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ES), SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILALILSNI NVINOSHLIWS ef = 2 A = x z ZX s Mp, ey NAG 3 NW zs Jk D LE SS — = NX ney — ee Te é NOILALILSNI_NVINOSHLINS $3 luvug 17 LIBRARI ES SMITHSONIAN ! RR & i om YW y a = ac = ac - By > jm > a Fe = i = m > m Es m w _ Ww a= Ww tay TION - OM EE SIO ot NVINOSHLINS = S4 luyvud Mtl BRARI ES SMITHSONIAN = = = ae . = = Zz = ae id Pe ae + . aa Oo ae. i yy o x Wee 2 a Gly 2 g ee te < = 2 > = > = > Se ie rT) = 7p) eh 1a SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILOLILSNI NVINOSHLIWS RARIES NOILNLILSNI LIBRARIES TION NOILALILSNI S3'uvydi1 LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAS Ye » SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. NOILALILSNI— NVINOSHLIWS % INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI INSTITUTION saiuvagit giaq_LIBRARIES NVINOSHLINS S31YVYdIT LIB NVINOSHLINS Sy oS S SMITHSONIAN NVINOSHLINS S3IYVYd!IT LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES _ SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN NOILNLILSNI LIBRARIES NOILANLILSNI =~ apy 2 KS" E Ss] 7X 1% ¢ D ‘e Wasnw? m N\S Z ars, m ESS Z g git ~ LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NVINOSHL a. = 2 Zeyh oe w Zz . as = < = < = . = z A ce 5 Ww 3 5 NOG i 8 i = “\ = = SS = s TUTION NOILNLILSNIL NVINOSHLINS S3SIYVYGIT LIBRARIES uu oe = w aa DQ vie = w = « Oh ee ra * _€ ae \ ~ fa [ond = “AS “ =| c 7 = 22 a = o = “ a z ae J oa et Raa = yugit LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI - © 5 — am 5 . = =o. oO = Lied = oa 20 > 2 = a. > ¥ > ~ P aa a —— a = ss TION Sete NVINOSRLINS ($3 luvud rout BRARI ES SMITHSON = < = = WA: = 7 = 4 fpr = = wf = Xs = = 4 re) x SB hy DD MKS Zz WS 2 ; iy = Zz yy fe YS Z be Nae = B od — i My = 22] =z wm = Zz JYGI7~ LIBRARIES SMITHSONIAN. INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHI Z ul Z us 2 = = is z i 4 x ", = Table 4 summarizes the breeding statistics available for all -the main Kittiwake colonies studied. There seems to be a »great deal of variation in the values recorded for breeding Fsuccess over the range of the species. This would suggest _that it is unnecessary to invoke predation as a major factor -affecting breeding success. The high value obtained on Foula would indicate that predation by Bonxies had a negligible -effect on the breeding success of the Kittiwake there. Acknowledgmenis This study was carried out in partial fulfilment of a B.Sc. degree at ‘Durham University. I would particularly like to thank Dr J. C. Coulson for supervising the project and for criticising the manuscript of this paper. My thanks must also go to my husband for his helpful discussion both during the fieldwork and writing up stages of the project. Finally I would like to thank Dr I. Patterson for allowing me to use his unpub- lished data for St Abb’s Head. This work was written up for publication eduring tenure of an NERC. research studentship at Aberdeen Univer- © Bonxies have long been thought to have deleterious effects on Kitti- | Wakes on Foula. The results of a study in 1976 showed that Kittiwake — breeding success was high, that there was no Bonxie predation of eggs © Or chicks and that only a few fledglings and adults were taken. An exam- ination of Kittiwake breeding statistics from other areas shows great ' Variation in breeding success, suggesting that it is unnecessary to in- * voke predation as a major factor affecting Kittiwake breeding success. - References | AnpERSson, M. 1976. Predation and kleptoparasitism by skuas in a Shetland — seabird colony. Ibis 118: 208-217. | Barrett, R. T. and SHI, P. J. 1977. Changes in the breeding distribution * and numbers of cliff-breeding seabirds in Sor-Varanger, North Norway. Astarte 10: 29-35. Bayes, J. C., Dawson, M. J. and Ports, G. R. 1964. The food and feeding behaviour of the Great Skua in the Faroes. Bird Study 11: 272-279. BztorotsKn, L. O. 1961. Ecology of the sea colony birds of the Barents Sea. Israel program for Scientific Translations, Jersusalem. P. 227. * Coutson, J. C. 1963. The status of the Kittiwake in the British Isles. Bird Study 10: 147-179. —, and Wurre, E. 1958. Observations on the breeding of the Kittiwake. Bird Study, 5: 74-83. CULLEN, E. 1957. Adaptations of the Kittiwake to cliff-nesting. Ibis 99: 275- 302. Curiserrt, Cc. R. 1972. Time of breeding, clutch size, hatching success, chick Survival and non-breeding birds in Kittiwake colonies. Unpublished B.Sc. Project. University of Aberdeen. Ess, R. W. 1977. Studies on the breeding biology and population dyna- Mics of the Great Skua (Catharacta ‘Skua, Brunnich). Unpublished Ph.D. thesis University of Durham. Jackson, E. E. The birds of Foula., “Scottish Birds 4; 1-60. 296 GREAT SKUA PREDATION ON KITTIWAKE 10(8) rey | Scottish Naturalist 64: 158-162. Mel MAuNDER, J. E., and THRELFALL, W. 1972. The breeding biology of the Blac legged Kittiwake in Newfoundland. Auk 89: 789-816. Perry, R. 1948. Shetland Sanctuary. London. +f ey ay Lockiz, J. D. 1952. The food of Great Skuas on Hermaness, Unst, Shetland. oo haa eas lh VENABLES, L. S. V., and VENABLES, U. M. 1955. Birds and Mammals of Shet- | land. Edinburgh. a. oe + Sr Wort Bridget Furness, Department of Zoology, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham. ig Present address: Culterty Field Station, Newburgh, Ellon, Aberdeenshire. 34 i Ree Notes on the Whitethroat in Sutherland 4 i ok DONALD MACDONALD Soe 4 a The most detailed studies of the breeding cycle of the © Whitethroat have been made by Howard (1907-14) in Wor- © cestershire and by Crowe (1955 and unpub.) in Surrey. The ~ observations in the present study were made at Dornoch, ~ Sutherland, mainly at three territories on the outskirts of the ~ town, comprising a hillside slope, an area of former wood- land and a country lane, referred to as areas A, B and C res- pectively, from 1972-4 and from 1976-8, being more intensive in the last three seasons. During these latter three years daily | visits were made to each of the three areas, usually in the — early morning. Some nesting data from earlier years are also included. In the two southern counties the species is a Ccom- mon summer migrant whereas in Sutherland it is very sparse- ly distributed and near the fringe of its European range. A times given are GMT. Population and habitat The average number of singing males located within 2 radius of about 5 km from Dornoch was eleven but a thoroug search might reveal more. It is well known that the males of some warblers, including the Whitethroat, almost entirely stop singing from the time that their females begin to lay: Consequently if one were to concentrate too much on popu- lation statistics there is the likelihood that one would miss nest building operations and it is then very difficult to locate breeding pairs, particularly in an area where the species 15 sparsely distributed. The catastrophic drop in Whitethroat numbers from 1969, attributed to severe drought in their winter quarters in the Sahel Zone of the southern Sahara, showed, as elsewhere, 4 marked decline of the species at Dornoch. This, however, W4 wo hae aed ee eo F F : : & 1979 THE WHITETHROAT IN SUTHERLAND 297 E & = ‘considerably less than the 77% decrease estimated for the whole of Britain by Winstanley et al. (1974), as occasional ‘population figures taken at Dornoch in years before the de- ; 3 Shot of one another. cline set in showed that the number of singing males never exceeded 20. _ Whitethroats occupy two distinct habitats in the Dornoch area. By far the most favoured are the dense scrub jungles | including a varied?assortment such as wild Raspberries Rubus idaeus, brambles R. fruticosus agg., whins Ulex, Broom Cytisus scoparius and wild roses Rosa with a tangled under- growth of nettles Urtica, various umbellifers or Bracken Pteridium aquilinum. Most of these sites contain a few small trees which provide ideal song posts for the males. All three of the intensively watched territories, A, B and C, belonged to this type of habitat. A few pairs, however, resort to the exposed whin covered slopes overlooking the golf links, which are within 100-200 m of the seashore. Ryves (1948) states that the Whitethroat is the only warbler that regularly breeds close to the coastal cliffs in Cornwall. Territory Howard (1907-14) and Crowe (unpub.) refer to the rivalry between males on arrival in the setting up of territories and later to the numerous disputes between paired males and un- paired intruders from adjoining territories. No such contests took place in the present study area as there was not a single ‘Tecord where two territories were adjacent to one another and it was even exceptional for two males to be within ear- Only once was an intruding male recorded entering a paired territory. This occurred in territory A on 20th June 1973 When the pair were feeding nestlings. Just prior to the male arriving with food at the nest site an intruder male appeared at 18.08 and perched on top of a dead Raspberry cane about 10 m from the nest site, where he remained for about two Minutes in a hunched back posture, delivering a song as he flew away. At 18.18 when the pair were together at the nest Site the intruder reappeared on a nearby tree from which he Sang a few songs before flying away. The resident male took ho notice of the intruder on either occasion. Crowe (unpub.) states that in his study area in Surrey ter- Titories varied from 0.10117-0.53957 ha, but pairs were Mainly restricted to about 5-10 m on either side of a hedge, depending upon its thickness and accompanying vegetation. e size of territories were mainly defined by the males’ song Posts and in areas A, B and C they roughly consisted of nar- Tow strips extending to 100, 130 and 150 m respectively. In aa “ee 298 THE WHITETHROAT IN SUTHERLAND 10(8) width each of them was restricted to less than 100 m owing. : to the nature of the: habitat. Voice Witherby et al. (1938) give the song rate as 7-12 times a — minute but the higher rates are only reached when the bird — is greatly excited. The highest song rates heard in the study area were 367 and 310 songs each of which were delivered — in half-hour periods during long, sustained singing perfor- — mances, giving rates of 12 and ten times a minute respectively. Song declines rapidly on arrival of the female and almost ceases altogether when incubation begins. When singing at — high intensity the male rapidly flicks his tail from side to side with each delivery. The latest song heard was on 7th August © 1976 when a male sang four songs including one aerial dis- ~ play song. “3 By far the most frequently heard note is a deep, croaking — churr which varies considerably in intensity. Whenever a human appears on the scene or if one happens to occupy a © watching stance too near to a nest site then both sexes keep up an incessant churring. On one occasion a male was heard churring very harshly and continuously from a dense thicket | of bramble, wild rose and whin, and eventually a Tawny Owl was flushed from an open space in the middle of the prickly — ‘ tangle. Another characteristic note is the wheet, wheet call which © is somewhat difficult to assign to any particular function. AS far as could be ascertained it is a call mainly restricted to the © male, and at times is intermingled with his song and the churr note, especially when a bird is very excited. A Rook flying closely over a male perched on top of a whin spray; — a Jackdaw passing near a male performing his aerial display song and a predator suddenly flying out of a nearby tree 4 elicited the wheet, wheet call. A sharp tac, tac referred to aS an alarm note by Witherby et al. (1938) was seldom heard. Fledglings were often heard to make low, cheeping or chur- ring noises when perched in the undergrowth. Arrival and behaviour of males The average date of arrival of the first male in the study period years was 13th May, ranging from 9th to 16th May- The earliest arrival date recorded at Dornoch was 6th May 1952. Males having set up their territories spend most of thelt time feeding, frequently singing and flitting about from on® song post to another proclaiming their territories. At times, however, one could spend up to an hour in a territory without hearing any song or obtaining a sight of the owner. - 1979 THE WHITETHROAT IN SUTHERLAND 299 | In 1973 and 1978 the male in territory C failed to obtain a mate. In 1973 male C was present and singing from 16th May to 28th June and in 1978 from 27th May to 20th June. As will -be seen later, it is perhaps significant that while those males were watched for periods of eleven hours extending over 25 _days and four and a half hours extending over 13 days res- _pectively, no sign of nest building was seen in either year. "Arrival of females, display, pairing and nest building _ The earliest arrival of a female was 16th May. The shortest | time a male had to wait for a female to enter his territory was four days but sometimes it was as long as 14 days or -more. The full sequence of arrival to pairing was observed on -only four occasions but as the pair in each case behaved in }an almost similar manner it will be sufficient to illustrate the ' behaviour pattern of one pair only. ' In May 1978 visits were made each morning to territory 'B, usually sometime between 06.00 and 08.00. The male arriv- ed on 9th May and for the next six days was heard singing _in intermittent bursts as he flitted about his territory. On the - morning of the 16th, however, he was ina highly excited state, ‘flying all over his territory and singing almost incessantly, | even when flitting from one stance to another. In half an hour 'he sang 256 songs. There was no sign of another male in the } Vicinity. Next morning the situation had undergone a com- » plete change. He was then confined to a restricted area, sang ‘little, but frequently uttered the wheet, wheet note and at _times carried nesting material to a wild Raspberry patch. On the 18th the female was first sighted as the male made dive- _bomb displays towards her in the Raspberry patch followed _by some sexual chases. That behaviour was repeated on the 