 9 9 13 Young/territorial pair 0.3 0.8 0.2 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.7 By far the most successful year to date, though the threat from egg-collectors continues. The Panel is grateful to Colin Crooke and the Sea Eagle Project Team for providing it with informa- tion.The Project is supported jointly by the JNCC, SNH and the RSPB. Note that breeding success is expressed as young per territorial pair (see under Red Kite Milvus milvus). Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 1 37 pairs bred, rearing at least 292 young. England, SW Two localities: three pairs. SOMERSET Two localities: (1) one male and two females fledged five young; (2) pair (including male from locality 1) fledged four young. England, SE Seven localities or areas: 30-33 pairs. KENT Six localities: (1) 24 females nested, of which 14 successful, fledging 42 young; (2) three pairs fledged 12 young; (3) pair fledged four young; (4)(5) single pairs each fledged two young; (6) single female. SUSSEX One locality: male and two females during summer, no breeding evidence. England, E 28 localities or areas: 92-98 pairs bred. CAMBRIDGESHIRE Three localities: (1) pair fledged two young, second pair probably bred; (2) pair fledged two young, second pair present; (3) two pairs bred unsuccessfully. LINCOLNSHIRE Two localities: (1) two pairs fledged four young; (2) pair fledged four young. NOREOLK Up to 16 localities 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Breeding males 42 58 73 83 92 84 114 151 135 131 137 Breeding females 56 66 110 91 107 no 129 156 136 132 138 Young 145 172 145 198 229 244 255 277 263 206 292 Although the number of breeding birds was higher than in the last two years, it was still lower than that recorded in the record year of 1995. This may not represent the true picture, however, since information from Lincolnshire is known to be incomplete, and keeping track of all breeding attempts in some other counties is becoming increasingly difficult. On the other hand, the count of young fledged was the highest ever. Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus The following summary information has been received. For each area, it is based on a non- randomised sample rather than a complete survey. or areas: 61 pairs fledged at least 121 young. SLIFEOLK Seven localities: (1) nine pairs fledged 21 young; (2) eight pairs fledged 25 young; (3) four pairs fledged 12 young; (4) four pairs fledged 12 young; (5) pair fledged two young; (6) pair bred, but failed; (7) pair probably bred. England, N Four localities: 6-10 pairs bred. LANCASHIRE Two localities: (1) three pairs fledged ten young; (2) two immatures summered. YORKSHIRE Two localities: (1) two pairs bred, no details; (2) pair bred, no details. Wales One locality: 0-1 pair. ANGLESEY One locality: male displaying during May-July. Scotland, Mid Four localities: 3-5 pairs. ABERDEENSHIRE One locality: two males and two females in May. TAYSIDE Three localities: (l)-(3) single pairs bred, fledging total of six young. 370 British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 Ogilvie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Area Occupied territories Territories known to have fledged young Min. no. young fledged Min. young/ territorial pair England, N (all counties) 20 9 28 1.4 Wales 28 20 12 3.0 ' Borders & Lothian 8 4 9 1.1 Dumfries & Galloway 34 20 63 1.9 South Strathclyde 44 13-14 46 1.0 Stirling 4 1 0 - Angus 2 1 2 1.0 Perthshire 42 17 61 1.5 Northeast Scotland 19 6 19 1.0 Moray & Nairn 16 8 25 1.6 Argyll & Bute 27 18 52 1.9 Highland 23 9 27 1.2 Orkney 46 9 20 0.4 Western Isles 16 5 3 3.02 TOTALS 329 140-141 367 1.2 ' brood size known for only four nests, area omitted from total calculation of young/territorial pair. ^ brood size known for only one nest, area omitted from total calculation of young/territorial pair. The figures above represent a significant increase in the number of occupied territories moni- tored, up from 229 in 1996 and 220 in 1997, though the number of young fledged is little changed, thanks to a very poor summer with much heavy rain at critical times. The reason why the monitoring improved was that a national census was carried out in 1998, the results of which will be published in Bird Study later this year. The total of territorial pairs estimated from the census was 570 (range 499-640), little changed from the previous census in 1988. The Panel is grateful to the Scottish, Welsh and Cumbrian Raptor Study Groups, as well as many individuals, for the above information. Note that breeding success is expressed in young/territorial pair (see under Red BCite Milvus milvus). Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus 1 1 localities: 3-14 pairs reared eight young. England, SW Eight localities: (1) pair fledged four young; (2) pair laid, but nest destroyed by predator; (3)(4) pairs seen; (5)-(7) single males seen; (8) female seen. England, SE Two localities: (1)(2) single males seen. England, E One locality: four males and three females present, but only one pair bred, fledging four young. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 14 15 9 14 12 8 15 14 16 13 11 Breeding males 5 4 8 5 7 5 7 8 6 7 3 Other males 4 5 4 3 2 2 9 8 8 6 10 Breeding females 6 6 11 7 8 6 12 9 7 9 3 Other females 4 7 2 6 4 1 11 4 7 3 5 Young 17 14 20 14 12 9 13 26 14 11 8 An even worse year than 1997, with bad weather at critical periods in the breeding cycle again to blame. The number of young fledged is the lowest since 1985, when similarly it is thought that just three pairs bred. British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 371 Ogih’ie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis At least 255 localities or areas: 179-249 pairs breeding. England 132 localities in 26 counties; 73 pairs known to have bred, plus 55 other pairs. Wales Over 39 localities in six counties: 39 pairs known to have bred. Scotland localities in six recording areas: b"' pairs known to have bred, plus 1 5 other pairs. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 lOO” 1998 No. counties 31 23 30 36 34 35 33 38 33 41 38 Confirmed (pairs) 108 112 93 158 150 199 145 249 160 247 n9 Possible/ probable (pairs) 68 54 79 ’1 93 100 80 70 53 100 70 Max. total pairs 176 166 229 243 299 225 319 213 347 249 Records received from Wales were much less complete than in 1997, when 92 pairs were known to have bred. Although the number of localities with birds in England was substantially up on last year, when there were reports from 85, the number of pairs known to have bred was ten fewer. Some observers are still w ithholding information because of the risk of persecution of the birds. We do, however, urge that all information should be deposited with the Panel to assist the conservation of this species, not least by having available more-complete data on the scale of persecution. Golden Eagle Aquilci chrysaetos The following summary information has been received. For each area other than Northern England, it is basetl on a non-randomised sample rather than a complete census. Area Occupied territories Territories known to have fledged young Min. no. young fledged Min. young/ territorial pair England, N 2 0 0 Dumfries & (ialloway 2 1 1 0.5 Borders 1 0 0 Central Scotland 7 5 5 0,^ Tayside 22 9 13 0.6 Northeast Scotland 15 10 14-16 0.9- 1.1 Argyll 54 22 27 0.5 Highland 92 43 55 0.6 Western Isles 18 7 9 0.5 TOTALS 213 97 124-126 0.6 Breeding success was slightly better almost everywhere than it was in 1997, when 95 pairs fledged 1 13 young (1.2/successful pair). Two pairs laid in northern England, but neither hatched their single egg. The Panel is grateful to the Scottish and Cumbrian Raptor Study Groups for much of the above information. Note that breeding success is expressed as young/territorial pair (see under Red Kite Milvus milvus). 372 British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 Ogi/l’ie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Osprey Pandion haliaetus 131 pairs; 117 pairs laid eggs, rearing 194 young. England, SW SOMERSET One locality: single summered for the fourth successive year. England, Central RUTLAND: 12 more young were translocated from Scotland to Rutland Water, all of which fledged and left the area. A pair was present in mid April, and some display was seen. Scotland, S BORDERS One locality: pair bred, fledging one young. LOTHIAN One locality: one summered for the second successive year. Scotland, Mid and N & W A total of 130 occupied nests was found. Eggs were laid in II6 nests, of which 103 clutches hatched, and 193 young were reared from 92 nests. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Pairs with nests 53 58 62 73 76 88 95 99 104 111 131 Pairs with eggs 49 51 56 64 63 78 83 92 93 102 117 Successful pairs 38 38 44 44 47 56 69 73 74 77 93 Young reared 81 81 90 82 103 111 146 146 155 159 194 Young/territorial pair 1.5 1.4 1.5 1.1 1.4 1.3 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.5 Once again, records were broken in every way. Had the weather not been poor, with a severe storm in late May, followed by cold winds and gales when the chicks were newly hatched, the breeding success might have been even better. The successful breeding by a pair in southern Scotland is a welcome sign of natural range expansion. Among the nest failures, three clutches are known to have been taken by egg-collectors, and at least two clutches were destroyed when nests were blown out of trees by high winds. The Panel is grateful for the information supplied to it by Roy Dennis, Colin Crooke and the Osprey Study Group. Note that breeding success is expressed as young/territorial pair (see under Red Kite Milvus milvus'). Merlin Falco columbarius The following summary information has been received. For each area, it is based on a non- randomised sample rather than a complete census. Area Occupied Territories known to Min. no. Min. young/ territories have fledged young young fledged territorial pair England, SW 1 No data No data England, Central 25 11 32 1.3 England, N 200 133 442-445 2.2 Wales 30 16 12' - Borders & Lothian 29 10 36 1.2 Dumfries & (ialloway 18 6 17 0.9 South Strathclyde 17 6 11' - Angus 12 9 26 2.2 Stirling 1 0 0 - Perthshire 22 12 40 1.8 Northeast Scotland 40 27 93 2.3 Argyll & Bute 5 2 7 1.4 Highland 29 15 43 1.5 Orkney 20 9 32 1.6 Shetland 17 15 36' - Western Isles 12 3 3' - TOTALS 478 274 830-833 1.9 ' Number of young fledged known to be incomplete; these areas omitted from total calculation of young/territorial pair. British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 373 Ogilvie ct al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 On the whole, quite a successful year, in terms of both the number of pairs monitored and their productivity. The number of occupied territories monitored was up from the 448 of 1997, when the number of successful pairs was 241 and total breeding success 1.6 young/territorial pair. The Panel is grateful to the Cumbria and Scottish Raptor Study Groups and mam’ individuals for the information included in the table. The most recent estimate of the British population is 1,300 (1,100-1,500) pairs in 1993-94 (Rebecca & Bainbridge 1998). Note that breeding success is expressed as young/territorial pair (see under Red Kite Milvus inilrus). Hobby Falco subbuteo Minimum of 161-675 pairs breeding. England, SW 44-153 pairs. AVON 3-13 pairs. CORNWALL 1-3 pairs. DEVON 16-1^ pairs. DORSET 0-20 pairs. HAMPSHIRE 16-55 pairs. SOMERSET 2-19 pairs. WILTSHIRE 6-26 pairs. England, SE 43-311 pairs. BEDFORDSHIRE 0-2 pairs. BERK- SHIRE 9-12 pairs. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 5-13 pairs. ESSEX 8-50-1- pairs. INNER LONDON 1-4 pairs. HERTFORDSHIRE 0-2 pairs. KENT lOO-t- pairs. OXFORDSHIRE 1-15 pairs. SURREY 11-47 pairs. SUSSEX 8-66 pairs. England, E 29-87 pairs. fiAMBRIDGESHIRE 0-15 pairs. HUNTINGDON & PETERBOROUGH 2-14 pairs. LINCOLNSHIRE 0-3 pairs. NORFOLK 7-12 pairs. NORTLIAMPTONSHIRE 16-31 pairs. SUFFOLK 4-12 pairs. England, Central 37-104 pairs. DERBYSHIRE 20-28 pairs. LEICESTER- SHIRE 3-24 pairs. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE 3-7 pairs. SHROPSHIRE 2-7 pairs. STAFFORDSHIRE Two pairs. WARWICKSHIRE 4-20-1- pairs. WORCESTER- SHIRE 0-12 pairs. WEST MIDLANDS 3-4 pairs. England, N 8-12 pairs. CHESHIRE Three pairs, LANCASHIRE 0-1 pair. NORTHUMBERLAND Two pairs. YORKSHIRE 3-6 pairs. Wales 0-7 pairs. BRECON 0-6 pairs. MONTGOMERY 0-1 pair. Scotland, N & W 0-1 pair. INVERNESS 0-1 pair. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Confirmed (pairs) 103 140 154 159 255 152 170 161 190 167 161 Possible/ probable (pairs) 226 250 287 .310 327 .341 3.30 269 264 457 514 Max. total pairs 329 390 441 469 582 493 500 430 454 624 675 A further rise in the total pairs, even though there is increasing difficulty in some areas in deciding how the many sightings sent by observers relate to actual breeding. The slow spread northwards continues. The decline in Wales is thought to reflect a paucity of submitted records rather than a genuine decrease in the number of pairs present. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus The following summary information has been received. For each area, it is based on a non- randomised sample rather than a complete census. Area Occupied territories Territories known to have fledged young Min. no. young fledged Min. young/ territorial pair England, SW 92 49 81 0,9 England, SE 18 6 19 1.1 England, E 1 0 0 - England, (ientral 21 1 1 24 1.1 England, N 181 104 254 1.4 Wales 1 19 102 106' - Borders & Lotliian 39 .30 93 2.4 Dumfries & Galloway 95 65 141 1.5 374 liritish Birds 9.3:358-393, August 2000 Ogilvie el al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 South Strathclyde 19 12 32 1.7 Angus 25 21 28 1.1 Central 26 19 39 1.5 Fife 10 10 8‘ - Perthshire 43 25 53 1.2 Northeast Scotland 72 25 49 0.7 Ai-gyll & Bute 32 14 33 1.0 Highland 34 20 35 1.0 Orkney 16 5 10 0.6 Shetland 1 1 2 2.0 Western Isles 14 6 16 1.1 TOTALS 858 525 1,023 1.2 ‘ Number of young fledged known to be very incomplete; these of young/territorial pair. areas omitted from total calculation There has been a further increase in all the totals compared with 1997, when 829 occupied ter- ritories had 453 pairs known to have fledged 949 young. It should be noted that, in addition to the two areas for which fledging success is known to have been incomplete, the data for other areas are usually minima. The Panel is grateful to the Scottish Raptor Study Groups for most of the Scottish informa- tion. The most recent estimate of the United Kingdom Peregrine population is 1,263 pairs in 1991 (Crick & Ratcliffe 1995). Note that breeding success is expressed as young/territorial pair (see under Red Kite Mil v us niilvus). Common Quail Coturnix coturnix 5-528 pairs breeding. England, SW 3-156 pairs. CORNWALL Two singing males. DEVON Two singing males. DORSET 13 singing males. GLOUCESTERSHIRE 20 singing males. HAMPSHIRE 22 singing males. SOMERSET Two pairs bred and 15 singing males. WILTSHIRE One pair bred and 79 singing males. England, SE 0-70 pairs. BERKSHIRE Four singing males. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Three singing males. ESSEX Nine singing males. HERTFORDSHIRE One singing male. KENT 16 singing males. OXFORDSHIRE 18 singing males. SUSSEX 19 singing males. England, E 0-123 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE Eight singing males. HUNTINGDON & PETERBOROUGH Five singing males. LINCOLNSHIRE 11 singing males. NORFOLK 71 singing males. NORTHAMPTON- SHIRE 12 singing males. SUFFOLK 16 singing males. England, Central 0-70 pairs. LEICESTERSHIRE 13 singing males. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE 20 singing males. SHROPSHIRE 16 singing males. STAFFORDSHIRE 11 singing males. WARWICKSHIRE Six singing males. WEST MIDLANDS One singing male. WORCESTERSHIRE Three singing males. England, N 0-42 pairs. CHESHIRE Seven singing males. CUMBRIA One singing male. LANCASHIRE 16 singing males. NORTHLIMBERLAND l6 singing males. Wales 0-25 pairs. BRECON Two singing males. CAERNARFON One singing male. CARMARTHEN Five singing males. CEREDIGION Eight singing males. GLAMORGAN One singing male. MEIRIONNYDD Three singing males. PEMBROKE Five singing males. Scotland, S 0-1 1 pairs. A3TISHIRE One singing male. DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY Four singing males. LOTHIAN Six singing males. Scotland, Mid 0-9 pairs. ABERDEENSHIRE Four singing males. FIFE Five singing males. Scotland, N & W 2-22 pairs. ARGYLL Three singing males. HIGHLAND Two pairs bred and six singing males. ORKNEY Seven singing males. SHETLAND Two singing males. WESTERN ISLES Two singing males. Isle of Man Two singing males. British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 375 Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Confirmed (pairs) 5 27 13 2 9 1 8 15 5 4 5 Possible/ probable (pairs) 158 1,628 364 105 481 202 604 500 330 863 523 Max. total pairs 163 1,655 377 107 490 203 612 515 335 867 528 A less good year than 1998, with many fewer in the north of England and also in Scotland, where there were 42 in 1998 compared with 120 in 1997. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana 16 localities: 0-34 pairs breeding. England, SW Two localities: 0-2 pairs. SOMERSET Two localities: (1) singing male, second bird seen; (2) singing male. England, SE Two localities: 0-2 pairs. OXFORDSHIRE Two localities: (1)(2) single singing males. England, E Four localities: 0-20 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE Three localities: (I) 13 singing males; (2) three singing males; (3) singing male. HUNTINGDON & PETER- BOROUGH One locality: three singing males. England, N One locality: 0-1 pair. NORTHUMBERLAND One locality: singing male. Wales Two localities: 0-2 pairs. ANGLESEY One locality, singing male. CAERNARFON One locality: singing male. Scotland, Mid One locality: 0-1 pair. ABERDEENSHIRE One locality: one singing male. Scotland, N & W Four localities: 0-6 pairs. HIGHLAND One locality: three singing males. ORKNEY One locality: singing male. WESTERN ISLES Two localities: (1)(2) single singing males. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. counties 5 7 6 5 9 12 4 5 5 7 11 No. localities 6 14 14 7 12 19 5 8 8 13 16 No. pairs/singing males 10 21 21 14 14 31 11 10 13 14 31 A good year, with the most localities and birds since 1993. There were higher numbers than in previous years at the main Cambridgeshire site. The results of the 1999 census organised by the RSPB should soon be available. Corn Crake Crex crex 583 pairs or singing males. England, SW Two localities: 0-2 pairs. DORSET Two localities: (1)(2) singing males. England, SE One locality: 0-1 pair. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE One locality: singing male. England, N Four localities: 0-4 pairs. CLEVELAND Two locali- ties: (1)(2) singing males in June. CUMBRIA One locality: singing male in late June and July. NOR- THUMBERLAND One locality: singing male in June. Wales One locality: 0-2 pairs. PEMBROKE Two localities: (1)(2) singing males. Scotland, S One locality: 0-1 pair. AYRSHIRE One locality: singing male in June. Scotland, Mid One locality: 0-1 pair. ABERDEENSHIRE One locality: singing male mid June. Scotland, N & W: Mainland Up to 12 localities: 0-22 pairs. CAITHNESS Up to seven localities: total of nine singing males. ROSS & CROMARTY Two localities: ( 1 ) two singing males; (2) one singing male. SUTHERLAND Tliree localities: (1) 6-8 singing males; (2)(3) single singing males. Scotland, N & W: Hebrides and Orkney 17 localities or areas: 0-546 pairs. Totals of singing males: HICiHIAND - INNER HEBRIDES 14 (Canna 2, Sktye 12), STRATHCLYDE - INNER HEBRIDES 211 (Coll 40,Tiree 136, Mull 2, Iona 12,Treshnish Isles 3, Colonsay & Oronsay 14, Islay 4), ORKNEY 13, WESTERN ISLES 308 (Lewis 77, Harris 3, Berneray 2, North Hist 73, Benbecula 4 1 , South Llist (>5, Barra & Vatersay 47). Scotland, N & W: Shetland I'hree localities: 0-4 pairs. SI IE I'lAND Three locali- ties: (1) two singing males; (2)(3) singing males. 376 British Birds 93: .358-393, August 2000 Ogih’ie et al..- Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 The total of 550 found on all Scottish islands in 1998 was well down on the previous year’s 584, with the main decrease in the Outer Hebrides. The presence of two birds on Canna was a welcome return after several years of absence and a reward for the hard work put into suitable management on the island. A full census was carried out over the whole of Britain, for the first time since 1993 (Green & Gibbons 2000).The presence of birds scattered across the mainland of Scotland and in England was encouraging. The total of 583 compares with only 480 in 1993 and with 574 at the time of the previous survey in 1988. The total in 1978/79 was estimated at 723- The large conservation effort of the last few years can be credited with having reversed a very long-running decline. Common Crane Grus grus One extensive locality. England, E NORFOLK One locality: four pairs nested, one pair fledging one young. The second successive year of successful breeding, following eight years of failure, giving some cause for optimism that this tiny population may increase. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus One locality: single male present. England, E One locality: male present all year. The single bird present atTitchwell, Norfolk, for the last five years stayed on in 1998, too iBrit. Birds 92; 569). Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta At least 48 localities: up to 834 pairs reared a minimum of 536 young. England, SE 24 localities: up to 324 pairs. ESSEX 13 localities: (1) 40 pairs, of which 12 reared 26 young; (2) 30 pairs bred, fledging about 45 young; (3) 21 pairs fledged 17 young from six broods; (4) 19 pairs bred, hatching four young; (5) ten pairs bred, success unknown; (6) eight pairs produced four broods; (7) six pairs bred, no ftirther information; (8) five pairs bred, two fledged eight young; (9) four pairs each fledged two young; (10) two pairs fledged four young; (11) two pairs bred, one fledged three young; (12) two pairs bred, one fledged two young; (13) pair laid four eggs, no further information. KENT Nine localities: (1) 72 pairs fledged 54 young; (2) 30-34 pairs, of which 26 bred, fledging 72 young; (3) 32 pairs, success unknown; (4) 20 pairs bred, fledging 1 3 young; (5) 1 1 pairs bred, success unknown; (6) pair bred unsuccessfully; (7) pair present; (8) pair in June; (9) one or two adults seen irregularly. SUSSEX Two localities: (1)(2) single pairs in May and June. England, E 24 localities: at least 534 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE One locality: three pairs bred, all failed. LINCOLNSHIRE One locality; 12 pairs fledged at least 26 young. NORFOLK 15 localities: (1) 75 pairs fledged 44 young; (2) 40-50 pairs fledged 50 young; (3) 30-34 pairs fledged eight young; (4) 26 pairs fledged 30 young; (5) 21 pairs bred, success unknown; (6) 14 pairs fledged 26 young; (7) 11 pairs bred, success unknown; (8) eight pairs fledged 13 young; (9) seven pairs bred, all failed; (10) seven pairs bred, success unknown; (11) five pairs bred, all failed; (12) of five pairs, four bred, fledging four young; (13) three pairs bred, but all failed; (14) one pair fledged four young; (15) pair bred, but failed. SUFFOLK Seven localities: (1) 140 pairs fledged 47 young; (2) 51 pairs fledged 15 young; (3) 18 pairs bred, all failed; (4) eight pairs fledged six young; (5) six pairs bred, two fledged two young; (6) two pairs bred, no further information; (7) two pairs present. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 27 24 21 21 29 25 29 25 25 35 48 Confirmed (pairs) 389 521 355 448 492 436 623 613 592 654 834 Young reared (min) 136 150 200 305 336 347 181 149 189 238 536 British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 377 Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 A substantial increase has taken place both in the number of breeding pairs and in the number of young produced. Some caution must, however, be attached to the latter figure, because it is not always certain whether the number of young quoted is the number hatched or the number reared to fledging. Just as significant is the considerable increase, for the second year running, in the number of localities where breeding is being attempted. The breeding record from Lincolnshire is the first in the county since 1837 and follows the creation in 1997 of new habitat for the birds. Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Six counties: 215-226 pairs fledged a minimum of 165 young. England, SW 59-66 pairs. HAMPSHIRE 20-22 pairs, of which 20 bred and fledged 1 1 young. WILTSHIRE 39-44 pairs, of which 39 bred and fledged 30 young. England, SE Seven pairs. BERKSHIRE Seven pairs bred, fledging four young. England, E 149-152 pairs. CAMBRIDGESHIRE Single female summered. NORFOLK Brecks: 73 out of 75 pairs bred and fledged 60 young. Elsewhere: four pairs bred and fledged two young. SUFEOLK Brecks: 69 out of 70 pairs bred and fledged 51 young. Elsewhere: three pairs bred and fledged seven young. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Confirmed (pairs) 126 126 139 139 155 146 141 165 174 192 215 Possible/ probable (pairs) 3 17 10 16 4 16 32 9 14 11 11 Max. total pairs 129 143 149 155 159 162 173 174 188 203 226 Min. no. of young fledged 62 79 112 123 111 101 91 164 155 167 165 The population showed a further welcome increase, which occurred in all counties, though was greatest in Norfolk and Suffolk. Fledging success was, however, down. The Panel wishes to thank Dr Rhys Green, RSPB, for his assistance in compiling the data. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius The following summary information has been received. For each area, it is based on a non- randomised sample rather than a complete census. Area Possible/ probable pairs Definite breeding pairs Total pairs England, SW 24 20 44 England, SE 56 66 122 England, E 19 58 77 England, Central 73 66 139 England, N 46 122 168 Wales 4 57 61 Dumfries & Galloway 1 0 1 TOTALS 223 389 612 This is the highest total recorded since the Panel included this species on its list. The most recent estimate of the British population was 825-1,070 pairs in 1991 (Gibbons et al. 1993). 378 British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2()()() Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Outside main Scottish breeding areas: one or two pairs possibly breeding. England, N One area. CUMBRIA One area: pair in May and July and a single at a different site on 12th June, a very late date for a migrant and at a site which has been used for breeding in the past. The Panel seeks records only if away from the main breeding range, which lies north of a line from the Firth of Clyde to the Firth of Tay, and accepts that at least some of the birds on hilltops in southern Scotland and northern England will be on passage. A paper examining the history of breeding by Dotterels in northern England will be published in British Birds shortly. Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii One locality: up to three pairs. Scotland, N & W One locality: a male chasing a female while two other males were displaying was the most seen on any visit; no nest searches were made. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Confirmed (pairs) 2 2 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 0 Possible/ probable (pairs) 1 1 1 3 1 1 2 2 1 2 3 Max. total pairs 3 3 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 3 To avoid unnecessary disturbance, the minimum amount of monitoring of this species is carried out, just enough to establish presence. The number of pairs remains remarkably constant. Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima Two localities: up to three pairs bred. Scotland, N & W Two localities: (1) brood seen, second pair present; (2) adult with at least one young. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 Confirmed (pairs) 2 2 1 3 1 1 4 1 2 3 2 Possible/ probable (pairs) 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Max. total pairs 2 4 1 4 2 1 4 1 2 3 3 As with the preceding species, only minimal monitoring is carried out. The presence at two sites, for the second year running, is encouraging. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Eive localities: two leks reported, but no evidence England, E One locality. CAMBRIDGESHIRE One locality: two males and one female lekking in April. England, N Three localities. CHESHIRE Two localities: (1) 13 birds lekking in April; (2) three males in breeding of breeding. plumage in mid May. LANCASHIRE One locality: three males, in breeding plumage, and one female on 1 St May. Scotland, N & W One locality. HIGHLAND One locality: two females in suitable habitat on 6th May. British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 379 Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 14 15 8 9 21 10 13 7 8 6 5 No. of leks 6 6 1 4 7 7 3 3 3 5 2 Nests/broods 1 1 3 7 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 The fewest localities since 1978. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 13 localities: 38-50 pairs breeding. England, SE Four localities: 5-8 pairs bred. KENT Four localities: (1) four pairs bred, at least one brood of three or four young; (2) pair fledged two young; (3) two pairs displaying and copulating, but no nests found or young seen, flock of up to 50 also present; (3) pair present. SUSSEX Several reports during summer months, but no evidence of breeding. England, E Three localities: 29-32 pairs bred. CAMBRIDGE- SHIRE Two localities: (I) 18 pairs bred, but flooded out; then, after two re-layings, eight pairs with young in June; (2) 1 1 of 13 pairs definitely bred, but all flooded out. NORFOLK One locality: pair holding territory in May, did not breed. England, N One locality: 1-3 pairs bred. LANCASHIRE One locality: pair bred, but robbed by egg-collector, as has happened annually since the early 1990s. Scotland, N & W Five localities: 3-7 pairs bred. LOTHIAN One locality: one present from 22nd April to at least 2nd August. ORKNEY Two localities: (1) pair bred; (2) pair present in May. SHETLAND Two localities: (1) two pairs bred, each fledging one young; (2) two pairs on territory, but abandoned early in season. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 17 14 16 18 24 16 22 15 12 11 13 Confirmed (pairs) 36 34 33 28 20 28 20 28 34 42 38 Possible/ probable (pairs) 28 22 33 25 38 5 16 •7 7 5 12 Max. total pairs 64 56 66 53 58 33 36 35 41 47 50 A slight recovery in the number of localities, but a fall in the number of confirmed pairs after last year’s increase. Only seven young were definitely reared, compared with 26 in 1997 and 16 in 1996. Whimbrd Nurneniiis phaeopus Away from Orkney and Shetland: one pair possibly bred. Scotland, N & W HIGHLAND One locality: an apparently territory-holding bird may have been breeding. Greenshank Tringa nehularia The following limited information was received: Scotland, Mid CAITHNESS & SUTHERIAND 1 1 pairs reported TAYSIDE One locality: agitated pair in early July from 1 1 localities. SHETLAND Two territory- probably bred. holding pairs reported. Scotland, N & W ARGYLL Single calling birds at three localities. The above bears no relationship to the actual population (estimated at 1,100-1,600 pairs: Gibbons et al. 1993). More records would be welcome, perhaps especially from birdwatchers visiting the Highlands and seeing or hearing display or song. (ireen Sandpipt^r Tringa ochropiis Two localities: 0-2 pairs. Scotland, N & W HlGHlANDTwo localities: (1)(2) single birds flushed from suitable habitat, one in early June, one in late July. 380 British Birds 93: .358-393, August 2000 Ogilvie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 This is the first time that this species has figured in the Panel reports and, while the possibility that these were migrants eannot be ruled out, breeding was confirmed in Inverness-shire in 1959 {Brit. Birds 52: 430-432), while occasional displaying pairs have been recorded since. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Five localities; 8-10 pairs bred. Scotland, N & W Five localities: (1) five pairs bred, some or all of which had young, though exact success unknown; (2) two pairs, including noisy display in mid June; 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 4 6 2 2 4 4 8 6 3 5 5 Confirmed (pairs) 3 2 1 1 1 2 6 7 8 0 8 Possible/ probable (pairs) 1 4 1 1 5 6 5 4 0 9 2 Max. total pairs 4 6 2 2 6 8 11 11 8 9 10 The population has remained fairly stable over the last five years, allowing for varying degrees of monitoring and the fact that nests are never searched for. (3) pair produced unknown number of young; (4) adult alarming, almost certainly with young, in June; (5) single displaying in mid May. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Four localities: 17 breeding males reared 5-8 young. Scotland, N & W present on 1 5th June, with agitated behaviour but Four localities. SHETLAND Two localities on Fetlar: no young seen on 12th July; (2) pair present, no (1)(2) 15 breeding males, only five to eight young further details, estimated to have fledged. WESTERN ISLES Two localities; (1) pair copulating on 20th May and five This was by far the worst year on Fetlar since 1990, though census methods have changed. The weather was probably responsible for the poor production of young, but a number of marked birds were seen on only single occasions in the spring, suggesting some additional factors inhibiting them from starting to breed. Although breeding was not confirmed in the Western Isles, presence at two sites is encouraging. Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus 27 localities: 54-65 pairs, plus three hybrid pairs and one pair including hybrid individual. England, SW Eour localities: 21-24 pairs. DORSET One locality: three pairs probably bred, but washed out by high tides. UNNAMED COUNTY Two localities: (1) 14 pairs bred, 12 young fledged from eight nests; (2) two pairs bred, one fledging two young. ISLE OE WIGHT One locality: five pairs fledged at least five young. England, SE Seven localities: 24-28 pairs. ESSEX Three localities: (1) two pairs laid up to three clutches each, all failed, plus two adults; (2) two pairs bred, but flooded out; (3) one or two pairs bred, outcome unknown. KENT Two localities: (1) 12 pairs laid, but were flooded out by high tides; (2) six pairs bred, success unknown. SLJSSEXTwo localities: (1) three pairs, of which at least one laid, but unsuccessful; (2) pair displaying. England, E Six localities: 7-9 pairs. HUNTINGDON & PETER- BOROUGH One locality': pair bred, but success unknown. NORFOLK Three localities: (1)(2) two pairs bred at each, success unknown; (3) pair present. SUFFOLK Two localities: (1) two pairs bred, one young surviving to at least 17 days; (2) pair present. England, Central One locality : pair involving hybrid. NOTTINGHAM- SHIRE One locality': hybrid Mediterranean Gull (presumed with Black-headed Gull L. ridibundtis') attempted to breed with a pure Mediterranean Gull, but no young produced. Last y'ear, at this site, what was presumably the same hybrid bred successfully with a Black-headed Gull. England, N Seven localities: 1-7 pairs, plus two hybrid pairs. CHESHIRE Three localities: (1) displaying pair in June; (2)(3) .single adults in May. CUMBRIA One locality: two territorial males. LANCASHIRE Three localities: (1) pair bred unsuccessfully, hy'brid pair British Birds 9.3; 358-393, August 2000 381 Ogill’ie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK i?i 1998 (with Black-headed Gull) bred successfully though number of young not reported; (2) male bred with Black-headed Gull,suecess unknown; (3) territorial male summered. Scotland, N & W locality: hybrid pair (with Common Gull L. canus), hatched single young, but not known if it fledged. Northern Ireland One locality: pair. CO. DOWN One locality: pair bred, but outcome unknown. One locality: one hybrid pair. ORKNEY One 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 199'^ 1998 No. localities 9 5 10 13 15 14 16 16 18 24 2"' Confirmed (pairs) 5 6 11 15 19 15 16 18 31 33 54 Possible/ probable (pairs) 10 3 5 8 12 n 14 10 14 20 11 Max. total pairs 15 9 16 23 31 32 30 28 45 53 65 The largest increase reported in a single year, in both localities and confirmed breeding pairs, though high tides prevented many of them from being successful. The hybrid story continues to develop. Yellow-legged Gull Laras cachinnans Two localities: up to eight summering. England, N YORKSHIRE Two localities: ( 1 ) two summering; (2) up to six summering. After successful breeding in 1997, a return to summering birds only. Roseate Tern Sterna clougallii 1 1 localities: 50-57 pairs breeding, fledging a minimum of 37 young. England, SW Two localities: ( 1 ) pair bred and raised one young; (2) pair probably bred, as two fledged young seen in July England, E Two localities: (1)(2) total of two pairs and a fifth adult moving between sites, pair nested but failed at one site, then moved to second, where both pairs made nest scrapes but did not lay. England, N Three localities: ( 1 ) 29 pairs bred, laying 39 eggs. from which 27 young fledged; (2) three pairs fledged three young; (3) three pairs bred, but no further details. Wales Two localities: ( 1 ) two or three pairs bred, fledging one young; (2) three pairs seen, but none bred. Scotland, Mid One locality: eight pairs bred, fledging three young. Northern Ireland One locality: three pairs bred, but all failed. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 13 n 15 13 15 18 14 15 11 14 11 Confirmed (pairs) 164 172 93 52 62 84 74 72 66 54 50 Possible/ 33 5 31 5 10 21 24 13 9 1 probable (pairs) Max. total pairs 197 177 124 57 72 105 98 85 75 55 57 Another poor year for breeding pairs and productivity. Little Tern Sterna albifrons Tlie following summary information has been received. For each area, it is based on a sample rather than a complete census. Area Pairs in 1997 Pairs in 1998 England, SW 260 218 England, SE 182 152 382 iiritish birds 9.3: .338-393, August 20()() Ogilvie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 England, E 561 642 England, NE 104 146 England, NW 9 42 Wales 80 45 Scotland 185 215 TOTAL 1,381 1,460 Although coverage was not strictly comparable between the two years, it seems worth setting out the data for both years. Barn Owl Tyto alba The following information has been received. Several county recorders emphasised how incom- plete their information was, so their best estimates have, therefore, been used. Area Pairs in 1996 Pairs in 1997 Pairs in 1998 Avon 5 7 16 Cornwall 11 1++ 30 Devon 42 58 43 Dorset nc nc 12-18 Gloucestershire nc nc 20 Hampshire 25 60 60 Isle ofWight nc 22 13 Somerset nc 19 40 Wiltshire 14. 78 81 Bedfordshire nc 25 36 Berkshire nc 5-10 5 Buckinghamshire 6 3++ 13 Essex 30 30+ 50+ Hertfordshire 5 nc nc Kent 26 15+ 11 Oxfordshire nc 24+ 30 Surrey 13 9 10 Sussex 24+ 39 62 Cambridgeshire 26 15 10 Huntingdonshire 3-1- 11 9 Lincolnshire 22 36 36 Norfolk 59 22+ 32 Northamptonshire 55 40 4 Suffolk 20 23 10 Derbyshire 4 12 3 Leicestershire/Rutland nc 30 7 Nottinghamshire 22 22 23 Shropshire 3 15 6 Staffordshire nc 1 8 Warwickshire 10 12 12 West Midlands nc 1 1 Worcestershire 12 10 26 Cheshire 12 12-15 18 Cleveland 1 2 1 Cumbria 7 2 63 Greater Manchester 3 3 9 Lancashire 20-1- 38 67 Northumberland 16+ 19 21 Yorkshire 16 10 78 Anglesey 10 4 23 Brecon 5 17 3 Caernarfon 25-30 25-32 3 Carmarthen nc nc 10 British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 383 Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Barn Owl (continued) Area Pairs in 1996 Pairs in 1997 Pairs in 1998 Ceredigion 14 14 19 Denbigh nc 4 3 Glamorgan nc 22 11 Gwent 3 2 23 Meirionmdd nc nc 5 Montgomery 11 21 34 Pembroke 20 21 28 Borders 1 85 3 Ayr 14 8 25 Clyde 10 12 nc Clyde islands 4 nc nc Dumfries & Galloway 62-1- 150 165 Lothian 2 6 5 Forth 2 nc nc Aberdeenshire 3 2 nc Fife 0 0 nc Mora>- &. Nairn 10 nc 1 Argyll 41 47 85 Flighland 12 80 115 TO'FALS 821-826 1,251-1,266 1,5^8-1,584 A number of additional counties reported this )’ear, though others were unable to better their previous estimates. A breeding survey took place in the information from the Principality. several Welsh counties, which has improved Common Kingfisher Alcedo citthis The following information has been received. Several county recorders emphasised how incom- plete their information was, and we have, therefore, used estimates. Area Pairs in 1996 Pairs in 1997 Pairs in 1998 Avon nc 20 20 CA)rnwall 2 nc 4 Devon 19 91-110 91-110 Dorset nc nc ■'-IS Gloucestershire nc HH-I- 3++ Hampshire 28 13++ 8"'+ Somerset nc 14 38 Wiltshire 18 21 25 Bedfordshire nc 7-(-(- nc Berkshire nc in- 16+ Buckinghamshire C.50 4++ C.lOO Essex c.lOO 17 28 Hertfordshire 30 13+ 9 Kent 24 7+ 7+ Middle.sex 6 6 13 Oxfordshire nc nc 40 Surrey 29 20 33 Sus.sex 11 27 5 Qimbridgeshire 31 10-19 1 1 Huntingdonshire 6 3 14 Lincolnshire nc nc 12 Norfolk 10-13 15 18 Northamptonshire 27 6++ .34 Suffolk .30 12 34 Derbyshire 20++ 1 1 + 13+ 384 British Birds 93: 338-393, August 2()()() Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in J998 Herefordshire nc nc 2++ Leicestershire/Rutland nc 30 30+ Nottinghamshire nc 70-100 30++ Shropshire nc 12 11 Warwickshire 11 + 10 14+ West Midlands 6 20 6 Worcestershire 27 15++ 31 Cheshire 7 22 11 Cleveland 1 5 2 Greater Manchester 30-40 35 51-57 Lancashire 16 50 94 Northumberland 15+ 23 20-21 Yorkshire 4 nc 16 Brecon 12 nc nc Ceredigion 3+ 1 2 Gwent 5 nc nc Montgomery nc 10-20 nc Pembroke nc c.50 5 Borders 16 c.30 nc Clyde &Ayr 11 19 7 Dumfries & Galloway 3-5 12 12 Lothian 6 4+ 4 Forth 6 nc nc ,\ngus & Dundee 5 nc nc Fife 5 10 4 Stirling nc nc 7 Perthshire & Kinross 1 nc nc Moray & Nairn 2 nc nc Argyll 1 nc nc Highland 2-4 6 7 TOTALS 636-653 765-833 1,028-1,062 Wliilst much of the information above is very incomplete, surveys were carried out in 1998 in Greater Manchester and over part of Lancashire and we would urge other counties to follow suit. Wryneck Jynx torquilla Two localities: two singing males. Scotland, N & W Two localities; (1)(2) single singing males in June. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 9 8 6 6 1 6 1 3 4 5 2 Confirmed (pairs) 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 Possible/ probable (pairs) 9 7 6 5 2 5 1 3 4 4 2 Max. total pairs 10 8 6 6 2 6 1 3 4 5 2 After last year’s breeding record, this year is disappointingly poor. Wood Lark Lullula arhorea County totals were received, which are compared with the results of the 1997 census (see page 386). In the year following a full census, it is inevitable that totals for many counties will be lower as a result of reduced effort. More intensive studies continued in Norfolk and Suffolk, however, showing further increases, which was also strikingly true in the north of the range, in Notting- hamshire and Yorkshire. The results of the 1997 census have recently been published (Wotton & Gillings 2()()0). British Birds 93: 338-393, August 2000 385 Ogilrie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1997 Wood Lark County Pairs in 1997 Pairs in 1998 Cornwall 0 0 Devon 53 7 Dorset 105 54 Hampshire 294 l~'4 Somerset 0 0 Wiltshire 3 ■ 2 Bedfordshire 1 1 Berkshire 63 2 Buckinghamshire 6 3 Essex 0 3 Kent 3 6 Surrey 171 134 Sussex 71 60 Lincolnshire 37 40 Norfolk 248 326 Suffolk 457 459 Nottinghamshire 31 78 Staffordshire 7 3 Yorkshire 2 19 TOTALS 1,552 1,370 Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba White Wagtail M. a. alba One locality: hybrid pair with Pied Wagtail M. a. yarrellii . Scotland, N & W ORKNEY One locality: female paired with male Pied Wagtail. Pairs involving birds of these two races first appeared in these reports in 1994. They may be more regular than has been supposed. Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Three localities: three singing males. England, E Two localities. NORFOLK Two localities: (1)(2) single singing males in May, one red-spotted L. s. svecica, one white-spotted L. s. cyanecula. There were no records at all in 1 997, while the 1 Black Redstart Phoenicums ochruros "'1 localities: 32-91 pairs breeding. England, SW Two localities: 1-6 pairs. DORSET One locality; two singing males. HAMPSHIRE One locality: pair fledged two young, three other pairs. England, SE 48 localities: 21-61 pairs breeding. BERKSHIRE One locality: pair fledged three young. ESSEX Nine localities: (1)(2) single pairs bred; (3) six singing males; (4)-(8) single singing males; (9) female seen in May. INNER LONDON & MIDDLESEX IS localities: ( 1 )-(3) single pairs bred, one fledging two young; (4)-(6) single pairs present; (7)-(13) single singing males; (14)(IS) singles seen. HERTFORD- Scotland, N & W One locality. HIGHIAND One locality: singing male in suitable habitat in mid June. in Scotland was the breeding report in 1995. SHIRE One locality: female in mid April. KENT 18 localities: (1) three pairs bred; (2) two pairs each fledged two young, plus singing male; (3) two pairs fledged three young; (4) two pairs bred; (S) pair bred, plus second pair and singing male; (6)-(10) single pairs bred; (II) pair probabh bred; ( 1 2)-( 16) single pairs present; (17) singing male; (18) female seen. SURREY Three localities: ( 1)(2) single singing males; (3) female in May. SUSSEX One locality- possible breeding pair. England, E Nine localities: (> 10 pairs breeding. LlN(X)LNSHIRE One locality: pair bred. NORFOLK One locality: pair 386 iiritisb Birds 93: 358-393, July 2()()() Ogilvie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 tledged at least six young from two broods. SUFFOLK Seven localities; (1) pair bred, plus singing male; (2)-(4) single pairs bred; (5>(7) single singing males. England, Central Nine localities: 2-1 1 pairs breeding. DERBYSHIRE Three localities; (1) pair bred, plus second pair; (2)(3) single pairs. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Two localities: (1) pair; (2) two singing males. STAFFORDSHIRE One locality: pair in May. WEST MIDLANDS Three localities: (1) pair bred; (2)(3) single singing males. England, N Three localities: 2-3 pairs breeding. GREATER MANCHESTER One locality: pair fledged four young. LANCASHIRETwo localities: (1) pair fledged at least one young; (2) singing male. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 70 56 50 36 44 53 66 58 46 67 71 Confirmed (pairs) 54 36 28 23 14 32 32 19 28 33 32 Possible/ probable (pairs) 58 46 46 46 57 44 63 63 37 66 59 Max. total pairs 118 82 74 69 71 76 95 82 65 99 91 The improved coverage of last year has been maintained, though there was no coverage of, for example, Manchester city centre. Fieldfare Turdiis pilaris Four localities: 0-4 pairs breeding. England, N Scotland, N & W One locality: single in early July. Three localities: (1) singing male in early May; (2)(3) singles in suitable habitat in mid May. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 7 12 12 13 7 5 5 6 6 2 4 Confirmed (pairs) 2 3 5 2 2 2 0 1 1 0 0 Possible/ probable (pairs) 5 10 7 11 8 3 5 5 5 2 4 Max. total pairs 7 13 12 13 11 5 5 6 6 2 4 Slightly better than last year, but still very poor compared with just a few years ago. Redwing Turdus iliacus 15 localities; 0-18 pairs breeding. England, SE One locality: male holding territory from mid May to early June. Scotland, Mid Two localities: (1) two singing males; (2) singing 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 22 38 17 15 13 22 15 9 28 7 15 Confirmed (pairs) 10 12 6 7 9 5 4 3 3 2 0 Possible/ 30 39 15 13 15 22 15 11 35 14 18 probable (pairs) Max. total pairs 49 51 21 20 24 27 19 14 38 17 18 While a complete census of this species’ numbers and distribution is probably too difficult to achieve, it would be good to receive more records from the Highlands so that some check could be kept on possible range changes. There has been a handful of breeding records from southeast England in the last 25 years, so that late-staying birds, especially if singing (as distinct from indulging in communal subsong), are always worth investigating. British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 387 male. Scotland, N & W 12 localities; (1)-(12) total of one pair and a further 13 singing males. Oj’ilvie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti 491-496 ‘p‘iirs’or singing males. England, S^' 316-317 pairs or singing males. AVON One pair and seven or eight singing males. DEVON 71 singing males. DORSET 55 singing males. GLOUCESTERSHIRE Four pairs. HAMPSHIRE 95 singing males. SOMERSET Eight pairs and 61 singing males. WILTSHIRE Four pairs and ten singing males. England, SE 48-50 pairs or singing males. BERKSHIRE 15-16 pairs and one singing male. ESSEX One or two singing males. HERTFORDSHIRE One singing male. KENT One pair and 14 singing males. MIDDLESEX One singing male. OXFORDSHIRE Four singing males. SUSSEX One pair and nine singing males. England, E 73-75 singing males. NORFOLK 59-61 singing males. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Three singing males. SUFFOLK One pair and ten singing males. England, Central Six pairs or singing males. LEICESTERSHIRE One singing male. WARWICKSHIRE One pair and three singing males. WORCESTERSHIRE One pair. Wales 48 pairs or singing males. ANCiLESEY Two singing males. CARMARTHEN 16 singing males. CEREDIGION & PEMBROKE Four pairs and three singing males. GLAMORGAN One pair and 15 singing males. GWENT One pair and six singing males. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 199^ 1998 No. counties 14 15 21 17 18 21 23 25 28 24 27 Confirmed (pairs) 24 12 19 27 15 11 14 15 nc nc nc Possible/ probable (pairs) 174 196 326 214 273 306 318 426 574 361 491 Max. total pairs 198 208 345 241 298 317 332 441 574 361 496 The sharp fall in 1997 (after the full census in 1996) was to be expected and ma)’ merely reflect reduced observer activity. The totals in 1998, however, arc higher than in any ‘non-census year’, suggesting that there has been a real increase and that the range continues to develop and to consolidate. River Warbler Lociistella fluviatilis One locality; one singing male (ISrii. Birds 92: 594). England, E LINCOLNSHIRE One locality: singing male at Gibraltar Point on 29th May. A singing male for the sixth successive year. Savi’s Warbler Lociistella luscinioides Two localities: 0-2 pairs breeding. England, E Two localities. NORFOLK One locality: singing male from 18th May to 2()th June. SUFFOLK One localit) : singing male from 1 1th April to at least 30th May. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 10 13 5 13 13 5 ”7 2 3 4 2 (Confirmed (pairs) 0 0 1 0 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 Possible/ probable (pairs) 13 17 9 16 20 4 9 3 3 5 2 Max. total pairs 13 17 10 16 22 8 10 3 3 5 2 riie poorest record since the Panel began monitoring this species in 1973. 388 British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 Ogilvie et al..- Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Ten localities: 9-24 pairs breeding. England, SE Four localities: (1) eight pairs bred, plus four more pairs; (2) pair bred and two pairs probably did so; (3) pair probably bred; (4) singing male in May. England, E Four localities: (1) pair seen, including nest- building; (2) two singing males; (3)(4) single singing males. England, Central Two localities: (1)(2) single singing males. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 13 10 12 15 13 15 22 16 11 17 10 Confirmed (pairs) 6 11 13 9 9 12 0 2 3 5 9 Possible/ probable (pairs) 14 11 11 23 26 46 48 29 19 27 15 Max. total pairs 20 22 24 32 35 58 48 31 22 32 24 A disappointing year after the better position in 1997. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus One locality: one singing male and second bird {Brit. Birds 92: 595). England, E NORFOLK One locality: two birds on 26th May at Berney Marshes, one in song. The only record this year, but the ninth consecutive year with singing males. pair probably bred, plus three singing males and a single. Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina Five localities: England, E NORFOLK Two localities: (1)(2) single singing males in May. Scotland, N & W Three localities: (1) two adults trapped and ringed in early June, breeding strongly suspected, but not proved; (2) singing male in mid May; (3) adult trapped and ringed on 10th July, perhaps a migrant, but possibly a summering bird. A tantalising probable breeding record (the first and, so far, the only breeding record was in Scotland in 1992), plus no fewer than three other singing males. Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata up to 947 territories identified. England, SW County totals: AVON 1, DEVON 277, DORSET 1 (casual record), but estimated 300, HAMPSHIRE 117 in very incomplete survey, ISLE OF WIGHT 6, SOMERSET 37. England, SE County totals: BERKSHIRE 7, SURREY 411, SUSSEX 76. England, E County totals: NORFOLK 1, SUFFOLK 12. Wales County total: GWENT 1. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 6 5 8 8 7 11 10 12 12 11 12 Confirmed (pairs) 26 23 55 67 63 93 nc nc nc nc nc Possible/ 616 499 873 634 863 1,053 1,675 1,679 552 915 947 probable (pairs) Max. total pairs 639 522 928 701 926 1,146 1,675 1,679 552 915 947 Only some counties attempted a complete survey, and these did not include Hampshire or Dorset, key counties for the species. The spread into East Anglia continues. The first recorded breeding took place in Wales, where a pair successfully reared two broods, though a third failed. British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 389 Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Greenish Warbler Phylloscopiis trochiloides Two localities: two singing males iBrit. Birds 92: 597). England, E NORFOLK Two localities: (1) singing male at Blakeney Point on 30th May; (2) singing male at North Lopham on 1st June. The fourth time that this species has featured in these reports, though the first since 1993. Firecrest Regal us ignicapilliis 30 localities or areas: 0-62 pairs breeding. England, SW Nine localities or areas: 0-29 pairs breeding. GLOUCESTERSHIRE One locality: (1) pair in late May and early June. HAMPSHIRE County total of 18 pairs, including 15 in the New Forest. WILTSHIRE Seven localities: (1) two pairs; (2) pair in May and June; (3)(4) two singing males; (5)-(7) single singing males. England, SE 18 localities: 0-29 pairs breeding. BUCKINGHAM- SHIRE One locality: four singing males. ESSEX Seven localities: (1) two singing males; (2)-(5) single singing males; (6)(7) singles seen. GREATER LONDON One locality: female seen. SLIRREY Six localities: (1) pair and singing male; (2) two singing males (3X6) single singing males. SUSSEX Three localities: (1) two pairs and tw^o singing males; (2) three singing males; (3) singing male. England, E Three localities: 0-4 pairs breeding. NORFOLK Two localities: (1) two singing males; (2) singing male. SLIFFOLK One locality: singing male. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 44 52 48 19 15 20 41 35 35 26 30 Confirmed (pairs) 11 19 9 2 3 3 4 4 4 2 0 Possible/ probable (pairs) 72 112 88 20 16 25 62 52 56 46 62 Max. total pairs 83 131 97 22 19 28 66 56 60 48 62 Slightly better coverage than in 1997, though there were still a number of areas that were incompletely surveyed. Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus The following information has been received, amounting to 384-396 pairs. England, SW DORSET 16 pairs. HAMPSHIRE 13-15 pairs. SOMERSET 8-15 pairs. England, SE ESSEX 13-15 pairs- KENT 19 pairs. SUSSEX 16 pairs. England, E CAMBRIDGESHIRE 1-2 pairs. LINCOLNSHIRE Five pairs. NORFOLK 76 pairs. SUFFOLK 87 pairs. England, N LANCASHIRE 55 pairs. YORKSHIRE 75 pairs. Recorders for all the counties listed above believed that their submitted figures were reasonably complete, with the exception of Somerset, where the recorder suggested that a figure of 8-15 pairs was probably more accurate than the actual nine pairs reported. The total of 384-396 pairs is very close to the 339-408 pairs estimated for 1992 by Campbell et al. (1996), suggesting that the population either has not declined since then as had been suggested, or has since recov- ered. Crested Tit Pams cristatus 12 areas: up to 256 pairs. Scotland, Mid MORAY & NAIRN Three areas: (l)-(3) total of 12-16 pairs bred, but only four broods fledged. ABERDEENSHIRE One locality: single seen regularly. Scotland, N & W HIGHLAND Eight areas or localities: (1) 230 territories estimated in Abernethy Forest; (2)-(8) total of up to nine breeding pairs. Although this species has been on the Panel’s list for the last three years, this is the first time that we have considered the data to be worth reporting; even now, the information is obviously very incom- plete. Even casual records are welcome as a means of monitoring the extent of the species’ range. 390 British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 Ogilvie et al.; Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Golden Oriole Orioius oriolus 19 localities: 10-22 pairs breeding, producing a minimum of 15 young. England, SE Two localities: (1) male on three dates during May- July; (2) male from June to August. England, E 45 sites surveyed, with presence confirmed at 16. Ten pairs were confirmed as breeding, of which nine are known to have fledged at least 15 young. The tenth nest was robbed by an egg-collector. Two other pairs probably bred; there were also seven singing males. England, Central One locality: female on l4th June, and male in July. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 35 29 38 27 37 33 34 34 22 23 19 Confirmed (pairs) 16 15 10 16 14 14 7 8 7 9 10 Possible/ probable (pairs) 25 22 32 12 23 19 28 27 15 15 12 Max. total pairs 41 37 42 28 37 33 35 35 22 24 22 Another relatively poor year, with the added insult of a known theft of eggs from one nest. The Panel is most grateful for the detailed information on the eastern England population supplied by the Golden Oriole Group. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Nine localities: 0-9 pairs breeding. Scotland, Mid Five localities: (1) pair in suitable habitat in July- August, but definitely no nest or young; (2)-(4) single males in breeding season; (5) female during May-July. Scotland, N & W Four localities: (1)(2) single males in breeding season; (3)(4) single females in breeding season. 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 No. localities 6 3 7 5 13 6 7 1 3 6 9 Confirmed (pairs) 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 Possible/ probable (pairs) 6 6 7 4 12 6 7 1 3 5 9 Max. total pairs 7 6 8 5 13 6 8 1 3 6 9 Although there was no breeding record, unlike in 1997, there was a welcome increase in the total number of sightings. Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pjnrhocorax The following information was received: Area Occupied sites Successful pairs Young reared Young/ territorial pair Isle of Man 88 45 109 1.2 Wales Anglesey 32 Not known Not known - Caernarfon 71 Not known Not known - Ceredigion 19 19 52 2.7 Glamorgan 1 0 0 0.0 Meirionnydd 15 Not known Not known - Montgomery 1 1 3 3.0 Pembroke 46 33 84 1.8 Scotland Dumfries & Galloway 1 1 4 4.0 British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 391 Ogill’ie et al.. Rare breeditif> birds in the UK in 1998 Red-billed Chough (continued) Area Occupied sites Successful pairs Young reared Young/ territorial pair Colonsay & Oronsay 14 9 25 1.8 Islay 49 43 89 1.8 Jura 1 1 2 2.0 Mull Northern Ireland 2 0 0 0.0 Co. Antrim 2 0 0 0.0 TOTALS 342 150 368 1.6 This represents a reasonably complete survey of breeding Red-billed Choughs in the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. Productivity was maintained at similar levels to those of 1997. Note that breeding success is expressed as young/territorial pair (see under Red Kite Milvus mill’ us). European Serin Serinus serinus One locality: 0-1 pair. England, E One locality. NORFOLK One locality': ( 1 ) singing male on 1 3th June only. As in 1997, just one report, this time of a singing male. The species seems to have disappeared from its former haunts in southwest England. Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra The following information was receiv^ed for England and Wales. England, SW DORSET 28 pairs. GL0UC;ESTERSI ARE One ixiir. HAMI"- SHIRE Seven pairs, but no records received from New Forest. SOMERSET 44 pairs in two localities. England, SE ESSEX Four pairs at three localities. SURREY Ten pairs. SUSSEX Single pairs at two localities. England, E LINCOLNSHIRE Seven pairs. NORFOLK Ten pairs, but probably more in Brccks. NORTHAMPTON- SHIRE 1 18 pairs at 20 localities. SUFFOLK 34 pairs at four localities. England, Central LEICESTERSHIRE 26 pairs. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Ten pairs. WORCESTERSHIRE 25 pairs. England, N LANC^ASHIRE Nine pairs at three localities. NORTHLIMBERLAND Many pairs in Border forests. YORKSHIRE Seven pairs. Wales CARMARTHEN Eight pairs. CEREDIGION One pair. DENBIGH One pair. GLAMC4RGAN Five pairs. Information for several of the above counties, other than those with extensive forestry plantations, is reasonably complete. No meaningful information was received from Scotland. Scottish Crossbill Loxia scotica The following information was received from two study areas. Scotland, Mid Scotland, N & W One study area: of 26 pairs monitored, 13 fledged One study area: at least 24 pairs thought to have 27 young, with most failures following a late heavy bred in Abernethy Forest. snowfall. Studies of this species continue and should reveal more about numbers and distribution as they proceed. Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus One study area: little information available. Scotland, N & W One study area: only report from Abernethy Forest was of eight birds in late January. The status of this species continues to require further study. 392 British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 Ogilvie et al.. Rare breeding birds in the UK in 1998 Common Rosefmch Carpodacus erythrinus Seven localities: seven singing males. England, E Scotland, N & W Three localities: (1>(3) single singing males. Three localities: (1) adult singing male in June; Scotland, Mid (2)(3) single immature singing males. One locality: immature singing male in June. An average-to-poor year. A paper on the history of this species in Britain and Ireland since 1869 was published in British Birds last year (Wallace 1999). Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis 1 1 areas or localities: up to 4l pairs breeding. Scotland, Mid and N & W 11 areas or localities: 41 pairs or singing males. The above is the result of limited survey work in one area, plus casual records. Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 455 breeding pairs. England, SW CORNWALL Two localities: (1)(2) single pairs present in April. DEVON A full census was carried out for the first time since 1994, revealing 453 pairs. In a sample of 22 nests, 11 produced at least 32 fledged young. 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Confirmed (pairs) 48 98 113 92 43 42 nc nc nc Possible/ probable (pairs) 85 143 207 269 369 337 337 380 455 Max. total pairs 133 241 320 361 412 379 337 380 455 The first full census for four years shows a 10% increase over that period (Wotton et al. 2000). References Campbell, L., Cayford, J., & Pearson, D. 1996. Bearded Tits in Britain and Ireland. Brit. Birds 89: 335-346. Crick, H. Q, R, & Ratcliffe, D. A. 1995. The Peregrine Faico peregrimis breeding population of the United Kingdom in \99\.Bird Study 42: 1-19. Gibbons, D.W., Reid,J. B., & Chapman, R.A. 1993. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. London. Green, R. E., & Gibbons, D. W. 2000. The status of the Corncrake Crex crex in Britain in 1998. Bird Study 47: 129-137. Hagemeijer,W. J. M., & Blair, M.J. 1997. The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds. London. Hancock, M. 2000. Artificial floating islands for nesting Black-throated Divers Gavia arctica in Scotland - construction, use and effect on breeding success. Bird Study 41: 165-175. Rebecca, G. W., & Bainbridge, I. P 1998. The breeding status of the Merlin Faico columbarius in Britain in \99S-94. Bird Study 45: 172-187. Roberts, S. J., Lewis, J. M. S., & Williams, 1. T. 1999- Breeding European Honey-buzzards in Britain. Brit. Birds 92: 326-345. Stone, B. H., Sears,)., Cranswick, P. A., Gregory, R. D., Gibbons, D. W., Relifisch, M. M., Aebischer, N. J., & Reid, J. B. 1997. Population estimates of birds in Britain and in the United Kingdom. Brit Birds 90: 1- 22. Underhill, M. C., Gittings,T, Callaghan, D.A., Kirby,). S., Hughes, B., & Delany, S. 1998. Pre-breeding status and distribution of the Common Scoter Melanitta nigra in Britain and Ireland in 1995. Bird Study 45: 146-156. Wallace, D. 1. M. 1999. History of the Common Rosefmch in Britain and Ireland, 1869-1996. Brit. Birds 92: 445-471. Wotton, S. R , & Gillings, S. 2000. The status of breeding Woodlarks Luliula arborea in Britain in 1997. Bird Study 47: 212-224. — , Langston, R. H. W, Gibbons, D. W, & Pierce, A. J. 2000.The status of the Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus in the UK and the Channel Islands in 1998. Bird Study 47: 138-146. Dr M.A. Ogilvie, Glencairn, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay PA49 7UN The Rare Breeding Birds Panel is sponsored and supported by: JOINT NATURE CONSERVATION COMMITTEE British Trust for Ornithology British Birds 93: 358-393, August 2000 393 ouujuoz y Ruddy Ducks Living in an ideal world, 1 could agree with much of what Dr Colin Bibby said in his article More than enough exotics’ {Brit: Birds 92; 2-3). The world is, however, far from ideal, and 1 feel that he fell into the common trap of tarring everything - particularly alien birds and mammals - with the same brush. As one who has spent the past decade at the sharp end of island conservation, eradicating rats Rcittiis from seabird colonies both at home and abroad, 1 am perhaps suitably qual- ified to comment constructively on a few of the many points that he raised. That all alien species, harmful and harmless, should simply be summarily dismissed as intolerable requires a more prescient and balanced opinion. In these days of rapidly declining numbers of Yellowhammers Einberiza cil- rinellci caliginosa and Song Thrushes Tiirdus pbilomelos clarkei in the UK, 1 find it somehow reassuring that on the other side of the (ilobe, in New Zealand, a hundred years or more after introduction, there still exists thriving populations of both these endemic UK subspecies. For whatever the reason, their introduction to a distant island has meant that not all the eggs are in one basket. According to the NZ Department of Conservation, there are no plans for the mass extermination of an\ these introduced alien birds. Only species damaging agriculture are controlled in a limited way (e.g. Rook Corvus frugilegiis and Canada Goose Brenda cemadensis'). Would that, a hundred years ago, some returning immigrant or sea captain had brought back a few Huias Heter- alocha acutirostris to release as an exotic population breeding in the UK. In Europe and beyond, there are instances where island introductions have conserved endemic birds that no longer exist in their ‘pure’ form on the mainland. Often, these are game birds, but occasionally other sorts too. They often thrive by filling a vacant biolog- ical or ecological niche - man-made or natural. Dr Bibby wrote that he was shocked by ‘sentimental’ arguments against the killing of Ruddy Ducks Oxyura jainaicensis. 1 feel, however, that he and the RSPB, an organisa- tion founded and financed largely on senti- ment, have rather lost the plot. As far as sentiment goes, the lack of philosophical debate on the Ruddy Duck question perhaps shows the conservation’ heart to rule the head in attempting to ‘protect from extinc- tion’ the White-headed Duck Oxyura leiico- cephala in a non-island situation. Waterfowl of many species and in all countries frequently hybridise under natural circumstances, and no amount of mathemat- ical modelling will prevent its happening. In North America, it is estimated that around 218. Rudely Ducks Oxyura Jeiinaicensis, near (ilasgow, Scotland (exact location withheld). 394 © British Birds 93: 394-398, August 2()()0 B. Zonfrillo Letters 219. Canada Goose Brcinta canadensis x Greylag Goose Anser anser feral hybrid (one of about 15 individuals), Glasgow, Scotland. 10% of all breeding bird species, waterfowl included, have recorded hybrids. Mallards Anas platyrhyncbos have hybridised with 23 other duck species worldwide. Instances of gene ‘swamping’ are globally few, and there is none at all among European ducks. I can find no case of any bird species being completely ‘bred out’ anywhere else in the World. Thus, there is as much chance of the Ruddy Duck genetically swamping the White-headed Duck as there is of the Common Pochard Aythya ferina genetically swamping the Tufted Duck Aythya fiiUgula or the Canada Goose the Greylag Goose Anser anser. Doubtless their offspring are also fertile. The Tufted X Pochard and Canada x Greylag hybrids are more common in Europe than are Ruddy x White-headed Duck hybrids. While a few Oxyura hybrids in Spain are an irritation, they are probably, like other hybrids, irrelevant to the evolutionary main- tenance of the general populations of one or both species. If the Ruddy Duck was inclined to swamp its congeners genetically, the Masked Duck Oxyura dominica would surely have vanished from the West Indies long ago? Indeed, the two very similar Oxyura ducks of Argentina O. vittata and Peru O.j.ferruginea are regarded as distinct species largely because they do not inter- breed where their ranges overlap. Looking at the published facts concerning the situation in Spain, it appears that, after four years of ‘intensive control measures’ a total of 39 Oxyura hybrids was killed. Since, like many ducks, those in the genus Oxyura British Birds 93; 394-398, August 2000 lay 8-12 eggs, this could be inter- preted as the progeny of a single hybrid pairing. If that is not the case, then maybe no more than a few hybrid pairings are involved. For the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, supported and endorsed by many UK conserva- tion bodies, to commit £800,000 of ‘conservation’ money for regional trials alone to such a biological non- threat is a folly bettered onl)' by the hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money spent on that func- tionless appendage in London, the Millennium Dome. Perhaps some cash could be better spent educating the Spaniards as to the improbability of gene swamping of their study species. How many UK seabird islands could be cleared of harmful alien mammal species with a budget of £800,000? Most, I would say. As is well known, the problems of the White-headed Duck decline are related to generations of over-hunting both in Spain and farther east in its range. Use of monofila- ment fishing nets in eastern countries also account for killing many diving ducks, including Wltite-headed. The Ruddy Duck has also been hunted to perilously low numbers over much of its Caribbean islands breeding range, a fact often overlooked. Maybe the thriving UK population can be used to help increase numbers there? Arguments used for the killing of Ruddy Ducks in the UK are scientifically ‘wobbly’, and the method of execution verges on the banal. How much illegal ‘wilful disturbance’ will shooting create at sites where Ruddy Ducks occur alongside Schedule 1 species? While the DETR, the RSPB and others are happy to commit their/our money and support to the Ruddy Duck fiasco, there are many local conservation projects deserving of priority funding. Many of our island National Nature Reserves, RSPB Reserves, and the like, harbour populations of harmful aliens, such as rats. Minks Mustela vison and Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus.T\\e indifference shown by the conservation organisations suggests that these harmful aliens are seem- ingly tolerated and, by default, ‘protected’. Genuine conservation appears to have a low 395 Letters priority among establishments with the resources actually to carry it out. The bright idea that it would be feasible to find and then shoot all the Ruddy Ducks in Europe defies belief. Never one for sentiment, Audubon wrote of the Ruddy Duck: ‘I have found this species hard to kill, and when wounded very tenacious of life, swimming Bernard Zonfrillo 28 Brodie Road, Glasgow G21 3SB and diving at times to the last gasp.’ The elevation of a rather small localised conservation problem in Spain to an interna- tional conservation crisis requiring millions of pounds to remedy in the UK alone speaks volumes for those who have built a career around biological scaremongering. 1 wish that I had their powers of persuasion. Are Rudely Ducks and White-headed Ducks the same species? Stifftail ducks including the genera Nomonyx and Oxyura are well known for their large, well-developed feet and swimming muscles set far towards the rear of the body, profi- cient diving abilities, and display-oriented sexual behaviour (Raikow 1970; Livezey 1995; Johnsgard & Carbonell 1996). Six or seven species of stifftail ducks are currently recognised (Livezey 1995, 1997; McCracken et al. 1999). These include the Masked Duck N. dominicus of tropical South America, Central America and the Caribbean, the Ruddy Duck O. jamaicensis, which inhabits both North America ((). j. Jamaicensis) and South America (two races; Andean Ruddy Duck O.j.fermginea in the St)uthern Andes; Colombian Ruddy Duck O. J. andina in the Northern Andes), and the Argentine Lake Duck O. vittata, which also inhabits South America. Each of the three remaining species is endemic to each of the Old World conti- nents, respectively: the Blue-billed Duck O. australis in Australia, the Maccoa Duck O. niaccoa in Africa, and the White-headed Duck O. leucocephala in Europe, Asia and North Africa. The latter, now largely restricted to small populations in Spain and central Asia (e.g. Green et al. 1996), is potentially threat- ened with extinction through hybridisation with introduced Ruddy Ducks from North America (Hughes 1996a; Perennou 1997). Viabilit)’ and fertility of Ruddy Duck x White- headed Duck hybrids has, however, raised questions about whether the White-headed Duck is a distinct species and, therefore. whether control measures for feral Ruddy Ducks (Green & Hughes 1996; Hughes 1996b) are appropriate. Our analysis of stifftail evolutionary rela- tionships, based on the sequences of the mitochondrial genes for cytochrome b (McCracken et al. 1999) and 12S rDNA (Sorenson & Johnson, unpubl. data), is pre- sented in fig. U.This indicates that the Masked Duck is the sister species of extant Oxyura species. Within Oxyura, the New World species (Argentine Lake Duck and Ruddy Duck) diverged first, suggesting an early expansion of ancestral stifftails out of tropical areas and into temperate regions of North and South America. Some time later, stifftails colonised the Old World continents of Australia (Blue-billed Duck), Africa (Maccoa Duck), and Eurasia (White-headed Duck). Our data indicate no close relation- ship between the Ruddy Duck and the White-headed Duck, as would be the case if these two species were sister groups or were part of a recently evolved cluster of closely related species, within which the evolu- tionary patterns would be unclear. On the contrary, the closest relatives of the White- headed Duck appear to be the Maccoa Duck and the Australian Blue-billed Duck. This point can be illustrated further by an examination of genetic distances. Eor cytochrome b, the genetic distance between nominate Ruddy Duck and the White-headed Duck is 5. 65%. This value stands in stark con- trast to a genetic distance of 0.20%, between t Cytochrome t) and 12S rI)NA genes were amplified from genomic DNA extracts using the polymerase chain reaction (PfiR) (e g. (iyllensten 1989) and generalised bird primers. Purified light and heavy strand PCR products subset|iiently were cycle-.set|uenced using BigDye Terminator (;ycle Sequencing Kits, followed by electrophoresis on ABl 1)17 automated DNA-sequencers (Perkin Ulmer Applied Biosystems, Norwalk, (lonnecticut). Sequences from opposite strands were reconciled using Sequence Navigator 1.0.1 (Perkin Ulmer Applied Bio,sy,stems, Norwalk, C.onnecticut), verified for accuracy, anti aligned by eye. .396 Itritisb Birds 9.^: .394-398, August 2000 Letters the nominate race of the Ruddy Duck and the southernmost of the two South American races (P.j.ferrugined).T\\e: 5.65% divergence between Ruddy Ducks and White-headed Ducks also is substantially larger than the genetic divergence among clearly distinct dabbling duck species (genus Anas'). For example, the maximum divergence among four species of pintails on three continents, among 12 recognised ‘mallard’ species dis- tributed worldwide, and among five species of wigeons and gadwalls is 3-7%, 3-2%, and 5.4%, respectively (Johnson & Sorenson 1999). Similar trends are evident for 12S rDNA. Although the distances are much smaller due to the slower rate of evolution of the 12S gene, the White-headed Duck is closer to the African Maccoa Duck (1.85%) and Australian Blue-billed Duck (1.36%) than it is to the Ruddy Duck (1.95%). The 12S rDNA genetic distance between the Ruddy Duck and the White-headed Duck (1.95%) is actually greater than that between some dif- ferent waterfowl genera. For example, steamer ducks Tachyeres and crested ducks Lophonetta, representing two morphologi- cally divergent waterfowl genera, differ by 1.90%; the Baikal Teal Anas formosa and the Brazilian Teal Amazonetta brasiliensis, the former from the Far East and the latter from South America, also differ by 1.90%. In summary, genetic divergence among many morphologically distinct and geograph- ically isolated waterfowl species is much smaller than that observed between Ruddy Ducks and Wliite-headed Ducks. Genetic dis- tance comparisons and phylogenetic analyses clearly indicate that: (1) Ruddy Ducks and White-headed Ducks have been geographically isolated for several million years, (2) there has been no gene flow between the two lineages since their ances- tors diverged (McCracken & Sorenson, unpubl. data), and (3) the other two Old World Oxyura are more closely related to the White-headed Duck than any of the three is to the Ruddy Duck. Recent hybridisation between White-headed Ducks and intro- duced Ruddy Ducks should in no way be taken as evidence that they belong to the same species. Genetic compatibility among species and viability of hybrids is well known among waterfowl and other groups of birds, and often extends to crosses 1 1 White-headed Duck Oicyitt'd iettcocephefa Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa 30 Australian Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis Ruddy Duck Ixyura jamaicensis jamaicensis 4 Andean Ruddy Duck Oxyura Jamaiceusis ferruginea 42 Argentine Lake Duck Oxyura vittata 94 126 Masked Duck Nomonyx domimcus 173 Black-headed Duck HeteronettaatiicapiHa 226 Freckled Duck Stictouetta naevosa Fig. 1. Maximum-likelihood tree based on a phylogenetic analysis of 2,184 nucleotide positions in the mitochondrial genes for cytochrome b (McCracken et al. 1 999) and 1 2S rDNA (Sorenson & Johnson, unpubl. data). Log- likelihood (liiL) = -5666.09 (ti:t\' = 6.24, p-inv = 0.54, a = 0.59). Numbers on each branch indicate the number of nucleotides substitutions inferred to have occurred using a maximum- likelihood model corrected for multiple hits by the method of Hasegawa et at. (1985). Tree is rooted on Black-headed Duck Heteronetta atricapilla and Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa. between different genera (e.g. Sibley 1938; Johnsgard I960; Scherer & Hilsberg 1982). To argue that Ruddy Ducks and White- headed Ducks are one species because they hybridise in a human-mediated contact zone flies in the face of species concepts and current views of systematic biologists about the nature of species (e.g. Mayr 1963). In sum, the notion that the Ruddy Duck and the Wliite-headed Duck are the same species has no scientific merit. Every effort should be made to implement control measures for feral Ruddy Ducks and ensure the continued reproductive success of the White-headed Duck. References Green, A.J., Fox, A. D., Hilton, G., Hughes, B.,Yarar, M., & Salathe,T. 1996. Threats to Burdur Lake ecosystem, Turkey and its waterbirds, particularly the white- headed duck Oxyura leucocephala. Biol.Conserv . British Birds 93: 394-398, August 2000 397 Letters 76: 241-2S2. Green, A. J., & Hughes. B. 1996. Action plan for the Viliite-heacled Duck Oxyura lencocepbala. Pages 1 19- 146 in Heredia, B., Rose, L., & Painter, M. (eds). Globally Tbreateiied Birds in Europe. Council of Europe Publishing, Strasbourg. Gyllensten, U. B. 1989. PCR and DNA sequencing. BioTecbniques ^00-^08. Hasegawa, M., Kishino, H., & Yano, T. 1983. Dating of the hunian-apc splitting by a molecular clock of mitochondrial DNA.J. Mol. Evol. 12: 160-1^4. Hughes, B. 1996a. The Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis in the Western Palearctic under threat to the White headed Duck Oxyura leucocepbala. In Holmes, J. S., & Simons, J. R. (eds), Tbe Introduction and Naturalisation of Birds, pp. ~9-86. London. — 1996b.The feasibility' of control measures for North American Ruddy Ducks Oxyura jamaicensis in the United Kingdom. Report to the Department of the Environment. Johnsgard, PA. I960. Hybridization in theAnatidae and its taxonomic implications. Condor 62: 25-33. — & Carbonell, M. 1996. Ruddy Ducks and Other Stifftails: tbeir bebavior and biology. Norman, Oklahoma. Johnstjn, K. P, & Sorenson, M. D. 1999. Phylogeny and biogeography of dabbling ducks (genus: Anasy. a comparison of molecular and morphological evidence. A t/Aj 1 16: "'92-805. Livezey, B. C. 1995. Phylogeny and comparative ecology of stifftailed ducks (Anatidae: 0\yurinf) Wilson Bull. Itr: 214-234. — 199^. A phylogenetic classification of waterfowl (Aves: Anseriformes), including selected fossil species. Ann. Carnegie Mus. 66: 457-496. Mayr, E. 1963. Animat Species and Erolution. (Cambridge, Massachusetts. McCracken, K. G., Harshman, J., McCdellan, D. A., & Afton, A. D. 1999. Data set incongruence and correlated character evolution: an example of functional convergence in the hinddimbs of stifftail diving ducks. Syst. Biol. a8: 683-714. Perennou, C. 199"’. The problem of the introduction of an aquatic bird, the Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis). B. Er. Peebe. Piscic. 344-45: 143- 151. Raikow, R. I. 1970. Evolution of diving adaptations in the stiff-tailed ducks. Unii’. Calif Publ. Zoot. 94: 1-52. Scherer, S., & Hilsberg, T. 1982. Hybridisierung and \'erieandtscbaftsgrade innerbalb der Anatidae — ei)ie systematisebe and erolutionslbeoretiscbe Betracbtung. f. Orn. 123:357-380. Sibley, C. L. 1938. Hybrids of and with North American Anatidae. Proc. Int. Orn. Congr. 9: 327-335. Kevin G. McCracken University of Alaska Museum, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA J. Harshman 4869 Pepper wood Way, San Jose, CA 95124, USA Michael D. Sorenson Department of Biology’, Boston University, 5 Ciimmington Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA Kevin P. Johnson Illinois Natural History’ Survey’, 607 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, IL 61820, USA Origin of tbe first Lesser Frigatebird in the Western Palearctic In their paper documenting the record of a Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel in Israel, Dr Roger Riddington and Jane Reid (2()()0) stated that the species’ breeding range is centred on Australia and the central Pacific save for a small population in the South Atlantic. The distance from the nearest colony to Israel would, thus, be well over 10,000 km. May I, however, bring to your attention the fact that large numbers breed on the Aldabra Atoll, in the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar, at roughly 08“50’S 46°45’E. A.W. Diamond (in Penny 1977) estimated the total number of frigatebirds breeding on Aldabra at about 30,000 birds, the majority being Lesser Frigatebirds (Beamish 1970). According to Penny (1977), non-breeders and failed breeders leave Aldabra between November and July, when they are com- monly seen north of Aldabra (in central Sey- chelles). A more-or-less direct flight from Aldabra to Eilat could be less than 5,()()() km, a similar distance to that which a Magnifi- cent Erigatebird Fregata magnificens would have to cover from the Caribbean to north- west Europe. Thus, Aldabra is a far more likely origin for the Eilat bird than is Aus- tralia, let alone the Pacific. References Beamish, T. 1970. Aldabra Aione. London. Penny, M. 1977. Tbe Birds of tbe Seychelles and tbe Outlying Islands. Glasgow. Riddington, R., & Reid, J. 2000 Lesser Frigatebird in Israel: new to the Western Palearctic. Brit. Birds 93: 22-27. Norman D. van Swelm Voorne Bird Observatory, ScheJ)enenweg 26, 3233 CL Oostvoorne, Netherlands 398 British Birds 93: 394-398, Augu.st 2000 Eurasian Curlew capturing and killing Pied Wagtail At 15.00 GMT on 29th September 1995, on the Lower Test Marshes, Hampshire, 1 watched a Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata catch hold of a Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba and start shaking it about in its bill. It released the wagtail several times and, each time the latter tried to escape, the wader grabbed it again, before finally holding its victim under the water and drowning it. The curlew then dropped the wagtail and wandered off; it chased a Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago for about a minute, without catching it, and finally flew off Simon King 78 Shakespeare Drive, Testwood, Totton, Hampshire SO40 3HS Male Blackbird brooding young During the summer of 1995, in Wareham, Dorset, 1 radio-tagged and monitored Black- birds Tardus merula and Song Thrushes T. philomelos. By the morning of 13th June, a pair of Blackbirds had hatched two of four eggs. From 07.16 GMT, the female’s absences from the nest began to increase in duration, and from 08.29 hours neither parent visited for 40 minutes. Then the male arrived with a bill full of earthworms, stood on the nest rim and, having several times unsuccessfully offered the food to the chicks, swallowed it. He remained on the rim for ten minutes, then dropped down and settled over the nest contents, adjusting his position in the manner of a brooding female (though he did not rearrange the contents as a returning female might do); he brooded the two young and two eggs for almost five minutes, before leaving. At 09. 30 hours, when the nest was examined, the young were cool, torpid and very close to death; the female made a fleeting visit during the following hour, after which the young were found to have died. I have been unable to locate a similar record in the literature of a male Blackbird brooding. Ian F. Hill Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, South Parks Road, Oxford 0X1 3PS Common Bullfinches nesting in disturbed site In 1995, at Rowlands Gill, Tyne & Wear, a pair of Common Bullfinches Pyrrhula pyrrhula nested about 2 m up in a honeysuckle Lonicera, on the front wall and some 2 m to the left of the main entrance door of the busy Thornley Woodlands Centre. About 75 cm to the left of the nest was a window shutter, the daily opening of which entailed disturbance of the nesting bush by the prac- tice of inserting a long metal security bar into the shutter. Opening of the shutter was halted after discovery of the nest, but by that Keith Bowey 3 Alloy Terrace, Highfields, Rowlands Gill, Tyne time very small nestlings were being fed; it remained closed until the young had fledged. It was estimated that, during the incubation and nestling periods, well over 1,000 people had walked within 1.5 m of the nest, including many schoolchildren, whose activities around the centre, in the earlier stages of incubation, had brought them within less than a metre of the nest. That a species with normally very shy and retiring nesting habits should choose such a disturbed site seems most unusual. & Wear NE39 lAU © British Birds 93: 399-401, August 2000 399 Ldszld Szabo Notes First breeding record of White-tailed Lapwing in Romania (and Europe outside Russia) The breeding range of the White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus is in Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), Iran and Iraq. The westernmost population is at the northern part of the Caspian Sea (Kaza- khstan and Russia). There are a few breeding records from Asiatic Turkey and Azerbaijan, but in Europe (west of the Volga Delta in Russia) the species is accidental or a very rare vagrant. In the twentieth century, there were three accepted records from Romania, but in the year 2()()() there has been a small invasion, especially to the Danube Delta. Between 30th April and l6th July, we observed 43-34 individuals on numerous occasions along 80 km of the Black Sea coast. As well as feeding, the birds were engaged in various forms of social behaviour, including display - with the males spreading their black-and-white wings and marching in front of loafing females - and copulation. The sites of the nesting colonies were known to us from mid May, but we deliber- ately left the finding of the first nests until 4th June, to keep disturbance to a minimum. We found a total of seven nests at three dif- ferent sites, and recorded the details of three nests (each of them, containing four eggs). The eggs measured 36.5-40.6 mm (mean 39.0 mm) x 27.5-29.6 mm (mean 26.6 mm), with an index of 1.29-1.49 (mean 1.36), and were similar to those of Black-winged Stilt Hitnciutopiis himantopiis in colour and form, but were slightly smaller (plate 221). By 9th July, there were well-grown juve- niles (plate 225), with the adults still in atten- dance and defending their young (plate 222). On 15th July, we observed the largest flock of White-tailed Plovers ever seen in Europe; 28 together, comprised of 21 adults and seven juveniles. By 25th-26th July, however, the breeding area had been vacated by both adults and juveniles, with only a sole individual remaining. These are the first breeding records of White-tailed Lapwing in Romania, and are also the first for Europe outside Russia. J. B. Kiss and L. Szabo Avestours, Pta. Ubertatii 25,4 1 SO-Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania; avestours@udv.nextra.ro 220. White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus, OVuck Sea lagoons, Romania, 1st May 2000. 400 British Birds 93: 399-401, August 2000 Ldszlo Szabo Ldszlo Szabo Notes 221. Nest and eggs of White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus, Danube Delta, Romania, 4th June 2000. 222. Adult Wliite-tailed Dipwing Vanellus leucurus mobbing photographer in defence of well-grown juveniles, Danube Delta, Romania, 9th July 2000. 223- Breeding habitat of White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus (with three Wliite-tailed Lapwings and two Black-winged Stilts Himantopus himantopus), Danube Delta, Romania, 4th June 2000. 224. White-tailed Dipwing Vanellus leucurus, Black Sea lagoons, Romania, 11th July 2000. 225. Juvenile White-tailed Dipwing Vanellus leucurus, Danube Delta, Romania, 9th July 2000. British Birds 93: 399-401, August 2000 401 Ldszlo Szabo Ldszlo Szabo Ldszlo Szabo John Trowel! Charles Grahame cies Forges ( 1913-2000) Grahume des Forges died on 3rd March 2000, just a few weeks short of his 8"’th birthday. He was born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on 30th March 1913, but it was in Norfolk that he developed a love of waders and considerable skill in photographing them. A solic- itor by profession, he moved to Sussex in 1936 when he joined the legal department of the then Brighton Corporation. It was in Sussex ornithology that he was to make his mark, for he was a pioneer when county ornithology was in its infancy. His foresight ensured that it moved forward in a structured way, with the recording systems and formal organisation neces- sary to harness the enthusiasm and industry of the growing band of amateurs caught up in the post-war interest in birds. He was one of those who were laying the solid foundations that underpin much of what we now take for granted in local and national ornithology. Grahame’s first involvement in bird recording was in 1947, when he edited Birds in Sussex’, part of the South-Eastern Bird Report for Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, edited by Ralph Whitlock, which had been pub- lished annually since 1934. Grahame announced his involve- ment with typical modesty: In compiling the following report, the assistance of Mr J. A. Walpole- Bond in reading the draft and criticising it, and Mr D. D. Harber's help in checking all the material, eliminating errors and in other ways, is gratefull)' acknowledged. The final respon- sibility is, however, mine.' Over the years, he spent a lot of time in the field with John Walpole- Bond, a remarkable ornithologist, renowned nest-finder and egg- collector, and author of the three-volume ,4 History of Sussex Birds (193H). Grahame acquired a great deal of informa- tion from that outstanding man on the status of breeding birds in Sussex, although he had no share in his colleague’s egg-collecting activities. The following year, 1948, saw the first separate Sussex Bird Report, edited and published, at his own expense, by Grahame. In 1949, Denzil Harber formally joined Grahame as co-editor, and in 1956 took over as sole editor, bringing to an end nine years of editing by Grahame that estab- lished the report as an authorita- tive, professional and punctual publication. In 1960, Grahame turned his attention to the wider natural history of Sussex when he chaired a meeting in Brighton that resulted in the formation of the then Sussex Naturalists’ Trust in the following year. Grahame was the Trust's first Chairman, and subsequently its Honorary Secretary for seven years. Also at this time, the Sussex Ornitholog- ical Society (SOS) was being established, and at its inaugural 226. (irahame des Forges (right) with friends and colleagues in the Sussex Ornithological Society in the 1980s. Left to right: Mike Shrubb,Tony Prater, John Newnham,'l'ony Marr and (idF 402 © British Birds 93: 402-404, August 2000 Obituaries meeting, in Brighton in February 1962, Grahame was elected as a founder member of its Council, on which he served for many years. That year also saw the pub- lication of the indefatigable des Forges & Harber team’s compila- tion, A Guide to the Birds of Sussex, which the SOS used as the basis for its future work. Grahame was President of the SOS from 1979 until 1989, and in 1997 he became the Society’s first Flonorary Life Vice-Presi- dent. On the wider national stage, Grahame was the first BTO Regional Representative for Sussex; served as a Council member of the RSPB; and was at one time a member of the Research Group of the Interna- tional Waterfowl Research Bureau. Grahame was a tall and imposing figure, and could appear languid and aloof, but this belied his energy and warm, friendly personality. He had the enquiring and original mind of a good lawyer, and anyone seeking his advice would be rewarded with a thoughtful and helpful reply, very much to the point, but often with an unexpected slant or angle on the problem. He was unassuming and masked his learning with a ready sense of humour. His passing marks the end of an era. Tony Marr Ronald Mathias Lockley (1903-2000) Although 1 had been thor- oughly immersed in his island books for almost a decade, it was not until I960, shortly after being appointed by the West Wales Field Society as Warden of Skomer, that 1 first met Ronald Lockley. He was, at the time. Chairman and Hon. Chief Warden of the Society, having been one of its main architects and first Secretary at its formation in 1938. My wife and 1, eager to prepare for our arrival on Skomer a few weeks hence, found this first meeting a trifle disappointing. Ronald, or Mr Lockley as he was to us then, proved to be a frustratingly taci- turn and somewhat remote figure, the only words of wisdom imparted being that we would need a good milking goat and that driftwood would provide all the fuel required. Indeed, he was often a man of few words, in contrast to his literary output, which was formidable by any standards, with almost 60 books published, commencing with Dream Island (1930), and at least three others in various stages of preparation as he entered his ninth decade. In addi- tion, there were countless popular articles, especially in The Countryman during 1931-43, and scientific papers, many in British Birds, including the sup- plement published in 1953, ‘On the movements of the Manx Shearwater at sea during the breeding season’. At Whitchurch, at the western edge of Cardiff, he spent count- less boyhood hours on his first island. Moorhen Island, in a swamp adjacent to the Glamor- ganshire Canal, as described in The Way to an Island (1941). In 1922, he moved to a 4-ha small- holding at St Mellon’s on the opposite side of the city, where a tiny island that he created is still visible. Small wonder that Ronald then sought a real island. In 1927, he took the lease of Skokholm, Pembrokeshire, for 21 years. Encouraged by Harry With- erby, then Editor of British Birds, he began to study and ring the island’s seabirds, especially the Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus, the subject of his first monograph. Shearwaters (1942). The study of bird migration through ringing fascinated him, and in 1933 he built the first Heligoland trap’ on the island and established the first Bird (Observatory in Britain. Some measure of Ronald’s contribution during those first years may be gained from the fact that the ‘Long Excursion’ of the 1934 International Ornithological Con- gress, held in (Oxford, was to the Pembrokeshire islands: the dele- gates were transported to Skokholm, Grassholm and Skomer on board two Royal Navy destroyers. That same year, together with Julian Huxley, Ronald helped to make a film on Grassholm - The Private Life of the Gannet - which was awarded an (Oscar as the best documentary film of the year. His seabird studies ranged along the whole western seaboard of Europe, from the Vestmann Islands to Madeira, many of his early journeys being recalled in / Know an Island (1938). Wartime exigencies enforced his departure from Skokholm in 1940, but in 1946 he was the driving force behind the reopening of Skokholm Bird Observatory, with John Fursdon as Warden. In that year, with his brother-in-law, John Buxton, he pioneered the establishment, sadly for one year only, of a Field (ientre on Skomer, lovingly retold in Island of Skomer (1950). He was largely instrumental in the acquisition of Grassholm by the RSPB in 1948, and was its Hon. Warden for many )'ears. Perhaps his greatest post-war achieve- ment, however, was that of inspiring the successful purchase of Skomer, and its subsequent declaration as a National Nature Reserve in 1959. Ronald helped to pioneer the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and its impressive footpath. British Birds 9.3: 402-404, August 2000 403 Western Tele}>rapb Obituaries 221. Ronald Lockley at Martinshaven, en route to Skokliolni, on 9th July 1983. a story told in Pembrokeshire (1937). His work in marking Grey Seals Halichoerns grypns demanded a combination of boating and navigational skills in these difficult waters, as well as bis natural-bistory expertise. With James Fisher, be co- authored the New Naturalist volume Seabirds (1954) and, in the same year, moved to Orielton, the fine Queen Anne house south of Pembroke. Although its duck decoy, the only one in Wales, had fallen into disuse, Ronald recommenced the wildfowl-ringing which had been carried out there before the war. In addition to his book Orielton (1977), he is probably best remembered from these \ ears for his work on the social behaviour of Rabbits Oryctolagns cnnicnlns. He popularly reported the results in The Private Life of the Rabbit (1964), a work which was to inspire Richard Adams to write Watership Down (1972). Eventually, Ronald left Pem- brokeshire, where the establish- ment of oil refineries on the shores of Milford Haven, so close to his beloved islands and to Orielton, had caused him much hurt. At Farway, near Colyton, Devon, he constructed a fine lake, complete with island. Later, having moved to New Zealand to be close to his daughter, Ann, and her famih, he was as active in conservation matters as he had been in his native Wales, opposing developments which threatened wildlife habitats, founding the Miranda Naturalists’ Trust, and helping to establish New Zealand's first Bird Observa- tory, on the Firth of Thames, as well as continuing to write a stream of articles and books. Artists whose works have graced his books down the \ ears include Noel (Tisa, Robert Gillmor and (diaries Tunnicliffe, while Eric Hosking provided all the photographs for Seabirds of the World (1983). In recognition of his singular contributions to nature conservation and the study of wildlife, Ronald received an honorary MSc, presented b\- HRH The Prince of Wales at Aberystwyth in 1977, while in 1993 the British Ornithologists' Union awarded him its Union Medal. Ronald was married three times: first to Doris Shellard, who died in 1989, their daughter Ann having her own island book. Early Morning Island (1939); secondly to Jill Stocker, who, together with their sons Martin and Stephen, survives him; and third!) to Jean St Lawrence, who predeceased him. David Saunders 404 Hritish /i/>r/.v 93: 402-404, August 2000 228. First-winter Audouin’s Gull Lams aiidoiiinii, Spain, September 1999. Given the regularity with which headless birds appear in this, and similar, series it might well be worth someone’s while to produce a Guide to the Headless Birds of Europe', 25% quicker to illustrate too. Obviously, this month's bird (plate 181, repeated here as plate 228) is an immature gull Larus, but with nothing in the picture to indicate scale, the bird’s size is difficult to determine. It could be one of the larger species, but the rather slim body and subtly elegant’ wing shape suggest something smaller. To concen- trate the mind, it is probably best to begin by eliminating as many of the candidates as possible. I trust that there is no real need to go in to detail as to why it is not any of the following gull species on the 'West Palearctic list? Simply ruling out so many of them gives us a sense of making some progress: Little Gull Larus minutus, Sabine’s Gull L sabini, Bonaparte’s Gull L. Philadelphia, Black-headed Gull L. ridibundus. Brown-headed Gull L. brunni- cephalus. Grey-headed Gull L. cir- rocephalus. Slender-billed Gull L. genei. Glaucous-winged Gull L. giaucescens, Iceland Gull L .glaucoides. Glaucous Gull hyperboreus. Great Black- backed Gull L. marinus, Ross’s Gull Rbodostetbia rosea, Kitti- wake Rissa tridactyla and Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea are all easily eliminated. Of the remainder, it is a great relief to be able confidently to eliminate all members of what is often referred to as the Flerring Gull L. argentatus/Ye\{o'N-\e%g,e(\ Gull L. cachinnans/Lessev Black- backed Gull L.fuscus complex’, on the pattern of the underwing and undertail-coverts: in first-year plumage, none has such dark sec- ondaries below, and most have at least some barring on the under- tail-coverts (as opposed to the unusual brownish centres or ‘spots', confined to just the out- ermost tract of coverts, shown by the mystery bird). First-year Sooty Gull L. hemprichii and especially its close relative Wliite- eyed Gull L. leucophthaimus may spring to mind on account of some similarities, but these, too, can easily be ruled out, since in all their plumages they have all-dark underwings, like those of an adult skua (Stercoraridae). Before considering the few remaining candidates among the medium-sized to small-sized gulls, there is one remaining large gull that has not been men- tioned yet and which, in its little- studied juvenile plumage, may have been considered a possi- bility by some competitors: Great Black-headed Gull L. icbthyaetus. In spite of its being one of the largest of all gulls, flying individ- uals do not always look obvi- ously ‘big’ in photographs (especially when the species’ rather impressive bill is hidden from view), and it is unique among the large gulls of the region in having distinctly dark undersides to the secondaries in first-year plumages. Even the brown juveniles, however, always have a completely white under- 229. Monthly Marathon’. Photo no. l69. Seventeenth stage in eleventh Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 54), then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 6th October 2000. © British Birds 93: 405-406, August 2000 405 Olaf Lessow Monthly Mamthoii body, and the markings on the axillaries and underw'ing coverts are limited to small, neat spots. Much the same applies to juve- nile Mediterranean Gull L. nielanocephalus, which leaves just five species in the frame: Laughing Gull L. atricilla, Franklin’s Gull L. pipixcan , Audouin’s Gull L. aucloiiinii , Ring-billed Gull L. delawarensis and, finally, the more familiar Common Gull L. caniis. The second of these, Franklin’s should not really have made it this far, since it, too, always has a completely white underbody, as well as unmarked underwing- coverts. It is never any harm to con- sider the background for clues to solving mystery photographs, which, in this case, suggests a warm resort beach’, a likely enough place to encounter three of the four remaining candidates. but perhaps not the more northerly Common Gull (gener- ally speaking). Besides, the con- centration of brownish smudging on the rear flank, the markings on the lateral undertail- coverts and the rather solidly brown under primar)' coverts do not suit either this species or the very similar Ring-billed. This leaves just two species, one from each side of the Atlantic Ocean, which, though certainly not one another’s closest relations, share a curious similarity in their juve- nile plumages. Those competi- tors who opted for Laughing Gull will no doubt kick them- selves for failing to give adequate consideration to the possibility of its being a first-year Audouin’s. In this photo, the most obvious feature indicating that it is an Audouin’s, rather than a Laughing, is the paleness of the breast: juvenile Audouin’s has a smooth, ashy grey-brown wash concentrated on the breast, but on most individuals this fades paler, or disappears altogether with the moult into first-winter plumage. Laughing Gull generally retains a smok\-grey breastband well into its second calendar- year. The distinctly brownish lateral undertail-coverts (always pure white on Laughing) provide a clinching additional clue. Most contestants (74%) suc- cessfully identified this Audouin’s Gull, but it was also named as Sooty Gull (9%), Common Gull (9%), Yellow-legged Gull (4%), Laughing Gull (2%) and Lesser Black-backed Gull (2%). Killian Mullarney Sunbird The best of bird watching tours For a free brochure, write to SUNBIRD (MM),PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; or telephone 01767 682969- ONE HUNDRED AND EIETY YEARS AGO: May I entreat you to interpose the authority of your editorial pen, to prevent the pursuit of Ornithology degener- ating into an exterminating warfare against our rarer denizens, and all our occasional visitors of the feathered tribe; and the “Zoologist”, despite its name, becoming little more than an obituary of the slain. That men engaged in the “emollient” study of Natural History should do such truculent deeds as are not infrequently recorded in your pages, is sufficiently surprising: that they should publish their doings surpasses comprehen- sion!’ (Zoologist 8: 2878; August 1850) ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: ‘It is now generally admitted that there is only a single species of Bearded Titmouse and that species stands by itself as a very well-marked genus (Panurus of Koch), with no nearer allies, in the opinion of a high authority, than Paradoxornis flavirostris [Black-breasted Parrotbill] of Bengal, and Chlornis paradoxa [Three-toed Parrotbill] of China. Formerly better known as Calamophilus biarmicus, this curious bird is now nearly uni- versally received by authors as Panurus biarmicus, but its posi- tion was for many years a moot point in ornithology, as [its] seven genetic names [Purus, Panurus, Aegythalus, My st ac- inus, Calamophilus, Hypenites and Paroides] sufficiently indi- cate.’ (Zoologist Fourth Series 4: 358; August 1900) T'WENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: A 1968 attempt by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to reintroduce the White- tailed Eagle [Haliaeetus albicilla] to Fair Isle failed when the birds left the island and dis- appeared. A more determined attempt is now being made by the Nature Conservancy Council to reintroduce the species to the Inner Hebrides. Earlier this summer four eaglets from Norway were imported to the National Nature Reserve on the island of Rhum . This will be a long-term project, because White-tailed Eagles do not breed until four or five years old.' (lirit. Birds 68: 344; August 1975) 406 © British Birds 93: 405-406, August 2000 THE DIRECTORY OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS, PASSERINES By R. Schodde & I. J. Mason. CSIRO Publishing, Victoria, Australia, 1999. 852 pages; many line-drawings; 340 distribution maps. ISBN 064306456-7. Hardback, £125. 00. The Director)! of Australian Birds is a three-volume project. This first volume gives an account of the passerines, volumes 2 and 3 (due for publication in 2000) will deal with the non-passerines and with theoretical aspects of the work - a biogeographic syn- thesis, to trace the course of adap- tive evolution in the Australian bird fauna and to identify centres of diversity and endemism needed for national conservation planning and management’. Schodde, one of the leading Australian zoologists, and Mason have for this work re-examined the material existing in Australian and overseas museums and given an authoritative account of what can be said at present about Aus- tralian bird taxa.The authors iden- tify 342 passerine species in Australia, with 726 subspecies, or as they term them ‘ultrataxa’, of which 46 are described for the first time. For those not working in the area of Australian birds, perhaps the most interesting feature of this work, and one which will undoubtedly engender discussion and debate beyond the region, is the theoretical scheme that Schodde and Mason use (which will be elaborated in the third volume of the work). Schodde & Mason in this volume adopt a modified Phyloge- netic Species Concept, without, however, multiplying the number of species inordinately. Instead, the former subspecies are termed ‘ultrataxa’, and these, as well as being the basic taxa dealt with and delimited in the volume, are put forward as the basis for con- servation policy and strategy. It is clearly a short-sighted strategy to tr>' to conserve a species without taking into account its geograph- ical spread and subspecific varia- tion, and Schodde & Mason’s ‘ultrataxon’ concept may be just the theoretical model that current moves in the direction of the PSC require to become practical, and to be practically applied. Along with the information relevant to the taxonomic circum- scriptions that the authors have adopted, this volume also includes family accounts, the con- servation status of each sub- species, and the authors present for the first time new osteological data to refine the taxonomic sequences of Sibley & Ahlquist, Sibley & Monroe and subsequent work by Australian taxonomists. One consideration that emerges from this volume is how extraordinarily little-known Aus- tralian bird-songs and bird-calls are; voice hardly ever figures in this volume as one of a number of vital clues to taxonomic- status, as it surely should. More field studies of vocalisation and behaviour need to be done in areas that this work identifies as important. A further example of our ignorance of even-more-basic facts about Australian birds that might be mentioned is that the very common and very well- known Australian Magpie Gym- norhina tibicen cannot at present be determined to sub- specific level in central and central-southern Australia. The Directory is quite simply the most detailed work describing the morphology of Australian bird species and sub- species that has yet emerged. All students of the Australian avi- fauna will need to consult it, alongside OUP’s ongoing Hand- book of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds (HANZAB) project (four volumes published so far), and the new Atlas of Aus- tralian Birds, when this is pub- lished a few years hence. John Leonard DIRECTORY OF IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS IN EGYPT By Sherif M. Baha El Din. The Palm Press, Cairo, 1999- 1 1 illustrations; 36 maps; 113 pages. ISBN 977-5089-25-5. Paperback, £10.00 (Europe), £13.00 (outside Europe). Although it has a biogeographical foot in both camps, Egypt somehow seems more Middle Eastern than African. For sound reasons, however, it was excluded from the 1994 Middle East Impor- tant Bird Areas volume. It now has one of its own, compiled by Egypt’s leading ornithologist, and published as part of the BirdLife International series. The Directory covers 34 sites, reflecting Egypt’s diverse habitats and rich avifauna. Not unexpect- edly, there are Delta and desert- wadi sites, and the important seabird islands of the Red Sea are well represented. The Nile and its wetlands are covered as a 190-km strip from Luxor south to Kom Ombo, important particularly for its winter wildfowl, while Lake Nasser is included in its entirety. Another huge area is the 5,000- km^ Gebel Elba site near the Sudan border, which, among many other things, still has Ostriches Struthio camelus. This thoroughly recom- mended work of conservation and ornithological reference is completed by excellent introduc- tory chapters; those on birds and their habitats in Egypt and the country’s nature conservation work are particularly good. Mike Everett © British Birds 93: 407408, August 2000 407 Rei'ieii's GARDENING FOR BIRDS By Stephen Moss, with illustrations by GillTomblin. HarperGollins, London, 2000. 1 44 pages; six double-page garden plans; numerous bird illustrations and maps. ISBN 0-00-220168-2. Hardback, il2.99. GARDEN BIRD SONGS AND CALLS By Geoff Sample. HarperGollins, London, 2000. CD of digitally recorded sound and book covering 53 birds. CD running time 60 minutes; book 32 pages. ISBN 0-00-2202 14-X. Hardback, £12.99. ATLAS OF THE BIRDS OF HLIESCA: BIRDWATCHING IN THE CENTRAL SPANISH PYRENEES AND THE EBRO VALLEY Kees Woutersen and Maarten Platteeuw Kees Woutersen Publica- ciones, Huesca, Spain, 1998; 327 pages; 308 line-drawings; over 900 distribution maps; over 200 histograms. ISBN 9-788460-574224. 4,000 pesetas. Presented in ornithological-atlas format, but this is more a compilation of birdwatchers’ records in this Spanish province for the period 1976-89. Incomplete coverage, relative antiquity of information and translation errors in the bilingual text reduce its value for future visitors. Some particularly sought- after but difficult-to-find species, such as White-backed Wood- pecker Deudrocopos leucotos and Tengmalm’s Owl Aegoliiis funereus, went unrecorded in the surv'ey, but are included in an appendix. Laurence Rose Gardening for Birds combines bird identification, describing 70 of the more typical garden birds, and 52 plant species likely to attract them. Contents of both lists are sensible, and not over- optimistic, and neither should frighten off the laz\' gardener or confuse the birdwatching beginner. There is also a calendar of likely gardening events and tips on providing nesting and feeding stations. My only quibble is the lack of an index of scien- tific plant names. Garden Bird Songs and Gails, a written guide and CD, is a gem. For anyone puzzled by the songs and calls of our common birds, this is for them. Each species on the CD is introduced and the songs and calls inter- preted in an effective manner, and there are consecutive pas- sages of potentially confusing calls - alarms of Robin Erithacus rnbecida and Wren Troglodytes troglodytes for instance - to help things along. The book is a support player to the CD, and it is the latter which forms the nucleus of this excellent package. The only error worth a mention is that 53 species are covered, not 40 as stated on the back cover of the book. Not only for beginners, but also something here for everyone. Barry Nightingale Rarities Committee news Progress in the assessment of the Druridge Bay ‘Slender-billed Ciirleiv’ Members of the British Birds Rar- ities Committee have now exam- ined the skins or photographs of the skins of most relevant speci- mens of Slender-billed Curlew Niimenius tenuirostris held in museums in Western Europe. We are indebted to Didier Vangeluwe for his assistance in this matter. We have concentrated on the small number in first-summer plumage, and a working paper on identification features of indi- viduals of this age has been pre- pared for the Committee by Dr Jimmy Steele. We were disappointed to receive no responses to our pre- vious requests, in this journal {Brit. Birds 92: 314) and else- where in the birding Press, asking for further information on the very small, short-billed, pale curlew that accompanied the reported Slender-billed Curlew at Druridge Bay, Northumberland, during 4th-7th May 1998. There has been a delay in starting further circulation to the Committee because of technical problems in producing very high quality video-grabs from one of The British Birds Rarities Committee is sponsored by Carl Zeiss Ltd. the available films in which the two - apparently very similar - birds are seen side by side. This has, however, now been resolved, and, as well as being circulated to the Committee, the report was also discussed at our summer identification meeting, which this year was held at Spurn Bird Observatory. We hope that we now have all the neces- sary information on which to base a decision on this claim. 