19th and for the first time the male was seen performing a full aerial display song. On the 20th and 21st the female was Observed carrying nesting material to the male’s nest and on the 22nd the first egg was laid. It would appear that the female, although not seen until the 18th, had arrived on the 16th as otherwise why should _the male suddenly change his behaviour pattern ? If the female did not arrive until the 18th, the day on which she was first Sighted, then pairing, coition and the laying of the first egg Would all have taken place within four days, which is highly Improbable. Howard (1907-14) states that at least six days is required from the female’s arrival to the laying of the first egg. In six cases where nest building was observed the male built the nest after the female’s arrival and she added the lining. Crowe (unpub.) states that the male usually builds 300 THE WHITETHROAT IN SUTHERLAND 10(8) = prior to but occasionally after the arrival of the female. The — laying of a clutch followed in all nests built by the male with © one exception. In 1978 male A built a nest which the female | lined. There followed a period of six days when the territory ~ was visited for nearly an hour each day during which visits 4 there was no sign of the female. On the seventh day, how- | ever, a female was also present and was seen going to the | male’s nest but, as subsequent events showed, apparently re- | jected it. Three days later the male was observed building © another nest which was then lined by the female and ultim- } ately used for breeding. It would appear from these events = that two females were involved and that the first female was ~ possibly predated. It is interesting to note that L. Stewart- | Brown in Campbell and Ferguson-Lees (1972) states that he | had never seen a female lay in a cock’s nest. be Some males sang intermittently while building. Building % material was procured at varying distances from the nest site and one male was watched as he tugged at dead grass stems | with his bill. Nest building was recorded only during early to .. mid morning. Males usually completed a nest within two | days. ce Table of nesting data a: Territory A Territory B Territory C Elsewhere : S a] Ss 9s ro ¥ a 23.4 2) 83.2. dope ioe = = ~~ SS - ~ ~~ a KS 4 Bs 33 & ae ee 2 2B # 2 f Om & Oo = & 0. & 0) sy mare 1966 5 ow siges 1968 2 tae ag — — 5 1970 - cel pall Sls 1972 aes (nit cymes 1973 Bit iS td | ay lane 1975 — — 5 1976 Det LO) c 5 mL naa heh 4 4 4 1977 Dit vay 3S 4 m5) ous Ss eS 1978 SA 7s mT (0 MES eS OG 2 Ait AN Ades A Ae *Denotes second brood. Where clutch and hatching numbers are unknown the Fledged column also denotes the number of nestlings found in the nest. The nest The most favoured choice of nest sites were wild RasP? berries as they held eleven out of 20 nests; brambles follow | 1979 THE WHITETHROAT IN SUTHERLAND 301 with five and the remaining four, were in low whins with a grassy undergrowth. The average height of the 20 nests from ground level was 42 cm, ranging from 15 to 80 cm. Most nests below 60 cm were surrounded by a thick undergrowth of “weeds, one or two of which were exquisitely hidden. The nest, although substantial, is flimsily built with a rather deep cup but those built for second broods were more hastily constructed and had much shallower cups. Witherby et al. (1938) state that nests are generally lined with black hairs but in the present study only four were so lined and only two of those had a plentiful supply of black hairs. Most nests were lined with finer dead grasses and fibres. Nearly all nests were decorated around their rims to a more or less extent with flecks of vegetable down and occasionally a dead leaf was added. When nests were uplifted from their sites One could invariably see daylight through the foundations. The average depth of the nest cup was 43 cm, ranging from 4 to 54 cm. One nest was taken apart and found to be com- posed of 425 dead grasses and a lining of 140 black hairs. Six particularly long strands taken from the hest foundation measured various lengths from 52 to 91 cm. A nest analyzed by Crowe (unpub.) consisted of 442 dried grasses and about 200 small and finer pieces. Egg laying, the egg and the clutch Crowe (1955) states that the first egg was on every occasion laid 48 hours after completion of the lining but, as shown earlier, the female in territory B in 1978 laid her first egg Within 24 hours of completing the nest lining. The ground colour of the eggs varied from whitish to greenish and were either lightly or more heavily marked. As one would expect, eggs of a female’s second clutch matched those of her first. In ten nests found at the egg stage six were of c/5 and four of c/4, three of the c/4 being second clutches. Five appears to be by far the most regular clutch size as eight out of a further ten nests found with young held five nestlings. In 20 nests the first egg was laid in the following periods: late May—ten, early June—three, mid June—three, late June—two, early oe, we. The late June and early July layings were second Clutches. Incubation and hatching Perhaps the most striking feature at the outset of incuba- tion is the diminution of song. Although song decreases mar- Kedly after pairing, when incubation begins it almost ceases and one can remain, at times, in a territory for well over an hour without hearing a single note. The occasional song Phrase heard occurs most often when the sexes change over saeapens salou mvp eee ON ——————>————E——EE—EEEEe 302 THE WHITETHROAT IN SUTHERLAND 10(8) . at the nest. The male either calls the female off or indicates that he has left the eggs by uttering a subdued warble or re- peating the churr note once or twice. More often than not, however, the change over takes place quite silently. On one occasion when hidden very close to a nest, very low soft © churring notes were heard from the pair as the change over took place. Crowe (1955) states that the male spends much longer on > the nest during the first few days of the period, and as in- cubation advances he slowly spends a smaller total of hours on the nest. In the present study it was not possible to say whether or not this was the case as incubation data were very scanty compared to Crowe’s very detailed findings. In 32 in- - cubation periods the female averaged 35 minutes with a longest stint of 85 minutes, and the male in 19 periods aver- aged 29 minutes with a longest time of 47 minutes. In terri- — tory C in 1977 the male was neither seen nor heard between — the second day of incubation and the hatching date. In watches extending to four hours over a period of six days © during that spell the female alone was seen to incubate, Her ~ incubation periods averaged 16 minutes and her off-nest per- ~ iods eight minutes. The full incubation period was ascertained on only five occasions. Two clutches hatched on the eleventh day (ten days + hours) and the other three on the 12th day (eleven days — + hours). At two of those nests there was a period of at least © 22 and 16 hours respectively between the hatching of the first © and last chicks. Out of a total of 46 eggs in ten clutches only © a one egg, which contained a dead embryo, failed to hatch. On © no occasion was there any evidence of a male being polyga- — mous. Nestling period During the first few days and in cold weather nestlings are ~ brooded to a large extent by both adults but mainly by the female. Brooding periods were much shorter than those 0 incubation and averaged about 12 minutes, the longest recor- ded being one of 21 minutes by a female. The adults were much shyer when attending nestlings than during incubation. All those data agree with the findings of Crowe (1955). With few exceptions food brought by the adults to the young was difficult to identify. Green caterpillars of varying sizes were a favoured item from the second day onwards an probably accounted for at least 50% of the nestlings’ diet. Other items, each of which were identified on two occasiO®S: were brown caterpillars and small moths. Once a female al: rived with a white butterfly Pieris, the wings of which dangl 1979 THE WHITETHROAT IN SUTHERLAND 303 down each side of her bill like a huge cravat around her neck. _ The adults rarely went beyond 50 m of the nest site to obtain _ food for the nestlings but on two occasions on the same day a male flew 300 m across a field to a large Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus to obtain food, and another male made several trips of well over 50 m into the middle of a barley field for _ green caterpillars. _ Two females gave distraction displays when flushed from their nests when each held nestlings. The first female after _ giving a churr note flitted onto an adjoining track where she - scuttled along for about 20 m with outspread wings. The other female on two occasions slipped off furtively through the ' surrounding foliage of the nest site and then fluttered down a sandy bank with partially spread wings. When approaching ' the fledging stage nestlings are very liable to explode out of the nest if one comes too close. Some nests became tilted at quite an angle so that there Was a danger of the nestlings falling out. At one nest where two of four nestlings had fledged the nest had tilted com- pletely over on its side leaving the two remaining young ones perched on the interior side of the nest and roofed over by the other side. Out of a total of 45 nestlings hatched from the known size of ten clutches, 35 fledged successfully, giving a fledging suc- cess of about 78%. In each of three nests where five young hatched, three, two and one nestling died respectively, the three and two during particularly cold spells early in the nestling period. The two nestlings left in the nest where three had died were very retarded in growth and did not begin to feather until their ninth day. The single chick that died was an early casualty in a nest where the remaining four myster- iously disappeared on the ninth day, leaving the nest quite intact with no sign of any dead nestlings beneath the site. This was the only nest out of 20 found prior to and during the Study period that failed to produce a fledgling. The earliest fledging date was 16th June and the latest lst August, the latter being a second brood. Fledging period Except in cases where a second clutch was laid, Crowe (1955) states that once a brood fledged adults and young left the territory area within a few days. Adults with their fledg- lings in the present study area behaved quite differently. Nearly all pairs along with their young could be located for Several days, and five broods remained within 150 m of the Nest site for periods from 11-17 days. Even a second brood of fledglings remained in their territory for 12 days. Apart 304 THE WHITETHROAT IN SUTHERLAND 108) from second broods the young appeared to be divided betwee the male and the female for feeding purposes. Green cate pillars continued to be a major part of their food supply while new items identified were crane-flies on three occasions and once a ripe Raspberry. By the 13th day of fledging the youn are able to forage for themselves but on several occasio they were fed until the 17th day. ; Fledglings make fairly rapid progress after leaving the ne and by the end of the first week they have become muc more mobile; their stumpy little tails begin to lengthen and few days later are well grown. They are enchanting little things to watch at this stage, as they are constantly on the move, exercising their limbs by extending a leg and wing backwards, lifting the wings high above the back or spreading them downwards and stretching up on their legs and archin _their backs. af Second broods and departure Four nests related to second broods. These were genuine second broods and not replacements of predated nests. It was only in the last three years that a strict watch was kept fol second broods as until then it was not realised that the species might be double brooded so far north. It would appear, how- ~ ever, even in this fringe area, that possibly up to 25% may be ~ double brooded. aa There was considerable variation in the period between | the fledging of the first brood and the laying of the first egg of a second clutch. The longest interval was about 19 days ~ and the shortest about four days. In 1978 the first brood nest- lings in territory B fledged on 16th June; on the following day the male was observed with nest material and by 25th June ~ the female was incubating a clutch of four eggs. ie The preliminary song and display functions to second nest- — ing operations were on a very low key compared to the early — days of arrival and pairing. Apart from a slight recurrence Of — song accompanied by an occasional aerial display dance, NO — dive-bomb swoops or sexual chases were observed. ‘i Watching second brood pairs at the nest was much more ~ difficult as the plumage difference between males and females — became much less distinct. The plumage of both adults by © this time becomes rather dishevelled as they are on the verge ~ of the moult and no longer can one see a male with prominent 7 grey cap and beautiful pinkish buff breast as in the days after ~ arrival. No data on the actual moult were obtained and, ge= erally, little is seen of the birds after mid August. The latest — cates of recording a Whitethroat in the area was 10th SeP- tember. ror 1979 THE WHITETHROAT IN SUTHERLAND 305 Acknow!edgments I am most sincerely indebted to R. W. Crowe for his kindness in giving me permission to peruse his unpublished notes on the Whitethroat. I also wish to thank J. Bell, Warden of Earl’s Cross Hostel, Dornoch, and his successor W. Skene for granting me access to the hostel grounds at all times. Summary The Whitethroat was studied at Dornoch, Sutherland, during 1972-4 and 1976-8. Details of population, habitat, territory, voice and breeding cycle are given. Breeding success was high, only one nest in twenty being a total failure, and some were double brooded. References CAMPBELL, B., & FERGUSON-LEES, J. 1972. A Field Guide to Birds’ Nests. Lon- don. CROWE, R. W., 1955. Parental care in the Whitethroat. British