408 ® British Birds 93: 407-408, August 2000 News and comment Compiled by Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson Help needed at Coto Donana Volunteers (qualified ringers and assistants) are needed to help in the ringing programme in Donana National Park, for a minimum of ten days during the period 1st September to 7th November 2000. For further details, see http;//www.ebd. csic.es/ringing For an application form, contact Jose Arroyo Matos, Reserva Biologica de Donana, Apartado de correos no. 4, 21760 Matalascahas, Almonte, Huelva, Spain; tel. +34959 440032/ 440036; fax. +34959 440033; or e-mail joseluis@ebd.csic.es or jlam-l@teleline.es Mediterranean Seabirds The Mediterranean Seabirds Association (MedMarAvis) and the Sociedad Espanola de Orni- tologia (SEO/BirdLife) are organ- ising the ‘6th Mediterranean Symposium on Seabirds: a confer- ence on fisheries, marine produc- tivity and seabird conservation’ to be held in Benidorm, Alicante, Spain, during llth-15th October 2000. Topics for discussion include the conservation of seabird populations, population models as a management tool, fisheries and seabirds, and seabirds and local economies. The official languages will be English and Spanish, with simul- taneous translations. For further information, contact Elsa Gheziel, SEO/ BirdLife, Delegacio Territorial de Valencia, Estacio Ornitologica L’Albufera, Avda. de los Pinares 106, 46012 Valencia, Spain; phone/fax: +34961 627389; e-mail: valencia@seo.org; website: www.seo.org Bitterns on the way up? Following the re-colonisation of Britain in 1911 (in Norfolk), the Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris increased to quite a healthy population before the recent crash. Reaching an all-time low of only 1 1 booming males in 1997, the possibility of a repeat extinction as a British breeding bird became a real possibility. The 1990s saw a massive pro- gramme for Great Bittern recovery, in which most conservation bodies played their part, and the EU Life Fund contributed £1.5 million. New nature reserves were established, new reedbeds planted and old reedbeds revitalised. An extensive research programme involving radio- telemetry was undertaken by the RSPB. Money was forthcoming from English Nature and several sites benefited from the Government’s Countryside Stewardship Scheme. The work has been largely concen- trated in the Great Bittern’s heartlands of Norfolk, Suffolk and Lan- cashire. A small increase in recent years - 13 booming males in 1998, 19 in 1999 and 21 in 2000 - indicates, we hope, the first signs of recovery. But it is at a cost. For the first time for some 50 years, a pair has bred at the RSPB reserve at North Warren, Suffolk, where over £100,000 was spent on reedbed work. For further information, contact the RSPB East Anglia Office, Stalham House, 65 Thorpe Road, Norwich NRl lUD. Young ornithologists’ notebooks The closing date for this year’s Young Ornithologists of the Year com- petition is 1st September, so now is the time for any birder aged under 21 to submit his or her field notebooks (plus, of course, a suitable SAE for their return). The prizes are worth over £2,000 and are presented by the compe- tition’s 11 co-sponsors. The senior winner last year won a bird- watching holiday with WildWings, and this year will win a pair of Swarovski 8.5x42EL binoculars; the intermediate and junior winners also, as usual, receive Swarovski binoculars, and all three winners take home Brasher Boot Co. birdwatching jackets and a barrowload of bird books, courtesy of Christopher Helm Publishers, Hamlyn, Harper- Collins, New Holland, Macmillan, Pica Press and T. & A. D. Poyser. The senior winner is provided with a free place at the BTO’s annual three- day conference, at which the prizes are presented. Enter your notebooks now! (If you are over 21, persuade a young birder who keeps a notebook to send it in for the judges’ assessment.) The address is YOY, British Birds, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ. Birding the Essex coast? If you intend visiting the Essex coast, a new booklet from English Nature holds a wealth of facts that will be of interest. The Essex Coast ... beyond 2000 has details of key sites and nature reserves, provides background information, and discusses conservation issues. Copies are available (price £2 post free) from Telelink Ltd, PO Box 100, Fareham, Hampshire POl4 2SX. For further information, contact English Nature, Harbour House, Hythe Quay, Colchester C02 8JF; e-mail: essex.herts@english-nature.org.uk © British Birds 93: 409-410, August 2000 409 News ami comment Red Kites and rodenticides During the past two years, the issue of secondary poisoning b) highh toxic new-generation anti- coagulant rodenticides has caused increasing concern for tliose invohed in the re-establish- ment of the Red Kite Milviis milvus in England and Scotland. In 1998-99, eight dead kites in England were found to contain rodenticide residues, and post- mortems carried out at the Insti- tute of Zoology indicated that at least three of these birds had died from secondary poisoning. In order to improve our under- standing of this problem, English Nature recently asked Richard Shore at the C.entre for Ecology and Hydrology (formerly Insti- tute of Terrestrial Ecology) to analyse a series of frozen tissue samples from kites found dead, mainly in England, during the past six years. The results of the CEH analysis show that 14 of the 20 tissue samples were contami- nated with one or more rodenti- cides, in six samples at levels where adverse effects on the bird were considered likely. Although based on a relatively small sample, this level of conta- mination C^0%) is far higher than has been found in any other ver- tebrate species in Britain, indi- cating that the Red Kite may be particularly vulnerable to this form of poisoning. The main route of exposure is likely to be through feeding on poisoned Common Rats Rattus norregicus. Studies have shown that rats form an important part of the Red Kite's diet throughout the year in England, and kites are fre- quently seen foraging around farm buildings, where poisoning campaigns are often carried out. The kite's scavenging lifestyle means that dead animals are the preferred source of food, increasing the chance that poi- soned prey will be taken. For further details, contact English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough FEl lUA. ((x)ntributed by Ian Carter) The Carl Zeiss Award Now is the time when rare birds are being discovered, photographers are photographing them, and the British Birds Rarities (Committee is in need of documentary prints to assist the assessments. So now is a good time to remind bird-photographers that, as well as receiving a small payment for every photograph published in British Bints, the prints and transparencies of rarities are eligible for The Carl Zeiss Award, pre- sented by the sponsor of the BBRC, Carl Zeiss Ltd. This gear's winner \\ ill shorth be selected from amongst the pho- tographs of 1999 (and earlier) rarities. The winning photographer will be presented by Carl Zeiss Ltd with his or her choice of Zeiss ■'x42BCiA binoculars or the new Zeiss Victory’ 8x40BT* binoculars, priced at just under A8()0. Worth winning! Look at the new bins from Zeiss (atrl Zeiss, the long-time sponsor of the Rarities Committee, has come up with new binoculars especially suitable for birders. They are so new that we have not had time to assess them fully, but essentially they seem to have many of the qualities of the optical!) superb Night Owl range, but are compact and much, much lighter, with very welcome twist-and-lock Photos required of seabirds and wildfowl in Slight (Colour photographs are needed for a new Pica Press book. Blight l(tentification of European Seahircts amt Wildfowl, currently in preparation by Anders Blom- dahl, Bertil Breife & Niklas Llolm- strom. Despite having alread) received over 4, ()()() pho- tographs, more are required of some species, subspecies or plumages. Preferred photographs will convey the feel of the birds in their correct environment (e g. a shearwater or skua over a storm)’ sea. rather than a razor- sharp portrait). All illustrations of flying individuals are welcome and can be valuable, even if the) are not published. Please mark slides with your name, when and where the picture was taken and, if known, species, sub- species and age. For a list of the species needed most urgently, please contact Anders Blomdahl, Alder- vagen 2, SE - 3"'2 92 Kallinge, Sweden; e-mail ablomdahl® ebox. tninet.se 2.30. Zeiss Victory Bx-tOB T eye-cups. If you get the chance, have a look at the Zeiss 'Victory’ range; Bx-tOBT*, IOxhOBT*, 8xS(iBT* and 1 ()xS(iBT*. We reckon that the 8x-t()BT*, with its very large field i)f view (even for spectacle-wearers), will be the model that is chosen by most birilw atchers. At 710 g, it is less than half the weight of a "'x-lS Night Owl. 410 British Birds 9.3: 409-4 10, August 2000 Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary of unchecked reports covers the period 19th June to l6th July 2000. Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris cliomedea 624 past St Mary’s (Scilly), 5th July. Little Shear- water Puffiniis assimilis Hartle- pool Headland (Cleveland), 15th July. Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus Two, 6 miles south of Scilly, 25th June; at least two, 6 miles east of Scilly, 2nd July; 15 miles east of Scilly from MV Scillonian, 4th July; 3 miles southwest of Bishop's Rock (Scilly), 5th July and again 12th July; Bridges of Ross (Co. Clare), 8th July; Kilcummin Head (Co. Mayo), 9th July; three, 3 miles southwest of Bishop’s Rock, l6th July. Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Oceana drama manarbis Trapped Skellig Mor (Co. Kerry); potentially first Irish record. Little Egret Egretta garzetta 47, Youghal (Co. Cork), 5th July. Blue- winged Teal Anas discars Walney Island (Cumbria), 1st July; Titchwell (Norfolk), 4th- lOth July. Canvasback Aytbya valisineria Sanday (Orkney), 2()th-23rd June. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fiilva Brough Haven (East Yorkshire), 6th-9th July and 12th-l6th July. Great Knot Calidris tenuirastris Tacumshin (Co. Wexford), 29th June. White-rumped Sand- piper Calidris fuscicallis Pool of Virkie (Shetland), 13th July. Pec- toral Sandpiper Calidris nielanatas Belfast Lough RSPB Reserve (Co. Down), 7th July to at least l6th July. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicala falcinellus Rother Valley Clay-pits (South Yorkshire), 6th July. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilatica South Uist (Western Isles), I4th-l6th July. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Bran Sands, Teesmouth (Cleve- land), 12th July. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis nielba Seal Sands (Cleveland), 21st June; St Martin's (Scilly), 30th June;Tresco (Scilly), 2nd July. European Bee-eater Meraps apiasterl'wo,S\. Martin’s, 30th June to 2nd July. Black- eared Wheatear Oenantbe bis- panica Upton Heath (Dorset), 25th-26th June. Booted Warbler Hippalais caligata Portland (Dorset), 1st July. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans Spurn (East Yorkshire), 12th July. Black- headed Bunting Emberiza melanacepbala Tywyn Broad- water (Gwynedd), 25th-28th June; Bardsey Island (Gwynedd), 30th June; Flamhorough (East Yorkshire), 8th- 12th July; Unst (Shetland), 5th- 1 1th July; Port- land, 1 6th July. 231. Possible Yellow-legged Gull Laras cacbinnans,of the nominate form also known as Caspian Gull. Fisher’s Fleet, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, August 2000 © Britisb Birds 93:41 1-412, August 2000 411 George Reszeter Jim Pattinson ji,n Pattinson lain leach Recent reports 232 & 233. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva, Brough Haven, East Yorkshire, July 2000. 234. Left,Woodchat Shrike Lanins senator, Whitburn, Co. Durham, June 2000. 235. Below left, Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocepbaius dumetorum, Nigg Ferry, Highland, June 2000. 236. Below right. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatiiis, Seaforth, Merseyside, July 2000. > Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to Hrilish Birds. (;all 088 1 -888- 111 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate; 4 1 p/min other times; including VAT) 412 British Birds 93: 4 1 1-412, August 2000 Steve yb«/?,g/Birdwatch Iain Leach Classifieds RATES Text: 40p per word. Minimum 15 words. Semi-display: Mono. £15 per see (width 40mm) or £32 per dee (width 85mm). Minimum 2em. Series: 5% diseount for 6, 10% diseount for 12. (All rates exelude vat at 17.5%) Payment for all classified advertisements must be made in advanee by VISA, Mastereard or by eheque payable to British Birds Ltd. Copy deadline: 10th of the month. Contact: Philippa Leegood, British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5JY. Tel: 01580 882039. Fax: 01580 882038. E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk BOOKS BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD. Send A5 s.a.e. for eatalogue. Visit our shop and see our extensive eolleetion. Hawkridge Books, The Cruek Barn, Cross St, Castleton, Derbyshire S30 2WH.Tel:01433 621999.Fax: 01433 621862. Web: www.hawkridge.co.uk RARE AND OUT OF PRINT books on Ornithology. Isabelline Books. Tel: 01392 201296. Fax: 201663 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 £6.95 inclusive P/P to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, Beverley, HU17 8RP. 01482 881833 WANTED NEWTON/WOLLEY: Ootheca Wolleyana STC. Please write to: David Ellison, 2 Second Avenue, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 OJU. HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Scotland MORVERN (DRIMNIN) HOLIDAY COTTAGES. Beautifully situated by Sound of Mull. Superb walking and wildlife. No pets. Open all year £100-£175 fully inclusive. Tel/Fax: 01967 421308 0\'TRSEAS PROVENCE, CAMARGUE. Farm cottage, also b&b. Rogers, Mas d'Auphan, Le Sambuc, 13200 ARLES, France.Tel: (0033) 49097204 1 , Fax: (0033) 490972087 SOUTH AFRICA CAPE COAST, HERMANUS. Excellent bird and whaie watching. Comfortable 3 bedroomed house, self catering, sleeps 6. Exceptionally close to beach and lagoon. Pool, tennis courts and laundry available. Car essential. Phone Leonie 020-8423-2652 BIRDWATCHING HOUDAYS BIRD HOLIDAYS. Professionally led worldwide birding tours. Relaxed pace. Free brochure: write to Bird Holidays, 10 Ivegate, Yeadon, Leeds, LSI 9 7RE or phone 01 133 910510 (ATOL 3586). AT TITCHWELL overlooking reserve and sea THE THREE HORSESHOES INN offers en-suite rooms, home cooked food, classical music, convivial atmosphere. BIRDERS BREAKS - Summer rate until 31st October 2000:£33 75 pppn for DB-fB, min. 2 nights, 2 persons sharing, excluding Bank Holidays. Please telephone 01485-210202 for brochure/reservations. BIRDWATCHING HOUDAYS CASSOWARY HOUSE Rainforest Guest House Cassowaries! Riflebirds! Red-necked Crakes = A great birding destination. 14 regional endemics around Atherton Tablelands, plus also Cairns/Great Barrier Reef Beautiful relaxing location, excellent food, expert local guiding. Phil and Sue Gregor)'. Phone: (61) 740 937318 Fax: (6l) 740 939855 E-mail: sicklebill@internetnorth.com.au Website: www.cassowary-bouse.com.au Cassowary House, Blackmountain Road, PO Box 387, Kuranda 4872, Queensland, Australia. NEW ZEALAND / SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS. Join us for rare and intere.sting endemics, the world’s finest collection of seabirds and spectacular scenery: MANU TOURS, 106 Ocean Beach Road, Tairua 2853, New Zealand. Phone/Fax: (64) (7) 864- 7475. Email: manutours@nzbirding.co.nz Website: www.nzbirding.co.nz AUSTRALIA: LOTUS LODGE, 200-1- species of birds. Resident naturalists, outback experience. Extensive variety of flora and fauna in far north Queensland. IVz hour flight north of Cairns. Superior accommodation. Excellent cuisine. Tel: 617 4059 0773. Fax: 617 4059 0703. Web: http://www.cairns.aust.com/lotus bird OPTICAL EQUIPMENT Ace Optics of Bath THE BEST DEALS IN OPTICS ALL TOP BRANDS INC. QUESTAR TEL: 01225-466364 16 Green Street, Bath BAl 2JZ Binoculars & Telescopes Top Makes, Top Models, Top Advice, Top Deals, Part Exchange Show Room Sales 01925 730399 07000 247392 Credit/debit cards accepted NORTH WEST BIRDS. Go on your foreign holiday but take a short reiaxed break in the UK as well. Super Birding - Very Smaii Groups - Easy Access. Brochure - Mike Robinson 015395 63191, Barn Close, Beetham, Cumbria LA7 7AL. Email: nwbirds@compuserve.com http://ourworld.compuserve.com/ homepages/nwbirds To pl^ce your advertisement in BB contact; Philippa Leegood at British Birds Tel: 01580 882039 E-mail: design@britishbircls.co.uk INSURANCE PHOTOCOVER A specialist insurance policy for binoculars, telescopes, camcorders, cameras, photo equipment etc. At home, outdoors, in vehicles. Five info pack from Golden VaUey Insurance, The Olde Shoppe, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire, HR2 OES Freephone: 0800-015-4484 Fax: 01981 241062 A A, The Pheasant Hotel Kelling, Nr. Cley, North Norfolk. Tel: 01263 588382 /r- Thi* established hotel is ideally situated between the harbour village of Blakeney and tlie seaside town of Sheringham. Set in 2 acres of grounds. The Pheasant has tawny owls and woodpeckers nesting in its grounds with nightjars and nightingales nearby. The Pheasant is the ideal base from where you can explore the delights of the N. Norfolk Coast and the wildlife it has to offer. Winter break rates and group rates are available. Organised Birdwatching Tours arc also on offer. Great deals for the autumn! GOA 4-19 November with Paul Holt Sunbirder is the choice for this Indian Ocean resort. We were one of the first companies to run tours there and Paul's knowledge of the region's birds and where to find them is unrivalled. EILAT 29 October-5/12 November with Killian Mullarney A whole host of middle-eastern specialities, plus a wealth of northern migrants, await you on the shores of the Red Sea. 21 September-? October with Paul Holt For an autumn full of Siberian migrants join us in this Chinese birding hotspot. All events offer a full, professionally-led excursion programme. For an information pack, contact Sunbird specifying which event you are interested in, Sunbird (BS), P O Box 76, Sandy, Beds, SG19 IDF Telephone; 01767 682969 Fax; 01767 692481 E-mail; sunbird@sunbird, demon. co,uk Web site; www.sunbird.demon.co.uk Your money is fully protected by our own ATOL bond. Sunbird is a trading name of Conderbury Limited MIST NETS ****** ECOTONE offers various models of mist-nets for catching wide range of wild birds. All models have been tested by our team in nearly all conditions from Arctic to tropical forests. ECOTONE mist-nets are made in Poland from highest quality Japanese (Denier : D70/2ply, D110/2ply) and Polish (D235/2ply) nylon netting. ECOTONE mist-nets have tethering line, which prevents wind disturbance and strengthen loops. ECOTONE mist-nets are known all over the world since 1990. Check our full offer at: http:llzvivw.ecotone.polbox.com Example; (Denier D1 10/2ply, nylon) 12m X 2.5 m, 5 shelves, 16mm mesh 30.00 US$ Fax: +48 58 550 71 60 E-mail: ecotone@polbox.com We are looking for regional dealer for the UK We do not sell our nets to unauthorised persons New from PICA PRESS The first comprehensive guide to birds, mammals and reptiles of the Galapagos, covering every species recorded. Its innovative, simple-to-use format aims to help visitors identify any species they encounter, whether they be a beginner or an expert. The 53 remarkable colour plates have been produced using the latest digital image technology and include images of some species never previously published. Colour distribution maps accompany the text for each resident species. ^ Birds, Mammals & Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands Andy Swash and Rob Still Softback 204 x 1 30mm; 1 68 pages £16.95 ISBN 1-873403-82-8 :L. For more information or a brochure conlacl; Pica Press, The Bunks. Mountficld, Nr Roberlsbridgc, East Sussex TN32 .SJY Tel: 01580 880561 Fax; 01580 880.541 BB Bookshop Listed books are POST FREE to British Birds subscribers The books included in BB BookShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide the most prompt, efficient and friendliest service possible. Items ordered through this service are despatched to British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books (a Division of CJ WildBird Foods Ltd). Please send order to: BB BookShop, do Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR. Phone: 00 44 (0) 1743 709420. Fax: 00 44 (0) 1743 709504. E-mail: info@wildlifebooks.com Best Bird Books of the Year All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year 1983-99’ (listed in full Brit. Birds 93: 54) are available POST FREE. Please order here, giving title(s) and author(s), or on an additional sheet. Cucknm. CowbinlM niul Oth*T ChMiM B09K OF THE Month Davies Cuckoos, Cozvbirds and other Cheats (Poyser) Hardback £24.95 □ (was £8-95) lally £50.00) J29.95) ^49.95) *17.50) J9.95' *59.95 ^29. 95) :29.95) *29.95) V0I.2 now Hardback Paperback Hardback Paperback Hardback Hardback Double CD Hardback Hardback Baker Warblers of Europe, Asia and North r^ica (Helm) Beaman & Madge The Handbook of Bird Identification: Europe and the Western Palearctic (Helm) British Birds The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic Cramp Birds of the Western Palearctic (OUP) volumes 1-7, 9 - £90 each volume 8 - £95 Q vol.l^ V0I.2 □ V0I.3 Q V0I.4 [£ ; The Macmillan Emd Guide to Bird . Field cover Hardback Jonsson Birds of Europe With North Africa and the Middle East (Helm) reprint Q V0I.5 Q V0I.6 □ V0I.7 Q V0I.8 □ V0I.9 Harris, Tucker & Vinicombe The Macmillan Eteld Guide to Bird Identification ('Macmillan) Heath & Evans Important Bird Areas in Europe: Priority Sits for Conservation 2 Vol set (Birdlife Int) Paperback Hardback Paperback Hardback Kightley, Madge & Nurney Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe (Pica Press) Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Collins Bird Guide - The Most Complete Field Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe (HarperCollins) Best Bird Book of 1999 Peterson, Mountfort & Hollom Collins Field Guide: Birds of Britain & Europe 5 th Edition (HarperCollins) North America Griggs Collins Pocket Guide: Birds of North America (HarperCollins) LocKwood, McKinney, Paton & Zimmer A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande (ABA) National Geographic A Field Guide to the Birds of North America 3rd Edition Tvdinxy A Birder’s Guide to Florida {ABA) ™ j Pyle Identification Guide to North American Birds Part 1 . Columbidae to Ploceidae (Slate Creek) Schram A Birder’s Guide to Southern California (ABA) Taylor A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona (ABA) South & Central America & Caribbean , r> , a ja ^ de la Pena & Rumboll Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (HarperCollins) ffrench A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (Helm) Paperback Howell & Webb Where to Watch Birds in Mexico (Helm) Paperback Raffaele, Wiley, Garrido, Keith & Raffaele Birds of the West Indies (Helm) Stiles & Skutch A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Helm) Africa, Middle East & Indian Ocean Islands, ^ ^ ^ ^ , .r, r. ^ Barlow, Wacher & Disley ^ Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal (Pica Press) Garbutt Mammals of Madagascar (Pica Press) Ringbound Paperback Special Offers Byrkjedal & Thompson Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plover (Poyser) (was £27.95) Campbell/Lack H Dictionary of Birds (Poyser) (was £29.95 Ehrlich, Dobkin & Wheye The Birdwatcher’s Handbook (OCR) (wa Flegg & Hosking Eric Hosking’s Classic Birds Limited Edition (HarperCollins) (usually Forsman The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: A Handbook of Field Identification (Poyser) (was Gibbons et al The New Atlas of Breeding Birds and Ireland 1988-1999 (was Gurung & Singh Field Guide to the Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent (Academic Press) (was Hadorarn Shirihai The Birds of Israel (Academic Press) (was Hagemeijer & Blair The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds (Poyser) (was Holloway The Historical Atlas of Breeding Birds in britain & Ireland 1875-1900 (was Matthysen The Nuthatches (Poyser) (was Porter et al Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Poyser) (was Ridgely & Tudor The Birds of South America (OUP) vol.l £62.50 □ Snow (ed.) The Birds of the Western Palearctic 2-VOLUME Concise Edition (OUP) New this Month Fry & Keith Birds qfAfrica,Vol 6, Picathartes to Oxpeckers (Academic Press) Normal price £1 15 - pre pubn. offer £78.00 □ Due MID AUGUST Vols 1-5 £85.00 each, valid only if purchased with Vol 6. Vol 1-6 inch £435.00 VALID FOR ONE MONTH AFTER PUBLICATION Kennedy, Gonzales, Dickinson, Miranda & Fisher zl Guide to the Birds of the Philippines (OUP) DUE AUGUST PaperbackX34.95a Rodner, Lencino & Restall Checklist of the Birds of Northern South America (Pica Press) Tickell Albatrosses (Pica Press) Coming Soon - Order Now Garrido & Kirkconnell Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba (Helm) DUE AUGUST Harris & FranHin Shrikes & Bush-Shrikes (Helm) DUE AUGUST Kren Birds of the Czech Republic (Helrn) DUE SEPTEMBER Ranft & Konig Owls Double CD Tica Press) DUE AUGUST Sibley The North American Bird Guide (Pica Press) DUE SEPTEMBER Swash & Still A Guide to the Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands (Pica Press) Recommended Books Europe & Western Palearctic Adamian & Klem A Field Guide to the Birds of Armenia (AUA) :i6.99 *25.95 '12.99 *21.00 *27.95 *25.95 *18.50 :i9.99 *32.00 *19.99 *35.00 ^40. 00 "28.00 *30.00 a Keith, Urban & Fry The Birds of Africa (Academic) Volumes: 1 £85 □ 2 £85 Q| 3 £85 □ 4 £85 Q 5 £99 Kemp Sasol Birch of Prev of Africa and its Islands (New Holland) Morris & Hawkins Birds cff Madagascar: a Photographic Guide (Pica Press) Sinclair, Hockey & Tarboton Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland) Sinclair & Langrand Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands (New Holland) van Perlo Collins Illustrated Checklist Birds of Southern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback van Perlo Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Eastern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Birds (rf Kenya and Northern Tanzania (Helr^ Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Field Guide to the Birds of Kenya and North. Tanzania (Helm) Paperback Asia & Pacific Coates & Bishop A Guide to the Birds ofWallacea (Dove) Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Helm) Grirnmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent Harrison & Woriolk Field Guide to the Birch of Sri Lanka (OUP) Paperback £29.95 □ Inskipp, Inskipp & Grimmett Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan Inskipp, Lindsey & Duckworth An Annotated Checklist N the Birds of the Oriental Region (QBC) Jeyarajasingam & Pearson A Field Guide to the Birds of west Malaysia and Singapore (OUP) Kazmierczak & van Perlo A Field Guide to Birch of the Indian Subcontinent (Pica Press) Kazmierczak & Singh A Birdwatchers’ Guide to India (Prion) Leka^l & Round A Guide to the Birds of Thailand (Saha Karn Bhaet) MacKinnon & Phillipps A Field Guide to the Birds of China (OUP) Paperback £29.99Q Robson A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (New Holland) Paperback Hardback Paperback Paperback Hardback Hardback Hardback Hardback ,00 □ 19.99 :28.00 19.99 17.99 19.99 19.99 ;40.00 16.99 :44.00 ^55. 00 ;^17.99 "55.00 "16.99 ‘ 10.00 "29.95 "55.00 "25.00 "18.75 "45.00 "60.00 "29.99 F F h F Australasia Heather & Robertson Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand (OUP) Hardback now available at paperback price Higgins, Marchant & Davies Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds (OUP) 4 volumes □ vol.l □ vol.2 □ vol.3 at £135.00 each □ vol.4 £125.00 Simpson & Day A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (,Helm) Paperback Thomas & Thomas The Complete Guide to Finding Birds in Australia (Thomas) Paperback £27.50 □ ;;24.99 "13.95 a World Clements Birds of the World- A Checklist 5th Edition (Pica Press) 848 pages del Hoyo, Elliott & Sargatal Handbook of the Birds of the World (Lynx) vol.l Q vol.2 Q vol.3 Q vol.4 Wells World Bird Species Checklist: with alternative English and scientific names (Worldlist) Hardback £35.00 □ □ vol.5 £1 10.00 each £29.50 □ Monographs Chantler & Driessens Swifts Second Edition (Pica Press) £28.00 Chapman The Hobby (Arlequin) £19.95 Clark & Schmitt A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, The Middle East and North Africa (OUP) Paperback £25.00 Hardback £55.00 Cleere & Nurney Nightjars (Pica Press) (accompanying CD £14.99) □ £30.00 Davies Cuckoos, Cowbirds and other Cheats (Poyser) Hardback £24.95 Densley In Search of Ross’s Gull (Peregrine Books) £34.95 Feare & Craig Starlings and Mynas (Helm) £32.00 Fuller The Great Auk (Fuller) £45.00 Isler & Isler Tanagers (Helm) Paperback £29.99 Jamarillo & Burke New World Blackbirds — the Icterids (Helm) £35.00 Juniper & Parr Parrots: a guide to the Parrots of the World (Pica Press) £35.00 Konig, Weick & Becking Ozuls:A Guide to the Owls of the World (Pica Press) £35.00 Lefranc & Worfolk Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World (Pica Press) £25.00 Olsen & Larsson Skuas and Jaegers (Pica Press) £24.00 Taylor & van Perlo Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World (Pica Press) £35.00 Recordings, Videos & CD-ROMS Please add £2.25 p&p per order Doherty The Birds of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Four VOLUME VIDEO Doherty Eastern Rarities: The Birds of Beidaihe (Bird Images) VIDEO Doherty The Raptors of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) VIDEO Doherty The Warblers of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) VIDEO Doherty Shorebirds vol.l (Bird Images) Video Dunn The Large Gulls of North America (Bird Images) VIDEO Oddie Bill Oddie’s Video Guide to British Birds (Bird Images) Video Roche Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe (Sitelle/wildsounds) £69.95 L £17.95 L £17-95 L £17.95 L £17.95 r £17.95 L £17.95 r 4 CDs £49.95 L Binders The British Birds Binder (holds 12 issues & index) New Size Only Wirex retaining - £7.95 Q Cordex retaining - £7.95 U All special offer prices are valid only for August 2000 (and, for overseas customers only, during the following month). Other prices quoted are subject to any publishers increases. Overseas insurance optional, but recommended if available (please enquire). Make all cheques and POs payable to C. J. WildBird Foods Ltd. Payment can be made in US$ at current exchange rate. All orders are normally despatched prompdy from stock, but please allow up to 21 days for delivery in UK, longer if abroad. Any item ordered through the BB BookShop which fails to meet your approval can be returned to Subbuteo and your money will be refunded without question. I To qualify for FREE POST please quote your BB reference number: L _ Name ... Address Total £ You can also pay using these credit cards: Cheque/PO enclosed Q If your credit card address is different from that above, please show it here: Please debit my Visa/MasterCard/Eurocard Expiry date Signature You can phone in your credit card orders, quoting your BB ref no. and credit card no. Tel: 00 44 (0) 1743 709420 Fax: 00 44 (0) 1743 709504 E-mail: info^tjwildlifebooks.com Please send order to: BB BookShop, do Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Guidelines for Contributors British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the Western Palearctic. Except for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted for publication only on condition that the material is not being offered in whole or in part to any other journal or magazine. Photographs and drawings are welcomed. Referees are used where appropriate, and all submissions are reviewed by the British Birds Editorial Board or Notes Panels. Submissions should be in duplicate, typewritten, with double spacing and wide margins, and on one side of the paper only, accompanied by a word- processed version on disk. Both IBM- compatible (PC) and Macintosh disks are acceptable, and most word-processing applications can be easily translated, so long as they are reasonably current. If you are not using an up-to-date, standard program, it is best to submit your paper or contribution in two versions on disk: one in the original word-processed format and one in a basic text format such as RTF (Rich Text Format). The approximate position of figures and tables should be clearly indicated on the hard copy of the text. Figures should be in black ink on good-quality tracing paper or white drawing paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should be typed on a separate sheet. Please discuss computer-generated maps and tables with the designer before starting on them; the software you use may not be compatible. Photographs should be either 35mm transparencies or high-quality prints. Only transparencies will be considered for a front-cover image. Papers should be concise and factual, taking full account of previous literature and avoiding repetition as much as possible. Opinions should be based on adequate evidence. Authors are encouraged to submit their work to other ornithologists for critical assessment and comment prior to submission. Such help received should be acknowledged in a separate section. For main papers, an abstract summarising the key results and conclusions should be included, but should not exceed 5% of the total length. Authors should carefully consult this issue for style of presentation, especially of references and tables. English and scientific names and sequence of birds should follow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1997); or, for non-West Palearctic species, Monroe & Sibley (1993), A World Checklist of Birds. Names of plants should follow Dony et a/. (1986), English Names of Wild Flowers. Names of mammals should follow Corbet & Harris (1991), The Handbook of British Mammals, 3rd edition. Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations {Brit. Birds 74: 239- 242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). Authors of main papers (but not notes or letters) will receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Further copies may be available on request in advance, but will be charged for. Don’t miss our NaturetreK £990 selection for 2000 & 200 1 These 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! Naturetrek Cheriton Mill, Cheriton Alresford, Hampshire S024 ONG Tel: 01962 733051 Fax: 01962 736426 e-mail: info@naturetrek.co.uk web: www.naturetrek.co.uk CANADA’S BAY OF FUNDY 17-25 May 2000 ETHIOPIA 17-26 Nov 2000 16-25 Feb 2001 13-22 Apr 2001 16-25 Nov 2001 ETHIOPIAN ENDEMICS 24 Nov - 03 Dec 2000 23 Feb -04 Mar 2001 20-29 Apr 2001 23 Nov -02 Dec 200 1 FLORIDA 17-25 Feb 2001 GAMBIA 27 Oct - 05 Nov 2000 26 Oct - 06 Nov 2001 INDIA 17-25 Nov 2000 16 - 24 Feb 2001 13-21 Apr 2001 16 - 24 Nov 2001 KAZAKHSTAN 10- 18 May 2001 17-25 May 2001 24 May -01 Jun 2001 MALAWI 16 - 25 Feb 2001 09- 18 Mar 2001 NAMIBIA 19 - 28 Jan 2001 02-IIFeb200l 16 - 25 Feb 2001 NEPAL ° Departures every Friday throughout Jan & Feb 200 1 04-13 May 2001 18-27 May 2001 NEPAL - THE TRAGOPAN TREK 11-20 May 2001 25 May -03 Jun 2001 SOUTH AFRICA 15- 24 Sep 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20-29 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE BIRDING 23 Mar -01 Apr 2001 24 Aug -02 Sep 2001 SOUTHERN MOROCCO 15-24 Sep ?000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 02-11 Mar 2001 13 - 22 Apr 2001 14-23 Sep 2001 SRI LANKA 18-27 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 16- 25 Mar 2001 16 - 25 Nov 2001 TANZANIA 27 Oct - 05 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct - 04 Nov 200 1 TEXAS 13-21 Apr 2001 THAILAND 10- 1 9. Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct -04 Nov 200 1 UAE & OMAN 12 - 19 Nov 2000 25 Feb -04 Mar 2001 15-22 Apr 2001 07- 14 Oct 2001 WASHINGTON STATE 14 -22 Apr 2001 ZAMBIA 03-12 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20 -29 Apr 2001 26 Oct -04 Nov 200 1 Swamp-hen xiuropean Bird Report Non-native Lesser Sand Plover September 2000 J British Birds Volume 93 Number 9 I M ■ w British Birds Established 1907, incorporating r/ac ,^00/0^ /s7, established 1843 Published by BB 2000 Limited, trading as British Birds' Registered Office: 4 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8SF British Birds Managing Editor Dr J.T. R, Sharrock Personal Assistant Frances Bueknell Assistant Editor David A, Christie Editorial Board I. Carter, Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. Collinson, R. J. Prythereh, N. J. Redman, Dr j.T, R. Sharrock Art Consultants Robert Gillnior & Alan Harris Design Mark Corliss Photographic Research Robin Chittenden Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood Circulation Manager Vivienne Hunter Administration Sally Young Rarities Committee Chairman Prof. Colin Bradshaw Hon. Secretary Michael J. Rogers Paul Harvey, John McLoughlin, John Martin, Doug Page, Adam Rowlands, Ken Shaw, Dr Jimmy Steele, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Grahame Walbridge Archivist John Marchant Statistician Peter Fraser Museum consultant Ian Lewington Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J. J. M. Flegg, Prof 1. Newton FRS, Dr M.A. Ogilvie, Dr J.T. R. Sharrock, Dr K. E. L. Simmons, Dr Angela Turner (Co-ordinator) Identification Notes Panel Prof Colin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R. A. Hume, T. P Inskipp, P G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, 1. S. Robertson, K. E. Vinieombc (Co-ordinator) Annual subscription rates Libraries and agencies £66.50, $ 1 16.00 Personal subscriptions UK, Europe, surface mail: £,53. 50 Outside Europe, airmail: £85.00 Concessionary rates (National, Regional & County bird club members) UK - £40.00 Europe & Outside Europe, surface mail: £44.00 Young Ornithologist’s rate £26.75 (YOC UK only) Please make all cheques payable to Briti.sh Birds Ltd. Single back issues £6.50 Available from British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5.14' Please make cheques jjayable to British Birds Ltd. Rarities Issue £10 - available as above. CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION OFFICE The Banks, Mountfield, Nr. Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01580 882038 Subscriptions & Circulation Vivienne Hunter E-mail: subscriptions@britishbirds.co.uk Accounts & Administration Sally Young E-mail: aceounts@helm-information.co.uk Design, Production & Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood E-mail: design@britishbirds.eo.uk EDITORIAL OFFICE Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01767 640025 Papers, notes, letters, artwork, journals, etc. Dr J. T. R . Sharrock E-mail: editor@briti.shbirds.co.uk Personal Assistanl Frances Bueknell www.britishbirds.co.uU BB Bookshop c/o Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Tel: 01743 709420 Fax: 0174.3 709504 E-mail: info@wildlifebooks.eom ‘News & comment’ information Bob Scott & Wendy Dickson, 8 Woodlands, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 lUE Tel: 01480 214904 Fax: 01480 47.3009 E-mail: ab.scott@tinyworld.eo.uk ‘The Ornithological Year' bird news Barry Nightingale & Keith AlLsopp, 7 Bloomsbury (Jose, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS Tel: 01 525 290.314 Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, 2 ( hurchtown (Cottages, J’owednack, (iornwall 'FR26 3AZ Front-cover photograph: Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola, Lesbos, Greece, April 2000. {David Tipling/Sk’mi.\ rush ) C4>ver photograph correction -July: Adult Red Kite Milvus milvus in llight. (Chris Ciomersall) For more information about British Birds visit our website at: www.britishbirds.co.uk SunMrdg Wrdlng Great deals for 2001! EILAT 11-18/25 March with Killian Mullarney A whole host of middle-eastern specialities, plus a wealth of northern migrants, on the shores of the Red Sea. 8-27 May with Paul Holt For an spring full of Siberian migrants join us in this Chinese birding hotspot. GOA 27 October-1 1 November with Paul Holt Sunbirder is the choice for this Indian Ocean resort. Paul's knowledge of the region's birds is unrivalled. OULU, FINLAND ^ m £790 12-19 May with Killian Mullarney Travel north with us to see Scandinavia's owls, northern specialities and spring migration on the Gulf of Bothnia. All events offer a full, professionally-led excursion programme. For an information pack, contact Sunbird specifying which event you are interested in. Sunbird (BS), P O Box 76, Sandy, Beds, SG19 1DF Telephone: 01767 682969 Fax: 01767 692481 E-mail: sunbird@sunbird.demon.co.uk Web site: www.sunbird.demon.co.uk Your money is fully protected by our own ATOL bond. Sunbird is a trading name ot Conderbury Limited OUT NOW! Our 2001 brochure, featuring dozens of great birding holidays ... Lesbos • Cyprus • Greece • Corsica France (Camargue, Pyrenees, Vercors) Spain (Andalucia, Extremadura, La Mancha, Pyrenees, Sierra de Credos) Canary Islands • Holland • Austria Hungary (Hortobagy, Zemplen, Cranes) Bulgaria • Romania • Iceland Finland & Arctic Norway • Lapland Morocco • Israel • Oman • UAE Gambia • Ethiopia • Kenya • Namibia South Africa • Siberia • Bhutan • Nepal India • Sri Lanka • Malaysia • Borneo Australia • New Zealand • New Caledonia Philippines • USA (Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas) Canada • Costa Rica * Cuba • Trinidad Venezuela • Peru • Brazil A Limosa ” 01263 578143 /fflb TMI A*MCU»ON or noireMOCNT With some trips already full, make sure YOU don't miss out on the fun! Most major Fax: 01263 57925 1 accepted e-mail: limosaholidays@compuserve.com Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 OLZ A totally new concept in T zphotographic field guides I Lar« Ground Finch Otmpaa mdgivr^tm ■Ht ui na«Lk Kv4' )'«MllWhr>»ick the leiifM* at ihr offvt numlMr Km the otuti btpw* o« iKc hoheaJ and lornn j (Mwd ni^lut 1011. Ai«tt Mtii >XV4K Mjii •nth «i4i«e nfAi*nW: Rrrmt *«k tOraioJ t«nJrf|VKi% \T)K'.K- Authrr Jwk O ^mall (itxmnd Finch .UiucOm I'lnch Item^u^ paiprtmfd rmnin IVquem' dc Tktij .UiunAtM ai>i towinw Mmt itmaarmw M the UMHal. trid and trMMiaaoa niairt. hmdnan * uyafmrt «ea«nn and »iHpc«l licnMtud tuvntv Huui/lviuutai.ivtmft<*iiliuKawliNinill peraW ll)r>niFK.A110N: Imttmnhaiehenvm Small and I4i|pt>n«ind Imh m war V>itha tkr uar «iw< «i4amaiirw>ia laatrMdiifMBNair N\i<|piiniaUwaaia>lKi(waaw IwMi wid 'wnai^vt, d^id nwmwrv wad ISrai) wal aaaarwaah tlWwtn and XUdl> (loaiata Iraaal aa dar l>^^^l(■^l lwmfc((|| iwwif (hr aamWit awm hw dnpmra an (he kaalwh <*«aal( (hat fwtwil ••wdaanl a> dar ilhwi wad wad n*ar««(a(aiiaaii%a (Wwaa wad Vlih Ihr |«i(adat*M XUdI jiad Ihnawi a •darn iihawd aa w da Vm«w ftaah aiar (hr Mk dw imahd kerd *w hiaai idawad K pn ksip aa ila Mr (4 Naaoa fc*da hada'ti. Il)f Nl IfK'AIION \Wy umUr to Small (•naanJ Vwah Ian hall l(Wi||rt Malnkwr|awM(\l.(hr«iilmeohr«i(|tlrurwrwr(lnd Anth. \T)K K ArnhrthrMrwai^niih'damtviarvtrminmrwKdVC’aiMrr Irthhlltalr Vlt For more information or a brochure contact: Pica Press, The Banks, Mountfield, Nr Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 01580 880561 Fax: 01580 880541 Andy Swash and Rob Still Softback 204 x 1 30mm; 1 68 pages £16.95 ISBN 1-873403-82-8 O Brown Pldican PtUi»nm oKt-t^mulu IkUtmmm omaenuiu IViK4n»a(> the ««ar. iwwiim in awall rednawra m iua b(aAc> «ml ■aopinn, aKvMwndh oai ihr mMind Lci^h Hn-mm ghwffaat. inthnlrtCAllON. IwtnMjljMr. durtovm lar|^ii*r 4Mhmf. liutAtrriwH Ml Ala (f: Vwrt aiiLr. Jihou^ tcmalo yjnk(T«H> wiulkr than nukt numaM mawiK |Urs hrtmn. wwh kh^nui 4ihl whiir nuriiiut «m) brad ami nr\L iUMtllftl Revinao MUM hm Ukka hcM and ne>.k matkinip and hn pair underpartv VlllCI'r Aalulu uwaalK wirm. wianf|hun (hrtmal^. OAm iK m or tnwu (ceding piuuialt in onJrrit (u«v »i(h tarda Aapfanc and dalanz ainmw m unoon. O F'lightle.s& (or GaJipogos) Connorant /^kubrrprmn htnut kxahacd (nahw tSiwhl ■bmv dtr h^ aaKe maii IbrxA (hmu^hum (he %w dlMi^i m Uad Iran Slanh (uSrtarwihci ('wwrvatanai >aiinai VStawMi IDENTIFICA1 ION: L'nmiviakablr: ihe only (.otmorani la (■alapafiov wiih appamtiiv him (Kwikx 'tatty' wtB|>. Ainai: .Son alike. aiihouf:h nuin iKWKvablv larf^ ihan Mnaln; plunajer dark hlarkidi-Miwfi ahovr. pahrtwuwn hekm-ryn tun|uuiac. IwUAUai^ Rrwtnblra adult hut hai gkmiy -hlakk pluituf^r and duB hitnin ryn. VOKlt Adidta gnr a (w (iiuwt: ywunf: hardi uai ihr nn> pvr a (datntnr * war aw ftkHAVX)l'R: Ri|ihilna and nurtnr; ferda Ky diviafi. wMiaUi idoM: 9 GaUpagos P^gu Sahmuna rnTtmunau l‘HiKM(m> dr La* (ijupan ISfMa Wmwtaw* Nemo a M» (kwand Art U SM* vwv Nna* • K> ihr dimi. htiwlmi ihn*a^*w IDrN I IrtCAi lON; VnmawaLaMr; thr oiwy |'cit|tuinui(>alapa^iis. Antic Son alike, ahtox.^ male* are dijphiK lar|^ than trmale*. I'pperpartv Aippeiaand tair black ibromw when »t*mk axth white bnr (uiwunf: ihrow|(h the ey«v duwa cheek* and acrou ihiuai. undeipam whwr with black line aara»* bre«*i and down Aankv luutu U: Rnrmble* adith bwl gmer and lack* the bead and cbnt pauem VOlCt: A biattaf; wwind rnwiuacnw ul' a dnnkrt BkMAMOL'Ik; H(|jiih*i and prlan. di*mx to Aed Capel Manor College HNDin Ornithology GREATER LONDON’S SPECIALIST COLLEGE in HORTICULTURE and COUNTRYSIDE STUDU Interviewing NOW for Higher National Diplomas in Orr\\ty\o\oQ)f ^^ears full-time or 4 years part-time with 400 hours of work experience. This course is the first of its kind in the area and will provide vocational training for anyone wishing to work in this field. It includes practically based modules on ornithology science, identification, survey and monitoring methods, conservation planning and law visitor management and interpretation. The College has a wide range of facilities nearby: The Lea Valley Park, with its Rye Meads RSPB Reserve, is of national importance for its wildfowl and the Bittern Watchpoint is visited by hundreds of people each winter. Please contact our Courses Hotline TODAY: 020 8366 ri ri ri J25/M25 Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex ENl 4RQ www.capelmanorcollege.co.uk Email: enquiiiesjacapelmamir colleqe.freeserve.co.uk SMALL, SPECIALIST AND PERSONAL Natural history and birdwatching holidays on islands worldwide Galapagos * Falkland Islands * Texel (Holland) * Mauritius * Seychelles * Stilly * Iceland * Crete * New Zealand * Cyprus * Cuba * Shetland * Orkney * Sri Lanka * Write or phone for our brochure Island Holidays, Drummond Street. Comrie, Perthshire PH6 2DS Freephone 08(X) 253534 Email: enquiries(®islandholidays.nei Visit our website on: www.islandholidays.nei BIRD NEWS to PAGERS and MOBILE PHONES Up to the minute bird news wherever you are. Local news, national news Rare Bird Alert 01603 456789 Birding Eilat & Israel The International Birding & Research Center in Eilat and Kibbutz Eilot - country lodging Invite you to a birding experience with those who really care for your birds: Birding with expert conservation-oriented ornithologists and lodging at the kibbutz will make all the difference to your trip to Eilat and Israel. For the lowest prices contact: IBRCE, PO BOX 774, EILAT 88000. Israel Fax: 972-6335319, 6376922. email: ibrc@eilatcity.co.il For all your advertising enquiries contact: Philippa Leegood Tel: 01580 882039 design@britishbirds.co.uk SUBBUTEO NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS is now a division of C. J. WildBird Foods Ltd located at; The Rea Upton Magna Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Tel: 00 44 (0)1743 709420 Fax: 00 44 (0)1743 709504 E-mail info@\vildlifehooks.com Check out our new website on www.wildlifebooks.com We will continue to offer a selection of books in BB Bookshop recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. A Series of Four Collector’s Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles for British Birds A series of four jigsaw puzzles with exclusive designs. Each 250 piece puzzle contains Victorian ‘whimsies’ No 2 “On the Look Out ” Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters by Hanne & Jens Eriksen No 4 “Lazy Lady” Female Red-necked Phalarope by Nick Dymond To order your jigsaw puzzle(s), simply complete and return this form to: JicsAW, Bri i'ism Birds, Thu Banks, Mountfiui.d, Nr Rohurtsbridc'ii;, Eas i’ Sussi;x TN32 5JY. Please send me the following boxed jigsaw puzzles at £24.99 each (£27.99 outside UK): (Qty) Puzzle No 1 (Qty) Puzzle No 2 (Qty) Puzzle No 3 (Qty) Puzzle No 4 I enclose a cheque for £ (Total)/Pleasc charge my Credit Card: Visa □ Mastercard □ Card Number: / J J / / / / J V / V / J / / J Expiry date: / Name: Address: No 1 “Mr5 Invisible” Camouflaged Capercaillie by Christer Kalenius No 3 “Lunch Time” Adult and juvenile Eurasian Jays by Tony Hamblin Tel No: O British Birds Volume 93 Number 9 September 2000 414 Twitching and taxonomy Dr Martin Collinson 415 The European Bird Report - passerines Colin Davies and DrJ.T.R. Sharrock 428 Non-native birds breeding in the United Kingdom in 1998 Dr Malcolm Ogilvie and the Rare Birds Breeding Panel 435 Lesser Sand Plover in West Sussex: new to Britain and Ireland Jack Hunt 442 The Purple Swamp-hen in Cumbria in 1997 Dr Alan Knox, Dr Tim Melling and Roger Wilkinson Regular features 433 H Rarities Committee news BBRC seeks new member with knowledge of East Anglia 434 Conservation research news Dr David Gibbons 446 Looking back 447 @ Monthly Marathon Paul Holt 448 Notes New breeding site of Lesser Crested Tern in Italy Francesco Scarlon, Roberto Valle and Renzo Rusticali A breeding pair of melanistic Northern Wlieatears in Spain N. Picozzi 453 Letters Leicestershire & Rutland Andrew Mackay Decline of urban sparrows Michael B. Lancaster Did Wliite-backed Woodpeckers ever breed in Britain? Dr Ludwik Tomiatojc Song and call of a Siberian Chiffchaff Graham P Catley Birds and fog Dr W. R. P. Bourne Spellings Ken Osborne 457 Reviews A Field Guide to the Birds of South-east Asia by Craig Robson DrJ.T.R. Sharrock SJaldgcefir Fuglar d Islajidi Fyrir 1981 by Gunnlaugur Petursson and Gunnlaugur brainsson DrJ.T.R. Sharrock Heron Conservation by James A Kushlan and Heinz Hafner Prof 1. Neivton A Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent by Krys Kazmierczak David Holman Important Bird Areas of Kenya by Leon Bennum and Peter Njoroge David Pearson A Field Guide to the Birds of China by John Mackinnon and Karen Phillips Dr Colin Bradshaw Birds in Counties by David K. Ballance Dr J. T. R. Sharrock Wild Flowers of Britain and Europe by Peter Heukels Chris R. Boon Wildlife in Lao PDR: 1999 Status Report by J. R. Duckworth, R. E. Salter and K. Kliounboline Philip D. Pound Wloere to Watch Birds in North and East Spain by Michael Rebane Dr Eduardo de Juana Where to Watch Birds in Europe and Russia by Nigel Wheatley R. E. (Bob) Scott The California Condor by Noel Snyder and Helen Snyder Dave Odell 462 News and comment Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson 466 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan © British Birds 2000 Twitching and taxonomy Birdwatchers who take an interest in taxonomy and its implications for our understanding of the Western Pale- arctic avifauna will be frustrated if they wait for ‘definitive’ taxonomic pronouncements from scientists and records committees. Unfortunately, there is no ‘quick fix’ for this: settled taxonomic decisions can always be upset by fresh evidence, and any taxono- mist’s professional judgment can be chal- lenged. An intelligent and rounded approach with respect to the problems associated with unravelling the taxonomy of birds will be necessary for any birdwatcher - whether professional or amateur - who wishes to make a contribution to the subject. Among amateur birders in Europe, the breadth of knowledge and understanding regarding taxonomic changes is outstanding. For some people, however, the main reason for their interest in systematics is possibly not that they are particularly conversant with, or even interested in, the taxonomic problems involved; it is that they keep lists of the birds that they have seen, and that list size is usually measured on the basis of species, with subspecies not really counting as a ‘tick’. In the face of the taxonomic changes that are inevitable as our under- standing of the genetics and ecology of birds advances, it is entirely likely that keeping species lists will become, at the very least, unsatisfactory in the short term. A bird- watcher approaching, say, his five-hundredth British bird may find that, overnight, the ‘goalposts have been moved’, and that he has in fact seen over 500 species. The satisfac- tion of ‘the numbers game’ is lessened if the significance of one’s list is devalued by taxo- nomic instability. While the challenges of ‘recreational listing’ are of little importance in an ornitho- logical context, they provide the driving force behind many people’s interest in the subject, with several high-profile twitchers taking an active part in ‘the species debate’. It would be wrong to suggest that people want species splits merely because they rep- resent more licks; it is probably more accu- rate to say that competitive listers primarily want the goalposts to be fixed, so that their lists have stability and meaning. While it is scientifically impossible to produce instanth’ a definitive, taxono/nically accurate species list for Britain or the Western Palearctic, it might be possible to get around this problem if twitching organisations (e.g. the UK4()0 Club) did not try to keep their lists of ‘count- able’ birds based around the species. There is only one official British List: that maintained since 1883 by the British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee (BOLIRC), whose Taxonomic Sub-committee (TSC) makes decisions only on the basis of available scien- tific evidence as published in peer-reviewed journals. People who are frustrated by the objectivity and rigour of this process would waste their time in trying to set up alterna- tive British lists with their own taxonomic guidelines; such lists would create confusion and hinder birdwatchers’ understanding of why ‘the) ’ are splitting this species or that. It would be easier and more useful to produce a list of birds (species and subspecies) that are recognisable in the field, and which could become the accepted list for competi- tive twitchers to use. Indeed, much of the work towards this end has already been done, in 1998 (‘Bird forms in Britain’ by Steve Gantlett: Binling Work! 1 1 : 222-239). If the people whose interest in taxonomy is based primaril)' on concerns for compara- tive listing were to ‘bite the bullet’ and follow the morphologically based approach to listing (i.e. everything which a ver>' compe- tent birdwatcher may be able to identif)- in the field is a possible tick, whether it is a species or not), this would allow time fi)r rea- soned taxonomic debate about what is a species and what is not. It would also prevent the potential misappropriation of (he Phylo- genetic Species (4)ncept by those whose underlying agenda is the above-mentioned ‘birder-friendly’ approach. A birder-friendly compromise is not a species concept. These are, of course, my personal views, not necessarily also those of the TSC or of the British Birds Editorial Board. Marlin Collinson 22 Tippet Knowes Bark, Winchhurgh, West Lothian 1:1152 01 J; nicolliiison@ohg9.iol)g.ed.ac.ak 414 © tiritisb Birds 93: 414, September 20()() The European Bird Report Passerines 0 S OCT 2000 P^RSENTED Tn'i'iG LIBRARY Compiled by Colin Davies and J.T.R. Sharrock from information supplied by National Correspondents ABSTRACT This biannual feature was inaugurated 23 years ago iBrit. Birds 70: 2 18). These compilations provide the only reliable, continent-wide report on population trends and significant, nationally accepted records of rarities. Some of the highlights in this forty-seventh compilation include; • First breeding by Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola in Armenia, Estonia, Slovakia and Switzerland • First Black-throated Accentor Prunella atrogularis in France • Flock of 25 Siberian Thrushes Zoothera sibirica in Poland • First Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida in Greece • First Marmora’s Warblers Sylvia sarda in Belgium and the Iberian Peninsula • First Menetries’s Warbler S. mystacea in Cyprus • Irruption of Eurasian Jays Garrulus glandarius into Denmark and Latvia in autumn 1999 • Irruption and breeding of Rosy Starlings Sturnus roseus in Bulgaria in spring 2000 • Irruption of Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator into Scandinavia in autumn 1 998 • Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea, Palm Warbler D.palmarum and Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas in Iceland in a ten-day purple patch in 1997 • First Pallas’s Reed Bunting Emberiza pallasi in Portugal Data are supplied for the EBR by a network of National Correspondents (see page 427) appointed by each country, and are also extracted from pub- lished reports of verified records. A few © British Birds 93: 415-427, September 2000 entries (always marked by an asterisk) are still subject to assessment by the relevant rar- ities committee (and will be either con- firmed or deleted in a future Report), but all others are accepted, verified records. 415 Hcuioratn Sbirihai The European Bird Report: passerines As well as covering the whole of Europe, records notified by the National Correspon- dents for nearby countries within the Western Palearctic are also included. This forty-seventh compilation, covering passer- ines, includes officially notified records from 38 countries. This Report aims 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. 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. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops siiperciliosus GERMANY Second record: Sylt/Schleswig- Holstein on 18th-19th June 1998*. Black-crowned Sparrow-lark Eremopterix nigriceps JORDAN First record: five to ten at Qa’ Saidiyin from 21st November 1988 to 20th March 1989 iSandgrouse 21: 20). This is the first mention of this species in these compi- lations. Chestnut-headed Sparrow-lark Eremopterix signcitci ISRAEL First record: Eilat on 1st May 1983 (Sandgrouse 21: 87-89). This is the first mention of this species in these compilations. Bar-tailed Desert Lark Ammomanes cinctiirus CYPRUS First record: Cape Greco on 24th- 26th March 1999 {Cyprus Annual Report 46: 55). Thick-billed Lark Rhamphocoris clotbey ISRAEL Unusually high numbers and first breeding record: 45 during March and April 1999 (plate 237), ten pairs still in area in May , with confirmed breeding. Calandra Lark Melanocorypba calandra BELGILIM First record: Les Grandes Terres on 23rd November 1997. HUNGARY Third record: Kardoskut on 20th February 1999*. 237. Thick-billed Lark Rhamphocoris clotbey, southern Negev, Lsrael, April 1999. 4l6 British Birds 9.3: 415-427, September 2000 Bimaciilated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculatci SPAIN Vagrant: 21st December 1996 to 18th January 1997 {Ardeola 46: 134). Wliite-winged Lark Melanocorypha leucoptera FINLAND Second record: Kalajoki on 21st- 23rd June 1999. Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla ICELAND Third record: 17th November 1997 (first was on 20th November 1940 and second on 24th October \94A,Bliki 21:48). Hume’s Lark Calandrella acutirostris ISRAEL Eirst record: Eilat on 4th-l4th Eeb- ruary 1986 (Sandgrouse 21:89-90). Crested Lark Galerida cristata DENMARK Breeding census: 15-17 pairs in 1999 (D0/=T94:67). SWITZERLAND Vagrant: 3rd December 1998 (previous record was in 1993; Orn. Beob. 96: 173). Oriental Lark Alaiida gulgula ISRAEL Eirst record: Eilat on 28th September 1984 {Sandgrouse 21: 90). Plain Martin Riparia paludicola CANARY ISLANDS Eirst record: Euerteven- tura on 15th July 1993. ISRAEL Eirst record: Eilat on 6th May 1986 {Sandgrouse 21: 90-91). Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris DENMARK Third record: 13th June 1997 {DOFT9d: 133). Red-riimped Swallow Hirundo daurica ERANCE Breeding status: 10-12 pairs in 1998 {Ornithos 7: 12). HUNGARY Eirst record: Zebegeny, River Danube, on 18th April 1999*. Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae CHANNEL ISLANDS Early vagrant: 11th August 1998 {Jersey Bird Rep. 1998: 17). DENMARK Vagrants:! 4 in 1997 was lowest number since 1991, when there were eight {D0FT95:45). British Birds 93: 415-427, September 2000 The European Bird Report: passerines ESTONIA First and second records: Spithami, Liiane, on 6th September 1998*, and atTorgu, Saaremaa Island, on 17th September 1998*. IRELAND Vagrant: 4th October 1997 (64 pre- vious records; Irish Birds 6: 306). SPAIN Up to 27 in nine coastal localities in 1995/96, most of them probably wintering {Ardeola 45: 110). SWITZERLAND Vagrant: Martigny on l6th September 1999 (five previous records). Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii DENMARK First and second records:V3ernen- gene. West Jutland, from 22nd November to 1st December 1998 {DOFF 93: 133) and Vejlerne, North Jutland, on 18th-25th November 1999*. FRANCE Eirst and second records: first- winter at Grand Mas and Entressen from l6th January to 25th Eebruary 1998, and first-winter on Isle of Sein, Finistere, on 17th- 19th October 1998 {Ornithos 6: 162). ISRAEL Eirst record: Eilat on 7th-l6th November 1987 {Sattdgrouse 21:91-92). NORWAY Eirst record: 28th November 1987 (first-year on 3rd-13th November 1995, Brit. Birds 91: 50, becomes second record; Fugle dret 3:11). Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris DENMARK Breeding census: at least ten pairs in 1999 {DOFT 94: 68). Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni CYPRUS Correction: two or three in Paphos Lighthouse area during 22nd-29th March 1998 (not 19th-29th April as published in Brit Birds 92: 76; Cyprus Rarity Report 1998). ESTONIA Eirst record: Kirikukiila, Lihula, on 24th April 1992 {Hirundo 12:80). JORDAN First record: two at Eilat, Israel, on 19th-30th November 1982 were seen flying into Jordan on several occasions {Sand- grouse 21: 22). NETHERLANDS Vagrant: 7th October 1998 {Dutch Birding 21: 321). SWITZERLAND Second record: 2nd October 1998 {Orn. Beob. 96: 174). Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi NORWAY Fifth and sixth records: 7th Sep- tember 1996, and 3rd October 1996 {Fugle dret 3: 12). 417 The European Bird Report: passerines Rock Pipit Anthiis petmsiis GERMANY First breeding: Heligoland in 1999. Buff-bellied Pipit An thus nibescens ISRAEL First record: Eilat on 4th November 1981 {Sandgrouse 2\\92-9y). Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava FAROE ISLANDS Second record of grey- headed race thunbergi: 24th May 1993 (DOFT 95: 69). LUXEMBOURG First record of British race 3rd-6th June 1995 (Regulus l"':4l). NETHERLANDS Second record of black- headed race feldegg\ 12th May 1998 {Dutch Birding 21: 321). SWITZERLAND First record of Iberian race iberiae: male at Locarno, on 9th May 1999. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola ARMENIA First breeding record: pair at Lake Apri on 19th June 1998. BELGIUM Second and third records: first- summer on 12th May 1997 and first-winter on 6th- 10th September 1997. ESTONIA First to fifth records and first breeding record: first-year at Pulgoja, Haiide- meeste, on 21st July 1990; probably the same paired with a female Yellow Wagtail M. flava at Pulgoja during l6th May to 17th July 1991, raising six young; 19th July 1993; 28th May and 4th June 1995; 18th July 1995, and probably same 20th July 1995; 29th July 1995 (three subsequent vccovCiS, Hirundo 12:81). FRANCE Vagrants: lst-4th May 1998, 13th May 1998, and 27th August to 2nd Sep- tember 1998 {Ornithos 6: 163). ICELAND Vagrant: 3rd September 1997 (five previous records; Bliki 21: 49). NETHERLANDS Vagrants: 3rd-5th September 1997 {Dutch Birding 21: 74), and 10th May 1998 {Dutch Birding 21 : 321). PORTUGAL Second record: 24th March 1997 {Pardela 11: 16). SLOVAKIA First breeding record: pair in PoZehy, Central Slovakia, in 1997. SPAIN Vagrant: 22nd February 1996 {Ardeola 45: 110). Second record for Balearics: first- winter at Albufera, Mallorca, on 18th to 23rd November 1997 {Ardeola 46: 143). SWITZERLAND Vagrants and first breeding: 30th April 1999 and bred at Ageriried in 1997 {Orn. Beob. 96: 263); Bolle di Magadino on 18th- 19th April 2000, Neeracherried on 27th April 2000, and Klingnauer Stausee on 1st May 2000 (seven previous records). Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba PORTUGAL First record of race subper- sonata-.Bci,x on 13th-l 4th July 1995 {Pardela 11: 16). Wliite-cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys JORDAN Second record: 1 4th April 1997 {Sandgrouse 21: 22). Dipper Cinclus cinclus DENMARK Breeding census: four to seven pairs in 1999 {DOFT94: 68). Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella BELARUS First record: near Minsk in October 1997 {Subbuteo 2: 50). FINLAND Fifth record: 6th December 1998 to 9th February 1999. Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis JORDAN First record: Dana Terraces on 31st December 1997 {Sandgrouse 21: 22). This is the first mention of this species in these compilations. Black-throated Accentor Prunella atrogularis FRANCE First record: first-winter male at Chezy-sur-Marne, Aisne, on 7th-24th December 1997, 10th January to 29th Feb- ruary 1998, and 18th March 1998 {Ornithos 6: 163). Alpine Accentor Prunella coUaris BELGIUM Vagrant: 22nd-25th May 1996. JORDAN First record: two at Dana on 26th February 1995. MALTA Vagrant: 2nd November 1999 (first for 14 years). Rufous-tailed Scrub-robin Cercotrichas galacUdes CHANNEL ISLANDS First record: 7th June 1 998* {Jersey Bird Rep. { 1 998): 1 8). GERMANY Thirtl record in recent years: Hid- densee/Mecklenburg-Vorpommern during 9th- 1 3th June 1 998*. 418 British Birds 93: 415-427, September 2000 The European Bird Report: passerines 238. Singing male red-spotted Bluethroat Luscinia svecica si'ec/co.Veendam, Groningen, Netherlands, 27th June 1999. Rufous Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos ESTONIA First record: Prangli, Kambja, on 18th June 1996 iHirundo 12:82). Bluethroat Luscinia svecica DENMARK Breeding census: seven to nine pairs in 1999 {DOFT 9i:6S'). NETHERLANDS First record of male of red- spotted race svecica holding territory: Veendam, Groningen, from at least 22nd June 1999 onwards (plate 238). Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus BULGARIA First record: female at Cape Emine on 3rd May 2000 (BSPB National Bird Data Bank). ESTONIA Third record: adult male on 13th July 1995 {Hirundo 12:82). GERMANY Vagrants: male on Heligoland on 6th-7th June 1998*, and Cuxhaven during 2nd-llth November 1998* (six previous records). ITALY Fourth record: 2nd December 1997 iRiv. Ital. Orn. 68: 207). NORWAY Fifth record: 8th October 1995 {Fugle dret 2: 18). SPAIN First record: Llobregat delta, Barcelona, on 17th November 1998*. Wliite-throated Robin Irania gutturalis CYPRUS Vagrant: 11th April 1998 {Cyprus Rarity Report 1998). Moussier’s Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri MALTAVagrant: 19th October 1998. Blackstart Cercomela melanura EGYPT Possible range expansion: Gabel Mughara, Sinai, on 12th January 2000 (only two other known locations for the species). Wljinchat Saxicola ruhetra LATVIA Second record: male at Liepaja on 2nd April 1999. Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata CYPRUS First record of race variegata: first- winter male at Cape Greco on 25th March 1999. DENMARK Breeding census: 24-25 pairs in 1999(DOFr94:69). ESTONIA First records of races variegata and maura'. male variegata at Kaariku- Piilme, Otepaa, on 21st May 1990 and male maura at Riguldi, Noarootsi, on 21st May 1993 {Hirundo 12:83). PORTUGAL Third record of race stej- negeri/maura: 28th October 1997 {Pardela 11: 17). British Birds 93: 415-427, September 2000 419 Arnoiid B. van den Berg The European Bird Report: passerines SPAIN First to third records of race maura/stejnegeri: 2nd March 1997, 6th April 1997, and 13th September 1997 (Ardeola 46: 143). Isabelline Wheatear Oenantbe isabellina GERMANY First record: Heligoland during 1 4th- 17th October 1999*. POLAND Second record: 3rd August 1997 {Notatki Orn. 14: 168). SWEDEN Fourth record: Varmdo, Soderman- land, on 9th-13th October 1999. Pied Wheatear Oenemthe pleschanka NORWAY Third record: 19th October 1996 {Fugledret 3: 12). POLAND Third record: 12th September 1997 {Notatki Orn. 14: 168). Black-eared Wheatear Oenemthe hispanica BELGIUM First record of race me/anoleuccr. first-summer at Massif de la Croix-Scaille on 1st June 1996. HUNGARY Vagrant of race melanoleuca: 4th- 15th May 1997 (Tuzok 3: 151). IRELAND Fourth record: 22nd May 1997 {Irish Birds 6: 307). Desert Wheatear Oenantbe cleserti BELGIUM Third record: Zeebrugge on 24th October 1996. GERMANY Vagrant:Teufelsberg/Berlin during 6th-9th October 1999*. IRELAND Fourth record: 2nd-15th December 1997 {Irish Birds 6: 307). NETHERLANDS Vagrant: llth-17th November 1997 {Dutch Birding 21: 74). NORWAY Fifth record: 10th October 1996 {Fugledret y\Z). POIAND First and second records: Jastarnia on 23rd October 1997 and Darlowko on 29th October 1997 {Notatki Orn. 14: 168). Variable Wheatear Oenemthe picata ISRAEL First record: Eilat on 4th February 1986 {Sandgrouse 21: 93-94). Hooded Wheatear Oenemthe monachei CYPRUS Vagrant: 13th April 1999 (seven pre- vious records; Cyprus Annued Report 46: 67). White-crowned Black Wlieatear Oenemthe leiicopygei CYPRUS Fourth record: 22nd February 1999 {Cyprus Annual Report 46: 67). Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis ESTONIA Second record: Saaremaa Island on 5th October 1999* (first record was of two males at the same location in May 1984). NETHERLANDS Third record: 17th May 1998 {Dutch Birding 21: 321). Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius FINLAND Second record: male at Riiakkyla on 5th April 1997. SLOVAKIA Second record: male at Vidova in May and June 1997 {Tichodroma 11). Wliite’s Thrush Zoothera eieiumei DENMARK Third record: 13th October 1952 {DOFTOy 134). NORWAY Vagrant: 26th October 1996 (six previous vecovAs\ Fugledret 3: 12). Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica POLAND Unusually large flock: 25 near Warsaw on 27th October 1996. Hermit Thrush Catheirus gutteitus IRELAND First record: first-year at Galley Head, Co. Cork, on 25th-26th October 1998. Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustiilatus NORWAY Second and third records: 28th September 1996 {Fugledret 3: 12) and first- year on Utsira, Rogaland, during 30th Sep- tember to 6th October 1997. Ring Ouzel Tureius torepiatus JORDAN Second record: nine or ten on 1 1th March 1995, at least six on 13th and 15th March, and one on 17th March 1995 {Sand- grouse 20: 24). Dark-throated Thrush Tureius ruficollis NETHERLANDS Fourth record of race atrogularis: 1 2th- 1 4th April 1998 {Dutch Birding 21: 323 & 22: 143-146). Redwing Tureius iliacus JORDAN Third record: five on 12th January 1996 {Sandgrouse 2 1 : 24). British Birds 93: 41S-427, September 2()()() 420 The European Bird Report: passerines Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola BELGIUM Second record: Konkelschoor on 10th September 1997. ISRAEL First record: Eilat on 25th February 1983 iSandgrouse 21:94-95). NORWAY Fifth and sixth records: 27th-28th September 1995, and 9th October 1995 (Fugle dret 2:18). Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata SWEDEN Fourth record: Utklippan, Blekinge, on 19th October 1999. Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia FAROE ISLANDS First record: 9th May 1994 (DOFT 95: 6S). River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis BELGIUM Third and fourth records: 23rd May to 4th June 1997, and 31st May to 5th June 1997. Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides DENMARK Breeding censuses: 1 1 in 1997 (lowest annual total since 1977, DOFT 93: 48- 49) and 28 singing males in 1999 (DOFT 94: 69). Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon CZECH REPUBLIC First breeding record: May 1 999 in southern Bohemia. PORTUGAL Second record: 18th October 1998 (Pardela 11: 17). Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola ESTONIA Second record: Spithami, Laiine, on 20th May 19997 Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola ESTONIA First to fourth records: Vaibla, Kolga-Jaani, on 15th July 1990; 11th August 1992; 18th July 1995; 1st September 1995 (Hirimdo 12:83). IRELAND Third record: first-winter at Tory Island, Co. Donegal, on 21st September 1998. NORWAY Fifth record: 25th September 1996 (Fugledret 3:14). PORTUGAL Third record: 11th February British Birds 93: 415-427, September 2000 1998 (Pardela 11: 17). UKRAINE First record for Western Ukraine: male at Cholgini Nature Reserve, Lviv Region, on 11th July 1999 . Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum FRANCE Third record: Ouessant on 4th-10th November 1998*. ICELAND First record: 23rd November 1997 (Bliki 21:50). ISRAEL First record: Eilat on 19th September 1985 (Sandgrouse 21:95). NETHERLANDS Third record: l4th June to 23rd July 1998, paired with female Marsh Warbler A. palustris and raised two hybrid young (Dutch Birding 21: 323). SLOVENIA Vagrant: 20th August 1999. Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris FAROE ISLANDS Second record: 30th May 1995 (DOFT 95: 68). SPAIN Fourth record: 25th August 1997 (Ardeola 46: 143). Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus ITALY Second winter record: Molentargius wetland. West Sardinia, on 25th December 1992 (Riv. Ital. Orn. 68: 221-222). SWEDEN Population estimate: 500,000- 600,000 pairs in 1988-93 (higher than pre- vious estimate of 250,000-500,000 pairs; Ornis Svecica 9: 35-46). Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus DENMARK Breeding census: five singing males in 1999 (DOFT 94: 69). Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis ISRAEL First record: Eilat on 20th May 1984 (Sandgrouse 21: 95-96). Oriental Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis ISRAEL First record: Eilat from 28th February to 13th April 1988 (Sandgrouse 21: 96-97). This is the first mention of this species in these compilations. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata ESTONIA Third record: 18th and 24th June 421 The European Bird Report: passerines and 2nd July 1995 {Hirumlo 12:83). ISRAEL First record: Central Shamaria Moun- tains on 14th August 1982 {Scmcigrouse 21: 97-98). NORWAY Fourth and fifth records: 2nd October 1994, and 22nd October 1996 {Fiigledret 3: 14). SLOVENIA First record: juvenile at Vrhnika, Central Slovenia, on l6th September 1999. SWEDEN Third record: Tvedora, Skane, on 30th August 1999. SWITZERLAND First record: Chablais de Cudrefin on 7th October 1998 {Orn. Beob. 96: 176). Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida GREECE First record: northeastern part of Chios Island on 9th May 1997. Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina FAROE ISLANDS Third and fourth records: 24th May 1996, and 15th August 1996 {DOFT 93:69). PORTUGAL First record: 24th May 1998 {Pardela 11: 17). Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta NORWAY Third record: 9th October 1994 {Fugleciret 3: 14). Marmora’s Warbler Sylvia sarda BELGIUM First record: Duinbergen on 3rd- 12th May 1997. SPAIN First authenticated record for the Iberian peninsula: male singing at Garraf range, Barcelona, on 25th May 1997 (Ardeola 46: 144). Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata NETHERLANDS Third record: 3rd-7th January 1997 (Diitcb Birding 21:75). SPAIN Range expansion: observations made in 1997 and 1998, including those of a nest with chicks and a family party, suggest colonisation of northeastern Mallorca from nearby Menorca {Auuari Ornitologic de les Balears 12: 1 17-123). Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata C.REAT BRITAIN Second record: 2()th April to 2nd May 1997 (Brit. Birds 92: 596). 422 Menetries’s Warbler Sylvia mystacea CYPRUS First record: Paphos on 2nd May 1998 (Cyprus Rarity Report 1998). Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala BELGIUM Third and fourth records: 12th May 1 996, and 6th-7th June 1 996. Riippell’s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli CANARY ISLANDS First record: adult male on Tenerife on 1st January 1997. Desert Warbler Sylvia nana CYPRUS Vagrant: 12th- 13th April 1999 (six previous records; Cyprus Annual Report 46: 72). DENMARK Third record: 10th May 1998 (DOFT 95. 134). Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria DENMARK Breeding status: one to three breeding pairs in 1998 (DOFT 95'. 126). Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca GREAT BRITAIN Breeding numbers: 37% increase on CBC plots in 1998 went part way towards recovery from exceptionally low numbers in 1997 (BTO News 222: 12). Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides BELGIUM Fourth record: 31st August to 2nd September 1996. DENMARK Irregular breeder: in 1997, three pairs at Christianso and one pair at Born- holm (DOFT 95: 50). GERMANY Second and third breeding records: Sachsen-Anhalt in 1998* and Sachsen in 1999*. Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis BELGIUM Second and third records: 25th September 1996, and 6th October 1997. DENMARK Third record: 28th September 1998 (DOFT 95: 1.34). ESTONIA Fourth and fifth records: 8th June 1994, and 11th June 1994 (Ilirundo 12:84). MALTA Fifth record: 7th October 1999. Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus BULGARIA First and second records: 6th-7th British Birds 95: 41S-427, September 2000 The European Bird Report: passerines November 1997 (Acrocephalus 20: 53). DENMARK Vagrants: 16 in 1997, of which two were the second and third spring records {DOFT95: 50). FAROE ISLANDS Second record; 1st November 1998 (taken by a cat, as was the first). IRELAND Vagrant; 25th-27th October 1997 (18 previous records; Birds 6: 308). POLAND Vagrant: 30th October 1997 iNotatki Orn. 14: 169). Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus DENMARK Vagrants; nine in 1997 (DOFT 95: 50). FAROE ISLANDS Vagrants: three in Sep- tember/October 1993 and one on 3rd November 1996 (20 previously accepted records; DOFF 93: 69). IRELAND Vagrants; four in Septeniber- October 1997 (428 previous records; Irish Birds 6: 308). LUXEMBOURG Second to fourth records: two at different locations on 7th October 1995, and third on 27th October 1996 (Regidus 17:41). SLOVAKIA Vagrant: 4th May 1997*. SPAIN Vagrants: three in October 1996, including one on Mallorca (Ardeola 45: 111). Hume’s Warbler Phylloscopus humei DENMARK Vagrant: Blavandshuk, West Jutland, on l6th-17th October 1999*. ISRAEL First record: Wadi Haymann on 12th- 13th October 1981 (Sandgrouse 21: 100- 101). Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi DENMARK Vagrants: Christianso, Bornholm, on 7th October 1999 and Hanstholm Fyr, North Jutland, on 10th October 1999 (14 previous records). ESTONIA First record: Saaremaa Island on 4th October 1999*. FINLAND Best-ever year: seven in autumn 1999. GERMANY Vagrants: Heligoland on 24th October 1998* and 6th October 1999* (seven previous records). MALTA Second record: 23rd October 1999. NETHERLANDS Vagrant: lOth-llth October 1998 (nine previous records; Dutch Birding 21:323-324). British Birds 93: 415-427, September 2000 NORWAY Fourth and fifth records: 11th October 1994, and 5th October 1996 {Fugledret 3: 18). Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus ESTONIA Third to fifth records: 11th October 1990, 30th October 1990, and 1st November 1996 {Hirundo 12:85). MALTA Third record: January to March 2000. SPAIN First record for the Balearics and Spain: Isla del Aire, Menorca, on 19th April 1997. Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus brehmii BELGIUM First record: Oosthoek from 1st May to 4th June 1997. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita NORWAY First record of race tristis: 7th November 1995 (JFugledret 2: 19). SWEf>EN Decline of race ahietinus: evidence of a decrease in breeding numbers of race ahietinus in southern Sweden at the same time as northward range expansion in southern Sweden and increase in numbers of nominate race (Ornis Svecica 9: 86-90). Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula ICELAJVD Second record: HeimaeyVestm., on lOth-ilth October 1998*. Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus DENMARK Breeding census: 27-36 pairs in 1999 (Z407T 94: 70). Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata CYPRUS First autumn record: 12th Sep- tember 1998 {Cyprus Rarity Report 1998). Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus ESTONIA Breeding information: probably began breeding at the end of the 1970s, but the first nests were found in 1991-92 {Hirundo 12: 85). In 1997, the population was estimated at 500-1,500 {Hirundo 11: 63- 83). Willow Tit Pams montanus DENMARK Breeding census: 38-45 pairs in \999 {DOFT 9^-.10). 423 The European Bird Report: passerines Azure Tit Panis cyaniis DENMARK Deletion: after consideration by the rarities committee, this species has been deleted from the Danish List {DOFT95. 135). Wallcreeper Ticbodrorna muraria MALTA Third record; 28th September 1998. Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus FRANCE Establishment in Alsace: first breeding in 1979, but not established until 1990s, with, for instance, 26 nests in 1995; all but one of 63 nests found were in White Willows Salix alba {Nos Oiseaux 46: 61-80). Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus DENMARK Breeding census: 13-19 pairs in 1999 (DOFT 94:70). Isabelline Shrike Lanins isabellinns CYPRUS Vagrant: 6th-7th April 1998 {Cyprus Rarity Report 1998). NORWAY Vagrant: 29th May 1995 (six pre- vious vecovOs, Fugledret 2: 20). POLAND Third record: 21st September 1997 {Notatki Orti. 14: HO). Red-backed Shrike Lanins collnrio FRANCE Breeding status: estimate of at least 155,000 pairs, based on 1993-94 census updated in 1998 (Ornithos 6:81). Lesser Grey Shrike Lanins minor FRANCE Breeding status: estimate of 50 pairs, based on 1993-94 census updated in 1998 {Ornithos (y.S\). LATVIA Fourth twentieth-century record: 30th May 1999. Great Grev Shrike Lanins exenbitor «> DENMARK Breeding census: ten to 15 pairs in 1999 {DOFF 94:10). FINLAND First to third records of race home- yeri: Kristiinankaupunki on 23rd October 1993, Lagskiir on 2nd October 1998, and Joensuu on 30th October 1998. Southern Grey Shrike Lan ins meridional is CYPRUS Third record and second of race palliclirostris: 20th-23rd November and 4th December 1998 {Cyprus Rarity Report 1998) and presumed same 22nd November 1999 to 4th December 1999 {Cyprus Annual Report 46: 77). ISRAEL First record of race palliclirostris: Eilat on 20th November 1987 {Sancigrouse 21: 102-103). FRANCE Breeding status: estimate of slightly fewer than 2,000 pairs, based on 1993-94 census updated in 1998 {Ornithos 6: 81). POLAND First record: Gdansk on 18th October 1997 {Notatki Orn. 14: 170). Woodchat Shrike Lanins senator FRANCE Breeding status: estimate of about 10,000 pairs, based on 1993-94 census updated in 1998 {Ornithos 6: 81). Eurasian Jay Garndus glandarins DENMARK Invasion: several thousands arriving from Sweden during autumn 1999. LATVIA Unprecedented irruption: 37,157 passed through Pape during 5th September to 9th October 1999 (more than 36,500 during 15th to 18th September). Nutcracker Nncifraga caryocatactes DENMARK Invasion and subsequent breeding; 733 during autumn 1997 {DOFF 93: 53-54), with six or seven pairs breeding in 1998 {DOFF 93: 126) and three or four pairs in 1999 {DOFF 94:1 \). Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monednla IRELAND First record of race rnoneclula/ soeiwnerringii: Lucan, Co. Dublin, from 25th Febniar}' to 18th April 1997 {Irish Birds 6: 309). Daurian Jackdaw Corvus dauuriens NETHERLANDS Second record: 8th-l 1th May 1 997 {Dutch Hireling 2 1 ; 77). House Crow Corvus splendens NETHERLANDS First and second breeding records and new adult: pair present since 1994 successfully bred in 1997 and raised one young at Hoek van Holland, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland {Dutch Bircling 21: 77); the same pair again raised one young in 1998, and a new adult was present in August and September 1998 (Dutch Birding 21: 324). Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclns lencogaster ISRAEL First record: Eilat from 5th jiily to 424 British Birds 93: 415-427, September 2()()() 14th August 1983 iSandgrouse 21: 101).This is the first mention of this species in these compilations. Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris ANDORRA First record and probable breeding: 8th June 1997, and pair carrying food on 20th May 1999, presumed breeding. Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus BULGARIA Big influx and breeding: more than 5,500 during 20th May to 3rd June 2000, including 460 at Struma Valley and Rila mountain, over 1,600 at Sveti Vlas, Burgas Region, over 1,350 at Cape Kaliakra and over 1,000 pairs breeding in stone quarry near the town of Karnobat, Burgas Region; there was an invasion of locusts in some regions of Bulgaria during the same period (BSPB National Bird Data Bank). Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis NETHERLANDS First record: adult male at De Cocksdorp, Texel, Noord-Holland, on 4th- 15th May 1997 (Dutch Birding 21: 77). Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons GERMANY First record: Heligoland on 18th September 1998*. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus ICELAND Vagrants: five in 1997 (12 previous records; Bliki 21: 53). IRELAND Vagrant: 8th-9th October 1995 (31 previously accepted records; Irish Birds 6: 309). Red-fronted Serin Serinus ptisillus JORDAN First record: near AI Mansura on 21st February 1996 (Sandgrouse 21: 30). European Serin Serinus serinus DENMARK Breeding census: one to 1 1 pairs in 1999 (DOFT 94: 70). Greenfinch Carduelis chloris ICELAND First record: 23rd March 1997 (F/z;fe(20:21-22;21:53). Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis FAROE ISLANDS First record: exhausted adult male on boat 40-60 nautical miles (75- British Birds 93: 415-427, September 2000 The European Bird Report: passerines 100 km)WNW of Streymoy on 27th October 1993 (DOFF 93: 69). Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea BELGIUM Third record of race rostrata: 23rd November 1996. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni NORWAY Large invasion: at least 367 in 1995 (Fugledret 2: 48). Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera DENMARK Best-ever year: 340 in 1997, of which 334 were in autumn (DOFT 93: 54). HUNGARY Third record: 29th August 1997 (that from 30th October to 22nd November 1997, Brit. Birds 92: 81, becomes fourth; Tuzok 3: 151). NETHERLANDS Largest-ever invasion: 1 1 1 to 181 individuals between August and the end of December 1997 (57 previously accepted records; Dutch Birding 21 : 77). Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus DENMARK Invasion: 510 in 1997 (DOFT 95: 54-55). Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus ARMENIA Fifth record in 35 years: eight at Otoorbulagh on 17th June 1999. BULGARIA First record: adult male at Rogach, Kardzhali region, on 15th June 1999. CYPRUS Vagrants: l4th April 1998 and 17th April 1998 (Cyprus Rarity Report 1998). ESTONIA First record of vagrant/escape: Poopsaspea neem, Noarootsi, on 2nd October 1997 (Hirundo 12:88). Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus FRANCE Breeding status: 15 pairs in 1998 (Ornithos 7: 12). Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator DENMARK Largest-ever invasion: about 150 in November 1998 (DOFT95: 136). NORWAY Large invasion: several thousand in autumn 1995 (Fugledret 2: 48). SWEDEN Major irruption: over 280 from October 1998 onwards, with largest flocks being 134 on 28th October 1998 and 150 on 27th December 1998. 425 Rikardur Rikardssoti J6bc4nn Oli Hilmcirsson The European Bird Report: passerines 239-241. First-year female Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea, Eyrarbakki, Arn., Iceland, October 1997. Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea ICELAND First record: immature female during lst-7th October 1997 (plates 239- 24\) {Bliki 2V.55). Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata NORWAY First record: IJtsira, Rogaland, on 8th October 1996 {Fugledret 3: 18). Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum ICELAND First record: immature during 5th- 10th October 1997 (Bliki 21: 56). 426 Louisiana Waterthrush Seitirus motacilla MOROCCO First record: Essaouira on 18th January 1999*. Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis PORTUGAL First record for Azores: 4th October 1996 {Pardela 11: 18). Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas ICELAND First record: immature male on 26th-27th September 1997 {Bliki 21: 56). British Birds 93: 415-427, September 2000 Rtkardur Rikardsson Wliite-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis FINLAND Third record: Lagskiir from 29th May to 8th June 1999. Pine Bunting Emheriza leucocephalos ARMENIA First record: adult male near Hat- savan on 17th March 1996 (The Handbook of the Birds of Armenia, 1999). FINLAND Vagrant: Himanka between 1st January and 1st April 1999. JORDAN First and second records: three on l4th December 1995, and three on 31st December 1997 (Sandgrouse 21:31). NORWAY Vagrants: 27th December 1994 to 10th March 1995, and 19th March 1995 (six previous Fugledret 2: 21). SWITZERLAND Third to fifth records: 4th-5th November 1998, and 8th-10th December 1998 (Orn. Beob. 96: 178), and Schluein on 8th-9th March 2000. Grey-necked Bunting Emheriza buchanani ARMENIA Count: six singing males at Otoor- bulagh on 17th June 1999. The European Bird Report: passerines Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica LATVIA Fifth record: pair on 20th May 1999. SWITZERLAND Vagrant: male on 18th- 19th October 1998 (Orn. Beob. 96: 179). Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola BELGIUM Second record: 19th August 1991. IRELAND Eourth record: female or first- winter at Tory Island, Co. Donegal, on 21st September 1998. ISRAEL First record: Eilat on 13th September 1979 (Sandgrouse 21: 103). Pallas’s Reed Bunting Emberiza pallasi PORTUGAL First record: Lagoa de Santo Andre, Setubal, on 12th-19th January and 4th February 1997 (Pardela 11: 18). Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala IRELAND Eifth and sixth records: 4th July 1997, and 21st-27th July 1997 (Irish Birds 6: 310). NETHERLANDS Vagrants: 5th-22nd May 1997 (Dutch Birding 21: 79), and 21st June 1998 (Dutch Birding 21: 326). National Correspondents Countries for which records are included in this compilation are shown in bold, ANDORRA Jacqueline Crozier & Ann Matschke. ARMENIA Vasil Y. Ananian. AUSTRIA Hans-Martin Berg. BELARUS Dr Mikhael E. Nikiforov. BELGIUM Rene- Marie Lafontaine. BULGARIA Dr Petar lankov. CANARY ISLANDS Juan Antonio Lorenzo. CHANNEL ISLANDS Ian Buxton & Glyn Young. CROATIA Jelena Kralj. CYPRUS A. E. Sadler & John Sanders. CZECH REPUBLIC Prof. Karel Stastny. DENMARK Brian Rasmussen. EGYPT Sherif & Mindy Baha El Din. ESTONIA Dr Vilju Lilleleht. FAROE ISLANDS Spren Sorensen. FINLAND Tom Lindroos. FRANCE Dr Philippe J. Dubois. GEORGIA Alexander Gavashelishvili. GERMANY Peter H. Barthel & Jochen Dierschke. GIBRALTAR Charles E. Perez. GREAT BRITAIN John Marchant. GREECE George I Handrinos. HUNGARY Dr Gabor Magyar. ICELAND Gunnlaugur Petursson. IRELAND Paul MUne. ISRAEL Hadoram Shirihai. ITALY Marco Gustin. JORDAN Vacant. LATVIA Dr Janis Bau- manis. LITHUANIA Dr Petras Kurlavicius. LUXEMBOURG Tom Conzemius. MACE- DONIA Branko Micevski. MALTA Joe Sultana. MONTENEGRO DrVojislav EVasic. MOROCCO Dr Michel Thevenot. NETHERLANDS Drs. Arnoud B. van den Berg. NORWAY Runar Jabekk & Bjoern Ove Hoeyland. POLAND Dr Tadeusz Stawarczyk. PORTUGAL Dr Joao Carlos Farinha. ROMANIA Jozsef Szabo. SERBIA (As Montenegro). SLOVAK REPUBUC Dr A. Dorolova & RNDr Dusan Karaska. SLOVENIA Iztok Geister. SPAIN Dr Eduardo de Juana. SWEDEN Tommy Tyrberg. SWITZERLAND Dr N. Zbinden & Dr Bernard Volet. TUNISIA Thierry Gaultier. UKRAINE Dr Igor Gorbah. British Birds 95: 415-427 , September 2000 ' 427 Kevin Sharpe Non-native birds breeding in the United Kingdom in 1998 Malcolm Ogilvie and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel Lady Amherst’s Pheasant This is the third report on non-native species of birds breeding in the United Kingdom and covers the year 1998. Coverage has further improved, but we do encourage observers to record species that, in the past, they might have ignored, and to pass on the information to their county recorder. There is an increasing need to monitor present and potential breeding by introduced or escaped birds. Records of all non-native species in 1998, and some for 1997, involving breeding or potential breeding activity are listed below. Pairs or, for some species such as the pheas- ants, just males in suitable habitat qualify for inclusion. The letters after the species’ names are the categories used by the British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee. The absence of a letter indicates that the species is not currently listed. A Species which have been recorded in an apparently natural state at least once since 1st January 1950. B Species which were recorded in an appar- ently natural state at least once up to 31st December 1949, but have not been recorded subsequently. C Species that, although originally intro- duced by Man, either deliberately or acci- dentally, have established breeding populations derived from introduced stock, that maintain themselves without necessary recourse to further introduc- tion. 428 © British Birds 93: 428-433, September 2000 Ogilvie et al.; Non-native birds breeding in the UK in 1998 E Species that have been recorded as intro- ductions, transportees or escapees from captivity, and whose breeding populations (if any) are thought not to be self-sus- taining. These are marked E* when they have been recorded as nesting with their own kind. The following species, shown as Category C in the British List, are dealt with in the Panel’s reports on rare breeding birds (Ogilvie et al. 2000): Gadwall Anas strepera, Red Kite Milvus milvus and Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis. The Panel is not gathering information for the following relatively common species of which introduced or escaped populations breed in the wild (categories in brackets); Mute Swan Cygnus olor (AC), Greylag Goose Anser anser (AC), Canada Goose Branta canadensis (AC), Mandarin Duck Aix galer- iculata (C), Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (AC), Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis (C), Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus (BC), Red- legged Partridge Alectoris rufa (C), Chukar Partridge A. chukar (E*), Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus (C), Rock Dove (and Feral Pigeon) Columba livia (AC), and Little Owl Athene noctua (C). Records are given by county, in alphabet- ical order in the country order England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Systematic list Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax (AE*) One locality: unknown number of pairs bred. LOTHIAN There were 35 full-winged birds, including five juveniles, at Edinburgh Zoo on 15 th August. No reports were received concerning the full-winged birds at Great Witchingham Park, Norfolk. A number of singles were also reported, some of which may have been escapes. Late-arriving information from Edin- burgh Zoo reveals that, in 1997, a number of young were taken from nests prior to fledging and dispersed to other collections. Trumpeter Swan Cygnus buccinator (E*) One locality: one pair. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE A pair which bred at Tansor Gravel-pits in 1997 was present in January and March, but did not stay and breed. British Birds 93: 428-433, September 2000 The year 1997 appears to be the first in which breeding by this species in the wild state was recorded in the United Kingdom. The birds had escaped from a wildfowl col- lection. Black Swan Cygnus atratus (E*) Four localities in four counties: four pairs bred. ESSEX Pair bred and seen with two young in May on Raphael Park Lake, Upminster, where they bred in 1996. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Pair raised at least one young at Deene Lake, where they bred in 1997. WILTSHIRE Pair bred at Ramsbury Manor, a regular site, seen with two young in early June. LOTHIAN Pair reared three young on the Union Canal, Ratho, where they bred in 1997. All four breeding records refer to well- established pairs. Reports of singles and pairs were also received from several other areas. Wliooper Swan Cygnus cygnus (AE*) One locality: one pair possibly bred. BERKSHIRE A juvenile was present from 25th June, but its origins are unclear. This was the only report received, in con- trast to the definite breeding record and two other pairs in England in 1997. Two appar- ently wild pairs bred in Scotland in 1998 (Ogilvie et al. 2000). Pink-footed Goose Anser bracbyrhynchus (AE*) One locality: one pair possibly bred. ROSS & CROMARTY A flock of five on the Cromarty Firth on 17th July was believed to be a family party of two adults and three well-grown young. It is always difficult to know whether records like this refer to genuine wild birds that failed to migrate back to their breeding grounds in Iceland and Greenland or to introduced or escaped birds, which are quite widespread. Delany (1993) found a total of 88 at 29 sites in 1991, including a breeding pair in Lancashire. Wliite-fronted Goose Anser albifrons (AE*) Three localities in two counties: three pairs bred. NORFOLK Single pairs at two sites both reared young. ARGYLL Three full-winged 429 Ogilvie et al.. Non-native birds breedhig in the UK in 1998 pairs of the race flavirostris bred on Islay near a waterfowl collection; one brood of two young was reared. The small group on Islay stems from a small waterfowl collection. Breeding success is low. Bar-headed Goose Anser indiciis (E*) Six localities in five counties: six pairs bred, plus possible hybrid pair. AVON A clutch of six eggs was laid on Denny Island, Bristol Channel, but may have been produced by a hybrid pair (with Canada Goose Brcmtci canadensis). DERBYSHIRE Pair raised one young at Queen’s Park, Chester- field. GREATER LONDON Six full-winged pairs in Kew Gardens in late May, with broods of five, four and three; also a hybrid pair (with Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus) with three young. GREATER MANCHESTER Pair bred unsuccessfully at Pennington Flash. HAMPSHIRE The only breeding report from the regular locality at Stratfield Saye was of one mated to a Greylag Goose Anser anser raising four young. There were a number of reports of pairs or singles from elsewhere in the counr>. The Derbyshire pair was present, but not breeding, in the previous summer. Although there could be as many as 100 birds in the country - Delany (1993) reported 85 at 27 localities in 1991 - very few breeding attempts have been reported. Snow Goose Anser caeriilescens (AE*) Three localities in three counties: at least three pairs bred. HAMPSHIRE Two pairs bred at Stratfield Saye, but no young fledged. NORFOLK A colony of free-flying individuals was reported from Sandringham, but it is not known whether any pairs bred away from the lake there. ARGYLL Maximum of 38 birds was seen on Coll during the year; at least one pair bred, with four young. Apart from the self-sustaining flock on Coll, this species seems to breed only very sporadically away from collections. Barnacle (ioose Branta lencopsis (AE*) 20 localities in 1 1 counties: at least 54 pairs bred or probably bred. AVON Pair raised three young on Denny Island, Bristol C4iannel. BERKSHIRE Pair with two young at Eversley Gravel-pits on 20th June. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE The flock at Emberton, which has been present for some years, numbered at least 40, but there was no information on breeding. ESSEX Three pairs were present at two sites; all probably bred but their success is unknown. GLOUCESTER- SHIRE Flock of 30 or more full-winged indi- viduals present in New Grounds and Frampton Pools area, but breeding success unknown. HAMPSHIRE 24 pairs bred at Strat- field Saye, 42 young being raised from 124 eggs laid; pair raised seven young at Baffin’s Pond, Portsmouth. LANCASHIRE Two pairs bred at Belmont, near Bolton, and breeding took place at Knowsley Park, Liverpool, though number of pairs not recorded. Breeding possibly occurred at Ormskirk, Southport and Stocks Reservoir. NORFOLK 13 pairs bred in Stanford Battle Area; pair raised three young at Ditchingham Gravel- pit; pair (including a Swedish-ringed male present since 1993) raised five young at another site; two pairs at fourth site both failed. SUFFOLK Three pairs seen with broods, but an increase from 70 to 140 birds in the county over the summer suggests several pairs went unrecorded. WEST MID- LANDS Pair raised six young, Edgbaston. ANCiLESEY Four pairs laid at Llyn Crigyll. Although it may take a while to become established, this species appears to have high productivit}' thereafter. Egyptian (ioose Alopochen ciegyptiaais (GE*) Minimum of 20 localities in six counties: at least 82 pairs recorded. BERKSHIRE Pair at Whiteknights Park laid in December 1997, but deserted by 9th January 1998, but laid again and had three young from 30th March; the female was incubating again in December. Pairs bred at Binfield (seven young in March), South Coke (seven young) and Dinton Pastures (six young in April), while display was seen at Summer- leaze Gravel-pit in April. ESSEX Pair bred at Little Totham, but the eggs disappeared. (iREATER MANCHESTER Four pairs at Compstall, one brood seen briefly in March; a later attempt fledged one young. HERT- FORDSHIRE Pair raised brood on Amwell (iravel-pit and had further two or three nesting attempts. NORFOLK A total of 53 430 iiritish Birds 93. 428-433, September 2()()() Ogilvie et al.; Non-native birds breeding in the UK in 1998 pairs was recorded in the county. SUFFOLK At least 18 pairs seen at 12 sites and 14 broods were reported. The total of pairs in Norfolk is not claimed to be complete, but reflects an increasing awareness of the species. The Suffolk total represents a genuine increase on past years. The ability of this species to nest during the winter is well demonstrated by the records from Berkshire. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (BE*) One locality: one or two pairs. NORFOLK One or two pairs present all year, but no breeding reported. No other reports of this species were received. Cape Shelduck Tadorna cana (E) One locality: one hybrid pair. SURREY As in 1997, a pair of which one was a hybrid, either between Cape Shelduck and Paradise Shelduck T. variegata, as reported in 1997, or between Australian Shelduck T. tadornoides and Paradise Shelduck, as now suggested, hatched five young, reducing to two, in the Queen Elizabeth 11 Reservoir and West End Common area. The precise identification of the hybrid adult remains uncertain. Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata (E*) Eour localities in four counties: one pair bred. GREATER MANCHESTER Two territorial pairs recorded on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, but breeding not reported. NOREOLK One pair present throughout the year south of Thetford, but not recorded as breeding. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Up to nine at Rufford during the summer, but no confirmed breeding. SLJRREY Pair bred, adult and young seen, Clapham. These were the only reports received, compared with the seven counties with pairs in 1997. No reports were forthcoming from the known regular site on the River Ouse at Ely, Cambridgeshire, or from any of the following listed by Cranswick et al. (1999): Lothing Lake and Oulton Broad, Norfolk (52 in December 1997), Nafferton Lake, Yorkshire (30 in December 1997), Wilderness Pond, Glamorgan (12 in July and September 1997), Lancaster Canal, Lan- Britisb Birds 93: 428-433, September 2000 cashire (eight in January 1998), Derwent Water, Cumbria (eight in October and December 1997), or Gun Knowe Loch, Borders (seven in April 1997). We hope that observers will send in breeding records of this species in future years. Ringed Teal Callonetta leucophrys (E) One locality: one pair possibly bred. FLAMPSHIRE Pair at Titchfield Haven on 8th February and again on 19th June, when accompanied by a possible juvenile. It is not certain that this was a definite breeding record, but if so it would represent a first in the wild in Britain. Wood Duck Aix sponsa (E*) One locality: one pair. DEVON Pair, plus an additional one or two males, present on River Plym from May to September; breeding not confirmed. This was the only breeding-season report received. Red-crested Pochard Neda rufina (AE*) Eive localities in five counties: six pairs bred. ESSEX Adult with two young in July, Harrow Lodge. GLOUCESTERSHIRE Up to 74 were present in the Cotswold Water Park in winter 1997/98, but no breeding reports were received. LINCOLNSHIRE At least four pairs bred on the Deepings Gravel-pits close to the Cambridgeshire border. NORFOLK Full- winged birds are based on a waterfowl col- lection at Pensthorpe, but there were no reports of breeding away from there. OXFORDSHIRE Pair fledged five young at Shipton-on-Cherwell . Reports concerning the well-established population in the Cotswold Water Park would be very welcome. Common Goldeneye Bucepbala clangula (A) One locality: two pairs bred. LANCASHIRE Two pairs, of known captive origin, bred at Mere Sands Wood, but no young hatched. Up to four pairs, originating from birds which flew away from a waterfowl collec- tion, have been breeding at this Lancashire site since at least 1988 and have previously been included in the main Panel report. The 431 Ogilvie et al.. Non-native birds breeding in the UK in 1998 nests have frequently been robbed, which may account for the static or even dimin- ishing number of pairs. Northern Bobwhite Coliims virginicinus (E*) One locality: single singing male. ISLE OF MAN Singing male in potato field, Smeale, 5th to 12th July. The first time that this species has appeared in these reports. Silver Pheasant Loplmra nycthemera (E*) No records were received. Reeves’s Pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii (E*) One locality: single bird. SUSSEX One at High Hurstwood on 25th March. The only record received. Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictiis (CE*) 27 localities in six counties: minimum of 85 birds recorded. HAMPSHIRE A pair and six males (four calling) were reported from four localities. NORFOLK A total of at least 58 was reported from 14 localities, but the true county total is thought to exceed 100. SUFFOLK Calling males were reported from Kings Forest (six or seven). Mayday Farm, Brandon (six), and Thetford Warren Lodge (one). SUSSEX At least one calling male in West Dean Woods and in Kingley Vale. AYRSHIRE Male at North Craig reservoir, l4th April. DUMFRIES & GAL- LOWAY Single males were reported from Beattock (there was also one there in 1997, which was not included in our 1997 report) and Loch Ken, but none was seen at the tra- ditional Palnure area, though no thorough search was made. No reports were received from Furzey or Brownsea Islands, Dorset, or from Tresco, Isles of Scilly, sites which are known to have held this species in previous years. Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Chrysolophus amherstiae (CE*) Three counties: 94 pairs or territories recorded. BEDFORDSHIRE A total of 85 territories was identified during an intensive survey carried out by the Bedfordshire Bird Club (Cannings 1999). BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Eight pairs were recorded at three sites. NORFOLK A pair was seen in November. The number found by the Bedfordshire Bird Club compares with the estimated 100- 200 individuals in 1991 (Trodd & Kramer 1991), suggesting less of a decline than had been thought. Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotiis One locality: One pair possibly bred. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Up to six feeding in garden at Moulton in late August, when one young one found dead; then still six (three males and three females) on 2nd September. It is probable that this group escaped together, but just possible that breeding may have taken place in the wild. Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacuki eupatria (E*) One locality: two pairs bred. MERSEYSIDE Two pairs bred at Fazackerley, where a single pair bred in 1997, and raised broods of five and three, with all 12 birds being seen together on 1st May. Several were, however, subsequently shot by youths with airguns, though at least one pair sur- vived the winter. While we must condemn the vandalism, we also do not wish another member of the parrot family to become established as a breeding species in Britain. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri (CE*) Five counties. BERKSHIRE Pairs reported from four locali- ties. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Up to 40 birds in six or seven areas during the breeding season, but true number of breeding pairs unknown; 1 50 seen going to roost at Wrays- bury Gravel-pit in January, and 160 in November. HAMPSHIRE Three records, but no breeding reported. MIDDLESEX Five pairs bred on Crane River Island. SURREY Up to 27 nesting or territory-holding pairs reported, though these are not representa- tive of the county total. The roost at Esher held 1,373 in October and 1,704 in December. There is evidence of an increase and spread in Buckinghamshire. Monk Parakeet Myiopsittu monachus (E*) Four localities: no confirmed breeding reports. British Birds 93: 428-433, September 2000 432 Ogilvie et al.; Non-native birds breeding in the UK in 1998 HERTFORDSHIRE There is a small breeding population in Borehamwood, with up to 15 seen together. SURREY Reports of pairs and small flocks from a number of localities, including Barn Elms and Lonsdale Road reservoirs and Richmond Park, but no actual breeding noted. No report was received from the known haunt in Devon. Eagle Owl Bubo bubo (E*) Two localities: one pair bred. ENGLAND Pair bred at a location in northern England and fledged two young. ROSS & CROMARTY An adult called throughout January at a locality where a nest scrape was made in 1997. This is the third year running that the northern England pair has bred successfully. The Scottish bird was present for the second year running (its presence was not included in our 1997 report). The only previous breeding record was of a pair which bred in Moray & Nairn in 1984 and again in 1985, fledging a single chick (Cook 1992). References Cannings, P. 1999- The Lady Amherst’s Pheasant. Bedfordshire Naturalist 53 (2): 68-72. Cook, M. 1992. The Birds of Moray and Nairn. Edinburgh. Cranswick, P. A., Pollitt, M. S., Musgrove, A. J., & Hughes, B. 1999. The Wetland Bird Survey 1997-98. BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Slimbridge. Delany, S. 1993. Introduced and escaped geese in Britain in summer \99\.Brit. Birds 86: 591-599- Ogilvie, M., & the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. 2000. Rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1998. Brit Birds 93: 358-393. Trodd, P, & Kramer, D. 1991. Birds of Bedfordshire. Welwyn Garden City. Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Glencairn, Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay PA49 TUN ZEISS Rarities Committee news BBRC seeks new member with knowledge of East Anglia Andy Stoddart, as the longest- serving member of the BBRC, is due to retire on 1st April 2001. Andy has been a member of the BBRC since 1993 and has helped us enormously with his exten- sive knowledge of bird identifica- tion, particularly of Eastern Palearctic passerines. We are now seeking a replacement with the usual attributes required for membership of the BBRC. The prime qualifications required of candidates are: • a widely acknowledged exper- tise in identification • proven reliability in the field • a track record of high-quality submissions of descriptions of scarce and rare birds to county records committees and the BBRC • considerable experience of record assessment • the capacity to handle the considerable volume of work involved in assessing upwards of 1 ,000 records per year • the ability to work quickly and efficiently. The BBRC is asking for nomi- nations from individuals with these attributes and a sound working knowledge of the birds and birdwatchers in East Anglia. The BBRC’s nominee is Steve Votier. Despite being only in his mid twenties, Steve has worked as an Assistant Warden on Fair Isle on several occasions and at Long Point, Canada. He helped to set up Sheringham Ringing Station, Norfolk, and has travelled extensively in America and the Middle and Far East, including staying for more than a month on Happy Island, China. He lived and birded in Norfolk for years. but now lives in Glasgow and works in Shetland. He has an extensive knowledge of identifi- cation of birds both in the field and in the hand, has written numerous identification articles, and is well known and respected in East Anglia, the Northeast, and Scotland, including Shetland. Other nominations, with a proposer and seconder, and the written agreement of the nominee, should be sent to the Chairman of the BBRC before 1st December 2000, after which date a voting slip and list of candi- dates with relevant details will be sent to all county recorders and bird-observatory' wardens. For more iiiformation, phone Colin Bradshaw on 0191 2572389. The British Birds Rarities Committee is sponsored by Carl Zeiss Ltd. British Birds 93: 428-433, September 2000 433 Compiled by David Gibbons Of moles and plovers Most birdwatchers know that moorland is the best place to find breeding European Golden Plovers Pluvialis apricaria in Britain. Recent research by the University of Sunderland, English Nature and Northumbrian Water, however, has shown that Golden Plovers are not restricted to this habitat during the breeding season. By radio-tagging and tracking more than 20 breeding birds, Whittingham et al. (2000) were able to show that, during the incubation stage, adults fed mostly on enclosed fields up to 4 km from their moorland nest- sites. In fact, they spent a mere 5% of their foraging time on moorland. The plovers were also very selective in their choice of fields, favouring those with large numbers of molehills. Clearly, plovers do not eat Moles Talpa europaea, rather, it is known that numbers of molehills are a good indicator of the abundance of earth%\orms, an important component of the adult Golden Plover’s diet. Once the chicks hatched, however, the adults changed their behaviour, and adults with broods spent 85% of their time foraging on moorland. This was probably, in part, because chicks are unable to move long distances when young and need guarding by their parents. The timing of hatching also coincided with a marked increase in the number of crane-flies (Tipulidae), which formed nearly half of the diet of the chicks, so perhaps moorland is good for chicks at this time. On one of the study sites, at least, outcrops of calcareous grassland within the moorland were strongly favoured, again probably because of the large number of earthworms there. Old heather, which is tall and dense, was avoided, probably because it is impenetrable by adults and broods. This research shows clearly that, for European Golden Plover conservation, molehill-rich fields at the moorland edge need as much protection as does the moorland itself; that heather should be burnt so that it does not become rank; and that areas of calcareous grassland should be retained within moorland. Whittingham, M. J., Percival, S. M., & Brown, A. F. 2000. Time budgets and foraging of breeding golden plover Pluvialis apricaria. J.Appl. Ecology 37: 632-646. The Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica is a rare breeding bird in Britain, with a population of about 180 pairs nesting in northwest Scotland and on the Western Isles. Although diver nests are usually built on natural islands, floating artificial islands have been used by nesting Great Northern Divers Gavia irnmer in North America, and by Red- throated Divers Gavia stellata in Scotland (see Brit. Birds 89: 306- 309). A recent study by the RSPB (Hancock 2000) has shown the value of artificial floating islands (‘rafts’) to the conservation of Black-throated Divers in Scotland. Sixty-three rafts were sited on lochs containing known Black- throated Diver territories, mostly during 1992-95. These nifts were a few metres wide and long. Rafts for divers made of polystyrene blocks mounted on a wooden frame, covered with turf, and anchored by ropes attached to concrete- filled drums. To maximise their likely effect, the rafts were sited on lochs where breeding success was thought to be low, owing, for example, to flooding. About two-thirds of rafts were used at least once; thus, about one-quarter of the entire British breeding population made use of them at some time. The impact on diver breeding success was remarkable. Before the rafts were in place, an average of 0.25 chicks were raised per pair on those territories. After the rafts were in place and had been used, this rose to 0.55 chicks per pair. The breeding success of pairs on ‘control’ territories at which no rafts were provided actually declined somewhat over the same period, from 0.29 to 0.24 chicks per pair. In total, it was estimated that rafts increased chick productivity nearly three- fold, and increased chick production of the entire Scottish population by more than 40%. It is thought that the rafts reduced the chance of nests being flooded and, by providing islands on lochs where there was none, reduced nest losses to human egg-collectors (still a threat) and mammalian predators. Hancock, M. 2000. Artificial floating islands for nesting Black-throated Divers Gavia arctica in Scotland: construction, use and effect on breeding success. Bird Study 47: 165-175. Dr David Gibbons, Conservation Science Department, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL This feature, contributed by the RSPB’s Research Department, reports the most interesting recent scientific news relevant to the conservation of Western Palearctic species. 434 © British Birds 93: 434, September 2000 Lesser Sand Plover in West Sussex: new to Britain and Ireland Jack Hunt Lesser Sand Plover with Great Ringed Plovers ABSTRACT On 1 4th August 1997, a bird thought to be an adult Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii in breeding plumage was found on the mudflats of Pagham Harbour, West Sussex. Subsequently, with the aid of photographic evidence, its real identity became apparent and was confirmed as Lesser Sand Plover C. mongolus, of one of the eastern races in the 'atrifrons' group. The bird stayed only three days, being last seen on 1 6th August. At 09.00 GMT on Thursday 1 4th August 1997, Ralph Hollins, accompanied by Alistair Martin, arrived at Church Norton, Pagham Harbour, West Sussex. The first bird to attract his attention was a very pale plover Charadrius, clearly a different species from the Great Ringed Plovers C. hiaticula that it accompanied. Just as RH was drawing AM’s attention to the bird, they were joined by John W. P. Bacon and Tim Edwards, followed by others, so that eventu- ally the bird was being watched by eight observers. That afternoon, I received a telephone call from Alan Ford, another regular Pagham birder, to inform me that a bird described by © British Birds 93: 435-441, September 2000 him as being a sand plover was currently at Pagham Harbour. 1 arrived a little after 15.00 GMT, and joined a throng of birders on the shingle spit. By this time, the bird had been seen by some nationally well-known birders, who had positively identified it as a Greater Sand Plover C. leschenaultii, and this opinion was generally accepted. The bird was far out on the mudflats, slowly making its way towards us, but even at its closest it was still a long way off The general impression was of a bird not so dumpy as the Great Ringed Plovers with which it was associating. At times, it was very active, running quickly, sometimes over long distances, almost in the way that 435 Alan Harris M.J. Wall Hunt: Lesser Sand Plover in West Sussex Cmo uM>-ne Atav£ liu.) lOMU «rr fto(biT«>p' fclU- ScAfiJuMS 4 UJ&iXS £n-re.NSive ttvfooi. 6££>t>TftA*^0 laHrT^ unteCfh^S <«? TEAl4> 0«EVC£)t. M>ukI / TIMi_ f6XT)4C>^i Fig. 1. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, West Sussex, August 1997. Sanderlings Calidris alba behave on the tideline. Being Australian, I had seen numerous Greater Sand Plovers on the coast of south- western Australia, often in flocks of up to ten birds. In my experience, the Greater Sand Plover is a large, rotund wader, with a distinc- tive jizz that is quite unmistakable once learnt. The combination of size, length of bill, sloping forehead and distinctively rounded shape makes it easy to identify. The Pagham sand plover did not fit that image. It was very pale on the mantle and head, almost the colour of milky tea (perhaps as a result of sun-bleaching). Its ‘face-mask’ was very dark and appeared to have no white areas. Its breast-band was wide. Its bill was short, and its legs were very dark. The following evening, I went to Pagham Spit at high tide, hoping that the bird would come in to roost on the shingle with the Great Ringed Plovers, which is exactly what it did. At a range of about 200-300 m, I was able to get reasonably good views through my telescope, at a much closer range than those of the day before at Church Norton. With the bird surrounded by Great Ringed Plovers, it was easy to get an accurate estimation of size. There was no appreciable difference between the sand plover and the Great Ringed Plovers; if anything, it was mar- ginally bigger, but not sufficiently so to notice without paying careful attention. The legs appeared dark from this distance, but were not black, and were long. The dark face- mask showed no sign whatsoever of any white over the bill, which was short and dumpy. Once again, the bird was very active, running repeatedly. Summary of key features JIZZ In my experience. Greater Sand Plovers are slow in their reactions, but this bird appeared to be anything but that. It was very active for a great deal of the time, and was repeatedly seen running very fast over dis- tances of up to 20 m.The general shape was also most unlike that of a Greater Sand Plover, being far less rotund, and more upright. SIZE When completely surrounded by Great Ringed Plovers at roost, there appeared to be no appreciable difference in size (if any- thing, the sand plover was slightly larger, but only just). HEAD SHAPE Rounded, and not at all angular 436 British Birds 93: 435-441, September 2000 Hunt: Lesser Sand Plover in West Sussex 242. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius rnongolus in flight, West Sussex, August 1997. 243- Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius rnongolus in August 1997. (seen very clearly from my position at the roost). HEAD PATTERN Eace-mask entirely dark, without a hint of white over the bill. BILL Small, and blunt-ended, but with no sign of a bulbous tip. LEGS Dark, appearing virtually black from a distance, and quite long. BREAST-BAND Wide, with flank extension. Discussion Unfortunately, this bird was declared to be a Greater Sand Plover very quickly, with most observers agreeing. I, however, had seen the bird closer than had most other birders, so British Birds 93: 435-441, September 2000 flight, with Turnstone A renar/fl in terpres, West Sussex, found myself in disagreement with almost everybody else who had seen it, including the leading bird luminaries. Although I did not know it at the time, the original finder, Ralph Hollins, and John W. P. Bacon had also, after consulting reference books, both inde- pendently concluded that the bird was a Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius rnongolus. On Saturday l6th August, I went back to Church Norton and joined a large gathering of birders who were watching the sand plover. I made myself known to them, and asked groups if they could tell me why this bird was a Greater Sand Plover. Not one person could; all said that they were happy 437 M. McDonnell M. McDonnell Keith Stone Iain H. Leach Hunt: Lesser Sand Plover in West Sussex 244. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, West Sussex, August 1997. Note leg length. 245. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus with Great Ringed Plover C. hiaticula.West Sussex, August 1997. to accept the view of the experts’. It seemed that, apart from a few very experienced birders, most people would be hard pressed to tell a Greater from a Lesser Sand Plover, there having been only 1 1 previous British records of the former and none of the latter. At that time, the major identification paper by Hirschfeld et al. (2()()0) was still in prepa- ration and unpublished. From what I had seen at the roost the pre- vious day, 1 was convinced that the bird was a Lesser Sand Plover of the race atrifrons. Unfortunately, the bird stayed only three 438 days, and I thought that I was alone in my belief, putting me at odds with all my peers. It came as a relief, therefore, to learn later that photographic evidence - especially that provided by a set of 20 photographs sup- plied to the British Birds Rarities Committee by Dr Iain H. Leach - had proved beyond doubt that the bird had been a Lesser (see Brit. Birds 92; 5,34, plates 207, 208 & 2.36; 93: plates 242-247). Between them, these two sand plovers have eight recognised races: three of (ireater and five of Lesser. The main distinctions British Birds 93: 4.35-441, September 2()()() Iain H. Leach Hunt: Lesser Sand Plover in West Sussex 246. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongotus, West Sussex, August 1997. As well as my notes, the British Birds Rarities Committee received full descriptions of the Pagham Harbour bird from four other observersjohn W P Bacon, Darren Chapman, Ralph Hollins and Mike Wall. The record has been accepted as the first for Britain of Lesser Sand Plover by both the BBRC (Brit. Birds 91: 522; 92: 570) and the British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee Qbis 141: 175-180). Finally, it is worth noting that the discovery of the Lesser Sand Plover at Pagham Harbour coin- cided with the arrival there of numbers of Great Ringed Plovers, and that these declined at the same time as the Lesser Sand Plover departed. 247. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus with Great Ringed Plover C. hiaticula, West Sussex, August 1997. between the species are in structure and plumage. The proportions of Lesser Sand Plover suggest a less rotund, more upright bird, which is altogether more active. Plumage can vary, but, in general. Lesser Sand Plover typically has a broader breast-band, which extends onto the flanks and upper belly. The bill length of both species is variable, with Lesser Sand Plover of the race schaeferi and Greater Sand Plover of the race columbinus being almost identical in bill length. The shape of the Lesser’s bill, however, looks much finer, and, together with the rounded head shape, gives that species a distinctive profile, very dif- ferent from that produced by the sloping forehead of Greater Sand Plover. The leg colour of Lesser Sand Plover is described as ‘dark grey... may look black at a distance’, whereas the Greater Sand Plover’s legs are described as ‘variable’, but almost always paler (e.g. Hayman et al. 1986). References Hayman, P, Marchant, J., & Prater, T. 1986. Shorebirds: an identificatioji guide to the waders of the World. London & Sydney. Hirschfeld, E., Roselaar, C. S., Shirihai, H., & Harris, A. 2000. Identification, taxonomy and distribution of Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers. Brit. Birds 93: 162- 189. 439 Jack Hunt, 73 Harbour View Road, Pagham, Bognor Regis, West Sussex P021 4RH British Birds 93: 435-441, September 2000 Iain H. Leach Hunt: Lesser Sand Plover in West Sussex EDITORIAL COMMENT This record was accepted unanimously by the members of the BBRC in the course of one circulation to the Committee. Pho- tographs, particularly those provided by Dr Iain H. Leach, Mike McDonnell and Keith Stone, were invaluable in confirming the identification. Prior to circulation, the Com- mittee consulted Erik Hirschfeld (senior author of the identification paper then in preparation for British Birds and published subsequently), who commented: ‘The Lesser Sand Plover is one because: The advanced state of summer plumage at this date is typical of Lesser; Greater moults much earlier and is often in complete winter plumage at this date. A bit surprising though that this Lesser does not have more white specks in the forehead, as they usually get them already on the breeding grounds, but that can of course vary. The black forehead rules out colunibinus, of course. The other subspecies of Greater cannot come into question with this bill. The bill shape is typical. . .stubby, no marked “bulb”, short. [The bird] shows the typical relaxed stance of a Lesser; Greater would be more elon- gated, have a flatter crown and larger eye. A Greater columbiniis in this advanced summer plumage would normally also show rufoLis/orangy feathers on the back. [The] flight shot where the tail is seen from above shows that the feet do not project... The dark end to the tail is also good.’ Dr Colin Bradshaw, Chairman of the BBRC, has commented: ‘The separation of Lesser Sand Plover from the very similar Greater Sand is frequently underestimated in current birding literature. This is probably because most birders have gained field expe- rience of the species pair in Australasia, where the races of the respective species are at their most different and the separation seems, therefore, rather easy. In the Middle East, however, there is a much greater problem, and this is particularly difficult when dealing with a lone vagrant in Western Europe. ‘(atnventional wisdom has it that the two species can be separated by size, shape, head and bill shapes, leg length and colour, wing and tail patterns, call and, in summer plumage, head and breast patterning. Lhere is, however, overlap in bill and tarsus mea- surements between the two species, and great care is required in their separation, par- ticularly in non-breeding plumage, and there are probably some individuals that may be best left unidentified. ‘The western race of Greater Sand Plover, columbinus, has the shortest and thinnest bill, without an obvio.us bulbous tip, and thus its bill looks more like that of Lesser Sand Plover. In addition, western Greater Sand Plover is the smallest race, and frequently seems to have relatively short tibia and a wider rufous breast-band, all of which make it appear more like a Lesser Sand Plover. ‘Both sand plovers are similar to Great Ringed Plover in shape and size, though are usually larger, short-tailed and have longer legs and bills. Lesser Sand Plover, however, is, at best, only marginally larger than Great Ringed Plover, whilst Greater Sand Plover is usually perceptibly bigger, especially in body bulk. Lesser tends to have shorter, dark grey legs that lack the long exposed tibia charac- teristic of Greater (although this is often less obvious in colder conditions), and has a smaller, rounded head, with a shorter and rel- atively blunt-tipped bill. Greater tends to look “front-heavy^”, with a large, flat head, and a longer bill with a slightly bulbous tip, and has longer legs, which vary from yellowish to greenish-grey. Oitically, the toes of Greater project well beyond the tail tip, whereas this projection is lacking in the case of Lesser - as shown in the flight photographs of this bird (plates 242 & 243). Two other difficult separation features are shown in these flight photos. The wingbar of Lesser tends to be of fairly uniform width starting from close to the body on the secondaries, and the centre of the tail is relatively uniform mid grey- brown. By contrast, the wingbar in Greater tends to be narrow and short on the secon- daries and then flares over the primaries, whilst there is usually a contrasting dark sub- terminal band on the tail. ‘(4n summer-plumaged birds such as this individual, colunibinus Greater will usually show a broad, orange breast-band, extending onto the flanks in a similar manner to that of Lesser Sand Plover. 4'he head pattern, however, differs, and the almost complete black forehead of this bird is typical of the races of Lesser Sand Plover likely to occur in Western Europe, and is never shown by 440 British Birds 93:43^-4)1, September 2()()() columbinus Greater. In addition, the summer plumage of this individual, though bleached, was complete, whilst most Greater Sand Plovers would be in an advanced state of moult by this date (Erik Hirschfeld in litt.}. ‘The photographs show the typical short, non-bulbous bill, relatively rounded head, small eye, black forehead and shortish dark- grey legs of a Lesser Sand Plover. It is inter- esting, however, how much the jizz varies between photographs, which reinforces how it is important to obtain a series of pho- tographs and good-quality notes.’ Tony Marr, Chairman of the BOURC, has commented: ‘Wlien this record came before the BOURC, our job was helped by the com- prehensive assessment made by the members of the BBRC on the identification. ‘Additionally, we were impressed by the high quality of photographs that had been taken, many of which, of course, we had already seen in articles in the birding maga- zines and journals. It seems that, without those pictures, there could have been contin- uing disagreement over the identification. There are some occasions when we curse photographers who creep ever closer to a bird and sometimes disturb it, but on this occasion we have every reason to be grateful to them for their skill and tenacity. ‘Earlier publication of the photographs and some printed accounts, soon after the event, had suggested that there had been no Hunt: Lesser Sand Plover in West Sussex doubts about the identification in some quar- ters, whereas the written descriptions and accounts submitted to the BBRC indicated that it had been quite difficult to reach an agreed conclusion. ‘The phrase “mass hallucination” has been coined to describe what can happen on such occasions, ironically by the County Recorder for Sussex in the 1960s, Denzil Harber {Brit. Birds 58: 225-227). It takes a brave person to speak up in front of a big crowd of twitchers and birders to challenge an identification with which the majority agree, particularly when the gathering includes a number of nationally respected and very experienced observers. ‘The record was accepted unanimously by the BOURC on a single circulation, thankfully without the need in the case of this species to carry out research into the escape potential. ‘The bird was considered to be from the atrifrons group, which comprises the races atrifrons, pamirensis and schaeferi. 'Xhis group breeds in south-central Asia and winters from East Africa to Southeast Asia. During 1973-96, there were ten accepted records of Lesser Sand Plover in Europe (five in Sweden and singles in Denmark, France, Norway, Poland and Spain), all of them being first observed between 17th June and 5th August.’ British Birds 93: 435-441, September 2000 441 David Quinn The Purple Swamp-hen in Cumbria in 1997 Alan Knox, Tim Melting and Roger Wilkinson on behalf of the British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee ABSTRACT The evidence suggests that the Purple Swamp-hen Porphyria porphyria watched and photographed in Cumbria in October 1997 was an escape from captivity rather than a wild vagrant. The Purple Swamp-hen Porphyrio por- phyrio (formerly known as the Purple Gallinule) is found naturally from the Mediterranean, through Africa, the Middle East and southern Asia, to Australasia (del Hoyo et al. 1996). It is largely sedentary, although some movements are known to take place (summarised in Palmer 1998). It occurs in captivity in Britain and Europe. Over the years, a number of Purple Swamp- hens have been seen in the wild in Britain (Naylor 1996; Evans & Abraham 1998). All have been dismissed as probable escapes from captivity and, indeed, some occur- rences have probably not been recorded because of this general view of the unlikeli- hood of the species occurring naturally. The observation of one at Sandscale Haws, (Timbria, during 23rd-28th October 1997 This paper is an official publication of the British Ornithologists’ Union. was taken a little more seriously by some British birders (Gantlett & Millington 1997; Evans & Abraham 1998; Palmer 1998). That individual was originally believed to be an immature of either the caspius or the seis- tanicus race (Palmer 1998), both of which are known to wander to some extent from their Caspian and Middle East breeding grounds. It also turned up at a plausible time of year, and its arrival coincided with an influx of Pied Oenanthe plescbanka and Desert Wheatears O. deserti. In addition, it was (erroneously) reported to be in perfect condition, with no obvious signs of captivity, it was wary, and it stayed for just six days. On the face of it, the Sandscale Haws individual looked like a good candidate whereby Purple Swamp-hen might secure a place in Category A of the British List. I’he record was submitted to the British Birds Rarities (;ommittee and, subsequently, to the BOUlU;. Both committees had no hesi- 442 ® British Birds 9.^: 442-445, September 2()()0 Knox et al.; The Purple Swamp-ben in Cumbria Fig. 1. Breeding ranges of forms of Purple Swamp-hen Porphyria porphyrio, from Sangster (1998), who recognised six separate species: Western Swamp-hen P porphyrio, African Swamp-hen P.madagasca- riensis, Grey-headed Swamp-hen P poliocephalus. Black-backed Swamp-hen P viridis, Philippine Swamp- hen P. pulverulentus, and Australian Swamp-hen P. melanotus. Numbers denote races recognised by Ripley (1977): 1 porphyrio, 2 madagascariensis, 3 seistanicus, 4 poliocephalus, 5 viridis, 6 indicus, 7 pulverulentus, S melanopterus,9 samoensis, 10 melanotus, 11 bellus, 12 cbathamensis,a.nd 1 3 pelewensis. (Reproduced by kind permission of the Editor of Dutch Birding.') tation in accepting the species identification. To determine the likely origin of the bird, and its eligibility for Category A, the BOURC carried out further investigations. The dull colour of the bill and legs pointed to its being a juvenile. More importantly, scattered grey feathers on the thighs and the belly con- firmed that it was a young bird. The rather limited extent of the frontal shield supported this ageing, although that feature, and also the leg and bill coloration, does vary between the sexes. Purple Swamp-hens can breed throughout the year, and relating the age of young birds to the breeding season of the previous spring or summer can, there- fore, require caution. In this case, ageing of the bird as an immature could have sup- ported the claim of natural vagrancy, as that age group is more likely to wander. Purple Swamp-hen shows strong geo- graphical variation, with the races falling into six main groups (Ripley 1977). It has recently been suggested that these would be best treated as separate species (Sangster 1998). A study of skins at the Natural History Museum revealed that the Sandscale bird did not belong to the nominate (western Mediterranean) race or to any of the three British Birds 93: 442-445, September 2000 groups from the Far East and Australasia, and that it showed a puzzling mix of features. It most closely resembled the race madagas- cariensis from sub-Saharan Africa and Mada- gascar, with an isolated population in northern Egypt. Characters indicative of this race included the general rich blue col- oration and the greenish sheen on the back and wing-coverts. The brighter, cerulean blue on the sides of the head behind and below the eyes, on the throat and on the neck, and the way in which this contrasted with the very much darker lores, were also compat- ible with that racial identification. The colour of the dark thighs was readily matched by skins of this race. The limited extent of the green sheen on the back did not, however, fit madagas- cariensis.To do so, it should have been more extensive and should have continued up towards the base of the neck. Furthermore, although age differences occur, the wing- coverts should have been more contrastingly blue for madagascariensis, differing clearly from the green of the back and scapulars. Some of the characters seemed closer to those of the poliocephalus group of races, especially caspius or seistanicus from the 443 Gary Be/liiigham Knox et al.. The Purple Swanip-ben in Cumbria 248. Purple Swamp-hen Porpbyrio porphyria, Cumbriy October 1997. Note damaged or missing primaries on the right wing. Near and Middle East through to northwest India. Among other features, the turquoise colour of the wing-coverts and the pale leg coloration were consistent with this. Many features, however, did not fit those races. In particular, adults of the poliocepbalus group have pale heads, and this is still apparent, though less obvious, on immatures. Some observers reported a grey cast on the head of the Sandscale bird, but this did not appear in any of the excellent photographs avail- able, and it was assumed to have been a trick of the light. Along with other characters, the contrastingly darker lores of the Sandscale bird appeared to be incompatible with its being either Crispins or seistanicus. These anomalies prompted us to contact Dr Barry Taylor in South Africa (co-author of Taylor & van Perlo 1998). He checked the skins in Durban Museum and confirmed that the Cumbrian bird showed characters indica- tive of more than one race. He concurred that the bird most closely resembled the African race maclagciscciriensis, but raised several additional points. He felt that the green-tinged flight feathers should have been black with purple-tinged outer webs, while the green of the mantle, scapulars and wing- coverts was also thought to be rather too turquoise for that race. He considered that the legs were rather pale for any age of nnulagascariensis. The inevitable conclusion was that the Cumbrian bird did not accord with any known race of Purple Swamp-hen, as previ- ously suggested by Evans & Abraham (1998). Since intermediates between madagas- cariensis and poliocepbalus are unknown in the wild, it seems more likely that the bird was a hybrid between two forms, so was pre- sumably of captive origin. The species is kept widely in captivit}' in the United Kingdom and in continental Europe. Although a number of collections do not identif)' their birds to subspecies, the majority of recent imports into the United Kingdom have been of the race polio- cepbalus. The European Gruiformes Taxon Advisory Group survey (Brouwer et al. 199S) listed one collection in Italy holding macla- gascariensis, indicating that this subspecies has also been traded. The Eederation of Zoo- logical Gardens of Great Britain and Ireland, in its bird inventories for 1996 and 1997, reported seven public collections as having Purple Swamp-hens. Private collections, however, are not recorded in that survey. The Eoreign Bird Federation Breeding Registers, which cover both zoos and private breeders, indicate that 31 Purple Swamp-hens were reared successfully in captivity during 1992- 95. This is a minimum total, as not all collec- tions contribute to these surveys. Subsequent to the (aimbrian observation, a well-documented escape from Hamerton Wildlife Park was found near Ely in Cam- 444 liritisb Birds 9.5:442-445, September 2()()() Keith Stone Knox et al.; The Purple Swamp-hen in Cumbria bridgeshire. Another individual was also reported to have escaped from Lotherton Bird Gardens, near Leeds, West York- shire. Purple Swamp-hens are notorious among aviculturists as having strong bills with which they cut through wire or nylon netting. Even juve- niles are considered to be pro- ficient escapologists. The Cumbrian bird was reported at the time to be in perfect plumage, showing no signs of captivity, but plate 249 by Gary Bellingham clearly shows missing primaries on the right wing. Acknowledgments We are grateful to the staff of the Natural History Museum for access to skins and library materials. Dr Barry Taylor and Prof. David Parkin provided invaluable advice and assistance. Steve Dudley and BOURC members contributed to the discussion of this record and commented on a draft of this paper. The editors of British Birds wish to thank Andre van Loon, Arnoud B. van den Berg and the journal Dutch Birding for permission to reproduce fig. 1, taken from Sangster (1998), and Ian Dawson for assistance with references. 249 & 250. Purple Swamp- hen Porphyrio porplyy’rio, Cumbria, October 1997. Conclusion The characters of the Cumbrian Purple Swamp-hen do not appear to fit well with those of any wild population. The reasons for this are not known, but interbreeding of races in captivity cannot be excluded. The species is kept and bred widely in captivity and has a strong track record of escaping. This bird also showed asymmetrical feather damage that was not consistent with moult. The BOURC considered that the record should be placed in Category E as relating to a likely escape from captivity. In Britain, natural vagrancy for this species continues to be unlikely. References Brouwer, K., Smits, S., & Melissen, A. 1995. The 1994 EEP TAG Survey, Part Two. 1st edn. EEP Executive Office, Amsterdam. del Hoyo,J., Elliott, A., & SargatafJ. 1996. Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 3. Barcelona. Evans, L. G. R., & Abraham,T. 1998. The Purple Gallinule in Cumbria. Birds 4: 41-44. Gantlett, S., & Millington, R. 1997. The Purple Gallinule in Cumbria. Birding World 10: 399- Naylor, K. A. 1996. A Reference Manual of Rare Birds in Great Britain and Ireland, vol. 1. Nottingham. Palmer, P. 1998. The Purple Gallinule in Cumbria - a new British bird? Birding World 10: 463-466. Ripley, S. D. 1977. Rails of the World. Toronto. Sangster, G. 1998. Purple Swamp-hen is a complex of species. Z?;/fc/a Birding 20: 13-22. Taylor, B., & van Perlo, B. 1998. Rails: a guide to the rails, crakes, gallinules and coots of the World. Robertsbridge. Dr Alan Knox, Historic Collections, University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 35W7 Scotland Dr Tim Melling, RSPB, Westleigh Meivs, Wakefield Road, Derby Dale, West Yorkshire HD8 8QD Dr Roger Wilkinson, North of England Zoological Society, Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, n Chester CH2 ILH ^ British Birds 93: 442-445, September 2000 445 Steve yb?v»g/Birdwatch ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS AGO: 'Occurrence of the Horned Grebe (Podiceps cor- nutus) at Manchester - Amongst the acquisitions of local species which I have lately made to this museum, is a curious specimen of this rare inland visitor. . .shot in the autumn of 1848, on Beswick reservoir. .. puzzling many of the humble naturalists, who have endeavoured to make out its species. That they should not have succeeded is not very surprising, for the specimen has a very different plumage to any figure in the works of Gould and other eminent authorities... the day has at length arrived when the privilege of consulting the best of works, - such as Gould, Temminck, L. Buonaparte, Wilson, Selby, Yarrell, and every other eminent writer upon Natural History, is secured to [the poor naturalist] in the free- library and museum which Salford now possesses.’ {Zoolo- gist 8: 2924; September 1850) ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: ‘THE BIRDS OF GREAT YARMOUTH AND THE NEIGH- BOURHOOD. Whinchat [Saxicola rubetra].- Used formerly to be abundant on North Denes, nesting there... Panurus biarmicus. Bearded Titmouse. - Nests decreasing on the Broads; mercilessly persecuted by broadmen and others. . .Mr. J. H. Gurney. . estimates. . .local nests as follows:- 1848, 170; 1858, 140; 1868, 125; 1878, 90; 1888, 45; 1898, a . Lanius collurio. Red- backed Shrike.- Nested on North Denes up till the eighties ’ {Zool- ogist Fourth Series 4: 397-415; September 1900) FIFTY YEARS AGO: ‘The Little Ringed Plover {Cbaradrius dubius) has now firmly estab- lished itself as a summer resident in England. In 1949 at least twenty-seven pairs spent the summer at fifteen localities in eight counties; eighteen pairs are known to have bred and at least fifty-one chicks were hatched. E. R. PARRINDER' {Brit. Birds 43: 279; September 1950) Also 50 years ago: on 26th September 1950, Miss Winifred Flower and Miss M. I. Kinnear saw a strikingly pale shrike Lanius fly into a walled garden near the lighthouse on the Isle of May, Fife. They watched it for U/2 hours and took detailed notes from which they were subse- quently able to identify it, by comparison with skins at the Royal Scottish Museum in Edin- burgh, as Britain’s first Isabelline Shrike L. isabellinus. {Brit. Birds 44:217-219) TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: ‘In 1973 at least 467 pairs [of Little Ringed Plovers] summered, an increase of over 100% [com- pared with 1967] . There were further extensions of the breeding range to the north and west, but most of the increase in numbers was within the existing range. E. R. and E. D. PARRINDER’ {Brit. Birds 68: 368; September 1975) Also 25 years ago: ‘Viewpoint. Derek . What lessons are to be learned from this review?. . First is the need for the puq^osive sections of the conser- vation camp to try very, very much harder to understand the motivations, attitudes and prob- lems of the groups, private and public, whose activities impinge on birds - the landowners, the falconers, the CPRE members and the rest. . . Second must be the need to resist the siren voices who call for fewer and bigger organisations and to accept that, strange though it may seem, people want to “do their own thing”; otherwise there would not be such an eccentric assortment of volun- tary bodies ... The third embraces a sensitive issue. In a vast fragmented movement such as described, the scope for human frailties of pique, petti- ness, vanity, jealousy, irritation, obsessive amateur ambition and excessive professional careerism to raise their ugly heads is con- siderable. They must be put down ruthlessly in the interests of the birds ’ {Brit. Birds 68: 379- 383; September 1975) Also 25 years ago, on 6th Sep- tember 1975, Chris Heard and Grahame Walbridge discovered Britain’s first Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina at Finniquoy on Fair Isle, Shetland, and 18 days later, on 24th Sep- tember 1975, Roger Broad dis- covered a second, in the Fair Isle Bird Obsei^'atory garden. A mere two days later, on 26th Sep- tember 1975, David Hunt, with a small group of other bird- watchers, discovered Britain's first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius at Tresco Great Pool in the Isles of Scilly. {Brit. Birds 72: 410-414; 74: 90- 94) 446 © British Birds 93: 446, September 2000 Initial thoughts of ‘Oh no, not another ****** pipit {Anthus]V are soon dispelled as the bird in plate 205 (repeated here as plate 251) is ‘co-operative’, well marked and well photographed. Resolving its identity is, by Monthly Marathon standards, rel- atively straightforward. The bird’s unremarkable structure, darkish legs and even darker feet, its relatively open, unmarked lores and its unbroken eye-ring are all important fea- tures. It is, however, its distinc- tive underpart pattern that probably first grabs our atten- tion. Extensive, bold but rela- tively neat, blackish streaks extend across the breast, fade out on the belly and flanks and form a neat gorget, almost recalling that of a Bluethroat Lus- cinia svecica. Importantly, there is also an extremely well-marked, bulging malar stripe. Only one species shows all these features: Buff- bellied Pipit A. rubescens. Water Pipit A. spinoletta would typi- cally appear larger-billed, have an eye-ring that was broken imme- diately in front of the eye by a dark loral stripe and have a much- reduced malar stripe. There are two forms of Buff-bellied Pipit and both have occurred in the Western Palearctic. This bird, photographed by Richard Patient in Texas in January 1999, is of the nominate race, but its white underpart ground colour and very prominent malar stripe are features normally more pronounced on the typically pale-legged east Asian form. A. r.japonicus. The majority of entrants got this one right; it was named as Buff-bellied Pipit (61%), Water Pipit (23%), Rock Pipit A. pet- rosus (10%) and Olive-backed Pipit A. hodgsoni (3%). Paul Holt Sunbird The best of birdwatching tours 252. Monthly Marathon’. Photo no. 170. Eighteenth stage in eleventh ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 54), then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 3rd November 2000. For a free brochure, write to SUNBIRD (MM), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; or telephone 01767 682969. © British Birds 93; 447, September 2000 447 Richard Patient Roberto Valle & Michele Vettorel New breeding site of Lesser Crested Tern in Itcdy The Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis has a highly fragmented World distribution extending from Australia to the Mediter- ranean (Cramp 1985; del Hoyo et al. 1996). In the Mediterranean (fig. 1), breeding colonies are located on the two small islands of Geziret al Elba and Geziret Garah, off the Libyan coast, which held a total of 1,740 pairs in 1993 (Meininger et «/. 1994). The only other regular breeding localities are the Ebro Delta in northeast Spain, where one or two pairs have bred since 1978 (Paterson 1997; Perez-Hurtado & Masero 1997); and Valli di Comacchio in the southern Po Delta, northeast Italy, where a pair bred from 1985 to 1998, a third adult was paired with a Sand- wich Tern S. sandricensis in 1988 (probably) and in 1990, and two pairs bred in 1994 (P. Brichetti and U. E Foschi in litt.}. Elsewhere, a single Lesser Crested Tern probably paired with a Sandwich Tern in the Evros Delta, Greece, in 1987 (Goutner 1988), and the species bred in Albufera de Valencia, eastern Spain, in 1994-98, although there was no proof of nesting there in 1999 (Dies & Dies 1998 & in litt.). The Laguna di Venezia (Lagoon of Venice), in northeast Italy, extends over about 55,000 ha and is connected to the Adriatic Sea by three channels. It holds breeding colonies of gulls, terns and waders, including nationally important populations of Common Terns 5. hirundo and Black-headed Gulls Lams ridi- bundus, while those of Common Redshanks Tringa totanns and Sandwich Terns are of international importance (Scarton & Valle 1997; Valle & Scarton 1996). The colonies have been regularly monitored since 1989 (Scarton et al. 1994). The southern basin of the Lagoon consists of a large open waterbody (about 8,000 ha) dotted with hundreds of muddy islets, which are covered with, mainly, the saltmarsh-grass Puccineilia palustris, the sea-lavender Limo- ninni serotininn and the glasswort Sal- icornia fruticosa (Valle & Scarton 1999). Each year, ten to 20 of these islets are occu- pied by colonies of gulls and terns, including 253 Le.sser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis on nest witliin colony of Sandwich Terns .S', sandricensis, Ligoon of Venice, Italy, May-June 1999. 448 British Birds 93; 448-451, September 2()()() Notes Fig. 1. Sites in the Mediterranean with breeding records of Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis. 1 Albufera; 2 Ebro Delta; 3 Lagoon of Venice; 4 Valli di Comacchio; 5 Evros Delta; 6 Geziret al Elba; 7 Geziret Garah. Black-headed Gulls (mean of 120 pairs in 1997-99) and Common (940 pairs), Little 5'. albifrons (195 pairs) and Sandwich Terns (470 pairs), along with Common Red- shanks, Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta and Black-winged Stilts Himantopus himantopus . In 1999, the largest colony was located on a 3.6-ha islet, which held a total of 1,060 pairs of waders, terns and gulls. The site is unprotected and is surrounded by water 0. 1-0.5 m deep, with the bed mostly exposed during low tide. During 13th May to 22nd June, six visits were made to this colony, each of less than one hour in dura- tion so as to minimise disturbance. On 13th May 1999, a single Lesser Crested Tern was observed 500 m from the colony, with four Sandwich Terns. After several minutes, all five terns flew towards the colony. On 29th May, a Lesser Crested Tern was seen on a nest within a group of Sand- wich Tern nests. The nest, which held just one egg, was 30-50 cm from the others, and 27 m from the water. On 3rd June, the incu- bating adult was caught and ringed, and the following measurements were recorded; maximum length 323 mm, bill 58 mm, tarsus 26.8 mm, tail length 146 mm, tail-fork length 63 mm. A Lesser Crested Tern was seen on the nest on 12th June (plate 253), and four days later the egg had apparently hatched. We estimated that hatching probably occurred about 15th June; considering an incubation period of 21-26 days (Cramp 1985), laying probably took place around 20th-25th May. In the Comacchio Lagoon, Brichetti & Foschi (1985) found one egg on 4th June; at the two Libyan colonies, laying date is estimated to be one month later, around late June/early July (Meininger et al. 1994). At no time did we see two Lesser Crested Terns together. It is possible, therefore, that the individual that we observed was paired with a Sandwich Tern, as has already been reported at several other places (Brichetti & Foschi 1997; Paterson 1997; Dies & Dies 1998). This represents the first observation of the Lesser Crested Tern at the Lagoon of Venice, and the first record for the Province of Venice and the entire Veneto Region. The species did not breed at Comacchio in 1999, owing to high water levels that flooded the traditional nesting places for terns (P. Brichetti m In that year, some of the Sandwich Terns very probably moved from Comacchio to the southern Lagoon of Venice, about 80 km to the northwest, where the local colony increased by about 200 pairs between 1998 and 1999. It is possible, though not proven, that one (or both?) of the pair of Lesser Crested Terns accompanied them. We are grateful to D. Smania and M. Vet- torel for their help in the field. M. Thibault (Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat, France), J.J. Dies, C. Ibanez and Xavier Riera (Sociedad Espanola de Ornitologia) kindly provided unpublished information. W. G. Hale (John Moores University, Liverpool) revised the English text. References Brichetti, P, & Foschi, U. E 1985. Prima nidificazione di Sterna del Rtippell Sterna bengalensis in Italia e attuale frequenza nel Mediterraneo occidentale./?n'. ital. Orn. 55: 161-170. — & — 1997. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis. In: Hagemeijer,W.J. M., & Blair, M.J. (eds.), The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds. Cramp, S. (ed.) 1985. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 4. Oxford. del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., & Sargatal, J. (eds.) 1996. Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol. 3. Hoatzin to Auks. Barcelona. Dies,J. I., & Dies, B. 1998. Hybridisation between Lesser Crested and Sandwich Terns in Valencia, Spain, and plumage of offspring. /IrtY. Birds 91: 165-170. Goutner, V. 1988. The Lesser Crested Tern {Sterna bengalensis) in die Evros delta (Greece): a case of British Birds 93: 448-451, September 2000 449 Notes pairing with the SimdwichTem {Sterna sandvicensis)? KaiHenmg niectiten: Brutvogel Meininger, P. L.,Wolf. PA., Hadoud, D. A., & Essghaier, M. F. A. 1994. Rediscovery of Lesser Crested Terns breeding in Libya. Brit. Birds S'?: 160- HO. Paterson. A. M. 199"'. Las aves marinas de Espana y Portugal. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis. Barcelona. Perez-Hurtado.A.. & Masero.J.A. 199"’. Charran Bengali Sterna bengalensis. Barcelona. Scarton, E, & Valle. R. 199^. First data on the breeding biology of Sandwich Terns in the Lagoon of Venice. 1st Congress of the Enrop. Oni. Union. Bologna, 28-30 August 1997. 177. — , — & Borella, S. 1994. Some comparative aspects of the breeding biology of Black-headed Gull, Common Tern and Little Tern in the Ltigoon of Venice. Arocetta 18: 119-124. Valle, R., & Scarton, E 1996. Status and distribution of Redshanks breeding along Mediterranean coasts. Wader Study Group Bull. 81 : 66-'’(). — & — 1999.The presence of conspicuous associates protects nesting Redshank Tringa totanus from aerial predators. Ornis Fennica “'6: 145-148. Francesco Scarton Via Terere 82, 30173 Mestre (VE), Italy; e-mail: frscarto@tin.it Roberto Valle Castello 618/E, 1-30122 Venezia, Italy; e-mail: robevalle@tin.it Renzo Rusticali Santa Giulia cli Porto ToUe, Ivica, 1-45010 (Ro), Italy A breeding pair of melanistic Northern WJjeatears in Spain On 30th May and 1st June 1999, near Pradena, 46 km northeast of Segovia, at about 1,000 m in the northern foothills of the (iuadarrama mountain range in north-central Spain, I watched a pair of birds building a nest. The habitat was close-cropped lime- stone grassland, with typical breeding species such as Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachyilactyla and Tawny Pipit An thus campestris also present. The half-complete nest was inside a blue plastic container (not measured at the time, but approximately 30 X 20 X 10 cm) lying on its side, and was clearly visible through a split along the length of one of the narrow sides. Both nest-builders were very active, and I was able to watch them, in perfect light, at ranges down to 30 m. From their behaviour, they were obviously chats/wheatears (tribe Saxicolini), and my immediate reaction was that they might be Black Wheatears Oenanthe leucura, but this impression was soon dispelled, as they were not black enough, they were too small, and the habitat was unsuitable. A better view revealed the lack of any white on the rump of the apparent male, briefly raising the fanciful (given the locality) possibility of Blackstart Cercomela melanura. Fortunately, the birds were obliging and permitted prolonged views at clo.se range, which led to the con- clusion that they were, in fact, melanistic Northern Wheatears O. oenanthe. On one, many of the characteristic mark- ings of a normal male Northern Wheatear were faintly discernible through the general sooty-grey appearance: the forehead was off- white, this colour extending as a supercilium to the rear of a barely noticeable black eye- stripe; the chin and throat were off-white, merging into a pale smok}-grey breast and upper belly, this fading to pale grey on the lower belly, vent and undertail-coverts; and the crown, nape and mantle were dark grey, with the wings, rump and tail black. The legs were dark grey. The other bird, identified as the female, was even darker, being almost entirely dark smoky' grey-brown; the only dis- cernible relieving features were a pale creamy-brown forehead and supercilium, a black stripe from the ey e to the bill, a pale brown throat, buff edges to the primaries, and a very small, very indistinct patch of grey-white on the rump that was difficult to sec in flight. The birds’ behaviour was in every respect typical of Northern Wheatear, normal exam- ples of which (rather pale in this part of Spain) were breeding nearby. The most unusual aspect of the observation was the fact that both members of the pair exhibited melanism, the male more black than brown, the female the reverse. In his review of albinism and melanism among wild birds in Britain, Sage (1962) listed 43 species for which melanism had been recorded, fhe Northern Wheatear was included in the list, but no further details 450 British Birds 93: 448-451, September 2000 Notes were given in the text. Melanism is recorded far less commonly than is albinism, for which he listed l6l species. Over the years, several records of very dark wheatears (all with a white rump) have been submitted to the BBRC and the BOURC as referring to Black Wheatear. After due deliberation, all were considered to repre- sent aberrant examples of Northern Wlieatear.The descriptions often indicated at least a trace of some feature of Northern Wheatear, such as a darker eye-stripe, which raised doubts among the panel-members of the time. Since the excessive deposition of black or brown melanin pigments that leads to melanism (see Harrison 1985) often over- lies, but may not entirely obscure, the normal plumage characteristics, such features would be expected on many individuals displaying the condition. Given that melanism is unusual among the majority of bird species, leaving aside those with a melanistic morph mentioned by Sage (1962), or the possibility of industrially induced melanism in, for example. House Sparrows Passer domesticiis (Hardy 1937) and feral Rock Doves Columba livia in cities (Picozzi 1980), the occurrence of two melanistic individuals breeding together is of great interest. Quite how this came about is open to speculation: perhaps the wheatears were brother and sister, or they represented an extreme case of assortative mating. In response to my enquiry. Dr Eduardo de Juana, Secretary of the Spanish rarities com- mittee, informed me (/« that he had never come across an instance of melanistic Northern Wheatear either in north-central Spain or elsewhere in that country. He sug- gested that the plumage of the birds might have been contaminated with oil, the nest site being in what could have been an old, discarded oil container, but the subtlety of the melanism in particular, and the fact that the plumage of neither bird was matted and neither was seen to preen, rule out this pos- sibility. Regrettably, although I provided details of the exact location of the nest, nobody was able to return, so that its outcome is unknown. Since neither BWP (vol. 5) nor its Concise Edition (Snow & Perrins 1998) mentions melanism among Northern Wheatears, it is worth bearing in mind the possibility of extreme melanism should another putative Black Wlieatear be reported in Britain. I am grateful to the BOURC and the BBRC for providing details from their files relating to claimed Black Wlieatears in Britain, and to Dr Alan Knox and Dr Eduardo de Juana for their comments on the typescript. References Cramp, S. (ed.) 1988. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vol. 5. Oxford, Hardy, E. 1937. Polluted wildlife. Country Life 81: 676. Harrison, C. J. O, 1985. Plumage. In: Campbell, B., & Lack, E. (eds.), A Dictionary of Birds. Calton. Pp. 412-414. Picozzi, N. 1980. Father of all the pigeons. The Countryman 85 (2): 118-123. Sage, B. L. 1962. Albinism and melanism in birds. Brit. Birds 55: 201-225. Snow, D. W., & Perrins, C. M. (eds.) 1998. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Concise Edition. 2 vols. Oxford. N. Picozzi Talsarn, Arbeadie Terrace, Banchory, Kincardineshire AB3 1 5TN, Scotland EDITORIAL COMMENT This is a rare and fascinating observation. P. G. Lansdown has commented: ‘The most remark- able feature of this note is, of course, the pairing of two such birds (the author’s suggestion that they may have been siblings seems a likely explanation), but, to me, there is a second unusual aspect. The male’s rump and tail were black, we are told, while those of the female were (mainly) dark smoky grey-brown. Why, particularly in the case of the male, could head pattern and wings/mantle contrast be discerned, albeit in muted form, while rump and upper- tail/tail-“T” contrast were not apparent? If faitlifully described, it is ironic that the rump and the normally white parts of the tail are the only non-black areas that were recorded as being black on the male. ‘As a complete aside, this reminds me of the occasion when the late David Hunt told a group of us on Scilly that he had seen an albino (Northern) Wheatear on St Mary’s airport. One of the group (not me) asked him the colour of the rump!’ British Birds 93: 448-451, September 2000 451 Leicestershire & Rutland I was surprised and not a little disappointed to read the letter from A. M. Mcfarlane {Brit. Birds 93: 150) requesting that bird records from Rutland Water be credited to Rutland rather than to Leicestershire. The recording policy of the Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society was agreed with ACRE (and therefore by implica- tion with the BBRC, given Mike Rogers’ posi- tion as Secretary of both bodies) shortly before Rutland regained its political indepen- dence. This can best be summed up by quoting directly from my editorial in the 1997 Leics & Rutland Bird Report: ' the [Leicestershire & Rutland Ornitho- logical] Society, and therefore this Report, will continue to record the birds of Vice- County 55 (Leicestershire and Rutland), as indeed it has done since 1941, long before the two counties were merged. To avoid unnecessary complications, particular!)’ with regard to the “shared” site of Eye Brook Reservoir, we will continue to regard Leices- tershire and Rutland as one county, and the term “the County” as used in this Report will refer to Vice-County 55. This has been agreed with the Association of County Recorders and Editors who, like us, are of the opinion that recording areas should remain as constant as possible, and not be subject to the whims of politicians.’ This statement was published in the hope (vain, as it turned out) of pre-empting the sort of letter which was unfortunately pub- lished in British Birds. As you will be well aware, repeated boundary changes in various parts of the country over the years have meant that, in many cases, bird-recording areas are no longer the same as current political counties. We have merely tried to avoid the problems that several other areas have suffered as a result of these changes by maintaining the status quo. Andrew Mackay 68 Leicester Road, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9RE Decline of urban sparrows During the 1960s, roosts of several thousand Spanish Sparrows Passer hispaniolensis were observed in the vicinity of Los Cris- tianos, Tenerife (R. M. Walker verbally). During 1989-99, the largest roost that 1 recorded there was of 33. Between those two periods, Los Cristianos grew from a fishing village into a small town. It is unlikely that pollution from motor vehicles has been the cause of this decline in the Spanish Sparrow population. 1 suggest that the com- plete cessation of open-field cultivation (and associated irrigation) has resulted in the return to a habitat no longer able to sustain a large population of sparrows. Might it not be possible that the decline in numbers of House Sparrows P. domesticus in large towns, noted by Dr Denis Summers- Smith {Brit. Birds 93: 256-257), has resulted from changing land use as well as from changing agricultural and horticultural prac- tices (e.g. pesticide and herbicide applica- tion), with consequent loss of suitable habitat and, especially, of food sources during the winter? The loss is likely to be less severe in small rural towns than in large towns and cities, since surrounding areas with suitable habitat (and food) are closer to the urban centres. Michael R Lancaster 42 School Lmhc, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 1TB; inhl.tenbel@lineone.iwt EDITORIAL COMMENT Dr Denis Summers-Smith has commented: ‘Spanish Sparrows typicall)' form large urban roosts in shade trees, certainly in places where House Sparrows are lacking (e.g. Sardinia, (binary 452 © British Birds 93: 452-456, September 2000 Letters Islands, Madeira), though I am not sure if this also occurs where House Sparrows are present in the towns (lack of suitable opportunities for observation on my part). For example, in San Antioco in Sardinia, in November 1989, I estimated that several tens of thousands were roosting in the shade trees in the Corso Vittorio Emmanuel. San Antioco is on the Isla of that name and is connected to the mainland by a long causeway. I tried to establish the prove- nance of these birds. In the morning, they departed in all directions, and I lost sight of some flying high over the 3-km stretch of open water towards San Giovanni Suergui on the main- land. Subsequent searching showed that few remained on the Isla, and I was unable to find any large feeding concentrations in the surrounding area. There must have been a very large catchment area (an account of this is given in my In Search of Sparroivs, 1992, page 26). T do not see a parallel between the decrease of the urban-roosting Spanish Sparrows in Los Cristianos, Tenerife, and that of the urban House Sparrows in large towns in Britain. In my experience, the countryside around Los Cristianos has changed quite dramatically between the 1960s, when I first visited it, and 1999, when I was last there. I agree with MBL that the decline in numbers of these Spanish Sparrows is probably to do with changing land use, but that does not explain the decline in numbers of urban House Sparrows that live entirely within towns. ‘Birds are now being recognised by politicians as indicators of the quality of life, and most human beings live in towns. What does the decline of the urban sparrows say about the quality of life in towns?’ Did White-backed Woodpeckers ever breed in Britain? The way of depicting the distribution of a species may influence the conclusions derived. This is not a mere technical problem, but affects the way in which we think about bird distribution and ecology. Knowledge of the past distribution of birds is not only poorer than that of modern times, but it is also more and more forgotten under the pressure of the huge amount of current information. Even the well-docu- mented past distribution of some birds (e.g. forest grouse species) tends to be ignored by field workers, as the available handbook maps depict almost exclusively the most recent knowledge of ranges. Even this, however, can, sometimes, be inconsistent (e.g. BWP, where for most species the maps show their recent distribution, whereas for the Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus only the pre-pesticide-era distribution is depicted). The problem can best be demonstrated by giving a few specific examples. A tradi- tional map of the distribution of the White- backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos relies on thousands of facts collected across Europe during the past two hundred years. Yet, after an elaboration of these data, in a British Birds 93: 452-456, September 2000 process known as inductive generalisation, the summarised picture (fig. 1) shows only the static present state. The immediate con- clusions when looking at this map are: (1) this is obviously an eastern species in Europe, (2) its centre of European occur- rence is somewhere in eastern Belarus or western Russia, and (3) in the West it breeds (and, we conclude, it always bred) only locally in the mountains. All these conclu- sions are unsatisfactory, incomplete, or pos- sibly even wrong. Fig. 1 Present-day distribution of White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos in Europe. 453 Letters Another approach to presentation of this species’ distribution is shown in fig. 2. In this case, we do not subconsciously restrict our thinking to the recent time, but; (1) attempt also to evaluate the past distribution, (2) use other than observational data, incorporating available archaeozoological and ecological information, and (3) may formulate hypotheses about unknown aspects of the species’ former distribution. The dynamic or historical map (fig. 2) stimulates the posing of entirely new questions; (1) How much has the species’ range already contracted within the continent of Europe? (2) Was it once breeding across most of France, the Low Countries and in Britain (which is a hypoth- esis testable by archaeozoological research)? (3) Which facts are consistent with such a possibility, and which not? (4) Wliat were the reasons for its retreat from a part of its former range? (5) Was it originally an essen- tially eastern species at all? Below, I shall try to offer preliminary answers to some of these questions. Being the most dependent of all European woodpeckers on decay ing deciduous timber (Wesolowski & Tomiatojc 1986;Aulen 1988; Mikusinski 1997), the White-backed Wood- pecker probably failed to survive the conse- quences of past management of West European woodland. The coppice, coppice- with-standards, wood-pasture or shelter- wood management schemes effected since medieval times and continued well into the twentieth century deprived those woods of dead timber (Rackham 1980). In Central Fig. 2. Present-day distribution of White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos, with deduced probable past distribution outlined by broken line. Europe, the medieval Niederwcilcl and then Mittelwald management, which once pre- vailed across the German Lowland (Thoma- sius 1978), also resulted in practically all of the deciduous woodland being maintained for centuries in a state unsuitable for this species. Recent instances of isolated breeding, together with some vague records from old German ornithological literature, strongly suggest that it must once have occurred not only in western Poland, but also in the formerly extensive forests of Beech Fagus sylvatica along the German section of the Baltic coast (Glutz & Bauer 1980; Tomiatojc 1990, 2000). Moreover, the known distribution of formerly extensive beech, oak-beech, oak-hornbeam and riparian ancient woodland strongly suggests that it formerly bred across the whole Euro- pean Lowland, down to the Pyrenees (where it still occurs) and to Corsica (where it was once present; J. Blondel in litt.'). Thus, the breeding occurrence of this species in southern English deciduous woodland some two thousand years ago now sounds much less improbable. Actually, there is no serious alternative limiting factor, other than forest management, to prevent western distribution of this extremely adaptable woodpecker species. Elsewhere, it populates almost all the old deciduous and mixed deciduous- coniferous woodland types, both in lowlands and in mountains, in the southern, temperate and boreal regions. Only the shortage of dead timber - a critical requirement for both feeding and nesting (Tomiatojc & Wesolowski 1986;Aulen 1988) - can explain its absence from Western Europe. Like other woodpeckers (Mikusinski 1997), the species was able to survive to this day only in the less intensely managed mountain, northern or eastern forests. The same reasoning may be applied to other cases, such as that of the Collared Fly- catcher Ficedula alhicollis. The hole-nesting flycatchers of the genus Ficedula seem to be another group of birds the breeding ranges of which had probably been changed dra- matically before modern ornithological records started. The recent distribution of this species (Tomiatojc 2()00), as well as its habitat requirements, strongly suggests a much wider past occurrence in Western and Central Europe. This hypothesis finds 454 British Birds 93: 452-456, September 2000 Letters support in the published record on its nine- teenth-century breeding in northern Germany and Poland, as well as in its isolated but quite numerous breeding on the Baltic islands of Gotland and Oland (Tomiatojc 1990, 2000). The Collared Flycatcher is part of the avifauna of old oak-hornbeam and ash- alder stands in the lowlands, as well as of various types of ancient beech, beech-fir and oak-beech forests in the uplands and sub- montane elevations (Glutz & Bauer 1993). In view of its wide habitat choice, its absence from the West, even from deciduous wood- land of the same kind as that densely popu- lated in central-eastern Europe, is astonishing. It may be explained, however, when it is realised that the species depends on dense-canopied, shadowy old-growth stands rich in tree-holes. It is only such stands that seem to allow it to build up widely isolated but usually very dense local populations. Thus, the reason for the species’ absence from northwest Europe seems, again, to be the type of woodland manage- ment which, for centuries, has kept other- wise potentially suitable woods poor in natural holes (coppice) or too open- canopied, as in the case of wood-pasture and coppice-with-standards techniques (cf. Rackham 1980; Euller 1995; Peterken 1996). Only during the twentieth century have some larger patches of high-forest, old enough to contain numerous holes, started to reappear in the West European and Central European lowlands, as nature reserves, often with numerous nestboxes, started to offer opportunities for hole- nesting species. The White-backed Woodpecker and Col- lared Elycatcher populate the forests com- posed of the most common and widespread of European trees: beeches Fagus, hornbeam Carpinus, oaks Quercus, birches Betula and limes Tilia. These trees have also been the main forest-forming species in the West (Rackham 1980; Jahn 1991; Peterken 1996). It would be unusual, therefore, to assume that these two bird species, so well co- adapted to those tree stands, have in the West always avoided their potentially ideal habitats, for an unknown reason, since there is a strong argument to hand: that human impact has for centuries made West Euro- pean woodland unsuitable for them. A third example may be provided by the Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, analysed in detail elsewhere (Tomiatojc 2000). Subfossil archaeozoological data (Bochenski 1993) and early historical hints confirm its pan-con- tinental distribution as recently as the period between the Middle Ages and the seven- teenth century. Only later did the species retreat from most of Europe, under the pres- sure of habitat loss, forest management and hunting. It is aU too easy for the relict char- acter of the species’ present distribution to be forgotten when community-ecology and population-ecology studies are carried out in those areas no longer occupied by the species. ‘Dynamic’ or ‘historical’ maps consider- ably increase the amount of information pre- sented visually. They emphasise the dynamic character of species’ distributions, and help us to keep in mind the secondary nature of recent changes. I propose, therefore, that there should be a dual approach to map- drawing: (a) in current original studies, maps should reflect the present-day distribution, and (b) in handbooks and species mono- graphs, dynamic or historical maps should be shown, taking into account all available old literature, including the findings of archaeo- zoological research and deductions from knowledge of the ecological conditions once available to the species. Compilation of the latter will involve work, extensive literature review and deduction, but will help to make us think. References Aulen, G. 1988. Ecology and distribution history of the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos in Sweden. Swedish Univ. Agricultural Sciences, Dept. Wildlife Ecology), Uppsala, 14: 1-253- Bochenski, Z, 1993. Catalogue of fossil and subfossil birds of Poland. Acta zool cracov. 36: 329-460. Cramp, S., Simmons, K. E. L., & Perrins, C. (eds.) 1980- 93- The Birds of the Western Palearctic. vols 2-7. Oxford. Fuller, R. J. 1995. Birdlife of Woodland and Forest. Cambridge. Glutz von Blotzheim, U. N., & Bauer, K. M. (eds.) 1973- 93. Handbuch der Vogel Mitteleuropas. 5-13- Frankfurt/Wiesbaden. Jalin, G. 1991. Temperate deciduous forests of Europe. In: Rbhrig, E. & Ulrich, B. (eds.). Temperate Deciduous Forests, pp. 377-502. Amsterdam. Mikusinski, G. 1997. Woodpeckers in time and space: the role of natural and anthropogenic factors. Thesis of Swedish Univ. of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala. Peterken, G. E 1996. Natural Woodland: patterns and British Birds 93; 452-456, September 2000 455 Letters conservation in northern temperate regions. Cambridge. Rackham, O. 1980. Ancient Woodland: its history’, vegetation and uses in England. London. Thomasius, H. (ed.) 1978. Wald, Landeskultur und Gesellschaft. 2nd edn.Jena. Tomiatojc, L. 1990. The Birds of Poland: their distribution and abundance. Wicszim.x. 2000. An east-west gradient in the breeding distribution and species richness of the European woodland avifauna. Acta Orn. 35: 3-17. Wesolowski, T, & Tomiatojc, L. 1986. The breeding ecology' of woodpeckers in a temperate primaeval forest: preliminar>’ data. Acta Om. 22: 1-21. Ludu'ik Tomiatojc The Natural History Museum of Wroclaw University, Sienkiewicza 21, 50-355 Wroclaw, Poland Song and call of a ‘Siberian Chiffchaff’ It may be of interest that it was the unusual song that first attracted my attention to the Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (probably of the Siberian race tristis) at Goxhill Marsh, Lincolnshire, during 11th- 15th March 1989 that was featured recently in ‘Monthly Marathon’ (Brit. Birds 93: 212, plates 71 & 1 16). I described this as a mix of ‘chiff notes given with a delivery recalling the song of Willow Warbler P. trocbilus, which I noted as ‘chueet to tweet tweet’. Its regularly repeated call-note was a rather weak ‘cheesp’ or ‘cheeup’. Another photo- graph of the same bird was published in Peter Clement’s The Chiffchaff (199“^). Graham P. Catley 13 West Acridge, Barton-on-H umber. South Humberside DN18 5AJ Birds and fog There are further considerations involved in the occurrence of lost seabirds with fog {Brit. Birds 93: 204, 342). Fog tends to be formed where warm, moist air passes over a cooler surface, whether it is a temperature inversion inland or cooler water at sea, as for example where there is upwelling of cooler bottom-water near such sites as the Berlengas off western Portugal, the Isles of Scilly and other islands off western Britain and Ireland, and the Faroes, Iceland and the Lofotens up the west coast of Europe, which, as a result of the upwelling, usually also have many seabirds. This phenomenon tends to be particularly marked when easterly winds from the Continent cross cool water off the east coast of Britain, bringing Viking raiders ashore under cover of the resulting haar in the past, and lost Continental landbirds as well as seabirds. W. R. P. Bourne Department of Zoology, Aberdeen University, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ Spellings While I agree with hyphenating Swamp-hen {Brit. Birds 93: 211), I find the lack of hyphenation in Sparrowhawk and Goshawk jarring. I want to say ‘whawk’, like the old bird name ‘whaup’, and ‘gosh’, like the euphemism. Applying the same logic, why is Gyr Falcon two words? Ken Osborne 10 Ellice Road, Oxted, Stirrey RH8 OPY 456 I see no harm in unambiguous combina- tions such as Goldeneye, Crossbill and Rosefinch, but think Sparrow Hawk and Gos Hawk ought to be punctuated. Similarly, because punctuation is related to pronunciation, I find ‘Semipalmated’ a mouthful, which would benefit from a hyphen as in ‘Semi-palmated’. British Birds 93: 452-456, September 2000 A FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF SOUTH-EAST ASIA By Craig Robson. Illustrated by Richard Allen, Tim Worfolk, Stephen Message, Jan Wilczur, Clive Byers, Mike hangman, Ian Lewington, Christopher Schmidt,Andrew Mackay,John Cox, Anthony Disley, Hilary Burn, Daniel Cole & Martin Elliott. New Holland, London, 2000. 1,251 species treated; 104 colour plates; 504 pages. ISBN 1-85368-313-2. Hardback, £,35.00. Eor many years, the visitor to this popular birding destination had to rely on the excellent A Field Guide to the Birds of South-east Asia by Ben F. King & Edward C. Dickinson (1975), which had the disadvantage that Martin W. Woodcock’s illustrations were not all reproduced in colour, and some species were not illus- trated at all. Visitors to Thailand have been well served since 1991 by A Guide to the Birds of Thailand by Boonsong Lekagul & Philip D. Round, with illustra- tions by Mongkol Wongkalasin & Kamol Koniolphalin. Although most visitors to the area still home in on Thailand, or, to a lesser extent, Malaysia and Singapore, access to the rest of the region (Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, but not Burma) is now much easier than it was a decade or so ago. This book covers the whole region, with 1,240 species portrayed in colour. The illustra- tions are by 14 different artists, but over half of them are by just two (Richard Allen and Tim Worfolk), and the styles of all 14 are very compatible. With over 1,000 species depicted in 100 plates, and most species requiring more than one illustra- tion, the portraits are all rather small, but the reproduction is crisp, the colour good and, as a result, the plates are the most useful yet for the birds of this region. The text deals with an average of five species per page, and covers Identification, Voice, Habitat and behaviour. Range and A FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRD .... — Of SOUTH-EAST ASIA nuuu • Ptmuou luuiui • uiumt • um • mnufl < owmm status, and Breeding, so the com- ments in many cases have to be fairly perfunctory. Nevertheless, in about half of the instances where a behavioural character- istic might be helpful in identifi- cation, this was indeed mentioned in the text (e.g. ‘often sits upright on exposed perch for prolonged periods. Sallies for insects.’ for Yellow-bellied Flow- erpecker Dicaeum melanoxan- thuni, so different from the behavious of the smaller species which zip around like demented bumblebees, accurately described here as ‘hyperactive, typically in tree tops’). The book’s design is user- friendly. Each plate has a facing page with detailed captions (e.g. the 37 illustrations for the six species of raptor in plate 48 are labelled 1 a-e, 2 a-i, 3 a-h, 4 a-e, 5 a-e and 6 a-e) and each species has a unique reference number (which enables the text to be found instantly from the plate), and the plate number is given with each text, so that the illus- tration can be found quickly from the written account. Doing so is far easier and simpler than it sounds from this description. The author pays tribute to King et al. (1975) and Lekagul et al. (1991). The latter will still be de rigueur for all those visiting Thailand, but, for birders going elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Robson et al. (2000) will be as essential as binoculars, telescope and sunscreen. J. T. R. Sharrock Sh^G^FIR FJUGIAR A jSLANDI^^ By Gunnlaugur Petursson & Gunnlaugur brainsson. Icelandic Institute of Natural History, Reykjavik, 1999. 246 pages. ISBN 1027-832X. Paperback, £14.00 (obtainable from Icelandic Institute of Natural History', PO Box 5320, IS-125 Reykjavik, Iceland, or can be ordered by e-mail from ni@ni.is or palina@ni.is). We have got A Reference Manual of Rare Birds in Great Britain and Ireland (volume 1) by K.A. Nay'lor (1996), listing all the records of rare birds up to 31st December 1957. This is the Icelandic equivalent, listing all records up to 31st December 1980. The list of records for each species is preceded by a short summary of status, period of occurrence and so on, and, very helpfully to those of us who do not read Icelandic, these excellent summaries are also given in English. J. T. R. Sharrock © British Birds 93: 457-461, September 2000 457 Reviews This edited volume provides an up-to-date account of the status, ecology and conservation needs of the World’s herons. The chap- ters have been contributed by 1 9 A FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT By Krys Kazmierczak, illustrated by Ber van Perlo. Pica Press, Sussex, 2000. 352 pages; over 1,330 species illustrated; 96 colour plates; over 1,300 colour distribution maps. ISBN 1-873403-79-8. Hardback, £25.00. I fear that this guide just missed its best opportunity, being nar- rowly beaten to the bookshelves by the Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp pocket guide (based on their Identification Guide, reviewed Brit. Birds 92; 102- 103), the first true field guide to this frequently visited region. I hate being critical of any field guide as, by and large, all add something to our knowl- edge. Unfortunately, this guide compares rather unfavourably with the Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp pocket guide. For a field guide, it is quite large (8.5. x 6 inches; 215 mm x 155 mm) and, being hard -cove red, is fairly heavy; it is also about 50% more expensive than the rival pocket HERON CONSERVATION Edited by James A. Kushlan & Heinz Hafner. Academic Press, London, 2000. 480 pages; numerous maps, figures and tables; 57 black-and-white photographs. ISBN 0-12-430130-4. Hardback, £35.00. authors and more than 200 other collaborators from around the World, many of whom are associ- ated with the Heron Specialist Group sponsored by Wetlands International and ILICN. Eight chapters summarise the status and conservation needs of guide. Perhaps a soft-cover version is in the offing to reduce weight and cost? The illustrations are adequate: not as aesthetically pleasing as some, but they gener- ally make their point despite odd colour errors (e.g. a rich blue melanistic Montagu’s Harrier Circus pYgargus and mauve- toned pond hevom Ardeola). Having been rather critical, I should mention that 1 also found many points in its favour. The book covers over 36 species more than the pocket guide, and has over 100 more distribution maps. The maps are relatively large and clear, and have the name of the species placed - conveniently - beside the map. A Field Guide to the Birds of The Indian Subcontinent Krys Kmiiiwtiak niuEtnted by Ber van Perio these birds on a regional basis, while the remaining ten deal with specific aspects of manage- ment. Topics cov'ered include nesting and foraging areas, impacts of contaminants and aquaculture, captive breeding and other conservation issues. Owing to growth in research, knowledge of herons and egrets has increased enormous!) in the past 20 years. In my view, the editors and authors have done a good job in pulling together and synthesising this new informa- tion. The book is nicely produced and reasonably priced. It is pub- lished in collaboration with the Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat. /. Newton Each text is also generally oppo- site the relevant plate; they are necessarily brief, but draw atten- tion to specific features and, where relevant, discuss confu- sion species. An interesting feature is a clear symbol denoting globally threatened species. Habitat preference is covered, as are seasonal occur- rence and relative abundance. For many species, attempts are also made to transcribe songs and calls (probably of limited value to the tone deaf such as I). On balance, this book is not a necessity for those visiting the subcontinent, but it does add something to the existing pocket guide and is, therefore, recom- mended, particularly for us ‘old- school’ birders, as the systematics follow the familiar, user-friendly order. David Holman ALSO RECEIVED Attracting Birds to your Garden By Stephen Moss & David (k)t- tridge. (New Holland, London. 160 pages. ISBN 1-85974-005-7. Paperback, £12.99) (First edition reviewed Brit. Birds 91 : 257) 458 ® British Birds 93: 457-461, September 2000 Reviews IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS IN KENYA By Leon Bennun & Peter Njoroge. Nature Kenya, Nairobi, 1999. Numerous maps, tables and illustrations; 318 pages. ISBN 9966-9921-1-1. Paperback,£18.00. Kenya has one of the richest avi- faunas in Africa, but many of its nearly 1,100 species are today under pressure. This book high- lights 60 sites in the country identified as Important Bird Areas (IBAs); places of global conservation significance which hold threatened or restricted species. An initial summary maps and lists the Kenyan IBAs, together with their key features. An intro- duction follows, with informa- tion on Kenya’s geography, climate and vegetation (sup- ported by excellent maps), an explanation of the criteria used in selecting IBAs, and a discus- sion of the country’s conserva- tion issues. The main body of the text is then devoted to accounts of individual sites. Each includes a useful one-page map and key data on the status of threatened birds. The text is succinct, but packed with information on habitat, topography and drain- age, birds, plants and other wildlife, and local conservation issues, and is enhanced throughout by line-drawings by Edwin Salempo and Brian Small. Further data on the IBAs, tabu- lated in a series of appendices, includes sites of occurrence for almost 400 birds of conservation interest. This book is a model of its kind, thoroughly written and researched and attractively pro- duced. It brings together a wealth of information, including results from recent forest and wetland surveys, and will provide a valuable basis for con- servation planning. Although not a complete guide to Kenya’s birding areas (some of the best of these fail to meet IBA criteria), it does give useful accounts and maps for most ofthe well-visited parks and reserves, and provides information on many less well- known but potentially inter- esting sites. It would prove a good investment for any ornitho- logical visitor. David Pearson Important Bird Areas in KENYA A Field Guide to the Birds of China John M.uKinnon A Karen Phillipps What a missed opportunity! De Schauensee’s The Birds of China (1984) was a barely ade- quate guide for those travelling to the region in the 1980s. Because of the diversity and potential for vagrancy of the species of China, an updated book with excellent plates, sum- marising all the new identifica- tion knowledge, was eagerly awaited. This book is not it. I checked a few species only, and found the book to be littered with mistakes. The plates are poor, with different scales used within the same plate, so that, for example, Matsudaira’s Storm- petrel Oceanodrorna matsu- dairae is larger than Fulmar Fidmarus glacialis, and Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus is the same size as Common Red- shank T. totanus. In addition, some birds are not shown with their confusion species: Dusky Warbler Phylloscoptis fuscatus is on plate 93 with the bush-warblers and Hippolais warblers, whilst Radde’s Warbler P.schwarzi is on plate 98. The text is superficial and unlikely to help with any tricky identification problem. In the text for Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni, for instance, there is no mention of the char- acteristic head pattern; the rump A FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF CHINA By John Mackinnon & Karen Phillipps. Oxford University Press, 2000. 551 pages, 128 colour plates. ISBN 0-19854940-7 Paperback,£.2999. of Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps is described as yellow; as is the supercilium of female Black- faced Bunting E. spodocephala . If you are going to China and do not have a field guide, this is marginally better than the others, but, if you want some- thing to help you to identify vagrants, save your money for something decent. Colin Bradshaw British Birds 93: 457-461, September 2000 459 Revieivs BIRDS IN COUNTIES By David K. Ballance. Imperial College Press, London, 2()()(). 80 county' maps; 563 pages. ISBN 1-86094-157-5. Hardback, £61.00. This is one of those works of ref- erence which I did not realise I needed, but, now that I have it, 1 shall use it constantly, and wonder how on earth I ever managed without it. An average of six and a half pages is devoted to each English, Welsh and Scottish county (and the Isle of Man). Each account starts with a map of the county showing boundary changes which have occurred, followed by a potted history of its ornithology and ornithologists, and a word picture of its main geographical and topographical features. These count)’ sum- maries are written in such delightful prose that initial selec- tion of one’s home and neigh- bouring counties soon expands to reading others just for the pleasure of enjoying the author’s clever and entertaining use of the English language. The bulk of the book, however, is a bibliography, and perusal of the lists for those counties with which I am most familiar suggests that it is exceed- ingly thorough. This book should certainly be in every serious ornithological library and on every serious British ornitholo- gist’s bookshelves. J. T. R. Shcirrock MuniiiQiooKtt BUiograpliytorlM CounDKolEngtMid. vMK. oGonnQ wn taMtolMw Otuiid K. Bf^aaea WILD FLOWERS OF BRITAIN & EUROPE By Peter Heukels. HarperCA)llins, London, 2000. 1,200 pages; over 1,000 colour photographs. ISBN 0-00-220139-9. Paperback, £.16.99. This rather bulky photographic guide to the commoner Northern European plants is identical in style to the American Audubon Society guides. The introduction, in rather stilted prose, describes botanical terms and habitat types. The pho- tographs arc mostly of good quality, but are separated from the text. The species descriptions are good, with identifying charac- ters in italics, and similar species are described. In general, this is a reasonable guide, to be used in conjunction with a more portable book, preferably one using drawings. Chris R. Boon WILDLIFE IN LAO PDR: 1999 STATUS REPORT By I.W. Duckworth, R E. Salter & K. Kliounbolinc (compilers). lUCN - The World (Conservation Union, Wildlife Conservation Society and Centre for Protected Areas and Watershed Management, Vientiane, Lao PDR, 1999. 289 pages; 1 5 colour plates. ISBN 2-8317-0843-9. In less than a decade, Laos has gone from being, in terms of its contemporary fauna, one of the least-known Southeast Asian countries to one with extremely good baseline information. This domesday compilation on Lao wildlife, produced appropriately, at the end of the second millen- nium, distils the knowledge gained from systematic surveys of the country implemented by Lao government agencies in col- laboration with lUCN and Wildlife Conservation Society since the late 1980s. It updates an earlier work by Rick Salter in 1993. In addition to providing species-by-species updates on status and distribution of all birds, mammals, rejitiles and amphibians known for the country, there are also sections on habitats, protected-area cov- erage, human uses, threats and conservation measures. It is an admirable tome: I can think of few other works of comparable scope for other Asian countries. Rich as Lao PDR is, it is not an easy country in which to gain access to little-disturbed forest, or to observ'e wildlife. In conse- quence, it has received less atten- tion than it deserves from birdwatchers. Opportunities for the traveller to contribute are there, however, and a careful perusal of Wildlife in Lao PDR may reveal where efforts can best be concentrated. The conservation problems and dilemmas facing this small, incredibly wildlife-rich countr\' are huge, but the Lao authorities are to be congratulated for their foresight and engagement in col- lecting the data on which to plan for the future of their nation’s wildlife and its habitats. Philip D. Round 460 lirilish Birds 93: 457-461 , .September 2000 Reviews WHERETO WATCH BIRDS IN NORTH & EAST SPAIN By Michael Rebane, with line-drawings by Stephen Message. Christopher Helm (A & C Black), London, 1999. 120 maps; 35 line-drawings; 295 pages. ISBN 0-7136-4700-0. Paperback, £,14.99. This book complements that for Southern Spain by Ernest Garcia and Andy Paterson, authors who are very well known among Spanish birdwatchers. That is not so in the present case, but the possible initial distrust is quickly overcome. This is a nice guide, containing all that may be required for a productive bird trip: pertinent selection of sites, concise but adequate descrip- tions for each, practical details on how to reach them - sup- ported by clear maps - and species lists season by season. In just under 300 pages, it presents 104 ‘major’ and 73 ‘additional’ sites, though with, perhaps, too little information on the latter. There are also short introductory sections to the whole of the country and for the 13 regions covered. With minor exceptions, including a number of site names misspelled, the information is accurate and up to date, and the style concise, but easy to read. Given the reasonable price, the book can be recommended. Eduardo de Juana WHERETO WATCH BIRDS IN EUROPE & RUSSIA By Nigel Wlieatley. A ScC Black, London, 2000. 4l6 pages; over 250 major sites, with maps; over 50 line-drawings. ISBN 0-7136-4870-8. Paperback, £16.99- There can be few authors with works from Africa, Asia, Aus- tralasia and South America who then turn their attention to Europe (and Russia). It must be hats off to Nigel Wheatley for tackling this compilation, his latest in the 'Where to Watch Birds’ series, which stretches from Chukotka in the east to Breidafjordur in the west. Having made good use of two of his earlier publications, I could not, however, help but ask myself ‘"Wlio is going to use this one?’. The market surely cannot be in Europe itself - after all, there now appear to be suitable guides for every country, and in England for every county. Perhaps visiting birders from North America might be a prime target? To test the book, I delved closely into two ‘countries’ that I know well: Britain & Ireland (40 pages) and Bulgaria (13 pages). Any British birder might argue about the selected sites, and that is the problem with this sort of book. There is such a wealth of material to choose from: what should be put in and what should be left out? The amount of information on Scottish islands seems out of balance with that for other areas. For those sites that I know, however, it seems factually correct. For Bulgaria, one or two errors have crept in, the worst being a very old address for the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds. The site selection would be good for a visiting birder - but more detail for many more sites is available elsewhere. In summary, this is a well-pro- duced book, in keeping with others in the series; but who will use it? R. E. (Bob) Scott THE CALIFORNIA CONDOR By Noel Snyder & Helen Snyder. Academic Press, London, 2000.410 pages; over 100 colour photographs. ISBN 0-12-654005-5. Hardback, £19-95. This excellent and comprehen- sive book describes the saga of North America’s largest flying bird and one of the most threat- ened species on our planet. It tells the story of conservation efforts, often controversial, to try to save a bird with "one wing in the grave'.The biology of the California Condor Gymnogyps californianus is' described in great detail, too, making it fasci- nating reading. That there are still condors flying in California and Arizona is due to a dedicated group of committed conserva- tionists. One volunteer, John Schmitt, spent five whole weeks monitoring a nest. For more than a century, the California Condor has been in serious decline. Snyder & Snyder review how this magnificent bird has been saved, and there are lessons to be learnt here for other species. I recommend this book for anyone with an interest in North American birds, raptors, or endangered species. Buy it; it is excellent value for money. Dave Odell ALSO RECEIVED The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide to Hawaii By Les Beletsky. (Academic Press, London. 4l6 pages. ISBN 0-12- 084813-9. Paperback,£19.95) The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide to Ecuador and its Galapagos Islands By David L. Pearson & Les Beletsky. (Academic Press, London. 485 pages. ISBN 0-12- 084814-7. Paperback, £19.95) © British Birds 93:457-461, September 2000 461 Compiled by Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson Foundation for Wild Birds’ Conservation - Malta So often over the years we have reported news from Malta that has tended to be depressing in its content, leaving one with a feeling that there is little that can be done. Fortunately, over the years, BirdLife Malta has refused to stand back and accept the sit- uation. The news now coming from Malta is that a significant change is taking place. Following several discussions between BirdLife Malta and the Federation for Hunting and Trapping (FKNK), a ‘Foundation for Wild Birds’ Conservation’ has been set up between the two organisa- tions, under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment. The aim of this Foundation is to carrs' out projects that will improve the status of protected species of wild birds in Malta. There have, inevitably, been some critical comments levelled at BirdLife Malta for ‘joining forces' with the hunters, but this agreement will not stop BirdLife Malta in any way from further campaigning for changes to the hunting regulations that will help to save more wild birds. The initiative that has been taken has been supported by several inter- national organisations, including BirdLife International and the RSPB. As a start, the new Founda- tion will be launching four pro- jects: establishing a monitoring board for hunting, re-establishing the Barn Owl Tyto alba, breeding domestic quail Coturnix and publishing a coun- tryside code. We wish the new Foundation all success. For further details, contact BirdLife Malta, 57/28 Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex, MSD 12, Malta; email blm@orbit.net.mt or website http:/www.waldonet.net.mt/liird life/ New member for BOURC Earlier this year, for the second year running, the British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) invited applications from the birding community to join its Records Committee. As in 1999, there .was a small number of applicants. The BOU Council has approved the appointment of Andrew Harrop to succeed Ken Shaw, who has retired from the Records Committee at the end of his term of office. Andrew, who lives in Oakham, Rutland, is interested in bird identification and status, especially of ducks and gulls, not suqjrisingly for someone who watches and counts Rutland Water as his local patch, and who is on the Nature Reserve Management Committee there. He has been involved in numerous aspects of local ornithology, including being a YOC Leader in the 1970s and a local-bird-report editor in the 1980s. He was a member of the Leicestershire &. Rutland Ornithological Society’s Records Subcommittee during 1991-99, and has been the Wetland Bird Survey organiser for Leicestershire since 1995. He is widely travelled in the Western Palearctic, Africa, Arabia, India and Nepal, Canada and New England. He is the author of papers on a diverse range of species, and BB readers will recall his co-authorship, with Keith Vinicombe, of the recent account of the 1 994 invasion and the status of Ruddy Shelducks Tadurna ferruginea in Britain and Ireland (Brit. Birds 92: 225-255). For further information, contact Tony Marr, Chairman BOURC: tel. 0 1 263-74 1 3 1 3; e-mail bourc.chair@bou.org.uk SOC Annual Conference This year's conference of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club will be held during 3rd-5th November 20()() at the Balavil Sport Hotel in Newtonmore, Speyside. Speakers will include Klaus Mailing Olsen and Ian Wallace, and subjects will range from Shetland wildlife photography, the forthcoming BTO Migration Atlas, and the number of forms/species of crossbill Loxia in Scotland, to the North Sea Bird Club. Full details will be posted on the SOC website (www.the-soc.org.uk) when they become available, but for further information contact The SOC, 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT; tel. 0131-556 6042. Osprey swallows stork and tern This sounds like a Christmas trivia puzzle, but from 2001 a new journal. The Osprey, will replace the existing The Adjutant, The Sea Swallow and the Journal of the RAF Ornithological Society. The ornithological societies of the three armed services have decided to pool their resources and produce a joint journal. The Osprey. This will be an A4- sized full-colour magazine, drawing on the strengths and photographic talents of the individual societies. Production will commence in October 2000. The organisations’ addresses are as follows: ARMY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, Lt. Col. P S. Bennett, Defence Logistics Organisation, Main Building Room 7261, Whitehall, London SWIA 2HB; RAF ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETf, Chief Technician John Wells, Chinook AEDIT, RAF Odiham, Hook, Hampshire RG29 IQT; ROYAL NAVAL BIRDWATCHING SOCIEIY', Col. P. J. S. Smith RM (Retd), 19 Downlands Way, South Wonston, Winchester, Hampshire S021 3HS. 462 © British Birds 93: 462-465, September 2000 Neivs and comment This year, the award presenta- tions for Bird Photograph of the Year and Bird Illustrator of the Year were held at the British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland Water, with the ceremonies being introduced by Dr Richard Chandler and Robert Gillmor. Sponsored by Handbook of the Birds of the World {HBW), published by Lynx Edicions, tliis year’s winner of the award for the best Bird Photograph of the Year was Alan Petty iBrit Birds 93; 280-287, plate 171). The winner of the title The ‘British Birds’ Young Photographer of the Year, sponsored by The Eric Hosking Charitable Trust, was - for the fourth successive year! - David Norton {Brit. Birds 93: 280-287, plate 179). The presen- tations were made by David Hosking. The line-up of winners and runners-up (plate 254) also includes two winners from pre- vious years. Sponsored jointly byT&AD Poyser/ Academic Press and Pica Press, this year’s winner of the title Bird Illustrator of the Year was Dan Cole {Brit. Birds 93: 333- 339). The Richard Richardson Award, sponsored by the Richard Richardson Charitable Trust, was won - for the fifth successive year! - by Simon Patient, and The PJC Award, set up in memory of Pauline Cook and presented by David Cook, was won by Szabolcs Kokay (plate 255). BPY2000 and BIY2000 254. BIRD PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR 2000 winner and runners- up, Rutland, August 2000. Left to right: Dr Jens Eriksen (3rd=),Alan Petty (WINNER), Gordon Langsbury (2nd), David Norton (Young Bird Photographer of the Year), and Tony Hamblin (3rd=). 255. BIRD ILLUSTRATOR OF THE YEAR 2000 winner and runners- up, Rutland, August 2000. Left to right: Robert Gillmor Qudge and Presenter), Rosemary Watts/Powell (2nd), Szabolcs Kokay (The PJC Award winner), Dan Cole (WINNER) and Simon Patient (3rd and The Richard Richardson Award winner). Birding in Hong Kong If you have birded in Hong Kong, the chances are that you have visited Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve, Tai Po Kau Forestry Reserve and the Long Valley. The last of these is now under threat from a railway development. The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society is looking for interna- tional help with their campaign to have the development stopped. HKBWS raised formal objection under local law in December 1999, but recent indi- cations are that the government and railway company are deter- mined to proceed with a route that bisects the area, although alternatives have been proposed. A new road, also planned for the valley, has been moved to the periphery and the question being asked is: ‘Why not the railway?’ You can add support to the campaign by visiting the HKBWS website at www.hkbws.org.hk or writing to the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Admin- istrative Region, 5th Floor, Main Wing, Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road, Hong Kong. Further details from the HKBWS, GPO Box 12460, Hong Kong. British Birds 93: 462-465, September 2000 463 David Rawlings David Rawlings News and comment Taxonomic Since meetings of the Association of European Rarities Committees and the BOU Records Committee in 1999, their respective Taxonomic Advisory Committee (TAC)* and Taxonomic Sub- committee (TSC)** have been working closely together to produce advice on avian taxonomy in Europe. As a result, the following decisions, which add two species to the British List, have been made by the BOURC, to take effect from the date of their publication in the BOU’s journal. Ibis, which is expected to be in January 2001: Common Teal Anas crecca to be treated as two species: Eurasian Teal A. crecca Green-winged Teal A. carolinensis Common Redpoll Cardnelis flarnmea to be treated as two species: Lesser Redpoll C. cabaret (monot\ pic) Common Redpoll C. flammea (includes Mealy Redpoll C. f. flammea. Greater Redpoll C.f rostrata and Icelandic Redpoll C.f islandica) In addition, the BOURC has adopted one further change: Mediterranean Shearwater Pnffuius yelkonan to be treated as two species: Balearic Shearwater F manretanicns Yelkouan Shearwater P. yelkonan This change was adopted by British Birds in 1997, but with the English name Levantine Shearwater for P yelkouati. There is as yet no accepted record of that species in Great Britain. Other recommendations made by the AERC’s TAC are either not relevant to the British List or do not change the British List as they have been accepted already by the BOLIRC (and by British Birds), but one adds a new' species to the West Palearctic List maintained by British Birds. Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis to be treated as three species: Soft-plumaged Petrel P. mollis Pea’s Petrel P feae Zino’s Petrel P. madeira This change, but with the English names Cape Verde Petrel for P. feae and Madeira Petrel for P. niadeira,\rMS Ixren adopted by British Birds since 1997. Manx Shearwater Puffinns puffinus to be treated as three species: Manx Shearwater Ppnffitins Balearic Shearwater P manretanicns Yelkouan Shearwater P yelkonan See above for the use of the name Levantine Shearwater for P. yelkonan. changes Imperial Eagle Aqnila heliaca to be treated as two species: Imperial Eagle A. heliaca Spanish Imperial Eagle A. adalberti British Birds has used the English name Eastern Imperial Eagle for A. heliaca since 1997. Tawny Eagle Aqnila rapax to be treated as two species: Tawny Eagle A. rapax Steppe Eagle A. nipalensis Lesser Golden Plover Plnvialis dominica to be treated as two species: American Golden PXorver P. dominica Pacific Golden Plover P.fnlva Water Pipit Anthns spinoletta to be treated as three species: Rock Pipit A. petrosas Water Pipit A. spinoletta Buff-bellied Pipit A. rubescens Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopns inornatns to be treated as two species: Yellow-browed Warbler P. inornatns Hume’s Leaf Warbler P.hnmei British Birds has used the name Hume’s Warbler for P hnmei since 1997 (the word Leaf is not necessary, since there is no other Hume’s Warbler on the West Palearctic List, and the only species of Phylloscopns warbler on the West Palearctic List with the word Leaf in its English name is Pallas's Leaf Warbler P. proregnlns,v<,'\\ere the extra word is inserted to distinguish it from Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locnstella certhiola). Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopns bonelli to be treated as two species: Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler P. orientalis Western Bonelli’s Warbler P. bonelli Chiffchaff Phylloscopns collybita to be treated as four species: Common Chiffchaff P collybita Iberian Chiffchaff P. brehmii Canary Island Chiffchaff P canariensis Mountain Chiffchaff P. sindianns Being precise - or pedantic, if you choose to think so - British Birds has used the name C'anary’ Islands Chiffchaff for P canariensis since 1997. Great Grey Shrike Lanins excnbitor to be treated as two species: Great Grey Shrike L. excnbitor Southern Grey Shrike L meridionalis Citril Finch Serinns citrinella to be treated as two species: Citril Finch S. citrinella Corsican Finch S. corsicana * riie AERC’s TAC; consists of Dr Andreas Ilelbig (Germany), Dr Alan Knox (Scotland), Prof. David Parkin (England) and George Sangster (Netherlands) ** The B()UR(;’sTS(' includes the above plus Dr Martin Collinson (Scotland) and Dr Tony Prater (Wales) 464 British Birds 93: 462-465, September 2()()() News and comment This is a new ‘split’, adding one species to the West Palearctic List. The AERCs TAG and the BOURC’s TSC have been developing general principles on which these and future recommendations are being made. Details of these and the reasons for the taxonomic recommendations will be published in due course. The two subcommittees are also considering the following species for priority assessment: Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus, Bean Goose Anser fabalis, Brent Goose Branta bernicla, Great White Egret Egretta alba (generic affinities), Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Herring Gull Laras argentatus. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava. Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba, Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus and Carrion Crow Corvus corone. Further recommendations are expected to follow in about six months’ time. New Honorary Subscriber The initials RSRF have appeared in support of so many records and so many contributions, relating to plants and to other animal groups as well as birds, that they will be instantly recog- nised by most BB subscribers. It is with great pleasure that we can announce that their owner, Richard Fitter, has accepted the Editorial Board’s invitation to become an Honorary Subscriber. Richard's place in ornitholog- ical history is assured by the authorship of his fourth book. Pocket Guide to British Birds (1952), illustrated by Richard Richardson and published by Collins two years before ‘Peterson’ (A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe by Peterson, Mountfort & Holloiu, 1954). Both books remained in print for five decades, sold many thousands of copies, and edu- cated several generations of bird- watchers. Apart from his books (more than 30 published over the past 55 years), Richard Fitter’s name will be remembered by this journal’s readers particularly for his accounts of the status of Black Redstarts Phoenicurus ochruros {Brit. Birds 38: 247- 249; 39: 207-21 1; 40: 267; 41: 267; 42: 206-207; 43: 175-176; 64: 117- 124; 69: 9-15), and by the members of the many and various natural-history organisa- tions of which he has been or is President, 'Vice-President, Chair- man, Secretary, Director or Editor. Richard Fitter’s election as an Honorar}' Subscriber recognises his major contribution to British and European ornithology. He joins a small group of ornithologists each of whom has been similarly honoured: I. J. Ferguson-Lees, Derek Goodwin, P. A. D. Hollom, Guy Mountfort, E. M. Nicholson, Bill Oddie, Dr Malcolm Ogilvie, Dr Chandler S. Robbms, Major R. F. Ruttledge, Dr P O. Swanberg, Prof Dr K. H. Voous and D. I. M. Wallace. Shooting, wildlife, biodiversity aiLd conservation Launched at a Reception at the House of Commons on 5th July, the ‘Green Shoots’ Biodiversity Action Plan of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation has laudable aims and no fewer than ‘59 Steps’ by which they may be achieved. With ‘Green Shoots’ endorsed by the Countryside Council for Wales, English Nature, the Environment and Heritage Service, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and Scottish Natural Heritage, there seems some considerable hope that beneficial changes will indeed result. It would be easy to criticise some of those at the launch who seemed to think that the words biodiversity, wildlife and conservation were interchangeable and all had the same meaning, but, even if there were signs of naivete, the will to improve the countryside for the benefit of (most forms of) wildlife was very' evident. Anyone wanting more information should contact the BASC, Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 OHL. To end on a lighter note, we could not help but smile at the list of ‘Codes Being Compiled or Reviewed’, covering Ferreting, Roughshooting, Wildfowling, Avian Trapping, Deer Stalking, Mammalian Trapping, and Shooting Organisers’. Is there an acceptable, recommended, environmentally friendly and humane method for shooting organisers? (JTRS) Request for records from Goa Paul Holt and Mark Newsome are producing an up-to-date guide to the birds of Goa, for publication in summer 2001. It will contain an in-depth analysis of the winter status of the birds in this popular holiday destination and also, with the help of local birders, a com- prehensive summary of the non- tourist-season status. They are seeking any records, particularly detailing counts and locations, of any species. For rare species or out-of-season records, please include supporting notes. All records will be fully acknowl- edged in the book. Please write to Mark Newsome at 1 Sher- wood Avenue, Gomersal, West Yorkshire BD19 4RW; or e-mail mvnewsome@hotmaiI.com British Birds 93: 462-465, September 2000 465 U))i Pattinson Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary' of unchecked reports covers the period 17th July to 13th August 2000. Cape Verde Petrel Pterodronui feae Portland Bill (Dorset), 13th August. Little Shearwater Piiffimis assiniilis Bridges-of- Ross (Co. Clare), 9th August. Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceaii- ites oceaniciis Bridge.s-of-Ross, 9th August; ten, on pelagic trip 40-60 miles off Co. Cork, 4th-8th August. Swinhoe’s Storm- petrel Ocecinoclronia monorhis Cove, Aberdeen (Northeast Scot- land), trapped, 3th August. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Marshside RSPB (Merseyside), 20th July; probably same,Welney (Norfolk), 22nd-24th July; Lodmoor RSPB (Dorset), then Abbotsbury Swan- nery (Dorset), "^th August. Pacific Golden Plover Pliivi- aiis fulvii (irune Point (Caimbria), 3th-9tli August. .Semi- palniated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (East Sussex), 10th- 13th August. Red-necked Stint C. ruficoliis Pool ofVirkie (Shet- land), 18th-21st July. White- rumped Sandpiper C. fusci- collis Deerness (Orkney), 22nd-23rd July; North Ronaldsay (Orkney), 2Sth-26th July; Elmley RSPB (Kent), 5th-9th August; Kilnsea/Spurn (East Yorkshire), 3th-6th August and again 12th- 13th August; Kilcoole (Co. Wicklow), 9th August; Tacumshin (Co. Wexford), 10th-13th August; Loch Gruinart, Islay (Argyll), 13th August Baird’s Sandpiper C. bciirciii Dawlish Warren (Devon), 8th-9th August. Stilt Sandpiper Mic ropa I a ni a b i ni cm top us North Slob (Co. Wexford), 13th August. Short-billed Dowitcher Limnoclromus griseus Swords Estuary (Co. Dublin), from winter, through July and up to 13th August. Long-billed Dow- itcher L. scolopciceus Elmle)’ RSPB, 30th July to 1 1th August; River Ythan (Northeast Scot- land), 4th- 10th August; Belfast Lough RSPB (Co. Down), 1.3th August. Marsh Sandpiper Tringci stciguutiiis Seaforth Nature Reserve (Merseyside), 22nd July. Terek Sandpiper Xeiiiis ciiiereus Alaw Estuary (Anglesey), 13th August. Slender-billed Gull Lcirus genei Holme (Norfolk), 10th August. Gull-billed Tern Stenui uilotieci South Hist (Western Isles), 13th August. Caspian Tern S. ccispiu Seaton Snook area (Cleveland), 2nd-4th August. Sooty' Tern S. fuscata Kil- cummin Head (Co. Mayo), 6th August (potential first Irish record). Whiskered Tern Cbli- ciouicis bybridus Stodmarsh Nature Reserve (Kent), 12th August. Chimney Swift Cbaetum pelagica Spurn, 6th August. Alpine Swift Tcicby- nunptis melba St Mary’s (Scilly), 23rd-24th July. European Roller Corucias garruhis East Boldon (Co. Durham), 1.3th-28th July. Short-toed Lark CciUnidrellci bracbydactyla St Agnes (Scilly), 18th-21st July. Red-rumped Swallow Hiruudo dauvica Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, 6th August. Rosy Starling Stiinitis roseus St Mary’s, 17th ,|uly; Eelton (Northumberland), ’’th- 1 3th August. 256. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia, Saltholme Pool, leesside, August 2000. 466 © Hritisb Birds 9.3; 4(^(v468, September 2000 Recent reports 257. Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertimis. Fen Drayton gravel pits, Cambridgeshire, July 2000. 258. Great Skua Catbaracta skua. Bough Beech Reservoir, Kent, September 2000. 259. Spotted Cnike Porzana porzana. Grove Ferr}', Kent, August 2000. British Birds 93: 466-468, September 2000 467 Mike McDonnell Chris Bond Robert Snell Jim Puttinson Mike McDoiniell Hill Buston Recent reports 260. Great White Egret Egretta alba. Welney, Norfolk, July 2000. 261. White-rumped Sandpiper Caliclris fuscicollis, Welney, Norfolk, September 2000. 262. Left, Semi-palmated Sandpiper Caliclris pusilla. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, East Sussex, August 2000. 263. Below, Pectoral Sandpiper Caliclris melanotos, Hauxley, Northumberland, July 2000. > Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to British Birds. Call 0881-888-1 1 1 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate;41p/min other times; including VAT) 468 British Birds 93; 46(>-468, Sptember 2000 lain Leach Classifieds RATES Text: -iOp per word. Minimum 15 words. Semi-display: Mono.il 5 per see (width 40mm) ori32 per dec (width 85mm). Minimum 2cm. Series: 5% discount for 6, 10% discount for 12. (All rates exclude vat at H.5%) Payment for all classified advertisements must be made in advance by VISA, Mastercard or by cheque payable to British Birds Ltd. Copy deadline: 10th of the month. Contact: Philippa Leegood, British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5.rV'. Tel: 01580 882039. Fax: 01580 882038. E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk BOOKS BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND 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:Ol433 62 1999. Fax: 01433 621862. Web: www.hawkridge.co.uk RARE AND OUT OF PRINT books on Ornithology. Lsabelline Books. Tel: 01392 201296. Fax: 201663 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 £6.95 inclusive P/P to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, Beverley, HU17 8RP. 01482 881833 ScOiiAND MORVERN (DRIMNIN) HOLIDAY COTTAGES. Beautifully situated by Sound of Mull. Superb walking and wildlife. No pets. Open all year ±100-£175 fully inclusive. Tel/Fax: 01967 421308 BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS CASSOWARY HOUSE Rainforest Guest House Cassowaries! Riflebirds! Red-necked Crakes = A great birding destination. 1 4 regional endemics around Atherton Tablelands, plus aLso Cairns/Great Barrier Reef Beautiful relaxing location, excellent food, expert local guiding. Phil and Sue Gregor). Phone: (61) 740 937318 Fa.x: (61) 740 939855 E-maji.: sicklebill@internetnorth.com.au Website: www.cassowary-house.com.au Cassowary' House, Blackmountain Road, PO Box 387, Kuranda 4872, Queensland, Australia. WANTED NEWTON/WOLLEY: Ootheca Wolleyana STC. Please write to: David Ellison, 2 Second Avenue, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 OJU. COUNTY BIRD REPORTS BIRDS OF OXFORDSHIRE 1998 - £6,50 inc. p&p obtainable from R. Overall, 30 Hunsdon Road, Iffley, Oxford 0X4 4JE, WILTSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1998 - The new 1998 Wiltshire Bird Report contains 1 12 p.ages, a detailed .systematic list of the county's birds, and a selection of colour photographs and articles. It is now available, price £7.00 (inc p&p) from N. Pleass, 22 Ferrers Drive. Swindon, Wiltshire WN5 6HI. HOUDAY ACCOMMODATION Overseas PROVENCE, CAMARGUE. Farm cottage. aLso b&b. Rogers, Mas d'Auphan, Le Sambuc, 13200 ARLES, France.Tel: (0033) 490972041, Fax: (0033) 490972087 SOUTH AFRICA, CAPE COA.ST, HERMANUS. Excellent bird and whale watching. Comfortable 3 bedroomed house, self catering, sleeps 6. Exceptionally close to beach and lagoon. Pool, tennis courts and laundry available. Car essential. Phone Leonie 020-8423-2652 AT TITCHWELL overlooking reserve and sea THE THREE HORSESHOES INN offers en-suite rooms, home cooked food, classical music, convivial atmosphere. BIRDERS BREAKS - Summer rate until 31st October 2000:£33 75 pppn for DB4-B, min. 2 nights, 2 persons sharing, excluding Bank Holidays. Please telephone 01485-210202 for brochure/reservations. BIRD HOLIDAYS. Professionally led worldwide birding tours. Relaxed pace. Free brochure: write to Bird Holidays, 10 Ivegate, Yeadon, Leeds, LSI 9 7RE or phone 01133 910510 (ATOL 3586). NEW ZEALAND / SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS. Join us for rare and interesting endemics, the world s finest collection of seabirds and specracular scenery: MANU TOURS, 106 Ocean Beach Road, Tairua 2853, New' Zealand. Phone/Fax: (64) (7) 864- 7475. Email: manutours@nzbirding.co.nz Website: www.nzbirding.co.nz yVllEAS4^ repeaI’ from - APRIL The Pheasant Hotel Kelling, Nr. Cley, North Norfolk. Tel: 01263 588382 .V' //’ This established hotel is ideally situated between the harbour village of Blakeney and the seaside town of Sheringham. Set in 2 acres of grounds. The Pheasant has tawny owls and woodpeckers nesting in its grounds with nightjars and nightingales nearby. The Pheasant is the ideal base from where you can explore the delights of tlie N. Norfolk Coast and the wildlife it has to offer. Winter break rates and group rates are available. Organised Birdwatching Tours are also on offer. AUSTRALIA: LOTUS LODGE, 200-1 species of birds. Resident naturalists, outback e.xperience. Extensive variety of flora and fauna in far north Queensland. ID hour flight north of Cairns. Superior accommodation. Excellent cuisine. Tel: 617 4059 0773. Fax: 617 4059 0703. Web: http://www.cairns.aust.com/lotus bird NORTH WEST BIRDS. Go on your foreign holiday but take a short relaxed break in the UK as well. Super Birding - Very Smaii Groups - Easy Access. Brochure - Mike Robinson 015395 63191, Barn Close, Beetham, Cumbria LA7 7AL. Email: nwbirds@compuserve.com htt p ://ourworl d. CompuServe, com/ homepages/nwbirds OPTICAL EQUIPMENT Ace Optics of Bath THE BEST DEALS IN OPTICS ALL TOP BRANDS INC. QUESTAR TEL: 01225-466364 16 Green Street, Bath BAl 2JZ Binoculars & Telescopes Top Makes, Top Models, Top Advice, Top Deals, Part Exchange Show Room Sales 01925 730399 0%d&i 07000 247392 Credit/debit cards accepted INSURANCE PHOTOCOVER A specialist insurance policy for binoculars, telescopes, camcorders, cameras, photo equipment etc. At home, outdoors, in vehicles. Free info pack from Golden VaUey Insurance, The Olde Shoppe, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire, HR2 OES Freephone: 0800-015-4484 Fax: 01981 241062 British Bird Database An Access 97 database of 342 birds and 174 fields concerning conservation, distribution, habitat, anatomy, breeding and population data etc. View various sample bird and invertebrate databases at: www.bird-insect-databases.co.iik WWW. in vertebrate-surveys, co. uk www.environmental-entoniology.co.uk Contact Dr M D Eyre at EMSDATA: 13 Manor Grove, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7XQ. Tel: 0191-2920291 Fax: 0191-2920292 E-mail: emsdata @blueyonder. co. uk British Birds — forecasts — For a detailed weather forecast of any region (today and the week ahead) 0891 11 00 14 For synoptic weather charts by fax (today and tomorrow) 0897 200 229 A Mo(m*i«ntupplMfrr Met Office 0819 calls are charged at 50p per minute. 0897 fax calls are charged at £1.50 per minute (synoptic chart is one page) To place your advertisement in BB contact: Philippa Leegood at British Birds Tel: 01580 882039 E-mail: design @ britishbirds.co.uk New from PICA PRESS The definitive guide to North American birds The North American Bird Guide Written and illustrated by David Sibley Softback 241 x 153mm; 544 pages £25 ISBN 1-873403-98-4 A David Sibley’s stunningly detailed paintings of the various plumages of more than 800 species of North American birds, accompanied by his precise descriptions, notations and up-to- date range maps, make this beautiful, comprehensive volume the indispensable guide and reference tool for every birder. For more infomiaiion or a hnvhure contact: Pica Press. The Banks. Mountileld. Nr Robertsbridge. East Sussex TN32 .5JY Tel: 01.580 880.56 1 Fax: 01580 880.541 BB Bookshop Listed books are POST FREE to British Birds subscribers The books included in BB BookShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide the most prompt, efficient and friendliest service possible. Items ordered through this service are despatched to British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books (a Division of CJ WildBird Foods Ltd). Please send order to: BB BookShop, do Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR. Phone: 00 44 (0) 1743 709420. Fax: 00 44 (0) 1743 709504. E-mail: info@wildlifebooks.com Best Bird Books of the Year All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year 1983-99’ (listed in full Brit. Birds 93: 54) are available POST FREE. Please order here, giving title(s) and author(s), or on an additional sheet. Book of the Month Tickell Albatrosses (Pica Press) Hardback £40.00 □ 49.95) 17.50) 79.95 59.95 29.95) 29.95) 29.95) vol.2 now Paperback Hardback Special Offers Byrkjedal & Thompson Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plover (Poyser) (was £27.95) Carnpbell/Lack A Dictionary of Birds (Poyser) (was £49.95) Ehrlich, Dobkin & Wheye The Birdwatcher’s Handbook (0\JP) (was £8.95) Flegg & Hosking Eric Hosking’s Classic Birds Limited Edition (HarperCollins) (usually f^O.OO) Forsman The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: A Handbook of Field Identification (Poyser) (was £29.95) Gibbons et al The New Atlas of Breeding Birds and Irelatid 1988-1999 Gurung & Singh Field Guide to the Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent (Academic Press) Hadorarn Shirihai The Birds of Israel (Academic Press) Hagemeijer & Blair The EBCC Atlas of Emopean Breeding Birds (Poyser) Holloway The Historical Atlas of Breeding Birds in britain & Ireland 1875-1900 Matthysen The Nuthatches (Poyser) Porter et al Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Poyser) Ridgely & Tudor The Birds of South America (OUP) vol. 1 £62.50 Q Snow (ed.) The Birds of the western Palearctic 2-VOLUME Concise Edition (OUP) New this Month Garrido & Kirkconnell Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba (Helm) Harris & Franklin Shrikes & Bush-Shrikes (Helm) Kennedy, Gonzales, Dickinson, Miranda & Fisher A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines (OUP) Paperback Hardback Kren Birds of the Czech Republic (Helm) Hardback Palmer Birds New to Britain & Ireland 1600-1999 (Arlequin) Hardback Rodner, Lentino & Restall Checklist of the Birds of Northern South America (Pica Press) Paperback Sibley North American Bird Guide (Pica Press) Hardback Coming Soon - Order Now Clement et al Helm Identification Guide: Thrushes (Helm) DUE NOVEMBER Hardback Grimmett/Inskii/Inskipp Field Guide Birds of Nepal (Helm) DUE OCTOBER Paperback Ranft & Konig Owls Double CD (Pica Press) Douole CD Swash & Still A Guide to the Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands (Pica Press) Hardback Recommended Books Europe & Western Palearctic Adamian & Klem A Field Gidde to the Birds of Armenia (AUA) Field cover Hardback Baker Warblers of Europe, Asia and North /Hrica (Helm) Beaman & Madge The Handbook of Bird identification: Europe and the Western Palearctic (Helm) British Birds The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic \ \7nlnm<=‘ R — /'Q^ □ vol. 9 Heath & Evans Important Bird Areas in Europe: Piriority Siu for Conservation 2 Vol set (Birdlife Int) Paperback Hardback Jonsson Birds of Europe With North Africa and the Middle East (Helm) reprint Paperback Hardback Kightley, Madge & Nurney Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe (Pica Press) Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Collins Bird Guide - The Most Complete Field Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe (HarperCollins) Best Bird Book of 1999 Peterson, Mountfort & Hollom Collins Field Guide: Birds of Britain & Europe 5th Edition (HarperCollins) £23.95 £39.95 :5.50 ^8.00 '23.95 ,39.95 T3.95 "63.95 "47.95 ^23. 95 £19.95 "23.95 ^62.50 ^49.50 T9. 