Birds 48: 254-260. Howarp, H. E. 1907-14. The British Warblers. London. ' .Ryves, B. H. 1948. Bird Life in Cornwall. London. WINSTANLEY, D., SPENCER, R., & WILLIAMSON, K. 1974. Where have all the Whitethroats gone? Bird Study 21: 1-14. WITHERBY, H. F. et al. 1938. The Handbook of British Birds vol. 2. London. Donald Macdonald, Elmbank, Dornoch, Sutherland, 1V25 3SN. 4 4 4 7 Y, We FEE Zz JW Fe eee oe LLB cE LagN 4 \ WHITETHROAT John Busby 306 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 1978 10(8) Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field - Station report for 1978' Prepared for the Observatory Committee by J. M. S. ARNOTT, Honorary Secretary The Observatory was manned from 28th March to 3rd Nov- ember with the exception of short periods in April, June and July for which records were kindly provided by other obser- vers on the island. During the year 157 species were observed, eleven more than in 1977, and including one bird new for the © Isle of May, a Marsh Harrier. Other rarities included Thrush Nightingale*, Yellow-browed Warbler, Red-breasted Fly- catcher, Coal Tit, Rustic Bunting*, and Yellow-breasted Bun- ting*. Unusually high numbers of Long-eared Owls, Short- eared Owls, Redwing and Willow Warblers were noted. Sev- eral heavy falls of migrants were reflected in the ringing total of 4,995 birds, 34% up on 1977, and which included 1,934 Puffins. Lapwings bred for the third successive year, and Moorhens for the second. Migration highlights The usual April migration in small numbers included a few uncommon birds including a Great Grey Shrike on Ist and a Stock Dove, the first since 1962 and one of 17 during the year, on 11th. The only real fall in April occurred at the end of the month when easterly winds on 29th brought amongst others 100 Fieldfares, the unusually large number of 50 Ring Ouzels, a Wryneck, 3 White Wagtails, a Yellow Wagtail, a Pied Fly-. catcher, 20 Wheatears, 100 Bramblings and the island’s first Marsh Harrier. These were followed on 30th by four more Wrynecks, 200 Robins, and the first House Martin and Lesser Whitethroat for the year. Wryneck numbers built up to ten on Ist May, the highest recorded spring figure, although eX- ceptionally there were none in the autumn. Five more Wrynecks arrived on 6th May, together with ten Whinchats, ten Redstarts, ten Ring Ouzels, the first Sedge Warbler and Whitethroat, and a Thrush Nightingale*. Eight Red-backed Shrikes were recorded between 19th May af 16th June, again more than usual though down on the spring total of 18. in 1977. Passage was light in the good visibility and generally easterly winds of the rest of May, and include Ee BN eR ae tReports since 1958 published annually in Scottish Birds. *indicates subject to acceptance. 4 : 1979 ISLE OF MAY REPORT 1978 307 three Bluethroats between 21st and 23rd, a Rustic Bunting* on 22nd, and an Icterine Warbler on 23rd. The August highlight occurred on 14th, a day of west to southwest winds force two to four, with good visibility, fol- lowing a day of light and variable wind on 13th with some light rain in the evening. A fall of over 1,000 Willow Warblers took place, the largest number ever recorded on the island, and 123 of which were ringed. They were followed, startlingly, on 15th by three Budgerigars. Most of September experienced steady westerly winds, but on 6th which had a force five southeasterly, following a force three easterly the previous day, 20 species arrived including a Bluethroat, an Icterine Warbler, 20 Willow Warblers, two Spotted Flycatchers, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, 25 Pied Fly- catchers and a Yellow-breasted Bunting*. Seawatching had to compensate during most of the rest of the month, and brought, amongst the Manx and Sooty Shearwaters, eleven Arctic Skuas on 21st, the highest recorded number, a Pomarine Skua on 23rd, a Black Tern on 26th, and a Glaucous Gull on 27th September. Following the Willow Warblers another daily record total Was broken in autumn on 11th October when light easterly winds had veered overnight from northeast, and about 8,000 Redwings were observed flying past in a southerly direction. Only about 200 landed on the island where they joined about 100 of the 2,000 Song Thrushes flying past and, among others, a Yellow-browed Warbler and a Red-breasted Flycatcher. There was another influx of Redwings, this time about 2,000, on 15th October in a light southeasterly wind and accompanied by about 800 Blackbirds and 600 Song Thrushes. There were also six Long-eared Owls and nine Short-eared Owls out of exceptionally high autumn totals of, respectively, eight and at least twenty. Passage dates of some migrants Sooty Shearwater 26 Aug-17 Oct, 60 on 26 Aug. Manx Shearwater 26 Aug-28 Oct, 61 on 20 Sep. Arctic Skua Singles 12 Jun, 17th and 26 Jul; 4 Aug on, 11 on 21 Sep. Great Skua Singles 24 May, 15th and 17 Jul; 3 Aug on. Wryneck 29 Apr-24 May, 10 on 1-2 May; none in autumn. Sand Martin None in spring; 28 Jul-19 Oct. Swallow 4 May-10 Jun, 24 Jul-18 Oct, 150 on 8 Sep. House Martin 30 Apr-26 Jun; 4 Aug-27 Sep, one 26 Oct. Tree Pipit 28 Apr-i7 May, 60 on 2 May; 1-28 Aug. Meadow Pipit To 26 May, 250 on 2 May; 14 Aug on, 200 on 4 Sep. Robin To 25 May, 200 on 29 Apr; 17 Aug on, 70 on 15 Oct. Redstart 24 Apr-27 May; 6 Sep-20 Oct. Whinchat 24 Apr-27 May; 6 Sep-11 Oct. Wheatear To 12 Jun, 50 on 30 Apr-6 May; 10 Jul-13 Oct. Blackbird To 6 Jun, 50 on 18 Apr; 1 Oct on, 800 on 15 Oct. 308 ISLE | OF sMAY REPORT 1978 10(8) Fieldfare To 25 May, 400 on 5 May; 11 Oct on, 700 on 26 Oct. Song Thrush To 25 May; 27 Sep on, 2,000 on 11 Oct. Redwing To 12 May; 28 Sep on, 8,000 on 11 Oct. Sedge Warbler 6 May-5 Jun, 27 Jul-7 Oct. Whitethroat 6 May-7 Jun, 15 on 21 May; 24 Aug-15 Sep. Garden Warbler 22 May-7 Jun; 14 Aug-15 Oct. Blackcap 2-22 May; 3 Oct-1 Nov, 30 on 16 Oct. Chiffchaff 1 Apr-27 May, 20 on 1 May; 1-15 Oct. Willow Warbler 29 Apr-8 Jun, 50 on 20 May; 3 Aug-1l Oct, 1000+ on 14 Aug. ait Spotted Flycatcher 10-26 May, 20 on 21 May; 4 Aug-11 Oct. Pied Flycatcher 29 Apr-31 May; 20 Aug-11 Oct, 35 on 7 Sep. Unusual occurrences Greylag Goose One 6 Jun—1st June record. Pintail One 29 Sep—8th record. Marsh Harrier One 29-30 Apr—lst record. Kestrel 16 during autumn—more than usual. Coot One 26 Jul—9th record and lst since 1958. Curlew Sandpiper One 20 Oct—6th record. Ruff Singles 26 Aug, 7 Sep—lst since 1971. Pomarine Skua One 23 Sep—13th record. Iceland Gull One 16 Oct—7th record. Glaucous Gull 4 between 27 Sep and 27 Oct. Stock Dove At least 17 between 11 Apr and 24 Sep—lst since 1962. Long-eared Owl 6 on 15 Oct—highest recorded number. Short-eared Owl 9 on 15 Oct—highest recorded number. Sand Martin One 19 Oct—latest date. Thrush Nightingale* One 6-8 May—3rd record. Bluethroat 3 during 21-23 May, one 6 Sep. Redwing 8,000 on 11 Oct—highest recorded number. Reed Warbler One 4 Jun—5th spring record. Icterine Warbler One 23 May, one 6-8 Sep. Yellow-browed Warbler At least 4 between 2nd and 16 Oct. Willow Warbler Over 1,000 on 14 Aug—highest recorded number. Red-breasted Flycatcher One 6 Sep, one 11 Oct. Coal Tit One 9-10 Oct—5th record, Ist since 1956. Red-backed Shrike 9 between 19 May and 16 Jun. Great Grey Shrike 3 between 2nd and 6 Apr—8-1l0th spring records. Rustic Bunting* One 22-24 May—9th record. Yellow-breasted Bunting* One 6 Sep-12th record. Red-headed Bunting One 4-13 Jun—probable escape. Rarities in 1977 The records marked with an asterisk in the 1977 report as subject to acceptance have all been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee. They were Short-toed Lark on 26 May, ‘Thrush Nightingale on 22 August, Greenish Warbler on 14-16 August, Richard's Pipit on 23 September, Yellow-breasted Bunting on 17 September, 2? Little Bunting on 17-18 September and on 9 October. Breeding population (all numbers refer to pairs) The Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls had about the same numbers as last year, about 2,500 and 250 respec tively, following another small-scale cull by Nature Conse! vancy staff. Fulmar numbers were much the same at 57 in 1977, 57 in 1976, 72 in 1975), as were the Shags at 807 (816 in 1977, 365 in 1976, 676 in 1975). For the second year running ‘qnjo ayy Jo Jaquieut ArvioUOCYy Ue AuUTWIODEq STU YeuUI 07 ‘UOASIOYJOIG WeITITM 4G Sparrq puL{LOOUT JO UOTJVIeS VW “LE-6G SALV Id ‘qg9U 0} POOF BuTAIIV QVYOUTUM ITV (4) ‘youey ye ysau UO MILIND (V) 6% ILVId PLATE 30 (a). Male Golden Plover on nest. (b). Lapwing at nest. William Brothe7sici v4 Aw AAS = PLATE 31 (a). Snipe on nest. William Brotherston Common Sandpiper with young. (b). 4uxes in. Smith habeas Donald A dnight. i cottage near m for worms g are now becoming regular. g ing on (a) Searchin Roost sprin ) b ( et tnd F 09) re2) | td (op) re > : Lon) 4 (>) oy Fo) a G Ww Pp 70 —_% £5617 £5224 Made up of: : Investments at cost as below sl te sy) ES £3011 — Edinburgh Building Society : Capital Accoun Wp 407 905 — General Account eh a me wo. OL 1028 | Due by Club’s general funds at 30/6/79... es 28 ~ 490 © 5787 5434 — Less Grants allocated but not yet paid ... re. 170 “210 a £5617 £5224 Investments as at 30 June 1979 ae Market At At @ value cost cost = £1220 91% Treasury Stock 1983 ‘ve ..« £1117 Zi — ae £1140 5% Exchequer Stock 1976/78 ee — — £1000 — £440 British Printing Corporation— Se 84% unsecured Loan Stock .opo wee 224i 441 — 500 St Andrew Trust Ordinary 25p ... wit 580 570 570 © 1952 M & G Equity Investment for Charities 3110 1000 1000 = aeonal -_—_ £5092 £3151 £3011 © EDINBURGH, 24th September 1979.—I have audited the foregoms — revenue accounts for the year to 3U June 1979, and the balance sheets — as at that date. I have accepted as correct subscriptions and other re ceipts shuwn as received in the books and the value placed on the — bookshop stock. Subject to this I certify that in my opinion the foregoing q accounts are correctly stated and sufficiently vouched. 2 (Signed) ROBERT CAVEN, | Chartered Accountant. COUNCIL AND OFFICIALS OF THE CLUB FOR SESSION 43 ae Hon. Presidents Sir Charles G. Connell, W.S., LL.D., F.R.S.E5 Sir Arthuf ff B. Duncan; W. J. Eggeling, C.B.E., B.Sc., F.R.S.E; George Watersto™ — ORB.” LD... BAR S-E: +4 President Miss Valerie M. Thom. Vice-President Dr Ivan T. Draper. Treasurer Maxwell K. Hamilton, C.A. Law Agent D. G. Andrew, W.S. 1979 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 325 Council A. Anderson, J. M. S. Arnott, Miss N. J. Gordon, Dr J. J. D. Greenwood, Mrs H. S. C. Halliday, R. H. Hogg, T. Irving, Dr D. R. Langslow, R. L. McMillan, Hon. D. N. Weir. Young Members J. M. Dickson, I. H. Leach. Branch Representatives to Council A. Anderson (Aberdeen); R. H. Hogg (Ayr); R. T. Smith (Dumfries); B. M. Lynch (Dundee); L. W. G. Alex- ander (Edinburgh); Dr D. N. Brooks (Glasgow); R. H. Dennis (Inver- ness): Mrs H. S. C. Halliday (New Galloway); J. S. Wiffen (St Andrews); R. J. Young (Stirling). STAFF Secretary, Treasurer and Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe. Editor and Bookshop Manager D. J. Bates. Membership Secretary Mrs R. D. Smillie. Librarian W. G. Harper. Bookshop and Clerical Mrs H. L. Harper, Mrs D. J. Ridley, Mrs M. Suess. BRANCH AND GROUP OFFICE BEARERS Aberdeen Chairman, B. Stewart; Vice-Chairman, S. M. D. Alexander: ey, A. Duncan; Committee, T. D. H. Merrie, G. Rebecca, L. Steele. Ayr Chairman, R. H. Hogg; Vice-Chairman, D. A. Smith; Secretary, J. Miller; Committee, J. Burton, B. C. Forrester, Dr R. Hissett, Mrs E. M. Hissett. Dumfries Chairman, J. Skilling; Vice-Chairman, R. T. Smith: Secretary, Dr N. E. Armstrong; Committee, J. W. Barclay, Dr E. C. Fellowes, W. Austin, Miss A. MacDonald. Dundee Chairman, B. M. Lynch; Vice-Chairman, P. A. Kemp; Secretary, Dr K. M. Watson; Committee, Mrs J. A. R. Grant, Miss H. Jandova, D. B. Thomson. Edinburgh Chairman, L. W. G. Alexander; Vice-Chairman, I. V. Balfour- Paul; Secretary, Mrs M. Adams; Committee, J. M. Dickson, Mrs E. Ferro, P. W. G. Marriott, J. B. Murray, S. R. D. da Prato. Glasgow Chairman, Dr D. N. Brooks; Vice-Chairman, H. Galbraith; Secre- tary, D. C. Shenton; Committee, J. Anderson, D. Carnduff, S. N. Denney, Dr J. T. Knowler. Inverness Chairman, R. H. Dennis; Vice-Chairman, R. L. Swann; Secre- tary, Mrs E. M. MacQuarrie; Committee, J. Carruthers, Mrs I. Grant, J. K. Lindsay, D. B. McGinn. New Galloway Chairman, Mrs H. S. C. Halliday; Vice-Chairman, A. D. Watson; Secretary, Dr G. A. Fleming; Committee, J. Aitken, Miss J. E. Howie, Lady Anne Sinclair, Rev. G. Yeo. St Andrews Chairman, J. S. Wiffen: Vice-Chairman and Secretary, Miss D. E. Rowling; Committee, Dr R. W. Byrne, T. W. Dougall, P. K. Kin- near, Lt. Cdr. E. F. B. Spragge Stirling Chairman, R. J. Young; Vice-Chairman, H. Robb; Secretary, A. B. Mitchell; Committee, C. E. Barth, R. L. Gooch, Miss E. M. Lapthorn, A. D. McNeill. Thurso Chairman, Mrs P. M. Collett; Secretary, S. Laybourne. Wigtown Chairman, Dr P. G. Hopkins; Secretary, G. Sheppard; Com- mittee, D. L. Irving, G. Shaw. COMMITTEES Management Miss V. M. Thom (Chairman), D. G. Andrew, J. M. S. Ar- nott, Dr I. T. Draper, Miss N. J. Gordon, M. K. Hamilton. 326 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 10(8) Library Dr George Waterston (Chairman), Ritchie Seath (Hon. Librarian), D. L. Clugston, Dr J. J. D. Greenwood, A. T. Macmillan, P. W. G. Marriott, Dr I. D. Pennie, Mrs Irene Waterston. : Editorial A. T. Macmillan (Chairman), J. M. S. Arnott, D. L. Clugston, R. H. Dennis, F. D. Hamilton, S. R D. da Prato, Miss V. M. Thom. Research Dr I. R. Taylor (Chairman), A. W. Colling, R. H. Dennis, Dr J. J. D. Greenwood, Dr D. R. Langslow. | CLUB REPRESENTATION British Section, International Council for:Bird Preservation: F. D. Ham- ilton, Dr D. R. Langslow. International Wildfowl Research Bureau, Duck Working Group: B. Pounder. HONORARY MEMBERS William Brotherston, Mrs Irene Waterston. NOTICES DUMFRIES WEEKEND The annual weekend excursion to the Solway goose grounds has been arranged with the County Hotel, Dumfries, from Friday, 22nd to Sun- day, 24th February 1980. Accommodation: inclusive terms £24 (including service charge and V.A.T.) as follows : bed on Friday 22nd; breakfast, packed lunch, dinner and bed on Saturday, 23rd; breakfast and packed lunch on Sunday 24th. Dinner on Friday night is £5.00 extra per person (including service charge and V.A.T.). A limited number of rooms with private bathrooms are | available for the additional charge of £3.00 per night. | Members may bring guests and should book direct with the Manager, | County Hotel, Dumfries (tel. 5401), notifying him that they are attending — the Club excursion. Members should also advise the Hotel in advance if they require Dinner on the Friday night. Those not staying at the County Hotel are invited to attend an informal meeting at the Hotel on Friday at 8.30 p.m., when details of the weekend excursions will be announced. An informal programme of slides will be shown on the Saturday evening. Members or guests who may have slides of interest are asked to bring them to the Hotel, and to contact the Club Secretary on the Friday evening to discuss their inclusion in the pro- gramme. A selection of books from the Bird Bookshop will be taken to the Hotel for sale during both evenings. It is advisable to bring warm clothing, gum boots if possible, and thermos flasks for the excursions. ARGYLL WEEKEND --The Stirling branch intend to repeat their Argyll weekend based at e country cottage near Ford in early March 1980. Accommodation 1s a ited. The charge will depend on the number attending. Anyone interestt? should contact the Stirling branch secretary, Sandy Mitchell, 10 Kenl worth Court, Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire FK9 4EJ. Tel. 078-683 2 (please send sae if writing). NORTHERN MEETING As announced in the autumn journal, an additional meeting of club will be held during the weekend 18-20 April 1980 at the Drumos the sie 1979 SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 327 Hotel, Inverness. The programme is enclosed with this journal. Please note that bookings can only be made on the form attached to the pro- gramme. In the interest of members living north of the Highland Boundary Fault. Council has decided that all other bookings will be placed on a _ Waiting list until 31 January 1980. On 1 February vacancies for the meet- ing will be allocated in strict order of receipt on the waiting list; such members will be advised of their booking as soon as possible after that date. The Manager of the Drumossie Hotel has been instructed not to accept any booking unless made through the Club Secretary. Branch News Mallorca A party of 21 members assembled at Glasgow airport on 14th April for a week’s birdwatching in Mallorca. After a short delay the plane departed at midnight during a severe thunderstorm, the party eventually arriving at the Hotel Capri, Porto Pollensa, at 6.30 a.m. An hour later saw the first bleary eyed birdwatchers taking a look at their mist shrouded surroundings. After breakfast the cars were duly delivered and the party dispersed in small groups to various parts of the island. The hotel provided a packed lunch (very nice if you like chicken and its origins!) which enabled everyone to spend the maximum time in the field, returning at 8.00 p.m. to a good four course dinner, after which everyone retired to the bar to discuss the day’s sightings. This set the pattern for the rest of the week. There developed some friendly rivalry between members as to the number of new ticks they had added to their life list. By the end of the Week some had seen over 40 new species. The total number of species seen by the group was 152, which included Black Vulture, Red and Black Kites, Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, Booted Eagle, Eleonora’s Falcon, a party of 21 White Storks, Black Stork, Great White and Little Egrets, Collared Pratincole, Black and Whiskered Terns, Collared Flycatcher, and on the last day a party of 30 Bee-eaters. All too soon the week passed. Although the weather was variable with some rain and cold winds everyone rated the holiday an unqualified suc- cess. Many thanks are due to Helen Halliday for organizing the trip and to the staff of the Hotel Capri for looking after us so well. Will this become another SOC annual event to rival the conference as a date to look forward to ? GEOFF SHEPPARD, LOGAN STEELE Current Notes These notes include unchecked reports and are not intended as a perman- ent record, nor will they be indezed. Please send reports via local recorders at the end of March, June, September and December. Seawatching at Handa in May showed that it too shares the passage of skuas discovered in recent years at Balranald. Storm Petrels have been discovered in the Forth—far beyond their known range—by attracting them into mistnets using song recordings. Easterly weather in mid August and early October drew falls of continental migrants to the east coast; as yet reports of the latter are incomplete. A Red-necked Grebe summered again in the central Lowlands. Black- necked Grebe 7 pairs reared 12 young. Cory’s Shearwater Troon (Ayr) 328 CURRENT NOTES 10(8) 29 Jun. Great Shearwater Fair Isle 22 Aug. Storm Petrel 22 trapped Isle of May and one at Fife Ness in Aug using taped song; hitherto thought to be rare so far down North Sea. Little Bittern Morton Lochs (Fife) and Tyninghame (E Loth) in May. Barnacle Goose 250 Gladhouse (Midl) 1 Oct; 50 St Abbs (Ber) 3 Oct. Garganey bred SW Scotland. Red- crested Pochard Kilconquhar (Fife) 12 Sep; St Abbs 1 Oct. Stellers Eider Orkney May. Marsh Harrier summered E Scotland; up to 2-3 Hule Moss (Ber) 6-16 Sep. Montagu’s Harrier Handa (Suth) 23 May—lIst in Scot- land since 1960s. Golden Eagle Strathbeg (Aber) Jun. Quail Fenton = Loth) 3 Jun. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Musselburgh (Midl) 3 Aug; Aberlady (E Loth) 48 Aug; Broad-billed Sandpiper Aberlady 8 Aug. Suspected Great Snipe St Abbs 3 Oct. Marsh Sandpiper Doonfoot (Ayr) 29 Jul—3rd Scottish record. Green Sandpiper 9 Fair Isle 18 Aug. Pomarine Skua 73 passed Handa 1-5 May; one Minch mid Jul; Fair Isle 30 Jul, 30 Aug. Arctic Skua exceptional flock of 60 passed Handa early May. Long- tailed Skua 27 Balranald (N Uist) May; one Handa May; Girdleness (Kinc) 3 Jul; Orkney in summer. Black Tern early one Eden estuary (Fife) 12 Jul. White-winged Black Tern Gladhouse (Midl) mid Aug. Turtle Dove 3 Fair Isle 31 Aug. Swift 4500 SW Fenton 28 Jul. Alpine Swift Tyninghame 1] Sep. Bee-eater Kirkwall (Ork) Jul. Wryneck St Abbs 2-4 Oct. Short-toed Lark Fair Isle 9 Aug-Sep. Red-throated Pipit possibles Barns Ness (E Loth) 30 Sep and St Abbs 2 Oct. Robin 80+ St Abbs 2 Oct. Song Thrush 250+ St Abbs 2 Oct. Redwing 400+ St Abbs 2 Oct. Aquatic Warbler 3 Fair Isle 18 Aug. Marsh Warbler 2 Isle of May in Jun; Fair Isle 7 Aug, 17 Aug. Reed Warbler Ythan estuary (Aber) mid Aug; Fair Isle 24 Aug. Icterine Warbler Girdleness 17-19 Aug; Fair Isle 18 Aug; St Abbs 3 Oct. Subalpine Warbler Whalsay (Shet) and Isle of May late May—spring total now 4. Barred Warbler 4 Fair Isle 18 Aug, 7 on 24 Aug; Ythan mid Aug; St Abbs 4 Oct. Garden Warbler 50 Fair Isle 18 Aug, 26 on 24 Aug. Greenish Warbler Fair Isle 19 Aug. Yellow-browed Warbler St Abbs from 30 Sep, 6 on 2 Oct. Willow Warbler large arrival E coast mid Aug. Red-breasted Flycatcher 2 St Abbs 3 Oct. Collared Flycatcher Bressay (Shet) 24 May. Red-backed Shrike Fair Isle 24 Aug; St Abbs 30 Sep. Magpie Handa 15 Apr—a great rarity this. Rose-coloured Starling Eyemouth (Ber) 20 Sep. Mealy Redpoll Carduelis f. flammea Handa Jun. Common Crossbill Fair Isle 19 Jul, 25-26 Jul. Scarlet Rosefinch Fair Isle 17-22 Aug, 26 Aug-Sep; St Abbs probable 2 Oct. Little Bunting two 4- Oct. Yellow-breasted Bunting Fife Ness 29 Aug. Black-headed Bunting Fair Isle 10 Aug. Snow Bunting Aberlady 15 Sep. D J. BATES WITHOUT COMMENT ‘Adult swans, like other waterfowl, moult all their feathers at once.- Hs Birds 7 (5) : 35 (spring 1979). Late news - 1979 RAFFLE All concerned are congratulated on selling over £650 of tickets; atte deducting the lst prize, printing and postage, there was a net profit 0 £558 which has been put towards Scottish Birds printing costs. Details of prize winners can be obtained from the Club Secretary by sending an sae. RSPB Seottish News Welcome SOC members already know that some people are not satisfied just to look at birds, but want to kill them or steal their eggs and young. In the past catching these people has proved very difficult. Recently, Peter Ellis has been ap- pointed Investigations Officer for Scotland. He will be based in Edin- burgh and will greatly increase our ability to help the Police in enforcing the bird protection laws in Scotland. We hope members will contact him at the address below should they dis- cover any serious violations of the bird protection laws. So how did the Ospreys do ? Well this year was a good year for the Scottish ospreys. Twenty pairs reared a total of 32 young, despite the bad weather. At Loch ee the same pair as last year returned and three young were edged. The Expanding Y.O.C. ! Perhaps some of you do not know that the R.S.P.B. have a Young Ornithologists Club for young people under the age of 15. The club has its own colour magazine six times a year, it runs courses and Outings, and now has a membership of nearly 100,000 members. If you know an interested young person give him or her the chance to pos involved too. Details can be received from the address given elow. Enquiries and donations to The Royal Society for The Protection of Birds RSP B 17 Regent Terrace Edinburgh EH7 5BN 031-556 5624/9042 = ANS STNG SNOT ear eae ceetierengnsent ee EE teen a paeet an i aaa FAIR ISLE Follow the birds to the Shetland Isles Take a break and stay at the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Hostel Open March to October - Attractive rates and good accommodation Excellent birdwatching at all seasons -* An island holiday for all the family - birdwatching, walking, photographing, swimming, seafishing or just relaxing Fair Isle is the smallest inhabited island in the United Kingdom with a thriving crofting community to make you welcome. Why not book your holiday now for 1980 ? Write or telephone for brochure to FIBO(1), 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (031 556 6042). Please send sae if writing. just think about it HEBRIDEAN HOLIDAYS LIMITED 1980 PROGRAMME of cruises & safaris to St Kilda Mingulay Barra Eriskay Rhum Jura & join our ornithologist or naturalist parties full details from Hebridean Holidays 2 Upper Dean Terrace Edinburgh EH4 1979/80 SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS by PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS Directors : Raymond Hodgkins, Ma (Oxon) MBOU Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI and Neville Wykes, FAAI ACEA By Scheduled Air and Inclusive. With Guest Lecturers and a Tour Manager. \ *Provisional INDIA & NEPAL Feb 9-26 Birds Wildlife £1,008 Eric Hosking OBE: Dr Jim Flegg: Possibly the strongest photo- graphic and ornithological combination ever to be on tour together. VENEZUELA Feb 19-Mar 6 Birds Wildlife £1,100* | A repeat of our 1979 Tour (lst ex-UK) when over 260 birds (mostly new to UK watchers) were listed. Another strong and experienced combined leadership. John Gooders B.Sc., and Raymond Hodgkins. SPRING IN CRETE Mar 13-20 Dr Su Eden £220 7 At the de luxe Minos Beach Hotel, Agios Nikolaos. oi SPRING IN ARGOLIS Mar 18-27 Dr William Taylor £245 jj At the friendly Minoa Hotel, Tolon (Mycenae, Epidaurus, Mystra). z | SPRING IN CORFU Apr 7-14: 14-21: 21-28: 28-5 May £198 7@ Allen Paterson NDH: Derek Lucas MBOU: Dr Humphrey Bowen: Raymond Hodgkins MBOU. BIRDS & FLOWERS OF CRETE Mar 27-Apr 10 Three-centre £405 “Mont” Hirons and Dr Brinsley Burbidge. BIRDS & FLOWERS OF PELOPONNESE Apr 7-21 Sites Flowers £415* Dr John Pinsent and Hugh Synge B.Sc. SUPER BIRDING IN SPAIN 8 days deps. Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12 £445 Everything included (even Scotch!) with your host-guide driving you by Range Rover to Bustards, 5 Eagles, Eagle Owl, Sand Grouse etc. CRETAN MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE May 24-Jun 7. Birds Flowers £470 Mule trekking over the Lassithi and White Mountains: Samaria . Gorge: with John Gooders, Ray Hodgkins and Allen Paterson. NORTHERN GREECE Jun 8-23 Flowers £420° A superb mountain experience visiting many notable sites, towns | areas: Aoos Gorge, Monodendri, Joannina, Dodona, Meteora, Pelion. Allen Paterson NDH and Patricia Hodgkins MTAI. AUTUMN IN CRETE, ARGOLIS, CORFU Birds, Flowers, Sites from £190* These 8-day tours with experts in October, early November always fill early. Please register as soon as possible. Registration: Costs nothing, does not commit you in any way but gives you first sight of the brochure on publication. PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS at TOWN AND GOWN TRAVEL. 