99 *35.00 *34.95 *60.00 *25.00 *25.00 ‘14.95 *25.00 T5.00 ‘19.99 *24.99 14.95 35.99 *39.99 *32.00 *65.00 £2.00 T4.99 *75.00 *99.98 ‘15.99 *29.99 ‘11.95 34.99 *14.99 a a North America Griggs Collins Pocket Guide: Birds of North America (HarperCollins) LocKWOod, McKinney, Paton & Zimmer A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande (ABA) Ringbound National Geographic A Field Guide to the Birds of North America 3rd Edition Paperback Pranty A Birder’s Guide to Florida (ABA) ^ , r,, • , ^ i , Pyle Identification Guide to North American Birds Part 1. Columbidae to Ploceidae (Slate Creek) Schram A Birder’s Guide to Southern California (ABA) Taylor A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona (ABA) South & Central America & Caribbean , ^ ^ . .tt , de la Pena & Rumboll Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (HarperCollins) ffrench A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (Helm) Paperback Howell & Webb Where to Watch Birds in Mexico (Helm) Paperback Raffaele, Wiley, Garrido, Keith & Raffaele Birds of the West Indies (Helm) Stiles & Skutch A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Helm) Africa, Middle East & Indiati Ocean Islands, ^ &.D\s\zy A Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal ^ £28.00 M Fry, Keith & Urban The Birds of Africa (Academic) Volumes: 1 £99Q 2 £99[J 3 £99Q 4 £99Q 5 £99Q 6 £1 15Q Garbutt Mammals of Madagascar (Pica Press) £30.00 LI '16.99 *25.95 T2.99 *21.00 "27.95 "25.95 *18.50 '19.99 "32.00 *19.99 "35.00 *40.00 Kemp Sasol Birds of Prev of Africa and its Islands (New Holland) Morris & Hawkins Birds of Madagascar: a Photographic Guide (Pica Press) Sinclair, Hockey &Tarboton Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland) Sinclair & Larigrand Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands (New Holland) van Perlo Collins Illustrated Checklist Birds of Southern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback van Perlo Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Eastern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Bird d Kenya and Northern Tanzania (Helr^ Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Field Guide to the Birds of Kenya and North. Tanzania (Helm) Paperback Asia & Pacific Coates & Bishop A Guide to the Birds ofWallacea (Dove) Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Helm) Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent Paperback Harrison & Woriolk Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka (OUP) Paperback £29.95 Hardback Inskipp, Inskipp & Grimmett Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan Paperback Inskipp, Lindsey & Duckworth An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region (OBC) Jeyarajasingam & Pearson A Field Guide to the Birds of West Malaysia and Singapore (OUP) Paperback Hardback Kazmierczak & van Perlo A Field Guide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Pica Press) Hardback Kazmierczak & Singh A Birdwatchers’ Guide to India (Prion) Leka^l & Round A Guide to the Birds of Thailand ^aha Karn Bhaet) MacKinnon & Phillipps A Field Guide to the Birds of China (OUP) Paperback Robson A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (New Holland) Hardback Australasia Higgins, Marchant & Davies Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds (OUP) 4 volumes [^vol.l □ vol.2 Q vol.3 at £135.00 each Q vol.4 £125.00 Simpson & Day A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (Helm) Paperback Thomas & Thomas The Complete Guide to Finding Birds in Australia (Thomas) Paperback 119.99 28.00 19.99 17.99 19.99 19.99 40.00 16.99 144.00 55.00 17.99 55.00 16.99 10.00 29.95 £55.00 £25.00 £18.75 £45.00 £29.99 £29.99 24.99 13.95 g r h c c □ a World Clements Birds of the World -A Checklist 5th Edition (Pica Press) 848 pages Hardback £35.00 □ del Hoyo, Elliott & Sargatal Handbook of the Birds of the World (Lynx) □ vol.l Q vol.2 □ vol.3 □vol.4 □ vol. 5 £1 10.00 each Wells World Bird Species Checklist: with alternative English and scientific names (Worldlist) £29.50 □ Monographs Chantler & Driessens Swifts Second Edition (Pica Press) £28.00 Chapman The Hobby (Arlequin) £19.95 Clark & Schmitt A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, The Aliddle East and North Africa (OUP) Paperback £25.00 Hardback £55.00 Cleere & Nurney Nightjars (Pica Press) (accompanying CD £14.99) □ £30.00 Davies Cuckoos, Cowbirds and other Cheats (Poyser) Hardback £24.95 Densley In Search of Ross’s Gull (Peregrine Books) £34.95 Feare & Craig Starlings and Alynas (Helm) £32.00 Fuller The Great Auk (Fuller) £45.00 Isler & Isler Tanagers (Helm) Paperback £29.99 Jamarillo & Burke New World Blackbirds - the Icterids (Helm) £35.00 Juniper & Parr Parrots: a guide to the Parrots of the World (Pica Press) £35.00 Konig, Weick & Becking Olds: A Guide to the Owls of the World (Pica Press) £35.00 Lefranc & Worfolk Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World (Pica Press) £25.00 Olsen & Larsson Skuas and Jaegers (Pica Press) £24.00 Taylor & van Perlo Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World (Pica Press) £35.00 RecordiMs, Videos & CD-ROMS Please add £2.25 p&p per order Doherty The Birds of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Four Volume Video Doherty Eastern Rarities: The Birds of Beidaihe (Bird Images) Video Doherty The Raptors of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Video Doherty The Warblers of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Video Doherty Shorebirds vol.l (Bird Images) Video Dunn The Large Gulls of North America (Bird Images) Video Oddie Bill Oddie’s Video Guide to British Birds (Bird Images) Video Roche Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe (Sitelle/Wildsounds) 169.95 17.95 17.95 17.95 17.95 17.95 17.95 49.95 □ t Binders The British Birds Binder (holds 12 issues & index) New Size Only Wirex retaining - £7.95 Lj Cordex retaining - £7.95 □ All special offer prices are valid only for September 2000 (and, for overseas customers only, during the following month). Other prices quoted are subject to any publishers increases. Overseas insurance optional, but recommended if available (please enquire). Make all cheques and POs payable to Subbuteo Namral History Books. Payment can be made in US$ at current exchange rate. All orders are normally despatched promptly from stock, but please allow up to 21 days for delivery in UK, longer if abroad. Any item ordered through the BB BookShop which fails to meet your approval can be returned to Subbuteo and your money will be refunded without question. To qualify for FREE POST please quote your BB reference number; [ J J 1 1 j Name Address Total £ Cheque/PO enclosed □ If your credit card address is different from that above, please show it here: Please debit my Visa/MasterCard/Eurocard Expiry date . u | - r:n n i i i Signature You can phone in your credit card orders, quoting your BB ref no. and credit card no. Tel: 00 44 (0) 1743 709420 Fax: 00 44 (0) 1743 709504 E-mail; info(tt)wildlifebooks.com ivju diow yay using these credit cards: Please send order to: BB BookShop, do Subbuteo Books, Xhe Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Guidelines for Contributors British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the Western Palearctic. Except for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted for publication only on condition that the material is not being offered in whole or in part to any other journal or magazine. Photographs and drawings are welcomed. Referees are used where appropriate, and all submissions are reviewed by the British Birds Editorial Board or Notes Panels. Submissions should be in duplicate, typewritten, with double spacing and wide margins, and on one side of the paper only, accompanied by a word- processed version on disk. Both IBM- compatible (PC) and Macintosh disks are acceptable, and most word-processing applications can be easily translated, so long as they are reasonably current. If you are not using an up-to-date, standard program, it is best to submit your paper or contribution in two versions on disk: one in the original word-processed format and one in a basic text format such as RTF (Rich Text Format). The approximate position of figures and tables should be clearly indicated on the hard copy of the text. Figures should be in black ink on good-quality tracing paper or white drawing paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should be typed on a separate sheet. Please discuss computer-generated maps and tables with the designer before starting on them; the software you use may not be compatible. Photographs should be either 35mm transparencies or high-quality prints. Only transparencies will be considered for a front-cover image. Papers should be concise and factual, taking full account of previous literature and avoiding repetition as much as possible. Opinions should be based on adequate evidence. Authors are encouraged to submit their work to other ornithologists for critical assessment and comment prior to submission. Such help received should be acknowledged in a separate section. For main papers, an abstract summarising the key results and conclusions should be included, but should not exceed 5% of the total length. Authors should carefully consult this issue for style of presentation, especially of references and tables. English and scientific names and sequence of birds should follow The British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1997); or, for non-West Palearctic species, Monroe & Sibley (1993), A World Checklist of Birds. Names of plants should follow Dony et al. (1986), English Names of Wild Flowers. Names of mammals should follow Corbet & Harris (1991), The Handbook of British Mammals, 3rd edition. Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations {Brit. Birds 74: 239- 242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). Authors of main papers (but not notes or letters) will receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Further copies may be available on request in advance, but will be charged for. Don’t miss our £990 selection Naturetrel^^ for 2000 & 200 1 These 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! Naturetrek Cheriton Mill, Cheriton Alresford, Hampshire S024 ONG Tel: 01962 733051 Fax: 01962 736426 e-mail: info@naturetrek.co.uk web: www.naturetrek.co.uk CANADA*S BAY OF FUNDY 17-25 May 2000 ETHIOPIA 17-26 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 13-22 Apr 2001 16-25 Nov 2001 ETHIOPIAN ENDEMICS 24 Nov - 03 Dec 2000 23 Feb -04 Mar 2001 20-29 Apr 2001 23 Nov -02 Dec 200 1 FLORIDA 17 - 25 Feb 2001 GAMBIA 27 Oct - 05 Nov 2000 26 Oct -06 Nov 200 1 INDIA 17-25 Nov 2000 16 - 24 Feb 2001 13-21 Apr 2001 16 - 24 Nov 2001 KAZAKHSTAN 10- 18 May 2001 17-25 May 2001 24 May - 01 Jun 2001 MALAWI 16 - 25 Feb 2001 09 - 18 Mar 2001 NAMIBIA 19 - 28 Jan 2001 02-11 Feb 2001 16 - 25 Feb 2001 NEPAL Departures every Friday throughout Jan & Feb 200 1 04-13 May 2001 18-27 May 2001 NEPAL - THE TRAGOPAN TREK 11-20 May 2001 25 May -03 Jun 200 1 SOUTH AFRICA 15-24 Sep 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20 -29 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE BIRDING 23 Mar - 01 Apr 2001 24 Aug -02 Sep 2001 SOUTHERN MOROCCO 15-24 Sep 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 02-11 Mar 2001 13 -22 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SRI LANKA 18-27 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 16 - 25 Mar 2001 16-25 Nov 2001 TANZANIA 27 Oct -05 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct -04 Nov 200 1 TEXAS 13-21 Apr 2001 THAILAND 10- 19 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct -04 Nov 200 1 UAE & OMAN 12 - 19 Nov 2000 25 Feb - 04 Mar 2001 15 - 22 Apr 2001 07- 14 Oct 2001 WASHINGTON STATE 14-22 Apr 2001 ZAMBIA 03-12 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20-29 Apr 2001 26 Oct - 04 Nov 2001 patching ;st Bird Book Carl Zeiss .. ,1^ ' Award British Birds Established 1 907, incorporating 77jc Zoo/o^wt, established 1843 Published by BB 2000 Limited, trading as ‘British Birds’ Registered Office: 4 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8SF British Birds Managing Editor Dr J.T. R. Sharroek Personal Assistant Frances Bucknell Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board I. Carter, Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. Collinson, R. J. Prytherch, N. J. Redman, Dr J.T. R. Sharroek Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Design Mark Corliss Photographic Research Robin Chittenden Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood Circulation Manager Vivienne Hunter Administration Sally Young Rarities Committee chairman Prof. Colin Bradshaw Hon. Secretary Michael J. Rogers Paul Harvey, John McLoughlin,John Martin, Doug Page, Adam Rowlands, Ken Shaw, Dr Jimmy Steele, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Cirahame Walbridge Archivist John Marchant Statistician Peter Fraser Museum consultant Ian Lewington Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C.J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J.J. M. Flegg, Prof. I. Newton FRS, Dr M. A. Ogilvie, Dr J.T. R. Sharroek, Dr K. E. L. Simmons, Dr Angela Turner (Co-ordinator) Identification Notes Panel Prof. Colin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R.A. Hume, T. R Inskipp, P. G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, K. E.Vinicombe (Co-ordinator) Annual subscription rates Libraries and agencies £66.50, $1 16.00 Personal subscriptions UK, Europe, surface mail: £53. 50 Outside Europe, airmail: £85.00 Concessionary rates (National, Regional & County bird club members) UK - £40.00 Europe & Outside Europe, surface mail: £44.00 Young Ornithologist’s rate £26.75 (YOC UK only) Please make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Single back issues £6.50 Available from British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5JY Please make cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Rarities Issue £10 - available as above. CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION OFFICE The Banks, Mountfield, Nr. Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01580 882038 Subscriptions & Circulation Vivienne Hunter E-mail: subscriptions@britishbirds.co.uk Accounts & Administration Sally Young E-mail: accounts@helm-information.co.uk Design, Production & Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk EDITORIAI. OFFICE Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01767 640025 Papers, notes, letters, artwof-k, journals, etc. Dr J.T. R. Sharroek E-mail: editor@britishbirds.co.uk Personal Assistant Frances Bucknell www.britishbirds.co.uk BB Bookshop c/o Subbuteo Books,The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Tel: 01743 709420 Fax: 01743 709504 E-mail: info@wildlifebooks.com ‘News & comment’ information Bob Scott & Wendy Dickson, 8 Woodlands, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 lUE Tel: 0 1 480 2 1 4904 Fax: 0 1 480 473009 E-mail: abscott@tinyworld.co.uk ‘The Ornithological Year’ bird news Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS Tel: 01525 290314 Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, 2 CJnirchtown Cottages, Towednack, Cornwall TR26 3AZ Front-cover photograph: Lsabelline Wheatear Oe7/r//;/be /.sY/be///;/rt, Israel, March 1989. ( Richard Chandler) For more information about British Birds visit our website at: www.britishbirds.co.uk Great deals for 2001! EILAT 11-18/25 March with Killian Mu Harney A whole host of middle-eastern specialities, plus a wealth of northern migrants, on the shores of the Red Sea. 8-27 May with Paul Holt For an spring full of Siberian migrants join us in this Chinese birding hotspot. GOA 27 October-1 1 November with Paul Holt Sunbirder is the choice for this Indian Ocean resort. Paul's knowledge of the region's birds is unrivalled. OULU, FIIULAMD 12-19 May with Killian Muliarney ' Travel north with us to see Scandinavia's owls, northern specialities and spring migration on the Gulf of Bothnia. All events offer a full, professionally-led excursion programme. For an information pack, contact Sunbird specifying which event you are interested in. Sunbird (BS), P O Box 76, Sandy, Beds, SG19 IDF Telephone: 01767 682969 Fax; 01767 692481 E-mail; sunbird@sunbird.demon.co.uk Web site: vwvw.sunbird.demon.co.uk Your money is fully protected by our own ATOL bond. Sunbird is a trading name of Conderbury Limited OUT NOW! Our 2001 brochure, featuring dozens of great birding holidays ... Lesbos • Cyprus • Greece * Corsica France (Camargue, Pyrenees, Vercors) Spain (Andalucia, Extremadura, La Mancha, Pyrenees, Sierra de Credos) Canary Islands • Holland • Austria Hungary (Hortobagy, Zemplen, Cranes) Bulgaria • Romania • Iceland Finland & Arctic Norway • Lapland Morocco • Israel • Oman • UAE Gambia • Ethiopia • Kenya • Namibia South Africa • Siberia • Bhutan • Nepal India • Sri Lanka • Malaysia • Borneo Australia • New Zealand • New Caledonia Philippines • USA (Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas) Canada • Costa Rica • Cuba • Trinidad Venezuela • Peru • Brazil Limpsa ® 01263 578143 sm / Tiilo [•TRUS G I ASIOOATION f nOlPIMOIMT >un opiMioa* With some trips already full, make sure YOU don't miss out on the fun! Most major Pax: 0 1 263 57925 1 credit cards u i j accepted e-mail: limosaholidays@compuserve.eom Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 OLZ SPAIN & ISRAEL FEBRUARY - JUNE 2001 TWO WEEK TRIPS COMFORTABLE SMALL GROUPS RELAXED PACE EXPERT GUIDING BRAND TOURS Bachlaan 13, 4102 BP Culemborg The Netherlands Fax: +31 345-549462 E-mail: stijnbrand@hotmail.com www.brandtours.nl CELTIC BIRD TOURS Tourist board approved operators of birdwatching holidays throughout Wales, UK & Overseas. Don't miss the boat for our renowned Irish Sea Pelagics. Wilson's and European Storm Petrels, Great, Cory’s, Mediterranean and Sooty Shearwaters, Great & Arctic Skuas, Black Tern plus commoner species all recorded on previous trips. Also Minke & Pilot Whales, Blue Shark, Risso’s & Common Dolphins, Sunfish and Leatherback Turtle. Prime dates in August & September 2001. Limited Availability. £55.00. Elsewhere our programme of long weekends includes North Wales: lekking Black Grouse, Hawfinch, Hen Harrier, Spring migrants & Black Guillemot. Pembrokeshire: Birds & Flowers. Seabird cruises and Autumn Migration. Glamorgan: Spring and Autumn Migration. Find your own birds without the crowds. Our expanding list of overseas destinations includes Bulgaria: Rhodope Mountains & Black Sea Coast. Austria & Slovakia: Lake Neusiedl and Carpathian Mountains. Extremadura Spanish Steppes. Hungary Aggtelek National Park and Hortobagy Plain. Cyprus: Jewel of the MediteiTanean. Israel: Arava Valley Fly way & Negev Desert. Finland & Varanger Fjord: Birding in the Midnight Sun. For further details or brochure contact Neil Donaghy at the address below 84 Coity Road, Bridgend CF31 ILT Tel: 01656 645709 Mobile: 07971 983227 E-mail : Birds @ celtictours.org. uk Web site: www.iik-birding.co.uk y[ 3243 Birding Eilat & Israel The International Birding & Research Center in Eilat and Kibbutz Eilot - country lodging Invite you to a birding experience with those who really care for your birds: Birding with expert conservation-oriented ornithologists and lodging at the kibbutz will make all the difference to your trip to Eilat and Israel. For the lowest prices contact: IBRCE, PO BOX 774, EILAT 88000. ISFRCl Fax: 972-6335319, 6376922. email: ibrce@eilatcity.co.il BIRD NEWS to PAGERS and MOBILE PHONES Up to the minute bird news wherever you are. Local news, national news Rare Bird Alert 01603 456789 For all your advertising enquiries contact: Philippa Leegood Tel: 01580 882039 deslgn©britishbirds.co.uk British Birds 470 The birdwatching year 1999 Barry Nightingale and Norman Elkins 488 From the Rarities Committee’s files Identification of autumn Isabelline Wheatears Professor Colin Bradshaw 493 Obituary Richard Margoschis (1921-2000) Dr Philip Radford 494 Best Bird Book of the Year 2000 John Marchant, Dr Colin Bibby, Ian Carter, Dr Richard Chandler, Peter Hearn and Dr J.T.R. Sharrock 496 S The Carl Zeiss Award 2000 Professor Colin Bradshaw, Adrian Pitches and Dr Jim my Steele Regular features 487 Looking back 505 News and comment Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson 499 Monthly Marathon 507 Announcement Wintering Farmland Birds sur\^ey David Fisher 500 Letters Ruddy Ducks and other aliens 507 Request Honey-buzzards in Britain and Ireland in September-October 2000 Dr Mark Avery Introduced birds Derek Goodwin Ducking the real issues Trevor Lawson 508 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGee ha n © British Birds 2000 Massimiliatio Lipperi The birdwatching year 1999 Barry Nightingale and Norman Elkins M'liPPtRf.' , % Cory’s Shearwaters with Common Rorqual Balcienoptera physalis This report summarises the major bird movements and influxes of 1999, as well as including the rarity' highlights. Unless stated otherwise, all the rarity records noted here have been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee, and full details will be published in the forthcoming ‘Report on rare birds in Great Britain’ in the November issue of British Birds. Irish records are adjudicated by the Irish Rare Birds Committee, and details of 1999 records from the Republic of Ireland are not yet available. A mild and quiet start Most of the rarities staying over from 1998 were in the Southwest, with Pied-billed Grebes Podilymbus podiceps in Cornwall and Scilly, two American Black Ducks Anas rubripes and two Lesser Scaups Aythya affinis in Cornwall, and a Buffle- bead Bucephala aibeola in Devon. Else- where, a male Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficoUis of the black-throated race atrogularis was still at Maidenhead (Berk- shire), staying until March (plate 264). Good numbers of Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris stayed over, too, and, after the big counts in December 1998, there were about 500 to be found, mainly along the east coast of England. The year began with very mild weather over the whole of southern Britain and extending to cover central Europe, with January being windy' and very wet in the West. A newly^ arrived Pied-billed Grebe, in Breconshire on 15th January, was to be the first of four during the next three months of this former major rarity, but otherwise it was some impressive counts of the more regular species that caught the eye. In Kent, 14,000 Common Guillemots Uria aalge flew past Dungeness on 3rd, in a very stormy spell, and 644 Great Northern Divers Gavia inimer were counted in Scapa Elow (Orkney) on 5th. Off Holkham (Norfolk), there was a gath- ering of 3,500 Common Scoters Meianitta nigra, but otherwise seaducks were few off the Norfolk coast. About 20,000 Pink-footed Geese Anser bracbyrhynchns moved through Nottinghamshire, mainly during 2()th-22nd, constituting one of that county’s largest ever movements of this species; this same movement was noted also in Der- 470 © British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2()()0 byshire, with about 1,400 passing through during 21st-22nd. Great Crested Grebes Pociiceps cristatus reached an impressive peak of 825 at Lade Sands (Kent) on 21st. On the other hand, Bramblings Fringilla mon- tifringilla , Siskins Carduelis spinus and Common Redpolls C . flammea were few and far between virtually everywhere. At Great Yarmouth (Norfolk), the regular flock of Mediterranean Gulls Lams melanocephalus reached 2 1 on 24th, and at Welney (Norfolk) the count of Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus reached 1,313 on 30th. After several good winters. Smews Mergellus albellus were generally scarcer, perhaps owing to the mild weather, with the highest count in the Dungeness area not coming until February, when there were 40 on 3rd. February was also warm, particularly in the Southwest, and strong westerly winds prevailed for much of the month. An inter- esting series of records from the London area involved a passage of Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla, with 337 over QEIl Reservoir (Surrey) and 120 at Beddington (Surrey) on 7th, 370 at the latter site on 17th, and 60 at Hammersmith (Greater London) on 22nd, all coin- ciding with cold north- westerlies. It was estimated that 900 passed through the London area during this period, but, apart from just seven in Leicestershire on 22nd, there were no reports of this movement from else- where. The month was quiet for major rarities, apart from a Killdeer Plover Charadrius vociferus in Devon on 9th, a Red-breasted Goose Brant a ruficollis in Norfolk on l4th, and a Laughing Gull Lams atricilla in Essex on 24th. March was very wet in the Northeast, but was also warm, especially in eastern England, where tempera- tures were two degrees above average. This mild Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatchtn^ 1999 A(Jr?AL U- opj departure UM V'uO weather encouraged a very of wildfowl, and Whooper ^wansrarWdney -c reached a site record of 1,337 off 7th as -jy gathered prior to moving north. ' - An early spring Warm southerlies became established over western Europe from 11th March, and the first real sign of spring migration, on 12th, included 12 Northern Wheatears Oenanthe oenanthe and 25 Common Chiffchaffs Phylloscopus coUybita at Port- land Bill (Dorset) and the first Northern Wheatears in Norfolk. On l6th, a Pied- billed Grebe appeared in Surrey, for the third successive year, and a Greater Yel- lowlegs Tringa melanoleuca was found at Elmley (Kent), another species that seems to be becoming more regular. Of just ten Rustic Buntings Emberiza rustica during 1999, seven were in the first half of the year, and one on St Mary’s on 18th was the first spring record for the Isles of Scilly. A mobile Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glan- darius in the Waxham area of Norfolk on 28th caused a lot of excitement, but it stayed for only the one day. 264. Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis of black-throated race atrogidaris, Maidenhead, Berkshire, January 1999. British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 471 Steve )b»;/^/Birdwatch Nightingale & Elkins: The birdivatching year 1999 April turned out to be wet, but was also the warmest for 12 years. Warm southerlies developed during the first few days, encour- aging more arrivals from the south, which included a Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica in Essex on 2nd, the first of 14 during April and May. A Barn Swallow H. rustica on Fair Isle (Shetland) on 3rd was the earliest ever there, and a Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis in Nottinghamshire on 4th was that county’s very first. With high pressure sitting over Biscay, good numbers of Common Chiffehaffs and Willow Warblers Phylloscoptis trochilus arrived at Dungeness on 9th April, the same day as 45 Northern Wheatears, 50 Common Chiffehaffs, 400 Willow Warblers and 150 Barn Swallows at Port- land. The seabird passage at the last site during April was dominated by Manx Shearwaters Puffinus pujfinus, and impres- sive movements included 10,000 on 10th, as a cold front brought northwesterly winds. Of an influx of 18 Night Herons Nycticorax nycticorax during April, at least six were in Scilly.That archipelago also attracted a Terek Sandpiper Xeniis cinereus on 1 1th April, with a second in Cheshire on 26th April, and two more during late May, in what was another good year for the species (plate 265). The first mass twitch of the year was at Swithland Reservoir (Leicestershire) on 17th April, when several hundred observers caught up with Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris for their British lists. It totally over- shadowed an American Coot Fidica ameri- cana in Cumbria and a Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala on St Mary’s on the same day. A Laughing Gull stayed in Argyll for a week from l4th, and another, first seen at Sheringham (Norfolk) on 18th April, wan- dered along the north Norfolk coast, being seen most regularly at Cley, until 27th June (plate 266). An intense depression moving northeast off Ireland on 20th April brought southwesterly gales across England and, as a result, a marked sea passage. On that day, counts along the English south coast included 900 Northern Gannets Morns bassantts, 600 Fulmars Fttlmarus glacialis and 87 Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta off Brighton (East Sussex), 200 Little Gulls Lams miruitiis off Seaford (East Sussex) and 316 Little Gulls off Portland, with 78 Arctic Skuas Stercorarius parasiticus and 33 Great Skuas Catharacta skua there the next day. With southeasterly winds and rain associated with the same depression, there was a good ‘fall’ in Orkney on 21st, involving Robins Erithacus rubecula , Common Chiffehaffs and other common migrants, and at Gibraltar Point (Lincolnshire), with 5 1 Willow Warblers and 58 Wrens Troglodytes troglodytes. At Portland Bill on 23rd, 40 Northern Wheatears, 100 Black- 265. Terek Sandpiper t7«erew,v, (k)nwy Estuary, (Caernarfon, May 1999. 472 British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 266. Adult Laughing Gull Larus atricilla, Cley, Norfolk, May 1999- caps Sylvia atricapilla and 350 Willow Warblers moved through, caught out by a small depression moving quickly up the Channel. A good passage of Ring Ouzels Turdus torquatiis was evident, too, mainly during 23rd-27th April, including eight on Blows Downs (Bedfordshire) on 23rd and, in Norfolk, 1 5 at Holme and several parties else- where (plate 267). An Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus brehmii at Portland on 25th April stayed until at least 8th July, and another, at Start Point (Devon) during 6th- l4th May, enabled many hundreds of birders to see and hear this recent ‘split’ from Common Chiffchaff. 267. Female Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus, Norfolk, May 1999- British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 473 Neil Bowman Alan Tate lai)i H. Leach Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 Ace rarities, but common migrants scarce For wader-watchers, it was generally a poor spring, with reported numbers of Green- shanks Tringa nebularia, Green Sand- pipers T. ochropus and Common Sandpipers Actitis hypoleucos low, but, after several poor springs, numbers of Ruffs Philomachus pugnax seemed to be up. Good inland counts of Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa included 150 at Willington (Derbyshire) on 23rd April, 172 at Belvide Reservoir (Staffordshire) on 11th May and 1,448 at Welney on l4th April, a record count for that reserve. A Kentish Plover Charadriiis alexandriniis at Sevenoaks Wildfowl Reserve (Kent) on 24th April was the first in the London area since 1983, and there were about a dozen else- where during April. A veritable surge of White-billed D ivers Gavia adamsii included one in Orkney on 25th April, one on Whalsay (Shetland) on 29th, two off Dun- geness on 30th April, and another in Shetland on 1 St May. A flurry of other rarities around this time included a Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra on the Fame Islands (Northumberland), a Collared Fly- catcher Ficedula albicollis at Cove (North- east Scotland) on 30th April, and a Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes on Fair Isle on 1st May. May was warm but rather changeable, with generally light winds, and some places in Scotland were very wet. The month began with high pressure, which then gave way to southeasterly winds .during the first week, but veering SSW after 8th. A second Crag Martin, in Orkney on 3rd, was the first for Scotland, and a Red-rumped Swallow at Spurn (East Yorkshire) on the same day was the first of five to occur there by 15th May. A Slender-billed Gull Lams genei at Grove Ferry (Kent) on 5th, and then at Monk’s Wall (Kent) to 8th, was much appreciated, and a male Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus at Brantford (Suffolk) on 7th would have been, had it stayed as long. A Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus at an oil-rig installation in Sea Area Dogger on 7th was the first of eight in May, with six more in June. Other southerly migrants arrived in contrasting numbers, some scarcer than usual, but others more frequent: only nine Hoopoes Upupa epops, but 18 Short-toed Larks Calandreila bracbydactyla , only about ten Bluethroats Luscinia svecica, but 50 Golden Orioles Oriel us oriolus and about 25 Red-backed 268. Baillon’s C^rake Porzana pnsilla, Grove Ferry, Kent, June 1999. 474 British Birds 9N. 470-487, October 2()()0 Shrikes Lanius collurio.K Black Kite Milvus migrans in North Yorkshire on 8th was the first of seven widely scattered during May and June, and an Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba in East Yorkshire on the same day was the first of five in May, fol- lowed by two more in June. Departing winter visitors still included agreeable gath- erings of Horned Larks, with 58 at Gibraltar Point and 35 at Blakeney Point (Norfolk). At Dungeness, the month was very poor for common migrants, the highest count of Willow Warblers being 12, of Tree Pipits Anthus trivialis just one, of Common Red- starts Phoenicurus phoenicurus a mere four, and with only 30 Spotted Flycatchers Muscicapa striata. Kt. sea, there were low numbers of Little Gulls and Black Terns Chlidonias niger, and inland tern passage was also very poor throughout the spring. After an Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni in Shetland on 11th May, the only one of the year, there was an impressive ‘fall’ of common migrants in the Northern Isles on 13th. There were 23 Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca on North Ronaldsay (Orkney), together with a good scatter of common warblers, and Fair Isle had its biggest ‘fair of the spring, associated with easterly winds and a slow-moving front, with 100 species recorded on the island, including 100 Tree Pipits, 70 Pied Flycatchers, 25 Common Redstarts, 65 Reed Buntings Emberiza schoeniclus and ten Common Cuckoos Cuculus canorus, the highest count ever there for this last species. The only Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia of the year was found on l6th May, in East Yorkshire, coinciding with the year’s second Calandra Lark, on Fair Isle - when will there be a more accessible one? - a White- rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis in Lincolnshire, and a Caspian Tern Sterna caspia at Breydon (Norfolk), which was fol- lowed by three more elsewhere in June. It was a good spring for aerial feeders: a Red- rumped Swallow on Papa Westray on 17th May was only Orkney’s fourth, and ten Euro- pean Bee-eaters Merops apiaster in Tyne- side on 20th moved later to the Spurn area until 24th May, while there were five at Arundel (West Sussex) on 29th May, and ten elsewhere. A Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus in Devon on 17th May was the first British Birds 93: H0-4S1, October 2000 Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 of three during the next three weeks, and, still in the Southwest, an Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina on St Agnes on 26th May was the first spring record for Scilly; there were 14 elsewhere. The month of June was very wet over most of Britain, the rain falling mainly early and late in the month. On 3rd, a Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata was found in Devon (it stayed until 6th) and a Yellow- rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata was discovered on Fair Isle (that island’s second record, but only the third spring record for Britain). A Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla at Grove Ferry, first reported on 6th, became progressively more extrovert during its six- week stay and was ultimately one of the most popular rarities of the year (plate 268). Of the 22 Rosy Starlings Sturnus roseus in 1999, eight were in June, with three arriving on 12th. Also on 12th, a Madeira/Cape Verde Petrel Pterodroma madeira/feae flew past Flamborough Head (East York- shire), the first of five during the year, all in the Northeast or Southwest. A Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan at Willen Lake (Buck- inghamshire) on 30th was an excellent inland find; another was discovered at Black- piU (Gower) on 2nd July. Unlike the previous month, July was warm, sunny and extremely dry, especially in the South, and, with summer madness approaching, there was the usual crop of unseasonal records: a Sabine’s Gull L. sabini at Unstead (Surrey) on 3rd, an Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida at Portland and a Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus at Rendall (Orkney) on 4th, an Iceland Gull L glaucoides in Devon on 15th, a Black- winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni in Norfolk from 17th until the end of August, and a White-rumped Sandpiper in Hamp- shire on 28th. Autumn starts well for seabirds and waders August was very wet in England and Wales, but dry in Scotland. Despite rather light winds, a slow-moving depression off south- west Ireland during the first week of August brought good numbers of shearwaters closer to land, with 1,740 Cory’s Shearwaters Calonectris diomedea off Cape Clear Island ' (Co. Cork) on 1st, and the passage of Manx 475 George Reszeter Nightingale & Elkins: The birclwatching year 1999 Shearwaters there reaching 7,200 per hour on 6th August. A total of 2,000 Great Shear- waters Puffinus gravis was logged off Porthgwarra (Cornwall) on 17th August, and, of the 2,500 Cory’s off Cornwall and Scilly during the month, 1,500 went past Porthg- warra on 26th, together with a Madeira/Cape Verde Petrel. Both events were associated with further depressions over southwest Britain. A notable multiple arrival of Marsh Sandpipers Tringa stag- natilis took place on 3rd, during an easterly spell, with three in West Yorkshire and three in the Seaforth area (Lancashire/north Merseyside), and another three elsewhere in August. For the common wader species, too, it was a better passage than usual, with strong arrivals of Wood Sandpipers T. glareola, for example 13 at Dengemarsh (Kent) on 3rd, and Ruffs, Common Sand- pipers, Dunlins Calidris alpina and Greenshanks showing well. Impressive reports of Black-tailed Godwits throughout East Anglia included 450 at Titchwell (Norfolk) on 1st, 632 at Breydon on 4th, and then 1,297 at Ousemouth (Norfolk) on 12th September. After 14 Pectoral Sandpipers C. melanotos in July, there were 18 more in August and about 100 in September, including 12 in Ireland. Up to 500 Curlew Sandpipers C. ferruginea passed through Norfolk during August, including 148 at Cley on 1st, followed by 179 there on 1st Sep- tember, and at least 100 at Titchwell on l4th September. Following the poor spring passage at Dungeness, August continued in much the same vein, with monthly totals of only 30 Willow Warblers, l6 Tree Pipits, four Common Redstarts, 30 Lesser White- throats Sylvia curruca, two Blackcaps, 12 Spotted Flycatchers and two Pied Flycatchers. A Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides at Sumburgh (Shetland) on 21st was the first of six to arrive at various localities by 29th. On 25th August, following easterly winds succeeding an anticyclone over southern Norway the previous day. Fair Isle recorded 600 Meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis and 12 Wood Warblers P. sibilatrix, the highest autumn total ever for the latter species. A feeding flock of Black Terns in Fife at the end of August, peaking at 420 on 30th, was another record for Scotland, and other satisfactory species counts included 281 Little Egrets Egretta garzetta at the roost at Thorney Island (West Sussex) and 381 Avocets at 269. Juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, Sldins Pools, Grampian, September 1999. 476 British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 Breydon on 26th August, another site record. September continued the mild trend, being the warmest for 50 years, although the second half was very wet. After the records that were broken in Scotland during August, that country did well in September, too, with Nearctic waders probably aided by the transatlantic westerlies during the first ten days. An American Golden Plover Pluvi- alis dominica on St Kilda (Outer Hebrides) 270. Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus, Greatham Creek, Cleveland, 24th October 1999 (this record is still being assessed by the BOURC). 271. Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus, Ictssidc, October 1999. British Birds 9yAlOAS7 , October 2000 477 Iain H. Leach Jim Pattinson Mike Mcilpass Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 272. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata, Hartlepool Head, Cleveland, 21st September 1999. on 3rd was the first of eight in Scotland, with another eight elsewhere, and there were also 29 Pectoral Sandpipers (plate 269). A Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla on North Uist (Outer Hebrides) on 4th was the first of an incredible run of 12 for Scot- land (prior to which there had been just four Scottish records), and there were five White- rumped Sandpipers in Scotland from 10th onwards, and five Baird’s Sandpipers C. bairdii there between 28th August and 5th September. An influx of about 500 Curlew Sandpipers into Scotland included record counts for Argyll and Ayrshire. Best of all, though, was a long-awaited Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus at Fraser- burgh (Northeast Scotland) during llth-24th September, which was then relocated on Teesside on 29th September, where it stayed for a month (plates 270 & 271). Shearwater counts in early September were impressive, especially during spells of strong southwest winds, with 2,350 Cory’s, mainly off (Cornwall and Scilly, including 730 off Porthgwarra on 8th, 230 off St Mar>'’s on the same day, with 255 there on 17th and, elsewhere, 1,000 off Galley Head (Co. Cork) on 18th. Great Shearwaters featured, too, with 230 off Porthgwarra on 8th and 1,138 off St Mary’s on 18th, with 328 there on 22nd, and 266 off Berry Head on 23rd, a record one-day count for Devon. Even more unusual was a Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis on Fair Isle on 9th, the first for that island, but a Wryneck Jynx torquilla on l4th was one of only two there during the autumn. At Portland Bill, a Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata on 13th was followed on 15th by an aerial passage of 2,500 House Martins Delichon urbica and 700 Barn Swallows, the forerunners of a much larger movement later in the month. There was a strong passage of Little Gulls during l6th- 20th, particularly along the Norfolk coast, including 156 at Horsey on 16th and 450 at Overstrand on 19th. Impressive numbers of Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava included 127 at Welney on 15th August and 180 at Portland on 4th September. Of the ‘scarce but regular’ landbirds, some were just plain scarce, with only six Short-toed Larks reported, all after 20th September, and then one or two in October, 16 Richard’s Pipits Anthus novaeseelandiae in September, with another 45 in October, and about ten Icterine Warblers. A Booted Warbler in Cleveland on 20th-21st (plate 272) and an Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola on North Ronaldsay on 21st, the latter the first for Orkney, added some spice. A large ‘fall’ on Fair Isle on 22nd September, during a spell of southeasterly winds, included a Pad- dyfield Warbler A. agricola along with 300 Blackcaps, 200 Robins, 60 Common Red- starts and 30 Whinchats Saxicola rnbetra. The second half of September was domi- nated by periods of light SSW winds, during which huge diurnal passages of Meadow Pipits and hirundines were noted. In Lin- colnshire, 4,000 Meadow Pipits passed south at Gibraltar Point during 12th-17th, and in Suffolk 10,000 flew south at Land- guard on 21st, with 14,000 south at Mins- mere during 16th-24th.At Portland Bill, 2,500 Meadow Pipits moved through on 26th. Also in Dorset, 20,000 Barn Swallows went south over Christchurch Harbour on 22nd, while 5,000 per hour were noted over British Birds 9.3: 470-487, October 2()0() 478 Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 273. Juvenile Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Scilly, October 1999. Hinckley (Leicestershire) on 25th, 1,750 at Landguard, 7,500 at Unstead Sewage-works (Surrey) and 10,000 over Hampstead Heath (Greater London), all on 26th, followed on 27th by 400 per hour over Colwick (Notting- hamshire) and 3,000 at Over strand. House Martins were involved, too, with 900 at Landguard and 3,520 at Beddington on 26th, and 2,000 at Minsmere and 60,000 at Over- strand on 27th. Best October ever in Scilly? October was very sunny in many areas, but rainfall varied considerably across the UK. It was the start of what was to be a staggering autumn for Scilly, even by its own extraordi- nary standards. Already, during September, a Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor on St Agnes on 22nd had been followed by a Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula on Bryher on 27th, and the start of a run of nine White-rumped Sandpipers from 30th. Then came October. On 4th October, a Booted Warbler was found on Bryher. A Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica, discov- ered on Gugh on 5th, stayed until 8th, and, defying belief even for hardened Scilly vet- erans, just a short distance away, on St Agnes, was a White’s Thrush Z. dauma, which stayed into November (plate 27 4'). A Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi on St Agnes on 6th was the vanguard of many more, an 274. Wliite’s Thrush Zoothera dauma, St Agnes, Scilly, October 1999. British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 479 Gary Bellingham Tony G. Collinson Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 275. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyziis americanus, Tresco, Scilly, October 1999. Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda was found on St Mary’s on 7th, and, just as it seemed as if events could not get any more exciting, they did. A Short-toed Eagle Cir- caetus gallicus, the first for Britain, soared over St Agnes on 7th and performed a quick tour of the islands before taking up resi- dence in the Eastern Isles group, thrilling hundreds of birders until 11th October, when, under a clear, sunny sky, it soared up, up and away, heading south (plate 273). Another Radde’s Warbler, in Cornwall on 9th, was followed by others in Dorset and Shetland, and then, incredibly, by seven in Scilly on 15th, with- yet another there on 17th (plate 276). Despite all the vagrants in Scilly, there were very few common migrants, and, on 15th in particular, observers were likely to see more Radde’s than Common Chiffchaffs. Elsewhere in this memorable period there was the year’s only Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor, in South Yorkshire on 9th October, and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus ameri- canus in Cot Valley (Cornwall) on 10th, after a spell of transatlantic westerlies, the same day as a second Upland Sandpiper arrived in Scilly, later to join the earlier arrival. An Eyebrowed Tbrusb Turdus obscLirus on Bardsey (Caernarfonshire) broke the recent near-monopoly of Scilly for that species, but, on the same day, a Yellow- billed Cuckoo arrived on Tresco (Scilly), remaining until 20th October, an unusually long stay (plate 275). Two more North Amer- ican vagrants arrived: a Veery Catharus fuscescens at St Levan, the second for Corn- wall (plate 277), and a Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus in Pembrokeshire, 276. Radde’s Warbler Phylloscoptis sc77//’flrz/, Watermill Cottage, St Mary’s, one of nine in Scilly, October 1999. 480 British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 M. McDonnell Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 217. Veery Catharus fuscescens, St Levan, Cornwall, 13th October 1999. but both were short-stayers. A male Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius on St Mary’s on l4th looked almost at home. although a long way from it, and the same bird or another was found in Cot Valley on 25th. A Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka in Norfolk on l4th was the first of three in October. To bring things back down to earth, five Goldfinches Carduelis carduelis on North Ronaldsay, also on l4th, was probably the largest ever flock of this species in Orkney A good ‘fall’ on Fair Isle on 1 5th, following southeasterly winds and high pressure over Scandi- navia, included 3,000 Red- wings Turdus iliacus, 2,000 Fieldfares T. pilaris, 600 Blackbirds T. merula and 12 Great Spotted Woodpeckers Dendro- copos major, with two of the last in Orkney on the same day, forerunners of a 278. First-winter Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola, Fisher’s Green, Essex, October 1999. British Birds 93: 410AS1, October 2000 481 Rob Wilson Tony G. Colli?ison Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 279- Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, Skegness, Lincolnshire, 23rd October 1999 (this record has not yet been officially submitted to the BBRC). small irruption into the Northern Isles from Scandinavia. As if to redress the north-south balance in terms of rarities, a Harle- quin Duck Histri- onicus histrionicus paid a brief visit to Fair Isle on 15th, and there was a Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata on Unst (Shetland). The spell from 15th to 21st brought south- easterly winds around an anticy- clone over Scandi- navia, and, of 14 Dusky Warblers Phylloscopus fuscatiis to arrive during the autumn, seven were found during 1 5th-27th, with another three at Dun- geness during 2nd-6th November. A Paddy- field Warbler, a real rarity for southern England, was found inland in Essex on 26th October (plate 278). More unprecedented influxes Considering that only 17 Red-flanked Blue- tails Tarsiger cyanurus had occurred in the previous 40 years, and three of those had been in 1998, the five on l6th-17th October amount to an incredible influx (plates 279 & 280). A Hume’s Warbler Phylloscopus 280. Female or first-winter Rcci-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus, Rame Head, ('ornwall, October 1999. 482 British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 Mike Malpass Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 281. First-winter Isabelline Sltrike Lanius isabellinus, Marsden, Co. Durham, 27th October 1999. bumei on l6th in Kent was the first of three. On 17th, a Least Sandpiper Calidris minu- tilla was found in East Yorkshire, a Lesser Grey Shrike Lanins minor in Fife, and a Yellow-rumped Warbler in Outer Hebrides. These were followed by Isabelline Shrikes L. isabellinus in East Yorkshire on 18th, in Co. Durham from 21st (plate 281) 282. Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus, St Mary’s, Scilly, October 1999. British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 483 Rob Wilson Jhn Pattinson Iain H. Leach Julian V Bbalerao Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 283. Pallid Swift Apus pallidas, Wmtevton, Norfolk, 26th October 1999 (one of five in Norfolk in October 1999). and in Borders on 24th. On Fair Isle, a Lanceolated Warbler on 18th, the second there in the space of three days, and an Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni were not so rare for the island as were three Great Tits Parus major, the first since 1994. Pallas’s Leaf Warblers Phylloscopus proregulus arrived in about average numbers, with some 75, mostly in the second half of October (plate 282), but a total of about 100 Yellow-browed Warblers P. inornatus was well below average. In Scot- land, it was the poorest autumn for this species since 1995, and for Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria since 1993 A Dark-throated Thrush on Unst on 20th October was fol- lowed the next day by a Pied Wheatear on North Ronaldsay, and, in a year which continued to rewrite the record books, four Chimney Swifts Chaetura pelagica arrived during 22nd-24th, all in the Southwest, together with another Common Nighthawk in Scilly, on 23rd. Reports of up to seven more Chimney Swifts remain unsubstantiated. These all appeared after a fast-moving warm- sector depression crossed the Atlantic. Another unprecedented influx then took place, with 1 1 Pallid Swifts Apus pallidus arriving during the period from 24th October to 5th November, five of them in Norfolk (plate 283), and one in Burnmouth (Borders), which was only the second Scot- tish record; prior to 1999, only 14 Pallid Swifts had occurred in Britain. Almost unno- 284. Male Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti, Holkham Meals, Norfolk, November 1999. 484 British Birds 93; 470-487, October 2000 Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 285 & 286. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, Cornwall, November 1999 (this record is still being assessed by the BOURC). ticed in the midst of this excitement was Britain’s second Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala, found in Northum- berland on 24th October. A Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, presumed to be the one that had toured Ireland during the summer, was relocated in Cornwall at the end of October; it stayed until 12th November before disappearing again, only to reappear in various localities in southwest England during 2000 (plates 285 & 286). The provenance of this bird has still to be estab- lished by the BOU Records Committee. November came in unseasonably mild and dry, with a lot of sunshine in the South. The eagle fever that had already gripped the headlines was fired again, with a multiple arrival of White-tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla in the eastern half of England. The first, found in the Burton Constable area of East Yorkshire in mid October, stayed until 19th November. Another, at Benacre Broad (Suffolk), remained in the area from 26th October to the end of the year, and a third, first seen along the north Norfolk coast on 21st November, moved inland to the Docking area of Norfolk until 27th November; then it or another stayed in the Cockley Cley (Norfolk) area until the end of the year. A census of Greylag Geese Anser anser in Orkney revealed a total of 20,475, a new record for the archipelago. Numbers of Lapland Longspurs Calcarius lapponicus had been low all autumn, but one at Portland Bill on 7th November was the first to be ringed there for 13 years. Northwesterly gales following the passage of a depression initiated a good sea passage off the north Norfolk coast on 6th November, involving British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 485 Dave Nye Rob Wilson M. McDonnell Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year 1999 300 Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomar- iuus east past Cley, 64 Great Skuas at Holme, and 170 Little Gulls at Sheringham. Kittiwakes featured, too, with 1,000 at Sher- ingham, also on 6th. A Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti in Northumberland on 7th, and another in Lincolnshire on 13th, were followed by a third, in Norfolk on 27th November (plate 284), and a Pied-billed Grebe in Oxfordshire on 9th was the first of two. About 1,350 Bohemian Waxwings, mainly in the eastern half of England and Scotland, brought hopes of another major invasion, but the influx was to be rather short-lived. The largest groups in Norfolk were on 13th November, including 110 at Holme, and there were 104 in Edinburgh (Lothian) on 28th and 140 in Newcastle- upon-Tyne (Tyne & Wear) during 21st-28th November. After the peak in mid November, numbers quickly subsided, only to pick up again briefly in mid December. Just over ten years since the first Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura came the second, on North Hist during 13th-15th. Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima do not often feature in these annual reviews, but a total of 200 on Papay (Orkney) in late November and 262 at Deerness (Orkney) on 12th December are worthy of mention, as also is a count of 18 Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus seen together prior to roosting at a Broadlands (Norfolk) site in early December. The year ended on a colder, more season- able note, with December being very wet, especially in the South, and quite sunny. Putting a warm smile on people’s faces was a long-awaited accessible Ivory Gull Pagophila ebuniea, in Suffolk, that county’s first, on 5th December (plate 287). It was very popular in an otherwise quiet time for rarities, but frustrated the year-listers by dis- appearing on 31st December. Bohemian Waxwings featured again in December, with about 1,650 in Scotland and northeast England, including 300 at Vane Earm RSPB Reserve (Tayside), but, although a few lin- gered to the year’s end, they mostly moved on. After all the unbelievable images, in a quite unbelievable year, we finish this review with one of the oddest: a Great Shearwater swimming among Great Crested Grebes on Willen Lake on 27th December, about 110 km from the nearest sea, and surely the first such inland record ever in Britain. 287. First-winter Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea, WfXehwrgh, Suffolk, December 1999. 486 British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 Nightingale & Elkins: The birdwatching year J999 Acknowledgments We are most grateful to the individual correspon- dents, national, regional, county and local societies, and bird observatories, whose information has been used to compile this summary. We are especially grateful to the British Birds Rarities Committee for complete information on its nationally accepted major rarities. Barry Nightingale, 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MKl 7 9QS Norman Elkins, 18 Scotstarvit View, Cupar, Fife KYI 5 4DX Appeal to all bird recorders, bird-club secretaries and bird-observatory wardens In order to make these annual reviews a complete reflection of the year’s major happenings, and not just those associated with rarities, we should like to receive as many local reports as possible. Please send them to Barry Nightingale at the above address. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS AGO: I am very glad to see that the wanton destruction of rare birds has been strongly and very properly animadverted on by one of your correspondents... I think it is derogatory to the pages of the “Zoologist” to record such wholesale and wanton slaughter, as cruel as it is useless, for no scientific object can be promoted thereby, as it is merely, probably, to place the birds in an amateur’s cabinet.’ {Zoologist 8: 2914, October 1850) ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO; ‘Of birds that have ceased to be residents [in Ireland] are the Crane [Grus grus] , the Great Auk [Pinguinus impennis],^nd the Capercailzie [Tetrao urogallus]\ on the other hand, the Magpie [Pica first reported in Ireland towards the end of the seventeenth century, has spread rapidly, and is now to be seen everywhere, except on the barest moorlands. The Starling [Sturnus vulgaris] has increased as a breeding species, and the steady extension of this bird’s summer range in Ireland is of a piece with what has taken place in Scotland; Woodcocks [Scolopax rusticola] have greatly increased in the Irish woodlands during the summer; and the Mistle- Thrush [Tiirdus inscivorus],oi which the first Irish example known to Thompson was shot in 1808, is now resident, common, and widely distributed.’ {Zoologist Fourth Series 4: 486, October 1900) TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: ‘Dr W. R. P. Bourne expresses concern about damage to the vegetation of small outlying islands by introduced herbivores. He contrasts the vigorous policy of the New Zealand Wildlife Service in removing goats, sheep and pigs from their small islands (so that the natural vegetation can regenerate) with attitudes elsewhere;. . .he criticises. . .the Nature Conservancy Council for not removing sheep from the larger islands of our own St Kilda group. Dr Bourne believes that sheltered parts of St Kilda may originally have been covered with scrub and thick tussock grass ’ {Brit. Birds 68: 432, October 1975) Also 25 years ago: on 9th October 1975, Simon Cook,Andy Lowe and Peter Roberts discovered Britain’s first Siberian Rubytltroat Luscinia calliope at the North Grind on Fair Isle, Shetland {Brit. Birds 72: 89-94). British Birds 93: 470-487, October 2000 487 ZEISS From the Rarities Committee’s files Identification of autumn Isabelline Wheatears The Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina is surely one of the most difficult of British rarities to identify. This is due partly to similarities with Northern Wheatear O. oenanthe in autumn plumage, partly to the variability of Isabelline and Northern Wheatears, and partly to varying and sometimes contradictory state- ments made in the identification literature. It is, however, not only the identification of Isabelline Wheatear that is difficult, but also the assessment of claimed records, which can be an extraordinarily problematical task, sometimes made more so by the receipt of inadequate material on which to pass judg- ment. For species that combine great scarcity with the degree of subtlety in characters exhibited by Isabelline Wheatear, we demand the most detailed notes, together with, where possible, identifiable photographs of the individual concerned. The major identification features of Isabelline Wheatear were discussed by Clement (1987), and these are being updated for the text of his forthcoming book on the identification of wheatears. Corso (1997) took a novel approach to this identification problem by investigating the variability of Isabelline Wheatear. While we would not necessarily agree with all of its findings, that paper does provide an essential reference for anyone interested in this identification chal- lenge. The BBRC files have details of 16 accepted records, as well as several reports that were rejected. I examined descriptions and photographs of the autumn records in an attempt to identify common themes occurring in the accepted descriptions, and then assessed whether or not these points of detail were present in the records that had been found unacceptable. Perceived wisdom has it that the identifi- cation of Isabelline Wheatear in autumn can be made by using the following criteria, all in comparison with Northern Wheatear (P. Clement in litt.y. 488 1. Structural • Larger size • Longer legs • Shorter tail • Stouter bill • Shorter primary projection • Slightly larger head with flatter crown 2. Behavioural • More upright stance • Bounding or running gait • Head-bobbing and tail-wagging 3. Plumage • Lack of contrast between the upperparts and wings • Lack of contrast between the upperparts and underparts • Supercilium whiter and more prominent in front of eye, fading quickly behind • Ear-coverts almost concolorous with rest of upperparts • Lores variable, depending on angle and wear, but eye-stripe fading behind eye • Lack of contrast in wings, especially tertials and coverts • White of rump starting lower down the back • Broader terminal black tail band and shorter stem of ‘T’ • Whitish underwings • Isolated black alula Using Corso’s analysis, the features showing least variability and highest relia- bility, in no particular order of ranking, are: (a) shorter primary projection; (b) super- cilium not ‘flaring’ behind eye; (c) ear-coverts of same colour as rest of upperparts; (d) general lack of contrasts in pattern of the whole bird; (e) lack of contrast in upper- wing; (0 isolated black alula; (g) white under- wing; and (h) tail pattern. Corso (1997) felt that the variation in size and shape within Northern and Isabelline Wheatears, coupled with the necessity for direct comparison and © British Birds 93: 488-492, October 2()()() significant experience of both species, meant that almost all structural and particularly behavioural features, such as tail-wagging and gait, were of little value in identification of an individual bird. In Britain, this problem is compounded by the fact that structural and size variations of Northern Wheatear are even greater than in Italy, as Britain is regu- larly visited by moderate numbers of the larger ‘Greenland’ AXTieatear O. o. leucorhoa\ this subspecies is not only larger, longer- legged and larger-billed than the nominate race, but is also often paler and frequently tends to show rather more black on the tail. Moreover, observers in Italy see both Isabelline and Northern Wheatears with some regularity, and often have the opportu- nity of viewing them side by side. In Britain, by contrast, many wheatears are seen by birders for whom Isabelline is not an everyday occurrence, and a putative Isabelline may turn up without an accompa- nying Northern Wheatear for direct compar- ison. Descriptions of most of the accepted British records of Isabelline Wheatear include all of the features highlighted by Corso (1997), and many of the others. British observers set a lot of store by structural com- parisons, with most descriptions detailing... ‘a large-headed, robust, pear-shaped wheatear’ with ‘upright stance, long legs and short tail, giving a pot-bellied look’. The majority of descriptions include mention of the isolated black alula, the white underwing (although admitting how difficult this was to see), and the broad black tail band and restricted white on the rump. Most observers seem unaware that this last feature is due to the fact that the sandy-brown colour of the mantle extends onto the upper rump of Isabelline Wheatear, creating a more restricted area of white than on Northern Wheatear, and they believe that this is a result of lack of white on the tail (plate 288). Interestingly, all the records that have been deemed unacceptable also detail all these structural and plumage features. What, then, are the criteria that separate the acceptable from the unacceptable? In the series of records that I examined, the most important factor was the level of crit- ical detail provided on the patterns of the wings and the head. Autumn birds accepted Bradshaw: Identification of Isabelline Wheatears 288. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina, Kilnsea, East Yorkshire, October 1990. as Isabelline Wheatear not only had broad pale buff fringes, lacking any rusty tones, to the tertials, secondaries and coverts, but the ground colour of the feathers was also not black or dark brown but mid brown or grey- brown, thereby lessening contrast with the pale fringes. This produced a less contrasting, more uniform wing. When the wing was closed, the darker centres to the lesser and greater coverts and secondaries were usually completely obscured by the fringes. The centres of the median coverts, however, sometimes showed through as indistinct dark freckles near the bend of the wing, but this was quite different from the ‘string-of- pearls’ effect often seen with the dark- centred median coverts of Northern Wheatear. The mid-brown centres of the ter- tials are always visible, but lack the obvious contrast between the blackish centres and pale edges shown by Northern Wheatear. The general effect of the browner centres to the wing feathers, combined with the broad buff fringes, is to reduce the contrast between the wing and the rest of the upperparts, pro- ducing a more uniform appearance. Descriptions of the head pattern varied, but almost all mentioned a supercilium 489 British Birds 93: 488-492, October 2000 Colin Bradshaw Coliu Bnulsbau Bradshaw: Identification of Isabelline Wheatears which was most prominent before the eye, rapidly fading behind. This was accentuated by a dark line (varying from thick black to indistinct brown, flecked pale) across the lores, which disappeared, or became only a shadow, along the upper border of the ear- coverts, which were the same colour as, or only a shade darker than, the crown and nape. Most of the acceptable records also detailed how the facial pattern changed con- siderably when viewed at different angles and in different lights. In particular, the dark loral line appears more prominent when the bird is viewed front-on, as the observer is looking down the forward-pointing dark- based feathers. Often, the birds were thought to be extremely plain-faced until seen head- on, when a noticeable supercilium became apparent. Four notable exceptions to these rules were found, all involving undoubted Isabelline Wheatears. The first, and perhaps the most dramatic, was the small individual at Kilnsea, East Yorkshire, in October 1990 {Brit. Birds 84: 483). This bird (plate 289) was the same size and shape as nearby Northern Wheatears. It was neither long- legged nor particularly short-tailed, and the bill was quite weak, although photographs suggest that it could also give the opposite impression (plate 290). Because of its size and colour, and an almost complete black tail, it was initially misidentified as a Desert Wheatear O. deserti before John McLoughlin correctly identified it, on the basis of the general plumage, head pattern and pale underwing. Plate 289 shows the uniform plumage, the relatively plain head pattern, with an indistinct supercilium before the eye only, and a dark loral line that fails to extend behind the eye. A siniilar bird was present on Wlialsay, Shetland, in September 1994 {Brit. Birds 88: 534). Once again, this individual was not noticeably larger or longer-legged than Northern, nor was the stance particu- larly different. It, too, was identified predomi- nantly on plumage characteristics. The third exception to the rules involved a well-watched bird on Gugh and St Agnes, Isles of Scilly, in October 1991 {Brit. Birds 85: 537). This individual was, in many ways, a typical Isabelline in size and structure, and the head pattern was extremely variable, depending on light and also on the angle at which it was being watched. Plate 292 shows a characteristic view of it, with the supercilium more marked in front of the eye and narrowing quickly behind, uniform ear- coverts and an almost negligible eye-stripe behind the eye; also shown is the typical primary extension, the mid-brown centres to the tertials, the centres to the secondaries and greater coverts completely' obscured by the broad pale fringes, and the darker ‘freckles’ around the median coverts. Plate 291 of the same individual, in different light. 289. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isahcliina, Kilnsea, liast Yorkshire, October 1990 (same individual as in plate 288). 490 British Birds 93:488-492, October 2000 Bradshaw: Identification of Isabelline Wheatears however, shows a supercilium at least as prominent behind the eye and, if not ‘flaring’, at least remaining parallel for the length of the ear-coverts. This photograph also shows the extent of the white on the rump, the upper border falling between the tips of the middle and longest tertials, whereas, on Northern Wheatear, the corre- sponding mark is higher, usually just above the tip of the middle tertial.The final unusual record was of a bird trapped at Girdleness, Grampian, in October 1979 {Brit. Birds 73: 519-520), which displayed a supercilium that was whiter and more obvious behind the eye than in front. What would an ideal record of an Isabelline Wheatear look like? Well, first of all, the bird should have been seen by several competent observers, and the record should preferably be supported by photographs. This is not because we disbelieve single observers, but, for subtle identifications such as this, it is possible for a lone observer to go off at a tangent and become convinced that he or she is watching an Isabelline Wlieatear when it is actually a large, pale Northern Wlieatear. This is slightly less likely to occur when several people see the bird. Groups of observers should always expect us to want to compare several separate descriptions when assessing a record, looking for dif- ferent emphases that build up the full picture. Photographs also allow some ‘inde- pendent’ scrutiny. The descriptions should be detailed and should concentrate at least as much on plumage as on size and jizz. It is not sufficient merely to say that there was ‘little contrast on the wing’, as we need the reasons why this contrast was absent. Simi- larly, we do not expect to read simply that ‘there was an obvious black alula’: we need to know how this related to the other parts of the wing, what was seen on the primary coverts, why it stood out so much, how many feathers were involved, and how often the alula was seen. We do not require just a simple description of the head pattern, but need to know how it varied in different views. Alongside this, we also need details of size and shape. An example of an ideal Isabelline Wheatear description was pub- lished by us in 1993 (Dean 1993). It is important to remember that there are two accepted British records of individuals that failed to show the structural characteris- tics of typical Isabelline Wheatears, but none involving birds of which the plumage was imprecisely described. References Clement, P 1987. Field identification of West Palearctic wheatears. Brit. Birds 80: 137-157, 187-238. Corso.A. 1997. Variability of identification characters of Isabelline Wlieatear. Dutch Birding 19: 153-165. Dean, A. R. 1993. From the Rarities Committee’s files: Isabelline Wheatear in Scilly. Brit. Birds 86: 3-5. 290. Isabelline Wlieatear Oenardhe isabeUina, Kilnsea, East Yorkshire, October 1990 (same individual as in plate 288). British Birds 93: 488-492, October 2000 491 Colin Bradshaw Colin Bradshaw Colin Bradshaw Bradshaw: Identification of Isabelline Wheatears 291 & 292. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina, Gugh, Scilly, October 1991 Colin Bradshaw 9 Tynemouth Place, Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear NE30 4BJ The British Birds Rarities Committee is sponsored by Carl Zeiss Ltd. 492 British Birds 93: 488-492, t)ctober 2000 Richard Margoschis (1921-2000) Richard Margoschis was an Envi- ronmental Health Officer in War- wickshire who took up wildlife sound-recording, as a hobby, in the 1950s. At that time, he main- tained that he was a recordist and not a naturalist, but, very quickly, he became a competent observer of birds, mammals and amphibians - at least, those which vocalised. He liked to look at plants and fungi, too, but from an artistic viewpoint: he was a keen photographer. Gradually, Richard acquired a wide range of good-quality sound-recording apparatus, and in 1968 he was the main driving force in the founding of the Wildlife Sound Recording Society. The Society now has a worldwide membership of over 300, with a thriving journal. Wildlife Sound, and circulating sound tapes. In 1974, Richard took early retirement and, in consequence, was able to travel and undertake natural-history sound-recording over much of Britain. He ran wildlife sound-recording courses, talked to naturalists’ groups, devised a parabolic reflector par- ticularly for bird-sound recording, produced bird-sound tapes and, as Tape Editor, pre- pared four circulating tapes a year for members of the WSRS. With all these activities, he was greatly helped by his wife,Viv: they made an ideal team. Sadly, Viv died in 1994, and one wondered if Richard would reduce his recording activities. He soon started work, however, on a memorable 100th edition of Wildlife Sound and then con- tinued the sequence to over 120 issues. He was very persuasive in stimulating recordists to send their work to him for criticism and comment. Richard always supported the Wildlife Section of the National Sound Archive, now at the British Library in London; all his best bird-sound pieces are held there and can be heard by arrangement with the Curator. Further, those ornithologists who search through the pages of BWP wiU know that many of the sonograms in the species’ voice sections have been prepared from Richard’s recordings. Richard loved birds and, espe- cially, their varied vocalisations. His skill and ability in teaching the art of wildlife sound- recording, and in preparing bird- sound tapes for education and identification as well as for radio, film and television programmes, have been widely recognised. He advanced the development of his craft, especially the practical aspects of bioacoustics: identifi- cation of species and of indi- vidual birds in census work. He will be greatly missed in many natural-history circles, as well as in his home community. Philip Radford 293. Richard Margoschis (1921-2000), doing what he enjoyed best. © British Birds 93: 493, October 2000 493 Wildlife Sound Recording Society n Best Bird Book ^ of the Year 2000 Brilish Trust fiirOrnitlioloay The monthly journal ‘British Birds’ and the British Trust for Ornithology announce the winner of the title BEST BIRD BOOK OF THE YEAR. All books reviewed in British Birds or the BTO publications BTO News and Bird Study during the previous 12 months are eligible for consideration for this Award. Each of the six judges independently selects up to six books for consideration, which this year resulted in over 20 titles being examined in detail around the table at The Nunnery (it was the BTO’s turn to host the judging session). After discussion and debate, a short list is agreed, and each judge then votes, again independently, placing each title in order on a voting slip. Unlike last year, when two books tied for first place in this initial vote {Brit. Birds 92: 537-539), there was a clear outright winner this year. WINNER CUCKOOS, COWBIRDS AND OTHER CHEATS by N. B. Davies, illustrated by David Quinn. Published byT. & A.D. Poyser, London, 2()()0. ISBN 0-85661-135-2. £24. 95. (Reviewed: Brit. Birds 93: 349) Gripping stuff! An enthralling bit of natural history, some excellent scientific work, and very well written. Popularised science at its best: real science, and very clearh' presented, by the man who fascinated us with the winter feeding strategies used by Pied Wagtails MotacUla cdba (Brit Birds 75: 261-267) and the not-so-secret life of the Dunnock (aka Hedge Accentor) Pntuellci modularis (Brit. Birds 80: 604-624). This book was the judges’ independent, unanimous first choice. Cuckoos, Cowbirds and Other N. B. DAVIES 2nd = THE STATE OF THE NATIONS’ BIRDS by Chris Mead, illustrated by Kevin Baker. Published by Whittet Books, Cotton, Suffolk, 2000. ISBN 1-873580-45-2. £12.99. (Reviewed: Brit. Birds 93: 349) An exceedingly useful compendium: a modern domesda)' book, setting out the good news and the bad news concerning bird numbers in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Unfortunately, the judges noted a worryingly large number of obvious typographical and editorial slips. 2nd = THE BIRDS OF NORFOLK by Moss Taylor, Michael Seago, Peter Allard & Don Dorling. Published by Pica Press, Mountfield, East Sussex, 1999. ISBN 1-873403-86-0. £35. (Reviewed. /iWA'etrs 227: 15) A model county avifauna, fact-filled, but readable and liberally sprinkled with illustrations. 494 © British Birds 93: 494-495, October 2000 Best Bird Book of the Year 2000 4th BIRDLIFE IN OMAN by Haiine Eriksen & Jens Eriksen. Published by A1 Roya Publishing, Muscat, 1999 i&19.95. (Reviewed: Brit. Birds 93: 207) Stunning! The judges agreed that this was the best photographic bird book ever, and its likely influence on local opinion within Oman gave it great importance for conservation. It was pleasing to see that the publisher, the printer, and, indeed, all those involved, had addresses in Oman itself. The judges’ one regret was that there were no details of the date or locality for each photograph, which would have increased the book’s ornithological value, nor any photographic details (camera, lens, exposure, etc.), which would have increased its interest for photographers. 5th = RARE BIRDS OF THE NETHERLANDS by Arnoud B. van den Berg & Cecilia A. 'W. Bosman. Published by Pica Press, Mountfield, East Sussex, 1999. ISBN 1-873403-88-7. £30. (Reviewed: BTO News 226: 16; Brit. Birds 93: 104) This authoritative and well-produced book, beautifully illustrated with stunning rarity photographs, and packed with maps and histograms, is much more than its title suggests, including information on the seasonal occurrence of all 468 bird species recorded in the Netherlands during 1800-1999. The commoner species will be covered more thoroughly in a second volume, to complete a new Avifauna van Nederland. 5th = THE HOBBY by Anthony Chapman. Published by Arlequin Press, Chelmsford, Essex, 1999. ISBN 1-900 159-26-0. £1995. (Reviewed: Brit. Birds 93: 295) Single-species monographs have never featured among the winners of this award, but this one, concerning an often elusive species, was admired. The judges also wished to draw attention to three books that, for different reasons, were not appropriate choices as Best Bird Book 2000, but which deserved to be noted for their excellence. The following three books were, therefore, ‘Also recommended’ : THE BIRDS OF CORSICA: AN ANNOTATED CHECKLIST by Jean-Claude Thibault & Gilles Bonaccorsi. BOU Checklist no. 17. Published by the British Ornithologists’ Union, Tring, 1999. ISBN 0-907446- 21-3. £27.50. (Reviewed: BTO News 225: 16; Brit. Birds 93: 151) The judges were impressed by the design and production of this latest BOU checklist, as well as by its content. This valuable BOU series deserves recognition. HANDBOOK OF THE BIRDS OF THE 'WORLD, VOLUME 5 (BARN-OWLS TO HUMMINGBIRDS) edited by Josep del Hoyo, Andrew Elliott & Jordi Sargatal. Published by Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, 1999. ISBN 84-87334-25-3. £110. (Reviewed: BTO News 227: 1 5; Brit Birds 93: 206) Each volume is an amazing work, well exceeding a typical family monograph in scope and quality (and you get more than one family for the money). Most other people who have tried anything remotely on the scale of this work have stumbled along slowly, or fallen on the way. HBW just keeps going, at an amazing rate, and with continued very high quality in all areas of its content. It is hard to see how any serious birdwatcher would want to be without it, provided that he or she could afford it and had very strong bookshelves. The first volume (1992) won this award {Brit. Birds 86: 569); otherwise. . . IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS IN KENYA by Leon Bennun & Peter Njoroge. Published by Nature Kenya, Nairobi, 1999. ISBN 9966-9921-1-1. £18. (Reviewed: Brit. Birds 93: 459) This fairly simple, but very good, paperback documents the most important sites for birds in Kenya. It does provide a fairly useful visitors’ guide, but its purpose is to document the sites in order to promote their conservation. If this is not done quickly, there will be little for any of our grandchildren to go to see. This is one of the first - and certainly the best - of such publications to have arisen from native authors in a developing country. It is a sign of great hope for the future, and deserves our very strong commendation. John Marchant (BTO), Colin Bibby (BTO), Ian Carter (BBJ, Richard Chandler Peter Hearn (BTO) and J. T. R. Sharrock (IBB^ c/o British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Nunnery Place, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU *3® British Birds 93: 494-495, October 2000 495 Steve y'OM«j;j/Birdwatch ZEISS The Carl Zeiss Award 2000 Established in 1959, the British Birds Rarities Committee has been sup- ported and sponsored by the optical company Carl Zeiss Ltd for 18 years, since 1983 {Brit. Birds 76; 475). To encourage pho- tographers to submit their photographs of rare birds for the Committee’s perusal, and thereby to assist in the judging process. The Carl Zeiss Award was established in 1991 iBrit. Birds 84: 589). The photographs that the British Birds Rarities Committee receives are an important source of information and, frequently, they make the task of record assessment not only easier, but also more enjoyable. In recognition of the value of the photographic evidence, and the photogra- phers who supply prints or transparencies, Carl Zeiss Ltd presents each year a pair of Carl Zeiss binoculars to the photographer judged to have taken the most instructive photograph or set of photographs. One of the features of 1999 was the influx of rare swifts, simultaneously from the east and the west, in late October, and several pho- tographs of these birds appear in the short list. In Voous sequence, the short list, selected from almost 1,000 submitted pho- tographs, was: Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Dr Iain H. Leach American Coot Fulica americana Gary Bellingham Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica Tony Collinson Chimney Swift Rob Wilson Pallid Swift Apus pallidus Dave Nye Pallid Swift Steve Young Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola Les Borg Paddyfield Warbler M. McDonnell Paddyfield Warbler Alan Tate Blyth’s Reed Warbler A. dumetorum Brian Clasper Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata Mike Malpass It took two nights - the first fuelled with red wine, the second more measured - to reach a final decision. Particularly difficult was reconciling the ‘great photo of a stun- ning rarity’ with the ‘you can see the primary^ projection on that’. Our top three, however, were not only stunning photographs of superb rarities, but also ones in which feather detail and crucial identification features could be seen. In classic competition style, we shall announce the final three in reverse order. Dr Iain Leach was placed third, with a series of photographs of the female Lesser Scaup at Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, including two showing the diagnostic wing pattern (plates 298 & 299). Iain was the winner of The Carl Zeiss Award last year {Brit. Birds 92: 534- 294 & 295. Winner of THE CARL ZEISS AWARD 2()()(): Pallid Swift Apus pallidus, Flamborough Head, E;ist Yorkshire, October 1999. 496 © British Birds 93: 496-498, October 2000 Steve ybi/n^/Birdwatch The Carl Zeiss Award 2000 536), and had previously been placed third. His photographs of the rarities of 1999 will be widely displayed in next month’s ‘Report on rare birds in 1999’. Whilst it was difficult to decide which of the photographs of the Lea Valley, Essex, Paddyfield Warbler were the best, the set sub- mitted by Alan Tate showed all the relevant identification features, and deserved to achieve the runner-up spot (plates 296 & 297). We had no doubt as to the winner: Steve Young’s photographs of the Pallid Swift at Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, show the upperwing and underwing patterns, the throat patch and some of the feather scaling (plates 294 & 295). Swifts are by nature very difficult to photograph, and, in a year in which an invasion of rare swifts was one of the highlights, these high-quality pho- tographs were worthy winners (although some of the detail will undoubtedly be lost in the printed versions). Steve, who is the ninth winner of The Carl Zeiss Award, was able to choose either a Carl Zeiss 7x42BGA or a 8x40BT* as his prize; he selected the 8x40 from the new ‘Victory’ range. 296 & 297. First-winter Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola, Fisher’s Green, Essex, October 1999. British Birds 93: 496-498, October 2000 497 The CmvI Zeiss Award 2000 Colin Bradshaw, Adrian Pitches and Jimmy Steele c/o 9 Tynemouth Place, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NEJO 4BJ 498 British Birds 93: 496-498, October 2000 August’s photograph (plate 228, repeated here as plate 301) clearly shows a passerine and, from its location and stance, most observers prob- ably immediately thought bunting or finch’, these families containing the contrastingly pat- terned species typically given to feeding on short-turf grassland. The bird’s most striking feature is undoubtedly its black crown, and few Western Palearctic buntings and finches show such a pattern. The bill is slightly obscured (or out of focus?), but looks fairly large and yellowish. The broad pale supercilia do not appear to be underlined by dark eye-stripes, and the pale nape may be more an illusion created by the lighting than a real feature. The underparts look pure white, with a dark brown breast 300. Monthly Marathon’. Photo no. 171. Nineteenth stage in eleventh ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 54), then send in your ansx\ er on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by 24th November 2000. 301. Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopechys sangMwea,Turkey,June 1989. band either narrower or possibly broken in the middle. Birders whose experience is mainly con- fined to Britain & Ireland may consider that Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis is the best ‘fit’, but the combination of such a black crown with essentially brown-and- white body plumage is not ‘right’ for that species. Wliile winter-plumaged Snow Buntings are indeed essentially brown and white, neither sex shows a black crown. For the solution, we need to look farther afield, indeed outside Europe as this bird lives in the farthest corners of the Western Palearctic. Those who have visited Morocco, Turkey or even Israel may have been reminded of trips to those countries by this photograph, as it depicts a much-sought-after species in each of them. The real clue to its identity lies in the pink suffusion clearly visible around the eyes. From any other angle, pink would feature even more prominently in its appear- ance, since this is a Crimson- winged Finch Rhodopechys sangtiinea, probably an adult male as the crown looks almost solidly black. It was pho- tographed by Volker Konrad in Turkey in June 1989. It is said that puzzles and quizzes are easy only if you know the answer. If the answer is not immediately obvious, a contestant can go wildly wrong. Instances in past ‘Monthly Marathons’ have involved a drinking Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra that was misidentified by one entrant as a Merlin Falco columbarius, and a Short-toed Eagle misidentified as a Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata. This month’s bird was identified by 82% of contestants. but, as well as excusable and understandable misidentifications as Snow Bunting and as Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus, was also named by one person as Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata, and by another as Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis. Both of these last two misidentifications would have been rather unlikely to have been made in the field. Although this was the seventeenth stage in this eleventh Monthly Marathon’, all contestants except two stumbled over the Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii that was the thirteenth hurdle (Jirit. Birds 93: 290-291, plates 117 & 180), and one of them has faltered since, so the contest is still wide open. The leaders (two days before the closing date for this stage) are Christer Kalenius (Einland) with a sequence of five correct answers, Jesper B. Jacobsen (Denmark), Palle Jensen (Denmark), Peter Lansdown (Cardiff), Andy Mears (Wiltshire), Jacob Sunesen (Denmark), and Peter Sunesen (Denmark), each with four correct answers in a row, and Roy Hargreaves (Hertfordshire), and Richard Patient (Cambridge), each with three in a row. David Fisher Sunhird The best of bird watching tours For a free brochure, write to SUNBIRD (MM), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; or telephone 01767 682969. © British Birds 93; 499, October 2000 499 Ruddy Ducks and other aliens The RSPB agrees with Bernard Zonfrillo {Brit. Birds 93; 394-396) that the world is not ideal, but believes that some of his other comments are misplaced. Globally, introductions are a major cause of biodiversity loss (Vitousek et al. 1997) and pose a significant threat to one in nine globally threatened bird species (BirdLife International 2000). Consequently, the Biodiversity Conven- tion, the EU Birds Directive and the Berne Convention require governments to prevent the establishment of non-native species. By the time that it is known whether an introduced species is benign or problematic, the damage may already have been done; removal is then a complex and costly task. Since many species have become natu- ralised in the UK by accident or design, should huge effort go into removing all of those that have become naturalised? No. Our collective response to the introduction of non-native species should depend upon whether they have an impact on wildlife or economic land uses. If they do not, the RSPB does not believe that action is justified. The Little Owl Athene noctuci is an example of a non-native bird that has filled a vacant ecological niche and does not appear to compete with native species for food or nest sites. The RSPB supports the removal of long- established introduced species only when or where they pose a demonstrable threat to native wildlife, and when or where their removal is technically feasible. The threat posed by the Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis to the globally threatened Wliite- headed Duck O. leucocephala has been clearly demonstrated (Green & Hughes 1996). To dis- cover whether it is feasible to remove Ruddy Ducks from the UK is the purpose of the Gov- ernment’s control trials. Bernard Zonfrillo made a huge presumption; that he knows the answer before the research is completed. Bernard Zonfrillo wrongly suggested that the RSPB treats White-headed Duck conserva- tion differently from that of other species. Our conservation policies are based on sound science and rational analysis, so we ask three questions. Is the Ruddy Duck causing a problem? Is control feasible? Will it make a dif- ference to Wliite-headed Ducks? He was also wrong to suggest that no action has been taken against other non-native species where they threaten bird populations. As he well knows, the RSPB has been involved with several pro- grammes to remove Common Rats Rattus norvegicus from nature reserves and Minks Miistela vison from the Uists and Benbecula, Outer Hebrides. In each such case, we consider the benefits and practicalities of removal or eradication before acting, taking care to avoid any negative effects on native species. We believe that there are currently several extremely tricky issues regarding introduced species. For example, in the Outer Hebrides, Minks are active at one end of the island chain and Hedgehogs Erinaceiis europaeus (released in the 1980s) at the other {Brit Birds 93: 344). In between, there are important populations of (]om Crake Crex crex, Dunlin Calidris alpina. Common Redshank Tringa totanus and Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago. We regret any instance of conservation money being spent on dealing with the prob- lems of introduced species, since prevention costs much less than cure. There is a strong case that legislation should be drafted to ensure that, in future, the costs of such reme- dial measures are borne by those who caused the problem, rather than by the taxpayer or by conservation charities. This would equate with the well-established ‘polluter-pays’ principle. Perhaps having to pay for, or insure against, the costs of an eradication programme would make those who release alien species deliber- ately or carelessly into the UK think before doing so. References BirdLife International. 2000. Threatened Birds of the World. Barcelona & Cambridge. (ireen. A., & Hughes, B. 1996. White-headed Duck Action Plan. In: Heredia, B., Rose, L., & Painter, M., Globally threatened birds in Europe - action plans. Council of Europe. Vitousek, P. M., Dantonio, C. M., Loope, L. L., Rejmanek, M., & Westbrooks, R. 1997. Introduced species: a significant component of human-cau.sed global change. New Zealand J. Ecol. 1 1 : 1-16. Mark Avery Director of Conservation, RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL 500 © British Birds 93: 5()()-5()4, October 2000 Letters Introduced birds I read with great interest but little agreement Dr Colin Bibby’s impassioned article, ‘More than enough exotics’ {Brit. Birds 93: 2-3). To an observer of human as well as bird behav- iour, it is interesting to note how a period when any suggestion that any of the dif- ferent races of Homo sapiens might best be preserved in a ‘pure’ state is regarded as morally wrong, unscientific, and criminally offensive - at least in Britain, Western Europe and the USA - has coincided with zookeepers worrying about the racial purity of their stocks of captive birds and beasts, and the denunciation of all introductions of exotic birds, no matter how beautiful or interesting, in case they might some day become pests. My own views on the matter (Goodwin 1987, 1992) are that, at least so far as birds in Britain are concerned, introduced species should be judged on the same criteria as native species, and any damage that they may cause be weighed against the aesthetic plea- sure and scientific interest that they provide. After all, most bird addicts are glad, I think, that official attempts to exterminate the Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus failed, and hope that the recent dramatic decline of the Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula is not due to successful official efforts against it. Introductions of exotic creatures, even birds, can certainly have unpleasant results. Instances have, however, usually been when the introductions have been made for utili- tarian reasons (e.g. House Sparrow Passer domesticus in the USA, Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris in the Antipodes, and Barn Owl Tyto alba on some small islands). Those made by private individuals, for aesthetic or sentimental reasons, have generally had no harmful results (e.g. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis in the USA, where it seems recently to have died out, and in Australia, - and Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata, Golden Pheasant Chrysolophus pictus and Lady Amherst’s Pheasant C. amber stiae in Britain). Indeed, so far as Britain is concerned, thoughtful introductions seem less likely to have harmful effects on native birds, many of which would not be here but for Man’s great alterations in past centuries (Sharrock 1999), than would natural colonisation and estab- lishment here of some Continental species British Birds 93: 500-504, October 2000 (e.g. Black Kite Milvus migrans, which might restrict the hoped-for spread and increase of the officially re-established Red Kite M. milvus, and Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla, which might compete too successfully in lowland Britain with the marginally prettier Common Treecreeper C. familiaris'). The outcry against introduction - even of beautiful, harmless birds with rather small World ranges - contrasts with the zeal for official or quasi-official re-establishment of Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis, White- tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla and Red Kite, all three of which were considered harmful in most places where and when they were formerly abundant. In my view, re-establishment of the Red Kite in England and Scotland is justifiable because of its relatively small World range and its undoubted beauty. That of the Northern Goshawk, however, is not, since that species has an enormous range, extending throughout much of the Holarctic region (and in most temperate and tropical regions where it does not occur it is replaced by very similar species of Accipiter with, allowing for environmental differences, very similar habits). Moreover, it may, I think, very probably eliminate our tiny present populations of Golden and Lady Amherst’s Pheasants, since all the many attempts to establish these species in countries where the Northern Goshawk or similar hawks occur have failed (Peterson 1948; Lever 1987). Northern Goshawk has also been blamed Qurgen Nicolai in littA for wrecking all the many time-consuming and money- consuming attempts to re-establish Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix and Capercaillie T. uro- gallus in parts of Germany where they for- merly occurred but had become extinct. Concerning Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa. Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus and Little Owl Athene noctua, Dr Bibby wrote ‘it is sometimes hard to remember that their presence here is unnatural... they are all quite attractive birds and they do not seem to have done much harm.’ If Man is held not to be part of Nature - unless a rather unusual and, in terms of numbers and World distribution, at least temporarily an 501 Letters exceptionally successful part - this is true, but is their presence much less unnatural than the presence here of the many species that have been able to colonise only because of Man’s alteration of the landscape, which alone has vouchsafed them suitable living conditions? As to ‘harm’, it is well known that ‘sportsmen’ at one time made every effort to wipe out Red-legged Partridge, which they falsely claimed not only seriously competed with our native Grey Partridge Perciix perdix, but also actively attacked it and hunted down its chicks and deliberately killed them (the highly emotional ‘eye- witness’ accounts have never, so far as I know, been corroborated). Similarly, in the 1930s and again in the late 1940s, the Little Owl was widely said to be wiping out our songbirds, even being accused of killing and caching songbirds in order to feed on beetles attracted by their corpses. It is possible that the pre-shooting-season releases of large numbers of captive-bred Common Pheasants in areas inhabited by Black Grouse may have been - and, where the Black Grouse still hangs on, may still be - one factor in the decrease of the latter species? As Dr Bibby wrote, Canada Goose Branta canadensis has, in some localities, ‘become a minor pest’ and a very successful food com- petitor with Mallard Anas platyrbynchos, Common Coot Fulica atra and feral Rock Doves Columba livia. Canada Goose numbers can, however, easily be reduced locally when this is deemed necessary. The ‘native’ Mute Swan Cygnus olor is equally or more likely to peck children and attack other waterfowl. The Mute Swan would not, of course, be so abundant and widespread as it is but for its former semi-domestication and wide dissemination by people. Dr Bibby stated that, ‘On a global scale, introduced species have caused enormous damage both to native species and to the economics of fisheries and agriculture.’ So far as native birds are concerned, this has been true in some cases. In the majority of instances, however, damage has resulted from the unintentional introduction of non- avian exotics. Some exotic introductions have, on the other hand, been of great use to some native birds. In Australia, the Rabbit Orycto/agus cnnicidns provided a new and abundant source of food for the Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax.'^hcAi, maize and other cultivated grains provide and have long pro- vided a much-used source of food for many species of pigeons (Columbidae), parrots (Psittacidae), larks (Alaudidae), weavers (Plo- ceidae), estrildids (Estrildidae), icterids (Icteridae) and other seed-eating birds wher- ever they occur alongside Man. The intro- duced Annual Meadow Grass Poa annua is locally a main food for the Australian Zebra Finch Poepbila guttata (Immelmann I960); wintering Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla in Majorca feed on the fruits of introduced palms (Dr D. W. Snow in lift.), and those in Jersey on the fruits of a variety of introduced exotics (Young 1998); and it seems likely that the very successful ‘comeback’ of the New Zealand Pigeon Heniipbaga novaesee- landiae, after it had been nearly extermi- nated by shooting both for ‘sport’ and for food, was at least helped by its feeding exten- sively on the fruits of hawthorn Crataegus, Rowan Sorbus aucuparia and other intro- duced trees (Goodwin 1978). Many such examples could be quoted. With regard to harm to agriculture (and horticulture), I cannot think offliand of any instances of introduced birds causing as much damage as is done by native species such as Red-billed Quelea Quelea qiielea in sub-Saharan Africa, Common Starling win- tering in Tunisia, Baya Weaver Ploceus pbilip- pinus and Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus in India and, nearer to home, the probably less economically serious (but much publicised and officially deplored) depredations of Wood Pigeon, Rook Corvus frugilegus and Bullfinch. Dr Bibby opined that ‘Introduced species have a nasty habit of being unpredictable.’ True, though less true of birds (because so much is known about many species) than of some other forms of life. Such unpre- dictability is, however, equally true of new species that colonise naturally, such as Col- lared Dove Streptopelia decaocto and (Betti’s Warbler Cettia cetti. They, however, are pro- tected by law, even though, unlike such intro- ductions as Golden Pheasant and Mandarin Duck, they are usually thriving species of wide distribution, with many related and similar species extant, in no need of a ‘second home’ either for conservation 502 British Birds 93: 500-504, October 20()() Letters reasons or by virtue of being exceptionally beautiful or interesting. Dr Bibby commented ‘1 suspect that we may be far too complacent or sentimental, or both. One day, readers of this journal’s “Looking back” column could be amazed to see us calmly documenting the first steps of the spread of a serious pest. There must be a chance that it could be the Rose-ringed Para- keet Psittacula krameri, which is already sufficiently numerous that it would be hard to stop. The problem is that parrots are so irresistible, especially in a continent without them. I have to admit that they always enliven my visits to Kew, where I go to enjoy the exotic plants. ‘We’ may or may not be too sentimental or complacent over many things, but surely all protection of other living creatures - except perhaps the protec- tion from other predators that we tem- porarily vouchsafe our domestic cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry, which we so merci- lessly ill-treat and exploit, and those ‘sporting’ birds and mammals which we protect because we take pleasure (admit- tedly entirely natural pleasure, for we are predators by nature) in killing - is based on and motivated by the sort of sentiment here implicitly condemned? The Rose-ringed Para- keet is certainly one of the many birds often regarded as serious pests in their homelands. In some parts of Britain, quite large numbers of Rose-ringed Parakeets can be seen at com- munal roosts, though nothing like the numbers of Common Starlings and Jackdaws Corvus monedula, which, according to those against it, the Rose-ringed Parakeet now ousts from their nesting sites. My own observations since 1973 of a small popula- tion of Rose-ringed Parakeets suggest that the converse is more often the case. It is, surely, a wonderful bonus to have at least one parrot in a continent formerly without them? If it becomes a nuisance, permitting those affected by it to take action against it would surely soon solve the problem? Dr Bibby envisages readers 50 years hence ‘looking back’ with horror at our com- placency over Rose-ringed Parakeet, but, in my view, they will be just as likely to deplore the loss of Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis in Britain, or even to deplore the successful re-establishment of Northern Goshawk, and perhaps even that ofWhite-tailed Eagle. Dr Bibby denounces those who do not wish to see the Ruddy Duck ‘controlled’ and their ‘essentially sentimental’ arguments against this action, and praises a New Zealand magazine for publishing a photo- graph of a local group that had poisoned 79 Brush-tailed Possums Trichosurus vulpecula in one night, commenting that the New Zealanders ‘know too much to be senti- mental about killing damaging exotic species’. What would have been the reaction if the Ruddy Duck had introduced itself into Britain or Europe, as well it might, consid- ering that other species of North American ducks turn up here regularly (and some Ruddy Ducks may have done)? Would those people now wishing to extirpate it not then have welcomed it with protective legislation and, when it started to hybridise with Wliite- headed Ducks Oxyura leucocephala, have said that this ‘interesting natural experiment’ must not be interfered with? Dr Bibby remembered his ‘first visits to the Solway and to Islay and the excitement of truly wild geese... On Islay, both Barnacle Geese [Branta leucopsis] and Greenland White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons flavi- rostris have been allowed to escape from captivity and breed in the wild. . . There must be a chance that disease or domestication could merge these geese into a sedentary and semi-domesticated travesty of their wild selves.’ Human selection of such geese for greater weight, or for such physical deformi- ties as we find in breeds of domestic dogs, poultry and pigeons bred for show, would truly create travesties of their wild forebears, but their being tame (unafraid of Man), or even (horror of horrors!) becoming seden- tary, would not make them so. The extreme fear of Man that prompts wild geese (and many other birds) to flee from people while still at a considerable distance from them, and, when a person appears suddenly close to them, to flee in terror to a distance beyond gun-shot range, is due to their being or having until recently been habitually shot at by Man. This fear of Man may provide exciting birdwatching, but it is just as much an arte- fact of human behaviour as is the tameness of a goose that shows no fear at one’s approach or even takes bread from one’s 503 British Birds 93; 500-504, October 2000 Letters hand. Nobody, I imagine, will propose that we start to shoot our garden Blackbirds Turdus rnerula and Song Thrushes T. philomelos in order to make them as ‘wild’ as they ‘ought to be’? Please let us treat all birds equally, on their merits, without bias created by thoughts of a non-existent ideal world where everything is ‘natural’. References Bibby, C. J. 2000. More than enough exotics? Brit. Birds 93: 2-3. Crome, F., & Shields, J. 1992. Parrots and Pigeons of Australia. Pymble, NSW, Australia. Goodwin, D. 1978. Birds of Man’s World. Ithaca & London. — 1987. Introduced and re-introduced birds in Britain. Avic. Mag. 93: 226-237. — 1992. Should exotics be condemned or cherished? Brit Birds 85: 334-335. Immelmann, K. I960. Im Unbekannten Australien. Darmstadt. Lever, C. 1987. Naturalised Birds of the World. New York & Harlow. Peterson, R.T. 1948. Wings over America. New York. Sharrock,J.T. R. 1999 Panic ye not. Brit. Birds 92: 442- 444. Young, H. G. 1998. Behaviour of Blackcaps in winter in Jersey. Brit Birds 91: 379. Derek Goodwin 6 Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent BR5 IBY Ducking the real issues I found Dr Colin Bibby ’s fears {Brit. Birds 93: 2-3), that our approach to exotic species may be too ‘sentimental’, a depressing read. Why should we care about birds at all, 1 wonder, if it is not for sentimental reasons? Even the tick lists that your readers collect have sentimental value. To deny that would be to deny a motive for collecting them. You might say that the motive is ‘scien- tific’ - as though science were a pure form of thought, free of sentimental persuasions and concerns. In reality, the dispute over whether or not Ruddy Ducks Oxyura jamaicensis should be culled is not a rational scientific stance versus an irrational sentimental one, although conservationists like to portray it that way. It is a dispute between different sentimentalities. One is the sentimental desire to log, record and manage nature. The other is the sentimental desire to protect nature from violent harm by people. Before we spend thousands of pounds popping off one form of wildlife in favour of another, we need to come up with a sounder justification for doing so. That horrifically uninspirational and largely unheard clarion call ‘Biodiversity!’, which means nothing to just about everybody, is simply not enough. Colin Bibby quoted the Global Biodiver- sity Forum - an elitist collective if ever there was one - as saying that exotics are ‘the only form of pollution which spontaneously self- replicates’. How wrong it is! People are self- replicating everywhere, causing more direct damage to the environment than exotics ever will. Set in this context, esoteric ramblings about exotics, in a Britain that is now one of the most multicultural countries in the World, serve only to make conservation look ridiculous and small-minded. Surely there are more pressing issues? Forgive me if I have already missed it, but I look forward to the day when conservationists argue for bird- watchers to stay at home. All that running about in cars and tearing around the World in aircraft, in search of the rarities that the rest of us are supposed to worry about, is destroying our atmosphere. Which is the more serious problem, do you think? Trevor Lawson PO Box 220, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP6 5XD; trevor.lawson@redfoxmedia.com 504 British Birds 93: 500-504, October 2000 Compiled by Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson Alpine Swifts down and out The Kent Ornithological Society has now completed its investiga- tion and reassessment of the 1915 record highlighted in our feature ‘Seventy-five years ago...’ (now called ‘Looking back’) in September 1990 {Brit. Birds 83: 390) and alluded to by Alan Dean in his review of the species’ iden- tification pitfalls iBrit. Birds 87: 174- 177). This described not only the occurrence of ‘a flight’ of about 100 Alpine Swifts Tachy- marptis rnelba at Kingsdown, Kent, on 15th July 1915, but also their behaviour, which included settling on the ground iBrit. Birds 9: 95). Needless to say, this unique record is no longer con- sidered to be acceptable. Bernard Tucker Memorial Lecture Once again British Birds is spon- soring the Oxford Ornithological Society and Ashmolean Natural History Society’s ‘Bernard Tucker Memorial Lecture’. This is the 50th such lecture in an unbroken series since 1951. The list of annual speakers reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of great ornitholo- gists. This year John Brucker, expert in all things ornitholog- ical to do with Oxfordshire, is to give the lecture. John has been intimately involved with the Oxford Ornithological Society since his first records were pub- lished in the OOS Bulletin of 1951. His subject, appropriately, is ‘Bernard Tucker and Oxford ornithologists of the twentieth century’. The meeting takes place at the University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford, on Tuesday 7th November at 8.00 pm. The meeting is open to the public, and admission is £1.00. Did you know Richard Richardson? Dr Moss Taylor is collecting mate- rial about the late Richard Richardson for a biography of this well-known, popular ornithologist and artist, who lived at Cley in Norfolk during 1949-77 iBrit Birds 70: 541-543). Richard’s name is, of course, per- petuated by The Richard Richardson Award, the annual prize presented to a bird-artist aged 21 or under, which is supported by The Richard Richardson Charitable Trust, established shortly after his death in 1977 iBrit Birds 72: 46, 441). He wishes to hear from all those who knew Richard and who are prepared to share their memories and to provide him with any anecdotes or stories for inclusion in the book. He is also very keen to locate as much memorabilia as possible, including letters or postcards sent by Richard, his personal birding diaries, and any of his sketches and paintings. All contri- butions to the book will be fully acknowledged. Moss is keen to make contact with as many as possible of Richard’s friends, particularly anyone who may be able to provide information about his early days, before he moved to Cley in 1949. Please contact Moss Taylor, 4 Heath Road, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8JH; tel. 01263 823637; e-mail: mosstaylor@care4free.net ‘Birds of the Isles of Surrey' All local-patch enthusiasts will love this book by Robin Stride. The author’s enthusiasm for the countryside around Cranleigh and Ewhurst brings the area and its birds to life with word pic- tures (there are no photographs, but scattered vignettes of birds by Dave Nurney).This largely underwatched inland area (the sea can just be seen on clear days from Pitch Hill) has attracted the occasional rarity, but more remarkable is the absence of any record of Common Redshank Tringa totanus, strangely rated by the author as only the 25th most likely unrecorded species to be added to the list (surprisingly, thought to be less likely than Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus, Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis or Killdeer Plover Charadrius vociferus). There is a list for ‘Anoraks’, which is, as a matter of fact, of considerable interest, and what fun to dis- cover that the largest flock of any species was 20,000 Wood Pigeons Columba palumbus on 11th November 1969, eclipsing the two next largest (3,000 Mal- lards Anas platyrhynchos and 850 Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus'). Unpromising area. Super report-style summary. Copies are available (£6.00 plus £1 .00 p&p) from Robin Stride at 39 Summer- lands, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 7BP. Surfbirds ‘Surfbirds.com’ is a new Internet site, set up as a collaboration between birders in Britain and those in the USA. Found at http://www.surfbirds.com, it promises to be updated frequently with identification articles, news, essays, photographs and trip reports from all over the World. The site also carries ‘current contents’ of several major birding magazines and journals. The enthusiasm within the site makes it stand out, and, if the standard of future contributions matches that of those which have appeared in the first few months, it will become an essential bookmark on everybody’s browser. iMC) © British Birds 93: 505-507, October 2000 505 News and comment Problems for the Saker The European population of the Saker Falcon Falco cherrug is probably only a little over 1% of the World population, with numbers below 600 pairs and decreasing. Only Hungary, with some 80 pairs and an extensive conservation programme, seems to hold a stable or rising popula- tion. One of the major causes of the decline would appear to be the abandonment of grazing regimes that result in a marked decrease in the populations of European Suslik Citellus citellus and Spotted Suslik C suslicus, considered to be the staple diet of Sakers in some areas (see Brit. Birds 93: 136-143) With a World population that may number as many as (optimisti- cally) 45,000 pairs, stretching from eastern Europe to central Asia, the declines at the western edge of the range were probably not significant in global terms. There are, however, additional problems starting to emerge amongst the central Asian popu- lations, where it appears that Middle Eastern money is financing the taking of nestlings and capturing of adults on a large scale for the falconry trade. Numbers, probably running into thousands of birds annually, are being shipped out, and substantial areas which once held thriving populations are now without Sakers. This has the potential of being one of the major conservation prob- lems of the next few years. With large sums of money and polit- ical power-play all part of the scenario, it will be a difficult one to solve. Indeed, in some areas, it may already be too late. Perhaps this is a task for the new’ OSME as... , . . OSME stretches its wings The Ornithological Society of the Middle East (OSME) has extended the region that it covers to include the Central Asian states of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbek- istan and Kazakhstan, as well as Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. This means that articles and papers relating to birds in these countries will be welcome for OSME’s journal, Sandgrouse, and bird and conservation news from them will feature in the ‘Around the Region’ section. Ornithological research projects in the countries concerned will also be eligible for project- funding by OSME, and nationals will be able to apply for the NHBS/OSME book award and will also be eligible to obtain a free subscription to OSME through the sponsored-member- ship category. OSME is inviting all those interested in birds in Central Asia to join the Society to help support the promotion of the conservation of birds and birdwatching in this region. OSME will not be changing its name, but will include a strap- line to the effect that it is now the 'Ornithological Society of the Middle East and Central Asia’. Membership rates are £.15 if you live in the UK, £20 if you live in Europe, £20 for surface mail outside Europe and £25 for air mail outside Europe. Further details of the sponsor-a-member scheme are available upon request. Subscriptions should be sent to OSME, c/oThe Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 2DL, UK. Basking Sharks: photographs wanted If you are out on a pelagic trip, or engaged in other activities where you may come across a Basking Shark Celorhinus maximus, then a photograph would be much appreciated. This will be of value in a photo-identification project aimed at assisting with conservation and international protection for the species. For further details, contact Kelvin Boot, National Marine Aquarium, The Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 OLE; tel. 01752-275204; website: www.baskingsharks.co.uk Look out for Bullfrogs A paper in British Wildlife (11: 327-330) details the arrival of the North American Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana in the British countryside. The presence of this species can have a significant (and detrimental) impact on other amphibians. At one site in Sussex, where the American intruder is particularly numerous, an eradication project is underway. Birdwatchers visiting wetlands should be aware of this species and the need to report suspected Bullfrogs. An identification leaflet and audio tape designed to assist with the identification of adults, including their call, froglets, tadpoles and spawn is availalile from Froglife, Mansion Mouse, Hale.sworth, Suffolk IP 19 HAY; tel. ()198(>873733. Barbara Young on the move again In 1991, after holding several senior positions in the National Health Service, Barbara Young (a name at that time unknown in birding circles) was appointed Chief Executive of the RSPB. Her eight years in the post left an indelible stamp on the Society, a period of tremendous growth in finances and land ownership and, of course, the millionth member. Following her elevation to the peerage (as Baroness Young of Old Scone), she moved on to a new role in English Nature, as Chairman of the governing (k)uncil. Yet again, her presence was felt, with a significant rise in Government funding and, as one 506 ® British Birds 93: 505-507, October 2000 News and comment staff member was heard to comment, ‘At last we are putting our heads above the parapet.’ From November 2000, she will be stepping down from her English Nature role (as well as from posts as Vice-Chairman of the BBC and non executive Director of Anglia Water) to take up the appointment of Chief Executive of the Environment Agency. The Agency’s primary aim is to ‘protect and improve the environment and make a contribution towards the delivery of sustainable develop- ment through the integrated management of air, land and water.’ Barbara once said that she always turned to News and comment’ in British Birds to see what she and members of her staff were doing. We wish her well in her new post. Announcement Wintering Farmland Birds survey In winter 1999/2000, British Birds subscribers and BTO members joined forces to scour the countryside for concentra- tions of farmland birds (see Brit. Birds 92: 532). Through ‘Casual Record Eorms’ and ‘Winter Walk Eorms’, observers were asked to report such sightings to provide a better insight into the numbers and distribution of birds on farmland in winter. To date, we have received 432 Casual Record Eorms and 596 Winter Walk Eorms. The amount of information provided by these is amazing: the Casual Record Forms alone include counts of 1,200,000 individuals of some 55 species, including, for example, over 100,000 Fieldfares Turdus pilaris, 1,500 Reed Buntings Emheriza schoeniclus and 1,900 Tree Sparrows Passer montanus. These counts allow us to identify the sites of impor- tant concentrations, and to determine the preferred habitats of these farmland birds, thereby enabling us to formulate fact- based management strategies. If you have any outstanding forms from last winter, we should be happy to receive them. The survey continues in winter 2000/2001, so if you would like to volunteer to help with this interesting and important fieldwork, or need extra forms, please contact Simon Gillings, Winter Farmland Bird Survey, British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU; tel. 01842 750050; e-mail: winterfarniIand.birds@bto.org; or print copies of the forms from the BTO web page: WWW. bto . org/survey/wfb . htm Honey-buzzards in Britain and Ireland in September-October 2000 The unprecedented incursion of European Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus during mid Sep- tember to early October 2000, concentrated on the English east coast but also extending well inland, will be documented, analysed and discussed in a forthcoming paper by Barry Nightingale and Norman Elkins. The collation will not include hearsay reports: only records that have been verified by the relevant county or regional records committee will be included, so we urge everyone who has seen a Honey-buzzard during this period to submit written details by mail or e-mail to the county or regional recorder concerned. The names and postal addresses of recorders were listed in May 1999 {Brit. Birds 92: 256-258), and the few subsequent changes have been published in ‘News and comment’ . There have been several reports of other raptors being associated with the Honey-buz- zards, including Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosas. Common Buzzards Buteo buteo. Common Kestrels Falco tinnunculus and Ospreys Pandion haliaetus. If other raptor species were accompanying the Honey- buzzard(s) that you saw, please supply details. Observers who have seen Honey-buzzards in several coun- ties may prefer to send their records (and the vital sup- porting notes), for forwarding to the various recorders, to Barry Nightingale, 7 Bloomsbury Close, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS; e-mail: Barry.Nightingale@skf.com © British Birds 93: 505-507, October 2000 507 Sick Clayton Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary of unchecked reports covers the period l4th August to 17th Sep- tember 2000. Cape Verde Petrel Pterodronia feae One, 38 miles northwest of Aranmore Island (Co. Donegal), 18th August. Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diometiea 400 past St Mary’s (Scilly), 29th August; 600 Porthgwarra (Cornwall), 29th August. Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis 5,000 in one hour. Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork), 11th September. Sooty Shearwater P. griseus 4,500 passed Kilcummin Head (Co. Mayo), 6th September. Little Shearwater P assiniilis Portland Bill (Dorset), 25th August; Flam- borough Head (East Yorkshire), 25th August; Skokholm (Pem- brokeshire), 27th August; Strumble Head (Pembrokeshire), 1st September; Hilbre Island (Cheshire), 6th September; Machrihanish (Argyll), 7th Sep- tember. Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicns Pendeen (Cornwall), l"'th August, and ones and twos regularly on pelagic trips off the southwest coast; off Cape Clear, 22nd August. Ring-necked Duck Aytbya collaris Colliford Lake (Cornwall), 20th-21st August; Stithian's Reservoir (Cornwall), 30th August; Loe Pool (Corn- wall), 2nd-4th September; Barrow Gurney Reservoir (Somerset), 9th September. Lesser Scaup A. affitiis Stithian’s Reservoir, 1st September. Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Sark (Channel Islands), 22nd August; Guernsey (Channel Islands), 24th-27th August. Black-winged Pratin- cole Glareola nordmantii Grime Point (Cumbria), 17th August to 3rd September. Amer- ican Golden Plover Pin via I is doniinica Holm (Orkney), 7th September; Carahane (Co. Kerry), 15th September; Tacumshin (Co. Wexford), 16th September. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilia South Ui.st (Western Isles), 9th- 10th September; Tacumshin, 1 6th- 1 ■'ill September. White- rumped Sandpiper C. fitsci- collis Cley (Norfolk), 19th-23rd August; Welney (Norfolk), lst-6th September; Hoylake (Mersey- side),- 2nd September and 9th- 13th September; Ouse Washes (Cambridgeshire), 6th-8th Sep- tember; St Kilda (Western Isles), 9th September; South IJist, 10th September; Bann Estuary (Co. Londonderry), l6th September. Baird’s Sandpiper C. bairdii Two in Co. Kerry and one in Co. Dublin during l4th-17th Sep- tember. Sharp-tailed Sand- piper C. acuminata Pool of Virkie (Shetland), 27th-28th August. Buff-breasted Sand- piper Tryngites snbruficollis Stithian's Reservoir, 8th- 1 1th Sep- tember; Titchwell (Norfolk), 10th- 11th September; South Uist, 10th September; Loe Pool, 10th Sep- tember; Goldcliffe Pools (Gwent), 12th- 14th September; St Mary’s, two on 12th, three on 13th, two on I4th September; four together in Co. Wexford, two in Co. Kerry, and singly in Co. Wicklow and Co. Cork during 302. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos, Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire, September 2000. 508 © liritish Birds 93: 508-510, October 2000 12th-17th September. Short- billed Dowitcher Limno- ciromiis griseus Swords (Co. Dublin), throughout late August to at least l6th September. Long- billed Dowitcher L. scolo- paceus Belfast Lough RSPB Reserve (Co. Down), throughout late August and 11th September. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stag- natilis Vange Marshes (Essex), 1 5 th-1 6th August. Spotted Sand- piper Actitis macularia Steart Point (Somerset), 31st August to 3rd September. White-winged Black Tern Chlicionias leu- copterus Belfast Lough RSPB Reserve, l4th September. Wryneck Jynx torquilla Up to 40, various localities from 24th August to early September. Red- throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Hengistbury Head (Dorset), 24th August; Fair Isle (Shetland), 12th and l4th September. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Fair Isle, 1 4th- 1 6th August; Out Sker- ries (Shetland), 27th August; Quendale (Shetland), 30th-31st August, 4th and 9th September. Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia North Ronaldsay (Orkney), lst-2nd September. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola Fame Islands (Northumberland), 19th August. Lanceolated Warbler L. lanceolata Out Skerries, 1st September; Fair Isle, four: 4th and 11th September, with two new there 12th September. Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocepbahis dumetorum Woolston Eyes (Cheshire), trapped 26th August. Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida Collieston (Aberdeen- shire), 13th-l4th September. Booted Warbler H. caligata Spurn (East Yorkshire), 26th August, two on 27th August; Fair Isle, lst-2nd September and 9th September; Barra (Western Isles), 4th September; Kingsdown (Kent), 10th September. Sub- alpine Warbler Sylvia cantil- lans Spurn, 4th September. Greenish Warbler Phyllo- scopus trochiloides Blakeney Point (Norfolk), 26th August; Sumburgh (Shetland), 26th August; Out Skerries, two on 27th August; Fair Isle, 19th, again 27th August, with two on 28th and one on 30th; Eithie Mains (Angus), 27th August; Spurn, 27th-29th August; Noss (Shet- land), 1st September; Fame Islands, 2nd September; Flambor- ough, 2nd-4th September; Fife Ness (Fife), 3rd September; Grut- ness (Shetland), 4th-6th Sep- tember and 10th September; Fair Isle, 14th September. Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis Spurn, 31st August to 2nd Sep- tember; Fame Islands, two on 3rd Recent reports September; Fair Isle, 4th Sep- tember; North Ronaldsay, 5th September. Isabelline Shrike Lanins isabellinus Nene Washes (Cambridgeshire), 8th-9th Sep- tember. Lesser Grey Shrike L. minor Catfirth (Shetland), 12th September. Woodchat Shrike L. senator Godrevy Point/ Gwithian area (Cornwall), 15th- 18th August; Dungeness (Kent), 1 5th- 1 6th August; St Mary’s, 23rd August, with two 24th-30th August, one 2nd September. Rosy Starling Stiirnus rose us Lodmoor (Dorset), 27th August; North Ronaldsay, 3rd and 9th September; Glencolmcille (Co. Donegal), 9th-llth September; Strumble Head, lOth-llth Sep- tember. Common Rosefinch Carpodacus er^tbrinus Two, Cape Clear Island, I4th Sep- tember; four, Tory Island (Co. Donegal), l6th September; Malin Beg (Co. Donegal), 17th Sep- tember. Ortolan Bunting Emberiza bortulana Aranmore Island (Co. Donegal), 11th Sep- tember; Tory Island, l6th Sep- tember. Yellow-breasted Bunting E. aureola Noss (Shet- land), 27th August; Durigarth (Shetland), 2nd September; St Kilda, 5th-6th September. Black- headed Bunting E. melano- cepbala Sumburgh, 25th August. 303. Wryneck/yw.v torcjuilla, Spurn, East Yorkshire, September 2000. British Birds October 2000 509 Gary Bellingbam Mike Miilpass Robin Cbittemien Gary Bellingham Recent reports 304. Above, Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trocbiloides, Flamborough, East Yorkshire, September 2000. 305. Left, Dotterel Cbaradrins inorinellns, Gorton, Suffolk, September 2000. 306. Below, Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subrnficoUis, Titeh well , Norfolk, September 2000. > Rare Bird News supplies all its information fre; to British Birds. Call UWU-aBB- 111 for the laa-.si, iip-t«-ilate news (28p/min cheap rate: i 1 p/niiii other times; incliKlmR VAT) 510 British Birds 93: 508-310, October 2000 Classifieds l^Al ES Text: -tOp per word. Minimum 15 words. Semi-display: Mono.il 5 per see (width -tOmm) ori32 per dee (width 85mm). Minimum 2em. Series: 5% diseount for 6, 10% diseount for 12. (All rates exelude vat at 17.5%) Payment for all elassified advertisements must be made in advanee by VISA, Mastercard or by cheque payable to British Birds Ltd. Copy deadline: lOtli of the month. Contact: Philippa Leegood, British Birds. The Banks, Moiintfield, East Sussex TN32 5.[Y Tel: 01580 882039. Fax: 01580 882038. E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk BOOKS BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND 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 2\VH.Tel:01433 62 1999. Fax: 01433 62 1862. Web; www.hawkridge.co.uk RARE AND OUT OF PRINT books on Ornithology. Isabelline Books. Tel; 01392 201296. Fax; 201663 BACK NUMBERS OF ALL leading ornithological and natural history journals, reports, bulletins, newsletters, etc. bought and sold. Catalogue available. David Morgan, Whitmore, LImberleigh, Devon EX37 9HB 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 £6.95 Inclusive P/P to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, Beverley, HU17 8RP. 01482 881833 COUNTY BIRD REPORTS BIRDS OF OXFORDSHIRE 1998 - Ji6.50 inc. p&p obtainable from R. Overall, 30 Hunsdon Road, Iffley, Oxford 0X4 4JE. WILTSHIRE BIRD REPORT 1998 - The new 1998Wiltsliire Bird Report contains 112 pages, a detailed systematic list of the county’s birds, and a selection of colour photographs and articles. It is now available, price £.7.00 (inc p&p) from N. Pleass, 22 Ferrers Drive, Swindon.Wiltshire WN5 6HJ. WANTED NE’WTON/WOLLEY: Ootheca Wolleyana STC. Please write to: David Ellison, 2 Second Avenue. Rothwell, Leeds LS26 OJU. HOUDAY ACCOMMODATION Scotland MORVERN (DRIMNIN) HOLIDAY COTTAGES. Beautifully situated by Sound of Mull. Superb walking and wildlife. No pets. Open all year £100-£175 fully inclusive. Tel/F.ax: 01967 421308 OVERSE^XS PRO’VENCE, CAMARGUE. Farm cottage, also b&b. Rogers, Mas d'Auphan, Le Sambuc, 1 3200 ARLES, France.Tel: (0033) 49097204 1 , Fax: (0033) 490972087 SOUTH AFRICA, CAPE COAST, HERMANUS. Excellent bird and whale watching. Comfortable 3 bedroomed house, self catering, sleeps 6. Exceptionally close to beach and lagoon. Pool, tennis courts and laundry available. Car essential. Phone Leonie 020-8423-2652 BIRDWATCHING HOUDAYS The Pheasant Hotel Kelling, Nr. Cley, North Norfolk. Tel: 01263 588382 This established hotel is ideally situated between tlie harbour village of Blakeney and the seaside town of Sheringhani. Set in 2 acres of grounds. The Pheasant has tawny owls and woodpeckers nesting in its grounds with nightjars and nightingales nearby. The Pheasant is the ideal base from where you can explore the delights of the N. Norfolk Coast and the wildlife it has to offer. Winter break rates and group rates are available. Organised Birdwatching Tours are also on offer. , AT TITCHWELL overlooking reserve and sea THE THREE HORSESHOES INN offers en-suite rooms, home cooked food, classical music, convivial atmosphere. BIRDERS BREAKS - Summer rate until 31st October 2000: £33 75 pppn for DB-l-B, min. 2 niglits, 2 persons sharing, excluding Bank Holidays. Please telephone 01485-210202 for brochure/reservations. BIRD HOLIDAYS. Professionally led worldwide birding tours. Relaxed pace. Free brochure, write to Bird Holidays, 10 Ivegate, Yeadon, Leeds, LSI 9 7RE or phone 01133 910510 (ATOL 3586). NEW ZEALAND / SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS. Join us for rare and interesting endemics, the world's finest collection of seabirds and spectacular scenery: MANU TOURS, 106 Ocean Beach Road, Tairua 2853, New Zealand. Phone/Fax; (64) (7) 864- 7475. Email: manutours@nzbirding.co.nz Website: www.nzbirding.co.nz AUSTRALIA: LOTUS LODGE, 200-h species of birds. Resident naturalists, outback experience. Extensive variety of flora and fauna in far north Queensland. 114 hour flight north of Cairns. Superior accommodation. Excellent cuisine. Tel: 617 4059 0773. Fax: 6l7 4059 0703. Web: http://www.cairns.aust.com/lotus bird NORTH WEST BIRDS. Go on your foreign holiday but take a short relaxed break in the UK as well. Super Birding - Very Smaii Groups - Easy Access. Brochure - Mike Robinson 015395 63191, Barn Close, Beetham, Cumbria LA7 7AL. Email: nwbirds@compuserve.com http://ourworld.compuserve.com/ homepages/nwbirds Come to Donana, the wild heart of Spain. Professionally led binding - botany excursions. Small groups and individuals. All year round. Charming guesthouse facing the marshes. Transfer from airport. Personalised stays. Full board from £20. All inc. 6 days from £195. Ltd. Aguila Imperial 150, 21750 El Rocio, Huelva, Spain. Tel/Fax: 0034 959 442466. E-mail: donana@slstelnet.es Information and prices: www.sistelnet.es/donana CASSOWARY HOUSE Rainforest Guest House Cassowaries! Riflebirds! Red-necked Crakes = A great birding destination. 14 regional endemics around Atherton Tablelands, plus also Cairns/Great Barrier Reef. Beautiful relaxing location, excellent food, expert local guiding. Phil and Sue Gregor>'. Phone: (61) 740 937318 Fax: (61) 740 939855 E-,majl: sicklebilI@interneinorth.com.au Website: www.cassowar>-house. com.au Cassowary House. Blackmountain Road.PO Box 387, Kuranda 4872. Queensland, Australia. BACK ISSUES BACK ISSUES OF BB are available at £6.50 each (£10 for the Rare Breeding Birds issue) from British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY. Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01 580 882039 or e-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk OPTICAL EQUIPMENT INSURANCE Ace Optics of Bath THE BEST DEALS IN OPTICS ALL TOP BRANDS INC. QUESTAR TEL: 01225-466364 16 Green Street. Bath BAl 2JZ Binoculars & Telescopes Top Makes, Top Models, Top Advice, Top Deals, Part Exchange Show Room Sales 01925 730399 07000 247392 Credit/debit cards accepted PHOTOCOVER A specialist insurance policy for binoculars, telescopes, camcorders, cameras, photo equipment etc. At home, outdoors, in vehicles. Free info pack from Golden Valley Insurance, The Olde Shoppe, Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire, HR2 OES Freephone: 0800-015-4484 Fax: 01981 241062 To place your advertisement in BB contact: Philippa Leegood at British Birds Tel: 01580 882039 E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk British Birds — forecasts — For a detailed weather forecast of any region (today and the week ahead) 0891 11 00 14 For synoptic weather charts by fax (today and tomorrow) 0897 200 229 lntoTT,W.d b, 0 The Met Office 0819 calls are charged at 50p per minute. 0897 fax calls are charged at £1.50 per minute (synoptic chart is one page) New from PICA PRESS The definitive guide to North American birds The North American Bird Guide Written and illustrated by David Sibley Softback 24 1 X 1 53mm; 544 pages £25 ISBN 1-873403-98-4 David Sibley’s stunningly detailed paintings of the various plumages of more than 800 species of North American birds, accompanied by his precise descriptions, notations and up-to- date range maps, make this beautiful, comprehensive volume the indispensable guide and reference tool for every birder. I'oi' more inlormaiion or a briKhiire eonlaci: Pica IVchs. The Ranks. Moiminclil. Nr Rolvitsbriilgc. Easi .Sussex I N.!; .5J N Tel : 0 1 .580 88056 1 Fax : 0 1 580 880.54 1 BB Bookshop Listed books are POST FREE to British Birds subscribers The books included in BB BookShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide the most prompt, efficient and friendliest service possible. Items ordered through this service are despatched to British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books (a Division of CJ WildBird Foods Ltd). Please send order to: BB BookShop, do Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR. Phone: 00 44 (0) 1743 709420. Fax: 00 44 (0) 1743 709504. E-mail: info@wildlifebooks.com Best Bird Books of the Year All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year 1983-99’ (listed in full Brit. Birds 93: 54) are available POST FREE. Please order here, giving title(s) and author(s), or on an additional sheet. Book of the Month Sibley North American Bird Guide (Pica Press) Paperback £25.00 □ Special Offers Byrkjedal & Thompson Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plover (Poyser) (was £27.95) Campbell/Lack H Dictionary of Birds (Poyser) (was £49.95) Ehrlich, Dobkin & Wheye The Birdwatcher’s Handbook (0\5V) (was £8.95) Flegg & Hosking Eric Hosking’s Classic Birds Limited Edition (HarperCollins) (usually £50.00) Forsman The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: A Handbook of Field Identification (Poyser) (was £29.95) G'lhhom ox. a\ The New Atlas of Breeding Birds and Ireland 1988-1999 Gurung & Singh Field Guide to the Mammals of the Indiati Subcontinent (Academic Press) Hadorarn Shirihai The Birds of Israel (Academic Press) Hagemeijer & Blair The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds (Poyser) Holloway The Historical Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain & Ireland 1875-1900 Matthysen The Nuthatches (Poyser) Porter et al Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Poyser) Ridgely & Tudor The Birds of South America (OUP) vol.l £62.50 Q Snow (ed.) The Birds of the Western Palearctic 2-VOLUME Concise Edition (OUP) New this Month Grimmett/Inskipp/Inskipp Field Guide Birds of Nepal (Helm) Newman Newman’s Birds by Colour (N/H) Coming Soon - Order Now Bradley Birds of the Cayman Islands BOU Guide No. 19 Clement et al Helm Identification Guide: Thrushes (Helm) DUE NOVEMBER Ranft & Konig Owls Double CD (Pica Press) Statterdfield & Capper Threatened Birds of the World (Birdlife/Lynx) DUE NOVEMBER 49.95) 17.50) 79.95 59.95 29.95) 29.95) 29.95) vol.2 now Paperback Hardback Paperback Hardback Hardback Double CD Capper Threatened Birds of the World (Birdlife/Lynx) DUE NOVEMBER Hardback SPECIAL PRE PUBLICATION PRICE Swash & Still A Guide to the Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands (Pica Press) Hardback Recommended Books Europe & Western Palearctic Adamian & Klem A Field Guide to the Birds of Armenia (AUA) Field cover Hardback Baker Warblers of Europe, Asia and North TBfica (Helm) Beaman & Madge The Handbook of Bird Identification: Europe and the Western Palearctic (Helm) British Birds The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic each volume 8 — i'95 □ vol.8 □ vol.9 _ ^ 0 Heath Evans Important Bird Areas in Europe: Priority Sits for Conservation 2 Vol set (Birdlife Int) Paperback ' Hardback Jonsson Birds of Europe With North Africt^ and the Middle East (Helm) reprint Paperback Hardback Kighdey, Madge & Nurney Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe (Pica Press) Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Collins Bird Guide - The Most Complete Field Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe (HarperCollins) Best Bird Book of 1999 Peterson, Mountfort & Hollom Collins Field Guide: Birds of Britain & Europe 5th Edition (HarperCollins) £23.95 £39.95 ;5.50 ^8.00 '23.95 ,39.95 "13.95 "63.95 "47.95 "23.95 ;i9.95 "23.95 ‘62.50 "49.50 "19.99 "60.00 "15.99 (35.00 "35.00 "24.99 "70.00 "59.50 "14.95 "35.99 "39.99 "32.00 "65.00 £2.00 '14.99 "75.00 "99.98 ‘15.99 "29.99 ‘11.95 "24.99 "14.99 North America Griggs Collins Pocket Guide: Birds of North America (HarperCollins) Lockwood, McKinney, Paton & Zimmer A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande (ABA) Ringbound National Geographic A Field Guide to the Birds of North America 3rd Edition Paperback i Pranty A Bircler’s Guide to Florida (ABA) I Pyle Identification Guide to North American Birds Part 1 . Columbidae to Ploceidae (Slate Creek) ' Schram A Birder’s Guide to Southern California (ABA) Taylor A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona (ABA) ' South & Central America & Caribbean ^ ^ ^ de la Pena & Rumboll Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (HarperCollins) ffiench A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (Helm) Paperback Howell & Webb Where to Watch Birds in Mexico (Helm) Paperback Raffaele, Wiley, Garrido, Keith & Raffaele Birds of the West Indies (Helm) Stiles & Skutch A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Helm) Africa, Middle East & Indian Ocean Islands, Barlow, Wacher & Disley A Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal (Pica Pv^) £28.00 □ Fry, Keith & Urban The Birds of Africa (Academic) Volumes: 1 £99Q 2 £99[J 3 £99Q 4 £99Q 5 £99Q 6 £1 1 5Q Garh'axx Mammals of Madagascar (Pica Prcs,%) Kemp Sasol Birds of Prey of Africa and its Islands (New Hollan^ Morris & Hawkins Birds of Madagascar: a Photographic Guide (Pica Press) £28.00 Sinclair, Hockey & Tarboton Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland) £19.99 '16.99 "25.95 "12.99 "21.00 "27.95 "25.95 "18.50 ;i9.99 "32.00 "19.99 "35.00 "40.00 Sinclair & Langrand Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands (New Holland) van Perlo Collins Illustrated Checklist Birds of Southern Africa (HarperCollins) van Perlo Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Eastern Africa (HarperCollins) Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Birds ^ Kenya and Northern Tanzania (Helr^ Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Field Guide to the Birds of Kenya and North. Tanzania (Helm) Asia & Pacific Coates & Bishop A Guide to the Birds ofWallacea (Dove) Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Helm) Grimmetu Inskipp & Inskipp Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent Harris & Franklin Shrikes Bush-Shrikes (Helm) Harrison & Worfolk Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka (OUP) Paperback £29.95 Qj Inskipp, Inskipp & Grimmett Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan Inskipp, Lindsey & Duckworth An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region (OBC) Jeyara)asingam & Pearson A Field Guide to the Birds of West Malaysia and Singapore (OUP) Kazmierczak & van Perlo A Field Guide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Pica Press) Kazmierczak & Singh A Birdwatchers' Guide to Ijidia (Prion) Kennedy, Gonzales, Dickinson, Miranda & Fisher A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines (OUP) Lekagul & Round A Guide to the Birds of Thailand (Saha Karn Bhaet) MacKinnon & Phillipps A Field Guide to the Birds of China (OUP) Robson A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (New Holland) Paperback Paperback Paperback Paperback Hardback Hardback Paperback Paperback Hardback Hardback Paperback Hardback Paperback Hardback Australasia Higgins, Marchant & Davies Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds (OUP) 4 volumes □ vol.l Q vol.2 □ vol.3 at £135.00 each Q vol.4 £125.00 Simpson & Day A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (Helm) Paperback Thomas & Thomas The Complete Guide to Finding Birds in Australia (Thomas) Paperback World Clements Birds of the World - A Checklist 5th Edition (Pica Press) 848 pages del Hoyo, Elliott & Sargatal Handbook of the Birds of the World (Lynx) □ vol.l □ vol.2 □vol.3 □ vol.4 Wells World Bird Species Checklist: with alternative English and scientific names (Worldlist) Monographs Chantler it Driessens Swifts Second Edition (Pica Press) Chapman The Hobby (^lequin) ClarK & Schmitt A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, The Middle East and North Africa (OUP) Paperback Hardback Cleere & Nurney Nightjars (Pica Press) (accompanying CD £14.99) □ Davies Cuckoos, Cowbirds and other Cheats (Poyser) Hardback Densley In Search of Ross’s Gull (Peregrine Books) Feare & Craig Starlings and Mynas (Helm) Fuller The Great Auk (Fuller) Harris & Franklin Shrikes & Bush-Shrikes (Helm) Hardback Isler & Isler Tanagers (Helm) Paperback Jamarillo & Burke New World Blackbirds - the Icterids (Helm) Juniper & Parr Parrots: a guide to the Parrots of the World (Pica Press) Konig, Weick & Becking Owls: A Guide to the Owls of the World (Pica Press) Lefranc & Worfolk Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World (Pica Press) Olsen & Larsson Skuas and Jaegers (Pica Press) Palmer Birds New to Britain & Ireland 1600-1999 (Arlequin) Hardback Taylor & van Perlo Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World (Pica Press) Tickell Albatrosses (Pica Press) Hardback Recordings, Videos & CD-ROMS Please add £2.25 p&p per order Doherty ihe Birds of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Four VOLUME VIDEO Doherty Eastern Rarities: The Birds of Beidaihe (Bird Images) Video Doherty The Raptors of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Video Doherty The Warblers of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Video Doherty Shorebirds vol. 1 (Bird Images) Video Dunn The Large Gulls of North America (Bird Images) Video Oddie Bill Oddie’s Video Guide to British Birds (Bird Images) Video Roche Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe (Sitelle/Wildsounds) 4 CDs Binders The British Birds Binder (holds 12 issues & index) New Size Only '17.99 19.99 T9. 99 ^^40.00 T6.99 T4.00 ,55.00 ,17.99 ;^35.00 *55.00 16.99 ,10.00 *29.95 *55.00 *25.00 ,18.75 *34.95 >0.00 >5.00 >9.99 *29.99 T4.99 *13.95 r t Ll a Hardback £35.00 □ □ vol. 5 £1 10.00 each £29.50 □ :28.00 19.95 25.00 ‘55.00 '30.00 24.95 34.95 ,32.00 >5.00 ,35.00 £29.99 £35.00 £35.00 £35.00 £25.00 £24.00 £25.00 £35.00 £40.00 (69.95 >7.95 17.95 17.95 17.95 17.95 ,17.95 >9.95 Wirex retaining - £7.95 Cordex retaining - £7.95 a All special offer prices are valid only for October 2000 (and, for overseas customers only, during the following month). Other prices quoted are subject to any publishers increases. Overseas insurance optional, but recommended if available (please enquire). Make all cheques and POs payable to Subbuteo Natural History Books. Payment can be made in US$ at current exchange rate. All orders are normally despatched prompdy from stock, but please allow up to 21 days for delivery in UK, longer if abroad. Any item ordered through the BB BookShop which fails to meet your approval can be returned to Subbuteo and your money will be refunded without question. I 1 — To qualify for FREE POST please quote your BB reference number: | J Name Address Total £ Cheque/PO enclosed □ If your credit card address is different from that above, please show it here: You can also pay using these credit cards: VISA © Please debit my Visa/MasterCard/Eurocard Expiry date [ 1 1 'T'J LXJIEIXJIIIJ 1 _] Signature You can phone in your credit card orders, quoting your BB ref no. and credit card no. Tel: 00 44 (0) 1743 709420 Fax: 00 44 (0) 1743 709504 E-mail; info@wildlifebooks.com Please send order to: BB BookShop, do Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Guidelines for Contributors British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the Western Palearctic. Except for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted for publication only on condition that the material is not being offered in whole or in part to any other journal or magazine. Photographs and drawings are welcomed. Referees are used where appropriate, and all submissions are reviewed by the British Birds Editorial Board or Notes Panels. Submissions should be in duplicate, typewritten, with double spacing and wide margins, and on one side of the paper only, accompanied by a word- processed version on disk. Both IBM- compatible (PC) and Macintosh disks are acceptable, and most word-processing applications can be easily translated, so long as they are reasonably current. If you are not using an up-to-date, standard program, it is best to submit your paper or contribution in two versions on disk: one in the original word-processed format and one in a basic text format such as RTF (Rich Text Format). The approximate position of figures and tables should be clearly indicated on the hard copy of the text. Figures should be in black ink on good-quality tracing paper or white drawing paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should be typed on a separate sheet. Please discuss computer-generated maps and tables with the designer before starting on them; the software you use may not be compatible. Photographs should be either 35mm transparencies or high-quality prints. Only transparencies will be considered for a front-cover image. Papers should be concise and factual, taking full account of previous literature and avoiding repetition as much as possible. Opinions should be based on adequate evidence. Authors are encouraged to submit their work to other ornithologists for critical assessment and comment prior to submission. Such help received should be acknowledged in a separate section. For main papers, an abstract summarising the key results and conclusions should be included, but should not exceed 5% of the total length. Authors should carefully consult this issue for style of presentation, especially of references and tables. English and scientific names and sequence of birds should follow The British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1997); or, for non- West Palearctic species, Monroe & Sibley (1993), A World Checklist of Birds. Names of plants should follow Dony et al. (1986), English Names of Wild Flowers. Names of mammals should follow Corbet & Harris (1991), The Handbook of British Mammals, 3rd edition. Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations {Brit. Birds 74: 239- 242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). Authors of main papers (but not notes or letters) will receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Further copies may be available on request in advance, but will be charged for. NaturetreK Don’t miss our £990 selection for 2000 & 200 1 These 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! Naturetrek Cheriton Mill, Cheriton Alresford, Hampshire S024 ONG Tel: 01962 733051 ^ Fax: 01962 736426 e-mail: info@naturetrek.co.uk web: www.naturetrek.co.uk CANADA*S BAY OF FUNDY 17-25 May 2000 ETHIOPIA 17-26 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 13-22 Apr 2001 16-25 Nov 2001 ETHIOPIAN ENDEMICS 24 Nov - 03 Dec 2000 23 Feb -04 Mar 2001 20 -29 Apr 2001 23 Nov -02 Dec 200 1 FLORIDA 17-25 Feb 2001 GAMBIA 27 Oct - 05 Nov 2000 26 Oct -06 Nov 2001 INDIA 17-25 Nov 2000 16 - 24 Feb 2001 13 - 21 Apr 2001 16 - 24 Nov 2001 KAZAKHSTAN 10- 18 May 2001 17-25 May 2001 24 May - 01 Jun 2001 MALAWI 16 - 25 Feb 2001 09 - 18 Mar 2001 NAMIBIA 19 - 28 Jan 2001 02-11 Feb 2001 16 - 25 Feb 2001 NEPAL Departures every Friday throughout Jan & Feb 200 1 04-13 May 2001 18 - 27 May 2001 NEPAL - THE TRAGOPAN TREK 11-20 May 2001 25 May -03 Jun 200 1 SOUTH AFRICA 15-24 Sep 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20-29 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE BIRDING 23 Mar -01 Apr 2001 24 Aug - 02 Sep 200 1 SOUTHERN MOROCCO 15-24 Sep 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 02-11 Mar 2001 13 - 22 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SRI LANKA 18-27 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 16 - 25 Mar 2001 16 - 25 Nov 2001 TANZANIA 27 Oct - 05 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct - 04 Nov 200 1 TEXAS 13-21 Apr 2001 THAILAND 10 - 19 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct - 04 Nov 2001 UAE & OMAN 12-19 Nov 2000 25 Feb - 04 Mar 2001 15-22 Apr 2001 07 - 14 Oct 2001 WASHINGTON STATE 14 -22 Apr 2001 ZAMBIA 03-12 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20-29 Apr 2001 26 Oct -04 Nov 200 1 "o • / O' ^-r British Birds Volume 93 Number 11 BritairrH >* 199^ :eiss* British Birds Established 190~, incorporating Tbe established 18-13 Published by BB 2000 Limited, trading as ‘British Birds’ Registered Office: 4 Henrietta Street, Covent Carden. London WC2E 8SF British Birds Managing Editor Dr J.T. R. Sharroek Personal Assistant Frances Bucknell Assistant Editor David A. Christie Editorial Board I. Carter, Dr R. J. Chandler, Dr M. Collinson, R. J. Pr^therch, N. J. Redman, Dr j.T.R. Sharroek Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Design Mark Corliss Photographic Research Robin Chittenden Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood Circulation Manager Vivienne Hunter Administration Sally Young Rarities Committee Chairman Prof. Colin Bradshaw Hon. Secretary Michael J. Rogers Paul Harvey, John McLoughlin,John Martin, Doug Page, Adam Rowlands, Ken Shaw, Dr Jimmy Steele, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Grahame Walbridge Archivist John Marchant Statistician Peter Fraser Museum consultant Ian Lewington Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C. J. Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J.J. M. Flegg, Prof I. Newton FRS, Dr M.A. Ogilvie, Dr J.T. R. Sharroek, Dr K. E. L. Simmons, Dr Angela Turner (Co-ordinator) Identification Notes Panel Prof (iolin Bradshaw, Dr R. J. Chandler, R.A. Hume, T. P. Inskipp, P G. Lansdown, S. C. Madge, I. S. Robertson, K. E.Vinicombe (Co-ordinator) Annual subscription rates Libraries and agencies £66.50, $1 16.00 Personal subscriptions IIK, Europe, surface mail: £53. ‘50 Outside Europe, airmail: £85.00 Concessionary rates (National, Regional & County' bird club members) UK - £40.00 Europe & Outside Europe, surface mail: £44.00 Young Ornithologist’s rate £26.75 (YOC UK only) Please make all cheques payable to British Birds Lid. Single back issues £6.50 Available from British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5JY Please make cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Rarities Issue £10 - available as above. CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION OFFICE The Banks, Mountfield, Nr. Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01580 882038 Subscriptions & Circulation Vivienne Hunter E-mail: subscriptions@britishbirds.co.uk Accounts & Administration Sally Young E-mail: accounts@helm-information.co.uk Design, Production & Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk EDITORIAL OFFICE Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ Tel/Fax: 01767 640025 Papers, notes, letters, artwork. Journals, etc. Dr J.T. R. Sharroek E-mail: editor@britishbirds.co.uk Persona! Assistant Frances Bucknell WWW. bKitishbirds.co.uk BB Bookshop c/o Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Tel: 01743 709420 Fax: 01743 709504 E-mail: info@wildlifebooks.com ‘News & comment’ information Bob Scott & Wendy Dickson, 8 Woodlands, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PEI 9 ILIE Tel: 01480 214904 Fax: 01480 473009 E-mail: abscott@tinyworld.co.uk ‘The Ornithological Year’ bird news Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, 7 Bloomsbury (dose, Woburn, Bedfordshire MKl’^ 9QS Tel: 01525 290314 Rarity descriptions M. J Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, C.ornwall TR26 3AZ Front-cover photograph: Ivory Gull Pagopln'la eburnea, Suffolk, December 1999. {Robin Chittenden) For more information about British Birds visit our website at: www.brifishbirds.co.uk Great deals for 2001! EILAT 11-18/25 March with Killian Mullarney A whole host of middle-eastern specialities, plus a wealth of northern migrants, on the shores of the Red Sea. 8-27 May with Paul Holt For an spring full of Siberian migrants join us in this Chinese birding hotspot. GOA 27 October-11 November with Paul Holt Sunbirder is the choice for this Indian Ocean resort. Paul's knowledge of the region's birds is unrivalled. 12-19 May with Killian Mullarney Travel north with us to see Scandinavia's owls, northern specialities and spring migration on the Gulf of Bothnia. All events offer a full, professionally-led excursion programme. For an information pack, contact Sunbird specifying which event you are interested in. 3003 Sunbird (BS), P O Box 76, Sandy, Beds, SGI 9 IDF Telephone: 01767 682969 Fax: 01767 692481 E-mail: sunbird@sunbird.demon.co.uk Web site: www.sunbird.demon.co.uk Your money is fully protected by our own ATOL bond. Sunbird is a trading name of Conderbury Limited OUT NOW! Our 2001 brochure, featuring dozens of great birding holidays ... Lesbos • Cyprus • Greece • Corsica France (Camargue, Pyrenees, Vercors) Spain (Andalucia, Extremadura, La Mancha, Pyrenees, Sierra de Credos) Canary Islands • Holland • Austria Hungary (Hortobagy, Zemplen, Cranes) Bulgaria • Romania • Iceland Finland & Arctic Norway • Lapland Morocco • Israel • Oman • UAE Gambia • Ethiopia * Kenya • Namibia South Africa • Siberia • Bhutan • Nepal India * Sri Lanka • Malaysia • Borneo Australia • New Zealand • New Caledonia Philippines • USA (Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas) Canada • Costa Rica • Cuba • Trinidad Venezuela • Peru • Brazil A Limosa 01263 578143 • TRusT-i S j s'iSKS'i?: VV/fe With some trips already full, make sure YOU don't miss out on the fun! Most major Fax:012 63 579251 e-mail: limosaholidays@compuserve.com Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 OLZ SPAIN & ISRAEL FEBRUARY - JUNE 2001 TWO WEEK TRIPS COMFORTABLE SMALL GROUPS RELAXED PACE EXPERT GUIDING BRAND TOURS Bachlaan 13, 4102 BP Culemborg The Netherlands Fax: +31 345-549462 E-mail; stijnbrand@hotmail.com www.brandtours.nl BIRD NEWS to PAGERS and MOBILE PHONES Up to the minute bird news wherever you are. Local news, national news Rare Bird Alert 01603 456789 For all your advertising enquiries contact: Philippa Leegood Tel: 01580 882039 design@britishbirds.co.uk SUBBUTEO NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS is now a division of C. J. WildBird Foods Ltd located at: The Rea Upton Magna Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Tel: 00 44 (0)1743 709420 Fax: 00 44 (0)1743 709504 E-mail info@wilcUifehooks.com Check out our new website on www.wiIcUifehooks.com We will continue to offer a selection of books in BB Bookshop recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. British Birds Volume 93 Number 1 1 November 2000 512 5S Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 M.J Rogers and the Rarities Committee Regular features 568 Monthly Marathon Paul Holt 569 Looking back 569 B Recent BBRC decisions 570 Note Woodpeckers in Europe Ward J. M. Hagermeijer, David Fisher and DrJ. T. R. Sharrock 571 Letter Conservation, taxonomy, nomenclature and gadfly petrels Dr WR P. Bourne 572 News and comment Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson 574 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan © British Birds 2000 ZEISS Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 M. J. Rogers and the Rarities Committee with comments by John Martin and Doug Page This is the forty-second annual Report of the British Birds Rarities Com- mittee, and it is an almost complete record of all the rare birds recorded in Britain in 1999. What a fantastic year it was, with, potentially, three new species for the British List. As usual, the Committee has worked extremely hard to get the majority of records from 1999 into this report. The BBR(^ works to a very tight timetable, and even minor delays in submission can make a dif- ference as to whether or not a record appears in the appropriate year’s report. Sub- mission of spring and summer rarities before the autumn makes a huge difference to our ability to process records, particularly if it has been an exceptional spring. Once again, we are indebted to county' recorders and to most observers, who work hard to make our jobs easier. This year, there are about 45 rea- sonable claims that either have arrived too late for inclusion or have not yet been sub- mitted, including the Rame Head Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica, the Skegness Red- flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus and the North Ronaldsay Collared Flycatcher Ficediila albicollis. This number compares favourably with previous years, which demonstrates that birders continue to regard ratification by the BBRC as important. One important record from previous years is still outstanding: we still have not received any details of the Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia reported from Stronsay in 1998. Fhe quality of many of the records received this year particularly impressed us, in terms of both the birds themselves and the documentation that accompanied the record. These included Short-toed Eagle Cir- caetiis galliciis (which, despite turning up in October, has already been accepted by both the BBRC and the BOLT Records Committee), Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatiis and Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromiis griseus (which are still being assessed by the BOURC). In addition, there was an invasion of rare swifts (the Nearctic Chimney and the Palearctic Pallid Apiis pallidus), and Britain’s second American Coot Fulica americana, second Mourning Dove Zenaida macroiira and second Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala . Other very rare species included Slender-billed Gull Lams getiei, Royal Tern Sterna maxima, Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris. Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata, Iberian Chiffchaff Phyl- loscopus brehmii and a host of rare thrushes and chats from America, Siberia and the Mediterranean. Many of the submissions show that, despite the ready availability of photographs, the best birders still make detailed and precise field notes and sketches. Because of the quality of the sub- missions, the Booted and Short-toed Eagles and Short-billed Dowitcher were accepted on first circulation around the members of the BBR(], and Short-billed Dowitcher should rapidly follow Short-toed Eagle onto the British List. We may have to wait somewhat longer for the Booted Eagle, however, since European guidelines (established by the Association of European Rarities ('ommit- tees) suggest that, where a bird is seen in more than one country, the respective records committees should liaise to ensure that the record is treated in the same way in 512 © British Birds 93; 512-567, November 2()()() Rogers et ;il.; Report on rare birds in < rreat all countries involved. The BOURC may, therefore, need to negotiate with both the Republic of Ireland’s Irish Rare Birds Com- mittee and the Northern Ireland Bird Records Committee. Contrast this year’s highlights with those of previous years, when, by chance, many of the species claimed have been rather more controver- sial. The Slender-billed Curlew Numeniiis tenuirostris claim from May 1998, for instance, is, at the time of writing, on its second circulation, with a batch of pho- tographs of skins of the relevant age; we hope to reach a decision during this round. The position of the report of the Nearctic form of Common Snipe - ‘Wilson’s’ Snipe - Gallinago (gallinago) delicata from Scilly in 1998 is even more complex. Not only is there still some debate concerning the taxo- nomic position of this form, but we are also awaiting confirmation of the reliability of the majority of the mooted field-identification features. The BBRC was formed in 1959 {Brit. Birds 52: 241-244), when it started by consid- ering records for 1958. Prior to that, the deci- sion on whether individual rare-bird reports would go ‘onto the national record’ was made by the editor of British Birds, assisted by one or two friends with a working knowl- edge of rarities. This process was changed to the current system of the BBRC to ensure independence and a wide range of both expertise and opinions in the assessment of records. It is interesting that there are others who still use the pre-1958 assessment prac- tices and who have made suggestions that we revert to something akin to the old process to facilitate getting records into the public domain more speedily. We fundamen- tally disagree with this, and believe that each record should continue to be fully assessed by the BBRC. When good-quality pho- tographs exist and there is little doubt about identification, the record goes through a streamlined assessment process (nicknamed ‘fast-track’ or ‘motorway’), but, when the record is of an exceptionally rare bird or it does not have supporting photographs, each member of the Committee scrutinises it independently. We believe that it is the rigour and integrity of this process that makes the BBRC’s annual report still eagerly awaited, even in these days of ‘instant news’, and we believe that this process wilP itEnlFflj^EcD scrutiny in the future. •' n Avr Y We also feel that we should maintain the standardised format of our Report, with which most birders are familiar and happy, and which has become a model for other European rarities committees. This does not mean that we are complacent and, in next year’s report, readers will see significant additions to the package. We now welcome submissions by e-mail to secretary.bbrc® dial.pipex.com and anyone interested can visit our website www.bbrc.org.uk to view recent decisions. Press releases and sum- maries of previous years’ reports. We are keen to continue our links with county recorders, and would prefer that e-mail sub- missions should, at the very least, be copied to county recorders and, preferably, be sub- mitted via the recorders, many of whom are now on e-mail. We continue to become more democratic and representative in our annual elections, but are disappointed by the lack of people prepared to be put forward for the, admittedly onerous, task of serving on the Committee. This year’s BBRC nominee is in his mid twenties (JBrit. Birds 93: 433), and, if he is elected, this will go some way to coun- tering the image of BBRC as middle-aged and staid. Despite this wish, the Committee would welcome other nominations, as we feel that the process of democracy is more important than our desire to have all age ranges of observers and both sexes repre- sented on the Committee. Since we stated our position on single- observer records in the 1997 report (Brit. Birds 91; 455-457), there have been letters published and comments made that we are prejudiced against such records. Careful reading of the last year’s annual report would show that about 20% of all accepted records came from single observers, and we feel that this shows that we have no precon- ceived ideas about records of birds in such circumstances. We are aware that both geog- raphy and a birder’s degree of sociability affect the proportion of single-observer records, and we know that most good observers will have seen some birds that evade everyone else. It would be naive to think, however, that the circumstances and observer profiles do not play some part in record assessment. For far too long now, the British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 513 Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 assessment process has been clouded with secrecy, but now we prefer to open it up to scrutiny, and we would not seek to pretend that both circumstance and observer profile are not important. Of course, this must be balanced against the quality of the descrip- tion and we would not wish to return to the old days when records were accepted because ‘this observer wouldn’t make a mistake on this species’. It is interesting to see this idea being floated again by some prominent birders and magazines, but we believe that most thoughtful individuals already appreciate that record assessment should and must involve all these criteria, to variable extents. So, contrary to popular opinion, we do not have a policy on single- observer records, but judge all records on their merits. Although we remain well aware of the potential problems in using such infor- mation, we do consider trends in recording, both from location and individuals, and make appropriate use of this during the assess- ment process. We should like to thank Al Jaramillo, Arnoud B. van den Berg, Bjoern Hoeyland, David Whaley, Dennis Paulson, Dick Forsman, Didier Vangerluwe, Gunter De Smet, Hannu Jannes, Janos 01ah,John Sanders, Kimball Garrett, Ned Brinkley, Paul Lehman, Ricard Gutierrez, Ron Pittaway, and Will Russell for their input on difficult records this year, and Keith Naylor for his extensive practical assis- tance in respect of historical data. We also wish to thank all those who have agreed to act as ad hoc advisers to the BBRC, including Per Alstrom, Arnoud B. van den Berg, Louis Bevier, Ned Brinkley, Geoff Carey, Alan Dean, Jon Dunn, Jim Enticott, Dick Forsman, Kimball Garrett, Erik Hirschfeld, Hannu Jannes, Al Jaramillo, Paul Lehman, Bruce Mac- tavish, Michael O’Brien, Dennis Paulsen, Ron Pittaway, and Will Russell. We continue to be enormously grateful to Carl Zeiss Ltd for sponsorship of the Com- mittee, which has supported our work for the past 18 years. Colin Bradshaw Systematic list of accepted records The principles and procedures followed in considering records were explained in the 19‘^8 Report (Brit. Birds 53: 155-158). The systematic list is set out in the same way as in the 1998 Report (92: 554-609). The following points show the basis on which the list has been compiled: 1. The details included for each record are (1) county; (2) locality; (3) number of birds if more than one, and age and sex if known (in the case of spring and summer records, however, the age is normally given only where the bird concerned was not in adult plumage); (4) if pho- tographed, tape-recorded or video- recorded (and this evidence seen or heard by the Committee); (5) if trapped or found dead and where specimen is stored, if known; (6) date(s); and (7) observer(s), normally up to three in number, in alphabetical order. 2. In general, this report is confined to records that are regarded as certain, and ‘probables’ are not included. In the cases of the very similar American Pluvialis dominica and Pacific (iolden Plovers P. fulva, Long-billed Limnodromus scolopaceus and vShort-billed Dowitchers Lgriseus and Eastern Phylloscopus orien- 514 talis and Western Bonelli’s Warblers P. bottelli, however, we publish indetermi- nate records, and this also applies to those of pratincoles Glareola , albatrosses Diomedea and frigatebirds Fregata. 3. The sequence of species, English names and scientific nomenclature follow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palea retie (1997). 4. The three numbers in parentheses after each species’ name refer specifically to the total number of individuals recorded in Britain & Ireland (excluding those ‘at sea’) (i) to the end of 1957, (ii) for the period since the formation of the Rarities Committee in 1958, but excluding (iii) those listed here for the current year. The decision as to how many individuals were involved is often difficult and rather arbi- trary, but the consensus of members is indicated by ‘possibly the same’ (counted as different in the totals), ‘probably the British Birds 93'. 512-567, November 2()()() Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 same’ (counted as the same in the totals), or ‘the same’ when evidence is certain or overwhelming. An identical approach is applied to records of a particular species recurring at the same locality after a lapse of time, including those that occur annu- ally at the same or a nearby site. In con- sidering claims of more than one individual at the same or adjacent locali- ties, the Committee usually requires firm evidence before more than one is counted in the totals. A detailed break- down of the figures for previous years is held by the Hon. Secretary. 5. Irish records, assessed and accepted by the Irish Rare Birds Committee or by the Northern Ireland Birdwatchers’ Associa- tion, are included separately, following the subheading IRELAND. 6. The breeding and wintering ranges are given in parentheses at the beginning of each species’ comment. Wliite-billed Diver Gavici adamsii (18, 185, 14) Argyll Machir Bay, Islay, first-summer, 21st September (S. Bearhop, S. C.Votier). Caithness Dunnet Bay, first-summer, 20th June, video. (J. Corbett, J. Smith et aI9). Kent Dungeness, two single adults, 30th April (S. R Clancy, R. E. Turley). Orkney North Ronaldsay, age uncertain, 25th April (R. McGregor). Outer Hebrides Tiumpan Head, Lewis, adult, 14th May (R. D.Wemyss). Pembrokeshire Strumble Head, adult, 27th September (G. H. Rees, R. Wilkinson et al?). Shetland Wlialsay, adult, 29th April (M. Heubeck, M. Mellor). Kirkabister, adult, lst-2nd May (M. Heubeck et ^?/.).Aith Voe/Mousa Sound, adult, 2nd June (R. M. & R. P. ErayA.J. Mackay et a!.). Eetlar, second-summer, 9th July to 22nd August (P. Dieudonne, PA. Harris, M. G. Pennington et al?). Sussex, East Ovingdean, first-summer, 3rd June (I.T. Barnard). Sussex, West Selsey Bill and Church Norton, age uncertain, 28th November, 7th-8th December (B. P. Porbes, R. Ives, D. I. Smith et all). Yorkshire, North Piley, adult, 12th-17th November, photo. (C. C. Thomas, G.Watola et al.). 1994 Caithness Dunnet Bay, first-summer, 13th-25th May (J- Smith). (Arctic Russia eastwards to Arctic Canada) Still more passing along the English Channel with the spring movement of divers. Is the recent apparent increase here merely a result of increased awareness and confidence in flight identification? The long midsummer stay of the Petlar bird was notable. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymhus podiceps (0, 31,6) Breconshire Llangorse Lake, 15th January to 7th February, photo. (M.V. Preece et al.). Cornwall Nanjizal, since 5th November 1998 iBrit Birds 92: 557), to l4th April. Glamorgan Cosmeston Lakes, 31st January to 7th March, possibly to 31st (L. Middleton et al.). Kent Singleton Lake, Ashford, at least 27th February to 23rd March, photo. (D.W. Taylor et al.) (plate 307). 307. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps, Singleton Lake, Ashford, Kent, February 1999. British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 515 Chris Bond Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Norfolk Stowbridge, 17th-28th March, photo. (C. Donner et al.)\ presumed same, Thompson Water, 3 1 st March to 1 2th May, photo. (P. J. Dolton, R Newport, Mr and Mrs Wliite et al.)\ presumed same as Surrey. Outer Hebrides Loch Fada, Benbecula, 28th November to at least 1 1th December (A. Stevenson et al.). Oxfordshire Stanton Harcourt Gravel-pits, 9th- 1 4th November, photo. (N. J. Hallam et al.). Scilly St Mary’s, 17th-20th March, photo. (M. S. Scott et al.y, same as 1998 below. Surrey Walton Reservoir, l6th March (D. M. Harris et al.); also in Norfolk. 1998 Scilly Bryher, 28th October to 1st November, photo, (per D. Chapman, W. H.Wagstaff et al.); same,Tresco, 24th November to 25th February 1999 (R.J. Hathway per W. H.Wagstaff)- See also 1999 above. (North America) Overlapping dates and plumage differences clearly showed that the Brecon- shire and Glamorgan records related to different individuals. The steadily emerging pattern of spring records is further reinforced. It seems likely that the Outer Hebrides and Oxfordshire birds were recent arrivals from the New World. Madeira/Cape Verde Petrel Pterodroma madeira/feae (0, 26, 5) Cornwall Porthgwarra, 26th August (A.J. Musgrove et al.). Devon Prawle Point, 17th August (P. Clack, M. Darlaston, M. Knott, A. Rennels et al.). (Central Atlantic) Another good year, with the second half of August reconfirmed as the best bet for this distinctive seabird. Though there are two previous June records, the Northumberland sightings were the first for November. Little Shearwater Pujfinus assimilis (5, 94, 3) Cornwall Gwennap Head, 13th August CL K. Archer, J. A. Flynn, T. N. Worfolk).Trevose Head, 9th September; another, 30th (S. M. Christophers). (Atlantic south from Madeira and (Caribbean, southern Pacific and Indian Oceans) Observers of this difficult-to-prove species should note as much detail as possible of size, shape and struc- ture, flight pattern and plumage, ideally with direct comparison with Manx Shearwater Pujfinus pujfinus - often a tall order in seawatching conditions. Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus (4, 28, 5) Scilly Poll Bank, about 3-4 km S of St Mary’s, 7th July (M. S. Scott, PA. Stancliffe, W. H.Wagstaff); 18th July, photo. (M. S. Scott et al.); two, l6th August (M. S. Scott, PA. Stancliffe). Somerset Burnham-on-Sea, 2nd October (A. M. & B. E. Slade et al.). At sea Sea area Irish Sea, 51 ° 36’ N 05° 47’ W, 1 6th August, photo. (O. Roberts, H. A. Williams et al.); 51° 34’ N 05° 44’ W, at least three, 25th August, photo. CL Jackson, O. Roberts et al.). At sea Sea area Sole, about 11 km S of St Mary’s, Scilly, 18th July; about 9-10 km S of St Agnes, Scilly, at least five, 3rd August, photo.; about 5.5 km S of St Mary’s, one, 7th August; about 1 1 km S of St Mary’s, two, 7th August, photo. (M. S. Scott et al.); about 70 km SW of Scilly, 15th August (P. French); about 50-60 km SW of Scilly, at least three, 15th August (H. Vaughan et al.). 1995 Scilly Poll Bank, 3-4 km S of St Mary’s, date uncertain, August, photo. CL Pender et al.). 1997 At sea Sea area Fair lsle,6l° 37’ N 02° 45’W, 1st June (G. Leaper, R.W White). 1998 At sea Sea area Sole, 60-65 km SSW of Scilly, three, 16th August, photo. (R. M. Fray, A.J. Mackay et al.). (Southern oceans) Further searches of favoured feeding areas in the Southwest Approaches may yet reveal the regular presence of still more. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens (1,1,0) 1998 Man, Isle of Near Castletown, 9, taken into care ill/exhausted, 22nd December, photo., died October 1999 (per A. S. Moore, Dr J. RThorpe et al.) (plate 308). ( Fropical oceans) A sad end for this, only the second fully identified frigatebird for Britain. The only other magnificens and the four unidentified frigatebirds Fregata recorded in British 5l6 British Birds 9y.‘^\2-‘^B7, November 2000 Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 waters all occurred between 13th June and 24th August, so the arrival date of this individual was unprecedented. It is perhaps not sur- prising that none of the four British frigatebirds seen only in the field has been successfully identi- fied. For an idea of the complexities involved, see Steve Howell’s paper on frigatebirds in the Eastern Pacific in Birding 26: 6, 400- 4 14. Many of us, however, would be grateful for a chance to have a go. American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus (50, 10, 1) Cornwall Camel Estuary, 13th-17th May, photo. (S. M. Christophers, B. M. Phillips et al.). (North America) An astonishing spring record of what is now an exceptionally rare bird here. Photographs left no doubt about the identification. The last was the widely appreciated Marton Mere bird that stayed from 24th January to 12th May 1991. Could this year’s bird have spent the winter on this side of the Atlantic? Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus (150, 200, 3) Devon Near Hallsands, d", 17th May (P. Guy). Kent Stodmarsh, cT, lst-6th June (G.J.A. Burton, S.Warry et al.'). Sussex, East Glyndebourne, 9, 5th June (A. R. Kitson). (West Eurasia, Africa and Australasia; winters Africa and Southern Asia) A typical trio in terms of dates and locations. The average over the previous decade was just over four per year, with 1997, when there were eight, being the best year. Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax (165, 410, 25) Avon Chew Valley Lake, first-summer, 10th-12th June (K.J. Hall et al.). Cornwall Little Petherick, Padstow, adult, 10th-12th April (S. M. Christophers, B. M. Phillips, M. Pitham et al.). Near Perranporth, adult, 12th-13th April (S. M. Christophers, R. Harper). Sladesbridge, adult, I4th-l6th April (S. M. Christophers, S. Grose et al.). Cumbria L}l:h Valley, adult, l6th May, photo. (D. B.Thexton et al.). Devon Countess Wear, first-summer, 1 2th April to 26th May (M. Knott et al.). Slapton, adult, 24th April (B. Whitehall). River Meavy, near Burrator Reservoir, adult, 17th-27th May (N. Trout). Gloucestershire Slimbridge, second-summer, 26th April intermittently to 24th August, photo. (M. J. McGill, P E. Marshall, M.A. Roberts et al.)\ presumed returning individual of 4th-24th June 1998 (Brit. Birds 92: 558); presumed same,Ashleworth Ham, 1st August (K. Heron per A. Jayne). Kent Dungeness, two adults, one second-summer, lOth-1 1th April (C. E. Morris, R. J. Price et al.)\ first-summer, 30th April (R. J. Price et o//»^t;/Hirtl\vatch Rogers ct al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Northumberland Holy Island, adult, 9th May (A. Curr\ et al.). Cresswell Pond, juvenile, 27th October to 6th November, photo. (Mrs M. Bentley et al.). Outer Hebrides Loch Caravat, North Uist, second-summer, 26th-29th April (,J. Ellwood, B. & L. Lowe, B. Rabbitts). Scllly St Agnes and St Mary’s, at least six, including at least four adults, one first-year, one second- year, 9th April to 10th May, adult to 6th June, one adult photo. (M. S. Scott, PA. Stanciiffe, N. Wheatley et al.). St Mary’s, juvenile, 22nd September to 18th October, photo. (R. Scantlebur>’, M.S. Scott er«/.). Somerset Ham Wall, first-summer, 7th-8th June (T. Raven et al.)', presumed same, Sharpham, 21st June (E. J. Howe). Suffolk North Warren, second-summer, 21st-30th April (D.Thurlow). 1996 Yorkshire, South Thorne Moors, age uncertain, 4th June (N. C. Dawtrey, D. J. Prest, A. Zabukas). 1997 Kent Cranbrook, adult, 12th July to 23rd August (S. Mitchell). (South Eurasia, Africa and the Americas; European population winters Africa) The spring influx in Scilly was not without precedent. The most recent such event was in 1990 and was apparent across much of the Southwest. The presumed returning individual in Gloucestershire was notable; it was reported again in 2()()(). Sqiiacco Heron Ardeolci ralloides (95, 50, 1) Lincolnshire Messingham, 3rd-l 1th June, photo. (K. Johnson et al.). (Southern Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa; winters Africa) June is marginally the best month for this handsome buff-and-white heron. The previous decade produced 25 records, ten of them in May and 1 1 in June. Cattle Egret Biibidcus ibis (2, 100, 7) Cornwall Mawgan Porth, 26th April (P. H. tk Mrs B. C4irthew). Kynance, 13th-15th June (.J. R. Lawman, A. R. Pay). Kent Oare Marshes, 1 2th- 1 3th April (J. Martin, A. W. Swandale et al.). .309. (battle Egret Bnhnlcns ibis, Martin Merc, Lancasliire, February 1999. 518 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2()00 Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Lancashire & North Merseyside Burscough, Martin Mere, Rufford and Tarlscough area, 25th January to 11th May, photo. (G. R. Clarkson, C. F. Liggett et al.) (plate 309); presumed same, 4th December to 5th April 2000 (per M. Jones). Nottinghamshire Radcliffe-on-Trent, 4th April, photo. 0- & S. Beresford et al.). Shetland M.V. Hendra, between Mainland and Wlialsay, taken into care, exhausted, 27th January, photo.; transported to Portugal courtesy of British Airways; released in good health. La Rocha, 18th February (per Dr B. Marshall, K. Osborn et al.). Sussex, East Ovingdean, 25th January to 10th May, photo. (D. C. Lang, R.T. Pepper,A. B. Watson et al.). 1998 Sussex, East Rye, 24th-26th April (P. M.Troake, Dr B.J. Yates). (Almost cosmopolitan in tropics; nearest breeding in north of France) Another good year. The Shetland bird was exceptionally far north, and part of a small midwinter influx. It should con- sider itself fortunate to have made it back to warmer climes. Great White Egret Egretta alba (10, 103, 10) Breconshire Llangorse Lake, 21st April (M. & Mrs V. Shrubb et al.). Cambridgeshire Nene Washes, 25th August (J. PTaylor). Cleveland Cowpen Marsh, l6th-17th June, photo. (M. A. Blick, S. Parish, M. N. Sidwell et al.). Dorset Radipole, 5th October (G.Walbridge et al.). Hampshire Langstone Harbour, 13th August (K. Crisp et al.). Kent Flmley, 6th August (M. Craig, M. Finn, J. A. Rowlands et al.). Northumberland Castle Island, Bothal Pond and Longhirst Flash, llth-12th July, photo. (A. Tilmouth et al.). Outer Hebrides Near Balivanich and Loch Mor, Benbecula, 27th April to 17th May (H. Macintosh, B. Rabbitts,A. Stevenson et al.). Surrey Frensham Little Pond, 30th August (S. P. Peters); same. Unstead, 30th (B. Milton, J. Winder). Worcestershire Westwood Great Pool, 1 lth-12th September (S. M.Whitehouse et al.). 1998 Argyll Loch Gruinart, Islay, 18th May (C. R. McKay et al.). IRFLAND 1998 Down Comber Estuary', Strangford Lough, 25th November to 6th December {Brit Birds 92: 560), to 9th {Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1998: 24). (Almost cosmopolitan, extremely local in Europe) The upward trend in numbers continues, with another excellent year for this elegant heron. Details of a colour-ringed bird in Wiltshire in September have not yet been submitted, though presumably this is the same bird as the one which also briefly visited Worcestershire. The 1998 Argyll bird swells the already record total for that year to 13- Black Stork Ciconia nigra (26, 114, 2) Norfolk Felbrigg and Northrepps area, 8th May (T. Eadsden, B. J. Murphy); same, Cley and Kelling, 8th-9th (E. Forbes, T. O’Connor et al.)\ sanie,Winterton and Bacton area, 9th-10th (D.A. & Mrs J. S. Bridges et al.); same, near Gunton Park, 11th, Incleborough Hill and Dersingham, 15th (per G. E. Dunmore). Nottinghamshire Cropwell Bishop area, 1 3th June (K. A. & M. Naylor, M. Ry'an); same, Kinoulton, l6th (J.A. Hopper). 1998 Cornwall Church Cove, Lizard, 28th August (A. & M. Lord). (Eurasia and southern Africa; winters Africa) Another poor year. Brent Goose Branta bernicla North American and East Siberian race B. b. nigricans (1, 95, 15) Essex West Mersea, 23rd February (C. Wills). Hamford Water, 27th February (A. J. A. Dally, H. Vaughan). Kent Dartford Marsh, 13th November (D. Miller, D. Willett et al.). Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, intermittently, 2nd February to 22nd March (K. M. Wilson et al.). 519 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Frampton Marsh, 18th March (S. Kcightley). Kirton Marsh, 5th-6th April; possibly same, Sth December (S. Keightley). Biitterwick Marsh, 12th December (M. Harrison). Norfolk Cley and Blakeney area, two, since 7th November 1998 {Brit. Birds 92: 562) to at least February (per G. E. Dunmore). Lynn Point, 24th January (A. D. Collins); presumed returning 1998 individual (Jirit. Birds 92: 562). Holme, 2()th-23rd November, possibly since 13th (M. Hoit, K. Langdon,T. Lowe et al.y, presumed same asTitchwell, Holme andThornham area, last noted 28th March iBrit. Birds 92: 562). Wells Harbour, at least lOth February; presumed same, 5th October to 10th November (J. R. McCallum). Holkham Marsh and Wells Harbour, up to three, "^th-lOth February, one to at least end of March; one presumed same as that last noted 6th-8th November 1998 {Brit. Birds 92: 562); presumed two of same, Holkham Marsh, 2()th-23rd November, one or other since 15th (M. Hoit, K. Langdon,T. Lowe et al.). Northumberland Holy Island, 12th-27th November (P R. Davey, M. J. H. Denny et al.). Sussex, West Chichester Harbour, 12th January to 29th March, photo. (C. B. Collins, B. F. Forbes, E. Urquhart et al.^. Pilsey Island, 8th October to 4th November (C. B. & Mrs M.A. Collins); possibl}’ same as above. 1998 Essex Blackwater Estuary, 23rd December (A. I. Malley). IRELAND Londonderry Roe Estuary, Lough Foyle, 22nd January; same, Carrickhugh, 23rd September to 19th October; presumed returning individual from previous winters {Brit. Birds 92: 562). Longfield Point, Lough Foyle, lOth November (per G. Gordon). 1998 Down Greyabbey Bay, Strangford Lough, 21st October {Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1998: 29). (Arctic North America and East Siberia; winters USA and East Asia) Presumed hybrid young have been noted in Britain and the Low Countries for over a decade, but the pleas for fuller descriptions of this taxon in these pages are still all t(iO frequently ignored. The Committee con- siders that the well-documented bird in north Norfolk - which showed many features of this race, but lacked a full neck-band - is not safely attributable to this race. Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis (15, 41, 1) Norfolk Lynn Point, adult, l4th to at least 18th February (A. D. Collins et al.). 1996 Suffolk Bramford, 25th December {Brit Birds 92: 563), to 26th; observers WJ. Brame, L. Woods, J. Zantbeer. 1998 Yorkshire, East Tophill Low and Nosterfield, adult, 17th January to 13th March, photo. (E. J. Hediger, R. Lyon et al.). (West Siberia; winters Southeast Europe) The Norfolk record is entirely typical, but the prove- nance of the one in Yorkshire must be more doubtful, and that bird is excluded from the species totals. American Wigeon Anas americana (22, 364, 23) Angus & Dundee Montrose Basin, cT, 3rd-l6th January (R. D. Goater et al.y, possibly same, 26th September to 7th October (P N. Collin et al.). Argyll Crinan, (^T, 4th-9th April (S. Crawford, P. Daw). Ayrshire Doonfoot, cf , 30th May to 2nd June, photo. (B. C. & E. Forrester, D. Given et al.). Caernarfonshire Conwy, cf, since 1998 {Brit. Birds 92: 563), same, Morfa Madryn, lst-2()th January (per J. Green). Caithness Brough, cT, 1st July, video. (J. Smith). Cornwall Hayle, cf, 21st October to 23rd March 2000, photo. (S. M. Christophers, I. Kendall, L. Webb et al.). Devon Roadford Reservoir, first-winter o", llth-17th October (D. (diurchill, R. Doble, A. M. Jewels). Dorset Abbotsbury and The Fleet area, cf, since 26th September 1998 {Brit. Birds 92: 563), to at least 2 1 St February. Greater Manchester Pennington Flash, o”,6th February (PJ.Alker, P. M. Robinson, N. Tasker). Gwent Peterstone Wentlooge, first-winter cT, intermittently, 31st October to 27th November; 520 British Birds 93: 5 1 2-567, November 2000 Rogers et al..- Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 If.fT "^oAr^ Fig. 1. Male American Wigeon Anas americana, Orkney, November and December 1999- same, Goldcliffe, 28th November (P. Bristow et al.}. Hampshire Farlington Marshes, d", since 6th December 1998 to at least 21st February {Brit. Birds 92: 563), to 9th March. Highland Udale Bay, Ross & Cromarty, first-winter cT, 28th October (M. A. Newell, C. Round). Kent Dungeness, cf , 25th, 28th April (P. G. Akers, S. Huggins, R. J. Price et al.}. Lancashire & North Merseyside Leighton Moss, cf, since at least 7th November 1998 CBrit. Birds 92: 563), to 4th January (per M. Jones). Red Nab, Heysham, cf , 23rd-24th October, 9th November (A. Draper, P. J. Marsh, L.Tollitt et al.}. Moray & Nairn Lossie Estuary, cf , l4th November to at least 12th December 1998 {Brit. Birds 92: 563), to 20th January (per R. D. Murray). Loch Spynie, cf , 19th June (R. Proctor). Norfolk Cley, cf , 2nd January (I. Burrows, A. McLennan). Berney Marshes, cf , 18th February, 1 1th- 13th March; presumed same, 4th November (P. R.AEard et al.}\ presumed returning individual of 25th November 1998 {Brit Birds 92: 563). Northeast Scotland Loch of Strathbeg, cf, 27th January (P V Harvey, R. A. Schofield); possibly same, 28th March (R. Coleman). Ythan Estuary, see 1998 Northeast Scotland below. Northumberland Linton Pond, cf , 12th Eebruary, intermittently, 10th-25th March (R. Norman et al.y, same, Longhirst Plash, 19th-20th March (M. J. Sharpe et aiy, presumed same as Cresswell Pond, llth-26th November 1998 iBrit Birds 92: 563). Lindisfarne, cf, 17th-20th Eebruary (P. R. 521 British Birds 93; 512-567, November 2000 K. E. Hague Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Davey, M. J. H. Denny et al.)] same, Fenham Flats, 22nd to at least 23rd (A. Curry, J. Dobinson); presumed same as Budle Bay, 6th November 1998 (jBr/Y. Birds 92: 563); Cf, 8th-20th October (M. J. FI. Denny et al.)] presumed returning individual. Hauxley, cf , 1st July, video. (N. F. Osborne). Orkney Loch of Tankerness, cf, 13th March, video. (K. E. Hague); cf, lst-2nd September, video. (K. E. Hague et al.). Loch of Suckquoy, cT, 24th November to 21st March 2000, video. (K. E. Hague et al.) (fig. 1). Loch of Tankerness and Mill Sound, cf, 1 1th November to 6th March 2000, video. (K. E. Hague et al.). 1998 Anglesey Braint Estuary, cT, 7th April (S. & Mrs R. Culley); presumed same as Caernarfonshire (Brit Birds 92: 563). 1998 Forth Area Kinniel Lagoon, cT, 25th-26th April (G. Owens, R. Shand). 1998 Northeast Scotland Ythan Estuar>; O’, 29th December to at least 4th January 1999 (R. McGregor et al.). 1998 Nottinghamshire Idle Stop, first-winter O, 8th March to 17th April; Lound Gravel-pits, first-winter O', 4th-27th April (Brit. Birds 92: 563), now considered same. 1998 Staffordshire Blithfield Reservoir, O, 23rd August to 23rd October (R. E. Harbird et al.). IRELAND Down Quoile Pondage, 0, 18th- 19th April (per G. Gordon); presumed same as 1998 below. Londonderry Lough Beg, O, 20th August (per G. Gordon). Tyrone Kinturk Flat, Lough Neagh, 0, 7th-19th March (per G. Gordon). 1998 Down Quoile Pondage, O, 7th November (Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1998: 20). (North America; winters USA and Central America) The table below gives the monthly new arrivals in Britain during 1999: Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. 3 1 3 2 1 1 2 1 2 5 2 0 The October peak is again evident. The good numbers in the first few months of the year may reflect the good autumn arrival of 1998 as much as or more than new transatlantic arrivals. American Black Duck Anas rubripes (1, 25, 3) Cornwall Camel Estuary, cf, since 27th December 1998 to 2nd January (Brit. Birds 92: 564). Stithians Reservoir, cf, since 29th October 1998 to 20th February, photo. (Brit. Birds 92: 564); presumed same, 4th October to 2000 (A. J. A. Dally et al.) (Brit. Birds 93: plate 73). Colliford Reservoir, cT, 17th-21st January, intermittently to 16th February, 29th October to 29th November (S. M. Christophers et al.)] 9, 3rd, 15th November (S. M. Christophers). Devon Bowcombe Creek, Kingsbridge Estuary, first-winter cT, 29th October to 8th November (P Davidson et al.). (North America) The new bird early in the year was presumably part of the previous autumn’s record influx. Further new arrivals in the autumn swelled the numbers in the South- west still further. One claim has yet to be submitted, while another is still under consideration. Great care is needed to ensure that the hybrid possibility has been fully eliminated. Hybrids may be quite likely now that a number of long-stayers appear to have established themselves. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (19, 222, 10) Cleveland Haverton Hole, first-winter cT, lst-1 1th January (G. Iceton et al.). Coatham Marsh, two CT cf , 9th September, photo. (M. A. Blick et al.). Dorset Abbotsbury, 9, 27th April, photo. (S. A. Groves et al.). Essex Hanningfield Reservoir, cf, 9th September to 2000, photo. (C. Wills et al.). Kent Stodmarsh, cf, 31st January, lst-25th March, photo. (D. & K. (x)wton, S. R.Warry et al ). Norfolk Titchwell, 9, 3rd October (P M. Wilson). Scilly St Mary’s, 9, ^ge uncertain, 26th October, photo. (M. S. Scott, K. Webb et al ). Sussex, East Seaford Head, cf, 25th March (B. R. (iilmore, C. Lowmass et al.). 1997 Suffolk Pipp’s Ford Gravel-pits, Needham Market, 9, 23rd September to 1998 (Brit. Birds 522 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 91: 467), now considered of captive origin (per D. F. Walsh). 1998 Kent Grove Ferry, cf, 28th June (J.A. Rowlands et al.)\ present l4th-28th, photo. IRELAND Londonderry Lough Beg, 9 or juvenile, 9th September (per G. Gordon). (North America; winters south to Brazil) The discovery of four individuals on 9th September may be more than mere coincidence. The East Sussex bird was part of a good day’s offshore movement of wildfowl. QmY2i^h?iCk Aythya valisineria (0, 1,0) Essex Abberton Reservoir, cT, 6th-l6th April, 8th November to 15th February 2000, photo. (S. Belfield et al.}; presumed same as Essex, Norfolk, 1997, 1998 iBrit. Birds 92: 566). (Western North America; winters Southwest Canada, USA and Mexico) This bird seems des- tined to feature on year-listers’ itineraries for a while yet (does the phrase ‘kiss of death’ mean anyaihing?). Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca 14) Bedfordshire Brogborough Lake, 9> 26th November to 9th December (K. B. Shepherd et al.}. Buckinghamshire Little Marlow, cf , 30th-3 1st January, photo. (R. D.Andrews,J. Rose,A.J. Stevens et al.}. Derbyshire Carsington Water, first-winter cf, intermittently, 3rd October to at least 4th December, photo. (T. Davison, R. M. R. James, R.W Key et al.}. Dorset Morden Lake, cT, 20th December to 2000 (I. M. Lewis et al.}; presumed returning individual, previously recorded l6th-26th January, 19th-29th December 1998. Essex Abberton Reservoir, cT, 18th September to 1st October (A. J.A. Dally, G. Ekins, H. Vaughan et al.}. Lea Valley Country Park, 9> 28th October to at least 14th November (N. P. Barlow et al.}. Glamorgan Kenfig Pool, two cTcT, 28th April (C. Gittins, M. Hnatiuk, P. Parsons et al.}. Gloucestershire Cotswold Water Park, 9> 12th to at least 23rd September (G.A.J. & PA. Deacon et al.}. Hampshire Timsbury Gravel-pits, first-winter cf, since 8th December 1998 to l4th February (M. P. Moody, D. J. Philpott et al.}. Brockhampton, cf, 23rd-24th April Q. Crook et al.}. Kent Asliford, cf, lst-3rd January (J.A. Rowlands et al.}; presumed same, Stodmarsh, 24th (S. R. Warry et al.}. Leicestershire Rutland Water, 9, 22nd August to 11th September O-A. Forryan et al.}. Norfolk Hickling, cf , 28th February (P. Cawley et al.}. Pembrokeshire Near St David’s, cf , 20th October (O. Roberts et al.}; presumed same, Heathfield Gravel-pits, 21st-23rd, 28th October (M.Young-Powell et al.}. Somerset Ham Wall, 9, since l6th November 1998 to 19th March (D.J. Chown et al.}; presumed same, 21st November to 2000 (per B. D. Gibbs). Worcestershire Bredon’s Hardwick, 9, 21st November (S. J. Huggins, S. M.Wliitehouse et al.}. (Eastern Europe to Kazaklistan and Aral Sea region; winters southern Europe and northern Africa east to Indian Subcontinent) This species was reinstated to the Committee’s list in 1998 {Brit Birds 92: 113-114), though this seems to have taken some observers by surprise as several records for that year remain to be reported. The autumn and winter peak conforms to the pattern described in Keith Vinicombe’s recent paper on the status and identification of this species {Brit. Birds 93: 4-21). The identification process needs to include the elimination of the possibility of hybrids, requiring careful observation and detailed notes. The aforementioned paper is the essential reference. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis (0, 34, 10) Ayrshire Munnoch Reservoir, cf , 9th-10th May (S. C.Votier et al.}; also in Clyde. Caithness St John’s Loch, first-winter cf , 1 1th, 25th January G- Corbett, J. Smith). Cambridgeshire St Ives, cf , 9, fth March to 10th April, probably since 29th January, photo. (A. Payne et al.}. British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 523 lain H. Leach Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britaiti in 1999 310. Female Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, April 1999. Cleveland Saltholme Pools and Reclamation Pond, cT, 6th June to 3 1 st July, photo. (R. C. Taylor et cd). Clyde Linwood Pool, o^, 12th May (A. (Carroll et «/.); presumed same, Balgray Reservoir, 29th-30th (J.J. Sweeney et al.)\ presumed same as Ayrshire above. Cornwall Argal Reservoir, two 99. since 13th December 1998 {Brit. Birds 92: 566), to 6th February, one to 5th March (per G. Conway); presumed one of same, Stithians Reservoir, intermittently, 12th March to l"’th April (A. R. Pay et cd.). Drift Reservoir, first-winter cf, 22nd November to 2000, photo. (G. Hobin, F. Hull et al.). Lincolnshire Cleethorpes, 9. 5th-l6th April, photo. (A. 1. & S. J. McElwee et al.) (plates 298, 299 & 310). Northumberland Bothal Pond, cT, 1st May, photo. (M. J. Sharp et cd ). Perth & Kinross Vane Farm, first-summer cf, 10th, 12th May (P. M. Brooks, A. W. Lauder, K. D. Shaw et al.). ScillyTresco, cf , 26th October to 1 1th November, photo. (R.A. Filby, R. J. Higgins, K. E.Vinicombe et cd.). IRELAND 1998 Tyrone Ardboe Point, Lough Neagh, cf, l6th March {Northern Ireland Bird Rep. 1998: 34); possibly same as Oxford Island, Armagh, 31st December 1996 {Brit. Birds 92: 567). (Western North America; winters south and east to Colombia) Another record year, but, unlike in 1998, the majority of new arrivals were in spring. This perhaps included birds which crossed the Atlantic farther south during the exceptional influx of Nearctic wildfowl late in 1998 and subsequently moved north on the wrong side of ‘The Pond’. King Somateria spectabilis (62, 102, 1) FifeTayport, cT, intermittently, 2nd January to 3rd March (M. Ramage, A. Whytehouse et al. per D. E. Dickson); presumed same as 1998 {Brit. Birds 92: 567). Leven, 9. 't‘ast 1 3th August (K. D. Shaw et cd.)\ presumed .same as Methil and other localities, 1998 {Brit. Birds 92: 567). Northeast Scotland Ythan Estuary, cT, 19th March to 3rd October, photo. 0. Barker et al. per A. 524 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 Rogers et al.. Report oti rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 r 311. Male King Eider Somateria spectabilis, YthTin Estuary, Northeast Scotland, May 1999. Webb) (plate 31 1); presumed same as 1998 below. 1993 Argyll Machrihanish, cT, 3rd November (E. J. Maguire); presumed same as Port Ellen, Islay, 13th October 1993 {Brit. Birds 87: 517). 1998 Argyll Ballochantuy, d", 2iid-10th June (E.J. Maguire). 1998 Mloray & Nairn Kingston, cf, 19th April (M.J. H. Cook et al.X presumed same as Burghead Bay, 5th- 1 4th October 1998 {Brit. Birds 92: 567). 1998 Northeast Scotland Ythan Estuary, cT, 20th March to at least 28th July, photo. (P.A.A. Baxter et r//.); presumed same as Blackdog, 5th- 12th July 1998 {Brit Birds 92: 567). 1998 Shetland Raewick, Redayre,Tresta, cf, last noted Skeld, 24th January 1998 {Brit Birds 92: 567), 6th December (per K. Osborn). IRELAND Down Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough, cf, 20th March to 5th April (per G. Gordon). (Circumpolar Arctic) A lean year, with the only new arrival being in Ireland. Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus (7, 7, 1) Shetland Fair Isle, O’, age uncertain, 15th October (C.A. Holt et al9- (Iceland, Greenland, North America and East Siberia) Less widely appreciated than some of the other gems in an amazing month, this was the first since 1996, and the first male since 1987. Bufflehead Bucephala albeola (2, 6, 0) Devon Roadford Reservoir, o^, since 20th November 1998 {Brit Birds 72: 568), to 13th March. (North America) Wliether or not this bird bore a ring seems still to be the subject of contro- versy. Black Kite Milvus migrans (5, 277, 10) Devon Prawle Point, 6th June (,J. C. Nicholls). Dorset Abbotsbury, 1st June (A. & C. Rogers). Essex Salcott, 1 1th May (N. Harvey). British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 525 Gary Bellingham Rob Wilson Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Kent Dungeness, 15th May (P. G. Akers et al.)\ 30th September (P. G. Akers et al.). Lancashire & North Merseyside Lune Estuary, 19th June 0-W. Bateman). Suffolk Minsmere, 1 4th April (P. Green). Sussex, East Beachy Head, l6th May (D. & J. F. Cooper). Wiltshire Redlynch, 20th August (P. Combridge). Yorkshire, North Whitestone Point, Whitby, 8th May (J.A. Beaumont, R. S. Slack). 1997 Argyll Vaul,Tiree, l6th May (C. R. McKay). 1998 Wiltshire Locality in south, 17th May (G. Pictor); same as Martin Down, Hampshire, 17th {Brit. Birds 92: 568). (Most of Eurasia, Africa and Australasia) As usual, most were in spring and few stayed around for long. One exception (a bird reported lingering in Hampshire in August and September) has yet to be submitted. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus (0, 0, 1) ScUly St Agnes and all islands, juvenile, 7th-l 1th October, photo. (T. R. Cleev^es, M. Hepple, A. H. Pulsford, K. D. Shaw et al.) (plates 35, 36, 273 & 312). 312. Juvenile Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gaUicus, 'si Martin’s, Scilly, October 1999. (Western Europe to Central Asia; winters Africa, sometimes Spain) This, perhaps the most spectacular and unexpected bird of a remarkable autumn, arrived during a cjuite astonishing spell in Scilly. Its five-day stay ended when, with warmer weather and clearing skies on the morning of the Saturday, it left high to the southeast. Autumn migration peaks from late Sep- tember to early October and vagrancy to other northwestern European countries is well estab- lished. Sweden, for example, has amassed over 60 records, with several annually in recent years, while ten have occurred as close to us as the Netherlands. The sea really does seem to be a major barrier which prevents large raptors from reaching Britain. It is heartening to find that it is not 100% effective. Admitted to Category A of the British Li.st by the BOURC on its first circula- tion, can this bird provide any pointers to the likely origin or origins of recent claims of Booted Eagles Hieraaetns pennatiisl Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (3, 6, 1) Suffolk Brantford, cf , 7th May (W. J. Brame, J. Cawston). (Eastern Europe east to western (Ihina; winters from Southeast Europe south to southern Africa and east to .southeastern (ihina) One of ‘the’ birds of the spring, this was the first since 1995. A long-stayer on the mainland would be very popular, and is perhaps overdue. 526 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus (100, 597, 17) Berkshire Horton Gravel-pits, first-summer cf , 1 lth-l4th June, photo. (C. D. R. Heard et al.). Cambridgeshire Wicken Fen, first-summer cf , 21st-27tli June, photo. (I. Barton et al.). Devon Burrator, first-summer cf , 18th-20th May (R. McCarthy et al.). Highland KilmoryArdnamurchan, cf , 13th June (A. D. Mould). Kent St Margaret’s, cf , 20th May Q. M. Warne). Deal, 9, 9th July (Dr M. H. Sykes et al.). Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, cf , Hth May (A. Dowse, H. E. Maggs, K. M. Wilson). Norfolk Winterton, first-summer cf ,9th May 0- R.WiUiamson); 9, 19th May Q. N. Smith). Hickling, cf , 2nd July (I. N. Smith). Pentney Gravel-pits, first-summer cf , 2nd July (P. M. Wilson et al.). Northeast Scotland Bridge of Dee, Aberdeen, cf, 8th June (R. A. Schofield); presumed same, Torry, Aberdeen, 9th (S.A. Reeves). Suffolk Minsmere, first-summer cf , 27th May (S. Gillings et al.). Sussex, East Cuckmere Valley, cf, l4th-19th May, photo, (per D. 1. Smith et al.). Lidham Hill and Guestling area, first-summer cf , 5th to at least 10th June (C. H. Dean et al.). Wiltshire Hamptworth, 9, 2nd August (P. Combridge). Yorkshire, South Thorne Moors, first-summer cf, 12th-13th June (P J. W. Smith, L. N. Sutton et al.). At sea Sea area Dogger, Oil installation Maersk Curlew, 56° 44’ N 01° 18’ E, 9, 7th-9th May (L. Simpson). 1994 Surrey Winterfold, cf , 30th May (N. Broomer). 1997 Northumberland Holy Island, first-summer 9, 4th May (S. Rippon et al.). 1997 Oxfordshire Near Merton, 9, 23rd-30th June iBrit. Birds 92: 569), to 2nd July (per J. S. Baker). 1998 Orkney North Ronaldsay, first-summer cf , l4th May (P. J. Donnelly). 1998 Surrey Unstead, cf , 12th, 27th June (B. Milton); presumed same asThursley Common, 30th May iBrit. Birds 92: 569). (East Europe to Central Siberia; winters Africa) An average year, with a typical spread of dates and locations. Oddly, 14 of this year’s 17 birds were males. This imbalance of the sexes recalls the situation in 1994, when, however, females greatly outnumbered males. Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus (many, 128, 3) Orkney Stenness, first-winter or second-winter 9, 21st January (E. R. Meek). Shetland Whalsay, adult white-phase, 21st February (D. & Mrs J. Arthur, Dr B. Marshall). Gulberwick, 13th March, photo. (W Jackson); presumed same as rescued Norwegian Sea individual below. Voe, 4th April (N. Milligan); also presumed same as rescued individual. Bressay, white-phase adult, 28th April (M. Heubeck, M. Mellor). At sea Norwegian Sea, Oil installation Tern Alpha, about I30 km NE of Unst, Shetland, juvenile cf white-phase, taken into care exhausted, 20th February, photo.; ringed, released in good health, Gott, Shetland, 27th February (per R. Patterson, J. D. Okill, K. Osborn et al.). See also Gulberwick, Voe, Shetland, above. (Circumpolar Arctic) Typical dates and locations. Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla (many, 12, 1) Kent Grove Ferry, cf, 6th June to 20th July, photo. (G.J.A. Burton, B.J.Thomas et al.) (plates 268 & 313). (Eurasia, Africa and Australasia; European population winters Africa) The first since 1995. This bird was located on call and, after initially being extremely elusive, gradually became very con- fiding. The confusingly similar songs, calls and other vocalisations of various birds, insects and amphibians were described by J. F. Burton and E. D. H. Johnson {Brit Birds 77: 87-104), and the very real possibility of misidentification of the call of European Tree-frog Hyla arborea as that of a crake was reinforced by D. M. Norman iBrit. Birds 78: 306). If the bird is not seen, the Com- mittee will need recordings in support of any claim. British Birds 9i. , November 2000 527 Ciliry Bc/linf>h(ini Georffe Reszeter Rogers et al.. Report oti rare birds itt Great Britain in 1999 313. Male Baillon's Crake Porzana pnsilla. Grove Ferry, Kent, July 1999. American (a)ot Fiilicci americana (0, 2, 1) Cumbria South Walney, first-summer, 17th April, photo. (N. Littlewood et al.) (plate 314). (North, Central and South America; winters southern USA, Central and South America) The arrival date was just one day later than Britain’s first, in Kent, three years previously. April could be the month to check your local coot flock. 314. First-summer American Coot I'nlica South Walney, (aimbria, l"'th April 1999. Black-winged Stilt Himaiitopus biimnitopiis (98, 223, 3) Kent Nortliward Hill, two, 21st May (A. Parker et al.). Swale, 21st-2Sth May (.). M.Warne et al.). Norfolk Titchwcll area, since 199H (Brit. Birds 92; S09), throughout year, photo, (per C. E. Dunmore). 528 British Birds 93: 3 1 2-567, November 2000 Rogers et ai.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 1997 Lincolnshire Huttoft Bank, 4th-5th May (H. Harrison et al.). 1998 Kent Northward Hill, 9th-10th May (A. Parker). (Southern Eurasia,Africa, the Americas and Australasia) A multiple arrival at the peak season. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola (31, 52,0) Norfolk Holme, 11th May; Holme, Titchwell and Cley, intermittently, llth-29th, lst-8th June, photo.; presumed same, Berney Marshes, l6th-17th June (per G. E. Dunmore); presumed returning 1998 individual {Brit. Birds 92: 570). 1998 Kent Stodmarsh, 1 lth-13th May (P. J. Chantler et al.y, presumed same as Elmley, l4th {Brit. Birds 92: 570). (South Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa; winters Africa) This bird has returned each year since 1994, a period that has produced only two others, both in 1997. A report of presumably the same bird in Nottinghamshire in June has not yet been submitted. Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni (5, 27, 1) Norfolk Cley, 17th-18th July, 3rd intermittently to 30th August, photo. Q- R- McCallum, D. Nye et al.y, same, Titchwell, 19th-27th July, photo. (R. Wilson et al.') {Brit Birds 92: plate 222); same, Terrington Marsh, 31st July (Dr N. Clark et al.). (West Asia; winters Africa) This bird’s 45-day stay easily beat the previous record set by one at Martin Mere, Lancashire, from 22nd August to l6th September 1998 {Brit Birds 91: 472). Killdeer Charadrius vociferus (9, 47, 1) Devon Aveton Gifford, 9th February (R.W Bone et al.). (North America; winters USA and Central America) Midwinter occurrences are typical. A report from Scilly in October is still under consideration. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius lescbenaultii (0, 12, 1) Lothian Tyninghame, cf , 6th-7th June, photo. (M. Griffin, C. Scott et al.) {Brit Birds 92: plate 146). (Southern Russia east to Mongolia; winters southern Asia and Australasia) The finder of this bird (MG) has an enviable track record of finding rare plovers in this area, the most impressive being the Caspian Plover C. asiaticus at Aberlady in July 1988 {Brit Birds 82: 522). The identifi- cation of sand plovers is far from easy, not least because of the considerable geographical varia- tion within each species. The essential reference is the recent paper ‘Identification, taxonomy and distribution of Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers’ {Brit. Birds 93: 162-1899. This individual was referable to one of the eastern races, leschenaultii or crassirostris. American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica (6, 234, 16) Cornwall Davidstow Airfield, juvenile, 5th October (S. M. Christophers); presumed same, 10th (J. Diamond, M. D. Elcoate, J. J. Packer). Sennen, juvenile, 13th October (S. M. Christophers). Cumbria Anthorn, adult, 7th-9th October, photo. (D. G. H.West et al.). Gloucestershire Slimbridge and Frampton Marsh, first-summer, 20th May (L. P Alder, M. J. McGill, I. J. Rattley et al.). Norfolk Goose Green, Tibenham, adult or first-summer, 26th September (S. Gillings, J. H. Marchant). Northeast Scotland Ythan Estuary, juvenile, 30th September to 29th October (R.A. Schofield, A. WThorpe et al). St Fergus, juvenile, 3rd October (PA. A. Baxter, C. Gibbins, J. E. Harrison) (fig. 2). Orkney Cleat, Holm, adult, I4th-22nd September, video. (K. E. Hague et al.). Outer Hebrides St Kilda, adult, 3rd-13th September, two adults, 4th-13th (A. Robinson). Near Liniclate, Benbecula, adult, 2nd-17th October, photo. (B. Rabbitts,A. Stevenson et al.). Shetland Tingwall, adult, 3rd, 17th October, photo. (P. M. Ellis, J. D. Okill et al.). Fladdabister/Aithsetter, juvenile, 31st October to 1st November (P. M. Ellis, K. Osborn, G.W Petrie et al.). Yorkshire, East Brough Haven, juvenile, 28th September (E. J. Hediger, R. Lyon). British Birds 95: 512-567 , November 2000 529 sit/qqi‘) j Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Fig. 2. Juvenile American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica, St Fergus, Northeast Scotland, 3rd October 1999. Yorkshire, South Old Moor, juvenile, 6th- 1 4th October, photo. (B. Emson, J. McLoughlin et al.). 1998 Lincolnshire Huttoft Bank, first-summer, 9th May, photo. (K. Atkin, D. Hursthouse,T. Rogers et al.). 1998 Orkney North Ronaltlsay, juvenile, 17th September (RJ. Donnelly). IRELAND Londonderry Near Roe Estuary, Lough Eoyle, adult, 25th September (per G. Gordon). (Arctic North America and extreme Northeast Asia; winters South America) A very good year, the total having been exceeded only by the 17 in 1995. Scotland had its best year ever, with eight. Heading north in autumn, rather than southwest, is arguably the best way to find a ‘Yank’ wader these days. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fiilva (0, 44, 1) Cornwall Helston, adult, 19th October to at least 30th November, photo. (M. K. Ahmad, R.Aley, S. Cox et al.). 1998 Cornwall Sennen, first-summer, 3rd-4th May, video. (PA. Fraser, J. E Ryan, P. Walsh et al ). 1998 Norfolk Buckenham Marsh, adult, present 4th-25th July {Brit. Birds 92: 572), 5th-24th onh’. (North and Northeast Asia, and Alaska; winters southern Asia, Australasia and western North America) Like a number of recent records of this species, the Cornish bird was initiall) identi- fied as an American Golden Plover P. dominica .'Xhe solid identification of non-juveniles can be problematic unless close attention is paid to details of wing structure. A number of recent descriptions have been disappointing in this respect, so all credit to the observers who sorted it out. Semipalmatcd Sandpiper Caliciris piisilla (2, 88, 1 5) Argyll Ciott Bay, Tiree, adult, 9th-10th September, video. (A. ). Leitch); juvenile, 6th, 9th-10th September, video. (A. J. Leitch, M. Williamson). Loch (iruinart, Islay, adult, 1 Oth September; juvenile, 9th-l 1th (DrT. ap Rheinallt,A.J. Whitehou.se et al.). Northamptonshire Boddington Reservoir, juvenile, 24th September, photo. (,J. J. Bowley et al.). Outer Hebrides At least eight: Loch Paible, North Hist, juveniles, 4lh September (B. Rabbitts), 530 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 Rogers et al.,- Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 19th September (the late A. D. Barter, J. K. Higginson, S. Turner), 21st September (the late A. D. Barter, B. Babbitts et al.'). Balgarva area. South Uist, two adults, lOth-1 1th September; another, 1 1th; juveniles, 10th-23rd September, two, 1 lth-12th, 19th, photo. (B. Babbitts, A. Stevenson et al.). IBELAND Londonderry Bann Estuary, juvenile, 19th-25th September; adult, 24th-25th (per G. Gordon). 1998 Down Belfast Harbour Estate, adult, 13th-18th August iNorthern Ireland Bird Rep. 1998: 48). (North America; winters Central and South America) A quite exceptional September influx centred on western Scotland was associated with northwesterly gales. It was perhaps surprising that few were subsequently seen in more southerly latitudes. The inland record for Northamp- tonshire was, therefore, even more remarkable. The previous best year was 1996, with seven. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla (6, 30, 1) Yorkshire, East Blacktoft Sands, juvenile, 17th-23rd October, photo. (C. C. Thomas, G.Watola et al.) {Brit. Birds 92: plate 286). (North America; winters southern USA, Central and South America) The second for Yorkshire. The majority of records relate to late-summer/early-autumn adults. White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis (24, 418, 24) Cornwall Stithians Beservoir, juvenile, 23rd October (D. P. Eva, A. J. Harris, B. Johnson et al.). Nanjizal and Land’s End, first-winter, 26th October (K. A. Wilson et al.). Devon Kingsbridge Estuary, first-winter, 2nd-7th November (P. Davidson et al.). Gwent Goldcliffe, adult, l4th-21st September, photo. (D. B. W. Gilmore, M. C. Powell et al.). Hampshire Titclifield Haven, adult, 28th July to 1st August, photo. (B. A. King et al.) (Brit. Birds 92: plate 225). Kent Cliffe, juvenile, 28th October (D. Mercer). 315. Juvenile Wliite-rumped Sandpiper Ca//^/m/M5c/co//A, St Mary’s, Scilly, October 1999. British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 531 Rob Wilson Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Lincolnshire Holbeach Marsh, l6th May (A. H. J. Harrop). Orkney Birsay, Mainland, juvenile, 15th-17th November (R. E. Matson et al.). Outer Hebrides Balgarva area. South Uist, adults, 10th-23rd September, two, 11th, photo. (A. Stevenson et al.). St Kilda, juvenile, 1 lth-12th October (A. Robinson). Scilly NineiTresco, adult, 30th September to 6th October, photo. (R. A. Filby, K. C. Osborne et al.)\ juvenile, 24th to at least 30th October (M. Nash et al.). Br) her, adult, three juvenile/first-winter, 24th-26th October, two, 28th, one to 29th (D. S. Flumm et al.). St Mary’s, juvenile, at least 22nd October (P J. Hornby, M. Jones, N. Robinson et al.)\ same and two others,- 23rd-29th, two to 2nd November, photo. (M. S. Scott et al.) (plate 315). Shetland Fleck and Pool of Virkie, juvenile, 3rd November (P. M. Ellis, A.ET. Fitchett et al.). 1998 Cleveland Dorman’s Pool, adult, intermittently, 13th-27th August {Brit. Birds 92: 574), last date 17th. IRELAND Londonderry Paddy’s Dub, Lough Beg, adult, 3 1 st May (per G. Gordon). Bann Estuary, two adults, 17th-25th September (per G. Gordon). (Northern North America; winters southern South America) An excellent year, with an excep- tional influx to Scilly and elsewhere in October. There was, however, a conspicuous lack of east- coast summer records, though the Hampshire bird could have followed that route. Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii (5, 212, 7) Argyll Loch Gruinart, Islay, juvenile, 5th-21st September (A. S. Cook et al.). Cornwall (darnel Estuary, adult, 22nd-25th August (S. M. Christophers). Norfolk Berney Marshes, juvenile, 28th-29th September; same, Cantley Pools, lst-9th October (P R. Allard et al.). Outer Hebrides St Kilda, juvenile, 28th-30th August; two further juveniles, 3rd-4th September, one to 7th (A. Robinson). Loch Paible, North Uist, juvenile, 4th-5th September (B. Rabbitts et al.). 1998 Northumberland Holy Island, juvenile, 21st September, photo. (D. G. H. & Mrs M. West). (North America and northeastern Siberia; winters South America) A multiple occurrence for the second year running, this time heralding a record influx of Semipalmated Sandpipers C. piisilla to the Western Isles. Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola fcdcineUus (23, 179, 9) Caernarfonshire (4)nw>', 24th May (I. Higginson, R. N. Prue). Cheshire Frodsham, 16th- 19th May, photo. (A. M. Broome et al.) (Brit. Birds 92: plate 152); possibly same as Caernarfonshire. Northeast Scotland Ythan Estuary, 29th May to 1st June (P. D. Bloor et al.)] possibly same, 20th- 2 1st July (P. S. Crockett et al ). Northumberland Holy Island, 25th May (A. D. McLevy). East Chevington, 18th-20th June, photo. (M. Hepple, K. D. Shaw et al.). Orkney Loch of Tankerness, 9th June, video. (K. E. Hague). Shetland Boddam Voe, 6th-8th June, photo. (P.V. Harvey, M. Heubeck,W. Jackson et al.). IRELAND Down Belfast Lough, 12th May (per G. Gordon). (North Eurasia; winters Asia and Australasia) A good year, with Scotland recording its best-ever total of four. (ireat Snipe Gcdlinago media (180, 105,4) Orkney North Ronaldsay, lOth May (M. Gray et al.). Herston Head, South Ronaldsay, 16th September (R. J. Simpson). Shetland Fair Isle, 13th September; presumed .same, 16th ((]. A. Holt, D. N. Shaw et al.). Out Skerries, 24th-26th September (P.V. Harvey, Dr R. Riddington et al.). (Northea.st Europe and Northwest Asia; winters Africa) A monopoly for the Northern Isles of this enigmatic wader. 532 British Birds 9)>: November 2000 Rogers et al.; Report o?j rare birds in Great Britain in J999 Long-billed Dowitcher Limnoclromus scolopaceus (9, 204, 2) Cheshire Frodsliam, age uncertain, 19th February intermittently to 22nd April (W. S. Morton et cil.y, presumed same as Marshside Marsh, Lancashire & North Merseyside, below. Kent Grove Ferry, age uncertain, 20th February intermittently to 24th April (B. A. Ryan et cd.). Elmley, adult, 31st March to 28th April; same, Oare Marshes, 15th July to 24th August (J- A. Rowlands et at.)', presumed returning individual last noted Oare Marshes, 18th July to 11th October 1998 {Brit Birds 92; 575). Lancashire & North Merseyside Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay, near Cariiforth, since 1998 {Brit. Birds 92: 576), to 21st April (per M. Jones). Marshside Marsh, since 1998 iBrit Birds 92: 576), to l4th May, photo. (T. Baker et al9). 1998 Northeast Scotland Loch of Strathbeg, juvenile, 4th October (A. Burnett); same,Ythan Estuary, 4th-13th (R. Minshull, R.A. Schofield et al9). 1998 Shetland Pool of Virkie, juvenile/first-winter, 17th September (G. H.,W. F. &W. R. H. Peplow). 1998 Wight, Isle of Bembridge, juvenile/first-winter, 21st November to at least 20th December 0- Cole, D. J. Hughes, S.Warburton et al.'). IRELAND Londonderry Lough Beg, adult, 13th-17th May (per G. Gordon). (North America and Northeast Siberia; winters USA and Central America) More long-stayers, but only two new arrivals. Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda (15, 34, 2) Scilly St Mary’s, juvenile, 7th-30th October, photo. (M. L. Hawkes,J. Wells et al.) (plate 316). St Martin’s, juvenile, 10th October (R. Wilson); same, St Mary’s, llth-l6th, 21st-30th, one or other to 31st, photo. (M. S. Scott et al.). (North America; winters South America) The first multiple occurrence of this species in Britain and Ireland, at the classic location. iT 316. Juvenile Upland Sandpiper longicauda, Si Mary’s, Scilly, 18th October 1999. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (12, 90, 10) Essex Abberton Reservoir, juvenile, 9th-20th August (A. Kettle et al.). Kent Sandwich Bay, juvenile, 13th August (Dr M. H. Sykes et al.). Lancashire & North Merseyside Seaforth, Marshside Marsh and Crosby Marine area, three British Birds 93: 5 1 2-567, November 2000 533 Jim Pattinson Stei 'e l'o//H^£;/Birclwatch Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 juveniks, at least 3rtl August, two, 5th-l4th, photo. (S. Ledson, C. Sharratt, S.J. White et cil.) (plate 317). Scilly Tresco, juvenile, 22nd-25th July, photo. Q- C. Harding, M. S. Scott et at.). Suffolk Trimley Marshes, adult, 31st August (N. Odin). Yorkshire, West Astley Lake, New Swillington Ings, three juveniles, 3rd August (P Colley, A. Robertson). 1998 Suffolk Landguard, age uncertain, 19th September (^J.Askins, N. Odin, M. James). (Southeast Europe, west and east Asia; winters Africa, southern Asia and Australasia) As if to make up for last year’s blank, there was a record early-autumn influx, including two parties of three juveniles on 3rd August. These were preceded by the first for Scilly. Greater Ydlowlegs Tringa melcmoleuca (12, 23, 2) Kent Elmley, l6th, 30th-31st March (E R. Gomes, J. A. Rowlands et at.)- Outer Hebrides Loch Mor, Benbecula, 2nd November to at least 9th March 2()()(), photo. (S. Murray, B. Rabbitts et at.'). (North America; winters USA south to southern South America) Could the Kent bird possibly be a returning, and now ageing, individual, first seen in 1996? Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes (35, 240, 9) Anglesey Cemlyn Bay, 7th-13th May (D. Brown, S. Culley, S. Davies et at.)- Cornwall Drift Reservoir, juvenile/first-winter, 25th-29th September, photo. (G. Hobin et at.). Kent Oare Marshes, 3rd May (Dr A. M. Hanby, S. Honey). I^ncashire & North Merseyside Banks Marsh, two, 29th January, intermittently since 1998 (Brit. Birds 92; 577), one or other to 2nd May (per M. Jones). Northumberland East Chevington, 15th June, photo. (M.J. Sharp et at.). Shetland Fair Isle, Lst-4th May (S.J. Turner et at.) Scatness, 3rd-6th May (11. R. Harrop et r//.). Haroldswick, Unst, 2()th May (PA. Harris, M. G. Pennington et at.)- 1998 Essex (ireat Wakering, at least 2 1 st-23rd September {Brit. Birds 92: 577), to 24th. 534 British Birds 93: 512-567, Novc'niber 2000 Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 1998 Kent Elmley, adult, l6th July iBrit. Birds 92: 577), was l6th August. 1998 Sussex, East Icklesham, 3rd October (I. Hunter et al.y, presumed same as Cuckmere Haven, 25th September to at least 1st October iBrit Birds 92: 577). IRELAND Londonderry Lough Beg, adult, 9th-24th September (per G. Gordon). Myroe Levels, Lough Foyle, juvenile, 10th-19th October (per G. Gordon). (North America; winters southern USA, Central and South America) An average year in terms of numbers, but for two-thirds to occur in spring is most unusual. Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus (3, 50, 4) Caernarfonshire Conwy, 29th April to 3rd May, photo. (A. Davies, I. Higginson et al?) (plate 265); presumed same as Cheshire. Cheshire Frodsham, 26th-27th April, photo. (G. Bellingham et al.y, also in Caernarfonshire. Kent Monk’s Wall, 22nd May (D. C. Gilbert et al?). ScLUy St Mary’s, 1 lth-23rd April, photo. (M. S. Scott et al?) {Brit Birds 92: plate 383). Suffolk Minsmere, 27th-28th May, photo. (G. R. & Mrs H. Welch et al.). (Northeast Europe and Siberia; winters Africa, south Asia and Australasia) Another excellent year, equalling 1986 and 1995 and exceeded only by last year’s five. The first for Scilly was also by far the earliest ever, beating last year’s Kent bird by 24 days {Brit. Birds 92: 578). Could the North Wales and Cheshire records have referred to the same bird, following a west-coast route? They were also earlier than any previous British record of the species. Spotted Sandpiper macularia (6, 120,4) Derbyshire Willington Gravel-pits, juvenile, 28th September (M. Roome). Devon Blackstone Meadow, Plym Estuary, first-winter, 4th October (V. R. Tucker et al.y present 3rd-4th, taken by Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. Lincolnshire Holbeach Marsh, adult, 1 5 th-2 8th August, photo. (S. KeightleyJ.A.W. Moyes, P.Todd et al.). Moray & Nairn Loch Spynie, adult, 25th May (D. M. Pullan et al.) (fig. 3). 1998 Cornwall Marazion, juvenile, 17th September (A. M. Slade). 1998 Shetland Pund’s Water, 2nd July {BrU. Birds 92: 578), was 5th July. 1998 Suffolk Bawdsey, juvenile, 8th-20th September, photo. (W J. Brame et al.). (North America; winters USA south to Uruguay) The Devon bird was taken by a Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus on its second day. British Birds 9y^\2AGl , November 2000 535 Dave M. Pullan Chris Bond Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Wilson’s Phukirope Phalaropiis tricolor (1, 275, 1) Yorkshire, South Edderthorpe Flash, first-winter, 9th October (G. J. Speight). 1998 Hampshire Pennington Marsh, juvenile/first-winter, 9th- 11th September (T. Parminter, S. Woolley et alC). (North America; winters South America) The Yorkshire bird was later reported from Blacktoft Sands, but this record has not yet been documented. Laughing Gull Lams atricilla (2, 94, 6) Argyll Loch Gruinart, Islay, adult, l4th-2 1st April (DrT. ap Rlieinallt et at.}- Essex Canvey Seafront, first-winter, 24th February (J. Saward). Kent Dungeness, adult, 13th June (R. J. Price, Mr & Mrs P. Rendill et at.). Lancashire & North Merseyside Preston, adult, 1st May y. F. Wright). Norfolk Sheringham, adult, 18th April (G. E. Dunmore); same, Blakeney Point and Cley area, 21st April to 23rd June, photo. (M. Young-Powell et al.) (plate 266); presumed same, Lynn Point, 27th June (A. D. Collins). Northumberland Hallington, adult, 20th February (B. N. Rossiter). (North America and Caribbean; winters USA to South America) A typical scatter of records, in terms of both dates and locations. A further summer report, from Bristol, has yet to be sub- mitted. Franklin’s Gull Lams pipixcan (0, 38, 2) Buckinghamshire Willen Lake, adult, 30th June to 1st July (S. R. Nichols, K. D.Taylor et al.). Gower Blackpill, Swansea, adult, intermittently, 2nd-6th July (R. H. A. Taylor et al.). IRELAND 1998 Antrim Nutt’s Corner, near Belfast International Airport, adult, Sth June iNorthern Ireland Bird Rep. 1998:60). (North America; winters South America) This species, it seems, can turn up almost anywhere, at any time. Bonaparte’s Gull Lams Philadelphia (1 1, 105, 1) Cornwall Drift Reservoir, first-winter, 28th November (B. Dodd, G. Hobin). (North America; winters USA to Mexico) The poorest showing since 1993. The last blank year was 1978. 318. Adult Slender-billed (iull /.r/r//.s\c(ene/, (irove Ferry, Kent, Sth May 1999. 536 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Slender-billed Gull Lams genei (0, 5, 1) Kent Grove Ferry, adult, 5th May (C. D. Abrams et al.) (plate 318); same. Monk’s Wall, 6th-8th, photo. (J. P. Chantler et al.). (Northwest Africa, southern Europe, Southwest Asia) The last record was of a pair at Cley in 1987 (Brit. Birds 81; 562-563). The western Mediterranean population has been expanding since colonisation in the 1960s. The Camargue has held from 500 to almost 900 pairs since 1993 (Ornithos 6: 1-19). With luck, we can expect more regular records of this delightful gull. Herring Gull Lams argentatus L a. smithsonianus (0, 26, 1) IRELAND Londonderry CulmoreTip, first-winter, 13th-18th February (per G. Gordon). (North America) Several records remain under consideration, a number of them well docu- mented. Solid identification criteria for birds more than one year old remain the subject of debate. Ivory Gull Pagophila ebiirnea (76, 43, 1) Suffolk Aldeburgh and Southwold, first-winter, 5th-31st December, photo. (G. A. Smith et al.) (plates 38, 74, 75, 287 & 319). (Arctic) This superb first-winter was, like most of its kind, extremely confiding. Even so, the Millennium celebrations were apparently too much for it, and it had disappeared by New Year’s Day 2000. 319. First-winter Ivory Gull Pagophila e&Mmea, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, December 1999. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica (52, 212, 4) Norfolk Weybourne, adult, 7th November (C. J. Mackenzie-Grieve, A. Thompson, M. Theobald, C.Tyas). Oxfordshire Farmoor Reservoir, adult, at least 27th July (N.J. Hallam,J. Taylor, A. S. Young et al.). Sussex, West Chichester Gravel-pits, adult, 7th-9th July, photo. (E. G. Harris, J. & K. Simpson et al?f (Brit. Birds 92: plate 223). British Birds 9y.5\2-56l, November 2000 537 George Reszeter Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Wiltshire Cotswold Water Park, adult, 27th June to 4th July, photo. (B. Maxfield et al.)- (Almost cosmopolitan, nearest breeding colony is in Denmark; European population winters in Africa) The Committee has been unable to establish any definite link between the Wiltshire and West Sussex birds. The Norfolk bird was exceptionally late. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia (30, 226, 5) Caithness Brough, 1st June, video. (J. Smith et al9- Cumbria Siddick Pond, 18th-20th July, photo. (A. F. Gould, J. Lishman et ah). Norfolk Breydon, l6th-19th May, photo. (K. J. Brett et al.). Nottinghamshire Colwick Country Park, 1 1th June (M. C. Dennis). Staffordshire Westport Lake, 3rd June, photo. (W J- Low, P. Lunt). 1998 Hertfordshire Wilstone Reservoir, 19th May (G.A. Smith). 1998 Suffolk Bawdsey, 11th August 0- M. Cawston); presumed same as Norfolk {Brit. Birds 92: 583). (Almost cosmopolitan, except South America; European populations winter Africa) The Staffordshire bird was the second found by WJL at this site, in the heart of the Potteries. Royal Tern Sterna maxima (1,4, 1) Lothian Thorntonloch, adult, 9th August (I. J. Andrews); same, Musselburgh, 9th (D. Allen et ah). (North America south to northern Mexico and West Indies; winters south to Argentina and Peru; the race albididorsalis breeds West Africa, dispersing north and south outside breeding season) Once the finder of this bird consulted the literature at home and realised the enormity of what he had seen, he made every effort to alert other observers. Its relocation at Musselburgh enabled many birders from as far afield as Aberdeen and Teesside to see it, but sadly it had gone by the next morning. The bird’s arrival coincided with very large numbers of Sandwich Terns S. sandvicensis in the Firth of Forth. Forster’s Tern Sterna forsteri (0, 28, 0) Essex Hamford Water and Tollesbury Creek area, since 1998 (see below) to at least 24th April 2000, photo. (C. J. Mackenzie-Grieve, Dr S. Cox, S. D. Wood et ah). 1998 Essex West Mersea, first-winter, l6th November (A. Thompson); same, Tollesbury Creek, 22nd December (C. J. Mackenzie-Grieve); also in 1999 above. (North America; winters USA and Mexico) A very long stay, but that is rather typical of this species. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus (20, 106, 1) Norfolk Rockland Broad, 7th-10th May, photo. (D. Lester et al.). (South Eurasia, Africa and Australasia; European population winters Africa) A typical record. Wliite-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (50,696, 19) Argyll Balaphetrish,Tiree, adult, 2nd-3rd September (1. Gillies, A. & A. J. Leitch). Cleveland Hartlepool Headland, juvenile, 7th August (J. Regan, R. C. Taylor). Essex Heybridge Gravel-pits, juvenile, 30th August to 3rd September, photo. (R. Neave et al.). Gloucestershire Frampton-on-Severn, juvenile, 15th-25th September, photo. (D. F. Pearce et al.). Greater Manchester Pennington Flash, juvenile, 13th September, photo. (P. J. Alker, W. Harrison, B. Hulme et al.). Hertfordshire Wilstone Reservoir, second-summer, 31st July, photo. (M. 1). ('.ampbell, R. A. Hargreaves). Kent Grove Ferry, adult, 6th July (D. & M. Coath et al.). Dungeness, juvenile/first-winter, 17th September to 1st October (D. Walker et al.). Leicestershire Rutland Water, juvenile/first-winter, 5th-9th September (J. Wright et al.). Norfolk Berney Marshes, adult, 5th July (1. Parkinson, J. S. Rowe). Oxfordshire Farmoor Reservoir, adult, 6th May (N. J. Hallam et al.)\ juvenile, 31st July (j. Taylor, 538 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 Rogers et ul.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 320. Juvenile White-winged Black Tern Chiidonias leucopterus, Farmoor Reservoir, Oxfordshire, August 1999. S. Thomson et «/.); another juvenile, 6th-8th August, photo. (N. J. Hallam et at.) (plate 320). Pembrokeshire Strumble Head, juvenile, 1st August (C. Benson, G. H. Rees). Somerset Parrett Estuary, Hinckley Point and Meare Heath area, juvenile, intermittently, 19th September to 8th November, photo. (B. D. Gibbs, J.J. Packer et al9). Yorkshire, North Filey Dams, adult, 19th August, photo. (J. Horton et at.). Filey Brigg, juvenile, 29th August (F. X. Moffatt, C. C. Thomas, C. Wilkinson). Yorkshire, West Pugney’s Country Park, adult, 2nd August 0- Hamilton, P. Smith et al^. 1996 Oxfordshire Farmoor Reservoir, juvenile, 24th to at least 26th August {Brit. Birds 92: 583), to 28th (per J. S. Baker). 1997 Dumfries & Galloway Carsethorne, juvenile, 13th-l4th November (P. & Mrs M. Harris, R. & Mrs B. Mearns). 1998 Ceredigion Aberaeron, juvenile, 13th September (H. A. Williams). 1998 Fife Fife Ness, adult, 26th August (D.A. Carmichael, P. Carroll). IREFAND Londonderry Lough Beg, juvenile, 23rd-26th September (per G. Gordon). (Southeast Europe, Asia and Africa; European population winters Africa) A good total, but only one in spring. The Somerset bird stayed very late, but one in Shropshire in 1994 lingered until 1st December {Brit Birds 88: 522). Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura (0, 1, 1) Outer Hebrides Carinish, North Uist, first-winter, 13th-15th November, photo. (B. J. Hill, M. McPhail, B. Rabbitts et al.} (plate 40). (North and Central America south to Panama) The second record for Britain and the third for the Western Palearctic, occurring ten years after the first, which was trapped on the Calf of Man on 31st October 1989 {Brit. Birds 89: 157-161). Although this individual was seen on 15th November by a handful of avid observers, a more accessible individual would attract consider- able attention. Wliether this completed the transatlantic crossing on its own or was ship-assisted one can only speculate. British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 539 George Reszeter Rob Wilson Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Great Spotted Cuckoo Clcimcitor glamlciriiis (6, 34, 1) Norfolk Waxham, Sea Palling and Cart Gap area, 28th Mareh, photo. (R. W. R. Seymour, Dr N. Watmough et al.). (South Europe, Southwest Asia and Afriea; winters Africa) This adult, on a typically early spring date, moved about 8 km along the Norfolk coastline during the afternoon of its short stay. Ageing, identification and a summary of occurrences of this species were dealt with by R G. Lansdown on behalf of the Rarities Committee (Brit. Birds 88: 141-149). Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coayzus amerkanus (22, 39, 2) Cornwall Cot Valley, 10th October, photo. (J. D. Swan et al.). Scilly Tresco, 12th-20th October, photo. (A. J. Mackay et al.) (Brit. Birds 92: plate 289; plates 275 & 321). 321. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus flmer/ca»«5,Tresco, Scilly, October 1999. (North and Central America; winters south to Argentina) This species has occurred in wide- spread localities from Orkney in the north, through several East Coast counties, including Northumberland, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Several inland sightings have also been recorded, but there is a very high instance of these birds being found dying or moribund. The records have, understandably, a southwesterly bias, and these two records are from typical locations on classic dates. Scilly has hosted this species more than has any other European locality. Eurasian Scops Owl Otiis scops (64, 27, 0) 1973 Nottinghamshire Bestwood, moribund, 28th June, mounted specimen now in private collection, photo, (per M. C. Dennis). (South Europe, Russia, West Africa and Northwest Africa; winters Africa) Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiacci (many, 127, 1) Outer Hebrides Near Halivanich, Benbecula, cf, I4th-18th May, photo. (R. Carrington et al.); presumed same, St Kilda, 19th-22nd (A. Robinson et al.). 540 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 Tony G. Collinson Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 (Circumpolar Arctic; disperses south in some winters) Presumably this individual was en route to its Arctic breeding grounds. Singles have become the norm recently and the species’ years of breeding on Fetlar, Shetland, are in danger of becoming a distant memory. Common Nighthawk Cbordeiles minor (3, 13, 2) Scilly St Agnes, 22nd September (P. Barnett, M. J. H. Denny, M. J. Wliittingham et alO. Br)'her, juvenile, 23rd-30th October (D. S. Flumm et al.'). (North America) Two further records consolidating this enigmatic species’ British hot-spot. Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica (0, 6, 4) Cornwall Penzance and Newlyn area, 23rd-24th October (M.T. Elliott, PA. Fraser et al.)\ another, 24th (K. A. Wilson et al?), one or other photo. Devon Axmouth, 22nd October (A. J. Bundy, D. E. Pauli). Scilly St Mary’s, 22nd, 25th October, photo. (D. J. D. Hickman, PA. Stancliffe et al?) (plates 322 & 323). 1983 Borders Coldingham, 5th November (Mrs F. Evans). (North America) An influx in Southwest England which mirrored the equally remarkable influx of Pallid Swifts Apus pallidus to the east coast. The first British record was in October 1982, and prior to 1999 only five had been recorded. This year’s astonishing total therefore doubles the number of British records. Of the 1 1 recorded, eight have been in Cornwall or Scilly, one in Devon, one in Eife and one in Borders. Given the overwhelmingly southwesterly bias, the last of these was the most unexpected. 322 & 323. Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica, St Mary’s, Scilly, October 1999. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus (0, 14, 1 1) Borders Burnmouth, 25th October, taken by Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (M. & Mrs L. Fraser, R. D. Murray et al.). Cleveland Hartlepool Headland, 25th October, photo. (B. Beck, M.A. Blick,T. Francis et al.). Norfolk Five: Trimingham, 24th October (T. Eadson, B. J. Murphy); presumed same, Mundesley, 25th (G. E. Dunmore, J. N. Dymond et «/.).Winterton, 26th October, photo. (R.Thewlis et al.) iBrU. British Birds 95'. 512-561, November 2000 54l Rob Wilson Richard Tbeuiis Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 UiK tijUf k? p.Ttttf /yi 7^, pcjn- CdtX'ii^‘i V^ (Aolx !\ auKfiAiti Mft., /t4c pul inO( 0 pnilu. ^ *,y. '^'d- V^:.- 'djfH. f^ Ocmcfi iffi d:h, S. Holloway, N. Parker et al.) (plates 294 & 295). (Northwest Africa and Iberia to southern Iran; winters Africa) One of the highlights of autumn 1999, many of these birds were multi-observed, providing the opportunity for study of the often subtle structural and plumage differences between this species and Common Swift A. apus. Most of these individuals, presumably first-winter birds, lacked the dark ‘saddle’ effect that has been noted on spring individuals, so perhaps this feature is age-related. Wliat is certain is that the comprehensive descriptions and field sketches can be used to provide a thoroughly detailed appraisal of the field characters of what has often been considered a difficult species. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba (150, 420, 1 1) Avon Northwick Warth, 5th June (R. F. Reader). Denbigh Rhuddlan, 20th July (S. Hughes). Devon Berry Head, 28th May (S. G. Rowe). Pembrokeshire St David’s, 30th May (A. Payne). Dinas Cross, 25th August (S. E. Berry). Shetland Fetlar, 13th May (T. G. Davies). Suffolk Lowestoft, 28th May (R. Fairhead, Mr Pagen et al.). British Birds November 2000 543 lain H. Leach Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Sussex, East Abbot’s Wood, Arlington, 6th April (C. A. Taylor et al^. Sussex, West Seeding Hill, 7th June (S. R. Allen). Yorkshire, East Hornsea Mere, 8th May, photo. (A. Beggs, T. D. Charlton, W. Honeywell). Flamborough Head, 21st July (A. M. Allport). (South Eurasia, Northwest and East Africa; winters Africa) A predictable spread of arrivals through the classic months of April to August. European Roller Coracias garnilus (135, 95,0) 1968 Leicestershire Kirby Muxloe, cf, moribund, 21st June; skin now at Leicester Museum, photo, (per R. M. Fray). (South and East Europe, West Asia and Northwest Africa; winters Africa) The second year in succession in which this spectacular southern species has failed to appear. Calandra Lark Melcmocorypha calandra (0, 7, 2) Northumberland Fame Islands, 28th April (M. L. Cornish, S. E. Duffield) (fig. 5). Shetland Fair Isle, l6th-17th May (S. J.Turner et al ). (Iberia and Morocco eastwards through the Mediterranean to Kazakhstan and Afghanistan; mainly resident, but partial migrant in the East) The first y ear in which more than one has been recorded, this large lark has firmly overtaken Bimaculated Lark M. bimaciilata in number of appearances. All but two of the records have occurred in April. Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris (0, 4, 2) Leicestershire Swithland Reservoir, 17th April, photo. (S. M. Lister,A. J. Mackay et al.y, also in West Yorkshire. Orkney Finstown, 3rd May (K. Fairclough, E. R. Meek, E. J. & S.J. Williams et al.). Yorkshire, West Pugney’s and Angler’s C-ountry' Parks, 18th April, photo. (N. P. Senior, P. Smith et al.) (plate 325); presumed same as Leicestershire. 325. Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris, Pugney’s Country Park, West Yorkshire, 18th April 1999. (Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East) The Leicestershire and West Yorkshire records, presumably' of the same individual, afforded hundreds of observers their first chance of seeing the species and, in hindsight, its arrival could perhaps have been a portent of the autumn to follow. The Orkney individual is the first for Scotland. Red-rumped Swallow Hiriindo daiirica (7, 324, 17) Cornwall Porthgwarra, 13th November (D. Lewis, N.J. Phillips). Devon Exminster Marshes, 9th May (L. ('.ollins et at.). Dorset Verne (f)mmon, Portland, 28th-29th June (S. Bunn, G. Walbridge et al.). Essex The Naze, 2nd April (R. Neave, S. 1). Wood). 544 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2()00 S. E. Duffield Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Suofqr t>«r2K —t aeinvinm> ef^TcHes J osrone*TtrAit-aKe' •oirw sHotcr ma't- cotJA-ce^ttP ArreAe^'<'eM PAXzasS, TMJMeouM if'J shafc, &kr0vioiAi£ Aceoss" SasAtr ro poam tjAneous SAMD UJHou'/ uMtire 0£lOt*^ .M.., 5'ySev f=ipsr AAi aeoine* fvpxjr P>M t^rrn tffJX ThtOAl PPPIH poeiKJt >■ rr'i*‘ .;l 1.1 . - - . m- Fi£SH-P!‘M^ L.e^ OPMO: 3lU>A0 C^tNSS. i/fjp£iea>iaes P£(240P cOrTH SCO tv. <0&\H03S BukK PrtTcttfit stBAH-cPr ppord BOPe Act»SM flAIAlP BLHMS Oopi tOHire AegA AtoOnJA eye ft fraor gnoAif-BAsev PAl£ •ffuou) Qua. uinne BBEAsr ■ g. rHOHAT cxauM t-j rrtt fiPaxsA soey SragAtaf^i SToePKiA^ i>£Ais0iL A0O •'e rpA£iC. if fcoAo oDgr sijftitcjiw^ t/ Park. st>P£t.ctuvip prxm OUHBR ef£ TO tt£AA .?/* £A!£SO\/£A-7'r pfMiwee PAtjsn SP£'^Bf — AtApa S«tp BcAiti AAra cA'i'JOf/o6, Bf dOT0t/mip peet£e. otxriep'rAn(-/ £ry}PHA'pt$irj& s&toTjpAniFi ^swfot/r oMrr£ o^jreBrpiiL A=Attz y^ATuays Remiises PlOo»P 0C«*V KU c£.t,Y (U>Ot^bBC HEAP 4» AT' f(6M Of ANY ceesr- oPCitfKT rtjsrurtE i^itjsi BAopreo oon9{ f/z.iiuAaiBS OROPfeo LcKOeti'nlAH TBC.TIA\.S TAIL CaOAL TO lAijJor/fS- sreey PAtr^^ Fig. 5. Calandra Lavk Melanocorypha Fame, Northumberland, 28th April 1999. British Birds 93; 512-567, November 2000 545 G. Ptillan Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Greater London Beddington Sewage-farm, l6th May (G. Messenbird). Kent Monk’s Wall and Westbere, 5th-6th April (C. Sammels, D. Wrathall et at.). Grain, 3rd September (M. Cooper). Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, 12th May (K. M. Wilson et al.y, another, 12th (S.J. McElwee et at.)- Northamptonshire Daventr)' Reservoir, 23rd-24th April (G. Pullan et al.) (fig. 6). Orkney Papa Westray, l"^th May (S. D. Wellock). Sussex, East Beachy Head, 15th May CJ. Bujok, R. J. Fairbank et al.). Yorkshire, East Spurn, 3rd May, photo. (A. Roadhouse et al.)\ 8th (D. R. Middleton et al.)\ 12th (D. P. Boyle, D. R. Middleton); 13th (D. R. Middleton, M. J. Pilsworth); 15th (N.A. Bell). 1998 Cornwall Kenidjack, 18th October (M. Birch). 1998 Scilly St Mary’s, 15th-l6th February (PA. Stancliffe et al.). (Southern and Fastern Furasia and Africa; Furopean population winters Africa) The 1998 occurrence in February continues the trend for late-winter records; otherwise, a rather typical year for this species. Fig. 6. Red-rumped Swallow Hiriindo daurica, Daventry Reservoir, Northamptonshire, 23rd April 1999. Olive-backed Pipit Anthiis hodgsoni (1, 209, 1) Shetland Isle of Noss, 1 lth-12th May, photo. 0- Ci. Brown, Dr R. Riddington,A. J. Upton et al.). 1998 Fife Isle of May, 6th October fj. M. Wilson). (Northeast Russia to Central and Fast Asia; winters Southeast Asia) In an autumn almost satu- rated with Fast Asian rarities, one surprise was that there should be no autumn records of this delightful pipit, the single occurrence being in spring. Does this decline reflect range contrac- tion or a reduction in the population? Red-throated Pipit Aiithus cervinus (30, 362, 12) Cornwall Davidstow Airfield, 30th September (S. M. Christophers). Norfolk Waxham, 1st May (R.& S. McIntyre). Winterton/Horsey, 9th May (P J. Heath). Sheringham, 26th May (G. E. Dunmore). Blakeney Point, 29th-31st May 0- k McCallum et al.) (fig. 7). Orkney North Ronaldsay, 20th September (P Brown, P French et al.). Outer Hebrides North Rona, 30th May, photo. (G. Bell, M. Gray, J. Vaughan). Shetland Foula, 31st May (G. Bell, M. Gray, J. Vaughan). Fair Isle, 2nd-4th June (A. J. Bull, 11. R. Harrop et al.); 22nd September (E. J. Abraham, D. Barr, R. Wilkins). Yorkshire, North Whitestone Point, Whitby, 15th May (f. A. Beaumont, R. S. Slack el 1 Idi April (PJ. Heath). 1996 Yorkshire, South Finningley Park, Doncaster, cf and first-winter, trapped 17th March, photo. (D. Hazard, A. Unwin); 9. trapped 24th March, photo. (D. Hazard, K. Pearson). (Circumpolar Arctic; spreads erratically south in winter) A handful of records from the Northern Isles; typical of a non-invasion year. A review of the irruption of redpolls into western Europe in 1995/96, and an identification review based on that influx, were published recentl)’ {Brit. Birds 93: 59-67, 68-84). Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera (40, 82, 1) Shetland Symbister, Whalsay, juvenile, 25th-26th September (C. Barton, P. S. Crockett, 1. Gordon et al.). 1998 Gloucestershire Near Parkend, 9 . 1 5th February to at least 8th March {Brit. Birds 92; 602), nth (A. V. Harding). (Northeast Europe, North-central Asia, northern America and Hispaniola; winters south and west of breeding range) In the absence of any substantial irruption of (k)mmon Oossbills L ciirvi rostra, A single juvenile is perhaps all we could expect. Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata (1,21,2) Outer Hebrides Grogarry, South Uist, 17th October, photo. (B. Rabbitts,A. Stevenson et al.). Shetland Fair Isle, first-summer cf, 3rd-5th June, photo. (('.A. Holt et al.). (Northern and (Central America; winters south to Panama) Despite the majority of previous records being in October and November, the Fair Isle bird is the second spring record for that locality, following one there on 18th May 1977. 562 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2()()() Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spoclocephala (0, 1, 1) Northumberland Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, 9 or first-winter, 24th October, photo. (J. G. Steele et al.). (Eastern Central Asia east to Sakhalin and Japan; winters south to Indochina and west to eastern Nepal) The second for Britain, following the Greater Manchester first-winter from 8th March to 24th April 1994 iBrit. Birds 90; 549-561), and one of the finds of the year in an excep- tional autumn. The field identification of this species was discussed by Prof. Colin Bradshaw (see Brit Birds 85: 653-665). Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica (34, 383, 10) Fife Isle of May, two, 21st September (A.W. Lauder, J. R. D. Osborne et at). Northumberland Holy Island, sex uncertain, 3rd June (A. D. McLevy et al.). Orkney North Ronaldsay, 1st October (R. McGregor). Scilly St Mary’s, sex uncertain, 18th-19th March (PA. Stancliffe et at). Shetland Fair Isle, cT, 19th-26th May (D. N. Shaw et al.)\ sex uncertain, 29th May to 1st June (C.A. Holt, A. S. Vials et al.)\ 9, 5th-6th June (D. N. Shaw et al.)] cf , 9th-l 1th June, trapped 9th (A. J. Bull et at). Norwich, Unst, cT, 20th May (PA. Harris, M. G. & M. J. Pennington). 1998 Fife Isle of May, 27th September (J. M. Wilson). 1998 Orkney Stronsay, 29th-30th September, photo. (S. Hicks et at). 1998 Shetland Kirkabister, North Mainland, 27th September (G. H.,W. F. & W. R. H. Peplow). (Northeast Europe across to North Asia; winters Turkestan to China and Japan) The high pro- portion of spring records is unusual, as is the March record from Scilly, which perhaps suggests overwintering in Western Europe. Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola (10, 192, 3) Shetland Fair Isle, 9 ot first-winter, 2 5th-30th August (D. N. Shaw, S. C.Votier et al.)\ another, 30th September to 1st October, photo. (A. J. Bull et al.) (plate 342). 342. Female or first-winter Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola, Meoness, Fair Isle, Shetland, 1st October 1999. British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 563 Brian Gasper Uii)i //. I.euch Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Suffolk Landguard, o’, trapped 12th August, photo. (M. James, N. Odin et ctl.). 1998 Orkney North Ronaldsay, 9 or first-winter, 1st October (P. J. Donnelh ). 1998 At sea Sea area Humber, Loggs Gas Platform, 53° 25’ N 02° 05’ E, 9 or first-winter, 31st August, photo. (W. B. Sterling). (Northern Europe across northern Asia; winters India and Southeast Asia) Despite the Suffolk bird and a tendency in recent years for a wider geographica' spread of records, Eair Isle remains this species’ favoured locality in Britain. Black-hcadod Bunting Emberiza melciuocephala (9, 136,4) Argyll Near Kirkapol,Tiree, o’, 3rd-8th June, video. (E & Mrs S. Sweeney per A. J. Leitch). Dorset Verne Common, Portland, O’, 1st May (A.T. & Mrs E. White). Northumberland Earne Islands, O’, 10th-20th July (S. E. Duffield et al.)- Orkney North Ronaldsay, juvenile, 2 lst-23rd September, photo. (P. French, R. McGregor,A. Sumner et al ). 1998 Outer Hebrides North Rona, o’, l6th June (J. Love, A. Stevenson). 1998 Yorkshire, West Ainley Top, Huddersfield, O’, late May, photo. (Mrs J. Morison). (Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia; winters India) Many records are spring and summer males, over which the escape spectre hangs, but the juvenile on North Ronaldsay, Orkney, in September is an exception to the norm. Of course, the difficulty of separating non-adult males from Red-headed Bunting E. braniceps could be clouding the species’ true autumn status. Bobolink Dolicbonyx oryzivonis (0, 21, 1) Pembrokeshire Skokholm, first-winter, 13th-l4th October, photo. (T. Purcell, G.Thompson et al.) {Brit Birds 92: plate 293; plate 343). (North America; winters Peru to southern Brazil and northern Argentina) Very much a Scilly speciality, this record represents the first for Wales on a classic date. 343. First-winter Bobolink Dolicbony.x oryzieorns, Skokholm, Fembroke.shire, October 199b. 564 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Baltimore Oriole Icterus galhula (0, 19, 1) Scilly Bryher, first-winter cT, 27th-28th September (A. Blunden, M. S. Scott et al.). (North America; winters Mexico to Venezuela) Almost mirroring the previous record, on Bryher, Scilly, on 30th September 1996. This species has occurred four times on St Agnes and now twice on Bryher, but there are no records yet from the three larger islands in the Scilly archipelago. Appendix 1. Category D species accepted (set Ibis 136; 253) Marbled Duck Marmaronettci angustirostris (0, 11, 1) Dorset Warmwell, two, 30th August to 4th September (R. Grove et al.). (Mediterranean region of Europe, North Africa and Middle East; winters locally or south to Central and West Africa) Appendix 2. List of records not accepted This list contains all current records not accepted after circulation to the Committee. It does not include a) those withdrawn by the observer(s) without circulation, after discussion with the Hon. Secretary; b) those which, even if circulated, were not attributed by the observer(s) to any definite species; c) those mentioned in ‘Recent Reports’ in this journal if full details were unobtainable; or d) certain escapes. In the vast majority of cases, the record was not accepted because we were not convinced that the identification was fully established; only in a very few cases were we satisfied that a mistake had been made. 1999 White-billed Diver Portland, Dorset, 6th January; Bexliill, East Sussex, l4th March. Black- browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris Sea area Plymouth, 15th August. Little Shearwater Elamborough Head, East Yorkshire, 20th September; Hartlepool Headland, Cleveland, 4th October. Red-biUed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus Prawle Point, Devon, 7th August. Magnificent Frigatebird Pleasley, Derbyshire, 17th June. Little Bittern Weymouth, Dorset, 10th May. Night Heron Chumleigh, Devon, 1 8th-l 9th April; Amberley Brooks, West Sussex, 1 5th July. Great White Egret Isley Marsh, Devon, 1st February; Seaford, East Sussex, 1st May; Newtown, Isle of Wight, 15 th July; Exmouth, Devon, 13th October. Red-breasted Goose Alderbury, Shropshire, two, 21st February. American Wigeon Loch Ordais, Outer Hebrides, 2nd-20th May; Cresswell Pond, Northumberland, 5th July; Roadford Reservoir, Devon, 9, 1 1th October. American Black Duck Camel Estuary, Cornwall, 11th August. Ferruginous Duck Isley Marsh, Devon, 13th October; Watermead Country Park, Leicestershire, 17th October; Weir Wood Reservoir, East/West Sussex, 6th November. Steller’s Eider Polysticta 5fe//enTitchwell, Norfolk, 21st September. Bufflehead Poole Harbour, Dorset, 22nd-23rd June. Black-shouldered Kite Elanns caeruleus Fishbourne, Isle of Wight, l4th July. Black Kite Colne Point, Essex, 20th May; Great Finborough, Suffolk, 21st May; Feeding, West Sussex, 9th June; Scarborough, North Yorkshire, 1 1th June; Hampson Green and Trough of Bowland, Lancashire & North Merseyside, 1st August; Aldringham, Suffolk, 26th September. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus Chivelstone, Devon, 12th-13th April. Red- footed Falcon Snettisham, Norfolk, 9th May; Rutland Water, Leicestershire, 27th May; North Warren, Suffolk, l4th June; Sizewell, Suffolk, 25th June. Gyr Falcon Eswick, Shetland, 20th February. Semipalmated Sandpiper Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, 30th August; Port Carlisle, Cumbria, 12th September; Cley, Norfolk, 26th September. White-rumped Sandpiper Bembridge, Isle of Wight, 29th July; near Morvah, Cornwall, 22nd October. Baird’s Sandpiper Breydon, Norfolk, 4th August. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Butterstreet Cove, Dorset, 25th August; Foulness, Essex, llth-12th Septeniber. Broad-billed Sandpiper Kingston, Moray & Nairn, 3rd July. Great Snipe Finstown, Orkney, 1st November; Killington Reservoir, 565 British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 Rogers et al.. Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 Cumbria, 12th December. Hudsonian Godwit Liniosa haemastica St Agnes, Scilly, 15th October. Marsh Sandpiper Alnmouth, Northumberland, two, 1 1th August; Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, 15th August. Laughing Gull Lancing, West Sussex, 8th April. Franklin’s Gull Porthcawl, Glamorgan, 5th July. Bonaparte’s Gull Bridlington Bay, East Yorkshire, 27th November. Ross’s Gull Rhociostethia rosea Southwold, Suffolk, 2nd February. Eurasian Scops Owl West Charleton, Devon, 9th May. Snowy Owl Pontypool, Gwent, 17th November. Hawk Owl Sarnia alula Newton-in-the-lsle, Cambridgeshire, 21st October. Common Nighthawk St Agnes, Scilly, 24th October. Alpine Swift Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, 21st September. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, 2nd May. Crag Martin Pentney Gravel-pits, Norfolk, 19th May; near Kilmartin, Argyll, 20th June; Drift Reservoir, Cornwall, 1 1th Jul)'. Yellow Wagtail M. f. feldegg Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, 18th September. Citrine Wagtail Grime Point, Cumbria, 12th August. Common Stonechat S. t. maara/stejnegeri Cley, Norfolk, llth-12th March. Pied Wheatear Harty, Kent, l4th November. Black-eared Wheatear Sea area Dogger, 15th September. Siberian Thrush Burgh-by-Sands, Cumbria, 24th October. Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustalatus Papa Westray, Orkney, 27th-28th April. Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum St Kilda, Outer Hebrides, 22nd August. Subalpine Warbler Holm, Orkney, 12th May. Dusky Warbler Radipole, Dorset, 20th March; Ventnor, Isle of Wight, 20th October. Western Bonelli’s Warbler Sandwich Bay, Kent, 30th September. Iberian Chiffehaff Priory Water, Leicestershire, 5th September. Nutcracker Nacifraga caryocatactes Near Stowmarket, Suffolk, two, 12th February;Coalville, Leicestershire, 27th August;TettenhalI, West Midlands, l6th October. Rosy Starling Porthgwarra, Cornwall, 25th October. Arctic Redpoll Inner Marsh Farm, Cheshire, 7th February; Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, l6th April. Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacas Ciibraltar Point, Lincolnshire, 22nd October. Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineuslhe Naze, Essex, 31st January; Morenish, Perth & Kinross, 26th April. Rustic Bunting Northmoor, Somerset, 13th April. Baltimore Oriole Culver Down, Isle of Wight, 22nd October; Bembridge, Isle of Wight, 13th November. 1998 White-billed Diver Broni, Highland, 8th September. Bulwer’s Petrel Balweria balu’erii Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, 20th September. Little Shearwater Pendeen, Cornwall, 24th August; Bardsey, Caernarfonshire, 10th September. Great White Egret Stanpit Marsh, Dorset, 21st November. Black Stork Ventnor, Isle of Wight, 10th August. Black Kite South Shields and Whitburn, Durham, 7th May; Worthing, West Sussex, 12th September. Gyr Falcon EttrickA^arrow area. Borders, 2 1 st May. Baird’s Sandpiper Campfield Marsh, Cumbria, 3 1 st August. Great Snipe Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, 4th January. Greater Yellowlegs Martin Mere, Lancashire & North Merseyside, 20th June. Laughing Gull Portheurno, Cornwall, 21st July. Franklin’s Gull Rostherne Mere, Cheshire, 3rd January; Crowdy Reservoir, Cornwall, 27th June. White-winged Black Tern Selsey Bill, West Sussex, 9th May. Olive-backed Pipit Grutness, Shetland, 28th September; Brora, Highland, 29th October. Red-throated Pipit Titchfield Haven, Hampshire, l4th October. Dusky Thrush Tardus naumanni Black Gutter Bottom, Hampshire, 21st October. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola Skegness, Lincolnshire, 2nd October. Booted Warbler St Abb’s Head, Borders, 28th September. Greenish Warbler Sea area Humber, 2nd September. Radde’s Warbler Seaton Hole, Devon, l4th-15th November. Penduline Tit Burley, Hampshire, 10th December; Rye, East Sussex, 28th December. Lesser Grey Shrike Near Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, 4th-8th August. Rosy Starling Milltimber, Northeast Scotland, 10th August; Strathy Point, Highland, 23rd August. Rustic Bunting Lowestoft Denes, Suffolk, 8th October. 1997 Wilson’s Storm-petrel North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 29th June. Pallid Harrier Cove Bottom, Suffolk, 7th May. American Golden Plover Liniclate, Outer Hebrides, 31st October. Audouin’s GuU Laras audouinii Near Portreath, Cornwall, 31st December. Ross’s Gull Barmston, East Yorkshire, 1st November. Black Woodpecker Dryocopas martins Lusleigh, Devon, 18th July. Thrush NightingaleWells, Norfolk, 29th September. Blyth’s Reed Warbler llnst, Shetland, 16th September to 2nd October. 1996 Greenish Warbler Prawle, Devon, 24th September. Arctic Redpoll Hickling, Norfolk, 18th January. 1995 Baird’s Sandpiper Axmouth, Devon, 19th May. 566 British Birds 95: November 2()()() Rogers et al.; Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999 1994 Black Kite Selby, North Yorkshire, 29th April. Blyth’s Pipit Anthiis goclleivskii Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, 30th April. 1958 European Roller Mid Yell, Shetland, 5th September. Appendix 3. List of records not accepted but identification proved This list provides a permanent record of those occurrences which, usually on the grounds of likely escape from captivity, find no place in any category, but which may, at some future date, merit further consideration. It does not include (a) any record of a species for which natural vagrancy is wholly unlikely or (b) those records of presumed escapes already mentioned in the main text of this or earlier Reports. White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, juvenile, 4th September; Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire, age uncertain, 26th October to 9th November. Appendix 4. List of records remaining under consideration This list is not intended to be complete. Some decisions may have been arrived at and notified to County Recorders/observers prior to the publication of this Report. 1999 Little shearwater St Mary’s, Scilly, 18th September. Wilson’s Storm-petrel Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire, 9th September. Canvasback Monk’s Wall, Kent, lOth-1 1th June. Harlequin Duck Peterhead, Northeast Scotland, 6th November. Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 17th May. Baird’s Sandpiper Davidstow Airfield, Cornwall, 7th October. Great Snipe North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 23rd-24th September. Bonaparte’s Gull Steart, Somerset, 13th July. Ross’s Gull East Chevington, Northumberland, 9th-10th June. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, 1 4th August. Blyth’s Pipit Happisburgh, Norfolk, 25th-28th September. Olive-backed Pipit Marloes, Pembrokeshire, 19th October. Pied/Black- eared Wheatear Deerness, Orkney, l6th October. 1998 Herald Petrel Pterodroma arminjoniana Dungeness, Kent, 4th January. American Wigeon Otmoor, Oxfordshire, 23rd February {Brit. Birds 92: 609). Lesser Scaup Ham Road Gravel-pits, Kent, 17th December to 2nd January 1999. Wilson’s Snipe Gallinago (gallinago) delicata St Mary’s, Scilly, 9th October to 1999. Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris Druridge Pools, Northumberland, 5th-7th May. Forster’s Tern Devoran, Cornwall, 5th November. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina Bryher, Scilly, 30th October to 1st November. White- crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Middle Hope Nature Reserve,Avon, 15th November. Black-headed Bunting North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 27th-28th September {Brit. Birds 92: 609). 1997 Wilson’s Snipe St Mary’s, Scilly, 19th October. Pacific Swift Apus pacificus St Mary’s, Scilly, 23rd September. Red-throated Pipit St Mary’s, Scilly, 10th October {Brit Birds 92: 609); Porthgwarra, Cornwall, 2nd-23rd October. Black-eared Wheatear North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 10th November {Brit Birds 92: 609). 1996 Madeira/Cape Verde Petrel Pendeen, Cornwall, 24th August {Brit Birds 92: 609). Canvasback Cliffe, Kent, 7th December. Thrush Nightingale Wick, Caithness, 22nd May. 1995 American Wigeon Leighton Moss, Lancashire & North Merseyside, 6th-l6th October {Brit Birds 92: 609). Blyth’s Pipit St Mary’s, Scilly, 9th-10th October. 1993 South Polar Skua Catharacta maccormicki Sea area Sole, 26th August {Brit. Birds 92: 609). Hume’s Warbler Bridlington, East Yorkshire, 1 1th Eebruary {Brit. Birds 92: 609). 1988 Blyth’s Pipit Fair Isle, Shetland, 13th-22nd October {Brit Birds 92: 609). Hume’s Warbler Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, 10th January to 18th February {Brit. Birds 91: 507). 1985 Wilson’s Snipe St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, 31st October. 1962 Olivaceous Warbler St Agnes, Scilly, 30th September to 2nd October {Brit Birds 56: 405). 1961 Olivaceous Warbler St Agnes, Scilly, 3rd-4th October {Brit Birds 55: 579). . British Birds 93: 512-567, November 2000 567 In plate 252 (repeated here as plate 344) we have a passerine perched on an overhead cable. The scale is difficult to judge, though we are clearly dealing with a small bird. It has a rather well-marked head pattern, with an apparently bold supercilium and dark lores, a heav7 bill and well-streaked upperparts. These features could suggest a Lucustella warbler and, combined with the rufous rump and pale tips to the tail feathers, must indicate a Pallas’s Grass- hopper Warbler L certhiolci. But hold on! The wings are very plain, with essentially concolorous greater coverts, and surely they are way, way too short and stubby for a long-distance migrant? There are not many other options. The upperparts are too heavily streaked for Graceful Prinia Pririia gracilis, and the tail is too short for that species and for Streaked Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inc/uieta. We are left with Zitting Cisticola Cisticola junciciis, the sole West Palearctic 344. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola junciciis, Spain, August 1992. representativ^e of a genus comprising over 50 mostly African species of fan-tailed warbler. Easy! Even the habitat gav e us a clue: no self- respecting Locustella would perch on an overhead cable, would it? Zitting Cisticola - breeding from the Atlantic seaboard of Africa and Europe in the west through Asia to the Pacific coast of Australia in the east - is by far the most widespread of the 50- odd species of Cisticola warbler. The individual featured here was 345. 'Monthly Marathon’. Photo no. 172. Twentieth stage in eleventh ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 54), then send in your an.swer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, Fountains, Park lame, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ, to arrive by I5tb January’ 2001 . photographed by Olaf Lessow in Spain in August 1992. Observers familiar with a species are, of course, always more likely to identify it cor- rectly, and it is often easier to do so than it is to explain why. A mere glimpse of its rear-end dis- appearing into a bush is, for instance, often sufficient for us to identify a Robin Erithacus rubecula. In this case, it will probably have quite obviously been a Zitting Cisticola to most of the 76% of entrants who named it correctly. It is equally probable that the other 24%, who failed to identif>' it, are unfa- miliar with the species, and they were clearly taken in by the apparently obvious supercilium, misidentifying the bird not only as Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler, but also as Sedge Warbler Acro- cepbalus scboenobaenus and Whinchat Saxicola rubetra, one person also named it as Oliv'a- ceous Warbler Hippolais pallida. With four days to go before the deadline for this stage, and entries from some leading con- tenders still to come, Christer Kalenius (Finland) - photogra- pher of the camouflaged female Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, nicknamed Mrs Invisible', that features on one of our four spe- cialist wooden jigsaw puzzles - heads the field with a sequence of six correct answers in a row. He is chased by Palle Libner Jensen (Denmark), ex-BBRC Chairman Peter Lansdown (Wales) and Andy Mears (England), all on five, with Roy Hargreaves and Richard Patient (both England) close on their heels, with four. Petal Holt Sunbird The best of birdwatching tours For a free brtK'hure, write to SUNBIRD (MM), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 IDF; or telephone 01767 682969. 568 © British Birds 93: 568, November 2()()() ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS AGO: ‘Notes on Observations in Natural History during a Tour in Norway... The Capercailzie (Tetrao Urogallus) claims the first notice, as he is the great pride of the Norwegian forests... a cool, steady shot from below brings him down with a tremendous bounce, and the sportsman’s bag is at once filled, for the bird is as large as a turkey. In any other country but Norway (where an Englishman is constantly hungry, and generally half-starved, from the difficulty of procuring any eatable food) 1 should say that the capercailzie was a very inferior bird for the table; the meat is too coarse and dry.’ (Zoologist 8: 2944-2945, November 1850) ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO: The Corn-Crake [Crex crex] is very abundant in Lleyn [Caernarfon- shire], almost ever)' field with suitable covers holding one... It has been so much less common of late years in Oxfordshire than was formerly the case ...The distribution... in the British Isles has been, and is, rather peculiar. . .The older writers on our ornithology (except Turner [in Northumberland]) seem to have been but little acquainted with it.’ (Zoologist Fourth Series 4: 494-495, November 1900) FIFTY YEARS AGO: TRANSATLANTIC VOYAGE OF STARLINGS... [Report from the Captain of the MV Pellicula] ...“some Starlings (Stiirnus vulgaris') came on board the ship in Falmouth and remained until we arrived at Maracaibo, Venezuela... [we passed] through the Azores and close to Martinique and Curacao, but the birds only left us when we were right inside the lagoon at Maracaibo. The first day out we counted seven birds. I regret to say that the Chinese members of the crew caught two and ate them”... PETER SCOTT’ (Brit. Birds 43: 369, November 1950) TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: ‘Birdwatching could not have become so popular a national pastime unless it provided a genuine source of pleasure. . .it is sadly true that today’s highly factual ornithological literature can rarely be read for enjoyment. Yet even scientific books need not be uninspiring. If anyone doubts this, let him re-read Eliot Howard’s Introduction to the Study of Bird Behaviour or Konrad Lorenz’s King Solomon’s Ring, both of which... bear comparison with Gilbert Wliite’s Selborne. In contemporary ornithological literature a few authors such as Bruce Campbell demonstrate that it is still possible to write with elegance and charm without impairing scientific integrity, while Max Nicholson enlivens many a weighty scientific journal with a style and wit which everyone can enjoy... GUY MOUNTFORT’ (Brit. Birds 68: 472-473, November 1975) ACCEPTED: Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Loch Oscaigh, Achiltibuie (Highland), 24th-25th April. Sora Crake Porzana Carolina Stover Country Park (Devon), 8th January to 5th April. Terek Sand- piper Xenus cinereus Seaforth (Lancashire & North Merseyside), 9th June. Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan Radipole Lake, Wey- mouth Bay and other localities (Dorset), 13th February to 2nd March. Slender-billed Gull Larus genei Cley (Norfolk), two, 5th May. Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea Stornoway and Ranish, Lewis (Outer Hebrides), lOth- 18th January; Arnave Point, Islay (Argyll), 23rd-24th January. Gull- billed Tern Sterna nilotica Loch Bee, South Llist (Outer Hebrides), 1 4th- 1 6th July. Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius Keyhaven and Pen- nington Marshes (Hampshire), 2nd-17th April. Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Landguard (Suffolk), 27th-29th May. Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata Seaforth (Lancashire & North Merseyside), 2nd June. Dark- eyed Junco Junto hyemalis Oil Installation Maersk Curlew, North Sea, 4th May. M.J. Rogers, Secretary, BBRC, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 JAZ ^ The British Birds Rarities Committee is sponsored by Carl Zeiss Ltd. © British Birds 93: 569, November 2000 569 Woodpeckers in Europe Twenty-three years ago, information from national breeding-bird atlas projects was used to generate provisional Europe-wide maps of the breeding distribution of the continent’s ten species of woodpecker (Picidae) {Brit. Birds 70: 476-488). Subsequently, complete distribution maps for these species appeared in The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds (Hagemeijer & Blair 1997). During the planning for a British Birds- Sunbird trip to Hungary in May 2001 {Brit. Birds 93: 347) - while discussing the fact that there is only a relativel)' limited area of Europe in which all of the continent’s woodpeckers occur - DF and JTRS realised that the European Bird Census Council’s data could be used to generate a map defining this area much more precise!}’ than had been possible ever before (fig. 1 ). Of the World’s 2 1 6 species of woodpecker, 56% occur in the Americas, 30% in Asia, 16% in Africa and onh’ 5% (ten species) in Europe. It is hard!}’ surprising, therefore, that the maximum number of species should be in that part of Europe closest to Asia. Dr Ludwik Tomiafojc has, however, pointed out iBrit. Birds 93: 453-456) that woodpecker representation in Western Europe is impoverished, owing not only to deforestation but also to the effects of woodland management by human beings since medieval times. Whatever the reasons, it is necessary to travel to Eastern Europe (south from southern Poland through Hungary to Bulgaria) to find areas where all of Europe’s woodpeckers occur in close proximity. We are most grateful to Sovon for the production of the map shown as fig. 1 . The EBCC and Sovon (e-mail: info@sovon.nl) welcome the use of data obtained in the course of the production of The EBBC Atlas of European Breeding Birds. Reference Haf>emeijer,\V..I. M., & Blair. M.J. (ed.s.) 199’'. The HBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds: their distribution and abundance. London. key to woodpecker map 1 woodpecker species 2 3 4 5 6 7 • 8 • 9 (max) (blank) 0 species of woodpecker insufficient data Fig. 1. Distribution of species of woodpecker (Picidae), excluding Wryneck /)’«.v Uncpiiltafm Europe. Period covered varies from country to country, within the range 1972- 1995, but is mo.stly 1985-88. rite nine sizes of dot show the number of woodpecker species recorded in each 5()-km square (map produced by Sovon). Ward J. M. Hagemeijer, David Fisher and J. T. R. Sharrock A. Schiveitzerlaan 20, 6525 J7' Nijmegen, The Netherlands; e-mail: u 'ard. hagemeijer@higfool. com 570 © British Birds 93: 570, October 2()()0 Conservation, taxonomy, nomenclature and gadfly petrels In his account of a petrel seen off Ireland in 1974, Jim Enticott {Brit. Birds 92: 504-518) misquoted me in saying ‘Bourne iBidl. BOC 85: 97-105) proposed treating Soft-plumaged Petrel as three distinct species, Soft- plumaged Pterodroma mollis, Gon-gon P. feae and Freira P. madeira, mainly as a result of diminishing North Atlantic populations.’ In point of fact, I spent 30 years wondering how these birds should be classified {Ibis 97: 537-538; 99: 184-187; 108: 426), until it became clear that, unless something was done about them, they might be lost. The proposal to upgrade their taxonomic status was not based upon their rarity, but upon their marked difference in size and breeding cycle, and occurrence together - Harald Pieper (Jn lilt.) reports that the bones of both have now been found in the same cave - and the fact that it was impossible to say which is closer to the Soft-plumaged Petrel, though it certainly seemed time to direct attention to their rarity as well. The idea that this taxonomic decision was based on their rarity appears to be due to C. J. Hazevoet {BOU Checklist 13: 155), who claimed ‘Bourne (loc. cit.) “rewarded” Pfeae and P. madeira (both diagnosably dis- tinct taxa) with “specific rank”, not because of taxonomic or phylogenetic criteria but simply because of their threatened status, a position in which the meagre status of being a Mayrian “subspecies” is apparently a disad- vantage’ to justify" an orgy of species-fabrica- tion in the Cape Verde Islands. In fact, I said nothing of the sort, and strongly oppose attempts to manipulate taxonomy in the interests of either conservation or tourism, which seem likely to discredit everyone con- cerned. I still retain my earlier, but increas- ingly relevant, views on the classification of Cape Verde birds {Bull. BOC 106: 163-170). Among other points, it seems unnecessary to invoke hurricanes to explain seabird dis- tribution, because the young birds normally disperse very widely across whole oceans and into higher latitudes, where, as observed by V. C. Wynne-Edwards (Proc. Boston Soc. W. R. P. Bourne Nat. Hist. 40: 233-346), they are liable to be drifted by the wind in a clockwise path around the central anticyclones, and of course sometimes blown ashore. There seem at least two possible reasons for the increase in North Atlantic records of gadfly petrels in recent years: first, because people are looking out for them more, and, secondly, because, following a former decrease due to devastation by Man and introduced predators of their breeding- places, they are increasing again at safer sites. It seems likety that more are seen at sea off North America because the continental shelf break that they tend to frequent lies closer inshore there, and from the shore in Europe because more people look out to sea there. Wliile I cannot remember what I formerly said about the bird reported off Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, in 1974, surely there are also quite a lot of other petrels with grey"-brown upperparts, white underparts and a dark underwing, including the Grey Petrel Procel- laria cinerea and pale Herald Petrel Ptero- droma arminjoniana in the South Atlantic? Wliile this bird could well have been Ptero- droma feae, surely an adequate description ought to include at least details of the head and bill? Their absence from the descriptions suggests that the bird cannot have been seen very well. Rarities committees have thrown out flocks of better descriptions. Finally, while the Irish ma}' still believe that the northeast Atlantic gadfly petrels are related to the southern Soft-plumaged Petrel, which among other things seems more highl}’ pelagic with a more dynamic flight, may I point out that, elsewhere, this is thought to be increasingly doubtful? Thus, for example, the late R. C. Murphy - a good Irish name - finally concluded that they might be related to a North Pacific species {Serial Atlas of the Marine Environment, YoXxo 14, 1967). When not using the local names (Gon-gon and Freira) which I preferred, the people who nor- mally live with these birds now usually call them Fea’s and Zino’s Petrels, and it is strange how little weight this appears to carry else- where. Department of Zoology, Aberdeen University, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ © British Birds 93: 571, October 2000 571 Compiled by Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson GM crops and birds. . . Recent research from the University of East Anglia (LIEA) has demonstrated that the growing of genetically modified (GM) herbicide- resistant sugar beet on farmland currently carrying a healthy population of weeds and their associated seeds could have serious consequences for farmland bird species that are at present exhibiting significant declines. The research involved modelling a simple crop- weed-bird interaction. The chosen species were sugar beet, fat-hen Cbenopodiiim album (a common weed of sugar beet and an important food source for birds) and Sky Lark Alaiida arvensis. The modelling exercise undertaken suggests that using herbicides on GM crops could reduce the amount of food for birds b)’ more than 90% compared with conventional crops. If the GM technology is taken up by farmers who alread)’ control their weeds effectively, the consequences for birds are likely to be small. Birds would be unlikely to feed on these fields anyway, since there is no food (weed seeds) for them. If, howe^■er, the technology is adopted by those farmers who currently suffer from high weed populations in their sugar beet fields (which provide valuable food resources for Sk)’ Larks and other seed-eating birds in winter), the consequences for farmland birds could be very detrimental. The effects of herbicide use on these GM crops are currently being investigated in farm-scale evaluations. This large-scale Government-funded experiment is comparing the food resources available to birds in GM and conventional oilseed rape, maize and sugar beet crops. When these evaluations are complete, they should answer many of the questions raised by this modelling. For further information, contact Dr Rob Robinson, c/o BTC), The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk 1P24 2FU. ...on RSPB reserves At the same time as the LIEA information reached us, we learnt that seed planted by the RSPB at its Vane Farm, Tayside, and Durkadale, Orkney, nature reserves w'as found to contain GM material supplied by Advanta, part of the same widely distributed batch that hit the national headlines in May this year. In Orkney, the same seed was supplied by the RSPB to other farmers in a scheme to boost struggling farmland bird numbers. By the time that the contamination came to light, it was too late to prevent sowing, and the crops all had to be ploughed in to ensure that no pollen or set seed escaped. The losers, of course, are the farmland birds, which will hav e lost the chance of an important food source next w inter. For further information, contact the RSPB, Scotland Headquarters, 25 Ravelston Terntce, Edinburgh EH4 3TP The G8 To most people ‘G8’ is a group of the World’s richest industrialised nations that makes news headlines every time that it meets. There is however, another G8 - ‘The Green Group of Eight' - a coalition of the largest environmental non-government organisations in Europe. Figuring strongly in the group is BirdLife International, because birtls have no boundaries and are good indicators of the general state of the environment’. For further information, contact the Environment 1)G, 200 rue de la Loi, B 1049 Brussels, Belgium; http://europa.eu.int/ Budding bird-reserve wardens sought Fancy yourself as a bird-reserve warden? This mav' be v our oppor- tunity. The RSPB reserves atTitch- vvell Marsh and Snettisham in North Norfolk are seeking three enthusiastic volunteers to join their wardening team this winter. The volunteer wardens, w ho will be expected to commit themselves to a stay of at least six months, w ill be trained in all aspects of running these impor- tant nature reserves. Areas of work covered will include habitat management and estate work, bird surveys, and working with visitors. In return, the RSPB offers a structured training pro- gramme leading to a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level Two in ‘Landscapes and Ecosystems' and the opportunity to go on specialised courses in such essential wardening skills as the use of brushcutters. Although these posts carry no salary, accommodation is provided rent free with all bills paid. Prev ious trainees have supported them- selves with part-time work in local pubs, hotels and shops. If you are interested in applying, send your CV with a covering letter to Dr Sarah Money, Titch- well Marsh RSPB reserve, Titch- well, Norfolk PE31 8BB; e-mail: titchwell@interramp.co.uk Change of Recorder ■faking over from fim Dean, w ho for the last three years has been handling the Recorder s duties for both Gumbria and Orkney, the new G.ounty Recorder for C.umbria, as from October 2000, will be (iolin Raven, 18 Sea- thwaite Road, Barrow-in-I iirness. (aimbria LAN 4LX. (Tim is still the Recorder for Orkney.) 572 © liritisb Birds 9,3: 572-573, October 2000 News and comment Musselling in for Eiders and Slavonian Grebes Mussel farms in Shetland are currently burgeoning and, not surprisingly, are attracting the local Common Eiders Somateria mollissima. Shetland’s eiders are thought to constitute a fairly isolated population and the most recent estimate of its numbers is 6,300 in 1997, down from 16,500 in the mid 1970s. Their attraction to this easy food source is inevitably leading to some conflict, to which there is no easy answer. Various methods of deterring the ducks have been considered, but all have various disadvantages. The most recent is to bring in specialist falconers in the hope that trained White-tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla, or similar raptors, might scare the feeding birds. Another welcome step forward was a meeting convened in July by the Shellfish Growers’ Association, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Shetland Bird Club, with a further meeting planned for the autumn. Somehow, a way forward has to be found to suit all interested parties. An application for a mussel farm in the vicinity of one of the best sites for wintering Slavonian Grebes Podlceps auritiis in Shetland, at Tresta Voe on the west side of Mainland, has recently been refused. This followed opposition by the Shetland Bird Club, Scottish Natural Heritage and the RSPB.With 30-40 Slavonian Grebes regularly wintering there, this site holds about 6% of the UK wintering population. The developer has now, however, appealed against the decision, and, once again, the three bodies have submitted further evidence against this proposal. Eish-farming in its many forms may be one solution to the overfishing of the oceans, but is not without its conservation problems. For further details, contact the Shetland Bird Club, Flat 4, Muckle Flugga Shore Station, Burrafirth, Unst, Shetland ZE2 9EQ. Birds of Prey at the Police College A joint British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) conference on Birds of Prey in a Changing Environment’ will be held at the Tulliallan Police College, Kincardine, Scotland, during lst-3rd December 2000. The keynote address will be by BOU president. Professor Ian Newton. Birds of prey are always a popular topic at conferences, and the latest situation regarding all the favourites will be on the agenda, together with items on Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus, land-use conflicts and the harrier/grouse situation. International contributions will come from Scandinavia, France and Spain. For full details and bookings, contact Des Thompson, Scottish Natural Heritage, 2 Anderson Place, Edinburgh EH6 5NP; e-mail: des.thompson@snh.gov.uk Harriers - ‘Le Groupe Busards' This group, perhaps confusingly named for the English-speaker (the French name for a buzzard Buteo is ‘buse’), exists to protect the three species of harrier Circus that breed in France, particularly those that choose to nest in agricultural cereal fields. At a recent meeting, several members felt a bit depressed that maybe their efforts were rather in vain. Over a ten-year period from the mid 1980s, however, it is estimated that, of 15,000 pairs presumed nesting, 10,000 nests were located (80% of which were Montagu’s Harriers C. pygargus}, and 21,000 young were counted in these nests, of which 5,500 fledged successfully, thanks to the intervention of the watchers. In the case of the Montagu’s Harrier, as many as 40% of the young would have perished during cereal harvesting if the volunteers had not been on hand to save them. Far from being depressed, the people taking part in this work should feel very proud of what they have achieved. Far from being depressed, the people taking part in this work should feel very proud of what they have acliieved. Anyone with a particular interest in the study and conservation of harriers should contact the editor of the group’s newsletter, Alexandre Millon, at gorgonalex@aol.com Birding in spring 2001 for ‘BQ’ subscribers As announced in July {Brit. Birds 93: 347), Bryan Bland will be leading a birdwatching trip to Hungary during 6th- 13th May 2001, arranged for British Birds subscribers by the bird-tour company Sunbird, sponsor of our ‘Monthly Marathon’. One of the aims of this trip will be to see all or most of the ten species of woodpecker which occur in the area (see the Note on page 570). As with other trips arranged for this coming spring (Egypt in March/April and Camargue and Pyrenees in June), British Birds subscribers will be entitled to a 10% reduction in the normal price of these Sunbird trips. For more details, please contact Sunbird (BBS), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SGI 9 IDF; telephone 01767 682969; fax 01767 692481; e-mail: sunbird@sunbird.demon.co.uk British Birds 93: 572-573, October 2000 573 T. Ci. Collinson Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary' of unchecked reports covers the period 18th September to 15th October 2000. Cape Verde Petrel Pterodroma fecie Old Head of Kinsale (Co. Cork), 23rd September. Amer- ican Wigeon A)ias americcnia Loch of Hilwell (Shetland), at least ten on 9th October, nine on 10th, and eight on I4th. Blue- winged Teal A. discors Tresco (Scilh'), two on 10th October, one on 1 1 th- 1 5th. European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivoriis Massive movement during 20th September to 2nd October, involving up to 250 per day during 22nd-24th, with many reported up to 30th September, when over 300 in England; peak counts included 15 at Spurn (East Yorkshire) and 25 at Gibraltar Point (Lincolnshire) on 20th September, 2"’ at Abberton Reservoir (Essex) on 22nd, 18 at Loughborough (Leicestershire) on 23rd, 25 at Tw'ycross (Leices- tershire) on 25th, 13 at Portland (Dorset) on 29th, and 37 there on 30th, 16 at (ioombe Haven (East Sussex) on 29th, 21 at Church Norton (West Sussex) on 29th, 62 at Beachy Head (East Sussex) on 30th, and 18 there on 1st October. Little Crake Porzana parr a Conwy (Caernarfon), 28th September. American Golden Plover Plii- rialis dominica Marske (Cleve- land), 30th September; Sennen (Cornwall), 1st October; Lang- ford Lowfield (Nottinghamshire), 8th October. Pacific Golden Plover P. fiilva Holland Haven (Essex), 1st October; Fair Isle (Shetland), 2nd- 12th October; Tiree (Argyll), 12th October. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Burnham-on-Sea (Somerset), 16th-20th Sep- tember; Aberlad\ Bay (Lothian), 24th September; Llanfairfechan (Caernarfon), 29th September. White-rumped Sandpiper C. fuscicoUis At least nine in Ireland during 7th- 15 th October, including three at Lissagriffin (Co. Cork) and four at Tacumshin (Co. Wexford). Baird’s Sand- piper C. bairdii Goldcliff Pill (Gwent), 7th-8th October; South Hist (Western Isles), 11th October. Buff-breasted Sand- piper Tryiigttes subruficoHis About 25 widely scattered indi- viduals, mainly in western England. Great Snipe Gallinago tuedia North Ronaldsay (Orkney), 20th and 24th Sep- tember; Fair Isle, 22nd-23rd Sep- tember; Ringasta (Shetland), 26th September; Foula (Shetland), 2nd October; North Ronaldsay, 15th October. Lesser Yellow'legs Tringa flavipes Helston (Corn- wall), 28th September; Hayle Estuary (Cornwall), 3<)th Sep- tember to 3rd October; Seaton Burn (Northumberland), 6th-15th October; IJlva Lagoons, near Lochgilphead (Argyll), 9th- Kith October. Solitary Sandpiper T. solitaria St Mary’s (Scilly), 22nd September to 1 5th October, occa- sionally visiting Tresco; Hayle Estuary, 28th September. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Poole Harbour (Dorset), 15th October. Laughing Gull Larus atricilki Kent Estuary (Cumbria), 9th October. Bonaparte’s Gull L. Philadelphia Lunan Bay (Angus), 2nd October. Yellow- billed Cuckoo Coccyzas anieri- cattiis St Levan (Cornwall), 346. Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria, St Mary’s, Scilly, October 2()()0. 574 © British Birds 93: 574-576, November 2()()0 Iain Leach Recent reports 12th-13th October. Cliff Swallow Hirundo pyrrbonota St Mary’s, 28th September to 1st October (possibly two on 29th); Portland, 29th-30th September; Titchfield Haven (Hampshire), 1st October. Olive-backed Pipit Anthiis hodgsoni Kergord (Shet- land), 21st September; Fair Isle, 25th-28th September, two on 29th, one on 3rd October; Fetlar (Shetland), 27th September; Unst (Shetland), 29th September to 2nd October; Foula, two on 6th October; Whalsay (Shetland), 12th October. Red-throated Pipit A. cervinus Fair Isle, 23rd- 26th September and 7th October; Soar Mill Cove (Devon), 29th September; Great Yarmouth (Norfolk), 29th September; Start Point (Devon), two on 1st October; St Mary’s, 1st and 5th October; St Agnes (Scilly), 5th October. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Fair Isle, 20th September; North Ronaldsay, 22nd September, two on 23rd, one until 29th; Fame Islands (Northumberland), 26th Sep- tember; Skomer (Pembroke- shire), 27th September. Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus Brae (Shetland), 12th- l4th October; St Mary’s, 12th- 15th October. Dark-throated Thrush Tardus ruficollis Foula, 23rd September. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locust- ella certhiola Foula, two on 27th September, one on 28th. Lanceo- lated Warbler L. lanceolata Foula, 27th September. Paddy- field Warbler Acrocepbalus agricola Titchfield Haven, 1st October; Garinish Point (Co. Cork), 7th October. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata Quendale (Shetland), 23rd Sep- tember; Druridge Bay (Northum- berland), 15th October. Spectacled Warbler Sylvia con- spicillata Tresco, 1 5th October. Radde’s Warbler Pbylloscopus schwarzi Near Balmedie Country Park (Aberdeenshire), 26th September; Spurn, four or five (three trapped) on 30th Sep- tember, seven on 1st October, one on 2nd; Thorpeness (Suffolk), lst-2nd October; Port- land, 1st October; Land’s End (Cornwall), 1st October; Wells Wood (Norfolk), 1st October; Horseshoe Point (Lincolnshire), 1st October; Filey (North York- shire), 2nd October; Fairlop Country Park (Greater London), 2nd October; Foula, 2nd October; Donna Nook (Lin- colnshire), 2nd-3rd October; Holme (Norfolk), 13th October; South Shields (Co. Durham), I4th October; St Abb’s Head (Borders), I4th-15th October; Coombehaven Marshes (Essex), l4th-15th October; St Levan, 1 5th October. Dusky Warbler P. fuscatus Whalsay, 29th Sep- tember; Voxter (Shetland), 29th September; Treen (Cornwall) 15th October; Portland, 15th October. Iberian Chiffchaff P brehmii Bardsey (Gwynedd), trapped 2nd October. Isabelline Shrike Lanins isabellinus Foula, 3rd-6th October. Lesser Grey Shrike L. minor Quendale/Loch of Hilwell, 23rd September to 9th October. Southern Grey Shrike L. meridionalis South Ronaldsay (Orkney), race pallidirostris known as ‘Steppe Shrike’, 22nd September. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus St Mary’s, 25th- 29th September and 5th- 12th October; St Agnes, 27th-29th Sep- tember; Porthgwarra (Cornwall), 27th-30th September; Kenidjack Valley (Cornwall), 28th Sep- tember to 1st October; Bryher (Scilly), 28th-29th September and 4th-8th October; Tresco, 28th September to 1st October; Ardmore (Co. Waterford), 30th September to 2nd October; Nan- quidno (Cornwall), lst-5th October; Cape Clear Island (Co. Cork), 5th-10th October; Lundy (Devon), 5th-llth October; Inish- more (Co. Galway), 1 4th- 15th October; Gugh (Scilly), 15th October; Cot Valley (Cornwall), 15th October. Arctic Redpoll Cardnelis bornemanni Tory Island (Co. Donegal), 21st-24th September. Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus Cape Clear Island, 4th-llth October. Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata Inishmore, 6th-10th October. Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica Dursey Island (Co. Cork), 13th October; Cape Clear Island, 13th- 15th October. Yellow-breasted Bunting E. aureola Fife Ness (Fife), 21st September; Tresco, 23rd-26th September; Durrigarth (Shet- land), 3rd-5th October. Black-headed Bunting E. melanocepbala Out Skerries (Shetland), 15th-21st September. Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pbeucticus ludovicianus Great Blasket Island (Co. Kerry), 1st October; Kilbaha (Co. Clare), 4th October. Bobolink Dolicbonyx oryzivorus Out Skerries, 2 1st- 22nd September. 347. Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus, Nene Washes, Cambridgeshire, September 2000. British Birds 93: November 2000 575 lain Leach Mike Malpass Mike McDonnell Recent reports 348. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus, Bryher, Scilly, October 2000. 349. Above left, Radde's Warbler Phylloscopns schwarzi, St Levan, Cornwall, October 2000. 350. Above right, Arctic Warbler Phylloscopns borealis. Spurn, East Yorkshire, October 2000. 351. Left, Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes, Seaton Burn, Northumberland, October 2000, > Rare Bird News sup|ilics all its information free to Hritish Birels. (;all 0881-888-1 1 1 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/niin cheap rate; 4 1 p/min other times; including VAT) 576 British Birds 93: 574-576, November 2000 lain Leach Classifieds RATES Text: 40p per word. Minimum 15 words. Semi-display: Mono. £15 per see (width 40mm) or £32 per dee (width 85mm). Minimum 2em. Series: 5% diseount for 6, 10% discount for 12. (All rates exclude vat at 17.5%) Payment for all classified advertisements must be made in advance by VISA, Mastercard or by cheque payable to British Birds Ltd. Copy deadline: 10th of the month. Contact: Philippa Leegood, British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5.rT Tel: 01580 882039. Fax; 01580 882038. E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk BOOKS BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND 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 2\VH.Tel:01433 621999.Fax: 01433 621862. Web: www.hawkridge.co.uk RARE AND OUT OF PRINT books on Ornithology. Isabelline Books. Tel: 01392 201296. Fax: 201663 BACK NUMBERS OF ALL leading ornithological and natural history journals, reports, bulletins, new,sletters, etc. bought and sold. Catalogue available. David Morgan, Whitmore, Umberleigh, Devon EX37 9HB FOR SALE 50 YEARS OF BB 1950—1999. Mostly- unbound with indexes. £450, buyer collects. Hill, 01323 845441. WANTED NEWTON/WOLLEY: Ootheca Wolleyana STC. Please write to: David Ellison, 2 Second Avenue, Rothweil, Leeds LS26 OJLI. HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Scotland MORVERN (DRIMNIN) HOLIDAY COTTAGES. Beautifully situated by Sound of Mull. Superb walking and wildlife. No pets. Open all year £100-£175 fully inclusive, Tel/Fax: 01967 421.308 Overseas PROVENCE, CAMARGUE. Farm cottage, also b&b. Rogers, Mas d'Auphan, Le Sambtic, 1 3200 ARLES, France.Tel: (0033) 49097204 1 , Fax: (0033) 490972087 SOUTH AFRICA, CAPE COAST, HERMANUS. Excellent bird and whale watching. Comfortable 3 bedroomed house, self catering, sleeps 6. Exceptionally close to beach and lagoon. Pool, tennis courts and laundry available. Car essential. Phone Leonie 020-8423-2652 BACK ISSUES BACK ISSUES OF BB are available at £6.50 each (£10 for the Breeding Birds issue) from British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY. Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01 580 882039 or e-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk The original BIRDWATCHER’S LOGBOOK The most concise way to record your observations. Monthly, annual and life columns for 762 species, plus 1 59 diary pages. Send £6.95 inclusive P/P to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd, Walkington, Beverley, HU17 8RP. 01482 881833 BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAYS BIRD HOLIDAYS. Professionally led worldwide birding tours. Reiaxed pace. Free brochure: write to Bird Holidays, 10 Ivegate, Yeadon, Leeds, LSI 9 7RE or phone 01133 910510 (ATOL 3586). NEW ZEALAND / SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS. Join us for rare and interesting endemics, the world's finest collection of seabirds and spectacuiar scenery: MANU TOURS, 106 Ocean Beach Road, Tairua 2853, New Zealand. Phone/Fax: (64) (7) 864- 7475. Email: manutours@nzbirding.co.nz Website: www.nzbirding.co.nz AUSTRALIA: LOTUS LODGE, 200-t^ species of birds. Resident naturalists, outback experience. Extensive variety- of flora and fauna in far north Queensland. 1!4 hour flight north of Cairns. Superior accommodation. Excellent cuisine. Tel: 617 4059 0773. Fax: 617 4059 0703. Weh: http://www.cairns.aust.com/lotus bird AT TITCHWELL overlooking reserve and sea THE THREE HORSESHOES INN offers en-suite rooms, home cooked food, classical music, convivial atmosphere. BIRDERS BREAKS - Winter rate until 31st December 2000:£31.50 pppn for DB-fB, min. 2 nights, 2 persons sharing, excluding Bank Holidays. Please telephone 01485-210202 for brochure/reservations. OPTICAL EQUIPMENT Ace Optics of Bath THE BEST DEALS IN OPTICS ALL TOP BRANDS INC. QUESTAR TEL: 01225-466364 16 Green Street. Bath BAl 2JZ CASSOWARY HOUSE Rainforest Guest House Cassowaries! Riflebirds! Red-necked Crakes A great birding destination. 14 regional endemics around Atherton Tablelands, plus also Cairns/Great Barrier Reef. Beautiful relaxing location, excellent food, expert local guiding. Phil and Sue Gregory’, Phone: (61) 740 937318 Fax: (61) 740 9398S5 E-nuil: sicklebill@internetnorth.com.au Website: www'.cassowary-house. com.au Cassowary House, Blackmountain Road. PO Box 387, Kuranda 4872, Queensland, Australia. Come to Dohana, the wild heart of Spain. Professionally led birding - botany excursions. Small groups and individuals. All year round. Charming guesthouse facing the marshes. Transfer from airport. Personalised stays. Full board from £20. All inc. 6 days from £195. Ltd. Aguila Imperial 150, 21750 El Rocio, Huelva, Spain. Tel/Fax: 0034 9S9 442466. E-mail: donana@sistelnet.es Information and prices: www.sistelnet.es/donana SPANISH PYRENEES Independent & guided tours WWW. boletas.org E-mail: jjsv@boletas.org Info & brochure 01454 6139993 Top Makes, Top Models, Top Advice, Top Deals, Part Exchange Show Room Sales 01925 730399 'Tftact 07000 247392 Credit/debit cards accepted INDEXES WHERE IS THERE A PICTURE OF..? (INDEXES FOR BIRDWATCHERS) Cross-referenced indexes to 500 book/recording titles for any species of bird in the world, giving whereabouts of photos, pictures and other information. £5 a species C. P Galey 29, Ainsdale Drive, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6RL INSLJRANCE To place your advertisement in BB contact: PHOTOCOVER A specialist insurance policy for binoculars, telescopes, camcorders. cameras, photo equipment etc. At home, outdoors, in vehicles. Philippa Leegood Free info pack from at Golden Valley Insurance, The Olde Shoppe, Ewy'as Harold, British Birds Tel: 01580 882039 Herefordshire, HR2 OES Freephone: 0800-015-4484 Fax: 01981 241062 E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk A The Pheasant Hotel Kelling, Nr. Cley, North Norfolk. Tel: 01263 588382 ■ W ■ / '//’/r/- /t? ■ >•■/// /^rr This established hotel is ideally situated between the harbour village of Blakeney and the seaside town of Sheringhani. Set in 2 acres of grounds, The Pheasant has tawny owls and woodpeckers nesting in its grounds with nightjars and nightingales nearby. The Pheasant is the ideal base from where you can explore the delights of the N. Norfolk Coast and the wildlife it has to offer. Winter break rates and group rates are available. Organised Birdwatching Tours arc also on offer. British Birds — forecasts — For a detailed weather forecast of any region (today and the week ahead) 0891 11 00 14 For synoptic weather charts by fax (today and tomorrow) 0897 200 229 S? ln»^ SupphM b)r i^rrtie Met Office 0819 calls are charged at 50p per minute. 0897 fax calls are charged at £1 .50 per minute (synoptic chart is one page) A Series of Four Collector’s Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles for British Birds A series of four jigsaw puzzles with exclusive designs. Each 250 piece puzzle contains Victorian ‘whimsies’ No 1 “Mrs Invisible” Camouflaged Capercaillie by Christer Kalenius No 2 “On the Look Out” Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters by Hanne & Jens Eriksen No 3 “Lunch Time” Adult and juvenile Eurasian Jays by Tony Hamblin No 4 “Lazy Lady” Female Red-necked Phalarope by Nick Dymond To order your jigsaw puzzle(s), simply complete and return this form to: Jigsaw, Bri i ish Birds, Thi; Banks, Mountfiki.d, Nr Robi;ri shridgk, East Susshx TN32 5JY. Please send me the following boxed jigsaw puzzles at ,^24. 99 each (£27.99 outside UK): (Qty) Puzzle No 1 (Qty) Puzzle No 2 (Qty) Puzzle No 3 (Qty) Puzzle No 4 I enclose a cheque for £ (Total)/Please charge my Credit Card: Visa □ Mastercard □ Card Number: III / / / / / III Expiry date: / / Name: Address: Tel No: BB Bookshop Listed books are POST FREE to British Birds subscribers The books included in BB BookShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide the most prompt, efficient and friendliest service possible. Items ordered through this service are despatched to British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books (a Division of CJ WildBird Foods Ltd). Please send order to: BB BookShop, do Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR. Phone: 00 44 (0) 1743 709420. Fax: 00 44 (0) 1743 709504. E-mail: info@wildlifebooks.com Best Bird Books of the Year All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year 1983-99’ (listed in full Brit. Birds 93: 54) are available POST FREE. Please order here, giving title(s) and author(s), or on an additional sheet. Hadoram Shirihai The Birds of Israel (Academic Press) (was £79.95) £63.95 Book of the Month Statterdfield & Capper Threatened Birds of the World (BirdLife/Lynx) Special Offers Cramp Birds of the Western Palearctic (OUP) vol 1-9 Ehrlicn, Dobkm & Wheye The Birdwatcher’s Handbook (OUP) Hardback Special Pre-publication Price (usually £40.00 each (was £8.95) ■■ /;50.00) vol. 2 now New this Month Clement et al Helm Identification Guide: Thrushes (Helm) Hardback Grimmett/Inskipp/Inskipp Field Guide Birds @ Nepal (Helm) Paperback Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Coolins Bird Guide Large Format' Hardback Newman Newman’s Birds by Colour (N/H) Paperback Co^uNG Soon - Order Now Bradley Birds of the Cayman Islands BOU Guide No. 19 Cheke, Mann & Allen Sunbirds: A Guide to the Sunbirds, Flowerbirds, Spiderhunters & Sugarbirds of the World (Pica Press) DUE DECEMBER Hardback Gibbs, Barnes & Cox Pigeons & Doves: A Guide to the Pigeons of the World Hardback Ranft & Konig Owls Double CD (Pica Press) Double CD Swash & Still A Guide to the Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands (Pica Press) Hardback Recommended Books Europe & Western Palearctic Adamian & Klem A Field Guide to the Birds of Armenia (AUA) Field cover Hardback Baker Warblers of Europe, Asia and North Africa (Helm) Beaman & Madge The Handbook of Bird Identification: Europe and the Western Palearctic (Helm) British Birds The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic Hagem^er & Blair The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds (Poyser) (was £59.95) Harris, Tucker & Vinicombe The Macmillan Eield Guide to Bird Identification (Macmillan) Heath & Evans Important Bird Areas in Europe: Priority Sits for Conservation 2 Vol set (Birdlife Int) £70.00 £59.50 :5.50 ;28.00 *62.50 ^49. 50 "35.00 T9. 99 *29.99 ,15.99 Jonsson Birds of Europe With North Africa and the Middle East (Helm) reprint Paperback Hardback Paperback Hardback Kightley, Madge & Nurney Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe (Pica Press) Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Collins Bird Guide - The Most Complete Eield Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe (HarperCollins) Best Bird Book of 1 999 Peterson, Mountfort & Hollom Collins Eield Guide: Birds of Britain & Europe 5th Edition (HarperCollins) Hardback £35.00 "34.00 *38.00 *24.99 ;14.95 "35.99 *39.99 *32.00 *65.00 T-00 17.95 '14.99 *75.00 *99.98 T5.99 *29.99 *11.95 "24.99 *14.99 Ringbound Paperback Paperback North America Griggs Collins Pocket Guide: Birds of North America (HarperCollins) LocKwood, McKnney, Paton & Zimmer A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande (ABA) National Geographic A Eield Guide to the Birds of North America 3rd Edition Pranty A Birder’s Guide to Florida (ABA) Pyle identification Guide to North American Birds Part 1 . Columbidae to Ploceidae (Slate Creek) Schram A Birder’s Guide to Southern California (ABA) Sibley North American Bird Guide (Pica Press) Taylor A Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona (ABA) South & Central America & Caribbean de la Pena & Rumboll Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (HarperCollins) ffrench A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (Helm) Paperback Howell & Webb Where to Watch Birds in Mexico (Helm) Paperback Raffaele, Wiley, Garrido, Keith & Raffaele Birds of the West Indies (Helm) Stiles & Skutch A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Helm) Africa, Middle East & Indian Ocean Islands, Barlow, 'Wacher & Disley A Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senegal Tica Pre^) Fry, Keith & Urban The Birds of Africa ^cademic) Volumes: 1 £99Q 2 £99Q 3 £99Q 4 £99Q 5 £99Q Garbutt Mammals of Madagascar (Pica Press) Kemp Sasol Birds of Prey of Africa and its Islands (New Holland) Morris & Hawkins Birds of Madagascar: a Photographic Guide (Pica Press) Sinclair, Hockey &Tarboton Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland) Sinclair & Langrand Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands (New Holland) van Perlo Collins Illustrated Checklist Birds of Southern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback van Perlo Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Eastern Africa (HarperCollins) Paperback Zimm&rmzn, Turner Pearson Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania , , Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson Field Guide to the Birds of Kenya and North. Tanzania (Helm) Paperback □ □ a '16.99 *25.95 T2.99 *21.00 *27.95 *25.95 *25.00 *18.50 ;i9.99 *32.00 *19.99 *35.00 *40.00 £28.00 6£115 30.00 19.99 28.00 19.99 17.99 19.99 19.99 40.00 16.99 isia & Pacific loates & Bishop A Guide to the Birds ofWallacea (Dove) £44.00 □ Paperback (was 7.50^ Hardback Hardback Paperback Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Birds of the bidian Subcontinent (Helm) Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent Gurung & Singh Pield Guide to the Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent (Academic Press) Harris & Franklin Shrikes & Bush-Shrikes (Helm) Harrison & Worfolk Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka (OUP) Paperback £29.95 Q Inskipp, Inskipp & Grimmett Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan Inskipp, Lindsey & Duckworth An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region (OBC) Jeyara)asingam & Pearson A Field Guide to the Birds of Wist Malaysia and Singapore (OUP) Paperback Hardback Kazmierczak & van Perlo A Field Guide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Pica Press) Hardback Kazmierczak & Singh A Birdwatchers’ Guide to India (Prion) Kennedy, Gonzales, Dickinson, Miranda & Fisher A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines (OUP) Paperback Hardback Leka^l & Round A Guide to the Birds of Thailand ^aha Karn Bhaet) MacKinnon & Phillipps A Field Guide to the Birds of China (OUP) Paperback Robson A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (New Holland) . Hardback Australasia Higgins, Marchant & Davies Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds (OUP) 4 volumes Gvol.l □ vol.2 □ vol.3 at £135.00 each G vol.4 £125.00 Simpson & Day A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (Helm) Paperback Thomas & Thomas The Complete Guide to Finding Birds in Australia (Thomas) Paperback "55.00 17.99 ‘13.95 [^35.00 *55.00 16.99 ‘ 10.00 *29.95 *55.00 *25.00 *18.75 *34.95 *60.00 *45.00 *29.99 29.99 "24.99 *13.95 World Clements Birds of the World -A Checklist 5th Edition (Pica Press) 848 pages del Hoyo, Elliott & Sargatal Handbook of the Birds of the World (Lynx) Gvol.l G vol.2 Q vol.3 G vol.4 Wells World Bird Species Checklist: with alternative English and scientific names (Worldlist) Hardback £35.00 G vol.5 £110.00 £29.50 Monographs Byrkjedal & Thompson Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plover ^oyser) (was £27.95) £23.95 Chantler & Driessens Swifts Second Edition (Pica Press) £28.00 Chapman The Hobby (^fequin) £19.95 Clark & Schmitt A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, The Middle East and North Africa (OUP) Paperback £25.00 Hardback £55.00 Cleere & Nurney Nightjars (Pica Press) (accompanying CD £14.99) G £30.00 Davies Cuckoos, Cowbirds and other Cheats (Poyser) Hardback £24.95 Densley In Search of Ross’s Gull (Peregrine Books) £34.95 Feare & Craig Starlings and Mynas (Helm) £32.00 Forsman The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: A Handbook of Eield Identification (Poyser) (was £29.95) £23.95 Fuller The Great Auk (Fuller) £45.00 Harris & Franklin & BMi/i-S/tn'/ses (Helm) Hardback £35.00 Isler & Isler Tanagers (Helm) Paperback £29.99 Jamarillo & Burke New World Blackbirds - the Icterids (Helm) £35.00 Juniper & Parr Parrots: a guide to the Parrots of the World (Pica Press) £35.00 Konig,Weick & Becldng Owls: A Guide to the Owls of the World (Pica Press) £35.00 Lefranc & Worfolk Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World (Pica Press) £25.00 Matthysen T/ze (VMt/zatc/ze5 (Poyser) (was £29.95) £19.95 Olsen & Larsson Skuas and Jaegers (Pica Press) £24.00 Palmer Birds New to Britain & Ireland 1600-1999 (Arlequin) Hardback £25.00 Porter et al Pield Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Poyser) (was £29.95) £23.95 Taylor & van Perlo Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World (Pica Press) £35.00 Tickell (Pica Press) Hardback £40.00 Recordings, Videos & CD-ROMS Please add £2.25 p&p per order Doherty The Birds of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Four Volume Video Doherty Eastern Rarities: The Birds of Beidaihe (Bird Images) VIDEO Doherty The Raptors of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Video Doherty The Warblers of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Video Doherty Shorebirds vol.l (Bird Images) Video Dunn The Large Gulls of North America (Bird Images) VIDEO Oddie Bill Oddie’s Video Guide to British Birds (Bird Images) Video Roche Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe (Sitelle/Wildsounds) Binders The British Birds Binder (holds 12 issues & index) New Size Only 169.95 17.95 17.95 17.95 17.95 17.95 17.95 49.95 Wirex retaining - £7.95 Cordex retaining - £7.95 F E r □ a □ each G a All special offer prices are valid only for November 2000 (and, for overseas customers only, during the following month). Other prices quoted are subject to any publishers increases. Overseas insurance optional, but recommended if available (please enquire). Make all cheques and POs payable to Subbuteo Natural History Books. Payment can be made in US$ at current exchange rate. All orders are normally despatched prompdy from stock, but please allow up to 21 days for delivery in UK, longer if abroad. Any item ordered through the BB BookShop which fails to meet your approval can be returned to Subbuteo and your money will be refunded without question. To qualify for FREE POST please quote your BB reference number: I I I I I I I I I Name Address ... . Total £ You can also pay using these credit cards: Cheque/PO enclosed G If your credit card address is different from that above, please show it here; Please debit my Visa/MasterCard/Eurocard Expiry date ■JT Signature You can phone in your credit card orders, quoting your BB ref no. and credit card no. Tel: +44 (0) 1743 709420 Fax: +44 (0) 1743 709504 E-mail: info^.wildlifebooks.com Please send order to: BB BookShop, do Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Guidelines for Contributors British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the Western Palearctic. Except for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted for publication only on condition that the material is not being offered in whole or in part to any other journal or magazine. Photographs and drawings are welcomed. Referees are used where appropriate, and all submissions are reviewed by the British Birds Editorial Board or Notes Panels. Submissions should be in duplicate, typewritten, with double spacing and wide margins, and on one side of the paper only, accompanied by a word- processed version on disk. Both IBM- compatible (PC) and Macintosh disks are acceptable, and most word-processing applications can be easily translated, so long as they are reasonably current. If you are not using an up-to-date, standard program, it is best to submit your paper or contribution in two versions on disk: one in the original word-processed format and one in a basic text format such as RTE (Rich Text Eormat). The approximate position of figures and tables should be clearly indicated on the hard copy of the text. Eigures should be in black ink on good-quality tracing paper or white drawing paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should be typed on a separate sheet. Please discuss computer-generated maps and tables with the designer before starting on them; the software you use may not be compatible. Photographs should be either 35mm transparencies or high-quality prints. Only transparencies will be considered for a front-cover image. Papers should be concise and factual, taking full account of previous literature and avoiding repetition as much as possible. Opinions should be based on adequate evidence. Authors are encouraged to submit their work to other ornithologists for critical assessment and comment prior to submission. Such help received should be acknowledged in a separate section. For main papers, an abstract summarising the key results and conclusions should be included, but should not exceed 5% of the total length. Authors should carefully consult this issue for style of presentation, especially of references and tables. English and scientific names and sequence of birds should follow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1997); or, for non- West Palearctic species, Monroe & Sibley (1993), A World Checklist of Birds. Names of plants should follow Dony et al. (1986), English Names of Wild Flowers. Names of mammals should follow Corbet & Harris (1991), The Handbook of British Mammals, 3rd edition. Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations iBrit. Birds 74: 239- 242; 78: 419-427; 80: 502). Authors of main papers (but not notes or letters) will receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Further copies may be available on request in advance, but will be charged for. Naturetrel<^ Don’t miss our £990 selection for 2000 & 200 1 These 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! Naturetrek Cheriton Mill, Cheriton Alresford, Hampshire S024 ONG Tel: 01962 733051 Fax: 01962 736426 e-mail: info@naturetrek.co.uk web: www.naturetrek.co.uk CANADA’S BAY OF FUNDY 17-25 May 2000 ETHIOPIA 17-26 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 ' 13 -22 Apr 2001 16 - 25 Nov 2001 ETHIOPIAN ENDEMICS 24 Nov - 03 Dec 2000 23 Feb -04 Mar 2001 20-29 Apr 2001 23 Nov -02 Dec 2001 FLORIDA 17-25 Feb 2001 GAMBIA 27 Oct - 05 Nov 2000 26 Oct - 06 Nov 2001 INDIA 17-25 Nov 2000 16 - 24 Feb 2001 13 - 21 Apr 2001 16 - 24 Nov 2001 KAZAKHSTAN 10 - 18 May 2001 17-25 May 2001 24 May - 01 Jun 2001 MALAWI 16 - 25 Feb 2001 09- 18 Mar 2001 NAMIBIA 19 - 28 Jan 2001 02-11 Feb 2001 16 - 25 Feb 2001 NEPAL Departures every Friday throughout Jan & Feb 200 1 04-13 May 2001 18 - 27 May 2001 NEPAL - THE TRAGOPAN TREK ll-20May200l 25 May -03 Jun 2001 SOUTH AFRICA 15-24 Sep 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20 -29 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE BIRDING 23 Mar - 01 Apr 2001 24 Aug -02 Sep 2001 SOUTHERN MOROCCO 15-24 Sep 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 02-11 Mar 2001 13-22 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SRI LANKA 18-27 Nov 2000 16-25 Feb 2001 16-25 Mar 2001 16-25 Nov 2001 TANZANIA 27 Oct - 05 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct- 04 Nov 200 1 TEXAS 13 -21 Apr 2001 THAILAND 10 - 19 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct -04 Nov 200 1 UAE & OMAN 12 - 19 Nov 2000 25 Feb - 04 Mar 2001 15-22 Apr 2001 07 - 14 Oct 2001 WASHINGTON STATE 14-22 Apr 2001 ZAMBIA 03-12 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20 -29 Apr 2001 26 Oct - 04 Nov 2001 'S British Birds Volume 93 Number 12 ir: "’yav.-- -*V •: M su'.- y ' 6®!if .;i . -'.v> ' 'it. . jV :v jS/i ‘.i-’; ‘ • •*rvJH!’ -f* ‘^•7 ■■'-mj Waxwmg lii Shetland ‘ .> I ; 4* . f; y'w ^ ^ ',,#r c>:^;vr '4.X'^- 7." K. ’ ^ li ti' .A > ^ ■i'^. ■>5S^ T ^ ' December 2000 British Birds Established 1907, incorporating The Zoologist , esXabWshcd 1843 Published by BB 2000 Limited, trading as British Birds’ Registered Office: 4 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8SF British Birds Managing Editor Dr J,T, R, Sharrock Personal Assistant Frances Bucknell Assistant Editor David A, Christie Editorial Board I. Carter, Dr R, J, Chandler, Dr M, Collinson, R. J. Prytherch, N, J. Redman, DrJ,T,R, Sharrock Art Consultants Robert Gillmor & Alan Harris Design Mark Corliss Photographic Research Robin Chittenden Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood Circulation Manager Vivienne Hunter Administration Sally Young Rarities Committee Chairman Prof, Colin Bradshaw Hon. Secretary Michael J, Rogers Paul Harveyjohn McLoughlin.John Martin, Doug Page, Adam Rowlands, Ken Shaw, Dr Jimmy Steele, Andy Stoddart, Reg Thorpe, Grahame Walbridge Archivist John Marchant Statistician Peter Fraser Museum consultant Ian Lewington Behaviour Notes Panel Dr C,J, Bibby, Ian Dawson, Dr J,J, M, Flegg, Prof I, Newton FRS, Df M. A, Ogilvie, Dr J,T, R, Sharrock, Dr K, E, L, Simmons, Dr Angela Turner (Co-ordinator) Identification Notes Panel Prof Colin Bradshaw, Dr R, J, Chandler, R.A. Hume, T, P, Inskipp, P G, Lansdown, S, C, Madge, I, S, Robertson, K, E Vinicombe (Co-ordinator) Annual subscription rates Libraries and agencies iu66,50, $1 16,00 Personal subscriptions UK, Europe, surface mail: £53-50 Outside Europe, airmail: £85.00 Concessionary rates (National, Regional & County bird club members) UK - £40,00 Europe & Outside Europe, surface mail: £44,00 Young Ornithologist’s rate £26,75 (YOC UK only) Please make all cheques payable to British Birds Ltd, Single back issues £6,50 Available from British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5JY Please make cheques payable to British Birds Ltd. Rarities Issue £10 - available as above. CIRCULATION PRODUCTION & EDITORIAL The Banks, Mountfield, Nr Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY Tel: 01580 882039 Fax: 01580 882038 Papers, notes, letters, artwork, journals, etc. Philippa Leegood E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk Subscriptions & Circulation Vivienne Hunter E-mail: subscriptions@britishbirds.co.uk Accounts & Administration Sally Young E-mail: accounts@helm-information.co.uk Design, Production & Advertisement Sales Philippa Leegood E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.tik www.britishbirds.co.uk BB Bookshop c/o Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Tel: 01743 709420 Eax: 01743 709504 E-mail: info@wildlifebooks.com ‘News & comment’ information Bob Scott & Wendy Dickson. 8 Woodlands, St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE 19 lUE Tel: 01480 214904 Fax: 01480 473009 E-mail: abscott@tinyworld.co.uk ‘The Ornithological Year’ bird news Barry Nightingale & Keith Allsopp, 7 Bloomsbury C.lose, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9QS Tel: 01525 290314 Rarity descriptions M. J. Rogers, 2 Chtirchtown C.ottagcs, Fowednack, Cornwall TR26 3AZ Front-cover photograph: (iedar Waxwing Honibycitla cet/mr//;;/, Noss, Shetland, June 1985. {Clive K. McKays SPAIN & ISRAEL FEBRUARY - JUNE 2001 TWO WEEK TRIPS COMFORTABLE SMALL GROUPS RELAXED PACE EXPERT GUIDING BRAND TOURS Bachlaan 13, 4102 BP Culemborg The Netherlands Fax: +31 345-549462 E-mail: stijnbrand@hotmail.com www.brandtours.nl CELTIC BIRD TOURS Tourist board approved operators of birdwatching holidays throughout Wales, UK & Overseas. Don’t miss the boat for our renowned Irish Sea Pelagics. Wilson’s and European Storm Petrels, Great, Cory’s, Mediterranean and Sooty Shearwaters, Great & Arctic Skuas, Black Tern plus commoner species all recorded on previous trips. Also Minke & Pilot Whales, Blue Shark, Risso’s & Common Dolphins, Sunfish and Leatherback Turtle. Prime dates in August & September 2001. Limited Availability. £55.00. Elsewhere our programme of long weekends includes North Wales: lekking Black Grouse, Hawfinch, Hen Harrier, Spring migrants & Black Guillemot. Pembrokeshire: Birds & Flowers. Seabird cruises and Autumn Migration. Glamorgan: Spring and Autumn Migration. Find your own birds without the crowds. Our expanding list of overseas destinations includes Bulgaria: Rhodope Mountains & Black Sea Coast. Austria & Slovakia: Lake Neusiedl and Carpathian Mountains. Extremadura Spanish Steppes. Hungary Aggtelek National Park and Hortobagy Plain. Cyprus: Jewel of the Mediterranean. Israel: Arava Valley Flyway & Negev Desert. Finland & Varanger Fjord: Birding in the Midnight Sun. For further details or brochure contact Neil Donaghy at the address below 84 Coity Road, Bridgend CF31 ILT Tel: 01656 645709 Mobile: 07971 983227 E-mai I : Birds® Celtic tours, org. uk Web site: www.uk-birding.co.uk OUT NOW! Our 2001 brochure, featuring dozens of great birding holidays ... Lesbos • Cyprus • Greece • Corsica France (Camargue, Pyrenees, Vercors) Spain (Andalucia, Extremadura, La Mancha, Pyrenees, Sierra de Credos) Canary Islands • Holland • Austria Hungary (Hortobagy, Zemplen, Cranes) Bulgaria • Romania • Iceland Finland & Arctic Norway • Lapland Morocco • Israel • Oman • UAE Gambia • Ethiopia • Kenya • Namibia South Africa • Siberia • Bhutan • Nepal India • Sri Lanka • Malaysia • Borneo Australia • New Zealand • New Caledonia Philippines • USA (Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas) Canada • Costa Rica • Cuba • Trinidad Venezuela • Peru • Brazil Limpsa ,®,, 01263 578143 f'T\ aTo With some trips already full, make sure YOU don't miss out on the fun! Most major credit cards accepted Fax: 01263 579251 e-mail: limosaholidays@compuserve.com Suffield House, Northrepps, Norfolk NR27 OLZ For more information about British Birds visit our website at: www.britishbirds.co.uk Advertising enquiries to: Philippa Leegood 01580 882039 email: design0britishbirds.co.uk Great deals for 2001! EILAT 11-18/25 March with Killian Mullarney A whole host of middle-eastern specialities, plus a wealth of northern migrants, on the shores of the Red Sea. 8-27 May with Paul Holt For a spring full of Siberian migrants join us in this Chinese birding hotspot. GOA 27 October-11 November with Paul Holt Sunbirder is the choice for this Indian Ocean resort. Paul’s knowledge of the region's birds is unrivalled. OULU, FiniLAMD 12-19 May with Killian Mullarney Travel north with us to see Scandinavia's owls, northern specialities and spring migration on the Gulf of Bothnia. All events offer a full, professionally-led excursion programme. For an information pack, contact Sunbird specifying which event you are interested in. Sunbird (BS), P O Box 76, Sandy, Beds, SGI 9 IDF Telephone: 01767 682969 Fax: 01767 692481 E-mail: sunbird@sunbird.demon.co.uk Web site: vwvw.sunbird.demon.co.uk Your money is fully protected by our own ATOL bond. Sunbird IS 3 trading name ot Conderbury Limited SUBBUTEO NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS is now a division of C. J. WildBird Foods Ltd located at: The Rea Upton Magna Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Tel: 00 44 (0)1743 709420 Fax: 00 44 (0)1743 709504 E-mail info @ wildlifehooks. com Check out our new website on www.wilcIlifehooks.com We will continue to offer a selection of books in BB Bookshop recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. British Birds 578 Tim Sharrock: an appreciation 580 Cedar Waxwing in Shetland; new to the Western Palearctic Dr Clive R. McKay 588 Report on scarce migrant birds in 1998 Peter A. Fraser, Peter G. Lansdown and Michael J. Rogers Regular features 587 Announcement Young Ornithologists of the Year 2000 Orkney Nature by R. J. Berry David Saunders 642 News and comment Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson 646 @ Monthly Marathon Killian Mullarney 643 Letters 647 Recent reports Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan The raptor menace: origins and mistaken identities Phil Cannings Early studies of migration Dr W. R.P. Bourne Common Buzzards soaring on flat wings Pete Cambridge 650 Looking back 645 Reviews 650 Corrections Drawn to the Forest: The Society of Wildlife Artists in the New Forest by Robert Burton DrJ.T.R. Sharrock © British Birds 2000 Tim Sharrock: an appreciation Since the 1970s, the name of Tim Sharrock has been synonymous with that of British Birds. At the beginning of this month, December 2000, Tim retires, an event tmly marking the end of an era. Dr J. T. R. Sharrock, universally known as Tim Sharrock, was appointed Managing Editor of BB in July 1976, having been a regular con- tributor to the journal for several years. At that time, the journal, founded by Harry Witherby in 1907 and published by his firm until 1972, was owned by Macmillan Journals. Publica- tion dates had by then become both late and erratic, and the circulation was at a low ebb. From the outset Tim rapidly set about improving matters. Publication quickly became regular, and a number of exciting fea- tures were added, such as ‘Mystery pho- tographs’, reflecting Tim’s interest in setting and solving puzzles. The result was a consider- able increase in the number of subscriptions, by as much as 245% between 1976 and the beginning of the following decade. The real innovations, however, started in 1980. hi August of that year, the editorial board of BB found itself in a position to purchase the journal from Macmillan, thereby becoming completely independent {Brit. Birds 73: 323- 324). A new company was set up under the name of British Birds Ltd, to run on a non- profit basis. With this new freedom, it was not long before Tim’s hand made its mark on the journal’s contents, and over the ensuing years a great many novel ideas were introduced. A major new feature, ‘Monthly marathon’, first appeared in July 1986, and to date ten readers have each won a free Sunbird holiday. The last-named bird-tour company agreed to sponsor ‘Monthly marathon’ from the beginning, and still does so, and this is but one example of Tim’s unrivalled ability to persuade commercial companies to support /i/i. Tim’s hard work and many hours of gentle persuasion gained for BB the sponsor- ship of a large number of publishing houses and other business ventures. In particular, the British Birds Rarities Committee has bene- fited enormously from the financial assis- tance of the major optical company Carl 352. Tim and Erika Sharrock in the garden of Fountains, at Blunham, Bedfordshire. Zeiss Ltd, and the results are clear to see in the pages of this journal; ‘From the Rarities Committee’s files’ is perhaps the best instance of this more ‘user-friendly’ appear- ance of the BBRC, and ‘Recent BBRC deci- sions’ is another innovation which is, we suspect, much appreciated by many readers. Among the many other new ideas brought to the journal by ‘JTRS’, it is worth mentioning ‘Bird Photograph of the Year’ (BPY), initiated in 1976, followed four years later by ‘Bird Illustrator of the Year’ (BIY), both fully sponsored and both offering much-appreciated awards to their winners. The ‘Best Bird Book of the Year Award’, another of Tim’s imaginative additions, is a coveted award, and an extremely useful indi- cator of the better-quality titles to be found among the vast number of bird books that are now published each year. Another innovation, the ‘Best Annual Bird Report Award’ - supported by the BTO, the BBRC, the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWIA), and the Association of County Recorders and Editors (AC'.RE) - has had a huge effect on the general standard of these annual reports, and has encouraged prompt publication of them. Many of the numerous new features intro- duced by 'rim have subsequently been taken 578 © British Birds 93: 578-579, December 2000 Tim Sharroi^fs?an' appreciation nrr " 'M up by other journals or magazines, both in Britain and elsewhere, demonstrating the foresight and the understanding of readers’ wishes which Tim incorporated into the edi- torial content of BB. In this case, imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery. Along with these popular features came a number of more scientifically oriented items. Tim’s organisational skills and his capacity to undertake long hours of detailed editorial work, combined with his considerable ornithological insight and knowledge, secured several regular reports for publication in BB, in addition to the long-standing ‘Rarities Report’. One of these, ‘Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain’, appears in this issue (see pages 588-641), and others that spring immediately to mind are the annual reports of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, and ‘European news’, the latter now established as The Euro- pean Bird Report. All of these regularly pub- lished papers are of inestimable value to researchers and future analysts. Numerous records in the Kent Bird Report and log books of the Dungeness Bird Observatory in the 1950s testify to Tim’s field activities during his school days. He continued his field observations while obtaining his BSc and PhD at the University of Southampton. His close connections with Ireland have included membership of the Irish Records Panel (now the Irish Rare Birds Committee), and the foimding in 1959 of Cape Clear Bird Observatory, of which he was the first Recorder, then Chairman, and, eventu- ally, President; The Natural History of Cape Clear Island, of which he was Editor, is now a greatly sought-after volume from the Poyser stable. In his adopted county, he wa'k'* President and is now a Vice-Present 'of'-chc-p, Bedfordshire Bird Club. ' ^ _[Li ’ ’V Tim came to BB fresh from the triumph of the British Trust for Ornithology/Irish Wildbird Conservancy The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland, of which, during a period of seven years at the BTO, he was national organiser and compiler. The Atlas was edited with the efficiency that we have come to admire and respect in the production of British Birds. Over the years, Tim has held many other posts of influence: Chairman of the European Ornithological Adas Committee, Member of Council of the British Ornitholo- gists’ Union (twice). Secretary of the BOU Records Committee, and Secretary of the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, to name but a few. All attest to the high regard with which Tim is held by the ornithological community. As head of a hard-working team, Tim suc- cessfully spearheaded the resurgence of British Birds from the difficult days of the mid 1970s to the beginning of the new mil- lennium and an age of modern technology, with a completely different-looking publica- tion containing up-to-the-minute news and scientific innovation. ‘Looking back...’, to borrow yet another JTRS rubric, we cannot thank Tim enough for his enormous contributions to BB. We wish him well for the future. A new editorial appointment is imminent. In the meantime, please send all editorial mate- rial to the address on the inside front cover. Trustees for British Birds In announcing the new arrangements for British Birds (93: 302), mention was made of the desire to recruit further directors/trustees. We should like to hear from anyone who is inter- ested in being actively involved with British Appointment will entail becoming both a director of BB 2000 Limited (the company that now owns and publishes British Birds') and a trustee of the charitable trust that will own BB 2000 Limited. Meetings are normally held in central London. As well as enthusiasm for British Birds in particular and British ornithology in general, applicants should possess skills and experience relevant to the enterprise. Particularly valu- able are skills that complement those of the existing directors, including marketing and busi- ness management. This is an opportunity for someone who wishes not only to contribute to the development of British Birds, but also to be part of the growth in British ornithology. A letter of application, including information about the applicant’s background and skills, should be sent to Dr Richard Chandler, 2 Rusland Avenue, Orpington, Kent BR6 8AU. British Birds 93: 578-579, December 2000 579 Alan Harris Cedar Waxwing in Shetland: new to the Western Palearctic Clive R. McKay ABSTRACT On 25th June 1985, a Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum was found on a bare headland on Noss, Shetland, Scotland. Although it was dismissed at first as an escaped cage-bird, subsequent occurrences of the species in England and in Iceland supported the suggestion that it should be regarded as the first occurrence of this Nearctic species in the Western Palearctic. In the summer t)f 1985, 1 was employed as the Nature Conservancy Council’s Warden on Noss National Nature Reserve, an island east of Bressay, Shetland, Scotland. On the afternoon of 25th June, two visitors, Mr and Mrs H Leward, returned to the Visitor (Centre after walking around the island, and informed me that they had seen a waxwing liombycilla . They had obtained good views of the bird, and it was obvious from their verbal description that it was indeed a waxwing: they de.scribed the bird’s general brown coloration, prominent crest, yellow tip to the tail, and even the red tips to some of the wing feathers. The date indicated that there was little likelihood of its being a wild Bohemian Waxwing B. garrnlns, and 1 suggested that it might be an escaped cage- bird. 1 immediately searched the north coast of the island, and found the bird feeding amongst Thrift Arnieria niaritinia on the top of a sheltered rocky headland. It was obviously not a Bohemian Waxwing, having no white on the primaries, and possessing pale sulphur-yellow underparts. Dredging up 580 British Birds 9.5: 580-587, December 2()()() McKay: Cedar Waxwing in Shetland my scant knowledge of American birds, I suspected that it was a Cedar Waxwing B. cedrorum, and I proceeded to take a field description. After watching it during 16.30- 17.30 GMT, 1 hurriedly left the island to tele- phone to the local birders. Unfortunately, none was at home, but I was not too worried by this, since I assumed then that the bird was an escape from captivity. I also, however, telephoned a friend in Sheffield, Keith Clarkson, who had spent some time on a small island off Newfound- land in the summer of 1982, studying Briin- nich’s Guillemots Uria lomvia. He told me that the Cedar Waxwing is migratory, and that he had seen small flocks on the island in June, well away from their normal habitat. At home, 1 flicked through The Shell Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland (Ferguson- Lees et al. 1973), and was surprised to find that, at that time, several species of Nearctic passerine vagrant had occurred in Britain either occasionally or exclusively in June (e.g. Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus, Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina, Rufous- sided (now known as Eastern) Towhee Pipilo erythrophthaimus , Fox Sparrow Passerella White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys and White-throated Sparrow Z. albicollis^. 1 began to consider the possibility that this Cedar Waxwing might be a genuine vagrant. Fortunately, it was still present on 26th, and, together with Susan Crosthwaite, 1 watched it during 08. 30-1 0.30. 1 paid particular attention to the condition of the bird’s plumage and to its feeding behaviour. It bore no colour rings or marks of any kind, nor did it show any obvious plumage aberrations that might have suggested a captive origin. I was able to obtain some photographs of it (plates 353- 356). We made no attempt to catch the bird, as I had been able to make satisfactory obser- vations of it in the field. It could not be found on 27th. Description The following details were supplied to the British Birds Rarities Committee. STRUCTURE AND BEHAVIOUR Wary when approached, but afforded good views when stalked carefully. Size similar to Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris, but smaller. Flight British Birds 93: 580-587, December 2000 also similar to starling. General structure like that of a short-legged Redwing Turdus iliacus. When relaxed, short-necked and hunched, with wings held stiffly along sides and the wing-tips drooping below level of tail, exposing the rump. Wlien active, posture sleek and elegant, with wings held close to the rump/tail. Hopped around boldly on ground, with little elegance, and generally preferred to remain stationary between fly- catching sallies or lunges. Fed actively, taking food (thought to be mostly flies) either from the ground, from plant stalks and flower- heads (picked off delicately), or in flight. Fly- catching sallies from ground only, not from wall or other perches. Regularly sat on top of a broken-down dry-stone dyke (see plates 354 & 355) when preening or after being flushed. Often mobbed by the local resident Rock Pipits Anthus petrosus, and attracted attention of Twites Carduelis flavirostris, but not mobbed by them. Ignored by Common Starlings, and never seen to associate with any other species. PFUMAGE In very good condition, truly immaculate, typical waxwing ‘feather-perfect’ appearance. The black mask and bib gave the bird a very bold appearance, whilst the rest of the plumage was characterised by the very subtle way that one colour merged into another, enhancing the bird’s beauty. HEAD Typical waxwing head pattern, with a distinctive crest, usually held drooped and closed over the back of the head, but raised slightly from time to time (see plate 353). Facial pattern particularly beautiful when seen head-on. Black mask from lores extending through eye and upwards behind eye towards back of head. Anterior two-thirds of mask bordered above and below by a thin cream-coloured line, this line a little thicker where it formed a short creamy moustachial stripe. Short black bib merging imperceptibly into pale bronze of breast (a female characteristic?). Rest of head a rich metallic bronze. UPPERPARTS Nape and mantle dull bronze, merging imperceptibly into lead-grey rump and uppertail-coverts. Lesser and median coverts dull bronze. Greater coverts and primary coverts brown-grey, six or seven of the former with red waxy tips. Tertials grey- brown, fringed with creamy-white on their 581 Clive R. McKay Clive R. McKay Clive R. McKay McKay: Cedar Waxwing in Shetland 353-356. C^cdar Waxwing Botnhycilla cedroruin, Noss, Shetland, 26lh June 1985. 582 British Birds 93; 580-587, December 2000 Clive R. McKay inner margins. Primaries dark brown-black with blue-grey leading edges to basal half of feathers, forming a narrow panel on leading edge of wing (see plates). Basal half of tail lead-grey, distal third-quarter black, distal quarter yellow. UNDERPARTS Black bib merging imperceptibly into pale bronze breast and chest. This in turn merging imperceptibly with pale sulphur-yellow on belly. Vent and undertail-coverts creamy- white. Tibial feathering white. BARE PARTS Bill clean and gun-metal blue- black. Legs short (much shorter than those of Common Starling or Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, for example), clean and black. Eye appeared to be all black, and difficult to see against the black facial mask. CALL A thin, feeble ‘Schreet’, heard twice immediately after the bird took flight. McKay: Cedar Waxwing in Shetland Comments The wind had been east or southeast at Noss since 20th June, swinging around to SSW on the afternoon of 25th, clearing away the fog that had persisted for several days. The wind backed to southeasterly again on 26th, when clear weather provided excellent conditions for observations. The bird showed no obvious behavioural traits or plumage characteristics to suggest that it was of captive origin. On the day on which it arrived, there was also a small influx of three or four Common Crossbills Loxia curvirostra to Noss. Reference Ferguson-Lees, J., Willis, 1., & Sharrock, J. T. R. 1983- The Shell Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland. London. Dr Clive R. McKay, Tigh anArish, Bridgend, Islay PA44 7PP EDITORIAL COMMENT The identification of this Noss bird was accepted with no difficulty (see Prof Colin Bradshaw’s comments, below), but its prove- nance was debated long and hard (see Tony Marr’s comments which follow below) before being regarded as ‘not proven’ {Ibis 135: 22\,Brit. Birds 86: 229, 538). Eleven years later, however, in 1996, fate took a hand. In the midst of one of the largest irruptions ever into Britain of Bohemian Waxwings {Brit. Birds 90: 539- 540), Peter Smith elected to browse through the National Geographic Society Field Guide to the Birds of North America (1983), swot up on the characteristics of Cedar Waxwing, ‘ponder on the possibility of one turning up, given the enormous influx of Bohemian Waxwings currently present and the large number of American vagrants discovered during the last autumn’ {Brit. Birds 89: 582-583), and go out a couple of hours later to look at the undertail-coverts of the waxwings in his local flock at Elmswood Gardens, Sherwood, Nottingham. In his account, Peter Smith recorded that he ‘almost immediately found one that was dull white’ (rather than dark rufous-chestnut) on the undertail-coverts. Amazingly, he had found England’s first Cedar Waxwing simply by going out to look for one. That much- twitched bird (fig. 1 and plates 357-359; see also Brit. Birds 89: plates 176 & 177) stayed for almost a month, and was seen by huge numbers of observers. Peter Smith gave an account of his discovery in Birding World (9: 70-73)-The Nottingham waxwing’s identifica- tion and status as a wild bird were accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee {Brit Birds 90: 495) and the British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee {Ibis 140: 182), which led to the reconsideration of the status of the earlier individual, on Noss. Cedar Waxwing was one of 38 species predicted in 1980 by Chandler S. Robbins as the ‘most likely candidates for autumn transatlantic flight’ {Brit Birds 73: 44SA51^, of which 39% have occurred in the 20 years since then. Prof. Colin Bradshaw, Chairman of the BBRC, has commented: ‘There were few, if any, real identification issues with this record owing to both the quality of the submission and the distinctiveness of the species in question. There are only three members of the subfamily Bombycillinae - Bohemian Waxwing, Cedar Waxwing and Japanese Waxwing B. japonica - and no other birds that bear any close resemblance to them. ‘Separation of Cedar from Bohemian British Birds 93: 580-587, December 2000 583 M. McDonnell Steve >t»M//g/Birdwatch McKay: Cedar Waxwing in Shetland 357-359. Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum, Nottingham, February/March 1996. Note espeeially the whitish undertail-coverts; also the dark brown breast, the pale yellow flanks and sides of belly, relatively uniform wings lacking white wing-bars, restricted amount of black on chin, distinct upward curv'c and tilt to the mask behind the eye, and browner plumage than Bohemian Waxwing B. garrulus (see plates 360- 362). 584 British Birds 93: 580-587, December 2000 Steve >t»Mng/Birdwatch cpva'i 7/ uwi McKay: Cedar Waxwing in Shetland 36O-362. Bohemian Waxwings Bomby>cilla garrulus, Norfolk, January 1991 (top) and March 1997 (lower two). Note especially the rufous-chestnut undertail-coverts; also the relatively pale breast, the greyish-buff belly, yellow and white tips to primaries, white tips to greater primary coverts and secondaries forming two short wing-bars, and generally greyer plumage than Cedar Waxwing B. cedrorum (see plates 357-359). Robin Chittenden Iain H. Leach Bill Simpsou McKay: Cedar Wctxwing in Shetland ctJironAr<\ 2.\“' f&> '“lb Huct>iall McmTtOCHAM 1 SHofinx ceeer tuofO latvicMk^, Head shape wnn csowij anriBJED. / bu^cni Ok) TueortT cpMFifge® ''f fe'U- 6ASE flKJO y uno^ u>Hrtc uue MAsnta ^ uPAsetorrOc ccoa io-pec. DftfiiceC.-^ BOsis^fJee- TBftO HEftb. — • ioeu_-DeR»jeD pec.' Bpiioo VEuooi=« utJOGepnens paloz. , •< im ceMnee. e£u_y ^iKj cxiu. <-ic^ ini& fl^en X AAAeflceD FWl£ qaev). Bu»aiis+< ueq-, neour 2C>% SMAU-ER -WAnJ tJAXOirJq (W leEMS OF" DfliAjneR Bu-L- A(OD wsaflu_y PVO^x>. IkJ FLiqnr PAL£. OFf-iOHlTE uMOGELoiYC^ cooci2rT5 utOOeRTAiu COO*S {A^JO (PAt£ eeiiv) Auoioq laiTVi THe: bi«d5 06010R5 siz£ DiFiFEae>JC£. Hfloe ir usufluv EA&y Tc> Picj^ UACK OF" iZcD -rffiS To «* l*OOIC«TE ft FilZSTT YEAR 8<«D. imf WAxwBjq tySEViSH -oJHnE M» coocere. S.i*r,^3S3»v, UffWWfL Huatowea THIU "ffMiJ VJUXUWC anv kjbbacwbR- vaxow TTrs ^ roiKiTEc> fl3nt)SJ.-nP5. CuoptRiSiL MieeoAap -lAl. Bur LACiED rXsTTiJCT iatxxsn sue«0M.oAi. baivi? AMD pal»c qocy q&jee/>u.7). TRt FElOCjC). ^ PP eciBJScxJ AeouT l!4-|Ji L0>lcw TEA-nnuS lOiTH Du^ aC ^ ii'JNEC lOeS* U>«U--0toK«5 Le»D»J« Te> PaMAC«5. PP cot>9 loiTH OAte aur as C£>syTtJft&*n»iC^ gry^Cff Fig. 1. Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum, Nottingham, 21st February 1996. Waxwing is, in all plumages, relatively straightforward, as it is smaller, and generally browner, especially on the nape and mantle, with a white vent and pale yellow belly, com- pared with the overall grey plumage with chestnut vent and beige belly of Bohemian. The wings, with just some whitish primary shafts and inner edges to the tertials, are rela- tively uniform, lacking the white on the primary coverts and the yellow and white tips to the primaries shown by Bohemian Waxwing. Whilst there is a difference in the “face” pattern, with less black on the throat and a distinct upward tilt to the mask behind the eye of Cedar Waxwing, the presence or absence of a white line above the black mask is unhelpful as, although more common on Cedar Waxwing, it can be present or absent on both species. ‘Separation from Japanese Waxwing, a rel- atively common bird in aviculture in the UK, is slightly easier, although that species is similar in size to Cedar Waxwing, with a yellow belly, and also lacks white on the primary coverts and secondaries. The tip of the tail and the vent are crimson and there is a red band at the base of the secondaries. which shows on the folded wing.’ The separation of Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings was covered in detail by Peter Lansdown {Brit. Birds 89: 546-548). Tony Marr, Chairman of the BOURC, has commented: ‘When first considered, this record was placed in Category D of the British List, in view of the possibility of escape. There had been a probable escapee seen in Oxfordshire on 12th July 1985 and found dead the next day, which clearly influ- enced the decision. It was known, however, that there had been a number of reports of Cedar Waxwings on board ships in the North Atlantic, and that the species was a possible vagrant. On the first circulation, members’ votes were nine for Category D and one for Category A, though the individual decision in each case was very marginal. ‘The assessment of the record of the bird which occurred in Nottingham from 20th February to 18th March 1996, accepted into Category A as a wild bird, prompted a reap- praisal of the Noss record. In addition to the occurrence of the Nottingham bird itself, two further factors emerged which lent weight to the argument that the Noss bird 586 British Birds 9.5: 580-587, December 2000 McKay: Cedar Waxwing in Shetlatid could have been a wild vagrant. First, a record of a Bohemian Waxwing in Iceland from April to July 1989 had been reconsid- ered in 1995 and found in fact to have been of a Cedar Waxwing, constituting, at that time, the first fully accepted record of the species for the Western Palearctic {Bliki 1 1 : 50-51; 16; 7-11, ^\\Brit. Birds 88; 38; 89: 260). Secondly, during the consideration of the Nottingham record, the BOURC obtained from Newfoundland much helpful informa- tion on the status and migration of Cedar Waxwing. ‘Bruce Mactavish in Newfoundland wrote that “There is real movement of Cedar Waxwings in the month of June. They fly with more purpose, dropping out of the sky to treetops for a few moments before flying off high and far into the distance. Usually singles or small groups, not the flocks that we see in fall and winter. During June migra- tion they are frequently encountered over coniferous forest where they do not nest.... The birds give one the impression of real migration. June is the only month in which this happens.” His notes revealed that in June 1985 there was an average to slightly above- average migration of Cedar Waxwings through Newfoundland. He suggested that June would be a good month for a Cedar Waxwing to overshoot Newfoundland and find itself out over the Atlantic Ocean. ‘The species used to be imported regu- larly in small numbers. It was advertised annually in Cage & Aviary Birds from at least 1975 (the first year for which there was a complete analysis) to 1991. It became scarcer in the 1980s, with, for example, none reported in the 1988 and 1989 MAFF reports on the importation of birds. This was consid- ered to be a result of the export ban on birds applied by Mexico in September 1982. The maximum advertised price remained rela- tively stable during 1978-1985, at £25 to £35 per bird, but the maximum price shot up to £68 in 1986 and rose again to £95 in 1990, a sure indication that supplies were short. ‘The combination of three factors - (1) the subsequent records in Iceland and in Nottingham, (2) the information relating to movements and abundance in northeastern North America, and (3) the sharp reduction in the late 1980s in the number kept in cap- tivity - led the Committee to upgrade the Noss record from Category D to Category A, thus to become not only the first for Britain, but also the first for the Western Palearctic. ‘The species, which is monotypic, breeds across much of the northern United States of America and southern Canada, the popula- tion moving southwards to winter down into Mexico. ‘This experience is an interesting reflec- tion on the use of Category D for records over which there are doubts about the origin of a bird. Regarded by some cynics as “D for Dumping”, the purpose of Category D is in fact that of a holding category, so that records relating to birds of uncertain prove- nance are not overlooked and can be reassessed in future years in the light of further records, or the receipt of new or additional information relating to the species’ occurrences elsewhere. This record is a good example of the benefits of having such a category, as first suggested by Sir A. Landsborough Thomson and instituted in 1971 {Ibis 113:420-423).’ We are still hoping to publish two other long-overdue accounts of the first occur- rences of species new to Britain and Ireland: those concerning the Elegant Tern Sterna elegans in Co. Down and Co. Cork during June to August 1982, and the first-winter Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea in Co. Cork in October 1985. Announcement: Young Ornithologists of the Year 2000 The judging for this annual competition was arranged, as usual, for mid September, but, owing to the fuel crisis at that time, had to be postponed and then rearranged when all the judges were again available. The full results, together with examples of the winners’ notebook entries, will be presented in next month’s issue. We can, however, announce that the winners were as follows: JUNIOR (14 years and under) 1st = Loreen Chan (Ealing, London) 1 St = Anthony Price (Chelmarsh, Sliropshire) INTERMEDIATE (15-17 years) 1 st Jack Wylson (Lowestoft, Suffolk) Runners-up: Stuart Finer (Lancashire) and Ashley Saunders (Norfolk) SENIOR (18-21 years) 1st Robert Martin (Beeston, Nottinghamshire) British Birds 93: 580-587, December 2000 587 Ernest Leahy Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Peter A. Fraser, Peter G. Lansdown and Michael J. Rogers Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris ABSTRACT For this fourth annual report, covering 1998, information on assessed and accepted records of scarce migrant birds was supplied, sometimes in advance of publication in their local bird reports, by County Bird Recorders. There were all-time record numbers of two species in 1998: Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea and White Stork Ciconia ciconia. Furthermore, Balearic Shearwater Pujfinus mauretanicus, Wryneck Jynx torquilla, Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris and Great Grey Shrike Lanius excuhitor each registered the highest totals since we started to monitor their occurrences annually; and numbers of Purple HciTons Ardea purpurea and Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio in 1998 were the joint-highest and highest respectively during the last ten years. In 1998, no species registered its lowest-ever amiiial total, nor was any species’ annual total the lowest during its study period. Fewer Tawny Pipits Anthus ca7npestris,S2tvi's Warblers Locustella luscinioides. Aquatic Warblers Acrocepbalus paludicola and Melodious Warblers Hippolais polyglotta were seen in 1998, however, than in any other of the last ten years. 