40/41 SOUTH PARADE, ' SUMMERTOWN, OXFORD, re OX2 7uP. : Ae Phone Oxford (0865) 511341-23 9% Aw Fully Bonded Atol No. 2758 AGENTS SCOTTISH FIELD STUDIES ASSOCIATION LTD. KINDROGAN FIELD CENTRE Birdwatching Courses 1989 Kindrogan provides accommodation, lecture rooms, laboratories and a library for visitors. Situated in the Southern Grampian Highlands, it affords excellent opportunities for all aspects of field studies. HIGHLAND BIRDS—weekend course HIGHLAND BIRDS—for all birdwatchers. Harry Green May 9-11 May 21-28 SCOTTISH BIRDS—birds and natural history. Ron Youngman SUMMER BIRDS—hills and lowlands. R. M. Ramage HIGHLAND BIRDS—hills and glens. lan Suttie HIGHLAND BIRDS—hills and glens. Ted Green June 11-18 July 2-9 July 16-23 July 23-30 BIRDS OF HILL AND GLEN—YOC course. lan Walker BIRDS OF HILL AND GLEN—second YOC course AUTUMN BIRDS—winter visitors July 30-Aug 6 Aug 6-13 Oct 22-29 All applications and requests for information on these and other courses Should be addressed to The Warden, Kindrogan Field Centre, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 7PG. Tel. Strathardle (025 081) 286. ISLE OF MULL STAFFA COTTAGES GUEST HOUSE TOBERMORY |Get away from it all... beautiful scenery, good bird- Ing and comfortable accom- Modation at Staffa Cottages. Quiet situation looking across the Sound of Mull to Morvern. SAE for colour brochure, Proprietors : Richard & Elizabeth Coomber | Tobermory (0688) 2464 SOOO OSC OS TT OSS TCS SCS S ON BINOCULAR REPAIRS ARE you a cross-eyed birdwatch- paer': even: | with \careiul) use; binoculars can become mis-aligned Over a period. We offer a special service of cleaning and re-align- ment at the prices listed below for any make or size of hand-held bi- nocular. SOC members £6.90 plus £1.50 p. & p. (inc VAT). Non- members £13.00 including return postage. A full repair service is also available. Send to: Service Dept. CHARLES FRANK Ltd. P20; Box: 5 SAXMUNDHAM, Suffolk IP17 2NL QAAQAAAYA IRA AI AAP ANARAANOD ISLE OF JURA 9 Self catering, comfortable, modern, semi-detached cottage beside sea. Well equipped. Sleeps two only. Send s.a.e. for details to Mrs PATON Craighouse Isle of Jura, Argyll Tel. JURA 242 Bannerman and Lodge BIRDS of THE BRITISH iSLES 1953 - 63 As a collector of Fine Bird Books, I am anxious to buy Volumes 1, 2 and 5 of this work, or any part-set con- taining these volumes, or a complete set of twelve vol- umes. Please get in touch with: LLOYD WILLIAMS 73 London Road, Raunds, Wellingborough, Northants Telephone WELLINGBOROUGH 623608 CENTRALLY HEATED FULLY MODERNISED SELF CATERING HOLIDAY COTTAGES to let in GALLOWAY Caldow Lodge, Corsock, Castle-Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, DG7 3EB. Tel. Corsock 286. Amidst Moor, Marsh, Forest and Lochs, glorious country- . side. Birdwatchers’ paradise. — Off Season Lets. Please send for brochure, stamp ~ appreciated. This space oniy cssts £5 to fill For advertising rates apply to: Business Editor 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5 BT at Executive Travel BIRD-WATCHING HOLIDAYS 1980 Avoid the crowds on your next birding holiday and enjoy our small-group tours (16 people maximum). We include a levy for wildlife conservation in our tour prices, so your holiday will benefit the birds too! During 1980 we shall be operating the first ever birding tours to: SIBERIA & MONGOLIA Other special tours include birding safaris to KENYA with Don Turner (Africa’s most experienced bird tour leader), the first ever birding tour to THE YEMEN, a birdtrek through the HIMALAYAS and a camping safari through remote NORTHERN KENYA. Our programme also includes: THE SEYCHELLES & SRI LANKA, INDIA & NEPAL, THE GAMBIA, TEXAS, CANADA, ISRAEL, MOROCCO, TURKEY, GREECE, LAPLAND, THE CAMARGUE & PYRENEES, ANDALUCIA and MAJORCA. For 1980 brochure write to: Sunbird Holidays, Executive Travel (Holidays) Ltd. 141 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9BJ. Tel. 01-730 6609 LALA. ABTA. 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WALTER THOMSON POINTER. LIBRARY YON-GAME BIRD stutter ISSN 0036-9144 SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Vol. 10 INDEX 1978-1979 SCOTTISH BIRDS — BINDING the same rates as Volume 10. Please be sure to conte binding form on the back cover (with details of your name.a address, remittance, and style of binding requires) before sending the parts to: P. G. CHAPMAN & CO LTD Kent House Lane BECKENHAM, KENT BR3 1LD Volumes sent immediately will be returned within aD three months, but this time cannot be guaranteed for volur 1. not sent promptly, as costs can only be kept down by bindi a substantial number of volumes at the same time. Note the nature and thickness of the quarterly sections tend to duce steps in the fore-edge of the bound volume, but the extra A producing the journal in smaller gatherings, mainly for the those who want to bind their copies, would not be justified. SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Edited by D. J. BATES Volume 10 1978 - 1979 and SCOTTISH BIRD REPORT 1978 Edited by ROY H. DENNIS ¥ z oo VALOR ete i. e wittt tt iy er y Lire its | une CR PIE LE: oad U ~y ? INDEX 329 INDEX TO VOLUME 10 The index is in six parts as follows: Contents, Plates, Contributors, Subjects, English names of birds, Scientific names of birds. The Scottish Bird Report 1978 is paged separately and not indexed. “@ vol. 10 Contents A moonwatch study of nocturnal migration over central Scotland (C. J. Henty) 2-10. Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station report for 1977 (J. M. S. Arnott) 11-17, plate 1. Birdwatching on Loch Lomondside (John Mitchell) 17-21, plate 2. Some breeding birds of Unst (Graham Bundy) 38-50, plates 5-6. Gulls and terns nesting inland in northeast Scotland (W. R. P. Bourne, A. J. M. Smith, Andrew Dowse) 50-53. Scottish Bird Reports 1976-1977 (Roy H. Dennis, R. H. Hogg. Alan Brown, R. W. Forrester & D. J. Bates) 73-153, plates 9-16 (1976 Species List 79-116, plates 9-13(a); 1977 Species List 116-153, plates 13(b)-16). Rolopiation of Scotland by northern birds, 1820-1977 (R. D. Murray) 158-174. Birdwatching on the Isle of Mull (R. F. Coomber) 174-9, plates 17-19. The Kestrel in Ayrshire 1970-78 (Gordon S. Riddle) 201-216, plates 21-24. Spine passage of skuas at Balranald, North Uist (D. L. Davenport) 216- Toye breeding biology of Swallows in Banffshire (D. B. McGinn) Birdwatching at Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve (R. G. Nisbet) 229-233. pe a ornne seairds of east Caithness in 1977 (G. P. Mudge) 247- A study of Ravens in Orkney (C. J. Booth) 261-7. Breeding of Blue Tits in relation to food supply (Jeremy J. D. Greenwood & Stephen F. Hubbard) 268-271. Birds and North Sea oil production platforms (T. D. H. Merrie) 271-5, plate 25. The effects of Great Skua predation on the breeding biology of the Kitti- wake on Foula, Shetland (Bridget Furness) 289-296. Notes on the Whitethroat in Sutherland (Donald Macdonald) 296-305. Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station report for 1978 (J. M. S. Arnott) 306-311. Birdwatching at the Loch of Strathbeg (J. Dunbar) 311-314. BRANCH, GROUP AND _ CON- FERENCE NEWS, Argyll week- end, 244; Edinburgh, 71; Inver- ness, 34-35; Mallorca, 327; SOC Conference at North Berwick (January 1978), 35; — October 1978, 196-7; Scottish Ringers’ Conference (November 1977), 34; — Aberdeen, November 1978, 197; Stirling, 71; World Pheasant Association, woodland grouse symposium and workshop, Dec- ember 1978, 198. CORRECTIONS, Recent distribu- tion, ecology and breeding of Snow Buntings in Scotland, 36; 330 INDEX Vol. 10: Review of ‘The Naturalist in Britain’, 156. CURRENT NOTES, 35-36, 71-72, 198-200, 244, 287-8, 327-8. EDITORIAL, Scottish Bird Reports again, 1; Index, 1; ‘British Birds’, 1; New Fair Isle warden, 37; ‘Irish Birds’, 37; (Scottish Bird Reports) 73; Poisons in the countryside, 157-8; In the mire or down the drain? 245-6. LETTERS, see under Contributors, SECS and English names of irds. NOTICES, 1978 Great Crested Grebe survey, 31; 1978 Corncrake Inquiry, 32; Richard Richardson Appeal, 32; Colour ringing Arc- tic Skua chicks, 32; Island birds, 32; American connection, 67; Swedish connection, 67; Dead birds, 67; Goosander moulting grounds, 154; Hebridean Mute Swans, 154; Whooper Swan, 154; Whooper Swans, 154; Purple Sandpipers, 154; Gulls, 154; Where do Blackcaps go in win- ter? 154; Raptor and owl re- search register, 186; Diver nest rafts, 242; Moorhen eggs, 242; Crested Tit survey, 242; Influx of Red-necked Grebes and asso- ciated species, 242-3; Colour ringed warblers, 284; Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust: John Harrison Memorial Fund, 284; ‘British Birds’ subscriptions, 317; Wing tagged Rooks, 318; Colour marked Greenland White-fron- ted Geese, 318; Lead poisoning in waterfowl, 318. OBITUARY, David Armitage Ban- nerman, 277-9; Hugh Francis Douglas Elder, 59-60; Richard Alan Richardson, 25-26. REVIEWS Allen - The Naturalist in Britain: a Social History, 61; correction, 156. Anderson - Animals in Danger, 29 Brown - Eagles of the World, 182-3. Burton - How Birds Live, 63. Cameron & Perrins - Bird Life: an Introduction to the World of Birds, 63. Campbell - Birds of Coast and _ Sea: Britain and Northern Eur- ope, 240. Cramp - Bird Conservation in Europe, 61-62. Cramp & Simmons; Handbook of the Birds of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa: the Birds of the Western Palearctic, pone 1: Ostrich to Ducks, 26- Guphton - The Birds of Angus, Current literature, 29-30, 64-66, 184, 241-2, 281, 316. Dobinson - Bird Count: a prac- tical guide to bird surveys, 64. Everett - The Golden Eagle, 239- 240. Gibson-Hill, Campbell, Campbell & Prytherch - A Guide to the | Birds of the Coast, 28-29. Kanelle & Bauer - Ta Onomata Ton Poylion Tes Ellados: Die Volksnamen der Vogel Griechen- lands, 61. : Montier - Atlas of Breeding Birds of the London Area, 240- 241. Nelson - The Sulidae: Gannets and Boobies, 279-281. Ogilvie - The Winter Birds, 60- 61. Prater, Marchant & Vuorinen - Guide to the Identification and Ageing of Holarctic Waders, 183-4. Rignall - Concern for the Coun- tryside, 29 Rutgers - Encyclopaedia of Avi- culture, vol 3, 241. Sharrock - The Birdwatcher’s Second Quiz and Puzzle Book, 28. Skutch - Parent Birds and their Young, 63-64. . Soper - Everyday Birds, 240. Tate - East Anglia and its Birds, 62. Watson - The Hen Harrier, 62- SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB, 32-34, 67-71, 155-6, 187- 196, 243-4, 284-7, 318-327, 328. SHORT NOTES, see under Con- tributors. Subjects, and English names of birds. | Vol. 10 INDEX 331 Plates Between Plates | pages i Greenish Warbler and Red-backed Shrike, Isle of May (Keith Brockie) 2 Sallochy and Endrick Bank, Loch Lomondside (John Mitchell) 3 Grey Phalarope, Berwickshire (R. H. Hogg); nestbox filled with hollyhock seeds by Starlings (Hamish M. Brown); Red-flanked .Bluetail (Isle of May) (I. V. Balfour-Paul) 4 Leucistic Swallows (J. F. Young) ... a Bits 18-19 5 Blue and white Fulmars, Unst (Graham Bundy) e Great Skuas and dead Oystercatcher, Unst (Graham Bundy) 7-8 Short-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Popping (Don- ald A. Smith) ee s 54-55 9-16 Scottish Bird Reports 1976- 1977; Saker Falcon (R. i Tul- loch); Stilt Sandpiper (D. Coutts); Temminck’s Stints (D. S. McFarlane); Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler, Boot- ed Warbler (R. A. Broad); Pallas’s (Leaf) Warbler (D. Coutts); Pied Wheatear (A. G. Knox); Pechora Pipit (R. A. Broad); Rose-coloured Starlings (A. G. Knox, R. J. Tulloch); White-billed Diver (R. J. Tulloch); Pied- billed Grebe (A. G. Knox); Ring-necked Duck (A. Brown); Pectoral Sandpipers (D. A. Smith); Little Bun- ting, White-crowned Sparrow (R. A. Broad) ... . 114-115 17-19 Birdwatching on Mull: Manx Shearwater (D. A. Smith); Manx and Sooty Shearwater; Great Shearwater; Loch na Keal; Fidden (R. F. Coomber) 2). Dipper (R. T. Smith) ; od. 178-9 21-24 The Kestrel in Ayrshire (D. ie Smith, G. Ss. Riddle) as 222-3 2 North Sea oil production platform (British Petroleum); Stan Howe, Bill Bourne and Jack Hobbs (T. D. H. Merrie) 2 Pair of Hawfinches, Midlothian (E. S. & S. R. D. da Prato) 27 Green Sandpiper, Ayrshire (R. H. Rogg); Subalpine War- bler, St Kilda (S. Smith) 2 Dr D. A. Bannerman (J. MacGeoch) is : 266-7 29-31 Curlew; Whinchat; Golden Plover; Lapwing: Snipe: Com- mon ‘Sandpiper (William Brotherston) 8% White Stork, Ayrshire (Donald A. Smith) Le £.. 3 808-9 Contributors ADAMS (M.) Edinburgh branch AUSTIN (William) review of ‘ast news, 71. Anglia and its Birds’, 62. AITKEN (Anne S.) note on Carrion BALFOUR-PAUL (I. V.)__photo- Crow taking Blue Tit, 182. graph of Red-flanked Bluetail, ARNOTT (J. M. S.) Isle of May plate 3. Bird Observatory and Field BALLANTYNE (J. H.) review of Station report for 1977, 11-17; ‘How Birds Live’ and ‘Bird Life: — 1978, 306-311. an Introduction to the World of 332 Birds’, 63. BARKER (Andrew W.) note on Kittiwake with red legs, 180. BATES (D. J.) review of ‘Hand- book of the Birds of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa: the Birds of the Western Pale- arctic, Volume 1: Ostrich to Ducks’, 26-28; Scottish ringers’ conference news, 34, 197; SOC conference news, 35, 196-7; Cur- rent Notes, 35-36, 71-72, 198- 200, 244, 287-8, 327-8; note on Carrion Crow opening milk bottles, 276-7; note on gymnas- tic Carrion Crow, 315-6; see also under Dennis (Roy H.). BERNARD (R.) note on Great Skuas killing young Shelducks, 238-9. BODDINGTON (David) letter on predation of seabirds by seals, 66. BOOTH (C. J.) A study of Ravens in Orkney, 261-7. BOURNE (W. R. P.) letters on colonization of Scotland by nor- thern birds, 282-3, 317. —, SMITH (A. J. M.) & DOWSE (Andrew) Gulls and terns nest- ing inland in northeast Scotland, 50-53. BRACKENRIDGE (W. R.) draw- ings of Wryneck, 169, Great and Manx Shearwaters, 179, Kestrel, ZS: BRITISH PETROLEUM, photo- graph of North Sea oil produc- tion platform, plate 25. BROAD (R. A.) obituary of Rich- ard Alan’ Richardson, 25-26; notes on Rufous Turtle Dove at Fair Isle, 55-56, on Dusky War- bler at Fair Isle, 56-57, on Balti- more Oriole at Fair Isle, 58-59; photographs of Pallas’s Grass- hopper Warbler and _ Booted Warbler, plate 11, Pechora Pipit, plate 12, Little Bunting and White-crowned Sparrow, plate 16. BROCK (Gilbert J.) note on Goos- ander attacking Osprey, 53. BROCKIE (Keith) photographs of Greenish Warbler and Red-back- ed Shrike, plate 1; drawings of Tufted Duck, 84, Swift, 140, Eider 233, Shag, 253, Kittiwake chick, 293, Pied Flycatcher, 310. BROTHERSTON (William) photo- INDEX graphs of Curlew and Whinchat, = plate 29, Golden Plover and ~ Lapwing, plate 30, Snipe and Common Sandpiper, plate 31. ~ BROWN (Alan) note on reaction of Grey Phalarope to Sparrow- hawk, 22; photograph of Ring- necked Duck, plate 14; see also under Dennis (Roy H.). é BROWN (Hamish M.) note on Star- lings filling nestbox with holly- oak seeds, 25, plate 3. BUNDY (Graham) note on Ruddy Duck in Shetland, 21-22; Some breeding birds of Unst, 38-50; photographs of blue and white Fulmars, plate 5, of Great Skuas and dead Oystercatcher, plate 6. BUSBY (John) drawings of Com- mon Crossbill, 21, Red-throated Diver, 79, Green Sandpiper, 94, Arctic Terns, 100, Woodpigeon, 101, Chough, 104, Whitethroat, 110, 305, Eider, 123, Kittiwake, 138, Black Redstart, 144, Red- necked Grebe, 160. . CADBURY (C. J.) note on possible oa of Ruff in the Hebrides, CARDNO (Robert) note on Black- winged Pratincole in Aberdeen- shire, 314-5. CHRISTISON (Philip) obituary of David Armitage Bannerman, 277-9. CONNELL (Charles G.) review of ‘The Naturalist in Britain: a Social History’, 61. ' COOMBER (R. F.) Birdwatching on the Isle of Mull, 1749, photo- graphs of Manx, Sooty and Great Shearwaters, plate 18, Loch na Keal and Fidden, Mull, plate 19. : COUTTS (D.) photographs of Stilt Sandpiper, plate 9, Pallas’s War-. bler, plate 11. DA PRATO (E. S.) note on seals and water birds, 233-4. — & DA PRATO (S. R. D.) letter On wader counting on the roc shores of East Lothian, 184-6; photographs of Hawfinches, plate 26. —, —, & DICKSON (J. M.) note on waders feeding on grain in cold weather, 236-7. § DAVENPORT (D. L.) Spring pas- sage of skuas at Balranald, North Uist, 216-221. Vol. 10 © F ss, ort 39 oes: ” colonization HOBBY, colonization trend, 159, 161; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 90, 127-8. HOOPOE, Isle of May, 11, 13-14; Aberlady, 232; SBR, 102, 141. JACKDAW, Mull, 176; SBR, 104, 142. JAY, SBR, 104, 142. JUNCO, SLATE-COLOURED (=Dark-eyed), SBR, 153. KESTREL, Loch Lomondside, 19; Unst, 49; Ayrshire, 201-216, plates 21-24; Isle of May, 308-9; rolling over in flight, 314; SBR, 90, 128. —, AMERICAN, SBR, 90. “# Vol. 10 KINGFISHER, SBR, 102, 140. KITE, BLACK, SBR, 89. —, RED, Aberlady, nae. KITTIWAKE, Isle of May, 15-16, 309; Unst, 49; Mull, 175, 178: with red legs, 180, 276: east Caithness, 247-9, 251, 255-6, 258- 260; predation by Great Skua, 289-296; SBR, 99, 138. - KNOT, Loch Lomondside, 18; Mull, 175; east Lothian, 185; Aberlady, 231-2: feeding on grain, DODO be SBR, 796, 133. LAPWING, migration in central Scotland, 9; Isle of May, 11, 14, 306, 309; Unst, 40, 49; albino, 129; Mull, 175-6; Aberladyl, 229; oil plate 30; SBR, 92, 129- 130. LARK, BIMACULATED, SBR, 103. —, SHORE, Isle of May, 13; colo- nization trend, 159, 161, 168, 173; SBR, 103, 141. —, SHORT-TOED, Isle of May, 11- 12, 14, 308; SBR, 103, 141. —, Sky, see Skylark. LINNET, leucistic, 150; apparently stalked by Merlin, 275; SBR, 114, 150. MAGPIE, SBR, 104, 142. MALLARD, Loch Lomondside, 18; Unst, 49: Mull, 177; feeding on grain, 235; SBR, 82. 120. Mandarin, see Duck, Mandarin. MARTIN, HOUSE, Isle of May, 11, 13, 306-7; Unst, 50; SBR, 103, 141. —, SAND, Isle of May, 11, 13-14, 307-8; SBR, 103, 141. MERGANSER, RED-BREASTED, Isle of May, 14; Unst, 49; colo- nization trend, 161, 172; Mull, 176-7; SBR, 86, 123. MERLIN, Isle of May, 12; Unst, 49; Mull, 176; and nesting Kestrels, 205; Aberlady, 232; apparently stalking prey, 275; SBR, 90, 128. MOORHEN, Unst, 49; ’Aberlady, 229; Isle of May, 306, 309; SBR, 91, 129. NIGHTINGALE, SBR, 108, 144. —, THRUSH, Isle of May, 11-12, 14, 306, 308- 9; colonization trend, 168, 173; SBR, 108, 144. NIGHTJAR, SBR, 102. 140. NUTHATCH, colonization 159, 170; SBR, 105, 142. ORIOLE, BALTIMORE (=North- ern), Fair Isle, 58-59. —, GOLDEN, colonization trend, 159, 161, 174; Aberlady, 232; trend, INDEX 339 SBR, 104, 142. . Ortolan, see Bunting, Ortolan. OSPREY, Isle of May, 11, 14; Loch Lomondside, 20; attacked by Goosander, 5B colonization ae 159, 172, 282; SBR, 89-90, OUZEL, RING, Isle of May, 12, 306, 309; SBR, 106-7, 143. OWL, BARN, Isle of May, 14; in barn, plate 8; on dead Hedge- hog... 56: and nesting Kestrels, 205: SBR, 101, 140. —, HAWK, colonization trend, —, LITTLE, colonization 158-9; SBR, 102. —, LONG-EARED, and nesting Kestrels, 205; at North Sea oil platforms, 274; Isle of May, 306- 8; SBR, 102, 140. —, SHORT-EARED, Loch Lomond- side, 19; at nest, plate 7; Mull, 177; Aberlady, 231; at North Sea oil platforms, 274; Isle of May, 306-9; SBR, 102, 140. —, SNOWY, colonization trend, 159, 161, 174, 282; SBR, 101, 140. —, TAWNY, returning to nest, plate 7; and nesting Kestrels, 205; SBR, 102, 140. OYSTERCATCHER, Isle of May, 15, 309; Unst, 40, 49; eaten by Great Skua, plate 6; albino, 129; Mull, 175, “177; . East ~ Lothian, 185-6; Aberlady, 232; SBR, 91- 92129: PARTRIDGE, SBR, 91, 129. —, RED-LEGGED, hybrids, 90-91; SBR, 90-91, 128. —, ROCK, probable hybrids, 90- 91; SBR, 128, probable hybrids, 90-91. PEREGRINE, Unst, 49; objecting to photographer, plate 8; Mull, 174, 176; and nesting Kestrels, 205, plate 24; Aberlady, 232; ap- parently killed by Golden Eagle, 234; SBR, 90, 128. trend, PETREL, LEACH’S, Mull, 178; SBR SE LS. —, STORM, Mull, 178; SBR, 81, BES, PHALAROPE, GREY, Hule Moss, plate 3; reaction to Sparrow- hawk, 22; SBR, 97. 135. —, RED-NECKED, Unst, 49; SBR, 97, 135. PHEASANT, SBR, 91, 129. —, GOLDEN, SBR, 91, 129. 340 —, LADY AMHERST’S, SBR, 129. —, REEVES’S, SBR, 91. ~ —, SILVER, SBR, 129. Pigeon, Wood, see Woodpigeon. PINTAIL, colonization trend, 161, a Isle of May, 308; SBR, 83, PIPIT MEADOW, Isle of May, 11- 12, 14, 16, 307; Unst, 50; Aber- lady, 230; SBR, 112, 148. —, OLIVE-BACKED, colonization trend, 168; SBR, 112. RED-THROATED, colonization iene, 167.170. 173: usb. 2Pl2, Te ciigpcaade SBR, 112, plate 12, —, RICHARD’S, Isle of May, 11, 13-14, 308; colonization trend, 168; SBR, 112, 148. —, ROCK, Isle of May, 15, 309; Dnst.. 50s Mull, 77: sbi Lie, 148. —, SCANDINAVIAN ROCK, SBR, 112, 148. —, TAWNY, SBR, 112, 148. TREE, Loch Lomondside, 19; Mull, 178; Aberlady, 230; Isle of May, 307; SBR,,.L1Z, 148. —, WATER, SBR, 112, 148. PLOVER, AMERICAN LESSER GOLDEN, SBR, 93, 130. —, ASIATIC LESSER GOLDEN, SBR, 93, 130. —, GOLDEN, Unst, 41-42, 49; Mull, 175-6; Aberlady, 230, 232; on nest, plate 30; SBR, 92-93, 130. —, GREY, colonization trend, 159; Mull, 175; Aberlady, 232; SBR, 92, 130. —, LESSER GOLDEN, SBR, 93, 130. LITTLE RINGED, colonization trend, 158-9; SBR, 92, 130. —, MONGOLIAN, colonization trend, 167. —, NORTHERN GOLDEN, SBR, 130. —, RINGED, Isle of May, 11, 15; Unst, 40-42, 49; Mull, 175, 177; East Lothian, 185; Aberlady, 230, 232; SBR, 92, 130. POCHARD, colonization _ trend, 161-2, 170, 172; Mull, 177; SBR, 84, 121-2. —, RED-CRESTED, SBR, 83-84. PRATINCOLE sp., SBR, 153. —, BLACK-WINGED, Aberdeen- shire, 314-5; SBR, 97. PTARMIGAN, Loch Lomondside, INDEX 17; Mull, 176; SBR, 90, 128. PUFFIN, Isle of May, 11, 306, 309-310; Unst, 49; albino, 139; Mull, 178; east Caithness, oop 251, 258-260; SBR, 101, QUAIL, Isle of May, 12, 14; Unst, 49; SBR, 91, 129. RAIL, WATER, Isle of May, 14; SBR, 91, 129. RAVEN, effects of poisoning, 31; Unst, 50; and nesting Kestrels, oe Orkney, 261-7; SBR, 104, RAZORBILL, Unst, 49; Mull, 176; east Caithness, 248-9, 251, 256, 258-260; Isle of May, 309; SBR, 100, 139. REDPOLL, SBR, 114, 151. —, ARCTIC, SBR, 151. <7 —, GREENLAND, SBR, 114, 151. ~— —, MEALY, SBR, 114, 151. REDSHANK, Unst, 44, 49; Mull, 175; swimming for food, 179- 180; East Lothian, 185-6; Aber- lady, 229, 231-2; feeding on grain, 235, 237; SBR, 95, 132. —, SPOTTED, colonization trend, 170, 173; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 95, 133. REDSTART, Isle of May, 12-13, 306-7, 309; Mull, 177-8; SBR, 107, 144. _ BLACK, colonization trend, 159, 161, 173; Aberlady, 231; Isle of May, 309; SBR, 107-8, 144. —, EHRENBERG’S, SBR, 107. REDWING, migration in central Scotland, 7-8; Isle of May, 12-13, 15, 306-9; Loch Lomondide, 20; Unst, 50; colonization trend, 159, 161-2, 170, 173; Mull, 176; Aberlady, 230-1; SBR, 106, 143. ROBIN, Isle of May, 11, 13, 306-7, 309; SBR, 108, 145. ROLLER, SBR, 102, 140. ROOK, Mull, 176; SBR, 104, 142. ROSEFINCH, SCARLET, coloniza- tion trend, 159, 168, 170, 173; SBRY115,,15k RUFF, Isle of May, 18, 308; colon- ization trend, 159, 173; feeding on grain, 234-6; probably bree ing in Hebrides, 237-8; SBR, 97, 134-5. / SANDERLING, Loch Lomondsidé, 18: colonization trend, 159; ee 175, 177; Aberlady, 232; 97, 134. 15-16, Vol. 10 —< Vol. 10 aoe PER, BAIRD’ S, Aberlady, —, BROAD-BILLED, colonization trend, 168, 174; SBR, 97. —, BUFF- BREASTED, Aberlady, 232; SBR, 97, 134. —, COMMON, Unst, 49; Mull, 175, 177; with young, plate, 31; SBR, 955 132. —, CURLEW, colonization trend, 167; Aberlady, 230; Isle of May, 308; SBR, 97, 134. —, GREEN, colonization trend, 159, 161, 172; Aberlady, 230; _ Ayrshire, plate 27; SBR, 94-95, —, PECTORAL, Loch Lomondside, 18: colonization trend, 159; Ab- Roget 232; SBR, 96, 134, plate —, PURPLE, East Lothian, 1846; Aberlady, 232; colonization trend, 282; SBR, 96, 133. —, SPOTTED, ‘colonization trend, 159: SBR, 95. =, STILT, SBR, 93, plate 9 —, TEREK, Shetland, 53-55; colon- ization trend, 168, 173; SBR, 133. —, WHITE-RUMPED, SBR, 134. —, WOOD, colonization trend, 159% 1604 167,.173; SBR; 95, 132. SCAUP, Isle of May, 14; coloniza- tion trend, 161, 172; Mull, 176; Loch of Strathbeg, 312; SBR, 84, Py SCOTER, COMMON, colonization trend, 161, 172; SBR, 85, 122. —, ne Aberlady, 232; SBR, 85, 122. —, VELVET, colonization trend, 161, 174; SBR, 85, SHAG, Isle of May, 15- 16, 308-9; Unst, 49; Mull, 175, 178; east Caithness, 248-9, 251, 253, 259- 260; SBR, 82, 119. ae BALEARIC, SBR, 118 —, CORY’S, at North Sea oil plat- forms, 273; SBR, 80-81, 118. —, GREAT, ‘Mull, 178, plate 18; SBR, 81. —, MANX, Isle of May, 14, 307; Unst, 49; Mull, 175, 178, plates 17-18; SBR, 81, 118. —, SOOTY, Mull, 178, plate 18; Isle of May, 307; SBR, 81, 119. SHELDUCK, Isle of May, 14, 309; feeding on grain, 235; young killed by Great Skuas, 238-9; SBR, 86-87, 124. INDEX 341 SHOVELER, colonization (GINA SBR. Gowel2). SHRIKE, GREAT GREY, May, 13-14, 306, 308; eating Olivaceous Warbler, 24; colon- ization trend, 159; Aberlady, 231; SBR, 113, 149. —. LESSER GREY, Aberlady, 231; SBR, 149. —, RED-BACKED, Isle of May, 11- 12, 14-15, plate 1, 306, 308-9; Unst, 50; colonization trend, 159, 161, 169, 174; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 114, 149-150. —, WOODCHAT, SBR, 113. SISKIN, Loch Lomondside, 20; Ab- erlady, 231; SBR, 114, 150. SKUA, ARCTIC, Isle of May, 13, 307; Unst, 45-46, 49; Mull, 175, 178-9; spring passage at Balran- ald, 216-221; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 98, 135-6. — ‘GREAT, Isle of May, 13, 307; Unst, 39, 45-46, 49, plate 6; kill- ing Whimbrel, ‘44; eating Oyster- catcher, plate 6; Mull, 178; spring passage at Balranald, 216- 221; Aberlady, 230; killing young Shelducks, 238-9; predation on Kittiwakes, 289- 296; SBR, 97-98, 135. SKUA, LONG-TAILED, coloniza- tion trend, 159, 174; spring pas- sage at Balranald, 216-221; SBR, 98, 136. —, POMARINE, Isle of May, 14, 307-8; Mull, 178; spring passage trend, Isle of at Balranald, 216- 221; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 98, 135. SKYLARK, migration in central Scotland, 8; Isle of May, 11; Unst, 50: feeding on grain, 235, Dot: ‘apparently stalked by Mer- lin, 275; SBR, 103, 141. SMEW, colonization trend, 172; Loch of Strathbeg, 312; SBR, 86, 123-4. SNIPE, Unst, 41, 43, 49; Mull, 175; on nest, plate 31; SBR, 93, 130-1. _—, GREAT, possible, Loch of Strathbeg, 312; SBR, 131. —. JACK, colonization trend, 159, 174; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 93, ei Sparrow, Hedge, see Dunnock. SPARROW, HOUSE, Unst, 50; hybrid x Tree Sparrow, 153; SBR, 116, 153. —, TREE, Isle of May, 12; Unst, 50; hybrid x House Sparrow, 153; SBR, 116, 153. 342 INDEX Vol. 10 —, WHITE-CROWNED, SBR, 153, —, COMMON, Unst, 49; nesting plate 16. inland in northeast Scotland, 52- SPARROWHAWK, reaction of 53; SBR, 100, 138. Grey Phalarope, 22; and nesting Kestrels, 205; SBR, 89, 127. SPOONBILL, Aberlady, 232: Loch of Strathbeg, 311; SBR, 82, 120. STARLING, Isle of May, 16, 309; filling nestbox with hollyhock seeds, 25, plate 3; Unst, 50; Mull, 176; SBR, 114, 150. —, ROSE-COLOURED, SBR, 114, 150, plate 13. STING, LIDDLE; colonization trend, 170, 174; Aberlady, 232; SBR, 96, 133-4. —, TEMMINCK’S, Loch Lomond- side, 18; colonization trend, 159, 161, 173; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 96, plate 10, 134. STONECHAT, colonization trend, 168; SBR. 107. 142 —, EASTERN/SIBERIAN, coloni- zation trend, 168; SBR, 107, 144. STORK, BLACK, SBR, 120. —, WHITE, Ayrshire, plate 32; SBR, 82, 120. SWALLOW, Isle of May, 11, 13, 15, 307, 309; leucistic, 22-23, plate 4, 239; Unst, 50; status and breeding biology in Banffshire, 221-9; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 103, 141. —, RED-RUMPED, SBR, 103. SWAN, BEWICK’S, SBR, 88-89, 126 —, MUTE, Aberlady, 229: SBR, 88, 126. —, WHOOPER, Isle of May, 14; colonization trend, 161; Mull, W77:: vAberlady, 7.229: Loch» of Strathbeg, 312; SBR, 88, 126. SWIFT, migration in central Scot- land, 8; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 102, 140. —, ALPINE, SBR, 140. TEAL, Isle of May, 14; Loch Lom- ondside, 18; Unst, 49; Mull, 177; Loch of Strathbeg, 312; SBR, 82, 120. —, GREEN-WINGED, SBR, 82, 120. TERN, ARCTIC, Loch lLomond- side, 20; Unst, 49; SBR, 100, 138. —, BLACK, Isle of May, 307; SBR, 99, 138. —, CASPIAN, Loch Lomondside, 18: Loch ‘6%. Strathbee, -“3iT; SBR, 99. —, GULL-BILLED, Aberlady, 232: SBR. 138. —, LITTLE, SBRy 100" ae —, ROSEATE, SBR, 100) 138. —, SANDWICH, Isle of May, 14; SBR, 100, 139. —, WHITE-WINGED BLACK, SBR, 99. THRUSH, BLACK-THROATED, SBR, 143. —, MISTEE?