588 © British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 This is the fourth annual report on scarce migrant birds in Britain. It follows the same format as the third report iBrit. Birds 92; 618-658), which covered 1997, but contains one fewer species: Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina is omitted. Only records that have been assessed and fully accepted by the appropriate local, regional or national record panels have been included in this report. Every year, the assembly of data, which includes the record- assessment process, takes much longer for some counties than for others. As a result, and despite the willing and enthusiastic co- operation of nearly all of Britain’s county bird recorders and their assistants, these national reports on scarce migrant birds inevitably have to be published well after the year in question. Even then, most or all records from a few counties and sub-coun- ties are not included; this report lacks most or all of the relevant 1998 records from Caithness, Hertfordshire and Staffordshire. Statistics have been updated for previous years as they have become available, even if this was after publication of the report on the year in question. Readers should note that an extra 350 records have been added for 1997 and earlier years, and that many of the statistics have been revised accordingly. This report covers England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man. We should very much like to include records for the whole of Ireland, as well as for the whole of Britain, in future reports, in order to be able compre- hensively to study the pattern of records in the entire natural zoogeographical area of Britain & Ireland. At the time of writing, all Irish records have been entered into the database up to and including 1997, so it would be a relatively straightforward task thus to extend the scope of the report, which remains our eventual aim. Acknowledgments First and foremost, the three authors wish to thank most sincerely the county and regional recorders and their assistants for providing such detailed information for 1998 and for supplying additional records for past years where relevant. Without the recorders and their ready co-operation, this report would not have been possible. We are also very grateful for the assistance and advice given by Jon Green, Dr Peter Knight and the Welsh Ornithological Society. Systematic list Interpretation of the statistics used and quoted in the species accounts should take into consideration the following: Since 1958, the increased number of observers and their collective enhanced knowledge, improved mobility and greater amount of time spent in the field must, in some part, be responsible for the increase in the recorded numbers of some scarce migrants. Known breeding birds (e.g. Red-necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus') have been excluded, except in the case of Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides. Individuals remaining from one year to the next (e.g. overwintering Surf Scoters Melanitta perspicillata') have been counted only in the year of their arrival. Returning individuals (e.g. Ring-billed Gulls Larus delawarensis') have, where pos- sible, been counted only in the year of their arrival. Known escapes from captivity (e.g. some White Storks Ciconia ciconia') have been excluded. Statistics for some species for 1998 and, to a lesser degree, for earlier years are incom- plete because of the unavailability of data from some counties. Because this report contains no records from Ireland for 1998, past Irish records have been excluded from the statistics in aU but a very few cases, so that a true comparison can be made with previous years. Except where captioned to the contrary, the his- tograms also exclude Irish records. The numerical scales of the maps have been calculated logarithmically, not linearly as in previous reports. This better differenti- ates between low numbers, and highlights single records, but underplays particularly high numbers, compared with the aritlimetic scales used in the maps in the previous three reports. 589 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 7281 1747 56 374 75 1731 5114 16378 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1998 1980 1993 1997 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 5114 2851 1747 1731 14 16 453 1280 399 An estimated 5,114 Cory’s Shearwaters were seen in Britain in 1998: 4,771 in Cornwall, 288 in Scilly, 28 in Devon, seven in East Yorkshire, four in Fife, three in Kent and one or two in a ftirther seven counties, as illustrated in fig. 1 . Of the 5,109 individuals for which exact dates are available, ten were seen during 1 lth-l6th July, 294 during 21st-25th July, 17 on 30th July, ten during 6th-l6th August, 30 during 21st-28th August, 4,742 during 4th-17th September and five during 23rd September to 3rd October, with one on 25th October, at Cley, Norfolk. It seems likely that a large number of birds were displaced north on strong, warm southerly winds generated by a deep depres- sion that arrived to the west of Ireland in early September. The most productive locality in 1998 was Gwennap Head, Porthgwarra, Corn- wall, where there were daily totals of 3,500, 256 and 60 on 5th, 6th and 7th September respectively, and 198 and 78 on 21st and 22nd July. Addition- ally, there were 400 on 6th Sep- tember at Bass Point, Cornwall, 270 on 6th September at St Agnes, Scilly, 156 on 6th September at Killigerran Head, Cornwall, and 50 on 5th Sep- tember at Pendeen Watch, Cornwall. The highest daily totals were 3,555 on 5th September and 1,102 on 6th September. The total of 5,1 14 Cory’s Shearwa- ters in Britain in 1998 was by far the highest annual total since national record collation began in 1958; indeed, the number in 1998 equates to over 45% of the total during 1958-97. Cory’s Shearwater is comfortably the most numerous species to appear in this report. Never- theless, we shall continue to include it, as there are still relatively few records per year, even if some of those are of large numbers of birds, and the species is still very rare away from the tradi- tional sea- watching spots in the Southwest. Fig. 1. Distribution of Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the exceptionally high number in Cornwall. 590 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2()()() Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Balearic Shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus Numbers of individuals in 1986 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1986-98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 3181 959 834 955 1636 1479 2024 11068 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual average 1986-98 1998 1996 1997 86 - 89 90 - 98 2024 1636 1479 314 1090 851 Of the estimated 2,024 Balearic Shearwaters recorded in Britain in 1998, 967 were in Cornwall, 538 in Devon, 259 in Dorset, 66 in Pem- brokeshire, 41 in Kent, 30 in Sussex, 24 in East Yorkshire and 21 in Scilly, with 16 or fewer in a further 15 counties, as illustrated in fig. 2. Exact dates are available for only 648 individuals, while the month of occurrence is known for 1,748 birds. Of these, singles were seen on 3rd January, off Hope’s Nose, Devon, 5th January, at Dungeness, Kent, and 17th January and 21st March, at Flambor- ough Head, East Yorkshire; there were three in May, 19 in June, 351 in July, 289 in August, 802 in September, 257 in October, 20 in November and three in December, including singles on 25th, at Hope’s Nose, and on 29th, at Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire. Balearic Shearwater continues to increase in Britain: more were recorded in 1998 than in any other year since national record col- lation began in 1986, and the three highest annual totals occurred in the last three years and the six highest were in the last six years. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 - 543 8 26 13 22 18 27 657 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1987 1970 1990 1998 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 35 28 27 27 7 19 21 19 16 British Birds December 2000 591 Fig. 2. Distribution of Balearic Shearwaters Puffinus mauretanicus in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the prominence of the Southwest, in particular Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 There were 27 Purple Herons recorded in Britain in 1998: six in Norfolk, four in Dorset, three in Sussex, two in both Devon and Hampshire, and singles in a further ten counties, as illustrated in fig. 3. In spring, nine were first seen during 8th-26th April and ten during 10th May to 2nd June, and singles were found on 10th, 17th and 27th June. There was one on 10th July, at Hickling Broad, Norfolk. In autumn, three were discovered during 7th- 25th August, and the year’s last Purple Heron was seen on 2nd October, at Barn’s Ness, Lothian. The peak date in 1998 was 1st June, when four were found at Salthouse, Fig. 3. Distribution of Purple Herons Ardea purpurea in Norfolk, and five were seen in total, each county in Britain in 1998. Note the typical southerly The seasonal occurrence pattern in distribution and the record in Lothian. 1998 is shown in fig 4 Fig. 4. Numbers of Purple Herons Ardea purpurea in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the protracted spring passage and the smaller number of migrants in autumn. The last year in which the number of Purple Herons in Britain exceeded the 27 in 1 998 was 1987. With annual averages of seven during 1958-69, 19 in the 1970s, 21 in the 1980s and 19 during 1990-98, the numbers visiting Britain annually have remained fairly constant since 1969. Wliite Stork Ciconia ciconia Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 365 27 4 22 17 16 55 516 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1998 1986 1977 1976 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 55 48 39 31 2 16 15 20 13 592 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2()()() Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 After taking into consideration the species’ conspicuity and its highly mobile nature, it was calculated that 55 White Storks were seen in Britain in 1998. Of these, seven are thought to have been first seen in Norfolk, six in Kent, five in Sussex and three in both Huntingdonshire and Suffolk, with one or two in a further 24 coun- ties, as shown in fig. 5. In all, the species was recorded in 31 counties during the year. All records involved single birds. The earliest individuals were found on 1st March, at Penton, Cumbria, and 9th March, at Twynholm, Dum- fries & Galloway; three more were first seen during 29th March to l4th April, then the year’s major influx, which involved 36 White Storks, took place during 19th April to 18th May, and a further nine were discovered during 25th May to 13th July. There were records on 8th and 13th August and 7th and 11th Sep- tember, and the last individual appeared on l6th November, at BexhiU-on-Sea, Sussex. The peak day in 1998 was 4th May, when six were first seen and seven were present in all. The seasonal distribution is illustrated in fig. 6. Fig. 5. Distribution of arriving White Storks Ciconia ciconia in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the 25 arrivals in the coastal counties from Isle of Wight to Norfolk. Fig. 6. Numbers ofWliite Storks Ciconia ciconia in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the major influx in spring, particularly during 19th April to 9th May, when 30 individuals were found. The total of 55 White Storks in Britain in 1998 was the highest annual total since record colla- tion began nationally, in 1958. Numbers have increased, particularly since the blank year of 1970, as is evident from the annual averages of two during 1958-69, 16 in the 1970s, 15 in the 1980s and 20 during 1990-98. Annual totals of White Storks in Britain are prone to great varia- tion, however, as the low numbers of three in 1980, two in 1985 and four in 1994 demonstrate. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia In 1998, Eurasian Spoonbills were recorded in 43 counties; as in 1997, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cornwall and Devon each attracted more individuals than any other county. A juvenile on Mainland and Whalsay, Shetland, during 29th September to 11th October, and two on West Mainland, Orkney, during 19th-23rd October, were unusually far north. As in previous years, there were many instances of birds moving not only within but also British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 593 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 between counties, making a nationwide assessment of numbers particularly difficult; because of this, monthly totals of apparently newly arrived individuals have been expressed comparatively, after discounting the obvious cases of duplication. There were clear influxes in spring and autumn: only 8% of the year’s newcomers appeared during January to March, 11% were seen in April, 26% in May, 8% in June, 12% in July, 15% in August, 7% in September, 7% in October and just 6% in November and December. The largest parties were of six on 25th April, at Cley, Norfolk, and six on 21st May, at Horsey, Norfolk. Although there were clearly fewer Eurasian Spoonbills in Britain in 1998 than in the excep- tional year of 1996, there were far more than in any of the years during 1986-94 and very prob- ably more than in either 1995 or 1997. Ruddy Shdduck Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelducks were recorded in 23 counties in 1998; apart from an individual at Caerlave- rock, Dumfries & Galloway, on 20th March, all were seen in England. Even though birds remaining from previous years and obvious escapes from captivity can be discounted easily, the assessment of numbers of newly arrived Ruddy Shelducks in Britain each year is complicated by the itinerant nature of the species, the number of suspected returning individuals and the unknown numbers of feral birds and escapes from captivity, originating in both Britain and continental Europe. In 1998, more Ruddy Shelducks were seen in Norfolk than in any other county and, appar- ently, almost twice as many were first seen in August than in any other month. The largest party was one of six, at Theale Gravel-pits, Berkshire, on 23rd September. The database contains records from the 13 years 1986-98. Numbers were generally lower during 1986-91 than subse- quently; compared with 1992-97, 1998 was an average, or slightly below-average, year for the species. Common Teal Anas crecca Nearctic formyl, (c.) carolinensis Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 266 13 11 30 30 22 18 390 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1995 1996 1989 1990 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 30 30 25 25 2 6 13 20 10 A total of six Common Teals of the Nearctic form, colloquially known as ‘Green-winged Teal’, remained or returned from previous years. Excluding these, there were 18 in Britain in 1998; three in Norfolk, two in Outer Hebrides and singles in a further 13 counties, as illustrated in fig. 7. Including birds from previous years. Green-winged Teals were recorded in a total of 19 coun- ties in 1998. All of the presumed new individuals were first seen either in winter or in spring, as is usual: four during 1 lth-24th January, one on 17th February, five during 15th March to lOth April, four during lst-24th May and four during 8th November to 12th December. On 1st May, two were found at Clachan Farm, Outer Hebrides, and, including birds from previous years, seven were seen in all during 19th-21st December. The seasonal distribution of presumed new individuals in 1998 is shown in fig. 8, which includes a record from Northern Ireland, at Ballycarry, C'.o. Antrim, on 8th February. The total of 18 presumed new Green-winged Teals in Britain in 1998 was the lowest annual 594 British Birds 93: ‘>88Ti4l, December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1 998 total since 1994, but it nevertheless exceeded the total in any year during 1958-88. The annual totals during 1958-98 are shown in fig. 9, which illustrates the generally higher numbers reeorded since 1988. Fig. 7. Distribution of presumed newly arrived Common Teals Anas crecca of the Nearctic form A. (c.) carolinensis in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the wide scatter of records. Fig. 8. Numbers of presumed newly arrived Common Teals Anas crecca of the Nearctic form A. (c.) carolinensis in Britain and Northern Ireland in each week in 1998. Note that the arrivals were all in winter or spring. 35 T 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 ■,i,i,M.Mjii ■ I ■ 1 1 , i , 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1, I I i"i — N N ^ ^ ^ ^ # s'#'" ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Fig. 9. Numbers of presumed newly arrived Common Teals Anas crecca of the Nearctic form A. (c.) carolinensis in Britain each year during 1958-98. Note the higher numbers after 1977 and the further increase after 1988. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 595 Fraser et al„ Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 256 6 5 13 15 9 15 319 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1980 1979 1977 1990 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 28 26 21 20 1 8 13 11 8 Excluding three individuals that had also been seen in previous years, there were 15 Ring-necked Ducks recorded in Britain in 1998: two in Devon, Dorset, Scilly and Somerset and singles in Anglesey, Avon, Corn- wall, Highland, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and Sussex. The year’s dis- tribution of presumed newly arrived individuals, ten of which appeared in southwest England, is shown in fig. 10. The first new Ring-necked Duck in 1998 was discovered on 21st January, at Westhay Moor, Somerset, then eight were first seen during 10th April to 31st May. In autumn, one was found on 12th September and three more appeared during 4th- Fig. 10. Distribution of presumed new Ring-necked Ducks 1 1th October; further singles were Aythya collaris in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the seen on 5th and 30th December arrival of ten in southwest England. t-, * -i ^ There were two on 27th April, at Abbotsbury, Dorset, and during 4th- 10th October, on St Mary’s, Scilly, and, including returning individuals, there were four in total on 13th April and 30th-31st December. The last year in which there were more presumed newly arrived Ring-necked Ducks in Britain than the 15 in 1998 was 1990. The species became more numerous after 1976: annual averages were one during 1958-76 and 14 during 1977-97, so the 15 in 1998 was above average even by recent standards. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Numbers of individuals in 1986 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1986-98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 103 7 5 9 12 10 12 158 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual avenige 1986-98 1987 1986 1991 86 - 89 90 - 98 27 20 1 5 18 10 12 596 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 There were 12 presumed newly arrived Ferruginous Ducks in Britain in 1998 in addition to six that remained or returned from previous years. Of the newcomers, three were in Norfolk and two in Bedfordshire, with singles in Cambridgeshire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Lin- colnshire, Northamptonshire, Suffolk and West Midlands, as illustrated in fig. 11. The year’s first presumed new individual was found on 18th January, then two were discovered on 28th April, followed by singles on 4th and 15th September, 11th October and 7th and 17th November and four which appeared during 8th- 15th December. There were two during 28th April to 3rd May at Hick- ling Broad, Norfolk. Including returning birds, there were five in total during 19th-31st December. The last year in which there were more presumed newly arrived Ferruginous Ducks in Britain than the 12 in 1998 was 1991, before which the species was more numerous: annual averages were 15 during 1986-91 and nine during 1992-98. The annual totals during 1986-98 are shown in fig. 12. Fig. 11. Distribution of presumed newly arrived Ferruginous Ducks Aytbya nyroca in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the main concentration of records in eastern England. 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Fig. 12. Numbers of presumed newly arrived Ferruginous Ducks Aytbya nyroca in Britain in each year during 1986-98. Note the high numbers in 1986 and 1987 and the generally lower annual totals since 1991. 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 In view of the generally low numbers, this species was restored to the British Birds Rarities Committee’s list from 1st January 1999 {Brit. Birds 92: 113-1 14). British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 597 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Surf Scoter Melcmitta perspicillata Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 224 16 9 8 9 22 19 307 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1989 1997 1998 1991 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 24 22 19 18 2 5 11 14 7 Excluding the ten individuals which remained from 1997 or returned from previous years, 19 Surf Scoters were seen in Britain in 1998: five in Devon, three in Cornwall, two in Angus, Fife and Outer Hebrides, and singles in Northeast Scotland, Orkney, Oxfordshire, Pembrokeshire and Sussex, as shown in fig. 13. Of the 19 presumed newly arrived individuals, three were first seen during 4th-27th March, singles were observed on 3rd May, at Ruddon’s Point, Fife, and 4th July, at Murcar, Northeast Scotland, nine were found during 13th-26th October and four during 8th-17th November, with the last appearing on 5th December. The peak days in 1998 were 19th and 26th October, on each of which two presumed new Surf Scoters were dis- covered. Including returning birds, there were four during 29th March to lOth April at Ruddon’s Point, Fife, and nine were present nationally on 18th November and 6th December. A par- ticularly unusual record was of an individual well inland, during 27th March to 4th April, at Farmoor Reser- voir, Oxfordshire. The total of 19 presumed new Surf Scoters in Britain in 1998 is the third highest annual total since national record collation began in 1958; it followed the second highest total of 22 in 199'^ and confirmed the species’ continuing long-term increase. Interestingly, 1 1 of the birds in 1998 were non-adults, being described as ‘juvenile’, ‘first-winter’ or ‘first-summer’; so we might expect a significant number being present for some years to come. Annual averages of presumed newly arrived individuals were two during 1958-69, five in the 1970s, 11 in the 1980s and 14 during 1990-98. The annual totals during 1958-98 are shown in fig. 14. Fig. 13. Distribution of presumed newly arrived Surf Scoters Melanitta perspicillata in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the customary cluster of records in eastern Scotland, and the unusually large numbers in Devon and Cornwall. 598 British Birds 93: 588-64 1 , December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Fig. 14. Numbers of presumed newly arrived Surf Scoters Melanitta perspicillata in Britain each year during 1958-98. Note the general increase since 1974, and the particularly high totals in 1989, 1991, 1997 and 1998. European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus Numbers of individuals in 1986 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1986-98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 481 167 96 151 121 88 166 1270 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual average 1986-98 1993 1998 1995 86 - 89 90 - 98 167 166 151 60 114 98 Individuals at known breeding sites are excluded from the statistics. Of the 166 European Honey-buzzards recorded in Britain in 1998, 38 were in Kent, 22 in Norfolk, 13 in Suffolk, 12 in Hampshire, ten in Sussex, eight in East Yorkshire, six in Dorset, five in both Nottinghamshire and Oxford- shire, four in Cornwall, Highland and Northamptonshire, three in Cam- bridgeshire, Leicestershire and Lin- colnshire, and one or two in another 21 counties, as illustrated in fig. 15. The year’s earliest record was of one on 2nd May, at Ipswich, Suffolk; 26 were found during 12th-31st May, 23 in June, 15 in July, 25 in August, 44 in September, and 30 during Ist-llth October. The last singles were seen on 18th October, at Meols, Cheshire, and Redlynch, Wiltshire. The peak days in 1998 were 3rd October, when Fig. 15. Distribution of European Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus away from known breeding sites in each county in Britain in 1 998. Note the usual southerly and easterly distribution, with most in the coastal counties from Hampshire to. Norfolk. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 599 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 ten individuals were first seen, and 1st October, when nine were discovered and ten were seen in total. There were five records which involved three birds each: on 17th May, at Walberswick, Suffolk, on 1st June, at St Margaret’s, Kent, on 24th August, at Hordle, Hampshire, on 3rd-4th Sep- tember, at Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, and on 19th September, at Cottenham, Cam- bridgeshire. The seasonal pattern in 1998 is shown in fig. 16. 30 25 20 15 10 r _ _ : ■ ■" " 1 1 1 1 II II U ■ ■ ■ ■■ IJJl 1 LIJOHHHH -f- CO in 5 5 5 5 a>i-coior^o>i-coior^o>i-comNO)i-comh.a>T- >t-,-^t--i-C*JCMC«JC«4C>JCOCOCOCOCO^^^^^lO ^555555555555555555555 Fig. 16. Numbers of European Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus away from known breeding sites in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the rather even occurrence pattern during mid May to mid October, except for 30th September to 3rd October, when 26 individuals appeared. The total of 166 European Honey-buzzards away from known breeding localities in Britain in 1998 was the second highest annual total since national record collation began in 1986. In only one year during 1986-97 was the number seen in autumn higher than the number recorded in autumn 1998. The species is increasing in Britain: annual averages were 69 during 1986-92 and 132 during 1993-98; the annual totals during 1986-98 are shown in fig. 17. Fig. 17. Numbers of European Honey-buzzards Pernis apivorus away from known breeding localities in Britain in each year during 1986-98. Note the general increase after 1992, including particularly high numbers in 1993, 1995 and 1998. y.; J . '■ ••d Buieo lagopus Numbers of individuals in 1978 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1978-98 1978 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 413 16 235 75 50 43 109 941 600 British Birds 93: 588-641 , December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Annual maxima 1978 - 1998 Annual averages 1978 - 1998 Annual average 1978-98 1994 1998 1988 78 - 89 90 - 98 235 109 85 26 70 45 Excluding the five wintering individuals which remained from 1997, there were 109 Rough- legged Buzzards recorded in Britain in 1998: 56 in Norfolk, 13 in Suffolk, 11 in Lincolnshire, four in both Derbyshire and Kent, three in Northumberland, Orkney and Shetland, two in Co. Durham, Essex and Highland, and singles in a further six counties. The year’s distribution, which involved 80 individuals in three adjacent East Coast counties, is shown in fig. 18. In the first winter period, six were first seen during lst-1 1th January and seven during 28th January to 22nd February, with one on 7th March. In spring, there were 25 arrivals during 17th March to 1st May, singles were discovered on l6th and 17th May and a very late individual was observed on 1st June, at Waxham, Norfolk. The first in autumn was during 21st-24th September, on Unst, Shetland, and was followed by the year’s main influx, involving 53 individuals, during 4th- 26th October; five were found in November and eight more in Dec- ember. The peak day in 1998 was 10th October, when 12 were first seen, including a passage of seven in 45 minutes at Horsey Gap, Norfolk, and 14 were seen in total. The main migration period in 1 998, during 8th- 18th October, was about two weeks earlier than the traditional peak autumn passage period in Britain. The year’s seasonal pattern of occurrence is illustrated in fig. 19. Fig. 18. Distribution of presumed newly arrived Rough- legged Buzzards Buteo lagopus in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the concentration of 80 of the year’s 109 individuals in the adjoining East Coast counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire. Fig. 19. Numbers of presumed newly arrived Rough-legged Buzzards Buteo lagopus in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the small return passage during mid March to the end of April and the large influx in October, particularly during 8th-18th, when 47 individuals were recorded. Since 1978, when national record collation began, only the exceptional total of 235 Rough- legged Buzzards in 1994 exceeded the 109 in 1998. The species is increasing in Britain: annual averages for selected periods are 15 during 1978-85, 39 during 1986-93 and 102 during 1994-98. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 601 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Numbers of individuals in 1986 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1986-98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 410 54 34 117 70 33 79 797 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual average 1986-98 1995 1989 1988 86 - 89 90 - 98 117 82 81 71 57 61 Excluding those at known breeding sites, 79 Spotted Crakes were recorded in Britain in 1998: 13 in Sussex, seven in Hampshire, six in Scilly, five in Cambridgeshire, four in Avon, Cornwall and Norfolk, three in Cheshire, Dorset, Oxfordshire, Somerset and Warwickshire, and one or two in a further 15 counties, as illustrated in fig. 20. Singles were seen during 23rd February to 27th March, on Tresco, Scilly, and on 10th March, at Abbots- bury, Dorset, then three were found during 28th March to 11th April, 16 during 22nd April to 19th May, two in June and two in July. Most were recorded in August, September and October, when 20 were discovered during 5th August to 6th September, there was one on l6th September and 30 were found during 24th Sep- Fig. 20. Distribution of presumed migrant Spotted Crakes Porzatta porzana in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the southerly distribution, including 13 in Sussex. Fig. 21. Numbers of Spotted Crakes Porzana porzana in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the significant spring pas.sage, the heavier autumn migration and the single presumed newly arrived individual during 7th-23rd September. 602 British Birds 93: 588-64 1 , December 2()()0 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 tember to 24th October. Late individuals were seen on 6th November, during 21st-25th November and on 1st December at Lower Test Marshes, Hampshire. The peak days in 1998 were 27th April, 21st August, 28th September and 4th October, on each of which three individuals were found, and 3rd and 6th September, when ten were seen in total. The most notable multiple record was of three on 27th April at Woodwalton Fen, Cambridgeshire. The seasonal occurrence pattern in 1998 is shown in fig. 21. Interestingly, the apparent break in autumn migration during 7th-23rd September 1998 is a reflection of the mid-September numbers as a whole during 1986- 98, as illustrated in fig. 22. Fig. 22. Numbers of Spotted Crakes Porzana porzana in Britain and Ireland (where data available) in each week during 1986-98. Note arrivals in every month and the bi-phasic autumn passage. The total of 79 Spotted Crakes in Britain in 1998 was the second-highest annual total since 1989. It was as a result of good numbers at both migration periods: since 1989, there have been only two springs with more seen (in 1990 and 1993) and only two autumns with higher totals (in 1995 and 1996). During 1986-98, numbers were higher in spring than in autumn only in 1990. Common Crane Grus grus Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1591 12 42 36 49 39 25 1794 Annual maxima 1 958 - 1 998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1963 1982 1985 1977&1988 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 685 199 103 51 64 19 56 32 44 Excluding the small resident population of Common Cranes in Norfolk, 25 individuals were seen in Britain in 1998: nine in Norfolk, three in both Hampshire and Shetland, two in both Northeast Scotland and Northumberland and singles in Angus, Cornwall, Dumfries & Galloway, Highland, North Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. The scattered distribution in Britain in 1998 is shown in fig- 23. In spring, following the year’s first on 28th March, at St Levan, Cornwall, five appeared during 5th-l6th April and 14 during 28th April to 1st June. In autumn, five were discovered during 5th- 18th October. The peak day in 1998 was 28th April, when four were found. The most notable British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 603 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Fig. 23. Distribution of presumed newly arrived Common Oanes Grus grus in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the scatter of records and the prominence of Norfolk. multiple records concerned three on 28th April at Whitenap, Hampshire, and three during l4th October to 17th November at Breydon Water, Norfolk. The seasonal occurrence pattern in Britain in 1998 is illus- trated in fig. 24. Excluding tht invasion years of 1963, 1982 and 1985, when 685, 199 and 103 Common Cranes were recorded respectively, the annual averages for selected periods since record collation began on a national scale in 1958 were seven during 1958-69, 19 in the 1970s, 32 in the 1980s and 32 during 1990-98. So, the total of 25 individuals in Britain in 1998 made it a below-average year for the species; 25 was the lowest annual total since 1993. Fig. 24. Numbers of migrant Common Cranes Grus grus in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the main arrival period during 28th April to 11th May. Kentish Plover Characlrius alexandrinus Numbers of individuals in 1986 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1986-98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 222 59 38 24 39 19 32 433 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual average 1986-98 1993 1991 1996 86 - 89 90 - 98 59 42 39 28 36 33 There were 32 Kentish Plovers recorded in Britain in 1998: 1 1 in Kent, five in Norfolk, four in both Devon and Sussex and two in Dorset, with singles in Avon, Gwent, Hampshire, Lothian, Pembrokeshire and Suffolk. This predominantly southern distribution is shown in fig. 25. 604 British Birds 93: S88-641, December 2()0() Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 In spring, five were found during 28th March to 4th April, 15 during l4th April to 13th May, and five during 21st-28th May. In autumn, three were discovered during 5th- 12th August, singles appeared on 28th August and 6th September and there were two on the very late date of 22nd November, at Ferrybridge, Dorset. The most notable multiple record was of three on 29th March, at Dungeness RSPB Reserve, Kent; three were also seen in total on 29th April. Numbers in Britain in spring are invariably higher than those in autumn. In an average year for Kentish Plovers in Britain, there were 32, compared with an annual average of 33 during 1986-97. Nevertheless, a total of 32 was a marked improve- ment on the 19 in 1997. The annual totals during 1986-98 are shown in fig. 26. Fig. 25. Distribution of Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the customary southerly distribution, including the high number in Kent, and the record in Lothian. 70 T- 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Fig. 26. Numbers of Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus in Britain and Ireland in each year during 1986-98. Note the 59 in 1993 and the 19 in 1997. Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii Numbers of individuals in 1968 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1968 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 2199 97 89 97 59 76 80 2697 British Birds 93; 588-641, December 2000 605 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Annual maxima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1968 - 1998 Annual average 1968-98 1987 1977 1989 1991 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 176 125 119 112 71 105 89 87 Fig. 27. Distribution ofTemminck’s Stints Calidris temminckii in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the high numbers in East Coast counties from Kent to East Yorkshire, particularly Norfolk. Of the SOTemminck’s Stints recorded in Britain in 1998, 27 were in Norfolk, nine in Kent, eight in Suffolk, five in East Yorkshire, three in Hampshire and Lancashire & North Merseyside, and one or two in a further 18 counties, as illustrated in fig. 27. In spring, 56 were found during 7th May to 1st June. Singles were seen on 21st June, at Starnafin, North- east Scotland, and on 8th July, at Find- horn Bay, Moray & Nairn, then three were first seen during 27th July to 9th August and three more during 23rd-28th August. The main passage in autumn took place during 4th- 23rd September, when 14 appeared, and late individuals were seen on 3rd October, at Sevenoaks Reserve, Kent, and during 9th-12th October, at Oare, Kent. Peak days in 1998 were 13th May, when ten were found, and 19th May, when 12 were present in total. There were five on l4th May at Cley, Norfolk, four during 17th-20th May at Southwold, Suffolk, and four on 22nd May at Stiffkey Fen, Norfolk. More Temminck’s Stints were seen in autumn than in spring in every year during 1968-73, while numbers were equal at the two migration seasons in 1974. During 1975-98, numbers on spring passage exceeded those in autumn annually except in 1983. In 1998, there were 57 in spring and 23 in autumn, compared with seasonal averages during 1968-98 of 55 in spring and 32 in autumn. Numbers in autumn have been decreasing during Fig. 28. Numbers ofTemminck’s Stints Calidris temminckii in Britain and Ireland in autumn in each year during 1968-98. Note the lower numbers since 1985. 606 British Birds 93. 588-641, December 2()()0 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 1986-98: in only one year did the total at that season exceed the average of 32 during 1968-98. Totals in Britain and Ireland in autumn during the latter period are shown in fig. 28. Although the total of 80 Temminck’s Stints in Britain in 1998 exceeded the annual totals in 1996 and 1997, it was lower than the recent average of 90 during 1990-97. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Numbers of individuals in 1968 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1968 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1321 33 47 58 59 37 51 1606 Annual maxima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1968 - 1998 Annual average 1968-98 1984 1983 1988 1982 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 131 89 84 80 40 70 48 52 There were 51 Pectoral Sandpipers recorded in Britain in 1998; seven in Norfolk, six in the Outer Hebrides, five in Suffolk, three in Northampton- shire, two in Avon, Cambridgeshire, Cornwall, Dorset, Hampshire, Kent, Northeast Scotland, Scilly, Shetland and Sussex, and singles in another ten counties, as illustrated in fig. 29. In spring, there were singles on 13th May, at North Warren, Suffolk, and 24th-25th May, at Cley, Norfolk. In autumn, four appeared during 21st-27th July, singles were discov- ered on 6th and 1 4th August, 40 were found during 21st August to 18th Fig. 30. (Below) Numbers of Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris melanotos in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the main migration period during 27th August to 23rd September. Fig. 29. (Above) Distribution of Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris melanotos in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the concentrations in East Anglia and Outer Hebrides. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 607 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain m 1998 October and late individuals were first seen on 31st October, at Southwold, Suffolk, on 4th November, at Nanjizal, Cornwall, and on 6th November, at Berney Marshes, Norfolk. The peak days in 1998 were 2nd September, when five Pectoral Sandpipers were discovered, and 23rd September, when ten were present in all, including three at Berney Marshes, Norfolk. The sea- sonal distribution is shown in fig. 30. The 51 Pectoral Sandpipers in Britain in 1998 made it an average year for the species: the annual mean during 1968-97 was 52, while the recent annual average, during 1989-97, was 50. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites siibruficollis Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 450 13 20 14 34 14 11 556 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1977 1975 1996 1980 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 54 48 34 30 3 21 19 15 14 The 1 1 Buff-breasted Sandpipers in Britain in 1 998 displayed a scattered distribution, with two in Cornwall, Cumbria and Scilly and singles in Kent, Northeast Scotland, Northamptonshire, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. The species’ arrival pattern in 1998 was typical: singles were discovered on 11th and 13th September; six were first seen during 18th-21st September; two were seen during 29th Sep- tember to 3rd October, at Rockcliffe Marshes, Cumbria; and one was observed during 3rd-5th October, on St Mary’s, Scilly. The peak days were 18th, 20th and 29th September, on each of which two individuals were found, and 21st September, when four were seen in total. The year’s concentrated pattern of occurrence is illustrated in fig. 31, which includes two recorded in Northern Ireland in 1998, in Co. Down and Co. Armagh, on 9th and 13th September respectively. Fig. 31. Numbers of Buff-breasted Sandpipers Tryngites siibruficollis in Britain and Northern Ireland in each week in 1998. Note the concentrated arrival during 9th September to 3rd October. In only one year in the 1990s has the annual total of Buff-breasted Sandpipers been lower than the 1 1 in 1 998. The annual average increased spectacularly from three during 1958-69 to 21 in the 1970s, fell slightly to 19 in the 1980s, and then decreased further to 15 in the 1990s to date. The annual totals during 1958-98 are shown in fig. 32. 608 British Birds 93: S88-641, December 2()()0 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Fig. 32. Numbers of Buff-breasted Sandpipers Tryngites subruficollis in Britain in each year during 1958- 98. Note the low annual totals before 1970, the high numbers in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly 1975 and 1977, and the reduced annual totals in the 1990s. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Numbers of individuals in 1986 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1986-98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 254 24 18 36 25 17 34 408 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual average 1986-98 1986,90, 1989 1992 86 - 89 90 - 98 44 40 36 36 30 31 Excluding those at breeding locali- ties, 34 Red-necked Phalaropes were seen in Britain in 1998: four in Essex, Lincolnshire and Norfolk, three in Highland, two in Kent, Orkney, Outer Hebrides and Suffolk, and singles in a further 1 1 counties, as illustrated in fig. 33. The only spring records were of singles on 4th May, at Swale, Kent, during 22nd-24th May, at Thornton Moor Reservoir, North Yorkshire, and on 24th May, on West Mainland, Orkney. In autumn, five were found during 17th-22nd July and 26 during l6th August to 6th October, with nine in August, 13 in September and four in October. The peak day in 1998 was 28th August, when three were seen between Eigg and Ardnamur- Fig. 33. Distribution of Red-necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the clusters of records in eastern England, from Kent to Lincolnshire, and northern Scotland. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 609 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 chan Point, Highland; four were seen in Britain on 28th August and 5th and 6th September. The seasonal distribution is shown in fig. 34. Fig. 34. Numbers of Red-necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the small passage in July and the fairly even spread of records during mid August to early October. The total of 34 Red-necked Phalaropes in Britain in 1998 perhaps signals an upturn in the species’ fortunes. It followed the particularly low total of 17 in 1997 and was the second highest annual total since 1992. The annual average during 1986-92 was 36, compared with an annual average during 1993-98 of 26. Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Numbers of individuals in 1986 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1986-98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1755 45 83 235 270 152 131 2671 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual average 1986-98 1989 1987 1988 86 - 89 90 - 98 363 362 323 281 172 205 In 1998, 56 Grey Phalaropes were seen in Cornwall, 13 in Scilly, 12 in Norfolk, six in both Devon and East Yorkshire, five in both Pembrokeshire and Sussex, and four in both Dorset and Kent, with one or two in a further 16 counties, as shown in fig. 35. During 2nd-31st January, 20 were found, all singly, in a widespread influx involving 1 1 counties. Next, Fig. 35. Di.stribution of Grey Phalaropes Phalaropus fulicarius in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the southerly distribution and the prominence of the Southwest. 610 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 singles were discovered on 24th August, at Oare, Kent, and 27th August, at Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, and two were seen on 5th September. The majority of those seen in Britain in 1998 appeared during 10th September to 12th November, when 93 were discovered, including 49 during 10th-l4th September, with 14 more during 27th November to 29th December. The peak day in 1998 was 10th September, when 17 individuals were first seen; seven were observed on this day at both Pendeen, Cornwall, and St Ives, Cornwall, with another seven on both 12th and l4th September at Pendeen and on 6th December on St Agnes, Scilly.The year’s seasonal distribution is illustrated in fig. 36. Fig. 36. Numbers of Grey Phalaropes Pbalaropus fulicarius in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the influx in January and the high numbers during 1 0th- 1 4th September. The 131 Grey Phalaropes in Britain in 1998 continued the recent sequence of low annual totals. The annual average during 1987-91 was 319, while that during 1992-98 was only 143. Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini Numbers of individuals in 1968 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1968 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 2920 97 90 85 139 385 186 3902 Annual maxima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1968 - 1998 Annual average 1968-98 1987 1997 1988 1983 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 710 385 346 287 51 202 141 126 Of the 186 Sabine’s Gulls seen in Britain in 1998, 82 were in Cornwall, 13 in Kent, 12 in East Yorkshire, 1 1 in Norfolk, nine in Scilly, seven in Dorset, five in Devon, three in Ceredigion, Co. Durham, Isle of Man, Outer Hebrides, Pembrokeshire and Somerset, and two in Anglesey, Caernarfonshire, Cleveland, Fife, Hampshire, Isle of 'Wight, Lancashire & North Merseyside, North Yorkshire and Orkney, with singles in a further 1 1 counties. In 1998, singles were found on 3rd January, at Southwold, Suffolk, 5th January, in Plymouth Sound, Devon, 19th April, on St Mary’s, Scilly, and 23rd April, on St Agnes, Scilly. In autumn, 16 were first seen during 11th July to 2nd August, 147 during l4th August to l6th October and 19 during 24th October to 4th November, as shown in fig. 37. The peak days in 1998 were 10th September, when 18 were discovered, 15 of which were at Pendeen, Cornwall, and 20 were seen in total, and 11th September, when 16 were found, including 13 at Pendeen, and 18 were seen in all. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 611 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 75 60 45 30 15 0 Fig. 37. Numbers of Sabine’s Gulls Larus sabini in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the winter and spring records and the main influx in the first half of September, when 96 individuals were seen during 4th-l4th. 1 ■ • T-coi/)h«»a>’f-comr^o>^comh-a)T-cou>h-o>t-coinr^o>T- In 1983, 1987, 1988 and 1997, particularly high numbers of Sabine’s Gulls were recorded in Britain, as illustrated in fig. 38. Excluding these four years, the 1998 total of 186 individuals rep- resents the ‘best of the rest’ since 1968, and continues the underlying trend of increasing numbers during the period, with annual averages of 51 during 1968-79,97 during the 1980s and 111 during the 1990s to date. Fig. 38. Numbers of Sabine’s Gulls Larus sabini in Britain in each year during 1968-98. Note the exceptional total in 1987 (the year of The Great Storm’, Brit Birds 82: 191-208), the high numbers in 1983, 1988 and 1997, and the species’ general increase even excluding these years. Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 782 62 65 80 71 87 75 1222 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1992 1990 1997 1995 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 103 94 87 80 0 4 47 79 30 612 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2()()0 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Excluding those remaining from 1997 and presumed returning indi- viduals, of which there were 15 in all, 75 Ring-billed Gulls were seen in Britain in 1998. There were 25 in Cornwall, seven in Devon, six in Gower, five in both Eastern Glam- organ and Pembrokeshire, four in Hampshire, three in Cheshire, Gloucestershire and Lancashire & North Merseyside, two in Avon, and singles in a further 12 counties. The mainly southwesterly distribution in 1998 is shown in fig. 39. Arrival dates were not available for six individuals; of the remaining 69, 39 were found during 1st January to 15th March, 12 during 30th March to 11th May, singles on 2nd June, 9th July and 17th and 25th October, and 14 during 23rd November to 25th December. As usual, most were first Fig. 39- Distribution of presumed newly arrived Ring- billed Gulls Laras delawarensis in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the southwesterly distribution and, in particular, the high number in Cornwall. seen in winter and spring, as illustrated in fig. 40. The peak days in 1998 were 10th January and 28th February, on each of which three were discovered, and 4th February, when 14 were seen in total. The most notable multiple record was of three during 12th-15th February at Par Beach, Cornwall. Fig. 40. Numbers of presumed newly arrived Ring-billed Gulls Laras delawarensis in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the main arrival periods in winter and spring. The total of 75 Ring-billed Gulls in Britain in 1998 underlined the species’ continuing increase: the first Ring-billed Gull was not recorded in Britain until 1973 iBrit. Birds 66: 509- 517), and the annual averages for the last two decades have been 47 in the 1980s and 79 in the 1990s. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 421 20 15 39 14 132 18 659 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 613 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1 958 - 1 998 Annual average 1958-98 1997 1991 1995 1987 58-69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 132 71 39 36 4 6 20 39 16 In 1998, 18 European Bee-eaters were seen in Britain: four in East Yorkshire, three in Dorset, two in both Hampshire and Kent, and singles in Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, Lincolnshire, Northumberland, Shetland and Suffolk. All of the year’s records were of singles. The first appeared on 26th April, at Warsash, Hamp- shire, then ten were found during 9th-28th May and five during 4th-23rd June, with the last indi- viduals on 23rd September, at Dales Voc, Shetland, and 23rd October, at Worthy Down, Hampshire. The peak day in 1998 was 9th May, when two were discovered. The year’s weekly occurrence pattern is illustrated in fig. 41. Fig. 41. Numbers of European Bee-eaters Merops apiaster in Britain in each week in 1998. Note that 15 of the year’s 18 individuals were first seen during 9th May to 23rd June. Although more European Bee-eaters were recorded in Britain in 1998 than in 1990, 1994 or 1996, it was a below-average year by recent standards, even excluding the record total of 132 in 1997. Nevertheless, the species continues to become more numerous in Britain and Ireland in Fig. 42. Numbers of European Bee-eaters Merops apiaster in Britain and Ireland in each year during 1958-98 (1958-97 for Ireland). Note the exceptionally high totals in 1991 and 1997, and the generally higher numbers since 1982. 614 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 the long term; annual averages in Britain were four during 1958-69, six in the 1970s, 20 in the 1980s and 39 during 1990-98.The annual totals during 1958-98 are shown in fig. 42. Hoopoe Upupa epops Numbers of individuals in 1968 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1968 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 3138 154 93 112 148 102 98 3845 Annual maxima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1968 - 1998 Annual average 1968-98 1968 1980 1977 1988 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 218 188 178 167 118 133 122 124 Of the 98 newly arrived Hoopoes recorded in Britain in 1998, 13 were in Cornwall, 12 in Scilly, eight in Norfolk, seven in both Devon and Sussex, six in both Dorset and Highland, five in Kent, four in Suffolk, and three in Northumberland, Shetland and Surrey, with one or two in a further 15 counties, as illustrated in fig. 43. Excluding the wintering indi- vidual at Barnstaple, Devon, which remained from 1997 and was last seen on 29th March, the first in 1998 was discovered on 13th February, at Sheviock, Cornwall. Subsequently, 12 were first seen during 15th-23rd Feb- ruary, two during 1 0th- 1 4th March, 20 during 28th March to 14th April, 27 during 19th April to 10th May and Fig. 43. Distribution of Hoopoes Upupa epops in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the mainly southerly distribution with clusters of records in Highland, Northumberland and Shetland. Fig. 44. Numbers of Hoopoes Upupa epops in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the significant influx in February and the main migration during the last few days of March and the whole of April. British Birds 93. 588-641, December 2000 615 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 eight during 15th-31st May. There were singles on 28th June, at Chippenham, Wiltshire, 12th July, at Ripon, North Yorkshire, and 6th August, at Bewl Water, Sussex, then four appeared during 29th August to ISth September, 18 during 23rd September to 18th October and three during 4th- 14th November. An individual first seen on 10th November, at West Mersea, Essex, remained there until 6th December. The peak days in 1998 were 28th March, 24th, 25th, 26th and 29th April and 28th September, on each of which four were found, and 23rd February, when seven were seen in total. The year’s weekly occurrence pattern is shown in fig. 44. Fewer Hoopoes have occurred in Britain in recent years: during 1987-98, the lowest annual totals were 93 in 1994, 98 in 1998 and 102 in 1997; and during 1968-98, the five years with the highest annual totals were all prior to 1989. Wryneck Jynx torquilla Numbers of individuals in 1986 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1986-98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1779 306 264 314 297 272 406 3638 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual average 1986-98 1998 1987 1988 & 95 86 - 89 90 - 98 406 354 314 311 266 280 In 1998, 72 Wrynecks were recorded in Scilly, 54 in Shetland, 44 in Norfolk, 25 in East Yorkshire, 24 in Cornwall, 23 in Dorset, 17 in both Devon and Sussex, 16 in Kent, 15 in Orkney, 14 in Suffolk, 13 in Hamp- shire, nine in Northeast Scotland, seven in Pembrokeshire, six in Northumberland and five in North Yorkshire, with one to four in a further 21 counties. The year’s wide- spread distribution is illustrated in fig. 45. Singles were seen on 8th April, at Foveran, Northeast Scotland, and 13th April, at Arundel, Sussex, then there were 34 during 23rd April to 6th June, followed by one on 18th June, at Happisburgh, Norfolk. There was one on 24th July, at Kingston Great Common, Hampshire. In autumn, after the first individual on 12th August, at Whitenap, Hampshire, 367 were seen during 19th August to 21st October. Only monthly or seasonal totals were available from some counties that experienced a significant share of this major autumn influx, so an analysis of arrival dates during this period is not pos- sible. Fig. 45. Distribution of Wrynecks torquilla in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the high numbers along the South Coast, East Anglia, Northeast England and the Northern Isles. In 1998, the total of 37 Wrynecks in spring was unexceptional compared with an average of 49 each spring during 1986-97, but the 368 in autumn was the highest total at that season since record collation began on a national scale in 1986 and compared very favourably with an 616 British Birds 93. 588-641, December 2()()() Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 average of 221 each autumn during 1986-97. As a result of the large number of Wrynecks in autumn 1998, the annual total was comfortably the highest during 1986-98, as shown in fig. 46. 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Fig. 46. Numbers ofWrynecks Jynx torquilla in Britain and Ireland in each year during 1986-98 (1986- 97 for Ireland). Note the low point in 1991, and the record number in 1998. Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 354 21 39 28 45 27 23 537 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1996 1994 1995 1991 & 97 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 45 39 28 27 5 1 13 27 13 There were 23 Short-toed Larks recorded in Britain in 1998: seven in Shetland, five in Scilly, four in Cornwall, three in East Yorkshire, and singles in Fife, Lothian, Norfolk and Northumberland, so the distribution was confined to the Southwest, the East Coast from Norfolk to Fife, and Shet- land, as shown in fig. 47. In spring, singles appeared on 23rd April, at Sennen, Cornwall, and 4th May, at Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, then seven were found during 10th-l4th May and three more during 28th May to 3rd June. In autumn, following one on 21st September, also at Sennen, four were discov- ered during 25th-27th September and six during lst-3rd October. The peak days in 1998 were 1st October, when four were first seen, including three on Fair Isle, Shetland, and 3rd and 4th October, when four were also present in total. Numbers of Short-toed Larks in Britain have increased at both seasons in recent years: in spring, the average annual totals were six during 1958-90 and 14 during 1991-98; and in autumn, the average annual totals were three during 1958-90 and 15 during 1991-98. In 1998, the number in spring exceeded that in autumn for only the sixth time during 1958-98; five of those occasions have been during the last six years, perhaps pointing to a radical shift in the species’ migration pattern. A similar change in the occurrence pattern of Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus presaged breeding in Britain. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 617 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Fig. 47. Distribution of Short-toed Larks Calandrella bracbydactyla in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the importance of Britain's extremities and the East Coast for this species. The total of 23 Short-toed Larks in Britain in 1998 was lower than the annual total iii any of the previous four years, but it is nevertheless a high total historically: the annual average for the 1990s to date is 27, compared with five for 1958-69, 11 for the 1970s and 13 for the 1980s. The general increase in numbers of Short-toed Larks during 1958-98 is illustrated in fig. 48, which also includes records for Ireland. 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 - 5 - t lllilli lilillll III ■ III! 0 I II II II iiiiiiiiiiiiiii .C# Fig. 48. Numbers of Short-toed Larks Calandrella brach)>dactyla in Britain and Ireland in each year during 1958-98 (1958-97 for Ireland). Note the steady increase in numbers throughout the period. Horned Lark Eremopbila alpestris Including about 139 individuals that remained from 1997, approximately 293 Horned Larks were recorded in Britain in the first seven months of 1998. Estimated county totals were 69 in Suffolk, 66 in Norfolk, 60 in Lincolnshire and 25 in East Yorkshire, with 17 or fewer in a further 16 counties. There were four seen in June, including one on 27th, on Handa Island, Highland, and there was one during lst-3rd July, at Dungeness, Kent. The earliest arrivals in autumn were recorded on 1st October, in Northeast Scotland, Northumberland and North Yorkshire. During the last three months of 1998, a considerable influx of Horned Larks took place, with estimated county totals of 591 in Norfolk, 398 in Kent, 197 in East Yorkshire, 190 in Lincolnshire, 95 in Essex, 66 in Suffolk, 47 in North Yorkshire, 38 in Lothian, 24 in Flintshire and 20 in Northumberland, with 17 or fewer in a further 16 counties. Horned Larks undoubtedly move freely both within and between counties, so it is very diffi- cult to calculate totals for several individual counties and impossible to assess total numbers on a national scale. Nevertheless, it is clear that the number of Horned Larks in Britain in 1998 was much higher than in either 1996 or 1997, even though there were many more in each of those years than in any year during 1987-95. 618 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1855 80 338 157 II6 90 104 2740 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1994 1995 1988 1968 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 338 157 144 I4l 34 51 65 130 67 Of the 104 Richard’s Pipits recorded in Britain in 1998, 27 were in Norfolk, 14 in East Yorkshire, 12 in Cornwall, ten in Scilly, five in both Lincolnshire and Shetland, three in Devon, Dorset, Orkney and Suffolk, and two in Cleveland, Fife, Northumberland, North Yorkshire and Somerset, with singles in a further nine counties, as illustrated in fig. 49. Singles were found on l4th March, at Waxham, Norfolk, and l6th April, at Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire, then three were first seen during 27th- 30th April and six during 8th-llth May, with one on 30th May, on the Larne Islands, Northumberland. The first autumn record concerned one on 1 3th September, at Ventnor, Isle of Wight, and was followed by the appearance of 70 during 19th Sep- tember to 23rd October, 11 during 30th October to 7th November, eight during 13th-27th November, and singles on 3rd December, at Fig. 50. (Below) Numbers of Richard’s Pipits Anthus novaeseelandiae in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the presence of a small spring passage and the main influx during the last two weeks of September and the first three weeks of October. Fig. 49. (Above) Distribution of Richard’s Pipits Anthus novaeseelandiae in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the prominence of the East Coast, the Southwest and the Northern Isles. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 619 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Chiverton Farm, Cornwall, and 20th December, at Walton Heath, Somerset. During 1958-88, only 26 Richard’s Pipits were seen in Britain in spring, and the maximum annual total at that season was three; during 1989-98, the equivalent number was 59, including 12 in 1995 and 11 in 1998. The peak days in 1998 were 28th September and 18th October, on each of which six individuals were discovered, and 29th September and 4th, 5th and 7th October, on each of which nine were present. The most notable multiple occurrence concerned three on 29th September atTrevose Head, Cornwall. The weekly occurrence pattern in 1998 is shown in fig. 50. Although the total of 104 Richard’s Pipits in Britain in 1998 was exceeded in six years during 1987-97, the species is clearly becoming more numerous in Britain in the long term. The annual averages were 34 during 1958-69, 51 during the 1970s and 65 during the 1980s, compared with 130 during the 1990s to date. Numbers have exceeded 100 in ten years since 1957; five of those years have been in the 1990s. Tawny Pipit Anthiis campestris Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 902 44 21 35 20 27 13 1062 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1992 1983 1977 1993 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 57 56 45 44 13 27 36 31 26 Only 13 Tawny Pipits were recorded in Britain in 1998; two in Cornwall, Northumberland and Suffolk, and singles in Devon, Dorset, East Yorkshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Norfolk and Orkney. There were five in spring, during 13th May to 10th June, and eight in autumn, during 26th August to 15th October. The year’s first was on the Fame Islands, Northumberland, while the last was at Bawdse)’ Manor, Suffolk. The arrival dates were typical, as shown in fig. 5 1 . 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 T"1 f'T" 1 1- “1 — j-n — I — n TIT MM ^coir)r^a)T-coioh-o>i-comh-a>^coior^o>T-comh«.o>^ >>>>>i-^T-T-t-cNJCJ98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 342 47 72 43 58 63 49 674 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual 1992 1994 1997 86 - 89 90 - 98 av'erage 1986-98 102 72 63 32 61 52 Excluding those at known breeding sites, 49 Marsh Warblers were recorded in Britain in 1998: nine in Shetland, six in both East Yorkshire and Norfolk, five in Northumberland, four in both (develand and Fife, and two in Cornwall, Northamptonshire, Suffolk and North Yorkshire, with singles in a further seven counties, as illustrated in fig. 59. Singles were found on 18th May, on the Isle of May, Fife, and on 23rd May, at Ludham, Norfolk, then 23 appeared during 29th May to 7th June, with ten more during 1 lth-15th June and another .seven during 22nd-28th June, with two on 25th July. In autumn, singles were discovered on 2nd, 26th and 28th September and the year’s last Marsh Warbler in Britain was seen during 4th-10th October, at Prior’s Park, Northumberland. The peak day was 29th May, when nine were first seen; these included four at Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire. I’he weekly occurrence 624 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Fig- 59- Distribution of Marsh Warblers Acrocepbalus palustris in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the prominence of East Coast counties from Suffolk to Fife and Shetland. pattern in 1998 is shown in fig. 60; typically, the majority arrived during the last few days of May and the first half of June. Few are observed in Britain in autumn: during 1986-98, annual numbers ranged from four to 12. In 1992, an exceptional 102 migrant Marsh Warblers were recorded in Britain. Annual totals during 1986-91 averaged 40, while those during 1993-98 averaged 55. 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1 ■ J 1 1 1- CO in h- o> 5 5 5 5 5 CO in 9> comr^OT-coinN-o^i-coinr^OT- CslC>JCVJC«JCOCOCOCOCO^^^^^in 555555555555555555555 CVJ Fig. 60. Numbers of Marsh Warblers Acrocepbalus palustris in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the main arrival period during 29th May to 15th June. Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina Numbers of individuals in 1968 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1968 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 2376 128 141 172 107 286 84 3294 Annual maxima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1968 - 1998 Annual average 1968-98 1997 1992 1977 1995 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 286 276 173 172 79 104 145 106 Of the 84 Icterine Warblers recorded in Britain in 1998, 13 were in Shetland, 12 in East York- shire, ten in Norfolk, seven in both Northeast Scotland and Northumberland, six in Orkney, four in Borders, Cleveland, Highland and North Yorkshire, and three in Angus, with one or two in a British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 625 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 further eight counties. The promi- nence of the East Coast, from Norfolk to Shetland, is shown in fig. 6l, which illustrates the year’s distribution. Following singles on 13th May, at Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire, 1 5th May, at Loch Insh, Highland, and 21st May, at Scolt Head, Norfolk, 25 were found during 28th May to 6th June, with one on 1 1th June, on Out Skerries, Shetland. There was an unseasonal individual on 10th July, at Loch Eye, Highland. In autumn, there were singles on 7th August, on Fetlar, Shetland, and 1 1th August, at Overy Staithe, Norfolk, then 42 appeared during 29th August to 13th Sep- tember and eight during 23rd-27th September, with further singles on 8th October, on St Martin’s, Scilly, and 23rd October, at St Lawrence, Isle of Wight. The peak days in spring were 29th May, when eight were discovered, and 30th May, when 13 were present. In autumn, the peak day was 3rd September, when 1 1 were found and 15 were seen in all. The most notable multiple occurrence concerned four during 3rd-4th September, at Collieston, Northeast Scotland. In 1998, although more Icterine Warblers were seen in spring than has been the case in most years, the number in autumn was particularly low, as shown in figure 62, which includes all available records from Ireland, and the annual total of 84 was the lowest since the 55 in 1991. Fig. 62. Numbers of Icterine Warblers Hippolais icterina in Britain and Ireland in autumn in each year during 1968-98 (1966-97 for Ireland). Note the poor .showing in 1998 following the record number in 1997. Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta Numbers of individuals in 1968- 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1 968 - 1 992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 831 .30 40 22 58 22 18 1021 Fig. 6l. Distribution of Icterine Warblers Hippolais icterina in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the favoured East Coast counties, from Norfolk to Shetland. 626 British Birds 93: 5884>4l, December 2()()0 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Annual mjixima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1968 - 1998 Annual average 1968-98 1981 1996 1983 1979 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 60 58 54 53 29 39 31 33 In 1998, there were three Melodious War- blers in both Dorset and Scilly, and two in Caernarfonshire, with singles in a further ten counties, as illustrated in fig. 63. Individuals in Fife, Orkney and Shet- land were unusually far north. The year’s first was discovered on 6th May, on the Calf of Man, Isle of Man, and was followed by four during 15th-27th May. Singles appeared on l6th June, 30th July, 2nd August, 29th August and 4th Sep- tember; seven were found during 21st September to 14th October; and there was one on 26th October, in Eastern Glamorgan. In no year since national records col- lation began in 1968 has the number in autumn been lower than in 1998, as shown in fig. 64, which also includes Irish records where available. As a result, the year’s total of 18 Melodious Warblers was the lowest annual total since the 13 in 1971. Fig. 63. Distribution of Melodious Warblers Hippolais polyglotta in each county in Britain during 1998. Note the customary prominence of the Southwest and the three unusual occurrences in Scotland. Fig. 64. Numbers of Melodious Warblers Hippolais polyglotta in Britain and Ireland in autumn in each year during 1968-98 (1968-97 for Ireland). Note the very low total in 1998. Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Numbers of individuals m 1968 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1968 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 3192 80 231 190 202 218 . 113 4226 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 627 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Annual maxima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1968 - 1998 Annual average 1968-98 1994 1997 1996 1975 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 231 218 202 196 144 108 158 1.36 Nearly half of the 113 Barred War- blers seen in Britain in 1998 were in the Northern Isles. There were 48 in Shetland, 12 in East Yorkshire, 11 in Norfolk, eight in both Northeast Scot- land and Orkney, four in both Borders and Northumberland, three in Fife, two in Caernarfonshire, Cleve- land and North Yorkshire, and singles in a further nine counties. The year’s predominantly northeasterly distribu- tion is shown in fig. 65. On 30th May 1998, there was a singing individual at Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire. Since record collation began on a national scale in 1968, only 15 Barred Warblers have been seen in spring in Britain; all were discovered during 10th May to 22nd June and four of the 15 were in Shetland in 1997. The Flamborough Fig. 66. Numbers of Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the spring record and the protracted autumn passage. Head bird was the first Barred Warbler recorded in England in spring since 1987. In autumn, 15 were found during 10th-25th August, 46 during 29th August to 13th September and 48 during 18th September to 10th October, with one on 18th October, and singles on 1st November at Eskmeals, Cumbria, and East Mainland, Orkney. The seasonal distribution in 1998 is shown in fig. 66. The year’s peak days were 3rd, 4th and 5th September, on each of which seven individuals were first seen; on 5th September, 12 were present in total. There were three on 29th-30th August and 1st September on Fair Isle, Shetland. The annual total of 1 1 3 Barred Warblers was a little low compared with an annual average of 126 during 1968-93, and very low compared with an annual average of 210 during 1994-97. Fig. 65. Distribution of Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the generally northeasterly distribution and the prominence of Shetland. 628 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 602 27 152 59 l4l 171 55 1207 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1997 1994 1996 1982 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 171 152 141 126 3 9 39 77 29 Of the 55 Pallas’s Leaf Warblers seen in Britain in 1998, 11 were in Dorset, eight in both Kent and Norfolk, four in East Yorkshire, three in Cornwall, Northumberland, Shetland and Sussex, and two in Isle of Wight, Northeast Scotland and Scilly,with singles inAngus, Cambridgeshire, Devon, North Yorkshire, Orkney and Suffolk. Fig. 67. Numbers of Pallas’s Leaf Warblers Phylloscopus proregulus in Britain in eaeh week in 1998. Note the main arrival period during the second half of November. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 629 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 During 4th-9th October, nine Pallas’s Leaf Warblers appeared; the first of these was at Spurn, East Yorkshire. Most of those in 1998 were found in November: 16 during 2nd- 12th and 28 during 15th-25th. Singles were observed on 1st December, on Tresco, Scilly, and l4th December, at Fairlight, Sussex. Although the first migrants arrived a little earlier than usual, the main influx was later than the normal peak arrival time; this is illustrated in figs. 67 and 68, which show the occurrence patterns in 1998 and during 1958-98 respectively. The peak days in 1998 were 22nd November, when six individuals were discovered, and 23rd November, when eight were present. There were three on 20th November at Wells, Norfolk. Although the total of 55 Pallas’s Leaf Warblers in Britain in 1998 was lower than the annual totals in each of the previous four years, it was still higher than in all but three of the years prior to 1994. Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Numbers of individuals in 1968 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1968 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 4984 333 437 211 409 351 299 7024 Annual maxima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1968 - 1998 Annual average 1968-98 1988 1985 1986 1994 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 739 542 496 437 72 320 329 227 There were 299 Yellow-browed Warblers recorded in Britain in 1998: 94 in Shetland, 24 in Norfolk, 2 1 in both East Yorkshire and Scilly, 19 in Cornwall, 17 in Northumber- land, 15 in Orkney, nine in Kent, eight in both Dorset and North Yorkshire, seven in Fife, five in Devon, Northeast Scotland and Suffolk, four in both Cleveland and Lin- colnshire, and one to three in a further 20 counties. The species’ widespread distribu- tion is shown in fig. 69. There was an unseasonal Yellow-browed Warbler during 22nd February to 11th March in Liverpool, Lancashire & North Merseyside. The first in autumn was on 7th September, at Baliasta, Shetland, and was fol- lowed by the main influx, which involved 271 individuals during 18th September to 22nd October. A further 14 appeared during 25th October to 9th November, and 1 1 more were found during 15th-29th November. The year’s last was on 29th-30th December, at Loe Pool, Cornwall. The peak days were 26th September, when 24 were first seen and 41 were present, and 27th September, when 22 were discovered and 44 were seen in total. As illustrated in fig. 70, numbers of Yellow-browed Warblers in Britain increased sharply in 1984, to a level which continues to be maintained: during 1968-83, numbers each year varied from 27 to 181, and the annual average was 81; during 1984-98, annual totals ranged from 211 to 739, and the annual average was 382. Fig. 69. Distribution of Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the prominence of the East Coast, the Northern Isles and the Southwest. 630 British Birds 93: S88-641, December 2(M)() Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Fig. 70. Numbers of Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus in Britain in each year during 1968-98. Note the abrupt increase in numbers in 1984 to a new level that has since been maintained. Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva Numbers of individuals in 1968 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1968 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 2298 97 83 108 114 43 102 2845 Annual maxima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1968 - 1998 Annual average 1968-98 1984 1976 1989 1988 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 196 174 128 127 75 115 88 92 Of the 102 Red-breasted Flycatchers recorded in Britain in 1998, 22 were in Shetland, 18 in East Yorkshire, 14 in Norfolk, eight in Scilly, six in Corn- wall, five in Northumberland, four in Kent, three in Dorset, Fife, Northeast Scotland and Outer Hebrides, and two in Angus, Cleveland, Co. Durham and Essex, with singles in a further five counties, as illustrated in fig. 71 . Of the eight seen in spring, the first was found on 11th May, at Marsden Quarry, Co. Durham; further singles were discovered on 12th and 17th May, and five appeared during 29th May to 4th June. In autumn, 12 were first seen during lst-6th Sep- tember, followed by 67 during 20th September to 12th October, five during l6th-21st October, five during 25th-29th October, three during 2nd- 7-10 11-14 15-21 Fig. 71. Distribution of Red-breasted Flycatchers Ficedula parva in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the typical prominence of the East Coast counties and the importance of Britain’s farthest-flung counties for the species. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 631 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 9th November, and singles on 15th November, on St Agnes, Scilly, and 19th-20th November, at Folkestone Warren, Kent. The peak days were 3rd October, when six individuals were discov- ered, and 29th September, when 11 were seen in total. The most notable multiple occurrence concerned four on 22nd-23rd September at Spurn, East Yorkshire. Red-breasted Flycatchers are decidedly scarce in Britain in spring; during 1968-97, only 164 were seen at that season (at an average of fewer than six per year), so the total of eight in 1998 was above average. The numbers recorded each spring during 1968-98 are shown in fig. 72, which includes available records from Ireland. The 102 in 1998 was the third highest annual total since 1989, but was exceeded by the totals in five of the six years during 1984-89. Fig. 72. Numbers of Red-breasted Flycatchers Ficedula parva in Britain and Ireland in spring in each year during 1968-98 (1968-97 for Ireland). Note the extremes: none in 1974 and 19 in 1992. Golden Oriole Orioliis oriolus Numbers of individuals in 1968 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1968 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1803 141 232 98 103 157 104 2638 Annual maxima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1968 - 1998 Annual average 1968-98 1994 1992 1997 1990 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 232 183 157 147 48 84 136 85 Excluding those at known breeding sites, 104 Golden Orioles were recorded in Britain in 1998. There were 25 in Scilly, 14 in Kent, nine in Shetland, six in Cambridgeshire, Cornwall and Dorset, five in East Yorkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, and three in Surrey, with one or two in a further 16 counties, as illustrated in fig. 73. Very early individuals were discovered on 15th March, at Hayling Island, Hampshire, and Fig. 73. Distribution of Golden Orioles Oriolns oriolus in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the widespread scatter of records on the South Ca^ast, and in Southea.st England and East Anglia, and the prominence of Scilly and Slietland. 632 British Birds 93: S88-64 1 , December 2()()0 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 28th March, at Predannack, Cornwall. The year’s main influx took place during 1st May to 27th June, when 92 were recorded. There were two on l6th July and two on 28th July, with one on l6th August; four were found during 8th- 18th September, all in Shetland, and the year’s last Golden Oriole was on 28th September, at Sumburgh Head, Shetland. The seasonal distribution is shown in fig. 74. 20 16 12 8 4 0 Fig. 74. Numbers of Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus in Britain in each week during 1998. Note the two very early records and the usual spring influx, peaking during May. Although the total of 104 Golden Orioles in Britain in 1998 was low compared with those in most recent years, higher annual totals were recorded in only two years during 1968-89. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio 1 i 1 ^ 'i 1 1 i 1 1 II — 1 — 1 — 1 — 1 — r~i—i — I 1 1^1 — A — 1 — 1 — 1 — 1 t llll Numbers of individuals in 1986 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1986-98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1643 179 209 220 268 302 372 3193 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual average 1986-98 1988 1998 1992 86 - 89 90 - 98 423 372 362 255 241 246 9-14 15-24 25-42 4.4-72 In 1998, 72 Red-backed Shrikes were seen in Shetland, 37 in East Yorkshire, 36 in both Norfolk and Orkney, 3 1 in Northumberland, 18 in Northeast Scotland, 15 in Suffolk, 14 in Dorset, 13 in both Co. Durham and Kent, 12 in both Fife and Scilly, nine in North Yorkshire, eight in Cleveland, five in both Angus and Devon, four in both Fig. 75. Distribution of Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the prominence of the Northern Isles and the high numbers along the East and South Coasts. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 633 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Highland and Lothian, and three in Cornwall, Essex, Hampshire and Sussex, with one or two in a further 11 counties. The great majority occurred in South Coast and East Coast counties and in the Northern Isles, as illustrated in fig. 75. Eollowing the year’s first on 28th April, at Dawlish Warren, Devon, and further singles on 2nd and 4th May, a total of 233 individuals appeared during 10th May to 29th June, with six more during 3rd-19th July. There were singles on l6th, 22nd and 23rd August, then 122 were seen during 30th August to 17th October, with four more during 24th October to 18th November, and the last Red-backed Shrike of 1998 was found on 25th November, at Culverwell, Portland, Dorset. The peak days in spring were 12th May, when 21 were discovered, and 29th May, when 19 were found. In autumn, the peak days were 3rd, 4th and 5th September, on each of which eight individuals were discovered. There were seven during 1 4th- 15th and 29th-30th May, on Fair Isle, Shetland. Britain’s total of 372 Red-backed Shrikes in 1998 was the second highest annual total since national record collation began in 1986. Particularly high numbers in spring have been a feature of the four years with the highest annual totals during the period: 1988, 1992, 1997 and 1998. The species has increased in Britain and Ireland in every year since 1993, as shown in fig. 76. Fig. 76. Numbers of Red-backed Shrikes Lanins collurio in Britain and Ireland in each year during 1986- 98 (1986-97 for Ireland). Note the steady increase since 1993. Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Numbers of individuals in 1986 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 198f>-98 1986 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 973 129 115 87 63 56 232 1655 Annual maxima 1986 - 1998 Annual averages 1986 - 1998 Annual average 198(v98 1998 1990 1991 86 - 89 90 - 98 232 160 160 131 126 127 Excluding individuals remaining from 1997, there were 232 Great Grey Shrikes in Britain in 1998, of which there were 29 in both East Yorkshire and Norfolk, 19 in Sussex, 17 in Hampshire, 14 in Suffolk, ten in Lincolnshire, eight in both Dorset and Northumberland, seven in Orkney, six in Kent, Nottinghamshire and Wiltshire, five in ('armarthenshire, Shetland and Surrey, four in both Bedfordshire and North Yorkshire, and three in Lancashire & North Merseyside, Shropshire 634 British Birds 93: 388-(>4l, December 2()()0 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Fig- 77. Distribution of Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the wide scatter of records and the particular prominence of East Coast counties East Yorkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and South Coast counties Sussex and Hampshire. and Worcestershire, with one or two in a further 32 counties. The species’ widespread distribution in 1998 is illustrated in fig. 77. Of the 232 individuals in 1998, nine were discovered during 1st January to 1st February, four during I4th-23rd February, three during 4th- 24th March, and 18 during 30th March to 2nd May, with late spring arrivals on 19th May, at Mount Stuart Sawmill, Clyde, and 24th May, on Papa Westray, Orkney. From 24th September, when one was found at Brandesburton, East Yorkshire, a major influx 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1 J IT ! 1 it 1 ■■■■_ ■iIbi.. I ■III iniiiri 1- CO un i'~ CT) 5 5 5 5 5 CO in o>^coini''0>T-coinC'0>^coini''0>i- i-T-T-T-T-CMCNCMCNCNICOCOCOrOCO^^^^^m 555555555555555555555 Fig. 78. Numbers of Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the major influx in October, particularly in the first two weeks. Fig. 79. Numbers of presumed newly arrived Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor in Britain and Ireland in each year during 1986-98 (1986-97 for Ireland). Note the decline from 1991 to 1997 and the record number in 1998. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 635 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 took place involving 196 Great Grey Shrikes: four of these were first seen in late September, 111 in the first half of October, 35 in the second half of that month, 28 in the first half of November, and 18 during 17th November to 28th December. The peak arrival days were all in early October: 18 individuals first appeared on 9th, 13 on 6th, 7th and lOth, ten on 3rd, and nine on 2nd. The most notable multiple occurrence concerned four on 7th October at Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire. The seasonal distribution is shown in fig. 78, which emphasises the species’ status in Britain as an autumn migrant rather than a winter visitor. In 1986, when records of Great Grey Shrike began to be collated on a national scale, there were 127 individuals in Britain; except for a small decrease in numbers in 1989, annual totals rose steadily to 160 in both 1990 and 1991, since when they steadily declined, reaching a nadir of just 56 in 1997. Against this background, the record 232 in 1998 was a surprising but most welcome reversal of the recent trend. The annual totals during 1986-98 in Britain and Ireland (where available) appear in fig. 79. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 471 24 20 27 19 36 18 615 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1997 1995 1988 1986 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 36 27 26 25 12 13 16 21 15 Of the 18 Woodchat Shrikes recorded in Britain in 1998, 12 were in South Coast counties. There four in both Cornwall and Scilly, two in Dorset, and singles in Caernarfonshire, Cheshire, Co. Durham, Highland, Kent, Norfolk, Shetland, and Isle of Wight. The South Coast usually attracts more individuals than elsewhere, as shown in fig. 80. Fig. 80. Distribution of Woodchat Shrikes Lanius senator in each county in Britain during 1 958-98. Note the prominence of the .South ('.oast. A male at Church Cove, Lizard, Cornwall, was the first of 12 recorded during 24th April to 28th May. There was one during 23rd June to 3rd July, at Dungeness, Kent, and five were found during 9th August to 30th September, the last of these appearing at Newchurch, Isle of Wight. During 1958-84, autumn totals outnumbered those in spring in nine years; Woodchat Shrikes have been more numerous in spring than in autumn in every year during 1985- 98. Seasonal distribution is illustrated in fig. 81. The year’s total of 18 was the lowest since the 13 in 1992, but there were higher totals in only four years during 1958-85, and the species continues its long-term increase in Britain. 636 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 Fraser et al..- Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Fig. 81. Numbers ofWoodchat Shrikes Lanius senator in Britain and Ireland in each week during 1958- 98 (1958-97 for Ireland). Note the greater numbers in spring than in autumn. nr n I I I I I I I I I 1 T- CO in o) 5 5 5 5 5 IM-JL ll mmiiiiimTiiiiiiiiii 5 5 5 $ 5 1- CO in N CN CNJ CM CNJ 5 5 5 5 I I I I I I I o>i-coinr^o>i-coinh-CT)T- CMcococococo^^^^^in 555555555555 European Serin Serinus serinus Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 833 71 80 64 98 75 70 1291 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1996 1994 1997 1993 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 98 80 75 71 8 19 37 70 31 In 1998, there were 27 European Serins in Kent, 20 in Dorset, six in Sussex, three in both Corn- wall and Norfolk, and one or two in a further eight counties. The customary prominence of South Coast counties, in which 59 of the 70 new individuals were recorded, continued. This distribution pattern is illustrated in fig. 82. Indi- viduals were seen unusually far north in 1998 on South Walney, Cumbria, on 17th May, and at St Abb’s Head, Borders, on 29th-30th May. Excluding a returning individual at Winchester, Hampshire, the year’s first was found on 22nd Eebruary, at Portland Bill, Dorset; then 57 were recorded during 20th March to 3rd June, followed by two more in June, two in July, singles in August and October, and six in November, the last being seen on 24th November, at Church Cove, Lizard, Cornwall. The peak day was 18th April, when five were discovered. The seasonal distri- bution is shown in fig. 83- The 70 new European Serins in Fig. 82. Distribution of European Serins Serinus serinus in each county in Britain during 1958-98. Note the prominence of the South Coast counties and the scarcity in Scotland. British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 637 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Fig. 83. Numbers of European Serins Serinus serinus in Britain in each week in 1998. Note the significant influx in spring and the small concentration of records in November. 1998 equalled the annual average during 1990-97 and maintained the species’ long-term increase in Britain. Earlier annual averages were eight during 1958-69, 19 during 1970-79, and 37 during 1980-89. Common Rosefmch Carpodacus erythrinus Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1690 134 138 179 152 161 140 2594 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual average 1958-98 1992 1995 1997 1996 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 242 179 161 152 10 37 76 149 63 8-l.t 14-21 22-.16 37-61 Of the 140 Common Rosefinches recorded in Britain in 1998, 69 were in Shetland, 19 in Orkney, 11 in Northumberland, five in Co. Durham, East Yorkshire and Scilly, four in Fife, three in Norfolk, and two in Corn- wall, Lincolnshire and North York- shire, with singles in a further 13 counties. The prominence of the Northern Isles is illustrated in fig. 84, which shows the year’s geographical distribution. In 1998, 63% of Britain’s Common Rosefinches were recorded Fig. 84. Distribution of Common Rosefinches Carpodacus erythrinus in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the prominence of the Northern Isles and the importance of the East Coast, from Suffolk to Fife. 638 British Birds 93: 588-641, December 20()() Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 in the Northern Isles, compared with 62% of those in 1997 and 64% of those in 1996. The year’s first appeared on 2nd May, at Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire; nine were discovered during 1 lth-18th May, 46 during 26th May to 9th June, and six during l6th-24th June; and singles were found on 2nd, 15th and l6th July and 8th and 12th August. The main influx, which totalled 67 individuals, occurred during 28th August to 3rd October, and six more Common Rosefinches were first seen during 9th-l4th October. The peak day in spring was 30th May, when seven were discovered, and the peak day in autumn was 18th September, when nine were found. The most notable multiple occurrences concerned six during 18th-20th September, on Whalsay, Shetland, and five on 30th August, on Fair Isle, Shetland. Although there were fewer Common Rosefinches in Britain in 1998 than in any of the three previous years, the species continued its long-term increase, as shown in fig. 85, which includes the available records for Ireland. Since national record collation began in 1958, the nine years with the highest annual totals have been 1988, 1989 and 1992-98 inclusive. Fig. 85. Numbers of Common Rosefinches Carpodacus erydhrinus in Britain and Ireland in each year during 1958-98 (1958-97 for Ireland). Note the long-term increase and the exceptional total in 1992, when nesting occurred at four sites in England {Brit. Birds 92: 445-471). Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana Numbers of individuals in 1968 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1968-98 1968 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1370 79 61 89 118 68 74 1859 Annual maxima 1968 - 1998 Annual averages 1 968 - 1 998 Annual average 1968-98 1996 1969 1995 1992 68 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 118 114 89 85 53 58 72 60 In 1998, there were 20 Ortolan Buntings in Shetland, 15 in Scilly, ten in Cornwall, five in both Dorset and Norfolk, and four in both East Yorkshire and Northumberland, with one or two in a further eight counties, as illustrated in fig. 86. Following the year’s first, on 28th April, at Nanjizal, Cornwall, six individuals were seen during 9th-23rd May and there was one on 8th June, on Fair Isle, Shetland. There were 34 during 27th August to 13th September and 28 during 20th September to 5th October, with further singles found on 12th and 23rd October, on St Agnes, Scilly, and on 26th October, on both British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 639 Fraser et al.. Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 10-13 14-20 Fig. 86. Distribution of Ortolan Buntings Emberiza borlulana in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the prominence of Shetland, the Southwest and the East Coast. Bressay and Whalsay, Shetland. The Northern Isles produced four of the eight individuals in spring and 17 of the 66 in autumn. The peak days were 28th September, when seven were dis- covered, and 4th and 28th September, when nine were seen in total. The most notable multiple occurrence con- cerned four during 28th-29th Sep- tember, at Nanjizal, Cornwall. Although the year’s total of 74 Ortolan Buntings was slightly below par by recent standards (an annual average of 83 during 1992-97), in only two years during 1968-91 were more than 74 recorded. Increased numbers in autumn are wholly responsible for the recent higher annual totals; spring passage generally involved fewer indi- viduals during 1991-98 than previ- ously, as shown in fig. 87, which includes available Irish records. Fig. 87. The percentage of each year’s Ortolan Buntings Emberiza hortulana in spring in Britain and Ireland during 1968-1998 (1968-97 for Ireland). Note the gradual decline, especially in the 1990s, with the occasional exceptional year. Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Numbers of individuals in 1958 - 1997 Number of individuals in 1998 Number of individuals in 1958-98 1958 - 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 473 45 33 34 30 18 45 678 Annual maxima 1958 - 1998 Annual averages 1958 - 1998 Annual 1989 1993 1998 1987 58 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 98 average 1958-98 47 45 45 42 5 10 24 31 17 640 British Birds 93: 588-64 1 , December 2000 Fraser et al.; Report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998 Of the 45 new Little Buntings recorded in Britain in 1998, 19 were in Shetland. Elsewhere, there were seven in Orkney, five in Northumberland, and four in both East Yorkshire and Norfolk, with singles in Carmarthenshire, Cornwall, Fife, High- land, Kent and Sussex. The year’s geo- graphical distribution is shown in fig. 88. Singles were seen on 23rd April, at Bockliill, St Margaret’s Bay, Kent, and 5th September, on Fetlar, Shetland. The main concentration was during 20th Sep- tember to 7th October, when 41 were discovered. Further individuals were observed on l6th November, at Porthg- warra, Cornwall, and 17th December, at Ffairfach, Carmarthenshire. The peak days were 2nd October, when eight were first seen, and 3rd October, when 13 were present. This mirrors Little Bunting’s normal pattern of occurrence in Britain and Ireland, which is illustrated in fig. 89. 10-13 14-19 Fig. 88. Distribution of Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla in each county in Britain in 1998. Note the prominence of the Northern Isles and the East Coast. 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 CO m o> 5 5 5 5 T-foinr^a)T-coinh-o>-»-coir>h- f-^i-^^CMC^CNJCNJcscococoeo 55555555555555 O) CO 5 i-comr^o^f- ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ m 5 5 5 5 5 5 Fig. 89. Numbers of Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla in Britain and Ireland in each week during 1958-98 (1958-97 for Ireland). Note the significant numbers in autumn, the small spring passage and the discovery of individuals in most weeks of the winter. Only the 47 in 1989 bettered the 1998 total of 45. The highest annual total during 1958-74 was nine, and the highest annual total during 1975-83 was 25, but, during 1984-98, 40 or more were seen in five years and 30 or more were recorded in a further four years. Peter A. Fraser, Peter G. Lansclown and Michael J. Rogers, c/o 2 Churchtoivn Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ K British Birds 93: 588-641, December 2000 641 Compiled by Bob Scott and Wendy Dickson Lesser Kestrels and La Crau Back in the 1 960s, there were a hundred or so breeding pairs of Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni along the Mediterranean coastal strip each side of the mouth of the Rhone in southern France. With the rapid changes in agricultural practices that took place in the 1970s and 1980s, such as the abandonment of traditional stock-raising and increasing use of pesticides, numbers crashed to just three pairs in one corner of the stony semi-desert of La Crau. Elsewhere in Europe, there has been a similar decline, estimated to be as much as 95% over the past 30 years. French naturalists and bodies such as the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) with its Fonds d’ Intervention pour les Rapaces, have been studying and protecting the last few pairs with a certain amount of success. The birds nest in holes in the piles of stones that dot this strange landscape, as well as in the stone buildings used by the shepherds. In addition to protecting these sites, nestboxes have been positioned in strategic spots to assist the existing pairs and to encourage new colonies to form. Thanks to these efforts, the number breeding has gradually risen to around 60 pairs today. The European Union, under its LIFE programme, as well as other local and national funding bodies, has agreed to support further conservation efforts, not just for the Lesser Kestrel, but for the unique habitat and ecosystem that is La Crau. Contributions from the public are also needed, and to this end the LPO has recently launched a special Lesser Kestrel’ fund. All donations will be acknowledged with information about the species’ current status. It is hoped that the result will be better protec- tion for an area where Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alcbata still breed and which is one of the most important, if not the most impor- tant, in France for breeding and wintering Little Bustards Tetrax tetrax. The address to write to is LPO, Corderie Royale, BP 263, 17305 Rochefort cedex, France. {Contributed by Ken Half) Writing afield guide Two new field guides have recently appeared on the other side of ‘The Pond’. The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Sibley is a classic birders’ guide, which the experienced birdwatcher can sit and drool over and use to great effect when studying North American birds in minute detail. The second guide - Birds of North America - is a very different animal, and its author, Kenn Kaufman, has written a fascinating article in Bird Watcher's Digest (22: 14), a North American magazine that is probably little read on this side of the water. He describes how he went through the process of deciding for whom the guide was being written: those who are ready to tackle the identification of Empi- donax flycatchers, or the other 99. 9%. He then asks questions relating to taxonomic order, common/rare species, subspecies and subtle iden- tification. He concludes that the serious expert birder may label the book as stupid’, but that the other 99.9% will be happy. The theory is good, but we have all seen the 99. 9% at bird fairs, reserve shops, etc., buying what they have been told by experienced birders are the best' books, binoculars, etc.: not necessarily those that will help them tlie most. We hope that Kenn Kaufman's book sells to a wide North Amer- ican audience. With the thought that went into its production, it deserves to. Woodcock and Snipe In 1979, Wetlands International held the first woodcock Scolopax and snipe Gallinago workshop in Denmark. The success spawned further work- shops in Great Britain (1982), France (1986) and Germany (1992). The proceedings of the fifth workshop, held in Poland, have now been published: Fifth European Woodcock and Snipe Workshop: Proceedings of an International Symposium of the Wetlands International Wood- cock and Snipe specialist group 3-5 May 1998. For further details, contact Wetlands Interna- tional, PO Box 7002, 6700 CA Wageningen, The Netherlands; tel. 00-31-317-478884; www.wetlands.agro.nl The Birds of Norfolk Following the success of the initial publication of the book The Birds of Norfolk last October, a reprint containing some amendments and addi- tional information has now been published by Pica Press. This soft- back version, with a cover price of £25, is available from local bookshops and the Visitor Centres at the reserves of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the RSPB at Cley, Holme, Hickling, Minsmere, Ranworth andTitchwell. The royalties arising from the sales of the first edition totalled £4,100. This sum has been dis- tributed to the RSPB for use on the Berney Marshes Reserve (£1,900), to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust for its ‘Securing the Future Appeal' (£1,900) and to the How Hill Trust (£300). It is hoped that buoyant sales of the reprint will result in further sums becoming available for conservation pro- jects within Norfolk. For further information, contact Dr Moss faylor on 01263 82.3637. 642 © British Birds 93: 642, December 2000 The raptor menace: origins and mistaken identities Not all readers may be aware of the high numbers of birds of prey that are kept in captivity and the relatively large numbers of these that subsequently escape into the wild. The recent fashion for keeping and breeding hybrid falcons leads to a high prob- ability that escaped hybrid individuals will be seen by birdwatchers. The similarity between many hybrids and pure, wild exam- ples of our rarer birds of prey creates the strong likelihood of misidentifications. It is, today, more likely that an apparent rarity is an escaped falconer’s bird than that it is a genuine vagrant. For instance, the figures maintained by the Independent Bird Register (Jenny Wray in Htt.^ show that 115 falconers’ birds of 15 species escaped in Britain in a single month (October 2000). This total included four Gyr Falcons Falco rusticolus or Gyr Falcon hybrids, 16 Peregrine Falcons F. peregrinus or Peregrine Falcon hybrids, three Laggar Falcons F. jugger, and 24 Harris’s Hawks Parabuteo unicinctus. Ax. the end of the month, 52 were still at liberty. To take just one species: in the first ten months of the year 2000, a total of 26 Gyr Falcons or Gyr Falcon hybrids was known to have escaped in Britain; by 31st October, 13 of these had not been recaptured, and were still at liberty. These figures represent absolute minima, since many falconers recapture their own birds (after a few days or a few weeks) without ever reporting the loss. Except for those species included in Schedule 4 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, there is no legal requirement to report a missing bird, and notification to the IBR is a volun- tary act (the purpose of the Register is to assist falconers to recover lost birds of prey). It is probable that the figures quoted above represent less than 60% (and perhaps much less than 60%) of the true numbers at liberty at any one time. Phil Cannings 30 Graham Gardens, Luton, Bedfordshire LU3 INQ; e-mail phil.cannings@ntlworld.com or phil. cannings@bedfordshire. police, uk Early studies of migration While the fact that some birds migrate has been recognised since time immemorial, little progress was made concerning what they do in the winter, beyond Classical deductions that one species may turn into another and eighteenth-century speculations that they might hibernate in ponds or fly to the Moon. Interest in the subject appears to have been stimulated by a comment in The Times on 8th September 1874 that the Swedish poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg postulated ‘a singularly beautiful theory’: that it ‘is the longing after light, and that alone, that draws the birds southwards. When the days shorten in the north the birds go south ... It is gener- ally supposed that they move southward to get more abundant food; but why do they leave their rich hunting-grounds to return to the north? . . . Only one thing is richer there, and that is light.’ This was dismissed by Pro- fessor Alfred Newton in Nature on 24th Sep- tember, who was followed by Alfred Russel Wallace on 8th October with the suggestion that birds probably migrate between places where they are more successful in summer and those where they are more successful in winter, and appealing for more regular records of relevant phenological data. By this time, bird migration seems to have become a general topic of discussion, leading to the great British Association for the Advance- ment of Science enquiry into the occurrence of migrating birds at the coastal lights chaired by Newton at the end of the decade. One contribution to tliis debate, ridiculed by Newton, seems of particular interest. On 18th September 1874, Walter Severn wrote to The Times from the Savile Club, repeating views said to have been endorsed by Pro- fessor Owen: ‘I am surprised that no one has mentioned -what I believe to be the latest © British Birds 93: 643-644, December 2000 643 Letters accepted theory as to the migration of birds ... it was only 20 or 30 years ago that any- thing like a practical solution of the difficulty was arrived at. The birds after congregating at the south coast arc seized with a sudden impulse or mania to fly upwards. This is caused by some atmospheric change coin- ciding with a warm south wind moving in a high stratum, into which the birds soar with an involuntary movement of their wings ... This is continued for many hours and the birds fly blindly along until the paroxysm passes off, when they at once begin to descend, many making a fatal drop into the sea. The same phenomena occur in Africa and southern countries, where the birds con- gregate for a northerly flight about April. Experiments were tried here and in Africa which tended to corroborate the above facts. Migratory birds were kept in cages along the coast and it was found that each was seized with a prolonged paroxy'sm coin- ciding with the time that the wild birds dis- appeared. Cages were constructed with silk at top and bottom to prevent the birds from killing themselves, and it was noticed that after the paroxysm had passed away the birds began to look about them, to plume themselves, and eat and drink, apparently with a notion that they had arrived at their new home.’ Runeberg’s theorising deserves recogni- tion, and the experimental work described by Severn anticipated by a century work with radar and on the Zugunruhe shown by caged birds, except that, as usual at that date, he got the meteorological factors the wrong w'ay around. Does anyone know who Walter Severn was, and the source of his informa- tion? W. R. P. Bourne Department of Zoology, Aberdeen University, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ Common Buzzards soaring on flat wings Although it is well known that Common Buz- zards Buteo buteo usually soar, as described by Svensson & Grant (1999, Collins Bird Guide), with ‘wings held pressed forward and lifted in shallow V’, it seems less well known that juvenile Common Buzzards habitually soar on flat wings (in southern England from mid June into early autumn). In certain field conditions (e.g. distant sighting in heat haze), this can present a puzzle, and can cause confusion with Euro- pean Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus. If watched for long enough, however, flat- winged juvenile Common Buzzards will usually (but not always) adopt the character- istic soaring mode of adults. Pete Cambridge 10 By the Wood, Calmore, Totton, Southampton SO40 2FQ EDITORIAL COMMENT R. J. Prytherch, who is engaged in a long-term study of Common Buzzard in north Somerset, has commented: ‘I fully support these observations by Pete Combridge. I have seen this flat- winged soaring posture on many occasions throughout the year. The inner wings are actually slightly arched with the outer wings level (producing an effect slightly reminiscent of a kite Milvus). They can, however, easily slip into a shallow V. Furthermore, this soaring (and gliding) will often be combined with flaps that are distinctly slower and more relaxed than the “normal” stiff-winged flaps of an adult. Although most conspicuous in the case of juveniles and first-years, these features are also shown by older birds, including territory-holding adults. The wings of juveniles and first-years are narrower than those of adults, owing to the first set of flight feathers being shorter. This has the effect of making this age class appear longer- tailed, especially when in a glide. These are all features that, in a brief, distant view, could perhaps suggest Honey-buzzard. With a longer view, a (x)mmon Buzzard will usually reveal its characteristic features. I am at present preparing a paper on the social behaviour of the Common Buzzard, in which I plan to deal more fully with this topic.’ 644 British Birds 93: 64.)-644, December 2()()() DRAWN TO THE FOREST: THE SOCIETY OF WILDLIFE ARTISTS IN THE NEW FOREST By Robert Burton. The Wildlife Art Gallery, Lavenham, 2000. 128 pages; over 150 colour and black-and-white illustrations. ISBN 0-9526-2363-3. Hardback, £25.00. In 1958 and 1959, 1 was engaged in studying the behaviour of Bluebells Hyacinthoides non- scripta (then Endymion non- scriptiis') at Denny Wood in the New Forest (and surreptitiously enjoying the breeding Red- backed Shrikes Lanius collurio and other such delights), so this wonderfully evocative book transported me back 40 years to my student days. Robert Gillmor, quoted on verso of the title page, was similarly returning to an old stamping ground, having spent childhood summer holidays with well-water, primus stoves, aladdin lamps, candles and bicycles in the New Forest. Thanks to its history, the Court of Swainmote and Attachment (the Court of Verderers), the protection of legal regulations and tradition, and sensible management by the Forestry Commission and others, the area has remained almost unchanged (apart from narrow zones along the few access roads). It is a national treasure, and this book celebrates that status. Starting in May 1999, groups of members of the Society of Wildlife Artists visited the Forest over an 18-month period, illus- trating with their work their impressions of this mosaic of ancient woodland, heath and bog, and its wildlife. The 156 paintings and other illustrations by 30 artists are sheer delight. To pick a few may be invidious, but I cannot resist mentioning my personal favourites: Bruce Pearson’s ‘Forest stream’ and ‘Hobby studies’, Vadim Gor- batov’s ‘Kite flying’, John Davis’s ‘Brinken Wood’, Michael Warren’s ‘Firecrest’, Chris Rose’s Fallow Deer, Broomy Bottom’ and ‘Hawfinches and winter thrushes’, Darren Rees’s ‘Chang- ing colours, Ashley Walk', and Andrew Stock’s ‘Beaulieu Road and Stephill Bottom’. The artistic images are so stunning that the temptation is to turn the pages without reading Robert Burton’s text. That, however, would be a mistake, for he describes the Forest’s history and traditions, and focuses on its special wildlife interest. There are also lots of revealing quotes from the pens of the artists themselves. This is a book to treasure, as a record of the quality of present- day wildlife art, and as documen- tation in both artwork and prose of the New Forest. If you know the area, this book will bring back memories; if you do not know the area, this book will make you want to visit it. Drawn to the Forest is a treat: now is the time to drop a hint that you would like it for Christmas. J. T. R. Sharrock ORKNEY NATURE By R. J. Berry. Academic Press, London, 2000. 308 pages; 135 colour photographs; colour sketches by John Holloway; black-and-white illustrations, maps and figures. ISBN 0-85661-104-2. Hardback, £24. 95. If, like me, you missed the New Naturalist The Natural History of Orkney by the same author (1985), the present volume more than makes up for the disap- pointment. Written ‘for those who know or want to know about Orkney’s structure and scenery, its animals and birds, its people past and present... But above all it is for those who love sky and sea, nature in its ftillness, solitude and plenitude.’ ORKNEY NATURE A vast compendium of infor- mation is presented in an attrac- tive way, aided by the numerous illustrations, of which the sketches by John Holloway bring a special charm. It does, how- ever, mean that coverage of some subjects is a little thin. The birds chapter, written by Eric Meek, runs to a mere 33 pages plus a six-page systematic list. There is enough, however, to inspire the reader, and, who knows, eventu- ally a book devoted to the birds of Orkney. For their importance, they certainly deserve it. Mean- while, the present volume will surely lure more ornithologists to these wonderful islands. David Saunders © British Birds 93: 645, December 2000 645 It’s a Ruff Pbilomcichus piignax, isn t it? October’s Monthly Marathon picture (plate 300, repeated here as plate 363) is one that 1 expect many people will have recognised instantly without necessarily being able to put their finger on exactly why. Even though the bird’s head and foreparts are completely hidden, something about it proclaims its identity immediately. It is interesting to consider how fast and accurate this ‘intuitive’ identification process can be; but we all know that it makes sense to double- check our first impressions, especially when there is so much at stake if we are wrong. We might guess that this is a medium-sized wader - the size, say, of a Common Redshank Tringci totcmus - but, given the difficulty of reliably determining size when there is nothing else in the photograph for comparison, it might be wise to consider a wider range of possibilities; most of these are rather easily eliminated when we start to look at the bird more critically. The bright and boldly patterned upperparts might remind some people of a juvenile Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, but the length of the bill, especially as revealed in the bird’s reflection, and also its apparent slight decurvature do not suit any godwit . The pattern of the upper- part feathers might prompt thoughts of a dowitcher Limno dromus, but, apart from the bill being much too short and fine- tipped, the lack of any spotting or barring on the underparts eliminates all dowitchers. It is similarly easy to rule out all of the species in the genus Tringa, and virtually all of those in the genus Calidris, on the basis that none has upperparts with such distinct pale internal markings on the larger scapulars and greater coverts. Having effectively cleared the field, we are left with ver>' few options other than the one that first came to mind: a Ruff Aware of the occasional problem of distinguishing Ruff in juvenile plumage from somewhat similar species such as Buff-breasted Sandpiper Ttj’tigites subruficollis, Pectoral Sandpiper C. melanotos and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper C. 364. ‘Monthly Marathon’. Photo no. 173. Twenty-first stage in eleventh ‘Marathon’. Identify the species. Read the rules (see page 54), then send in your answer on a postcard to Monthly Marathon, British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, Nr Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY, fo arrive by I5lb February 2001. 