*SBRiel05. Waa THRUSH, SONG, Isle of May, 12- 13,, 15-16," 307-316; Aberlady, 231; ‘SBR; 105: °143? TIT, BEARDED, colonization trend, 169; SBR, 105. —, BLUE, Isle of May, 11, +14: taken by Carrion Crow, 182; breeding in relation to food supply, 268-271; SBR, 104, 142. —, COAL, Isle of May, 306, 308-9; SBR, 104, 142. —,. CRESTED, SBR, 104, 142. —, GREAT, SBR, 104, 142. —, LONG-TAILED, SBR, 105, 142. —, MARSH, colonization trend, 159; SBR, 105, 342: —, SIBERIAN, colonization trend, 167. —, WILLOW, SBR, 105, 142. TREECREEPER, SBR, 105, 143. —, NORTHERN, SBR, 105. TURNSTONE, Loch Lomondside, 18; Unst, 50; colonization trend, 159; Mull, 175; East Lothian, 184-6; Aberlady, 232; feeding on grain, 237; SBR, 93, 130. TWITE, Unst, 50; Mull, 177; SBR, M4eT51. Tystie, see Guillemot, Black. WAGTAIL, BLUE-HEADED, SBR, 113, 148. —, CITRINE, colonization trend, 168,172: SBR” die: —, GREY, SBR, 113, 148. —, GREY-HEADED, SBR, 113, 149. —, PIED, Isle of May, 15; SBR, 112, 148. i —, SPANISH YELLOW, possibles, SBR, 113, 149. —, WHITE, colonization trend, 167; Mull, 177; Isle of May, 306; SBR, 113, 148. ] —, YELLOW, Isle of May, 12, 306; colonization trend, 167; Aber- lady, 230; SBR, 113, 148-9. Vol. 10 ae AQUATIC, SBR, 109, —, ARCTIC, colonization trend, 167, IWE® SBR, 111, 147. BARRED, Isle of May, 12; ~ SBR. 109, 146. —, BONELLIS, re fe Fes" —, BOOTED, SBR, 109, plate 11, 145, 153. —, CAPE MAY, SBR, 150. —, CETTIS, colonization 169; SBR, 145. —, DUSKY, Fair Isle, 56-57; col- onization trend, 168; SBR, 111. —, GARDEN, Isle of May, 12-14, 308, 310; Loch Lomondside, 19; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 109, 146. —, GRASSHOPPER, Isle of May, 11-12; SBR, 108, 145. —, GREAT REED. colonization trend, 159-160, 173; SBR, 108, 153. —, GREENISH, Isle of May, 1I1- 12, 14-15, plate 1, 308; coloniza- tion trend, 168-170, 173; SBR, 110, 147. —, ICTERINE, Isle of May, 11, 14- 15, 307-8; SBR, 109, ‘ —, LANCEOLATED, at North Sea oil platform, 273; SBR, 108, 145. —, MARSH, colonization trend, 159; SBR, 108, 145. —, MELODIOUS, SBR, 109, 145. —, MYRTLE, (=Yellow-rumped), SBR, 150. —, OLIVEACEOUS, Isle of May, 24-25. —, PALLAS’S (LEAF), colonization trend, 168; SBR, 111, plate 11, 147. —, PALLAS’S GRASSHOPPER, SBR, 108, plate 11. —, RADDE’S, SBR, 111. —, REED, Unst, 50; colonization trend, 159, 161, 169, 173; Isle of { May, 308; SBR, 108, 145. ' —, RUPPELL’S, SBR, 146. —, SEDGE, Isle of May, 12, 14, : trend, 306, 308; Aberlady, 230; SBR, 108, 145. —, SUBALPINE, St Kilda, 27; SBR, 110, 147. —, WILLOW, Isle of May, 11, 14, 306-9; Loch Lomondside, 19; 3 Mull, 177; Aberlady, 230-1; SBR, 110, 147. —, WOOD, Isle of May, 12; Loch plate —_— Be i tid) nd. Se re INDEX 343 Lomondside, 19; Mull, 177-8; SBR, 110-111, 147. —, YELLOW-BROWED, Isle _ of May, 11-15, 306-8; SBR, 11, 147. —, Yellow-rumped, see Warbler, Myrtle. WAXWING, colonization trend, 159, 173; Aberlady, 231; SBR, 113, 149. WHEATEAR, Isle of May, 11-13, 306-7; Unst, 50; colonization erg 167; Mull, 176; SBR, 107, —, NORTHERN, SBR, 107. —, PIED, SBR, 107, plate 12. WHIMBREL, Unst, 43-44, 49; killed by Great Skua, 44; colon- ization trend, 159, 161, 282: SBR, 94, 131. WHINCHAT, Isle of May, 12-13, 306-7; Loch Lomondside, 20; Aberlady, 230-1; carrying food to nest, plate 29; SBR, 107, 144. WHITETHROAT, Isle of May, 1l1- $2. T4235: 306, 308, 310; Mull, 177; Sutherland, 296- 305: SBR, 109-110, 146. —, LESSER, Isle of May, 12, 306; colonization trend, 159; ‘Aber- lady, 231; SBR, 110, 146. —, SIBERIAN LESSER, SBR, 146. WIGEON, Loch Lomondside, 18; Unst, 49: colonization trend, 161, 170-1: Mull, 773 feeding on grain, 235; SBR, 83, 121. ae eae Mull, 175; SBR, 93, WOODPECKER, GREAT SPOT- TED, Mull, 178; SBR, 102, 141. —, GREEN, colonization trend, 158-9; SBR, 102, 141. —, LESSER SPOTTED, tion trend, 170. WOODPIGEON, Unst, 49; 101, 139-140. WREN, used nestbox filled with hollyhock seeds by Starlings, 25, plate 3; Unst, 50; SBR, 105, 143. —, CONTINENTAL, SBR, 143. WRYNECK, Isle of May, 12-13, 306-7, 309; colonization trend, 159, 161, 169, 173; SBR, 102-3, 141. YELLOWHAMMER, SBR, 115, 152. YELLOWLEGS, LESSER, Aber- lady, 232; SBR, 95, 153. coloniza- SBR, 344 INDEX Vol. 10 Scientific names of birds Nomenclature at species level follows A Species List of British and Irish Birds (BTO Guide 13, 1978); trinomials follow The Status of Birds in Britain and Ireland (BOU 1971). Page references are given to any subspecies without distinctive English names. Accipiter gentilis see Goshawk — nisus see Sparrowhawk Acrocephalus arundinaceus see War- bler, Great Reed — palustris see Warbler Marsh — paludicola see Warbler, Aquatic — schoenobaenus see Warbler, Sedge — scirpaceus see Warbler, Reed Actitis hypoleucos see Sandpiper, Common — macularia see Sandiper, Spotted Aegithalos caudatus see Tit, Long- tailed Aix galericulata see Duck, Mandarin — sponsa see Duck, Wood Alauda arvensis see Skylark Alca torda see Razorbill Alcedo atthis see Kingfisher Alectoris graeca see Partridge, Rock — rufa see Partridge, Red-legged Alle alle see Auk, Little Alopochen aegyptiacus see Egyptian Anas acuta see Pintail — clypeata see Shoveler — crecca see Teal — — carolinensis see Teal, Green- winged — penelope see Wigeon — platyrhynchos see Mallard — querquedula see Garganey — strepera see Gadwall Anser albifrons see Goose, White- fronted — — albifrons see Goose, European White-fronted — — flavirostris see Goose, Green- land White-fronted — anser see Goose, Greylag — brachyrhynchus see Goose, Pink- footed — caerulescens see Goose, Snow — — atlanticus see Goose, Greater Snow — — caerulescens see Goose, Lesser Snow — erythropus see White-fronted — fabalis see Goose, Bean — indicus see Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Goose, Lesser Anthropoides virgo see Crane, Dem- oiselle Anthus campestris see Pipit, Tawny — cervinus see Pipit, Red-throated — gustavi see Pipit, Pechora — hodgsoni see Pipit, Olive-backed — novaeseelandiae see Pipit, Rich- ard’s — pratensis see Pipit, Meadow — spinoletta see Pipit, Rock — — littoralis see Pipit, Scandina- vian Rock — — spinoletta see Pipit, Water — trivialis see Pipit, Tree Apus apus see Swift — melba see Swift, Alpine Aquila chrysaetos see Eagle, Golden Ardea cinerea see Heron — purpurea see Heron, Purple Arenaria interpres see Turnstone Asio flammeus see Owl, Short-eared — otus see Owl, Long-eared Athene noctua see Owl, Little Aythya collaris see Duck, Ring-neck- ed — ferina see Pochard — fuligula see Duck, Tufted — marila see Scaup — nyroca see Duck, Ferruginous Bombycilla garrulus see Waxwing Botaurus stellaris see Bittern Branta bernicla see Goose, Brent — — bernicla see Goose, Dark-bel- lied Brent — — hrota see Goose, Pale-bellied Brent — canadensis see Goose, Canada — — hutchinsii see Goose, Richard- son’s Canada — leucopsis see Goose, Barnacle Bucephala clangula see Goldeneye Buteo buteo see Buzzard — lagopus see Buzzard, Rough-leg- ged Calandrella brachydactyla see Lark, Short-toed Calcarius lapponicus see Bunting, Lapland Calidris alba see Sanderling — alpina see Dunlin — bairdii see Sandpiper, Baird’s hn eth tt “i oe eer ee - Vol. 10 — canutus see Knot — ferruginea see Sandpiper, Curlew — fuscicollis see Sandpiper, White- rumped — maritima see Sandpiper, Purple — melanotos see Sandpiper, Pectoral — minuta see Stint, Little — temminckii see Stint, Temminck’s Calonectris diomedea see Shearwater, Cory’s Caprimulgus europaeus see Nightjar Carduelis cannabina see Linnet — carduelis see Goldfinch — chloris see Greenfinch — flammea see Redpoll — — flammea see Redpoll, Mealy — — rostrata see Redpoll, Green- land — flavirostris see Twite — hornemanni see Redpoll, Arctic — spinus see Siskin Carpodacus erythrinus see Rosefinch, Scarlet Cepphus grylle see Guillemot, Black Certhia familiaris see Treecreeper — — familiaris see Treecreeper, Northern Cettia cetti see Warbler, Cetti’s Charadrius dubius see Plover, Little Ringed — hiaticula see Plover, Ringed — mongolus see Plover, Mongolian — morinellus see Dotterel Chlidonias leucopterus see White-winged Black — niger, see Tern, Black Chrysolophus amherstiae see Pheas- ant, Lady Ambherst’s — pictus see Pheasant, Golden Ciconia ciconia see Stork, White — nigra see Stork, Black Cinclus cinclus see Dipper Circus aeruginosus see Harrier, Marsh — cyaneus see Harrier, Hen — pygargus see Harrier, Montagu’s Clangula hyemalis see Duck, Long- tailed Coccothraustes Hawfinch Columba livia see Dove, Rock — oenas see Dove, Stock — palumbus see Woodpigeon Coracias garrulus see Roller Corvus coraz see Raven — corone corniz see Crow, Hooded — — corone see Crow, Carrion — frugilegus see Rook — monedula see Jackdaw Coturniz coturniz see Quail Tern, coccothraustes see INDEX 345 Crez crex see Corncrake Cuculus canorus see Cuckoo Cursorius cursor see Courser, Cream- coloured Cygnus columbianus see Swan, Bew- ick’s — cygnus see Swan, Whooper — olor see Swan, Mute Delichon urbica see Martin, House Dendrocopos major see Woodpecker, Great Spotted — minor see Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Dendroica coronata, see Warbler, Myrtle — tigrinad see Warbler, Cape May Diomedea melanophris see Albatross, Black-browed Egretta alba see Egret, Great White — garzetta see Egret, Little Emberiza aureola see Bunting, Yel- low-breasted — bruniceps see Bunting, Red- headed — citrinella see Yellowhammer — hortulana see Bunting, Ortolan — leucocephalos see Bunting, Pine — melanocephalia see Bunting, Black-headed — pallasi see Bunting, Pallas’s Reed — pusilia see Bunting, Little — rustica see Bunting, Rustic — schoeniclus see Bunting, Reed Eremophila alpestris see Lark, Shore Erithacus rubecula see Robin Falco biarmicus see Falcon, — cherrug see Falcon, Saker — columbarius see Merlin — peregrinus see Peregrine — rusticolus see Falcon, Gyr — sparverius see Kestrel, American — subbuteo see Hobby — tinnunculus see Kestrel — vespertinus see Falcon, Red-foot- ed Ficedula albicollis Collared — hypoleuca see Flycatcher, Pied — parva see Flycatcher, Red-breas- ted Fratercula arctica see Puffin Fringilla coelebs see Chaffiinch — montifringilla see Brambling Fulica atra see Coot Fulmarus glacialis see Fulmar Gallinago gallinago see Snipe — media see Snipe, Great Gallinula chloropus see Moorhen Garrulus glandarius see Jay Gavia adamsii see Diver, White-billed Lanner see Flycatcher, 346 — arctica see Diver, Black-throated — immer see Diver, Great Northern — stellata see Diver, Red-throated Gelochelidon nilotica see Tern, Gull- billed Glareola sp. see Pratincole sp. — nordmanni see Pratincole, Black- winged Grus grus see Crane Guiraca caerulea see Grosbeak, Blue Haematopus ostralegus see Oyster- catcher Haliaeetus albicilla see Eagle, White- tailed Hippolais caligata see Warbler, Boot- ed — icterina see Warbler, Icterine — pallida see Warbler, Olivaceous — — elaeica (Olivaceous Warbler) 24-25 — polyglotta see Warbler, Melodious Hirundo daurica see Swallow, Red- rumped — rustica see Swallow Hydrobates mpelagicus see Petrel, Storm Icterus gaibula see Oriole, Baltimore Junco hyemalis see Junco, Slate- coloured Jynx torquilla see Wryneck Lagopus lagopus see Grouse, Red — mutus see Ptarmigan Lanius collurio see Shrike, backed — excubitor see Shrike, Great Grey — minor see Shrike, Lesser, Grey — senator see Shrike, Woodchat Larus argentatus see Gull, Herring — canus see Gull, Common — delawarensis see Gull, Ring-billed — fuscus see Gull, Lesser Black- backed — — fuscus see Gull, Scandinavian Lesser Black-backed — glaucoides see Gull, Iceland — hyperboreus see Gull, Glaucous — marinus see Gull, Great Black- backed — melanocephalus see Gull, terranean — minutus see Gull, Little — philadelphia see Gull, Bonaparte’s — ridibundus see Gull, Black-head- ed — sabini see Gull, Sabine’s Limicola falcinellus see Sandpiper, Broad-billed Limnodromus scolopaceus see Dow- itcher, Long-billed Red- Medi- INDEX Vol. 10 Limosa lapponica see Godwit, Bar- — tailed =e — limosa see Godwit, Black-tailed — — — islandica see Godwit, Icelan- Gic Black-tailed Locustella certhiola Pallas’s Grasshopper — lanceolata see Warbler, Lanceo- ated — naevia see Warbler, Grasshopper Lophura nycthemera see Pheasant, — Silver Lozia curvirostra see Crossbill (Com: mon) — scotica see Crossbill, Scottish — pytyopsittacus see Crossbill, Par- rot see Warbler, © Luscinia luscinia see Nightingale, Thrush < — megarhynchos see Nightingale ~ — svecica see Bluethroat ° Lymnocryptes. minimus see _ Snipe, Jack Melanitta fusca see Scoter, Velvet - — nigra see Scoter, Common ie — perspicillata see Scoter, Surf Melanocorypha bimaculata see Lark, Bimaculated Mergus albellus see Smew — merganser see Goosander — serrator see Merganser, Red- | breasted | Micropalama himantopus see Sand- piper, Stilt Miliaria calandra see Bunting, Corn Milvus migrans see Kite, Black — milvus see Kite, Red Motacilla alba alba see Wagtail, White — — yarrellii see Wagtail, Pied — cinerea see Wagtail, Grey — citreola see Wagtail, Citrine — flava see Wagtail, Yellow — — flava see Wagtail, Blue-headed — — flavissima (Yellow Wagtail) SBR, 113, 148 _ __ iberiae see Wagtail, Spanish Yellow — — thunbergi see Wagtail, Grey- headed Muscicapa striata see Flycatcher, Spotted Netta rufina see Pochard, Red-cres- ted Numenius arquata see Curlew — phaeopus see Whimbrel Nyctea scandiaca see Owl, Snowy Heron, ee Nycticorazr mnycticoraxr see Night : Vol. 10 Oceanodroma leucorrhoa see Petrel, Leach’s Oenanthe oenanthe see Wheatear — — leucorrhoa see Wheatear, Nor- thern ? — pleschanka see Wheatear, Pied Oriolus oriolus see Oriole, Golden Ozyura jamaicensis see Duck, Ruddy Pagophila eburnea see Gull, Ivory Pandion haliaetus see Osprey Panurus biarmicus see Tit, Bearded Parus ater see Tit, Coal — caeruleus see Tit, Blue — cinctus see Tit, Siberian — cristatus see Tit, Crested — major see Tit, Great — montanus see Tit, Willow — palustris see Tit, Marsh Passer domesticus see Sparrow, House — montanus see Sparrow, Tree Perdiz perdiz see Partridge Pernis apivorus see Buzzard, Honey Phalacrocorax aristotelis see Shag — carbo see Cormorant Phalaropus fulicarius see Phalarope, Grey — lobatus see Phalarope, Red-neck-. ed Phasianus colchicus see Pheasant Philomachus pugnaz see Ruff Phoenicopterus chilensis see Flam- ingo, Chilean — ruber see Flamingo, Phoenicuros ochruros Black — phoenicurus see Redstart — — samamisicus see. Redstart, Eh- renberg’s Phylloscopus Bonelli’s — borealis see Warbler, Arctic — collybita see Chiffchaff — fuscatus see Warbler, Dusky Greater see Redstart, bonelli see Warbler, — inornatus see Warbler, Yellow- browed — proregulus see Warbler, Pallas’s (Leaf) — schwarzi see Warbler, Radde’s — sibilatrix see Warbler, Wood — trochiloides see Warbler, Green- ish — trochilus see Warbler, Willow Pica pica see Magpie Picus viridis see Woodpecker, Green Pinguinis impennis see Auk, Great Pinicola enucleator see Grosbeak, Pine Plectrophenax nivalis see Bunting, Snow INDEX 347 Pluvialis apricaria see Plover, Golden — — altifrons see Plover, Northern Golden — dominica see Plover, Lesser den — — dominica, see Plover, American Lesser Golden — — fulva see Plover, Asiatic Less- er Golden — squatarola see Plover, Grey Podiceps auritus see Grebe, Slavon- ian — cristatus see Grebe, Great Crested — griseigena see Grebe, Red-necked — 7ligricollis see Grebe, Black-neck- ed Podilymbus podiceps see Grebe, Pied- billed Polysticta stelleri see Eider, Steller’s Porzana porzana see Crake, Spotted Prunella modularis see Dunnock Puffinus gravis see Shearwater, Great — griseus see Shearwater, Sooty — puffinus see Shearwater, Manx — — mauretanicus see Shearwater, Balearic Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocoraz see Chough Pyrrhula pyrrhula see Bullfinch — — pyrrhula see Bulfinch, Nor- thern Rallus aquaticus see Rail, Water Recurvirostra avosetta see Avocet Regulus ignicapillus see Firecrest — regulus see Goldcrest Rhodostethia rosea see Gull, Ross’s Riparia riparia see Martin, Sand Rissa tridactyla see Kittiwake Sazicola rubetra see Whinchat — torquata see Stonechat — — maura/stejnegeri see chat, Eastern/Siberian Scolopax rusticola see Woodcock Sitta europaea see Nuthatch Somateria mollissima see Eider — spectabilis see Hider, King Stercorarius longicaudus see Skua, Long-tailed — parasiticus see Skua, Arctic — pomarinus see Skua, Pomarine — skua see Skua, Great Sterna albifrons see Tern, Little — caspia see Tern, Caspian — dougallii see Tern, Roseate — hirundo see Tern, Common — paradisaea see Tern, Arctic — sandvicensis see Tern, Sandwich Streptopelia decaocto see Dove, Col- lared — orientalis see Dove, Rufous Turtle — turtur see Dove, Turtle Gol- Stone- 348 Strix aluco see Owl, Tawny - Sturnus vulgaris see Starling — roseus see Starling, Rose-coloured Sula bassana see Gannet Surnia ulula see Owl, Hawk Sylvia atricapilla see Blackcap — borin see Warbler, Garden — cantillans see Warbler, Subalpine — communis see Whitethroat — curruca see Whitethroat, Lesser — — blythi see Whitethroat, Siber- jan Lesser — nisoria see Warbler, Barred — rueppelli see Warbler, Riippell’s Syrmaticus reevesit see Pheasant, Reeves’s Tachybaptus ruficollis see Grebe, Little Tadorna tadorna see Shelduck Tarsiger cyanurus see Bluetail, Red- flanked Tetrao tetriz see Grouse, Black — urogallus see Capercaillie Tringa erythropus see Redshank, Spotted — flavipes see Yellowlegs, Lesser — glareola see Sandpiper, Wood INDEX Vol. 10 — nebularia see Greenshank 4 — ochropus see Sandpiper, Green — totanus see Redshank Troglodytes trogodytes see Wren — — troglodytes see Wren, Contin- ental Tryngites subruficollis see Sandpip- er, Buff-breasted Turdus iliacus see Redwing — merula see Blackbird — philomelos see Thrush, Song — pilaris see Fieldfare — ruficollis see Thrush, throated — torquatus see Ouzel, Ring —- — alpestris (Ring Ouzel) sible, 106 — viscivorus see Thrush, Mistle Tyto alba see Owl, Barn Upupa epops see Hoopoe eo: Uria aalge see Guillemot 2 — lomvia see Guillemot, Brunnich’s Vanellus vanellus see Lapwing "a Xenus cinereus see Sandpiper, Terek Zonotrichia leucophrys see Sparrow, White-crowned Black- pos- | Please complete the Binding Form overleaf set oe SOT Sa a oa RECEIPT FOR SCOTTISH BiRDS BINDING From P. 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TOeeeeerre rere ere reer eee rererrerrr reer rer reer r rire errr rer i eae, “SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE Sarre: ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB et "Volume 10 No. 1 Spring 1978 a THE HEN HARRIER by DONALD WATSON The book opens with the world distribution of the harrier family, then there is a fuller treatment of the Hen Harrier in Europe and North America (the Marsh Hawk), its history and present status. Further chapters detail hunting methods and prey selection, the breeding cycle, migration and distribution. The second part of the book is a closely observed account of the Hen Harrier in Donald Watson’s particular study areas in Scotland, in moorland and forest habitats. ‘“.. by any standard a great natural history book, a great bird book, lovely to handle, to look at...to read, for the finest, most authoritative account of this splendid bird we are likely to get in our day.” W.A. Dumfries & Galloway Standard 308 pages plus 4 colour plates, over 110 monochrome illustrations, £6.80 net PINE CROSSBILLS by DESMOND NETHERSOLE-THOMPSON “This is his fourth monograph, and I am tempted to say the best—but then, the most magnificent Beethoven symphony is always the one you happen to be listening to.” Kenneth Williamson. Natural History Book Review. 256 pages, line drawings, a colour plate plate and 24 photographs, £5.00 net T. & A. D. POYSER SCOTTISH RSPB NEWS RESERVES Perhaps the most accessible of the really large seabird colonies in Scot- land, and yet one that is not well known, is Fowlsheugh some five miles to the south of Stonehaven in Kincardineshire. Two miles of cliff holding over 100,000 nesting birds were purchased in 1976 with money raised by the Young Ornithologists’ Club. This reserve is well worth a visit from April to July. Access has been greatly improved this winter and there is a pleasant carpark at Crawton. VOLUNTARY WARDENS On a number of RSPB reserves we can provide basic accommodation (more than a tent!) for voluntary wardens who are prepared to assist the warden with management and other work during their stay. This can make an enjoyable holiday as well as being very helpful to us. Reserves in Scotland where this is possible are: Insh Marshes, Inverness-shire; ae of Strathbeg, Aberdeenshire; Handa, Sutherland and Fetlar, Shet- and. NESTBOXES We would like to put up many Enquiries and donations to more nestboxes in some of our THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR hong SUES eae Bed and THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS attract birds such as pied flycatch- ers and redstarts. Anyone willing to 17 Regent Terrace, undertake the construction of a Edinburgh, EH7 5BN minimum of, say, five boxes please 031-556 5624/9042 write for details. APPEAL The “Save a Place for Birds” appeal for £1 million to buy reserves has now ended, with over £920,000 received in cash and further sums to come from deeds of covenant during the next few years. It has all been spent as well! The RSPB would like to take this opportunity of thanking most sincerely all SOC members who have contributed to the success of this fund since it was started in 1975. Some of the major purchases include : Morecambe Bay; Orkney moorland; Noup Head, Westray; Ouse Washes; Loch Garten; Fowlsheugh; Forewood, Sussex; Marwick Head, Orkney; Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk; Rathlin Island cliffs; Minsmere; Fowl- mere, Cambridgeshire. With the success of this fund we hope that people will be willing to ear- mark future donations for land purchase. It is only in this way that im- portant sites can be fully safeguarded, and there will undoubtedly be future opportunities. 1978/79 SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS by PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS Directors: Raymond Hodgkins, MA. (Oxon)MTAI, Patricia Hodgkins, MTAI and Neville Wykes, (Acct.) By Scheduled Air and Inclusive. With Guest Lecturers and a Tour Manager. *Provisional PELOPENNESE Birds Mar 22-31 Flowers £206 Dr Humphrey Bowen and Dudley Iles B.Sc. leading jointly PELOPENNESE Legends Mar 27-Apr 10 Dr John Pinsent £390 CRETE Birds & Flowers Mar. 27-Apr 10 £390 Dr Jim Flegg : Dr Brinsley Burbidge SPRING in CORFU Birds & Flowers Apr 17-24 Mont Hirons £151 PAINTING and SKETCHING May 1-8 Ken Waterfield SWLA £155 FLOWERS of WESTERN CRETE May 30-June 6 £205* LOST ATLANTIS Santorini May 8-19 Trevor Rowley B.Litt £275 NORTHERN GREECE Flowers Jun 7-21 Hugh Synge B.Sc. £390 DR JOHNSON TOUR of Scotland Sept 20-Oct 4 £499 With John Wain, Prof. of Poetry Univ. of Oxford and biographer of Johnson BIRDS over the BOSPHORUS Eagles Sep 24-Oct 1 Dr Jim Flegg £210* Autumn in ARGOLIS, Autumn in CRETE, Autumn in CORFU from £150* Very popular 8 day accompanied tours Oct/Nov 1978 THE MINOANS Archaeology Sep 4-11 Wm. Taylor FRIBA £194* RWANDA & ZAIRE Birds, Gorillas Dec 1-7 Dr Chris Perrins £950* CHRISTMAS in CRETE Dec. 20-30 £217* CHRISTMAS in ARGOLIS Dec. 22-30 £191* INDIA & NEPAL Birds wildlife Feb. 10-25 John Gooders £780* SPRING in VENICE Renaissance Mar 12-19 Art & History £185* Venice with trips to Ravenna, Padua, Aquileia : Trevor Rowley B.Litt. SPRING in CRETE Leisure, Flowers Mar 6-13 £195* SPRING in ARGOLIS Flowers Mar 15-24 £185* Classical sites, ancient history and flowers PEREGRINE HOLIDAYS at TOWN AND GOWN TRAVEL, 40/41 SOUTH PARADE, =, re SUMMERTOWN, OXFORD, # Ay% OX2 7UP. A-2er Phone Oxford (0865) 511341-2-3 ty Mie Fully Bonded Atol No. 275B DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL Bean A.C. * R.S.A.C; ‘Ashley Courtenay’ and ‘Signpost’ Recommended Retaining the romance of a Castle and the homely charm of a country house combined with the amenities of a modern hotel, our guests receive a warm welcome and a first- = class service. a Conveniently situated for the Dornoch Firth, Tain Bay, Ederton Sands, Skilbo Estuary and Loch Fleet as well as many interesting moorland, mountain and forestry areas, Dornoch has much to offer the observer of wild life, even while enjoying excellent local golf. A wing of bedrooms with private bathrooms and extended public rooms greatly enhances the comfort of this hotel. Early and late season reductions offered for 1978. Illustrated brochure of Hotel and tariff gladly sent on request with stamps to: Resident Proprietor : STUART THOMSON Telephone : Dornoch 216 ISLE OF MULL COLOUR SLIDES We are now able to supply slides of most British Birds STAFFA COTTAGES from our own collection, and from that of the R.S.P.B. GUEST HOUSE Send 25p for sample slide TOBERMORY and our lists covering these and birds of Africa—many fine studies and close-ups. : Get away from it all... FOR HIRE beautiful scenery, good bird- —- ing and comfortable accom- We have arranged to hire out modation at Staffa Coit : slides of nS ae aittese a Cottages are in sets oO at 60p in- . . : : Bidiiaipostage & VAT. per one Ereran looking across night’s hire. Birds are els e Sound of Mull to Morvern. ed according to their natura habitats. SAE for colour brochure. W. COWEN Proprietors : Penrith Rd., Keswick, Cumbria Richard & Elizabeth Coomber Tobermory (0688) 2464 Member of The Association of British Travel Agents Holidays organised by Birdwatchers for Birdwatchers Ceylon Crete India Romania Kenya Yugoslavia Morocco Majorca Malaysia S.W. Spain Canada Austrian Alps N. Wales Turkey Neusiedl Farne Islands Australia The Camargue The Cairngorms The Seychelles Mull Dorset Zululand Hebridean Cruise _Isles of Scilly israel Suffolk Islay Greece Norfolk New Forest Particulars sent on receipt of 7p stamp to: LAWRENCE G. HOLLOWAY ORNITHOLIDAYS «24 1/3 VICTORIA DRIVE, BOGNOR REGIS, SUSSEX, PO21 2PW. Tel. 21230 SCOTTISH BIRDS THE JOURNAL OF THE SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB 21 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BT (tel. 031 - 556 6042) CONTENTS OF VOLUME 10, NUMBER 1, SPRING 1978 Page Editorial Ph, sop ue 1 British Birds (Andrew T. Macmillan) oe = ale 1 A moonwatch study of nocturnal migration over central Scotland (C. J. Henty) ... a, aa 2 Isle of May Bird Observatory and Field Station report for 1977 (J. M. S. Arnott) Hise ae 11 Birdwatching on Loch Lomondside (John Mitchell) 453 17 Short Notes Ruddy Duck in Shetland (Graham Bundy) _... Be 21 Reaction of Grey pagarepe to poanownawk (Alan Brown) a salt 22 Leucistic Swallows (James F, Young) 22 Red-flanked Bluetail on the Isle of May (G. L. Sandeman) 23 Olivaceous Warbler on the Isle of May (W. M. Morrison, Andrew D. K. Ramsay) hes 24 Starlings filling nestbox with ballyhock seeds (Hamish M. Brown) vr 25 Obituary : Richard Alan Richardson (R. A, Broad) ae 25 Reviews Handbook of the Birds of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa : the Birds of the Western Palearctic, Volume I : Ostrich to Ducks edited by Stanley Cramp and K. E. L. Simmons (D. J. Bates) ah i 26 The Birdwatchers’ Second Quiz and Puzzle Book by J. T. R. Sharrock, Scottish Birds by A. B. Lees, A Guide to the Birds of the Coast by C. A. Gibson- Hall et al, Animals in Danger, Concern for the Countryside by John baa (R. aa ne ites 28 Current literature ; : 29 Letter : Effects of poroning on . Raven and raptor populations (D. N sane ee : : is ei 31 Notices f, ‘ay ns bars aa 31 Scottish Ornithologists’ chip in sae ey on 32 Branch and Group News 1 oat sree sae 5 ae 34 Current Notes 0 tee a Eh, we at 35 Correction ie gees Lies ie bats i oa 36 Editor D. J. Bates Business Editor Major A. D. Peirse-Duncombe ‘es £33.78 8x40 Bwet Binocular The Birdwatchers Glasses. As used by the forestry commission. Ideal for the young and beginners. Lightweight (260z), extra wide angle, 514 ft. field of view, also suitable for spectacle wearers. We _ believe them incomparable value at £33.78 inc. case and lanyard plus 75p towards p&p. Top quality optical goods at enormous Savings Heron quality, Heron service, Heron choice — we hold in stock what we believe to be the largest range of telescopes and binoculars for birdwatchers in the country. A few examples are shown below: Retail Our BINOCULARS Price Price Swift Audubon 8.544 MK.1I (380z) £108.00 £79.40 Swift Grand Prix 8X40 MK. (2402) £59.06 £43.40 Carl Zeiss 10X40 B Dialyt (2402) £293.04 £222.75 Carl Zeiss 8X30 BCF(18'%20z) £253.69 £192.85 Zeiss Jena 8X30 Jenoptem (1702) £59.94 £39.96 Zeiss Jena 10X50 Jenoptem (350z) £100.44 £66.94 Habicht Diana 10X40 (230z) £232.23 £168.37 Leitz 10X40 B (210z) £268.82 TELESCOPES B Nickel Supra 15X60X60 (2802) £151.88 £100.50 Hertel & Reuss Televari 25X60 X60 (3202) £146.25 £96.75 Order direct from this list — Prices correct as of 1st Dec. 1977, inclusive of case, lanyard and manufacturer's guarantee, plus 75p post and packing charge. Access and Barclaycard accepted. Apply for details and send for your guide to Binocular & Telescope ownership. Further details and comprehensive price list available in return for this coupon, including Field & Trek Catalogue of camping, rambling and climbing equipment. Or call in person and see our vast stock for yourself. 14 DAY APPROVAL SERVICE To: Heron Optical Co. 23-25 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex CM144ER Please send me details and price lists on: Binoculars[ _| Telescopes C) Field & Trek Camping Equipment [] (please richl NAME ADDRESS Heron NEW 10x40 % Wide-angle Binoculars £34.93 % Quality, power and light weight, too — a mere 200z! 367 ft. field of view at 1,000 yards. Slim Zeiss-type body, centre focus, black finish, fully-coated lenses, also suitable for spectacle wearers. Excellent value at £34.93 inc. case, straps and lanyard, plus 75p p&p. Heron NEW 8x40 Zcf binoculars. £24.81 Weight 2loz, 341 ft. field of view at 1,000 yards. Fold-down rubber eyecups. 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