363. Juvenile Ruff Pbilomacbus piignax, Germany, October 1998. acuminata, we should pay particular attention to those possibilities. We notice that the legs look pinkish-grey, which does not particularly suit any of the candidates, including Ruff, but leg colour is at least more variable in the last species. (It would be interesting to know whether this individual had the more usual olive-green leg colour of juvenile Ruff when viewed from the side.) Juvenile Buff- breasted Sandpiper does have a suggestion of an internal pattern on the greater coverts, but it is much more subtle than that shown by the mystery bird. Besides, the bright rufous fringes to the upperpart feathers do not match the more subdued upperpart tones of Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Like most other species in the genus Calidris, Pectoral and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers never have internally patterned upperpart feathers like those of the mystery bird. (Jiandler (1990) drew attention to the range of upperpart feather 646 © liritisb Birds 93: 646-647, December 2000 Olaf Lessotv Monthly Marathon patterns exhibited by juvenile Ruffs, and his photographs illustrated a range of types, including a couple that resemble those of the mystery bird. So, without any recourse to assessing primary projection or the like, we can confidently conclude that this month’s mystery bird is indeed a Ruff, in juvenile plumage. Two competitors opted for Willet Catoptrophorus semi- palmatus and Short-billed Dow- itcher L. griseus, but all other entrants correctly identified this Ruff Postal delays in delivery of British Birds to Continental (especially Fenno-Scandian) des- tinations have necessitated an extension of the competition’s deadline this month, and, at the time of writing this, we have not yet received an entry from the leader (Christer Kalenius), who either wUl still be one step ahead of the chasing group or will have dropped back to the start. Those in pursuit are Palle Jensen, Peter Lansdown, Andy Mears, Jakob Sunesen, Peter Sunesen and Stephen Votier (all on six-in-a- row), Roy Hargreaves, Jon Holt and Richard Patient (all on five- in-a-row) and George Brown (with four). Since three competitors (Nick Barlow, Diederik Kok and Peter Sunesen) each achieved a sequence of 12 correct answers in a row before they were all defeated by the Temminck’s Stint Calidris temjninckii (plates 117 & 180), the winner of this eleventh Marathon will now need to achieve a sequence of at least 13 correct answers in a row. Marathon is the right word for this competition, and the winner will certainly have earned his Sunbird holiday in Africa, America or Asia. Killian Mullarney Reference Chandler, R. J. 1990. Plumage variations of juvenile Ruffs and Greenshanks. Brit. Birds 83:117- 121. Sunbird The best of bird watching tours For a free brochure, write to SUNBIRD (MM), PO Box 76, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG 1 9 1 DF; or telephone 0 1 767 682969- C Compiled by Barry Nightingale and Anthony McGeehan This summary of unchecked reports covers the period l6th October to 12th November 2000. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymhus podiceps St Agnes (Scilly), 25th October. American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus Lough Corrib (Co. Galway), 31st October to 12th November. Great White Egret Egretta alba One, ringed in southern France, seen in Co. Wicklow and Co. Cork, 30th October to 7th November. Canvasback Aythya valisineria Abberton Reservoir (Essex), 12th November. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Blagdon Lake (Somerset), 22nd October; Ballasalla (Isle of Man), 22nd October; Lough Beg (Co. London- derry), 30th October. Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucul- latus North Uist (Western Isles), ringed female of unknown origin, 23rd October to 1st November. Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus Kilcoole (Co. Wicklow), llth-12th November. Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gre- garius Dunwich/Blythburgh/ 365. Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus, Porthellick House, St Mary’s, Scilly, October 2000. © British Birds 93: 646-647, December 2000 647 Gary Bellingham Mike McDonnell Michael McKee Recent reports Carbis Bay (Cornwall), 2nd-4th November. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans Sizewell (Suffolk), found freshly dead 9th November. Hume’s Warbler PhylloscopHS hiimei Crail (Fife), ■’th-llth November; Filey (North Yorkshire), 8th November; Holy Island -(Northumberland), 9th- 12th November; Tynemouth (Northumberland), 7th-9th November; North Gare (Cleve- land), l()th-12th November; Whitby (North Yorkshire), 11th November; Flamborough Head (East Yorkshire), llth-12th November. Radde’s Warbler PhylloscopHS schwarzi Nanjizal Valley (Cornwall), 17th-18th October; Dawlish Warren (Devon), 17th October; Soar (Devon), 17th and 24th October; Whalsay (Shetland), 22nd October; St Margaret's at Cliffe (Kent), 24th October; St Mary’s, 25th-26th October. Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus Tresco (Scilly), 19th October; Barra (Western Isles), 21st October; Porthgwarra (Corn- wall), 6th November; Flambor- ough Head, "^th November. Penduline Tit Reniiz pen- clnlinns Dungeness RSPB (Kent), 19th October, with two 22nd October; Minsmere, 1st Nov- ember; Hengistbury Head (Dorset), 4th November. Brown Shrike Lanins cristatus Fair Isle, 21st (October. Isabelline Shrike Lanins isabellinns Flam- borough Head, Sth-lOth November; Whitely Bay (North- umberland), 9th- 12th November. Spanish Sparrow Passer his- paniolensis Millbrook (Corn- wall), 12th November. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivacens Lewis (Western Isles), 21st October; Knockadoon Head (C;o. Cork), 29th October. Long-tailed Shrike Lanins schach South Hist (Western Isles), from about 28th October to 4th November. Arctic Redpoll Cardnelis hornenianni North Ronaldsay (Orkney), 30th-31st October. Pine Cirosbeak Pinicola enncle- ator Maywick, 9th November. 366. Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Out Skerries, Shetland, September 2000. 367. Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata, Tresco, Scilly, October 2000. Minsmere (Suffolk), 22nd-24th October. Richard’s Pipit An thus novaeseelandiae Lough Beg, 30th (October. Olive-backed Pipit Anthns hodgsoni Fair Isle (Shetland), 19th and 26th-27th October; Virkie (Shetland), found dead, 26th October; St Mary’s (Scilly), 1st November; (iibraltar Point (Lincolnshire), 8th November; Maywick (Slietland), 10th November; Southwold (Suffolk), 12th November. Siberian Blue Robin Lnscinia cyane Minsmere, 23rd October. Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Holme (Norfolk), 2nd-4th November; Boulby (Cleveland), 12th November. Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharns ininiinns Papa Westray (Orkney), 26th October; Moel-Y-Ci (Gwynedd), 3rd-4th November. American Robin Tnrdns niigratorins 648 liritish liirds 93: 647-649, December 2000 Recent reports 368. Phylloscopus humei, Filey Country Park, North Yorkshire, November 2000. 369. Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus, Old Town churchyard, St Mary’s, Scilly, October 2000. s Q 370. Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus. Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, October 2000. 371. Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida, Collieston, Grampian, September 2000. 372. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis, Sennen, Cornwall, October 2000. 373. Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus, Spurn Point, East Yorkshire, October 2000. > Rare Bird News supplies all its information free to British Birds. Call 0881-888-1 1 1 for the latest, up-to-date news (28p/min cheap rate;4lp/min other times; including VAT) British Birds 93: 641-649, December 2000 649 J. Harriman Jim Pattison George Reszeter ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS AGO: ‘1 am anxious. .. to say a few words in reprobation of that wanton and barbarous amusement of swallow shooting, which is followed by some sportsmen (?) during the summer months. The destruction of these useful and very interesting birds answers no one good purpose, and can only be looked upon in the light of wanton barbarity. It has not even the excuse of being good practice for other kinds of shooting, as a good shot at a swallow [Hirundo rustica] may be a very bad one at game.’ (.Zoologist 8: 2952, December 1850) FIHT YEARS AGO: it is with profound regret that we announce that Bernard Tucker died in Oxford on December 19th, 1950, after a long and painful illness borne with great fortitude. An incalculable blow to ornithology in general and to this journal in particular, the death of one whose name had become a household word among ornithol- ogists everywhere will bring a sense of bereavement even to those of our readers who were never privileged to meet him.’ (Brit. Birds 43: 385; December 1950) TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO: in Britain some restrained satis- faction may be felt over recent trends in bird of prey populations. After 150 years in which human persecution caused massive declines in numbers and ranges in most of our predators, protection has begun to lead to some improvements when, in the 1950’s |sic], the new threat of persistent pesticides appeared... Under protection the Osprey Pcmdion haliaetus has returned. the Red Kite Milvus mili’us is increasing and the Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca maintains a precarious foothold, but the Merlin Fcdco columbariiis and Barn Owl Tyto cdba [as well as the Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus and Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus] suffered declines due to pesticides, while the Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargm is virtually extinct here.’ (Brit. Birds 68: 481-483, December 1975) Also 25 years ago, on 2()th December 1975, Britain’s third Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheuc- ticus ludovicianus appeared at a newly erected bird-table in a garden at Leigh-on-Sea, Essex (Brit. Birds 69: 359). It was the last of an exceptional run of 12 American passerines to be discovered in 1975 (and there were two more in the Channel Islands). VOLUME 92 580 Plates 242 and 243 should be transposed VOLUME 93 55, 289, 355, 399 Blaydon, Shibdon Pond, Whitburn, and Rowlands Gill are all in Co. Durham (not Tyne &Wear) 72,74 Plates 47 & 54: for ‘1996’ read ‘January 1986’ 118 ‘The European Bird Report’: delete Egyptian Goose completely 123 Purple Sandpiper: for ‘FRANCE’ read ITALY’ 154 Col. 3, first full paragraph, line 4: for ‘pole’ read ‘poll’ 171 Col. 1, second full paragraph, line 6: for ‘107 & 108’read ‘106& 107’ 175 Col. 1, line 3: fbr‘106’ read ‘ 105’ 187 Acknowledgments. Line 9, add Nick Dymond 205 (a)L 1. First full sentence should read ‘A Puffin Frciterculci circtica was present at Eye Brook Reservoir, Leicestershire, during 25th-27th June 1995, and, on 28th July 1999,...’ 259 Author of ‘Monthly Marathon’ on pages 290-291 is Steve Rooke (not Paul Holt) 271 Caption to plate 157 should read: Three-year-old Black-browed Albatross Dioniedea melanophris, Kerguelen Islands, southern Indian Ocean, December 1996. This bird shows a very pale bill for this age. 274 Caption to plate 168 should read: Adult Black-browed Albatross Dioniedea melanophris, Kerguelen Islands, southern Indian Ocean, December 1996. 281 Plate 171 shows a first-summer male (not a female) Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus 297, 486 Wallsend and Newcastle upon Tyne are both in Northumlx'rland (not 'lVne & Wear) 298 C,ol. 2, line 1 1: for ‘St Margaret’s Island (Tyne & Wear)’ read ‘St Mary’s Island (Northumberland)’ 545 Drawings of (lalandra Lark (Fig. 5) are by Mark L. Cornish (not S. E. Duffield) 650 © British Birds 93: 650, December 2()()() Christmas puzzle Sponsored hy Vinicola Hidalgo SA MANZANILLA LA GITANA Find ten answers, and then deduce the eleventh; 1 . British bird that engages in rookooing. 2. One who missed seeing a water bird without webbed feet? 3. Band of like-minded groups that have co- operated since first meeting in Paris in 1963. 4. Original wearer of a tippet. 5. Material that forms projection linked with the fossil genus Aepyornis and the frost-loving bird. 6. Could be holy or coot-like. 7. Term that describes the migration of the northern population of a species to winter-quarters farther south than those of the southern breeding population of the same species. 8. Wliat Willow Tit and Tree Sparrow have in common. 9. He is British and dances on a hill. 10. Water-carriers (bar one). 1 1 . Now, rearrange the ten initial letters of your first ten answers to give you the name of a famous place. Think of the man ornithologically most closely associ- ated with that place. What was his father’s middle name? Send in your 1 1 answers on a postcard to Christmas puzzle. Fountains, Park Lane, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3NJ to arrive by 31st January 2001. The three competitors whose correct answers are drawn on that date will each win the very appropriate festive-season prize of a case of three bottles of La Gitana sherry (a light, crisp, delicately flavoured sherry, best drunk chilled as an aperitif). Classifieds RATES Text: 40p per word. Minimum 1 5 word.s. Semi-display: Mono. il 5 per see (width 40mm) or £32 per dee (width 85mm). Minimum 2em. Series: 5% diseount for 6, 10% diseount for 12. (All rates exelude vat at 17.5%) Payment for all elassified advertisements must be made in advanee by VISA, Mastereard or by eheque payable to British Birds Ltd. Copy deadline: 10th of the month. Contact: Philippa Leegood, British Birds, The Banks, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5JY. Tel: 01580 882039. Fax: 01580 882038. E-mail: design@britishbirds.co.uk British Birds — forecasts — For a detailed weather forecast of any region (today and the week ahead) 0891 11 00 14 For s5TToptic weather charts by fax (today and tomorrow) 0897 200 229 Infonrtftlen Supplied by i^The Met Office 0819 calls are charged at 50p per minute. 0897 fax calls are charged at £1.50 per minute (synoptic chart is one page) BVDEXES WHERE IS THERE A PICTURE OF...? (INDEXES FOR BIRDWATCHERS) Cross-referenced indexes to 500 book/recording titles for any species of bird in the world, giving whereabouts of photos, pictures and other information. £5 a species C. P Galey 29, Ainsdale Drive, Werrington, Peterborough PE4 6RL BIRD NEWS BIRD NEWS to PAGERS and MOBILE PHONES Up to the minute bird news wherever you are. Local news, national news. Rare Bird Alert 01603 456789 Classifieds RATES Text: -tOp per word. Minimum IS words. Semi-display: Mono. £15 per see (width 40mm) or £32 per dee (width 85mm). Minimum 2em. Series: 5% diseount for 6, 10% discount for 12. (All rates exclude vat at 17.5%) Payment for all classified advertisements must be made in advance by VISA. Mastercard or by cheque payable to British Birds Ltd. Copy deadline: 10th of the month. Contact: Philippa Lcegood, Z?r/7fA'/j Birds, The Banks, Mountficicl, East Sussex TN32 5JV. Tel: 01580 882039. Fax: 01580 882038. E-mail: tlesign@britishbirds.co.uk BOOKS HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION BIRDWATCHING HOUDAYS BIRD BOOKS BOUGHT AND 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:Ol433 621999.Fax: 01433 621862. Web: tv'ww.hawkridge.co.uk R.\RE AND OUT OF PRINT books on Ornithology. Isabelline Books. Tel: 01392 201296. Fax: 201663 BACK NUMBERS OF ALL leading ornithological and natural histort’ journals, reports, bulletins, newsletters, etc. bought and sold. Catalogue available. David Morgan, Whitmore, Umberleigh, Devon EX37 9HB 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 £6.95 inclusive P/P to: Coxton Publications, Eastwood, Beverley Rd. Walkington, Beverley. HU17 8RP. 01482 881833 The Birds of Nursling Greg Alexander A recent history of birdlife in a village near Southampton, Hampshire. Contains all species recorded between 1983-2000. With 16 colour, 4 b/w photos, 3 habitat sketches and study map. Population changes, nest recording and bird ringing projects are described ISBN: 0-853938941-5 £7.95 incl pp. Cheques payable to: fi. ALEXANDER 14 Blake Close. Nursling, Southampton, Hants. SO 16 OTL Tel: 023 80 ‘'31 743 FOR SALE BRITISH BIRDS VOLUMES 72 TO 86. Bound. Also B"' to 90, unbound. Offers Telephone 01243 "'81727 (Chichester). FOR SALE - LOT 1 BRITISH BIRDS, 1975 1997; Lot 2 Bird Study, 1972-1997: Lot 3 Essex Bird Report. 1955, 1964, 1966 & 1970- 1986; Lot 4 Ibis, 1976-1997. Lots 1, 2 & 4 include many indices. VGC (personal stamp), unbound. Offers, Timms, 127 North Deeside Road. Peterculter.Aberdeenshire AB14 ORR. HOUDAY ACCOMMODATION Scotland MORVERN (DRIMNIN) HOLIDAY COTTAGES. Beautifully situated by Sound of .Mull. Superb walking and wildlife. No pets. Open all year £100-£175 fully inclusive. Tel/l'ax:01967 421308 Ovi:K.sEi.s PROVENCE, CAMARGUE. Farm cotttige, also b&b Rogers, Mas d’Auphan, Le .Sambuc, 1 3200 ARLES, Fnince.Tel: (0033) 49097204 1 , Fax: (0033) 490972087 SOUTH AFRICA, CAPE COAST, HERMANUS. Excellent bird and whale watching. Comfortable 3 bedroomed house, self catering, sleeps 6. Exceptionally close to beach and lagoon. Pool, tennis courts and laundry available. Car essential. Phone Leonie 020-8423-2652 BIRDWATCHING HOUDAYS AUSTRALIA: LOTUS LODGE, 200-s species of birds. Resident naturalists, outback experience. Extensive variety of flora and fauna in far north Queensland 1(4 hour flight north of Cairns. Superior accommodation. Excellent cui.sine.Tel: 61’ 4059 0773. Fax: 617 4059 0703. Web: http://www.cairns.aust.com/lotus bird AT TITCHWELL overlooking reserv'e :ind sea THE THREE HORSESHOES INN offers en-suite rooms, home cooked food, classical music, convivi;il atmosphere. BIRDERS BREAKS - Winter rate until 31st December 2(KK):£31.50 pppn for DB-t-B, min. 2 tiiglits, 2 persons sharing, excluding Bank Holidays. Please telephone 01 -185-2 102()2 for brochure/reservations. Farm Lator (NE Hungary) Expert and host in mountain and plain! Imperial, Saker, Pygmy Cormorant, L. Grey Shrike, etc. Also butterfly tours and surprising culture. Idyllic lodging. Excursions and longer tours, individual or group. 0036 49 336133 / www.farmlator.hu Come to Donana, the wild heart of Spain. Professionally led binding - botany excursions. Small groups and individuals. All year round. Charming guesthouse facing the marshes. Transfer from airport. Personalised stays. Full board from £20. All inc. 6 days from £195. "Dd*ieut(L Ltd. Aguila Imperial ISO. 21750 El Rocio, Huelva, Spain. Tel/Fax: 0034 959 442466. E-mail: donana@sistelnet.es Information and prices: vwvw.slstelnet.es/donana OPTICAL EQUIPMENT Ace Optics of Bath THE BEST DEALS IN OPTICS ALL TOP BRANDS INC. QUESTAR TEL: 01225-466364 16 Green Street. Bath BAl 2JZ Binoculars & Telescopes Top Makes, Top Models, Top Advice, Top Deals, Part Exchange Show Room Sales 01925 730399 07000 247392 Credit/debit cards accepted INSURANCE SPANISH PYRENEES Independent & guided tours H’vvM'. boletas.org E-mail: jjsv @ boletus, org Info & brochure 01454 6139993 BIRD HOLIDAYS. Professionally led worldwide birding tours. Relaxed pace. Free brochure: write to Bird Holidays, 10 ivegate, Yeadon, Ixeds, US19 7RE or phone 0 1133 91 05 1 0 (ATOI. 55-16). NEW ZEALAND / SUBANTARCTIC LSLANDS. join us for rare and interesting endemics, the world's finest collection of seabirds and spectacular .scenery: MANU TOUR.S, 10() Ocean Beach Road, Tairua 2853, New Zealand. Phonc/Fax: (64) (7) 864- 7475. Email: manulours®nzhirding.co.nz Website: www.nzhirding.co.nz PHOTOCOVER A specialist insurance policy for binoculars, telescopes, camcorders, cameras, photo equi|')nient etc. At home, outdoors, in veliicles. Free in fo pack from Golden Valley In.surancc, The Olde Shoppe, Ewya.s Harold, Herel't)rd.shire, HR2 OES Freeplnine: 0800-0 1 5-4-*8^ lax: 01981 241062 BB Bookshop Listed books are POST FREE to British Birds subscribers The books included in BB BookShop are recommended by British Birds as reliable, good value and important additions to any birdwatcher’s library. We aim to provide the most prompt, efficient and friendliest service possible. Items ordered through this service are despatched to British Birds subscribers by Subbuteo Natural History Books (a Division of CJ WildBird Foods Ltd). Please send order to: BB BookShop, do Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR. Phone; 00 44 (0) 1743 709420. Fax: 00 44 (0) 1743 709504. E-mail: info@wildlifebooks.com Best Bird Books of the Year All books voted ‘Best Bird Book of the Year 1983-99’ (listed in full Brit. Birds 93: 54) are available POST FREE. Please order here, giving title(s) and author(s), or on an additional sheet. Paperback £19.99 Q Book of the Month Grimmet/Inskipp/Inskipp Field Guide to the Birds of Nepal (Helm) Special Offers Cramp Birds of the Western Palearctic (OUP) vol 1-9 Flegg & Hoskmg Erie Hoskins’s Classic Birds Limited Edition (.HarperCollins) Snow (ed.) The Birds of the Western Palearctic 2-volume concise edition (OUP) New this Month Burton Drawn to the Forest (Wildlife Art Galler^ Cheke, Mann & Allen Sunbirds: A Guide to the Sunbirds, Flowerbirds, Spiderhunters & Sugarbirds of the World (Pica Press) DUE I3ECEMBER Hardback Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Collins Bird Guide Large Format Hardback Newman Sappi: Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa 8th Edition (New Holland) Paperback Statterdfield & Capper Threatened Birds of the World (Birdlife/Lynx) Hardback Special Pre-publication Price Swash & Still A Guide to the Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands (Pica Press) Hardback Coming Soon - Order Now Bradley Birds of the Cayman Islands BOU Guide No. 19 Clement et al Helm Identification Guide: Thrushes (Helm) DUE JANUARY 200 1 Del Hoyo Handbook of the World Vol 6 Mousebird to Hornbills (Lynx) DUE JANUARY 2001 Pre-pubucation Offer tttv r>r\ct-orria r\Y\ r\^ £40.00 each (usually £50.00) £28.00 now £45.00 Hardback £25.00 □ 34.00 *29.99 *19.99 *70.00 *59.50 *16.95 Hardback Hardback 35.00 *35.00 £85.00 + £3.5(^ostage UK orders/15% postage on overseas orders □ thereafter (£1 Gibbs, Barnes & Cox Pigeons & Doves: A Guide to the Pigeons & Doves of the World Hardback £3^00 Ranft & Konig Owls Double CD (Pica Press) Double CD £24.99 a a lo.om 9 □ Recommended Books Europe & Western Palearctic Adamian & Klem A Field Guide to the Birds of Armenia (AUA) Field cover Hardback Baker Warblers of Europe, Asia and North /Erica (Helm) Beaman & Madge The Handbook of Bird Identification: Europe and the Western Palearctic (Helm) British Birds The British Birds List of Birds of the Western Palearctic Hagem^er & Blair The EBCC Atlas of European Breeding Birds (Poyser) Harris, Tucker & Vinicombe The Macmillan Field Guide to Bird Identification (^Macmhlan) Heath & Evans Important Bird Areas in Europe: Priority Sits for Conservation 2 Vol set (Birdlife Int) Paperback Hardback Jonsson Birds of Europe With North Africa and the Middle East (Helm) reprint Paperback Hardback Kightley, Madge & Nurney Pocket Guide to the Birds of Britain and North-West Europe (Pica Press) Mullarney, Svensson, Zetterstrom & Grant Collins Bird Guide - The Most Complete Field Guide to the Birds of Britain & Europe (HarperCollins) Best Bird Book of 1999 Peterson, Mountfort & Hollom Collins Field Guide: Birds of Britain & Europe 5th Edition (HarperCollins) Ringbound Paperback Paperback North America Griggs Collins Pocket Guide: Birds of North America (HaroerCollins) LocKwood, McKnney, Paton & Zimmer A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande (ABA) National Geographic A Field Guide to the Birds of North America 3rd Edition Pranty A Birder’s Guide to Florida (ABA) ^ , Pyle Identification Guide to North American Birds Part 1 . Columbidae to Ploceidae (Slate Creek) Schram A Birder’s Guide to Southern California (ABA) Sibley North American Bird Guide (Pica Press) Taylor H Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Arizona (ABA) South & Central America & Caribbean ■ ^ n- x de la Pena & Rumboll Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Southern South America and Antarctica (HarperCollms) ffrench A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago (Helm) Paperback Howell & Webb Where to Watch Birds in Mexico (Helm) Paperback Raffaele, Wiley, Garrido, Keith & Raffaele Birds of the West Indies (Helm) Stiles & Skutch A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica (Helm) Africa, Middle East & Indian Ocean Islands, , , ^ , . , _ , ,r. n ^ Barlow, Wacher & DisleyH Field Guide to the Birds of the Gambia and Senega^^^ Fry, Keith & Urban The Birds of Africa ^cademic) Volumes: 1 £99Q 2 £99Q 3 £99Q 4 £99Q GarhuX.1 Mammals of Madagascar (P'\czPrQS,s) , ' Kemp Sasol Birds of Prey of Africa and us Islands (New Holland) Morris & Hawkins Birds of Madagascar: a Photographic Guide (Pica Press) Sinclair, Hockey &Tarboton Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (New Holland) S'mdair &t Langrand Birds ofthe Indian Ocean Islands fNtyiHoWaud) o u i van Perlo Collins Illustrated Checklist Birds of Southern Africa ^arperCollins) Paperback van Pcrlo Illustrated Checklist: Birds of Eastern Africa 1 aperback Zimmzvman,Tnm&r&LPzzvson Birds of Kenya (ind Northern Tanzania (MAm) , , Zimmerman Turner & Pearson Eield Guide to the Birds of Kenya and North. Tanzania (Helm) Paperback 5 £99Q 35.99 *39.99 *32.00 *65.00 3.00 >9.95 :i4.99 *75.00 *99.98 *15.99 *29.99 *11.95 34.99 34.99 :i6.99 *25.95 32.99 3 1.00 37.95 35.95 *25.00 18.50 ;i9.99 32.00 39.99 35.00 *40.00 38.00 3 £115 30.00 39.99 38.00 39.99 17.99 19.99 39.99 30.00 36.99 a R Asia & Pacific Coates & Bishop A Guide to the Birds ofWallacea (Dove) Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Helm) Grimmett, Inskipp & Inskipp Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent Gurung & Sin^ Field Guide to the Mammals of the Indian Subcontinent (Academic Press) Harris & Franklin Shrikes & Bush-Shrikes (Helm) Harrison & Worfolk Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka (OUP) Paperback £29.95 Q Inskipp, Inskipp & Grimmett Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan Inskipp, Lindsey & Duckworth An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region (OBC) Jeyarajasingam & Pearson A Field Guide to the Birds of West Malaysia and Singapore (OUP) Kazmierczak & van Perlo A Field Guide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (Pica Press) Kazmierczak & Singh A Birdwatchers’ Guide to India (Prion) Kennedy, Gonzales, Dickinson, Miranda & Fisher A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines (OUP) Lek^ul & Round A Guide to the Birds of Thailand ^aha Karn Bhaet) MacKinnon & Phillipps A Field Guide to the Birds of China (OUP) Robson A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia (New Holland) Paperback Paperback Hardback Hardback Paperback Paperback Hardback Hardback Paperback Hardback Paperback Hardback Australasia Higgins, Marchant & Davies Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds (OUP) 4 volumes □ vol.l £145.00 □vol.2 £72.50 □ vol.3 £72.50 □ vol.4 at £125.00 Simpson & Day A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia (Helm) Paperback Thomas & Thomas The Complete Guide to Finding Birds in Australia (Thomas) Paperback "44.00 *55.00 17.99 ,17.50 *35.00 *55.00 16.99 ,10.00 *29.95 *55.00 ^25. 00 *18.75 *34.95 *60.00 *45.00 *29.99 ^^29. 99 "24.99 *13.95 a World Clements Birds of the World- A Checklist 5th Edition (Pica Press) 848 pages del Hoyo, Elliott & Sargatal Handbook of the Birds of the World (Lynx) Qvol.l □ vol.2 □vol.3 □vol.4 Wells World Bird Species Checklist: with alternative English and scientific names (Worldlist) Hardback £35.00 □ □ vol.5 £1 10.00 each £29.50 □ Monographs Byrkjedal & Thompson Tundra Plovers: The Eurasian, Pacific and American Golden Plovers and Grey Plover (Poyser) Chantler & Driessens Swifts Second Edition (Pica Press) Chapman The Hobby Q\rlequin) Clark & Schmitt A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, The Middle East and North Africa (OUP) Paperback Hardback Cleere & Nurney Nightjars (Pica Press) (accompanying CD £14.99) □ Davies Cuckoos, Cowbirds and other Cheats (Poyser) Densley In Search of Ross’s Gull (Peregrine Books) Feare & Craig Starlings and Mynas (Helm) Forsman The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East: A Handbook of Field Identification (Poyser) Fuller The Great Auk (Fuller) Harris & Franklin Shrikes & Bush-Shrikes (Helm) Isler & Isler Tanagers (Helm) Jamarillo & Burke New World Blackbirds - the Icterids (Helm) tuniper & Parr Parrots: a guide to the Parrots of the World (Pica Press) C.onig,Weick & Becking Owls: A Guide to the Owls of the World (Pica Press) Lefranc & Worfolk Shrikes: A Guide to the Shrikes of the World (Pica Press) Matthysen The Nuthatches (Poyser) Olsen & Larsson Skuas and Jaegers (Pica Press) Palmer Birds New to Britain & Ireland 1600-1999 (Arlequin) Hardback Porter et al Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Poyser) Taylor & van Perlo Rails: A Guide to the Rails, Crakes, Gallinules and Coots of the World (Pica Press) Tickell Albatrosses (Pica Press) Hardback Hardback Hardback Paperback (was £29.95) "27.95 *28.00 *19.95 *25.00 *55.00 "30.00 *24.95 ^34.95 "32.00 *29.95 [^45.00 *35.00 £29.99 £35.00 £35.00 £35.00 £25.00 £19.95 £24.00 £25.00 £29.95 £35.00 £40.00 Recordings, Videos & CD-ROMS Please add £2.25 p&p per order Doherty ute Birds of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Four Volume Video Doherty Eastern Rarities: The Birds of Beidaihe (Bird Images) Video Doherty The Raptors of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Video Doherty The Warblers of Britain & Europe (Bird Images) Video Doherty Shorebirds vol. 1 (Bird Images) Video Dunn The Large Gulls of North America (Bird Images) Video Oddie Bill Odaie’s Video Guide to British Birds (Bird Images) Video Roche Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe (Sitelle/Wildsounds) 169.95 r 17.95 L 17.95 L 17.95 L 17.95 L 17.95 L 17.95 r 49.95 C Binders The British Birds Binder (holds 12 issues & index) New Size Only Wirex retaining - £7.95 □ Cordex retaining - £7.95 □ All special offer prices are valid only for December 2000 (and, for overseas customers only, during the following month). Other prices quoted are subject to any publishers increases. Overseas insurance optional, but recommended if available (please enquire). Make all cheques and POs payable to Subbuteo Natural History Books. Payment can be made in US$ at current exchange rate. All orders are normally despatched promptly from stock, but please allow up to 2 1 days for delivery in UK, longer if abroad. Any item ordered through the BB BookShop which fails to meet your approval can be returned to Subbuteo and your money will be refunded without question. — ^ — r- To qualify for FREE POST please quote your BB reference number: I I I I I I I I I Name Address Total £ You can also pay using these credit cards: VISA Cheque/PO enclosed □ If your credit card address is different from that above, please show it here: Please debit my Visa/MasterCard/Eurocard Expiry date 1 : 1 r : Signature You can phone in your credit card orders, quoting your BB ref no. and credit card no. Tel: +44 (0) 1743 709420 Fax: +44 (0) 1743 709504 E-mail: info(a)wildlifebooks.com Please send order to: BB BookShop, c/o Subbuteo Books, The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury SY4 4UR Guidelines for Contributors British Birds publishes material dealing with original observations on the birds of the Western Palearctic. Except for records of rarities, papers and notes are normally accepted for publication only on condition that the material is not being offered in whole or in part to any other journal or magazine. Photographs and drawings are welcomed. Referees are used where appropriate, and all submissions are reviewed by the British Birds Editorial Board or Notes Panels. Submissions should be in duplicate, typewritten, with double spacing and wide margins, and on one side of the paper only, accompanied by a word- processed version on disk. Both IBM- compatible (PC) and Macintosh disks are acceptable, and most word-processing applications can be easily translated, so long as they are reasonably current. If you are not using an up-to-date, standard program, it is best to submit your paper or contribution in two versions on disk; one in the original word-processed format and one in a basic text format such as RTE (Rich Text Eormat). The approximate position of figures and tables should be clearly indicated on the hard copy of the text. Eigures should be in black ink on good-quality tracing paper or white drawing paper; lettering should be inserted lightly in pencil; captions should be typed on a separate sheet. Please discuss computer-generated maps and tables with the designer before starting on them; the software you use may not be compatible. Photographs should be either 35mm transparencies or high-quality prints. Only transparencies will be considered for a front-cover image. Papers should be concise and factual, taking full account of previous literature and avoiding repetition as much as possible. Opinions should be based on adequate evidence. Authors are encouraged to submit their work to other ornithologists for critical assessment and comment prior to submission. Such help received should be acknowledged in a separate section. For main papers, an abstract summarising the key results and conclusions should be included, but should not exceed 5% of the total length. Authors should carefully consult this issue for style of presentation, especially of references and tables. English and scientific names and sequence of birds should follow The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1997); or, for non-West Palearctic species, Monroe & Sibley (1993), A World Checklist of Birds. Names of plants should follow Dony et al. (1986), English Names of Wild Flowers. Names of mammals should follow Corbet & Harris (1991), The Handbook of British Mammals, 3rd edition. Topographical (plumage and structure) and ageing terminology should follow editorial recommendations {Brit. Birds 74: 239- 242; 78; 419-427; 80; 502). Authors of main papers (but not notes or letters) will receive ten free copies of the journal (five each to two or more authors). Further copies may be available on request in advance, but will be charged for. Don’t miss our £990 selection for 2000 & 200 1 Naturetrel<^ These action-packed, long-haul birding tours - each led by an expert local ornithologist - offer excellent value for money, and ding birding. If you would like further details of a particular tour, please call us now! Naturetrek Cheriton Mill, Cheriton Alresford, Hampshire S024 ONG Tel: 01962 733051 Fax: 01962 736426 e-mail: info@naturetrek.co.uk web: www.naturetrek.co.uk CANADA’S BAY OF FUNDY 17-25 May 2000 ETHIOPIA 17-26 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 13 - 22 Apr 2001 16 - 25 Nov 2001 ETHIOPIAN ENDEMICS 24 Nov - 03 Dec 2000 23 Feb -04 Mar 2001 20-29 Apr 2001 23 Nov -02 Dec 200 1 FLORIDA 17 - 25 Feb 2001 GAMBIA 27 Oct - 05 Nov 2000 26 Oct - 06 Nov 2001 INDIA 17-25 Nov 2000 16 - 24 Feb 2001 13-21 Apr 2001 16 - 24 Nov 2001 KAZAKHSTAN 10 - 18 May 2001 17-25 May 2001 24 May -01 Jun 2001 ♦ MALAWI 16 - 25 Feb 2001 09 - 18 Mar 2001 NAMIBIA 19 - 28 Jan 2001 02-11 Feb 2001 16 - 25 Feb 2001 NEPAL Departures every Friday throughout Jan & Feb 200 1 04 - 13 May 2001 18 - 27 May 2001 NEPAL - THE TRAGOPAN TREK 11-20 May 2001 25 May -03 Jun 2001 SOUTH AFRICA 15-24 Sep 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20-29 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE BIRDING 23 Mar -01 Apr 2001 24 Aug -02 Sep 2001 SOUTHERN MOROCCO 15- 24 Sep 2000 16- 25 Feb 2001 02-11 Mar 2001 13 - 22 Apr 2001 14 - 23 Sep 2001 SRI LANKA 18-27 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 16 - 25 Mar 2001 16 - 25 Nov 2001 TANZANIA 27 Oct -05 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 26 Oct -04 Nov 200 1 TEXAS 13-21 Apr 2001 THAILAND 10- 19 Nov 2000 16-25 Feb 2001 26 Oct - 04 Nov 2001 UAE & OMAN 12-19 Nov 2000 25 Feb - 04 Mar 2001 15 -22 Apr 2001 07 - 14 Oct 2001 WASHINGTON STATE 14 -22 Apr 2001 ZAMBIA 03-12 Nov 2000 16 - 25 Feb 2001 20-29 Apr 2001 26 Oct - 04 Nov 2001 Index to volume 93 Compiled by M.A. Ogilvie Entries are in single list with reference to: (1) every significant mention of each species, not only in titles, but also within the text of papers, notes and letters, including all those appearing in such lists as the ‘Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998’, major mentions of those in ‘News and Comment’, but excluding those in ‘Recent reports’, requests and reviews. Where species appear both in ‘The ornithological year 1998’ and in the ‘Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1998’, however, only the latter inclusion is listed; (2) scientific nomenclature under generic name only and following The ‘British Birds’ List of Birds of the Western Palearctic (1997); (3) authors of all papers, notes, reviews and letters, and photographers; papers and notes are referred to by their titles, other contributions as ‘letter on’, ‘review of’, etc.; (4) a few subject headings, e.g. ‘Announcements’, ‘Breeding’, ‘Field characters’, ‘Food and feeding behaviour’, ‘News and comment’, ‘Rarities Committee’, ‘Recent reports’, and ‘Voice’; (5) ‘Reviews’ and ‘Short reviews’, which are listed together in alphabetical order of authors reviewed. 18 Dlu 2000 pf7^,Qr7V“r:r\ Accentor, Alpine, photograph, 300, plate 193; European Bird Report, 418 , Black-throated, European Bird Report, 418 , Radde’s, European Bird Report, 418 , Siberian, European Bird Report, 418 Accipiter gentilis, see Goshawk, Northern nisus, see Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Acrocephalus agricola, see Warbler, Paddyfield arundinaceus, see Warbler, Great Reed dumetorum, see Warbler, Blyth’s Reed griseldis, see Warbler, Basra Reed melanopogon, see Warbler, Moustached orientalis, see Warbler, Oriental Reed paludicola, see Warbler, Aquatic palustris, see Warbler, Marsh scirpaceus, see Warbler, Reed Actitis hypoleucos, see Sandpiper, Common macularia, see Sandpiper, Spotted Aegolius funereus, see Owl,Tengmalm’s Aegypius monachus, see Vulture, Monk Agapornis personatus, see Lovebird, Yellow- collared Aix sponsa, see Duck, Wood Alauda gulgula, see Lark, Oriental Sky Albatross, Black-browed, European Bird Report, 115; identification and ageing at sea, 263-76, plates 147-70; photographs, 355, plates 210- 1 1 ; correction, 650 , Wandering, photograph, 261, plate 146 Albatrosses, mortality due to fishing, 260-2, plate 146 Alca torda, see Razorbill Alcedo atthis, see Kingfisher, Common Alectoris rufa, see Partridge, Red-legged Alopochen aegyptiacus, see Goose, Egyptian Amazon, Blue-fronted, status in Valencia, 340-1 Amazona aestiva, see Amazon, Blue-fronted Ananian, Vasil Y, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 415-27 Anas acuta, see Pintail, Northern americana, see Wigeon, American crecca, see Teal, Common discors, see Teal, Blue-winged penelope, see Wigeon, Eurasian platyrhynchos, see Mallard querquedula, see Garganey rubripes, see Duck, American Black strepera, see Gad wall Andrewartha, Terry, 6th equal place. Bird Photograph of the Year 2000, of Blue Tit, 285, plate 176 Announcements: 51-2; 54; 254; 347; 507; 573 Anser albifrons, see Goose, White-fronted anser, see Goose, Greylag brachyrhynchus, see Goose, Pink-footed caerulescens, see Goose, Snow fabalis, see Goose, Bean indicus, see Goose, Bar-headed Anthropoides virgo, see Crane, Demoiselle Anthus campestris, see Pipit, Tawny cervinus, see Pipit, Red-throated godlewskii, see Pipit, Blyth’s gustavi, see Pipit, Pechora hodgsoni, see Pipit, Olive-backed novaeseelandiae, see Pipit, Richard’s petrosus, see Pipit, Rock pratensis, see Pipit, Meadow rubescens, see Pipit, Buff-bellied trivialis, see Pipit,Tree Apus djfinis, see Swift, Little British Birds Index to volume 93 651 apus, see Swift, Common caffer, see Swift, White-rumped palliclus, see Swift, Pallid Aquila chrysaetos, see Eagle, Golden clanga, see Eagle, Spotted nipalensis, see Eagle, Steppe pomarina, see Eagle, Lesser Spotted rapax, see Eagle, Tawny Aratinga erythrogenis, see Parakeet, Red-masked nenday, see Parakeet, Nenday Ardea goliath, see Heron, Goliath melanocephala, see Heron, Black-headed purpurea, see Heron, Purple Ardeola ralloides,see Heron, Squacco Ashforth, Mike, photograph of Iceland Gull, 160, plate 94 Asto capensis, see Owl, Marsh flammeus, see Owl, Short-eared Avery, Mark, letter on farms: for birds or for food?, 278; on Ruddy Ducks and other aliens, 500 Avocet, British breeding records in 1998, 377-8; summary for 1999, 472, 476-7 Aythya affinis, see Scaup, Lesser coUaris, see Duck, Ring-necked ferina, see Pochard, Common nyroca, see Duck, Ferruginous valisineria, see Canvasback Baha El Din, Sherif, and Baha El Din, Mindy, National Correspondents, European Bird Report, 4 15-27 Baker, Jeff, review of Chapman: The Hobby, 295 Barnett, Philip, House Sparrows repeatedly robbing Common Starlings, 203 Barthel, Peter E., National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 415-27 Bartramia longicauda, see Sandpiper, Upland Baston, Bill, photograph of Great White Egret, 468, plate 260 Batten, L. A., Iberian Chiffchaff in Greater London: new to Britain and Ireland, 329-32 Baumanis,Janis, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Baxter, PA. A., photograph of Collared Flycatcher, 560, plate 340 Bee-eater, Bluendent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 654 British Birds Index to volume 93 Cooper, John, keeping albatrosses off the hook, 260-2, plate 146 Cooper, Linda, photograph of Marbled Murrelet, 194, plate 113 Coot, American, accepted records, 528, plate 314 , Common, European Bird Report, 121 , Red-knobbed, European Bird Report, 121 Coracias garrulus, see Roller, European Cormorant, Great, exploiting fish concentrations caused by heavy rain, 39 , Pygmy, European Bird Report, 1 16 Corrections: 347; 650 Corvus dauuricus, see Jackdaw, Daurian monediila, see Jackdaw, Eurasian splendens, see Crow, House Coturnix coturnix, see Quail, Common Crab-plover, European Bird Report, 121 Crake, Baillon’s, photograph, 474, plate 268; accepted records, 527-8, plate 313 , Corn, European Bird Report, 121; British breeding records in 1998, 376-7 , Sora, photograph, 112, plate 77 , Spotted, British breeding records in 1998, 376; photograph, 467, plate 259; numbers in Britain in 1998,602-3 Crane, Common, European Bird Report, 121; photograph, 160, plate 95; British breeding records in 1998, 377; numbers in Britain in 1998, 603-4 , Demoiselle, European Bird Report, 121 Crex crex, see Crake, Corn Cromack, David, see Sharrock, J.T. R., et al. Crossbill, Common, British breeding records in 1998, 392 , Parrot, British breeding records in 1 998, 392; European Bird Report, 425 , Scottish, British breeding records in 1998, 392 , Two-barred, European Bird Report, 425; accepted records, 562 Crow, House, European Bird Report, 424 Crozier, Jacqueline, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Cuckoo, Common, summary for 1999, 475 , Great Spotted, photographs, 258, plates 139-40; accepted records, 540 , Oriental, European Bird Report, 127 , Yellow-billed, photograph, 480, plate 275; accepted records, 540, plate 321 Cuculiis canorus, see Cuckoo, Common saturatus, see Cuckoo, Oriental Curlew, Eurasian, capturing and killing Pied Wagtail, 399 , Slender-billed, observation protocol, 49; European Bird Report, 123 Cyanoliseus patagonus, see Parakeet, Burrowing Cygnus atratus, see Swan, Black buccinator, see Swan, Trumpeter columbianus, see Swan, Tundra cygnus, see Swan, Whooper olor, see Swan, Mute Danko, Stefan, photograph of Saker Falcon, 141, plate 88 Davies, Colin, adult Mallards repeatedly diving, 90 , , and Sharrock, J.T R., European Bird Report, passerines, 415-27, plates 237-41 , , see Sharrock, J.T. R. Dawson, Ian, review of Sacchi et al : Where to Watch Birds in Switzerland, 207 de Juana, Eduardo, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27; review of Rebane: Where to Watch Birds in North & East Spain, 46 1 Delichon urbica, see Martin, House Dendrocopos leucotos, see Woodpecker, White- backed major, see Woodpecker, Great Spotted Dendroica cerulea, see Warbler, Cerulean coronata, see Warbler, Yellow-rumped palmarum, see Warbler, Palm striata, see Warbler, Blackpoll des Forges, Grahame, obituary, 402-3, plate 226 Dickson, R. C., Common Kestrel robbing Eurasian Sparrowhawk, 42 Dickson, Wendy, photograph of Sooty Shearwater, 109, plate 69 , , and Scott, Bob, news and comment, see News and comment Dierschke,Jochen, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 415-27 Diomedea exulans, see Albatross, Wandering melanophris, see Albatross, Black-browed spp., see Albatrosses Dipper, European Bird Report, 418 Diver, Black-throated, identification, 53-4, plate 31; European Bird Report, 115; British breeding records in 1998, 361-2 , Great Northern, European Bird Report, 115; summary for 1999, 470 , Red-throated, British breeding records in 1998, 361 ,Wliite-billed, European Bird Report, 115; accepted records, 515 Dolichonyx otyzivorus, see Bobolink Dolphin, Alan K., Eurasian Sparrowhawks repeatedly using same nest, 40-1 Dorolova,A., National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 415-27 Dotterel, European Bird Report, 121; British breeding records in 1998, 379; photograph, 510, plate 305 Dove, African Collared, European Bird Report, 126 , Collared, European Bird Report, 126-7 ,. Laughing, European Bird Report, 127 , Mourning, photograph, 55, plate 40; British Birds Index to volume 93 655 accepted records, 539 , Namaqua, European Bird Report, 127 , Oriental Turtle, European Bird Report, 127 , Turtle, photograph, 284, plate 175 Dowitcher, Long-billed, European Bird Report, 123; accepted records, 533 , Short-billed, photographs, 477, plates 270-1 Dromas ardeola, see Crab-plover Dryocopus martius, see Woodpecker, Black Dubois, Philippe J., National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Duck, American Black, photograph, 1 1 1, plate 73; European Bird Report, 118; accepted records, 522 , Ferruginous, identification and its status in Britain and Ireland, 4-2 1 , plates 1-25; accepted records, 523; numbers in Britain in 1998, 596-7 , Harlequin, accepted records, 525 , Long-tailed, European Bird Report, 118 , Muscovy, British breeding records in 1 998, 430 , Ring-necked, European Bird Report, 118; photograph, 259, plate 145; numbers in Britain in 1998, 596 , Ruddy, European Bird Report, 119; letters on control, 394-6, 500, plates 218-9; letter on whether the same species as White-headed Duck, 396-8 , White-headed, European Bird Report, 1 19; letter on whether the same species as Ruddy Duck, 396-8 ,Wood, British breeding records in 1998, 431 Dunlin, summary for 1 999, 476 Dunn, P.J., photographs of probable Arctic Redpoll C. h. exilipes, 72, 74, plates 47, 54 Dymond, Nick, review ofThibault & Bonaccorsi: The Birds of Corsica: BOU Checklist No. 17, 1 5 1 ; photograph of Greater Sand Plover, 181, plate 106; of Lesser Sand Plover, 181, plate 107 Eagle, Booted, combined mobbing of Northern Goshawk with Marsh Harrier and Common Kestrel, 89; European Bird Report, 1 20; photographs, 485, plates 285-6 , Golden, apparently laying at roost sites, 41- 2; juvenile ‘attacked’ by sheep, 42; British breeding records in 1998,372 , Lesser Spotted, European Bird Report, 120 , Short-toed, photographs, 55, 479, plates 35- 6, 273; identification, 346, plate 204; accepted records, 526, plate 312 , Spotted, European Bird Report, 120 , Steppe, European Bird Report, 120; photograph, 284, plate 174 , Tawny, European Bird Report, 120 ,Wliite-tailed, photograph, 1 12, plate 76; European Bird Report, 119; British breeding records in 1998, 369-70; summary' for 1999, 485 Earp, Mike, letter on swamp-hen or s'wamphen, 343 Editorial: a new era for British Birds, 302;Tim Sharrock: an appreciation, 578-9, plate 352 Egret, Cattle, European Bird Report, 1 16; accepted records, 518-9, plate 309 , Great White, European Bird Report, 117; photograph, 468, plate 260; accepted records, 519 , Little, European Bird Report, 116-17; apparently killed by Great Skua, 144; British breeding records in 1998, 364; summary for 1999, 476 , Western Reef, European Bird Report, 1 16 Egretta alba, see Egret, Great 'White garzetta, see Egret, Little gularis, see Egret, Western Reef Eider, King, photograph, 259, plate 144; accepted records, 524-5 , Spectacled, European Bird Report, 118 , Steller’s, European Bird Report, 118 Elaniis caeruleus, see Kite, Black-shouldered Elkins, Norman, see Nightingale, Barry Elliott, Martin, review of Dunn: The Small Gulls of North America (video), 296 Emberiza aureola, see Bunting, Yellow-breasted buchanani, see Bunting, Grey-necked cioides, see Bunting, Meadow cirlus, see Bunting, Girl bortulana, see Bunting, Ortolan leucocephalos, see Bunting, Pine melanocephala, see Bunting, Black-headed pallasi, see Bunting, Pallas’s Reed pusilla, see Bunting, Little rustica, see Bunting, Rustic rutila, see Bunting, Chestnut schoeniclus, see Bunting, Reed spodocephala, see Bunting, Black-faced Eremophila alpestris, see Lark, Horned Eremopterix nigriceps, see Sparrow-lark, Black- crowned signata, see Sparrow-lark, Chestnut-headed Eriksen, Hanne & Jens, photographs of Lesser Sand Plover, 170, 172, 180, 183, plates 97, 100, 104, 108; of Greater Sand Plover, 172, 180, plates 101, 103 Eriksen, Jens, 3rd equal place. Bird Photograph of the Year 2000, of Steppe Eagle, 284, plate 174 Erithacus rubecula, see Robin Estrilda astrild, see Waxbill, (Common European Bird Report, non-passerines, including near-passerines, 1 14-28, plates 78-80; passerines, 4 1 5-27, plates 237-4 1 European Rarities Committees, minutes of the 5th conference, 8(v8, plate 65 656 British Birds Index to volume 93 Evans, Richard J., wintering Slavonian Grebes in coastal waters in Britain and Ireland, 218-26, plate 131 Evans, Simon, see Wright, Malcolm, et al. Everett, Mike, review of Crane & Nellist: Island Eagles, 102; of Baha El Din; Directory of Important Bird Areas in Egypt, 407 Ealco biarmicus, see Falcon, Banner cherrug, see Falcon, Saker columbarius, see Merlin eleonorae, see Falcon, Eleonora’s naumanni, see Kestrel, Lesser peregrinus, see Falcon, Peregrine rusticolus, see Falcon, Gyr subbuteo, see Hobby tinnunculus, see Kestrel, Common vespertinus, see Falcon, Red-footed Falcon, Eleonora’s, European Bird Report, 120 , Gyr, photographs, 214, plates 121-2; accepted records, 527 , Banner, European Bird Report, 1 20 , Peregrine, letter on nesting on electricity towers, 44; British breeding records in 1998, 374-5 , Red-footed, European Bird Report, 120; photograph, 467, plate 257; accepted records, 527 , Saker, European Bird Report, 120; diet: the implications of habitat change, 136-43, plates 88-9; decline in Europe, 506 Farinha,Joao Carlos, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 Farrow, Dave, short review, 350 Eicedula albicollis, see Flycatcher, Collared hypoleuca, see Flycatcher, Pied parva, see Flycatcher, Red-breasted semitorquata, see Flycatcher, Semi-collared Field characters: Black-throated Diver, 53-4, plate 31; Black-browed Albatross, 263-76, plates 147-70; Sooty Shearwater, 109-10, plates 69- 70; Lesser Frigatebird, 22-7, plates 26-7; Ferruginous Duck, 4-21, plates 1-25; Short- toed Eagle, 346, plate 204; European sandgrouse, 91-3, plates 66-8; Lesser Sand Plover, 435-41, plates 242-7; Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers, 162-89, plates 97-1 10; Temminck’s Stint, 290-1, plate 180; Ruff, 646- 7, plate 363; Mediterranean Gull, 144; Black- headed Gull, l44;Audouin’s Gull, 405-6, plate 228; Marbled Murrelet 190-9, plates 111-13, and colour plate; Green Woodpecker, 145-6; Black Woodpecker, 145-6; Buff-bellied Pipit, 447, plate 251; Cedar Waxwing, 580-7, plates 353-62; Isabelline Wheatear, 488-92, plate 288-92; Zitting Cisticola, 568, plate 344; Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 277; Olivaceous Warbler, 277; Booted Warbler, 253-4, plate 137; Common Chiffchaff, 212, plate 1 16; Iberian Chiffchaff, 329-32;Arctic Redpoll, 68- 84, plates 41-64; Crimson-winged Finch, 499, plate 301; Little Bunting, 157-8, plate 90 I Fieldfare, British breeding records in 1998, 387; I summary for 1999, 481 Finch, Crimson-winged, identification, 499, plate 301 I , Trumpeter, European Bird Report, 425 Firecrest, British breeding records in 1998, 390; European Bird Report, 423 Fisher, David, identification of Black-throated Diver, 53-4, plate 3 1 ; identification of Crimson- winged Finch, 499, plate 301 , , see Hagemeijer, Ward, J. M., et al. I Fitter, R. S. R., made Honorary Subscriber, 465 Flamingo, Greater, European Bird Report, 117 i Flycatcher, Collared, accepted records, 560, plate ! 340 I , Pied, summary for 1999, 475-6 I , Red-breasted, numbers in Britain in 1998, j 631-2 I , Semi-collared, European Bird Report, 423 , Spotted, summary for 1999, 475-6 Food and feeding behaviour: Great Cormorant, 39; Mallard, 90; Osprey, 90-1; Common Kestrel, 42; Saker Falcon, 136-43, plates 88-9; Tawny Owl, 145; Common Starling, 289; House Sparrow, 203 Fraser, Peter A., et al, report on scarce migrant birds in Britain in 1998, 588-641 Eratercula arctica, see Puffin, Atlantic Eregata ariel, see Frigatebird, Lesser magnificens, see Frigatebird, Magnificent Frigatebird, Lesser, in Israel: new to the Western I Palearctic, 7.2-1 , plates 26-7; European Bird i Report, 116; letter on origin of first occurrence in the Western Palearctic, 398 [ , Magnificent, accepted records, 516-7, plate 308 Eringilla montifringilla, see Brambling From the Rarities Committee’s files: the occurrence of Moustached Warbler in Britain, 29-38, plates 28-9; identification of autumn Isabelline Wheatears, 488-92, plates i 288-92 j Fry, C. Hilary, review of del Hoyo et al : Handbook of the Birds of the World. voL5, 206; of Chantler & Driessens: Swifts: a guide to the swifts and treeswifts of the World, 295 Fulica americana, see Coot, American atra, see Coot, Common cristata, see Coot, Red-knobbed Fulmar, European Bird Report, 115; summary for 1999,472 i Fulmarus glacialis, see Fulmar Gadwall, British breeding records in 1998, 365 j Galerida cristata, see Lark, Crested British Birds Index to volume 93 657 Gallinago media, see Snipe, Great megala, see Snipe, Swinhoe’s ste Ultra, see Snipe, Pintail Gannet, Northern, European Bird Report, 1 16; summary for 1999, 472 Garcia, E. E J., photograph of Little Bunting, 157, plate 90 Gardner, John M., photographs of Mealy C f. Jlammea and Arctic Redpolls C. h. exilipes, 72-3, 75, plates 49-5 1 , 58 Garganey, European Bird Report, 118; British breeding records in 1998, 366 Garino,Yves, House Sparrows learning to exploit opening of automatic doors, 203 Garrultis glandarius, see Jay, Eurasian Gasco, Nicolas, photographs of Black-browed Albatross, 271, 274, plates 157, 168 Gavia adamsii, see Diver, White-billed arctica, see Diver, Black-throated immer, see Diver, Great Northern stellata, see Diver, Red-throated Geister, Iztok, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Geotblypis trichas, see Yellowthroat, Common Gibbons, David, conservation research news: 28, 202, 344-5 Gillmor, Robert, short review, 348 , , see Sharrock, J.T. R., et al. Glareola maldivarum, see Pratincole, Oriental nordmanni, see Pratincole, Black-winged prat incola, see Pratincole, Collared Godwit, Black-tailed, British breeding records in 1998, 380; summary' for 1999, 474, 476 Goldeneye, Barrow’s, European Bird Report, 1 19 , Common, European Bird Report, 1 19; British breeding records in 1998, 368,431-2 Goldfinch, European Bird Report, 425; summary for 1999, 481 Gomersall, Chris, photographs of Red Kite, 316, 318-19, plates 199,201-2 Goodwin, Derek, made Honorary Subscriber, 106; letter on introduced birds, 500-4 Goose, Bar-headed, British breeding records in 1998,430 , Barnacle, European Bird Report, 1 17-18; British breeding records in 1 998, 430 , Bean, European Bird Report, 117 , Brent, letters on taxonomic status of B. h. hernicla and R. b. nigricans, 94-7; European Bird Report, 118; accepted records of B. b. nigricans, 5 1 9-20 , Canada, photograph of hybrid with Greylag Goose, 395, plate 219 , Egyptian, British breeding records in 1998, 430-1 ; correction, 650 , (ireylag, photograph of hybrid with (;anada Goose, 395, plate 219; summary for 1999, 485 , Pink-footed, British breeding records in 1998, 429; summary' for 1999, 470 , Red-breasted, European Bird Report, 1 18; photograph, 159, plate 92; summary for 1999, 471; accepted records, 520 , Snow, British breeding records in 1998, 430 , White-fronted, British breeding records in 1998,429-30 Gorbah, Igor, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Goshawk, Dark Chanting, European Bird Report, 120 , Northern, combined mobbing by three other raptor species, 89; British breeding records in 1998, 372 Gracula religiosa, see Myna, Common Hill Grebe, Black-necked, British breeding records in 1998,362-3 , Great Crested, European Bird Report, 115; summary for 1999,471 , Pied-billed, European Bird Report, 1 15; accepted records, 515-16, plate 307 , Red-necked, British breeding records in 1998,362 , Slavonian, wintering in coastal waters in Britain and Ireland, 218-26, plate 131; British breeding records in 1998, 362 Green, Nick, obituary' of Geoffrey A. Py'man, 201, plate 1 1 5 Greenfinch, European Bird Report, 425 Greenshank, British breeding records in 1998, 380; summary for 1999, 474, 476 Grenfell, Howard E., photograph of Yellowhammer, 323, plate 203 Grice, Phil, see Carter, Ian Grosbeak, Pine, European Bird Report, 425 Grouse, Black, conservation plan launched, 107; European Bird Report, 120 Grus grus, see Crane, Common Guillemot, Briinnich’s, European Bird Report, 125 , Common, origin of inland records, 204-5; summary' for 1999, 470 Gull,Audouin’s, European Bird Report, 124; identification, 405-6, plate 228 -, Black-headed, identification of apparent hybrid with Mediterranean Gull, 144 , Bonaparte’s, European Bird Report, 124; photograph, 300, plate 190; accepted records, 536 , Brown-headed, European Bird Report, 1 24 -, Eranklin’s, European Bird Report, 124; photograph, 215, plate 1 24; accepted records, 536 , Glaucous, letter on moult and age of first- year birds, 99-100; European Bird Report, 125 , Grey-headed, European Bird Report, 1 24 , Herring, status of the form barabensis 658 British Birds Index to volume 93 within the ‘Larus argentatus-cacbinnans- fuscus complex’, 227-41, plates 132-6; accepted records of L. a. smithsonianus, 537 , Iceland, letter on moult and age of first- year birds, 99-100; European Bird Report, 125; photograph, 160, plate 94; photograph of ‘Kumlien’s Gulf Lg. kumlieni, 213, plates 1 19-20; photograph, 215, plate 126; letter on provenance of first British record of ‘Kumlien’s Gull’ L g. kumlieni, 278; summary for 1999,475 , Ivory, photographs, 56, 112, 486, plates 38, 74-5, 287; European Bird Report, 125; accepted records, 537, plate 319 , Laughing, European Bird Report, 124; photograph, 473, plate 266; accepted records, 536 , Lesser Black-backed, status of the form barabensis within the Larus argentatus- cachinnans-fuscus complex’, 227-41, plates 132-6 , Little, European Bird Report, 124; summary for 1999, 472, 475, 478, 486 , Mediterranean, identification of apparent hybrid with Black-headed Gull, 144; British breeding records in 1998, 381-2; summary for 1999,471 , Ring-billed, photograph, 1 1 1, plate 72; European Bird Report, 124-5; numbers in Britain in 1998,612-13 , Ross’s, European Bird Report, 125; photograph, 21 6, plate 128 , Sabine’s, European Bird Report, 124; summary for 1999, 475; numbers in Britain in 1998,611-12 , Slender-billed, European Bird Report, 124; photograph, 398, plate 185; accepted records, 536-7, plate 318 , Sooty, European Bird Report, 1 24 , Yellow-legged, European Bird Report, 125; status of the form barabensis within the 'Larus argentatus-cachinnans-fuscus complex’, 227-41, plates 132-6; British summering records in 1998, 382; photograph, 411, plate 231 Gustin, Marco, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28, 415-27 Gutierrez, Ricard, and Eiguerola, Jordi, combined mobbing of Northern Goshawk by three other raptor species, 89 Gypaetus barbatus, see Lammergeier Gyps fulvus, see Vulture, Griffon rueppellii, see Vulture, Riippell’s Griffon Habitat recording, letters, 45-6 Hagemeijer,Ward, J. M., et «/., woodpeckers in Europe, 570 Haliaeetus albicilla , see Eagle, White-tailed Hallam, Nic, photograph of Mourning Dove, 56, plate 40 Hamblin,Tony, 3rd equal place. Bird Photograph of the Year 2000, of Common Shelduck, 282, plate 173 Handrinos, George L, National Correspondent, ' European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Harrier, Hen, 1988 census results, 50; European Bird Report, 120; British breeding records in 1998, 370-1 , Marsh, combined mobbing of Northern Goshawk with Common Kestrel and Booted Eagle, 89; British breeding records in 1998, 370; summary for 1999, 486 ' , Montagu’s, photograph, 281, plate 171; British breeding records in 1998, 371; correction, 347, 650 , Pallid, European Bird Report, 120; accepted records, 526 i Harriman, J., photograph of Brown Shrike, 55, I plate 33; of Bohemian Waxwing, 56, plate 37; i of Blue-winged Teal, 355, plate 209; of Booted Warbler, 556, plate 336; of Hume’s Warbler, 649, plate 368; of Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, 649, plate 373 Harris, Alan, colour plates of Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers, 175, 185 Harshman,J., see McCracken, Kevin G. i Harwood, Edmund, letter on Peregrine Falcons nesting on electricity towers, 44 Hems, Harold, see Paton,V. S., et al. Heron, Black, European Bird Report, 116 , Black-headed, European Bird Report, 117 -, Goliath, European Bird Report, 117 , Night, European Bird Report, 1 16; British breeding records in 1 998, 429; accepted records, 517-18 -, Purple, photograph, 259, plate l4l; numbers in Britain in 1998, 591-2 , Squacco, accepted records, 518 Herroelen, Paul, letter on Long-tailed Rosefinches in Europe, 1 50 Hewitt, John, photograph of Arctic Redpoll C. h. exilipes, 74, plate 55 Hieraaetus pennatus, see Eagle, Booted Hill, Ian E, male Blackbird brooding young, 399 Himantopus himantopus, see Stilt, Black- winged Hinsley, Shelley, and Ferns, Peter, juvenile plumage of European sandgrouse, 91-3, plates 66-8 Hippolais caligata, see Warbler, Booted icterina, see Warbler, Icterine languida, see Warbler, Upcher’s pallida, see Warbler, Olivaceous polyglotta, see Warbler, Melodious \ Hirschfeld, Erik, et al. , identification, taxonomy and distribution of Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers, 162-89, plates 97-1 10, and colour plates British Birds Index to volume 93 659 Hirundo daurica, see Swallow, Red-rumped rustica, see Swallow, Barn Histrionicus histrionicus, see Duck, Harlequin Hobby, British breeding records in 1 998, 374 Hoeyland, Bjoern Ove, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 Holman, David, review of Coulcher: The Sun Islands, 102; of Kazmierczak:^ Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent, 458 Holt, Paul, identification of Common Chiffchaff, 212, plate 1 16; identification of Buff-bellied Pipit, 447, plate 251; identification of Zitting Cisticola, 568, plate 344 Honey-buzzard, European, letter on breeding in southern England, 100-1; British breeding records in 1998, 368; ; numbers in Britain in 1998, 599-600 , Oriental, European Bird Report, 119 Hoopoe, European Bird Report, 128; summary' for 1999, 474; numbers in Britain in 1998, 615-16 Hopkins, Paul, photograph of Subalpine Warbler, 300, plate 189; of Blue Rock Thrush, 300, plate 191 Hosking, David, see Sharrock, J.T. R., et al. Howe, Tony, see Wright, Malcolm, et al. Howell, Steve N. G., letter on moult and age of first-year ‘white-winged’ gulls, 99-100 Hughes, Julian, review of Pemberton: The Birdwatchers’ Yearbook and Diary 2000, 1 5 1 ; of Konig et al : Owls, 348 Hunt, Jack, Lesser Sand Plover in West Sussex: new to Britain and Ireland, 435-41, 242-7 Hydranassa ardesiaca, see Heron, Black Hydrobates pelagicus, see Storm-petrel, European Hypocolius ampelinus, see Hypocolius, Grey lankov, Petar, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 Ibis, Glossy, European Bird Report, 117 , Sacred, European Bird Report, 117 Icterus galbula, see Oriole, Baltimore Irania gutturalis, see Robin, White-throated Ixobrychus minutus, see Bittern, Little Jabekk, Runar, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 Jackdaw, Daurian, European Bird Report, 424 , Eurasian, European Bird Report, 424 Jay, Eurasian, European Bird Report, 424 Jiguet, Frederic, identification and ageing of Black-browed Albatross at sea, 263-76, plates 147-70 Johnson, Keith, photograph of Magnificent Frigatebird, 517, plate 309 , Kevin R, see McCracken, Kevin G. Jynx torquilla, see Wryneck Karashka, Dusan, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 415-27 Kestrel, Common, robbing Eurasian Sparrowhawk, 42; combined mobbing of Northern Goshawk with Marsh Harrier and Booted Eagle, 89 , Lesser, European Bird Report, 120 King, Simon, Eurasian Curlew capturing and killing Pied Wagtail, 399 Kingfisher, Common, British breeding records in 1998, 384-5; summary for 1999, 478 Kinglet, Ruby-crowned, European Bird Report, 423 Kiss, J. B., and Szabo, L., first breeding record of White-tailed Lapwing in Romania (and Europe outside Russia), 400-1, plates 220-5 Kite, Black, accepted records, 525-6 , Black-shouldered, European Bird Report, 119 , Red, European Bird Report, 119; announcement of breeding survey, 135; studies of re-established birds in England, 304-22, plates 194-202, and colour plate; poisoning in Europe, 351; British breeding records in 1998, 368-9; effect of rodenticides, 410 Kittiwake, European Bird Report, 125; summary' for 1999,471,486 Knaus, Peter, see Maumary, Lionel Knight, Simon, photographs of Ferruginous Duck, 17, 20, plates 19,25 Knights, Chris, photographs of American Bittern, 134, plates 8(>7 Knox, Alan, et al, the Purple Swamp-hen in Cumbria in 1997, 442-5, plates 248-50 Kokay, Szabolcs, winner, PJC Award 2000, 333-9 Konrad, Volker, photograph of Crimson-winged Finch, 499, plate 301 Kralj,Jelena, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Lafontaine, Rene-Marie, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Lammergeier, European Bird Report, 1 19 Lamprotornis caudatus, see Starling, Long-tailed Glossy chalybaeus, see Starling, Greater Blue-eared Glossy Lancaster, Michael B., letter on habitat recording, 45; on farms: for birds or for food?, 205; on decline of urban sparrows, 452-3 Langsbury, Gordon, 2nd place. Bird Photograph of the Year 2000, of Crag Martin, 282, plate 172 Lanius coUurio, see Shrike, Red-backed cristatus, see Shrike, Brown excubitor, see Shrike, Great Grey isabellinus, see Shrike, Lsabelline meridionalis, see Shrike, Southern (irey 660 British Birds Index to volume 93 minor, see Shrike, Lesser Grey senator, see Shrike, Woodchat Lansdown, Peter, separation of American and Great Bitterns, 132-4, plates 81-7 , , see Fraser, Peter A., et al. Lappo, Elena, see Sangster, George, et al. ) , see Zockler, Christoph, et al. Lapwing, Northern, decline in breeding numbers, 255 , Sociable, European Bird Report, 122 , White-tailed, European Bird Report, 122; first breeding record in Romania (and Europe outside Russia), 400-1, plates 220-5 Lark, Bimaculated, European Bird Report, 417 , Calandra, European Bird Report, 4l6; accepted records, 544 , Crested, European Bird Report, 417 , Horned, summary for 1999, 470, 475; numbers in Britain in 1998,618 , Hume’s, European Bird Report, 417 , Oriental Sky, European Bird Report, 417 , Short-toed, photograph, 298, plate 184; European Bird Report, 417; summary for 1999, 474, 478; numbers in Britain in 1998, 617-18 , Thick-billed, European Bird Report, 416, plate 237 , White- winged, European Bird Report, 417 ,Wood, British breeding records in 1998, 385-6 Larkin, Paul, eyelid colour of American Wigeon, 39-40; identification of apparent hybrid Mediterranean ? Black-headed Gull, 144 Larus argentatus, see Gull, Herring atricilla, see Gull, Laughing audouinii, see Gull,Audouin’s brunnicephalus, see Gull, Brown-headed cachinnans, see Gull,YeUow-legged cirrocephalus, see Gull, Grey-headed delawarensis, see Gull, Ring-billed fuscus, see Gull, Lesser Black-backed genei, see Gull, Slender-bUled glaucoides, see Gull, Iceland hemprichii, see Gull, Sooty hyperboreus, see Gull, Glaucous melanocephalus, see Gull, Mediterranean minutus, see Gull, Little Philadelphia, see Gull, Bonaparte’s pipixcan, see Gull, Franklin’s ridibundus, see Gull, Black-headed sabini, see Gull, Sabine’s Lawson, Trevor, letter on introduced birds, 504 Leach, Iain H., photograph of Red-breasted Goose, 159, plate 92; of King Eider, 259, plate 144; of Desert Warbler, 298, plate 183; of Penduline Tit, 299, plate 187; of Tawny Pipit, 300, plate 188; of Great Reed Warbler, 356, plate 212; of Pacific Golden Plover, 412, plates 232-3; of Lesser Sand Plover, 438-9, plates 244, 246-7; of White-rumped Sandpiper, 468, plate 261; of Baillon’s Crake, 474, plate 268; of Short-billed Dowitcher, 477, plate 271; of Desert Wheatear, 484, plate 284; of Lesser Scaup, 498, 524, plates 298-9, 310; of Crag Martin, 544, plate 325; of Red- flanked Bluetail, 548, plate 326; of Bobolink, 564, plate 343; of Isabelline Shrike, 575, plate 347; of Arctic Warbler, 576, plate 350; of Lesser Yellowlegs, 576, plate 351; of Bohemian Waxwing, 585, plates 360-1 Leonard, John, review of Schodde & Mason: The Directory of Australian Birds, Passerines, 407 Les Borg Photography, photograph of Paddyfield Warbler, 554, plate 334 Lessow, Olaf, photograph of Short-toed Eagle, 346, plate 204; of Audouin’s Gull, 405, plate 228; of Zitting Cisticola, 568, plate 344; of Ruff, 646, plate 363 Lewington, colour plate of Marbled Murrelet, 193 Lilleleht,’Vilju, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28, 415-27 Limicola falcinellus, see Sandpiper, Broad-bUled Limnodromus griseus, see Dowitcher, Short- billed scolopaceus, see Dowitcher, Long-billed Limosa limosa, see Godwit, Black-tailed Lindroos,Tom, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 Lislevand,Terje, Common Sandpiper diving to escape Merlin, 93 Lockley, Ronald Mathias, obituary, 403-4, plate 227 Locustella certhiola, see Warbler, Pallas’s Grasshopper fluviatilis, see Warbler, River lanceolata, see Warbler, Lanceolated luscinioides, see Warbler, Savi’s naevia, see Warbler, Grasshopper Lodewijkx, P, photograph of Ferruginous Duck, 1 6, plate 18 Longspur, Lapland, summary for 1999, 485 Looking back: 46; 84; 131; 199; 248; 406; 446; 487; 569; 650 Lophura nycthemera, see Pheasant, Silver Lorenzo, Juan Antonio, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 LosebyTim, photograph of American Bittern, 132, plate 81 Lovebird, Yellow-collared, status in Valencia, 340-1 Loxia curvirostra, see CrossbUl, Common leucoptera, see Crossbill, Two-barred pytyopsittacus, see Crossbill, Parrot scotica, see Crossbill, Scottish Lullula arborea, see Lark, Wood Luscinia luscinia, see Nightingale, Thrush megarhynchos, see Nightingale, Rufous British Birds Index to volume 93 66l svecica, see Bluethroat Lynch, Cedric, observations at exceptionally large Redwing roost, 147-8 Lyster, Simon, review of Mead: The State of the Nations’ Birds, 349 McCarty, Chris, letter on Britain and Ireland, 279 McCracken, Kevin G., et «/., letter on whether Ruddy Ducks and White-headed Ducks are the same species, 396-8 McDonnell, Mike, photograph of Ivory Gull, 56, plate 38; of Black Duck, 1 1, plate 73; of White-tailed Eagle, 112, plate 76; of Common Crane, 160, plate 95; of Meadow Bunting, 21 6, plate 127; of Purple Heron, 259, plate 141; of Ring-necked Duck, 259, plate 145; of Lesser Sand Plover, 437, plates 242-3; of Spotted Crake, 467, plate 259; of Semipalmated Sandpiper, 468, plate 262; of Paddyfield Warbler, 481, plate 278; of Ivory Gull, 486, plate 287; of Savi’s Warbler, 553, plate 333; of Radde’s Warbler, 558, plate 338; of Red-eyed Vireo, 576, plate 348; of Cedar Waxwing, 584, plate 359; of Spectacled Warbler, 648, plate 367 Macfarlane,A. M., letter on re-instatement of the county of Rutland, 1 50 McGeehan, Anthony, see Nightingale, Barry McGregor, Ross, photograph of Sooty Shearwater, 109, plate 70 Mackay, Andrew, letter on Leicestershire and Rutland, 452 McKay, Clive, short review, 348; Cedar Waxwing in Shetland; new to the Western Palearctic, 580-7, plates 353-62 McKee, Michael, photograph of Bobolink, 648, plate 366 McLaren, Robin, photograph of James Brian Bottomley and Sheila Bottomley, 200, plate 114 McMahon, Sara, Common Starlings feeding from parked cars, 289 Magyar, Gabor, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 Mallard, adults repeatedly diving, 90 Malpass, Mike, photographs of ‘Kumlien’s Gull’ L g. kumlieni, 213, plates 119-20; of Franklin’s Gull, 215, plate 124; of Snow Bunting, 216, plate 1 29; of Great Spotted Cuckoo, 258, plates 139-40; of Rosy Starling, 259, plate 143; of Blackpoll Warbler, 354, plate 207; of Booted Warbler, 478, plate 272; of Red- flanked Bluetail, 482, plate 279; of Buff- breasted Sandpiper, 510, plate 306; of Radde’s Warbler, 576, plate 349 Marchant,John, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28,415-27 Margoschis, Richard, obituary, 493, plate 293 Marr,Tony, obituary of Grahame des Forges, 402- 3, plate 226 Martin, Crag, photograph, 282, plate 172; European Bird Report, 417; accepted records, 544, plate 325 , House, nests falling, 43; summary for 1999, 478 , Plain, European Bird Report, 417 Massey, Paul R. , Common Stonechat breeding in February in reedbed, 288 Matschke,Ann, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Maumary, Lionel, and Knaus, Peter, Marbled Murrelet in Switzerland: new to the Western Palearctic, 190-9, plates 1 1 1-1 3, and colour plate Mayer, Edward, letter on injuries caused by fish to birds’ feet, 204 Melanitta nigra, see Scoter, Common perspicillata, see Scoter, Surf Melanocorypha bimaculata, see Lark, Bimaculated calandra, see Lark, Calandra leucoptera, see Lark, Wliite- winged Melierax metabates, see Goshawk, Dark Chanting Melling,Tim, see Knox, Alan, et at. Melopsittacus undulatus, see Budgerigar Mergellus albellus, see Smew Merlin, Common Sandpiper escaping from by diving, 93; British breeding records in 1998, 373-4 Merops apiaster, see Bee-eater, European orientalis, see Bee-eater, Little Green superciiiosus, see Bee-eater, Blue-cheeked Meyer, Richard, the return of the Red-billed Chough to England, 249-52 Michelsson, S., photograph of Booted Warbler, 253, plate 137 Micropalatna himantopus, see Sandpiper, Stilt Middleton, P. , Mistle Thrush taking off from water, 148 Milne, Paul, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Milvus migrans, see Kite, Black milvus, see Kite, Red Mitchell, Andy, review of White; A Birder ’s Guide to the Bahama Islands, 151 Mobakken, Geir, letter on Marsh Warblers breeding on Utsira, 279 Monthly marathon: 11: 10, plate 32; 11: 11, plate 71; 11: 12, plate 91; 1 1: 13, plate 1 17; 11:14, plate 138; 11: 15, plate 181; 11: 16, plate 205; 11: 17, plate 229; 1 1 : 18, plate 252; 11: 19, plate 300; 1 1 : 20, plate 345; 11:21, plate 364 Monticola saxatilis, see Thrush, Rock solitarius, see Thrush, Blue Rock Montier, David |., Eurasian Sparrowhawks waiting for prey to become accessible, 4 1 662 British Birds Index to volume 93 Monzikov, Dmitriy G., see Panov, Evgeniy, N. Moore, Derek, review of Eriksen & Eriksen: Birdlife in Oman, 207 . , see Sharrock, J.T. R., et al. Morris, Sean J., juvenile Golden Eagle ‘attacked’ by sheep, 42 > , and Rollie, Chris J., Golden Eagles apparently laying at roost sites, 41-2 Morus bassanus, see Gannet, Northern Motacilla alba, see Wagtail, Pied citreola, see Wagtail, Citrine flava, see Wagtail, Yellow Mullarney, Killian, identification of Sooty Shearwater, 109-10, plates 69-70; identification of Audouin’s Gull, 405-6, plate 228; of Ruff, 646-7, plate 363 Munsterman, R, photograph of Great Bittern, 133, plate 82 Murgui, Enrique, naturalised birds in the city of Valencia, 340-1 Murrelet, Marbled, European Bird Report, 1 26; in Switzerland; new to the western Palearctic, 190-9, plates 111-13, and colour plate Muscicapa striata, see Elycatcher, Spotted Mycteria ibis, see Stork, Yellow-billed Myiopsitta monachus, see Parakeet, Monk Myna, Common Hill, status in Valencia, 340-1 Neighbour, J. R., letter on habitat recording, 45 Neophron percnopterus, see Vulture, Egyptian Netta rufina, see Pochard, Red-crested Nettapus coromandelianus, see Pygmy-goose, Cotton New to Britain and Ireland: Lesser Sand Plover, 435-41, plates 242-1 \ Iberian Chiffchaff, 329- 32 New to the Western Palearctic: Lesser Erigatebird, 22-1 , plates 26-7; Cedar Waxwing, 580-7, plates 353-62 News and comment, 47-50, plate 30; 106-8; 153- 6; 209-11; 255; 292-4; 351-3; 409-10, plate 230; 462-5, plates 254-5; 505-7; 572-3; 642 Newton, Ian, review of Kushlan & Hafner: Heron Conservation, 458 Nighthawk, Common, accepted records, 541 Nightingale, Barry, review of Moss: Gardening for Birds, 408; of Sample; Garden Bird Songs and Calls, 408 , , and Elkins, Norman, the birdwatching year 1999, 470-87, plates 264-87 , , and McGeehan, Andrew, recent reports, see Recent reports Nightingale, Rufous, European Bird Report, 419 , Thrush, accepted records, 548 Nikiforov, Mikhael E., National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 Norton, David, winner. Young Bird Photographer of the Year 2000, of Robin, 287, plate 179 Nucifraga caryocatactes, see Nutcracker Numenius arquata, see Curlew, Eurasian phaeopus, see Whimbrel tenuirostris, see Curlew, Slender-billed Nutcracker, European Bird Report, 424 Nuth, David, photographs of Black-browed Albatross, 355, plates 210-1 Nyctea scandiaca, see Owl, Snowy Nycticorax nycticorax, see Heron, Night Nye, Dave, photograph of Booted Eagle, 485, plate 286; of Pallid Swift, 543, plate 324 Nymphicus hollajtdicus, see Cockatiel Obituaries: Phoebe Snetsinger, 47; Harry Cawkell, 106; James Brian Bottomley and Sheila Bottomley, 200-1, plate 1 14; Geoffrey A. Pyman, 201, plate 115; Grahame des Porges, 402-3, plate 226; Ronald Mathias Lockley, 403-4, plate 227; Richard Margoschis, 493, plate 293 Oceanites oceanicus, see Storm-petrel, Wilson’s Oceanodroma castro, see Storm-petrel, Madeiran leucorhoa, see Storm-petrel, Leach’s monorhis, see Storm-petrel, Swinhoe’s Odell, Dave, review of Oddie; Bill Oddie’s Gripping Yarns: Tales of Birds and Birding, 296; of Snyder & Snyder; The California Condor, 461 Oena capensis, see Dove, Namaqua Oenanthe deserti, see Wheatear, Desert hispanica, see Wheatear, Black-eared isabellina, see Wheatear, Isabelline leucopyga, see Wheatear, White-crowned Black oenanthe, see Wheatear, Northern picata, see Wlieatear, Variable pleschanka, see Wheatear, Pied Ogilvie, Malcolm, review of Adams & Slotow: Proceedings of the 22nd International Ornithological Congress (CD), 21 , , and the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, rare breeding birds in the United Kingdom in 1998, 358-93; non-native birds breeding in the United Kingdom in 1998, 428-33 Oriole, Baltimore, accepted records, 565 , Golden, British breeding records in 1998, 391; European Bird Report, 424; summary for 1999, 474; numbers in Britain in 1998, 632-3 Oriolus oriolus, see Oriole, Golden Osborne, Ken, letter on report of Red-billed Chough in London, 342 ; on spellings of bird names, 456 Osprey, feeding behaviour on long passage stopover, 90-1; photograph, 286, plate 177; British breeding records in 1998, 373 Otus scops, see Owl, Eurasian Scops Ouzel, Ring, European Bird Report, 420; summary for 1999, 473, plate 267 Owl, Barn, British breeding records in 1998, 383- 4 British Birds Index to volume 93 663 , Eagle, European Bird Report, 126-7, plates 79-80; British breeding records in 1998, 433 , Eurasian Scops, European Bird Report, 127; accepted records, 540 , Great Grey, European Bird Report, 127 , Marsh, European Bird Report, 127 , Short-eared, European Bird Report, 127 , Snowy, European Bird Report, 127; accepted records, 540-1 ,Tawny, eating Roe Deer carrion, 145 ,Tengmalm’s, European Bird Report, 127 , Ural, European Bird Report, 127 Oxyura Jamaicensis, see Duck, Ruddy leucocephala, see Duck, White-headed Pagophila ebumea, see Gull, lvor>' Palliser,Tony, photograph of Wandering Albatross, 26 1, plate 146 Palmer, Phil, photographs of Short-toed Eagle, 56, 479, plates 36, 273; letter on origin of inland auk records, 204-5 Pandion haliaetus, see Osprey Panov, Evgeniy N., and Monzikov, Dmitriy G., status of the form barabensis within the ‘Larus argentatus-cachinnans-fuscus complex’, 227-41, plates 132-6 Panurus biarmicus, see Tit, Bearded Parakeet,Alexandrine, British breeding records in 1998,432 , Burrowing, status in 'Valencia, 340-1 , Monk, status in Valencia, 340-1; British breeding records in 1998, 432-3 , Nenday, status in Valencia, 340-1 , Red-masked, status in Valencia, 340-1 , Rose-ringed, European Bird Report, 127; status in Valencia, 340-1; British breeding records in 1998,432 Parrot, Red-rumped, British breeding records in 1998, 432 , Senegal, status in Valencia, 340-1 Partridge, Red-legged, photograph, 287, plate 178 Pams caeruleus, see Tit, Blue cristatiis, see Tit, Crested cyamis, see Tit, Azure montanus, see Tit, Willow Passer domesticus, see Sparrow, House hispaniolensis, see Sparrow, Spanish Patient, Richard, photograph of Buff-bellied Pipit, 447, plate 251 Patient, Simon, 3rd place. Bird Illustrator of the Year 2000, and winner, Richard Richardson Award 2000, 333-9 Paton,J.A., see Paton, V S., et al. Paton,V S., et al., obituary of James Brian Bottomley and Sheila Bottomley, 200-1, plate 114 Pattinson,Jim, photogniph of Little Bunting, 216, plate 130; of (;hestnut Bunting, 355, plate 208; of Woodchat Shrike, 4 1 2, plate 234; of Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 41 2, plate 235; of Caspian Tern, 466, plate 256; of Pectoral j Sandpiper, 468, plate 263; of Short-billed Dowitcher, 477, plate 270; of Isabelline Shrike, 483, plate 281 ; of Upland Sandpiper, 533, plate 316; of Blue-winged Warbler, 649, plate 370; of Olivaceous Warbler, 649, plate 371 Pearson, David, review of Bennun & Njoroge; Important Bird Areas in Kenya, 459 Pelecanus crispus, see Pelican, Dalmatian onocrotalus, see Pelican, White Pelican, Dalmatian, European Bird Report, 116 , White, European Bird Report, 1 16 Perez, Charles E., National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28 Pernis apivorus, see Honey-buzzard, European ptilorhyncus, see Honey-buzzard, Oriental Petrel, Atlantic, European Bird Report, 115 — — Madeira/Cape Verde, accepted records, 516 , Soft-plumaged, European Bird Report, 1 1 5 Petty, Alan, winner. Bird Photograph of the Year 2000, of Montagu’s Harrier, 281, plate 171 Petursson, Gunnlauger, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Phaethon aethereus, see Tropicbird, Red-billed Phalacrocorax carbo, see Cormorant, Great pygtneus, see Cormorant, Pygmy Phalarope, Grey, European Bird Report, 123; numbers in Britain in 1998, 610-11 , Red-necked, British breeding records in 1998, 381; numbers in Britain in 1998, 609- 10 , Wilson’s, European Bird Report, 123; accepted records, 536 Pbalaropus fulicarius, see Phalarope, Grey lobatus, see Phalarope, Red-necked tricolor, see Phalarope, Wilson’s Pheasant, Golden, British breeding records in 1998,432 , Lady Amherst’s, British breeding records in 1998,432 , Reeves’s, British breeding records in 1998, 432 — — , Silver, British breeding records in 1 998, 432 Philomachus pugnax, see Ruff Phoenicopterus ruber, see Flamingo, Greater Phoenicurus moussieri, see Redstart, Moussier’s ochruros, see Redstart, Black phoenicurus, see Redstart, Common Phylloscopus bonelli, see Warbler, Western Bonelli’s borealis, see Warbler, Arctic brehmii, see (diiffchaff, Iberian collybita, see C.hiffchaff, (x)mmon fuscatus, see Warbler, Dusky humei, see Warbler, Hume’s inornatus, see Warbler, Yellow-browed 664 British Birds Index to volume 93 proregulus, see Warbler, Pallas’s Leaf schwarzi, see Warbler, Radde’s sibilatrix, see Warbler, Wood trochiloides , see Warbler, Greenish trochilus, see Warbler, Willow Picozzi, N., a breeding pair of melanistic Northern Wheatears in Spain, 450-1 Picus canus, see Woodpecker, Grey-headed viridis, see Woodpecker, Green Pinicola enucleator, see Grosbeak, Pine Pintail, Northern, British breeding records in 1998, 365-6 Pipit, Blyth’s, European Bird Report, 417 , Buff-bellied, European Bird Report, 4l8; identification, 447, plate 251 , Meadow, summary for 1999, 476, 478 , Olive-backed, European Bird Report, 417; accepted records, 546 , Pechora, European Bird Report, 417 , Red-throated, accepted records, 546-7 , Richard’s, European Bird Report, 417; summary for 1999, 478; numbers in Britain in 1998,619-20 , Rock, European Bird Report, 418 , Tawny, photographs, 300, 356, plates 188, 215; European Bird Report, 417; numbers in Britain in 1998,620-1 ,Tree, summary for 1999, 475-6 PJC Award 2000,333-9 Platalea leucorodia, see Spoonbill, Eurasian Plectrophenax nivalis, see Bunting, Snow Plegadis falcinellus, see Ibis, Glossy Ploceus intermedins, see Weaver, Masked Plover, American Golden, European Bird Report, 121; accepted records, 529-30 , Caspian, European Bird Report, 121-2, plate 78 , Greater Sand, European Bird Report, 121; identification, taxonomy and distribution, 162-89, plates 98-9, 101-3, 106, 109, and colour plates; accepted records, 529 , Kentish, summary for 1999, 474; numbers in Britain in 1998,604-5 , Killdeer, European Bird Report, 121; accepted records, 529 , Lesser Sand, European Bird Report, 121; identification, taxonomy and distribution, 162-89, plates 97, 100, 104-5, 107-8, 110, and colour plates; in West Sussex; new to Britain and Ireland, 435-41, plates 242-7 , Little Ringed, British breeding records in 1998,378 , Pacific Golden, European Bird Report, 121; photographs, 412, plates 232-3; accepted records, 530 Pluvialis dominica, see Plover, American Golden fulva, see Plover, Pacific Golden Pochard, Common, British breeding records in 1998, 367 , Red-crested, British breeding records in 1998, 431 Podiceps auritus, see Grebe, Slavonian cristatus, see Grebe, Great Crested grisegena, see Grebe, Red-necked nigricollis, see Grebe, Black-necked Podilymbus podiceps, see Grebe, Pied-billed Poicephalus senegalus, see Parrot, Senegal Polysticta stelleri, see Eider, Steller’s Porphyrio porphyrio, see Swamp-hen, Purple Porzana Carolina, see Crake, Sora porzana, see Crake, Spotted pusilla, see Crake, Baillon’s PouUis,Theodoulos, photograph of Caspian Plover, 122, plate 78 Powell, Dan, colour plate of Red Kite, 310 Pratincole, Black-winged, European Bird Report, 121; accepted records, 529 , Collared, accepted records, 529 , Oriental, European Bird Report, 121 Priestley, Godfrey, and Priestley, Peggy, House Sparrows interacting with small mammals, 203 Prunella atrogularis, see Accentor, Black- throated collaris, see Accentor, Alpine montanella, see Accentor, Siberian ocularis, see Accentor, Radde’s Prys-Jones, Robert, letter on provenance of first British record of ‘Kumlien’s Gull’, 278 Psepbotus haematonotus, see Parrot, Red- rumped Psittacula eupatria, see Parakeet, Alexandrine krameri, see Parakeet, Rose-ringed Pterocles alchata, see Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed bicintus, see Sandgrouse, Double-banded Pterodroma incerta, see Petrel, Atlantic madeira/feae, see Petrel, Madeira/Cape Verde mollis, see Petrel, Soft-plumaged Ptyonoprogne rupestris, see Martin, Crag Puffin,Atlantic, European Bird Report, 126; origin of inland records, 204-5 Puffinus assimilis, see Shearwater, Little atrodorsalis/lherminieri, see Shearwater, Mascarene/Audubon’s carneipes, see Shearwater, Pale-footed grains, see Shearwater, Great griseus, see Shearwater, Sooty mauretanicus, see Shearwater, Balearic puffinus, see Shearwater, Manx Pycnonotus leucogenys, see Bulbul, White- cheeked Pygmy-goose, Cotton, European Bird Report, 118 Pyman, Geoffrey A. , obituary, 20 1 , plate 115 Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, see Chough, Red- bUled Pyrrhula pyrrhula, see Bullfinch, Common British Birds Index to volume 93 665 Quail, Common, European Bird Report, 120; British breeding reeords in 1998, 375-6 Radford, Philip, obituary of Richard Margoschis, 493, plate 293 Raptors, letter on escapes, including of hybrids, 643 Rare Breeding Birds Panel, see Ogilvie, Malcolm Rarities Committee, recent decisions, 38; 101; 128; 254; 345; 569; news and announcements, 291; 303; 408; 433 Rasch, Simon, see Roper, Paul, et al. Rasmussen, Brian, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 Rawlings, David, photograph of winners and runners-up. Bird Photograph of the Year 2000, 463, plate 254; of winners and runners-up, Bird Illustrator of the Year 2000, 463, plate 255 Razorbill, origin of inland records, 204-5 Readership Survey, 52 Recent reports; 55-6; 1 1 1-12; 159-60; 213-16; 258- 9; 297-300; 354-6; 411-12; 466-8; 508-10; 574- 6; 647-9 Recurvirostra avosetta, see Avocet Redman, Philip S., letter on county bird reports, 149 Redpoll, Arctic, the influx into Western Europe, 1995/96, 59-67; an identification review of C. h. exilipes based on the 1 995/96 influx, 68- 84, plates 41-64; European Bird Report, 425; accepted records, 562 -, Common, the influx into Western Europe, 1995/96, 59-67; European Bird Report, 425; summary for 1999, 471 Redstart, Black, British breeding records in 1998, 386-7 , Common, summary for 1999, 475-6 , Moussier’s, European Bird Report, 419 Redwing, observations at exceptionally large roost, 147-8; British breeding records in 1998, 387; European Bird Report, 420; summary for 1999, 481 Reeves, S.A., photograph of Arctic Redpoll C. h. exilipes, 73, plate 53 Regiilus calendula, see Kinglet, Ruby-crowned ignicapillus, see Firecrest Reid, Jane, see Riddington, Roger Remiz pendulinus, see Tit, Penduline Requests: ‘Birds Britannica’, 85; Red Kite breeding survey, 135; photographs of Corsican Nuthatch, 332; field characters of Olivaceous Warblers, 345; records of Honey- buzzards, 507 Reszeter, George, photographs of Arctic Redpoll C. h. exilipes, 7 1 , 75, plates 45, 59; of Ivory Gull, 1 12, 537, plates 74, 319; of Sora Crake, 1 1 2, plate 77; of Cireat Bittern, 134, plates 84- 5; of Gyr Falcon, 214, plates 121-2; of Common Chiffchaff of Siberian race P. c. tristis, 2 1 4, plate 1 23; of Lesser Scaup, 215, plate 125; of Bonaparte’s Gull, 300, plate 190; of Black-eared Wheatear, 355, plate 213; of Yellow-legged Gull, 411, plate 23 1 ; of Pectoral Sandpiper, 476, plate 269; of Baillon’s Crake, 528, plate 313; ofWliite- winged Black Tern, 539, plate 320; of Blue Rock Thrush, 55 1 , plate 330; of Spectacled Warbler, 556, plate 337; of Yellow-browed Warbler, 649, plate 369; of Buff-breasted Sandpiper, 649, plate 372 Reviews Adams & Slotow: Proceedings of the 22nd International Ornithological Congress (CD), 21 Anon: Top Wildlife Spots, 105 Baha El T)in\ Directory of Important Bird Areas in Egypt, 407 Ballance: Birds in Counties, 460 Bennun & Njoroge: Important Bird Areas in Kenya, 459 Berry : Orkney Nature, 645 Burton: The Daily Telegraph Nature Notes, Drawn to the Forest: the society of Wildlife Artists in the New Forest, 645 Byrne: Irish Bird Song, 103 Chantler & Driessens: Swifts: a guide to the swifts and treeswifts of the World, 295 Chapman: The Hobby, 295 Clark: A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, 206 Coulcher: The Sun Islands, 102 Crane & Nellist: /s/rmr/ Eagles, 102 Davies: Cuckoos, Cowbirds atid Other Cheats, 349 del Hoyo et al. : Handbook of the Birds of the World, vol 5, 206 Doherty: The Birds of Britain & Europe (videos), 151 Duckworth et al . Wildlife in Lao PDR: 1999 Status Report, 460 Dunn: The Small Gulls of North America (video), 296 Elias et al . Atlas dasAves Invertiantes do Baxo Alentejo, 208 Eriksen & Eriksen: Birdlife in Oman, 207 Jnckson: Dictionary’ of Bird Artists of the World, 103 Johnston: Scotland’s Nature in Trust, 208 Kazmierczak: /I Field Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent, 458 Konig et al . Owls, 348 Kushlan & Hafner: /Zero;/ Conservation, 4‘iS Lockwood et al.:A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande Valley, 103 MacKinnon & Phillipps: A Field Guide to the Birds of China, 459 666 British Birds Index to volume 93 Mead: The State of the Nations’ Birds, 349 Mitchell: Birds of the Lake District, 296 Morris & Hawkins: Birds of Madagascar, 104 Moss: Gardening for Birds, 408 Oddie: Bill Oddie’s Gripping Yarns: tales of birds and birding, 296 Pemberton: The Birdwatchers’Yearbook and Diary 2000, 151 Rebane: Where to Watch Birds in North & East Spain, 461 Robson:^ Field Guide to the Birds of South-east Asia, 457 Rossouw & Sacchi: Where to Watch Birds in Uganda, 105 Sacchi et al. : Where to Watch Birds in Switzerland, 207 Sackl & Samwald:^?/fl5 der Brutvogel der Steiermark, 102 Sample: Garden Bird Songs and Calls, 408 Schodde & Mason: The Directory of Australian Birds, Passerines, 407 Schultz: WeiJSstorch im Aufwind? (White Storks on the up?), 105 Snyder & Snyder: The California Condor, 461 Thibault & Bonaccorsi: The Birds of Corsica: BOU Checklist No. 7 7, 151 van den Berg: Rare Birds of the Netherlands, 104 Wheatley: Where to Watch Birds in Europe & Russia, 461 Wltite:yl Birder’s Guide to the Bahama Islands, 151 Short reviews. Anon., 208; Cleasby, 348; Heukels, 460; Inskipp et al, 350; Kirwan et al, 350; Morrison et al, 348; Petursson & lorainsson, 457; Reeve, 151; Smout, 207; Woutersen & Platteeuw, 408 Rhamphocoris clotbey, see Lark, Thick-billed Rhodopechys sanguinea, see Finch, Crimson- winged Rbodostethia rosea, see Gull, Ross’s Richard Richardson Award 2000, 333-9 Riddington, Roger, and Reid, Jane, Lesser Frigatebird in Israel: new to the Western Palearctic, 22-7, plates 26-7 , , et al. , the influx of redpolls into Western Europe, 1995/96, 59-67 Riparia paludicola, see Martin, Plain Rissa tridactyla, see Kittiwake Rivers, S. L., photograph of Greater Sand Plover, 185, plate 109 Robertson, lain, obituary of Phoebe Snetsinger, 47 Robin, photograph, 287, plate 179; summary for 1999, 472,478 , White-throated, European Bird Report, 419 Rogers, M. J., and the Rarities Committee, report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1999, 512- 67, plates 307-43 , , see Fraser, Peter A., et al , , see Sharrock, J.T. R.,et al Roller, European, accepted records, 544 Rollie, Chris J., see Morris, Sean J. Rooke, Steve, identification of Booted Warbler, 253-4, plate 137; ofTemminck’s Stint, 290-1, plate 180; of Short-toed Eagle, 346, plate 204 Roosting: Golden Eagle, 41-2; Common Swift, 145; Redwing, 147-8 Roper, Paul, et al. Great Cormorants exploiting fish concentration caused by heavy rain, 39 Rose, Laurence, short review, 408 Rosefinch, Common, British summering records in 1998, 393; European Bird Report, 425; numbers in Britain in 1998,638-9 , Long-tailed, letters on distribution, 101, 150 , Pallas’s, photograph, 259, plate 142 Roselaar, C. S., see Hirschfeld, Erik, et al Round, Philip D., review of Duckworth et al : Wildlife in Lao PDR: 1999 Status Report, 460 Rowland, Adam, review of Doherty: The Birds of Britain & Europe (videos), 151 Ruff, British breeding records in 1998, 379-80; summary for 1999, 474, 476; identification, 646, plate 363 Rusticali, Renzo, see Scarton, Francesco, et al Rutherford, Bill, see Roper, Paul, et al Sadler, A. E., National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28,415-27 Sanders, John, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28, 415-27 Sandgrouse, Double-banded, juvenile plumage, 91-3 , Pin-tailed, juvenile plumage, 91-3, plates 66- 8 Sandpiper, Baird’s, European Bird Report, 122; accepted records, 532 , Broad-billed, accepted records, 532 , Buff-breasted, European Bird Report, 123; photographs, 510, 649, plates 306, 372; numbers in Britain in 1998,608-9 , Common, diving to escape Merlin, 93; European Bird Report, 123; summary for 1999, 474,476 , Curlew, summary for 1999, 476, 478 , Green, European Bird Report, 123; British summering records in 1998, 380-1; summary for 1999, 474 , Least, European Bird Report, 122; accepted records, 531 , Marsh, European Bird Report, 123; photograph, 412, plate 236; accepted records, 533-4, plate 317 , Pectoral, European Bird Report, 122-3; photographs, 468, 508, plates 263, 302; British Birds Index to volume 93 667 summar>' for 1999, 476, 478, plate 269; numbers in Britain in 1998,607-8 , Purple, European Bird Report, 123; British breeding records in 1998, 379; summary' for 1999, 486; correction, 650 , Semipalmated, European Bird Report, 122; photograph, 468, plate 262; accepted records, 530-1 , Sharp-tailed, European Bird Report, 123 , Solitary, photograph, 574, plate 346 , Spotted, European Bird Report, 123; accepted records, 535 , Stilt, European Bird Report, 123 , Terek, European Bird Report, 123; photographs, 356, 472, plates 216, 265; accepted records, 535 , Upland, accepted records, 533, plate 316 ,White-rumped, European Bird Report, 122; photograph, 468, plate 261; accepted records, 531-2, plate 315 ,Wood, summary for 1999, 476 Sangster, George, letter on taxonomic status of bernicla and nigricans Brent Geese, 94-6 Saunders, David, obituary of Ronald Mathias Lockley, 403-4, plate 227; review of Berry; Orkney Nature, 645 Saxicola r«foefra,see Whinchat torquata, see Stonechat, Common Scarton, Francesco, et al., new breeding site of Lesser Crested Tern in Italy, 448-50, plate 253 Scaup, Lesser, European Bird Report, 118; photograph, 215, plate 125; accepted records, 523-4, plate 310 Schaffer, Norbert, review of Sackl & Samwald: Atlas cler Brutvogel cler Steiermark, 102 Scoter, Common, European Bird Report, 1 18; origin of inland records, 342; British breeding records in 1998, 367; summary for 1999, 470 , Surf, European Bird Report, 119; numbers in Britain in 1998, 598-9 Scott, Martin C., photographs of Mealy C. f. flarnmea and Arctic Redpolls C. h. exilipes, 7 1 , 73-4, 76, plates 46, 52, 56, 62 Scott, R. E., review of Wheatley: Where to Watch Birds in Europe & Russia, 461 , , see Dickson, Wendy Scrub-robin, Rufous-tailed, European Bird Report, 418 Seabirds, origin of inland occurrences, 204-5, 342 Seiurus motacilla, see Waterthrush, Louisiana noveboracensis, see Waterthrush, Northern Sellar, P. J., see Slater, R J. B. Serin, European, British summering records in 1998, 392; European Bird Report, 425; numbers in Britain in 1998,637-8 , Red-fronted, European Bird Report, 425 Serinus pusillus, see Serin, Red-fronted serinus, see Serin, European Shackleton, Keith, Bird Illustrator of the Year 2000, 333-9 Sharrock, Erika, photograph of, 578, plate 352 Sharrock, J.T. R., an appreciation, 578-9, plate 352 , , review of Byrne: Irish Bird Song, 103; of Burton: The Daily Telegraph Nature Notes, 103; note on black woodpecker observation, 145-6; review of Elias et al : Atlas dasAves Invemantes do Baxo Alentejo, 208; short reviews, 208, 350, 457; review of Robson: A Field Guide to the Birds of South-east Asia, 457; of Ballance: Birds in Counties, 460; of Burton; Drawn to the Forest: the Society of Wildlife Artists in the New Forest, 645 , , and Davies, Colin, European Bird Report, non-passerines, including near- passerines, 114-28, plates 78-80 , , et al , ‘British Birds’ Best Annual Bird Report Awards, 1 29-3 1 , , et al , Bird Photograph of the Year 2000, 280-7, plates 171-9 , , see Davies, Colin , , see Hagemeijer, Ward, J. M., et al Shaw, K. D., see Votier, S. C.,et al Shearwater, Balearic, European Bird Report, 115; numbers in Britain in 1998, 591 , Cory’s, European Bird Report, 115; summary for 1999, 475, 478; numbers in Britain in 1998, 590 , Great, summary for 1999, 476, 478, 486 , Little, European Bird Report, 115; accepted records, 5l6 , Mascarene/Audubon’s, European Bird Report, 1 15 , Manx, origin of inland records, 342; summary for 1999, 472, 475-6 , Pale-footed, European Bird Report, 1 15 , Sooty, identification, 109-10, plates 69-70; European Bird Report, 1 1 5 , Streaked, European Bird Report, 1 1 5 Shelduck, Cape, British breeding records in 1998,431 , Common, European Bird Report, 1 18; photograph, 282, plate 173 , Ruddy, European Bird Report, 1 18; letter on status and occurrences in Britain and Ireland, 149; British breeding records in 1998, 431; numbers in Britain in 1998, 594 Shirihai, Hadoram, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28,415-27 , , see Hirschfeld, Erik, et al. Shrike, Brown, photograph, 54, plate 33 , Great Grey, European Bird Report, 424; numbers in Britain in 1998,634-6 , Lsabelline, European Bird Report, 424; photographs, 483, 575, plates 281 , 347; accepted records, 560-1, plate 341 , Les,ser Grey, European Bird Report, 424; 668 British Birds Index to volume 93 accepted records, 561 , Red-backed, British summering records in 1998, 391; European Bird Report, 424; summary for 1999, 474-5; numbers in Britain in 1998,633-4 , Southern Grey, European Bird Report, 424 ,Woodchat, photograph, 412, plate 234; European Bird Report, 424; numbers in Britain in 1998,636-7 Shrubb, Michael, letter on reliability of multi- observer records, 1 50 Siskin, summary for 1999, 471 Skua, Arctic, summary for 1999, 472 , Great, European Bird Report, 124; apparently killing Little Egret, 144; photograph, 467, plate 258; summary for 1999, 472,486 , Pomarine, European Bird Report, 123; summary for 1999, 486 , South Polar, European Bird Report, 1 24 Slater, P. J. B., and Sellar, P J., understanding sonograms, 323-9, plate 203 Smew, European Bird Report, 119; summary for 1999, 471 Snell, Robert, photograph of Tawny Pipit, 356, plate 215; of Red-footed Falcon, 467, plate 257 Snetsinger, Phoebe, obituary, 47 Snipe, Great, accepted records, 532 , Pintail, European Bird Report, 123 , Swinhoe’s, European Bird Report, 123 Somateria fischeri, see Eider, Spectacled spectabilis, see Eider, King Sonograms, understanding, 323-9, plate 203 Sorenson, Michael D., see McCracken, Kevin G. Sorensen, Soren, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28, 415-27 Sparrow, House, interacting with small mammals, 203; learning to exploit opening of automatic doors, 203; repeatedly robbing Common Starlings, 203; letter on decline in large towns, 256-7; on decline of urban birds, 452-3 , Spanish, European Bird Report, 425 , White-throated, European Bird Report, 427 Sparrowhawk, Eurasian, repeatedly using same nest, 40-1; waiting for prey to become accessible, 41; robbed by Common Kestrel, 42 Sparrow-lark, Black-crowned, European Bird Report, 4l6 , Chestnut-headed, European Bird Report, 4l6 Spoonbill, Eurasian, European Bird Report, 117; British breeding records in 1998, 364; numbers In Britain in 1998, 593-4 Starling, Common, repeatedly robbed by House Sparrows, 203; feeding from parked cars, 289; European Bird Report, 425 , Greater Blue-eared Glossy, status in Valencia, 340-1 , Long-tailed Glossy, status in Valencia, 340-1 , Rosy, photographs, 259, 356, plates 143, 217; European Bird Report, 425; summary for 1999, 475; accepted records, 561-2 , Violet-backed, European Bird Report, 424-5 Sfastny, Karel, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28, 415-27 Stawarczyk,Tadeusz, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28, 415-27 Steele, Jimmy, identification of Little Bunting, 157-8, plate 90 , , see Riddington, R., et al. , , see Votier, S.C.,et al. Stercorarius parasiticus, see Skua, Arctic pomarinus, see Skua, Pomarine Sterna albifrons, see Tern, Little anaethetus, see Tern, Bridled bengalensis, see Tern, Lesser Crested caspia, see Tern, Caspian dougallii, see Tern, Roseate forsteri, see Tern, Forster’s fuscata, see Tern, Sooty maxima, see Tern, Royal nilotica, see Tern, Gull-billed paradisaea, see Tern, Arctic saundersi, see Tern, Saunders’s Stilt, Black-winged, European Bird Report, 121; British summering records in 1998, 377; accepted records, 528-9 Stint, Long-toed, European Bird Report, 122 ,Temminck’s, identification, 290-1, plate 180; British breeding records in 1998, 379 numbers in Britain in 1998,605-7 Stoddart, A. M., see Votier, S. C., et al. Stone, Keith, photograph of Ferruginous Duck, 8, plate 3; of Black-headed Bunting, 356, plate 214; of Lesser Sand Plover, 438, plate 245; of Purple Swamp-hen, 445, plate 250 Stonechat, Common, breeding in February in reedbed, 288; European Bird Report, 419-20; summary for 1999, 478; accepted records of S. t. maura/stejnegeri, 540 Stone-curlew, British breeding records in 1998, 378 Stonton, Matt, and Sharrock, J.T R., Readership Survey, 52 Stork, Black, European Bird Report, 1 17; accepted records, 519 , White, European Bird Report, 117; numbers in Britain in 1998, 592-3 , Yellow-billed, European Bird Report, 117 Storm-petrel, European, European Bird Report, 116 , Leach’s, European Bird Report, 1 16 , Madeiran, European Bird Report, 116 — — , Swinhoe’s, European Bird Report, 1 16 , Wilson’s, European Bird Report, 115-16; British Birds Index to volume 93 669 accepted records, 516 Streptopelia decaocto, see Dove, Collared orientalis, see Dove, Oriental Turtle roseogrisea,see Dove, African Collared senegalensis, see Dove, Laughing turtur, see Dove, Turtle Strix aluco, see Owl, Tawny nebulosa, see Owl, Great Grey uralensis, see Owl, Ural Sturnus roseus, see Starling, Rosy vulgaris, see Starling, Common Sultana, Joe, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28, 415-27 Summers-Smith, J. Denis, letter on decline of House Sparrows in large towns, 256-7 Suslik, European, photograph, 142, plate 89 Swallow, Barn, summary for 1999, 472, 478 , Red-rumped, European Bird Report, 417; accepted records, 544-6 Swamp-hen, Purple, European Bird Report, 121; in Cumbria in 1997, 442-5, plates 248-50 Swan, Black, British breeding records in 1998, 429 , Mute, European Bird Report, 117; nest- building apparently in response to heav>' rain, 289 -, Trumpeter, British breeding records in 1998, 429 , Tundra, European Bird Report, 1 17 ,Whooper, British breeding records in 1998, 429; summary for 1999, 471 Swift, Alpine, European Bird Report, 127; accepted records, 543-4 , Chimney, accepted records, 541, plates 322-3 , Common, roosting behaviour, 145 , Little, European Bird Report, 1 27 , Pallid, photograph, 484, plate 283; accepted records, 541-3, plate 324 , White-rumped, European Bird Report, 127 Sylvia atricapilla, see Blackcap cantillans, see Warbler, Subalpine compicillata, see Warbler, Spectacled curruca, see Whitethroat, Lesser meUmocepbala, see Warbler, Sardinian mystacea, see Warbler, Menetries’s natia, see Warbler, Desert uisoria, see Warbler, Barred rueppelli, see Warbler, RiippeU’s sarda, see Warbler, Marmora’s iindata, see Warbler, Dartford Syrrnaticus reevesii, see Pheasant, Reeves’s Syroechkovski, Eugeny E.,Jr, see Sangster, George, el al. , , see Zockler, Christoph, et al. Szabo,Jozsef, National Cktrrespondent, European Bird Report, 1 1 4-28 Tachymarptis nielba,sce Swift, Alpine Tadorna cana, see Shelduck, Ruddy ferruginea, see Shelduck, Ruddy tadorna, see Shelduck, Common Tarsiger cyanurus, see Bluetail, Red-flanked Tate, Alan, photographs of Lesser Frigatebird, 26- 7, plates 26-7; of Ivory Gull, 112, plate 75; of Zitting Cisticola, 298, plate 186; of Laughing Gull, 473, plate 266; of Paddyfield Warbler, 497, plates 296-7; of Desert Wheatear, 550, plate 329 Taxonomic changes: 464-5 Taylor, Don, House Martin nests falling, 43 Taylor, Moss, letter on habitat recording, 45 Taylor, Roy, polygyny by Song Thrush, 146-7 Teal, Blue-winged, European Bird Report, 118; photographs, 159, 355, plates 93, 209; accepted records, 522-3 -, Common, European Bird Report, 118; numbers of A. c. carolinensis in Britain in 1998, 594-5 , Ringed, British breeding records in 1 998, 431 Tern, Arctic, European Bird Report, 125 , Black, photograph of C. n. surinamensis, 56, plate 39; European Bird Report, 125; summary for 1999, 475-6 , Bridled, European Bird Report, 125 , Caspian, photograph, 466, plate 256 , Forster's, accepted records, 538 , Gull-billed, accepted records, 537-8 , Lesser Crested, European Bird Report, 125; new breeding site in Italy, 448-50, plate 253 , Little, British breeding records in 1998, 382-3 — — , Roseate, European Bird Report, 125; British breeding records in 1 998, 382 , Royal, European Bird Report, 125; accepted records, 538 , Saunders’s, European Bird Report, 1 25 , Sooty, European Bird Report, 125 , Whiskered, European Bird Report, 125; accepted records, 538 , White-winged Black, European Bird Report, 125; accepted records, 538-9, plate 320 Tetrao tetrix, see Grouse, Black Tetrax tetrax, see Bustard, Little Thevenot, Michel, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 1 14-28,415-27 Thomas, Bryan, photograph of Western Bonelli ’s Warbler, 297, plate 182 Thorpe, Reg, see Sharrock,J.T. R., et al. Tbreskiornis aethiopicus, see Ibis, Sacred Thrush, Blue Rock, photograph, 300, 191; European Bird Report, 420; accepted records, 55 1 , plate 330 , Dark-throated, European Bird Report, 420; photograph, 47 1 , plate 264; accepted records, 552-3, plate 332 , Eyebrowed, accepted records, 552 670 British Birds Index to volume 93 , Hermit, European Bird Report, 420 , Mistle, taking off from water, 148 , Rock, European Bird Report, 420 , Siberian, European Bird Report, 420; accepted records, 551 , Song, polygyny, 146-7 , Swainson’s, European Bird Report, 420; photograph, 647, plate 365 , White’s, European Bird Report, 420; photograph, 479, plate 274; accepted records, 551 Tichodroma muraria, see WaUcreeper Tipling, David, 6th equal place. Bird Photograph of the Year 2000, of Osprey, 286, plate 177; photograph of Temminck’s Stint, 290, plate 180 Tipper, Ray, photograph of Lesser Sand Plover, 185, plate 110 Tit, Azure, European Bird Report, 424 , Bearded, British breeding records in 1998, 390; European Bird Report, 423 , Blue, photograph, 285, plate 176 , Crested, British breeding records in 1998, 390 , Penduline, photograph, 299, plate 187; European Bird Report, 424; accepted records, 560 , WiUow, European Bird Report, 423 Tomia/ojc,Ludwik, letter on whether White- backed Woodpeckers ever bred in Britain, 453-6 Tringa flavipes, see Yellowlegs, Lesser glareola, see Sandpiper, Wood ynelanoleuca, see Yellowlegs, Greater nebularia, see Greenshank ochropus, see Sandpiper, Green solitaria, see Sandpiper, Solitary stagnatilis, see Sandpiper, Marsh Troglodytes troglodytes, see Wren Tropicbird, Red-biUed, European Bird Report, Il6 Trout, Neil, letter on origin of inland seabirds, 342 Trowell, John, photograph of Grahame des Forges, 402, plate 226 Tryngites subruficollis, see Sandpiper, Buff- breasted Turdus iliacus, see Redwing merula, see Blackbird obscurus, see Thrush, Eyebrowed philomelos, see Thrush, Song pilaris, see Fieldfare ruficollis, see Thrush, Dark-throated torquatus, see Ouzel, Ring viscivorus, see Thrush, Mistle Turner, i\ngela, review of Davies: Cuckoos, Cowbirds and Other Cheats, 349 Tyler, Michael W., Common Buzzard feeding on apple, 90 Tyrberg, Tommy, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28, 415-27 Tyto alba, see Owl, Barn Underwood, Darren, see Wright, Malcolm, et ai Unoson, Jan, photograph of Lesser Sand Plover, 181, plate 105 Upupa epops, see Hoopoe Uragus sibiricus, see Rosefinch, Long-laded Uria aalge, see Guidemot, Common lomvia, see Guillemot, Briinnich’s Vade, Roberto, see Scarton, Francesco, et al van den Berg,Arnoud B., National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114- 28, 415-27; photographs of Eagle Owl, 126, plates 79-80; of Greater Sand Plover, 170, plate 98 van Swelm, Norman D., letter on origin of first Lesser Frigatebird in the Western Palearctic, 398 Vanellus gregarius, see Lapwing, Sociable leucurus, see Lapwing, White-taded vanellus, see Lapwing, Northern Veery, photograph, 481, plate 277; accepted records, 551-2, plate 331 Vermivora pinus, see Warbler, Blue-winged Vinicombe, K. E., identification of Ferruginous Duck and its status in Britain and Ireland, 4- 21, plates 1-25; letter on Ruddy Shelducks in Britain and Ireland, 149 Vireo flavifrons, see Vireo, Yellow-throated olivaceus, see Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Red-eyed, European Bird Report, 425; photograph, 576, plate 348 , Yellow-throated, European Bird Report, 425 Volet, Bernard, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 114-28, 415-27 Vo tier, S.C.,et «/., Arctic Redpod Carduelis hornemanni exilipes\ an identification review based on the 1995/96 influx, 68-84, plates 41-64 , , see Riddington, R., et al Vulture, Egyptian, European Bird Report, 119 , Griffon, removed from British List, 107; European Bird Report, 119-20 , Monk, European Bird Report, 120 , Riippell’s Griffon, European Bird Report, 119 Wagtad, Citrine, European Bird Report, 418; accepted records, 548 , Pied, British breeding record of M. a. alba in 1998, 386; captured and killed by Eurasian Curlew, 399; European Bird Report, 418 , Yellow, European Bird Report, 418; summary for 1999, 478; accepted records of M.f. feldegg, 548, 540 Wadace, D. 1. M., letter on single-observer records; against zeal, for faith, 46 British Birds Index to volume 93 671 Wallcreeper, European Bird Report, 424 Warbler, Aquatic, European Bird Report, 421; summary' for 1999, 478; numbers in Britain in 1998,623-4 , Arctic, European Bird Report, 422; accepted records, 557; photograph, 576, plate 349 , Barred, European Bird Report, 422; summarj' for 1999, 484; numbers in Britain in 1998,627-8 , Basra Reed, European Bird Report, 42 1 , Blackpoll, photographs, 354, plates 206-7 , Blue-winged, photograph, 649, plate 370 , Blyth’s Reed, letter on separation from Olivaceous Warbler, 277; photograph, 412, plate 235; European Bird Report, 421; accepted records, 554-5, plate 335 , Booted, identification, 253-4, plate 137; European Bird Report, 421-2; photograph, 478, plate 272; accepted records, 555-6, plate 336 , Cerulean, European Bird Report, 426, plates 239-41 , Cetti’s, British breeding records in 1998, 388 , Dartford, British breeding records in 1998, 389; European Bird Report, 422 , Desert, photograph, 298, plate 183; European Bird Report, 422 , Dusky, accepted records, 559 , Grasshopper, European Bird Report, 421 , Great Reed, photograph, 356, plate 2 1 2; British summering records in 1 998, 389; European Bird Report, 42 1 ; accepted records, 555 , Greenish, British summering records in 1998, 390; European Bird Report, 422; photograph, 510, plate 304; accepted records, 557 , Hume’s, European Bird Report, 423; accepted records, 557-8; photograph, 649, plate 368 , Icterine, British breeding records in 1998, 389; European Bird Report, 422; summary for 1999, 475, 478; numbers in Britain in 1998, 625-6 , Lanceolated, European Bird Report, 421; accepted records, 552-3 , Marmora’s, European Bird Report, 422 , Marsh, letter on breeding on Utsira, 279; British breeding records in 1998, 389; European Bird Report, 421; numbers in Britain in 1998,624-5 , Melodious, European Bird Report, 422; numbers in Britain in 1998,626-7 , Menetries’s, European Bird Report, 422 , Moustached, occurrence in Britain, 29-38, plates 28-9; European Bird Report, 421 , Olivaceous, letter on separation from Blyth’s Reed Warbler, 277; accepted records. 555; photograph, 649, plate 371 , Oriental Reed, European Bird Report, 421 , Paddyfield, European Bird Report, 421; photograph, 481, plate 278; accepted records, 554, plate 334 — — , Pallas’s Grasshopper, European Bird Repon, 421 -, Pallas’s Leaf, European Bird Report, 422-3; photographs, 483, 649, plates 282, 373; numbers in Britain in 1998,629-30 -, Palm, European Bird Report, 426 , Radde’s, European Bird Report, 423; photographs, 480, 576, plates 276, 349; accepted records, 558, plate 338 , Reed, European Bird Report, 421 , River, British summering records in 1 998, 388; European Bird Report, 42 1 , RiippeU’s, European Bird Report, 422 , Sardinian, European Bird Report, 422; accepted records, 557 , Savi’s, British summering records in 1998, 388; European Bird Report, 421; accepted records, 553-4, plate 333; numbers in Britain in 1998,622-3 , Spectacled, European Bird Report, 422; accepted records, 556, plate 337 , Subalpine, photograph, 300, plate 189; accepted records, 557 , Upcher’s, European Bird Report, 422 , Western Bonelli’s, photograph, 398, plate 182; accepted records, 559 , Willow, summary for 1999, 472-3, 475-6 ,Wood, summary for 1999, 476 , Yellow-browed, European Bird Report, 423; summary for 1999, 484; numbers in Britain in 1998, 630-1 ; photograph, 649, plate 369 ,Yellow-rumped, European Bird Report, 426; accepted records, 562 Waterthrush, Louisiana, European Bird Report, 426 , Northern, European Bird Report, 426 Watson, Mark, and Clarke, Roger, Saker Falcon diet: the implications of habitat change, 1 36- 43, plates 88-9 Watts/Powell, Rosemary, runner-up, Bird Illustrator of the Year 2000, 333-9 Waxbill, Common, status in Valencia, 340-1 Waxwing, Bohemian, photograph, 55, plate 37; summary for 1999, 475, 486; photographs, 585, plates 360-2 , Cedar, in Shetland: new to the Western Palearctic, 580-7, plates 353-9 Weaver, Masked, status in Valencia, 340-1 Weimerskirch, Henri, photograph of Black- browed Albatross, 265, plate 148 Wheatear, Black-eared, photograph, 356, plate 213; European Bird Report, 420; accepted records, 549 , Desert, photographs, 54, 484, plates 34, 672 British Birds Index to volume 93 284; European Bird Report, 420; accepted records, 550, plate 329 , Isabelline, European Bird Report, 420; identification in autumn, 488-92, plates 288- 92 , Northern, a melanistic pair breeding in Spain, 450-1; summary for 1999, 471-2 , Pied, European Bird Report, 420; accepted records, 549-50, plate 328 , Variable, European Bird Report, 420 , White-crowned Black, European Bird Report, 420 WTieeler, Chris, letter on emerging new species, 98 Wliimbrel, British breeding records in 1998, 380 Whinchat, European Bird Report, 419; summary for 1999,478 Whitehall, Barrie, feeding behaviour of Osprey on long passage stopover, 90-91 Whitethroat, Lesser, European Bird Report, 422; summary for 1999, 476 Wigeon, American, eyelid colour, 39-40; European Bird Report, 118; accepted records, 520-2 , Eurasian, British breeding records in 1998, 364-5 Wilkes, Mike, 8th place. Bird Photograph of the Year 2000, of Red-legged Partridge, 287, plate 178 Wilkinson, Roger, see Knox, Alan, et al. Williams, M., photograph of Arctic C. h. exilipes. Mealy C. f. flammea and Lesser Redpolls C. f. cabaret, 74, plate 57 Wilson, M. G., letter on Long-tailed Rosefinch distribution, 101 Wilson, Malcolm, see Roper, Paul, et al. Wilson, Rob, photographs of Short-toed Eagle, 56, 526, plates 35, 312; of Wfiite’s Thrush, 479, plate 274; of Veery, 481, plate 277; of Pallas’s Leaf Warbler, 483, plate 282; of Booted Eagle, 485, plate 285; of White- rumped Sandpiper, 531, plate 315; of Yellow- billed Cuckoo, 540, plate 321; of Chimney Swift, 541, plate 323; of Veery, 552, plate 331 Woodpecker, Black, confusion possibility of juvenile Green Woodpecker, 145-6 , Great Spotted, summary for 1999, 481 , Green, giving appearance of Black Woodpecker, 145-6 , Grey-headed, European Bird Report, 1 28 , White-backed, European Bird Report, 128; letter on possible past breeding in Britain, 453-6 Wren, summary for 1999, 472 Wright, A. A., letter of concern regarding agricultural change, 205 Wright, Malcolm, et al, roosting behaviour of Common Swifts, 145 Wryneck, British summering records in 1998, 385; summary for 1999, 478; photograph, 509, plate 303; numbers in Britain in 1998, 616-17 Xenus cinereus, see Sandpiper, Terek Yellowlegs, Greater, European Bird Report, 123; accepted records, 534 , Lesser, European Bird Report, 123; accepted records, 534-5; photograph, 576, plate 351 Yellowthroat, Common, European Bird Report, 426 Young Ornithologists of the Year, 1999 award presentation, 48, plate 30; 2000 award, announcement, 587 Young, Glyn, National Correspondent, European Bird Report, 4 1 5-27 Young, Steve, photographs of Ferruginous Duck, 9, 1 1, plates 4-5, 9; of Arctic Redpoll C. h. exilipes, 70-1 , plates 4 1 , 43-4; of Blue-winged Teal, 159, plate 93; of Canvasback, 160, plate 96; of Pallas’s Rosefinch, 259, plate 142; of Blackpoll Warbler, 354, plate 206; of Terek Sandpiper, 356, plate 21 6; of Marsh Sandpiper, 412, 534, plates 236, 317; of Purple Swamp-hen, 445, plate 249; ofTerek Sandpiper, 472, plate 265; winner, Carl Zeiss Award 2000, photographs of Pallid Swift, 496, plates 294-5; of Cattle Egret, 518, plate 309; of Red-flanked Bluetail, 549, plate 327; of Cedar Waxwing, 584, plates 357-8 Zbinden, N., European Bird Report, 114-28 Zenaida macroura, see Dove, Mourning Zockler, Christoph, et al , letter on taxonomic status of bernicla and nigricans Brent Geese - a reply, 96-7 Zonfrillo, Bernard, letter on control of Ruddy Ducks, 394-6, plates 218-19 Zonotrichia albicollis, see Sparrow, White- throated Zoothera rfawma, see Thrush, White’s sibirica, see Thrush, Siberian British Birds Index to volume 93 673 List of line-drawings PAGES 3 Short-toed Lark {Dan Powell) 2 Canada Geese {Frederick J Watson) 4 Ferruginous Duck (John Martin) 22 Lesser Frigatebird, House Crows and Grey Heron (Martin Elliott) 59 Arctic Redpolls and Common RedpoU (Mike Langman) 85 Tawny Owl (Frederick J. Watson) 135 Kites (Amoud B. van den Berg) 1 36 Saker Falcon (Bruce Pearson) 162 Greater Sand Plover (Alan Harris) 218 Slavonian Grebes (Dan Powell) 227 Larus heuglini barabensis (Martin Elliott) 242 Common Buzzards (Michael Webb) 249 Red-billed Choughs (Alan Harris) 329 Iberian Chiffchaff (John Davis) 358 Roseate Terns (A. P Benson) 470 Cory’s Shearwaters with Common Rorqual (Massimiliano Lipperi) 580 Cedar Waxwing (Alan Harris) 588 Horned Larks (Ernest Leahy) 674 British Birds Index to volunie 93 I ^ t J * i I ■•J! IIS p nn & V^^lson Ltd p*»t SparUIlM Boektrindm